Weekly commercial herald., July 10, 1885, Image 2

About Weekly commercial herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1884-18??

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A FAMILY AFFAIR.
BY HUGH CONWAY.
AUTHOR OF
"CALLED BACK,"
DAVS," ETC.
DARK
(Continued From Sunday, May 31st.)
ty o lost allttia boy," sba faltered out,
dear littio boy of that age. My nan is
certain this is ours." .
"But you you are not certain. A man
may make a mistake as to bis own child, but
not a woman. Too mother doea not forget
har child, or believe the child of a stranger
to be her own."
"My p-tm is so certain," repeated Mrs.
Rawlings, "he must be right Poor fallow,
ever since our boy was lost he boa bean seek
ing him, high and low. It has driven him
all but mad at times. Now ha has found the
child, and means to have him." She spoke
t'ae last sentence somewhat defiantly.
"Ho will never have him," said Beatrice,
Blowly. "Listen to me. There is no chance
of your obtaining that boy. His mother
knows in whose hands he is. If your claim
is pressed, proof as to whose the child really
is will be forthcomfcj. The production will
cause pain and grief, but that will be borne,
if naedful. See here" she drew from her
pocfct the label -vrhich had been cut off the
chill's cape "the parson who, has a right to
that child must produce the half of the card
which fits thi When wanted it can be
produced."
'I know nothing about cards and proofs,"
said the woman, whose understanding could
not, parhaps, grasp the ingenuity of the
daviae. "Ail I know is thii, uiss: my hus
band swoars it is our boy, and I beliavo him,
poor man. Scro enough he has grieved for
two years navor been the same man irei."
"You eio not believe him," said Beatrice,
In tha soir.0 deliberate way, "but for tha
safca of setting his mind at rest you humor
hi3 delusion, and are willing to rob another
woman. You seem to be a kind woman, yet
you are ready to work irretrievable harm to
another."
"I mcaa no harm to any one, miss. If It
shouldn't bo my child, the mother can't be
of much account who could desert a pretty
little dear liko that But there, I've listened
too long, and perhaps said more than I
ought. If you like to see my husband, IH
send for bin:."
Mrs. Bawling rose as if to terminate the
auclionca. Eeatrica also roso and laced her.
She threw up her veil, and for the first time
during the interview showed her face to bar
companion.
"No," she said, with strange vehemence;
"I hava more, much more to say to you.
Look me ia the face, and feel sure that I am
spaafcing the truth. 'What if I tell you that
I know the mother of this child know why
it was sent to Hazlewood House know that
if forced to do so the mother will claim It
publicly will face whatever the shame,
rather than yield it to another? Will theso
things have weight with you, and make you
porsuada your husband to let tha matter
rest!"
Her impassioned manner had its effect upon
her listener. Mrs. Rawllngs fidgeted about,
nr.d her round eyes, which hitherto had
rested wonderingly on Beatrice's face, were
cast down.
"It's" no use," she muttered, shaking her
bead. "Not a bit of use. He has set his
heart on tha boy. He'll Bay it's only a
trlrk." .
"Then I have yet more to say. Look at
ma rfgam, and listen, j- Put yourself in my
place, and i eallze what you compel me to do.
I tell you the child is mine it is mine. Do
you understand?" " '
Mrs. Bawlings shook her head feebly.
"It is mine," repeated Beatrice. "I am its
mother. Do I speak clearly enough? That
aim, seeing the thought made bim so happv.
Anyway I would have loved tha boy lite
:ny own. Now I promise yoa there shall be
ao more trouble. But my poor man, he will
be disappointed."
"WU1 any sum of money " began Bea
trice rather timidly.
"Ob, no, miss. Although Bawlings has
neglect1! business dreadiully for the lost
rwo yeara, and his brother is grumbling, we
re fairly well-to-do people with a tidy bit
avcd. ' Oh, no, my can is eingle-eyed, H
jnly wanted lis boy."
"How was your child lost?" asked Bea
trice.
Mrs. Rawlines looked rather contused.
"I can't help believing, miss, that the poor
little fellow was drowned ana nevor rouna.
But Rawlings he won't have it so. Ho fays
he was stolen and we shall, find him som
lay."
After this Miss Clauson thanked her hostess
with grave dignity. Then she dropped har
veil and attended by Mrs, Bawlings went
back to the cab and Sylvanus. She bad
jained her end, but at a price only known to
herself. What it had cost her to reveal tho
gecrot of her life to that strange woztan con
icarccly be over estimated. Bach was har
feeling of degradation that she almost wished
that bor uncles hod been in the room when
vosterdav she went with tho child in ber
hand to tell them what she had to-day told
Mrs. Bawlings. "And after all," she mur
mured with a bitter smile on her face, "it Is
but staving off the crash which must come
looner or kter." Hare she sighed involun
tarily. Mordle's quick ear caught the sound.
