Classic Audiobook Collection - The Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. Dell ~ Full Audiobook [romance]

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Hundredth Chance by Ethel Amdel. Part 1. The Start One. Beggers My dear Maude, I hope I am not lacking in proper pride, but it isn't accepted, though painful, fact, that beggars cannot be choosers. Lady Brian spoke with plaint of emphasis the while she drew an elaborate initial in the sand at her feet with the point of her parasol. I cannot live in want, she said after a thoughtful moment of. or two. Besides, there is poor little bunny to be considered.

Starting point is 00:00:34 Another thoughtful pause, then. What did you say, dear? Lady Brian's daughter made an abrupt movement without taking her eyes off the clear-cut horizon, beautiful eyes of darkest, deepest blue under straight black brows that gave them a somewhat forbidding look. There was nothing remarkable about the rest of her face. It was thin and sallow and at the moment rather drawn.

Starting point is 00:00:57 Not a contented face, and yet, possessing. a quality indefinable that made it sad rather than bitter. Her smile was not very frequent, but when it came it transfigured her utterly. No one ever pictured that smile of hers beforehand. It came so brilliantly, so suddenly, like a burst of sunshine over a brown and desolate landscape, making so vast a difference that all who saw it for the first time marveled at the unexpected glow. But it was very far from her face just now. In fact, she looked as if she looked as if she She could never smile again, as she said. Bunny would sooner die of starvation than have you do this thing.

Starting point is 00:01:36 And so would I. You are so unpractical, sighed Lady Brian. And really, you know, dear, I think you are just a wee bit snobbish, too, you and Bunny. Mr. Shepherd may be a self-made man, but he is highly respectable. Oh, is he? said Maude with a twist of the lips that made her look years older than the woman beside her. I'm sure I don't know why you should question. question it, protested Lady Brian. He is extremely respectable. He is also extremely kind, in fact, a friend in need. And a beast, broke in her daughter with sudden passionate vehemence.

Starting point is 00:02:13 A hateful, familiar beast. Mother, how can you endure the man? How can you, for a single moment, demean yourself by the bare idea of—of marrying him? Lady Brian sighed again. It isn't as if I had asked you to marry him, she pointed out. out. I never even asked you to marry Lord Salthash, although, as you must now admit, it was the one great chance of your life. Again, Maud made that curious, sharp movement of hers that was as if some inner force urged her strongly to spring up and run away. We won't discuss Lord Saltash, she said with lips that were suddenly a little hard. Then I don't see why we should discuss Giles Shepard either, said Lady Brian with a touch of querulousness.

Starting point is 00:03:00 Of course, I know he doesn't compare well with your poor father. Second husband so seldom do, which to my mind is one of the principal objections to marrying twice. But as I said before, beggars cannot be choosers, and something has got to be sacrificed, so there is an end of the matter. Maude turned her eyes slowly away from the horizon, swept with them the near expanse of broad, tumbling sea, and finally brought them to rest upon her mother's face. Lady Brian was forty-five, but she looked many years younger. She was a pretty woman, delicate featured, softly tinted,

Starting point is 00:03:38 with a species of appealing charm about her that all but the stony-hearted few found it hard to resist. She put her daughter wholly in the shade, but then Maude never attempted to charm anyone. She had apparently no use for the homage that was as the very breath of life to her mother's worldly little soul. She never courted popularity. all her being seemed to be bound up in that of her young brother, who had been a helpless cripple from his babyhood and dependent upon her care. The ten years that stretched between them was as naught to these two. They were pals, and if the boy tyrannized freely over her, she was undoubtedly the only person

Starting point is 00:04:16 in the world for whom he entertained the smallest regard. She had lavished all a mother's love upon him during the whole of his fifteen years, and she alone knew how much had been sacrificed before the shrine of her devour. ocean. He filled all the empty spaces in her heart. But now, now that they were practically penniless, the great question arose. Who was to provide for Bunny? Lady Brian had lived more or less comfortably upon credit for the past five years. It was certainly not her fault that this bruised reed had broken at last in her hand. She had tried every device to strengthen it. And then, too, there had always been the possibility that Maud might marry Lerner.

Starting point is 00:04:58 Lord Saltash, who was extremely wealthy and, by fits and starts, very sedulous in his attentions. It was, of course, very unfortunate that he should have been connected with that unfortunate scandal in the divorce court. But then, everyone knew that he had led a somewhat giddy life both before and after his succession to the title. Besides, nothing had been proved, and the unlucky affair had fallen through in consequence. It was really too absurd of Ma to treat it seriously, if indeed she had treated it seriously. Not being in her daughter's confidence, Lady Brian was uncertain on this point.

Starting point is 00:05:34 But whatever the circumstances, Charlie Saltash had obviously abandoned his allegiance. And Maude, poor girl, had no one else to fall back upon. Of course, it was very sweet of her to devote herself so unsparingly to dear little bunny, but Lady Brian was privately of the opinion that she wasted a good deal of valuable time in his service.

