The Secret of Whitmore Chase.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 505, 2 September 1867, Page 1

The Secret of Whitmore Chase.

1 TALE OF ENGLAND A AUSTRALIA. Et R. E. Les, Author of “A Tangled Skein.” TmTTTES roa THS HAWKE’S BAT WEE2.LT TIMES. The right of translation is reserved by the author. X/ CHAPTER X. y" THE TWO PROPOSALS. ** the interval which elapsed between Philip’s departure and the receipt of his letter by Grabbe, time, which stays for no man, had brought about j t. r many changes. Another communication reached the attorney at the same time from « thatrespectable member of society, MrSimeon \ Moses, informing him of his intention to “ keep C»an eye” on the young man. Grabbe despatched! the two letters to Beecham, who in return desired! the attorney to remit any further correspondence! he might receive, aud enclosed a cheque for a sat-i isfactory amount as remuneration. With Beechara’s aid, Grabbe obtained the introduction he had sought, and found the result exceedingly profitable. He was very careful iu his selection of those with whom he had dealings, I advancing money only to those who were sure to! pay eventually ; and with such individuals, while* exacting exorbitant interest for the accommodation, he was never in any hurry for repayment.! Hence he became highly popular among the aris-i tocratic young spendthrifts who patronised him. At the time when Philip was fruitlessly- seeking ! occupation in Melbourne, his brother arrived in' London, to forward a project he had long enter-: tamed. Sir Bryan Whitmore was a confirmed invalid; and the old man’s hopes respecting the matrimonial views which lie had mentioned in his letter to Philip now centred in his younger son. Beecham was also very desirous of bringing the affair to a successful issue, independently of his wish to please his father. The estates of General Robartes were contiguous to Whitmore Chase, and the two properties combined would make the proprietor a man of great influence in the county —a prospect which exactly suited Beeoham’s ambitious views. He therefore paid great attention to Miss Robartes ; and although lus reception was not very flattering to his amour proprey the importance of the stake encouraged him to persevere.

It was therefore with alternate hope and doubt that he resolved to accept an invitation forwarded by General Robartes for a ball to be given by that gentleman at his mansion in Park lane. He determined to seize the first opportunity of testing Miss Robartes’ sentiments ; and despite her general air of coldness towards him, the egotism inherent to a certain degree in every man s breast whispered a hope of success. He bad attempted on several occasions to ascertain the opinion of General Robartes in the matter, but he met with vague replies, impossible for him to interpret either favorably or otherwise.

The tact was that the General held an extraor-j dinary notion for one in his social position—lie actually believed that in the momentous question of matrimony a woman was entitled to choose for herself; and to this unfashionable doctrine he steadily adhered. It is true that he had listened favorably to Sir Bryan's proposals concerning] Philip, but then he fancied that his daughter’s' affections were enlisted, and he did not for one moment entertain the idea of attempting to influence her decision. After Philip’s marriage, General Robartes became the administrator of the estate of his sister, Mrs Wilmington, and trustee for his nephew, who by the tenor of his mother’s will was not to receive his' inheritance until he attained his twenty-fifth year. The General was very proud of his nephew, secretly hoping that his daughter would return her cousin’s evident attachment ; though, true to his creed, the old man made no effort to bring about such a result. In accordance with the delightful idea of hospitality prevalent in England, where a terrific crush is considered the greatest tuccess, Beecham found the rooms crowded on his arrival at the General’s house, and experienced some difficulty in approaching his host, who was engaged in dis’cussing Indian affairs with a pompous diplomatist, the latter taking mental notes of the General’s remarks, on which he intended to found a longwinded oration for the delectation of St. Stephen’s. General Echartes received Beecham with great cordiality. “ How are you, my dear hoy P” he inquired. “1 am very glad to see you here ; 1 trust my old friend Sir Bryan is recovering.” Beecham replied in the affirmative, hypoeritically adding that had such not been the case he must have foregone the pleasure of accepting the General’s invitation.

This reply pleased the old gentleman, who •hook his guest’s hand warmly, rejoining, “ I am happy to hear it; and still more happv to find that my old friend has such an attentive"son. But come with me, I must introduce you to Wilmington.”

Beecham made some enquiry for Miss Robartes. “ Have you not seen Agnes"p” replied the General, looking ronud the room, “ I left her dancing with her cousin. Ah! there she is, talking to young Warren—fine young fellow that—l think I wrote you an account of his gallant conduct some months since. Agues, here is our old friend Beecham.”

