The Unknown Bridegroom

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 314, 23 November 1910, Page 7

The Unknown Bridegroom

(All Rights Reserved.}"

> 1.. • » By the Author of "Stella,"- ; "Two Keys," Etc., Etc.

OR, THE MYSTERIOUS WEDDING RING.

PART 7. Softly his voice rn.n on. and a? he quoted the remaining' linos the colour upon tlie horizon grew in vividness and intensity, the whole east liecoming flecked with brilliant streaks and shafts of light, until at last the king of day flashed into sight, then, upward bounding - , cleared the line, where the sea and sky biended into one, and soared onward with stately march and grand. Florence, who had been thrilled to

the depths of her being by the rich and musical tones of her companion and the mystical influence of that moment, was actually trembling when he ceased, and he was a little startled to find how deeply she had been moved. Then he led her to talk of other things, drawing her out little by little by his own peculiar charm Df manner, until tney conversed as freeb' as if they 'md been friends for rears, an d thus the time flew by until others began to come on deck an-d the freedom of their interview was interrupted. "Will you take a few turns with me as an appertiser, Miss .Richardson?" Mr. Carrol inquired, as he glanced at his watch. "And then, as the gong will soon sound, I will Conduct you below to breakfast." Florence unhesitatingly arose and

laid her hand upon the arm he offered, when they walked round the deck three times.

Then her companion led her to the stairway, when a tableau, which was fresh in the minds of all, was suddenly reversed as they unexpectedly; :atne face to face with Mr. Addison Merrill.

As upon the previous occasion, both men started —though slightly this time—while Merrill turned a glance of anger and dislike upon Florence's companion, who, however, was appai'ently unmoved by it, and returned it with one calm self-pos-session.

"Good morning, Miss Richardson," said Mr. Merrill, lifting his cap to her.

She responded pleasantly to his salutation, while Mr. Carrol also acknowledged it by dofliing his hat ; then they passed on to the lower deck, where they encountered Mr. and Mrs. Seavcr, who were searching" for their charge. Florence introduced her escort to them, and they all stood chatting together until the gong sounded, when they descended to the saloon.

That evening, being the last one voyagers would spend on board the steamer, an '. elaborate programme had been prepared for their entertainment, azid Mr. Morrill, who was always active and efficient in such undertakings, had been appointed master of ceremonies for the occasion.

Among other things, several tableaux, or "living pictures," were to

be shown. Florence had been invited upon several occasions to assist in various ways ; but she had always declined, as she shrank, sensitively, from becoming conspicuous before an audience.

But to-night, about an hour previous to Ihc. opening of the exercises, Mr. Merrill, who had been very D'J.sy since dinner, sought her, as she was standing thoughtfully by herself on deck, and observed that he had come to ask a great favour of her. Florence smiled as she observed his eagerness. "What is it, Mr. Merrill ? I always like to grant favours when I can," she cordially replied. A peculiar expression leaped into the young man's eyes.

"I have been greatly disappointed at having to change a portion of my programme," he explained, "and am obliged to add another tableau, and as I must have a "blonde, I have come to ask if you will take the character. The title oi the picture is ' The Elopement,' and I want you to pose as the runaway bride," he said, still regarding intently.

A terrible shock went quivering through every nerve of the fair, sensitive girl a t this startling announcement. Every atom of colour faded out of her face, and she involuntary grasped the railing beside her for support, as her strength seemed on the point of forsaking her.

"No—no," she cried, hastily, and nlniost breathlessly, "I could not figure in such a tableau. 1 do not approve of elopements. 1 could not .•oiintenance anything of that nature."

A queer smile flitted over the young man's face at this agitated reply. "Well, since I cannot persuade, you to personate my heroine. I must tryto find some '.-10 else." he said. "On the whole," he added, bending to look into her 3,ycs with a tender smile, "1 think 1. would rather you :lid not. One likes to preserve one's ideal immaculate, you know," he concluded, in a tone that brought a food of crimson to the fair girl's brow.

