Not a soul was to be seen any where, and a general air of peace
pervaded the whole atmosphere. Lawrence continued to walk up and down
lost in his rapturous reveries, while the evening grew darker and
darker. By and by the stars began to come out and at length the moon
rose full in the heavens, and then Lawrence looked up and there in front
of him stood Helen, clad in her evening dress of pale yellow and a white
shawl thrown round her shoulders.
She seemed as supprised as Lawrence for she stopped suddenly on seeing
him.
"I beg your pardon Mr. Lincarrol" she began "I hope I am not disturbing
you, but Lady Beaufort told me to come here before dinner and see if
Jefferson (the gardiner) had raked the beds properly."
Lawrence grew very red and glanced quickly and mechanically up to the
window of Lady Beaufort's budoir. There sure enough the old lady was
looking out, but on seeing the two together she quickly retired into the
regions of her own bedroom.
"This is Lady Beaufort's doing thought Lawrence as the letter he had
received came back to his mind. "Oh no you dont disturb me at all" he
added aloud.
Helen smiled and began plucking at the faded leaves of the trees.
"What a lovely night it is" said Lawrence at last as the silence grew
embarresing.
"Yes" replied Helen vaguely and Lawrence glancing at her saw by the
moonlight that her eyes had a far away dreamy look in them.
"How delightfully sheltered this part of the garden is" continued
Lawrence.
"Yes very answered Helen, drawing her silk shawl over her shoulders as a
slight breeze blew across the garden.
"Had you a good garden where you lived before?" enquired Lawrence,
unconsiously leading up to his proposal.
"At Cannon Street there was only a yard replied Helen, a painful blush
mounting to her face, "but at Kenelham we had a sweet little garden, my
poor dear father took the greatest interest in his flowers and so did I"
she added with a slight catch in her harmonious voice.
"Dont you now?" asked Lawrence.
"Oh yes" said Helen, "but you see, it is all so different now; in those
days my father and I were constant companions and our opinions were
one. But now there is nobody--nobody" and tears began to well up in her
eyes and fall over her long black lashes.
"Surely somebody cares for you Miss Winston, surely there is someone to
sympathise with you" interupted Lawrence.
"Oh Mr. Lincarrol you dont understand" cried Helen with a sob.
"I think I do" replied Lawrence gently, coming a little closer and
taking her trembling hand. I think I understand your feelings, it must
be very sad to be so--so lonely."
"Wait till your turn comes Mr. Lincarrol and you will know then" replied
Helen.
"Would it be different, to have some one to care for you, to love you as
your father did?" asked Lawrence.
"Oh it would, it would" cried Helen rapturesly clasping her hands
together.
"suppose some one loved you now as much if not more than your father,
what would you say?" asked Lawrence.
"I could not belive it" replied Helen promptly unless "unless" she
added, "I knew the person very well and was quite posative of the love,
and had good proofs of it."
"Have you not proofs enough?" asked Lawrence.
"Of what?" asked Helen.
"Of my love for you" replied Lawrence.
"Your love!?" gasped Helen.
"Yes" repeated Lawrence passionately, "oh Helen I can no longer restrain
my feelings, I love you as I never before loved anyone, can I hope, can
I dare to hope that you return my love?"
Helen did not answer. She was thinking of another proposal some months
past, so very unlike this one, far away on the Kenelham hill tops, and
she remembered how she had acted then. Once more, she felt the soft sea
breeze fan her face, she saw the hills and the distant sea and she saw
oh how plainly Cyrils form by her side, she heard his words and her own
replies, she saw his blue eyes looking so intently at her; and then
awaking to the present she saw another pair of blue eyes looking at her,
speaking so much more fervently than the others and she felt the clasp
of a strong hand on her own and then raising her head she looked at
Lawrence and softly whispered "yes."
"Oh Helen" cried Lawrence "you make me so happy, so very happy!
Tears of joy dimmed Helen's eyes and Lawrence taking her hand drew her
head on to his breast and told her gently of his great love for her and
how happy they both would be. And Helen listenned feeling the happiness
had already begun.
A gentle breeze began to stir the trees and fan the brows of the lovers
as they slowly walked along the paths of love, and the moon looking down
from her home in the heavens, smiled on the pair and wished them joy.
CHAPTER 32
PREPARATIONS
As the time drew on Lord Beaufort began to make preparations for his
marriage with Gladys.
He had at first thought it would be nice if Lawrence and Helen could be
married on the same day, but that was found to be quite impossible as
Lawrence wished to visit his home first, he had also plenty of other
things to attend to before he could be married.
One evening about 10 o'clock, Gladys was seated in her bedroom enjoying
a few minutes quiet before going to bed.
Her maid had already done her hair and she had changed her evening dress
for a warm and comfortable dressing gown. Her room presented rather an
untidy appearance as the dress maker had been there that day to bring
her wedding dress which now lies in a snowy pile at the foot of the bed.
As Gladys sat still by the fire a knock sounded at the door. Before she
could reply the door opened and Helen came in.
"Well Gladys, you seem to be enjoying yourself here all alone" she cried
drawing her chair to the fire beside her friend.
"I was only thinking" replied Gladys with a laugh.
"Of tomorrow I suppose" put in Helen.
"Well to tell the truth I was" answered Gladys with a faint sigh.
"Well you shouldnt sigh" said Helen "only think Gladys, this time
tomorrow you will be Lady Beaufort."
"I know that" said Gladys rather crossly.
"How sad you seem" said Helen in supprise.
"Do I?" enquired Gladys "well perhaps you'll feel the same the night
before your marriage."
"I hope not" answered Helen promptly "oh Gladys" she added quickly "you
never told me where you are going for your honeymoon."
"How silly of me" replied Gladys cheering up "well we are going on the
continent, Mulberry wishes to visit some relations of his in Venice and
then I shall get him to spend a week or go in Naples, Rome, Paris and
other places"
"How lovely!" cried Helen "I do envy you."
"Well wont you do the same at your honeymoon?" asked Gladys.
"No" said Helen "Lawrence and I are going to spend a quiet fortnight at
Ryde in the Isle of Wight."
"Oh I see" said Gladys.
"What time does the important ceremony take place tomorrow" demanded
Helen.
"At 11 o'clock precisely" rejoined Gladys, who possessed the virtue of
punctuality, "at St. Pauls."
"I see" said Helen "and when do you start on your honeymoon?"
"We cross the channel tomorrow night" replied Gladys.
"And Lawrence and I are going to Norfolk" replied Helen.
"Are you really?" asked Gladys.
"Yes Lawrence lives there you know" said Helen "so he thought it would
be nice for me to go and see his people; why what am I telling you this
for when Lawrence is your own brother?"
"I dont know I'm sure" laughed Gladys, "by the by Helen did Lawrence
tell you that mother and father have quite softened, and are quite
willing I should marry Mulberry, but they cant bring themselves to come
up tomorrow to the marriage; Lionel and Minna are coming though, so I
expect they will go back to Norfolk with you and Lawrence."
"I knew all that" replied Helen "I am really quite excited about it."
"Oh Helen you must see my wedding dress" cried Gladys, and getting up
the two girls walked to the bed whereon lay a flimsy mass of tule and
satin crowned with orange blossom and glittering with diamonds."
"It is really a beautiful dress" said Helen at last "how sweet you will
look Gladys."
"Dont be sarcastic" said Gladys with a smile little dreaming how pretty
she looked even then in her simple dressing gown.
"Oh I say there is 12 o'clock striking" cried Helen starting up "I've
been here a whole two hours, it is really disgracful, well goodnight
Gladys dear" she added as she flew quickly out of the room as the last
stroke of midnight died softly away.
