When Love Rules The Heart.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9560, 5 August 1909, Page 2

When Love Rules The Heart.

CHAPTER XV.—Continued. f "Buy all that you are likely to J need, Zilla," Duncan whispered. "Remember that we are to be married in two days! You may not again have the opportunity between now and our wedding-day. It is fortunate that you reminded me. lam going out to send off a telegram to Mrs Chatto—it will be too late to return home —and to purcahse the wedding ring" Zilla followed the shopman, and Armitage was turning to the door, when ha heard his name pronounced in a tone of genuine astonishment. "My dear Mr Duncan Armitage! Or do my eyes deceive me? How do you do?" Duncan's blood turned cold. He knew the voice at once. The speaker was Mrs Frar.cillon, a leader of fashion, and an inveterate gossip. She was seated at one of the counters in ■ specting a pile of silks. "Charmed to meet you, Mrs Francillon," Duncan said coolly. "What are you doing here, naughty boy!" lie felt that her been grey eyes were reading his very soul. "I saw your father this morning taking a final canter in the row. We were talking of you and the future. lam sure that I wish you happiness!" She flashed a malicious glance at his flushed face. "Lord Rainhill told me of your engagement. Quite a surprise! You are so joung! Dear me, how stupid and tiresome those attendants are ! I hiven't the patience to look at the things. You shall see me to my carriage. Mr Armitage. And perhaps you wiil come horns and have tea with me? No? You have not yet done with the young person who came here with you? A pretty shop girl, or something of the kind? Oh, fie!" Mrs Francillon's mocking laughter maddened Duncan. Still, reflected, it would not matter in a day or two. He raised his hat cereomniously and left the shop. He could not trust himself to speak. For some minutes he walked aimlessly along, then he remembered the telegra.us he wished to send—one to Mrs Chatto and one to his father. [Both were worded exactly the seme—"Shall not return until late this evening." He smiled when he read them, and sighed a little wearily. _ These miserable deceptions gal'ed his proud spiric. From the telegraph office he went into a jeweller's shop. He had taken (he precaution to get the size of Zilh's finder, and f"om tne trays , of glittering rings placed before him he purchased two a band of plain gold and an engagement ring set with a heart of tiny pearls. "Dear little Zilla!" he thought. "I woulud lay the world at her feet if I could." His eyes flashed at the recollection of Mrs Francillon's insulting words, "A pretty shop girl, or something of the kind" He returned to the drapery establishment, and saw that Mrs Francillon's carraige was'still at the door. A glance of recognition passed be* tween her coachman and footman. Armitage bit his lip with vexation. Then he walked boldly into t e shop, and Mrs Francillon greetd him scornfully. "I am still here. Mr Armitage," she said. "Since you were so unkind as to refuse to take tea with me, I resolved to complete my purchases. I have London after the seaat n! The heat and general ennui are intolerable! I pine for the country. I believe that your father leaves for Rainhill Court next Tuesday? Of course you go with him? I almost envy you your youth and biilliant prospects. I shall expect to be one of your wedding guests. I have matched my htiiolrope silk at last. Going abroad, did you say? No before your marriage to Miss ard? Fancy honeymooning in India —the land of the elephants and tigers, jealousy, intrigue, and veiled ladies.

Some one touched Armitage. He turned, and found that Zilla was at his elbow. Mrs Francillon started in utter amazement.

The shop walker advanced pencil in hand.

| "You have not given the number of the street, madame, where the goods are to be delivered," he said. "No 12 Heme Road, Jjrixton Hill," Zilla Her face flushed hotly, her heart beat wildly < She was conscious that Mrs Francillon was scaning her from head to foot. Duncan made rio movement, and Zilla walked out of the stuffy shop. She felt that she could scarcely breathe. "Your friend is waiting for you outside, Mr Armitaga, - ' Mrs Francillon said icily. "I am glad to see that you have some seine of shame." "Shame?" he repeated. Then his manner changed. "Mrs Francillon, I am sorry that I met you here to-day. A week hence it would not. have mattered I rely upon your honour to say nothing to a living being. The lady whom you call my friend is dearer to me than " "Sir! How dare you!" Mrs Francillon interrupted with chilling hauteur. "I know my duty, and I shall not deviate from it'" "As you please, madam. Henceforth you and I are strangers." He raised his hat and strode into the street. He was dazed, and felt

Br OWES MASTERS. Author of "Captain Emlyn's Daughter," "The Woman Wins," "The Heir of Avisford," "One.lmpassioned Hour," Etc., Etc.

as if he were suffocating. The brief conversation had taken place in an uiKWtone, but Mrs Francillon's cruel laughter haunted him. Zilla was pacing to and fro on the crowded pavement, a graceful but shabby figure. There was a sad, wistful look in the dark eyes. "I wonder that I did not notice that wretched dress and hat before!" thought Armitage. "Mrs Francillon wou ; d not have been a woman had she not been amazed. Darling," he murmured, "take my arm. You are tired, and the crush is terrible." She glanced up at him swiftly, the tears standing on her eyelashes, hsr sweet lips quivering. In silence they walked to the corner of Regent Street. Zilla clung to her lover's arm, and he occassionally gave her tremblng hand a re' assuring pressure. "I have telegraphed to Mrs Chatto not to expect us home until late, sweetheart," Duncan said, pausing outside at restaurant. "Will you have some refreshments? Then we will go to the theatre or anywhere you like. 'Carmen' is being perfomed at Covent Garden. I am sure that you would thoroughly enjoy it. We can endure a little crushing in the parquet. I am not dressed for the stalls." He broke off suddenly, and Zilla smiled faintly. "Neither am I, Duncan. Are you not ashamed of me? So many people must know you!" There was a rush of carriage wheds—a smart brougham rolled by, and its single occupant stared at Zilla. Then a contemptuous smile flitted over her face. Even the lackeys indulged in a covert sneer. Zilla's face became almost as white afi marble. "That dreadful woman Duncan!" she whispered. "Oh, let me rest somewhere!" Impotent with rage, Armitage glared after the carriage, muttering: "You have earned my hatred, Mrs Frai cillo", and you shall feel it before long !" He turned to the trembling girl. "Come, little one! My every thought and care are now devoted to you." A feeling of alabm made him cold and faint. How Zilla's hand shook! They went into the restaurant, and Armitage ordered tea A waiter conducted them to a quiet room bahind the shop. It was refreshingly cool after the hot and dusty streecs. A dome of pink glass let in a soft rosy light. The tables were bright with flowers, the comfortab'e chairs were upholstered in crimson plufh. Zilla sat down with a sigh of relief. | TO PK OONTINUED.I