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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Herald, 1911-07-14, Page 7He Chose the path through the pad- ;lock, and walked through the court- yard jest ae the tower clock chimed a quarter to eight.. Ile had but a few minutes to' change his tennis suit for Itis dinner garb, and he ran hurriedly from the eoach house retina to the lawn, de- termined to make a rush to his room. He dismissed his dog with a word, aped fleetly across the grounds till Ire reach- ed the colonnade, and entered it, when suddenly by some mischance his foot Blipped. lie made a vain effort to save himself; his head swam; he was consct- 00:s of a- sudden sharp twinge of pain; and, falling heavily, he knew no more. Sir Douglas tierant; after n lengthen- ed. chat with his cousin, mounted to kis room, and dressed himself with due re- gard i'or the exigencies of polite society. The hard, cynical look that had rested 00 his face during his conversation with Vane Charteris and lathe political argu- nterit with the squire had now vanished. Re looked worn and 111 as he walked slowly up 'and down his room; his eyes were sad, his head drooped. He seemed, to be thinking deeply at last, with a deep -drawn sigh, he sea telt; himself at the table and wrote a letter. It was a summons to his lawyer, bidding him to draw up a will, and fixing a day for him to come to Crosbie Castle. This done, Sir Douglas leaned back in his chair and covered his eyes with his hand for sev- eral minutes. The entrance of his valet, a man who had been leis faithful ser- vant and companion for years, roused him: and, bidding the valet despatch the letter quiekly, Sir Douglas left hisroom and descended the broad staircase. As he passed through the wide hall to the colcn:ta.de, its white pillars, gleaming against the background of green, tinged now with the ruddy gold of the setting sun, made a picture gratifying to his artistic ere. He sauntered 011, deter- mining; to seek the grounds, when his eyes fell on Stuart's prostrate form and pale face. In 'an instant he was kneel - tug beside the young intim, and, his clear vo er rang out to the butler, who hap -pelted to be passing to the dining - lateen. The hurried up with some brandy, and ,air Douglas, with almost profes- eionnl dexterity, lifted. Stuart's head and poured a few 'drops between the closed, lipe. .Be watched, the color slowly re- hire, and the eyes open, with a look of anxiety and tenderness on his face. ""That is right," ,he said, gently, as he stet Stuart's gaze. "Ave you hurl?" -'ihhea arm:" mtuannureri the young mart. faintly, as the • butler and, Sir Douglas helped hien to rise. t+ne baronet cast a keen glance a.t• the right hand. hanging limn anti swollen. "You have had an ugty fall," he said. briefly. "Your arm is broken—how did it hap -pen?" lie pushed Stuart gently into a ohsir near at hand, and, while he spoke, he deftly cut away the slight temuiei-sieeve from the wounded limb with a pair of 801050rs taken from his pocket. - ,"1• ean'taquite.remeritber." Stuart re- plied, speaking with an effort, and pass- ing ills left hand over his eyes. "I came an euwfnl cropper, I know. and must have hanged my head. Is the arm brok- en? If eo, you had better send for Met- calf, and have it set." The butler was snoveig away; but Sir Douglas stopped him. "There 56 no need to send to the vil- lage -1 ean manage bide. Go up to niy room aril send down my man; it is not the first time he Inas helped ane in this sort of thing." Stuart bey haek in his ',hair; he was askill feeling faint and weak, Ile taught Sir Dotiglss' eye, and smiled a little. "I feel rather like what the boys used to e..z.il e. 'jolly duffer," ho said, slo•wlet. "1 can't think what glade me so stupid.; B don't usually fall about in this way. 1. wonder how long I. was Insane- - and I have never thanked you for helping me." Stuart was gradually re- coveriug himself, and woke to the fact that this was a stranger. "I beg your pardon." "It is granted, Cousin Stuart." Stuart looked mystifieid, and then said, ettaextly putting out inlet left Mand: ."You nee Douglas Gerant; 1 ant very gland to sec you." Sir Douglas grasped the handl. "'hanks, my lank" he said, quietly; thou, looking 'round: "Here is 1furrey. Now sit quiet, and don't sp'ti.k, and we'll settle 'Ont in 0 trice."' Stuart watohed hie contsin enriuesiy as he prepared the bandages and impro- vised some splints: he scarcely felt the long, white fingers as they moved over Itis wounded arm, and winced only as the 'holm clicked together. litre he grew fainter as the bandages were wound Sir Douglas answered, quietly. "I AM taking hie;, to hie room, it -will be wiser to let him pass, Oouein Constenee, .as he :ills had a nasty toeteli ou the head." "Arm brokers l" criedML'O. Ci sbie, in