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adest Aberdeenshire accent. "Eh, mon, ye're joost the same ow'd tod o' a pease-bogle wi' yer bonnet ajee, an' a crookit mou'; yen hauf given tae psaulm singin' and tither tae pipe-blawing!" The voice paus

a fine young fellow of obviously military bearing,

sion, "you have grown into a pretty girl! Give us a kiss, my

tall still figure by the window seemed to abash the tall figure making i

alike in stature and strength--she slightly the smaller--and both seemed equal in abounding health, though

in curves of her mouth cl

e you an' me was hafflins together, Mr. Duke," she

ur years his junior, but infinitely his superior in common sense; a girl who had kept him out of many a scrape and who hadn't scrupled on occasion to box his ears, young master though he was. With a sudden flash of memory the occasion came back to him, and he saw himself, a strong lad of fourteen, wading a swollen stream with the ten-year-old girlie on his back, a string of handsome trouties he had been catching hanging like a tail from his hands clasped behind his burden. He heard the agonised cry in mid-stream, "They're

"It seems you've no forgotten the whaur-aboots of my lugs

rl cri

Marmaduke, and I beg it again if I'v

solutely charming smile, a de

s and can surely shake hands on it like the good friends we always were, and"

steadily. So they stood, shapely hand in shapely hand, for a second. T

he queried, evidently pleased wit

drew her hand

inbro' these six years since grandf

ed at Davie Si

probate, who the deuce d

-reflection which made his face show red under the wide Tam o' Shanter bonnet he invariably wore in his own house; why it would be difficult to say, except that outside the precincts of

e," came Marrion's voice relentless

er a moment's pause due evidently to mingled outrage and amusement. "Well," he added, in

p. "So, as she happens to be gone on a visit, I have come

y. She was different from the hoyden he had left. Perhaps in Edinburgh she had gone in for classes. And she was better looking

that either by nature or art he was a lady-killer. To do him justice, he would have felt just the same had the attract

almost se

of June! Waterloo day! Good heavens, I can scarcely believe that I shall be thirty tomorrow, and you?" He positively blushed,

calmly; perhaps she k

wondering whom she had married; but he knew his boxes contained enough trifles for the home folk to enable him to spare one, and he could no more help trying to charm than he could help breathing. "And now," he added, "I

e ferry?" asked Mar

d to her

Andrew Fraser, of course?--'pon my soul, he's been a first-class orderly ever since he joined, and I don't know what I should have done without him; nursed me like a mother when I'd fever and all that sort of

tion, "that his lordship at this hour wi

tye! I demand a byre and a fatted calf. Well, I suppose I had better ring at the front door and as

ed out. She hesitated a second, then follow

ain D

of life before circumstances made the bitter inevitable? Still, since it had to come, and that shortly, it was as well he should b

more under pressure of other thoughts, "you wad find him in the south avenue. He was

What the deuce do you mean?" q

calmly, co

r the Master. It aye angers him so that he orders out t

nor was he unaware of his father's savage temper; that, and the impossibility of getting a decent allowance to enable him to live in England being responsible for those same ten year

o back to the East--it isn't half a bad place--or wouldn't be if one

impulsive thoughts, made

eye. "Mayhap, my lord will bury the hatchet now you're home, if ye don't anger him." She

re only bound up with me like the Shorter Catechism was by mistake with Tristram Shandy--d'you remember? Good lord, I've forgotten my duty to my neighbour! However, here g

harming. And, after all, who was she to judge a gentleman born? That question was a hard one to answer. Her mother had undoubtedly been Maggie Sim, old Sim's daughter, who had been maid to the first Lady Drummuir. But her father had been Paul, the foreign valet, whom Lord Drummuir's younger brother had brought over with him when he was invalided from the diplomatic service. A very decent, respectable sort of chap, as old Sim admitted even while he objected strongly to his daughter's marriage. Not without reason it turned out, since Paul, after tending his sick master wit

through the archway of the keep behind her to greet the newcomer with a more effusive welcome than she would otherwise have given the young

ss!" he cried. "God, but it'

hours in analysing Andrew Fraser's mind and body at that particular moment, and you would have got no

bade me when I joined. Ye'll have s

pride of the soldier-servant who is responsi

d gone swaggering through the quadrangle. This one was broader in the chest, simpler in its ugly angular face and small pathetic

ween them. Then a resentment, of which she was innately ashamed even while she yielded to i

a second, then shouldered

as he went on, "that there never was but ae

her feeling s

is master's steps. A fine figure of a man. No swagg

ce, no difference at all.

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on of stables, cow-houses and woodsheds which appertain to a country mansion in the north. It had evidently been built as a wind-screen to the western wing, which, overlooking the river, had been the residential portion of the house before the southern wing had been added to close in the quadrangle. Altogether it was a fine old place, magnificently situated in the slight hollow which dipped between the h

rhododendrons, then somewhat of a novelty, and in those northern climes ablaze with blossom this middle June. Further afield lay a typical East Aberdeenshire landscape of rolling arable land set with square plant

r right in front of him stretched something that once seen could never be forgotten. People came from far

a vaulted roof of leaves, wide spandrils of brown branches sweeping to wide arch fr

idle human wonders when confronted with the permanence of what men class as lower life, it passed, contentedly unsatisfied, to a flood of remembrance. How frightened he had been as a little chap when his nurse had dragged him home to bed--d

nd there was no need to ring and ask for Lord Drummuir--no need at all! He was to be found as usual ungovernable, insensate, intolerant. A

ly safe!--the knot of spectators gathered round a bath-chair. That held his father, of course. And the others? They would not be the old sycophants possibly, but they would be of the same kidney. A woman, too! Not his half-sisters--they, poor souls, would be weeping in

a little rustling sound asserted itself above the constant burri

She's yieldin'! Stan' clear for you

it, tilted slowly as if uncertain which way to seek its grave. So while men held their breath it stood arrested, defiant; then with a roar and a rush, a swish of sweeping branches, a surging of

accusing figure positively flaming with wrath had sprung forward, leaped upon the sawn root of the fallen tree, and so framed as

o home to bed, you miserable old gouty cripp

e with anger, and the colour did not improve the heavy contours of chin, double chin, treble chin, which melted over the high white stock. Yet, barring this exuberant fleshiness, the face was not a bad face. It had indeed its measure of good looks, being not unlike Marmaduke's own. The bald head, if a trifle small, was well shaped, the blue eyes clear, if a trifle cold, and the lips,

as if he must have a fit; then he l

you get here at this time of day? We didn't expect you for another two hours, so I decided business first"

d poor Marmaduke, who, standing on his pedestal, could think of nothing furt

loved to be calle

my fatted calf"--he waved to the fallen tree again. "I've killed it nicely, haven't I? And"--here

ession re-aroused

," he burst out; "for God knows you alw

an took the starch o

bandaged up with the most infernal fit of my old enemy I've had since last Christmas? All that Périgord-pie old Hare sent me. I'll baste his fat liver for him when he comes to-morrow. Lordy lord! Puts me in mind, Marmaduke, of the old days when your mother--she was the best of the three--used to say to you, a little lad, 'The right hand, my dearie. The right hand, my l

w pleasant reminiscences, sir, I have of Drummuir Castle." He echoed his father's reckless disregard

tter l

ees going to the Hunt ball when we'd commandeered every other conveyance in the town. Ha, ha! how the pretty little lassies showed their sandalled ankles, bless 'em, trying to keep their dresses clear of coffins. But I am forgetting. Sanda

ared to make a full-flounced curtsey. But Marmaduke was too quick, too prompt in his perceptions. He grasped the situation and the little lady in a second. The general pinkness of complexion and furbelows, the jimpness of the long trim waist, the unc

thin it was easy to see amused acquiescence. Once again

ung scoundrel,

eld his hea

I beg pardon, Mdlle. Fantine Le Grand"--his eyes flashed into hers

s soon as I'm about again he shall dance at your wedding. Now, for heaven's sake, don't let's stop chattering here! I've got to see my daughters and I want to talk to my son. No, no, you jackanapes, keep away just now! My gout's cursed, the road is cursed, and my temper will be cursed too; so I should like

fierce sigh as he watched the little cavalcade move

t used to be, Jack?"

man cleared

ther is a very remarkable man, M

PTE

daughters and their chaperon with a paternal affection which was almost pathetic. The Honourable Miss Muirs were three in number and they had all greeted their younger half-brother with reserved kisses. But then everything they did was reserved. Miss Mary, the eldest, was reserved even about her tendency to grow stout, which, all things considered, was the strongest interest in her life. Miss Elizabeth, the second, a very

, year after year, in the dower house, occasionally visiting in stately fashion the late minister's wife (though this distraction was no longer theirs owing to the State appointment of a bachelor to the living), and, very occasionally, seeing some of their father's older and more respectable friends. In regard to this, however, and to kindred matters no grand Turk could have been more autocratic than was Lord Drummuir. So he sat

h-chair roll along the lawn till it reached the turn by the rhododendrons which hid it from view, and then they waved their handkerchiefs

smiling, the old m

ys, Duke, it pays. So now have not you got some bit of spice, or an on dit to amuse the old man with? Curse me, but I lead a miserable life here, tied down by this infernal complai

l walk; for, in good truth, he had no great relish for spicy stories. Not that he was a prig, but that he had been born a sportsman, to whom

Lord Drummuir's third but not last marriage; for his wives never lived long, except the first, who had lingered for years, only

Pitt and I----" The lad pulled himself up sharp. "Well, I say,

probably roused too much. Instinctively, therefore, since he had often been drunk himself--it was the fashi

the grouse? Is it

purpled horizon curve which told where the best mo

the most animated and amiable fashion about sport past and present and to com

hem from her boudoir windows, turned to a man who wa

't do, Compton. That yo

did not look up. He went

n find them too

en of that sort always are in debt; besides, I've heard the old man say something about money for a majority. N

re always in such a hurry to begin. Wait a few days and see how th

t's

oots. Once make him fancy young Marmaduke is

at back a

ays so comfo

d put down

but you remember our compact--ha

I marry him," she called after her late

y played for semi-respectability, and had only come down to stay at Drummuir Castle under the wing of an impeccable duenna. Not that the fact had in the least imposed on the old lord. He was shrewd enough to know Miss Fanny Biggs, or, as she chose to style herself, Mdlle. Fantine Le Grand, down to the ground. But it was something to have someone to dance for him (as she did to distraction), when he had a fit of the gout and look quite deucedly pretty at all times. So the bargain was made. A title in exchange for amusements. But Fantine Le Gran

y innocent subject, but one which did not interest Marmaduke, who thereupon drifted away to find Jack Jardine, from whom he hoped to hear the truth as to his father's present relations with the heir, the Master, and also--

sease, though she was a duke's daughter and so, satisfied his lordship's pride--a miserable story, Duke, a miserable story. Well, there was one disappointment about an heir after another, as you know, Duke, and it hit home into the peer--for he is no fool. Put it briefly, though he is quite ready to tell you he is suffe

oung man grimly. "I wi

, and to all intents and purposes you're 'apparent.' And you're straight and strong, thanks to your poor mother. So we look to you to

burst in

cinct! I needn't ask any more. But does

ardine

and that man Compton, whom the peer has taken up with over the railway business, is in with her." He g

ause, and then Marma

tick on in this cursed old place among us cursed people, letting us youngsters call you Jack and borrow money

nothing; then he w

yer, loved your mother--not before, but after she became Lady Drummuir! Of course she never

e that!" broke in M

ow, I tried to help her, and so I suppose it

has not come my way yet," and he added joyously, "I hope i

uenna to represent the opposite sex, gathered in the huge dining-room to attack a heavy dinner which would have sufficed for a regime

m and four sides through five courses like that dashed youngster of

prepared to withdraw, he nearly killed the Skye terrier in his flamboyant haste to open the door. Nay, more! He followed them into the corridor for an in

tty over the boozing of mulled claret and whisky-toddy. They began, of course, with the young queen's health, and went on methodically till they came to the good old Scotch toast: "Here's to oorsels. Wha' better? Damn few!" Af

t to rise and do so was too much for him and

of his return to the home of his fath

early period and lay there comfortably, his head on a buffet, listening to the commiserations on his weak head until he fell asleep

PTE

sleep would have been out of the question until she heard something of the evening. For she did not mince matters with herself; those six years of independent life in Edinburgh had opened her eyes to the world, and the first sight of

replied coolly, feeling the while in a perfect quiver of gladness. Miss Margaret had been the hardest to damp when she had appeared in the

lly. "Saw you ever the like? Elizabeth

But Captain Duke has grown to a fine figure. But has Miss Muir s

n's part, for it brought on h

e will be having you cried in the kirk befor

n the sands below the rocks, where he went always to compose his sermons, with which the reverend gentleman had no little difficulty. Not because he was stupid, but because he found it laborious to reconcile his own views with those of his flock; they, however, being inclined to

-after the fashion of Scotchwomen in those days--going faster and faster as her thoughts grew hotter over what she knew was happening at the other side of the blank wall. Guzzling and boozing! First the masters,

as the worst of it. With an impatient sigh she hurried outside the keep door to stand and watch the

ning of the horizon, which held such a hint of restlessness even in its shadow, told where the sun would s

ood luck to him wherever he went! Some day he must be the laird--Bar

devotion to the honour and welfare of the House of Drummuir was not stronger even than her grandfather's; po

tep in the quadrangle, and returned to meet her g

a' drunk wi' mirth an' guid claret. Jock, the butler, was tellin' me--there was twal o' them--that they were drinkin' thirty bottles o' the best, forbye sixteen tum'lers of hot whisky-toddy, the Sheriff and the Lord Provost had, honest gentlemen, to their lane--an' there wud be no 'hoot-toots' where the Shirra was concerned! Then the laird o' Balbuggo--he ha

n her voice, pity in her heart, despite the irre

e winked

d carefully; "he took his cups real well! Not lik

ettin' late! You must away to your bed, or you'll no be up the morn t

an' descendants--skirling awa' at that same tune up an' dune a' the passages in Drummuir Castle tae wake the gentlefolk! Aye, that wad he"--here he began stumbling up

l he left turned to the closing of the house, her heart

l moon shone round like a shield, and by its light she could see the whole wild coast stretching northwards from Drumkirk Point to Rattray Head. And aft

aste brooch, she knew not which, formed of two crossed p's which was the only relic she possessed of her dead father, arreste

ds clasping their smooth roundness; then, with a sudden sob, she realised what had come to her, and, throwing herself face downwards on h

"what gars' me love him so, but

p. She told herself a thousand and one wise things, but the hours slipped by, bringing at last a conviction

n the embrace of the rocks. Ere long the rising sun would send battalions on battalions of shining golde

o often seen, and the nip of the salt North Sea might check her sill

expert swimmer), she threw a plaid round her, and made her way through the keep gateway to the rocks below. There was no breeze, the tide must be at its height almost, an

skies, was trying to imagine she was floating thitherwards. The gulls, wakened by the coming light, skimmed over her in their quest for fo

flood

bay whence she could watch the panorama of dawn. When she drew herself out of the water on to a convenient rock the air struck warm, and the stone

feet of gold," she unplaited her russet hair, which had become loosened, and

voice sta

rmaid, by Jove!

