,4 
 
 ^N 
 
 
 '
 
 By the same Author 
 
 Each in Cloth 
 
 A RASH EXPERIMENT 
 WHAT SHE OVERHEARD 
 IN OLD MADRAS 
 THE SERPENT'S TOOTH
 
 Given in Marriage 
 
 By B. M . Croker 
 
 Author of "In* Old Madras" "Lismoyle" etc. 
 
 LONDON: HUTCHINSON & CO. 
 PATERNOSTER ROW - - E.C. 

 
 BfecK AnnSJt 
 
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 max 
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 A STBANGER IN THE LAND 
 
 " I SAY, did you hear old pensioner Jones, jawing away 
 to Haji Aboo about the gold reefs, that lie round Tap- 
 pah?" 
 
 An eager young planter put this question to his com- 
 panion, as together they or rather their horses toiled 
 up a sharp accent. 
 
 " Oh yes, -7 heard him," grunted the otiier with a 
 shrug. 
 
 "And what did you think. Ted?" 
 
 "That the old boy was drunk as usual," was the 
 uncompromising rejoinder. "Filthy Bazaar liquor; 
 some of these days he'll snuff-out ! " 
 
 " Well, of course it's Shandy, but I've a notion, there 
 is something in his story. No smoke without fire ! Eh ? 
 He swore that one or two of the estates wem chock full 
 of gold." 
 
 " Oh. there's gold enough in coffee, if yoi;. know how 
 to work it," declared Ted Dawson, an enthusiast at his 
 trade. 
 
 " Yes, but why not the other sort as well ? Imagine 
 two heavy crops the berry, .and the nugget ! " urged 
 his partner. "I've heard that lame Maisferey whose 
 ancestors lived here when these hills were opened up 
 say, that the first planters were granted imr lense tracts 
 for a mere song, and that one _ or two of them like 
 Pattador and Fairplains run right down to the, low 
 country, where there are old workings, smothered in 
 jungle." 
 
 'posh ! " ejaculated Ted, " I've heard these fool 
 stories, but there's nothing in them;" and he ruthlessly 
 turned from this ever-dazzling subject, to an unromantic 
 discussion on bone m?.nure and sulphate of ammonia. 
 
 The two planters, accompanied by a pack of dogs, 
 were riding up the steep, short cut leading to their
 
 G GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 joint estate, which was situated on the western slopes 
 of a hill range, in Southern India. Edward Dawson, the 
 elder of the pair, was a big r loosely put-together man, of 
 five and thirty The looked considerably younger, thanks 
 to his round, beardless face), with almost lint-white 
 locks, and candid blue eyes. His clothes were decent 
 which is all that could be said for them; a cotton 
 shirt, wide open at the neck, canvas breeches, leather 
 'belt, and a battered topee, completed his kit. 
 
 Dawson was the son of a retired Indian general, who 
 had wisely invested part of his savings in coffee, when 
 estates were cheap: and had thereby provided for an 
 heir of simple ana bucolic tastes a good, honest fellow, 
 who loved the land of his birth, was keen on his job, 
 and spoke Tamil and Canarese, with effective fluency. 
 
 Nicholas Byng, his companion, cousin, and partner, 
 was a slight, young man, with neat features, quick, 
 bright eyes, and a remarkably clear idea of the import- 
 ance of appearances especially of his own appearance. 
 He wore a well-made drill suit and polo boots, and rode 
 a long-tailed, useful-looking, bay thoroughbred, bearing 
 the discouraging name of "Mad Molly." 
 
 Byng, the darling of a widowed mother, had been 
 intended for the Army, but was "spun" so repeatedly, 
 that his failure appeared to have oecome a confirmed 
 habit. The death of his parent put an end to further 
 efforts, and a certain high-handed uncle then deported 
 him to Ike Chicknabullnay Estate. Here, for the first 
 time in his career, he put his unaccustomed shoulder 
 to the wheel, and, after a year's apprenticeship, became 
 partner and sub-manager. He liked the life. 
 
 Teddy, for all his unconventional, "jungly" ways, 
 was a good sort; a strong man, who kept the reins in 
 his ugly big fists, and was, master. His partner enjoyed 
 ample liberty and holidays oh, it was not all " coffee " 
 and Nicky was able to disport himself in Madras, and 
 fashionable alas ! rather remote hill stations ; he got 
 a bit of shooting, was making money, and, on the whole, 
 the billet suited him down to the ground. 
 
 The couple had been to the foot of the ghat on business 
 connected with the transport of their crops ; every yard 
 they now travelled carried them further and further 
 from dense, tropical forests, sweltering heat, and 
 swampy valleys, and nearer to the quiet beauty of the 
 grassy "uplands.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE ? 
 
 Turning a sharp corner, they debouched into a little 
 gl*de where three tracks met, and here, with a slight 
 shock of surprise, discovered that prominent figure in 
 early Victorian fiction, known as "a solitary horse-* 
 man." 
 
 Dawson, who was still expounding on the scandalous 
 price of bone manure, broke off his sentence with : 
 
 "I say, who's this?" 
 
 "Hullo, good afternoon," said the stranger, raising 
 a smart topee, " I heard your voices, and waited. I 
 don't know these parts, and I'm afraid I've lost my 
 bearings." 
 
 The "lost one" was a well set-up, self-possessed in- 
 dividual, mounted on a fine waler cob, and accompanied 
 by a wiry, and more than half-naked syce. 
 
 " I expect we will soon put you all right," said Byng. 
 ever the speaking partner " Where are you bound 
 for 1 " 
 
 "A place called Fairplains; the estate of one James 
 Fletcher." 
 
 "Then you are just five miles ou$; you overshot the 
 mark by that native village among the plantain trees, 
 near the bridge. Why didn't you stick to the road? 
 
 " Well, I suppose because I'm an adventurous idiot," 
 was the modest reply, " and I was told that a bridle- 
 path cut off seven miles." 
 
 " So it does, but it depends upon which bridle-path. 
 This one has put you on, a good ten." 
 
 " I say, what a confounded nuisance ! " exclaimed the 
 wanderer, looking down at his blown, and sweating, 
 steed. 
 
 " Our place is barely a mile from here," announced 
 Dawson, speaking for the first time. " Come on with 
 us, have a drink, give the gee a feed, and a rub-down, 
 and we will send a coolie to put you on the way to 
 Fairplains unless you'll stay the night ? " he added, 
 with true planter's hospitality. 
 
 " Thanks awfully, but I'd better shove on. I'll be 
 glad to stop ah hour at your diggings, and give the cob 
 a rest he's pretty well done." 
 
 " Not the usual ' Hirling,' I see," remarked Byng. 
 
 "No, I brought him from Cananore; he is awfully 
 soft that climate is only fit for horned cattle ! ' 
 
 "Yes, beastly wet," agreed Byng, his bright eyes
 
 8 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 taking in the well-knit figure and military bearing of 
 the cob's master. "Your regiment quartered there?" 
 
 " It is iny name is Mayne Derek Mayne an uncle 
 of mine is a pal of Fletcher's, he invited me up for six 
 weeks' shooting and naturally I came like a shot ! " 
 
 " But Fletcher has gone home went off ten days ago !" 
 
 " What do you say ? " cried Mayne, reining up his 
 horse. 
 
 " It's a fact; he has been rather seedy, and ran down 
 to see a doctor in Madras, who ordered him to start then 
 and there for London it was a case for an immediate 
 operation." 
 
 " Poor chap 1 I'm most awfully sorry. Well," after a 
 reflective pause, " I'm in a pretty big hole. I had a line 
 from Fletcher three weeks ago, and I've got my leave 
 all right, and have written to announce my arrival, but 
 the shoot is off ! .1 suppose I must make for one of these 
 hill stations. I can't tell you how I've been looking 
 forward to this shikar trip my first." 
 
 " Oh, I expect you will be all right," said Dawson 
 reassuringly; "Fletcher is bound to have left instruc- 
 tions; he iii a most reliable old boy. Let me introduce 
 myself. My name is Dawson, and this," waving a huge 
 paw, " is my cousin, Nicholas Byng. We run a coffee 
 estate known as Chicknabulinay, but called by ^OMT 
 neighbours ' The Corner.' He is the ornamental, "and 
 I'm the working partner." 
 
 "Come, I like that!" broke in his cousin: "I live 
 with my nose to the grindstone. I've been on duty since 
 six o'clock this morning: down at Burliar, making a 
 bundobast for our crop. 
 
 "We would give you some shooting," continued 
 Dawson, "but nothing like what you'd gt at Fair- 
 plains that has always had a Shikari owner, who knows 
 the best grounds, and beats in the low country, as well 
 as he knows his ABC, and can call out any amount of 
 good, plucky beaters." 
 
 ''Well, I sincerely hope it will be all right, as you 
 believe, and that the manager has been warned by 
 Fletcher; otherwise, it's no great matter, as I am a 
 complete stranger to them both. I say, what a mixed 
 multitude ! " pointing to the pack. 
 
 " Yes, all sorts and conditions," replied Byng, " and 
 a real good specimen of an average planter's pack, only 
 ours are absolutely healthy no red mange."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 9 
 
 " But what variety ! " said Mayne, turning in his 
 saddle to survey them. "A fox-hound, three beagles, 
 a deer-hound, half a dozen fox terriers, several any 
 other sort a bull terrier, and what was once a poodle." 
 
 " Yes, and the poodle has the brains of the lot. You 
 see how it is; people going home are glad to leave their 
 dogs in a good climate. Most of ours, have a history ! 
 The deer-hound was given to me by a girl, the poodle 
 came from a French priest at Pondicnerry, the fox- 
 terrier with the black head, belonged to a poor chap who 
 died. They get on together fairly well, all being fond 
 of sport, and .they have a rattling good time." 
 
 " Lucky dogs ! " 
 
 "Yes," put in Dawson, "hunting, drawing sholahs 
 for sambur, and pig, and at home, there are rats and 
 bandicoots. Two dog-boys feed and brush them and 
 a few live indoors." 
 
 "A few!" echoed Byng, "make it a dozen ! The 
 poodle and fox-terriers, like the poor, are always 
 with us, and I've found a couple of beagles in my bed 
 before now, and " as an old retriever came slowly to- 
 wards the party, " here comes a pensioner to welcome 
 us. This is Chieknabullnay." 
 
 For the last quarter of a mile, the journey had been on 
 a well-metalled cart road, and through a crop of dense 
 green coffee bushes; now, a sudden curve brought the 
 back of a long, low bungalow with adjoining gardens, 
 stores, and stables, into sight. As the trio rode down a 
 steep slope, dog-boys, and syces, hurried forward to claim 
 their respective charges. 
 
 The guest dismounted rather stiffly, and was escorted 
 by Dawson straight through the house, and into the 
 front verandah. Here the view that lay -before them 
 was startlingly unexpected; low hills to right and left 
 had," as it were, been cleft .by some volcanic convulsion, 
 and disclosed a far-away, and exquisite, blue panorama 
 of the plains. 
 
 " Oh I say ! " Mayne exclaimed involuntarily. 
 
 " Hits you bang in the eye, doesn't it? " was Dawson's 
 complacent rejoinder. "Most planters manoeuvre for 
 a fine outlook the one up at Fairplains is the same 
 but Fletcher swears, ten times better. Now come, along 
 inside, and have a wash."
 
 10 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 "THK CORNER" 
 
 FOR a bachelor abode " The Corner " proved unex- 
 pectedly comfortable, and well-furnished. 
 . " Wouldn't you swear a couple of old maids lived 
 here ? " said Dawson, as he ushered his guest into the 
 dining-room. "This is all Byng's doing/' pointing to 
 a precisely-laid table, where four little hill-ferns, in 
 four little white china wheelbarrows, supported a central 
 ornament. " He found things pretty rough and tumbled, 
 when he joined me three years ago." 
 
 " i'ou may say so ! " corroborated his cousin, now 
 entering sleek-headed and refreshed, unfolding a smart 
 silk handkerchief as he spoke. " Why, there was hardly 
 a sheet or a towel nothing but rags only one tumbler, 
 one breakfast-cup, and two plates, both cracked ! " 
 
 "Oh come, draw it mild!" .protested the other. 
 "Anyhow, the Missy I call him the ' Missy ' gives 
 picnics and tiffins, we have an ice machine, a piano, and 
 lace-edged tea-cloths ! Now sit down, I'm sure you are 
 starving." 
 
 A black-bearded butler brought in a substantial cold 
 hump, salad, roast potatoes, bread, butter, cheese, and 
 a huge cake; whilst his satellite, an attendant chokra, 
 supplied each -of the company with a long and well-iced 
 Peg- 
 
 "Not much of the old maid in this quarter !" remarked 
 Mayne, when he had swallowed a few mouthfuls, in- 
 dicating the splendid tiger-skins, and heads, that sur- 
 rounded the party. "That bison I say, what a fellow !" 
 surveying the trophy with eyes of envious respect. 
 
 "Yes, a good specimen," assented 'Dawson. "You 
 should 'see those at Fairplains. Travers is the finest 
 shot in Southern India. Have you ever done any big 
 game shooting 1 " 
 
 " Nothing bigger than a hare ! I've always b^en mad 
 keen on trophies, and when my uncle wrote about this 
 invitation, I nearly stood on my bead. Supposing 
 Fletcher's manager has received no instructions, ana 
 gives me the boot ? " 
 
 " No fear," rejoined Byng emphatically. " Travers 
 is the great shikari in these hills, a magnificent shot, 
 and absolutely without a nerve in his body. If you are
 
 11 
 
 a keen sportsman a red-hot enthusiast he will love 
 you .as a son, or brother." 
 
 'How splendid! What's he like?" 
 
 " I'll tell you all about him, when we adjourn outside. 
 Have one of these Trichys ? " 
 
 With a Trichy between his fingers, Mayne followed his 
 host into the verandah, and there, subsided into a deep 
 and seductive chair. His. eyes ranged over the un- 
 familiar outlook, of rich gfeen coffee bushes, heavy 
 forestry, and vague, blue plains, as he meditatively 
 rolled the cheroot. 
 
 " It's rather a painful story about Laurence Travers," , 
 began Byng, blowing a cloud. 
 
 " Then er perhaps you'd rather " 
 
 " Oh, it's common .property no scandal. Travers' 
 father lived to spend his last penny, and left nothing 
 but debt for the family. So Laurence, instead of going 
 into the Army, came out here when he was two and 
 twenty ; he had a little capital, and started coffee 
 planting at Fairplains. After a good season, he went 
 home on three months' leave, and got caught, coming 
 out ! " 
 
 "Caught!" repeated Mayne. 
 
 "Fell head over ears in love with a fellow passenger; 
 a young governess bound for a situation in Melbourne. 
 She had not a penny, needless to say. They were mar- 
 ried, and lived very happily, in spite of the wrath of 
 his relations, whose chief asset was family pride. Mrs. 
 Travers did up the house, started a garden, rode about 
 all over the place, and made heaps of friends; she was 
 Irish, very pretty, lively, hospitable, and an immense 
 favourite. Those were fat years for coffee too and 
 Travers prospered." 
 
 " Oh, get on ! don't be so long-winded ! " growled 
 Dawson, who was nursing a fox terrier, whilst jealous 
 dogs of various sorts surrounded his chair. 
 
 Well," resumed Byng, " after a good while,, there 
 was the usual baby a girl. Travers was in the seventh 
 heaven, but Mrs. Travers somehow began to go down 
 hill, though she would not, give in ; other people saw it, 
 and urged her to take a change, or to go home. She 
 stuck it out, that she was as strong as a horse. How- 
 ever, when the child was about a year old, Travers, 
 coming in late one afternoon, discovered her sitting in 
 the verandah, as he supposed asleep, with the baby
 
 12 = GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 on her lap. When it turned out that she was stoae 
 dead, he went nearly raving mad; in those days the 
 place was a bit isolated, neighbours were far off; not 
 like it is now, the Ffinches and Hicks within a couple 
 of miles. Strange to say, the servants had the sense to 
 put away his razors ana fire-arms, aud to send for the 
 nearest doctor. He gave Travers a sedative, and found 
 that Mrs. Travers had .died of long-standing heart 
 disease. She was buried in her garden. 
 
 " After this blow, Travers appeared to have no further 
 interest in anything in the wide world, bar the kid. 
 She had a superior English nurse, and the most wonder- 
 ful frocks, sashes, and dolls, that had ever been seen on 
 these hills. Travers eould not bear her out of his sight, 
 and brought her about with him everywhere, even 
 shooting. When Nancy was six,, she got typhoid our 
 crystal clear streams are deceptive and she nearly went 
 out, and had to be sent home. Her father tok this 
 separation terribly to heart; after her departure, they 
 say, he used to sit for hours, in a sort of dream, just 
 smoking, and staring into space ! Some people thought 
 he was going dotty ; and it sounds a funny thing to sa,y, 
 but in a way, the child was his ruin! An irresistible 
 magnet, that drew him to England, and often at the 
 most critical seasons. There, he had no occupation; 
 here, his coffee estate was going to pot. Other planters 
 warned him, but in spite of all they could say, he would 
 leave as manager, one, Doria, a cunning half-caste, 
 such an oily persuasive rascal, to take on his job. 
 
 " There had been bad seasons, and losses, common to 
 the whole community, and this fellow urged Travers to 
 raise a mortgage, and Travers, who wanted ready money, 
 and was dying to be off home, agreed, and departed. 
 Then Doria, left to his own devices, set about to rob and 
 plunder in the most shameless way ; he pocketed a whole 
 season's profits, also large arrears of debts and cleared 
 out, leaving no address." 
 
 " I believe he is in South America," interposed Daw- 
 son. ""Go on, Nicky you'd make your fortune in the 
 Bazaar ! " 
 
 "I think," resumed Byng, "that it must be nearly 
 five years since Travers returned, and found himself 
 completely smashed. He made a desperate effort to pull 
 things together, but it was too late; the coffee was 
 neglected, and blighted, tke bungalow full of mildew
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 13 
 
 and cobwebs, and the mortgagees were calling for 
 
 capital. I must say, they behaved infernally badly- 
 would not give Travers a dog's chance; foreclosed, and 
 Sold up Fairplains. Fletcher bought it, lock, stock and 
 barrel, and kept on Travers, as his manager. He has a 
 bungalow, and four hundred rupees a month and is 
 worth double. When Fletcher is away he is boss, and 
 lives in the big house." 
 
 "Where he was once lord, and master !" ^exclaimed 
 Mayne. " What frightfully hard luck, I wonder he 
 stayed on." 
 
 ' Hobson's choice ! He'd got to live, and to pay for 
 the kiddie at home. Now she is grown up, and out 
 and - " 
 
 " Do you mean to tell me," interrupted Mayne, 
 pushing back his chair, " that there is a girl at Fair- 
 plains ? " 
 
 " I am thankful to say there is! She is the life and 
 soul of the neighbourhood. We should all be uncom- 
 monly dull without our Nancy she is full of . energy, 
 and true joie-de-vivrf. does everything bang off on tke 
 spur of the moment, and is the apple of her father's 
 eye." 
 
 "And mine," supplemented Dawson, "apple of both 
 eyes." 
 
 !< Yes, she put new life into Travers," resumed Byng, 
 " he is like another, man ; goes all over the place to 
 picnics, and tennis, and takes an interest in his personal 
 appearance not like my cousin here," with a contemp- 
 tuous gesture of his thumb. 
 
 " Oh, go on ! " grunted Dawson, "7 haven't thirty- 
 eight ties hanging on a string I've no red silk socks 
 and no looks ! Travers, though he is nearly fifty, is 
 far and away the handsomest fellow in these parts : he's 
 like a king ! I suppose it's the old blue blood and one 
 of the best, into the bargain." 
 
 Mayne listened with ill-suppressed impatience to this 
 long eulogy. What were the handsome planter, and - 
 the apple of his eye, to him? His programme must 
 be entirely revised. 
 
 "But I say," he broke in at last. "It's one thing 
 to go shooting with a bachelor, my uncle's old pal but 
 another pair of shoes, to quarter myself on his manager, 
 who has a grown-up daughter even if he wanted to go
 
 14 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 for a week's shikar, he could not leave her at home 
 alone." 
 
 "Oh, she goes with him," was Dawson's staggering 
 announcement, "she's an A I shot." 
 ' " Then that settles it," declared Mayne, rising to hit 
 feet. " Two is company ! Only my baggage is on its 
 way to Fletcher's, I'd ask for a bed here, and start down 
 the ghat to-morrow. Anyway. I won't stay at Fairplains 
 more than* a couple of days. 
 
 " Oh, won't you ? " said Byng, with ironical emphasis, 
 " I advise you to ' wait and see.' Nancy won't be the 
 fly in the ointment she's a rattling good little house- 
 keeper, and will make you uncommonly comfortable. 
 She does not always go out shooting; sometimes Mrs. 
 Ffinch comes over, and keeps her company they are 
 tremendous pals." 
 
 "Yes, if you are really anxious to .see first-class sport," 
 broke in Dawson, " don't let a scruple, or a little girl, 
 stand in your way. Take my advice, and make no ar- 
 rangements, till you have seen Fairplains for yourself." 
 
 "\Vell, I daresay you* are right, said Mayne, after 
 a weighty silence. " It does seem rather rotten, to have 
 taken this long journey, and be, so to speak, headed off 
 by a petticoat. I might be sorry afterwards." 
 
 " You are bound to be," rejoined Dawson with con- 
 viction. . 
 
 " All right then, I'll push on. Have the Travers' any 
 neighbours besides yourselves, and this Mrs. What-you- 
 may-call her 1 " 
 
 " Oh, yes, the Ffinches at Clouds Rest, are within two 
 miles there are only the two of them. He. given over 
 body and soul, to money-making, and coffeesotherwise 
 just Mrs. Ffinch's husband ! She, is our local dynamo, 
 and keeps everything going; extraordinarily clever 
 woman, absolutely wasted out here; would make a great 
 Prime Minister, or Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Then 
 we have the Hicks'. Dr. and Mrs. and two girls; he 
 was doctor on board a liner and picked up a lady 
 passenger." 
 
 "More of a passenger, than a lady," corrected Daw- 
 son, "but a rare good sort." 
 
 " And the girls ditto," continued his cousin. " These 
 are our nearest if not dearest. You'll soon get to know 
 everyone, and everyone will know you, and give you 
 lots of sport."
 
 15 
 
 "Well then, I think I'll make a start, if you'll send 
 for the. cob, and syce; it's seven o'clock." 
 
 "It's a fine starlight night, and no hurry; only the 
 Travers' are early birds," said Dawson, when Mayne's 
 cob was led up. " There's a coolie to guide you. I 
 expect we shall see you pretty often mind you look in, 
 when you can." 
 
 "Upon my word, I don't know how to thank you! 
 You have been most awfully good in taking me in like 
 this," said Mayne. " Perhaps Fletcher has not written; 
 and you may have me back on your hands to-morrow 
 morning," and with a laughs and a salute, he sprang 
 into the saddle, and cantered away, closely pursued by 
 syce, and coolie. 
 
 "A real cheery chap ! '""remarked Dawson, as he looked 
 after the parting guest; " no ' haw-haw ' nonsense about 
 him. I like his eyes, and he laughs like a boy." 
 
 " Boy ! He must be seven or eight and twenty," said 
 Byng, " may be more. Money, I should say. I noticed 
 his watch, and he paid a smart sum for that cob. He's 
 not a bad-looking chap I hope he won't turn the child's 
 head I " 
 
 " Not likely ! " rejoined Dawson, " Nancy's head is 
 too well 'screwed on, and she has no room for anyone in 
 her thoughts, but her Daddy as for that fellow, his one 
 and only object in-life, is to bag a .tiger ! " 
 
 Having pronounced this dictum, Dawson flung him- 
 self into a long cane chair, and picked up The Planter's 
 Gazette. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 THE GIRL AT FAIRPLAINS 
 
 PROCEEDING through the coffee estate at a sort of dog's 
 trot, Mayne was sorely exercised in his mind: being 
 filled with serious misgivings concerning the planter's 
 daughter; probably a pert, autocratic little minx, after 
 the manner of the usual "apples of eyes," who would 
 no doubt proye as far - as he was concerned a real spoil- 
 sport ! For days he had indulged in glowing visions of 
 & rough outdoor life ; of camps, long marches, exciting 
 stalks, heavy spoils, and freedom ! 
 
 Could a manager leave his estate 1 and if he did, and 
 brought his encumbrance, how hateful and irksome to 
 have this girl tacked on to the party ! Well, he could
 
 TS^ GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 soon see how the laud lay, and if the outlook was too 
 discouraging, would hurry off and spend his leave in 
 Ceylon where he might, with any luck get an ele- 
 phant or two. 
 
 It was a lovely starlight evening, and after the hot 
 and clammy atmosphere of Cananore, the thin cool hill 
 air, with its tang of eucalyptus, was as refreshing as a 
 draught of spring water. Ijp various steep coolie paths, 
 bordered by clumps of aromatic blue gum, and ragged 
 bushes, and round many sharp corners, Mayne followed 
 his light-footed leader. Presently they came upon a 
 good metalled road, running through coffee, and above 
 - them, on a raised plateau, stood Fairplains, with lighted 
 windows, and lanterns flickering like fire-flies about the 
 premises. 
 
 As Mayne approached, the barking of many dogs was 
 deafening, and he halted just below the bungalow. When 
 he did so, the majestic figure of an elderly butler, ap- 
 peared at the top of a flight of stone steps, brandishing 
 a lantern in one hand, and salaaming profoundly with 
 the other. 
 
 " Is the sahib at home? " inquired Mayne. 
 
 " Yes, saar, please to come up, saar 1 " 
 
 Thus invited, the visitor dismounted, and ascended 
 to the Verandah; and as he did so, caught sight, within 
 a room, of a girl reading. By the light of a shaded lamp, 
 he invisioned a wisp-like figure in white, and a bent head 
 crowned with a mass of hair. 
 
 " Francis ! " called out a clear young voice, " why 
 are those dogs making such a noise ? Is it the panther 
 again ? " 
 
 " No, missy," replied the servant reassuringly, " no 
 panther to-night only one gentleman." 
 
 Missy lifted her head, and beheld Mayne standing in 
 the doorway. As she rose to her feet, he discovered that 
 the word "little" did not fit Miss Nancy Travers, who 
 was rather tall than otherwise. 
 
 " I hope you will pardon this late and audacious 
 intrusion," he began, removing his topee as he spoka. 
 " My name is Mayne Mr. Fletcher,, my uncle's old 
 friend, invited me up here for 'some shooting. I only 
 discovered a couple of hours ago, that Mr. Fletcher has 
 gone home, and had no time to make other arrangements 
 but -" 
 
 " It is quite all right," she declared with serene com-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 17 
 
 posure, " this is Mr. Fletcher's bungalow, and naturally 
 you are welcome. Francis will get you some supper at 
 once." 
 
 "I suppose you had no letter you did not expect 
 me?" he inquired, advancing to the table. 
 
 " No, but that makes no difference. We are accus- 
 tomed to stray visitors, and always glad to see them. 
 Planters, doctors, chaplains, and missionaries, drop in 
 from time 'to time. Won't you sit down ? " indicating 
 a chair; a half-finished game of chess was on the table 
 between them. " Father and I were playing, when he 
 was sent for to see to a sick coolie. He will be back in 
 a few minutes." 
 
 " Did I hear you say something about a panther just 
 now 1 " asked Mayne abruptly. 
 
 " Yes, they come down from the rocks above us, and 
 prowl round after dark, and carry off dogs if they can ; 
 last week one of them took the dhoby's best goat j 
 
 "Then the shooting about here must be good?' 
 
 "I'm afraid father has not left much in the imme- 
 diate neighbourhood ; for real sport, you have to go down 
 the gh/i1> I mean for bison and tiger hereabouts, there 
 are only sambur, and wild pig." 
 
 "And panthers?" supplemented Mayne. 
 
 "Yes, too many of them! Such treacherous, cruel, 
 brutes, and very bold More dangerous in their way 
 than tiger Father says the tiger is a gentleman the 
 panther a bounder." }> 
 
 " I wish I could get a shot at one. 
 
 " No doubt you will have a chance. Did you come 
 far to-day 1 " . 
 
 "'From the railway. I arrived from Cananore last 
 night, and stopped at the Dak bungalow. My guns 
 and traps are following me, but I really don t h'- 
 billet myself on you, and your father." 
 
 Since he had been in the company of Miss Travers, 
 Mayne "had been anxiously endeavouring to distinguish 
 her appearance; but a heavily shaded lamp left, beyond 
 the v mere outline, everything to conjecture; and, save 
 an impression that she had a small face, large eyes, and 
 a thin brown hand, the lady's looks, remained an uo- 
 known quantity. 
 
 At this moment, Travers, who had been prescribing 
 for a stomach-ache in the coolie lines, reappeared, un- 
 aware of the arrival of a visitor. As he stepped into
 
 18 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 the verandah, he heard talking a strange voice, vibrant 
 and attractive, the voice of a gentleman ; and there, 
 sitting in his own pet chair, was someone whose sleek 
 dark head, and white collar, appeared above its cushions. 
 
 He entered promptly, received a hasty and apologetic 
 explanation, and became at once the cordial and hos- 
 pitable host. The dark-haired young fellow, was evi- 
 dently an Army man ; with pleasant easy manners. 
 
 A description of his journey was presently cut short 
 by the announcement that " Supper was ready on the 
 table," and as Travers hurried his guest into the dining- 
 room, the young lady disappeared. 
 
 Supper was laid out with an unexpected display of 
 fine damask, cut glass, and- shining silver, and the new- 
 comer did ample justice to an excellent meal of which . 
 the piece de resistance was cold hump. There was a 
 sameness^in the planters' homes, not only confined to 
 food ; here again were dead trophies, and not a few live 
 dogs; but dogs, trophies, and surroundings, were all on 
 a superior, and more" imposing scale, than that of the 
 manage at " The Corner. 
 
 Travers, noticing his guest's attention fixed upon a 
 valuable old sideboard, said : 
 
 " I see you are looking at the Chippendale ! This 
 place is no mushroom, and been established over eighty 
 years. I took it from the executors of a very old planter, 
 who started it, and collected no end of good furniture, 
 plate and glass, from auctions and sales the break-up 
 of families, who were pioneers in these hills." 
 
 Presently the conversation turned to the subject 
 nearest to the wayfarer's heart, "shikar." On such, a 
 topic, the two were in the most profound, and, so to 
 r --' r >k, deadly sympathy. Mayne listened enthralled 
 '.rent to an excellent supper to vivid descriptions 
 OJL i^ats and bags, "near shaves," and glorious triumphs. 
 Afterwards the sportsmen smoked in the verandah, and 
 exchanged views on a surprising variety of subjects, 
 from the stars ^in their courses, to the preserving or 
 skins, and the imperative use of arsenical soap. 
 
 Later, as Travers escorted his guest to the spare room, 
 ho said : 
 
 ' I expect we shall be able to show you some fairly 
 good sport." 
 
 " I'm sure of it," responded Mayne, "but by no 
 means so sure, that I ought to trespass on your good
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 19 
 
 nature. For all you know, I may be an impudent im- 
 postor ! " 
 
 " Oh, I'll risk that," replied Travers with a hearty 
 laugh, then as he turned to withdraw, " Make yourself 
 at home and sleep well." 
 
 * * # # * * # 
 
 Next morning, the dak-wallah's brown leather bag 
 carried the English mail to Fairplains, and among 
 papers and advertisements were two or three letters for 
 Travers, including one from Mr. Fletcher. He wrote 
 from a nursing home in London, and gave a belated 
 notice of the prospective arrival of the nephew of his 
 old friend, Richard Mayne : 
 
 " I don't know the young man personally," he said, 
 "but if he is like his uncle, he^will be all right. Mayne 
 is in the Porcupines on the West Coast, is mad keen to 
 see some sport, and could not be in better hands than 
 yours. His father is dead, and his mother has married 
 again. My friend, a bachelor, is a man of large pro^ 
 perty, and I fancy your visitdr will be his heir. He_has 
 a little money of his own and they say, brains. Let 
 him have my guns, and the brown pony, do your best 
 for him, and don't let him flirt with Nancy. I'm not 
 much better, and the doctors talk of having another ' go ' 
 at me. How did our ancestors live without these opera- 
 tions 1 They died, I suppose. Well, we must all go 
 sometime " 
 
 The remainder of the letter was filled up with business 
 directions, suggestions, and interrogations. ' 
 **##*** 
 
 When Mayne came out of his room in the morning, 
 he sat on the steps, and greedily devoured the delicious 
 pearly prospect ; it was similar to the one from " The 
 Corner, 1 but finer, and more extensive. 
 
 " Isn't it lovely ? " said a clear voice, and looking 
 round he beheld Miss Travers. 
 
 Seen by the clear and impartial light of day, her 
 appearance was disappointing; a tall slip of a girl 
 with deeply sunburnt face, in which was set a pair of 
 wide-open grey eyes; and Mayne was struck by the 
 intensely youthful expression ,of these eyes that now 
 regarded him curiously ; her hair, very thick and wavy, 
 was of a tawny red almost the same shade as her com- 
 plexion ; a white linen frock emphasized a slim, rather
 
 20 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 boyisk figure, and made no attempt to hide a pair of 
 surpassingly neat ankles. Nancy's age was possibly 
 sixteen, and to sum up her personality ia one word, 
 Mayne's hostess was neither more nor less, than- a happy- 
 looking, well-grown flapper ! 
 
 "I never tire of it," she resumed; "if I am bored, 
 or in a bad temper, I just sit here and stare and it 
 always soothes me." 
 
 "Are you evor in a bad temper?" inquired Mayne, 
 who had risen, and was looking up at her. 
 
 " Don't ask me ask Daddy," she answered with a gay 
 smile, revealing a set of perfect teeth, " I'm afraid he 
 will say it's fiery ! " 
 
 "May be your hair has something to say to it?" 
 
 "Probably ! When I was a small child, it was much 
 worse, other girls pretended to Avarm their hands on 
 my head. It has grown deeper in shade, and I have 
 hopes, that it may yet be black." 
 
 " It will be white before that." 
 
 " How smart of you ! " she exclaimed, seating herself. 
 " How did you sleep 1 " 
 
 " Like an infant. 
 
 "Really? Sometimes they scream all night! 'An 
 infant crying in the night,' " she quoted. <: And so you 
 lost your way yesterday? " 
 
 " I believe so and only for two good Samaritans, I 
 might be wandering still." 
 
 " You met Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Byng 1 " 
 
 "Yes, they were kind enough to put me up, and to 
 lend me a guide. I say, what an oddly-matched couple 
 to run in double harness ! " 
 
 " They are; but it's so good for them; they counteract 
 each other's failings, and get on splendidly the same 
 as people who marry their opposites." 
 
 " Do they ? I see you know all about it ! " said Mayne, 
 now sitting down beside her, and warding off the atten- 
 tions of a fine bull terrier. 
 
 " Go away, Sammy," commanded his mistress, " I'll 
 talk to you by and by." Then to Mayne. "Are you 
 trying to be sarcastic ? " 
 
 " Perish the thought ! " 
 
 " And I do know all about it within our small circle, 
 every married person is the exact contrast to their part- 
 ner. You will soon be able to judge for yourself as for 
 Teddy Dawson we are all Christian names up here "
 
 21 
 
 "May I call you by" yours?" asked Mayae auda- 
 ciously. 
 
 " In a few days perhaps " 
 
 " Thank you ; and you were speaking about " Teddy 
 Dawson 1 " 
 
 " So I was; he is so practical and hard-working, and 
 loves coffee-planting, but is rather rough and untidy. 
 If you had only seen ' The Corner ' before Nicky ar- 
 rived ! The Bungalow wasc crammed with sacks of coffee, 
 tins of kerosine, and packs of dogs scarcely a chair to 
 sit on. Ah ! here is father at last ! " 
 
 As Travers dismounted from a shaggy estate pony, 
 and approached, Mayne realized that he was undeniably 
 handsome; dark, with finely cut features, and noble 
 bearing; the gallant air, that descends in certain 
 families, from generation to generation. 
 
 " Too hot for the steps, Nance ! " Ke said, laying his 
 hand on her head, " and no topee ! Away with you into 
 the verandah." But Nancy merely lifted a slender arm 
 to thrust back a hair-pin. "How are you, Mayne? I 
 heard all about you this morning." 
 
 " All, sir 1 That's rather a large order ; but I gather 
 that you have had a letter from Fletcher 1 " 
 
 " Yes, poor old boy, I'm afraid he is in a bad way. 
 He is anxious you should have good sport. I believe I 
 can manage a big beat next week, and I've arranged to 
 draw a small sholah this afternoon." (A sholah is a 
 deep fold in the hills indicated by trees and under- 
 growth). "We may get a jungle sheep, or a pig." 
 
 "Anything will be a novelty to me," declared Mayne. 
 
 " I can lend you Fletcher's rifle, till your own comes 
 up ; in fact, he said you were to use his battery and " 
 
 " But, father," interrupted the girl, " you have for- 
 gotten that this is tennis day ! The Hicks, the Ffinches, 
 and the ' Corner ' boys, are coming." 
 
 " Oh, by Jove, yes ! but you will be all right without 
 us. You can tackle more than that, my little Nance." 
 Aside to Mayne, "She manages everyone." 
 
 " Now you are thinking of Mrs. Ffinch," protested 
 Nar.cy, " what excuse could I offer 1 ? You know Captain 
 Calvert is still at ' Clouds Rest,' and with the Hicks, 
 Andrew Meach, and the Pollards, she said we ought to 
 make up three sets." 
 
 " To-day or to-morrow is all one to me," was Mayne's
 
 22 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 generous announcement, for he was secretly longing to 
 be off within the hour. 
 
 "Oh, well, Mr. or is it Captain Mayne ?" He 
 nodded. " I will try and arrange the tennis somehow, 
 and let father carry you off to draw the ' Bandv ' 
 sholah.;' 
 
 _ The immediate result of such magnanimous permis- 
 sion, was an animated dispute ; each party clamouring 
 to yield to the other; finally it was decided, that the 
 sportsmen were to remain at home. 
 
 " It will give you an opportunity of meeting some of 
 our neighbours," said Travers; then turning to his 
 daughter, " Nancy child, five minutes ago, I asked you 
 to go in out of the sun." 
 
 '' Yes, dear, but you know very well that my hair is as 
 thick as a roof thatch, and mv skull is bomb-proof." 
 
 "Ah, I'm afraid this is a day, when you don't feel 
 very good 1 " 
 
 " Oh, Daddy please^ ! " 
 
 " Come along," he interrupted, taking her gently 
 under the arms, raising her to her feet, and drawing 
 her into the verandah. Then to Mayne who had fol- 
 lowed them, "When this sun-worshipper was a small, 
 and unruly mite, she obligingly prepared me for the 
 worst, by announcing, ' Daddy, I don't feel very good 
 to-day.' " 
 
 "Oh, that story has been told all over the hills since 
 I was two years old ! " protested Miss Nancy. '" People 
 are always quoting it. Don't you think, Captain Mayne, 
 that it is too bad of Daddy to give me away '? " 
 
 "Make your mind easy, my dear child, your old Daddy 
 will never give you away. Now come along into the 
 dining-roem, and give us some breakfast, and let Cap- 
 tain Mayne sample our famous Fairplains coffee." 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE COFFEE ESTATE 
 
 THE Fairplains coffee, fully maintained its high reputa- 
 tion, and the accompan\ r ing food was on the same satis- 
 factory level ; fresh cream, bread and butter, apricot 
 jam, and new-laid eggs, grilled ham and chicken what 
 a welcome change, from the sodden West Coast fare, to 
 which Mayne had been accustomed. Besides the me'nu. 
 he could not help being impressed by the deep mutual
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE . 23 
 
 affection, existing between Trayers and his daughter; 
 how quietly she forestalled all his requirements, how his 
 dark eyes softened, when they met her glance, and how 
 the pair laughed, and chaffed, one another with light- 
 hearted enjoyment. 
 
 Mayne cast a thought to the domestic atmosphere of 
 his own home. What a contrast to this ! There, a 
 fashionably youthful woman of fifty, shrank from the 
 too convincing appearance of a son of seven and twenty, 
 and her early morning manner was particularly chilly 
 and acidulated. Breakfast was never a convivial meal. 
 
 Lady Torquilstone, an only child and heiress, among 
 her many suitors, had, to the disappointment of her 
 parent, accepted handsome Derek Mayne, a mere officer, 
 and not even an eldest son ! and accompanied him 
 when he joined his regiment in India. As soon as the 
 glamour of a new life, and a new world, had worn off, 
 the lady drooped. In India, she found a dreadful spirit 
 of equality no nicely partitioned sets, only the sternest 
 rule of " precedence," in short, from her point of view 
 no " society " whatever ! 
 
 Money failed to give her the prominent position she 
 considered to be her right, she was merely Mrs. Derek 
 Mayne, a Captain's wife, and one of the herd! Un- 
 fortunately the marriage was not a success; the heiress 
 was discontented, and irritable, she snubbed and tyran- 
 nized over her good-natured husband, and spent most 
 of her time in England. 
 
 Captain Mayne died in Jubbulpore of cholera, when 
 his happy wife was dancing at a London ball, and 
 within the least conventional period, his widow married 
 Lord Torquilstone, an elderly, but well preserved peer, 
 and hardened man of the world ; they shared the, same 
 tastes particularly racing, and Bridge andlived for 
 eight months of the year in a gloomy; but imposing house 
 in Mayfair, where it required a combination- of three 
 men-servants, to open the hall door. 
 
 Derek Mayne Junior had never been permitted to be- 
 come "an encumbrance"; school, Sandhurst, and his 
 Uncle Richard, lifted the weight of child, boy, and man, 
 from his mother's shrinking shoulders, ana he made 
 onlv an occasional and brief appearance at his so-called 
 " Home." 
 
 I'm afraid you will have lots of spare time on your 
 hands," said Travers to his guest. " This is our busy
 
 24 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 season, and I can only get off for a shoot now and then, 
 but Nancy will take you on, when I have an extra 
 full day." 
 
 " What do you call a full' day?" 
 
 " Well, when I start at seven, with roll call of the 
 coolies, am out till twelve; after a rest and tiffin, I ge 
 round and see how the weeding and picking is done? 
 then to the factory to weigh coffee, afterwards attend 
 to office work, which sometimes carries me on till eleven 
 o'clock at night." 
 
 "'But I don't allow that now," said Nancy with a 
 proprietary geeture. 
 
 "No," agreed Travers, "because this yoUng lady 
 wants a playfellow, and has no conception of the.labour 
 'and anxieties, that belong to a coffee estate.. Sometimes 
 a planter will awake, to find what has been compared 
 to a fall of snow, the blossom in flower ! It is a pretty 
 sight; but for three days, he lives in a quaking agony 
 for fear of rain- rain would spell the ruin of the whole 
 crop. To insure a good setting of the bean or berry, we 
 must have several days of sunshine." 
 
 " I suppose the picking is all done by hand 1 " said 
 Mayne, who from his place could observe various black 
 heads bobbing about among the coffee bushes. 
 
 " Yes, I get my labour from Mysore. I must take you 
 down to the pulping-house, and let you see some of the 
 process." 
 
 " I gather that coffee-planting is an uncertain busi- 
 ness 1 ' Y 
 
 " You may say so ! " replied Travers. " We are liable 
 to leaf disease, rain, and rot. However, a planter is a 
 sanguine creature, and if he has a bad season, his cry is 
 ' next year.' ' 
 
 " Now^ Daddy, we won't have any more coffee till after 
 dinner," announced Nancy authoritatively. " Captain 
 Mayne has not been introduced to the best dogs. This" 
 pushing forward a large white bull terrier, " is Sam. 
 Uncle Sam, my property, and shadow." 
 
 " I say, what a splendid fellow ! " exclaimed Mayne. 
 " Come along and talk to me, Uncle. I love dogs have 
 you had him long 1 " 
 
 " Ever since he was born. Bessie, his mother, was 
 brought from England as a puppy. She looked after 
 mo when I was small, and was so clever and wise. I 
 am sorry to say she died before I came home, but her 
 son has adopted me."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 25 
 
 "Well, Bessie lived to a ripe old age," said Travers; 
 " she must have been thirteen en extraordinarily in- 
 telligent, almost human creature. When the poor old 
 lady felt that her end was approaching, she went^round 
 every one of her haunts to bid them farewell down tf> 
 'The Corner/ up to 'Clouds Rest,' and even to the 
 nearer sholahs and beats. Day after day she was to be 
 seen hurrying along all by herself a strange jour- 
 ney " 
 
 ' You have not talked to Togo yet," interposed Nancy, 
 the irrepressible. " Father belongs to him, and Bleeps 
 in his room. Come here, and show yourself, my Togo ! 
 He is a shy, and eccentric person nearly always carries 
 a stone in his mouth a trick inherited from his re- 
 triever ancestors." 
 
 The animal in question was a yellow and white, curly- 
 haired, long-legged spaniel, with a jaunty tail carried 
 high over his back, and a pair of beseeching dark eyes. 
 
 " What do you think of him? " 
 
 After a moment's hesitation Mayne replied : 
 
 " Well, I've no doubt Togo is a good sort he reminds 
 me of a variety of dogs I've seen"! " 
 
 "Variety you mean he is a mongrel?" 
 
 " I'd rather not commit myself. Perhaps he is a 
 particular hill breed ? " 
 
 " No, but one of the best of our pack," said his owner, 
 " and if he seems all leg, he is really all heart. Come 
 here, Togo, 'handsome is, that handsome does,' eh 
 Togo ? " 
 
 And Togo went over and laid his head on his master's 
 knee, and turned a deeply reproachful gaze upon the 
 stranger. 
 
 "I'm going down to the factory, if you'd care to 
 come," said Travers. " I'll show you the lie of the land, 
 and Nancy can concentrate on her tea-party." 
 
 Mayne accepted with alacrity, and in a few minutes, 
 the. two men, followed by the two dogs, were to be seen 
 descending the hill. 
 
 " I knew a fellow of your name long ago," announced 
 Travers; " I was one of the juniors, when he was in the 
 sixth form at Harrow ; a remarkably good-looking chap, 
 Derek Mayne. We small fry worshipped him he was 
 Captain of the Eleven." 
 
 " It must have been my father; he was at Harrow, and 
 his name was Derek Mayne so ig mine."
 
 26 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Then in that case," said Travers, halting for a mo- 
 ment, and confronting his companion, " I am delighted 
 to meet his son; although I lost sight of him for ages 
 and ages, I remember your father just as well as if we 
 had met but yesterday; such an active, cheery sort of 
 chap, with a wonderful influence, and personality. I 
 know, he went into the Army, and died young." 
 
 " Yes, twenty-five years ago out here cholera. I don't 
 remember him at all I wish I could." 
 
 " Once he came and spent a few days at Lambourne, 
 my father's place, and I felt tremendously flattered, 
 and proud. Everyone was taken with him, and such a 
 cricketer ! Those were the pleasant days before our 
 grand smash. Are you an only child 1 " 
 
 " I am." 
 
 "What hard lines for your mother to have six thousand 
 miles between you and her ! 7 know what that means." 
 
 Mayne made no reply. He had good reason to believe, 
 that distance was of no account, and his absence, more 
 or less of a welcome relief. 
 
 " Yes, I know exactly how she feels," repeated good, 
 simple-minded Travers; " when my little girl went away 
 from me to England, the whole world seemed changed, 
 and dark." 
 
 His love of Nancy was the keynote of the man. 
 
 " Well, here is what we call a factory not much like 
 your idea of one, I'll swear, and a bit of an eyesore 
 into the bargain." 
 
 The factory was an ugly, solid brick building, with a 
 flat zinc roof, and vast verandahs; in and out of which, 
 the laden coolies swarmed like ants in an ant-heap. All 
 seemed working at the highest pitch, and evei'ything 
 pointed to a big crop ; here Travers was the acute, ener- 
 getic and authoritative. Manager; eyes and ears, hung 
 upon his words, which happened to be in fluent Canarese. 
 
 At the appointed hour, Mayne, whose kit had ar- 
 rived, presented himself in the drawing-room at Fair- 
 plains; looking very business-like, in his well-cut white 
 flannels, and tennis shoes. Here host and hostess were 
 already awaiting their guests. 
 
 The apartment was gloomy and old-fashioned in spite 
 of Miss Nancy's obvious attempts to work a change, with 
 gay cushions, white curtains, and a wealth of flowers; 
 these items entirely failed to overpower the depressing
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 27 
 
 effect of a double suite of Black Bombay furniture 
 sofas, armchairs and tables; all heavily carved, and 
 upholstered in shabby purple damask, the original 
 Fairplains furniture, brought from Bombay at vast 
 expense, fifty years previously. 
 
 The walls were hung with a weird grey paper, covered 
 with a pattern that recalled urns, and weeping willows ; 
 the ceiling was crossed by great beams, and the yellow 
 keys of an aged piano, seemed to grin defiance at every 
 innovation! Mrs. Travers and her daughter had been 
 in turn defeated by the overhanging beams, and funereal 
 furniture, and so the apartment of the early sixties, 
 remained more or less deserted. Nancy generally re- 
 ceived her friends in the verandah, or the cheerful, 
 shabby " Den," common to her parent, and herself. 
 
 " Is not this room hideous ? " she said, appealing to 
 Mayne. "No .one likes it. I think it's because when 
 people die, they are laid out here." 
 
 'Nancy!" protested her father, "you don't know 
 what you are talking about ! The fact is," turning to 
 Mayne, "this room was once the glory of the old lady 
 who first lived at Fairplains, and there was a sort of 
 understanding that it was not to be transformed, so 
 here it is, as you see !' We only use it on state occasions." 
 
 " Once in a blue moon," added Nancy. " The servants 
 say it's haunted, and I believe the old lady gomes here 
 still. If any article happens to be moved, it's put back 
 in its place, the same night it really is; flowers die in 
 a few hours, and I always feel as if this was a brooding, 
 creepy sort of place I don't like to be here alone after 
 dark I feel a sense of something terrifying in that far 
 corner ! Dad, shall I take Captain Mayne down and 
 show him the tennis ground? We are proud of that." 
 
 " All right, Nan, I'll do figurehead, and receive the 
 company, and pass them on to you. They will be here 
 at any moment. 
 
 The four tennis courts had been, so to speak, scooped 
 out of the hill, and lay open on one side to a sheer 
 descent, enclosed with stout wire netting. A_. flight of 
 steps connected the ground with the broad terrace in 
 front of the bungalow. 
 
 " It's A 1," remarked Mayne, " kunkur courts, I 
 declare ! " 
 
 " My mother had it made in the days when Daddy 
 was rich," explained the girl, " but for years and years
 
 28 GIVEN. IN MARRIAGE 
 
 it was forgotten, and overgrown with grass and 
 brambles." 
 
 "And you restored it?" 
 
 " No indeed, Mr. Fletcher resurrected the poor old 
 tennis ground wasn't it good of him ? " 
 
 "He plays himself, of course?" 
 
 " Oh no, he is quite old much older tRan father. We 
 have lived with him, since I came out." 
 
 " Were you long at home?" 
 
 " Eleven endless years. Daddy came over four times 
 to see me; only for that, I believe I'd have died. Here 
 are the Hicks ! " pointing to a party who were riding 
 up the road in Indian file. "The stout lady on the 
 white pony is Mrs. Hicks, or ' 'Icks ' she drops her 
 aitohes all over the place ; once someone sent her a sheet 
 of paper covered with them, and she took it as a 
 capital joke." 
 
 "Why not?" said Mayne. "After all, why make a 
 fetish of one letter?" 
 
 " Ye% and some people who cling to their aitches, 
 work the poor letter ' I ' to death." 
 
 That's rather sharp, and very true too, Miss Nancy." 
 
 " I believe I am sharp in seeing some things. Mrs. 
 Hicks is blind as a bat, but immensely good-natured, 
 and so kind to animals." 
 
 " Do you call her kind to 'that unfortunate pony ? She 
 must weigh fourteen stone if she weighs an ounce ! " 
 
 " Oh, he's a ' Shan,' and well up to weight. Anyhow, 
 she is active wait till you see her skipping about the 
 tennis courts ! Those two girls are her daughters, Fanny 
 and Jessie thev keep her in great order." 
 
 " Do they indeed but why ? 
 
 "Because of her love for bright colours, her giggling, 1 
 and loud laugh, and the funny things she will say be- 
 fore they can stop her ! " 
 
 At this moment, the lady in question loomed large 
 upon the top of the stepa, and Nancy ran to meet her. A 
 ruddy, dark-eyed matron, with a rollicking expression, 
 wearing a stiff white skirt, comfortable canvas shoes, 
 and a flowing green sash. 
 
 " Well, Nance ! " she called out, " 'ow are youl This 
 your friend ? " indicating Mayne with a nod. 
 
 "Yes; Captain Mayne Mrs. Hicks." 
 
 Mayne bowed, with slightly exaggerated deference. 
 
 Mrs. Hicks nodded approvingly, and said:
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 29 
 
 " These are my two girls, Miss Fanny and Jessie 
 Captain Mayne, and she waved her bat towards two 
 trim, lady-Mke young women. " They are first-class ten- 
 nis players," she continued, " and you can't go wrong, 
 whichever you choose." 
 
 Mayne had not intended to make a selection, but the 
 matter was taken out of his hands by Nancy. 
 
 "I'm playing with father; and Mrs. Hicks, I know 
 you like to play with Andy Meach. Captain Mayne, 
 you had better secure Jessie," and she gave him a little 
 push. 
 
 Thus committed to a decisive move, he asked if Miss 
 Jessie would honour him ? 
 
 Her blushing acceptance was rudely cut short by her 
 parent, who said : 
 
 " It's all very fine for you to make up sets, my good 
 Nancy ! but you know as well as I do, that as soon as our 
 commander-in-chief arrives, she will upset the whole of 
 our little bag of tricks, and make us play with whoever 
 she chooses and talk of an angel ! " lifting her eyes 
 "here comes the Honourable Mrs. Ffinch.'^ 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 "FINCHIE" 
 
 THE Honourable Mrs. Ffinch was a woman of forty; 
 thin, dark, rather sallow, and not specially noticeable, 
 until she spoke then her face became transformed; the 
 half-closed, greenish-grey eyes, lit up; the ugly wide 
 mouth revealed beautiful teeth, and an enchanting smile. 
 " Finchie " as her intimates called her, had been en- 
 dowed with an attractive voice, inexhaustible vitality, 
 and a big brain. 
 
 Even her enemies and these were not a few admitted 
 her cleverness, and powers of fascination ; whilst her 
 friends deplored the lamentable fact that poor 
 " Finchie's great talents, had no suitable outlet within 
 the circumscribed orbit of a planter's wife. She was 
 gifted with the capabilities of a brilliant hostess, and 
 could have held a salon, or seriously engaged in political 
 and diplomatic affairs; having the gift of a strategic 
 silence, wonderful success in extracting confidences, and 
 the capacity for holding strings; unfortunately her 
 talents transcended her opportunities ! 
 
 As the eldest girl of a well-born, but impecunious 
 
 u
 
 30 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 family, she had, so to speak, " taken the bush out of the 
 gap/' for her five sisters, sacrificed her Romance, and 
 married Hector Ffinch; a prosperous tea-planter, whose 
 stolid reserved character, found an irresistible attraction 
 in vivacious Julia Lamerton, who had the power of 
 imposing her personality on all her surroundings. 
 
 After a short and undemonstrative courtship, a quiet 
 wedding and handsome settlements, he carried off his 
 bride to the East. India fell far beneath the lady's 
 expectations; a vivid imagination had misled her; at 
 " Clouds Rest " she found no gay, amusing cantonment, 
 or gorgeous, and amazing entourage merely a vast tea 
 estate, a large, half-empty bungalow, and a tribe of 
 brown retainers, last, not least, a dull euough husband ! 
 Hector was as heavy and immovable as a block of granite ; 
 she, as mobile and restless, as a bit of quicksilver. 
 
 -For a time, she secretly wept, and bitterly bewailed 
 her fate." It was all so utterly different to what she had 
 expected-! Alas, for her plan of .inviting her sisters one 
 by one, and marrying them off with success and 6clatt 
 " Clouds Rest " was as hopeless (from a matrimonial 
 point of view) as any deatl-and-alive rural village. 
 
 However, she had one solid consolation money ; also, 
 the still undimmed halo of " the bride " ; so she exercised 
 her gifts of oratory and persuasion, and pleaded moat 
 eloquently for the company of guests, for a motor, for 
 quantities of new furniture, and a trip home, at least 
 once in three years. To all these requests, Hector lent 
 a favourable ear ; even his lethargic mind realized what 
 the change of surroundings meant to a member of a large 
 and talkative family, and any amount of lively society. 
 The couple had now been married twelve years; and in 
 spite of various visits to England, and many gay ex- 
 cursions to the plains, Julia Ffinch was beginning to 
 weary of this comfortable exile ; she could never be 
 happy without a certain amount of excitement excite- 
 ment was. as necessary to her well-being, as petrol to 
 an engine. 
 
 She did a little racing (under the rose) the telegraph 
 peon's red turban looming along through the tea bushes, 
 gave her appropriate thrills; she played Bridge for 
 rather high stakes; but what afforded her the keenest 
 enjoyment, was intruding into other people's lives; 
 pulling strings, directing their affairs, and making her 
 puppets dance right merrily ! This, she considered to
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 31 
 
 be a legitimate and delightful entertainment, and by 
 dint of clever manipulation, contrived to make her im- 
 mediate neighbours perform with praiseworthy success ! 
 
 It was thanks to her offices, that a planter's wife at 
 Tirraputty had left her home in a cloud of mystery ; she 
 had stage-managed the engagement between Blanche 
 Meach, and a civilian ; a notable match, but then 
 Blanche was very pretty. On the other hand, to he'r, 
 was attributed the rupture of the affair between Fanny 
 Hicks, and a young fellow in the Woods and Forests, 
 and the dire disgrace of a German Missionary. Many 
 and various matters in which Mrs. Flinch had taken a 
 part, afforded scope for interviews, letters, stormy scenes 
 (at which she assisted), cables, telegrams, sudden en- 
 trances and exits. All of these, the clever operator of 
 the puppet-play, most heartily enjoyed. 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch descended the steps with leisurely pre- 
 cision, offering as she did so, an interesting display of 
 brown silk stockings, and neat brown shoes. She was 
 immediately followed by her grey-haired, square-headed, 
 and somewhat paunchy lord; and also a guest; a slim, 
 well-groomed gentleman, with closely set black eyes, and 
 a slightly vulpine nose. Some people thought Captain 
 Calvert handsome ; to others, he unpleasantly recalled a 
 well-bred greyhound with an uncertain temper. 
 
 " Well, Nancy darling," Mrs. Ffinch began in her 
 clear high voice, " so here we are at last ! We had a 
 smash ran into a bullock bandy at a corner the bandy, 
 like the ' Coo,' got the worst of it ! " 
 
 Her glance travelled to Mayne, and as her eyes rested 
 on him, they brightened, after the manner of a hunter 
 who sees game afoot ! 
 
 A tall, well set-up young fellow, with clear-cut fea- 
 tures, candid dark eyes, and an air of distinction quite 
 a find ! 
 
 " This is Captain Mayne," explained the hostess, 
 " Captain Mayne Mrs. Ffinch. He only arrived last 
 evening," she added. 
 
 . " Oh, really ! " murmured the lady; then turning to 
 address him, " I did not hear you were expected, and 
 we always know our neighbours' -affairs, as soon as they 
 do themselves." 
 
 "Sooner," growled Dawson, who had joined the group, 
 in a hideous green and yellow blazer.
 
 32 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " As a matter of fact," said Mayne, " I was not ex- 
 pected but came." 
 
 ."As an agreeable surprise, I am sure!" interrupted 
 Mrs. Ffinch, with one of her radiant smiles. " I must 
 hear all about it later. Nancy, if we are to finish before 
 dark.' there's not a second to lose. Do let us begin? I 
 shall choose Captain Mayne, and you Nancy, had better 
 take on Captain Calvert." 
 
 " Oh, but I'm booked to play with father ! " she pro- 
 tested. 
 
 "Nonsense, child! how ridiculous you are! You and 
 he can play all day to-morrow-r-wow you must entertain 
 your guests." 
 
 It happened precisely as predicted by Mrs. Hicks, 
 who made a valiant but useless attempt, to retain the 
 young man of her choice, the Commander-in-chief took 
 all arrangements upon herself. Mayne was secretly 
 amused to see the tall thin figure in a panama hat, the 
 centre of an eager and well-disciplined crowd who 
 presently scattered each to their allotted post. 
 
 After winning a hardly contested set, Mrs. Ffinch 
 retired to a seat, and called upon her partner to supply 
 her with refreshments. At a long table in their vicinity, 
 two white-clad servants dispensed iced drinks, and a 
 tempting variety of cakes, and sandwiches. As Mrs. 
 Ffinch sipped claret cup, she asked for details respecting 
 Mayne's visit, and remarked as he concluded : 
 
 " So you fell from the skies into a crowd of strangers ! 
 Well, at any rate Laurence Travers can get you fine 
 sport. You have come to the right shop for thatj " 
 
 " Yes. but I am rather ashamed to take up his time; 
 he is most awfully busy just now." 
 
 ^"That's true; he works like a horse for another man, 
 and yet he would not put out a finger to save the estate, 
 when it was his own. I suppose you have beard the 
 tale ? " 
 
 " Well Dawson did say something about trouble, and 
 absence " 
 
 " Yes, the death of his wife broke Laurence Travers' 
 heart, and the loss of the child nearly sent him off his 
 head." 
 " " He seems fairly sane now," remarked her listener. 
 
 " Yes, case of locking the stable door when the steed 
 or the estate is gone. Laurence is much too emotional 
 for a man ; it was lucky for him that Fairplams was
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 33 
 
 bought by Tom Fletcher, who was sent out here for his 
 health. He is rich, entirely independent of coffee; such 
 a good old fellow, who always looses kindly on the under 
 dog ! " 
 
 "And Travers was very much under?" 
 
 "In the depths," was the emphatic .reply j "he was 
 dragged into unknown liabilities by Doria, his manager 
 an absconding thief. Thanks to Tom Fletcher, he has 
 been set on his legs again ; but he only has his monthly 
 screw should anything happen to Laurence, that girl 
 will be destitute." 
 
 " Well, we will hope for the best," said Mayne cheer- 
 fully. " Travers looks as active as if he were five and 
 twenty more than a match for young Byng," nodding 
 towards the players. " I hope he may live long, and 
 be always as happy as he is now ! " ^ 
 
 " Happy ! that is just the word. Did you ever behold 
 anything like the absolute adoration that exists between 
 father and daughter j She is a dear child, but too ele- 
 mental to be sophisticated, in spite of her eleven years 
 at home. You see her AmrZ.was always out here. She 
 is quite a unique flapper, and plays tennis like a boy. 
 What a strong service do look ! " 
 
 Mayne looked as desired, and saw the light figure 
 skimming about the court, and noted the remarkable 
 contrast between her brown face and arms, and snow 
 white linen frock; also the uncovered masses of rough 
 reddish hair that now and then caught a gleam of gold. 
 
 " No beauty, poor darling, is she ? " murmured Mrs. 
 Ffinch. 
 
 " If she would only give her complexion a chance ! " 
 
 " She won't. She is making up now fer years of strict 
 hat and glove wearing; and doesn't bother about her 
 
 Eersonal appearance; all she really, cares for are her 
 Either, and Sam the bull terrier. She is also rather 
 devoted to me." A pause. "Well, Captain Mayne," 
 and she laughed, " I m waiting for you to say, ' I'm 
 not surprised at that! ' " 
 
 H coloured a little, laughed too, and said : 
 
 " Somehow I don't fancy such a compliment would 
 go down up here." 
 
 " You are right ! We are a simple, and primitive 
 community. If you will dispose of my glass, I'll make 
 you out a social A B C." 
 
 "All right," he agreed, as he resumed his seat.
 
 34 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " There is my husband, aged fifty-five, a hard-working 
 enthusiast, who lives for coffee, and sales ; sales, and 
 coffee. Ted Dawson too though he is a bit of a boor 
 is also an enthusiast, and will also be rich by the 
 time he is fiftv unless he finds gold." 
 
 " Gold," repeated Mayne. " What up here ! " 
 
 " No, down nearer the plains some believe there are 
 
 Ereat reefs and old workings swallowed up in the jungle, 
 earned people say that Herodotus wrote of how the 
 Indians paid Darius tribute in gold; also that Malabar 
 is Ophir! You know we are not far from there." 
 
 " I've just come up from the coast, and there's no 
 sign of gold that^ I am prepared to swear." 
 
 " Dr. Hicks believes in the reefs, and he is a very 
 shrewd little man. There you see the family. Mrs. 
 Hicks has money; they say she was a publican's widow; 
 he doctors us all gratis, has a son in a Bank in Madras, 
 and the two girls, Fanny and Jessie. Jessie was ex- 
 tremely pretty at sixteen ; then suddenly her nose 
 began to grow ! We were afraid it would never stop, 
 but become a real proboscis only f orchis feature, Jessie 
 is a beauty. She would look lovely in a Yashmak her 
 eyes are so fine. Their mother is such an anxiety to 
 those girls." 
 
 " It's usually the other way on ! " 
 
 " Or rather it was domestic affairs are upside down 
 in these days. The girls cannot control their parent's 
 free' and easy manners, her love for bright colours, and 
 dancing, and a good coarse story a man's story ! Da 
 look at her now, leaping up and down like a great india- 
 rubber ball ! Isn't it depressing to watch such mis- 
 directed energy 1 " 
 
 After a moment's pause, she resumed: "There are 
 two or three of the Meaches here. Their old tyrant 
 usually keeps them at home, toiling for him, that ha 
 may gobble up all manner of delicacies, and live on the 
 fat of this land ! I'm speaking of Major Meach, who 
 owns a large family, a small estate, and is our champion 
 vampire; bleeds his descendants white, and terrorizes 
 over them all, from his chair in the verandah he always 
 makes me think of a sick tiger." 
 
 " Your neighbours don't seem to be very attractive," 
 remarked Mayne t dryly. 
 
 " I am beginning with the least ^interesting keeping 
 'some as a bonne bouche. Nancy, is what you see; re-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 35 
 
 freshingly young, plastic, and impulsive. The Meach 
 sisters are remarkably pretty; their poor mother is a 
 dear martyred saint. The Pollards those fair-haired 
 boys and the pink girl are nice young" people, but un- 
 fortunately a good way off. Mrs. Pollard has a tongue 1 
 she cannot be too. far ! Fairplains is central and nere 
 we all meet. Indft, provides its own aniusements. How 
 Captain Calvert is enjoying himself with Nancy ! Her 
 saucy answers delight -him; he has a ridiculous fancy 
 for very young girls, and parle du diable here he 
 comes ! " . 
 
 " Hullo, Mayne," he said, mopping his face as he 
 lounged up, " I believe we have met oefore on board 
 ship, eh ? " 
 
 " Yes, the Medina, coming out last_ September." 
 
 "Fancy our forgathering on the hill top like this 1 
 Making any stay 1 " 
 
 "A few weeks I've come for a shoot." 
 
 "Lucky chap! Well, I hope you'll have good sport. 
 Can I get you anything, dear lady ? " turning to Mrs. 
 Ffinch with anxious solicitude. 
 
 "Yes, a match; I'm simply dying for a smoke." 
 
 As he bent over her, Mayne rose and relinquished his 
 chair 1 to Mrs. Hieks, who painfully out of breath, was 
 clamouring for "a real big tumbler of hiced 'Ock cup." 
 
 The refreshment table was now besieged by a noisy 
 intimate and animated crowd, making fixtures for ten- 
 nis, picnics, or shoots; in short all manner of social 
 meetings and amenities, and into the midst of them, Mrs. 
 Flinch glided, in order to contribute her veto, argu- 
 ments, commands, or consent. 
 
