THE GAME OF LIFE; OR THE MASTER OF MILLWOOD HALL.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2794, 24 May 1911, Page 4

THE GAME OF LIFE; OR THE MASTER OF MILLWOOD HALL.

COPYRIGHT.

By Hedley Richards, Author if "Time, The Avenger," "The Mine Master's Iteic," etc., etc

PART 2t.

"Don't you think I know that* But I couldn't stay away." Hm before he had any idea of what sto was going to do she fell on her knees beside his chair and ctesped her arm round his neck, saying, " Miles, I love you madly/ 1

" Miss Julie, I think you must b% out of your mind," he said, as h*> tried to "disengage himself ; but she clung still fasten

" Oh, don't send me away ; I cannot live without you. I'll spend my life serving you if you will marry me," she said. ■ .

While she was speaking he tried to unfasten the hands that were holding aim so tightly, and at last he succeeded, but only to have her clasp his *.nees firmly, while she still knelt an the floor, and looking up at him appealinjgly exclaimeft:

'•How can you be so hard-hearted? I love you as thtet American girl can never love. It's true and you need not look so indignant. She hasn't it in her t© love as I do." ;

Ford spoke kind** 3 though vexed and perplexed at la* behaviour, h» felt sorry for the girt.

"Miss Julie, you forget your w#« manhood. Let me tokte you borne; jrou ought not to be here at this time," he said, glancing at the slock.

She laughed derisivelj 1.

" Do you think I care what time it Is? But my mother will miss me, and there will be a search then when it is discovered that I am here you'll bave to marry me because of what people will say."

" You wicked girl !*' exclaimed Ford, trying to rise ; but she clung 30 desperately to his knees that he could not do so without hurting her.

"1 don't care what you call me; .I've planned it all. I made up the message telling Mrs. Robson that Mrs. Slater was ill, and they wanted her, and she never suspected. She said it took her an hour and a quarter to get there and then they'll havo to talk it over. She won't be backi till one o'clock, and she'll find me here. I shall tell her.you knew all about the tale I had made up and> asked me to come. Don't you see you'll have to marry me, or be disgraced for ever." Ford's face grew very atern, all the kindliness vanishing. He was disgusted with this girl, who had cared for nothing but forcing him to marry her. Moreover he knew she wad right; that if she was discovered in his roonls it would be very difficult to clear his character. Of course he could use force and free himself from her clasp then fetch her mother : but Julie was capable of attracting^ the attention of the neighbours to her presence there. Evidently she cared neither for her own reputation '\&e his. • What was he to do T

"You see you'll be obliged to marry me or you'll be'turned out ol the ministry," she said.

"I shall never marry you, Miss Julie, think of your mother and ,of what she would say if she knew you were here. Go home and forget all about this. You don't want to ruin your own and my reputation?" he said trying to appeal to her nett« feelings.

, " I don't care s fc'g ■ about my character or yours. If you'll promise to marry me, I'll go home and no one shall know I've been here ; if you won't, then I'll have my revenge, and that girl you want to marry shall know I was here long after eleven at night when your landlady was out." Then Julie'« tone became imploring as she said, "Why cannot you love me? I'm 1 pretty, I know I am, and I worship you. If you don't love me, marry me, and Til be stich a good wife that you'll forget the other girt," ttm said.

11 Get up •"

The words were spoken in a WU* man's voice, but the tone betrayed Indignation and anger.

" Mother !" exclaimed Ford, an# there was joy in his voice, and as ho spo^e the girl turned her head, btr hands lqosening their clasp.

" Get up f" repeated Rachel Ford, " If you hadn't come he'd have had} to marry me," said the girl.

" Where does she live ?" (ask'e* Rachel Ford, looking, at her son. "Not fax from here?' I

Mrs. Ford quietly put 'Julie's hat-* that had fallen back —in place, then she said :

." lam going to take you home. 11" For a moment the girl looked, at! her, and something in the grave, noble face seemed to influence her as she replied :

" All right, I'll come."

