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[ALL BIGHTS RESERVED.] 11 SAVED BY DEATH; OR, tHE SECRET TREASURE OF GAYASE. By S. AUGUSTA SQUIRES. I yHuthor of An Eviction and its Comequences" [• A Brave Little Woman," I I Hat-riage," due. die. I CHAPTER XXII. I THE FIERY GULF BETWEEN. I SEAROLD, who had been down to dinner for the first Ume since his illness, sat in his own room with the ancient volume lying open on the table before him. St contained a brief history of the lives of some of ftis most noted progenitors. There was an occasional mention of the missing treasure. The Treasure brought from foreign jjparts by Sir William Gavase has not been recovered" I And again: "Misfortunes crowd upon the family thick and fast; one part of the Castle has been closed because our means are inade- quate to keep up our former state of princely magnificence. Oh, for the Treasure to restore our Broken fortunes In one of the earlier parts, Harold came across "this doggerel: A maid, not of high, but of low, estate, Shall pass with pure heart through the Castle gate, And lift from penury, care, and hame, The fallen house of Gavase again And set it high as it was of yore, With wealth and fame, and name secure." Harold pushed the book from him and leaned back in his chair. Who was this maid of low estate who was to bring wealth and fame to the house of KQavase ? Would she appear in his lifetime, 01 iiater ? Could the words apply to Ida, she was of 'GIF low estate," and she possessed vastwealth ? Then lie laughed at his momentary belief in the old superstitions and allowed his thoughts to wander ffco Jeanie. He had missed her presence sorely in his trying time of convalescence. He had thoughts, which only iahe could interpret; dreams, doubts, questionings, pprhich he longed to share with her. There was no one to whom he could pour out his soul-he felt like one shut in a prison, from whence there was no outlet, and beyond which his voice could not be lieard. He had not told anyone of that desperate encounter with Fred Bruin on the ciiff. It had never entered his mind that any man, except him- Belf, dared to aspire to Jeanie's affection, and it was "rude shock to his sensibilities when he discovered %b&t Fred regarded himself as a suitor, whom Jeanie J would be willing to accept, if the young Heir of Gavase did not stand in the way. It seemed nacrilege for anyone to love her save himself, she ms his by right of their long and intimate inter- course. He could not think of his life as utterly and irrevocably sundered from hers even if he were to marry a wealthy lady, from a sense of duty, still, Jeanie was ever to be his best friend, his councillor, Ma one inspiring and elevating influence. But now Ike realised that this could not be; when he had formed other ties, she would draw herself apart from him, and some man, other than himself, same man, perhaps good, and great, might one day be her husband. Meanwhile, Gavase was in his study seated at the iWriting-table. A pink-scented note lay on the desk before him. It was from Dolly. The communi- cation it contained had given him a terrible shock from which he had not yet recovered. She had written in haste and agitation. She had just made a discovery relating to her own condition. She declared that an announcement of their marriage, with the exact date and the place where it was solemnized, must be sent at once to all the principal newspapers. She urged him to join her immediately. This unforeseen occurrence has unnerved me. I want you by my side. People will ask where i. iher husband ?' I cannot bear the faintest breath 01 dishonour to touch my name." Gavase's brows were knit into a lowering frown, his teeth pierced his nether lip. There was a look of keen suffering upon his drawn and shadowed face. At length he put the letter into a secret drawer, at stiffly erect in his chair for a second, then sprang to his feet, and began to pace the room with his hands behind his back and hia chin sunk on his breast. Now and then a bitter laugh broke from him, as though he took a grim pleasure in gazing upon contorted scenes conjured up by imagination. He approached the fire, and grinding his heel into a lump of live coal, crushed it to fragments. Curse you Curse you Why do I not kiD you, Ju ? He hissed between his set teeth. "Tho poisoner of my peace, the destroyer of my life; you xny wife ? I hate you !—I hate you 11 A long spray of loose ivy beat, like a whip-cord, against the window pane, and the night wind rose and fell with a low dirge-like sound. He had abandoned himself to despair. The cold hard cynicism which an adverse fate, and the early blighting of all his cherished hopes and aspirations, bad planted in his breast, and which the congenial •companionship of a true, bright-spirited womanhad ^possessed the power to partially dispel, returned -with added intensity. When, at last, it seemed an though happiness had crowned his life, and he and love joined hands, a figure, as from the tomb, arost «nd stood between them. In his first blind misery, in the confusion of his distracted mind, he had thought, vaguely, that he might compass his own desires, and had allowed Dolly to leave Rowen, still under the impression that she was his lawful wife. Since the period of her departure, he had been 4angaged in a terrible conflict with two opposing forces; now succumbing to the power of passion and incli- nation, anon, influenced by his higher