“ALMA.”

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2073, 27 May 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

“ALMA.”

All Obisisal Australian St.ikv BY HABOLD STEPHEN. Esq.. M.l>. OF NEW SOUTH WALKS. (All U, 9 hU Ret. rr.il.) CHAPTER LI I .-(C.)NTIM u-. , Monsieur Bran to me frowned, ebook his bead, looked at Alma, turned away hi* head, looked at her again, and (ben exclaimed: " Tall, if yon rill, let ns go then I" Aimee ciapped her hands and danced over (o her father, whose head she took between bar bands, whilst she kissed him on the forehead. “ Ton dear, good Papa 1” aha laid. ”lam so glad—«o glad I” “ But will it not seriously inconvenience you. Monsieur Brantoma ?’’ asked Alma. “ Not xe least in za vorld, my dear,” be replied. “I ’ate make preparation to start •000 for Martinique, but I rill write to my partners to teli zat we go to England first, an’ sen to la belle France. Eh, mu mi>,” he added, turning to his wife, “ yon vill like to ate la belle France ?” "Mo fi'i o»/. ’ said Madame Brantome, " I shall go aree beau coup it contentment, your Australia does not please me at all." The prospect ot surprising Mr. Dart Tredegar in London occurred to Aimee at thia moment, and in filled her with delight that •he sought relief in eong, and the dJaeossion ended. For the next lew days everybody was very boay, and then, one morning, Mr. Harvey and the overseer were left standing on the wharf, whilst their friends steamed away, boond lor the old world. They bad cleared the Heads, and were fairly ont at sea, when Basie came to Alma with a pocket book in her band. The vessel was gliding throngb the water on an even keel, and no eymptoma ol sea-eioknese bad yet become apparent, so that nearly all the passengers remained on deck, taking (hair last look at the shore they were leaving. "Can I speak to you tor a moment, mim 7” asked Susie. "Certainly,” said Alma, moving with bar apart from the others. “ What is the ■tatter f” " I want you take obarge ol this pocketbook, mice, if you please,” replied Susie. “It belongs to that Johnson,and is full ot money and letters.” “ Good gracious :" exclaimed Alma. “ How did it come into your possession ?” “ 1 saw it lying on (be floor of the passage as we were fearing the Bine Mountains, and I just collared it," said Boris. “ Why that is a robbery 1 Oh, Snaie 1” "It ain’t stealing to (teal what’s stole already," replied the girl in no wise abashed. " Ton look at the letters and memmyrandume, and you’ll see how it was all stole by that filler Johnson. I’d have given it to you before, miss, only I thought yon’d be W sending it back to him, which now you can’t until ve gets to England.” "lam afraid you are a very bad girl, Soria.” "No, I’m not.mise—l was, but I ain’t so had now. Ton give (hat book to Mr. Harvey, and ha’ll tell yon (hat I done right.” Atma took the book and placed it in her box without examination, determining to Jot) tha question ol its ultimate destination to be decided by more competent authority ; she thm delivered an address to Soria which lasted until the freshening beam raffled the water, and earned certain curious disturbance of the system, which rendered con venation ineonrisat. The passage passed without incident worthy of record, bat it may be remarked ra peasoal, that some trouble occurred, owing to the fast that all (be gentlemen on board fell in love with either one or the other ol onr young >«dtee The result was discsgooi an hi as the married men were concerned, and certain leetnree were painfully frequent. Onr *iw«a did not encourage their admiration, bot Aimee flirted perpetually and andaeiooaly, bnt indiscriminately, so that, after all, aha did not do much damage. And it girls don’t flirt on board ship, what are limy to do? as tbe plaintively remarked, when called to account (ot her misdeeds. " Bnt what would Dart say if he knew how yon are going on ?’’ asked Alma. “ Bot be will not know it, my dear ’’’ exclaimed (he little coquette with a gay toss ot her head. “ You will not tell him. and ! =hall tall him, bnt he won t believe me— the men ala like that, stupid-bets conme -hr-u ! Ha, ha 1” But why the young lady eoUcted a cabbage as an emblem of stupidity, I am ■sable (oeay.

