THE SHADOW OF VERNESIDE

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 19984, 7 September 1936, Page 4

THE SHADOW OF VERNESIDE

SYNOPSIS. Maurice Verne lives with Ills brother, Sir EUric Verne, at verneside, Somerset. The brothers are totally unlike in disposition, Maurice is a student, Sir ElTric a gambler with a shady reputation, sir Elfric has a gambling- partner, Lady Julia Furnival.

Maurice quarrels with his brother over the gambling at Verneslde, and leaves for London, where he takes the name of Maurice Holland.

On nis Journey up to town he makes the acquaintance or Joy Hartlngton. He gets the impression that she is connected in

some way with drug taking Joy is employed at an antique shop m Bond Street; and their acquaintance ripens into love. Sir Elfric sees them together one day and for somo unexplained reason is greatiy perturbed. Joy receives a telegram ancl immediately sets o/T on a mysterious Journey without giving Maurice any explanation. words of the telegram are: “ Come at once, I need you to-night. Bertram Lang. Sir Elfric and Lady Julia desire the death of Maurice for an unexplained reason. They are alarmed at his acquaintance with Joy, of whom they have evidently some knowledge. They employ a foreigner, Kerring, to watch Maurice, and, if possible, assassinate him. Joy ancl Maurice are taking tea iofcether one arternoon when they are mie rupted by Virginia Ware, who is Pdsionately in love with Maurice. Joy's repeated unexplained joumess out or town and iter evident association wtn “Bertram Lang-'’ leads to an eatraii„e rnent between lie." ancl- Maurice. Maurice decides to leave London and seek refuge in some distant place in ixorui Wales, where he is unknown. *oui P‘ d ) on Kernng’s pan leads to Maurice being seriously hurt by falling over a cun. Before leaving he writes to Joy, mu Hie letter is stolen by Virginia Ware Before Joy receives it. CHAPTER LXII. — (Continued.) She pul the thought l'rotn her. No, no. Her marriage, whatever it lacked of love on her side, was at least a refuge from her present misery. What strange freak of fate she wondered, should have led her to Ihe chapel on the eve Qf iter wedding. How useless now the knowledge she had gained there l A groan left her lips as she thought of Maurice Verne, a victim of his brother’s hatred. She rose and began to dress. Lucile began to lay out the bridal clothes. The soft satin gown, embroidered with pearls and finished at the corsage with some exquisite old lace that had belonged to her mother, was the product of Paquin’s most skilled workers. And on a divan at the other end of the room was the travelling gown and motoring coat, lor they were to drive down to Folkestone and catch the .night boat for France. Lady Julia entered. “ What about your veil?” she asked. ” Nanoy is repairing the lace for me and is bringing it at one o’clock,” replied the girl. Lady Julia turned to question the maid. For the first time in her life Joy’s heart was tilled with bitter hatred of these two who had wrecked her happiness. Goulcl she hut have known how they were even now keeping the truth from her. . . But she did not know. “ i .shall be baok in time to go with you to the church, Joy,” said Lady Julia as she left the room. The time passed and still the old Irishwoman did not come. Where could she be? It was after one and Jov was beginning to grow anxious. Sh’c could not go to church without her veil and she did not want to keep Sir Philip waiting. She sat waiting, looking tired and listless. She was still suffering from the shock of her discovery yesterday, and had passed a sleepless night. Half-past one! And still Nancy did not come. The girl walked over to the window and gazed anxiously toward the gates. There, running quickly under the trees, the white veil buttering in the breeze, came Nancy Hubbard. CHAPTER LXIII. The Blow. “ The great day has dawned!” oried Jerry Murison as he and Verne sat down to breakfast on Wednesday morning. Verne was eating with feverish haste and jumped up whilst Jerry was only half way through his meal. “ Don’t sit there all day, Jerry. It’s after eight already,” he said impatiently. “ My dear boy,” said Jerry laughing, we’ve all day to finish our business before we catch the six-ten this evening.” " But there's so much io be done in tlie meantime,’’ said Verne, pickingup his hat and stick, in a fever of impatience to he off. In another ten minutes they left Ihe Hat together un their way to Jerry’s club in 'Piccadilly. The clock had just struck nine as they ran up the steps. ” I’ll wait in the writing room while you finish your business,” said Verne. And don't dawdle, for heaven’s sake 1” Jerry strolled through to the rotunda. As he passed the open doors ho could sec that a big purple Mercedes had driven up and was standing empty beside the curb. An admirer of good cars. Jerry stood a moment looking at it. 1-fe noticed the amethyst cushions and fittings of the interior and the heavy cut-glass vase of flowers whose silver pointed base gleamed in the sunI light. " Some car!” he exclaimed to an acquaintance, “ 1 wonder whose it is? The white flowers look like a wedding, eii ?” ”Oh that’s Dale's car; Lucky beggar! His wedding comes off to-day.” “To-day!” exploded Jerry. “1 thought it was some time next week?” •• 1 believe the wedding is being hurried for some reason or other, 1 don't know why, and is to be at two I o’clock to-day. Captain Cartwright has just arrived to act as best man, and they arc to start for Somerset as soon as he's fed and dressed." jerry turned back towards the writing room with heavy step. How on earth was lie going to break the latest news to Verne? 11 looked as though their game was up. Maurice rose as his friend entered the room. “ Sit down a minute, old chap,” began Jerry, pushing him back into the chair. ” There's been a little miscalculation somewhere. . “ What’s up?” asked Verne quickly. “Have you seen anyone? Elfric.” “ No, Dale, he's in 1 lie dining room now and lie’s leaving for Middle Garlei ton in half an hour.” | “ lias lie seen me?” “I don't think so. But tilings have been rushed at I lie Hall. The wedding ” I “Good God! They’re not married, Murison?” The colour left Verne’s face and his breath came short. “Not yet. But the wedding is at two o'clock to-day.“ Verne shot out of his chair. “Don't stand there talking, man. : Wo must do something. We must act lat ile snatched up his bal