alariu. "Isn't it must be set! l wtll'eend for -Doctor Metcalf at once!" "You can send for the doctor, it yuu like," Sir Douglas remarked, as .he. liew Stuart. up the stairs; "but his arae in • already set. I have had considerable experience in suele eases, and 1 eau es- eure you It is• all right" ' Stuart smiled faintly at his mother,' :ted she followed 'him tip the stairs; little annoyed, a little anxious, and, oat ly enough, a little • glad. -annoyed, be- cause -Sir Douglas had taken so Much upon .himself; anxious for her son, wham she loved better than anything On earth, and glad, because she saw ,u this illness a chance of bringing about the marriage between Vane and Stuart which she so lunch desired. Sir Douglas left the mother and eon together when he bad esconsed his pa- tient comfortably in a large chair; and 'tars. Crosbie busied her elf with hinny little offices about the room, quitting the apartment only • when .she saw Stuart's eyes close in sluxner. She met Vane on the landing, and, with an affectionate glance, drew the girl's hand through her arm. ".FIs is resting, dear," she said; "eo I shall leave him for a while. We must nurse him together, and we shall soon get him well." Vane's face flushed. "I will help you gladly," she returned, and she spoke honestly. Her first thought, like her aunt's, had been that that this would brine Stuart and her- self more together. She had another duty to perform, •too; she must ingrat- iate herself with Sir Douglas Gerant, and try by every means in her power to wipe away -the memory of Iter foolish mistake. Stuart slept for an hour or two, and. dreamed of Margery, but when he awoke the pain in hjs arm was so great that even the sweet image was banished from leis thoughts, His mother came in as night fell•, but Stnart was too ill to broach the stabjeet of his love. The blow on the head wee more severe than he had imagined, and he grew feverish` as the day declined. Ile heard the tower elock chime the night hours, and whenever he moved his head, Itis eyes rested on the figure of Sir Douglas reacting by the window, and ready at any moment to tend Itis, And at the. small eottane by the Weald another being .sat and watched.. by a .sick bed, watched with a heart that was grossing sadder and Redder as the moments passed.Margery, still in the white cotton gown that she wore when she plighted her troth, knelt by ?nary Morris' coach, trying to alleviate the Iain that hes rrchirp 91'c 1g1F •wasted frame. She was ignorant of her lever's illness, and she thought of hint only with a souse of peace and happi- ness. What a long wonderful day it had been. she thought, as she sat beside the little window and watched the veil or night darken the sky—a• day in which. the golden glory of all ..earthly happiness dawned for her! She turned from the window to watch the sick wo- man. The paroxysm of pain seemed past, and she WAS asleep. The house was quiet as a lamb, In another room the loving, faithful husband and com- panion was, lost to trouble in, slumber. Margery wale atone: she moved softly to the .window and drew back the cur- tains, and immediately the room was bathed in the silver radiance of the moon. She stood and gazed on at the dark blue heavens, the glittering myriads of jeweled etara, the moonlit earth, till a elond seethed to ohsenre her vision: and, when she gazed again the stars were gone and a ruddy haze pierced by the sun's. golden beams illumined the sky. the bed, then, with a sudden shudder, dropped on her knees beside it. While her eyes hied been closed in sleep, while the dawn had' spread its roseate veil over the night, a spirit had flown from -earth-4017 ;Norris was dead! CIIAP'r,li1t IN. The days passed away, and .Stuart Crosbie gradually recovered from the ef- fecte of his fall. - Despite the assurance from Sir Douglas that her son was do- ing well, Mrs. Crosbie satisfied herself, and summoned the village doctor, to- gether with a fashionable physician from town, only to receive the salve opinion from them, coupled with the expression that Stuart could not have been better treated. The young man passed four days in his room; but, 00 the pain left his head, he utsisled on donning; his clothes and de<cesding to the garden. round; and, as t:he operation was finish- His mind was haunted, by Margerl:'s ed, Sir Douglas, without a word, held image and the thoughts of her sorrow; the brandy to his lige again and forced for the news of Mrs. Morris' death had him to drink some. "You have pluck, Stuart," he sant, quietly. "Yon are Of the stuff to make a trim, Now, if yOlt take my advice, you will go to your room and rest. I feney: that aria will trouble you rather to. night; so try to get some steep now." "My lead feels rather queer, I eon- ftess," Stuart reoponded, and he giadl let his cousin draw