CHAPTER II.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 70, 4 October 1884, Page 4

CHAPTER 11.

JESSIE CLIFFOKD OPENS HER MIND. Saxdow did not appear to be in the least elated a* again seeing a brother from whom he had been separated so many years. His behaviour was as unembarrassed, his voice as cold as usual as he introduced Mr Gustav Sandow to Miss Jessie Clifford. The new arrival advanced toward the young lady with a polite bow. '* May I count on a friendly reception from you Miss, Clifford '! I come hero as a foreigner indeed, but 1 bring you the greetings of your mother's native land. Let that be my recommendation.'' This address was not only polite, but warm, almost hearty. Jessie looked up at him in surprise, but the clear, penetrating glance that met hers repulsed her, for it recalled to her mind the cause of the acquaintanceship She therefore replied with cold politeness : — " I hope you have had a good passage, Mr Sandow.'' "An excellent one. We had the calmest of seas, and the most agreeable voyage, and on my further journey here we have been favoured a% ith the most beautiful weather." "Is that why you were so long in coming?" said Sandow, joining in the conversation. "You have gone hither and thither over the country like a tourist. We expected you a iortnight ago.'* lt I must study the land and its people," replied Gustav. "Did you wish me to come sooner VMV M "No, I know you would visit the larger towns. It is always advisable to become personally acquainted with the resident business agents of the firm. 1 have not had the time to do it, but I provided you with the necessary introductions. What is that ? A telegram '!" The last words were addressed to a servant who had entered behind the gentlemen, and brought a telegram newly arrived. While Gustav Sandow exchanged the ordinary polite speeches with his hostess, Miss Clifford, hi* elder brother opened the despatch, and having glanced through it, turned to them, baying : — "Imiht leave >ou for half an hour. A business matter must be attended to." "To-day, on Sunday ?" asked Gustav. "Do you never give yourself any i - e>t ?" " Win should Ii Something might be neglected. On Sunday, when the otlice is closed, I have the ino-t preying papers sent out to me here. ou went to Jenkins and Co. in New Yoik, (Uista\ '! This telegram is from them. I wiU talk to you about it later, meanwhile I leave you in Je^'ioV company. Good-bye till later." He folded the telegram and dent out. The younger bi other looked after him in astonishment. " Well, I shall not be spoilt by too much family atfection," he drily remarked, a- he turned to Mi-b Clifford. " But you must ha\e known your brother income measure at least," replied «he, l>y long familiarity, accustomed to see her guaidian attend to business before anything. " Certiinly, but he was slightly moreconsidetate when in Europe. I expected at least to ha\e a claim on him dining the first few hours after my ariival." " You are perhaps tired with your journey," said Jessie, seeking for an excuse to avoid thi3 unexpected t<"te-a tftc "Your room will be ready if you would like " " Thank you," s»aid Gustav, " I am not in the lea-t tiietl, and indeed I have every reason to be much obliged to Jenkins and Co. for giving me this opportunity to make your acquaintance.' Tliu- »aying, he drew a chair forward, and seated himself near her. But neither his aay, unaffected manner nor his attractive appearance could conquer the young girl's cold reserve. She was not surprised to find her new gue?t so much younger than her guardian, for she knew that he was the :->on of a second marriage. The eldei brother, indeed, had alreday passed middle age, while the youngei one was little more than thiity. Moreover, in appearance he was exactly like the poi trait w Inch hung in Sandoss's .study — a powerful, manly figure, with plea-ant, intelligent features, dark hair and beard, and quick, sparkling, dark eye.-, w hich were more than ordinarily expressive and fine. But it was just these eyes which did not please Jessie, for she felt instinctively that it was with them she had to converse. The same bright, penetrating look she had met on the first moment of their acquaintance now rested inquiringly on her features. Mr Sandow, junior, was evidently examining her as a clause in the deed of partnership, and that was quite enough to awake the opposition of the young lady. " A.- yet, unfortunately, I know nothing of you i home," . >-aid he,openingjtheconversation. "I come as an ignorant European, snowed from the skies into the New World, and must count on your kind help in explaining my strange surroundings.'' " On my help ' I think your brother can give >ou better and more complete explanations than any I can offer you." " Doubtless, as. far as business is concerned. Ine\eiy other respect, however, he .seems to me \ery uninterested, and there are some other interests with which I should wish to make myself equally familiar." Equally ! Ve.s indeed, equally with a ! marriage, a bond tor life, Avhich other men look upon as the highest and holiest thing in it. This ignorant European seemed quite to agree with his American brother's views, and to look upon the two things as quite similar. " Of course it was exclusively business that brought you over here," said Jessie somewhat ironically, " I believe you contemplate entering our firm '/" "Certainly. My brother has made that an indispensable condition." "A condition ? Were you not independent, Mr Sandow V But I forget; you refer to the inheritance of my guardian." The hit was felt— that was evident by the flash of the dark eyes *, but no other effect was seen. Gustav Sandow replied with the most innocent simplicity :—: — "True, his fortune! It really depended on the chance of any hesitation on my part. My brother was quite capable of devoting his whole fortune to philanthropical objects, if I had not agreed to his wishes." Jessie hardly knew whether to be moat surprised or most disgusted at the openness with which this man confessed that he had come over solely on account of the money to be gained by it. And he told this to the lady whose hand and fortune were intended for him ! Disgust predominated as she replied : " Till now I did not know that you made such deep calculations in Germany." " Yes, I am happy to say we have become practical," said Gustav, with undisturbed equanimity. "We were long in learning to be so, but now we make progress. You

