HER LADYSHIP’S COMPANION

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 February 1934, Page 12

HER LADYSHIP’S COMPANION

Or THE WEB OF FATE

Author of “Out of Darkness,” “A Day of Reckoning,” eto.

**y

MEDLEY RICHARDS

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. LADY .IANTO TEMPEST, an orphan*-.! heiress, who Is n<»t. considered even good ooking. is expecting a visit from her KINAI.I* STAPLETON, who has arrived home after six years' big game shooting, expecting to marry Lady .lane, a plan nade long ago by tlieir parents because the estates of the two families joined. l«ut Ronald first meets I -o. i y Jane's beautiful companion. i: ST HICK COLUNSfIN, and falls in love with her at first sight. ICsther and l.adv Line were at hoarding school together n France. Ronald cannoi refrain from worn free to woo Father’: ICsther ’realises Ronald is not in love with 1~-i.lv .lane, iml makes up her mind to win him herself. There is something in l.adv .lane's past that Is worrying her A hoy from the village brings Lady Jane a letter: she turns very pate when she recognises the hand writing, sod Hint evening -lie secretly meets VICTOR nUMARSQUK. who was the drawing master at the hoarding school in France. D.imarsque succeeds in obtaining money from Lady Jane. Esther plays eavesdropper and learns that. La.l.v .lane is in the power of Dumarsque. Esther meets Dtininrsque w-hile out. walking. and Is determined to find out more about his power over Lady Jane. Lady Jane gives Dumarsque £ .TOO. She is to have anything to rlo with Dumarsque. as 1 rouble would come of it. Ronald decides lie must keep to the understanding that he and Lady Jane should marry, and asks her to become engaged and fix the wedding day. hut l.adv Jane refuses to do so. and says she doesn't wish to get married. Esther tells Ronald about the seeret meetings between Lady Jane and Dumarsque. hut extorts from him a promise lie will not tell Lady Jane the name of bin informant. Ronald asks Lady Jane to tell him what is troubling her. and who it is that she has been seerefly meeting. She demands to know who has been spying on her. hut he will not tell- having promised Esther he will not harm her In Ladv Jane's eyes. Ladv Jane is again warned to have nothing TACK, comes to stay at the nail, and he mil y Jane become very friendly. CHAPTER X. A Crisis. All turned towards the end of the room from which the voire came; even Ladv Jane raided her eyes and looked at the speaker. Then, w-hile everyone was gazing at. her, a vivid flash illuminated the window close to which she was standing, revealing a tall, slender, golden-haired woman, whose face was almost transparent in it* whiteness, and a pair of dark eye* that seemed to burn like fire. “Brenda, how dare you say such things to her Tjidyehip?" exclaimed the farmer. “What is there T dare not do? I have nothing to gain and nothing to lose,” she said; then, opening the door, she glided out. Mr. Ray looked annoyed. “I must ask your Ladyship to excuse my cousin. Sometimes I think ehe is not quite right, though Jenny”—and he glanced at. his wife—“says it’s only that she’s got ir.to a morbid state of nind. You see, site was here a great deal as a child, and now she's alone in the world we let her come and go as she likes.” “Is she a widow ? When she raised her hand I saw she wore a wedding ring,” said Esther “Poor girl, she’s neither widow nor wife, as the French law stands. The poor girl’s husband—for I hold he is her husband—is a Frenchman, they’ve a queer marriage law over there, and she's a victim of it,” said Mr. Ray. “Yes, it is a disgraceful law. I suppose they married without the consent *f their parents, and that invalidates i Frenchman's marriage,” said Ronald. ‘Brenda is an orphan, with a small nconie left by her father. She was •veil educated, but on leaving school die decided she would go out as a governess. My wife and I wanted her o come and live here, but she wouldn't; o she got a situation in a nice family in London, and while there she met this Frenchman, who soon began making love to her, and they were married in London—a perfectly legal marriage, so far as our law is concerned. The villain didn’t tell her that, though he was well over ag\ it was necessary he should have his parents’ consent, and, of course, she w-s not aware of it. For over a year they lived in London; then one day he disappeared, leaving a letter telling her she was no wife.” Didn’t she try to discover his whereabouts?” asked Jack Collinson. \es, but so far as I know she has not traced him; and, to tell tire truth, I hope she won't. She has quite changed, and is a terribly vindictive woman. Of course, she deserves to suffer; but, for her sake, I hope they won’t come in contact,” said Ray. “It’s quite fin'- now,” observed Lady Jane, who was sitting near the window. “Would you like your horses brought round?” asked the fainter; and, being answered in the affirmative, he left the room, and a few minutes later the party followed him to the gate. “We’re very much obliged to you for your kindness, Mr. Ray,” said Lady Jane, who had mounted, as she stooped to shake hands with him. “It's been an honour to have your Ladyship under my roof,” lie replied. At that moment the casement in one of the upper rooms was flung open, and Brenda's face appeared at it; then, pointing with her finger at the group at the gate, she said, “Beware!” “What does she mean?” exclaimed Esther. “The Lord only knows. I’m sure she's as mad as a March hare,” Ray said in a tone of annoyance. “Poor woman, I’m sorry for her,” said Lady Jane, as she touched her horse lightly with the whip, and it set off at a canter, but when Jack Collinson joined her she scarcely seemed to notice what he was saying, so gradually he relapsed into silence. About half a mile from the hall Ronald, who was close behind with Esther, checked his horse, and raising his hat, said. “Good-day.” “I thought you were going to dine with us,” replied Lady Jane, in an indifferent tone. “No. thanks,” and the horse and rider turned up a narrow country lane, an.l Esther, who felt intensely disappointed, passed the other two and rode on. Then, when they reached the hall, she went it once to her room*, where she reflected that so far her attempts to secure Ronald had been a failure. That he and Lady Jane were not on good terms she knew, but it puzzled her that he did sot bring matters to a crisis, and either necornp engaged to Jane or end the matter. If it was an engagement, Esther [ told herself, she would not give up hope.

