CRAZY QUILT,"

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 4

CRAZY QUILT,"

•Sy By UJ ft FERGUS HUME

$ ee© % Author of "The ilyr-tery of » Han?oin Cab " S $ "The Spider" "The Grey Bc-cl/yr ” '-r "Red Money,” etc., eto., eto. C? ceeeeeeec-eeeeeeccec©

CHATTEL VIII. A SCKIKISE.

Oddly enough. considering his thoughtless character and dislike of ceremonial. Cannock enjoyed going to church, and always went on Sunday morning, in whatever quarter of, the world the opportunity offered itself. To him. church was not so much a house of prayer as a house of rest, for the atmosphere invariably soothed him, and the leisurely ritual so calmed his restless mind that |iio was usually less impulsive for the remainder of the day. And being so. he was. naturally prone to think before he spoke, or acted. And this looking before he leaped had such beneficial results that he came to consider the liturgy as a kind of sedative medicine. In this he was not so far wrong as people might imagine, as the ritual is meant to induce concentration on one thought and tends to the conservation of force, rather than to scattering it broadcast, as is done during the week, when people think of twenty things in a minute. Cannock had arrived at a knowledge of this truth and practised it weekly, so that in time there came to be a, foundation of common-sense beneath his frivolity, which few guessed. But on this occasion the service failed to calm him, or to reduce his j twenty thoughts to one. Perturbed bv bis uncomfortable position in connection with the death ot Laura Meld, nuzzled by the different demeanour of the different people he was meeting for the first time, and anxious to know in which way to move so that tilings could be straightened out, Cannock remained his restless weekly self throughout the sendee. Also the same was not interesting, since there, appeared to be a lack of enthusiasm on the part of both parson and congregation. Everything was conducted with due decorum. Psalms were chanted, lessons were road, hymns were sung and prayers were deliberately prayed—yet the result left him cold. People were going through the necessary ceremonial, hut there was no heart in the business, and it suggested a matter of form rather than a worship of necessity. Only Sir Felix appeared to realise why he was there and what he was doing. He followed the riinal with a, quiet fervour which was painful in its intensity. So much so. that Cannock wondered why he seemed so desperately anxious to propitiate his Maker. One would think that the man was afraid. Was he afraid? And if so. of what was he afraid? Cannock - asked himself these questions, hut could find no answers. Pine puzzled him not a little, since there was so much that was inexplicable about him. On _ the surface this was not so. The philanthropist was dismal in his looks, melancholy in his disposition, and a fanatic in his charity. His life was meritorious, his position unimpeachable, his fame widely spread, and his circle of friends large. By philanthropic work he had secured a title and a. good standing in the world, yet had not made enemies, so far as Cannock knew. On the surface there was nothing about Pine to which the most censorious could take exception, and this was apparent, in the, universal praise which was accorded him. Ncverthe less, now that the young man had come to know the philanthropist personally. he did appear inexplicable. Cannock made sure- -although, so far, he had no grounds for his assurance—that thoro was something in. Pine’s life which rendered him nervous and afraid and despondent. His dreary looks showed that he was the last, his intensity of worship hinted at the first. Ho adored -as Cannock decided —a, God of Fear, and dreaded lest his deity should punish him for some sin not evident to the world- Of corns© this might, have been imagination on Cannock’s part, but, the more be saw of Sir Felix, the. more he feltcertain. that all was not well with him. Yet, considering how Pauline and Miss Swaine praised him; how Hunston the respectable gave him his stolid friendship, and how admired be was as a philant mpist this seemed inoredibie-Se-vcral times Cannock laughed at him self for the doubt, hut tho doubt remained and returned again and again with added force to dominate his thoughts. Something was wrong with tho man. What this something might he it was impossible, as things were, to say.

