Rhyl Journal

ROBBED OF A CRIME; OR, LADY ELGAR'S CHILD. "'ue CnAPTEE XLVII-iCon tinued). Ellen bowed haughtily and retired. "Howl hate that man!" she thought venom- ously, as Plic- hurried to the library. Lord Courtney returned to his seat. "I cannot," he said, slowly windingand unwind- ing a spool of pink floss he had just taken from Thella's lap-" I cannot unite with you in the opinion that there is some secret understanding between Hugh and her Thella looked up with swimming eyes. It is a dreadful opinion tohold"she said, and I hope you may be right and I wrong." Meanwhile Ellen had entered the library and found Lady Elgar just on the point of retiring to her apartments. She flew to her ladyship, and threw hersel upon her bosom with an impetuosity there was no re- sisting. "Oh mamma dearest, I am so happy so hap- py 1" she cried looking at the countess with genuine agitation. "Mr. Trafton has told me he loves me, and is directly coming in to seek you and ask my hand in marriage He had some necessary directions to give the groom about the care of Princess, my charming horse, and I ran in ahead of him to prepare you, and to suggest some- thing mamma. Dear mamma, won't you give Hugh the cheque and the promise of your daughter's hand the same day ?" She bent her check coaxingly to the countess's but before Lady Elgar could recover herself suf- ficiently to answer she flew from her arms and away to the door. Oh there he comes she cried. With the words, and a vivid blush, she looked back at the countess, nodded her head, and dis- appeared through the doorway. As the door closed she cast a quick glance about the hall and swiftly approached Hugh. I have prepared her," she whispered, hastily. She was turned to stone with astonishment, and has not yet recovered herself; but all will go well. She loves me too devotedly to deny me any- thing. I mentioned the cheque—suggested that it should be bestowed to-day." Hugh scowled at her without reply, and she hastened up stairs, saying softly to herself lie is not a marquis, bnt-I love him On entering the library Hugh found Lady Elgar standing indeed like an image of stone, her eyes still fixed vacantly on the door, and her beautiful features still frozen in the expression of blank amazement which had settled upon them at Ellen's astounding words. The sight of Hugh seemed to recall her to her- self. A flush of colour stole slowly back to her cheeks and lips, and her face regined a more nat- ural expression. She was the first to speak: Hugh I" she exclaimed, in low, incredulous Colics. Hugh advanced hurriedly, an embarrassed glow on his face, and began to repeat the lesson he had hastily learned. "My dearest Lady Elgar," he cried, "I know you must he infinitely amazed but-, loving Alice as you do, you cannot wonder that I have fallen a victim to her nutehless sweetness and charms. And dear-" Lady suddenly started into a vivid life in Fttr;,iige contrast with her previous stony stillness. With one quick step she pressed close to him. With one quick movement she caught Ids arm. "I had not meant to speak yet," she said hoarsely, rapidly, "but in all righteousness I must. 1 have reason to doubt that the so-called Lady Alice is my child CLIAPTKR XLVIII. IGNOBLE 1) E V 0 T I 0 FF, No words, no pen could adequately describe Hugh Trafton's emotions as Lady Elgai's astound- ing statement fell on his ears. The first intelligent thought that rushed across his mind was the thought of his own collusion with Martha and Ellen. How much or how little Lady Elgar knew of it, it was impossible for him to gather from her agitated words, or to fathom by any question of his own. Held dumb and motionless in a fear too great for any other expression than that which spoke in his pallid face and rigid form, he stood gazing at her till her voice, again addressing him, restored the composure so terribly shaken. She spoke as agitatedly as at first. I cannot deceive you she said. "I cannot righteously suffer you to contemplate this union another minute without telling you the truth that she may not be the Lady Alice As the scion of a proud and noble family, you have a vital interest in this question aside from the interest centering in the title and estates. You should know ivho the girl is that you win and woo, Hugh With these words she loosed her grasp, and fell back to her former position. Hugh instantly put his first wily questions. You amaze me beyond words, my dear Lady Elgar he cried. What reasons have you for entertaining so incredible an idea ? Has another claimed the place which the Lady Alice now fills in your heart and home ?" The countess dejectedly shook her head. Alas no." Hugh's anxious mind set at rest on that important point, lie at ouce proceeded to sustain Ellen as the best means of sustaining himself. "Of course," he said, I have no knowledge of the circumstances which have brought you to so extraordinary a conclusion, but it is certain I can imagine nothing