Fettered

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 193, 4 November 1927, Page 14

Fettered

By

Paul Trent

‘ Author of •• Whin Qrtok Matte Grtt***’ •• Th* Vow.” 4e., 4c.

CHAPTER L > “Do keep still!” Valerie Stanton cried frn patiently. The passionate eyes of the artist rested on the fair face of the girl, whose portrait she was painting, and there was a baleful light in them, as once more they took in the great beauty of her rival. “I’m tired,” answered Diana Lytton, and with a slow movement that was full of grace, she descended from the platform and came over to the easel. The portrait was nearly finished, and although a good likeness, an artist would have seen that there had been malevolence in the touch of the brush. “Am I as horrid as that?” Diana asked lightly, but her face quickly became serious, and she proceeded to examine the picture with care. “Have you caught my normal expression?” "I think so,” Valerie answered steadily, but her eyes did not meet her -fiiend’s, and she turned away to wash her brushes. Diana laughed, but there was no amusement in the sound. ‘'We’ve been friends for years, Valerie. It’s curious, but I’m just beginning to wonder If you really like me,” she remarked, thoughtfully. “Don’t be absurd. I should be without a sense of gratitude if I didn’t love you. Where should I have been without your help?—probably slaving away as a governess for a few pounds a year. And. thanks to you. I’m the owner of this comfortable studio. I earn enough to live on, and by doing work I love. Again I have to thank you.” “I have Always been glad to help you. Money docs not mean very much to me.” "Simply because you’ve never known tho lack of it.” Perhaps you are right. By-the-bye, I might as well write out a cheque. The portrait is practically finished.” Diana sat down at a table, and while she was writing, Valerie watched her moodily. “Thanks, dear,” she said in a low voice, when she had glanced at the figure on the cheque that hacl just been given her. “I have made it for an extra twentyfive pounds. Soon you may want to buy a wedding-dress—or rather a dress for a wedding, and ” * Diana broke off with a nervous laugh, and the colour came to her cheeks. "By-the-bye, you will come to dinner to-night,” she continued, and it might have been as though she were giving an order rather than an invitation. “I’m afraid I can't. I’ve an engagement.” “But you must come. I want you,” Diana broke in impetuously. “Mr. Fordyce will be there—and also Mr. Cameron.” “I’ll come,” Valerie said, so quickly that Diana’s attention was aroused. "Mr. Fordyce seems to be attracted, and ” “Mr. Fordyce!” Valerie repeated contempuously. “Besides, he’s in love with you.” T hope not,” Diana answered gravely. v'alerie rose, and was about to ask a question, but after a moment’s hesitation. refrained. •Dinner at eight. Don’t come any earlier. Good-bye, dear. A light kiss, and Diana hastened to th car. which was awaiting her. A short drive home—an old house on the Chelsea Embankment and facing the

river-—she went straight to her bedroom. The maid was surprised that she should wish to dress so early, and her astonishment increased at the care which her mistress took in the choosing of her toilet for so unimportant a dinner. Alone, Diana critically examined her reflection in the long mirror. Eyes of the deepest blue, the colour accentuated by glorious hair of a dull, red gold, a figure tall and slender, but with rounded curves to delight the eyes ’of an artist. And yet, she was not content, for she was remembering Valerie’s portrait. Could it be that she was domineering? Was there something in her character that was not quite straightforward? For that was the impression left by the artist’s hand. A knock at the door, and Valerie camo in. “I’ve just run over for a moment. I wanted to ask you a question. Is it Garth Cameron? Are you going to marry him? she asked with feverish nervousness. “Isn’t your question a little impertinent, dear? It’s not one that I can answer,” Diana said coldly. “You’ve already answered me. You needn’t be afraid. He’ll marry you all right. You’re rich and he’s a struggling barrister.” “You insult him,” Diana answered angrily. “Of course, I was only fooling. I'll hurry back and dress.” “Stop—Valerie.” But the door closed with a bang, and Diana was left alone with her thoughts. Once more* she read the few formal lines, in which Garth Cameron had asked to be allowed to come at seven o’clock. “I have something to say to you, and would like to see you alone,” he had wound up. And now Garth Cameron was walking from his chambers in the Temple along the Embankment. A typical barrister face, clean-cut features, a firm mouth and chin. Yet there* was a hint of passion in the lips; but of a passion kept well under control. And now he was about to tell of the great love that had come into his life. A love that overwhelmed.him with its intensity. For a long time he had struggled with his pride, for although Garth was a rising man he had no private means, and Diana was wealthy. It irked his proud spirit that he should be beholden to a woman for anything, but in the end he had been compelled to give way. Diana was awaiting him in the room which she had made particularly her own. Around were photographs of her friends—among them was one of Garth himself, and when he entered, shs was standing near it, a faint flush on her cheeks. No word of greeting passed between them. Garth came straight to her, and took her hand in his. “My dear, you know what I have to say?” he began in a low voice, but did not wait for an answer. “I have given my happiness into your keeping. A few months ago, I did not live. I was a mere machine for work. But your grace, your beauty, your sweetness—they taught me that there was only one thing that mattered—love.” His voice had grown firmer, and his eyes looked into hers. “Love,” he repeated, “and that is all I have to offer. 1 am poor, while you are rich.” “Only rich in that you love me,” she interrupted him tremulously. “Then you do care!” he cried, and there was triumph in his voice.

