Margery Redford and the Missing Pearls.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8, 23 February 1907, Page 38

Margery Redford and the Missing Pearls.

By

Mrs M. H. Spielmann.

CHAPTER I. Not very far from London stood, in its own beautiful grounds. Mrs Jameson's old established boarding school, it was one of those crisp sunny mornings at theend of March, when one feels that summer is restless to make it known that her annual appearance is fast approaching. The noonday recreation bell had not ceased ringing wheii a : bevy of hatless young girls ran out of the house,’scrambling into jackets, chattering and laughing. as they scattered themselves about. Some hurried to get to the swing first, others began to dispute, a few turned their attention to their “ttle private garden-plantations; couples with arms entwined sauntered lazily about, while Noreen Grey, a slight, graceful girl of about fifteen, was the centre of an interested group who stood around her on the lawn. “Is it from the dear uncle, Major Edward Skrimgeour Grey?” sarcastically inquired an olive-skinned Mexican gn I with bright black eyes and a high colour. “Yes, Julia,” answered Noreen, shortly—Julia was no favourite of hers—as she hastily tore open the envelope; then, as her chum Margery looked over her shoulder, she read aloud the following letter: — “Dear Girlie: I afn'.'sending you a present. 1 have bought you a -pearl necKla'ce. (Noreen stopped short and ..clasped her hands together, with a little gasp of pleasure-and surprise.) My intention to give it to you’when-you are rather older hip -lieen modified. 1 hope you’ll like it when it arrives. My respects, please, to Mrs Jameson, and ask tier if boarders of fifty-five are eligible, as 1 should, like to improve ihy calisthenics at her-fascinating establishment. Your affectionate s; UNCLE TEDIXY.” There w-as’a blnstuM laughter rtt.fhe qnding of the letter/ accom’pani.xj ‘by giggles, and niurmuiritvof congratulation; ’ a little eavi<MlsijvhjSpcring. Imre witness to’the impression it had “Lucky creature! .Much better•titan the he sent- fist yearji’/ejfclainied Margery Redford, the ghtesf-of them »IL J a«nr>3td -st; Wife? -a-lit.ol—a quiet, thoughtful girl; daughter of Sir John Redford, M.P. ~. .

Five minutes later, everyone in the grounds and in the house knew that Noreen Grey’s uncle was giving her a pearl necklace, and nearly everyone was wishing that instead of that it had been a large hamper of good things to eat and drink, ■— such as he had sent last year before Eaeter.

Noreen was too excited to sleep much that night, and was on tenter hooks of expectation all the following day, though she pretended she was not. It was only on the evening of the day after that the eagerly awaited parcel was brought to her in the big drawingroom by Birding, the old-established parlour - maid of the old-established school. The pupils were then all gathered tor gether as usual after the day’s work, to pass a couple of happy hours, in ths genial company of Mrs Jameson, who sat smiling in their midst—a charming personality gowned in black silk, with a white Jace ■ cap set far back on her white hair. “It's my pearl-necklace!’’ cried Noreen. The exclamation arrested, everyone’s.attention, and Birding withdrew reluctantly. A duet of Diabelli’s. that was in progress came to a sudden stop, needlework. chess, and loto were abandoned as though the words had proclaimed a general strike; and the girls all crowded around as Noreen cut the string and broke the seals. “Value £200!” she read in a loud whisper, as she tore off the stiff outer cover. V/ith Mrs Jameson's scissors she prized open the wooden box, and Margery, who was close by. helped her take out the plentiful packing of tissue paper and cotton-wool. “Better throw all that . in the lire, Margery dear, you are making such a litter.” advised Mrs Jameson,, laughing at the girl’s embarrassment as the scraps of paper kept dropping on the floor. The fire leapt up with the contribution, and Julia’s eyes gleamed enviously as she pushed forward. “Well?” asked Mrs Jameson from her corner. “What's the necklace like?” , “I haven't opened tile case yet,” replied Noreen, in such tragic tones that there was a chorus of laughter at her impatience. In her hurry, the case she drew forth from the box slipped out of h r hands. Julia picked it up from under the table for her. The next moment Noreen stood before Mrs Jameson.’ Tears were streaming down her face. “It’s not there!” she sobbed; “the c-ease was open—and—and—-it's empty!