that could load me to a similar one and I very greatly fear that your ladyship has been enticed into a most deplorable error. But however that may he," he concluded, "let Alice (for Alice I must still call her) prove who she may, my heart and hand are alike pledged to her! The one I cannot recall, the other I will not! Have I, then, your ladyship's consent?"' Lady Elgar impulsively extended her hand. How could 1 refuse it, Hugh ?"' she exclaimed, tremulously. You speak nobly and I pray Heaven your united lives may bring you all the bliss you fondly imagine And am I permitted to inquire—" Lady Elgar stopped him in almost wailing tones. Not to-day, Hugh she exclaimed, lifting her hands in weary protest. To-morrow—next day. My mind is in a whirl. I do not know what I think nor what I believe. And I am sorry that I have been obliged to mention the subject at all at present." With these words she brought the interview to an end. Hugh looked after her retiring form with heavily clouded brow. Tiiiit young fiend told me I was sure of the cheque he muttered, angrily. Well, I'll place the disappointment to her credit; and pay it off with interest when I become her happy hus- band Having delivered himself of that promise lie, too, left the library. He mounted to his dressing-room for a few minutes, and then proceeded to the drawing- room. He found it occupied by Lord Courtney, Lady Beverly, and Thclh, Lady Elgar having retired to her room till dinner tinm, and Ellen being fully occupied in discussiug the varied events of the day with Martha. The short remainder of the afternoon passed quietly in conversation, Lfly Beverly, always bright and clnuty, keeping the ball flying with commendable perseverance. At the ringing nf the dn-ssingbell the little party :-c {) (!■» tod and pi i.-ceedud to their respective dress- ing n.oms. As was her usual custom, Kihsn sought Lady El/iar's apaitnu-uts when diessed. But she was itit-t ltv iN!,l request, from the eouiitcas that she would immediateiy descend to the draw- ing room. Her ladyship is quite behind time," concluded the faithful" m .id, it!,(] I think is not exactly well." "It's that Mordecai of mine," thought Ellen, angrily, as she turned an-ay. breaking her heart over the viper Well, if she's only harmless Thella Erhfc, she'll soon be back in her London hovel And if a more dangeious person, she'll go where dangerous persons cease to lie troublesome J She's had her powder, and mid- night will soon be here, and the anxiety ended, thank HeavenJ As that Inougiit passed through her mind, she all at once quickened her steps. With softening eye and brightening colour she had espied Hugh Trafton negligently approaching the stairway from the corridor. She reached the stairway first, and then moved forward a little to meet him, standing till he could join her. She looked exquisitely beautiful in the daess chosen to captivate him. the first day of his arrival, and Hugh acknowledged it. •I There's one comfort," he thought, advancing without in the least degree hurrying himself. She'll take London society by storm and, better than that, she'll cast herself into the whirlpool of dissipation with an abandon that will leave me comparatively unfettered." At that point Ellen, who had impatiently moved forward again, broke in upon his communings with two breathless questions Well" she cried, softly, did you get it? And what did she say ?" Hugh, having fully determined not to confide the countess's disclosure to her for the present, but to quietly watch the course of events himself, answered -1..1_- prompwy "I got only you, my handsome devil," he sneered, and I got you without unnecessary objections." To that gruff reply he was about to add a leading 9 question in regard to the events of the day, when he was suddenly cut short by the sight and sound of Lord Courtney issuing from his own doorway at a little distance. It was bad enough to be surprised there with Ellen, but it was still worse to think that the mar- quis might have caught every one of his incautiously loud words. He made the best of it, however. With a friendly nod to the marquis, he stepped out of Ellen's path, saying quietly "Ion were going back to your dressing-room, Lady Alice. I will not detain you longer with my vapourings, but go on with Lord Courtney a,nd await you in the drawing-room. He bowed, and joined the marquis. Ellen hurried away, a genuine alarm at her heart. "I know," she whispered, pausing as she lost the sound of their steps—" I know he heard every word. I saw it in the momentary expression of Buspicious surprise with which he regarded us. What must he think ? I can't go down alone and face him. I'll stop for Lady Beverly." With that decision, she moved off swiftly in the indicated direction. Lord Courtney had, indeed, heard every word, and with a shock that instantly carried his mind back to the suspicions which Thella had confided to him. "She was right," he thought, anxiously, as he listened