The result of this unsatisfactory state of affairs was that Cannock returned to Paddocks, the house, more- upset in his mind than ho cared to admit , lie walked beside his host, who pointed out the beauties of Paddocks, the village. It did not differ much from tho ordinary Essex village, so far as the young man could see. There were the same thatched cottages. red-tiled houses, cobbled street and quaint little shops that go to make up such a place. Also there were the same stolid inhabitants, who were so taken up with their own small affairs as to concern themselves little with the larger things of life. But Sir Felix spoke of Baddocks with a dreary enthusiasm, pointing out that it was quit*, a beauty spot, and that the villagers were the salt, of the earth. These certainly seemed to consider Pino to he so, for they saluted him nith slow smiles, and gave all that could bo desired in the way of feudal homa.go. Tho people were mostly agricultural in their habits, hut Sir Felix told his young friend that he had a scheme :n his mind to improve their lot. It would require money, ho hinted, although large profits would well repay the outlay. By the time Cannock arrived at the unpretentious mansion of the worthy knight, ho had an idea that an open request for his assistance in the scheme would he made before he returned to Loudon. Was this, Cannock asked himself, the true reason why Hunston had brought him down to meet the philanthropist? This question, «dikc the others, was difficult to answer.

"lie will hare dinner,” said Pine in his serious way, when they wore in the hall, ” and theu_ can repair to the library to talk. Not being fashionable, Air Cannock, I always have my principal meal in the middle of tho day. I hope your digestion will not sutler.” “Oh, not at all,” re-plied the guest cheerfully. ‘’“When in Rom© I alwaysdo what the Romans do. My digestion has been tested in. various ways all over tho world.”

‘ Ah, then our plain fare will not upset it. The simple life, Air Cannock. I am a groat believer in that. The more we give up, the more in due time comes to us.” Cannock did not quit© see the point of this epigram, hut Pine appeared to consider it wholly comprehensible, and firmed away rather pleased with his wit. Aliss Swain, smiling at the guest —recalling, no , doubt, their intimate breakfast conversation —went upstairs with Pauline to prepare for dinner. The girl was very excited; so much so, that it was plain the service had failed, as in tho case of Cannock, to exercise any sedative influence on her. The young man guessed that this chattering and smiling and these restless movements were due to her knowledge that Maxwell was to meet her at tho Black Bulb during the afternoon. But he wondered why. she did not conceal her almost hysterical happiness, since it was possible Pino might guess its reason and prevent her from leaving the house. But the philanthropist did not appear

to notice tliat she was unusually pay. Houston did, however, and followed the dancing form of the girl np the stairs with inquiring eyes. With an almost imperceptible smile, ho spoke privately to Sir Felix. The latter started, grew deeply red and readied with nervous haste. Low as his ton;-, "•ere, Cannock -heard what lie said. ‘ Aesl”_ " was the muttered answer. ‘ After dinner, in the library, things will be explained to her. All in good time, _my dear friend”: and he hurried _ into the dining-room, as though unwilling to jirolong the conversation.

Hnnston. as in the case of Pauline, looked after his retreating form with the same scarcely perceptible smile, and then turned stolidlv to Cannock. “How did you enjov the church?” ho asked.

■’ Does one go to church for enjoyment ?•’■ asked the young man with a shrug.

, ” V' hy not ? Igo to give thanks for blessings and to ask lor blessings, and enjoy doing so.” '■l see. I should not put it in that way myself. Why didn't you m this morning if you have such enjoyment?”

" I had other work to do,*’ said Hunston shortly.

‘‘ And perhaps no blessings tp ask for.” retorted Cannock. “ Indeed 1 have, and in the solitude of my own room I asked for the greatest of —a good wife.” “ Miss Andorton, I suppose.” ‘‘Acs. I feel sure that she will accept me.”

‘"I don’t.” replied the. other, thinking of the afternoon meeting. “ From what I^ have seen of Miss Anderten, 1_ should think she was the very last girl in the world to favour your suit. She is the opposite to you in every way.”