Mrs Jameson rose and patted tier kindly on the shoulder: “Let me see," she said, as she peered under the table. Then she looked serious. Margery hurried 'to her friend: “Perhaps it's dropped out,” she suggested. “Of course,” said .Mrs Jameson.' The girls searched the floor with feverish vigour; they examined their dresses to see if it had eaught on fringe or trimming; tha wooden box was emptied of its fast paper and turned upside down to make very' sure—but no pearl necklace could be found. In the silence which ensued, Julia remarked laconically:

“Perhaps it was among all that cot-

ton-wool and tissue paper Margery threw in the fire!”

Noreen turned so pale at the words, that no one noticed the smile which accompanied the words—-no. one except Mrp Jameson, who glaneed at her so searchingly that the girl flushed deeply under it, then, saying that she was tired, she excused herself, and left the room. . ; ' '- ' “It's evident it’s' not here,” said Mrs Jameson. "Very strange, isn’t it?” “Very,” replied Margery. “1 call it mysterious. Wouldn’t it be well, don’t you think, not to have the fire touclied, in ease there’s any trace of it there?” “That’s sensible; ring the bell, please, are always sensible, Margery dear; if you weren’t, yon would never have managed to dear your brother and found the culprit who burned down your father’s hayrick.” .Margery smiled at the recollection, but quickly became thoughtful. She beld Noreen’s cold hand tightly, and glanced round at the gloomy, sympathetic faces of the girls as they turned helplessly towards her. She was used to that. When there was trouble, it was always to Margery they looked for adj-ice. The parlour-maid entered. "Leave the grate undisturbed in the morning. Birding. Don’t touch it on any account.” “Yes, Mem,’’ said Birding, trying not to show the surprise she felt at such an unusual order. "Birding!” ventured Margery, stopping her as she was going. Mrs Jameson hail called Noreen on one side, and was trying to cheer her up. "Birding, one moment. When did the parcel come?” "During lesson-time. Miss.” “But, Birding! We had been down here nearly two hours when you brought it in.” ’ ■ ‘ "I think riot. Miss,” answered the oldestablished maid with some asperity. "You don’t know what’s happened. Birding,” said Margery. “You've been asked not to touch the ashes in the morning because that valuable pearl necklace cannot be found.” "L'a-can’t be found,“Miss?” • • “Can’t Ire found,” repeated Margery, quietly. "Good gracious me!” exclaimed the maid. “Oh, good gracious!” she repeated. “At what time did that parcel come?” persisted Margery. ' "Birding?” called , Mrs Jameson, “1 hear your voice. Put the lights out downstairs', please. There, children, go to bed—we’ll se ■ to this in the morning. Good-night, dears.” “I’ll tell you tomorrow, Miss .Margery.” whispered Birding, “when I bring your boots. Yes, Mem!” she added aloud, and hurried below. CHAPTER 11. The grate next morning reveal d no signs of anything unusual having been thrown to the flames. “Please, Mrs Jameson, have the ashes kept,” said Margery. "They may be wanted.” "What a brad you’ve got, dear,” replied her mistress; "you are right, they shall be.” Then as soon as a telegram could be sent'dow n to the station, Mrs Jameson despatched Birding with one to the Major to notify the distressing loss of his pearl necklace, as she thought he ought to know at once, in case her own private surmise was happily wrong. So the page distributed the boots, and,,Margery did not get Birding’s promised, explanation. .Mrs Jam son. much preoccupied,:started her morning’s work of giving orders and tending the plants. She was passing along the corridor of the small private bedrooms when, through, the chink of a door ajar, she saw the reflection of Julia in the looking-glass. Julia, was trying on a pe&rl necklace! Hearing the board creak, the girl hastily pushed the necklace ujujef.the mirror. Mrs. Jameson was about to enter, when she became aware .that someone wqs, standing by her side, and she looked straight into Maigery’s scaped face and fejt that her own was equally troubled. They hurriedly withdrew together into adjoining boujoir. . (N'ttither liked to, speak for a moment: then the elderly lady said softly, with her handkerchief to her eyes: - . "larst evening, ,I couldn't help nottcirig the peculiar beliayiour of Julia. I’m