seem to consider it a reproach, Miss Clifford ?" "No, but I learned to know the land from which my mother came, and which I have always regarded as my second home, from quito another side." "From tho ideal probably. But I will not deny that it may still exist. On the whole the ideal is not much cultivated among us, but thero are a fow who still devote thomsolves to it in word and doed." " So much the more should that few close round their banner, and spend their life blood for its salvation." The phrase seemed rather singular in the mouth of a young girl, but it was evidently understood. The dark eyes flashed again, but this time with unconcealed surprise. " How flattering ! A quotation from my articles ! So you know them ?M? M " It was one of the best political journals that you wrote for," said Jessie. "My parents always took it. And just because I know your articles, I am disappointed that you could so quickly throw off all the ties that held you to your native land." " You mean my argument with the journal," repliod Ousfcav. "Yes, there were difficulties, but they lot me have my way. One journalist more or less makes no difference in Germany, and my pen has long apro been replaced by a better." Jessie pressed her lips together. This wilful misapprehension annoyed her extremely, and she was yet more annoyed at his continued quiet observation of her which had nothing impertinent in it, hidden under the appearance of lively conversation. Yet Jessie felt as if she and her whole character were undergoing examination ; this drove her from her temporary reserve into a phase of excitement hitherto strange to her. " I had no idea that I had such an intelligent reader on this side of the ocean," Gustav went on in the calmest manner. "But as I am now somewhat better informed, I must entreat your criticism. You I say you look upon my native land as a ] second home. So I may count upon your sympathy for all that I put my pen to." " You have given up your career as a journalist for a more profitable one," replied Jessie. "Yes, I gave in to the force of circumstances. It seems I have not been favour ably criticised for it, but perhaps the writer found more favour in your eyes than the future partner in Clifford and Co." "At least I am surprised at the ease with which the one can change into the other." The look with which these words were accompanied should have annihilated Gustav Sandow, but he was apparently not easy to annihilate. He bore the look calmly, and there was a tinge of humour in his reply which aggravated the young girl still more. "The critic is evidently not favourably inclined, so I must learn to know her better. You cannot withhold your bad opinion of me, Mi*^ Clifford. I insi>l on hearing my condemnation." " Unreservedly ?" '• Uine«er\edly." " Then, Mr Sandow, I confer I read all that came from your pen with tho fullest sympathy and admiration until the moment when you a- cepted your brother's oiler. 1 thought it impossible. I thought one so de\oted to his native land as you were, insisting so energetically on its rights, ?o persistent in reminding others of their duty, would surely remain by the banner to w Inch he had sworn allegiance, and could not leave it for mere interest. I could not believe that the pen from which flowed such inspired words should in future w rite only figures above figures ; that the fearless wanior should of his own free will throw down his arms and leave the field to take a comfortable seat in an office. I doubted it up t^ the moment of your arrival, and now that I must finally believe it, I find it the bitterest disillusion of my life." Though Jessie w as so carried away by her excitement, yet .she felt that she was insulting the man w ho sat befoie her, but for the moment she disregarded all considerations. She only saw in him the foe, the unwelcome woer whom she wished at any pi ice to keep at a distance. If she could convince him at first how much she despised his egotism, he could at least have no doubt of what she thought of the marriage plan, and she would be sate fiom his wooing. But he seemed to be very little sensitive to insult, for he retained his perfect equanimity. " Miss Clifford, lor a merchant's daughter, and the sleeping paitner of a business house, you have very disrespectful view s of accounts and otHces,"' he said, with most annoying calmness. "My brother would be shocked. I feel, myself, inexpiessibly flattered that my pen should have so loused your interest ; and as to the disillusion, I do not resign the hope that I may win a yet better opinion of my efforts at an oih'cedesk." Jessie could not answer; she could not understand this method of changing an insult into a compliment, and the smiling ease with which the mameuvre was executed. Fortunately for her, the door opened, and Sandow entered. " The telegrams arc sent," he said, " and lam now at your disposal. Shall we soon have dinner, Jessie ?" The young lady rose hastily. "I have some directions to give ; it will be ready directly," and she hurried away as if flying from the new guest, but not without casting an angry glance at him as she passed. "Well, how do you like Jessie?" inquired Sandow, when they were alone ; | " and how do you get on with her ?" "How do 1 get on with her? Why, Frank, you do not expect me to make her an offer within an hour of my arrival ?" " You could lead up to it." "We have led up to it well," replied Gustav. "We have quarrelled finely." Sandow, who had seated himself near his brother, looked up as if he could not trust his ears. " Quarrelled ! What about ? What a way of beginning a courtship !" " Why not? At least excludes the possibility of indifference. I need not fear that from