CHAPTER 33
THE MARRIAGE
At 11 o'clock precisely, as Gladys had said the marriage ceremony began.
Gladys as I have already said was attired in a white satin trained dress
made to fit her slender figure to perfection and covered with thin tule.
She wore orange blossom in her hair and on her dress and a magnificent
diamond crescent caught up her veil.
Helen and Mina Lincarrol were the bridesmaids they also wore white.
Their dresses were exactly alike, but to colour them a little, they were
delicately shaded with primrose yellow; long satin streamers hung from
the bouquets they carried and both being dark girls the colour suited
them admirably.
The page, a little Spanish cousin of Mulberry's was attired in white and
yellow satin also and very pretty he looked, being just five years old
and very dark with an olive complexion.
Lionel Lincarrol a tall handsome man of five or six and twenty gave his
sister away as his father could not come up for the ceremony.
The mighty cathedral was filled to overflowing; the most part of the
people were invited guests as Lord Beaufort was very popular in society;
but a great many ordinary people had just dropped in to try and catch a
glimpse of the bride and bridegroom as they marched up the church.
At last the service drew to a close, and the guests got into their
carriages to drive back to Portman Square where the wedding breakfast
was to take place.
One of the enormous reception rooms had been beautifully decorated with
sprays of real orange blossom from Lord Beaufort's hot house and many
other bridal decorations. A magnificent breakfast was then partaken of,
every article being of the highest quality for Mulberry Beaufort prided
himself on never half doing things.
The guests then repaired to another room to inspect Gladys's wedding
presents, which were numerous and costly.
And so the day wore on and 5 o'clock found Gladys, Mulberry, Helen,
Mina, Lionel and Lawrence all at the railway station waiting for the
boat train to take Gladys and Mulberry to Newhaven for whence they were
to cross the channel.
Gladys's travelling dress was extremely pretty being made of pale blue
grey which suited her very well.
At last the train came slowly into the station and the happy pair got
in.
The goodbyes were brief and cheerful, good luck being wished on every
side.
Mulberry expected to be in London again by the end of Febuary and by
that time Helen and Lawrence would probably be one.
At last the whistle sounded and those left on the platform watched the
train till it rushed into the tunnel, and then they turned and went on
to the opposite platform to take the train for Norfolk.
It was a long journey and they were all tired when they got there.
The brougham had been sent to meet them and though the others all knew
the road to their house so perfectly, Helen looked out of the window
with a new interest for it was all strange to her.
After a drive of 1/4 of an hour or more the carriage drew up in front of
a fine old house standing rather back from the road and with a beautiful
carriage sweep in front. In the moonlight it presented a very pretty
picture.
Before the coachman had time to ring Lawrence had jumped out and opened
the front door.
They then crossed the hall and entered the drawing room a beautifully
furnished room.
Mrs. Lincarrol was reading by the fire when they all entered. She was a
very tall thin woman with reddy coloured hair done very high on her head
and small winky blue eyes. Her features were fairly good, but she was
powdered profusely and indeed her hair looked as though it had seen a
good many bottles of hair dye. She was attired in an evening dress of
purple velvit trimmed with black satin and jet. Helen glanced at her as
she rose from her chair and wondered how she came to have such a good
looking family. But she quickly became aware that the room contained two
other occupants. Two girls were seated at the piano trying some duets.
They were both tall and fair with blue eyes and pale complexions and
they wore rose coloured dresses. From Gladys' discription Helen knew why
they were the twins Ethel and Elsie.
Mrs. Lincarrol rose as they entered and having embraced her family
turned with a queer look in her eyes to Helen.
"So this is Helen Winston?" she said holding out her hand, "my niece I
think"
Helen did not quite know what to say so she merely smiled and she was
then introduced to Ethel and Elsie, both of whom she liked very much,
especially the former.
"Now I think you'd better go and see your father" exclaimed Mrs.
Lincarrol at last "you will find him in the library with Hugh, no doubt
Helen would like to make her uncle's acquaintance."
"I should" replied Helen.
So they all marched accross the hall and opening another door entered
the library.
"So here you all are again" cried a cheery voice from within and at the
same moment a tall well built man came forward. He was a contrast to his
wife in every way, being fairly stout, dark and brown eyed. He had a
kind though stern looking face. He greeted Helen very cordially with
none of the shifty glances his wife had made use of and then introduced
Hugh to her. He was only 17-1/2 with dark hair and eyes and very much
resembled Lionel.
"Well I'm glad to see you all back." cried Mr. Lincarrol, "but you all
look tired, I suppose the journey was long?"
"Not very" replied Minna who had hitherto kept a discreet silence, "but
I'm very hungry.
"Why of course you must be, ring the bell Hugh" cried Mr. Lincarrol
heartily "and I'll see you get something at once."
A very good meal was soon brought up and it was quickly disposed of.
"Well Helen I'm going to bed now" said Minna at last, "if you come now
I'll show you your room."
"Oh thank you" replied Helen and with that they both walked upstairs
together.
Lionel and Hugh soon followed their example and so Lawrence was left
alone with his father.
"A very nice girl Helen Winston seems" cried Mr. Lincarrol, "I admire
your taste Lawrence."
"I'm glad you do" answered Lawrence, "I was struck with her when I first
met her."
"Yes I certainly admire your choice" replied Mr. Lincarrol, and after a
few more words they both retired to bed.
CHAPTER 34
FIVE YEARS LATER
Five years have elapsed since we last saw Helen. Let us choose a
favourable moment to view our heroine after the lengthy interval.
Seated in a large and wealthily furnished drawing room by a bright fire,
writing at a neat little table, sits Helen, now no longer Helen Winston
but Mrs. Lincarrol. The clock has just struck 4. and the shades of the
December evening are fast drawing in. By the light of the fire however
we can get a tolerably good view of Helen. She has altered but little
during the five years of her married life. She looks a trifle older, but
the change is so slight as to be scarcely perceptible. She has still
the luxurious black hair and long lashes shading her soft eyes.
She is clothed in a rich tea-gown of a delicate green. She is writing
diligently and seems intent on her work but she occasionally looks up to
address a word or two to a delicate looking little girl of about three
years who is playing on the hearth with a little fox terrier. This is
little Nellie, the only child, a pale-faced fair-haired little thing,
who has attained her third year today.
At length it grows too dark to see, so closing her blotter with a snap,
Helen walks to the window and holding aside the heavy velvit curtain
gazes out accross the frost-bitten garden and the roofs of the houses,
which are dotted about the town of B----.
"Dear me" she says "it is beginning to snow, I think dear" she adds
turning to her child "it is time you went up to the nursery tea will be
ready I expect."
So saying she rings a bell and Marshland appears, looking very different
to when we last saw her, in her black dress and clean cap and apron.
Having stuck to Helen in the hour of trial she now finds herself the
much-respected nurse of little Nellie.
Nellie having departed to the upper regions, Helen once more resumes her
writing, this time by the aid of a large standing lamp. By and bye a
servent enters with some tea. "Is Mr. Lincarrol in yet?" enquires Helen.
"No m'am I think not" replies the servent. "oh then I shant expect him
till late" answers Helen and so saying she partakes of her tea alone,
which done she goes to the piano and plays a few merry sonatas. At
length the clock strikes seven, and Helen is about to go and dress for
dinner, when the butler enters with the message that a woman from the
village of Huntsdown (5 miles distant) wishes to see her at once on a
very important matter.
"Who is the woman?" askes Helen in great astonishment.
"I dont know mum" replies the butler "she is very poor-looking and says
she's tramped all the way from Huntsdown to see you, but she wont give
no name."