 Presently the sudden Indian dusk began to fall, en- 
 shrouding the view ; a cold blue haze was creeping nearer 
 and nearer, and the congenial company prepared to 
 disperse. 
 
 A great " Napier " car belonging to " Clouds ResV" 
 lingered after the Hicks, Meaches, and Pollards had 
 ridden away, and when the lamps were lighted, Mrs. 
 Ffinch said : 
 
 "Captain Mayne, I -do hope we shall often see you; 
 when Laurence Trawrs is busy, come up to us. Nancy 
 child, good-bye," embracing her with motherly affection; 
 " I intend to steal your new friend whenever he is 
 bored here, send him to me," and with these words still 
 trembling in the air, the great motor slid silently away.
 
 36 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " That was not very complimentary to you, Was it 1 " 
 said Mayne, turning to Nancy. 
 
 "Oh, she didn't intend it in that way," protested the 
 
 firl. " She says a great deal she does not mean so do 
 ! " and she laughed. " There are no end of attractions 
 at ' Clouds Rest. ; a billiard table, an electric piano, the 
 motor, and a ' mug ' cook, and here we have so little to 
 offer. No indeed I'm not fishing ! but when father has 
 an extra heavy day, and you are idle, I do hope you will 
 not worry about us but just take Finchie at her word, 
 and ride over to 'Clouds Rest." 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 THE PANTHER'S FIRST VICTIM 
 
 THE tennis party had dissolved, dinner was^an agreeable 
 memory, and Mayne with his new friends, sat out in 
 the broad verandah, and gazed at a moon, which, like 
 a pale golden disc, hung midway in the dark blue sky. 
 
 The two men were smoking, Sam was circling uneasily 
 round his unheeding mistress, when she suddenly said: 
 
 " Do tell me, Captain Mayne, what you think of Mrs. 
 Ffinch isn't she charming ? " 
 
 "She seems to be awfully clever, and amusing, and 
 full of go." 
 
 "Yes," said Travers, "she manages the whole com- 
 munity with the very best intentions. I can't help 
 feeling a little sorry for her." 
 
 " Sorry, father ! " exclaimed Nancy, " why sorry? " 
 
 " Well, you see, she has no children, no positive home 
 interests; her wonderful talents and exertions, are 
 squandered among strangers. Ffinch has made a fortune 
 some say two and yet he won't stir. He is rooted in 
 coffee; so poor woman, is she! If he only would take 
 her to London, there backed up by his long purse, she 
 would be in her natural element ; an admirable organizer 
 of important functions, bazaars, charity balls, and 
 political receptions; dealing with affairs on a grand 
 scale, instead of running our tuppenny-halfpenny 
 concerns." 
 
 "But these, no doubt with success?" said Mayne. 
 
 " Well, yes, on the whole there have been one or two 
 lapses, but a sacrificial goat was always on the spot ! " 
 
 "Father!" broke in Nancy, "how can you be so
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 37 
 
 horrid 1 You are talking like an odious cynic. Finchie 
 has done no end of wonderful things patching up all 
 the quarrels, and getting people into good posts. She 
 is always right if ever she wants a scapegoat here am 
 
 ' Noble child ! " Travers ejaculated, and he surveyed 
 his daughter with laughing eyes. 
 
 "Captain Mayne," she resumed, "don't you think 
 Captain Calvert good looking ? " 
 
 " Um no," then after a doubtful pause, "more the 
 other thing, -since you ask me." 
 
 ' Bad looking, I suppose you mean. How funny ! " 
 
 " I understand," said Travers, " that Mephistophelian 
 cast ii> does appeal to women and children." 
 
 " You have got into the wrong side of your chair, 
 Daddy. What dreadful things you are saying talking 
 of FinchieV scapegoats, and seeing a likeness to the ola 
 gentleman, in Captain Calvert." 
 
 " I must confess I am rather surprised to find him in 
 this part of the world," said Mayne, " he is not a sports- 
 man but a Society man, who likes big functions, the 
 theatre, and cards." 
 
 " Oh, it's pretty warm down below just now," replied 
 Travers, " and the Ffinches do their guests uncommonly 
 well. Calvert is a pleasant fellow, and comes over here 
 sometimes for a game of tennis; he and Nancy are pals. 
 Well," rising as ne spoke, " to-morrow I must be up and 
 about at five o'clock so that you and I can shoot in 
 the early afternoon. Nancy child, it is time for bed, 
 and just look how Sam is yawning ! " 
 
 " Why, Daddy, it's only half-past ten," she protested, 
 but all the same she rose, and having bid Mayne good- 
 night, and folded her father in an overpowering em- 
 brace, went away to her own room, attended by her 
 
 sleepy shadow. 
 
 ***** 
 
 Time at Fairplains flew with what seemed to Mayne, 
 amazing speed ; the shooting surpassed his most sanguine 
 expectations; his excursions to the low country had re- 
 sulted in two fine tigers, and several pairs of noble horns. 
 When Travers was unable to accompany him, Ted Daw- 
 son and Andy Meach had come to the front, and shown 
 the stranger capital sport. Mayne found this simple 
 life delightful; a novel perspective and atmosphere; 
 instead of familiar barrack bugles, here he was awoke
 
 38 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 by the clanging of a gong, summoning the coolies to 
 their labours. 
 
 With Mayne it was a case of a happy surrender to 
 his environment; the delicious life-giving air, good 
 wholesome food, and congenial society, all contributed 
 to this condition. He enjoyed listening to playful family 
 arguments and squabbles, when weary, after a long 
 day's tramp, he lounged at delicious ease, in a comfort- 
 able, if shabby old chair ; there was generally something 
 piquante and provoking in Nancy's conversation. He 
 and she were now on the most friendly footing; he had 
 given her elaborate instructions in the important art of 
 making a tie ; she mended his socks, replaced lost but- 
 tons, and had even cut his hair ! Also he called her 
 Nancy, and was a little disposed to lecture, and tease 
 her, in big elder brother fashion. 
 
 Mayne, however, discovered that there were two dis- 
 tinct Nancies; one of the morning, tke other of the 
 afternoon. The earlier young lady was a serious person, 
 with the heavy responsibility of a household upon her 
 shoulders. From chotah hazri till midday, she was 
 occupied, first with the cook a bearded retainer, who 
 had carried her in his arms. The two conferred with 
 the deepest solemnity over menus, the bazaar accounts, 
 and the contents of the store-rooms. Then she visited 
 the poultry yard, and the garden, superintended and 
 helped to fill and trim the lamps, and finally sat down 
 to make or mend. Nancy was an expert with her needle, 
 and frequently extended a kindly hand towards the rags 
 and tatters of " The Corner " ; altogether a grave, silent, 
 industrious mistress of Fairplains. 
 
 The afternoon Nancy was her opposite; neither grave, 
 nor silent, but an exuberantly irresponsible chattering 
 chit, who broke into song as she went about, in a sweet 
 rather childish voice, waltzed her reluctant parent up 
 and down the verandah, played tennis, rod? with boyish 
 pluck and abandon : sat with dangling legs on the ends 
 of tables, talked ridiculous nonsense to the dogs and 
 ponies, and was rarely seen to open a - book, or to write 
 a letter. i 
 
 Mayne, who had no sisters, or girl cousins, mentally 
 adopted Nancy as something of both; but as Miss Tra- 
 vers, and a young lady, it never occurred to him to 
 take her seriously. 
 
 The Fairplains guest had been hospitably entertained
 
 39 
 
 by all the neighbours; tennis parties at theJEicks', tiffin 
 at " The Corner," and dinner at Clouds Rest whare he 
 was in particular request, a request that savoured of 
 a command for Mrs. Ffinch had discovered that she 
 knew his people at home and her invitations were both 
 frequent, and imperious. Travers was far too busy to 
 dine abroad, Nancy never deserted her parent, ana on 
 several occasions Mayne went alone to Clouds Rest to 
 dine and sleep. This abode wag more on the lines of an 
 English country house; here were curtains, carpets, 
 elegant modern furniture, and appointments; nothing 
 shabby or ramshackle, in or about the premises, which 
 was staffed with first-rate native servants, had a luxu- 
 rious "go as you please" atmosphere, and kept late 
 hours. Champagne and caviare, and other important 
 importations were offered ajb dinner; after the best 
 Havanas came Auction Bridge at high points. 
 
 Captain Calvert still lingered in these " Capuan " 
 quarters. One morning, he and Mayne awaited their 
 hostess in the verandah, where breakfast was served; 
 she was an hour late, and Captain Calvert's sharp ap- 
 petite had undoubtedly affected his temper. After one 
 or two nasty speeches about " damned lazy women," and 
 " rotten arrangements," his remarks became more per- 
 sonal, and he twitted his companion with his mad craze 
 for shikar. 
 
 " Upon my soul, I believe you'd go anywhere, even 
 among half-castes and natives, if they were to promise 
 you an extra good bag." 
 
 " Perhaps I would in fact, I'm sure I would," ad- 
 mitted Mayne. " By the way, apropos of natives and 
 shooting what about your shoot tip North? I heard 
 you talking to a Nawab coming out on the Medina, 
 and you put in prettv strongly for an invite." 
 
 " Yes did I ? " drawled Calvert, lifting his thin black , 
 eyebrows, " I forget I believe .1 er wanted to have 
 a look at the country." 
 
 " So it did not come off, eh ? " 
 
 " No, as well as I remember, there was some hitch 
 about dates. Talking of dates," he went on, with a 
 significant glance, " are you putting in all your leave 
 at Fairplains ? " 
 
 " I hope so," was the bold rejoinder, " I shall be jolly 
 sorry when it comes to my last week ! " 
 
 " Ah ! Well, yes, the little red-haired girl is not half
 
 40 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 bad fun, brown as a coolie, but what delicious feet, and 
 ankles ! If she were to sit reversed, with her feet above 
 tho table I see," catching Mayne's furious glance. 
 " Well then, I'll give you another picture. Some day, 
 Miss Nancy will "be a handsome woman, though she's 
 more of a boy, and a tomboy now. She has odd flashes 
 that set one wondering, and I bet you, will give her 
 husband a lot of surprises ! " 
 
 " That'll do ! don't let us discuss her any further ! " 
 exclaimed Mayne impatiently. 
 
 " Hullo ! " exclaimed Calvert with a loud laugh, " I 
 apologize ! Upon my soul I'd no idea 
 
 " There is no idea," interrupted Mayne. '' Miss 
 Trayers and I are very good friends. She is one of the 
 straightest and the best. So natural and simple." 
 
 " How nice for you ! " 
 
 " I only wish she was my sister," persisted her 
 champion. 
 
 "By Jove, do you?" drawled Calvert. "Well, 7 
 don't ! " and he expelled a cloud of smoke from his thin, 
 well-cut nostrils. " I'm, as you see, smoking like the 
 Indians, to appease hunger. Presently I shall take a 
 reef in my belt. I say," after a -pause, " look at old 
 Ffinch riding along the hillside. He breakfasted hours 
 ago ! I can't imagine why he does not chuck all this ? 
 Everyone knows he is quite too grossly prosperous and 
 she, with her talents, and her energy, is thrown away 
 out here." 
 
 " Yes." agreed Mayne, " she's awfully clever, and go- 
 ahead. 
 
 " A lot of what Americans call, ' Get up arid go ! ' 
 about her," said Calvert. " Wonderful driving force, 
 and what a woman to talk ! She'd make a fine figure 
 of a Sunday in Hyde Park: or taking a hand in some 
 big revolution. Yes " slowly closing his eyes " I can 
 see her in the tumbril," he concluded, with morose 
 vindictiveness. 
 
 " I say, what amazing pictures you have in your 
 mind s eye," said Mayne who was not imaginative, " a 
 cinematograph isn't in it ! " 
 
 " Oh, here she comes at last ! " said Calvert, tossing 
 away his cheroot, and rising, he added with his most 
 courtly air, " Welcome, welcome, dear lady as the sun 
 upon a darkened world." 
 
 Immediately after breakfast, Mayne ordered the cob,
 
 1 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 41 
 
 and rode away in spite of Mrs. Ffinch's urgent appeals 
 for him to remain, and " spend a nice long day. He 
 felt that at present, he could not endure any more of 
 Calvert's society. What a poisonous tongue, what a 
 shameless climber ; and there was such calculation and 
 method in his schemes. He, by his ow-n confession, made 
 a point of cultivating the right people chiefly through 
 their womenkind and cherished well-founded hopes of 
 a comfortable, and prominent post on someone's staff. 
 
 He insinuated that he (Mayne) was sponging on the 
 Travers', he read the accusation in the fellow's eyes 
 (Calvert himself was just the sort to cheat at croquet, 
 and sponge on old ladies). With regard to his host, he 
 felt blameless. Travers treated him as the son of his 
 old school-fellow; he and Nancy made him one of them- 
 selves, and allowed him to share in their interests, jokes, 
 and even secrets. He knew all about the new habit, that 
 was on its way from England for Nancy's birthday. 
 Here his reflections were put an end to by the sight 
 to Fairplains plantation, the motley pack, and Nancy 
 herself. 
 
 That same night after the household had retired, and 
 the premises were supposed to be wrapped in sleep 
 (though some of the servants were gambling in their 
 
 S (-downs) Mayne was aroused by a wild piercing scream, 
 e jumped out of bed, and as he hurried on some clothes, 
 saw a bare-footed white figure, lamp in hand, flash down 
 the verandah shrieking : 
 
 " Sam ! Sam ! A panther has taken him ! Daddy 
 Daddy hurry ! " 
 
 Mayne snatched his gun, and rushed out; the light 
 was very faint, but as he ran up the path, he was aware 
 -of a choking noise, and a something large bounding 
 along not far ahead. He followed the sound ; in among 
 the rocks and bushes, and then suddenly lost it. By this 
 time, the whole place was swarming with men armed 
 with sticks and lanterns, Nancy in a blue garment, and 
 her father half dressed, heading an excited crowd. Alas ! 
 the tragic truth had to be faced Sam was gone! taken 
 from the door of his mistress's room, and carried off in 
 his sleep, by one of those treacherous devils. 
 
 With bobbing lanterns, crashing sticks, and loud harsh 
 shouts, the whole of the rocks were most thoroughly 
 beaten, but without result; of dog or panther there 
 was not a trace. After an hour's exhaustive search,
 
 42 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Mayne returned to the bungalow his lamp had gone 
 out. Here in the verandah he distinguished a sobbing 
 figure; Nancy, alone and in uncontrollable grief. Be- 
 tween her sobs, she moaned : 
 
 "Oh, my poor darling Sam! Oh, the cruelty oh, 
 Daddy, what shall I do what shall I do?" and she 
 suddenly flung herself upon Mayne, and sobbed out in 
 the tone of a child asking for consolation, " Daddy, 
 Daddy, what shall I do 1" 
 
 They were the same height, and in the dark, she had 
 mistaken him for her father, who was still pursuing a 
 hopeless search among the rocks, but the situation was 
 nor the less embarrassing, especially as the girl clung 
 to her supposed parent, with both arms clasped tightly 
 round his neck, and her face buried in his coat. Sud- 
 denly she realized her mistake, and with a violent jerk, 
 drew herself away. 
 
 " Why, you're not Daddy ! " she gasped out, breath- 
 lessly, " I know by the feel of your coat. It's Captain 
 MaVne I've been hugging." 
 
 "It's all right Nancy, taking her hands in his. 
 " Poo 1 ' little girl ! I'm just as sorry for you, as ever I 
 can be, and I'll never rest, till I bring you in the skin 
 of the brute that 'has killed Sam. Here is your father 
 now," and Mayne tactfully withdrew, and abandoned 
 the pair to their grief, Nancy's the wildest, and most 
 poignant, that he had ever witnessed. 
 
 The following day, Francis the butler, mysteriously 
 imparted to Mayne the news, that Sam's collar, and one 
 paw had been found. 
 
 " But say not one word to the Missy. We bury in 
 dogs' graveyard; the beast is a big female with young 
 cubs, therefore is she overbold. That dog Sam," and his 
 black eyes looked moist, "I also loved him, too much." 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 EIGHTEEN ON TUESDAY 
 
 FOB two days after the loss of Sam, Nancy remained 
 inconsolable; she could neither eat nor rest, her face 
 looked small, her tragic eyes sunken and dim ; also she 
 wept for hours, utterly indifferent to consolation, or 
 chocolates. " The Corner " after the day's work, as- 
 cended to sympathize, Mrs. Ffinch descended with a 
 similar kind intention, and expressed shocked concern ;
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 43 
 
 but her kissing, endearments, and honeyed words, were 
 a, waste of time and breath. 
 
 " I shall never get over it, Finchie, never ! " moaned 
 tie girl, " and I won't rest till the panther has been 
 killed, and skinned. Daddy has offered a reward of 
 thirty rupees, "but so far it is no use." 
 
 " Take her out riding make tyer go," commanded 
 Mrs. Ffinch, " she can't sit here all day nursing her 
 grief. Try what you can do, Captain Mayne, take her 
 up to the Meacbes, Nellie has returned home, and Major 
 Meach always amuses Nancy." / 
 
 " I don ; t think anything would amuse her now," he 
 answered. 
 
 "Look at Togo," burst out Nancy, "he knows. All 
 yesterday he lay with his face to the wall here in the 
 verandah and he has not touched a morsel since it 
 happened. Oh, my poor Sam ! " The name was almost 
 a cry. 
 
 If you and Togo starve yourselves, my dear, what 
 good will that do poor Sam ? " inquired the practical 
 visitor, "I'm sure he would not like you to die too. 
 You really must cheer up, for your father's sake. I 
 am awfully sorry myself; as the son of our dear old 
 Dan, Sam was a sort of nephew. We will all give him 
 a great funeral " 
 
 She stopped abruptly as it flashed into her mind that 
 there were no remains. Ultimately her powers of per- 
 suasion, proved effectual, and Nancy reluctantly agreed 
 to give her pony some exercise, and not to indulge her 
 emotions in such frantic ungovernable native fashion. 
 Travers was as usual busy among his coolies, and Mayne 
 and Nancy set off alone, and rode over to the Meaches, 
 precisely as Mrs. Ffinch had ordained. 
 
 It was a cheerful breezy trip ; sometimes the road lay 
 in hollows, winding round a valley, and between black- 
 berry bushes, wattles, ash trees, and wild roses, recalling 
 an English lane; or again, over grassy uplands, with a 
 delightful breeze, driving white clouds overhead. 
 
 By and by, Nancy recovered her self-control, and her 
 tongue, a member that was never long mislaid. 
 
 The Meach family lived eight miles from Fairplains, 
 on a poor worn out, and out of the way estate; Major 
 Meach, having spent all he possessed, invested his wife's 
 little fortune in this, so to speak " refuge," and here she 
 and her offspring slaved and struggled, in order to pro-
 
 44 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 vide their old man of the sea, with everything he de- 
 manded in the way of attention, and comfort. 
 
 Part of the estate was let to a native, part was worked 
 by Andy, whilst Mrs. Meach and her three pretty daugh- 
 ters kept cows and poultry, and sold eggs and butter 
 among their neighbours. Blanche, the beauty, thanks 
 to Mrs. Ffinch, was satisfactorily married; Tom, the 
 youngest son, slaved in an office, and sent all he could 
 spare to his harassed mother who struggled to keep 
 house, and maintain a presentable family, on one 
 hundred rupees a month. 
 
 The Misses Meach emerged into the verandah when 
 
 they heard the glad sound of voices, accompanied by the 
 
 clatter of hoofs, and Gladys and Nellie joyfully hailed 
 
 y Nancy, who instantly in a strangled voice, claimed their 
 
 " sympathy for her irreparable loss. 
 
 "The dear faithful fellow -1 how dreadful!" said 
 Nellie. " I remember one time, you went home by the 
 old road, he missed you, and came back here, and lay 
 all night by the chair you had been sitting on.*' 
 
 " Bah ! what's a dog ! " snarled Major Meach, a 
 preposterously fat man, who now appeared, and with 
 a curt salute to Mayne, sank with heavy violence into a 
 creaking wicker 'chair. " Lota to be had ! We can give 
 you half a dozen greedy, good-for-nothing brutes ! " 
 
 Mrs. Meach, a worn, thin woman, with remarkably red 
 hands, and a still pretty face, who had been ordering 
 tea, now came forward to welcome her guests. Poor 
 lady ! her life had been, and was, a tragedy. Once a 
 beauty, she was thought to have made a fine match 
 when she married Captain ^Meach of the Light Lancers, 
 a man with a nice fortune. ' The nice fortune, he 
 squandered on himself; and poor Amy Meach, after 
 knocking about the world from garrison town to canton- 
 ment, saving, pinching, rearing a family, and keeping 
 up appearances, was now the drudge, and servant, of 
 her selfish and unwieldy tyrant. < 
 
 Her hope, comfort, and joy, was in her children; 
 possibly some day, she may be in a position to sit down 
 and be served by other people, to read a novel, or even 
 to take a morning in bed ! 
 
 Everything at Panora seemed cheap and faded, 
 except the fat helpless old Major, and his three pretty 
 girls. He .insisted on keeping, up "his position," as he 
 called it; the shabby, timid-looking servants, wore in
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 45 
 
 their turbans, the badge of a regiment that had been 
 only too thankful to get rid of their master ! 
 
 He, who was a notorious slacker, now posed as asfor- 
 mer martinet, and present authority, and his faithful 
 family believed in the fable. The truth was, that but for 
 Mrs. Meach, who was popular, and .for whom everyone 
 was sorry, he would not have been "let down," so to 
 speak, without a nasty jar. 
 
 The Tyrant liked to. fasten on Mayne, who ecca- 
 sionally escorted Nancy, when she came to see her 
 friends, and to question him sharply on Army matters, 
 and utter high boastings of " my old regiment Cavalry 
 7 never could stand being a mud-crusher ! " and as he 
 knew that Mayne was an Infantry officer, this remark 
 was, to say the least, tactless. 
 
 When they all sat at tea, he talked with his mouth 
 full, helped himself to hot cakes two at a time 
 bragged, snubbed his family, laid down the law, and 
 made rude personal remarks. With regard to his 
 daughter Nellie, he said : 
 
 "We sent Nellie down to try her luck in Bangalore; 
 but there was.no market, no buyers and here she is, 
 back on our hands like a bad penny." 
 
 Poor Nellie blushed till there wgre tears in her eyes. 
 
 " I'll give her to anyone with a pound of tea ha I 
 ha! ha!" 
 
 'If you were my father, and made such rude speeches," 
 said Nancy fiercely, " I'd be very glad to give you away,* 
 with a whole plantation ! " 
 
 There you go, spitfire ! " he exclaimed. He rather 
 liked Nancy, because she boldly opposed him. " You've 
 been spoiled, my good girl ; if your father had given you 
 some sound thrashings, you would not be so cocksey 
 and such a bad example to other young women." 
 
 "I think," said Mayne, rising, "it is time for us 
 to make a start," and he eyed the old bully, with a 
 menacing stare. 
 
 " Oh, ho ! " and he chuckled. "Nancy is used to me 
 aren't you, red poll 1 You don't mind ! " 
 
 " I'll overlook the outrage this time, but as an apology, 
 I must have Gladys and Nellie to spend the day on 
 Monday." 
 
 " Can't be done no ponies ! " 
 
 " Then I'll borrow the Clouds Rest car." 
 
 " Will you ! You've cheek enough for anything ! If
 
 46 
 
 you can get the car, you shall have the girls, and the 
 Missus thrown in there's an offer for you! 
 
 Mayne, who felt a touch of sincere pity for poor Mrs 
 Meach and her browbeaten daughters, experienced a 
 sense of profound relief when the farewells were over, 
 and he and Nancy rode away. 
 
 " Look in again soon, young fellow ! " shouted Major 
 Meach. " Nancy, tell your father to send me up a bag 
 of his number one coffee it can come in the car." 
 
 " I don't know about that bag of coffee," said Mayne; 
 "but old Meach won't see me again." 
 
 "Isn't he a horror? " 
 
 "I'm awfully sorry for his daughters; \v nftu he told 
 the fair one to ' shut up,' I felt inclined to biiy a plate 
 at him ! " 
 
 " And he is such an ungrateful old monster ! Only 
 for the way those girls work, and go without things, 
 there would be no cigars, no Europe hams, tinned stores, 
 or whisky and soda. He must have everything he wants, 
 or he yells, and storms like a madman. I've told him 
 one or two plain truths about his selfishness." 
 
 " Have you? I must say you are fairly plucky." 
 
 "Nicky Byng admires Nellie, but it's no good; all 
 the same, if I do get the car, I'll let him know." 
 
 " Fancy trying your hand at match-making, a child 
 like you!" and Mayne turned in his saddle/ and sur- 
 ^veyed his companion, with a broad smile. 
 
 " Of course, I know it's no use. Finchie throws 
 buckets of cold water on the affair; she hopes to marry 
 Nellie off, the same as Blanche Sandilands. Blanche 
 has a splendid car, lives in a big house on the Adyar, 
 and entertains hair Madras. AIL the same, I think 
 Nellie likes Nicky." 
 
 [< Then why mind Mrs. Ffinch, and her cold water ? " 
 
 "We all mind her; she is so far-sighted, and clever 
 all but Ned, he thinks her too meddlesome, and anyway, 
 she did talk Jessie Hicks out of accepting him." 
 
 " Do you suppose, that Mrs. Ffinch could talk you out 
 of accepting anyone ? " 
 
 " How can you be so silly ! Anyway, there will be 
 no occasion, for I don't intend to marry." 
 
 "Bosh! Wait till you are older, and then we shall 
 see what we shall see." 
 
 "I'm quite old enough to know my own mind." 
 
 " Not you ! "
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE j!7 
 
 " Don't be rude. Do you know, that I shall be 
 eighteen on Tuesday 1 " 
 
 " I know that you are trying to pull my leg, miss 1 
 You are not an hour over sixteen if so much. I should 
 put you down at fourteen if I were asked." 
 
 "Well, if you won't believe me, you can see the 
 certificate of birth and baptism. I was born at Fair- 
 plains." 
 
 "But, Nancy," suddenly pulling up his cob, "I've 
 always understood you were a mere child if you really 
 are eighteen I I feel completely bouleverse; in other 
 words, shattered; for I've been treating you ae a little 
 
 firl, and all the time, you are a young lady ! I declare, 
 'm so upset, I shall tumble off the cob ! " 
 
 " Don't tumble yet; stick on, and I'll explain. Daddy 
 likes me to look a mere child, and can't endure the idea 
 of my growing up; So I always wear simple frocks," 
 and short skirts it was only the other day, I put my 
 hair up.." 
 
 " Did you wear a pig-tail 1 " 
 ' Yes, of course I did it was a beauty, too." 
 
 "And I know I'd have pulled it! that's one temp- 
 tation removed ! Well, let me here and now apologize 
 for my many enormities. I'm most frightfully sorry; 
 I wish you were only sixteen." 
 
 " You may go on just as if I were. They all do." 
 
 " Thank you, Nancy. And so Mrs. Ffinch is law- 
 maker, the local .dictator, and match-maker ? " 
 
 "Yes. She is immensely proud of the Meach affair; 
 but not so proud of Fred Pollard's match. She marriea 
 him off to a girl who was most unsuitable so much so, 
 that Fred fled to Ceylon, and the Pollards are not vei*y 
 good friends with Finchie ! She does not wish Ted to 
 marry Jessie Hicks ; for then Nicky would have to move 
 out of The Corner, and he might take it into his head, 
 to run away with Nellie and she has magnificent plans 
 for her." 
 
 " Wheels within wheels," exclaimed Mayne. " It 
 strikes mfe all the same, that these young people are 
 not desperately in love; if they were, they'd never take 
 all this so tamely, or so to speak, lying down." 
 
 "Well you see, they are all very busy one way or 
 another, and have no time. When they do meet at ten- 
 nis, Finchie mixes the sets, and sorts them out, as you 
 saw ! "
 
 48 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 "Yes, I saw; but I must confess I did not notice the 
 usual interesting signs of mutual attachment." 
 ' No ? What are the signs ? " 
 
 " I don't know much about it, but sitting in one 
 another's pockets, holding one another's hands, and 
 obviously wishing us all at Jericho." 
 
 " Yes. Haven't you been in love yourself? You must 
 you are getting on ! " 
 
 "Getting on, you rude child! Why, I'm only seven 
 and twenty. As to being in love no, never what you 
 mav call, seriously." 
 
 " Seriously 1" 
 
 " That is to say unable to eat, or sleep living solely 
 to see her or if not her the postman, who carries her 
 priceless letters." 
 
 " Ah, you jeer at love ! Perhaps it may pay you out 
 one day." 
 
 "Perhaps! And what about you, Nancy? Has no 
 smart young tennis champion awakened your interest ? ' 
 
 She burst into a peal of laughter her first laugh for 
 four whole days. 
 
 "No, I've never been in love or ever 'will; I haven't 
 a tiny scrap to spare from Daddy; and here he comes 
 to meet us with poor lonely Togo." 
 
 "Well, Nance," he called out, "I've just fixed up a 
 splendid treat for vour birthday." 
 
 "What is it? Oh, tell me quickly quickly !" 
 
 " We are going down to Holikul for three days for 
 a shoot. There is a big native holiday that draws off 
 our coolies, and I've invited the Corner boys; you shall" 
 undertake the commissariat, and play the queen of the 
 party." 
 
 " How delightful, Daddy ! " cried Nancy; then as she 
 glanced at Mayne, "Oh. poor Captain Mayne! your 
 jaw has dropped four cubic inches; but I do assure you, 
 it will be all right when I'm out on a beat, and sit up 
 in a machan, I'm so deadly, deadly, quiet, that you 
 might hear a fly sneeze ! " 
 
 CHAPTER VITI 
 THE PANTHER'S SECOND VICTIM 
 
 THE expedition down to the Holikul jungle, proved a 
 triumphant success, not only in the matter of sport, but 
 of well-chosen and congenial company; Nancy, far from
 
 GIVEN IW MARRIAGE 49 
 
 being an encumbrance, -largely contributed to the com- 
 fort of the party. 
 
 The little camp was surprisingly well found; ice never 
 failed, a tablecloth and brilliant tropical flowers, gave 
 a touch of civilization to the alfresco meals, and after 
 a long arduous beat among sweltering undergrowth, it 
 was agreeable and refreshing, to sit out in the starlightj 
 whilst Nancy and Nicky Byng sang solos and duets, 
 the servants squatted round at a respectful distance, ana 
 Togo kept solitary ward. 
 
 Nancy proved to be well versed in forest lore. What 
 she had picked up as a small 'child, when accompanying 
 her father on various shooting expeditions, had never 
 faded from a mind which held all impressions with 
 tenacity. She knew the names of strange trees, and 
 gorgeous flowering shrubs, and could relate, stirring 
 legends and fabulous tales of the mysterious white tiger. 
 
 In her own line, Miss Travers proved as successful 
 a hostess, as her great example at Clouds Rest, and in 
 spite of her ingenuous girlhood, had a way of mother- 
 ing, and managing, the entire circle. There was not a 
 spark of coquetry in her composition. She chatted to 
 Ted and Nicky, precisely as if she were their pal and 
 comrade, and it was evident to Mayne, that the " Corner 
 boys," no less than Travers himself, worshipped the 
 sole of this wood elf's small brown shoe ! 
 
 Her birthday was an auspicious occasion. The house- 
 servants, and head shikari, offered bouquets and wreaths: 
 " The Corner " presented a tennis bat, and Mayne had 
 surreptitiously placed a little parcel upon Nancy's plate. 
 As she openea the blue velvet case, and beheld its con- 
 tents, she gave a scream of delighted surprise. 
 
 "Oh, Daddy, how dare you? you wicked man ! " she 
 cried; " it's far too beautiful for me. I've always longed 
 for a wristlet watch, but never a gold one like this 
 why, it's prettier than Finchie's," and she rose to 
 embrace him. 
 
 " Here is the wicked man," he protested, pointing to 
 Mayne; "my present has not arrived, but I expect it 
 is waiting for you up at Fairplains." 
 
 "Captain Mayne," she exclaimed, with dancing eyes, 
 "how ever so much too kind of you! I declare I'd 
 like to kiss you.- May I, Daddy?" glancing at him 
 interrogatively:
 
 50 . GIVEN" IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Mayne looked at him expectantly, and stood up, 
 prepared to accept this astonishing favour. 
 
 "My dear child," said Trayers, "you are eighteen 
 to-day, and must not go thrusting your kisses on young 
 men." 
 
 " But I never did before/' she protested. 
 
 " You should keep your first kiss for someone, who 
 may come along one day ! " 
 
 "Oh, Daddy, she murmured, blushing deeply through 
 her tan, " now you have made me feel so shy, and un- 
 comfortable. You all know," appealing to Ted and 
 Nicky, " that I only wanted to do something, just to 
 show Captain Mayne, how delighted I was and am." 
 
 " You can do that in another way, Nancy," he replied, 
 resuming his seat. " Call me by my Christian name 
 the same as these fellows." 
 
 " Derek yes and it's much prettier than Ted, or 
 Nicky." 
 
 "So now, Mayne," said Nicky, "you^are paid off 
 handsomely, and at our expense." 
 
 It was a merry,- not to say noisy breakfast party; 
 N*ancy with two long white wreaths round her neck (in 
 a third shr had invested her father), the wristlet watch 
 on lu-r mahogany wrist, was in the wildest spirits. 
 
 " I woke tiiis morning very early," she said; "almost 
 before the birds, not because I ''was expecting presents 
 in my stocking. like at Christmas time, but because I 
 was going to be eighteen, and I seemed to hear the 
 bamboos you all know how they whisper murmuring 
 to one another, ' Eighteen, eighteen, eighteen ! ' : 
 
 " Eighteen, will havo to take to gloves and corsets," 
 said Nicky, as he fumbled for his pipe. 
 
 " Fancy mentioning such au article in the free-as-air 
 jungle," protested Nancy; "and anyway, my waist is 
 only twenty inches." 
 
 " Nancy, spare us these particulars," protested her 
 father. "One would think you were among a pack of 
 women." 
 
 "Never mind him, Nancy," said T3yng. "Tell him 
 it's too late to start to keep you in bounds and as for 
 waists Ted's is fifty." 
 
 " Daddy, J do wonder what you have got for me," she 
 askod abruptly. "Won't you tell me?' 
 
 " I know," said Mayne; " it's awfully nice, you'll like 
 it better than anything and it's coming all the way 
 from London."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 51 
 
 " Then it must have cost a heap of money," she 
 exclaimed. " Oh, Daddy ! " 
 
 "Oh, Nancy," he echoed, "it's time we made a start; 
 the shikaris are hanging about, so don't let us waste 
 any more time," and he rose, and broke up the party. 
 
 Those three days in the Holikul jungles were a delight- 
 ful, and flawless memory, to all concerned. How rarely 
 can mortals say this ! Sunburnt and weary, the Fair- 
 plains party returned to the shelter of a roof, and a 
 daily delivery of letters, and parcels. The habit had 
 arrived moreover, it fitted. 
 
 Two evenings later, Travers and Mayne, Nancy and 
 the head shikari, had ben for a short, perfunctory beat, 
 round the base of the 'hill on which the bungalow was 
 situated. They were homeward bound, the bag, a mere 
 peaeock. Mayne and his hqst were a little in advance 
 of Nancy, and last came the shikari, carrying the pea- 
 cock, and, Travers' gun. 
 
 "This day week," said Mayne, "I shall be on my 
 way " 
 
 As he was speaking, they turned an abrupt corner, 
 and there, within forty yards, on a slab of rock, lay a 
 sleek panther, and her two fat cubs ! As she sprang 
 erect, Mayne ran forward, and fired. But slightly 
 wounded, she instantly leapt at him, and with such 
 headlong ferocity, and impetus, that the weight of her 
 body knocked him down, and sent his gun flying. 
 Without a second's hesitation, Travers, armed with only 
 a stick, rushed to where the savage brute was worrying 
 her prostrate victim, and with all his might, hit her a 
 smashing blow across the nose. Turning on him, with 
 a furious snarl, she seized him by the forearm, but 
 before she could do more, Tipoo ran up, and shot her 
 through the head. She fell back, and after a fw kicks, 
 and one convulsive quiver, rolled over stone dead. 
 
 The whole scene had taken place within less than the 
 space of two minutes. Nancy at first had stood by, a 
 horrified, and paralysed spectator, but when the panther 
 attacked her father, she ran forward, and struck at it 
 frantically, with her stick. 
 
 And now to take stock of the ' casualties ! Mayne, 
 thanks to a heavy shooting coat, had merely a few 
 bruises, and scratches nothing to speak of, in short 
 a miraculous escape. Travers also, had got off with a 
 scratch on his neck, and a bite on his forearm. The
 
 52 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 latter might have been worse, but his coat had also 
 saved him. 
 
 " Sam's leopard and you nearly got him ! " he said 
 to Mayne. " You fired a bit too soon, my boy." 
 
 " I believe I did I was so keen to get the brute 
 before she bolted, I'm most awfully sorry." 
 
 " Oh, it's all right," replied Travers. " I'm well used 
 to these scraps she's a fine size." 
 
 " Never mind the panther, Dad," interposed Nancy, 
 " but come along at once and have your arm dressed, 
 and Captain Mayne too," and she ran on before them 
 towards the bungalow, to collect, and prepare remedies. 
 
 Nancy had learned " First Aid," and was accustomed 
 to doctor the .household and coolies; she dressed the 
 wounds, and scratches with prompt and skilful fingers, 
 forbade all stimulants, and commanded her patients to 
 rest till dinner-time. This was by no means the first 
 time that Travers had been in a "hand to claw" com- 
 bat, with a wild beast, but to Mayne, it was a novel 
 experience, and he felt not a little shaken, and excited. 
 It is not a pleasant sensation to have a heavy, evil- 
 smelling wild animal, on the top of you, and murderous 
 yellow fangs within six inches of your throat. 
 
 The following morning; the two patients described 
 themselves as " quite fit. Travers with his arm in a 
 sling, went about his everyday business^ and Mayne com- 
 menced to make arrangements for his impending do- 
 Earture. That evening Travers appeared to oe fatigued, 
 is eyes were unusually bright, and Nancy's smiling 
 face, wore an anxious expression. 
 
 " Dad, I'd like to send for Dr. Hicks, to have a look 
 at your arm," she said, as they sat in the verandah after 
 dinner. 
 
 "Certainly not, -Nancy," he replied testily; "you 
 have done everything that is necessary. I daresay I 
 have brought a touch of fever from Holikul. That's all 
 that ails me. The bite is nothing. Now look here, little 
 girl, I won't have you worry." 
 
 As his tone was authoritative, Nancy, whatever she 
 may have thought, said nothing further. 
 
 The next day Travers made a very early start, and 
 did not return, as was often the case, in time for 
 breakfast ; and Nancy and Mayne were tete-a-tete. 
 
 " Father is so hardy and wiry, and so used to jungle 
 accidents," she remarked, "he won't ever allow me to
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 53 
 
 look after him properly. On Tuesday, only for him and 
 his stick," she paused and glanced expressively at 
 Mayne. 
 
 " Yes, by Jove ! the panther would have had me ! 
 There's no doubt your father saved my life. That brute 
 was making for my throat. I saw her yellow eyes glar- 
 ing into mine, she had her claws dug into my shoulders, 
 and, Lord, how her breath smelt ! Yes, for once, I was 
 face to face with death; and I'd be dead and buried 
 now only for that swinging stroke across her muzzle." 
 
 " The cubs made her savage," said Nancy. " Tipoo 
 has shot them both such well-fed, fat, little creatures. 
 All the family skins are now being dried. Only for those 
 cubs, the panther would never haVe faced you they are 
 such slinking, treacherous cowards." 
 
 " And only for your father, I'd not be sitting here." 
 
 " And how dreadful for your poor mother, if anything 
 had happened to you ! If I were to die, it would almost 
 kill Daddy." 
 
 Mayne made no reply. Mentally, he was comparing 
 his mother, with her father. Nancy looked as if she 
 would still be flourishing at the end of half a century, 
 but if anything were, as she expressed it, "to happen 
 to her," it was quite possible,, that Travers would go 
 clean off his head. 
 
 Travers returned at tea-time; as he stumbled into the 
 verandah, and sank exhausted into a chair, he looked 
 completely " done." 
 
 " Ah, I see you have been down to the lower ground," 
 said Nancy. " Now that was really too bad of you, 
 when you have a tpudh^of fever." 
 
 As she handed him his cup she added : 
 
 " Let me feel your hand why, it's almost red-hot ! " 
 
 " My dear child, don't make a fuss," he exclaimed 
 irritably; " I'll take a dose of quinine, and lie down till 
 dinner-time, will that please you 1 " 
 
 Nancy said no more, but shut her lips tightly, and 
 began to prepare his special buttered toast. 
 
 "I can't touch anything," he protested, "but I've 
 an awful thirst on," and he swallowed greedily, one 
 after the other, two large cups of tea. 
 
 " I'm afraid I must worry you, dear Daddy, and dress 
 your arm," she urged. " I promise I'll be as quick as I 
 can," and she led him away to his own room. Presently 
 she returned, and said to Mayne, who was still sitting
 
 54 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 in the verandah : " I want you to ride over at once, and 
 ask Dr. Hicks to drop in this evening, quite casually, 
 of course. I simply dare not tell Daddy I've sent for 
 him; he always pooh-poohs doctors, and illnesses, and 
 he won't allow me to take his temperature, nor will he 
 go to bed. His arm has a queer, livid appearance, and 
 is terribly swollen; I must say, I cannot help feeling 
 rather nervous." 
 
 "Oh, all right," said Mayne, rising; "I'll be off at 
 once, and I'll bring Hicks back with me, dead or alive." 
 
 When Mayne arrived at Panora, Dr. Hicks happened 
 to be out, and it was' nine o'clock when the two men 
 reached Fairplains. By this time Travers, who now 
 admitted that he was "feeling a bit out of sorts," was 
 obviously worse. 
 
 As they rode over, Mayne had given the doctor full 
 particulars, about the panther affair, including the 
 bites, and scratches. 
 
 "There may be poieon in thern," said Dr. Hicks; 
 "these old panthers eat garbage, and putrid carcases, 
 and are nasty brutes to deal with ; and if septic poison 
 sets in, Travers is rather a bad subject, and it may go 
 hard with him. However," he added' philosophically, 
 " there is no use. meeting trouble half way, and what- 
 ever happens, we must keep a cheerful face before 
 Nancy. There's a good, single-hearted child, if ever 
 there was one, and if by any chance, she were to lose her 
 father mind you, I'm not saying there is a chance 
 I don't know what would become of her ! " 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 " GIVE NANCY TO ME ! " 
 
 HAVING examined his patient, Dr. Hicks came out into 
 the verandah in order to confer with Mayne. His face 
 was alarmingly grave, and he spoke with his eyes 
 anxiously fixed on the communicating doors, and in a 
 lowered voice. , 
 
 /'He's pretty bad; high fever, temperature 104; his 
 arm is frightfully swelled it's the bite. ^ I am sending 
 for a nurse and vaccine, also, for my wife. She's un- 
 commonly capable, and always comes well up to scratch 
 on these occasions, and of course, we must have some 
 woman here to look after Nancy in case of " he hesi-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 55 
 
 tated for a second, and added "delirium and com- 
 plications." 
 
 :< You don't mean to say it's as serious as all that? " 
 cried Mayne, aghast. 
 
 "I'm afraid it is; but I'll move heaven and earth 
 to pull Travers through. We can spare anyone, sooner 
 than the Earl, as we call him." 
 
 "Can't I go some message, or be of some use? For 
 God's sake give me a job," and Mayne paused, half 
 choked. " You see, it was through saving me, that 
 Travers is like this!" 
 
 " Oh, all right," agreed the doctor briskly, "then you 
 can ride down to Tirraputty, and send off a couple of 
 wires. It will take you about three hours to get there, 
 riding hard." 
 
 "What about Mrs. Ffinch's car 1 I can drive a motor." 
 
 " She's away in it herself ! gone for a week's tour. 
 She took my girl Jessie, and Nellie Meach, and left no 
 address. ' Expect me when you aee me ' style. Ah, 
 here comes Nancy ! " as the girl, now looking strangely 
 worn, and haggard, came into the verandah. 
 
 " What are you two conspiring about ? " she asked, 
 with a startled expression. 
 
 " I'm only telling Mayne a piece of news. Mrs. Ffinch 
 is away on a motor tour." 
 
 " Oh ! "evidently relieved" is that all ? " 
 
 " Word of honour, yes," the doctor lied with emphasis. 
 
 " Won't you stay and have something 1 " she urged. 
 
 " Oh, well, I don't mirtd. Just anything at all a 
 'bit of cold meat, and a hunch of bread. I'll ask for a 
 shake-down, too." 
 
 " A shake-down ! " staring at him with widely-opened 
 
 eyes; "then you think " and she paused, unable to 
 
 utter another syllable, or articulate her heartsick un- 
 easiness. 
 
 " I think you're a silly girl ! " he said brusquely. 
 " You know as well as I do, that I must dress your 
 father's arm every three 'hours. You'd like him to have 
 the very best attention, my dear, wouldn't you 1 It isn't 
 everyone I'd do as much for. I can tell you, losing 
 my dinner, and sleeping out. I'm sending Mayne here 
 to Tirrapfttty to wire for a nurse.". 
 
 "A nurse! Certainly not!" protested Nancy with 
 energy. "7 am his nurse." 
 
 "Now, my good Nancy, if you are going to be silly
 
 56 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 and obstructive, and to stand in the way of what is 
 necessary for your father, I'd like to know what I'm 
 to do with you 1 " 
 
 " But a nurse an utter stranger ! " 
 
 " Yes, a professional, clear-headed, experienced 
 woman, who has no emotions to counteract her work." 
 
 " Father won't have her ! ! " declared the girl 
 triumphantly. 
 
 " He will, if you ask him," rejoined the doctor. " My 
 dear child, I had no idea you were so set upon your 
 own way." 
 
 "Then I am to realize that father is in danger?" 
 she demanded, with trembling lips. 
 
 " Nothing of the sort," he replied, now lying boldly 
 and well. "You are to realize that you must be a sensible 
 girl, and instead of fighting against remedies, and the 
 doctor, to help him with your last breath." 
 
 Nancy gazed at him steadily, and after a moment's 
 silence, she said : 
 
 " All right, you need not ask me to do my best," and 
 she returned to the sick-room. 
 
 At eight o'clock the following morning, when, stiff and 
 weary, Mayne dismounted from his cop, he found that 
 a dark cloud had settled down on Fairplains. In the 
 verandah, he discovered an anxious gathering, talking 
 together in low voices, and in groups. Here were Ted 
 and Nicky, Tom Pollard, young - Meach and Mrs. 
 Hicks. They each nodded a welcome, and the lady 
 advanced, and said : 
 
 " I came over early; he is worse. The fever is septic," 
 she added, and her round black eyes filled with tears. 
 
 " He is sleeping all right," announced Dr. Hicks, who 
 joined them; "so is Nancy, I put something in her 
 tea. She was up all night, poor child, and is thoroughly 
 worn out. The nurse will be here about eleven, and 
 another doctor." 
 
 " It's too awful ! " stammered Mayne, who had grown 
 ghastly white. " Do you know, Mrs. Hicks, that by 
 rights, I should be in Travers' place ? " 
 
 " Tut, tut, tut ! " she protested, giving him a push ; 
 "you go and have a bath, and some breakfast." 
 
 " Tell me, appealing to her husband, " will he get 
 over it ? Is there no chance 1 " 
 
 "There may be a turn at sundown, please God." 
 
 "If n ot -?"-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 57 
 
 " These cases last about four days that brute's claws 
 were so many poison-bags." 
 
 Without another word, Dr. Hicks turned away. 
 
 At noon, the nurse and specialist, arrived together, 
 and presently there ensued grave consultations, whisper- 
 ings, and ominous shaking of heads. 
 
 On account of its superior size, and in spite of Nancy's 
 frenzied entreaties, the patient was moved into the 
 drawing-room, the most spacious apartment in the 
 bungalow, with a northern aspect. 
 
 Mayne did not venture to speak to Nancy, who looked 
 as if she scarcely recognized him, when she flitted about 
 like a wraith between the sickroom, and verandah. 
 Kindly, vulgar Mrs. Hicks, at whom he used to laug^h^ 
 was now his support and comfort. She brought him 
 bulletins, insisted on his taking food, and appeared to 
 keep the whole establishment together; interviewing 
 callers, writing chits, dispatching messengers, concoct- 
 ing dainties, and altogether reversing. Mayne's opinion 
 of "silly Mrs. Hicks. For her part, she was sincerely 
 sorry for this worn, haggard-looking young man, who 
 seemed to dread the impending tragedy, almost as much 
 as Travers' own daughter. 
 
 Once or twice Mayne had been permitted to stand in 
 the door of the drawing-room, and there exchange a 
 few words with the patient. Quite late that evening, 
 when he was disconsolately pacing the avenue, Mrs. 
 Hicks came out, and joined him. 
 
 How has he been since sundown ? " he inquired. 
 
 " Neither better nor worse. We have sent for Mr. 
 Brownlow, the padre; he will be here early to-morrow 
 evening. Anyway, he'd have had to come up for the 
 funeral." 
 
 " The., funeral ! Oh, good Lord!" exclaimed Mayne 
 in a choked voice, "surely you are not thinking of that?" 
 
 " Now don't you go and break down, my dear boy," 
 said Mrs. Hicks, thumping him on the back; "we must 
 all keep up ; while there's life there's hope, and we have 
 to put on a bold face before Nancy. I have contrived 
 to get her to bed. He sent her. May God forgive me 
 for all the lies I've told that poor child. If this ends 
 badly, it'll break her heart. Poor dear ! I can't think 
 whatever is to become of her ? She won't have a penny 
 of her own in the wide world, and there's no relations 
 to speak of."
 
 58 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 "What no relations'?" repeated Mayne incredu- 
 lously. 
 
 "None that would come forward, anyhow. Her mother 
 was an orphan, and Travels' people broke with him; 
 first of all, because he married a" governess, and lasth T , 
 because he lost his money. However, if Nancy has n 
 belongings, -she has lots of friends up here; we will all 
 do what we can. Well now, I see Francis he wants me," 
 and she hastily abandonee! her companion, learing him 
 tov meditate upon her information. 
 
 Mayne went slowly down to the tennis ground; the 
 tennis ground, entirely secluded, was a refuge, and here 
 he could hold a long and uninterrupted conference with 
 himself. Considering the affair from every point of 
 view, he soon arrived at the conclusion, that he was 
 solely responsible for Nancy's future. Why should these 
 good, kind-hearted people offer her a shelter, when he, 
 who was accountable for a tragedy, that cost her a parent 
 and a home, made no effort to provide for her 1 
 
 During one whole hour, he did a sort of meditative 
 " sentry go " up and down the kunkur courts. Mrs. 
 Hicks' illuminating remarks, had presented Nancy's 
 situation, in its true light: the girl had no relations, 
 no income, and would be entirely dependent on the 
 charity of her kind-hearted neighbours; and he was 
 answerable for the fact, that she would be left homeless, 
 and penniless. If her father had not interfered when 
 the panther attacked him, in another second, the brute 
 would have torn his throat out the blow, transferred 
 her fury to Travers. But for Travers, he would now 
 be lying in a new grave in the garden. The least he 
 could do, was to provide a home for Travers' daughter 
 though nothing could make up to her, for the one she 
 was about to lose. Had his mother been like the usual 
 run of mothers, Nancy could have lived with her; 
 unfortunately there were half a dozen "buts," and Lady 
 Torquilstone abhorred girls. 
 
 There was one alternative; vainly he thrust this from 
 him; but it returned again, and yet again, to confront 
 him inflexibly. Yes, he was powerless against the ma- 
 lignity of events, powerless to evade the inevitable. He 
 must marry Nancy. It was the only thing to do ! He 
 would thankfully have given her half his income; but, 
 it was not to be supposed, that she would accept his 
 money ; she might look upon it as the price of blood !
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 59 
 
 He liked Nancy, she was a really good sporting sort ; 
 straight as a die, a capital pal ; but as a wife he would 
 not know what to make of her? She would be such an 
 unlikely and unaccountable Mrs. Mayne. She looked a 
 mere flapper too, in spite of her eighteen years, and 
 was occasionally capable of the most.startling behaviour. 
 He recalled the kiss she had offered him on her birthday, 
 and her various tomboy tricks. What would the regi- 
 ment think of Nancy? and what would Nancy think of 
 the, regiment ? 
 
 After many pacings to and fro, his mind became 
 definitely resolved. There are moments in the lives of 
 indivichials, when their conduct has to be decided, not 
 by material profit, but by instinctive loyalty to what 
 is best in their nature; and although marriage was the 
 last step Mayne had intended to take, nevertheless he 
 determined to adventure the great plunge ! Yes, his 
 decision was unalterably fixed, there was actual relief 
 in the sensation. -He was turning about for the fiftieth 
 time when he noticed a figure in the moonlight beckon- 
 ing to him violently from the top of the steps. It was 
 Mrs. Hicks, who screamed out : 
 
 "So you're down there, are you? I could not find 
 you ! Been looking for you all over the place. He has 
 been asking for you, and the doctors say you may go in, 
 and stay a quarter of an hour." 
 
 As Mayne entered the sick-room, he noticed even 
 within the last few hours, a grave change in Travers: 
 a change that was the unmistakable forerunner of the 
 last change of all. The siek man's face looked drawn, 
 his sunken eyes extraordinarily bright and restless, 
 with a sort of watching expression. There was also some 
 strange element in the room : something that seemed to 
 be waiting the silence was pregnant, with significance. - 
 
 " My dear fellow, I'm very glad to see you." Travers 
 began, in a thin weak voice; "come and sit down. They 
 are making out that I am in a bad way, and won't allow 
 anyone near me, but Nancy, poor girl. I may pull 
 through, and I hope I shall, for her sake; she's such 
 a child to be left all alone to battle with the world." 
 ' Not alone/' said Mayne gravely, " as long as I am 
 to the fore. By rights I should be lying there instead 
 of you, and if the worst " He could not go on. 
 
 " You are very good, my boy ! Although I have only 
 known you for six weeks, I am as fond of you as of an
 
 69 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 old friend, and indeed you seem so. I've never saved 
 money until lately. There will be enough for Nancy's 
 passage, and perhaps my sister may take the child; she 
 was a spoiled beauty, and is now, to all accounts, a hard, 
 selfish woman. She and I have not spoken for twenty 
 years. Still Nancy is her niece her only near relative. 
 
 "Look here, sir," interrupted Mayne, "by rights I 
 should be in your place, it was all my fault. I was 
 in too great a hurry. I blundered shockingly when I 
 aimed, so deadly keen to shoot Sam's panther; but I 
 only enraged her, and made her charge. You knew my 
 father, and are good enough to say, you like me. I 
 have five hundred a year, besides my pay give Nancy 
 into my care. Give Nancy to me!" 
 
 Trayers gazed at him steadily; the sunken dark eyes 
 were interrogative. 
 
 " As my wife, of course," he continued nervously. " I 
 swear to you, that I'll look upon her as a sacred trust, 
 and do all I can to make her happy. As it is, we are 
 capital friends ; I believe she likes me and I am awfully 
 fond of her. We really know one another far better than 
 most people who marry having lived here together for 
 the last six weeks. What do you say ? " 
 
 "I am a bit surprised," replied Travers at last; 
 " although the notion of my little Nance being married 
 seems preposterous, you have lifted a heavy load off my 
 mind, and God bless you." He put out a burning hand, 
 which Mayne wrung.. Then he added, " But I cannot 
 allow you'to talk as if I had sacrificed myself; it was 
 all in the day's work, the fortune of war and I'll be 
 with my other Nancy before long." 
 
 <r May I speak to Nancy 1 " asked Mayne, after a 
 short silence, "or shall I wait?" 
 
 " No, I never was a fellow to put off things. I'll see 
 her as soon as possible, and look here, Derek," and he 
 gazed up at him appealingly,. "would you think I was 
 rushing you, if I asked you to have the marriage before 
 I go ? Then she will not be heft so desolate, my poor 
 little dajrling. She will have her natural protector. Do 
 vou mind? I know it mav seem a bit sudden." 
 
 " No," replied Mayne firmly. " I think it will be best. 
 I'll make arrangements at once." 
 
 "All right, then I'll have a talk to Nancy by and by, 
 and you shall hear what she says. Of course I know 
 there's never been any sort of flirting, or- love-making
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 61 
 
 between you she's just a child ! but I'd leave her with 
 a happy mind, if I knew that my little girl was in the 
 care of a good, honest fellow, like yourself. It will be 
 a queer coincidence if Derek Mayne's son is to be the 
 husband of my daughter. The parson will be here to- 
 morrow, and may find two jobs. Ah, Nurse, all right 
 I'll stop ! No, I've not been doing myself" any harm 
 very much the other way. Good-night, my boy." 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 MARRIAGE AND DEATH - 
 
 VERY early the next morning when Nancy came out of 
 her father's room, she found Mrs. Hicks already in the 
 verandah, wrapped in a flaming kimona, and sipping a 
 cup of tea. 
 
 "Well, dear child?" she began, then paused, and 
 looked at her interrogatively. 
 
 " Daddy has been talking to- me," she announced in 
 a dull voice, staring at Mrs. Hicks with a curious dazed 
 expression, " and he he wishes me to marry Captain 
 Mayne." 
 
 " Lors ! " exclaimed her companion, jumping to her 
 feet. "Whatever for?" 
 
 " Because, I'm so alone in the world, and have no 
 home ! " replied the girl, as if she was repeating a lesson. 
 
 " And what does the Captain say ? " 
 
 " He Avishes it too." 
 
 "And what do T/ow^say, Ducky?" 
 
 " Oh,'* with a frantic gesture of her hand, "is it any 
 matter about me? Don't you know, that I would kill 
 myself, that I would be cut in Jittle pieces, if it would 
 give any relief to Daddy, and I am the one thing that 
 seems to trouble him." 
 
 "Well, I won't say that it isn't a wise plan!" de- 
 clared Mrs. Hicks, folding her fat arms in her kimona; 
 " the Captain is a fine young fellow, and has everyone's 
 good word, even Mrs. Pollard, and you know how she 
 takes a bit out of people. But still, if you don't really 
 fancy him, dearie, I wouldn't. Marriage," now sitting 
 down, " is a big affair, not to be settlea at a moment's 
 notice, like a game of tennis. This Mayne, they say, hag 
 high and mighty relations, and I don't believe there's 
 ever been a word of love talk between you much less 
 a kiss." 
 
 c
 
 62 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Nancy made a movement of fierce repudiation. 
 
 " And from something Mrs. F. dropped," resumed 
 Mrs. Hicks, " I know she has her plans for you as well 
 as others." 
 
 " Don't ! " cried the girl. " Don't talk of plans, and 
 schemes it's this very second that counts. I shall do 
 whatever pleases Daddy and I'm going to speak to 
 Captain Mayne now." 
 
 " Well, maybe it's all for the best ! Anyhow, it'll be 
 a wonderful ease to your poor father. God help you, 
 my child ! " 
 
 "They wish the marriage to take place to-morrow," 
 said Nancy, and her lips twitched visibly as she added 
 "when Mr. Brownlow comes." 
 
 "Well I never!" ejaculated Mrs. Hicks, and her round 
 ruddy face assumed an awestruck expression, " but 
 there's sense in that ^ too. If it was put off, and you 
 were to go hon\e, things might happen. Some young 
 men are as slippery as heels. Mind you, I'm not saying 
 one word against Mayne; he doesn't seem that sort 
 his mouth has a tight look. Still, one of you, might be 
 talked out of it-^-like my own Jessie." 
 
 During this oration. Nancy's face had become as rigid 
 and set as that of a waxen mask, suddenly laying her 
 hand on Mrs. Hicks' arm, she said : 
 
 "If 'father dies, I don't care what, becomes of me! 
 I only hope and pray, I may not live long. I'll do 
 anything he asks for now, fancy the horror that would 
 haunt me, if I were to say no, to his very last wishes !" 
 
 " Nancy, child, if you could only cry, it would be 
 such a wonderful relief to your poor heart. Lors, here 
 is Mayne coming ! Maybe you'd better take him into 
 the Den, and talk it out face to face." 
 
 " You know all about it, Nancy," he began, when she 
 beckoned him to follow her into the little room, where 
 both had spent such pleasant hours. 
 
 She nodded assent. Within the last three days the girl 
 appeared to have undergone an extraordinary change; 
 the childish air had vanished; her face was shrunken, 
 and drawn, all life and spontaneity had departed,. She 
 wore a long white peignoir, which gave her height and 
 dignity, and looked years older in short, it was another 
 personality. 
 
 "You know I'm awfully fond of you, Nance," con-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 63 
 
 tinned Mayne, stooping to take a cold, limp hand, " and 
 that I'll do my very best to make you happy." 
 
 " Happy! " and she dashed his hand aside, " as if I 
 could ever be happy again ! " 
 
 " You will, by and by," he went on steadily, unmoved 
 by her outburst; "we shall settle .down; you will get v 
 used to - soldiering and this awful time will be as a 
 bad dream." 
 
 "Never," rejoined Nancy with emphasis. "Bad 
 dreams are forgotten. Do you imagine, that I shall 
 ever forget this? " and she stared at him with a pair 
 of tearless, glittering eyes. Then there ensued a long, 
 expressive, and uncomfortable pause, during which Togo 
 trotted in, and gazed at the couple. .They seemed so 
 odd, almost like two strangers : the girl sitting by the 
 closed piano, the man with his hands in his pockets, 
 standing with his back to the wall. After a moment's 
 hesitation, and bewilderment, Togo trotted cut. 
 
 " Well, Nancy, what do you think ? " inquired Mayne 
 at last. , 
 
 " I'll do anything father wishes anything to make 
 him at ease. They say," and she choked, then continued 
 in a hard, metallic voice, " he has only two days to live." 
 
 " I wish to God it had been me instead," burst out 
 Mayne 
 
 " So do I," agreed Nancy, with pitiless fervour, and 
 something wild, and hostile, looked out of her eyes as she 
 added, " and only for Daddy, it would have been you." 
 
 " That is true; he gave his life for mine." 
 
 "And," said the girl, rising as she spoke, "I am to 
 give mine to you; well, since he wishes it, you may 
 take it ! " 
 
 Without another word or glance, she turned her back 
 upon Mayne, and departed to her post in the sick-room. 
 
 During all this time, Mrs. Hicks, as her husband had 
 boasted, came well to the fore. Apparently accustomed 
 to sickness, and death, she was surprisingly energetic 
 and practical, altogether a saner, more subdued, and 
 silent, Mrs. Hicks. 
 
 The doctor's verdict had now gone forth, and the 
 whole establishment was figuratively clothed in sackcloth 
 and ashes. Neighbours from far and near crowded the 
 verandah; melancholy and dejected, these awaited bul-
 
 64 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 letins, and in some cases, farewell interview with their 
 dying friend. 
 
 Nancy never appeared among the callers, everything 
 remained in the hands of Dr. and Mrs. Hicks. When 
 a visitor entered the sick-room, she noiselessly slipped 
 away, but at other times, Travers' dog, and Travers' 
 daughter, were his chief companions. 
 
 The grim drawing-room had been completely altered 
 to suit its present use. Most of the hateful black furni- 
 ture was piled up behind the screen ! A small camp bed,, 
 a long arm-chair, and a round table occupied the middle 
 of the apartment. On the latter, a few books, photo- 
 graphs, and odds and ends Travers' poor treasures 
 had been hastily collected. 
 
 The sick man was not in bed, but reclined in the long 
 chair wrapped in his dressing-gown, with death in his 
 face, a stout heart in his breast, the only cheerful in- 
 mate in Fail-plains. His left arm and hand were terribly 
 swellen. With his right he had written a few lines to 
 his sister, and to Fletcher. Short notes enclosed and 
 addressed by Nancy. Also he had made his will, and 
 given her many directions, and much advice; to all of 
 which the girl had listened with immovable composure 
 knowing that to break down would be terribly distressing 
 to her father who, with extraordinary fortitude, now 
 calmly awaited the end. 
 
 The following morning Mr. Brownlpw arrivedj and 
 was hospitably entertained "by Mrs. Hicks. To his im- 
 mense surprise, the wire which summoned him, had in- 
 vited him not only to visit a sick friend, but to prepare 
 for the solemnization of a marriage, and his amazement 
 was not lessened, when informed that Travers' little 
 Nancy was to be the bride ! 
 
 A lengthy interview with the dying man was inter- 
 rupted by Mrs. Hicks, who entered the drawing-room, 
 bearing in either hand a large vase of white lilies a 
 signal for the wedding ceremony. Presently Mayne ap- 
 peared in his Sundav suit, prayer-book in hand, followed 
 by Dr. Hicks, Ted Dawson, and, by special desire, 
 Francis, a Catholic. The last to arrive was Nancy 
 wearing a fresh white linen frock. Then the dolors were 
 closed, and after a little confidential discussion, and 
 whispering, the ceremony commenced. 
 
 The couple about to be married, took their places 
 before Mr. Brownlow, who used an old prie-dieu as
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 66 
 
 desk. Nancy stood as close as possible to her father, 
 who, at the question, " Who giveth this woman to be 
 married to this man? " in a firm, loud voice, answered, 
 "I do." 
 
 Accordingly " Eleanora Nancy " was married (with 
 her mother's wedding-ring) to " Derek Danvers Mayne." 
 The bridegroom appeared grave and anxious, the bride 
 looked like an automaton, going through a mechanical 
 performance, for which she had been earefully wound up. 
 
 When the Service was ended, the certificate duly 
 signed, and witnessed, there was a celebration of the 
 Holy Communion, and the little gathering retired. 
 
 It was an ominous fact, that as soon as she found 
 herself alone, the first thing that the bride did, was to 
 tear off her wedding-ring, and lock it away. It had 
 been decided by Mayne and Travers, that the marriage 
 was to be kept secret, at least until after the funeral, 
 and everything went on precisely as if it had not taken" 
 place. 
 
 With regard to the funeral, the presence of Mr. Brown- 
 low awaiting the occasion for his services, seemed to 
 Nancy, Mayne. and others, a most hideous and heart- 
 rending necessity : Laurence Travers was still j.n the 
 land of the living, and here was his friend Brownlow, 
 waiting on at Fairplains, as all the world was aware, 
 in order to read the funeral service over his dead body ! 
 
 Nancy and Mayne encountered one another in the sick- 
 room and at mealsj for Mrs. Hicks was inflexible with 
 regard to food. She scolded vigorously, in a subdued 
 voice, when the girl refused to eat; demanding to know, 
 what was the good of her starving herself, and of being 
 laid up, and no use to r anyone 2 
 
 Nancy rarely opened her lips, the dread of her im- 
 pending, bereavement was beyond words. She had lost 
 much of her deep tan colour, and looked pinched, and 
 haggard; it was a young, face, aged and racked with 
 torture, yet so far, she had not shed one single tear. On 
 the contrary, her eyes had a fixed glassy stare, like those 
 of a wax doll. 
 
 " Feed her up, and keep her going ! " was Dr. Hicks' 
 counsel to the newly-wed" bridegroom. " The girl is so 
 unnaturally restrained, that I'm afraid of some sort 
 of a bad collapse." 
 
 But whenever Mayne urged Nancy to rest, or to spare 
 herself, he was met with an impatient shrug, or a brusque
 
 66 . GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 refusal; and realized the uncomfortable fact, that she 
 rarelj' spoke to, or looked at him, of her own accord; 
 but naturally every precious moment was devoted to 
 her dying father. 
 
 Travers' slight recovery on the day of the wedding was 
 followed that night by a grave relapse, turning to de- 
 lirium, finally coma; and the following day, he passed 
 away at sunset. The prayers for the aying offered by 
 Mr. Brownlow were almost drowned in the clanging of 
 the coolies' gong. Their task for the day was over 
 and Travers' life's work ended at the same hour. 
 
