The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

( Copyright.) WASHED ASHORE: A ROMANCE. By HORACE LASHBROKE. Author of "To the Rescue," An Unjust Steward," "The Wreck of the Golden Fleece," "Ainsworth's Folly," "False Pre- tences," &c., &c. CHAPTER XI. DAVID STRAXGE'S DISAPPOINTMENT. The conversation that took place at Fairwater between David Strange and Jack Newcome on the night of the latter's return from London was not devoid of important results. It will be re- membered that the artist friends had exchanged confidences concerning Agnes Meadows. David Strange had expressed his conviction that Agnes was in love with Jack Newcome, and Jack New- come had assured David Strange that he believed that he, David, held a sufficiently exalted place in Agnes Meadows' heart to be accepted should he propose. Both had spoken from honest conviction, al- though poor David Strange in his humility had at first doubted his friend's sincerity. Jack New- come, on the other hand, had not for a moment doubted David Strange's sincerity, but it had never entered his mind for an instant that Agnes was in love with him. When, however, it was suggested to him, he had at once boldly ex- pressed the hope that such was not the case. Thank Heaven no woman holds my heart. I am fancy free," had been his words, and David Strange had heard them with visible regret. In the sweet unselfishness of his nature he had earnestly hoped that the day was nigh at hand when his bosom friend, Jack Newcome, would recipro- cate the love which he felt convinced Agnes Meadows entertained for him. A more unselfish wish could not have found a place in any human heart, for David Strange was himself in love with Agnes. But, without hope of reciprocity, he had lp never hinted in the remotest way at the existence of his passion. Many a one in such a position would have moped over his fate and hugged his sorrow to his heart, but it was not so with poor David Strange. "My unrequited love," he aaa said within himself, "shall be turned to practical use in her behalf and so he had put self to one joide and had resolved to do all in his power to bring Jack Newcome's heart in touch with the heart of Agnes, thereby hoping to ob- tain for her the reciprocity he dared not hope for for himself. But the conversation on that memorable night at Fairwater between the artist friends had shattered the hope David Strange had so fondly fostered of bringing Jack Newcome and Agnes Meadows together in the character of lovers, and whilst shattering that hope it had given birth to another-the hope that he himself might hold the place in Agnes's heart to which he had not nitherto dared to aspire. For David Strange in his love for, and admira- tion of, his friend, believed with almost childish simplicity in his wisdom. If, therefore, Jack Newcome was sincere in all he had said (and of his sincerity David Strange was convinced), David need no longer regard himself as the in- significant creature he had hitherto imagined, and he might approach Agnes in his own behalf boldly and hopefully. More than this, David's position was strengthened by the manner in which Jack Newcome had received the sugges- tion that Agnes was in love with him. He had emphatically pronounced the hope that such was not the case, and had shewn as plainly as a man could shew that he in no degree reciprocated the affection his friend believed to exist for him. Why, then, should David hesitate to act deci- sively in his own behalf ? At last he found courage sufficient in which to give utterance to his aspiration. Jack Newcome -was away for the day. David and Agnes were in the studio at Fairwater. They had been -talking of Jack's creat picture of the Swallow Falls, which was all but finished. I believe it will make his fortune," said David. I believe so too, and I hope so with all my heart," answered Agnes. And then perhaps he will begin to think of taking unto himself a wife," said David, glancing inquiringly at his companion to see now his words were received. There was no sign of emotion or confusion in the sweet, calm face as she answered, Most likely. Let us hope he will make a wise choice. Good fellows like Jack Newcome seldom do, .Miss Meadows; they generally hit upon some utterly unsuitable and unworthy woman." Let us trust he will not be so unfortunate," -she answered. Were his choice that which 1 should make, he would nTarry an angel," replied David. An angel, Mr. Strange Have you, then, had the privilege of meeting with one'? I believe so. If I must modify the descrip- tion, one who is as nearly angelic as a human -■being can be." I should like to know her "You do know her, better than anyone else knows her." Her name?" Agnes Meadows. Yourself!" "You are assuming a new character, Mr. Strange. I never heard you indulge in gross flaHery before." "Iam not indulging in gross flattery, Miss M(adows; I am speaking with absolute