"How extraordinary!" says Helen, "I know no one living in Huntsdown, in
fact I have only been there once; but however I will go and see the poor
soul." and rising as she speaks Helen vanishes into the hall.
An old woman of about 60 or 70 is standing in a remote corner of the
hall. The butler had spoken truthfully when he said the woman was poor
looking. She wears a tattered dress of some faded hue, and on the top of
that a man's coat, which might once have been black but is now almost
bottle-green. A thin shawl coveres her shoulders and a battered black
bonnet hangs back from her head. Her iron-grey hair is streaming over
her face, still damp with the falling snow.
"Did you wish to speak to me" asks Helen kindly advancing to the woman.
"I do mum" replies the poor creature, dropping a bob-curtsey as she
speaks, "I've bin tramping from Huntsdown since 4 o'clock and bin nearly
turned back with the snow."
"What is your name," enquires Helen.
"Mrs. Cotton, if you please mum" answers the woman, "but to get on with
my story, you must know I live at "The Jolly Dutchman" in Huntsdown. My
husband keeps the inn, but he dont do much bussiness; the place is so
remote-like, and I'm afraid he's a bad lot," and here Mrs. Cotton shook
her head regretfully "but to come to the point mum, a week or so ago, a
poor man all ragged and looking terribly ill, come to the door and asked
if we could let him in to sleep the night, as he'd no were to go and no
money. My husband was drunk at the time and turned the poor man away in
spite of my pleading for him. A few minutes later when my husband was in
the bar I opened the door and seeing the poor man there I could not
resist letting him in. So according I gave him the attic at the top of
the 'ouse, where he has bin laying ill ever since without my 'usband
knowing."
"What a sad story" says Helen gently "but I'm sure it was very good of
you to risk taking the man in. I suppose you came to me for money did
you not?"
"No mum not for that" replies Mrs. Cotton sadly "you see I've tried to
save a little money myself during the last few years so I've been able
to have the doctor in once or twice to look at the poor man. Mr. Harland
his name is. Me and my girl Sally, we've made the attic as confortable
as we can and I've lit a fire up there once, but you see mum coles costs
money like everythink else. The doctor says there's not much 'ope for
the poor man, he's dying fast of fever and consumption. The other night
mum, your gardiner, happened to come in for a glass of something and of
course he got talking with the other men and the conversation fell on
you mum, and he said he's known you a long time ever since you was Miss
Winston (or some sich name as that) At the time the talk was going on, I
was sitting upstairs with Mr. Harland and as the door was open we could
hear the talk in the bar quite distinct; well mum, directly Mr. Harland
heard your name mentioned, he got quite wild and excited all of a sudden
and went raving on about you and he would'nt be satisfied till I told
him all I knew about you. I was astonished mum I can tell you. After
that Mr. Harland seemed much quieter and all yesterday and today he's
been in a sort of stupor, but about half past three today he called me
and told me he'd not got very long to live and would I do him a favour?
I said "Yes," so he told me to go into the town and ask you to come and
see him at once. He says he knew you quite well some time back and you
knew him too, but you probably have forgotten the name now. I tell you
mum I was fair took aback, but however leaving my girl Sally in charge
of him, I started off on my errand, and here I am mum, waiting to know
what your answer may be to this extraordinary request?"
"It is a most extraordinary request" as you say Mrs. Cotton, and I never
knew anybody by the name of Harland" replied Helen.
"My idea is mum" says Mrs. Cotton "that the poor man is dilerious."
"Very likely" answered Helen, "but to please him, I will order the
carriage and we will drive over together, you look far too tired and
cold to walk."
As Helen speaks she toches a spring bell, and then reaching a
sable-lined cloak from the peg she puts it on drawing the hood over her
soft brown hair.
She then orders a baskitt of streangthing things to be packed for the
invalid.
Then the carriage comes round to the front door and the two get in. A
contrast indeed! The one small, shrivelled and shrunken, hugging her
wreatched garments around her to keep out the biting cold; the other
tall and stately, her rich cloak falling gracefully round her slender
figure.
The drive is long and dreary; being for the most a long straight road
with tall hedges at either side and an occasional cottage or tree
releiving the monotony of the scenery. But Helen, leaning back in her
comfortable carriage is not thinking of the passing scenery, but of the
extraordinary mission she is bent on.
At length the carriage stops, and Mrs. Cotton leads the way up to a
small tumble down dirty looking inn, whith an almost illegable
incription painted in white letters, "The jolly Dutchman, Thomas
Cotton."
Mrs. Cotton opens the door and Helen finds herself in a very small and
filthy dirty passage. A strong smell of beer and tobacco greet her on
entering. A door on one side of the passage is half open, and looking
through, Helen can see three or four rough looking men seated round a
table with mugs of beer before them and pipes in their mouths, and the
sounds that issue from the room are none of the pleasantest, for the men
are talking, laughing and shouting, not to say swearing.
In disgust Helen turns to the door of the other room. It is a kitchen
evidently and a remarkably dirty one too. A candle is burning in this
room, and by the light of it Helen can see a slovenly looking girl
stirring some horrid smelling stuff in a saucpan, while a very small
baby is yelling its heart out in a wooden cradle.
"Here Sally" cries Mrs. Cotton to the girl "how is the invalid"
"No better" replies Sally wiping her hands on her apron "I lit a fire
for him, 'cause he grumbled so about the cold."
"I dont wonder at it" responds Mrs. Cotton, "well mum," she continues
turning to Helen "perhaps you'll step upstairs, its that door there mum
with the handle off," and she points with her grimy finger to a door at
the top of the stairs. Helen climbs the ricketty staircase with a wild
fear and misgiving at her heart, wondering what the result of this
strange visit will be. A light is burning in the room she enters. It is
a damp cold place, a trifle larger than the passage below. A miserable
fire is doing its best to burn in the grate and judging by the amount of
matches strewn about, Sally must have been exerting many patient efforts
to get it to burn at all.
The window was minus a pane of glass and the cold wind blew right
through the room making the door bang to and fro with a madly monotonous
tone.
Helen glanced hastily round the room, but the corners being in
darkness, she had to hold the candle above her head to see anything at
all. In doing so a groan caught her ear and advancing to the corner from
whence it issued, Helen perceved a sort of pallet bed streached on the
floor, covered with a singal blankett. Placing the candle on the floor
close by, Helen knelt down and with trembling hands and a quaking heart
pulled the covering away. And then--no wonder Helen uttered that low
stifled cry; for there with his pale thin face turned towards her and
his skeleton hands clutching at the blankett, there with his eyes dim
and sunken and his breath coming quick and short lay Cyril Sheene alias
Mr. Harland. For a moment Helen could not utter a sound, the words
seemed to stick in her throat, and she knelt gazing in horror and
amazement at the fast-dying man. It was Cyril who broke the awful
silence, "Helen" he whispered brokenly "what a long time you were
coming."
"I never dreamt it was you Cyril" answered Helen taking his thin hand in
hers, for now all her heart seemed to warm towards the man who had
wronged her so much and who was so soon going to leave her.
"No of course not" replied the dying man "you never thought I would
come to this--(here he stopped for breath), "but I want to tell you this
before I die."
"Cyril you must not die" cried Helen, opening her basket and producing
some wine.
"No, no" gasped Cyril pushing the glass away "its no use, I know I'm
dying, the doctor said so; give me some water to ease my throat and I'll
go on."
Helen gave him his wish and then knelt down beside him while he
continued.
"After I left you Helen, that day you went to Richmond, I intended going
to Picadilly to pawn some things as I had no money to pay my debts. When
I got back to my amazement a letter from Mr. Palsey was waiting for me,
which explained that the police were already on our track and that if I
valued my life I had better leave London and go to some place with him.
