CHAPTER XXXII. MR PEEL'S FETE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2176, 19 June 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER XXXII. MR PEEL'S FETE.

Mr Peel had a fine day for his f<«te. Not nn ordinary English sumtnor day, with clouds and sunshine, and a shower occasionally to damp it, but a real blueskied shiny day, with a soft fresh wind, and a full moon at night to light the wny for the party on'their return. There wa.s really nothing wanting to make the fete everything he could desire. The rich man had rp.ired no expense, and the woods, the flowers, and sky, and the birds, all did their best to help him ; and Ncwforth Hall, lying amid it 9 sloping lawns, and the grand old tree* which had dwolt there so long looked such a para* disc, that Mrs Mounsey piously remarked ' she would never wish for a better. ' A tent had been erected on the lawn in front of the Jiou.se, in which wns spread a very sumptuous breakfast or lunchton, to to refresh his guests during' the day, before his banquet in the hail took place, which wns to be at seven o'clock ; and when the party from Windsor-street arrived, they found this tent already halffilled with gaily-dressed people, and the regimental band playing, and Mr Pael saying polite things right and left without intermission. Miss Williams accompanied thpm, very much, however, against Mrs Mounsey'a inclinations ; but Mr Pooljseemed to look upon it as a matter of course, and George Manners had also mentioned it, for Mrs Mounscy had invited him to go with them in the carriage. ' You will not have room for me,' he had answered, ' with three ladies and the children : ' Oh, no, there will only be Laura and me,' t>aid Mrs Mounsey. ' £ thought Miss Williams was going,' replied George, and Laura Clayton noticed the shade which spread over his face as ho *pokp. 'Oh yen, of course, L»uisa ; you canF not disappoint her now,' said Laura, quickly ; und on her sister remonstrating with her in private for saying this, Laura, answered — 'Why, Louisa, Mr Manners and Mr Peel will think; we are jealous of this poor girl, if you don't let her accept an invitation so pointedly given.' 1 Well, have your own way,' said Mrs Mrs Mouniey, sulkily - but conscious, perhaps, of the truth oi her sinter's argument, 'only I know I'm about tired of all her tine airs. I will have an did governess the next I get ; it is absurd seeing gentleman talking to them as Mr Manners did to Miss Williams the other night.' ' You forget lie euvr a good deal of her naturally at home.' 'Don't .bo so contradictory, Laura, please,' said Mrs'Mounsey, ' and remember this, if I let her go to Mr Peel's, it is the last of such nonsense that I will allow. I don't keep governesses to go out to parties.' So Miss Williams accompanied them, dressed in blue and white muslin, and with a blue and white hat to match : aud even Mrs Mounsey was forced mentally to ullow that she looked very pretty and ladylike, and was more determined than ever, as she sat opposite to her during their drive to Newforth, that this should be her very last appearance in public. There won a cloud therefore ou Mrs Mounseys brow when they drove up Mr Peel's long avenue; a cloud, howevor, which speedily vanished when she saw all the fine people already assembled on the lawn and in the tent. 4 There are the Greys, absolutely,' she whispered to her sister ; ' and Sir Matthew Johnstone, I declare,' she added, with an air of excitement. ' Hour well Mr Peel gets on ; and look, what a splendid dress Mrs Fenwicke of Northwoll is wearing. How do I look ? Haa that horrid dust marked my face at all? There is Mr Peel— he sees us now. Well, Mr Peel, I congratulate you; this is really ing. ' And you ladies hare come to make it more so, 1 6aid Mr Peel, bowing and handing them out of the carriage. * I do not. spo rayf friend Mr Mounsey— -how is that? 1 4He is coming with Mr Manners,' answered Mrs Mounsey. 'We could not manage any better, you see, as Miss WillUms came.' •I am happy to see Miss Williams,' pa>d the host, with another old-fashioned bow. ' And Mr Manners' cousin, Sir Hugh Manners, is he going to honour my fete with his presence ?' 'Oh ! Mr Manners is so sorry, but Sir Hugh is in Scotland. He did not see him when he was down at Nurbrough on Saturday,' replied Mrs Mounsey, with an air of extreme intimacy with the Manners famity. • I am sorry, said Mr Peel, with another bow; 'if, however, Sir Hugh Manners iad visited Newforth to-day he woidd have met one or two of his own rank and acquaintance, I bolieve My honourable friend, the county member, Sir Matthew Johnstone, is somewhere, in the grounds ;

