"Darling. When you see this I shall probably be miles away. This is written to bid you goodbye as it is not likely we shall meet again. When you read my story try and forgive me; for in spite of all I always loved you and ever will.Cyril Sheene.
"Darling. When you see this I shall probably be miles away. This is written to bid you goodbye as it is not likely we shall meet again. When you read my story try and forgive me; for in spite of all I always loved you and ever will.
Cyril Sheene.
This strange epistle was hastily scrawled in pencil and the signature was very shaky, but Helen knew the writing in a minute, it was undoubtedly Cyril's.
"It is not likely we shall meet again!!"
The words ran through Helen's bewildered head and repeated themselves again and again. Cyril, whom she had loved so dearly and belived in so faithfully had gone away, lefther alone in the cruel heartless world; Cyril whom she had never even had course or reason to call dishonourable had written himself to ask her to try and forgive him. What did it mean? And the story, where was the story?" The room seemed to swim round;" we shall not meet again, "try and forgive me" The story where is the story? And then all was darkness and Helen remembered no more.
WhenHelen recovered she found herself lying in a large comfortable bed propped up with pillows. The room was large, cheerful and beautifully furnished. A small table covered with a white cloth was by the bedside with medicine bottles upon it. A bright fire burnt in the grate. The blinds were down and warm red curtains pulled across the large bow window.
A small lamp was carefully placed where no light or glare could reach the bed and the very atmosphere of the room spoke of extreme comfort.
A nurse, in a white cap and apron was gliding noislessly about the room arranging things here and there.
For a moment Helen lay quite still staring about her plerpexedly, but on making a slight movement in the bed the nurse turned round, "So you are awake at last miss?" she said in a slow gentle voice, "do you know you have slept quite quietly for three hours."
"Where are am I?" asked Helen gazing from the kind face of the nurse around the strange room.
"You are in Lord Beaufort's house in Portman Square" replied the nurse.
"Lord Beaufort?" repeated Helen, "I have heard the name before."
"Yes you have" said the nurse, "Miss Lincarrol is here you know, and her brother, and your old servant Mrs. Marshland, so you see no one has deserted you."
"Except Cyril" sighed Helen.
"You must not think of that now" replied the nurse soothingly, "all you have to do is rest and keep quiet; I expect Miss Lincarrol will be up soon, she has come twice already only you were asleep, now take your medicineand then lay quiet; you will hear all the story soon from other lips than mine."
Thus reassured Helen took her cooling draught and lay down, patiently awaiting any visitor who would enlighten her as to past events. Her thoughts naturally enough wandered back to the episode of Cyril's departure and she was getting extremely restless, much to the nurse's dismay, when the door softly opened and Gladys appeared in the room.
With a smile she instantly ran to the bedside and Helen tried to raise herself to greet her friend, but her head instantly swam round and she fell back on the pillow, white and gasping. The nurse gave her a dose of medicine and she quickly came to herself again.
"You must not try to exert yourself too much" said the nurse kindly, "it will do you no good, and will only hinder your recovery."
"Very well" said Helen faintly, "but how is it I get so queer?"
"Because your head is in a weak state" replied the nurse, "and it will probable injure you very much to rampage."
It would take too long to relate the history of Helen's illness as Helen heard it from Gladys's lips, with all the details and exagertions,so we will go back a little bit and see what happened after Helen swooned away.
Assoon as Netherby (the clerk) saw what had happened he at once called for Marshland, who was sitting in the parlour in a state of utter collapse. On hearing that her precious Miss Helen had fainted, the good old woman ran at once to the office room.
Helen lay perfectly white and still upon the floor with Cyril's fatal letter clenched in her hand. Marshland instantly knelt down and placed her head at Helen's heart. "She is not dead" she cried triumphantly.
"What can we do?" asked Netherby in a shaky voice.
"I'll tell you" said Marshland getting up off the floor, you must take a cab and drive as fast as you can to Portman Square number 26, Miss Lincarrol is staying there with Lord Beaufort and I think her brother too; they are all staunch friends of Miss Helen's I know they will come at once, we can make no move,friendless as we are, without the help of Mr. Lincarrol or some one."