can- .dour," he answered, with intense earnestness. I I am sorry to hear you say so," she replied, ".for it betrays sad want of judgment on your part." I must remind you of your own contention, that good people so far forget self that they become blind to their own worth and underrate themselves. It is so with you, Miss Meadows. "You know not your own worth you approach the angelic too closely to hcognise the grace and beauty of your character." "Pray, Mr. Strange, do not pursue the subject further; I do not appreciate such unmerited -eulogy." I would not knowingly pain you for the "world," he answered humbly; "but you have often spoken in eulogistic terms of me, and may I not respond by expressing my honest opinion of you ? Miss Meadows, do you mind my telling you of a wish I cherished in secret for manv months ? A wish, quite an unselfish wish, in .your behalf ? "No, if it be your desire." I wished to see you married to Jack New- come." A deep blush suffused her face, and with it an expression of intense pain. "To Mr. New- come ? she answered. Why ? Because I believed him as worthy of'you as any man could be." I See," she exclaimed, "how exaggerated an opinion of me you have formed. You have sadly under-estimated your friend's worth in wishing him no better a partner than L" "He could not have had a better, Miss Meadows. And I wished it for another reason. I wished it because I believed you loved him." Again the deep Mush again an expression of intense pain. "What reason—what right—had you to form such a belief ? she exclaimed, with a touch of indignation. 'I I was wrong then he answered. Do you suppose I should have been so insane, so presumptuous, as to encourage an affection for Mr. Newcome had I entertained it?" she re- sponded. Your humility pains me, Miss Meadows, whilst it gives me courage." In what respect does it encourage you? If you deem yourself unworthy of Jack Newcome, may I not hope, knowing how generous an estimate you have formed of my poor worth, that you do not regard me as totally un- "worthy of you ? The colour mounted to his pale cheeks, and his limbs trembled as he spoke. I deem no one unworthy of me, Mr. Strange. Who am I that I should set myself up as a superior being ?" He rose from his easel and approached her. May I take your hand while I tell you some- thing ? he said. f She gave him her hand and looked inquiringly into his face. "I love you, Agnes I have loved you long and dearly. Hear me out. Do not shrink from me. I thought you loved Jack Newcome, and whilst so thinking I held my peace, hoping for your sake that he would learn to reciprocate your love, and believing my own love hopeless. And not until I became satisfied that there was no hope of his asking you to become his wife, and that you had no wish to hold that position, did I determine to plead for myself." He paused for a moment, every feature of his face, every note in his voice, betraying the depth of his emotion. Ah lie little knew how his words cut her to the heart. If, then," he resumed, I have not made a terrible mistake, if I have not fatai'iy miscon- strued the kindness you have shewn me, both in deed and word, am I not right in believing you love me ? May I not hope that one day you will be my wife ? She answered him without withdrawing her hand, which he held with such nervous tender- ness. She could not act so cruelly as to dash his hopes with mute suddenness. "Dear Mr. Strange," she said, with infinite pathos, "if I have misled you. it has been unin- tentionally God knows I would not have done so purposely for all the world. I respect and admire you with all my heart, but I do not, I cannot, love you as you would wish." He held her hand in silence for a moment or so, then raised it to his lips, kissed it, and relinquished his gr.asp. "For the first time and for the last," lie murmured, and then turned away with bowed head. Though I cannot accept your offer, Mr. Strange," she exclaimed, with evident solicita- tion, we can still be friends, dear, dear friends -nay, more, as brother and sister If you will let me, I will be a sister to you and will look upon you as a brother." I ask you for bread, and you offer me a stone," he answered bitterly. "Oh! fool! fool that I have been. I ought to have known that a miserable, decrepid dwarf could have no hope of winning a woman's heart. I ought to have known that he must for ever stand aloof from the graceful and the beautiful. I ought to have known that, let him love ever so deeply, he must of necessity be unlovable-that he must stand apart, aside, alone, alone "Your words cut me to the quick," she re- sponded. "You are unjust to yourself, unjust to me. I do not oiler you a stone is there not matchless vitality in a sister's love? He was humbled in a moment; the gust of passion quelled by the magic of her influence. Forgive me," he said in a subdued and broken voice; "forgive me!" She took his trembling hand in hers, she looked into his sad and quivering face. You will let me be your sister ? she said. Yes, my sister." And you will be my brother ?" Your brother." Then she in turn raised his hand to her lips. A moment later he quitted the studio, and she was alone. CHAPTER XII. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE KEY. It is needless to dwell upon David Strange's dis- appointment. Who could fathom its depth ? It is humiliating to any man to propose and be re- jected, but how much more so to one placed in the poor, uncomely-looking artist's position. For months he had loved Agnes Meadows without hope, conscious of the more than ordinary draw- backs under which he laboured. For months he had firmly resolved to hold his peace and un- selfishly endeavour to promote her happiness, and the happiness of his friend Jack Newcome. And in this endeavour he had unconsciously brought upon himself the bitterness of a disap- pointment he would not otherwise have suffered. A delusive hope had been kindled in his heart, a hope which his own imagination would never have suggested to him, and he had fanned it only to his own destruction. It was a bitter lesson, a lesson which many men would'have made the pretext for a wasted life. We shall see by-and-by how it affected the future of poor David Strange. He told Jack Newcome of his disappointment, and Jack's reply was, I wish with all my heart, David, that I had held my tongue, seeing how things have turned out; but I honestly believed you had only to ask to be accepted. And even as it is I see no reason that you should despair. Faint heart, you know, never won fair lady yet. You must try again, my dear boy-you must try again Never, Jack, never I tell you again that if Agnes Meadows is in love with anyone, she is in love with you." So you are not so certain on the point as you were, David?" Quite as certain in my own mind that you could win her if you cared to try, but her exalted opinion of you and her far too humble opinion of herself forbid her to encourage the love for you that I believe is latent in her heart." My dear David, you have a fertile imagina- tion. Latent love, like latent heat, is harmless unlessed fanned into activity. If, therefore, your opinion be correct it need not trouble you on the young lady's account. I shall not attempt to arouse the grand passion." Of course," answered David Strange, you are your own master, but I tell you, Jack, you are wilfully ignoring the opportunity of securing a gem of priceless worth." Jack Newcome laughed at his friend's serious- ness and changed the subject. "How about our visit to your good Uncle Fen wick ? he said. He will be delighted to see us whenever you are ready to iulfil your long-standing promise, Jack. I have felt for some weeks past that a change would do me good." Then make up your mind to have a change. I will write to Uncle Fenwick and say we are coming at once, if you will only fix a date." His convenience must first of all be con- sulted." I will write to him to-day." David Strange rose from his easel to carry his purpose into immediate execution. Will this day week suit you ? he asked. "Yes," replied Jack Newcome after a moment's reflection, if perfectly convenient to your uncle." Mr. Fenwick replied to his nephew's letter by return of post, expressing his willingness to re- ceive his guests on the day suggested, and his de- light at the prospect of their advent. And it was arranged that the young ar- tists should take their work with them and remain under Mr. Fenwick's hospitable roof as long as they pleased. As you are aware, my dear David, wrote that gentleman, there is a room at Morlan excellently adapted I to the purposes of a studio it shall be reserved for the use of your friend and Yourself." I "We shall be able to get on with our 4 pot boilers' like wildfire during our sojourn by the sad sea waves," said Jack Newcome gaily. "The great picture I shall, of course, leave here for the final touches on our return. I mean to take particular precautions, and to leave it in safe hands." Whose ? "Hands that you, my enthusiastic David, would consider the safest in the world. After lunch we will all take a farewell look at the Swallow Falls, then I shall carefully shield my work from the dust, lock the studio door, and give the key into Miss Meadows's keeping." She will appreciate the honour of being made the custodian," said David. Well, to tell you the truth, I thought it might afford her sbme small satisfaction to take charge of what she knows I regard as the greatest treasure I possess, and above all David-(be sure I should make my own interests my first con- sideration)—I feel confident there is no one who would guard my property more faithfully." A little later Mrs. Dorner, Agnes Meadows, and the two artists stood together in the studio. The great picture was the topic of conversation. Jack