Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

6 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

The Voice of the Charmer.…

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

The Voice of the Charmer. | By Mrs. L. T. MEADE, Authoress of The Medicine, Lady" A World of Girls," Wild Kitty" Wheels of Iron" Tha Cleverest Woman in England," < £ c., <&c. of Iron" Tha Cleverest Ifronzan England," &c., &c. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE DEVIL'S BARGAIN. I PATTY slept badly that night-the thought cl Margot came between her and her repose. Dering's words had made the fear which had never quite slumbered into a very real certainty. Margot's suspicions were on the alert. Patty herself was to blame for this. She did not possess her husband's marvellous self-control. In a moment of strong emotion she had allowed Margot to get a glimpse at her troubled heart. The thought now kept Patty awake. Her night .was bad in every way, her heart suffered physically. As the hours dragged by, she lay as motionless as she could, fearing to disturb Ward, who was a light sleeper, and made up her mind to two things. She must see Margot, and do something to blind her friend's eye. Margot must marry Dering on the 10th of March—there must be no further postponement of this great event. If Margot were really mistress of the Hind, restitution would be made, and Patty's heart might rest in peace. Yes, Patty would see Margot, but first of all she would go on a mission on her own account. She rose early, break- fasted alone, told the servant to let Ward know that she would be back to lunch, and then went -out. The day happened to be especially fine and lpring like; the balmy air revived Patty's droop- ing spirits, and removed the headache which added to her troubles. She began to walk ifcriskly, and soon reached a post-office. From there she despatched a telegram to Margot. ■" Will call to see you between eleven and twelve o'clock," she wired. She then hailed a passing iiansom, and desired the driver to take her to see iDr. Power, in B-- Street. She arrived in good time at the great man's house. The foot- man who opened the door asked her if she had an appointment. "No," answered Patty, but perhaps Dr Power will see me if you will kindly give him my card. The servant asked her to walk into the waiting- joom. Patty was the first patient to arrive. In about ten minutes' time she found herself in Dr. Power's presence. The well-known physician was accustomed to seeing fresh faces every day of his life, but he Shad the wonderful gift of never forgetting any- one. Patty's visiting card had conveyed no special meaning to him, but the moment he saw iler face, he gave a start of surprise and pleasure. "I am very glad t6 see you again," he said. How are you? I trust you are better." Here ffce glanced at her card. "I see that you are married," he said. Perhaps you took my advice and made yourself happy. Pray sit down ipn that chair and tell me all about yourself." Patty obeyed-she was trembling a good deal. SBhe ww easily influenced by natures stronger Ithan her own-this partly accounted for Wardfs extraordinary power over her-she glanced now at the doctor, and found it impossible to tell him a lie. "I trust you are happy," he said, giving her a keen glance, which seemed to read her through. I am not," she answered; she suddenly, ttnd 4o her own dismay, burst into tears. Dr. Power moved to one of the windows; he sflrew down the blind in order to place his patient in shadow. He then filled a glass with water, rand gave it to Patty to drink. Take your own time," he said, your tears iwill relieve you. I am not specially pressed this baorning." Patty drank a sip or two of water, and with tMi effort recovered her self-control. I am ashamed of myself," she said. I see ifchat you are kind—your glance upsets me. I Hook your advice, I married the man whom I ^passionately love—I am not happy. The fact ia ff have sinned against my conscience. I thought any conscience would die, but it won't; it gives mie no peace. My restless mind affects my body. a have come to speak to you now, not on the isubject of my happiness or unhappiness, for that (matter is absolutely hopeless, but on the subject f my health." "I am deeply sorry. Of course, anything you tell me is under the seal of absolute secrecy. Tou come to me to cure your physical ailments- how can I do so if your mind is not at rest? If my conscience were to die, my mind would ihave peace; perhaps it will die presently. L married with the hope that this would be so; now I begin to doubt whether it is at all in my power to kill conscience. I feel that I have undertaken what I can fulfil." Don't ^ou know that you are saying a very terrible thing?" said! Dr. Power. "Conscience is the Voice of God. Do you want the Divine LVoiee really to be stilled? I can't speak of it, Dr. Power," said Patty, rising restlessly. I can't tell you all. There Is no living being who could understand my dtory; I don't look for sympathy. I have made 0 bargain and I must abide by it. If the moment death came I would shrink from it with terror. 