“WILTON’S SILENCE”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19987, 30 June 1920, Page 5

“WILTON’S SILENCE”

A ROMANCE OP WEST AFRICA, (By PAUL TRENT (Author of “Tho Vrow." '“The Price of n, Soul,” etc.) CHAPTER VI. —Continued. During the last day or two Sylvia r s manner had been much more pleasant ;o him. As a matter of fact, she had :ome to the conclusion that it was her luty to make things work as smoothly is possible for her father’s sake. Aleady sho was beginning to understand something of tho responsibility which rested, on tho shoulders of a colonial Governor. She realised the' great power ho wielded, and lire worry that mist cause him. It became her object n life that he should have no cares ipart from tho cares of his office. Unconsciously she was growing to regard ier father from a different standpoint. Hitherto ho had been more or less of i big brother, whom she could treat with frank camaraderie. No longer lid sho call him “ Jack,” even when tl|?y were alone. It was not surprising. She had been influenced by the almost royal respect given to him by one and all. | Yes—he was not only her father, hut | :ilso—his Excellency the Governor. And I to her there was great pride in the 8 thought. I After his interview with Wilton, Sir I John came in to lunch, and Sylvia at | once knew that he was worried. There I was not an expression of his face she a could not read. So when the meal was I over she sat on the arm of his chair I and smoothed back tho hair from his | brow. f I “ Headache?” sho asked. I “ No.” j There was a pause before she eon- I tinned; “ You’re seen Mr Wilton this morn- - ing. Is he going away?” “We’re going to have a talk after dinner to-night. I believe he will day. Are von glad?” he asked bluntly. “ Yes,” she answered, without hesitation. “ He’s a good chap—one of tho best.” “I'm glad you like him.” j “More khan that—if I had the choosing of your husband.” Don’t, dad,” she cried impulsively, and placed her hand over his mouth. “Syl, we are pals. You care for him. I know you do. Is there any shame in admitting it to me?” “ I’m not ashamed. I do care for him, and shall be proud of it—if ever he tells me—that—that- ——” “ Wilton is not an easy man to understand. Ho doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve." “If ho did, I shouldn't love him.” 1 ‘ Have you any reason to think “None at all. That is why 1 was ashamed to admit that— — But wc won’t talk of it any more.’’ “ Very well, dear,” he answered obediently. Slim continued to stroke his hatr until his eyes closed and he fell asleep. Then she kissed him very softly, and went’to her room. All wise people in West Africa rest for an hour or two after midday “ chop.” and for a woman such rest is even more necessary. .But Sylvia, could not sleep. In spite of what sho had said to her father, she was ashamed of having admitted to him her love for Gerald Wilton. A young girl is encompassed by a veil of modesty, tho rough tearing aside of which she resents. Only once had she been given any reason to believe that Wilton might care. And after that, long talk his manner had changed completely. Perhaps it was instinct that caused her to hope. After tea sho strolled with Grace into the garden, where they found a shady spot, and sat clown. Soon afterwards Captain Gifford joined them, and a few minutes later his sister weat away. Sylvia was about to follow her, j | when ho intervened quickly. _ j j “Miss Lurgan, I can’t stand it any j ' longer. Wo must come to an under- j standing,” he cried passionately. i “I agree with you, Captain Gifford. ! . ft is very necessary we should arrive ; 'at an understanding. Won’t you sit down?” sho answered quietly. “ Sylvia, I love you- I want you.” “ Captain Gifford, I don’t love you.” They were standing close one another, and she met his blazing eyes | quietly and calmly. | “I”will make you love me. What have you against me?” I “ Only that I don’t care for you in 1 that way.” | “Give me a chance of making you j care.” __ j “ It’s absolutely useless. You are | the last man in the world I could care ' for.” 1 “You wont give mo a chance, he , said desperately. “ I repeat—it is useless. I’m very sorry this has happened. You must promise not to sneak to me again in this way. We have together.” “You are right. We will live together—always. I can make you love mo.” Overmastered by passion he seized her in his arms, and kissed her again and again. Sylvia struggled to free bers’elf from his emorate, and at last succeeded. “You have insulted me grossly. I shall have to toll rav fatiici. Oh f why were you so mad?” “You make me mad. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me, and give me an- 1 other chance?” It was with a great effort that Sylvia, bad been able to restrain her aimer. It was the first time that a man's lips, save her father’s, had touched her. Her purity seemed sullied and sho could have struck him. “You have acted like a end. I shall never speak to you again if I can help it,” she cried with biting contempt. He became reckless, and moved towards her again. “In spite of what von say you shall marry me. I mean it.” Sho laughed aa she faced him. “ I would rather be dead.” Slowly sho moved away, and did not look back. Ho watched her with sullen angry eyes. His ilimer; shook a; he lighted a cigarette. He had made a mistake, for in a few minutes ho might he ordered to leave the Castle, and then indeed ho would have lost. Smothering au oath he followed her. There was still a chance.

(To bo continued.)