"Stop a bit" cried Netherby regaining his courage all of a sudden; something tells me the story Mr. Sheene speaks of in his letter is somewhere in the private chest, and as it is evidently meant for Miss Winston's private reading, I'll trouble you Mr. Wilson to let those papers alone and give me up the key."
"What right have you to the key any more than me?" asked Wilson sullenly.
"None I suppose" replied Netherby "but I know that you are subjecting yourself to the penalty of the law by ransacking that private chest, "I shall inform the police if you dont instantly deliver the key."
Netherby's altered manner rather cowed Wilson so very sulkily he gave up the key.
Then with a set determination Netherby collected all the papers etc: which Wilson had strewn over the desks tying them firmly together placed them back in the chest.
"Have you any more?" asked he before locking the chest.
"No" stoutly declared Mr. Wilson.
"I'm not so eager to belive you" replied Netherby.
"Why not?" enquired Wilson savagely.
"Because you're not extra fond of the truth" replied Netherby "and I'd rather satisfy myself that you have no more papers about you before I lock the chest."
"You'd better dare lay a finger on me" hissed Wilson.
"I dont want to" replied Netherby "but if you really have taken nothing, what is your objection to letting me see the contents of your pocket?"
"Oh I'll let you see the contents drawled Wilson and he proceeded to place a few articles on the desk.
Netherby was beginning to satisfy himself it was alright, when he noticed Wilson shuffling about with the inner pocket of his coat.
"Hurry up" exclaimed Netherby impatiently.
"Alright" cried Wilson nervously drawing out a rather dirty handkerchief; but fate was against him and with the handkerchief came a roll of bank notes.
Marshland gave a cry as she beheld the sight of the unhappy Wilson slink into a corner.
Netherby collected the notes placed them inthe desk and without a word put on his hat and went out. In less that five minutes he returned accompanied by two policemen, who on a sign from Netherby advanced to Wilson and before the astonished man could say a word he found himself handcuffed and carefully guarded by the two officials.
Netherby and Marshland then gave an exact account of what had taken place and Netherby ended by saying "you see Wilson if you had shut the chest when I told you and concealed nothing I should have been the last to call the police, but when it came to robbing the chest in justice to Miss Winston I had to do my duty."
Wilson was too utterly dazed to say a word, and in a few moments Netherby, not liking to leave the house sent a messenger to portman Square.
In a couple of hours a cab drew up at the door, and out got Lawrence Lincarrol, Lord Beaufort, and a short thin man, who turned out to be Cyril Sheene's solicitor.
On hearing the story, Lord Beaufort said that Helen was to be taken at once to his house and that Marshland should accompany her. Accordingly the unconscious girl waslifted into the brougham and accompanied by the old servant drove off. "Your things shall be sent on" said Lord Beaufort to Marshland as he helped her into the cab "and a trained nurse shall be got for Miss Winston, meanwhile my servants quite understand what is to be done."
Then the cab drove off and Lord Beaufort entered the office.
Lawrence and Mr. Spriggs (the solicitor) were both busy interviewing Netherby, who now that he had done his duty and shown much good sence had relapsed into his old nervous state.
We had here better describe Lord Beaufort and Mr. Spriggs.
Lord Beaufort was a half Spaniard, his mother being of that nationality and his father (who was dead) an Englishman.
He took after his mother in looks. He was moderately tall and thin and might have been eight and thirty. He had straight black hair and beard and moustache, to match, the former being small and well cut, not the bushy kind. His handsome dark eyes were quite those of a foreigner and his teeth were beautifullywhite. He was particularly well dressed and even to his boots.
Very different indeed was Mr. Spriggs. A thin wiry little man about 5 feet 2 inches, with thin sandy coloured hair (a trifle bald), twinkly little blue eyes, a very pink face and carroty coloured moustache. He was attired in a rough tweed suit with knickaboccers, a turn down collar, very untidily put on, thick grey stockings, clumping boots, a green tie, and a dear stalker cap drawn well on to his head.
"Well the first thing to be done" said Mr. Spriggs in jerky tones "is to open the chest, and I being the solicitor will proceed to do it," and he stalked accross the room with a very high and mighty air and made a great commotion with the keys.