She knew that Duinarsquu had some hold upon Lady Jane, ami she would set herself to discover what it was. Busy with these thoughts, the time slipped by until the dressing hell warned her it was time to dress for dinner. At the Grange Ronald Stapleton ate his solitary dinner, hut often thought of Rather. He pictured her sitting opposite him. She would make a charming mistress for the old house, and she was the one woman he had ever loved. Vet he scarcely dared hope to call her wife, and pushing the wine on one side he went to the smoke-room, then, lighting a cigar, he thought over his position with regard to Lady Jane. It was beginning to be insupportable. The question of the marriage must be settled. Then he remembered lie had decided that several times, yet Jane always managed to wriggle out, without giving him a definite answer to that or any question he asked. She had refused to answer his questions about Dumarsque. She wouldn’t tell him what she wanted the £.IOO for, and she had kept, her guardian in equal ignorance. Certainly all this pointed to something queer. Had she a past which she did not wish him to know? She. liis kinswoman! It would have heen abhorrent to him, in any ease, to have married a woman with a past; but Jane, of all people! His wife must have a record that, no one eouhl question, and his thoughts flew to Esther, a guileless, simple girl, who had been so sorely troubled that she had, inad verfcently, revealed something in Jane's life that she thought her friend wanted to hide. “Oh, if the old folks had not tried to bind their children in marriage. It was a ridiculous tiling to do, ami lie ought to have kicked against it. Just then the butler announced: “Sir John Kslington.” “’’Why didn’t you come to dinner?” asked Ronald, as they shook hands. “Because my wife wasn’t very well, and she wouldn't have eaten anything if 1 hadn’t stayed to keep her company.” “You’re a model huslmmi,” aaid Ronald. “It’s what I should like to see you he, my hoy, and that brings me to my reason for coming to-night. I’ve been thinking about you and Jane, and Pm wondering when the engagement is going to be annouced.” Ami the jolly old man looked keenly at Ronald. “I don’t know,” he replied shortly. “Are you crying off the bargain?” “No. I’m not such a cur. Of course, the bargain, as you rightly characterise it, ought not to have been made, and I should have spoken plainly before I went abroad—while Jane was a child and said we must botli be free, but 1 didn’t, and now T cannot, with honour, draw back.” Sir John took his cigar out of his mouth and looked thoughtfully at Ronald as he said: “If I remember rightly, you had no dislike to the arrangement then?” Ronald’s face flushed. “No. I didn’t care for any other woman then, so I felt I might as well marry Jane as anyone else.” “Oh, so there’s another woman in the case,” and his good-natured face looked troubled. “That’s it, I’m in a deuce of a fix. Honour binds me to Jane, but I love another woman,” and Ronald got up and strode across the room impatiently, then he added, “Why one’s fathers must try to nijiueiice uiai/teia a* tei c g^ncis a puzzle.” “My dear boy, the estates adjoin, they would make a splendid property, and as Lady Jane—who ought really to be called Lady Tempest —is a Baroness in her own right, the title would descend to your eldost son.” “Confound it all!” exclaimed Ronald. Sir John regarded him gravely. “Who is this other woman?” Then a sudden inspiration came. “Is it Miss Collinson ?” Ronald’s face flushed, but he kept silent. “I see I’m right, and there’s some excuse for you. She’s a lovely girl. T heard the vicar once say, ‘Her Ladyship’s companion puts her in the shade,’ and. by Jove, she’s done it!” “It’s not her beauty alone, she's so sweet and bright, while Jane is short tempered and gloomy,” replied Ronald. “Yes, I’m coming to the conclusion she lias something on her mind. I’ve been thinking about that money she forced me to give her, and I find the cheque was cashed at once. Now, what did a girl want with so much cash?” “I cannot say,” but Ronald thought of the man she had met, who was evidently levying blackmail. “I’m afraid she’s entangled with some fellow and giving him money, though 1 cannot imagine where she could meet him. Still it is the only explanation, and I came on purpose to ask you to have the engagement announced and the marriage day fixed. You see. I didn’t kno\v how matters were with you. J thought you were heart whole,” he said ruefully. “That doesn’t affect the question. I’m in honour bound, and as you say the matter had better be settled, but she won’t give me a chance; she’s a way of putting me off.” “Then write to her and ask for an early answer.” “Yes, I will, but what if she refuses to carry out the compact?” Sir John looked troubled. 1 don’t know. In anv case hot refusal would have vexed me. You see my two old friends had set their hearts on the marriage. Still if there was another man she loved, a suitable man. I should have agreed to the marriage, hut if she is entangled with a man beneath her. a man who extorts sums of money from her, I shall use the power her father’s will gives me.” Ronald looked at him in surprise, and Sir John continued. “Lord Tempest stated, in the event of you and Lady Jane not marrying, that unless she married with my consent she was only to have an allowance of five hundred pounds, and the rest of the income was to accumulate and he equally divided among her children. You see only the title descends, the property is not entailed. 1 asked Tempest why he had made such a will, and lie said he wanted to protect her from fortune hunters.” “Does Jane know of this clause?” "No. but if course if she refuses you I shall tell her.” “Poor Jane!” and he sighed as he thought of the bright, happy tom-boy who had developed into such a grave, self-contained woman, who appeared older than her years. Yes. there must be something to account for the transform a 1 ion. “I’ll write to her at once,” he said. “Then I’ll go. and you’ll let me know the result. Good.-bye, my boy, and I’m

