PART II

CHAPTER 25

A CRISIS

To do Cyril justice, it will be only fair to say that he experienced no slight pang at parting with his pretty little future wife for one day only, for, cruel and hardened as he had become, he had a deep and undying love for Helen in the bottom of his heart.

"What a dear she is," he muttered to himself, as the hansom disappeared round the corner, "and what a beast I am; I've deceived her all these months and I am still doing so. If it hadn't been for that villain Palsey, I'd have told her long ago, but now I can't, it's too late--too late," and thus making himself miserable and uneasy, Cyril entered his office to give the customary orders, and then prepared to walk to Picadilly.

Leaving Cyril, we must now follow Helen to Holburn station. The train was in as she reached the station, and she had a rush for it; but she succeeded in securing a fairly comfortable seat in a third cla.s.s carriage with only three people in it besides herself.

Having made some notes in her pocket book, she proceeded to read "Pearson's Weekly," and soon became engrossed in its contents. By the time the train stopped at Richmond, the carriage was empty, and Helen was loth to leave her comfortable seat. Seizing her umbrella, she jumped blithely on to the platform, and glanced quickly at every pa.s.senger. No, Gladys had certainly not come to meet her. Giving up her ticket, she found herself on the open platform, and ordering a cab, she got in, telling the man to drive to number 8, Down Terrace. She then lent back, determined to enjoy everything that came under her notice. "It seems a big place" she said, as she drove through the crowded High Street of Richmond, halting every now and then to let a dust cart or some other vehicle pa.s.s over them.

At last the Terrace Gardens came in view and Helen knew it would not be long before the cab stopped.

She was right; just then it stopped in front of a row of large well built houses and having paid her fare Helen ran up the steps and rang the bell.

It was answered by a stout middle aged woman.

In reply to Helen's enquiry she replied in hearty tones "Oh yes miss, Miss Lincarrol is in right enough, she's been expecting you all the morning almost.

Mrs. Norton had hardly uttered her statement, when Gladys herself came flying downstairs and in a minute she had her arms round Helen's neck and was hugging and kissing her to death.

"Oh Helen," she cried "how kind of you to come so soon, you dont know what a lot I have to tell you."

"I am quite sure you have dear" answered Helen "I was delighted to be able to come with out any bother"

"Did'nt Mr. Sheene mind?" enquired Gladys leading Helen up the richly carpeted staircase." Oh not at all answered Helen brightly he seemed quite pleased for me to have a holiday, and he gave me this" she added holding up a bright gold piece.

At this juncture they arrived at Gladys's bedroom, and drawing back a red plush curtain they emerged into a dainty little bedroom furnished entirely in sea green and bamboo.

"Oh! what a charming room" gasped Helen thinking of her own plain room at home compared to this perfect little paradise.

"Yes it is rather pretty" replied Gladys indifferently. all my rooms are on this landing you know!

"How many have you?" asked Helen in surprise. "My sitting room is opposite this, and there is a dear little conservatory opening out of it in which I keep all my pet plants" replied Gladys "I think that is quite enough for one girl dont you?"

"Quite" responded Helen "but where does Mr. Palsey sleep if you don't mind me asking."

"Oh James has his appartments on the floor above this" said Gladys "now do take off your hat, and come and chat in my cosy corner" and she pointed to the richly cushioned seat as she spoke.

Helen lay back in the seat and putting her hands behind her head she gazed wistfully round the room.

"Well Helen" laughed Gladys "are you longing to see my other rooms?"

"Oh no" replied Helen sadly, "this is quite lovely enough thank you, but Gladys darling do pray tell me what your parents said in the letter."

"Oh yes" said Gladys, and jumping up she opened a handsome little morocoo writing desk and took from it a sheet of writing paper closely written.

"This is it" she said sadly "I'll read it to you Helen, it makes me so miserable."

Helen listened attentively while Gladys read in a most plaintive voice the following letter:

"Speerin House Endup Road, Norwich.

Oct. 17th.

MY DEAR GLADYS,

As may be imagined your foolish letter caused both your father and I great displeasure. We both consider your suspicions concerning James Palsey totally unfounded, and from what you say we think our niece Helen Winston must be a very foolish girl to put such notions into your head. Of course we pity her very much, as no doubt it is very sad to have one's father murdered, but to tell you the truth we think she must be a little off her head.

(Violent exclamations from Helen). Referring to your letter again I see that you are determined not to Marry James. Now Gladys you must see for yourself how very nonsensical this idea is. James has every means of making you happy and what is more he is very very rich and is by no means stingy with his money, as proof the lodgings you are now in. I am sure he loves you very pa.s.sionately and he is both truthful and honourable; (sarcastic smiles from both Helen and Gladys), and what is the use of forsaking this good man, whom you know and ourght to love, for some horrible sc.r.a.pegrace whom you choose to consider faithful? Think over what I have said to you and try and change your mind as regards James.

If you resolve to marry him your father and I are quite willing for it to take place at once; if however you persist in this obstinate behaviour, remember you are cut off from our wills and we will not have you in our house, neither will we receive any letters from you. We are not ones to encourage foolish suspicions, and are quite in favour of James. You may write again and tell us what you intend doing.

Yours affectionate Mother, ETHELREDA LINCARROL

P. S. We think the less you a.s.sociate with Helen Winston the better. Your sisters and brothers are very upset and sincerely hope you will marry dear James."

"A most impertinant letter" cried Helen with burning cheeks and flaming eyes, "I had no idea my aunt was such a cruel, wicked person; I suppose she is in league with _him_," and she pointed in the direction she thought most likely Mr. Palsey had taken.

"Oh hush Helen" said Gladys "you really have no right to speak like that!"

"Yes I have" stormed Helen, "she dares to say I'm off my head; it is far more likely she is off hers."

"Helen!" cried Gladys "I really wont allow you to say such things about my mother, it is most rude of you."

"I dont care" replied Helen "if I am to be privately insulted in this way I declare I wont stand it, I have surely had enough trouble without this--this----"

Whatever Helen intended to say she got no further, for she quite lost her self-control and burst out crying, her hot tears falling through her fingers and dropping on to her patent leather shoes. Poor Helen! it was indeed sad to have all the miseries of her past life recalled by a few thoughtless words expressed in a letter.

Gladys who was sympathy itself, jumped up and ran to Helen's side.

Putting her arms round her neck she kissed her, saying as she did so "never mind Helen dear, dont cry, I should not have hurt your feelings so, but cheer up and I'll tell you some news which will show you that we have _some_ friends, who are not on Mr. Palsey's side."

Helen, who quickly got over her fits of sorrow dried her eyes and looked up.

"What is it?" she asked.

Gladys sat down again and opening her mother's letter said "you know what Mother says in the post-script, about my sisters and brothers being very upset and longing for me to marry James?"

"Yes" answered Helen, "but how many have you got, I understood you were a very small family?"