to Hugh's easy chat, and it doubly de- cides me to return to London to-morrow, and hunt up this Rachel lhrtram." Ellen found Lady Beverly in the act of taking her handkerchief and fan from the hands of her maid, and they at once proceeded to the drawing- room together. A little later the countess issued from her dress- ing-room. But, instead of turning her steps to the stairway, she went on slowly to Ellen's apartments. She found Martha there, and startled the wo- man indescribably by her unexpected appearance. She startled her much more when she stated her errand. CHAPTER XLIX. THE FATAL NIGHT. As stated in the last chapter, Martha was greatly startled when she discovered what Lady Elgar's errand to Elien's apartments was. "Melissa," said her ladyship, "tells me that the Lady Alice wears pearls to-day." Yes, my lady," answered Martha, wonder- ingly. "And her diamonds are in the cabinet J" 11 Yc- my lady." You may give me the case. I—" Lady Elgar suddenly checked herself. Martha's sallow skin had all at once turned to a greenish whiteness that was startling. "What is the matter?" cried the countess, hastily. Has anything happened to the dia- monds ?" "Oh, no my lady. Oh, no cried Martha, recovering her speech and her composure at the same moment. I have been a little upset by the events of the day, and when your ladyship asked for the diamonds it took me by surprise, as you said in London that Lady Alice might keep them by her, as the sight of them gave her so much pleasure." As Martha spoke she busied herself in unlocking the cabinet and removing the case. "1 did," answered Lady Elgar, taking the case and opening it, "but I have since decided that they should be locked up in the safe with my own, as they are no less valuable. I will explain to your mistress." With those words she closed the case and left the room. As the door shut her from Martha's sight the woman sank into a chair even paler than when the countess asked the meaning of her pallor. "Ah!" she ejaculated, shuddering. What if Hugh Trafton's valet had taken them For a little that thought filled her mind, to the exclusion of all others. She had made a narrow escape, and she knew it. But directly a startled query presented itself. Was there anything sinis- ter in the countess's demand ? A few minutes she pondered the question, and then answered in the negative, "She is certainly more grave and stately," she said to herself, but it is only the effect of her dis- appointment in our scape-goat, Thella Erht As I'jilen says, she is eating her heart out over the girl's manifest wickedness Well, this has been a red-letter day in our calendar! Triumphs! Nothing ■jut ti ill",)T)I?S A It my darling, what a future you As L53y TSIg&r was returning trom seeing her diamonds deposited in the safe she met Thella in the hall. Her eyes brightened at the sight of the girl. The pure, exquisite face, so innocent, and so transcendently lovely, thrilled her aching heart to its innermost recesses. "I am half inclined to say you should n'ver wear anything but white, my love," she smiled gently, as they slowly moved on to the drawing- room. That delicate, airy muslin, with its cloud- like puffs of illusion, and pale blue ribbons, is charmingly becoming to you. And those lovely pink roses enhance the whole effect to the highest degree." "Lord Courtney sent me the roses," said the girl, with a blush and a smile. "I would not have presumed to gather these choice Bonsalines, madam." "It is no presumption for you to gather any flower you wish, my dear,"said Lady Elgar, quickly adding, as she once more critically surveyed the dress: "I shall telegraph to madame to forward another airy white. 011 not for me, dear madam said Thella, in suppressed tones, and stopping in her distress and earnestness. 1 must leave Cromlech It is alto- gether—" No, my dear, you must not leave Cromlech," quickly iuterposed Lady Elgar, but hereafter your services will be rendered to ME. I trust, my dear, you will not quite break my heart by refus- ing the position of companion which I now tender you ? I shall see to it that you are not subjected to anything disagreeable," she added, feeling it im- possible to mention Alice's name. Thella lifted the countess's beautiful hand to her lips, and then answered with tremulous voice and misty eyes. "Dear madam," she cried, softly, "it would break my'heart to leave you, and if I can be of the slightest comfort or use 1 will remain joyfully, unless Lord Courtney—■" Once more the countess interrupted her. "Lotd Com tney," she smiled, pressing a light kiss on the pure upturned brow, and again moving towards the drawing room. Lord Courtney will reconsider his decision, and not return to London to-morrow." 