Of course I had no choice but to go, but oh Helen if you could have
known my feelings when I thought I should not see you again. Hastily I
scrawled a note to you and added a few lines to my will, you read them
did'nt you?"
Helen nodded in assent.
"Well" continued Cyril, "having made my preparations, I started off to
meet Palsey. We traveled together. I forget where we were going. Palsey
told me how he had escaped after he had been locked up in the drawing
room. We had to change at Charing Cross I think and scarcely had we set
foot on the platform, when up came two policemen and before we could say
a word we found ourselves handcuffed. Well to make a long story short we
were tried and I was sentenced to 10 years penal servitude, and Palsey
who had done the most part of the crime had penal servitude for life.
Well after three years of my time had passed, I was granted a free
pardon for saving the life of someone. I have no time to tell the whole
story now. At first I was delighted at the mere thought of being free
again, but then I recollected I had no friends nobody to care wether I
lived or died. When I was set free I wandered about trying in vain to
find you Helen. But I got no news of you, untill one day I read of your
marriage in the paper. Then I gave up all hope of ever seeing you again.
Soon after I fell ill and spent many weeks in an old barn, attended only
by a child who used to go messages for me etc: till I was well enough to
walk about again. Then my wanderings began again, and I found them
harder than ever. After my severe illness I could no longer bear
sleeping out. I had to buy lodgings wherever I happened to be, and once
or twice when I had no money I had to sleep out in the fields. That did
for me Helen. From that day I grew much worse. A young man took pity on
me one night and gave me a room in his house for nothing. But with his
exception no one cared and so I wandered on untill late one night I
arrived at this miserable inn. I did'nt know where I was, but I thought
it safe to take another name. So I was brought up here, where I should
certainly have died had not some one down in the bar mentioned your
name, and then the excitement of seeing you kept me up----
Here Cyril stopped gasping for breath and Helen with her tears fast
falling administered water to him and propped up his pillows.
"Helen" cried Cyril at last, he could barely talk now, "do you forgive
me?"
"Oh Cyril" cried Helen "of course I do; oh if only you had come to me
before, how happily this might have ended. I forgive you fully from the
bottom of my heart."
Cyril smiled, he was too far gone to talk and Helen could see his eyes
growing brighter.
A long silence followed while Cyril's breathing grew laboured and slow.
Presently with a great effort he turned and caught Helen's hand in his
own. "Helen I'm going fast. Goodbye I die happy since you forgive me."
And Helen stooped and kissed him. He turned and looked at her for the
last time and then his spirit passed quietly and peacefully away.
CHAPTER 35
CONCLUSION
A Year has passed since the sad events recorded in our last chapter, and
Cyril has long been laid in the church yards sod. His grave is ever
bright with flowers placed there by Helen's loving hands and by those of
her children Nellie and John.
Of Mr. Palsey little has been heard but it has lately been rumoured that
he died a natural death in prison, though some people exagerate and say
he died by his own hand.
Marshland is still living though her health is gradually becoming
weaker.
And what of Helen herself?
Let us look into her drawing room to-night and we shall see her once
again.
It is New Year's Eve and the drawing room, hall, rather spacious rooms
are all it up, while the many happy people are dancing and enjoying
themselves. For Helen is giving a dance. Yes, a gathering of all her
oldest and dearest friends. Among the many faces we recognise the
Lincarrols. Even _Mrs._ Lincarrol is there gorgeously got up in bright
yellow silk which she is proudly telling everybody was the foundation of
her grandmother's wedding dress.
Minna and her husband (for she is now married) are both there, also
Ethel who is engaged and Elsie who has just returned from her honeymoon.
Lionel is the only one not there, but he is doing well in America.
Hugh (now in the Army) is also attending the dance. But Gladys where is
she? She is also there with her husband Lord Beaufort and while the
latter is talking to Lawrence let us notice Gladys who is deep in
conversation with Helen.
Seated on a sofa close to the entrance of the green-house, idly watching
the dancers as they waltz round the spacious room, we once more see
Helen and Gladys in close companionship. What a pretty contrast they
make!
Helen with her dark hair as abundant as ever and the lovely colour on
her cheeks.
She is glancing down and her long lashes cover her eyes. She looks very
happy and a smile is playing about her lips.
She wears a pale violet coloured dress made in the latest fashion and
the colour suits her to perfection. Gladys is attired in white silk
trimmed with bright gauzy ruffles of pale pink and silver. She is
playing with her fan and laughing merrily with Helen. Her bright blue
eyes are full of happiness and a little colour has come into her usually
pale cheeks.
"Ah well Helen dear" she is saying "you have nothing to grumble at now
I'm sure."
"I never said I had" laughs Helen, "I am perfectly happy with Lawrence
and my children and it _is_ so nice to have you here again, but all the
same I have had troubles; a good many more than most people of my age."
"Yes that's undeniable" replies Gladys "but still you have a dear
husband and lovely children."
"Of course I have" cries Helen "and I am quite happy now."
"And as far as I can see there is no reason why you should ever be
unhappy again," replies Gladys.
"No" says Helen, "but still I cant quite forget the sadness of my early
years."
"Nonsense my dear," cries Gladys, "dont forget what you told me so long
ago about your sorrows, they will become like wounds which though healed
over are still to be seen, and so though you will not exactly forget the
sorrow you will no longer feel the pain."
"Yes" answers Helen laughingly, "that was a very good idea on my part;
and though applicable to you then, it certainly applies to me now.
So now our story comes to an end and we will bid goodbye to Helen. She
has already partaken freely of the cup of sorrow but now her time has
come and she knows what true happiness is and all her sorrows, miseries
and heartaches shall be blotted out in that sea of mist and
shaddows;--The Past.
THE END
THE JEALOUS GOVERNES
_or_
THE GRANTED WISH
CHAPTER 1
WISHING
One evening late in Sep: Mr. Hose sat in his armchair reading a news
paper. His wife sat in an other looking at the "Strand" Magerzine. Mr.
Hose sudonly looked up at his wife; "Elizabeth" he said "one thing I
have been wishing for, ever scince we were married is a baby, would not
you like to have one looking at her seariously "Yes indeed I should"
ansed his delicat wife with a sigh.
I soud like to adobt one continued Charlie, I would like to have one of
my own said Elizabeth I dont like adopting babys, well you cant do it
any other way if you dont get one. Besides if it was a boy what name
have you got for it if it was a boy it should be named Charlie after
you dear, and if it was a girl I suppose you would call it Elizabeth and
liza for short would not you said Charlie, well yes she said beginning
to read her magazine. Mr Hose now took out his watch and to his wife he
said I have got to go out this eveing at what time said Elizabeth at
seven oclock I promised Mr. Lineap I would meat him at his offiace at a
quarter past it is now half past 6 just half an hour. I have time to
finsh this bit of newes in the paper, so saying he continued to read.
Presently the clock sturck a quater past 7, oh goodnes I must fly, said
Charlie Mr. Leanep will be expecting me he took up his boller banged it
on his head took up a walking stick the first that came in to his hand,
and rushed out of the room looking like a roughyeun out of the streets,
his boots untide his hair rough he banged the door behind him.
Noisie man mutterd his wife as soon as he had disapear. I feel ashamed
realy I do nothing will keep him quiet when he has got an appoinment
never mind perhaps he cant help it she said and fell asleep in her
armchair.
CHAPTER 2
THE NEW BABY
Mr. Hose came back at about 12 o'clock he had drunken a little whiskey
but it made no effect on him. He woke early the next morning and woke
his wife and began telling her all about his evening stroll with Mr.