instincts. Whatever had been the defects of Gavase's character -hitherto, the love of dissimulation could not be numbered amongst them; he had always been Respected for his integrity; the lower forms of vice, In which some of his companions indulged, under the pame of pleasure, had proved unattractive to him He was a man with two wives the second was no wife. Should he let her take her place as mistreat of Rowen, and pay that creature to keep silence ? gilence ? When his marriage with Dolly was an nounced would she not come forward with her hellish laugh, and the lir^ht of evil in her eyes, and jlisclose her indentity ? Should he tell Dolly all, and ask her to be his still ? Then she would appear before the world branded with dishonour. He knew what was said of those who disregarded legal ties, how their names were Wupled with many a coarse jest; how they stood -without the pale of Society, an image soiled and "disfigured, at which even the most depraved could throw mud with impunity. Could he be the cause of her occupying such a position ? Yet was not the evil already wrought? How could she escape disgrace ? The day before, he had conceded a final interview Vfco that woman." You are a fool!" she said to him, in hot anger, when he informed her that he had decided not to ,(grant her request. You are a fool! Ten thousand would free you from my presence for ever. Give it "me, and let me go." He could find very little trace, in the still some- what handsome face with its enamelled cheeks and painted lips, of the dazzling beauty which had ensnared his youthful fancy. There were the same dark eyes, with their sudden flash and flame, th6 same lithe and slender figure; the love of startling colour amd the extreme absurdity in style displayed in her conspicuous attire. Your allowance is still in my solicitor's hands, ake known your existence to them and claim it." Oh but Lady Gavase is dead, you know," she said, with a derisive laugh, "and she has no wish to rise again. Give me a few thousands, and I will leave the country never to return." « You have had my answer." I'll go to the Castle and proclaim who I am. W on't your proud son be pleased to see his honoured another!" Woman, ne saia, sternly, "doyou know, that you might as well try to impress the mark of your finger upon a granite rock, as to influence a human being-who has been made indifferent to all things by despair ? You have caused me to drink deeply of the cup of bitterness and humiliation do your IYorstc-I care not There was a ring of defiance ana desperation in bis voice, and a look of pained weariness in the eyes, as of one who had abandoned all things as lost, and waited with stoical indifference for the end. With a cry, like that of a wild animal, she threw herself upon the ground, and began to pluck up the grass from the roots. You shall rue this, my lord and master—you shall rue this! I will have my revenge," she shrieked, the foam gathering on her painted lips. He turned from her with a look of loathing and disgust. He did not know then of the circumtances which would make it almost impossible to conceal from the world that he had gone through the marriage ceremony with Dolly. This scene was present to his mind, as he paced the library, when the door opened, and Johnsor entered with a scared face. "If you please Sir Philip, the Castle is on fire. The fishermen saw it from the village, and have come up to give the alarm." "Where is it?" he asked with apparent calm. In the North Wing." Gavase brushed pass Johnson, and hastened on to the lawn. His eye ran swiftly over the whole length of the Castle front; all appeared to be secure, but a dark column of smoke was rising into the sky. He hurried forward, turned the corner, and arrived at the back of the North Wing. Here a number of men, women, and children, were congregated, making dark patches in the gathering shadows. Tongues of flame were leaping from one of the grated windows, and an occasional shower of sparks fell down like fiery rain. «. Where is the hose ? cried Gavase. Here, Sir Philip replied a young fisherman, hauling up one end of the thick stiff object, which trailed its long dark length upon the ground like an uncoiled serpent. But where's the water to come from ? Gavase directed the men to a well only a few yards distant. But the hose would not act. We are wasting time we had better enter the building, and attack the fire from the inside." As he spoke, Gavase passed through one of the side doors which admitted into the North Wing. At first there was no sign to direct him, but at length, a thin film of smoke indicated that he was not far from the seat of the conflagration. As he advanced, the atmosphere grew denser. He pushed open a strong iron-barred door. An appalling scene burst upon his view. He stood on the remains of a low stone corridor; the staircase, which had previously led from it, had fallen away, and lay a flame-encircled mass of ruins beneath. On the other side of this space rose an oak-pannelled wall, already glowing crimson. In an open doorway which led to a smoke-darkened chamber, was the form of Lady Gavase. Her hands were clasped in rigid agony her eyes were fixed, like those of some doomed animal, who is chained for slaughter and quivers in expectation of the fatal blow. They looked at each other across the fiery gulf, she crouching in fear and horror, he with head erect, and a diabolical smile of triumph on his dark, exultant face. CHAPTER XXIIL CONFESSION. TJIJSV remained thus for a second, that burning hell between them, their eyes fixed upon each other. Suddenly, she uttered a heart-rending shriek. A piece of burning wood had detached itself from the wall above, and fell across her cheek. The smile left his face.