Nothing unpleasant nappecea, i coper' no
isked.
"My business was not cf the pleasantest
aature, but I accomplished it successfully,'
replied Beatrice.
He said no mere. By her desire she was
iot down at ona of the principal shops' In
Blacktown, an emporium of articles of femi
alno used into which Mcrdla could not ven
;uro to accompany her. Shu thaaked him
for his (ial viit-a,. uud Lu klijw that those
ihanks were a dismissal. Ee strode back to
Daktury looking very thoughtful; Indeed It
was not until be wa3 well into his cwn parish
that ho remembered the necessity of rosum-.
jig his usual cheerful air. "It must have
been charitable" he muttered. "But why
She secrecy? Why the 'Cat and Com
passes f "
Saturday came. All that morning, the
busiest of tha week, Horace and Herbert
ware fidgety and uncomfortable. Long be
fore tho hour fired by Messrs. Blackett 4c
Wfcrgens for tha appearanco cf their client's
;arriage tho brothers wore glancing down
;he drive. Miss Clauson, however, appeared
mlm and at her case. Her woman's instinct
told her that ell danger from tho claimants
tvns at an end. About 2 o'clock Horace
turned to her. "My dear," he said, "has
Mrs. Miller made any preparation for the
-hild's departure f
"Zfono whatever. He will not be sent for.
It was but an idlo threat."
Horace and Herbert exchanged glances.
They knew it was no idle threat, but they
little knew how the fulfillment had been
averted.
Throe o'clock came four five o'clock,
but no carriage, no Rawlings, no Blackett,
no Wiggens. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
passed without any sign or manifestation ol
hostility. The falberts were then bound tc
confess that their nieco bad judged aright.
"Beatrice appears to be remarkably clear
sighted," said Horace.
"Komarkably so," answered Herbert
But had Sylvanus Mordle, who spent the
evading with them, committed a breach oi
faith and mentioned his excursion with Mist
Clauson, the brothers might have suspected
they bad credited their niece with a quality
to which she had no title.
I '
am
''It is mine," repeated Beatrice,
its mother."
boy to my son. I bore him in marriage, but
in trouble and In secrecy. Now will yoa or
your husband dare to lay claim to him dare
to swear it belongs to you? Answer me!"
"Oh, dearl Oh, dear, dearl" ejaculated
Mrs. Bawlings. Beatrice's face was pile as
cl?ath. She breathed quickly, as ona in pain.
N mv, that her hand was forced, now that the
guarioi secret of her life was wrested from
her, she saemod to speak like oca who, having
told tha worst, cares littio what follows.
"Save myself and one other no ona knows
of its birth. I loved it and longed to havo
it ever with me. But for years I scarcely
dared to sea it. Then came a chance. I
renamed so that it might coma to mo and be
always with me, and yet no one need know
it was my very own. I injured no one by bo
doing. I had my child and could love it ad
-are for it. I was all but happy. And now,
. tor what can be of no benjflt to you, you
ivill force ir.e to tell my tale to tho world or
part vita my child. Yet you aro a woman,
an J must have a woman's heart !" ,
Sua lookad at Mrs. Eawlings 8r5d saw that
tears were in her eyes.
"I believe you ara kind," coatimied Bea
trice in a softer voice. "You havo forced
me to tell you all. But I balievo you will
lie.- p my secret and help ma to keep it." She
did net mean to sue, nevertheless there was
an fciplcring tona in her voice. Mrs. Itaw
linjs clasped her plump band3 together; tha
lean streamed down her cheelu. In suite of
yeai'J cf practica in plaiting up those myste
rious white iategumento whose fanciful
?hap3 adorn shops where pork is sold, the
worthy woman was still humana at heart,
"Oh, my poor young lady ! My poor young
laiy '." sho cried. "You so young, so proud
loosing, go beautiful! To be led astray! Oh,
aoe.rlcU dear! What Villains men are, both
. high and low!" , , '
Miss Clauson flushed to the roots of her
hair. She seemed about to speak, but checked
herself. "You are satisfied now?" she asked
. after a pause.
"Oh, yes, nms. Oh, I am so sorry for you.
' Yon were right to trust me. Not a word
, shall pass my lips." .
"But your husband?" '
"Oh, dear! oh, dear! I must do the best I
can. I must tell him it is not ours. He will
,.'. b j so unhappy. He's a gocd man and a kind
husband, but rather excitable. I assure you,
mis , he was futtj' convinced ttat sweet utile
boy was bis. Iown I wasn't but I humored
CHAPTER XVXH
THE SWEETS CF UBEBTY.
"0 Liberty! - thou goddess heavenly
bright! Profuse of bliss and pregnant with
delight." Every bard has sung the joys oi
Liberty; every writer has said hi3 say upon
her glories. Patriots have died for ber, and
tuesmen modern ones especially have
made her a convenient stalking horse. The
subject being such a stock one, and apt
quotations eo plentiful, there is no need tc
tulato upon ine trame or txunei in wtlcn Mrs.
