Beatrice

Ticvci

H.
AUTHOR OF

RIDER
"she" "CLEOPATRA"
"

HAGGARD
ALLAN

QUA
ETC.,

I'EK.NLVIN

LONDON

LONGMANS,

GREEN,
I

AND

CO.

Soo ^^

AH

righfif

re

s c v v

1^

m'o
1

"

Oh, kind is Death

Yet at Death's It sees the dark
A cup of

that Life's long trouble closes, coming Life shrinks back affright;
"

liand, light.

not

that it encloses

So oft the
As

Spiritseeing Love
tyrant of the
awakes.

'neath the shadow

of destruction,

For

Self, dark
When

nigh quakes, Soul,must die,

draw

Love

let him die in darkness ! But for thee, Breathe thou the breath of morning and be free !

Aye,

"

"

RUCKERT.

Translated

by F. W.

B.

2(

JJY

THE

SAME

AUTHOR

CETYWAYO

AND

HIS

WHITE

NEIGHBOURS

DAWN

THE

WITCH'S

HEAD

KING

SOLOMON'S

MINES

SHE

JESS

ALLAN

QUATERMAIN

MAIWA'S

REVENGE

MR.

MEESON'S

WILL

COLONEL

QUARITCH,

V.C.

CLEOPATRA

ALLAN'S

WIFE

BEATRICE

CHAPTER

I.

MIST

WRAITH.

The

autumn

afternoon

was

fading into evening.

the clouds had softened lost in

It had and

been broken
The

cloudy weather,
up.
was

but
were

Now

they sleep

slowly darkening blue.

It the seemed
to

sea

perfectly and
not

utterly still.
with

sleep,but
The eye

in its

it still waxed its slow

risingtide.

could
upon

mark farthest brown lift as

increase,but Beatrice,
the

standing
noted

the

point of
seaweeds the
water

Dog Rocks, idly clung lay

about

that the

long
to

which

their sides
at

began

took
out

their
and
sea.

weight,till
like
a

last the

delicate

pattern
the green and

floated

woman's
a

hair upon
was

depth
the

of

Meanwhile

mist
was

growing
blown

dense from

soft upon

the

quiet waters.
grew like

It the

not

up

west, it

simply
Beatrice

making twilight,
away the seaweed

the silence of the

yet

more

silent and gave

ting blotup the

outlines

land. the

studying the
fleecyhosts.
"

and

watched

gatheringof
aloud
not
seen

What

curious
a

evening,"she
"

said

to

herself,
one

speaking in
it since grown somewhat

low

full voice. that

I have is
seven

like I've

mother

died, and
then, grown

years and

ago. she

since

every
at

way,"
her
own

laughed

sadly,and
not

looked

reflection in the

quiet water.
She could have been looked hard
as

at to
on

anything more
find
a

charming,
nobler mien

for it would than

have

of girl her

Beatrice

Granger
stood and

this

twenty-second
misty
sea.

she birthday,

gazed

into that

BE

A TRICE.

Of rather
a

more

than

middle
health face

and height,
seemed with
to

modelled
from

like
her

statue,

and strength it
was

radiate

form. and have

But power made

her

the stamp

of intellect
must
more

shadowing its
her herself.

woman's among
are

loveliness that
women even

remarkable
There
some

beautiful than
rich brown

many

who girls

have there
can

hair,like
as a

autumn

leaf here

and

whose into gold,girls justyellowing grow of

a

deep
can

grey

eyes

tender northern

dove's, or
whose
But

flash like the stirred waters bloom few

can on

sea, and

bear
a

comparison
face like that

with the

wildingrose. which upon this day

to

show

first dawned

Geoffrey Bingham

hope. It was strong and pure and it one must on sea sweet breath,and looking as the keen know that beneath this fair cloak lay a wit as fair. And sexless the hard not all womanly; here was yet it was
his
sorrow

and

his

stamp
was

of the

"

cultured many

"

female.

She

who love

owned
and

it she

capableof
and suffer,

things. She

could

could
was

the

be, she could dare or die. It and in that lovely brow and face, to be read upon that is, by those to whom depthsof those grey eyes
if need
"

the book But

of character
was

is open,
She

and

who

wish

to

studyit.
as

Beatrice

not

of thinking

her loveliness
was

she

gazed into
of and
more
"

the water.

knew
too

that she
to

beautiful

course

; her

beauty was
been

obvious

be overlooked,

brought home to her in several less disagreeable or ways. she Seven was years," thinking, since the night of
besides it had
" '

the

death
so

fog ;

'

that
was

was

what

old

Edward

called

it,

and
her
"

it

was.

I she

only so high then,"and

touched
herself
own

following
breast.
one
"

thoughts
I
was

upon

the

And

happy
"

too

in my

way.

Why

can't

and is told ? believe everything one always be fifteen, and Seven she sighed. nothing done yet. years and Work, work, and nothing coming out of the work, and I think that life is very dreary everything fadingaway. and when has lost everything, and found one nothing, loves nobody. I wonder what it will be like in another seven years."

AT

THE

BELL

ROCK.

She covered
them away,

her eyes with her hands, and then the water. looked at once more

taking
Such

behind her, through the fog was struggled At first she had and some the mist was thickening. the glassy likeness upon her own in tracing difficulty itsoutline. It stretched she marked but gradually surface, from her, and its appearance was as though she away her back in the water herself were on wrapped lying

lightas

about
she

with the

fleecymist.
all round

"

How

curious

it seems,"
me

thought;

"what

is it that reflectionreminds it?

"

of

with the white

Next away. last
seen

turned sharply instant she gave a little cry and It recalled her mother as she had She knew now.
her
seven

years ago.

CHAPTER
AT THE

II.

BELL

ROCK.

A
saw

MILE

or

more

away

from

where

Beatrice stood and

second a and further up the coast-line, visions, from their colour as the Red of rocks,known group Rocks, or sometimes, for another reason, as the Bell of a half and three-quarters Rocks, jutsout between of the Welsh mile into the waters Bay that lies behind Point. At low tide these rocks are bare, so Rumball
that
a man

may the

walk

or

wade

to
or seen

their
two

extremity,
of the very

but when
can largest

flood is full time heads

to

only one
be

from

time

their projecting of
the shoreand tide this

weed-wreathed bound
waves.

through the

v/ash

In certain sets of the wind

is a terribleand most
as more

than
1

one a

dangerous spot in rough weather, So long vessel has learnt to her cost.
man-of-war
one

ago as there in every

7 So

three-decker

went

ashore

furious winter
on

and, with gale,

of The
one

exception,
of
a seven man

soul living

board

her,to the number

hundred, was
in who irons,

drowned.
came

safelyand

was exception ashore serenely 1

"

seated
3

BE

A TRICE.

upon

knew of wreckage. Nobody ever ])iece shipwreck happened, least of all the survivor
a

how in

the

irons,

but the the

men

tradition of the

terror

of the

scene

yet lives in
ally unnatur-

and district,

the spot where

the bones the sand

of the drowned is not

stillpeep

grimly through

Ever since this catastrophe supposed to be haunted. the bell of the ill-fated a originally large bell (itwas bears her name, and still "H.M.S. vessel itself, Thunder," stamped upon its metal)has been fixed upon the highest its and at high tide sends rock, and in times of storm solemn But
note

the

the shadow
half hidden

the deep. warningbooming across in bell was quiet now, and just beneath it, it was of the rock whereon a man placed, of in

seaweed, with which he appeared to have seated upon was a himself, pieceof purposely covered
wreck. shouldered In appearance and broad
a

he

was

very

fine

man,

bighave

limbed, and
little
more.

his age
Of his

might

been

or thirty-five

ever, frame, how-

what

between

the he

mist and
was

the

unpleasantly damp
not

seaweed
to

with

which
such

wreathed,
there and
was

much

was

be

seen. as

But

lightas

fell upon the

his

face

he

peered eagerlyover
the
across

round double

rock,and
gun

glinted down
which
he held

barrels of the his knee.

It

ten-bore
a

was

countenance, striking

with its brownish

eyes, dark

peaked beard and

able. And

strong features, very

there round of
a
was a

powerful and
softness the in the mouth

very

yet

certain

face, which

hovered the

the

regionof

like

lightat

edge

dark cloud,
was

of this law of

the

But little hintingat gentle sunshine. visible now. Geoffrey Bingham, barrister-atInner Temple, M.A., was engaged with a curlew
to

very serious
as

to shoot occupation. He was trying their way on they passedover his hiding-place

the

mud
Now

banks

where is

they feed
a

further

along the
which

coast.

if there

thingin
may

the world

calls for the in shooting

or even a

exercise of man's mist.

hours
at

every he

it is curlew faculty wait

even comes

Perhaps
and
see

for
an

an

hour

two

not nothing,

Then oyster-catcher.

last from

miles

away

the

faint wild

call of

AT

THE

BELL

ROCK.

wing. He strains his eyes, the call At last, he see. but nothingcan comes seventy nearer, he catches sight of the flicker to the right, yards or more of beating and, like a flash, they are gone. Again wings, He loo ks and looks, in the curlew are flighting. a call his head his excitement struggling to his feet and raising There rock. the sheltering far above they incautiously or bearing straight a more, come, great flock of thirty off down on him, a hundred 3-ard3 eighty sixty now. Up goes the gun, but alas and alas ! they catch a glimpse and perhaps of the the barrels, of the light on glinting
curlew
on

the

"

"

"

"

head

behind and

them, and
scattered

in

another and

second that way,

they

have

broken like
a

this way

off twisting

wisp
cries

and vanishing with gigantic snipe, into the depth of mist. of

choly melan-

This is bad, but the ardent

groan then
come

sportsman
the soft

sits down

with And

and

to waits, listening

lap of

the tide.

at last virtue is rewarded. over,

First of all two

arrows.

wild duck mallard down have

the cleaving the

a

air like

The

is

missed, but
it
comes

left barrel reaches full and

the

duck, and

with

thud. satisfying the

Hardly

the

been cartridges
more

replaced when
heard
"

curlew is once

wild cry of the close this time. There quite

! down the rocks.

they are, looming large against the fog. Bang

goes the first and second

lies flapping among

is away
to

Like

flash the and

the

left.

caught him too ! Hark to the the deep water fifty yards away. closes in so densely that the sport Well, that rightand left has been
wait in the follow
"

Bang splashas
And is done worth

! after

him,
mist

he falls into the

then

for the three

day.
may

hours'

wet

seaweed

and

the violent has

a

cold

that

that such

Just

who to any man is, an experienceas He had

soul for true befallen

sport.

this had

Geoffrey

bagged his wild duck and his brace of them, for the he had bagged one of curlew that is, increase in the sea sudden when other was a floating in the densityof the mist put a stop to further operations.

Bingham.
"

"

He

shook

the wet

seaweed

off his
to

rough clothes,
to hunt

and, having lit a

short briar

set pipe,

work

for

BE

TRICE. He

the

duck

and

the

first curlew.

found

them

easily

enough, and
the

then, walking to the edge of the rocks,up

which
the
to

sides

of

tide
see

was

graduallycreeping,
could

peered into

the mist

if he

find the other.

and he discovered the Presently the fog lifted a little, A bird floating the oily about fifty water on yardsaway. little to the left the rocks
ran

out

from would its

experiencethat
carry the

the tide

peak,and towards setting

in
a

he knew the shore

went to

curlew down

past this peak.

upon
a

So

he

big stone and waited. All this while the tide was though, intent as fast, rising he was bringingthe curlew to bag,he did not pay upon much heed that it was to it, cuttinghim off forgetting
sat extremity,

from

the land.

At

after last,

more

than half-an-hour of bird

he caught sightof waiting, luck from

the

but, as again,

bad

would
him

have and

it,it
in

was

still twenty
He

deep
he

water.

yards or more determined, was

and
set to

however,
work
went wet

to

get the bird if he could, for Geoffrey hated

game,
so

leavinghis
to

pulled up
it.
or

his trousers the first few

wade

towards

For

steps all
a

well,but the fourth

his

fifih landed

him in

hole that

right legnearlyup to the thighand gave his ankle twist. Reflecting that itwould be very awkward a severe if he sprainedhis ankle in such a lonelyplace,he beat a and bethoughthim that,unless the curlew was to reti-eat, become food for the dog-fish, he had better strip bodily and swim for it. of This for Geoffrey was a man de4;ermined mind had already he decided to do, and taken off his coat and waistcoat to that end,when suddenly of a boat he judged it to be a canoe from sort some the slightness of its shape loomed up in the mist before
" " " "

him.

An

idea

struck

him

the

canoe

or

its occupant,
out

if anybody could

be insane

enough

to come

canoeing
him
a

in such swim.
*"

weather, might fetch

he shouted in

the curlew

and

save

Hi ! "
"

stentorian

tones.

"

Hullo

there !
"

Yes," answered

woman's

gentlevoice

across

the

waters.

AT
"

THE

BELL

ROCK.

7 into

Oh,"

he

to get replied, struggling

his waistcoat
some

for the voice told him again, befoggedlady, I'm sure

"

that he I

was

with dealing

beg
is your

your
a

pardon, but
curlew If you

would

you

do

me

favour

There

dead

floating
wouldn't

about, not
mind
A
on
"

ten

yards
was

from

boat.

white hand
towards

put forward,and

the

canoe

glided

the bird.

Presentlythe

hand

misty waters and the coat, with his waiststill was Then, while Geoffrey struggling the canoe sped towards him like a dream boat,
into the and
a

wards plunged downcurlew was bagged.

in another dim
face

moment
was

it

was

beneath into his

his
own.

rock, and

sweet

lookingup
a

Now

let

us

go

back

little (alas ! that the

recorder of

should
see

be

to peculiar
came

the

privilege thingsdone),and
was

how

it

about

that Beatrice

Granger

present

Geoffrey Bingham's dead curlew. Immediatelyafter the unpleasantidea recorded in the last, accurate, in the first chapter of this or, to be more comedy, had impresseditself upon Beatrice's mind, she
to

retrieve

came

to

the conclusion that she had

for
one

seen

enough
a same

of the

Dog
she

Rocks

afternoon.

Thereon, like
in the of and

sensible
way
a

person, had

she set herself to reached

quitthem

that

She

got into her

out to

them, namely by means canoe safelyenough,

sea,
came.

canoe. a

paddled

littleway
and

with

view

of

to returning

the

place whence
it
was

she

But that and she the

the further should go

she went
some

out,
on

necessary

way

account

of the rocks Sounds

came

currents, the

denser

grew

the
not
as

fog.

through it indeed, but she could well whence they came, tillat last, distinguish clearly
was

she knew

she her

to whither as coast, she grew confused heading. In this dilemma, while she rested on

the

into paddle staring

grey
was

the dense
as

surroundingmist
open
as

and

keeping her
allow,and
a

eyes

wide

nature

would

that

very the

wide, she
must

heard

the

report of
that

gun

behind

her to
on

right. Arguing to
have

herself

some

wild-fowler

the water

fired it who

BEATRICE.

would
and
came.

be able to direct

her, she turned

the

the

canoe

round

in paddled swiftly

direction whence

the sound

Presentlyshe heard the gun again; both barrels in there to the right, but some were fired, way off. She but now shots came to paddled on vigorously, no more

guide her, therefore

At

for
saw

while her search

was

fruitless.

however, she last,

; it
was

mist ahead
know shout and it,

the drew her the

was see

she upon

somethinglooming throughthe Red Rocks, though she did not with caution till Geoffrey's near
dead

broke

ears.

She the dim

picked up
who figure
not

paddled towards thing, evidently wrestUng with some-

bird and

she could
"

what.

Here

is the thank

she said. curlew, sir,"

"

Oh,
am

you," answered
can't bear

the you.

figureon
I
was

the

rock.

"

obligedto infinitely
for I it,

justgoing to
It
seems so

swim

cruel to shoot
"

birds for

losingmy nothing."
make

game.

I dare say that you will not that you have got it," said the
"

much

use

of it now
canoe.

gentlevoice in the

good eating." That is scarcely the point," the Crusoe on replied rock. "The pointis to bringthem home. Aprcs cela
are

Curlew
"

not

very

the
"

"

The

birdstuffer ?
answered
came

"

said the voice.

"

"

No,"

Crusoe,
back

the

cook
canoe
"

"

laugh

from

the

and

then

question.
"

Pray, Mr. Bingham,

I have He
a

quitelost
started. his
at
"

my

where you tell me reckoningin the mist."

can

am

How
name

did this
?

mysterious young
there is the

ladyin
that bell,

boat know
"You
are

the Red

Rocks;
"

grey
"

Miss thing,

-Miss

Granger," she put in hastily. My father is the clergyman of Bryngelly. I saw you when you and Lady Honoria Bingham looked into the school yesterday. I teach in the school." She did not tell him, however,
Beatrice
"

that his face

had

interested her

so

much

that

she

had

asked

his

name.

AT

THE He

BELL had

ROCK. heard
was

Again
Somebody

he

started.

of this young the

had the

told him

that she

lady. in prettiest girl

was

Wales, and
"

but cleverest^,

that

her father

not

gentleman. Oh," he said,takingoff his

the
to
canoe.
"

hat in the

direction of
you

Miss Isn't it a little risky, in this mist ?

" "

for Granger,

be
"

canoeingalone
out

Yes," she answered

frankly, but
all

am

used

to

it ;

I go

canoeing in
and
more

amusement, While

after all

possibleweathers. does the risk really

herself than
to

It is my
not matter

much," she added,

he
was

to

him.

wondering what
on

she meant

by

that dark

she saying,
"

went

quickly:
are seven

Do

you

know, Mr. Bingham, I think that you

I
am.

in

more

danger than
the I
am

It must is

be

near getting

o'clock,and
Unless
of

tide

mistaken between
!"

high at a quarter to eight. there is by now nearlyhalf a mile

you

deep
"

water

and
"

the shore."

My
the

word

he

said.

forgot all about

to
me

the tide.

What and

between

the

after and looking shooting

that

curlew,

mist,it never
I must

occurred
swim

that it was

getting

that is all." it, " "it is very dangerous No, no," she answered earnestly, and there swimming here; the place is full of sharp rocks,

late.

I suppose

for

is a tremendous
"

current." is to

Well, then, what

two

be done

Will

your

canoe me

carry ashore
"

If so,

perhaps you

would

kindly put
canoe.

"

Yes," she said," it is a double Canadian

not

But many in

I dare

take you it is
We
must

ashore

here ; there
see

are

too

rocks,and
this mist.

to impossible

the
canoe.

on ripple

them you

should

sink

the home I
am

No,

must

get in and I
all. Now

paddle you
where

to

that's Bryngelly,
that I
can

that I know

I think

find the
"

way."
"

he said, Really,"
at

you

are

very

good."
see

"Not

she answered, "you all,"

I must

anyhow,so I shall be glad of your help. five miles by water, you know, and not a pleasant night."

go myself is It nearly

lo

BEATRICE.

There
to

was a

truth
to

in this.
the shore

He
on

was

perfectly prepared
own

risk
not

swim
at
own

his

account,

but

he

did
find

all like the way

idea
to

her

back
and

leaving this young lady to Bryngelly through the mist and

frail
a a canoe.

of

gathering darkness,
not

in that had
in

He for he So

would knew after should

have there

liked
was

it if she

been
such

man,

that

great risk
fruitless the

voyage.

making
try and
sunken

one

more

suggestion that
chance then he walk

they
of
to

reach
or

shore, taking the

and

rocks,
which

otnerwise,
not

home,
her

Beatrice
*'

would the

consent,
will

accepted
me

offer.
he

At

least

you

allow
canoe

to

paddle,"
under

said, rock,
to

as

she

brought skilfully
the

the

right
to

his her
"

which
"

tide

was

now

high enough
answered of
are

allow

do.

If you
a

like,"she

doubtfully.
a

My
But
on

hands
at

are

little sore,

and,

course," with
much that

glance

his

broad
are as

shoulders, "you
used
to

stronger.
I should

if you
as

not

it I dare

say

get

well

you."
"Nonsense,"
he

said

sharply.
another her
to

"I

will

not

allow

you

to

paddle
She her

me

for five miles."

yielded without
seat
so

word,
was

and towards the

very the

gingerly
bow
of

shifted the

that

back

canoe,

leaving
her. handed he

him

occupy

paddling place

opposite to
Then

her

his

gun,

which, together with

in the

the
the

dead

birds, she

carefully stowed
great
in the

bottom

of

frail craft. rock Be

Next, with

caution, he
canoe.

slid down

the
"

till his feet rested careful and

or

you

will upset
her hand

us," she
for him

said, leaning
to

forward

out stretching

support

himself
Then

by.
it was,
her
as

he

took

it,that
mist

he

for

the

first time
to

reallysaw
bent

face, with
knew

the how

drops hanging
it was.

the

and eyelashes,

beautiful

CONFESSION

OF

FAITH.

ii

CHAPTER
A

in.
FAITH.

CONFESSION

OF

"

Are

you

ready?

"

he

himself from recovering said,

the

shock pleasing

of this

vision serge-draped
"You
must

of the mist.
out straight

"Yes," said Beatrice.

to
sea

head

for

little
"

not

too
we

far,for if we
then

get
steer

beyond
to

the

shelter of Rumball
"

Point

shall founder

in the rollers
the left.

there

are

always

rollers there"

I will tell you careful of the

when.

And,

Mr.

Bingham, please be

paddle; it has been spUced, and won't bear rough usage." he "All answered, and they started gaily right," forward beneath canoe swiftly gliding enough, the light his sturdystrokes.
leaning back with her head bent a little forward, so that he could only see her chin and the sweet above it. But she could see all his face of the lips curve
Beatrice
was as

it swayed towards
she watched
to

her with

each

motion
It
was

of the
a so new

paddle,
type of
made she did such
a

and face

it with

interest.

her, so strong and manly, and yet

"

about gentle
What

the mouth

almost

too

she thought. gentle

him
not

marry look

Lady Honoria?

Beatrice wondered; she

was

gentle,though particularly
they
went
on

woman. graceful

And

thus

for
at

some

ing time, each wonder-

about which but

was

the other
not

and

heart

strange, for
word
tillat

they were

admiring the other, a very proper pair,

a

no saying

after about last,

quarter of

an

hour's
"

hard
you
"

Geoffrey pausedto paddling,

do he much of
a

rest.

Do

this
gasp,

kind
"

of

thing,Miss
it is rather

Granger ?
She

said with

because

hard work."

laughed. Ah," she said, I thoughtyou would a Yes, I canoe scarcelygo on paddlingat that rate. It is my way of taking time. great deal in the summer
"

"

and exercise,

can

swim

well,so

am

not

afraid of

an

12

BEATRICE. At

upset.
years
canoe

least it has
a

been
was

my

way

for the gave

last two
me

since
when

lady

who

here staying
Before
to

the
row

she went that

away.

that I used

to

in

a
"

boat

"

before is,

I went

college."
?
"

*'

Girton ? College? What college Oh, no, nothing half so grand.

you

It
are

was

where

get certificates that

a

you

eoUege qualifiedto
a

be

mistress in

Board

school.

I wish

it had

been

Girton."
"Do

you?"

"

you

are

too

good
"
"

for

that, he
you
were

was as

going to add, but changed

it to

I think

well away. I don't care about the Girton stamp ; those of them whom I have known hard." are so
'-' So

much like to you

the be

better for
hard
as a

them,"
stone

she
a

answered.
cannot

"

should Don't
"

stone

feel. ?
"

think
"

that

women

then ought to learn,

Do

you ?

he asked

''

Yes, certainly."
Have I have
at the

"

you

"

? anything taught myself a little and learnt I have

no

"

pickedup

thing some-

college.But of things." smattering

"

real

knowledge, only
?
"

What

do you

know

"

French

and

German

"Yes."
"

Latin ?

"

"

Yes, I know
Greek
I
can

somethingof
but I it fairly, ?
"

it."

"

"

"

read

am

not

Greek

scholar."

"

Mathematics

"

No, I gave

them

up.

There work

is

no

human
a

nature

about

mathematics.
that must square

They
result.
comes

to everything not

fixed

conclusion

Life is
out
a

like that ; what

x

ought to be a always equalsan

till you
"

rightangle, and
is never
tained ascer-

unknown dead."
"

which quantity,

are

Good

! thoughtGeoffreyto gracious of his

himself

between

the strokes
A

flesh-and-blood

paddle, what an and blue-stocking,

rate

"

extraordinary girl. into a lovely one

her out this time."

the

bargain. At

any

I will bowl

CONFESS

10 A^

OF

FAITH.

13

"

Perhaps
I have

you

have

read

law too?"

he said with suppressed

sarcasm.
"

read

some," she answered

; it is
so a

calmly,
and subtle,

"

I like

law, especially Equity law

such
a mass an

there is
It

of it built upon overgrown

such

small foundation.

is like
one

it up. day, however Perhaps you can tell me " " I cannot," he answered. I'm not a No, I'm sure I am Common ;Chanceryman. law, and /don't take all alarm knowledge for my province. You positively me, Miss Granger. I wonder does not sink that the canoe
"

mushroom, and the top will hard the lawyers try to prop

fall off

beneath
*'

so

much
"

learning."
sweetly."
I meant
a so

Do
to

I ?

she answered

am

glad that

I have

lived

frighten somebody.
were

that I like

Equity

to study ; but if I

I would barrister, much worth

more

be Common

law, because
about

there

is

life and

struggle

having unless one is with something and trying it." to overcome struggling "Dear prospect,"said Geoffrey, me, what a reposeful such a woman met never as aghast. He had certainly
this before.
"

it. Existence

is not

Repose

is

only good

when

it is earned," went
to

on

the
some

fair
more,

"and philosopher,

in order

fit one

to

earn

otherwise it becomes

and idleness, has such work and

a

that is

misery.
to

Fancy beingidle when one The only thingto do is to

suppose ? "You
"

little time

live.

stifle thought. I

that

you

have

Mr. large practice,

ham Bing-

should

not

ask

barrister that

answered, laughing;"it is like

which
I have
an

he question," lookingat the pictures wall.

artist has turned

I have

to the

No,

to be

frank,

not.

only

taken

to

in earnest practising I
was a

during the
name,
'

last

two

years.

Before

barrister in

and Then

that is all."

why

did you

suddenly begin to
prospects, Miss
!"

work

"

"

Because

I lost my

Granger
"

from

in short." necessity, Oh, I beg your pardon

"

she

with said,

blush,

14

BE

A TRICE.
"

which

he of

course

could

not

see.

I did not

mean

to

be rude.
"

But

it is very

lucky for

you,

is it not
so.

"

Indeed
"

! Some

people don't
now

think

Why
a

is it

lucky?
and
"

"Because that is

you
more

will
than

rise and

become

great
a

man,

being a

rich man."
I shall become

And ?
"

why
he

do

you

think that

great

man

in his astonishment asked, stopping paddling

the dim form before
on

and
"

at looking

him. she answered face,"

Oh

! because

itis written

your

simply.
Her

words

rang

true

; there

was

no

artifice or flattery

in them.
she
"

Geoffreyfelt thought. Granger,

I will say before.

that the

was girl

saying justwhat
said.
"

So you

he studyphysiognomy as well," it is rather

to

Well,
any

Miss but
one

odd, consideringall things,

I have
are never

you

what

said

to

I believe that you

right.
to

I shall rise.

If I live I feel that I have At

it in me."

point it possiblyoccurred of consideringthe exceedingbrevity

this

Beatrice that,

their

acquaintance,
sation. conver-

they were
"

into drifting At any

somewhat

confidential

rate, she
are

am

afraid you
be

we we

must

on. getting

changed the topic. quickly but she said ; growing tired," be quite dark and It will soon
"

have

still a

long
The

way

to

go.

Look

there,"and
was

she

seaward. pointed
He up and

looked.

whole
on

bank
them

of mist in
enormous

breaking
billows of

down bearing

vapour.

them, so over rolling Presently,these were though the pairwere within darkeningthe heavy air that, four feet of each other,they could scarcely see one The dense As yet they felt no wind. another's faces.

weight of mist choked

"

the

air. keen, impelling

I think
a

the

weather

have

storm,"said the words Scarcelywere

are going to breaking ; we a littleanxiously. Beatrice,

is

out

of her from of it

mouth

when

the

mist

passedaway
of
ocean.

from Not

them, and
a

all the
was

seaward
in

expanse

trace

and left,

CONFESSION

OF

FAITH.

i5

its
Far

place

the

strong sea-breath
the angry disc

beat
of the

upon
sun

their faces.

in the west

into the foam. and The upon

A great red ray shot the awakened

from
a

sinking its bent edge

was

lay upon
ominous

waters, like

path

of and

fire. full

fell full upon the little boat light it passed on and Beatrice's lips. Then

lost itself

in the

deep mists which stillswathed the coast. herself "Oh, how beautiful it is!" she cried, raising
to pointing

and
"

the

gloryof
!
"

the he

dying sun.
answered, but
face

It is beautiful indeed
at the sunset, but at
a

not

the

woman's

looked, before him,

For

he

glowing like
also
was

saint's in its beautiful

"

golden aureole.

this

most

so

beautiful that it stirred him

strangely.
"

It is like What

"

she
"

began,and
he asked.
at
as

broke

off

suddenly. answered, Why, one

in mist And

"

is it like ?

"

It is like

findingtruth
to

last,"she
to

as speaking

much
an

herself of

him. We

"

might make
and then darkness

out allegory

it.
course

wander
for home.

shaping a
the

vague
are

suddenly

mists

blown

away,

glory fillsthe

doubt, only before us is a air,and there is no more over us splendour making all thingsclear and lighting she added, rather too grand,'' It sounds a deathless sea.
with

charming little laugh ; but there is somethingin it somewhere, if only I could express myself. Oh, look ! As the she spoke a heavy storm-cloud rolled over
"

"

rim vanishing with the

of the

sun.

For

moment

the

light gled strug-

cloud,turningits dull edge to the eclipsing hue of copper, but the cloud was too strong and the light the sea in darkness. vanished,leaving would have a dismal Well," he said, your allegory end if you worked dark as pitch, it out. It is getting as and there's a good deal in that,if only / could express
" "

myself."
Beatrice
way
"

dropped poetry,and
very
a

came

down

to

facts in

that There

was

commendable.
Mr.

is

squall coming up,

hard
as

Bingham,"she
I do
not

"

you

must

paddle as

you

can.

said ; think

l6

BE

A TRICF.

we

are

more

than

two

miles from

and IJryngelly,

if we

are

lucky we
"

may

get there before the weather

are

breaks," bent himself

to

Yes, if we
to

lucky,"he
"

the work. dark.

But

the
we

as he grimly, is where question

said

paddle
"

to

"

it's so
"

Had

not

better

run

for the shore ?

We

are

in the middle
as

of the

bay now," she answered,

land
as we are

"and

almost

far from

the nearest

from

besides it is all rocks. No, you must Bryngelly, go You will see the Poise lightbeyond Coed on. straight is four miles on the other Coed presently.You know side of
He
more

when so Bryngelly, you see it head to the left." obeyed her, and they neither of them spoke any
some

for

time.

Indeed
so

the
as

and difficult,
he had little breath
man,

far

wind rising was Geoffrey

for words.

made

versation con-

concerned
He
was a

left to

spare

strong

but the unaccustomed

his hands
were

labour

was

beginning
ten

to tell on
or so

him, and
he

For blistering.

utes min-

now

the had

So

paddled on through a darkness which was ing, almost total, wondering where on earth he was wendFor all he knew to see. to for it was quiteimpossible round and round. He contrary, he might be circling tinually only one thingto direct him, the sweep of the conwind and the wash of the gathering waves. rising began to long as these struck the canoe, which now
ominously,
on

roll

the

starboard

side, he

must,

he

But in the turmoil thought,be keeping a right course. of the rising gale and the confusion of the night, ever, howthis was no guide. At length, very satisfactory
a

almost He

brilliant flash sprung ahead of him. It was straight

broad and

out

across

the sea,

the Poise

light.

altered his
now

course

And
not
a

the

very

squallwas heavy one, or their frailcraft

it. But it
was

on. paddled steadily it was breaking. Fortunately,

littleand

must

have

sunk
to

and
them
a

they with
in

quiteserious enough
to

put
like

waves canoe rose great danger. but she was broadside on, and rise as she would feather,

The

the

they began
seen

to

ship a
of it.

littlewater.
The weather
was

And

the worst

they had not stillthickening.

him, while

Still he held on,

though his heart

sank within

CONFESSION

OF

FAFFH.

17

Beatrice said
could then

justsee
it was
on

a came Presently bigwave notliing. ; he its white crest gleaming throughthe gloom,

them.

The

canoe

rose

to

it gallantly ; it
But than she rode it
a

seemed

to curl

over right

her, making the craft roll till

bucket
the

Geoffreythoughtthat the end had come. more out, not, however, without shipping
of
water.

Without

sayinga word,

Beatrice

took

cloth cap from her head and, leaningforward, began to bale as best she could, and that was not very well.
"

This will not

sea or we

do," he called.
shall be
"

"

I must

keep

her head

swamped." ''Yes,"she answered, keep her head up. We are in great danger." white sea was ing heavHe glanced to his right ; another him ; he could just see its glittering down crest. on With all his force he dug the paddle into the water; round justin time to the canoe answered to it ; she came but the paddle snapped. with safety, ride out the wave It was alreadysprung, and the weighthe put upon it was than it could bear. more Right in two it broke, some
to the

nine inches above buried

in the

that blade which He

at

the

moment

was

water.

felt it go, and

despairtook

hold of him.
"

Great

heavens

! " he

"the paddle is broken." cried,

Beatrice
"

gasped.
use

You

must

the other then

on

firstone on."
"

side and

blade," she said ; the other, and keep

"

paddle

her head

Till we

he sink,"
are

answered.
"

"

we No, till

saved

never

talk of and

sinking."

The

girl's courage
as

shamed he could. of the

instructions
what shifting the
on canoe

best

remained the

he obeyed her him, By dint of continually paddle from one side of

to

to

other,he did manage

that
were now

keep

her

head

to the waves

their hearts
"

they both

wondered

in apace. But in rolling how long this would last.

"

Have

"Yes,
"

? she asked you any cartridges in my coat pocket,"he answered.

me

presently.

Give

two, if you

can

manage

she said. it,"

3

l8 In

BE

A TRICE.

an

interval between
to

the

coming
a

of two and

seas

he

trived con-

sliphis hand
for

into

pocket
was a

transfer

the

cartridges. Apparently she

of
a

knew

somethingof
flash and

the working
a

gun,

there presently

report,
He

quicklyfollowed
"

by

another.

Give

me

some

more

she cried. cartridges,"

" length,

did

so, but
"

nothingfollowed.
no

It is

use," she said

at

the
out.

wet.

I cannot have

get the empty

seen or me. can
"

cases

are cartridges But perhaps

they may
to

heard You manage may

them. had

Old Edward better throw

is sure
the
rest

be

watching for
sea

into the
an

if you

she added it,"

to

by

way

of

afterthought ;
To

we

have very

swim

presently."
whenever
was

Geoffreythis seemed
he acted
on

and probable,

he

got a chance
all his

the hint till at

lengthhe

rid of

cartridges.Just then it began to rain in torrents. the perspiration not warm was Though it was streaming
from him
at

face refreshed

the rain beatingon his every pore, and him somewhat ; also with the rain the wind

dropped
But he would then

little.

becoming tired out and he knew it. Soon he and no longer be able to keep the canoe straight, they must be swamped, and in all human probability
was

drowned.

So

this

was

to

be

the hour

end had
arms

of
run

his life and its course,

its ambitions. he would

sea.

Before
to rolling

another
and

be

fro in the

of that angry she heard

What
news,

would he

his wife Honoria

?

say when

Perhaps it would shock her into soma show of feeling.And his dear little Efifie, ? too six-year-old Well, thank God, she was daugliter to feel his loss for long. By the time that she was a young she would almost have forgotten had that she ever woman
a

the

wondered

father. Her

But

her ?

would girl He could And the

guide mother did not love children, and a growing her of her growing years. remind continually
would she get
on

how

without him

to

not

tell ; he

could What

only hope
would

for the best. of him he after find

for himself!

become

short

sharp struggle for life?

what ?

Should

endless

or sleep,

He

was

and Christian,

his

CONFESSION than

OF

FAITH.

19
men.

lifehad

not

been

worse

that of other

though he would have been the last to the at the end some redeeming virtues. But now dark it had been at the horizon was as as spiritual the Gates of before him were beginning. There they roll aside and show Death, but not yet would the traveller what lay beyond their frowning face.
How could he tell ?
now

Indeed, he had think it,

Perhaps they would

bade
sea

not

open

at

all.

Perhaps he
to

ness, his last farewell to consciousand love and

some

earth and

sky and

all

lovely

things. Well, that mightbe better than

At that moment

prospects.

GeoffreyBingham, in the last agony of have exchanged his hopes of life doubt, would gladly of eternal sleep. That faithwhich beyond for a certainty
enables
some

of

us a

to

tread this awful

way

with

an

utter

confidence

is

not

rate, it
he would

was

not

and, as yet, at any prerogative, when his,though the time mightcome

wide
are

attain it. There

not very many,

can

even

those without
arms

of

who reproach, Death, knowing most

away of

lay them
that

down

among in the the

see

that certainly

when

veil is will be

rent

the
the be
a a

countenance

they shall
of

that

blessed

Guardian

Mankind.

Alas ! he could not

altogether sure, and where doubt

bladder. pin-pricked
little formula of prayer He

exists, hope
been
on

is but

sighed
"

murmured heavily,

that had

his

lipsmost
a

nightsduring thirty years

at

he

had learnt it as while his the

child

his mother's around

end

knee

"

and

then,

tempest
meet

roared
the

him, gathered up
seemed

to strength

which
man.

inevitable.

At any rate he would die like a Then reaction. His came a He

no

vital forces

rose a

again.
strange
vital the

with he onlywondered longer felt fearful, wonders about impersonalwonder, as a man affairsof another. he
Then from

began to
With

wonder
the
saw

about
came

him.

rain
her

wonderingabout himself to the girl who sat opposite and by the a little lightning,
was

first flash he

clearly. Her beautiful face

set,

and

as

she bent forward

wide eyes, it wore,

he

the darkness with her searching almost defiant air. an thought,

2"2

20

BE

A TRICE.

The

canoe

twisted

round
water

somewhat. and
once more

He

broken
head
"

paddle into the

to

dug his broughther

on

the

sea.
"

Then

he

spoke.
of Beatrice.
not

Are

you

afraid ?

he asked
am

"

No," she answered, "I

Do you know that it.
we

afraid."
drowned ?
"

"

shall

be probably
the death

"Yes,
tried
"

I know here.

brought you
to
row

They say Forgive me

as a man me.

is easy.
have

that.

I should

Never Do

you mind
not

ashore
me

you

said."
must meet

his

fate

some on

day.
much

think You

of had

But

I can't

longer.
The

Beatrice bent
own.

forward had
seem

better say your tillher head was

some

keep her head prayers."

quite near
time,he
him
on bered remem-

his

wind
did not

blown

of her hair

and loose,

though he
"

to notice
a

itat the

afterwards I cannot
not
a

that

lock of it struck
"

the face. pray to.

pray,"she said
Christian." struck
of this

I have

nothingto
It

am

The awful
to

words think
on

him

like

blow.

seemed
now

so

proud
of what

and she

brilliant woman,

balanced

the verge Even confess

believed

to

be

utter

annihilation.
a

the courage her

a
"

that induced seemed

her at such awful.

moment

to

hopelessstate
gasp. I do
not most

"Try," he
"

said with

No," she answered,

be
worse

fear to of
us.

die.

Death
not not

cannot

than

life is for since be

"

I have I
am

prayed
a

for years, not It would wrong.

well,never
to

mind.
pray who
now

coward.
be

cowardly
is
a

because He all,

may

If there that."

God

knows

will understand

Geoffrey said no more, but laboured at the broken and with an ever-failing strength. The paddle gallantly the darkness had passed away and was lightning very sently great, for the hurryingclouds hid the starlight.Prea

sound

arose

above sound them. the

the turmoil of the storm, towards The

crashing thunderous bore the sea gradually

waves
"

which sound
came

the

send
from

of the
:

that beat upon Where

are

we

reef. Bryngelly he cried. to ? drifting

"

THE
"

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR.

21

Into

the

breakers,where
"

we

shall

be

lost," she
no

answered
and

calmly.
to

Give

up

it paddling,
I have

is of

use,

try

take

off your
can

coat.

loosened

my

skirt.
He such and
coat

Perhaps we
thought to
event
was

swim

ashore." dark he and

himself
not

that in the

breakers

an

but probable,
to

said

nothing,
space. like

addressed
and

himself
"

the
one

rid of his task of getting in that confined

and
some

waistcoat
the

no was a

easy

Meanwhile
a

canoe

round whirling

round

walnut

shell upon
waves

flooded upon
a

gutter. For
the

distance rocks

before

the

broke

reef and

they

steadyfoamless swell. On the shallows, however, they pushed their white reaching curved up and fell in thunder shoulders high into the air,
swept in towards them
with
on

the reef. The

canoe

rode towards
a

the

breakers,sucked

upon

its

course
"

sea. swelling as called Geoffreyto Beatrice, stretching Good-bye,"

by

out

his

wet

hand makes

he found

her

own

and

took

for it,

panionship com-

death

little easier. his hand.

"

"

to Good-bye,"she cried, clinging

Oh,

why did
For

bring you

into this ?

"

of her One
them

this extremity than of companion in peril

in their last
more was

woman

thought
canoe

rather

herself. the

turn, then lifted like

a

suddenly
straw

beneath
the

and

tossed

high into
beneath

air,

mighty mass
it.
Then that

of water the foam

boiled up
rushed

it and

around

in, and
in the

vaguely
of
a

Geoffrey knew
billow.
A
senses

they were

wrapped
of water.

curve

swift and
left him.

mighty rush

Crash

!
"

and

his

CHAPTER
WATCHER
AT

IV.

THE

THE

DOOR.

This
the

was

what
a

reef is

happened. Just about the centre of be twenty rock it may large flat-topped
had
"

22

BE

A TRICE.

feet in the square

Table
the any

Rock.

waters
sea

fishermen as Bryngelly In orduiaryweather, even at high tide, there is this rock, but when cover scarcely
"

known

to

the

On to it with great violence. they wash over this rock Geoffrey and Beatrice had been hurled by the it was breaker. for them thickly P'ortunately overgrown
to some

by seaweed, which
of

their fall.

As

it

broke the extent slight chanced, Geoffreywas

violence knocked

senseless

by the
on a

held, fell
bruises and She
run

to

whose hand he still shock ; but Beatrice, him and, with the exceptionof a few

shake, escaped u"hurt.

her

to struggled

knees, gasping. The

her
her and face and she called knew

water

had her

off the She

rock, and
put down
came,
or

companion lay quietat

then
that he

side. but
no

into his ear,

was

answer

either dead
At

senseless. Beatrice

caught a glimpseof something she flung white gleaming in the darkness. Instinctively herself upon her face, grippingthe long tough seaweed
this second with
one

hand.

The

other

she

with all beside helplessman her strengthagainst her side. The water lifted Then came a wild long rush of foam. her from the rock,but the seaweed held, and when at the sea had gone boiling by, Beatrice found herself length
of the and side by more lying Geoffreyonce half choked. side. She was Desperatelyshe struggled through the darkness. up and round, lookingshoreward the senseless form of Heavens upon and cry and the down. for she !

passed round him her, straining

the

body

there,not
waters.

hundred
was a

yards away,
for light,

shone light up

It

boat's

it moved
sent
one

She

filled her

lungs with air and

the heard of the
sea.
an

help ringingacross thought that she

and the
roar

moment

long passed
not

answer,

but because
she could

of the wind be the she

sure.

breakers

Then

she turned
was

and

glanced seaward.
upon them
;

Again

foaming terror
flungherself
twined
on was

rushingdown
the rock and
arm

upon

seaweed It

her left

about

the grasping the helpless Geoffrey,

again slippery

them.

THE

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR.

23

Oh,
waters

horror

Even felt the

in

the

turmoil

of

the

boiling
drew
more

Beatrice

seaweed

beingswept along with

very
and
near.

the

give. Now rushing wave, and

She had

they were
Death

But

stillshe her face.

clung to Geoffrey. Once

risen
to

the air touched

was

the surface

The had the stormy water. wave on floating passed. Loosing her hold of Geoffrey she slippedher hand upwards, and as he began to sink clutched him by for happily with her feet, the hair. Then water treading for them both she was as good a swimmer as could be that coast, she managed to open her eyes. found upon the boat's light. Oh, There, not sixty yards away, was

if

only she
move on.

could and
once

reach
more

it.

She

spat the salt

The

water

from

her mouth
to

cried aloud.

seemed light

Then
was

another
down

wave

rolled forward into the cruel

and

once

more

she

pushed

dead

weighthangingto
into her mind
save now

her she

depth, for with that could not keep above it.

go she

It flashed
even

that if she let him

even

might
this

but herself, do.

in that

last terror

she would It would Down

not

If he went, she would

go with him.

have she
went

been
"

better if she had

down,

down
"

"

go. I will hold him

as

let him

him,"
pering whis-

Beatrice said in her

Then
came waves

of

heart; lightand
"

I will hold
a

tillI die."

sound

of wind

throughthe trees,and
# #
*

all grew
*

dark.
*

"I

tell yer it ain't

to
an

no

good, Eddard," shouted

was

man

in the boat
the bows
on

old sailor who

into peering
Rocks
"

the darkness. in
a

forward in leaning shall be right "We

to the Table

minute

and all drown

to^^ether.
that

Put
"

about, mate put about." the Damn yer,"screamed

from light the lantern

old

man,

turningso
the

the

fell on

his

furrowed, fiercely
wind.
"

anxious
"

face and

long white hair streaming in

I tells yer 1 heard If you

Damn

yer, ye cowards. it twice Goad

as

her voice

I heard

screamingfor help.
when I get ashore
am

put the boat

"

about,by
"

I'llkill yer,-ye lubbers

old

man

I'llkill yer, if I

swing for it !

C4

BE

A TRICE.

This determined
upon the boat's crew;
not

sentiment there
were

produced
of eight

marked

effect

They did
their
The He
was oars

put the boat

altogether. about,they only lay upon

the
seas.

them

and
man

kept her
in the

head bow

to

old

peered
with

out

not shaking,

with cold but with his head

! there's
a

gloom. agitation.
yell.
the wave."

into the

Presentlyhe
"Give
way
"

turned

somethingon giveway The men obeyed with a will. "Back," he roared again "back water !"
"

They
was

backed, and
be
seen.

the

boat

answered, but
!"

nothing

to

"She's
man.
"

gone You

! may

Oh, Goad,
put about
the

she's gone
now,

groaned the old

the

lads, and

Lord's

will be done."
The the

lightfrom water. seething

centre

lantern

fell in

little ring upon

Suddenly something white appeared

in the
at it.

of this illuminated

ring.
With
a

Edward
"

stared

It

was was

upwards. floating
a

It vanished

it appeared

again.
his
arms

It

woman's
sea.

face.

yellhe plunged

into the
her
man
"

"I

have

lend

hand, lads."
forward
and

Another clutched
"

scrambled

togetherthey
Blow
me

the

Look

objectin the water. out, don't pullso hard, you

and
she's got him
"

fool.

if

there

ain't another

by

the hair.

So,
form

! steady steady, A long heave of Beatrice

was

from
on

strong
the

arms

and

the senseless

gunwale. Then they pulled up could loose her perate desfor beside not her, they Geoffrey and together rolled them grip of his dark hair,
into the boat.
"

"

They're dead, Help turn 'em

water

doubt," said
their faces

the second
over

man.

on

the

seat, so
the them
"

"

let

the

drain Now

from

their
that

innards.

It's
cover

only
so. swear.

chance. You'll

give me
has
"

sail

to

live yet. Miss

! together

Beatrice,you

ain't

dead, I
and
the

Old

Eddard

saved

you, old Eddard

good

Goad

THE

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR. the

25
men

Meanwhile
were

the boat

had

been

got round, and

warm-hearted

rowing for Bryngelly as

lifeis
at stake.

sailors will
loved

when

They
to

all knew
as

Beatrice and
The almost

her,and
was

they remembered
them
coast

it

littlehindrance

they rowed. for they could

Besides

gloom
have

the navigated

blindfold.
shore.

here

they were

sheltered

by

the reef and

round a littleheadland, and they were close before them. On the the lights of Bryngellywere beach people were moving about with lanterns. there,hangingon their oars for a they were Presently In five minutes

favourable

wave

to

beach

with.

At

last it came,

and

they gave

way A
on.

running the largeboat together,

dozen
men were

half out

of the surf.

plunged into
safe ashore.
"

the water

and

dragged her
"

They
got her
Where's !"

Have

you

got Miss Beatrice ?

and doctor ?
"

shouted

voice.
I doubt

"Ay, we've they're gone.

"

another

too, but
"

Here,

here

answered

voice.

Bring

the

stretchers."
A stout up in
a

thick-set man,
dark Then

who

had

been

listening, wrapped
and uttered
went
a

groan.

cloak, turned his face away the others as he followed

they

to

to help,but merely following. work, not offering The stretchers were brought and the two bodies laid

upon

them, face downwards

to?"

and

covered
as

over.

"Where

said the

bearers

they seized the

"

poles.
"The
to

answered Vicarage," get things ready there

Run

the doctor.

I told them should that

we

in
you

case

they
say

find
are

her.

forward

one

of

and

coming."
The
men

started

at

trot

and

the

crowd

ran

after

them.
"

Who
Mr.

is the other ?

"

somebody

asked.
came
"

"

Bingham
the

"

the tall lawyer who

down

from
to

London wife. way

other
at

She's

Mrs.

day. Tell policeman run and thinks he has Jones's,

home from Bell Rock."

his

lost his

in the

fog coming

26

BEATRICE.

policeman departed on his melancholy errand and the processionmoved the sandy across swiftly the stone-paved way beach and by which boats up The of were village dragged down the cliff to the sea. lay to the right. It had grown away from the Bryngelly
The

church, which
cliff. On behind
the

stood further

dangerously near
side of the the from
sea

the

edge
a

of the
a

church, and

little
group

it, partlysheltered
was firs,

galesby
low

of stunted
stone-roofed and The
more

the

a Vicarage,

single-storied

tenanted building, Beatrice's

for

by

the Rev. father,

approach to it from by the churchyard,through which the men followed by the stretchers were now winding, sightseers.
best
"

twenty-five years past Joseph Granger. the Bryngelly side was

with
crowd the of

Might
dead

as

well leave the other

them

here

at
"

once," said
I doubt

one

of

the bearers both The

to

in \\'elsh.

they are
man

enough."
addres;;ed
a

person in

and assented,
was

the thick-set

wrapped

dark

cloak, who
A few

along by striding
stood undermore

Beatrice's stretcher, groaned

the Welsh
were

he again. Clearly, seconds

tongue.

and

they
The

through the passing

In the
a

stunted
a

firs up to the group upon of

Vicarage

door.

from light them

doorway lamp in the

stood

people.

hall struck

them, throwing

into strong relief. Foremost, holdinga lantern in with snow-white hair of about sixty, his hand, was a man which
was

fell in confusion

over

his

rugged forehead.
with
and

He

of middle
a

and height The eyes

were

carried himself small

something

and the shifting, hard. short whiskers which, together mouth He wore still tinged with yellow. The with the eyebrows, were face was indeed, had it not ruddy and healthylooking, of

stoop.

been would farmer

for the have

white dirty taken him

tie and
to

shabby black
what he
was

coat,
in

one

be

heart, a
and

of the harder

sort, somewhat
"

weather-beaten
would

anxious

about

the times

man

who

take advantage
was

drop in and Beatrice's father,

of every

the rate
a

of wages.

In fact he

clergyman.

THE

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR.

27

and leaningover By his side,

elder sister. There poor
was a was

him, was
more

EHzabeth, her
them.

five years between

to

She

was

copy

of

Beatrice,or,

be

accurate, Beatrice

grand development of Elizabeth. They both had and faintbrown straighter hair, but Elizabeth's was coloured,not rich and ruddyinginto gold. Elizabeth's
eyes that
were

of and

also grey, but it was February sky. And

cold washed-out
so

grey like ture, after feawas

with

feature

with the if
at

and

open,

Beatrice's also. expression times defiant. Looking at her

a

noble knew

you

that she
woman,

might
or

be

mistaken

woman,
never

or

a mean

headstrong
woman.

both, but she could

of the ten
not

be

Whichever
to

commandments
be that

she

might
us

choose
to

break,it would
it in her eyes.

which

forbids

bear

false witness
read

againstour
But

neighbour. Anybody might

in her he might discern sister's, weaker watered by woman's For her the rest

her father's will into had

a

hardness shifty somethinglike cunning.

Elizabeth

but figure, loveliness, though the two very

fair

lacked
were so

sister's rounded that

alike curiously
the
one

at

distance One upon

you

might

well

mistake

for tile

other.

might almost fancy that

Elizabeth before she

nature

had up her

mented experimind

made

to

justto get produce Beatrice,

elder sisterwas of
to the other

the lines and the

distances.

The model

what

unfinished ])ale
in

clay

is to

the

polishedstatue
"

ivory and

gold. " ; Oh, my God ! my God ! groaned the old man "* stretchers. They are look,they have got them on the both dead. only this Oh, Beatrice ! Beatrice ! and morning I spoke harshlyto her."
"

Don't may

be

so

said Elizabeth father,"' foolish,

sharply.
to

"They
"

only be insensible."
"

Ah, ah," he answered

care

it does

not
are

matter

you,

yo7i don't

about

your
we

sister. 'You do
not

jealousof her.
each

But I love
Here
see

her,though

understand

other.

they come.
that is she dead

Don't and
"

stand

the blankets ?

and Go staringthere. thingsare hot. Stop, doctor,

tell me,

28

BE

A TRICE.

"How

can

tell till I have

seen

her?"

the doctor

answered, roughly shaking him

the door.

off,and

passing through

Bryngelly Vicarage house. On entering

passage

was

the

simply constructed very visitor found himself in

a

with
to

doors

to

the

right and
low for
ran

left.

That the

to

the

rightled
room,

the

that sitting-room,

to the left to

diningit
for

both

of them passage

long,
down which

and
some

narrow seven

chambers. paces,

Following the
terminated
the entire

in another

at

rightangles to it
the further doors and
a room

length of
were

the house. bedroom

to

On

side of
at

this passage
each end.

several
at

That

the end

the

rightwas

occupied
the third

the next was by Beatrice and her sister, empty, and the fourth the spare room. Mr. Granger's, was with of the kitchens and servants' exception made place,which were beyond the dining-room, the house.

This, sleeping
up the

Fires

had

been taken

lit in both
into the

of the

rooms. principal

Geoffreywas
the doctor's and the attended

dining-room and

and Beatrice into the assistant, by the doctor himself. In a been cleared The of all except the looked upon
at

by sitting-room,
few seconds and helpers,

attended

place had

the work shrunken the Then need

began.
form, and

doctor

Beatrice's cold

at the foam
a

her

lips. He
with
a

lifted

and eyelid, he shook

not

held

lightbefore
and
set

the contracted

pupil.
We

his head him

to work
course

will.

follow

through

the

of his dreadful
some

with which labours,

most

people will

have

ance. acquaintthem for

Hopeless
hour

as

they seemed,

he continued

after hour.
were doing helpers service for Geoffrey Bingham, the doctor thin clever-looking occasionally ping stepman,

Meanwhile
the
same

the assistant and

some

himself, a
across

the

passage

to

direct them

and

see

how

things were
been for when
a

gettingon.
the
was

Now,
he

in the water he

his longest,
was

immersed

although Geoffrey had was by far the best case, and alreadyinsensible,
to

person

in this condition

is very hard

drown.

It is

THE

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR.

29

your
made

creature breathing struggling, fighting,

an

who

is soonest it
came

end when

of in the

pass that

deep waters. scrubbing

gone

Therefore with
on

to

hot

cloths

and

the

had artificialrespiration

for somewhere
a

about The

twenty minute

;,

Geoffreysuddenly crooked

finger.

doctor's assistant, a
gave
a

buoyant youth

fresh from

the hospitals,

away

and pushed and scrubbed yellof exultation, with ever-increasing Presentlythe subject energy. and
a

coughed,
life made "He's

minute
he felt,

as later, swore

the agony

of

returning

itself all

most

heartily.

Dr.

called the assistant to his employer. rightnow!" "He's swearing beautifully." his melancholy and ing unpromisChambers, pursuing
room,

task in the other

smiled

and sadly,

called to the he did with

assistant
much

to

continue

the

treatment, which

vigour.
stillsuffering to life, partially grew
aware

PresentlyGeoffrey came
torments.

The

first thinghe
was

of

was

that

tall elegantwoman

over standing

him, lookingat him

with

half

wondered
face

puzzledand half horrified air. Vaguely he some who it might be. The tall form and cold handwere so

him, and yet he could not It was recall the name. not tillshe spoke that his numbed wife. brain realized that he was looking on his own so glad that you are Well, dear," she said, I am wits. I thought out of my better. You frightened me
familiar
to
" "

you
"

were

drowned."
you,

Thank

Honoria,"

he

groaned as a fresh attack throughand through,

hope nobody said presently.
"

of

and faintly, pain shook tingling

said

then

him

said

Geoffrey anythingto Effie,"

were

"

Yes, the child would

back, and when tell Mrs. Jones that

not

go to bed because you she heard the poHceman came

not
were

him

you

drowned, and she has been

almost

in

fit

ever

since.

They
an

had

to

hold

her

to

prevent her from

distress.
"

runninghere."
face

white Geoffrey's
How

assumed

air of the child

deepest
so

could you

the frighten

"

he

30

BE

A TRICE.

murmured.

'"

Please

go

and

tell her

that

am

all

right."
"

It

was

of her

said my fault," " shapelyshoulders.

not

Lady Honoria Besides,I can

with
do

shrug

about with Efifie. She goes on like a wild thing " Please go and tell her, Honoria," said her husband.
"

nothing you."
shall not

Oh,

yes, I'llgo," she answered.

"

Really I

be sorry to get out of this ; I beginto feel as though-1 had been drowned myself;" and she looked at the

steamingcloths
It is an

and

shuddered.

"

Good-bye, Geoffrey.
man policeto

immense
me a

relief to find you feel

or

all right. That

made

quite queer.
I would.

I can't get down for

give you
"

kiss

Well, good-bye
her

the

present, my
smile. The had

dear." husband with

a

Good-bye,Honoria," said
medical

faint

assistant looked

littlesurprised.He be present at
one a

never,

it is true, happened husband

and

to

ing meet-

between

when wife,

of the

pairhad

justbeen rescued by a hair's-breadth from a violent and sudden death,and therefore wanted to go on. experience But it struck him that there was something missing.
The

lady did

not

seem

to

him It

Heaven-thanking spouse.
Perhaps
"

quiteto fillthe part of the puzzled him very much.

At any

he showed
was

this in his face.

rate,
"

Lady

Honoria,who
He
matter
"

quick enough,
is he not ?
"

read

somethingthere.
It will not

is safe now,

she asked.

if I go
my

No,

away." lady,"answered
hesitated
she and
a

the
matter

" he is out assistant,

of

I danger,

think ; it will not

at all."
was

Lady Honoria
the passage. the Then

little; she

in standing

opposite room,
and

glanced through the door into caught a glimpse of Beatrice's

form rigid
was now

of the doctor

bending over
in
masses

it.

Her

head
was

thrown
almost
on

back and

the beautiful brown

which hair,
to

streamed dry again, her face

was

the

ground,
of

while Death.

stamped
She

the

seal terrifying

Lady

Honoria

shuddered.

could

not

bear such

THE

WATCHER

AT

THE

DOOR.

31
come

sights."Will
? to-night
"
"

it be

necessary

for

me

to

back

she said.
not

I do hear

think

to
"

whether

so," he answered, " unless Miss Granger recovers ? "

you

care

I shall hear
cannot

that in the

morning,"she

said.

"

Poor

I thing,
"

your
"

help her." No, Lady Honoria, you cannot husband's life, they say."
must

helpher.
she
"

She

saved

She

be

brave

girl. Will
his head.

recover

"

The It is not
"

assistant

shook

She

may,

possibly.
What for
-

now." likely and thing,

what
so an

Poor

young
arm

and
!

beautiful !
awful
went.

and face, lovely and

It is very

her,"

Lady Honoria
the door

shuddered
a

againand
knot of

Outside
still

small

was sympathisers

gathered,notwithstanding the
of the weather.

late hour

and

the

badness
"

That's

his

wife,"said

one,

and

they opened
?
"

to

let

her pass.
"

Then

why don't
it had

she stop with him been my

asked

woman

audibly. "If

husband

I'd have

sat

and

hugged him for an hour." "Ay, you'd have killed him would," somebody answered.

with

your

hugging,you
man

Lady

Honoria

passed on.

emerged from the shadow of his face, but he was see wrapped

Suddenly a thick-set could the pines. She

in
a

not

largecloak.
voice
to

Forgive me," he said in with emotions which struggling

"

the he

hoarse
was

of

one

unable
"

conceal,

"

but you
"

can

tell me.
mean

Does

she still live ? ?

"

Do

you

Miss

Granger
"

she asked.
?
"

"

"

"

Beatrice Miss Granger Yes, of course. They do not know, but they think Yes, yes they think
" "
"

"

That
man

she is dead." said

never a

dropped his head his breast and, turning, vanished again into the upon of the pines. shadow she How as very odd," thought Lady Honoria
The word. He
"

32

BE

A TRICE.

walked suppose
not

along rapidly
that
man

the

clifftowards

her her.
a

lodging.
and

"

must

be in love with
never scene saw

Well, I do
arm.

wonder
a

at

it.

such the
room

face

What She saved

that picture

in
now

would

make had
scene

saved

Geoffrey
not

and

she's dead.

If he

her I should novel." all of which

have wondered.

It is like a

in

From
was

it will be

seen

that

Lady Honoria
and artistical

wanting perceptions.
not

in

certain

romantic

CHAPTER

V.

ELIZABETH

IS

THANKFUL,

Gecffrey,
wife and
So she
to
was

lyingbefore
assistant that And

the

fire, newly
had recovered

snatched

from his

death,had caught some

the gone,

of the conversation who

between
him
to
"

life.
gone

brave, beautiful
she had saved the assistant did
room.

atheist

girl
enter.

test the truth.

his life !
not

For
was
"

some

minutes

He

in helping What
"

the other

At

last he
"

came.

feebly.
"

Yes,

did you say to Lady Honoria ? Geoffreyasked Did you say that Miss Granger had saved me ? " At Mr. Bingham ; at least they tell me so.

any

rate, when

they pulled
She he
!"

her

out

of

the

water

they

pulledyou
"Great have
"

after her. heavens

had

hold

groaned,

of your "and my

hair."

weightmust
"

Is she dead, then ? dragged her down. We cannot quitesay yet, not for certain.

We

think

that she is."

"Pray
than
to

God

she is not Then

dead," he said
aloud her.
"
"

mo^re me come

to himself

the other.

Leave

; I

am

all tell

right. Go
me

and

help with
how

But

stop,

and

sometimes

it goes

with her."
a woman

"Very
he went.

well.

I will send

to

watch

you," and
of the

Meanwhile drowned
went

in the

other

room

the hours

treatment

slowly on.

Two

had

and passed,

ELIZABETH

IS
no

THANKFUL. recovery. The

33

as

yet Beatrice showed

not

of signs

heart

pulse stirred ; but,as the doctor knew, in the tissues. Slowly, hfe might still linger very slowly,
did

beat,no
was

the the

body

turned

to

and

fro,the head

and swaying,

this way and now now but long hair falling that, still no known to medical sign. Every resource skill, such as hot air, rubbing,artificialrespiration, electricity, in and but still were no applied applied vain, sign! stood Elizabeth, pale and pinched, by handing what love her sister, might be required. She did not greatly and their interests clashed, she or they were antagonistic thoughtthey did,but this sudden death was awful. In a
corner,
to see, offering pitiful groans

and

ejaculated prayers

sat the old to heaven,

their father, his white hair clergyman,

about his eyes. He was a weak, coarse-grained man, but in his own way his clever and beautiful girl dear to him,and was this sight wrung
"

his soul

as

ithad

not

been wrung
"

for years. gone

; the

She's

gone,"he
now. a

said

continually,she's
must

Lord's

will be done.

There

be another
a

mistress at
"

the school

Seventy pounds
year !
"

year she will cost

seventy pounds
"

Do

be

said father," quiet,

Elizabeth

sharply.
to

"

Ay,
are

You your

ay, it is very well for you to tell me You quietbecause you don't care. I loved her
so ever

be

quiet.
loved
was a

never

sister. But

since
your

she

littlefair-haired 'Beatrice'
"

child,and
the last word
"

did

poor

mother.

spoke." stillmore Be quiet, father ! said Elizabeth, sharply. The old man, sank back into a semimaking no reply, torpor, rocking himself to and fro upon his chair.
was

she

Meanwhile
"

without

intermission the work

at

went

on.

It is no

use," said the assistant

and

he straightas last, ened from perspiration

at

his weary frame " his brow. She must three hours
"

wiped
;
we

the

be dead

have been

itnearly
I

now." If necessary tillI drop," he added.

"

Patience,"answered
"

the

doctor.

shall go on for four Ten minutes more

or

task

was

passed. Everybody knew but stillthey hoped. hopeless,

that the

34
"

BE

A TRICE.

Great

Heavens
the
"

! " said the assistant presently, starting and

at pointing

back from
see

body
Mr.

its face.

"

Did

you

that ?

EUzabeth

and

Granger
the

sprang

to

their

feet, crying,

"What,
"

what?"

Sit

Then

doctor, waving them back. strained addressinghis helper, and speaking in a conI thought I saw the right voice : eyelid quiver,
"

said still, sir,"

Williams.
*'

Pass

the

battery."
Williams
the doctor
as

So did Full

"

I,"answered power," said

was

obeyed. again. It is kill or

he
"

cure

now."

The

shock
Then

applied for
a

some

seconds
ran

without
up the
were a

result.

suddenly
hand with

long shudder
Next agony
moment

limbs,and a opened, and

breath of

stirred.

the eyes drew and

pain and life. Ten returning

Beatrice
more

first

minutes

she had and

passed through the gates

world. living "Let
me

of Death

back

to

this warm

die," she gasped faintly."I

me

cannot

bear

it.
"

Oh, let

die !
the

"

Hush," said
minutes

doctor

"

you

will be better presently."

the doctor

Ten

more

passed,when

saw

by her

eyes that Beatrice wished to say touched his head tillit nearly her

something. He bent lips. "Dr. he drowned?" "was Chambers," she whispered, "No, he is safe; he has been broughtround." half of She sighed a long-drawn sigh, half of pain, relief. Then she spoke again.
"

"

Was

he washed
no.

ashore saved you

"

"

No,

You

his life.
out.

You

had

hold

of him go
to

when

they pulled sleep."

Beatrice smiled
drank
as

Now

drink this and

but sweetly,

said

nothing.

Then

she

much

of the the

draught as
last

she

could, and

shortly
went

afterwards
to

obeyed
a

also, and injunction

recovery

sleep.
Meanwhile
rumour

of this wonderful

had

ELIZABETH

IS

THANKFUL.

35

from one watcher passing escaped to without the house it reached the ears of the solitary at length to the other till of the pines. He crouched in the shadow man heard, and starting as though he had been shot,strode to the
"

door

of

the

Vicarage. Here

his courage
ask if it is

seemed

to

desert
'*

him, for he hesitated. knock, and Knock, squire,

the
same

true,"said

woman,

who

had

declared
to life.

that she would

have

hugged

her husband

back
to

This remark did knock.

"Go
must
*'

seemed

encourage door
was

the Presently

him, at any rate he opened by Elizabeth.

away," she said in her sharpvoice; "the house be keptquiet." I beg your pardon.Miss Granger,"said the visitor,
tone

in

of
true

deep humiliation.
that Miss

"

only wanted
"

to

know

ifit was
"

Beatrice lives."
a

Why," said Elizabeth with

? I
am

start,
! How

Davies and

sure

I had

no

idea.
There

is it you, Mr. Step into the passage

I will shut

the door.
"

long have

you
"

been
"

outside ?

Oh, since they broughtthem

Yes, yes, it is true.
stood all this time She

up.

But
now.

is it true ?
And I
am

"

will recover

you
sure

have

in the wet

night.
"

that Beatrice "Not such

an

ought to be flattered."
all. It seemed
"

at

so

awful, and
off.

I"

I take

interest
an

and

he broke

"Such

interest in
"

the hiatus. supplying as though by chance, she

said Elizabeth drily, Beatrice," Yes, so it seems," and suddenly,

moved the candle

which

she

lightfell full upon Owen It was Davies' face. but not a slow heavy countenance, The skin was fresh as a child's, the without comeliness. blue,and mild,and the brown hair grew large, eyes were
in
waves

held, in

such

fashion

that the

had

that many a it not been for have

a

woman
a

might have

envied.

Indeed

short but

strongly growing beard,

it would
was

been

that of

boy
told

easy to believe that the countenance of nineteen rather than of a man over
nor care

thirty.Neither time
upon

had

drawn

line single

it;it

of

and perfect

robust health and

3-2

yet

36 bore the bloom

BE

A TRICE.

of childhood.
a

It and

was

the face of

man nor

who did

might
the form

live to

hundred

stilllook young,
like

belie it.

Mr.

Davies

blushed

up

to

the eyes, blushed

"

girl
take slow

beneath
an

Elizabeth's
a

interest in

" deliberate way. " I believe so," answered

sharp scrutiny. NaturallyI fate,"he said, in his neighbour's She is quite safe,then ? ''
Elizabeth. rather it seemed
"

"Thank from him Mr.

**

God in
a

!" he

or said,

to

break

sigh of Bingham, come

should saved
was

relief.
to

How

did with

the her?"

man, gentlea

be found
she

How

I know

"

answered

with

shrug.
even

"

Beatrice

his life somehow,

clung fast to
heard
of such

him

after she "It What

"

insensible."
I
never a

is very wonderful. is he like ?

"

thing.
saw,"

He

is

one

of

the

men finest-looking

ever

answered

Elizabeth, always watching him. "Ah. But he is married, I think,Miss Granger?" Oh, yes, he is married to the daughter of a peer, married I should say." and very little, very much " I do not quiteunderstand. Miss Granger."
"
"

"

Don't
see

you
"

Davies you, Mr. them together.'

not
see

? then

use

your

eyes

when

I should

anything.
to cannot

am

not

quick

like

you,"he
"

added.
do you ?
mean

How

get back
row

to the

Castle

Mr. the
"

Davies
seas

You

back

in

to-night, this wind, and

An
extra

will be

washing over
I and hurt
me,

the
am

Oh, I shall manage.

won't

causeway." wet already.

had
a

ducking
to

I have

chain put up
And
now

anybody from being washed be going. Good-night." must "Good-night,Mr. Davies."

prevent
He

away.

hesitated would
when you

moment

and

then added
"

"

Would
I

you
mean

"

mind

telling your sister

"

of

course

she is stronger

that I

came

to

after inquire

her ? " "I think that you

can

do

that for

Mr. yourself,

ELIZABETH

IS

THANKEUL.

yj
"

Davies," Elizabeth
will be Owen
that
was more

said

almost

roughly.

mean

it

and appreciated,"

she turned further

a

Davies

ventured
manner as

no was

upon remarks.

her heel. He felt he does her the fit

Elizabeth's

little

and crushing, that she

to

afraid of her think

I
am

well.

"

I suppose
to
as

not

he sister,"

good enough thought to himself

"

pay he

attention

nightand
to black

rain.
her

Well, she
I thank
to

is

plunged into quiteright I am not

"

boots.

Oh, God, I thank

Thee
"

Thee

that Thou Thee he made !

"

hast saved
went

her life.

I thank
as night

he his

on,

aloud speaking the have !

"

the wild had

way

aloag
must

cliff died

"

If she

been

dead, I think
"

that I
thank The

too.

Oh,

God,

I tliank Thee

Thee

idea that Owen

Davies, Esq.,J.P., D.L.,

owner

of

Brynslate
seven

absolute Castle, gelly and place,

of
one

of

that

little rising wateringmost

of the

and largest

prosperous

in Wales, quarries and

ten

worth
a

in all somewhere
was

between

thousand

year,
an

unfit to black had

her beautiful

sister'sboots,was

not

idea that

struck

Elizabeth
have

Granger.
moved her

Had
to

it struck

her, indeed, it would

Elizabeth
had
a

for laughter,

practical
the rich
the

mind.
What

did strike her, as she turned

vanish

and watched
the

squire's sturdyform dark beyond, was a

she up had those
never seen

through
sense

doorway into

certain
that

of wonder.
of

shiver

Supposing returninglife run

colder
was so

limbs,supposing that they had grown evident that death and colder,tillat length itwas firmlycitadelled within the silent heart,that no
white

human

skillcould Davies

beat his

empire
he have

back

What knew and

over

then had

Owen known time ?

the
sense

loved

her sister ; this she would in time

utter not

for years. Would

But

have

got

it in

he not
own

been

of his

loneliness and
other
woman

overpoweredby given his hand,

And could
not

if not

his

heart,to
would

some

she who
to

held

his hand that

learn

to

reach his heart ? been

And

whom

hand

have

given,the
woman

hand

and

all that

went

with

it ?

What

would

this

38

BE

TRICE.

shy
ever

Welsh been loved

hermit, without
thrown

friends

or

have relations,
"

in with
as

except herself
as

Elizabeth

"

who

him

much
not

she much

could
;

love
at

anybody,
any

whicli, perhaps,was desired sorely to

come

very

who,
not

rate,

be

his wife.
never

Would
seen

all this have

about
that
"

if she

had

that

eyelidtremble,
It

and would

quiver run slight

she knew

up

her

sister's limbs?

it would.
it
as

Elizabeth the
passage,

thought of
and
a

for

moment

she

stood into

in
her

cold

hungry lightcame
her

neutral tinted eyes and shone upon choked back the thought ; she was
to wish

paleface.

But she

that her

sister had

not

She

only speculatedon
come a

what

wicked enough scarcely been broughtback to life. might have happened if

one

this had
chess from

about,just as

works

out

game

of

situation of the pieces. givenhypothetical end might be gainedin some Perhaps,too, the same other way. Perhaps Mr. Davies might still be weaned from his infatuation. The
wall
was

but itwould difficult,

have

to

be very difficult if she could not find a way to climb it. It never occurred to her that there might be an open

gate.

She

could

not

conceive

that it possible

woman or

rejectOwen might positively

thousand
a

Davies
a

and his
person
a

seven an

ten

year, and

that

woman

in

factory unsatis-

and

uncongenial,almost
with and such leisure ?
a

in

menial

Castle RejectBryngelly of wealth

east

all its luxuryand

position. ties opportuniset

No, the

sun

would
The

in the

before

prevent the occasion

out
room

thing happened. The from arising.

she turned her father he she met the

to plan was died hungry light

of Elizabeth's when
was

face,and
at

to

enter

the

sick

suddenly
that door. of

"Who

front?"

coming out. asked, carefully

the closing
"

Mr. And know

Davies
what

Castle,father." Bryngelly
want at

"

did Mr. Davies Beatrice ?

"

this time of

? night

To
"

about

Yes," she answered to be more Beatrice, or

for three hours

" slowly,

he

came

to

ask

after

correct

he has been
to

side waiting out-

in the rain

learn if she recovered."

O WEN
"

DA

VIES

HOME.

39

Waiting outside
! What he
come was

for three
"
"

clergyman astonished
the house
"

said the rain," SquireDavies standing outside

hours

in the

for ?
so

"

Because

anxious

about

Beatrice

and

did

not

like
"So

to

in,I suppose."
about you

anxious
Do

Beatrice

"

ah,
"

so um

anxious
"

about know
"

Beatrice !
there is
handsome "I do not
no

think, Elizabeth
Beatrice
"

you

doubt

is very

well

favoured

very

they
think

say

she answered, about it, father," anything

"and
I have

as

for Beatrice's looks And The Mr.

now

theyare

matter
we

of had

opinion.
better
up

mine.
?

don't you
and and

think

go to bed all

doctors

Betty are
that be !
we

going to stop
had

nightwith
sure a we

Bingham
much

Beatrice." better go.

for Beatrice I

"Yes, Elizabeth, I suppose

am

have

to

thankful if poor

to-night.
had

What gone and have

merciful deliverance

And

the

parishmust
have
to

have
meant

found that

another
we

schoolmistress, salary.
We

it would
a

lost the

great deal

be thankful

for,Elizabeth."
have."

"we "Yes," said Elizabeth, very deliberately,

CHAPTER

VI.

OWEN

DAVIES

AT

HOME.

tramped along the cliffwith a lightheart. of the wind of the rain and the roaring wild lashing The did not disturb him in the least. They were disagreeable, all its them but he accepted as he accepted existence and is There mental comment. without remark or vanities,
Owen
Davies
a

class of mind

of which span the

this is the of

attitude. prevailing endowed

with the world

Very early in their

such
too
a

those life,

mind

come

to

conclusion

that

is

much

for them. the

abandon
own

They cannot attempt, and, as a

are

understand
consequence, and happiest

so they it,

in their
most
tented con-

torpid way
of
men.

among

the
on

Problems,

which

persons

of keener

40

BEATRICE soul aspiring round

a

and intelligence
lives away the
as

more

fret and
not
men

foam
even

their break

water rushing

placidsurface
They
wastes

of
out

their upon

rock,do days. Such

the
stars

slippast
read of the

them.

look

and
ever

mystery of the universe

limitless of

speedingon
and
are

for
not

through the
In
sun

space,

astonished.
made that is the

their childhood
and the
stars

taught that God they were the earth ; to give light on

so

for them.

