CHAPTER VI. THE PROPOSAL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1917, 18 October 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER VI. THE PROPOSAL.

No inoident of any import took place'since the bonfire at the oastle, nor had the principal characters on that occasion met for some time, until one day Mr. McKay sent for Charlie Stuart, intimating that his daughter wished to ride the pony which he had presented to her, and therefore besought him to accompany her in her ride, lest any accident might happen her, or the little animal prove untraotable. We need not mention how happy the young man felt on the occasion, or how gladly he accepted the invitation which would give him another opportunity of conversing, or holding an uninterrupted tete-a-tete with his fair neighbor. Mounting his charger, Black Prince, he rode light-heartedly to his neighbor's house, where he found Bella already robed in her becoming riding-habit, and a man holding the beautiful pony saddled. With a bounding heart he sprung from the saddle and assisted Bella into hers t then remounted again, and the pair slowly cantered out bf the gate, their eyes brightened with animation at the prospect of a pleasant ride, and each other's company. Mr. MoKay, who saw them starting, followed them with his eyes until they disap-

peared among the hedges, and muimured with a sigh, " Poor ohharen ; bow happy ; it would be a pity Jo part them " — then re-en-tered his house. Meanwhile the equestrians directed their steeds towards their old and favoritp haunts, among the many interesting undulations which bordered the shores of Lochlinn. After visiting each favorite spot associated with so many endearing reminiscences of their childhod, they checked their steeds, and brought them to a slow pit .. Moving at a steady walk, they both dropped their reins on the manes of uieir horses, and fell into a state of musing. The docile animals, who now kept the same pace, were apparently t like their riders, on intimate terms with each other, and instinctively disposed to favor the lovers' wishes by keeping close together. Not a sound was heard to disturb the free current of thk ir thoughts, savu the rueaaured tread of their horses' feet, and a few notes from the feathery warblers, who seemed to lower their key on this occasion lest they should disturb the universal silence. At length, after an escaped sigh, which was echoed from one to the other, Belu remarked — " Do you know, Charlie, that something tells me that this wili be the last time we shall visit these dear 3pots together, at least for a time." " Strange 1 I was just under the influence of the same presentiment when you spoke, but I hope it is all imagination," answered her companion. " I hope so ; however, I cannoc shake it off, and I view these familiar scenes now as if I were bidding them farewell." added the pensive girl. They now conversed for a while, but unsble to dispel the strange impression despite their efforts, when they shaped* their cou r se towardi home. On riding leisurely through clumps of underwood, and entering a narrow lane, a roebuck sprang a few yards before them, when the sharp ring of a rifle came from behind a bush, and the bnok, which was pierced by t^e ball, sprang back in his death struggle against Bella's pony, and frightening it to such a degree that he almost threw his fair rider— then galloped off at full speed towards the shore. Bella, who dropped the curb rein in this sudden start, could not check the terrified animal in his speedy career, and she had hardly nerve enough to hold her seat. Charlie, on seeing the flying steed making for some precipices whioh bounded the shore, made off after him ; but considering that his pursuit directly after would only increase the pony's fright and speed, he resolved on making a detour, and prevent any catastrophe. It, therefore, took all Black Prince's speed and efforts to gain the goal when the pony was within a few strides of it. With uncommon presence of mind and magnificent horsemanship, Charlie strained hirj horse between the pony and the cliff, swerved him half round, flung one arm round the form of Bella — who was in the act of falling off— and with the other hand brought Black Prince to a dead halt, thus saving horse and rider. Alighting in an instant, with his iair burden, w.ho fainted in his arms, he soon, however, brought; her to, and galloping after the pony, which was now quite humbled after his severe race, brought him back, and both resumed their journey once more. Proceeding a short distance they beheld Lord Lundy, the originator of the would-be disaster, and who had been a witness to the flight of the pony. Not wishing to encounter the object of their hatred, they changed their course, and arrived at Mr. McKays by another route. Mr. McKay met them at the gate, and something in Bjlla's looks, and the disarrangement in her dress and nair, attracted his attention, but the young couple unfortunately resorted to the same expedient they had used on another occasion (the memorable event at the Bridge of Linn), namely, to keep the whole to themselves. Their reason on the present occasion being that if Mr. McKay came to know that the pony had ran off in suoh a manner, he might think that he would be apt to do so again ; consequently, he would not allow her to ride afterwards, which would deprive uhern of another pleasant recreation. Fatal resolve ; better for them that they had told all, whioh would ha/c saved them many days of misfortune and trouble. Alighting from their steeds, Mr. McKay anxiously inquired whether the pony proved untractable, or whether Bella had met with any accident. The yoi ng people were c little