 That night the bungalow itself was silent as a tomb, 
 but the peaceful repose was broken by the weird death 
 wail in the go-downs and coolies' quarters. 
 
 The funeral was immense. People from great dis- 
 tances, hills and plains alike, flocked to pay the last 
 tribute to an old friend. Laurence Travers had been 
 in Coffee for twenty-five years. 
 
 Among the most prominent mourners were Mr. and 
 Mrs. Ffinch ; she had only returned home that morning, 
 and was shocked by the news which assailed her, almost 
 before she had set foot in her house. Having been be- 
 yond the reach of letters, this was the first that she had 
 heard, even of Travers illness : and the sudden an- 
 nouncement of his death, was a stunning blow. Although 
 tired, and inclined to be hysterical, she pulled herself 
 together with a great effort in order to accompany her 
 husband to -Fairplains. 
 
 During the Burial Service many of the women wept. 
 Nancy never shed a tear, but stood by the grave-side 
 like a graven image in white stone. Afterwards, she 
 fled away to her room, where she locked herself in ; re- 
 fusing admittance to all, even deaf to the beseeching 
 of her own dearest, and broken-hearted, " Finchie." 
 
 Truly these were really miserable days for Derek 
 Mayne ! who weighed down by the loss of a good friend, 
 and his own share in the tragedy, had now added to 
 his trouble, a wife who undoubtedly hated him ! He 
 read this fact in her dull, but still expressive eyes. She 
 avoided him pointedly; even at the funeral,, she had 
 moved from his side in order to stand by Mrs. Ffinch ; 
 and once, when he had made an attempt to offer con- 
 solation and a caress, she had looked^at nim so fiercely; 
 almost as if she could have struck him ! Of course the 
 miserable child was nearly off her head and no wonder ;
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 67 
 
 but this was not an encouraging beginning for a life- 
 long partnership ! 
 
 His leave would be up in three days, and what then ? 
 The estate must be taken in hand at once: Ted and 
 Nicky were working it at present, like the good fellows 
 that they were, but a capable manager who could live 
 on the spot, was in this, the busiest season, absolutely 
 essential. 
 
 In the East, events march with amazing speed; as one 
 man falls, another fills his place^-and so the world rolls 
 on. Almost everything at Fairplains, except such mat- 
 ters as books, guns, a few pieces of old china and silver, 
 belonged, as Travers had once expressed it, " lock, stock 
 and barrel " to Tom Fletcher; so the personal estate was 
 easily wound up. The assets were small; but on the 
 other hand there were no debts. 
 
 Dr. Hicks had taken his departure, but his good, 
 capable wife still remained in charge of Nancy, and 
 the household. Mayne and she dined t&te-a-tete ; and 
 somehow in her brusque matter-of-fact way, she cheered 
 him: she talked of Nancy as "a darling; a girl with 
 a heart of gold, who, when she had found her breath, 
 again, after such a terrible experience, would make him 
 the best of wives, and was fit for any society." 
 
 "You only saw the jungle side," she explained, ".but 
 I can tell you, that Miss Nancy is accomplished; she 
 can play the piano, and sing and dance as well as the 
 best of your tip-toppers; she didn't waste her time at 
 school, you bet ! She cost Laurence Travers about two 
 hundred a year, he never spared any expense upon his 
 girl we all know that." 
 
 When Mrs. Hicks had withdrawn she was an early 
 to bed lady Mayne wandered about alone in the bright 
 moonlight, thinking sorrowfully of the dead man. 
 
 Was it but a week ago, when they two, discussing a 
 question of European politics, had paced this very path, 
 and since then, his companion had set out for the un- 
 discovered country? It seemed incredible. 
 
 By and by he went and stood by the newly made 
 grave; something was lying across it, crushing all the 
 beautiful wreaths and flowers. What was it ? On nearer 
 inspection it proved to be Togo; who recognized his 
 disturber with a threatening growl. 
 
 From the grave Mayne returned to the bungalow, 
 and sat for a long time alone in the empty verandah
 
 68 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 what a change was here ! The merry voices, and the 
 laughing that filled it a week ago, already belonged to 
 the past ; every door stood wide, and a chill deathlike 
 stillness pervaded the premises. Even in the servants' 
 quarters what a singular absence of sound ! 
 
 All at once a wholly inexplicable impulse impelled 
 Mayne to enter the room where Travers ha,d breathed 
 his last; the corners looked mysteriously, and forbid- 
 dingly dark; but in the centre, where the moonlight 
 streamed, it was as light a day. The little iron cot 
 had been neatly made up, in the long chair Mayne 
 started, the moon discovered a prone figure Nancy ! 
 with her head buried among the cushions; and some- 
 thing in the absolute abandonment of her limp and 
 lifeless attitude, brought to his mind the picture of a 
 dead white bird. 
 
 He stole away, noiseless as^a shadow, with these two 
 scenes indelibly fixed upon 4iis memory ; Togo, keeping 
 watch and ward over the grave, Nancy prostrate in the 
 death chamber. Surely few men had ever awakened such 
 profound grief, as Laurence Travers. 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 MRS. FFINCH INTERVENES 
 
 THE Honourable Mrs. Ffinch was not merely the happy 
 possessor of an energetic mind, but of an elastic 
 physique. As soon as she had recovered from the shock 
 of Travers' death, heart and soul she set about arrang- 
 ing his affairs naturally beginning with his orphan 
 daughter ! 
 
 Accordingly the afternoon after the funeral, the 
 Clouds Rest car once more glided up to Fairplains. 
 On this occasion the visitor was immediately admitted 
 to see Nancy; who thanks to Mrs. Hicks' almost violent 
 insistence, had rested and eaten a mid-day meal. The 
 white and tearless girl submitted very patiently to her 
 friend's caresses and condolence. At last Mrs. Ffinch 
 released her, and sat down, still holding her hand, as 
 if she feared her escape, began to talk to her most 
 seriously. 
 
 "Well, my dear child, I've settled everything! your 
 room at Clouds Rest is ready, the Dirzee is waiting to 
 fit your mourning, and I have come to fetch you away,
 
 GIVEN IN CARRIAGE 69 
 
 for I don't intend to leave you another day with Mrs. 
 Hicks." 
 
 " She has been so very, very kind," murmured Nancy. 
 " I don't know what I should have done without her. 
 
 The visitor dismissed this statement, with an im- 
 patient gesture, as she resumed : 
 
 " And there's Captain Mayne ! What is he waiting 
 for ? " 
 
 . " I suppose he is waiting for me," was the unexpected 
 reply. 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch's large thin-lipped mouth opened, but no 
 words came forth, she merely gaped upon her young 
 friend. 
 
 " We were married on Friday," calmly announced 
 the bride. 
 
 "You were what? " cried Mrs. Ffinch, hastily rising 
 and towering over the speaker. 
 
 " Married married in the drawing-room here. Father 
 wished it." 
 
 " And you? " demanded her breathless inquisitor. 
 
 " Oh no." 
 
 Here, within a few hours, was the second shock which 
 Mrs. Ffinch had sustained. To return to a hum-drum 
 neighbourhood, after merely a week's absence, and to 
 find awaiting her, not only a sudden death, but a sud- 
 den, amazing, and crazy marriage ! Her head felt 
 swimming; yet such was the lady's ruling passion and 
 ardour for managing, that even this unparalleled situa- 
 tion, presented its compensations ! With admirable 
 persistence and patience, she succeeded in dragging some 
 facts from her half-stunned and apathetic companion; 
 and when all was made clear, she said : 
 
 " Fancy 1 of all people in the world you and Derek 
 Mayne ! Such a hopelessly unsuitable couple to be 
 chained together for life ! What have you in common ? " 
 
 Nancy shook her head. She was not in a frame of 
 mind to furnish either reasons, or arguments. 
 
 " Nothing whatever," resumed Mrs. Ffinch, answering 
 her own question. " Certainly not sportr- -you merely 
 went shooting, so as to be with your Daddy : you know 
 you hate killing things ; you and Mayne. agreed to sacri- 
 fice yourselves, just to give that poor fellow an easy 
 mind. My dear, have you thought of the future ? " 
 
 Nancy made no reply, her eyes were fastened on the
 
 70 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 corner of the room. Undoubtedly her thoughts were 
 miles away from her companion. 
 
 "Has Captain Mayne any plans'? Come, come, Nancy, 
 don't look so dull, and dazed." 
 
 " I don't know." 
 
 a Don't know," repeated her friend, in a tone of 
 exasperation. " My dear good child, do try and rouse 
 yourself, and think." 
 
 " I think," said the girl, speaking very deliberately 
 and as if talking was an immense effort, "that he is 
 going away the day after to-morrow." 
 
 "And you too? " 
 
 " I suppose so," assented the bride, in a tone of stolid 
 indifference. 
 
 " Good heavens you ' suppose,' and you ' don't know.' 
 Have you talked it over together ? " 
 
 "No," was the whispered reply. 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch threw up her shapely hands with a gesture 
 of despair. 
 
 " This private marriage has taken place simply be- 
 cause your father saved your husband s life." 
 
 " Don't call him my husband ! " burst out Nancy, 
 with a lightning flash of her former self. 
 
 " Well, dear, I won't, if you don't like it. Your poor 
 Daddy has left you alone and from what I hear 
 almost penniless." 
 
 These were hard words, and facts ; but the Honourable 
 Julia Ffinch never flinched from the plainest of plain- 
 speaking. 
 
 " And Mayne naturally feels bound in honour to 
 provide for you." 
 
 An expressive silence followed this bald statement. 
 
 "Dear me, how you do stare, child! You know, I'm 
 fond of you, Nancy, darling, and I'm most frightfully 
 upset about all this terrible trouble; but iust at the 
 moment, I want to put my own feelings entirely aside, 
 and try and act for your benefit. I had no idea, that we 
 were in the least likely to lose you, or that you were 
 on the brink of such an awful leap in the dark. There's 
 no time to be lost; now is the moment for action. I 
 shall go and have a good square talk with Captain 
 Mayne. I see him wandering about outside, looking for 
 all the world as if he were a lost dog." 
 
 As Mrs. Ffinch stepped down from the verandah to 
 accost him, her first words were :
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE . 71 
 
 " So you and Nancy are married ! " 
 
 "Yes," he replied. "Don't you approve?" 
 
 " I am simply horrified," she answered, with deliber- 
 ate emphasis " Yes, I am." 
 
 " But why 1 " he asked. " It was quite a sound thing 
 to do." 
 
 " Only for the circumstances of the case, neither of 
 you would ever have dreamt of such a mad proceeding. 
 Come, would you honour bright ? " 
 
 " Well, I don't suppose we should," he admitted 
 reluctantly. 
 
 " Now look here, Captain Mayne," turning to pace 
 beside him. "I must speak my mind. You don't care 
 a pin for one another. Nancy is a mere child of free- 
 dom, a child still in many ways, and totally inexperi- 
 enced.; you spend your life in military harness. What 
 will become of her as a regimental lady ? " 
 
 Mayne coloured, and gave a short uneasy laugh. 
 
 "Oh, she'll be all right, I daresay." 
 
 " Why, only the other day you solemnly assured me, 
 that you wouldn't marry for years if ever. I remember 
 you quoted Kipling, ' He travels fastest, who travels 
 alone.'' 
 
 "That's true," he admitted, "but unexpected things 
 happen. One never can tell. I daresay Nancy and I 
 will worry along as well as other people/' 
 
 "What a nice, cheerful way of looking at it," ex- 
 claimed Mrs. Ffinch. 
 
 " Well, of course we have made an awkward sort of 
 start; and at present Nancy, who used to be my beat 
 friend, cannot endure me in her sight. I shall let her 
 have everything her own way anyhow for a time for 
 I can thoroughly understand her feelings. Only for 
 me, her father might be here talking to you at this 
 moment. However, I intend to do my big best. Per- 
 haps once Nancy has left these surroundings, she may 
 not take things so desperately hard. Our Colonel's wife 
 is a rare good sort, "and will mother her; and I'll bring 
 along the old ayah, the pony, and the dog, so that she 
 won't feel altogether too strange. I must go' down the 
 day after to-morrow ; and there are lots of things to 
 settle up before that." 
 
 " You will come over, and say good-bye to us, won't 
 you ? Hector would like to see you, to talk business.
 
 72 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 He is arranging for a temporary manager until he hears 
 from Mr. Fletcher. He sent him a cable yesterday. 7 ' 
 
 After a little conversation respecting the new manager, 
 and the winding-up of the household, Mrs. Ffinch re- 
 turned to Nancy, whom she found precisely as she had 
 left her, sitting with clasped hands, and downcast eyes, 
 staring hard at the floor. 
 
 " Come, come, my dear ! " she protested briskly, " try 
 and put away your grief for a few minutes, and listen 
 to me, for I'm going to talk to you, for your lifelong 
 good." 
 
 Nancy raised herself with an effort, and gazed at her 
 adviser with a pair of large, lack-lustre, eyes. 
 
 " Nancy, I have come to the conclusion, that you and 
 Captain Mayne can never be happy together. He is 
 not one bit in love I suppose you realize that. He 
 married you simply to fulfil what he considered a duty, 
 the payment of an enormous debt 1 He belongs to a 
 totally different class County people. I know his uncle 
 and I know his mother an odious, overbearing, .cat 1 
 A super cat ! I daresay you are just as well born, but 
 you will find that between you, and his people, a great 
 gulf is fixed. They will forget the true reason for the 
 match, and declare that he has been ' run in.' He has 
 assured me more than once that he had no intention of 
 marrying; and is excessively apxious to get on in his 
 profession. I remember him saying that his sword was 
 his helpmate, and I know from my own experience, that 
 an officer hampered by a wife with no fortune, no helpful 
 connections, is too heavily weighted." 
 
 "Then what do you advise me to do?" murmured 
 Nancy, almost inaudibly. 
 
 " Remain with me at Clouds Rest, and let him return 
 to Cananore alone. Leave details to me; I can arrange 
 everything, I shall love doing it ! Scarcely a soul 
 knows of the ceremony, and we shall keep it dark. When 
 once you are comfortably established with us, you shall 
 write to Captain Mayne, and tell him that he is ab- 
 solutely released." 
 
 "But will it not be breaking a promise to father?" 
 and Nancy rose out of her chair, and stood before her 
 adviser, a limp, and dejected figure an almost unrecog- 
 nizable Nancy ! 
 
 "No, my dearest child; you know, as well as I do, 
 that your Daddy's sole idea was for your happiness.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 73 
 
 This scrambled up ' shilling shocker ' affair would be 
 fdr your misery." 
 
 Mrs. F finch waxed eloquent. She warmed with her 
 subject; excitement, and enthusiasm carried to her feet, 
 and she stalked about the room, declaiming with both 
 hands. On more than one occasion, she had made a 
 marriage ; here was a notable opportunity to break one ! 
 This idea, to do her justice, was not the sole cause of 
 her energetic intervention. Nancy, more dead than 
 alive, had apparently no interest in her future; and 
 was willing to drift wherever a miserable fate would 
 take her ; but Julia Ffinch was not the woman to suffer 
 a favourite puppet to be lost to her in such a fashion ! 
 Nancy should have another chance, recover her health, 
 and spirits at Clouds Rest and let Captain Mayne go 
 his own way. 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch had mapped out Nancy's future with a 
 bewildering thoroughness, and continued her exposition, 
 and arguments with unabated zeal. As for Captain 
 Mayne, he would thankfully snatch at such a chance 
 of liberty; for never had she seen a young man so 
 alarmingly altered, and depressed. _ 
 
 " If you and Captain Mayne stick to one another, 
 it will be," she announced, " a deplorable calamity for 
 both, and his professional ruin. If either of you were 
 in love, of course I would not say a word ; but this is 
 really too celd-blooded ! Mayne married you to pay the 
 price for his life you married him because your father 
 was naturally anxious to see you provided for; there 
 is the whole affair in a nutshell," extending two ex- 
 pressive hands, " and in my opinion, the kernel is 
 rotten ! 
 
 11 If I had been at home, this preposterous ceremony 
 would never have taken place. Thank goodness, it can 
 be hushed up, and smothered here among the coffee 
 bushes. Should it ever try to come to life, the marriage 
 must be annulled. As far as witnesses are concerned, 
 there will be no difficulty. Doctor and Mrs. Hicks won't 
 talk; and Mr. Brownlow is about to settle in Tasmania. 
 You will come and live with me, and be my daughter " 
 then with a cautious- afterthought, " at any rate for the 
 present. As for Captain Mayne, he will rejoin his regi- 
 ment, and there won't be a whisper ! He is coming over 
 to-morrow to Clouds Rest. I'll have a serious interview 
 with him, and tell him that he must really leave you
 
 74 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 with me. I know he will jump at the offer, and be only 
 too thankful to go off alone. Then as soon as he has 
 cleared out, you and I will put our heads together, and 
 write him such a clear, decisive letter, and put the matter 
 so effectively, that he will withdraw all claim." 
 
 Here Mrs. Ffinch paused, a little out of breath from 
 this long oration, and surveyed her companion 
 judicially. 
 
 " Now what do you say, Nancy ? Take your choice 1 
 Will you come to me? or go to him? " 
 
 " I hate him 1 " was the startling rejoinder. 
 
 " Ah, so I see you've made up your mind ! Then the 
 day after to-morrow, I'll fetch you; I shall tell your 
 ayah to put your things together. I've given you the 
 big room so that you can have all your own particular 
 belongings round you and I've ordered lots of mourning 
 paper. Well now, good-bye my own darling, don't think 
 too much; don't let Mrs Hicks worry you, and don't 
 see more of him than you can help," and she nodded 
 her head expressively. 
 
 Then Mrs. Ffinch went forth, and was ceremoniously 
 conducted to her car by Captain Mayne, who, as he 
 walked beside her, dropping a casual "yes" or "no," 
 little dreamt of the scheme that was maturing in his 
 companion's ever active brain. 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 "EXIT NANCY" 
 
 IT was after sundown, when Nancy's eloquent visitor, 
 had taken a prolonged farewell, and a reluctant de- 
 parture. She was immediately succeeded by Mrs. Hicks, 
 charged with cheerful talk, anxious interrogations and 
 an enticing description of the forthcoming dinner; 
 nevertheless, the girl declared that she felt dead tired, 
 and would rather not appear, but have something sent 
 in to her on a tray. t 
 
 As soon as the servants' voices, and the clatter of 
 plates, assured h&r that the meal was in active progress, 
 Nancy slipped out, and stole down to the tennis ground, 
 in order to breathe a little fresh air, and secure an un- 
 interrupted think. The tennis ground was the most 
 secluded resort about the premises, being sunken in the 
 hillside, and invisible from the bungalow. It was a
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 75 
 
 pregnant coincidence, that the recently married couple 
 had each sought the same sanctuary ! ' 
 
 Nancy paced slowly ^to and fro; the agony of appre- 
 hension, and the tension of a desperate hope, had come 
 to an end. She was turning over in her mind the various 
 statements, that Mrs. Ffinch had so frankly disclosed. 
 One or two stark-naked facts boldly presented themselves. 
 Fact number one : Captain Mayne had married her for 
 no other reason, than to discharge a debt, and to give 
 her his protection, and a home. This plain and odious 
 truth, was unbearable. Once upon a time indeed only 
 a week ago she had liked Captain Mayne so much ; but 
 now her feelings had undergone a sharp change, and all 
 she felt for him, was shuddering aversion. Yesterday, 
 when he had put his hand on her shoulder, she had felt 
 inclined to scream ! It was undeniable proclaimed 
 another stout fact that she had assented to the mar- 
 riage; but if it was. ruinous to Captain Mayne, abhorrent 
 to herself, and unfair to them both, why hold to it? 
 
 Another glaring truth revealed, that she was absolutely 
 homeless unless she followed her fate to Cananore, or 
 accepted what was neither more nor less than Mrs. 
 Punch's charity ! Surely there, must be a third alter- 
 native 1 For the last eighteen months, she had held the 
 purse-strings, and saved her Daddy many rupees, and 
 after the servants' wages and other expenses were settled, 
 there remained sufficient money to pay her passage home, 
 and leave a margin of about twenty pounds. 
 
 She would go straight to her old school at Eastbourne : 
 Mrs. Beccles who had always been her friend would 
 no doubt allow her to remain there for a week or two, 
 and assist her to find a situation as companion, or 
 governess. She was determined not to be carried off to 
 Clouds Rest ; there, to become a pensioner 2 and non- 
 paying guest. She was .really fond of Finchie. who was 
 immensely kind, and generous ; but Finchie had more 
 than once openly lamented, that " she so soon got tired 
 of people ! What if she grew tired of her? As Nancy 
 cast her thoughts back, she recalled the reigns of Blanche 
 Meach; of Nicky Byng; of Jessie; and there was no 
 denying the fact that at the moment, she herself was 
 the official favourite. Even if she went to Clouds Rest 
 for a few weeks, it would be only to prolong the present 
 agony, and defer a crisis. 
 
 To remain in the neighbourhood of Fairplains, where
 
 76 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 she and her father had been so supremely happy; with 
 strangers occupying their rooms, riding their ponies, 
 playing on this very tennis ground, no, never ! And 
 then all the talk and commiseration, although so kindly 
 meant, would drive her crazy ! There was a loop-hole 
 of escape overlooked by Mrs. Ffinch. She would go down 
 to her old nurse, Jane Simpson, at Ooimbatorc, and 
 start to-morrow night, leaving two letters, one for Cap- 
 tain Mayne, and one for Finchie. Finchie would be 
 furious; she could almost see her face, after she had 
 read and digested her leave-taking epistle ! But, after 
 all, she must live her own life, such as it was; and go 
 her own way. What she did, or where she went, was of 
 little matter to anyone. Nurse Jane would not worry 
 her with plans, and questions she understood ; she al- 
 ways did ; and later on, when she felt stronger, not so 
 queer, and dazed, and the monsoon was over, she would 
 go home that is to say, to England. 
 
 As Nancy made up her mind to this plan, she beheld 
 Togo coming slowly down the steps, and looking about 
 cautiously. Catching sight of the object of his quest, 
 he flew to her side. 
 
 " So you were afraid we were all gone, dear, were 
 you? " and she lifted him, a heavy armful, sat down, 
 and placed him on the bench beside her. Togo endea- 
 voured to make frantic demonstrations of affection, 
 but was firmly restrained. His mistress held him fast 
 with her arm round his neck, and there the two sat, and 
 gazed on the moon-flooded plains, an exquisite scene 
 in silver. It all looked so still, so calm, and in a word, 
 so heavenly. "Oh, Togo/' she murmured. "The world 
 is the same, but everything in it, is changed for you 
 and me." 
 
 Suddenly something in Nancy's throat seemed to give 
 way, and she buried her face in Togo's woolly neck; the 
 ice had melted, and for the first time, she wept, but not 
 for long. In a surprisingly short time, she choked back 
 her sobs and with a supreme effort recovered her com- 
 posure, restrained her streaming tears, as she had done 
 Togo's caresses, and administering -a kiss in the middle 
 of his forehead, rose and returned to the bungalow, 
 stealing into her own quarters almost like a thief. 
 
 Manoeuvring among the shadows, she had caught a 
 glimpse of Mrs. .Hicks and Captain Mayne smoking 
 together on the verandah. What good friends they
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 77 
 
 seemed to be ! In her room she found awaiting her, a 
 dainty little meal (now cold), and offered it t Togo. 
 As a ru\e the dog had a healthy and unfastidious ap- 
 petite, but to-night, he merely sniffed at the plate, and 
 turned sorrowfully away. To avoid a scene of recrimina- 
 tion, and femonstrance, Nancy gulped down some cold 
 soup, and ordered the ayah to remove the tray, "quick, 
 quick, quick/' and when Mrs. Hicks had gone to bed, 
 to send Francis to speak to her. 
 
 Sounds in tke still hill regions carry far, and the 
 CJouds Rest "gurra" would be heard striking ten 
 faint strokes, when Francis appeared in the doorway. 
 Salaaming with grave dignity, he awaited Nancy's 
 commands. 
 
 "Francis," she said, "you have known me as a baba, 
 and have always been good to me." 
 
 'No, no," he protested, "'Missy good to me." 
 
 "Yes, you have," she contradicted flatly, "and you 
 know it, Francis and I want you to help me now." 
 
 "Whatever the Missy says, that I do," and once more 
 ho salaamed with both hands. 
 
 " Well, I want you to do a good deal ! You know 
 that I was married by the Padre Sahib, because my 
 father wished it, and I was thankful to please him, 
 but it is not a good marriage ; and I do not intend to 
 leave here with the Captain Sahib on Wednesday, but 
 will go down to 'Nurse Jane at Coimbatore instead and 
 you must manage it." 
 
 'Nurse Jane, Missyj" he repeated, "but for why? 
 That very, awfully foolish business. The Captain Sahib 
 very nice gentleman. Master like him, everyone too 
 much like him." 
 
 " And I," pointing to herself, " do not like him 1 
 Francis, can you understand 1 " and she gazed at him 
 steadily. 
 
 Francis made no answer, but looked down, and gravely 
 pontemplated his flexible brown toes. 
 
 "Listen to me," she continued, "to-morrow night, I 
 am leaving Fairplains ; you will get a bandy, and coolies, 
 for the luggage, and the ayah; also I am taking Togo. 
 If I return to England, he shall be in your keeping. 
 At present, he and I, comfort one another. ^1 will ride 
 the grey pony down the ghat, and Tumbie syce can 
 attend, and bring him back. Later, all my belongs are 
 to be sent to Coimbatore. Do you bring them yourself.
 
 78 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 I shall have much to say to vou to-night it harts me 
 to talk.' 1 
 
 "May I speak one word, Missy? Now you are mar- 
 ried to this gentleman Captain, suppose you run away, 
 he making plenty bobbery; he not swearing or calling 
 names, that gentleman I know. All the same, I think 
 he is strong, and there will be much trouble." 
 
 " It will be all right, Francis : you need not be afraid. 
 I shall give you a letter for him, and he will be glad 
 to let me go, and never see me again." 
 
 Francis made a noise like "tch, tch, tch." "Oh, 
 Missy, already have we got too much sorrow will you 
 thrust more upon us and yourself 
 
 " More sorrow we could not have," declared his 
 reckless young mistress. " Now for my plans," she 
 continued. 
 
 " I want you to send a coolie with a telegram to 
 prepare Nurse Jane. I shall remain in this room to- 
 morrow ; sick and I am sick and I wish I was dead ! 
 At night, when all is stilL I intend to ride away down 
 to the railway station. Francis, it is for you to make 
 all the bandobast. I know you will help me. Good- 
 night," and he was dismissed. 
 
 By the first streak of dawn, the next morning, Nancy 
 crept out to visit, for the last time, the newest grave. 
 She was so early that no one beheld he/, but the birds, 
 and Togo. 
 
 During the long hours when Mrs. Hicks was busily 
 engaged in counting glass, china, and cooking pots (for 
 the inventory), or reposing on her beloved bed, Nancy 
 and her ayah were occupied in making final, but secret 
 arrangements. When these were completed. Nancy sat 
 down and wrote two letters. The first was to Mrs. Ffinch, 
 and began : 
 
 DEAR KIND FINCHIE, 
 
 This is to say, thai I am going my own way. Please do 
 not be vexed. You will hear of me at my nurse's in Coimbatore. 
 I feel somehow that I want her, as when, I was a small kid, 
 arid had had a bad fall ; later, I hope to go to England ; for 
 much as I ador^the hills, I cannot endure them just now. Give 
 my love to all my friends, and please do understand, that I am 
 most grateful to you for your kind offer, to have me with you 
 at Clouds Rest, and forgive, 
 
 Your loving, 
 
 NANCY.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 79 
 
 Having completed and addressed this, she sat foe a 
 long time with a sheet of note-paper before her, resting 
 her head upon her hand, nibbling the penholder, and 
 making up hep mind how to frame a letter to Captain 
 Mayne ? At last she began, and wrote rapidly, almost 
 without a pause : 
 
 DEAR CAPTAIN MAYNE, 
 
 Before you read this, I shall have left Fairplains. I have 
 been thinking hard the }ast two days, and am quite sure, that 
 it is best for us to part now, and never to meet again. Let us 
 forget the dreadful ceremony of last Friday. You know, that 
 we agreed to it, only to satisfy my dear father, at least that 
 was my intention, so that he might be at ease in his mind, 
 before he left me. On this point, our aim was accomplished ; 
 and there let the matter end. I feel certain, that you have no 
 true wish, that I should live with you ' until death us do part.,' 
 Far from it. I am just a little hill girl, and not the least one 
 of your sort. For my own part, the mere sight of you brings 
 before me that horrible struggle with the panther, when Daddy 
 interposed, and saved you. I know you are honourable, and a 
 man of your word, and wish to give me as payment a home 
 and your name ; but I cannot accept one or other, for to be 
 honest I shall never like you again, and if J were forced to live 
 . with you, I should loathe you. 
 
 It seems dreadful to write this down in black and white, but 
 it is the trutfi ; and surely the truth is best? I am so absolutely 
 miserable that I wish I was dead : I could easily kill myself 
 with an overdose of chlorodyne we keep a large stere on 
 account of the coolies and I would be buried in the garden 
 beside them, and be no further trouble to anyone ; but Daddy 
 always said, ' Suicide was a coward's act,' and I shall struggle 
 on somehow. Mrs. Ffinch, who, as you know, is immensely 
 clever, had a long talk with me yesterday. She pointed out 
 that you and I were entirely unsuited ; that apart from the 
 circumstances, we would have been almost the last people in 
 the world to think of marrying one another ; that you had told 
 her the idea of marriage had never entered your mind, and it 
 would be the ruin of your career. This can easily be prevented. 
 No one, except .the Hicks and Teddy Dawson, knows of the 
 ceremony. The parson is about to settle in Tasmania ; they 
 will all be dumb. Here in India, people so frequently separate, 
 scatter, and forget that they had ever met. I shall do my 
 utmost to forget you, and I hope you will let me drop out of 
 your thoughts as completely as if you had never seen me ; and 
 should we meet which I trust is unlikely let it be as strangers. 
 Do not be at all concerned about my future. I have sufficient 
 money to pay for my passage, I have friends at home, and if 
 the worst come to the worst, I can be a lady's help, or governess.
 
 80 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 At any rate, I shall be independent. I hope you will not think, 
 that in taking this step, I am also breaking my promise to father. 
 Yeu know, that his one idea, as he lay dying, was for my hap- 
 piness ; and I shall be far happier if I ever can be happy again 
 to feel, that I am free also that you are free. I believe, that 
 if I had followed my first intention of keeping to the letter of 
 our contract, and accompanied you down to Cananore, we should 
 have been the two most miserable people in the whole world. 
 Believe me, 
 
 Yours faithfully, 
 
 NANCY TRAVERS. 
 
 This was a much longer and fuller epistle than Nanoy 
 had intended to send; but she was determined to make 
 everything absolutely plain. Possibly it was a stupid 
 letter, and no doubt she had repeated herself several 
 times; also it was brusque, and rude. It might make 
 Captain Mayne dislike her extremely,. In that case; 
 so much the better/ If Mrs. Ffinch had written such 
 a letter, how well it would have been expressed ; how 
 beautifully she would have taken off the raw edges, and 
 made it almost a pleasure to read ! Well, there it was; 
 she would not look at it again, in case she might alter 
 something, so she thrust it into an envelope, sealed it, 
 and laid it beside her other despatch. 
 
 Mrs. Hicks was only too sympathetic M T ith Nancy's 
 severe headache. She paid several visits, "imparting 
 remedies, and outside intelligence. Captain Mayne had 
 not yet returned from his round of farewell calls, but 
 all his baggage had been packed by his "boy," every- 
 thing was ready for a start the next afternoon, and he 
 had ordered up a pair-horse tonga, for the use of the 
 ayah, and herself. 
 
 " I shall remain here to see you off, Nancy, mv dear," 
 she announced, " and I've got hold of an old shoe that 
 I intend to throw after you ! " 
 
 " Dear Mrs. Hicks, you are always so kind," said the 
 
 irl, "and I'll never forget what you have been to me, 
 uring this last awful week." 
 
 Afterwards Mrs. Hicks remembered, that in Nancy's 
 kiss there was something soft and lingering something 
 in the nature of a farewell. 
 
 Nancy, having taken an emotional Ifeave of Francis, 
 handed him two letters to be immediately delivered, 
 and prepared to depart at twelve o'clock that night. 
 Under the auspices of a high full moon, she rode away
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 81 
 
 from Fairplains, accompanied by Togo, and followed 
 by her syce. The domestic servants were aware of her 
 impending departure, for is not everything known im 
 the cookhouse, and go-down 1 When she came up the 
 drive, they were all, so to speak, paraded standing in 
 one long line, to see the last of their little Missy. As she 
 passed, she nodded to each individually, and when she 
 had reached the corner, where the private track joined 
 the great cart road, turned in her saddle, to look back 
 on her home, and to wave a valediction to the crowd. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 IN BLACK AND WHITE 
 
 MAYNE, an early riser, was generally the first to appear 
 at chotah hazri ; and when, with an impressive gesture, 
 Francis laid Nancy's letter on the table beside him, he 
 instantly recognized the writing, and felt a premonition 
 that there was something in the wind ! With admirably 
 concealed impatience, he waited until the servant had 
 retired, to open this, the first communication from his 
 wife. He read it standing; then he sat down with a 
 sudden plunge, and went slowly over it again, whilst 
 a curious, rather grim expression stole across his face. 
 Nancy's strange attitude was here most fully, and 
 frankly explained. Her look of cold dislike, her frigid 
 silence,' and pointed avoidance, were amply accounted 
 for, by the fact that she hated the man, whom in her 
 heart she accused of being the cause of her father's death. 
 Her love for him, was so absolute and overwhelming, 
 that it had changed her kindly liking for Mayne, into 
 horror, and detestation, and she spurned what she termed 
 his " payment." The information was before his eyes 
 in clear black and white the- girl wrote a good, legible 
 hand she had shot her bolt and fled. So after all his 
 anxious heart-searchings, stifled reluctance, and sincere 
 good-will, Nancy had deserted him, and gone her own 
 way, to live her own life ! 
 
 His feelings' were an extraordinary mixture ; various 
 and unusual sensations, in turn swept over him ; anger, 
 humiliation, astonishment then finally, relief. It was 
 a relief, to be free from the desperate embarrassment of 
 being married to a "girl, a mere playfellow, with whom 
 he had never exchanged a word of love, nor for whom he 
 had ever felt the smallest touch of passion; yet on the
 
 82 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 other hand, Nancy was his legal wife, and in spite of 
 her ignorant confidence, and offer of release to the best 
 of his belief, it was impossible to sever the bond be- 
 tween them? Also, he was in the position of being sole 
 executor of her father's will, and scanty personal estate. 
 
 The actual fact of the marriage was known to few. 
 He could now rejoin his regiment as a bachelor; and the 
 distasteful vision, of presenting himself at Cananore, 
 in company with a stony-faced, abjectly miserable bride, 
 faded ^away into the background. He would still con- 
 tinue to live at the Mess, and if later, there were any 
 awkward developments " sufficient unto the day was 
 the evil thereof ! "^ 
 
 Mayne paused in his tramp to and fro, and was about 
 to pour himself out a cup of tea. when he beheld the 
 shiny, copper-coloured face of Teddy Dawson, appearing 
 above the steps. 
 
 "So I hear you are off this afternoon," he began, 
 " and I have just Io6ked in to know if I can do anything 
 to help? I was the first to welcome you, and I should 
 like to be the last to speed you, from this part of the 
 world." 
 
 "You have come at an opportune- moment," said 
 Mayne, holding out his hand; "the very fellow I par- 
 ticularly want to see. But first let me get you a cup 
 of tea." 
 
 "All right, I don't mind," said Ted, tossing down his 
 battered topee, and taking a seat at the table. " How 
 is Nancy 1 
 
 " Nancy has gone." 
 
 " Gone ! What the Dickens do you mean ? Nancy 
 gone ! Gone where 1 " 
 
 " As you were at the marriage ; and are altogether 
 behind the scenes, also my first friend here, I think I 
 may show you her letter," said Mayne, and he handed 
 it across to his gaping vis-a-vis. 
 
 Dawson read it with irritating deliberation; ^oing 
 back over sentences, and frowning heavily as he did so. 
 When he came to the end, he looked up and said : 
 
 " Nancy was alw'ays a queer child, and you will have 
 to let her alone. You couldn't well follow her, and drag 
 her back could you ? " 
 
 " I shall not move a finger," said Mayne, with de- 
 liberate emphasis.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 83 
 
 "It's just like one of her tempers: she'll cool down 
 all right." 
 
 " And where do I come in 1 " inquired Mayne. " She 
 has made a pretty good fool of me! " 
 
 " Oh, you'll forgive her some day, for you're a real 
 white man! I'm awfully fond of Nan; she is clean, 
 through and through couldn't lie if she tried; knows 
 nothing whatever of love; or what's called 'sex,' and 
 that sort of thing. Her heart and soul were given to 
 her Daddy ; and now that he is gone, the poor child feels 
 that her life is smashed to bits." 
 
 " That's true," assented Mayne, " and I can under- 
 stand her grief. I have made every allowance, and 
 never intruded on her for a moment. I have not laid 
 eyes on Nancy since the funeral ; she has remained shut 
 up in her own room. This," holding up the note, " is 
 the first sign that she has recognized nay existence, and 
 it gives me my dismissal, or ' jawab.' " 
 
 " Well, well," resumed Dawson, after an expressive 
 pause (during which he disposed of a large cup of tea), 
 " it's rather a facer, I'll allow. I believe I can trace 
 the delicate hand of Mrs. Ffinch in it she always has 
 a finger in every one's pie and hitherto she has looked 
 upon Nancy as her own particular property. By the 
 way, have you made any fresh plans?" 
 
 " Yes. I leave early this afternoon. Nancy's baggage 
 will, of course, remain, and as not a word of this busi- 
 ness is known to anyone, bar the Hicks, Mrs. Ffinch, 
 and yourself, I shall rejoin my tegiment, as if nothing 
 had happened." 
 
 "And keep up the delusion?"- said Ted, opening his 
 large blue eyes; "that won't be easy." 
 
 " Why not ? I don't intend to follow, or to trace 
 Nancy: she can go her own way. Money affairs, I'll 
 arrange with you. I shall make her an allowance, paid 
 half-yearly to your bankers. Who are they?" 
 
 " Grindlay and Co., but you may spare yourself the 
 trouble, for Nancy won't accept a penny if 7 know 
 her. 
 
 "I shall lodge it all the same," said Mayne, looking 
 obstinate. " Two hundred and fifty pounds a year. I 
 won't have har governessing, or any of that nonsense." 
 The inventory here has been seen to by Mrs. Hicks, and 
 the station-writer; I have wound up a few business 
 matters, paid .off the servants, and, excepting a couple
 
 84 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 ef j'early cheques, I shall have no more to say to Mrs. 
 Mayne ! " 
 
 'Is that so? >x 
 
 ' Certainly ; it is Nancy who has left me, and, as 
 tke natives say, 'one hand cannot clap. 7 ' 
 
 I must confess, I don't wonder you feel a bit hurt." 
 Hurt ! " repeated Mayne, with an angry laugh. 
 
 ' I've a good idea where Nancy is. She has gone down 
 to her old nurse in Coimbatore; an excellent wom'an. 
 who married a chap in the Telegraphs. Nance coula 
 not be better fixed up, for the present ; the girl feels like 
 a mortally wounded animal, that wants to hide from its 
 own sort. It would have been a terrible ordeal for a 
 child like Nancy, with her hurt, so to speak, raw, to find 
 herself launched amongst complete strangers, with no 
 one to hold on to, but a fellow she had known for a few 
 weeks. One of my eoolies told me, that last night he 
 had seen the ghost of a woman on a white horse riding 
 down the ghat road. Of course, that was Nancy, making 
 for the railway station." 
 
 "I'm fairly broad-minded," said Mayne, "and I can 
 see the matter from your point of view; naturally, you 
 hold a brief for Nancy. I remember the first time we 
 met, you told mb she was the apple of your eye ! " 
 
 " Aye. And what queer things have happened, since 
 we overtook you that day on your way here. Now I 
 wonder, if I had turned you back, would it have made 
 any difference? " 
 
 '^No I believe it was ' Kismet.' I wish to goodness, 
 Kismet had left me alone. However. I shall give the 
 girl a wide berth, and her freedom. 
 
 " Oh, will you ? " Dawson's tone implied doubt. 
 
 "Yes, I shall hold my tongue; none of my brother 
 officers would dream of my having got married up on 
 a coffee estate. Later, it may be a bit awkward. You 
 see I am my uncle's heir." He paused for a moment, 
 and fumbled with his tobacco pouch, which, all un- 
 conscious, he was holding upside down. " However, I'll 
 manage somehow even if there are complications." 
 . " And how about Nancy ? When she has recovered 
 from this blow, has gone to England and grown up, how 
 will it be, if she comes across a fellow she takes to ? If 
 ever she falls in love, it will be the devil of a business. 
 A case of all or nothing. What will happen then, eh f" 
 
 " There's no good in looking so far ahead," declared
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 85 
 
 Mayne, preparing to light his pipe. " Why meet trouble 
 half way one of us may die " 
 
 "Who is talking of dying?" inquired Mrs. Hicks, 
 suddenly launching herself into the verandah. " Boys, 
 I've overslept myself most disgracefully ! and I'm 
 shockingly late ; but I always was a lazybones, and fond 
 of my little bed. I've not even been in to see Nancy yet." 
 
 When it had been carefully explained to her, that there 
 was no Nancy to see, her fat, florid face was a study. 
 
 *' Well, this is a nice how-do-you-do ! " she exclaimed. 
 " If I hadn't been an old silly, I migkt have had my 
 suspicions, from her being so quiet. ^Vell, well, well ! 
 Fancy her running away ! I didn't think she 'ad it in 
 her." 
 
 "Oh, there's a lot in Nancy," declared her champion. 
 
 " She kissed 'me something extra last night," resumed 
 Mrs. Hicks, " and I suppose it was for good-bye. Lors ! 
 what will people say 1 
 
 " Nothing," replied Mayne emphatically. " They 
 don't know anything about me, and they will think it 
 only natural that she should as Dawson suspects have 
 gone to her old nurse." 
 
 " And so it's you know what I mean to be a dead 
 letter, and hushed up ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 Mrs. Hicks gave a shrill,* unladylike whistle. 
 
 " Well, I declare ! All the servants are ' in the know,' 
 but that doesn't count; folks don't ever believe 
 ' bazaar ' talk, and of course Hicks and I will 'old our 
 tongues you bet." 
 
 " That will be very kind of you, Mrs. Hicks but " 
 
 " But,'' nodding her head expressively, " if either of 
 you go and marry other people, it will be bigamy, ehj " 
 
 " I suppose so, replied Mayne. " There is one thing 
 positively certain." 
 
 " What's that ? " 
 
 " That I have been married for the first, and last, 
 time." 
 
 "Well, there's no saying; queer things 'appen I'm 
 sure this day week, you never dreamt you'd be a married 
 man to-day; and you and Nancy are married, just as 
 tight as, 'Icks and me. You've got the certificate?" 
 
 " I have, and I do not intend to shirk all my responsi- 
 bilities. [ shall make Nancy an allowance; but I'll 
 never see her again."
 
 86 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Many's the woman that will be thankful to be mar- 
 ried on those terms," chuckled Mrs. Hicks, now lighting 
 up. 
 
 The good lady was enjoying a thorough holiday, and 
 being as free and easy, and talkative as she pleased; 
 far removed from the irritating criticisms of her daugh- 
 ters. She and her would-be son-in-law were pals ! It 
 was Jessie, influenced by Mrs. Ffinch and Dr. Hicks 
 ambitious for his. daughter who were the real obstacles 
 to the alliance. 
 
 " I'll run down to Coimbatore," she announced, " and 
 see the child. Hicks doesn't like the look of her, and I'll 
 just tell her what I think of her, for giving me the slip, 
 the sly little toad! I suppose you don't send her no 
 message 1 " suddenly turning to Mayne. 
 
 "Well, yes, perhaps I'd better. I'll go and write a 
 line now, no time like the present," and he rose and 
 went towards the den. 
 
 Mrs. Hicks' eyes followed him steadily. Then she 
 burst out : 
 
 " Nancy has been a fool ! fine, upstanding young 
 fellows like him aren't to be found on every coffee-bush, 
 that I can tell you." 
 
 "Maybe it'll come all right yet," said Dawson sooth- 
 ingly. 
 
 ' Maybe not. She has given him a nasty whack, and 
 I think myself he has a pride.. My old boy will fetch me 
 to-day, and everything here is now settled, and cleared 
 up, and the Travers' belongings are packed and ready 
 for the road. I believe the new acting-manager comes 
 to-morrow. My, what a change ! " she added gloomily; 
 "and all in one little week." 
 
 "Yes, and somehow I can't realize it," said Dawson. 
 " As I sit here, I half expect to see Travers riding- up 
 from the Factory on his brown pony, and Nancy flying 
 along this verandah, like a gale of wind." 
 
 "Aye, that's true," assented Mrs. Hicks, and she 
 heaved a great sigh; "we have all had good times^ here, 
 and the Travers' can never be replaced," and again she 
 sighed heavily. 
 
 Meanwhile Mayne was writing rapidly on thp estate 
 note-paper : 
 
 DEAR NANCY, 
 
 . I have received your letter, and accept the situation, all 
 shall be as you wish. I am sorry to find that you dislike me
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE , 87 
 
 so inveterately, and decline what you describe as ' Payment ' 
 but it cannot be helped. Let me assure you, that I have no 
 intention of coming into your life, and the marriage, as far as 
 I am concerned, shall be as though it had never taken place. 
 I have arranged to make you a yearly allowance (^250) which 
 will be paid to our mutual friend, Ted Dawson. The estate 
 and personal affairs have been satisfactorily- settled. 
 Yours faithfully, 
 
 DEREK DANVERS MAYNE. 
 
 When he handed this note to Mrs. Hicks, she turned 
 it over, looked at, the superscription, and remarked : 
 "I see yon've addressed it to 'Miss Trarers.' ' 
 "Well, why not?" he protested j "I feel sure Nancy 
 would not have opened it, had it been addressed to 
 'Mrs. Mayno.'" 
 
 * * * * * * 
 
 Early that same afternoon Mayne rode down the ghat, 
 in what a different frame of mind, to the blithe ex- 
 pectations with which he had gaily ascended the same 
 road ! Near the foot of the hills he encountered a syce, 
 who salaamed to him profoundly ! Could there be any- 
 thing ironical in that salute ? The man was leading a 
 remarkably hot grey pony; the pony was carrying a 
 side-saddle. An episode was closed. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 "NANCY SITS WITH SORROW" 
 
 NANCY, the ayah, Togo and the_ luggage, arrived at 
 Coimbatore station without any incident, much less a 
 half-expected " hue and cry." Here Mrs. Simpson 
 awaited them with her roomy bullock cart, drawn by 
 a pair of huge Nellore bullocks, arid carfied the little 
 party to her large and comfortable bungalow on the 
 outskirts of the town. 'She was delighted to welcome her 
 nursling, to whom she had always been devoted. She 
 made her eat, and insisted upon putting her to bed. and 
 treating her precisely as if she were s.tm a small child ! 
 
 When Nancy was at rest, in her spacipus white cot. 
 Jane Simpson sat by her side, and listened with tearful 
 sympathy to details of the illness and death of her 
 former master for all this, she had been prepared, but 
 the unexpected news of Nancy's marriage, reduced' her 
 to a condition of stunned, and horrified silence. 
 
 Jane Simpson was by nature excessively prim, a little
 
 88 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 narrow-minded, strictly conventional, but a most worthy 
 person. Her house, her person, and especially her hands, 
 were beautifully kept. When she had deposited Nancy 
 at school in Eastbourne, she .subsequently turned her 
 attention to professional nursing, and after several 
 years' experience, had attracted the attention of one 
 of her patients, married him, and returned to India, 
 a country she abused for its slack unpractical ways, but 
 nevertheless liked it all the same. Bob Simpson's pay 
 was liberal, and although they had no family, Jane was 
 a very busy and contented woman. t 
 
 From her point of view, everything should be foreseen, 
 cut and dried, punctual to a second, and absolutely 
 proper and correct. This sudden marriage of her little 
 girl to an acquaintance no better than a stranger, figura- 
 tively swept her off her feet ! However, like a prudent 
 woman, she said little. Nancy was looking desperately 
 ill, a different creature from the buoyant Nancy of Fair- 
 plains: so silent, haggard, and lifeless. What further 
 information Mrs. Simpson required was eagerly sup- 
 plied by the ayah, who though not actually present, had 
 witnessed the marriage ceremony in the drawing-room, 
 through an obliging crack in the door. 
 
 " Mayne Sahib and the Missy, standing before the 
 Padre, both looking too sorry. Mayne, he very nice 
 gentleman. His butler telling, a good sahib, and no evil 
 liver, everyone liking. He money got, too. Yesterday 
 giving me twenty rupees," and the ayah's black eyes 
 glistened greedily. 
 
 " Do you think he will come down here after Miss 
 Nancy ?" anxiously inquired Mrs. Simpson. 
 
 " How I telling, Memsahib? " throwing up her small 
 brown handsf "but for what good? My Mi^ssy plenty 
 sick, soon, soon, very sick and maybe "die. Ah ye 
 yoh ! " and she wrung her hands. 
 
 Part of this augury came true. The dreaded re- 
 action set in, Nancy had a bad attack'of fever, and was 
 seriously ill. She was lucky to find herself in Jane 
 Simpson's care, and with the help of a good doctor, and 
 the best of nursing, at the end of three weeks, she had 
 recovered ; but rose from her bed a shattered wreck, 
 wasted to a shadow, with a small wan white face, from 
 which all trace of sunburn and tan had now completely 
 disappeared. 
 
 During the fever, Mrs. Simpson kept all visitors
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE , 89 
 
 steadily at bay. Training as a professional nurse, had 
 invested her with an inflexible attitude, and even Mrs. 
 Ffinch, who had motored .down on two occasions, could 
 not succeed in interviewing the invalid; but when Nancy 
 was convalescent, the position was stormed. 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch brought her neighbour, Mrs. Hicks, with 
 her in the car, and during most of the journey, the two 
 ladies wrangled, for they held diametrically opposite 
 views with respect to the protegee they were about to 
 visit. Mrs. Hicks declared " that it would be a great 
 pity there should be a complete breach between Nancy 
 and Captain Mayne." She was sentimental, and soft- 
 hearted in her way, fond of the girl, and well disposed 
 towards the man. 
 
 " By and by, if they're let alone, believe you me, they'll 
 make friends ! After all, Mayne is a fairly good match. 
 I am told he has five hundred a year, and expectations 
 from an uncle." 
 
 "Yes," broke in Mrs. Ffinch, who was not soft-hearted, 
 and whose own lova affair had been strangled. " You 
 can imagine the uncle's delight /. know the old man 
 when he hears that his nephew and heir, has picked up 
 a little nobody off an Indian coffee estate ! " 
 
 " I don't think that's a very nice, or kind, way to 
 speak of Nancy," gobbled Mrs. Hicks, swelling with 
 indignation. 
 
 " My dear, good Mrs. Hicks, don't be angry; it's not 
 my idea, I do assure you ; only one that would un- 
 doubtedly present itself to this rich old man ! I propose 
 to shelter Nancy under my own wing. I shall be going 
 home next spring, and as soon as she has recovered from 
 her grief, I shall take her about, and give her a good 
 time a n d ' ' 
 
 "And marry her off," broke in Mrs. Hicks, with 
 challenging insolence. " Match-making with 3 r ou is just 
 a play ; all excitement and amusement. However, you 
 can't marry Nancy, for you know as well as I do, she 
 has a husband already ! " 
 
 " Nothing of the sort," rejoined the other, " any claim 
 fchat Captain Mayne would put forward could easily 
 be refuted. He won't do it though, and I suppose if he 
 chose, he could sue Nancy for desertion." 
 
 Argument waxed fast and furious, and Mrs. Ffinch 
 had much the best of the conflict. S^he kept her temper 
 admirably, whilst her opponent was in a red-hot tower-
 
 90 
 
 ing rage. On such occasions she completely cast all fear, 
 and awe of the " Dictator," to the winds, and told her 
 various, plain, and unpleasant truths. On the present 
 occasion, she said : 
 
 " You know very well, that if you had been here and 
 had a hand in this marriage of Nancy's, you would have 
 made her stick to it through thick and thin but as it 
 was all got up ia a hurry, and, so to speak, behind your 
 back, you'll do all you can to smash it ! " 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch's reply was an icy and dignified silence. 
 The proper and suitable punishment for her companion 
 would have been to open the door of the car, request her 
 to descend, and allow her to walk the remainder of the 
 distance down to Coimbatore. 
 
 For a long time, neither matron spoke ; and the motor 
 skimmed rapidly down the winding road, passing many 
 familiar land-marks. The cold fit was now on Mrs. 
 Hicks. > She had let herself go, and said too much, and 
 there wasn't the smallest doubt that her companion 
 from what she knew of her would hold a truce for the 
 presen.t, but in some way or another "have it in for 
 her " on a future occasion ! 
 
 As they sped along the flat plains, in the direction of 
 Coimbalore, Mrs. Ffinch broke the silence. 
 
 " I propose to take Nancy back with me this evening; 
 her room is ready, and most of her mourning has been 
 finished, so, dear Mrs. Hicks, on our return journey, 
 I'm sure you wo^'t mind sitting in front with the 
 chauffeur, and I will take the poor child in beside me." 
 
 In her own opinion she was carrying out the part of 
 a benevolent friend she was saving Nancy from a love- 
 less union, and the misery of being dragged round the 
 world, by a man who did not want her. 
 
 The two well-meaning visitors were greatly shocked 
 when they beheld their young prote"g6e. She looked 
 so 'dull, and vacant, almost like another creature ! Her 
 attitude resembled that of a wounded creature, cowering, 
 and withdrawing, from those who wished to do her good. 
 She resisted all Mrs. Ffinch's importunities and per- 
 suasions to accompany her to Clouds Rest. This, wag 
 the one subject on which the girl, seemed to have a fixed 
 opinion ; nothing would induce her to return to t the hills. 
 Otherwise, whether she was to remain at Coimbatore, 
 or go to England, to live, or to die, was apparently a 1 
 matter of complete indifference.
 
 GIVEN IN MARKIAGE 91 
 
 Whilst Mrs. Ffinch was holding a whispered confer- 
 ence with Jane Simpson, Mrs. Hicks seized the oppor- 
 tunity to give Nancy the note from Mayne. The girl 
 turned it over listlessly. 
 
 " It is his answer to yours." explained Mrs. Hicks. 
 " He wrote it right away, and gave it to me. I thought 
 it better to wait until I could bring it down myself." 
 
 " I suppose so, thank you," she said as she opened it, 
 glanced over it, and then tore it into four pieces. "That's 
 done," she said, looking at Mrs. Hicks, with unexpected 
 animation. 
 
 " Well, I'm not so sure ! " rejoined the matron, " and 
 I'm not of the same mind as Mrs. Ffinch. We quarrelled 
 about the business the whole way down. Indeed, I think 
 myself, she had half a mind to put me out on the side 
 of the road ! I'm afraid I let my temper get the better 
 of me, and said lots of things I'm sorry for now. I 
 expect Mrs. Ffinch is bitterly disappointed that you 
 won't go back with her, Nancy. I shouldn't be surprised 
 if. she carried her point yet, and you know we'd all be 
 only too glad to have you among us. Hush! here she 
 comes ! " 
 
 As the time passed, Nancy's grief and misery, instead 
 of abating seemed to increase. She was no longer an 
 invalid, but helped Nurse Jane about the house, knitted, 
 sewed, and 'walked out daily. Her attitude was' one of 
 an unnatural passivity. Grief had burnt into her very 
 soul, and her inner being was absorbed with one ob- 
 session : the memory of her father. Apparently his 
 image filled her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. 
 This much, Nurse Jane gathered, during their infre- 
 quent conversations for Nancy now was almost dumb. 
 As for Mayne, the girl appeared to have forgotten his 
 existence ! She was completely prostrated by the loss 
 of her parent, and gradually sinking into an apathetic 
 condition of mind and body, from which at all cost, she 
 must be redeemed. 
 
 As Bob Simpson's cheery good humour, and Jane's 
 authoritative efforts, had not the smallest effect upon 
 this white-faced silent inmate, Mrs. Ffinch and Mrs. 
 Hicks and Ted Dawson were summoned, and held, so 
 to speak, a committee upon the case. They decided 
 that the girl must have a complete change, otherwise, 
 it would be impossible for her to regain her normal 
 balance ! Mrs. Ffinch relinquished her efforts to induce
 
 92 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Nancy to live with her, had obtained her aunt's address, 
 and sent her one of her most diplomatic letters to 
 which there had been a cool, but polite reply, 
 
 Mrs. Jenkins had also written to her niece, offering to 
 receive her, and to give her an asylum until she could 
 make other arrangements. Nancy, who had been two 
 months at Coimbatore, was a. wan, hollow-eyed spectre 
 of herself : it was evident, that in her present environ- 
 ment she would never recover her mental poise. In the 
 day-time she sat and walked, and talked like some dull 
 automatic figure entirely indifferent to her surround- 
 ings. As Mrs. Ffinch gravely considered her she men- 
 tally concluded that, " that way madness lies ! " and 
 Mrs. Simpson's friends, who had known the gay and 
 happy Miss Nancy Travers, assured one another, there 
 was no doubt at all, but that the broken-hearted girl 
 was either dying, or going out of her mind ! 
 
 " She must be sent away at oncef " such was Mrs. 
 Ffinch's mandate, after a protracted interview with 
 Nurse Jane. " There is her aunt's invitation she has 
 the money for her passage, her mourning is ready, and, 
 as it happens, most providentially, Mrs. Sandilands is 
 going home by the Ratna. They can travel together. I 
 shall wire to Cook, make all arrangements, secure a 
 separate cabin for Nancy, and this day week, she will 
 find herself at sea ! " 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 A FKIEND IN NEED 
 
 THANKS to Mrs. Ffinch's promise and her prompt exer- 
 tions, within a week's time Nancy found herselr in the 
 Madras roads, on board the P. & O. steamer Patna, 
 bound for London. The Patna was a full boat, carrying 
 a mixed multitude of cheerful passengers. Among these 
 we Blanche Sandilands (nee Meach), a remarkably 
 pretty woman in exuberant spirits, embarking on her 
 first trip to England in the character of a rich, popular 
 much admired young matron. Her cabin was crammed 
 with flowers and books, friends to bid her good-bye were 
 assembled in flattering numbers, and among these, she 
 anxiously looked about for her charge. 
 
 Yes, there was that invaluable Mrs. Ffinch, and 
 could it be Nancy Travers? Nancy, so altered as to 
 be almost unrecognizable. The bright school-girl, she
 
 GIVEN IN MAREIAGE 93 
 
 remembered, as just out from England, brimming over 
 with happiness, and gaiety, was now a wan white crea- 
 ture in deep mourning, with sad abstracted eyes. Thank 
 goodness, they were not sharing the same cabin, or she 
 would certainly be flooded out with tears ! What, she 
 asked herself, could she do with her? Mrs. Sandiland& 
 had been looking forward to such a ripping time on the 
 voyage : the Bruffs, and the Colvilles, Captain Yates 
 and Mr. Orme, were on board, but there would not be 
 much fun for her, if all day long she was tied to such 
 a wet blanket as this poor child who appeared to be 
 actually stupefied with grief. 
 
 To her immense relief, the lively lady soon discovered 
 that Nancy Travers would be no encumbrance. It was 
 true that she sat beside her at meals (nobly representing 
 the traditional death's head), but otherwise effaced her- 
 self, seeming to prefer solitude, and her own company, 
 sitting aloof with a book, or disappearing for hours into 
 her nook of a cabin in the stern. 
 
 Mrs. Sandilands lent her novels, offered her chocolates, 
 and little toilet luxuries, kissed her perfunctorily night 
 and morning, and left her to herself, assuring her 
 friends, that such was the truest kindness, and went her 
 own light-hearted way to play deck games, and Bridge; 
 , or to embark on such amusing and harmless flirtations, 
 as are expected of the prettiest woman on the ship. 
 
 At Colombo the passengei-s went bodily ashore, and 
 enjoyed the few gay hours at the Galle Face Hotel, 
 explored the bazaars, or darted off in rickshaws to 
 inspect the Cinnamon gardens. With their return at 
 dinner time, they brought a horde of new comers, 
 tourists, planters, and their belongings. 
 
 Among the crowd, one figure was conspicuously prom- 
 inent, and proceeded at once to dominate the ship. 
 
 " Yet after all, what was Mrs. De Wolfe I " asked a 
 gi-rl plaintively, "but an ugly, rude, old woman?" 
 
 The lady appeared to know several of the passengers, 
 and to be a sea friend of the captain's; for a special 
 place had been reserved at his table, also she enjoyed 
 a large double cabin, and was attended by a hard- 
 featured, but dignified maid. 
 
 In appearance, Mrs. De Wolfe looked formidable 
 enough ! Tall and bony, with a long, wrinkled face, a 
 commanding hooked nose (a family feature descending 
 through generations), sharp black eyes, heavily marked 
 
 D
 
 94 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 brows, and a tightly closed mouth, which, when open, 
 displayed two gleaming rows of expensively fitted teeth. 
 Her hands exhibited knotted veins, and surprisingly 
 large knuckles, but the lady's most distinctive endow- 
 ment was a far-reaching, masculine voice. Her style of 
 .dress was tailor-made, and suitable, her only jewellery, 
 a thin wedding' ring. 
 
 What was her claim to the almost subservient homage 
 which she received 1 She was suffered to break into the 
 most interesting conversation ; her remarks were" listened 
 to with profound respect, and she was waited on with 
 slavish assiduity. Perhaps the answer was, that the old 
 lady had influence, a strong personality, a sharp tongue, 
 and great possessions. She was a masterful, independent 
 individual, who did what she liked, went where she 
 fancied, and said what she pleased ! Nancy shrank from 
 her instinctively, and when on deck, kept well out of her 
 orbit, and beyond the range of those piercing eyes. 
 
 One evening, as she sat pretending to read, she was 
 startled by a deep voice speaking over her shoulder. It 
 said : 
 
 " What's the matter with you ? Why don't you go and 
 play about ? You look like a sick chicken ! " 
 
 As Nancy gazed straight up into the old wrinkled 
 face, her lips twitched, but she made no reply. Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, who evidently expected an answer, waited 
 for a moment, still staring fixedly. It was something 
 like the children's game of "Who will laugh 'first? 
 Then with an indignant " Humph ! " she moved away. 
 The Patna, four days out from Colombo, had ex- 
 perienced fairly fine weather, and real tropical heat. 
 Nancy slept in the top berth of her tiny cubby hole, 
 with the port wide open, and was dreaming a delightful 
 dream, when it suddenly turned to a sense of horrible 
 reality and drowning. She was roused by a wandering 
 green^wave, which, having discovered an inviting port- 
 hole, flowed in torrents over her prostrate form, and 
 completely swamped the cabin. As soon as she had 
 recovered her breath, and the shock, she endeavoured 
 to close the port. It proved much- too stiff. Then she 
 sprang down into the water on the floor, snatched #t 
 her dressing-gown, and opening the door, screamed for 
 a steward. A man in the next cabin had evidently met 
 with the same catastrophe, and was in a similar plight. 
 He and Nancy faced one another in the passage, a
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 95 
 
 dripping, shivering pair ! Very soon a bedroom steward 
 appeared on the scene, there was loud talking, splash- 
 ing, mopping. In the midst of this, a door opened, and 
 a gruff voice demanded : 
 
 rt What's all this noise about?" 
 
 Then the face of Mrs. De Wolfe appeared. She wore 
 a large lace-frilled nightcap, " and looked for all the 
 world," as the young man subsequently described, " like 
 the wolf in Red Riding Hood." 
 
 "There's been a sea into these two cabins, ma'am," 
 explained the steward, " and this 'ere lady and gentle- 
 man has been washed out ! " 
 
 The old woman now came forth, and surveyed them 
 impartially ; the smart clean-shaven man in- pink 
 pyjamas, and a blanket; the girl in a blue dressing- 
 
 fown, with two long plaits of hair dripping down her 
 ack, and instantly recognized the " Ghost," Nancy's 
 nickname on the boat. 
 
 " You come along in here," she commanded, stretch- 
 ing out her bony hand, and taking her by the wrist. 
 " Steward, send my maid at once," and the cabin door 
 closed on the pair the wolf, and the lamb ! 
 
 " You shall have dry things immediately," said Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, '" and Haynes shall make you up a bed on 
 the sofa here." 
 
 " Thank you, ma'am, you are very kind," chattered 
 Nancy, whose teeth were like a pair of castanets. 
 
 " Take a towel and dry your hair, Haynes will be here 
 in a moment." 
 
 Almost as her mistress spoke, Haynes made her ap- 
 pearance in a trim red flannel dressing-gown, and took 
 the matter in hand with quiet promptitude. Nancy 
 soon found herself invested in a beautiful silk and lace 
 nightgown, which she regarded with unspeakable awe. 
 
 " It's quite all right, chicken," declared the old lady 
 who had returned to her berth, " I wear plain upper 
 garments, and keep the show for what I call my 
 'Undies.' It fits you to a T. Better sleep with the 
 towel round your head. How on earth do you manage 
 to hide all that hair 1 " 
 
 " Less talking ! " growled a voice from the neigh- 
 bouring cabin. 
 
 " Haynes, you'll bring two teas at half-past seven," 
 continued Mrs. De Wolfe, totally unmoved by this 
 command, "and now you may turn out the light, and 
 go."
 
 96 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 In the ensuing darkness, Nancy was able to reflect 
 at leisure upon her novel position. She was actually 
 sleeping in the cabin and the nightgown of the woman 
 she most feared and avoided of all the passengers on 
 board th ; e Patna. Yet in spite of her overpowering 
 personality, she had proved to be a good Samaritan, 
 and not so alarming after all; consoled by this convic-N 
 tion, Nancy dozed off. 
 
 In the morning, Haynes a celebrated Treasure 
 brought Nancy a cup of delicious "private" tea, and 
 when she had drunk it, and thankea her hostess for a 
 night's lodging, she slipped on her dressing,-gown, and 
 fled into her own quarters once more habitable. 
 
 The little episode of the " wash-out " had no im- 
 mediate results beyond the exhibition of two mattresses, 
 and several blankets hung out to dry, and Nancy's 
 acquaintance with Mrs. De Wolfe went no further. She 
 shrank more and more into_ solitude and silence, and 
 gave way to the gnawing misery and loneliness of her 
 heart plunged in the agony of a terrible loss, she was 
 left to struggle in it quite alone. 
 
 One morning Mrs. De Wolfe encountered her face 
 to face, at the top of the companion ladder, nodded 
 brusquely, and stared. The girl's face subsequently 
 haunted her. Oh, what a picture, of real grief, and 
 nothing but grief ! Impressed by this vision, she pro- 
 ceeded to make inquiries respecting the solitary young 
 woman in mourning? Mrs. Sandilands (a notable 
 chatterbox) volubly related the tale of tragedy, dwelt 
 on Nancy's adoration for her father, their ideally happy 
 life, his death, and her altered fortune. 
 
 "Nancy has no one belonging to her, except a dis- 
 agreeable aunt," she said, " a half-sister, who has been 
 at daggers drawn with Mr. Travers for twenty years; 
 however she has offered what she calls 'an asylum' to 
 the girl, until she can find some job." 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe nodded and grunted; she also marked, 
 learned and inwardly digested this information. 
 