Rachel put her arm'through t* girl's,, and Miles led the' way downstairs, then opened the 'door and a* the two passed out his mother said:

'■' Ms little bag is at the foot oi the stairs ; will you tatoe it up ?" . For a moment he stood watching them as they crossed the street, then he took the bag 1 and went upstairs.

. •' I suppose you think 'I'm an aw- ■ tally-bad girl, but I -do love him,«l; said Julie. 1 "I think you might have rulneft my son's character," said Mrs. Ford^ sternly.. She could scarcely pity this girl who, but for her timely

appearance, might have brought die-

grace; on Miles. Julie did not «tH ply-- and they walked on in sHence until Julie opened the gate leading Into the garden at her home.

•*I live here," «he eaid, shortly* as- she came to a standstill. ** I shall see y»u safely into fßi house," replied Rachel and in silence

they walked up to the door, and Ju-

lie rang the bell. , Almost immed- '•': lately the door was opened by Mrs. Ray, who looked utterly miserable, while Aunt Sophia 3tood behind her. "Oh, Julie, I thought something avrful had happened to you," said her mother.

Julie did not aaswer, but Rachel

Ford took her gently by the arm, and as she stepped into the hell she said :

" I've brought your daughter, home. Take care of her."

The grave voice that had lost it«

sternness at the sight of tb« mother*

troubled face, continued : ■'.'■' "I am Rachel Ford, the minister's mother," then she went quickly down the steps, but at the 'gate she paused, hearing muickf steps behind .-her. " ■■•!..•■.

"I'm Julio's aunt and I k* '>■ like to know the rights of t'liK," - Aunt Sophia.

"I cannot tell you, only I Ino ■ your niece needs wise counsel and a firm hand to guide her."

"Which her mother hasn't got. Well, I shall see your son in the morning, and get to know the truth, and as far as I can I'll keep my eye on Julie, but she's had her own way too long to be easy to break im. Good night, Mrs. Ford," and Aunt Sophia went back to the house, whil« Rachel hastened to her son.

"It was providential you arrive* when • you did," said Ford, as his mother entered his sitting-room.

" Yes. Do you know for the las* few hours I have been intensely anxious to get here ; I felt as though you were in some danger. Now tell me all about it."

" Not until you have had aom§thing to eat. I'm afraid the kitchen fire will have gone out, but I'll light it and get you a cup of tea."

" No, thank you I had tea some hours ago ; I'll have some bread and cheese," she said, looking at the supper tray that still stood on the table.

/" Then I'll see if I can find a glass of milk," replied Miles and going te the pantry he found what he requiretl and as Rachel got her supper he told her what had happened.

She listened in silence, then when she had heard all. she said:

" You must not tell your landlady this, or it will niim the pow girl's character."

Before Miles could reply they heard the sound of wheels, then a trap stopped at the door. <

"I saw your light, Mr. Ford, so I knew you hadn't gone to bed. Do you know that girl—Miss Ray—has been hoaxing me ; I'll speak to her mother about it, sending me ofl at that time of night;" then suddenly becoming aware of Mrs. Ford's presence she stopped abruptly.

"This is my mother, Mrs. Robson; she has come quite unexpectedly to see me. Can you find her a bed ?if not, she shall have mine, and I'll sleep on a couch."

" Indeed, sir, there's no need for that, the spare bed is aired. I was expecting my niece, but she's put me off, so I'll just put clea» sheets on. It's lucky my cousin drove me home. Would you believe, ma'am, that any girl would play a woman my age such a trick ?" and Mrs. Robson explained the trick she'd been served.

" I call it disgraceful to play such a hoax on anyone, and I'll let her mother know what. I think about it, as, sure as my name's Sarah Robson," and with these word* she left the room.