by FENTON YORKE.

| and stick and dashed towards the door. “That’s exactly what we’re going lo do, old chap.” Jerry’s voice was cool and collected, “You just keep a hand on yourself and follow my lead.” CHAPTER LXIV. The Stolen Car. While’ Jerry was talking his quick brain had thought out a plan. I-le and Verne crossed the wide hall and glanced into the dining room. At a table near the door sat Sir Phillip Dale talking earnestly to a man in uniform “ You’ve a good half hour yet, Dale,” they heard the captain say as they passed.. Jerry ran quickly down the steps at the side entrance, Verne following. “We’ve got the devil’s own luck,” exclaimed Jerry. “ 1 hope it’s a good omen.” The big purple car was still there. The chauffeur was not in sight. On the front seat of the car lay a voluminous motor coat and the driver’s cap and goggles. Jerry threw the coat on Vei'.ne, saw him adjust the goggles and cap, pulling it low over his eyes, and the two sprang in. The car ran smoothly down the quiet street and out into the busy thoroughfare beyond. “ You drive her as though you had known her for years,” said Jerry admiringly. “ It’s not the first time,” said Verne shortly. “ I remember when old Dale bought Ibis car. He got me to run it about because lie was in some doubt about its speed. Not- much wrong with her, eh?” The humour of the situation made him chuckle. Already there was a couple of miles between him and the owner,of the Mercedes. “Don’t crow too soon, my boy,” said the practical Jerry. “We have got a stiff run before us if we are to reach Middle ’Cartel.on by one. And old Dale will not waste time when he discovers what has happened. You may depend the beggar knows of your return. Lord! Verne, we are up against a powerful opposition this time.” He laid a restraining hand on the other’s “ Jerry, I don’t see how she can ever forgive me for being such a bally ass. When 1 think of the way I chucked her up without even a word of farewell. . • 1 can never make it up to her, never." “ Oh, don’t worry about that now, Verne. Just leave it to me and keep a tight hold of yourself when we get there. We can't afford to bungle.” “My God, no! If I should lose Joy “ Oh, cheer up,” said Jerry shortly. “ Either the girl loves you or she doesn’t. Judging by the letter you read this morning I should say the chances are with you. But if she doesn’t care for you any more there’s only one tiling to do, and that Is to fade off the map at Middle Carleton as gracefully as you can after finding it out.” “ Oh, she does care, I feel It. . . she must. . . ” “ Well then, you’ve got to be prepared lo do a little high handed work. You must, remember she will be in sC pretty nervy state when she sees you. You’ll ha ■ to act quickly and decisively. i Here’ll he no time for soft persuasions. You’ll have to think for two.” “ By jove, Jerry, it, begins to look like a nice piece of highway robbery.” A light footstep sounded in the passage outside. CHAPTER LXI. The Burnt Letter. There was a hurried rap at the door. Jerry removed his feet from tho mantlepiece and got up. “Is Mr Verne here? May I see him at once, please?” Maurice Verne recognised the tones instantly. As he turned he saw Virginia Ware enter. She was all in white as he had seen her on that other day when she had entered his flat so unceremoniously. | There was a lurking resentment in Verne’s mind as lie greeted her. She was flushed and agitated as she took his hand. “ Oh, I’m so glad 1 have found you in,” she said quickly. “ I have just read the notice of your return in the papers and came on at once in the hope of finding you at the flat. . . 