also the honourable and Rev, Mr Grey and his lady, and a few more families with whom Sir Hugh is probably intimate.' ' Yes, indeed, Mr Peel ! You have got .such >n<e people. It is delightful,' said Mrs Mounsey. ' And do tell mo which is Colonel Clayton, and how many of the new officers have come.' • None, as yet, Mrs Mounsey ; but I am momentarily expecting them,' replied Mr Peel ; and his expectations were shortly realised, for a drag containing some half-dozen of the new regiment presently appeared, ami Mrs Mounsey was also gratified by having one of them presented to her immediately they arrived. There was a very good-looking man amongst them, a Mr O'Tool, an Irishman ; and also a youth, with a very long nose, the son of a famous north -country general, whom Mr* Mounsey speedily led off, on the strength of his historic name, into a kind of semi-flirtation to the tent, where she amused herself and him with a spring chicken and lobster salad, and pretty speeches ad libitum. Laura, soon after they went, com* mencod playing croquet, and Miss Williams walked about with the children till they ran oft' and left her also : then she sat down and watched the croquetplayers on one of Mr Peel's highly-orna-mental now garden-chairs. 'And who may that pretty gurl be sitting there ?' asked the handsome Irishman, Mr O'Tool, of Mrs Mounsey, when she, the ensign, and himself, having refreshed themselves to their hearts' content, came out of the tent and stood looking at the oroq net-players also. • Where ? I don't see anyone in particular,' replied Mrs Mounsey, looking in an Opposite direction te the one which the Irishman had indicated. 'There, to be sure,' he answered, in his rich brogue — ' there, on the garden-chair in the front. ' ' Oh, that is a young person I have to teach my children,' said Mrs Mounsey, in a freezing tone. 'Sure, she's the .prettiest arnrl in the place, then,' replied Mr O'Tool, with a glance of his eye at Youug Warlock, the ensign, to make him understand the fnn. ' Will ye introduce me, plense, Mrs Mounsey ? Perhapi she's not been in to luncheon yet ?' 4 1— I think, Mr O'Tool, I n-mtld rather not,' hesitated Mrs Mimusi-y; 'but I daresay you are only jesting,' she went on, 'in expressing this -wish. I will gladly introduce you to any of the young tatties present. There is Mi>s Fenwicko, now, of Northwell, a charming gitl, who will have £10,000 for her fortuue at least, and her father has such a beautiful place — or there is my siiter ' • Both charming younar ladies, I've no doubt,' answered jolly Mr O'Tool, who was only persisting because he saw it vexed Mrs Mounsey ; 'but I've just set me heart on the blue and white muslin, and that's the truth ; so will ye favour roe?' And he offered his arm, -which Mrs Mounsey was obliged to accept. But she aUo was determined, and, in crossing the lawn, she opportunely met a lady she knew : so dropping the Irishman, Hhe entered into a lively conversation with her friend, and Mr O'Tool was compelled to walk ou. ' But I won't be done though by the jealous old fool,' was hi» mental reflection as he did so, and accordingly he went up to hi*, host and requested an introduction 1 to the pretty jrirl in blue and white.' 4 Certainly, sir, 'replied Mr Peel. 'That is Miss Williams, a very interesting and ladylike young person, who, I fear, the misfortunes of her family must have compelled to accept the position of governess to the children of the lady you have already been introduced to, Mrs Mounsey.' 1 Yes, I know,' paid Mr O'Tool. ' She's no worse for that in my eyes. Mrs Mounsey took good caro to inform me who she was ; but, duece take it, Mr Peel, why shouldn't a pretty gurl have her luncheon, and a bit of fun into the bargain, because her father happened to be unfortunate ? Faith,. me own was for that matter; yet I think meself as pood a gentleman as ever. One cant help these little accidents. 1 ' No,' 1 replied the rich man, pompously: for naturally perhaps he had not much sympathy with failure, But he introduced the Irishman, who, in the most perfectly easy and pleasant manner, sat down by the pretty governess and began to make himself very agreeable, and five minutes afterwards Mrs Mounseys sharp eyes saw her rise, take his arm, and disappear with him into the tent. 