Starting point is 00:05:56 she was twenty-five already and now that the crash had come little likely to find another suitor they had come down to this cheery little south coast resort to recruit and look around them obviously something would have to be done and done very quickly or they would end their days in the workhouse lady bryan had relations in the north but as she was wont to express it they were not inclined to be kind to her her runaway marriage with sir bernard brian and her irresponsible girlhood had caused something of a split between them the wild irish baronet had never been regarded with a favourable eye and her subsequent sojourn in ireland had practically severed all connection with them sir bernard's death and her subsequent migration to london had not healed the breach she was regarded as flighty and unreliable there was no knowing what her next venture might be and save for a very occasional correspondence with an elderly bachelor uncle who was careful not to betray too keen an interest in her affairs she was left severely alone therefore she had too much pride to ask for help sustaining herself instead upon the kindness of friends till even this prop at length gave way and she maud and poor little bunny whose very empty title was all he possessed in the world found themselves stranded at fair harbour at the dead end of the season with no means of paying their way even there. Not wholly stranded, however. Lady Brian had stayed at Fair Harbor before at the Anchor Hotel, down by the fishing key, the anchovy hotel, Bunny called it, on account of its situation.

Starting point is 00:07:30 It was not a very high-class establishment, but Lady Brian had favored it on a previous occasion because Lord Saltash had a yacht in the vicinity, and it had seemed such a precious opportunity for dear Maude. He also had large racing-stitching. in the neighborhood of the downs behind the little town and there was no knowing when one or other of his favorite pastimes might tempt him thither nothing had come of the previous visit however save a pleasant half-joking acquaintance with mr shepherd the proprietor of the anchor hotel during the progress of which Lady Brian's appealing little ways had laid such firm hold of the worthy landlord's rollicking fancy that she had found it quite difficult to tear herself away. Matters had not then come to such a pass

Starting point is 00:08:13 and she had finally extricated herself with no more than a laughing promise to return as soon as the mood took her. Maude had been wholly unaware of the passage between them, which had been of a very slight and frothy order, and not till she found herself established in some very shabby lodgings within a stone's throw of the anchor hotel, did the faintest conception of her mother's reason for choosing Fair Harbor as their

Starting point is 00:08:36 city of refuge begin to draw in her brain. She was very fully alive to it now, however, and hotly, furiously resentful, albeit she had begun already to realize how bitterly that no resentment on her part could avert the approaching catastrophe.

Starting point is 00:08:51 As Lady Brian pathetically said, something had got to be sacrificed. And there was Bunny. She could not leave Bunny. to try to earn a living. He was utterly dependent upon her, so dependent that it did not seem possible that he could live without her. No, she could see no way of escape. But it was too horrible, too, too, revolting. She was sure, too, that her mother had a sneaking liking for the man, and that fact positively nauseated her. That awful person, that bound her. So you see, dear,

Starting point is 00:09:27 it really can't be helped, Lady Brian said, rising and opening her sunshade with a dainty air of finality. Why, his fancy should have fallen upon me I cannot imagine. But all things considered, it is perhaps very fortunate that it has. He is quite ready to take us all in, and that even you must admit, is really very generous of him? Maud's eyes travelled again to the far blue skyline. They had a look in them as of a caged thing yearning for freedom. It is getting late.

Starting point is 00:10:00 said Lady Brian. Sharply she turned. Mother, she said. I shall write to Uncle Edward. This is too much. I am sure he will not condemn us to this. Lady Brian sighed a trifle petulantly. You will do as you like, dear, no doubt.

Starting point is 00:10:17 But pray do not write on my account. Whatever he may be moved to do or say can make no difference to me now. Why not? Curtly, her daughter put the question. The beautiful brows were painfully drawn. Because, said Lady Brian, plaintively,

Starting point is 00:10:35 it will be too late, so far as I am concerned. What do you mean? Again, almost like a challenge the girl flung the question. Lady Brian began to walk along the beach. I mean, dear, that I have promised to give Mr. Shepherd his answer tonight. But, but, mother, there was almost a cry in the words. You can't. You can't have quite design.

Starting point is 00:11:00 decided upon what the answer will be. Lady Brian sighed again. Oh, do let us have a little common sense, she said with just a touch of irritation. Of course I have decided. The decision has been simply thrust upon me. I had no choice. Then you mean to say yes?

Starting point is 00:11:19 Maud's voice fell suddenly flat. She turned her face again to the open sea, a glint of desperation in her eyes. Yes, said Lady Brian very. very definitely. I mean to say yes. Then heaven help us, said Maude under her breath. My dear, don't be profane, said Lady Brian. Two. The idle. I say, Maude, what a dratted long time you've been. What on earth have you and the mother been doing? Young Bernard Brian turned his head towards his sister with the chafing, impatient movement of one bitterly

Starting point is 00:11:58 at variance with life. You swore you wouldn't be long, he said. I know, I'm sorry. Maud came to his side and stooped over him. I couldn't help it, Bunny, she said. I haven't been enjoying myself. He looked at her suspiciously. Oh, it's never your fault, he said with dreary sarcasm.

Starting point is 00:12:20 Maud said nothing. She only laid a smoothing hand on his crumpled brow and after a moment bent and kissed it. He jerked his head away from her caress, opening and shutting his hands in a nervous way he had acquired in babyhood. I've had a perfectly sickening time, he said. There's a brute with a gramophone upstairs been driving me nearly crazy.