em more consonant with his occupation, for he held a salmon-rod in his hand, a creel had unfastened his ruffled shirt at the neck, and he had evidently torn off his stiff stock for more ease, and kicked away his pumps for

awed tone he added: "What beau

alm, "it's fine! Folk is aye tellin' me o' 't. The h

aying with the long roll of the distant waves o

m have it. Wise Marmie, but then you al

mental, so she brought him ba

gettin' any fish th

ed loftily. "What

ie and laid it with pomp on the rocks. Then

water. So I didn't intend to try; but--well, you see, my dear, I got drunk last night--I did--and I woke up about half an hour ago with a beastly headache. So then I thought I'd go out and see if the fish weren't moving, and as they'

astle, where the servants were ever early astir, in her bathing dress

real big, Captai

, or, for the matter of that, anyone

er, I'm thinking," she cast back at him, a

pran

in mid-stream a wide oily streak told that tide and river were flow

e forward, then looked

done it before now. There's

r off his creel, his coat, and waistcoat, and, in thin ruffled shirt and kersey breeches, launch himself into the water. But his tremendous underwater strokes soon brought him up almo

thing to break a silence which made her heart beat

isn't much good in currents. By Jove, how jolly this is. Why the deuc

in the full of outgoing river and outgoing tide. The opposite bank seemed slipping

passing his hand over her shoulder, a

d if you tire you know what to do;

they battled the stream shoulder to shoulder, almost cheek to cheek, her long loose hair sweeping across him

t's swim out to sea a bit!

them. It shone on her red-brown hair, turning it to bronze; it shone in their blue eyes, turning them to sapphires; and it shone on their wholesome, happy faces, transfiguring the

denly Duke veered their course s

his neck, lifted the shiny strands to his lips for a second. "You have got such jolly hair, M

m the dawn now and hers a

eft my shawl there," she said,

it in silence. S

ccur again; but, you know, I shouldn't have had this perfectly stunning time

erly. "But it's no often sae comfortable to be

the Indies! You could stop in all d

her body clamouring for

shawl," she said calmly; then,

cross again, Mr. D

of course I'm not. I'm going to swim up the side

be home before her, she thought, as somewhat wearily she climbed the rocks to the kee

it, for the memory

PTE

in the least astray. Now Marmaduke had to a certain extent inherited this toleration of alcohol, a fact which at once gratified his father and set the old sinner to the graceless task of inciting his son to more and more glasses of good claret, champagne, and port in order to see how far the inheritance went. And Marmaduke, partly because he was anxious to ingratiate himself with his irascible parent and partly fr

pay--and your allowance, old chap. By the way, I do wish you'd make up accounts between us. We three brothers must owe you a lot already, and th

ten years, sometimes by one brother, sometimes by another--but generally by Marmaduke--without

e to a sermon on sobriety he had been meditating for some da

raight with the peer till I get the money. Look here, I'll tackle the old man to-morrow, and if I suc

ar, almost boyish, face his

a lot from the gout just

make me drunk," retorted Marmaduke, whose perceptions were by no

rd Drummuir's bête noire. To begin with, he had been presented to the living by the Crown, and the Barons of Drummuir had for generations claimed the right themselves. Evil thinking people, indeed, said that it was this fact which made the old man so wholehearted an advocate of that disruption in the Church of Scotland which was then rending the country in twain. People talked of little else, except railways, and on that point Lord Drummuir held the most conservative of views. They

ts of a man who, denying the headship of the church to the Almighty, continues to batten on the loaves and fishe

er's obstinacy, took the opportunity of the bath-chair reaching

that money for my majority? Pringle is rather in a hurry

t without warning, but he was on his guard

should not only go by purchase but that private individuals should have power to fill their pockets with th

string words together into high-sounding phrases, and when Edmund Burke's foaming ful

rs--now have I? You've made me an allowance on which I couldn't live in a gentlemanly way at home. So I've exchanged again and again for foreign service, going

nd enough to remember, I objected from the first to t

e groane

hing's done, and practically you have to decide now

out his pocket-ha

ute rest of body and mind. I am asked to consider, to take all the res

to that miserable hole?" be

st Indies has sensibly improved of late years," remarked his lo

lvery artificial little laugh rose behind them and Mdlle. Fantine Le Gra

hat seemed to be growing confidence. She had hitherto played with the plan of arousing the old man's jealousy, confining herself to half-hearted flirtat

peer's loose cash. And as the estate is strictly entailed that won't suit us. I overheard that weasel,

amicable conversation which clinched her decision. The result being her appearance befor

ociety, "but I mean not to disturb! Only the filial picture of milor

een to the bottom of so many evil things, took her in from head to foot, and his clear wicked

just discussing the purchase of his majority. It will take more than two thousand five hundred pounds, I'm afraid, won't it, dear boy?--what with the

for little Fan was not the woman to flirt with a man who was to do her out

e? Pardon," she added, remembering her accent, "was that not right said? I mean tha

st into a hug

nd with reckless devilry sowing the seeds of evil broadcast. "I shall have to choose between diamonds for my wife and promotion for my son. Meanwhile, my lady, don't get your pre

en handed over to the valet, Fantine Le Grand and

suddenly. "Well, you shall see me this eve

ughed into

oiselle; but I shall as

a tiny shrug of her shoulders

red, leaving Marmaduke gratified at the impression he had evidently made, and with a certain new admir

k Jardine when he raged for a full hour over

wanted to pose as the patron of these dispossessed parsons. It isn't moral, it isn't Chri

ve at once?" sugge

s soon as possible, and he knew well that in the end he himself wou

duke. "I'm going to

two thousand pounds because he wanted to spend it on a dancing woman, he might find himself in the position of not having the dancing woman

yawning, exclaimed a

asked. "You look in

ou be if you had the spunk to ask anythin

picquet of that Italian count the governor got hold of last year and sent about his business when he had rooked him of

've too much already," replied Jack Jardine sternly.

e some amusement in this cursed hole, especially when the river is low. But for the life of me, Duke, I can't see why you sho

y. Then his face softened, he went over to him and laid his hands on h

ot a bit content here. How could you be? Give it up and come alo

mself away from h

ly see why yo

se I shall die on the field of glory, but I shall have a try at it. And I mean to h

the preparations that were being made for the festivities of the evening, for these necessit

, whom he found, very long and lank in consequence of repeated

eplied Andrew. "Jest yon big room wi' the outside stair in the west wing close to the keep, si

Now the mere memory of it in its coolness and freshness and beauty calmed his irritation, and half aimlessly he strolled across the quadr

" he cried joyously, boundin

" replied the figure wit

d to it and looked out. Beneath him, far down the slanting red cliffs dotted here and there with sombre pines, lay the castle pool, and over yonder to the right were the

rked, "that swim of ours

n comfortably. "I've been out twice since then

e made a

e interrupting your w

m, and with a laugh raced headlong downstairs, calling back half-way that 'Andry' would have h

d sweeping and rested her chee

acket of the noisy servants' hall, the whole dissolute life of masters and men up at the castle had not been to his taste, and he had taken to going over to the keep-house for quiet, if not for peace. But even that was coming to him by degrees as he realised the utter hopelessness of hi

cup of hot tea he had slipped his feet to the ground apologetically, and sitting up, a lank figure

ing you and you canna help loving him. It's no oorsels, ye

by the sudden attack for a seco

we must jus

nd doings had sprung up between the two, and even at dinner

what's filthy lucre to health?--and sure as death the captain is no what he was. Gin' it wa

having more wits than Andrew she appraised the evils more reasonably, yet with more prejudice. Lor

ed themselves to a straight ba

PTE

mporting a theatrical company from the nearest big town. A coach and four went for them and took them back, full up with supper and good wine. This p

the days of his youth, though Marmaduke, as he sat in the sham Royal box into whic

more felt than heard. It seemed to thrill the air, to go further and thrill the heart-strings. Marmaduke leant forward expectantly as the curtains drew up slowly on a background of pale pink velvet hanging in loose folds to a pale pink velvet floor. And the musty fustiness had gone! That was attar of roses, pale pink roses like the pale pink mise-en-scène. And hark, the thread of sound changed to two! It became rhythmic, louder! A guitar? No; it must be a Hungarian zither. Marmaduke, thoroughly roused, thri

paint, had restored her youth, and her dress was entrancing. Short clouds of pale pink tulle scarcely veiled with gossamer black lace, all set and sparkling with dewdrops of past

e--she was dancing for him, for him alone. Like most young and vital creatures dancing was sheer delight to him, and the very precision of the black lace-

uke felt quite dizzy as he joined in the burst of applause when, with a fin

th when he and the bridegroom expectant had roystered about together, "except, perhaps, tha

in Mdlle. Le Grand's career had best not

hould like to see her dance that. It's the fi

Your son says he can dance the fandango. Here's a ch

the ears; why, he knew n

er not, S

for the fandango; it rouse

Fantine, my dear," he added, raising his voice, "this oaf of a boy of min

d, with a maliciously provocative smile that

mmand for tuition," said M

ger and delight, between a desire to teach the little devil and his

tood making his bow

know it?" she

pered back brutally. "I've danced

the music. It was grace and grace, suppleness and suppleness at first; then by degrees something fiercely beautiful, profoundly, almost overwhelmingly, appealing to the senses. The audience sat spellbound, while to those two there grew

" he whispered softly. "C

res. The coarse sensuality of this earth had passed. This was the refined super-sensuality of a world of art, of sentiment. It was self-renunciation divorced from its real meaning, and when

oung scoundrel! Th

looked u

l dance, isn't it, M

red uncertainly. She had met wi

ed precipitately, "Really, my dear Drum, you are to be congratulated on such a son, and such a future wife! Inimitable, quite inimitable! You'll never feel the least dull in the long winter evenings. Ah, Mdlle.

ny more. Winter evenings be dashed! Marmaduke is going back to his Cuban partners, and little Fa

Marmaduke's step. She had promised to call Andrew Fraser the moment she heard it; Andrew, who for two hours had been shivering and shaking wit

o, leaving the candles alight, she had come down to stand at the door of the keep-house again and watch the slow whirling stars almost stupidly, and

Marmaduke's voice jo

n haste to fulfil her promise. But the hot fit had this time had a firmer grip on Andrew than either she or he had expected, and she found him lying with closed

and returned to her station by the door. It was a dark nigh

he quadrangle in the early morning would see him if he were lying there. If it were men it would not have mattered, but that girls should see and snigger was unbearable. She must go and make sure this would not happen. Taking the lantern--for it was pitch dark--she made her way to the foot of the stair. He was lying with his head on the lowest step, as he had fallen, sleeping peacefully. The cool night air

ect was

y, then sat up and said conf

o your bed, Mr. Duke," she rep

to his fee

hen by the light of the lantern he saw the stairs he gave a silly lau

firmly. "I'll help you up. Hold on to the

, and so, with a few stumbles, they reached the top of t

without it. An' now kick off yer pumps," she went on calmly, a sort of fierce motherho

g a plaid that hung over a chair, she covered him over and prepared to go. But regret, anger, outraged affection we

h, Duke, Duke, you mustn't, you shall not sp

in she caught herself comparing those two unconscious faces--Andrew's all flushed with fever, Duke's all flushed with wine. Yet comparisons were useless before Fate. She stood up at last, cro

drew she found better and beginning to fr

. "I heard James bring him over a wh

ne away from the godless household never to return. But Duke, meanwhile, was dreaming about wonderful white

PTE

e at supper, and perchance his hot though transient anger at the finale to the fandango, fell a victim to the sharpest attack of gou

nd ciphering out the effect of something, new yet old, which had unexpectedly come into her life. She had sent her maid to bed, but fel

ng to show age. She had admitted that to herself for some time past, and had told herself it was time for her to draw in her horns. But now had come this disturbing factor. Only that

self to his directions should have revived her youth--ma

ion in the glass; but the reflection answered

certainty. To play with Marmaduke, as she had proposed to

oyancy of perfect health and practically no conscience, that she had been making a mountain out of a molehill; but the first glance at the breakfast-table laid in her little boudoir sent a thrill through her which reminded her that there were indeed pitfalls ah

st and then, untying the bouquet, disposed the roses about the room, since Lord Drummuir, of whose illness

mpton, as usual, lounged

oul, if I'd known you had so much spunk left in you, I'd never have advised your going on

h a half yawn; but her mind s

n my time. Marks, if he'd seen it, would have offered you fifty sovs a night

into a lit

as a sense of humour; if he hadn't, I

r it. He's down to-day with a

elled over the possibilities of even a few days. "Compton," she said suddenly, "I never quite un

ives you're all right; but when he dies you will only have the cash and the savings--and the title. The rest all goes to Pitt--after him, as he has no children,

curtly; she did not

nderstand, only I

xactly with his wide weak mouth, long fair hair, and general exuberance of dress--was on the lawn talking to Marmaduke. The latte

I shall have to go in and cheer up my fiancé,

s father, poor dear, could not even bear the sight of her for more than five minutes, she thought it would be a fine opp

mill pond, Marmaduke found himself sitting in a boat as it drifted idly beneath the old red sandstone cliffs fa

she was saying, "I dare

on't indeed!"

