The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1888-04-07 00:00:00

"A person is waiting here to see me," she said to
the shop-woman. "I have but a few moments to
spare Land shall be glad to have the interview imme-
diately:"
"Walk up-stairs, madam. A lady is there expecting

favourite seat. Mrs. Danvers declined it with a smile
and courteous gesture, and placed herself beside Rose.
Her husband nodded toward her, and said—

"Your visit detained you longer than I expected,
Adelina."

you.,, -
The girl opened a small door, which enclosed a
flight of narrow steps leading to the upper storey. At
the top of these another door opened, and admitted
her into a room the size of the one below.

"Yes," she replied, with composure, "I am so little
accustomed to going out alone, that I lost myself,
and was compelled to hire a cab to bring me home

again."
At that moment dinner was announced, and nothing,
further was said upon the subject. It was impossible
to be more charming than Mrs. Danvers rendered
herself at this meal. It was the first time she had
attempted to play the agreeable to Mrs. Chard and her
daughter, and she was certainly eminently successful.
They began to comprehend the fascination which must
have attracted Danvers, and to think his wife less
plain than she had hitherto appeared.
The old gentleman seemed delighted with het
vivacity, and on their return to the library, she sat
upon a cushion at his feet, and prattled to him so
gracefully that he half forgot the vulgar rudeness of
which she was so often guilty.
At length Mrs. Danvers started up and proposed a
tableau, in which she and Rose could appear together.
With a quick eye for effect, a few folds of drapery
were arranged by her nimble fingers, and they were
ready for the personification of Beauty and the Beast.
Rose would have remonstrated against the subject
chosen, but Mrs. Danvers would not listen to her.
She would act in this tableau and no other. She sent
for her furs, and that" horrid English poke," of which
Mrs. Smoot had so disrespectfully spoken, and by some
art known to herself, she wore them in such a
manner as so perfectly to look the character she
assumed, that the fair young girl who acted with her
felt half afraid to permit her hand to rest upon her
shoulder.

A woman in deep mourning came forward to meet
her; the dim light afforded an imperfect view of a
face entirely destitute of colour, with a serious but
very sad expression. She said—
" You received the note, madam. I thank you
for your prompt attention to the wish of the writer."
"When the summons came from one I have long
thought numbered among the dead, I could not do
otherwise than obey it at once. If the writer of that
note lives, where shall I find him ? How can I aid him
in any way."
"He will answer that question himself, madam. To
place your friend beyond the reach of his most un-
scrupulous enemy, I have removed him from the city.
We must go on by train to —, and visit a cottage
I have taken for a time; but you must pledge your-
self, Mrs. Danvers, not to reveal his place of conceal-
ment to anyone."
"How long shall we be in getting there ?" asked
Mrs. Danvers, with a look of extreme annoyance.

"At three the train leaves; in half an hour we shall
reach our destination."
"And how am I get back again ?"
"A down train passes at five. You can return on
that."
She shook her head.
"That will not do at all. I could not remain away
from home so long a time without remarks and in-
quiries being made, which I could not evade. Besides,
the train might be delayed, and then I could never
give a satisfactory account of my detention.
"You are the best judge of what you can do, Mrs.
Danvers; and you must be aware of the importance
of the interests at stake. The person who desires to
see you is in a very feeble condition; he is impatient to
meet you, and obtain your aid in a matter of vital im-
portance to himself."
"My aid? How can I possibly help him, when I
am entirely dependent on others myself? Can you
tell me the nature of the assistance your friend ex-
pects from me ?"

On this evening Mrs. Danvers seemed inspired. The
tableau ended, she threw aside her ursine garb, and
gave imitations of the most celebrated actresses of
the day.
The audience was appreciative, for they were
charmed by this versatility of talent, hitherto unsus-
pected by all save her husband. Danvers was aware
of his wife's abilities, but their exhibition did not
seem to afford him much satisfaction. He looked on
silently and dreamily, wondering why so consummate
an actress did not choose to play a part every day
that would at least insure her the respect of those
among whom her lot seemed to be cast for life.
When Mrs. Chard finally rose to depart she cor-
dially insisted that Mrs. Danvers should visit her
without ceremony, and the warm-hearted Rose kissed
her and thanked her for the pleasure she had afforded
them.

"That, as I before told you, he will reveal to you
himself."