Whitmore cast an anxious glance at Miss Robartes as her father spoke, but detected no emotion indicating that he held more than an ordinary place in her estimation; on the contrary, the young lady received him with perfect composure, and after a few polite but general remarks, toot her father’s arm, leaving Beecham replying absently to some remark made by Warren, to whom the General had introduced him.

In his mortification at the cool reception Miss Robartes had accorded him, Beecham’s answer to Warren was barely civil ; and the latter not caring to run the hazard of another rebuff, turned away, leaving Beecham to his own reflections, which were doubtless not very cheerful. His reverie Was interrupted by General Robartes. “ Here he is, Beechum,” replied the old gentleman, “ I had some difficulty in finding him,” and he presented his nephew to Whitmore. There are authentic instances of antipathies—which have proved well grounded—being formed it first sight; caused by some feeling incapable of definition, yet irrepressible, creating that sensation described by the superstitious as experienced when “ some person is walking over your future grave.” An involuntary shndder ran through Beecham’s fraae as he saluted Captain Wilmington.

“I will leave you together,” said the General, “ I believe you are not a. dancing man, or I coaid have provided otherwise for you : however, as it is, Wilmington must do his best to entertain you.” Thus forced to accept the Captain’s company, Beecham endeavoured to start a conversation, but Wilmington appeared remarkably dull; the auswers he returned plainly proving that he was not listening to Beecharn’s remarks. At length tiie latter abruptly paused, and then remarked, “General Robartes means well, I have no doubt. Captain Wilmington, but it is not fair ta deprive you of more agreeable society for my sake. Indeed, I feel rather iu the reflective mood to-night, aud much disposed to enjoy a solitary stroll round the rooms.”

Wilmington appeared greatly relieved. “To tell the truth, Mr Whitmore, I am unaccountably dull to-night, and I am afraid I should bore you. I understand you remain here to-night; will you come to my rooms and have a cigar after this affair is over? Perhaps we may then feel more inclined for conversation.”

Beecham accepted the invitation, and turned away, looking anxiously round for Miss Robartes, determined to ascertain his fate at once, if possible. After some time spent in an unsuccessful search, lie, caught a glimpse of the young lady, 'who had just taken her cousin's- arm. Wiimingjtou’s ennui appeared thoroughly dispelled, judging [from the animation he displayed in his conversation with Miss Robartes. Beecham’s jealous eye detected a subdued tenderness in the Captain's glance which roused his apprehensions, and as he allowed no scruple of honor to interfere with his .interests, he determined to watch.

It was evident that Miss Robartes was the reigning belle of the room, and Wilmington was obliged to stand by and endeav our to conceal bis impatience as the crowd of worshippers at the shrine of beauty approached his cousin, anxious for the triumph of securing her hand for one of the eusuiug dances. Beecham saw Miss Robartes’ I smile of amused embarrassment as she declined | these repeated requests; aud he interpreted these refusals into an unwillingness ou her part to leave 'Wilmington, who was suffering from suppressed rage at being unable to separate the lady from her numerous admirers.

At length a fortunate chance aided the Captain. Miss Robartes, who bad behaved with great courtesy to all who addressed her, beheld with dismay the dreary diplomatist before mentioned forcing liis way towards her; and as a young lady of eighteen cannot be supposed to care very much for polities, she hastily resumed her cousin’s arm, exclaiming, “ For mercy’s sake, Frank, deliver inej from that horrid Sir Peter Prnzpr ; I can tell by' his countenance that he lias some dreadfully monotonous news to relate which he will inllict on us mercilessly.” Wilmington seized the opportunity, and before Miss Robartes had recovered from her anxiety to avoid Sir Peter, her cousin had led her into the conservatory, where he delusively hoped they were alone ; little knowing of the presence of one who had followed them like a shadow ; and who was at that moment crouched behind a group of cacti! , listened with trembling eagerness to the conversation that ensued.