I like doing my best for people, if I can. Now my proposition sounds rather impossible, but it really is quite feasible. I'm not going to talk about our feelings, Duke. We both of us rememb

Marmaduke decidedly, "so your plan of my making

I tell you any manager would advance two thousand on the fandango alone--or Jack Jardine could finance one half--as he always does, and I the other. Then you could join, get leave, disappear,

at her a

rion Paul made him suddenly shift back to the thwart and begin to scull once more. "We are nearing the current," he said apolo

ill some fight left in him, and like a g

while to pay the price I ask for all this. I am five years older than you are, Duke" (in realit

laid on his oars and bent forward til

u're more than that, and you

urely as business that I put it to you. I want to get back to the old life, if I can do it with any chance of success. Last night showed me I could. But I also want to be Lady

interrupted her, and Marmaduke stood up, sh

e's the most ideal spot for lovers just round that rock. Let's go there and forget everything and everybody e

, but there was frank sensual admiration in his look

a pin, "you are the daintiest, thorniest thing I ever touched. You're like the

r surprise and discomfiture they found it already occupied by Margaret Muir, who was l

ed Marmadu

me?" wailed his sister, jumping up

about fifty, dapper and spruce, his curling grey hair having the appearance of a

much exposing my dear Miss Margaret Muir to this unpleasantness, but I beg you

om one to the other

" he said at last, "that you

him preposterous, absurd

ck Bryce gave her

before long. Yes, sir, I propose to take her away from a demoralising atmospher

rmaduke acknowledged to himself that he played the gentlema

Meg. To begin with

r is of age, and if she chooses to marry a man of birth equal to her own--I do not care to boast of my ancestry, sir, but Bryc

" said Marmaduke grimly. "Of course,

ped her hands

on't, Duke--pl

me by not entreating your brother to silence. Let him

harp eyes, and her acute little brain had been working out any advan

et live is a valuable motto. You must remember that Margaret can also tell on us. Sile

frightened loo

ied, "you don't me

interrupted her w

ll as I do what would happen if your father got wind of this excursion

Bryce once more made

right to speak

e, Marmaduke, it is time we were going back. Had we not better

e a delightful t

the suggestion was made that Marmaduke should see his sister home to the Dower House, the latter took the occasion to r

plied Marmaduke, a trifle

e responsibility in the game than a pawn at chess. He felt also that the

ontinent was a temptation; anyhow, he wo

used--well, on

TER

th her almost lifelong experience of intrigue, was not one to let the grass grow under her feet. So when, two days later, Marmaduke ran over the quadrangle to beg a favour of

Josephine could put her foot to the ground again. And Mdlle. Le Grand--she has been very much mali

Le Grand's French maid, she should go over and take her place. She had been on the point of refusal when that "for me" s

can for you, Capta

charm, all the old camar

turn hesitated, looked confused, and finally spoke: "I had such odd dreams that night--the night we danced, you know

rushed to

I did. Andrew was il

rd candour abashe

dded, with a sudden influx of joyousness, "But I'm really going to turn over a new

t him up

he heir to the old barony. You mustn't forget that

s he was go

est of a bad bargain. If the old lord won't give me the money for my

ich her mother had worn when she was maid to the first Lady Drummuir, she told herself that Duke was nothing but--as he had said--a big baby, and

d after a little coloured sketch of her mother as maid, she stood waiting for Fantine Le Grand to co

not tell me you we

arrion's quick wits, but

am," she said demurely, "having hi

sily and her manner changed

ttered, my girl. So much the better.

d Marrion, "and the forewoman gave me all the touch

ave a rel

a bumpkin, but I supp

while in Perragier's shop in Edinburgh. The foreman

d. What is more he had hardly yet withdrawn his offer, and only that morning the post had brought her a long and friendly letter enclosing a sa

né style would just suit madam, if she will allow me to

curling and twisting and combing and puffing. And Marrion was watching the glass also, a half in

artist! It makes me look ten years younger. You must come with me." She paused and gave a little

im by chance that evening on the stairs, h

ver forget your p's and q's, I wonder? I wish you would sometimes. Anyhow, you have made

ed to notice it. Only that afternoon he had had his final attack on his father's purse-strings

man--I'll never call him father a

began Peter; "he isn

zzles and swills? No. As I told him, Pringle won't wait over the week, so--so I'm making other arrangements. I shall have to ask you,

would be wiser to raise the two thousand pounds at once and have done with it

ly asked for two hundred pounds, and y

ne again wearily, "I

oom Peter crossed over to the fire a

remarked thoughtfully. "It's something to d

get to the right side of her. I advised him to do so. And she, of course--by that scoundrel Comp

rst out

with women, you old bachelor! I could tell you a thing or two, but I won'

the brief experience of being maid to Fantine Le Grand; but she did not find it amusing. On the

ate room that she bade Marrion give her a double dose of her sleeping draught and tell the butler she was not coming down to dinner. She would have a dainty little supper in her boudoir at ten o'clock, and till then did not wish to be disturbed. Being thus set free, Marrion w

hat the finest gentleman in the Queen's army will run no more danger o' bein' ruined by a

at her heart, his hea

he's goin! But

nt tae meet Major Pringle the m

min' back?" asked

hinkin' not. Ye see the exchange he tell

ther----" sh

shook h

Jardine again, puir fallow! He always manages it somehow. Well, he'll hae his rewar

face, looking into the hard, honest, homely face before her, softened; "

ated for a second,

foot of the stairway, "it makes it easier. An' I'll

om an afternoon among the rocks with her gallant little parson, came whistling and calling to her dogs through the keep-gate. She had spent so many long years of her life without one touch of glamour and ro

ck, good luck! After all, Marrion, you see yo

d, escaped up the stairs, but

thout some scorn, "for Andrew is away with his master the

duke should break the half-formulated compact of mutual silence. And now this news of his unexpected departure sent

ip, she went on hurriedly, "But it is all nonsense about Duke's saying he will not come back. The boys always say that when there is a quarrel; but f

is the present holder o' the barony, an' Captain Marmaduke is the

at her with a sort

s were a sensible girl; and, being what you are, your grandfat

last words in her heart. Yes, she belonged to Drummuir; but over and above that inherited l

between him and the pain

ing Marrion stood looking at the sleeping face, all its charm of espi

he spoiling of Duke's life! Not that there coul

PTE

dan

urred to Marrion Paul as she held a slip of crumpled paper

was on duty with the old lord, Marrion, more to still thought than from necessity, had set herself the task of clearing up and making tidy; but this one showed her Duke's handwriting, and, half me

help out a memory excellent i

eys. Order trap from Crow;

dered, her thoughts punctuated b

window across the estuary on the edge of the moorland. What did Marmaduke want with rooms there? And the trap from the Crow? That was th

y the afternoon coach; or, if he had, so far, was to return that night to the C

ocket, her vehement determination, somehow or another, to frustrate this plan almost

noticed it! A facile wonder obscured real thought, and, as usual in such sudden crises, concrete determination hid itself under one general determination

n attendance at the castle, she went thither, feeling vaguely that if it was necessary to kill the

as usual, to prepare for the evening's toilette, She found all the valuables gone from the jewel-case, and, afte

to give them the slip. Ere she had time to c

hall be fit for nothing! Oh, lord, it was too bad--nothing would please him! What o'clock is it? Six o'clock! Good gracious, I shall hardly have time before dinner! I won't go down; there's no one to go down for now Marmaduke's go

een startled. The colour had left it, every feature was set and hard. For she had fo

, "but a rest will take y

emble, doubling the double dose. It was

e me?" asked Fantine, as, with a sigh of c

s necessary," repli

his she was hampered by ignorance as to what she had to frustrate. It would have been easy to walk down to the Crow and countermand the trap, but for aught she knew to the contrary, Marmaduke might be awaiting Mdlle. Le Grand there; so she judged it better to adhere as far as possible to what she did kn

ht to her eyes, with this decision, and h

must secure retreat. She looked down the estuary, then at low tide, and little more than a still pool with a faint stream in it, and saw no boat at the f

ntern at the bottom of the boat, for she remembered it would be dark on the return journey, she was pulling with long vigorous strokes to the little pier of seaweed-grown slippery rocks. To fasten the boat to the outermost ring on the shor

carry up Fantine Le Grand's supper and then

t breathing quietly and regularly, and Marrion, with a lighter heart, for all it was still hard as the

n acquaintance. This was easy enough. High heels, silk stockings, a little lace, a furbelow or two, and

n. And she so far succeeded that, as she went away from the looking-glass, her face showed radiant, as of a girl going to her first ball. Unconfessed, the thou

r they skirted the town and crossed the river by the lower and older bridge. This lengthened the journey by some two miles; so much the better. It would be quite dark by the time they arrived at the Cross-keys. Hitherto Marrion's mind had been fully occupied with action. Now, in this hour's drive, she had time to think of what would happen

at splashes, and the bustling landlady of the Cross-keys, as she came to the door, was full of congratulations that madam had escaped the thunderstorm which was evidently brewing. Meantime, Captain Muir, who had not expected

lowed the landlady upstairs, the latter asking if Mrs. Muir would rather a cup of tea, or

ossible that there was to be more than a mere intrigue? In Scotland one did not po

he fire had lately been lit, doubtless with a view to a sudden chilliness foretelling the coming storm, and the flames of its crackling wood danced on the walls, ma

ful well-known v

rs. McTavish. What, my wife

ealised that Duke had all unwittingly acknowledged her as his "wife" before witnesses. His footsteps coming up the stairs two steps at a time steadied her; but what followed shook her to

hispered. "Now for a

hen she wrenched herself fr

ptain Muir," she said sharpl

end"; but she dared not. At the momen

echoed stupid

for more; then he drew himself

d at last, adding hastily, as possibilities

at she would say, but the sudden solicitude of his tone swept all her preparations

of her mind and body. "She is quite well. I gave her a double dose of her sleepi

ed sheer anger on the young m

anted to take

e not have given to take it? The very intens

e you hear reason. You may as well listen. She can't come to-night,

ut if you are going to presume on friendship as you app

bold eyes taking in every de

" he jibed. "I suppose

uster. I didn't want to set the town talking. You know,

n. "It beats cock-fighting, my dear," he went on. "No one but you would have dared to do it. But it won't do, Marmie. You don't understand. That old man--I won't call him my father, Marmie--won't give me

ed a second,

ow

ically, but he did; perhaps at the back of his mind was a d

ng men and women, but we would go abroad! I should get leave of absence for

commented Mar

of scornful crit

in the deuce of a hole, though I suppose you meant well. You see, I can't wait for her now, a

to marry--that woma

more, now that he was away from Fantine Le Grand's allurements, he had beg

her, very fond of her indeed!" He stopped opposite Marrion with a certain defiance. The blaze of the fire had died down; it was almost dark, save for a red glo

to her feet

ame here, risking all, everything for you; you've been the sun in my heaven ever since I can remember; you've always been something very bright an

t hand, lit up the room for a second, and showed her t

fond of her, Duke; ye ken na what love is--an' I do--for I love t

its acquired accent, failed; she sank back to her seat, and,

ce fell between t

hand on her should

not understand, But I'm not wort

d herself

going home," she

d better stop here for the night. I"--he went to the fire and deliberately lit the candles, as if, with

terrupted

wonder. The boat is on this

the window an

aid masterfully. "You stop here like a good girl

she stop? He had called her his wife, would doubtless call her

, coming in gusts with the wind, had ceased for a moment. She drew the hood of her cloak over her head and ran swiftly past the lighted windows of the bar

a second; she doubled off the white road

op, I tell you! Don

ver as there was she might reach the boat before him--she must! In the old da

ad failed in her mission--and had she?--she would not fail here. That last double had been successful. H

ould not sink so deep; though, after the long spell of fine weather, the bog could not be very bad. And this was the worst part of it. With the ease of long practice she jumped lightly from hag to hag, sparing no time to look round for the figure behind her, though she knew it must be perilously near; for

his voice close behind her. Then a splash, a loud

ing the last bit, to where it rode at anchor on the outgoing tide. Clambering over the side she set to work at once to unknot the rope from the bow

undone, gave easy way to his strong pull, and the boat, with

storm had passed the zenith and now lay to the south, a dense bank of black quivering every now and again with throbs of summer li

-or, by God, I'll swim after

ing on to one of the submerged seaweed-c

n away? Why wou

he truth squar

and if I had chosen I might----" She hesit

't think of that, but"--he hesitated, in his turn--

d lowered in altogeth

er oar, and let the blade dro

why! For see, you--you've

, a dark shadow in the darkling water. Then his v

ar, when you get to the other side

PTE

lawns lay dewy, a late blackbird was tugging away at an inadvertent worm, and shrill on the morning air rose the sound of Davie Sim's pipes playing "Hey! Johnnie Cope, are ye waukin' yet?" as he came up from the keep to strut through the

ght possibly mean, a knock came to the door, and Marrion P

surprised to see Fantine Le Grand on foot. The look on the latter's face, however, the bottle in her hand

e what you did?" sh

down the water-

ss-keys," she replied quietly. It was waste of time, she felt, to bea

Fantine utterly taken aback

led me," she began,

on, "but I had to risk it-

utrage came

you're very much mistaken. I shall join him by the coach to-morrow instead of to-day. And you may thank your stars that, as I don't want any fuss ju

ade. Hitherto she had hesitated between taking a further and still more active part in stopping the intrigue, or leaving the matter to Marmaduke's own good sense, which, removed from Fantine's personal influence, might surely be trusted. He could not want to marry the woman. It was the

since the first thing she saw on entering the keep-house was her step-grandm

Penelope of the castle, said no word either. She simply rose theatrically and stretched a dramatic finger across the table. So standing she showed like a wide extinguisher, the knob of which was formed by her head. This was still small and, so far as the upper part of the face was concerned, unmarred by fat, but obesity began

e the face to stan' there disgracin' the honest hearth o' an honest man! A

fore this sudden onslaught; now she

earts, however, she told herself that th

nort and sat down aga

t goes tae spend the night wi' a man in a strange hottle is no ane to share an

tongue," retorted Marrion superbly. "I did not spend

ng. "So I'm a liar, am I? I tell you I saw

doing there?" put in Ma

e's voice be

rth it. But here comes your gran'faither; give your lip to him,

nant criticism had not the entry of her grandfather tied her tongue for she was fond of h

g over her own newly acquired propriety, held forth on

ou know me better than she does. Do

tell you she was, dressed up fine like a lady--an' the things lyin' yet in her room, for I went to see. Aye, a

ll tell you the truth, grandfather. I was at the Cross-keys last

d for no harm! Out o' the house with her, Davie Sim,

e other of the two women, uncertain of approbation

od your poor mother is in her grave,

ner. "If you choose to judge me by that cast-off creature, do so! But there's no ne

wife as ever stepped. Are ye goin' tae put

oked as though he would speak, but a

is a disgrace to you, you have the remedy in your ow

ed-for recognition complicated matters for herself; but did not alter her determi

that was opening out before her; since, come what might, she realised that never again would she be simple Marrion Paul, old Davie Sim's granddaughter. To begin with, if she knew aught of Penelope, reputation was gone. Women of that sort were pitiless, and, in addition, her grandfather's wife desired nothing more than to make Drummuir and all belonging to it an impossibility for her step-gran

ly, even while she took a ment

slight luggage to the coach office, she came upon a castle stable-boy,

broad grin, "an' she guve me a golden soverin' to ta

said Marrion cheerfully,

st nine. If all went well, therefore, she might hope to avail herself of it. She did not, however, anticipate exactly what she meant to do--her plans were fluid, so much depending on

ervants at the castle, had an approving eye on her good looks, "did he ken what I cam' about; and"--she added

ear," replied Dewar gallantly

and could not come to amuse his lordship, who, up and dressed to receive her as usual, was cursing and swearing at

that clasped the lion-head knobs of the armchair showed swollen and disfigured by gout; still there was something dignified, almost regal, in the pose of the man; while his

asion, but stood in her usual striped petticoat and bed-gown with a green tartan shoulder sh

y point of her person. "I haven't seen you to speak to since you were so h

tepped forward instantly and obeyed. The touch

y?" he said, as she remaine

plied quietly, "when you've kenn

of his guffaws o

reprobate! Sit down, my dear

ke, sir," she began, he

t. Trust a man who's kicked over the traces a bit to know an honest horse when he sees one

e carven image, one strong emotion after another sweeping over the mobile face that held so much laughter in every line that Time had graven on it. Only once or twice he interrupted her when, fearing she was too lengthy, she began to cut out de

't in his place. Even now--my God, what a Lady Drummuir you'd make, if it wasn't for the curse of class! I'll tu

fear of the old man having vanis

've put it into your power

nd, an expression of sheer devil

thundered. "I can settle

ake she had made, and

risked everything for--for Duke. My father'

ng for money! He must have been hard put to it, even to entertain the idea." He bent those blue eyes of his suddenly on her. "And so you want me to give Duke the two thousand pounds myself, do you? Of course you do! Trust a woman who is in love asking for the moon." He paused a moment and gave a little laugh. "Heaps of women

what she knew of Fantine's plans for the evening; but, here, with scarce an argument, she found herself successful.

said swiftly. "There is no need

ned in

ter leave the business in my hands. I'll settle it to my own satisfaction.

