Penarth Chronicle and District Advertiser

COLD IN i'liill iiJliAJL) Abiij INFLUENZA, Homocea used freely up the nostrils, and drawn up by inspiration, is a. most wonderful and speedy cure, and should be used in the early stages. It never fail. to TOUCH THE SPOT. It is also a specific ftot post-nasal catarrh, and for CHILBLAINS, Chapped Hands, and other kindred terrors, it wo fit# like a charm. The proprietors of Homocea would like to know of any case where it fails to act. Priuc, Is. 1% d. and 23. 1.IJ. per box; by post, Is. 3d. and 3s, EXANO (HOMOCEA FORT) Is the strong form of Homocea made < specially fof deep-seated rheumatic pains—more especiallV of the joints, and for pains in the chest, bronchitis, &C.i but it is not to be used for open wounds, sores, of deiieate parts of the body. We guarantee thil ointment, and in every case when purchased direct from us, we will rofund the money if relief 18 not t obtained by the purchaser. Price, 2s. 9d. per box, 3s. by post. HOMOCEA SOAP. HOMOCEA SOAP. This soap contains the valuable properties of the Homocea Ointment, and is certainly a perfect toilet soap but as a medical soap, it is of great value, especially in the nursery, and for all who have delicate skins. Price, t>d. and ls;3d. a cake, or 2* and3s. per box; postage, 2d. and be. extra. I All the above preparations can be had from Chemists Druggists, &c., or direct by po- 'o from tlit$ Homocea Company,22, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. j j ii Jl C r" //(j < ran Though you Rub! Rub! Rub! And you Scrub! Scrub! Scrub! You'll find that It's not in your powe" In the old-fashioned way., To do in a day What Hudson's Will do in an hout. HUDSON S SOAP, A FINE POWDEK—IN i

becomes a certainty.' That --tell Parlandet Is the man asserted Natalie, solemnly, though with some absence of logic, 1 It is upon this subject that I have taken the liberty of calling," recommenced Mrs. White. I see you have been talking over it before I came. You will understand, without further explanation, how great is the grief which has fallen upon my home. You will feel with us, for you, too, knew and esteemed him." chap 28 She turned to Gertrude as if expecting an answer, but tears stood thickly in the girl's eyes, and she was evidently unable to reply. Natalie came to her assis- tance promptly. Dear Madam White," she said, earnestly, you only do us justice. If it were in the power of either of us to bring about M. Raymond's return, no matter at how great a sacrifice, be sure it would not be de- layed. But we must not give up the hope he may be I yet restored. Let us consult together." That was my object in coming here," replied the widow. Partly, at least; for I have also something j to communicate which interests yourselves." Both looked up eagerly. I An accusation has been made that I must preface by saying I do not for one instant believe it," con- j tinued Mrs. White. A person whom I will name I presently has plainly declared that Mr. van Flewker, for reasons which were stated, suddenly sent my son abroad for an uncertain time." "My father ejaculated Gertrude. Sol was told," observed the widow. "My in- formant further suggested that, in order to remove my son's objections to quitting home without taking leave of his family, Mr. van Flewker might have offered to convey his farewell to us; and, again, for reasons of his own, have abstained from delivering it. I do not believe the story myself, in the least; but I think it only fair to tell you that such an accusation has been made." "It is a vile and wicked calumny cried Ger- trude, excitedly. My father could not be guilty of such a shameful and cruel deed. I would as sooa believe- Stay, my little one," interposed Natalie. I think we can prove to good Madam White at once, th,s tale is not only false, but silly. Say, dear madam, when should M. van Flewker have sent M. Raymond away ?" I am told, the night my son came down here, answered Mrs. White. Mr. van Flewker is the last person in whose company he is known to have been seen." We can tell better than that, my little one, can we not ?" asked Natalie, turning to Gertrude, trium- phantly. Listen, dear Madam White. We can trace the movemeBts of M. Raymond that night further than you seem to be yet aware. When your son left M. van Flewker, he met mademoiselle and myself at the garden gate. After exchanging a few words, I walked on to the house, leaving your son in conversation with mademoiselle." Mrs. White turned to Gertrude, anxiously. And then—and then ?" I am positively certain, Mrs. White," answered Gertrude, modestly, bat with an expression of can- dour that carried assurance with it, that your son never returned to our