Miss Clifford. She is much prejudiced against me, and thinks my obedience to your orders a sort of treason to my native land " " Y r es, the girl has her head full of ideas out of novels," said Sandow impatiently. ' ' The sentimental education her mother gave her caused that. Clifford would never interfere, though he had plenty of common sense himself. He idolised his only daughter, and thought everything she did was good and pretty. You will have to deal with this exaggeration when Jessie is your wife. " An ironical smile played round Gußtav's mouth as he replied, " Are you so certain that she ever will be ? It seems to me my most brilliant prospect is that she will give me the mitten." "A girl's foolishness, nothing more. She has got it into her head that marriage must be preceded by romance and lovemaking. For you, though," and Sandow scanned his brother's handsome figure, "it ought not to be difficult to win her favour in 3pite of whims, and my authority will do the reet. Jessie is not independent enough to stand out long." "I have seen no lack of independence," remarked Gußtav, drily. §" Miss Clifford was energetic enough when she made me the flattering revelation that my acquaintance-

ship was tho bitterest disillusion of hor life." Sandow frowned. cc She told you that ?" " Plainly, and with appropriate indignation and contempt. She is a singular mixturo of maidenly reserve and true American independence. At home a young girl would hardly have dared to read a stranger such a lecture on his first arrival." » "Yet Jossio is thoroughly German," 1 said Sandow. " She is tho imago of her mother, and has not a featuro of her American father. But let us come to tho principal point. I had no doubt tint you would accopt my offer, that you did it so promptly I am vory pleased at, for it shows me that, in spite of all your idealistic scribbling, you have a cool head on your shoulders, and know how to calculato chancos, which is the most needful thing here. Jessie is in every respect a brilliant match, much better than you would otherwisehavewon. Tome itis important thatthe very considerable foitune of tho Cliffords should remain in the business. So our interests are similar, and I hopo we shall be content with each other." " I hope so," was Gustav's laconic answer. The purely business light in which his brother regarded tho projocted marriago seemed as repulsive lo him as the criticism on his scribbling was annoying. 11 Then as to our correspondence," continued Sandow. " You will enter as a volunteer to learn tho business. It will not be difficult to anyone with the education and intelligence you have ; the rest will come with practice and familiarity. When your engagement to Jessie is declared you will bo a partner in the firm ; so do not dawdle over your declaration. As an heiress, Jessie is of course much sought after, and she will be of age next year. Moreover, I have some considerable speculations in hand, and must bo free to employ tho w hole working capital in them." •'For which reasons Miss Clifford and I must get married !" added Gustav. "It is evident you know how to combino elements and chances, whethor in dollars or men." There was some ridicule in these woids, but Sandow took no notice of it ; his answer was in the same tone of icy indifferonce which had characterised his conversation with Jessie. "Men must be reckoned with like figures— that is the secret of success. In any case, you have reason to be thankful for the opportunity. It secures you all the advantages of this marriage, and my fortuno too. You know I have no heir, and no nearer relation than you." "No other — really"/" asked Gustav in a significant tone, whilo he looked intently at hit> brother. " >io." There was a cold severity in the monosyllable. "So you have not altered your views ? I thought, as yeai-s passed, you might admit other considerations and at last give your i) "Silence 1 " interrupted Sandow. "Do not say that word ' the past exist? no longer tor me, shall never exist. I buried it when I left Eutope/' " And the memory of it ?" "That too: and 1 will not be reminded of it. You have tried to do *o several times in your letters, and my displeasure .should have been plain enough. Why do yon return to the subject ? Do you w ish to annoy me, or " here ho turned a piercing look at his brother, " have you perhaps* any other reason for it '!" Gustav shrugged his shoulders slightly. " Why should I ? I only askod in my own interest, since tho question of inheritance has been brought up, and you understand such interests so well." " Certainly, you have grown uncommonly practical I see. So much the better for you ; you will not have it to learn as I had. I paid heavily for my education." Gustav became suddenly grave, and laid his hand on his brother's arm. "In truth, Frank, you must have paid heavily for this knowledge, for it has made you quite another man, I find no trace of tho man sou were in Europe." Saiuiow smiled bitterly. "No, thank God ! there is nothing left of the eoft fool who wished well to all tho world, and trusted everyone, to the end that hu might repent of it for ever. He whose blind confidence in mankind co.st him honour, happiness, and life us mine did, will seek another way of being even with the world. But no more of the pabt. I threw it away ; let it rest !" " Mihs Clifford is waiting," said the footman as he opened the door of tho next room. The brothers rose. The turn the conversation hid taken appeared to make the interruption a welcome one to both of them. They went into the adjoining diningroom, where Jessie was waiting for them. In a few minutes Gustav had quite regained his gaiety. He approached the young lady and offered her his arm, as if nothing had occurred between them. " Miss Clifford, I have the honour of formally introducing myself to you as a volunteer of the house of Clifford and Co.; I look upon you as my second head, and recommend myself to your favour." And without noticing the cold behaviour of his "second head," he took the arm Jessie hardly offered, and led her to the table.