SERIAL STORY. "WILD GRAPES”

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20273, 16 August 1937, Page 4

SERIAL STORY. "WILD GRAPES”

By THEODORA WILSON-WILSON.

CHAPTER XLll.—(Continued.) So Paula and Stephen hurried off, by the way they had come, and Stephen opeped out in dale st^'® 3 and folk lore, until suddenly alaimed, he asked if he was boring. But Paula was glad that he should talk, for in truth she was worrying over this complication with Mrs Uordon Tate. ,11 t “ No, no, I’m not a scrap bored. I like to g-et neighbourrow with this marvellous dale life,” she said. 'They walked on in silence, and presently he turned. ~ “I’m sorry. Miss Hammond but I’ve a confession to make. I m afraid I’ve not been quite frank, he said. “ The fact is that I didn’t come north just to find lodging for August—l came because I couldn t keep away. .l wanted to see you—to take this walk W “l'see,” she said slowly, without looking at him. , They walked on again, and tne stepping-stones were in sight. «I am afraid I’ve not been quite frank,” and she tried to smile. l have been busily trying to hide Irom vou a skeleton which has been walking out from our family cupboard. That woman lying at the Red balm 13 the wife of my mothers brothel, Gordon Tate. She deserted him, or * he deserted her —drink —’’ “ I wish I could help you, he said simply. “ It’s going to be my ambition, when I get through my medical course, to specialise on—on sucll “Dr Benson here does that, in the midst of his dale practice—but of course, you know,’’ and she smiled. “Yes, I think I should like a dale practice, and do the same, he an- “ That Mr Brown, who carried the —my aunt, to the farm, is one oi the doctor’s patients. I haven’t come across him, but I learn from Miss Graham, that the people round about, act like tactful gentelfolks to the doctor’s patients. They seem to take a personal interest in his successes. But,” and she broke off, “ I am telling you again what you know. It was drink —or is drink—that is the trouble with my mother’s brother.” They were soon at the doctors and rang the bell, but there was no answer, and as they waited uncertainly, a man arrived from the garden, carrying a palette and a bunch of brushes. , , “ Can I help you ? ” ho asked. 44 Everyone is out.” 44 Oh, well, if you would be so kind as to tell Dr. Benson, when he comes in, that we’ve been over to the Red Farm. Mrs Potter says her patient •is 0.K., and that there is no need for him to go over until the morning.” “ ITi tell him, he answered. “ I’m the organist, craftsmistress. «tc-, etc.” and she smiled. “Miss Hammond. He’ll know. Thank you ever so much.” They turned ofT, and Stephen drew his brows together. 44 It’s funny, Miss Hammond, but I should have said that 1 saw that man at your party—with your father; queer how one gets impressions.” “ I don’t remember having seen anyone in the least like him before,” said Paula. “ But now—for your Nannie’s supper.” Gordon watched them go, and then he turned up the garden to bring in his sketching things. The light had gone. He was entering the house when Dr. Benson arrived on foot. 44 Ah, Jack, growing too dark for your job? ” “Night comes!” ho replied nervously. “Anything gone wrong? ” 44 Oh, nothing,” he shot out. 44 Quite! ” anti the doctor noticed the tone. “Any callers—news from the Red Farm? ” “ Well, yes.” and Gordon tried to speak casually. “ Two people called. They said there was no need for you to go until to-morrow morning.” 44 When Mrs Potter sends a message. I can accept it,” said Dr. Benson, with a sigh of relief. “So come along in for peace and plenty.” 44 Yes,” yet Gordon hesitated. 44 Who were those people—l mean, who was the woman? ” 44 Miss Hammond. Miss Paula Hammond. An adventuress into our dale, and finding it sufficiently exciting! She hasn’t disturbed you? ” “ Oh, no! ” he lied. “ Then what’s gone wrong in the applecart? ” 44 Oh, well,” said Gordon reluctantly, 44 1 suppose it is only fair to you. Dr. Benson, to explain that the woman I carried to Red Farm happens to be my wife.” “ Happens to be your wife! ” repeated the doctor, who had grown hardened to shock. “ That is exceedingly interesting, Mr Jack Brown. When she gets round, you will come in quite useful, to help her to struggle back to healthy life. 1 congratulate you on tin' child. A handsome and altogether delightful youngster.” But tl'U'hu'. iis tin* doctor noticed, laid a hand on the trellis for support. and he answered bitterly: be useful. 1 should only make worse mischief. I am clearing myself oil’ from Gowthwuitc at once—all this settles it.” “ Well, there’s no train to-night.” said the doctor lightlv. •• So we shall have to wait until the morning for the flitting. our best Sunday supper. \l’lciuanltheta- is Beethoven on the wireless, praise Cod! ” From sheer politeness Gordon could not absent himself from the wireles and his host’s company, and the <1 > tor certainly did not make it ease for him to do so. As the music arrived. Gordon took up a magazine, which the doctor not deed that he did not road. 44 Forty winks!” he ug reste !, ami he closed his own eyes. But Gordon’s brain was working too fiercely for sleep. 44 Tho Hound of Heaven” was tracking him down with a last despe -ate rush. He know the poem well-nigh oil' by heart in illustration. The doctor was ccrta nly a loop, and b« closed his eyes. 44 That Voice is round me like a bursting sea; “And in thy earth so marred. Shattered in shard on shard? ho—all things fly thee, for thou flyest Mel And human love needs human merit - ing! How hast thou merited - Is my jrloom _aftor :.]1 ~r (j , Ah. fondest. >lu lest, weal cst, I am He wh.u'u «i*ou aoekest.”

A Charming Story with Delightful Appeal.

The music rushed on, and the doctor snored. And Gordon was borne away to the days when he had loved a young girl, and made her his own. Made her his true wife, and she had given him a child—that child with the dark eyes and the roguish mouth. And it was as though this Hound of Heaven had thrust them both back into his arms. And what of Miss Hammond—Miss Paula Hammond—his first glance at her had shown him the startling likeness between her and the Robert who had faced him in his degradation. She did not know him—why should she ever know him ? Let them all slide away from such a man as he. And then Dr. Benson waked up with a start. “Where’s Beethoven? Stop that jazz stuff! ” Gordon rose and turned off the wireless, and then paused uncertainly. “ Oh, by the way, Jack, you’ve made an agreement with me for three months—and I gather you are a gentleman.” “Am I ? ” Gordon laughed bitterly, and left the room. “ Poor devil,” muttered the doctor. “ He’s right up against it, but he’s coming through.” It was two days later, that Dr. Benson walked up the garden to find his patient. Gordon was so intent upon his work, that the doctor’s voice came startlingly. “Jack, I’m not altogether satisfied about Mrs Gordon Tate. She isn’t coming on as she should do. You must help me. I want you to come along with me now—at once.” Dr. Benson looked him in the eyes, and the man bowed. “ She is worrying over the past. The worry is wearing out her strength. You are the only man in the world who can help her.” (To be concluded.)