again-I mean, to stay away long. I supposes I cannot help it, but I am very nervous.' "No, darling, I will not leave you. Give me your hand; the well one. The other poor thing is not to be touched, I suppose. How it is swelled with the tightness of the bandage." "Yes, I wished to have my ring on, but it won't do. Dr. Macarthy says it may be some time before it will fit.

"Do you know, dear, after your wound was dressed, I carried you by the doctor's orders to the window in the next room that the air might revive you; and what do you think he said when I kissed you? Come, none of that, my boy.' Quite disrespectful, was it not? But the fact was he had not been informed of my rightful claims; and, moreover, was under the impression from my dress that I was of an inferior class to his own. He quite abused me, I assure you; called me stupid for not knowing my way in the dark down a staircase I never came up; and when I suggested that he should take the light and go down himself, he wrathfully asked if I were steward of a channel steamer that I was so ready in taking charge of a lady's bedside." "But you soon told him ?"

"Yes, and he pointed to your ringless finger. However, I did convince him by referring to Collins, and he is as civil as possible since. Indeed I am sure he is a good fellow, as well as a good doctor; though more accustomed to deal ing with rough Irishmen than patients such as my Helen."

"Indeed, if he is a little rough he is kind, very kind. But tell me this, Arden, is Mr. Witham in the tower ?"

"He was, dear, a while ago. His men were coming, and we had to bring him up, just to the head of the stairs."

"I heard such a horrid groan, and it frightened me so. I could not help thinking, too, I heard his voice. Was he hurt ?"

"He was shouting to his friends, and the police-constable treated him to a broken head. It is not anything very serious, my love. Now I am tiring you. I remember Dr. Macarthy said I was not to excite you with talk, but only sit and hold your hand if you liked it.

'Only tell me this; have you sent word to Darliston that I am safe ?"

"Yes, my darling. They know it before this. I remembered your injunction, and wrote a line, which I gave to the man who went for Dr. Macarthy. He promised to proceed with it to the next telegraph office. I was puzzled what to write, for I could not say all was well when you were suffering so. I began with our united love; and as I could not get on, I thought that must do, for it proved we were united; as we are, thank Heaven! Helen, I hope you know you are under my charge and government now, now and always. No one can or shall dispute that henceforth."

I have now made you smile, which is more I know than he has yet succeeded in. However, my darling, I will be a constitutional monarch, and having appointed Dr. Macarthy my prime minister, allow him to be a better judge of what is good for you than myself. I want to have my Helen well again now above all things."

"You do? Arden, I had such a wicked thought just after you went down with the doctor."

"We fancied you slept. Well, what was this wicked thought ?"

"I thought that if I were not to recover, you would be my heir."

66

'Helen, you should not-"

"Oh, that was not wicked. I was hoping that it would be so, and that you never could be troubled in that way as you have been. The next thought was the really wicked one. It came into my mind that being rich you could marry somebody, you know who I mean; and I could not bear the thought. I positively cried; I suppose it was from spite."

66

Helen, you are cruel to me. I could bear reproach of the sort better from any than from you. Helen, how shall I convince you? You have been letting this cruel thought come while I have been vainly flattering myself that even the cold world would know now I loved you. That if it were believed I sought your wealth, it would also be known I could earnestly seek for yourself, for your safety, your welfare. Helen, do you hold me as only another sort of Witham ?"

Would I not have died rather than belong to him? And indeed I am quite content to live now, although I am tied to a good-for-nothing man, who could believe me capable of eloping with Grant Wainwright; a husband who, when the doctor orders him to be very quiet, goes on in the most exciting way!"

"I begin to suspect that there is altogethe more wickedness about my Helen than I had any idea of. You have been sending me such goodlittle-girl letters since we were married, that I expected the perfection of docility from you; but it seems I shall have something to do.'

"Mr. Mainwaring, I won't be talked to. Go and ask your friends upstairs. You may take the candle, as I understand there is not another in the place."

"There are the police lanterns; we need not take this and leave you in the dark."

"I do not want it. As long as I hear your voices I shall not fear."

"Nor have wicked thoughts? You will not again so coolly hand me over?"

"Mr. Mainwaring, please do not dazzle me with that candle."

"It shall be but for a moment; I want it to read the truth by. Helen, tell me, can you really think I have feigned affection for you? Open, honest eyes, and answer."

A quivering of the lids, a glitter on the lashes, and the eyes were revealed; not saucy as the tongue had been; tearful and timid. She spoke earnestly now.