CHAPTER LIU. a oxm iholand csce Hoaa. Altar • prosperous passage, the steamer, fearing ow friends, east anchor in the port l( Plymouth, and Monsieur Bran tome fentahad a telegram to Sir Char lee North, anmtasi their arrival, and requesting Dart Skaisgai to meet thorn at Southampton, nhfah was the ultimata dmtfaiation of the r* ’ * v " "matin? of the IMlfeM day. -1 v.uise, .. ; fptf amovit of ktamag, bud-shaking.

laughter, and chatter, followed, in this instance, by long explanations, which did not cease until the whole party were safe in bed in Sir Charles North’s house in London. Much to the disappointment of our heroine, Harry Lascelleg was not among the friends who weioomed them, being absent “on the spree,” as Dart said, in Paris with the Leraeortes and Seth Parkins; but the news of Alma's arrival was duly forwarded on the electric wire, and he might be confidently expected to put in an appearance within twentv-fonr bouts. Faiii would I chronioe the ‘rapturous meeting between the estranged lovers when Harry did at last arrive ; also of the happy morning spent by Dart and Aimee something might be said, but the last scenes othis history are approaching, and matter of graver import will monopolise so much space that I most refrain. Nevertheless a word must be said of Mr. Seth Parkins. When Harry Lascelles arrived. he was accompanied by a young gentleman in a tall silk hat, whose clothes had evidently been made by a first-class tailor, whilst his gloves, cane, and jewellery, were all of the best kind, and in the best taste. Aimee welcomed the youth very warmly, and then presented him to Alma as Mr. Seth Parkins, Dart’s partner in the claim at Silver Creek. Alma, who had beard all about him, received him kindly, and asked bow he liked England. " It’s not such a bad sort of a place,” he replied, with a languid drawl, as was then in fashion among the jeunmt doree of the modern Babylon. “ 1 should think London very well in the season, but I prefer Paris.”

“ Ah I ;oa prefer Paris, Ur, Seth,” said Aimee, “ May we ask why?” " For a thousand reasons, which may be sammed op in (be phrase that whilst one exists elsewhere, in Paris, one lives 1” replied Seth. “ I am afraid yon have been behaving very naughtily in your Paris,” said Alma to Harry. 11 1 assure yon I have been a perfect model of all that there is of the most correct,” Harry answered. “ Seth tried hard to induce me to go to several wicked places, bat I refrained.” "Don’t you make no error, miss I” exclaimed Seth, eagerly, and lapsing once more into his old familiar talk. “It warn’t this child nohow ez allowed he jonldn't rest in his bed the night thur was a lick up at the op’ra—likewise I disremember bein ’the patty ez was just Bulletin' to tee the can-can at the Mabille. Guess Igo more’n enough to do to bear the blame of what I do do, let alone bein’ ’sponsible lor other folkses doin’s.” The change of tone and manner was so ludicrous (hat none of the listeners could refrain from laaghing, and Master Seth waxed very hot as he became aware of his forgetfulness. “ I suppose,” be said, this time without a trace of the old accent —“ I suppose it will take me some time to learn to speak proper! v, and I hope that you will pardon me for ( if r.ding you by my vulgarity." The boy seemed really hurt, so Alma assured him that no one was offended, and that she, especially, was much amused; adding that she hoped he would always talk to her in tne same strain. Seth had made great progress during the voyage. With that insatiable thirst for knowledge, which is the peculiar characteristic of the American boy, he lost no opportunity of picking up information, and, as he possessed a retentive memory, combined with the national quickness of perception, he i ale fair, ere long, to become quite an accomplished gentleman. His tutor had never had such a pupil before, and was stimulated to unwonted exertion, hoping to send a acaclar to Eton who would do oredit to his teaching. After the first transports ot their meeting had subsided! and mutual explanations had been exhausted, Alma told Ha.ry the history ol Johnson’s pocket-book, and gave it into bis keeping. “ Yon will retnrn it to the man, I suppose?” she asked. "1 do not know, dear—l think I had better refer the matter to Bertie Leracorte. If, as he suspects, this Johnson should prove to be identical with Vanderdscken, the pirate, the money in this pocket-book is probably bis share of the gold-robbery on board (he Pride of the Ocean, and should, of course, be placed in the hands of the Government. It may also contain letters or memoranda, referring to (hat event; so, on the whole, I think it will be best to wait till Bertie comes over, tad leave it to him to decide—l don’t Bare to take (he responsibility myself, and I shan’t even open it, bnt just hand it over intact, and leave him to do as he pleaaei.” • • • • » For many dayi afterwards a consultation took place in the matter ot the enit concerning the Tredegar property, and the chambers of Mr. Serjeant Jekyll, who bad been retained as leader far Sir Charles North. Mr Freeman was there, as a matter of course, and there was also present, Sir Charles North, Du t Tredegar, and Harry Lascelles, whose approaching nnion with Alma Tredegar gave him an interest in the suit. Two other leeeer luminaries in the legal firmament, who had b-.en engaged to assist Serjeant Jekyll, were also in attendance. \V len the whole case had been oarefnlly gone over, Sir Charles North asked the learned serjeant what he thought ol their proapeata. “ I think we shall win the case," replied that gentleman, “ but 1 cannot disguise from you that we have some difficulties to contend with. It is an awakward fact that none of Mr Freeman’s clerks know anything about the deed of transfer to yon, and still mots awkwar 1 that the witnesses (o (hat deed are not fortieaming.”