Miller's acquaintance, Mr. Maurice liervey
late No. 1080, found himself, when Portland
prison at length discontinued Its ungrudging
and. machine-liko hospitality and restored
bim to the outer world, a free man save f oi
tha formality of once a month reporting him-
jelf to the police, and that general guspiciout
surveillanco ' which is so irksome to the
isually modsst and retiring nature of
tlcket-of-leava man.
The "goddess heavenly bright" showed hoi
face, the first time lor some years, to Mau
rice Uervey on the very day when Mia
Clausen and Sylvanus Mordle went to Black-
town.
Mrs. Miller, who had manifested so keen
an interest in the felon's enlodzemant, r
malned in complete ignoranco of the happy
event. Thuwasdue to no omission on hoi
part She had written twice to tho governor
of Portland, begging that the date of tht
convict's release might be made known tc
her. The letters were dated not from Oak-
bury, but from some place ia London. The
first letter was duly acknowledged, end the
Information vouchsafed that the date coulc
not be exactly fixed. To tho cecond letter
she received no reply. The reason for such
apparent discourtesy was this:
The day oi tna man s emancipation was
drawing very near, so be was told that his
friend had written, and he was asked if he
wished to be sent to Lcdonto meet her,
He cast down his eyes and in a respectful
way stated that he was scrry to say that he
attributed tls present shameful position tc
2ertain evil counsel which tho writer had
rfven him, and which ho had follovod. He
did wish to bo sent to London, but would
rather avoid this woman than seek her.
After this avowal Mrs. Miller's letter re
mained unanswered.
He was an educated villain, who bad been
lentenced to five years' penal servituda for
uttering Icrged bills. Like most such men.
who are s?nt into Bcclusion f or tho eoodof
the community, Maurice Hervey was able tc
realize, wittout suen severe treatment
wa3 needed to convince tho Apostle Paul,
that kicking against pricks is foolishness.
Ho had bean ordered to pay a certain debt
Misbehavior meant that tha debt would bt
exacted to tho uttermost farthing ; -whereas
good conduct would in time lighten the Obli-
zation and induce ms creditor to accept
handsome composition. So he did to tb
best of bi3 ability such work as was al
lotted to him. He was too clever to attempt
the elbow-wem trick of interesting the
chaolain by tt pretended conversion. He
sagely reflected that chaplains must by this
urco tavo grown wiao awate. But bo wore
a contented, Inoffensive look, spoko civilly to
nis jmiers, complained oi notning, and gave
no troublo. It was only in the seclusion of
his circumscribed cell of corrugated iron
that No. 1080 scowled, grated his teeth and
clenched his hands. It was only thero that
while his heart craved for personal freedom
his lips noiselessly framed bitter curses and
vows of vengeance. ,-'
So It is that if upon his return to freedom
Mr. Hervey had given his experiences ol
penal servitude to tha daily papers, his de
scription of the punishment of bread niid
water diet dark ceils, and that humiliating
exercisei with the crank known as "grind.
'ng the air" would have had no first-hand
value.
Before leaving Portland he was told that
the "Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society"
would doubtlas3 do something for him. Be
expressed bi3 gratitude for the information,
but added that uhl&is from disuse his right
hand had lost its cunning, he could earn an
honftut he emphasized tho wordlivelihood
without difficulty, t He had been an artist,
and could again pursue that craft usder a
now name. During his detentioa be had '
given 13 janitors proof ol his grapaia abili
ties by the graving of 'sundry slates with
complicated and not incxtistic designs. Theso
works of art are still shown td visitors to the
prison as curiositios. ' .
So, practictily a free man, Maurice Her
vey stood in the streets of London at 4 o'clock
cn the sacond day of the now year. There
was little aDout nun to attract attention.
By a merciful and sensible dispensation,' dur
Ing the thrao months prior to his emancipa
tion a convict's nair is left to nature, so that
in these days of military crops Mr. Horvey's
haad, which no longer resembled a Fitiroy
stormdrum, was not a signal of danger. The
suit of clothes which replaced tha durable
prison drtus was rough and lll-fltttng, but
not such as to create remark. In London
that night there must have been hundreds of
thousands of respectable men who locked
neither better nor worse than Maurice Her
vey. .
Free at lost! Free to turn where he likad,
and, within the limits of the law, do as bo
liked; in splendid health; in the prima of
manhood. Free to redeem or cancel tho past
by honc3t work, or by dishonesty gink lower
and lower in the future. In his pockat tha
sum of five pounds seventeen shillings and
iixponce, the result ol years or Belf -enforced
good conduct and unavoidable hard labor.