The gallant Captain had obtained the opportunity he had so long sought; but for a moment he felt incapable of screwing his courage to the proposing point ; his usual seif-po-sesoion had forsaken him. He loved his cousin wiih intense fervour, and the thought of what depended on the next few minutes completely unnerved him. The soft light and silence of the conservatory appeared strangely different to the noisy room they hud just quitted, adding to Wilmington’s emlurrasMiiem,; and Miss Robartes, with the the intuitive perception of her sex, detected in his agitation something of the truth, and said, “ It is too bad, after all, to fly from the poor man in that manner, Frank; they are forming for the Caledonians, and as we are engaged for that dance, Sir Peter must postpone his politics; let us return.” “Listen to me, Agnes,” Wilmington said, seizing her hand, “I am almost distracted from the suspense I have, endured to-night. You cannot be ignorant of my love for you ; its intensity has overpowered all attempts at coiicealniriit. I do not ask yon to decide now; hut give me at least something to live for ; I will wait patiently, nay joyfully, if you but whisper that little word,hope !” It is strange, in spite of the assurances of many “ eminent authorities,” (especially of the Minerva Press) on the subject, how easily a well-bred woman disposes of an offer of marriage from an individual who has not succeeded in engaging her affections. Had Miss Robartes studied “ Evelina” and other novels of that ilk, she would probably have considered it en reyle to indulge in the romantic astonishment peculiar to those ethereal heroines ; but being simply a sensible English girl, she did nothing of the kind. Her keenperception.it is true, had shewn her the groundless hopes in which Wilmington indulged ; and it is not improbable that she felt rather relieved at the coming explanation. It was therefore in a decided tone, though shaded by pity on account of the wound she was about to inflict, that she replied, “ It cannot be, Frank ; let us still con-| tinue the good friends we have been since we first! saw each other. Forget what you have said—l believe me, it can never occur ; you will soon] cease to remember this explanation, and we shall | remain friends, shall we not f” and with a charm-' ing smile she offered her hand. iNo man worthy of the name can calmly hear to be requested to remain satisfied with friendship when he seeks a return of his passion ; and the ladies are perfectly cognisant of this fact, though they employ the phrase to soften their refusal. Wilmington was not only terribly disappointed, but enraged at his cousin’s self-possession, which annihilated the eloquence he had intended to use, ; He resolved to appeal to her affection for her i father.

“ Before you finally reject me,” he said, “ reflect upon the consequences. You must be aware that the General’s wish is to sec as united—he looks to me as the representative of his house, and 1 cannot, will not, remain here if vou refuse me. Think again,” he added, appealingly, “ the happiness of your father is involved, and forgive me if I make use of that argument to strengthen my cause. Will you blight his hopes by rendering me utterly reckless, and deprive him of seeing his dearest wish fulfilled ? for I will not remain in England if von nersist in vour resolve !” Miss Robartes was greatly agitated at this speech ; she knew the hopes her father entertained respecting him, and dreaded the consequences of his departure. Nevertheless it was not in her nature to equivocate, and while seeking to change his determination, she was constrained to repeat her refusal.

“Enough!” replied the Captain recklessly, reading in her tone the unchangeable nature of her sentiments, “ I am answered; whatever may occur, remember that it is yon who render me desperate, Have I not tried all that man could do to propitiate you ? wherefore, then, this persistent

refusal, this careful assurance that your determination cannot change, unless some more favored”— “This is too much ” indignantly exclaimed Miss Robartes, “ You are presuming too far upon our relationship, Captain Wilmington, when you make use of that position to insult me ! Allow me to pass!” aud without heeding the cresl-falieu Captain s supplicating look, she quitted the conservatory. Keeeham’s heart gave a wild throb at this eon elusion to the tete-a-tete. He fancied that he perceived some degree of confusion in Miss Robartes’ manner when Wilmington announced his suspicion of a more successful rival; aud a secret huge possessed him that he might himself be the individual so honored, lie waited impatiently until the rejected suitor quiUcd the conservatory, aud then watched his opportunity of leaving his hiding-place unseen, his brain busy with a plan for putting into action the resolve he had formed.

Had Miss Robartes merely been a guest, the exciting interview she had just undergone would have caused her to retire; but as the case stood she had to undergo the penalty attached to her position, listening with a forced smile to the wearying babble of small talk around her. Beecham found no difficulty in engaging- her in conversation, for she imagined her sentiments towards him were too clearly expressed to be misunderstood, and welcomed his remarks as affording a temporary relief from the painful thoughts oppressing her. Too wary to forf-it his chance, Beecham remained near Miss Robartes, watching fora favorable opportunity. Wilmington bad left the rooms, no doubt chagrined at his rejection, and thus the principal obstacle seemed removed. It was in vain, however, that he waited, Miss Robartes gave him no chance of an interview, and :he sought his apartment in a stale of suspense, totally forgetting his engagement with Wilmington. It may be imagined that he was not much inclined to sleep ; he tossed uneasily on his couch, mantally reviewing his prospect of obtaining the prize he sought. The possibility of rejection proved to him that it was not solely from an interested motive that he wished to gain the hand of Miss Robartes, he loved her after his fashion.

