A Daughter of Mystery

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10252, 31 May 1911, Page 2

A Daughter of Mystery

BY F. L. DACRE, Author of "Was He the Man?" "A Phantom of the Past," Sir John's Heiress," "A Loveless Marriage," "The Doctor's Secret," etc.

OUR SERIAL.

CHAPTER XX—Continued. Groat Heavens! And ho had intended tellinu her of his lovo for Elneth Tvnclall that day. Lord Lormgton had writ!en a perfectly reasonable, plain-spoken letter. He had received it just a week since, and it was m his pocket now. "My dear Konald." tho letter ran. "hy this time your business must bo dovetailing itself together a bit, and !' want vou to com;-, to London for a day or two. Don't think me unkind or officious, but it is imperative that •on coil!'? to *°! no sort of an uhderstaniiino; with tny daughter, She Considers herself bound to you, and, as vou cannot have an atom of real affection for her. T want you to be frank with her and me. This silly philandering is harmful to both of you, and absolutely ruinous to Lady Eva's prospects," etc., etc. "Next time on your lips," he repeated mechanically. "I am bewildered, Eva, and never expected this from you. Do you know," he blundered, M F intended asking you to—to Dash it, I'm a fool in a predicament! Tf you are not quito sure of yourself, T would rather you took times to consider the matter." •'Ronald, my darling, have wo not already wasted too many sunny hours? T bare laid mv heart bare to you at ln>r rpir] T lovo you. dear." H ; " br-in was reeling, and he laid ""-■ h:<".J on bis clammy forehoad. Tim voi"o of Lord Lorineton was heard at tlx* door. To Heseltine it was as welcome, as a reprieve from death.

is tho business of banks and other financial institutions to loan money. Never mention such a thing to mo again." Then ho snatched up 0110 of her hands, and kissed it humbly—remorsefully. "There are tears in your eyes, Eva. I never saw you cry before. Forgive me; I did not mean to hurt you."

"There is nothing to forgive." She .smiled through her tears. "Even if there were, love forgives all things. ' "You are an angel, Eva. But I am bewildered by tho change in you. Give mo a little time- to get used to it." Ho ran his fingers through his hair, and glanced at the clock on tho mantel. "I'll go to my bankers now, and be Lack in a couple of hours."

Tho knob turner], and the earl entered. He glanced in amazement from one to the- other. Lady Eva's beautiful face* was transformed, but Ronald's nuzzled hiin.

"Hello, mv dear fellow!" he said. "I had no idea that you we.re here, or.that-there was anyone in the room. Why the deuce didn't you 'write? Sorry to intrude. See you later. Of course, you will stay over to-morrow," he added. "I don't know yet. You see this iron foundry is a tremendous undertaking, and I must see my bankers again."

Lorington raised his eyebrows, and shrugged his shoulders. "I hone you are not buying trouble, Ronald. I don't profess to be able to give you advice; I muddled away a quarter of a million when I was your aere, and never have succeeded in getting quite out of the maelstrom I created for myself. But it's hard upon Charlie, and sometimes I am ashamed to face the lad." "I am not afraid of failure," Ronald said, with a resolute toss of his head. "I want a few more"thousands for the works, and a thousand or so to perfect an invention of young Aub-rev-Smith's."

"We lunch at two." She clung fondly to his arm, but the hoped-for caress was not forthcoming, and a minute later Heseltine was talking to Lord Lorington in the hall. "Heseltine, my dear fellow," his lordship said feelingly. "I hopo you did not mind the tone of my letter to you? I felt that you wanted waking up a bit. Our intimate friends are wondering and talking, and the malicious say unpleasant things. No end of men, eligible and ineligible, have approached mo with the desire to pester Eva with their attentions, and what the poor girl endures in silence I can make a shrewd guess at." "Want of thought on my part," Ronald said confusedly. "I never looked at matters in this light. We have been drifting aimlessly for years. Lorington," ho went on desperately, I had practically given up the idea of marriage with Eva. She had scoffed at love " "Ah! Now I begin to see light! You have my sympathy, my dear lad. I can understand what you have suffered. Everything wrong —financial affairs, love affairs and all! But behold the change in a twinkling of an eye! My darling daughter is transfigured. I wish you both Everlasting 1 happiness." He seized Ronald's hand and gripped it with warm affection. The engagement must bo formally announced, so that mischievous tongues • mav wag to a pleasant tune." "We will talk of that later/'. Ronald said, with a ghastly smile. "Be off about your business," the earl answered playfully, "and I hope the result will be all that you desire.''