011, no Oh, no dear madam, Lord Court- ney goes up to-morrow morning, for the single pur- posed seeking out—" fche stopped, looked around, and dropped her voice to the lowest whisper—" the woman who calls herself llachel Bartram she con- cluded. Lady Elgar involuntarily paused, and involun- tarily looked upwaid. Thank Heaven Thank Heaven she whis- pered. „ < itti those fervent words she advanced, seized the door lock, and entered the drawing-room. An angry llush rose to Ellen's brow as she saw Thella, for the second time since the damning scene in the boudoir, enter with Lady Elgar. But a still angrier flush arose as she observed the looks of admiration which all eyes bent upon the charm- ing face and form. "She ought to be put down I" she said to herself, "and she shall be! I'll tell Lord Courtney she is a liar, and that Lady Elgar know. it!" With that purpose in her mind she turned to the marquis, who had imposed it upon himself to pay her the attention which her position demanded. "It is a pity," she said, slowly, in low musical tones—" it is a pity that Miss Erht is not as good as she is beautiful." The marquis's proud absorbed gaze instantly left Thella's face and fixed itself composedly upon the beautiful maligner. Yes," he said, deliberately misunderstanding her.' "It is a pity that Miss Erht is not as beautiful as good. "But her nature is too angelic to make that possible, and we can rest content with her lovely face, since it is already incompar* able." With that Roland for her Oliver he advanced to Thella and the countess, leaving Ellen suffused with angry blushes. Hugh Trafton, who, standing close beside Ellen, had overheard all, with the keenest enjoyment of the marquis's reply, took advantage of the an- nouncement of dinner to volunteer a word of advice to the young adventuress. Don't" he chuckled, in low, hurried tones. Don't tilt with Courtney unless you are ambitious to be worsted." Ellen, being devoid of ambition in that particular direction, took the advice. The evening passed without noteworthy event, and at a moderately late hour they all separated for the night. Ellen, still in radiant spirits, followed Lady Elgar as usual into her boudoir. The countess immediately made brief and suit- able allusion to Hugh Trafton and his suit, and then as briefly informed her of the removal of the diamonds to the safe. Like Martha, the gfrl was at first painfully ste.-tied and disappointed. But quickly deciding that it was tie best possible way to keep them out of Hugh Trafton's hands, and that it would at any time be r n easy matter to cajole the Coui>.vO<s i 11 I/O restoring them to her charge, she cheerfully acquiesced. The question of the diamonds disposed of, the countess, sick at heart and harrassed in mind got rid of the girl with all dispatch. But Ellen retired to her apartments, conscious of a deep sense of dissatisfaction. In spite of her native tact and boldness she had found it absolutely impossible to broach the subject of the proposed gift to Hugh Trafton. There was something in the countess's grave, stately manner that as effectually forbade all allusion to it as if the command of silence had been issued in so many words. "Well," she said, self-consolingly, to Martha, I'm sure to get it to-morrow, or next day, in spite of her ladyship's heart-sickness over Thella Erht And 1 am further sure," she went laugh- ingly on, that I may wear contentedly, for the present, the laurels of to-day, since I have, in addition to all the rest, spurred and bribed Hugh Trafton to the point of declaring his passion for me to my lady-mamma The last words were spoken with a sudden bitter- ness, but Martha was far too deeply absorbed in her own thoughts to give much heed to either the girl's words or tones. Her only answer was an abrupt question. How did she look when she went to her own room ?" she asked. Just as you told me she should look-pale and dull-so pale and dull that that prig of a marquis seized a. favourable opportunity to comment upon it, and beg her, in love-like phrase, to get a good night's rest, and meet him on the colonnade for an early walk. I thought, too, he said something about returning to London. But that, of course, could not be." Martha heard the first dozen words of the lengthy reply and no more. Dull and pale she echoed, nodding her head approvingly, and returning to her suspended task of searching for a certain deadly vial in her medicine chest. Dull and pale Good She will sleep soundly long before the first stroke of mid- night. And she will awaken—" Ellen got that far in her hushed, shrinking in- quiry, and then suddenly paused. Martha took up the unfinished sentence, speak- ing in slow, chill, passionless tones She will awaken ailing or well, as the record of her own person spsaks for or against her life. I go prepared." With those terrible words she significantly pointed to the vial just taken from the chest. The next moment she proceeded to shake a portion of its colourless contents upon one of the tiny squares of soft white silk conveniently strung from its neck. An hour later she stole forth on her deadly errand. (lo be continued J.

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