Doors of Destiny

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18641, 20 May 1932, Page 4

Doors of Destiny

SYNOPSIS. Hope Sterling-, a young actress, gets ber first part In a play by a building dramatist named Brian Cliarterls. So fully does Hope throw herself into her part that she gains a great success and arouses ihe envy of Magda Tempest, the leading lady, who treats her with unconcealed disdain. There is an accident on the stage; a hammer dropped from above Knocking Hope senseless. Michael Gelding, an odd-job man at the theatre, had formerly been employed as chauffeur by Harding, Magda's husband. Magda hated her husband, and tempted Michael to tamper with the motor-car, so that Harding, who drove it, was killed. Then she flouted her deliverer and drove hint to ruin. Meanwhile Lord Stonelclgh, who financed the play, invited tho company to visit his houseboat. There Lord Stonelelgh flatters Hope, and tells her that Brian Charterls is the assumed name of one who years beTore had to floe the country for a serious offence. Madga is Incensed by the attention paid to Hope, and perceiving a weak rail on the boat conceives a plan or revenge. She invites Hope to lean against the rail, which gives way and precipitates the latter Into the water. Meanwhile Lord Stonelelgh, who financed the play, Invited the company to his houseboat. Stonelelgh pays Hope marked attention, and unsuccessfully tried to prejudice Brian cliarterls in Hope’s estimation. Magda becomes insanely jealous or Hope, and contrives an “ accident ” by which the latter falls into the water. Just as Hope is on the point of drowning Brian appears on the scone and rescues her. He kisses her and proclaims his love. Hope speedily recovers from her Immersion and though very nervous, is ready to play her part on tho opening night of tho new play. Brian’s play is .a great success and Hope enjoys a personal triumph. Lord Stonelelgh flatters Hope but Is sharply reminded that she is engaged to Brian. CHAPTER Vlll.—(Continued.) “ Satisfied is hardly a strong enough term, my dear young lady, and to me, it is most gratifying. You may not he aware -of it, but it was entirely owing to me that Mr Charterls’ work was accepted for production* I believed in it from the first. But I want to show my appreciation of your part in our success in some tangible form. I beg that you will accept from me this small token of esteem —as o memento of what I hope is a ver> happy occasion for you.” So saying Lord Stoneleigh pressed tho spring of a case ho held in his hnad and pressed it to Hope, open. In silence she took it from him, her astonished eyes dazzled by myriad points of light which flashed from a magnificent diamond wrist watch, reclining on a velvet pad. Hope crimsoned deeply. She lifted her eyes and saw Iris fixed on her with tho sort of look no woman misunderstands.. Her whole soul shrank beneath the fierce lust in ills eyes. They seemed to scorch her l “ I am sorry, Lord Stoneleigh," she said in a quiet voice. “ I appreciate your compliments most sincerely, bul it is enough to have succeeded in the work entrusted to me, and I beg you will allow me to decline your beautiful gift. It is very kind of you, bi it Is much too exquisilo and cosily r thing for.,me to accept. Please don’t lie vexed with me,” she added with little smile, as she handed the case hack to him. A look of intense annoyance passed swiftly across Lord Stonelcigh's face, but when Hope looked at him he wa smiling.

| “If you insist. Miss Sterling, but i am very disappointed. I merely wished to express my admiration for you as | an actress, and —my regard for you, as a friend."

Hope turned away and seated herself at a little distance. “ I think I ought to tell you, Lord Stonelelgh, that, apart from my own feelings in ibis matter, I am Mr Charterls’ affianced wife, and I am sure he would not wish me to accept valuable presents from any man." Once again the Earl had to call his self-control to his rescue to hide his real emotion. He bowed, and slipped Die case into his coat pocket.

“Indeed? Mr Charterls is to be congratulated."

Hope rose with a movement thal suggested the interview had lasted long enough, and the Earl turned to tho door. “ I offer you my heartiest wishes for your future happiness,' lie said, holding out his hand in farewell.

