Denbighshire Free Press

The So-I of Honour BY j LADY TROUBR!DQE, Of The Cheat," The Millionaire," T'aai's Stepmother," The Woman ¡ Thou Gavest," &c., &c. [COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XV Varnistcr looked at her hard, and in his tves for the iirst time she saw a want, the ahncc of that soft glowing, lover-like look which had dwelt there for her alone. Ilis elance looked now as it looked to the world, and as Marcus had often seen it, cold, impersonal, self-contained and aloof, a glance that seemed to shut her out. There is nothing the matter," he said, as she fell back vaguely pained, with a feeling as if she had been pushed off that high pedestal whereon he had throned her, and as she drew back she was acutely conscious of Marcus's mocking eyes, veiled as they were with a sham huniilitv. Well, have you come to a decision yet ? said her husband, still keeping his hard im- personal glance fixed upon her. Unless I have been so unfortunate as to misunderstand her ladyship," put in Marcus in a manner that had in it both defiance and irony, she has promised me her support." Indeed, I hope you were properly grate- ful." Yannister was measuring the young man with a hostile eye. I am siuc you must have been," he said, laughing harshly. I was." > A faint surprise was dawning in Marcus s mind. Was Yannister jealous of the pro- longed interview ? He knew not how else to account for his altered manner, which lie saw was troubling Honour. Of course," she said in a low tone, from which all the purpose, all the vitality seemed somehow to have fled. I could decide nothing, and really, perhaps, I should not have meddled in the matter at all." She looked at him like a child seeking encouragement. Since I asked you to do so," he said, "you need not apologise. What is your advice ?" May I give it to you alone No, tell me now. It has been discussed in front of Qninten, therefore there is no need for any further mystery." He saw that she was longing to approach nearer to him, and to ask him the reason for Pis change of tone. He saw the unspoken questions hovering on her parted lips but he would not gratify her. ) Go on," he said. I do not wish rr. Qninten to lose through our marriage," she said, with simplicity. That is to say ,more than can be helped. I should like the position made as easy for him as possible." "I see," he said. Anything else ?" She looked distressed. Pray, Guy," she said, and Marcus started at the Christian name in her mouth, natural as it was. ill you not decide yourself ?" He moved impatiently. If I eliose to i could have done so. I heard you speaking fluently enough as I came in, but your elo- quence seems to have dried up with my presence." There was nothing for it but to^ go on. Well, it seems to me," she said, that if Mr. Ouinten wishes to obtain from you such a large sum of money as fifty thousand pounds, lie should be prepared to offer you proof that this engagement of his is neither hastv nor ill-considered, but that he really loves tllis lady, and in order to do this he Ollght to submit to a certain probation, a vear for instance, during which time you could satisfy yourself of their chances of happiness but of course I merely suggest it. It is your affair." Not at all," said Yannister, still with that touch of bland irony in his voice. It is our affair now." He turned suddenly on Marcus, and his manner had gained in cordiality and lost in sincerity. You have heard my wife," he said, her decision is as generous as it is wise, and I approve of it. Whatever the future may bring we can feel we have discharged our duty to you and compensated you for your natural disappointment. And now having gone so far, we won't do things by halves, we will let the' reconciliation be thorough and complete." He held out his hand with something of his old manner, something of that noble fearless look which had won Honour's heart. As you see I am a changed man," he said, the years have fallen away from me, and perhaps I shall understand you better now. Tea us bury our old quarrels. We are to have a shooting party in three weeks, just one or two of the neighbours, they will come if only out of curiosity, and we will carry out Lady Yannister's suggestion and ask the Winder- meres. How will that suit you ?" It will suit me down to the ground," said Marcus. That strange, new thought which had been keeping him company of late suddenly suggested to him a plan, which made him catch his breath. Not a full- tledged deliberate plan, but the merest sugycstioi^as faint as a whisper in the car. "1 will come," he said, and as he spoke that hidden whisper became more intelligible. Good, then remember the 19th of Sep- tember." Yes, the 19th," echoed Marcus, mechani- cally. In 5ite of his doubts the