Fettered

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 204, 17 November 1927, Page 5

Fettered

Paul Trent

Author of "• When OrooK Moot* GrooO,'’ •• Tho Vow.” &c„ 1c

CHAPTER XIV (Continued). So great was his longing to see Diana that he became alarmed, and he asked himself if it was right to accept the friendship she had offered. But the answer to that question must be postponed until he had made some arrangement, so that she would have a little money coming in every week. It might be possible to effect this through Aitken. He himself could give money to the solicitor who would pass it on to Diana., suggesting that it came from Fordyce’s estate. “I hate to deceive her, but it’s the only way,” he told himself. But he decided first to see if anything could be done with Valerie, so he called at her studio, where he was informed that she had gone to Italy and her address was not known. “All letters are forwarded to her bank,” the caretaker told him. After this visit Garth called at the Great Western Hotel, and his disappointment was great when he learnt that Diana had left, without leaving any message for him. He had no doubt that she was deliberately avoiding him, .and it was not difficult to guess the reason. As a last resource, lie rang up Mr. Aitken on the chance that the solicitor had heard from her. ‘•She telephoned me, but refused to give me her address.” “What did she want?” asked Garth.

“To know if I had any news of Fordyce. I should gather that she i§ in need of money.” .

“I’ll come round and see you at once.” Cameron said, and hastily replaced the receiver on the instrument. Garth first of all related what had happened in Paris.

“There’s no earthly chance of getting anything out of Fordyce. Have you any news?” “No good news. Fordyce will be made a bankrupt. Of course, his wife can prove against his estate, for the amount her husband has taken. But the dividend will be a small one, and will not be available for some time to come. She might obtain a warrant under the bankruptcy acts for his arrest. You say he took a good deal of money away with him.”

“That’s what his footman told me. But she would never consent to his arrest.”

“Does she care for him?” the solicitor asked, and Cameron flushed. “Fortunately she does not.” “Women are queer cattle. There’s no accounting for their affections.” “Doubtless Mrs. Fordyce will ring you up again. You will tell her that you find you can make her a payment of ten pounds a week.” “Which you intend to provide.” Mr. Aitken intervened with a smile. “She must not know that. She would certainly refuse to accept it.” “I’ll do my best. By the bye, a heavy case has just come into the office. I' am sending the papers round, and I should like your opinion as soon as possible.” When Garth reached his chambers, there were several gentlemen waiting to see him.

“We are a deputation from Ironhampton,” the leader began a trifle pompously. “Our present member of Parliament has intimated to us that he is desirous of resigning. Your name has been brought before us, and we have been instructed to ask you to contest the seat.”

Cameron asked a few questions, and ascertained the majority at the last election had been less than a hundred, and that the fight was likely to be a strenuous one. After further conversation Garth intimated that he would send his decision in the course of a week. “Let us know as soon as possible, as it is, time is short,” their leader, Fletcher by name, said gravely, as they shook hands. As a matter of fact, Garth would have jumped at the offer, had it not been for Diana. He wondered if he ought to leave himself free to attend to her interests. Such a contest would necessitate a long stay at Ironhampton, and to put up a proper fight, he would have little time to spare during the next few weeks. That night he was dining alone at his club, when a member of the Cabinet came in. Without any hesitation he came across to Garth’s table and asked permission to sit there. “I wanted a little chat with you,” the politician began pleasantly. “I understand you’ve been asked to contest Ironhampton.” “That is so. I haven’t yet decided to accept the offer.” “I do hope thsre isn’t any doubt

