THE GAME OF LIFE.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2785, 3 May 1911, Page 4

THE GAME OF LIFE.

THE MASTER OF MILLWOOD HALL

COPYRIGHT,

By Hedley Richards, Author of "Time, The Avenger,' 1 "The Wine Master's Heir/ etc, etc.

PART 11, CHAPTER XVIII

" Whether a wind be warm or cold, it serves to fan a kindled fire."

Mr. Swift was riddng into Millwood. He had been to Doyle Court to inquire if the Major and his daughter • had returned from Scarborough where they had gone two days after the Swifts went to the Hall. A brief note from Grace had told Stella that they were going for a few days to get a breath of sea air, as her father did not feel very well.

More than a fortnight had elapsed and they were still at Scarborough, and Swift smiled igrimly as he thought perhaps they had gone because Grace was jealous of Stella being at the Hall, then as his horse shied he roused himself and spoke soothingly to the animal, and at the same time he noticed a girl coming swiftly up the narrow lane. She was dressed in a pretty white linen frock and wore a shady hat, but it was not too large to prevent him seeing her face, and he at once recognised the girl who had posted the anonymous letter, the contents of which had amused him, while he had not disdained, to act in. accordance with the warning, and do his utmost to prevent Stella meeting the parson, though no intimation that he ob J jected to their intercourse, had passed his lips. Swift was too diplomatic for that. Now as he watched the girl approach, the admiration he had felt the other day increased, as he noticed her girlish grace and beauty, and he determined to introduce himself, so raising his hat, he checked his horse when he waß abreast of her saying :

"Good morning, it's a lovely day."

Julie flashed a look of recognition at him, she was perfectly aware that he was the gentleman who had been a guest at the Court, and was now staying at the Hall, neither had she forgotten the admiration with which he had regarded her that day ontBide the post-office ; and in spite of the fact that she loved Miles Ford madly, she was not indifferent to the admiration of other men, so instead of resenting: this stranger speaking to her, she smiled brightly, revealing a row of pearly white teeth as she said : " Good morning."

The smile captivated him, there was a coquettishness in it that appealed to him, and he spoke in his > pleasantest manner, as he said .<

" Why did you said *nc L-hnt .tet-

ter ?"

"What letter?" But a deep flush mounted to her brow, and for a moment she looked down in a guilty fashion, then her natural boldness asserted itself, and looking up at him, she said :

" Do jou mean to say you think I wrote to you ?"

He leaned towards her, meeting the gaze of her big brown eyes, as he said : " I don't think it I'm sure of it,"and he smiled as he spoke. "Well, I never !" she exclaimed. " Now suppose we give over beating about the bush ; you see, I know you did send' that letter, because I saw you post it." "Oh !" It was one woitf, but it was enough. He smiled again. " Now why did you aend it?" "I thought that you * ought to know that your daughter met Mr. Pprd. I've seen them together several times and I didn't think you'd like it." He laughed goodhumouredly. " You were very thoughtful. Now .shall I tell you the construction I put on it when I read the letter?" Her eyes flashed. "You can if you like?" she said. "Well, I said this person is in love with the parson, and she's jealous." " How dare you?" and there was anger in her voice. "My dear girl, there are many things I dare not do, but about this parson there is no need to fear my daughter. I have other plans for her and—"

She interrupted him, and there was Infinite scorn in her voice as she said :

"It doesn't matter what your plans are, they don't count if she loves him."

" I'm afraid you are mistaken ; my daughter has a conscience. . I have never possessed 3uch a thing that I can remember, but she has it fairly developed, and this conscience will influence her actions."

" Rubbish ! Nothing counts when you are in love, but the man," said Julie, speaking on impulse, her big eyes flashing.

Swift bent lower as he said

"It's quite evident you are in love and I should say the parson is the man you love. I wonder he can be blind to the charms of such a pretty girl."

"Who said he was Wind?" she asked in a furious tone.

" I don't think you would have sent that letter if you had been sure of his love. Mind, I don't blame you for sending it ; 'all's fair in 'love and war.' " "That's what I think," she said, shortly. " I shall take an interest in this love affair of yours. I wonder if you will end in being Mrs. Ford ?" he said in a speculative tone. She looked up at him and spoke quickly : "I should'have had a much better chance if your daughter was out of the neighbourhood. Cannot you leave here ?" He laughed. "I would do a good deal to oblige a pretty girl, but to leave here would , upset all my plans, and I'm afraid you ore too imaginative ; my daughter has only seen this Ford a few timeß." "I've seen him watch her ; only the other day she drove past when I was talking to him. Miss Swift bowed and smiled, as if he was her dearest friend, though Lady Annette turned away in disgust, and Mr. Ford jnst gazed after the carriage as though he. couldn't tear his eyes \ away," said Julie. " All the same, I scarcely think ', Ford, the Dissenting.jJVlinistcr, will

marry my daughter," said o'.avt, drily. " Anyway such a pro!.!:,, girl

as you need not trouble bccci.'.ise a, sober-faced parsom does not vva-.it her for his wife. Good da3 r, and I hope we,shall meet again," ho said ; then, touching his horse lightly with his whip, he went down the lane at a canter, while Julie went up the hill.