The fingering of this money gave bim a new,
or at least awoke a dormant sensation. It
was more than four years since his hands
had touched a coin of the realm. Think of
that- and reslizo what penal servitude moao !
The first use he made of his liberty and
money wo3 characteristic, and I fear may
awaken indulgent sympathy In tho minds of
the majority ol man- (not woman-) fclnu.
Be went into a tobacconist's and bought a
airepenny cigar. He lit It, sat down upon
chair in the shop and for soma minutes
nnoked in blissful, contented silence. Tha
shopkeeper eyad his customcfuarrowly. H!3
general appearance, espsclally tha look of his
hands, did not seem compatible with what
tho tradesman called a "ninepenny smoko
jent" Harvey caught the man's eyes filed
on hl3 hands. He himself glanced at them
with a look of disgust and a muttered curse.
Years of turf -carrying and digging and delv
ing for Portland stone play havoo withn
gentleman's hands. Horvey's nail3 wero
broken, blunted and stunted; his fingers
were thickened and hardened. Altogether
his hands were such C3 a parson solicitous as
to the refinement of his personal appaarance
would prefer to keep in his pockats.
There wero other actions whlcn snowed
the tickot-of-lcave man to be possessed of a
fastidious nature. The first enthralling
solemnity of the refound enjoyment of good
tobacco having passed ott, lie leit tne suop
and wont in search of a ready-made clothing
establishment Hero he bought a shirt and
collar, a pair of shining boots, a bat, gloves,
and a cheap suit which for a few days would
hantc toeethor and present an appearanco
almost fashionable. He asked permission to
chauga bis apparel on the premises. Then
having had a brown paper parcel made of
tho suit presented to hira by a generous
government ho went his way, no doubt
much relieved by the amelioration of his ex
ternal condition.
After a few mere purchases needed by a
gentleman for his toilet, he found his money
had dwindled, down to very little. Me naa,
however, onough left to buy a shiny black
bag. Into this he tummea nis parcels, anu
hailing a hansom paid his last shilling to bo
conveyed to the door ct a weii-Known notei.
A luxurious dog this convict I
He encaged a bedroom, lie oracroa a
dinner of which even Horace and Herbert
might have approved. He rang for hot
water, and spent half an hour soaking bis
hardoned and disfigured hancu tie scowled
as he realized the painful fact that hundreds
of gallons cf hot water and months of time
must be expended before these badly-uaed
nembers In any way resumed their original
appoaranca. Then, witnout a smiling in nis
pocket, be went to his dinner, with which he
JSL$
tfien, without a shilling in hi$ pocket he
went to his dinner.
Irank a bottle of champagne. It fa clear
iat Mr. Hervoy, bate 1080, had liberal views
is to the treatment duo to himself. He had,
noreover, a lot of leeway to make up.
He spent the evening smoking tiro hotel
dgars and drinking the hotel whisky and
irater. 1'lcasant as inose occupations v. ere,
16 rctived to rest oarly. While ho had been
leaking his hands ho had cast longing eyes
anon the beauties Ol ine wmro-covereu u-ju,
ind had mentaily contrasted its soft chhrma
s-ith the asperities of the strip of sacking
irtiich hr.d for so long been hh resting-place.
3woet, truly sweet, are the uses of adversity
when thev teacn a man to enjoy vua buuijio
somf orts of life as Maurice Hervoy that night
injoyed his bed. He reveled in the clean
iphite sheets, he nestled on tho soft mattress
md yet softer pillows. Tho profusion of
rtanketa filled bis soul with a rapturous
irarmt.h. And as ho fully realized the con-
a-ast between the innocent luxury he wa3
mjoylng and tho discomforts of an Iron cell
light feet by four, he vowed a very proper
, nn Ill-advised conduct of histown
hould force him to renew bis acquaintance
irith prison faro and discipline. Tbelovo of
uxury has saved many a man from going
vrong. ' ,
"Besides," he murmured, as he sank off
sloeo. "there is no need tor iooiery oi
hat kind. 1 am master oi me siwuuuu.
an oat, drink and be merry for the rest of
n-ir lifn" There are manv reed who would
leep the sounder had they such a thought to
ocktboci.
Tn tho mornine. after breakfast, It occurred
o Hervey that a moneyless man staying at
i hotel Is In a rather precarious position.
1 -uiAnnt as was his newlv-found liberty,
here was work to be done before he could
rilh a clear conscience enjoy It So he
allied forth, trudged through a number of
treete, and at last reached a quiet back road
ull of unpretending little houses. At one
if these houses he Inquired for a Miss
liar tin, who bad lodged there some four or
Br- years a.-o. Miss ITartin, he was In
formed, had left over so lon left without
riving an address. Horvey's heart grei7
sick. In his haste to once more te tie
luxuries of lifo ho had been too precipitate.