afraid she was painfully jealous temperament, as well as a passionate one.” Margery did not answer for a moment. She” sat silent, ’ with her hand on her chin, thinking. Then .she looked up. •‘But she’s really good-hearted, Mrs. Jameson." I think 'site’s sura to feel sorry at Noreen’s distress, although they are not very then she’ll come and—and—explain herself.” “Well, she might, if she’s not too wicked. I can’t bear the idea of broaching the subject to her first, although it’s my duty.” Paring lunch a telegram from the Major was handed to -«Mrs7 oameson, who read it out: - ’ - "Please tell nteeetto be hopeful. Parcel seems to have been delayed a day, and perhaps therein lies mystery.” "Delayed a day!” ’ exclaimed Mrs. Jameson.- Margery glanced at Birding. Birding looked at Margery and spilled some of the mint sauce over the dress of the German governess, at which her pupils rejoiced, especially the little ones, hl the confusion -Margery, who sat at that end of the long table —in the seat facing that of the mistress of the house —dropped her bread and asked for more, and a-s sire took rt she turned her head to Birding and said, "Thank you,” adding in an undertone, “Kitchen-garden at t wo.” At two o’clock Birding was strolling in the kitchen-garden, pretending to be much interested in the progress of the strawberry bers, which were just beginning to show what they had in store. Her eyes were red—‘-‘lt’s the wind, Miss,” she replied, when Margpry, hurrying up to her, remarked qp.on them. “I think it would be well, Birding.” replied Margery gently, “to say exactly what you did with that parcel. I know it was delivered into your hands the day before yesterday, because I made a point of meeting the postman this morning and asking him.” “Yes. Miss, so it was. Miss,” answered Birding meekly; "and I feel that put about, because when it came it really was lesson-time, so 1 put it in the pantry cupboard for safety guessing what, it was, and knowing what it was worth, and then I clean forgot all about it till next evening. And when you said, Miss, as no pearl necklace was inside, it gave me such a turn, why, good gracious, I thought I should have dropped! So that’s all. Miss'Margery. And I didn’t dare say it had been lying about all that time—but who could have tampered —you believe me, Miss?” She asked the last words with curious deliberation. But Margery had already said "Thank you,” and was walkingly thoughtfully away. As she passed through the sweet : scented orchard, she came upon Julia, sitting on a bench under a blossoming cherry tree, in a Hood of tears. Margery sat down beside her and softly mid one hand upon her shoulder and the other on the arm of the sobbing girl. At this simple touch of sympathy Julia poured forth her woes. “I'm always in some trouble or other,” she said with a little moan, “but this beats everything. Did you notice all during lunch, how- Airs. Jameson, was looking at me, and avoiding speaking to me? Why, do you know, Margery, I’m certain she-believes I stole Noreen’s pearl necklace! She does, I’m sure she does!” "How could she imagine such a thing?” “Because she does.”

"Without any reason?” “I don't know. I’ve got a pearl necklace myself, you know!” . “I didn’t know. Have you had it long? 7 "No, it's new —only yesterday. But it’s a secret.”., , . ’.’ “Oil? Why is it a secret?”. “Because it is.” "Who gave it to you?” "Nobody. 1 went out against rules. I didn't see why Noreen should be the only one to have a pearl necklace—l did so long for one.' And.” she continued, •'and so I bought one.” "Oh, Julia!. Bought one? Schoolgirls don’t buy pearl necklaces. Alav 1 see it?” ’ "Yes, if you like; I've got it here.” And she’drew the string of pearl beads from her pocket. Margery looked at them and handed them back with a curious smile. "What are you laughing at like that?” Julia burst out. "If you don’t believe me, don’t!” she added, turning white. "But remember, it’s a secret.” She moved away; turned her back, ami said not another word. Margery saw that she iiad ofie’of her sulky fits, and left her: she continued her solitary stroll, pondering what she had heard. Suddenly she stopped and drew something from her jacket pocket. It was the Major’s envelope, which Noreen had handed to ner when she read the announcement of the coining pearls —for the pupils were not allowed to strew paper in the. grounds. She examined it carefully, and it was some time before she replaced it. Then the half-past two bell began to. ring, and Margery had to run very fast to get indoors in time for the afternoon lecture. Tea was always served in the conservatory, and it was then, no confession having been forthcoming, that Mrs. Jameson announced her intention—as it would probably be Major .Grey’s wish — to notify the matter of the delay in delivery of his parcel to the Post Guice, and let them investigate the matter. She glaneed at Julia as she said it. and the girl seemed to Hash back'a look of defiance. “Yes, I must put the matter in official hands,” she repeated with a sigh. "Cheer up, Noreen!” "Yes, don't look so hopeless, dear,” whispered Margery. "Mrs. Jameson.” she continued aloud, "I've a sort of idea. Please don’t say anything to the Post Office just yet, because .they, would put it, into the hands of the police, ami youdon't want the name of the school mixed up with police and detective reports arid things, do you?” As Margery was looking in Julia's direction, Airs. Jameson concluded that something might probably soon be forthcoming from that quarter. She never intended getting outside help if she could help it, but was trying to work on Julia’s conscience, so she replied: "Is it a good sort of idea?” “Never mind, please. Airs. Jameson.” pleaded Alargery: "1 want to thin!; something out. I’ll go to nty room for a bit, if you'll allow me. I'll be down in half an hour.” "Dear me!” ejaculated Mrs. Jameson, somewhat mystified, whilst the French governess and the older pupils began whispering,-and Noreen glaneed around at the head-mistress anxiously. “Very well.” continued Airs. Jameson. “I don't quite see—-however, yes, I'll give our Miss ‘Sherlock Holmes’ her half’an hour.”