 A grand fancy ball was got up on board the Patna, 
 in order to inaugurate her entrance into^the Red Sea: 
 the preparations, arrangements and expedients, afforded 
 almost as much enjoyment as the dance itself. Such 
 were its attractions, that Mrs. De Wolfe's special Bridge 
 .table was ruthlessly dissolved. One of the keenest players 
 was appearing as Neptune, another as Mephistopheles,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 97 
 
 a stout, middle-aged lady as Ophelia. Mrs. De Wolfe 
 made no change in her plain rich evening toilet though 
 more than one malicious tongue had suggested that {t she 
 might get herself up as the Witch of Endor." 
 
 Tired of looking on at the whirling crowd, she went 
 on deck, and having descried a solitary figure leaning 
 over the side, approached it stealthily and, so to speak, 
 pounced ! 
 
 "No, don't go away, little sick chick ! " she said, 
 laying her bony grasp on Nancy's arm. "Come over- 
 here, and talk to me, and Nancy was carried away a 
 helpless prisoner, to where two deck-chairs happened to 
 be placed close together. " You're not looking on?" 
 
 Nancy shook her head. 
 
 " No, I'm told you have had great trouble and I'm 
 very sorry for you." 
 
 " Thank you," said the girl stiffly. 
 
 " Come now, do you think it is right to give way to 
 it like this? keeping apart from your fellow creatures, 
 and fretting yourself to death ? 
 
 " I cannot help it." 
 
 " You could, if you tried." 
 
 " Oh, you don't know " and Nancy caught her 
 
 breath. 
 
 " Pardon me, I do know ! Your chaperone told me 
 all about it. I'm sure if your father could see you, 
 and we have no proof otherwise, it would hurt him 
 terribly to witness such hopeless, useless, misery." 
 
 " My father was the same himself," declared Nancy, 
 "after my mother died, and I was sent to England." 
 
 " I know; your friend, Mrs. Sandilands, an exhaustive 
 talker, assured me, he v. 7 as so heart-broken, that he al- 
 lowed his affairs to what is called ' go to the dogs.' Did 
 he not regret that? " 
 
 " Yes, he did but I have no affairs." 
 
 " You have your life to lead, my dear. Come, do not 
 play the coward, but brace yourself for the race that 
 is before you." 
 
 "Oh, I can't," she muttered; "if I could only diet" 
 
 " What nonsense," protested the old lady, " I've no 
 patience with this silly sort of talk." 
 ' For a moment there was no answer, and the silence 
 was filled with the blare of the band, and a rousing 
 Two-step.
 
 98 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 "Because perhaps you don't know what trouble is," 
 murmured Nancy at last. 
 
 " Don't 1 1 I am not disposed to talk of my private 
 affairs with strangers but for once, I will." A harsh 
 tragedy looked out of her old eyes, as she added : 
 " Listen. You possibly see me a gruff, selfish, over- 
 bearing old woman, with not a thought in the world 
 beyond her dinner, and a rubber of Bridge. Neverthe- 
 less, I have indeed known anguish the wounds throb 
 still. My husband left me, when we were young and 
 happy ; my eldest boy was killed at Magersfontein, my 
 youngest, died of typhoid in India, all alone; and here 
 am I, all alone, with nothing awaiting me but the 
 
 frave." She paused, for a moment. " Now you have, 
 trust, a long useful life, and many happy hours before 
 you. Why, you cannot be jnore than eighteen." 
 
 "I was eighteen three months ago." 
 
 "And eighteen wishes to die! Mrs. Sandilands tells 
 me you are going to live with an aunt in London. May 
 I hear her name 1 " 
 
 " Yes, it is Mrs. Jenkins. She has a house in Queen's 
 Gate." 
 
 " Strange, I think I've heard of her. She is a widow 
 like myself, very comfortably off. Her chief interest 
 in life, is her health, a malade imaginaire. Do you know 
 anything of nursing ? " 
 
 " Not much, I am afraid." 
 
 "Well, then, my dear, I am well experienced and I 
 am going to prescribe for you. You are to come along 
 with me, and look on at the ball : and then we will go 
 and have a bit of supper. Yes, I insist!" There was 
 no gainsaying this old lady. 
 
 When Mrs. De Wolfe and her young friend parted 
 that night in their mutual passage, she said : 
 
 " I intend to take you in hand, Miss Nancy Travers. 
 I shall not allow you to sit idle in the market-place, 
 eating your heart out. To-morrow I'll give you some 
 knitting, "and teach you to play Piquet and Patience. 
 You can look upon me as your deputy chaperone." 
 
 ^As deputy chaperone, she took entire charge of Nancy 
 who felt powerless to resist the girl interested her 
 surprisingly. When she forgot herself, she could talk, 
 she could sew, she could even smile ! By the time the 
 Patna was in the Canal, Nancy was better. The sea-air 
 revived her; her new acquaintance acted as a tonic, kept
 
 GIVEN IN MARKIAGE 99 
 
 her incessantly occupied, promenaded the deck with her, 
 told her stories, gave her sound advice, and from being 
 a mere crumpled heap of hopeless misery lifted her once 
 more to a foothold in life. 
 
 It had been discovered that the "Ghost," as she was 
 called, was an excellent pianist, and consecruently much 
 in request to accompany song or violin. This demand 
 brought her into communication with other young people 
 which was good for Nancy. 
 
 Mrs. Sandilands was amazed at the acquaintance 
 which had been struck up between two such incongruous 
 characters as Mrs. De Wolfe, and the Travers girl. 
 What had they in common ? However it .came about, 
 the old woman had effected a wonderful change, and as 
 it were restored the Ghost to life, and the material world. 
 She now went to and fro and mixed with other people, 
 and no longer spent hours shut up in her little cabin. 
 
 When the Patna was in the Channel, Mrs. De Wolfe 
 said to her protege'e : 
 
 " Do not forget to give me your address, iny dear, 
 and I will come and see you-." 
 
 ;|That will.be very kind." 
 
 I stay in London occasionally, but my home is in 
 the country, also in the wide world for I travel a 
 
 great deal. Excuse my plain speaking, my dear, but 
 ave you no income at all 1 I understand that your 
 father was a Travers of Lambourne, 'and I believe they 
 went through every penny they possessed 1 " 
 
 " I have twenty pounds a year, replied Nancy, " and 
 I have had a good education ; but I'm afraid I look too 
 young to be a governess. If the worst comes to the 
 worst) I might go into a shop. I think I'd rather like 
 that millinery, or a ladies' outfitting a sort of place 
 where there are no men." 
 
 "Are you afraid of them? " 
 
 "Oh no," and she laughed. 
 
 No love affairs yet, J should imagine," said Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, with" customary bluntness. 
 
 'No love affairs," repeated Nancy, but she coloured 
 vividly. 
 
 "Ah! then there is someone?" remarked her astute 
 questioner. 
 
 " Yes, there was someone ; someone I don't like ; but 
 it had nothing to do with a love affair and I pray that 
 we may never meet again."
 
 100 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE " 
 
 " I'm afraid that will be no use, my dear we all 
 meet the very people we don't want to see ! " 
 
 " Well, I shall always want to see you! " said Nancy 
 impulsively. 
 
 "I'm glad of that, my child, for the number of people 
 who never wish to see me again, is fairly large. I hate 
 cruelty, and snobbery ; . I speak out my mind rather 
 freely, as I tramp through life. Well, ftry little chick, 
 I've given you a lift on the road, haven't I ? " 
 
 " You have inifeed ; I can't tell you all you have done 
 for me, roused me from a stupor, that was creeping over 
 me, and helped me to make a fresh start. I can never 
 thank you enough, never ! " 
 
 "I don't want thanks. Give me deeds. You must 
 write to me, -Nancy. My bankers, Coutts, will always 
 find me, and if I don't answer, never mind; I'm a 
 shocking correspondent, my pen never saves my tongue. 
 I'll come and see you when I pass through Town, and 
 I hope I'll find you doing well. Be amenable to your 
 father's sister : a rich, self-centred, elderly woman. 
 Accept hard knocks they will brace you later on, you 
 may find your life in pleasant places. I'd like to take 
 you with me to Scotland, but I am under orders to visit 
 old friends, who fix one's date of arrival, train, and 
 room, with a firmness there is no withstanding, and I 
 dare not be a deserter." 
 
 Nancy's were not the only thanks received by this 
 social missionary. Pretty Mrs. Sandilands overwhelmed 
 her with effusive gratitude, and flattering speeches. 
 
 " You took the girl off my hands, dear kindest lady, 
 and have turned her into a new creature ! I cannot 
 imagine how you did it ! " 
 
 "A little sympathy, and fellow-feeling, was all that 
 was required." 
 
 Mrs. Sandilands coloured guiltily, and then replied : 
 
 "Nancy is like her father, you see she takes every- 
 thing so terribly, so foolishly, to heart." 
 
 " But what a good thing it is, that she happens to 
 have a heart to take things to ? Such folk are not cem- 
 mon objects of the sea or shore in these days." 
 
 " Perhaps because people don't wear their hearts on 
 their sleeves," retorted Mrs. Sandilands sharply. At 
 this moment, her companion was summoned to receive 
 & Marconigram, and she found herself unexpectedly 
 abandoned with all the honours of the last word !
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 101 
 
 Later that same day, the Patna was berthed in the 
 London Docks, and her horde of passengers scattered 
 afar, every man and woman to their own ; in most cases 
 to forget within a few hours, those who had been their 
 daily associates for the last four weeks. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 MRS. AKABELLA JENKINS (ne'e Travers), a stout little 
 widow of sixty-four, occupied a large and lugubrious 
 mansion in Queen's Gate, S.W. She was also the mis- 
 tress of five thousand a year, eight servants not in- 
 cluding a permanent "char" and one dog. Her mother, 
 a pretty Scotch girl, had been of "no family," according 
 to various disappointed dowagers " just someone 
 Charles Travers had picked up when shooting on a 
 moor, and by no means a suitable chatelaine for Lam- 
 bourne." 
 
 However, the poor despised lady reigned but a few 
 short-years^ and was succeeded, after a heartless interval, 
 by a dashing damsel of undeniable birth, the mother or 
 Laurence Travers, and his two brothers, who ably as- 
 sisted her reckless husband to squander the remains of 
 a famous estate. 
 
 At nineteen, Arabella Travers was a beauty of the 
 Dresden china type : a fair fluffy little creature, with 
 sunny Kair and an exquisite pink and white complexion. 
 Possibly she was shrewd enough to foresee how family 
 affairs were drifting, for at the age of one and twenty, 
 she accepted a rich elderly suitor from the City, and 
 exchanged a cheery country life for a somewhat gloomy 
 establishment in town. 
 
 There had never been much in common between Ara- 
 bella, her smart stepmother, and riotous, high-spirited 
 brothers. The Travers boys laughed at, and mimicked 
 old Sammy Jenkins, and old Sam openly abused their 
 mad folly, and extravagance, and rarely invited them 
 under his roof. 
 
 However, he made Arabella an adoring and indulgent 
 husband, spoiled and petted her most injudiciously, and 
 permitted her to believe, that there was no one in the 
 whole world .as important or as beautiful as herself ! 
 Having entirely uprooted all that was best in her 
 character, he died, leaving his widow every shilling he
 
 102 GIVEN IN MAREIAGE 
 
 possessed, to the wrathful indignation of his antici- 
 pating kindred. 
 
 A long impending crash promptly followed the death 
 of Charles Travers. The estate was sold for the benefit 
 of creditors, Mrs. Travers retired to Bournemouth, and 
 there died within a year. Her three sons scattered over 
 the world ; one went to India, another to Australia, 8r 
 third to South Africa. In a short time, the family were 
 extinct, all but prosperous Arabella, and handsome 
 Laurence, who, having made a fair start in coffee, 
 returned home for a few months' holiday. 
 
 As he was a most presentable relative, his stepsister 
 saw a good deal of him, proudly exhibited him at tea- 
 parties, and dinners, and exerted herself to find him a 
 suitable that is to say-^-a well-dowered wife. In one 
 direction, she had even made overtures on his behalf, 
 but before her plans had time to materialize, Laurence 
 returned to the East, and married a wretched, penniless 
 little governess ! If he -had been guided by his wise 
 relative, he could have married a rich, rather plain 
 young woman, who had been greatly attracted by his 
 personality, and have enjoyed the easy life of a country 
 gentleman, and revived something of the Travers pres- 
 tige; instead of- which, there he was, grilling out in 
 India, grubbing away at a coffee estate. 
 
 Figuratively his sister washed her little fat hands of 
 him ; there had been a brief interchange of disagreeable 
 letters such as appear to be the copyright of near rela- 
 tives subsequently succeeded by a death-like silence. 
 
 Mrs. Jenkins ceased to trouble herself further with 
 respect to her brother " impossible," she declared, 
 " to help those who refused to help themselves/' but 
 vague scraps of information had reached her indirectly. 
 She heard of the birth of a child, the death of his wife, 
 and his financial collapse. 
 
 Sunken in selfishness, and egoism, Arabella Jenkins 
 had almost forgotten her brother Laurence, _when a 
 twenty years' silence was broken; a letter written by 
 an unsteady hand, announced his impending departure 
 from this world, and appealed to a childless woman 
 to give his little girl a home. Later, she had seen the 
 announcement of his death in the Times. It had been 
 duly advertised by the ever thoughtful Mrs. Ffinch. 
 
 So Laurence was gone and only forty-seven ! and 
 now there was his orphan. What was she to do about
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 103 
 
 her? As dear Mrs. Taylor truly said, "at her time of 
 life, and in her state of health, it was monstrous to sup- 
 
 Sose, that she should be saddled with an encumbrance." 
 f course, she must receive the girl for a few weeks, and 
 possibly "some of her many friends, such as Lady Con- 
 stance Howler, or Mrs. Fitzallen Jones, might find her 
 a situation. As for being permanently troubled with this 
 responsibility, the idea was simply too utterly ridicu- 
 lous. t 
 
 The early beauty of Arabella Travers had not lasted 
 save in the lady's own opinion. Bright hair and a 
 rose-leaf skin, belong to the days 'of one's youth. Mrs. 
 Jenkins was now a stout, short-necked, squat little body, 
 with a pair of arrogant blue eyes, ana an assertive nose. 
 Happy in the delusion that she aid not look a day over 
 thirty, she dressed the age at great expense, and in the 
 most villainous taste. 
 
 Her house was warm, dark, and stuffy; very thick red 
 carpets led the way from hall to drawing-room. Here 
 again was a red carpet, heavy crimson curtains, and 
 solid furniture of the most debased Victorian type, of 
 which the crowning atrocity was a large distorted otto- 
 man in the middle of the room. The walls were covered 
 with chromes, and mirrors in ponderous frames : a life- 
 sized portrait of the mistress of the house hung opposite 
 the fireplace, and seemed determined, to challenge at- 
 tention; it had been painted more than thirty years 
 previously, and portrayed a slim young lady, 'with rosy 
 cheeks, snow white neck and arms, and a voluminous 
 blue dress. On her satin lap reposed a small King 
 Charles, which same animal, beautifully stuffed, and 
 sheltered in a glass case, confronted visitors on the first 
 landing, and struck terror into the hearts of his own 
 species. 
 
 The portrait, the ottoman, and a grand piano, were 
 the chief features of the apartment, which also contained 
 a good many " occasional " chairs, and tables, various 
 gaudy cushions, and lamp-shades (the spoils of bazaars), 
 and a large collection of small rubbish. Mrs. Jenkins 
 was not what is called "house-proud," and had made 
 no alterations in what had been her bridal home, 
 merely contributing the cheap little souvenirs she had 
 picked up on the Continent; such as Swiss carvings, 
 Italian delf, marble letter-weights, and paper fans. 
 Her interest was naainly centred in herself, and the
 
 104 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 - 
 
 condition of her health ; fortunately she was as strong as 
 the proverbial horse, and endowed with a hardy Scotch 
 constitution, otherwise she must have succumbed to the 
 extraordinary variety of medicines she sampled, and the 
 different "cures" she underwent. The lady took too 
 little exercise, and too much nourishment. Even when 
 she was supposed to be completely prostrate, heavily 
 laden trays were welcomed by an astonishing appetite, 
 which disposed of their dishes with healthy voracity, and 
 provoked much ribald jeering among her retinue below 
 stairs. The assimilating of prescriptions in the shape 
 of drops or tabloids, were with Mrs. Jenkins, a con- 
 firmed habit and joy, and took the place of cigarettes, 
 so soothing to other women. 
 
 Doctors who attended Mrs. Jenkins, were legion in 
 number occasionally two or three, unknown to one 
 another, prescribed for the same case. According to her 
 statement, she had been threatened with almost every 
 known complaint: arthritis, appendicitis, angina pec- 
 toris, seemed to dog her steps, and yet her recuperative 
 vitality was incredible. 
 
 One week prone in bed with nurses in attendance, 
 and straw laid down in the street : long ere the straw 
 was removed, the invalid might have been seen making 
 a hearty lunch at " Prince's " or doing a matinee at 
 the Haymarket. Indeed, it was on record, that a be- 
 wildered caller had found the knocker at No. 900 muffled, 
 and on inquiring for the sufferer with almost batea 
 breath, was informed that she was at Ranelagh ! 
 
 Arabella Jenkins endeavoured to ^ make the most of 
 two worlds: the gay, hustling, social world, and the 
 invalid sphere, bounded by doctors, friendly inquiries, 
 flowers, and commiseration. Nothing made 'Mrs. Jen- 
 kins more indignant indeed furious than any doubt 
 of the bona fides of her ailments. 
 
 She posed as an extraordinarily plucky woman, who 
 bore her sufferings, after the manner of the Spartan boy 
 and fox ; and those doctors who refused to see eye to 
 eye with her, or to take part in a medical farce, were 
 inscribed in her black books as not merely incapable, 
 but the deadliest of enemies. For all her masterful, 
 despotic ways and heavy purse, Mrs. Jenkins was more 
 or less in the hands of her eight servants, her old friends, 
 and her numerous parasites. 
 
 held a court of elderly women ; ladies in waiting
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 105 
 
 (for favours) attended her, flattered her, and sung her 
 praises, particularly in her own presence. These, she 
 rewarded with dinners, presents, drives, her cast-off 
 gowns, and her confidence. They had all expressed deep 
 sympathy over the impending invasion of this girl ; for 
 it was no secret that " dearest Arabella did not care for 
 young people." Intensely jealous of each other's in- 
 fluence, they combined in a solid phalanx, against an 
 intrusive outsider. 
 
 Two of Mrs. Jenkins' chief friends were sitting with 
 her one afternoon late in June. One had presented 
 flowers, the other had propped her up with cushions, 
 and brought her a 07 footstool almost as if she was re- 
 covering from one of her notable heart attacks. In 
 reality, she was awaiting the arrival of Miss Nancy 
 Travers, and Miss Nancy Travers was late ! 
 
 Mrs. Taylor, chief counsellor, and parasite, was a 
 widow with a masculine cast of face, a dark red com- 
 plexion, and beetling black brows; being tall and mas- 
 sive, Mrs. Jenkins' dresses required a vast amount of 
 letting out and letting down, before she could assume 
 them. She lived in a little flat in Earl's Court, and was 
 dependent on dearest Arabella, whom she had known 
 as a girl, a fact which made her position as mistress 
 of the robes impregnable, for many -an excellent meal, 
 a serviceable cast-off costume, and her summer holidays. 
 In return for these benefits, she offered continual incense 
 in the shape of flattery, and much engrossing gossip 
 having a wide, and illegitimate knowledge of other 
 people's affairs. 
 
 The other lady, Miss Dolling, was well and fashionably 
 dressed no genteel mendicant this ! but she was un- 
 fortunately plain : a long nose, no chin, and fat flabby 
 cheeks, largely discounted her string of valuable pearls, 
 and French toilette. Bessie Dolling, the original wife 
 selected for Laurence Travers, was as yet an unappro- 
 priated blessing: after twenty years, she still hoarded 
 Laurence's photograph, hugged his memory, and firmly 
 believed that if he had not been caught by an adven- 
 turess, he would have returned to claim her. This fiction 
 was a sustaining consolation to the poor lady, did no 
 one any harm, and need not be begrudged. 
 
 The three friends were grouped round the open win- 
 dow overlooking Queen's Gate; Galpin the butler had 
 just removed the tea-things, and departed with the tea-
 
 106 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 cloth neatly tucked under his arm. He was a stout, 
 clean-shaven man, with a considerable meridian, and a 
 stern mouth. N.B. His mistress was not a little afraid 
 of him. 
 
 " I wonder what she will be like? " said Miss Dolling 
 suddenly. 
 
 " My dear Bessie, that is the tenth time you have 
 made the same remark," peevishly protested Mrs. Taylor. 
 "We shall know in a few minutes/' 
 
 " She will be exactly like her father," announced Mrs. 
 Jenkins as if stating a fact; "a dark Travers, with 
 black hair, and well-cut features, especially the Travers' 
 nose," and as she spoke, she put up her hand and stroked 
 her own organ, which was short, thick, and first cousin 
 to a nez retrousse. 
 
 " I shall send her to her room almost at once. These 
 interviews are so dreadfully trying for my poor heart." 
 
 "Yes, dear friend," purred Mrs. Taylor, "and we 
 will take care, that she does not talk to you about the 
 panther, or how her father was killed." 
 
 "Not killed at the time," contradicted Miss Dolling; 
 "he died days afterwards." 
 
 " It "was the panther's doing all the same." argued 
 Mrs. Taylor, " and to think of Laurence Travers making 
 no provision for his girl, I call it downright wicked, 
 leaving her entirely dependent on his dear, good, golden- 
 hearted sister." 
 
 At this moment, there was a sound of violent commo- 
 tion, and deafening barking on the stairs. The Pom 
 who left the room in close attendance on cream, and 
 savoury sandwiches, had undoubtedly encountered a 
 stranger. Miss Dolling looked hastily out of the window 
 and said : 
 
 "Yes she has arrived! a four-wheeler, and several 
 large boxes." 
 
 Further information was postponed, as the door 
 opened, and Galpin announced " Miss Travers." Enter, 
 a thin, woebegone girl, with reddish hair : dressed in 
 a crumpled black muslin, and carrying a waterproof 
 on her arm. 
 
 Half way to ""the window, she paused for a moment, 
 endeavouring to discover which of these three women 
 might be her aunt? Was it the big one with the shiny 
 red face, the thin one with the tortoiseshell pince-nez,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 107 
 
 that gave her such an owl-like expression, or the little 
 fat one in pale blue chiffon 1 Evidently the latter, for 
 she struggled out of her arm-chair, and offered a podgy 
 hand blazing with diamonds. 
 
 "How d you do no!" drawing back. "No, no, 
 please don't kiss me ! I'm dreadfully afraid of microbes. 
 My health, as you know, is so uncertain, and I have to 
 be very cautious. We -have been expecting you for the 
 last half hour. What has kept you ? " 
 
 "I believe, the train was late," replied Nancy in- a 
 meek voice. Could this, little cross fat woman $ be 
 Daddy's sister 1 
 
 'Oh, was it? Have you paid the cab 1 ?" 
 
 'Yes.!' 
 
 ' How much did he charge from Charing Cross 1 " 
 demanded Mrs. Taylor, an authority on fares. 
 
 ' Four and sixpence." 
 
 ' What ! " The word was almost a shout. 
 
 ' But I had luggage." 
 
 ' Oh, yes, and your big boxes had better be kept be- 
 low," said her aunt; " I am so afraid of my poor walls 
 being damaged. You can sit down, Nancy. These are 
 my friends, Mrs. Taylor, and Miss Dolling." 
 
 The ladies shook hands in silence. After a moment 
 Miss Dolling said : 
 
 "Had you a good passage?" 
 
 "Yes, thank you." 
 
 Meanwhile her aunt was surveying Nancy with a look 
 of puzzled disappointment. 
 
 " So you are not a Travers after all," she remarked. 
 " How odd, and unexpected." 
 
 " No, I believe I am a Blake." 
 
 "A Blake," repeated Mrs. Jenkins, "I never heard 
 of the people," and she knitted her light eyebrows as 
 she reflected that possibly " Blake " had been the maiden 
 name of the adventuress ? "I daresay you would like to 
 take your things off ? " 
 
 " Yes, if you please, I should." 
 
 "Then will you ring the bell? It is close to the 
 chimney-piece on the far side." 
 
 When Galpiu awaited orders in the doorway, Mrs. 
 Jenkins said: 
 
 " Tell Baker to come and show Miss Travers to her 
 room." 
 
 Baker promptly appeared, took the new arrival, so to
 
 108 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 speak, in tow, convoyed her to the fifth floor, and into a 
 somewhat shabby apartment, next to her own bower. 
 
 As soon as Nancy had left the drawing-room, the three 
 ladies closed in together comfortably, in order to discuss 
 the new arrival with unreserved enjoyment. The ul- 
 timate finding of the conference proved unfavourable. 
 
 "The girl was not a Travers; her manners were 
 awkward, and she was quite hopelessly plain ! ; ' 
 
 AS POOR RELATION 
 
 NANCY soon fell into the routine of the household, and 
 led an active, useful life at 900, Queen's Gate. -Un- 
 doubtedly it was good for her, that she had no leisure, 
 nor any opportunity for reflection and solitude, save 
 when in bed. Then she was so thoroughly tired, that 
 she fell asleep almost as soon as her head was on the 
 pillow. After all, the daily regime of this elderly es- 
 tablishment, was not so irksome to a girl who had been 
 for years, accustomed to the strict discipline of a 
 boarding school. 
 
 Within a week, the new arrival had learnt her aunt's 
 chief ailments and requirements, taken a sharp impres- 
 sion of her character, and was not a little amazed at her 
 own capabilities in measuring drops, picking up stitches, 
 and writing notes. She also read aloud, and went end- 
 less messages. Many a tiresome errand did she save 
 Baker, ana the cook ; many a toilsome journey did she 
 make up those long flights of stairs : the excuse for such 
 constant perambulation, being, "that she was young!' 1 
 
 At first, her visit had been spoken of as "temporary," 
 Mrs. Taylor and Miss Dolling being actively engaged 
 in searching for a suitable post for the interloper.^ The 
 former, was particularly anxious to be rid ot this too 
 useful, and obedient relative, who accomplished her 
 tasks without complaint or murmur. The truth was, 
 that Nancy 'had not forgotten Mrs. De Wolfe's wise 
 counsel,, and inwardly soothed her amour propre by 
 saying to herself, "Aunt Arabella is Daddy's sister, 
 and I must try to please her ; though lots 6f the things 
 I have to do, are hateful, and Mrs. Taylor is more 
 detestable than everything put together ! " 
 
 Her most unwelcome task, was that of exercising the 
 Pom twice daily on a lead a job that really belonged
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 109 
 
 to Baker. He was a little animal with an odious 
 character, and not a gentleman; quarrelsome, and 
 insulting to other dogs, shamelessly greedy and inquisi- 
 tive, and with a bark, that was almost worse than a 
 bite ! 
 
 Meanwhile Nancy plodded along, buoyed up by hope 
 and letters, hope that " Finchie " would be home in 
 the spring, and find her a nice situation with payment. 
 Here, naturally, she received no salary ; her wealthy 
 aunt was in some ways surprisingly stingy ; a miser with 
 respect to stamps, and extraordinarily mean in the 
 matter of coal, electric light, cab fares, and newspapers. 
 As for the electric light, they often sat in semi-darkness, 
 and yet Mrs. Jenkins thought nothing of paying from 
 twenty to thirty guineas for a gown, or a shilling for 
 a plover's egg ! 
 
 Nancy's happiest moments were when the Indian mail 
 arrived, ana brought her long despatches from 
 " Finchie," from Francis, from the Hicks family, and 
 Teddy Dawson. The latter had once enclosed in a letter 
 what is known as a "fat" cheque, amounting to sixty- 
 three pounds and some odd shillings, which had been 
 paid into Ted's account on her behalf by Mayne. This 
 cheque was promptly returned, and Nancy scribbled at 
 white heat, "I will not touch this money; please do 
 not offer it again, or ever mention Captain Mayne; all 
 that is a dreadful dream, which I am doing my best to 
 forget." 
 
 Letters from India were not the only ones addressed 
 to Miss Travers from the outer world. She had received 
 a short note from Mrs. De Wolfe, and several ill-spelt 
 scrawls, indited by Mr. Fletcher's valet. He was now 
 living in a sanatorium in Switzerland, a confirmed in- 
 valid ; indeed the valet, who was a Scotchman, informed 
 Nancy that his master was " far through." Mr. Fletcher 
 wished to hear how his little Nancy was faring? if she 
 had need of money, and if her aunt kept her well sup- 
 plied ? otherwise she knew where to come for it. He 
 would be her banker. But poor as she was, Nancy 
 preferred to be independent. A portion of her savings, 
 still remained intact. 
 
 She sent frequent letters, to her old friend, gratefully 
 declining his offer telling him everything about her- 
 self, that she thought might interest or please him, 
 carefully omitting all disagreeables; she alsc* added
 
 110 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 scraps of news, gleaned from her Indian correspondence ; 
 in short, Nancy had the art of composing cheery epistles, 
 which were deeply appreciated by a sick, and solitary 
 exile. 
 
 In August, Mrs. Jenkins journeyed to Harrogate, 
 bearing Nancy and. Baker in her train. The lady much 
 preferred Scarborough, and cast many wistful thoughts 
 in that direction, but then Baker had a married sister 
 living at Harrogate, so there it was or rather, there 
 she was ! 
 
 Mrs. Jenkins stayed for several weeks at a fashionable 
 hotel, consulted a new doctor, sat about the gardens, 
 sipped the waters, and compared gossip and symptoms 
 with her friends. During the latter part of the visit, 
 she allowed Nancy to spend a short time with Mrs. 
 Briscoe at > Eastbourne, whilst Mrs. Taylor, who had 
 been languishing in her poky little flat, stepped nimbly 
 into her shoes. 
 
 Nine hundred, Queen's Gate, was reopened at the end 
 of September. The charwoman's parties came to an 
 end, and the carriage horses no longer took the coach- 
 man's friends to Hampton Court, Kew, or "the pic-, 
 tures." Everything gradual^- settled into the usual 
 routine, as far as Nancy was concerned; exercising the 
 Pom, changing the library books, shopping at the 
 Stores, and attending upon her relative. 
 
 One afternoon, as laden with parcels, she re-entered 
 the house, Galpin handed her a card, on which was 
 inscribed, " Mrs. De Wolfe, Newenham Court. So very 
 sorry to miss you." The card was presently followed 
 by a note, inviting Nancy to lunch with Mrs. De- Wolfe 
 at her hotel, but this, alas ! she was compelled to decline, 
 as the date fixed, happened to be her aunt's weekly 
 "day," and she was on duty with the teapot. 
 
 A second note from Mrs. De Wolfe, repeated her dis- 
 appointment at not seeing her young friend, especially 
 as she was about to leave London, in order to spend the 
 'winter in the West Indies. Her disappointment was as 
 nothing to Nancy's, for in her case, it was increased 
 by despondency. 
 
 Ever since her arrival, under her aunt's roof, Mrs. 
 Taylor had been ceaselessly endeavouring to remove her 
 elsewhere. She had sought out, and suggested several 
 situations^ but these on examination had not proved 
 to bo satisfactory. One, was as an apprentice in a
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 111 
 
 ladies' blouse and hat shop^-to assist in the showroom 
 and workroom, hours eight to six, dinner provided 
 no remuneration, but then " it was such a good open- 
 ing/' that Mrs. Taylor was enthusiastic. Another 
 " opportunity," of which Nancy refused to avail herself, 
 was ag typist to a rising young (dentist and to give 
 some assistance with the patients ! 
 
 " But I'm afraid of dentists, and I cannot type ! " 
 protested Nancy. " If Aunt Arabella wishes, I can find 
 a situation. Mrs. Briscoe will arrange for me she has 
 offered to do so." 
 
 Greatly to her friend's dismay, Mrs. Jenkins was not 
 at present disposed to part with her useful slave, and 
 stern ly commanded Henrietta to postpone the search. 
 
 Autumn passed without any particular change ; Nancy 
 developed into a sort of extra lady's-maid, companion, 
 secretary, and butt; Mrs. Jenkins saw a good deal of 
 company : when her health permitted she was at home 
 on " Tuesdays," and received many visitors, as her 
 teas were proverbially well provided fruit and ices, 
 were not unknown. These Tuesday afternoons, entailed 
 weary hours for her niece, who stood pouring out, hand- 
 ing cakes, and generally assisting Galpin. 
 
 Mrs. Jenkins also gave occasional solemn dinners. 
 These banquets were usually attended by various elderly 
 men of her acquaintance, as she had a notable cook, and 
 a famous bin of superior old port. At such festivities, 
 Nancy was not expected to appear; her mourning was 
 too deep. It was for this reason also, that Nancy was 
 never invited to accompany her relative to any place of 
 amusement. Mrs. Jenkins declared, that she could not 
 possibly go into society for a full twelve-month. Her 
 idea on the subject of mourning, was strict, and old- 
 fashioned mourning by the year, crSpe by the yard. 
 When the banquets took place, Nancy wrote out the 
 menus, and name cards, arranged the flowers, and 
 Bridge tables, and then thankfully retreated to the 
 breakfast-room with a novel ? and the Pom. 
 
 Sometimes she felt that this life was almost too diffi- 
 cult ! Mrs. Taylor's poisonous influence told heavily 
 against her; her enemy was so often with her in the 
 Gate; she lunched or dined two or three times a week, 
 and having a genuine .appetite for small doles, carried 
 away fresh eggs, extra flowers, half-cut cakes, a box of 
 scented soap, and similar useful largesse !
 
 112 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 After her visits, Nancy always found her aunt more 
 than usually snappy, and ill to please ; yet on the other 
 hand, Mrs. Jenkins had what her niece mentally called 
 "her good days." On these, she would talk glibly 
 enough about her brother Laurence ; his mad pranks, 
 his high spirits, his good looks, extraordinary love for 
 animals, and general popularity with old and young. 
 
 It also seemed to the girl who was gifted with a vivid 
 imagination^that now and then, in her aunt's conver- 
 sation, she caught a faint echo of familiar expressions, 
 and that she saw at long intervals on the face of her 
 despotic relative, a glimmer of her father's smile ! For 
 these somewhat far-fetched, and flimsy reasons, Nancy 
 still clung to her post. After all, Aunt Arabella, with 
 her funny ways, was her only near relative. She was 
 Daddy's sister too, they had been brought up in the very 
 same nursery, and haa shared the same home. 
 
 The talks of " old times " at Lambourne, were con- 
 siderably discounted by Mrs. Jenkins' rosy and prosy 
 reminiscences of her own personal triumphs. On this 
 subject, she could expatiate for hours, content with a 
 silent audience, or an occasional ejaculation. 
 
 ."I daresay, my dear," she remarked to her niece, 
 " that your father often told you, that I was the beauty 
 of Blankshire, and how people would stand upon the 
 road to look at me, and push and fight each other, to 
 travel in the same railway carriage. The County ball 
 was actually postponed, until I had returned home. 
 After I was married, when I had a box at the theatre, 
 it was most unpleasant the way the audience stared 
 every opera-glass levelled at poor me and people 
 waited in the vestibule, to see me pass out. Once when 
 we were dining at a foreign restaurant, the prince of 
 a royal house, sent round to inquire my name ? Your 
 uncle was furious, and I am sure it was the prince who 
 sent rae- every morning, a most beautiful bouquet of 
 flowers ! " 
 
 She also related at considerable length, how several 
 
 great artists had humbly implored permission to paint 
 er portrait, but had been rudely snubbed by dearest 
 Samuel : who had never allowed her picture to be on 
 public exhibition. 
 
 Nancy listened with attentive interest to these tales 
 of triumph, and faithfully believed in them. It may 
 have been due to this artless confidence and appropriate
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 113 
 
 deference, that she and her aunt were perceptibly draw- 
 ing closer to one another; Nancy would receive an oc- 
 casional kiss, a little patting of her hand, or even a 
 word of praise, and thanks. 
 
 Alas, shortly before Christmas, a slump in Mrs. Tay- 
 lor's dividends and a severe financial crisis, figuratively 
 cast that lady at the feet of her wealthy schoolfellow. 
 Dearest Henrietta was received with open arms, offered 
 the best spare bedroom, the second best, and most com- 
 fortable armchair, and soon settled down with remark- 
 able ease into the position of an established resident. 
 
 Not long after this acquisition to the family circle, 
 Mrs. Jenkins' manner to her niece underwent a change: 
 she became querulous and fault-finding, and her " gooa 
 days " were rare. Once, when the girl had ventured to 
 speak of her old home, her friends, the far-away blue 
 hills, and the coffee estate, Mrs. Taylor had coughed 
 significantly, and her aunt had said : 
 
 " There, that will do, Nancy, that will do ! I don't 
 want t6 hear anything about those people; I am not 
 interested." 
 
 As there were visitors present, Nancy was over- 
 whelmed, and put to open shame by such a resounding 
 slap 'in the face. Perhaps, after all, it was excellent 
 discipline; Nancy the impulsive, was rapidly mastering 
 the noble art of self-effacement and self-control. Her 
 sorest trial was experienced of an evening, when Bridge 
 was played, and Miss Dolling made a fourth. The 
 scoldings administered to Nancy especially when 
 playing with Mrs. Taylor made her so nervous that 
 her mistakes were flagrant. She had actually been 
 known to trump her partner's best card ; more than once, 
 she had been driven from the table in disgrace, and the 
 rubber had ended in "cut throat." 
 
 Only for Mrs. . Taylor (whose dislike amounted to 
 personal enmity), Nancy believed that her aunt would 
 nave given her a small share of her heart; and for her 
 own part, she made a great effort to storm her affections ; 
 but her attempts were invariably foiled by the sinister 
 influence of Mrs. Taylor, who had marked " darling 
 Arabella " for her own ! She had reason to believe that 
 her name was in "the will" and naturally the fewer 
 legatees the better ! 
 
 Arabella was so weak and impressionable, she might 
 take it into her head to make this nj^ce her heiress t
 
 114 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 The girl was apparently good-tempered, and willing 
 but in reality, cunning, and deceitful. Arabella was of 
 full habit ; an apoplectic seizure might carry her off in 
 a few hours, and she (Henrietta Taylor) was bound to 
 be on her guard, and to take the situation firmly in 
 hand. With this virtuous intention, she made stinging 
 speeches, transformed harmless remarks, accused Nancy 
 of untruth, and impertinence, and did her utmost to 
 figuratively crush her out of existence like a black beetle, 
 and create a wide breach between aunt and niece. Mrs. 
 Taylor was particularly careful never to leave the pair 
 alone; a tete-a-tte was always a serious danger to be 
 avoided : precisely as if Mrs. Jenkins was a lovely young 
 heiress and. Nancy, some unprincipled and discoun- 
 tenanced suitor ! If by chance, she entered a room and 
 there discovered the girl*established with her relative, 
 she looked so alarmingly black and lowering, that Nancy 
 received an impression, that she had been caught in the 
 act of stealing something that was the property of Aunt 
 Arabella's old friend k 
 
 On the other hand, when Nancy found the couple 
 together, her appearance was the signal for an abrupt 
 and significant silence, undoubtedly she and her short- 
 comings, had been the topic of conversation^ 
 
 In spite of this, Nancy had an instinctive impression 
 that her aunt was -a little afraid of her towering, black- 
 browed inmate; once, when she made her a trifling and 
 inexpensive present, she added : 
 
 " Don't show it to Henrietta," and on several occa- 
 sions, she had whispered, " Not a word of this, to 
 Mrs. T. ! " 
 
 Mrs. Taylor was now enjoying what might be called 
 "the time of her life." Of an afternoon, she accom- 
 panied her friend in the comfortable landau, behind a 
 pair of fat brown horses, royally arrayed in a superior, 
 if secondhand, ermine stole, and muff. She was carried 
 to theatres, lectures, concerts, and At homes : was suf- 
 fered to make the first pounce upon new novels, enjoy 
 breakfast in bed at pleasure, and glasses of port at 
 discreet intervals. Moreover, she had been endowed 
 with several' imposing costumes; and yet she was not 
 happy ! for Nancy Travers represented " Mordecai the 
 Jew," in Queen's Gate, and until she was dislodged, 
 her enemy could know no peace. 
 
 It was ten mon^s since Nancy had arrived from India,
 
 115 
 
 ten months of suppressed grief, hard work, and com- 
 plete isolation. She had recovered her health, thanks 
 'to incessant occupation, early hours, and good plain 
 food. " The girl was picking up," as her aunt expressed 
 it, and once or twice, she had 'actually been moved to 
 remark, that in Nancy's now flawless skin, she saw 
 something of "the family complexion!" (meaning her 
 own). Iji spite of " the family complexion." Nancy was 
 not treated as a relative, but an employee; her status 
 in the establishment was that of a superior " tweenie " ; 
 as time went on, there were no longer any references to 
 " old days at Lambourne," no affectionate pattings or 
 stjokings, no confidences, or small gifts much less a 
 condescending kiss. 
 
 Mrs. Taylor made as much mischief as lay in her 
 power, and fomented and instigated " rows." She 
 never gave her adversary credit for one good trait, but 
 held up all her shortcomings, in the domestic limelight. 
 Late at night, when established at her ease in her friend's 
 bedroom, she "talked over" the iniquities of the day 
 with unctuous eloquence. 
 
 She (the chief parasite) loudly bewailed her poor 
 darling Arabella's fate, in being compelled to support 
 a thankless hanger-on ! Pointed out, that Nancy was 
 secretive, that she wrote too many letters, wasting her 
 time and stamps; that she was cruel to the Pom, and 
 flirted with the new doctor even going so far as to lie 
 in wait for him in the hall ! Every one of these indict- 
 ments was a deliberate and inexcusable falsehood j and 
 perhaps Mrs. Jenkins, at the back of her mind, reminded 
 herself that Henrietta " exaggerated " ; but at^last, after 
 many vigorous efforts, Henrietta succeeded in rousing 
 her effectually. One night, as soon as she had settled 
 herself for the usual talk, she began abruptly : 
 
 " I do believe that girl has been complaining to Mrs. 
 Devine, telling her that she is miserable here, at least, 
 that is what /inferred, from what Mrs. Devine said to 
 me to-day. She was quite sniffy and stand-off, and re- 
 fused a cup of tea." 
 
 " What did she -say 1 " demanded Mrs. Jenkins fiercely. 
 
 " She said, that it was noticed how Miss T,ravers 
 always went about alone ; quite a well-known figure in 
 Kensington Gardens, a tall girl in mourning, taking a 
 Pom for exercise. That she was never to be seen with her 
 aunt in the carriage, or at any place of amusement."
 
 116 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Why, of course not ! " burst out Mrs. Jenkins; " her 
 year of mourning is not nearly up. What else 1 " she 
 demanded dramatically. 
 
 " That she appeared to have no young friends." 
 
 " Is it likely, my good Henrietta, that I Would allow 
 my house to be overrun and turned upside down by a 
 pack of young people, simply to amuse a girl who has to 
 look to me, for her daily bread ? I never cared for Mrs. 
 Devine, but I had intended to invite her to my next large 
 dinner-party. Now I shall cross her name off the list 
 she shall eat no, more dinners or luncheons, here!" 
 
 " I should hope not ! " said Mrs. Taylor emphatically, 
 " for Mrs. Murray told me privately, how Mrs. Devine 
 had remarked to her, that the girl was'treated more like 
 a servant, than a relative : said she was shabbily dressed, 
 neglected, and snubbed, and that if Miss Travers had a 
 spark of spirit, she would find another situation and 
 clear out ! 
 
 This conversation proved extremely agitating to Mrs. 
 Jenkins. It came as a revelation; a shattering mental 
 avalanche : that anyone among her acquaintance should 
 dare to find fault with her! The extraordinary influence 
 of Mrs. Taylor, was entirely due to her unfailing supply 
 of the most honeyed flattery ! Misguided Arabella, was 
 invariably told the things she wished to hear, and lived 
 under the impression, that she was beyond the reach of 
 criticism; everything she did was right; she had felt 
 complacently assured that her neighbours and friends 
 unanimously applauded her, for her benevolence in 
 giving a home to ^her orphan niece ! 
 
 The recent exciting and unexpected information, 
 brought on a sharp attack of nervous palpitation. 
 Whenever Mrs. Jenkins was annoyed, she immediately 
 complained of "palpitation." Mrs. Taylor had swift 
 recourse to the usual remedy, a bottle of drops and 
 as she handed the wine-glass to her patroness, she said 
 impressively : 
 
 " Darling Arabella, you know, you will never have any 
 comfort or peace, until you get rid of that girl. She is 
 accomplished, I understand, and now she is nineteen, 
 and looks years older than when she arrived, surely 
 her friend Mrs. Briscoe can find her a situation as 
 governess? " 
 
 " No, no," protested Mrs. Jenkins, " I won't have 
 that Nancy is useful; clever with her fingers, active
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 11T 
 
 on her feet; the Pom is fond of her, and you know how 
 few people he likes ! Baker, too, though terribly against 
 Nancy at first, thinks her a nice young lady. Of course, 
 I need not tell you, that I never bargained for a girl in 
 the house; and I daresay I should be happier without 
 her, but if I were to allow Nancy to go away, and take 
 a situation just think of the talk! 
 
 " It would be much better to have one big talk, and 
 get it over," declared Mrs. Taylor philosophically, 
 " better to clear the air, than to have perpetual whis- 
 pering. Some people are never happy, unless they are 
 gicking holes in such as you whose shoes they are not 
 t to clean. And now, dearest Arabella, I cannot bear 
 to see you worried, as you know. If you could only 
 make up your mind to let Nancy take a situation, we 
 should all be so much more comfortable. Remember she 
 is not actually your own niece; only yopr stepbrother's 
 daughter. Do, do, think it over good-night, my own 
 dajling ! " 
 
 " Good-night, Henrietta, and be sure you turn out the 
 electric light on your landing. Last week, you left it 
 on all night ; and just think of how that will add to my 
 quarterly bill ! " 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 A RESCUE 
 
 THE winter had been long and dreary, and held no bright 
 gleams for Nancy, who was sensible of a continuous at- 
 mosphere of suppression and oppression ! It was now 
 the capricious month of April, and in sympathy with 
 its showers, she secretly shed many tears. Mrs. Jenkins 
 had arrived at the definite decision, that her niece_was 
 "unsatisfactory"! This expression had been specially 
 coined by Mrs. Taylor, who put it into daily currency. 
 It was true that now and then the girl had absented 
 herself for an hour or two in the afternoon, taking pro- 
 longed walks round the Park, or Kensington Gardens, 
 attended exclusively by the Pom. She wasted time in 
 the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History 
 Museum, and had- even penetrated to the National 
 Gallery ! 
 
 Also, she had found her tongue, and ventured to talk 
 to ana make acquaintance with the elderly crowd as- 
 sembled every Tuesday. More than all, she had become
 
 118 GIVEN IN MAKRIAGE 
 
 careless ! She had broken a pet vase, value three francs, 
 arid incredible enormity ! lost a library book dropped 
 it into the street from the top of a motor-'bus. Her last 
 misdeed was of such gravity, that she had been formally 
 summoned to the drawing-roona, there to appear before 
 her judges, and be sharply reprimanded. As Mrs. 
 Jenkins, Miss Dolling, and Mrs. Taylor awaited the 
 culprit, the latter said : 
 
 " My dear, you can see for yourself, how that girl 
 is growing worse and worse, and becoming more un- 
 satisfactory every day." 
 
 (It should be here explained, that Miss Dolling took 
 a lenient view of Nancy's delinquencies, and was on 
 occasion her ineffectual champion. She had even offered 
 to take her to places of amusement these invitations 
 never came to Nancy's ears for Miss Dolling cherished 
 a mild, sentimental regard, for the daughter of her one 
 and only love, whose photograph, enshrined in silver, 
 she treasured as a sacred relic). 
 
 Nancy's latest misdeed was of far-reaching conse- 
 quence. Detailed to fetch her aunt's best transforma- 
 tion from the hairdressers' (where recently it had been 
 renovated), she had left it in the Tube; abandoned it to 
 the heartless jeers of railway officials, and the publicity 
 of the Lost Property Office ! The truth was, that. Nancy. 
 had that morning heard of the death of Mr. Fletcher, 
 and her thoughts were sad, and far away, as sh travelled 
 to South Kensington. This valuable work of hair art, 
 had cost no less than twelve guineas, and what was poor 
 Mrs. Jenkins to wear that evening at dinner ? 
 
 The scolding had been so bitter, and impassioned, 
 that Nancy's humility had at last given way, and as, 
 with heightened colour and shining eyes, she seemed 
 inclined to protest and expostulate, the enemy brought 
 heavier guns to bear. 
 
 "Is it true?" demanded Mrs. Jenkins, sitting Buddha- 
 like, with folded arms, " that you write to young men 1 " 
 
 "Yes," replied Nancy, "I do." 
 
 " She couldn't deny it ! " broke in Mrs. Taylor; " I've 
 seen the letters myself, lying upon the hall table." 
 
 "And you smoke cigarettes up in your own room," 
 she added. 
 
 " Yes, occasionally," admitted the sinner. 
 
 "And waste the electric light, reading in bed," re- 
 sumed Mrs. Jenkins, raising her voice with each accusa-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 119 
 
 tion. : ' Mrs. Taylor saw the light under your door after 
 eleven o'clock at night ! " 
 
 " I do read in bed, I've no time to read in the day," 
 answered the girl defiantly. 
 
 " Keep your temper,, miss ! that is not the way to 
 speak to me," shouted her aunt, in an angry voice. 
 
 " No indeed, darling," chimed in Mrs. Taylor, " and 
 after all you have done for her taken her in, when she 
 was a penniless orphan, and " 
 
 " Yes," interrupted Mrs. .Jenkins, " and I hqar you 
 have gone behind my back, and complained to Mrs. 
 Devine,- oh, you abominable, ungrateful, double-faced 
 minx ! " 
 
 " To Mrs. Devine? " repeated Nancy. " I have never 
 spoken to her in my life ! " 
 
 " I don't believe you ! " declared the accuser, her face 
 alarmingly aflame; at this sharp crisis, the door was 
 pushed open, and Galpin announced i 
 
 " Mrs. De Wolfe." . 
 
 Mrs. JDe Wolfe, handsomely dressed, and completely 
 self-possessed, walked forward to wh6re Nancy stood 
 before her accusers, and said in her masculine bass : 
 
 " Oh, my dear Nancy, I'm delighted to find you in 
 at last! Pray introduce me to your aunt?" and she 
 glanced at Mrs. Taylor, who was still heaving with 
 virtuous indignation. 
 
 The atmosphere was heavily charged with electricity, 
 and for a moment Nancy was speechless. Then, hastily 
 recovering herself : 
 
 " This is my aunt, Mrs. Jenkins. Aunt Arabella, 
 here is Mrs. De Wolfe, with whom I travelled home in 
 the Patna." 
 
 The shock of such an unexpected interruption had 
 suddenly sobered Mrs. Jenkins : for a moment, she had 
 been threatened with palpitation, but thrust the temp- 
 tation aside. Recently, she had heard Mrs. De Wolfe 
 referred to as a woman of wealth and social import- 
 ance ; she therefore made an effort to recover her poise, 
 and accord her a gracious reception. After a somewhat 
 breathless and incoherent conversation with her hostess, 
 Mrs. De Wolfe turned to Nancy. 
 
 "Have you been here ever since you came home?" 
 
 " Yes," she replied, and then boldly added : " I have 
 not taken a situation yet ; but I intend to see about one
 
 120 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 immediately," and she looked straight at her aunt, who 
 encountered her gaze with sullen hostility. 
 
 This unexpected reinforcement by Mrs. De Wolfe had 
 given Nancy a species of ephemeral, or "Dutch" courage. 
 
 "Oh, are you, my dear? But before you arrange 
 anything definite, I hope you will come and pay me 
 a little visit. I am staying for a couple of weeks at 
 Brown's Hotel, in Dover Street, and snail be glad to 
 have your company at once." 
 
 The eyes of Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Taylor met; their 
 expression was significant. 
 
 ' You are very kind," replied the former, now address- 
 ing her visitor, " but my niece is not leaving me as far 
 as / am aware but I shall be pleased to spare her to 
 you, for a few days." 
 
 "Thank you very much," replied Mrs. De Wolfe. 
 " Then if you will allow me, I will call for her to- 
 morrow." 
 
 At this moment other visitors were announced, and 
 Nancy's ally rose and took leave. As she pressed the 
 girl's hand she murmured : 
 
 " Had you not better come down with mo to the hall, 
 and see that I don't carry off the umbrellas?" 
 
 On the landing, she halted opposite the stuffed dog, 
 and said : 
 
 " My poor dear child ! The door was ajar, and I 
 heard every word about the cigarettes, the electric light, 
 the reading in bed, the penniless orphan, and Mrs. De- 
 vine. What people ! As for the big, dark woman, with 
 the red face, positively she frightened me ! she is like 
 a Gorgon ! " 
 
 "I was getting on all right until just before Christ- 
 mas when Mrs. Taylor arrived," replied Nancy; "she 
 is dreadfully poor ; she hates me, and thinks I am an 
 interloper, and a fortune-hunter. Ever since she came 
 into the house, Aunt Arabella is completely changed." 
 
 " I intend that you shall be completely changed," 
 declared Mrs. De Wolfe. " Oh, I must go ! I see the 
 man is waiting at the door. I'll call for you to-morrow 
 before twelve o'clock, and I. think you had better bring 
 most of your luggage." 
 
 A visit to Mrs. De Wolfe proved a change indeed. 
 Nancy felt another creature, living in another atmo- 
 sphere, and another city. Oh, the blessed^ relief ,, from 
 hearing the ponderous tread of Mrs. Taylor, Galpin's
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 121 
 
 pompous announcements, and the Pom's maddening 
 bark ! 
 
 She and her hostess' shopped in the mornings, motored 
 in the afternoons, and at night, went to concerts, lec- 
 tures, and the theatre. Within a few days, it had been 
 decided, that Nancy was to be Mrs. De Wolfe's com- 
 panion for the present, and to receive sixty pounds a 
 year, on which to dress. Already the girl had felt the 
 stimulating effects of a new and fashionable outfit ! 
 
 "Without flattering myself, I think I may say, that 
 you will be happier with me, than with Mrs. Jenkins," 
 observed her benefactress; "though I am by no means 
 an angel ! Every character has its odd corners, its limits, 
 and its secrets. You are too young to harbour any sfecrets 
 yet whilst I have dozens ! " 
 
 She also added, that later, should anything more satis- 
 factory turn up, Nancy was not to consider herself 
 bound in any way ; and so the arrangement, or engage- 
 ment, was concluded an engagement which existed for 
 little more than a week. 
 
 One afternoon, Nancy, who had just returned from 
 the Park, was informed, that someone who had brought 
 a message, particularly wanted to see her, and she was a 
 good deal surprised, when the door of the sitting-room 
 was opened, and no less a person than Galpin emerged 
 from the passage. He was surprised, too, as he subse- 
 quently confessed, when he imparted particulars of his 
 visit to the lady's maid. 
 
 " There was Miss Travers, looking like another girl ! 
 her hair all fluffed out, wearing a great big hat covered 
 with feathers quite the fashionable young lady. I 
 declare to you, Miss Baker, I hardly knew her ! " 
 
 Galpin, who carried a packet of letters in his hand,, 
 peered cautiously round the room, made a stiff little 
 bow, coughed, and said : 
 
 " Mrs. Jenkins sent me over special with these letters 
 for you, Miss. She said, there was one that looked like 
 a business matter, and is anxious to know what it is all 
 about? She thinks, as you have been doing secretary 
 work for her that maybe there's a mistake in the name 
 as it's from a firm of lawyers. I was to bring back 
 the letter, Miss, and to give Mrs. Jenkins' love, and to 
 tell you how the Pom misses you." 
 
 Nancy received and hastily examined the letters. 
 The Indian Mail was in. There was a thick one from
 
 122 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Finchie, a thin one from Nellie Meach, and a postcard 
 from Francis, on which was inscribed, " The dog Togo 
 is too well." Besides these,~one was in a blue envelope, 
 on the flap of which was printed, the name of a legal 
 firm. She sat down te- open this, in order to at once 
 satisfy her aunt; whilst Galpin waited, hat in hand, 
 with an air of respectful curiosity. 
 
 As Nancy glanced over the neatly-written lines, she 
 faintly grasped an almost incredible fact. Mr. Fletcher's 
 will had recently been read; he had endowed her with 
 Fairplains. and an income of two thousand a year ! 
 This was the substance of what she gathered, through a 
 maze of legal expressions. For a moment, she imagined 
 that she must be dreaming. Then she slowly went over 
 the pages, and noted, that the firm requested an im- 
 mediate interview, and that one of their clerks would 
 wait upon her at an hour, and date, to be hereafter fixed. 
 
 For a moment or two she sat motionless, endeavour- 
 ing to collect her faculties; then, with considerably 
 heightened colour, she raised her head, and looked up 
 at Galpin, who almost conveyed the impression that 
 he was in attendance at table, and waiting to remove 
 her plate ! 
 
 " Please tell Aunt Arabella, that the letter was really 
 for me, and contains good news. I will write to her 
 to-night." 
 
 "Very well, Miss. Is that all ahem no particulars V 
 Galpin's tone expressed extreme disappointment. 
 
 "No particulars," rising as she spoke; "good after- 
 noon, Galpin, I think you can find your way down," 
 and she indicated the door. 
 
 As soon as this had closed behind Galpin's broad 
 back, Nancy, letter in hand, rushed into Mrs. De Wolfe's 
 bedroom. The old lady, who had only recently come 
 in, was changing her boots, assisted by the invaluable 
 Haynes. 
 
 "I've just had this," announced the girl breathlessly. 
 " Aunt Arabella sent it over by Galpin ; she wanted so 
 much to know what it was all about 1 Do look at it 
 and tell me if you think it's real? " 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe hastily dismissed her maid, and with 
 one boot on, and one boot off, assumed her glasses and 
 deliberately studied the letter; then she looked up at 
 Nancy, and said:
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 123 
 
 " An heiress, I declare ! My dear, I congratulate you. 
 I am glad." 
 
 "Do you think it's true 1 ? I can hardly believe it! 
 Oh, I feel I'd like to run about, and tell the whole hotel 
 of my wonderful good fortune. It's not the money so 
 much, but Fairplains how splendid of Mr. Fletcher, 
 and oh, if father were only alive ! " 
 
 " Fairplains. Yes, it was your father's once, now it 
 is yours; you were born there, and love it; but a solid 
 income is a satisfactory fact. .Well, now you are inde- 
 pendent, and can engaga a companion or a chaperone." 
 
 " I want to stay with you ! 
 
 "But what will Mrs. Jenkins say 1" and Mrs. De 
 Wolfe laughed. " How I should like to see her face, when 
 /she hears that you are no longer ' a penniless orphan ! ' : 
 
 When Mrs. Jenkins received the news, she was so 
 startled, and upset, that she felt compelled to ring for 
 Baker to bring her some special heart drops; and yet 
 she was gratified in a way. To have a niece who was an 
 heiress, increased if that were possible her cense of her 
 own importance. Mrs. Taylor was also gratified. There 
 would now be no question of the return of Nancy to 
 Queen's Gate ; no fear of her inheriting Mrs. Jenkins' 
 substantial fortune; she would without further exer- 
 tions, have the house, and the, so to speak, "field" to 
 herself. 
 
 When the heiress arrived to pay her formal visit to 
 Queen's Gate, she found her aunt in her most agreeable 
 temper. Nancy might almost have been a titled ac- 
 quaintance, so effusive was her welcome ! After a few 
 preliminaries, she said : 
 
 " Well, Nancy, so you've come in for a coffee estate, 
 and a large sum of money ! That is" nice for you." 
 
 I suppose there's no fear of the will being disputed ?" 
 said Mrs. Taylor ever ready with disagreeable sugges- 
 tions. 
 
 " I think not," replied the heiress. " I remember Mr. 
 Fletcher telling us, that he was the last of his family." 
 
 " You won't know what to do with all your money," 
 declared Mrs. Jenkins with a complacent smile. " Of 
 course you will return here." 
 
 Return ! " repeated the girl blankly. 
 
 " Why, certainly, you must live with me: it is your 
 natural home. It would.be most extraordinary if you 
 did not ! What would people say ? I am your only near
 
 124 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE- 
 
 relative. You will be putting off your mourning, and 
 I shall take you out, this season, and perhaps give a 
 dance for you. You s'hall have a room on the next floor, 
 and I daresay you can keep a maid." 
 
 Mrs. Taylor's face clouded over as she listened to these 
 luxurious arrangements. How close Arabella had been ; 
 the sly old thing had never dropped a word of these 
 plans, during their nightly conferences. 
 
 "Thank you, Aunt Arabella," replied Nancy, "but 
 I am going to travel with Mrs. De Wolfe. We shall 
 probably be abroad for a year. I have never been on 
 the Continent; and I think we shall start as soon as 
 the lawyers have finished with my affairs." 
 
 " That is a monstrous idea; I shall not give my con- 
 sent," declared her aunt with a very pink face. " Mrs. 
 De Wolfe is a complete stranger. Ten days, or a fort- 
 night, is all very well, but you cannot go about the 
 world, with a woman who is nothing to you beyond being 
 a fellow passenger. It would be most unseemly. Re- 
 member that you are not of age yet, and have no right 
 to do just as you please." 
 
 " I see no objection," murmured Nancy. 
 
 " You see me," announced Mrs. Jenkins with emphasis, 
 " / am the objection. You cannot deny, that I stand to 
 you in the place of a parent that I have received you, 
 and adopted you "> here she paused to sneeze. 
 
 " I was not aware that you had adopted mo, Aunt 
 Arabella; and I think I had better say at once, that I 
 should be sorry to have any disagreement with you, but 
 I cannot admit that you have any right to control me. 
 Mrs. De Wolfe and I, are starting for Italy in a few 
 days, and this visit is not merely to tell you about my 
 plans, but to say good-bye." 
 
 " My dear, I think Nancy is very wise," proclaimed 
 Mrs. Taylor, advancing unexpectedly to her rescue. 
 " You know, that she has seen nothing of the world as 
 yet; and she is so young; the tour wij.1 complete her 
 education. Mrs. De Wolfe is a friend of the dear 
 Foresters, and .the aunt of Ladv Bincaster, quite all 
 that she ought to be ! Judging by my own feelings, I 
 am sure that Nancy would not care to go into com- 
 pany yet; and anyway, the state of your health could 
 never stand the strain of playing chaperone, and keeping 
 late hours. Now could it ? " laying her heavy hand 
 upon her friend's fat arm. " Of course we all know,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 125 
 
 that you are always only too ready to sacrifice yourself 
 for others; but your friends could never permit you 
 to undertake, what would be practically, a sort of 
 prolonged suicide ! " 
 
 " Well, I suppose there is something in what you 
 say, 7 ' admitted Mrs. Jenkins, after a moment's reflec- 
 tion, reluctantly releasing the vision of a wealthy niece 
 on show and so to speak, bearing her own train. 
 
 Indeed, such was the effect of Mrs. Taylor's soothing, 
 and cooling remarks, that by degrees, her old school- 
 fellow recovered her temper and complacency. She 
 talked about the Continent, of her triumphal progress 
 through various cities, and related the tale of a tragic 
 experience in the Tyrol, where it had been whispered 
 "that a gallant young Austrian officer had precipitated 
 himself from a mountain peak, solely on her account ! " 
 
 After half an hour's discourse, chiefly reminiscent, 
 Mrs. Jenkins had talked herself into a condition of the 
 utmost good humour, and with the promises of letters, 
 and many picture postcards, the visitor was permitted 
 to take leave. 
 
 As Nancy departed, she noticed Baker peering at her 
 over the banisters, and nodded to her affably, as she 
 descended the stairs, on which she had made many 
 weary journeys also it seemed to 'her, that Galpin the 
 pompous, held the hall door extra wide, and was im- 
 pressively benignant, as she passed forth. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 " A MYSTERY ABOUT MAYNE " 
 
 MORE than two years had elapsed since Derek Mayne 
 left Fairplains. Almost immediately afterwards, his 
 regiment had been removed from Cananore, to the dis- 
 tant cantonment of Bareilly, a station which instead of 
 lying on the damp seaboard of the Malabar Coast, was 
 situated in the heart of a sugar cane district, with the 
 white Himalayas glimmering on its horizon. Here, in 
 hard work, and strenuous play, parades, manoeuvres, 
 inspections, cricket, polo, and fishing in the Sa'rdar, 
 time passed only too rapidly; thanks to new surround- 
 ings, new friends, and incessant occupation, the memory 
 of Nancy became a little blurred. 
 
 Mayne recalled her existence, when he dispatched his 
 half-yearly cheque to Teddy Dawson; for although hia 
 
 * E
 
 126 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 friend had assured him, that the money would lie un- 
 touched, nevertheless he persisted in lodging the amount 
 at Grindlays. Teddy had volunteered the news, that ' 
 Nancy was now living in London, with her father's 
 sister; but of this information, Mayne vouchsafed no 
 notice, and correspondence, save for the bi-annual 
 cheque, had completely lapsed. The yearly sum of two 
 hundred and fifty pounds, which was half of his private 
 income, left Mayne somewhat pinched in his finances. 
 To keep a couple of ponies, to go on fishing, and shoot- 
 ing trips, required a certain number of rupees; and 
 occasionally Captain Mayne found considerable diffi- 
 culty in making both ends meet ! His brother officers 
 wondered why the deuce Mayne was now so economical ? 
 and what he had done with his money ? 
 
 AR incredible story had leaked out through Mayne's 
 Madras servant who had accompanied him to the Hills ; 
 it whispered, that when there, he had got into some sort 
 of entanglement with a girl ! This tale was frankly 
 discussed, and believed,, in the Gorrah bazaar at Cana- 
 nore, but had never risen in any substantial form to 
 higher circles, such as the club or mess ; and yet all . 
 the time, though nothing was said, there was a vague 
 uneasy feeling, that Mayne was keeping back some in- 
 cident" or experience, connected with his six week's leave 
 on that coffee plantation. It' was noticed, how, although 
 he had apparently enjoyed extraordinarily good sport, 
 he was strangely reserved with regard to his hill friends ; 
 rarely referred to his expedition, and sat dumb when 
 other fellows less successful, loudly bragged of their 
 "shikar." 
 
 Also it had been remarked, that when he returned from 
 the Neilgherries, he had appeared to be extraordinarily 
 depressed, and that Mayne always such a cheery fellow, 
 with lots to say for himself, hadn't a word to throw to 
 the traditional dog. Former enthusiastic letters re- 
 ceived by his friends, describing his delightful quarters, 
 his first-class sport, were subsequently discounted, by 
 a mysterious, and significant silence. One surprising 
 fact, had been much discussed; Mayne was just the 
 ordinary young man, and not in the least eccentric, 
 and yet when his jtrophies were unpacked, displayed 
 and praised (two magnificent tiger and three panther 
 skins, all in first-class condition), as the largest panther 
 skin was unrolled, he seemed strangely put out, and gave
 
 .. GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 127 
 
 a hasty order to his bearer. Later, but four skins were 
 exhibited, and when the fifth was inquired for, the 
 bearer promptly answered that " the Sahib had given 
 orders, that it was to be taken away and burnt! 
 
 In a small Mofussil station such as Cananore, topics 
 of conversation are but scanty. There was a good deal 
 of talk and conjecture, respecting this same panther. 
 Why had Mayne ordered such a prize to be destroyed ? 
 Why could he not have given it to someone if he had 
 a particular down upon the animal? the Colonel's wife 
 would have been proud to accept its skin. 
 
 No satisfactory answer to tnis was obtained at the 
 time, but later, it became known that Mayne's friend, 
 the coffee planter, had died, as the result of an encounter 
 with a panther; it was conceded that possibly that was 
 the reason of Mayne's agitation, and the order for the 
 destruction of an unusually fine trophy. 
 