And

it

enough is with everything. Poverty and

the

of fate, inequalities wonders that madness, life and death, and the spiritual into are thingsnot to be inquired hedge in our being, but accepted. So they accept them as they do their

suffering, war,

and pestilence,

dinner
In and from the
ox

or

tradesman's
cases

circular.
state

some

this mental

has

its root
some

in
it

and convictions, simplereligious

a

in

deep springs
over

preponderance
more

of healthful

animal

instincts

higher but chewing the

the
out

troublesome in the fresh

spiritual parts.
meadow the does
not

The
muse

cud

upon

past and
the

future, and

gull blown
not

like

foam-flake

againstthe
sky
and about
out

sunset, does
sea.

know

the

splendour of
not

Even of

the

savage

is
the

much

troubled
was

the scheme of the and

to
we

things. In
rest, there
But then

he beginning he melts

"torn

reeds," and
for the

in the end
are oxen

into the

Unknown,
foes far
as so

beef
and

and

wives, and
not,

conquer.

are gulls

know, troubled with any

savage such

and spiritual parts at all,

are

in the noble
come

things

not

cultivated.

They

with civilization.

But
to

perhaps in
more

the

of
was,
at

this condition, so necessary majority is born of a conforms of happiness, junction placid and religious developments. So it physical
the the rich and fortunate
man

with least,

whom

we

cliff. He was, by trudging along the wind-swept and simplyreligious of a strongly and education, nature and in body powerful,placid, healthy mind, as he was to an exasperating degree. It may be said that it is easy and placid on ten thousand to be religious a year, but
have
seen

Owen

Davies

had

not

always enjoyed ten

thousand

year

OWEN

DAVIES
most

AT

HOME. and

41
seats

and

one

of the
From

romantic
time
an

beautiful

in
his

Wales.

the

he

was

seventeen,
of the

when

mother's death left him of

some thirty,

he orphan, till the date

a

reached

the age

six years from

as

openingof
find for

he led about this history, any

man.

hard

life as fate could of sugar this and

peoplemay have heard which trade between or brigs, sailing coal outwards the West Indies, carrying
Some

drogers,
home.

country and
sugar in various

On

board of

one

of

these,Owen

Davies worked
He

for capacities

thirteen
no

well ; but he made

same

long years. and friends,

did his

drudgery
the
a lation re-

always remained
Then

and shy,silent,

pious man.
and will, and
to

suddenly
himself Owen
felt dreamed upon

died without
law
to

he

found
revenues.

heir-atpressed exnone.

Bryngelly Castle
no

all its

and surprise,
seen

all appearance
never

He

had

never

his

and relation, of

of

this romantic
But he

devolution

great

estates

himself.

acceptedthe good
said

fortune

as

he had

accepted the

and ill,
were

nothing. They
were

The

his

and shipmates,
of his
were

only people who knew him be held to they could scarcely

his appearance
of his method

know

him.

with acquainted

and the sound

voice,and
aware,

doing his

duty. Also, they

of

that he religion, evening,and went

at a

port.

But

of

spoke although he never read a chapter of the Bible every whenever church to they touched in total his internal self they were
from
now was a
" "

ignorance. This
that prophesying that he had would But of his he
was

did not, however, prevent them Davies

deep one," who,

blue it
"

got the cash,would

did
not

in

way

which

astonish them.
Davies

excel

"

in

azure

feats."
the

The

news

good

fortune

reached

goingto

sail as

for the West voyage,

Indies.

which on brig, in her cargo was taking first-mate, for the He had signedhis contract him

justas

and, to the utter astonishment of the lawyer who that he should carry managed the estates,he announced
In vain

it out.

did the

man a

of affairs

client that with the

arrange

help of
for him

cheque

of

point out ;^ioo he

Mr.

to

his

could

the

matter

in ten

minutes.

Davies

42 that merely replied go the voyage and then

BEATRICE. the

property could
retire.
The

wait,he should
held up

then

lawyer

his
are

hands,
women

and

suddenly remembered
Indies
as

that

there

in the West his queer of

in other
an

partsof the world.

voyage. Davies in

Doubtless
As had
a

client had
was

object in his
Owen
a

matter
never

he fact,

totally wrong.
tender of word

interchanged a
was a

with

woman

his life; he his routine

That As
was a

creature out

and it was routine,

to

part of
letter.

to

carry

his agreements
the

the

all. last resource, make think

"

lawyer suggested that

the slow and
come

Mr,

Davies
"

should
not

will.
sured mea-

I do

it necessary,'' was
The

answer.

property
as

has

to

me

by
in

chance. the
same

If I

die,it may
"

well go to

somebody else

way."
Very well," he said ; " it is must yourself. Do please^ you
"

lawyer stared. againstmy advice, but

The you
want

any

money for

Owen think
I

thought
should

moment,

like to
out

have

ten

"Yes," he said, "I pounds. They are

I want
to

a building

cathedral

there,and
the ten

subscribe

to

it."
The

lawyer gave him

struck for
some

pounds without
in this condition

word he

he

was

and speechless,

mained re-

minutes
Then mad
was

after he

the

door

had
a

closed

behind

his client.
"

Mad, ejaculation,
But
not

with sprung up ! like his great-uncle !

not

single
rate

"

Owen

Davies
was

in the least
creature

mad,
habit. his

at any

then ; he

only a

of

In

due

course, from

his agreement Indies the West

he took
never

he sailed fulfilled, (forthe captain was

a

brighome
in
a

drowned

gale).Then
v/here he had way and
to

second

class ticket to

Bryngelly,
asked his

been
He

in his life before, and

was

the Castle. vv^ould

see

told to did
so,

go to the

sea-shore,
sea-chest

he

it.

He

his leaving

him, and there, about two hundred paces from built upon mountain of rock, the land, and a solitary measuring half a mile or so round the base,he perceived
behind

O WEN

DA

VIES

HOME.

43

vast

mediaeval

pileof

with turrets fortified buildings,

feet into the He and edged with air,

three hundred towering fire by the setting sun.

gazed

on

it with

Could
to
some

it be that this

enormous on

island earth did up and

one

perplexity. fortress belonged

get
to

him, and, if so, how

go to the he did not

it ?

Vox

littletime he walked

shy to though

too down, wondering, for information. Meanwhile, village of about notice her, a well-grown girl

remarkable fifteen,
of her from At
a

for her

great grey eyes

not

and

the promise

beauty,was
beneath
a

watching his
rock,

evident

perplexity
amusement,

seat

without

last she rose,

and, with
to to

the confidence

of bold

fifteen,

walked
"

straight up
you
want sweet

him.

Do
a

get

to

the

Castle,sir ?
of which

"

she asked Davies

in

low

voice,the

echoes

Owen

never
"

forgot.
Yes he Then
"

oh, I beg your

saw

pardon," for
to talking
a

now

for the

first

time
"

that he I
am

was

young
are

lady.
late
"

afraid
show

that

you
over

too

Mrs.

Thomas She

will

not

people

after four

o'clock.

is the

housekeeper,you
came

know.'"'
not
come

"Ah, well,the fact is I did

to

see

over

the
the

place.

to

live there.

am

Owen

Davies,and
at

placewas
amazement.

left to me."
of
course

Beatrice,for
whom
"

it
was

was

she, stared
talk in

him

in

So

this

the much

sailor mysterious

about

there had

Oh

!
an

"

"

What you
can

Bryngelly. she said, with embarrassing frankness. home. odd way to come Well, it is high tide,
been
so

and you

will have

to take

boat.

I will show

you
across

where for of the

get
to

one.

Old
she led

Edward the way

will

row a

you
corner

and sixpence,"

round

beach

where

old Edward of his

sat, from

eve, upon

the thwarts

to dewy earlymorn those boat,seeking biggest

whom
"

he

might row.
lady, "
wants to

Edward," said the young Mr. Owen Davies, who squire,

to

here

is the

new

be rowed twisted
a

across

the Cattle."

Edward,

gnarled and
eyes

specimen
that
re-

of the sailor

with tribe,

small

and

face

44

BE

A TRICE.

minded
on

the observer of
a

one

of those

quaintcountenances
at her

the handle of and

"

stared walkingsticky
a

in astonishment,

then he

cast

look

of of

on suspicion

the visitor.

Have

got papers
in
a

identification about

him,
says

miss?"
*'

he asked

stage whisper.
she answered

I don't

know,"
Owen

laughing.

"

He

that he is Mr.
"

Davies." prap3

Well, praps he is and

he ain't ; anyway, Davies

itisn't

my

is sixpence." and sixpence affair, All of this the unfortunate Mr.

overheard,and

it did
"

not

add

to

his

equanimity.
he said Edward as please," sternly, up to the edge of the breakwater. shot into Owen's in

if you Now, sir,

pulled the littleboat

A vision of Mrs.

Thomas

mind.
chance

If the

boatman
with the

did

not

bel'eve
He

him,
wished

what he

had

he

? housekeeper with

had

broughtthe
that he
was

lawyer down
back

in the sugar said "Now, sir,"

him, and brig.

Edward
to
an

then

he wished

stillmore

sternly, pu'ting
of

down

his hesitation

consciousness impostor's
the
"

guilt.
"

Um

"

said Owen
I don't
even

to

young

lady,

I I

beg

your

am sure your name, but I have no would it, right to you mind rowing be so kind of you ; you might with me ? It would across

pardon.

know

and

ask

introduce

me

to

the

housekeeper."
the merry

Again Beatrice laughed

she
was

laugh of girlhood ;
of any
was

too

young

to

be

conscious there

impropriety
none.

in the
her
sense

and situation, of humour

indeed

But she
see

told her that it was

a

funny, and
to curiosity

became
the

possessed with
very

not

unnatural

thingout.
" she said, well," boat was pushed off and

"Oh,
The
stone

I will come." very

soon

they reached
up.

the

quay
a

that bordered

the harbour

of the grown

Castle,about

which
the

littlevillage of retainers had

some arrive,

Seeing
out

people sauntered the cottages, and then,thinkingthat a visitor had under the guidance of Miss Beatrice,to look
of these

boat

of

come, at the

OWEN

DAVIES

AT

HOME.

45

of the Castle,which antiquities sauntered neighbourhood, began the zigzagascent last back of

was

the show

placeof
the

the

again.
rock

Then

pair

the

mountain,

till at

of building, they stood beneath the mighty mass was which,although it was hoary with antiquity, by no civilization, means lacking in the comforts of modern the water, for instance,being brought in pipes laid the
sea

beneath

from

mountain

top

two

miles away

on

the mainland. "Isn't there

vast
a

view here?"
and
sea.

said
"

stretch of land have the

most

to the Beatrice, pointing I think,Mr. Davies, that

you Your

beautiful home
died
on a

in the whole
ago, spent
more

world. than

who great-uncle,

year

and repairing it, refurnishing built the big drawing-roomthere,where feet long. is a little lighter the stone ; it is fifty-five thousand pounds ! fifty Just think, "It is a large sum," said Owen, in an unimaginative

thousand fifty they say. He

pounds

"

sort

of way, while in his heart he wondered earth he should do with this white elephantof

what
a

on

mediaeval

feet long. and its drawing-room fifty-five castle,

"

He

does not

seem

much

impressed," thoughtBeatrice
away He
at

to

as herself,

she

tugged
door with

the

postern bell ;

"

think he

must

be

stupid.

Presentlythe
little old
"Mrs.
even
"

woman

stupid." was opened by an active-looking a high voice.

to

looks

Thomas," thought Owen

than you I

himself; "she
the

is

worse

expected."
please to
go

Now

must

away," began
"

midable forlate

housekeeper in
to

her shrillestkey ;

it is too

show

visitors
a

over.

Why,
man

bless What

us,

it's you.

Miss

with Beatrice, Beatrice

strange
at

companion should explainhimself, but he said nothing. This is your new she said, not squire," certain pride. I found him wandering
her
'* "

looked

do you want ? " hint that he as a

without about
I

the

beach. him
"

He

did not

know

how

to

get here,so
do

brought
it's

over."

Lord, Miss

and Beatrice,

how

you

know

46
him ?
"

BE

A TRICE.
"

said Mrs.
?
"

Thomas.

How

do you know

itain'ta

housebreaker
*'

Oh,

I'm

sure

he cannot

be,"answered

Beatrice

aside,

"because
Then

he isn't clever

followed
to

enough." long discussion.

Mrs.

Thomas of

refused stoutly and identity,

admit

the stranger without

cause,

evidence
as

Beatrice,embracing his
As for
to to
a

stoutly
made

pressed his

claims.

the

lawful owner, that he

was

he

occasional feeble attempts but Mrs. Thomas not was

way.
"

prove be dead

himself,
in this

imposed
lock.

upon

At Y'd

last

they came

to

better go back

to the

said inn,sir,"
come

Mrs.

Thomas

with

scathingsarcasm,
your you
a

"and

up

tomorrow

with

proofs and
"

luggage."
got any
resource.

Haven't
as

letters with

you

"

suggested

Beatrice
As

last

ithappened Owen

had

from the lawyer to letter,one

himself about the property,and

name as

mentioning Mrs.

Thomas's

being in charge of the Castle. He had forgotten all about but at this interesting it, juncture it was produced and read aloud Thomas took Beatrice. Mrs. by and rimmed it carefully it, having examined through her hornwas spectacles,

constrained

to

admit

its authenticity.

"

I'm

sure

sir,"she apologise,
much

said
one

with

half-

doubtful

courtesy and

tact,

"

but

can't be too

careful with all these have the

trampseses

thoughtfrom
new

the look

about ; I never of you, sir, how as

it was

should
you
was

This caused
true

squire." might be candid, but

Beatrice
to

not

and flattering,

it in

sniggerbehind

her

handkerchief

led and

fashion. and were school-girl However, they entered, with solemn through the great by Mrs. Thomas pomp the little halls, the the parlourand the oak parlour, huge drawing-room, in which the white
stone statues

and library

heads
hoUand

of marble

wherewith

protrudedfrom the bags of brown they were wrapped about in a manner

At
a length they reached that,facingsouth, commanded

ghastly to behold. room octagon-shaped

small
a

OWEN
most

DAVIE

AT

HOME.

47
was

view glorious

of

sea

and

land.

It

called the

Lady's Boudoir, and joined another of about the same which in its former owner's time had been used as a size, smoking-room. If you don't mind, madam," said the lord of all this magnificence, I should like to stop here, I am getting there he stopped for many tired of walking." And years. shut up ; he scarcelyever The of the Castle was rest
" "

visited it except
for
a

to occasionally

see

that the
man.

rooms

were

for aired, properly As

he

was

methodical

Beatrice,she
severe

went

home,

still chuckling, to
"

receive

from reproof

Elizabeth for her

the forgot he

ness." forward-

But he had

Owen
her. for

Davies

never

debt of

tude gratithat Mrs.

no

owed

In his heart

felt convinced fled before

return

it not

been
and

her, he

should

have

Thomas
more. as was

her

horn-rimmed

to eyeglasses,

however, that young Beatrice,he fell in love with her then and there,
The truth of the matter
was,
to

only
years

fall deeper and

on.

deeper into
said

that drear

abyss as

went

He
a

never

even scarcely

gave Beatrice
to

hint of divmed

of she

course came

it,he his hopelesscondition, though as something of it as soon

But there grew up

anything about

years

of discretion.
a

in

Owen's desire time

silent, lonely breast

to make

great and

overmastering
He measured

his wife. this grey-eyed girl between elapsed

so

by

the intervals that

his visions of
and

her. No

periodin his life was

as

wretched

utterly purposeless

those

two

years

which
was

at
as

her

College. He Training passiondid yet his gathering

he could
was never

passedwhile she was a very passivelover,

urge him
to to extremes,

not

and

make

up his mind he feared

to

declare it.

The

box

in his
he drew
a

hand, but
as near was

throw

the dice. Once he gave and

But

to her as

he dared. she
was

Beatrice

flower, it
words

when

seventeen,
wear

a hope awkwardly expressed

that she would and

itfor his
was

sake.

The

were was a

not

much about energy

the flower man's

not

much, but there

a

look

suppressed passion and

eyes, and in his voice,that told

the

their tale to the keen-witted

girl. After

this he

found

48
that she avoided For

BE

TRICE.

him, and
not

his boldness. bitterly regretted

in that
was

Beatrice

did

like him

way.

To She

girl
did
the
not

of her curious
not
sense

stamp

his wealth
coveted

nothing.
a man

covet
to

she wealth, know that A cage bored

independence, and
such the bars
are

had

with marriage

would

bringit her.
or

is a cage, whether

of iron

gold.
and

He

her, she despised him

for his want

of

and intelligence endless

was

enterprise. That
her
a

man

with all this his life in

She her knew

wealth such

should opportunity

waste

fashion

to

thing intolerable.
make

if

she had half his from

one

chance, that she would

name

ring

In short,Beatrice Europe to the other. held Owen as her sister Elizabeth, as deeply in contempt studyinghim from another pointof view, held him in And aside any human reverence. predilections, putting end of

Beatrice

would

never

have

married

man

whom

she

herself too much. despised. She respected all this as through a glassdarkly, Davies saw Owen
and

in his

own

slow He

way

cast

about

for

a was

means

of

drawing near.
fond
to

discovered

that Beatrice

ately passionno means

of the

and learning,
necessary
one

also that she So he

had threw

obtain

books.

open He
to

his did
ward for-

to library
more

her ; it was gave every orders

new

of the best in Wales.

to
a

; he

London

bookseller

in
at

importancethat appeared and all of these he placed certain classes of literature, the leaves with her disposal, cut having first carefully
him book
of
own

his
She

hand.

This
or

was

bait Beatrice could

not

resist.

might dread his books, and knowledge would

could
not

even

detest Mr.

Davies,but

she loved

quarrelledwith him her well of culating cirno simplyrun dry, for there were and if there had been she libraries at Bryngelly,
have
on

if she

afforded
terms

to

subscribe with

to

them.
even

So

she

remained
at

good

him,
pace

and

smiled studies.

his futile attempts

man,

to

keep

with

her

to him ; he naturally readingdid not come studied the much leaves. He better at cutting was Times and certain religious works, that was all. But he wrestled manfullywith many a detested tome, in order

Poor

OWEN

DA

VIES

AT

HOME.

49

to

be

able of

to

say

something
Beatrice did.
she

to

Beatrice
saw

about

it,and

the

worst

it
him

was

that

always
It
was

through it,and
but

showed

that

not

kind, perhaps,

youth is
And that
a so

cruel. the years

was wore

on,

till at Even

length Beatrice
the

knew
most

crisis

at

hand.
come

tardiest
at

and he

retiringlover
earnest,
Of
and
to

must

to

the
was

point
very
so

last,if
in
out
a

is in

Owen her

Davies
he
to

much
come

earnest.

late,
as

dismay,
himself Of

had

far

of

his
of
was

shell
the

to

allow

be

nominated
she knew of

member

school
to

council.

course

that

this
her. school

only
a

give

him
the

more

opportunities
he could
as

seeing
and

As of

member she

of
was

council,
as a

visit the
he

which he
soon

mistress
to

often

chose,
in

indeed

learnt

take
a

livelyinterest
he and would offer
come

tion. village educa-

About
school
was

twice

week up

in
walk

just
home

as

the

breaking
for
a

to

with

her, seeking
Hitherto
she knew of she that the that.

favourable

opportunity
off Not he
was

to

propose.

had

always

warded

this that
too

last she much the

was

event,

but

it must
man

happen.
himself
she and
;

actually
afraid of of that
to
own

afraid
her wrath she had for

What father

did

fear

was

outburst learned

from

her

sister when
It
a never

they

refused

Owen

Davies.
be

occurred of her

her in

that
the

Elizabeth
matter.

might
of
so

playing
be

hand

From
not

all

which

it will that

clear, if indeed
Beatrice
woman,

it has
was a

become

already,

Granger
born
to

somewhat

ill-regulated young
on

bring
Had

trouble
she

herself

and she

ali

connected have in

with
taken

her. her
case

been
and

otherwise,
married
never

would

good
her

fortune

Owen
have

Davies,
written.

which

historyneed

been

50

BE

A TRICE.

CHAPTER

VI I.

MATRIMONIAL

TALK.

Before

sleepon
who girl
cost
more

Geoffrey Bingham dropped that eventful night of storm,

had her saved
own was

off into

troubled that the

at the

he learned almost his

his life at the risk and

out

of

of

danger,and in
Providence
went to
as

own

and

reticent way he thanked Then he Davies. did Owen

When he

as heartily

sleep.
so

woke, feeling very sick and

the

stiffand

sore

that he

scarcelymove, streamingthrough the blinds.

for quiet,
to

could

the doctor's

was daylight The place was perfectly assistant who had broughthim back

broad

and who lay life, upon a couch at the further end of the the silent sleepof youth and complete exhaustion. slept room, clock on the mantelpiece ticked in Only an eight-day that solemn stillness. and and

aggressive way

which

clocks

affect in the
out

strained Geoffrey
Then
to

his eyes to make

a

the

time,
to

discovered finally
he and

that it wanted

few minutes

six

o'clock.
was,

fell to

wondering how
his
own

Miss
every

Granger
scene

in repeating

mind

of
out

their adventure, tillthe last, when

of the He
canoe

they were

whirled

in the embrace

of that white-crested billow.

a

remembered
and
a

but nothing after that, nothing

He
were

ing rush-

sound he

vision of foam.

shuddered
shaken the
out

little as

thought pleasant to

of

it,for his
been
then the
so

nerves

; it is not

have and

Beginning ;
and

his

very near heart went had

End

and

the

with renewed him

he
to

gratitudetowards
and light heard

who girl

restored

Iffe

hoj^e. Just at
a

this moment

thought
rise, only
as a

that he
He

sound

of
went

sobbing outside
on.

the window.
to

listened

; the
was

sound
too

He

tried
it.

to find that he

stiff to

manage

So,

last

resource,
"

he called the doctor.

What

is the

matter

"

answered
of alacrity

that
one

young
"

man, gentleto

be

jumping up with suddenlyawakened.

the
"

accustomed
?

Do

you feel queer

A
"

MATRIMONIAL

TALK.
"

51

Yes, I do rather,"answered
There doctor the bhnd.

Geoffrey, but it isn't

that.
The drew
"

is somebody

put

on

his

outside here." crying coat, and, goingto the window,

"

It's a httle girl with Why, so there is,"he said. hair and without a hat." yellow "A answered little Geoffrey. Why, it must be girl,"
"

Effie, my
"All

daughter.

Please

let her in." I

can

right.Cover

yourselfup, and

do

that

through the window; it isn'tfive feet from the ground." the Accordinglyhe opened the window, and addressing
little asked her what girl,
she "Effie,"
come
"

her

name
"

was.

sobbed

in answer,

Effie

Bingham.
daddie

I've

to look

for daddie." cry in." there

so

All

right, my dear, don't

let
me

; your

is here.

Come

and

liftyou
and

Another open
ever a

moment

appeared through
face and little form face

the

window

the very sweetest blessed child of six was

that
was

with.

For

the

beautiful set two white, and in it were made with the golden hair, eyes, which, contrasting the cheeks But alas ! justnow child a sight to see. the largedark eyes stained with tears, and round

pink and

dark the
were were

almost rings
was

as

dark.
on

Nor
one

was

this all.

The

littledress

hooked

awry,
was no

tiny foot
on

all drenched

with
no

dew hat.
"

there

boot, and

the

yellowcurls

Oh

daddie,daddie,"cried
to struggling

the her

child, sight catching

father's arms,
"

of him

and

reach
"

you

isn't dead, is you, daddie ?

" "

No, my love,no," answered Why should you think that I

tell you that I
was

her
was
"

her. father,kissing
dead ?

Didn't your
and

mother

safe ?
"

"Oh

she ! daddie,"

answered, they came

I cried and

said that
was

you was drownded

drownded, and
too.
were

wished
home

that I
at
me

Then

mother
was

came cross come

last and because But when I

said that you

I went
on on

and better, wanted

with
to

did go

cryingand crying. I

you. and cried nearlyall night,

4-2

to

it

52

BEATRICE.

I did dress myself, all but one shoe and my got light hat, which I could not find,and I got out of the house
to

look
"

for

you."
did you find me,
and walk my poor
was

And

how

littledear ?

"

"

Oh, I heard
tillI
saw

mother
a

say you

at the

so Vicarage,

I waited go, and

man,
to

asked

him

which

way
saw

to
a no

he did tell me

along the
he
saw

cliff tillI

long white house, and

shoe he wanted But
to

then
me

when

that I had I
so ran

take

home,
were

but

away

till

I got here. that you

were

the

blinds

down,

I did

think

dead, daddie dear, and I cried till that gentleman opened the window." After that Geoffrey began to scold her for running it much, for she sat to mind away, but she did not seem the edge of the couch, her little face resting against upon his own, a very pretty sightto see. You and tell your must go back to Mrs. Jones, Effie,
"

mother
"

where

you

have

been."
one

can't, daddie,I've onlygot

you
came

shoe,"she answered,

pouting.
"

But

with

only one
to
was

shoe."
come

"

Yes, daddie, but

Tell
me

I wanted how you

and

I don't want

to

go back. He

drownded."

laughed at her logicand gave way to her, for this little daughter was than to his heart,nearer very near
else anything "drownded
"

in the world. and how

a

So

he told her saved

how

he

was

lady had
set

his life.
then

Effie listened with she wanted that

moment

wide

eyes, and she

at

said that

to

see

the
came

lady,which
a

there

knock

did. At presently the door, and Mr. Chambers.

"

Granger entered, accompanied by

"

Dr.

How

do

you

do, sir ?
last I

"

said the former.

you
are

I must
member re-

introduce

myself, seeingthat
me.

not

to likely
as

When

saw

you, you

looked

dead

dog-fish. My name's Granger, the Reverend of the very worst one J. Granger,Vicar of Bryngelly,
as a on livings
"

beached

this coast, and

sure,

am

Mr.

a great deal." saying Granger, I'm under a deep debt

that's

of

to you gratitude

for your

and hospitality,

under

sti.U

MATRIMONIAL but daughter,

TALK'.

53
to

deeper

one

to

your

hope

thank

her

for that." personally "Never "Hot speak of it,"said the clergyman. and blankets don't cost much, and you will have to water pay
"

But

"

brandy and the doctor. How is he, doctor ? He is gettingon Granger. very well indeed, Mr. I daresayyou find yourself rather Mr. stiff, ham. BingI see your head is pretty badly bruised." Yes," he answered, laughing, and so is my body.
"

for the

"

Shall I be able
"I

to

go

home the

to-day?

"

think

so," said
You had hear
a

doctor, "but

not

before

this
You very

evening.
will be
well. I should You But
"

better

keep quiet

till then.

glad to
Hers
ever was saw.

that Miss wonderful

Beatrice is getting on recovery, the most

her for up,

ful wonder-

had

quite given
treatment

though

have
to

ought
I
am

kept on the be grateful to

would
not

another

hour.

Miss have

Mr. Bingham. Beatrice, been here."

for her you

most
see

he grateful," her ? to-day

some

answered
"

earnestly.

"

Shall

I be able to
"

Yes, I think
o'clock.
she Is

so,

time

three

that

your

afternoon, say little daughter ? What

in
now

this

at
a

lovely child
twelve. and

is.

Well, I will look

All that you requireto do rub in some arnica."

an

again about is to keep quiet

girlbrought
He felt
not

About

hour

afterwards
of tea
to

the
and

servant toast.

some Geoffrey hungry,but

breakfast when

quite
eat

it came
was

much.

Effie, who
however
;

pinch he could made starving, up for

ate

the

the

ciency, defi-

she

all the toast after

slices of bread
when finished,
come
"

and her

butter
father

couple of it. Scarcelyhad they

a a

and

observed

shade

of

anxiety

upon What I

his little daughter's face. is

"

"

Effie ? it, think," repUed

he asked. Efifie in evident

trepidation, I
Anne too." me."

"

think that I did hear

mother
come

outside and
to
see

"Well, dear, they have

"

Yes, and

to

scold
to

me

because
a

ran

away," and

the

child drew

nearer

her father in

fashion which

would

54
have made it clear

P^EA

TRICE.

to

any

observer
were

that

the relations strained.

at the

between
Effie

her and
was

her mother

somewhat
was a

there Presently right.

knock

door

and
as

Lady
ever.

Honoria
She
was

entered, calm
followed

and
a

by
Dieu

pale and elegant dark-eyed somewhat

held she up her
as

French impertinent-looking

bofine, who
!"

hands
"

and

ejaculated,Mon
the bonne.
"

"

appeared.
she

thought so," said Lady

to

Honoria, speaking in
she and is,"

French
at

There

pointed
voila
chere

the runaway " Dieu Mon

Effie with her

!
"

parasol.

said the

woman

again.
:

"

Vous

de peur, et moi, qui suis accablee enfin, aussi ; oh, mais que c'est mechant mere

et votre et

regardez
"

done,
"

avec

un

Soulier seulement.

Mais

c'est afFreux ! " and

Hold

your

tongue,"said Geoffrey sharply,

She
came

leave Anne

Miss

Effie alone.
"

to

see

me."
more

ejaculated, Mon

Dieu

"

once

and

lapsed. col-

said his wife, the way you spoil Really,Geoffrey," that child is something shocking. She is wilful as It is very naughty of can be, and you make her worse.
"
"

her to
are we

run

away

like that and

giveus

such

hunt.
one

How shoe."

to

get her home, I wonder, with only

bit his
and lip, It
come was

Her

husband

his forehead
not

contracted

itselfabove
he and with had all. who

the dark

eyes. had
was

the first time that

Lady

Honoria

to words

about

the

child,
she
at

sympathy. Indeed Effie for appearingin this world never forgiven Lady Honoria did not belongto that class of women is a joy. think maternity
whom his wife
not

in

"Anne," he said,"take
you
can

Miss She

Effie and
can

carry

her
to

till
the

find

donkey.
nurse

ride

back

lodgings." The
about
"

murmured

something in
lead.

French

the child
as

beingas heavy as
you,"
he

Do

I bid
"

said

in sharply,
a

the

same

language.
Thank The and you

Effie, my

love,giveme

kiss and

go home.

for

child

watched

coming 1:o see me." I,ady Honoria obeyed and went. her go, tapping her little foot upon

stood
the

.MATRIMONIAL look her

TALK.

55
face that

and floor,
was

with

upon

cold,handsome
see.

not

to agreeable altogether

It had

sometimes

in the happened that Geoffrey

home with
a

course

of his married

life returned

little of that
to

added
these find

fondness occasions
that

which
he
was

absence

is fabled
so

beget.
as

On
to

commonly
belied
of

unfortunate

Lady
with

Honoria
arrears

him greeted
more

that saying, and was, if grievances the

she sible, pos-

Was from all ?

than ever. frigid back that he had come this to be repeated now of to being the longestabsence what near was so It looked

like it.

He

noted

symptoms
he
was

of

the well

with storm, symptoms rising and both for his acquainted,

which
own

but too for hers

"

sake

and

for

above

all thingsGeoffreydreaded
"

these bitter matrimonial kind It say. in the tact

to

bickerings tried
must

to

think

of

something
show
one was

be owned

that he did not it

much

subjecthe selected,though
stirred the of sympathies
some

which

might have
so

women.

It is

difficult
a

always
"

to

remember

that

one

is

dealing with
"

Lady

Honoria.
If
ever we me

have for

"

Excuse

began gently. you," said the lady,with interrupting

another

child

he

which did not however convey any idea of the suavity but it is a kindness to prevent inward speaker's peace, is ample One in that line. darling you from going on
a
"

for me."

"Well,"
"

said

the

miserable
care

Geoffrey,with
about
the child she dead.

an

effort,
for

even a

if you

don't

much

yourself,
cares

it is
me

little unreasonable
was

to object because

and

sorry when

she

thought I

was

Really,

I wonder Honoria, sometimes all. Why should you be put

if you have because out

an

any heart at Efifie got up I must

"

earlyto
admit
he
"

come

and

see

me? her.

"

example which
as

you

did

not

set

And

to

her

shoe

added, smiling. You laugh about may

"but you

her shoe,
even

forgetthat

rupted, she interGeoffrey," little thingslike that

56
are no me

BE

A TRICE.

matter laughing

now

to

us.

The

child's shoes
has
a

keep
been

awake

at

night sometimes.
how

Defoy
I have

not to

paid for
"

I don't know

long.
"

mind

get her sabots

the

and
in

as

to heart

"Well," broke
emotional
the commercial
"

side
"
"

that reflecting Geoffrey,' it was of the question,

to
'

bad

as

was

better than

as

heart ? person you

' "

You

are

the scarcely much

to

talk of
vie

that is all. it,

1
"

I wonder
"

how

of yours he

gave

Really, Honoria,"
and

answered, not
kind

without
Was of

ness, eager-

his mind

filled with wonder.

some experienced

it

possible
way
or

that his wife had

was

and "call,"
one never

about

to

concern

herself with his heart

the other ? the

"

If

so

it was

strange,for she had

and rapidly your know

shown

interest slightest

in it before.

Yes," she
"

went

on

with
"
"

mence, vehegathering

you
not

speak about
and

heart
as

which
I do
never

he

had

done

"
"

yet you
no

well

as

that if I
have
set
so

had

been
me

girlof
the

position you
on

would

offered

organ

which

you

pretend to
"

high

value.

Or

you, and

drag us
sense."

did your heart run wildlyaway with I mean? a flat, into love and a cottage
little less heart and
a

If so, / should
common

prefera

little more

Geoffreywinced, twice indeed, feehng that

had
matter

her

ship ladyas a

hit him
of

as

it were had
not

with both

barrels.
any he

For,

fact,he

begun with
Honoria
and

passionate
were now

devotion, and justas

"It like
to

again Lady

married for love. poor as though they had really is hardly fair to go back on bygones and talk
"

he said, this," with it ;

even

if your

had something position you

not
on

do

only at
we

first of course,

must

ber remem-

that when Two

married
a

mine

was

without and
a

tions. attrac-

thousand
a

and
but you who

eightthousand
I hate force
was me so

year to start year in the near that kind could

baronetcy
not
"

future of know

were

talkingabout
to

thing. Why
that my you,

do

it ?

Nobody
that

uncle,
would
It

anxious
at

I should have
a

marry
son

marry

himself

his age, and

and

heir.

MATRIMONIAL

TALK.

57
you wouid
not

was

not

my

fault,Honoria.
me

Perhaps
have answered

have

married

if you

could

foreseen

it." it is

"Very probablynot," she

not

calmly,"and
to

my

fault that of mind hard and

I have comfort
to

not
on on

yet learned
seven

live with
a

peace It
was

hundred
thousand

year.

enough
now

exist
"

two

till your

uncle
"

died, and

Well, and

now,

Honoria,
with

if you
a

will

only
as

have

and put patience rich money done

"

up

for things money many

little, you
for you,

shall be much
not

enough
as so

will make
I have

you

want.

friends.

I have

badly at
hundred

the Bar

this

year."

and sevenpounds, nineteen shillings and pounds rent of chambers ninety-seven pence, minus said Lady Honoria, with a disparaging accent on clerk,"
Two the sevenpence.
"

I shall double
so on.

it

next

year, and from what

the next, and

I work have
"

get
"

on,

that you

may

again morning tillnightto he said you live for,"

double

that

bitterly.
Ah,
Bar I shall be

before sixty

that

happy day
chair. with

comes,

and want
the
"

nothingbut scandal and a bath and its moaning," she added,

you
are

I know

acid
to

wit.
come

You

dream,

true, but you

like the

imagine what deceivingme

you and

would

like

story of
We

again.

shall

that you Geoffrey, Then at length he

first of these
scenes

yourself.It will be Sir Robert Bingham's property once be beggarsall our days. I tell you, had no right me." to marry
lost his temper.
"

This

was

not

the

they had grown frequent of late, and this bitter water was constantlydropping. " Right? he said, and may I ask what right you had when to marry me even pretend you ever you don't cared one for me, but just accepted me straw as you
"
"

would

have
match

acceptedany
? my uncle
a

other

man

who

was

good
to you

I grant that I first wished

because
to

thought of but if I did it,

to

tolerably proposing
not

love

you

I meant

be

good

husband
let
me.

you, But

and you

I would
are

have

loved you

if you

would

cold

58
and selfish ; you

BE

A TRICE.

merely as a to luxury ; you have never loved anybody stepping-stone exce])t yourself. If I had died last ni^ht I believe that have cared about having to go into more you would from mourning than for the fact of my disappearance for me when no more feeling your life. You showed you
upon
a

looked

husband

came

in than
so

you
as

would
women

have

if I had

been have

stranger
a

"

not

much

some

might

for

stranger.

I wonder
at

sometimes
I should you do

all.

if you have any feeling left in you think that you treat do me as you
care

because
other of

not

for know Do

me

and
to be
want

do

care

for

some

person

did I

not

you you

utterly incapable
to

for caring

anybody.
?
"

make

me

hate

you, Honoria

low Geoffrey's told his wife, who

concentrated
was

voice and

earnest

manner

smile upon
He her
"

her

him with somethinglike a watching clear-cut lips, how deeply he was moved. and self-control,

had
a

lost his

exposed his
that pursue in

heart

to
a

thing he rarelydid, and triumphwhich she did not wish to

Geoffrey was
"If you I should
"

itself was

at the moment.

not

have

push too far. there is quite finished, Geoffrey,

a man

to

thing some-

like

to

"

say he broke in.

Oh,
Yes

curse

it all ! " said he

"

"

she
as

pause,

but

and made calmly and interrogatively, did not specially apply his remark to

she anybody or anything,

continued
I have
to

"

If these flowers of
:

rhetoric
intend

are

over,

what

say is this

I do

not

place any longer. I am to my brother Garsington. They asked going to-morrow best known us both,you may remember, but for reasons not go." to yourself you would know You Honoria." very well, my reasons I beg your pardon. I have the slightest idea not what they were," said Lady Honoria with conviction. " May I hear them ? " Well, if you wish to know, I will not go to the house
to
" " "

stay in this horrid

cf

man

who

has

"

well,left my
been

club

as

left Garsington have

and it,

who, had

it not

for my

would efforts,

EXP

LAN

A TOR

Y.

59
and
"

left it in fashion.
"

an

even

more

unpleasant
worse

conspicuous
"
"

And

his wife is

than

he is

think

and coldly, of any But

a room

mistaken," are you with the air of a person

she does
not

Lady
who wish
to

Honoria
shuts look. the

said
door

into which

"And,

and has blown over. way, it all happened years ago the subject of discussing I do not see the necessity I suppose that
we

further.

shall

meet

at

dinner

night. to-

I shall take the

"

Do

what

earlytrain to-morrow." suits you, Honoria. Perhaps

all."
no.

you

would

at not returning prefer

"Thank

you,

I will not
return
a

I shall make have the

to

putations. lay myself open to imyou in London, and will

Thank

best of
to

bad bear

business.
my
room.

Heaven,

learned how

and with this misfortunes,"

Parthian shot she left the

For almost
a

minute
hated

or

two

her

husband
he thrust

felt

as

though
into

he the

her.

Then

his faci

pillowand groaned.
"

She
a

he said is right," bad

to himself

"

we

must

make
to

the have
"

best of
made for
a a

business.
of my life. two." or
not
an

Bat, somehow,
And

seem

mess

yet I loved
and

her

once

month
was

This
that

scene, agreeable

it may
"

be

said

But not even Lady Honoria was a vulgar person. the knees on the advantage of having been brought up if a is a specific agahist vulgarity, of marchionesses what there to set her heart, lady happens, unfortunately,
"

is of

it, meanly

on

mean

things.

CHAPTER
EXPLANATORY.

VHL

About

two

o'clock

Geoffrey rose, lunched, and

and

with

some

slight
his
Mr.
so

assistance from
clothes. Then

his reverend he

into host, struggled while

he

did

ear. Granger poured his troubles into his sympathetic

6o
"

BE

A TRICE.

My
he

father

was
"

Herefordshire
I
was

farmer, Mr.
to

ham," Bingdays a
money head
a

said,
He

and

bred
father

up

that line of life

myself.
careful
man

did

well,my

did, as
that

in those
some

might. What and I by cattle-dealing,

little ; anyway
he called
was

is more, think

he made turned
'a

his

minded
So
a
a

to

make I
was

gentleman
I liked it years

of

me,'

as

he

it.

when

eighteen I

was or

packed
no. a a

off to bo made

parson

of, whether
and for four

Well, I became
at a town

parson,

I had

curacy

called
"

not Kington,in Herefordshire,

bad

sort

of little town I
was

perhaps

you

happen
was

to

know

it.

While

there, my
to

father, who
lent
were

getting
a row

beyond
villas at money would
over ever

took himself,

speculating.He

built
a

of
the

Leominster, or at least he when to build them, and they

It broke my

lawyer
was

built

nobody
ruined

hire them.

father ; he

those villas. T have

since,Mr. died,as near bankruptcy as

"

always hated the sightof a villa Bingham. And shortlyafterwards he

a

man's

nose

is to his mouth.
a

After that I

was

offered this living, ^150

a me

year it was old parson

at

the
was

best, and
here

like

fool I took left

an

it.

The

who him.

I say, and
a

only daughter behind The living had ruined him, as it ruins me, and, as he left his daughter, my wife that was, behind him,
I had against the pretty good bill for dilapidations Bat there wasn't any

before

estate.

estate,
the

so

I made

the best
a

of

bad

business and
she the
come

married
poor

and daughter,

sweet

pretty woman only without

set

was,

dear, very like my

I can't make

Beatrice,
out

brains. from She

where I don't my wife

to

Beatrice's brains
up of for
an

having any.
old Cornish

indeed,for I am sure well born, too, was

she had nowhere
me

was,

but family,
fond

go

to, and
what
me on

I think she married

because

she didn't know

else to

do, and
as it,

was

of the old

place. She
out
was

took

with

it were.

Well, it turned
our

pretty well,

tillsome

eleven
we

years ago, when

ever

boy

born,though
She years ago

I don't think
never

quite understood
it
was on a

each other.
seven

got her health back after that,and

died.
I remember

she

night wonderfully

EX

PLAN

A TOR

Y.

6i The

like last
few years

night
"

mist

then first, I has

storm.

boy
have

died

afterwards.
; she

thought it would
never

broken

Beatrice's heart but

been
I don't

the

same

since, girl
follow.

always full
as

of queer

ideas

pretend to

"And

for the life I've had

of it here, Mr.

Bingham,

The believe it if I was to tell you. living you wouldn't is but of full dissent small the is as a as enough, place mackerel-boat I cannot, of and fish,
as

for

gettingthe tithes
for
a

"

well,

that's all. but what

If it wasn't the

bit of
to

do,

not

prices are

down

for what

the visitors

give in

the season,

and

larmingthat and nothing, for the help

of Beatrice's

been

in

the

I should have as certificated mistress, salary poor-house long ago, and shall be yet, I have had
to

I often
now

think.
make
now

take

in

boarder

before

to

both
I must
to

ends

meet, and
to my to

shall

I expect. again,
a

"And
sow on.

be off up
I want

bit of
see

farm she

; the old

is due
Please

and litter, God

how

is

getting
well.

she'll have

thirteen

again and
so.

do

I'llorder

the
"

before then
gone
out to

to be here at five, though I fly I told Elizabeth to do that is,

shall be back She

see

has

do

some

for visiting

me,

and

to

if she
due

can't get in two for t^iree months.

pounds
If you and

five of tithe that

has been

anybody
are

can

get it it'sElizabeth,
and I
want to

Well, good-bye; if Beatrice,she is up

suit
one

dull

talk

to

in there.
a

daresay you

will

another.

She's

beyond me with her Providence but I suppose her holding you so tight, arranged that. Good-bye for the present, Mr. Bingham,"
and this

very queer ideas, and it

Beatrice, girl, quite a was funny thing

curious

specimen

of

clergyman vanished,
the doctor He

Geoffrey quitebreathless. leaving

It
was

two half-past
see

o'clock,and
Miss

had

told

him

that he could

Granger
to

at three.
own

wished

that it was
company,

tired for he was three, and naturallyanxious who girl

of his

renew

thoughtsand his acquaintance

with the strange him

so

had

begun by impressing

deeply and ended by savinghis life. There was in the house ; Betty,the maid-of-all-work, complete quiet was employed in the kitchen, both the doctors had

62

BE

TRICE. her father

out.

gone,

To-day there was blown itself away no during the and the sight of the sunbeams night, streaming through the windows made long to be in the open air. Geoffrey
were

and

Elizabeth

and

wind, it had

He

had

no

book

at hand

to

read, and whenever

to

he tried

to think

his mind

flew back

that hateful

matrimonial

quarrel.
It
was

hard upon

on

him, Geoffrey thought,that he should

endure truth his such from
scenes.

called

to

He
"

could
had

no

the longer disguise his

across a

himself

he

buried
back

happiness
the life he
was

on

wedding-day. Looking
remembered
how In of

years, had

he

well

different

he

tired
even

imagined for himself. and of knocking about

that
man

those

days
capades; es-

youthful
which

kind
who

of social
was

success

must

attend

young

and fellow, age of

blessed

handsome, clever,a good with large expectations, had, at the

lost entirely
no

six-and he

twenty,
had turned

its attractiveness.
to

Therefore Robert when

deaf then

ear

his

uncle. Sir

Bingham, who
he

was

be settled

suggested down, and

was

that

it

going on might be well

him
to
a

for seventy, if

Geoffrey
the up
not

introduced

Lady Honoria.

Lady
rather
to

Honoria

then, and eighteen

then
was

beautyof
men

thin but
or

statuesque type, which twenty and

attracts

five

six and

bores,if it
clever and

does

repel them.
and
as
"

Moreover, she

pretendedto be ladies not specially favoured

they
of marry.

read, and poetically incHned, intellectually

Cold

well

before heard

by Apollo sometimes do she always was ; nobody

the bounds of Lady Honoria stretching and coming beto a sweet propriety ; but Geoffreyput this down in modesty, which would vanish or be transmuted
ever

its season.

Also

she affected

charminginnocence
both

of all
chanted en-

vulgar business
him. and she
means was

matters, which
Never but
once

deceived
she allude
to

and
to

did
then

ways

before

and marriage,

it was
so

say that

glad
died
a

that

they should

be

poor

till dear
fifteen

Sir Robert
hundred

(he had promised to

they had
seven

allow

them

year, and

more

between

them),

EXP

LAN

TOR

Y. much

63
more

as

this would

enable

them

to

see

so

of each

other.
soul happy day,and this white virgin passed into Geoffrey's keeping. For a week or so things went began. He well,and then disenchantment fairly learned by slow but sure degreesthat his wife was vain, At last
came

the

selfish and

extravagant, and, worst

him.
The
or

of

that she cared all,

was

about very little

first shock five

when

he accidentally

that days after marriage, Honoria was acquaintedwith every detail of intimately Sir Robert Bingham's property, and, young as she was, itmore had already formed to make productive a scheme four discovered, after the old man's death. and
too

They went to live in London, by far Lady Honoria, although

woman

there he found
cold and

that
a

prudent
breath
as

to
on

do

anything that
was as

could fond

bring a

of she

scandal
was

her name,

of admiration he could

heartless.

It seemed

to

that Geoffrey
men

never

be free from
her skirts. he

the collection of young Some of them

were

who

hung

about

very

good

fellows whom have

liked

on exceedingly ; still,

the whole and

he would

to remain preferred at

unmarried
the

associate with them

of and society he could

the

club.

Also

continual
expenses

round
on

going out broughtheavier

well dream

him

than

support.

And

thus,littleby little, poor Geoffrey's

bliss faded

of matrimonial

into thin air.

But,

he possessed a certain share of for himself, fortunately In time he learnt to see and sweet reasonableness. logic with his wife, who was that the fault was not altogether by
no means a

bad

sort

of

woman

in her

degree.

But

her for
to

degree differed
freedom exercise education
and those had

from

his
and

wealth

degree. She had married to gain a larger scope wherein

inherited
she

tastes

which

and disposition

given to her, as
she
was

believed that he had

"had married

her because

the

daughterof
woman

peer. her

another Honoria, hke many the overbred, or sometimes stamp, was product of an over-civilized age and

Lady

of

the

underbred,
Those

class.

and primitive passions

virtues

on

which

her

husband

64
had

BE

A TRICE.

relied to make
not

the

happinessof
The

their married

Hfe

simply did
bred
and have

exist for her.

out

educated

they
love

been
woman.

found

had been passions of her ; for many generations and inconvenient disquieting for the old such virtues,
as

attributes in

As and the

of children

ordinaryround
On
her the

of domestic

duty, they simply bored her. lost sharp of tongue, she rarely
like her the
were virtues,

whole, though temper, for her vices,

order negative
; but

of

somewhat she

fury which
was

seized
become

her when
a never

learned
a

for certain her

to

that she

to

mother

was

thing that
never

unfortunate
see

husband

forgotand

wished

again. At lengththe child was born,a at least, was Geoffrey, very thankful.
"

fact for which

Take

it away.
to

I do not

want

to

see

it !

"

said

Lady

Honoria
was

the scandalised

nurse

when

the littlecreature

broughtto her, wrapped

"Give it to me,
nurse
"

in its long robes.

do," said

her husband.

From

that moment

Geoffreygave

tion all the pent-up affecas

of his bruised years went

on

soul to this little daughter,and

the
an

they grew very dear to each other. able-bodied man active-minded,strong-hearted,

take
a

But

cannot

babe

as

the

sole

companion

of

his

existence.

Probably Geoffrey would have found this out in time, mode of life more and might have drifted into some or had not an accident occurred less undesirable, to prevent old uncle Sir Robert Bingham it. In his dotage,Geoffrey's
fell a victim to the wiles of her. Then he
an

adventuress

and

married

To

wards afterpromptly died, and eight months a posthumous son was born. ruin. His allowance Geoffrey this meant stopped

and

his

vanished expectations

at
as

one
a

fell swoop.

He
man

however, pulledhimself together,

does

brave-hearted
to

under

such

shock, and
now

going
work

his wife

he

plained ex-

to her that he must

for his living, begging

was

her and

to

break

down

the

barrier that

between

them

givehim her sympathy and help. She met him that touched tears and reproaches. The one thing

with her

EXPLANATORY.

65
she feared
to women

keenly,the
poverty,and
and
nature.

one

thingwhich
there
was no

and

hated

was

all that But

poverty means

of her rank

help for it ; the charming Street had to be given up, and purgatory house in Bolton the Edgware Road. be faced,in a flat, near Lady must indeed had it not been that torHonoria was miserable, tunatelyfor herself she possessed plenty of relations
more or

less

whom grand, for months

she
at a

visit for might continually

she could scarcely stretch,

weeks and

even

have endured
But

her altered life. found that he

was

enough Geoffreysoon strangely

he had been since his
set to work

than happier

marriage. To begin

with,he
of

to happiness

is a great source folk. It is not, in all vigorous-minded like a man, and work

cheerful occupation to pass endless truth,a particularly about law-courts amongst a crowd of undays in hanging

briefed
one

and Juniors, and forgotten

many

has

the

Act. Judicature

in reading nights up the law intricacies of the mazy threading But it happened that his father,a

brother of Sir Robert's,had been a solicitor, younger and though he was dead, and all direct interest with the
firm
was

severed, yet another

not

uncle

remained

in

and it,

the partnersdid They sent him

in his difficulties. forgetGeoffrey ing what work they could without offendand he did it well. Then their standing by counsel, o f the a large general practice degreeshe built up quite there are few thingsmore Now kind known as deviling.

than doinganother man's work for nothing, unsatisfactory and what but every case fought means knowledgegained,

is more

itis advertisement.
years from

So it came

to pass that

within

less than two

Geoffrey Bingham's
strong form
"

the date of his money face handsome dark

misfortunes,
and square

What

very well known ? said is that man's name

became

in the Courts.
one

"

well-known

O.C.

to another

for they sat waiting his their chopsi-nthe Bar Grill Room, and saw Geoffrey, throughthe striding wig pushed back from his forehead, the which preceded doorway on the last day of the sitting stillmore well

known,

as

commencement

of this history.

66
"

BE

TRICE.
"

Bingham,"answered
He married

the other.

He's

onlybegun to
before
old Gar-

but lately, practise he has done.

he'll be at

the top of the tree

very

well, you know,

woman, and

daughter, a charming sington's

too." "He

handsome

looks like
was

of fact such

and it," grunted the first, the generalopinion.

as

matter

For, as Beatrice had

who
been had
success

said,Geoffrey Bingham was

on

man

written

his forehead. him

to

It would

have

almost

for impossible

fail in whatever

he

undertook.

CHAPTER

IX.

WHAT

BEATRICE

DREAMED.

Geoffrey of sunshine he

lay
and

upon

the stillpatch back, watching to the ticking of the clock,as listening and many other
events

his

passed all
scene am

these

in solemn

review,tillthe series culminated

of the
"

in his vivid recollections

of that very

morning.
at last aloud,"

sick of
my I'd
.

he said it,"

sick and tired.

She my

makes word

life wretched.
. .

If it wasn't

By Jove, it is three and see Miss Granger. She's a woman, at any rate,though she is a freethinker off the couch, he slowlystruggled as
"

for Efifie upon o'clock ; I will go

a

not

female

ghost
foolish

which,"he added
"

is

very

thingto

be."

for he was bled sadly knocked about,he hobVery shakily, and through the door, down the long narrow room which was ajar. The oppositedoor was also set half and getting He knocked no answer softly, pushed open. it wide and looked in, thinkingthat he had, perhaps, mistake as to the room. sofa placed On made some a its length,lay Beatrice about two-thirds down asleep. of some She was wrapped in a kind of dressing-gown and all about her breast and shoulders simple blue stuff, hair. Her sweet face was tostreamed her lovely wards curling relieved only by the long shadow of him, its pallor

WHAT

BEATRICE the bent bow

DREAMED. of the
to

67

the dark lashes and wrist and the heaved hand

hung down
her

almost of the She

lips. One white the floor, and neath bebosom

so

spread curtain
rest

sunlit hair her looked

softlyin

sleep.
that he

beautiful in her

gazed,and
and power
to

stopped almost as gazed again, feeling though a present

his stilling upon such heart
to

wondrously awed, and

sense

were

silence.

It is dangerous very

look

and quiet loveliness,

dangerous to feel that pressure at the heart. A truly wise man it would have fled, feeling knowing that seeds
sown

in such

silences may wise

live

to

bloom

upon

bitter

day, and shed their But Geoffrey not was

still stood and the

fruit into the waters

"

of desolation.

who

would

have

been ?

He

gazed
tablets
no

till the

sight stamped itself so

that

deeply
years to and
no

on come sense

of his heart of

through
frosts of

all the

heats

no passion, ever

doubt,

of loss could
sun

dull its memory.

woman

The

silent

shone

on,

the silent And

as

slept,and
a

in silence the watcher

gazed.

he looked

great
into

of evil that should fear,a prescience

come,

entered

Geoffrey and
crossed for
a

took

possession of him.

cloud without

the ray of sunlight and turned it. It wavered, second it rested on his breast, flashed back to hers,
out

then went know that

; and

as

it flashed and

for henceforth, that

died, he seemed to life tilldeath, ay ! and beyond,

were one

his fate and but

gone had
a

momentary
almost

woman's sleeping knowledge; the

fate.

It

was was

fear shook

him, and

before he understood

its foolishness.

But it
it.

been

with

him,

and

in after

days he

remembered

her grey eyes. Just then Beatrice woke, opening Their dreamy glance fell upon him, lookingthrough him and Then she raised herself beyond him, rather than at him.
a

little and

out stretching

both

her

arms

towards

him,
"I

spoke aloud.
"So you have
come

back

to

me

at

she said. last,"

knew

that you would and I have waited." come He rrade no answer, he did not know deed what to say ; inhe began to think that he also must be dreaming.
a

For

littlewhile Beatrice stilllooked

at

him

in the

same

68

BEATRICE. then

absent manner,
to streaming
"

suddenly started
*'

up, the

red blood

her brow.

Bingham," she said, is it really you ? What was it that I said? it Oh, pray forgive me, whatever I have been asleep was. dreaming such a curious dream, and talking in my sleep." "Do he answered, Miss Granger," not alarm yourself, himself with a jerk; recovering you did not say anything
Why,
Mr.
"

dreadful, only that

you

you

were

glad to
looked

see

me.

What

were

dreaming
"

about?" did not

I had

She

at

him

doubtfully;
said
so

perhaps his
I think she and

words that

ringquitetrue.
as

better tell you

I have
a

much," dream,

answered. if I

"Besides, it
in do

was

very

curious
rather and I

believed

dreams
not.

it would

I frighten me, only fortunately

Sit down
very

will tell it to you

He took the

before

I
to

forgetit.
which she
one

It is not

long."
she the

chair

pointed,and
yet laden
Far
to

in the began, speaking memories of sleep.

"

voice of

with

I dreamed
a

that

I stood

in space.

and left was to my globe of light, named Life and globe,and I knew that the globes were Death. the From the globeon the right to the globeon in which two flaming and back again, a golden shuttle, left, and I knew also that set, was shot continually, eyes were this was the shuttle of Destiny,weaving the web of Fate. the shuttle flew, leavingbehind it a long silver Presently
was

great

my right another

thread,and

your eyes. and this time its Again the shuttle sped through space, it left behind it like my eyes, and the thread eyes were hair. Half way between the twisted from a woman's was
were

the eyes in the shuttle

such

as

globesof
but the the thread

Life and

Death
on

my and
a

thread

of life was For and

a

broken,
moment
so it,

shuttle flew

vanished. wind
rose

hung

in

then air,
a

blew

that it floated away your

like
of

silver thread it.

As

web, tillit struck spider's life and began to twist round

upon and

round

it twisted it grew
as a

last it was

thick beneath

and heavier, till at larger and the silver great tress of hair,
so

line bent

the weidit

that I

saw

it

soon

must

WHA

BE

A TRICE

DREAMED. what would

6g

break.
white

Then hand

while

I wondered knife slid

happen,
the

holdinga

slowlydown

silver

of woman's and with the knife severed the wrappings line, cloud which fell and floated slowly hair, away, like a little lost in darkness. till they were touched with sunlight, But the thread of silver that was sprang your line of life,

and making quivering sigheditselfto silence.

up "Then I seemed such
a

sound

Uke

till at sighs,

last it

to

sleep,and
as

when
we saw

I woke last

was

floating upon
had lost all
the stars
nor were

misty sea
how

night.

and of land, sight

nor like,

I could I had go. the

sea

not

remember

what

been

taught to steer,
to

understand
asked
'

where

I must

I called

the sea,
me

and
"

it of the stars, and has rent her

answered
the stars where
sea

thus set.'

Hope

raiment,and
asked
answer,

are

"

I called

and again,

of the land

I should

go, and
me
"

the land time

did
:

not

but

the

answered

a
'

second

Child of the
seek for

mist,wander
because

in the

mist,and

in darkness

light.'
Hope
of the
seen

"

Then and

I wept

had

rent

her starry garment

in darkness
rose never

I must
out

seek
sea

for

light. And
sat

while
me

I still wept, you the boat. I had that I had I did

not

and

before

in
felt

you You

before,and stillI
did
not

known

you

always.
you

and speak,
saw

but speak,
Then I

looked

into my

heart and

its trouble. what

" '

looked

was

written.
whom

And

into your written this was

and read heart,

:

Woman

I knew when

before the Past

the Future is

began,and

whom you
"

I shall know weep ? my

'

ended, why do
I
am

And

heart

answered,

'

I weep

because

lost her for

upon

the waters

of the

because earth,

Hope

has rent seek

darkness starry robes,and in everlasting

I must

show you that is not.' Then light your heart said,'/will and bendingforward you touched me on the breast. light,' of "And suddenly an agony shook me like the agonies full of great-winged birth and death, and the sky was

angelswho

rolled up

the mist

as

cloth,and

drew

the

70

BE the eyes of

A TRICE.

veils from

her feet upon and there, Night, the firmament globe,and her star-set head piercing and beauty. peace heaven, stood Hope breathing

the
of She she

looked
looked and

north

and

south

and the

east

and

west,

then

upwards through
she
set

wherever

her

archingvaults of heaven, eyes, brightwith holy tears,

sorrow

the darkness
arose

shrivelled and the

ceased, and

from

ruption cor-

and

as

I did so,

"'In

darkness

I gazedand worshipped, Incorruptible. : again the sea spoke unquestioned in Death seek for thou hast found light,

wisdom.'
"

Then

once

more a

Hope
veil over
I sank

rent

and her starry robes, and Night,

the the

the
sea

angelsdrew
swallowed

down
me,

and

the eyes of tillI reached

tions deep foundaof Death

and
on

of mortal

death.

And

there in the Halls

saw

I sat for ages upon your

was lips

at last I ages, till

you

come,

the word it
was

of wisdom I
to
cannot

that makes

all things
Then I

clear,but
stretched is all my
She
strove

what
out

remember.

my

hand

greet you, and woke, and that

dream."

ceased,her
to trace

grey eyes

set

wide, as though they still

the air of

her breast

vision upon spiritual heaving,and her lips apart. their heaven!"

to dream

earth,

"Great
must

he such

said,
a

"

what
as

an

imagination you

have

dream

that."

to her natural she answered, returning "Imagination," Mr. Bingham. I used to have, "I have manner. none, pret else. Can you interbut I lost it when I lost everything but Of course you cannot; itis nothing my dream ?
"

nonsense
"

"

such

stuff

as

dreams I

are

made

of,that is all."
it is beautiful
more

It may

be nonsense,

but daresayit is,

"

nonsense," he answered.
such stuff to

I wish

ladies had

of

givethe
learned I do

world."
may

"Ah, well, dreams

nonsense an

be wiser than
know. I

wakings,and
But there's
to

than of it.

for all we talk, know

end
am

not

why

repeated it
so

you.

I
me

sorry I did repeat

out

but it,

it seemed
comes

real it shook

of

myself.

This

is what

of

breakingin

W//A

BE

TRICE

DREAMED.

71

upon

the routine finds queer I

of life

by being three

parts drowned.

One

By theway
that you

thingsat the bottom of the sea, you know. hope that youare recovering. I do not think
care

will

to

go

canoeing again with

for
a

me,

Mr.

Bingham."
There
was an

opening
it would

compliment here,
too

but
if

Geoffrey felt

that

be

much

in

earnest

spoken,so
"

he resisted the

temptation.
a man

What, Miss Granger,"he said,"should

but last

say to

lady who
"

nightsaved
own

his
?
"

indeed at the risk, life,

almost It

at the
was

cost, of her

I clung to she answered,colouring ; nothing," more all, by instinct than from any motive. you, that was idea that you might float and I think I had a vague

"

support me."
"

Miss

Granger, the occasion

how you

is too

serious for
not

polite
how

fibs.
to

I know

saved my

life. I do

know

thank
"

you for it." don't thank Then you thank

me

me

at

should
to do.

all,Mr. Bingham. Why bound only did what I was

desert
a

I would

far rather

die than
all must You know

companion
be
that

in

of distress,
to
save

any

sort;

we

dreadful

die ashamed.
a

die,but it would what they say,

if you

person

from

afterwards. That injury parts the saying is the it does not make me so to do you an ever injury, likely were less, sense: you unhappy. It was an awful experience know how strange it felt lying so upon the you cannot rush upon those great white waves rock,and seeing slippery us through the gloom, with nothingbut the night above, and

drowning you will do them an is how they put it here ; in some other way about, but I am not

around, and death between the two. been lonelyfor many years, but I do not think that
the
sea

I have I
ever

quite understood
You

what

loneliness

meant really
an

before.
"

see," she added

you
were

by

way

of

afterthought,
much

thought that
in
a
"

dead, and
one

there is not

pany com-

corpse." Well," he said,"

we

thing is,it would

have

been

lonelier if

had

gone."

72
"

BEA

TRICE. she
at him answered, looking

Do

you

think
"

so

"

inquiringly.I
If you you be

don't

quitesee
we

how been

you

make

that

out.

believe in what it was

have
found

taught,as
you do
not

I think

do, wherever

you and

there yourself
me,

would believe

plentyof

company,

like if,

and sleep why, then, you would have slept, anything, asks for nothing." Did you believe in nothingwhen lay upon the you rock waiting to be drowned, Miss Granger ? "Nothing!" she answered; "only weak people find in
"
"

revelation
comes

in

the

extremities
must

of

fear.

If revelation heart

at

it all, surely
senses.

be

born

in the

and

not

in the

I believed in the

and nothing,
death.

I dreaded

nothing, except
be afraid ?

of agony Supposing that I

am

Why should I mistaken,and there

believe ?
I have

is somethingbeyond, is it my
What
never

fault that I cannot be

have harmed

I done

that

I should that I I know

afraid ?

anybody
I
"

of, and

if I could
went on,

believe I would.

wish

had
over

died,"she
now.

passionately ;
the little worries

it would
of work
wear

all be and
one

am

tired of
all the

world, tired

and helplessness,
out.

which

am

not

wanted

here, I have
died !
"
"

nothing to
you

live

and for,

I wish

that I had

Some
are
"

day
many
at the

will think
a

Miss Granger. differently.

woman

There

thingsthat
"

like

can yourself

live for She what

there is your work." least,

laughed drearily.
it is like you
would up
stone

My

work

! If you
me

not

talk to and hill, you have ?

only knew about it. Every

day
to

I roll my

the
But

every
never

nightit seems
taught in a all day,and
tablecloths,
sermons. sermons

roll down

again.

How school. can village you know in the evening perhaps I have to
or"

I work the

mend

what

do you

think ?

"

write my
he is

father's

It ?

sounds But

does it not, curious,

I wrote the
one

that I should

write

I do.

going to preach next

to

Sunday. It makes is so long as he

say

very little difference read can it, and, of

can

him

what I
never

it

course,

anythingwhich

offend

anybody, and

I do

not

WHA

BEA

TRICE

DREAMED.

73

think
church
"

that in

they listen much. Bryngelly,"

ever

Very
to

few

people
?

go

to

Don't

you

get any
I almost

time

then yourself,
then I go
out

"

"

Oh, yes, sometimes

or

do, and

in my

canoe,

read,and

am

itisvery wrong
I have and I
more

and

Mr. Binghappy. After all, ham, of me to speak like this. ungrateful than

advantages
to make

nine-tenths
them.

of

the

world,
know I any

ought
saw

the best of I

I don't

why
never

I have

been

as speaking

have, and

to you, whom
to

till yesterday. I
assure came

never

did it before

I living soul, the rod. Mr.

man

you. here

It is

just like the story of

with
"

who

last year

the

divining

is a cottage down on the cliff it belongsto Davies,who lives in the Castle. Well, they have no
There
near,

water drinking

and Mr.

the

new

tenant

made

great

fuss about and

to
some

it.

So
no

Davies

dug
water.

and

spent

end

and they dug hired men, of money, but could not come

At

last the

tenant

fetched

an

old

man

from find with

who a long way parish off,

said that
a

he could
man

water
a

with

rod. divining
he
came

He

was

curious old

and crutch,

with his

rod,and hobbled about till

the tenant's back door
"

at last the

rod twitched

justat
struck

at

least the diviner said it did. and

At any rate,
a

they dug there,

which
and

in

ten

minutes
so

spring of water,

bubbled
flooded
water
was

up

that it rushed strongly

into the house

it.

And

what
You and

do
are

brackish.

think ? After you the man with the

have

all,the

divining
a

rod, Mr.
deal too You
must

Bingham,
think
and I
me

you

made
see

me

talk

great

much, and, after all, you

a

it is not

nice talk.

very
I do

and disagreeable
But

wicked

woman,
to open

daresay I

am.

somehow

young it is a relief you

one's mind.
"

hope, Mr.
will
not
"

Bingham, that
misunderstand
there mutual

will see
"

in

short, that you

me."
us

Miss

he answered, Granger,"

is between

that which confidence

for you,
"

will

always entitle
not

us

to

respect and
it not

the link of life and

death.

Had

been

I should may
to

to-day. You prompted you

sit here to listen to your confidence natural impulse tell me that a mere you

do what

did.

I know

better.

It

74
was

BE

TRICE.

your

will that

triumphedover
If
ever a

your I
man

natural

impulse
more

towards

self-preservation. Well,
it, except this :

about
woman

will say no bound was

am

to

by
You

ties of
need

gratitudeand respect, I
fear that I shall take Here

bound

to

you.
or

not

advantage
he
rose

of

misinterpret your
before

confidence."
dark handsome

and
in
as an

stood

her, his
"

face look

bowed
it

proud humility.
honour
reverence

Miss

Granger, I
one

upon

done

to

me

by
women.

whom The

henceforth

I must

among the

all

life you

gave

back

to

me,
to

and

which intelligence
I shall not
to

directs

is in duty bound it,

that and

you, and She

listened

forgetthe debt." his words, spoken in

deep

familiar to so voice,which in after years became listened with a Her Majesty'sjudges and to Parliament this She was in her heart. of pleasurerising new sense man's equal ; what he could dare, she could dare ; where if need be, he could cHmb, she could follow ay, and show the path,and she felt that he acknowledged it. In
earnest
" "

his

she sight

was

something more
deferred
on

than

handsome

to girl

be admired had
women

and

to

for her
"

beauty'ssake.

He few
was

placed her
would
to him.
ever

another

level
to

one,

perhaps,that
But

have

wished
It
was

occupy.

Beatrice

thankful

the first taste of supremacy of such

that

she had
It is
as
"

known.

somethingto
a

stirthe

proud heart
when

woman

in Beatrice,

that moment conqueror,

for the

first time

she

feels herself

advantageof
coarser

her sex,
rather

gar not through the vulvictorious, of man's not by the submission

sense, but

weightof by the overbalancing

"

mind.
"

Do
me

you

know," she said, suddenly looking up,

you
to

make him.
He

very

proud,"and

she stretched out

her hand

took
was

it, and, bending,touched

no

it with

his

lips.

There
and had

the action, of misinterpreting possibiUty

though she
even

coloured

kissed the
it. It
was

tipof
an

act

for,tillthen, no man her finger she did not interpret misof homage, and that was all.
" "

little

WHAT And

BEATRICE

DREAMED. of their

75

so

theysealed
and
a a

the compact silence.

ship friendperfect
who Geoffrey

for Then

ever came

day.
It
was

moment's

broke it. '.'Miss Granger,"he

you
"

said,"will
one

you allow
"

me

to

preach

a lecture,

very

short

Go

on," she said.

well.
set
me

"Very
and do tellyou

Do

not

blame
as a

me

if you
in your

don't like
am own

it,

not

down
as

prig, though I
them the
to

going to
words.

your

faults and

I read

You which have

"

are

proud
are

ambitious,and
to

you

forced

live
not set

seem

cramped lines in You strangle you.

and have suffered,

learned the lesson of

suffering

humility. You
Fate sweeps you

yourself up againstFate, and along like spray upon the gale, yet you go
have

unwilling.In your
for and refuge, you has induced
to

impatience you

have flown

to

learning

it has

completed your overthrow,for it not as non-existent all that you canreject

your has

understand. because infinity, because

you
see

Because
no answer

finite mind
come

cannot

search
prayers,

to

all your

misery and
have

cannot not

read its purpose,

cause besaid

you

suffer and

found and

rest,you
an

have

there
many
"

is

naught
done

but

chance,

become
true

as atheist,

have
Go

before you.

Is it not

"

answered, bowing her head to her hair almost hid her face. breast so that the long rippling It seems a little odd," Geoffreysaid with a short laugh, "that heaped upon me, I, with all my imperfections
on," she
"

should

presume
near or

to

preach
how

to
am

you

"

but

you

will know So and I

best how
want
seen

far I

from

the

truth.

to
a

I have lived for say this. good deal and tried to learn

thirty-five years,
from of
our

and it,
own us

I know
act
our

this. away

In the

the

long

run,

unless

we

put

the opportunity,

world

gives

due,

which

So much generallyis not much. in time you temporal. If you are fit to rule, you do

for will

things
rule; if
own

not, then be
as

content

And incapacity. this

"

for

acknowledge your I am sure thingsspiritual,

does
not

and

of

though

of

course

one

like

to

talk much

76
of these matters
"

BE

A TRICE.

long enough in some shapeyou will find them, though the shape may not be that which is generally recognised by any particular

if you

only seek

for them

religion. But
and the

to

build

wall then

unseen,

and

between self onedeUberately complain that the way is

?
"

barred, is simply childish."

"

And Most

what of
us

if one's wall is have

Mr. Bingham built,

"

done

somethingin
a

that line at different way

he answered, " and found times,"

round

it."

"And

if it stretches
the

from

horizon
then ?
"

to

horizon, and
it." those head
For

is

higherthan
"

clouds,what
find any
can

Then And

you where
"

must

wings and flyover

find sank

"

wings? deeper on her

remembered
groves

earthlywoman she asked, and then

breast to
cover

ual spiritstill she

her

her confusion.

that she had heard of wanderers

in the

dusky

Maenad wanderers, passion, yes, even face to face with their own who had suddenlycome soul ; love may yet lead the and that the cruel pathsof earthly feet which tread them to the ivory gates of heaven. And remembering these beautiful myths, though she had no experience of love, and knew little of its ways, Beatrice grew suddenly silent. Nor did Geoffreygiveher have feared to do so. an answer, though he need scarcely For were discussinga purely abstract they not question?

of human

CHAPTER
HONORIA

X.

LADY

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS.

In
was

another

moment

somebody
had returned

entered

the

room

it

Elizabeth.
"

She

from

her tithe collecting of the

expedition with
room was

the tithe. The

door

sittingtowards rather in the

and stillajar,

Geoffrey had

his back Elizabeth's stood

it.

So it happened that

nobody heard

she seconds cat-like step, and for some She stood without beingperceived. room

ing takstill, quite noticed

that

in the

whole

scene

at

glance.

She

LADY

HONOR

JA

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS.
so

77

her sister held her head

down,
she

that her hair shadowed

so

her, and
Or
was

guessed
it to show

that

did

for

some

reason

"

probablybecause
the half

she

did

not

wish her

face to be

seen.

off her

lovelyhair?
and

She

noticed also
pression exsee over

shy, half amused,

upon

interested altogether
"

that in the

she could countenance Geoffrey's little which hung looking-glass gilt-edged

the

nor fire-place,

did

she

overlook them

the

general air
had have

of

embarrassment
When

that

pervaded
the

both. Elizabeth been

she

entered

room,

of thinking had

Owen
she

Davies, and
never seen

of what

might

pened hapback

the had

tide of dreamed

life flow
of it all

into her sister'sveins. and had

She

night
of

thought of
back Welsh

it all

day ;

even a

in the excitement

the extracting

tithe from

recalcitrant and

rather the The

coarse-minded

it had subjectof tithe,

farmer her
"

farmer, with strong views on been entirely not forgotten.

Davies. and
when
went

was

tenant

of Owen

he called
on,

parson

in

and petticoats,
to

wus,"
of

and

in

delicate reference liken her

to a

her

powers

cash, to extracting

she "two-legged corkscrew only screwier," that if evtr"pace perhaps not unnaturally reflected, certain thingsshould Beatrice come about, she would that farmer. For Elizabeth had a very long remember
"

memory,

as

some

sooner generally,

people had learnt to their cost, and she paid her debts in full, not or later,
interest.
in the
room unseen

the forgetting
And these with had
now,
as

overdue
she

stood

and

noted

matters,
this many

something occurred to her in dominating idea,which, like ideas

side issues.
shone for
on a a

connection in

At
moment

any

rate

look

of

general, telligence quick inlike

a

in her

lighteyes,
mist

sicklysunbeam
moved

faint December
she
was

; then

she

forward,and
are

when

close behind

Geoffrey,

spoke suddenly.
"

What

you

both
"

about thinking
seem

"

she said in her exhausted your

clear thin voice ;

you

to

have

conversation."
made Geoffrey
an

exclamation

and

jumped fairly

from

78
"his
hurt
a feat which chair,

BEATRICE. in his

bruised
too

condition really
started

him

very

much.

Beatrice

violently ;

she recovered
"

herself almost

quietly you move, than Not more quietly been wondering when anybody
How
"

however. instantly, she said. Elizabeth," sit,Beatrice. I have you

was

going to

say anything, sister been wish

or

if you

For

her

asleep." part Beatrice speculated how

were room.

both

long her
had

had

been

in the

Their

conversation
one

innocent Elizabeth had

a

enough, but
to

it was

not

that she would somehow

have of

overhead.

And

Elizabeth

knack

"You
rescue,
"

overhearingthings. see, Miss Granger,"said Geoffreycoming to the both our brains are stillrather waterlogged, and
not

that does
"

tend

to a

flow of

ideas."
"

Quite so,"said

Elizabeth.

My

dear Beatrice, why

don't you tie up your hair ? You look like a crazy Not but what she added you have very nice hair,"
"

Jane.
cally. criti"

Do

you admire I

good hair,Mr. Bingham

answered but gallantly,
"

"

Of

course

do,"he

it is not

common."

