Denbighshire Free Press

[ALL BIGHTS BGSBBVED.] THE FLAW IN THE JEWEL BY LADY TROUBRIDGE 1 Author of "The Millionaire," The Soul of Hononr," The Woman Thou Gavest," Paul's Stepmother," The Cheat," &o. CHAPTER XXV. After dinner that night, Rothman, excusing himself from bridge, offered to shew Rosa- monde over the house. He took her first to the library—a noble room with mullioned windows of stone, and dim brown walls of unpainted oak, against which stood the book- cases, and many rare and precious objects collected by his ancestors. No orders had been given for the lighting of this room, and only the silvery moonlight streaming in through the small leaded panes lit up the in- terior. I want to speak to you," he said, walking with her across to the great window. And," hoN added, caressingly, we've had all our im- portant talks in the moonlight, my little dream lady but some day, very soon now, we •re going to leave the shadows and step into the sunshine." In spite of the lightness of his talk he felt her hand tremble, and saw her draw back like an over-sensitive child. "I want to take you at your word," he i buid, gravely. "In our last talk together you told me some wonderful things, and they nave been with me ever since. Do you remem- ber them?" He was sitting on the stone ledge which formed a window seat, and Rosamonde was standing near him, a gently-held prisoner, for he had caught her by both wrists. Oh, Guy, don't talk about that! It brings it all back." I want to bring it back just once," he whispered, with infinite tenderness; and then we will never talk about it again, my dearest." The tears started to her eyes. But why— why should we go over it again when you have forgiven me T r Roeamonde, don't be a baby," he said, with cheery common sense. "And whatever you do, don't cry. I can't stand it. and I want this house, my old home, to be asso- ciated with your smiles, and not with your tears. Come, be brave and good, and let me talk to you just as I wish." I The words were so kind, so sensible, that they appealed to her sense of reason and of justice. "Very well, Gay," she answered, "I am all attention, and ready to hear what it ie you wish to remind me of.' "Well, dear, on that day when, for the first time, you opened your heart to me you eaid some of the sweetest words I have ever listened to. You told me you loved me be- yond anything else in the world, and that there was nothing you would not do to prove that you were speaking the plain unvar- nished truth. Do you remember? Yes, of course I do. ii Well, I want you to repeat those words to me here and now." She turned her face to his, bending her head over his dark one. "I love you, Guy," she said, earnestly, "with all my soul, and there is nothing on earth I would not do to prove it." You mean that? Yes, entirely." He looked at her musingly. It is some- times easier to do a great thing than a small •ne." ( Great or small, it doesn't matter, she replied, although she was startled and vaguely alarmed at his earnestness. What is it you wish me to do, Guy? He was ready with his answer. "1 want you to go with me to Mrs. Faulkner's," he said, firmly, "and to help me to unravel the mystery which is connected with her." He felt her hands tremble helplessly in his. Oh why that particular thing? Because, my love, that fib of yours about her sticks in my mind, and I cannot rid my- self of the thought of it. It seems to come between us. Mind you, I suspect you of no- thing but of making foolish mysteries yet it was wrong of you, it was unworthy, nod I do want you to atone for it by making this little sacrifice. Come with me and help me with your woman's wit, and I shall forget the whole hateful episode." She was silent. "Come," he went on, it isn't much to ask of you—just this little proof of openness and of sympathy with me in my loyalty to poor Geoffrey. Ho watched her with passionate eagerness, but again that exquisite mask of her face gave him no clue as to her probable answer until she spoke, when a dazzling sweetness shone on brow and lip, and a lovely sur- render melted in her eyes. Very well, Guy, I will come with you. I do not approve of it, and I see^no sense or reason in it, but I shall obey you." He rose and folded her in his arms. Hea- ven bless you, my darling." he said, as he kissed her. "I thought you wouldn't disap- point me. Now I will finish with this subject by telling you that I've made an appointment with this lady, who will receive us at three o'clock to-morrow. There is a good train up at twelve, and we can lunch together at a restaurant on our way to her." Tlis satisfaction suffered a sudden shocik flarlv next morning, when his servant, meet- ing him in the hall, inquired if he had a tele- gram that he would like sent to the station. "Telegram? No," he said; puzzled. "Why should 1 have one? I've given no orders, "I beg your pardon, my Lord, but Miss Asbury has just sent one down. with orders that it has to go to the post-offioe at once, and, as we were sending the small car down with it, I thought I would inquire if your Lordship had any as well." I'm not sure," replied Rothman, uncer- tainly. Is that Miss Asbury's wire you have in your hand? ( Yes, my Lord." Still his master hesitated, while a dark flush rose to his cheek. "Just let me see it, he said at length. It may be on the matter I thought of wiring about." Without demur, the man handed it to him, and Rothman, taking it, walked upstairs to the door of the sitting-room allotted to Rosa- monde. He tapped on it with the stick in his hand, and it was opened by his betrothed, ho came outside to him. She was already dressed for their trip to LOudqqjlx fi duk.