 Skin or no skin, there was some mystery connected 
 with Mayne's visit to the Neilgherries. Since then, 
 he had been obviously short of money, and given to 
 unwonted economy. He drank cheap claret, refused 
 himself a new rifle, and another polo pony. A hard 
 player like Mayne, found it difficult to manage with 
 less than three. Whatever the trouble was, he did not 
 avoid society ; he was popular with women ; his good 
 looks and good manners, made him a general favourite. 
 He went to dances and picnics, was conspicuous in 
 gymkhanas, and every afternoon, when nothing .was 
 " on," he played rackets or tennis at the club. Onee 
 or twice, when a particularly active girl, happened to 
 be his tennis partner, he recalled Nancy, not one of the 
 lot could approach her as far as play was concerned. 
 W T ho would 'have believed that her thin brown arm and 
 wrist, was capable of such smashing strokes, and dis- 
 astrous service ? 
 
 Mayne had now been three years in India, and never 
 exhibited any intention of taking leave home. Appar- 
 ently he preferred an excursion into Thibet, or Cash- 
 mere. At the back of his mind, he had a conviction, that 
 as long as he remained in the country, he was safe from 
 any awkward developments that might result from the 
 ceremony which had taken place in the drawing-room 
 at Fairplains. 
 
 Yet at the same time, he had an impression that some 
 day, like murder, it would all come out, and there
 
 128 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 would be a holy row ! Meantime he thrust the hateful 
 prospect into the lumber room of his brain ; the poignant 
 memories of the last week of Travers' life had now be- 
 come a little dim. Supposing he had held back, and not 
 suffered himself to be moved by an exceptionally tragic 
 situation : by Mrs. Hicks' observations, and carried 
 away by an almost irresistible impulse 1 he could have 
 guaranteed an acceptable income to Nancy, which would 
 have left them both free ! 
 
 Now, they were bound together by that deadly cer- 
 tificate in his despatch box, on which were inscribed the 
 names of Eleanora Nancy Travers, spinster, and Derek 
 Danvers Mayne, bachelor. Nothing but death could 
 release them. Occasionally plunged in contemplation, 
 he would let his mind work; endeavouring to trace some 
 way out of this desperate situation. His thoughts would 
 travel to and fro, as in a maze, vainly seeking some 
 safe, and honourable exit. Sometimes, during these 
 moods "of reflection, his companion for the moment, 
 would wonder at Mayne' s abstraction? Once or twice, 
 he had been offered " a penny for his thoughts," but 
 had invariably dismissed the offer with a laugh. 
 , Finally summing up' the affair, he assured himself that 
 some day or other perhaps in twenty years the whole 
 business must be disclosed. Supposing Nancy wanted 
 to marry someone ? supposing he were to meet the girl, 
 and fall in love with her? what a complication that 
 would be ! After all, the present was calm and peaceful, 
 he could discern no clouds on the horizon, and soothed 
 his uneasiness, with the well-worn sedative, " Sufficient 
 unto the day is the evil thereof. " f 
 
 Such were Mayne's sentiments, when he received a 
 cable from home, informing him that his uncle had met 
 with a serious accident, and begging him to return at 
 once. As there could be but one answer to such an 
 appeal, Mayne instead of taking his intended sixty days' 
 shooting leave into Garwalh, immediately applied for 
 three months to England on "urgent private affairs." 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 NEW SCENES AND NEW FRIENDS 
 
 NANCY and her chaperone spent a year on the Continent, 
 visiting several capitals, and various scenes familiar to 
 Mrs. De Wolfe. Not a few foreign hostelries knew and
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 129 
 
 respected the dominating personality, and heavy purse, 
 of this hawk-eyed "bird of passage." 
 
 Nancy was now twenty. Like a flower she had ex- 
 panded in the sun of happiness, and developed into a 
 strikingly beautiful girl. The mahogany tint had given 
 
 Elace to a matchless complexion : her figure no longer 
 oyish and angular, was slender and graceful, her dress 
 was dainty, and she carried herself admirably. After 
 a long and complete eclipse, Nancy's vitality and vi- 
 vacity had returned, with unaiminished vigour : the girl 
 was never tired, idle, bored, or silent; the mere fact 
 of her presence, seemed to neutralize weariness and 
 depression. Yet the death of. her father was a never 
 forgotten grief ; he stood apart, as the one impressive, 
 and beloved figure connected with her life in India. 
 Memories of Finchie, the " Corner boys/' and the Hicks', 
 had become a little faint; as for the acquaintance of a 
 mere six weeks, she had thrust him entirely out of her 
 mind. At first, like some pernicious and persistent in- 
 sect, he had returned again and again; but for many 
 months she had been free from this hateful visitation. 
 
 Possibly when a young woman determines to evict 
 from, her thoughts a disagreeable lodger such banish- 
 ment is complete. Nancy had assured a quaking- heart, 
 that the ceremony of her marriage might be dismissed 
 to the limbo of a bad dream. It had been carried out 
 solely to comfort and relieve the anxiety of her dying 
 father ; but as a binding contract, Finchie had positively 
 declared, that it could be easily ^annulled. 
 
 It was more than two years since Nancy had heard 
 of Captain Mayne, "out of sight, is out of mind," 
 especially as her mind was full to overflowing of new 
 scenes, new interests, and new friends. 
 
 During their wanderings, Mrs. De Wolfe had en- 
 countered various neighbours, acquaintances, and con- 
 nections. Her circle was world wide. At the H6tei 
 National, Lucerne, she came across the Miller family, 
 who lived within a motor drive of her home in Moon- 
 shire. 
 
 Truly, it was a strange and startling tale that Lady ' 
 Miller poured into the ear of her neighbour, when she- 
 had carried her off to her own apartment, and could 
 there talk without restraint ! It appeared that the four 
 Miss Millers, had combined to break loose, had cast off 
 all obedience, and so to speak, flung the fourth com-
 
 130 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 mandrnent to the winds ! Headed by Wilhelmina the 
 eldest they revolted against home life, and clamoured 
 to be taken abroad, in order to see something of what 
 they called, "the world." "Wilhelmina," continued 
 Lady Miller, "has an iron will and enormous influence 
 over her father. It took her a whole fortnight to gain 
 her point, at the end Lucas yielded, and, my dear old 
 friend, I know you will pity us, for 'here we a.-e!'' 
 
 Yes-, Wilhelmina's triumph had been remorseless, and 
 complete ! 
 
 Glancing round the luxurious bedroom, whose win- 
 dows commanded a fine view of the lake, Mrs. De Wolfe 
 was not disposed to offer much sympathy to the la^hry- 
 mose lady. 
 
 " Of course I don't approve of the present ordinance," 
 she said : " Parents obey your children," but pos>ibly 
 a little change may be no harm for any of you. Your 
 girls are grown up. Why ! Billy must be six and twenty ! 
 The twins are a charming couple, and so far, have been 
 born to blush unseen ! Millfield Place, w rather isolated, 
 and surely you would not wish to have four old maids 
 on your hands, now would you 1 " 
 
 "I'm no husband-hunter," declared Lady Miller with 
 considerable warmth, " and if girls are to be married, 
 they'll be married." 
 
 " Well, that depends on circumstances I T remember 
 an Irish servant who gave, as her reason for leaving an 
 excellent, but dull situation, that ' she was out of the 
 way of Providence.' I think there is the same drawback 
 to Millfield." 
 
 Millfield Place was situated in a remote part of Moon- 
 shire, and in the days of Charles II., it had been the 
 nucleus of many a robust and rollicking festivity : but 
 time works changes, the Place was now generally referred 
 to, as the " Back 01 Beyond." It was six miles from the 
 nearest railway station : on the mere outer fringe of 
 County Society, and to many of the rustics in M'iHfield 
 village, the word " pictures " or " telephone " carried 
 no meaning ! Here years had passed swiftly as they 
 generally do, when spent in an uneventful, and monot- 
 onous round. 
 
 The four Miss Millers were endowed with an unusual 
 amount of good looks, and intelligence; Wilhelmina, 
 the eldest and heiress, was small, active, clever and 
 outspoken : with a heart that knew no fear, and full of
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 131 
 
 devotion to her sisters. Minna and Brenda (twins) were 
 tall, vivacious and very" fair to see. Aiiiy, the youngest, 
 aged twenty, had a wonderful mop of dark red hair, 
 a pair of twinkling sea-green eyes, and uncontrollable 
 spirits; she was still addressed as " Baby ! " 
 
 For some years, the sisters had contented themselves 
 with tennis, the sewing club, village entertainments, and 
 the rearing of prize poultry ; arid then Wilhelmina, when 
 her twenty-sixth birthday struck, began seriously to 
 consider the situation. As alone she paced the long 
 terrace, she held a solemn debate with herself, and this 
 was the burden of her meditations: "Here we are em- 
 bedded in the country, and growing into fossils. We 
 haven't even ^ motor because mother loathes them ! . 
 We never see a soul, except the same old set, the Rector 
 and Mrs. Puddock, Doctor and Mrs. Frost, father's 
 elderly shooting friends; and once in a blue moon, the 
 Hillsides, or Mrs. De Wolfe. Other girls go about, and 
 visit new places, make new acquaintances, and have a 
 good time; and we are young but once! I shall urge 
 the Pater to transport us all to the Continent, for one 
 whole year. If he resists, and won't listen to reason, I 
 shall just tell him, we will leave home; the twins to go 
 on the Stage, front row, Baby, to an A B C shop, 
 and I to be a stewardess ; I know I should love the sea, 
 which by the way, I have never seen ! " 
 
 When Wilhelmina cautiously opened the subject to her 
 mother, that lethargic matron was almost as startled 
 as if a bomb had exploded on the hearth-rug ! When 
 she had recovered her senses (momentarily paralysed), 
 with unusual animation, she expressed indignant hor- 
 ror at the mere suggestion of sucn a move. She pointed 
 out to Billy that she and her sisters were extraordinarily 
 fortunate; they had carriages, maids, saddle-horses; and 
 every possible indulgence; the newest library books, a 
 handsome . dress allowance ; what more did they want ? 
 Besides, how could such a pack of girls go dragging 
 about the Continent ! Certainly she would be no party 
 to the crazy undertaking. Of course if they had been 
 boys, it might have been different ! 
 
 " Yes ! " retorted Billy, " boys always get everything 
 they want, and girls go to the wall." 
 
 "Well, boys or girls, nothing will induce me to leave 
 my comfortable home." declared Lady Miller Paris, 
 Switzerland, Egypt ! slightly raising her voice, " why,
 
 132 
 
 Wilhelmina, you must be mad ! You know perfectly 
 well, that I've not been even to London, for more than 
 two years." 
 
 Lady Miller, a pretty, plaintive, fragile-looking 
 woman, ha.d been a celebrated beauty in her day, but 
 wa* now disposed to rest on such laurels, as remained. 
 She relinquished visiting, and entertaining beyond a 
 small tennis party, or a few neighbours to tea, pleading 
 the state of her health; which, as it happened, was 
 excellent; but the poor woman suffered from the dire 
 and mortal malady of inertia: which is known to attack 
 victims who live remote, and idle. The disease had grown 
 from bad to worse, and Lady Miller had now abandoned 
 herself to an existence of self-indulgent indolence. She 
 was contented with her comfortable sofa, her embroidery, 
 novels, patience cards, visits from newsmongering ma- 
 trons, and on fine days, an inspection of her celebrated 
 rock garden ! Wilhelmina had relieved her mother of 
 all housekeeping worries : she managed the school, the 
 village, and her father. 
 
 The younger girls were amusing, chattering creatures : 
 fond of racing through the rooms, banging doors, and 
 bringing in dogs, but remarkably pretty especially 
 Brenda, who at times, was almost s-tartlingly lovely ! 
 Once, or twice, Lady Miller had murmured to her hus- 
 band "that she wished Brenda's rich godmother would 
 invite her to pay her a visit in London," and her hus- 
 band liad accorded an indifferent assent he did not 
 wish to part with any of his girls. 
 
 Sir Lucas Miller was an active, fussy, little gentle- 
 man of fifty-five, whose time was absorbed by tenants, 
 shooting, the county club, and the Bench ! Little did he 
 suspect, how soon the pleasant current of his days was to 
 be diverted. One evening after dinner, a particularly 
 good dinner, the bold, adventurous, and cunning Wil- 
 helmina, accompanied him to the smoking-room, and as 
 he enjoyed a Havana, calmly proceeded to lay her plans 
 before him. 
 
 Everything had been most carefully considered : the 
 whole itinerary minutely sketched; reasons for the ex- 
 pedition were confidently advanced, and dilated on, 
 and when at last, Wilhelmina had ceased to speak, she 
 discovered that her communication had left her father 
 speechless ! For quite a surprising interval, he remained 
 silent, Sir Lucas was thinking things over ! He liked
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 133 
 
 to see his pretty, lively girls flitting about the house and 
 tennis courts, but it had never once dawned on him, 
 that they craved either change, or other diversions. 
 " Why, they had the Hunt Ball in January, weather 
 permitting, the cricket week in July, also weather 
 permitting ! " 
 
 In his opinion, they were remarkably well off; and as 
 Billy, his favourite, had carefully unfolded her schemes, 
 he could scarcely believe his own ears. 
 
 " Close the house for twelve months ! take you all 
 abroad!" he cried at last. "What a monstrous idea. 
 How about the estate, and the shooting 1 " 
 
 " You have an excellent agent, Dad, I've often heard 
 you say so, and now you may as well give him some- 
 thing to do. You know you're one of the people who 
 keep a dog, and barK yourself ! " 
 
 Rubbish ! rubbish ! preposterous nonsense ! " 
 
 " I know you won't mind, dear, if I speak a little 
 plainly. Looking at it from our point of view, do you 
 think you are quite playing the game 1 You and the 
 Mater have had your good times ! You talk of Ascot, 
 Scotland, and Paris; of dances and balls, cperas, and 
 races. Now we should like to be in a position, to enjoy 
 the same experiences. We are very ready to be amused : 
 or -even employed; but there is not enough work here 
 for the four of us. Are we always to content ourselves 
 with visiting old women, rearing Buff Orpingtons, and 
 finding our chief excitement in scraps of village new^s ! 
 Why, it was only yesterday, that Baby ran the whole 
 way home, to tell us that the Postman's parrot was 
 dead! 7 can jog along all right, . I'm ^ not in my first 
 youth, and I never was pretty; and being the eldest, I 
 can find plenty of occupation, and interest of sorts ; but, 
 dear Daddy, do consider the three girls; please think of 
 what I've said," and Wilhelmina patted her parent en- 
 couragingly on the shoulder, and walked out of the room. 
 
 In the end, after some remarkably stormy^scenes, Billy 
 prevailed; for Billy, as her mother complained, "could 
 twist her father round her little finger." Then what 
 Brenda termed, the ." great Exodus of the Millers" 
 actually took place, and poor Lady Miller found herself 
 with" her husband, four daughters, two maids and a 
 mountain of luggage, carried off to Paris; and from 
 Paris they journeyed to Lucerne. 
 
 At Lucerne, to his audible consternation, Sir Lucas
 
 134 
 
 was thrust into the too prominent post of chaperon 
 his wife having declared that her health was not equaL 
 to society. Nevertheless, she took a certain amount of 
 comfort in a sofa, her lace work, and patience cards, 
 although the rock-g'arden, was far, far away ! 
 
 At first, Sir Lucas instinctively shrank from following 
 five grown-up women into a dining-room, or restaurant: 
 but most of his party were so handsome as to draw all 
 eyes, and in this fact, he found considerable compensa- 
 tion ; also, when he beheld other men doing similar duty, 
 he became more resigned ; and by and by actually began 
 to enjoy this amazing, and absolute change ! He and 
 his girls played golf on the Sonnenberg, and made ex- 
 cursions, whilst her ladyship and maid, aat in the shade, 
 listening to the band, or ventured on a little shopping, 
 purchasing Swiss embroidery, and Italian tortoise-shell. 
 
 In spite of their already large party, the Miller girls 
 
 gjod-naturedly invited Nancy to join them. She and 
 illy became immediate allies, and on the Sonnenberg 
 links, laid the foundation of a lasting friendship. 
 
 " We are such a squad of women," she said to Nancy, 
 "but it had to be all, or none; people get used to us, 
 and find we are quite rural, and harmless. I think Mr. 
 Holford, and Major Berners are becoming accustomed 
 to Minna and Brenda, and I'm not the least surprised. 
 At home, we thought little of their good looks ! They 
 were just nice, cheery, accomplished, girls. Minna has 
 a 4ovely voice ; but here, they stand out as'beauties, and 
 the Pater looks as proud as a peacock with two tails ! 
 They are the prettiest girls in Lucerne, bar yourself ! 
 
 " Oh, what nonsense ! " Nancy protested, but Billy 
 signed to her that she was about to make a drive, and 
 thereby closed the argument ! 
 
 At the Grand Hotel, Locarno, Mrs. De Wolfe again 
 encountered neighbours; Lord and Lady Hillside, their 
 son, and daughter; these were not merely neighbours, but 
 connections, and not only connections, but friends ! It 
 turned out, that Lord Hillside and Mrs. Ffinch were 
 brother and sister, and on the strength of her intimacy 
 with a relative, Nancy was welcomed by the family. 
 
 Lady Hillside had been an heiress : her fortune had 
 paid off heavy mortgages on the estate, and repaired the 
 dilapidated castle. So flourishing now were the Hillside 
 concerns, that Theodore Lamerton, the heir, a young 
 man in the Guards, was looked upon as a desirable
 
 135 
 
 parti. His mother, was a little woman with a yellow, 
 haggard face, in which burned a pair of jet black eyes, 
 eyes of the reformer and fanatic. 
 
 Lady Hillside was" feverishly energetic, and full of 
 philanthropic plans: her name was well known on 
 Boa'rds, and Committees, and she cherished a secret 
 passion for being, what is called " Chair." Her interests 
 abroad, were so wide, and so various, that she could 
 spare but little time for her own family; in fact, she 
 was something of an aristocratic Mrs. Jellaby. Her cor- 
 re ( spondence was enormous; she kept two secretaries, 
 but rarely looked into her housekeeper's accounts or 
 answered what might be^termed "a domestic letter." 
 
 Recently her health had broken down from orerwork, 
 and a specialist had ordered her abroad, with strict 
 injunctions, as to absolute rest. Rest was impossible to 
 a woman of her .temperament ! It was true that she 
 now left correspondence in abeyance, but she was actively 
 engaged in making a wonderful collection of seals and 
 rings, which enterprise carried her far, and wide. 
 
 Lord Hillside, a handsome, Warded individual, a 
 great authority on Egyptology, lived much to himself, 
 and took his walks apart. With his chiselled aquiline 
 features and well-trimmed beard, he might almost have 
 passed for an Egyptian Tetrarch .himself. Next to 
 Egyptology and Rameses the Second, his "chief interest 
 in life was his daughter Josephine Speyde, a widow of 
 eight and twenty. " Josie," as she was called, had not 
 inherited the family good looks, but had been endowed 
 with some of her father's brains, and more of her 
 mother's inexhaustible energy, which in her case, took 
 the form of a tireless pursuit of amusement. In ap- 
 pearance she was thin, and hipless ; her complexion was 
 sallow; a pair of magnificent black eyes illuminated a 
 long, but expressive countenance. Such was her art in 
 dress, and deportment, that she actually persuaded her 
 world, that she was as handsome as she was amusing, 
 and otherwise attractive. Married at twenty to a distant 
 cousin, the alliance had proved unfortunate, and as Josie 
 herself confessed, " they had found one another out too 
 soon." She was restless, capricious, and extravagant: 
 Victor Speyde was dissipated, ill-tempered, and jealous. 
 
 The relatives put their heads together, and predicted 
 " trouble," but the death of Captain Speyde in a motor 
 accident, relieved their apprenensions, and liberated
 
 136 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 his wife. As a widow, with an independent income, she 
 returned to live with her parents, a changed young 
 woman, who had seen the seamy side of life; she rode 
 hard, smoked incessantly, and had the reputation for 
 a keen appetite for adventure, and stories, more or less 
 risky ! Mrs. Speyde belonged to a sinart Bridge Club, 
 possessed a car, and a latch-key and claimed all the 
 prerogatives of a self-chaperoning widow, whilst enjoy- 
 ing as she described, "a really topping time." 
 
 Possibly because they were such a complete contrast in 
 appearance and character, Mrs. Speyde took a violent 
 fancy to Nancy Travers, called her by her Christian 
 name the second, time they met, graciously instructed her 
 in a new style of hairdressing, offered her the name of a 
 very private dressmaker, and imparted amusing infor- 
 mation respecting the affairs, love and otherwise, of 
 her very dearest friends. 
 
 Not the least among Josie's accomplishments, was her 
 art of story-telling; she drew little word-pictures with 
 audacious and dramatic effect, and her voice, if slightly 
 guttural, immediately claimed an audience. Nancy 
 wept and screamed with laughter, as she found herself 
 unexpectedly in the company of Lady Miller, and all 
 her invalid airs; not to speak of several of the inmates 
 of the Grand Hotel; and Josie's own aunt, Julia Ffinch, 
 was also taken off. to the life ! 
 
 Nancy was dazzled, flattered, and enslaved. Josie 
 Speyde was so clever, so gay, and entertaining : she read 
 aloud scraps of delightful letters, chiefly from men in 
 foreign parts, related stirring little episodes in her own 
 past, and mone or less opened the girl's grey-blue eyes, 
 to their very widest extent. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 ON COMO . 
 
 MRS. DE WOLFE rarely remained long in one place; she 
 assured her friends that she must have gipsy blood in 
 her veins, and offered this idea as a sufficient excuse for 
 her unexpected, and erratic movements. Weary of 
 Locarno, she adjourned to familiar quarters at Caden- 
 abbia, and as soon as she was comfortably installed in 
 her favourite sitting-room, proceeded as usual, to scan 
 the lists of visitors at the various hotels in the neigh- 
 bourhood.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 137 
 
 "I see the Gordons are over at'Bellaggio," she re- 
 marked. " The Mackenzie^ are back at the Villa d'Este, 
 the Wynnes are in this very hotel ; and oh ! what a piece 
 of luck ! Dudley Villars is here too," and as she made 
 this announcement, Mrs. De Wolfe turned 'an unusually 
 beaming face upon her companion. 
 
 In answer to Nancy's glance of interrogation, she 
 explained : " He is the son of my greatest friend ; I held 
 him at the font, tied his sashes, heard his prayers, and 
 if I am not greatly mistaken, smacked him soundly. 
 I am very fond of Dudley." 
 
 " Do you think the smackings give him a certain 
 claim 1 " 
 
 " No, indeed, poor fellow; he makes a stronger appeal 
 than that ! " 
 
 "And is he really a poor fellow? " 
 
 "On the contrary, he is rich; but his life has been 
 spoiled, he has no fixed home; Shandmere is let. Years 
 ago he made an unfortunate marriage : after a few 
 months of cat-and-dog life, he and his wife parted, he 
 has no near relatives, or ties, and spends his time 
 rambling about the world." 
 
 "One of the idle rich?" 
 
 " Idle rich yourself ! Dudley is always intensely oc- 
 . cupied; in pursuit of new schemes, the development of a 
 voice, or some literary undertaking. He is a charming 
 fellow, so popular, and remarkably handsome ! " 
 
 " I'm simply dying to see him," exclaimed Nancy. 
 
 " Do not die just yet; I'll send him a little note, and 
 ask him to look me up as soon as he returns. I thought 
 he was in Greece, but Italy always draws him. His 
 grandmother was an Italian, one of an ancient Roman 
 family, and from her, he has inherited his graceful 
 mariners, and taste for art. She has also bequeathed 
 him her olive skin, and matchless dark eyes." 
 
 " T don't believe I can possibly wait until he calls," 
 said Nancy. " I think I shall go down, and hang about 
 the hall."' 
 
 " Oh, you may laugh, my dear, but you won't make 
 such an acquaintance as Dudley, in a month of Sun- 
 days. He is one of my boys although he is getting on 
 for forty and a particular favourite." 
 
 " So I see." j 
 
 " And not without good reason; Dudley is so attentive 
 and thoughtful, to an old woman. His tender solicitude
 
 138 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 ia quite touching ! For instance, he never forgets my 
 birthday ; he knows my tastes in flowers, and books, and 
 people ; remembers my likes and dislikes, the little reme- 
 dies I use, and how I hate sugar, and adore asparagus. 
 Besides all this, I am his godmother, and since his dear 
 mother is gone, I think he is a little inclined to look 
 to me." 
 
 " I hope he will not be furiously jealous, and insist 
 on turning me adrift," said Nancy. 
 
 "On the contrary, my dear, you will become friends, 
 great friends, ana in one way, he will complete your 
 education. He knows Italy, ' au bout des angles,' and 
 every yard of these lakes. He will widen your literary 
 horizon, take you out sketching he really is an artist. 
 It is marvellous how, in a few strokes, he can place 
 a scene or a face before j r ou. And not only does he 
 sketch, but write; his books are praised in the Press, his 
 poems, called masterpieces. kStrictly between ourselves, 
 1 buy his books, but I cannot read them. His poetry 
 is rather, rather . . . ." she paused, momentarily at 
 a loss for a word. 
 
 1 Improper ! " suggested Nancy, raising her brows. 
 
 " No, you evil-minded girl ! or if there is anything 
 of the sort, it is too deeply hidden for me. His writing 
 is vague, and er, what I may call nebulous ! "There are 
 rhapsodies about colour, sunset, perfume, and eyes. It 
 all^ seems to me a sort of hotch-potch, but I keep my 
 opinion to myself, and when anyone asks me what I 
 think of Dudley Villars' last t I throw up my hands and 
 say ' it's amazing.' ' 
 
 " Does he do nothing but write amazing poems, paint, 
 and travel 1 " 
 
 "Oh, yes, he goes into society. You will see him in 
 London next season. He is what I may call in ' fierce 
 demand' for. balls. Women intrigue and squabble, to 
 get him to their houses. He knows all the right people, 
 and dances like .... Give me a simile. 
 
 "A moonbeam." 
 
 " Thank you. It is considered a very high distinction 
 to be his partner. I've been told that girls, whom he 
 has overlooked, have actually been seen with tears 
 streaming down their faces." 
 
 " Poor idiots ! " and Nancy laughed heartily, and 
 heartlessly. " So much for Dudley Villars. Now please 
 tell me something about his wife 1 "
 
 139 
 
 " I've never seen her;, she lives in Florida, I believe, 
 and it is an old, old story, they parted many years 
 ago, and possibly people over here ao not suppose that 
 she exists ! I happen to know, because I sent her a 
 wedding present. It is a most unsatisfactory state of 
 affairs, I must say." 
 
 " I wonder they don't get a divorce? Isn't there some 
 place in America, where it can be managed, just while 
 you wait at the railway station 1" 
 
 You mean in Dakota? Well, it's not quite so rapid 
 as all that, and my dear child how gliby you talk of 
 divorce! What can you possibly know about it?" 
 
 " I have seen and known divorced people. Don't you 
 remember the pretty American at Locarno? She had 
 been divorced twice, and was going to marry that 
 Swedish baron ! I believe one ,of her former husbands 
 happened to be passing through, and left a card, and 
 a bouquet ! " 
 
 " Pray who told you all this? " 
 
 " Josie Speyde ! " 
 
 " Oh, Josie," and Mrs. De Wolfe made a gesture of 
 angry impatience. 
 
 "Well, she said the lady was really charming: they 
 made great friends, and played poker together, she 
 gave Josie lessons." 
 
 " That reminds me," said Mrs. De Wolfe, looking 
 round, " I see Hardy has brought down the card box; K 
 we shall just have time for a game of piquet, before we 
 dress for dinner." 
 
 The two ladies had scarcely settled down to piquet, 
 when the door was flung wide, and a sonorous voice, 
 announced, " Sir Dudley Villars ! " 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 " SIB DUDLEY VILLARS " 
 
 TfiE meeting between Sir Dudley, and his god-mother, 
 was warmly affectionate. Nancy gazed in amazement, 
 as she beheld him kiss the old lady foreign fashion, on 
 either wrinkled cheek. After one or two ejaculations, 
 and explanations, he was presented to her, and wonder- 
 ful to relate, neither fell short of her lofty expectations, 
 nor her chaperon's glowing description. Sir Dudley was 
 slightly built; admirably turned out; he had clear-cut 
 features, wavy dark hair, the front locks picturesquely
 
 140 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 powdered with white; his smile was almost an embrace; 
 whilst his eyes, which were dark, were the very saddest, 
 and most arresting, that Nancy had ever encountered. 
 
 But these tragic, heart-broken eyes, had no connection, 
 with their owner's real disposition, and feelings; they 
 were merely a notable family endowment, and had been 
 for generations, a valuable asset in the fortunes of the 
 noble Casserini. It was whispered, that these same eyes, 
 had won vast estates, a ducal palace, and even, but 
 this is in your ear, a cardinal's hat ! In the present 
 instance, the eyes were allied to an agreeable voice, a 
 cultivated taste, and a captivating personality. Indeed 
 one enthusiastic friend, had been heard to speak of 
 Villars, as " a delicious fellow ! " Delicious or other- 
 wise, he was not to the taste of various married men, 
 and one or two nervous chaperons. These, viewed him 
 with no favour; but rather, as a shepherd beholds a 
 strange, and suspicious dog ! 
 
 The visitor and Mrs. De Wolfe immediately embarked 
 on an animated conversation, an eager exchange of 
 plans, and news, and Nancy, after listening for some 
 time to the sayings and doings of complete strangers, 
 made an excuse about dressing in good time, and left 
 the friends to enjoy a tete-a-tete. No sooner had the 
 door closed upon her, than Sir Dudley said : 
 
 " My dear Auntie Wolfe, where did you get hold of 
 such a beautiful young lamb 1 Is she the new companion 
 you mentioned 1 " 
 
 The old lady nodded a complacent assent. 
 
 "You never were much given to companions, were you ? 
 .1 only recollect two; unprepossessing elderly females. 
 What an amazing change ! 
 
 " Yes, I couldn't stand either of those elderly females; 
 one had such decided views, and argued every question, 
 from the proper way to boil an egg, to the age of thd 
 world. The other, had a maddening sniff, and read all 
 my letters. Still, an old woman cannot live entirely 
 alone. There are wet days, and long evenings ! I want 
 someone to read to me, and play piquet. Nancy is pretty 
 good for a beginner, but not like you, a foeman worthy 
 of my steel ! " 
 
 " Nanoy ! What a nice simple name," said Sir Dudley. 
 "Miss Nancy has lovely eyes; I admire their clear, 
 crystal gaze of childlike innocence. Do tell me all about 
 her 1 "
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE ,141 
 
 In a few short but pithy sentences, Sir Dudley waff 
 made acquainted with the history of Miss Travers, 
 that is to say, as known to her chaperon.' 
 
 " An orphan with tons of money, no undesirable 
 relations, and a truthful, affectionate, nature; dear 
 Auntie Wolfe, allow me to offer you my warmest con- 
 
 ratulations ! And how long do you suppose this 
 elightful alliance will last ? 
 
 "To the end of my days, if I could have my wish," 
 was the prompt reply. " The child is my right hand, 
 and simply radiates happiness; however, some odious 
 man is sure to snatch her from me, and carry her off as 
 his companion for life ! " 
 
 " Yes," he assented, nodding his head, " I'm afraid 
 your partnership is doomed ! A beauty, an heiress, and 
 launched by Mrs. De Wolfe your chance of keeping 
 her, is not worth the traditional button ! But how you 
 will enjoy yourself in the meanwhile ! You who are al- 
 ways so interested in love affairs, and happy marriages." 
 
 " Well I give you my solemn promise, that I shall be 
 in no .hurry to marry off Nancy." 
 
 'Has she had. any love affairs, do you think?" 
 
 " No, indeed. Why, my dear Dudley, you've only to 
 look at the girl's face, to see that she lias yet to ex- 
 perience the neart's awakening." 
 
 " Dio mio, and what a delightful task for some too 
 lucky fellow!" 
 
 " Now look here, Dudley," and Mrs. De Wolfe sud- 
 denly sat erect, and tapped his sleeve with her pince-nez. 
 " No experiments if you please, no philandering. I'm 
 not in the way of seeing the gay, and gallant aspect of 
 your character -you turn the good and steady side to my 
 old eyes, but I have ears, and I have heard tales." 
 
 " No doubt you have, dearest Auntie Wolfe, but you 
 know you should never believe anything you hear, and 
 onl.v the half of what you see. I grant you, I have 
 amused myself, pour passer le temps, but only with 
 hardened, and accomplished flirts, who know how to 
 play the game; never with girls, and I thought you 
 barred girls yourself ? " ^ 
 
 "Yes, I do, the usual run, who giggle, and whisper, 
 and t Jiave silly secrets, and make -faces at me behind my 
 back. Now Nancy hasn't a secret in the whole world; 
 if she had v she couldn't keep it ! Her life is an open book, 
 'who runs may read.' A coffee plantation, an English
 
 142 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 school, once more a coffee plantation ; her father's death, 
 a year's slavery to an abominably selfish aunt; from this 
 aunt she came to me and there's her history!" 
 
 "How old is she?" 
 
 " Past twenty, and in some ways, absurdly young foi 
 her age." 
 
 "And I am thirty-eight, and absurdly old for my 
 years, so I think you had better appoint me deputy- 
 chaperon. Well now, I must be off to dress ! May I 
 look in again after dinner ? " 
 
 " To be sure," assented Mrs. De Wolfe, -"come in and 
 out, whenever you pleass, just as you always do, and 
 arrange to sit with us in the restaurant. Don't let 
 Nancy make any difference ! " 
 
 " All right, then, I won't ! I've got a capital motor- 
 boat; I'll take you both on the lake, all day, and every 
 day, and anywhere you like." 
 
 Sir Dudley Villars promptly installed himself as one 
 of Mrs. De Wolfe's party, whilst Antonio, his valet, 
 enacted the part of cavaliere-servente, to the two lady's- 
 maids. He sat with them at meals, entered their sitting- 
 room, when so disposed which was often ; played piquet, 
 sang tender and emotional love songs in a melting 
 tenor, to Nancy's accompaniment, and was even suffered 
 to smoke ! He was evidently attached to his god-mother, 
 and full of petits soins on her behalf. His manner to 
 her was charming; that of a cheery, sometimes teasing, 
 and yet always devoted son ! He went her errands, 
 carried her wraps, brought her flowers, books, and 
 papers; also occasionally, his letters from mutual 
 friends; made a capital sketch of her for Nancy, a sketch 
 of Nancy for his godmother, and altogether lived up to 
 his reputation. 
 
 Mrs. Wynne, her daughter Flora, her fiance a young 
 diplomatist on leave from Rome- joined forces with 
 Mrs. De Wolfe. A party of six, just filled the motor- 
 boat, and were admirably paired two matrons, two 
 lovers, Nancy and her new friend. Sometimes the 
 younger people, went up and spent a long afternoon on 
 the links above Menaggio; but as a rule the days were 
 devoted to picnics and excursions, about the lake. Mrs. 
 De Wolfe was anxious that Nancy should see all her 
 old favourite " beauty spots," and proved an active, and 
 indefatigable chaperon, but a long tiring day at Grave- 
 dona, was too much for her seventy-four years. Return-
 
 143 
 
 ing amid the late mists, she caught a serere chill, and 
 was confined to her room for one whole week; and as the 
 Wynnes had betaken themselves to Bellaggio, Nancy and 
 Sir Dudley were abandoned to a. tete-a-tete! 
 
 The invalid would not suffer her young companion to- 
 sit what she called " stuffing, in a sick-room," and" 
 drove her forth to enjoy the exquisite autumn weather; 
 to walk, to boat, and to sketch, and so it came to pass, 
 that Nancy and Sir Dudley a rather striking pair 
 went about together, to play golf, to visit old villas and 
 lovely gardens, or to climb the hills to well-known holy 
 shrines, also to flit around the lake in the motor-boat ; 
 now to Como, now to Varenna, in short, wherever their 
 fancy carried them ! 
 
 Nancy had found old friends in Menaggio; the two 
 Clovers (her schoolfellows), and their belongings, which 
 included their parents and an elder brother. They were 
 eager for her company; she played golf with them on 
 several occasions, but somehow most 01 the shining hours 
 were claimed by Dudley Villars, who pronounced the 
 Clover family to be " bourgeois," and the son, who 
 exhibited a fervid interest in Miss Travers, " as a blun- 
 dering lout, with a calf-like smile, and, dull to the verge 
 of idiocy." 
 
 Dudley, to do him justice, ' was a delightful com- 
 panion ; so entertaining, so thoughtful, always ready 
 to fall in with the slightest whim; and he did things 
 so well ! To Nancy his painting was a revelation and a 
 delight, his voice was sympathetic, and he told her many 
 entrancing tales, of his wanderings in the far-away East, 
 and then his good looks, what a haunting face ! 
 
 Sir Dudley's manner to his charming companion, had 
 been partly that of a kindly teacher, and comrade; 
 tinged with an infusion of chivalrous reverence. 
 
 Oh, how different to Teddy and Nicky, who never 
 hurried to open a door, or stand up, when she entered 
 the room. Once or twice Nancy had asked herself, if 
 she was not growin-g to like this charming friend, too 
 well ? After all; he was no relation. Simple Nancy f. 
 And she could not forget, that when he had gone to 
 Milan for two or three days, she had missed him even 
 more than his godmother ; and once or twice, when, 
 looking up suddenly, she had met his eyes, she founa 
 herself blushing to her hair. 
 
 That he liked and admired her, Nancy felt instinc-
 
 144 
 
 tively, and a chilly little inward voice asked, if she was 
 going to what is called " fall in love? " She dismissed 
 the idea with horror. Sir Dudley was married, and had 
 a wife living; she too was married, and had a husband, 
 somewhere incredible as it seemed, even to her own 
 thoughts. One night, she took herself solemnly to task 
 sitting at her bedroom window, looking down at the- 
 stars, reflected in the lake, she held an inquiry. Dudley 
 had often given her flowers; he had lately assumed an 
 attitude of exclusive protection and possession ; once it 
 had seemed to her, though it might have been imagina- 
 tion, that he had pressed her hand, as she alighted from 
 the motor-boat. There must be no more of that. What 
 would her father have thought of his \Nancy, ii she gave 
 her heart to a married man ? 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe had recovered from her chill, and 
 resumed her responsibilities, but she no longer went on 
 expeditions and picnics, contenting herself with going 
 across to Bellaggio, to call on friends, or to prowl about 
 among the antiquity shops ; whilst her companion 
 sketched in the villa gardens, or endeavoured to im- 
 mortalize the tall cypresses, above San Giovanni. 
 
 With the exception of one or two eloquent glances, 
 and an involuntary hand-pressure, Dudley's manner to 
 his godmother's beautiful companion, was admirably 
 guarded. With the fear of his old friend's displeasure 
 before his eyes, it had been a case of what he mentally 
 termed " paws off," but how could any man under eighty 
 years of age, withstand such an exquisite creature 1 So 
 simple and transparently innocent; so warm-hearted and 
 intelligent, and beyond and above all, what a lovely 
 vision of glorious youth ! It was this, that enthralled 
 the blast, dilettante. 
 
 He had played the part of genial comrade, for h 
 knew instinctively the sort of girl he had to deal with: 
 how easy to alienate, and scare ! She had been informed 
 that he was married, and her Irish spirit and Irish 
 chastity, were inscribed upon her exquisite lips. He 
 and Nancy had many talks, and interesting discussions, 
 as they took their daily stroll along the romantic thor- 
 oughfare, which leads from Cadenabbia through and 
 beyond Tremezzo. Mrs. De Wolfe frequently accom- 
 panied them, and then, when half way, a half-hearted
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 145 
 
 chaperon, sat down on a low wall to rest, and there 
 await their return. 
 
 Nancy, who always enjoyed the sound of her own 
 voice, and an appreciative listener^ was neither shy, nor 
 self-conscious; at a very early period of their acquaint- 
 ance, and with consummate ease, the subtle man of the 
 world, had made himself master of her simple history. 
 He enjoyed listening to her vivid descriptions of the 
 Indian hills, and to confidences as fresh, and pure as the 
 dew of the dawn. He heard all about her school-days, 
 her father's money troubles, and his splendid character. 
 She spoke of the Corner boys, and Sir Dudley's old 
 friend, Mrs. Ffinch. Once and once only had she touched 
 on the tragedy of her bereavement, when with averted 
 face, and broken voice, she related particulars of Tra- 
 vers death. 
 
 " And what became of the fellow who missed the 
 panther ? " inquired Villars, after a pause. 
 
 " I don't know he is somewhere in India," she re- 
 plied, almost under her breath. 
 
 "Well, I suppose, he was ashamed to show his face." 
 But to this remark there was no reply. 
 
 Late one afternoon, Sir Dudley and his pupil, having 
 finished a sketch of the Baptistery, at Lenno, crossed 
 over in the boat to the Villa Arconati, which stands on 
 its promontory half surrounded by water, and embow- 
 ered in shade. Here the pair sat on the edge of a low 
 wall, overlooking the lake, and carried on a lively 
 discussion, of which Mrs. Ffinch was the subject. Nancy 
 did gallant battle for her friend, and patroness, and 
 spoke with enthusiasm of her generosity and kindness 
 of heart. 
 
 " Of course I am not denying old Julia a few good 
 qualities; I've known her since I was a kid." and Sir 
 Dudley unkindly added " she's four or five years older 
 than I am. I remember her in the nursery, a big, over- 
 bearing girl, very stingy with jam. In those days the 
 Hillsides were terribly hard up, and had a large family. 
 Ju Lamerton was a sensible young woman, with no 
 romantic nonsense about her, and she made room for 
 her sisters, by marrying the biggest bore in the whole 
 of India." 
 
 "Well, at any rate, they setgm quite happy." 
 
 " Seem," repeated Sir Dudley; " that's her cleverness: 
 she manages him. She manages everyone ! She married
 
 146 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 off Emma and Mabel, and last time she came home, got 
 a lout of a brother, into a capital sinecure." Then 
 turning to look at Nancy, he added "I wonder she 
 didn't try her hand on you, : but I suppose you were too 
 young 1 
 
 Nancy felt herself colouring up to the roots of her 
 hair, and carried off the suggestion with a rather em- 
 barrassed laugh. 
 
 " I expect you had all the young planters on their 
 knees, young as you werel Come now, own up, strictly 
 between ourselves ! How many scalps did you bring 
 home? " 
 
 "Not one," she answered, with decision, "we were 
 just good friends, like you and I, nothing more." 
 
 " I am delighted we are good friends," murmured 
 Villars ; and after this sentence, there fell a strange and 
 dreamy silence. The surrounding scene was exquisite, 
 the beauty of Italy's lake land, tinged with a kind of 
 roseate romance. Above them to the left, towered hills, 
 clothed with olive and chestnut woods ; at their feet 
 gently lapped the jade-green water of the lake. The 
 glow of a wonderful sunset touched the quiet landscape, 
 and the only sound that recalled one to a workaday 
 world, was the chime of the Angelus, stealing across 
 from San Giovanni. 
 
 The stillness and solitude, had a compelling -effect 
 upon Villars; turning to Nancy, he said abruptly, "I 
 must speak I Here is the hour, and the place ! I want 
 to tell you, that I have not had such a happy time, as 
 this last five weeks for many a long, long year. Nancy, 
 may I call you Nancy ? everyone does, and. Miss Travers 
 sounds so formal! I may, may I not? " as Nancy made 
 no reply, but nervously twisted a rose between her fin- 
 gers. He moved an inch or two nearer, and in a low, 
 seductive voice continued: "There is no one to object, 
 is there ? " 
 
 "No one," she answered, raising her head, and meet- 
 ing his burning dark eyes, with a flash of pride. He 
 gazed at her critically and in silence. What a darling 
 she wasj From the very first he had been enthralled 
 by her high spirits, entrain, and beauty ; here, he assured 
 himself, was the perfect treasure for which he had vainlv 
 sought; and in many and far lands. He had made 
 this discovery on former occasions, but the prize had 
 eluded him, or proved a bitter disappointment. Close
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 147 
 
 beside him, twirling a red rose in her taper fingers, sat 
 his one, and only love. 
 
 If that devil Cassandra, would but divorce him, here 
 was her successor, the future Lady Villars ! But Cas- 
 ,sandra, the most obstinate and malignant of her sex, 
 was adamant; hitherto, his appeals, prayers, threats, 
 and flagrant indiscretions had failed to move her. This 
 was her revenge; she refused to release him ! 
 
 Something in this long and unusual silence, filled 
 the girl with a sense of vague uneasiness : and this un" 
 easiness was not dispelled, when her companion broke 
 the long pause, with the startling question: J " May I 
 kiss you, darling?" His voice was very humble and 
 pleading, but there was a smouldering fire, in his melan- 
 choly dark eyes. 
 
 " Certainly not," she answered sharply. 
 
 "But why?" urged Villars, moving still neaf&r, 
 "since we are such friends?" 
 
 ' Bocause I should hate it," she declared decisively. 
 
 " Une jeunesse sans amour, est comme un matin sans 
 soleil," he quoted. " I suppose no man has ever touched 
 those perfect lips ? " 
 
 Nancy tossed the rose a~way, but made no reply : she 
 was feeling excessively uncomfortable. 
 
 " So you know nothing about it, darling little girl? " 
 ho went on. " No one has ever yet drawn your soul 
 th-rough in one long kiss ! Listen to me, Nancy-," and 
 he made an effort to take her hand. " Won't you make 
 room for a very lonely fellow in your heart ? You would, 
 if you only knew how miserable his life has been." 
 
 Nancy slipped down off the low wall, and stood erect, 
 surveying her companion with a heightened colour, and 
 irrepressible tears glistening in her eyes. She had re- 
 ceived a tremendous shock, and felt a horrible impression 
 of degradation, and insecurity. 
 
 " Sir Dudley, please don't talk to me in this way. 
 I," and she gulped down an inclination to burst into 
 tears, " I I don't like it!" 
 
 Then with a desperate snatch at her ebbing self- 
 possession, she added : " Will you be so kind as to signal 
 for the boat ? " 
 
 " Horrified ! frightened ! affronted ! easy to see she's 
 new to the situation," he said to himself. " I must go 
 slow, chi va sano va lontano. I've been a bit of an ass, 
 but the sunset and the Angelus were too much for me.'
 
 148 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " You know I wouldn't offend you for the whole world," 
 he murmured, as in strained self-consciousness they 
 awaited the boat. "Only forgive me for this -once! 
 One never can tell. Most girls like admiration, and 
 kisses I see you are different." 
 
 Nancy made no reply, >but picked up her red Lugano 
 umbrella, and got into the boat, without a word. 
 
 "She has taken the little scene seriously," he said to. 
 himself, as he looked at her set profile, and it was now 
 his turn to be uneasy, and alarmed ! Supposing she were 
 to go and lodge a long complaint with Aunty De Wolfe ? 
 He must make his peace before they returned to the 
 hotel. Accordingly on their way there, with all the 
 eloquence, cleverness, and guile of a well-experienced 
 diplomatist in emotion, he pleaded with his companion, 
 for forgiveness ;. his misery and regrets appeared to be 
 so acute, that they touched her sensitive feelings, and 
 cooled her indignation. How could she withstand, the 
 tears that stoocf in his wonderful eyes 1 
 
 Notwithstanding this patched up peace, Mrs. De Wolfe 
 might have noticed a certain constraint, between her 
 young companions that evening, and there was no sing- 
 ing, but as it happened, the mind of their chaperon 
 was occupied with a recent interview, and the old lady 
 was happily unconscious of any cloud. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 A WARNING 
 
 AMONG Mrs. De Wolfe's friends at Bellaggio, was a 
 certain lady, known to her intimates as " Sally Home," 
 a well endowed, unencumbered widow of sixty; her 
 daughter was married to an Indian official, her son 
 was quartered in Cairo, and her London house was let ! 
 She and her maid were staying at the ''Victoria,", 
 where she had many acquaintances, and vainly endea- 
 voured to inveigle Mrs. De Wolfe to cross the water, 
 and establish herself in her company, but Mrs. De 
 Wolfe declining the lure of Bridge, preferred to remain 
 where she was ! 
 
 The afternoon that Nancy and Sir Dudley set out 
 to sketch the Baptistery, Mrs. Home came over to see 
 her friend. The old lady was sitting in the little garden 
 by the lake, and recognizing ier visitor on the boat, 
 hastened to meet, and welcome her.
 
 GIVEN IN MAKRIAGE 149 
 
 " Would you like to go inside, >ally ? " she asked, " or 
 shall we have tea out here ? " 
 
 "I've had tea, thank you," said Mrs. Home, "but 
 by all means let us sit outside. Where's your girl ? " she 
 inquired, looking round, and her air was inquisitorial. 
 
 "Gone up to Lenno to finish a sketch." 
 
 "With Sir Dudley?" 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe nodded a careless assent. After a 
 moment's hesitation this bold visitor announced : "I 
 have something disagreeable to say to you, Elizabeth." 
 
 " You needn't tell me that ! " rejoined her companion, 
 with a grim smrle, " I saw it in your face, before you 
 came off the boat." 
 
 " I wonder if I shall make you very angry ! " 
 
 " Try," said Mrs. De Wolfe ; the word was a challenge, 
 " I've not been in a good wholesome rage for ages." 
 
 " Well, it's about Nancy, and Sir Dudley Villars. 
 People are talking." 
 
 Bah! " ejaculated Mrs. De Wolfe, " let them talk ! " 
 
 " But do please listen, my dear ! I am fond of Nancy, 
 and I can't bear to hear it said, that she is being com- 
 promised." 
 
 "Compromised," shouted Mrs. De Wolfe.' "What 
 nonsense ! What infamous scandal." 
 
 " Yes, it's all over my hotel, and only, this morning, 
 as we sat in the garden, Lady MacBullet, said she was 
 sorry for Miss Travers; such a pretty young creature, 
 and she understood an orphan, making herself so cheap 
 and conspicuous, with a man of the character of Dudley 
 Villars. They were on the lake together all day, ^and 
 the hotel was full of stories." 
 
 "Only cat women's gossip, I know the style! I'm 
 sure the men don't talk of Dudley's character ! Hen 
 are not gossips ! " 
 . "Oh! and why not; what about men's c clubs ?" 
 
 " Well, I've never heard a man, say anything against 
 Dudley." 
 
 " No, because he is straight enough with them, I be- 
 lieve; both rich and generous. For women, he has a 
 different code ! Elizabeth, I know you are devoted to 
 Dudley Villars, and although an old grandmother, I 
 am not altogether insensible to his fascinations, myself! 
 When he chooses, he can be irresistible, so do pray 
 imagine the spell he can cast over an impressionable 
 young girl like Nancy t "
 
 160 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " No spell has been cast," protested her friend, 
 sharply, " and really I'm surprised at you, Sally, taking 
 the trouble to come over here, and tell me your hotel was 
 talking scandal. Dudley Villars is my godson, I have 
 absolute confidence in him you may be sure, or I would 
 never have suffered him to be the continual companion 
 of Nancy." 
 
 ".Well, at least I meant well," said Mrs. Home, 
 stiffly, " and my good intention must be its own reward. 
 I like Nancy, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered." 
 Then rising, " I see the Tremezzo boat coming in, and 
 I will go back in her ! " 
 
 " No indeed, Sally," pulling her down, "you will do 
 nothing of the sort. I'm an un grateful, ungracious old 
 harridan, and I'm sincerely obliged to you for your 
 interest in 'Nancy. I confess, that I have never seen 
 anything but the best side of Dudley; I believe, and I 
 feel in my bones, that he has behaved most honour- 
 ably, with regard to the' girl ; not one indiscreet word 
 has he spoken ! That I can guarantee; and she is not 
 susceptible! Every scrap of love in her heart was 
 absorbed by her father, and since his death, I do not 
 think she has much to spare for anyone. Dudley and 
 Nancy, are good friends, and no more. I've allowed 
 them a little extra liberty, to go sketching and boating, 
 not knowing that every eye was fixed upon them ! I 
 have already told you, I trust Dudley, and 'as for the 
 girl, before she ever saw him, I informed her that he 
 was a married man." 
 
 " Sometimes that makes no difference," remarked "her 
 companion. 
 
 " Oh ! my dear Sally, I'm afraid you are getting in- 
 fected ; let me again assure you. that Dudley's friendship 
 with Nancy, is entirely platonic ! " 
 
 " Then, my dear Elizabeth, it's something entirely 
 new for Dudley Villars," and Mrs. Home, imparted tb 
 a reluctant ear, a brief account of one or two affairs of 
 which he was the hero. 
 
 " I suppose you haven't heard that the Bellamys are 
 separated on his account, and Daisy Bellamy has gone 
 home to her mother t " 
 
 " I've never believed that Dudley was responsible for 
 that business! still I'm afraid. Sally, that I've" been a 
 little slack as a chaperon; so I'll put an end to the talk, 
 by taking the girl on to Florence."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 161 
 
 "A very wise move, my dear, and I sincerely hope it 
 will not be- a case of ' locking the stable door, when the 
 steed is stolen.' " 
 
 " No- indeed ! my palfrey is safe. Nancy is heartwhole; 
 I am getting rather tired of the lake, and am such a 
 well-known old tramp, that when I bundle off at a Couple 
 of days' notice, it never excites remark." 
 
 " Do you think that Dudley Villars will make his way 
 there too 1 " 
 
 " No, ;> rejoined his champion with decision, "for 
 although it is a perfectly harmless friendship, I draw 
 the line at followers." 
 
 After the boat had 'carried her visitor away, Mrs. De 
 Wolfe remained for a long 'time buried in profound 
 meditation; then she rose, went into the hotel, de- 
 spatched a prepaid wire to Florence, and give notiee 
 of her intending departure. 
 
 The next morning as the little party were at dejeuner, 
 Mrs. De Wolfe received a telegram. Having read it, 
 she laid it aside and said': " Well that's all right, we 
 have got our rooms ! Nancy, prepare to march on 
 Florence, the day after to-morrow !_" 
 
 11 You are not serious ! " exclaimed Sir Dudley, 
 setting down an untasted glass. 
 
 " Perfectly serious, I wonder that I was not away 
 long before this ! My campaigns, like Napoleon's, are 
 rapidly organized." 
 
 " But you have no campaign." 
 
 " No ! but what about Nancy ? " 
 
 " Beginning with this forced march, Auntie Wolfe, I 
 wonder you can exchange this lovely clear air, for the 
 gloomy, streets of Florence." 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe laughed, and said: "I am tired of 
 looking out on water ; in my hotelj which is not on the 
 Lung' Arno, I can lie at my ease in a comfortable bed, 
 and stare at the Duomo ; think of that ! " 
 
 Dudley realized how foolish it was to argue with 
 Auntie Wolfe at present, but when Nancy had departed 
 to give instructions to her maid, and the old lady was 
 alone, he said : 
 
 " Why are you going off so suddenly ? " 
 
 An unwelcome idea flashed into his brain. Could 
 Nancy have confided in her chaperon? 
 
 "To a plain question, I'll give you a plain answer, 
 my dear boy. There are two kinds of discretion : one
 
 162 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 voluntary; the other enforced. I find that people have 
 begun to notice that you and my little girl are very much 
 together, and although it is a most innocent friendship, 
 still it does not do for Nancy to be talked about, so we 
 will remove ourselves." 
 
 "What an infernal shame," exclaimed her godson, 
 looking surprisingly vexed. " The venomous tongues of 
 some devils wouldn't leave an angel alone." 
 
 " And you, my dear Dudley, are by all accounts, far 
 from being an angel ! I have heard some sad tales." 
 
 " Which of course you don't believe ! Have you ever 
 known me to play the fool with any of your friends ? " 
 He paused for a reply. As none was forthcoming he 
 continued, " I cannot tell you what a happy time I have 
 put in here. You know I always feel so much at home 
 with you, dear Auntie Wolfe ! " and he stooped and 
 kissed her on her cheek. Then, straightening himself, 
 he said, as if struck by a bright idea : " I've not been 
 in Florence for a couple of years, I believe I'll run 
 down there next week." 
 
 "No. Dudley," protested his godmother, raising her 
 thin old hand, " that I positively forbid. You will see 
 us in town, and later at the Court, but abroad, no more ! 
 It is so easy to be conspicuous in a small dp-nothing 
 circle, and I'm sure you. are quite as sensitive about 
 Nancy's reputation though that is too big a word as 
 I am myself." 
 
 During the remaining two days, Dudley's manner to 
 Nancy was perfect, and entirely of the kindly elder 
 brother type. He gave her sketches of their favourite 
 spots, supplied her with books for the journey, and went 
 all the way to Como, to put the ladies and their parcels 
 into the train, himself. Then returned down the lake 
 alone, in a condition of most abject misery. For days 
 he walked and boated in the neighbourhood of Caden- 
 abbia; a melancholy object of picturesque dejection. 
 Those who witnessed and marked this change, said to 
 one another, " Dudley Villars has been badly hit this 
 time; serves him jolly well rigbt ! " He wrote cheerful 
 (and exchangeable) letters to both ladies, giving them 
 to understand, that he was excessively gay, and well 
 occupied. 
 
 But do what he would, he could not get Nancy out 
 of his head; however he consoled himself with the belief, 
 that time and persistence would be his staunch allies.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE ' 153 
 
 And how he longed to see her ! Sometimes this longing 
 overpowered him, and he nearly drove Antonio crazy by 
 his conflicting, and capricious orders. Twice, he ar- 
 ranged to go to Florence, twice, he changed his mind; 
 at last, he positively* took his departure. Was not 
 Florence free to all the world 1 Auntie Wolfe's attitude 
 implied that she had it on lease, and even if he only 
 saw Nancy in a church, a picture gallery, or the street, 
 that would be something V 
 
 On his arrival in the city of flowers, he -boldly drove 
 direct to Mrs. De Wolfe's hotel; and here he had the 
 mortification of learning, that "the Signora and the 
 
 Signorina, had left that morning for Palermo ! " 
 
 * . * * * * * 
 
 From Sicily, the ever wandering Mrs. De Wolfe, took 
 ship for Egypt, where she put up at the Savoy Hotel, 
 Cairo ; here she discovered her friend, Mrs. Home, al- 
 ready established, and heard that all the Miller party 
 were at the Mena House. 
 
 "Six months' travelling had wrought a surprising 
 change in her family," as Billy explained to -her friend 
 Nancy, to whom she paid an immediate visit. 
 
 " I declare we are so altered, you will hardly recognize 
 any of our party, except myself. There is the Pater, 
 he has cut off his little side whiskers, and wears up-to- 
 date collars, and looks years younger; he plays golf, is 
 very keen about excursions, and actually dances at our 
 hotel balls ! He has met crowds of old friends, and has 
 come out of his shell in a most remarkable manner. 
 Then mother 'has floated to the surface. She now goes 
 about with us ; dresses very smartly, has faken madly 
 to Bridge, and can ride a donkey with the best. I think 
 it was Minna's engagement that aroused her from her 
 torpor. She was so immensely interested in a love affair 
 at first hand ! Minffa is making a splendid match, and 
 we all love Major Brently; he has become our brother, 
 and what he calls, ' wheels us into line ' ; and is awfully 
 good to us. Mother having, to use a sporting expres- 
 sion ' tasted blood,' has now great hopes of Brenda; and 
 many people consider Baby, our beauty ! The fact is, 
 what with this inspiring climate, heaps of new friends, 
 a whirl of excitement and amusement, our existence has 
 been quickened, and we don't know ourselves, we are 
 so happy ! " o 
 
 " Then your exodus has been a wonderful success !
 
 154 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 What a triumph for you. Billy ? No one now dare call 
 you ' Silly Billy ! ' " 
 
 " Yes, it has turned out all right, and even if nothing 
 particular had occurred, like Minna's engagement, 
 we would have had enough to think and talk about, for 
 'years. As it is, we have souvenirs to fill a room, and 
 thousands of picture postcards; have enlarged our ideas, 
 and made many friends, even mother has her pals." 
 
 '' You like Egypt, I can see," said Nancy. 
 
 " I just love it, the sand, the delicious desert air, the 
 cloudless blue sky, and then Cairo itself. You and I 
 must go about together, Nancy. I've been here six weeks, 
 and am getting quite clever at finding my way, and 
 making bargains. I can even talk a little Arabic. I have 
 collected ever so many presents for the people at home." 
 
 "I am sure you have," said Nancy; "how I wish 
 that I had people at home, I could take presents to." 
 
 " Oh ! that will all come in time, my dear. Do tell me, 
 have you come across any interesting young men 1 " 
 
 " Yes, several ; good dancers and tennis players, but 
 not otherwise specially engaging." 
 
 "You don't appear to have lost your heart? " 
 
 " No, I don't believe I've that sort of heart to lose." 
 
 " It remains to be seen. When I've married off my 
 three sisters I'll see about settling you." 
 
 " Thank you, Billy." 
 
 " And talking of settling, I wonder how father and the 
 Mum \vi\l content themselves at home, after this gay 
 and giddy whirl about the world ? " 
 
 "They won't settle; they will be continually on the 
 move. I warn you, that you have started an avalanche." 
 
 " A good thing I did ! better than being an iceberg 
 all one's days. By the way, I hear you have done some 
 exquisite water-colours of Como; do show them to me." 
 
 " Oh ! how good ! " she .exclaimed, after Nancy had 
 displayed her treasures, artfully keeping the b?st to 
 the last 
 
 " Nancy, these are quite top-hole, who taught you 1 " 
 
 " I had a good master at school, but a friend of Mrs. 
 DP Wolfe's, who was at Cadenabbia, gave me lessons. 
 We went out sketching together, almost every day." 
 
 "With a chaperon, of course 1 ?" 
 
 Nancy shook her head. 
 
 " Who was he ; had he a name? " 
 
 "Certainly he had! Sir Dudley Villars."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 155 
 
 "Oh! Some call him 'Prince Charming,' others, 'a 
 Deadly villain.' He is not very young.-^-but so hand- 
 some, isn't he? and a merciless lady-killer." 
 
 " Well, here am I, alive and well, so you see he has 
 spared me," said -Nancy, who had almost forgotten a 
 certain conversation which had taken place on the low 
 
 .wall, by the Villa Aconati. 
 
 * * * * * * * 
 
 " Cairo is said to be the most typical Eastern city in the 
 world, and it appealed very strongly to Nancy Travers. 
 The palm trees, the dark faces of a gesticulating voluble 
 throng, the dense blue sky. the warm and golden sun, in 
 some ways recalled India. In February Cairo is socially 
 at its gayest. Nancy and her chaperon were in flatter- 
 ing request. 
 
 However, it was not society, but this land of tombs, 
 temples and a river, that engrossed her interest, and 
 fired her warm imagination. One afternoon, towards 
 the end of her stay, as Mrs. De Wolfe and Nancy drove 
 out to the Mena House, behind a dashing pair of long- 
 tailed Arabs, as they sped along Ismail's road, the old 
 lady discussed her plans. 
 
 " I must give you a bit of the season, Nancy, and 
 you shall be presented at a May Court." 
 
 " Oh ! no, no, please no ! " 
 
 "Well, you know, you will have to make your curtsey 
 to your sovereign, some time ! Shall we say on your 
 marriage 1 " 
 
 Nancy made no immediate reply, but the cheek nearest 
 to her friend, was unusually pink Why ? She appeared 
 to be engrossed in watching a long string of clumsy, 
 heavily-laden camels. Nothing to blush at there ! 
 
 "After June, we will go down to the Court," resumed 
 Mrs. De Wolfe; "it is such a dear old place, you will 
 love it." 
 
 " How can you desert it, as you do 1 " 
 
 " That is what my neighbours ask, but I don't mind 
 their remonstrances, I yield to the Wanderlust. The 
 Court is too large for one old woman, and though I 
 am attached to it, it holds agonizing memories, and 
 I cannot endure it, unless it is packed, so to speak, 
 to the roof, when my guests and their doings monopolize 
 my attention, and distract my thoughts from the long 
 illness, and death of my dear husband, the parting with 
 my two sons, who never came back to me. Oae was
 
 156 . GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 killed at Magersfontein, the other died of typhoid in 
 India. The Court is full of reminders, of Freddy, and 
 Hugh. Their bedrooms, with their personal belongings, 
 are precisely as they left them, with their pictures, 
 books, birds' eggs, and butterflies. The gardens they 
 worked in, are still kept up, and planted with their 
 favourite flowers; their old pony, Barkis, only died two 
 years ago, at an immense age. I often ask myself, why 
 the lives of those two promising young men .shc-uld be 
 cut short ? and a useless old woman, their mother, still 
 cumbers the ground ? " 
 
 To this question Nancy who had a large lump in 
 her throat could make no reply, and there fell a long 
 silence. 
 
 "I wonder. what you see in me, my dear?" began 
 Mrs. De Wolfe suddenly. " My life is now behind me, 
 you are young and stand upon its threshold, a radiant, 
 and expectant figure." 
 
 "Radiant! I'm afraid not; you are too partial, and 
 as for expectations they are strictly moderate." 
 
 " That at least is something. On the Patna, they were 
 positively nil. Poor forlorn child, I took pity upon you, 
 as I would on a drowning kitten ! " 
 
 "You did," assented the girl, with laughing eyes, "and 
 here I am on your hands, a full-grown young cat ! " 
 
 " Claws and all complete, a most formidable respon- 
 sibility ! Well, I threw you a plank and brought you 
 to land, some of these days I may float you off again, 
 upon the sea of matrimony." 
 
 " No,. no, dear Auntie Wolf,' ; laying her hand on hers, 
 " I'm very happy as I am, please don't dream of such 
 a thing." 
 
 " Well, if I do not, others will. Ah, there are Sir 
 Lucas and Major Home, waiting for us," she added, as 
 they turned into the garden, and dashed up the entrance 
 of Mena House. " I wonder if the Millers have secured 
 their cabins in our steamer ? " 
 
 " I think so, and you will find Major Home will be 
 of the party, I have a presentiment, that he hopes to 
 marry Billy." 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 A LITTLE DINNER FOR THREE 
 
 THE end of April found Mrs. De Wolfe and her prote'ge'e 
 in London, installed in a fine suite at the Hyde Park
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 157 
 
 Hotel. The position suited the old lady, as here she was 
 surrounded by connections and friends. There was her 
 sister-in-law in Park Lane, her niece in Belgrave Square, 
 the Hillsides within a stone's throw, and the. Millers in 
 Pont Street. She and her young companion were soon 
 sought out, and overwhelmed with invitations, and 
 Nancy lived in a whirl of agreeable engagements. 
 
 First an early ride in the Park, then the morning 
 shopping ; luncheon parties, receptions,' dinners, and 
 above all, dances! Spare moments were devoted to 
 "fittings," and hurried visits to girl frien'ds, These 
 various claims, literally devoured the long summer days. 
 Nancy was very gay and happy in this new life, a 
 conspicuous figure in her immediate circle ! admired in 
 private, stared at in public, and favoured with yet 
 another gift besides beauty, and youth. Wherever she 
 went, she appeared to bring sunshine; and those who 
 knew her, revelled in her endowment. Among her chief 
 partners and cavaliers were, Sir Dudlev Villars, Major 
 Cathcart now enjoying a nice soft staff appointment 
 Toby Lamerton, Lord Lanark, and various otkers too 
 numerous to mention. 
 
 Soon after her arrival in London, Nancy had reported 
 herself in Queen's Gate, and waited upon her aunt, 
 unsupported by her good friend, Mrs. De Wolfe. Mrs. 
 Jenkins' little blue eyes opened to their widest extent, 
 when they beheld her niece, no longer a shrinking and 
 humble satellite, but a self-possessed, well-dressed, and 
 independent damsel. 
 