Starting point is 00:12:41 For goodness sake, see if you can put a stop to it before tonight comes. I shall go clean off my head if you don't. I'll do my best, dear, Maud promised. I wish to goodness we could get away from this place, the boy said restlessly. Even the old anchovy was preferable. I loathe this hole. oh so do i said maud was sudden vehemence and then she checked herself quickly as if half ashamed of course it might be worse you know bunny she said bunny curled at a rice of lip and looked out of the window do you really like the anchor better maud asked after a moment he drew his brows together beautiful brows like her own betraying a sensitive not too well-balanced temperament it was better he said

Starting point is 00:13:29 "'Mod sat down beside his sofa with a slight gesture of weariness. "'You would like to go back there?' she asked. "'He looked at her sharply. "'We are going?' "'She met his look with steady eyes. "'Mr. Shepherd has offered to take us in,' she said. "'The boy frowned still more. "'What, for nothing?' he said.

Starting point is 00:13:52 "'No, not for nothing.' The girl was frowning, too, the frown of one confronted with a difficult task. "'Nobody ever does anything for nothing,' she said. "'Well, what is it?' Bunny's eyes suddenly narrowed and became shrewd. "'He doesn't want you to marry him, I suppose.' "'Good gracious, Bunny,' Maud gasped the words in sheer horror.

Starting point is 00:14:15 "'Whatever made you think of that.' Bunny laughed, a cracked, difficult laugh. "'Because he's bounder enough for anything, "'and you're so beastly fond of him, aren't you?' "'Oh, don't,' Maud said. "'Really don't don't. Bunny. It's too horrible to joke about. No, it isn't me he wants to marry. It's...

Starting point is 00:14:35 It's... The mother, queried Bunny without perturbation. Oh, he's quite welcome to her. It's a pity he's been such a plaguy time making up his mind. He might have known she'd jump at him. But Bunny... Maud was gazing at him in utter amazement. There were times when the working of her young brother's brain was wholly beyond her comprehension. You can't be... "'Pleased,' she said.

Starting point is 00:15:02 "'I'm never pleased,' said Bunny sweepingly. "'I hate everything and everybody, except you, and you don't count. "'The man's a brute, of course. "'But if the mother has a mind to marry him, why on earth shouldn't she? "'Especially if it's going to make us more comfortable?' "'Comfortable on his money.' There was scorn unutterable in Maud's voice. Her eyes were tragically proud.

Starting point is 00:15:27 But why not? said Bunny with cynical composure. We shall never be comfortable on our own, that certain. If the man is fool enough to want to lay out his money in that way, why? Let him. Live on his charity, said Maud very bitterly. The boy's mouth twisted. We've got to live on some ones, he said. There's nothing new in that. I think you're rather an ass, Maude.

Starting point is 00:15:54 It's no good being proud when you can't afford it. "'We can't earn a living for ourselves, "'so someone must do it for us. That's all. "'Boney!' "'There was passionate protest in the exclamation, "'but he passed it by. "'What's the good of arguing?' he said irritably. "'We can't help ourselves.

Starting point is 00:16:13 "'If the mother would rather marry that bawling beast shepherd "'than starve on a doorstep with us, "'who's to blame her? "'I suppose we're included in the bargain for good, are we?' "'Mod nodded mutely, "'her fingers locked and straining against each other. brother. Bunny screwed up his face for a moment. Then, There's that filthy gramophone again, he suddenly exclaimed.

Starting point is 00:16:36 Go and stop it, I say. I can't bear the noise. I won't bear it. It's, it's infernal. That's what it is. He flung his arms up frantically above his head, and then suddenly an anguished cry of pain. Maud was on her feet on the instant. She caught the arms, drew them firmly down again. Oh, don't, dear, don't, she said. You know you can't. The boy's face was convulsed.

Starting point is 00:17:06 I didn't know. I can sometimes. Oh, Maud, I hate life. I hate it, I hate it. His voice choked, became a gasping moan, ceased altogether. Maud stooped over him. His eyes were shut,

Starting point is 00:17:22 his face white as death. Bunny, bunny, darling. she whispered passionately. I would give all the world to make it better for you. There fell a silence while gradually the awful paroxysm began to pass.

Starting point is 00:17:37 Then very abruptly Bunny opened his eyes. No, you wouldn't, he said unexpectedly. Indeed I would, she said very earnestly. You wouldn't. He reiterated with the paralyzing conviction that refuses to hear any reasoning. If you would, you'd have married Lord Sond.

Starting point is 00:17:55 Saltash years ago, and been rich enough to pay one of the big men to put me right. She winced sharply. Bunny, you're not to talk to me of Lord Saltash. It isn't kind. He is the one man in the world I couldn't marry. Rot, said Bunny. You know you're in love with him. I know I couldn't marry him, she said a piteous quiver in her voice.

Starting point is 00:18:20 It is cruel to, too, she broke off. All right, said Bunny. waving the point. Find some other rich man then. I don't care who it is. You'll have to pretty soon. We shall neither of us stand this shepherd person for long. If I could only, somehow, make a living for the two of us,

Starting point is 00:18:40 the girl said. You can't. Again, deadly conviction swept aside argument. You're not clever enough, and you haven't time. Unless you propose to leave me to the tender mercies of the shepherd, it would be a quick way out of the difficulty so far as I am concerned anyway. Of course I could never leave you, Maud said quickly. All right then, Mary, and be quick about it, said Bunny.