Only
almost

Beatrice

bit her

lip with

vexation. said ;
I
"

"

had

hair,"she my in such a state. for appearing apologise

done
was
"

forgottenabout
after dinner

I must have

would

it up

only I
went to

was

for Betty, I waiting I think you there

and stiff, sleep."

too

while I

is a bit of ribbon

in that

drawer.

saw

the precise put it there yesterday,"answered If you like, Elizabeth. and Mr. "Yes, here it is. I can tie it back for you," and it, Bingham will excuse for an answer without waiting she passed behind Beatrice, and gathering of her sister's locks, masses up the dense

tied them

round

in such

fashion that

they could

not

fall

forward,though they stillrolled down her back. back from his visit to Just then Mr. Granger came the farm. in high good humour. The pig had He was and increased in a even surpassed her former efforts,

surprising manner,
Elizabeth thereon

to

the

number
two

of

fifteen

indeed.

produced the

pounds odd shillings

LADY

HONORIA she had

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS.
out

79

which

"corkscrewed" and
the

of

the
to Mr.

recalcitrant

farmer, dissenting
satisfaction.
"

sightadded

Grangers
"

Would

you

believe

it,Mr.

Bingham,"he said,
There

in

miserablypaid parish I have nearly a pounds owing to me, a hundred pounds in tithe.
this
old
"

hundred is

Jones who lives out towards the Bell Rock, he three years'tithe thirty-four pounds eleven and
pence. He
can

owes

foura

pay

and

he

won't

pay

"

says
"

he's

Baptistand
for the matter
a

is not of

dues going to pay parson's though that he is nothing but an old beer tub of

heathen."
"

Why don't Granger ? Proceed, I

"

you

proceed^ against him, then,

Mr.

"

have

proceeded.
in
a

I've got

judgment,and
I won't

mean

to

issue execution
went on,

few

days.

stand

it any

he longer,"
as

his head his eyes. You

a are a
"

he

spoke
you

ing up and shaktillhis thin white hair fellabout

and the others too. there's

workinghimself

I will have

the law of him

can

lawyerand
which

help me.
to this
"

I tell you
no man

abroad spirit his lawful

pay the

justcomes debts, except

must

isn't to
and But

of
or

course

the the

parson
court.

squire. They
is law
on us

pay

go

to

there

left,and
here."

I'll have And he

it,before they playthe

Irish game with

a

brought down
So He
as was

his fist

bang

upon

the table. with

sore some

Geoffrey listened
the weak
very old man's

amusement.
"

this

was

point
"

money.

clearly
Honoria

strong about

that

as

strong

Lady

indeed, but with

with evident
"

more

excuse.

Elizabeth

also listened

Don't

but Beatrice looked pained. approval, she said ; "perhaps he will get angry, father,"
It is bad
"

pay any
"

after all. other way

to take the law

so

if you

can

manage

it breeds

much

illblood,"

said her sistersharply," Father Nonsense, Beatrice," is quiteright. There's only one way to deal with them,
and that is to

seize their

goods,
you
are

I believe you

are

socialist about else.

You
want

property,
to

as

about

everything
from the

pull everythingdown,

8o

BE

A TRICE.

Queen
ruin.

to

the

laws

of

all marriage, that your

for

the

good
You

of

humanity,and
Defy

I tell you and

ideas will be
you.
one

your
are

custom

it will crush
brick

runningyour
will find which Beatrice which
was

head

a against

and wall,

day

you

is the harder."

her sister's attack, flushed, but answered all the sharper because it had a certain spice

of truth in it.
*'

never see

expressedany
why
you should

such

views, Elizabeth, so
to me.

do

not

attribute them bad

I
a

only

said that legal proceedingsbreed and

"

blood

in

parish,

that is true." I

did

not

say
;

you
"

Elizabeth vigorous
your you words
are a

like water radical and and

expressedthem," went on the of out they ooze you look them from a peat bog. Everybody knows and else a freethinker everything
"

that is bad

mad, and

contrary

to

that state The end

of life in of it will
"

which

it has

pleasedGod

to call you.

be that you will lose the think it is very hard on

on bringdisgrace us

of mistresship father and

me

the school that you

and should

with your
can

strange ways and immoral

what you

views,and
"

now

you

make
were

like of it."

I wish that all radicals

was

Geoffrey, who
with
a

said Beatrice," feelingexceedinglyuncomfortable,

like Miss

seemed
rage,
a

feeble attempt at polite jocosity.But nobody who was in a to hear him. now Elizabeth, fairly

her pale cheeks, her light faint flush upon eyes thin stood fronting all ashine, and her clasped, fingers her But beautiful it was

that it Was
her

breathing spiteat every pore. watchingher to see easy for Geoffreywho was views she was attacking not her sister's ; it was
It
was

and sister,

sister.

that
was

soft the

strong loveliness and

the

gloryof
from

that face ; it

deep gentle mind, erring

intellect which lit its very greatness,and the bright and the power that, itlike a lamp ; it was the learning give
them would play,
set
a

world

as as aflame, easily they did

the heart of the slow-witted hermit

whom squire, Elizabeth

Elizabeth

coveted

"

these

were

the

that things

hated,and

assailed. bitterly

LADY

HON

OR

JA

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS.

8l

Accustomed then

to

observe, saw Geoffrey

this instantly, and

was glanced at the father. The old man frightened ; he of and dreaded Elizabeth, clearly was afraid a scene. stood fidgeting He his feet about, and trying to find something to say, as he glanced apprehensively at his eldest daughter, through his thin hanginghair. who indeed Lastly, was Geoffreylooked at Beatrice, well worth looking Her face was at. quitepale and the

clear grey eyes shone

out

beneath
her
to

their dark full

lashes.

She her ing lookone

risen, drawing herself to seemed proportions exquisite

at her

had

which height,
was

and increase,

sister.

she Presently

said

one

word

and

only,but it was
''Elizabeth:' Her and
manner

enough.
to speak again, but hesitated, lips
was

sisteropened her mind.

that checked

changed her

There her.

something in Beatrice's
should
not

"Well," she
me

said at

length,"you

irritate

so, Beatrice.' Beatrice made

no

and with a Geoffrey, Mr. Bingham, I

"

reply. She only turned little bow, said : graceful

am sure

towards

that you

will

sleptbadlylast has not improved our tempers." There was a pause, of which Mr. Granger took a hurried and rather undignified advantage. " what was By the way, Beatrice, Um, ah," he said. I have you written, it I wanted to say ? Ah, I know written out, that sermon for next mean Sunday? My he added, addressing Geoffreyin explanation daughter,"
scene.

The

fact

we is,

all

this forgive and it night,

"

"

"
"

um,

copiesmy
."

sermons

for

me.

She

writes

very

good

hand

Remembering

Beatrice's confidence

as

to

her

sermon

at her manufacturing functions, Geoffrey felt amused father's naive way of describing them, and Beatrice also smiled faintly that the sermon she answered was as ready. heard without,and the Just then the roll of wheels was that Bryngcllycould boait pulled up in front of only fly

the door.
o.

82
"

BEATRICE. Here
"

is the

come fly as

Granger
see

"and

for you Mr. Bingham," said Mr. her ladyship I live, with it. Elizabeth,
some

if there

isn't

tea

ready," and

the

old

gentleman, who
middle-class
"her

had

all the traditional love of the

a

lower

Englishman for ladyship."

a

trotted title,

off to welcome

PresentlyLady Honoria
rather
set

entered
her

smile

upon

the room, a sweet, if and with a handsome face,

her

gracefulmien,
well. the For
to most

that

became

do

Lady Honoria
in the

exceedingly figure she was of one justice,

country, and
very
so

tall

women ladylike

far

as

her

personalappearance
she
at

went,

perfecttype

of the

class to which

belonged.
to himself her,saying

Geoffreylooked
recovered clearly for it. the
more

that she had

was

her
not

temper, and
a

that he

thankful that
more

This

was

wonderful,for it is observable

aristocratic

lady'smanners
"

are,

the

she disagreeable
"

is apt to be when

she is crossed. you that

on see

Well,Geoffreydear,"she said,
you. I
was

I have

come

to

fetch

determined
a

you your

should

not

get yourselfdrowned
How
are

second

time
not

you

now

"

but I need

way home. ask,you look quite

well
"

again."

It is very kind of you, Honoria," said her husband but it was doubtful if she heard him, for at the simply,
moment

she

was one

engaged
young

in

searching out

the soul of

with Beatrice,

of the most

glancesthat
honour
of

There receiving.
too

look,it was

but quick,
her

and comprepenetrating hensive lady had ever enjoyed the was nothingrude about the Beatrice felt that quick as it

might be

she wrong. Nor was altogether. is no doubt "There about it," Lady Honoria thought to herself, she is lovely lovelyeverywhere. It was clever of her to leave her hair down the shape ; it shows
"
"

itembraced

of her head That could

so

well,and

she is tall enough

too.

to

stand
women

it.

blue
show

wrapper such
a

suits her
as figure

Very
like
a

few

hers

"

Greek
of
us

statue.

I don't like her ; she

is different from and

most
women

just

the sort of

men girl

go wild about

hate."

LAD

HONORIA

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS. in
met
a

83
For
a

All this
moment

passed through her mind Lady Honoria's blue eyes

she knew that

flash.

ones,

and
she

Beatrice
Those

Beatrice's grey liked her no better

were a

than honest

did

Beatrice.
the

eyes

trifle too

and, like
throw

deep

clear water

apt
"

to

up shadows False and cold and how

a man

of the

they resembled, thoughts above. passing

"

heartless," thoughtBeatrice.
her ; and

wonder much Thus

like that could marry took each

how

he loves her," the two

women

other's

measure

at

the other wantingby her standard. glance,each finding formed Nor did they ever judgment. change that hastily It
moment
was

all done

in

few
we

seconds
summon

"

in that
answer

hesitating
on our

before next,

the words

lips. The
her
"

Lady Honoria was with outstretched hand, and her " I owe Miss Granger,"she said,
repay how
" "

sweepingtowards
most

smile. gracious
a

you

debt

never

can

my you

dear

husband's

life. I have

heard

all

about

thing
you
"

Grace do

him ; it is the most Darlingborn again. I can't saved

were

wonderful

think
and

how

could Please
so

it. I wish I

half

as

brave

strong."
"

don't.Lady
my

Honoria," said Beatrice.

for

am

tired of it was

being thanked

what

go while I had have felt like a

more
"

duty to do. If the strengthto hold murderess to-day.

not

doing nothing, except I had let Mr. Bingham

on

to

him

I should
to

beg you

say

no

about One

it." often find such

does

modesty united

to

so

so much and, if you willallow me to say it, " answered Lady Honoria graciously. Well, I beauty," will do as you wish,but I warn you your fame will find

much

courage,

you

out.

I hear

they have
hear

an

account

of the whole

venture ad"

in
"

' to-day's papers, headed, A Welsh

Heroine.'
asked

How

did

you

that, Honoria
from

"

her

husband.
"

Oh,

had

telegram

and Garsington,
these

he

mentions
"

she answered it," carelessly. Telegram from Garsington! Hence

"

smiles,"

thoughthe.

I suppose

that she is goingto-morrow."

6"2

84
"

BE

A TRICE.

I have
on

some

other
Honoria.

news
"

for you,
Your
canoe

Miss

Granger,"
washed

went

Lady

has been
"

ashore, very littleinjured. The

I think
"

old boatman

Edward,
gun
or

it ; and your has found they call him the seat too, Geoffrey. It had stuck under But I fancy that you both must enough canoeing for the present." I don't know, Lady Honoria," answered
" "

in it
where. some-

have

had

Beatrice.

One

does

not

often get such

very

weather

as

last

night's,
has

and

canoeing is

salt, you know upset."

At that

; or,

pleasant. Every in other words, one Betty,the awkward

sweet

its

may

always be

moment,

Welsh

serving

with a fore-arm about as shapelyas the hind leg of lass, and most an a elephant, unpleasinghabit of snorting audiblyas she moved, shuffled in with the tea-tray. In her wake the slim whom came to Lady Elizabeth,

Honoria
After

was

introduced.

conversation for a while,till Lady this, flagged that things Honoria, feeling set were a little dull, getting the ball
"

rolling again.
a

What

pretty view you have

voice.
I
am
"

of the

sea

from

these

windows," she said

modulated
you

in her well-trained and I

am so

glad

to

monotonously have seen for, it,

know, My
answer

going away
up

to-morrow."

Beatrice looked
"

quickly.
"

husband
to
an

in

the part of the

going,"she went on, as though unspoken question. I am playing undutiful wife and running away from
not

is

him,

for

exactlythree
I have
an

weeks.

It is very that

wicked
I must

of me,

isn't it? but It is most

engagement
tea, smiled
does

keep.
the

tiresome."

Geoffrey, sippinghis
shelter of his cup. thoughtto himself.
"Does asked your
"

grimly behind

She

it uncommonly

he well,"

little girl go
I think not.

with you.

Lady

Honoria?"

Elizabeth.
no,

"Well,
"

I can't bear
one

with parting

her

you

know

how

hard it is when

has

only one

child.

LAD

HONORIA

MAKES

ARRANGEMENTS.
so

85

But

I think she would

are no

be
other the

bored

where

am

stay,for there
she

adores positively

children there ; and So I shall have sea.

going to besides,
to

leave

her to her father's tender "I

mercies,poor dear." I am said Geoffrey hope Effie will survive it, sure,"
that your the

laughing.
"

I suppose

husband

is

going
you rather

to

stay on

at

Mrs.

said Jones's,"

clergyman.
What
are are

I don't "Really,

know.

Geoffrey? people in
sure

Mrs.
our

Jones'srooms

impoverishedcondition.
look after Effie.
own, ; she

going to do, for expensive I am Besides,

has And I must you

that she cannot of her

me

she Just think, dear.

children eight take Anne

poor

old

with

is Effie's French

nurse,

I am know, a perfect treasure. going to stay in a big house, and my experience of those big houses is,that
one never

gets waited
is

on

at all unless

one

takes

maid.

You

see, what

business everybody's
how you
a

is

ness. nobody's busion

I'm the
"

sure

I don't know

will get

with

child, Geoffrey; she

takes such

lot of

after." looking

Oh, don't trouble about that, Honoria," he answered,

"I

daresaythat
Here
one

Efifie and those

I will manage

somehow."
of

of the

gleams peculiar
of
a new

intelligence

which

marked

advent

idea

Elizabeth's face.

She

was

next sitting

passed across her father, and

it and
made
a

bending,whisperedto
motion
so as

him.

Beatrice

saw

"

but before she though to interpose, Mr. Granger spoke. Look here, Mr. Bingham," he said, if you
"

could

do

want

to

move,

would

you

like

room

here ?

Terms up for

moderate, but
you take
to

can't

afford

to

put you

strictly nothing,
have
to

know,
us as

and

rough living
us

and

ready.
a

You'd

you find where

; but there is

next dressing-room

my

room,

your look

littlegirl could

daughterswould

after her

between

and sleep, them, and

my

be

glad of the job." Again Beatrice opened

but closed
them

without
we

lipsas though to speak, speaking. Thus do our opportunities

her

pass before

realise that

they are

at

hand.

86

BE

A TRICE.

Instinctively Geoffrey liad glanced towards if this idea was He did not know to agreeable
knew
extra

Beatrice.
her.
to

He

that her work

trouble upon
But

hard,and he did not her, for he guessed that

was

wish the

put

burden

of

after looking

Effie would

her face told

fallupon her shoulders. ultimately him nothing: it was quite passive

and
"

indifferent. apparently
You
are

he said, kind, Mr. Granger," hesitating. " from Bryngelly I don't want to go away justat present, and it would be a good plan in some ways, that is if the trouble to your daughters would not be too much." I am that it is an excellent plan," broke in sure Lady Honoria, who feared lest difficultiesshould arise very
"

as

to

her

of appropriation
to

Anne's

services ;
There

"

how
no

lucky
trouble
I

that I about know

"

happened
our

mention
the
rooms

it.

will be

giving up

at Mrs.

because Jones's,

for them." application said Geoffrey, to raise objecnot Very well," liking tions thus scheme to a advocated, although he publicly

she has another

would

have
warned

preferredto
him
that for him. if she

take

time

to

consider.

thing Someprove

BryngellyVicaragewould
Then

fateful abode Honoria and

Elizabeth
like to
see

rose

and
rooms

asked
her

Lady
She

would

the

husband

Efifiewould be

occupy.

said she should

and delighted
the
rear. a

went

followed off,

by
"

Mr,

in Granger fussing
you

Don't

Mr.
"

Bingham
On
the dull ?

think that you will be ? " said Beatrice.

Httle dull

here,

contrary," he
I
cannot

answered.
so

"

Why

should be

I be

be

dull

as

I should

by
a as

myself."
and then spoke again. hesitated, curious family, Mr. Bingham ; you may have much
"

Beatrice

"

We
seen

are

this afternoon. If you

mean

Had you

you do

not not

better think it over

want next
me

"

that

to

come,

won't,"he
he had
"

said rather
a

and bluntly,

second

felt that

made
"

mistake.

I !

Beatrice answered, in the

matter.

opening her

"

no

wishes

The

eyes. fact is that we

I have poor,

are

BEA and let

TRICE

MAKES

AN

APPOINTMENT.

87

lodgings
"

that is what
are

they will suit you, you Geoffrey coloured.

to

If you think to take them." quite right

to.
was
a

it comes

He

man

who

could
a

not

bear

lay himself
he had relented.

open

to

the smallest
on

rebuff from

woman,
saw

and

brought this
Mr.

himself.

Beatrice

it

and
"

Of

course,

Bingham,
do I whom

so

far

as

am

concerned,
not meet
so

I shall be the many whom

"

gainerif you

come.

I do

people with
I
can

care

to
to
me

and associate,
a

from

learn,that I wish
misunderstood
that

throw
a

chance

away."
;
"

I think you
meant

he said little,"
not

only
She

bothered

perhaps you would Miss Granger." with Efifie,

"

wish

to

be

laughed. Why,
me

I love children. after her

so

It will be
as

great

pleasureto Just then

came
"

to

look

far

I have

time."

the others end.

returned,and

their conversation

to

an

It's

ioned Geoffrey"such funny old-fashquitedelightful, I really one thing rooms. envy you." (Ifthere was that

in the world

Lady Honoria
"

hated, it
now we

was

an

old-

fashioned Oh
! you

room.)
poor

Well, and

must

be

going.

about. Mr. made

forgotthat you were so knocked Mr. Granger will giveyou his arm." I am sure forward, and Geoffrey having Granger ambled ger's his adieus,and borrowed a clerical hat (Mr. Grancreature, I
to

concession dressed
the like
an

custom,

for in most

other

respects he

farmer),was ordinary

safely conveyed to
at

fly.
so

And

ended

Geoffrey's first day

Bryngelly

Vicarage.
CHAPTER
BEATRICE MAKES
AN

XL
APPOINTMENT.

Lady

Honoria

leaned back

in the

cab,and sigheda sigh

"

of satisfaction.
"

That

is a

she idea," capital you could

said.
make three

was

wondering
next

what weeks.

arrangements

for the

three

It is ridiculous to pay

guineasa

week

for

88

BEATRICE.

rooms

justfor
I

you

and

wants
"

that for board and

gentleman only for I asked him." lodgingtogether,

"

Effie.

The

old

itwill do," said Geoffrey. daresay

"

When

are

we

to shift ?
"

To-morrow, in time for dinner.or rather supper

eat

these

barbarians

supper,
so as

you
to

know. reach

train,you I daresay
dull. The

see,

you old
as

will find it rather

by the morning Garsingtonby tea-time. but you like being dull,

I go

bore, and
awful
"

clergyman is a low stamp of man, and a for the eldest daughter, she's too Elizabeth,
me

she reminds

of

rat.

But

Beatrice

is handsome

have

You'll enough, though I think her horrid too. with her,and I daresayyou will to console yourself

suit each
"

other."
do you

horrid,Honoria ? " Oh, I don't know ; she is clever and odd, and I hate odd women. Why can't they be like other people ? Think of her being strong enough to save your life like Why
that too. She
must

think her

"

have

the muscle

of

an

Amazon

"

it's

downrightunwomanly. But there is no doubt about her I ever beauty. She is as nearly perfectas any girl saw, had a though too independentlooking. If only one how one like that, daughter might marry her. I would not look at anythingunder She is twenty thousand a year. too good for that lumberingWelsh she's engaged squire the man to who lives in the Castle though they say that he is fairly rich." Engaged," said Geoffrey, how do you know that
" "

*'

"

she is
"

she
not

engaged ? but I suppose she is. If Oh, I don't know it at all, she soon in that position will be, for a girl is isn't,
to likely
over was ears

"

throw

such

chance her.

away. I
saw

At any rate,he's

head He

in love with

that last

night.
the she

hanging about
a or

for hours
a

in the

rain,outside
whether
to

door, with
was

face like and alive, Mr.

ghost,tillhe
he has been

knew

dead

there

twice

inquire

this

But she is too good Granger told me. for him from a business point of view. She mightmarry anybody, if only she were put in the way of it."

morning.

BEATRICE

MAKES

AN

APPOINTMENT.

89

Somehow,
declined
course

it

was

interest in Beatrice sensibly Geoffrey's lively the receipt of this intelligence. on Of nothingto him ; indeed he was gladto hear
of such
a

that she

was

in the way

comfortable

but it is
as

a unfortunately

fact that and

much

interested in

a
"

young

settlement, be quite cannot one lovely lady who is the

as squire,"

Welsh potential lumbering property of a who belongs to herself. one The old Adam still survives may

in

in most this is
one

men,

however

rightof

thinking they
self-assertion.
"

be, and
I
am

of its methods

Well," he said,"
way
; she

glad
it.

to

hear

she

is in such

good
"

deserves

I think the

Welsh

squire

in luck ; Miss
Too
"

woman." Granger is a remarkable remarkable said Lady Honoria by half,"

are, and

drily.
like
a

Here

we

there

is

about Effie, skipping

wild On

thing as
the

usual.

I think that child is demented."

"

following morning Honoria, accompanied by Anne,

best of tempers.
she would
means

it

was

Friday Lady
"

departed
weeks,

in the
at

very

For

the next the

three

any

rate,

be free from
"

associations of galling

ened straighther

free
had with

to

enjoythe luxuryand
accustomed, and
that longing mind. simpler if

refined comfort for which

to

which

she

been
a

soul

yearned
to
or

fierce
a

would

be incomprehensible has

folk of

Everybody
could fathom

his
Some made
some

her would

ideal Heaven,
choose
a

only

one

it.

sublimated

intellectual

leisure,

happy by
a

all the best literature of all the

state

planets;

model

which

their (through
could

in (with themselves as presidents), beneficent the latest radical efforts)

notions

the
on,

be persuaded to work to everyactually body's satisfaction ; others a happy hunting ground, where enjoyed the fun as much as they did ; and so game

ad

infinitutn.
Honoria
was even more

Lady
well

modest.
a

Give
few

her

appointedtown
plenty of
course

and

country house,
other
to

powdered
things,
Let
us

footmen,
and

and carriages, the entree

no more

needful

of including

the upper age

to

celestial ten,
age.

she would

ask

from

go

BEATRICE. that she will get it one

day. It would hurt nobody, to find plenty of people of her own and she is sure way if this world supplies of thinking that is, the raw material. Efhe with enthusiasm, and her husband She embraced

hope

"

with
her

chastened
she

warmth, and

went,

pious prayer
eyes upon

upon

that lips

might never
for

again set
us

Bryn-

gelly.
It will not

be necessary
That

to

follow

Lady Honoria
her father had

in her travels.

afternoon

Efifie and

great fun.

who was They packed up. Geoffrey, rapidly into the recoveringfrom his stiffness, pushed the things

portmanteaus and
would
not

Effie

jumped

on

them.

Those

which

loose into the fly, till that go in they bundled vehicle looked like an old clothes shop. Then, as there
was no room

left for them the

the

Vicarage by
a

inside, they beach, a distance

corner

walked

down

to

of about
to

threethe

quarters of
beautiful

mile, stoppingon
one

their way of which

admire

castle,in
moved.

Owen

Davies

lived and
"

Oh, daddy," said daddy

Haven't ?
"

the

child,
and
me

"

house

like that for you

you to live in.

I wish

would

buy
don't

Why

you,
"

got the money,

ever

dear," he answered.

"

Will you
I don't

have

the money,

"

old to "It like

know, dear, perhaps one he added to himself. enjoy it,"

would take
a

daddy day
"

"

when

am

too

great many
"

pennies to buy

house

wouldn't it, that, daddy ? said Effie sagely. " than you could count," he answered, Yes, dear,more and the conversation dropped. to a boat-shed,placed oppoPresently they came site the village and close to high-water Here mark. a it was old Edward, was engaged in mending a man, that it was the canoe. Geoffreyglanced at it and saw identical drowned.
"

canoe

out

of

which

he

had

so

nearlybeen
boat
out

Look,
I
was

Effie,"said he, upset."

Effie

"

that

is the

of

which

opened

her wide

eyes,

and

stared

at the

frailcraft.

BEATRICE
"

MAKES

AN

APPOINTMENT.
"

91
want to look

It is a horrid

boat,"she said

I don't

at

it."
"

You're

httle miss," said quite right,

"

old

Edward,
will be
gone hardy fool-

touchinghis
drowned
to the

cap. out of it

It ain't

and safe,

somebody

one

of these
; but Miss

bottom, I do
there ain't
no

days. I wish ithad she is that Beatrice,

her."

doing nothingwith

"

"

women

fancy that she has learnt a lesson,"said Geoffrey. but be," grumbled the old man, May be, may learn nothing folk are hard to teach ; they never
"

till it's too and done

late, they don't,and then when

it they're sorry, but what's another
a

the
was

been they've good o' that ?"

in progress
not

Meanwhile
more

conversation
a

than

quarter of

mile away.

On

the brow

of the

and at the back of of Bryngelly, village building, the village a school, a plainwhite-washed was roofed with stone, which, though amply sufficient and little short of of the place,was suitable to the wants in the eyes of Her abomination Majesty's school an who from time to time descended gelly Brynupon inspectors, of examination and fault-finding. for purposes They with all the red-brick edifice, yearned to see a stately cliff stood the latest

improvements, erected at the expense The but as yet they yearned in vain. and supported by voluntary contributions,
Beatrice's energy and the good teaching,
not

of the ratepayers, school thanks

was

to

dreaded

Board,
it,

with its fads and Beatrice

for
a

extravagance, had
returned
had
to

yet clutched

had

her

duties that

afternoon,
her
thusiasm en-

rest night's

brought back its vigour to

She had been

strong young

frame. the

greeted with

by

might,for
though
few

children,who loved her, as well they with them, sweet she was very gentle and dared to disobey her. Besides,her beauty

impressedthem, though they did not know it. Beauty of effect on children than on a certain sort has perhapsmore
any other heedless class, and selfish
an as

they often

seem

to

be. the

They feel its power thoughtsand dreams

; it is

outward bud
in

that

of expression their unknowing

and is somehow hearts,

mixed

up

with their ideas of God

92 and of

BEATRICE.

Heaven.

Thus clever

there and

was

ten,

very

Bryngellya littlegirl highlyexcitable child,Jane

of strict Calvinistic before the months

in

Llewellynby
views.
As

name,

born

of parents

it chanced,

some

opening
treated

of this story, a tub

thumper,of high renown

visited force,
on

and considerable

rude oratorical his hearers

to
a

the

and place,

discourse lively

the horrors wide

with

of Hell,

In the very poor

front row,

her eyes

fear,sat this
to

little child between

her parents, who

a

listened

the
sat

Minister with much

who Beatrice, had

and satisfaction,
come

little way back

out

of

curiosity.

in Presentlythe preacher, having dealt sufficiently went to practical terrifying on generalities, illustrations, of his class, he was for,after the manner an delivering

extemporary
to pointing not

oration.

"

Look

at

that

child,"he said, brethren,I

not to-night,

the little girl;"she does

not

looks

innocent, does she

dies
Hell. and with

? but if she that she

find

salvation, my
If she go for
to

tell you

is damned.

she will havingfound salvation, littlebody will be tormented Here

"

Her
ever a

cate deli"

ever

the unfortunate

child fell forward

ashamed of

shriek.

You

ought
had

to

be

sir,"said yourself,

Beatrice aloud.
to listening and now, growingindignation,

She

been

forgotthat
forward
to

she

was

in

rant with ill-judged in her excitement, entirely place of worship. Then she ran

all this

the
she

who child,
never

had

swooned. the

Poor

littleunfortunate,
When she

recovered found

shock.

came

to

it was herself, and her she

that her
a

mind finely-strung condition of becility. im-

had

givenway,
But

lapsed into

was imbecility

not

always passive.
seize upon
were

fits of passionateterror Occasionally

would

her.

She

would

cry out
to

that the fiends dash Then her

coming
found
was

to

drag
there

her down

torment, and
to

herself

the against that send poor eyes grew

wall,in fear hideous

was

behold.
to

it was
:

but

one

way

calm
come

it

to

for Beatrice,

Beatrice would
and gaze

and her

take calm

the

thin hands
upon

in hers

with

deep
child

the wasted

horror-stricken

face till the

BEATRICE

MAKES

AN

APPOINTMENT. herself to

93

sobbed againand, shivering, quiet

her breast. And them loved And It
was so was

sleep upon
over

it

was

with all the

absolute.

almost all. the

children ; her power They loved her, and

she

them
now

was schooling

almost

done

for the

day.

Beatrice's

custom

to

make up.

the children She stood and

singsome
in front of
a

simple song
them
and

before gave the

they broke
time it.
was

while

they
On

sung,

pretty

it was her do to see sight justas the first verse

room

this

noon, afterparticular

opened,
under

and
arm.

Owen

Davies

the door of the finished, entered, bearingsome

books

his
a

Beatrice

glanced round
went foot,

and
on

saw

him, then,with
the time. The

quick stamp

of her

giving
stood

children sung Beatrice,dressed in

and lustily,

in front of them

simple white, her

the

graceful form
Nearer and

swaying as
nearer

she

marked

music's

time.

Davies,tillat length he stood quite slightly close,his lips apart, his eyes fixed upon her like who the eyes of one dreams, and his slow heavy face
drew

Owen

lit with faintly The song

the

glow

of strong emotion.
at
a

ended, the children

word

from

their

mistress filed past her, headed by the their caps, then with a shout, seizing
and gone,
"

and pupilteachers,
ran

forth

this way

that, welcoming the free air.

and
not

When

tillthen, Beatrice you

turned

all they were suddenly round.

How

do

do, Mr.

Davies?"
I did
not

she said. know that you

He
seen
"

started

visibly. "

had

me," he answered. Oh, yes, I saw you,

to

Mr. do

stop the song

to thank
*'

say how

Davies,only I could not By the way, I have you do.

a

you
at

Not

after me." coming to inquire at all ; it was Miss Beatrice, not all.
for I cannot tellyou how thankful

most
am
"

dreadful accident.
I

indeed." can't,
"

It is very

good

of you

to

take

so

much

interest in

me," said Beatrice.

"

Not

at

Miss Beatrice, not all,

at all. Who"

who could

94

BE

A TRICE.

interest in help taking

books
"

you
"

I have it is in two

brought you
volumes.

some

the Life of Darwin

I think
"

that I have
"

heard

you

say that Darwin much. Have

interests you ?
you read it ?
"

Yes, thank

you

very
cut

"

No, but
know.

I have

it.

Darwin
was a

doesn't rather

interest me,
"

you

I think that he I carry the books you, but I

am

misguided person.
; I
am

May
"

home

for you ?

Thank

not to

home goingstraight
see

goingto
As
a

old Edward's
matter

shed

my

canoe."
was

of fact this was

true,but the idea

Beatrice had
were things

only

that moment

born in her mind.

she wanted
to
see

been

going

home,
the
were

as

that all

duly prepared
to reach

for

Geoffreyand

his little daughter. pass

But

Vicarageshe must few people, and

frank, she hung
over

along
did

the
not

where cUff,

thece To the

this she
lest Mr. that

wish

to

do. take

be

feared
make her

Davies

should

to opportunity

offer of
a

his hand

and

heart

which

Edward's and
It

shed

she knew
was

nightmare. Now the way to and down the cliff, laythrough the village that he would in the village. never propose
like
foolish of

very

her, no
this was
She Not

doubt, thus
one

to

seek

to

women postpone the evil day, but the strongest-minded

have hated
come

their weak

and points,
scene. scene.

of Beatrice's. She that when

the idea of this

knew

it did

there would
the
man

be

that her resolution to But

refuse and and

had

ever

faltered.

it would
ears

be

ful, pain-

in the end
that

it must she had would

reach the

of her father

Elizabeth

rejected Mr. Owen actually

her

Davies,and
had
never

then

what

life be

worth

She

it had never entered into her mind suspected, to suspect, that, though her father might be vexed the delight enough, nothingon this earth would more
of Elizabeth.

heart

panied Presently,having fetched her hat, Beatrice,accomby her admirer,bearingthe Life of Darwin under his arm, started to walk down to the beach. They went in silence, She ventured Beatrice just a little ahead. some

remark

about
was

the

weather, but Owen

wanted
to

Davies
say

made

no

reply; he

he thinking,

something,

BEATRICE

MAKES

AN how
to

APPOINTMENT,

95

but he did head

do
"

not

know

say it.

of the cliff now,

and

if he

at the They were wished to speak he must

so

quickly.
he said in Beatrice,"
a

Miss

somewhat

constrained

voice.
"

Yes, Mr.
my he
was

Davies

"

oh, look

at

that

seagull \ it nearly seagull.

"

knocked
But

hat off."
not to

be put off with the

"

Miss

he said again, are walking Beatrice," you going out next Sunday afternoon ? rain." How I tell, Mr. Davies ? It may can *' You generally But if it does not rain tell me. please I want do walk on the beach on Sunday. Miss Beatrice, I hope you will allow me, I do indeed." to speak to you.
"

"

"

This kind to a decision. suddenly she came be better to get of thing was unendurable; it would it over. Turning round so suddenlythat Owen started,
Then

she said
"

If you

in the
o'clock you
"

speak to me, Mr. Davies, I shall be Amphitheatre, oppositethe Red Rocks, at four rather that but I had much on Sunday afternoon,
to
come.

wish

did not
I shall

can

say

no

more."

come," he answered

and they went doggedly,

here the

down
*'

the steps to the boat-shed.

Oh, look, daddy,"said Effie,

was

"

comes

lady

who

and to with you and a gentleman," Beatrice's great reliefthe child ran forward and met them. drownded
"Ah !"

Honoria
very In much

to himself, that is the man thought Geoffrey said she was engaged to. Well, I don't think
"

of her taste."

another with

minute

they had arrived.

was

hands
who

and Beatrice,

introduced

Geoffrey shook to Owen Davies,

murmured

and something in reply,

the

promptly took

his

departure.
and then walked together, Beatrice holding Effie by the Vicarage,
canoe

They examined

slowly up to the hand. Oppositethe

"

reef

they halted
on
"

for
we

minute.
were

There

is the Table said

Rock

which and

thrown,

Mr.

Bingham,"

Beatrice,

here is where

they

96
carried
would threw
us

BEATRICE.

asliore.
any
one

The

sea

does

not

look

as
"
"

though it

drown
a a

stone

into it
"

does it? See! and she to-night, the ripples as evenly as run they
"

do

pond." for her idly, She spoke idly and Geoffrey answered Rather neither were were they thinkingof their words.
on

thinkingof
togetherin together in

the
an an

strange chance
hour hour what
or

that

had

brought them
now

of

and deadlyperil

left them

of peace. end

Perhaps, too, they were

come we

wondering

to

this had

about.

For,
of us,

atheists agnostics,

are believers,

not,

most

fatalistsat heart ?

CHAPTER

XII.

THE

WRITING

ON

THE

SAND.

Geoffrey
and

found
as

himself very comfortable

at

the Vicarage,

for

Beatrice
and

looked

in it. revelled Effie,she positively after her, taking her to bed at night

helpingher to dress in the morning, and Beatrice When was a Geoffrey great improvement upon Anne. that he had of this he remonstrated, saying became aware
never

expected her
it In He very
was a

to

act

as

nurse

to

the

but child,
so, which

she
was

that replied

pleasureto
ways,

her to do

the truth. desired.

not
was see

other

too, the

place was

all that he then he

did
much

not

like Elizabeth, but

did

of

her, and

the old farmer

clergyman Jones, on
more was versations con-

amusing
he
was

in his way,
the

with his endless

talk of tithes

and whom

crops, and

of iniquities

the rebellious

For

the

going to distrain. first day or two Geoffrey had

Most
on

no

with Beatrice.
at
was

of the time she

away she

the

school,and
went

the
to

when Saturday afternoon, Rocks curlew

he free, first he

out

the Red

shooting.
then
out

At

it occurred Mr,

thoughtof askingher to come that she might wish to him

whom affair of

too, but
to

go
was

with

Davies, to
no

he stillsupposed she

engaged.
he
came

It

was

his,yet he

was

glad when

THE

WRITING

ON

THE

SAND.

c)7
not

back
On

to

find that she had Davies.

been

out

with

and Effie,

with Mr.

Sunday morning theyall went

It
was
a

to

church,including
the congre'^a-

Beatrice. tion
was

bare littlechurch, and

through the service liveliness as a horse driving with about as much a He machine. ground it out, prayers, psalms, litany, all in the same felt lessons, depressing Geoffrey way, till and then took inclined to go to sleep, to watching
went

small.

Mr.

Granger

Beatrice's sweet her look

so

face instead.
Hers
was

He

wondered
sad

what

made in

sad.

alwaysa

face when

repose, that he knew, but to-dayit was and what was she looked worried more,

particularly so,
as

well

as

sad.
was

Once

or

twice he

saw

her

glance at
there
not
was

Mr.

Davies,who
of
an

the solitary opposite, sitting occupant pew, and he

enormous

thought that

look. But Mr. Davies did

from

return

apprehensionin her the glance.To judge

his mind. nothing was troubling him in the same Indeed,Geoffrey studying way that he he met, thought studied everybodywhom instinctively his appearance
that he had
never

before

seen

man

who
And
man

looked

quiteso
never

ox-like and
was more

comfortable. absolutely

yet he
seemed of
a

completely at fault. indeed,but

was

The

stolid volcano.

and His the

cold heart

it was

the

coldness

a-fire.

All the human

for. es

in

him, ail
selves themso near

of energies

in and
the

a so

had sturdylife, passionfor the woman single

his

concentrated who
never was

yet

far from
never

him.

He

had

drawn away.

store, had
the

frittered his heart

unusual
as

upon This

woman,

strange and
firstwhose

his blood. years

on

glance or His passionfor her

been
ever growing,

lutely absoit may seem, was voice had ever stirred

it had

slowly ; for grown since the grey-eyed girl

conducted him
to

had

the brink of womanhood

It
was no

had

his
to

castle home.
pass

fancy, no

lightdesire

with the year which brought it. Owen had little that soil from which loves springwith the imagination,
rank

swiftness of

chill breath of

tropicbloom to fade was an change. His passion

a

at

the

first

unalterable
7

98
fact.
It
was

BE

A TRICE.

rooted like

an

oak and

on

our

stiffEnglishsoil, his

its fibres wrapped his heart

and if
so

shot

being through,
then fall,

strong

galeshould
he had he

rise that it must

he too For

would years
To

be overthrown.
now

thought of
would have

little else than his win

Beatrice.

win

her

wealth, ay, thrice over, if that were her his by right and her, to know
would
erew
see

given all possible.To

his alone, ah, that his mind it be

and of
to

be

heaven when he

His

blood

quivered and
What would
now,

dim
her she

thought of it.
him
as

standing by
was

she

stood is
no

know

that
more

his

wife !

There

form

passion
it

terrible than

this.

Its very

earthiness makes

awful.
The

service went

on.

At read

last Mr.

Granger

mounted the

the
text

and began pulpit

"

to

his sermon,
the

of which

was,

But

of these

three

greatest is charity."
of had the told

some Geoffrey noticed that he bungled over Beatrice words, then suddenly remembered

him

that she had He

was

written the
not

sermon,

and

was

all attention.

disappointed. Notwithstanding
reading,and
end
of
a

Mr.

infamous Granger's

his habit of

ping dropof
were

his voice

at

the

sentence, instead
diction
that

the beauty it, raising very

of the

thoughts and
a

apparent.
have

It

was

indeed

discourse
in
was a

might
or

well equally

been

delivered
there

Mahomedan

Buddhist

in

tively nothing distincit merely appealed to the good Christian about it, But of this neither the preacher human nature. nor

place

of

worship;

his audience
latter
were

seemed
at listening
a

to

be
all.

aware,

indeed, few
was

of the

The

sermon

short and

ended rather
Mr.

with

passage
not

of

real

power

and

beauty
"

or

it did

end, for, closing the

on

MS.

sheets,
remarks

Granger followed
own.

with

few

impromptu
been
one a

of his
"

And
to you

now,

brethren,"he said, I have

but charity, I wish There
me,
to

"

ing preachremark.
hundred been

about

add

Charity begins at home. pounds of tithe owing to

is about
some

and

of it has

THE

WRITING years and

to
more.

ON

THE

SAND.

99

owing
I

for two

If that tithe is not

on some

paid
I tell

shall have

put distraint
better take

of you,

and

thought
you so."
Then The the

that I had

this

to opportunity

he gave the Benediction. this business-like between contrast

beautiful
that

periodswhich
So did

had

gone

speech, and before,was so

out

ridiculous

Geoffreyvery nearlyburst
the
rest

laughing,

and Beatrice smiled.

of the congregation,

and Owen who owed two one or tithe, excepting of other things. Davies,who was thinking As theywent Geoffreynoticed through the churchyard, something. Beatrice was a few paces ahead holding Mr. Davies passed him, apparEffie's hand. Presently ently who without seeinghim, and greeted Beatrice, walked little in acknowledgment. He a bowed slightly then Geoffrey, justas they reached way without speaking, the church

gate, heard him say, "At

she bowed her for

four this

afternoon,
and
:

then."
went.
was

Again
As

head, and
what
not

he turned

she

he wondered Geoffrey, engaged to him, or was she

was a

it all meant

Dinner
was

somewhat

silent meal.

Mr.

Granger

beth's Elizaalso about a sick cow. about his tithe, thinking dark and devious course thoughts pursuedsome to judge one of their own, not an altogether agreeable Beatrice looked paleand worried ; even from her face.

did not Efifie's sallies

for
an

do

more was was

than

make

her smile.

As

Geoffrey himself, he
idle sort
of way

what

engaged in wondering in going to happen at four

at

o'clock. "You

is all very

dull,"said Efifie

last,with

of grammar. charmingdisregard answered People ought to be dull on Sunday, Efifie,"

"

with Beatrice,
added.

an

effort.

"At

least I suppose

so,"she
at

who Elizabeth,

was

frowned religious, aggressively

her sister did not
mean

this remark.
"

She knew
you

it.

What

are

going to
She

do this afternoon, Beatrice?" hod

seen

she asked

suddenly.

Owen

Davies go up
7"2

loo

BEATRICE. and though she speak to her sister, enough to catch the words, scented had
an

and
near

not

been

assignation

from afar. Beatrice coloured

her sister nor
"

a sHghtly,

fact that

escaped neither
answered. tale has
no

Geoffrey. I am going to see Jane Llewellyn,"she whose the crazy little girl Jane Llewellyn was Beatrice had been told. Up to that moment

idea of
would

going
not

to

see

her, but she

knew

that

Elizabeth
not

follow

her

there,because
that

the child could

endure

Elizabeth.
"

Oh,

thought

perhaps

you

were

going

out

walking."
" "

I may walk So there is

afterwards,"answered
an

shortly. and a thought Elizabeth, assignation,"

her face. her bonnet and the
on

Beatrice

cold

gleam
out.

of

passed across intelligence

minutes

after dinner,Beatrice put Shortly

went
same.

Ten Mr.

passed, and
announced
no

Elizabeth
that he
was see

did

Then
to

Granger
asked

going
about

up the

the farm

was (there

service till six)to

sick cow,

accompany could
come,

like to Geoffrey if he would if Efifie him. He said that he might as well, they started. and, having lit his pipe, and

Meanwhile She she

was

Beatrice
violent in

went

to

see

the

crazy her. the

child.
Before

not

had

been

knew and scarcely to-day, the house ten minutes,

situation

developed
The

itself.

cottage stood

about
was

two-thirds of the way down

street, which straggling

quite empty,
At her looked

for

Bryngelly though
the
on

sleptafter dinner on Sunday. Bible in a appeared Elizabeth,

district
and
once

the top of this street

hand,

as

intent. visiting seeingnobody, went

more

She for the

a

down

street,

little walk, then, returni^tig, This

time she wk's

looked
The

down door

street.

rewarded. and
to

of the

Beatrice
such
a

appeared.

Llewellyns' cottage opened, Instantly Elizabeth withdrew

that she could sec without beingseen, position awaited events. though irresolute, and, standing as

Beatrice turned and

look

the road

that led to the beach.

THE

WRITING

ON

THE

SAND.

loi

Then

Elizabeth's took
the the

irresolution
road
to

turned and

the

Passingbehind
the

she Vicarage,
to
a

disappeared. She also cliff, walkingvery fast. gained a pointwhere

of not
more

beach

narrowed
sat

width

than

fifty

and yards,

down.

along
Owen

the

sand

Davies.

Presentlyshe saw a man coming beneath her, walkingquickly. It was She waited and watched. Seven or eight

in a white dress passed. and woman a passed, It was Beatrice, walkingslowly. Ah ! said Elizabeth, setting her I teeth, as she pursued her path along the cliff, thought." Rising, keeping three or four hundred yards ahead, which she could easily do by takingshort cuts. It was a long walk, and of walking, who fond not was Elizabeth, got very
"
"

minutes

"

tired of it.
as an

But
to

she

was

woman

with

purpose,

and

such, hard

beat.

So she

kept on
to

for nearly steadily the spot known

as

she at length, hour, till,

came

situated almost Amphitheatre. This Amphitheatre, of cliff, the a opposite the Red Rocks, was half-ring
the

sides of which
water's

ran

in

semicircle almost

down

to

the

In the centre at high tide. edge, that is, was a large flat stone, so segment thus formed that

of the

placed
could

anybody
a

in certain view of

on positions

the cliffabove
was

command

it,though
from
a

it

screened from the

by

the

walls projecting

of rock

observation
down

the beach. side sloping towards

stratum

Elizabeth

clambered
looked

littleway
;
on

of the cliff and

the

stone, his back

stratum to

her,sat Owen
of the

Davies.

from Slipping

broken
was

Elizabeth cliff,

drew

nearer, slowly

till at
man.

length she
sat

within

fiftypaces
a

of

the

seated

herself behind Here, ensconscing

cleft

rock, she

also

down

; it was

not

should
the

by any
on

chance
her

she safe to go closer ; but in case be observed from above,she opened

as

Bible

knee,

though

she

had

sought this

quietspot
Three round walked and
or

to

study its pages.

four minutes and passed,

the

angle of the projecting the level sand. across slowly

out

appeared and Amphitheatre,

Beatrice Owen
Davies
rose

stretched

his hand

to

welcome

her, but she did

I03

BEATRICE.

not

take
the

upon
on

it, she only bowed, and Owen large flat stone.

some

then also

seated seated

herself himself

but it, white

three

or

her

face forward cleft rock

not
me

four feet away. Elizabeth thrust till it was level with the almost and
a come

lipsof
Alas
"

the

strained her
word. single

ears

to

listen.

! she could You

hear
to

asked

here, Mr.
"

Davies," said
I have
come

silence. Beatrice, breakingthe painful " Yes," he answered ; "I asked you
I wanted
"

come."

to

because

to

Yes

"

speak to you." said Beatrice, looking up

in the sand calm face
was

from

her

of

digginglittleholes
Her

with the

occupation pointof her

heart beat

parasol.
"

enough,

but her

fast beneath I want

"

her breast.
to

ask

you,"

he

said,speaking slowlyand
"

thickly, if you
Beatrice

will be my

wife ?

to speak, then, seeing that he opened her lips had only paused because his inward emotion checked his and went little holes. on words, shut them again, digging

She say.
"

wished

to

reply on
ask

the whole

case,

as

lawyer w^ould
my wife. I I have never
to

I want

to

you," he repeated,
so

"

to be

have

wished able
to

to

do

for

some

been

take, and
me

my

bringmyself to happiness depends

on,

years, but it. It is a great step

on

it.

Do

not

answer as

yet," he went spoke. " Listen to all my a lonely man

I have I
never come

his words
I have At
sea

force gathering
to tell you.

he

what life.

I have

been
since

was

and lonely, been

into this fortune

I have

lonelier still.
to love you.

loved

till I began anybody or anything you

more

And

then I loved

and

more

and and life,

more

; tillnow

I have

only one asleepI

never

thought in
I
am

all my

that

thought
when
"

is of you. I
am

While
dream loved
one
"

awake

I think of you,

and

of you. any other

I have

listen ! Listen, Beatrice, I have scarcely woman,

I
can

spoken
I should Here

to

only you, Beatrice.

I everything
"

give you
"

great deal
be

; and

have

shall be yours,

only

she

jealousof you glanced at his

yes, very face. It

jealous! was outwardly calm

THE but

WRITING

ON

THE

SAND.

103

white

as a

death, and
that

shone placid,
"

blue eyes, generally so firethat by contrast looked almost unholy. you

*'

in the

think

have I
am

said

enough,
ways I

Mr.

Davies,"
you.
not

Beatrice answered.
am

very much
some

to obliged
am

much

honoured, for in
not

your you, for

equal,but I do
and I think and all,"
"

love
to

you,

and
so on

I cannot

marry and

it best

tell you
went

she unconsciously
not

once plainly, the digging

holes.
a moan. me

Oh, do
God's

say

that,"he answered, almost

don't say that !

in

"

For

sake

It will kill

to

lose you.

I think I should
to

go mad.

Marry
a

me

and

you

will learn

love me."

Beatrice
her pierced
as

glanced at
heart. struck
a

him did

and again,
not too

pang
so was

of
a

pity
case a

She

know that

it was she

bad

this.

It

her

doing

fooUsh

from thing,
was

loved her and

what
most
women so

worldly point of view. The man He only asked of her very eligible.
are

willingenough
to

favourable
liked
a

their
he had
a

cumstances giveunder cirwell-being herself.

to
"

But and
not

she had she

was

never

him,
to

her, alwaysrepelled
man

marry week the last like. Also,during

woman

not

whom

she did

this dislike and

sion repulhe she did

had

hardened

and

strengthened.Vaguely, as
wondered

pleadedwith her, Beatrice

so

why,
was

and

as

her eye

fell upon the sand.

were

the pattern she It had taken F F R She

automatically
of

in pricking and Could

shame the that

the form E" Great

letters,
heaven !

letters be

G
answer

O
?

the

flushed

crimson

with

and passedher foot across thought, them. she believed, obliterating as letters,
at the
saw

the telltale

Owen
and

the blush, of her eyes and saw softening ing, them. Thinking that she was relentmisinterpreted perience, rather than from by instinct, any teaching of exthe he

the arm, her eyes

"

so saw

attemptedto take her hand. With a turn of Elizabeth watchingwith all quick that even Beatrice twisted nothingof the movement,
me," she
I have

herself free.
Don't touch
me.

said

" sharply,

you Mr.

have

no

to right

touch

answered

you,

Davies."

I04

BEATRICE.

Owen
sat

withdrew
chin

his hand

abashed, and
his could
a breast,

for very

moment

on resting despair. Nothing indeed

his still,

picture of
of
was

break

the stolid calm

but the violence his features,

in the of quick shivering

of his emotion and

evident

his limbs

his short

deep
a

breaths.
"

Can

you

giveme
"

no

hope?"
means

he said at last in you

slow
"

heavy voice.
you you
"

For what

God's it

sake think before

to
me.

answer

"

don't you

know
cannot

It is words

nothingto
cut

feel. that had I

I
am

and feel,

your

like

knife.
as

I know you

heavy
me.

and

but stupid,
are

I feel

though

killed

You

heartless, quite
was

heartless."

Again Beatrice
flattered. Where
"What
a can

softened is the
woman

little. She
who would

touched
have

and

not

been ?
in

I say to you, Mr.

"

Davies?"
you.

she answered How

can

kinder voice.
when I do

I cannot love

many

I marry

you
"

not

you?

"

Plentyof women "Then they are

energy. "The world calls those and

marry

men

whom

they do

not

love."

bad

women,"
think
bad

answered

Beatrice with

does
women

not

world
marry,

so,"he said again; "the who love where they cannot

fies Marriagesanctithink
?
"

the world

is always right.
"

everything." Beatrice laughedbitterly.

said.
the most
"

Do

you

so

she

I do

not.

I think that of
our

unholy

marriage without love is and that is saying a institutions,

should

good deal.
For your

SupposingI
you, not and and

that I married money

woman,

say yes to you, lovingyou, what would

supposing
it be for?
called
a

your what

and position,
do you

to

be

married
of

suppose

I should think

myself in
not

I have

No, no, I may be my heart then ? Find another fallen so low as that.
is wide and
there
are

bad, but Mr. wife,

women

Davies

; the world

plentyof

in it who
rate to

will love you for your own sake, or who at any will not be so j^articular. Forget me, and leave me
own

go my " Leave

way
to

"

it is not
own

your

you

go your

way." way," he answered

almost

THE

WRITING
"

ON

THE

SAND.
to
am

105 other
man.

with
Oh
man

passion
"

that
to

is,leave
you. Do

you

some

! I cannot

bear
near are

think of it. I
you
"

jealousof
how
man

who
are as

comes

know every

every beautiful love

you
you

You

too

beautiful

must

I do.

Oh, if you took anybody else I think that

I should
"

kill him.-"'
not

Do

He

speak like that,Mr. Davies,or I shall go." Don't go,"he said imploringly. stopped at once.
"

"Listen.
you
to

You

said that you

not

would

not

marry you

me

cause be-

did

love
a

me.

Supposingthat

learned
you

love
me

me,

say in

year'stime, Beatrice,would
any
man

marry
"

then?" marry whom I

would

loved," she
me

answered.
"

Then

if you

learn to love

me

you

will marry
"

"

"

she said. Oh, this is ridiculous,"

It is not

able, probhave

it is

happen. happened before."

"It

that such a hardly possible, If it had been going to happen

thing should
it would

might

come

about,"he
me.

answered; "your
say

heart
a

might soften
without which
more,

towards

Oh,

yes

to

this.

It is

small request, it costs I cannot

you

and nothing,

it gives me

hope,

live. if you for

a

and

that then

that I may ask you once love me you will marry me."

Say

Beatrice
could
or

thought
no

moment.

Such
course

promise

do

her

harm,

and used

in the
to
a

of six months

year he Also she

might get

the idea of It
was

without living
weak of

her.

it would

prevent
the idea

scene.

her,

but

dreaded

of her
ears.

having refused

Owen

Davies
"

coming

to

her father's

Davies," she said," so be it. in no way tied I am Only I ask you to understand this, I give you no hope that my answer, should you to you. this offer a year hence at any other renew or time,will that I give you differ from to-day. I do not think there is the slightest of such a thing. Also, jirobability
If you

wish

it, Mr.

it must

be understood

that
or

you
to

are

not

to
me

speak
in any

to

my way.

father about Do you

this matter, ?
"

trouble

consent

lo6

BEATRICE.

"

Yes," he

answered,
And with

"

I consent.

You

have

me

at

your
"

mercy." Very well.

not

now,
me.

Mr.

Davies, good-bye. No,

rather go
sorry

do But

walk

back
to

I had
am

by myself.
has have But I

I want

say

this : I

very

for what

happened. I have not wished it to happen. I and my hands are clean of it. never encouraged it,
I
am

said her."
"

sorry, sorry seek before

"

beyond
out
some

measure,

and
woman

I repeat what

other

and

marry

That

is the
have
not

cruellest

thing of
answered.

all the cruel

things
I

which you
"

he said,"
mean

I did

it

to

be

cruel, Mr.
is.
And

Davies, but
now

suppose and He

that the truth often

out

good-bye,"
But

Beatrice stretched touched

go. He the He had
one

her hand. and

went.

and it,
sat

she turned upon the

Owen

did

not

misery.
She
was

rock,his head bowed in staked all his hopes upon this woman. desirable thingto him, the one star in
star was

his somewhat
Her

leaden
were

words

that and now sky, they gave unequivocal,

woman

eclipsed.
hope.
in six
a

but

little

Beatrice
months

was or a

scarcelya
year.

to

turn

round
was

On

the

contrary, there
What

fixity
the

about
cause

her

which
How

him. frightened
came

could

be
so

of it ?

it that she
to

should

be
After

ready
she all,

to
was

rejecthim, and
a

all he had

offer her?

in a girl
to
a one

small

position.She
match. another.
a

could
would

not

be

looking
prospect
a reason

forward
move

better
way
or

Nor

the

her

There

must

be
must

for it.
cause.

Perhaps
Some
moment

he had

rival, surelythat
done

be the who
?

enemy
a

had

this
shadow ?
"

thing.

But

At
"

this

woman's back

fell athwart

him.

Oh,

have

you

come

he

to cried, springing

his feet.
"

If you
"

mean
"

answered Beatrice,"
she
went
to

voice
ten
saw

"

it

was

Elizabeth's
ago. I

down
on

the

beach I

minutes her."
he

happened
I
"

be

the

and cliff, Miss

"Oh,

beg

your

pardon.
see

Granger,"

said

faintly.

I did not

who

it was."

THE

WRITING
sat

ON

THE

SAND.

107

Elizabeth sat, and,

down

upon

the rock holes

where
the which
was

her sisterhad

seeing the Httle of to clear them indolently

swept
over

in

beach, began
Beatrice
no

the sand

had

them

with

her foot.
were

This

difficult
was

deeply dug, and their position. Presentlythey were to trace clear that is, the letters were legible.
"

matter, for the holes

it

easy

nearlyall
Davies ?
"

"

You

have

had

talk with

Mr. Beatrice,

"

Yes," he answered

apathetically.
Then she

Elizabeth
horns. "Are you

paused.

took

her

bull

by

the

going to

marry

Mr. Davies?" Beatrice,

she

asked.
"

I don't

know," he answered
natural
to

slowlyand without
him
that his
own
"

prise. sur-

It seemed

central

thought
"

should
want

be present in her
to

mind.

I love her

and dearly, She

marry

her."
"

refused

you,

then ?

"

Yes."

Elizabeth
"

breathed
ask her frowned.

more

But

can

freely. again."
What could

Elizabeth
not
an

this
was

mean

? It

was

absolute
own.

refusal.

Beatrice

playingsome
Do
not'

game
"

of her

Why
me

did

she

put you

off so, Mr.

Davies ?
I may

think
to
"

I only ask inquisitive.

because

be able

help you."
I know
; you
are

very kind.
you. I do not

Help
know

me
"

and

shall think
know

to always be grateful

I almost don't

that who
"

there it Ah
can

must

be

somebody else,only I
had

be."
said who Elizabeth,

"

been

gazingintently
now

at the

littleholes in the beach which

sand.
"

she had

cleared
is
a

of the

Of

course

that What

is
are

possible. She
those

curious

Beatrice girl,
"

is.

letters,Mr.'
sister was

Davies ?
He

looked

at them

idly.
to

"

Something your
I

while writing
do

I talked

her.

remember

seeing

her

it."

io8
"

BE

A TRICE.

G E O of

F F R

"

why, it must

be

meant

for

Geoffrey.
else,
is

Yes,
Mr.
"

course

it is possible that there is somebody

"
"

Davies.

Why Geoffrey?

Geoffrey! how curious ! is it curious. Miss Granger?

"

Who

Elizabeth

little laughed a disagreeable laugh that Owen's attention

more

how some-

attracted "How

than

her words.
some

should
one

I know? of whom

It must she is

be

friend of

a good deal, or thinking she would write his name not unconsciously.The only rister, Geoffrey that I know is Mr. GeoffreyBingham, the barwho is staying at the Vicarage, and whose life Beatrice saved." She paused to watch her companion's idea creep across its stolidity. a new face, and saw it cannot be Mr. BingBut, of course,"she went on, ham that she was thinkingof, because you see he is
" "

and Beatrice's,

married." "Married?"
and that,
a

he

said, "yes, but

one." call him

he's

man

for all

very

handsome

"Yes,
Elizabeth
the other power world of

should

handsome
"

"

fine

man,"
said

answered

but, critically ;
charm

as

Beatrice

day, the great

mind.
He

about

him

is his talk and

will hear

is a very remarkable and the man, of him before he has done. ever, But, howhere
nor

all this is neither

there.

Beatrice
am

is
sura

curious

woman,

and
never

has carry
on

strange ideas,but I
on

that she would

"

with

married

man."

But

She Mr.

might laughed.
?

he

carry
"

with

her. Miss

Elizabeth."
that
a man

Do

you

think really flirtwith

are as

like
couragement en-

Bingham

would Men

try

to

without girls

like that

proud
be
such
a a

as

women,

and

prouder ; the
what

lady
of

must

always
must
was

step ahead.

But

is the

good

about talking
have
an

is all
some

nonsense.

Beatrice
"

been

thing? It thinkingof
or thing. some-

other

Geoffrey or it Why, Mr. Davies,if

that dear Beatrice
to

accident
one

you could

for

moment

really
such married Would
a a

believed
shameless
man,

be

of guilty

thingas
you

would

have

carry asked

on

flutation with you

her to marry

THE

WRITING of

ON

THE
a woman

SAND. she
must

109

you
to

stillthink your

askingsuch
"

as

be

become
"

wife ?

I don't know You suppose

; I suppose
not.

not," he
know you rather

said

doubtfully.
tiian you
at to
a

"

I would
as

better

know than But you

yourself. You
take such it is no
may
a woman

never

marry

all

she would stuff.

be
If you man."

proved
have

be.

such good talking

sure

rival

be

it is

some

unmarried
on a

Owen

reflected in his heart that

a

the whole

he would
at any

rather it was

married

one,

since

married

man,

take possessionof Beatrice. But rate, could not legally alarmed him, and he did not Elizabeth's rigid morality say
so.

"Do he I

you

know
"

I feel

answered,

I think I

Elizabeth," will be going. By the way,

this
to

little upset, Miss

promised to hope that you

"

say

nothingof
not

your

father.

will

do

so, either."

Most

not," certainly
last

said

and Elizabeth, wish

to

indeed
"

it

would

be the

thing she

would
not

do.

Well,
me

Do Mr. Davies. good-bye, in the end. all come right help you, remember."
"

be downhearted
will

; it will
to

You

always have

Thank

you, thank

and you," he said earnestly,

went.

Elizabeth watched
cold and
"

him

round

the wall of

rock

with

You
'

ugly smile set upon her face. she thought,"you fool fool,"
and dearly face of Dear
want to marry
sweet

'.

To
'

tell //ii that

to you want shall ; I'd

you

love her

her ;

get that

hers,do you ? You

is
not
man a

never

spoilit first !
on
a

she Beatrice,

love

affair with

married

capable of carrying oh, certainly

"

not

and he is more already, than half in love with her. If she hadn't been, would she have put Owen off ? Not she. Give them time,and shall see. we they "nusi ruin They will ruin each other each other ; it won't be child's playwhen two people like there is too that fall in love. They will net stop at sighs, much It was human about them. nature a good idea to
!

Why,

she's in love with him

"

get him
M ("111

into the house.

And

to see
was

her go
its mother

on
"

with that

l^lltc, justas though she

it makes

no

BEATRICE.

with all your wits you are laugh. Ah, Beatrice, a ! And I shall have woman one day, my dear girl, silly the pleasureof exposing you to Owen ; the idol will be and there will be an end of your chances with unveiled, him, for he can't marry you after that. Then my turn will
me come.

It is a

of question Elizabeth and

time in

So

brooded
envy

of time ! only a question her heart, maddened with

"

"

malicious
man,
at

passionate jealousy. She

love and

loved

this

Owen

the

Davies,as much as she could she dearly loved the wealth least,
he
was

anybody :
station of
the sister

which
whom

the visible centre, and If she could

she hated

only discredit that sister and show her to be guilty of woman's placed, worst crime, misshe thought, Owen affection, unlegalised surely, her. would reject
She
was

he desired.

wrong.
to

She

did

not

know

how

he entirely giving forIt is

desired
a

make
can

Beatrice be who
who

his

wife, or
an

realise how
to

man women

has such

end

gain.

of

the

that infidelity of those who for do

men

not

already weary them and of their are so ready to make examples, not belongto them, and whom they long
To these

nightand day.

theycan
XIII.
LECTURES.

be very merciful.

CHAPTER
GEOFFREY

Meanwhile uneasy

Beatrice
The

was

walking homewards
was

with

an

mind.

trouble in

upon

her.
a

She had, it
she

is true, succeeded knew very

was

postponing it
to

but little,

well that it was

not
now a man

only a postponement.
be had shaken easily crushed have
scene,

Owen off. She

once

Davies
almost

wished

that she

the
to

idea
her
was

and for all.

and there

But

then he would
have

gone and

father,
weak

must

been

she

enough
was

to shrink

from

while Mr. Bingham that,especially

could her

in the
to
were

house. the hear of

She

not

say
to

fury,of

imagine the dismay, money-lovingold father if

well refused
"

he

that she had

refused actually all his wealth.

"

Owen

Davies

and Castle, Bryngelly

GEOFFRE Then there

LECTURES.
to

1 1r

was

Elizabeth

be reckoned
her

with. burden

E4izato

beth

would

assuredly make

life

her. her the

Beatrice

little

guessed

that

nothing

would

suit shake

sister's book
dust of

better.

Oh, if only she could

it

was

off her feet ! But possible. imthat,too, was Bryngelly She She was quite without money. might, in getting another tress place as mistrue, succeed
a

to
were

school for
an

in

some

distant

part of

England,
Here

it not
a

insurmountable

obstacle.
a

she

received
she

pounds salaryof seventy-five

of which
to

year;

of this
sum

kept fifteen pounds, out

as

slender

she

contrived

dress herself ; the rest she gave well

to her

father.

Now,
above
was,

she

knew, he
this

could

not

keep

his

head
as

water

without

assistance, which, small

their household
away, If she went

it

made

all the difference to

between

poverty and
even

actual

want.
an

supposing

that she found

equallywell-paid post, she would

of the money to support herself, require every farthing It was there would be nothing left to send home. a she, who had just refused a pitiable position ; here was worth thousands a year, quiteunable to get out of man of seventy-five for the want the way of his importunity pounds,paidquarterly.Well, the only thingto do was to face it out and take her chance. On one pointshe was, Davies. clear ; she would 7iot marry Owen however, quite do but she would not She might be a fool for her pains,

it. did
never

She
not

respectedherself
love ;
a man

too

much

to marry

man
"

she

whom

she

disliked. positively
foot

No,

"

she

exclaimed

aloud, stamping her

a

upon

the
"

shingle.
Never what ?
"

said

voice, within
round. his

two

yards

of

her.
She and looked violently, a rock,a pipe in resting against

started

There, his
an

back

mouth,

open
over

letter on his eyes, with Mr.

the

his knee, and

sat

his hat drawn

down

almost go

Geoffrey. He had left Granger, and climbingdown

strolled from

Efifie to
a

home

slopingplacein
The letter
on

had cliff,
was one

along the

beach.
was

his
was

knee

his wife.

It

short,and there

112

BEATRICE. it. Effie's

not

in nothingparticular
It he
was

name

was

even

tioned. men-

was

to

see

if lie had

not

overlooked it

it that

readingthe
to

note

throughagain. No,
safe
"

merely

related

Lady Honoria's

at the Hall people staying certain Mr. Dunstan, whom a

"

arrival, gave a list of the fast lot, Geoffrey noticed,

he

disliked, particularly them and the number of brace of partridges which among had the previous been killed on an day. Then came that Honoria herself immensely, assurance was enjoying and that the new French cook was simplyperfect ; the letter ending "with love." Never he said again, he what. Miss Granger ? as folded up the sheet. lazily "Never mind, of course," she answered, recovering
"
" "
"

herself.
no
"

"

How
was

you

startled me,
on

Mr.

Bingham

I I had

idea there
It is

anybody

the beach."

quitefree,is it not?" he answered, getting up. I thought you into the were going to trample me is thinking one pebbles. It's almost alarming when about a Sunday nap to see a young lady striding along, then No, suddenly stop, stamp her foot, and say,
" '

never

!'

Luckily I
did you know

knew

that

you

were

about

or

should
"

have been frightened." really that I

was no

How

was

about ?" Beatrice asked

to

little defiantly. It

business of his

observe

her movements.
"

In two

ways.

of white sand.
"

Well, what

to a patch said, pointing "That, I think,is your footprint." said Beatrice, of it ? with a little laugh.
"

Look

!"

he

"'

Nothing
he who Mr.
"

in

particular, except
"

that

it is your
to meet
me

print," footold that

answered.
was

Then

happened

Edward,
you and
have

loafing along,and
had gone
mean

he informed

Davies

up the beach
"

; there

is his
to

I footprintMr. Davies's,

but you
here
must

don't

seem

been

very

because sociable,
you

is yours have

the middle in Indian

of it. Therefore

been

in right walking

with and a littleway back in parallel lines, file, quitethirty yards between you." " Why do you take the trouble to observe things

GEOFFRE ? closely
"

LECTURES. half amused and

1 1

so

she

asked

in

half angry

tone.
"

I don't know

"

habit of the
romance

legalmind,
out

I suppose.

One
on

might make
the

quitea

of those

footprints
But you also

sand, and
heard
me

the littlesubsequent events. tale. thrilling

saw

have

not

informed

all my that he

Old

Edward

your

Miss sister,

Elizabeth,
which

going along
he concluded
to

the cliff almost that you had

were

level with

you, from

argued as

the Red

Rocks

and

the shortest way puttingthe matter to the

to

proof."
"

said Beatrice, Elizabeth," turning a

can

shade ?
"

paler ;

"

what
"

she have

been

doing,I wonder

like yourself. Well,I seat Taking exercise, probably, myself with my pipe in the shadow of that rock, when suddenlyI see Mr. Davies coming along towards Bryn-

gellyas
over

though
the

he back

were

walking
saw me.

for

wager,

his hat

fixed upon
my
'

of his head.

he Literally Then

walked

legsand never ! No, never ejaculate,

Have I your

'
"

and

you follow and that is the end of my story.

or

permissionto walk with you, interfere with the developmentof the plot? and as you said justnow There is no plot,
"

shall I

"

the beach

petulantly. They walked on for a few yards and then he spoke ni another he had the meaning of the assignation tone in the churchyard grew clear to him now. overheard I believe that I have to congratulateyou, Miss " and I do so very heartily. It is not Granger,"he said,
"

is free," Beatrice answered

"

everybodywho is so fortunate as to and half turningfaced him. Beatrice stopped, she said. I What do you mean, Mr. Bingham ? do not understand your dark sayings." Mean ! oh, nothingparticular, except that I wished
"
"

"

"

"

to

"

congratulate you My engagement

It
seems

on

your ! what is

engagement."
engagement ?
some
"

"

that he

there
to

and he said, mistake,"

was one

as struggle

might

relief.

"

I understood

suppress it his tone that you had become

of

engaged to
8

114

BEATRICE.

be
sure
"

married
I

to

Mr.

Owen

Davies,

If I

am

wrong

am

apologise." You are quitewrong,

a

Mr.

Bingham

; I don't

know is
no

wlio put such truth in it."

"

notion

into your

head, but
on

there

Then

allow

me

to
see

congratulateyou
that is the
"

there

being
to

no

truth in it.
out

You

beautyof
two
or more

nine affairs sides

matrimonial
them. If
can

of ten

there

are

they come
look

off the

amiable
"

and

disinterested
lots
exceptional un-

observer
of money,

at the

romantic

in this case, side as bright castle by the sea, gentleman of

If,on the other antecedents, "c., "c., "c. still be found for thankfulness cause can hand, they don't, lady might do better after all,castle by the sea rather draughty and cold in spring, gentleman most
"

estimable
There

but
was a

perhapsa
note

little dull,and

so

on,

you

see."

Beatrice
to

mockery about exceedingly. It was not

of It
was

his talk which like Mr.

that
a

tated irri-

Bingham
a on

speak
out

so.

not

even

the

way
to

man gentlesuch
was

of his teens knew

should

speak
well
as

lady
did

subject. He

this

as

she

and

ashamed of himself. But the truth must out : secretly though Geoffrey did not admit it even to himself he was and jealouspeople have and profoundly jealous, bitterly
no manners.

Beatrice could
and this,

not, however, be

expected

to

naturally grew angry, understand what you are talking I do not quite about, Mr. Bingham," she said, puttingon her most dignified air,and Beatrice could look rather alarming. "You and now have picked up a pieceof unfounded gossip you
know
"

take

advantage of it
Mr.
no

to

laugh

at

me,

and

to

say rude

of things
"

Davies.
the

It is not

kind."
the

Oh,

; it was

Miss Granger, and footsteps.

in the the

and gossip, that I

the

appointment you made overheard, not unwillingly

into my mistake. Of

yard, church-

gossipalone
I have
now

which
to

led

me

course

apologise." Again Beatrice stamped her foot. She stillmocking her, and felt that he did not

saw

that he

was

believe her.

GEOFFRE
"

LECTURES.

1 1

There," he

went

on,

stung into unkindness

by

his
"

but unacknowledgedjealousy, for she was biting right reflection he did not quite believe what she said as to on her not being engaged. How unfortunate I am I have said somethingto make you angry again. Why did
"
"

you

not

walk

with Mr.

Davies ?

I should you
want

then have
have had
me

mained rea

more

and of offence, guiltless agreeable companion. You shall

we was we

would
to
are

with quarrel
many
us

what

quarrelabout much,
for he

There

on things

which
It

are

diametrically opposed;

let

start
were a

one."

too

the

tone

in which

though his words spoke gave them

nothing

which
a

alreadydisturbed in mind her breast she had passed,

trouble of which in her
she did

vague
once

trice, sting. Beaby the scene through with alreadythrobbing the meaning, not know of herself and grew

for

life lost control

grey eyes

hysterical.Her
of her sweet
as

filled with tears, the she looked

out

corners

mouth
were

though she
"It is most knew If you
not

dropped,and goingto burst

of much
me

very

much

weeping.
a

unkind how

with you," she said,

I have
to

half sob.

"

put up

with,you

would

speak to

like that.

I know

believe me;

though

very I have no
at all
"

well,I will tell you

business
to to
me

that you do not the truth. Yes,

no

do do

right
"

none

make

and you have it, I will tell you it,

the

because truth,
me.

I cannot

bear that you

want
me a

should
him

not

believe
I
fused re-

Mr.

Davies

did

to

marry

and

him.
I knew It
was

I put him

off for
not

that if I did

while ; I did this because father. he would go to my would

a

father but my cowardly, and againshe gave wretched

"

make

my

life

half-choked sob.
the effect produced
on

Much

has been upon

men

said and

written about
a

by
Man
a

the

sightof
there is no

lady in, or rightmind

the

border line of tears, and

is considerable.
moved

doubt

that this effect

being in
most

his

is deeply

by

such
a

also spectacle, Now

he dreads
ten

scene.

because frightened peoplewould rather walk

he is

miles in their dress

shoes

than

have

to

deal with

young

however ladyin hysterics,

modified.

Puttingthe
8"2

Ii6

BEATRICE. of the rule. It

circumstances peculiar no exceptionto this

spears
was

case was

aside,Geoffrey was
all very well to
cross

with

very

Beatrice,who had quite an equal wit, and but to see her surrender capable of retaliation,
was

at

discretion

another altogether of himself. don't

"

thing. Indeed

he

felt much "Please

not

ashamed
don't
"

like

to use

the word
not

out," he said. He did at "cry." "I was only laughing

be put

you, but I

ought
your

to have

spoken as

I did.

I did not

wish

indeed I did not. I never confidence, thought of such a thing. I am so sorry." His remorse was evidently genuine,and Beatrice felt somewhat appeased. Perhaps it did not altogether grieve
to force

her
"

to

learn that she could

You

did

not

force my

feel sorry. she said defiantly, confidence,"

make

him

that a moment quite forgetting him for making her speak.

not

before she had

"

reproached
I did

I told
was

you
not

because

choose
"

that you
now reserve

should
us

think I
the

truth

and
no

let
on

change
as no

the speaking posed subject." She imshe had do

him
was

to

what

revealed ;
so.

she

knew
would

that

there

to necessity
"

The

secret

be between recovered

them

another

dangerous link.

Beatrice

her composure

and

they walked

slowlyon.
"how Bingham," she said presently, her living I mean like myself woman earn a girl can a of them get on." ? Some without any special qualifications that depends upon the girl. Well," he answered, What do you mean ? You sort of a living a are earning "Tell
me,

Mr.

"

"

"

of a kind." living now, "Yes, but sometimes,

if

only I

could

manage

it,I
take

think that I should

another

like

to

get away

from

here,and

line, something bigger. I do not suppose that I ever but I like to think of it sometimes." shall, " I only know of two things which a woman turn to," can he said, the stageand literature. Of course," he added
"

hastily,the
"And
so

"

first is out

of the
am

in question

is the

other,I

your case." she answered afraid,"

shakingher head, "that

is if

by

literature you

mean

GEOFFRE and imaginative writing,

to

LEC

TURES.