The speaker turned slightly, and a ray of light fell
upon her features. Mrs. Danvers said—
"l cannot-be mistaken in your aco, madam. I have
seen you before at your own house. You are Madame
Latude, the clairvoyant."
"You are right, madam. I also perfectly remember
you, and the errand on which you came to me."
Mrs. Danvers seemed annoyed. She took from her
pocket the letter which had brought her there, and
carefully examined the writing. She suspiciously
asked—
"Is this writing genuine, and was it fairly ob-
tained ?"
A faint smile flitted over the calm face into which
she looked.
"It was written by the hand of Albert Gayoso
himself. His name will assure you of the genuineness
of my mission. You will soon learn from his own
lips that it is an assumed one. Your assistance
guaranteed to him, he will speedily resume his true
one, and claim a large inheritance now withheld from
him by another."
"And the price of my aid?" she eagerly asked.
"Will be whatever you may consider it worth. But
we lose time, madam. Will you accompany me to my
cottage ? "
"I must risk something to see Gayoso. Let us go
at once."
The carriage still stood at the door, and the two
were rapidly whirled towards the railway depst. Tit y
were just in time for the train, and after engaging
the hackman to be in waiting for her on her return,
Mrs. Danvers went on her mysterious errand.

When they were gone, Mrs. Danvers again threw
herself upon the cushion at her father-in-law's feet
and seemed absorbed in thought.
lie at length asked—
" What are you thinking of, my child?"
She started, smiled with a peculiar expression, and
asked—

"What is the punishment for bigamy in this
country, mon perer
"Long imprisonment," replied Mr. Danvers, with
surprise. "But why do you ask, my dear ?"
"Oh, nothing in particular; I only wished to know.
Are you ill, Harold? Heavens! have I said anything
that could affect him? What is it? What ails you,
Harold, love ?"
"Nothing, madam," replied Danvers in a loud tone.
"I am only worn out with the excitement of the even-
ing. , Come—let us retire."

CHAPTER XX..
lIE TOLD MS LOVE.
WHEN Mrs. Chard reached her own house, the servant
who opened the door informed her that there was
company in the parlour awaiting her return. On
entering she found Mr. Spring seated under the gas-
light examining papers, while his more youthful
coadjutor paced up and down the room, too deeply
excited to remain still.
The elder gentleman arose, and with stately
_ _