about it. You are just the type of man we need. I may say we’ve had an eye on you for. some time. I understand there is no longer any necessity to devote all your time to your profession.” “I have been left a good deal of money, if that is what you mean,” Garth remarked with a smile. “I do hope you can see your way to accept. Let me know at once, and I’ll send you a line of introduction to Mrs. Cyrus Warner. She’ll help you all she can.” “I know her, and her husband, but I thought they were in America.” “They arrived in England last week —I don’t want to appear inquisitive, but can you tell me your difficulty about accepting. I may be able to help you.” “It’s a personal matter. I’m not quite sure I can spare time just at present.” “Your reason should be a pressing one to cause you to refuse. There are serious times ahead for our country. It is the duty of every man to do all that lies in his power. You have great ability, and I hear you have a silver tongue that can move the people.” Garth had been thinking deeply ever since the deputation had left. Might not fate have sent this offer to remove him from temptation. Ironhampton was not a long journey from London, and he could come up in a couple of hours, should he be required. It had always been his ambition to enter political life, and this chance had come much easier than he had expected. In the ordinary course there would not be a general election for three or four years, and if he refused this chance, he might be compelled to wait that length of time. All the time he had been asking himself if it would be fair to Diana to go on seeing her. He knew that she loved him even as he loved her, and was it not their duty to meet as seldom as possible? “I am going to fight Ironhampton,” Garth said suddenly, and the Cabinet Minister held out his hand. “I’m very glad to hear it. You’ll have to work hard, and may I suggest you go down there as soon as possible.” “I think I can promise y9u to be on the spot within a week.” “Good. Then I’ll write to the Warners. They will probably ask you to stay with them. Mrs. Warner is a keen politician; and is greatly interested in all that concerns the working man. I understand you are also interested in industrial matters. To have her on your side is half the trouble. Her people pimply adore her. Good-bye, and good luck.” Garth’s mind was at rest now that he had made a decision. But it was essential to his peace of mind to see Diana before leaving London, and he set his wits to work to devise a means of finding her. C El AFTER XV. It was a strange life that Diana entered. All her life she had been used to spacious rooms and every luxury. Now she had to consider every shilling, and the sitting-room was tiny. But she was not altogether unhappy. Love was in her heart, and although she could not be Garth’s wife, yet the knowledge that he loved her was always present. Cora had taken command of the little household, and Diana was content to follow her lead. A couple of days after their arrival in Kennington they started to look for work. “Put on your smartest gown, Diana; and wear all your rings. It’s half the battle to impress the agents.” “I’ve so many rings. You must wear some of them.” “Just as you like, it’s all a, matter of business,” Cora answered cheerfully. , * But Diana was dismayed at her first introduction to an agent’s office. The surroundings she thought sordid, and the men and women waiting there were of a class with which she had never been brought in contact. However, Cora did the talking, and they left their names and addresses in a succession of offices. “It’s weary work. Let us have a cup of tea at an A.8.C.” suggested Cora. “Let us go to the Palace Gardens at the Carlton,” ventured Diana. “Guess again, my child. • We’ve no

money to waste on such luxuries. We shall get out of tfce A.B.C. on about ninepence, while the Carlton will cost u s—Gee whiz! ” “I had forgotten,” Diana said apologetically. She rather liked the motor-buses; they were a decided change from her comfortable limousine, and the people interested her. “It’s a bad time of the year for engagements,” Cora remarked, when they were at home. “All the summer tours are booked. I’m afraid we’re in for a bad time. How much money is there left?” “Xot quite three pounds,” Diana answered, after looking in her purse. "Well—that'll last us three weeks.” “Three weeks!” Diana answered with a laugh. “Yes, with the strictest economy.” Cora answered firmly. “What shall we do when the money has gone?” she continued. “I can sell some of my jewellery.” “They're part of your stock in trade. Besides, you would miss those pretty rings. “Xot very much—l’ve learnt that diamonds don’t give any happiness.” “But they give a lot of pleasure,” Cora answered lightly. The next day Diana rang up Mr.

Aitken, and was disappointed, when j he told her that there was little j chance of getting anything from her husband, This news caused them to ; set out and call on the agents. “The best chance is to let them see you often. Then they get sick of your calling, and give you a shop to get rid of you,” Cora said grimly. At one office they met an actress, whom Cora knew, and the girl joined them in the street. “What a life! But, Cora, you look mighty prosperous. I’m broke to the world,” Amy Rodway said meaningly. “So are we, but it’ll run to a cup of tea and some sandwiched. Corne along,” Cora answered cheerfully. Diana did not quite like the newcomer. For one thing her dress was soiled and her face was painted, but when she saw the look in her eyes at the sight of some food, her heart softened toward the poor actress. “The first ‘bite’ since this time yesterday,” Amy said, with a deep sigh, when she had finished. “Have you no money?” Diana asked in a low voice. “Xot a ‘bean,’ and there doesn’t seem much chance of an engagement. * When they were in the street again, Diana drew Cora to one side. “Give her this sovereign,” she whio-

; pered, and slipped the sovereign into 1 Cora's hand. “My dear. You can't, we can’t afford it.” “Give it to her at once,” Diana said peremptorily. “Right you are.” And Diana felt that she was rewarded when she saw the change in Amy’s face. “But you said you were broke. I can’t take it,” the latter protested, with tears in her eyes. “My friend lends it to you,” Cora answered quietly. For she did not intend to explain the position. “Bless ycru, my dear! You’ve don me a real good turn,” Amy said tremulously. To be continued.