1 1

I suppose

tliat is the

only way
"

get into notice. As I told you I lost my

I lost my I used I other,
to

imagination
At
one

when to be frank, well, used to have plenty, as the

"

faith. have
not

time

but plentyof faith, understand

one

went

with the

do

why."

I think I do. Don't you ? sentiment is like a star without

other

stars

but

not

so

soft
even

religious than atmosphere,brighter to see. Religion, poetry,

some

A mind

without

and music, imagination,

of the
same

more

exalted
are, I
same

forms

of

flourish passion,

in the

and soil,
of the

sometimes

think,different manifestations

thing. Do you know it is ridiculous to hear you talk of because I don't believe it. At having lost your faith, it has gone to sleep, the worst and will wake up again one not accept some form day. Possibly particular you may but I tell you frankly that to rejectall religion of faith, is nothingbut understand simply because you cannot it, of atrocious spiritual a form vanity. Your mind is too big for you, Miss Granger : it has run av/ay with you, it is tied by a string it cannot but you know go far.
"

And
"

you
to

perhaps you will be angry again." that No, indeed, why should I be angry ? I daresay and I only hope that I may be able are quiteright,
now

I will tell you how I lost belief. I had a I loved little brother whom than anything else in more

believe

again.

the

world,indeed had thing I really

for Elizabeth
at

after my
to

mother

died

he

was

the

only
cares

love,for 1 think that my

he does for me,

father
so

more

than

she is

much
never

the best

business matters, and

I
"

Elizabeth and

quite got
fact

on.

daresaythat
are a

the fault is
we are

mine, but
not
a

the

remains

we

sisters but

intimate.
he

Well, my

brother fell illof life and

fever,and

for

long time

laybetween

death,and I prayed for him as I never prayed for anybody or anything before yes, I prayed that I might die instead of him. Then he passed and I thanked through the crisis and got better, God,
"

thinkingthat my prayers happy I was for those ten

:
"

had

My brother got

oh, how then this hapdays ! And pened and a chill, relapsefollowed,
;

been

answered

ii8

BEATRICE.

in three
to to
me

days he
were,
me
'

was

dead.
don't

The let
me

last words

that "he spoke

'
"

Oh,
"

call he

Bee

'Please in my

don't
arms,

he die. Bee ! let me die, dear and when

used Bee!'
over

But
rose

died,died
his side
I

it
heart

was was

from

as feeling more

though my

dead
as

also.

prayed no

after that.

It seemed

to me

though my prayers been given back to blow might be more

"

had
me

been mocked
for
a

at,as though he had

it fell."

while in order that the little

when crushing

ing think that you were foolish in taka little such a view ? said Geoffrey. " Have you not been Christians ? amused, sometimes, to read about the early Don't you
"
"

how
not

the lead would

eat

not

boil the martyr,

a

or

the lion would

out

him,
the

or

the rain from pagan

blue

sky put
was

the

fire,
and

and

how

king

at

once

converted

accepted a great many

difficultdoctrines without Creed

was

further

delay.
cut, nor,
that

The

Athanasian
not
were

not

true necessarily

because the fire would

excuse

or light

the sword old

would

not

me,
was

all your

beliefs wrong

cause be-

your prayer
we

unanswered.

It is an

ancient story,
our

cannot

tellwhether
or

the

of answering
course

petitions
not

will be

good

ill for such

us.

Of

I do

know

rash to but it seems to me things, that Providence is going to alter the working of suppose its eternal laws merely to suit the passing wishes of individuals would cases wishes, too, that in many bring if fulfilled. unforeseen Besides I daresay that sorrows the poor child is happierdead than he would have been
"

anythingabout

had
most
"

he lived.
of us."

It is not

an

altogether pleasantworld know,

in and I

for

Yes,

Mr.

Bingham,
got
over

daresay that

should

have

the shock

time,only after

that I

began to
have I

read.

I read

the histories of the

and religions

compared them, and found, the

on same

I read the works I

of those writers who I

risen up to attack them.

of springs from elementary natural superstitions arising

thoughtthat in them all superstition

found, or
"

causes,

and
to
a

handed time.

with variations from

some

race same

to

race, and

time

In

found

the

story,

only with

GEOFFREY

LECTURES. I

119

altered face,and slightly

faith denied "After the

learned, moreover,
claimed

that each

other,and

truth for itself alone.

and there I fell to the college that, too, I went who was the cleverest of the mistresses, in with a lady, one that I ever woman knew, and in her way a good woman,

but

one

who

believed that

was religion

the

curse

of the

world,and
some

who
or

it in spent all her spare time in attacking

other. Poor she thing, these
causes

form

is dead and my

now.

And

so, you

see, what

between

the continual

of spectacle the
came

human
a

misery which
and the

to

mind

negatives
at

idea of
to

merciful
that

watching Power,
left in my
"

last it
an

pass
'

only altar
God.'
men care

temple is
to

altar to the

Unknown
most not

Geoffrey,like
these
to especially
a women.

who
to
one

have talk

had about
was

think

on

matters, did

them

much,
of But

For

he thing, than of

conscious

tendency to speech
not

less reverent

his

thought.

he had he had

entered

Beatrice's church
on

Darkness, indeed

turned had

his back
at

it for ever, of periods

though,like
on an

most

he people,
an

different

his past lifetarried

hour "I
am

in its porch. So he ventured

no

objection.
not

he said,"and theologian,"
on

am are

fond

of discussion
or

such

matters. to

But say.

there It is
no

justone
argument,

two

thingsI should like

mind
at
men as

to

my

to pointto the existence of evil and least,

a

unhappiness among superiorMercy ;

should
master. not

proofof
are men

the that

absence such
own

of

for

what ?

things
some shalling mar-

be

with them

Man,
let him

too, must
look up

If he has doubts

at the

"

of the starry heaven, and they will vanish." Kant said so, but No," said Beatrice," I fear not. had

before that Moliere

of
a

put the
no

argument in the mouth

more

fool.

The the

starry heavens

prove

anything

than does

the window-pane. running of the raindrops down of size and quantity." It is not a question the law

"

might accept
example
I
see

answered illustration,"
is
as

Geoffrey;
for my

"one

of

good
of

as

another
a

purpose. of
course

in it all the way

working

of

Will,but living

that is only my

not yours." lookingat it,

I20

BEATRICE.

"No;
drawn is how

I from the

am

"all this said Beatrice, afraid,"

reasoning That

material

thingsdoes
made their

not

touch

me.

Pagans
to

and religions,

it is how
the

Paley strives
to

prove the

his.

They argued from

to

Out

the if

In, from

material

the

be;
feet

is true it must Christianity and speak with a spiritual voice, to

It cannot spiritual. stand upon spiritual

be

heard, not
of
men.

in the
The the

thunderstorm, but
of Redeemer

only
Force

in

the

hearts
not

existence of Creative existence

a

does

demonstrate tends
to

; if

it anything,
is also me,

for it, negative

which

the power

that does

creates

the

power

destroys. What thought of the multitude

care

touch

however, is the
That is what
we

of the Dead.

for, not

for

an

Eternal of them

Force,
all
"

ever

and creating

destroying. Think
of races, Can the
ours

all the souls of unheardso

almost endure

animal,who
more

passed away
and theirs,

long ago.

than

who of aii Ethiopian spirit ? is anywhere now

"

died

do you think that in the time of Moses

"

There
"

was

room

for them

all

on

earth,"answered
not

Geoffrey;
There
we are
"

the universe is wide.

our none

It does

dismay me.
think
not?

in mysteries
shall there be

know

we nature, the nature in that which we know

Worlds

die,to live againwhen,

become
a once more

after

millions
to

of ages, and life,

the conditions

favourable
creatures
we

why should
we

not

man?

We

are

of the

world,

reflect its every

lightand
feature
as

shadow,
a

its every rejoicing, should

as we

has its

in its rejoice in us. Why tinyparallel

not

our

fate be

know chaos Then

eternal.
to

It may

and its fate is so far fate, change from gas to chaos,

from death. and and

same.

active it may

from life,
once more

active life
pass

to

seeming

into its elements,

from
so on

those for much

elements
ever,

being, again to concrete always changing,but always the

back

So

for nature's

allegory. It is not

perfect
; it

else analogy,for Man is a thingapart from all things be only a hint or a type, but it is something. may
"

Now

to

come

to

the

questionof

our

I religion.

confess I draw

quite a different conclusion

from

your

GEOFFRE say that you and that the allrehgions, facts. You

LECTURES. the
same

12 1

trace
same

in superstitions
are

myths spiritual
Well, does
not

in

some

shape
time

present in ahnost
same

all.

this suggest

that the
to

great truth underlies them

of

all, takingfrom

time the

development
is religion

shape which is best suited to the spiritual those professing each. Every great new
the last.
or

better than
with

You

cannot

compare with

Osirianism
or

Buddhism,
with
"

Buddhism
the Arabian
a

tianity, Chris-

Mahomedanism
old
sun,

idol

worship.
hold

Take

the

illustration
and you

take
see

cut

crystaland

it in the
rays
are same come

will

many look

different coloured

from of

its facets.
the
same

all born

but they different, all the great light ; they are

They
so

light. May
to

it not
Unknown

be

with

? religions

Let

your

altar be
can
"

the

'

God,' if you
to

like
"

for who

likeness givean unaltering

but
"

the Power

above

us

do

not

knock
upon

your

altar down.

Depend

Miss Granger, all indications to the it.

a

there is contrary, notwithstanding,

Providence watching
and live,
our

without the will of which

we

cannot

if

we

rately delibe-

in

rejectthat Providence, setting up its place,sorrow will come of it, even

we.

intelligence
at

here ; for it is

wiser than

I wish another you

that you

would

try and look

from
a

the

questionfrom
of view. deal of

pointof
that

view

"

higherpoint
a

I think

will find

that

it will bear

great
con

examination,and
he
can

you

will come

to the

elusion that the dictum is nothingbecause

a

of the wise-acre who

see

says

there

is not necessarily nothing,

to

true

one.

There, that

is all I have

say, and

I wish

that I could
"

say it better."

Thank
at home

you," said Beatrice,

"

I will.
to

Why
bed."

here

we

are

; I must

go and

put Effie

And
not

here

it may

be stated that

Geoffrey'sadvice

was

the back

thrown Beatrice did try looking altogether at away. questionagain,and if Faith did not altogether come
to her at least

Hope did,and
never

"

the greatest of her.

these,
came

which

is Charity," had
not

deserted

Hope

slowlyback,

by argument

but probably,

rather

by

132

BEATRICE. In the of Doubt she

example.
up,

sea on

saw

another
the

buoyed
This believed
woman's
a woman

if it were

but

broken

of pieces

ship.
"

and she encouraged her. Geoffreybelieved, in Geoffrey. Indeed, is not this the secret of philosophy even, to some extent, of that of such
"

as

Beatrice?
other

"

Let

the faith for

or

unfaith of
"

This,That, or
it is her last
or some

the

Rabbi

argument.

me," she says She believes in This, or That,

answer

other the
more

that philosopher: person

is her

creed.

And
to

Geoffreywas
the

in whom

Beatrice
she had
was

began

all believe,

wholly because
Whatever

never

else she

to

believed in any one before. lose,this at least she won when

she saved

his life.

CHAPTER
DRIFTING.

XIV.

On

the

discussion an accitheir religious dent day following happened which resulted in Geoffreyand Beatrice
the company
two
cases

than ever thrown in being more other. week During the previous had
now

of each of scarlatina

been

reported among
that the
to

the school

and children, much

it was

found

had spread so complaint

the school.

that it was of course, And

so

necessary

close

This
her

meant, hands.

that Beatrice had

all her time upon

had

Geoffrey.It

was

his

custom

to

bathe

before
before
of
a

after which he had breakfast, nothingto of the day. Beatrice with little Efifiealso

do

for the rest

bathed

breakfast from

the

ladies'

a quarter bathing-place,

mile off, and sometimes

he would and

meet

her

as

she

returned,
new

glowing with health from the Cypriansea,

masses

beauty like
Then

Venus

risen

her half-dried hair

hangingin heavy
"

down

her back.
to

after breakfast

beach, and her child learnt to call Beatrice, would teach her lessons and and ran away to paddle in the sea poetry tillshe was tired,
the
or

take Effie down

they would the as auntie,"

the rocks. look for prawns among the child's father and Beatrice would Meanwhile

talk

"

not

about

they spoke religion,

no

more

on

that

subject,.

DRIFTING.

123 else everything she

was on

nor

about

Owen
was a

Davies,but
merry
woman

of

earth. and

Beatrice

when

happy,

they never
were

lacked
much

very

for their minds of conversation, subjects Beatrice had In book-learning in tune.

advantage of Geoffrey,for she had not only read what she read and could enormously,she also remembered He, too, was very keen. apply it. Her critical faculty, more the other hand, had knowledge of the world, on
the and
came

in his rich
to

days
Never
sat

had

travelled could
one

good deal, and

so

it

pass

that each

tell the other.

even was

for for

when

they

an

always find something to not second were they dull, for it hour or so in silence,

the silence of So the

complete companionship.

away all too quickly, long morning would wear with a cold to be greeted and they would go in to dinner, smile by Elizabeth and heartily man, enough by the old gentlewho
never

out thought of anything

of his

own

circle Either

of affairs. After

dinner it was

the

same

story.

they went walking to look for ferns and flowers, or perhaps Geoffrey took his gun and hid behind the rocks the coast knew by for curlew, sending Beatrice,who
heart,a mile round
to
or more

to

some

headland
she would
to
come

in order

put them

on

the

wing.
him

Then rock

back,
crouch

towards springing
down and

from

rock, and

beneath

seaweed-covered neighbouring
talk

or together in whispers, they would not talk at all,for fear lest they should birds. And the flighting Geoffrey would first frighten for curlew or duck, and, seeingnone, search the heavens would let his eyes fall upon the pure beauty of Beatrice's

they would

boulder, perhaps

face, showing
wonder what

so

she

clearlyagainstthe tender sky, and ing about ; till, suddenly feelwas thinking
turn

his gaze, she would

with

smile

as

sweet

as

the

him what firstrosy blush of dawn upon the waters, and ask And he would laugh and answer he was about. thinking

"You,"
blush
Then
at
a

whereon

she

would

smile

again
knew

and
not

perhaps
why. they
and
sat

she feeling glad at heart, little,

came

tea-time

and

the

quiet,when

the

open

window, and Geoffrey smoked

list-

12 ^

BEATRICE.
to

ened

the soft

whisperof
bed

the

surgingof the sea and the harmonious Mr. nightair in the pines. In the corner
had gone
to

in his armchair, or perhaps he Granger slept

for he liked to go to bed at half-past altogether, the old Herefordshire farmer, his father, had as eight,

done

before

him

; and

at

the

far end

of the

room

sat

of a solitary by the light doing her accounts Elizabeth, book of a candle, or, if they failed her, readingsome the edge But over devotional and improvingcharacter. of the book, or from the page of crabbed accounts, her eyes

would
the

towards glance continually

the

handsome

pair in

smile as she window-place,and she would the glances well. saw that it went Only they never saw When noted the smile. Geoffrey looked that way, or old Elizabeth, he as not which was often,for Elizabeth did not attract him, all always called her to himself
" "

he
over

saw

was

her

form bending sharp but capable-looking work, and the lightof the candle glancingon her

her

straw-coloured
her hard the

hair and
knuckles.

in gleaming white falling

patcheson
And
and
so

happy day would

dreams.

pass and

bed-time

come,

with it unbidden

he Gsoffrey thought no ill of all this,as of course lion of ought to have thought. He was not the ravening with in real life if ever, to be met fiction so rarely,
" "

going about
than she

seekingwhom on no designs absolutely

had
on

he

might

devour.

He

had
more

Beatrice's
he had

affections, any

and his,
to
come.

of prescience

evil

qualms of doubt did cross of their intimacy. But he put

was no

that first fell forgetten it is true, Once or twice, in the earlier days his mind them

by

as

absurd.

He

believer in the tender

his
"

women,

of full-grown helplessness having been that they are amply experience for the most themselves.
a

capable and,
looking after
to

part, more
It seemed
as a

than
to

capable of him a thing

"

ridiculous that such

form

person opinionsand

who Beatrice,

was

petent com-

judgment
from

upon
as a

all the

should of life, important questions

be treated

and

that

he should

remove

himself

child, Bryngellylest

DRIFTING.

125

her young
sure

affections should

become be

that

they would
without ceased
mere

never

entangled. He felt entrappedin any direction

about
a

whatsoever
Then he

her full consent.

to

think

the

matter

at
a a

all. sup.
ceited con-

Indeed, the
man

idea of such would

thing involved
to acceptable
a

which position
"

only have

been
was

namely, that

there

of this possibility What

young
to

in lady's falling

love with him. the sort ?

sort

suppose there

of anything
was

That

another
more

of
to to

had he right It was an impertinence. namely, of possibility

"

his

becoming
"

attached
occur

her than

was or

altogether
twice.
But

desirable he

did,however,
shoulders

him

once

shruggedhis
harm
at

and put it by.

much very
care. soon

After

it was all, do her

his look out, and

no

he did not But

It would

shadowy forebodings of dawning trouble vanished quite. They of friendship.Bylost in the broad, sweet were lights when friendship's day was done, they might arise and-by, face. called by other names and wearinga sterner again,
It
not
was

the worst.

all these

ridiculous

"

of

course

it was

ridiculous ; he

was

he

going to fall in love like a boy and interest felt was gratitude
"

at his time

of life ; all
ment amuse-

all she felt was

"

intimacy felt rather than expressed the intimacy that could alreadyalmost enable the one to divine the other's thought,that could shape her mood to his and his to hers, that could cause the same thing of beauty to be a common joy,and society.
"

in his

As

for the

discover

unityof
was

mind

in

why, it

only

natural

the most opinions opposite between gether people who had to" "

terrible to think of. So they took passed a peril the goods the gods provided, and drifted softly on whither they did not stop to inquire. One day, however, a little incident happened that
"

ought to have opened the eyes of both. They had that arranged,or rather there was a tacit understanding, in the afternoon. they should go out together Geoffrey
was

to

take his gun

and

Beatrice
she
to

book, but it chanced

back from
to

that,just before dinner, as

where village, she had gone

walked
some

the

buy

thread

mend

126

BEATRICE.

Efifie's Beatrice clothes,

It
was

came

face

to

face with Mr. Davies.

Sunday naturally, therefore,rather

their first meeting without witnesses since the of which the events have been described, and,
an

awkward
not

one.

Owen
a

stopped short
and
two

so

that she could and walked

pass him After

with
a

bow,
or

then

turned

beside her.

remark
ran

about the
"You

of conversation weather,the springs that you he

!
"

dry.

remember ?
"

are

coming up
"

to the Castle

this afternoon
"

said,at length.
she answered.

To

the Castle

No,
an

I have

heard

nothingof
"

it."
your

Did

not

sister tell you

a

she made
more

engagement

for herself and

you

week

or

bring the
Then
and

little girl ; she

wants

to

see

You to are ago ? the view from the

top of the tower."

Beatrice remembered.
to

Elizabeth had

told

her,

she had

thoughtit best
gone
out

accept the situation. The

I do

whole
"

had thing
I

of her mind. !

Oh,

beg

your

I have
"You

is easy
to

stupidof me ! had forgotten," he said in his heavy voice; "it for you to forget what I have been looking forward
"
"

made

another

pardon plan

remember

now,

but

how

for

whole

week.

What

is your suppose ? go

plan
"

to

go

out

walkingwith
"Yes,"
"Ah
"

Mr.

Bingham, I

"

answered

Beatrice, "to
with Mr.
"

out

with

Mr.

Bingham."
! you what go out And if I do ?
a

said

Bingham every day now." Beatrice quickly surely, ;

"

Mr.
"

Davies,I have Yes, of course

was course

to right

go out

with whom
to come

I like ?

"

; but the
are

engagement
not

to the
"

Castle
"

made I

first;
am

you

Of

going to
I have
; I shall

going to keep it? keep it ; I alwayskeep my

at three

engagements
"

when

any."
expect you
in
a

then Very well,

went
on

o'clock."

Beatrice
of the

home

irritated condition curiously

to

mind.

She she
was

and Castle, However, there

did not, naturally, want did want to go out with

go

to

Geoffrey. Geoffrey

no

help for

it.

When

-she

came

in to dinner she found that

DRIFTING.
was

127

not

there.

He

had, it seemed,
he had
met
on

Dr. he

whom Chambers,
returned

with to lunch gone the beach. Before

the

Castle, Beatrice leaving to this effect with Betty. a message About a quarter of an hour afterwards, Geoffrey came back to fetch his gun and Beatrice,but Beatrice was
were

they

all three

for starting

gone,

and

all that he could

to
see

extract

from

Betty was

that

she had He how

was

gone

Mr.

Davies. the while he knew

furious, perfectly though all

was

unreasonable
to

forward

the

his anger. had been He looking and this sudden expedition, change of for his

plan was
to

too

much
a

temper.
at

Off he

however, started, He

pass

thoroughlymiserable
more more course

afternoon.

seemed
to
"

to miss Beatrice
more

every step and

at

gradually
called her
him that Mr.
so an

grow

and

angry

what occurred

he

rudeness."
he
was

Of

it

never

to

what

Davies, or
afternoon

her going to see really angry at was had become that, in truth, her society him
to

to delightful
was

that to be

deprivedof
To

it

even

for

be

wretched.
shots him that
crosser

top

he everything, he missed

only got
them As for
as

three

good
made

and afternoon, than herself

ever.

which all,

she enjoyed Beatrice,

at justas little

the

Castle

did on the beach. Geoffrey them throughthe great unused rooms the pictures, but she had seen them
some

Owen
and

Davies

took them

showed

and though before,

not
care

of them
"

were

very

fine,did
not

to

look

at

them

again at Elizabeth gazed

"

any
at

rate,

that

afternoon.

But

with eager eyes and their value,wondering if they would

them

mentallyappraised
ever

be hers.
a

What

is this

? picture
a

"

beautiful

of portrait

Dutch

asked, pointing to Burgomaster by Rembrandt.

for heavily, he knew

she

"That," answered
of

Owen

nothing

and cared less, that is a Velasquez,valued painting for probate at ;^3,ooo no," referring to the catalogue and reading, I beg your pardon, the next is the Velasquez
"
"

"

that

is

Rembrandt

in the

master's

best

style,

showing all his

It
was

wonderful

mastery

valued

for

probateat

and light ;;""4,ooo guineas."

over

shade.

128
"

BEATRICE.
"

Four

thousand

1 guineas

said

Elizabeth, fancy
a

"

havinga thingworth
wall !
"

four thousand

on guineas hanging

And Owen

so

they went

on,

Elizabeth
the

and askingquestions

answeringthem

by

relief, they came pictures.Then they took

to Beatrice's
room

till, help of the catalogue, at length to the end of the

tea

some

in the Uttle

sitting-

of the master

of all this
sat

her

great annoyance,

magnificence. Owen, to at to Beatrice, opposite staring

her with all his eyes while she drank her tea, with Effie in her lap,and Elizabeth, bit her lip it, sitting observing in

jealousy. She
not

had do

thought it well
to

to

bringher
think she

sister
was

here ; it would

let Mr.

Davies

keepingBeatrice out of his way, but his mute idol worship was to the After tea they went tryingto her feelings. in the top of the tower, and Effie rejoiced exceedingly
view, which
"Your he said.
"

was

very

beautiful. Here

Owen

got

word

with Elizabeth. sister

seems

to

be put

out

about

something,"
Beatrice has
to

she daresay,"

answered

carelessly ;
she

''

an

uncertain

temper.
Mr.

I think

wanted

go

out

Bingham this afternoon." Had been a less religious Owen person he might have it was, he only said, "Mr. as Bingham it is sworn; is alwaysMr. Bingham from morning to night! When he going away ?
"

with shooting

"

"

In

another

week,
makes
we a

I believe.

Beatrice

will be

sorry, And

I think ; she
now

great
be

I think that

must

companion of him. home," and she getting

rankle the in his breast. and vicarage

went,

this poisonedshaft leaving After they had returned

had small
a

to to

Beatrice in her

heard

Effie her

prayers
went

and
to

tucked

her up

white

bed, she

down

the gate to be
not
sea

for quiet in.

to

little while before supper.

It
was a

had Geoffrey

yet come
seemed
sunset

autumn lovely

evening;

the

and the little clouds,from which the sleep, had paled,lay like wreaths of smoke upon blue sky. Why had not Mr. Bingham come

fires

the

infinite

back, she

DRIFTING.

129

have time to dress. Supscarcely posing that an accident had happened to him. Nonsense ! what accident could happen ? He was so bigand strong he seemed to defy accidents ; and yet had it not been be little for her there would enough left of his strength

wondered

; he would

to-day. Ah
to
a save

! she

was

gladthat
There

she had he

lived to be able

him from the

death.

came,

looming like

eveningmist. There was beside the large a small one on hand-gate which she leant. Geoffrey stalked straight up to it as though he did not see her ; he saw her well enough, but
in giant he
was cross

with her. him

to

She allowed
shut

pass

through
do
so

the

gate,which he

slowly, perhaps to give her

she wished
see

if speaking, he did
not

to

of opportunity that then thinking

an

her

she

spoke

in her

soft, musical
?
"

voice.
"

Did

you he

have

good sport,Mr. Bingham

"

No,"
I
am

answered

shortly ;

"

saw

very

and little,

I missed all I saw."

"

so

sorry,

except for the birds.

you not
see me

I hate the birds

to

be killed.
saw
"

Did

in this white dress ?

fifty yardsaway." he answered, I saw Yes, Miss Granger," you." "And without to me; speaking goingby you were
you
"
"
"

it

what is the matter ? very rude of you " Not rude as it was of you to arrange to walk out so with me and then to go and see IMr. Davies instead."
was
'*

I could

not

Mr. Bingham help it, I had

; it was

an

old

gagement, en-

which
"

Quite so, ladies

they want
It
to
an

forgotten." have an generally

excuse, Mr.

excuse

for

doing

what
*'

do."

is

not

Bingham,"
is
no

Beatrice
me

"there answered, with dignity;

need

for

to

make
"

excuses

to you

Of

course

to polite

tell me

about my movements." not, Miss Granger ; but it would when you change your mind
"

be
next

more

time,

you

know.

However, I have

no

doubt

that the Castle

has

attractipns for you."

9

I30

BEATRICE. flashed
so

She

one

look

at

him

and

turned

to go, and

as

she did
"

his heart relented

; he

grew

ashamed.
I do not know

Miss
has The

Granger, don't
become fact of my

go ;

me. forgive

what
not.

manners,

I
at

spoke
your

as

I should

is,I
me.

was

put

out

To
*'

tell the honest You

truth,I missed
That

you

coming. dreadfully."
not

missed

to be missed.

But, if you
on a
"

is very nice of you ; one likes missed me for one afternoon, hence
when you go away and

how

willyou get
me

week

? altogether Beatrice spoke in a bantering tone, and laughed as in somethinglike a sigh. she spoke,but the laugh ended

miss

He

looked

at

her for

moment,
"

looked

tillshe

dropped

her eyes.
"

Heaven
us

"Let
"

only knows ! he answered sadly. in a constrained voice; go in,"said Beatrice,

how

chill the air has turned."

CHAPTER

XV.

ONLY

GOOD-NIGHT.

Five

more came

days passed,all
round. It
was

too

and quickly, of

once

more

Monday
the
morrow,

the 22nd
on

October, and
On

Michaelmas

began Sittings

the

24th.

the

there

to return to London, Tuesday, Geoffrey was bers. to meet Lady Honoria and get to work at Chamthe biggest he That very morning, indeed,a brief,
"

had

yet received
to

itwas from

marked
his

thirty guineas
"

had been

forwarded

chambers, with a note from his clerk to the effect that the case was expected to be and in the special jury list on the first day of the sittings,
that the clerk had made
an

him

appointmentfor

him

with the
sent

brief was solicitors for 5.15 on the Tuesday. The to him by his uncle's firm,and marked, "With you
and Attorney-General, known leader of the Mr. Probate Divorce Court

the

Candleton, Q.C.," the welland Bar.

Never

before had

found Geoffrey

himself in such honour-

ONL that able company, liitlewas he elated But when he

came

GOOD-NIGH the back of

T.

131

is

on

and brief,
his

not

thereby.
to
one

look into the

of the most

case

somewhat, for it was

had of the
a ever

joy abated that he perplexing

was

known.

The

will

contested,which

that

Yorkshire
value of

disposedof property to money-lender, and was over propounded by a ^^80,000,

who, when
in his he

niece of the
weak the

testator
was

died,if not actually

to whom
son

in his
verge
was

mind,
to

and superstitious to dotage,

of left
"

The insanity.

niece

the exclusion of the

all the perty proand daughter

from deceased, both married, and living away home stayed with the testator and looked after him. before his death, however, he and this niece had Shortly of an account on intimacywhich violently quarrelled of the
"

the latter had who been the

means was a

formed

with

married

man

the

lawyer'sclerk. discharged that only three days quarrel

had
a

of bad repute, So serious had

before his death

testator

sent

for

lawyer

and

by formally,
of
a sum

of

codicil, deprivedthe niece

he had left her,all the between
his he
son

of

;^2,ooowhich being divided

in the presence

rest of his

property

and

daughter. Three
fresh

however, days afterwards,

of two

duly executed a servants, by which he

will,

left all his

to the entire exclusion of his own property to the niece, children. This will, though very short, was in proper

form

and

was

written

by nobody
testator

knew

whom.

The
was

servants

stated that the

before

it signing

with its contents, for acquainted perfectly made him

the niece had

clared, They also derepeat them in their presence. in a terrible fright, and however, that he seemed
me

said twice," It's behind Within

was an

; it's behind

me

!"

hour

of the

of signing

the will the testator

found

from dead, apparently

was

the effects of
at

but fear,
of death.
case was seen

the niece
The

not

in the

room

the

time
in the

only other remarkable

lover disreputable the house
at

circumstance
of the

that the

niece had
testator

been

hangingabout
at ten

dusk,the
was

havingdied
further
9-2

o'clock at

night. There

also

fact.

132 The
son,
was on

BEATRICE.
a message receiving

from

the niece that his with

or

father

had hurried seriously worse, some one speed to the house,passing

dinary extraor-

something
running,
room,

"

he

could

not

tell what the

"

that seemed of the

to

be

apparentlyfrom
which
was were on

window

sick man's which

the

ground

and floor,

beneath

marks foottwo

afterwards been

found.

Of

these footmarks

casts

had

taken, of which

with the brief. feet of small

and in size,

They
each

had
case

third toe of the

foot right

seemed

warded forphotographswere been made by naked the little jointof the to be missing. But all
them
next

attempts

to

find the feet that made

had

hitherto

failed. The

will was
one

contested of the

by the
as

Geoffreywas
of undue

counsel, upon

for whom kin, the usual grounds

at

of

influence and fraud ; but

itseemed

present
not

with

small
were

stances prospect of success, for,though the circum-

suspiciousenough,
of either. This
are

there

was

the

evidence slightest
the outlines

curious case, of which

here the

is briefly set out, because it written, foundation

of
enormous Geoffrey's

proved

to

be

and reputation at the Bar. practice read the brief through twice, He thoughtit over and
to

well,

could

make

little of it. been

It

him

that there had

foul
to

obvious perfectly play somewhere, but he

was

found

himself
Was

quite unable
who ?
"

form

workable

the person

had

been
was

seen a

hypothesis. runningaway
If so, the
ex-

concerned
was

in the

matter

if it

person.

he the author had

of the

clerk lawyer's In vain did

? Of course footprints but something to do with it,

; every
or

what

Geoffreycudgel his brains

him broke down
somewhere

idea that

occurred
"We

to

other.

he said aloud in despair;"suspicious this," circumstances are not enough to upset a will," and then, addressing at the Beatrice,who was sitting table, working:
"

shall lose

Here, Miss Granger, you

if you
can

have

see

make

anythingof
her.
a

of law, smattering and he pushed this,"

a

the

brief towards heavy'

Beatrice took it with

and laugh,

for the next

three-

ONLY

coo

D-NIGIIT.

133

quarters of
way

an

hour
see. me

her fair brow At last she

at the to

was

puckered

up

in

quaint to
"

finished and

shut

the

brief up,

Let

look
them then

Geoffreyhanded
first one and

her.

she said. photographs," She very carefully examined

as

the
out

other,and
upon
"

she did

so

of intelligence broke light

"

her face. he asked.

"

have you got it ? Well, Portia,

I have

"

got

she something," you

answered.
man

I do not know
was

if it is right. Don't
;
or some

see, the old

tious supersti-

him they frightened

after he

by a ghostlyvoice such thing the will, into signing and then to death clerk preparedthe had signedit. The lawyer's
first of all know
room

will
"

he would into the

how under

to

do

it.

'J'hen he

was

gled smug-

the The

up

as

ghostperhaps.
a a seen swear

bed, or somewhere, dressed sending for the son by the

was seen

niece
away

was was

blind.

The

thing that
on

boy
so

"

those many

were footprints

made

running by a boy.
here that from
thing somewere

I have I could the

thousands He
was

the sands
to

to

it.
was

attracted

the house

road,which
unusual

quite near, by catchingsightof

Now look
i, found
at the

through the blind

shutters. in No.

; the brief says there

no

curtains

or

the

See footprints.
are

photographs of outside the window,

the mud.
a

the toes
owner

pressed down
was

deeply into
was

The

of the feet But

on standing

to get tip-toe
near

better
the
son

view.

in No.
saw a

2, which

found

where

the toes are spread running, is of who That the footprint some out quitewide. one it is not probable in a great hurry. Now that a boy was had anything to do with the testator's death. Why, then, I will tell you : because the boy runningso hard ? was he was at something he had seen through the frightened blind. So frightened ward, forwas he, that he will not come and inquiries. the advertisements Find or answer who has a joint the third toe a boy in that town on missing

thought he

person

of the
"

foot,and right
make
!

you

will

soon a

know

all about

it."

" By Jove,"said Geoffrey,

what

criminal

lawyeryou

would
are we

I believe that you have got it. But how to find this boy with the missing ? Every toe-joint

134

BEATRICE.

has already and failed. Nobeen made body possible inquiry has seen such a boy, whose deficiency would probably be known by his parents, or schoolfellows." "it has failed because the boy "Yes," said Beatrice, has taken to wearingshoes,which indeed he would always have
to

do

at school.

His

parents, if he has any, would

and no one else perhapsnot speak of his disfigurement, if he were in new-comer a might know of it, especially the neighbourhood. It is quite that he took off possible his boots in order I will tell you should how
to creep

up

to

the window.
to

And find him.

now

I should

set

work

to

throughthe town
"

running watched carefully by detectives. In this weather" autumn was an (the unusually of that class often and warm som"one) boys paddle times bathe. If they watch close enough, theywill probably find a boy with a missingtoe joint the number." among
every
"

have

in bathing-place
"

the

river

there is a river

"

What

good idea,"said Geoffrey.

once.

"

I will telegraph that you have

to

the

lawyersat
as

believe certainly

got the clue."

And

itturned

out afterwards

Beatrice had got it; her

every of
a

in almost were suppositions right boy, who proved to be the son into the town, was come recently
a

The particular.

pedlar who

had

clever

which trick,

need

into

the truth, as telling himself into holding his tongue.

wading,and by be detailed, not frightened he had previously frightened

found He had
even,
as

Beatrice
the them and

taken off his boots to creep up to conjectured, had dropped window, and as he ran away in his fright,

into
went

ditch full of water.

There

they were

found,
laid the

far to

convince
was

the

jury
success.

of the

truth of his

story. Thus
foundations
of

it

that

Beatrice's

quick wit

Geoffrey's great
was a

This

particular Monday
had

field day at the

no

Vicarage.
of

Jones
tithe.

proved
to

obdurate the Mr.

power

on on

earth could
account
a

induce him

pay

;Qz^

^is.

4d. due

Therefore

Granger, fortified by

had duly obtained,

announced

his intention of

judgment distraining

ONLY

GOOD-NIGHT. cattle,

135

Jones had repHed with If any bailiff, such insolent defiance. or or auctioneer, kill him, or them. to sell his hay he would people came
upon

Jones'shay

and

So whom
to

said

Jones, and summoned owed and of none tithe,

battle in his
an cause.

his supporters, many whom wished to pay

his part, Mr. courage who

of

it,
to

do

For

Granger
was

retained arrive
and
on

auctioneer

of undoubted

this very

afternoon, supported by six policemen,

Beatrice felt
was nervous

carry out

the sale.

about

the the

whole
old The He

but thing,
was

Elizabeth
now

very

determined, and
now one

clergyman
auctioneer
was a

bombastic

and

despondent.
o'clock train.

arrived

duly by the
man, not

tall able-bodied

unlike

Geoffrey in
it would sale
was was

appearance, have

indeed

at

twenty
and
to

yards distance
apart.
The
"

been

difficult to

tell them Mr. the He

fixed for

half-past two,
name
"

Johnson
inn
was

that

the

auctioneer's before
hostile

went

to

get his dinner

informed
of the that
an

to proceeding

business. which

demonstration
of the whole

awaited
had

him, and
been
man

English member to head especially pooh-poohed the

"All

Parliament

sent

down

mob, but being a

affair.
to

of mettle

he said bark,sir,"

"all Geoffrey,

bark

and

no

bite ; I'm not afraid of these people. Why, if they won't I will buy it in myself." bid for the stuff,
"

All I

said Geoffrey, right,"

"

but
is
a

I advise

you

to

look

out.

fancy that

the old

man

rough

customer."

back to his dinner. went Geoffrey As they sat at the meal, througha gap in the fir trees of they saw that the great majorityof the population of the Bryngellywas streaming up towards the scene and some the fun. to agitate, to see sale,some
Then
"

It is prettywell time to be

said Geoffrey. "Are off,"

you
"

coming, Mr. Granger ?

Well," answered
so, but

"

the

old

gentleman,

"

I wished

to

do And
as

Elizabeth

thinks that I had

after well for

all, you know," he added

a

keep away. airily, perhapsit is

"

better

clergyman

not

to

mix

himself
I want
to

up go

too

much
see

in these

temporal matters.

No,

and

136
about
think
*'

BEATRICE.

some

pigs at

the other

end

of the

and parish,
"

that I shall take this

are a

You

Beatrice in

opportunity." Mr. Bingham, are not going, you ? voice which betrayed her anxiety.
"of
course

asked

"Oh,
not

yes,"he answered,
the chance be

am.

I would Bones who has We

miss

for worlds. member for

Why,

Beecham

is

goingto

there,the
was

of Parliament

just done
are

his four

months

to outrage. inciting

old friends ; I
was
"

at school

with him. I want

Poor

fellow,

he

mad

even

in those had

and days,

to chaff him."

I think

that you
"

far better not

a

go, Mr. set." you

Bingham,"

said Beatrice ;

they are
is
am

"Everybody
Elizabeth.
"

not

so

rough cowardly as
very any rate."

are," put in
"

"

going at

Miss Elizabeth," said Geoffrey right, ; fury protect each other from the revolutionary That's mob. And

we

will
the

of

Come,
so

it is time

to

start."
a

they went, leavingBeatrice forebodings.

waited in the house
to

prey

to

choly melan-

She

for the best Effie.

on

part of
hat

making pretence
Effie leaving

play with
; she

Then

got the better of her

in Beatrice walked

put

her

hour, her anxiety and started,

an came

charge of

the servant

Betty.
cliff tillshe she stood and
even,

along the quickly

From where of men,

in

of Jones'sfarm. sight make

out
a

she could when the

great crowd
towards heard
a

wind

turned

her, catch
sound

the

noise

of
a

shouting.
gun,
saw

Presentlyshe
the crowd

like the report of

and confusion,

break

up in violent
a

then cluster

togetheragainin
"

dense
mean

mass.

What the

could

it

"

Beatrice wondered.
her
two mind, she perceived

As
men

thought crossed
her Three Elizabeth.
were

running towards
a woman. was men

with

all their and

speed, followed
she
saw

by
woman

minutes

more

that the

The
"

her passing
"

now.

What Murder

is it ?
I
'^

she cried.

^^

they answered

with

one

voice,and

sped

on

towards

Bryngelly.

OXL

'

GOOD-NIGH

T.

vj

Another written
on

moment

and

Elizabeth

was

at

hand, horror
"

her

pale face.
at

Beatrice clutched
"

her.

"

Who

is it ?
"

she cried.
and

Mr.

Bingham," gasped
!
"

her

sister.
was

Go

help ;

he's shot dead

And

she too

gone. clave to the roof and round.

Beatrice's knees
of her mouth
"

her tongue loosened,

; the

solid earth

spun
"

round

Geoffrey killed ! Geoffrey killed ! she cried in her heart ; but though her ears seemed to hear the sound of from her hps. " Oh, what should them, no words came
she do ? A few Where should the she hide herself and
a

her
tree

? grief

"

yardsfrom
stone

path

grew

stunted

with

largeflat
and round sank and

at its root.

Thither

Beatrice

staggered
spun

upon

the stone, while stillthe solid earth

round.

Presentlyher mind
she now first, " Perhaps been
rose.

cleared

and little, She had

keener

pang
at

of pain shot through her soul. felt. it

or was

been

stunned

not

true

perhaps Elizabeth
her." her

had She

mistaken She

had

only

said it to torment

stone, and

flung herself prayed, this

me

upon

knees, there
for many

by
"

the she

first time
"

years

prayed
him
of

with all her soul. this

was

Oh, God, if Thou

art, spare

his life and

her grief beings must realised her weak

faith in

agony." In her dreadful pangs thus re-born,and, as all human

of mortal the Unseen.
on

their hour
on

agony, She the

Beatrice
rose, and The

dependence
emotion
sank

with
were

back her

to

stone.

people

streamingpast
came

now,

talking excitedly.
over

Somebody
"

up

to

her and

stood

her.

Oh, Heaven, it was

Is it you ?
murdered."
no.
"

Geoffrey !

she

gasped.
not

"

Elizabeth

said that you

fellow ing standI fell.

were

"No,
next

It

was

me;

it is that shot him.

poor I
was

Johnson, the auctioneer.

him.
not

Jones
your

I suppose

sister

thoujht that
went

He

was

unlike me,
at

poor

fellow."
went

Beatrice looked
burst into
a

him,

red,

white,then

flood of

tears.

138
A

BEATRICE.

strange pang
so

seized

upon
to

his heart.
the
core.

It

thrilled
was

through him, shaking him

woman

Why

this sense Non-

deeply moved
stifled the

Could

it be

; he
"

Don't
"

Beatrice

thought before it was born. cry,"Geoffreysaid, the people will see you, the firsttime he called her by her christian (for
"

name)

"

pray
no

do

not

cry.

It distresses That fellow

me.

You

are

upset, and

wonder.

Beecham It is his He's

Bones

ought to be hung, and meant though he never

enough
"

I told it to go

him
so

so.

work,

far.

frightened

now,

can

tell you."
an

Beatrice controlled herself with

What

effort.
as a we

happened,"he said,
don't go up

"

I will tell you He

walk

along. No,

to the farm.

is not

pleasant

When I got up there,Beecham Bones sight, poor fellow. about his longhair to the mob was flying spouting away them his back to resist laws made exciting by brutal landlords,and all that kind of gibberish thieving ; telling them that they would be supportedby a great party in
" "

The Parliament,"c., "c. people,however, took it all of good-naturedlyenough. They had a beautiful efifigy a pole,with a placard on his your father swingingon * The robber of the widow breast,on which was written, the orphan,'and they were and singingWelsh songs. than half drunk, cursing Only I saw Jones,who was more in Welsh and English.When swearing Jones went into the house began to sell, and the auctioneer and Bones the
went

with him.
and

After

enough
was

had

been

sold to pay

while the mob

the back door

still laughingand

debt, denly sudshouting,

out

of the house gun

opened and
in his hand
I
was

rushed Bones the

Jones, now

quite drunk, a
on

and

hanging
auctioneer

to at the

his

coat-tails.
and my

talkingto

moment,

belief is that the brute rate, before

at fired,

thought that
could The

was

Johnson.

At any and

anything
as

be done

he lifted the gun

me,

I think.

"

however, passed my head and hit poor Johnson charge, is him dead. That all the story." full in the face, killing And quite enough, too,"said Beatrice with a shudder.
times
we

"

What

live in !

I feel

quitesick."

ONLY

GOOD-NIGHT.

139

Supper that nightwas a very melancholy affair. thrown off his balance Mr, Granger was altogether
even
"

Old
; and

Elizabeth's It could
not

iron

nerves

were

shaken.
not

be worse,

it could
the

be and

worse," moaned

the old man, down

"

from rising

table

walkingup
"

and

the

room.

said Elizabeth the practical.He Nonsense, father,"

have been
not

might
then

shot have

before

he had

sold the

hay,and

you

would

got your

tithe."

of looking at this way Geoffreycould not help smiling from which, however, Mr. Gi anger seemed to at things, draw a little comfort. From about constantlythinking had come and the daily it, pressure of necessity, money
to

be

more

to the old
was

man

than

else anything when

in the world.

Hardly
arrived and

the down

meal

done

three

reporters
had

took

statement Geoffrey's

of what

for publication in various occurred,

went

papers,

while Beatrice

packing Efifie's things. They for London at half-past to start by a train leaving were back the following on morning. When Beatrice came eight Mr. it was ten, and in his irritation of mind half-past beth ElizaGranger insisted upon everybodygoing to bed. him on shook hands with Geoffrey, congratulating
away
to
see

about

his escape
a lingered

as

she did so, and last she

went
came

at

once

; but

Beatrice
held out

little. At

forward

and

her hand.
"

"

he
"

Mr. Bingham," she said. Good-night, also," Good-night. I hope that this is not good-bye added with some anxiety.

Of

course see

broke not,'"
you off the

in

Mr.

Granger.
to

"

Beatrice
meet

will go and
the
coroner

I can't ; I have

go and

about

busy in
were
"

the house.

and Elizabeth is always inquest, Luckilythey won't want you ; there

witnesses." many it is only good-night," said Beatrice. Then

so

She

went

to

her

room.

Elizabeth, who

shared
Then could

was it,

or alreadyasleep, appeared to be asleep. undressed and got into bed, but rest she

Beatrice
not.
was

It

was

He a last good-night. "only good-night,"

going

I40

BEATRICE.

away and

"

back

to

his

wife,back

to

the
no

world, great rushing

share.

to the hfe in which

would
women

he Very soon forget her. Other interests would arise,other his friends, and he would would become forget

she had

the Welsh

girlwho
her

had the

attracted

him

for

while,or

remember

Why

ture. companion of a rough advenWhat did it mean ? Why was her heart so sore ? had she felt as though she should die when they

only as

told her that he Then the

answer

was

dead
rose

in her breast.
the truth
"

it

was

useless

to

deny

she and

She loved him ; loved him body,

all her

and She
ever.
never

heart and
was

with soul,

all her mind

"

strength.

and his, He

his alone
go

might
him
!

from

to-day, to-morrow, and for she might never, her sight,

she

see was

more,

but love him

always must.
not

And

he

married
was

Well, it
solemn endure and her her
ears

her What

misfortune
should her eyes

; it could

affect the should she

truth.

she
no

life when
never

do, how longer

She

saw

his eyes, the future

saw

heard her

his voice ?
as

saw

stretch itself before

in

vision.
she

She

herself time

forgotten by
to

this

man

whom

loved, or

from

only with a faint regret. She saw herself growing slowlyold,her beauty fading yearlyfrom her face and form, companioned only by the love that bitter ! and old. not bitter, Oh, it was yet she grows
time remembered would
not

have
to

it otherwise. found the this

Even

in her
and

pain she

felt

it better
have
never

have

deep
and

ruinous

wrestled
to

with
looked she

Angel
was

been

joy,to worsted, than

have

upon gave

his face.

If she could

only
he She

know loved
was

that what her

as

that given back again, she would

she loved

him,
never or

be

content.

innocent, she had

used her
no

tried

to

draw

him
arts

to
or

her ; lures had

she had such

as no

touch

look,no
her

woman's

beautyplaced at

command.

There

been

word

passed between
as

spoken, scarcelya meaning glance had panionship them, nothing but frank and free comof
man

with

man.

She
not

knew

he did not
"

love

his wife and that his wife did

love him

this she

ONLY

GOOD-NIGHT.
never

141

could
and

see.

But

she had

tried to win him from

her,
was

though
"

she sinned her hands

in
were

thought,though her heart

clean ! her.

guilty oh,
Her

longer liein bed. Elizabeth, watchingthroughher veil of sleep, Beatrice rise, saw put on a wrapper, and, going to the fering, At first she thought of interwindow, throw it wide.
overcame no

restlessness

She could

for Elizabeth

was

prudent

person

and

did

not

excited her draughts ; but her sister's movements and she refrained. the Beatrice sat down on curiosity, the windowher arm foot of her bed, and leaning upon dark silllooked out upon the lovelyquietnight. How soft was the pine trees massed against the sky ; how the whisperof the sea, and how vast the heaven through like which
What the stars
was

sailed

on.

it, then, this love of hers?

more.

Was
was

it

mere

passion? No, it was earthly grander, purer, deeper, and

came

It

something

then it,

If she was,
came

child of
not
a

whence earth,
the earth ?

quite undying. Whence she had thought, as only a this deep desire which was
she

of soul
"

Had

been

wrong,

had

she

something that could love with the body and through the body and beyond the body something of but the envelope, which the body with its yearnings was
"

the hand

or

instrument ?
so, and

Oh,

now

it seemed

to Beatrice

that this was

that called into

beingby her

love she

and her soul stood Once

face to face

she had held that it was

were

their unity. acknowledging : that such spiritual phantasy

from
a

hopes
we swear

but

exhalations

heart

unsatisfied;

that when

love escapes us on the earth, in our despair, shall find it in the it is immortal, and that we
Now
on

heavens. kissed her

was

Beatrice believed this no the eyes, and

saw

more.

Love

had

at
a

his kiss her

spirit sleeping
him ! But if

awakened, and she Yes, she loved him,

never

vision of the truth.

and
on

must

always love
that he
some was

she could she had

not
a

know

earth

hers, and

his

to be freed after spirit have forgottenhers spirit

years, would in that far hereafter of few

their meeting ?

142

BEATRICE.

She sobbed.
"

dropped
What

her

brow

upon

her

arm

and

softly

was

there left for her to do except to sob

tillher heart broke ?

the

Elizabeth, lyingwith wide-open ears, heard saw Elizabeth, peeringthrough the moonlight,
form tremble
a

sobs.

her sister's and

in the

convulsion

of

her

sorrow,

smiled
"

smile of malice.
"

thingis done," she thought ; she cries because is going. Don't don't cry ! We the man cry, Beatrice, will get your plaything back for you. Oh, with such a
The

bait itwill be easy.

There
was scene

He

is as

sweet

on

you

as

you

on

him."

in
clue

this
to

something almost devilish, something evil, of the one holding a watching woman
the enjoying
secret tortures

and

of the innocent

other,
rival's

the plotting

while

to

turn

them

to

her

destruction and
was

her
as

own

advantage. Elizabeth's jealousy

ceased

indeed

bitter

the grave.

Suddenly Beatrice
head, and
her

by
the

sudden all her she

sobbing. She lifted her of impulsethrew out the passion

concentrated

heart with
man

strength of mind
as

towards
some

loved,murmuring

she

did

so

words which she knew. passionate, despairing At this moment soundly,dreamed Geoffrey, sleeping and looking that he saw at Beatrice seated by her window him
was

with eyes which

no

earthlyobstacle

could

blind.

She

speaking ;
no

her

hear

voice the
"

lips moved, but though he could words she spokefloated into his mind
"

Be

god
a man

and

hold ! fold
arm.

me

With
Be
a

charm and

me

With Teach
As

thine

only teach,Love ! ought will speakthy speech, Love, Think thy thought
me,

"

Meet,
Both

if thou

it, require
and

demands,

Laying flesh
In

spirit

thy hands.

ONLY
That
Not I must

GOOD-NIGHT.
shall be
to-morrow

143

Out

: to-night bury sorrow of sight.

Must

Love, !) me (Foolish And fall asleep, so Love, Loved by thee."

a

little weep,

heard Geoffrey
what

them

in his heart.
was

Then

theywere

gone,

the vision of Beatrice

gone, of

Oh,
Wave the
a

was

this flood
upon

suddenly inarticulate, passion-laden

and

he awoke.

thought that
after
wave

beat

heavy
no

breath from

of Beatrice ? telling it came, utterly overwhelminghim, like of flowers stirred by a nightwind like
"

his brain

message

another she
was

world.

It

was

real ; it

was

no

dream,
was

fancy ;

no.t

there ; her upon

her

being beat
in
the

though she thought mingled with his thought, his own. His heart throbbed, his
to

present with

him

limbs
But

trembled, he
had

strove

understand dread and

and

could

not.

mystery
life and

of

that down

communion,
;

the

passionhe
took

trodden
form

refused

ment acknowledglike the

blade

within seed
bloom. he

him
to

it grew

Indian's
to

magic
and

tree, from
bud
:

blade, from
In that
moment

bud,
what

from

to

it
ing know-

became

clear to him

he

knew
mean,

loved for him

her, and
if
not

such

love must and

for

her,

Geoffrey sank back

And

groaned.
a

Beatrice ?

Of

sudden

she

ceased
to

herself ; she

felt her

thought flung back

had

speakingto her weighted

through
come answer

with

another's

thought. She path

to

broken

the

barriers of earth ; the

had found
a

quick electric message

him
she loved
was more

of her heart back writ ? he

and that

answered. Alas ! she read

But

in what
not

tongue
first she

could

read At she

it,any

than
;

could

the message.

doubted
it
a

imagination.Then
to others

remembered
send

surelyit was was absolutely

not

could proved that people dying far away

; and

vision of themselves

if that could

be, why

this ?

144

I^EA
a truth,

TRICE.

No, it was
here
was

solemn

truth; she knew

he felt her

she thought,

that his life beat upon her life. Oh, hope, for if this could mystery, and here was

knew

be,

and

it 7C'as, what
human

might
so

not

be ?

If

her

blind

strengthof
of human mock the

love could

overstep the boundaries

her

power,

and, by the sheer might of its volition,

that hemmed

barriers physical

what in,

had

she to fear from

itself?

She

from separation, distance, ay, from had grasped a clue which might one
or

death

day,
?
"

before the

seeming end
secrets

after

"

what

did it matter She

had

lay strange

open

to

her gaze.

heard

be learned, whisperin an unknown tongue that could still answeringLife's agonizing cry with a song of glory. If only he loved her, some day all would be well. Some day the barriers would fall. Crumbling with the flesh, free to seek its they would fall and set her naked spirit other self. And her love, what then, having found
more was

there all the

at last
"

to

seek ?

What

other

answer

did

she

desire

to

attained
And

problems of her life than Unity attained in Death

love

this of
!

Unity
her?
the

if he did not that message of

her,how
not
ever a

could pass

he

answer

Surely
when The

could

except

along

goldencord
Pain

love,which

makes

its sweetest

music

strikes it with

hand
"

of fear.

glory passed it throbbed itself away ; the spiritual till, fainter, gusts of thought grew continually like the echoes of a dyingharp,like the breath of a falling gale,they slowly sunk to nothingness.Then wearied
with
an

troubled

extreme

of wild

emotion lost in

Beatrice

sought

her

bed

was againand presently

sleep.

When

woke Geoffrey
came

on

the next

morning,after
that he

little
perienced ex-

he reflection,
a

to

the

decision

had

moving dream, consequent the exciting of the previous events the painof on or on day, his impendingdeparture. He rose, packed his bag everything else was ready and went in to breakfast. Beatrice
very
" "

curious and

did

till it was looked half over. She very appear and said she had that been Effie's pale, things. packing
not

ONLY

GOOD-NIGHT. touched barely

145

Geoffreynoliced
he
rose

that she hands

his

to

shake

with her, and

he

that
to

when fingers she studiously wonder if she

avoided
also had Next

glance. Then dreamed. strangely

his
came

began

the

bustle

of the

in the Welsh
were

flywith
to look

spatched dedeparture. Efifie was luggage and Betty,the fat Beatrice and

servant,
to walk to

after her.

Geoffrey

the station.
to

Mr, Bingham," said Mr. going, There, good-bye, Granger. good-bye! God bless you ! had such charming lodgers Never before. Hope you I'm sure. will come back again, By the way, they are
"

"Time

for you

be

certain

to

summon

you

as

witness

at the

trial of that

villainJones."

"Good-bye, Mr. Granger," Geoffreyanswered; "you and see in town. A change will do you must come me good."
"Well, peihaps I may. Never twenty-five years.
"

I have could

not

had

change
Aren't

for

afford
"

it.

you

going to say good-byeto Elizabeth ? Good-bye, Miss Granger," said Geoffrey politely.
"

Many thanks for

all your

kindness.

hope
do

we

shall

meet
"

again."
Do that you ?
we
"

answered

Elizabeth
and again, I

;
am

"

so sure

I.

am

sure

shall meet you

that I shall
she

glad to see added darkly.

In another

be

when

we

do,

Mr.

Bingham,"

minute his

he

had

left the

Vicarage and, with

the

Beatrice station. "This

moments'
"

at

side,was

w^alking smartly towards

said, after
"

is very silence.

melancholy,"he

few

she answered is," Going away generally those who go or those who stay behind," she
"

either for

added.

"

Or for
came

both,"he said.
another

Then
"

"

[)ause ; he broke it Miss Beatrice, I write to you ? " may if you like." Certainly,

"

And

will you

answer

my

letters ?

"

xo

146
"

BEATRICE.

Yes, I will answer

I had my

them."

"If

deal of your

way, then, you should he said. *' You time in writing,"

a

spend
don't been

good know,"
to
me

he
to

added learn
to

"what earnestly, know you.

delightit has
had
no

I have

greater pleasure

in my
"

life."
am

Beatrice glad," the I

"

By

something
reference have
cannot
"

shortly. way," Geoffrey said presently, there is You want to ask you. are as good as a
"

answered

book

been

quotations, you hauntingme for the last

where
"

for

know. twelve

Some

lines I

hours, and

remember
are

What

saw,
"

'*

we

and Geoffrey they ? in her eyes. or thought he saw, a strange fear shining Here are four of them," he answered unconcernedly ; have no time for long quotations :
"
'

from." they come she asked,looking up,

That

shall be to-morrow,
: to-night sorrow bury

Not
I must

Out

of

sight.'
lines which
had had

"

Beatrice heard
upon heart her in lips
to

"

heard

the very

been
Her

the wild

midnight that
became With
a

gone.
as

seemed and

stop

; she

white
supreme

the

dead,

stumbled,
recovered
*'

nearly fell.

effort she

herself.
know
"

I think

she

that you must said in a low voice. ^A

the

Mr. Bingham," lines, from Word.'

"
,

They
; what

come

poem

of

called Browning's,

JVoinan's
answer on

Last
was

Geoffrey made no while they walked

station
An very
near.

he to say ?

For

in silence.

close to the
was

now.

They were perhaps Separation,

to

getting
for ever, the

desire overmastering

know

truth took
"

hold

of him.
"

Miss

Beatrice,"he said again, you look pale. Did

"

you
"

sleepwell last night? No, Mr. Bingham."

Did you have
"

"

curious dreams

"

"

Yes, I did

she

before answered, looking straight

her.

THE

FLAT

NEAR

THE

ED

G WARE

ROAD. true! do

147

He

turned

shade

paler.
a

Then

it was

"Beatrice,"he said in
mean
"

half

whisper,"what
as

they

? As

"

much
are

as

or anythingelse,

she answered. little,"

such

"

What

people
the she

to

do

who

dream

dreams

"

he said
"

in again,

same

constrained

voice.

Forget them,"
And

whispered.
back ?
"

"

if theycome

"

"

Forget them again." ? if they will not be forgotten And

turned of
or

"

She
"

and

looked

him

full in the eyes.

"

Die

them," she
"

said ;
"

then

they will

be

gotten, for-

"

Or

"

what, Beatrice ? said Beatrice, Here "and is the station,"

the

Betty is

with quarrelling Five minutes

flyman."
and
was Geoffrey

more

gone.

CHAPTER
THE FLAT NEAR THE

XVI.
EDGWARE ROAD.

Geoffrey's
one.

journeyto
To

ful a cheeraltogether at parting beginwith,Efifiewept copiously

town
was

not

with
would

her beloved
not

"auntie," as
The Anne

she

called

and Beatrice, her rejoining for Efifie. had

be comforted. the voluble

on

prospect of
had
no

mother

and

charms

They
the

all three got

to

best

apart.

Geoffreyhimself
back
over

also much

think

about, and
threw
He

found

in little satisfaction the events hov/ he

on as

thinking. He
past few
and

his mind

of the first seen Red

weeks.

remembered

had
the
no

Beatrice's face how

Rocks,

through the her beautyhad

thick mist
struck

him

beautyever had before. Then he thoughtof the adventure of their shipwreck, and of the desperate courage with which
she had saved

his

almost life,
scene

at the
on

cost

of her

own.

He he the

thought, too, of
had entered the of

that
room

when

the
was

day following
when asleep,

where

she

wanderingray

had light

wavered

from her breast to his

148
own,

BE

A TRICE.

of the that strange presentiment flashed upon of their lives had intermingling when
when her the she had awakened Effie with
an

ulthnate

him,

and

on unearthly greeting

lips. While
corner

slowlysobbed herself to silence in to him, one by one, he recalled every opposite

of their in his

phase
review

and

scene

culminated

past

and night,
men

the memory

till the ever-growing intimacy, of the mysteriousexperience of Beatrice's parting words.

among

Of all
any
sort

Geoffreywas
sense,

those least inclined

to

of

superstition ; from
and had
a

boyhood
somewhat

he

had

been

noted
turn

for of

common

mind.

But

he

and intellect,

disbelieving imagination

simply intellect etherealised. Without these, stance, mental he would, for inwith his peculiar constitution, probablyhave been a religious sceptic ; having of So in this matter them, he was nothingof the sort. of the previous his experience and generallyof night, the strange and unnatural almost sympathy in which and the he found himself with this lady, sense common results of his observation and experience to the pointed whole thingbeing nonsense the result of propinquity, and a pretty face and nothing more. Sir, propinquity," But here his intellect and his imagination stepped in, that he had him plainly that it was not telling nonsense,
"
" "

which

is

not
or a

merely thing is

made

donkey

of himself

over

an

hysterical,

a love-sick girl. They possibly a

told him

that because

mystery it is not
most

for the are mysteries suggestedthat there above

us

may

a folly, though necessarily in by fools. They part dealt be many things and forces as an

and

around

us, invisible

electric current, tion manifesta-

as intangible light, yet existent

and

capableof

under
And
was a

certain

rare

and

favourable
such

conditions.

it not
woman

that possible

conditions should

unite in
a

like
which
was

beautyof body
? It
never

in herself who combined Beatrice, was only outpassedby the beauty

no answer

of her mind
could had
men

women say that most with which the unearthlypassion inspire

to

he

been could

shaken
never

some

ten

hours
aware

past,
of

or

that

most

become

the

inspiration.

THE Has
not

FLAT

NEAR

THE and may

EDGWARE

ROAD.

149
to

humanity powers
the and fields,
as

denied perceptions
there
not

the and

cattle of
women
as

be

men

far removed
are

from

their fellows in this respect is that

the facts of
a

these But

from

the cattle ?

the w^eak

theylead
life. One

occurrences point of mysterious alter nowhere, and do not materially

plead a mystery in cannot, for instance,

court

ot law ; so,
as one

side of the question droppingthe imaginative to its practical aspect, only beyond him, he came

to

find it equallythorny.

Odd
moment

as

it may

seem,

Geoffrey did

not

to

this

know of

the exact

mind
not

or Beatrice,

in the which he occupied position He was that she occupiedin his.

at

in love had
ever

with

her,

least

not

in

way

in which the any in

experiencedthe influence of that,on passion. At whole, inconvenient and disagreeable that he was the hypothesis not rate he argued from
he
love

with

her.

This

he he

refused had would

to

admit
it

now

in the
the But

lightof day, though

watches he
was

admitted
not

fullyin
it.

of the forced

night. It
to

do to admit

acknowledge that she had crept into his life and possessedit so completely that then and for months afterwards,except in deep sleep or in hours would half hour mental of severe not a strain, single without bringingits thought of Beatrice. thing Everypass reminded that was or grand,or elevating, beautiful,
him
of her
"

and

what

higher complimentcould
to

mistress

gloriousmusic, the voice of Beatrice spoke to him through the notes ; if he watched in heavy pomp the clouds rolling across a broken sky he novel chance or thought of Beatrice; if some poem in his mind the to share moved him, why Beatrice was and in some pleasure. All of w^hich was very interesting,
have?
If he listened ways but delightful,
to
a

under

our man.

system
and he

not

otherwise than

inconvenient
And
to his
now

married
was

Beatrice

gone,

must

come

back

sweetened toil, daily

by

Honoria's
no a more.

bitter complaints
The

of their made

poverty, and

see

her

thought
his

heart Geoffrey's

ache with

but physical pain,

ISO
reason no no

BEATRICE. told him broken that it was

; there

best

so. no

After

there all,
no was

were

bones words

had

been

love scenes, there

were

kiss, lay-

beneath

kept up all was well. No doubt it was but then an hypocrisy, is one of the great pillars of civilization, and hypocrisy how does it matter what the heart says while the lips are silent ? The Recording Angel can alone read hearts, and he must often find them singularly and contradictory untrustworthywritings.
Die of
not

be recalled ; whatever the surface, and while appearances

that cannot

them, die

of her dreams

No, Beatrice

would

die of them, and she would

It
was

the end

he should not. certainly Probablyin that piousearthly lump, Owen marry

Davies.

not

pleasant to
were

think ask it
was

of, it
him
the be

was

even

but really if she dreadful, "as he should a friend,"

that she could do.

to

his

tell her
course

Of

it would heart the

opinion, best thing hypocrisy

when

the lipswould again,

the
must

give his

lie ; but

heart

small

it againstthe intelligence be suppressed. Unfortunately, however, though a member, it is very strong.

rises in rebellion

They

reached

London the

at

last,and bonne,
his taste
an

as

had them

been
at

ranged, ar-

Anne,
station to take

French

met

the she

Effie home. and less to

Geoffrey noticed
than
ever.

that

looked

smarter

ever, Howthe

she child

embraced

Effie with

enthusiasm
at
a

which
same

scarcely responded
on an

to, and

the

time

carried

ocular

flirtation with

ticket collector.

Although early in the year for yellow fogs, London was plunged in a dense gloom. It had been misty that and more so more morning at Bryngelly,and become the day advanced not yet four as ; but, though it was dark ever, was as o'clock, London night. Luckily, howit is not far from where

Paddington to

the

flat

near

the

Edgware Road,
and
the

instructed the

so Geoffreylived, cabman, he left Anne

having personally
to convoy

Efifie

and luggage, Railway with

went
an

on

to

the

Temple by

ground Under-

easy mind.

THE

FLAT

NEAR

THE

EDGWARE

ROAD. in

151

Shortlyafter Geoffrey reached

Court
uncle To
was
"

his chambers been

Pump
his

the soUcitor arrived who

was,

as

had

arranged,not
"

he

learned, very unwell

found
; the

but

partner.

his

he then delight accurate perfectly been

that Beatrice's the

ghost theory

boy with

had

discovered
crack in the

who

saw

the whole

missing toe-joint horrible tragedy

been
"

through a
wrung

blind; moreover
he would be

the truth had

from
a some

him

and

indeed
Also

proof of his evidence clerk's specimens of the ex-lawyer's

been

produced at the trial was alreadyforthcoming.

writing handwere

had

obtained, and

declared

by

two

the will. One on experts to be identical with the writing however, disturbed him : neither the Attorneything,

General
conference
were

nor was

Mr.

Candleton

was

yet in town,
General Attorneyfrom the Continent
was

so

no

that evening. However, possible

"

both from
;
so

expected that night

and Mr.
case

the

Devonshire
the the

Candleton
on

being

first

the

it list,

arranged that
o'clock
on

conference

should

take

placeat

ten

the

morning. following that Lady informed home On arriving Geoffrey was and had left a message Honoria sayinghe was dressing, be quickand do likewise as a gentlemanwas must coming
to

dinner,
was

Accordingly
at

he

went

to

his
"

own

room

"

which

the

other Before

end

of

the

fiat

and

put

on

his

dress clothes.
he said

going to to Effie good-night

"

the who

ever, dining-room, howin bed, but not was

asleep
"

and

asked

her what

time

she had

reached

home.

*'At

twenty minutes
minutes

past five, daddy," Effie

!

said

promptly.
"Twenty
say that you
"

past five
"

Why,

you

don't

mean

to

hour coming that an you were get blocked in the fog ?

"

little way

! Did

No, daddy, but

what, dear ?
did tell me I tell you
to
"

"But
"

Anne But Anne

not

to

" say !

"

"

say, dear stopped and talked

"

never

mind

Anne

!" for
a

to

the

ticket-man

long,long time."

152
"

BEATRICE.

Oh, did she ?

that
moment

"

he

said.

At

the the
"

parlourmaid
"

came

to

say

that

Lady

Honoria

and

dinner.
Efifie had

Geoffrey asked
reached home.

gentleman were waitingfor her casuallywhat time Miss

Anne

"About blocked
"

half-past five,sir.
in the well.

said the cab

was

fog."
Tell her that ladyship I shall be down

Very

in

a
"

minute."

Daddy," said
did
not

the

child,
and

"

I haven't said my

prayers.

Mother about

come,

Anne

said it was
me

all nonsense my

prayers.

Auntie
so

did

always hear

prayers."
my

"Yes, dear,and
and say them." In the middle
as

will I.

There, kneel upon

which done
"

lap
member re-

of the prayers
as

"

Effia did
the

not

well

she

might have
"

parlourmaid

arrived
"

again.
her
I ladyship go to
am

her ladyship Please,sir, Tell

"

coming,and
Go
on,
to

that if she is in

hurryshe
Then

can

dinner !

love."

he kissed her and Efifie

put her
he
"

"Daddy,"

said,as
?

was

again. going, "shall

bed

see

auntie Beatrice any more " I hope so, dear."

"

And

shall you

see

her any

more

You

want

to

see

her,don't you, daddy ? She did love you Geoffreycould bear it no longer. The it comes from the mouth sharperwhen

very

much

!"

truth is always of

babes

and

he fled. sucklings.With a hurried good-night In the littledrawing-room he found Lady Honoria, very Mr. well

dressed,and

also her

whose friend,

name

was

Du-nstan.

Geoffrey knew
of
a

him

at

once

for

an

wealthy man exceedingly but a burningand

set.

small

and birth, the

ing, less breed-

in shininglight
to

Garsington
in

Mr.

Dunstan

was

anxious

raise himself

and

he

thought

that

her notwithstanding

society, poverty, Lady

Honoria

might be
there you do

useful to him

in this respect. Hence

"

his presence "How

to-night. ? do, Geoffrey

said his

advancing wife,

THE
to

FLAT

NEAR

THE

EDO

i^' ARE

ROAD.

153

greet him
what
an

But Mr.

*' You kiss of peace. immense time you have been

with

look very well. Poor dressing. You know Mr.

Dunstan

is

starving.Let

me

see.

Dunstan, I think.

Dinner, Mary." and Geoifrey apologisedfor being late,

Dunstan
account
"

shook
he

hands
was

with Mr. politely called on generally

and

Saint

Dunstan

of his rather clerical appearance

to

in sarcastic allusion

his

somewhat

shady

they went in to dinner. Sorry there is no lady for you, Geoffrey ; but you had have must lately. By the plenty of ladies' society Miss Granger ? Would you believe way, how is Miss of mine ? that shocking husband has it,Mr. Dunstan

reputation.Then
"

"

been
the and

in the company of one of passingthe last month knows Latin and I ever loveliest girls law saw, who the sun. else under She began by saving everything

his

life, they

were

upset together out

made
to
some

of

canoe,

you

know.

Isn't it romantic?"

Saint Dunstan
"

appropriate or,
"

appropriate rather inMr.

remark made

the
most

effect that of such

he

hoped

Bingham lady had

"c., ":c.
Here

had

the
a

unrivalled opportunities,

adding,with
ever

deep sigh,that
he

saved

his life that

lovelyyoung might live for her,

no

Geoffrey broke in
a

without
to

much

ceremony.

To

him
was

it seemed

making

listen while this person his feeble jokes about Beatrice. desecration what
"

addressing his wife,"and "Well, dear,"he said,

have you
"

all this time ? doing with yourself Mourning for you, Geoffrey,and enjoying myself have had a delightful in the intervals. We exceedingly been

time, have
been
"

we

not, Mr. Dunstan?

the

Mr.

Dunstan

has also

at staying

Hall, you know."

otherwise
the when answered

How

could ?
"

it be

Lady

Honoria

Saint
and

there, you were in that strain of

compliment

by such men, who was truth,jarredon its object, she went "You know, Geoffrey,"
affected

which, to
a

tell the

after all
on, "the

lady.

Garsingtons

have

rc-fumishcd

the large hall and

their

drawing-room.

154 It cost The

BEATRICE.

hundred eighteen pounds,but the result is lovely. white satin, drawing-roomis done in hand-painted and the hall in old oak." all,
!"

walls and
"

the while that reflecting of his Lord Garsingtonmight as well have paid some hundred debts before he spent eighteen pounds on his drawing-room furniture. Indeed he

answered,

Then

the Saint and

Lady Honoria
about
to

drifted into
their follow. fellow

long

and which

animated

conversation

Geoffrey scarcely tried

was a

guests, Indeed, the

little or

dinner

dull

one

for

him,

and

he added

nothingto
When

the stock

of talk.
room,

his wife left the

however, he had

so they spoke of shooting. The something, somewhat of a sportsman, he was redeeming feature
"

say Saint had a

to

though

poor

one, and

he

described which
he

pairof hammerless guns, of a hundred sum trifling

the
"

Geoffreya new had bought for

to

and

recommending guineas, forty

"

pattern to his notice. Yes," answered Geoffrey, I daresay that they

nice ;
cannot

are

very
man
"

but, you
afford
so

see,

they are
for
a

much

beyond me. pairof guns."

"

poor

answered his guest, I will sellyou Oh, if that is all," these ; they are a littlelong in the stock for me, and you it all, I have plenty when can you like. Or, hang pay me
of guns. I'll be generous
to

and

givethem
I don't know Mr.

to

you.
can

If I
!"

cannot

afford

be generous,
very
"

who

"Thank

you

much,
I
"

Dunstan," answered

coldly, Geoffrey
such
a

but

am

not

in the habit of

accepting

presents from
?
"

my

glass of sherry?"
This

no.

Will you have acquaintances. shall we Then join Lady

Honoria

speech quite crushed and Geoffreywas meaning Saint,

after he had made it. But he

the

vulgar

but

not

ill-

sorry for it a moment and out was weary

of

Why did his wife bring such people to the house? Very shortly afterwards their guest took his conceited ass, and that Bingham was a leave, reflecting
temper. altogether too
much
far

him.

"

And

I don't

believe

THE

FLAT

NEAR

THE

EDGWARE
a

ROAD.
to

155

that he
"

has got

thousand

year,"he reflected
I suppose much

self, him-

and

the titleis his wife's. her for. She's I don't

a

that is what
sort

he married
.

better

than either

he
"

is, any
one

way,

though

quite make
her.
But
not

her out

can't go very
a

far with

she is the
when

of

but peer and worth cultivating, is at home" not if I know it."

"

daughter Bingham
him
go

What
so

have you
soon,

said

to
"

Mr.

Dunstan

to

make

away
"

? Geoffrey

asked

his wife.
He

Said to him ?
a

oh, I
and

don't know. I told him

offered

to

give
I

me

pairof
want to

guns, my

that I did not

accept
I do

presents from
don't
not
as

acquaintances. Really, Honoria,

your way of

interfere with
how you
can

Hfe,but

understand this Mr.

associate with such

people

Dunstan." with him!"

I want
to

"Associate
"Do you you suppose

answered

Lady
the
man

Honoria.
Do But

suppose

associate with him?

what may

that I don't know be choosers

a

is ?

cannot beggars

; he
we

be

cad, but he has

afford to
a

thousand thirty throw

away
an

year,

and

It is too

acquaintance with bad of you, Geoffrey,"she

you know

simplycannot thousand thirty

went
on

year.

with

rising
tunity opporI

temper, "when
our

all that I must

put up with in
every the Here

miserable
of

to take life, poverty-stricken making yourselfdisagreeableto to

to

people
I return

think it wise
from

ask to

come

and

see

us.

comfort

this wretched
a

and place,
Mr. Dunstan he of

the firstthing
has got boxes
to let me

that you
at

do is to make

fuss.

several of the best

one

and theatres,
"

offered
course

have
end

whenever
It is too

I liked

and

now
"

there is an

bad, I say ! It is really curious,Honoria," said her husband, to what obligations see under you are ready to put yourself "in search of pleasure. It is not dignified of you to accept boxes at theatres from this gentleman."
"
"

of it.

"

Nonsense.
us a

There of

is

no

about obligation he would make

a

it.

If he

gave

box,
it

course

lookingin during
friends
that
was

the

evening,and
Honoria

Lady

point of his then telling Bingham he was

.156to speaking
"

BEATRICE.

that is the
to

theatre;he
the

wants
a

exchange. I want to go to the get into good society there you have
"

in thing

nutshell.