table beside him and when D

age to the Manse and tell that jackanapes of a parson Bryce that I want to confess my sins or something of that

ly mystified; but everyone in the castle knew there was but one wa

PTE

ight between her and Marrion, found old Lord Drummuir in possession of her boudoir. He was in his wheeled-chair, but was looking remarkably spruce in a blue coat with brass buttons, an immaculate white sto

th a force that le

said, "that we are going t

ed as if f

e lightly; but now he settled down to a decision of voice and manner that was positively terrifying to the woman in its intensity. "I tell you I w

arly upbringing she burst into a torrent of abuse of the viper, the hussy who was no better than she s

d let her storm; now he

nd I know you, Fanny, down to the ground. You're not a bad sort, but you are getting old. Look in the glass

d up a litt

I won't! I am

ows and his words

rope for pennies almost made me give you your congé, miss, I can tell you--I sent for Compton. You think I don't know what he is to you; but I do. If he'd known of this business, I'd have kicked you both out. But he didn't, poor devil; he was flabbergasted. So I saw

ruth of it all took words from her, and her one feeling was that she could ch

at last futilely, and the old man leant b

ours for Marmaduke, why, God bless my soul, my dear, you've had dozens such episodes, and so have I, by Gad, so we'll suit each other down to the ground. Now, if you will please ring the bell f

ained, and Fantine Le Grand gave in to it helplessly. The old man had said very little; on the whole he had been wonderfully polit

old plans; so after a while she followed

If anyone had told me the old man would take it so quietly I wouldn't have believed it. I expected he would have kicked us both out in

ame," interrupted Fantine defiantly; but all initiative was pa

etting old and your ankles wouldn't stand the hacking about of a dancer's life. That is why we agreed on you

her age, was too much for patience. Fantine ju

n? He is making us all feel fools. He is doing all the ha

marrow of the unseen bones hidden under that extinguisher of fat, he was facing, with a special licence in his hand, the dapper little figure of th

t of Lord Drummuir one of supercilious toleration--the toleration of a c

of yours in possession of a legal licence calls upon you to perform the duties of your office. You refuse, and I refuse to accept your refusal. That, I think, summarises the position between us. But let me remind you, my good sir, that nothing short of reliable information of cause or just impediment can justify a minister of the Church of Scotland in refusin

er rose and made

self the right of showing to your lordship that special l

as the trim figure bowed itself out. "Father must have been someone's valet,

is own success in upsetting everybody's plans, and indited the fo

is settled. For the rest, I enclose a cheque for two thousand pounds on my bankers. You owe this to Marrion Paul, who is worth the whole batch of you put together. I cannot conceive how you were such a confounded ass as not to see this, but to

amma sends y

ouse anger and not enough to satisfy curiosity, and which, while bei

k, to find the house upside down. It was the sort of situation in which his lordship revelled, and he became almost lachrymose over reminiscences of the past with Jack Jardine, who never moved a muscle, b

markable man, Peter, a ve

l black robes and took his place before it. The bride, composed and cheerful, looking quite virginal in white and orange blossoms, appeared on the arm of Colonel Compton and followed by her bridesmaids, also in white. There were, however, but two of them, for Margaret Muir boldly stalked in separately, attired in a fine new purple gown, and took a place sedately besid

f bonds went swiftly on, until the Reverend Patrick Bryce closed the register in which Peter, as his father's best man, and Jack Jardine, as

I wish to introduce my wife to you and acquaint you with my marriage--also by special licence--to your daughter. Margaret, my

fixed on the small dignified figure of the man to whom she had unreservedly given her whole large heart, her courage returned

stuttered, "that you have m

emper was up in a secon

ntleman of birth equal to my own! It is m

's warning voice; for, be Lord Drummuir's fa

d last time of her life; so she went on while the old lord listened, a sort o

consent, because I knew you never wou

g in the tooth!" broke i

lf, if I choose to get married by special licence, provided there's no cause or just impediment, no one-

dship and his lordship looked at him. Then s

le of fools. I'll leave you to be angry, if you like; this is my wedding-day and I want to be jolly. He

hite satin and orange blossoms he looked round to t

send off from the castle and have your share of the family wedding marc

y one, and the old man, regardless of gout, sat drinking one glass of port after another on the ground that, having got royally drunk at his three previous weddings, he was not g

emarkable man--a ve

ow I wonder what Marrion P

PTE

ng spent the intervening time down by the seashore in order to avoid Penelope--she had been completely taken

, made her realise that the unwieldy body, instinct with malice and controlled by autocratic unassailable

serio-comic tragedy filled her. She envied the Reverend Patrick Bryce his independence, and it was with real reli

ncing woman's wiles had been secured, she had time to blame for his supineness; and he, of

and never see him again. He had his majority

iet enough to allow of her slipping down to the office to see if Marmaduke had written anything in the visitors' book--would have been harder in surroundings so full of keen memory. What a fool she had been! Why had she been so frank with him? The hot blood mounted to her very temples at the thought of it even while she fe

to her, and he was terri

g on a sofa in the office. But her task did not take long. There, as she had foreseen, was Marmaduke's unmistakable writing in the words "Captain the Honourable and Mrs. Marmaduke Muir." Below, as if as witnesses, two commercial travellers had written their name and address. She had brought a sharp penknife with her, so, in less than a minute, the page was removed, the corresponding one in the quire pulled out, and the book closed a

c bagman as he got out to stretch his legs at a change of h

he was beginning to wonder if, despite her usual

her belongings until her return from her holiday. They were up a common stair that echoed and re-echoed to the slam of the street door and her own wavering steps. The rooms were high up and more than once Marrion had to pause

time, mum. Mistress

she echo

he place till the heirs be known," replied the

t over-respectable. Still it was only for a night, and bed she must have as soon as possible. So she closed with an exorbitant offer in cash of a fairly clean att

for an apothecary doctor from round the corner, and thereinafter treated the patient with a certain amount of rough kindness, sending some of her other lodgers, girls with haggard faces and loose hair, to sit with her, and going up occasionally with water-gruel and still more watery beef-tea. But Marrion Paul was strong, and s

red in company with water-gruel. "And will you give me my purse

oose-lipped laugh and produc

in it the now. What wi' rent an' doctors an' phy

stared

h ten pun' in till

Gilchrist calmly. "Ye can hae the reckonin' later on

for the first time, returned to the charge. "You've gotten a paper in yon purse that's worth

upted her in a

has nothing to do wi' me. An'

ing she was cont

oup down a body's throat! An', anyhow, a lassie wi' s

soul by her illness, thought almo

give me that for it; but I should fee

t burst into a

money by hair than by shearin' it off l

d Mother Gilchrist a certain sum for board and lodging, and on the whole she was kind to them. Anyhow, they had to lump it, as most of them were in

e little brilliant brooch of her father's--so as to keep her in decent lodgings till she could find employment in some dressmaking conce

d at her as one looks at a rat caught in a trap. She had miscalculated with Marrion, however; and in an instant the latter made up her mind. She must get out of the present quagmire without delay. Yet she did not wish to make herself known to the friends she had in Edinburgh, because during the past fortnight her desire to lose herself--to get away once and

most fashionable hairdresser's shop in Prince's Street. She had eschewed her old admirer's for obvious reasons, but she had found no difficulty in her bargain; and if her heart was li

active young person behind the counter, but they took no notice of the somewhat shabbily dressed figure which passed out and went westward. With money in her pocket Marrion's pla

fter Marrion had passed through the shop, had burst out after her, leaving his companions still looking with admiration at a great pile of

reached Frederick Street a detaining hand w

be you! I have been look

gh seem an epitome of human life, was lost to her eyes; she only saw his face, insouciant, smiling, yet full of affection. The douce commonsensical world in which she had resolved to live was g

sting, gave the order Pentland Hotel, and as he seated himself beside her reache

asked, with a sort of sob in her

much time to spare, for the train starts for Glasgow at 2.30 and we must go by it, for my lea

his words roused

she said peremptorily. "Will

"I must speak to you somehow, and this is my onl

ke her on his arm up the steps after the fashion of the day. But once in the private sitting-room, which, with

u, please," he said abruptly. "I want t

oked at hi

ow those young cubs--faugh! it makes me sick to think of them fingering it--I knew it must be yours; no o

eased her, and she repli

gro

m!--told me all about it, and how that harridan Penelope---- But never

bonnet and now sto

l grow

assed from h

ing to faint"--he rang the bell violently. "I don't believe you've had anything to eat! Here! Tell the housekeeper to send up a cup of soup--beef-tea, if she has got it--at once, and--and some toas

if she spoke. So she took her soup when it came and a

at present--strength to work. I can see you haven't, and you have done an immense amount for me, and--well, I'm dashed if I am going to leave you as you are to face things alone. So that settles it. I must get back to Glasgow now.

towards her with hands outstretched, frank,

her to the heart

uke's lordly ways and tips, was rather an agreeable novelty; so also was the obsequiousness of the

sharp attack of pneumonia, which mercifully had not killed her, had left both lungs enfeebled. At least six weeks' complete rest, care,

in uniform, and it was the first time she had seen him so, with all the accessories, as it were, of his young manhood about him, from the gli

e began dolefully; but he checke

Ayr. I'm off there in quarter of an hour; but I'm going to leave Andrew Fraser here to bring you down later on. If I can't find you a suit

d, but the tears

TER

had wondered how they managed to treat each other with such perfect unconsciousness that they were man and woman. So far as his master was concerned, that might be, for Andrew was shrewd enough to see the difference between friendship and passion; but, if anyone was ever heart-wholly

e shore, as they were doing now, dredging for sea things or catching miller's thumbs. It was childish, but--Andrew's lean, anxious face puckered with confused thought as he turned to a sound which he knew would bring with it a more commonsensical outlook on the situation than he, with his passionate love for the woman concerned, his passionate affection for the man, could bring to bear on it. It was the click of busy knitting needles, and they belonged to t

irmly. She was a just woman, and having seen no si

w hes

d slowly, "that they are

dlandy severely. "Her week's up the morrow's morn, an' I'll just

flush

he's leavin', anyhow. Ye ken she only came for her health and that's re

looked at him

say to her, an' she'd be the better to give up moithering about w

o the inn, leaving Andrew Fraser battling with his own heart. Aye

oming up from the bea

tilbury. "I can't get away before, and we'll try and get to the Craig. It's eighteen mil

me!" echoed M

was running short, and she knew she must be up and doing in a few days, she would not,

ur. It had been no use attempting to explain the position to the landlady, it was foolish to mind what sh

en high up to the zenith. She threw a shawl over her head and, taking a bo

nd braes of

ead. How pinchbeck it all was,

se lover st

left the t

a thorn behind him. But why? She laughed aloud as she thought of her own passionate love f

of the shadows of the little sitting-room of the inn which she used as h

wrong, is there?"

then his outstretched hands found hers, warm al

t's sure! You know that, Marrion, if you know anything. But listen! You cou'dna marry me. That's sure, too; d'ye think I can't feel that, too, Marrion?

bbed, "deathly cauld. You're meybe worth mor

voice gre

dear. But if ye canna marry me

ie him down," she interrupted h

t as his father, but--well, I hae lived wi' the major these eight years, and I ken fine he needs a guide--why, my dear, since ye cam here, he's away to his bed like a lad to sleep like a child; an' there's a

softly, "but--but he hasn't re

rned asid

r fault, lassie; ye can keep a man at arm's len

the man's self-sacrifici

whispered, "to tell me to your cost! Oh, An

sob came from

t, Marrion--God bless

aised them from her hiding hands to look for

tiny white-crested waves. The Ayrshire coast stretching south lay green and yellow with ripe corn in litt

ay indeed

hetic appeal to the same conventional outlook, turned with relief to the prospect of her afternoon's h

o the little pier where she was ready waiting. He looked less buoyant than usual and apologised

vering himself, as he helped her in. "Y

raig, and, mooring the boat, climbed to the westering cliffs beneath which t

and that intolerable vixen Penelope--but I won't talk about her either. Then there's the hair business," he eyed her ruefully, though in truth, now that the ends began to curl, the shearing was no such dis-sight, "that also was my fault; and now"--he paused, and a red flush of anger rose to his brow--"the goody-goodies in Ayr apparently won't let you alone, and one of the youngsters this morning tried to cut a joke; bu

unearthly brilliance over the sea, over him, over herself. Then she disengaged her hand from his gently, and, rising, stood on the extreme verge of the cliff, looking do

lf-laughter in it--"you see Tristram Shandy would be free--free to marry." She had been so intent on her own words, her eyes looking out far beyond that dark horizon that she had not realised he had risen to stand beside

im and kissed he

t be able to noise our marriage abroad just now, so you wil

ew herself away from him and smiled at him tenderly, feeling glad t

e time to think,

a little

being friends, for I'm not such a cad as to let a girl like you lose he

had been told to await them with the tilbury; but after one or two attempts to make way against a momentarily increasing

ter run for Girvan. Wait till I am rea

ruck them, the boat heeled over, and but for sk

, as by a deft giving way the boat over-rode a following sev

as it rose, shifted from north-west to nor'-nor'-b

arply, "and it's best to do it before the full fur

ie n

lied, "but don't hurry; we shall get

came hi

was a crash, and Marmaduke was overboard. For one dreadful second Marrion's heart stood still; the next she realised he had sti

t can or can't. It will steady us, anyhow. So I'll tie the sheet and take the tiller. You'd better sit at my feet--see, here's my coat--rubbish,

n the gathering darkness, their figures in the stern, close--ah! so close together, she resting against his knees, with upturned face on his, one arm round his waist, the other, round his feet sheltering him as best she could with the coat he h

e. We may have to swim for i

a roar ahead of b

!" he called above the roar. "No, don't--ah, thank you, now I can kick

at, heeled round by his strong arm, struck broadside on on the sand and pitched them forward nearer the land into the breakers. There was a terrific back d

sea. Another wild struggle, another forward run, and they were safe on the sandy shore, with

as they stood in the full blast of the biting wind. "I see a

d leaves of the bog myrtle as they sped over the moor

laugh. "By Jove, I did get deep into th

amour of pure life, raced on almost forget

as was now raging; so the old shepherd, after providing Marrion with a petticoat of his dead wife's and a plaid of his own, proposed to retreat to an outhouse and leave the cottage to his uninvited guests. Marmaduke, however, negatived the prop

time, then watched them asleep in their chairs, the firelight on their placid faces, and f

m Marmaduke. He might be away some time; s

he did return in an open cha

d I've brought you some clothes. You'd better go

stily at her first glance at the

rming smile, "mayn't I see you dressed

ting, and as she put on the things he had brought

d, joyous as a child, as he

o the couple behind them, for Marmaduke was also very spruce, though he was wearing his left hand tucked into the rol

urt yo

nod

awful jerk. So I had to get back to the regimental su

d at him

" she aske

close to hers. "Don't look so alarmed, Marmie, it had to be after what you and I we