‘ ii-i- of them is dead, Ur. Strjaant,” intar.- ij.irt.-J Mr. Freeman. ■ Exactly so, sir," replied the eerjeant, drily. 'That is the unfortunate part of it vi-nets is dead, and the other has disappeared, and may also be dead lor ought you know to the contrary. The case for our opponents is that tue deed of transfer is a f.tpery, and under such circumstances, the fjivcrs vvo'dd naturally select as witnesses men who could not disown their signatures.” ■ !; n sorely the evidence of others will be ao.-pted in proof of the genuineness u hose signatures?” exclaimed loir Charles Such evidence is not of much value uo .i i the circumstances of the ease. The be proof we have lies in the receipts intero ed between you, Sit Charles, and Mr. T par. But their ease is very strong, for tb, y will lav great stress upon the absence of m.' . (or disinheriting relations, and old •i v ;.us, for the ben,lit of a mere friend--a: I even if you produce the evidence of Fro- !•-- Tred-gar’e youthful criminality—wi; i 1 am not sure would be admissible—it >v -i d not be considered sufficient justification n view of the blameless life he had led line*, and his generous conduct to his brother's ephan children. Then th.-re is tha o;h=r awkward fact that Mr. James Tredegar made several wills after the execution of tbs dead of transfer, and that the last one is actually such a disposition of property as might be reasonably expected.” "And yet you think we shall win the •ase ?" said Sir Charles. “ I do, because I rely upon the receipts and your raspeetive bankbooks. That is our strong point, and we have also a pull over

