"A SECRET SORROW."

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8602, 5 March 1897, Page 1

"A SECRET SORROW."

BY MRS MAY AGNES FLEMTNG,

Author of " A Mad Marriage," " Carried By Storm."

CHAPTER Xlll.—(Continued.)

Daring Simon's explanation, the smuggler clref bad kept his eyes fixed on Kate.

Then be advanced towards her, p.nd said, in the courteous tone of a gentleman—

' 1 sincerely regret this unlucky adventure, madam, as you hare probably been greatly alarmed* I must apolo ize for any rudeness that may have been offered to you by any of my men. They are little used to the society of ladies.'

' So I p3rceive," said Kate, scornfully; 'and the best way for you to atone for their insolence is to give me my liberty immediately.'

' Don't, captain. She'll tarn informer,' shouted everyone present, simaltanr:ousJy. fe

' Silence!' said- 1 the captain, with a sadden flash of his blue eyes, and in a tone that made the boldest quail. Every voice was instantaneously hushed, and) as if satisfied with this proof of his power, he turned onca more to Kate, and said, with grave courtsey—

[ 'I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your request. Neither I nor my men would feel safe in this oar retreat afterwards. In short, madam, it is my painf nl doty to announce to you that you must remain with us—at least un'il s«oh time as this place will be deserted by us.'

' You have no right to make me your prisoner,' said Kite, indignantly, 'and I demand my freedom. A brave set of men you must be, to lay in wait to entrap defenceless women. It is an action worthy a band of ou'lnwa.'

A subdued but fiirco murmur ran. round: the circle at Kate's dariug words ; bat no one dared express their anger aloud.

There was a sudden gleam in ths young captain's eyes, bub he repressed all signs of anger, end said, quietly — ' Allow me to set you right, madam. We did not entrap you; you threw yonrself in oar power. And'.—hera ho lowered his voice—' let me be/, you to use more respectful language when spaaking of us. There is a spirit in my men which your words will be apt to arouse, and which I m*y find it difficult to subdue.' •

Kate felt she had been imprudent; but she designed him no raply, and stood as haughtily erect before them as though she had been iheir qaeen. . : ' Every comfort in our power will be yours while you are with us,' continued the young captain,' and now, may I ask by what namo ire are to address your fair prisoner?' ' I am called Kate Sidney, and I come of a family that are not to be insulted thus by impunity, Perhaps they will one day make you repent this,' snid Kate, proudly. Another fierce srowl of rage at this insult to their chief ran round the table, Every eye was directed towards the fear-'o:-3 girl, who stood proudly erect, looking down haughtily and scornfully on thosu by whom she was surrounded, and from her to the young chief, who had suddenly grown very pale. This only sign of his emotion, passed in a moment, and he said, calmly— .

' I have heard of Miss Sidney's fanrly, and I am convinced of what I have heard of herself, that she will break not a promise, if once given. Promise me, then, never to breathe a word of what you have heard and seen here to-night, and you shaH the next'moment go forth, free as the winds of heaven.'

A fierce murmur of disapprobation, louder than before, came from the smugglers at this. Captain Raymond turned suddenly around, and fixed his eyes upon them, with a look which, in spite of themselves, compelled obedience; and thoy sulkily re'apsed into silenca. A slight smile, at this evidence of his power, ffir,t';d for a moment across his handsome f<ioa, and turning to Kate, he said, with calm courtesy—

' I await your answer, Miss Sidney. Will you promise?' •No!' said Kate, scornfully; 'not to save myself from death—much less ira-prisonmc-nt - would I league myse'f witli a band of outlawed rovers. The very moment Ism free, that some moment will I gi»e information of yoar hiding-place, that yon mty be dealt with as you deserve by the laws you have so Ions? violated, twill consider myself doiog an act of justca to the world, to rid it of a band of robbers and murderers.' •Death to the Jezebel!' shouted the smugglers, rising to their feet fiercely and seizing their swords. 'Silence!'commanded the chief, sternly, pistol from his belt; the first, man who agian presumes to speak, I will shoot down like a dog.' There was a look of fierce reso'ution on his face that again made them quail— perhaps they had seen the threat kept before. Al< slunk back tothsir seats like whipped curs. •Girl,' he said, turning sternly to Kate, •you seam determined to provoke your death. Once more I ask you, will yon promiao what I desire, and bo forth free?' 'Once again,' repliad If ate, with grim, resomion, ' I answer you—no!'