He knew that unless he could find the psrsea
ha wanted it would havo been bettor for tira
to havo kept his good conduct money intact.
l no woman of the hou3?, who noticed t
dismay, added that the shop at the corner
might know what had become of Miss Kar
tin ; so to tho shop he went He was in luck,
He learnod that his friend lived about a m
away; montovsr, that she was now XIrt.
Humphreys. As be heard this supplement
ary piece of news the man laughed so curi
ously that the shopwoman eyed him askance.
He walked to the naw address, that of an-
otlwr little hoxw in another quiet straet Ha
knocked. A good-locking, respectable ycung
woman, carrying a DaDy, and followed by a
toddling child, opened the door. She cava a
low cry, and daggered back against tha
wall, nervoy raised his hat with mock
politeness, and without Invitation entered
tnenawo. ine woman called to gome one,
who came and relieved her of her children.
She then opened the door of a sitting-room,
into wmca ine louowea Her visitor. Hervey
threw himself on a chair, and looked at the
wemau with a satirical smile. As yet not a
word had passed batween them. The man
was the first to break silence.
"Well, Fanny," he said mockinzly. "so
you are married, and havo forgotteii me?"
no; I am trying to foreet you." Bht
spoka bitterly. .
Ana you can't. That's a comnliment.
considering ino years ol soparatioa"
Tha woman lookel at him In the face.
"Maurice," she said, "I am married. 1
marriad a kind, true man, who loves me
cad works for me and for our children. He
know a groat deal, not all about my past, yel
ho toon me ana trusts ma. Yoa will sneei
when I tell you I am trying to be a cood
woman end a good wif o. You always sneered
at anything good. But, Maurice, for the
saka of what wo wero enca to each other,
sparo mo now. Let me live in peace, and see
you no more." "
she spoke In solemn earnest such earnest
ness that tha man's light laugh seemed dis
cordant "My dear girl," he said, "I have
no wish to tempt your foot from ttopathi
of domestic virtue no wish to harm you. 1
have finer fish to try. But you may remem
ber that when certain circumstances ren
dered it imperative curse it! I can speali
plainly to you wnen 1 learned that the -warrant
was cut, whan I know that tha game
was up, I placed a littio packet in your fonc
bands to keep until better times. Where It
itr
, Tho woman flushed, and for a moment did
not answer. Her prayor for mercy had beer,
genuine; her wish to see him no nioro ar
honest utterance; but years ago sho hac
given this man all a woman has to give
given it without consideration, without
price. And now, so far as ho was concerned,
tho only memory of the past which linked
them together was but of a certain thing left
in her charge.
He saw the flush, he saw the hesitation,
and, of course, attributed both to tho wron(
motive. Jii3 Dro-j grow black, "ayu dl'
he cried; "if It Is not forthcoming "
She burst Into tears. "Wait," she said,
quitting tho room abruptly, and leaving hei
visitor in dire suspense. In a few minutet
she returned and handed bim a small sealec
packet
"There it Is just as you gave it to me
that night," she said, "Many a t'mowher
I've been hard pressed, and did not know
where to turn to for a shilling, I tried tc
per3uado myself that you meant me to use i:
In case of need. But I knew you too well
Maurice 1 knew you too well I"
Horvoy paid no heed to her last words, the
scorn convoyed by which should have
brought the blood to tha cheek of any mar
of decent feelings. He toro the parcel open.
It contained a cold watch and chain, twe
valuable diamond rings and about a hun
dred sovereigns. He placed tho watch in hi:
fob, then tried to draw the ring3 cn bis An
gara. Neither would pas3 over his enlarged
knucklos, so with a curso ho shoveled them
along with the cold, into bis pocket The
woman watched him sadly.
"Thank you, my dear," he said airily
I know I could trust you. By the by, per
haps you're hard up. Have some I can get
plenty more," Ho held out soma gold to her,
"Jiot a rartning. l our gold would dutx
me."
"Will you glva me a klsj for the saka of
old times? Fancy ! it is more than four years
since my lips have touched a woman's.''
She made an emphatio gesture ol dissent
"It would bo well for some women," sho said.
"if your Hp3 had never touched theirs."
Ha lauehsd an unpleasant laugh. "Well
good-bye then, if we are not to rake up olo
fires. Itemomborraoto your reripectaDio Hus
band, Keep yourself unspotted from the
world, and train up your children in the way
they should go. Farewell. "
He swung out of the bouse wbistling c
merry tuno In vogua when his incareeratior.
began. "Now," ho said, "that I havo money
enough to last a long timo, I can make my
own terms. Orim want .won't push me tote
a cornor. How, you jaao, i u mage you
bend your proud knee3l"
He grated his strong teeth and stamped hie
foot the latter so violently and viciously
that a timid old gantleman who was closo by
him started off at an accelerated pace in the
direction of a distant policeman.