Neither Miss Rohartes nor 'Wilmington made their appearance at breakfast on tiie morning after the ball. The General attributed his daughter's absence to fatigue, but seemed surprised at Wilmington not being present, lie sent one of the servants to his nephew’s room, but the man returned with the intelligence that the Captain had gone out, leaving a note on his table directed to the General, who uttered an exclamation of surprise as he read it; then noticing that Beecham looked enquiringly .at him, lie said, “ Confound the boy, I wonder what freak he is up to now? : He is olf to Paris, without a word of explanation, as to the motive for his sudden journey.” j General Rohartes appeared greatly annoyed .at 1 his nephew’s departure, and requested Beecham to remain until his return, as hr intended to tr, if he could not see Wilmington before he left England. Ills guest readily assented. After the General left the house, Beeeham strolled into the library to pass the morning, not expecting Miss Rohartes to make her appearance for some time. Fortune, however, favored him in tliia respect , for while listWHy turning over the leaves of a vol'line of “ Beaumont and Fietchrr” lie heard the door open. Looking up, he saw Miss Rohartes enter the room.

Beecham hesitated for a moment, then in Kirilins res. “ Miss Rohartes, I have been anxiously waiting to speak with you; indeed mv journey from Westmorland was undertaken with that object.”

Miss Rohartes clearly did not anticipate what was to follow, for the look with which she regarded him indicated nothing save unqualified surprise.

“ You will pardon me,” resumed Beecham, “if I recall to your recollection the fact that mv brother Philip”— Miss Rohartes blushed, and said hastily, “ I really cannot sec, Mr Whitmore, what your brother Philip can have to do with an interview between us. Indeed lam at a los§ to discover any possible reason for one.” ’ j

Beecham had projected an elaborate plan of proceeding, hut as usual in such cases, it was utterly demolished by the few words the young lady had spoken. He determined to come at once to the point.

“ Hear me, I entreat you,” lie replied, “my fate is in your hands. 1 cannot address vou in the smooth phrases and set speeches other men would employ to express their love, but my devotion is not tin less sincere and lasting on that account. I have loved you long and deeplv, and if I am lortunate enough to gain your consent, it shall be the study of my life to promote your happiness.”

Miss Robartes knew not what to make of this strange wooing; and with difficulty repressing a smile as she thought of th« rapidity with which Beechnut's offer had followed that of her cousin, ■ replied, “ Ton do me too much honor, Mr Vi'hit[morc, by your proposal; but it is not my intuition Ito leave my father. He is too accustomed to my society readily to part with me, and I am ton I attached to him to think of a separation. Yon jwill therefore oblige me by not referring to this matter again and with a graceful inclination she left the room.

The expression on Beecham's countenance as Miss Robartes quitted the library would have afforded a fine study tor an artist. Mortification at the evident astonishment with which the young lady had received his proposal, combined with the downfall of his ambitious dreams, thoroughly overcame his command of temper, and the intended diplomatist hastily paced the apartment in a very unstatesmanlike fit of rage. Convinced from the tone in which Miss Robartes had replied to him that her decision was final, he determined to quit the house ; he could not endure the idea of meeting the General after what had occurred. He therefore wrote a hasty note, pleading a forgotten engagement, and left the house. General Robartes returned to Park Lane in a disappointed mood ; he had been too late to see his nephew, who had caught the train which the steamer for France awaited. His annoyance increased as he perused Beecham’s laconic note. “ I can’t make out what the young men are thinking about,” he remarked to Warren, “ First Frank runs away with scarcely a word of apology, and then Beecham follows his example. And now, to crown all, Agnes has a headache, and cannot come down to dinner. I almost expected to receive an excuse from you, Warren.” Miss Robartes’ headache could not have been very serious, however; for she recovered snfficieutly to receive the two gentlemen when they returned tc the drawing-room and allowed Warren to turn the leaves of her music while the General pored over the “ United Service Gazette.” Perhaps she had no fear of Warren venturing so far as her cousin and Beecham had done.