Starting point is 00:19:06 He turned his drawn white face to the window, a face of unconscious pathos that often stirred his sister to the depths. Youth, and the gladness of youth, had never existed for Bunny Brian. Life for so long as he could remember had always been a long dreary round of pain and disappointment, of restless nights and dragging futile days. Only Maude, who shared them all, knew to the uttermost the woeful bitterness of the lad's existence. It hurt her cruelly that bitterness, moving her to a perpetual self-sacrifice of the extent of which even Bunny had small conception. She identified herself completely with

Starting point is 00:19:45 him, and had so done since the tenth year of her life when he had come, a puny wailing baby, into the world to fill the void of her childish heart. She had, as it were, grown up in his service, worn and sallow and thin, with the sharp edges of nerves that were always strung up to too high a pitch, the nerves of one who scarcely ever knew a whole night of undisturbed rest. They had told upon her, those years of anxiety and service, they had shorn away her youth also.

Starting point is 00:20:15 Only once, and that for a short time, had life ever seemed desirable in her eyes. A brief and splendid dream had been hers, spreading like a golden sunrise over her whole horizon. But the dream had faded. The sunrise had been extinguished in heavy clouds that had never again parted. She knew life for a grey, grey dreariness on which no light could ever shine again. She was tired, tired to the soul of her, and she was only twenty-five. Maud, Bunny's voice, half irritable, half eager, broke in upon her. "'See that fellow down there

Starting point is 00:20:52 "'trying to make his nag go into the sea? "'It's going to be a big job. "'Let's go down and see it done.' "'Bunny's long chair was in a corner of the room. "'It was no light task to get it in and out of the house, "'but Maude was used to the management of it. "'The weight of it went in with the other burdens of life. "'She was used also to lifting Bunny's poor little wasted body

Starting point is 00:21:14 "'and no wish of his that she could gratify was ever left neglected. Moreover, the offensive clamor of the gramophone overhead added to her alacrity to obey his behests, and the day was bright and warm, with the south wind blowing over a sparkling sea. It would do bunny good to go out, especially if he desired to go. It was not always that he would consent to do so after a sleepless night. But there was an extraordinary vitality in the meager frame, a fevered driving force that never seemed to be wholly exhausted. There were times when in action was absolute torture to him,

Starting point is 00:21:50 and Maud was ready to go until she dropped, if only she could in some measure alleviate that chafing restlessness. She counted it luck indeed if these moods of fret and turmoil raged during the day. She was better able to cope with them then, and it gave the night a better chance. Poor lad. He could fight his own way through the days, but the long, drawn-out misery of nights of incessant pain broke him down. How completely only Maude ever knew.

Starting point is 00:22:19 So gladly she wheeled him forth on that afternoon of late October down the hill to the sun-bathed shore. That hill taxed her physical powers to the uttermost. Secretly she dreaded the ascent, but not for worlds which he have had Bunny know it, bunny, who depended solely upon her for the very pleasures that ever came his way. To the last ounce of her strength, she was dedicated to the service of her idol.

Starting point is 00:22:45 end of chapters one and two part one chapters three and four of the hundredth chance by ethel m dell this libavoc's recording is in the public domain three the new acquaintance they reached the sunny stretch of parade in time to see the young chestnut that had excited bunny's interest being coaxed along the edge of the water by his rider the animal was covered with froth and evidently in a ferment of nervous excitement the man who rode him sat loosely in the saddle as if the tussle in progress were of a very minor importance in his estimation he kept the fretting creature's head turned towards the water however and at intervals he patted the streaming neck and spoke a few words of encouragement at bunny's request his chair was drawn to the edge of the parade and from here he and maud watched the progress of the battle a battle of wills it undoubtedly was though there was nothing in the man's attitude to indicate any strain he was obviously one who knew how to bide his time thick-set bull-necked somewhat bullet-headed with the face of even redness and a short blunt nose that looked aggressively confident wonder if he'll do it said bunny maud wondered too realizing that the task would be no easy one the horse was plainly on edge with apprehension and her sympathies went out to him somehow she did not want to see him conquered in fact not greatly admiring the physiognomy of his rider she hoped the horse would win. Stepping, with extreme daintiness, as if he expected

Starting point is 00:24:26 the ground to open and swallow him, the animal sidled past and she caught the gleam of a wicked eye as he went. There was mischief mingled with his fear. He evidently was not feeling particularly kindly disposed towards the man who wrote him. The loose seat of the ladder made her wonder if he were wholly aware of this. He'll be thrown if he isn't careful, she said half to

Starting point is 00:24:47 herself and half to Bunny, who was watching with a keenest interest. Hope he'll tumble into the water, said Bunny, who enjoyed dramatic situations. The pair had passed them and were continuing their sidling progress along the beach. The man still appeared preoccupied, the horse still half frightened, half mischievous. Some fifty yards they covered thus. Then the figure in the saddle slowly stiffened. Aware of an impending change of treatment, the animal began to jib with his head in the air. An odd little thrill went through mod, a feeling as of electricity in the air. It was almost a sensation of foreboding.