Horvev nuns about London for a few days,
He made considerable additions to his ward-
robo. was an excellent customer of tho hotel,
he patronized several theatres, ana generally
enjoyed himsalf. 11a was not aucgetner iaie,
cart of his timo betes? taken up in making
Borios of inquiries which it took sorno trouble
to get answered. At last ho learned what he
wanted to know, "soneari" ne nrattoreu.
"I feared I should ha-e to look out of Eng
land. " Forthwith he paid his hotel bill, and.
carrying withliun the respect of tho pro
prietor, left tha housa. Evening found him
in comfortable quarters In tha smoky old city
known as Blacktovn,
kettle of hot water, rnipir, and ciMrs the
new lodger spent a comfortable, if not an
inbelifutuul or improving evening.
In the morning he sallied forth. Like every
visitor to the old city who has time to spare
he seemed bent upon seeing the natural bean
ties of tha suburbs of Blaiitown. His land
lady, who thought him a nice, pleasant, free
spoken gentleman, gave him an oral list of
the stock sights in the vicinity; but as soon
as he was out of doors Mr. Hervey inquired
tha way to Oakbury, and learned that as
easy walk of about two miles would take
him to that highly favored spot The weather,
although fine, was cold, so he decided to walk
f.-, M Ho.tinoMAn lfa mnn left the rows of
houses and shops behind him, struck along a j
broad white road which cut i way inrougn
a level greensward, and in about three
quartert of an hour found himself In front ol
the Bed Lion Inn, Oakbury.
He entered the inn men of his stamp, wben
in the country, make entering inns a point
of honor. He called for hot brandy and
water, and was supplied with a jorum of that
deep brown liquor, dear to rustic palates on
account of its presumed strength. Hervey
sipped it, lit a cigar and entered into a cheer
ful conversation with the Bed Lion and
. CHAPTER XIX
"rr has com."
At Blacktown Maurice Hervey did not
favor a hotel with his custom. Perhaps he
mistrusted the capabilities possessed by the
Blacktown hotels for furnishing hira with
luxurica such as, after so protracted and en
forced an abstention, ho felt to bo rightly hit
due. Perhaps be sighed for tho quietuda and
repose with which ono usually associates a
private house. After a short sar.rch ho found
a bedroom and a sitting-room, well furnished
and commanding extensive views. , They
were in ono of a row of substantial houses
which by soma freak of fortune had fallen
from tho high estate of fashionablo residences
to the lower level of respectable lodging
houses. Tha landlady's quotation, which
after the manner of Buch quotations, had at
tached to It a string of extras like tho tail to
a kite, having been accepted, Mr. Hervoy re
quested that somo dinner might bo prepareei
for him. This of course moant chops an
extemporized lodging house dinner invariably
means chops. Having particularly reejuested
that his chops should be broiled, not fried,
Mr. Hervey, whilst the cooking was going
on, wont out, found a wine merchant's and
ordered half-a-dozen of whisky sent In. The
light of tho bottles, the number of which
augured well for a long stay, gladdened the
landlady's heart. By the aid ol tuewhiskyi
Hervey cntcrt into conversation with the Bed
Lton.
Lioness, who were pursuing their calling In
what, after the fashion of country inns, was
combination of bar and parlor. Ihe Keel
Lion, an affable, condescending animal, and,
like all noble animals, willing to relinquish
toil for more congenial pursuits, seeing that
his visitor was ready to talk, sat down in a
round-backed chair near the fire and left the
Lioness to atteud to the bottle and jug de
partment, which, as the hour was just past
uoon, was in lull swing oi activity.
Hervey asked a variety of questions about
the neighborhood. He might really have
teen a gentleman of fortune anxious to buy
place and so properly particular as to
what society might be round about He ob
tained much valuable and interesting infor
mation about the "families of position" as
they appeared to the eyes of the Red Lion.
He learned who lived in the big white house
at the edge of the common, who in the bouse
at the top of the hill, who in the house at the
bottom. He was gradually leading up to
the questions he wanted to ask, when the
sound of carriage wheels was heard, and the
Lion after glancing over the wire window-
blind laid down his pipa and went to the
door. Hervey also glanced out of window
and saw two tall gentlemen, who occupied
the box-seats of a large wagonette. They
were talkiug gravely and sadly to the Lion,
who, whilst he listened with due respect,
looked somewhat crestfallen and ill at ease.
What's the matter now, Joe I" asked the
Lioness, rather anxiously, as her spouse returned.
"Say the lost cask rf beer ran- out two
days before its time, so couldn't have been
full. They look after trifles, they do."
"Oh, nonsense!" said the Lioness, tossing
her head. "Some one must have got at it.
Their servants are no better than others."
"Who are they?" asked Hervey.