—Her dress was in a blaze. —Another cry of agony. In that moment of horror all thought of self left him he no longer remembered that her death would set him free. He leapt the glowing gulf. He half- dragged, half-carried her through a long chamber crushing out the flames with his hands, treading them under his feet. At length he reached the outer air with the struggling, writhing form in his arms, and delivered the agonised creature into the charge of two servants, with the remark that, he had found the woman in the tower she appeared to be badly burned, they had better put her to bed at once, and despatch a messenger for Dr. Dawson." i Then he set to work to battle with the fire; leading, directing, assisting. He was now here, now there his sonorous voice was heard above the babble of tongues, the roaring of the flames. Harold, sitting musing in his room, became con- scioustbat there was a slight stir in the usually silent house. The door flew open, and Jane, the housemaid, rushed in. Master Harold the Castle is on fire- Help me on with my overcoat, Jane." He went downstairs and out into the night. All was dark, for thick storm clouds had gathered over- head. He groped his way along with beating heart a.nd throbbing brain. At length he stood some distance from the crowd, looking up at the tower, the roof of which had just fallen in with a crash. And is this the end ? he queried aloud, in a tone of infinite sadness. A shadowy figure stirred by his side. His name, uttered in a faint voice, fell on his ear. Stella! he cried. He put out his hand. Her's stole into his he held it fast. There was a minute of magnetic since. Stella, if you knew how I have longed for you; how my heart has ached and ached with longing for your presence. And you—?" Her bosom heaved a quick, quivering sigh escaped her. Have you no words for me ? I am glad you are better." Is that all you have to say? lie asked, coldly. She was standing quite near to him, but the darkness was so dense that he could but dimly distinguish a blurred and imperfect outline of her form. A sheet of flame spread like a banner on the air, and disappeared. For an instant Jeanie's face was imaged on the dark, like a delicately carved cameo. It was white as moonlight; anguished, and despairing the eyes were upraised, searching his through the intervening veil of the night. He caught her hand again with sudden passion and pain. Have I wounded you, my dearest! Why are your words so cold why will you not speak to me out of your heart ?" Hush, I must not!" "Must not?" You are Sir Philip Gavase's son, and I—" He gave an impatient movement. You are now, and ever will be, my equal." Others do not think so." Who has been talking to you-my father ?" She was silent, and he did not press the question. The fire was spreading. Is the old place doomed to destruction ?" he cried I trust not," she said, in some agitation. Surely such a calamity cannot happen?" "Would it be a calamity?" he said, moodily. We should then be beggars indeed. The pride of the Gavase would be broken. See there is my father with somebody in his arms She appears to be hurt; who can she be? Jeanie took a few steps forward, then returned co his side. I caught a glimpse of the woman's garments as she was carried past; they are very conspicuous, and when once seen not soon forgotten. She is the person who has been staying at the Flying Fish The fire is doing quickly, what time would have gccomplished more slowly, but quite as effectually," aid Harold. The house of my forefathers would have mouldered to total destruction sooner, or later. But, oh Stella he cried, with a sudden ring of pain in his voice. I cannot bear to part with it thus I love the dear old place so well, that if it goes, half of my life will go with it." "I love it too," she returned, in a low intense voice; t; it has been more to me than a mere stone and brick structure-it has been an enchanted palace, where the bygone generations have risen and lived again in it have been enacted all the principal dramas of my childhood, and those of my later years my thoughts and memories crowd as thickly about' it, as the mosses and lichens ■which cover its ancient walls." „ And the chief actor-has he ever the first place in your thoughts ? He is the central figure, without which— she paused, then s* abruptly How inky-dark the night The ofdlower, its walls ruddy with the reflected lames, the crimson lighted square, where the nvH-i ig people congregate, seem the only tangible spotr, in the universe. Ah what is that) The splash of rain thank God. It will assist in putting out the fire." The rain came down in a deluge. I Meanwhile, the volunteers never relaxed theit efforts. After a time the flames disappeared, and only an occasional cloud of smoke gave indication that the fire still smouldered, "• You run the risk of taking a chill," said Jeanie. You will be wet through." So will you." I have not been ill; the rain will not hurt me. But you-had you not better go in at once ? "I think I will, but I feel shaky. Won't you help me along ? He knew that the only means of keeping her by his side, was to appeal to her sympathy, and he feigned a weakness