CHAPTER 111. Margery was -walking -np and - down her. room, .and theiusat down ami stared at the earpet. She was thinking. After a time,- she raised her eyes and glaneed around .nervously until for a moment they rested on a picture calendar that hung beside her bed. She started. "That’s it!” she exclaimed aloud in excitement. She pulled open her writing ease and hastily took out a telegram form. Before the half hour was up, Margery knocked at the boudoir door. “Come in!” said Mrs. Jameson. “May . I go., out. .Mrs. Margery’s voice was slightly unsteady. "No, dear. Birding will go for you.” "Please, Mrs. Jameson, do trust me-— I—l don’t want anyone to go instead of me.” _ . Airs. Jameson looked at her for a moment. Then she said: “Very well, dear; I know I can always trust! you.” : .Margery's arms were round her neek, the young sweet face was against hers, and then without another word she left the room. A moment later—"Alargery,” called- . Airs. Jameson, hurrying out, "if that’s a letter you have, 1 think l*d rather— —”, But the front door slammed to, ..ml after-thoughts were too late. She returned to her room, feeling unusually restless for one of her plaeid disposition in fact, the .<vents of. the last two days had rather unnerved her. ft took half an hour Io get to the post oflicc. When jtn hour and a half had passed,and her head, pupil did not return Airs. Jameson l;ec.;in? thoroughly perturbed. When another half hour went by consternation . stole through the school. It was getting dark now, ami the pupils, who felt they must do something, began searching for Alargery in the grounds, in groups, because they were not a very courageous band: anil a messenger was despatched to make inquiries. Sbe .had not been seen at the posjt office, nor had she been to the ticket olliee at the railway station close by. It was only three hours after Alargeey bad.started that neps was beard of her. A telegram was brought, to Mrs! Jamescn, which she ope,lied with tiem* ( bling hands. It was from “Euston Sta| lion. London. ....... I Tn the meantime Matgery had gol to the*'stat ion. The London "train 'was at the platform; Alargery ran and jump'd into a compartment just as: it latgrin tri move. She was breathless, but self* composed, ami paid cn route'’foif 'tl:e ticket she had had no time to.pyovure! She handed a telegram to the t iyk?t in* spector with a smil ■ and a tip. and p-k--ed him to send it oil’, ple:vc. nt omb. Arrived in London in the grotnjing dusk, she was too eag.r to feet,any sense of loneliness in the vast cntw’il of strangers hurrying hither and tbitlierj She bailed a four-wheeled cab. and tohl the driver to take her to a lioltle in Endsleigh Gardens, and wit-liin threri minutes’ time the door of Major Ed* ward Skrimgeour Grey’s study was thrown open, and the butler annoiin cd: “Miss Alargery Bedford!” "Delighted!” exclaimed her host, lurrying forward, and l;e twirled "yet a