The chest being opened the contents were carefully examined. A blue envelope was first opened and contained the following information.
"This is to say that I, Cyril Sheene leave all my money, which is all in bank notes to my intended Helen Winston; it is not very much and does not exceed £150 but still Ihope it will do as I can't afford any more. Dated August 11th."
This was all written in violet coloured ink by Cyril himself; but at the bottom of the paper a few lines were hastily scrawled in pencil.
"I hereby add that all my share of the money I stole from Mr. John Winston is in the black leather bag at the back of the chest. Helen will recognise the bag. Not a farthing has been spent and it is all to go to Helen. Dated October 14.
"That was written on the day of Mr. Sheene's departure announced Mr. Spriggs as he replaced the paper in its envelope, and this is the bag I suppose," he added dragging at a black leather bundle in a remote corner of the chest.
The bag it certainly was and on being opened £100 in ready gold tumbled on to the desk, and with it a slip of paper on which the reader will remember John Winston had written, "all this gold is bequeathed to my daughter Helen on the day when I shall be called upon to die," and was sealed with the writer's prifate seal.
Nothing else of great importance appearedexcept a bundle of white manuscript carefully tied up and sealed, addressed to Helen and marked "private."
"I know what that is!" cried Netherby excitedly "it is the story Mr. Sheene wrote about, look here sir" and he picked up Cyril's letter which had dropped from Helen's hand when she was lifted into the cab.
Mr. Spriggs carefully read the letter and placed it in the chest, "ah yes" he said addressing Lord Beaufort and Lawrence, "that story is evidently for Miss Winston's private eye, so it must be locked up till she is able to read it."
"Which wont be for a good while judging from her present condition," said Lawrence, "but now to business, what about this office, it is a difficult matter to carry it on without Mr. Sheene."
"As far as I can see, it must be kept on till Miss Winston's recovery" replied Mr. Spriggs "if no more news is heard of Mr. Sheene till then well Miss Winston can come and procure her money and various other papers which will of course be hers and then this place can be sold."
"Yes" said Lord Beaufort and I supposeMr. Netherby will be the head man till then.
"Well yes" replied Mr. Spriggs "he must certainly be here to look after the place, and of course I shall look in occasionally to see all goes well; another young man can be got to be under Mr. Netherby as Mr. Wilson has gone to prison for attempted robbery; do you agree to that Mr. Netherby?"
"Oh yes sir" eagerly replied the clerk, who would not have disagreed for the world.
"And if it comes to the place being sold" added Lord Beaufort "you can come to me Mr. Netherby, I may have arranged something by then"
"Thank you very much sir" replied Netherby and after a few more matters had been arranged the three men left the office leaving Netherby in charge.
By the time Lord Beaufort and Lawrence got back home, a doctor had seen Helen. He said that when she recovered her senses, perfect rest and quiet would be all she needed, her brain being in a dazed condition. She would not be able to leave her bed for some time probably though nothing serious was the matter.
Helen remained unconscious all night andnext day she was very delirious but towards 4 o'clock she dropped asleep and woke up about seven o'clock, her right senses returned to her, but still in a weak condition.
Itwas not untill the evening after Helen's recovery that Lawrence and Lord Beaufort had an oppertunity of conversing together.
Mulberry Beaufort was seated in his luxurious study partaking of some Burgundy wine and reading a detective story, when the door opened and Lawrence, entered, tired after a long day in the city.
"Well Mulberry" he said throwing himself down in an arm chair and lighting a cigar, "no news of Sheene in the Star I suppose?"
"Not a word" replied Mulberry, "it is a most misterious affair altogether."
"Yes the odd part of it is that Palsey has made off too" answered Lawrence.
"You dont mean that!" cried Mulberry.
"Yes I do" said Lawrence, "it appears the villain got off while I was away; you knowI locked him in the drawing room and as the landlady had the key he would not have made his exit in that way.
"No" replied Mulberry "he certainly could not but you forget the window."
"No I dont" responded Lawrence, "that is just where he did get out, for when I opened the door of the drawing room, the window was wide open at the bottom, and a bit of rope was fastenned to a hook on the window ledge and hanging out of the window, so the wreatch made his escape that way; it is a wonder he was not detected for the police are every where on the look out for him and I am sure if ever a man deserved the gallows he does."