Mrs. Ford spoke quietly to her son. "Don't undeceive her. Tiet her think it was a hoax." she said. "Yes, we'll let it rest at that," he replied. A moment later he turned to his mother, saying : " Was the tale true Mr. Swift told me?" She rose aa she spoke.

"Miles, I'm not going «o talk about that to-night. I'm tired ; I think I'll go and help Mrs. Robson to make my bed. Good night, my son," and she kissed him, then went quickly along the landing to a room in which she saw a light, and began helping her son's landlady to put the sheets on the bed, listening patiently to her talk about the shameful hoax that bad been practised upon her.

"I must sleep and get strength for what I have to do to-morrow," thought Rachel, as ahe got into bed.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

" Sin hath many tools, but a lie is the handle which fit* them all."— O.W. Holmes.

Rachel; Ford anfl her son had just finished breakfast. During the meal she had talked to him about his work, and discussed many things, but the matter that engrossed him she carefully avoided and he was conscious of it.

Now when the table was cleared he turned to her saying : " Mother, you got my letter?"

"Yes, I came to answer it in person, but you must wait to hear what I have to say until Lady Annette, her son, and Mr. Swift are present. I think you would like his daughter to be of the number."

Miles regarded his mother with surprise.

"Do you want me to ask them to •ome here?" he said.

"No, I think you had better write and ask Lady Annette if: she would receive us, and Mr. Swift. I should write him a note asking. him to meet us there this afternoon."

"All right, mother, I suppose you have some good reason for wishing to meet these people, but I would like you to tell me how far you endorse Swift's tale, also what course jou advise me to take," said Miles.

"I have decided not to talk about the matter until we get to Millwood Hall," she answered quietly.

He looked very vexed.

" But, mother, I don't think tha\ is iquite fair. I asked you for ad vice, and you refuse to discuss the matter."

" Yes, I hay« thought the matter over and I think my course wisest."

" I think you forget I am not a child, but a man who has to decide his own course of action," he said, In a tone that showed he was deeply annoyed.

"It would be difficult to forget you are a 'man. Miles, cannot you trust me ?"

'"Yes, but I cannot understand why you refuse to say anything now. I thought you would consider what was best to be done."

,His mother did not reply, and Ford knew by the look of quiet determination that her face wore that he mitght as well try to move a rock. "I see it's no use mother ; you've got what I used to call when I was a little lad, your I'm-going-to-have-my-own-way face ; so I'll not waste time trying to persuade you to change your mind. I'll write to Lady Annette and Mr. Swift. Will three o'clock suit you for the meeting ?" " Yes, that time will do nicely," she replied, and watched Miles while he wrote the letters then he went out to find a boy who^would delivei them.

" That's all. right, and; I suppose 1 must exercise all the patience I possess. Mother, why doc't you tell me anything of the paßt ?!" he said, abruptly.

She smiled as she said

■" Suppose we talk about Miss Swift. Have you a portrait o! her ?"

He lootted at his mother in our prise, for he had not told, her he I»ve4 .bar* •

*' Why should I have her portrait?" he asked.

" Because you love her. I read between the lines when you wrotci about her. and I know you love her," 3he answered.

He smiled, the disappointment and vexation caused by his mother's reEusal to confide in him vanished.

"You have guessed rightly. Ido love Stella, and she has promised to be my wife ; she is not in the least lite her father, save that she is quick-witted like him."

"I feel sure she is a good and true woman, or you would not love her, but what does her father say?"

" He says that if I claim the estate we may marry, otherwise he forbids it, but as Stella is of age shortly and his objection would be merely my lack of means we shall marry without his consent. She doesn't care about riches and declares she would b« perfectly happy as a poor man|s wife."

" I hope she will accompany her father to the Hall. I should like to see her," replied his mother.

"I asked Mr. Swilt to bring her. Now, mother, I'm going to see one of my flock who is ill. I shall be back in an hour or two."

Some time before his return the messenger—who had taken the letters to the Hall and the Court—brought answers, but Rachel waited patiently until her son returned.