3 have bargained for a happy life in this world! a: want my life to be hapr-y, I want to have health enjoy it. I know yery well that there is no future for me beyond this life. You see how accessary it is for me to live a long time." "You puzzle me very much," said Dr. Power. Yours is a case for a clergyman, not for a physician. A thousand times no I would not see f -clergyman for the world." And you want me to do something to make you live? If you can. If it is at all within your reach." I greatly fear," said Dr. Power, that what you tell me with regard to your mental state will shorten your days; it would not be right for me to say anything else. I said to you before, Mrs. iWard, 'Get happiness.' No one is happy who has a mind ill at ease. You earnestly crave a long life, you are not going the right way to obtain it." When conscience dies, I shall be happy," said Patty. That is a very terrible thing to hope for. It la only right to tell you frankly that you are very tmlikely to obtain your wish. Yours is the sort of nature which must suffer acutely when con- science is tampered with. It is my firm con- » y°Ur Case the Divine Voice wiU laever be still." Cfo, what am I to do? How am I to live?" tnoaned Patty. She covered her face, and groaned aloud. Dr. power looked' at her with great pity. A <»3e like this was new to him. With all his vast experience he had never before met anyone who deliberately sought to stifle good. He gave a glance of tender compassion at the face, so young, so sweet, at the girlish hands, the sunny Itair. "God help that poor young woman," h*> said tio himself. What devil has got possession of A It surely can't be her husband." A sudden thought occurred to him. By the way, he said abruptly, and speaking in a brisk tone, "do you happen to be any rela- *l01\ £ Sidminster? I was «*iden Seech H *lght' Bnd ^tened to his maiden speech. He is an extraordinary nerson He has a very marked individuality," 7 ^1 toe, answered Patty; '■{„ ls my hal. She looked a miserable woman foeautiful and proud light leapt into h^ eyes he? face was transformed, colour filled her chV«ka and lips, she sat no longer huddled together but upright. Dr. Power gazed at her fixedly. Your husband will make his mark," he said after a pause. I can see that you are proud of him. I am not surprised, he has considerable oratorical powers. His party have gained a powerful ally in such a man. I have never listened to more clear, incisive withering sarcasm in my Ufe. I belong to the oBposite side, but I impressed TJY your husband's well-chosen orris." All that know him feel the same," answered i. 'titty, he is irresistible-that is, when he -iiooses to put out his strength." But to return to your physical sufferings," iaid Dr. Power, after a brief pause. I "em ember when I last saw you that you were mder the influence of a severe heart attack. Do )"OU still suffer from your heart?" I do; it is never still; it is about my lieai4i I want to consult you. It beats too hard. I m always conscious of it; its great throbs tire me inexpressibly." "Will you unfasten your dress, and let me listen to it now? Patty did as she was told. Dr. Power applied the stethoscope, and listened to her heart-sounds attentively. When he had concluded his examination his face looked grave. It is difficult for a doctor to prescribe who does not know the state of the case all round he said. You will not confide in me? I cannot." Well, I must take my patient as I find her." What is the verdict? "Your case, Mrs. Ward, resembles many others. You are a finely-made young woman a, but you have little or no staying power. I have known thin, nervous women, go through almost any strain without breaking down. It is my duty to tell you frankly that you are not one of those. Your heart suffers because of the mental strain which you have alluded to." Then metal strain must abide with me until I have strength to cast it off," said Patty. Then, honestly, my verdict is not reassur- ing." Is my heart worse? It is certainly no better. At the same time your case just now is not incurable. Even now, with absolute rest of mind and body, your tired heart might regain its tone in short, you might in a few years' time become fairly strong." "But never quite strong? I dread death. Death to me would be shorn of all those comforts which religion can offer. I can only think of it as silent, cold oblivion-that is the very best the future can offer