"Yes indeed" replied Mulberry lazily puffing at his cigar "but in my opinion the disappearance of Sheene is the most extraordinary it was so very sudden and unexpected, but it was not at all an unlikely thing for Palsey to do, he was so angry at being locked in."
"My idea is" answered Lawrence "that they both had their own reasons for wishing to leave so abruptly. I shouldnt be at all supprised if the villian Palsey knowing the police were on his track, dropped some hint as toSheene's share in the murder and so got the blame partly shifted from himself."
"Then you think Sheene did share in the murder do you?" asked Mulberry, his black eyes flashing.
"I do" replied Lawrence, "I bet you a shilling that story of Sheene's will reveal everything. It strikes me Sheene made off on account of the police too——"
"Well I only hope Miss Winston will soon be well enough to read the story" replied Mulberry.
"I hope so too responded Lawrence heartily.
"I suppose Netherby still stays at the office?" enquired Mulberry.
"Oh yes" answered Lawrence, "but it will be a good thing for him as soon as he can leave, he gets very little pay and he is really a very good fellow indeed."
"Yes he is" rejoined Mulberry "I will try and get something for him as soon as possible."
Just then the door opened and in came Gladys looking very pretty in her evening dress of rose coloured silk.
She blushed on seeing the two men, but came forward gracefully enough.
"I came to see if you were coming into the drawing room" she said "dinner will soon be ready and I have just been to see Helen."
"Oh how is she?" asked Lawrence.
"Better I think" replied Gladys "I am going up again after dinner."
"Well I will come to the drawing room" said Mulberry putting aside his tumbler.
"Will you come too Lawrence?"
"Not yet thanks" replied Lawrence "I have a letter to write, I will join you at dinner"
"We expect a few guests tonight" said Mulberry.
"Oh" said Lawrence "I'll change presently."
Mulberry opened the door and he and Gladys betook themselves from the study.
Alone in the beautiful drawing room with the light from the tall standing lamp falling on her fair features, Mulberry Beaufort became entranced with Gladys's beauty.
He stood gazing into her lovely blue eyes with his own black ones, till he could contain himself no longer.
"Gladys darling" he exclaimed passionately seizing her small white hand "I love you."
Gladys blushed and tried to hide her facebut Mulberry caught her other hand and kept his eyes full on her.
"Answer me Gladys" cried the lover "I love you so much and if you will only be my wife my happiness will be complete."
"Oh Lord Beaufort" cried Gladys "this is so unexpected."
"Call me Mulberry!" he almost whispered.
"Well Mulberry" murmured Gladys "I really dont know what to say."
"Think darling" cried Mulberry, "surely you dont wish to crush all hope and happiness out of my life, my heart beats only for you Gladys, you dont wish to stop it do you?"
"Oh no" earnestly replied Gladys.
"Then may I take that as your acceptation of me?" enquired Mulberry.
"I think you may" replied Gladys softly.
Mulberry was too overpowered with joy to say a word, he merely clasped her in his arms and drew her head on to his shoulder, where it lay in a state of bliss for the space of three minutes.
At length she slowly raised it and Mulberry taking one of her hands pressed it tight saying, "then darling, we may consider ourselves engaged?"
"Yes Mulberry!" murmered Gladys.
"Then dear accept this as a token" said Mulberry and as he spoke he slipped a handsome diamond and saphire ring on her finger.
She had scarcely recovered her astonishment and pleasure when the butler entered announcing Mr. and Mrs. Vermont.
TheHon: Mr. and Mrs. Vermont were only the first of great numbers who flocked to Lord Beaufort's house that evening. By the time the dinner gong sounded the large drawing room was filled with ladies and gentlemen many of whom had brought instruments to play, as Mulberry intended it to be a musical evening.
Mulberry eyed Gladys lovingly as he gave his arm to Mrs. Murry and escorted her to the dining room.
The dinner table was a sight to behold!
Pink was the colour chosen for the evening.