"No, Arden, you do not feign. Forgive me, I am weak and foolish. I did not think you could take my nonsense so much to heart.'

"It went deeper than you intended, I think, my weary, worn-out darling, If you had read aright my love for you, you could hardly have said what you did."..

"Indeed I do not doubt your love for me; how could I after this night's deliverance? It was only thinking of her, I am sure she does not love you as I do, Arden; but, she is so very beautiful."

lo speed male me "There is more beauty in your eyes, Helen, than in her whole array of loveliness. 3543 88 "Now that is loving me with a blind love, so I must be satisfied; you may go to your friends now."

"I am no more blind than you are, Hele I see such lovely, lovely things in your eyes. You may close them, but I do not forget what even before this night I have seen look upon me from under those dark lashes. Favour, compassion, trustfulness gentle humility and obedience-beautiful things in a wife, and which she you speak of has no charm to compare with. She is a very handsome, very graceful woman. Nature, gave her intellect, and her mind is as a highly-cultivated plant; but it is a plant that brings forth fruit to itself. Such fair things may be pleasing to look at, life and love demand a better nourishment. Before I was old enough to know the nature of either, my imagination was her captive but, Helen, in truth my heart clings to you for what you have shown yourself, for what you have been to me. You may please to call me blind when I say your loveliness is greater; but in your eyes 1 can read your soul. Rest, darling, there is a ripple of light already over the sea, and sleep is what you most need. Let no wicked thought come again across your mind. You are my own love; if I am to have a happy home on earth it must be of your making

CHAP LVL 191Ỉ 17

201700 of 19 samo ods GRANT'S FRIEND AND GRANT'S ENEMY.

team not dzuerodenis?) 8M. From the time intimation came of Helen's safety, revived consciousness, did not bring to Grant Wainwright the same exhausting struggle of the mind. The fire of passion burnt out, he lay like a suffering child, every muscle relaxed in still exhaustion. It seemed he heard Merton's exhortation to me to go to bed, and my answer "not yet," for his eyes opened, and with a look, and tone of kindness which came like a surprise to me for though I knew of mI

stances where he had been practically kind, 1 never heard a gentle word of kindness from him before he bade me go to rest; said I need not be anxious for him now. So I went to my room, and, merely exchanging my dress for a wrapper, lay down and slept a sound and pleasant sleep.

What a wonderful thing a sound and healthy sleep is! Some people indeed, when they so sleep, do not dream; but, to my thinking, that is about the best of it! How refreshing to be carried completely away from thoughts and anxieties that have weighed on the mind, it seems perhaps at times for an age, and to be shown new scenes, to feel fresh feelings-to dip into a new being almost! So it was that, before waking, I had been some time at sea; ranging books on the shelves in my cabin, and coining across very odd things with the books; arguing with Jephson the steward about the right way of serving up bread-sauce; we were to have partridges dinner, rather a rare treat at sea, certainly, so I had a right to be particular. Then I was walking the deck with baby in my arms, which, when I put into aw turned into a little and I, having a consciousness that it was baby all the same, could not entirely approve of his putting it in his waistcoat-pocket: then it was not a mouse, but his watch, and it was ticking, ticking slowly; it was like somebody sewing, and there were green-striped curtains about me, and where was I? Ob, at Darliston. Helen was safe. Who was in the room? Alice.

how

of

Alice, dear, you know she is safe?" "Yes, I heard directly; Nanny told me. Oh how glad I was!"*

And Grant, do you know how he is ?" Mr. Brown says Dr. Crutchley hopes well for him, but will not yet admit that he is quite out of danger."

"And how is the old man ?"
"He had a very good night."

What are you doing, my dear girl?” "The flounce of your dress was torn; I saw yesterday, so I thought I would just put a stitch in it."

it

Good little Alice."

What a cheery voice it was to hear on coming down in the morning. "Why, Mr. Brown," could not help but say, "you do not look as if you had been up all night!

Ah, but I have had my dip in the sea since. I took advantage of Dr. Crutchley's being here to run down to Dingleton; spoke to Mr. George Wainwright, and gave the poor man great relief: told Mr. Gray, and his pleasant little sister would give me these two splendid dahlias; pray accept this crimson one; Miss Alice came first this morning and has chosen the straw-coloured. I left the villagers disputing as to whether the bells should be rung; there was a strong party in favour of the motion, but the clerk objected, because you see, though all knew there was good news, nobody could tell what that news was. I advised them to settle it with Mr. Gray. I think I hear them now, listen; yes, there they go, the 'yeas' have it!"