 As her "envious glance wandered over an elegant toilet, 
 she realized that this " bird of paradise " would be 
 entirely out of place, in her own ordinary " Hen Run." 
 It was evident that the girl had a good maid, and a good 
 conceit of herself; she resolved to secure Nancy for a 
 visit, which would include at least, two state dinners, 
 in order that her own friends should have an oppor- 
 tunity t>f beholding a niece whose success and striking 
 appearance, would add to her own importance. 
 
 Mrs. Taylor and Miss Dolling happened to be both 
 in attendance, the one as faded and sentimeatal, the 
 other aggressive, and glum as of old. At the end of 
 twenty minutes conversation, chiefly questions and 
 answers, Miss Dolling rose, and said, "I'll just g 
 and fetch the Pom, I'm sure he'd love to see Nancy." 
 
 "And I'm sure he wouldn't recognize her now,'* said
 
 158 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Mrs.. Taylor, with significance, and for once Mrs. Taylor 
 happened to be right. The Pom merely sniffed indiffer- 
 ently at Nancy's smart gown, and then rudely retired 
 into his comfortable padded basket. 
 
 ''And how is the Coffee 1" inquired Mrs. Jenkins, 
 in a condescending manner. 
 
 "Oh, doing well. One of my old friends has taken 
 over the management; and gold has been found on the 
 estate." 
 
 " Gold ? well I never ! " ejaculated Miss Dolling. 
 "Fancy owning a gold mine!' 
 
 "It's a reef, I believe," explained Nancy, "and has 
 been taken over by a company." 
 
 " So you're quite a millionaire," remarked her aunt, 
 rather sourly. " And what are your plans for the 
 summer ? " 
 
 _" We are going down to Mrs. De Wolfe's place, Newen- 
 ham Court later on." 
 
 "Oh, so she has a place; I always understood, that 
 she lived in hotels and steamers, and had no home ? " 
 
 " She found it so lonely, living all by herself." 
 
 " Then why not have a companion 1 " demanded Mrs. 
 Taylor, "goodness knows they are cheap enough!" 
 
 " She has a companion now," she has me," declared 
 Nancy with a smile. 
 
 "Oh, you!" with an impatient sniff, "you won't last 
 her long; young women with money, are soon snapped 
 up. You'll marry, within six months." 
 
 "I assure you, I shall not." 
 
 "Ah, that is how girls always talk," broke in Miss 
 Dolling, " I used to say the very same things myself; 
 you have yet to meet your fate," and she heaved a heavy 
 sigh, as with her head on one side, she dreamily contem- 
 plated Nancy, the daughter of her one, and only love ! 
 
 Before the visitor took leave,- she was invited, nay, 
 almost commanded, to come and stay at Queen's Gate. 
 This invitation she firmly, but very civilly declined. 
 Mrs. De Wolfe could not possibly spare her. 
 
 " Well." said Mrs. Jenkins, Jooking alarmingly pink 
 and angry, "*' I do think your own aunt has a claim 
 before strangers; I shall expect you to give me at least 
 a week." 
 
 But the niece of her own aunt proved to be adamant, 
 and submitted a long, and imposing list of her engage- 
 ments. She, however, consented to appear at a dinner-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 159 
 
 Earty, the date of which Mrs. Jenkins, diary in hand, 
 xed so far ahead, that excuse or evasion, was out of 
 the question. 
 
 One Sunday afternoon Nancy, and a party of friends, 
 betook themselves to the Park, chaperoned by Mrs. De 
 -Wolfe and Lord Hillside. The usual rendezvous near 
 Stanhope Gate, was crowded, . and the promenade bor- 
 dering the grass, so thronged that progress was difficult. 
 Nancy and Tony Lamerton lagged somewhat in the rear 
 of their companions, and during a block in the seething 
 mass, she descried a face she hadn't seen for more than 
 two years: the beaming visage of Teddy Dawson, wear- 
 ing a wide smile upon his half-open mouth. Oh, how 
 funny he looked ! His coat sleeves and trousers, inches 
 too short ; an old-fashioned tall hat- crammed on the back 
 of his head, otherwise the same blue-eyed old Teddy. 
 Nancy instantly extended a delicately gloved hand, but 
 instead of grasping it (as expected), he failed to recog- 
 nize a friend in this smart young lady, and became the 
 colour of a boiled beetroot. 
 
 " There must be some mistake," he said to himself, 
 " he had no acquaintance with this dazzling creature, 
 wh6 had so to speak, summoned him to halt," but when 
 Nancy smiled at his overpowering embarrassment, and 
 he looked into her eyes, he exclaimed, " Great Christmas, 
 can it be Nancy? " 
 
 " Why not 1 " she demanded. " Of course it's Nancy." 
 
 The pair were unaffectedly glad to meet, and ex- 
 changed very cordial greetings. 
 
 "When did you arrive?;' she asked. "Yesterday.?" 
 
 : 'Now, how in the world did you guess? " 
 -"Bv'your wardrobe; Jessie will have to take you in 
 hand." ' 
 
 "Oh, so you've heard ! " he replied, with a conscious 
 grin. "My coming home was a bit sudden; but at the 
 very last moment I got a passage in the same boat, with 
 Jess, and her mother. Where are you stopping?" 
 
 "At present, we are both stopping the public thorough- 
 fare, but you will find me at the Hyde Park Hotel. 
 I've no end of thiags to hear', and to say to you. Will you 
 and Jessie come and dine to-morrow night at eight? " 
 
 " I can't answer for Jess, I believe she has no frocks 
 yet, but I'll come all right." 
 
 " Don't be late," and with a parting nod, she drifted 
 on.
 
 160 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " I say ! that's a rum-looking chap," said Tony. " Did 
 you ever see such boots'? like coal boxes, and what a 
 hat ! no gloves, hands the size of a ham, where on earth 
 did you get hold of him 1 " 
 
 " In India, he was our nearest neighbour; I've known 
 him since I was in socks. He is one of the best; some- 
 thing quite extra ! You mustn't judge him by his clothes ! 
 If you had put in ten years on a coffee estate, perhaps 
 you wouldn't be so very smart yourself ! " 
 
 " Perhaps not! Well, I hope when Jessie has got her 
 frocks, she will do something for him, poor dinp ! His 
 coat would be a find for the wardrobe of our regimental 
 theatre. Is he a specimen of the men you met out in 
 India ? " 
 
 " He is a specimen of a successful planter, a first-rate 
 sportsman, and a real friend. He was like a kind elder 
 brother, when I was in frightful trouble. Well ! " in a 
 totally different voice " there are Mrs. De Wolfe and 
 Sir Dudley beckoning I do hope, they have kept us 
 chairs ! " 
 
 " Mr. Edward Dawson," as announced in Mrs. De 
 Wolfq's sitting-room, arrived to diae, alone, bringing 
 a long epistle from Jessie, who was staying in 'West 
 Kensington, with some of her mother's relatives. Teddy 
 had" invested in a new blaek tie and a pair of shiny 
 shoes, and looked. quite passable when presented to Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, who gave him a cordial reception. She knew 
 all about him, and had even read his letters ! 
 
 The two ladies, who were " going on " to a ball, were 
 in full dress; Nancy so transformed and lovely, that 
 Teddie could scarcely take his eyes from her. His sur- 
 prise and bewilderment were such, that several times, 
 he entirely forgot what he was going to say, and blun- 
 dered about, with spoons and helpings, as if he had 
 never dined in company before ! He and Nancy had 
 much to discuss, and he spoke freely and openly before 
 the " old lady," as he mentally called her. 
 
 " I must confess, I wonder how you got round 
 Finchie ? " said Nancy. 
 
 "Oh, you -mean about Jess? You see ske was away 
 up in Cashmere, and the mice played about! She de- 
 clares that Jessie's mad, and that I'm a savage and 
 belong to the Stone Age ; but Jessie stood up for me and 
 said, ' At any rate, he is a rock of sense.' Rather smart,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE -161 
 
 " Yes," agreed Mrs. De Wolfe. 
 
 "And then the General, that's my_ father," he ex- 
 plained to the old lady, " has come forward nobly, and 
 is going shares in the rent of Fairplains; he and I, will 
 bo your tenants, Nanice." 
 
 " Yes, and I shall go out and stay with Jessie and you, 
 for such ages. that you'll be obliged to leave home ! " 
 
 " And what about the gold I " inquired Mrs. De Wolfe. 
 
 "I believe it's paying hand over fist. .Nancy, you 
 will remember Nicky always swore that there was gold 
 in those old workings. 1 thought: it a fairy tale, but 
 when *6me engineer chaps came sniffing round for reefs/ 
 Nicky put them on, and went down with them himself. 
 The gold was all right, and ho has stuffed several thou- 
 sands a year, into your pocket. Mind you don't forget 
 that I " 
 
 " You may be sure I won't. And so he is staying on 
 at the Corner ? " 
 
 Teddy nodded. 
 
 " Alone? " Her tone was significant. 
 
 " I don't think so ! Perhaps you can guess the name 
 of the new partner 1 ? By the way," lowering his voice, 
 as he noted that Mrs. De Wolfe was absorbed in the 
 menu, ".what about that. chap?" .... name indis- 
 tinct, to the shai*p-eared chaperon. " Do you ever hear 
 anything of him? " 
 
 ; ' Never ! " was the emphatic reply. 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe waited to hear more, and continued to 
 stare steadily at the word " asparagus." " He pays in 
 the money for you to the day; it is lying in my nama at 
 Grindlays about six hundred pounds.' 
 
 The anxious matron felt immensely relieved: of course 
 the money, had to do with coffee. She laid down the 
 card, and glanced over at Nancy, never had she seen 
 her with so high a colour; and yet it was not a warm 
 evening, and the girl hadn't touched anything stronger 
 than, barley water. Nancy, too, had violently assailed 
 her with her foot. Why 1 She was not aware that she 
 had made a social blunder, or faux pan, -.and how the 
 girl chattered ! Undoubtedly these tidings and rem- 
 iniscences, and " Plain tales from the hills," had excited 
 her, and made her rather odd and unlike herself !
 
 162 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 THE MEDITATIONS OF DEREK MAYNE 
 
 THE cable dispatched to Mayne, had been so urgent and 
 alarming, that he half expected to hear bad news when 
 the mail steamer called at Port Said, however, neither 
 cable nor letter awaited him. Arriving in London early 
 one May morning, he drove up to his mother's house in 
 Charles Street, intending to ask for news and a meal. 
 The door was opened by a somewhat dishevelled footman, 
 who informed him that " her ladyship was out of town." 
 
 " But was I not expected ? " inquired the caller, glanc- 
 ing at his luggage-laden taxi, " I am Captain Mayne." 
 
 '"Oh yes, sir, you were expected, but her ladyship 
 said as 'ow you couldn't possibly be here before Monday, 
 and she and his lordship has gone down to Brighton for 
 the week-end." 
 
 This was but a tepid welcome after an absence of some 
 years ; however, there was nothing for Mayne to do, but 
 re-enter the cab and have himself driven to his club. 
 Here, he encountered various old friends, lunched, paid 
 a hasty visit to his tailor, bought an umbrella, and took 
 the afternoon express to Campfield, the nearest station 
 to Maynesfort. 
 
 Maynesfort was a venerable, but well preserved Ja- 
 cobean house (with artfully hidde^ Georgian patches), 
 and stood amidst delightful and rural surroundings. On 
 the south side, lay a prim Dutch garden, beyond that, 
 an undulating heavily wooded park, both overlooked 
 by the windows of a once famous library. This library 
 was now the chief reception room ; ever since the death 
 of Mrs. Mayne, the drawing-rooms had been closed ! 
 
 Here, the master of the house received his guests and 
 tenants, here he smoked, gossiped and read the news- 
 papers The Times, The, Field, Country Life, and with 
 special avidity, the local Rag. but he never open<^ a 
 book,- although encompassed by thousands of neglected 
 volumes. He was not, as he boastfully declared, " a 
 reading man." " Jorrocks " was his favourite hero; 
 his. was an outdoor temperament; hunting, shooting, 
 gardening, and farming were all to his taste; and the 
 house was merely a sort of refuge, where, he ate,, and 
 slept; four weeks' incarceration indoors, was to him an 
 unexampled experience. On a lounge in the library,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 163 
 
 surrounded by a volume of tobacco smoke, and attended 
 by a buxom nurse, the invalid was found by his nephew 
 and heir. 
 
 Richard Mayne, J.P. and D.L., was a remarkably 
 active little man, some years over seventy ; he had keen 
 dark eyes, flexible brows, a firm, clean shaven mouth, 
 and a' pleasant smile. The arrival of his nephew, af- 
 forded him real and unqualified pleasure, and he greeted 
 him with outstretched hands, and a .full resonant voice 
 by no means the feeble squeak of an invalid. " Got 
 your wire this morning, sent the ear, glad to see you, my 
 boy very glad ! " 
 
 "And how are you, Uncle Dick? you look fairly fit. 
 Going on all right, eh, nurse ! " glancing at his com- 
 panion! 
 
 "Yes, Mr. Mayne has made a remarkable recovery," 
 she rejoined, " I expect in a few weeks, he will be quite 
 out of my hands," and she rose and retired, leaving the 
 uncle and nephew to themselves. 
 
 " It's the healthy outdoor life, eh, 'um, 'urn, that's 
 what has stood to me but I tell you, when that brute 
 rolled on -me, I thought it was a case for the under- 
 taker ! 
 
 " Yes," assented his nephew, " from that cable, I was 
 afraid you were in a bad way, Uncle Dick, and I'm 
 awfully glad to find you so well." 
 
 " We wrote to Port Said to tell you I was going on 
 all right, but I daresay we missed the mail. You are 
 looking uncommonly fit, not a bit yellow or tucked up ! 
 India has taken no toll off you: good stations, good 
 sport, 'um, 'um ? " 
 
 After such a long absence from home, there was much 
 for Mayne to hear, and for his uncle to impart ; the old 
 
 gentleman was a fluent talker, and enchanted to get 
 old of a listener, to whom all his news was absolutely 
 fresh. He was ten times more anxious to relate, than 
 to listen, and unfolded a heavy budget, without dis- 
 playing any curiosity as to what the traveller might 
 have to offer in exchange 1 
 
 First, there were the full details of his accident, 
 including the weather, the condition of the ground^ the 
 character, and pedigree of the horse; then came "the 
 case," the doctors, the specialist, and a warm eulogium 
 of his nurses. After this, the county news; succeeded 
 by estate and domestic intelligence; who had come, and
 
 164 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 who had gone, how the pheasants had done; how th 
 great fig tree was dead, also the hen swan, and the old 
 woman at the west lodge. 
 
 Mayne found the place but little changed everything 
 in the same apple-pie order. Maynesfort was his uncled 
 hobby, he loved the old place with an absorbing passion, 
 and to tell the truth found her a very extravagant 
 mistress ! A series of reckless predecessors, had dis- 
 sipated and gambled away the property, till but about 
 a thousand acres remained ; and although the owner 
 lived, so to speak, rent free, there was much to main- 
 tain ; the ancient house like its kind, was in constant 
 want of repair; the drains, the roof, th chimneys, called 
 for outlay, and supervision; the gardens, greenhouses, 
 and avenues, had to be kept up, as Maynesfort had 
 a reputation to support, and there were no nice fat 
 farms, to bring in a steady revenue. 
 
 The late Mrs. Mayne, had been a woman of fortune, 
 and her money had assisted to maintain Maynesfort. 
 as a sort of 'show place. Its mullioned windows and 
 heavy chimney stacks, were a great feature on the local 
 post cards. 
 
 As the long May days went by, the. heir of Maynes- 
 fort found time to hang heavily on his hands, although 
 he successfully concealed the fact. There was no shoot- 
 ing, except a few pigeon of an evening; naturally there 
 was no hunting, he was not a fisherman ; most of the 
 neighbours were in London for the season, and the Par- 
 sonage was in quarantine with scarlet fever. Mayne 
 rode about the lanes on an elderly cob, strolled through 
 the park and gardens, played cricket with the village 
 team, but still the days were long and empty. 
 
 He read the papers to his uncle, played dominoes and 
 backgammon, ana even "cut-throat" Bridge with him 
 and the nurse. He smoked many pipes, and listened to 
 many stories : descriptions of the season's good runs, 
 and best days' shooting. 
 
 Strange to say, the old gentleman exhibited but little 
 or no interest in Indian sport, nor wished to hear, in 
 what way his nephew had passed the last four years ? it 
 was sufficient for him to know that he was there, sitting 
 opposite to him, looking a little older, but both hale, 
 and hearty. 
 
 Richard Mayne was a man of one idea at a time, but 
 that idea, excluded all others, and would occasionally
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 165 
 
 hold the fort of his mind for months. His present 
 obsession, was, that Mayne should, could, and must, 
 marry, and that without delay. At first his nephew 
 had put the suggestion aside with a joke, and a tough; 
 Jmt he soon realized that indifference and frivolity 
 raised his uncle's ire; the .flexible eyebrows went up 
 and do\yn, or met, alarmingly; the " 'urn, 'um 'urns 
 came thick, and fast, he resigned himself to the situa- 
 tion, and suffered the old gentleman to talk and talk, 
 and even to arrange a formal, and imaginary parade of 
 all the available spinsters in the county. ! 
 
 "You see, my dear boy," he urged, "that time, when 
 I was lying on my back, and they were not quite sure, 
 if I was internally injured, I could not help thinking 
 of this dear old place, and its new master." 
 
 " What nonsense, Uncle Dick," protested Mayne, " you 
 will be master here for years, and years." 
 
 " No, no," waving away the idea, '* if I'd snuffed out, 
 you would have had to come back, and take over my 
 shoes, and sit here all alone; no mistress ior the house; 
 so I made up my mind, that if I recovered, I'd take 
 right good care to see you married; married to some 
 -* nice girl with money ; family not so important, you have 
 enough family for both ! Now tell me, Derek, is there 
 any young woman, you have a fancy for ? " 
 
 " No, not one." 
 
 "Well, then, my dear boy, you must look round, now 
 you are at home, and" find a pretty girl, with a pretty 
 fortune, that will keep the old place on its legs, other- 
 wise it might have to be let, and if that came to pass, 
 I believe Id come out of the family vault ! You know 
 your aunt's money goes back to her own people; the 
 property itself is not worth much. There is the grazing, 
 and the woods, and Jones sells some of the garden stuff, 
 but the men's wages and coal and coke, run into hundreds 
 a year; our gambling ancestors staked farms and livings, 
 and fishing rights on the length of a straw, or the ac- 
 tivity of a snail, and I tell you, my blood boils when I 
 think of them ! " 
 
 " To marry, to look otot for a nice girl with money," 
 was the "motive," which, like the ever recurring 
 air in an opera, ran through all Mr. Mayne's -jokes, 
 reminiscences, and solemn exhortations to his nephew; 
 the ^ subject became intolerable; his good nature and 
 patience were wearing a little thin, and it was an im-
 
 166 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 mense relief to escape into the park of an afternoon, 
 whilst the invalid dozed, there to wander about, accom- 
 panied by two happy brown spaniels. 
 
 To find himself thrown entirely upon his own society, 
 was a rare experience for Derek Mayne ; opportunities 
 to meditate, and hold counsel with his subconscious self, 
 were invariably passed over and neglected; his impulse 
 was for action, to be up and doing, not thinking, or 
 mooning; but for once he found his thoughts arrested, 
 and intensely occupied, by his uncle's " idea," for once, 
 he approached a subject, with which he had 'hitherto 
 refused to grapple, and a swarm of thoughts, not 
 hitherto entertained, suddenly invaded his brain. 
 
 It was his nature to face things but there was one 
 stern fact, he had alwaj's thrust aside. " Nancy ! their 
 marriage ! What was to be the end of that coil ? " Was 
 he to go through life alone 1 to live in that place in 
 the hollow, with no companionship, and no affection, 
 save what was offered by the dogs 1 He might, he be- 
 lieved, though he had never looked into the subject, 
 obtain a divorce for desertion; but the idea was repug- 
 nant, such an action impossible ! 
 
 He thought of Travers, who had given his life for him, 
 his anxiety about the future of his little girl; the 
 subsequent relief, and gratitude he had read in those 
 dying eyes; how could he drag " the little girl ; into the 
 blaze and publicity of " a case in the courts " ; oh, it was 
 altogether a deadty business, and yet, where had he gone 
 wrong? Possibly, when he had suffered a mere chit of 
 eighteen, to take command of the situation ; on the other 
 hand, he recalled with a guilty qualm, his sense of pro- 
 found relief; and satisfaction, when he discovered that 
 she had cut the knot, severed their bonds, and fled ! 
 
 The haunting vision of a miserable, white-faced, 
 blighted, flapper, accompanying him back to Canna- 
 nore, had undoubtedly had its terrors; his colonel did 
 not encourage matrimony, it spoiled the mess, and all 
 his little world would marvel at his choice ! He won- 
 derad what Nancy was like now 1 and what were her 
 surroundings ? Possibly she liied in some third rate 
 suburban circle, was prominent in the local tennis club, 
 wore home-made frocks, adored (platonically) some 
 preacher or actor, and led her old aunt by the nose. 
 Only for the secret tie, which held him, he might have 
 been married long ere this. There was that lively little
 
 167 
 
 irl up at Murree. What marvellous red hair, how she 
 anced and chattered ; and she had liked him too, but 
 ho had never gone beyond- the flirting stage, or dropped 
 into serious love-making; the memory of Fairplains 
 constrained him. 
 
 A pretty face, had always appealed to Mayne, and 
 certainly Nancy was no beauty, possibly by now, she 
 had improved in appearance, when her complexion was 
 no longer exposed to the sun, and her hair was properly 
 dressecL she might pass in a crowd; she would always 
 be quick witted, quick footed, and quick tempered. After 
 much serious reflection, and many pipes, he came to the 
 conclusion, that now he was at home, it was his business 
 to find out something about Mrs. Mayn+. The name 
 made him pause, and laugh 'aloud, to the great be- 
 wilderment of the two spaniels. He need not necessarily 
 seek an interview, no, far from it ; but he might as well 
 make cautious inquiries, and discover where she lived 1 
 and what she was doing? 
 
 Mrs. Ffinch was the right woman to lend him a helping 
 hand, and as she was expected home within the next 
 few weeks, he would ask her to look up Nancy, without 
 bringing him into the question. Here was a field for her 
 particular activities; it was just the sort of commission 
 she would eagerly undertake, and thoroughly enjoy. 
 
 At the end of a fortnight, Mayne prepared to take 
 his departure ior London; not without a half expected, 
 and feared, opposition on the part of his uncle: but to 
 his surprise and joy, the old gentleman received nis hint 
 of a move, without demur, for he assured himself, that 
 Derek was about 'to act on his advice, and " look about 
 him," and the sooner he commenced his quest, the better. 
 It was true that he had given no definite promise; he 
 had said but little; just lounged, and smoked, and stared 
 at the carpet, or out of the window; however, it was 
 a well known, and well proved adage, that " silence 
 gives consent." 
 
 It was with a blissful sense of escape, that Mayne 
 found himself seated in the car, and once more bound 
 for Campfield station. The sensation was unusual, for 
 it was the first time, that he had ever felt glad to leave 
 Maynesfort, and he was secretly ashamed of his joyful 
 relief. The old man, accustomed to a life of constant 
 outdoor activity, was putting in a dull time, and it 
 had enlivened his empty hours, to build castles in the
 
 168 
 
 air, instead of model cottages, and reckon upon the 
 future of his successor's wife, yes and children ! The 
 nurseries had not been occupied for nearly fifty years; 
 but as the car skimmed round the last bend in the avenue, 
 and the tall chimney stacks "sank out of sight, Mayne, 
 as he lighted his cigar, sternly assured himself, that as 
 far as he was concerned, Maynesfort would never have 
 a mistress.- 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 THE MEETING 
 
 THE new arrival in Charles Street soon discovered that 
 he had by no means bettered his position, on the contrary, 
 appeared to have gone out of the frying-pan, into the 
 fire ! Four years had wrought surprising changes in 
 the manage: Lord Torquiletone had become "more so," 
 as Mayne mentally expressed it; his moustache was 
 blacker, his coat more padded, his temper more irascible, 
 than formerly. He belonged to a type of club man 
 happily becoming extinct, loud, aggressive in argu- 
 ment, quarrelsome, gouty, .and greedy. 'He and her 
 ladyship did not now hit it off, and saw as little of 
 one another as their mutual ingenuity could contrive. 
 She, never appeared before one o'clock; he, lunched, 
 and frequently dined, at his club, unless they happened- 
 to have a few guests, or were engaged to present them- 
 selves, at some particular function. 
 
 Mayne noticed a woeful alteration in his mother ; she' 
 looked faded, and worn, there were deep lines about her 
 mouth, her voice was querulous, and her attitude the 
 pose of one enduring " the bitter winter of her discon- 
 tent ! " In her cold, unemotional way, she was glad to 
 welcome Derek, a handsome, creditable fellow and like 
 his father; but in character much stronger, and more 
 self-assertive. 
 
 He seemed to be thoroughly capable of shaping his 
 own life, had excellent manners, plenty to say for him- 
 self, and judging by the number of his letters, with 
 regimental, and other crests, was claimed by hosts of 
 friends ! In honour of his return. Lord Torquilstone 
 dined at home, and abused the dinner ; and he and 
 his wife passed the j r oung man under the harrow of a 
 searching examination, with respect to his life, during 
 th last four years. Mayne found it useless to protest, 
 "But Mater, you had my letters."
 
 GIVEN Itf MARRIAGE 169 
 
 "Yes, my dear boy, they were rather dull. Not your 
 fault I know, I always hated India, the deadly paradige 
 of the middle class. It's just what was not in your 
 letters, that I want to hear about." 
 
 " Oh well, if you mean manoeuvres, camps of exer- 
 'cise '" 
 
 " Don't be so silly," she interrupted impatiently. 
 "Your mother wants to hear about those lively grass 
 widows up in Simla," broke in his lordship; " come now, 
 own up ! "-- and he chuckled diabolically. 
 
 " I have nothing to own. Never had any use for the 
 frisky matron, at home, or abroad." 
 
 "Oh, Derek," protested his mother, "what about 
 Josie Spe^yde ? " 
 
 '' Yes, what about her? " leaning back, with his hands 
 in his pockets. 
 
 " You were one of her boys, I know ! " 
 
 " She taught me to dance, I'll say that for her." 
 
 " She taught you to flirt too." 
 
 " Don't expect the fellow wanted much teaching ! '-' 
 broke in Lord Torquilstone.' "Any nice little girls out 
 in India? " 
 
 "Oh yes, lots." 
 
 "I hope you didn't leave your heart, behind, Derek 1 
 I warn you that as daughter-in-law, I refuse to receive 
 an Indian spin." 
 
 " Oh, there's no fear of that," replied Derek, lighting 
 a cigarette, and tossing the match into the firepface. 
 
 " I suppose you know your uncle is very anxious that 
 you should marry." 
 
 " I suppose I do know ! I suppose he has it on the 
 brain, I've heard of nothing else, he has .driven me to 
 the verge of idiocy." 
 
 " You were twenty-nine last April; time to be looking 
 about, Derek. I know some charming girls; I do hope 
 you will let me have a say 1 " 
 
 " Oh, my dear mother, you are welcome to as many 
 says as you like, but I haven't the smallest intention of 
 marrying." 
 
 "That's thg way you young fellows talk," declared 
 Lord Torquilstone, setting down an empty glass, " and 
 then before you know where you are, you're caught," 
 and he danced at his wife with deadly significance. 
 
 " I'd like to see the girl, who could put salt on my 
 tail," rejoined his stepson with extravagant confidence
 
 170 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Well now, Mater," glancing at his watch and rising 
 as he spoke, "if you'll excuse me, I'm going out." 
 
 " Going, out ! " she repeated blankly, " where are you 
 going?" 
 
 " To look on at a boxing match; I have promised to 
 join a couple of fellows at the Sports Club." 
 
 " A boxing match, how horrible disgusting ! " 
 
 " Well, I admit that it's not exactly a pretty sight 
 sometimes ; but I like to see an active muscular fellow, 
 that knows how to use his fists ; I do a little in that line 
 myself. I won't be in till all hours, so I'll take a latch- 
 key." 
 
 Before her ladyship could offer any further objection, 
 he had. kissed her on her powdered cheek, nodded to his 
 stepfather, and departed. 
 
 " Quite his own master ! " remarked his mother, as 
 she "heard the whistle for a taxi, "and I had promised 
 to take him to the Rutherfords' ' at home ! ' Last night 
 he was at the Opera, it's almost impossible to get hold 
 of him." 
 
 " You'll find some young woman will get hold of him," 
 snarled Lord Torquilstone. " I hope she'll be, er ! er ! 
 respectable. It's just those j r oung fellows home on leave 
 that the worst of women pounce on." 
 
 Upon this subject, arose an immediate argument. 
 Lady Torquilstone declaring, that "no man with gooa 
 blood in his veins, would be likely to marry out of his 
 class." Her husband held the opposite view, and backed 
 his opinion, with an imposing string of names. The 
 argument waxed louder, and presently developed into 
 a personal quarrel, and (unmindful of the grey parrot's 
 warning cry, of " Hullo ! Hullo ! Police ! Police ! ") they 
 continued exchanging nasty thrusts, until a footman 
 brought in the ten o'clock post, and her ladyship haying 
 collected her letters, left the smoking-room, fortified 
 with the consciousness, that the last word, had been hers. 
 ***#** 
 
 It was the day of a very " Big " race at Sandown, the . 
 weather was perfection, and half society, and all the ' 
 racing world poured out of London in a long succession 
 of specials. 
 
 Captain Mayne and a brother officer, had secured the 
 last two seats in a smoking carriage; the train was just 
 about to start, when the door was wrenched open, and 
 young man, leapt in, and hauled a girl after him.
 
 a GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 171 
 
 A. stout individual by the window, rose, and offered 
 the lady his. place, and he and her companion, stood, 
 blocking up the compartment. "By Jove, that was a 
 near squeak," exclaimed the young man, breathless, but 
 triumphant. Mayne recognized him as an acquaintance 
 the Honourable Tony Lamerton. 
 
 " Yes ! " panted his companion, '" what a race ! I 
 wonder what has become of the others ? ; ' 
 
 "Left behind, I'll bet. I'll swear her ladyship could 
 never leg it down the platform, as you did ! " 
 
 " Then pray, what am I to do for a chaperon? " and 
 the girl laughed. 
 
 There was something in the voice and laugh, that 
 sounded oddly familiar to Mayne', and suddenly leaning 
 forward, he looked round the substantial figure, which 
 was planted directly in front of him. The first glance, 
 gave an impression of a remarkably pretty girl; then 
 with a shock, it dawned upon him, that the pretty girl 
 was Nancy! A Nancy altered almost beyond recogni- 
 tion : beauty the crown of her youth ! 
 
 It seemed to Mayne that nothing remained of the 
 original flapper, but her merry blue eyes, and sweet, 
 high-pitched voice. Her face was rounded, her com- 
 plexion if real, was dazzling. She was dressed with 
 surpassing elegance, in a gauzy white gown, touched 
 with green; a large hat wreathed with green feathers, 
 half concealed masses of reddish brown hair, a string 
 of splendid pearls encircled her throat, and in her little 
 white gloved hand, she held a gold bag, and a card of 
 the races. Undoubtedly her aunt was a woman of 
 wealth, and did not spare it upon her niece. 
 
 The niece was so v engaged in laughing a'nd chattering 
 with Tony Lamerton, that Mayne had ample time to 
 collect his wits, and make a prolonged and critical in- 
 spection. Nancy carried herself, with an air of graceful 
 confidence, and the manner of one who was aware of her 
 own value ; and yet the face wore the same eager, almost 
 childish expression; and a look of innocent mockery 
 danced in the eyes that were raised to Tony Lamerton. 
 Here was a beauty ! an assured, and fashionable young 
 woman; she and Tony appeared to be on the best of 
 terms, and he noticed that the Guardsman's attention, 
 was entirely absorbed by his lovely charge. 
 
 As the train cleared the suburbs, a clear young voice, 
 said, " How dreadfully hot it is M may we not have
 
 172 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 9 
 
 the other window down 1 " and as the stout gentleman 
 instantly moved to obey her requst, Nancy became sud- 
 denly aware of Derek Mayne ! He was seated in the far 
 corner, and hitherto concealed behind a bulky screen. 
 
 His grave dark eyes, encountered her startled glance, 
 with the most. penetrating composure. Yes, it certainly 
 wan Captain Mayne, but little changed, beyond the 
 transformation effected by London clothes, a tall hat 
 and a buttonhole. How different to the rough Shikari 
 garb, in which she had been accustomed to see him 1 
 When their eyes met in recognition, Nancy was sensible 
 of an overwhelming shock; she gave little outward sign, 
 beyond a quick indrawing of . her breath, but her heart 
 had made such a violent plunge, that it seemed about 
 to Leapt ou t of her mouth ! 
 
 Here within three yards of her, was the last man in the 
 world, she expected, or wished to see. A man, she had 
 almost succeeded in turning out of her mind, and to 
 whom for weeks she never cast a thought. The discovery 
 left her nerveless; every morsel of colour deserted her 
 face and lips. The last time they met, was when they 
 had stood beside her father's grave: that was exactly 
 two years and four months ago, and although she had 
 instantly averted her eyes, he was* still before them; 
 vividly different to her somewhat faded mental picture 
 that of a worried restless young man, smoking endless 
 cigarettes, as he paced the terrace at Fairplains. 
 
 During this little scene, Tony and the stout gentleman 
 had taken it in turn to struggle with an obstinate win- 
 dow sash, and as the former turned about, his eyes fell 
 upon an old acquaintance. In a voice of hearty welcome, 
 he exclaimed, 
 
 'Hullo! Mayne, when did you gt back?" 
 'Three weeks ago." . 
 
 '.And never came near us, how is that?" 
 'I've been down at Maynesfort." 
 
 ' Oh yes, to see the old man ! Getting on all right, 
 isn't he? and now you're 'doing a bit of town, eh? 
 What are you backing for the big race ? " 
 
 As Mayne discussed the favourites and weights, he 
 noticed that Nancy had recovered her composure and 
 colour; her self-possession was marvellous; but then he 
 was not aware, that she had been through a rigorous 
 training in a stern school, and had learnt to successfully 
 repress her feelings and emotions. For the moment, she
 
 GIVEN IN MAERIAGE 173 
 
 appeared to be engrossed in the study of her race card; 
 hut unless Mayne was greatly mistaken, it was not 
 altogether the oscillation of the express, which caused 
 that pretty little hand, to shake quite perceptibly ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 OLD FRIENDS AND STRANGE NEWS 
 
 BY some unexplained miracle it turned out that Nancy's 
 chaperon Lady Jane Wynne had actually caught the 
 train, and Mayne overheard the party volubly con- 
 gratulating one another, as ^ they moved out of the 
 station. And so that slim girl in white, carrying a green 
 sunshade, was Mrs. Maynq,! Among all that great 
 crowd, there was no one to approach her in looks and 
 distinction. If people were to know the truth, how 
 widely he would be envied ! 
 
 His uncle clamoured for him to take a wife, and 
 there she was,, strolling up the path in front of him 
 supported on either hand by an as'siduous escort. Sup- 
 posing he were to claim her ? Here was a very different 
 individual to the poor little girl in India, who was 
 distracted with grief, and misery. There was something 
 amazingly attractive about this new, and radiant Nancy. 
 His inspection in the railway carriage, had shown him, 
 an undeniably happy face ! 
 
 Meanwhile the object of his reflections, for alt her 
 assumed animation felt shattered, by her recent ex- 
 perience, and talked the wildest nonsense to her com- 
 panions, as she made her way to the stand. Here 
 numerous acquaintances accosted, and surrounded her 
 and her party. To-day, Miss Travers' gajety was 
 feverish, her colour unusually high, and her laugh 
 almost hysterical. Soon after the second race, she com- 
 plained of a headache, and sought a seat on the way 
 to the paddock, where, attended by Sir Dudley Villars, 
 she sheltered behind her sunshade. 
 
 Sir Dudley was not a racing man; cards, he could 
 understand ; but betting, and backing horses, he looked 
 upon as childish f Races, were all right, as institutions 
 where you met your friends, had a fair lunch, inspected 
 the newest beauties, and heard the latest gossip. To sit 
 fey Nancy Travers, studying her exquisite complexion, 
 listening to her somewhat disjointed _ chatter, was a 
 thousand times more agreeable, than being precariously
 
 174 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 percned on the top of a stand, following with a field- 
 glass, the speedy movements, of a little bunch of 
 thoroughbreds ! 
 
 During a lull, before one of the big events, a seemingly 
 endless procession passed backwards and forwards be- 
 tween the paddock, and the stand. Sir Dudley pointed 
 out various celebrities to Nancy, adding in each case 
 some pithy, or cynical remark. She did not wish to be 
 noticed and accosted, and kept her parasol well before 
 her face, but the hat of her companion seemed to be 
 scarcely ever on his head ; his acquaintance appeared to 
 be as the sands of the sea ! 
 
 " There's the Duchess of Doncaster, I see she is 
 bringing out her second girl, hard luck on Lady Al- 
 freda. There's Claverhouse of the Blues, and the little 
 
 American widow; I wonder if that will corne off?" 
 
 * * * . * * * * 
 
 These and other remarks. were received by his partner, 
 with nods and monosyllables. Her thoughts were else- 
 where ; her mind was in a tumult of fear, and bewilder- 
 ment. Supposing Derek Mayne were to come forward, 
 and claim her; what was to be her attitude? What 
 would Mrs. De Wolfe think? yes, and all her girl 
 friends, who talked to her so frankly, of their love 
 affairs; Nora Wynne, Brenda Miller, and various others, 
 for she looked and was, a born confidante, and sym- 
 pathizer, what would be their feelings, when they were 
 informed, that their simple Nancy had actually a hus- 
 band in the background ? Her reflections were inter- 
 rupted by her companion suddenly asking, " I hope 
 you had a good day ? " 
 
 ' ' A good day 1 ' ' she repeated to herself. It was 
 one of the worst, she had ever known ! But she smiled 
 faintly, and replied, "Oh, yes, I've won! Tony 
 Lamerton has given me tips. I put ten shillings on 
 ' Dear Me.' ' 
 
 " So I see that fellow Mayne is hoine again," remarked 
 Sir Dudley; "strolling about with his old love, Tosie 
 Speyde. She is looking remarkably well to-day, those 
 daring colours, suit her bold, black style." 
 
 Naney raised her sunshade a couple of inches, and 
 peeped out cautiously. There they were ! promenading 
 slowly together, Josie talking and gesticulating wrtn 
 unusual animation, and Mayne 1 she -surveyed him 
 critically, yes, he was remarkably good-looking; well
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 176 
 
 set-up, well-dressed, and could hold his own, even with, 
 her present companion ! 
 
 'Do you know him?" she faltered. 
 
 " Who 1 Oh, Mayne 1 yes. Not very well, he's in my 
 .club, and we just pass the time of day. Not a bad- 
 looking chap ; one of the rough-and-ready sort : goes 
 in for polo, boxing, and soldiering. He's afflicted with 
 the most appalling stepfather, Torquilstone, I actually 
 had to leave the High Light Club, as I simply couldn't 
 stand him; he seemed to live in the smoking-room, and 
 never gave us a day off! I, hear that Mayne's people 
 are keen to get him married, and that Lady Torquil- 
 stone is looking about for a suitable daughter-in-law, 
 no penniless beauty need apply." 
 
 It did not strike Sir Dudley that he had said any- 
 thing particularly humorous, yet Nancy had burst into 
 * rather a wild, and unexpected laugh. How odd, and 
 jerky she was to'-day ! headaches affected people in 
 different ways : as he looked at her shining eyes, and 
 brilliant colour, he leant towards her, and said in his 
 most seductive manner : 
 
 " If you will be a good little girl, you won't sit here 
 in the sun, but allow me to take you- straight home; 
 and go and lie down, and have ice on your head." 
 
 " Ice ! " she repeated; " you have put it into my head ! 
 I'm dying for one, and here comes Tony; I promised 
 I'd let him take me to their tent. I'll be quite all right 
 to-morrow; we were such a frightful squash in our car- 
 riage coming down, that I was nearly suffocated with 
 the heat," then rising as she spoke, " Here I am, Tony ! 
 I'm coming; did I really win five pounds!" as he 
 handed her a note. "Well, I'll give it to the Dog's 
 Home." 
 
 Sir Dudley, who felt himself injured, and deserted, 
 relinquished his pretty companion with what grace he 
 could assume, and swept off his hat in his very best 
 style. As he looked after the couple, he said to himself, 
 ""' Dogs' Home ! ' Much better return it to that bump- 
 tious young puppy, who by all accounts is uncommonly 
 hard up ! * 
 
 Mayne, man-like, was not nearly so overwhelmed by 
 their recent encounter as Nancy. He was still able to 
 make bets, talk sanely to friends, and to follow the 
 racing, with the keenest interest (although running 
 through his thoughts, and keeping well ahead of the
 
 176 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 horses, was Mrs. Mayne). His present idea, was to make 
 a move; a quiet cautious move, and try to find out, 
 how the land lay 1 He had not failed to notice Nancy's 
 numerous admirers; more than once, he had focussed her 
 through his glasses, and though, she played the " Os- 
 trich, he was perfectly aware of the identity of the girl, 
 who was sitting on the lawn, with that tame cat, Dudley 
 Yillars ! A tame, but not domestic cat ! he knew some- 
 thing about him; and what he knew, was not to his 
 advantage. A song-singing, insidious, unscrupulous, 
 rascal, and no fit companion for any innocent girl. 
 
 The sight of Villars, and his proprietary attitude, 
 had awakened Mayne's jealousy, anq materialized; his 
 intentions; he must see, and that without delay, how 
 hs could approach Nancy 1 Possibly some friendly third 
 person, would assist him 1 It would be, he was aware, 
 a most delicate enterprise, yet " nothing venture, noth-* 
 ing have ! " 
 
 As Mayne and a friend, were leaving the paddock, 
 they almost ran into Teddy Dawson, Mrs. Hicks, and 
 Jessie; he halted at once. This amazing encounter, 
 was as unexpected, as it was providential ! Here, as it 
 were spirited from the ends of the earth, were two of 
 the witnesses to his marriage ! and Dawson his best 
 man, would stand by him now, as formerly. 
 
 The greetings o'f the little party were exceedingly 
 cordial. Mrs. Hicks, Jessie and Ted were unaffectedly 
 delighted to see Mayne. Teddy was now presentable, 
 and " more," as his fiancee said, " like a human 
 being ! " Mrs. Hicks radiantly happy, and attired in 
 a bright green gown, with a pink silk frill lound her 
 neck, recalled to Mayne, the common parroquet of 
 India ! 
 
 To secure a word with Teddy, Mayne presented his 
 brother officer to the two ladies, and -drawing him aside; 
 said in an undertone : 
 
 "Guess who's herel" 
 
 "Yes, I know- I've seen her," replied Teddy; "isn't 
 she ripping ? Takes the whole cake, eh ? Have you met I" 
 
 " We came down in the same carriage just now; she 
 cut me dead ! " 
 
 " Oh well, I expect she was a bit taken aback " 
 
 "Look -here, Dawson, I want to see you, I must see 
 you ! I know your time is not your own, but fix an 
 early date to dine, or something ! My club is the 
 'Bag.'"
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE . . 177 
 
 "And mine's the 'Oriental.'" 
 
 "I say, you two," interposed Mrs. Hicks, laying a 
 yellow claw, on Mayne's arm, " I won't have this ! When 
 two men get so confidential, I know they're after no 
 good ! Oh, I'm up to ail your little games ! " and she 
 poked Mayne sharply with her fan. " If you are fixing 
 a dinner, you must both dine with met I know of such 
 a nice, risky little restaurant, in Soho, where they do 
 you ' A 1 ' for half a crown ; and we'll all go on to a 
 music-hall afterwards. Now, you come along, and get 
 me a cup of tea," taking possession of Mayne; " I sup- 
 pose you have tickets 1 " and still holding him fast, she 
 led him captive towards the refreshment room. " I'm 
 awfully glad you're home at last," she remarked, with 
 significant emphasis. 
 
 " Thank you," said Mayne, meeting the amused eye 
 of a friend, who stared hard at the lady on his arm. 
 
 " It's on account of Nancy," she continued, con- 
 fidentially; " have you seen her?-" 
 
 "Yes; to-day." 
 
 " Now, who would have jthought, she'd bloom out into 
 such a beauty ! But her mother was rarely pretty, 
 and you saw the Earl for yourself. Jessie and me 
 lunched with Nancy, and the old lady yesterday; .the 
 old lady has a voice comes out of her boots, and Nancy 
 is just the same as ever ! " 
 
 "Is she?" 
 
 "Come now; don't you % be so stiff, and stand off; it 
 Isn't every man who has a beauty, and a real nice girl 
 for a wife. And then there's all the money!" and she 
 nodded her head complacently. 
 
 " Money 1 What money 1 " he asked. 
 
 "Oh, Lord ! haven't you heard? Why, she's got tons 
 of it." 
 
 Mayne stared at his companion interrogatively. 
 
 " Just squeeze me in there, and get me a cup of tea, 
 two lumps ! and then I'll tell you all about it in a 
 jiffy ! " 
 
 With a teacup in her hand, Mrs. Hicks resumed : " Do 
 you mean to say, that you never heard, that Mr.^ Fletcher 
 left Fairplains to Nancy ? " 
 
 " No. Did he really 1 " 
 
 "Yes, and a couple of thousand a year, as well." 
 
 After a long pause, he asked, " How long ago T " 
 
 " About eighteen months. She was living with an
 
 178 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 aunt, a real terror, by all accounts, and having a 
 mighty poor time, and then she came in for this legacy. 
 An old lady who had a fancy for Nancy, took her in 
 hand, and they have been knocking about the Continent 
 for quite a time. Now they are staying at the Hyde 
 Park Hotel. The old lady, who has no family, is just 
 wrapped up in Nancy. She's one of the ' ordering-about 
 sort, and has a man's nose, and deep voice. Her name 
 is De Wolfe ! " 
 
 " De Wolfe ! " repeated her listener, in amazement.' 
 "Are you quite sure?" 
 
 " Yes, I'm both sure, and certain, how could anyone 
 forget such an outlandish name as that? " 
 
 " I know Mrs. De Wolfe well," said Mayne, " she and 
 I come from the same part of the world." 
 
 " I am glad to hear it, and you can take over Nancy. 
 It is not fair or respectable, that she should be going 
 about as Miss Travers, turning all the men's heads, 
 when you and I know, that she's a married woman ! " 
 
 Mayne made no reply, but accepted an empty tea-cup 
 in silence, and Mrs. Hicks continued : " Of course, you 
 will leave the service, and take a fine country place; for 
 there's not only the Fletcher money, but the gold mine. 
 I see ! you've not heard of that, I suppose ! They are 
 working a big reef on Fairplains, you know the place 
 near Chuttibutti ? " 
 
 " I've heard nothing whatever about Fairplains, since 
 I last saw you," said Mayne, after a considerable pause, 
 during which an agreeable day-dream, had been com- 
 pletely dispelled. 
 
 " You've only yourself to thank for that ! " said Mrs. 
 Hicks, shaking the crumbs from her green plumage. 
 " You went away to the north of India, and dropped the 
 whole lot of us, like so many 'ot potatoes. Those old 
 workings have turned out very valuable, Hicks always 
 believed in them. They say, they are bringing Nancy 
 in about eight thousand a year, and will be worth more, 
 ae time goes on ! What do you think of that?" and 
 she poked him facetiously with her pocket-fan. " Why, 
 I declare, to look at you, one would say you'd lost a 
 fortune ! Come, come ! buck up ! " 
 
 " Mother ! " interrupted Jessie breathlessly, " I've 
 been looking for you everywhere; we are going to try, 
 and catch the next train. You know we are dining in
 
 179 
 
 town, and doing a play, so do, do make haste ! Captain 
 Mayne, you'll come, and see us, won't you 1 " 
 
 "Why, of course he will," replied her mother; ''he 
 and I have no end to say to one another," then turning 
 to him, " Our address have you a pencil, and I'll write 
 it out on a bit of the race-card, Torkington House, 
 Baron's Court, quite in the wilds; but you're used to 
 that ! It was in the wilds that we met, ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " Oh, do come, mother'! " cried Jessie, and seizing her 
 by the arm, she dragged her parent almost forcibly 
 away, but Teddy hung back for a second, and said, 
 "I'll telephone to your club, and fix a meeting ! " then 
 he ran. 
 
 A change had come o'er the spirit of Mayne's dfeam; 
 a bolt had descended from the blue ! If Nancy had ten 
 thousand a year, or thereabouts, how, he asked himself, 
 could he come forward, and claim her ? He had sud- 
 denly lost all interest in the meeting, he had also mis- 
 laid his companion, and strolled over, and leant on the 
 rails ; not as others, watching an exciting race, but 
 digesting Mrs. Hicks' unwelcome information. Her 
 news, had altered the whole of his plans. Plans hastily 
 made ; and as hastily shattered. 
 
 Suddenly a heavy hand smote him on the back, and 
 turning about he beheld Major Cathcart, looking re- 
 markably spruce, and cheerful. " Glad to see you, old 
 man," he began. "All the world seems to have turned 
 up here to-day; and what a rare good meeting ! I have 
 pulled off a nice little haul." Then, after an expressive 
 pause. .- . . . " You've had a bad time, I'm afraid ! " 
 
 "Oh, no," replied Mayne, standing erect, and facing 
 the speaker, "I've done pretty well, too." 
 
 "I say," now indicating a flowing tide of departures, 
 " if you are going by this train, we may as well toddle 
 down together, ana discuss old times." 
 
 Mavne nodded assent, and turned to accompany him. 
 
 "Where are you staying?" inquired Cathcart. 
 
 "With my mother, in Charles Street." 
 
 " And what leave have they given you 1 " 
 
 "All I asked for three months." 
 
 " Of course you'll get an extension ! Do you know 
 that there has been quite a gathering of the hill tribes 
 here to-day 1 I spotted Mrs. Hicks, by George, what a 
 sight ! she ought to be in the Zoo, among the cockatoos. 
 Her eldest girl, and Teddy Dawsqn, were with her, and
 
 180 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 then there's you and me, and last but not least, Miss 
 Nancy Travers ! There's a transformation ! She's a 
 tremendous success, I can tell you. Men actually biting, 
 and scratching one another, to get hold of her at dances; 
 and so on. She's deuced ornamental, and well gilded 
 too ! and has slipped irrto the role of heiress, and beauty, 
 as easily as an old glove. You'd never believe she is 
 the same girl as our little red-haired flapper ! Have you 
 come across her 1 " 
 
 'Not . . ; . er . . . . to speak to." . 
 
 " Well, all in good time; you and she used to be rather 
 chummy, and by Jove, she could play tennis a bit ! Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, her chaperon, is a crafty old woman, and 
 knows all the best people. She. will do her best to fix 
 a coronet, on that girl's head. I hear Lord Lanark is 
 in the last stage of idiocy. I must confess I am rather 
 surprised, that Mrs. De Wolfe allows Miss Nancy to be 
 seen about with that fellow Villars. I am told, that he 
 was always one of the little family party, on Como: 
 painting, boating and caterwauling and all that sort of 
 thing ! He got the girl a good deal talked about, 
 but that's his little way ! " 
 
 ^"Mayne never had much to say for himself," thought 
 his companion, " now he did not seem to have a word, 
 to throw at the traditional dog; but appeared to be 
 totally dumb, and an absolutely uninterested listener. 
 Well, there were crowds of other fellows, with whom he 
 could improve the shining half-hour, to town," so with 
 a " See you later on," Cathcart shook off this deadly 
 wet-blanket, and hailed a passing acquaintance 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 " ADVICE GRATIS " 
 
 FOR once, Mrs. De Wolfe was hopelessly puzzled ; some- 
 thing had happened the day of the races at Sandown; 
 for ever since that date, Nancy was a changed creature; 
 her amazing spirits appeared to have evaporated ; she 
 no longer entered into plans, with the same keen en- 
 thusiasm, but was restless, nervous, and given to sur- 
 prising fits of silence. Her anxious chaperon dated this 
 phase, from the afternoon when she had confided her 
 charge into the hands of Jane Wynne; yet Jane Wynne 
 could throw no light on the matter although her aunt 
 had approached her with the most careful, and subtle
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 181 
 
 questions. The girl did not bet, she-had no quarrel with 
 anyone, nor had she lost any treasured bit of jewellery, 
 something had gone much deeper than that. What 
 was it ? 
 
 , Nancy described in somewhat laborious detail, the 
 crowd, the heat, which had given her a headache, 
 she had met masses of people she knew, including the 
 Hicks, and Teddy; the Millers were there in great force, 
 including Lady Miller in a wonderful French frock: 
 but the glare was dreadful, and she had not enjoyed 
 herself one bit. " How I wish I had stayed at home, 
 with you, and sat out in the cool under the trees," she 
 concluded, as she had bent over her old friend, and 
 kissed her between her somewhat bushy eyebrows: 
 
 Subsequently, Mrs. De Wolfe (who was credited with 
 eyes in the back of her head) noted, that when they were 
 in the park, at a polo match, or a dance, Nancy seemed 
 to be looking about her nervously, as if in quest of 
 someone : some individual whom she was half afraid to 
 see ! Her talk and her, manner suffered ; she had become 
 preoccupied, absent minded.,- and silent. It was a 
 puzzle. Meanwhile, her young friend was going through 
 a crisis 'of feeling, almost too terrible to support. 
 
 For a whole fortnight, Nancy never caught sight of 
 Mayne, and then she encountered him riding in the 
 park one morning early. He was with a lady. They 
 passed within a few yards of 'one another; but made no 
 sign. She had felt half inclined to bow, but her impulse 
 had arrived too late. 
 
 Mayne had waited in due form upon the Hicks, sent 
 a handsome present to the bride-elect, and invited Teddy 
 to, dine with him at his club; but Teddy preferred a 
 tete-a-tete luncheon his evenings were sacred to Jessie. 
 
 "I'm awfully glad you were able to come," said Mayne, 
 as he ushered his friend into the stately dining-room of 
 his club. " I couldn't get half a word with you the other 
 day, and I wanted to have a bukh." 
 
 "Oh, it's all right, Jessie let me off this morning; 
 she is up to her neck, shopping ! YOU see. we are to be 
 married in ten days, and want to do our honeymoon at 
 home, before I get, back to the coffee. We intend to live 
 at Fairplains, which belongs to Nancy. as you know." 
 
 " Yes ! Mrs. Hicks told me. I hadn't heard a word." 
 
 Well, how could you ? when vou never wrote to any 
 Nancy was a jolly sight better, she used to send
 
 182 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 me screeds, when she lived with her aunt, and did Com- 
 panion, and Tweenie, and Scapegoat. However, that's 
 all over now; as she and Mrs. De Wolfe will live to- 
 
 S ether : they are going down to her country place, after 
 uly. I dined with tfcem the other night, and I have 
 heard all their plans." 
 
 "Mrs. De Wolfe lives in our part of the world; she 
 ajid my uncle are old friends, so Nancy and I, will find 
 ourselves in the same boat, meeting every day, sitting 
 next to one another at dinner ; in fact, I see nothing 
 for it, but to chuck the reat of my leave, and go back 
 to India." 
 
 "Don't be a fool, Mayne ! Why on earth should you 
 do that 1 " 
 
 " Knowing what you know, need you ask? How can 
 
 I go about, and associate, with a girl ' He paused 
 
 expressively. 
 
 " You can make it up." 
 
 '' No ! I did my best, and Nancy made a fool of me." 
 
 '' Yes, but the poor child was out of her mind with 
 grief ; the whole tragedy got upon her nerves ; to tell 
 you the truth, she grew so strange, that they thought she 
 was really going off her chump, and bundled her home, 
 where I believe some real hard knocks and shocks, 
 brought her to her senses. She has a face you can't 
 forget; awfully pretty, isn't she 1 ?" 
 
 " She is," assented the other. 
 
 " Look here, Mayne, if you will take my advice, you 
 will sit tightand brazen it out ! " 
 
 "But my dear fellow, how can I brazen out, what is 
 a dead secret ? " 
 
 " Everyone will know some day, and there will be 
 a most tremendous rumpus. Nancy is famous for her 
 good looks, she has a whole string of admirers, 
 Finchie's nephew is making great running, and 
 
 " He may run till he is black in the face," interrupted 
 Mayne, "he can't marry her." 
 
 "Aren't you rather a manger dog; you don't care 
 about the girl yourself, some day she may lose her heart 
 to a fellow, and then what is to happen 1 " 
 
 " I'm afraid, I have not been quite candid with you, 
 Teddy : old man ! although I have only seen this new 
 Nancy twice ; I find, that I do care for her. In old days 
 I admired her character, and liked her as a pal, other- 
 wise she only struck me- as a sunburnt, talkative, torn-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 183 
 
 boy. Now, added to her good points, she has bedbme 
 beautiful, and attractive; and if she hadn't a penny, 
 I'd have come forward, have asked you to be my am- 
 bassador, and endeavoured to' make friends. On these 
 lines, I believe matters would have worked out all right, 
 in time. Travers liked me, and I'd seore there; but to 
 find that Nancy is not only a beauty, but also a great 
 heiress, is a bit too much to face. I couldn't stand a 
 wife with heaps of money, and mines ! I'd be buried in 
 gold and grandeur, and lose my own identity such as 
 it is ! I only wish I saw a clear and honourable road, 
 out of the whole diabolical business ! " 
 
 " That is to say, if the mine were to burst up, and the 
 coffee to go smash. I suppose," added Dawson, after a 
 moment's reflection, " there was no flaw in that hurried- 
 up ceremony? " 
 
 " None ! I made particular inquiries at the time. 
 The parson had the Bishop's licence all right; they sent 
 an express, and routed his lordship out of bed in the 
 middle of the night. Without this licence, a marriage 
 is no more valid, as a binding ceremony, than taking 
 a woman down to dinner." 
 
 "So there's no loophole in that direction," said his 
 companion. " If Finchie were at home, I bet you any- 
 thing you like, she'd clear a path somehow. Shove you 
 and .your queer wedding into limbo, and marry Nancy 
 and her money, to her nephew, Tony Lamerton ! " 
 
 " Yes, perhaps she'd have a good try, but she couldn't 
 bring it off all the same." 
 
 " You're coming to see me turned off on Wednesday 
 week, eh, you really must support me, and Nancy is 
 to be one of the bridesmaids." 
 
 "Is she? well don't put me down for best man, I'm 
 not eligible, but I'll afford you my presence, and moral 
 support. Is it to be a big affair? 
 
 " I'm afraid so ! lots of Mrs. Hicks' old friends, every 
 planter in London, and most of our fellow passengers; 
 we've- had some thumping presents. Nancy has given 
 us a car, a piano, and a fine canteen. She takes th& 
 deepest interest in our affairs, and is with Jessie to-day. 
 We are sending some new furniture out to Fairplains." 
 
 "Well, I must confess, I rather liked the old sticks. 
 There was one lame chair in the verandah, the most 
 comfortable I ever sat in, just took 'you nicely -in the 
 back, and didn't poke your head into your chest."
 
 184 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " It shall be preserved, and kept ready for you when- 
 ever you come tor a shoot." 
 
 " I'll never shoot again at Fail-plains, or set foot on 
 Nancy's estate." 
 
 " What a stiff-necked beggar you are ! and yet I think 
 it is quite on the cards, that you may never return to 
 India." 
 
 " Supposing she were to take it into her head to claim 
 you? What then 1 " 
 
 Mayne stared at his guest for a moment, and then 
 burst into a loud and hearty laugh. " Sooner than 
 that, tfrora what I know of Nancy, she would take a 
 header off Waterloo Bridge." 
 
 " Well," replied Teddy, looking a t t his watch, " I 
 must be off. Jessie is the soul of punctuality, and I 
 have to be, what the Americans call, 'on time.'' 
 
 " I score over you in one way, Teddy," said his friend, 
 "I was never on duty; I had no long engagement, at 
 the outside, it wasn't more than thirty-six hours ! " 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 " THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES " 
 
 DURING these sunny summer days, although Nancy 
 looked remarkably gay .and pretty, and went what is 
 called " everywhere," she was secretly miserable, but 
 bravely concealed her sufferings and kept her anxieties 
 to herself. For more than two years, she had lived in 
 a sort of fool's paradise, or as if she had been in a 
 dream. Now, she had been awakened with a shock, and 
 like a newly-aroused sleeper, began to look about her, 
 and realized a changed world. She had never supposed 
 that Derek Mayne would re-enter her life: he was in 
 India, that land of vague and indefinite banishments, 
 and she was in England. 
 
 How could they ever meet ? Then she had his promise : 
 his letter, treasured in her jewel-case. Nevertheless, 
 here he was in London, actually within a few streets, 
 and he had it in his power to ruin and upset the whole 
 of her life; he could if he chose. She recalled his ex- 
 pression of cool scrutiny, and aloofness, as he looked at 
 her across the railway carriage : his glance was direct, 
 dominating, and almost ster.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 185 
 
 Although the future horizon was vague and misty, 
 recently life had gone smoothly foi"Nancy ; she had been 
 gliding along, as it were on a wide placid river; now all 
 at once she seemed to be approaching unknown falls, 
 and to hear the roar of the rapids k In her short life, 
 she had known days, and days of intense mental anguish, 
 the agony .of bereavement. This present pain was 
 neither so sharp, or so poignant, but of an unceasing 
 aching, and gnawing description. 
 
 She slept badly; she had little appetite for food, or 
 amusement ; each succeeding day she expected the sword 
 to fall! Every time she and her chaperon re-entered 
 their suite, her first impulse was to rush to the table, 
 where cards and letters awaited them, and these she 
 turned over, and examined with a throbbing heart. 
 Would Derek Mayne call, and seek an interview with 
 Mrs. De Wolfe? Would he claim her? He might try, 
 but she would resist, or 'would he merely inform people 
 tkat she was his lawful wife, and leave her, "so to speak, 
 to face the music ! 
 
 By an amazing coincidence, two -of the witnesses to 
 her marriage were in London: Teddy and Mrs. Hicks; 
 and she lived in quaking fear that they would epen the 
 subject! Much to her relief, it had never been ap- 
 proached. * At present, Teddy and his future mother- 
 in-law were far too much engrossed in their own more 
 interesting affairs. - 
 
 Lady Belmont's long expected and belated ball, 
 eventually took place at the " Ritz " ; and more than 
 fulfilled the most exigeant anticipations. Many of the 
 best people, the pretty girls, and the smart young men 
 were present. Nancy and her chaperon, who, surpris- 
 ing to relate, delighted in a ball, were early arrivals. 
 Nancy loved dancing, danced beautifully, and was much 
 improved since Dudley Villars had been her constant 
 partner. She looked very lovely, and a little out of 
 breath as she. came up to Mrs. De Wolfe at the end of 
 a long waltz, and found the old lady talking with un- 
 usual animation* to some man, who, when he turned 
 about, she saw to her consternation, was Captain Mayne ! 
 
 "Nancy," said her chaperon, "I want you to give 
 a dance to an old friend of minef one of my boys, 
 Captain Mayne ! Derek, this is my young friend, Miss 
 Travers-." 
 
 Captain Mayne bowed, and said, " Miss Travers and
 
 186 . GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 I have met before. May I ? " looking at her steadily, 
 "have the honour of a waltz 1 ?" 
 
 Nancy, who had paled rather suddenly, glanced down 
 at her crammed programme, and murmured, " Number 
 twelve," and with a bow, he backed away into the crowd. 
 
 Nancy's card had been filled ever since she had ap- 
 peared in the ballroom ; nevertheless, she mentally threw 
 over Lord Lanark whose name was scribbled before 
 number twelve waltz, " Destiny." She must speak to 
 Captain Mayne, and learn the worst ! what he intended 
 to do? or not to do? and face this horrible ordeal. 
 
 Waiting and uncertainty had become unbearable ; and 
 yet the dread of the approaching interview, filled her 
 with terror. For, a moment she was seized by an over- 
 whelming reluctance. All the fears of the last weeks, 
 had now become real, and verified. She was fired by 
 a wild desire, to feign illness, and rush home; but soon 
 overcame this preposterous temptation. It was impera- 
 tive to stand to her promise, and to listen to what her 
 partner had to say nothing agreeable, that was certain 
 she had glanced into his face, and there read an ex- 
 pression of cool and absolute indifference.. 
 
 However, now they had been formally made known to 
 one another, and were liable to meet, she must learn the 
 rules of the game in which she was expected to take part ! 
 There it was, the first part of " Destiny ! " and here he 
 came ; edging his way towards her through the crowd. 
 She accepted his arm in dead silence, and in another 
 moment they were launched among the whirling throng. 
 Mayne danced extremely well. steering his course with 
 remarkable skill. (Nancy had noticed him waltzing with 
 Josie ; their steps suited admirably ; graceful, lissom 
 Josie, moving with a sort of foreign swing and abandon, 
 murmuring into his ear all the time they floated round, 
 unquestionably they were old friends). He was, not 
 perhaps so accomplished a performer as Sir Dudley, but 
 he held his partner with greater respect, and did not 
 use an Oriental perfume on his sleek dark hair. 
 
 They exchanged one or two formal remarks about the 
 floor, and the band, danced until the music ceased, and 
 people began to pour out of the ballroom; then Mayne 
 led his companion to a secluded little settee,. and took 
 a chair close by. Here was the supreme moment ! He 
 looked at Nancy narrowly : how young, fresh, and slim. 
 aad yet how woefully white, and scared ! he could
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 187 
 
 actually see a little pulse throbbing in her throat, her 
 hands were tightly locked in her lap. Yes ! brutal 
 thought, he was getting a little of his own back ! At 
 last he said : 
 
 " Well ! " 
 
 Nancy raised her frightened eyes, glanced at him 
 quickly, and looked down ; and there ensued an expres- 
 sive silence, more eloquent than words. The pause was 
 broken by Mayne, who quietly quoted : 
 
 " Gentlemen of the French Guard, fire first ! " 
 
 " I suppose you mean that / am to speak," said Nancy 
 in a low voice. 
 
 He nodded shortly. 
 
 "But I don't know what to say." 
 
 Nevertheless she realized that she was fencing with 
 her future life. 
 
 ' Oh, of course I don't expect you to say you are 
 glad to see me," and he gave an abrupt laugh. 
 
 Nancy made no reply, but her lower lip quiverejd. 
 ' May I offer you my congratulations ? " he continued. 
 <c I hear you are now a great heiress; a goldmine ! and 
 Eairplains." 
 
 "Fail-plains, yes ! Oh, if only Daddy had been alive !" 
 
 "Yes, I know," he assented promptly, "please don't 
 spare me ! If I hadn't missed the panther " 
 
 " I'm not quite so malicious as you imagine," she 
 interrupted, "and you need not be so bitter for you 
 know as well as I do, how Daddy adored Fairplains." 
 
 " Pray accept my apologies," he said coolly, " I waa 
 not aware that you had modified your opinions. I 
 wished to speak to you, and here is my golden oppor- 
 tunity ! You see, by most shocking bad luck, we happen 
 to find ourselves in- the same set ! Your chaperon, Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, belongs to my part of the world ; she knew me 
 in pinafores, so I am afraid we shall often knock up 
 against one another." 
 
 " I suppose so," asserted Nancy, without raising her 
 eyes. 
 
 "We may even find ourselves staying in the same 
 house, and this would be a bit awkward; for if we were 
 dead cuts, it might excite remark ! However, this pre- 
 posterous position, won't last long; I shall be returning 
 to India. He paused for a moment and then added, 
 with a smile, " Ah ! I see you look relieved ! "
 
 188 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Do I ? I did not know, I rather wish I was going 
 back too ! " 
 
 "What, tired of the gay world already?" 
 
 To this she made no answer. 
 