me. I dread it inexpressibly. Can you not save me? Is there no narcotic you can give me to deaden my mind ?" I cannot. Your real cure is altogether out- side my province. I am not surprised that you love life. You are young-you have a husband of whom any woman may be proud and by-and- by, if you take care of yourself, you will know the bliss of motherhood. You have much to live for, and yet- I must live-I dare not die," said Patty. I dread the unknown." And yet," continued Dr. Power, those live best and happiest who are also willing to die. Those live most peacefully who don't speak of the future as unknown. The state of silence, cold, and oblivion to which you have just alluded does not exist to them. Such people see something very rapturous in the future life." "Yes, but the rapture is not for me. Now, I must not take up any more of your time." I will write you a prescription which ought to strengthen you," said Dr. Power. He did so, and a moment or two afterwards Patty left him. She got into another hansom and drove to Mrs. Fletcher's address in West Kensington. Her interview with the great doctor had by no means reassured her. Be happy and you will live," she murmured to herself. "How can I be happy? By what possible means can I forget the sin which I have sinned? I have sold myself. By what possible means can I forget the master who will claim my soul by-and-by? Well, I dare not think. I will do what I can to deceive Margot, and the I future must take care of itself." Patty reached the humble little house at West Kensington. She ran up the steps, and a moment or two later wail in the presence of her friend. Her own face looked feverish and over-excited, in strong contrast to Margot's. Margot greeted her friend affectionately. I am delighted to see you, Patty; mother will be^ in by-and-by. She meant to call on you this afternoon, but when I got our telegram, she begged of me to keep you to lunch. You don't look well, Patty; you look even worse than when I saw you last." Oh, it's this troublesome heart of mine it beats too hard. Put your hand here, Margot-- feel." Margot did as she was told. Patty's heart bounded in great throbs against her hand. How can you endure this? she said to her mend. What must be, must be," replied Patty, with a lestless sigh. Margot, I have not come here to talk of myself. I am more sick of myself than you can possibly imagine. I have come to-day to congratulate you. Your wedding-day is at last definitely fixed." Yes," replied Margot "I had no excuse to put it off any longer." "How can you want an excuse? When you love a man, it is unfair to postpone his hap- piness." In my case it is scarcely unfair. I have a great deal to consider before I marry. I am determined to do nothing rashly. The day is at last fixed, and I hope that nothing may come to alter it." "What can come, Margot? When I think of you and Sir Wilfred, I feel that the only shadow to your happiness will be the sort of humdum life you will have to lead. Why, you literally won't have a cloud." Perhaps not," replied Margot. She went over to the window, which she flung open—a spring-like air filled the little room A window-box full of gay flowers, croucuses, snow- drops, and hyacinths was just then lit up by brilliant flash of sunshine. Yes, I ought to be happy," she said. Still I have a care." "You have a care?" said Patty, her lip trembling. I don't believe it." It is a fact." Tell me what it is. Perhaps I can dispel it for you." Margot gave Patty an earnest glance. In spite of herself, Patty had pressed her hand against her beating heart. No," said Margot, I can't worry you to-day, x x » 0 perhaps, I will tell you, but not to-day. J co™e ,here to 8ay something to you," said Patty. I know you suspect me?" Margot turned crimson. What do you mean?" she said. I know you do," said Patty. I wish to tell you emphatically that you are mistaken." Patty's eyes were now raised with a full, defiant, inscrutable stare to Margot's. Before Margot could reply, Mrs. Fletcher came into the room. CHAPTER XXXIX. ÐJt. POWER AND WARD. THAT evening about six o'clock Dr. Power's private hansom was seen to draw up at the Wards' pretty house in Green-street. Ward was at home, and Dr. Power was shown immediately into his private study. With a look of surprise on his face, the member for Sidminster came forward to meet the doctor. Dr. Power's name was slightly know to him, and he wondered for what possible reason this busy man had favoured him with a call. "Pray take a chair," he said. He stood him- helf a little distance from his visitor. Dr. Power gave him one or two keen glances. A man in a thousand," thought the doctor to ^himself. "A man of tremendous personal influence. He could do what he liked with any girl. That man'n wife is certain to