"Did you look in at Fairclough ?"

allowing him this newspaper. It comes out twice a week, and whereas the previous number, published the day after Helen's disappearance, had been full of denunciation of her supposed conduct; this, with better foundation, bore Seeing how it was, I laid my at once:" Not allowed," I said; wait until you are stronger."

on

"Yes, in order to attain my present perfection it was necessary; you see, that I should go through a process you ladies can happily complete your toilets without. Perhaps, though, I am mistaken in supposing that process necessary. Miss Alice, should I have been any handsomer for indications of a moustache ?" "No; I do not think it would suit you.' "But a moustache may may be very becoming, may it not? A dark one, at least ?" Alice coloured a little, and said "It all depends," and then broke off the subject by remarking "How delightful it is to hear those bells!"

66

'Sounds just like a wedding," Mr. Brown observed, and Alice turned abruptly into the parlour and began putting sugar into the breakfast-cups.

"Mr. Brown," I said, and passed through the open hall-door into the garden. He followed.

"Well?" he said.

༄ །

You are teasing her." "What did I say, Mrs. Gainsborough? My remark was a very innocent one; the bells are ringing as for a wedding, and very appropriately, for they peal in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Mainwaring. If I have thrown up a cap and Miss Alice thinks it fits, why there is no doubt she would look a wonderful little matron in it only look at her now, is there anything wanting but a cap to make her a perfect picture of English domesticity?"

"She looks what she is, a very sweet girl, and I do not think her pretty hair wants a cap. Seriously, Mr. Brown, I wish you would'nt ; it's a sensitive little heart, and we really know nothing about the matter."

Soon came further particulars from Ireland in a letter from Arden to myself, and from other sources it became generally known that Witham was foiled and captured, a number of men, his confederates in guilt, in the hands of the police, and a large amount of property in plate and jewellery recovered.

Grant's progress continued to be satisfactory, and soon he was able to sit up for some hours together in Nanny's little blue room, There one evening I found him with a candle on the table and the Marsham Advertiser before him. I had found it needful to provide him with something to read, for I feared that during my absence his mind sunk into gloom. The presence of Nanny, it was plain, depressed him, with others he shewed no inclination to converse. He tolerated Dr. Crutchley's gossip, the relationship of doctor and patient tending in a great measure to obscure other questions that might have been between them. The society of myself and Merton Brown, I believe, alone was really welcome to him; because we, knowing all, still manifested interest in his recovery and welfare. With all others in the world his conduct had yet to be accounted for: he could not see his way to reconciliation with any. However, though I wished him to read, I had no idea of

66

66

Have you read it?" he asked.

No; but I have heard there is some stuff about your journey into Scotland."

"There's a grain of wheat and a bushel of chaff in what it says of me. They have laid it on pretty thick, I can tell you, and hint as much as that, 1 have been connected with the Black Band ever since I came to the Rood Farm; have had a share of the spoil in every robbery within twenty miles, and sent the money so obtained flying on the turf. I did once lose a bet of twenty pounds, Mrs. Gainsborough, but that was the utmost I ever risked: as for my dealings with the Black Band, they have fleeced me of twice that sum, that's all I've gained from them. To think I could have been such a confounded fool

You must not excite yourself by thinking about these matters. You are getting better and I must not have you thrown back."

Why don't they speak out what they mean instead of insinuating their lies in that sneaking way? I can pretty well guess who wrote the article. "I should like him to know Dr. Crutchley says says my arm may be as strong as ever in six months, so I may live to handle a horse-whip yet! 7 of

"As a nurse, this flash of spirit pleased me, though otherwise I could not entirely approve of it. 275 or a

།

Mrs. Gainsborough, had you been laughing or crying when you came into the room?" "Well, I don't know that I had been posi tively doing either!"

"Have you heard anything fresh?”

'From Ireland? No; I expect to hear in the course of to-morrow."

"I ought not to be here when they come, Mrs. Gainsborough. You must cart me off to the Rood before that, remember."

"I do not know when they are to be expected; but, if, as I hope, it is soon, I have a better plan than that. I have spoken to Dr. Crutchley and he has seen your father about it. They both agree it is best for you to board with me at Fairclough until you are convalescent." You take me in at Fairclough ?"

66

Yes; it would be alike inconvenient to Dr. Crutchley and myself for you to go to the Rood Farm."

164

"I should have thought after all that has been said of me that no respectable person dare take me into her house. Mrs. Gainsborough, tell me the truth: when all is known, when the facts are separated from the lies, shall I be

looked upon, or have I done for myself completely?"