--" sh

had been merged into a turnpike, and with a

he north." Then he suddenly grew grave. "And God bless you, dear,

of coast fading away into a golden mist. Far out on the wide expans

f her life, did not even ask the question; for all thi

e roused her, jo

ive it you before. You see you are such a wilful cust

, very thick plaits of red-brown hair, each held together by an entwined monogram of

that day we left Edinburgh--you remember I nearly missed the train--I raced back to that beast of a hairdresser. I didn't know till then, Marmie, i

ir in her lap, felt somehow that the glamo

said, making an effort, "

lau

well. I--I suppose you couldn't twist 'em up som

deftly coiled the long pl

not very neat,"

more than

d I dare say it is mean of me, but your close crop always made me feel bad, b

a smile. He was such a child. Y

OF B

OK

PTE

know if he can see you,

older and neither face nor figure had quite the same buoyant youthfulness. Indeed, as she crossed to the fireplace a distinct limp was apparent. Still her face had gained in beauty, and the masses

late November sunshine shone golden in the narrow street, and the somewhat mews-laden atmosphere of those back purlieus of fashionable hou

Mar

ye

ountrified a

eak face showed signs of recent ill-health; but he was otherwise the loose knit, errant, yet dandified figure he had been. Dressed in t

wn," he sighed. "I often wish I were back in the li

ndly, "don't forget him, Mr. Peter. If it hadn't b

ngered his na

especially if he has got no money--and we never have any, have we? But that is really the reason why I've

she interrupted quietly. "I believe he has

nt on fingeri

ect Providence to me, Marmie; I used to call you that, you know, when I was so ill and the doctors swore that D.T. must end in an asylum. Duke mean

noticing that," s

e Castle won't give him the money to purchase the colon

plied, even more coldly. "There was t

ed and looked at

romise to marry within the year. You see the question of succession is becoming acute. There is no chance of an heir to the barony from Pitt. And I--I--well, let's out with it! I've dished myself with

, and now paused to l

accept the conditions?" she

distinctly inj

d I was wond

ional decorum to the right-about, and left him, a man, before her a wo

ut, believe me, I do not stand in your brother's way. It is two years since Major Muir first brought you here to me, a milliner living b

mp, but enthusiastic hand to

re to him than any friend has been to me, worse luck! Perhaps if I had had someone like you in a peaceful little room like this--but Marma

o the window, and looked out. "Has Lord Drummuir any--any special selection for his future daught

or two, he imagi

ll be going ere long. He ought to make up his mind soon and come with me to a roaring New Year at the Castle--it's always a b

ed round

ted. "However, thanks very many.

ind of cap which, perched on slender, white, much-beringed hands would give tremors of delightful anticipation to rich young wives awaiting motherhood. On the table were strewn other tiny habiliments dainty and delicate beyond compare; for Mrs. Marsden's

ch lay the first baby clothes she had ever made--clothes laboured at day by day in a perfect heaven of happiness for he

of her consequent lameness. For to a man a dead baby does not count for much--not even if no other follows it--at

n so many other ways before and since. And now, after these years of freedom, was the tie between them--t

irs, put on her bonnet, and, leaving word she would not be back till late, passed out into the street. One thing was certain,

rs, perhaps to be greeted by some affectionate jest that stockings were not mended or that new handkerchiefs required marking. She smiled as she thought of those seven long years during which she had kept this man as comfortable and as tidy as she could, during which she had managed for him as well as any woman could have managed, and tried to imagine the estimation in which such devotion would be held by the wives and mothers for whose infants she worked. She was a constant reader at the Museum, having, when she came to London, set herself deliberately to gain what she had perforce missed in her life, so she f

e would inquire about the

nd arrivals in her hand, and a new sense of elation in her heart-

dservant, "and he said if you could let him have two or three white ties to-

So much the bet

aid, "and set the lace-board. You can take

PTE

quite young, and yes, sir, quite good-looking!" and who had private business with his lordship, she found herself instantly recognised by three pairs of eyes. One the occupant of the familiar wheel-chair, the others those of my lady and Penelope. The sight of the latter was

its colour, but the look of absolute domineering power was strong as ever. My lady had grown stout--the very idea of a fandango was far from her now--

woman?" began

or indignant prot

y, "if you speak to that cre

ing assent was au

xed them with

dear," he said, with suave politeness. "

he spider was master of his web still, every stick and stone of the old place existed by this old man's wicked will.

rn sea trending away, round promontory and point, the cliffs looking so strangely red compared with the white hills, the white moors--for snow lay thick everywhere. In those long y

n's voice

ooking as you were; an

ident," she r

u call yoursel

name I have gone

e I last s

me--nearly," she correcte

u have come for money, I suppose--women always do. T

his words was

cause your son, Major Marmaduke Muir, married

teness of the old man's face made her sorry for him. There was something more th

is a damn

him seven years ago, L

-and, by God, I made them dance!" The recollection seemed to please;

ook he

f dazzling white snow, "it--it ransomed my life. I shall never have another." Then with a rush all she had come to sa

hs, for Jack Jardine has the jaundice, and you were deuced amusing last time. But, don't stop over there--makes me cold to think

eeling inclined to cry, he rem

him to hear of her doubts, her scruples, and he laughed aloud

ered. "Come,

ar eyes peer

on't want to injure him now," she replied. "I

devil do you

colonelcy. If you will do this I will never claim to be his wife. He

looking at her wit

oing to threaten me with this bogus marriage,

upreme moment had come;

you I threaten nothing, there are my

d visibly, unfolded the paper she gave him. There was no mistaki

, hereby acknowledge Marrion Paul as my lawful wife." Underneath in

he had had no hopes

he, my fool of a son, has a counter

very roots of her hai

as the counterpa

into one of his su

n the old fox, my fine madam!" he said, t

you would sell your soul, you poor old man! But Marmaduke is a soldier born; if he misses this chance he will be a disappointed man. As like as not he will never marry, even though he knows I've set him free. But s

ony. The old man sat staring at

tinued. "I--I have very great influence

up, and your prospects here? They're no

She rose and stood besid

question. I will answer it, however. It is cause your son never loved me. He is very, very fond of me. He has been so ever since we were boy and girl together. And I

grown sharp and paler; there was uncertain

met you there!" He grinned. "But now to business. You have the whip hand, of course--I admit that. Now, if I give you

d eagerly. "I can make

at this game is a real confidence trick. You must have heaps of evidence up your sleeve if you chose to bring it forward. But I'll chance that. I haven't seen many of your sort in my life. If I had, I mightn't have been the cursed cripple I

" she sa

s you'll oblige me b

curt order to show her out Marrion had expected, the o

d servant to my poor brother. Good fellow was Paul--always suspicioned he was a gentleman--think now he must have been. Here"--the valet had come and gone, leaving the tray on the table--"pour yourself out a glass o

a quiver she drank the health, put down her glass and tur

t little chap of yours died; he

ess of the snow outside showing behind the mountain of diseased flesh swathed in scarlet flannel, the gouty hands in the act of teari

as scarlet, they sh

n the beech avenue. There were many gaps in it now. How man

I

ldershot and his London visits were generally but a passing flash on his way to find sport in the counties. At seven-and-thirty he showed almost more youthful than he had done at seven-and-twenty, for he was thinner, more alert, and the laughter in his face seemed to belong to him more absolutely. For the rest he was handsome beyond compare, and dressed fau

s," in which he had been reading the pros and cons of beard and moustachios as against clean shaving. He

bet," yawned another

a regular misogynist; and yet, just look at his lette

ndant had brought in on a salver. Then, as he threw himself into the most comfortable chair vacant, he held up h

on't forget Moses!" put in

maduke, "as you know Jack Jardine keeps us

said a callow youth who lived to

r youth less sallow; "even Nathan

o the applicant's tall hat, which was obstructing the way between his chair and the next. One smaller than the

aid Mac, taking it up and opening it.

im, blushed like a girl as

ing, Mac,"

t to be put of

t save my wife an' children from blank starvayshion"'--he turned round and looked at Ma

r gave an apo

as for the five pounds, here you are. I had

n who also owed money in the same quarter, whereat there wa

e. Some few he put in his pocket, and one he sat and stared at as he smoked his cigar. Luncheon--one o'clock--there was plenty of time; and Louisa Marchioness of Broadway was the mos

little narrow strips of back gardens to the park. He was seated at the window, but it seemed to him as if he were close to the roaring fire; indeed, all things were close to each other in the small room where the big, central, mid-Victorian table, with its broidered tablecloth,

ood. She did not, however, dye her hair. Spiteful folk said it was because powder had been the fashion when she was in the heyday of her beauty; but she was a very clever lady, and d

ly, as he advanced to kiss the old lady's

nterpolating French into English--one of the signs of t

onventional, which always made him remember Marrion Paul. It sobered him a little and he talked with more effort. Not that it mattered, since his hostess was all sparkle and wit. And the luncheon itself was everything that could be desired. Marmaduke, a bit of an epicure in personal matters, found the snug little horse-shoe table, with its curve to the fire so that you could feel the warmth while you looked out of the window, very conducive to comfort, for you sat undisturbed by serving

man, that I asked you here to give you a good lunch--you'll admit you have had one, I presume--and talk to you about things that don't really matter a brass farthing to either of us? For what do you care about the Houses of Parl

roadway!" flust

to beating about the bush, especially when I want to get ins

his letters; they are not

s a young man as you are--at any rate, I thought so. Now, he wants you to marry, and he has every reason to wish it.

----" began Marm

maduke, a great-great-grandmother--did I put in the two greats the first time?--can talk over things more sensibly than even a great-great-grandfather. You see, my dear, s

nd there was kindness in the keen old eyes. Nevertheless, Marmaduke was uncomfortably aware that

re Marmaduke asserted himself with great dignity. "My dea

ined one piece of knowledge, anyhow. The obstr

n do understand them. I don't expect many men have lived to be your age without forming ties of some kind, especially if they live in Scotland, Marmaduke"--the thrust went home again, she thought--"but money does a lot, especially when ther

t would be better than setting people to find out mare's nests! I don't mean

ions. To begin with, I believe that when there are no children a marriage should automatically become null and void. And apart from that I don't believe that any woman who really loves a man would ever stand in his light or prevent him from doing his duty. I am sure if I had had no children, and Broa

sly, looked up frankly into Marmaduke's blue eyes

now Major Muir since I saw him punish a horri

completely. Most people on the task would have supplied him with a befrilled fashionable beauty; the sort of woman with whom he fl

d made a mistake; she had r

t as a pied-à-terre for himself and Peter. The latter was out, so Marmaduke went straight up to his bedroom to change his London things for his uniform, since he h

f-mechanically when he was dressed he took out of his despatch-box a small packet of papers, and, opening one of the envelopes, began to read the contents. One sheet was the excerpt from the visitors' book at the Cross-keys Inn where he had written "Captain the Honourable Marmaduke and Mrs. Muir." He smiled at it bitterly, wondering whether, if he had relied on that, as Marrion had begged him, he should have fel

salute, "as I thocht it might be o' importance

rs had brought him many an anxiety, many an agony, but he had stuck by th

y, "pack up, will you, and take the things to t

," replied the

im one day and told him the truth, that she was married. If she had not so told

cab was reading his father

r his uncle whom he greatly resembles. The accounts of the physician concerning his health are simply disastrous. He has narrowly escaped an asylum for life. This being so, it is imperative that you shall marry and produce an heir for the estate. I see by various letters of yours (unanswered) that you are again in want of money to purchase your promotion to colonel. It is a nefarious, a reprehensible swindle

rs t

umm

tuous frumps, my Lady and Penelope. They were more amusing when they were y

had from his father. And the postscript touched him. Its very frankness made him realise

or with its brass name-plate waiting for admission. And if he got his

a little as if he had to face an enemy

f the lamp on her bronze hair, beautiful as ever, lo

you, for Andrew was round this aft

aced between where she sat and the fire. The big table wheeled cosily into the corner was

suddenly, "and I hate to see you busy over t

instant, and went to kneel beside him; for her insight into

y I love it. I have told you so often it

ok his

make me bel

I was too anxious to please, too anxious to pay you back the gift, as it were, so I did what I ought not to have d

tween his knees for a mi

ry the poor lit

the openin

her said when I told h

ared

fath

again. He was quite kind. Sit sti

ugh she saw his face

't you even leave me to manage my own affairs? I didn't interfer

e," she replied, with a catch in her voi

in which this woman's companionship had been an

e said at last; "the thing's done.

ldren, and there was no chance of one--at any rate, of a living one--th

said swiftly, resentment

then in three years we shal

e very clever, my dear, b

, had done its work, the su

continued. "I can't l

learly, please. Since we

t in angrily. "I was qu

ever since then--and before then, too--before you came home, I kept myself.

?" he said tragi

e touch thrilled her through and through,

still, dear," she said; "there is no reaso

g pause. Then s

feel free, and you don't, somehow, now, though I hoped you would. And I shall be glad. A woman

rned

aid. Curious you two should ag

old ha

hy can't you women leave a man alone? She

alousy. Self-sacrifice was exhilarating in

ou see her?

is to be, how will you manage about Andre

, would not stand the strain of what he thought wrong-doing. The difficulty had occurred to her befo

," she replied, "i

nd strong and curi

pen to have the paper with me." He took out his pocket-book and handed her an envelope. "You can do as you like

f-pulled out, showed her the printed heading "Cross-keys Inn." She thrust them back hurriedly and dropped the whole into the fire.

somehow," he said, "but I suppo

d out. "You've no right to put that thou

ndly. "I shan't see you for some time. I'm on duty, a

et your colonel

smi

nd Tristram Shandy and the Shorter Catechism! We were mixed up together right away in the begi

of her life for ever. For she was wiser than he was. She knew that her talk of continued friendship was a sham; one of the many baits she laid so often to get her own way. Ah, how weary she was of cutting and c

l. You never did a better deed in your life. You have done y

g, anyhow," he s

stinctive features of the marvellously delicate little garments came from her own clever fingers. That evening, as she worked away at a tiny wreath of snowdrops for another woman's child, every atom of her went out in unavailing regret for the little life that had gone to save her own. She was not worth it--nothi

termost farthing. She had no illusions. M

at letter-writer--telling her about all her old friends in the neighbourhood; a charming, cheerful epistle, full

eel sorry for the old man, and I begin to think

read. Undoubtedly they

whole thing was settled and done with. Then

her small drawing-room. He came in, tall, gaunt, hard-featured as ever, stood at the door and saluted, a

