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v v 10-- MONKS-LYONNESS. BY CECIL ADAIR, Author of Maid of the Moonflower"Quadrille Court" &*c. CHAPTER XIX. A FAIR HAVEN. ELINOR., you cannot mean it! That you should think such a thing !—should Binirch yourself by such a hideous sus- picion- I Laurence, it was not I! As though I could But the world—you know how it can fling mud. And if you and she had come together I felt that I must stop it if it were humanly possible. And I thought that a sinister rumour—of what I believe to be the truth—would surely accomplish this! I thought that you would ehun^a woman about whom tongues were whispering. It may have been madness, blindness, insensate wickedness; but there was my thought! And so I wrote to my Jkinsman, that Sir Robert Eoundwich of whom you have spoken. I knew him, also his wife. Kindly people, yet inveterate gossips, loving a dainty morsel of scandal. I wrote the whole history to them, not concealing my own suspicions and inter- pretations. There you have the whole truth of the thing which perplexed you. Nor do I seek to exculpate myself; though to my belief others also were won- dering and guessing. And the rumour might easily have started without my aid. Can you not understand my wish that you and she should not be named in the same breath ? I wanted to part you for my own sake. That I dare not, I will not deny. Yet it was partly for your own sake, Laurence, though you may never believe this." So speaking she sank once more into her seat, covering her face with her hands, shivering slightly, but without attempt- ing to look at him, though he remained standing a few paces away. So that is the whole truth," he said presently, in a curiously toneless voice; that is the solution of the mystery. Your act and deed, Elinor Yours—yours —.yours Mine, and only mine. An act of jealousy and malice at its root." Jealousy malice and from you, Elinor Is my world going to pieces with me P Mine has done so often, Laurence. Yours will soon mend itself afresh—mine never Let us say good-bye and close the episode." Up and down the room he strode in a tempest of feeling. Once or twice he looked at her as she sat collapsed in her chair. Was he indeed the evil genius of her life? Although he was furiously angry with her at this moment, he yet could not forget or blot out all the past. How much responsibility was his even in that ill-judged act of hersp Was he alto- gether innocent of blame? His brain was in a whirl. No words would come such as he would have wished to speak. This could not utterly close their long and close friendship; yet for the moment, what to say ? j Then good-bye, Elinor, if it be your. wish. Yet surely we shall meet again 11 Perhaps; if we can bear it, knowing all. But your first duty now is to that other whom we have wronged We She looked at him and answered not. He felt that the thought which had come to him was also in her heart. Go to Alicia Da,necourt-and comfort her in time she said. And he turned and went. Margaret Chichester came forth from Elinor's room looking grave, yet with a reassuring smile for Lois, who was anx- iously on the watch for her reappearance. "I am glad I happened to come. I think I see very clearly what will help her most. Just pack up—or tell the maid to pack up-what will be needful for the three of you for a visit of a week or ten days. I shall be back in two hours or less with my sister's carriage, and carry you all away to the Priory for a little visit. Miss Masham needs a change of scene-and ideas. I understand that she has had something in the nature of a mental shock or strain. She should not be too much alone, or even with only a young thing for her companion. "That is what I feel. I am so inex- perienced. I know she suffers; but I dare not ask why. It would be aIY intrusion. But I do love her so It hurts me to feel how deep is her pain. And I know that it is caused by a certain person. The eyes of Lois flashed suddenly with a strange fire that made Miss Chichester start suddenly, though she made no com- ,ment,. only studied the girl's face with greater attention than before. "And so, my dear, as the visits of that certain person might possibly recur if you remained here, it will be better, at least until Miss Masham has recovered her nor- mal balance of mental serenity, for you to be elsewhere.- Say nothing to her. Just get ready. When Ireturp I will simply carry the three of you away. And we will see what change of faces and surroundings can do to restore her to her normal state." "Ah, how good you are! Miss Masham has spoken of you many times. Now I understand! But are you sure I shall not be in the way ? Prynne does most things for Miss Masham. I am just her reading companion to be with her and do what she asks me. But if she had others about her perhaps I might not be wanted. I do not know what companions do when their ladies viuit." Well, this little companion is to ac- company her lady!" smiled Miss Chiches- r- That is all settled and understood. £ 0 just do as I have said: Make ready for my return and the flitting. And Miss asham will soon be lookinS different you will see." Margaret Chichester went forth out of the house, her face grave and intent. She j left the garden and took a diagonal line under the spreading trees towards a spot from whence came the jingle of harness and the voices of young things in con- versation. She heard the exclamation.