- W.LQr--=ada-dretia. -with A large nai or violet straw, and a bunch or violets was fastened at her waist. "Rosamonde," he said, without preamble, may I read this wire of yours? "Why?" she asked, paling. "Well, it has struck me that you might have thought of wiring to Mrs. Faulkner yourself, in which case I needn't trouble to do it." The insult of his disbelief of her repeated denials regarding any knowledge of the woman they were going to see did not fail to present itself to Rosamonde's mind. She gave a sigh of despair as she realised now thoroughly she had found her master. There was evidently no escape from the path of mingled sweetness and thorns he was forcing her to take. He might, and had, forgiven, all; it was very evident he had forgotten no- thing. As she stood hesitating and confused, he spoke again. "Was it to Mrs. Faulkner?" he said, impatiently. Yes, Guy." Then I suppose I can read it? Oh, yes, I suppose so; what does it mat- ter? She turned away, lifting the violets to her lips as Rothman read the wire which she had written. "Both coming," ran the megsage. Re- member, you and I are friends. Will find chance to explain." It fluttered to the ground between them, but neither of them moved to pick it up. Now is your chance to explain," he said, quietly. To explain what? Your extraordinary message to a woman you have denied knowing." "I have owned that tiiat was not true," she faltered. Why is she to remember that you are her friend ? She is very raarvous, Guy. She has not Been me for a long time; it might upset her." As the lame excuses came slowly from her lips he smiled bitterly. Someone else is nervous too," he said, sarcastically. No, don't explain, please we will chance Mrs. Faulkner being upset, and I shall be much obliged if you will destroy this telegram." She stooped and picked it up, and as she did so she tore it across two or three times, without daring to look at him. It 6eemed to her that she was tearing hia heart and here. When he spoke again his voice was almost as usual, yet not quite, for the tender per- sonal note had left it. "I hope you won't get very tired," he said, conversationally. It is a. long way for you; but we shall be back before dinner." She nodded. Rothman still lingered. "By the way," he said, you know we are going to have a dance here to-morrow night, and several people are coming down to-day for it. I meant it to be a little surprise for you; but you are sure to have heard of it from Mil- dred, so I thought I would tell you of it my- self as well." She struggled to look pleased. A ball! How lovely Do you know, Guy, I have never been to one in my life." "All the better," he said, with some in- terest. Come into the library, and see what I have got for you to wear. I don't believe you have any jewels at all." He was leading the way downstairs, and Rosamonde answered him with a touch of sharpness. Jewels No. How should I have jewels? she said. She could not understand his manner; it was quite evident that she had deeply offended him about the telegram, and yet he I was speaking to her gently of pleasures in store for her, or of dances nnd jewellery. Somehow she would rather he had shewn her I more of the just anger he -,sat- suppressing, for she had learnt to know that his displea- sure could gather weight from silence. When they reached the library he took her to a cupboard door, and opening it shewed her a safe built in the wall. Inside was a collection of family diamonds—necklaces, tiaras, and pendants—which he took out. of faded cases, and exhibited to her with so much interest that she felt bound to simulate some on her side. r I must have most of them reset," he said, eagerly. These quaint old fenders will be too heavy for your little head. I saw a tiara the other day which would be far more becoming, and I think I shall get it for you; such a lovely design, as fine and intri- cate as the pattern on old lace." No, no," she said. She had opened one of the largest cases, and was staring at its contents somewhat wistfully. it was a tall, quaint, circular crown, ter- minating in high points, each topped with one magnificent pear-shaped pearl. This is beautiful," she said. You couldn't, buy me anything I should like better." It was my mother's," he answered. Try it on; I should like to see it on your dear little head." She pulled off her hat and held the crown poised on her head, when it immediately im- parted a quaint stateliness and qucenliness to her childish face, bringing back to tho son memories of other eyes, now closed, which had sipiled at him beneath their glitter years ago. His own eyes misted over, and Rosa- monde saw it, and lifting his hand kissed it. It reminds you of her," she whispered. He looked at her sadly. My mother had a better jewel than any my father gave her," he said. She had the jewel of a loyr«l heart. Will my wife have that also? I She turned away, laying the glittering crown on the table, and he took it from her and put it back in its case. -1 1 can't give you any of these now," he said. but I want you to wear some gift of mine at the ball, and so when I was last in London I bought you these." As he spoke he onened another case, this time of pale blue velvet, and bearing the stamp of newness, and on a white satin bed lay a perfect row of single pearls. "There!" he