reconcilia- tion wiui Yannister excited him, for he knew all that it might mean, all at least that it might have meant but for that woman in the way. I shall write to Windermere, I think," said Yannister. He was an old friend of mine when—when I cared about having friends, and lie will take the proposal more seriously if it comes from me. I shall tell him, too, of the delay I recommend, but I think we will make it six months instead of a year." Marcus replied in the same conciliatory spirit. If you will write the letter, sir," he said, I will take it myself to Lord Windermere. I leave for town to-niglit." Yannister nodded, and with a deep bow to Honour the young man left the room. CHAPTER XVI. As soon as he was gone she crossed the room with quick impulsive steps carried on by an intolerable sense of fear and loneliness. Guy, what have I done ? she said, eagerly, I have taken too much upon my- self. I have vexed you and upset you in some way, tell me. I cannot bear that strange look in your eyes." His manner repulsed her before he spoke. You grow fanciful, my dear." She fell back. Then it is true. I have annoyed you, but how—dear Guy I told you I had many faults. I shall often act stupidly and crudely but if you will tell me it will be all right, only don't shut me out. I can't bear it." j There is nothing to bear." Yes, there is, I can hear the irritation in your voice. You are resisting me in some way, scorning me, too but if you will not tell me. why, then, I must endure your silence, that is all. I can bear most things," she added under her breath, unless these wonderful weeks have made me forget the way." Vannister crossed the room quickly. She did not turn her head, but heard his quick breathing close at her side. He put two strong hands on her slight shoulders, hands that gripped her like iron. I Look at me," he commanded. She flung back her head and remained so, hardly breathing under his burning look. I prom her white rounded neck the lace collar his pearls clasped the gleam- I lug whiteness. Her eyes melted into his. Honour," he said, between his tcctA fl. had you ever seen Marcus Quinten l;ef->r/:»' The white face crimsoned, tha tiro it quivered, the eyelids fell. He was answered, and her audible :e:r lie hardly listened to at all. What makes you think that, 1 wond*. she faltered. Never mind why I think it, I af,t rua. have you ever seen him before ? Something in his tone told her that if she now owned even to a previous acquaintance with Ouinten after having greeted him as a stranger, it would mean the loss of all that reverence of his for her which made life dear. Lesides explanations would follow, and how could she explain. She was too flurried and bewildered to understand that all this was nothing to the definite terrible step away from him she would lake if she lied to him. In truth the position was appalling, for her husband's power of discernment brought an unknown factor into the case. If he had not been so quick to notice her embarrassment she would have had time to plan, but as it was she had just promised Marcus, solemnly promised him to keep his secret, and it seemed im- possible to break her word. Her mind, usually clear and straightforward, was con- fused, puzzled, shaken she knew not how to decide, and did not realise that the simple solution of the whole matter would have been to have turned to her husband and said, I told you once that sad story of mine, which you yourself said reflected no discredit upou me. He is the man who brought this suffering upon me." It seemed so her that her resolve to protect him forbade her to be so frank, and besides, although Yannister was too noble to blame her for having been duped by a blackguard, she knew that the hateful story irked his proud sensitive mind all the more because lie never spoke of it. but shut it away with something like horror. And she loved him so that she could no bear his thoughts of her to change. Ah how she ('ved him, with the simple fond clinging love of a child mingled with the deep scif-rcati-drg passion of a woman. It was a crystal river of devotion that she poured at his feet, and now she must choke that clear stream with a lie. These thoughts ran with lightning quick- ness through her rniud, a swift maddening current of thought which left her stupid and blind, and so she fell from that high level of truth and purity which had sustained her hitherto. A moment later she had stooped to a lie. The words sprang out hurriedly, chokingly, frightening her as she said them. Xo, no I never knew him. How could I ? Why should I ? His grip relaxed, he put her from liini. You believe 111c ? she gasped. No." So it was all for nothing that hideous he, and yet she dared not take it back not even when his arms stole