LOVE, THE CONQUEROR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 15

LOVE, THE CONQUEROR.

NEW “ STAR ” SERIAL. *

By

CARLTON DAWE

Author of "Tho Temptation of Selma, 1 ’ Euryale in London,” ” Virginia,” ”A Tangled Marriage,’* Stranger Than Fiction.” &c.

CHAPTER X. (Continued.;

She noted the effect of the thrust. A look of uncertainty, of fear almost, came into his eyes. “ What has the scar on my forehead to do with this? 1 ' “ I have often wondered how you came by it, nor am I singular in that respect." " I feel flattered." " I wonder if you ought to?" Her manner was fast changing his regret to irritation; consciously or unconsciously she was laying bare a side of her character which swiftly estranged his sympathy. And who were those others who had made his disfigurement a «subject of discussion? She saw by the sudden change in his attitude that he was passing beyond her reach. Interest was giving way to indifference; politeness alone held him attentive. She was boring him. Her blood flamed at the thought. “ That cheque," she said in a low voice. “ I thought it an act of friendship, and was grateful." "It was an act of friendship.” "And the repa3--ment? ” " Please, please," he protested. " There was a moment when I did believe; but in the face of what has happened. . . . Did you think I was to be bought . . . like that?" " I almost think you wilfully misunderstand," he answered sternly. “ But thank heaven I have not used it. It shall be returned to you intact.” " Tell me,” he said, ‘ ‘do you really think I gave you that money with an ulterior or sinister motive?” "What is one to think?” she answered evasively. " But you—Miss Mallaston’s friend! Don’t you see how impossible it would have been for me to connect. . . ." And then he paused, seeing the danger signal flashing in her eyes. “ Then it was not to me but to Clare Maliaston’s friend you lent the money? 1 wonder if it would interest her to knoV that?" With this she literally swept from the room, cheeks flushing, eyes flashing. He made as though he would call her back, but the words died on his lips. What advantage could he hope to reap with a woman in such a frame of mind? Though there was a threat in her parting shot, prompted by unreasonable anger, he failed to see how she was going to make use of it. If Clare Maiiaston were to know of he j transaction, on whom was she likely to shed the greater suspicion? Women are not always too generous to their sex. For the sake of her own reputation Madge Kincross must remain mute. But what a fool he had been to let a moment of ungovernable passion wreck ail his hopes. Was that recklessness of blood, which had so often brought him down, and once to the very edge of the pit, was it to overwhelm him utterly in the end? Was he, after years of toil and strenuous resolution, still so weak that he could not resist the light in a wanton’s eyes? The folly of the thing maddened him Was he still, to all intents and purposes, the drunken sot of that lonely hut by the River Darling?" Ke knew he was not., that he could not be; yet how would it appear to her? She still thought of that horrible adventure with a shudder, of the man as an unclean thing. And he knew that beside her he was unclean, that, his place was outside there in the wilds among rough men, intractable nature. He had no business here in this refined atmosphere, no right to look into Clare Mallaston’s clear eyes and hope to gain her favour. Though he knew that generosity alone, the sense of friendship, had prompted him to help Madge Kincross in her trouble, others might attach a more sinister motive to the act. The world was slow to admit the philanthropist in man where a pretty woman was concerned. Nor was it much argument in his favour that he thought lightly of the money. People do not think lightly of money; while cheques to young married women were like treaties among respectable nations, something more than mere "scraps of paper." If there was really a threat in Madge Kincross’s parting words, then he might find much difficulty in attempting to clear himself. And should the whole happening come to Clare's ears, wha't would she think of him. what hope could he have of convincing her of the sincerity of the confession he had come to make? For he had at last screwed his courage to that desperate act. No longer could he look into her eyes, partake of her sweet friendship, and carry about with him a burden which had now become intolerable. He would tell the story, come what might of it, beg her forgiveness, and go. The deceit he had practised on her should be wiped out; she should know him for what he was. j CHAPTER XI. OPENING TIIE ATTACK. Jamie Glegg, bustling with import- j ar.ee. descended on Hall Grange. He too had come determined no longer to be trifled with. Further and still more curious information had readied him by cable from Australia. lie knew now that he held ail the master cards in his hand, and he meant to play them in a manner which should confound his opponents. The time of pleading was past; it was his business to call the game, and he meant to call it in his own way. And his way -was significantly his own. Knowing that he held a winning hand he loved to prolong the joy of it, to sec hope alternate with despair, to watch the annoy- • a nee of the vanquished. He was in a most affable mood; one and all he greeted with the extremest bonhomie. He was redder than ever, if possible; much like one of the lobsters he demolished with such gusto -at the establishment cf the dyed-moustached Signor Edgardo Pitti. Also, like those luscious crustaceans, he had claws, which he already felt to be nipping certain people, hard-faced men* and ' tender women. Never was he in such a genial mood, not even when he was robbing the widows and orphans. He • had even a hearty handshake and a genial pat on the shoulder for Gre- : gory Darling, who almost visibly winced at the impact. 'Exp< i ted \*< u< m hur day "he ai cl k

"Would have liked a chat over that business of yours.” "Coudn’t manage it,” Darling replied coldly. "Sorry.” "Don’t mention it, my dear fellow. No hurry. 1 take it?” "No.” "When you’re ready, remember you have Jamie Glegg a.t the back cf This for the benefit of the others, upon whom he beamed. They all knew that Jamie Glegg at the back of a thing assured its success. Or at least that is the impression he wished to convey. But Eddie Kincross looked sceptical; his wife quietly elevated her brows. Even then, and in spite of everything that had passed between them, she had a great desire to warn Darling to beware of Jamie Glegg, especially when he protested his intention of doing a good turn. Glare was another whom he failed to arouse to enthusiasm, though he beamed with particular brilliance on her. Indeed, the more she saw of Mr Glegg the less lie appealed to her. She knew her father was associated with him in various financial transactions, but failed to see in that sufficient reason for Glegg's continual presence in their home. Nor could she conceive that it was wholly on her account that he came, for he must surely realise by this that she could never reconsider her answer. But later that niglit, in the library with Sir Derek, not most but all el hi' geniality vanished, and he became wbat ho at times liked t-o think himstelf, a dour .Soot.” The- others were playing bridge in the drawing room. Outside the wind was roaring and the rain lashing the windows. Darling had never seen such rain : it made him wonder if it was always raining in England. He knew the old tag, “Tho rain it raineth every day.” hut thought it a poet’s license. Clare assured him there was n good deal of truth in it. But lie must wait until the summer came; she could promise nothing. Meanwhile their game of cards was proceeding, and a very curious game it was. Darling was conscious of never having played so badly, but his mind was now on Clare and now on Madge: anywhere in fact but on the cards. Of course she had not spoken, but whether this was out of consideration for him. or for herself, remained to he proved. One thing was clear: Clare Malla-strm could have no knowledge of that transaction. Never had he seen her in a more gracious or more amiable mood : her sallies were freciuent, her laughter infectious. Even the languid, sterneved Madge condescended to smile. Eddie perhaps rose a. little too frequently t-o help himself, though no one seemed to notice it. He too could he quite an agreeable rattle when ho chose, and apnarently he had chosen just then. Darling thought he saw occasional glim-uses of the man who must have made some sort of anno-J to that enigma of a woman by his side, (To be continued.)