his :nand through his arm, and lead hint thro'ig'h the ,haii to the stairs. • Mrs. Orosble was sailing down ae they approached, •" t eaLl" she exclaimed, in genuine and, although he had an excellent ecu- dis•mny, "nwh.at is the matter?" stitution, he was Considerably weakened aerie a..A Who, enri broken his arm." hr the fever and nein, Put. though reached him through his servant, and he longed to rush acway and comfort his darling. Be had seen little of his Moth- er during the past four days Sir Doug- las had constituted himself head i:urse, and Mrs. Crnebie, who was not quite et home in a sick roomy gave way to him with a little annoyance and jealousy, though she would loot let it he, sceu. Stuart 'had not, heett sufficiently well, during the short time site visited hint, to speak about Margery ---indeed, - he scarcely had strength •to reply to her inquiries—tire heat was still very great, 'MADE H.i''i CAN ADA have gone." Stuart scat silent,. troubled and ..isap-• •pointed:•'He had•breced liinself For hie interview with his another; he wee long- ing to send some word or sign to lfat- gery Four whole long days had psi}ed since their picnic in the wood, ant tier- ing that time sorrow had come to her, and he lead not ministered to her com- fort. He wondered whether she knew of hie illness, whether she realized that it was that i]lness alone that had kept,iiian .silent. He had determined, as he rose, to speak to his mother, and then drive Over to the Weald cottage end bring Iv eeg- cry bark. in all dignity to -the castle, as befitted his. -future wife; but nuw again fate was nnkind, his mother was absent —=might be absent the whole day—and he was toe week to crawl- even to the carriage. What could he. de? He must send some message of comfort, scute word of love to Margery. His eyes fell on his maimed hand; and, With a 'half groan, he realized that he was helpless, utterly helpless to • do as he wished. Vane Charteris watched lani carefully. She saw his brow contract and the look of trouble. gather on his •face. "Are you in pain?" she..neked gently. Stuart woke from his musings, "My arm is a. little. troublesome," he replied evasively. then, collecting "But thoughts with an effort he said, I, ninst not be selfish, Vane. You will find it dull work sitting with an invalid. I feel so angry with myself for being so clumsy. Just fancy; Vane' --this ie the first. tithe I have been ill in my life!" "Then we must do our best to cheer you, Cousin Stuart," Vane responded, a feint color mount.iug to her cheeks at the last verde.'What could they mean but that this illness kept him from her side? "Conte," she added brightly—"let me amuse you, read to you or do some- thing. T assure yuu, Cousin Stuart, I con - eider it a pleasure. I would do anything• for you,.beiieve me." Stuart looked at her ae she drew • up another elutir and sunk into it, giving him a frank affectionate glance. A mid - den thought flashed into his mind, and then died away. "You look upon me as useless," she observed, with a smile. "I mean to upset that theory altogether" ".L'eless!" echoed Stuart. "Indeed, Vane, you are quite wrong." "Then let, me help you." Vane said suddenly. "I see plainly, Stuart, some- thing is troubling you; it is not only the arm. Come— I shall begin to be jealous of Sir Douglas, to be afraid that you will trust in no One but hint. Will you not let me be your friend as well as your cousin?" Stuart half rose in his chair. "Me. friend!" he repeated; then he sunk 'back engin. "Yes, Vane, if you will be my friend." ." Friendship is not an empty term with me," :lii:3s Charteris observed slowly. "Sines you will let are be your friend. I must act as such. See"—extending her hand --`"let us seal .the.eontract look,un• on :tae as your churn, your sister as well ns vonr._friend and cousin." Stnart gr tsprtit her haiid " "1 will," he said quietlyt "for. 1 am in urgent need of a friend, especially just. now." Re stopped and looked at her; she was watching him with an expression of frankness and sympathy. "Vane." he began slowly, "1 came down title morning on purpose to talk to my mother on a subject that is more than life to me. I anticipate ---I know— I shall have a hard struggle with her, though, deanite all she may say, I shall be firm. Will you help me••in this strug- gle?" Vane rose to her feet again; her breath was conning fest, and a presenti- ment of something disagreeable passed through her mind. 'drell me what it is, Stuart," she said quietly, unfurling a large fan she. ear- ned, and holding it against the light, ostensibly to shield her face from the sun, in reality to keep it hidden from her cousin. "`Vane, clo yon remember the fourth day of your visit here, when I took you to see Sir Charles :a" Yes," she answered, "Do you remember a girl who was sit- ting in a corner and who brought me some water for the dog? I introduced her—Margery Dew." 