give him girl. That man's wife is certain to give him dog-like devotion-not because he is lovable, but because his idividuality is so powerful." While the doctor tried to read Ward's character, Ward was making mental notes of him. That man has not come here for nothing," be said to himself—"it is unpleasant to be looked through, and he is looking through me— I wonder if he could do anything for Patty-I have a great mind to speak of her, now that he has called." Power's voice suddenly breaking the silence startled Ward. Your wife came to consult me with regard to her health this morning." Ward muttered a startled exclamation under his breath. This news was so unexpected that it took him completely off his guard. A wave of red dyed his face—his grey eyes leapt with sudden light, but putting his usual restraint upon himself, after uttering the one word, he closed his lips tightly. Mrs. Ward called to see me this morning," continued Power; she wished to consult me— she had consulted me once before-at that time she was not married. May I ask if you knew of her visit of to-day? No," replied Ward. I thought not, that is why I have come to see you. I should wish you to regard the few words I have come to say as strictly confidential. It would be best for Mrs. Ward to know nothing of my interview with you." I will keep it from her if you think it de- sirable," replied Ward. I do—it is important not to shock her in any WP.V." Ward bowed. The fact is," continued Dr. Power, again fixing his bright eyes on the other man, Mrs. Ward is in no condition to stand a shock—she suffers from an affection of the heart which at any moment may become dangerous." Ward did not say anything. I will tell you how I first came to know your wife," continued Power. I happened to meet her in an unconventional manner. 1 saw a young woman leaning against the railings in B Street in a fainting condition. She had just gone through severe physical torture. Drops of dew stood on her forehead, her lips were white. I gave her my arm, and conducted her at her own request to a chemist's shop near by. To my surprise, half an hour later she entered my con- sulting room, having been sent to me by the very chemist to whose door I had led her. She described the nature of her seizure. I examined her heart, and found that she had just suffered from an attack of angina pectoris. The heart was functionally affected, but there was no or- ganic disease. It was, however, in such a con- dition that organic disease might manifest itself at apT' moment. I ordered her a tonic and spoke to her very plainly. In making my examination I discovered that she wore a wedding ring fas- tened to a. ribbon round her neck." At these words of the doctor's, Ward gave another perceptible start. Dr. Power waited for him to speak, but his thin lips only took a harder, straighter line. He folded his arms and stood motionless. I did not allude to the discovery I had made," continued Dr. Power, but I asked my patient quite frankly if she were unhappy. She replied in the affirmative. I told her that her unhappi- ness would kill her. I gave her to understand quite plainly that if her mind did not soon get relief, she would have organic disease, and would in all probability die young of heart disease. She thanked me and went away. I have heard nothing of her since until she came to see me this morning She complained of her heart, and I gave her a careful examination. I looked at her, and asked her the question I asked her before. She confessed that she was still unhappy. She would not confide to me the reason of her grief, but there is not the least doubt that she is undergoing a terrible mental strain of some sort. Of course, it is impossible for me to tell whether you know anything of the state of your wife's mind or not; but I feel that I am only doing my duty bv telling you, her husband, that if the strain of sorrow or guilt-" "Guilt!" interrupted Ward. What do you mean?" What I say—sorrow or guilt. She herself spoke to me to-day of a conscience ill at ease. If that conscience does not soon get relief, she is extremely likely '/) die of failure of the heart s action. I did not like to say this to her; but it may be possible for you, whom she so faithfully loves-" Oh, that is true," said Ward. All her trouble is caused by love of me." I felt certain of it, or I would not have called upon you. This being so, you must know about her secret cause of unrest." "1 do-" # Then, Mr. Ward, it may be possible for you to remove the secret strain which is bringing your young wife to an early grave." I don't think so." Dr. Power started. Do you really say that? he asked. I do," replied Ward. He went across th. room and deliberately locked the door. Physicians often get confidences," he said. 1 can't make you a full confidence but now that you have broached the subject, now that my wife has herself broken the ice, I wish to say to you quite frankly that she and I, before we accepted the burden which we both carry, fully counted the cost. It was one of the possibilities of our strange case that what is going to happen might happen. I cannot confide in you Dr. Power, nor can my wife but if you can't help her to parry her burden, she must go to the grave with it." Is there no alternative? 