Then, hurried';.- excusing himself he left her to attend to his duties,

The evening was well advanced when, after a finely-rendered selection from the. opera of "Carmen," the last tableau, "The Elopement," was announced. Flormre suddenly started at. the announcement, and instantly turned her attention to the stage.

Slowly the curtain went up, and in a moment it seemed to the girl as if every drop of blood in her veins had turned to ice, as if she tiad been transformed into a statue of stone, for she could neither move nor breathe during the few seconds that she gazed upon the picture before her.

For there, as rc-al as the living experience had been, was the exact, reproduction of that never-to-be-for-gotten scene in the chapel at Rosedale, when she had believed hcrsqlf being wedded to Walter Leighton. The arrangement of the altar was identical ; the dress and even the attitude of the clergyman ; the iu&jd

r-nvelopcd- ii+. her waterproof ;, the bride, with her golden hair, pallid face, and drooping mien ; the tall, manly figure on her right, in the act of putting the ring on her linger, his form clad in a mackintosh, his face concealed by its upturned collar, and the. "best man." on the bridegroom's right, were all pictured with a faithfulness of details that Was marvellous. It was so vivid, so intensely real, that it seemed lo poor Florence as if she were living over that, dreadful experience, as if she were suffering afresh all that she had endured in that scene which she fain would have blotted for ever out of her memory. She was chained, spellbound. She saw nothing, heard nothing, was conscious of nothing save those five figures, so effectively grouped upon !he platform, and the story 1 ho\ told. Il seemed as if (he curtain would never fall, and she suffered an age <>l torture during that brief interval of I ime. I'resently. however, the curtain dowly descended. ihit she Knew it must go up again —that once more she must look upon I hat hunii! iat ing picture.

Yes, slowly it was revealed to her right : but now there w a s a strange whirling in her head, n sense of suf'ocation in her throat. A blue blur amo before her eyes : those figures jrew fainter, until they faded out •ntirel.v, a nd t he n all was blank. ("ITAI'TKi; VI IT. When Florence recovered consciousness she found herself out in the :>pen air. half-loaning against, the :.n(Trail, half-supported by the strong ifm that had been thrown round her, while, as she .slowly lifted her li'iivy. while lids, she found herself looking - up into a anxious 'ace thai was bending over her. "You are better ".'" said Mr. CarCarrol, in a low, relieved tone, and ho note of concern that vibrated dirough it son! a glad thrill through -he fair girl's heart. "Yes —but —what has happened ?" ■die inquired, and hardly able as yet .o realise her condition. "You were faint." her companion

-esponded. "I caught, you as you swayed in your .scat, and as we were near the door, it was the work oi out a moment to get you out here, f really ■ believe no one. cl.se observed >our indisposition, for you walked mechanically until we were outside ;he saloon, when you lost yourself just for a minute or two," Mr. I'arrol exclaimed, while in his heart ne was living- over again that blissful moment —blissful in spite of his anxiety—during; which, he had held :he slight form passive in his embrace, while her beautiful face had 'estcd upon his breast. "I am glad, and j-ou were very thoughtful," Florence murmured, and tow quietly withdrawing herself "roni his encircling arm. "I should lave been s 0 sorry to have made a scene, and I am not liable to such attacks. Ido not remember ever ainting before, save once." She shivered as she recalled that experience in Hosodale Chapel, and which lad been so strangely and faithfully produced to-night.

"What could it mean ?" she asked ncrself. "Was it merely a, singular :oincidence, or could it be possible hat" •

The alternative which suggested itself to her caused her to shiver •gain from an icy chill.