house, or saw my father again that night. When M. Raymond left me, he walked straight on the path to Richmond by the river's side. I went in. My father was that evening in better spirits than he had been for some time before, and sat with us till late. We did not hear of your son's dis- appearance until the following night." I believe you fully," said the widow. The story appeared to me unlikely from the beginning, and still less probable considering from whom it came. My informant, Miss van Flewker, was your father's manager, Mr. Parlandet." That evil man again cried Gertrude. How could he dare ?" His object in the slander is precisely the other point upon which I came to consult with you and Mademoiselle Lagrange," returned Mrs. White. You know, of course, better than I can, the position in which he stands towards your father. By talking over the matter together we may, perhaps, gain a hint of what has become of my boy." Madam speaks well, my love," said Natalie, turning to Gertrude. Henceforth our object is the same as hers. She has to recover a son; we have to regain a friend. But it is not here that our efforts must stop. The character of one beloved has been assailed; the slanderer must be punished. I believe now. more strongly than before, we shall find the enemy of madam to be our enemy as well. There is a deeper villany here than we have thought, and we must search it out." Mademoiselle Lagrange spoke very much more calmly than was usual with her energetic nature; but there was a degree of concentrated sternness in her manner that M. Parlandet would have thought dangerously unpleasant. It is important, first," continued Natalie, that we should know precisely what passed between Madam White and M. Parlandet when he volunteered this astonishing information." Mrs. White repeated the conversation. Gertrude and Natalie listened attentively. When the widow came to that portion of her talk with M. Parlandet which referred to the history of Chrissy, Natalie stopped her. "This secret-this wicked action-of M. Par- landet, which M. Raymond had accidentally dis- covered and had betrayed his knowledge of to the doer-madam is acquainted with this as well as her son ?" Entirely," replied Mrs. White. The circum- stances attending it came to our knowledge at the ¡ same time." It does not bear especially upon our present inquiry ?" Not at all." But M. Parlandet was not aware that madam was acquainted with the secret ?" Not before my son disappeared," answered Mrs. White. "Good!" answered Natalie. See now, how much we have already learnt. We have found a motive for,, M. Parlandet's desiring M. Raymond to be re- moved. W(". ha.ve found a reaS011 also for hi" attri- buting the blame of whatever has occurred to M van (Flewker—it was to divert suspicion from himself., We have still to discover how he could dare calum- niate the employer whose bread he has eaten for so many years. dh we shall find it out, my love," she continued to Gertrude; never fear. We shall trace this wily scoundrel to his lurking-place, and drag him < forth. I have mv little mite to contribute presently towards the good work." You, cousin ?" exclaimed Gertrude. Why, what can you know about this wretched man Patience, my little one, patience All will come ? It was impossible to execute his little mission in person. Still, if his friend played him He must, at any rate, show M. Chatouiileux how milch better fair dealing between them would pay than roguery. Thou spost, Poing, the nature of the task," he observed, nervously. Its importance to our ultimate success is most extreme. Without it, in fact, iailure stares us in the face. A little patience longer, and the day is our own. Therefore, my brave," he continued, relapsing into his ordinary manner, go forth upon the new crusade and conquer. Take with thee the benediction of thy comrade, and his ardent vows for thy speedy and safe return. Lose no time, but go, if thou canst, to- moT'iv. To-morrow be it," returned M. ChatouiIIeux, and t00k his le 've. M. Parlandet's r-lenipotentiary was skilful, and his task congenial. Its results were not long in making their appearance. Within a weelc Mynheer Fabian van Flewker was startled by finding upon his desk a letter from a house 'n Brussels, to which he had proposed their jointly uncertain' g a safe and lucrative operation. With many expressions of regret from the Brussels firm at their disposable capital being otherwise em- ployed, the merchant's proposition was civilly but firmly declined. ——— chap 27 CHAPTER XXVIII. A VISIT. TIImE months had now passed since the mysterious disappearance of Raymond White. Not the remotest had been obtained to his fate. The indefatigable