"I thought the major was

h the day. But I cam', Marrion, tae tell ye that the domed fowk in the ha' at Dr

h enabled her to make a diversion, at any rate, for a time. "He

rted a vex

e, straight-speakin' girlie. An' it was a' decent and God-fearin' with curlin' and skatin' and sleighin' an' songs an' forfeits in the evenin'. Dewar, my lord's valet, tell't me he had never h

lonel," interrupted Marrion h

k, for it hastened wha

ars, relying on your word that ye had your lines safe. Not that they matter sae much, since I can swear to yer bein' man and wife--aye, and mayhap bring ithers tae swear it, too. But I'm no

stern solid figure before her; but Ma

dly, and with a forecast of failure in her mind she went through the whole set of argu

he Lord's doin' that the poor wee bairnie didna liv

try an appeal to his personal devotion to her; but

If ye was twenty times free by yere ain

reason, yet knowing that she was sure of her own ground, since, if she and Duke both refused to acknowledge marriage there could be no possible claim by anyone else. Only to take up this ground would, she foresaw, m

t as if she were wrapped away in a white winding sheet from all the interests of the world--waiting, waiting, waiting. It would come at last, of course. The Court Journal

from any hope of action; for in her heart of hearts she knew, and she

up two stairs at a time, and there was Duke! A Duke such as she had always dreamt he should be--radiant, rejoicing--a perfect specimen of manly beau

oyously, "and I had to come and say good-bye. Oh,

ga

hasn't been

or all that we are sending our troops. It's kept secret, of c

el?" asked Marrion,

ghed j

and it wouldn't have been fair. So we were very good friends. She is a dear little

rrion's heart; but, after all, why should he

he said soberly; it was the only con

r not to do. Of course he was in a fury about the foreign service, but he saw I couldn't shirk, so I've promised and vowed everything he wanted. And now"--his eyes shone, content seemed to radiate from him--"I feel, Marmie, as if I

then stood for a moment looking at her, the embodiment of a

said doubtfully, "are y

lly. "Perhaps I shan't stop here.

lau

es like Rosalind and follow me to the wa

careless

lame," she said,

face

at the last! Don't send me away feel

th a little cry she put her arm

y dear, my dear! Go!--forget all about women!

iss as he might have g

we really did the right thing, for we can be fri

-spirited boy, and she watched his martial figure go swinging down the street, its flamboyance adm

" And he had a quick eye for weak points in the armour. "Here we are after eleven days' hard steam, and here, so far as any one knows, we are likely to remain. Nothing seems to have been arranged for a forward movement; neither has any provision been made for the hunger of fifteen thousand troops plumped down on a practic

il that he could send her h

are round hill sloping to the sea, scatter about a few slender white minarets, and you have the town--a place without shade, without water, without food. We can, of course, do the Kilkenny cat trick, but is it not astounding, is it not incr

hoice of Gallipoli as the headquarters of the army, and the mere

ariat are beneath contempt. I let out at the quartermaster for the filthy stuff he was serving out, and he assured me it was the best he cou

ude of those above him. It was a pity, for she knew, none better, that underneath all his boyish lightheartedness Marmaduke Muir had the knack of making men obey h

f us--including yours truly--were sea-sick. Doing nothing, even without enough to eat, doesn't suit Marmaduke Muir. The barracks here are huge; they will hold eighteen thousand troops, they say. I know one unit of a thousand--only about seven hundre

nvelopes marked "From the British A

ched Marmaduke and roused his sense of responsibilities. "In times like these," he wrote, "one feels the impotence of man--and woman also," he a

il. It is Gallipoli over again with fewer drains and more filth. Yet to look at it in the clear sunlight, it is the new Jerusalem. And there are angels in it, Marmie; the sort of angels you love. I really think these little Turks and Turkesses are the prettiest children I ever saw. Their little yellow faces and big brown eyes make one think of Rubens' cherubs seen through smoked glasses like an eclipse! And an eclipse of most things it is often for the poor little beggars. At Kustendji, the other day, Hyde Parker found a couple of pure babies on the battlefield where the Russians had been bombarding. They're the pets of his frigate now; but there are

aces and went to the window. The street was empty, but she saw, as clearly as if he had reall

usiness was such a personal one that she had only herself to consult. She had money and to spare in the bank. Finally, within h

tockings were not

rusting herself upon him. But she could be near at hand, and she, at any r

shed. She wrote declining a few orders that had come in, and then set off with one of her daintiest

the "Layettes," she could comma

to use, if necessary, though she hoped to be able to do without them, as anything in the nature of publicity might prevent her carrying out her plan of reaching Varna without Marmaduke being aware of the fact. As a precaution she w

right-about and plunged her at once into the work she had hoped almost beyond hope to be able to reach. Cholera, at that time sweeping erratically through Europe, broke out among the steerage passengers. A mother died, leaving her month-old baby to be cared for as best it could. Marrion claimed it, thus became acquainted with the ship's surgeon and was his right hand in the sharp, decisive epidemic that followed. It was one of those shipboard epidemics when every hour brings a new case, until suddenly, with some change of wind o

, being in quarantine, we shall not be allowed to stop at Constantin

ht in he

ad, I

an old man there--a cripple--one of the old school of medicine that knows nothing. He has a sort of hospital where folk die decently. If I were to tell him the use you were, and that you h

eyes were aligh

replied Marrion promptly

a sort of relation of mine. I come of a physician family; but I warn

ed Marrion, with a smile. "I had thought

k laughed in h

e. She will have many admire

hipelago where the blue islands lay scattered like so many shadows, Marrion Paul felt som

t, hiding the level green fields which in the sunset had glowed purple-red with the meadow saffron. Everything had gone smoothly. The old hakim Achmet had gripped on the hope of money, and Marrion Paul, who had remained on board the steamer until all negotiations had been made, had simply stepped into the dinghy in her Turkish dress and been carried with due privacy to the hou

, but which, by very excess of joy, of glory, of intensity, transcended the normal and so became almost fearful, seemed to hang round her. She ate the Turkish supper provided for her by the large fat shrill-voiced woman she found in charge; she la

to khair un

tter than sleep." But she seemed unab

s of the valley lifted, showing the shiny levels of the inland lakes. Below her, at her feet, beyond the vine pergola set with purpling bunches of grapes that jutted against the blue distance, lay the t

ery side sounded the réveillé, echo

se ears would never more hear the ca

y on everything; but at lea

n closes and stifling courts, it was old, rotten, kept from utter putrefaction by the hot sun which, while it bred flies, dried up the muck of many men. The hakim's hospital was in the wide courtyard of a mosque, one of the few air-holes left to the seething city; and Marrion Paul never forgot her first sight of the sunlit square set round with the dead and dying. The stench was unspeakable, and as she stooped over the first patient she saw that the sheet which covered him was alive with vermin. Achmet himself, a hunchback with a high-featured, intolerant face, seemed to think that sitting in the middle of the courtyard reciting his beads and exhorting the inmates to have patience and trust in God, was the best treatment he could offer. Mayhap it was, since half the forms that lay moaning on the stones were doomed to death. That night, when Marrion returned to her cypress-set villa, the first thing she did was to cut off her beautiful hair close to her head, and as she laid the great tresses away she thought onc

every day. The temptation to go up and speak to him was great, but she stuck to her plan and passed on. When she had really done something she would write and tell Marmaduke she was at hand, but not till then. Possibly, had she seen him instead of Andrew Fraser she might not have been so firm; for a glance would have shown her that she could have been of use. In truth, the inaction, the constant fret of feeling that all initiative is of no avail, was beginning to tell on Marmaduke Muir. He also looked down of an evening on the white pall that covered the Lake of Death, and wondered--without one shadow of fear, but from simple

quietly, "except orders for Sebastopol. The men are

with the men, though it was ill finding a proper pitch on the steep hill-side where they were encamped; and he had to keep his men from those low levels as much as he could, being rewarded for his care

said a young recruit fighting his best for life. "I'll just tak a su

in order to smoke his solitary after-breakfast cigar at the foot of a scarp whence the most astounding view of God's world wa

the plight of a braw Hielandman who had been brought up to orderly-rooms that day from the general guard, clad in Zouave trousers and ja

," said the sergeant solemn

n something to do besides getting drunk? Here is the tenth of August and, so far as I can see, I might be off gro

hereat others joined in with tales of their own. So, heartened up, they a

more silent as the day died down; and, indeed, what lay before their eyes was sufficient to make most men hold their peace; for it was beautiful exceedingly. The far Euxine fading grey into a pearl-grey sky. Overhead and

ade and shine that trended away on all sides to the long line of lakes ov

nreal in its absolute be

vessel that, rounding the promontory to the south, began to cross the bay,

how, we've company to-night. Look down there by the second

umn of smoke showed, rising high th

ver," assented Mac. "Wh

ing intently, su

I believe--by heavens,

he cloud darkened, deepened, then in the departing daylight showed dusky red. And there

id briefly, "and the magazi

s danger. The wind blew westwards. There were

ms of water were pouring on the burning houses. To no purpose. The fire had originated in a wine and oil shop and both burnt fiercely. By the time he reached the town but one word was on the lips of every responsible officer--"The magazines!" They were full up. On them dep

ing time for destruction. Hawsers were brought ashore to facilitate the job and parties told off to each house. Three hundred soldiers--mostly French--lay to manfully on one of the ropes, pulling for all they were worth, when just as the house they

ne!" returned Marmaduke laug

!" he called. "We've to save

every instant and the densely dark cloud of smoke drifting o

fatigue party. "Get hold of someone and suggest the commissariat blankets; there are bales and bal

ir!" shouted

warming up and over everything, and jets of water turned from their u

re, there, and everywhere, and above the roar and crackle could be heard voices in urgent exhortation--"All together, men! The blue-jackets are laughing

The red flare of the conflagra

ly, as they recommenced work. "Ahé, le bon eau-de

ost part. Fatigue party after fatigue party poured into the town and one strong man a

the east showed dawn was nigh that Marmaduke, wi

ne with. The magaz

almost over. But they've got it still down

k had hitherto been for the magazines,

e!" he cried. "Her

. "You must be done--and they should

been faced with some method. Houses had been pulled down, the inhabitants ordered to certain open spaces, and as he neared the spot where the tenements almost overhung the water's edge, a double line of men were passing buckets. There were only two houses left in the street; one was in flames, the other, overhanging the water, must soon go. Seeing

ndi! Elle est là, elle est l

at that moment on the roof of the burning house. It was the figure of a tall woma

his breath, for there seem

d, adding in mixed French and Turkish--"She has t

Then, hands and knees, set herself to her task. But the flames were almost too quick for her. And forked tongues licked at her feet; the next instant she was beyond them and, straightening herself, walked rapidly over a level strip. And now f

rmaduke, his voice vibrant with awful

uselessness of his appeal to

nowing there was no time, for already ominous cracking

or dear life, and tightened her hold upon the ridge-pole that was her only h

her pack still showed standing on the crossway beam of a balcony that overhung the water. A great tongue of flame shot out at her,

d from the wharf and swam, with quick overhand strokes, to where the woman had disa

was suf

"God in heaven, am

the weight she carried her dive had been prolonge

he was cool,

ease. That will raise you--I mu

d of steam close to them showed where some b

r his shoulder, as with powerful s

please be quic

child. He swam on, feeling bewildered b

od dripping side by side, and the baby, being unloose

hild back to its mother; it is quite a tiny thing. Then you c

of dawn wind blew the embers to redness--sending out a shower of sparks, or even a forked tongue of flame. The smell of burning filled their nostrils, the memory of a great escape filled their minds. And beyond that, under and deeper than that, stretched the atmosphere of death and disease,

health. Cholera might be bad on the hills, but it was deadly in the city. And he had laughed back that caution was a bit l

mie," he said. And she had l

parade," he admitted at last. "Good-nigh

with the fat coffee-bringer's name;

t--what do

gh, sank on his knees beside her,

I've found you--no, I've found my

y remained for a second. Then she slipped through his hold to

pon their shining faces. Vaguely, as in a glass, darkly the

ie, with a faint shive

er lips, "feel as if I never could b

I

t the twentieth time, "I keep

h--in the vine pergola, and he was picking out

ng about you a lot; and the

love," she protested half-vexed

er and put his ar

g a lot--stockings, and all that"--his smile was charm itself; "then, when I saw your

persisted, "I should

nd understand. Now I, my dear Marmie--I'm too happy to want to know anythin

apt away from the very possibility of care. There, in the very shadow of the grave, overloo

uke would say sadly. "As fine fellows as ever stepped. Som

dy," she would reply. "I am in the thick of it here.

cho derisively. "As

ng him, for Marmaduke, easy-going

pocket Shakespeare she had brought with her and, sitting out

so thou woulds

ry essence of love. No plannings, no cuttings, n

rom the town; and even in the camps, exposed to the miasma of the Lake of Death, was shorn of half its terrors. And there was a stir as of coming life in the military backwaters. Marmaduke, his fa

t of Maryam Effendi--appeared with a note, Marrion tried to echo Romeo's words without

t's D

ave our chance, for I shall take you with me, never fear. I wish, dear, your real body were, small enough to go into my knapsack, but the heart tha

rs e

rma

efore I go. It will keep me straight a

g my stockings for you to mend.

ckings and trying to preve

k of embarkation must be close at hand. Aye, the bay was thronged with transports! There was a sound of drums and fifes in the air. Wha

r if possibly he had not found time, that an orderly appe

r Ma

Colonel's charger. He will c

soul-sick a

Colonel very

e co-lira, and they're sayin' h

e to

this visit to his hut. How she should spend the day there and be introduced to his friends. For though they never spoke of the future or the past, living

p to keep it from quive

arbour, m'm. And he

he had chattered so gaily as being a laughing-stock to the other officers, though they dearly loved to sit in its shade. The ripe fruit h

rd. She had seen too many cholera cases to hope for speec

ng?" sh

would not give in--we were

--?" Words failed

end. I'm thinking he

was full of regret, of bitternes

has ever

he doctor will be h

All that day he lay in something like sleep--quiet, so long as his hand could find that other hand. Once or twice she caught a whispered word of command a

he said faintly;

ays doing something; but her part was to hold his hand until t

ggested a clergyman, and

late," half-wh

! As if it mattered?

ad fed it, for he loved God's creatures--and now not five yards fr

Listen!--it

ure was growi

reathing g

e cold fingers on

clasp had gone, bu

his face, and left the tent. She did no

ran aft

hing!" he whispered hoarsely in the extremity of his

lly. "It will do me good. I must--I mu

wer of death? Ah, the iris! That would come in the spring. It would flower on his grave perhaps. And all the time

and costume came towards her. Was it all a bad dream? Was she waking to find him still her own? But he was only the bea