Outside, on the doorstep, Lord Stonelcigh met Chartevis, who was mounting the steps two at a time, his I all figure moving with the swift grace of an athlete. “Ah-ha, Mr Charteris,” smiled the Earl, casting a quick glance at the flowers tiie young man carried. “I should have thought the young lady received flowers enough last night L content her for awhile, but ‘love’s young dream’ must be expressed in the usual way, I suppose! Miss Sterling has told me of your engagement. [ think she is very lucky. It’s no- good being a star without star parts to play, is it? As your wife, of course, she will never want for opportunities of that sort, will she? Evidently site is a clever business woman as well as a charming actress. Good morning." Brian was so astonished at the Earl’s remarks, as well as the tone in which they were uttered, that lie had no word to say in reply before Lord Stoncleigh had stepped into the car and It began to move away. Feeling very angry, he turned . and pulled sharply at the bell. CHAPTER IX. The drink he had taken mounted to Michael’s brain, bringing with it an unusual glow of self confidence. "What a fool I’ve been, living in this very theatre for months with Magda, and never once gaining a kiss from her lips! Why should 1 be conlent to stand aside and let a man like Stonelcigh snatch from me the woman I love? Why should I fear her displeasure? I'm a man—l’ll make her give herself to me, as she promised." A sudden resolution came to him. He would go to her now, tills very moment., and demand the fulfilment of her promises of seven years ago. No knew where to find her, and alone. It was Saturday evening, and she always remained in Iho theatre, resting between the matinee and evening performance. Her dinner was sent in from the hotel next door, and her dresser allowed to go home until seven o'clock, when she. was required |o dress Magda for the nightly performance. nil. lie had slmlied all her 1 ill 1 n hahiis so well! it was her custom lo I’mien her door and rest on the eourli am| for no visitors save Lord Sioueleigli did she permit the thcalro staff I . iM'tirb her. The Ihealro was empty and quid, willt Ih a I curious silliness Hint, reigns in a London theatre bdwern Hie hours of six ami seven. Fwiflly lie entered at the stage door and turned Into the

By CONSTANCE BROMLEY.

An Enthralling Story of Theatrical Life.

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corridor leading- to Magda’s room. The room next hers was empty, and the door slightly ajar. A small light showed from a gas jet turned half down. Quietly he entered, and opened -the window noiselessly. Outside ran a stone coping-, for the rooms were some twenty feet above the level of the street, and this appeared to him as the one certain way of gaining access to Magda’s room. He knew she would not open to his knock. Stepping out upon tho coping, he moved cautiously along until he reached tire window, but through an opening in was the street, but he knew that any passerby chancing to see him would take him for a workman. The blinds were drawn at Magda’s windew, but through an opening in them he saw her lying on a couch, clad in a loose tea-gown, the remains of a ■meal on a tray beside her. Gently Michael pushed the blind aside, and, opening the window wide, stepped into the room. ■Magda turned quickly at the sound. "You!” she said. Then her eyes blazed. “How dare you enter my room like this?” she demanded. “I’ve dared more than that for you, Magda,” he replied, drawing near to her. Something in the wildness of his looks struck terror to her heart. Quickly she rose and went towards the locked door, but Michael forestalled her, and snatching out the key from the lock he put it in his pocket. “No, Magda, you can’t get rid of me so easily to-night,” he said. “What do you mean? What do you want, Michael?” and fear made her face drawn and grey in the dim light. “Sit down,” he commanded hoarsely, and -slowly drew forth from his pocket a service revolver. Silently the terrified woman obeyed him, watching, fascinated, the glint of the weapon in his strong, coarse hand. Smiling, Michael slowly put the revolver back into his pocket and leaned over the crouching figure on the couch. "What do I want?” he -said. “I want my own. I want what you promised me, and cheated me out of all these years I I want you, Magda. I committed murder for your sake. I blackened my soul, and faced the torments of hell for you." Magda shrank from him. “Hush! Hush! For pity’s sake, or someone will hear you 1” “What care I who hears?” he cried defiantly. “But for me, Michael ” “For you I Have you cared for me all these years? I’ve known only your contempt and scorn. But to-night, I’m a man again! To-night I’ve come for my own I” “But this is madness, Miohael,” she said, trembling. “Look at yourself in ■the glass! How can you mix with the people in my world? It would only make you miserable.” “Your world i” he cried. “What would your world say if I told them the truth? What a story for the newspapers if I told them that you, beautiful Magda Tempest, and I. ‘crazy Mike,’ murdered your husband as surely, as if we had drawn the of a revolver against his heart.” “No one would believe you,” she cried, her spirits gradually returning at the wild folly of his threats.