"The Mr. Talberts of Hazlewood House,"
replied the landlady, with that smile on her
face which seemed to come involuntarily on
the faces of many people when they men
tioned or heard the name of our gentle Hor
ace and Herbert
Hervey went hastily to the window and
looked after the wagonette, which, however,
was by now out of sight.
Rich men, 1 suppose r he said, reseatlr
himself. . -
"They're rich enough; but oh, that partic
ular!" said the Lioness, with another toss of
ber head. The accusation of short measure
rankled in her breast
''Cle-se-flstedr' asked Hervey.
"Well, yes, they're close," said the Lion.
"That is, they like to get a shilling's worth
tor a shilling."
" W e all like that. Lot me have it now.
Two brandies one for you and one for me. "
The Lion laughed and filled the glasses.
Hervey adroitly plied him with questions
ibout tha Talberts, and soon learnt almost
as much as. we know. Ha laughed with the
tandlord at their amiable peculiarities. , It
was well our friends did not hear the Red
Lion, or Haaelwood House might have gone
elsewhere for its beer.
They are funny gents," said the Lion,
"You'd never believe; but a day 'or two
ago I was walking along the road. It was
drizzling with rain. The Mr. Talberts they
passed me, driving. All of a sudden they
pull up at the hedge round their paddock
Mr. Herbert he lumps down; ne takes the
whip and with the handle begins poking
furiously in the hedge. I ran up thinking
wmething was the matter, tiaw no! not it,
He was a poking at a bit of white paper
which had blown in there. Pckand poke
he did till" he got it out and Mr. Horace
the while holding the horses and sitting and
looking on as if it meant life or death getting
aut that paper. Kuni thing to be so particu
lar, ain't it?".
Hervey professed himself much amused
and. continued his questions. He heard all
about Miss Clauson, the niece who had been
rtaying at Oakbury for so long. He even
learned the name ot every member of the
Hazlewood House establishment, from that
of the oldest retainer, Whittaker, to that of
the latest arrival, Mrs. Miller the nurse. He
heard, of course, the whole history, with ad
ditions, of the mysteriously- sent boy. And
when he was told this, in spite of his self
control, a look of utter amazement spread
jver his face. He rose, and bade the Red
Lion good day. .The story he had heard
must have engrossed his mind to an unpre
cedented extent, for he actually forgot to
tlnish his brandy and water, a flattering
tribute to the landlord's power of interesting
a listener. -
After leaving the Inn Hervey took the first
turning out of the main road. It was a
little by-way leading to nowhere In particu
lar. Here, as no onlookers were about, he
gave vent to delight by sundry actions com
mon to most men as soon as they fltd, them
selves alone after having received the loest
possible news. He smacked his thigh; he
rubbed his hands together; he 6eemd to hug
himself in his Jey. He laughed aloud, but
there was a cruel ring In his laugh, aud there
was a cruel look oh his laughing mouth. His
ye8 h-ightened with the blended lights of
malice and anticipated triumph. ,
' "What hick!" he ejaculatl. '
I sfle it ail from ttie vory t i
found it! it was a clever s'r 1
Pvegothernowl Ive gut 1 rumf
He calmed himself, returned to I i
road and inquired the way to I
House. He stood for some time in f '-f
the entrance gates, but finding that c i 1 ,
chimneys of the house could be seen I '
this point he walked round until he ooul 1 - 1
a better idea of the building. "It all mtuw
money! Pots of money!" he said, with glen.
After this he re-turned to the gates, and it
seemed as if he meant to favor our frien U
with a call. However, if so, he changed hw
mind. '"
"No." he said, turning away. "There's a
new element In tha case which must be con
sidered. No need to bo in a hurry. I'll go
back home and think it all out over a pipe."
So he faced about, and, in a thoughtful
way, sauntered down the lane, or road, whose
mission in this world is to give access to Ha
slewood House and two or three other equally
desirable residences.
It was a gloribus winter's day. The. " -was
shining brightly; so brightly that o
bare twigs of the hedges the hoar frosty
the night had resolved itself Into crystal
drops which shone like jewels, and then, as If
alarmed at their Protean nature, trembled
and fell. Although a silvery haze hung round
the horizon there was no fog. - The air was
sharp and crisp, but not damp. The wind if
cold was quiet. It was a day of a thousand
a day, ia fact, on which, if she -knows ner
business, a woman who has charge of a child
takes it out for a good long walk. '
-Mrs. Miller knew her business, so it was
quite in order that as Maurice Hervey was
walking down the lane the nurse and tne Doy , ji
on their way home to early dinner, should
be walking up. Hervey, whilst deep in his
meditations, heard, a voice, and looking up j
saw the dark clad woman and the golden-
haired child within a few paces of him. "T "
topped short and looked at them. f
Hervey to-day presented an appearance so
different from that of the caged creature seer,
by Mrs. Miller at Portland that she would .,
probably have passed him without recogni- -tion.