them in the fact .hat f uiatlethwaite.the iolicicor foi Stephan Tredegar, is in very bad odor ju c at present, having been accused ol malpr .ct.ee, and only escaped by a miracle from Io og .-truck off the rolls. It will naturally be regarded by the court as more probable that such a man would be engaged in an attempt to swindle, rather than our reBpec'.-'<! friend Mr. Freeman.” Here the sergeant bowed gravely to tha solicitor, who returned the bow with a gratified smile, and inwardly determined that be would never neglect to employ such a very able man ae Mr. Serjeant JekyU. Toe other legal gentleman then gave their opinions, which, in the main, coinsided with that of their leader, and the consultation ended, leaving Sir Charles North by no means so well satisfied of bis ehanoes of success as he had been been hitherto. On their return home, a consultation of another nature took place, the subject being the cUte for the marriages of Dart and Aimee, Harry and Alma. Mjosieur Brantome was extremely anxious that there should be no further delay. He was longing to spend a few weeks in his beloved France before returning to Martinique, where his presence would soon be indispensable. ” Za affaire se arrange,” be eaid, “lor myself, 1 cannot eee ze sense of put him off not mooch longer. Let it be in two, tree veek—” “ ilui.-i, c'estimpomble,papa /"interrupted Aimee, with vivacity. " The tromuuux cannot ba ready in time.” I’aiirz moi de ca I” exclaimed her father, contemptuously. “ I will get zs troiuieaux —it don’t take me no tree veek to get ze troutuaux for a domaint of young (emails. Eh ma there, what sayest thou?” he aeked, pinching bis wife’s cheek. Madame Brantome was ol opinion that of herself she could do nothing in that terrible climate, and must, therefore, be held excused from taking part in the discussion. As she said this the worthy lady shivered slightly, and drew her shawl tight around her as if to emphasize her epeech. “ I am sure you don't want to make any delay, Alma ?’’ said Harry. Alma looked at him fondly, blushed, and hid her face behind a fire-screen which she had in her hand. It was too cruel to expect her to give an answer in public, so she retained from speaking. Silence gives consent,” said Dart. “ Now Aimee, you eee that Alma ie willing, you will noliefuse?” ‘■Ma foi I I vill take care she don't I' exclaimed Monsieur Brantome. “I am seeck of zie nonsenses—zs marriage vili be in tree veek, or not at all I” At this terrible announcement, Aimee, for the first time in this history, buret into tears, and incontinently ran out ol the room. But Dart caught her iu the passage and argued the point so successfully, that he was enabled, a few minutes later, to enter the room leading by the hand a contrite damsel, whom he introduced to (he company as the future Mrs. Tredegar. ” Eh, map'tite," said Monsieur Bratome, kissing her on the forehead “ it ees all for your own good I Tiens, thou lovest this great fellow here ?’’ 11 No 1” exclaimed Aimee, viciously. “ Not a bit I Not one little bit 1 I marry him for r-r-revenge 1” She stamped her foot, and looked so bewitohyigly pretty, that Ur. Dart Tredegar (who was by no means a bashful young gentleman) was lain to kiss her there and then, before them all. This outrage elicted a ory of horror from Aimee, and even a remonstrance from Alma, but the gentlemen all laughed, and the girls were driven to take to flight. The double wedding took place iu due course at St. George's, Hanover Square, the oelebrant being a bishop, with whom Sir. Charles North had some acquaintance. Sir Charles also secured the services of some bridesmaids, whilst Seth Parkins, and a schoolfellow of Dart's, officiated as best men, so that the affair cune off with the desired e'clat. Bunco Hawthorn, who was present, declared that such a pair of brides bad not been eeen in that church for many a day, and the admiring glances of a thousand eyes showed that he had spoken the truth. At the wedding breakfast, many remarkable speeches were made, whilst/every body was extremely jolly, and when the young oouples departed, they did so under a perfect shower of rice and old slippers, Said Bunoe Hawthorn to Sir Charles late that evening: “ Cot any more gala—hio 10l ol the shame short’ olei'lah? 11 y’ have, trot 'em out 1 I’ll take one off yer hands ’tany rate I" Doubtless other gentlemen would do the same, but girls like Alma and Aimee are not ax plentiful in tbs world as they ought to be.

CHAPTER LIV. IS THE OPPOBIXON CiMP. Stephen Tredegar and his aeiooiate arrived in England about a week prior to the rate which was fixed for the beating of the cause, Doe on the demise of James Tredegar vertex Sir Charles North. Contrary to the expectation of the Professor, the issue would be decided by common law, in the court of Common Pleas, under the persideney of the Lord Chief Justice, and before a jury of twelve. This, Tbistlewaite argued, on their meeting for consultation in his den, was decidedly in their favor. “ We have some awkward facts to contend against,” be said, “ and our best chance will lie in securing the sympathies of the jury. Mr. Bumptious,the eminent Queen’s Counsel, whom I have retained as our leader, is especially great with juries, and does not doubt our success; but, of course, everything will depend upon the evidence of Mr, Sumner.” . “ Mr. Sumner will swear that he knows nothing whatever about the deed of transfer to Sir Charles North,” said the Professor, " I suppose that will be sufficient ?” “ Of course," replied Mr. Thistlethwaite—who affected entire ignorance of the fact Sumner had undertaken to commit perjury, an affectation which was respected by the others, although they were well aware that he knew aa much about it as they did. ” They can’t make it awkward for me, I suppose ?” asked Johnson, or Sumner, as we shall call him in future, he having resumed his rightful name on his return to England. “ No doubt they will try to discredit your evidence, replied the solicitor, “ but, beyond flatly contradicting you, I don’t see what they can do." •' I shall not be required to give any particulars concerning myself ?” asked Sumner, anxiously. “ Certainly not. They may ask such questions, but we shall not allow them to be put.” “ I suppose 1 had better keep dark till I’m wanted,” said Sumner. "1 don't think, now that I've grown a thick beard, that I shall be recognised by people I don’t want to know me, but it is as well to be on the sate side." “Certainly,” replied the solicitor, We want to keep you in reserve aa an agreeable surprise lor the enemy, just when they think they are safe. You must be especially careful not to be recognised by any of Freeman's clerks.” On leaving Mr. Thistlethwaite, they be- ; took themselves to|Coutts' bank, withja view to arrange about payment of the drafts, lost In Mm poekat-book. Sumner stayed at a