inquiries of Kleckser had been entirely without suc- cess. From the moment when Raymond parted from it the gate of his employer's e, not a, single person of those who loved him had set eyes upon his face. Was he alive or dead ? No one could toll; and the doubt was almost more grievous than certainty of the worst. This August afternoon Natalie Lagrange and Ger- trude were sitting at work beneath the shelter of the trees bordering the lawn of the cottage. A melan- choly eliangB had come aver the countenance of the girl. Formerly frank and open, her clear eyes looked into yours with a pleasant, bright, and cheerful gaze now they were dim and heavy, lik- the eyes of a person slowly recovering from severe illness. The shadow of recent sorrow rested upon her. The high complexion she had worn was faded her cheeks were thinner; the bones of the face, were more prominent. A general air of dullness and depression hung about her figure, and showed itself in unac- customed languor. When she spoke her voice was fuller and deeper. It had not lost its musical ring, but had gained a tone of greater feeling. Heart sounde(i in it. The girl had become a woman. At times her hands dropped involuntarily into her lap, and she looked thoughtfully out upon the river, gliding at her feet towards the sea. Then, roused by a remark from her companion, she seemed to recover with a start, but, after plying her needle briskly for a time, relapsed into listlessness. Cheerful and active Natalie felt this would not do. Her pupil must be roused. She started a topic which she knew would instantly attract Gertrude's eager attention. Your father left early this morning, my little one," she remarked. He is not usually so hasty to run away. Affairs must be important that take him up to town before the business hour." Have you not noticed how ill he looks lately, cousin ?" asked the girl. Our living here does not seem to have done him the slightest good. When he comes home he shuts himself up after dinner in the study, writes and calculates all the evening, often late into the night. Sometimes I do not hear his step coming wearily up the stairs until after daylight, and I cannot sleep until I know he is at rest. In the morning it is almost worse. His haste and anxiety to get to business are pitiable. Oh! I wish, I wish I could prevail upon him to give up the pursuit of this wretched money, and pass his life in peace." Dear child, your wish is loving, but futile. Two things I know. First, M. van Flewker will never re- linquish business while he lives second, if he did, the result would be even worse thaa now." How can that be F" asked Gertrude. "Surely, if he were freed from this incessant work, he would be tranquil and at ease." Not he," returned the governess, nodding saga- ciously. Men like your father are not of those con- tent with little. He must be paramount. Such men are born to rule, to guide their fellows. He must be all, or nothing." "But haven't you seen how his absorption has latterly increased ?" asked Gertrude, again. What can be the cause ?" If there is any trouble upon his mind connected with the affairs of his business, depend upon it, the trouble is one created by a man we both distrust." "Ah! that M. Parlandet!" exclaimed Gertrude, a repugnant expression flitting over her face as she spoke the name. chap 28, Precisely, my little one, the very man. That oily smooth, and plausible M. Parlandet, whom I believe, upon gocd grounds now, to be as false and wicked as a fiend. Nothing will remove from my mind the strong impression that some new rascality of his weighs upon your father's spirits. Nothing will in- duce me to think that a recent misfortune, which we both deplore, does not owe the misery it contains to him. Stay, little one, see-who comes here ?" An elderly person, dressed in black, wearing a widow's cap, had just appeared at the gate opening upon the path which led to the cottage. She un- latched the gate as Natalie spoke, and was going on towards the house when her eye caught the two figures seated beneath the trees. She stopped, hesitated an instant, looked at the two again, then turned off across the lawn, and walked straight up to Natalie and Gertrude. Miss van Flewker, I presume," said the stranger, addressing Gertrude. Gertrude bowed. "You do not know me, young lady, but I have heard much about you from my son. My name is White." Mrs. te, exci ai nied, Gertrude, springing up in happy surprise. Oh how glad I am to see you! pray, sit down. This lady is Mademoiselle Lagrange, my governess and dear friend." I imagined as much," returned the widow. "I am happy to make mademoiselle's acquaintance; my son has spoken to me of her, also." One