Starting point is 00:25:26 And then, clean and grim as a pistol shot, she heard the crack of a whip on the creature's quivering flank. It was a well-earned correction, deliberately administered, one stinging cut, delivered with a calculation that knew exactly where to strike. But the horse, a young animal, leapt into the air as if he had been shot indeed, and landing again almost on the same spot, began forthwith to buck jump in frenzied efforts to free himself of the taskmaster whose lash was so unerring. The whip descended again with absolute precision.

Starting point is 00:25:59 It looked almost like a feat of jugglery to Maud's fascinated eyes. The horse uttered a furious squeal. He was being forced, literally forced into the hated water, and he knew it, set himself with all the fiery unreason of youth to resist, and incidentally to receive a punishment nonetheless painful on account of its extreme deliberation. As for his rider, he kept his seat without apparent effort. He kept his temper also to all outward appearance.

Starting point is 00:26:28 He even again in the thick of the struggle abandoned force and tried coaxing again. It was only when this failed that it seemed to the watching girl that a certain quality of implacability began to manifest itself. His movements were no less studied, but they seemed to her to become relentless. From that moment she knew with absolute certainty that there could be but one end to the struggle.

Starting point is 00:26:52 Some dim suspicion of the same thing must have penetrated the animal's intelligence also, for almost from the same moment he seemed to lose heart. He still bucked away from the water and leapt in futile frenzy under the unsparing whip, but his fury was past. He no longer tried to fling his rider over his head. He seemed to be fighting to save his pride

Starting point is 00:27:12 rather than for any other reason. But his pride had to go. Endurance had its limits, and his smooth-clipped flanks were smarting intolerably. Very suddenly he gave in and walked into the water. It foamed alarmingly round his legs,

Starting point is 00:27:28 and he started in genuine terror and tried to turn. But on the instant, a hand was on his neck, a square sustaining hand that padded and consoled. Now, don't be a fool horse any longer, said his conqueror.

Starting point is 00:27:42 don't you know it's going to do you good go on and face it he went on splashing his rider thoroughly first in sheer nervousness later in undisguised content he came out of the water some five minutes later a wiser and considerably less headstrong youngster than he had entered it and walked serenely along the edge as if he had been accustomed to it all his life when the spreading foam washed round his hoofs he did not so much as lay near he had surrendered his prize and he did not seem to feel the sacrifice. A beastly tame ending, said Bunny and Frank disappointment. I hope the fellow was going to break his neck. The horseman was passing immediately below them. He looked up, and Maude colored a guilty scarlet, realizing that he had overheard the remark.

Starting point is 00:28:32 He had the most startlingly bright eyes she had ever seen. They met hers with the directness that seemed to peer straight through her and passed on unblinkingly to the boy in the long chair. there was something lynx-like in the straight regard something so deliberately intent that it seemed formidable his clean-shaven weather-beaten face had an untamed primitive look about it as of one born in the wilderness his mouth was rugged rather than coarse but it was not the mouth of civilization bunny who was not easily daunted looked hard back at him with a brazen expression of one challenging a rebuke but the horseman refused the challenge passing on without a word i'm tired said bunny in sudden discontent let's go back when he spoke in that tone he was invariably beyond coaxing maud turned the chair without protest and prepared to make that exhausting assent how slow you are to-day said bunny peevishly i hate this beastly hill you make me go up it on my head the slant was certainly acute maud murmured sympathy i would pull you up if i could pull you up if i could could, she said.

Starting point is 00:29:44 You've never even tried, said Bunny. He was plainly in an exacting mood. Her heart sank a little lower. It's no use trying, darling, she said. I know I can't, but I won't take a minute longer over it than I can help. You never do anything decently, said Bunny in disgust. Maud made no rejoinder. She bent in silence to her task.

Starting point is 00:30:10 Bunny could not see her face, and she strove. drove desperately to control her panting breath. You puffed like a grandpuss, the boy said discontentedly. There came the quick fall of a horse's hoofs behind them, and Maude bent her flushed face a little lower. She did not want to meet that piercing regard again. But the hoof-beats slackened behind her, and a voice spoke. A voice so curiously soft that at the first sound she almost believed it to be that of a woman.

Starting point is 00:30:39 Say, that's too heavy a job for you. she paused it was inevitable and looked round in the same moment he slid to the ground a square sturdy figure shorter than she had imagined him when he was in the saddle hoarsy of aspect clumsy of build possessing a breadth of chest that seemed to indicate vast strength again those extremely bright eyes met hers red-brown intensely alive she felt as if they saw too much they made her vividly conscious of her hot face and a laboring heart They embarrassed her, made her resentful. She was too breathless to speak. Perhaps she might not have done so in any case, but he did not wait for that. He pushed forward till he stood beside her.

Starting point is 00:31:26 You take my animal, he said. He's quiet enough now. She might have refused had she had time to consider, but he gave her none. He almost thrust the bridle into her hands, and the next moment he had taken her place behind the invalid chair and begun briskly to push it up the hill.