'Trane might Steart's eager glance, and her heart seemed to cease beating. "Yes," site replied. a little coldly, "Vane, that i,r nnv secret; that is the girl I love better than arty one or any- thing hi the world•— ,1'trgery Daw." Vann Charteris wase silent for a min- ute. She felt as though her vexation and jealousy would choke her; then she forded herself to be, firm and calci. She dropped her fan and moved out of the sunlight; her face was very pale, .but she snuled as Stuart looked at her eag- erly. "Well," she said, quietly, "and—and you want°ULB to help }'ori—•how":". "You will" he asked, with gladness on his face. Vane put one hand on her chair .for support. "Ann I not your friend?" she smiled •faintly. "Oh, thank you—thank you!" !"he cried, rising from his chnir; but Vane gently pushed him beck ,grin. • .''fell me what you want," she urged, standing at his side, eo that he could not see her pallor and temoyance. "I want you to pa -'ad with me to my another ---not for n eself--1 nth Strom; enough"—and Stelae.. drew himself up proudly --"I would flee the whole. world. 1 want you to be .i ; r'ieud to Margery, as you would be to .r:e. She may need your help; nt Wontnn " Ch as yO,.t, Vane, can do much--suiooth 'eany diffittelties. You can see how angry my another will be. 1 shall not care for her engem' hut Margery i$ so teuder, sus sweet, so proud —anger will htrndliat" and dihtreee her; and, if you aid her, she will scarcely feel it, I am sure," "Then you hate -'at spoken to .,i net Constance • yetd" Vane observed, very .quietly. ""1' am afraid you will • have beat trouble. You see, Stuart, yourew he could not collect his lases to speak of Margery, site was never absent from his thoughts. The vision of here sweet blue eyes, her wistful, lovely face, hatrited Iris bedside, bringing a sense of peace, tied rest to his troubled dreams. At last, after four days had passed, Stuart inaisted on leaving his room and seeking the air, urged, in feet, by a strong desire to see hie:mothe• and tell her of his love.. Sir Douglas offered no opposition to this move the severer ef- fects of the fall were now passed, and, with such health and vigor es Stuart possessed, his arm would soon heal. Nev- ertheless it was a rather shattered likeness of the handsome cousin that greeted "Vane CJiettnris' eyes as she crossed the hall and slaw him staking slow progress down the ::stairs. "Let me help you," she said, gently, moving forward, et once, .and putting out her hand. - . rhank:s. I eel. fettle'. tha,ky,,". return- etl Stuart, smiling faie . "Raw gl.o•yns 9 '" �<t .11 your Vane? . ali�:� foi-"t do, Cousin .i land swages:' • Vane made no repty,'bnt•helped him clown the stairs; across the hall to the calonnacle, and, pushing forward a large Chair, she soon made* ltini.<'omfortabte. "Thank yen," 110 said again; "you are very kind. Is my an'E;ther anywhere about?" "She has gone to Cheeta'rlut,uu on some missionary business,' replied Vane, leaning bar c against one of the whiten pillars, and looking extremelee pretty and graceful in her long soft pink gowe ei1 don't -bink she kn?w that yen were Lydia E. Pbbkham's'Vegetar b e Compound Cured tier. Miclgie Station, N. B.—One can hardly believe this as it is not natural, but it was my case. For ten months I suffered from suppression. I had • ^'7^~^ — different doctors, tried different Me- dicines,. but none helped me. My friends told me I would go into a decline. One day A lady friend told me what your meal - eine had done for her, so Iwroteyou for advice and re- eeived your reply with pleasure, I started taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, and at the second bottle sh:awed - improvement. Now I am regular and never was so well in my life, thanks to Mrs. Pinkhann's medicine. Please publish my letter for the benefit of others. -14L18. ,OSTAli W. Iixc?xs, lotidg'ie Station, N. 13. Indian Head, Sask.—Lydia E. Pink- Aieam s Vegetable Compound is indeed a boon to women who suffer from female ills. My health. i3 better now than it has been in my rave years o4 married Iife and I thank you for the good your advice and medicine have done rine. I had spent litindreds of dollars on doctors without receiving any benefit. --Mus. FPANI( COOPER, t3ox 448, Indian Head, Saskatchewan, The most successful remedy in this country for the cure of all forms of female complaints is Lydia E. m Pinkhas Vegetable Compound. Casts a Shadow Over the Lives of Thousands of Women and 0rowin tii>r4s.