" A very pretty girl, and madly in love with Ford, but she's not the sort of woman he'd admire ; she's more the style an old worldling like me would appreciate."

While Swift was talking to Julie, Stella had left the Hall, and crossing the park reached the wood. She slipped out of the house while Lady Annette ; was interviewing her housekeeper and Jack was busy with the steward. They had been nearly three weeks at the Hall, there was no talk of them leaving, though ; she had begun to feel the life irksome, there was too little freedom for her. If she drove Lady Annette went with her, if she rode Jack was there. In fact either he or Lady Annette had been her shadow. Once or twice she had suggested she would like a walk over the moor, and each time her father, and Jack Cathcart had accompanied her ; she liked, and was sorry for the latter, but she felt certain—apart from what Grace had told her —that he had some secret trouble, but she wished he would not follow her so persistently ; not for one minute did Stella dream he had any thoughts of making her his wife; she imagined he sought her society because he was lonely, and felt Grace's defection, though he studiously avoided speaking of the latter save in the most casual fashion.

. Now as she entered the wood she drew a sigh of relief ; she would have the morning to herself ; perhaps Jack might have seen the direction she too^" and would come to seek her, when he had done with his steward, but he would be less likely to find her on the other side of the river. The thought made Stella cross the bridge and hasten along the path at the other side. Gradually' her pace slackened, she was thinking of Ford, and wishing she could see him ; they had never spoken since that clay when she told him she was coming to the Hall; she had seen him once, talking to a pretty girl and Stella felt uncomfortable for a moment, then she smiled as she remembered the little lecture Lady Annette had given her upon the foolishness of acknowledging the minister as though he was her equal, and her dismay when Stella had declared she regarded him as her superior.

A turn in the road brought her to an open space, and seated under a tree, with an open letter in his hand was the man -of whom she was thinking.

The sound of her footsteps, light as they were, roused him, and he came quickly towards her.

"It is a % long time since we met," he said, as they shook hands.

" I saw you one afternoon talking ; a very pretty girl," she said.

" Yes, I saw you. I was speaking to Miss Julie Ray, her mother and she attend my church."

There was something, she couldn't have defined what, told her he was indifferent to this girl and the knowledge gave her pleasure. She didn't want to share this man's friendship. Of course it was selfish but the feeling was there ; then she roused herself as he said :

"I wonder if you would sit down a little. I should like to tell you about a letter I received this morning, because it may and I think will, mean my leaving here."

" Mean you leaving here ! At once ?" she said, quickly.

" Not *at once. They give me a month in which to decide the matter. A fortnight later I should have to take up the work that is offered me, but I had better explain that I have the offer of a church in the East-End of London. The congregation which is large, is chiefly composed of working people. Then there is a branch church for mission work, where I might be able to influence some of the worst characters in London. I have long felt that such v/ork would appeal to me, and I have a promise from a friend that he would do his utmost to secure me a church of the kind I wanted, so with this hope, arranged with my people here to liberate me on a month's notice." " You think you will accept the offer ?" she said. " Yes, it will open a wide field of labour, work that I believe I am fitted for, and there are plenty of men v;ho can take my place here." " Yes, you are fitted for missionary work." Then Stella's eyes brightened as she said, "You have a grand career before you."

He looked approvingly at her

"It is good to hear you—a society woman—speak of my work in such a tone."

"I don't think I shall be much of a society woman in future," she said.

For a moment there was silence, then he said :

" You have not been to any of the services since you came here,"

" No, it's been impossible to get away. If such a thing was not ridiculous I should think that "my f;. ther and others had conspired to prevent me, but I'm going to break bounds, especially if you're leaving hrre but I shall come to your church in London."

" I hope you will, and you must not forget we are friends. I may be able to help you some day. Remember, if there is anything I can do foi you I can be counted upon."

" Thank you, I shall not forget that you are my friend," she said. Then raising her eyes suddenly she saw that he was regarding her with a look of passionate love and as she met his gaze, the scales fell from her eyes, and she knew she loved this man. He rose.

" I must be going," and his voice was abrupt.

She sprang to her feet and they walked silently on until he said : "Are you happy here?" " I don't know, I suppose I am," she said, hurriedly. " Mr. Cathcart is a fine fellow?" " Yes," she replied. Then when they came in sight of the bridge he held out his hand saying : "We part here. Good-bye, Miss Swift." " Not gootl-bye, good-das," she answered. " He loves me, but he will not tell me because I am rich, and I love him. Is money to spoil two lives ?" she thought. Miles Ford went forward slowly. " I'm afraid she read the truth in my eyes and -- and I could have thought my love returned, but I must not try to win her. lam only a RQOE J^au,,, and she is a great lady.