Leanep but he did not say anything about the whiskey he had drunk
feering it would shock her. But when the clock had just struck half past
six they heard a ring at the door bell and within a few minutes the maid
servant came hurrying up stairs and said the Dr. had arrived with a box
under his arm and he would like to see Mrs. Hose she said. "Oh well,
will you show him up to this bedroom" said Mrs. Hose turning to her
husband and saying "you don't mind him coming up, do you dear?" Mary
went out of the room grinning, closing the door quietly behind her.
In a few minutes the Dr's. bold step was heard at the door and then a
loud knock and with a "come in" from Mrs. Hose he entered the room.
"Oh I say Mrs Hose" he began taking off his hat "I have heard you have
been wishing for a baby, so I have brought you one and your wish is
granted."
"Oh hurrah" said Mrs. Hose "Is it a boy or a girl?"
"Well I don't know" said the Dr. _quite_, "but I'll leave you to find
out and settle matters" so saying Dr. Pauline took his departure
shutting the door with his foot, while he held his precious top hat in
his two hands.
As soon as the Dr. left the room, Mr. Hose began hurrahing and laughing
at the idea of the new baby coming. "I am very glad it's come, arn't
you?" he said to his wife.
"Yes, I'm very glad. Hasn't it come early?"
"Yes," said her husband, "but don't you think we had better open the box
and look at it?" "Well perhaps we had," said his wife, cutting the
string with a pair of scissors which were lying on the bed. Directly the
box was opened, a dear little fat baby rolled out on to the eider down.
"Oh, isn't it a darling?" said Mrs. Hose, sitting up in bed, and placing
it between her and her husband, "What a pity it hasn't got its eyes
open."
"Oh, but it's asleep," said Mr. Hose; "they never have their eyes open
when they are asleep, except when they are very ill."
"Oh, yes, I see now it is asleep, it is blinking its eyelids."
"Hadn't we better be wrapping it up in something, it must be rather
cold, poor little thing," he said, patting its face.
"Oh, yes, of course we must," said his wife, jumping out of bed, never
stopping to put on her dressing slippers, she walked over to the
wardrobe.
She unlocked it with a small key she kept in her drawer, and on the
third shelf she found a small, pale blue shawl, which she had had when
she was a baby, and she had kept it ever since, in case she should have
a baby when she was grown up.
"Here's the very thing," she said, "the shawl I had when I was a baby,"
she said, skipping back to bed.
"Oh yes, that's a nice shawl," said Mr. Hose, "and it's pretty big too,
we can wrap it all round it; and you can cuddle it close to you, and
then it would be warm, I should say."
Mr. Hose did not get up till half past eight oclock he could not stay in
bed any later because he was already rather late getting up I expect I
shall be late at my offace said Mr. Hose to himself buttning up the last
button of his waistcoat, he then slipped on his coat put on his hat took
up his walking stick and maid his apperance in the hall takeing a glance
at him self in the glass as he passed it, he then opened the hall door
and began walking at a quick pace to his offaice he was not so late
after all.
CHAPTER 3
THE BAPTISAM
It was a lovely day on the 28th of september when a carriage drove up to
the door and Mr. and Mrs. Hose with the baby in her arms ran down the
door steps and into the carriage Mr. Hose doing the same. "It's a good
thing its a nice day isn't it Charlie?" she said to her husband "Yes it
is a good job or the baby couldn't have come out tho'. He isn't so very
delicate, by the bye what's his name going to be?"
"Charles Edward" she said "Charles after you and Edward after his
grandfather." "I hope Miss Gurling is at the church now, she's always
late for everything."
"She is going to be the godmother isn't she?" asked Charlie "Yes" said
his wife "You don't object do you? And his godfather is that pious man
who kneels before us in church, Mr. Johns."
"Oh he is a nice man that" said the father clapping his hands "I am glad
he is going to be the godfather"
"Why here we are" said his wife jumping out of the carriage.
"Oh yes" said he stepping out with a laudable air.
"Oh dear" said his wife "I've left the baby in the carriage" "Oh poor
thing" said the husband running back for it. Goodbye Thompson "said he
to the coachman here's 6d for you, it's quite enough for him" he
murmured to his wife as he took off his hat very reverently at the
church door. When they got into the church the first person they saw was
Miss Gerling sitting quitertly in the bottem seat saying her prays very
dovoutly. Mrs. Hose went up to her oh I say she began you are the
godmother "Yes said Miss Gerling it is going to begin soon. what? said
Mrs. Hose the christening said Miss Gerling Mr. Johns is not here we are
wateing for him. Presently Father clocks came bussling down the church
he went up to Mr. Hose and said "I can't think why Mr. Johns is not here
he is very late, yes he is said Mr. Hose and the worst of it is we cant
begin without him. No we cant said the preast it is a great nuisance he
continued shacking his black head of hair. after about half an hour the
church door opened and in came Mr. Jons he walked quite calmly up the
aisle of the curch to his own seat, takeing it more as if he was very
early insted of very late, he said a few prays and then he went down to
the bottem of the church and said in rather a loud wisper had not we
better begin yes said father clocks puting on his stoll.
All this while during the christening Mr. Johns kept standing on one leg
and blowing his nose rather hard, he didn't have to say much tho he
looked rather embarassed. When it was all over they took their departure
and went home in the carraige, but poor Mr. Hose parted with a good deal
of his pence, because little boys kept running after his carraige and
would not go away without a copper or so.
"As we are passing the confectioners" said Mr. Hose to his wife, "we
might tell them to send up a nice sugar cake in honour of baby's Xning.
"Oh yes we might do that" said his wife, scratching her head to show off
her net which was carefully covering her knob behind.
They arrived home at last and had the beautiful Xning cake between them
for tea.
CHAPTER 4
ENGAGING THE NURSERY GOVERNESS
"Do you know my dear" said Mr. Hose to his wife one morning at breakfast
"what I was thinking of doing?" "No" said his wife looking very
surprised, "What is it."
"Well" he said "I was thinking of getting a nursery governess."
"A nursery Governess" said his wife "Why the baby isn't old enough to
have one yet, remember it's only 6 months old."
"Well" said Mr. Hose "I was thinking of getting one because only think
to yourself how very useful she would be, she could help us in the
evening when baby was in bed and besides that she could look after baby
and he would get used to her before it was time to be taught."
"Oh yes" said his wife "now I see what you mean it would be a very good
thing. You and I must go and see Madam Toinette about one in London
tomorrow."
When breakfast was over, they went into the drawing room and Mrs. H.
began knitting a pr. of socks for her short coated boy, and her husband
curled himself up in an arm chair and smoked to a low degree.
"I say Lizzie eh! why shouldn't we go to London today eh?" (he was
rather a cockney man.)
"Yes we can go today, I don't see what harm it could do. We'll go in the
afternoon then."
"Right you are," said the husband, "I'll change my clothes" he said as
he retired to his bedroom and his wife continued to knit the pair of
socks she was knitting for her baby.
Presently just after the dinner-bell had rung, down came Mr. Hose from
his bedroom looking like a duke instead of a mere Mr.
"I say wife do you think I look nice. I have been such a long time
dressing do you know what I've put on clean?"
