When Love Rules The Heart.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9589, 8 September 1909, Page 2

When Love Rules The Heart.

CHAPTER XXXl.—Continued.

"I don't, care for too many of these social gatherings," she said to her son on the day of her own small reception. Miss Vavasour was singing divinely in the drawing room; mother and son were in the library. But Queenie loves society, and I j must, humour her occasionally. Thank goodness we shall be safoly out of London as soon as Lady Lovatt's affair is over! I have chosen quite a secluded placj on the south cuast —sea and country — lovely walks and moonlight on the river. Nothing like it for sentiment! And I shall expect the engagement to follow very quickly, Charlie." Charlie smiled vacuously. Miss Vavasour was all right, but he wa3 thinking of a pretty danseuse, who was more to his taste. "Yes," he replied, stroking his mustache. He glanced confidently at his own reflection in a mirror opposite. He was an elegant of the first water. "1 shail win in a cancer ma —in a canter really!" Mrs Franciilon smiled and pursed her lips. "Only rrie man gives ine the slightest cause for uneasiness," she pursued. "I can't see why Queenie tolerates his society." Charlie Franciilon was undisturbed. "Meaning Howard, the—aw—lawyer, fellah?" "Yes. So you have noticed it also? He is poor—they all are. He is not handsome; but I suppose that he has a glib tongue and lies from habit or profession. Anyone can see that he is deeply in love with dear Queenie. His connection with the Rainhill family, together with his own impudence, leads to his being invited everywhere. By the way, I believe that Lord Rainhill is due at Southampton to day. He sailed from New York in the Paris a week since." Charlie Franciilon yawned; •he was interested no lunger. He remembered that he wished to make a fancy sketch of the danseuse of whom he was enamored. He sauntered away, and Iris mother forgot him in her arrangements for the evening. tier reception was almost a pri\ate gathering. Cecil Howard arrived early, immaculately drtssed. a spienin his buttonhole. Tie e was a certain diffidence in his manner that did not escape the keen eyes of Mrs Franciliion. Hia gaze roved in quest of Miss Vavasour, and when he caught sight of her his color heightened. But Mrs Francillon's attention was distracted by the arriving guests, tnd Cecil was soon near his goddess, who welcomed Him with a bright smile.

She was a lovely girl—dark, vivacious, bewitching. Her ftue was small and piquant, her eyes vere dark and soft, She was surrounded by a small court cf adnirers, young a;.d old; and for an liuur Cecil Howard fretted inwardly. He had not forgotten Lord RainhiU's advice, and was resolved to act upon! it. Besides, he had the pleasing intelligence to impart tc Miss Vavasour that his brother-in-law was actually in town. At last his chance came. Miss Vavasour was beckoning to him with her fan. How breautiful she lookea! How perfectly her dress fitted ! What exquisite taste! It was of creamy toned moire, embroidered w'th pearls and gold. A diamond brooch shone among her laces, a diamond pin flashed amid hcsr black tresses. "How good you are, Mis 3 Vavasour!" faltered Cecil. "I was beginning to fear that I should not be able to speak to you all the evening." "It is your own fault entirely, Mr Howard." He waa bewildered by the sweet smile. "We can't remain here unmolested. I have something to say to you, Miss Vavasour. Will you come into the conservatory? There is a delightful little nook there —all ferns and palms." Miss Vavasour glanced up at him swiftly curiously. He flushed guiltily. "I mean that my brother-in-law — that Lord Rainhill arrived from America to day. I met him at Southampton, and he is now in town. I wanted to tell you about it, as you have always appeared to be interested in some of the things which concern me. You are not well, Miss Vavasour?"

The girl's face had turned very pale. "Quite well, thank ycu, Mr Howard," the sweet voice reapondetl. "Tne room is so warm! Let us go out on the balcony. My w*aps? Yes —there is one in the anteroom. Thank you so much!" The young lawyer was delighted His eyes sparkled., his face paid and flushed. Charlie Franciilou approached them, a smile on his face. "Won't you let me get you an ice, Miss Vavasour? Hot—really—by Jave! Sorry I have neglected you. So many people to look after, you know!" "Mr Howard's attention are quite sufficient for the present," the girl icily answered. Charlie Prane'llon stared. Miss Vavasour rose with great dignity, and walked away with the lawyer. "By Jove!" Charlie Francillon muttered. "No idea she had such a temper —really! Annihilates fellow with a glance? Ton my word, must

BY OWEN MASTERS. Author of "Captain Emlyn's Daughter," "The Woman Wins," "The Heir of Avisford," "One Impassioned Hour," Etc., Etc.

[be jealous' Hope she hasn't seen that picture of my little danseuse!" Out on the balcony, in the silvery moonlight, Cecil Howard sat beside the woman he loved. Thera was silence for several minutes. The laughter and talk of Mrs Francillon's guests fell dully upon their ears. "I'm sorry for that fellow," Cecil said at last, j "Whom?" » "Young Franciilon." "I hate him!" Miss Vavasour's lip curled with disdain. Cecil was startled at her look and tone; still;he was r.ot displeased. But the frank avowal came as a surprise. "He is not worth it, poor fellow! He is a graceful, indolent dandy, but his mother is most to blame. He ought to be in the army, or doing something somewhere." "Have you brought me here to talk about Mrs Francillon's son?" Miss Vavasour impatiently asked. "Oh, no—of course not! about Lord Rainhill." Then he spoke rapidly, fluently. He was delighted to perceive that„she was interested in anything he had to say. "I believe that I read an account of Lord Rainhill's marriage to your sister," Miss Vavasour gently said. "Very romantic, was it not? They were very old sweethearts?" Cecil paused, a little confused and doubtful. If his brother in-law knew that his affairs had been discussed by him with a stranger A stranger? His hand shook. How lovely she looked reclining there, her face half revealed by the light of the moon He thought he had never seen her eyes gleam so brightly before. fche laid one little hand upon his arm, whispering. "Well, of what are you thinking, Mr Howard?",;

It seemed that an electric shock had passed through him. "I beg your pardon, Miss Vavasour. I was wondering how to begin my story about Lord Rainhill--won-dering how much to tell you. He is not a particularly nice man to offend, arid if he knew L had breathed a word "

"You are not flattering, Mr Howard! Do you think that I cannot re* spect the confidence of a friend —I may say a dear friend?" Her face was white, her eyes shone. "Indeed, I regard you as such for many rea sons.'" She stopped abruptly, and leaned back in her seat. Cecil's joy was delirious. I I'O T<K CONTINUED, i