"Von are cold," said Mr. Carrol. ,vith gentle solicitude. "Let me get .■'on a wrap.'* He drew her hand more closely \\ithin his £ rm, thrilled by her dependence upon him, and conducted ner to her chair, where lay the soft, >varni shawl which he knew so well. He folded it about her shoulders tnd pinned it with the strong clasppin which he found fastened upon it, as deftly as a woman would have -lon.\ " Thank yon," said Florence, Heart ily. "How very handy you are ! J am •lire vo'.i must have a mother and sisters for whom you have done the same thing." "Miss Richardson. I have no one. f am utterly al Q ne in the world," lie replied, in a tone of repressed feeling that was more pathetic than any Dutward manifestation of grief would tiave been. They made their way to the stairway, when, with a respectful "Allow mo," Mr. Carrol again passed his irm about her anel supported her so (irmly, yet so easily, that she- soon found herself at the top almost without an effort on her part. 'llfn the voting man once more drew her hand through his arm. and :hey began to slowlv ] a'e the deck. Ho led her to talk of various things, to draw Iter mind away from herself, until she forgot, all about her ree< at, indisposition, and was ■-mill conversing wiih almost her a l -'- customed animat ion. "Is your Inline in. Fngland. Mr. Carrol ?" :he asked, alter an illusion to London.

"Xo, Miss liichardr on. ! j|in one of those unfortunate individuals who have no liiiiiii'."

" All ! " she cried. \\ itli a sigh. "Fray pardon me. I sirm .si rangeiy inclined to touch upon painful topics to-night.." "Jt was a very natural quest ion." he kindly responded, "so pray do not reproach yourself. \ am really a native 01' the Tinted Stales, although it lias not been my home for many years. Ibisiness of importance, however, recently recalled ni<; there, and now I am on my way to Kngland to wind up some other affairs. When those are sell led l hardly- know where 1 shall locate, Unit will depend somewhat upon Dame Fori line's smiles or frowns. My mother was an F.nglishwonian.

and i suppose"' 1 have relatives residing not far from London, and it is my purpose to look (hem up before T push out into the business world again, just to keep me from feeling unite alone." His tone rather than his words saddened Florence, and she felt sure that he must have met with some sad reverses and disappoint merits in life. Perhaps, she thought, that was the reason he appeared so grave and dignified and older than his years. "I sincerely hope tin fickle dome of whom you speak will have smile? rather than froWns for you, Mr. Carrol, although what you have said has led me to infer that you may have been the special football of an untoward fate." said the gentle girl, in a hopeful tonCi

"Thank yoji, ..Miss Richardson, for your good wishes, and 1 shall do my utmost to bring them to pass." When Florence awoke the next morning tin' steamer wat at rest. Its mighty pulse had ceased to beat, and she know that, she must, have arrived in port, while the hurrying of many feet overhead an d the sounds of confusion that, came to her ears, told her (hat her fellow voyagers were preparing to go their several ways. After brerikfasi they all repaired fo the deck, and stationed themselves near a windlass to waich its operalions as it raised l lie baggage from the hold. Florence was standing wbh her back to Ihe windlass, Mr. Carrol was on her left, and Air. Merrill on her right—l he hitler doing his host 1o monopolise her attention, while ihe former remained almost silent . although his grave eves were fastened upon the girl's lovely face with a yearning tenderness that spoke volumes. linth Mr. and Mrs. Server of,-, rwd Carrol's expression, and commented ipon it in confidential a>ides, Suddenly an exclamation of alarm escaped the lips of Mr. Seaver. What appeared likely to prove a most disastrous accident, had occurred.

A large and ponderous box had beer, raised from the hold by t lie :rane. It, evidently contained something ivhieh required careful handling, for tlie workmen, were \er\ watchful of it, ; but. in swinging' iI, clear of other baggado. before depositing it, upon deck. the rope. which was hound about it. and into which Ihe aoisting honk had keen iteerled. suddenly parted. ha\ing doubtless neon gnav.ed In rats, and the great : - ase en me crashing down. a nd so near the group already referred fo that it seemed as it instant death must be the late v \ several.