He did not really doubt it in the least."

"Surely not the pink little son of Smith, the parson?" "The same, I assure you. I have found him desk room in my private office."

"Wonders of wonders! I always thought tho fellow was an .absolute fool. Get through with your business and stay in town a couple of days. We are giving a party to-morrow night, and you will meet one of the foremost iron magnates from America. He may be of Use to you." But Ronald shook his head.

"I can't promise, Lorington. I must run clown home this evening to see my mother. But there are so many other pressing matters," "Bah! You will be an old man twenty years too soon, if you go on like this. Hasn't he aged terribly, Eva?"

"If J go to the bank at once," Ronald remarked. "I can promise to lunch with you. if lam not in the way. T mustn't leave without having a chat with Charlie." "Very well, we'll leave it at that," the earl said shortlv.

The word "bank" grated on 'his nerves, when he remembered who was providing the money. He flashed a significant glance at his daughter, and moved towards the door. There was a grain of satisfaction, however; it was apparent that Eva and Ronald had arrived at an understanding. "Everybody thinks that I am cherishing delusions," Ronald said to Eva. He was afraid to meet her direct gaze; he would have given the world at that moment to have been alone. "T have bought some of the best brains in England, and a large order has been placed by Russia. We have to manufacture the plant for two rolling mills." "I have confidence in you, Ronald." Her eyes were shining mistily into his. "But T want you to givo mo a little of your time."

CHAPTER XXI. THE REVEREND HUGH STANLEY. Tho Mobberleys spared no pains in their efforts to make Miss Tyndall, thoroughly at home. The matter had been very thoroughly thought out. A largo room at the back of the house had been converted into a bedsitting room. The big bay window commanded a fine view of Tooting Common, and a wooden box, faced with elm bark, which had been made to entirely cover the window sill, was filled with variegated geraniums. Immediately below the window was Mrs Mobberley's garden, wherein he toiled early and late. He cultivated nothing j but flowers, and tho perfume was almost overpowering. Elueth drew in a deep breath sf restful content. "It is all very nice," she said to Mrs Mobberley, "and fo cheerful." "You must not think of yourself • merely as a lodger, Miss Tyndall. You are one of ourselves and have the run of the house. I want you to l>e my friend and companion when you aro at liberty, if you will." "Yes, it is all very nice," Elneth said again. "But lam very tired now, and want to rest a long time." The next day was Sunday, and she went to church with Mr and Mrs Mobberley. The beautiful singing and music chastened, and uplifted her weary and rebellious soul. The sermon was preached by a young clergyman with deep-set. shining eyes, and a resolute face. His head was crowned with a mass of dark hair, which he tossed from side to side in his desire to strike home the truths embodied in his discourse. Mortals should have no fear for God was always with them. Adversity was the great teacher. Tho rich were self-sufficient, and now and then half-awakened consciences were salved by unholy doles and charities j At the dinner table tho young cler-' 1 gvman formed a topic of discussion. I Elneth felt better for tho serviceboth preaching and singing. Its principal charm and its attractiveness. "Mr Stanlcv is the curate," Mo Mobberley told Elneth. "He has not been here long, and is much liked by many people."

"Wlieu the works are complete I shall be able to breath freely. This working upon borrowed money takes the nerve out of a man." There was a short silence. He was wondering ] ]o \v ho could break away. He needed a long walk so that he could calm his tourturcd brain. "Why should you trouble about the money, dear one?" Eva said softly. "I have plenty; I will be your partner. We shall soon bo life partners, and what is mine will be vours."

Ho was started —aghast! The very idea, was revolting! "No—no—a thousand times, no! Tfc is very good—very kind of you, Eva, but what you suggest is degrading. Tt

"And disliked by the more influential element." her husband observed. "He is too original—too daring; he Relieves himself to ho a man with a mission, and that mission is to prove that God and Mammon cannot be taken into partnership." "He usually pays us a eall on Mondays. Miss Tyndall, and T will introduce you," Mrs Mobberley whispered. "T am sure that you will like him." (To be continued.)