round licr and he drew her to his heart. My love," he said, gently and pitifully, you are not trusting me, you are not ful- filling those words of yotirs to me under the stars. You are keeping something back from me. No—don't speak." He touched her lips with his hand. I cannot heor it again that want of truth in the voice I love, but wait, think—I remember—I do not douot lightly when I love so deeply, but, Honour, I must have truth if our love is to be the living exquisite thing which is all we either of us could tolerate. I must have truth in small things and great. Take time, my darling, and then come to me again, and show me all your heart, for, believe me, nothing short of this will satisfy me." He put her" gently away, and she broke from him weeping. Already the shadow of that evil man had come between them. After this scene he ignored the whole con- cern, relegated it with that splendid self- control of his to the background of his thoughts, and apparently occupied hiiuselt with preparations for his shooting part)". Honour's invitations were at once accepted. Lord Yannister's hasty marriage had caused comment and some disapproval, but lie was too great a man not to be privileged to be ecccrtric, and a wave of curiosity \nd swept ovo: t'le county which was now at length to b- gratified. The party was to be a small enc", consisting of two or three local big-wiss, a Lord and Lady Merrincourt heading the list. He was Lord Lieutenant of the County, and a- man of property equal to his eccentric neighbour's. He was also useful and public spirited in a somewhat narrow and pompous fashion. His wife was the type of aristo- cratic respectability, one of those many w-Jinen who are the backbone of Engbntl. Hei thoughts began and ended with her husband, her home and the duties of her position. To her mind her husband was that great man, that embodiment of patriotism and genius for whom Ivngland had long been waiting, and she was filled with wonder that his remarkable abilities were not more generally recognised. She loved the country and detested Lcndon, but she made a yearly pilgrimage to the capital, and presented a daughter annually to her Soveieign. They were countrified-looking girls, as much like each other as peas in a pod, and as simple at twenty-four and five as differently brought up girls at twelve and fourteen. This party aJforde-l a striking contrast to the Winder- meres, and Lady Merrincourt, who knew Luly W indermere by name only till then, shrank back into her shell at the flow of restless talk which the other scattered around her, and looked with hidden disapproval at the magnificent clothes and air of world!iness which enveloped the gushing lady. Hya- cinth, too, came in for a share of this dis- r.p-noval, althcr_k her muiuicrs tlu;1! sparkling were perfect, yet her exquisite ciothes and dainty jewels offended Lady Merrincourt's old-fashioned ideas. They were fitted for a young married woman she reflected on that first afternoon at the tea hour which assembled them all in the great hall, and her eye wandered from the dainty figure with its crown of golden hair and wild rose complexion, clothed in garments suitable indeed, for Hyacinth wore a dark violet tweed, fashionably made, unlike her own girls in their country-made skirts which by contrast seemed to fit clumsily round their broad flat waists. Each girl, Hyacinth included, wore a shirt, but volumes might be written on the difference in that wonderful garment, the blouse which came to us from the brain of a Parisian designer and which we have made our own. All three shirts were simple, but Hyacinth's was made of finest muslin, and it fitted her to perfection, circling her dainty throat and clinging to her sloping shoulders and pretty arms as the petal clings to the flower, while the creations by the village dressmaker worn by the Misses Merrincourt seemed to accentuate each fault of the figures they covered. liven the mother's partial eye saw the difference, and it annoyed her, and gave rise to the vague air of aloof disapproval that she wore. She was not the only one suffering iu that first hour, for a stillness hung over them all, a discomfort for which each had some reason. To begin with these sudden plunges into society are rarely successful at nrsi, and to j make a hoilse party a real success is the work not only of the lime when it actually occurs, t but of the months ana years preceding it when the host and hostess have made them- selves a real centre in their own set. Honour had no set, and each of the people round her had some reason for coining quite unconnected with pleasure and in many cases connected with something unpleasant. Tnc Windenneres came because Lady Windermere had insisted against her hus- band's wishes. -For