0 None whatever." Dr. Power sat silent for a moment, then he rose. „ I thank you for kearing me out so patiently," he said, and for giving me even your partial confidence. Your case is very peculiar. I have no past experience to guide me in the matter. Some women might stand the strain to which your wife is being subjected." To which I am subjecting her,' corrected Ward. I don't mince matters," he added. "I am the cause of her suffering and failure of health. It is a terrible position. I am a man not easily influenced by tender feelings by tnat which is called love, but I love my wife. can't alter matters, nor lighten her sufferings. u "That being the case," said Dr. Power, fear that she will not be long with you. I cant conceive any circumstances in which it can be necessary for a man to act as you are doing; but, as you say. I don't know the case. It seems to be connected with wrongdoing." It is." You cannot disclose it to me, nor allow me, as a stranger and a man of vast experience, to give you m" advice in the matter?" I am obliged to you, Dr. Power. I am sura you would give me wise advice, but I cannot con- fide in you, nor could I take your advice if it were offered to me." Then I have no more to say. I y°u both. You have got under the power of evil. Whether you have done this deliberately or not, I cannot say. It is my firm opinion that no- thing is worth evil. Good-bye. Remember, in conclusion, that your young wife inexpressibly dreads the death to which she is hastening. "Would it be possible for you to attend my wife in her approaching illness? asked Ward. Dr. Power hesitated. Under the circumstances, I could not do it," he said. You had better have a physician who does not know so much about her as i I do." Ward said nothing more, and in a few mo- ments Dr. Power went away. Having seen him I to his carriage, Ward returned to his study. He locked the door, sat down beside his writing- table, buried his head on his outstretched arms, gave one groan, and then sat silent. He remained in this motionless position for over an hour. At the end of that time he raised his head. HIS ¡ face looked grey, fresh lines of sorrow and age were perceptible, his thin lips were even more tightly compressed than usual. Is the game worth the candle? he muttered to himself. He gave a harsh laugh, pushed a lot of papers out of sight, locked his writing-table, and went upstairs.. He entered his beautifully-furnished drawing- room. Patty was sitting by the fire m her ^nner dress, b-e was looking brighter and better than she had .'lone for some time- Ward came quickly in, and stood at the opposite side of the hc¡ tu, not appearing to watch her, but giving her at intervals some keen, anxious glances. Are you going out to-night?" she asked, looking up at him. No; I intend to spend the evening with you, my love," he replied. She gave a hal sigh, and sank back luxuriously in her comfortable chair. "I will run upstairs now and change my dress," said Ward. Then we can have dinner I all by ourselves; afterwards we will sit here and ta*'Delightful," said Patty. We have not had a quiet evening for a long time." We will have one to-night," answered Ward. He left the room, hastily changed his dress, and came downstairs. Dinner was announced. Patty went into their dining-room hanging on her husband's arm. A recherche little dinner was served, of the sort which pleased Ward's fastidious taste. The light was soft and shaded, the servants movent noiselessly about, the wine was of the best. After dinner Ward and Patty returned to the drawing-room. During the meal which they had just finished Ward had roused himself to put forth the best part of his very rare intellectual powers. Patty had a great deal of brain power herself. She had been well edu- cated, and, although with her heart must ever C, preponderate over mind, she could in her hus- band's case so fully understand him that no one could be a more delightful companion, nor a more keen sympathiser in his many plans and projects than she was. As they dined together she listened with kindling eyes and smiling lips. For the time her trouble slept, and her animated words and keen wit proved themselves quite eriual to the test to which Ward was subjecting them. When they returned to the drawing-room, how- ever, he