Starting point is 00:31:45 Maud followed, leading the now-docile horse divided between annoyance and gratitude. Bunny seemed struck dumb also, though whether with embarrassment or merely surprise she could not tell. At the top of the steep ascent, the stranger stopped and faced round. Thanks, he said briefly,

Starting point is 00:32:02 and took his horse back into his own keeping. Mod stood, feeling shy and awkward while he set his foot in the stirrup. Then ere he mounted with a desperate effort, she spoke. It was very kind of you. Thank you very much. Her voice sounded coldly formal by reason of her extreme discomforture. She would have given a good deal to have avoided speaking altogether, but the man stopped dead and looked at her as though she had attempted to detain him. You've nothing to thank me for, he said in that queer, soft voice of his. As I said before,

Starting point is 00:32:36 it's too heavy a job for you. You'll get a groggy heart if you keep on with it. there was no intentional familiarity in this speech but it made her stiffen instinctively it was very kind of you she repeated and with a bow that was even more freezingly polite than her words she turned to the chair and prepared to walk on but at this point bunny suddenly found his voice in belated acknowledgment of the service rendered hi you stop a minute thanks for pushing me up this beastly hill the stranger was still standing with his foot in the stirrup but at the sound of the sound of Bunny's voice he took it out again and came to the boy's side leading his horse. What a beauty, said Bunny admiringly. Let me touch him, I say. Oh, don't, Mod said nervously. He looked so savage just now. He's not savage, said the horse's owner and pulled the animal's nose down to Bunny's eager caressing hand. The creature was plainly suspicious. He tried to avoid the caress,

Starting point is 00:33:38 but his master and Bunny were equally insistent and he finally submitted. "'He's not savage,' his writer said again. "'He's only young and a bit heady. "'Wants a little shaping, like all youngsters.' "'Bunny's shrewd eyes flashed him a rapid glance, "'meeting the red-brown eyes deliberately scrutinizing him. "'With a certain blunt courage that was his, he tackled the situation. "'I say, did you hear what I said down on the parade?'

Starting point is 00:34:07 "'The man smiled a little, still watching Bunny's red face. "'Did you mean me to hear?' he inquired. "'No,' said Bunny, staring back, half fascinated and half defiant. "'All right, then. I didn't,' the horseman said. Bunny's expression changed. He smiled. And when he smiled, his lost youth looked out of his worn face. "'Good for you,' he said. "'I say, I hope we shall see you again sometime.' "'If you are here for long, you probably will.' The man made answer.

Starting point is 00:34:43 Do you live here? Bunny's voice was eager. His eyes sparkled with interest. The man nodded. Yes, I'm a fixture. And you? Oh, we're going to be fixtures, too, said Bunny. This is my sister, Maude.

Starting point is 00:34:59 I am Sir Bernard Brian. Maud's ready blush rose burningly. She fidgeted to be gone. Bunny's swaggering announcement made her long to sink through the earth. She dreaded to hear his listener laugh, even looked up in surprise when no laugh came. He was surveying Bunny with that same unblinking regard that had disconcerted her. The slight smile was still on his face, but it was not a derisive smile. After a moment he said,

Starting point is 00:35:27 My name is Bolton, Jake Bolton. Think you can remember that? What are you? said Bunny with frank curiosity. Hi. The faint smile suddenly. suddenly broadened, showing teeth that were large and very white. I am a groom, the horseman said. Are you? The boy's eyes opened wide.

Starting point is 00:35:50 Then you're not a mister, he said. Oh, no, I'm not a mister. There was certainly a laugh in the womanish voice this time, but it held no open ridicule. I'm plain Jake Bolton. You can call me Bolton, or Jake, whichever you like. Good day, Sir Bernard. He backed his son.

Starting point is 00:36:09 horse with the words and mounted. Ma did not look at him. She felt too overwhelmed. Moreover, she was sure, painfully sure, that he looked at her, and she thought there must be at least amusement in his eyes. With relief, she heard him turn his horse

Starting point is 00:36:26 and trot down the hill. He had not even been going their way then. Her face burned afresh. What a queer fish, said Bunny. Hello? What are you so read about? I wish you wouldn't tell people your title, she said. They only laugh. He didn't laugh when I told him, said Bunny. And why shouldn't I? I've a right to it. He would not see her point, she knew, but she made an attempt to explain. He would have liked to

Starting point is 00:36:56 call himself a gentleman, she said, but he didn't. That's quite different, said Bunny loftily. He knows he isn't one. Modd abandoned the argument then, because, though it was against her judgment, she found that she wanted to agree. Four. The accepted suitor. Hark to the brute, said Bunny. A long, loud peal of laughter was echoing through the house. Mod shuddered at the sound. The noisy wooing of her mother's suitor made her physically sick. But for Bunny, she would have fled incontinently from the man's proximity. Because of Bunny, she sat at a rickety writing table in a corner of the room and

Starting point is 00:37:38 and urgent, almost a desperate appeal to the bachelor uncle in the north to deliver them from the impending horror. No other consideration on earth would have forced such an appeal from her. She felt literally distraught that night. She was being dragged a helpless prisoner to the house of bondage. Again came that loud, coarse laugh, and with it the opening of the door on the other side of the passage. Watch out, warned Bunny. They're coming. There was a hint nervousness in his voice also. She heard it and swiftly rose. When their own door opened, she was standing beside him very upright, very pale, rigidly composed. Her mother entered, flushed and smiling. Behind her came her accepted lover, a large florid man, handsome in a certain

Starting point is 00:38:27 coarse style, with a dissipated look about the eyes which told its own tale. Maud quivered in impotent resentment whenever she encountered those eyes. They could not look upon a woman with reverence. He strolled into the room in her mother's wake, fondling a dark mustache, in evident good humor with himself and all the world. Lady Brian ran to her daughter with all a girl's impetuosity. My dear, it's all settled, she declared. Giles and I are going to be married, and we're all going to live at the anchor with him.

