“WILD GRAPES”

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20254, 24 July 1937, Page 10

“WILD GRAPES”

SERIAL STORY.

By THEODORA WILSON-WILSON.

A Charming Story with Delightful Appeal.

-r'WTV"' • BYNOPBIB. Sir John Hammond, the famous nervespeciallst, Is disturbed by the thoughtless extravagance of his wife, Marie. The twins, Paula and Robert, sense there Is something wrong, and an alarming heart attack which Sir John has in their presence, Increases their anxiety. It Is generally rumoured that Paula Is engaged to Lloyd Manners, a young barrister. Robert has an “understanding” with Olive Maitland, but for some years yet he must devote hlmseir to his singing. He la the possessor of a rich baritone voice, inherited Trom his father’s sister Claudia, who In her day had been a famous singer. Gordon Tate, Marie’s artist brother, is going quickly on the downward path through drink. Coming to borrow money from Marie one night, he is too drunk 10 return to his lodgings, and sleeps in the lummenhouse, where he Is found by Robert. Oordon persuades Marie to send him two famous Corots, ostensibly to be cleaned, but really for him to make copies from, for practice. She Implores him to send them bank before the fifteenth, for on that day there Is a big comlng-of-ag® party for the twins.

• CHAPTER XIV. The Tourney Queen. “You see, Paula, dearest,” said Lloyd In his Arm determined tone, “you must realise that as a young barrister I have my way to make. I am fighting hard, but I have by no means got there yet.” “I know, I know,” admitted Paula. “But that’s not quite the point—ls it?” “A side Issue, but an Important one,” and he smiled. “I should be a our to ask you to marry me on false pretences. I am a risk—all barristers are.” "Well, let me have the very worst,” and her face was certainly encouraging. ‘‘l can’t offer you a home worthy of you yet, but possibly next year, If I get r scoop. I don’t know. I can’t know. But understanding this,

I am here, dearest, to ask a great thing of you. Will you become engaged to me while my life is in the balance? May we be engaged before the birthday? and announce in The Times ” “No, no, not The Times 1” she broke in. He captured her other hand and spoke movingly. "You and I, dearest, are going In for the life venturesome, together, j I’m no man to talk poetry. But, Paula, believe me, you have for so long now been my secret Tourney } Queen. The fact of your friendship, ' your comradeship, has kept up my courage, and nerved my whole nature, j Of course, I realise that I am asking j [ an amazing thing, when I ask that the ' ; Queen of the Tourney should give her j faithful knight the crown, before he ; has won through.” ’ There was silence between them, and | Lloyd was in no hurry. Presently he put his arm about her. j "You will give yourself to me? 1 There Is so much we have in com- , , mon. Even If you cannot love me as I love you, the love will come. We shall be very, very happy.” "You are sure?” 1 “Sure —certain I” , “Still—. —oh, Lloyd, I am afraid I” “But what do you fear?” “Myself, most—and you, a little I” and she turned and looked Into his £ face. ’ For answer he kissed her passlonately, and a squirrel, squinting down » from a branch overhead, nodded and scampered off as though he knew all about It. Lloyd Manners, recognising that he had wort his way, became the joyous lover, buoyant with success and happiness. (He was. In fact, a trifle overpowering, as Paula felt It. She wondered whether other engaged girls felt as odd and uncertain as she did. But as the church clock struck four, the Idea of tea came as a welcome Interval. “I was going to have a private tray out here,” said Paula, "but let’s go Into the library and have something decent.” "Delighted,” he answered her. He would have agreed to' anything, and as he entered the house he realised himself completely as the prospective son-in-law. Lloyd Manners was genuinely fond of Paula, and to have won such a girl, apart from worldly considerations, was success, and It was wonderful to be sitting in that sumptuous library, an acknowledged lover, with such a beautiful girl as Paula making tea for him. Lloyd had a natural love for hooks, pictures and art generally, and he found plenty of subjects in common • with Paula. “Those are a marvellous pair of Corots,” bo remarked. "Those old Dutchmen could paint.” "They came along from grandfather. Great treasures!” "Rather!” said Lloyd, ns he rose to examine them more closely. And (hen Robert barged in. He had managed to secure a golf partner, an undergraduate from Clare, named Stephen Smith. "Had a good game?” asked Paula. Then ho laughed and gripped Lloyd’s hand. "So it’s come off. old man! You’re lucky—jolly lucky! You’ve caught a good' one. though I ought to stamp on you from sheer jealousy. I'll admit that. Paula lias done well too!” “That’s nice of you, Bob,” said