" Lady Annette will be glad to see us there at the, time named and Mr. Swift will meet us there and bring Stella, in order, he says, to prevent me doing anythingi foolish. That means that he thinks if Stella is present I shall be more influenced by the fear of losing her."

"I am glad Miss Swift is to be present," replied his mother.

It was a fairly long drive to Millwood Hall, and as they wanted to be punctual and the horse in the station cab was not renowned for its swiftness they started in good time. As Miles looked at his mother who was seated opposite to him, he thought it was little wonder she had won the love of a man in Rupert Cathcart's position ; even now her face was beautiful but in her girlhood she must have possessed extraordinary attraction.

When theji turned in at the Park she looked round her with interest, then sighed softly as. she said :

" Your father has often described this place to me. He loved it dearly."

Miles did not reply. He was vexed with his mother that she had chosen to let him remain in the dark as to her course of action, or what she had to say.

Presently the cab stopped, and he asked his mother whether he should tell the man to wait.

"I think not. I can easily 'manage to walk back," she replied as she stepped on to the smooth gravel in front of the door, and at the same moment they heard the sound of ao approaching vehicle. "I think the Swifts are coming," he Baid, as they went up the steps.

It was quite evident they were expected, as the butler conducted them at once to the drawing room, where Lady Annette and Jack were waiting to receive them. 1

Jack came forward and shook hands with them, but Lady Annette merely bowed aB she studied the face of the other woman with mingled anxiety and curiosity.

"Will you sit down here, near my mother ?" said Jack drawing an easy chair forward, and as Rachel seated herself the door opened and the but« ler announced :

" Mr. and Miss Swift."

Swifi advanced with a careless air, then as his glance rested on Rachel Ford he started slightly, but in a moment regained his self-possession, and after shaking hands with Lady Annette he turned to her saying :

"I feel sure you are the mother of my friend Miles, though he did not tell me I was to have this pleasure;" as he spoke he held oofc»his hand.

, She did not appear to notice it, but replied quietly :

"Yes, I am the woman whom your brother, Barry Stirling, married." ,

" And the widow of Rupert Cathcart," he said, in a low but clear voice.

She did not answer him, but turned to look at Stella who was seated at a little distance, Miles »tanding by her chair, while Jack lounged against the mantelpiece, regarding the group with interest. Swift seated himself on the couch beside Lady Annette, then glancing round with a careless air, he said in a cynical tone : " Suppose we get to business, i expect you have come to some decision ?" and he looked at Miles.

Before her son could speak Rachel said in a clear distinct tone :

" I have something to say."

"I'm sure we shall be glad to hear anything from you, Mrs. Cathcart," said Swift pleasantly.

At the words " Mrs. Cathcart," Lady Annette's face flushed, and she turned quickly to him saying sharply:

"I do not acknowiedge that woman's claim to the name of Cathcart."

" Hush, mother !" exclaimed Jack. " I don't, and I won't allow that she has any claim to the name. You can do what you like, Jack, but I shall fight the case, and assert that I was the wife, and am the widow of Rupert Cathcart," exclaimed Lady Annette.

Rachel spoke quietly i

" There is no need to fight the case Lady Annette. Ido not claim the name of Cathcart, I call myself Rachel Ford, but my real name is Rachel Stirling, widow of Barry Stirling. I believed myself Rupert Cathcart's wife, but my husband whom I thought was dead, reappeared, so I disappeared out of Rupert's life and let him think I was dead."

As she spoke Swift's face changed, the careless sneer had gone, instead there was an alert look mingled with uneasiness and as she paused he said quickly : " Mj dear sister-in-law—because in spite of that later marriage you are related to me — you made a great mistake ; the man whom you believed to be your first husband Barry was his twin brother, James, who was killed by lightning in this house, and you were a widow at the timt Rupert Cathcart married you."

(To be continued.)