"Most people, I should think, would make some allowances on account of your youth; but, Grant, you should think rather of standing clear in God's sight, and you know that your best conduct in the future can only prevent your adding to past misdeeds-not blot out one! Think first of that, and think what bountiful means have been provided for your safety and comfort of heart; then I trust the rest will be easier to you, let the world hold you as it will. Certainly, after this, you have a character to make, but I trust there is a future before you to earn it in. Time is pretty sure to demonstrate what you really are: this unhappy affair I hope has but shown the worst of you!"

He sat silent for some time, leaning his head on his unhurt arm, and apparently watching my crocheting fingers, then he said:"

"It is very kind of you to offer to take me in, Mrs. Gainsborough; I should like it above all things, just now, for I really cannot bear to be much alone. I wish I knew how I could ever pay you back your kindness-but it's folly to talk of that; I feel that I am as weak as a kitten and as blind as a bat. I have not a friend in the world unless it is yourself, and may-be poor Georgie: I am likely enough to be taken from your house to the county-jail; it would be a creditable circumstance to have a prison-van drawn up before Fairclough; did you think of

that?"

"No, it did not occur to me: it would be decidedly disagreeable, but so it would be to hear of its coming for you anywhere. Grant, you may requite me if you will by living so that I may not feel my care has been thrown away upon a hopeless subject, and by bearing with my lectures when they seem to you prosy and womanish. I daresay I am to you like those books you rejected for the Marsham Adver

tiser ?"

*

Nanny Cargill was very jubilant when told Helen was pronounced able to journey towards Darliston, but the idea of providing for Mr. Mainwaring caused her much concern until I reminded her he had of late been in worse lodgings. I will not speak of the delight I felt in welcoming both back. Very bright and happy were the hours I could spend with them, but they were short, for I had many anxieties about the state of my patient at Fairclough. During the week following their arrival, there was about him a degree of fevered excitement, alternating with excessive lassitude and dejection, which made my presence near him almost indispensable.

Helen believed that she was recognized by her grandfather, but Nanny Cargill speaking of the matter to me, said: "I'm doubtful about it. You see he's good-natured to all that don't cross him. He's as kind and polite to Mr. Mainwaring as to her, and he sets more store by what Mr. Merton Brown says than either of them."

I found this was the case. Alice having gone home he missed her, and made frequent inquiries for her, commonly styling her to Nanny "your mistress." When Merton Brown came and gave his assurance that he would bring her back on the Thursday following, the old man remained satisfied for hours. Next day Merton came again, bringing a handkerchief Álice had hemmed, and a pair of gloves she had taken to mend for the old Squire, and these little tokens seemed mightily to please. Helen said she wondered she was not more jealous of Alice, since it was plain she was the one preferred. "I think it must be," she concluded, "that in this matter I look upon dear Alice as my mamma."

Arden Mainwaring listened to our advocacy of Grant Wainwright's cause with patience and attention; but showed no disposition to commit himself to anything like a promise to forbear bringing him to justice for his part in Helen's abduction. Indeed, the first time the matter was brought before him, the little he did say was decidedly unfavourable. "The man has shown himself not only a companion of ruffians, but a very apt colleague," he remarked. “This exploit of his was not the act of a moment; it was a deliberately planned scheme, and deliberately acted upon by him."

Merton suggested that the scheme had been laid out by others, the part he had to play marked out for him.

"I will do nothing hastily," he answered. "I have much to think about. All you say shall have weight with me when I feel more capable of judging the question. I do not think I am likely to be unduly, severe, though I cannot say he merits less than severe justice from me, and it cannot be right to let conduct so notorious pass unpunished. He might pretend hereafter that I dared not bring the matter before the public for fear of compromising Helen."

I did not think it desirable at that time to press the question, for other matters were indeed demanding all his time and attention. Letters from abroad and from London had to be answered: the business of Darliston Manor left for nearly a fortnight in harvest without a master, appealed to him for direction. Moreover it was necessary to arrange with Mr. Ainslie how, legally, the whole affairs of Mr. Wainwright's estate could be carried on for time to come. It was quite possible the old Squire might continue to live for some years, but Dr. Meredith had given his opinion that he would never again be competent to transact business.

A day or two later I found opportunity to lay before Mr. Mainwaring the paper Grant had requested me to draw up, vindicating Helen from the aspersions of the Marsham Advertiser, and confessing his own part in the matter. The newspaper having fully recanted, it had not seemed to me desirable to bring this forward earlier. I also showed a letter I had received from Mrs. Collingwood. It was a passionate