It is done
went

every
on,

day.

The

fact of much
as

the matter

she is, Geoffrey,"

looking very
"

though she were about to burst into a flood of angry tears, be choosers I cannot cannot as I said just now, beggars
"

live like the wife of

banker's

clerk.

I must

have

sojne

comfort, before I become an old don't like it, If you woman. why did you entrap me into this wretched marriage,before I was old enough to know to or better, why do you not make enough money ? keep me in a way suitable to my position We have argued that questionbefore, Honoria," said
amusement,
and
some
"

*'

" and Geoffrey, keeping his temper with difficulty,

now

there

is another

thing I
woman

wish

to

say

to

you.

Do
more

you than

know
half
an a

that detestable hour

at

Anne

stopped for

with
once,

ticket
as

Paddington Station this evening, flirting Effie home instead of bringing at collector,
her to do.
on we

I told
to

I
we

am

very

angry
some

about

it.

She

is not the

be relied

shall have have

nurse one woman a

accident
you

with

child
and

before

done. ?
"

Cannot

her discharge
"

get another
She

No, I
am

cannot.

is the

comfort
who

I
can a

have. make
year
"

Where dresses I don't

going to
"

find another

like Anne
care

she

saves

me

hundred

if she flirted with

ticket fifty

collectors.

suppose you got this story from Effie ; the child ought and I daresay that it is to be whipped for tale-bearing,
not
"

true."

Effie will

certainlynot
"

be

whipped,"answered
badly
way,

Geoffreysternly.
with

warn

anybody
At

who

laysa
rate

that it will go very her." on finger you the I

am

"Oh, very

well,ruin
any
more

child.
not

Go

your

own

Geoffrey!
listen
to

any

abuse.

Geoffrey sat down, and home-coming,"he thought

have
money
as

going to stop here to and she went. Good-night," lit a cigarette. A pleasant
"

to
can a

himself.
"

"

Honoria

shall

much

as

she

she shall have it. What get it,

spend if I kill myselfto what a Ufe ! I wonder life,

GEOFFREY if Beatrice would

one.

WINS

HIS

CASE.

157
"

treat her husband

Hke

this

if she had

He

laughed aloud
a

then with

gesture of
went

of the idea, and absurdity into threw his cigarette impatience

at

the

the fire and for he

was

to his

room

to

try and get

some

sleep,

wearied. thoroughly

CHAPTER
GEOFFREY WINS

XVn.

HIS

CASE.

Before

ten

o'clock

on

the

followingmorning, having

that he had now alreadyspent two hours over his brief, mastered,Geoffreywas at his chambers, which thoroughly in reaching he had some owing to the thick fog difficulty that still hung over London, and indeed all England.

nothing had been heard either of the surprise The solicitors of Mr. Candleton. or Attorney-General them in despair by saying that were ; but he consoled
To

his

one

or

the other

was

sure

to

turn

up

in time, and additional

He

that

few words

would been

sufificeto
thrown
on

explainthe
the
case.

light

which
half him

occupied his hour,however, in making a few rough notes to guide of his being event in the altogether improbable
had
on

called
case

to

open,
on

and

then

went

into
were a

court.

The many

was

first

the
on

and list, the other

there

good
the

counsel took

engaged

side.
an

with his seat, the solicitor,

judge of dismay, expression Just as

had dated that
moment

handed

Geoffrey
Mr.

telegram which
It
"

arrived from
on

Candleton.
ran,

was

from
to

Calais
on

the

and night, previous

of thick and
we

Am

unable

cross

account

fog.
Douse."

You

had

better get

somebody

else

in Parsons
"

said the haven't got another brief prepared," agonisedsolicitor. " What is more, I can hear nothing And
of the

and Attorney-General,
where he is. you You
must

his clerk does ask for

an

not

seem

to

know Mr.

adjournment,
alone."

Bingham ;

can't manage

the

case

158
"

BEATRICE.

and Very well," said Geoffrey,

rose

on

the
to

case

being
its

called he
But the

and
was

stated

the circumstances

the court.

Court

crusty. It had

got the

fog down

learned

it. altogetherIt didn't seem to see the other side, Moreover marking its advantage, objected The at witnesses, strongly. brought great expense, were there; his Lordship was there,the jury was there; if
case was

and throat,

this

not

taken

there

was

no

other with which

they could
The
court

go on, took

"c., ":c.
the
same

view, and
in
a

lectured
the
to be

Geoffrey
bered, remem-

severely.Every
when
that It
case

counsel
at the

case,

Court
able

It
a

was

at

moment's

Bar, used and notice,

to
a

to

open

though things had,

considerable
extent

no implied,

doubt

deteriorated

since those

palmy days,every
do
so on

counsel

ought

still to

be

preparedto
Of course, he
was

emergency.

told the court that however, if he, Geoffrey, absolutely unprepared to go on with the case. It
no

would
*'

have
am

optionbut

to

grant
to

an on

perfectly prepared
the Court doubt

go

adjournment. with it, my lord,"

interposed Geoffrey calmly.

"Very well,"said
go
on

in
that

I have

no

mollified tone, "then the learned Attorney-

General

will arrive
as as

presently."
unusual should in

Then,
argument
defendant.

is

not

to who

followed an probate suit, the plaintiff the it, or open

a

Geoffrey claimed
him,
and the

that

this

right clearly
no

lay with

counsel opposing

raised

great

that they would do well to leave the objection, thinking who opening in the hands of a rather inexperienced man, would work his side more harm than good. very likely

So, somewhat
with

to

the horror the

of the

who solicitors,

eloquence of the and the unrivalled experienceand finesse of called upon the to open ton, Geoffrey was defendants,propounding the first will.
He prayer
rose

longingof

thought Attorney-General,
Mr.
case

Candlefor the

without

fear

or no

and with but hesitation,

one

in his

heart,that
appearance.

untimelyAttorney-General
He had

would

put in

an

got his chance, the

GEOFFREY chance and for which many

meant

WINS

HIS

CASE.

159

able

men

have to wait
the most

longyears,
ally Natur-

he knew
a

and it,

to make

of it.
so

good many he fits of and are, subject to was, speakers nervousness, In five minutes of his case. master thoroughly moreover,
not, as

brilliantspeaker, was Geoffrey

jury and judge,

attention ; in His
ten

counsel

were

all

to listening

him

with

they were

absorbed
he

in the
was

lucid and

succinct statement
them.

of the facts which

to unfolding

at first received with a ghost theory was smile,but presentlycounsel on the other side ceased If he could prove and began to look uneasy. to smile, he When end of their case. what he said, there was an

had

been

speakingfor
he

about

minutes forty
with
some

one

of the

him counsel interrupted opposing

at

remark, and
him.

that moment
was

noticed that the Attorney-General's

the solicitor beneath

clerk
"

to talking

Bother

he is coming,"thought Geoffrey. it,

But the
some

forward no, the solicitor bending

informed

him that

Attorney-Generalhad been
Government important

detained by unavoidably
had returned

matter, and

his

brief.
"

Well, we
If you

must

get

on

as

we we

"

continue

like that

can,"Geoffreysaid. shall get on very well,"

knew Geoffrey that

and whisperedthe solicitor,

was
"

then

he

doingwell.
Yes,
Mr.

Bingham

! " said his

on
a

Lordship.
another
so

Then

went Geoffrey

with his statement.

At lunch time it was

questionwhether
that He
to
"

leader
he
was

should be briefed.
concerned

Geoffreysaid
on

far

as

he could get
he had

alone.
a

knew take

every
a

point
"

in the case, and

got

friend

note

for

him

while he
some

was

speaking.
solicitors decided
the cause,
not

After

hesitation the
at

to
to

brief fresh counsel

this stage of
follow the

but

leave it entirely in his hands.

It would

be useless
will

to

details of

this

markable re-

much His

which lasted two suit, it. and attention. Geoffreywon address

to

the

jury

on

the

days,and attracted it triumphantly. won whole case was long

i6o

BEATRICE.

remembered

in the courts, rising it did to as

very

high

level of forensic the

as

eloquence.
case

Few

who

saw

it ever

forgot

of sight

his handsome
the

face and

commanding
like
an

presence

he crushed then
woman

of his opponents

eggshell,
the cruel of their

and the

with calm
who robbed with

and
her

overwhelming force
lover had

denounced

concocted
her cousins her
a

plot that

her uncle

of lifeand

pointingtowards property, till at the last,

hand, he branded
Few
scene

v/ith outstretched

her to the have

juryas

murderess.

in that crowded
that when followed,

court

forgottenthe tragic
worn

the

trembling woman,

out

by
her

the

of long anxiety brilliant

accuser's
:

and utterly unnerved trial, from her seat rose invective, the

by
and

cried
"

We
we

did it
"

it is true
mean

that

we

did it to get the money,

but

did

not

fell fainting to the words

"

him to death," and then frighten Bingham's quiet ground or Geoffrey

to
"

as

he sat down lord and

to
was

My

gentlemen
case

of the

I jury,

do not

think it

necessary There

carry my
no

any

further."
was

applause,the occasion
to public,

too

tically dramathe

made solemn, but the impression

court

both
such
a

upon
scene

and

the

outside

whom and

is

fitted to appeal,was peculiarly Geoffreyhimself was under

matter.

deep

lasting.
about
the

littledelusion in his

He

had he any

no

conceit

but composition,

modesty. He merely accepted do accept such the situation as really powerful men with thankfulness, but without surprise. He events
false
"

neither had

had

got his chance

his walk
m^n

at

and last, he life,

whatever all. and

was

of

like any other able man, had risen to it. That was

Most
are one

get such
to

chances

in

some

shape
had

unable
of the succeed.
man.

avail themselves
as

of them.

exceptions ;
As

Beatrice

form, Geoffrey he was said,

or

born
a

to

he sat

down,

he knew

that he

was

made And

yet while he walked

every quarter, he

home

that had

his night, rained

of
a

ears on

still him

full of the
from

which congratulations
was

in

conscious

certain pride.

GEOFFREY He

WINS
as

HIS

CASE. that

16

will have
to

felt

Geoffreyfelt

whose night,

lot

it has been
so

stances circumfight long and strenuously against adverse as to be almost ing knowoverwhelming,
was one no

in his heart that he follow ; and

hand friendly has succeeded hemmed who
to at

born

to

lead and

not

to

last, by help,and
a bursting

with no effort, voice to guide, friendly

mental

in

road

which
not

He

in,and has above competition indeed, but will not have been too proud of
seemed

him

throughthe difficulties suddenlyfound himself,

stillable to meet that endeavour
"

it.
; it

will have

but

little thingto him

have

thing full tance imporof this all is

of faults and

and falling far imperfections,

even

short of his

ideal.

He
to

will not his success,

must

attached
he

great

because, if
how
even own

is a person

he calibre,

remember

small it is,when

said and
can

done

; that
on

in his

day there

are

those who

ground; and also that all worldlysuccess, like the most perfectflower, yet bears in it the elements of decay. But he will have reflected with humble satisfaction on those long years of patient
which striving whence
he
can

beat

him

his

have

at

lifted him length

on

to an

eminence

climb

and

by
comes

the

crowd jostling for him

at ; till

encumbered scarcely length,worn out, the time

on,

to fall.

So

thought and Geoffrey

had done
no a

felt.

The

thing was
have

to

be

done, and he
now

it.

Honoria

should

money

; she should

longerbe able to twit him

better

with their
would

poverty. Yes, and

be

Beatrice thought still, Honoria

glad to
He

hear

of his little triumph. home

a

reached

rather late.

was

goingout

to

and was cousin, distinguished already which dressing.Geoffreyhad declined the invitation,
was a

dinner with

short one,

because
In

from chambers. his wife's room

expected to be back his enthusiasm, however, he went to

not

he had

to tell her of the event.

"Well,"

she

think that you

My going out Oh, I forgot ;

I "what have said, you been doing? out with me. mighthave arrangedto come much so by myself does not look well. of
course

you

are

in that case."
I r

1 62

BEATRICE.

"Yes

"

that

is,I

was.

I have

won

the

case.

Here

is a very fair report of it in the St. James'sGazette if you to read it." care
"

Good

heavens, Geoffrey !
I
am

How

can

you
"

expect

me

to read
"

all that stuff when

I don't
won

expect you

have
"

the case, and

? dressing to, Honoria ; only,as I I shall get plenty of work hear

say, now."

I am Will you ? be able to escape from Anne !

glad to

it ;

perhaps
do.
ne

we

shall

this horrid flat if you

There,
me va

Je

vous

I'aitoujours dit, cette

robe

pas bien."

parfaitement is your That opinion,"grumbled Lady Honoria. But it will have to do. Well, itisn't mine. Good-night, will I that have Geoffrey; daresay you gone to bed when
va
" "

"

la robe Mais, milady,

"

get back," and

felt

she

was

gone.
a

Geoffrey pickedup
He

his St. James'' s Gazette with

that he
a was a

hurt, and knew

was

fool for his

; it was

sigh. pains.
not went

Lady

Honoria

not

sympathetic person
Stillhe

fair to expect it from

and upstairs
"

her.

felt hurt.

He

heard
has

Effie her prayers. you

"

been, daddy ? to the Smoky ? The Town known to Temple was euphemistically Effie as the Smoky Town. " Yes, dear." " You go to the Smoky Town to make bread and butter, don't you, daddy ? " Yes, dear,to make bread and butter." " '" And did you make any, daddy ? *' a good deal to-day." Yes, Effie, Then where In your pocket ? is it ? " a big lawsuit to-day, No, love,not exactly. I won and I shall get a great many pennies for it." " Effie meditatively, I am Oh," answered glad that You do like to win, doesn't you, daddy, you did win.
"
"

Where

"

"

"

dear."
"

Yes, love."
Then I will giveyou
a

"

kiss, daddy, because

you did

win," and

she suited the action to the word.

THE

RISING the
ate

STAR.

163
with
a

Geoffrey went
heart. Then
He

from

little room
some a

softened

dressed and

dinner.

longletter to Beatrice, her all about the trial, her his and not sparing telling for adoptingeach particular tactic and line of reasons
argument
And

he sat down

and wrote

which

conduced

to the
was

great result.
sheets
at

though his letter

that Beatrice would

four

in

he length,
to read

knew

not

be bored

having

it.

CHAPTER
THE RISING

XVIII.
STAR.

the memorable of Parsons and case might be expected, Douse proved the turningpoint in Geoffrey's career, thenceforward of and brilliant which was one startling On the very next morning when he reached his success. chambers it was to find three heavy briefs awaiting him, and theyprovedto be but the heralds of an uninterrupted

As

flow of

lucrative business.

Of

course,

he

was

not

that his great natural powers Queen's Counsel, but now of advocacy had become known, solicitors generally employed him alone, or gave him another frequently that he might bringthose powers to bear upon so junior, it was, too, that Geoffreyreapedthe fruits of Now juries. studies which he had followed without the arduous legal

cessation from
upon

the time
resources,
as

when and
a

he

found had

himself made
a

thrown
sound

his

own

which

lawyer of Soon, even

much

him

well

as

brilliantand

effective advocate.
he had
as

with
as

his great
he

for work, capacity attend

to.
so

business

could

When

fortune
a

she gives good gifts, hand. Thus it

came

does generally

with

lavish

to

pass

that,about

three weeks

after the

trialof Parsons

and his

uncle the solicitor Douse, Geoffrey's

left him twenty surprise which he said in his will, pounds, believing,"

died, and
"

to

thousand
was

dated

three

days before
to

the testator's

death, "that this sum

will

assist him

rise to the head of his

profession."
II"
2

i64
Now that it had
a

BE

A TRICE.

dawned

upon

her that her husband

manner even

really was
modified
and
once or

success,

Honoria's

towards

him

very

considerably.She
almost

became
When

amiable,

twice

affectionate.

Geoffrey

told her of the twenty thousand pounds she was radiant. " Why, we shall be able to go back to Bolton Street " and luck will have it, old house as our now," she said, is
to
"

let.

saw

bill in the window

"

yesterday."
as soon as

Yes," he said, you

can we

can

go back
"

you

like."

"And

keep
am

"No,
for that.

not

yet; I

? carriage doing well,but

not

well
to

enough
have
a

Next

year, if I

live, you
care

will be able

carriage.Don't

beginto grumble,Honoria.
if you spend it on
to
come

I have

got
to
a

;;^i5oto
"

spare, and
can

round

jeweller's you
Oh,
you So

what
!
"

you

like."

delightful person
to to

said his wife.

they went bought ornaments

them
woman

the the

and jeweller's, value of

Lady Honoria
carried

;^i5o, and

home

class of them, as another hung over her first-born child,admiring might hang over
a

and

them money take

with

tender

ecstasy.
afford
to

Whenever

he had

sum

of

that he could her thus to

a

part with,Geoffrey would

a

or jeweller's

and dressmaker's,

stand

by coldly while she bought thingsto its value. Lady Honoria entered into her mind was delighted. It never
that

in

sense

he

was

taking a

revenge

upon

that every

fresh exhibition of her

over rejoicings

her,and the good

thus providedadded for her. to his contempt things Those were happy days for Lady Honoria ! She rejoicedin this return of wealth like a school-boy at the wanderer at the coming of the holidays, a half-frozen or of the sun. She had been miserable during all this rising

night of
now

poverty,
was

as

miserable

as

her

nature

admitted

of,

she

as happy again,
"

she

understood you will

"

happiness.
out

For
more

bred, educated, civilized

human

what

of the

by this brings.

had replaced them passions. Lady Honoria of wealth,or rather of what wealth idol-worship

It gave her a positive satisfaction ; her physical which had begun to fade, came back to her; she beauty,

THE

RISING And

STAR. all the while

165

looked five years

watched Once
her with

younger.
an

Geoffrey
had been

ever-growingscorn.
The Bolton Street house

it broke out.

furnished ; he gave her fifteen hundred pounds to do it, she managed very well and with what things they owned
on

that. up

They
with
a

and Honoria it, sufficient supply of grand

to

moved

into

had

set

self her-

dressses

and

suitable jewellery,

her
to

recovered her that

position.One
Effie
was a

day
look

however, it occurred
remarkable
very nice in the
a

child of

beauty, who, if properly dressed,would

drawingroom
"

at

tea-time.

So she ordered

for her this deponent is not able to lovelycostume describe it,but it consisted largely of velvet and lace. Geoffrey heard nothingof this dress,but coming home it was he found rather early afternoon one on a Saturday, the child being shown off to a room full of visitors, and dressed in a strange and wonderful attirewith which, not she was unnaturally, vastlypleased. He said nothing at the time,but when at length the droppingfire of callers
"

had "I

ceased, he asked

who

put Effie into that dress.

"and
a

did," said Lady Honoria,

can

pretty penny
the child
come

it

has cost, I down

"

tell you.

But

I can't have
not

so

poorly clothed,it does

she do
can

look well."

Then What I
mean

stay
mean

said Geoffrey frowning. upstairs," ?

"

"

you

asked have

his wife.
her decked
out to

"

that I will not

in those
her age.

fine clothes. There

"

They

are

quite
for her you,

unsuitable
to

is plenty of time

not

don't understand really the child be handsomely

I
not

vanity." Geoffrey.Why should

take to ?
"

dressed

suppose that I want Effie grow up like you, to lead a life of to see make a god of idleness, and pleasure-seeking empty

"Why

Great

heaven, Honoria, do

you

luxury.
"

I had

rather

see

her

"
"

he

was

going to add,
said
as
"
"

dead

but checked first,"

for her

himself

and

have
as

to

work

living.
was

Dress

yourself up
she

much

you

but like,

leave

the child alone."

Lady Honoria
She frightened.

but furious,
never

was

also

little

had

heard her husband

speakquite

1 66

BEATRICE.

like this

and before,

there
not

was

something underneath

his

Stillless did quiteunderstand. she understand when the Monday Geoffreysuddenly on told her that he had fifty pounds for her to spend as she lik"d ; then accompanied her to a mantle shop,and stood coldly while she invested it in lace patiently by,smiling and embroideries. Honoria thought that he was making for his sharp words, and so he was, but to reparation words
that she did

and himself, money and had

Every time he gave in this fashion, who Geoffrey felt like a man
sense. a

in another

her has

paidoff

debt of honour.
her

She had
"

taunted

him

again
her

againwith
her brought

poverty
which

the
taunt

poverty she said that he

he would

\ for every

heap

upon

all those

in things

her soul

glut her with wealth

dead Tomyris glutted

as, in her

delighted. He would of victory. hour Queen

Cyrus with the blood of men. that It was odd way of takinga revenge, and one an suited Lady Honoria admirably ; but though itsvictim felt relief. Also he it gave Geoffrey much secret no sting,
was

curious ; he wished to see if there was any bottom to if it would desire for luxury, not such a woman's bring with satiety
for such

it.
an

But

Lady Honoria
She

was
never

very bad

ject sub-

experiment.

showed

the least

with pleaeither with fine things, sures, signof being satiated, her natural with social delights.They were or have element, and he might as soon expecteda fish to air. of the rushing weary of the water, or an eagle
The
was

winter

wore

away

and the
was a

came. spring

One Liberal
was

day,it

in

who Geoffrey, April,

moderate dinner

announced casually
to

at

that he

by persuasion, going
The

stand

for Parliament

in the Unionist
of the few
a

interest.

of one representation

divisions Metropolitan
Ruler

which
As

had

then returned he knew

Home

had

fallen vacant. very well.

it chanced

the head

Unionist

whip

lads at school They had been friends since they were and this gentleman, havingheard Geoffreymake together, suddenly struck with the a brilliant speech in court, was idea that he was to lead a forlorn hope. the very man

THE

RISING that

STAR.

167
asked
two two

The

upshot of
stand,and
over.

it

was

Geoffrey was
he
must

if he

would
to

that replied What

have
the

think it
was answer

he
to

wanted really
to
an

days days

for
an

to enable

him
her.

write
had

Beatrice
almost

and

receive

from

He and

superstitious
without
own

faith in her
After
was

judgment, carefully weighingthe

did

not

like to act
cons,

it.

pros and

his

view
would

that he should

do well to stand.

Probablyhe
five hundred his

be On

defeated,and it might cost him

the
as

pounds.
name

other
a

hand

it would

make certainly

known

and he was in a fair way to now politician, income that he could well afford to risk so earn an large the money. The only great objection which he saw, was that if he happened to get in, it must that he mean would have to work all day and all night too. Well, he
was

strong and
from
course

the

more

work

he

did

the

better

"

it

kept him
In

thinking.
Beatrice's
answer came.

due

Her

view

coincided

withhis own;

she recommended

him

to

take the

and pointedout opportunity,

that with his

growing legal
to

there reputation

was

no

office in the

State

which

he

when he had once might not aspire, proved himself a of Parliament. capablemember Geoffreyread the letter to his through; then immediatelysat down and wrote ment. the suggestion of the Governfriend the whip,accepting

The
was as

next

was fortnight a man on

hard

one

for

him, but Geoffrey

in court, and of
went

good

the

as platform

he

had, moreover,
to

the very

valuable
As

knack

self himsuiting
on

his audience.

his

canvass

it

was

had that the seat which been considered generally recognised of doubtful. A great amount was now hopeless both public interest was concentrated on the election, each claiming the Unionist and the Separatist side, upon that the result of the The Home Rule

pollwould
to

show every the

to

their

party strained
show

nerve

advantage. him, against

being most

anxious

that

free and

dent indepentherefore in policy

electors' of of the country at

this

singledivision,and
the Government

held large,

1 68

BE

TRICE.

horror. pr^rticular

Letters

were

obtained

from

great

authorities and freely printed. Irish

brought down to of them should appear on the that one was even suggested platformin prisongarb in short, every electioneering science was brought to bear to engineknown to political
gaol,were
"

members, fresh from detail their grievances. It

forward As

the fortunes
went
on

of either side.

Lady Honoria, who had been som2what indifferent at first, quite excited about the grew result. For one thingshe found that the contest attached an importanceto herself in the eyes of the trulygreat, which was not without its charm. On the day of the poll under she drove about all day in an a carriage open blue parasol, having Efifie(who became very bored) bright As by her side,and two noble lords on the front seat.
time
a

consequence

the

result the

was

certain section of
efforts It
was

press

declared by a universally be entirely due to the to titled and

of
even

but unprincipled
said

lovely woman.
rank

like that,
a

another

lady of
not

in

past
oria Honbody any-

she generation, But those who

; she was

kissed
made

butcher

in order

to win

his vote.

the remark

did

know

Lady
indeed

of kissing a butcher, or incapable Her inclinations did not returned

on on

else. In the

lie in that direction.

end
ten

Geoffrey was
votes, reducsd
in the

of majority He took

his seat loud

House

by a magnificent to seven. a scrutiny the following night

the
course

amidst

Unionist
a

debate evening's
made the

cheering. In prominent member

to

of

the

of the
as a

ment Govern-

allusion
of

his

return

proof

of

triumph

Unionist
of the

leading member
that it was

Thereon a principles. very retorted Separatist opposition

"

of nothingof the sort, that it was a matter member's return that the honourable common notoriety uncommon ability was owing to the unusual and most aided as of his canvass, displayedby him in the course fluence." it was, by artfully appliedand aristocratic feminine inThis her blue As
was a

delicate allusion

to

Honoria

and

parasol. Geoffreyand his wife

were

back driving

to

Bolton

THE

RISIXG

STAR.

169

after Street,
occurred. first

the declaration of the the

littleincident a poll,
to

Geoffrey told
"

coachman

stop

at

the

of the carriage, office and, gettingout telegraph wired to Beatrice, In by ten votes." have Who been ? telegraphing to, Geoffrey you asked Lady Honoria. I telegraphed to Miss Granger," he answered.
"
"

"

"

Ah

So

you

stillkeep up
I wish that

correspondence with
a

that

pupilteacher girl."
I had few
more

"Yes, I do.
"

such

correspondents."
Indeed.
of the most You
are

easy

to

please.
women

thought her
whom I
ever

one

disagreeable young
not
no

met."
"

Then

it does

say much further

for your

taste, Honoria."

remark, but she had her others : among thoughts. Honoria possessedgood points she was too not a jealousperson too cold and ; she was indifferentto be jealous. But she did not like the idea of another woman obtainingan influence over her husband, of the most one was who, as she now began to recognise,
brilliant men
of the most her
no

His

wife made

of his

day, and

who

might well

become

one

wealthy and powerful. Clearlyhe existed for for that of any other woman. She was not benefit, and she saw that a considerable fool, intimacymust
the
two.

exist between

Otherwise

he

would

not

have

to Beatrice at such a moment. thought of telegraphing Within a week of his election Geoffrey made a speech. it upon portant It was not a long speech, was nor any very imissue ; but it was good of its kind, exceedingly good enough to be reported verbatim indeed, and those that they had to deal with a to it recognised listening There who would one new man day be a very big man. is no place where an able person finds his level quicker of Commons, than in the House composed as it is for the less wealthy or frantic mediocrities. most or part,of more he was But Geoffreywas an not a mediocrity, exceedingly

able and

powerful man,

and

this fact the House

quickly

recognised.

I70

BE

TRICE.

For

the next All

few months
was

Geoffreyworked
chambers
or

as

men

rarely
he
to

work.

day he
he

at his

in court, and at

nighthe
could.

sat

in the House,

getting up

his briefs when solicitorshad

But

did get them always

up ; no

complain that the interests of their clients were neglected by him ; also he stillfound time to write fo Beatrice. For
the rest he went
out

but

and except little, very few.

in the way he
won

of

business
more

associated with
more

Indeed

grew

and

silent and

till at reserved,
and

last he that

the
was

of being cold reputation

so. really

hard.

Not

he

He

threw

himself head and soul into his work the top of the
very much
tree.

with
He

fixed determination to reach that he

knew

should
he

not

care

about

it

when

he got

but there,
not
a

enjoyed the struggle.

no

Geoffrey was
mere

self-seeker.

and its end was well, often thought to himself that asked have he would his lot,

trulyambitious man ; he was the follyof ambition knew He before his eyes. always clearly
if he for
a

too

He

could

have

chosen
a

cottage with

good

garden,five hundred a year, and somebody to care for. have wearied of his cottage. But perhapshe would soon and to some he sucextent ceeded. He worked to stifle thought,
But
man,

he

was

at

bottom

an

affectionate-natured

and
was

he

could

not

which
never

his secret
to

longingfor sympathy weakness, though his pride would

it.
What

stifle the

allow him

show

did he
to

care

for his ?

when triumphs All away upon he he could

he had share

nobody
It
was

with whom
and fruits,

share them he

were

their

these

gave

freely enough.
his
own

but little that

Geoffreyspent
of his

A certain gratification.
rest
a

share The

gains
in
its

put by, the

Street took what
was

went

in expenses.

house

Bolton
master

gay place in those but littlepart in its gaieties. very

was

days,but

And

the

fact ? the
use more

The

from Beatrice separated It was of no her society.

longer he remained did he long for intensely

would, he could
him
him
as a

; try as he

not

put that
draws
a

sweet

face from

his mind

; it drew
not

magnet
cares.

needle.
sense

Success

did

bring

happiness,

except in the

that itrelieved him

from

money

THE

RISING

STAR.

171

People
in merry, learn

of

coarse

temperament

only can
Men On

find real satisfaction be

worldly triumphs, and

eat, drink, and

like
the

for to-morrow that grew

they die
and
more an ever

soon Geoffrey as

this also is
more

vanity.

contrary,
the

his

mind

wearied

with

strain of
Had

work, melancholy took

he gone
was

stronger hold of it.

have

to out

doctor,he might
of

been

told

that his But

liver

order, which
matters.
a

was
"

very What
a

true. likely

this would have

not
"

mend what

world," he might
all
a

cried,

world

to

live in when
"

man's

He contracted an happiness depends upon his liver ! accursed habit of looking on the black side of things ; trouble alwayscaught his eye. wonderful It was Men of large mind are very no case.

rarely happy
who
as a can

men.

It is your little animal-minded

dual indiviare less, men.

be

happy.

Thus

women,

who

reflect

class much the

But

happierand more man sees large-minded

he cannot
see.

contented
too

than

much
the

of what

He

and guesses too far, looks forward, and notes

days ; he looks around and shudders at the unceasingmisery of a coarse struggling of the pitiful bread world ; the sight beggarbabe craving He console his heart. cannot on feet,pierces tottering
himself with
to be
a

dustyend

of his laborious

reflection that the child had

that if he denuded

no

business

born,or
not

himself of his last pound

he would
And

above
of

help the class which bred it. materially of earthly the garishlights joys and the earthlywretchedness,he
sees

dim

reek

the

solemn

firmament

in such
and

while
more

him

destiny.For such a man, has terrors as well as hopes, mood, even religion about his mind these are with the gloom gathers What Hes beyond that arching and more.
horizon
now

that veils his race's

mystery

to whose
even no

he

draws daily

more

close

"

whose

doors may
answer,
a

be

openingfor
A
"

him ? A hundred
hands
are

voices

but

two to

agree.

hundred

pointout
half way.

hundred
the

roads cold

knowledge

they
of

lost

Only

firmament, spiritual stars, unbrightened by the flood

unshadowed

unlit

by

any

guiding
day,
and

human

by

the

veils of

human

night,stillbends

17

BEATRICE.

above
weary It fault of

and stillhis changelessness, of the West feet draw closer to the portals his is very sad and wrong, but it is not altogether ; it is rather a fault of the age, of over-education, his head in awful wise.
and

be to over-striving and it will grow spirit

soar, it would see, but

Cultivate
The

the

rend you.

searching would spirit

flesh there
some

is

weighsit down, and in all little light. Yet, at times, brooding on

the flesh

to be height of Thought, its eyes seem days to come, opened, and it catches gleams of terrifying able or perchance,discerns the hopeless gates of an immeasur-

unnatural

night.
Oh,
from for that the ken
can

recedes faith which ever simpler mind of the cultivated, questioning be

more

far

There

alone

peace

found, and

for the foolish who

discard

lot the human soon as a sign, it, setting up man's wisdom scientific and weary with will be one long fear. Grown their ancientGods, the weight of knowledge,theywill reject them consolation. Positivism will bring smug-faced the gloom of destiny Science,here and there illuming cries out that they are guiding with its poor electric lights, and
no

they are no stars, and they will flare away. Let us darkness, lest,to our pray for darkness, more that which to show bewildered sight, they do but serve shall murder Hope.
stars.

But

and his kin,and in their unexpressed Geoffrey and dismay, turn, seeking refuge from their physical but for the most loneliness, spiritual part findingnone. to the dear fellowship Nature, stillstrong in them, points So think of woman,
not
a

and

they make
But
as a

the

venture

to

find

mate,

companion.

it chanced

in

case Geoffrey's

after he had, companion in Beatrice, them. wall between built up an impassable by marriage, that with an intensity And yet he longed for her society he did find such

alarmed

him.

He touch

hid of
a

her letters

indeed, but what

is worth
a

are

letters ! One letters. wretched

beloved

hand

thousand

In the midst
at

of his great

success

Geoffrey was
that if he
once

heart, yet it seemed

to

him

GEOFFREY

HAS

VISITOR.

173
a

more

could have

Beatrice

at

his

side,though only as

he would friend,

find rest and

happiness.
set

When
reason

man's

heart

is thus
of its

upon

an

his object,
its
to

is

soon

convinced

and a desirability, kindlyfate of ruin give him the opportunity

of innocence,even will generally contrive which he

so

ardently

desires.

CHAPTER

XIX.

GEOFfREY

HAS

VISITOR.

And

Beatrice
?

"

had

she

fared better She

had

during these long

away from the of farewell sick

months

Alas, not
on

at all.

gone

Station Bryngelly
at

that autumn she had

sorrow

morning
remained.
and

and sick heart,

at heart

Through

all

the her and

long winter and portion,

bitterness

months
now

bitterness had

been

in the

of spring, sorrow happiness

still. She

were

with her
and
as

loved
to

him,
her.
nor

she She

longed for
could
not

his presence, console

it

was

denied
some

herself away

can

women,

did

her

wear deep passion

to grow

and

she wish to

gatherwith she lose it,

to lose her

every loved

the contrary, it seemed Neither did week. passing

on

too

well for that. and

It

was

better

to

be thus than

tormented
cause

by conscience of pain.
and His
one

lessness by hopeshe knew

One
that These
can

consolation

Beatrice had
her. forget
were

only :
her

Geoffreydid
get
to
a so

not

letters told her this.

"

letters indeed much

more

to everything out

woman a man.

comfort

of
to

letter than them.

Next
was

them receiving and

even a

she loved

answer

She often and

it

good

brilliant letter
up what she
news

but writer, had in written

and

often

she would

tear
was

beginagain. There
was

not

much

Bryngelly ;

difficult to make
of the whole

her letters amusing. Also

the farcical

nature

seemed proceeding
so

to

her. paralyse be able to

It

was

ridiculous, having

much

to

say, to

174

BEATRICE.

say

nothing.
"

Not
an as

that

Beatrice
never

wished crossed
Yet

to

indite love-

letters

such

idea had

her when

mind, but
she tried words

rather to write
to

they had
were
"

talked.

do

so

the results

not

to her,the satisfactory not

looked In

strange on
the

paper

she could advance

send

them. and

meteor-like Geoffrey's
keenest

to fame

fortune
than

she took

far joy and interest, like that of most with

more

he

did indeed.

Though,

other

intelligent

from the dreary loathing search the parUashe would "fustian of politics, religiously from beginningto end on the chance mentary columns his name of finding the notice of a speech by him. or The law reports also furnished her with a happy huntingground in which she often found her game. months. miserable To rise in the But they were ing morning,to go throughthe round of daily duty thinkof Geoffrey home and finally to seek wearied, ; to come

creatures, her soul turned

"

refugein sleepand
them. Then there gone

dreams
were

of him other

"

this

was

the

sum

of

troubles.
worse

thingshad
The

from

bad

to

at

tithes

scarcelycame
was

in at closer.

and all, Had

see

beginwith, the Vicarage. every day their

To
not

poverty pinched them

Beatrice's
could have

it

been
the

for

salary it
continued

difificultto
to

how

family
all to

exist.

She

gave

it almost

for only keeping back a very small sum her necessary clothing and such sundries as stamps and Even writing then, Elizabeth grumbled bitterly paper. at her extravagance in continuing to buy a daily paper, a week asking what business she had to spend sixpence
on

her father now,

such her

needless
to

luxury.
dock

But

Beatrice could

not

make

up

mind
of

the

paper

with its occasional

mention

Geoffrey.
Davies
was was a

Again,Owen
saw so

His infatuation for herself

perpetualanxietyto her. becoming notorious; body everyMr,

it except her father.

Granger's mind

was

with tithe that occupied with questionsconnected for Beatrice little else could find an entry. fortunately Owen dogged her about ; he would wait whole hours outside the school or by the Vicarage gate merely to speak

GEOFFREY few

HAS

VISITOR. when
at

175

words

to

her.
to

Sometimes be
at

length she
could eyes
never

appearedhe nothing,but
a

seemed
would

struck
her

dumb,
with

he

say

gaze

his dull alarm. He

in

fashion that
to

filled her

with

vague

ventured which
grown
was

speakto
as

her of love

indeed, but he looked it,

was thing

almost

bad.

Another

that he had

jealous. The
had know

seed which

his mind

brought forth
that

Beatrice did not On Davies

the had very
met

in planted abundantly,thoughof course her sister'sdoing. this was Elizabeth had

morning
her
as

that
was

she

Geoffrey went walking back

had she ! had

away from

Mr. the

station and
she

asked

her if Mr.

Bingham
so,

gone.

When

that replied
"

this

was

heard distinctly

him

murmur,

Thank

God
also

thank
he

God

!"

quently Subsethe
she old
sent

she

discovered

that

bribed

postman
and These
was worse

to

keep

count

of the

letters which

received from

Geoffrey.
Beatrice Davies with

things filled
behind.
Mr.

alarm, but
to

there

began

send

her presents,

first such

jewellery.The
return sent
a

without back

and fowls,then thingsas prizepigeons pigeons and fowls she could not well she excitingremark, but the jewellery
one a

by

of the locket

school with

children. his
she

First

came

bracelet,then
a lastly, case

and her

that, when

photograph inside, opened it, which

her had

led her to do, nearly blinded curiosity necklace, and she light. It was a diamond
even seen

with
never

such she of

diamonds
knew that

before, but
each
stone

from
must

their size
be worth

and

lustre

hundreds

pounds.
met

carried it until she

of that afternoon. "Mr.

Beatrice put it in her pocket and him, which she did in the course
he

Davies," she said

the
"

before

could

handing him
mistake.
He
"

Will

package, this has been it back ? you kindlytake

speak,and to me sent by

"

took

Mr.
"

eyes,

abashed. it, Davies," she went on, lookinghim full in the such mistakes. I hope that there will be no more
that I cannot

Please understand

accept presentsfrom you."

1/6
*'

BEATRICE.

If Mr.

Bingham

had

sent

it, you would

a

have

accepted
that he
that

he muttered it," Beatrice turned

fell back and

sulkily.
and flashed such But it was look
on

him

left her. If

true,and she knew

a

it was
a

true.

Geoffrey had
would have

given her
valued it
a

with sixpence
than all the

hole in

she it,
on

more

diamonds
And it
was

earth. wrong
too.
woman.

Oh

! what

She

had But

husband remained
And
or ears

of another
:

hers. was position no rightto love the the fact or right wrong

she did love him.

the worst

of it was

that,as she well knew,

Mr. Davies what
must
come

sooner

later

all this about

to

the

of her
was

father,and
certain.
he would

then In
move

would

happen

One

thing
about had

his

present
and

condition
her

heaven
man.

poverty-stricken earth to bring

Her
was

marriage to this rich been very scrupulouswhere

the
so.

father

never

money
not

concerned,
make him

and
more

pinch
we

of

want

was

to likely

Nor,
eyes

may

be

sure, did

all this escape black cards

on

the

jealous

of Elizabeth.
not

Things looked
throw
to

for

her, but she

did

intend
was

to

Only
Owen about.

it

time

up lead

the

that account. other the

trumps.

In

words,
eyes of

Beatrice

must

be

fatally compromised in
any
means

Davies, if by
So far

this could
well

be

brought
schemes.

thingshad

Beatrice and
was

Geoffreyloved
But

gone each

for her

other,of that Elizabeth

unless it could

certain.

the existence of this secret,underhand

affection would into

acts.

avail her

naught

be

strued con-

Everybody
if is
once

is free to

in indulge
way,

secret
a

but predilections, woman's character

they givethem

if once

compromised,then the world avails her. and destroys What itselfof its opportunities man, would ? thought Elizabeth, marry a compromised woman If Beatrice could be compromised, Owen Davies would this must lake her to wife therefore be brought not
"

about. It sounds

wicked
so

and

unnatural.

"

Impossiblethat
of this

sister should

treat

the sister,"

reader

history

GEOFFREY

HAS her own,

VISITOR.

177

may

say,
who

of thinking

and

of her affectionateand
not

surroundings. But respectable

you,
worse

it is
the

impossible.If
reports, and
no

doubt, will study

law

occupationcan be wished to you, you will find Human that such thingsare nature rise can possible. and it can also fall to depthsbeyond to strange heights, is without parallel in a thing your fathoming. Because it in no small experience your own way follows that it
cannot

be.
was was a a

Elizabeth
more
"

very
woman

remorseless
actuated

person

she

was

she

by passionand
known she
to

by
siderable con-

greed : the
heart.
But

two

strongest motives
her remorselessness

the

human
a

with

united

rather of intellect. or degree of intelligence, Had she been a savage she might have removed her sister from her path by a more expeditious way ; beingwhat she was, she merely strove end by a to effect the same method not punishable by law,in short, by murdering her if her sister went she be responsible reputation.Would thus utterly discredited in the eyes of wrong, and was this
man

who
to

wished
?

to

marry
course

her, and
not

whom
was

Elizabeth

wished

marry she

Of

; that

Beatrice's
of

affair. But into

could

give her
gave very

every

chance

falling

and temptation,
soon

this it was

Circumstances
need of money

became

design do. her an opportunity. The pressingat the Vicarage.

to

her fixed

They had
The

no literally

longer

the

wherewithal

to

live.

refused to fulfil their obligatithe payers absolutely tions. who had As it happened,Jones, the man dered mur-

the died
and

was auctioneer,

never

brought

to trial. He tremens
tion cessa-

after his arrest in a fit of delirium shortly nervous prostration broughton by the sudden
of
a

and an stimulants, example was had he been duly hung, might have been made that, lost, of the results of defying Mr. Granger was the law. now too poor to institute any further proceedings, which, in

supply

of

in Wales, might or might not feeling public succeed ; he could only submit, and submission meant Indeed he was already a beggar. In this state of beggary. the
state of

178
affairshe took
counsel

BEATRICE.

with

out that Elizabeth, pointing

or was

they must

either get money

that

starve.

Now

the

only
Mr.

possible way to get money was Granger's suggestion

Davies, who
so

and by borrowingit, he should

apply to Owen
have done of reputation

had

plenty.
that the

Indeed

he would the

long

ago, but

squirehad

close-fisted man. beingan exceedingly But this proposition did not at all suit Elizabeth's book. Her great object had been to conceal Mr. Davies's desires as regardsBeatrice from her father, and her daily that he might become dread was with them acquainted
from her
some

outside
went
or lent,

source.

She the

knew
to

very

well

that if it

father

up

to

Castle

borrow

money

given,freely enough ; but she also knew that the lender would almost certainly take the the very favourable opportunity, to unfold opportunity, his wishes as regardsthe borrower's daughter. The one lead to the other the promise of thingwould naturally
rather
"

would

be

her

father's support
for the

of Owen's

suit would
How

be

the

sideration con-

money

received.

gladlythat

given was also obvious to her, and with her father pushing Beatrice on the one side and Davies Owen pushing her on the other, how could Elizabeth be sure that she would ? Beatrice not yield would be the very person tc be carried away by an idea of duty. Their father would tell her that he had got the this understanding, and it was on quite possible money that her pridemight bring her to fulfila bond thus given, however distasteful the deed might be to her personally.
'

support would

be

No, her father

assistance
must

must

at all hazards

be

ing prevented from seekAnd

from

Owen

Davies.

yet the money

somewhere, or they would be ruined. Ah, she had it Geoffrey Bingham should lend the and she shrewdly ! He could well afford it now, money guessed that he would not grudge the coat off his back if he thought that by giving it he might directly directly inor help Beatrice. Her father must go up to town to see never him, she would have no letter-writing ; one
from
"

be had

knows

how

letter may

be

read.

He

must

see

Mr.

GEOFFREY

HAS

VISITOR.

179
to

Bingham, and
In
a

if

possible bringhim
detail of the
then she and go and

down

Bryngelly.
clear
to

moment

every

plot became

Elizabeth's
"

mind,
not

spoke.
she said ; Davies,father," only refuse and put yau go
to

You

must

to Mr.

"he

is a
a

hard

man,

would you

in

false
:

position ;

must

Mr. of

Bingham.
you and
at morrow, to-

he is rich now, and of Beatrice. He will lend

once.

Listen

he

is very fond
a

j'ou

hundred

You

must

go

to

London

by

the

pounds earlytrain
and
see

and
It will cost
cannot

drive

two

to straight pounds to get

his chambers
there and

him.
that
sure

back, but
I
am see

be

helped ;
not

it is safer than

and writing,

that you

will

go for

nothing.
with you

And for
a

bringMr. Bingham
can.

back

It will be that he is
he

little return
well.

for his
a

here,father, few days if you kindness,and I

letter from that

know

not

Beatrice had
was so

him
he

in which

said that he
take
a

overworked
soon.

thought he
for
Mr.

must

littlerest

Bring him

back

Whit-Sunday."
Granger hesitated, demurred, and finally yielded. out weak, querulous old farmer clergyman,worn
cares daily was

The

with many
resources,

and

quiteunsupported by
at
was

mental He

but

tool in Elizabeth's able hands.

did
to

not

indeed
the

feel any

humiliation
nature

the idea of
not

borrow money of

cash, for his

troubles
had

trying finely strung,

to

and
verge

made

him

callous

the

of^
more

unscrupulousness ; but journey to London, where

than

he did not he had

like the idea

not

been
it

for
tailed. en-

twenty years, and

acted
as

the

expenditurethat
bade

Still he

Elizabeth

him,

even

to

from secret Beatrice. keepingthe expedition Beatrice, her sister explained to him, was as proud as Lucifer, and might raise objections if she knew that he was going of to London Mr. to borrow Bingham. This money indeed she would certainly have done. On the following it was afternoon the Friday before and the last day of the Easter sittings Whit-Sunday, Geoffrey sat in his chambers, in the worst possible stale and worn There out with work spirits, thoroughly
" "

I So

BEATRICE.
a

was

consultation

goingon,
was

and

his

a pig-headed client,

Norfolk
with
own some

farmer, who

bent

upon for

action extraordinary

proceedingto trial his trespass against

landlord,was
a

present with his solicitor. Geoffrey

had

in

few

short,clear words
and thing,

explainedthe absurdity

of the whole

for the client had

advised him to strongly settle, insisted on to be seeinghim, refusing

not put off with a written opinion. But the farmer was and the solicitor was now satisfied, endeavouringto let

the

pure soul.

lightof

law

into the darkness

of his

injured

Geoffrey threw himself back

dark hair from in
he
a

in his

chair, pushed the

listen.
But

his brow, and

was

pretendedto
be
rest

minute
!

his mind

far away.

Heavens, how
for
a

tired
"

was

Well, there
when he had had

would
a

few

days

till

Tuesday,
to
"

matter
so

that must had

be attended
What go and

the House

risen and

the courts.

should he do with himself ? stay with

her

Honoria

wished

to

brother. Lord
he should go. He

Garsington,and,
He
to not

for

wonder,
he

to

take Effie with her. have could

did

not

like

but it,

supposedthat
he would
not

consent.

was,

endure
he
run

thing Garsington,
One
down
to

Dunstan,
be

and

all their set. The

Should

Bryngelly?

was temptation

very great ; that would

sense

happinessindeed, but
it
was

his

common

prevailed
not

it. No, against

there. He

better that

he

should

go

would
to
come

leave she
at

alone. Bryngeliy

If Beatrice she

wished had
never

him

would
such
a

have

said so, and

even

hinted

and thing,
gone. But

if she had he lacked

he did not the heart

think that he would

to go

have He

anywhere
a

else.

would

stop in town,
he

rest, and

read
not

novel, for Geoffrey,when

this frivolous

found

time, was
under

above

certain circumstances, he
At
a

occupation. Possibly, have been might even

moment

one. capable of writing

that

his clerk

entered,and handed
written
"

on

it. He
Mr.

of paper with something slip and read : opened it idly him

to
see

Revd.

Granger

you.

Told

him you

were

but engaged,

he said he would

wait."

GEOFFREY

HAS

A.

VISITOR.

i8i

that so violently Geoffreystarted violently,

both the

solicitor and
"

the obstinate farmer

looked
see

up.

Tell the

gentleman

that I will

him

in

minute,"
to

he said to the

and then, addressing the clerk, retreating have

I farmer," Well, sir,

cannot

said all that I have this action.

say.

I if

advise
to
some

you

to

continue

Indeed,

you

wish

to retain

do so, you must direct your solicitor really other counsel,as I will not be a party to
mean rose. was a

what

can

only
he

waste

of money.

Good

noon," after-

and
The
moment

farmer Mr.

convoyed out grumbling.

In

another

Granger entered, dressed in a somewhat and his thin white hair hanging, threadbare suit of black, his eyes. over as usual, Geoffrey glanced at him with and as he did so noticed that he had aged apprehension,

duringthe greatly
tell him
some

last

seven

months.
"

Had

he
was

come

to
or ill,

illnews

of Beatrice ?

that she

dead,
"

or

going to
do
out

be married

How

stretched
as

he said, as he do, Mr. Granger ? his voice as well his hand, and controlling you
"

"

he could.

How

are

you ?

This

is

most

pected unex-

pleasure."
"

How while

do

you

do, Mr.

man,

he seated
a

the old Bingham ? answered himself nervouslyin a chair, placing

"

his hat with

'*

hand trembling
am

upon

the floor beside him.

very

Yes, thank you, I

with trouble
a as

not pretty well,

grand
"

worn

out

the

with

vague

automatic

sparks flyupwards," he added, recollection of the scriptural

"

quotation.
that your hope that Miss Elizabeth and Be well also," said Geoffrey, unable to restrain are daughters his anxiety. Yes, yes, thank you, Mr. Bingham. Elizabeth isn't complains of a pain in her chest, very grand either, little bilious, a perhaps she always is bilious in the spring."
"

"

"

"

And

Miss

Beatrice ?

"

Oh, I think she's well very qtliet, you know, and a little pale,perhaps; but she is always quiet a strange
"
"
"

l82
"

BEATRICE.

woman

Beatrice,Mr.
me

Bingham,
I do
not
women

very

strange
no

woman,

quitebeyond
try
in
very
to.

understand
at

her,and good

don't

Not

Hke

other

takes all, her

pleasure
looks
"

things seemingly ; curious, with

curious.
But

nobody understands Beatrice." And Geoffrey breathed a sigh of relief. how tithes beingpaid,Mr. Granger ? not very grandly, I I saw that scoundrel Jones died in prison."
"

are

fear.

Mr.

Granger woke
at

up

at

once.

Before of subject What

was

he had his

been

talkingalmost
did
was

random

; the

daughters

not

greatly interest him.

did

interest him

the

this money question. Nor old narrow-minded poor till he could

man

it very wonderful ; had thought about

find room for anything scarcely else, indeed him closely. He nothing else reallytouched broke into a long story of his wrongs, and, drawing a money paper
out to

from

his breast

with shakingfinger pocket, pointed

that his clerical income
at

Geoffreyhow
had been
sum

for the last

six months
year, upon
not

the rate
even a

which

only fortypounds a Welsh clergyman could

hstened Geoffrey and

of

consider himself
then

rich. passing
came a

sympathised ;
"

pause.
on getting

Mr. Bryngelly, Bingham," Mr. Granger said presently, starving, pretty well starving. It's only you have whb been making been sitting the same dock-leaf while on money ; we've
at
"

That's

how

we've

been

you

have

become

a
"

great
I

man.

If it had very I don't what she cloak

we we

not

been

for the how

Beatrice's

salary

she's
"

behaved
am sure on a warm

well

about

has Beatrice salary, the poor girl clothes that she had
to go
a

understand

herself

keeps;
this
have

I know

without
from

cause winter,bebeen in

she got
the he rubbed

cough

it
"

should

workhouse, and
the back

that's where of his withered

shall be hand
across

yet," and
his eyes.

Geoffrey gasped.
means

Beatrice
"

with

scarcely enough

to

clothe illfrom It made

herself the want him

Beatrice
of
a

shivering and
while
/le lived in
a

becoming
luxury !
he could

cloak

sick

to think

of it. For

moment

say

nothing.

GEOFFREY
"

HAS I've
not
as

VISITOR.
went

183
the old
at
man

I have

come

here

"

come,"
so

on

in a broken
to

broken voice,
the

much fear

by shame
lest
me a

having
be

make
"

request
you where
to

from

it should

refused,
I don't
not

to ask

if you

could lend

littlemoney.
I would last

know

turn, I don't indeed, or

I have

do

Mr. Bingham. it, If you my note little; could of

we

spent my
a

get here.

lend

me

hundred

pound to pounds I'd

it back
a

giveyou little by
from
"

hand

for it and

try

to

pay

might
"

take

twenty
a

pounds
"

year

Beatrice's

salary
"

Don't, please do

not
"

talk of such Where

thing! ejaculated
Street.

the horrified

Geoffrey.
well,"and

the devil is my

Oh, I know, I kft it in Bolton

this will do
as

chequebook? Here,
out to

he took

up

draft made
on

his order, and, handed it,

fees in the

his rapidlysigning

name was

the back

of

it to Mr,

Granger.
of Parsons

It

in

payiiientof the
and
some

great case
Mr.

and the

Douse

other matters.

it close to his eyes, " But this is double

"

Granger took glanced at the

what you

draft, and, holding

; it was

amount

^^200.

I asked

fully. he said doubtfor,"

?
" "

Am

I to return

^100

"

No, no," answered

some

Geoffrey,
Thank money
more

daresay that
can

you
on

have
very

debts
and

to

pay.

Heaven, I
than think I of ! "

get

well

earn
"

want.

Not

enough clothing it is shocking to

more

he

added,
bless how
to

to

himself
man
"

than
rose,

to

his listener.
tears. not
"

The

old

his eyes full of

bless you.

God

you," he said,
thank you
"

God

I do he

know

I don't

hand
"

between
Please
a

indeed," and his trembUng palms

not

do
matter note

say any of mutual

more,

caught Geoffrey's and pressed it. Mr. Grainger ; it really

no,

is

only

No, obligation.
If I
can were

I don't

want

any

of hand. You

to
me

die

it

might

be

used

againstyou.
You
"

pay

whenever

it is

convenient."
"

are

too

good,Mr. Bingham," said

could another
man
"

the old who

man. clergywould
"

Where

be found

lend
the

me

? ;^2oo without security he

(whereindeed !)
my

By
a

way,"

added,

"

forgot ;

mind

is in such

i84
whirl.
Will you We
come

BEATRICE.

back

with
so

me

for

i^"^ days to
can.

? Bryngelly
come,

shall all be
; you

pleased if you
as

Do
want
a

Mr.

Bingham
do

look

though

you

change,you
half
to
an

indeed."
hand
on heavily

Geoffrey dropped his

hour

the desk.
not

But
to go

before he had
now rose

made

up

his mind

Bryngelly, And
The
had gone cold

vision of Beatrice

before his eyes.

and
never

Beatrice
one

who word

all the winter

"

told him the

of their
came

biting poverty
of his
reason

the

for longing

of sight

Beatrice
the

into his heart,and

to

like

hurricane

swept

defences

the level
no

ground.

tation Temp-

overwhelmed it.
"

He Thank

must

see

him ; he her,if it was

longer struggled against only to say good-bye.

head. do for the next

his bowed you," he said quietly, lifting

to particular nothing
come.

"

Yes,
"

I have

day

or
"

two.

I think that I will

When

do you go back ?

so

Well, I thought of takingthe nightmail,but I feel tired. I really don't know. I think I shall go by the
That
are

nine o'clock train to-morrow."

"

will suit me you

very

what
come

going to
and
never care

" and now said Geoffrey well," ; better do to-night had You ?

and

dine

sleep at
; there ;
a

my
are

house.
some

No

dress

clothes ?

Oh,

mind

peoplecoming
dressed.

but
Come

they

won't

clergyman is always
it."

along and is shut,but I can

I will get that draft cashed. manage

The

bank

CHAPTER

XX.

BACK

AT

BRYNGELLY.

Geoffrey

and

Mr.

Granger reached

Bolton

Street about

six o'clock.

The

drawing-roomwas

stillfull of callers.

in great force in mustered Lady Honoria's young men those days. They were and men very inoffensive young to them. Geoffrey had no particular Only he objection found it difficult to remember
all their
names.

When

BA

CK

BR

YNGELL

V.

185

Geoffreyentered
than five of

tli3
to

them,

less drawing-room there were no all say nothing of two stray ladies,
at metaphorically sitting

dressed superbly very

and

Honoria's
to

pretty feet.

Otherwise

their contributions did

not
amount to

the

general store
for her

of amusement
most

much,
could
the
nouncement an-

did ladyship

of the

talking.
Honoria receive did
she

Geoffreyintroduced
not at

Mr.

Granger,whom
Nor

first remember.
that he
was

going to

dine and
The young

stay the
men

night

with any
away He
at

enthusiasm. particular

melted

advent like mists before a rising Geoffrey's sun. greeted them civilly enough, but with him they had
common.

nothingin
sealed form

To

tell the truth

they were
handsome

little
face

afraid of him.

This

man

with his dark

his powerful-looking intellect, dressed,accordingto their standard) and his (ill

with the stamp of

great and

with whom was a person growing reputation, had no they had no sympathy, and who, they felt, talk as though there is one We sympathy with them.

heaven mistake.

and

one

hell for all of us, but here

must

be

some

An

impassable gulf yawns

What has and

between such female

a

the
man

dif-'
as

ferent classes of mankind.

Geoffreyto
of
a

do with the feeble male ? drawing-room

:

butterflies
one

London them

There
same

between
When

they live on
men

the

only planet.

is

link

the fine young

away,

and

the two

strayladies had
room.

took Mr. Granger up to his Geoffrey Coming downstairs againhe found Lady Honoria

melted

ing wait-

for him
"

in the

study.

Is that
"

individual

going to really
and he has

dine

and

sleep
dress

here ?

she asked.

Honoria, "Certainly,
"

brought

no

he answered. clothes," it is too bad of you," said the lady Really,Geoffrey, with some pardonable irritation. Why do you bring peopleto dinner in this promiscuous way ? It will quite man upset the table. Just fancy asking an old Welsh clergyhas not the slightest to dine,who to pretensions
"

being a gentleman,

when

one

has

the Prime

Minister

86

BEATRICE.

and

Bishop coming
too.
came

"

and
he
me

a come on

clergyman without
for ?
'"'

dress

clothes
"

What
to to

has
see

He

and business,

as

to

the

people coming

grumble when am going down

want
"

dinner,if they don't like it they can By the way, Honoria, I they go home.
to

Wales

for

day or

two

to-morrow.

change."
!

Indeed had

Going to
and

You you

better be
a

I suppose. Beatrice, lovely will get careful, Geoffrey. That girl

see

the

into

mess,
are

if she

does

there

are

plenty of

You ready to make an example of you. have tell you. I am enemies enough, I can not jealous, itis not in my line, but you are too intimate with that girl,

people who

and
"

will be sorry for it one day." but Nonsense," said Geoffrey angrily,
you

nevertheless

he felt that
It
or

words of truth. Lady Honoria's words were struck him, moreover, that she must feel this strongly, have Honoria she would not spoken in that tone.
not

did

often
not

pose

as

household

would

draw

back

now.

His

philosopher.Stillhe heart was set on seeing

on

Beatrice.
"Am I to
went understand,"

his

"that wife,

you

with the stillobject to my staying it is a littlehard if I do not make

to
see me

Garsingtons?I
a

think

fuss about your you

going
to

your
to

village paragon,
visit my
felt that
own

that

should

refuse

allow

brother."
was

Geoffrey
was

he

but degrading, yielded.

"

in

the

being bargainedwith. It of his follyhe extremity

" but if you take he said shortly, if you like," she is properly looked after,that is all," mind Efifie,

Go

and

he

left the abruptly

room.

Lady Honoria
handsome

looked
"

after she you

him, slowly nodding her

said
now.

head.
how
to

Ah,"

to

herself, I have
You

"

found
weak

out

manage

have
"

your

point like

other

people.Master
you
not must not

Geoffrey and
go
too
a

it
am

Beatrice. spells but not jealous, Beatrices. fifty

Only
I
am

faT.

going to
allow you

have

scandal for

I will not

to lose your

reputa-

BA

CK

AT

BR

YNGELL

Y.

i 'iy

like that pining for position.Just fancy a man ! And a girl she is nothing more village they talk clever. about his being so Well, he always liked and now he has burnt ladies' society ; that is his failing, his fingers. They all do sooner these or later, especially tion and
"

clever
course

men.

The

women

flatter

them, that's it.

of

Of
she

the

girlis tryingto get

worse,

hold

him,

and

might do Bingham
done.
when grows
a

is Honoria surelyas my name I will put a spoke in her wheel before she has Bah ! and they laugh at the power of women like Geoffrey,with all the world to lose, man but
so a

love-sick for

pretty face
But I
am

; it is
were

very
out

pretty face
of the way
mean

by
he
to

the way. would

I do believe that if I marry

her.

in the way,
to

and

stay there.
ridiculous. Dinner-time

Well, it is time
of
a

dress

for dinner. won't do

thing some-

only hope

that old clown

clergyman
to
was a

I shall have
come

for apologise

him."

had
was

it

quarter past eight,

and
or

the less

room

filled with

distinguished.Mr.

bred people all more highly Granger had dulyappeared,

however, arrayed in his threadbare black coat, relieved, dress shoes. As might have been by a pair of Geoffrey's at his preexpected,the great folk did not seem surprised sence, notice of his attire, the to take any particular or fact beingthat such people never are surprised. A Zulu chief in full war interest dress would only excite a friendly in their breasts. On the contrary they recognised vaguelythat the old gentleman was somethingout of the
common

run,

and

as

such

worth

Indeed cultivating.
he
to
was a

the Prime
from
once

that Minister, casually hearing

man clergy-

Wales, asked

to

be introduced about

fell into conversation Mr.

him, and at a tithes, subject of

which

Granger was thoroughlymaster. down to Presently they went dinner, Mr. Granger escortingthe wife of the Bishop, a fat and somewhat apoplectic lady,blessed with an excellent appetite. On his other side was the the Prime and between Minister, he got on very well,especially of two after a few glasses wine. wife of the Bishop Indeed, both the apoplectic

88

BEATRICE.

and the head

heard

of Her
to

Government were Majesty's declare that NTr. Granger was To the former he

quently subsea

very

entertaining person.
much and

related with

detail how
to

his

daughterhad
discoursed

saved
upon of

their host's
the what

Ufe,

the

latter he

him tithes, favouring

was own

with his ideas

the

subject of legislation
to

necessary

to

meet

question.

Somewhat

his

he surprise,
even

found

that his views

were

received with

attention and received the

the had

with respect.
of the tithes.

In the

main, too, they

likewise
before had felt Mr.
pany com-

support
such

Bishop,who
Never
nor

keenlyon
Granger
so

subjectof
a

good dinner

mingled with

He remembered both till his distinguished. dyingday. Next morning Geoffreyand Mr. Granger started before Honoria was up. Into the details of their long journey I.ady need not to Wales we (ina crowded third-class carriage) had plenty to think of,but his fears had enter. Geoffrey

vanished, as
the

fears

sometimes and had

or

do

when

we

draw
a

near

to

objectof them,
saw

been

replaced by
saw,

curious

expectancy. He
been

now,

thoughthe

that he had

making a mountain out of a molehill. Probablyit meant nothingat all. There was no real danger. Beatrice she had even liked him, no doubt ; possibly experienced and Such things towards him. come a fit of tenderness healer of moral Time is a wonderful such thingsgo. the chains of ladies endure and few young distempers,
an

undesirable

attachment him that

for

period of
blush
to

seven

whole
that this

months.

It made be
so, and

almost the

think

might

misfortune

working of
He

extension of his gratuitous than the to Beatrice might be nothing more unconscious his own which, vanity a vanity
"

did she know

of

would it, how

move

her to angry when

laughter.
young

remembered
been

once,

he

was

quitea
a

he had fellow, who

somewhat

smitten with

certain

lady,
and

if he might judge from certainly, And the sentiment. acts, reciprocated that lady some he met also,how when
she had

her words
he

remembered months
wards after-

treated him with

cold

indeed indifference,

BA

CK

AT

BR

YNGELL

Y.

89

almost

with
him

an

that quite bewildered insolence, how the

same

him,
in

making

wonder

person

could and

show ashamed
seen

such different

tillat length, mortified lights, had gone away he had her

by his mistake,he
face
no more.

in
set

rage and it down

her

Of
had that

course

to female
a

infidelity ; he
of

served
was

turn, she had

wanted.
occur

made
he

fool

him,

and

all she

Now
to
an

might
that it

It did not enjoy his humiliation. might be simple "cussedness," to American angry

him

term,

or

that she had

some reason

not

energetic but was really changed,

she did not of choose
women men

borrow

with him

for

which

to show.

It is difhcult to of male

in the scales besides

and
to

Geoffrey have
console

weigh the motives and experience, many been forced to giveup

with
worth the

other

the attempt

themselves

reflection that the

is generally not inexplicable it Yes, probably And

not

would
was

be the

understanding. same case over again.

of that class ? Had she
to

yet, and
too

yet
of

"

Beatrice

much
to

man's

of aim straightforwardness

permither
soul he
to

play such
she

tricks ?

In

the

bottom
not

of

his
it

thought that
The
was

had, but he would

was

admit
ingly, unknow-

himself.
he

fact of the matter

half that,

that in his
undertaken

her

over

an

knew He tryingto drug his conscience. her dear face once he had to see more longing about to walk with a dangerous thing. He was which might bear them, or abysson a bridge
"

might break.
of frailty
not

So

long as

he walked them
was

there both ?

alone it would Alas

for the

be well,but would
human

it bear

nature, this

the truth ; but he would

acknowledge it. He was not going to make love to Beatrice, he was going to enjoy the pleasure of her society. In friendship there could be no harm.
not

and

did

It is not

difficultthus

to

stillthe

mind,
worst

when the especially is rather an offence against local

more

qualms of an uneasy thingin question at its

custom
"

than in

against
"

natural law.

In many

countries of the world

nearlyall
it

countries, indeed, at different epochs

would

of their

history

have love

been each

no

wrong

that

Geoffreyand
nature

Beatrice in strong

should

other, and

human

I90

BEATRICE.

temptation is
erected
of
to

very

apt
of

to

override
or

artificial barriers
the
as

suit the convenience

promote

prosperity
we

sections particular
even

mankind.

But,

have

heard,

things are
an

things may be lawful,yet all done not expedient. To commit or even to conthat stamps it as the principle because act
though
all of

wrong

will admit

argument

on

its merits

is

mere

by the aid of which we might prove ourselves sophistry, of laws of all calibres. Laws entitled to defythe majority but each generation must to suit the generations, vary A deed should be obey its own, or confusion will ensue. be innocent in itself, judged by its fruits; it may even is guilty. yet if its fruits are evil the doer in a sense
Thus

in

some

countries entails the relation.

to most

mention

the

name

of your

mother-in-law
on

unpleasantconsequences
can

that intimate

Nobody

say that to

name

who, yet the man thing wicked in itself; which will ensue, allows himself, knowing the penalties that relative, to violate in a fit of passionagainst even is doubtless her by name and mention the custom
the

lady is

an

entanglement and a man between already married generally a woman means unhappinessand hurt to all concerned, more
offender.
an

Thus, too, the result of

whose to the woman, especially injuredthereby. irretrievably the

prospects
It is useless

are

to

perhaps point to

example of
many

the

some patriarchs,

and

Turks ; respectable man or the love is a deep and holy love, for which a woman might well live and die,or to show extenuating need of sympathy, circumstances in the fact of loneliness, The and that the existing marriage is a hollow sham. do most rule is clear. A things except man may
cheat
at

royalfamilies, foreign it is useless to plead that

cards

or

run

away

in action

woman

may

break

half-a-dozen herself

hearts, or
up
to

try

to

break
no

them, and
harm this.
at all

finally put
"

auction and
in any do him
are

take

but neither Not that

of them

may

event

do

to Geoffrey,

intentions.
nature.

Most

men

had justice, any incapableof plots of

such
that

If

itis when theyfall,

the voice of conscience

is

BA

CK

AT

BR

YNGELL

V. counsel

191

lost in the whirlwind of

and passion, the

is darkened Their
sin is

by

the tumultuous

of pleadings

heart.

of them, allow themselves to be put most they will, favourable to the development of these disin positions agreeable influences. It is not safe to light in cigarettes If Geoffrey had done what he ought a powder factory. back to Brynhave gone to have done, he would never that and there gelly,
more

would

have

been

no

or story to tell,

no

than

there

usuallyis.

length Mr. Granger and his guest reached them, for nobody nobody to meet Bryngelly ; there was knew that they were coming,so they walked up to the to pass Vicarage. It was strange to Geoffreyonce more church through those well-remembered, windby the little It seemed torn derful wonpinesand see that low long house.
At that should all should
no

still be

just as it was,
; where
a man was a

that there
seen so

be

when change at all,

was

he himself had

much.
He another

There

Beatrice's home
the house
was

Beatrice ? dream.
In

passed into
moment
so

like

in

he

in the

long parlourwhere
Elizabeth
was as

he had

spent
him.

many

happy hours,and
hands with
was

greeting
he

He

shook

her, and

did

so,

utterly unchanged. Her straw-coloured hair was pushed back from the temples the same hard smile, in the same wore way, the mouth
noticed
she too her
wore

vaguely that

light eyes
the
same

shone

with the
dress.
as

same

cold look ; she she

even

brown
see

But

appeared
kissed her

to

be

very

pleasedto
well and

him,

indeed
Her
room

she was, for the game father

to lock

looked

for Elizabeth.

riedly, hur-

bustled from

the

up his borrowed

them cash, leaving

together.
powers

Somehow
AVhere It
was was

conversational Geoffrey's Beatrice ? she

failed him.
school.

ought

to

be back from she be

time holiday
made very
are an

indeed.

Could

away?

He seemed "You

that things and remarked effort, absently unchanged at Bryngelly. said Elizabeth, swering anlookingfor Beatrice,"
not

his

thoughtand

his words.

"

She

has

gone

192 out

BEATRICE.

but walking,
me,

think

that

she
see

will be about
he your

back

soon.

Excuse

but I

must

go and
a

room."

Geoffreyhung
strolled down
to

about the

then little, beach, with a He

lit his

pipe and

vague
not

idea of but he

meeting Beatrice.
met

did

unexpressed meet Beatrice,

once.

old

Edward, who
I thinks

knew

him

at

"it's he said, "Lord, sir,"

when specially dead 'un
to
as

queer to see you here how I saw and you first,

again,
you
a

all purposes,

with
to
nearer

your your old And

mouth hair fit to

open,

and

Miss Beatrice

a-hangingon
never was

pullyour
you
was

scalpoff.
that

You

Davy
now

than

night,sir,nor

won't

be.

spared to become a Parliament man, good may you do there it will take sir and I think,sir, that I should like
" "

you've been I hears,and much you all your time,

to

drink

your

health."

Geoffreyput his
man
"

hand

in his
could
out

pocket and
so

gave
now.

the old

sovereign. He

afford to do

Miss Beatrice go still mumbled while Edward

Does "At

canoeingnow
you

"

he asked

his astonished

thanks.

times, sir
"

thanking
my way
stave
"

as suvrings

comes

kindly; it ain't many on though I hate the sight

hole in the

I it, there

do.

I'd like to

bottom

of that

cranky concern
be another
no

; it ain't
accent out

safe,and
of it
one

that's the
of these

fact. fine

There'll

days and

it'sher way and Miss Beatrice, with their

coming to next time. herself. of pleasuring

she

But, Lord
She's and
a

bless you,
un

queer queerer,

is

gets queerer

what

no tightscrewed up at the Vicarage, Not but tithes and that, and one thing and another. in a portentous whisper, he added what I'm thinking, sir," to do with it. He's a the squirehas got summut as of her,he is ; he's as hard after her as a dog courting and why she can't just say yes fish after a stray herring,

being

so

"

and
"

marry

him

I'm

sure

I don't know."

Perhaps she
walk

doesn't like

coldly. him," said Geoffrey

all have their
to

"

May be,sir, may

be ; maids

in fancies,

whatssever

o' life it has

pleased God
He

stick 'em,

but it'sa wonderful

it is. pity,

ain't no

great shakes,

THE

THIRD

APPEAL.

193

he

but he's ain't,

"

sound

man

"

no

girlcan't
see,

want

sounder
more

lived

quietall his days you

money,
must

and what's sir,

at

he's got the

and

money's tightup
their fancies she'd I've

the

sir. Vicarage, sir. Lord I'm

Gals !
a

give up
old

times, some-

brace

of brats and and

forgetall
seen

about 'em.
ways,
a

seventy years

their

word

You'd
un as

should You sir, though in a humble calling. say five after. sir she'd thank to her, ; years you kindly do her a good turn, sir, you would, and not a bad the

saying goes,

and

giveit

the lie
" "

no,

beg your
to

pardon, that
you
see

she

life, though I don't how she could do that unless,begging your pardon, made you fall in love with her, beingmarried,which
the bad wouldn't be wunnerful what seeing she is how seeing
was

is the other way round turn having saved your

she's bound

do

though strange
and
she gone
seven^

I has been old missus

in love with her and

myself since

who all,

died

eight years

and

well rid of the rheumatics."

was

Beatrice
old

Edward's

but confusing the old

man

that could unlock subjects breast, and Geoffrey retired before his bidding eloquence. Hurriedly suggestive
one

of the few

he good-night
the gate watched

returned
the

to

the

house, and
the

leaningon
bosom

dying on twilight
in her and

of the west.

Suddenly,a bunch of wild roses gloom emerged from the gathering

face
to

Beatrice girdle,

stood before him

face.

CHAPTER
THE THIRD

XXI.

APPEAL.

Face

to face

theystood,while
grew her tender

ness at the vision of her sweetto

his heart fell upon lighi eyes, and the

still. Face

face, and
the

the

faint

loveliness and died in her

deep

faint breeze

fragrantwith
Oh, it was

breath of
to living

pinesgentlystirred her
see

hair.

worth

her thus !
13

194
"

BEATRICE.

beg your pardon," she said forward to pass the gate. stepping
*'

in

puzzled tone,

Beatrice
a

"

She gave
would up have towards
"

little cry, and One

clutched

the

fallen. his

moment
was

she hid

face

that

else she railing, stayed so, looking in the deepening and fear and dream love. ?
"

shadow
"

Is

lookingwith wild eyes of hope it you," she said at length, or

"

another

"'

It is

I, Beatrice

!"

he

answered, amazed.
an

She
"

recovered

herself with

effort.
so

Then

why
"

did you

me frighten

"

she asked.

"

It

was

unkind

oh, I did

not

mean

to

say

What
come

did I say ? I forget. I am so " ! and she put her hand to her forehead

anything cross. glad that you have

and looked

at him
"

againas
you
not

one

might
me

gaze
"

Did

expect

"

and
"

No Expect you ? no. slie stopped suddenly. It is very odd," he said father
was

ghost from the grave. ? Geoffrey asked. than I expected more

at a
"

"

;
me

thoughtyou

knew

that
from

your

going to

ask

down.

I returned

London
"

with him."

From

London," she
not

murmured.

"

I did not

know

Elizabeth did
that
"

tell

me

anythingabout it.
how
are

I suppose

she Here

forgot."
I
am

at any

rate, and
well.
to

you

?
am

"

"

Oh, well

now,

quite

There, I

all

right
me

again. It is very wrong Mr. Bingham," she added

pass she

frighten people
hands
"

in that way,
"

in her usual I will shake

voice.

Let
"

through the gate and

added, in
with
so a

with you
one

if,"

tone

of
a

gentlemockery,
But
we
"

may how

shake

hands

great

man.

be, did
know ?

I not, How

justbefore
is Effie ?

were

I told you drowned

it would

together, you

"Effie do had
not
a

"Do he answered. flourishes," you know, you father told me look very grand. Your that you cold in the winter,"and Geoffrey shivered as he the
cause.

thoughtof
"

Oh, thank you, I have nothing to complain of, strong and well. How long do you stay here ?
"

am

THE

THIRD

APPEAL.

195

long. Perhaps tillTuesday morning,perhaps till Monday."

"Not

Beatrice

sighed. Happiness is

short.