They stopped at the first station, and a pony phaeton courtesy greeted the lady of the mansion and her
driven by a young lad, awaited them. After a short daughter; he said—
drive they drew up in front of a brick cottage densely "It is rather an unusual hour for a consultation on
embowered in trees, which now stood as tall, bare business with ladies, but as my young friend Ashton
sentinels around it. is on the eve of a lone journey, and was anxious to
The door opened noiselessly to receive them, and see our fair client before leaving I concluded to come
without further delay the visitor was ushered into a up with him. My time is really so occupied, that I
comfortably furnished room, in which a cheerful fire can only snatch an odd hour occasionally to call on
burned. In front of this a large arm-chair was my friends."
placed, in which was propped up a tall, gaunt figure, Mrs. Chard cordially assured him that be was
who seemed wasted away to a mere skeleton. His always welcome in her house, and, after greeting
hair and, beard were nearly white, and his thin Ashton with a nod and smile, she sat down beside the
features wore an eager, half-frightened expression as lawyer, to become immersed in the legal possibilities
his eyes fell upon his visitor. He nodded his head, and desirabilities he came to lay before her.
and grimly said— Rose received a warm pressure of the hand from
"So you come at my bidding. That was well." her old friend as he whispered—
Mrs. Danvers had grown very pale as her eyes fell "Charley has something particular to say to you,
upon him, and she evidently recognised him, changed Miss Slyboots. He is wearing himself out in your
as he must have been since they last met. She service, trying to prove this pretender to your fortune
keep
d
sank into a chair that was placed for her, and faintly a man of straw. I can only say that if you
said— the inheritance, he richly deserves to share it with
"How is it, Alberto, that I find you living, and you."
here? For years I have believed you dead." She blushed, extricated her hand, and saucily
" And rejoiced in the thought that I was safe under said—
" Why do you not put in your own claim to be
the sod, no doubt; but I am not so easily got rid of.
Do not fear that I came hither to disturb the happi-
made its joint possessor, Mr. Spring? I am sure you
will do more towards enabling me to retain my god-
tacss you doubtless enjoy with your prosperous hus-
band ! All I demand is, that .you do not turn the father's gift than Mr. Ashton can."
cold shoulder to one who has some claims upon your " Don't tempt me too far, Rosebud, or I may play
traitor to common sense, and become the latest
gratitude, at least."
"Speak—tell me what your expect, what you illustration of an old dunce chasing a brilliant meteor,
demand—for I know that it amounts to that. I amwhich would b sure to lead me neck deep into a
well e S.
~
impatient to learn what has brought you hither." quagmire, and possibly leave me there, too."
impatient Do not be so severe, dear sir. If I were the
"The lever that moves the world brought me here meteor, I should take care to steady down into a quie
—money! money! With the aid of a powerfulfriend, household light, after I had pulled you out of the bog
I can claim wealth that should have been mine longe my folly had led you into."
aide. I know of old that you have an insatiate "Perhaps so—l am not disposed to trust you, at
passion for gold. Help me to recover my own fortune, all events; so, Miss Rase Chard, you may consider the
and I will make you rich. You shall become inde- offer of your heart and hand as refused, or rather
pendent of those people among whom you must live transferred to one more willing to accept the boon."
as an inferior." "As if the affections of the heart are transferable.
The listener's eyes flashed, and she drew nearer Oh! dear, 1 must look for some one to console me for
him. your cruelty."
"Tell me how I can aid you, and I will not fail "Do, my dear; and you'll not have far to seek,
you." either, I think."
" Ah, you're a girl after my own heart; you're a Again the crimson flashed over the lovely cheek,
trump, and no mistake. There's no nonsense about and Rose turned away and joined Ashton. He was
you, Adelina, and never was. Now listen with all pale, and evidently deeply excited, and after a
your acuteness, and follow me carefully while I ex- struggle to conquer his feelings, he said:
plain my position." " I remained till this late hour, Miss Rose, because
He went on to reveal to her his story, to which she it is the hat opportunity I shall have of seeing you
hearkened with the keenest interest. When he spoke for some time. I leave the city at dawn to-morrow."
of Mrs. Chard and her daughter, she repressed an ex- "To go whither ?" she asked.
clamation of surprise, and listened even more intently He regarded her with searching eyes, but he 'saw
than before. When he had finished, she said: no expression of regret in her face, and he impetuously
"You have placed in my hands a power which I said:
have eagerly coveted: the power to circumvent and "I do not suppose you care whither I go, Miss
injure a woman I hate. I will exert myself to servo Chard, though it is for you and your interests that I
you for that reason, if for no other; but I must do so have consented to make this journey."
with extreme caution, for my husband is a near con- "I do not quite understand you, Mr. Ashton. Why
motion of the girl who has your estate in her posses. should you speak thus to me? lam sure we have
sion. Rose Chard is his cousin." been too long friends for you to get up a scene now
He uttered a fierce oath. on the score of my indifference." ,
"And what are your feelings towards her?" He proudly replied: - 'INS. ar a --,
"I hate her as Ido all her blood. But what will "Excuse me, Miss Chard. I have no right to re-
you do with reference to your own cousin, and his proach you; lam fully aware of the wide gulf between
claim to be the true heir ?" a man battling for position and wealth, and the
"I shall remain quietly here until Alfred has gained flattered heiress of a great fortune."
the suit. Then I will force him to disgorge his prize, "Especially as that fortune is tottering in the