ceased to talk about his more immediate plans and projects, and drawing a chair close to his wife took one of her hands in his. "Patty," he said, a hoarse ring in his voice, you must not desert me." Desert you, never," she replied. Why do I you say anything so queer ? You may die and leave me," he replied that would be desertion." She turned pale, but the firm pressure of his hand seemed to give her strength. You know how earnestly I wish to live," ohe said in a low voice. He didn't reply at all for a moment, then he said, slowly— I wish to speak quite frankly; yours is a peculiar organism you are endowed with heart and conscience to a dangerous degree if you don't make an effort soon-a strong effort—you will die, because heart and conscience have killed you. If you can bring yourself to be happy, Patty, you will have a long and a very brilliant life. You and I can become more absolutely one day by day, and year by year. You are quite a young woman you are not yet even of age your full powers are not reached; for years to come you may grow more beautiful, more talented, more completely soul of my soul and life of my life. Each year we shall amass greater and greater treasures. Having chosen the good things of life, it will be within our power to enjoy them to the full. Without you, Patty, I should be the loneliest man in the world. Successful, great, poverful, I should and could be without you, but I should also be miserable. Of what use is power, and what men call success, without happiness? Patty, you are essential to me don't I leave me; try to be happy." I have tried," replied Patty. But you have not succeeded. Why? I don't know," she answered; it is perhaps I because my SÐul won't die." Forget your soul," said Ward. "Think of me. Be great enough to place me above your I soul." But that is wrong—that is wrong, John." Don't think of right or wrong remember our compact. We are all-sufficient to each other; we live for each other. I never mean to forsake j you you must not forsake me. You must live ¡i to be my happiness-to be the best part of me." I will try." she answered your words give me strength. Speak to me often like this, and I may succeed." You will succeed," replied Ward, "that is. if you will bring your power of will to act in the matter. As to my talking often to you as I have done, you must not expect it--it would be a waste of emotion, and good for neither of us. You must remember I am a man of few words; the love I show you this evening is always there, although I don't speak of it. Do you believe this ? "I do; yes, I do." You will try to be happy? I will." That is bravely spoken that makes me proud of you. No woman has done more for a man than you have for me. Live for me now, be happy for me, and balance that overstrained heart of yours by using the intellectual powers with which you have been endowed." What do you mean? she asked of him. Help me with your intellect as well as your heart. I have a great career before me; help me to take, if possible, the highest place. My am- bition soars to any height; I have daring enough for anything. I see a path of honour and re- newn before us. Let us walk together up that path, Patty, step by step. By-and-by we will try to establish a salon, of which you will be the head. At our house men and women of the strongest intellects, of the greatest ambitions, shall meet to kindle each other's wits, to gain strength and courage from contact with each other. You shall be the beautiful queen of this salon—its centre, its life." Patty sighed. You still my fears," she answered, after a pause. I can do anything under your guidance. If I have intellect, it is yours my heart is all yours you fill my entire horizon. At the present moment my cup of bliss is full." Again I say that is bravely spoken. Now rest; I will sing to you." Ward went to the piano, opened it, played a soft and brilliant prelude, and then it seemed to Patty as if the full flood-gates of the most ex- quisite melody had been opened, and that the angels themselves had entered the room. Ward sang as few but he could sing—his mellow and wonderful notes, the expression which he was able to convey in the simplest words, moved Patty's heart inexpressibly. He is worth losing my soul for," she said to herself with a sort of gasp. She did not feel the horror of her own thought. After Ward had shut the piano, and returned to her side, Patty asked him a question. I have made up my mind," she said, to make a great last effort to conquer the remorse which overpowers me at times, and to live as you wish but it will make matters a little easier for me if you will aid me in one particular." ( To be Continued).

AMUSING STORY FROM BERMUDA.…

[No title]

I HOME HIlTS.

-j THE WOMAN'S WORLD. -

[No title]