She

had

not

broughthim here, she would not him here,but since he had bring he was goingto stay longer.
"

have
come

lifted a

fingerto
that

she wished

It is supper

time,"she said;
in and Mr.
ate

"

let

us

go in," It
was a

So

they
meal.

went

their supper.
was

happy

Granger
what

in almost difference the

boisterous

It spirits. of that two seemed

must

is wonderful

possession
; he

hundred
man.

pounds
It
was

made
true
a

in his demeanour that

a

another go in
meant

hundred would

of it

paying debts,but
at least a

hundred

be left,

which

too, relaxed

her

for him. Elizabeth, year's respite habitual grimness; the two hundred
on

pounds
other

had

its influence

her

also,and

there
secret

were

influences at work genial Beatrice knew nothingof the

she too
was

in her dark

heart.

but silent,

happy
visitsus

and sat somewhat money with the wild unreal happiness

that sometimes As for she would

in dreams. could have

seen

if Lady Geoffrey, have

Honoria

him

stared in astonishment.

Of

late he had had found of

been
him

a a

many very silent man, But dull companion.

people indeed
under the talked

influence

Beatrice's presence
he
was

he talked and

haps Perbrilliantly. show

at

to striving unconsciously

his very

best before
of
a woman

her,as
whom

man

does naturally loves. So

he

in the presence did he talk brilliantly

to

and that at last they all sat still

listened

him, and they

might have
At

been

worse

employed.

retired to length su])per was done, and Eli/.al)Cth called out her room. Presently, too, Mr. Granger was and they went to christen a sick baby and grumbling, and looked leftalone. were They sat in the window-place out at the quietnight.
"

Tell

me

about

said Beatrice. yourself," He narrated

all the steps by which her how he had reached his present position, and showed of all. from it'he might rise to the topmost heights So he told her.
13"2

1^6
She

BEA

TRICE.

did
once

not

look
he

at

him, and
"

did

not

answer

him,
talked
some

but

when

paused,thinkingthat
Go
on

he had

she said, enough about himself, more." At

"

; tell me

last he

had

told her all.

"

Yes," she said, you have

and you will
one

the power be among

and the

the opportunity,
foremost

day

men
"

of your I doubt I

generation."
it,"he
said with
for the
a

sigh.

"

am

not

bitious. am-

only work
leave

sake

of the

work, not

for

what

it will bring. One it.

the first in my

day
But

daresaythat
I do

I shall weary
to

of it all and

while

work, I like
not

be among
"

degree."
"

Oh, no," she answered,

must

you

must

you

go

on

and

on.

Promise
"
"

me," she

give it up ; continued,
that while

at looking

him for the first time

health and and

promiseme

you

have

stand

alone

strength you will persevere tillyou quite pre-eminent. Then you can give
I

it up."
"

Why

should

Beatrice promise you this,

it of you. it gives me that the

?" your

"

Because

I ask

Once
some man

I saved

life.

Mr.

Bingham, and
I wish should

littleright to direct
whom I saved
to not

its course.

the

world

be among
is
an

the firstmen

in the world,

in

wealth, which

but in intellect and force. accident, this and I shall be happy." Promise me " I promise you," he said, I promisethat I will try to because the prospect attracts rise because you ask it, not but as he spoke his heart was It was me ; wrung. bitter to hear her speak thus of a future in which she would would have no share,which, as her words implied, be a thing utterly apart from her, as much apart as dead. though she were " and it Yes," he said again, my life, you gave me
"
"

"

makes

me

very in return.

unhappy

to

think

that

can

give you

nothing

Oh, Beatrice, I will tell you what I have never told to any one. I am lonelyand wretched. With the exception of yourself, I do not think that there is I mean for who really cares anybody who really sympa"

THE

THIRD

APPEAL. I

197

thises with
fault and

me

in the world.
a

it sounds

that it is my own daresay humiliating thing to say, and, in

I
never

fashion,a selfisiithing.
any when been if you At soul living there is but you.

should is the
use

have of

said it lo

AVhat

nobody

to work

but different,
"

the world

being great for ? Things might have is a hard place. If you"

hers ; it he
was a was

this moment

his

hand

touched

dental, acci-

but in the tenderness the and temptation and very took it.

of his heart Then drew there her

to yielded

moment's away and

pause,

gently she
wife

hand

thrust it in her bosom.

"

You

have

your

to share

your

she said fortune," you

can

"you
name

have

Effie to

inherit

and it,

leave

your

to your
came

country."
a

Then "And for you ? She

you," he
"

heavy pause. said, it, breaking

*' "

what

future is there

laughed softly.
none.

Women
not

have
now,

no

future
once

and I

they ask
did.
the

At

least I do for them That

though
so

It is

enough
rest."

if theycan is their

ever

little help their

lives of others. is
"

and happiness,

reward

Just then
and
"

Mr.
rose

Granger
and

came

back from his

to

christening,
?
"

Beatrice
Looks
a

went

bed.

little doesn't pale,

"

she,Mr. Bingham
be troubled

said

her father. The fact is

"

I think

she must is no

in her mind.
not

there well,

reason

why

I should you

tell
a

you ; she thinks so much word her up to brighten I

of you, and
"

might say
Mr. is vexed
see
"

well, it's about

she

Davies.

fancy,you
he
I may

know,
not

that
come

likes him

and

because
course

does

forward.

Well, you
as

of

be

mistaken,but
seen

I have sometimes look if he

was

thought

that he may. I have of it, though of course

to expect. right to

him
more

thinking

it is

than Beatrice has got any herself and Think turned her of

She's he is old

only got
a

give him, and

and the

rich

man.

good looks Mr. ham," it, Binghis eyes

gentleman

up

198

BE

A TRICE.

"just think piously,

and
a

what

thing

it would

be

for

her, life,
;

indeed

for all of us, if it should

pleaseGod
never

to send

chance such

like that in her way

a

; she would

be rich for

and he

! But position
a

it is possible ; one her. At her up any

a

knows

might take
for her to

fancy to
could

rate, Mr.

ham, Bingno

I think you need

cheer

little ; there is

giveup hope yet."

into
a

Geoffreyburst
Beatrice

short

grim laugh.

The

idea of

for Owen Davies,indeed the ironyof languishing of humour. for his sense the whole position, too much was "Yes," he said, I daresay that it might be a good
"

match

for

her, but I do
Davies."
!

not

know

how

she would

get

on

with Mr.
"

Get

on can

why,

well

enough,
most

of

course.

Women

are

and soft,
are

squeeze

into

if they holes, especially

well

lined.

think she
waste

Besides,he may be a bit heavy, but I is pining that she should for him, and it'sa pity
life like that.
"

her

What,

are

you

going to
a

bed?

Well, good-night good-night."

Geoffrey did go to bed, but not to sleep. For while he lay awake, thinking. He thought of

long

the last

night which he had spent in this little room, of its of all that had happened since, strange experiences, and of the meeting of to-day. Could he, after that with what were the feelings meeting, any longer doubt
which
and Beatrice

regarded him
was

? for

It

was

difficultto do
Then he

so,

yet there
old had The

stillroom had

error.

thought
Mr.

of what

Edward

said

to

him, and
to

of what

Granger
Davies.

said with views

reference
were

Beatrice and
even was

Owen
garly vulmore,

but expressed, there

was

crudely and and, what they coincided,

of both

truth

in

them, and

he knew

it. The
it mildly, was

idea of

Beatrice
to

marrying Mr. Davies,to put

desirable
a

sive repul-

him ; but had

and

so

her he any claim to stand between he had in life? settlement Clearly,

so.

not, his conscience

Could

told him

it be existed
What

right, moreover,
between them

that should ?

this kind
be knitted

of
more

tie

which

? closely

would

it

mean

Trouble, and nothing

THE

THIRD

APPEAL. would in

199 fret

but her here

trouble,more

who to Beatrice, especially end. done He wrong

days
at

away

to no

had done
in

wrong

coming
He

all,he had
make
a

her taking power

hand.

would

the
as

in his only reparation that would Then

to

(as though
now

in such

case

of

Beatrice

were reparation

! possible)
see

He
more.

efface she

himself from

her

life and

her

no

might
him

learn to with would but

forgethim,
a

or, at the

worst,
cost

remember it

vague

gret. re-

Yes,
to

what any

might,he
mischief
go

force

himself

do

it before

actual he not

ensued.

The

only
he not

question was,

should

further ?
to

Should Mr,

tell her that she would

do well
most

marry

Davies ?
last he

Pondering over
went
to

this

at painfulquestion,

sleep.
men

When and
ensue

in
error

see

the
are

turn penitent Geoffrey's unhappy position of their ways, the prudent resolves that

apt

to overshoot

nature. aggressive

they must
to

needs

of an partake Not satisfied with leaving alone, things tue virhasten to proclaimtheir new-found the mark and
to

the

and partner of their fault, taken

fallible advertise their in-

(to be specific
the
status

by

the

for restoring partner)

a

this
even

pious

Sometimes as quo ante. zeal they find thLUistlves

in

consequence

ot
or

misunderstood,

succeed

which they the catastrophe precipitating

to

desire laudably

prevent.

The had
met

morrow

was

Whit-Sunday, and

day

that

occasion

to

remember

for the rest of his

Geoffrey life. They all

to

at breakfast and

the

service

being at
inferno
a

shortlyafterwards went ten. By way half-past

with which he

church,

of
was

putting
so

into effect the

good resolutions
of his own,
seat at

paving an

Geoffrey did
console himself

not

busy sit by

but took Beatrice,

close to the
at her.

the end
to

of the littlechurch,

door,and tried

by looking

It
was

was

curious suUen-natured
much
sun

not

very

the

there day, and although air was hot as though as

in midsummer. they were region,Geoffrey would

Had have

they been in a volcanic thought that such weather

200

BE

TRICE,

he knew shock of earthquake. As it was a ])receded that the English climate was itselfat simply indulging the expense of the population.But as up to the present, the season had been cold,this knowledge did not console

him.

Indeed

he

felt

so

choked
sermon

cliurch that
to

just before
was

the

stuffy little (whichhe happened

the took
an

in

be

aware

not

written

he by Beatrice) Not

opportunityto
where
was

slip out

unobserved.
to the

knowing

to go, he strolled down to

nobody

gelly slept on

beach, on which there has been observed, Brynbe seen, for, as Sundays. Presently,however, a man

lessly, aimand to all appearance approached walkingrapidly, Davies. He he recognisedOwen in whom was his arms. to himself while he walked,and swinging talking

Geoffreystepped aside
was man.

to

let him

pass, and
to
see

as

he

did

so

and surprised His

wore a

even

shocked

the

change in

the

and
were

face had grown plump healthy-looking half sullen, half pitiful expression ;

thin,
there

dark circles round

have

his hair would wondered Owen

*'

and his blue eyes, once so placid, been the better for cutting.Geoffrey had
an

if he
to

had look

illness. At
and
saw
"

that
"

moment

chanced How do

round

him.

do, Mr. Bingham ? he said. " I heard that you were here. at the station last They told me night. You see this is a small place and one likes to who comes know and goes,"he added as though in excuse.
you He
*'

walked

on

and
look
"

walked Geoffrey

with him.
"

You

do not

Mr. Davies,"he said. well,

Have

you
"

been

laid up ?

No, no," he answered,

mind
that is ill." said

"

am

quiteright ;
he

it is

only

my

"Indeed,"
did and look

Geoffrey,thinkingthat

certainly
alone

strange.
I
man

"Perhaps

you

live

too

much

it depressesyou." live is a

"Yes,
What loves

will not
"

alone, because I can't help myself. to do, Mr. Bingham, when the woman he him, won't look at him, treats him marry

like dirt ?
"

Marry somebody else," suggestedGeoffrey.

THE
"

THIRD

APPEAL.
to

20l

Oh, it is easy

for you you

say

that

"

you

have

never

loved marry

anybody, and
Who?" ! if

don't

understand.
her."

I cannot

anybody else,I only want why, Beatrice"

he had
seen

"Her?
"

Who

who

else could

man

want not

to

marry,
me

once

her.

But

she will

have

; she hates me."

said Geoffrey. "Really,"

"

and Yes, really, ?

do

you

know
he

why
:
"

Shall I tell you the

arm

why
and

I will tell you," and

grasped him by
ear

in his whispered hoarsely

Because

she loves

you., Mr. "I

Bingham."
what

tell you shakinghis arm of

it
"

is,Mr,
am

Davies," said Geoffrey

free, I
must

not

going to

stand

this kind

thing.
"

You

be angry I have watched her and

Don't she write to you every

be off your head." with me," he answered. I know that it is true. does she

"

It is true.

week, why

and

listen when

Bingham,"Owen
your
"

anybody mentions your name be pitifulyou went on piteously,

"
"

Why does always start ? Oh, Mr.

have wish

wife and
me

lots of

women

to

make don't

love to if you I think

leave

Beatrice.
I have
now

If you

that I shall she

was

go crazed.
a

alwaysloved her,ever
love grows away

since

and child,

my
me

faster and

stronger every
down rolling I
can

day,and
a

carries
You
can

with it like a rock

to

hill.
her

only bringBeatrice
much I will make

shame, but
as a

give
I will
"

as everything,

money
her

she

wants,
;

all that

she wants, and

good

husband

never

leave her side."

no

I have

doubt
"

that

would

be

for her," delightful

answered this

but does it not Geoffrey ; is justa little ? These undignified

strike yon

that all

ing remarks, interest-

as

they are,

should

be made

to

Miss

Granger, not
; it is my

to

me,
"

Mr. I

Davies."
"

know," he said, but I chance, and what do I mind

Oh, Mr. Bingham, I have
I have
never

don't about loved Do

care

only

? being undignified any

not

other stand

woman,

been

all lonely If you

my

days.
what

in my

path

now.

only knew

I have

how suffered,

202

BE

TRICE.

I have you
are

prayed

God

nightafter nightto giveme

Say
who that do you will

Beatrice,
me

would
one

help me.
men

help

You

of those If you

can

anything ; she
me

will listen so, and

to

you.

tell b."r to my whole upon

I shall bless you

marry life." this

she will do

Geoffreylooked
most

unmitigated scorn. in the sight of

do for himself.

with the abjectsuppliant There is always something temptible conto another for one man pleading
"

assistance in his love affairs should

How

that is much the

amorous

business which

he

greater,then,is the
person
"

humiliation aid of
one
"

involved
whom

when

asks the
ful success-

he believes to be his rival

his

rival
*'

in the

affection ? lady's

know, Mr. Davies," Geoffrey said," I think that I have had enough of this. I am not in a position which appear to force Miss Granger to accept advances
Do

you

to
an

be unwelcome I opportunity You

to according

your account.
:

But if I

get
you

will do

this

I will tell her what the

rest

say.

reallymust
to

manage Mr.

for

yourself.
him

Good
He go"

morning
turned

you,

Davies."
went

and sharply

while Owen

watched

I don't

beUeve
make
to

him,"
her

he

groaned
But

to

himself.

"

He
"

will try to
cannot

his lover.
of it. careful.

Oh, God
if he

help

me

bear

think

does, and

I find

him

out, let him

!
a

be

I will ruin I
a can

him,
do

ruin him
thinks
me

the money and fool,they all think me these

I have

yes, I will it. Ah, he

fool,but I haven't
make
a

been

quiet all
to

noise if necessary.

years for nothing. I can if he is a villain. God And I have

will help
and

destroy him. will help me."

me

prayed to God,
Owen
who

God

Then
a

he went

back

to

the Castle.

Davies

was

type of the class of

enlist the

they can
human

men religious Almighty on the

believe that

side of their

desires,

provided only that

law
or

those

desires receive the sanction of

custom.

Thus

within twenty-fourhours

received Geoffrey

no

NIGHT

OF

STORM. whom No

203

less than
to

three of

appealsto helpthe
a

woman

he loved then

the

arms

distasteful husband. about superstitious

wonder

that he

grew

almost

the matter.

CHAPTER

XXIL

NIGHT

OF

STORM.

That the

afternoon
farm
to

the

whole

Vicarageparty

walked

up

to

inspectanother litter of young pigs. It struck Geoffrey,remembering former that the editions, were thing somereproductive powers of Mr. Granger'sold sow little short of marvellous, and he dreamily worked
out
a

calculation
to

of how

long it would

take

her

and

her

progeny
area

of

produce a pig to plucky littleWales.

yard of the every square that the thing It seemed

was

could up

be done

in six years, which

absurd,so

he gave

calculating.
He had
a no

words

alone coldness

with

Beatrice
to

that afternoon. have sprung up

Indeed,
between

certain

seemed

quickness supernatural divined that of a loving woman's she had intuition, in his mind, inimical to her most somethingwas passing and received his company, vital interests, she shunned so
them. the almost his conventional cold
as

With

advances

with

which politeness

was

as

crushing. This did not pleaseGeoffrey; it is one of course) to make her own interests, thing(in up do mind abandon whom not t o a heroically lady you your wish to compromise, and quiteanother to be snubbed of final separation. by that lady before the moment defined Though he never put the idea into words or even
it was it in his mind
"

unhappy
wax ever even

to

be

and far too anxious Geoffrey was he would at any rate in thought flippant, for
"

at heart have

wished

her to

remain

the same, of

indeed

to

tenderer, tillthe fatal time

to

arrived, parting
such hands
as

and

show
utter

of appreciation

his virtuous conduct.

But

to

the

destruction

of most

204

BE

A TRICE.

Geoffreyheld,lovingwomen
to

never

the book.

Their that

conduct
two

play according for it imperils everything,

an

will

is obvious
nature
are

to

bring even conclusion, dignified

it takes
to

affair of

this

when

the stakes

and highest,
was

the

matter

is much

one

of of
a

life and
woman,

death. and
woman

Beatrice

after all very much She the of

she

did

not

behave
have done.

better
was

than

any and

other

v/ould she also.

angry

and suspicious,

showed It
was

with it,
cruel

result that

her, he
much

Geoffrey grew angry all thought, considering

know she

things. He
was

that forgot however the and

she could

in his

mind,
not

yet he did
her he

know

boundless
all that have

nothingof what might guess ; also as depth and might of

to

for him, passion

it meant very

her.

Had

realised this he would

acted

differently.
Mr.

They
and To

came

home made

and

took
to

tea, then
go
to

Granger
He had

Elizabeth

ready

evening service.
same.
"

Geoffrey's dismay Beatrice did

forward
to a to
was

the her

looked
not

be

borne.

quietwalk with or Fortunately,

he got
were

this was really rather unfortunately,

a

she
"

and ready the first, know

word

with her.

I did not
"

that you

said ;

thoughtthat we I together. Very likely morning."

I
"

going to church,"he might have had a quietwalk

to

shall have

go away

morrow early to-

Indeed," answered
have your work
to

Beatrice

coldly.

"

But

of

course

you I
to
was

to attend

to.

I told Elizabeth go ; it is too

that

coming

church, and
will be
a

I must soon."
came

sultry

walk At
"

; there

storm

this moment

Elizabeth

in
"

Well, Beatrice,"she
? Father has gone
not

said,
on."
to

are

you

coming
reflected
see

to

church

Beatrice
moment.
no more.

pretended
He would

hear, and
and she

go she

away

would

him

Could
not

let

slip this last hour?

was

Oh,

she could

do

it !
of reflection her fate

In that moment
"

sealed.
am

No," she answered

slowly,

"

I don't think that I

NIGHT
to sultry

OF

STORM.
to

205 I

coming;
that Mr.

it is too

go

church.

daresay

Bingham Geoffreyhastilydisclaimed
"Ah
not

will accompany any

you."
such
and intention, !" she said to my

Elizabeth started alone.

herself,
"

"

thoughtthat
"

you

would

come,

dear."
well gone, shall

when Well," said Geoffrey,

go out ?
"

she had

we
"

I think it is pleasanter here,"answered

Beatrice.

"

"

don't be so unkind," he said feebly. Oh, Beatrice, As you like," she replied. There is a fine sunset
"
"

I think that

we

shall have

storm." up

They
place was

went

out, and
without

turned

the

beach. lonely
a was

The

deserted, and utterly

they walked
The
sunset
were

little way

apart, almost
driven
the from

speaking.

ficent magnitowards
was

; great flakes of
a

home

golden cloud of splendour in

of the land.

continually
west
sea

the The

cold

lined horizon

still
storm

but it moaned quiet, fast. was gathering

"

like

thingin pain.

The

What It is a
a

"

lovelysunset," said Geoffrey at length. " fatal sort of loveliness," it will she answered ;
a

be

bad
we

and night,
turn

wet

morrow.

The

wind

is rising ;

shall
"

"

never No, Beatrice,

mind
me

the wind.
to

I want

to

speak
?
"

to you,
"

if you

will allow

do

so."

" what Yes," said Beatrice,

about, Mr. Bingham

of this sort is good resolutions in a matter of them out presents comparatively easy, but the carrying

To

make

some

difficulties.

Geoffrey, conscience-stricken
to tell her

into
well to

wished priggishness,
marry Owen

that she the

would
matter

do

Davies,
Beatrice

and

found

difficult.

Meanwhile
"The

silence. preserved said

at

fact

is," he

length, "I
I have future said

most

sincerely
a thinking

hope
"

you

will

forgive me,
kind of

but
your

been

great deal about you and

I'hat

welfare."

is very

you,"

with l^eatricc,

an

ominous This and

he

humility. but Geoffrey was determined, was disconcerting, born of the in a somewhat tone went on flipi)ant

2o6
most

BE

A TRICE.

intense
he loved
was

nervousness

and well
as

hatred of his task.

now

Never when And

had he

her
to

so

in this moment marry another

so man.

about

counsel

her

to

yet he persevered in his folly. For, as

the

often

happens,
which the

insightand knowledge of when Geoffreyas a lawyer, distinguished

shrewd

the

world

with dealing

affairs of others,quite deserted

own
"

him who

in this crisis of his

lifeand

that of the been

woman

worshippedhim.
"

Since I have
no

here," he said, I have

had

made and

to

me

less than
"

three your

appeals on
who father,
;

your

behalf

by
are

separate people

by
you

pining for Owen for pining

a
'*

Davies

; and

tainly cerby Owen as by old Edward, intervening

fancies that you Davies,who is

kind of domestic

amicus

curm."

"

in a voice of ice. Indeed," said Beatrice, All these three urged the same thing the desirability
"

of your

marryingOwen
grew eyes flashed

Davies."
her lips twitched quitepale, angrily. and

Beatrice's face
her grey
"

on

she said," and have you any advice to give Really," the subject, Mr. Bingham ? " I have I have. Yes, Beatrice, thought it over, and
"

I think

that

"

me forgive

again
"

to it, perhaps you yourself not

had

if you can better marry him.

that he is well off."

bring
He is

such

bad

sort

of man,

and

and now they were They had been walking rapidly, that the "Amphitheatre," as reachingthe spot known Owen Davies had same proposed to spot where

Beatrice

some

seven

months the

before. of rock,and projectingedge the flat slab she She of stone in the
a

Beatrice

passed round

walked
centre

towards way before she answered.

some

While
heart.

did
saw,

so or

great

and

bitter anger
it all.

filled her

thought

He had Geoffreywished to be rid of her. and was discerned an element of danger in their intimacy, that intimacy impossibleby pushing anxious to make her into a distasteful marriage. Suddenly she turned last like a thing at bay. The turned and faced him she saw,
"

red rays of the sunset

struck

upon

her

face lovely

made

NIGHT

OF

STORM. of

207

more

lovely stillby its stamp

upon her

hau^:j;hty anger
Full

they
she
never

lay

heaving
those
seen

breast. wide
wear

in

the

eyes
"

looked

him
had

with he

angry
so

eyes

of hers

before

her

a imperial

mien.

Her

and dignity for at which

the power

of her presence

awed literally of that

him,

times
when and

Beatrice's
it hides
born
to
a

beauty was
a

heart,is

royal stamp quering compellingforce,con-

conquer. Mr.

"Does

it
"

not

strike you,
you
are

Bingham,"
very who
as

she

said

quietly,
Does it not
has any me?
most
"

that

taking a
no woman man a

great
is not
a

? liberty

strike you

that

relation
to

to speak to right

you

have

spoken

that, in

short,you
be
to
me an

have

people
to

would

of what in guilty impertinence? What right

to whom

been

have you
not
own

dictate

as

I should the world

or

should

marry

Surelyof
to
men

all

in things

that is my
have

affair." coloured Gegffrey

the eyes. As would

been

the

case

with

most

of his

he class,

felt her

tion accusa-

of havingpresumed havingtaken a libert}-, an more intimacy, keenlythan any which she could him. brought against

of

upon

have

"Forgive me,"
you

he
no

said
such
"

humbly.
intention. because

"I I

can

only assure
"

that I had
fear
"

only spoke
to
on

illit."

I judgedly,

because
no

I felt driven
went

Beatrice took
the
same

notice of his

words, but
my

in

cold

voice.
you
to

"What

have right
an

speak of
or even

affairswith
with have my

Mr.

Davies,with
Had I wished what

old you

boatman,
to

father? you.

do you

so

I should

asked

By

do authority for the

constitute
of

yourselfan
a

mediary inter-

purpose
so

bringingabout
to

marriage
be
a

which

you

are

good
Do
woman

as

consider
know

would that such

woman

to

my

interest? pecuniary
is
one

you

not

matter

which

the

concerned, the
at to

whose
can

and self-respect happiness are of? I have that

stake,alone

judge
I said in

nothing
you
an

more

say

except this.

just now
most

people be

guilty of what would impertinence. Well, I will add some-

had

been

coS

BE

A TRICE.

thing.In
which She

this case, Mr. it

"

Bingham, there

are

circumstances

make

cruel insult ! "

stopped speaking,then suddenly, without the burst into passionate slightest weeping. As she warning, did so, the first rush of the storm them, passed over

eagles' wings,and lost on the moaning depths beyond. was The lightwent out of the sky. Now Geoffrey could only see the faint outlines of her weeping face. One he hesitated and moment one only; then Nature prevailed winnowing the
air
as

with

thousand

againsthim, for
Beatrice

the next

she

was

in his

arms.

seemed resisted him. Her energies scarcely to fail her, or perhaps she had spent them in her bitter words. and there she Her head fell upon his shoulder, sobbed her fill. Presently she lifted it and their lips in a firstlong kiss. It was the end met finished ; this was of it and thus did Geoffreyprosper Davies's suit. Owen " cruel ! he whispered in her ear. Oh, you are cruel, " You must have known that I spoke I loved you, Beatrice, againstmyself because I thought it to be my duty. You
"

"

must

have

known
you,

that, to my
that you

sin and
have
never

sorrow,

I have
an

always
from my
man

loved

been
your

hour

mind,
"

that I have

longed
me,

to

see

face like a know

sick

for the

light. Tell
?
"

did you

not

it,
"

Beatrice ?
"

How

should

I know and

she answered you ? love I

very
me

softly ;
how

could you had

me.

only guess,
wish
me

if indeed another and have

man

could

to

marry

learned

my

weakness

thought that you took this way to reproach

we

what Oh, Geoffrey, you and have

me
"

done
love ?

?
"

What

is there

between
"

except

our

It would

been

better if we

had

been

drowned

he said heavily. togetherat the first," for then we No, no," she answered,
" "

never

should
to

have die !
"
"

loved

each

other.

Better

first to

love,and then
sit here
leave and

Do

not

speak so," he
a

said ;

"

let

us

be

happy

for

littlewhile

and to-night,

trouble till

to morrow."

NIGHT

OF

S TO

RAT.

209

And,
another and

where
wooer,

on

bygone day Beatrice side by side theysat upon

a

had tarried with

the great stone

talked such them

talk

as

lovers the

use.

Above
as

moaned

rising gale, though

long waves
boomed
moon,

tered shel-

they were

by
out

cliffs its breath the

scarcelystirred
upon

their hair.
the

In front of them

beach,while far

to sea to

the crescent

draped
boat.

in angry

seemed light,

ride the waters

like

And

were

onlydream joys,and
were now

theyalone with ? Nay, theywere

all the Now fell and truth there Love
was was

their great
al 3ne

did they or bliss,

all their doubts fears ;
at that

with love and lovers'

told, and
an

done.
reason

hopes and and usurped his throne,

end

of

royal coming Heaven threw wide her gates. Oh, Sweetest ! dear ! Oh, Dearest and most and most sweet Oh, to
have lived
See
to find this

happy hour

"

oh, in this hour

see now we are

to die !
one.

heaviness

is behind

us,

Blow, you winds, blow out your stormy heart ; we know desire. the secret of your strength, you rush to your Fall, deep waters of the sea, fall in thunder at the feet of
earth ;
we

hear the music

of your

pleading.

Earth, and
of love !

Seas, and
and

Heaven For Heart

Winds, sing your great chant Space and Time, echo back the
called
we

melody
riddle !
are more

Life has
to

to

us

the

answer

of his
we

heart

and sit,

and to lips, lips

wise than

Solomon, and
we

richer than barbarian

for Happinessis ours. kings, To and and this end from

most
were

born, Dearest
To in die,

and this

most

sweet,
Sweetest
pleter com-

all time

! predestinate
we

end.

dear,do
search

live and

deatli to find

unity. For
wise
men

here and

is that secret
cannot

of the v.'orld which here

too

and find,

is the

gate of Heaven.
into my gaze on eyes, and let me listen The world is but be. how these things
and
a

Look

yours, and
a

mockery,
there

shadow

is

our

for where flesh,

once

they were

naught. Only Love is real ; Love till all the suns are dead, and yet be young.

shall be

shall endure

14

2IO

BEATRICE. Kiss mc,

thou

Conquerer,
; and

for

Destiny is
that have

overcome,

Sorrow upon
more

hallowed we by this earthly altar shall still burn brightly, and yet when bright, yonder stars have lost their fire. alas ! words
cannot

is gone

the flame

But song
as

form givea fitting

to

such

this.
For
"

Let

music
supreme

try !
an

But hour

music

also folds her

wings.

in

so

bolt is shot back

somewhere

in

our

breast,"
sounds

and such

throughthat opened
as

door

come

and sights

cannot

be written.

They
Let

tell

us

it is
a

madness,

that

this

unearthly glory
essence.

is but the
those

frenzyof
think

passiongross
but will,
to

in its very
dreamers
a

it who

let them

leave their dreams.

come

Why then, at
vanish, and

such

time,do visions
? Geoffrey

to

children of the world like Beatrice and their doubts

which what

Why
from

do

is that

breath

their brow ? to feel upon they seem The intoxication of earthly love born of the meeting of such youth and beauty. So be it ! Slave, bring more
heaven

wine and

let

us

drink

"

to
a are

eyes that mirror Such and loves and

cross

forth

and L-nmortality face ! spirit's few. thus For

to

those dear

indeed
natures

they
are

must

be
nor

real do
are

deep,
can

shaped
none

rare,

they often
few who ether hour

each

other's line of life. and high, wings which

so can

Yes, there
breathe

be borne Soon the

that in his

long.
of

Love and

lent them

revelation

will
to

shrink

borrowers if

will fall back uncrushed.

the level of Perchance

vanish, and the this world, happy

even

ing overshadowspirit wings again, in the hour of earthly the altar of their vows marriage, if by some happy fate,marriageshould be within their reach,or like the holy pinions of the goddess Nout,
find these folded
scant

they escape days,they may

in their life-

about
are

death. in the time of earthly coffin, few there

are

But

the

and occasions,

who

know

them.

Thus

soaicd

Beatrice and

while Geoffrey

the wild

night

NIGHT

OF

STORM.

211

beat around
"We

them, making a
And be thus too

fit

accompaniment to

their

stormy loves.
must
"

they fell.

said going, Geoffrey;it grows late," Beatrice. what have we done ? Oh, Geoffrey, Geoffrey, What be the end of all this? It will bringtrouble can that it must. The old saying will come on you, I know I saved ycur true. and I shall bring ruin on life,
you ! It is characteristic of Beatrice of thinking
"

that

alreadyshe

was

the consequences

to

not Geoffrey,

of those to

herself.
" " said Geoffrey, Beatrice,"

we

are

in

desperate
away
"

position.Do
me,
"

far away

you wish to face it and come to the other side of the world ? she answered the

with

No, no,"
ruin to

vehemently,
career

"

it

would

be
you.

your
What
not

abandon

that

is before

part of the world could

be known
your

Besides wife
"

you go to where you would there is your wife to think of. would
no

Ah, God,

what have

belong to her, you

there is Efifie too.

she say of to desert right

me

You

her. been

And wicked

loved never enough to learn to if it is wicked to do what one cannot before, help but I not bad enough for this. Walk am Geoffrey; we quicker, shall be late, and they will suspect something." Poor the pangs of conscience were Beatrice, finding
" "

No, Geoffrey, no, I have love you oh,as you were

her
"

out

!
are

We

in

dreadful
to

he position," I should

said
never

again. Oh,
have
come

"

I have dearest,

been

blame.

back here.
of I did this,
"

It is my

fault ; and
to

though I

never

thought
"

And

my I thank

deceive

pleaseyou." she answered. Do not you for it," yourself,Geoffrey. Whatever happens, oh
never or won we

best

promise me reproached
because you
sea on

for

one

moment

to

believe that I
I blame blame you the

blamed
my

you. heart ?

Why
Let

should
me sooner

the beach where walked, we floated, the house in which we lived, that brought and the Destiny us together.I am proud and gladto love you, dear,but

which

14"2

212

BEATRICE.

am

not

so

selfish

as

to

wish

to

ruin

you

Geoffrey
"

had
"

rather die." Don't

to

talk

so,"he said, I
I to go

"

cannot

bear
see

it. you

What
no more

are

we

do ?
can we

Am

away ?
"

and

How
"

live so, Beatrice

into
not

she answered Yes, Geoffrey," hand and

we

him by heavily, taking

the away

and
see

gazing up
me no

his

face,"you

are

to

go

more,

for years and

years. the

This

is what
that
we

have pay

brought upon
for this hour

it is ourselves,

price

which has gone. You are to go away to-morrow, that we may be put out of tion, temptaand you must back I Sometimes come no more.
must to

shall write
to

you, and

sometimes
a or

me,

tillthe

thingbecomes
you you

And do

whether
not

forgetme
will
"

perhaps you will write burden, then you can stop. and oh, Geoffrey, I not
"

think

you

will know
the
sea
"

that 1 shall
to

never

forgetyou, whom
There
was

I saved

from
sweet

love me."

somethingso

and

so

tender infinitely

about

with natural words, instinct as they were that Geoffrey bent at heart beneath womanly passion, their weightas a fir bends beneath the gentle, gathering her
snow.

What

was

he

to

do, how

could

he

leave

her ?

And

his
pass
"

lest right. He must go, and go quickly, strengthmight fail him, and hand in hand they should

yet she

was

bourne

from

which

there

is

no

return.

'" he said. I will go tomorrow help us, Beatrice," morningand, if I can, I will keep away." " You I will not see must keep away. you any more. will not bring trouble on you, Geoffrey."

Heaven

"

You

talk of

trouble bringing

on a

me," he said
man,
even
a

"

you with such it

say eyes
a

and yet nothingof yourself,

on

man

him

like

myself,is better
me,

fitted to weather much

more

storm.
"

If it ruined

how

would

ruin you ?

They
wind
to

were

at
so

the gate of

the

Vicarage now,
to

and

the

rushed

put her
*'

through the strongly quiteclose to his ear lips

firs that she needed make her words

heard.

Stop,one

minute," she said," perhaps

you

do

not

NIGHT When

OF

S TORM.

quite understand.
done,
and I it is because

woman

does all her

what life and

have heart

she loves with

are a
"

because all these soul,

no

part of her love.

I have
no

For myself,

longer care
ceased and
to

anything
be of

self away
own

from

you ; I have I
or own am name

of you

in yours.
no more

myself or in For myself

my

my and

keeping.
own

my

fate of my

I think

; with

eyes open

and
am

free will I have

to giveneverything

you, and

glad
and if could

and

happy to giveit.
any

But

for you you

to

I still do take any

care,

I took

step, or
on we

allowed

that

bring sorrow
That is why in ; there is
to

you,
must

I should

never

forgivemyself.
now
:

part, Geoffrey. And

to

let if you

us

go

good-bye,dear Geoffrey,I will meet morning on the beach." you to-morrow he said hoarsely. "I shall leave at half-past eight,"
bid
me
"

nothingmore a good-bye,

say, except this

wish

last

Then

we

will

meet

at

and seven," Beatrice said,

led

the way

into the house. and Mr.

Elizabeth
supper.

Granger
nine
on

were

They supped at justhalf-past.

"Dear

already seated at Sunday nights ; it was began to canoeingand got

"we What

me," said
two

the
must

old have

gentleman,
been
out earnest

think that you have you

"

yourselves drowned
been
We have

in
"

good

this time.

doing?
a so

had

long walk,"answered
late." be

Geoffrey ;

"

I did

not
"

know One
on

that it was
wants to

far

such
so

"And

to walk pleased with one's company a night as this," put in Elizabeth maliciously. at least I was," Geoffrey answered were we
"

with

perfecttruth,"and might think,at least under

worse

the the

nightis

not

so

bad

as

you

lee of the

cliffs. It will

be

Then

by and by ! they sat down

"

eatingsupper. hand Geoffrey's

would make

desperate show of Elizabeth,the keen-eyed, noticed that was shaking. Now what, she wondered,
and made
a

the hand

of

strong

man

shake

like

leaf?

Deep

emotion

and might do it, other

Elizabeth
in them

she detected

signsof emotion

thought that both,besides

214

BEATRICE. The
a

Geoffrey's shakinghand. well,but could it be brought to

would

that of

plot was

working
Oh, if
he away

climax ?

only throw prudence to the winds and run with Beatrice, that she might be rid of her,and so for her own hand. to fight
to

free

after supper both Shortly their father bed, leaving

"

Elizabeth and with

"

Beatrice

went

Geoffrey.
did you
of you

Well," said
It
on

Mr.
was

Granger,
very kind

get
to

word
that !
we

with

Beatrice ?

go

long
shall
I

tramp
have

purpose.

Gracious, how
down

it blows

the

house

presently. Lightning, too,

"

declare."
"

Yes," answered

Geoffrey,

I did."

Ah, I hope you told her that there was no need for her to give up hope of him yet,of Mr. Davies,I mean ?
" "

"

Yes, I told her that "that

he less," added
to himself.
"

is if the greater includes

the
"

And

how

did she take it?

said Geoffrey Very badly," ; that I had no right to interfere."

"

"

"

she

seemed

to

think

Indeed,
She's it she

that

is strange. But

it doesn't
at

mean

any

thing.
upon

gratefulenough to you is, only she did not like to

we

heart,depend
so.

say

Dear

me,

how

it blows ; I declare. So
the

Well,
Once

best
come

a regular nightof it, gale, are going away to-morrow morning. you of friends must part. I hope that you a

shall have

will often

and
a sense

see

us.

Good-bye."

more

of

the

ironyof
grimly as
of the end

the

overcame position

and Geoffrey, and

went to

he smiled At the back

he Ht his candle house

was room a

bed.

long

passage,

which

terminated
at

at one

in the

where

he

and slept, and

the

other

in that
was

Beatrice. This passage

of

beth occupied by Elizalitby two windows,

rooms
"

and

built out and

it were
another passage,

two

more

that

of

Mr.

Granger,
windows

which like
of of

had
most

been of the

Effie's. The
others in the

of the

were Vicarage,

innocent
at
one

for

moment

and Geoffrey stood shutters, them, watching the ligh-tning

illumine the broad

breast of the mountain

behind.

Then

NIGHT

OF

STORM.

215 he

towards the door of looking at it with the pecuHar reverence people who are very much turned and

Beatrice's room,
that

gazed
afflicts
a

sometimes

in love,

and, with

sigh,
nearly

sought his own. He could not sleep, it was two hours he lay turning from
his brain seemed till like
to

impossible. For
side to To-morrow go

side,and thinking
he must

burst. and

leave

her,leave
Beatrice

her for ever, the

back

to

his

coarse

with unprofitable struggle be

no

world, where

there

would And

to

make

him

happy throughit all.

now little,

she, what
The

of her ? had lulled

a

storm

it

came

back

in
on

heralded by the lightning.He rose, threw strength, and sat by a window watching it. a dressing-gown,
tumult and

Its

fury seemed
dark

to

ease a

his heart

of

some

little have

of its pain; in that maddened In

hour

quietnightwould
"

him.
"

hours eight
so a

short eight

hours

this matter

would
It

be ended would
secret

far

as

concerned
locked for

their actual intercourse.

ever

be

secret

in their

two

a breasts,

that dieth eatingat their hearts,cruel as the worm his heart's threw and out not. Geoffrey looked up Then love. as once more, thought towards his sleeping his brain and being there broke upon in a bygone night, that mysterious sense. strong Strongerand more spiritual till in heavy unnatural him it grew, beatingon waves, and he remembered his reason seemed to reel and sink,

naught
was

but

knew Beatrice,
now.

naught
arms

save

that her very

life

w'ith him He

stretched
be.

out

his

towards

the

place where

she should

"Beatrice! "Beatrice," he whisperedto the empty air,

Oh, my love ! my
There grew and
came
a

sweet

! my

soul !

Hear

me,

Beatrice !

"

the unearthly sympathy pause, and ever gathered in his heart,tillit seemed to him as

had lost its power and across dividing though separation mingled in one being. space they were and A great gust shook the house passed away along

the

depths. roaring

2i6

BE

A TRICE.

Oh
a

! what

was

this ? form

the Silently

door

opened, and
He
rose,

white

draped
a

passed its

threshold.

gasping ;
him.
The

terrible terrible fear, a

flared out lightning before in the fierce lightshe stood There She of beautyand of dread. a sight Beatrice,

of joy,took possession in the eastern sky. wildly him

"

she,

stood with

white

with white uncovered feet, outstretched, her her bosom heaving softlybeneath her night-dress, turned, streaming hair unbound, her lipsapart, her face uparms

and

stamp of
In the Thro'

calm. terrifying
eyes uplift and the drift."

"

wide, blind
the darkness

Great Hush

Heaven, she
! she

was

! asleep

spoke. unnatural in a still, she said, called me, Geoffrey," "You come." have and I voice. You called me, my beloved, like an aspen with doubt He rose trembling aghast, of the conquering at the sight glory and fear, trembling
"
" "

of the

woman

whom drew
on

he

worshipped.
him, and
she
was

See !

She

towards

asleep.

Oh, what

could

he do ?

through Suddenly the draught of the great galerushing the house caught the opened door and crashed it to.
She
"

awoke

with

wild stare
am

of terror. she cried.

!"

Oh, God, where

I ?

"

"

Hush, for your life's sake

he

answered,his

ties facul-

returning.
But there
was

"

Hush
no

or

need

you are lost." to caution her to

at

for silence, she sank

Beatrice's

senses

failed her
arms.

the

shock, and

swoonincr in his

CHAPTER
A DAWN OF

XXni.
RAIN.

That

crash itawoke

of the both

closingdoor

did

not

awake

Beatrice

only ;

Elizabeth and Mr. Granger. Elizabeth

DAWN

OF

RAIN,

217

sat
see

up what
"

in bed
had

her straining

eyes

through
fell on

the

gloom
"

to

happened. surely surely

Elizabeth
room

They

Beatrice's bed

slipped up, cat-like she crept

her hand
to at

across

the
was

and there.

felt with She

the bed. and

Beatrice
drew

not

sprang

the blind

it, letting
the
room.

in such She No
"

there was, and as light where spoke : Beatrice,

"

by
are

it searched you ?
"

answer.
"

Ah
"

h," said Elizabeth aloud

"

"

I understand.

At

last

at last !

What

should

she

do?
to
an

Should open The

to
use

she ?

go

and No.
was

call her

father and
must
come

put them
back the
to
some

shame

Beatrice

time.

knowledge
in

enough
She

she wanted
not

knowledge
her
cause

if necessary.

did

wish

ruin

sister unless

self-defence,or
Stillless did
she then had
no

rather,for the
she

of self-advancement.

wish

to

grudge.
crept back
Mr. door
to

So

whom against injureGeoffrey, she peeped along the passage, like

a

returning,
watched. the front and
went

to her bed

snake

into

hole and

Granger, hearing the crash,thought that had blown Rising,he lit a candle open.
of all this

see.

But

less than naturally She lay senseless her heavy shoulder,

to

Geoffrey knew nothing.

in his arms, hair streamed

nothing,and
her head down her

Beatrice

rested

on

his

his side almost

on

his knee.

He

lifted

her, touched

the forehead
was

with his
done here. ?

the bed. and laid her on lips Bring her back to life? No, While
once
"

What he dared

to
"

be
not

not

she

lay
more

thus she

her
was a

helplessnessprotected

her; but if
here
not

lovingwoman living,
escape ? He dared up
"

and touch

so

oh, how
or

should

they
her Here
not

her It

look towards
soon

tillhe had
she must

made
not

his mind. and

was

done.

bide,
take

since of herself

she could
!

go, far

why

he must

her now,

this

moment

However

of virtue's stricter in his favour.

standard, let

Geoffreyfell short this always be remembered

2l8 He

BEATRICE.

opened
some

the
one

door, and

as

he did so,

thought that

in the house. And so he did ; stirring it was Mr. Granger in the sitting-room. Hearing no more, the wind, and that it was turning, Geoffreyconcluded groped his way to the bed where Beatrice lay as stillas

he heard

death.
she

For

one

moment

horrible fear struck

heard of
cases

him
bulists somnam-

that

might be
who,
on

dead.

He

had

of

only woke to he placed his

stirred
"

beingstartled from die. It might be so

hand upon her

their unnatural with her.

sleep,
heart

Hurriedly
had

breast.

Yes, her
She

indeed,but faintly
Then he set his
as

still it stirred.

only
arms

swooned.

teeth,and

his placing

about her, lifted her

was no never

of slip

Beatrice a babe. though she were but a well-grownwoman of full size. girl,

He

felt her
one

as Stealthily

nothing to him. weight; it seemed bent on midnight murder, he stepped

and with

with
Then

her

to

the

door

through
one

it into the he closed

passage. the door

supportingher
his left hand.

arm,

with

in Stealthily bare feet

the

gloom

he

passed

his along the corridor,

the

boarded

he till floor, the

reached

making no noise upon the bisecting passage

saw

from leading He

sitting-rooms.
and what he apprehensively, veins,for there coming down

glanced eight paces

froze the blood

not

up it in his from

it,

him,
What

was

Mr.

Granger, holding a
? that To

candle
to
was

in his hand.
room

could
"

be done reach

get back
his

his

also

impossible to impossible. With an

was

of Beatrice

effort he

collected

thoughts, and
mind
stride and and

like

a room

flash
was

of
not

it passed into light

two

his
A

that the empty he had

room

paces
was

from

him.

reached

if.

Oh, where
be
locked
!

the handle
a

oh, if the
it was

should He

By
as

merciful

chance

not.

ing stepped through the door, knockframework he

Beatrice's feet
closed

the against it he had

no

did so,

it
"

to

shut

time

"

and

stood

gasping

behind
The had could

it.

gleam
been he

of
"

drew light the Tell old the

nearer. man was

seen

Merciful powers ! he coming in. What

was

say?

truth,that

all ; but

who

DAWN

OF

RAIN.

219
was one

would
should

believe

such

story? why, it
in
"

that

he

care scarcely

to advance

court

of law.

Could
man

he expect a father to believe it a father finding a crouched like a thief behind a door at the dead of with his

night

lovelydaughtersensel"ss in his arms ? He had to Mr. alreadythought of going straight Granger, but the idea as hopeless. Who had abandoned would beHeve
? For sleep-walking both Geoffreyfelt terribly afraid,

this tale of

the first time for Beatrice and heart stood

in his life

the hair cold

"

rose

on

his

head, his
on

himself; and a still,

mutter to

started perspiration
It's very

to

his face. the old I

man saw

odd,"
could

he

heard
swear

himself; "I
white
go

almost
room.
"

that

something
? If
out

into that
in go

Where's

the

handle has

I !

believed
I must

ghosts
and

hullo ! my candle hunt for a match.

a

blown

Don't

quite like draught

the ill-

going in there without

For

light."
saved. The fierce from

the

moment

they were

rushingthrough the open crack of the door window had extinguished the candle. fitting
Geoffrey waited
to
a

few

seconds

to

allow

Mr.

Granger
on

reach

his room,
He

and

then

once

more

started
room

his

awful

journey.
and

passed
no was

out

of

the

in

safety ;
A
now

happilyBeatrice
quick steps
new

showed he

signs of
her
own

recovery. door.
was

few
a

at

And

terror

seized him.
or even

What awake door To could

if Elizabeth ? He

also walking

the house

Beatrice abandoned
see

down the

at

the

idea.
how

thought of putting and leavingher there, but begin with,her father might
her presence be

her, and
or

then

accounted
illeffects

for ? from

if he did not, she would

suffer certainly
at once,

the cold. rather

he would

was fortunately

and it, have faced a batteryof ajar. Geoffrey opened

No,

he must

risk

though
door his

guns. it with

The

foot,

entered,and
he remembered did not
to the

with his foot

that he had which
;

pushed it to again. Suddenly

never

been

know
nearest
one.

the wrong

belongedto that it wis a deep-drawn breath told him faint consolation from thp Drawing some

bed

in the room, and Beatrice. He walked

220

BE

A TRICE.

fact that way

room.

Elizabeth

was

to

the second 'he clothes 'J

bed
were

he groped his asleep, evidently of the through the deep twilight thrown her. he and back. Then
saw

He he

laid Beatrice
fled.

down
As

and
he

drew reached

them the
own

over

door
room

Mr. heard

Granger's light
his door
two

vanish
After

into

his

close-

that it seemed
was

to

him

that he

took but

steps

and
He the

in his

own

place.
was
as

burst

out

laugh as a love by struggle,

of
to
one

laughing ; there man givesway to.

and Somehow

much
nerves

in hysteria
were

His

tered shatin

fear, and
the whole There

sought relief
scene was a

merriment. ghastly him side

in
a

reminded
ludicrous

comic

opera.

opponents, who Supposing that the political ing him slinkcould have seen hated him so bitterly, already unconscious from door to door at midnight with an
it.

lady in his
He

arms

"

what

would the he

they have
fit passed
"

said ?
indeed the

ceased

laughing ;
Then

it was
first he

no

laughing matter.
of

thought of that night their strange communion,

to

night
had

before that

returned
hour had

London.

The and it
to

seed

sown

in

strange
Who thus have

blossomed
dreamed Beatrice

borne

fruit

indeed.
he

would
have known.

have drawn

that possible him ?

should
to

Well, he ought
the words which

If it was

that possible

floated

through her mind could arise in his as theyhad done upon there And ? that night, what not were was possible other words, written by the same not master-hand,which
told of such
as things

these

"

'

Now

"

now,' the door

the stairs ! and
"

is heard
near
"

Hark,
Nearer
'

and
at

here

"

Now' She Like

! and
enters

call the
a

third,
word.

without of

the doors
on

casket

shrine,

See
Her

either side,
arms

two

divide makes
'

Till the heart betwixt

'

sign,

Take

me,

for I

am

thine.

DAWN

OF

RAIN.

221

I First, That

ownest

will pray. Do Thou the soul,

Yet wilt grant control

To For

another,nor disallow a time, restrain me now

thus ?

"

Did This been

But

theynot
he could

run

Oh, he should
this

have

known
had

plead,and
Beatrice

only
"

that

control

granted to him.
how would He fare ? it
was

Would

she

come

to

herself
But

safely?

thought so,
what And How what

fit. only a fainting she do ?

when

she did recover,

would

Nothing
of it all ?

rash,he prayed.
Who

could

be the end that the

not

might
so
"

say ?

fortunate

sister had
trust

been

sound

asleep. Somehow
her. fear her !
too
was

he did

beth Eliza-

he feared

Well
a

might he
She loud
seen

Elizabeth's

sleep was
one

that of

weasel.

laughing at
long
"

this very

moment,
who wins.
arms

not laughing,

but
him

the

laugh of
her
own

She
had
seen

had

enter, with

his burden

in his

him

come

it to

bedside, and
She

breathed
watched

to heavily

warn

him
on

of his mistake. her

had

him

sighand
as

he

was

bed, and heard him As soon turn away ; nothinghad escaped her. crept up to Beatrice, gone, she had risen and
in
no a

put Beatrice

and
to
was

that she was only finding knowing her to be in recover,

not
a nervous

faint had

left her Elizabeth

danger.
she had

person.

Then

listened till
of her sister's

at

lengtha deep sightold

After

her of the return

was a

consciousness. Beatrice's

this there

pause,

glidedfrom
The slow

swoon

long soft breaths to sleep.

away, and
at

showed

till sently prethat she had

nightwore
to willing

length the
of her
a

ccld

dawn

crept through the window.

she
was

Elizabeth
scene single importantto a

for stillwatching, drama

so

not

lose
so

in entrancing

itself and

saw interests,

her sister suddenly sit up

in bed
was

and

press

her hands recall

a

to

her

as though forehead,

she

to striving

dream.

Then

Beatrice

covered

her she

eyes

with
at

her her

hands

and

groaned heavily. Next

looked

watch, rose,

222

BEA

TRICE.

drank

glass of water,
of
wet
an

and

on putting

old grey

even herself, waterproof with a hood

dressed

to the
to

it,

for it was
"

outside.
meet

She

is

going to
be

her
to

lover," thought Elizabeth.

see

"

I wish

I could

there

that

too, but
"

have

seen

enough."
She

yawned

going out astonishment. feigned

"

appeared to wake. already in this pouring rain

I want

and

What, Beatrice,
"'

she

with said,

Yes, I have

answered
that it
"

sleptbadlyand and Beatrice, starting

the storm." been
a

to

get
"

some

air,"
suppose

colouring ;
said but

was

Has
"

there I heard
one

storm

? it
"

"

Elizabeth, yawning
then
one

again.
happen
at

nothingof
added

when

is asleepof which

the

time,"she
"

like sleepily,
are

things knows nothing one speaking at

so

many

random.
Mr.

Mind

that you

back

to

say

good-bye
"

to

but Bingham ; he goes by the earlytrain, you know and appearing to perhapsyou will see him out walking,"
she raised herself up thoroughly, her sister one look. piercing wake in bed

and

gave

Beatrice
fear

made

no

answer

; that look

sent

thrill of Or
was

through her.
? Had

Oh

; what

had

happened
a

it

all a dream
face with struck

she

dreamed
room

that she stood

face to

Geoffrey in his
overwhelmed
a

before
her ?

great darkness
was

her and if

Or

it

an

awful She

truth,and
went to

truth,how
a

came

she

here

again?
and
ate

the pantry, got

morsel Then

of bread

for it, left

faintness stillpursued her.

the house and
set

she better, feeling the beach.

her face towards

It
now

was

dreary morning.
sullen the shore and and

The

great wind
and

had

passed;
in

it only blew in little gusts heavy with

sea was on

rain. driving
It beat rocks

The

grey flew The

grand.
earth

thunder
columns

over

the sunken

in

of leaden

s])ray.

whole

seemed

one

and desolation,

all its

was grief

centred

in this woman's

broken

heart. up. How he had

Geoffrey, too, was

passed the

re-

DA

WN

OF

RAIN. need heard

out not

223

mainder
too

of that

nightwe tragic
be
sure.

inquire
"

not

we happily

may

He

the

front

door

close behind On the

and followed Beatrice,

some a

into the rain. he found her her

beach,
the sea, word

half of

mile away,

gazing at
head. No

great white
other's hands

gullwheeling about
them
;

of

passedbetween greeting
and looked

they

only grasped each

other's hollow
"

into each

eyes. the shelter of the beneath the has the and he said, cliff," she her head bowed cliff, hood, and spoke. happened," she said; "I dream Do than
not

Come

under

came.

She

stood

low,
have

her face hidden

"Tell
me

by

what

dreamed

a something,
"

worse

any

that have

if it is true. tell me gone before And Geoffrey told her all. When
"

spare me."

he had what

finished she

spoke again.
"

By
my

shall I you

the

thingwhich

swear," she said, that I am think me ? must Geoffrey,I

am
"

not
swear
"

by
was

love for you

that I
came

innocent.
to

If I

came

oh,
feet.
no

the shame
my

of it ! if I

your
my

room

last

it night,
knew

feet which
to

led me,
was worn

not

mind

that led my then

saw was

I went
more me
"

I sleep,
a

out, and

tillI heard
in
a

dreadful

sound, and
which there

you

before

blaze of

after light,
not

darkness." answered.

Oh, Beatrice, do
saw

be

he distressed," It isa dreadful

we were

"

that you

were

asleep.
I do
not

thingwhich
seen."
at me

has
"

happened,but
I do
not

think that
"

very

know," she said. strangelythis morning,

my for what is,
must

Elizabeth looked
she know
sees nor

and

everything.
care.

for Geoffrey, I do
care

part, I neither

What
must

? you think of me oh !" I cannot yet I am believe, say it. And of this. To come did I dream Never, never thus

You

innocent.
to

you

"

oh, it is shameless ! "Beatrice, do not talk

" "

"

so.

I
mean

tell you that

come,

know

it.

Listen
come.

I did not you. I did not think that you I drew

you

should

would

but it was that

my

doing.

Listen

to
can

me,

dear," and

he

lold her

which

written words

illexpress.

224

r^I^A

TRICE.

When

he

had

she finished,

looked

up, with had

another
"

face ; the great shadow

of her shame
"

left her. I know for I have You you

are

believe you,
you have not it also. See
master

she said, Geoffrey," invented

because

that felt

this

to

shield me,
are

by

it what

you

to

me.

I have

my littlewill apart from And

now

and

all.

I cannot

withstand
yours if you

my if I would.
to

choose

say gainword.
to

mine.
Leave your
me

promise me
not
no

this upon draw

me

your you

uninfluence I ; do
I make while shall

to

be

ruin.

pretence, I have
I have any

laid my
to
can

life at

your

feet, but

strength

struggle
do
so

it, against you

to

never

take it up unless you that is not

your

own

honour, and
have and carry
"

dear, we
than We
men

might

been
often

very

possible.Oh, my happy together, happier

it is denied
to
us.

women our

are, but
must
"

must

cross,
can

we

it;
I

perhapsso
you
a

who

say ?

we

the flesh upon crucify the spirit. may glorify much

a

owe

great deal.
have learned
me now

I have
to
"

learnt

from

you,

Geoffrey. I
hence
"

hope againfor
but that
"

Hereafter.
an

Nothing is left to
"

that and

hour

your

memory.

I when Oh, why should I weep ? It is ungrateful, have your love,for which this miseryis but a little price and never Kiss me, dear,and go more. to pay. see me
"

You

will

not

forget me,
life. then
"

I know

now
"

that you

will
"

never
can

forgetme
tell ?
*

all your

Afterwards

perhaps
be best
*
"

who
to
*

If not,

why
*

it will indeed
*

die."

It After
or so.

is

such a linger over all, too, it is nothing. Only another

not

well

to

scene

as

this. heart

broken
and

The it
can

world have

breaks little

so

many

this way

the other such

that stale

pleasure in gloatingover
let
our

scenes we

of agony.
must not

Besides

sympathies carry
all

Geoffreyand
no

Beatrice
to

deserved

they got
a

away. they had

us

business
defied

put themselves
customs

into such

They position.
the

had

the

of their and

world, and

world

avenged

itself upon

them

their petty
to

happens to

the

worm

that

tries

What passions. the highburrow on

DA

IVN

OF

RAIN.
are

225 its

feet ; these Grindingwheels and crushing portion. Beatrice and Geoffreypoint a moral and ways ?
a

adorn

tale.

So

far

need

for them

river of human let those

and sight, It who

judge there was no to have plunged into that ever-running and drown, and pain. Let them struggle
as

we

can

see

and

are

on no

the hand

bank
to

learn wisdom

from

the

hold

out
a

Geoffreydrew
love. been
was a

ringfrom
the grave
;

help them. his finger and

a

gave

it to his

common

flat-sided silver
of
on

ring that had

soldier
:

taken

from

Roman

one were

it had, peculiarity

however
"

its inner surface

roughlycut
farewell ! in

the It
was

words,
a

ave

atque vale."

and Greeting

to pass between people gift fitting their position. Beatrice, sorely, whispered trembling

that she could Then

not

would

wear

it on
"

her

put it yet awhile

it were,

heart, upon her hand she it might be recognised.

there upon the desolate for present

thrice did
as

they embrace

shore,once,
and
once

for past joy, once

pain,

hope, and parted. There was no talk of future meetings they felt them to be impossible, at different incould they meet How as years. any rate for many much friends ? Too they loved for that. It which been final parting, had less death than a was for Hope sits ever dreadful and by the bed of death
for future
" "

"

crushed misery
He left

them

to

the earth.

of his life as at went out happiness the daylight nightfall goes out of the day. Well,at least

her,and

he

had

his work

to

go

to.

But

Beatrice, poor
had
gone
some

woman,

what had she ?

Geoffreyleft
paces There he turned she stood

her.

When

he

thirty
her.

again and
or

rather

gazed his her hand leant,

last upon

resting against
grey eyes. the gleam

the

wet

rock,lookingafter him

with her wide

rain he could see through the drizzling of her rich hair, the marking of her lovely face, and the carmine of her lips. She motioned to him to go on.
He

Even

went, and
round

when
once

he
more.

had

traversed She
was

hundred

paces
now

looked

stillthere, but
IS

226

BE

TRICE.

her

face

was

blur,and

again the great

hid her.

white

gull

hovered
Then

about

her head.

the mist swept up and

Ah, Beatrice,with all your

learn those
woman

brains you

could

never

of simpleprinciples necessary to the happiness inherited through a thousand principles tions generasavage and

of

semi-civilized
the
master

ancestresses.

To

accept the situation and

with

that situation

brings
to
can are

it
"

this is the the hand

golden rule

of

Not well-being. than you

put
draw

out

of your

affection further
least not

it

back, this is another,at

until you
grasp. If

quitesure

is well within your that its object

by

the anger of the Fates, you are endowed or misfortune, of with those deeper qualities, those extreme capacities such as ruined your happiness, affection, self-sacrificing Beatrice, keep them in stock ; do not expose them to the world. does not believe in them ; they are The world

inconvenient What
the

and

undesirable ;

they

are

even

immoral.

in a person of rightly, of character,not your attractiveness is quietdomesticity the exhibition of attributes which though they might drama, qualify you for the rank of heroine in a Greek for the reprobato qualify tion are nowadays only likely you of society.
world

wants, and

very

What

? you

would

rather
never

keep
can

your

love which

be

love,your reprehensible and bear its satisfied,

shadow
to

slingsand arrows, heart,straining your

whither that there you you

and

die

hugging a

your

eyes
"

into the

darkness

of that beyond your

shall go

murmuring with
and you Go
to

will find

reason

fulfilment ?

palelips Why it is

folly. What
find
some

ground have anythingof the sort ?

scientific person and those vague

that you will suppose and take the opinion of upon this infatuation shall be.

of eminence

of yours He

visions of

glorythat
you

it clearly will explain enough, will show

a

love itselfis nothingbut

case,
on a

that your in your natural passion, acting,

iJe

sensitive and etherealised organism. singularly frank with him, tell him of your secret hopes. He

LAD

HONORIA

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

ZYJ

will smile
an

and tenderly, from

a

show

you

how

these the

also

are

emanation

craving heart, and

Indeed the whole he will

innate
and

of mankind. superstitions of illustrate the absurdity

laugh

examples
affections could
what you
can

of what

would

be

carried

thingby a few pungent happen if these earthly beyond the grave. Take
your

7ioiu

will be the burden

not waste

goodness'sake
dreams of
a

do Be.

of his song, and for hours in preciotis

To

the Beatrice, It is not

"

world

does

not

want

your

spirituality.

world ; it has no clear ideas upon the spiritual premium and works off subject it pays its religious and would think itsaspirations at itsweekly church going,
a

attempted to carry theories of celestial union, into an earthlyrule of life. It can with Lady Honoria ; it can hardlysympathise sympathise
the person
a

fool

who

with you.
And

yet you

will still choose

this better part

you

"live and willstill

"With And

love,and lose."
and

tears blinding

outstretched

arms

beseeching, passionate through empty silence reaching."

sow will,

have Then, Beatrice,

and take your chance.

your You

your

seed

of tears, you
were

may

find that

and the worldlings wrong, and you may reap a right harvest beyond the grasp of their poor imaginations. and if you find that they are right And you are wrong,
what you
as

will it matter
are sure.

to you

who
no

? sleep

For of this at least love earthly

If there

is

future for such is

none

yours, then

indeed

there

for the children of

this world and all their

troubling.

CHAPTER
LADY

XXIV.

HONORIA

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

Geoffrey
and say
was

hurried

to

the

Vicarageto
time
not

fetch his for

baggage
a

he

good-bye. He had no for he could glad of it,

and breakfast,
eaten

have

morsel

15"2

228

BEATRICE.

to save

his life.

He

found

Elizabeth and

her father in

sitting-room. "^Vhy, where have you been Bingham ? said Mr. Granger.
the
"

this

wet

morning, Mr.

"

I have

been

for the

walk

with

Miss

coming
mind
I could
a

home

by

he village,"
to

Beatrice ; she is " I don't answered.

much Thank
eat
as

rain,and

I wanted

get

as

fresh you I
"

air

as

cup
"

before I go back to the mill. I will get somethingto of tea

"

only
"

go."
;
no

How he

kind
has

of

him," reflected

Mr.

Granger

doubt Owen

been

speaking to

Beatrice

again about
you

Davies."
the

"Oh, by
to

way," he added

aloud, "did

happen

Mr. anybody moving in the house last night, ? First Bingham, just when the storm was at its height that I got up to see slammed of all a door so violently hear

what almost

it was,
have

and
sworn

as

came saw

down

the

passage

I could go

that I But found my

a

something white
went
was

into
the

the spare

room.

candle

cut

and

by

time that I had

seen."
"

lightthere

nothing to

be

clear

case a
"

of

It

was

indeed

said Geoffrey indifferently. ghosts," of ghosts,"and case they would, he

a

haunt reflected,
"

How eyes

very

for many odd," put in

on intently saw

him

day.
her vivaciously,
"

Elizabeth his face.

keen

fixed

Do
our

you
room

know open

thought
and shut

that

I twice
most

the

door

of

in the
must

Beatrice
uncanny

have

mysteriousfashion. something to do with

a

I think that

it ; she is

so

in her
never

ways."
moved

Geoffrey

muscle, he
he

was

trained to
how much

keep
this
"

his

countenance.

Only
She
must

wondered

woman

knew.
me

be silenced somehow.
"

Excuse time is

for

he said, changing the subject," I have

none

but

my

short,and

to

spare
a

to-, hunt

the
for

By the 'VicarageGhost.' I somebody. Mr. Granger,

matters

way

there's

believe that I
Elizabeth the ?
"

good title may speak

of business

before Miss

Mr. Bingham," said "Certainly,

clergyman, "Eliza-

LADY

HONOR

IA

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

229

beth is my

hand, and right Bryngelly."

"

has the best business head

in

Geoffreythought that this was very evident,and went I only want to on. get into any say this. If you mind further difficultieswith your rascally tithe-payers, I shall ahvays be glad to help you know. and let me
while I
He he from
can.

And

now

I must
reasons.

be

going."
First, naturally enough,
to

spoke thus
to

for two

meant

make

it his business

protect Beatrice
that it would

be

the pressure of poverty, and well knew useless to offer her direct assistance.
to

Secondly, he
not

wished

show

Elizabeth

that

it would

be

to

the

advantage of her familyto quarrelwith him. make seen a ghost,perhaps this fact would that she the subject. He did not know on
a

If she had her reticent

was

playing
of which she
a was

much

bigger game
were

for her

own a

hand,
year,

game that

the

stakes

thousands
with

and

moreover

mad

jealousyand what,
no

in such

woman,

must

pass for love. Elizabeth made

comment

on were

and his offer,

before

Granger's profuse Geoffreywas gone.

Mr. Three weeks

thanks

nearly finished,

and Elizabeth still passed at Bryngelly, about went held her hand. Beatrice, pale and spiritless, Elizabeth never her duties as usual. spoke to her in and the ghost that could awaken her suspicions, any sense story was, or appearedto be, prettywell forgotten. But at last
an

event

occurred One

that caused

Elizabeth

to

determine

to take

the field.

day

she met

Owen
way

Davies

walking
he
now

along the beach

affected. He

in the

semi-insane

which

and, without stopped,

further

ado, plunged

into conversation.
"

I can't bear it any

"

he said wildly, throwing up longer," and yesterday, word. I have slie cut
me

his

arms.

saw

her

short

before and

I could

a s[)eak

prayed for patience

only a Voice seemed to say to me then ten short days,and that I must wait ten days more, would be my wife at last." Beatrice, my beautiful Beatrice,
it will not
come,

230
"

BEATRICE, If you go
on

in this way, Mr. Davies," said Elizabeth her heart filledwith jealous sharply, anger, "you will soon be off your head. Are you not ashamed of yourself for

making
"

If you girl's pretty face? want to get married,marry somebody else." Marry somebody else," he said dreamily; I don't know I could anybody else whom marry except
a a
"

such

fuss about

you, and
"

you

are

not

Beatrice." Elizabeth

No," answered
more

angrily,
if you it in
a

"

should
to

hope
me

that I have you

sense, and
to set about

wanted

marry

would
not

have

am

thank Beatrice,
you that I know
warn

Heaven,
more

different way to this. but I am her sister, do.

and
As
a

warn

about her than you would

friend I
were

you

to

be careful.

Supposingthat
not

Beatrice
marry Now

not

worthy
you ?
"

of you, you

wish to

her, would
Owen

Davies

was

at

heart somewhat

afraid of

like most other people who had the privilege Elizabeth, of her acquaintance. Also, apart from matters connected with his insane passion, he was shrewd. He very fairly he did not know suspected Elizabeth of something, of what.

"No,
would but
not

no,

of

course

not," he
if she
was

said.

"Of

course
"

marry know else.

her

not

I must

that
Good
now

anybody
will
now. soon

before first, afternoon. Miss

;

fit to be my wife I talk of marrying

Elizabeth.
on

It

be settled

it

cannot

go

much

longer

My
are

prayers

"You
as

answered, I know they will." Owen right there, Davies,"thoughtElizabeth,

after him
"

will be

she looked

with
prayers You The

ineffable bitterness, not

shall be answered shall not fish has marry in
a

to

say

contempt.
you

Your you.
me.

way

that will astonish and shall marry

Beatrice,
on

been

the line

long enough, now

I must it

begin to pullin."
occurred really
to to true

Curiously enough
that Beatrice herself
to

never

Elizabeth obstacle

might prove

be the

marriage she plotted to prevent. She knew that her sister was fond of Geoffrey Bingham, but that,when it came to the point, she would allow her absolutely

the

LADY

HONORIA

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

231

affection to interfere with

,

so

a glorious

success

in

life,
she

she

never

believed

for

one

moment.

Of

course

thoughtit was
of

that possible she

if Beatrice could
do

get possession

Geoffrey
was

to might prefer
own

so, but

failing
It her of

him, judging from

Elizabeth did not
own seem

her

low

and

vulgar standard,
take

convinced

that

she would
was even so

Owen.

eyes

that possible might be valueless As for that

what and

preciousin
in those

hateful

her
was

sister.
one

littlemidnight incident, well,it

another.
;

was thingand marriage

they marry marry in order to forgetthem. but how Yes, she must strike,
such
events

when

People forget sometimes they even

Elizabeth had

feelings

like other and

not

people. but she rival,

She

did

not

mind
much

would
was came a

very

ruiningher sister prefer it should

to cut

be known

that hers

the hand
to

her

down. do it.

Of course,

if the worst

the worst, she must

"

Meanwhile, might not

in whom
of virtue? the act Ah would
! she

substitute be found
seem

somebody

not

one

had
a

it :

Lady

of vengeance, but could Honoria ! Who the

be

better for such

But then

purpose should

than

cruellyinjured
the facts ?

wife ?
to her

how

she communicate

Again she hit vieux favoured by such people un a device much upon of an the pristine one true mais toujoursbon mous anonyting merit of not commitwhich has the startling letter, to all letter, anybody to anything. An anonymous the very thing! it was appearance written by a servant : result in a searching itwould by Lady Most inquiry likely Honoria, in which event Elizabeth would of course, against
herself without involving ladyship
"
"

"

"

her

be will,

would

forced to say what she knew ; almost between husband and result in a quarrel the former
as

it certainly which wife,

even

might induce
some

to show

his

hand, or
She

to take

open

step

regardsBeatrice.
she had
no

was

sorry for

whom against Geoffrey, not be helped ; he must That very

but it could ill feeling,

be sacrificed.

eveningshe wrote her letter and sent it to in London It was a be posted by an old servant living This in its way, especially phonetically. master-pi-ece

232

BE

A TRICE.

which epistle, precious

a

was

most
:

ill writ in exceedingly

largecoarse
"

hand, My
as

ran

thus

My

LADi,

"

consence

druvs

me

to

my
acorse

will.

I've tried

of miss B.

not ladi, i heve knowed good

hard, my

much it, again to speek, first and peur

and

also for the sakes of your evil usband that wulf in i think on ladi But when cloathin. you my

scheeps
a

lorful i

wife gud legel

hev
seen

and

virtus and
to

peur

and

of the

as things

bringa blush to the face of a it is my holy dooty to rite your ladishipp stater,I knows but on the nite of follers. Your me as forgif ladishipp wint after midnite inter last Miss B. Grainger whittsundey
which
is enuf the
to
room se.

of your

bad

usband
nor

"

as

was

to

mi sham
cum

ther

x\ftervvard more

an

hour, she

bein carred

in his harnies.

believ me, let your had this same misfortune

if your rite to miss ladishipp

And
to
see as

agin dont ladishipp

out
as elizbeth, frend,

your
"

tru

The

Riter."

reached charming communication a London post-mark. She read Lady Honoria, bearing and soon its meaning. Then, mastered and re-read it, she took the Riter's advice and after a night's thought, to Elizabeth, wrote sendingher a copy of the letter (her all belief in it, and asking own),vehementlyrepudiating that should dissipate this foul slander from for a reply
In due
course
"
"

this

her mind The

for

ever. came

answer

by

return.

It

was

short and

artful.

"Dear
me

Lady

Honoria

Bingham," itran,"you
the in questions
a

must

give for-

ifI decline

to answer

your

letter.

You
a

understand will easily

that between
an

desire

to preserve

and sister'sreputation every

(to be appreciated incapacity

"

it is than the truth to speak other Christian) cruel of for a person to be placed in the most possible

by

positions a
"

which position

am

sure

will command

even

such circumstances your sympathy, though under little rightto expect any from I have a wife believing

LADY

HONORIA have

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

233

herself

to

been
of the my

wronged. cruelly

Let
court

me

add

that

nothingshort

compulsionof
as lips

of law will

suffice to unseal

to

the details of the

stances circum-

(whichare,
malicious anonymous

I trust,misunderstood)alluded to in the letter of which you inclose

a

copy."

That

very

as evening,

the

Fates
a

would

have

it, Lady

Honoria
was an

and

her

husband
on

had other

about

for Efifie,

most

quarrel. As usual,it theypreserved subjects

not

armed

Its neutrality.
at

details need

be

entered

in a sadlyirritable Geoffrey,who was lost his temper. condition of mind, fairly he said, that you are not fit to look The fact is," Honoria." after the child. You only think of yourself, her him with a dangerous look upon She turned on

into,but
"

last

"

cold and
"

handsome
careful what

face.

Be

not

fit to have from do you

you say, Geoffrey. It is you who are the charge of Efifie. Be careful lest I take you
as altogether, mean

her away "What

"

can

if I like."
"

you
want

by
know

that threat ? ? Then

he asked. I
a

Do

to

I will tell you.

understand

that a enough law to be aware from an unfaithful husband, and separation

can

wife
what

can

get

is more,

take away

his children."
ask you what you

"Again I cold turning

"I
mean

mean," said Geoffrey,

Welsh

with anger.

this,Geoffrey.
She
was

That

girlis

your

mistress.
room,
"

of passed the night

Whit-Sunday
arms."
the

in your
I
a

and It is a

carried from
"

it in your
she is this

he said lie,"
who gave

nothing of

sort.

do not

know

you

but it is information,

slanderous
"

and somebody lie,

shall suffer for it." you will

because Nobody will suffer for it,Geoffrey,

dare
to

not

stir the
Can
arms

matter

up

"

for the that you

on

for your own. her in your Can

"

you

deny

sake if not girl's seen were carrying

from

your

room

Whit-Sunday night?
"

you And

wondered

deny that you are in supposing that I am at, seeing how you

love with her ? in love with

treat
me

her, is it to be
have

and

treated

2.34
me

BEATRICE.
"

for years ?

he answered

false furiously. It is utterly

"

to

say that she is my mistress." have "You answered not my

Honoria

with

smile

of

said Lady question," triumph'. Were you seen

"

that woman carrying ? the dead of night

at all.

in your Of course
dare
to

arms

and

from

your

room

at

it meant
asperse

nothing, nothing
? I
am

Who

would

the character of this

lovely and perfect,

not
"

intellectual schoolmistress
"

Geoffrey jealous,
I should I
am

*'

not

how things are." Honoria, seeing I repeat, but pleaseunderstand that jealous,
this go on, in your fool you
as risen, own

think not,

I will not

have
a

interests and mine.

that you know hundred enemies
a

Why,
man

what
who
to

must

be.