sorry your heart isn’t in it,” said Sir John as lie rose. “His heart in it!” and Ronald smiled bitterly us lie went to the library, and taking pen and paper wrote: “Dear Jane, —I have several times tried to introduce the subject of our marriage, and each time you have managed to prevent me 6aying what I wished to. I think the matter ought to be settled. You know that it was the wish of both our fathers, and I am prepared to make you a good, considerate husband. I can promise that 1 will do happiness"if Voii become my wife. Will you let me know if I may announce the engagement, and on hearing from vou 1 will come to the Hall. Meanwhile 1 shall remain away.—Hoping to hear from you soon.—Yours, RONALD.” He looked at the signature and felt half inclined to tear the letter in pieees. “Hers!” Hie heart would never lie hers; to the end of his life he would love l'st.her, and with bitterness in his heart he put the letter in the envelope and directed it. Then, going into the hall, he slipped it into the post-bag. “It’s done!” he thought as he lighted his fiip«* and went out on to the lawn, where he strolled up and down wondering what answer he would get. While this conversation had been taking place at the Grange, Jack and his sister were silting on the verandah at the Hall. Lady Jane had gone to her room, saving she had a headache, and Miss Tempest was writing letters. “By 1 lie way, Ksther. 1 never told you the clerk put a nought ton little in telling me the amount of the fortune Charlton left ine. Tt. was five thousand pounds down and five thousand a year.” Her face brightened; she was fond of her brother, in a way, anil glad of his good fortune. “You lucky hoy. You can leave the Army if you like and settle down in England.” “Yes. hut I’m not rure about leaving the Army. It depends —” Then he stopped suddenly, and a moment later he continued in a different tone. “At any rate, you won’t go dowerless to your husband, little Sis. You ncedn’l blush. I’ve got a pair of eyes in my head, and T can see how it is with you and Stapleton. I’m expecting to he asked for the fraternal blessing,” he said with a laugh. “Oh, Jack, don't! Didn’t you know about the compact?” she asked, laying her hand on her brother’s arm. “What compact?” he asked. “The late Mr. Stapleton and Lord Tempest made an arrangement that their children should marrv; it’s expressed in the will, and I suppose it will he carried out.” “It’s a devil’s compact. Anyone can see the fellow doesn’t care for Lady Jane, and she seems indifferent to him. I don’t believe she’ll marry him,” he said, speaking vehemently. Then he turned indignantly on his sister. “If you knew this, why have you allowed Stapleton to make love to you?” “Oh, Jack, he has never spoken a word of love.” “No, but he’s acted the lover. The man is madly in love with you, and you know it; yet he’s going to ask Lady Jane to he his wife. My God, it makes iny blood boil!” “But, Jack, lie thinks he’s bound in honour.” “Has he told you so?” And he looked sharply at her. “No, but T know it. He would ask me to be his wife, but for her. He loves me; yes, and I glory in it,” she said, her lovely eyes glowing and her bo6ora heaving. “Then he’s a mean hound to marry one girl when he loves another. Talk about honour! There’s not much honour in that.” She laid'her hand on his arm. “Why don’t you ask Ladv Jane to b# your wife? You love her,” she said. (To be continued daily.)