Starting point is 00:39:01 And a dear little bunny is to have the best ground-floor rooms. Now isn't that kind? It was kind, yet Maude stiffened to an even icier fragidity at the news, and dear little bunny's nose turned up to an aggressive angle. After a distinct pause, Maude bent her long neck and coldly kissed her mother's expectant face. I hope you and Mr. Shepard will be very happy, she said. The happy suitor broke into his loud, self-satisfied laugh. "'He, God, what an enthusiastic reception!' he cried. "'Have you got a similar chase salute for me.

Starting point is 00:39:39 He swaggered towards her and Maude froze as she stood. Her eyes shot a blue flare of open enmity at him. And almost in spite of himself, Giles Shepard paused. By Jove, he said. You've got a she-wolf here, madam.

Starting point is 00:39:55 Lady Brian turned. Oh, Giles, don't be absurd. Maud is not like me, you know. She was never demonstrative as a child. She was always shy and quite. They are not quite used to the idea of you yet. You must give them time. Bunny, darling, won't you give mother a kiss? What for? said Bunny. He was tightly gripping Maud's cold hand with fingers that were like tense wire. His eyes very wide and bright

Starting point is 00:40:26 defied the whole world on her behalf. I'm not going to kiss anyone, he said. Neither is Maude. I don't know what there is to make such a fuss about. You've both been married before. The landlord of the anchor gave a great roar of laughter. Ha ha ha, not bad for a bantling, eh, Lucy? Didn't know I was going to have a sucking cynic for a stepson. You're quite right, my boy. There is nothing to make a fuss about. And so we shan't ask you to dance at the wedding. Not that you could if you tried, eh? And my lady disdain there won't be invited. we are going to be married by special license to-morrow afternoon and you can take possession of your new quarters while the knot is being tied how's that appeal to you

Starting point is 00:41:12 bunny looked at him with a certain grim interest it'll suit me all right he said but i'm hanged if i can see where you come in giles shepherd laughed again with his tongue in his cheek oh i shall have my picking at the feast old son he declared jovially i've had my eye on your mother for a long time pretty piece of good she is too you're neither of you a patch on her they don't do you credit lucy my dear sure they're your own the man's drunk said maud suddenly and sharply my dear my dear cried lady brian in dismayed protest the girl bit her lip the words had escaped her she knew not how giles shepard however only laughed again and seated himself on the edge of the table to contemplate her we shall have to try and find a husband for you young woman he said a husband who'll know how to bring you to heal it'll be a tough job I wonder who'd like to take it on. Jake Bolton might do the trick. We'll have Jake Bolton to dine with us tomorrow. He knows how to tame wild animals, does, Jake.

Starting point is 00:42:25 It's a damn pretty sight to see him do it, too. Gosh, he knows how to lay it on just where it hurts most. He chuckled grimly with his eyes on Maud's now crimson face. Now Giles, protested Lady Brian. You've promised to be good to my two children. I'm sure we shall all shake down comfortably presently. Dear Maude has a good deal to learn yet, so you must be patient with her. We were foolish ourselves at her age, I have no doubt.

Starting point is 00:42:57 Oh, no doubt, said her fiancée with his thick-litted eyes, still mocking the girl's face of outraged pride. We've all been foolish in our time. But there's only one treatment for that complaint in the female species, my lady, and that is a sound good spanking. It does a world of good, takes the stiffening out of a woman in no time. I've had a daughter of my own. A decent little filly she was, too.

Starting point is 00:43:25 Married now and gone to Canada. But I had to keep her in order I can tell you before she went. I gave her many a slippery and she thought the better of me for it too. She knew I wouldn't stand any of her nonsense. Ah, well, smiled Lady Brian. are not all alike, you know, and that sort of treatment doesn't suit everybody. Now I think we all know each other, and my little bunny is looking rather tired.

Starting point is 00:43:53 I think we won't stay any longer. It means a bad night if he gets excited. Wait a minute, interposed Bunny. That man you were talking about just now, Jake Bolton. Who is he? Where does he live? Who is he? Giles Shepard slapped his thigh and rose. He's one of the best known fellows about here. A bit of a card, but none the worse for that. He's the trainer up at the stables, Lord Saltash's place. Never heard of him.

Starting point is 00:44:23 He's known as the lynx on the turf, because he's so devilish shrewd. Oh, yes, he's quite a card. And to see him break one of them youngsters, well, it's a fair treat. Mr. Shepherd's grammar was apt to lapse somewhat when his enthusiasm was kindled. "'Mod shivered a little. Lady Brian smiled indulgently. "'Poor Giles, he was a rough diamond.

Starting point is 00:44:48 "'She would have to do a little polishing, "'but she was sure he would become "'quite a valuable gem when polished. "'Oh, he's Lord Saltash's trainer, is he?' she said. "'Lord Saltash is a very old friend of ours. "'Is he, does he ever come down here?' "'Who? Lord Saltash? "'He has a place here.