'A nice way of looking after her charges, I am sure !' thought the angry lady ; ' but I knew how it would be with Laura's folly.' < , Just about then George Manners and Mr Mounsey arrived, and Mrs Mounsey happened to be standing alone with a very flushed face when they came np. 1 Ah, mamma, you here !— and where is the rest of the party ?' said Mr Mounsey. 4 How is it yon-are alone ?' 'Laura in playing croquet, and the children are looking at some show or other at the back of the tent, which Mr Peel has just put up for them ; and their governess, instead of being with them, us she ought to be, looking after them, is flirting violently in the tent with one of the new officers — a Mr O'Tool !' answered Mrs Mounsey, pleased at all events to have the opportunity of giving his explanation before George. 'But how hot it is standing here, Mr Manners !' she continued. ' Would you ffive me your arm ? I think I should like to go into the j tent und have some claret-cup. It's delicious — so cooling ! Will you come too, papa ?' ' When George Manners entered the spacious tent he looked eagerly round, and certainly in a distant corner of it was a picture which partly at least justified Mrs Mounseys description of her governess' occupation; for, leaning back, flushed and pretty, was Amy Williams, while Mr O'Tool was bendintr eagerly over her, and evidently doing his best to make himself agreeable. Yet George had no real cause for the jealous throb which darted into his heart, or the frown which contracted his forehead. Mr O'Tool was only tolking the most commonplace nonsense, and Amy Williams merely politely listening to him ; but they were sitting apart, and it looked like a flirtation, and both George and Mrs Mounsey felt in a rage at the sight. 'How disgustingly Miss Williams is going on,' said Mrs Mounsey; 'it is really ridiculous bringing such people into society ; men just amuse themselves with them— a low class of men, I mean.' 'Come, come, mamma, don't be too bard,' said her husband, anxious to make peace ; • remember you had your young days too.' * Poor Mr Mounsey, he had never made such a mistake in his life.' 'My young days, Mr Mounsey!' repeated the lady, turning absolutely scarlet as she spoke ; ' I like that ; yes, I had my young days, and I have my young days still, I hope— younger days I think than that faded, die-away creature, who is painted up to her eyes to-day for the occasion. My young days, indeed ! Marrying a man twice one's own age doesn't make one old, does it, Mr Manners ?' 'I really do not know,' answered George, thoroughly disgusted with the world in general. ' Will you desire hor to come here, Mr Mounsey, went on Mrs Mounsey, ' and I will send her to look after the children. She has neglected her duties long enough.' 'My dear, I cannot— really—go up,

when sho is with a strange gentleman — a military man, too,' faltered Mr Monn«ey. • Well, if you are such a fool, I will,' answered Mrs Moun&ey, forgetting everything in her anger ; and. accordingly she walked down the tent in her splendid mauve satin, and on reaching her coverness addressed her with the scantiest of ceremony. ' Miss Williama, will you go and look after the children at once?' she said, 'and keep them beside you iv future, pray,' •Oh, I'll do that,' said Mr O'Tool, rising. 'What are they like— like their charming mamma, oh ? 1 think I'll goon spot thorn, then.' < Oh, you Irishmen are such flatterers,' said Mrs Mouusey, • smoothing her ruffled plumes. ' It's yon makes us so, then,' answered the handsome lieutenant, with a bold look in his wild grey eye* ; ' how can a fellow help saying what'be thinks—sometimes ? Yo've yourself .to blame, Mn Mounsey.' 'Well, Miss Williams better go, I think. lam getting uneasy about them, answered Mrs Mounsey, smiling, ' Suppose we all go, said the polite Mr O'Tool, who did not want to lase sight of the blue and white muftlin ; ' nuppoM we all go and seek the dear darliugK, for J really want to see them. Looking at Punch and Judy did ye say, Mm Mouu-, sey? 'Why, there's nothing I' like so well. By Jove ! it always makes a boy of me asrain ; so do let' us seek them.' ' Well, come up here, then, and I will tell my husband where I am gmoir,' replied Mrs Mounsey, taking the Irishman's arm; and the three then advanced towards the gentlemen ait the other end_ of the park. Amy Williams looked at George, and then bowed timidly as they approached, but he showed at once his affection aud jealousy for her by a slight and very distant acknowledgement. 