' Can nothing induce you to consent? Romembar, you may be obigcd to stay with U3 for years,' said Raymond. Katei. thought of Alice, and to rned pale but a resolution once taken by her no power on emh could alter. She therefore looked up steadily in his handsome face, and answered, firmly— • It id all use'ess, sir—l will never consent; and so soon aa I am free, just so soon will I give information against you. I can promise nothing to such as you. She glanced scornfully around on the long array of dark, scowling faces, that looked the rage they dare not speak.

' Then you must stay with us,' said the captain, slowly—almost sorrowfully, ' I am sorry to be obliged to detain you a pr sonar; but you compel me to do so. For the last time, I ask you again, will you not change your mind ?' An angry flash of her eye, and an impatient wave of her band, was Kite's sale answer.

• Ba it so then,' he said, calmly; 'follow me.' Kate moved after him to the farther end of the apartment. Hero he touched a spring, and a concealed door flaw open. H9 passed through. Kate followed, and the dcor cosed noiselessly between them and the smuggler craw.

CHAPTER XIV. STBA, I For a few moments Kate stood gazing arouud her, scaroaly able to credit her senses. The scene that he> c met her eye «a* so completely different from that she had^ist left, that it was no wonder she wsWbmplete'y bewildered. Instead of the rough scone floor she had left, she now stood on a rich Turkey carpet; instead of the rude benches, she beheld luxurious sofas and ottomans; instead of the damp, bare walls, this room was hung with elegant pictures, while exquisitely beautiful statues were grouped around in every direction,

A large and handsome lamp, buspeadei from the ceiling, lighted up tLi, elegant apartment. A marble-topped centre-tabla stood in the middle of thi floor, covered with boo is, anl a mimic fountain of perfumed water stood in another corner, filling the room with fragrance.

Cagas, filled wi'h b igbt foreign biids, whose gorgeous plumage flashed, in tht light, huDg around in various directions.

A littla staircase of four or five steps »m at the eni of the apartment, evidently leading to another room, which was conoealed from view by two heavycarttins of green velvet.

Full length mirro s were ranged all around, r fl cling the r;om and its in* mates m every direction, and bewildering anyone, on suddenly entering, by seeing the countless apartments by which they were surrounded.

Kate was absolutely overwhelmed with surprise, end stood gazing, first around her. and then turning to the young c»p. tain, half in doubt whether he were not an enchanter, who had suddenly decorated the apartment by bit manic skill. He noticed her bewildered look, and a balf smile broke over his handsome face, as he rang a musical little silver bell that ttood on the table.

The summons was answered by a young Kirl so beautiful that Kate stood i axing upon her as one might look on some radiant vision from another world. And yet her beauty was not spiritual, not such as we conceive angels to be. It waj a beaute wholly and en irely of this world—of middle height, with an exquisitely proportioned figure, d»rk, oval face, large, melting, laneuishinr, liquid, jst back eyes ; hair of that we glossy black so seldom seen, but so very beautiful, hung in toft, wavy tresses, like ravelled silk, around her lo w, polished forehead. v

The rich flush that gives to much beauty to tha brunet c glowad on her cheek and lip, and every: movement was instinct with grace.

And yet the Urge, dark, Oriental, eyes hid in them a look of sleepy wiekedcess that made Kate daw back; it vat as if Razing on a beautiful serpeent—she had forgotten it could sting. Ths. hot blood of the fiery South ran in those veins, it was easy to see. - The young girl came g'iding forward, bowed low, then, crossing her arms on her bosom, stood with her eyes fixed on the floor, the long, silken, back lashes resting on her crimson cheeks like dark fringe, waiting until he should speak. ' Syra/ said the young diptain, ■ 'you will consider this young lady your mistress while she remains her*. Let her want for nothing, and remember to treat her with the utmost respec*. I wil surrender my apartment to her while she remains,'

' Captain Raymond shall be ■ obeyed,' answered the young girl, quiet y, without looking up. •Very good. Adieu for tho present, Miss Sidney-' He bowed and turned away. Syra lifted her dark eyes, and stood watchinz him until he vanished through the secret door. Then turning to Kate, she said, in thelow,musical voice in which she spoke— * Perhaps you would like to retire, my mistress. If so, I will show you to your room.'

'If you please,' said Kate, rUiDg to fol'ow her, acd wondering at the little surprise she manifested at her sudden appearance. Syra led the way towards the short * staircase, and drew; aside one of the curtains, saving, as she did so—

'This was Captain.Raymond's übsmbff; but he has resigned it to you. If you wish for any thingduring the night, please to ring.'

(To be Continned.)