“Oh, ves, thev would.-' I’ve something that would make them believe me," he said triumphantly. “Do you remember that note you wrote me on the morning of the Inquest? No? Let me repeat It; it’s burnt in my brain with 'letters of fire: ‘Be sure you do not mention I was In the garage with you that morning; they might suspect us.’ A stupid letter to have written but you wore a little frightened, Magda. You didn’t want your lover to give you away. I was your lover then." . , . “Where is that letter? she demanded. “Have you got it still?" “Oh, yes. I’ve been very careful of that’ letter, and I always kept it in a safe place." , ~ . , “Give it to me—let me have it back let me destroy it, Michael! What’s the use of keeping it? It’s an old story now, but it might be dangerous for —for both of us." He shook his head. . “Do you know what I am going to do with it? I’m going to show it to vour great friend, Lord Stoneleigh. I’m going to tell him the truth about you and me.” »‘Xo no! You mustn tgo tn&t. =he cried. She still hoped one day to be Lady Stoneleigh, and with all his reputation for loose morals and fast living, she knew that such a revelation would end her chances' with Stoneleigh for ever. “Michael, if you ever loved me, give me back that letter I" A mad look Hashed into Michael s “Ah, that hurts you!" he said. “By heaven if I can’t have you, he 'Shan t. I’d rather kill you with my own hands. I’d rather we both died together this verv moment!” His strong Angers suddenly clasped themselves about her throat, denting the white, smooth flesh as he forced her head back upon the cushions, the red Aame of jealous passion scorching his brain. , . . . ■Magda felt she was on the brink or Eternity. With one last effort to save herself, she clasped her arms, baro to the shoulders, about his neck, and tried to draw his face down to hers. “Kiss me first, Michael," she whispered faintly. “Put your lips on ml The perfume from her gown drifted up to him, the exquisite whiteness of her shoulders assailed his senses. The grin of his fingers relaxed and turned to a caress. He fell on his knees beside her, great sobs shaking his body as he buried his head in the filmy softness of her garments. “Forgive me, forgive me, my queen, my love!" he murmured brokenly. “I've been mad for love of you starving for it all these years! Be a little kind lo me. 'Magda. I’ll do anything for you; I’ll be your slave; 111 commit a hundred crimes to win one kiss from you!" Magda leaned back, smiling, her fingers rumpling his dark hair. The sick fear was gone from her now. •What, weak fools men were! No match for a clever woman!

CHAPTER N. When Hope reached the theatre to dress in preparation for the matinee, she found a white-haired, sweet-faced mile woman wailing at the dressingroom door with a note from her dresser, it. was to say she had been taken ill, and In ask Hope lo accept the services of the hearer, Mrs Bruce, until siio had sulilcienUy recovered to resume her duties. “I hope 1 shall he able to please you. Miss,” said Hie woman, defereniislly. "I do need work so badly." Hope entered her dressing-room, and signed to Mrs Bruce lo follow her. There was something very appealing in the way she spoke that touched the