1 What cau be the matter?' she won. dered, for she was perfectly innocent of flirting with Mr OTool, and had only seen George ouco since his return from Narbrough, when -his manner bad been very different. • What, it is anyone,' thought (4«orfire, scowling over his plato— *any fool who chooses to say a civil word to her ; when she knows how anxtou* I have been, too —how much I have suffered.' So he did not rise when the object of the parting was explained, or offer to join thnm when they went away ; but nut On "cursing his fate, and swearing men t illy at everything till the croquet players, and among thorn Laura Clayton, came in to partake of some of Mr Feel's luxuries, and to cool their excited tempers with his iced champagne. 'You have come at last then?' said Laura Clayton, pausing, and holding out her hand to him, while the other players passed bn, with a very cordial welcome. ' I have been looking for you. It is not a lovely day ?' • Yes, very, answered George, rising ; • and are you enjoying yourself ?' Lxura shrugged her lovely shoulders. 'Oh, of course,' she said. 'I have been playing for the last hour at croquet with the very worst partner in the world.' i 'And have tired and vexed yourself, of ; course. Come and sit here, and let me carve you soms chicken, and get you some i cliampague. Your sister aud Mr Moun- ' sey'have gone to seek the children." ' And where is Misa Williams ? Have you soon her ? We should not neglect ! her, as we bought her.' 'She is with them.' ' Oh, then, it's all right ;' and Laura settled heraelf to enjoy her luncheon and Mr Manner's society. They sat there more than an hour — sat till one after the other, the occupants of. the tent disappeared, and they were left almost alone. And never had Laura been so brilliaut, never so charming, and angry and depressed as George felt, he could not fail to admire his companion ; and when at last they went out together to stroll among the lovely flower beds, aud under the beautiful old trees, which acted as a complete shelter from the sun, .George again encountered Amy Williams and Mr O'Tool. ' There is Miss Williams,' said Laura, kindly ; ' let us go and speak to her :' for something in George's manner that afternoon had made her feel very happy, and' the owner of all the grandeur Which surrounded them was looking rather disconsolately at the tall, handsome man, who was so persistently escorting the lady he intended for his future wife. 'Oh, she's very happy, I daresay. Don't you see how well she's engaged ?' answered George, with affected carelessness. ' Well, perhaps,' replied Lanra Clayton ; and she looked up in George's face, and smiled. ' And so are we, are we not ?' he said. * Come and walk.undecth* tree* ;' and he led Laura away, and talked to her, and said things which porhaps he ought not ; and Amy Williams saw this— saw his evident attentions to Miss Clayton— and Mr Q'Tool began to wouder what made the little governess grow ao wonderfully lively all at once. ' But faith, I suppose it's being out of the dutches of that jealous old harridan for a little while, and with your humble servant; thought the complacent soldier. • The jealous harridan' has been happily disposed of by Mr Feel introducing her to the Colonel of the new regiment— a very meek and quiet little man, who had gone through the Crimean war, and broiled a do<sen years in luriia, with the greatest distinction, and yet was the shyest, civilesfc, ami most modest man amongst ladies that you could conceive. So he was listening to Mrs Mounsey, and replying to her occasionally, and walking up and down the grounds with her, and would have done so to the day's end, before he would have had the courage to free himself ; whilst she, contented wifcb being with the officer highest in, rank, was compelled to leave Miss Williams to take care of herself, aud thus Mr O'Tool, nothing loth, was almost the whole day with ' the pretty bit of blue and white muslin," as he described Miss Williams on many subiequent occasions. 1 Yell go into dinner with me, won't ye ?' he said very sentimentally, during the afternoon. ' Sure, I haven't had such a jolly clay-as, this aince I was a child in Ireland. * Ah, if I wasn't sucli a poor devil, Miss Williams.' ' What difference could that make ?' she answered, laughing. 