. Marsden?" she asked s

r bowed an

onel's oldest frie

nd thought. But Colonel Muir was Colonel Muir and

itary grave--he is to be buried on the hill above his tent where he sat so often--we shall

into the pillow without a sob. Only o

glad I made you hap

tch him laid to his rest. Not a tent was to be seen; the battalion had shifted quarters duri

de it. But the arbour hid what it held. So, as the sun rose, the leaden beat of the Dead March rose, as the regiment, followed by detac

m his grey Arab--the one she had ridden--fully dressed. That was Andrew on

, marching so slowly to the muffled b

rd vaguely as inarticulate cries--the long process

reading the

iveth--yet liveth

led where his had so often rested in cont

alley, lake and sea, those half-heard words of his

had h

d her. Again, again! The Last Post

tepped out, only a little knot of officers remaining to see the grave filled in. She must wait till they had gone. Shifting her po

ery she dozed off, sinking deeper and deeper into slumber, all grief for

ot a tent was to be seen. They had folded their white wings and gone. Already the populace had cleared away all that had been left behind. The hill-sides showed bare without a t

meet and fitting. And how many men of his regiment had gone there, even ami

e, too; at least,

tle moss-grown quartz pebble, and, going down, laid it

e!" she said. "It's c

as Andrew Fraser, his lean face all

nd you here when you werna at the hoose, and th

of his sympathy

oing back. Do

t her almos

ou, Marrion. But I had tae see ye before we left. I got leave ti

ook he

t hold your tongue. The

o each other with bitter strength. Was it for this she had planned

I

ride or drive to where the Highlanders' camp had stood and sit silent for an hour or two on the cairn about Marmaduke's grave, doing nothing. She brought no flowers, the sight of his grave gave her no more poignant

calm lurked a regret

so eager to go. Even those last words of

least follow the fortunes of the regiment of which he had been so fond, so proud. Besides, home had no call for her. She had no ties there and the prospect of a long life without them was appalling. Far better to die out here as he ha

ne--which she hoped it might--she could come back to where Duke lay and tell him she had carried him in her heart all the way. So she set to work to think out the means. Her shaven and shorn head--as he had called i

f wild fowl alarmed by the unaccustomed presence of man, their wailing cries almost drowning the long surge of the sea upon the shingly beach and the oaths and confusion inseparable from the disembarkation of so many troops. Beyond this salt lake rose a high bank of red clay serrated by many small ravines, while over this again the wide plain, dotted with cattle, corn-ricks, and farmhouses, showed a land where supplies should be plentiful. In the far distance could be seen, dimly blue, the hills behind Sebastopol, which lay some seven and twenty miles to the south. In deference to the little doctor's recommendation she remained on board and was thus free to watch the humour and difficulties of the disembarkation. Both were numerous. The heavy surf made the passage of boats to the shore dangerous, but the blue-jackets were over the sides almost before they could foot bottom, and, aided by those landed before--who, naked as the day they were born, rushed into the sea to help--generally succeeded in beaching their cargo hig

however, gave her courage; she persuaded the little doctor to allow her to land, and, accompanied by him and in her Turkish dress, she found a night's lodging in one of the nearest farm-houses. Nor had she to pay for it overmuch, for the Crim-Tartarians were kindly, honest folk ready to welcome brothers and sisters of Islam. Indeed, they looked upon the new-comers as a possible deliverance from Russian rule. It was l

y Andrew Fraser. She was not ready for that yet. So three days passed and it was not till the nineteenth that the army of some fifty thousand men moved on towards Sebastopol. About a third of the way thither the enemy was said to be strongly entrenched

" said Lord Ra

st all the leaders in the Crimean War,

hivied, when, confused, they got between the men's legs, and many a warrior strung one secretly under his knapsack against a savoury suppe

rrion, from another farmhouse where she had obtained shelter, watched the evening sun redden t

t wound its way to the sea amid sparse vineyards. Far away to the right the horizon of open sea showed a massing of grey hulks and twinkling lights. That was the Fleet ready to aid as it could. Further afield, beyond the debouching of the cliffs, seven thousand Turkish troops prevented a flank attack. Then came the French twenty thousand face to face with the most formidable part of

emy's battery showed, ready no doubt for instant action on the firing of the first shot. And, every now and then, bayonet-points and the heads of men

was being held in the open, as he pointed on the map to the cliffs facing the sea

ritically at the contours, then t

good climbers, si

ere to throw out skirmishers, tackle the cliff, charge over the first narrow plateau, and so, up the next bank, re

ritish salute with the words, "I hope you will fight well to-day." To which

company, from battalion to battalion, rose a deafening

he Zouaves show in single file--here, there, everywhere like streamlets of blood. Incredible pluck! Astounding agility! But they are up. The first vantage ground is gained; they paus

ive the fire from a Russ

ves opened the ball, and now, trundling among the ranks of the Bri

Lord Raglan; and, obedient, though straining at the leash, the British troops lie down

he queries hastily, as an aide

but not sufficiently establi

od was up, his men were be

from the opposite heights, floundered somehow through the river, and paused for a second to take breath in the vineyards below the steeps. But formation had been lost. It was sheer onslaught. At the head of the advance rode Lord Rag

p at the close of the day to exclaim: "I ask of Fortune but this! May I command an English corps for three short weeks, then could I die happy." And the English commander's voice was graver still as he replied: "I could not command a French corps. They would outpace me." And in truth the Zouaves' rapid, flame-like spread from crag to crag, their ceaseless fusillade meanwhile, had been all-astonishing and had paralysed the foe completely. But now the laurel wreath of victory was fading, the cypress garland of death was taking its place. It had been a three hours' hand to hand infantry battle, and the late September sun was sinking when the living turned to look after their fallen comrades, for in those days ambulance corps were in their infancy and Red Cross was not. The wounded soldier lay as he fell, dying, mayhap for want of care, even for a drink of water. There were hundreds such upon the heights they had won, as Marrion Paul, taking advantage of the fast coming darkness, began her round. She was provided with water, brandy, a few simple ligaments and bandages. At Varna she had had not a few wounded Turkish soldiers from the Danube in old Achmet's hospital; but this was different. There the wounds seemed a disease; here you felt the keen horror of cold steel and rifle bullet close at hand; you realised the futility, the wic

se things at a glance, guessing he was shot through the lungs as his breath came in soft pitiful gasps. She knelt to offer him a drink, but he shook his head. Evidently his eyes were already dim, for he whispered in broken

e said tenderly. "Your h

mp arm, lying helplessly beside him, crooked itself

mprehension

take something f

yes smile

pered; it was almost a sigh, bu

e had been supporting, closed the eyes, and opening the grey tunic began her search, her mind rapt away from her surroundings by thoughts of Duke. Her hand had just found a thin ch

a rough voice. "Shoot th

ead. Her heart gave a great boun

ern turned full on her showed

"The fellow carries a water-bottle--of our

hlanders; a search party evidently, and

ied hotly. "He asked me--to

ld nozzle of the revolve

group of men were startled out of speech and stood staring at

th a woman's face in it--a pinchb

a carrion crow as ever----" It paused; something in the situation seemed to bring silence. The stars overhead, the d

use this young fool's lantern and that will make two search parties. We have little time to spare. I'll see hi

e, doctor," c

p Marrion's lantern and seemed to examine its light, tur

" Marrion could n

en!" she ec

d your face and hair aren't easily forgotten. I guess why you are here; but it isn't safe--in fact, it's impossible; but if you will go back now and come to my hospital--Dr. Forsyth--in E

cared," said Marrion, but he

id his hand over the heart. "Dead as a door nail, ceased to beat

bent to

and an a

r jumped

ck I will go on. We have to find poor Grant; he was last seen on the crest leading

rion, with a sort of so

d Dr. Forsyth, as he turne

hurrying along, slipping on the clotted blood from many wounds, carrying those who had been seen to and could be moved to the boats for removal to Scutari. There was a low inarticulate wail of moaning in

Dr. Forsyth over his shoulder to M

en she had first seen it; the eyes alone were so unlike any she had ever see

came an imperative voice hal

d she followed him bli

rated its absolute necessity seven years ago--curse the lot--and now a case has just come in. It's life or death and the others won't touch it, but I will. See here, I was with Esdai

so strangely full of grip, as he spo

u what I can,"

instant. "But you will need all your nerve, I tell y

patient, who lay on the doctor's

take. You have no pain, at least not much, and you are going to l

ing knives and instrum

't be in a hurry--I shall want time. Now I'm going to mesmerise him. Y

lf that it would be so. An atmosphere of q

with absolute faith, listening to the qu

you are inclined to sleep--if you cl

less convulsive; the eyelids closed, and all the time the doctor'

uick decision. "You won't faint, will you?" he adde

but that seemed to hurt here." She

ed her n

. "You'll make an excellent aide

usness remained; but possible enough with the absolute

r it was

his implements. "You needn't stay with him all the time. Make yours

thanks; only as he left

ourite of the colonel's.

those words went with her. Yes, she was glad she had

tion, on the dread with which she had first viewed the heights of Alma. But this--this was inconceivable, unutterably beastly! Vaguely she felt glad that Duke had been spared it, and with the thought of the singing bird that had sung its little heart out i

emoved to a larger one and was doing well. Though the flap was open, the tent was shadowy and th

of the tricks of the trade, and in the next action you will be able to work on your own. Only don't talk about it. I believe

shan't be able,

"and to begin with I am going to call you

flus

Andre

d that admixture seems favourable to a certain force of character. You've always managed people--at least, I guess so--and it is just that trick of suggestion that you require for management--at least, so I think--that I want. Anyhow, we will try. For the present the tyranny is overpast. We have wormed our way through sans everything; but the next action will be as bad, perhaps worse. I think the letters we have written home about the scandalous state of affairs may have had some effect--God

day he treated her as a professor might t

orders," she said, half-resentfully one after

d curtly. "You strike me as a woman who has managed t

, he looked strangely young, but the grey hair and bronzed wrinkles about

if

ive," he

ok forty-five

in a Divinity that shapes our ends, it's waste of time to hew. I learnt that early

een spent in keeping Duke for the heirship of Drummuir, and now he lay

g for it but to change plans and act promptly. And here, mercifully, was no delay, no mistakes. Forsaking the seacoast the whole force plunged boldly into the mountains, marching by compass, without road, without guides. Much of the way lay through dense forest--there was no water; but, heartened up by a small brush with a wandering division of the enemy, the men struggled on cheerful as ever, up hill, down dale, during a long and toilsome march from dawn till after nightfall on the 25th. But then came solace. On the sea-coast below them--secure, unprepared--lay the town and harbour of Balaklava, seven miles to the east of Sebastop

ach they found the troops elated and pleased with their new quarters. As is generally the

n command, the French had placed thirty-three siege guns before the English had finished their fifteenth; and the docto

ts wearing out, a shortage of drugs, and the very amb

gaily to the harbour and say calmly, "I w

ace reigned. There were no shambles, and Marrion had time to pick up many wrinkles of nursing from her patron; he taught her how to bring sleep for one thing, the first duty of those who tend the sick. She had time also for regret. Nothin

away from their past. It is what the Easterns call

t at the very idea that a life in which she was con

his strange eyes, "you may have done so

psychological puzzles of humanity. Tell him she did, however, while he sat looking out over the sea with his veiled eyes, for th

lonel Muir had lived?" he asked

shed a

en wondered

. Well, I am glad he died happy. That, at any r

they were treated by the authorities at home. Boots had already given out, none were available in store, and in a whole officers' mess only one subaltern had a holeless pair. And he was the son of a

er a diversion arose which, when

beating of drums and bugle calls. The Allied armies, alarmed in their turn, instantly stood to arms, while gun after gun boomed from the city forts, echoing and re-echoing among the reverberating rocks. After a

or did a volley from the 93rd Highlanders, hastily formed up, stop them. For a short while confusion and courage were conspicuous. The British, taken unawares, fought like heroes. Finally there followed the famous Light Cavalry Charge of which the French general, watching it, said "C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre." By whose fault the order was given for a deed which will stir the blood at every English heart even at the day of doom, Heaven only knows. The man who brought it was the

or two of rest to Marrion, she spent it in going round with a revolver sh

their password," he said, a

t lived in the East," he went on, with a smile. "Say '

rning much of this strange man who looked on death s

to rest. Yet ever and always, when her mind travelled beyond the immediate present,

Providence ough

red, and then was asham

re quite wobbly just now. You will be of no use, you know, unless you pull yourself together." And he narrow

laug

the future hold for me!

g. The present was all-engrossing, of course; how could it be anything else when she could do what she could do for the poor lads?-

man, the 10th of November, that

s over at the ca

and when she came out of her tent to join

ooch of yours--the P.P. one. Don't you reme

t had been asked to fix their gaze on it

e replied lightly.

as a prisoner, presumably an officer, but he refused name or rank. He had been found two days after the battle, lying, with one leg smashed to bits, under his dead horse in a little ravine. How he had lived was a marvel, for he was quite an old

him, that someone would be good enough to search in the holster of the dead horse beside him for a gold snuf

grene is setting in and if he is to be saved we must have it off higher up. And the others won't risk it. He is old--heart weak--and they say won't stand chloroform. I am g

opped up by pillows in the small room whither he

with its hint of ruddiness beneath the grey of the hair and its bold bright darin

ich included Marrion, and with a perfect English accent. "Y

ty in his voice; o

t tired; and your pulse"--he stopped to feel it--"is tired, too. So I've brought Nurse Paul to sit with you. Sh

gh pillows, straightened the coarse blanket, which was a

ose your eyes I beli

as set full in the sunlight, which showed her tall, slender, yet strong in her dark stuff dress, a white handkerchief almost hiding her bright hair and pinned to place by the lit

you get t

at once wi

ged to my

--who w

would only close your eyes I

hink so?

n ever; there was a hint of a

and Marrion was just about to make further sugg

my snuff-box?--it is un

old box with--her startled

n one had almost forgotten them?" He scanned her face narrowly. "Now you are angry. Why should you be? Your mother was my wife, I suppose. At least, I hadn't any other then. I have sons no

e, startled out of herself, tried to realise that this was her

aw into her thoughts, for h

he call of the master means. And young Muir was never my master. He befriended me, helped me to escape Siberia; but the other---- There

nderstand," she sa

passion of protection, of loyalty, had been hers. Str

me to their own again--and he did amongst others. So I had to go." Again he paused, and for the first time Marrion felt the touch of kinship between them. He had to go; that was just it! She had had to be loyal to Duk

t she had learnt many things during the last month and knew that p

he said. "I think I shal

credentials. There is a false top

ed to part in two, disclos

portance no one should know. It is of importance still. If I hadn't met you I should have sai

his lips, his blue eyes

ing, Marrion was yet aware of something deep down in h

etly, "I will do wh

ng at her. "It is better here," he remarked, "than in the north of Scotland." Then after a pause, "I suppose I ought not to have married your mother; but she was charming and it was ve

r the slumb

ly. "The others were right. His mind has ceased to insist

ed up into h

ou guess?"

ged his

ce I saw the famous snuff-box yesterday it became a certainty. For a day I decided to say nothing. Then I saw the old

ny questions and

tay," he added gently. "I do

aded from the room the old man's

g she had been thinking, thinking; but she had arrived at nothing. Only deep down in her was a glad feeling

e wondered vaguely, as, back in he

e Paul Pauloffski----" She

er father. Then she was gent

crushed in on her. She buried her face in the pill

ho play P

range eyes was right. Your past was

aper simply gave the address of the ancestral home and that of two sons in the army. A memorandum as to keys and papers filled up the back of the latter. She replaced them, shut down the spring again,

ed him the box, and she flushed scarlet. Sometimes he seem

" she repli

, I could buy it in for you at the auction. The

, remembering her father's wishes, "but

after. "That's your fee," he sai

ay in her satchel against--what? That future which was now always filling her mind. The present seeme

three months, Marrion told herself, since that wonderful

night fog to run in commissariat or even ammunition? Nothing could be done, however, save wait. So as the laggard day broke, the advanced pickets lo

y, stamping his feet to keep out the ch

Chelsea way. My Gawd! I wish

rong on the heights of Inkerman," put in an I

e trooties on Don side," evened an Aberdeens

church in the city rang out, echoing amongst the little scrub and wood-set ravines that went to make up the valle

eguiled the time. And though the dawn brought light, the mist lay

e Aberdeenshire man s

not one but many, emerging ou

point of the bayonet would drive it back a yard or two. Sometimes the fight became a mêlée in which the British officers, dealing havoc with their revolvers or swords, cut their way through the dense masses of the enemy. No generalship was possible, each man fought for himself, his Queen, his country, and wrote on the page of history a record of undying pluck and almost incredible personal courage. But the battle of Inkerman is, truly, beyond description. It was a day of countless deeds of daring, of despairing rallies and desperate assaults in the glens, the brushwood glades, the torrent beds of the valley of the Tchernaya river. None knew how the balance swayed and shifted. But a few were aware of the aid given in the nick of time by the six th

in the hope of being able to see something of what his men were doing, a shell literally blew off his leg. And someo

cial despat

, when out of the eight thousand some two thousand six hundred lay dead or

scarcely get through the awful days. She could not work as she wished to work, but neither could she res

the help she should have done over a young lad who had been brought in badly hurt. "But he seemed so very young.