"No said his wife who did not take the least interest in a man's
toilet. Well he said clearing his throat and pulling up his trousers and
sitting down. "I've put on this beautiful black suit with coat tails and
a lovely clean shirt he said stroking his front and I've put on a clean
pair of scarlet socks with a hole in but it does not show and he
continued I've got on a nice pair of black trousers but he said with a
sorrowful face the button has come off from my trousers which makes one
leg shorter than the other. This being the only sentence his wife had
heard she looked up from her plate and said "Oh you poor dear! never
mind I'll sew it on for you after dinner. "Oh thank you so much! said
Mr. Hose I should not have been able to go to London if you had not
thought of this kind offer. Now Charles said his wife eat your dinner
because we are going by the 3.15 train. Charles began eating his dinner
quickly saying at the same time with his mouth full "Do you think baby
will be all right with the housemaid.
"Oh yes he will be all right it is only for a few howers" said Mrs.
Hose.
"Oh yes" said Mr. Hose beginning to eat his dinner.
Presently his wife looked up and said now Charles, I have done my
dinner and I am going up to get ready and she went out of the room.
Mr. Hose finnished his dinner and then put on his top hat and took his
best cherry wood walking stick. He could not see his wife anywhere; so
like a wise man he began walking down to the station when he was half
way whom should he see but his wife walking sedately along; she looked
very nice in a coffee coloured dress trimmed with brown velvet a bonnet
to match with a pretty bird in front and strings of brown velvet as well
as a large bow of the same; she had brown gloves and a pretty light
coffee coloured parasol in her hands, her nice walking shoes and
stockings just peeped from under her dress. Well said Charlie we are not
late for the train."
"An't we" said his wife looking at her watch which she wore on her
bracelet. "No" said Charlie but you do look nice.
They arrived at the station and jumped into a first class carriage.
Presently they arrived in London and walked arm in arm from the station.
They walked up to Madame Antoinette's house to ask her if she knew of
any governess which they could engage. A nice fat looking servant
answered the door. Is Madame Antoinette at home. Yes mam' she said
looking rather ignorant will you step this way. (Mrs. Hose walked into
the drawing room and sat down waiting for Madame Antoinette) Presently
Madame Antoinette came down into the room. Good morning Mrs. Hose she
said. Oh good morning Madame Antoinette said Mrs. Hose sit down but do
you know of any governesses which we could engage? Well said Madame
Antoinette frowning there is a Miss Brentnor she lives in Julian Road No
36. Oh what is she like? Oh she has fair hair at least you may say
carrotty hair and one good thing about her is her eyes she has lovely
big grey eyes. She has a very sallow complexion and she had a blue dress
on last time I saw her.
Do you know of any other governesses continued Mr. Hose? Yes said Madame
Antoinette there is a very nice young lady called Miss Smith she has
dark hair and brown eyes but she is rather cow-like she has rather
boisterous feet and a few freckles on the top of her nose but she is all
right you know and she lives in Buttonbrick House Hudson's Street and
then there is another young lady called Miss Junick. She left her last
place and was hated in this family and I have been told that she was
known to take a few things that did not belong to her in that house; but
I can scarcely believe that for she is a beautiful young lady and I like
her very much. They left Madame Antoinette's house and went to call on
Miss Brentnor and Miss Smith but did not like either of them. They went
home and the next morning a letter came addressed to Mrs. Hose she
opened it and this is what she read
MADAM,
I beg to present you with the photograph which you
ask me to send. I think I have very good features
and I _know_ I'll make a excellent governess. It
is not at all true what was said about me in my
last situation and I am willing to come and look
after your little boy and teach him when he is old
enough. Give me a nice bed-room Madam; of course I
am a Catholic which I suppose you heard from
Madame Antoinette.
I remain, Yours truly,
ROSE M. JUNICK.
Mrs. Hose answered the letter and this is what she put,
DEAR MISS JUNICK,
I like you very much but I must not believe what
was said about you in your last situation. Will
you meet me at the Victoria Station on Thursday at
half past four and I will ask you a few questions.
Yours truly,
E. HOSE.
Mrs. Hose was now satisfied she d answered the letter and in time she
would have the governess with her.
CHAPTER 5
THE GOVERNES ARRIVES
The next morning Mrs. Hose ordered breakfast early than usual in order
that she might get off by the 9/30 becaus she was going to do a little
shoping first and she thought to her self she could get a beautiful
dinner at one of the Resteraunts and she smacked her lips as she sat
down to her breakfast of eggs and beacon and a cup of cocoa. When she
had finished she went up stairs and placed her bonnet on her head and
buttoned up her patent leather boots and took an umbrella because it
looked stormy and started on her way to the station bidding her husband
farewell.
Directly she got outside it began to rain so she put up umbrela and
within ten minets she got to the station and jumped into a first class
carriage (for she licked to look grand) and soon the train started off
for the smokey and dreary city.
At last the train got to Victora and out jumped Mrs. hose without a
moments delay, she walked up and down outside the refreshment room (for
this was where she was to meet our Heroine) she went up to one lady and
said do you mind me asking you but I am looking for my future governess
Miss Junick do you posess that name I am sorry for your sake that I do
not she ansewerd politely and walked on. then Mrs. hose asked another
lady who was peradeing up and down in a red and gray dress eating a
halfpeny bun which she had just bought. Mrs. Hose advanced towards her
and when she got close to her she saw she was very pretty so she thorght
she would be as polite as she could and began have I the plesure of
meeting Miss Junick. I am not Miss Junick but I am a frend of the dear
ladys (best luck) and she told me she would be here to meet you at half
past four this afternoon oh thank you said Mrs. Hose I now recerlect I
was thinking I had to meet her this morning farewell or a deiw as the
french say she said as she left the station to go and get some dinner.
Perhaps you would like to know what she had for dinner--rabbit and
merangues were what she chose and she drank sherry wine. After dinner
she went into the depth of London to look at some of the shops and came
back in time to see the governess. As she entered Victoria station she
met a precise young lady hastening to the refreshment room, she hurried
after her and when she got up to her thought she looked like Miss Junick
in the face, but before she could say a word the lady jumped sideways
and asked her was she Mrs. Hose and with an answer of yes they walked
together into the waiting room and sat down upon a horse hair cushion
and they now commenced their conversation.
"How long were you in your last place?"
"Two years madam"
"Oh and was that your 1st place?"
"Oh no I was abroad before with three little french children there was
only one in the other family and she was a throro English child--so was
her mother."
"Oh and what do you teach" said Mrs. Hose cocking up one eyebrow.
"Music, drawing, the use of the globes, etc., etc. only you don't want
me to teach your little boy yet do you?"
"No, no, no," said Mrs. Hose "not yet he is only six months old, but are
you very fond of children and have you any little sisters and brothers?"
"I have one little sister of 10 and a little baby brother and I have two
grown uppers, but I am very fond of children and wish I had one of my
own."
"You won't whip my baby will you?" said Mrs. Hose.
"Oh dear no" she answered "I'de spoil him more likely than whip him."
"Oh well I want you to be medium with him" said Mrs. Hose.
"Quite so Madam I understand babies thoroughly; are there any more
questions you think you would like to ask me whilst I'm here?"
"I think I've asked you pretty nearly all she answered" except when
could you come to me?"
"I can come on Monday Madam I was packing a few of my things in case you
would have me."
"Let me see now" said Mrs. Hose pausing "how about the washing shall you
pay it or will I?"
"Well I'm not very rich Madam and it would be a charity if you will pay
it."
"Certainly I will and how much are you used to getting a year?"
"Either 5 or 14 pounds according to what I have to do. I don't do much
for 5."
"All right I will give you 14. I hope you will do a good deal for that
as I want you to bath the baby and have utter charge of him. And as you
are coming on Monday, I will prepare you a nice bedroom" "Thank you very
much Madam" said Miss Junick getting up smiling. "Good afternoon Madam
she said hurrying out of the waiting room. Mrs. Hose came home by the 6
o'clock train and told her husband all about Miss Junick and Mr. Hose
said he thought she'd do very nicely.