Newcome listened with pardonable pride to the eulogistic comments of his friends, and re- marked on the different points that yet needed a finishing touch. And now," he said at last, if some one will kindly assist me I will protect mv treasure from the dust." Agnes Meadows stepped forward in a moment and helped him to cover the picture which stood almost in the centre of the studio. Thank you," he said no harm can come to it now unless thieves break through and steal, and I don't think that is very likelv. to Then turning to Agnes Meadows he added As a final precaution I have the permission of Mrs. Dorner to lock the studio door during my ab- sence. As I do not purpose taking the key with me, I must place it in the keeping of one whoin I can implicitly trust. I shaiftake it as a great favour—a great kindne.'s, Miss Meadows, if you will take charge of th.fi key for me." "I, Mr. Newcome! she exclaitned with evident surprise. You, Miss Meadows. I know I could not find a more faithful custodian." "It is very good of you to repose such confi- dence in me, but do you not think Aunt Dornei would prove a safer custodian ? "Mrs. Dorner has tiio basket of domestic keys to look after, and I could not think of saddling her with a further responsibility of a like nature," he answered "Mr. N eivconie is quite right, my eear," chimed in Mrs. Dorner. "I am sure you will not refuse to undertake the charge he offers to olace in your hands." I do not wish to refuse, but if anything should happen to Mr. Newcome's picture I should never forgive myself, and I am sure he could never for- give me." Depend upon it I tvould," he answered, smiling. "But what can happen, my dear young lady, when the door is locked and you have the key ? I know you will never let it pass out of your hands until I return. Should anyone ask you for it you have but to stoutly refuse to part with it under any pretext whatever. Be- lieve me, I should not be happy were I to leave it with anyone else." His words brought a blush of pride to her sweet face. It is very good of you to repose such confidence in me," she said "I will take the key, Mr. Newcome." Now," he exclaimed, my mind will be per- fectly at rest David Strange had watched this scene with intense interest. Not a look, not a movement, of the two chief actors therein had escaped him. He had noted the mingled pride and gratitude, checked in part by a keen sense of responsibility, with which Agnes Meadows had accepted the custody of the key. He had noted the almost affectionate confidence with which Jack Newcome had placed it in her keeping. She loves him lie had said within himself," she loves him and it would take little to make him reciprocate her love. Please God, my prayer may be answered after all!" So poor David Strange, in spite of his bitter disappointment, had forgotten self already On the following day the artist friends left for Rhyl, and Agnes Meadows accompanied them to the station. You must take Mr. Strange's advice and not hurry back to Fairwater," she said to Jack Newcome as they paced the platform while waiting for the train. I certainly shall not be absent longer than a month," he answered. But why limit yourself to so short a stay when you need a thorough change ? A month will build me up. I shall have had qui! e enough of the sea air in that time." Not if you meet with agreeable companions. A month is soon gone, you know. Besides, Mr. Strange is so anxious for you to make a long stay, and a change will do him so much good, too, poor fellow." True,.it is not fair to forget him, is it? And I'm much afraid he would not remain away unless I remained also." David Strange, who had been seeing after the luggage, now joined them, and their attention was attracted to two gentlemen on the platform engaged in earnest conversation. One was a familiar figure to all the inhabitants of Bettws-y- Coed, Dr. Llewelyn Roberts, reputedly a very clever man in his profession. The other was a stranger. I wonder who that is talking to the doctor? observed Jack Newcome. I don't know, but the face seems familiar to me somehow," said David Strange. It is a very good face." I was just thinking the same thing," said Agnes Meadows. The conversation was interrupted by the ar- rival of the train, and the artist friends got into a carriage Dr. Roberts's friend did so too, but not into the same compartment. The guard's whistle sounded adieux were said and Agnes Meadows found herself alone with Dr. Roberts. "We have been on a similar errand ap- parently," said the doctor, joining her "saying farewell to friends. I am going towards Fair- water, can I give you a lift, Miss Meadows ? Thank you very much," she replied, and accompanied him to his carriage. I suppose you don't know who my friend was ? he said as they drove along. I do not." A very clever young fellow, I can tell you a rising man Dr. Winchester, of Rhyl." (To be continued.)