said. "That is just the thing for mv little girl, isn't it? An expression of dismay, almost of horror, came into her eyes. Oh! not pearls, Guy—not pearls!" she cried. Not pearls? he said, surprised. Surely you can't dislike pearls? There is nothing so lovely in the world. I chose them because they somehow reminded me of you, but if you would rather have had a string of diamonds, why, of course, I would have got them for you*" j A >ense of her apparent ineptitude came over rtosamoncle her lace llusned a deep rose colour. They are perfectly lovely," she said. I only felt somehow I didn't deserve them. You are too good to me." Let me fasten them round your neck," he said, eagerly. I want to see how you look in them." They are much too good for the day- time," she objected. Not at all. The women all wear pearls nowadays in the morning-in London, at all events; only most of them are not real. Look! Isn't it pretty? You must look in the glass when I've fastened it for you." He did so with a man's awkwardness. Why, you've got a necklace on already? he eaid. It geta in the way of this one. Why do you wear it under your blouse? Can't you pull it out? No; it's only some beads my mother gave me. I always wear them hidden, as the Catholics do their relics." Rothman noticed her deadly paleness, and was relieved when the breakfast gong put an end to their conversation. The pleasure he had anticipated in shewing her the posses- sions he was able to give her had somehow passed away. If they were incapable of bringing her any of the light-hearted joy of girlhood, then they had lost their value in his eyes. CHAPTER XXVI. They started at about eleven-thirty, and on the journey he could not help observing the inward tension and excitement under which she seemed to be labouring, and which grew upon her with every mile of the road. Clearly she hated coming; clearly she dreaded it intensely; but why? The question beat at his brain, demanding an answer. Was it only the natural dislike of a girl to mix herself up with an embarrassing and distasteful situation, or was it the reluctance of a woman forced to renew an acquaintanceship which, for reasons of her own, she had dropped; or was it something more, something which had in it the elements of trase&v ? it ne only Knew whether he were justified in being so cruel; justified in trying to wring from her the secret she guarded so zealously. Outside the station stood a luxurious motor, wired for from his London stables. He handed her in, gave the address, and they glided smoothly off on their journey. It took the best part of an hour from door to door, for the traffic was heavy, and he left her alone during the time, for her low, breath- less answers to his few remarks told him she was incapable of sustained talk; but his eyes often turned to her averted profile, and he marked the trembling of the scarlet lips, and the fixed stare of her eves. Again and again he felt inclined to draw her to him, and to tell her that he would give up the plan that was so hateful to her; but he conquered the feeling, and as the car drew up at a semi-rustic gateway his face was set in rather grim lines. He was not looking forward to the visit himself. Rosamonde followed her lover across a tiny lawn, little bigger than a pocket handker- chief, and leant against the doorpost, press- ing her handkerchief to her lips as he rang the bell. Are you ill? he asked, abruptly. She put her hand on his, and it was icy. No, I'm all right, but, Guy, if-if things go wrong don't blame me." Do you anticipate they will? No, but I wish you would have let me send my telegram. It would have been wiser. I wonder why you wouldn't." "For a very simple reason," he said, coldly. I didn't want her put on her guard by you." The door opened somewhat suddenly be- fore she could find an answer, and they both stepped into a narrow hall. "Is your mistress at home?" asked Guy of the scared looking servant who admitted them. I have an appointment with her; my lame is Lord Rothman," he added, producing his card. Yesy sir; yes, Miss Rosamonde, said the girl, in a bewildered way. Behind his back Rothman felt sure that Rosamonde made some sign, for the servant faltered into silence, looking at his card un- certainly. He felt his anger rising. Shew us in," he said, haughtily. She obeyed, turning suddenly to a door on the left, which she held open, and ushering them into a long, low room, pleasant with faded chintzes and fresh flowers. A woman rose from a chair at the further end as they walked forward-a woman who was tall and slight and dignified looking, dressed in black. It is Lord Rothman," she said instantly, and-" She paused. I have brought a former acquaintance of yours—Miss Asbury," he said, easily, con- scious that Rosamonde was looking with an earnest, imploring look at Mrs. Faulkner. And my apology for doing so is that we are engaged to be married, and she has thercforb promised me her help in this matter with which I am troubling you." Miss Asbury knows," was the answer, given with great'deliberation, that anything I can do for her I will do. Do I understand that she mentioned my name to you? I was trying to summon up courage to in- trude upon you," said Rothman, "when I accidentally discovered that she had known you in the past, and I naturally asked her to present me, thinking I should have more chance of being favourably received by y°u. Ah said the lady. And that is all she has told you? That is all." Well, you have both taken