- Here she is!" in Joy's eager tones, and next moment the girl was racing fleet-foot towards her, whilst Dermot, eager of aspect, sat in the phaeton with the reins in his hands. Plainly her advent was awaited with much interest and some ex- citement. "Here you are, dear Aunt Margaret! And may Dermot go and pay a visit whilst I drive you home?" I think I have a better plan than that, children, she told them, as she came up to the side of the phaeton. I have found Miss Masham suffering from great mental strain and almost shock. She has told me the whole story, which, of course, is a confidence. And I want your leave, little Joy, to take her away straight to your cheerful, happy house, and see if amongst us i we cannot chase away the cloud and relieve the trouble of mind. I felt so sure of your consent, that Lois Enderby is already making ready. But dear Aunt Margaret-Ilow splen- did! How delightful Dermot, think of it! Ah, I can see that you do We shall have her with us. It is better than any- thing I have ever thought of But we shall want a bigger carriage. Yes, and she will want just a short time for preparation. So you children drive home straight. Send a landau for us and the spring cart for the maid and the baggage. I shall have had opportunity to get Elinor's consent by that time. For I am bent on my -way; and if she does not come willingly, I shall have to play the part of the Erl-king!" "May I come back with the carriage?" said Dermot and Joy simultaneously. No, children; better not. I will bring her to you all in good time. But your part will be to receive her on arrival. Till then leave her to me." 1. Brother and sister drove away together rapidly and full of vivid curiosity, What' can have happened, Dermot? I feel so excited Can it be something to do with Captain Darcy ? Do you know, Dermot, I have a strange antipathy towards that man.? He seems like that upas tree which flourishes itself, but kills all that come near Yesterday, when we called at Monkshollow, we heard that all the party was having tea at Monkswell. And Captain Darcy was one of them And to-day some- thing has happened! Dermot, I do not want beautiful Miss Masham to marry that man Not just because you care for her. I know you would give her up without a murmur for her own happiness. But because I do not think Captain Darcy will ever make her happy., He has' been a bad son-does a bad son ever make a good husband? And he is selfish-sel&h. "I'm afraid that is a trait we all share in measure," spoke Dermot gravely, but in measure I agree with you, Joy. Leav- ing me entirely out of the case, I doubt whether Darcy is the man ever to make her happy. My doubt and fear is whether I could ever do it." B Joy turned on him so bright a glance that he was charmed into a smile. I do not doubt that in the very least, Derry boy. I only wish I could ever have such a husband when my time comes! Failing that, I am almost resolved on remaining an old maid-or becoming one! Aunt Margaret is rather my model. Think what her life of usefulness has been Of course mine will be quite, quite different. I have none of her great gifts and quali- fications. But I have my dear Priory, and Aunt Yule's big fortune; and I mean to do lots and lots of interesting, beautiful things when I am old enough and wise enough to go about it without falling down precipices or getting lost in mazes. And I shall have mother and Aunt Margaret to advise me—and perhaps Elinor for a sister. How lovely Lady Charles VasseTaur was much inter- ested to hear of her sister's sudden plan. She, like her young daughter, was the soul of hospitality, and in the old life had been used to keeping open house, and to con- stant comings and goings of guests. So that the little bustle incident to getting ready a suite of charming guest-rooms at short notice was as pleasant to her as to Joy, who raided the gardens for flowers, and arranged her spoil with her own hands. Motherling, you are always. sweet to everybody; but please be even extra nice to Miss Masham, because you know I am a little bit in love with her myself; and there is another reason why I want her to be very happy here. And perhaps before long you will guess what that reason is I am not sure, by your, eyes, that you do not guess it already1!" Lady Charles laughed, but did not commit herself. And it seemed a very short time before mother and daughter were standing together in the beautiful old hall, whilst the doors were firing wide, and Dermot, eager and bare-headed, was out before the men-servants, to opxi the car- riage door and give his hand to the descend- ing ladies in turn. Elinor's aspect was very fragile, though perfectly calm- and composed as she en- tered the shadowy hall, with its tesselated