'It might, 1 said Mr O'Tool ; and he sighed, but did uofc commit himself further, but contrived to make a very good dinner when they sat together during that sumptuous repast. After dinner was over the ladies wandered through the beautiful house, and admired Mr Peel's splendid furniture, and had little conversations together, as best pleased them ; and Mrs Mounsey took this opportunity to whisper a word of advice in her sister's ear. ,' You will lose all this, Laura, if you dbn't take care,' she said. 'It's absurd ttie way you have been flirting with Mr Manners ;' but Laura made no answer, only sighed, and impatiently shook her head ; and by-and-by atie asked Miss Williams to go with her a little stroll during the cool of the evening. 'They will be dancing presently, I suppose,' she said j • and the flowers will look so lovely with the dew on them. Come and take a turn before the gentlemen join us.' 'There is no doubt it is a lovely place, is it not ?' she went on, as they walked among the fragrant beds, • What would

you say, Miss Williams, she continued, smiling, • if it were offered to yon ?' 4lt \vould|depend so much on circumstances, that I do not know,' answered the governess. ' Most girls would let no circumstances allow them to refuse it, I believe,' said Laura ; * but Ido not think, as many do, that richps alone constitute happiness." ' No, indeed.' • Yet we must think of these things, and most of all, in giving our affections, we OMght to do so if we were but wise ; but talking of this reminds me I meant to give you a word of advice. Don't fall in love with that haudsome soldier who seems so bent on making you do so. It's a way military men have from which often great misery arises. You are not offended with me, I hope, for saying this ?' ' Oh, no ! Why should I ? But you need not be afraid. I would have been alone all day unless Mr O'Tool had taken compassion on me ; that is bis only attraction. 'Nay, now ; he is a very fine-looking man, and evidently admires you : bat officers flirt wherever they go, I think, and then they leave the place, and forget the .last love in a newer one ; and besides that," you never can know the ir previous histories or connections. lam sure in our own family we have a terrible example of ' this.' ' ' Have you some relations in the army ?' ' My cousin, Hugh Clayton, is a captain in the 3rd Regiment, and he married some young lady he met at Wesport, after a very short acquaintance, and without the knowledge of his own people, who knew he hud lived at any rate for some time with an unfortunate Irish girl. But he forsook her, as I said, and married this Miss Barritt, went out to India with her, and about a year after a terrible 1 scandal ensued. The regiment was at i Calcutta, I think, when this other woman, who hud followed him from England, i east up, and claimed to be Hugh:* wife, and you can imagine the scene* which followed. At all events, tho poor young , creature, who had hitherto believed her1 self to be his wife — terrified^ I suppose, [ at her position, and believing in the first I marriage— fled one night from my cousin's I house ; and though he has sought her everywhere since, >tnd spent hundreds in the .search, she has never been heard of. I j fear jrrently iay<elf her misery has driven her to .self- deduction.' It wns growing dark, and Miss Clayton j npvev noticed tho grey shade which spread I over her companion's face dm ing this j narrative. ' Poor Hugh, 1 she went on, ' he might have turned out u different and" much happier man. I knew him well once, for j I lived some time with my uncle' but it is ' years since we have met —but it will not J be long now. My sister heard from him 1 this morning, and he is coming down to j Scotland to follow out some trace of his poor young wife which ho discovered j lately, and he will stay with us a few ! days on his way.' A cold dew broke out on Amy , Williams' face, as Miss Clayton said i these words, and she suddenly grasped tho I back of an iron garden-chair which they were passing. i • Are you tired \\ said Miss Clayton, noticing this action and looking at her. ' How pale you have suddenly grown. Let us sit down. Do you feel faint ?' ' I am subject to theso attacks — it will j go off,' faltered Mi^s Williams. i 'Oh I'm sorry. I fear the long, hob day has been too much for you ; but we will sit quiet, aud, as you say, it will pass off.' • When do yon expect you cousin ?' asked Amy Williams, a few moments afterwards, in a low, husky voice. * He may