“ More than I dare tell you. Many men have wished to marry me. Many have wooed me, but only you. Garth dear, have ever touched my heart. There can be no shame in acknowledging one’s love. Dearest, I have given to you all that is in me. I am yours to do with as you will. I trust you implicitly. Never talk of my money. 1 wish I were as poor as—as Valerie.” He still held her hands, but his eyes were glowing with passion, and suddenly his arms were around her, and his lips seeking hers. “You will marry me soon, dearest. I want you to be with me always.” “Dear one, your wishes are mine,” she answered simply. “Garth, have you ever cared Itor anyone else as you care for me?” “Never! ” he answered emphatically. “I am full of faults. I’m quick-tem-pered and I’m horribly jealous. I hate to see you even talking to another woman. I know I’m silly,” she wound up, nervously. “I have never loved another woman.” “At first I thought you cared for Valerie. You were always so kind to her.” “She seemed to be lonely, and I was sorry for her. I have often been lonely myself, but now ” She marvelled at the change in him. The reserve to which she was accustomed, and which she had always resented, had vanished. This was the man she had longed him to be. Her hand was pressed against her heart. Her happiness was so great that it was a pain. A knock at the door, and instinctively Diana drew away, but Garth stepped again to her side when a tall man came in. “Good evening,” Diana said, nervously. Guy fordyce looked at her piercingly, then turned to Garth—and understood. In spite of his anger and disappointment his manner and voice were cordial. “Garth, old chap, am I to congratulate you?” he asked. “Thanks.” “And you. Miss Lytton, I wish you happiness.” Fordyce turned quickly to face Valerie, who was standing in the door-

way. No words were necessary to tell her what had happened. Just for a moment her face was distorted with passion, but with a supreme effort she controlled herself, forced a smile, and spoke calmly. “Diana, dearest, you are a lucky girl, and you—Mr. Cameron ” But Diana had closed her lips*with a kiss. A couple of hours later Fordyce was walking home with Valerie. Little conversation passed between them until they reached the studio. “May I be frank?” Fordyce began in a low voice. “Please.” “I don’t think either of us is overburdened with scruples. You care for Cameron; I care for Diana.” “For her money.” “As you please,” he answered with indifference. “I’ve made up my mind to marry her, and with your help I shall succeed.” “Garth Cameron cared for me. I knew him first,” Valerie cried vehemently. “We must act quickly. Time is pressing. I need money at once. I am prepared to go to any lengths to win. And you ” “She shan’t marry him. I swear she shan’t.” Her bosom rose and fell quickly. But Fordyce only laughed at her excitement. But soon he was unfolding his plan, while she listened intently and hope surged to her heart. CHAPTER 11. A month had passed and in a few days the lovers were to be married. Valerie had suggested that for a wedding present she should paint a portrait of Garth Cameron, and after a little hesitation Diana had agreed. She was determined to make herself worthy of the man she loved, and it would be an excellent beginning to conquer her insane jealousy. Not that * she had succeeded, for she insisted upon being present at the sittings. Valerie was holding the telephone receiver and listening expectantly. “Is that you, Mr. Cameron? Can you give 1 me a sitting at half-past two in-