for I have means of proving my identity of which he balance, and but for your efforts to save it, will
is not aware." probably be lost to me. Really, Mr. Ashton, you do
"What, then, am Itodo ? I can see no means of well to taunt me on the subject of this disputed
serving you, if such is the policy you intind to inheritance, which, in all probability, I• shall
pursue." never enjoy. I really thought you more generous."
"Your part is to watch the progress of the suit, and "Rose, you may think me mean, ungenerous, or what
report every particular that can be of importance to you will, but I shall not drop a tear if every cent. of
me." this money is lost to you, though I intend to do all I
"And what is to be the result of your re-appearance can to save it for you."
to myself? A meeting between you and 'Danvers She looked reproachfully at him, and began a
would be fatal to me." . sentence which died away beneath the glance he bent
"We need never meet. My claims once estantished upon her—
I shall return to France, and spend the remainder of "Do you think that I—"
my life there. lam so changed in appearance that She looked up at him, their eyes met, and as she
my nearest friend would scarcely recognise me, and paused, he exclaimed—
if your husband should meet me face to face, I "Oh, Rose; I think, I feel but one thing; and that
scarcely think he would find a trace of the reckless is that I love you with all my heart; and fortune
Don Alberto in the broken down man before you." has lifted you so far above me, that it is madness in
"Perhaps not, but you had better keep out of his me to dream of offering my fortune to your accept-
way altogether. Consider me your fast friend in this ance. Let me say to you now, that if your cause
crisis of your affairs, and be assured that I shall give fails, if you lose the wealth so long considered yours,
you due notice when an important movement is made and you would come to my heart only in your own
by your antagonists." sweetness and beauty, I should consider myself the
He expressed his thanks, and with a thousand con- happiest and most fortunate of men."
fficting thoughts in her busy brain Mrs. Danvers bade e
him adieu. She reached the train in time, and folding Let us not speak of this now, Mr. Ashton. We
have played at lovers in our infancy, but I think it
her thick veil closely over her features she sat rather early in our real life to begin to re-enact the
absorbed in deep thought. mimic scenes of' childhood. Of late, I have had so
That which had threatened to ruin heel-night be much incense of this kind offered me, that it begins
made the means of advancing her interests. She had to pall."
heard enough of the claim brought forward by Lumley "I trust that my tribute is not classed with that of
to comprehend the importance of the revelations just the multitude," said Ashton, in a tone of deep mortifi-
made to herself. cation.
Whose interests should she expouse? those of the "Certainly not," she carelessly replied. "Now I
true or the false heir? Either one could impoverish think of it, yours is the first declaration I have re-
Rose Chard; which would most materially advance ceived since the chance of my loss of fortune has
her own fortune? for that, after all, was the question become known. I give you due credit for disinterested-
that most deeply concerned her. Gayoso, as she ness, Mr. Ashton, but I believe I had rather remain a
called him, was an object of terror and aversion to free agent yet awhile. lam afraid you would prove
her; he had her in his power; he could ruin her the most exacting of adorers, and I have only begun
with her husband, and free him from the mysterious to taste the pleasures of society."
hold she held over him by the utterance of a single He looked in her face and gravely said—
word, and she had not confidence to believe that the . "Rose, this is mere trifling. I offer you the love
word would be withheld should the two ever meet. of a true man; has it any value to you, or has it
On the other hand she could use her information in .
not ?" -
such a manner as to force the pseudo heir to pay her "value-- -of course it has; it is a loyal, sterling
more liberally for her silence than the true one would heart I keor, of old, and I would not wound it for the
be willing to do. world."
Besides—and the meditated treachery blanched her "What is y. di idea of true love, asked Ashton 4 •
cheek—was not the life of this worn and feeble man with a faint suer.., - ' . .4 j
tompletely at her mercy. Let his antagonist know "something very 4ifferent from yours, I dare say;
where he was to be found, and would not the story of but I do not' care sr define it at present," she petua.
his wasted, miserable life soon be ended? Thus lantly replied. , . ...
could she rid herself of him for ever, and her fatal Ashton regarded her. 'r‘,,proachfully, and slowly
secret be buried in his unknown grave. Would not repeated Wordsworth's beautiful lines—
this be safer? She would think of it, and the ruth-
less heart scarcely beat faster as the dire thought " There is a comfort in the steength of love,
'Twill make a thing endurable, which else el .
:intruded.
Would overset the brain, or 'break the heart." e.
It was quite dark when she entered her home. .. . . • e
The servant looked surprised when he saw who ii That is my ideal of love, Rose, and the time may
, was that rang, and she, hurried upstairs to get ready come when you will clasp this comfort to your heark,
for dinner. -1: as your only. hope. Triply guarded as you are byi
Danvers was not in their apartment, and after a love, care, and fortune, I cannot imagine you in need-
few trifling alterations in her dress, she descended te of assistance from me: but should such a crisis in
the library, where the family ,usually assembled. Mrs. your fate arise, no knight-errant ever rushed more
Chard and Rose were with them. The former sat on promptly to the rescue of his lady-love, than would
a sofa conversing with Danvers, and a baleful glancf plain Charlie Ashton hasten to your assistance.''
" was darted from the flashing eyes that fell upon "Your „ion, your dagger, and your bundle of parch.
their). Mrs. Anderson rose and offered her sister-in- ment. your revolver. eh ? " said 'Road, lauzhing.
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