Monday soon came and with it the governess in a station cab and a large
box with R. M. J. in red enamel on it. "Here I am Mrs. Hose" she said
stepping out of the cab "who tips the cabman you or I"? "The Butler"
replied Mrs. Hose he has a few shillings in his pocket--Come on John and
give the Cabman 2/6". The Butler obeyed and helped the honest cabman in
with the box. Miss Junick was then shown up to her bedroom to take off
her hat. Then she went into the nursery and found her pupil sitting in a
high chair all alone playing with his rattle.
Just the kind of baby I shall get jelous of she thought.
CHAPTER 6
HOW MISS JUNICK'S JEALOUSY BEGAN
As she entered the room the baby looked up from his play, and stared at
her rather hard, surprised at seeing a strange lady.
But Miss Junick did not take any notice of the baby's astonishment, but
merely walked straight over to it, lifted it up, and kissed it a great
many times, saying as she did so,
"Oh you dear little thing! how I would long to have you for my own." She
then rang the bell for dinner, as it was then one o'clock, and she knew
that she had to give the baby its dinner in the nursery. Presently the
housemaid came up, bearing a tray in her hand with the dinner on it.
Miss Junick then gave the baby its dinner, and got up and tried to amuse
it, but the baby got cross and tired, not being used to her; so that she
was obliged to lay it down in its cradle for its afternoon sleep, while
she herself went upstairs to unpack her box. When she had done unpacking
she came down again to see if the baby had awoke.
It was just beginning to wake up as she entered the room. She was
pleased to see that it was awake, and lifted it out of its cradle,
kissing it and repeating the same words as before.
At last tea time came, and pretty soon after tea Miss Junick took the
baby in her arms and took it down stairs to say good night to Mr. and
Mrs. Hose.
She then brought it upstairs again, took it into its mother's bedroom,
and began to undress it. She found its little nightgown in a white case
with C.H. in pale blue letters on it. The nightgown was very pretty, It
was of white flannel, and the frills round the neck and sleeves were of
pale blue, as the baby was dedicated to Our Lady of Victories.
When it was in bed, after kissing it a great many times, she turned out
the gas and retired to her bedroom, saying as she did so, "I could never
find a baby like that anywhere, not even if I were to search the wide
wide world."
"Well! I dont know though," she said to herself as she sat down on the
bed, "I might go out tonight, and ask the Doctor where Mrs. Hose got her
_lovely_ baby from. Oh no though, perhaps I couldn't, as I should have
to tell Mrs. Hose that I was going out and what I was going out for. But
I could pretend to her that I was going out to buy some Beechams Pills
or a reel of cotton to mend some of my linen. Yes, of course I could do
that."
And so, without a moments delay, she marched downstairs and into the
drawing room.
"Oh please Mrs. Hose," she began, "I would like to go down the town to
buy a box of Beecham's Pills, may I go?, she added.
"A box of Beecham's Pills! why--are you unwell?" said Mrs. Hose.
"Oh dear no, but in case of necessity," said Miss Junick, "and perhaps
when I get there I may find some other things which I want to buy in the
shops."
Oh certainly, you may go," said Mrs. Hose, "but you wont be back late,
will you, because of Baby."
Oh! I have put the baby to bed," said Miss Junick, cocking her head in
the air, and slamming the door behind her.
CHAPTER 7
WHAT MISS JUNICK DID IN THE TOWN
Miss Junick arrived in the town at about eight o'clock! She went
straight to the Doctor's house and rang loudly at the bell. In a few
minutes it was answered by a boy in buttons, who asked her what she
wanted, and on her replying that she wanted to see the Doctor, she was
shown into a neat little drawing room draped in green and red silk.
Soon she heard the Doctor's bold step. He opened the door and in he
came dressed in an evening suit. He bowed politely as he shut the door,
saying--"Have I the pleasure of seeing Miss Junick the new and
accomplished governess of Mrs. Hose?" "Yes--you have that pleasure," she
said, getting up and bowing also.
And what is it you have come to ask me, Miss Junick? he said preparing
to sit down in his arm chair.
Oh! she said, I have come to ask you where Mrs. Hose got her most lovely
baby from.
"Oh, said the Doctor, I gave it to her because she wished for one," "Do
you think you could manage to give me a baby like him?" said Miss
Junick.
"Well, said the Doctor, the first question is, are you married?
"No, I am not married, but I will marry if you can give me a baby like
that--it would be worth marrying for."
"Well! you cannot marry till someone asks you, and I cant because I have
a wife of my own," said the Doctor.
"Well! can I have a baby like it even if I don't marry?" said Miss
Junick.
"Oh well! I dont think so; Is that all you have come to ask me"? he
said, in an aggravating tone, beginning to open the door for her.
"Yes, that is all," said Miss Junick, "but you will try and find a baby
for me, wont you?
"Yes, but you say you are not married," said the Doctor.
"Well! I must have made a mistake, and was not thinking of what I was
saying, for I certainly am."
"Oh yes, I will try and find one--Good evening Miss Junick," said the
Doctor.
"Good evening Doctor Brandon, said Miss Junick, and she shut the hall
door behind her, and commenced to walk up the town.
Dear dear it is nine oclock oh no half past I must hurry or Mrs. Hose
will be cross and say I neglect the child and I dont only she will think
so because I have it for too long only an hour and a half it is not at
all long. At last she came to the house and she went strait to bed but
she could not sleep for thinking of the baby which she was going to
have. She did not get scolded in spite of all she said.
CHAPTER 8
THE PRIVATE ARIVAL OF MISS JUNICKS BABY
Miss Junick awoke early the next morning; she was very excited thinking
of her future baby, and she didn't get up until eight o'clock. She then
walked downstairs to the baby's room, and got it up. When it was dressed
she gave it its breakfast, but she didn't talk to it, as much as she did
the other day, for she was too much excited. After breakfast, she found
it's pram in the shed and took it out for it's walk.
At last she arrived home, and after giving the baby its dinner, she put
it to it's afternoon sleep. When it woke up she took it out for another
walk, and on her way she met the doctor's page boy coming along with a
box under his arm. As she saw him approaching she left the pram without
a word and ran along to meet him. When she got up to him, the boy raised
his cap and said. "If you please, Miss, the doctor told me to bring you
this box and he hopes the contents will do."
"Oh, thank you, thank you," said Miss Junick, as she took the parcel,
and ran back to the pram with it.
She put the box in, and walked hastily home, for she wanted to open it.
Soon she got to the house, and to her great horror, as she was going
upstairs she met Mrs. Hose.
"Well, Miss Junick, have you been taking baby for a walk? she said, "and
what is that box you have under your arm."
"It is only something I have bought, nothing to do with you," she
muttered, as Mrs. Hose shut her bedroom door.
When she had undressed the baby, she set it up in it's high chair gave
it it's rattle, and hurried upstairs to open her precious box.
"I hope it's nice," she said, as she cut the string; she then opened the
lid of the box. Of course it was ugly, as most babies are when they are
first born.
But this would not do for Miss Junick, for she called it 'an ugly little
beast," and threatened to throw it away.
When the next day came she thought it was more ugly still, and that day
she really did throw it away, and I will tell you where she put it."
In fact she did more than this, for she murdered it first, and then
threw it into one of the dirty alleys. She was now quite satisfied that
she had got rid of it, but she was more angry still when she found the
bill inside the box, "Miss Junick Dr. to Doctor Paulin for one baby
delivered as per agreement L1." She took the L1 out of her purse and
walked straight down to the Doctors and gave it without a minutes delay
and begged to have a receipt at once. So it was given to her at once,
and he asked her in and cross questioned her about the baby. She paused
a little and then said--
"Oh its getting on very nicely thank you, good afternoon," and she shut
the outer door and hurried away home.