The daintily arranged menus were set in white porcelain frames on which pink roseswere beautifully painted. In the centre of the table stood a valuable vase in which large pink roses were arranged. The numerous wax candles were covered with pink shades, and among the ferns and plants which adorned the room hung little pink electric lights; and everything that could be was ornemented with pink satin ribbon and bunches of roses.
It may here be said that owing to Helen's illness Lord Beaufort had not had late dinner so the sight was quite new to Gladys.
Three footmen with powdered hair and chocolate and drab livery were in attendance.
"Oh Mulberry what is this?" asked Gladys, pointing to one of the menus.
"Oh that is the menu of my table d'hote" replied Mulberry carelessly, "this is of nightly recurrence."
"How delightful!" cried Gladys and sitting down she carefully studied her menu:
MENU DU DINER.Wednesday, October 20th———————Hors d'œvres.Consommé Parsanne.Crême d'asperges.Sole normande.Selle de mouton à l'anglaise.Jambon de York à la Zingara.Pommes maitre d'hôtel.Poularde à la broche.Salade de saison.Glace marigan.orGateaux Mignons.Fromage.Dessert.THE SECOND ENTRÉE MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR MACARONI.
As can be imagined the dinner took a good time, but when at length it drew to a close the company proceeded to the drawing room where they settled down for some good music. Mr. Vermont was the first to contribute to the entertainment. He played "Intermezzo" as a solo violin, and the beautiful melody only added to both Mulberry's and Gladys's happiness. Many others also played and sang, and at last by dint of great persuasion Gladys consented to sing. She had a magnificent clear soprano voice and as he listened Mulberry Beaufort fairly trembled for joy.
In the midst of the proceedings the dowegar Lady Beaufort entered (Mulberry's mother). She looked a great deal older than she was but she was still very handsome.
Her hair was silvery white, but her eyes and complexion were very dark, and she verymuch resembled her son. She was attired entirely in black silk and white lace.
The reader may think it strange that Lady Beaufort did not make her appearance at the table d'hote but to tell the truth she considered herself rather too old for such things, her age being 75. She generally partook of a plate of fricassed ham and a glass of sherry, by her own fireside, but the last two nights she had partaken of her meal with Helen.
During her repast she usually read Household Hints and then on coming into the drawing room she had plenty to talk about. She had given her son a great deal of hints as to how he should propose and now hearing that he was accepted she made her way to where Gladys was sitting and proceeded to give her some advice as to her future housekeeping. It rather bored Gladys but being so far very high in Lady Beauforts estimation, she tried her best to look interested.
At about 10-30, Lady Beaufort got up and played God save the queen on the piano and several of guests joined in the chorus on their violins and harps, soon after which, the people began to depart.
"Shall you have guests tomorrow night Mulberry?"enquired Gladys as soon as the last visitor had strayed from the drawing room.
"No dear I dont think so, they tire me if I have them every night" replied Mulberry.
"But you'll have the dinner I suppose?" eagerly asked Gladys.
"Of course" replied Mulberry with a shrug of the shoulders "as I told you Gladys it is a nightly performance here."
"How nice!" gasped Gladys "well now Mulberry dear I will go and see how Helen is; shall I say good night now?"
"If it pleases you dear" answered Mulberry.
Gladys kissed him fondly and then turned to Lady Beaufort who accompanied her upstairs.
Lawrence and Mulberry then retired to the study for another glass of burgandy before going to bed.
Somefew weeks had elapsed since the aforesaid dinner party took place and day by day Helen grew stronger, till at length Dr. Durham pronounced her to be well enought to getup; in fact he went so far as to say that a drive in the fresh air would do her good. As may be imagined it was a happy day for everybody, when Helen attired in her new winter clothes made her appearance in the large hall, ready for her first drive in the open air since her illness commenced.
Gladys was also there and the nurse whom Mulberry had thought it advisable to keep a little longer.
It was a nice bright day such as is seldom seen in the month of November. The victoria stood at the door and the two beautifully groomed bay horses were pauing the ground, eager to be off. Mulberry and Lawrence saw them safely off and then as they turned into the study Mulberry said "I think if Miss Winston is well enough, it would be a good thing to drive to Cannon Street this afternoon and see about reading that story of Sheenes."
"I think so too" replied Lawrence.