Don't
a

has

you

ready
him you
to

springon

him

have, has like a pack

even

of wolves

and
fawn

tear

? pieces

Why
you

many
to

of those who you

upon

and

flatter you

your

face, hate

in bitterly

secret, because
failed. in London
chance of Don't

have

succeeded

where

they have

also that there are papers here you know which would givehundreds of pounds for the

such a scandal as this, publishing especially Let it once a powerful political come against opponent. is your mistress out that this obscure girl "Honoria, I tell you she is nothingof the sort. It in a fainting is true I carried her from my room but fit,
"

she

came

there in her Honoria

Lady
that you

sleep." I wonder laughed. Really, Geoffrey,

"

think it worth

while

to

tell
ever

me we

such

nonsense.

Keep
see

it for the divorce

court, if
Look

get there,and
am

what
a

not

jury says and moralist,

a

to

it.
am

here ; be sensible. I
I do

not to

going to playthe outraged

it.
not
mean as

wife unless you

any further But

force

me

to

take

notice

of this go
on

littletale interesting

against

beware ! I will not be it, made look a fool. If you are to going to be ruined be ruined by yourself I warn that you frankly, you can I shall put myself in the rightby at the first signof it, commencing proceedings Now, of course, I against you. that in the event of a smash, you would know be this, you.

if you

with

LAD

HONORIA
to

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

235

glad enough
your

be rid of

me

in order that you

come mightwel-

dear Beatrice

thingsto remember

supposing you
because
would goes that I should

to

in my place. But there are two that you could not marry : first, her, be idiot enough to wish to do so,
a

only get
to

and separation, judicial

me.

you

stillhave

support

Secondly,if I go, Efifie

with me, for I have a right to claim her at law ; and makes mistress of the me fact, my dear Geoffrey,
I do
not

because situation,

suppose of

that

you

would

part
And

with
now

Effie

even

for the
to

sake

Miss

Beatrice.

I will leave you

think it over."
she sailed out
was

And

with

nod little

of the room,

pletely com-

victorious.
*'

She

indeed, reflected Geoffrey,

mistress of the situation." suit

Supposingthat
he be ? She

she

brought
have

againsthim
she drama

where would had

would
not

must

evidence, or
The whole

have

known

the

story.

been clearly
or

witnessed the servant

and He

that
to

probablyeither by Elizabeth had one some betrayedit to

The and

Honoria
sick.

one, by someand girl, possibly a man

others. world
were

thought made
a

him

was

of the

practical lawyer,and though,indeed,

knew
to

they

innocent,he
few would be be
a

that

under

the At

stances circumthe very

found

believe it.

best there

must

terrible and

shocking scandal, and

Beatrice would in the

lose her

good

name.

of position

counsel

for the

placedhimself in a like petitioner

He and A

case, and
a

thought how

he would
to

crush

defence

in his address

the

jury.

crumple such probable tale

forsooth !

Undoubtedly, too, Honoria would be acting wisely be Public sympathy would from her point of view.
throughout. He generallybelieved to owe
with
her handsome and had knew much

it as that,
of Now and his

was,

he
to

was

success

his

high-bornwife.
her
as
a

it would then

be

said
her

.that he
over. even

used all

ladder he

thrown

With

however, this,

might cope

; he could

bear with the

the

gibesand
to

vulgarattacks of a vulgar press, and and personalenemies, jeersof his political

not

but

lose Effie he could

bear.

And

if such

case

236
were

BEATRICE.

him brought against

lose

it was
was

almost
.

certain that he

would

her,for,if
be

he the

worsted, custody of the

be considered. The

child would
Then

given
was

to

wife. injured
to
same

there

Beatrice
that

malicious Honoria

tongue
would

had

revealed

this matter

to

probably reveal it to the rest of the if he escaped the worst penalties of outraged world, and even be wreaked they would certainly morality, upon her. Beatrice's reputation would her employment be blasted, and her life made to her. a burden lost, Yes, decidedly, had the best of the position Honoria also, ; decidedly, she spoke words of weightand common sense.
What that
was

to be done

Was

there

no

way

out
arms

of it?

All
on

as Geoffreysat night

in the House, his

folded

and to appearance to the long breast, intently listening haunted this question him. harangues of the Opposition, He argued the situation out this way and that way, till
at

his

the last he

came

to to

conclusion.

Either

he must

wait

for the

scandal

leak

direct his efforts

to

to the

ruined,and of Honoria, and generally softening

must

out, let Beatrice be

or he self-preservation,

take the bull by the and

horns,

must

abandon

his great
Once

refuge in
of
course

another

his country and seek Beatrice and land, say America, taking
career

Effie with him.

no

the child

was

out

of the

jurisdiction,
himself
was

court

could
even

force her from in the

so

him.
he

Of

the

two

courses,

far

as

concerned, what between

the

urgency

of the matter

and
to

unceasingpressure
The for years which been
so

of his

Geoffreyinclined passion,
himself
and

the latter. had those

relations between

Honoria

should

different from so strained, totally and exist between man wife, that his mind he her the

in they greatly mitigated of such

at
no a

apparent iniquity

step.
the

Nor child

would from

feel much

compunction
for there
went
on was

removing
love

mother,
as

lost between

the

two, and

time

he the
;

shrewdly guessed there

rest, he had
he would
some

would

be less and
thousand

less.

For

seventeen

pounds
half.

in hand He knew

take

half and

leave
a

Honoria

that he could

always earn

wherever living

he went, and

LADY much probably earned first and

a

HONOR

JA

TAKES

THE

FIELD.

237

more

than

strict above
She

moiety should there everything,

be

and Uving, be paid to

was

of whatever

he
But

Honoria.
to

Beatrice

be

sidered. con-

must

saved, even

if he ruined

himself

to save

her.
to

Lady Honoria, it is scarcelynecessary

littleidea
that she
was

drivingher

husband

say, had such to

to

wanted councils. She dangerous and determined to not to lose him and all he meant Geoffrey, frighten this did
was

her ; She her

the last

thingthat
about
sense

she

would

wish

to

do.

not

care greatly common

the Beatrice

but incident,

shrewd
as an

told her that it might well be used all. Therefore would

a

engineto

ruin them
in

she

spoke as
to

she

did

speak,though

matters reality

have of

be bad

indeed before she sought the aid of

many of

court
come

law,where
the

things concerningherself might

she would she

to

light

day which
Nor

preferto
here ; she

leave

in darkness.
to

did

stop
For

determined
way,

attack

positionin Geoffrey's
Beatrice herself.
to
a

another

namely, through
hesitated
as some

long time Honoria

She had what

the method

of this attack. and

came

knowledge
she knew that she
one

of the world

of

and from character,

to

of
was

Beatrice she
not
a woman

the sound

conclusion

to

be

threatened, but rather

to to

be her

appealed to.
thus
:
"

So

after much

thought she

wrote

"A
to
me

story, which

I stillhesitate to

has believe,
to to

come duct con-

by
with

means

my

of anonymous husband. I do than

to

as letters,

your

not

wish

repeat it
existence
amount
to

now,

further

which
of relations
so

say leave

cumstances that,if true, it establishes cirno

doubt

as

to
as

the
to

intimate
not to

between
true
or

you it may,

guilt. It
event

may

be

in which

latter

your moralityI have say this : With nothingto do ; it is your affair. Nor do I wish to plead to you as an injuredwife or to reproachyou, for there are I wish

thingstoo

wicked

for

mere

reproach.
presume

But

I will say this have

some

ifthe story is true, I

must

that you

238

BE

A TRICE.

affection for the partner of

out

your the ask

to

shame.
name

put myself

of the

however further. ruin. him and

in and question, it may be, I guilty To do

so

of
to

that

affection,
no

will be

push matters bring its object to

you

utter

with all connection If you care for him, sever and for ever. Otherwise he will live to curse utterly Should hate neglect this advice, and you you. the facts
warn

should

that

have

heard

become

public

you, as I have and for the in self-preservation

property, I
shall be

alreadywarned
sake law of

him, that I self-respect,

forced that

to

appeal to
career

the

Remember it and if this

answer no or me comes

his

is at

for my remedy. stake,and that in losing

he will also lose his child.

Remember

that

about
do

it will be
no

it will this,

Do not through you. good, for I shall naturally put you

are

faith in your
measure

but if protestations,
for the sake
to

in any
as

way
one

of this guilty
to

offence, appeaUng
redeem betwee7i

to you
man

woman

another, and

of the

who

is

both, I say do your best makitig all further communicatio7i him an impossibility.
dear
to

the

evil, by
B."

and yourself H.

It

was one

clever letter ;

Lady Honoria
work it to
on

could

not

have

vised de-

more

powerfulto

a woman

like Beatrice.
another from

The

same

post that took

her

took

and need Geoffreyhimself. It was long,though guarded, but it put the whole position not be quoted in its entirety, veiled language, and ended by before her in somewhat love. saying, MarriageI cannot give you, only life-long
"

In other

circumstances be

to
as

offer this would I

to

be

an

insult,
sideration. con-

should but if things I do wish.

not

fear,it is worth
you
co?ne, I say

your

say

come

ifyou

No,
to

Beatrice,I
you.

will not I say I

come

put this cruel burden

! I do
to
not

of decision upon you

come,

command you

because
I pray

promised
to

leave
us

fluenced. uninan

But
to
our no

you

do

so.

Let world
"

put
well

end
as me

this wretchedness, and

of price
more

count

the

lost

love.

Come, dearest Beatrice

I put my

to leave

till death.

lifein your

hands; if you

ELIZABETH

SHOWS

HER

TEETH. have Do
to
not

239

trouble you may take it up, whatever lose my affection or esteem. will never
me,

face, you
think of

think of
once

yourself. You
me

have I
owe

you

gave
see so

my

life. and

I cannot

you far
as

shamed
I
am

make

givenme your love as somethingin return ; offer of reparation. no gain in gainingyou.

Indeed,
as

concerned, I shall think all I lose

to
we

nothing compared

what

If so, ? Will you come begin afresh elsewhere.

this country and and it matters little, After all,

will leave

will matter

less when

issaid everything
but
one as an

and done.
dream. I have it away,
answer

My life
The in it

has for years been

one

unwholesome

real

the thing,
our

happy thingthat
not

found

has been

love.

Do

let

us

throw

Beatrice."

By
"

return

of post he

received

this

written in

pencil.
No, dear Geoffrey. Things
all.
must

take their

course.

"

B." That
was

CHAPTER

XXV.

ELIZABETH

SHOWS

HER

TEETH.

Hard
of

had

been

Beatrice's hours
must

separation.She

since that grey morning ness bear all the inner wretchedmust grief,

the

conceal her lot ; she must of Elizabeth's and arrows slings of her
to

suffer

strive

keep Owen
on,
man was

Davies

at

sharp tongue, and distance. Indeed, as the

more

days went
The
was

this last task grew

and

more

tous. porten-

which unmanageable\ his passion, quite

the talk became and hateful to Beatrice, humiliating of it, of the place. Everybody knew except her father, his eyes began to be opened. and even the same One night it was upon which Geoffreyand had respectively Honoria postedtheir letters to Beatrice at Bryngelly Castle, into the littleroom anybody looking
" "

which

served its

owner

for all purposes

except that of strange sight.

would sleeping,

have

witnessed

very

240

BE

A TRICE.

Owen

Davies

was

walking

to

an4
would

fro

"

walkingrapidly
the turn of each

with wild eyes and

dishevelled hair.
he

At

length
his
"

of the

apartment

halt, and

throwing Oh,

arms

into the air

: ejaculate

Oh, God, hear

answer me

me,

and

give me

my

desire !

God,
For

"

long hours thus he walked and thus cried into aloud, tillat length he sank pantingand exhausted Suddenly he raised his head, and appearedto a chair. listen intently. "The Voice," he said aloud ; "the Voice again. What
two

does and He

it say ? I shall win

sprang up
"

To-morrow,
her."

to-morrow

must

speak; began his

you

with

shout,and
! " he

once

more

wild march.

Oh, Beatrice
me

said,"

to-morrow

will promise to marry soon, perhaps in one

"

; the Voice

short

month,

says so, and soon, own you will be my

come

mine

us

only ! GeoffreyBingham then,for I will watch you day

very, very
out
own
"

shall not and

between You shall

night.

be my

my

own

beautiful
at clasped
see.

and Beatrice," air

"

he stretched
a

his

arms

and

the empty

crazy and And

so

to unpleasantsight

he walked This

and

the east.

occurred

spoke tillthe dawn was It was the Friday on night.

grey
on

in
the

nocent and inthe unfortunate following morning that Beatrice, received the of these amorous invocations, object her way on letters. She had gone to the post-office two of there being a note from the chance to the school, on the one his letters were bright Geoffrey. Poor woman, thing in her life. From motives of prudence they were but she was written in the usual semi-formal style, quick
to

read

between

the

and, moreover, lines,

sure

they came
another
as

from

his dear hand.

There woman's
was

the

letter

enough,
often

and

in

writing. She

recognisedthe
had
a seen

hand
on

that

of

Lady Honoria, which she and directed to Geoffrey,

her.
as

envelopes

thrill of fear shot

She could

took
to

the

letters,and

walking as

through quickly
own

she

the

school,locked

herself in her

ELIZABETH littleroom, them with

a

SHOWS
was

HER

TEETH.

241

for it

not

and yet nine o'clock, What

to
was

looked at
?

terror. gathering

in them

Why
she

did

Lady
would

Honoria
In
a

write

her ?

AVhich made With

should

read first? She

moment

Beatrice had
at once.

face

the worst

up her mind. a set face she

opened Lady alreadyknow

her

Honoria's its contents.

unfolded letter, As her mind

and read. We it,

grasped them
rible hor-

and by the time that the lips grew ashy white, thingwas done she was nigh to fainting. letters !

Anonymous
cruel

oh,

who

could be

have

done

this
saw

thing? Elizabeth,it must her and thus stabbed everything,

that possible that the her
own

Elizabeth,who
back.
?
never

in the

Was

it

sistercould
her ;

treat her so

She knew
fathom
were

Elizabeth
cause,

disliked

she

could But

stillshe knew she must she in done hate

to

the fact.

if this

her

then doing, what had

her,and hate her bitterly ; and

earn

such

hate?

And of

now

Geoffreywas
and Most and how

danger on
have

her

account,
This
to
was

danger
own

ruin,

could

she prevent it ? turned

her firstidea.

people might
been
content to

their
to

position
own was

leave their lover of thought little

fighthis
He ?

battle. in

But

Beatrice
how the with
to

herself.

danger,and
was

could
answer

she protect him If you care and for utterly, ! and that. hate But
"

Why

here
sever

in the letter

for him
ever.

all connection he

him
curse

wise, Otherno!
was

will live

Geoffreywould quite right ; in

all connection But how
"

never

do

you." No, Lady Honoria

must

his

for his sake, she interest,

sever ever.

with
? the

him

"

sever

it

and utterly

for

how

She have

thrusr

letter into welcome

her
"

dress and
a

"

viperwould

been

more same

guest

opened Geoffrey's.
different solution.

It told the The

tears

but offered tale,

started to her eyes as she read his offer to take liLT to him with her to and go away for good and all, beginlife afresh. It seemed a wonderful thingto Beatrice that he should
a

be

to willing
as

sacrifice
"

so

much

worthless

altar

her

love

wonderful

upon and
to

sucli
most

generous

the thing. She pressed

senseless paper

her

16

242

BEATRICE.

heart, then

thoughtof
second.
do

again. But she never to this great temptation, for one never yielding
kissed it

again and

He

prayed

her to come,

but that she would

not

while her will remained.

to What, she bringGeoffrey

ruin ?

No, she had

torture. consent

rather starve How could

a

in the streets he
ever

or

perish
she
never

by

slow

think
Indeed
on

that
she

would

to

such

scheme

would
But
must

; she

had

brought enough trouble

him

him
How

oh,
!

she

blessed her

for that letter.

offer to do

already. deeply

he love

when

he could

this for her

sake

Hark teach. answered

! the children

were

waiting ;
So she

she

must

go

and be
her

The

letter,Geoffrey's dear
afternoon.

could letter,
thrust

in the

it in

breast with

the

other,but
as

closer to her

heart,and

went.

That mind
"

afternoon
for
were

Mr.

Granger, in

happy frame

of

and had he not found paid, future emconvenient way of providingagainst barrassment a most ? was peaceablyengaged in contemplating he his stock over the gate of his little farm buildings, much Davies astonished suddenlyto discover Owen was
not
"

his debts

at

his elbow.
"

How

do

you

do,
have

Mr.

Davies

"

he

said ;

"

how

quietly you
"Yes,"
have
"

must

come."

answered you

Owen because

followed

absently. "The I want to speak to

well, I
look
am

fact you

is,I
alone

alone." quite
"

Indeed, Mr.
is wrong ?

Davies
You

"

at

your

service.

What
"

don't

very

well."
never was

Oh, I

am

and is

there's

I quitewell,thank you. nothing wrong, nothing at

better;

all.

Everything
him
me

goingto
a

be

rightnow,
said Mr.
"

I know

that full

surely."
to
see

"Indeed,"
with about you
"

Granger, again looking at

what I
am

puzzledair,
? Not but

and

may

you
at

want

what

always

your

as service,

know," he added
the coat in

apologetically.
that made

the clergymari This," he answered, suddenly seizing

a

by

way

him

start.

ELIZABETH
"

SHOWS

HER

TEETH.
"

243

What

"

my

coat, do you
so

mean

"Don't

be

Mr. foolish,

Granger, No,

about

Beatrice."

Nothing wrong at the Oh, indeed, Mr. Davies. I hope ? I think that she does her duties to school, of the committee,though I admit that the the satisfaction
"

arithmetic
"

"

No

! no,
to

no

It is not

about

the school.

I don't

wish
Mr. her."

I love her, go to the school any more. Granger,I love her dearly,and I want to marry her

The Did
that

old

man

flushed

with

he hear

? aright

Owen

? pleasure. Was it possible in Davies, the richest man

to

part of Wales, wanted

had
true
"

nothingbut
! I
am

her

beauty.

marry It must

his be

who daughter, too good to be

indeed

he said. flattered,"
"

"

It is

more

than

she

could

expect
very

not

but

what

Beatrice is very

good-

and looking
was
"

lest he he added hastily, clever," fearing value. market from his daughter's detracting murmured Good-looking clever ; she is an angel,"
"

Owen.
"

Oh,
woman

yes, of
"

course

she

said is,"
"

her

" father,

that

is,

and yes, of course I think she's very fond of you, I've thoughtso for a long time." if a "Is she?"

what she is

is more,

I think you,

piningfor

said Owen
a

anxiously,"Then

all I have

to say is

that she takes

have
a

She

won't

word But

very curious way of showingit. off on to say to me ; she puts me

every occasion.
now."
"

it will be all

rightnow

"

all right

Oh, there,there,Mr. Davies, maids

will be maids

until

they are wives. We know Granger sententiously.

His
would-be son-in-law it

said Mr. about all that,"

he knew
was

looked

as

though
the

very

little about

indeed, though

inference

obvious. sufficiently "Mr. he said, his hand, Granger," seizing

"I

want

to

make

Beatrice my

wife

"

I do

indeed."
16"2

244

I^EA

TRICE.

"Well, I did
"

not
me

If you money shall

help
have

Mr. Davies." otherwise, suppose in this I will do whatever you and fine
a

like

as

to

matters
as

that

sort

of
as

thing, you
any
a woman

know. in

She

settlement
a

Wales.

I know
no

that goes

long way
am

with

and father,

I shall raise

difficulties."
proper,
as

and "Very right

I he

sure,"said Mr. Granger,

discovered
on

adoptinga loftier tone of his position. But

"

the

advantages
I shall

of

course

such

matters

take the advice of would advise

lawyer.
he

I
"

daresaythat
as a

Mr.

me,"
He

added,
"

friend of

Bingham the family,

you know. wouldn't

is a very clever

he lawyer,and, besides,

charge anything "Oh, no, not Mr. Bingham,"

I'll pay Let once." hadn't
"

answered if you But

Owen wish

anxiously.
to

"

I will do

anythingyou like, or
the
us

have

lawyer
that
now.

bill

myself.

never

mind
first.

about Come

settle it with

Beatrice

along at
"

Eh, but No,

you

better

arrange

that

part of the

business
"

? privately
no.

She You

always snubs
had better be I won't

me

when

try to speak
Miss
beth Eliza-

to

her alone.

there,and
her and

too, if she likes.

I will

speak to

againalone.
man,
"

speak to
me

her

in the face of God then

as

God it

directed will."
Mr. very above

to

do, and
stared

itwill be all

right
a

I know

Granger
had
to

at

him.
not

He

was

clergyman
what

of

sort,and practical
do with

did

quitesee

the Power

Owen

Davies's matrimonial

tions. inten-

"Ah, well,"he said, I

are

"

see

what
course.

you

mean

marriages
want

made

in heaven
on

; yes, of

Well, if you
we

to

get
So

with

the

matter, I

daresay that

shall find

Beatrice in."

they
and

walked

back

to

the

Mr. Vicarage, it struck the

Granger
that there

exultant
was

yet
a

for perplexed, little odd

or

him

something
Davies

about

Owen

in silence

and proceeding, to muttering occasionally

himself.

ELIZABETH

SHOWS

HER

TEETH.

245

In the
"

sitting-room they found

is Beatrice ?
"

Elizabeth.
her father.

Where I don't

asked

know," she answered, and at that moment into the room, walked like a Beatrice, pale and troubled, lamb to the slaughter. " " said her father, we were Ah, Beatrice," justasking for you." She glanced round, and with the quick wit of a hunted new animal, instantlyperceived that some danger threatened her. Indeed," she said,sinkinginto a chair in an access of feebleness born of fear. is it, What father?" Mr. Granger looked Davies and then took a at Owen
"
" "

step towards
scene

the be

door.

It struck the
two

him

should

privateto

that this forcibly principally persons

concerned.
"

Don't

go," said Owen

Davies

excitedly,don't

"

go,

either of you ; what I have better be said to say had before you both. I should like to say it before the whole
world
; to

cry it from

the mountain him

Elizabeth
and
to

glared at
to

tops." fiercelyglared
"

first at be

him

then propose had

at

the innocent

Beatrice.

Could
had

he she

going
? But

her, then ?
told him

Ah, why
the whole
sat

hesitated ?

Why
be
of

she not of

truth before

the heart

who Beatrice,

to momentarilyexpecting waters

fainter. The denounced, grew ever publicly desolation were in over her soul. closing Mr. Granger sat down firmlyand worked
seat

himself
an

into the

of his

as chair,

though
Elizabeth

to

secure

tional addi-

fixedness
leaned shade her elbow her

of tenure.
on

set

her

teeth,and
"

face.
a

table, holdingher hand so as to Beatrice drooped upon her seat like a

the the dock. face She
was

or fadinglily,

in prisoner

opposite
thusiasm, en-

to

them,

and

Owen
up

Davies, his
and

with wild alight

stood counsel
"

addressed

them

all like the

for the

prosecution.
Granger,
merits of
been
a

Last

autumn," he began, speakingto Mr.

who

might have
"

judge uncertain

as

to the to

the case,

I asked

your

Beatrice daughter

marry

me."

246
Beatrice gave
The "I year.
storm
a

BE

A TRICE.

had

collect ed her scattered energies. face it. and she must burst at last, and sigh, me, and I she told
me

asked
I have

her to marry

to

wait

waited
year.

as

long as
I have

could, but I could

not

wait the whole

am

prayed a great deal,and

was

bidden Elizabeth

to

speak."
a

made

gesture of impatience. She

sense,

person

of strong
had
to want

common

and

this mixture She

of

and religion
that the storm I

eroticism

disgustedher.
that she must that her my I love

also knew

and burst, tell you

to

face it.

"So

come

your

daughter
never

Beatrice,and
loved I ask your
"

make

wife.

I have

anybody else,but
consent."

I have

loved her for years ; and

I am Very flattering, sure, especially very flattering, in these hard times," said Mr. Granger apologetically,

shakinghis
rumpling
don't want
"

thin hair down

over

his forehead, and

you
see, Mr.

then

it up

again.
"

"

But

Davies, you

to marry to
"

me

(hereBeatrice

smiled
had

faintly)
"

you

want

her direct

marry my daughter,so so." at least I suppose made

a

you

better ask

Elizabeth

movement

as

though
"

to

speak,then
I ask you

changed
"

her mind

and

listened.

said Owen Beatrice,"

me."
was a

Davies,

you

hear.

to

marry There

who had sat quite silent, Beatrice, was Elizabeth, strength to answer. watchingher from beneath her hand, thought that she her face irresolution, into consent. read upon softening but doubt as to the fittest and What she really saw was

pause. gathering up her

most

certain

manner

of refusal. that she must

Like

it flashed lightning
or

into Elizabeth's mind hand

her for
ever.

strike now,

hold her

If

once

Beatrice
of
no

spoke

that fatal And It

was

"yes," golden

revelations

might be
she
was sure

avail.

Beatrice
a

would
road
"

speak it;
out

she would.

of her troubles. !
"

Stop

said Elizabeth in

hard voice. shrill,

"

Stop !

I must

speak;

the truth.

tell it is my duty as a Christian. I must I cannot allow an honest man to be deceived."

ELIZABETH

SHOWS awful pause. knew

HER

TEETH.

247

There she
saw

was

an

Beatrice
what
to
was

broke
at

it.

Now

all the hand

and truth, upon

hand.

She

placedher
"Oh,
"

her heart

its beating. still

Elizabeth,"she said, "in our dead mother's and she stopped. name her sister, "in our dead mother's "Yes," answered which you have dishonoured,I will do it. Listen, name, Owen Davies,and father : Beatrice,who sits there
"
"

and
a

she

pointedat
!
"

her with her thin hand

'"^
"

Beatrice

is

scarlet woman
"

don't really looked

understand," gasped
round and wildly,

Mr.

Granger,
sunk her

while Owen
head
"

Beatrice

upon Then

her breast. I will

"

still pointing said Elizabeth, explain," On She is Geoffrey Bingham's mistress. at her sister. bed and the nightof Whit-Sunday last she rose from her in the morning. I saw into his room went at one with my own Afterwards she was broughtback to eyes. her bed in his heard
on arms
"

saw

it with
a

my

own

eyes, and

him

kiss her."

(Thiswas
"

piece of embroidery
has been in

Elizabeth's

part.)

She

is his lover,and
I tell you bear
to

love with him

for months. I cannot defile my

Owen this,

Davies,

because, though
our can name

bringdisgrace upon
such
a

and

to

lipswith

tale,neither

her to I bear that you should marry a girl, believing be good, when she is what Beatrice is."
"

Then

I wish to God

that you

had

held

your

wicked

tongue,"said Mr. Granger fiercely. I will and No, father. I have a duty to perform, much it pains me. perform it at any cost, and however
"

You the

know

that what

I say is true.

You

heard

the noise

on

of Whit-Sunday, and got up to see what it was. night You it was the white figure in the passage saw Geoffrey she Ah ! well may Bingham with Beatrice in his arms. Let her Let her deny it if she can. hang her head. deny that she loves him to her shame, and that she
"

was

alone

in his

room rose

on

that

Then and
more

Beatrice

and

night." spoke. She was

shame
and her

paleas death
than despair

beautiful in her

248
ever

BE

A TRICE.
; her

she had
were

been

before

glorious eyes shone, and

I will make
no

there
"

deep black lines beneath them. My heart is my own," she said,"and

to

answer

you
not

about
true.

it.
I
am

Think
not

what wiiat

you

will.

For

the

rest, it is
that I
am.

Elizabeth

tells you

am was me

7iot

is

true

that I

in

Geoffrey Bingham's mistress. It his room that night, and it is true

to

that

he

carried
I

back

my

own.

But
own

it was
free then

in my

sleep
awoke

that

went

there, not
fainted when

of I

my

will.
at once

there,and
me

woke,

and

he bore

back."

Elizabeth
cackle
"

laughed shrilland
fiend. she said sleep,"
;

loud

"

it sounded

like the

of

In her
"

"oh,

she went

there

in her

sleep!
"

Yes, Elizabeth,in my
but it is true.
to

sleep.
not

You
to

do

not
me.

believe
You

me,

You the

do

wish

believe

wish
who
utter

bring
never

sister whom

you

should

love,

has

offended

and disgrace

written anonymous

prevail upon
her husband

her and
come name

against you by act or word, to ruin. In your cowardlyspiteyou have letters to Lady Honoria Bingham, to to strike the blow that should destroy myself,and
when you fear that this has
us. name

failed, you
this in the
and Shame
same

forward of

openly accuse Christian duty ; in the

on

and

You

do

of love
to

charity, you
on measure

believe the worst, and Elizabeth ! shame

you
out

seek

ruin
may
never

us.

you,

! and
to
me

the be

that
to

you We

have
are no

meted

paid back

you.

happens, I
Elizabeth
scorn.

have

done

with and

shrank her

longer sisters. Whatever Go your ways." you. quailed beneath her sister's
hatred

Even

venomous

could

not

the against that

royaleyes^ and She gasped outraged innocence.

flash of those

the and

up majesty of

bear

bit her

lip
in

tillthe blood
Then another towards

started,but she said nothing. Beatrice turned to her father, and

a

spoke
her
arms

and

out pleadingvoice,stretching

him.

"Oh,

father," she said, "at

least tell

me

that you

ELIZABETH

SHOWS

HER

TEETH. that I
so

249
to

believe me.

Though you may think all extremes, surely, havingknown me

cannot

might love

many

years, you

think old

that I would
man

lie even

for my

love's sake." and

shook his

The

looked

wildlyround,
his have

head.
"

In his room,

and

in

arms," he said.
never

"

saw

it,

it

seems.

You, too, who

been you

known
not

to walk

in your
you do

sleep from
not
"

child ; and
"

will

say that of

love

him

the

scoundrel.
as as

It is wicked

Elizabeth
of her to that I do Then her
"

jealousybitter
tell the
not

the

grave.

It is wicked
can

tale ; but it ? cup

"

it is

told,how

I say

believe

her Beatrice, head, and turned

once beingfull,

more

dropped
voice, and
to

to go.

Stop," said speakingfor the

She

Owen

Davies
"

in
Hear

hoarse what Mr.

first time.
"

/ have

say."
have

lifted her

eyes.

With

you,

Davies, I

and Go nothingto do ; I am not answerable to you. and she pointed to Elizabeth, help your accomplice,"
"

to
"

cry this scandal

over

the whole
"

world."

Stop,"he
true.

said

again.

I will you

it is

I believe that

speak. I believe that are Geoffrey Bingham's

not
care.

curse mistress,

him ! but

do

am

still

to willing

marry

Elizabeth

you." gasped. Was

Would her the

this blind

to

be

the

end

of her

scheming ? over prevail

his rich and ? disgraced

passion of
Beatrice
she
!
was

this madman

and revelations,

stillbecome
left poor and

honoured

while wife,
monstrous

Oh, it was
!"

Oh, she had

never

dreamed
"

of this ! murmured Mr.

Noble, noble
bless you
the
!
"

Granger 3

"

noble !

God So

not was position altogetherbeyond recovery. His erring married ; daughtermight stillbe splendidly he might stilllook forward and wealth in his to peace

old age.

Only
"

Beatrice smiled

faintly.
said.
"

I thank

you,"
never

she

am

much

honoured,
I do
not

but I could

have

married

you

because

250
love you. You I
must

BEA

TRICE.

understand
be the
more

me

very
to

littleif you
do
so on

think
account
"

that

should

ready
on,
sat
an

of the

danger

in which
went

stand," and she ceased.

evil light shining

Owen Beatrice," Listen,

on

his

heavy face,while Elizabeth

ears. more
"

astounded,scarcely
you, and I
mean

able to believe her

marry
can

I want
me

to

you

; you

are

to

than

all the

world.
me,

and giveyou everything, you shall hear

no more

you

had

better

yieldto
But

and

of all this.

if you

won't, then
upon you"

this is what

I will do.

I will be

revenged

terribly revenged."
her head

Beatrice shook
to bid him
"

and

smiled

as again, though

do

his

worst. went

And

he look, Beatrice,"

on,

waxing almost

quent elo-

" another I have jealousdespair, argument I will not only be revengedon you, I will to urge on you. this GeoffreyBingham." be revenged upon your lover on " like one in pain. He said Beatrice sharply, Oh I

in his

"

"

had

found

the way

to

move

her

now,

and

with

the

ning cun-

of semi-madness
*'

he drove
start
"

the

pointhome.
I tell you I
am

Yes, you
rest

may

I will.

that

I will
can

never

tillI have
a

ruined

him, and
thousand

rich and

do it.

I have
on

hundred

spend
I am, There

doing

it.

I have
am can

action for libel.

I know.
are
"

Oh, I

pounds, that I will nothing to fear,except an not a fool, though you think
pay for
a

Well, I
in London
whole

dozen

actions.

papers yes, the

that will be
"

all this
too.
"

story
world

what Just think,Beatrice,

"

glad to publish with plans and pictures all Engit will be when land
is

all the yes, and shame, and half-a-dozen

printsare
for the you

gloatingover your using the thing for

disgrace of
He God the has
a man

party purposes,
who
career

clamouring
and whom

ruined

you,

will ruin.

fine

; it shall be

utterlydestroyed. By
you
a

! I will

hunt

him

to

Beatrice. Now
Mr.

his grave, unless and not Do that,

promise to

word

me, marry of this shall be said.

answer."

Granger

sank

back

in his chair ; this savage

of human

was passions

altogether beyond his

play experience

ELIZABETH

SHOWS

HER

TEETH.

251
her He

"

it overwhelmed
and fingers,

him.

As

for
one

Elizabeth,she bit
to
"

thin

glaredfrom
him
a

the He

other.

"

reckons
me"

without

me," she thought.

reckons

out with-

I will marry

yet."
moment

But

Beatrice
eyes
to

leant for

the against
saw

wall and the

shut her

think.
name

Oh,
and her in

she

it all
"

posters with her

shameless the details, of

Geoffrey's on
his arms,
the the
"

great them, the

of pictures letters of the the

sickening
"

outraged matrons,
colonels of every

Mothers
She

ten," and
the

moral-minded

all ! all,

heard in
the

scream prurient

male
"

Elizabeth
the

England;

the

allusions
of

in

the and

House

bitter attacks would

enemies
her

rivals.

Then

jeers, Lady
all be

Honoria

begin

dragged up afresh, and ruined. till he was every lip, care 3 but could she bringthis
was

suit,and it would Geoffrey'sfault would

For
on one

be did

on

herself whose ?

she

not

only crime
No,
And
no

that

she

had

learned

to

love

him
man.

; but

neither could
escape
was

she marry

this hateful

yet what
she had

there ?

She

flung herself
In up
a

upon

her woman's

wit,and it did not fail her. thought it all out and made
"

few

seconds

her mind. moment's

How
"

can

answer
"

you I must

at a

notice,Mr.
it over.

Davies ?
To know I must
"

she said. such

have

time

to think

threaten

revenge

that you have

love me, I
am

is not manly, but I me upon it. Still, and therefore I excuse confused."

time.

What, another
answer."
I do not

year ?

No,

no,"
I

he

said.

"

You

must
"

ask

year

or

month.

week. and you This

If you will not may

was

giveme

only ask for one then I will defy you, that,

now." I cannot answer do your worst. bold stroke, but it told, Mr. Davies a

hesitated.
*'

Give

the

a Week," said her father girl

to

him,

"

She

is not
"

herself." well ;
one

"

Very
are

week,
to me

no

more," said he.

said Beatrice.
no

"

I have

another all to
swear

to make," stipulation

*'

You

that

foj that week

word

252
of this will pass your
not

BE

A TRICE. ; that for that week

mouths

I shall
on

be

annoyed
by
must to

or one

interfered
of you.

with,or spoken
If at
can

to

the

not subject,

the do

end your

of

it I still

refuse

accept your
you

terms, you
your

worst, but

tillthen Owen
"

hold

hand."
Vv'as

Davies

he hesitated;

am

Remember," Beatrice a desperate woman.

you

suspicious. her voice, I went on, raising I may do turn at bay, and
"

somethingwhich
littleto the
"

do not of any

expect, and
of you.

that will be very Do you swear?

"

advantage

Yes," said Owen

She what

Davies.
at

Then
at her.

Beatrice looked
saw

and Elizabeth Elizabeth, had taken

a new

looked form.

that the matter

had hitherto hidden from jealousfolly that Beatrice did not mean her Owen to marry Davies, that she was time to execute some merely gaining purpose this of her own. What might be Elizabeth cared little that it did not utterly chances that at the so extinguish faint enough. She did not want seemed moment to push her lover Geoffrey, matters or againsther sister, beyond She
saw

her

"

the her
was

boundary of
week, and
concerned.

her

own

interests. Beatrice should

all interference
now so was

have she fete had

be free from She

far

as

realised her
error.

that it

too

how

great had
her

been

Oh, if only
first ! But

she

sought Beatrice's
to
an
"

confidence

at

it had

seemed

that she would throw away such impossible really in life. opportunity I promise, she said mildly. I Beatrice," Certainly
"

do did he

not

swear,

for 'swear my

not

at

all,' you

know.

only
If

what

thought
to

duty
with
to

in

warning Mr.
matter, it is
you,
or

Davies.
no

chooses

go
no

on

the

affair of
I

mine. acted
"

I had

wish

hurt

Mr.

Bingham.

from my religious convictions." solely and practise it a Elizabeth, Oh, stop talking religion, for once in his life stirred little more said her father, !
"

out to

of his feeble selfishness.

"

We

have

all undertaken

keep
Then

our

mouths

sealed

for this week." and after her went Owen

Beatrice left the room, without another word.

Davies

IVHA

BE

A TRICE

S WORE.

53

"

said Elizabeth,"
! What

her

father,rising, "you
do

are

wicked

woman
"

did you
want
to

this for ?

"

Do

you

know, father ?
Because
must

"

she
to

said marry

coolly ;
Owen
in this
never

"then

I will tell you.

mean

Davies

myself.
one.

We

all look
a

after ourselves

world, you know

for forget,
seem

; and

that is
to

maxim him

which
; and !

you

mean

marry

though
And
now

to

have

failed, marry
it ; and let
me

him
if you

will, yet
not
a

you hold

know

all about

are

fool, you will

w^ent

your tongue and him alone. leaving Mr.

was a

be ! "

and

she

also,
He

Granger held
deserve
to

up

his hands

in astonishment.
man,

selfish, money-seekingold
have such
a

but he felt that he

did

not

daughter as this.

CHAPTER

XXVI.

WHAT

BEATRICE

SWORE.

Beatrice

went
to

to

her

room,

but
Her

the

atmosphereof
was

the

place seemed
must

stifle her.
"

brain

reehng,she
She it must

go out
not

into the air

away

from

her tormentors.

had

yet answered

and letter, Geoffrey's

was none on

be
It

answered
was

by

this post,for there

"

Sunday.
she

four half-past she goingto write,

not

the

post went
do
so

out at

at

five ; if she but find

was

should

once,
must

could for and and

do

so

here.

Besides,

she

time
canoe

thought. Ah,
paddle
across

she had the

it ; she would
to

take her of

bay
put
of

the

little town
not

Coed Coed

write her letter there. six. half-past

a

The
on

post did
her hat and and
an

leave

till

She

and taking jacket,

stamp,

sheet

paper, the
canoe

envelope with her,

to

from slippedquietly boat-house where

house
was

down

old

Edward's

kei)t. Old lulward was but his son was, a boy of fourteen,and not there himself, The sea launched. safely by his help Beatrice v/as soon she and turningsouthwards, presently like glass, glittered
the

254
was

BE

TRICE. of the island

on

paddlinground
As she

the

shore

which

the Castle stood

towards

the open

bay.
to
no a

paddled

her mind

consider the
darkness light,

position.It
hemmed

able and she was cleared, bad enough. She saw was
But
at

her in.

least she had

week
to

before

her, and
she

meanwhile

what

should

she write

Geoffrey?
Then,
as

assailed thought,a great temptation

Beatrice,and for the first time her resolution wavered. offer and go away Why should she not accept Geoffrey's ? Gladly would with him far away from all this misery
"

she She

giveher
had

life to
to
a

spend one
from
now

short year at his dear he would take

side.
her to

but
in

say the

word, and

him, and
some

month

they would

be

togetherin

foreignland, countingthe world well lost,as he in time Lady Honoria would had said. Doubtless get be A day might married. divorce,and they might a
even come

when
storm

all this would and fear ;

seem

like

night of
children

when,
would

surrounded wend

forgotten by the

of

their love,
the

they

peaceably,
towards
a

through happily,
bourne would

evening of
its terrors

their

days

robbed
cross

of half

by

the fact that

they

it hand-in-hand.
be well for her ; but would of

Oh,
him
would

that would

it be well for

? When he not

the firstmonths

passionhad
Would
not

passed by,
thrown away the burst of

beginto
of
a

think of all that he had love ? would away learned

for the sake shame

corners

woman's

and

obloquywhich
wear

follow him his

to the remotest

of the earth Honoria

till at last, as affection,

curse

Lady
And

said,he
"

to

and

hate
"

her.
as,

if it did not he

if he stillloved he
on

her do
"

through it all
could have

being what
one more

was,

well him

might
?
on

she be the been when

to

bringthis
to

ruin

Oh, it would
that

kind

let him

drown

fate first brought them

togetherto
for
once all,

nightof storm, their undoing.

No,

no

once

and
as

not do it.
not
one

Cruel

was

her

for ever, she would den, strait, heavy as was her burand it should he carry, hold if by

feather's

weight of
power

any

means

in her

poor

she could

it from

his

WHA

BE

TRICE

S WORE.

255
had
; he

back.
"

She

would

not
now.

even

tell him

of what

at any
some

rate,not
Her

It would it
was

distress him
almost

passed might

take

desperatestep ;
so. answer

certain that he

would
She calm
as

do
was a

must

quite close to pond. So calm

and the

Coed
was

be very short. now, and the water it that she drew

her

lay

the sheet

pocket,and leaning the arched forward, rested them on covering of the those words which we have already canoe, and pencilled envelope
from

of paper

read.
*'

No, dear Geoffrey. Things must

she wrote. Then
she

take their

course.

"

B." Thus
"

paddled to the shore. A fisherman and standing on the beach caught her canoe pulled it up. Leaving it in his charge,she went into the and quaint littletown, directed and posted her letter, wool. It was for having been an bought some excuse
there should
to

any her

one

returned it. would

"

canoe.

She
not

offered take

him it.

questions.After that she The fisherman was standingby sixpence for his trouble,but he
ask

No, miss,"he said," thanking you

get
see a

kindly
"

but

we

don't often

peep

at

such

sweet

looks.

It's worth make

so

sixpence to
bold that
as

you,

it is.

But, miss,if I may

to

to

say so, it isn't safe for you

not

cruise about

in

craft, any ways

thanked
to

alone." and she blushed

must
a a

Beatrice it occurred
common
so

him that

little.
more man

Vaguely
than could
women a

her of

have

share

when beauty,
That
was

rough
men

be

impressedwith it. for,their beauty,as

her for this
same cause

what

loved and

Owen
and

Davies
this

loved

desired

only. with Geoffrey no, she did Perhaps it was the same believe it. He loved her for .other things besides not her looks. Only if she had not been beautiful, perhaps he would have begun to love her,so she was thankful not to her eyes and and form. hair, Could follyand infatuation go further ? This woman
"

in the

darkest

hour

of her bottomless

and

unhorizoned

256

BEATRICE. her with present heart, shame to come ing hang-

with conscience gnawingat despair, her breast, and on miserypressing

over

her Uke

that
woe.

she had

Or

was

cloud,could yet feel thankful this barren love,the springof all her won her follydeep wisdom in disguise? is
a
"

thunder

that can so something divine in a passion of life? and defy the worst agonies She w\is at sea again now, and evening was there
on

override

falling
was

the

waters

softlyas
it be the
must

dream.

Well, the
wondered ? letters. marry
not

letter

posted. Would
as

she last,
no

It seemed And what

though
to
never

she done

write
She

more

was
"

be

would She

not

Owen
so

Davies

would

she do it.

could

shamelessly
whom

violate her death would

for Beatrice was to a woman feelings, be preferable however to dishonour,

own

legal.
the

No, for her

vilest of the

sake she do

she would she this,

not

be

soiled with that

hold she herself do

disgrace. Did
sake. Geoffrey's
at

would

vile. Her

And

stillless

would

it for feel word.

instinct told her what he

he would say
a

such

thing,though
would loathe and

Surely he
was

might never her. despise

with. She would

No,
not

that idea

done Then

with
what

"

done utterly
to
so

remained
to

her ? would
not
no

with fly
She

since Geoffrey,
would
to not

do

be ;to ruin
to. do
so was

him.

marry

Owen, and
She that her
was

would

still be in be

ruin

Geoffrey.
knew
"

fool,she

innocent

act, but she

hard
to prove

her
own

innocence

would

indeed believe in

even

father did not her

to

it,
in

and What
some

her

sister would should

openly accuse
Should
or place,

the

world.

then
remote

she do ?

she hide in London?

no means

herself It of

half civilised had

no

was

impossible ; she
any. Davies and

money, hunt

and

getting
Owen
furthest think

Besides, they would

her her
not

out, both
to

Geoffrey would
earth. And

track would

the former

limits of the that

the

her away, and Geoffrey had spirited threats into execution ? Obviously he
was no

at once

put his
There

would.

hope
or

in that direction.

Some

other

plan must

be found

her lover would

stillbe ruined.

WHAT So

BEATRICE

SWORE.

257

but of still not of herself, thinking argued Beatrice, who was of that beloved one to her than more Geoffrey, than her own all the world, times, more, a thousand safety Owen or Perhaps she overrated the matter, well-being. Elizabeth might have Davies, Lady Honoria, and even done all they threatened ; the firstof them, perhaps the
firsttwo of would them, certainly have done
so.

But

still

mighthave escaped destruction. Public opinion, Geoffrey the sounder or enough hard to part of it,is sensibly in such a matter, especially the person said when move been wronged is heart and soul on the side of to have
him who
is said to have there

wronged

her.

might have been ways out of it,of she was which she knew as nothing. But surrounded by Lady Honoria threatening by threatening powers Davies actions in the Courts on one side,by Owen on another, by Elizabeth ready and threatening exposure to givethe most damning evidence on the third, willing
Moreover
"

to Beatrice the worst

sequence. her. arrayedagainst necessary

consequences Then there This

seemed
was

an

absolutely
conscience

her

own

itwas

not

lie that she

but particular chargewas a lie, and to her the two loved Geoffrey,
not

seemed things
a

mind

to

the same thing. Hers was very much draw fine distinctions in such matters. she
"

Se

posidtut adpabilem:
old Court of

rolls put it in

as the placedherself as guilty," miserable Latin,and this sense

She did not realise the enormous disarmed her. guilt difference recognisedby the whole civilised world mind and between thoughtand act, between disposing deed. Beatrice looked at the questionmore inculpating from the scriptural point of view,remembering that in the Bible such

fine divisions
a

are

stated expressly

to

be

distinctions without
Had she gone
to

difference.

Geoffrey and

told him have

her

whole

story it is probable that he would

defied the entire

off victorious.
women

thing, faced
arc

it out, and possibly come But, with that deadlyreticence of which

this capable, she did not
was,

alone Sweet

and

would

not not

do.

woman loving

that she

she would

burden
17

him

258
with her
sorrows,

BE

A TRICE.

she

would

bear
was

them

alone

"

little

laying up a far, far heavier load for him to carry throughall his days. So Beatrice acceptedthe statements of the plaintiff's and from that false standpoint attorney for gospel truth, she drew her auguries.
Oh,
see

reckoning that thereby she

she

was

weary
on

How the
seas

lovelywas
! and her how

the

falling night,
were

how
"

it brooded there
a

clear
"

the

waters

the firststar here she

to
was see

paddle ^and there sprang into the sky ! If only Geoffrey were it with her. Geoffrey ! she had lost him ;
in the world
now
"

fish

passed by

alone

alone

with
men
"

the

sea

and

the stars. all and

men

Well, they were

one.

better than
was a

better than

except
it soothed

Theirs
her.

divine

companionship,
had

Ah,

how
even

hateful than the

been

Elizabeth's

cunning of
towards
so

hateful more face, Owen Davies, when

half-crazed
her hand It
was

she

stretched

her and

called her "a

scarlet woman."
terms

like

Elizabeth, mixingup Bible

And after all

with her
"

tion. accusawas

perhaps it
as was

was

true.-

What

it,

"

Though thy
snow."

sins be
that

scarlet, yet

shall

they be

white

as

not

only if one repented. She did proached Conscience,it is true, rerepent, not in the least. her with a breach of temporal and human law,
But love
as

but her heart cried that such immortal bounds and

were was

she had
set

given was

and

divine,and therefore
man.

of time and

At any

beyond the Httle rate,she loved Geoffrey

The

proud

and

glad to
any
more

love him.
not

circumstances
the world made
or

but unfortunate,

she did

make

its

social arrangements
and
or

than The

she had fact

herself,

she wrong
"

could she

help that. loved him, loved

not

remained, right
that wild dream the bottCTi
came.

him !
was

How

clear

were

the waters

! What

which
of the

she had
sea,

dreamt

about

herself

at sitting

and

waitingfor

him
"

"

till at

last he

of the sea at the bottom Sitting why did itstrike her so strangely what unfamiliar thought did it waken in her
"

mind

Well,

and

why

not

It

would

be

pleasant

WHA

BE

A TRICE

S WORE.

59

there, better
cannot
one

at any
so

rate

than

on

the earth.

But

things
it?

be ended
wear

one

is burdened

with the
must

and flesh,
wear

must not

it tillit fails.

Why

she

largeenough to hide her bones ? Look the edge of the canoe, slip she had but to slip over now, into those mighty arms, and in a few without a struggle
Was the
sea

short minutes She

it would

all be done

and

gone

the Here was gasped as the thought struck home. the same that is given to her questionings, answer answer to all earthly to all human hopes and fears and troubling, One stroke of that black knife and everything strivings. it be so great a thing Would to would be lost or found. ? why she had well nigh done giveher lifefor Geoffrey
"

as

much he

when
was

she had all in

known

him

but

an

hour, and

now

that If be

? oh, would it be so great a thing all, would she died died secretly, surely Geoffrey swiftly, saved ; they would not trouble him then,there would
" "

be

no

one

to

trouble

about

Owen
not

Davies

could

not
over

marry

her

then, Geoffreycould
her
no

ruin himself
It would

her, Elizabeth could pursue

well to do love this

further.

be

her,and

and he would always thingfor Geoffrey, there curtain might be beyond that black

somethingbetter.
They said
of that 1 Was of Sacrifice ?
to

that it was

sin.
But

Yes, it might be sin

to

to act

thus for oneself alone.

not

do

it for another

"

how Man

the Saviour whom

it be
a

theypreacheda
to

Would

sin in her

die for Geoffrey, free ?

not
so

sacrificeherself that
be
no

Geoffreymight go
Her

Oh, it would

great merit.

life was

It would fear this pure embrace. easy that she should Owen than to marry far better, Davies, than be better, her. their love and teach Geoffreyto despise to desecrate And how else could she ward

this trouble from

her eyes

him except
was more

by

her

that in or death, by a marriage death ?

do it yet.

dreadful than any She could had

once more

not

She could

not

die until she

see

seen

his face,even

though

he did not

hers.

No,

not

would to-night

she seek this swift solution,

17"2

2(3o

BEATRICE.

She end.

had

words

to

say

"

or

words

to

write

"

before the

But she
a was

Already they rushed in upon her mind ! if no better plan presented itself she would
sure

do

it,
He

that she would. did she

care worse

It

was

sin for

"

let well,

it be

sin ; what
not

if she sinned
of her

? Geoffrey And she

would

think the

for it.

had

hope, yes, Geoffrey had taught her to hope. If there here. And a Hell,why it was was yet not all a Hell, for
in it she had
found her love !

It grew upon

dark ; she could

hear

the dark
a

Bryngellybeach.
round. She

It grew

whisperof the was ; the night

few fathoms

waves

ing closof the

paddled to

within

shore
"

and

called in her clear voice.

Ay,

ay, in

miss,"answered
on

old Edward

from

the beach.

"

Come
She

the next in

wave."
her
canoe was

came

and accordingly

caught and

dragged high and dry. said What, Miss Beatrice,"

"

the old

man

shakinghis
in that

head

and

grumbling,
he gave

"

at

itagain!
canoe a a

Out all alone

and thing,"
"

the You
never

contemptuous
husband
to took

kick,
after

and

in the
do.

dark,too.
You'll

want rest

you, you

tillyou'redrowned."

"No, Edward," she

don't suppose above

answered

with
is

littlelaugh. "I
no

that I shall.
seas, you
as a

There Now

peace

for the The

wicked
canoe

know.

do not

scold.

is

as

safe

church

in this weather and

in the

bay."
Oh, yes, it'ssafe enough in the calm and it should come he answered, but supposing and supposing you should drift beyond the
" "

the
on

bay,"
blow of
"

to

shelter
on

Rumball

Point

there,and

get the rollers down

in five minutes.

you

why you would be drowned miss,that's what it is."

Beatrice
"

It's wicked,

She's

laughed againand went. said funny one she is,"

as

the old
"

man

ing scratchwoman

his head
folk
as ever

he

looked

after

her,

of all the

I knowed
wants to

she is the rummest.

cret

I sometimes
me

thinks she

drowned.

Dash

if I haven't

WHAT

BEATRICE hole in the

SWORE. bottom

261 of that there

half

mind

to

stave

damned

canoe,

and

finish it." home

a

Beatrice reached
first act
was

to

call

Betty
and

before supper time. Her little assisand with her tance the servant

things into the spare room. With Elizabeth she would have to do. nothing more children,now They had slepttogether since they were
shift her bed
she had and
sat

done

with

her.

Then

she

went

in

to

supper,

father

Her through it like a statue, speakingno word. and Elizabeth kept up a strained conversation, but
not

theydid
not
even

speak to her,or
she had

she to them.

Elizabeth did notice of

ask where

been, nor

take any

change of room. father was One thing,however, Beatrice learnt. Her going on the Monday to Hereford by an earlytrain to attend a meeting of clergymen collected to discuss the

her

question. He was to return by the last train on about midnight. Beatrice now the Tuesday night, that is, discovered him. that Elizabeth proposed to accompany of her she wished little as possible to see as Evidently she was sister duringthis week of truce a little possibly afraid of her. Even Elizabeth might have a conscience.
"

tithe

So

she should

be left alone
can

from
a

Monday

morning till
without
a

Tuesday night. One

After supper

do
rose

good deal in fortyhours.

she went. She

Beatrice

and left the room,

word, and they were

them

glad when
face and

frightened
But

with her

set

great calm eyes.

had

neither

spoke to the other on the subject. They into a conspiracy of silence.

Beatrice locked
lost in her door When
once

all entered

and

then

sat

at

the window has

thought.
the

the idea with

of suicide

entered the mind She reviewed

it is apt to grow whole

startling rapidity.
went
over

position ;
the moral But

she

all
some

the arguments

and

searched

horizon
find

for
none

feasible avenue
would
as save

of escape.

she could

that do

Geoffrey, except

this.

Yes, she would

it,

another wretched had done before woman many from cowardice indeed, for had she alone been not she would

her,
cerned con-

have faced the

to thing out, fighting

the

262

BEATRICE.

bitter end

"

but for this

threatened
course

reason

only,it would
be

cut

off the

dangerswhich
source. never

at Geoffrey must

Of

there

their very root and scandal ; it must no

she

be known
her
own

that she had for object, knew how

to

killed

or herself,

might
up.

defeat But her she

the

story would
such
a

be raked

well

avoid

possibility ; in

Beatrice grew cunning as a fox. Yes, and extremity there might be an questions inquestat which awkward
would

be asked. be held

But,

as

she well

knew

also,before
hold

an

can inquest

there must

be
not

something to
be there.

it

on, and

that

something would
utter

And

so

in the

silence of the did

night and

in the herself
She of
a

loneliness of her chamber

to

Beatrice dedicate

sacrifice upon

the altar of her immeasurable of agonies death

was

love. the bloom

would

face the last

when

her
rose

youthful strengthand in June. She would

vengeance
a

beauty
do
more,

but

opening as

she would

brave the

threatened Him
self

of the most

High, coming before

one

murderess, and
so

with but
multian the

plea for pity

"

that she loved

would do all
summer
"

well

quia

aviavit.
warm

Yes, she
in the
out

would this, of would her

leave

world go

dawning
the dark
come
"

days, and
those

alone

into

alone

face

visions which

might

Shapes of terror,and those Things of fear, that perchance may kind. Alone wait for sinful human she would oh, hand in hand with him it had been go
those
"

easy, but this must would

or come

not

be.

The

door

of utter

darkness

swing to

behind
open

it should

her, and who could say if in time if to Geoffrey's or following feet,

he be

might ever

find the

path that
!

she had
rose

trod. from

It must her seat

swore

done, it should

be done and

Beatrice

with

brighteyes
God,
Him

quick-comingbreath, and
there
were,

before

if God for

that for

she

would

do

it,

to trusting
"

pardon and
must
once

or faiUngthese pity,

sleep. Yes, but firstshe

"

for

more

look upon

Geoffrey's

dear face

and

then

farewell ! woman,

Pityher

! poor

mistaken

making

of her will a

THE

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS.

263

Providence, rushing to doom. Pity her, but do not blame her overmuch, or if you do, then blame Judithand

Jephtha's daughter and

women glorious

Charlotte time
to

Corday,
time have
as

and risen
an

all the
on

who of

from

this

sordid world
upon
or

and given themselves self,

offering

the altars of their

their honour love, their religion,

their country !
It

was

finished.
was

Now
come.

let her

rest
a

while

she

could,
soon

seeingwhat
and
all that

to

With

sigh for

all that was,

might have been, Beatrice laydown

a

and

sleptsweetly as

child.

CHAPTER
THE

XXVII.
OF

HOUSE

COMMONS.

Next
For But

day was Sunday. Beatrice one thing,she feared to see

she took her

did

not

go to church.

Owen
as

Davies

there.

Sunday school
how how

class kind

usual, and

long

did the children remember with them

that

day, and

she was patient she told them beautifully and

went

of long ago, who the story of the Jewishgirl to die for the sake of her father's oath.

forth

Nearly all
in late afternoon
canoe.

the

rest

of the
we

day

and

evening she spent

in time
"

that writing

which she

shall read
out

only
she

in the her
at

went

for

little while
also
:

in

Another

thingBeatrice
her the assistant,

did head

called

the told

lodgingof
her it
was

school

and teacher,

be in her that she would not possible place on the Tuesday (Monday was, as it chanced, a If anybody inquired as to her absence, perhaps holiday). she would kindlytell them that Miss Granger had an day appointment to keep, and had taken a morning'sholiin order
to

do The

so.

She

should, however, be back

not

that afternoon.

teacher assented without

take
a

remarking that if Beatrice could she was she did not sure holiday, Next morning theybreakfasted

suspicion, morning's
Mr.

know very

who

could.

because early,

264

i""^

TRICE.
to

Granger and Elizabeth

sat

had

catch

the train.

Beatrice

her calm through the meal in silence, eyes looking before her, and the others, straight gazingon them, and
at

the

lovely ins-crutable face, felt

into their hearts.
That
was

an

indefinable
woman mean

fear
to

creep

What

did

this

do ?

the each

questionthey asked
other. That she meant
was

of

themselves,
to

though not of they were

every

do

thing someon

sure,

for there

purpose

written

hne of her cold face.

and making pretence to as Suddenly, theysat thinking, into Beatrice's heart, eat, a thoughtflashed like an arrow and pierced it. This was the last meal that they could
ever ever

take
see

this together,

was

the last time

that she could For her

her father's and

"

her sister's faces.

are some

sister,

it might pass well,

a woman

for there
can

like Beatrice
her father.

never

which even tilings quiteforgive but she

"

loved

simple avarice and her by long and wonderingcontemplation. Besides,he

was

his his very faults, even had become endeared to self-seeking She loved

her father ; he gave And she should

her the life she

never see

was

about
Not

to cast
on

away.
account set

him

more.

that
now

did she hesitate in her purpose, in her mind, like Bryngelly Castle on
to

which
its

was

rock,but

at

the

thought tears rushed unbidden to an Just then breakfast came

the
room

her eyes.

end, and
before

Elizabeth

hurried from

to

fetch her bonnet.

"

"Father," said Beatrice, if you

should
you
"
"

can

like to hear you say you do not what was false about that story."
eh !
"

you go, I believe that I told

Eh,
at

answered
we

the

old say

man

nervously,

"

thought that
matter
"

had

agreed to
like to hear think

nothing about
say father. it,

the

present."
you It should
never

Yes, but I should

me

cuts

that you

that I would you

lie to you, for

what
was

in my
true

life I have
she

told wilfully her hands

not

;" and

clasped

about

his arm,

and

looked
He

into his face.

gazed at her doubtfully.Was

was

it possible that after

; it was
not

all she

the speaking

truth ?

No

possible.

THE
"

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS. I blame cornered

265
you
rat

that he said"" not Beatrice," can't, for tryingto defend yourself;a overmuch will show fight."

May you never regret those words," she said ; "and and she kissed him on the forehead. now good-bye," At this moment Elizabeth entered,sayingthat it was
"

and time to start,

"

he did not

return

the kiss.

out said Beatrice, stretching Good-bye, Elizabeth,"

her hand.
another
to the

But
moment

Elizabeth

affected gone. them

not

to

see

and it,

in

they
watched she

were

She

followed

them down

gate and
Then

till they vanished

the road.
to

returned,her
no

heart strained almost

bursting.But
Thus

she wept
a

tear.

did Beatrice bid

last farewell to her father and

her sister.
"

said Elizabeth,"
"

Mr.

Granger,as they drew

near

to the

station,
There
was

am

not
a

easy in my

thoughtsabout
; it
"

Beatrice.
in

such

strange look in her eyes

I have

short,

it frightens me.
and go

half

mind

to

"As

back," and he stopped upon said Elizabeth with you like,"

after herself." the God
who made

give up Hereford, the road, hesitating.

a

sneer,

"but

should
to look
"

think that Beatrice is bigenough and

bad

enough
man

Before

us," said the old

with his you
are

the ground and striking furiously, be

stick,
woman

bad, but

she is not
a

so

bad

as

who
a

she may betrayedher.

"

If Beatrice is and
see

Magdalene,
hate

you

I believe that you

her,and They
started
on

would

Judas ; be glad to

her dead." Elizabeth

made her
no answer. were

nearing the

for station,
were never

father

had But It

people about. forgotthe look.

nor silence,

she
was

looked

again,and there he at him, and

to

quiteenough
matter

chill him
more.

into

did he allude to the

any

they were preparations.Her

and catch
a

When

Beatrice gone, wild purpose was

set

about

her

own

to travel to

London,
House

Commons,

face glimpseof Geoffrey's if possible, and then return.

in the She

of her

put

on

266

BE

TRICE.

best dress ; the latter was made very plainly of simple grey cloth,but on her it looked well enough, bonnet
and and had in the breast written
some on

of it she

thrust

the A

letter which small

she

the

previous day.
and
a

with
a

sandwiches
up

brush

and

comb

hand-bag, in it, and

cloak, made
The

the total of her

which train,
to

did
was

not
an

luggage. left Coed stop at Bryngelly,

and
a

at

ten, and
be

Coed

hour

half's walk. have

to

She

must

absent
account

Of starting. and for the night,

for her

course,

she

would

be
to

she
to

was

sorelypuzzledhow
servant
so

absence
there
was

the Betty,
no

girl \
to

the

others
else.

beinggone
But here

need

to do

anybody
she
was

fortune
over,

befriended
who

her.
come

While

the matter thinking herself, crying. She who littlesister,

ten

should

in but

Betty
her

had

that just heard, she said,

at a

lived with their mother had

about village
and She

miles away,

been
she
on

knocked
go home
morrow,

down for

badly hurt.
could could
come

Might
back

by a cart the night ?

Miss

the

and

Beatrice

get somebody

Beatrice

sleepif she was lonesome. demurred, and consented, and sympathised,

at once.

in to

Betty started
locked up
on

As

soon

as

she in

was

gone,

Beatrice

the

house, put
she

the

key
a

her

pocket, and
saw

started
the

her five miles' tramp.

Nobody
path
at

her leave
of the

house, and
that

passed by

the

back

so village,

Coed
was

Station

nobody saw her on the road. Reaching quiteunobserved,and justbefore the train
let down her she and veil,
was

due, she
to

took

third-class
her

ticket
stock
to

London.
was

This
very

obligedto do, for

of money

small ; it

amounted, altogether,

of which the fare to London and shillings, thirty-six her twenty-eight and fourpence. back would cost In another minute she had entered an empty carriage, and the train had reached

steamed

away.

She

Paddington
Then she

about

and eight that night,

on some

going to
bread and
her

the refreshment butter.

room,

dined

tea

and

washed

her

hands, brushed before,and

as

and hair,

started.
never

Beatrice

had

been

in London

THE

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS. rush

267
and
roar

soon

as

she

left the hold

to

station the
of

of

the Her

huge city took

idea
was

her, and

confused

her.
at

to

walk

the Houses

of Parliament

minster. West-

She because there, had

would, she thought,be sure to see Geoffrey she had bought a daily paper in which she
was

read that he
on

to be

one

of the

in speakers

great

debate
to
a

the Irish thac

close
to

which was to be brought Question, night. She had been told by a friendly
Street till she reached
on

porter

follow Praed
to

the

Edgware
ask

Road, then

walk

to

the

Marble

Arch, and
Road.

again.
"

Beatrice followed the firstpart of this programme

as

that it was

she walked is, that confusion

a juncture,

far

as

the

Edgware
a man

Then

seized
coarse

her and

she stood
came

hesitating.

At made
woman

this

brute of
her. It
was

some

remark

to to

up and for a impossible of London

like Beatrice
at

walk alone

in the streets

without night, from

runningthe
a

risk of such attentiofis. him

say

him, and as somethingabout her beauty to

turned
to where

She

she did so, heard fellow Arcadian.

Close
went to

she

was

stood the

two

hansom

cabs. much

She

the first and

asked

driver for how

of Commons. answered.

he would

take her to the House "Two

bob, miss,"he
her

Beatrice shook
was

head, and
so

turned
on

to go

again.
must

She

afraid
to

back

spend Bryngelly.
to

much

cabs,for

she

get
the

"I'll take

yer for

miss," called eighteenpence,

offer she
was

out

other

driver.

This

about

to

accept when
yer
a

the first man

"

interposed.
my fare

You

leave
a

alone,will yer
am,

Tell

what,
bob."

miss, I'm
She

gentleman, I

and

I'll take yer for Then

came an a

smiled and

entered the cab.

a

whirl of

and in thoroughfares, great gas-lit

quarter of
and

hour

they

pulledup
cabman
more

at the entrance

to the House.

Beatrice

paidthe

his

thanked shilling,

him,
with
a

entered,only once

to find herself confused

vision of white statues,

marble
An

and floors, high archingroofs,

hurryingpeople.
what she

automatic

policeman asked
that she wished

her
to

wanted.

Beatrice answered

get into the House.

268
"

BE

A TRICE.

Pass

this way

then, miss
a

"

pass

this

way," said

the

automatic

ofificerin

voice

of

brass.

She

found herseli" in a passed,and finally crowd of people of all sorts seedy political touts, Irish and hurrying side of the lobby At one priests press-men. were more policemen and messengers, who were tinually con"

passed,and a lobby, among

cards into the House, then returning and taking she drifted towards out names. these calling Insensibly policemen. Ladies' miss ? said a voice ; Gallery, your order,
"
"

"

please, though
Here She
"

I think

it'sfull." had
no

was no

fresh

Beatrice complication.
one
was

order.

had

idea that

necessary. said

I haven't

got
I

an

order," she
have
one.

faintly.
I
not

*'

I did

not

know
"

that

must

Can

get in

without ?
"

Most

its owner,

the voice, while miss," answered certainly tiof, surveyed her with a cold suspecting dynamite, "Now grey make way, make way, with filled tears, as

official eye. Beatrice's go and

please."
she turned
was

eyes in bitterness of heart. that which would

to

So all her labour done

must

in vain, without
was so

be

be done
sorrow

the mute

farewell she mattered

sought. Well, when

a

much, what
but
of
not

littlemore
certain eye for

? rather

She

turned

to

go,

unobserved.
an

Parliament,with

youthfulMember had beauty in distress,

close to her,talking The to a constituent. standing constituent had departedto wherever constituents go and many if asked,would cheerfully representatives, point out a locality suitable to the genus, at least in their judgment
" "

been

and

the member
eyes
to

had

overheard
tears.

the

conversation
a

and
woman

seen

Beatrice's
!
"

fillwith

"What

lovely

he had

should
as

have member

he himself,and then if, done, namely, lifted his hat and inquired
of the

said

did what

House, he could

be of any

service
she
was

to

her.

Beatrice

and listened,
to

explainedthat

anxious particularly
*'

get into the Ladies' Gallery.

I think that I

can

for happens a lady,

help you, then,"he sai-d. "As it whom has telegraphed I got an order,

THE

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS.

269
me

to say that she cannot

come.

Will you
name

follow

Might
first

I ask you
"

to

giveme

your

"

Mrs.
came

Everston," answered
into her head. The

Beatrice, takingthe
member looked
a

that

little

disappointed.He had vaguely hoped that this lovely could creature was unappropriated.Surelyher marriage
not

be Then

or satisfactory, came more

she would

not

look

so

sad.

stairs and
found

passages, herself in

and
a

formalities,
cage, of birdof
"

till presently Beatrice crowded

"

kind

to
"

suffocation with every

I
am

sort

lady.
her

I'm

afraid

very

much

afraid
mass

began

new-found
But
at

the friend, surveying that moment, forced where

a

with

stout to

ladyin front
Beatrice
and

dismay. faint feeling

almost
was

with the heat,was before in her

she
was

leave the
was,

and Gallery,

she

knew Her

she

installed

place.
about

friend had

bowed

vanished,and
never

left to all purposes

alone, for she

some

heeded
at

those hard who

her, though

of her

them and

looked

her

enough, wondering at
she

form

beauty, and
House,
a

might be.
cast
a

She and
saw

her

eye

down

over

the

crowded

vision of
:

tumult

of sounds

heard and and legs, hats,collars, the sharp voice of a speaker who was

ment of the Governhis temper, the plaudits rapidlylosing from the Opposition benches, the interruptions
"

yes,

her that reminded and hoots, and noises, yells, Possiblyhad she remotely of the crowing of cocks. have been not greatly thought of it,Beatrice would
even

impressedwith
of which
manners,
so

the

of dignity

an

at assembly,

the doors

many

of its members
overcoats

seemed

to leave

their
even

with their

and
a

sticks ; it

might

have But the and

suggestedthe
she

idea of

bear

garden
it.
to

to

her mind. searched

one

simply did not think about House keenly enough, but it was one only Ah ! there he was.
"

She find

face,

And the

now

the

House

of Commons take with

might
it the

vanish into
House of

bottomless

abyss,and
miss them.

Lords, and what remiained

she should
never

of the British

For, at

and Constitution, the best of times,

270

BEATRICE.

Beatrice

"

in

common

with

most

of her

sex

"

in all

tude grati-

be it
There

said,was not an Geoffrey sat, his

her
own

ardent
arms

politician.
folded
"

the hat
see come so seem

pushed
his face.
so

from slightly There

to
was

his forehead, so that she could

beloved,whom
to-morrow

she had dare

not

far
to

see, and

whom sad

she would
"

much
to

save.

How

he

looked

he
was

did

be

payingmuch
well

attention to what
that he
as was

going on.

She

knew feel she

enough
not

of thinking often

her ; she could But

it in her head
dared
once

she

had

felt it before.

in answer, for,if to him go out also that he would she did so, she knew discover her. sat, and fed her eyes

let her mind

So

she

farewell of

while round it,

went

his face, takingher upon her, and beneath her,the hum

of the House
as

on,

as a

ever summer

present and
noon.

as

unnoticed

the hum

of bees

upon

Presentlythe gentleman
sat

who
to

had

been

so

kind

down

in

the

next

seat

Geoffrey, and

her, began to
to

twice or whisper to him, as he did so glancingonce behind She guessed which she was. towards the grating the story of the lady who was him that he was telling so unaccountablyanxious to hear the debate, and how

prettyshe much, and

be
to

was.

But

it did
was

not

seem

to interest
to

Beatrice it.
In

feminine

enough

Geoffrey and notice it,

did
not

glad of
think

her

she gentlejealousy,

like of

of

as Geoffrey being interested

in

accounts

however ladies, mysterious pretty. she understood At length a speaker rose

"

from
one

the

murmur

of

those

around

her

that

he

was a

of the

leaders of the

and Opposition, She noticed

commenced

and powerful himself

bitter speech.
at

that

Geoffrey roused
attention.
near

this
*'

and began to point,

one

listen with

Look," said
is

of the

ladies

her,

"

Mr.

ham Bing"

he is going to speak next He taking notes. They say that he is as speakswonderfully, you know. good as anybody in the House, except Gladstone, and Lord
"

Randolph."
Oh
!"

answered
?

another I don't
see

lady.
her."

"

Lady Honoria

is

not

here,is she

THE
"

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS.

271

so

the first; No," replied handsome too" just the think

not

"

she

is

a a

dear

creature, and
"

wife for much

"

man rising

but I

don't Are At

that

she

takes

interest

in

poUtics.
sition Oppoan

her dinners
a

charming ?

this moment, benches

volleyof applause
the murmured for about

from

the

drowned

conversation.
of three-quarters

This

speaker spoke
then
at
rose

hour, and
other gave He
to

last
at

members
way.

One or two Geoffrey stood up. the same time,but ultimately they
somewhat
was

began slowly
"

and

tamely,as it seemed
"

whose Beatrice, been then

heart

in her mouth
five
most

but when
warmed

he up.

had And

speakingfor about of the began one

that Parliament.

minutes,he
remarkable

oratorical

Geoffrey had spoken well but perhaps he never before,and would speak well again, spoke so well as he did upon that night. For nearlyan in chains, even half he held hour and the House a
of displays the hoots and

died interruptions His

away

towards

the end

of his oration.

to tower powerful presence seemed in the place, and his like that of a giant among pigmies, dark, handsome face, lit with the fires of eloquence, shone with a slight like a lamp. He leaned forward himself, stoop of his broad shoulders, and addressed nominallyto the Speaker, but reallyto the Opposition.

He

took

their facts

one

by

one,

and

with

convincing

that they were facts ; amid a hiss of no logicshowed he pulverised their arguments and demonstrated anger Then their motives. suddenly he dropped them altoat large, gether,and addressinghimself to the House and the country beyond the House, he struck another of patriotic note, and broke out into that storm eloquence his growing reputation, both in Parliament which confirmed and in the constituencies. her eyes from and

Beatrice shut voice

as

listened

to

the power

deep,rich
to power,

it

rose

and to height height full of

till the

whole sound

place seemed
was

it,and
would

every

tending con-

hushed.
an

Suddenly, after

invocation

that

have

been

272

BE

TRICE.

had passionate

it

not

been

so

restrained and

strong,he

stopped.

opened her eyes and looked. Geoffrey was seated as before, with his hat on. He had been speaking hour and a half, and yet, to her, it seemed for an but a
minutes since he
rose.

She

few

Then
a

broke
leader

out

volleyof

cheers, in the midst

rose

of which

of the

tion Opposi-

in the very best of tempers, for not reply, speech had hit them hard. Geoffrey's He began, however, by complimentingthe honourable member his speech, fine a speech as he had on as
to
"

listened
from
a

to

for many

mistaken
Then

made though,unfortunately, and the wrong side of the standpoint

years, he

House."

twitted

the

Government

with

not

so having secured the services of a man than the majorityof their items,"and deal of amusement with by stating,
"

abler infinitely excited

some a

good

sarcastic

be his lot to occupy the humour, that,should it ever front Treasury bench, he should certainly make a certain member. After this goodproposal to the honourable
natured of the he badinage, questionunder

drifted off into the

and discussion,

consideration

Beatrice

further attention to

him, but
into the which

occupiedherself in
same

paid no watching
of cold had

drop back Geoffrey from indifference,

aroused him.

apparent

state

the

of necessity

action

Presentlythe gentleman who had found her the seat came spoke to her, askingher how she was up and he began to speak of Geoffrey's on. getting Very soon that it was of the most brilliant of the speech,saying one if not the most brilliant. session,
"

Then

Mr.

Bingham
I should

is

rising man,

suppose

"

Beatrice said.
"

Rising?

think

so," he answered.
on

"

They

will get him

into the

Government

after this ; he's too have

come

good

first tunity opporto neglect.Very few men the

to

the fore like Mr. if

Bingham.
not

We
a mess

call him of his

reason

the comet, and chances

only he
be

does

make

there by doing somethingfoolish,

not

is
a

no

why he should

Attorney-General in

few

years."