stead of four? Yes, Diana will be here. Thank you. Good-bye.” A smile of satisfaction appeared as she replaced the receiver. A glance at the grand-father’s clock in the corner' of the studio, and she climbed the staircase to the balcony above. There she paused and looked down at the portrait of Garth, which had indeed been a labour of love. In fact, she had idealised him. “She shall not marry him,” she cried vehemently. The linen overall, which she wore when working, was taken off, and she proceeded to her bedroom to dress leisurely. Was she not beautiful—with a beauty that lived. It was impossible that Garth could prefer Diana. It was her money that attracted him. Each day that she had witnessed the lovers together had caused her hatred of Diana to increase. All the benefits she had received were forgotten—in fact, they only increased her desire to injure the woman who called her friend. Valerie went down to the studio, and began to pace restlessly to and fro. Excitement added to her loveliness, as she waited Garth’s arrival. The telephone bell rang, and a terrified look came to her face —perhaps it was to say that he could not come. “Yes—yes. Oh—lt’s you. I expect him every minute. No, I won’t fail. Yes, I know. Three o’clock. It is now two-thirty by my clock. Good-bye.” A ring and she ran to the little hall. Just for a moment she paused, and then opened the front door. “I’m glad you’ve come,” she said hurriedly, when Cameron stood before her. “Diana isn’t here yet, but she won’t be long. We won’t lose any time. I hope to finish to-day.” He followed her to the studio, and at once sat down on the platform. To her annoyance he had not appeared to notice the beauty of her dress, and with a sigh, she took up a brush. But her hand trembled so that she could not paint. However, he did not appear to see her agitation, and she soon became calmer. There was really little more to be done to the picture. Every now and then she glanced at the clock, and at last it was three o’clock. With a sigh of relief she threw down her brush. “It is finished. Come and look at it.” Garth strolled across, but did not appear to be greatly interested. “So long a? Diana likes it. Maj r I smoke?” He sat down on the couch, and she came forward with the matches, striking one, and holding it to the cigarette. “She is late.” “Yes. Naturally she is very busy — trying on clothes, you know. She told me she would come round here. I was on no account to let you go.” She sat down beside him, and watched him consciously. “You are taking from me the only friend I have in the world,” she began suddenly. “Marriage need not interrupt your friendship,” he answered. Garth had always liked Valerie. Manlike he had not seen beneath the surface, and he had admired her as a lonely woman, who worked hard for a living. “You don’t know Diana. She is already forgetting me. When you come back from your —your honeymoon, to her I shall cease to exist.” “You wrong her. Diana is loyal,” Garth answered a little coldly. “I have known her since she was a child, and your eyes are blinded by love. I am not sure that she is capable of a real lasting affection. You appeal to her as a new toy—and ” “Really, Miss Stanton ” “P"orgive me, I believe I’m envious of her happiness. Forget what I’ve said.” Garth’s face was very grave, but he made no answer. “It is because I care for you, that I am so anxious,” she went on, and there was a note of passion in her voice. “From the first time we met in this .studio you were always kind to me.

I have not been a happy woman, and you brought brightness into my life.” Garth turned away nervously, and did not know what to say. “You will think me shameless when I tell you that I grew to care. I grew to long for your presence, and I believe that you were fond of me. Even after you had met Diana, I still hoped that some day ” Cameron moved uneasily, and she gripped his hand. “Bear with me. Don’t you see I’m suffering? Just for once, to utter the thoughts that surge through my mind. I haven’t much to look forward to. I’m not a woman who changes easily. There is Spanish blood in. my veins—the warm blood of the south —and ” “You make me ashamed.” “I glory in acknowledging that I love. Yes, Garth, I would lay down my life to serve you.” She had drawn close to him, and he would have risen, but she gripped his hand. “I must go.” “Not until you have listened to me, Garth. I do not blame you. I have given my love unasked. This is the last time we shall speak. Perhaps I am telling you of my love to raise a barrier between us. It would be agony to witness your happiness with another woman, that woman my friend.” “You must be silent,” he said sternly. But Valerie’s eyes were fixed on the clock, and she was listening intently. Suddenly she gave a little cry, and threw her arms around him, straining him to her with all her strength. “Garth, darling, you have made me so happy,” she whispered. Too dazed to resist she kissed him again and again. But a cry was heard from the doorway, and she drew away, covering her face with her hands. Ilalf an hour before Diana had been getting ready to start for the studio. A song was on her lips and she smiled joyfully at the* thought of being with her lover. A few short days and they would stand side by side at the altar. To be Garth’s wife —the mere thought thrilled her, and she kissed with passion the ring that he had given her. Then .the maid came to announce a visitor, Guy Fordyce, and she went down to him at once. “I am just going to meet Garth. Will you come along?” she asked pleasantly. “I have come to talk to you seriously. Can you spare a few moments?” “Yes, but be as quick as you can. I don’t want to be late.” “I want to speak of Garth and yourself. You know that I care for you?” She did not answer, but regarded him in surprise. “A 'woman knows when she is loved,” he went on quietly. “Anyhow’, you preferred Cameron. I still care for your happiness, and that is why I am here.” “Please go on,” she cried impatiently. “You are in love and therefore blind, but your friends are anxious. Garth Cameron is consumed with ambition. His dream is to make a'name as a politician, and he is prepared to sacrifice anything for success. To succeed in politics a man must have money, and Garth is poor . . ” “You dare to insinuate,” she began vehemently. “I do not insinuate. I merely state facts. Before you knew Garth he was in love with Valerie Stanton. To my knowledge he still cares for her. He will marry you to satisfy his ambition.” Diana grew very white. In her hand she held gloves, and she struck his face with them. “You lie.” “t speak the truth,” he said deliberately. “In a few minutes you shall apologise for that blow.” T trust Garth—implicitly.” “Have you never been jealous of Valerie?” “I am jealous of everyone, but I trust Garth.” (To be continued.)