‘‘That is why I. wish to marry her, Cannock Her amusing nature will lighten thei eeri oneness of my rather sedate personality.” ‘‘Maybe,” said Cannock, using his favourite expression: “but won't her amusing nature be crushed in the end by your sedate personality? You can smother a fire with clay, you know.” “ You seem to hold a bad opinion of me.” snapped Hunston, offended. “’Act, f have tried to prove mvself vour friend.” ‘‘Oh, I haven’t a.t all a bad opinion of yon. Runny, and I recognise that you are behaving in the kindest way. But you are rather heavy, you know; too good, too laborious, too respectable.’ 1 ‘‘Are these bad qualities?” “Dull ones, at least.” “ Cannock, you have no principles.” “In your opinion. As you will. Hunny. Without having what you call principles I manage to do very well.” ‘‘.Tollis would not think so. ' Ho is always getting yon out of trouble.” “ Did he, say so?” “Oh no. _ But you forget that lam well acquainted with your character, my dear Crazy.” “ Don’t call me that,” cried Cannock with sudden irritation. “ Mhy not? Maxwell does; Jimmy Gland does ” “I know. It comes well from them, lute in your month it sounds all wrong.” Hnnston shrugged his shoulders and walked ponderously to 'the diningroom, shooting a Parthian arrow ns he went. “You are as mad as ever,” he said with a backward glance. Cannock, following slowly, thought that lie must be, to bandy words with Hunston, who had no sense of humour, and was an utterly impossible, conversationalist. He always said guide things, and even if they were not .rude they sounded m* from the tone in which they were spoken. More than ever Cannock wondered why he came to he in the man's company, forgetting for the moment that Hnnston had forced that same company upon him. But the next minute he did remember, and again it entered his mind that Hunston had brought him down to Paddocks with some ulterior motive, other than presenting, him to Miss Andorton. Also, the conversation of Pino, relative to a new industry, flashed into Cannock’s brain. By the time he took his seat at the table he felt convinced that his mission was to supply money for the scheme, whatever ‘it might he. And Houston was to be the middle man, who introduced, tho person with money to the person who wanted it. Cannock, although generous, was no fool, and did not intend to part with his cash unless he saw a very good reason for doing so. >So with this resolve he began his dinner; resolving to see as little of Hunston as possible when he returned to I,ondon- The man was getting on his nerves 1 .

“ After dinner, mr dear Pauline,” observed Sir Felix, while the meal was in progress. “I should take it as a favour if you will see me in the ■library, since I desire to address a few words to you.” Pauline, who was chattering incessantly, started and coloured. Cannock knew why she did both, since they had talked of the meeting with Maxwell. He wondered, as did Paulino. if Pino had found out about the s-amo, and intended to prevent it. The girl controlled herself very cleverly, considering her youth, and to cover her conf lision. asked a pert question: ‘‘l haven’t been doing anything wrong, have I, Sir Felix?”

” No, my dear child. You never do anything wrong--that is, you do nothing. in the way of frivolity, but what I expect from one of your tender venrs.”

Pauline., relieved to think that her guardian did not intend to speak of the meeting with Maxwell, and was apparently ignorant that it was intended, made a. grimace. “ Grey heads don’t, grow on green shoulders,” she remarked tartlv.

( ‘lt would he wrong to expect that, my dea,v, save in the case of MCs Swain, who is young in years and old in mind-”

”1 don't call thirty, youn<£,” said Miss Swain good-humouredly; ‘and as to being old in mind, women are always olde r than men in that- way, Put, you are. not going to scold Pauline in the library. ] hope, Sir Felix.” ‘‘Certainly nut. She has done nothing to deserve a, scolding. But Pauline may have to take a little journey to London, .Miss Swain, Ehe has a Vein - live, yon know who has a. claim avion her.”

Paulino started again and lior face grew bright. “Oh, it is ” ‘‘ Wo can talk of it in tho library.” said Pino, cutting hor short and with a side-glance at Cannock. “This conversation does not interest our guests.” He was wrong here. It interested Houston, who looked up suddenly when the journey was mentioned, and it interested Cannock, who wished to know why the lawyer was surprised, when in the hall he had arranged tho library meeting. And Hnustou was plainly surprised; a state, of mind which puzzled Cannock, who thought that ho knew all about what was to bo discussed in the library. However Hunston said nothing, neither did Canm.wk, and Sir Felix began to talk of philanthropic matters, which were loss interesting to everybody than tho subject ho had dismissed so abruptly. Ho rorccurred to it again, as the nieal ended. “Perhaps, bliss Swain, yon will he kind enough to entertain blr Cannock in the drawing-room until my business with Pauline is concluded.”

“Certainly,” assented the secretary alertly, “and Mr Hunston also.”

“ I must fore go that pleasure,” remarked the lawyer in his matter-of-fact way. “ I have to make a third at the conference in the library.”

Pine bowed his head nervously. “As a lawyer I require your presence.” Oh!” Pauline, who was skipping towards,the door, stopped suddenly and looked round wit-h a glance of consternation. “ Oh! is anything wrong with ” ■ (To be continued.)