THE
"

HOUSE

OF

COMMONS.
"

273

foolish ? she asked. Why should he do anything " that I know of; only, as I on earth, Oh, for no reason of this sort are very apt men daresay you have noticed,
to do

ridiculous

throw things,

up

their career,
or

get into

pubUc scandal,run
Not Mr. and

away that there should be

with
any

somebody
fear of such he has
a

Bingham
they say
back

is

concerned, for
a

something. where a thing charming wife,

Why, there great help to him. is the division bell. Good-bye, Mrs. Everston, I will
that she is
"

come

you out." Beatrice answered," and Good-bye,"

to
see

in case
you

I should

miss you, I wish to say

something
"

to

thank

kindness
have
am

in
me

me helping a

done
most

get in here and I a very great service, great service,

to
"

for your to-night.You

to you." grateful he answered. It is nothing nothing," with he added to help you. If," pleasure
"
"

It has been
some fusion, con-

"you would pleasure would be

allow all the if you

me

to

call

some

greater. I will
like
to

day, the bring Mr.

him
"

Bingham
if I is,

with me,

would

know

that

can." her "I

am

Beatrice shook

head.

"

cannot," she answered,

a

sadly. smiling
and In another

going
return
was

on

long journey

morrow, to-

I shall not

here.

gone, more than he had about this fair unknown

second

he

Good-bye." piqued and

been

terested in-

about

any she

woman so

could she be ? and why was Who for years. anxious to hear the debate ? There was a mystery
to solve

in itsomewhere, and he determined Meanwhile members

and cheers, Government and
saw

it if he could.

the division took

flocked
counter
was

the presently Ministerial back, and amidst ringing of the cheers,the victory Opposition and place, Then
came

announced.

malities, the usual for-

the members

began to
and

melt away.

Beatrice
of the and she

the leader of the House

to

several members
his

go up congratulate him. turned and

Government

Geoffrey,shake
with
one

hand,
of

Then,
to

long look,
moment
so

went,

leaving him

in the

his

that triumph,

seemed

interest him

but which little,

18

274

BE

A TRICE. at heart

made

Beatrice

more

proud
to

than

if she had

been

declared

empress well

of the world. love

a man
"

Oh, it was
to
tower
over

like
and

a that,

man

born
!

his fellow

men

well

to

die for him

Could
a

she let her miserable his should be ?

"

existence

interfere with such ! There

life as
no
"

Never, never
on

should

be

publicscandal
her veil

her account.

She from

drew

over

her

face,and
was

inquiredthe

way

the House.

Presentlyshe
in the shadow of the

the gateways, and

of

By one of its pillars, she stopped,

outside.
stream
once

watching the

members
were

House

past her.
or

Many of them she caught the

such words
as

and talking together, of

twice

sound
"

Geoffrey'sname, coupled with splendidspeech," and other terms of

on," said
a

admiration.
"

Move

on,

move

policemanto
at

her.

her

Beatrice veil,

turned
on

and

looked

him, and

Lifting muttering

himself, leavingher in peace. Presentlyshe saw Geoffrey and the gentleman who had been so kind to her walkingalong together. They came through the gateway ; the lappetof his coat brushed her
moved
arm,

something he

and

he

never

saw

her.

Closer she crouched

Within

against
six feet the she

the

pillar, hidingherself

in its shadow.

of her match loved took

of Geoffreystopped and lita cigar. The light his face,that dark, strong face flared upon
so

well.

How

tired he

looked.

A and

great

longing
to

of possession

her to step forward herself almost

speak

him,

but she restrained

Her "Such clearest But she

friend
a

was

speakingto

by force. him, and about

was

her. the
saw.

lovely woman,"
most

he

"with sayirJg,
that I
ever

and has

gone

beautiful grey like a dream.

eyes

I can't find her

where. any-

It is a most "You
are

mysterious business." in love, Tom," answered falling

threw away
an

Geoffrey
walked
on.

as absently,
"

he

the

match

and

Don't

do

that ; it is

unhappy thing to
! she would

do,"

and

he

sighed. He was going!

him
more!

Oh, heaven
A cold

never,

never

see

horror

seized upon

Beatrice;

THE

HOUSE
to

OF

COMMONS. She

27$
so

her that

blood
she

seemed could

stagnate.

trembled

much

Leaning forward, she scarcelystand. that even the looked after him, with such a face of woe him of his forbearance, and who had repented policem.an,
was

to returning
men

send

two

had

gone

her away, about ten

to

stood

astonished.

The

yards,when
back.

something
His
eye fell

induced

Beatrice's friend

look

now face, agony-stricken upon the white, of the gas lamp.

in the full glare

her for Then
went
a

Beatrice
"

saw

him

turn, and
"

understood

danger.
second

Geoffrey! Oh, good-bye,

she had

she

murmured,

her heart '..llowing what The

"

to go forth

towards him.

and done, she dropped her veil,

"

realising swiftly.
name

gentleman called
for
a

Tom"

"

she

never

learnt his

stood

moment

dumbfounded,

and

at that instant

had been struck by a as though he Geoffreystaggered, turned quite white,and halted. shot, " Why," said his companion,"there is that ladyagain;
we

must

have

passedquiteclose
saw

to

her.
"

She

was

ing lookI
never

after us, I
want to see

her face in the

gaslightand
"Where
"

such another." him

seized Geoffrey he asked, " and

"

by
was

the

arm.

is she?"

what
a

she like ?

She
"

was

there

second

but I've lost her pillar, but the railway station, her ? and he pointed to a tall person walkingtowards the Abbey. her,but the result Quickly they moved to intercept and they retreated hastily from the not satisfactory, was of their attentions. object the entrance Meanwhile Beatrice found herself opposite ing to the Westminster BridgeStation. A hansom was stand"

to the ago,"he said, pointing towards I fancy she went now I could not see. Stop, is that

"

there ; she

got into it and told the

man

to

drive

to

Paddington.
had retraced their steps she was pair gone. "She has vanished again," said "Tom," and went on to of her to Geoffrey. Of her dress give a description taken little note. It might be he had unfortunately
Before the
18"2

276
one

BE of

TRICE. It seemed

Beatrice's, or
to

it

might
name

not.

almost

inconceivable
about

Geoffreythat
under the could have

she should of Mrs.

sworn
"

be

masquerading
And
! folly

London,
and

Everston.

yet

"

yet

"

he

but it was

Suddenly
hansom.

he

bade

his friend

and good-night, the

"

took

"The
as

mystery

thickens,"said
drive away. what it all

astonished

"Tom,"
hundred woman's
an

he watched
to

him

I would

give a
! that of

pounds
face
"

find out
me.

means.

Oh

it haunts

It looked Heaven." any

more

like the face

angel bidding farewell

But he
never

to

did find
of

out

about she bade

it, though
her
mute

the

despairing eyes
reflected

Beatrice,as
haunt his

farewell,stillsometimes

sleep.

Geoffrey
line in

and ridiculous,
answer

whole thing was rapidly. The possible. Beyond that brief yet it was his
he he letter,
was

to

had

heard hear

nothing from
from her before she
were

Beatrice.

Indeed
further where money,

waitingto
But
even

taking any
in

step.
v/as

supposing
He

London,
had
no

he to look

for her ?
not

knew

that It

she

she
was

could
a

stay there

long.

occurred about

to him

there

train

leavingEuston

for Wales

four

in the

might

be in town,
to

that she morning. It was just possible and returning by this train. He told Euston

the cabman

drive to

Station,and

on

arrival,
tory satisfac-

closelyquestioned a
results. Then he

sleepy porter, but without

the station ; there
; he
sat
a were

searched
He for

no as

traces

of

Beatrice. and waited

to

did
an

more

down,
three

weary

he

was,

hour

and
were

half,tillit was
but

time

for the

train
none
"

start.

There

passengers,

and

of them
It is very away.

in the least resembled

Beatrice.
to

strange," Geoffrey said

"

himself,as
I felt her

he sence pre-

walked

I could

have

sworn

that have

justfor
This
is what The

one

second.
of occult

It must

been

nonsense.

comes

and influences,

that kind

of

thing.

occult

is

nuisance."
to

If he had

only gone

Paddington !

WILL

WAIT

FOR

YOU.

277

CHAPTER

XXVIII.

WILL

WAIT

FOR

YO.U.

and as she drove, Paddington, though her face did not change from its marble cast of the great tears rolled down one it, woe by one. the deserted-looking and she station, They reached out of her few remainingshillings paid the man seeing
Beatrice

drove

back

to

"

that she
crown.

was

stranger, he insisted upon

found
her way
to

half-areceiving
stare

the astonished Then, disregarding

of

the and

nightporter,she
sat

the

waiting room,
her
not

down.
some

First she took the letter from lines

to

and breast,

added

it in

but pencil, did

so

she did

post it

yet ; she knew

too

that if she Then

it would

tination reach its desback

"

soon.

she laid her head

against
her last all.

the

wall,and
thus

outworn, utterly Beatrice waited

and

dropped
the and

sleep upon
And

this earth,before

sleep sleepof longest

to
at

slept at Paddington,
Euston. cloud of
sorrow,

while her lover waited

At five she

watched the
come,

woke, and
and her
to

heavy
rushed

past, present
heart. could. deserted watched last

in
as

upon

her she

Taking
Then

she

bag,she made stepped outside

a finding over

herself
the

tidyas
the It

station into the

street, and
the
sun

space

between
world.

houses,
was

rise

the

waking

her

Beatrice remembered. sunrise,

came

She

back

filled with such

a woman

thoughts as might well

to
was

strike the heart of

had

about bar

do

the open

thing she
now,
some

decreed.
went to

The

refreshment

and

she
and

and it, Then

boughta
she

cup

of coffee and her

bread

butter.

took

ticket,not
on

to

Brynless

gelly or to Coed, but to and three miles Bryngelly,

risk of

the from The

station
it. She

this side of
run

would

being noticed
her
scat

there.

train
it was

was

shunted

up;'

an early starting, Just as along, yawning. Beatrice bought boy came newspaper and of the Standard^ out of the one a copy threepence

she took

in it.

278
that
was

BEATRICE. left of her money, and

opened
The

it

at

the sheet

the leadingarticles. containing

"

first

one

began,
eloquent
for effect
an

The

most

powerful, closelyreasoned, and

last

speechmade
on

nightby Mr. Bingham, the

feel

Member

we Pillham,will,

certain, produce
in the

as

great

the

country

as

it did

House

of Commons.
as a

We

welcome

it,not
to the

only on

account

of its value

contribution
a

of polemics what

positive proofof
of
a

the Unionist

party has
very and

but as Question, has alreadybeen suspected, that in Mr. Bingham a young man statesthe Irish

remarkable
as

high order rapid success

often the

indeed,
at

and

one

whom
not

the Bar

has

pered, hamless

is

too

case,

in the

largerand
with
a

technical field of
And
so on.

politics."
down

Beatrice put the paper

was

smile

of

triumph. Geoffrey'ssuccess

the

questioned. splendidand unDuring all Nothing could stop him now. juring long journey she pleased her imagination by conafter picture of that great future of his, up picture

in which
not

she would
;

have she
was

no

share.
sure

And

yet he would
Her shadow

forget her
go with
at

of
to

this.

would and
have

him he

from

year

times

might think
she be

to the end, year, even how proud she would to

been

could
not

present

record

his

triumphs.
the

"Alas ! she did

can

remember

that when the the

sun

all is lost which has

make

life

spirit gone
our

when beautiful, of the day, out

can

set,and

poor for

littlevictories been.

but

ill atone
and

of garishlights that the glories

are

plants which can only flourish under fair conditions. They of a pall, will not thrive beneath the gloom and shadow the heart is dead no however and when triumphs, did, splenand no rewards,however great,can compensate for
have
content

Happiness

frail

the poor

utter

and

irredeemable

loss.

She

never

guessed,
to

that time upon time, in the long years girl, have laid his honours down Geoffreywould gladly for
one

be,

in payment

month
was

of her

dear

and

unforgotten sence. prenot

She
man

too

unselfish ; she did woman's

think took

that
an

could

thus

a prize

love,and

it for

WILL

WAIT in life

FOR

YOU.

279 real had

axiom
"

that
to

to

succeed

was a

his

one

thing

which

so

divine
It
was

giftas
cast

she

object given

Geoffreyis as nothing.
her lover's
career

before

this

that Beatrice would

Juggernaut of down her life,

the and
success,

little knowing that which

he

thereby she
so

must

turn

alreadyheld Geoffrey.
have Now
She

cheap,to bitterness
out

ashes.

At Chester

Beatrice got

of the train and

not
too

posted her
because
all
was

letter to it

would

do
soon

so
"

before
before
to

might

reached

him be

finished ! House
order.

it would

delivered been

him

in the its

after

had everything
at the
ever

accomplishedin
she them
on

She looked

letter ; it was, pass

to

thought,the
this she her

last token earth. touched

that could she

between
her then
was

Once

it' with
recall. And
even

pressed it and her lips,

was as

heart, once
put it from
no

beyond
now.

It

done she

; there

going back
came

stood

the

postman
he

and whistling,
contents

opening the
canvas

box

carelesslyswept
Could
have have
no

up, its

into his

bag.
he would

known
more

what
that

lay among

them

whistled

day.
continued
the her

Beatrice arrived There

journey,and by
tliat day, and

three o'clock
to

safely at
was a

little station next

fair at Coed

many

Bryngelly. people of
she the looking

the peasant class got in here.

gave other up her ticket
to
a

Amidst

the confusion
was

small

boy, who

by

way at the time,and escaped without being noticed soul. Indeed, things so happened that nobody
ever neighbourhoodof Bryngelly

in the

knew those

that Beatrice dreadful

had

been

to

London

and

back

upon

days.
Beatrice walked
the door of the and along the cliff, in
an

hour

was

at

from Vicarage, She

which

she seemed

to have

been away
he and

for years.
was a

unlocked

it and

entered.

In

the letter-box

from post-card

her father

that stating

changed their plans and would not be back tillthe train which arrived at half-past eighton she thought. the following morning. So much the better,
Elizabeth had Then she
the disarranged clothes upon her bed
to

make

28o

BEATRICE.
as

it

seem

though it
took
some

had
on

been
to

and put the kettle fire,

sleptin,lit the kitchen it was and as soon as boil,

She wanted all her nerve,

ready she
and

food. be

kept up without food. Shortlyafter this the girlBetty returned, and

that could
not

went

about

her

duties in the
had
was

house from

quite unconscious
it for the
whole
answer

that

Beatrice
Her

been

away

night.
to

sister

much

better,she
what

said,in
it was

Beatrice's
When
"

inquiries.
eaten to

she had
went

she could

"

not

much

Beatrice put
on

her room,

undressed

herself, bathed,
she unbound upon her

and

clean,fresh things. Then

did it up in
a

and lovelyhair, It
was a

coronet

her

head.

fashion that she did

much

took
a

too

time, but

on

adopt, because it this day,of all days, she had

not

often

strange fancy to look her best.

like this on
she
on once

Also

her hair had

been
her.

done Next
worn

the afternoon
more

when

Geoffreyfirstmet

put

on

the grey dress which

she had

journey to London, and takingthe silver Roman ringthat Geoffrey had givenher from the string the it about her neck, placed it on by which she wore
her

third

of finger

her left hand.

All this

being done,
asked

Beatrice
went

visited the
further

kitchen

and

ordered

the supper.

She

in her
would

innocent

cunning. Betty
and breakfast,

her
to

what

she
some

like for
to

she told her she cut

one as it,

cook

bacon, and

be careful how

she did not

at

like thick bacon.

Then,

after

long

last look

the

Vicarage,she
of the

started for the

lodgingof the head as and, havingfound her, inquired

to

teacher
to

school,

the

work. day's
in the school. taken mined deterclass her

mined Further, Beatrice told her assistant that she had deteralter the
course

of certain lessons class had

The

Wednesday arithmetic
the grammar
to

hitherto been she had

before

class.

On

the

morrow

change
the
so

this ; she would

take the grammar

at

ten

and for

arithmetic

class at teacher

eleven, and

gave

reasons

doing. The
to

and Beatrice assented,

She good-night. felt indebted

shook hands with her and have wished

say how

bade much

her

would
to

she

her

WILL

WAIT

FOR

YOU. do

281

help in the school, but did not like to in the light of pending events, the lest, fearing might be viewed with suspicion. the only lies she ever these were Poor Beatrice,
for her
She left the
to
was

so,

remark

told !
to

teacher's and

and lodgings, sit there

was was

about

go

down
she

the
met

beach

till it

time, when child, Jane

by

the father of the poor

crazed

Llewellyn.
"

he said, " Oh, Miss Beatrice,"

are

I have

been

looking
Poor

for you everywhere. We and Jane is in a ravingfit,

and and
matter

in sad

miss. trouble,

the
see

doctor

says

if you can of lifeand death,the doctor

about hell and that, talking she's dying. Can you come, miss, It's a do anythingto quiet her?
says, miss." of life and death

Beatrice smiled in the air. able

to
"

sadly; matters will come," she said,"

were

but I shall not

be

stay long."
could she better the
a

How She

spend her
man

last hour

? The poor

accompanied

to

his cottage.

dressed only in child,

and

was raving furiously, night-shirt, nor exhaustion,

in evidently
or

the last stage of do

could

the doctor
"

her mother

Don't

you the

"

there's

anythingto quiether. to the wall, see,"she screamed, pointing Devil waitingfor me ? And, oh, there's
the hold

the mouth

of hell where me, hold me, up to

minister
me

said I should

go !

Oh, hold

"

Beatrice walked

hands her, took the thin little

"

in

in the eyes. hers,and looked her fixedly " Jane," she said. " Jane, don't you know " Yes, Miss Granger," she said,*' I know I will say it presently." Beatrice took her in her

me

the

lesson ;

arms,

and

sat

down

on

the

suddenlyan Quieter and quieter grew the child till her face. awful change passed over " She is dying," whispered the doctor. whose close ! said the child, hold me Hold me close,
bed.
" "

senses

returned

before the last

eclipse. Oh,
I
am

"

Miss

ger, Gran-

I shan't go to
"

shall I ? hell,

afraid of hell."

No, love,no

; you

will go

to

heaven."

282

BEATRICE. Then the palelips seeing move,

awhile. Jane laystill

Beatrice put her

"

ear

to

the child's mouth.

me

Will you
to

come

with

"

she

murmured

"

am

afraid
And

go alone." Beatrice,her

the on great grey eyes fixed steadily

so
:

closing eyes beneath,whispered back soul could hear except the dyingchild
"

that

no

other

Yes, I will

come

presently." But

Jane

heard

and

understood.
"

Promise," said the child.

Beatrice answered Yes, I promise," " whisper. Sleep, dear, sleep;
soon." the in the I will
same

"

audible in-

join you
"

very

And

child looked

up,

shivered, smiled

and

slept.
Beatrice gave
her way.
"

it back
a

to

the

weeping parents and

"

went
to

What

said creature," splendid

after her. She

the doctor

himself
and

as

he looked

has eyes like A

Fate,

the face of Motherhood I

saw

Incarnate.

great woman,
women." old

if ever

one,

but different from

made her

other
to
was

Meanwhile boat-shed.
and
were

Beatrice
As
on

way

Edward's

she the

expected,there
beach. Old
rest of

nobody there,
and his
son

nobody
at

Edward

tea, with the

and
at

Bryngelly. They
the boat-house. There
were no

would

come

back
She the

after dark looked

lock up the
sea.

waves, there
was

but
a

breeze

freshened

every the

minute, and
The

long slow
away. The the end

swell upon the

water.

rollers would

be

runningbeyond
tide
was

shelter of Rumball

Point,five miles
ten

high;

it mounted

to

within

of the boat-house.
out

She

opened
door

the

yards of door, and

her.
woman.

dragged
The

her canoe,
was

the closing she

one was

again after
a

craft
to
are

and light,

strong for
down

Close which
water.

the boat-house
common

of the timber
ran places,

breakwaters,
into the
then

at

sea-side
the
canoe

She

dragged
the

to

its
was

side,and
afloat. hold

pushed it down mounting on

the beach

tillits bow

Next,
of the

breakwater,she

caught

WILL

WAIT

FOR

YOU. the
was

2S3
timber

little chain in the with baulks,pulled afloat.

waves

bow, and

walking along
canoe

all her force tillthe

quite

On

she

went,

dragging it

after

her, till the

washing over the breakwater wetted her shoes. Then she broughtthe canoe close,and, watching quite into the her opportunity, nearly falling stepped into it,
as

water sat
sea

she did

so.

But

she recovered

her

balance,and
to

down.

In another

minute

she

was

out paddling

with all her

For

strength.
or more

Then
to the

paddled unceasingly. head on she rested awhile,only keeping the canoe runningmore sea, which, without being rough,was
twenty minutes
she

and dark
the
no

more mass

freshly. There,
of Rumball

some

miles
must

away,

was

the

Point.
There

She

be off it before

nightclosed
such craft
as

in.
hers
on

would
live

could

enough there ; in it for five minutes,

be
sea

and
waters

the tide

was

the turn.

in Anything sinking

those

would

be

carried far away,

and

and

never

come

back

to the shore

of Wales. her head

She turned

looked

at

and Bryngelly, Oh and

the

long familiar
in
the there any she
was

stretch of cliff. How of

summer

fairit seemed, bathed

afternoon. gone, all !
was

quietUghts
afternoon

where
"

the child had

where

it followingfast ? or was unbroken eternal night, by the dream ? things

There that
were

night,black,
bered remem-

of dear

the
autumn

misty
There hour the

coffined mother's fate.

same was

Dog Rocks, where day, and seen face. Surely it was

was

she had the

a

stood
of

on

vision
presage

her

of her

beyond

the

Bell

Rock, where
there had

in that behind

Geoffrey and
was

she had

met, and

where Amphitheatre,
that ? It sound
was

they

told their love. intervals

Hark
across

! what the

at pealingfaintly

deep
to

the great

from

time

tolled her She

by the soul. passing

on

time

wash

of

bell that, stirred ship's the high tide, solemnly

paddled
and

; the sound

of that death-knell

shook

her nerves, would

made

her

feel faint and

as

weak.
was a

Oh, it
year ago,

have been easier had she been

she

284
before she learned
to

BEATRICE.

love,and hand in hand had seen faith and hope re-arise from the depths of her stirred soul. Then beingbut a heathen, she could have met her end with all a heathen's strength, and knowing what she lost, now believing, too, that she would find but sleep. And it was for in her heart she did not believe that otherwise,
she the body to perish. What, could utterly live on in a thousand structible forms,changed indeed but indeand immortal, while the spiritual part, with all ? It itshopes and loves and fears, melted into nothingness could not be ; surelyon some shore she should once new And if it was again greet her love. not, how would they her in that under meet world, coming self-murdered,her
was

about

life-bloodon
from

her hands

Would

her mother

turn

away

whom her ? and the little brother, ? And

she had

would loved,

he

her reject

what

Voice

of Doom

might

strike

her into

? hopelessness everlasting But, be the sin what it might, yet would if she must sake of Geoffrey ; ay, even

she sin it for the reap

"

harvest of

eternal
that art mercy

woe.

She bent her head and whom I come,

prayed.
to

Oh, Power,
I go, have is

above, from
me

whom

on

if indeed Oh, Spirit,

thy

name

Love,

weigh my
Oh, God
and time
A
to

love in of

and thy balance, be not wroth Sacrifice,

let itliftthe scale of sin.

at my

deed peace,

of sacrifice that in
a

giveme
come

pardon, give me life and win the sight of him I may

heathenish

for whom

I die."

somewhat

full of human shores.

far too prayer indeed, and passionfor one about to leave the human
"

But, then

it well, realise no

was

Beatrice who
heaven

prayed
"

who Beatrice,

could

beyond

the limits love

a

who still thought more of her passion, of saving her own soul alive. Perhapsitfound like her who lost perhaps, prayed it,it was pitiless deep. Then Short was Beatrice prayed no more.

of her

than
"

home

upon

the

her time.
the

See, there
where
no

sank

the

sun

in the

glory;
sullen and

and

there

great
think

rollers swept

along past
met

desolate

headland,

the undertow of

wind

tide. She would

to

more

self;it was,

it seemed

this her,so small,

WILL

WAIT

FOR

YOU.

285

mendicant

the Unseen, not for others,but for on calling salvation for self" for self, self: aid for self, well-being to self. She this doing of good that good might come made her prayer,

prayed againit should be happy that he might prosper and be for Geoffrey, the trouble her love had brought that he might forgive into his life. She had prayedher prayer and said her say, and it was done with. Let her be judgedas itseemed good who to Those judge ! Now she would fix her thoughts her love, and by its strengthwould triumph over upon
had and if she
"

eyes flashed and her breast she would meet heaved : further out to sea, further yet land, from the point of the headthose rollers a knot or more the bitterness of death. Her
"

rhat
Was

no

record
wrong
was

might remain.
if she loved

it her

him ?

She could
Even the
now,

not

and help it, would

not

she undo

proud to
the
to
"

love him.
were

she

past. What
her.

lines that
with of her

Geoffrey had
a

read

They haunted
to
:

her mind the beat

strange persistencethey took time

would
not

and falling paddle,

"

leave her

Of

07ice

sown

who seed,

knoweth

what

the

crop is ?

Alas, my love.Love's eyes are very blind ! What %vould theyhave iis do ? Sunflowersand poppies Stoop to
the wind eyes
more
"

Yes, yes. Love's

blindness
there
was

are

very

blind, but
in all other

in

their

lightthan
not

earthly
"

things. Oh,
it was

she could
to

live for

denied

her

"

but she

him, and with him could die for him, her still

her darling! darling,

I die for you ; accept hear me" Geoffrey, not." So !" she is in the and forgetme solemn how they are with their hoary heads her. down one as by one they move upon
"

my

fice, sacri"

rollers of

foam,

The

first! it towers Look ! the

high,but
across

the

canoe

rides it like

cork. his Still

day is dyingon
the
sea.

the

distant land, but

gloryshines
*

all will be Presently

Oliver Madox

Brown.

286

BE

A TRICE.

finished.
from her her

Here

the breeze

is strong ; it tears the coronet

the bonnet

head, it unwinds

of braided

locks,
the

and

spray

hair streams out behind her. bright like a whip. No, not stings, striking

Feel how

this wave, she

"

rides that also ; she will die as the last ; and once more, never towards Ah
has the rollers and ! that

she has lived

to fighting sets her face

she faltering, her soul to consigns full.

doom.

struck her
her wet she
"

from slipped

ring Oh, see ! Geoffrey's into the bottom hand, falling

she would

of the boat.

Can

regainit?

die with that

ring upon
her She What kjwweth
"

wedding finger it is her marriage-ring, the altar of the sea. through death to Geoffrey, upon
her

stoops ! oh, what

was

a was

shock

of water

at
sown

her

breast !

it
"

what the

it ?

"

Of
must
"

once soon

seed, who
learn
now

what

crop is ?
me,
at

She

! !

Geoffrey! hear

Geoffrey !

die,I die deeps

"

for you
on

I will wait for you

the foundations of the sea, the lowest

the
"

topmost
wherever

of heaven, in heights I
"

of hell

am

It sinks cruel white

I will always wait for you ! she is alone with it has sunk
"

God, and
on

the

waters.
wave

The

sun

goes

out

Look

that great
hear

gloom ; seethingthrough the deepening

her, big with fate.

it rushing towards
"

Geoffrey, my
to

darling
"

I will wait

-"

Farewell

Beatrice

The the

and

darkness

gatheredon

out went light sea. weltering

of the Farewell

sky,
to

and Beatrice,

all her love and

all her sin.

CHAPTER
A

XXIX.
last

woman's down that

to

word.

Geoffrey
on

came

breakfast

about

eleven

o'clock
he

the

morning of
at

day

the first hours Not

of which

had

spent

Euston

Station.

he Eftie, seeing

asked that and

informed where she was, and was Lady Honoria Anne, the French bonne, said the child was not well
that she had

kept

her in bed

to

breakfast.

WOMAN'S
to

LAST

WORD. have asked

"

287
not

"

Do what

you

mean

say that

you
"

been

up

to

see
"

is the matter
not

with her ?

Geoffrey.
I have had the

No,

yet,"answ^ered
here

his wife.

dressmaker
to-morrow too

with my

new

dress for the duchess's ball I think that it." there is

a

but ; it's lovely, of that creamy

an

little

much

lace about of

With
went

exclamation

upstairs.He
flushed,her
Send

found eyes

Geoffreyrose and impatience, about in bed, her Effie tossing

open, and her

face

wide

littlehands

hot. quite
"

for the doctor

came

at

once," he said.
the

The

doctor
wet

and

examined

child, asking her

feet in
a

if she had
"

her feet

Yes, I did,two
she street,"
soon

lately. I days ago.

"

wet

my

puddle
fire,

in the

answered.

But

Anne them

did say that

to

they

would

get dry, if I held

was

the

because my other boots ache, daddie."

"

not

clean.

Oh, my head does

Ah," said the doctor, and

then

coveringthe

child

up, took

Geoffreyaside
cause

and

told him

that his of the

must

got
was

a no

mild

attack of inflammation
for

daughter had lungs. There

looked
after

only she anxiety,

chills. should doctor.
at

be

and

guarded from

Geoffrey asked if he Oh, no," said the

"

send
"

for I do

trained
not

nurse.

think

it is
nurse

necessary, what
to

at any

rate

present. I will tell the

your

do, and
was

doubtless

wife will

keep
that

an

eye

on

her."
So Anne the
no,

guard
a

called up, cherished child

the

and

vowed

she

would
eye.

like the
not wet

apple
"there

of
was

her
a

Indeed,
very

boots
on

were

little,

them, that was all. "Well, don't talk so much, but see that you attend rather doubtful, said Geoffrey,feeling to her properly," Anne. for he did not trust However, he thought he would himself that there was no see neglect. When much she heard what was the matter, Lady Honoria was
littlemud

put
"

out.

she said, children Really,"

"

are

the

most

vexatious

288

BE

A TRICE.

creatures

in the world. of the

The

idea of her

inflammation getting
fashion.
to
so

lungs
to-morrow

in this

unprovoked

The
to th6

end

of it will be that

I shall not

be able

go

duchess's ball

she made it, new bought that lovely have

and she was night, a pointof my coming. quite dress

so on

kind about

Besides I have
I should
never

purpose.

dreamed

of

going to

much

expense
"

for

anything
House Effie

else."
"

Don't trouble
not

said Geoffrey. yourself,"

; I willlook after her.

The

does

sitto-morrow

Unless
to

dies in the ball."

"

be able interval, you will certainly

go to the

Dies

"

what

nonsense

The

very
"

of

Why should I hope that there is I am sure the sort, Honoria. Only she must
attack. slight I do
to
not
a

doctor says that it is a she die ?

"

no

fear of be

anything looked properly

I have

after.

trust

this

woman

Anne. after all."

to

half

mind
"

get in
you

trained

nurse

Well, if

do,
I must
room

she

will have

sleep out
to

of the

house, that's all. Amelia

up and
"

is coming (Lady Garsington)

somewhere

and tonight, there

have

put her maid,

is no

for another

bed

in Effie's room."

" very well,very well,"said Geoffrey, I daresay but if Effie gets any worse, you that it will be all right,

Oh,

will pleaseunderstand
But Effie the

that

room worse.

must

be made." remained
all much and

did

not

get

She
at

about

same.

sat Geoffi-ey

home

day

employed
not to

himself
to court.

in

he readingbriefs ; fortunately About

had

go

six o'clock he
very
some

went

down

to the

House, and
his
seat

havingdined
listened
to

simplyand quietly,
dreary talk,which

took
was

and

being carried on for the benefit of the reporters, about the adoption of the Welsh language in the law
courts

of Wales. became
aware

Suddenly he
sense

of

most

extraordinary
took hold of

of

oppression. An
soul
was

indefinable dread
terrible

him,
and

his very

filled with

apprehensions
to

alarm.

Something dreadful
a

seemed

knock

at the

of his sense, portals

horror which he could not grasp. His

IVOJfAN'S

LAST

WORD.

289

confused,but littleby littleit grew clearer, that a danger threatened and he began to understand of it. in great peril. He was that she was sure Beatrice, Her agonised dying cries reached him where he was,
mind
was

though
more

in

no

form

which

he

could

understand
"

once

her

for the Then

thoughtbeat on his thought last time her spirit spoke to his.

suddenly a
lift his
it had
saw as

once

more

and

cold wind

seemed

to

breathe upon
gone.

his face and

mind
orator
was

and everything was hair,

His

and

been ; the members

that

again he
him

heard

the
to

dreary
dinner.
For

slipping away
had
was was

The
were

conditions
as was

disturbed
Nor

passed,things
the had

they had
broken.

been.

this dead.

strange!
She

link

Beatrice
of

passed

into the domains

silence. impenetrable

up with a gasp, and as he did so a letterwas It was writing addressed in Beatrice'shandplacedin his hand.
sat Geoffrey

and bore the Chester

postmark.
He

A chillfear seized
a

him.

What

did it contain ?

hurried with it into dated from

and opened it. It was room private the previous on Sunday and had gelly it began, My dearest Geoffrey,"
" "

Brynbefore

several inclosures. I have

never

addressed

you

thus

knowingto
were

what

should I do so now, paper, nor risks such written words mightput you,
on

it not
seem

that occasions
to

may

arise
For

(as in
all
are

this

case)
each

which ended
other

the justify
a man

risk.
a

when who

are things

between
what
we

and

woman

to

been, then it is well that the one before speech becomes who goes should speak plainly is left should not if only that the one who impossible,
have

misunderstand
"

that which

has been
"

done.

it Geoffrey,

is

probable

it is almost

certain

"

that

before your eyes read these words me see never the body they can
from closed
"

I shall be where
more.

in

I write to you

the brink of the grave ; when

over me.

you

read,it willhave

I shall Geoffrey,

be dead.

"

I received your

dear letter

is destroyed now) in (it

19

290

BEATRICE.

which

you

expresseda
other

wish

that

I should

come

away

with you to some eight brief words.

more,
nor ever so

country, and
not trust

I answered

it in write

I dared

myself
you

to

had

I any

time.
an

How

could

think that I

should
to

accept such
have been

do

would

offer for my own sake,when to ruin you ? But firstI will tell here."

you and

all that has

exact

happened

(Here followed
with

long
we

of those events description are alreadyacquainted, includingthe the threats of Beatrice by her sister, and the measures which himself, regards to gain time).
"

which

denunciation
Owen

of
as

Davies

she had

adopted
your

Further,"the
to me. to
one

letter And say

continued,
here

"

I inclose you
to state

wife's letter
not

I wish

that I have

word

I think that she

was

against Lady Honoria or her letter. in writing she as justified perfectly

are

did,for
in
tells
me

after

dear Geoffrey, all, you other

we

her

husband, and
She

each loving

have

offended

her. against

that truly

it is my
us

between way
"

munications duty to make all further comimpossible. There is only one

to do

and this,
now

I take it.

And

I have
enter

spoken enough
no

about

myself,nor
if any word

do

I wish

to

into details that could

onlygive you
gone, I have I have

pain.
should

There

will be

scandal,dear, and
after I
am

be

raised
answer

against you
in the
can

provided an
inclosed.
a can

second

letter which

You

print it
any
were

sufficient

reply to

talk.

if necessary ; it will be it Nobody after reading

way connected
one

believe that you accident which will stillabout

in any
Do
to

with the
more
"

happen.
see

Dear,
not

word

myself,you
are

blame
; of my

yourselfin
own

this matter, for you will I do I think

not

blame

free

because in it, it best that

than

the
one

of extremity should go

the circumstances and the other in

be
a

saved, rather
common
"

that

both

should

be

involved

ruin.

Dear, do you remember

I dreamed showed that you
me

how
came

in that strange vision of

and So touched
me on

mine,

the

breast and

? light

it has

come

to pass,

WOMAN'S

LAST love

WORD.
now

291

for you

have

given me

"

that is light ; and And

in

death I shall seek for wisdom.

shall not

this
season

beingfulfilled,
? Shall I not

the rest be fulfilled in its

sit in those the word have you

cloudy halls
on

tillI your

of wisdom
to

to seek me, you come ? And since I cannot lips

see

and be myself, For

as

all in all to

you,

why
rest

am nor

gladto go. happiness ;

to rend
"

here

on

the world is neither

too

in my dream, her starry robes.'

often does

'

Hope

seem

gladto go from happy thinghas found me

I
am am worn

such
"

in which world, of blessing and your

but

one

the

love.
now

out

with

the weariness

and struggle,

that I have

sin in what is

I do not know if I lost you I long for rest. I do ; if so, may I be forgiven. If forgiveness

so impossible,

be

it !

You
me,

will

forgive me,
wicked
am

and Geoffrey, I may you be ;

even

you

will

always love
last, you
love the

however I

at if,

the

go where

not,

will remember

and

woman erring

to

whom,
are

stillwere being so little, you to according married,Geoffrey, but

two

all in all. the customs

We

not

of the
a

world,
service

short

days from

hence

I shall celebrate than

solemn that is greater and more For Death will be the Priest and take

any of the earth. that oath which I shall

can

will be
man

to

all
no

Who eternity.
sure we

prophesy of
Yet
more

that

whereof

has
to

knowledge
shall
once

I do look

believe
in each
one

that in'a time

come

other's eyes, and kiss each other's If this is so, it is worth evermore. and
"

and lips,

be

for

while

to

have

lived

died ; if not, If I may I

farewell ! then,Geoffrey, Listen will always be near you.

eyes ; and when
at

to

the

wind night
you

and you shall hear my

my And

will see

breathe.
me,

my last the

voice ; look on the stars, love shall be as the airyou

end
comes,

remember then.
What

for if I live at all I shall be about you I

more

have
cannot

to

say ?

So

much,

my

dear, that words

you
'

hear

or

it. Let it be untold ; but whenever convey think read that which isbeautiful and tender,
Beatrice will be would
a

this
!'

is what
"

have

said

to me

and

could
or

not
one

You

great man,

the dear,

foremost

of

19"2

292

BE

A TRICE.

the foremost
me

to

of your age. You have to this end : I will not persevere

Do
not

alreadypromised
ask you
to

mise proas

afresh.
women

be
men

content

to

accept the world

;

must.

Great you
are

do not

accept the world

And
power, when

they
you for

reform
are

it
"

and

of their number.

great,

Geoffrey, you

will

use

your

not

but to large and self-interest, worthy ends ; you will always strive to help the poor, to break down oppression have from those who bear it,and to the to advance

honour
own

of your

country.
not

You

heart and fame know

because

your ask I it of you, but remember

"

will do all this from

that your shall

ever

will be my the grave

best monument it covers.

though none

farewell ! Oh, Geoffrey, "Farewell, farewell, my darling,

to

whom

I have
"

never

been
me forget

wife,to
in the

whom

am

more are

than any wife

to come.

do not
not

long years which

flatteryou what
than that
to you

Do

me forget none

when
can

others

and

try

to
"

win your
none can

for love,
ever

be
more

I have lost

been

love these

you

Beatrice who
to

who

writes
away if she

will pass await you,

and heavy words to-night, with her last breath, blessing you
may, in the

land

to

which

your

feet also draw Then from

"

on." daily
a

came

tear-stained
on

not

Paddington Station I journeyedto London die without looking on

of gallery the House
me a

in pencildated postscript that very morning. to see you, Geoffrey. I could face heard
once more,

your and

was

in

the

Your

friend found
as

your coat I
ran

you

place. of passedby the pillar

I
saw
"

your great speech. Afterwards I touched the gateway. and Then

me.

away

because

your

friend turn

look at
"

I shall kiss this letter

just here
last cold

before I close it
embrace.
me
"

kiss the I

it there
end
mean.

too

"

it is
on

our

Before
on

I shall put I have you

the

ringyou

gave

always worn
as

it upon

my

my breast.

hand,
^Vhen

touched

thought that
you
"

passed through the gateway I you I should have broken down and called to
strength not
eyes
are

but

I found my

to

do

so.

My
;

heart
can

is

and breaking

blind with

tears

write

WOMAN'S
no more
"

LAST
to

WORD. Now
"

293
once

"

no

more;

I have

say.

again
say it

good-bye. Ave
The

atque vale
letter
was an

oh, my
a

love ! That young

B." is to

second

dummy.
any

purportedto
have

be such
to
a

as epistle

lady might
"

It began, Dear gentleman friend. Beatrice Mr. Bingham," and ended, Yours sincerely, filled with chit-chat, and expressed Granger," was down to Brynhopes that he would be able to come when they would go gellyagain later in the summer,

written

"

canoeing.
It
was

accused

frank

that if Geoffrey was obvious,thought Beatrice, Davies or anybody else of being concerned by Owen of such with her mysteriousend, the production monstrate dewould written two days previously epistle she of the idea. Poor Beatrice, the absurdity
! precautions

was

full of

Let

him

who

may

Geoffrey by this
Could

imagine the effect produced upon ! heartrendingand astoundingepistle

seen never

Beatrice have would

his face when have

he had

finished
In the

readingit she
a

committed
an

suicide.
man.

minute

it became

like that of

old
an

As of

whole

truth sank

of remorse,
across

his

forces must
as

horror, and of unavailingwoe hopelessnessswept he thought his vital soul,that for a moment and that he should die, giveway beneath it,
into his mind, such
agony hour
"

indeed

in that dark

he how

would

have

to rejoiced

do.
To

Oh, how
think

it was pitiful

lonely

of this poor for him death

"

crouchingbehind that while he, he passed, coat as

knew Euston

and how awful ! pitiful to beloved woman going down to pictureher a strong man; and touching his gateway pillar the thrice

accursed
had

fool,
to

nothing tilltoo late ; to know that he and not to Paddington ; to remember

the love which
never see

gone

the divine and lost,

and beauty of strength

that heart And face would which he

he

had

should No
man

again!
her to

Oh, his

break.

could bear it ! hounded

of those
was

cowards

who !

death, if

indeed she

dead already

Oh, he

would

killthis Owen

294

BEATRICE.

Davies
a woman

"

yes
;

and and
as

Elizabeth

too,

were

it
had

not

that

she

was

for Honoria he
a care

he

done If he
not

with
he had

her. his beat

to

Scandal, what
will there this Owen
use
"

did
be

for

scandal?

should

scandal

indeed, for
did the

would

who Davies, this reptile,

terrors to

hesitate

woman's
then

prosper
to
was

of his fulfilling

lust

yes, and there.

drag him
not

the

Continent him
! she

and

kill him

Only
must

vengeance

left to
"

Stop, he
"

give way

perhaps
but

was

not

dead
struck he

perhaps
like
a

that
storm

horrible
was

presage

of evil which
a

had

him

nothing
too
was

dream.

Could
at

telegraph? No,
would go.

it
"

was

late ; the

office

Bryngelly
he

be
There

closed
was

it
a

past eight now.

But

could
"

train

leaving a
look

little after

nine And

he Effie

should
was

be
"

there

by half-past six
was

tomorrow.

ill

well, surely they could

; she

after

her he

for twentygo how

"

four

hours
not

in

no

danger, and

must

he

could
she

bear

this
!

torturing suspense.
a

Oh,
tried
groan

had

done

the deed

Geoffrey snatched
He could

sheet shook

of paper
so. room

and
a

to

write.
rose,

not, his hand

to
one

With

he

and
of

going
brandy
he

the refreshment after another.

now.

swallowed
took spirit he

two

glasses
on a on

The

effect

him;
sheet

could
:

write

Rapidly

scribbled

of paper

"

have

been

called

away

upon

important business morning.

not

and See you

shall that
must

probably not be back Effie is properly attended

not

till Thursday
to.

If I

am

back

go

to

the

duchess's

ball.
"

Geoffrey

Bingham."

Then

he

addressed
a

the

letter

to

Lady
it.

Honoria

and he
as

dispatched
called
a

commissionaire
and bade the go.

with cabman

This
to

done,
Euston

cab

drive

fast

as

his horse

could

AVE

ATQUE

VALE,

295

CHAPTER

XXX.

AVE

ATQUE

VALE.

That
so

journey frightful
"

no

nightmare was
an

ever
"

half
was

awful J

But

it

came

to

end

at

last from

there the

the

Station. Bryngelly
gave

Geoffrey sprang

train,

and
he

his ticket

did

so.

in his face as the porter, glancing Surely if there had been a tragedythe man
to

would

emotion signsof half-joyous is the fashion of such people when as something awful has happened to somebody else. But he and mysterious such and a glimmer of hope found its showed no signs, know
of and it, show

way He

into

tormented Geoffrey's station and

who may
to

breast.

left the

walked what

Vicarage.
can

Those reach
soon

know

imagine his
an

rapidlytowards the of horror suspense a pitch he did so. as feelings

to
now.

But
near

it was
the

be put

end

As

he

drew

Vicarage gate

he met

the fat Welsh Then

servant

girl

Betty running towards

The
seem a

him.

hope
him

left

Geoffrey.
did not

him, and recognised girl

in the least astonished
to
seven on a summer

in her confusion
see

to

quarter

walkingthere at morning. Indeed, even

Beatrice in her

she

vaguely connected
for she at
once

Geoffrey with
said in her thick

mind,
"

EngUsh

:
"

where Miss Beatrice is ? do you know Oh, sir, " for support. No," he answered, catchingat a railing " Why do you ask ? I have not seen her for weeks." Then the girl plunged into a long story. Mr. Granger and Miss Granger were not away from home, and would

be back for another

out

two

hours. had

Miss
not

Beatrice had
come

gone
tea.

afternoon,and yesterday

back

to

of it, that she had not thought much She, Betty, believing had stopped to spend the evening somewhere, and, being the door had gone to bed about eight, leaving very tired, This morning,when unlocked. she woke, it was to find that Miss Beatrice had not sleptin the house that night,

and she

came

out

to

see

if she could

find her.

296
"

BEATRICE. Where
was

she

going when
but she
canoe.

she

went

out

"

Geoffrey
Beatrice

asked.
She
was

did

not

know,
in the

thoughtthat
Leastways

Miss

going out
tennis

she had when

put

on

her
out

shoes,which

she

ahvayswore

she went

boating.
to

" it all now. Come Geoffreyunderstood house," he said. They went down to the beach, where as

the boat-

yet nobody
boata

was

about except

few

house

met Geoffrey

old

working people. Near the Edward walkingalong with

"

key

in his hand.

Lord, sir ! he said. What there queer hat,too.

" "

"

here, sir ! is it, sir?"

You in her
canoe

and

in that

Did

Miss

Beatrice go
?
as
"

out

yesterday
up the

Edward evening,

"No, sir; not

boat-house
What know. There ! last You

Geoffreyasked hoarsely, I know on. My boy locked

I suppose
to

and night,
mean

he looked

in it first.

don't

say
"

Stop ; we'll soon

Old
Edward

Oh, Goad ! the canoe's gone ! awful silence. an was a silence, drowned, sir
"

broke
"

it. that's what

woman

She's

she

is" drowned
I knewed the

at

last ; and
would

she the finest

one

in-Wales. she

she

be
was

day,poor
all

dear ! and of that

beauty that
"

she

; and

along
!

damned

unlucky little

craft.

Goad

help her

Betty burst out his pale said Geoffrey, turning girl," "'Stop that noise,
face Mr. what shore towards her.
comes

She's drowned, I say into loud weepingat his words.

the I

"Go home

back

to

and Vicarage,

if

Granger
we

before send
some some

get back, tell him

men

fear.

towards

Edward, Coed, and

and
sea

to

search

the

more
"

in
you

boat. sailing follow me." the

I will walk towards He

the Bell Rock

can

started

tramped along swiftly

with his eye.
On

sands,

the searching

he walked

sullenly,
came

to hope against hope. striving desperately

On, past the

he til'l

Dog Rocks, round

to

the

long curve
The

of beach
was

the

Amphitheatre.

tide

high again;

he

AVE

ATQUE

VALE. He

297
was

could
and it, and

barely pass

the

projecting point.
still. For and fro
as

round

his heart stood

there,bottom
the spent
waves

upwards,
rocked

gentlyswayingto
Beatrice's
canoe.

was it,

hopelessly, Sadly, heavily, Geoffreywaded knee deep into the water, and catching the bow of the canoe, dragged it ashore. There was, or appeared to be,nothingin it ; of he could not expect anything else. Its occupant had course sunk and been carried out to sea by the ebb, whereas the had drifted back to shore with the morning tide. canoe
He and it, reared from

it upon

its end

to

let the water arch

drain

out

of

something came and heavy, followed by a down, somethingbright rolling brown object. Hastily the canoe he lowered and again, picked up the brighttrinket. It was his own ring the Roman and which she told ringhe had given Beatrice,
"

the hollow

of the bow

him He

in the
touched

letter she

would

wear

in her

hour

of death.

it with his
from

hand, this token

should
never

and placed it back upon his lips the beloved dead, vowing that it
in and life,
so

leave his hand

on

that after death

it should
to
more

be buried
up

him.

And

it will

be

dug

againthousands
the that
romance was
"

play a part in
atque vale
to

of years of unborn the

be, perhaps hence, and once

ages.

Ave

inscription rudelycut
farewell
"

within its round. words

him. You

Greetingand
could
not

her

own

last
ave

Beatrice Oh, Beatrice,

have
sent
sum

! to you
a

also

atque vale.

fitter message.

Greetingand
life: here
was

farewell !

Did

it not

it all ?

Within
human and

the circle of this little was ring

the

writ the

epitomeof
of

beginning and

the end

Love

Hate, of Hope and Fear, of Joy and Sorrow. Beatrice,hail ! Beatrice,farewell ! till perchance a in another Greeting,^' rushingearthward shall cry Spirit to his own place,shaking tongue, and Death, descending " Farewell from his wings the dew of tears, shall answer to vie a?id Night, ye Children of Eternal Day !
" "

And

what

was

this other

relic?

He
"

lifted it
"

it was

her tennis shoe, washed

for it,
once

from

her foot

knew Geoffrey

he had

tied it.

298
Then

BEATRICE.

Geoffreybroke
himself
upon
sat

down

"

it

was

too

much.

He
"

threw
rock
to

the

great rock
her and
are

and Heaven
to

sobbed
had such

that

where

he had

with
men

opened
tions exhibi-

their
of

sight.

But

emotion, and
could
went

given for him fortunately

not not

the paroxysm

did not last. He

He
rose

have

borne

it for

long.
sea.

and

again to
and held
"

the

edge

of the

At

this

moment

old Edward
the

his
up
as

son

arrived.

Geoffrey help
more,

to pointed
"

boat,then
; she'll

the littleshoe. I
come

Ah," said the old

She's gone

man,
never

thought. Goad
ashore
no

her I

she won't.
up, with damned

She's twenty miles away

by now,
her.

she

breast is,

the

a-screaming over gulls

that's what it is.

It's that there I had

a

canoe,

I wish to Goad have the

broke
for

it up

long ago.
would.
man

I'd rather
Damn
at

built her

boat
"

nothing, I
the old
to

screamed

the top of

unlucky craft ! ing his voice,and turn-

his head
his
out

hide the
"

tears

which
that

were

rugged face.
of the waters

And

her

down streaming nursed and pulled Damn !

"

once

all but Sea

dead.
you it

I it, he

say !

There, take that,you

up of
a

Witch,
crashed

and

picked

great boulder
canoe no more.

and all his But

a

through

the bottom

the

with

drown

strength. '"You shan't never it has brought you good luck,it

man

be has, sir ; you'll

fortunit

all your

life now.

It

has
"

brought
Don't value

you break You

the Drowned

One's shoe"

it any more," said

had better I Mr.
am

to
"

it.

Geoffrey. " She bringit along between

the and

used

you

it may
He

be wanted.

going to

Vicarage."
minute. He and

walked

back.

Granger

Elizabeth had not

yet arrived,but they were

went

into the

expected every full of It was sitting-room.

There

memories

tokens

of Beatrice.
was

laya

novel

which he had

her,and there
from

paper yesterday's

that she had

given brought

in it. town, the Standard, with his speech Geoffrey covered his eyes with his hand, and thought. knew that she had conmiitted

None

If he revealed it thingsmight
care

suicide except himself. be said of her; he did not

was

what

was

said of

him, but he

jealous of

her

AVE

ATQUE
be

VALE.

299 the she open

to

dead
whole could shame. and her

name.

It
was

might

said,for instance,that
Beatrice died because
to
as an

tale
no

true, and

that

longer face life without being put

Yes, he had
she died. But how better hold dead
"

his tongue

how

why

She

was

nothingcould bring
he He
account

back.

then

should

for

his

presence that he
the

there ?
came

enough. Easily
Beatrice

would written
the

say
to

frankly
him
of

because

had and

charges made
"

againsther
find
a

threats
on

himself
he

came

to

her word

dead. with

And Owen

against that point

and

would

still have

Davies

Elizabeth.

Scarcelyhad
and her father
as

he

made

up

his

mind

when

Elizabeth

entered.

Clearlyfrom
Elizabeth
and
a

their faces

they
him

had

yet heard
rose,

nothing.
and

Geoffrey
himself.
"What She

caught sight of
face like that

with glowingeyes standing

of Death

recoiled in alarm.
?
"

brings you here, Mr. Bingham

voice.
you guess.

she

said,in

her hard
"

Cannot few

Miss

days back you made sister and myselfin the presence

"

Granger ? he said sternly. certain charges against your

"

of your been them

father and

Mr.

Owen
to

Davies.
and

These
come

charges have
to
answer

communicated
and
to

me,

I have

demand

satisfaction for them."

Mr.

nervouslyand looked Granger fidgeted

like to escape, but shut the door and those
true

as

though

he would courage,

Elizabeth,with characteristic
faced the
storm.

"Yes, I did make said, "and they are

better send "You
"

charges,Mr. Bingham," she had charges. But stop, we

not

for Beatrice first."

may

send, but you will

mean

find her."
mean

What

do you

"

what

do you

"

asked her

father "It

apprehensively.
means

that he has

hidden

her

away,

suppose,"

said Elizabeth
"

with Mr.

sneer.

I mean,

Granger, that your daughter Beatrice is

dead."

300 For
once a

BEATRICE.

startled out

of her

self-command, Elizabeth staggered back against

mean

gave
"

littlecry, while her father

! dead ! What do

the wall. Dead you ? How

did she

die?"
"

he asked.

That

is known
"

to went

God
out

and last

her

alone," answered
in her
canoe.

Geoffrey.
When

She

I arrived here I walked

evening this morning she was

missed

for the
canoe

firsttime.
and upon

this inside of
the table.
was a

along the beach and found the it,"and he placed the sodden
In the midst

shoe

There

silence.
room

of

Owen it,

Davies

burst into the

"

with wild eyes and

he

dishevelled hair. it cannot

have her.

Is it true

"

cried,
I
was

"

tell

me

"

be

true

that Beatrice
from
me

is drowned.

She

cannot

been

taken
that

justwhen
true

going to

marry

Say

it is
A

not

"

He walked down heart. great fury filled Geoffrey's the room and shut the door, a red light swimming before

his eyes.
shoulder
"

Then

he turned

and

gripped Owen
you

Davies's

like

vice.

You
"

accursed
you and

blackguard
"

unmanly
and

cur

!"

he
his

said ;
hand upon
me,
to

that wicked

woman,"
:

he shook

at

to bring a slur Elizabeth," conspiredtogether

Beatrice.
to

You

did
me

more

you

threatened
not

to attack

try and
You

ruin

if she would

giveherself

up

hypocrite, you tortured her and You here to frighten I am her ; now you. frightened the country ring with your make said that you would If you ? to me I tell you this tales. are you listening
you. loathsome
"

dare
woman

to

mention

her

name

in such

sense,

or

if that

dares,I will break

"

body
from

by

Heaven
as

every bone in your wretched he cast Davies I will kill you ! and
"

him, and
man

he did so, struck him of his hand.

no

across heavily

the

face with the back

The took

notice either of his words

or

of the

deadly insult
"Is

of the blow.

it true?"

he

screamed, "is it

true

that

she

is

dead?"

AVE

ATQUE

VALE.

30

him, and bending following Yes," said Geoffrey, over his tall square frame him, for Davies had fallen
"

the wall, against

"

yes, it is true
ever.

"

she is dead

"

and you you

"

yond bemay you

not

your reach one day be Davies

the is

Pray to God that called her murderers, all of

for gave
one

shameless Owen

cowards." shrillcry and sank in

he moaned you have
"

huddled

heap
*'

upon

There
to

ground. no God,"
my
own
"

God

promised her
"

to

me,

be

seduced

her firstand

then

you

killed her ; you you I believe you killed her.

!"

killed her.
"

Oh, I shall go mad

I will stamp

Mad

or

" sane,"said Geoffrey,

more

and

the life out

say those words of you where you you

"

once are.

You
woman

say that God

to
a

promised her
like you.
no answer.

to

promisedthat
there upon

hound

Ah, be
to

careful ! "

Owen the

Davies

made

Crouched
and

ground he
This
to

rocked

himself

and moaned fro,

in

the madness
"

of his baulked

desire.

towards and pointing turning man," said Geoffrey,

was

who Elizabeth,
corner

at glaring
"

him

like

wild
no or

cat

from

the

of the room,

said that there is

that you
one

God.

I say that there is a God, and will find you out vengeance
"

day,soon
advance
not

late,

murderess, you writer

to

of anonymous wicked ends

letters ; you

who,

your

own

whatever
your

they may

be, were
but

ashamed

to

try and
I
never

drag

innocent
a

sister's name

into the dirt.

there Go
must

believed in
as

hell till now,

be

hell for such live out

your

you,

Elizabeth

Granger.
hour
so

time ; but live every

that shall you,
"

your ways ; of it in terror of you shall die.

the vengeance
"

come

as surely

Now

for

sir,"he
I do not

went

on,

addressing the
so

trembhng father.
have
was room

blame

you

much, because
You

I believe that this viperpoisoned your

mind.

might
; it

thought that the tale who lie. Beatrice, a

in her
and sleep,
was

was now

true.

It is not
came

true

is

dead,

into my
she
came.

carried from

it

as

And
to

allowed this villainand your you, her father, her distress againsther; you allowed use

daughter
him
to

302

BEATRICE.

make
that well

lever of

with which it,

to force her into

marriage

she do

loathed.
so.

Yes,
your

cover one

up

Do

worst,

that this time you

can
"

have

you may all of you, but remember who to deal with a man
"

your

face

and

and

will strike

back, not with

it
*'

poor

friendless

Before

Heaven,
old
man.

was

not

gaspedthe
woman

am

Mr. my fault, innocent of it. That

girl." Bingham,"
Judas-

Elizabeth him
"

her sister because betrayed he

she wanted

to

marry

and herself,"
She

pointedto
it would believed
upon have You

the

the

floor.

thought
he
"

that he

heap upon him prejudice

she
was

and Beatrice, against

to you,
"

that

tached at-

and

tried
"

to
now

work
we

her attachment."
it all. stood And you,

So," said Geoffrey,

and
saw a

stood by sir,

this done.
of profit
to

by thinking
Now I will

that you would make tell you what I meant I do you, heads
"

her agony. you.

hide from
me.

I did love her.

love her you for

"

as

she loved

I believe that between Her

drove
ever

her to her grave. and

me me

blood be

on

your

for

ever

"

Oh, take
"
"

home," groaned
home, Elizabeth !
me.

the

Heap

upon

the

floor

take

I daren't go alone.

Beatrice will haunt Take

not
me

away,

and round. brain goes round You are Elizabeth,and stop with me.

My

afraid of her, you

are

Elizabeth sidled up Geoffrey all the time.

but she could

to

nothing." him, keepingher fierce

was

afraid of

eyes

on

She

cowed utterly
She

and

fied, terri-

still look fierce. him

away she
was.

took the

Heap

by the
crazed.

hand She

and led

drew

thence
to
came

still moaning and forth with him

quite

him

his castle and

his wealth.
to marry

Six months

afterwards
as

him, half-witted
afterwards she

he

year

and

eightmonths
found

came

out

again to bury him, and

in Wales.
In her breast

herself the richest widow But

mark

the

sequel!

lay the
and

seed

of

fatal and

shockingmalady.
too

Within
was

three

months
the

of her

deliverance, Elizabeth

dead,

wealth

passed elsewhere.

They

went

forth,leavingGeoffrey and

Mr.

Granger

THE

DUCHESS'S

BALL.

303 the table and

alone.

The

old

man

rested his head

upon

wept bitterly.
I he said, do not say such words to merciful," loved her,indeed I did,but EHzabeth was too much "Be
"

me.

for

me,

and

am

so

poor.

Oh, if you

loved

her

also,be her,
not
never

merciful !

I do not had
no

although you
loved her, and
have
to

reproachyou to love right

her love

because her.

you If you

loved had

made

you,

all this would

happened. Why Mr. Bingham ? me,

I loved that his

do
"

you

say such

dreadful

things

"

answered her, sir,"

humbly enough Geoffrey,

"

now was woman

fury had
on

passed,
her must

because

being what
There
am

she is
no

all who

looked

love her. But who

left like her blame you ?

in the world.

I that 1

should

God

us forgive

all !
one

henceforth in the
where she has
was a

hope

that

may

only live day rejoinher

I

gone."
"never Geoffreypresently, You
were

There
"

pause. Mr. Granger,"said

money.

trouble

about yourself you want and say

"

her Let

father; anything
us

and

that I have

is yours.

shake

hands

meet and let us never again. As I good-bye, all ! us said,God forgive looking thank you,"said the old man, Thank you" It hair that fell about his eyes. up through the white
" "

is a strange world

and

we

are

all miserable I'm

sinners.

hope there is a better somewhere. that Beatrice now of this, especially

she
was a

good daughterand
!"

tired well-nigh Poor girl, has gone. fine woman. Good-bye.

Good-bye
Then

Geoffrey went.

CHAPTER
THE

XXXI.
BALL.

duchess's
Town
man"
a

Geoffrey that

reached
"

littlebefore
haunted

eleven
a

o'clock vision the

night

haunted

for life by

alone of that face still lovelyin death, floating

upon

304

BEATRICE.

deep,and companioned onlyby the screaming mews or perchance now sinkingor sunk to an unfathomable Well might such a vision haunt a man, the man grave. whom alone of all men those cold lipshad kissed, and for whose dear sake this dreadful thingwas done. the driver to go to Bolton He took a cab directing
"

Street

and.

to

stop

at

his club

as

he

passed.
"

There

might be
was a

letters for him

there, he
a

thought something
there

which would

distract his mind

"

little. As it chanced

marked letter, delivered

an

had

been

former

about

hour

and a telegram; both private," that evening,the porter said, the ago by hand.
"

telegram it was from his lawyers: " Your have as we cousin,the child George Bingham, is, Please call on us just heard, dead. earlyto-morrow

Idlyhe opened

the

morning."
He started
a

for this little,

a

meant

good

deal to

Geoffrey. It
year,
more or

meant

less.

How

and eightthousand a baronetcy Honoria would be,he delighted

thought with a sad smile ; the loss of that large income had which to her, and one always been a bitter pill
she
had made

him
Poor

swallow

there it was. old man's

He

boy, he

again and again. Well, had always been ailingan

"

child !

put the telegram in his pocket and

got into the

hansom

again.
:

There
It

was was

lamp

in it and

by its light
and

he read the letter.

ran

from

the Prime

Minister

thus

"

My
to

dear

Bingham,
you for the
to

"

I have

not

seen

day you since Mon-

thank

that of

night.Allow me everybody else.

of the Home

speech you made on magnificent add my congratulations to those

you

As

know, the Under

vacant.

ship Secretary-

Office is

and myself colleagues

I write to
a

behalf of my ask if you will consent On

we

it for to fill
any your way

time.

I say for

time, for
serve

do

not

in

consider that the post is one

It

commensurate to
us

with

abilities.

will, however,

give

you

of practical experience

and administration,

the advan-

THE

DUCHESS'S
to
even

BALL.

305 than

tage of your great talents

we care now

an

largerextent
of
course

enjoy.

For

the you

of itself ;

but,as

it must future, know. Sir

take

's health is not

all that could be

and desired,

the other be able

day
to

he

told
on

me

carry for very much duties of the Attorney-Generalship In view of this I venture contingency
to
soon

that it was

doubtful

if he would

the

longer.

suggest that you

as

would have

do well to

apply for silk

as

possible.I

and he says it, that there will be no difficulty, as although you have only for so short a time,you have a been in active practice good many years'standingas a barrister. Or if this

spoken to

the Lord

Chancellor

about

prospect does
the Cabinet
cannot

not
can own

doubtless please be found in time. interest overlook

some

other fact for

openingto
we

The you

in

our

that is, long."

smiled againas Geoffrey could

have
a

he finished this letter. that he would

an

Who

believed

year ago

have been
the of

in to-day Prime

to receive such position Minister of England ? Ah,

from epistle
was

here

the

luck

the Drowned
was

One's
to

shoe with him

now

vengeance.

And

what

it all worth
He

put the letter in his pocketwith the telegram and

looked out.
was

They

were

into turning

Bolton

Street. How all

to

he littleEffie,
was

wondered?
care

The If

child seemed

that
her
"

left him

to

for.

anythinghappened
"

bah, he
was

would
now.

not

think of it ! "How

He

there

is Miss Effie?

he asked of

the servant

attention
man area

was a

and

his opened the door. At that moment attracted by the dim forms of two people, a who were standingnot far from the woman, who
man woman

gate,the
the retired

with his

arm

round

the woman's

waist.
the cab

Suddenly
and that her
"

to appeared

catch

sightof

down swiftly

the

area.

It crossed

his mind
nurse.

was figure

very like that of

Anne, the French

Miss Effie is
man.

I'm sir, doing nicely,

answered told," is her

?
"

the

breathed Geoffrey
?
"

more
"

freely. "

Where

ship lady20

he asked.

In Miss Effie's room

3o6
"

BEATRICE.

answered No, sir,"

the man,

"

her

has ladyship
case

gone

to
come

ball. in."

She

left this note

for you

in

you

should

He

took

the note

from

the hall table and

opened it.
much

*'

Dear

Geoffrey," it
made
She my up would my be

ran,

"Effie
to go to

is

so

better ball

that I have after all.

come,

mind
so

the duchess's

and

business
HONORIA."

if I did not disappointed dress is quitelovely. Had your terious mysto do with Bryngelly ? anything Yours,
"

"

She

would

go

on

to a

ball from

her mother's

funeral,"
;

said
"

as Geoffreyto himself, it is her nature and well,

he walked there's
an

up to Effie's room end

room. was

of it."

He
no
"

knocked
so

at

the door in.

of Effie's

There

was

answer, no,
not

he walked

! quite night-shirt, layhis

On

litbut empty the floor, clothed only in her white

room

The

littledaughter, to all appearance

an

dead. and
were

With

something like
The the A face
was was

oath

he

lifted her.

pale and
stillhot him

to her sprang the small hands

cold,but
The
out

breast

and what

fevered,and
had

the

heart beat. child

of bed
on

glance showed
alone, and
to

happened.
was

being left
and gone

had got feeling thirsty, bottle

"

the

water

there
overcome

the her

tumbler and

the floor. Then

weakness

had

she had

fainted still on
moment
"

"

fainted upon
her. Anne

the cold floor with the

inflammation
At that

entered ?
"

the

room

sweetly

murmuring,
"

Ca
to

va

bien,cherie
bell

Help

me
"

put the child into bed," said Geoffrey

sternly.
"And

Now

ringthe
woman
"

"

ringit again.
Leave
me

now,

go.

this house
?

at

once,

this very
argue. you he for took
was

night.
Look

Do

you

hear

No,

don't

stop

to

here !

If that yes, I her.

child
saw

dies I will prosecute in the

Anne and street," and her fled,

manslaughter;
a

you

step towards
seen no more

Then

face

in Bolton

Street

or

indeed

in

this country.

THE

DUCHESS'S

BALL.

307

"James," said Geoffreyto

up here
"

the servant, "send

woman

the cook
a

she is a and

sensible
to

; and

hansom

drive
and

the

doctor,and
cannot

take you tell him to come go for another

near one

do

here

at

once,

if you

find him

doctor.

Then

go to the Nurses'
a

Home,

St.

James'
be

and get Station, had

"

trained

nurse

"

tell them

must

from

somewhere

instantly."

shall I call for her ladyship at the Yes, sir. And sir ? duchess's, " " do not disturb No," he answered, frowning heavily,
"

her

ladyship. Go
settles

now."
the
man

"That
"

Whatever

as it,"said Geoffrey, happens, Honoria and I must

went.

part.

I have

done
He

with her."
had have had

indeed, though
been
not

would

well

in the way he meant. if her husband's for Honoria

not

It
tempt con-

preventedhim
up, and

from

summoning
them

her from

her

pleasure.
cook
came

The

between

they brought
Is that you,

the child back

to

life. smiled.
I dreams?"
"

opened her eyes and "or do daddy," she whispered,

She
"

Yes, dear, it is I."

Where
"

"

has

you

been, daddy
a

"

to

see

Auntie

Beatrice ?
"

Yes, love,"he said,with

gasp.

"

Oh, daddy,
you

my

head

do

feel

funny ; but
go

I don't mind
no

now

is come

back.
?
"

You

won't

away

more,

will you, After

daddy

"No, dear, no
that she into
a

more."

began
hour

to

wander

and little,

finally
nurse

dropped
Within arrived. examined
"

troubled
an

sleep.
both the doctor
to

half The

and

the

former

listened

Geoffrey's tale
"

and

the child. may he said, pull through it,"

; but

She

she

has
"

got

constitution capital
had

I'll tell you

what

it is would of

if she have

lain another minute

an

in that You

draught there
in the

been

end

of her.

came

nick

time.

3o8
And
do
no now

BEATRICE. if I I should look

to bed.

were

you you

go

You

can

good here,and

illyourself." dreadfully
He He

But

Geoffreyshook
smoke

his head.
a was

said he would did

not

go

downstairs and
to

pipe.
too

want

to go

bed at present ; he Meanwhile the

tired.

ball

went

merrily.Lady
in her her life. She
a

Honoria in
the

never

the

enjoyed herself more luxurious gaiety around

How of odour

revelled

like

in butterfly
of
a

sunshine.
the
men,

good it all was" costly flowers,the

of other
"

the flash of

diamonds,
well-bred

homage
Oh
one

the envy world

women.

! it

was

ful delighthave
Heaven
was an

after all
a

that the
to

is when

did

not

to

exist in be
end

flat

near

Edgware
After many

Road.

But

praised!

thanks

there Geoff'rey's talents, he all, ways

was a

of flatsand

misery.
in

not

bad

sort

of
to

husband, though
her.
As that

perfect mystery
Welsh

for his little weakness there

was no

for the

girl,
not

really, provided
care

scandal,she did

twopence about it.

"Yes, I am so glad you admire it. I nice dress, but then I always say
can

think it is rather that

nobody

in
no,

London

make
not
sure

dress like Madame it ; he thinks

Jules. Oh,
of other

did Geoffrey
"

choose

Well, I'm

Honoria,"
she
was

said

you ought to be proud of handsome Guardsman the

"

things." him. Lady

to
one a

whom of the

talking ;
men

cleverest

in

they say England.

at

mess

that he is I had

only wish

fiftieth

part of his brains."

Oh, please do not become Atleigh clever,Lord ; I shall really or pleasedon't, giveyou up. Cleverness is all very well, but it isn'teverything, Yes, I will you know. dance if you like, but you must go slowly; to be quite lace in this crush. honest, I am afraid of tearing my

"

Why,
was

I declare and she

there

is

Garsington, my
a

brother,you
man

know,"
he
wants

pointed to
way
at all

small them.

red-haired
"

who

elbowinghis
; it is not

towards

I wonder
to

what

in his line to

come

balls. You

know

him, don't

like horses, you ? he is alwaysracing

you."

THE

DUCHESS'S
had

BALL.

309 For
reasons

But his
own

the

Guardsman
not
a

vanished.
meet

of

he did had

wish to
member

Garsington. Perhaps
"

he too
"

been

of

certain club.

Oh, there you are, Honoria," said her brother, I in to find you somewhere thought that I should be sure this beastly squash. Look here,I have somethingto tell

you." Lady Honoria, playing for I am If it is bad, keep it, enjoying with her fan. myself very much, and I don't want my eveningspoilt."
"Good
news or

bad?"

said

"

"

Trust

you
as

for

that,Honoria
as can

; but

look

here, it'sjolly
a a

good,about
of yours.
son

good
do

be for that

prigof

husband

What

you

think ? that brat of

boy, the
or
some

of old you

Sir Robert
"

Bingham
?
"

and

the cook

one,

know, is dead,
as

"Not
"

not

dead

said Honoria

in

deep agitation.
"

his lordship. I heard replied ditch-water," There a was it at the club. lawyer fellow diningwith about Bingham, somebody there,and they got talking the lawyer said, Oh, he's Sir Geoffrey Bingham when the telegram I saw Old Sir Robert's heir isdead. now.

Dead

'

myself.'
Oh, this is almost " Honoria. Why, it means
" "

"

I told

you
to

it

was me

good to be true," said thousand a year to us." eight pretty good," said her brother.
too
a

"You At any

ought

stand

commission
to

out
news.

of the swag.

rate, let's go and

for supper

drink
I
am

the

Come

on,

it is time
screw

and

done. awfully

I must

myselfup." down As they walked Lady Honoria took his arm. stair they met the wide flower-hung a very great person indeed, coming up. " " Ah, Lady Honoria," said the great Person, I have something to say that will pleaseyou, I think,"and he bent towards her, and spoke very low, then, with a littlebow, passed on.
"

What

is the

old

boy talkingabout
think?
We
are

"

asked

her

brother.

"Why,

what

do

you

in luck's way

3IO

BEATRICE.

to-nighl.He says that they are offering Geoffreythe of the Home Office." Under Secretaryship He'll be a biggerprigthan ever now," growled Lord Garsington. Yes, itis luck though ; let us hope it won't
"

"

turn." who They sat down to supper, and Lord Garsington, had alreadybeen to helped himself pretty freely dining, silver candelabra and a champagne. Before them was
on

each

of the

candles

was

fixed

littlepainted paper
a

shade. reach
"

One
over

of them

got wrong,

and

footman

tried to

Lord

head Garsington's

and

put it straight.
"

I'lldo

said he. it,"

; let the

"

No,

no

man," said Lady Honoria.

fire !
"

Look

it isgoing to catch
''

Nonsense,"
his
arm

he

answered, rising solemnly and

the shade. As he touched caused
an

ing reach-

towards

it,it

it he caught fire ; indeed, by touching

fire.

it to catch

He

seized hold
his

out, but it burnt

"Curse
the

and it, fingers.

of

made

effort to put it.

thing!" he said aloud,and threw it from him. the It fell flaming in his sister's dress among stantly of the thickest filmy laces ; they caught, and intwo wreathingsnakes of fire shot up her. She rushed from her seat and screaming down the sprang
room,
an

awful

mass

of flame !

In ten and

more

minutes

Lady

Honoria

had left this world

to taste

all itspleasures to those who

still lived

them.

passed. Geoffreystill sat brooding heavily his pipe in the study in Bolton Street and waiting over to his door. The for Honoria, when came a knock vants serhad gone He to bed, all except the sick nurse. and rose paleopened it himself. A littlered-haired, faced man staggeredin. What, Garsington,is it you ? What do you want at
An hour
"

this hour ?
"

"

Screw

yourselfup, Bingham,
answered

I've

somethingto

tell

you,"he

in

thick voice.

ENVOI.
"

311 suppose. Is
body some-

What

is it? another
?
"

I disaster,

else dead

"Yes;
death
"

somebody
ball."
!

is.

Honoria's

dead.

Burnt

to

at the

Great
"

God

Honoria

burnt

to death.

I had

better

go
"

I advise

you

not,

Bingham.
"

I wouldn't

go

to

the

if I were Screw hospital yourselfup, and if you you. I can give me something to drink I'm about done
"

must

screw

myselfup."
we

And
man.

here

may
to

leave this most

fortunate and

gifted

Farewell

Geoffrey Bingham.

ENVOI.

Thus, then, did

hither and
whence. If there be any around
us

these

human

atoms

work

out

their

destinies, these little grainsof

thither

animated
came

dust, blown

by a

breath

which

theyknew

not

malicious

Principle among

the Powers

that
man,

of vagaries

in the futile deignsto find amusement well might it laugh,and laugh again, at

the great results of all this loves well and hates ; and it

scheming, of
be any

all these

desires,

if there the

might

sigh over

pitiful Principle, infinite pathos of human

lost in his own Davies passion helplessness. Owen ; haunted and with prosperity ing by undyGeoffreycrowned in her hour wretchedly sorrow perishing ; Honoria of satisfied ambition lose it in the and
; Elizabeth

gaining her

end

to

grave ; Beatrice

and blindness,

herself in sacrificing out her joy. therebycasting

content
to

love

Oh, if she had

Providence undared
But for

been

humbly
but

trust

in the deed

above
one

her ; if she
!

had

left that

short week

and lived, Geoffrey still

a

the child
life and

hanging for

while

between

after recovered, death, and was

312 left to wife and

to

BEATRICE.

comfort

him.

May

she

survive to be
more

happy

under mother, living

conditions

favourable

her

than well-being
woman,

those which the

that mistaken and

out the life of trampled Beatrice, ill-starred, great-souled

broke her father's heart.

Say
are

"

what and

are

we? from

We

are

but

arrows

winged

with fears

shot

blind leaders

of the

into darkness ; we blind,aimless beaters of this darkness

air ; wintry
one

lost travellers

by

end.

Tell us, you,

You

stony paths endingin many have the comwho outworn mon

the
narrow or we

tragedy and beyond its gate ? speak.

But

passed
are

way,
cannot

what

lies

dumb,

hear you

Beatrice knows

! to-day

THE

END.

riUNTED

BY

KKLLY

AND

CO, KI^"G"TON.O^"-"lHAJUiS

; A.ND

L("DOX.

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