young actress. She had “wanted a job” herself so very often that she could sympathise with anyone else in a similar position. | “Oh, I am sure you will suit me,” j she said encouragingly. “I don’t think I am very hard to please." During the business of “making up” and dressing for her part, Hope spoke very little, for her thoughts engrossed her. The glory of her betrothal to Brian, and the first joyous flush of happiness was tinged with a slight melancholy, though she tried to tell herself it was nothing but the reaction after the excitement of the “first night.” She had a curious superstitious fear of being too happy. She was afraid it would not last. What was this secret in Brian's past? Was it something that would part them or menace their future together? When the strains of the orchestra reached her ears, the sensitive artist in her awoke, and her spirits attuned themselves to the need of the moment, and all her mind was suddenly centred on consolidating the achievement of the night before. As she was leaving to go on the ■stage, she turned to Mrs Bruce: “Oh, you might just brush the powder out of the trinkets in my jewel case,” she said. “You will find a leather and brush in the drawer of my table.” So saying she hurried on to the ■stage to “stand by" in readiness for her cue. Mrs Bruce finished hanging out the dresses for the next act, according to her instructions, and then set about getting the jewels cleaned. No one looking at her could doubt that her life had been a very sad -one. There was a haunted look in her eyes that ■spoke of much suffering, even of fear. Perhaps the ever-present fear -of want which shadows the lives of so many women who arc fast approaching tlac years when work will not only be more difficult to obtain, but harder, by virtue of impaired heallh, to accomplish. She drew up a chair to the dressingtable, and opened tho trinket box. One by one she carefully laid aside the jewels that required cleaning, when suddenly her eyes fell on a quaint ■old-fashioned locket, suspended on a fine gold chain. Her breath came hoarsely through her lips, and her heart beat convulsively within her breast. More than twenty years ago she had been faithless to the husband who loved and trusted her, led away by the deceitful lies of a man who soon after betrayed and deserted her. Not only that, but she left a wee baby girl behind, and round her neck was—the locket she saw before her eyes! She could not be mistaken! It was unique In design—an heirloom. Further, though very thin, and appearing of insufficient depth to contain anything, she knew that, if it was the locket she thought it to be, it could be opened, and her portrait would be found inside. How came it to be lying in 'Hope’s jewel case? What was 'the meaning of this strange coincidence? Was Hope—could she he her child, her little girl? The baby she had deserted for a worthless scoundrel all these years ago? Trembling, she raised the thin gold ■case in her hands, and endeavoured to turn the centre ornamentation, a raised, tiny daisy, fashioned in pure ■gold. At first It wouldn’t turn, but after a while it yielded to the pressure of her trembling fingers, and slowly moved round, the locket opening In her hand. There —staring at her out of its secret, golden heart, was her own face, when her years numbered no more than Hope’s did now. Shaking, she closed the locket, and laid it hack in the box. Hope must never know. How could she tell her that -she — her- mother—had forsaken her child, her baby? No, no! She would die of shame, even as she had nearly died when realisation of her sin came to her. Swept off her feet ■by the passionate wooing of her husband's friend; a man trusted by him to act the part of friend and guard during the long absences at seal How could she have been eo blind as not to see that a man who would betray his friend in such a manner could never be faithful to his mistress! ■For hours, It seemed, she sat there mcchanicSlly brushing tho trinkets, and living over again that youthful folly that had cost her eo dear. Then she heard Hope’s voice! (How Jt wrung her heart-strings now in the light of the bitter knowledge! She had paid already to tho full for her ■sin. so she thought, but lot here was still a heavier price. To find her daughter at long last, but never to claim her as her own! Besides Hope’s voloe sounded the smooth tones -of a man’s careless drawl. That voice, too, she knew, and the floodgates of memory swept open wide. The door opened and Hope stood for a second talking to Lord Stonelelgh. Tho woman known as Mrs Bruce looked past the girl she believed to be her daughter, Into the eyes of the man who had betrayed her! (To be continued.)