I'm glad I sb would be too hard," he reflected

CHAPTER XIX. "He that wrongs his friend, wrongs himself more." —Sea Dreams."

" You don't believe in the proverb, 'Happy the wooing that's not long a-doing/ " and as Swift spoke he took his cigar out of nisi mouth and looked at Jack.

They were in the billiard room, Swift having suggested as soon as luncheon was over that they should have a game, and now he had won, but instead of commencing another game he had made the above remark.

"What rdo you mean?" Jack said, and his tone was decidedly curt.

" I mean that we have been here nearly three weeks, and it is time you asked Stella to marry you, unless you've changed your mind, then of course I've no more to say."

There was a covert threat in the words that indicated in such a case he would have a good deal to say. Jack did not reply for a moment it was hateful to think that this man had the right' to dictate to him, then he said :

" Three weeks isn't a long time in which to woo a girl."

" It depends upon the man, but I really do think, my dear fellow that it is time you and Stella came to an understanding."

" All right, I'll ask her at once, but I'm not at all sure she'd say yes, we're good friends, but I don't think she regards me as a lover." " Then I'm } afraid you haven't made the most of your opportunities, but you'll soon know." " You think it wise to ask her now ?" said Jack. " Yes, there's no time like the present," replied his companion. Without a word Jack laid down his cue and left the room, going slowly to the drawing room where he expected to find his mother and Stella knowing that his appearance would be a signal for his mother to leave them together, but she was not there. Stella was busy with her fancy work and he was struck by the look of radiant happiness her face wore, and he wondered what it meant.

" Your mother has gone to write to the Vicar about that charity concert," Stella remarked as he approached.

"That's lucky, because I want to speak to you," he said, as he seated himself near her, and watched the quickly moving fingers, feeling a bigger knave than he had ever felt; he wanted to make this girl believe he loved her, and the words wouldn't come, and when they did .he knew they were not true.

" You've a funny way of speaking," she said, with a laugh as she looked at him, then something in his face made her say I

"What is the matter?" He pulled himself together, and spoke quickly.

"I wanted to ask you to be my wife. It shall be the study of my life to make you happy."

There was earnestness and sincerity in the last words, he intended doing everything in his power to make up for his lack of love, but Stella noticed nothing of this, she was amazed beyond measure that Jack—whom she had always regarded as the lover oi Grace Doyle—should ask her to marrj him, and on the impulse of the moment she said : "I thought you loved Grace ?" The colour mounted to his brow, as he said : "Grace is nothing to me, and never can .be." His words brought to Stella's mind the reason Grace would not marry him, that he had admitted he lived in the shadow of disgrace. He had told Grace this, but he simply asked her to be his wife. What did it mean ? " I don't believe you love me," she said, in 'her usual straightforward manner. Jack felt intensely uncomfortable, he knew that having asked her to marry him, he ought to be prepared to swear he loved her, but he (had a feeling that she would detect the lie, so he said :

" Doesn't a man usually love the woman he asks to be his wife. I should hold you very dear."

" Yes, but mot the dearest. ' Grace would always be that. Why have you asked me to marry you, Mr. Cathcart ?"

The directness of the question; the knowledge that he had no choice in the matter, made him hesitate ; then he said :

" I asked you because I want you for my wife."

" Now, look here, Jack, I'm calling you that because I've got to feel you are a friend. Now let us understand each other. You ask me to marrs you, and I know you love Grace. It's not a case of past tense it's present. She told me she would not marry you, so I should like to know if you have made me this offer out of pique ?"

" Good heavens, no ! do you think I'm such a poor fellow as that ?"

" I don't know exactly; what to think, but I'm going to tell you something that Gracie told me in confidence.- I shall never name it to anyone else ; but as you've asked me to be your wife I think I'm justified in speaking of it. You told Grace that you had committed a fraud — the explanation was very indefinite, but you warned her that some day disgrace might touch you and yours. Did she understand you rightly ?"

Ho bowed. Words wouldn't come. At that moment he would have been glad to walk out of the house nameless and penniless, Stella's plain talk had made him feel that his offer had been an insult to her.

"Then if it was right to explain this to Grace —whom you lovewhy did you not tell me ? Suppose I had loved you and become your wife, would you have let this trouble come upon me like an avalanche ? You haven't played fair. For some reason you ask me to marry you and beside defrauding me of the love that should go with such an offer, you hide a vital part of your past life."

" I admit that I don't love you, but I have a great liking, we should be great comrades Stella, and Grace will never be anything to me ; if you become my wife I should forget her ; she is too good for this world. Grace ought to go into a nunnery," and his tone was bitter, then it changed, as he said : " With regard to the disgrace I spoke of, it would never touch you. When you became my wife it would become a thing of the past. Ask your father, he knows all about it," said Jack.

To be Continued