come to-morrow, or perhaps the next day,' answered Miss Clayton. ' Poor Hugh, I shall be glad to see him again, though I hear he is gwsatly altered. But here are some of the gentlemen—Mr Peel himself, I declare. Well, Mr Peel, I have never yet been near you to congratulate you, as you have been so much engaged with your guests ; but yon must allow me to do so now. Your party has been a most complete success *I am truly glad yon think so, Miss Clayton,' replied their host ; " hut I have scarcely seen you, Mr Manners has been the happy man to-day. ' Mr Manners had not a hundred people to entertain, Mr Peel, you see,' said Miss Clayton, pleasantly ; • which makes all the difference.' J Will you favour me by taking a little stroll with me now, then ?' asked Mr Peel. 'Do pray take my arm. ' I should like you to see a new orchid which I have procured in the west conservatory. * But I do not like to leave Miss Williams ; she has not been very well this evening, 1 replied Laura, ' Perhaps Miss Williams will accompany vi f ' said Mr Peel. 'No no, Miss Clayton,' said Miss Williams ; 'do go, I am better now, the air is reviving me. I feel tnu-h better— I hope you will go.' '.For a few minutes at any rate, 1 nrged Mr Peel ; and so Miss Laura, rather alarmed at the pronpect of the tete-a-tete before her, walked away on the old' gentleman's arm— and, silent, horror- ' strioken, and cold, Amy William* sat alone. 4 What should she do ? What should she do ?' she thought. ' Where go and hide herself now ? Where shelter herself from Hugh Claytons anger, — or worse, more terrible love ?' » • Presently it yreir dark, »nd she «i»w the lights in tho hall, and the lights in the conservatories, and heard the sound of music and dancing ; but still forgotten, she sac there. Laura Clayton was too busy with her own affairs ever to remetnher, and the Irishman, after looking, for her in vain, had got another' pretty partner ; and only George Manners wondered whore she was — only George Manners thought of her among all that smiling crowd. After dancing with Laura Clayton he came out into the still and silent garden, and was going down one of the more retired walk*, when he heard footsteps behind him, and, looking round in the dim light, he recognised Amy Williams. ' George ; George !' she cried, in so changed a voice he almost started ; ' George I saw you go past. I want you — I want to speak to you ;' and she held out her hands. c What ig th* matter ?' he asked. • For God's sake, tell me what is the matter? What makes you look like this J Why are you trembling so? Had anyone frightened you ?' ' Take me away, George,' she went on, in the same strange, hunky tones in which she had first addressed him, and clinging to his arm as he spoke. Take me away — bide me any were you like — but do not leave me now. • What is it, Amy ?' said George k soothingly. ' Tell me what is the matter ?' 1 You Baid you loved me onoe,' she continned, 'oh nave me now— oh ! George, save me from that dreadful man!' and she shuddered, and grasped his arm tighter in unmistakeable terror. 1 What man £'>■ asked George Manners, sternly. * What do you mean ? Is it Hugh (Manners?* ' No, no, no — you must know all now. George, for the love I have borne you I have deceived you, and Hugh Manners knew it, that was all, I could not bear to part with you, and I know this would, if I told you ; but I fear— l fear lam the wife of another man— of Captain Clayton ;' and she looked up with her eyes , full of dread into bis face as sb« spoke, '

but all thought of her own safety died away at what she read there. • Oh ! forgive me,' she cried, falling at his feet, and flinging her arms around hi* knees. ' Oh ! forgive me, my dear, dear George. I loved you so much. Oh ! George, don't look at me like that— don't look as if you hated me now !' •The wife of another man!' said (ieorge, Hlowly. 'Take away your arms, Amy Williams ; let me understand — what is it you say ? What Captain Clayton do you mean ?' 'He is their couiin — Miss Claytons oousin, 1 answered Amy, shuddering, and still clinging to hit knew. But don't judge me harshly, 1 have had some excuse.' 'I believed Hugh Manners had cast you off,' answered George with great bitterness, ' and I pitied you, but I have none now. Why have you brought this sin upon me ? What motive had you for this rile deception ?' 1 Wait,' said she, rising, ' wait till yon bear. Let us sit dawn, George, and I will tell you nil.'