neighboring tavern, leering hie companion to make the necessary enquiries. Alter an absence of nearly an hour, the Professor returned, looking very pale and anxious. “Well?" exclaimed Sumner, impatiently, as the other entered the private parlor, in which be was sitting. “ What luck 7” “ Very bad luck,” replied the Professor, gravely, as he carefully closed the door, and took his seat at the table. " The money is not gone 7” asked Sumner, with an alarmed look at bis companion, “ it has surely not been paid away, after the notice sent in by the bank in Sydney 7" “No—it is there still,” said the Professor. “ Then, I suppose they are going to make trouble about paying it to me. It is an internal nuisance, but I should think they can’t keep me out of it for long.” “The probability is that yon will never touch a penny of it, or of the money lodged in any other bank,” said the Professor. "What devils’ nonsense is this 7” cried Snmner, with irritation. The money is mine, and they can’t do me out of it I” 1 “ Is it yours 7” asked his companion, significantly. "Of course it is,” he replied—but nevertheless his looks betrayed less confidence than his speech indicated. “ Look here, Snmner,” said the Professor, impressively, "it would have been much better for you if you had treated me openly from the first. Having my fortune in your bands, yon surely could have trusted me with any secret. Now there is something crooked about this money, and you know best what that something is.” " What did they tell you at the bank f" " They said that a gentleman of position, into whose hands your pocket-book had fallen, had called upon them, and requested them to withold payment of the money for the present, as it was the proceeds of a robbery, and that the persan who had lodged it would soon be in the custody of the police.” "Perdition I” exclaimed Sumner. "This is the doings of that cursed Leraoorte 1" "Yon see now what trouble your reticence has caused—the bank will naturally mistake yon for me, and cause me to be watched, and perhaps arrested. I should not wonder if there were a detective outside at this moment.” Sumner blanched at this suggestion, and peered anxiously out of the window, as it it were (possible to recognise a detective at a glance, "What on earth i= to in doar?'’ hs asked, at last, resuming his seat. " First tell me: is this accusation true 7” “What do you mean?" retorted Snmner, with evident confusion. "Was that money honestly obtained, o* not?" "Ob, confound it I I don’t see why I should be particular before a man who is on the swindling lay himself," exclaimed Sum ner, and Stephen Tredegar shivered as it a lump of ice bad been suddenly placed upon his spine—like many more, he was quite prepared to act dishonestly, but could not bear to be accused of it. Snmner went on; “If you must know, the money was not come by in a perfectly legitimate manner. Is that enough 7” “Then, of course, it is lost to you fo r ever,” said the Professor, now beginning to fed a malicious pleasure in the trouble of his companion. “ I suppose you will not care to risk arrest by claiming it 7" “ No—o,” replied the other, dubiously. “ I suppose I must let it go—oh, may the devi l fly away with that beast Leraeorte 1” “ You see now how desirable it is that I should win this law suit 7” " Confound it 1 Yes I” "As tor the girl— l snppoae yon know that she is married 7” Snmner bent his face over his band, and groaned. Coarse villain that he was, be still loved Alma, with a fierce, unreasoning love, and this last blow completely broke down his courage. "Come man, cheer up I” said the Professor, who, now that Sumner was completely in bis power, could afford to be generous. " Take a glass of brandy, and read the paper for an hour. I will go out alone, and, if lam followed, I shall soon find it out. Besides, if I am arrested, I can easily prove my identity, and I shall account (or my enquires at the bank, by saying that I bad been commissioned by you to make them on your behalf, as you could not leave Australia at present. It is well that we have taken separate lodgings, and now we mast meet as seldom as possible, until after the trial. Should you want to see me, write and appoint an interview at some public place, and I will do the same. Good-by—keep up your spirits, and remember, if we win the suit, you will still be a rich man.” (Tn In' riiiiliniml.)