- "Not enough blood." is the supple' meaning of the term anaemia, though it should scarcely need explaining for, un- fortunately anaemia is one of the great- est evils in this country, afflicting wo men of all ages, including young girls,'. The signs of bloodleasuese are plain elle ough---pallid lips and cheeks and aching back, frequent headaches, with breath- lessness, heart palpitation and great w eakuess. The only effective treat acts£ is to.strengtheu and 'build, up the blood, and it is just by this power of making new, rich bled that Dr, Williams' Pink Pills have oured anaemia in more eases Chau it is passable to place on record. Among the hosts cured of this teomble by Dra Williams' Pink Pills is Mitts C. N. Roberge, of Sorel, (Inc., who had been in poor health for several years. Miss Roberge says: "I believe that if I had not taken Dr. Williams' Pink Pills nay illness would have proved fat- al. The trouble came on so gradually that I can scarcely tell the point at which it did begin. The first notice- able symptom was lose of color and a feeling of lassitude. Then I began to. lose any appetite, had frequent 'head- aches, and spells of dizziness, and be- -came unable to do any housework with out being completely exhausted. Fin- ally my trouble beearrte a.gravatecl by a persistent cough. I took several kinds of medicine, but did not get any relief. At last I was advbaed to try Dr. `Wil- liams' Pink Pills, and decided. to do so. After I had taken several boxes there was a noticeable improvement in my condition and •L -continued using the pills until I had taken nine boxes. The re- sult in my opinion was marvellous, My appetite returned, my nerves were strengthened, weight increased, heel ttedies disappeared, and I am enjoying the best health of my life. In gratitude for what Dr. Williams' Pink Pills have done for me I give this statement in the hope that it may bring new health to some other eufferer" Dr. Williams' Pink Pills cure all those troubles clue to poor blood, such as ane- mia, indigestion, rheumatism, neuralgia, St. Vitus dance, partial paralysis, and the troubles which attack girls, budding Into womanhood, and women of mature years, Sold by medicine dealers every- where, or by mail at 50 cents a box or six ,boxes for $3.50 from The Dr. Wil- liams' Medicine Co., Brockville, Ont. your wife will be of low station, and your mother is proud." "We do not know what Margery's birth may be; but that does not affect nee. I love her; she shall be my wife, Alt, you do not know her, Cousin Vane, .or you would not have said that! There may be some mystery connected with hen -birth," but. there i$ no stain on her. If ever there was a lady, she is one." - 'Your news has surprised me,, Stuart, I roust confess," observed Mise Charteri 'moving languidly from his side and sinking into her chair again; "but 1 shall prove my words. I am your friend ---1 will act as such. Yea; I will help you." Stuart's fnee flushed, and he leaned forward and bent his lips to Vane's white }rand. "This is indeed good of you," he ex. claimed. "Vane, 1 can never thank you enough." 'Tell me what I must do," returned Miss Charteris, unfurling her fan again, "Will you see Margery?" Gngnired Stuart, hurriedly. "To -day?' • asked 'Pane. "Yes. Alt, Vane, think—four days have gone, ante has had a great sorrow, and I have been tied. to may bed, not able to see her, not even to write a word! If you would go to her, tell her all is going well, that you will be hei friend, you will make me so happy." "I will go, Stuart," Zane scald quiet• ler; "for your sake I will do all I can, No: do not thank me. Remember what I said just now—I would do anything for you. I 'vi11 wait till it is a littl4 (meler, then borrow Aunt Constance's ponies, and drive to the voillage." She hesitated. "Perhaps—perhaps Miss Davy may not like iuc"" "Not like you!" cried Stuart, quick. ly. "She can not help herself, Dear Vane, how good you ares 'You do not know what a load you have taken off my mind. I dread- ed, I feared that my poor darling would have been without a friend. Now Site i1 secure.. My mother loves you, and wit be led by you. 1 shall speak to her tdu instant she returns, and then Merger, can come here. Vane, 1 Shall never never forget your kindness!" (To be Continued.) American and Canadian scien, tilts tell us that the common home fly is the cause of more disease end death than any other agency Wilson's Ply Pads kill all the flies arta the disease germs, too THE WRONG INTERPRETATION. (;tiew York Sun.) Robert iferiri, the well-known Nets 'York painter, 1005 condemning a situ, pid critic. "His interpretatiors are always wrong," Mr. Henri' amid. "He always misunderstands totally an artist's core reption. He reminds me of the China =neon woman before the Angelus. "Waren the .:1uk ehts was on exhibitiot at Bane's in Philadelphia, to .Cinnamin, son woman dropped in to see it. She gazed with lively interest at the twe peasants standing reverently in the sun, set glow in the quiet meadow, Then sins said: ";A eourt:ln` sou»le, hey! Seem a bei shy, don't they?'"