pavement strewn, with eastern rugs and its coloured lights falling from stained glass windows suggestive of a church. Lady Charles received her with a very kindly cordiality, whilst Joy half timidly lifted her face for a kiss. Dear Miss Masham, it is so very nice of you to come Please let us try amongst us to make you quite strong and well. We think our air up here so very fresh and fine. And I have so wanted to show you our deiwv l old house. I love it better every week of my life." She drew Elinor's hand within her arm, and they mounted the wide shallow, deep- piled stairs together. Nobody interfered with Joy's monopoly of the principal guest. She was following out the instincts of her warm young heart, and it might well be that those instincts were wise and bene- ficent. Dermot took possession of Lois. Let me show you the gardens whilst Joy does the honours for Miss Masham. She is quite in love with your beautiful lady,' as she tells me you very rightly call her. How frightfully ill she looks! Can you tell me what is the matter?" I wish I could Always I have known that she has a troubled beart-a shadow over her life. I sometimes guess; but I do not know. And she seemed to be growing better and happier, and we were so happy together till two days ago. And then this began He looked at her with earnestness. His voice took a cbepened note. You mean that someone—some man has disturbed the waters of her life I am not idly curious. I have known and re- spected Miss Masham for very many years now. It troubles me to see her look as she does to-day. I cannot help divining the cause!" They looked one at the other with some intentness. Lois suddenly spoke. "Joy told me that you knew Captain Darcy in South Africa long ago Tell me what kind of man he is There is some- thing about him which gives me strange feelings I am attracted and I am repelled I do not know how to say it. Perhaps you know!" "And you mean-that it has been his doing—that Miss Masham-has suffered?" How can I help thinking it? They were together yesterday; and afterwards; all that evening her face was strange, yet I thought not unhappy. Only her eyes would fill now and then with tears-and there was a sort of wild beauty about her I cannot express." I know-I understand An unearthly beauty—yet scarcely heavenly." Yes, yes—and at night she did not sleep much. I saw it when she woke. And then he came again. I almost begged of him not to disturb her. I had a feeling that harm would come of it. But he went to her. They were long together. When he came out, and I went in, she was hardly conscious. And she lay on her sofa like that without speech or motion. And almost I was sending for a doctor when Miss Chichester came-and you know the rest." Dermot was deeply stirred; but words were difficult, even to this tender girl, so absorbed in her dear lady, who was his dear lady also enshrined in the sanctuary of his heart. But at least they could talk of her as they walked the garden together in the softening evening light, whilst up- stairs, in the ancient, peaceful rooms pre- pared for her, Elinor lay with closed eyes beneath the window on a wide, cushioned couch and let Joy sit beside her and caress and minister to her supposed needs. "Dear," she said presently, having, spoken little all this while, though Joy's caressing flow of talk had seemed soothing and grateful to her, "it is very sweet of you to take me in like this. So this beau- tiful house is really yours? I have heard many things about it. And my kind friend is your auiit. How small a place we sometimes find the big world And you are going to lead your life here, and be the friend of those who need it, and try to mend broken hearts and doctor broken lives—and have a record to look" back upon when you grow old which shall not be just page after page of futile, broken dreams, and self-absorbed projects, most of which have come to shipwreck on the rocks of life-as per-haps they deserved to do." There was such a depth of weary sad- ness in Elinor's voice, that Joy's tears started and she could not speak; and it was the former who added with an almost despairing accent, "And worse than that the falls and the follies and the deep dark stains! And not all your tears sh;111 wash out one word of it. Ah, the terrible truth of those lines Joy knew her Omar well enough to recog- nise the allusion, and eagerly she answered Ah, but we have another code than that, dear Miss Masham. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.' And, .indeed, I have noticed that the more good and wonderful people, are, the more they seem to feel themselves sin- ful and unworthy Sometimes it makes me so ashamed-for I am full of faults, and yet I am so happy And I mean for you to be happy too Am I very daring— almost impertinent to speak like this ? But indeed it is because you make me love you, that I want so much to comfort you!" Then as Elinor held out a hand as though to draw her nearer she exclaimed with suddenly brightening eyes That is Dermot's step, I am sure He said he should come and pay you a visit soon." (To be Continued.)