 " Well, Nancy, you and I are in a queer fix, if ever 
 there was one ! God knows I meant to do the square 
 thing," he went on gravely, " but I made a most awful 
 hash of the whole business ! " 
 
 " I believe you did mean well," she murmured, speak- 
 ing with evident effort, "and I behaved ungratefully; 
 but I was crazy with grief. Everything was so awfully 
 sudden, and, and " she hesitated. 
 
 " And you couldn't bear the sight of me," he inter- 
 jected, ^" and I accepted the situation. You made 
 everything fairly plain in your letter, di-dn't you 1 " 
 Another immense pause. 
 
 Nancy Wonderea how long this hateful scene was to 
 continue it seemed to have lasted for hours. Then in 
 a meditative ton'e Mayne began : 
 
 " Now I wonder, if I had followed you to your hiding- 
 place, and dragged you off to Cananore, how would 
 that have answered 1 ". 
 
 " It would have made me hate, and abhor you, as long 
 as I lived," she rejoingd with startling vehemence. 
 
 "Oh ! and do you hate, and abhor, me now? " 
 
 She raised her eyes, and considered him gravely; but 
 made no reply she did not wish to be his wife, but in 
 her secret heart, she knew she would be glad to be friends. 
 Something in his voice, and his honest eyes, recalled old 
 days, and the many happy hours, they two had spent 
 together. Then he was so manly, and good-looking; 
 also she began to feel, that she was not really afraid or 
 him. 
 
 " What I wished to say to you," he continued, " is 
 this : that, owing to the pressure of circumstances, we 
 must meet, and pretend to be friends." 
 
 " Or be friends, and pretend? " she corrected timidly. 
 
 "What an explosion, if "the truth evel- leaked out! 
 Think of your friends and relations; my friends and my 
 regiment. However, you may rely upon me to keep my 
 promise, and to hold my tongue." After .a moment s 
 silence, he added : " How do you hit it off with Mrs. 
 Do Wolfe?" 
 
 " Extremely well, I am very fond of her." 
 
 " Somehow I shouldn't have thought that she was your
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 189 
 
 sort ! I've seen you going about, with her godson, that 
 fellow Villars." 
 
 " Yes, he noticed you that day at Sandown, and he 
 was speaking about you," replied Nancy, who had soma- 
 what recovered her colour, and her courage. 
 
 " That was kind of him, I am flattered. What did 
 he say, anything libellous t " 
 
 "Oh no indeed; he only told me, that your uncle, is 
 very anxious for you to marry." 
 ' Well that's a true bill, he **/ " 
 ' But can you? " 
 
 ' What a funny question. No, not unless I wish to 
 be run in for bigamy, a Mrs. Mayne already exists." 
 ' You mean me ? " 
 
 ' Yes, who else ? " slowly turning his head to look at 
 her. . The question was sarcastically enforced. 
 
 After a short silence she murmured: "And is there 
 no way out? " 
 
 " I imagine-there is; but you see, I've not had much 
 to do with matrimonial intricacies, I believe, I could 
 divorce you for desertion ! " 
 
 " Oh ! " putting her hands up to cover her face, " and 
 it would be in all the papers ! ' 
 
 "It would; and probably headed, 'Great military 
 scandal,' and illustrated with our portraits." 
 
 "And what would Mrs. D.e Wolfe say?" 
 
 " Mrs. Da Wolfe caq stand a good deal, she's had 
 some pretty bad shocks in her time^ and is a regular 
 old brick ; and you would achieve notoriety ! Then on 
 the other hand, / might give you reason to divorce me" 
 and he looked at Nancy with keen significance 
 
 Nancy blushed to the roots of her hair : her very ears 
 were red. 
 
 " But make your mind easy," he continued, " I am not 
 going to wade through mud, even to break our chain." 
 
 " And is there no way out of it ? " she repeated with 
 a sort of sob ? 
 
 "I'm afraid not. With every good intention, your 
 father and I made a serious mistake. It is not so easy, 
 to order the lives of other people, each must go his 
 own road. You have no 'wish to walk in mine ; or I in 
 yours. I don't want you as a wife, official or otherwise, 
 and I have excellent reason to know, that you have 
 no desire to play the r61e of Mrs. Mayne." 
 
 His tone and expression, made Nancy wince and yet 
 
 G
 
 190 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 this announcement was a profound relief. She glanced 
 at him, as he sat in a farourite attitude, nursing his 
 foot, a very neat foot, and well turned ankle, in black 
 silk hose. She remembered how her father had chaffed 
 him, and he said, " When I was at school I hurt my foot 
 rather badly at rugger, and nursed it on my knee to 
 keep it out of harm's way, the trick has grown on me, 
 I do it unconsciously." 
 
 " May I look at this? " he said, leaning forward and 
 picking her programme off her lap ? * 
 
 "I'm not sure that it isn't one of my prerogatives. 
 Hullo ! *so you thre\^over Lanark, and gave me his 
 dance ; I hope he won t shoot me ? eh ! . Villars, Villars, 
 Villars, tou jours Villars, why so much Villars ? " 
 
 " Oh, because I know him rather well." 
 
 " I bet you don't. 
 
 " I see you don't like him." 
 
 " No : a fellow who can't play cricket, either physically 
 or morally, who can't box, or shoot; just a good-looking 
 blighter, with a glib tongue, and a face of brass." 
 
 " At any rate, he is clever, and accomplished ; he sings 
 and plays the violin, paints better than many profes- 
 sionals, he dances like a dream." 
 
 " So you seem to think ! " 
 
 " But everyone thinks it ! I've been told, that girls 
 have actually wept, because he ignored them at a ball." 
 
 " More fools they ! shall 7 ever see the proud day, when 
 a girl howls, because I haven't asked her to dance? Look 
 here, Nancy, " and his voice took a certain peremptori- 
 ness, " don't have anything to do with that chap Villars, 
 he is not a safe acquaintance ! " 
 
 Nancy made no reply, and apparently assuming that 
 silence gave consent, he continued " I see our old friend 
 Cat-heart here, no doubt repairing his shattered nerves, 
 after a spasm of work ! He appears to be in great force. 
 You have not favoured him, how is that ? 
 
 " He didn't ask rne for a dance." 
 
 " What ! " staring at her. " Oh, so you've had a row !" 
 
 " Not exactly a row," and she hesitated. 
 
 "Exactly what? come, own up, we are not likely to 
 have another interview, for some time." 
 
 " Well then if you must know, he asked me to marry 
 him ! " 
 
 "To marry him!" echoed her companion, now no 
 longer nursing his foot, and sitting erect.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 191 
 
 " And was very angry indeed, when I said no, in fact 
 he has cut me dead ever since." 
 
 For some time Mayne was silent, at last he said : 
 
 "Asked you to marry him; by Jove, that was too 
 funny ! I think I must propose to some girl, so as to 
 make us quits; though it might be rather awkward, if 
 she happened to say ' yes ' !. However, of course I could 
 easily jilt her ! ' r Then in quite another tone, " No 
 doubt you encouraged his hopes 1 " 
 
 " I did nothing of the kind," she answered hotly, " I've 
 always disliked him." 
 
 " Ah ! Well on one point we agree; I don't love him 
 either. There's your programme; I wonder if you are 
 aware, that we have sat out two whole dances? Time 
 has flown, hasn't it ? Look't here, one word before we 
 part. We are bound to meet at home, I mean in Moon- 
 shire. Mrs. De Wolfe and my uncle are tremendous 
 chums, old lovers and that sort of thing, and I daresay 
 she will wonder, that since we knew one another in 
 India, why you have kept me so dark? You must play 
 up ! You'd better say, we had a quarrel;" 
 
 " Very well," assented the girl. 
 
 " And don't let her run away with the idea, that it 
 was a lovers' quarrel," he added, rising as he spoke. 
 
 To this, Nancy made no reply, and they returned to, 
 the ball-room in absolute silence. The moment she ap- 
 peared, she was instantly claimed by Sir Dudley Villars, 
 who upbraided her with having "cut his dance." 
 Meanwhile Mayne walked off in search of his own 
 partner. 
 
 How pretty Nancy was; indeed lovely ! How her 
 colour went and came, and how her little under lip, 
 had trembled. Perhaps he had been a bit rough on her ! 
 The old outspoken, spirited, N^ancy he remembered, was 
 gone! At first, she had seemed as frightened as a 
 newly caught bird. But, after all, why should he not 
 bully her a little? considering that he was her lawful 
 lord, and master ; and that his share, so far, had been 
 the kicks, whilst she, had collared all the half-pence ! 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 
 CRITICAL MOMENTS FOR NANCY 
 
 CAPTAIN MAYNE'S remark with regard to no further in- 
 terview, proved correct; he and Nancy merely encoun-
 
 192 
 
 tered one another as very slight acquaintances, who hava 
 friends in common. She noticed him riding in the Park 
 with Josie, they never joined her, but merely cantered 
 by with a cheery salute. At a polo match at Ranelagh, 
 where Mayne had played and distinguished himself, 
 she looked on, whilst friends gathered round to con- 
 
 ra^ulate him, and she saw Josie go up and pat the 
 amp neck of his considerably blown pony. That same 
 day, at the polo match, his mother, Ladv Torquilstone, 
 was pointed out to her by Mrs. De ^Wolfe; a tall, 
 supremely well dressed, well preserved, arrogant woman, 
 who looked as if the whole of Ranelagh was her private 
 property, and most of the crowd, insufferable intruders. 
 
 " So that was her mother-in-law ! " said Nancy to 
 herself. Her mother-in-law's husband, was a dapper, 
 prancing sort of little man, with fierce eyebrows, and 
 a hard stare. 
 
 As Mrs. De Wolfe and her companion were motoring 
 back to town, they passed Captain Mayne, who waved 
 to them from the coach. 
 
 "It's most extraordinary," said the old lady, "that 
 since he has come home, I've seen so little of Derek. 
 Long ago when with his uncle, he was in and out of 
 my place like a dog in a fair ! Now he has merely left 
 a formal card, and although I have twice asked him to 
 dinner, he has been engaged. My conscience is clear, 
 I have not offended him in any way, and I can't bear 
 to be dropped by my young friends, to say nothing of 
 old ones. By the way, .Nancy," glancing at her com- 
 panion, " perhaps you are the guilty party. Did he by 
 any chance make love to you ? " 
 
 "Oh, no; no indeed," replied Nancy, with reassuring 
 emphasis. 
 
 " Well of course in those days, you must have been a 
 little girl in short skirts, with your hair down your back, 
 and I m quite sure that Derek Mayne would never look 
 at a flapper." 
 
 Although Nancy and Captain Mayne maintained a 
 cautious distance, they were brought in spite of them- 
 selves into close contact at the Hicks Dawson, wedding. 
 The ceremony was a grand affair; everything wat done 
 in a lavish, if somewhat showy way. Nancy was not a 
 bridesmaid, for Mrs. Hicks had intervened, and helped 
 her out, with a series of the most extraordinary excuses, 
 these being accepted by Jessie, with a somewhat ii> 
 different grace.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 193 
 
 The church, which was rather small, was handsomely 
 decorated, and crammed to the doors. With respect to 
 the guests, Mrs. Hicks had figuratively " gone forth to 
 the highways and hedges, and compelled them to come 
 in." Old planter friends; recent fellow-passengers, and 
 even the inmates of her " family hotel/' Mrs. De Wolfe 
 and Nancy were among early arrivals at the church, 
 and the latter drew many admiring eyes; her gown ana 
 hat were white; she looked bridal nerself ! white suited 
 her wonderful complexion, and reddish-brown hair. 
 Almost at the last moment, and when the bridesmaids 
 were actually assembled in the porch, Captain- Mayne, 
 very smart in frock-coat, and lavender gloves, came 
 strolling up the aisle, glancing from side to side, in 
 search of an empty space ! Mrs. De Wolfe's quick eye 
 caught his. She made a little signal, he crushed into 
 her pew, and took a seat between Nancy, and the door. 
 
 The organ pealed, the choir leading the procession, 
 advanced slowly up the aisle. Jessie, carrying herself 
 with dignified self-possession, looked unusually well, 
 indeed quite at her best. Not so, the waiting bride- 
 groom ; for if his new coat was creaseless, his countenance 
 was painfully distorted. He appeared to be pitiably 
 nervous, and was struggling with a (happily groundless) 
 fear, that he had lost the ring ! Jessie was staunchly 
 supported by her mother, rustling in a brilliant blue 
 costume, destined to open the eyes of the Meaches, and 
 other neighbours. Meanwhile Nancy, whose attention 
 had been riveted on Jessie, became suddenly alive to the 
 appalling consciousness, that the last time she listened 
 to these prayers, and adjurations, they had been ad- 
 dressed to herself, and the man who stood beside her ! 
 She felt overwhelmed by the shock of this poignant 
 memory ; how mean and cruel of fate to drag them to- 
 gether in such a heartless fashion; each sentence now 
 felt like a separate stab. 
 
 At Fairplains, the service had fallen on more or less 
 deaf ears; here, she was acutely alive to every syllable. 
 Did her companion remember? She stole a swift glance 
 at Mayne; he was looking straight before him, and his 
 profile was absolutely impassive. Such w.ere the close 
 quarters in the pew, that their elbows were almost 
 touching: could he feel how she was trembling? When 
 it came to the words, " forsaking all other, keeping only 
 to him,, as long as ye both shall live," Nancy, in spite of
 
 194 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 a determined effort at self-control, felt herself shaking 
 from head to foot. The position was to the last degree 
 embarrassing, and painful ; compelled to listen to the 
 celebration of Holy Matrimony, side by side with the 
 man to whom she had been married, and from whom 
 she had run away ! was an ordeal almost too terrible 
 to be endured. Her face seemed to be on fire, her lips 
 were twitching convulsively, as she kept her head down, 
 and supported herself by the front of the pew. 
 
 Oh J what a relief, when they knelt, and she could 
 more or less hide herself; but she was so unstrung and 
 agitated that she let fall her prayer-book and her bag ! 
 Mayne picked them both up, and as he gravely restored 
 them, he glanced at her heightened colour, and averted 
 eyes. It seemed positively cruel to scrutinize her, hie 
 bride of two and a half years ! for in spite of his apparent 
 composure he had not failed to realize the extraordinary 
 situation, and Nancy's miserable confusion. 
 
 Strange to say, Mrs. De Wolfe was totally unaware of 
 the little drama beside her; her attention had been 
 closely engaged in viewing with much amusement the 
 extraordinary collection of people that Mrs. Hicks' cards 
 of invitation had assembled. The end of the service 
 found Nancy calmer.; bodily release* was at hand ; but 
 her mind had been grasped by a penetrating thought. 
 She had made 'a vow more than two years ago; a vow 
 to this man beside her, a vow she had deliberately 
 broken. Would God punish her ? . It was the first time 
 she had been invaded by this idea. She glanced in- 
 stinctively at her companion. Apparently he had not 
 fiven the situation a moment's thought; and was care- 
 ully extracting from its haven of refuge, a beautiful, 
 glossy new hat. And now the bride and bridegroom 
 came pacing down the aisle, and Teddy, who had com- 
 pletely recovered his poise, halted as he passed, and 
 said " You two,'' glancing from Mayne to Nancy, " must 
 come out, and sign." 
 
 There was nothing else for it ! Mayne at once stepped 
 forth, Nancy followed him, and they fell into line be- 
 hind the bridesmaids, and not a few who saw them, 
 thought, " What a strikingly good-looking couple ! " 
 
 They entirely eclipsed the real pair. Such a crowd 
 in the vestry, such kissing and chattering ! Mrs. Hicks' 
 voice, high above every other, Jessie radiant, with veil 
 thrown back, kissed Nancy, and Mayne kissed her!
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 195 
 
 When it was his turn to sign the register, he wrote, 
 "Derek D. Mayne, Captain." then passed the pen to 
 Nancy. For a moment she hesitated; she felt his eyes 
 fixed upon her, and with a sudden and inexplicable 
 impulse, and a very shaky hand, she scrawled, " Nancy 
 Mayne " : it was almost illegible ; an inkstained spider 
 could have done as well, if not better. She happened 
 to be the last to sign, and no one looked over tho register, 
 except Mrs. Hicks, who saw to everything; little es- 
 caped that sharp-eyed matron, who instantly recogniz- 
 ing this unexpected signature, glanced quickly from the 
 page to Mayne, a-nd gave him a bold, and unmistakable 
 wink. 
 
 The reception, which took place at a neighbouring 
 hotel, was very crowded, very noisy, and verv lively, 
 precisely what was to be expected from anything in 
 which Mrs. Hicks had a hand ! The presents on show, 
 were well worthy of exhibition, the refreshments were 
 first-rate, the band not too blatant, and the champagno 
 unexceptional. It was agreed by their many friends, 
 that the Hicks' had spared no expense, and given the 
 marriage " Tamasha " in great style. 
 
 The crowd, crush, heat, .and striving to be gay, natural, 
 and like herself, left Nancy to return to her temporary 
 home, figuratively in the condition of some half-dead, 
 battered flower ! 
 
 The memory of the ceremony, held her in a vice-like 
 
 grip; as for signing the register, what had possessed 
 er ? Was it a compelling look in Mayne's eyes, or 
 was it a spasmodic effort of conscience ? In the crush, 
 at the .reception, although she did not actually coine 
 across Mayne, she had seen him more than once. He 
 had assisted to tie a shoe at the back -of the motor which 
 was to bear the happy couple away, and was active and 
 prominent among the mob that threw 'rice. There had 
 been neither slipper, nor rice, at their wedding! 
 
 Soon after this eventful occasion, one morning in the 
 Row, Mrs. Speyde rode up to Nancy, and said to her 
 escort, " Do you go away, Tony, I want to have a talk 
 with Nancy." 
 
 " No fear ! " was the brotherly reply. 
 
 " But you really must," she, persisted. ' I particularly 
 want to tell Nancy a secret, though Mrs, De Wolfe says' 
 she can't keep one, and that her face always gives her 
 away."
 
 196 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " One of your good stories, I suppose; well, 7 may as 
 well hear it too ! 
 
 " No, no," protested Nancy ? with a nervous laugh, 
 " I never listen to Josie's stories, one, was more than 
 enough ! " 
 
 Mrs. Speyde knew from long experience, that her 
 brother could be stubborn when it suited him, so she 
 said, " Well, don't ask me to oblige you, dear Tony ; next 
 time you are in a hole, or otherwise." Then turning to 
 Nancy, " I'll come in .early this evening and talk, whilst 
 you are dressing," and with a nod, she wheeled her horse 
 about, and rode away. 
 
 At half-past seven, as Nancy, seated before her glass, 
 was taking down her masses of hair, there was a sharp 
 knock at the door, which the maid opened, and Mrs. 
 Speyde sailed in. A shimmering cloak covered her smart 
 French gown, and a diamond bandeau sparkled in her 
 black hair. As she advanced, she discarded the mantle, 
 and displayed a smart, and very d6collet6 red gown. 
 
 " I've got 'em all on to-night ! " she announced. Then, 
 as the maid disappeared, she sat down, crossed her 
 knees, and took out a cigarette. " A cigarette makes 
 me talk, ' she added. "This is a Doucet frock, Nancy, 
 what do you think of it? My maid says the body has 
 no back ! " 
 
 " Nor much front either," said Nancy, as she inspected 
 her friend; "indeed I call it an affront," and she 
 laughed. 
 
 "How dare you?" 
 
 " Oh, I'm so thin, it's all right ! Now on you, it 
 might be " and she hesitated. 
 
 " Impossible ! " declared Nancy. 
 
 " Dear, beautiful young creature, what a lovely neck ! 
 However, I didn't dress an hour earlier, and rush over 
 here, to discuss necks, and bodies; I've come to break 
 it to you gently, that I'm thinking of settling down at 
 last." 
 
 ' You mean getting married 1 " 
 
 ' Yes. Giving up little suppers in Soho, racing, and 
 gambling, and turning over a new leaf." 
 ' And who is to be the happiest of men 1 " 
 ' I should think you might easily guess." 
 ' Not so easily, 1 you have such crowds of men friends. 
 Is it Colonel Deloraine ? " 
 
 " IB, it my grandfather ! " she scoffed. " No ! a thou-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 197 
 
 sand times no ! Well, I won't keep you on tenterhooks, 
 it's Derek Mayne ! You know him." A slight pause, 
 and a quick glance. " I say ! Nancy, why do you look 
 so funny, and surprised 1 I'm not poaching on your 
 preserves, I know ! " 
 
 "I'm not looking funny or surprised," she managed- 
 to protest, and Josie was too much wrapped up in her 
 subject, too anxious to talk, to notice that she w,as more 
 or less confused. 
 
 " He is such a dear fellow, straight as a die ! one of 
 the living best; not very emotional, you know, keeps 
 his feelings to himself, hates spooning, and all that sort 
 of thing ! Premember long ago, when I kissed him under 
 the mistletoe, he didn't like it a little bit ! " 
 
 " Did he not T " said Nancy, who was carefully col- 
 lecting hairpins. I'm rather surprised at that." 
 
 "I'm dining and doing a theatre with him to-night. 
 I expect he has got another man and girl, he is so 
 frightfully proper. Well, my dear, the whole thing will 
 suit me down to the ground ; I shall Ibve to go to India, 
 just to see the Land of Regrets, and later on, we'll 
 settle ourselves comfortably in our own county." 
 
 "Yes, er .... er .... will you?" 
 
 " Why of course, at Maynesfort our ancestral home. 
 What fun I shall have turning out the garrets ! I be- 
 lieve they are full of lovely old things, hustled away by 
 the late Mrs. Mayne, who was. a Victorian lady, and 
 loved crewel- work antimacassars, chromo-lithographs ; 
 bead mats, and wax flowers I " 
 
 "Is anything, settled?" inquired Nancy, with her 
 eyes fixed upon her hairpins. 
 
 "Not yet, the fact is there is a little bit of a hitch, 
 and I believe you are just the -one person who can 
 help me, and that's why I'm here ! On yes, my dear, 
 although you look so calmly indifferent, and can only 
 throw me a casual yes or no ; you knew Derek in India ! 
 Tell me honestly, Nancy, did you ever hear a story 
 about him and a girl? No, don't get so red, I'm not 
 going to tell you one of mine. I want to know one of 
 hix! The uncle seems to have an idea, that Derek got 
 himself into a mess a nasty scrape with some woman 
 in India, black, for choice, but I'm sure that wouldn't 
 be Derek's form. The old man is anxious; he has- talked 
 to me, I may tell you that he adores me, for I amuse 
 him and flirt with him. Derek was out there for four
 
 198 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 years, and I need not assure you, one can manage to 
 
 et through a good deal of mischief, in that time. I've 
 one my level best to pump Derek, but it was no go; I 
 had better luck with one of nis pais, Major Sanders, who 
 is in the same regiment. I screwed it out of him, that 
 he believes there in something, although he cannot name 
 the lady. For the last couple, of years, Derek has been 
 short of money; he doesn't join in things as he used to 
 do, and he sold two ripping polo ponies. Major Sanders 
 thinks there may be some horrible creature, who claws 
 half his income, as blackmail ! " 
 
 Nancy, who had been brushing her hair, now swept 
 a quantity over her face, which was burning. She was 
 the horrible creature who twice a year, received, but 
 rejected, the half of Captain Mayne's income. 
 
 " Tell me, Nance, did you ever hear anything 1 ? what 
 was he like, in those days ? " 
 
 "Much the same as now," she murmured, through 
 her veil of shining locks. 
 
 "More cheery and go-ahead?" 
 
 "Oh yes, I think perhaps he was." 
 
 " I feel I knew Derek, and I'm certain, there's some- 
 thing on his mind, some secret; but whatever it is, 
 cart-horses would n,ot drag it from him ! He knows 
 Aunt Julia, of course. If only she were at home, she 
 would throw a search-light on the mystery. I never 
 met such a woman for getting to the bottom of a busi- 
 ness ; but she won't be back till September ! Tell me, 
 Nancy, did Derek Mayhe know any girls, when vou 
 met him 1 " 
 
 " Oh yes; he knew three or four planters', daughters." 
 
 " Did he flirt with them ? " 
 
 " No, never, that I saw : he only cared for sport, and 
 tennis." 
 
 "Well, I have reason to know that Derek likes me; 
 we've been pals since we were children, and if only this 
 little mystery was cleared up, I'd be perfectly happy ! 
 After all, there may be nothing in it, what do vou say ?" 
 
 Nancy threw back her flowing hair, and looked up at 
 Josie, who had risen, and was standing beside her, 
 one hand on her slim hip the other fingering a cigarette. 
 " I say . . . ." she paused .... and then, taking her 
 courage in both hands, " I .say, that from what I know 
 of Captain Mayne, I don't think he will ever marry ! " 
 
 "What preposterous nonsense!" exclaimed her visi-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 199 
 
 tor. " I know it's not envy on your part, my child, 
 for you don't like one another, as anyone can see with 
 half an eye. He will marry : in fact he must marry, 
 and soon. His uncle is getting rampageous, and declares, 
 that if Derek hangs back, he will take a wife himself. 
 Derek and I, will get on splendidly together," an- 
 nounced Josie, now walking about the room, " he is so 
 steady, and I'm just exactly the opposite ! I won't be 
 sorry to have a home of my own, for I'm dead tired 
 of my present existence ; a sort of life, the American 
 summed up as, ' One damned thing after another ! ' 
 Ah, here comes your maid with your frock ; oh, my dear, 
 what a dream ! so I'll clear out and leave you, to put 
 on your rouge. Joking apart, darling, you do look 
 white; you've not been up to the mark just lately, I 
 expect you want a tonic. , 
 
 " Oh no," said^ancy, rising. " Of course going about 
 from morning till night, and dancing from night till 
 morning, is rather fagging, but 'I'm all right." 
 
 " Well, my sweet lamb, all 7 can say is, that you look 
 all wrong; however, I suppose you know best. Mind 
 you keep my -little secret. 
 
 She halted on her way to the door, and looked back 
 with eyes of expressive significance, then, satisfied with 
 a nod, she swept out. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 NEWENHAM COURT 
 
 NEWENHAM was a real eighteenth-century village, chiefly 
 composed of red brick flat-faced houses, some shyly 
 ' withdrawn from the road, behind prim little gardens, 
 others standing boldly upon the street. There was 'a 
 dumpy, contented-looking old 'church, an ivy-clad par- 
 sonage, and an ancient inn, formerly a noted posting- 
 house ; now resuscitated, after nearly a century of 
 neglect, as a halting-place and garage. The Court was 
 situated in a land of heavy trees," green slopes and great 
 peace ; its back entrance opened directly into the village, 
 but from an opposite direction a long and imposing 
 avenue, with gates guarded by a pair of fierce stone 
 wolves, wound up to the hall door. 
 
 The Court was a mixture of the Georgian and Vic- 
 torian period, without any claim to architectural beauty ; 
 but it had the dignity of mellow age, and solid pros-
 
 200 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 perity. The entrance faced north, and looked upon wide 
 grass slopes, crowned by heavy plantations. In the 
 interior was a vast hall, popular as a lounge and general 
 sitting-room. Here people sat, read, had tea, played 
 Bridge and had liberty to smoke. A spacious diawing- 
 room, library, dining and billiard-rooms opened to right 
 and le^ft. 
 
 Almost every window in the Court commanded a-view, 
 and most of the sitting-rooms had French windows 
 opening to the ground. Upstairs the passages were 
 narrow, and ramming, with very low ceilings, and un- 
 expected steps, but the adjoining bedrooms dwelt long 
 in the affectionate memory of many guests. These were 
 furnished to suit the period, .with large four-posters, 
 and small looking-glasses, but were supplied with 
 modern mattresses, comfortable armchairs, and the latest 
 thing in Jacobean chintz ! Here were writing-tables, 
 well supplied, including stamps, fresh flowers, the 
 newest books, and in season, the most cheerful fires. 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe escorted her young friend all over the 
 premises; she saw not only the kitchen, the still-room, 
 the Justice's room, but the two apartments once occupied 
 by the old lady's sons, and now closed. Their mother 
 displayed their books, and toys, of childhood, as well 
 as the trophies, and treasures of later years. The south 
 side of the Court, overlooked a well-timbered park, and 
 winding river ; immediately in front, lay smooth green 
 lawns, bounded right and left, by long herbaceous bor- 
 ders, and rose-covered pergolas. Somehow this unusual 
 display gave the impression that an armv corps of 
 flowers, had escaped from the grim walled garden, 
 which lay half concealed beyond the shrubberies and 
 encamped in the grounds; immediately below the lawns 
 were tennis courts; these were pointed out to Nancy by 
 her hostess, as one of the chief features of the place. 
 
 " It is not for its gardens, which as you see, are 
 quite unique, having boldly come out of bounds, and 
 run into the park, nor yet, for some very remarkable 
 old furniture, nor even for its good dinners, that the 
 Court is celebrated," said its mistress. " It is famed, 
 for having the best tennis courts on this side of the 
 colinty ! My two boys were wonderful players, Hughie 
 was a champion, and in their day, the great tennis week 
 took place here. There was always an immense gather- 
 ing, we provided lunch and refreshments in big tents,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 201 
 
 and the house was packed to the garret ! When I am 
 at home, I still endeavour to keep up Newenham Tennis 
 .week. I needn't tell you, that I never played tennis 
 myself, my game was croquet, in the good old days 
 when croquet noops were a generous size; but I still like 
 to keep the tennis going, indeed I don't suppose my 
 neighbours would allow me to drop it; they consider 
 it hard case, that it is not an annual fixture; but when 
 I aw here, I do my best to hold the meeting in all its 
 glory. It is true, that, as it has been hinted to me, ' I. 
 now do very little for the county in the way of enter- 
 taining,' so I feel bound to put my best foot forward, 
 once in a way. I fill the house with tennis-playing 
 neighbours, I invite the residents for miles, I engage 
 a band that I board in the village, two extra cooks, 
 tents, waiters, and supply all the delicacies of the season, 
 and I offer, last not least, prizes that are worth while. 
 There is tennis, more or less all day, the young people 
 dance in the racquet court at night, others play Bridge, 
 or billiards; oh, what a week it is ! You will see, that 
 I shall not be at home, more than a few days, before 
 letters come pouring in, to inquire the date of the 
 Newenham Tennis Tournament ? " 
 
 " It must be an immense undertaking for you," said 
 Nancy, "but personally I think it will be great fun! 
 I will help you, write out the invitations, and do the 
 flowers, and any odd jobs you can find for me." 
 
 " Thank you, my dear, I'm sure you will be useful, 
 but I generally get a man, to arrange dates, events, 
 handicaps and so on, and more or less to run the show. 
 I give him carte blanche; you shall be deputy hostess, 
 and I will sit in my armchair, and take all the credit ! 
 Four years ago, Derek Mayne was my helper, I don't 
 know who I shall have this time; perhaps Dudley Vil- 
 lars 1 he is not much of a tennis player, nor what I call 
 practical, but he knows how to lay out money, and to 
 make things go smoothly." 
 
 "And when do you think, you will have this tourna- 
 ment 1 " 
 
 " In about a fortnight, or three weeks. First of all, 
 I must go round, and look up my friends; and as soon 
 as I have put the house in order, and reported myself 
 to my people in the village, and had the Rectory people 
 up to dinner, you and I will sally forth, and pay a 
 round of calls."
 
 202 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 Nancy had. been given a delightful bedroom; it faced 
 due south, her windows commanded the park, the shin- 
 ing river, a far-away distant blur of hills, immediately 
 below lay the velvet lawns, and wide grassy walks, under 
 rose-shaded pergolas. The whole place, seemed to be 
 enveloped in an atmosphei'9 of peace and goodwill. 
 "Only for one thing," she- said to herself, "how very 
 very happy I should be here ! " 
 
 The afternoon when Nancy and her friend set .forth 
 in a new motor to pay a round of visits, the old lady 
 said, "My first, must be to Richard Mayne; my old 
 friend met with an accident a couple of months ago, 
 and has been laid up ever since. I believe he is a shock- 
 ing patient, impossible to keep indoors." 
 
 As they sped noiselessly along, she continued to talk 
 about him. " He has been a widower for fifteen years, 
 his wife was always a delicate creature. She had a 
 good deal of money, which as they hav6 no family, 
 goes back to her relations. The Maynes, the real name 
 was Delamaine, but a Puritan ancestor chopped it up 
 the Maynes, have always been spendthrifts, and com- 
 
 Selled to marry money ! The property, has dwindled 
 own to about a thousand acres, thanks to Mayne's 
 ancestors' rage for gambling. It is said, that when they 
 could find no other method, they used to race worms 
 upon a deal table ! The table is still exhibited at 
 Maynesfort, and I have an idea, that the old gentleman 
 is quite proud of it. If it were my property, it would 
 have been burnt long ago." 
 
 Maynesfort was ten miles from Newenham, a dis- 
 tance soon covered by Mrs. De Wolfe's new " Rolls- 
 Royce." As they turned into the gates, she said to 
 Nancy, " You see it is a fine old place, and well kept up. 
 It's a sort of estate, which baring a great deal of wood, 
 and vast gardens, and no fat farms, more or less eats 
 its head off ! Derek Mayne is bound to marry money, 
 and I must say this,^ that whoever he does marry, will 
 be A lucky girj ! " 
 
 Old Mr. Mayne, supported by a nurse, received the 
 two ladies in the library : he was able to rise and hobble 
 towards them, leaning upon a stick, and offered his 
 friend a most affectionate welcome. 
 
 "Well Elizabeth!" he said, "I'm delighted to see 
 you, it's a good sight for old eyes." shaking her by the 
 hand. " This time; I hope, you have come home to stay."
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 203 
 
 " Oh, I make no rash promises," she answered with a 
 laugh. " Now, Richard, please sit down and don't do 
 company manners for us. This is my young friend, Miss 
 Travers," she added, presenting Nancy. 
 
 " Oh yes, Miss Travers, I have heard of you before. 
 'JVas-it not to you, that my old friend Fletcher left his 
 property? " 
 
 "Yes," she answered, "a most unexpected legacy." 
 
 '' Your father was his manager, I understand 1" 
 
 " He was, but Fairplains originally belonged to him." 
 
 "Oh!'' exclaimed the old gentleman with a look of 
 blank surprise. 
 
 "And I'm afraid, he lost it through me." 
 ' My dear young lady, surely you are not serious ! " 
 
 " Yes, as I was delicate, I had to be sent to England, 
 when I was a small child, and he was constantly coming 
 ever to see me, leaving a manager to look after the es- 
 tate, the manager robbed him, and ran away with the 
 monev, leaving no end of debts, and difficulties for 
 father." 
 
 "Wall, I am glad it has gone back to you," said Mr. 
 Mayne politely. " By the way, you knew my nephew 
 Derek, 4 believe he stayed at Fairplains ? " 
 
 " Yes, for a short time." 
 
 "A nice fellow, isn't he, and a capital shot?" 
 
 Nancy hesitated for a moment, and then replied : " I 
 suppose he is." 
 
 "Ah ! I see he is not your sort. He never was much 
 of a ladies' man, was he? ".looking over at Mrs. De 
 Wolfe, who had been conferring with the old gentleman's 
 nurse. " I expect, we shall have him down in a week 
 or two for the cricket and tennis." 
 
 Old Mr. Mayne then proceeded to talk about himself, 
 he gave full particulars of his accident, how the horse, 
 had slipped up and rolled upon him, and then galloped 
 home : the terrible consternation there had been when 
 Rufus had appeared in- the stable yard without his 
 master ; next he discussed his doctor, the London 
 specialist, and finally dropped into the local gossip. 
 
 During the latter part of this stance, Nancy had been 
 sent out in charge of the nurse, to see the picture gallery 
 and the gardens, and she received an impression of age, 
 refinement, and large outlay. Certainly Maynesfort 
 was a beautiful old place, and she did not wonder that 
 its present owndr was so pathetically anxious/ that it
 
 204 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 should remain in the family. and never endure the 
 degradation of being let ! 
 
 This visit to old Mr. Mayne proved to be the first 
 of a long series. The Hillsides were at hcme, also the 
 Millers, in fact most of Mrs. De Wolfe's friends, had 
 shifted their quarters from London or Cowes, into the 
 nice cool green country. No, not cool, for the weather 
 in August proved to be unusually warm, the grass was 
 burnt to a yellow brown ; Mrs. De Wolfe's gardeners 
 were kept incessantly occupied with hose, and water 
 can : at times, there was scarcely a breath of air, and 
 the great trees stood solid in the heat haze. After sun- 
 down, Nancy would run out to the garden, and gather 
 fruit for dessert apricots in mellow perfection, off the 
 hot brick wall; she would also go round, and inspect the 
 village cattle trough, and see that their own dogs, had 
 water in their bowls, and cheer up Bob, a gasping brown 
 spaniel. 
 
 In a month's time, she had contrived to make herself 
 thoroughly at home amid her new surroundings, had 
 been presented to the village, and parsonage, and made 
 friends with most of the old women, and children in 
 Newenham, also with the village dogs, and indeed the 
 post-office dog, a mongrel, like Togo, exhibited an ardent 
 desrre to attach himself to the new young lady," as 
 she was generally called. As August advanced, Mr. 
 Mayne, attended by nurse, and valet, was convalescing 
 at the seaside, his nephew was shooting in Scotland, 
 but the remainder of the neighbours were at home, 
 making the most of the very shining hours, at picnics, 
 cricket matches, and little impromptu dances. The Hill- 
 sides were particularly gay, and entertained a large 
 house party. 
 
 Although a certain amount of state was maintained, 
 such as big stepping horses, and powdered men-servants, 
 the menage at the castle, was never taken very seriously ; 
 her ladyship was frequently in trouble with servants; 
 household matters rarely ran 'smoothly, meals were un- 
 tmnctual and indifferent, it was a young people's 
 house; and the friends 01 Josie and Tony, as long as 
 they could have freedom, and dancing, and smoking and 
 jokes, were not super-critical. 
 
 It was whisperea that Lady Hillside was so intensely 
 engrossed in works of philanthropy, that she sometimes 
 forgot she had invited guests, and when they were
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 206 
 
 ushered in by a bewildered butler, she would blandly 
 inquire " where they were staying? " or she would order 
 a dinner for twenty-four, and find that she had a party 
 of eight, and when the party were seated, what frightful 
 gaps at the table ! 
 
 What was even more serious, she would invite two 
 dozen of her confiding neighbours, and order the coqk- 
 housekeeper to provide for six. Then what awful waits 
 ensued, whilst the distracted staff in the kitchen', 
 scrambled together an impromptu meal, and the men- 
 servants elongated the dinner table. Such an errajbic 
 mistress, drove her retinue almost crazy. Good and 
 efficient servants took their departure, with the result, 
 that elderly guests who visited the castle, rarely re- 
 peated the experiment. 
 
 The last week of August, was fixed upon for the tennis 
 tournament, and for a long time previously, Mrs. De 
 Wolfe and Nancy had been engaged in making prepara- 
 tions. There would be a number of guests staying in the 
 house. Talking over the list, Mrs. De Wolfe announced :'. 
 
 " I shall get Dudley to do master of the ceremonies, 
 and ask Roger De Wolfe, he is my heir, such a dear 
 
 food stupid fellow, to help to manage the scoring, 
 andicapping, and judging. 
 
 "There will be Tony and Josie, two Miller girls, Major 
 Home and his mother, young Wynne of the Blues, 
 Cobden Gray, our great tennis player, Miss Strong the 
 lady champion, old Sir Hubert Hamilton, to sit about 
 and walk with me, and of course Derek Mayae, he 
 must be back from Scotland by this time." 
 
 "But why do you ask him to stay in the house?" 
 inquired Nancy? 
 
 " Because it will save his going backwards amd for- 
 wards to Maynesfort twice a day. The old man is very 
 stingy of petrol ; everyone has their pet economy : his 
 is petrol, and mine Is string. I'm fond of Derek, 
 though he has given me the cold shoulder, still I intend 
 to have him here. Of course, I know you do not like 
 him, but as a Roland for my Oliver, I shall invite one 
 of your friends, what do you say to Mrs. Hicks ? " 
 
 "Mrs. Hicks?" 
 
 " Yes ! why not ? I fancy she is at a loose end just 
 now. She told me she had never stayed much in tke 
 country, at least it will be a novelty." 
 
 " And so will she! It is very good of you to think of
 
 206 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 her, and I'm sure she-would love to come: the neighbours 
 may think her a bit odd, and loud, and I shall take it 
 upon myself to tone down some of her costumes ; but she 
 has the best heart in the world : I shall never forget 
 her kindness to me,' when my father was dying ; and 
 in one way, she will find herself in her element here, 
 she is a wonderfully strong tennis player." 
 
 "You don't mean to tell me, that she pin;,-*? " 
 
 " I should rather think sho did ! and I venture to 
 say, will carry off one of your beautiful and valuable 
 trophies. Where shall we put her 1 ?" 
 
 " In the blue bedroom next to you, so thnt you can 
 talk old times to your hearts' content. Shall I "write, 
 or will you ? " 
 
 " Oh, I think the invitation should go from the lady 
 of the house." 
 
 " Very well, my dear, I will ask her to come a couple 
 of days before the crowd, and I'll send off a note by 
 this very post." 
 
 ******* 
 
 A letter from Mrs. Hicks, Newenham Court, Moon- 
 shire, to B. Hicks, Esq., M.D., Panora, near Khotagheri, 
 Nilgiris, India : 
 
 MY DEAR HUBBY, 
 
 Won't you open your eyes to see where / am? I arrived 
 a week ago, to stay with Nancy's friend, Mrs. De Wolfe, and 
 ani now living among the very highest company, and on the 
 fat of the land ! This is a lovely old place, something like what 
 you read of in novels with a great park, and lots of stiff-looking 
 servants, and palms in the sitting rooms, and wonderful table 
 silver. Here up in my room, every time I come into it, I find 
 a fresh can of hot water standing in the basin but I believe 
 there are six housemaids and such scented soap, and bath salts, 
 and a big four-post bed, as soft as whipped cream. A great 
 tennis tournament is being held all this week ; so far I have 
 done pretty well, in the ' ladies' doubles,' and this house is as 
 full as if it were a fashionable hotel. Most of the people are 
 strangers to me, except as tennis and Bridge partners, Finchie's 
 niece and nephew are here, the Hon. Mrs. Speyde, a black-eyed, 
 flighty-looking widow, and the Honourable Tony Lamerton, 
 her brother : not a bad sort, and a good tennis player, but with 
 a laugh to split your head ! There is Major Home, I came home 
 with him on board ship last time but one, terribly sea-sick he 
 was too ! and of all people in the world, who do you think, hut 
 Captain Maync ! His uncle lives in these parts. 
 
 Isn't it strange that he and Nancy should be staying in the
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 207 
 
 same house, and talking politely to one another, as if they were 
 bare acquaintances that had only lately met, for the first time? 
 I suppose they have to pretend, as they are keeping their past 
 very dark ; and I believe they are both as obstinate as a pair 
 of commissariat mules. I noticed that he sat next her at dinner 
 last night, and they scarcely spoke, and they have played in the 
 same sets at tennis. I also notice that he plays as a ' bachelor ' 
 against the married men. All the time, I'm the only one here, 
 or in England, who happens to know, that he and Nancy are 
 married ; and when he addresses her as ' Miss Travers, ' it's all 
 I can do to hold my tongue. At tennis, I think they sometimes 
 forget their feud, for I have heard him shout, ' Yours, Nancy,' 
 and I have seen the two of them laughing together, but else- 
 where, as far as their manners to one another are concerned, 
 they might have come out of a refrigerator ! 
 
 I must say, it's an awful pitv that such a handsome young 
 couple cannot make it up. I think Nancy should come forward, 
 being the one in the wrong. She is a real darling, and such 
 a beauty that you'd never know her, and so nice and affectionate 
 to a dowdy old girl like me. I wish she and Mayne would make 
 it up. I'd try my hand, only you say I always make a botch 
 of such affairs, blurt out secrets, and give the show away. Well, 
 well ! perhaps something may happen to put things right. 
 
 Old Mrs. De Wolfe is wrapped up in Nancy, she .might be 
 her own granddaughter ; the girl goes about the place, as if 
 she had lived here for years ; she is well liked too, indeed too 
 much liked by some ! There's a dark foreign fellow, who is 
 always trying to be her shadow, and who dances with her of 
 an evening, but as far as I can see, I don't think Mayne minds 
 he has his own fish to fry ! 
 
 By the time this is in your hands, Jess and Teddy will have 
 arrived, and given you my news, and your new socks, and 
 jerseys. I 'm sending you some postcards of this place ; but they 
 give a wry poor idea of its style. Many a time, I shall dream 
 of it, I know, when I am back with you in old Panora. You 
 and I fancy our roses ; well, you should see those here ; the 
 Pergolas just smothered in them, and the rosery a sight for 
 angels ; as for the apricots on the south wall, my mouth waters, 
 when I think of them I 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe herself, in spite of all her engagements, has 
 been mightv kind and friendly to me, and made me feel quite 
 at home. When you look at the postcard of this place, and think 
 of me, you will laugh at the idea I play Bridge with her ; my 
 word ! she is first class. Sees mistakes but never scolds not 
 like you / Once she took me round the t>ig garden all by myself. 
 At the time, I felt it a tremendous honour, but on second 
 thoughts, I believe she wanted to get something out of me, 
 about Nancv, She did her big best to pump me about Mayne, 
 and the reason of their coolness, but for once I was on my
 
 268 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 guard, and left her just as wise as ever! I'm afraid I told 
 one or two small lies, but that under the circumstances, couldn't 
 be helped. I 'd give fifty rupees, cash down, to see her face, 
 when she hears the truth. I'll write from London by next mail. 
 
 Your affectionate wife, 
 
 SUSAN HICKS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 MRS. HICKS IMPARTS A SECRET 
 
 THB letter from Mrs. Hicks to her " hubby " gave & fairly 
 good sketch of events at the Court. There had been 
 tennis, boating, Bridge, dancing, a certain amount of 
 strolling about the lawns and turf walks, and sitting in 
 rustic arbours, with congenial companions. Mrs. Hicks 
 had played well, and vigorously in the married ladies 
 against single, and it seemed to Mayne like good old 
 days, when she served her cleverly placed balls, and 
 shouted her triumphs. 
 
 On her arr,ival at the Court, Nancy, her neighbour, 
 had taken her under her wing, inspected her wardrobe, 
 subdued its too vivid colours with lace and chiffon, 
 altered the style of her friend's hats with her own clever 
 fingers, and made useful suggestions with regard to 
 coiffure. Also, she gave her the names and characteristics 
 of expected guests, and did her utmost to make her 
 comfortable, and put her at her ease, and Mrs. Hicks 
 was not ungrateful. As she stood patiently, whilst the 
 girl pinned and arranged a fichu upon her portly form, 
 she said, " I declare to you, Nancy, you've done more 
 to fix me up, and show me the ropes in two days, than 
 my own girls in two years. Of course they are busy with 
 their love affairs, and you have none, and it's your 
 own fault. There isn't a young man I know, that can 
 hold a candle to Mayne, as to looks and manners. He 
 took the shine out of them all, at Jessie's wedding. Why 
 can't you make it up ? " 
 
 " It takes two to do that," said Nancy, as she took a 
 pin out of her mouth. 
 
 " Ah, I suppose the letter you sent him choked him 
 off? It's funny you and he being in the same set, and 
 him coming to stay in this very house." 
 
 "Yes: too funny to be pleasant." 
 
 " Lots of girls like him; I saw that at Jessie's wedding, 
 
 'and when I was down at H.urlingham, and there's one 
 
 ladr, unless I am greatly mistaken, likes him uncom-
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 209 
 
 mon, that Mrs. Speyde, a niece of Finchie's. She is 
 always running after him, I am told. Maybe they'll 
 run away together, some day ! Why, Nancy child, I 
 declare you look quite vexed ! You're not jealous, are 
 you 1 " 
 
 " Of course not," now giving the fichu a twitch, 
 "what a ridiculous idea." 
 
 " Well, if he would only throw a book at you, before 
 a witness, and then run away with someone, it would 
 make matters so nice and simple." 
 
 "Simple, yes, but not exactly nice." After a moment's 
 hesitation, and a fresh pin, " I always thought you liked 
 him, Mrs. Hicks." 
 
 So I do, but it's you, I'm really fond of; it's for 
 your good I'm thinking. Don't I remember you a little 
 darling in your nurse's arms? as for him, I only knew 
 him for a matter of a few weeks. If you would put 
 your pride in your pocket, all might yet be well : that 
 is to say. if you liked him. Do you Nancy 1 Come now, 
 own up ? " 
 
 Nancy made no reply for some moments; at last she 
 said, "I like him better than I did; there, now your 
 fichu is all right, and looks very nice; you must wear 
 it this evening, but mind you don't put it on wrong 
 side out ! Now I must run and dress," and imprinting 
 a kiss on Mrs. Hicks' hard and healthy cheek, she hur- 
 ried out of the room. 
 
 A few days later, Nancy had reason to repeat Mrg. 
 Hicks' question v was she jealous ? Strange to say, the 
 idea did not now appear to be so supremely ridiculous. 
 Within the last week, she'd been a little startled at the 
 discovery of emotions, the existence of which took her 
 by surprise ! She found, that it gave her a painful 
 sensation to see Josie and Captain Mayne, on such ex- 
 cellent and intimate terms. They sat and talked, 
 motored, and danced together almost as if they were 
 an engaged couple. She endeavoured to console^ herself 
 with the fact, that it was Josie who was playing the 
 part of enchantress : she had a wonderful power of 
 appropriating the interest of a man. 
 
 It was a by no means unusual sight, to behold the 
 fascinating Mrs. Speyde, encompassed by .a little crowd 
 of admirers; whilst other and far prettier women were 
 overlooked, and neglected. Of late she had an instinct 
 that relations between herself and Josie were, changed ;
 
 210 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 and that Josie no longer liked her. More than once, 
 she had caught her black eyes fixed upon her with a 
 steady and vindictive glare; in her remarks there was 
 a belittling and malicious note: and she had felt herself 
 laughed at, and so to speak " baited/' for the entertain- 
 ment qf the company, yes, no later than that very day 
 at breakfast ! Josie was a splendid mimic, and if her 
 manner was rather boisterous, no one could tell a story 
 with more vivacity and point. Her usual plan was to 
 relate the joint adventure of herself, and victim, de- 
 scribing it with grotesque exaggeration, and gesture, 
 arid making her unfortunate butt, look contemptibly 
 foolish, ana ridiculous. Expostulation was useless, 
 after all, the story was not told behind the subject's 
 back, but boldly face to face, with audacious effrontery, 
 and Nancy's feeble explanations, were drowned in shouts 
 of laughter. The merest incident was sufficient excuse, 
 on which to hang a tale, and Josie's /victims never had 
 the wit or spirits, to carry the war into the enemy's, 
 quarter, and the tyrant scored. 
 
 Although Captain Mayne and Nancy saw but little 
 of one another indoors, they had been drawn to play 
 together in the "Ladies' and gentlemen's doubles." 
 This had excited the jealousy of Mrs. Speyde, and al- 
 though she intrigued and manoeuvred, nothing she did 
 or - said, could alter the detestable fact. Nancy knew 
 by instinct, that her late friend hated to see her and 
 Captain Mayne together, even if it were only for a 
 few minutes; when' they barely exchanged a word! 
 
 The weather was perfect, though still rather warm; 
 and the scene in the grounds and around the tennis 
 courts, had been described in the local paper, as "bril- 
 liant." No such successful tournament had takon place 
 for years; the sun had shone, and the world and his wife 
 had flocked to Newenham from far and near, and there 
 been entertained, with first-class tennis, excellent re- 
 freshments, and any amount of gapesecd ! 
 
 It had been a particularly strenuous day for Nancy, 
 vho had not only played in two hard fought competi- 
 tions, but in acting deputy hostess, among the very 
 mixed multitude in the tents; seeing that ices and cup 
 were unfailing, and in distributing little civilities among 
 the crowd, with Sir Dudley as her attendant. When 
 the last game had been contested, and the last straggling 
 group had dispersed, she strolled towards the river,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 211 
 
 accompanied" by Mrs. Hicks, who pounced upon her 
 bodily, and said, " Gome you here, you little Nancy 
 girl I J never get a word with you these times," taking 
 her arm, and with a significant glance at Sir Dudley, 
 she added, "turn about is fair play; he has had more 
 than his share," she continued, as he moved off. 
 
 " My goodness ! how the time flies, I've been here five 
 days, and they have gone like greased lightning. Let 
 us go and sit on the bench by the boat-house, and see 
 if there is a bit of air from the river ! " 
 
 " You played in your very best form to-day," said 
 Nancy. " Your service was splendid; I felt immensely 
 proud of you." 
 
 " Thauk you, my dear, the same to you ! " she rejoined, 
 seating herself with a sigh of satisfaction. " Who's 
 them two over in the boat? I'm getting a bit short- 
 sighted 1 " 
 
 'Mrs. Speyde, and Captain Mayne." 
 
 "They don't seem to be rowing?" 
 
 "No, just drifting, and talking." 
 
 " Drifting ! so they are, well ! well ! well ! Look here, 
 Nancy girl, I've got something to say to you. There's 
 no one in tLe boat-house, is there ? " peering round. 
 
 "No one, and is it really such a secret!" and she 
 laughed. 
 
 " You shall judge for yourself ! The last three-days 
 I have kept my eyes open." 
 
 "Are they ever shut?" s 
 
 " Now don't interrupt me, with your stupid jokes," 
 protested her companion, with a touch of impatience. 
 " I've seen, that you and him, for all your stand-off airs, 
 like one another right well." 
 
 "What makes you think so? " 
 
 " The use of my senses. I've noticed you smiling and 
 jabbering together just like old times, although you 
 were only talking tennis ; and I believe^ you're a bit 
 jealous, always a very healthy sign. Now, my dear 
 child, take an old friend's advice, and don't make the 
 mistake of your life ! Good fortune, and a providential 
 chance, have brought you and Mayne here togetker. Are 
 you going to let him drift away ? " 
 
 " But why do you talk as if / were the one to act and 
 come forward ? " *v 
 
 "Because you are! Now listen to me," seizing her 
 hand in a firm grip, " it is for you to make the advance;
 
 212 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 you gave him the go-by; it was certainly an amazing 
 act -for a girl of your age. Now I think you have come 
 to your senses ; but he is frightened of your money. 
 Yes ! " she continued with emphasis, "he as good as 
 told Teddy f and I dug it out 01 Kim, that had you not 
 been an heiress, he would have been willing to make 
 it up ! " 
 
 "He said that, did he 1 ?" said Nancy with a quick 
 catch in her br.eath. 
 
 " So Teddy informed me, and I have always found 
 him to speak the truth. He told me, as a dead, dead, 
 secret, and mind you let it go no further, for if Teddy 
 knew, he'd ea^me, although I am his mother-in-law 1 
 Seeing how things are, and being really fond of you, 
 Nancy, I thought I'd not allow love to pass out of your 
 life, without doing my best to interfere, and stop it." 
 
 Nancy's colour was high, he-r heart beat unusually 
 fast ; here, indeed, was a wonderful piece of information. 
 So it was not altogether her unpardonable flight, but 
 the money, that stood between them. She sat for a long 
 time in dead silence, with her eyes fixed upon the river. 
 At last she murmured, " I don't see how I could possibly 
 do it." 
 
 " You'll find it easy enough, once you and he are face 
 to face; you will never have a chance here; never a 
 moment together, .unless when playing tennis : that gay 
 lady in the boat, now lighting her cigarette on his, taxes 
 right good care of that ! " 
 
 But I thought you were so near-sighted ? " said 
 Nancy, with a faint smile. 
 
 " Only when it's convenient : and I thought perhaps 
 vou might not notice the pair. Well, here is that long- 
 legged young Tony and Miss Miller, coming to fetch, 
 you," said Mrs. Hicks, rising as she spqke. " Think 
 over what I have told you, my dear child, and don't let 
 matters slida ! I'll just go in, and get a bit of a rest be- 
 fore dinner, my poor ola joints, ay, but they do aohe ! " 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII 
 
 AN INTERRUPTED INTERVIEW 
 
 THB last set had been played, tennis prizes been distri- 
 buted amid much clapping and applause, performers 
 and spectators had dispersed, the great tennis week was 
 over !
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 213 
 
 Nancy, who felt mentally and bodily fatigued, con- 
 trived to escape from her friends, to enjoy a short rest, 
 and breathing time, before the evening gaieties set in; 
 and by devious and cunning short cuts, made her way 
 to a favourite seat, at the end of the least frequented 
 Pergola. Here for once, she found herself out of the 
 public eye, the only eyes that rested upon her, were 
 those of her companion, Bob, the brown spaniel, nephew 
 to the dogs at Maynesfort. Bob detested tenn,is, and 
 had followed his mistress under the fond delusion that 
 she was about to take him for a nice run by the river; 
 alas ! no, she threw herself down on a^ hard rustic bench, 
 and heaved a long sigh. Poor disappointed Bob was 
 in complete sympathy with this frame of mind, and 
 inclined to sigh too. 
 
 All day long, Nancy had borne the fierce light, that 
 beats on a pretty popular girl, the most- prominent 
 figure in a society gathering; as deputy hostess, tennis 
 competitor, adviser, referee, arbitress in little half- 
 playful disputes, with an eye to the guests in the re- 
 freshment tents, and in perpetual demand, here, there, 
 and everywhere. 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe had abdicated and taken her ease, and 
 an attitude of serene detachment, seated among her 
 contemporaries, and intimates ; all little anxieties and 
 worries, were handed over to her vice-reine, and although 
 she had the gift of social grace, youth, and energy, 
 Nancy found the sceptre as lieavy as lead ! Here was 
 Mrs. Harper looking alarmingly red and explosive, 
 because no one had escorted her to tea, and there was 
 Lizzie Stevens on the verge of tears, because the umpire 
 had given her two faults; Mrs. Fitzhammond had lost 
 a dear old silver brooch, she had had since she was a 
 schoolgirl, and was unpleasantly querulous, injured, 
 and fussy; whilst Sutton the butler had informed poor 
 Nancv in a hollow whisper, that "the ice was running 
 out ! * 
 
 Well, it was all over at last ! and had been a surpris- 
 ing success; but the deputy hostess felt completely ex- 
 hausted, as she took off her hat, and closea her eyes. 
 The previous night, she had lain awake for many hourg, 
 meditating on Mrs. Hicks' unexpected revelation. It 
 seemed to her, that she was approaching a crisis in her 
 life : looking into her own heart, she saw Derek Mayne ; 
 yes, Derek, and no one else. Far removed from the
 
 214 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 tragedy of former associations, in another hemisphere, 
 and among other surroundings, she realized his personal 
 attraction, his upright character, unfailing good hu-- 
 mour, and for a man, surprising unselfishness ! 
 
 She had noticed his thoughtful attention to his uncle; 
 his pleasant ways to children, and to nobodies, it was 
 he, who had relieved her of Mrs. Hamper, ana carried 
 off that swelling matron, to enjoy ices, and conversation 
 (whilst Dudley Villars lay prone on the grass, at the 
 feet of the county's duchess, entertaining her with scraps 
 of highly-spiced scandal !). She recalled to mind, what 
 a favourite he had been with her father; how he had 
 given her to him when on his deathbed ; later how fiercely 
 she had thrust him aside, and fled. Yes ! there was no 
 doubt, that she was the offender; and it was for her, to 
 venture the first advance an advance bristling with 
 difficulties and dangers. If she made an overture and 
 was repulsed how how, could she ever hold up her 
 head again 1 on the other hand, if she made no sign, and 
 ho went away, it would be something whispered, for 
 ever. 
 
 During the last few days she and Derek had been on 
 easier terms ; naturally the tournament had thrown them 
 together; more than once, he had addressed her as 
 "Nancy," and more than once, c^he had surprised him 
 surveying her with an expression of keen attention, and 
 something else "What?" What it was she could not 
 analyse ; interest, yes, perhaps interest ; at any rate, the 
 glance was neither cynical nor scornful ! Possibly it 
 might mean, that he wished to speak to her, that oh 
 no, never by word or look, had he intimated that he 
 looked for any change in their relations; if she wa to 
 say, or do anything that would count.; if she was to 
 venture to break the ice, and her heart quaffed at the 
 mere idea of such, an undertaking, it must be soon. On 
 Saturday, he was leaving the Court, and from what she 
 could gather, shortly returning to India; so it was a 
 case of now, or never ! How could she begin ? she had 
 not the gracious art of approaching the unapproachable. 
 As she sat meditating, and by no means fancy free, the 
 thumping of Bob's tail announced his welcome to some- 
 one; and opening her eyes, she beheld the subject of her 
 thoughts, rapidly approaching along the turf walk. Was 
 she asleep ? or was his appearance the result of some 
 strange telepathy?
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 215 
 
 How good-looking he was ! a lover to gladden the eyes 
 of any girl. His flannels set off an admirable well-knit 
 figure the touch of scarlet in his blazer, was eminently 
 becoming to his dark hair and eyes'; in one hand he 
 swung a bat, and was apparently pressed for time. 
 
 " Well, what is it ? " he inquired, as he came within 
 earshot. 
 
 "I'm sure I don't know ! " she answered, now sitting 
 erect. 
 
 " But Mrs Hicks told me to hurry here at once she 
 said you wished to speak to me." 
 
 " She must have been dreaming ! " 
 
 " On the contrary, she looked particularly wide awake, 
 and would take no refusal. we are just getting up a 
 match. ' ; Nevertheless, he lingered. 
 
 " I should have thought you'd had enough of tennis 
 for to-day," remarked Nancy. 
 
 " Yea, I daresay. You are in great form, you and I, 
 are the proud winners of the ladies' and gentlemen's 
 doubles. I say " he paused abruptly. 
 
 "What do you say?" she asked. 
 
 "Well, it's about that fellow Villars;, you will^e- 
 member, I begged you to drop him; and I find him here 
 installed as Tame cat: in fact a gort of Puss in Boots, 
 running the whole show ! " 
 
 " That's true," admitted Nancy, "but Sir Dudley was 
 I' ami de la maison long before Mrs. De Wolfe knew me, 
 and surely you can scarcely expect her to turn out her 
 old friends on my account, besides, he is her godson." 
 
 " So you think that sanctifies him? " shifting his bat 
 under his arm. 
 
 ' No, certainly not ; but I do honestly believe, you 
 are prejudiced and that Sir Dudley is not any worse 
 than his neighbours ; he is religious in his way too, 
 always down to family prayers, of course, attendance 
 is optional, whilst you appear with the hot dishes ! He 
 reads the Scriptures beautifully, I've never heard the 
 twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes read with such expres- 
 sion. 
 
 " If you would only take my word for it, the Song of 
 Solomon is a thousand times more in his line all about 
 nay beloved, and roses, and lilies." 
 
 " Do ^you know, that he has a wifaf " said Nancy 
 expressively. 
 
 " No, has he 1 Unhappy woman ! but I do happen
 
 216 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 to know, that he has run away with another man's wife ! 
 Certainly, it was years ago, if he made any scandal 
 with mine " he paused and looked full into her eyes, 
 "by Jove I would kill him, and I should like to kill 
 him ! " 
 
 Nancy burst into a peal of laughter. " How melo- 
 dramatic you are ! and how you do abhor him ! " 
 
 " May I ask, if he is aware, that you have a husband ? " 
 Although his manner chaffed her his voice had a ring 
 of earnestness. 
 
 " What an absurd question ; of course not ! There 
 isn't a soul in this country, who's in the secret except 
 Mrs. Hicks." 
 
 "I say," he exclaimed, "we are a fine couple of im- 
 postors ! You may be amused to hear, that my uncle 
 has taken an immense fancy to you." 
 
 " How nice of him." 
 
 " And between ourselves, he thinks you would be an 
 ideal niece-in-law. The Maynes are poor, the place 
 swallows up money, and the reigning proprietor is 
 obliged to get hold of a consort with coin." 
 
 A thought instantly darted into Nancy's mind: here 
 was her opportunity ! and as if in obedience to some 
 irresistible force, she rose, with a hammering heart, 
 looking, did she but know it, enchantingly pretty. A 
 little pale perhaps, but stirred by some inward emotion, 
 her lovely face was unusually expressive. One or two 
 rose leaves had fallen on her uncovered hair, and the 
 light between the branches overhead, sent the shadows 
 of leaves, to dance gaily upon her white skirt. 
 
 "A wife with coin," repeated Nancy, speaking with 
 a desperate effort, and fixing her eyes upon the ground, 
 "well! you did that yourself." 
 
 " Quite unintentionally, I assure you," was the em- 
 phatic reply; "the girl I married, was as poor as a 
 church mouse! Nothing would tempt me to marry for 
 money." 
 
 " I suppose," began Nancy and she hesitated. 
 
 "You suppose what?" he asked sharply. 
 
 "That if .... if . ..." she stammered for the 
 tone of his voice had been discouraging, and made her, 
 if possible more nervous. " If you could forgive me, 
 do you think .... Oh, how can I put it? . . . ." and 
 her voice shook, "that / could tempt you? Oh no, I 
 don't mean that, only I don't want all that money;
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 217 
 
 no one knows better than you do, that I never -was 
 accustomed to riches, and and I should be only too 
 thankful, to give it to you." 
 
 Mayne stared at her amazed ! She was no longer pale. 
 
 " Nancy ! " he exclaimed, " I remember how in old 
 days you talked the wildest nonsense, I don't suppose for 
 a moment, that you know or mean, one single word of 
 what you are saying." _ 7 
 
 " Yes, I do," she rejoined tremulously, "but I can 
 promise you this," her lips quivered and she added 
 with difficulty, "I will never say it again," she paused, 
 struggling between pride, and emotion. 
 
 " Oh, mv dear Nancy, if I could only believe you 
 don't you know " 
 
 " So here you are, Derek ! " exclaimed a high, au- 
 thoritative treble, and through a breach in the Pergola,. 
 Mrs. Speyde appeared, waving an imperative tennis 
 bat. " Have you forgotten, that we are all waiting to 
 make up a match 1 " She glanced sharply from him to 
 Nancy. His face wore a strained expression, as for the 
 girl, she was the colour of a crimson rambler ! 
 
 " Ah, with a little malicious laugh, " I see you have 
 been talking secrets. Yes, Miss Nancy, I always sus- 
 pected that you knew a. good deal more about this gentle- 
 man than ,you pretended. Well, for the present, you 
 must leave the cat in the bag. Derek," laying an ar- 
 resting hand on his arm, " you've got to come ! " 
 
 Mayne drew back, but before anything further hap- 
 pened, Nancy had picked up her hat, and vanished 
 through an opening that led into the old walled garden. 
 
 That saine evening, Nancy selected her most becoming 
 frock, and took particular pains with her hair for she 
 entertained high hopes, that Mayne would seek her out, 
 and endeavour to resume the conversation so eruelly 
 interrupted by Josie Speyde. At dinner, she saw noth- 
 ing of him, as he happened to be on the same side of 
 the table ; later, as he held the door for the ladies to pass 
 forth, it seemed to her, that he gave her a glance of 
 particular significance ; but strange to say, he did not 
 come into the drawing-room with the other men. 
 