d at her

ce set in denial. "And it's as useful as anything else. You know there are quite a lot of soldiers' wives down in the town. There ought not to be, of course, but there are---- Why, there is one

the thought of them, and the very idea of holding the

rred. "You see I haven

very rocks of the harbour she went back to

em there; ships of the line, merchantmen, gun-boats, mail-steamers, all coming and going. When the two elder children were asleep, Marrion would wrap the infant in a blanket and go and sit on the rocks in the sunshine, watching the boats go backwards and forwards to

"I hear that a captain of one of the transports has reported it dangerous; and has been reprimanded for his trouble. He may have

for the time of the year. It was in the small hours of the 14th that s

d, "it has fallen two

e cliff, crashed against it once, twice. A few men were carried by the breakers up the rocks, bruised, mangled. The captain himself was crushed between the rocks and the ship, as he hung from a life-line thrown by those on shore. Another and another and another ship followed in quick succession. The roar of the tempest, the crashing of timbers, the howling of the wind, the noise of the engines straining full speed ahead to hold their anchorage against the storm, drowned all outcry; the terror, the dismay, the despair of it passed as it were in silence. Within the inlet harbour one vessel crashed against the next and so, huddled in heaps, they drifted to pile themselves in shivered hulks upon the shore. Helpless to help, powerless to save, the spectators clinging like limpets to stone walls and stanchions looked on while one after another the brave ships which but the day before

wned were dashed by the breakers against the

smaller ships which, having held their anchors so far, were still in imminent danger of going down. As she passed a knot of local fishermen on her way to where apparently help might be required, her eyes followed theirs and she realised to her horror that they were calmly looking at a man--

ian. "Quick! A boat is there! Quic

the men fell in with them. Ready hands, be

as enough. Why should they risk their lives to save an unknown lad--a mere boy? But it was that

s fighting for her life--and his. For his--yes, fighting, fighting, fighting for life to something unknown. She set her teeth and dreamed with the appalling swiftness of dreams of t

ong a quay hard by saw her

ce; but only for a second. The hold of the clenched hands rela

esitation Marrion was over the side, keep

for a second and was on the surface aga

You are the saviour, the creator, the protectress.--She struck out

ry room of the cavalry hospital where her father had died. It had been the nearest place, she suppose

f milk and a glass. A paper lay beside them.

and go to

writing and with a sen

at the window. In an instant remembrance came back to her and raised a curiosity wh

she asked suddenly i

t was he, smiled as h

both ashore." He had been feeling her pulse as he spoke. "All right," he continued, "I fancy you can get up if you choose.

ared a

want to work--and I should like to die out

had to give her was one which must, despite its joy, give pain. Better therefore

your statements. You are going home. You do not want to die out here, and you w

t athrill to her finger-tips, wonder

remembrance. "People w

and turned her f

that soft pall which had lain on Marmaduke Muir's grave on the Balkan heights, when, stopping at Varna on her way home on purpose to visit it

e, her pitiful plaint to be forgiven for trying to play

itter indeed; but to realise that if the child lived--and this time she meant to ensure that there s

a's heights were won--she still would not have made a claim. That was over and done with. She had promised

girl, and then it would not matter so much. Besides, and this clinched the question, even with Andrew it would be hard to prove a marriage; for during those few short years she had not t

ll things else, the doctor had been right. When the time came nearer she would follow his advice and go to Edinburgh to the man who ha

meant that there would be someone kin to the child--someone who, perhaps, if her life was taken

een a widower, one of the sons might be married, there might be a woman with a pitiful heart to listen and sympathise. But ere she went she must write to Peter Muir. To begin with, she could assure him that his brother had been well looked after. And then she had nothing, positively nothing, of Marmaduke's; and Peter, knowing the care she had lavished on him all those years, might give her som

hat stilted little letter asking for what she wanted as a favou

received a

r Ma

me I will give you the r

footman opened the door, a butler advanced to meet her, a majordomo out of livery stood half-way up the stairs. Very different this fro

t luxurious study, and his weak face lit up at

the average. When Marmaduke was--was here--he was for ever at me for extravagance. Hated the Jews and used to borrow from old Jack Jardine instead. Paid off something, but not all, I'm afraid; and Pitt, the virtuous Pitt--he owed him thousands. However, as I was saying, it's a

of his hands fresh on the touch of hers Marrion d

father?"

ugged his

won't speak of that--I can't. He was the only one--and I believe it was the same with the Baron. He showed it in ange

enticed more flies than he knew of into his net. But for he

hat she could scarcely trust her own judgment. The who

ng?" she asked, in ord

Muir, giving her a queer look as he rose to go to a despatch-box

at the touch of it, as she would have thrilled to the touch of the man who had worn it.) "I did not look over the papers ve

ed her nowadays. It was addressed to Major Muir at his club, and a vague wonder a

of their marriage bond which she thought she had seen burnt to ashes on th

ld one be sure of anything? Could one be

voice ro

entually should have it; for even if I outlive my father I shall have enough for my time. And you were--well, you were a brick to Marmaduke--and to me, too. You always denied this marriage: but I had a notion it was only denial. There is no reason,

g question as to whether Marmaduke had known of this survival or whether

een burnt; and it doesn't make any difference to our intention that it wasn't. And then we promised,

fireplace, and threw the envelo

eant," she muttered

r with a half-cynical

m, the incapable man, with wondering tolerance. "Still, I must say I am disappointed. I should like to have seen the governor

see we were all at fault? And we have to pay

done? If she had only known what Duke would have said! Had he found out the paper, or had he not? Was that the reason why in those short ten days of heaven he had never, never, ne

, until perforce, being physically unable to cry any m

or did not know; she could not be sure what he would have thought

hing seemed in a hopeless tangle. She was, in sober truth, very near the limit of perfect sanity when, with a passport secured through Peter Muir's Vienna influence, she started for Krakowitz, the village on the Russian side of the Carpathians, near which the Pauloffski estates lay. It was a difficult journey--one which she had judged rightly had better be undertaken at once; but the change did her good, and she was al

ne trees that swept their snow layered branches overhead

ound with a smile a

ution from sin

nswer came a remembrance, "Though your sins ar

after all, the tangle consequent on her playing

e open, and at it, standing against, but not leaning upon the pilaster, was the most striking figure of a woman Marrion thought she had ever seen. Extreme old age had set its mark on the lined face, w

n, still closely veiled as protection f

tively in French, for it was impossibl

" was the dignified reply

for a few minutes?" cont

incess

nd or Scotland," she replied in better English than her Fr

to the stables while Marrion, with an unforeseen thrill of pleasure,

d her hostess quietly as she led the way into the house. "T

e Marrion felt a slight shiver run through her. How had her

e of pine logs was burning on an open hearth Marrion

rough the sitting-room windows, she stood revealed. The effect was not nea

dden pleasure, the thin old

u never came before. Paul did--and he was your twin--thoug

prang to Ma

nds and holding their chilliness of age in her wa

rew back and passed h

step forward and scanned her visitor narrowly. "You say you are Paul's daughter--an English daughter--did he then marry over there? For it

ure felt inexpressible relief. Here there was no haggling, no question

e produced the golden snuff-box, with its glittering monogram, and laid it in the old Princess's lap; but she merely

s so beautiful, like you. And Paul's wife died, and now his two sons are gone; th

ere in the streaming sunlight heart to heart as it were with someone of

ked the old princess quickly, wh

tle then," be

htened their curiou

our names when we marry beneath us, as I did; for, my dear, this, the soil"--she waved her other hand in an all-embracin

rrion

!" She seized a little brazen bell that lay on the table beside her and rang it violently. A very old maid-servant appeared, and was addressed vo

ushions! Make yourself quite comfortable. Remember you have to think of someone besides yourself." She dragged an armchair closer to the hearth with all the str

time since Doctor Forsyth had told her why she must go home she felt rea

f sobbed. "You haven't looked

ill warm your heart. It has been cold, I expect, and little ones don't thri

mistress discoursed to the old serving-maid and the old serving-

le down her cheeks in quiet orderly fashion. The puzzledom, the regrets of the last few months, s

of grief and to spare in their conversation, besides Marmaduke's death--over which the Princess was vaguely sympathetic--since, though he had been a British soldier, he had, by the decree of Pr

were fine young fellows, and I wept when the news came; but they died as Pauloffskis should die, fighting for the master. And I have wept--dear heart! how I have wept to think that never again would a real son of the real

" suggested Marrion, hal

her hands out in an

fresh root of an old race. We have no Salic law here in Russia. A princess is as

mazed and interested; but indeed every word that fell from Pri

re. She found one here, and, as if by magic, all her doubts and fears vanished. There was but one thing she kept to herself, and that was the possible difficulty which might arise in proving the future little Prince or Princess Pauloffski's title, if legal proof of his or her parents' marriage was not forthcoming. But it was only a possible difficulty. For all she knew in this land where women seem

scoursings, the women always fell at her feet and worshipped her. She came back to frugal meals and quiet evenings, when the Princess would discourse over every subject under the sun; for she was a

are hunters and fighters and thinkers. It is the women who manage t

t the most remarkable thing about her grandmother was the stable youthfulness of her

fferent heritage this from the storm-set cliffs, the rich fields of Aberdeenshire. And a different

romise for the sake of the heir? Would it not be better to l

xteenth Baron Drummuir. There was a whole column about his many virtues; a vague reference to "sprightly youth" summing up his vices. The article ended thus: "The title descends to the

he was quit of Drummuir. But had she any right to be quit of it? The old arguments for and against came back; she began to worry over them once more, especially when the verdic

oes not appear to me to enter. With care I

k, for it materialised man

I

hire coast, looking northwards over the curved sea-line towards the promontory some fifteen miles away, on which she knew the old castle of Dr

rwhelmed her, and her very regret and remembrance of Marm

tent as she persuaded herself that that fateful envelope could scarcely have remained in Marmaduke's despatch-box without his knowledge. Yet he had never mentioned it. If he had repented of the action which at the

ould she help knowing?--that if he had lived--if--if---- Always that if, a

hild in her arms, and she drea

han welcome; for every week brought ecstatic letters from that entrancing personality which had already made such a mark on Marrion's character. In a way she felt that she had never unde

even when the commanding, lovable figure pas

d chosen the little Aberdeenshire fishing village as the place for her convalescence because from it she coul

her day after day, to some sheltered sandy nook, where in the hot June weather she could sit and dream--rather idly, it must be confessed, for the shee

at her feet, laid her treasure down, and sat on a boulder beside it, in absolute worsh

ng out both hands; for it was Andrew Fraser. He also held out a hand, for one empty sleeve of his coat was pinned to his breast. He came rap

ast. "They didna say---- God, but I'm

Drummuir," he went on ecstatically, "and he is Drummuir! Ah," he added, a trif

ipped at Mar

drew," she said hastily. "I want to

the time bein

how old will he be? And why did the doctor

t his arm, had been exchanged as disabled, and in Balaklava had come across Doctor Forsyth, who had given him an address in Edinburgh where he would be sure

roads must lead to the one point, t

ppy, Andrew. And I am so glad you found

w sto

rply. "Tae Drummuir? An' wh

w," she replied, feeling herself trem

ght to all! Are ye gain' tae steal it frae him? An' it's foolishness tae t

here is no legal proof of it--and I do not choose--I have

onately. "I tell ye, Marrion, that neither you nor the colonel--God rest him for a brave gentleman--have any right tae order yon po

ntment while Marrion stood speechless, th

---" she beg

"See here, Marrion Muir--for that you are--I've lived my life thinkin' ye were abune me, but ye'll be beneath m

sed her and sh

ing without me. I wish you would be reasonable and listen! We promised--th

"An' I'll hear nae mair o' your woman's clatter. Yon babe's

n stalked away without another word, leaving Ma

he situation. There was little hope of getting Andrew to listen to--no, not to reason, that had long

t? It was fear that had made her do everything--fear of the old man who sat like a spider in his web, the old man whom his own son had

tle chap died; he w

y had she not gone at once to Lord Drummuir and told him the truth? She had meant to do

g at Mistress McMurdo's was feelin' ill and would like to see her just for a little. The child being asleep she slipped over to the cottage to find Andrew Fraser once more a

face, lying huddled up under his military cloak on the sofa. Once again he slipped his feet apologetically to th

my master's wife. But it's no oorsels, ye see. It's just Providence, an' we daurna play Provi

ing over the old gr

her heart of hearts that nothing she could say would eve

night; she could sc

ng clear and lucent over the dark sea seemed to her a godsend. She crept out of her bed leaving the child asleep, and, dressing herself, wrapped a cloak about her, and so seating herself

and Duke! How curiously Fate had joined them. Yet she had disregarded

s growing. So it had grown that m

on his neck, the cold kiss of the bitter sea stinging soul and bod

sn't it

looked, the restless dark horizon of the sea seemed to melt and soften, and the path of radia

as well wor

had done? Comprehension came to her, she saw a clear and ordered sequence in which even her

said about taking too

ldn't have had this perfectly stu

stakes. She and her Love had been alone in the Great

y might be waifs on that s

un rise. Over how many mistakes, how many

d place. Even the old man who had made the castle over y

thin blue threads of smoke. The figure of a man or a woman began to pass along the narr

e no seen ye before. There's a saxpence tae pay, but

as he spoke and went on his wa

was almost undecipherable, being defaced with innumerable

on address and forwarded to the Crimea and back again. Twice

a curious embossed presentment of foxhounds in full cry ran

e envelope th

. The writing of a person with brain

r Ma

f battle--out at Varna, I return the enclosed. I don't know why I kept it. To have a hold over the young man at

n and dowry, which my d----d co

Penelope, and I have done that. So I die quits; except for my son Peter.

ou

umm

s which she thought she had seen the old lord i

fold the beginning of

til the cry of a child made her rise h

EN

oked at the child she carried, "who is to turn me out, was on the way you burnt that paper found i

e was looking in

lad, yes, glad he's here!" Then, with a shrug of his shoulders, he turned away. "It will

here I stand; and you are the boy's natural guardian. I"--she spoke bitterly--"am only the mother. I have no say. But I am going to buy freedom from you. Live here--promise me that--use the monies as your own. Keep the old place

a time. And from the Carpathian pine woods the little lad travelled more than once to a solitary cairn on the Balkan hills by the side of which Andrew Fraser--who never ceased rejoicing

ney-pot, and when the old Princess would ask, "Where is Prince Pauloffski?

ife went on and it

elf, the honours lay with one who in th

LTD., PRINTERS,