Neither of the men seemed at all inclined to settle down and after wandering about a good deal, Mulberry threw himself down in a chair and gave a yawn. There was silence for a little while and at last Lawrence unexpectedly broke it by saying "I say Mulberry how longis it since you and Gladys Lincarrol have been engaged?"
Mulberry turned a dull red and began to light his pipe. "Why do you want to know?" he stammered at last.
"I'll tell you presently" replied Lawrence with a smile.
"Well I think it is about three or four weeks" answered Mulberry shuffling about from one leg to the other.
"Is that all?" enquired Lawrence.
"Yes" replied Mulberry, "now tell me why you wanted to know.
It was now Laurence's turn to grow embarresed, "well the truth is" he said at length "I am thinking of proposing to Helen Winston, and as I have had no experience I would like a few hints as to how I should go."
Mulberry laughed "well you should go to my mother for hints" he replied "she helped me very much during my little romance."
"Well I am afraid it would hardly do for me to go up and ask Lady Beaufort to give me some hints, as I am about to propose" replied Lawrence "she would be very much taken aback I should think."
"Not she" answered Mulberry with a shrug of his shoulders" she would take it quite as a matter of course; but still if you dont care to ask her, why not scribble her a note describing your position and I'll send one of the maids up with it; why she would write you pages of advice."
"I dont want as much as all that" cried Lawrence "I want just a few gentle hints as to how to be loving and look as if I was in ernest."
"Well why not write to my mother?" again repeated Mulberry.
"It would look so silly" said Lawrence "and yet I'm hard up for advice andyoudont seem inclined to give me any"
"No, because you'd get it much better and more original from my mother" replied Mulberry.
"Well then I'll risk writing" said Laurence getting up as he spoke "but mind if Lady Beaufort is annoyed you must take the consequences because I should never have dreamt of doing this without you."
"Oh I'll answer for the consequences" said Mulberry with an amused smile as his friendsat down and taking a sheet of crested note paper proceeded to pen the following lines:
Lady BeaufortI hope you will excuse the liberty I take in writing you these few words—but speaking honestly I am in the very same difficulty as your son was a little time ago and out of which you so cleaverly helped him. Would it be asking too much of you to do the same for me. I am about to propose to Helen Winston and dont quite know how to express myself. I want it to be quite a short proposal and one quickly got through. Do you advise me to do it out of doors or in. I am afraid I should get so nervous in a drawing room, but of course it is just as you think best. Might I have an answer to this as soon as possible please.Believe me,Yours faithfullyLawrence E. G. Lincarrol.
Lady Beaufort
I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in writing you these few words—but speaking honestly I am in the very same difficulty as your son was a little time ago and out of which you so cleaverly helped him. Would it be asking too much of you to do the same for me. I am about to propose to Helen Winston and dont quite know how to express myself. I want it to be quite a short proposal and one quickly got through. Do you advise me to do it out of doors or in. I am afraid I should get so nervous in a drawing room, but of course it is just as you think best. Might I have an answer to this as soon as possible please.
Believe me,Yours faithfullyLawrence E. G. Lincarrol.
"Here now if Lady Beaufort turns that to ridicule its not my fault cried Lawrence hastily screwing his epistle into a cocked hat.
"No of course not" replied Mulberry encouragingly ringing the bell as he spoke, "nowwhen the butler comes I'll tell him to send it up at once and mark my words Lawrence you'll have a reply within three minutes from now."
"I feel an awful ass" responded Lawrence throwing the note on the table "but now I'm going out for a bit perhaps as you say I shall find an answer waiting for me when I come back."
"No doubt of it" said Mulberry and with that Lawrence disappeared into the hall.
The day was beautifully fine as I said before so Lawrence walked further than he had at first meant to and coming back he met Helen, Gladys and Mrs. Chizzle the nurse and at Helen's request he got into the carriage and made one of the party home.
Helen looked quite her old self again. The same bright red colour was on her cheeks and the old light in her eyes.
"I think the drive has done you good Miss Winston" remarked Lawrence noting the change in her face.
"Yes, I feel so much better" answered Helen "we drove all round Hyde Park and the air is really lovely for London."
"It is" replied Lawrence and then turningto the nurse he added "I should think you are pleased with the progress your patient is making."