When she got home Mrs. Hose's baby was sleeping quietly in its cradle,
but it soon woke up and she gave it its tea. Pretty soon after tea it
went to bed, and she went up to her room, and I must tell you that her
front window looked out upon the churchyard. She was looking out of this
window as she was doing her hair, and she saw that the burial of a
little baby was going on, and two poor women were there. Miss Junick
pierced very hard out of the window and she recognised that it was the
same little baby that she had murdered and thrown away.
"Oh! so they are burying it are they?" she said to herself, "I wouldn't
take pity on such an ugly little thing if I were them.
When she had changed her dress she went downstairs to have her supper
with Mr. and Mrs. Hose thinking all the while of what she had seen. When
supper was over, she went upstairs and took from her trunk a "shilling
shocker" and began to read it. Presently she got tired and went to bed.
CHAPTER 9
MISS JUNICK'S PLANS
Many years had passed by since Miss Junick had come to Mr. and Mrs.
Hose, and Mrs. Hose's baby was now two years old, and Mr. Hose was very
much mastaken in what he had said at first about Miss Junick helping
them in the evening for she did nothing but read shilling shockers and
penny horribles all the eveing till it was time for bed and after that
when she was in bed she used to make plans these were what she maid, as
she found her baby ugly and that she could not get one like Mrs. Hose's
she planed that she would steal Mrs. Hoses most lovely baby, little did
Miss Junick think that the baby she was going to steal was the greatest
tressure Mrs. Hose had ever had so she realy planed to do this wicked
act. She was very kind too the baby all this time and each day she grew
more and more jealous of the baby and she said her plain must soon
happen and I will tell you more in the next chapter.
CHAPTER 10
HOW MISS JUNICK CARYS OUT HER PLAN
2 Weaks had past since Miss Junick had planed what she should do. One
eveing she pretented too have a bad headache and went to bed before
supper and had her supper in bed in order that she might think it over,
yes she said I will steal the baby tomorrow and run away home too my
mother and father they will be plased to know that I have stolen
something and she turned on her side I will put mine and some of the
babys things in a bag very early at about 5 oclock and start off so
saying she began too snore and too go too sleap. soon the morning came
and she awoke and dressed hurryeld put her clothes and one dress and one
cloack and bonnet of the babys in the bag and soon she and the baby were
in the train for Chichester were she and her mother and father lived.
The baby screamed and cried because it was tired and wanted too go to
sleap but wound not because it was in the train and had never been in a
train before.
Miss Junick had forgoten to bring the babys own bottel but she had a
small tin of biscuits in her bag and a bottel of sour milk which she had
entendid for herself but gave it too the baby because it was very hungry
and had not had anything too eat since its tea the eveing before, all
this time Mrs. Hose was greeving over the loss of her baby and who she
thought was her dear good governess can any one have murdered them
Charlie she said and buried their bodys somewere No I dont think that
could have happened but we might send round to Mrs. Wight and ask her if
she has seen anything of them said Charlie. Yes we will do that said
Mrs. Hose, I will go and wright a note and the weping lady left the
room. She soon came back I have written to Mrs. Wight she said the boy
has taken the note and I expect an asew soon and she was wright for in 3
minets the boy entered and said if you plase Mum Mrs. Wight has come too
see you herself she is in the drawing room and wants you. Now very well
said Mrs. Hose and she walked down stairs and into the drawing room. Oh
how do you do said Mrs. Wight I got your note sit down I will explain
all about this. Mrs. Hose sat down and Mrs. wight began her story. Well
she said I one eveing saw Miss Junick taking an eveing stroll and I
asked her too come in to my house and she said as you are a great frend
I will tell you this so she said I am very jealous of Mrs. Hose's baby
and some day I mean to steal him and run away with him and go to my own
mother and father and I promised I would not say a word to anyone.
Mrs. Hose jumped up from her chair Oh Mrs Wight if you had only told me
this before I could have saved my own darling baby from been stolen from
that wicked women and I will now put the blame on you. but why said Mrs.
wight I think it was very good of me to keep my promise so well.
My dear Mrs. wight said Mrs. Hose if you had told me before I could have
given notice to that wicked Miss Junick and she would have left before
she could have time to steal my preschus darling and Mrs. Hose left the
room and rushed upstairs to tell her husband the bad newes and Mrs.
wight went home.
Mrs. hose ran into her husbands bedroom Charlie, Charlie, she said what
_do_ you think that wicked Miss Junick whom we thought was so good has
stolen our precious baby from us and that silly Mrs. wight new of this
all along but never told us simply because Miss Junick asked her not too
she new that Miss Junick was going to steal him and the words died off
her lips as she fainted into a fitt Mr. Hose burnt a feather under her
nose to make her come round and she soon revived and was able to say
more to Mr. Hose.
CHAPT 11
MR. HOSE MAKES ENQUIRIES
early the next morning Mr. Hose got up dressed quickly and instead of
going to his office he went to the police office and made enquiries and
this is what he said to inspecter have you seen a young lady with a
little baby. I got a governes for my little boy and now she has stolen
him and has gone home to her parents her Mother is a murderdress and her
father is a robber I have no idear were her parents live, No Sir said
inspecter gong I have not seen her I dont think could you dicribe her
and the baby to me and then I could make sure weather I had seen her or
not. Well said Mr. Hose the governess was an elderly person with sharpe
black eyes and black hair and a salow complexion I do not no how she was
dressed at the time for it was quite early in the morning when she stole
my baby. No Sir replyed inspecter Gong I have seen no such person, oh
thank you said Mr. Hose good morning, good morning Sir said the
inspecter as he shut the door of the police office and Mr. Hose went
down the steps and walked feeling very unsatisfactory.
CHAPTER 12
Many years have passed since Mr. Hose lost his child Mrs. Hose had died
of greef two years befor and often in the eveing when Mr Hose sat
alonne he would say to himself would I had that wretched Miss Junick by
the scraff of the neck and he picked up the poker and shook it to show
what he would do if he had her in his hands, one eveing as Mr Hose sat
gazeing in to the emty great where there should have been a fire, he
heard footsteps in the Porch Mr Hose was startled for now that Mrs Hose
was dead people seldom came near the house and Mr Hose was not much to
look at, he had very little hair and what he had was very seldom brushed
and his red nose got bigger every day so you can emagin how few people
ventured near him. when he heard the bell ring he jumped up and asked
the servent who it was she said she would go and see she soon apperd and
said it was a young man wanted to know if Mr Hose lived here show him in
and say I do Just at that moment a man rushed in father he said dont you
know me, and he flung himself into Mr Hoses arms my son my son where
have you been all these long years tell me all about it. where is mother
I must tell her too why my son you will never see your mother again she
is dead she has dided for the loss of you ah I have had whom I thought
was my mother and it was not untill I saw in the paper that I was still
bieng looked for and that my name was Charlie Hose and Mr Hose was still
alive while my supposed name was Auther Junick that I was determined to
ascape and so I did. well my son I cant tell you how glad I am to have
you back again saying you where 1 year old when we missed you If your
mother had only been here to see you safe at home and Miss Junick in
Prison and always had you with her she would rejoice, and now hoping _I_
have pleased I will end my story of the Jealous governess or the granted
wish.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
The oe-ligature is denoted in the text by brackets.
Page 60, "is" changed to "it" (What is it dearest)
Page 164, "He,en" changed to "Helen" (12-30 Helen)
Page 173, an opening quotation mark was removed (Gladys dried her eyes)