confused, but Charlie answered, evasive'y, " Not at all, Mr. McKay, see how docile he looks," which, indeed, was true, as the little animal was now quite submissiys. Bella slipped into her room in the interim, to escape her father's scrutiny and interrogating. Charlie, also, on the same grounds, mounted his horse, bade his neighbour good evening, and rode off hurriedly home. Lord Lundy, after suffering a repitition of his former jealousy, on seeing the lovers again so familiarly enjoying each other's company, and his rival, Charlie Stuart, once more distinguish himself by his gallantry and devotion in saving Bella's life, wnich his own unguarded and accidental shot had imperilled. To see Bella once more in Charlie Stuart's arms when they alighted from their horses, was bitter gall to his heart, and he made a solemn vow internally that, as he could entertain no hope of separating them, or gaining possession of her by fair means, he would do so by foul. Many desperate and dishonorable expedients are resorted to, even among the highest classes of society, by persons suffering under the unfortunate passion of jealousy ; and it will be seen that the high-born and noble Lord Lundy was no exception to this rule. Baffled in all his attempts to attract the simple and plain Highland maid, who made such a deep and everlasting impression on his heart, which had withstood all the allurements and fascination of the beauty of the English court. Under the impression that the young couple bad not perceived him, and were ignorant of the author of the mischief (although, to do his Lordship justice, he was not aware of their vicinity when he fired the shot, and on perceiving the mistake he followed them in alarm, lest any acoident should take place), he had just appeared in sight when Charlie, at the critical moment, gallantly forced his horse between the pony and the precipice, and saved Bella from a violent death. It was then on seeing her safe, and so fondly in the arms of his rival, that his former jealousy returned with redoubled inveteraoy, and it was under suoh conflicting emotions that he did not call at Mr. McKays to apologise and inquire after Bella's health. He, however, sent for Mr. McKay, one day afterwards, to sound him, in order to ascertain whether he became acquainted with the affair, and also the unfortunate meeting at the Bridge of Linn on his first arrival. If Mr. McKay was ignorant of these affairs (which he thought possible) he had matured a plan, after considerable pains and study, which he thought would turn that gentleman against Charlie Stuart, and forward his own wishes. When Mr. McKay waited on hie Lordship at the castle in conformity with the summons, that nobleman received him with unusual cordiality and marked attention ; and after touching on several subjects, his Lordship opened his negotiations in the following words :~ 11 1 have sent for you, Mr. MoKay, in order to ascertain certain delicate fact a, which I have been for some time loath Jo touch upon, but as they concern us both, I consider myself justified in introducing them on the present occasion. However, as I feel rather puzzled

how to ' °-gin, I hope you will excuse my ask- o ing you several question first, to which, I hope, you will give candid answers." 11 Certainly, my Lord, I shall be most happy to Rive you all the information in my power on any subject which may in. your Lordship," replied Mr. McKay, a little surprised. " In the first place, I want to know whether i you were awaie that your daughter and your young neighbor, Charles Stuart, Avere riding out together some days back, and whether they mentioned anything that took place, or had seen me on that day." " I au» aware that they had b6en riding certainly, as it vas at my own suggestion that they went, but as for mentioning seeing your Lordship, or thftt anything had taken place, they never breathed a syllable about it ; and now, since you have mentioned it, I noticed something unusual in their manner, and particularly in my daughter, as she kept her room that evening ; but you make me very anxious, my Lord, I beg of you to explain yourself more fully." , " Pardon me, Mr. McKay, I must tax your patience a little longer ; and now oblige me by telling, whether the young couple told you that they saw me at the bridge of Linn one * morning when I first arrived here> or whether you observed anything particular about your daughter at that time." " Never, my lord, she has not mentioned a word about seeing you, but I remember one morning about that time, her having walked alone as far as the bridge, and that she mentioned having met young Stuart there, after coming home from the hills where he had been shooting, and gave her a brace of ptarmigan; and I must also confess that'something unusual in her manner and dress attracted my attention. ' " Poor innocent child, I thought so. I knew thi.t she was too modest to mention such a delicate affair, or to involve her misguided young neighbor. You need nofi look so alarmed, hv. MoKay, nothing serious has taken place as yet, but you must promise me that you will never mention, or hint to either, by word or look, what I am going to tell, and on this condition I will make you acquainted with the affair." Mr. MoKay made the promise, and his lordship proceeded to tell him that he (his lordship) and the captain, the morning after their arrival, went to fish on the River Linn, above Me bridge, that the captain went up stream, wh ; le he himself went towards the bridge, when he was attracted by the screams of a female; that when he approaohed the spot he beheld Charlie Stuart endeavoring to ! take improper liberties with Bella, both of whom he recognised