"Yes" assented Mrs. Chizzle "I am."
"Do you think Miss Winston, you are well enough to drive to Cannon Street this afternoon and read Mr. Sheene's "story"? enquired Lawrence.
"Perfectly" replied Helen with a smile.
Lawrence was astounded, "you must be prepared for bad news" he said.
"I am already prepared" said Helen.
"For the very worst?" queried Lawrence.
"For anything" returned Helen
"That's alright then" replied Lawrence.
"Mulberry and I are going to tea with the Vermonts this afternoon, but we need not start till 4 o'clock" said Gladys.
"It would'nt matter if you were a little late" answered Lawrence.
Just then the victoria stopped and after having helped the ladies to alight, Lawrence went quickly to the study where as Lord Beaufort had predicted an envelope lay waiting to be opened addressed to Lawrence in the dowegor lady Beaufort's hand writing.
Lawrence blushed as he took up the bulkypackage and retired with it to the privacy of his own bedroom, where we will leave him to read it in silence.
A copy of the letter is given below:
Nov. 4th 18—Dear Mr. LincarrolIt is with great pleasure that I comply with your wishes. It is not the first time I have been appealed to under such circumstances. There is an art in proposing as well as in every thing. If you are liable to nervousness, do not propose indoors. There is a very nice little nook in the back garden by the crocus bed, where my own romance took place. It is quite unfrequented from 11 to 1 and from 3 to 6.Be careful not to be too sudden or you will make the girl shy, but do it by degrees. Keep as close to her as you can after she has accepted (which if you manage it with tact she is sure to do) draw her to you and murmer soft words.If you wish for more details do not hesitate to write to me. Wishing you every success.I remainYours etc.Cristina Beaufort.
Nov. 4th 18—
Dear Mr. Lincarrol
It is with great pleasure that I comply with your wishes. It is not the first time I have been appealed to under such circumstances. There is an art in proposing as well as in every thing. If you are liable to nervousness, do not propose indoors. There is a very nice little nook in the back garden by the crocus bed, where my own romance took place. It is quite unfrequented from 11 to 1 and from 3 to 6.
Be careful not to be too sudden or you will make the girl shy, but do it by degrees. Keep as close to her as you can after she has accepted (which if you manage it with tact she is sure to do) draw her to you and murmer soft words.
If you wish for more details do not hesitate to write to me. Wishing you every success.
I remainYours etc.Cristina Beaufort.
Lawrence folded the above and carefully put it in his blotting pad, and then with a sigh of relief he brushed his hair and went down to lunch.
Helenwas pronounced quite well enough to drive to the office that afternoon; so accordingly the victoria was again brought to the front door and Helen, Lawrence and Mulberry all got in. It was not considered necessary for Gladys to go too.
On arriving at Cannon Street Netherby opened the door of the office, for he expected them all the morning. Mr. Spriggs (the solicitor) was there too.
Helen was soon seated at the desk and the roll of paper, containing Cyril's story was untied amidst a breathless silence.
It was very touchingly written and stated how Cyril, led away by Mr. Palsey, had contrived to find out where Mr. Winston kept his money; and how, still under Mr. Palsey's influence had gone up to Warwick to plan the murder of poor John Winston. He fully acknowledged his guilt, but declared over andover again that he never would have done it without Mr. Palsey's aid. It ended by a heartfelt intreaty for forgiveness.
Helen's voice faltered a little in places, but she never really broke down till the last word had fallen from her lips, then she sobbed softly, while Mr. Spriggs bustled about and put away the papers.
Lawrence took Helen's hand and tried to comfort her but it seemed useless.
Meanwhile Lord Beaufort sought out Netherby and engaged him as footman. The poor man was highly delighted for he was getting no pay at present and as every one knew Mulbery Beaufort was not at all scanty in the way of wages.
Helen seemed very dull and depressed all the way home but she shed no more tears.
Soon after 5 o'clock Lawrence began to grow very restless so lighting a cigarette he strolled into the garden to enjoy the last glimpse of day-light. Some how his steps led him to the crocus bed and here he continued to walk up and down his thoughts occupied with Helen Winston.