He was now fashionably dressed and,
had it suited his purpose, might have brushed fj
elbows with the woman and yet leu nerv
ignorant of his release. This not being, V J
purpose he stopped short and waited. NS -(,
ally she raised her eyes and at once kneflt
truth. - - . -
Had Sarah Miller followed the Impulse
which seized her when she saw that face,Ali
full of mocking triumph, she would have ;
uttered a cry of anguish. - Only the fear of
alarming the child prevented her from so
doing. As it was she gave a quick gasp, and : ,
for a moment gazed at the man as if she sawi
a ghost. Then she stooped and said to the J
boy: "Run on, my pretty, run as fast as t
you can." The boy obeyed.' Hervey made- 1
no effort to stop him, but he turned and fol
lowed him with his eyes. Then once more ho ,
faced Mrs. Miller. il
She had by now recovered from the first f ',
shock, and looked at him not so much with (
fear as with hatred and defiance. She took 1
a few steps, passed him, and placed herself as
if to bar the way to Hazlewood House. J
"What are you doing here?" she asked
fiercely.
"Mv dear Sarah," said the man in mock
ing tones, "what a strange question to a3k!
Considering your anxiety to appoint the
earliest day possible for our meeting, is it
any wonder that I come at once to find youf
Kow you ve louna ne, wnas uo yuu
want?" . ..
'Mv poor Sarah, can't you guess. v nen
you paid me that friendly visit last summer
I told you what I pined for. 1 have come
to you in order to find some one else."
She is hundreds ot mues irom nere. r--'"
never see her again."
Even as she told the lie ber heart X.
The gleam in Hervey's eyes showed her
had lied in vain, He laughed like one enjoy-
ing the situation. "Never see her again!"; j
he echoed. "1 am inconsolable, uutcnance
meetines do sometimes occur. You dsn't I
mean to give or sell me any information, I t
suppose r
"I'd cut my tongue out first" '
"Oh, true and faithful servantl Then it
no good asking. But about yourself. S
rah have you got a good place in the neigh .
borhoodi"
"That's none of your business," said Mrs;
Miller, sharply. Hervey laughed again.
"I should like to hear you had a nicf
comfortable place. Something easy an
suited to your declining years. You hav
not worn well, my door Sarah, You loo'-'
at least twenty years older than when I iirs
knew you." s
She took no notice of the taunt. Aaii'
the man laughad his mocking laugh. "What
kind of a place is yours, Sarah! As you
know, I am much Interested in you. Yot
are a nurse, I suppose?" He nodded in thj
direction of the boy who stood some little i
distance off wondering in his childish
what his guardian was about with this
tleman. f
"Yes, I am a nurse," said Mrs. MF1
lenly. t
'(And that Is one of your charg
youngest perhaps? A fine little fellot
you know I have often dreamed of I
such a boy as that. At heart I belfeveV
the germs of respectability and doni6w--
nJni. iL' hot tin T7ftt frhinlf florah i'l
"Your heart Is as black as a coal," burst
out the woman excitedly. "Would to God
you had died in prism. For years It has i
been my daily prayer." .
"Yet It availed nothing the prayer of tbo
righteous I Something gone .wrong above
Sarah, Never mind, I give you good wisht
in return for evil ones. I know something oi
this neighborhood and the paople, and if I
could choose a place for you it would ba or.
with two middle-aged gentlemen named Tai .
bert, who live at Hazlewood House with a
beautiful unmarried niece named Beatrice
Clauson. That would be such a comfortably
place for you, Sarah!"
Until now he had been playing with b
as a cat plays with a mouse. There wa
nothing to show her tha extent of his know;,
edge. For all she knew he might simply
have come down here to find her. . So she,
had guarded every word, every look, fearin-;
lest she might give him information.
he bared his claws and showed her t
escape was impossible. She groanf '
struggled no mora
"You will take money?' she asked. --
"Oh, ye3, Sarah, I'll take money." j
"And go away and trouble no more. Tell I
me where to find you to-morrow. I will come !
and arrango everything." t - j
"Oh, no, you won't I never deal with!
agents. Your intervention is not needed,;
Sarah." .
She stamped her foot angrily.
"Tell me what you want" she exclaimed,
"or leave me and go and do your worst,.
You may have men to deal with now, not
women." . i
Ho tlirw oil in a second every trace i
mockery. He seized ber wrist and held he
His eyes shone fiercely into hers. "Listr
you hag, you cat I" he said. "All your part ,
this business is to take a message. Gostraig;
to her. Tell her I am here, free, and with
pockotf ul of money. Tell ber to come to u
to-morrow at my rooms. Tell her I will wa
until twelve o'clock. If she is not thi
when the clock strikes I swear I will cor
and see her in her own home. Do you umi
stand! Answer me," . f
"Yes, I understand," f
"Here's the address." Hescrlbbleu
a bit of paper. - "Now you can go back. ,