Paula, as she leaped up to kiss him. “We’re twins!” Robert explained. "You mustn’t hug hurt feelings to your bosom, Lloyd, if she and I claim special privileges.” “I*’ve not stepped in, my dear chap, to drag off Paula from her family.” The three had been good chums before this engagement clash, and they were merry enough until Lady Hammond arrived. There was Introductions, congratulations, and all that usually happens when an engagement is announced, and Lady Hammond brightened up, and was brisk and alert, and said exactly the right thing. “You’ll stay to dinner, of course I” she said. And Lloyd agreed, only apologising for his want of evening clothes. But Paula appreciated that her own personal orlsls would occur when her father returned, and the moment she heard his car she rushed out to meet him In the hall. “My dear, you look very oharming,” he said affectionately. “Because I’m so happy, Daddy," and she drew him Into his study. "•Kiss me Daddy,” she commanded. “My dear, tell me,” and he kissed her readily. “Lloyd Is here, and we’ve done it I” For an instant a wave of anxiety crossed his face. Then IT vanished. “My precious Paula —engaged I” “You don’t mind, Daddy?” “Ive been expecting It. My eyes are sharper than you give them credit

for.” “And you do like Lloyd?” she urged, then as though not wanting an answer, she added: "Of course, he makes no pretence of being rich or anything like that. The wedding won’t be for ages and ages—until he has made good. He has made up his mind to become a famous K.C., and. Daddy, the funny part, is, that he thinks that I shall he able to help him.” “Well, I’m glad, little girl, that the wedding Is not going to be to-morrow. I can’t spare you too suddenly.” "Daddy, you' are all right now?” she asked, reading a meaning Into his words. "Yes. yes. I have quite got over Saturday. Don’t, give it another thought. I have done a very hard day’s work, yet I am perfectly fit I” "You are sure—-sure, darling Daddy?” "Quite sure 1” He spoke In such a satisfying tone, that his daughter believed him. It was late that evening when the Twins shut themselves up In their den. They were both subdued after the evening’s excitement, and for a few minutes they lolled In silence. "You know." said Paula at last, in rather a wistful tone, "you’ll have to try pretty stiffly not to be jealous of Lloyd.” "My infant, I’m not Jeolous of him. This had to come.” "He Is rather marvellous,” she replied. "Of course, I shan’t have to lie Jealous of Olive.” "Olive is miles away,” he said seriously. "Don’t let’s talk of Olive.” "She’s a dear!” persisted Paula. "I shall adore having her for a sister 1” CHAPTER XV. Lady Hammond Withdraws Herself. Sir John always fell a delicacy as In letters, and look particular care not lo notice any addressed to ids wife and Robert arid Paula. Yet ou the following morning, he

oould not avoid noticing that his wife had a letter from the bank and from Madame Jasmine. (He had worn his chains for so long, that It was no use to drag against them, so he sent his wife’s letters to her bedroom, and shortly afterwards went off to Town with Paula and Robert, who had set their minds on hearing a Law Court Case in which Lloyd was taking part. Lloyd assured them that the case would be extremely dull, even though it involved big money, but their keenness set aside the warning. Lady Hammond received her letters on her breakfast tray, and left themlying for the moment. On hearing the oar go off, she looked the letters through, and tore open one from Madame Jasmine. “She wants money I” she muttered with an oath. "Why can’t the woman have the sense to wait. She knows I’m her best customer.” Then she uttered a further exclamation as she drew out a receipted aooount, with a slip conveying Madame Jasmine’s oompliments and thanks. Lady Hammond leaned back against her embroidered pillow, and her face was not pleasant to see. Enflamed with wrath—impotent wrath—she clutched at the sheet as though for support. Madame had had the impertinence to go to her husband. Sir John had paid this bill, without saying a word to her —four hundred pounds. Then : she laughed out hysterically. John . could not be on the rocks if he oould j •find four hundred pounds at a moment’s notice. However, the hill was paid, and ' she would feel free to fTt herself out | in some perfectly necessary direc- | tions. As for the bank letter, Marie turned it over undecidedly, and then opened j it petulantly. She might as well i know the worst, before she settled down to a quiet morning in bed with | the latest library thriller. The bank letter was short and to the point. In indicated her present overdraft —startling enough, even to Marie —and intimated that no more credit could be allowed, and that the overdraft must be reduced immediately. That, meant that she could draw no more cheques, her cheque book was so much waste paper. Yet that was sheer nonsense! The hank was bluffing. They could not possibly dishonour] cheques issued by Sir John Hammond's wife. Rut doubt assailed her. She was not elcar as to what a hank could or could or could not do. Her mind was made up. and the morning in bed scheme faded. Marie decided that her head ached monstrously, and that she felt utterly unequal to life. She raised the telephone receiver at her bedside, and rang up her Nursing Home. Yes. they answered, it was quite convenient for Lady Hammond to have her usual room, ‘it would be ready at mid-day. Lady Hammond sighed with relief. No one would dare to bother her with stupid business at a Nursing Home, it would serve John right to have to pay the bill. She had a right to board and medical attendance. There was Thursday^—but they must manage without her. She had a I read v done most of the planning. , John musl call on Hint terrible sister j of his if necessary. ' (To be Continued). j