moment, Madam White!" exclaimed Natalie, eagerly. Your son-it is of his return you come to tell us ?" The widow sadly shook her head. No ? Then, Gerty, dear, the belief I just expressed out in-time. Ig\nt:õ see wy way, and we shall trap the arch-dissembler yet. Only a little patience. Continue, dear Madam White, continue, if you please." cbap28 And Mrs. White went on until she had completed her account. The only part that she suppressed was the impression made upon Parlandet by the sight of Chrissy. Thi was evidently not important, and would have been unintelligible without her acquainting her hearers with the nature of Pailandet's secret. What this was, a feeling of true womanly delicacy rendered her unwilling to reveal. She bad kept it from het own daughter. Why should she not feel equal respect for the virgin mind that listened now to what she had to tell ? When I repeated this to M. Kleckser," she con* eluded, he scouted indignantly the notion of the story containing a particle of truth. His belief waS the same that you have just expressed-that the tal0 was invented by M. Parlandet to avert suspicion from himself. We should have been convinced at once if we had known then that M. van Flewker was not the last person who saw my boy." "Ah, M. Kleckser is also our colleague exclaimed the governess. That is fortunate. We shall require I a male assistant in what we have to do. What pity that he is not at the moment here." She had scarcely spoken the words, when, by one of those singular coincidences that happen occasionally in real life as well as iu fiction, the German's figure appeared at the garden gate. He carried a large, black leather bag, and raised his h .t when he observed the ladies. But that is charming 1" ejaculated Natalie, ex- uldngly. as she perceived their new ally. See, little one, heaven smiles upon our endeavours, Could any omen be more propitious for success M. Kleckser," she called across the lawn, "we shall be glad of your company here when you have got rd of your load." Kleckser nodded. He had been despatched by Van Flewker to bring down some books and papers which the merchant intended to examine, and was to remain at the cottage during the evening, to afford amy assistance or explanation that might be required* He delivered his bag to a servant, with directions t. take it into the study, and joined the group upon the lawn. A few words made Kleckser well-informed as to the points in discussion; and Mademoiselle Lagrange con* tir-ued:- chap 28 We have now to consider by what motive, further than that of averting suspicion, this man could havS been actuated. I confess that, to my mind, the motive does not appear sufficiently strong. The Step is at once too hazardous and too daring for him to have adopted it without some more powerful reasons." chap 28 I am of de same opinion now as Mademoiselle Lagrange," said Kieckser. "Parl-as ve call dis in- tivitual in de oJTIce-is too great a coward, morally as veil as physically, to venture upon suck a risk mitout goot grouuts." You must recollect," observed Mrs. White, "that he attempted to dissuade me from asking anexplana- tion from the person he accused." Still, mitbout he metitated some polder stroke, he vould not venture," retui-nt-d Kleckser. I know de fellow petter dan you, dear Mrs. Vhite, and I am sure he has some burbose in view, vhich, at present, ve d" not. see. His accusation vas bart of a deep-laidblan, You viii agree urit me vlie-n you hear vhat I have to ted." Kleckser proceeded to narrate the conversation which had taken place between himself and M. Par- landet at the "Ekphaut's Tusk," and concluded- All dis, you s e, boints to some vily scheme." We are clearly agreed, then," said Mademoiselle Lagrange, "about the character of M. Parlandet at this present time. Before we continue our consulta* tion, I will keep the promise I made just now, of teHing what I know about this man's previous career." Her hearers looled at one another in surprise. The interest which Natalie had manifested in the conver* sation from the moment it commenced had grown and increased, until it had entirely divested hel manner of its habitual self-imposed calm. By degrees, as you have seen, she took the lead in all that passed. Gradually even her voice had changed, losing all traces of its ordinary foreign accent. The idioms ill which she usually spoke had given place to pure and fluent English. It seemed almost as if the latter weft her native tongue, casting off the bonds of years and custom, and breaking its way to the surface with utis concious but irresistible force. Natalie paused a moment, as if to collect h(ff thoughts, and then began. (To be continued.)