Mr. Carrol. Florence. ;,nd Addison Merrill were j n imminent peril. Mr. Carrol realised the situation in an instant, and a deathly pallor .Tverspivad his face, for Florence was :lirectly under the. failing case, which, must have killed her instantly had .t fallen upon her.

Quick as a "ash he encircled her slight form witli his right arm. and swung her round ow! of harm's way just in time to save himself from an ugly knock upon his left shoulder and arm from the ironbound corner o( the clumsy box, which fell to the deck with a deafening crash. "'Thank Heaven, you av. safe !" the young man whispered in Florence's ear. as he release.! her when ■die had regained her feel. for he had swept her entirely off them. "I feared I could not do it." "Mr. Carrol, you are hurt." she cried, appalled by the pallor of his face ; and then Iter glance fell upon his left arm, which hung limp and helpless by his side. "Oh. the dreadful thing hit you as it fell I" " Yes, 1 did get grazed just a little," he admitted, trying to smile;

"but be not troubled, it will not. amount to anything. if you have recovered from your shock. 1 will ask you to excuse —me —while 1" ITc broke oIT suddenly, and swayed iizzily. " I'ncle auntie. conic !" cried Florence, wildly, fearing he would fall prone upon the deck.

Ihit ■Nil - . Seavt-r was al r. a<i>' a!, lfi side, having bounded I'ni'Wiinl t lie moment he had turned his wife so

that she should not. see their dear one killed, as he surely thought she must h(>. and he now laid a st long. sustaining hand upon I If \'oting man. "Carrol, you are hurt." lie faltered, in shaking tones. "Cod bless vou for saving our dear girl ! Ihit I declare 1 can't hear in have you :inrt. Come ! I'm going io take.you directly down to the dorior. and 'lave you attended to."

He led him away, supporting him as tenderly as if if had bc-ii his own son. while Florence, tif moment she felt Mrs. Seaver's trembling; arms encircling h >r. dropped her head upon her .shoulder and burst into tears. CILM'TLOII "IV. A .\W.\lF\s STORY. Mr. Carrol's injury proved Io he quite a. serious one. in spile of the light manner in which he had spoken of it to Florence, one of the bones of the forearm —the radius — having been broken, while he had received a very bad bruise on Ihe shoulder. lie was very brave, howewr. during the setting of the hone, claiming that the break w a'- a v'r\ hi lbmat ter. , all hough hi> whi'e lips and .he beads of perspiration which stood an his face belied e\erv word that he uttered.

"Pray do mil. underrate what vou have done, my dear ifellow." said Mr. Hoawr. earnestly. ;I s. while the doctor was bandaging the arm. the

voung man gave him a brief a'''ount of the accident and passed \cfy ligliily over his pari in il . "I <aw the whole thing, and 1 know thai \<iii saved the life of my ward, Miss Richardson. ' "Vow, doctor." he added (he next moment. "1 hope he isn't going to be laid up with this hurt." "I hope not. truly." ihe surgeon replied. "The bone will not give him ver\- much trouble; it will probably be all right in the course of three weeks. lie may have some twinges about, the shoulder from the bruise, but. he will come out all right in I ime." "I'm glad io hear that." said the lawyer.but. still regarding the young man regretfully. "1 hope." he continued, addressing him, " if there is anything I c.-m do for you, \on will lei me know."

"Thank you. sir : hut I am sure 1 -hall gel along nicely. lam not going to have very much to do during the next lew weeks, hut wail about London until some papers are ready I'or me to sign, and it is -very fortunate for me and others that. my right arm was not injured." the ,\oting- man cheerfully responded. Then the doctor Inning arranged a sling for the injured member, lie added : "There, T really feel quite comfortable, and now I must hustle my wraps together and be off." "Let me help you," said Air. Scaver, eagerly ; an d accompanying him to his state-room, he collected his hand luggage, and carried il on deck for him. Here they found Florence and Mrs. Scaxer. with Air. Morrill and one or two others, discussing fhe accident. (To be Continued).