CHAPTEE XL I 9mnEN Grabbe left Philip’s wife, after l telling her the lie which wrecked 1 her hopes, he felt sure that the. bmk 1 C I'-tcA/-" note which be bad left would be gladlv* f'\ received by her, and the iustnrtionV i) ■ attended to. By 8.-cehum's directions, : i he endeavored to trace Ellen's former friend i ‘ Newcombe, but in vain; tin- whilom ho-t o l ' <!>•’ “Cromwell’s IRad” had retired from business on' the death of his wife, and his successors knew nothing concerning him. The attorney therefore 1 wailed for the expiration of the quarter, no: doubting that Ellen would claim the amount due to her 1 but to bis surprise lie received no application!' Another quarter passed, with the same result, ami both be aud his employer came to the euuehi-iou tliui Philip’s wife was either dead or not iil.eiv to trouble them a gain. The results of enquiries made at Chelsea proved that Ellen had left there tin- lav following the one on which Grabbe called, alter receiving the letter aud its enclosure. ’ i

Thu poor girl was too destitute to rejeet the money, though she determined to ace mt no further sum from the same source ; her prie revoltin'!a: the idea of being dependent- on the bounty of those who bad deprived her of her liu-hnud. * She took a lodging at Kniglitsbridge, am! after a severe illness, which sadly diminished her small stick of money, became more resinned to her 10.-s. Erom what had escaped her lips daring her sickness, the kind-hearted landlady had a shrewd idea of her lodger’s position, and Ellen at length explained her situation.

“ Poor cretur,” the woman soothingly exclaimed, “ ilep -iid upon it th-uu wagahnne friends of his has worked on him to leave mm ; hut keep up your spirit/-, my dour, he will com - back to you sonic day, ami you «ili g.-i the be-ter of the willins. I can fancy 1-v Vm face to face with you, trying to hide their hoods for the mischief they’ve done, ami you sending ’em to the rightabout. Bless you, child, dossu’t it always come rigid iu the cud iu all them line t lies von roues ? and haven’t I often heard my poor husband suv that truth is stranger Ilian fiction? Don't fret about money malt-rs, my dear, wr will find something for you to do when you arc strong enough, ami you shall not leave me until you are quite well and get some sit nut ion.”

Ellen gradually recovered, and her gentlene-s ■ so won the heart of Mrs Magg-riiLe, the land-! lady, that she would not have pot -d with her on' any consideration, thou rh t!i‘ Lind old woman’s' circumstances were aiu ' aim; lint flourishing. At length Ell •'ll with pan perceived that it was with I difliculty her friend could make both ends meet i; | and she insisted on being allowed to seek som situation. Both v.omen treated with scorn the ; iuea of applying to Grabhe. j One morning after breakfast, Mrs Mnggeridge 1 appeared unusually excited. Te.iiag rijlen that | ibnsiness in the city would prob.liiy detain her,! j she left tin- bouse, and was ab-mit some hours,! |returnin'’; late in the afternoon. Without pausing! ito take mi' her shawl and Inniner, she caught hold of Ellen and kissed her, exclaiming, “Wish me joy, my dear, we shall ha as happy as queens now, i I toi i you not to ue.spair,” Eli at enquired the reason of her iov. i ” Well, you mv, my child.” r.-ulvd Mrs Muggeri.Le, " I cultld not hair tie' idea of pitting with yon, and yet 1 did not see imw I could help jit, for things wave getting worse and worse. I • took up tin- paper to try if a hit of reading would get rid of my thinking of my troubles. What should I clap my eyes on bin an advertisement lor a housekeeper to a single gentleman, with direc jtions to apply at a lawyers’ office in Lincoln’s Inn. Well, thinks I, wno knows, perhaps (here ■is more than chance in this, ; o I , ;0 ,. s off this .morning to the address, and as luck would hare jit the old gentleman who advert Led was there, and a n'ea gentleman he is too. He asked me a lot .of questions, and seemed pleased with niv answers, jand 1 gave him our clergyman as a reference. He said most likely I should suit him, and asked me ;if Iha ! any encumbrance. I was glad lie aslmd me that, for 1 wanted to explain to him that 1 'wished you to stay with me, so I told him a little |about your story, (hough I k"pt your name secret, jl was afraid he would object, hut he. said lie liked me nil the better for not wishing to lose you, and told me that he, would most likely call here soon ■after 1 got home.” 1 “ What is hisjmmer" inquired Ellen. I “ I’ve got his card hi re,” n•tnrn.-d Mrs Mng■geri.lge, searching in her poke;. •• I got it front • the lawyer’s clerk,” and she produce.! it. I Ellen took it, and read the na.u ■ and address : ' — l Mr. TlioiuasNewcombe, Cromwell Villa, Haniiinersiinth.”

(To hr ronfm urd.)