of which at that moment he was not fully conscious. She put his hand on her arm, and they moved slowly away. Would that it could ever be thus, Stella," he murmured; then added with sudden passion, after a pause. Why are we human creatures always chasing the shadows and missing the substance striving after material good which gives no lasting satisfaction, and seeking not to gain that which ministers to our highest nature? You and I, Stella, have one aim, one desire; our mind, heart, and sympathies are in accord. Sustaining, upholding each other, what might we not accomplish in our separate branches of art, you, with the pen, I, with the chisel; you, infusing life into your imagin- ary creations with the magic of skilfully chosen words; drawing vivid pictures, touching every chord of emotion in the human breast; while I, inspired by you, could fashion the crude, shapeless block of marble into the semblance of human forml —could make the dead stone live." He drew a long quivering sigh. Ah, Stella, it is always thus when you are by. I am twice myself; you give my soul wings, my imaginations a higher flight; my powers are increased. I appear to have the ability to accomplish that, which, at another time, I have not even the desire to attempt." They had clung close together in the driving rain. He had slipped his arm round her waist, and allowed his head to sink on her shoulder, declaring that he was wary. She had not rebuked him, and they held their converse in low tones, each con- scious only of the other's presence. But the rain continued to descend, and Jeanie began to fear that her companion might possibly Buffer for thus exposing himself to the fury of the elements. I had forgotten bow careless of me," she cried. Your coat is wet; you will take cold. Here we are at the front door go in at once." He did not obey her. but lingered by her side until the sound of voices drawing near caused him to take a tender, but hasty farewell. He was gone, and she stood in the darkness alone After a time the firo wan extinguished. Gavase stationed men on the outside and in the interior of the Castle to keep watch, and give an alarm if there were any indications of a fresh outburst. He found Dr. Dawson in the grey parlour, care- lessly turning over the leaves of a book which lay upon the table. "Ah, Sir Philip!" he said, npon Gavase's entrance. "this is a bad business about the fire. but A, am glad to hear that it is just put out. I hope there is no serious damage done ?" Part of one of the towers is destroyed. Put how is your patient ? She is severely burned. Sbp. appears to know that her end is near, an(] she has repeatedly asked me to send for you before it is too late." I saved the poor wretch from the fire. Per- haps she wishes to make me her father-confessor," said Gavase, with a hoarse laugh. He found the invalid on a bed in one of the servant's chambers. A broad bandage concealed part of her face. She was moaning piteously. An oil lamp on a small table near cast a feeble light. Mrs. Marshall was in attendance. Gavase dis- missed the housekeeper, and stood at the foot of the bed regarding its occupant with keen intentness. The wretched creature opened her eyes, and uttered a faint shriek. Don't kill me she cried. You have nothing to fear from me." I set fire to the Castle. I did it to be revenged, because you would not give me the money; then I could not get out. There is a God, after all; my sin has fallen upon my own head." I knew you had done it," he said, quietly. Did you ? and you didn't leave me to burn to death in that horrible hell of fire; and you believed I was your wife and stood between you and that other woman?" Are not you my wife ? "No!" Gavase stood aghast. The blood swelled into his veins until his face became purple, then receded, leaving it an ashy hue. She moaned and writhed in agony. Woman he cried, sternly, Is this another of your tricks? Do you know that you have only a few more hours to live ? Would you die with a lie upon your lips ? Only a few more hours: well, the secret is not worth keeping any longer. You'd never have found it out, and if I'd been going to live, you'd never have known. Oh, the pain I cannot en. dure it?" Who are you ?" he asked, folding his arms, and keenly scrutinising that part of the face which was not hidden by the bandages. 11 Julia Jacques, your wife's cousin There was a short silence, broken only by the woman's laboured breathing. Two brothers, Frenchmen, married two sisters, English, Ju, your wife, was the daughter of Pierre Jacques and Annie Smith I was one of the daughters of Jean Jacques and Alice Smith. Ju and I were cousins, and bore the same Christian names. As children, we were so much alike that one was often mistaken for the other. As we grew older the resemblance was even more marked. When Ju became your wife and left the stage, I took her place, and traded upon her reputation; and when she drowned herself, it entered into my head that I might personate her, and get supplies out of you. But I made a mistake, I ought to have let you marry, and then have appeared upon the scene, representing myself to be your wife; you would have been glad enough then to pay me handsomely." Are you a woman or a fiend ? Ah, well, it is all over-forgive." There was a sharp struggle for breath, a rattling sound in the throat, and she fell back on the pillow—dead! (To be continued.)

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