1 am. . . oh. Mr Verne. I. . . ” Tears came into Virginia’s eyes. “ Do sit down,”> said Verne kindly. “ It’s most awfully kind of you to come and give me a welcome back. Let me introduce my old pal to you— Jerry Murison.” Jerry shook hands cordially. “I’ll have some tea ready for you in a minute.” He turned and busied himself with the electric kettle. Virginia thanked him absently and turned to Verne. “ There is something you ought to know at once. . . ” “ Oh, you mean about Miss Hartington,” said Verne eagerly. “ I’ve seen the notice of her marriage in the paper only this morning.” He stopped amazed at Virginia’s perturbation. “ Oh, Mr Verne, she ought to know that you are back, she ought to know.” “ It’s been in the papers,” suggested Jerry, “ she must have seen. “ Yes, I know, but I am afraid Miss Hartlngton may not find out. . . in time.” “What do you mean?” asked Verne leaning forward. “Do . you think she. . . ” “ Oh, I know she cares for you,” cried Virginia. Verne’s face flushed. 11 Are you sure?” he asked tensely. “ How do you know?” “ Oh, it is hard to tell you. So much has happened since you went away. I. . I was jealous of Joy last year. T did terrible filings. I want lo make up for it. . “ Please, Miss Ware, what, does it all matter now? Never mind the past. What I want lo know is how Joy is now. Is she happy?” “ I don’t know,” said Virginia. “Oh, you will never forgive me. .Mr Verne. J was hateful to her —baleful. I was alone in the galleries when your letter to her came and I took it. . “What?” Verne cried shandy. Virginia saw (lie same look in his eyes that she had seen in Joy Ilarlington’s in the train months before, a look of horror and incredulity. “ Don’t look at me like that,” said the'girl piteously. “God knows 1 when 1 did it. . . some devil of jealousy entered into me. Forgive she can. . .” “ Does (Miss Darlington know then, about the letter?” “ Yes, I told her months ago. That is how l know that she still cares for you. We were on a train Journey together from De\on. Her father

had just died and she was on her way back to Verneside. I told her about destroying the letter and I told her all I could remember of its contents, and her love for you is the same. . . I am sure of it. . All the doubts in Verne’s mind were swept away by Virginia's words. “ Thank God you have told me,” he said fervently. He seemed to have forgotten Jerry’s presence. “ ThankGod ! My poor little Joy. What a ghastly misunderstanding there has been.” “You should go to her quickly. Bui first please say you furgive me/’ “ 1 do forgive you.” said Yerno. taking Virginia’s hand as she rose to Late that night Iho two men sat discussing their plans. Verne could think of nothing but .lev. and the fact Hud she still loved him. “ By this time 10-morrow \..u will have finished the tlrst stage of your great adventure and beheld your lady Jerry laughing. “Then you will have lour whole days before the wedding lo reinstate yourself in her affections.” (To be continued.)