little more stillness ixto Ms stiff irongrey moustache. US. ke glaneed eurioi’slv at the handsome, earnest, and blushing young face before him. “Pray be* seat-

kd. I received your wire a few minute* kgo. To what do 1 owe the honour?” Margery, who had dropped into the easy chair lie had drawn towards the fire, interrupted him impulsively with: “Oh, Major Grey, how could you?” “Ah!” said the Major. “How could you perpetrate such a joke on poor Noreen? 1 know you have the necklaee! She is dreadfully cut up, and so are we all.” “My dear young lady!” cried the dapper little man. "What has put it into your head to think that I have the necklace?” “Because it is missing, and they all think it has been stolen.” “And you are the one, then, to think that I have stolen my own necklace out Of my own box —instead of thinking about the mysterious delay of a day in delivery?” “I know about that. The servant put it by and forgot it until the following evening.” “And you believe that?” “1 know it. I questioned the postman.” “Then, according to your idea, no one has tampered with the parcel, and no one has stolen ray necklace?” “Quite so. For you never put it in the box.” “And why do you arrive at that conclusion ?” “Because, although the outer cover was thrown in the lire with the packing, I had noticed the crest on the unbroken seals—and the crest was the same as that on your envelope. Consequently no one had tampered with the box. So I came to the conclusion that either the necklace never was in the box-—per-haps it never existed—or else someone must have removed it before posting. It could not have been stolen before posting, because you had seen to it and sealed it yourself. It came from you, not from a shop. And—and.” she continued, eagerly, “it was through no fault of yours that the delay occurred; and had the parcel been to hand on the date you intended, that date would have been the first of April! And—and I know yon love a joke.” Margery noticed a twinkle in the Ma-

jor’s eye and her heart thumped—she knew she was right! “But Noreen is so dreadfully disappointed,” pleaded Margery, “and, worst of all, people have been suspected.” The Major gasped, and an expression of shame and pain passed over his jolly face. “If after all,” continued Margery, “you have no pearl necklace for her, do please go and get one.” And Margery’s honest eyes actually filled with tears in her anxiety for her friend. “By Jove!” he exclaimed, “you’re a elever young lady. Miss Margery Redford, and I must be a heartless brute. Yes, I did it for a joke; but I thought the date would explain it.' Then I thought my telegram showing that an explanation would be found in the delay would make all clear, and my joke would be found out: but I couldn’t foresee that delay, which, of course, would give rise to suspicions of theft. So you found it all out like that, did you?” By Jove, you are a very clever young lady!” Margery took little pride in the compliment, she was so earnest in her advocacy on behalf of her friend. “You see, Major Grey, a pearl necklace is such a very serious thing for a girl to receive—so it didn’t turn out a happy joke quite. Will you please write to Noreen? I must hurry back. I’ve had to risk their getting anxious about me. My cab is waiting. Good-bye! Pray forgive my coming like this!” “Forgive! It’s myself I can’t forgive. But it was all meant so harmlessly—and, by Jove! the pearl necklace is no myth. Here it is,” he said, taking an exquisite rope of pearls out of a case from his pocket. “Oh, how lovely! May I take it to Noreen —back with me?” begged Margery joyfully. “If you will be so kind. And, Miss Redford, please, one moment. I shall only get back my peace of mind when you will see that I am not really a brute. I will never play a practical joke again. Let me know you believe me by your acceptance of this old chatelaine with the rare old seal I used for the packet. My collection nrust spare it. Thus it will seal my compact, see?”

It was a real gem he pressed into her hand, but he prevented Margery’s hesitation and thanks in his admiration of her sympathy and cleverness. He saw her safely into her train at Euston. Then he despatched the telegram she liad entrusted to him: Mrs. Jameson read it aloud when it arrived:— “Am now returning. Margery.” “It’s from Euston Station, London!” exclaimed Mirs. Jameson, half-alarmed and half-relieved. “Whatever can she have been doing there? And alone, too!” An hour later a loud ring at the bell was heard. Mrs. Jameson started, and all the pupils looked excitedly towards the door, which opened and admitted the tired girl, about whose lips played a quiet smile, as she held out a little packet and said:— “Here are your pearls, Noreen.” Mrs. Jameson turned towards Julia:' “Julia, dear,” she gasped. “Oh, my dear Julia, what does it mean?”