at the bonfire. That, on making his appearance, the young man desisted, but followed her a little distance towards her home, likely to make up for his delinquencies ; and that his Lordship, taking them for some humble people, never troubled himself about them, and had almost forgotten the affair, until the other day when he saw them riding as he Was out shooting. They dismounted, on the plea of tightening the saddle-girths, when young Stuart repeated his former advances, and only for his lordship himself firing off his rifle, would have committed an insult on her person. Mr. McKay was overwhelmed and shooked at this abominable revelation, and only for the position of his lordship, would not have believed that his young neighbor (whom every person thought so highly of, and he himself j I knew from his infancy to be an honorable and unimpeachable young man) would ever be guilty of such conduct. All this he told his lordship, but the crafty nobleman smiled at Mr. McKays inexperience of young men now-a-days, particularly when mixing with other libertines in colleges, although their former habits might have been well enough. ; " Now," added his lordship, " having seen the heroic conduct of your daughter on two occasions, resisting the advances of a familiar and old acquaintance, and, above all, her generous nature in not exposing him, as he deserves ; these qualities, added to a rare beauty and modesty, such as I never met with, even in our higher English circles, have so captivated niy heart since I first beheld her that I now lay my hand and fortune, with your approbation, at her feet." " Really, my lord, I am so overwhelmed with all that you have told me, that I am at a lose how to speak, much less how to answer your extraordinary proposal. I hope, however, on maturer consideration, that you will see the folly of such an idea ; the great difference of position, which your noble house will never overlook ; and, further, that you are still a minor, which would bring down upon you and I (were I ambitious enough to accept your flattering proposal) the displeasure of your noble parent, and may disinherit you. You will, therefere, I hope, banish all these unreasonable notions from your mind, and before you attain your majority you may depend upon it they will all be obliterated from your memory." "Never, Mr. McKay, I am quite confident ages would not consume the ardent attachment that has taken root in my heart towards your beautiful daughter. It is not a passing romantio fancy of youthful folly, but a burning, and strong passion, which I am certain will increase with my years. However, on considering the sense and propriety of your arguments, I will promise to curb my passion, and make the sacrifice of delaying my nuptials until I become of age (although trying to my feelings), when I shall be at liberty to marry the chosen of my heart. I have also prepared for your objections, and to meet them will suggest a plan whioh I hope will receive your approval, and which is this — I understand you have a wealthy brother, a merchant in London, who has often sent for your daughter, for the purpose of finishing her education, and introducing her to society. You will, wherefore, send her there, or accompany her yourself, and start with us to-mor-row (as myself and friends intend leaving), the Captain and I having received pressing despatches to that effect. lam confident, if you approve of my proposition, and if your daughter is introduced among high society, which I shall feel great pleasure in doing, and present her to my own relations — I am sure they will appreciate her , worth. Another reason whioh influenced me to suggest this proposition, and in which I know you will concur, that she will be removed from the immediate neighborhood of that young libertine, who has dared to insult her, and who may repeat his base improprieties, if not sent to a place and among society becoming her, and which he dare not approach." Whatever hesitation and objection Mr. McKay held towards his Lordship's suggestions, the last appeal dispelled them, and decided his determination. His young neighbor's hypocritical conduct, as «he now considered it, became more detestable in his eyes, and the use he made of the confidence and friendship placed in s him, instead of being a protector to his daughter, becoming himself the aggressor, and assailing her virtue. Under these indignant ehiotions he replied — " Your last observation, my Lord, has decided my mind, and the outrageous conduct of the young man whom I always considered my dearest friend and a pattern to all young men, and whom I some day thought of entrusting with the happiness of my child. If, therefore, as you imagine that my daughter will meet with the reception you anticipate from your relations, and if your own feelings towards her should not change in the interval, I shall be most highly honored by your addressing her when the term of- your minority expires ; with this proviso, however (which, pardon me, I do not think likely), that she herself will have no objection, for I would

never press her against her will, were the suitor the Prince of Wales." The last words brought the color to his Lordship's f ace ; however, he smothered any little disappointment which the remark created, and pressed the speaker's hand with great earnestness and thankfulness. When Mr. McKay was taking his leave, after all the arrangements for their departure next morning were settled, his Lordship gave him instructions to serve a notice on Charlie Stuart, to the effect that the privilege he heretofore held from the former proprietor for shooting and fishing on the estate was now suspended. (To be Continued.)