 About an hour later, when she was singing a duet with 
 Sir Dudley, she noticed him standing near the door. It 
 struck her, that he looked pale and rather stern, as if 
 he had been annoyed, or disappointed; he made no 
 effort whatever to speak to her for the remainder of the
 
 218 
 
 evening; and she retired for the night, with an g,cute 
 sense of hopelessness, and depression. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV 
 
 STRANDED ' 
 
 THE following morning the guests who still remained 
 at the Cour.t, made up a party to attend a race meeting 
 at Knapshot. Knapshot was thirty miles away, and 
 could be readied by rail, as the Court was but a short 
 distance from a mean, and undeserving little station. 
 However, most of the party decided to go by motor; 
 Mrs. De Wolfe, Mrs. Home, Sir Dudley and Nancy in 
 the comfortable roomy Daimler, with Roger De Wolfe 
 sitting by the chauffeur, Major Home, Billy Miller, 
 Josie and Captain Mayne, followed in fehe new Rolls- 
 Royce. Several preferred to travel by rail, and Mrs. 
 Hicks remained at home, to rest her weary bones, and 
 repose upon her well-earned laurels^ 
 
 The races, though not particularly notable, offered 
 good sport; the lunch was excellent, the ladies had their 
 fortunes told, and did a little betting. Mrs. De Wolfe 
 and Mrs. Home elected to return by train early in the 
 afternoon, as there was a dinner-party at the Court that 
 night the last function of the week, moreover, the old 
 ladies found motoring rather hot, and dusty ; and es- 
 corted by Roger, left the rest of the party to follow, 
 enjoining on all, that on no account were they to be late. 
 
 " We will go back just as we came ! " said Josie, " we 
 played games all the way, and don't want to break up 
 our happy little set ! " 
 
 This arrangement left Sir Dudley and Nancy to share 
 the Daimler tete-a-tete, and she offered a seat to Billy, 
 who, however (naturally), preferred to travel in com- 
 pany with Major Home ! 
 
 "We will take different roads," declared Josie, who 
 seemed to have assumed command of the whole party, 
 "and race, and see which car gets home first? The 
 Charlton road is the shortest : but it's out of repair, 
 the other by Langford is a couple of miles longer but 
 good going all the way. Shall we toss, Dudley? 
 come, be sporting, and have something on ! " 
 
 They tossed accordingly, Mrs. Speyde won the long 
 route and booked a bet of five pounds. 
 
 With a good deal of laughing, and joking, the com-
 
 219 
 
 petitors started together, but within a quarter of a mile, 
 the cars had separated, the Rolls-Royce to take a high 
 road, more or less bordering the railway, the Daimler 
 to plunge into what seemed to be the very heart and 
 soul of the country. It was a light and lovely Sep- 
 tember evening, and they sped along with noiseless ease, 
 considering the ruts. 
 
 " This is a ripping good car ! " remarked Sir Dudley, 
 " and Josie's five pounds is already in my pocket, I 
 suppose your chauffeur knows the way 1 " 
 
 "Oh yes," replied Nancy, " Saxton belongs to this 
 part of the country, he -has been with Mrs. De Wolfe 
 for .years." 
 
 The couple discussed the races, the fortune-teller, 
 and other matters, but neither appeared to be in a 
 talkative mood. It was delightful flying along these 
 quiet, grass-bordered roads, and lanes, breathing the 
 soft delicious air, watching the homing birds, and the 
 solemn rise of a splendid harvest moon. Suddenly Sir 
 Dudley said : 
 
 ' I thought Mayne's leave was up, and that he was 
 sick of this country, but I heard him tell a fellow at the 
 races, that he was going to apply for an extension." 
 
 "Is he?" murmured Nancy, and a bright olur 
 invaded her face. Was this the outcome of their in- 
 terrupted interview? 
 
 " Yes, and the sooner he goes the better ! Josie Speyde 
 is carrying on one of her most outrageous flirtations. 
 Lord ! what a number of them I've seen ! If I didn't 
 know her so well, I would swear that this time, she 
 was in earnest. There was Chapman, Fotheringay, 
 Montague " 
 
 " Oh ! Sir Dudley, it really isn't fair, to tell tales 
 of your own cousin." 
 
 " Josie wouldn't mind, on the contrary, she's proud 
 of her scalps. She's a queer woman, in her way a 
 freak ! Here we are, oh a by-road I see. I suppose 
 it's all right 1 " then as the car slowed down, and drew 
 up beside a picturesque old cottage, he added, " but 
 what is he stopping for ? " 
 
 I expect to get water for the car," replied Nancy. 
 "What a dear place" looking in through the open 
 door " there's such a darling oak chest in the passage !" 
 
 " Yes, I know your- craze, |ind I think I see ^so 
 china on a dresser further on ! Do you wish to go in
 
 220 GIVEN IN MARKIAGE 
 
 "Only just for a second, it looks the sort of cottage 
 where one can pick up the most priceless treasures ! " 
 Before she finished the sentence, Nancy was already in 
 the passage. A stout, grey-haired woman with a bulky 
 figure ana a pleasant face, appeared, wiping her hands. 
 
 "I wanted to look at your beautiful old chest/' ex- 
 plained the visitor. " I caught sight of it through the 
 open door." 
 
 " You are very welcome, miss," she answered, "and 
 there's a > still better one in the kitchen if you care to 
 see that ? We have a good few old things that came 
 down from Bode's grandmother Bode was "my husband 
 he's dead, poor man this ten year/' 
 
 Nancy followed ihe woman down a long flagged pas- 
 sage, and found herself in a heavily-beamed, low room, 
 with a vast fireplace. Here she discovered a fine oak 
 settle, a dresser and a chest, with the date, sixteen 
 hundred and seventy. Nancy was in raptures, and fell 
 in love with an old blue bowl, that she saw on the dresser. 
 She admired it with such heartfelt enthusiasm, that the 
 woman, honestly displaying various cracks, declared 
 that " it had been her grandfather's, but now leaked. 
 If the young lady fancied it she could have it for a 
 shilling." 
 
 But Nancy protested, and said, " I wouldn't dream 
 of imposing on your generosity ". she did not like to 
 use the word "ignorance," and added, "I will gladly 
 give you a sovereign for it " and produced her purse. 
 The bargain being concluded to their mutual satisfac- 
 tion, and Sir Dudley having approved of the family 
 chest, and bench, they took leave of the hostess, and 
 returned to the entrance, but here, to their utter and 
 speechless amazement, there was no motor to be seen ! 
 
 "Where is he?" cried Nancy, looking up and down 
 the road. " Has he taken the car into the yard 1 "_ 
 
 No, neither car, nor chauffeur were about the pre- 
 mises they had mysteriously disappeared, ae if dis- 
 solved into thin air. Whilst Nancy and her companion 
 stood bewildered, and exclaiming, a youth on a shaggy 
 colt trotted up. 
 
 " Dan, .did you see a motor? " demanded his mother. 
 
 " I did, i.t passed me just now going at a great rate." 
 
 "What is to be done?" said Nancy, turning to Sir 
 Dudley in despair. 
 
 "I understand what's happened; the fellow didn't
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 221 
 
 notice us getting out, he was round in the yard at the 
 time, and, thinking we were still in the ear, he has 
 driven off, and left us ! Is there any station near this 1 " 
 turning to the woman. 
 
 " Yes, about two miles off, but there's few trains. 
 This is a terrible awkward place to get away from, 
 being a bit out of the way." 
 
 "I suppose you have a post-office within reach?" 
 inquired Nancy. 
 
 " Yes, in Lofty village, a mile off." 
 
 " Then let us send a wire for the car to return; Auntie 
 Wolfe will be most awfully fussed, if we are not back 
 in time for dinner." 
 
 ''You can take a telegram, my lad?" said Villars, 
 appealing to the young man. 
 
 " Oh yes, sir, for sure," he answered eagerly. 
 
 "Then I've got a, pencil, and," to Mrs. Bode, "if 
 you'll let me have a bit of paper, I'll just go inside and 
 write it." He retired indoors, and Nancy talked to the 
 colt and Dan, and after a few minutes, Dudley reap- 
 peared, and handed a message to the youth, along with 
 a half-crown. 
 
 " I'll give you something for yourself, when you come 
 back; be as quick as ever you can. It's half-past seven 
 now," he added, looking at his watch, and then glancing 
 at Nancy, he nodded his head, and said,. " There will be 
 no dinner party for you, and me." 
 
 " Qh, if they deliver the message at the Court at once, 
 say in half an hour, the car should be here by nine. We 
 will dash home, and appear in time for dessert." 
 
 ' I doubt it, said the carpenter, and shed a bitter 
 tear,' " quoted Villars. " Perhaps Mrs. Bode can find 
 us something to eat ? " he added. 
 
 " I am sorry I haven't got no butcher's meat in the 
 house, sir, but there's fresh eggs, and cold bacon, and 
 good home-made bread." 
 
 There are worse things ! " said Villars, " but I'm 
 not hungry, I was thinking of the young iady." 
 
 "A cup of tea, and a slice of home-made bread, is 
 what I should like, if Mrs. Bode will be so kind, and 
 I shall make the most of my time, in joking about among 
 her nice old things, and there is my nice blue bowl, which 
 I intend to carry home, as a souvenir of this funny 
 adventure. Will you come and help me to ransack the 
 
 H
 
 222 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 cottage?" said Nancy. "I know you have a flair for 
 old oak, and pewter too." 
 
 "No," replied Villars, "I'll let you have it all your 
 own way for once; and leave you to gather up the spoil. 
 I'll just stroll down the road for half an hour, and 
 gmoke a cigarette." 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 "EMPTY!" 
 
 MEANWHILE the merry quartette in the Rolls-Royce had 
 reached their destination rather late, but before she 
 rushed off to dress, Mrs. Speyde eagerly inquired if Miss 
 Travers, and Sir Dudley had arrived ? 
 
 ' No, ma'am, not yet," replied Sutton, the butler. 
 
 " Hooray ! " she cried, turning to Mayne, " I win five 
 pounds, and I'll gamble it away to-night, on weak, no 
 trumpers." 
 
 There happened to be a considerable gathering at the 
 Court that evening. Besides the guests in the house, 
 not a few neighbours were present; and the beautiful 
 old mahogany table loaded with fine silver, and softly 
 shaded candelabra, surrounded by smart and well- 
 favoured young people, looked very gay indeed. The 
 racing party, -.who had scrambled into their clothes, 
 gradually dropped in between soup, and the second 
 entree, and heartlessly announced that "the others had 
 evidently lost their way ! " It certainly looked like it, 
 for as time advanced, no one appeared to fill the two 
 vacant places ; and vacant places, make a gap, and 
 spoil the symmetry of a dinner table, much as a missing 
 front tooth, mars a pretty face ! 
 
 " They certainly ought to be here by this time," re- 
 marked Mrs. De Wolfe, consulting her wristlet watch, 
 " it's just half-past nine." 
 
 " Perhaps the car has broken down ? " suggested Major 
 Home, " and they are walking home ! " 
 
 " A fairly long walk," said Billy Miller, " and a hate- 
 fully lonely road." 
 
 "Oh! Dudley won't mind that," said Josie, in an 
 intimate aside. 
 
 It had been a lively and festive meal, the guests were 
 all in high good humour. Dessert had been disposed of, 
 and the ladies were awaiting Mrs. De Wolfe's " eye," 
 when Sutton, the butler, entered with unusual solemnity,
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 223 
 
 and bending his head, made some grave announcement 
 in the immediate vicinity of her left ear. 
 
 " Nonsense ! " she exclaimed in a startled tone, 
 " nonsense ! " 
 
 "What is it?" demanded Mayne, and his voice 
 sounded masterful, and imperious. 
 
 " Sutton tells me, that the car has come back, and 
 that it is empty! " Meanwhile Sutton stood by, with 
 ,a face as expressionless as a dinner plate ! 
 
 " Empty ! " echoed Mrs. Home; " what does he meant 
 where are Nancy, and Sir Dudley 1 " 
 
 Sutton cleared his voice twice, and with an over- 
 whelming importance suitable to the 'occasion, said: 
 " When the footman ran down to open the door just 
 now, there was no one inside the car nothing but the 
 dust knee cover, and Miss Travers' feather boa." 
 
 "After a deadly silence, Mrs. De Wolfe pulled herself 
 together, rose and said, as she looked round. " Of course 
 we shall find some ridiculous explanation ; meanwhile, 
 let us adjourn, I will interview Saxton myself." 
 
 Whilst the ladies in the drawing-room were whisper- 
 ing, and wondering, and the men in the dining-room 
 were "lighting up and passing round the port, Mrs. 
 De Wolfe entered the library, there to await her chauf- 
 feur. She was accompanied by Roger, and was not a 
 little astonished, when Captain Mayne joined them. 
 He made no excuse whatever, and looked serious, and 
 unJike his usual cheery self. After a short delay, Saxton 
 was ushered in, a middle-aged, clean-shaven man, of 
 few words. 
 
 " Pray explain, Saxton, where you left Miss Travers, 
 and Sir Dudley 1 " said his mistress. 
 
 " That's more than I can say, ma'am," and there was 
 a moment's silence. 
 
 "Well, say something!" urged Mayne impatiently 
 (thrusting a spoon into what was not his porridge). 
 
 "All I can say, is, that I never laid an eye on either, 
 from the time we left the race stand till now." 
 
 ""Where did you stop 1 " asked Mayne; promptly fore- 
 stalling Mrs. De Wolfe's anxious questions. 
 
 " At a little old farm by the road, to get water for 
 the engine. I ran round to the pump and wasn't away 
 two minutes later on we had a fairly long wait, maybe 
 a quarter of an hour, at Harraby railway crossing."
 
 224 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " And you never happened to look back into the car 1 " 
 suggested Roger De Wolfe. 
 
 " No, I never does, I want all my eyes the other 
 way." 
 
 "Very true, all right, go on." 
 
 " Well I was just staggered, when Fox opened the 
 door of the car, and turned to me, and said ' Why didn't 
 you go round to the garage 1 there's no one inside ' 
 and that's all / know ! " 
 
 " Very well, Saxton, that will do," said his mistress, 
 " go now ana get your supper," and with a military 
 salute, Saxton departed. 
 
 " It is the .strangest, most extraordinary affair," 
 declared Mrs. De Wolfe. " I expect Nancy has done 
 something wild, and giddy, and we shall have her ar- 
 riving to-night, in the musty old station fly, full of her 
 adventure, and apologies. I'm not really alarmed, 
 only puzzled. Well! rising as she spoke, "I must 
 return to the ladies; you two, have not had your smoke. 
 Don't forget that we are playing Bridge, and want to 
 make up four tables." 
 
 Bridge proved to be unusually engrossing, and it was 
 only when the players happened to be Dummy, that 
 their thoughts wandered to the missing couple. Mayne 
 was not among the card party, he seemed restless, and 
 unsettled, and wandered into the big hall, where he 
 concealed himself in one of the largest arm chairs, be- 
 hind a newspaper. By twelve o'clock, the last lady 
 guests had retired, early hours were the rule at the 
 Court. 
 
 And just about this time, a sinister whisper began 
 to creep up from the lower regions; it reached Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, as she was taking off her pearls. In spite 
 of her attitude, the old lady was painfully anxious. 
 " Thank God," she said to herself, " there was no fear 
 of an accident, the car and Saxton had come home 
 intact ; but where were Nancy and Dudley ? Surely they 
 must know the misery their absence was causing." 
 
 Turning to Haynes, her confidential treasure, she said, 
 " Is it not extraordinary about Miss Travers? Although 
 I have said nothing downstairs, I am very uneasy, and 
 half inclined to telephone to the police station. I don't 
 think there's much use in my going to bed, for I shall 
 certainly not sleep. Why, Haynes, what's the matter, 
 your face is all blotches, you've been crying ! Don't
 
 GIVEN IN MAREIAGE 225 
 
 be foolish, don't you know, that half the troubles in the 
 world, are those that have never happened." 
 
 " But this has happened, ma'am," rejoined the maid 
 with a sniflf . " Martin tells me, that Antonio got a wire 
 from his master about eight o'clock telling him where 
 to bring his own car; and to pack his clothes, and get 
 Miss Travers' warm coat, ana a few things in a suit 
 ease. He said they were going off to Paris together." 
 
 The old lady gave a sharp exclamation, then suddenly 
 .sat down. " You must be out of your mind ! " she cried. 
 
 "Martin wouldn't give him a stitch," continued 
 Haynes triumphantly, not as much as a pocket-hand- 
 kerchief; she said she didn't believe a word he said 
 and I know myself, that I've caught him out in awful 
 lies ! However, he went and helped himself to a coat 
 out of the hall one of yours, I think took most of Sir 
 Dudley's luggage, and went off with the car about ten 
 o'clock: all the men saw him ! Here, wait a second, 
 and I'll get a drop of brandy; keep up, my dear lady, 
 and don't faint if you can help it, and Mrs. De Wolfe 
 did keep up, although she looked like death. 
 
 " I'm too old for these shocks, Haynes," she muttered, 
 after a long silence, " I thought I was hardened ! I 
 suppose so far, this story is only known downstairs." 
 
 "That's all, ma'am; and I needn't tell you, that not 
 one of the servants would breathe it." 
 
 The tale was nevertheless stealing through the house. 
 Mrs. Speyde heard it from her maid; and was at first 
 rudely incredulous. After taking two or three turns up 
 and down the room, she said, " Wait a moment, I'll not 
 undress yet I've forgotten something downstairs." 
 
 "Can't I fetch it, ma'am?" 
 
 "No !" waving her back, "I know where it is myself !" 
 
 She went softly out along the corridor, and stood 
 looking over the balustrade into the great lounge. Mayne 
 was the only individual below the other men were as- 
 sembled in the smoking-room suddenly he glanced up, 
 and beheld Josie in her flame-coloured garment, drifting 
 down the stairs. She paused half-way, and beckoned to 
 him. 
 
 ' Derek, I've something to tell you," she whispered, 
 as she halted on the lowest step. Glancing round, she 
 leant forward, and said : " Something dreadful has hap- 
 pened ! Dudley and Nancy have run away to Paris/ " 
 
 Mayne stood very still he might have been a stone.
 
 226 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " His own car, and chauffeur have gone to meet them 
 with their luggage what a terrible blow for the old 
 lady ! " 
 
 What a terrible blow for Mayne ! This was the 
 second time that Nancy had. so to speak, made him to 
 pass through fire. How false, how treacherous, was that 
 young, and innocent face ! 
 
 As Mayne remained speechless, Josie continued: " So 
 still waters run deep not that Nancy was ever very 
 still. Although he is my own cousin, I always knew, 
 that Dudley was a bad lot ; a regular rotter ! but as for 
 the girl, I must confess I'm surprised. Aren't you 1 " 
 
 " I am," he assented, in a strange dry voice, " sur- 
 prised in one way, but not in another. It's not the 
 first time, that Miss Travers has run away." 
 
 Josie opened her great black eyes, to their widest 
 extent. 
 
 "And you knew all about it so that is the secret be-' 
 tween you ! " but Mayne made no reply, and to her great 
 astonishment, walked across the hall, snatched his cap 
 from a peg, opened the great door, and went out. 
 
 At this moment, the sound of loud and jovial voices 
 approaching, warned her, that the smoking-room party 
 were about to disperse, so she turned about, ran lightly 
 up the stairs, and disappeared into her own apartment. 
 As for Mayne, he went round into the stable-yard, where 
 men were still hanging about : one of the neighbours 
 had not yet taken his departure; he noticed a group of 
 two or three grooms, and a couple of white-capped 
 wqmen in close conference, they looked like a gang of 
 conspirators. The doors of the great garage had not 
 been closed, and fcs the moon made everything as bright 
 as day, he saw, that Sir Dudley's big Mercedes had 
 vanished ! 
 
 As she had prognosticated, Mrs. De Wolfe never slept 
 that night. She looked a wrinkled old wreck, when 
 Haynes brought her her early tea ; nevertheless this 
 Spartan matron, insisted upon getting up and having 
 herself dressed as usual. In spite of Haynes' expostula- 
 tions, she declared, "I'll go down to breakfast, if it 
 costs me my life ! The people upstairs know nothing : 
 so far no one knows the truth, except the servants, and 
 I feel sure that they will keep this terrible matter to 
 themselves. All my guests will have departed by twelve 
 o'clock, and then I shall take to my bea. You may call
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 227 
 
 it a chill, or whatever you like, but I depend upon you, 
 to allow no one to come near me." 
 
 The old lady's voice was unusually weak : her hands, 
 as she put on her rings, trembled alarmingly. At last 
 she was ready, and just as she was about to leave her 
 room, a familiar figure came flying along the passage, 
 with outstretched hands. 
 
 " Nancy ! " 
 
 " Here I am at last ! " she gasped out, " and so dread- 
 fully, dreadfully, sorry, to have tortured you darling 
 Auntie," embracing her as she spoke. 
 
 " Where have you been 1 " said the trembling old lady, 
 endeavouring to thrust her away. 
 
 " Let me come into your room, and tell you all about 
 it." Taking her forcibly Toy the arm, she added, "Do 
 sit down, you are shaking all over ! " 
 
 Mrs. De Wolfe made no reply, but signalled for her 
 to speak. 
 
 " I spent last night in a cottage near Lofty. You've 
 heard about the car having left us behind. This morn- 
 ing, I got up at four o'clock, and walked over the wet 
 fields, to a little station, and caught a milk train; I 
 
 give the guard five shillings, and he dropped me at 
 aygate. Then I got the old fly, and here I am ! " 
 
 " And Dudley, what has become of Dudley ? " 
 
 " Haynes," said Nancy, suddenly turning towards her, 
 " would you mind asking Martin to get my bath ready, 
 I do feel such a grub ! " 
 
 Yes, for the first time in her life, Nancy appeared 
 positively draggled : her hat was battered, her muslin 
 race-gown torn and soiled, her smart shoes were covered 
 with mud, whilst her face looked worn, and almost 
 haggard. 
 
 As soon as Haynes had departed, she sat down on 
 the sofa by Mrs. De Wolfe, and taking her hand, she 
 said, " Auntie, Sir Dudley has shown himself in his true 
 colours, at last. He is a horrible, false, evil-minded 
 wretch yes, he is," then very rapidly she told how she 
 could not resist the temptation to inspect the old chest, 
 of the departure of the motor, and the wire dispatched 
 to recall Saxton sometimes speaking breathlessly, some- 
 times speaking deliberately, always with a great agita- 
 tion, Nancy related the story of her experience in Mrs. 
 Bode's front parlour; to all of which her companion 
 listened with an expression of incredulous horror.
 
 228 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 When at last Nancy ceased to speak, she said : " Oh, 
 to think of Dudley : Dudley, whom I've almost thought 
 of as a son, what a traitor ! If anyone but you, had 
 told me this I would not have believed it. I must 
 confess, this adventure of yours, has been a terrible 
 revelation, another illusion destroyed. I have lost a 
 life-long belief. Well, what you and I, have now to do, 
 is to conceal this escapade. I shall go down, and an- 
 nounce your return. What cock and a bull story am I 
 to telUthem, Nancy?" 
 
 She rose as she spoke, and confronted her young 
 friend, looking terribly old, and shaken. 
 
 " Tell them 1 "repeated Nancy, " let me think ! Tell 
 them, that Sir Dudley and I were left behind, thanks 
 to Saxton's mistake, and that I was obliged to remain 
 at the cottage for the night 1 ; but that Sir Dudley made 
 his way to the nearest station, and went. up to London. 
 Do you think that will do ? " 
 
 " It may pass ! but what about his sending for his 
 own car ? " 
 
 " I don't suppose that will come out till later." 
 
 " No ! Of course the servants will talk, but their 
 masters and _ mistresses who are leaving me to-day are 
 bound to believe my version of the adventure, the least 
 they can do after a week's hospitality ! " 
 
 " Then I shall hurry off and have my bath, and dress," 
 said Nancy, " and come down as soon as possible, and 
 show myself. It will be rather a strain, all things con- 
 sidered, for just at present, I should like to go away, 
 and have a really good comfortable cry." 
 
 "TO HIM WHO WAITS -" 
 
 MRS. BODB'S motley collection of good old " bits " of 
 glass and china, odds and ends of quaint rubbish 
 samplers, beads, monster shells, mouldy books of great 
 age, and Mrs. Bode's funny talk, had kept Nancy well 
 amused, and occupied for nearly an hour, and then her 
 hostess insisted on providing a meal, tea, home-made 
 bread, fresh butter, russet apples, and cold bacon. With 
 considerable pomp this simple repast, borne on a huge 
 black tray, was carried to the froat sitting-room, or 
 parlour, and there laid out upon a fine gate table,
 
 229 
 
 flanked by cottage Chippendale chairs. From the deep 
 narrow window, overlooking the road, Nancy leant out, 
 and beckoned gaily to Sir Dudley, who all this time 
 had been pacing to and fro, smoking endless cigarettes. 
 
 As Nancy poured out tea, and he took a place opposite, 
 she wondered if by any chance, Mrs. Bode would take 
 them for husband and wife? Mrs. Bode, having as she 
 considered, " done her manners," and pressed jam, 
 bacon, and apples, in turn upon Sir Dudley, with an 
 excuse about a sick calf, left them to their own devices. 
 Sir Dudley appeared unusually silent and restless, he 
 refused tea, but munched an apple, and then got up 
 and began to pace about the long low room. His man- 
 ner was that of a man, whose nerves were on edge. 
 
 " I can't think what is keeping the car," remarked 
 Nancy, for the third time; "surely that boj' took the 
 wire," and she, too, rose, and returned to her post in 
 the narrow deep-set window, through which the moon- 
 light streamed into the room, making everything as clear 
 as day. 
 
 ' It is five minutes past ten by my watch." 
 
 " I expect your watch is fast," said Sir Dudley, as he 
 joined her. 
 
 ' Did you ever behold a more glorious night ? Dio 
 miof What a night for lovers'! " he murmured, as he 
 confronted her in the narrow space. 
 
 Nancy felt a little uncomfortable; a vague sensation 
 of apprehension came to her. " I think I hear the car 
 now," she announced, but her voice had an uncertain 
 sound. 
 
 " It's just like old times, to have you all to myself 
 even for an hour or two," continued her companion 
 ignoring her remark " I'm in no hurry." 
 
 "But 7 am," she declared with a nervous laugh. 
 
 " Everything comes to him who waits ! I have waited 
 nearly a year : and now, Nancy darling " here Sir 
 Dudley suddenly put his arm round her waist, " I've 
 got you at last! " 
 
 For a moment she was too paralysed to move; then 
 as she felt his grip tightening, with a tremendous effort, 
 she wrenched herself away, and backed against the 
 shuter, breathless, and gasping. 
 
 "What do you mean?" she stammered. "How dare 
 you ? " 
 
 " A man dares anything, when he loves a woman as
 
 230 GIVEN IN MAKRIAGE 
 
 for what I mean, I'll soon explain, it's all I ask," he 
 answered in a husky voice, now seizing both her wrists 
 in a vice-like grip, and devouring her with his burning 
 eyes " Nancy, my love, I've adored you, from the 
 moment we first met; but Auntie Wolfe's presence, and 
 your own strange cold temperament, held me in a state 
 of frozen bondage. At first, I swear to you, I strove 
 hard to strangle, and hide my feelings, because Auntie 
 Wolfe, my mother's friend, believes in me ; but it was 
 useless. After all, why should I struggle against my 
 good angel ? and you are cold and undemonstrative, as 
 an angel should be nevertheless, you do care for me." 
 
 " No, no, no," protested Nancy breathlessly. " Never 
 never in the way you mean I think you must be 
 mad! Let go my hands." 
 
 " But yes, yes, yes," he reiterated. " To what other 
 fellow, have you ever shown such preference ? With me, 
 you are always ready to sing, or dance, or sketch, or 
 walk. I have watched like a lynx, for I am as jealous 
 as the devil, and you have favoured none! As for Tony 
 Hillside and Lord Lanark, bah ! ! You and I have tastes 
 in common, we shall spend our lives together ; we will go 
 to Greece, to the Far East, to Japan, and I will be 
 your humble, and devoted slave." 
 
 "Will you release my hands?" she demanded 
 furiously. 
 
 " Presently, darling, when I have said my say ! 
 Listen. Auntie Wolfe will forgive me in time; my wife 
 will divorce me, it will be merely a question of money." 
 
 Nancy endeavoured to interrupt, but it was useless: 
 she was overpowered by a fiery torrent of words, and 
 an emotion, ten times stronger than her own. 
 
 " Sometimes you drove me mad," he went on, " I felt 
 inclined to kill you, and myself, now fate has helped 
 me'" 
 
 " I thought you were an honourable man," she broke 
 in, " so this delay about the car deserting us, was all 
 planned." 
 
 " No ! I swear to you I'll take my oath it was not," 
 relinquishing her hands at last; " for once, good fortune 
 has befriended me, and thrown me a priceless chance. 
 I should like to pension that silly ass of a chauffeur ; 
 for thanks to him, you are irretrievably compromised ! 
 Yes!" in reply to Nancy gesture of recoil. " all the 
 world will know, that you and I, have spent the night
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 231 
 
 here together. As Miss Travers, you can never show 
 your face in society; but later, as Lady Villars, you 
 will be welcomed with open arms. The wire I sent, was 
 to my man Antonio, telling him to bring my car and 
 luggage here ; I expect him about eleven, possibly earlier ; 
 as soon as he arrives, we will start for Folkestone, catch 
 the early boat, and be in Paris in four hours ! " 
 
 " Surely you do not suppose, that I will go with you," 
 demanded Nancy fiercely. 
 
 "I do not suppose you have any alternative ! " he 
 answered impressively. " Of course I know, that I have 
 startled you, by this unexpected coup, but before long, 
 believe me, Nancy, you will look upon this evening, as 
 the beginning of a new, and splendid life ! You were 
 not borne to waste your best days with an old woman, 
 who, much as I love her, saps one's vitality ! You can- 
 not deny that I am handsome, well born, wealthy, and 
 adore you, and if your cold little heart cares for any- 
 one, it cares for me. We were born i.o be happy to- 
 gether." 
 
 "What crazy talk!" cried Nancy, and she made an 
 effort to pass him. 
 
 " No ! no ! my own darling; you shall stay here, and 
 listen to me. Such love as mine, will kindle yours; it 
 will, it must!" 
 
 Nancy's lips trembled but she made no reply; she 
 glanced at him, then round the room, with the eyes of a 
 trapped animal; suddenly she made a dart, and placed 
 the table between them. Oh ! if she could but reach the 
 door; but with folded arms, Sir Dudley stood between 
 her, and that means of escape, eyeing her strangely. At 
 last, she said, in a low faint voice : " You spoke just 
 now, about your wife?" 
 
 He nodded. " Yes ! a she-devil ; she's had serious 
 money losses lately, and I shall have no difficulty in 
 bringing her to terms; my wife will be all right! ' 
 
 "And what of my husband?' 1 
 
 Villars broke into a loud derisive laugh, and said : 
 : ' My own most exquisite Nancy, why invent a fairy 
 tale? You' and I, will live, a fairy tale." 
 
 " It is. no fairy tale," she answered, " I was married 
 in India before I came home." 
 
 " Pardon me, but I do not believe it." 
 
 " I cannot help that, but it is true ! Mrs. Ffinch 
 knows, so does Mrs. Hicks ; she saw me married ; it was
 
 232 GIVEN IN MARKIAGE 
 
 all legal : my father wished it to take place, as he was 
 dying/' 
 
 "And who are you? who is your husband?" 
 
 " Captain Mayne." 
 
 " Mayne! why the joke gets better and better ! you 
 don't even speak; could you not think of someone more 
 probable ? What a preposterous make-up.'' 
 
 " It's no make-up, on my honour." 
 
 " Does Mrs. De Wolfe know ? " he demanded sharply. 
 
 " No ! " 
 
 " Nothing will ever make me believe your foolish 
 story ; if it were the truth, why conceal it ? " 
 
 " Because " choking as she spoke " immediately 
 after the ceremony my father died; I was crazy with 
 grief, I hated the sight of Captain Mayne, I wrote, and 
 told him this, and then I ran away." 
 
 "Ah! so you can run away! Do you hate Captain 
 Mayne now ? " 
 
 ' " No, and if he would ask me, I would go back to 
 him to-morrow." 
 
 Villars became suddenlj' livid after a second's pause, 
 a great perpendicular vein showed itself suddenly in 
 his forehead. 
 
 " You would, would you ? Well, from what I've seen 
 of Mayne, he's the last sort of fellow to give you another 
 chance ; and anyhow this little episode with me> will, if 
 you are his wife, choke him off altogether ! Listen to 
 me, Nancy, I implore you ; why waste your lovely youth ? 
 Why not come with me : live while you live, and see the 
 far away beautiful world? And you shall come with 
 me," he concluded doggedly. 
 
 " I'd infinitely rather die ! " she answered with de- 
 cision. 
 
 " Oh, Nancy, when you speak, and look like that, 
 you break my heart ; for months you have been my hope, 
 and star, my one thought, my only object in .life. 
 Surely you guessed? " 
 
 " Never ! or do you suppose, I should have been so 
 friendly, and sisterly and trustful ? Mrs. De Wolfe said 
 your emotional speeches, and, impulsive acts, were 
 merely your Italian way, and meant nothing, she was 
 mistaken, I see ! " 
 
 " She was," now approaching, his eyes flaming in a 
 white face. 
 
 At this moment, the door opened, and Mrs. Bode
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 233 
 
 appeared in a bedgown and slippers. " There's ten 
 o clock gone, sir, and I'm thinking, that you and your 
 lady, will have to stop here to-night. I can make up 
 a room: it's not very grand, but, " further informa- 
 tion was interrupted, by Nancy, who, thrusting the 
 astonished matron violently aside, dashed out of the 
 door, and ran down the long passage into the kitchen. 
 The sound of Nancy's high-heeled shoes racing along 
 the flags, brought Villars to his senses; he had a mar- 
 vellous power of recovery and self-control ; he had 
 realized from the first, when Nancy recoiled from him 
 against the shutter, that the game was lost ! nevertheless, 
 some infernal, perverse, impulse, urged him to persist 1 
 He might yet gain her by threats, and alarms such 
 cases had been known ! 
 
 What devil had entered into him, and forced him to 
 snatch his opportunity; had whispered into his ear, as 
 he wrote that telegram in this accursed room? The 
 insanity of half an hour, had cost him. the loss of Nancy, 
 and his old godmother. Naturally the Court would 
 be closed to him for the rest of his life. Yes ! he had 
 pretty well cooked himself. Well ! he must make the 
 most of a bad job ! 
 
 Meanwhile, Mrs. Bode was staring at him, with her 
 hands on her hips and her mouth half open. At last 
 he turned rouna, and said: "The young lady and I 
 have had a falling out." 
 
 "Looks a bit like it, sir! and I declare, here's the 
 car come back for you at last ! " for just at this moment, 
 Antonio glided up to the entrance. Strange to say, 
 neither the man nor motor. were the same this vehicle 
 was a big grey open car, and there was luggage, and a 
 lady's fur- lined coat, which the chauffeur brought in, 
 and handed to Mrs. Bode with a ceremonious bow. 
 
 " Will you ask the lady to speak to me ? " said Villars, 
 as he pressed a sovereign into Mrs. Bode's horny palm. 
 
 " Thank you, sir ; it's entirely too much, entirely too 
 much ! I'll go and fetch the young^ lady," and Mrs. 
 Bode padded off in her roomy felt slippers. She found 
 Nancy, in the kitchen, looking strangely white, and 
 shaken. 
 
 " The car has come, miss," she announced cheerfully, 
 " and here's your fur coat. The gentleman will be 
 thankful, if he might speak to you? 
 
 " No, Mrs. Bode, I will never speak to that gentleman
 
 234 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 again ! If he follows me here I shall run away into the 
 fields, or," looking round, "anywhere!" 
 
 " Then you ain't going with him in that lovely car, 
 miss? " 
 
 "No, I'm going to stay here to-night, Mrs. Bode; if 
 you can give me a bed or even a chair, and to-morrow 
 morning very early, I'll get Dan to show me the way 
 to the station." 
 
 "Oh, all right, miss, I'll give you a bed, and be pleased. 
 At first, I thought you were man and wife, specially 
 as he walked about outside, and left you here by your 
 lone, but I see you've no ring." 
 
 " The gentleman is nothing to me, nothing, worse 
 than nothing," cried Nancy passionately, "we happen 
 to be staying in the same house, that was all; and the 
 car left us here by mistake." 
 
 Sounds of a brisk booted foot, coming down the long 
 passage ; Nancy looked at Mrs. Bode, who hastily opened 
 a door, and thrust her through. She found herself at 
 the foot of some queer old stairs, that twisted round a 
 huge beam or post, and led up to a low loft-like bed- 
 room, with two windows, flush with the floor. Here was 
 a tester bed, painted washstand, and a beautiful chest 
 of drawers, and here Nancy, exhausted, and trembling, 
 sat upon a low straw chair, her eyes riveted on the grey 
 motor car, immediately beneath them. It seemed to be 
 several hours, but was really twenty minutes, before 
 the car, and its occupants, moved slowly out of sight. 
 
 After a brief interview with her hostess, who had 
 appeared with a pair of clean sheets, Nancy lay down 
 on the tester bed, and in spite of a lumpy mattress, 
 and an overpowering smell of old feathers, slept, until 
 a shrill young cock, announced the breaking of another 
 day. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 NANCY CARRIES IT OFF ! 
 
 THERE was no trace of tears on Nancy's smiling face, 
 when three quarters of an hour later, she appeared 
 among the company, looking particularly fresh, and 
 self-possessed. In answer to eager queries, she gave a 
 vivid description of the lure of the oak chest, her rustic 
 hostess, her unique sleeping chamber, and early morning 
 excursion across meadows steeped in dew.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 235 
 
 " And what about Sir Dudley all this time ? " inquired 
 Mrs. Speyde, " you haven't murdered him by any chance, 
 have you 1 " 
 
 The reply to this question, came in Mrs. De Wolfe's 
 very deepest voice, " Dudley Villars made himself scarce, 
 of course ; he is a man of the world and able to cope 
 with awkward incidents. He was leaving to-day under 
 any circumstances, and has already sent for his car." 
 
 3y degrees the subject subsided, and lapsed; the 
 guests were moVe or less engaged in preparations for 
 their departure, there was not much time, for sustained 
 discussion, and as far as Nancy was concerned, an ex- 
 hausting ordeal, was satisfactorily closed. 
 
 lefore her numerous friends motored away to the 
 station, or to their several homes in the neighbourhood, 
 Naicy held a short parley with two. Firstly, with Mrs. 
 Hicks, who pounced upon her in the hall, and drawing 
 her into one of the embrasures, said: "My dear child, 
 I've scarcely had a word with you these two days; ana 
 I've just been longing and aching to hear what you and 
 Msyne said to one another on Thursday evening 1 I 
 suppose you know that 7 sent him ! " 
 
 ' : I suppose I do," rejoined Nancy bluntly. 
 
 " Has anything been settled ? " 
 
 " No, not exactly ; I believe he went away early this 
 morning." 
 
 'He did," assented Mrs. Hicks, "but he is within 
 reach, and you can easily put your hand upon him. 
 Always remember, my dear child, that whenever I can 
 do anything for you, or him, I will. I've had a most 
 gorgeous time ! everyone has been so jolly and friendly, 
 it's almost as if I was back in India, and I'll never 
 forget this tennis week as long as ever I live. Now I 
 must go and get my things together, as I see my train 
 is 12.5, so ta, ta, for the present," and she moved off. 
 
 The broad back of Mrs. Hicks was scarcely out of 
 sight, before she was superseded by Billy Miller, who 
 was evidently charged with an important subject. 
 
 " Our car has not arrived yet, Nancy," she began, and 
 Baking her arm she added, " I want you to come out on 
 tie lawn with me, for I've got something to tell you," 
 Nancy assenting, the two girls passed through the 
 french window, and strolled down towards the 
 courts. 
 " i should like you to be one of the first to know, that
 
 236 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 I am engaged to Major Home," announced Miss Miller. 
 "We settled it last evening, out here in the moonlight." 
 
 " Oh, Billy, I'm delighted ! " said Nancy. " I always 
 thought it was going to come off. I think he is charm- 
 ing, and you will have a delightful mother-in-law, but 
 what will become of your family ? " 
 
 " They will have to look after themselves," was the 
 heartless rejoinder. "I have given them a splendid start; 
 you see Minna is married, Brenda is engaged, there is 
 only Baby left, and she is the flower o? the flock; then 
 you know some of us will always be coming backwards 
 and forwards. The Pater has taken a house in town, 
 which will be a sort of family hotel. Of course, Nancy, 
 I expect you to be one of my bridesmaids. By the way, 
 my dear, you nearly gave us fits last evening." 
 
 " I'm afraid I did, and I cannot say that / was Mery 
 happy myself." 
 
 " No; I could see that Mrs. De Wolfe was on tenter- 
 hooks, although she did her best, to pretend that yur 
 staying out all night, was a mere everyday affair ! Nsxt 
 to her, amazing to relate, the one who took your abseice 
 most sorely to heart, was a mere acquaintance, Captiin 
 Mayne ! He seemed uncommonly abstracted, and silent, 
 and that was not all, I wish it had beenj his room 
 happened to be over mine, and I could hear him walking 
 about the whole night ! I would- go to sleep and wake 
 up, and there he was, still doing sentry go ! At one tine 
 I had an idea of getting out of bed, and knocking on 
 the ceiling with an umbrella: perhaps he had tooth- 
 ache ? " 
 
 " Perhaps he had," assented Nancy, but in her heart 
 she knew, that it was not toothache, but dreadful mis- 
 
 fivings with regard to herself, that had made him pace 
 is room ! He had warned her more than once against 
 Sir Dudley; and his suspicions, and dislike, had proved 
 to be only too well founded. 
 
 When all the guests had departed, a Sunday calm 
 descended on the Court. Mrs. Home and Roger De 
 Wolfe, still remained; the former as a support and 
 confidante and comfort to her old friend, fatigued b' 
 her recent activities, and greatly shaken by Nanc, y s 
 adventure, required someone of her own age, into wb* 8e 
 ear she could pour her troubles. 
 
 The two old ladies wandered about the green
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 237 
 
 or Bat in the shade together, enjoying what is known, 
 as a " good talk." The chief subject of Mrs. De Wolfe's 
 discourse, was Dudley Villars; that catastrophe had 
 dislocated years of happy friendship. " I had hereto 
 always quoted him, believed in him, and look at what 
 he has done 1 " Mrs. Horne, an unusually noble-minded 
 woman, never attempted to recall their interview, and 
 her warning at Cadenabbia merely contenting herself 
 with saying, " I never liked Sir Dudley, or trusted him, 
 my dear; but I thought that perhaps, as you were so 
 fond of him, there must be good in him, which I could 
 not discover/' 
 
 Whilst these two friends enjoyed one another's society, 
 Roger De Wolfe went round the farms, and coverts, with 
 bailiff and keepers, more as agent, for his cousin, than 
 with the eye of a man inspecting his future possessions ! 
 He was, as Mrs. De Wolfe had said, a good, single- 
 minded, stupid fellow, forty years of age, and still 
 unmarried. Even his best friends were bound to admit 
 that Roger was a bore, a silent bore, which is one of 
 the most trying description. The type that sits, and 
 sticks, scarcely speaking, obviously waiting to be en- 
 tertained ; absorbing ideas, like a great sponge. 
 
 Nancy liked Roger ; at least he was restful ; and when 
 his two chief topics were exhausted, prize retrievers, 
 and carpentering she suffered him to, so to speak, 
 "stew in his own juice." They played croquet, and the 
 girls from the Rectory came up and made a set at tennis ; 
 but as a rule Nancy spent a good deal of time with her- 
 self; lounging in a hammock, dipping into a novel, or 
 sitting on the rustic seat, at the end of the long turf 
 walk. The two old ladies went motoring of an afternoon, 
 and Mrs. De Wolfe expressed her intention of calling on 
 Mrs. Bode and thanking her in person. 
 
 " I daresay you will like to come too, Nancy," she 
 said. 
 
 " On the contrary, I don't think I could endure to see 
 that house again ; no I really couldn't face it ! I have 
 already written to Mrs. Bode and sent her a present, 
 and if she offers you a blue bowl, please say that I have 
 changed my mind, but you need not add, that I do not 
 wish for anything to remind me of her abode." 
 
 The day following her visit to Mrs. Bode, Mrs. De 
 Wolfe declared, that she must go and look up Richard 
 Mayne. " I fancy he is feeling rather lonely, now that
 
 238 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 his nephew has departed, and I'll ask him over on a 
 little visit. I must confess, I was greatly affronted 
 with Derek : rushing out of the house before breakfast. 
 just as if it had been an hotel; it would have served 
 him right, if I had sent a stiff bill after him ! How- 
 ever, I had a nice note from him, a note of apology, 
 telling me, that he had been unable to wait to see me 
 that morning, as urgent business summoned him to 
 London, and he hoped that I would forgive him ? I 
 expect he will be down again, before long, for the part- 
 ridge shooting, and then I shall give him a piece of 
 my mind, for although I like the boy, I don't hold with 
 these casual manners." 
 
 Nancy did not accompany the two ladies, she preferred 
 to take the dogs out, and as she was crossing the hall, 
 Sutton approached her with a solemn face, bearing a 
 note on the salver, and said, " I am very sorry, Miss 
 Travers, but this note was given to me for you just a. 
 week ago. It happened at an awkward time, before 
 dinner, the night of that big party. I put it inside the 
 wine book, in my pantry, and forgot all about it until 
 now; such an oversight has never happened to me be- 
 fore ; but I hope you will excuse me, miss, knowing what 
 a lot I had on my mind, and so many things to see to. 
 1 trust the note is of no consequence, I see it was 
 written in the house." 
 
 Yes there on the flap of the envelope was " Newen- 
 ham Court." 
 
 "Thank you, Sutton," said Nancy, "I expect it is 
 all right," then turning over the note, she was startled 
 to find that it was addressed to her in Mayne's hand- 
 writing. She tore it open, and read : 
 
 Thursday evening. 
 MY DEAR NANCY, 
 
 It was very unfortunate, that our conversation this afternoon 
 was interrupted, I should much like to have a talk. May I find 
 you in the little book room immediately after dinner? I shall 
 be there anyhow, about nine o'clock. 
 
 Yours always, 
 
 D. MAYNE. 
 
 This was dreadful ; not only had she failed to keep 
 the rendezvous, but she had been absent the whole of 
 the following night; and had not arrived home, until 
 after his departure. Naturally, to him, the whole affair 
 must present the blackest aspect. What would she do?
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 239 
 
 what could she do 1 She felt almost distraught, as she 
 wandered out into the garden, and walked up and down 
 the long turf track, in much the same frame of mind, 
 as that, which had kept Mayne afoot for a whole night. 
 
 She remembered the evening of the tournament how 
 he had never come near her, but, how she had caught his 
 eyes watching her gravely, as she and Sir Dudley sang 
 duets. She would write to him immediately, and give 
 him a full account of her hateful adventure in Mrs. 
 Bode's cottage, and she would ask him to arrange for 
 them to have an immediate meeting. Her present posi- 
 tion, was insupportable, the secret altogether too heavy 
 a burden. She was not playing the game, in keeping 
 such a page of her past from Mrs. De Wolfe, nor was 
 it honourable to pass herself off, as a spinster, among 
 the young men of her acquaintance. If Mayne had not 
 returned home, and at least if they had not come across 
 one another, matters might have remained in abeyance 
 for years; but now thai; she knew him, and time had 
 softened a far away tragedy, she realized that she loved 
 him ; yes, to herself, there was no use in thrusting away, 
 or trying to evade the truth. 
 
 The question was, did he love her? Perhaps! pro- 
 bably ! Yes, a girl has an intuition in Ijhese things ; 
 of course there was the money ; that was still a rock 
 of offence; but many men had married women with 
 fortunes, and the marriages had not been unhappy! 
 Quite the contrary, by all accounts; and she could point 
 out to him, that when they were married, he had been 
 the rich partner, and she as poor as a church mouse. 
 Partridge shooting would begin shortly, she would pro- 
 bably see him in a few days .meanwhile she would write. 
 She sat for a long time mentally composing her letter. 
 At last, she heard the motor return, and presently she 
 rose to meet the two old ladies, who were coming towards 
 her across the lawn. 
 
 " Well ! " she exclaimed, " how did you find Mr. 
 Mayne?" 
 
 " Oh, my dear," replied Mrs. De Wolfe, throwing up 
 her hands, " I never saw him in such low spirits, we 
 really couldn't help feeling very sorry for him, what 
 do you think ? Derek Mayne has gone back to India, 
 he left for Marseilles yesterday morning." 
 
 "Gone back to India," repeated Nancy, "but why? 
 I heard he had got an extension of leave."
 
 240 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 " Yes, but there is some trouble on the frontier, they 
 say, and Derek is high up among the captains of his 
 regiment, and I have always heard a very keen soldier- 
 Mrs. Home and I have put our heads together, and 
 come to the conclusion that there's something more in 
 his departure, than meets the eye. Perhaps we shall 
 all know some day ? Well, anyway, Nancy, the news 
 does not affect you, for somehow, you and Derek were 
 never particularly friendly. 
 
 To this, Nancy made no answer, and if her old friend 
 had not been engaged in returning the caresses of three 
 dogs, she might have noticed that her young friend 
 looked strangely pale. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII 
 
 THE INDIAN MAIL 
 
 WHEN Nancy found herself in her own room, she locked 
 the door, and sat down to face this unexpected situation, 
 this new trouble. She was well aware of the reason 
 of Derek's abrupt departure, but surely it was impos- 
 sible for him to believe that she had run away with Sir 
 Dudley 1 he must have heard from his uncle, that she 
 was still at the Court. However, it was evident, that he 
 had received a bad impression of her character, and 
 would have nothing further to say to her ! She im- 
 mediately determined to write to him, and found won- 
 derful comfort in the conviction, that she could clear 
 herself by pen and paper, but unfortunately the letter 
 would have to wait for days before it could be 
 dispatched. This important epistle she wrote, re-wrote, 
 corrected, and copied, over and over again. Sometimes 
 she found that it said too much, sometimes too little: 
 sometimes it was too bold, sometimes too formal, and 
 always too long. After many hours of meditation, and 
 changing her mind, and destroying much note-paper, 
 she completed in two sheets, an explanation, which she 
 believed would do, and leave no disagreeable arriere 
 pensee upon her conscience. 
 
 With considerable diplomacy she obtained the correct 
 address from Mr. Mayne, motored over to Maynesfort 
 alone, took tea with the old gentleman, entertained him 
 with lively talk, made a casual inquiry, and accom- 
 plished her errand ! On mail day, the momentous dis- 
 patch was duly posted by her own hand.
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 241 
 
 The next event in Nancy's existence, was the death 
 of Mrs. Jenkins. A sudden seizure of apoplexy carried 
 her off in a few hours; her will proved to be a sur- 
 prising document, and a bitter disappointment to Mrs. 
 Taylor. To her dear friend Henrietta Taylor, she only 
 left one hundred pounds, to Miss Dolling, fifty pounds, 
 for the purchase of a mourning ring, the Pom and a 
 substantial sum were bequeathed to the butler; three 
 hundred a year and her wardrobe, to Baker, her faithful 
 maid; her pearls and her portrait to her dear niece, 
 Nancy Travers, as well as the Travers silver and books; 
 all the remainder including lease of house and invest- 
 ments were to his great surprise bequeathed to the 
 nephew of her late husband, Samuel Jenkins. 
 
 After all, it was but just and fair, that the Jenkins 
 money, should return to the Jenkins purse? But why 
 should poor Mrs. Taylor be cut off with a hundred 
 pounds ? alas ! the sad truth must be disclosed. Al- 
 though Mrs. Taylor enjoyed prolonged midnight con- 
 ferences, it was Baker, the maid, who had the' very last 
 word, when putting her lady to bed. Baker cordially 
 hated Mrs. Taylor, naturally it was painful for her to 
 witness the valuable presents, and beautiful dresses, that 
 the weak-minded old lady bestowed upon he*- toady. By 
 gradual degrees, the crafty woman dropped some poison- 
 ous truths into her mistress's ear ; she even inferred, 
 that Mrs. Taylor was a double-faced friend; who said 
 one thing to her lady's face, and another behind her 
 back ! 
 
 " I know for a fact, that she told Mrs. Seymour as 
 how your memory was going," boldly announced Baker, 
 with her mistress's little rat tail of back hair, tightly 
 clenched in her hand, " and that you really wanted 
 someone like herself, to look after you, and your affairs." 
 
 Although Mrs. Jenkins had angrily repudiated this 
 information, and commanded the maid to hold her 
 tongue, nevertheless the dart rankled, and went far to 
 counteract Mrs. Taylor's honeyed speeches, and auda- 
 cious flatteries. To these, Mrs. Jenkins listened greedily, 
 but she was a sly old thing, and took notes. One or 
 two of her visitors, had ventured hints respecting Mrs. 
 Taylor and her pretensions, for her arrogance had be- 
 come insupportable. It had been whispered, that she 
 had already decided what she intended to do with thp 
 house in Queen's Gate, when it was her property; and
 
 242 
 
 had more than once rashly intimated, that her dear 
 friend Mrs. Jenkins was "breaking up!" 
 
 Nancy, who was much surprised at the news of her 
 legacy, stored the picture, sent the pearls to her bank, 
 and went into slight mourning. In these days, she felt 
 nearly as dull and silent as Roger De Wolfe, although 
 she made a valiant effort to appear otherwise : she was 
 counting the very hours, until she could receive an 
 answer to her letter, but perhaps Derek would not 
 reply 1 
 
 Her hopes went up and down, like a see-saw at one 
 moment she was sanguine the next visited by despair. 
 Undoubtedly it was an agreeable distraction to Nancy, 
 and a pleasure to her other friends, when Mrs. Ffinch 
 appeared upon the scene. She looked thin, and weather- 
 beaten, but as active, and energetic as ever. At first 
 she came down to stay with the Hillsides, and later to 
 the Court, a much more comfortable abode. She had 
 frequently visited there as a girl, and now made herself 
 thoroughly at home. Naturally she saw a great change 
 in her protegee; here was another Nancy from the flap- 
 per of Fairplains, and the two, had long and intimate 
 talks : having many topics, and one secret in common. 
 
 " And so you had Mayne at home," said Finchie. 
 
 With this abrupt remark, she had opened their first 
 tete-a-tete. "Yes. By accident you fell n;>t 'among 
 thieves,' but, among his friends ! That marriage was 
 a terrible disaster. If I had not happened to be away, 
 it would never have taken place. Just see, what a fix 
 you are in; a girl of your appearance and position, 
 could marry almost anybody, including my poor Tony. 
 Dear me, Nancy, how much I should like you for a 
 niece ! Perhaps it could come off after all ; for I sup- 
 pose you are aware, that Captain Mayne could get rid 
 of you if he liked. Desertion ! but what an esclandref 
 You would have to go back to Fairplains. and bury 
 yourself temporarily among the coffee bushes ! You and 
 he have met I know, and met often, I believe he was 
 actually staying here ! " 
 
 Nancy nodded. 
 
 "And there it ended for the present? I understand 
 he has returned to India. I do not know what he and 
 Josie have been up to, at least I can guess what she 
 has been doing, flirting for all she is worth, but she 
 has her knife into Derek Mayne up to the hilt; and for
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 243 
 
 what reason ? the rest is silence ! Ah ! here is the post- 
 man coming up the back avenue, let us go down and 
 waylay him, for this is Indian Mail day, and I am 
 expecting the usual screed from my old man." 
 
 As the ladies waited whilst the postman sorted put 
 "the Court letters," Nancy's heart almost stood still; 
 would there be one for her, or not ? There was! She 
 turned her back upon her two companions, and opened 
 it with trembling fingers. 
 
 Hawari Camp, 
 
 Darwaza Hills, 
 
 N. W. Frontier. 
 MY DEAR NANCY, 
 
 I was very glad to receive your letter, which makes every- 
 v thing clear. Fate was dead against that interview, perhaps I 
 may get home when this bit of a. scrap is over ; we are expecting 
 to have a brush with the tribes at once. If I do manage leave, 
 I shall return immediately, and hope our meeting may come 
 off, the third time is the charm. I write in desperate haste to 
 catch the Dak just going down, as I want you to have this 
 answer without delay. My hands are so frozen, I can scarcely 
 hold my pen ; will write again next week. 
 
 Yours always, 
 
 D. M. 
 
 This letter filled Nancy with a glow of happiness and 
 a sense of joy and relief, such as she had not known for 
 many a long day. She hurried up the avenue clutching 
 her treasure, half afraid that Finchie would overtake 
 and cross-examine her, but looking back she noticed, 
 that Finchie, with a large bundle of correspondence in 
 her hand, was still gossiping with the postman. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 THE AVOWAL 
 
 IT was mid October and the woods round Newenham 
 were not now dressed in green, but clothed in various 
 shades of brown, dark red, and deep orange; in the 
 grounds, one no longer heard the continual rattle of 
 the mowing machine ; the gardeners were busy with bar- 
 rows and brooms, sweeping up, and removing, the endless 
 showers of withered leaves. Within, the atmosphere 
 was gay and sunny, here were various congenial guests : 
 Roger De Wolfe and Major Home had come for the 
 pheasant shooting. Mrs. Horne, Billy and Baby Miller 
 were of the party, and Mrs. Hicks who had rushed down
 
 244 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 on a flying visit, before she sailed for India, also Mrs. 
 Ffinch, and Mr. Mayne. 
 
 The solitary old gentleman, had seemed so dull and 
 depressed, that Mrs. De Wolfe insisted that he should 
 join her circle even for a few days. To Nancy she said, 
 " I've no doubt that the gossips will think that we are 
 going to be married at last; they settled a match years 
 and years ago, and how my boys used to laugh and chaff 
 me ! You will look after him, Nancy, the old man is 
 devoted to you, and you are devoted to him, and I must 
 confess, I admire the courage with which you take him 
 on at Bridge; a most hopeless and expensive partner, 
 who doubles and re-doubles, even if he holds a Yar- 
 borough ; the old gambling spirit re-appearing in a 
 milder form ! " 
 
 It was five o'clock in the afternoon, the party were 
 collected round the tea table in the hall, a table laden 
 with rare old silver, a fine Crown Derby tea-service, hot 
 scones savoury sandwiches and cakes too numerous to 
 mention and Mrs. Ffinch, who never lost sight of an 
 opportunity, had cleverly manoeuvred dull Roger De 
 Wolfe into a seat next to lively Baby Miller. In the 
 opinion of this astute matron, it was full time that Roger 
 was married ; he was forty ? his hair was thinning on the 
 top, his figure was thickening ; in short, she was resolved 
 upon this match. Glancing over the girls in the neigh- 
 bourhood, she found none so suitable to be the future 
 mistress of the Court, as pretty, red-haired 'Baby." 
 
 She could see that Roger was already dazzled and 
 fascinated, and it would be a most desirable alliance. 
 Roger was plain, silent, and worthy ; Baby was a charm- 
 ing chatterbox, and a nice, good, clever girl ; some day. 
 she would and should be the chatelaine of this dear old 
 house, and take charge of the precious family treasures, 
 when their present owner had passed away. There was 
 a loud hum of talking, and Iaughing 2 Major Home and 
 Roger De Wolfe were discussing their day's sport, Mr. 
 Mayne and Mrs. De Wolfe were still wrangling about 
 their last rubber, when Sutton entered, salver in hand. 
 
 " Your letters have just come, sir," he said, approach- 
 ing Mr. Mayne "Are there any orders for Graham? " 
 
 The old gentleman took up his letters, glanced at them 
 indifferently, and answered, "No, not to-day," turning 
 to Mrs. De Wolfe he added : 
 
 " Only a bill from my saddler, and a letter from Julia
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 245 
 
 Torquilstone. I wonder what the deuce she, is writing 
 about ? " he added peevishly " sure to want something, 
 and he laid it unopened by his plate. " I was hoping 
 to hear from my boy. I know the mail came in two days 
 ago. ;; 
 
 Nancy too had hoped for a letter; but her hopes had 
 been doomed to disappointment. 
 
 As soon as Mr. Mayne had disposed of Mrs. De Wolfe's 
 argument, and a second cup of tea, he opened the ne- 
 glected epistle from his sister-in-law, and read it with 
 a frowning face. 
 
 " Here's bad news ! " he exclaimed, in a tone which 
 silenced every other voice. " Julia has had a line from 
 the War Office, to say that Derek 'has been dangerously 
 wounded in some action with the hill tribes. Oh, these 
 little wars, and what thev cost us ! " 
 
 "Are there any particulars?" inquired Mrs. De 
 Wolfe. 
 
 " There you are ! " handing her an official telegram. 
 "I suppose." and his voice was husky, "he will leave 
 his bones out there, like his father." 
 
 When Mrs. De Wolfe had glanced over the slip of 
 paper, she was not a little surprised, to see Nancy rise 
 from her place, and stretch out a trembling hand. 
 
 '' May I see it too ? " she asked. The question was 
 so clear and so unexpected, that every eye was riveted 
 on the pale girl, whose gaze wsts bent on the telegram, 
 that is to say every eye, save those of Mr. Mayne, 
 who was apparently engulfed in his own trouble 
 
 " I suppose he will die out there alone ! " he groaned. 
 " Of course Julia won't stir, I'm too old, and there's 
 nobody else ^o go." 
 
 " 7 will go," announced Nancy, steadying herself by 
 a tall Charles the First chair, and looking round the 
 assembled company, with a white and rigid face. " I 
 must tell you all at last, and now, that that " and 
 her voice sank till it became a whisper but a;n audible 
 whisper, " I am his wife! " 
 
 " Nancy ! " ejaculated Mrs. De Wolfe, in a key of 
 contrasting depth. 
 
 " It's true," she continued with livid lips, " we were 
 married by my father's deathbed, two and a half years 
 ago, and " here she completely broke down. 
 
 " Nancy, child, don't, I'll tell it," volunteered Mrs. 
 Ffinch, stretching out her arm. " No, she is not raving,
 
 246 
 
 as you might naturally suppose, ' she added, glancing 
 at her companions. "I know all about it, and Mrs. 
 Hicks was present, she saw them married ! " 
 
 " Yes," corroborated Mrs. Hicks, " I did, and it's 
 about the only secret I've ever been able to keep ! " 
 
 "But why a secret? " demanded Mrs. De Wolfe, who 
 had recovered her composure. 
 
 " We were married to relieve my father's mind," re- 
 plied Nancy, who had also reclaimed her self-possession. 
 " I was alone in the world, and very poor, and he was 
 dreadfully unhappy about me; Captain Mayne and I 
 did not care for one another in those days ! Please ! " 
 looking round the circle " do forgive me for deceiving 
 you, but we agreed to keep the marriage secret, and to 
 be strangers always, and I must confess, that / behaved 
 very badly. I was distracted, and I ran away; but I 
 was so young, and so heart-broken ! It is different now ; 
 I shall leave with Mrs. Hicks on Friday, and pray that 
 I may be in time. I am going to send off a cable," and 
 looking like the wraith of Nancy Travers, she left them. 
 
 The old mahogany door closed upon a long expressive 
 silence, presently to be broken by Mrs. Ffinch, who 
 gladly took up her parable. Here was her hour ! what 
 an opening for her natural eloquence, and love of 
 dominating a situation ! As she unravelled Nancy's 
 past, she had the supreme happiness of knowing, that 
 her listeners actually hung upon her words, especially 
 old Mr. Mayne, with his head advanced, and hand be- 
 hind his left and best, ear ! 
 
 In a few short and telling sentences, she described 
 Nancy's adoration of her father, their ideally happy 
 life, the terrible scene with the panther, Mayne's bad 
 shot, his rescue by Travers, and how when Travers was 
 dying, Mayne had come forward, and undertaken the 
 charge of Nancy. How immediately after the funeral 
 Nancy, in a condition of frenzied grief, had written a 
 letter of farewell and repudiation to Mayne, and taken 
 .refuge with her old nurse at Coimbatore. 
 
 "Aye, it really was a terrible letter," chimed in Mrs. 
 Hicks, " I was there, when he read it, and he looked 
 knocked all of a 'cap. First he showed it to Teddy 
 Dawson, and then to me. She said as how she blamed 
 him, and how she hated him, and so he let her go, 
 what else could he do ? " throwing herself back in her 
 chair, and folding her arms with an air of finality
 
 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 247 
 
 then added as an afterthought, " but he made her a 
 'good allowance ! " 
 
 "Which she never touched," supplemented Mrs. 
 Ffinch, " the money has lain all this time in Grindlay's 
 Bank; they held no communication with one another, 
 each went their own way : he as a bachelor, she, as an 
 unmarried girl, until they came to London, where Fate 
 threw them together, in spite of themselves." 
 
 " So all the time, there was a girl in the background ! 
 a girl to whom he sent money," said Mrs. Home, 
 who had a wonderful faculty for remembering but not 
 disseminating scraps of gossip. " There's never smoke 
 without a fire, and to think, that all the time it should 
 be Nancy." 
 
 " It was a case of a foolish, hasty, wedding," declared 
 Mrs. Ffinch judicially; "had I been at home, I would 
 never have allowed it to take place. Unfortunately I 
 happened to be absent for a few days, and in those few 
 days, occurred Nancy's marriage, and her father's death. 
 I think that Derek Mayne, though he meant well, 
 behaved like a lunatic ! " 
 
 "No," corrected his uncle, thumping on the table, 
 " he behaved like a man of honour ! I was always fond 
 of Derek, and now I'm yyroud of him ! I'll just go and 
 see what that girl is doing 1 " and taking his stick, he 
 hobbled out of the room. 
 
 When Nancy found Mrs. De Wolfe alone, she said, 
 " Hundreds of times I've wanted to speak, and to tell 
 you, but I dared not; for I felt, that if I opened my 
 lips, the secret would spread: if I told one, I might 
 tell another; and when I saw Derek, 1 realized that we 
 were to be strangers,* in fact he said so in the plainest 
 terms. There was nothing for it but silence, at first." 
 
 "And now?" inquired her friend, with grave 
 significance. 
 
 " Now, only for my money, I believe he would have 
 made it up ! Money, or no money, I'm going out on 
 Friday ; I have already secured my berth, by telephone, 
 but ohi, dear, dear Auntie, supposing I am too late! " 
 and as she sank on her knees and buried her face on the 
 old lady's lap, her sobs were heartbreaking. 
 
 " Don't meet trouble half way, my child," said Mrs. 
 De Wolfe, " though crying will relieve your poor heart. 
 It is only the young, the lucky young, who can weep. 
 Remember that the Maynes are as tough as leather ; why.
 
 248 GIVEN IN MARRIAGE 
 
 look at that old man downstairs; four months ago, a 
 horse rolled upon him, and broke his leg, and three ribs; 
 to-day, he was out shooting pheasants ! Oh. Nancy my 
 dear, how often I've wished that you ? and Derek would 
 take to one another, and only to think, that you were 
 married .all the time ! Well, in my long, and not un- 
 eventful life, you have given me the most stunning sur- 
 prise, I have ever experienced ! Now I can understand 
 why Derek never came to the house, and went out of 
 his way to avoid me." 
 
 " Everything is my fault. Auntie Wolfe," eobbed 
 Nancy, " I'm afraid you will never care for me any 
 more, nor trust me : everyone will think me so secretive, 
 and deceitful, and so I was! " 
 
 " It will be all right, my dear, if only Derek recovers, 
 and you make him happy, as I believe you can. By 
 and by you will both come home, and settle among us, 
 and your strange story will be forgotten." 
 ******# 
 
 As soon as Captain Mayne was convalescent, he and 
 his wife travelled down to Fairplains, where they were 
 the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Dawson ; and in that familiar 
 and unchanged verandah, he once more occupied his 
 favourite shabby chair, and surveyed from his place, 
 the dim blue plains. All the neighbours and employees 
 nocked to the bungalow, to hail and welcome Nancy. 
 Francis received his " Little Missy " with rapturous joy, 
 and a few trickling tears, As for Togo, that faithful 
 heart was always hers. 
 
 When Miss Travers, at a few hours' notice, bad hur- 
 ried out to India, to marry, and nurse, Captain Mayne; 
 it was generally believed that this was but the romantic 
 sequel, to a long and mysterious engagement. 
 
 Not more than two or three hundred people are in 
 possession of the truth ! 
 
 THE END 
 
 Printed in Great Britain by Ebenezer Baylis S,- Son, Worcester.
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
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