As Lady Beaufort had said the crocus bed was a delightfully quiet spot. Not a soulwas to be seen any where, and a general air of peace pervaded the whole atmosphere. Lawrence continued to walk up and down lost in his rapturous reveries, while the evening grew darker and darker. By and by the stars began to come out and at length the moon rose full in the heavens, and then Lawrence looked up and there in front of him stood Helen, clad in her evening dress of pale yellow and a white shawl thrown round her shoulders.
She seemed as supprised as Lawrence for she stopped suddenly on seeing him.
"I beg your pardon Mr. Lincarrol" she began "I hope I am not disturbing you, but Lady Beaufort told me to come here before dinner and see if Jefferson (the gardiner) had raked the beds properly."
Lawrence grew very red and glanced quickly and mechanically up to the window of Lady Beaufort's budoir. There sure enough the old lady was looking out, but on seeing the two together she quickly retired into the regions of her own bedroom.
"This is Lady Beaufort's doing thought Lawrence as the letter he had received cameback to his mind. "Oh no you dont disturb me at all" he added aloud.
Helen smiled and began plucking at the faded leaves of the trees.
"What a lovely night it is" said Lawrence at last as the silence grew embarresing.
"Yes" replied Helen vaguely and Lawrence glancing at her saw by the moonlight that her eyes had a far away dreamy look in them.
"How delightfully sheltered this part of the garden is" continued Lawrence.
"Yes very answered Helen, drawing her silk shawl over her shoulders as a slight breeze blew across the garden.
"Had you a good garden where you lived before?" enquired Lawrence, unconsiously leading up to his proposal.
"At Cannon Street there was only a yard replied Helen, a painful blush mounting to her face, "but at Kenelham we had a sweet little garden, my poor dear father took the greatest interest in his flowers and so did I" she added with a slight catch in her harmonious voice.
"Dont you now?" asked Lawrence.
"Oh yes" said Helen, "but you see, it is all so different now; in those days my father andI were constant companions and our opinions were one. But now there is nobody—nobody" and tears began to well up in her eyes and fall over her long black lashes.
"Surely somebody cares for you Miss Winston, surely there is someone to sympathise with you" interupted Lawrence.
"Oh Mr. Lincarrol you dont understand" cried Helen with a sob.
"I think I do" replied Lawrence gently, coming a little closer and taking her trembling hand. I think I understand your feelings, it must be very sad to be so—so lonely."
"Wait till your turn comes Mr. Lincarrol and you will know then" replied Helen.
"Would it be different, to have some one to care for you, to love you as your father did?" asked Lawrence.
"Oh it would, it would" cried Helen rapturesly clasping her hands together.
"suppose some one loved you now as much if not more than your father, what would you say?" asked Lawrence.
"I could not belive it" replied Helen promptly unless "unless" she added, "I knew the person very well and was quite posative of the love, and had good proofs of it."
"Have you not proofs enough?" asked Lawrence.
"Of what?" asked Helen.
"Of my love for you" replied Lawrence.
"Your love!?" gasped Helen.
"Yes" repeated Lawrence passionately, "oh Helen I can no longer restrain my feelings, I love you as I never before loved anyone, can I hope, can I dare to hope that you return my love?"
Helen did not answer. She was thinking of another proposal some months past, so very unlike this one, far away on the Kenelham hill tops, and she remembered how she had acted then. Once more, she felt the soft sea breeze fan her face, she saw the hills and the distant sea and she saw oh how plainly Cyrils form by her side, she heard his words and her own replies, she saw his blue eyes looking so intently at her; and then awaking to the present she saw another pair of blue eyes looking at her, speaking so much more fervently than the others and she felt the clasp of a strong hand on her own and then raising her head she looked at Lawrence and softly whispered "yes."
"Oh Helen" cried Lawrence "you make me so happy, so very happy!
Tears of joy dimmed Helen's eyes and Lawrence taking her hand drew her head on to his breast and told her gently of his great love for her and how happy they both would be. And Helen listenned feeling the happiness had already begun.
A gentle breeze began to stir the trees and fan the brows of the lovers as they slowly walked along the paths of love, and the moon looking down from her home in the heavens, smiled on the pair and wished them joy.