me rather bj. surprise, but please sit down. They did so, and Rosamonde chose a chair in front of Rothman and nearer to their hostess. Rothman then leant forward, an in- tense earnestness dissipating hit constraint. I throw myself upon your kindness, he said; and, first of all, I beg you to believe that I'm actuated by no idle curiosity. He then briefly went over his reasons for believing that his listener could supply him with the information he needed. She listened to him with a kind of cold attention, and her eyes never left the girlish figure near him. So you have been shadowing me with de- tectives? she remarked, finally. Rather a strange fashion of inviting my confidence, is is not? Madam," he said, I never gave any such instructions, and when your name was brought to me by the man I employed I in- stantly took the matter into my own hands." But, excuse me, you seem to have no case for action in any even*, SuDPose I do help you to nnct this tatty, are yon sure she cannot prove the pearl necklace to have been given to her? I am convinced she cannot prove any such thing." And why? Because I have my friend's statement to the contrary; his written statement, contain- ing a full description of the missing necklace, and of the circumstances under which he lent it to her." Have you never reflected, Lord Rothman, that by pressing this claim, and giving it publicity, you may be doing someone who has never harmed you an irreparable injury? I have nothing to do with that," he answered. Mr. Venesta left an aged mother totally unprovided for, and I have vowed to restore her property to her, if it is to be done. I definitely implore you for your help; I am persuaded from your remarks that you can give it to me, and I can conceive of no pos- sible reason why you should not do so." "You have brought Miss Aebury here with you," said Mrs. Faulkner, in order that, as you say, she might help you but so far she's taken very little part in this argument. I am willing to be guided, to a great extent, by her wishes, i .she will help me by stating them. You hear, Rosamonde," said Rothman. Mrs. Faulkner will probably tell you what she refuses to tell me. Will you put the question to her instead of me? Perhaps," said Mrs. Faulkner, looking keenly at the girl, Miss Asbury does not wish the question put at all." Rosamonde put out her hands blindly, as though groping for help. I can't; I don't know anything about it." You know Mrs. Faulkner," said Roth- man, sternly; "and you have apparently some influence with her." Great influence, said Mrs. Faulkner, calmly. "Then, once for all, use it," said Roth- man and he brought his fist down with a bang upon the table near him. I prefer not to have Miss Asbury terrorised," interposed Mrs. Faulkner. You will excuse me for saying that she seems to be in some fear of you." "She knows well enough that she has nothing to fear from me," said Rothman, 3ullenly but I brought her here to help me —she promised to do so, and it is naturally extremely annoying that she won't keep her word. "If you frighten her like this," said Mrs. Faulkner, she may feel disposed to break I her word to you as regards her more impor- tant engagement. I should, if I were in her place. My dear Mrs. Faulkner," he said, we arc all a little at croee purposes. I am not such a fool as to be unable to see that both you and Rosamonde know something which is hidden from me, and, in like manner, it is im- posible for you to judge of how I stand to Miss Asbury. It is difficult to speak of it be- fore her face, but this much I may tell you— that she has no one upon this earth more wholly and entirely devoted to her best inte- rests than I am, and it is because I love her so entirely that I feel she should be frank with me in everything; she should keep nothing back." So far as I understand you," said Mrs- Faulkner, you ask not to be judged by me because I do not know the whole facts. I, in my turn, ask you not to pass judgment upon Miss Asbury for her silence, when you do not know the causes which dictate it." I know enough," said Rothman, to understand that it is almost a crime on her part to continue these mysteries, and you will be no friend to her if you encourage her in them. I've told you how much I love her it is a 6trange thing to say to a perfect stranger, but I have had my reasons, and I tell you now that unless she is prepared to be frank with me I can seetio happiness for us in our married life." I quite agree with you," said Mrs. Faulk- ner. In fact, 1 see SO little happiness for her with a person as proud and passionate as you have shewn yourself to-day that I shall beg ner, here and now, to take the decisive step of severing her life from yours. Rosamonde," she went on stepping up to the girl and taking her hand, "I should have nothing more to do with this man. He w ishes to en- trap you into admissions likely to ruin another, and because you refuse to do it he's already making you so miserable that the 0 story of your trouble is plainly written in your face. Tell him, now that you have still friends who will sacrifice everything for you; still a home to which you can come." Rosamonde rose to her feet in a maze of terror. No, mother, no," she cried. Don't say that; he is good and noble and true, and I love him better than anyone in the world." Mrs. Faulkner's eyes m^t his over the girl's bowed head. "It is true," she said, calmly. I could not give away her secret before act did, but I am her mother! {To be continued.)