his part Lord Winder- mere bitterly resented tIle bet that he was bringing his lovely Hyacinth on approval. What right iiad Ya:mist.er to reserve his con- sent nuiix he saw hcv It was a piece of i:isuherah!e presumption, a?:.i it did not add to ins s\vi.:du-s ol te;iiv-er or to his civility Lo iiis ltv S V <- n ,-<• thousands of leagues away. Self-interest, however, that potent factor in modern affairs, had brought them all, and it kept them. A common interest also thrilled them, and that was the personality of their hostess. She is like a picture by Burne Jones," thought Lady Merrincourt, when she was first announced, and the tall figure advanced to meet her in the dimness of the great hall, and the shorter woman looking up saw the girl about whom she had heard so much. She was right, the low brow from which the dark hair waved in heavy masses, the heavy lidded magnificent eyes, the profile, the full lips, and the curved chin, were they not the exact likeness of the Blessed Damozel as she leaned over the balcony gazing into the starry night, her own dusky tresses garlanded with stars as bright. She is like a creature out of a poem," thought the good lady as their hands clasped, but dear me she does not look happy enough for a bride." Honour had had time for a little quiet talk with the Merrincourts, and for the welcoming of two other guns before the Windef- meres and Marcus had arrived. This was the moment she dreaded, and which she had brought upon herself by the championing of Hyacinth. Somehow, how- ever, she never realised how terrible, how unnatural it would be. She saw now in the constraint which clouded Lord Winder- mere's greeting, that her suggestion, though right enough, had not been in the range of practical politics. But it was too, late now. Lady Windermere floated in gracious and unconcerned. She fully intended to get the better of the Yannisters in the end, but it would be in her own fashion. She began by taking everything for granted. Hyacinth was wild to come, dear child," she said, pulling a pair of long suede gloves off her plump jewelled hands. As naturally she would be. She was a little shy, of course, dear child, but so anxious to see you, dear Lady Vannister, and really the rest will do ner good, lor she has Deen dancing herseii to death. Three balls a night—I try to be firm about refusing some, but the invitations come pouring in, and it is so difficult to select. You understand that I am sure, Lady Merrincourt." Lady Merrincourt smiled sourly, she was not besieged in that fashion as Lady Winder- mere knew well, but nothing on earth would not besieged in that fashion as Lady Winder- mere knew well, but nothing on earth would have made her own it. So many balls are very bad for young girls," she said, and late hours spoil their complexion." "Quite true. Quite true, as a rule," purred the other, with a quick glance at the weather-beaten faces of the young country ladies. I only wish it would spoil Hyacinth's for then perhaps I should have a chance of being obpyed Don't mother," said Hyacinth, blushing deliciously, and her mother subsided, but she had gained her point, for Lady Merrincourt was routed. Marcus sat a little behind his fiancee, and meetly in the shadow, only emerging now and then to hand the tea cups and make himself useful, and Honour noticed that duiing the whole of the first hour the girl never once spoke to him. Did she love him ? Was it only a girlish shyness which held her, or was there something behind it. Anyhow, Honour realised that neither of them should have been here, and certainly Marcus should never have been allowed to come back until Yannister knew their secret. Still her promise held her, and the thought of her lie weighed down her soul. oil for someone to advise her, someone she could trust. But everywhere she saw only curious almost un- friendly glances, and in Marcus's eyes she at last plainly read a veiled malignty that made her tremble. And it was for this man whom she hated and who hated her that she had soiled her white soul with a lie. Just for the sentiment of what had once been, she had spoilt the wonderful present. For her happiness was gone, gone as com- pletely as t1; roses of summer. Sometimes she thought, ith a sick fear that it had gone never to eci.,i., back. That was when she remembered t; at it had taken him twenty years to forgive another lie uttered by other lips. Ah why had she trifled with that stern strong nature, that unbending will ? Heed- less of the voices round her she lost herself in a maze of misery. The slamming of the hall door recalled her to her senses. Someone else was arriving. She looked mutely at her husband for in- structions, for she was new to this hostess work. He came and bent over her chair. "Your friend Taunton has come," lie said, and he smiled in almost the old fond way. I kept it as a little surprise for you I thought you would be glad." Glad, what words could express her gladness as she lieard again those strong hearty ringing honest tones that seemed to bring help and comfort with them. Once before when des- pair had clutched her with its cold hand those honest tones had brought comfort, and so they did now, Taunton knew everything. He would help lier-lic would advise. She looked up and saw the eyes of the it tIe society beauty fixed on the door. They were glowing like two blue stars, and her cheeks were crimson. What with the flaming joy signals in her cheeks and the radiance of her bright hair, she looked to Honour in that moment truly adorable, all rose and pearl and gold, a little fairy princess, wakened to life by the coining of the fairy prince. Suddenly Honour remembered disjointed words of Taunton's which had passed un- heeded in her own great sorrow, and began to unravel the riddle and to guess at further complications, for Lady Windermere's suave manner vaniilicJ as if b: uia-i- and she Darcy extended lier hand to the new comer. Marcus and he also avoided a greeting touch which was easy in that crowd, and for one instant Hyacinth's little hand lay in his broad palm. Just one instant, but it deepened the glow in his brown cheek and paled the roses in hers. Then he was smiling at Honour. A transformation scene," he said, in a low genial tone, eh, my lady ? Yes, oil, yes." I've been the good fairy, but why that sigh ? .1. Perhaps because the bad fairy is still about," she whispered back in the same tone, for already her heart was lighter in the know- ledge of a friend at hand. He glanced at Marcus, and his face clouded. H'mr" he said. I see your meaning. Why did you let him come here ? It was a mistake, and it is leading to trouble, but I can't explain now." Taunton agreed with her last both Yannister and Marcus wer him. He handed her some seized the last opportunity befor move. If I've been your good fairy will you be mine ? Yes, of course," said Honou But how ?" Contrive to let me sit by Lad; to-night at dinner. It may be the I have of speaking to lies before I leave the old country." I will do it." Thank you." he said, fervently, as she rose, and the party dispersed, the women climbing the great staircase to their respective rooms,, and the men chatting in groups in front of the empty fireplace. Taunton left them and sought his room, but to dream not to dress. That little face seen across the dusky hall had roused the old love—the old desperate longing. Surely he had been a madman to have tamely surren- dered her to that hound Quintcii. She was too young, too simple to realise the baseness of such a man, and she had resented his effort to open her eyes because he had done it badly, clumsily. Nov.* fate and Honour had given him another chance. Should lie take it <5r not ? He decided at length tha. that should depend on his sweet lady herself. If the world had choked the blossom of he* love with its rank and noxious undergrowth, then he would find strength to stand aside. This being once settled lie dressed quickly, and tvent downstairs again to pass the time ;s oesi he might, and encountered his host, who greeted him laughingly. you for the secretary you recom- meuded me," he said, laughing, but the words ended in something suspiciously like a sigh. 1 think you should thank me very heartily," said Taunton, in his direct way, 1 had nu idea, though what a romance I was starting." No, and yet when you send a goddess off northwards with a typewriting machine you might feel a little responsible, I think. Seriously, Jack, I tliauk you." There was no time- for more as the others entered, and at last the moment for which i'auntou was thirsting arrived, and he offered ins arm to Hyacinth, and followed in the wake oi the others. Neitner spoke, but the man's heart was beating in great heavy mutffeel thumps, and tne little hand lying on his arm seemed like st uie white floH.Er he longed with a wild inexpressible longing to gather. Had she forgotten ? IILs life hung 011 the answer. 111 the scft light of the dining room when they were seated he met her eyes, and he trembled at s-amething he saw there, some- thing which gave him courage to speak. "1 asked Lady Vannister to let me be next to you," he ;id. Tell me, quickly, do you mind ? Mind," she said, impulsively, Oh! lack, it she had said no I could not have borne it, aud so, do you know, I asked her also." Ilvacintli," he said, in a very low whisper. don't trifle with me. You know what your words mean. Life or death for me, and -11 vhow teaiity for us both. What is the tu*.ure to be? Speak." (To be Continued.) =-=.=. 7-==-=-=:"=-="