Starting point is 00:45:08 "'You couldn't have been very interesting.' with him if you didn't know that. Just as well, perhaps, with the man of his tendencies. Shepard laughed in a fashion that sent the hot blood back to Maud's face. A bit too fond of his neighbor's wife, that young man. Lucky thing for him that he didn't have to pay heavy damages. More luck than judgment to my thinking. Oh, Giles, protested Lady Brian.

Starting point is 00:45:34 How you do run on. I did know that he had an estate here. That was why I asked if he still came. down. You really mustn't blacken the young man's character in that way. We are all very fond of him. Are you, though? Shepard's laugh died. He looked at Maude with a hint of venom. Like the rest of your charming sex, eh? Well, we don't see much of the Gaylothario in these parts. If that was your little game, you'd better have stopped in town. Maud's lips said, Cad, but her voice made no sound. He bowed in ironical acknowledgement and turned to her mother.

Starting point is 00:46:12 Now, my lady, having received these cordial congratulations, I move an adjournment. As you have foretold, we shall doubtless all shake down together very comfortably in the course of a few weeks. But in the meantime, I should like to inform all whom it may concern that I am master in my own house and I expect to be treated as such. Again his insolent eyes rested upon Maude's proud face. and her slight form quivered in response, though she kept her own rigidly downcast. Of course that is understood,

Starting point is 00:46:45 said Lady Brian with a pacific hand on his arm. There, let us go now. I am sure we are all going to be as happy as the day is long. She looked up at him with persuasive coquetry, and he at once succumbed. He pulled her to him roughly and bestowed several resounding kisses upon her delicate face, not desisting until with laughing remonstance

Starting point is 00:47:07 she put up a protesting hand. Giles, really, really, you mustn't be greedy, she said, and drew him to the door with some urgency. He went, his malignancy for the moment swamped by a stronger emotion, and brother and sister were left alone. What a disgusting beast, said Bunny as the door closed. Maud said nothing. She only went to the window and flung it wide.

Starting point is 00:47:36 End of Chapter 3. and four. Part 1, Chapter 5 and 6 of the 100th Chance by Ethel Amdell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 5. In the Dark Black Night and a Mowing Sea Now and then a drizzle of rain came on a gust of wind sprinkling the girl's tense face, damping the dark hair

Starting point is 00:48:05 that clustered about her temples. But she did not so much as feel it. Her passionate young spirit was all on fire with a fierce revolt against the destinies that ruled her life. She paced the parade as one distraught. Only for a brief space could she let herself go thus. Only while Bunny and their mother play their nightly game of cribbage. They did not so much as know that she was out of the house. She would have to return ere she was missed and then would follow the inevitable ordeal of putting Bunny to bed. It was an ordeal that seemed to become each night more difficult. In the morning he was easier to manage. But at night, when he was tired out and all his nerves were on edge, she sometimes found

Starting point is 00:48:47 the task almost beyond her powers. When he was in pain, and this was not infrequently, it took her hours to get him finally settled. She was sure that it would be no easy task tonight. He had had bouts of severe niraja during the day, and his flushed face and irritable manner warned her that there was a struggle in store. She had sometimes sat waiting till the small hours of the morning before he would permit her to move or undress him. She felt that some such trial was before her now and her heart was as lead. The house had seemed to stifle her. She had run out for a breath of air, and then something about that moaning shore had seemed to draw her. She had run down to the parade, and now she paced along it, staring down into the fathomless

Starting point is 00:49:31 dark below her, where the deep water rose and fell with a ceaseless moaning, thumping the wall beneath in sullen impotence. There was no splash of waves, only that dumb striving against a power it could not overthrow. It was like her own mute rebellion, she thought to herself miserably, as persistent and as futile. She reached the end of the parade. The hour was late. The place deserted.

Starting point is 00:49:57 There was a shelter here. She was sure it would be empty, but it did not attract her. She wanted to get as close as possible to that moaning, mysterious waste of of water. It held a stark fascination for her. It drew her like a magnet. She stood on the very edge of the parade, facing the drift of rain that blew in from the sea. How dark it was. The nearest lap was fifty yards away. The thought came to her suddenly, taking form from the formless deep. How easy to take one single false step in that darkness. How swift the consequence, and how complete the deliverance.

Starting point is 00:50:38 A short inevitable struggle in the dark, in the dark, and then a certain release from this hateful chain called life. It would be terrible, but so quickly over, and this misery that so called her would be forever past.

Starting point is 00:50:54 She beat her foot on the edge with a passionate impatience. What a fool she was to suffer so. When there was nothing, never had been anything in life worth living for. "'Nothing. Well, yes, there was Bunny. She was an absolute necessity to him. That she knew. She was firmly convinced that he would die without her. And though he would be far,

Starting point is 00:51:19 far happy or dead, poor darling, she couldn't leave him to die alone. She lifted her clenched hands above her head in straining impotence. For one black moment she almost wished that Bunny were dead. And then, very suddenly, with staggering unexpectedness, she received the biggest shock of her life. Two hands closed simultaneously upon her wrists, and she was drawn into two encircling arms. She uttered a startled outcry, and in the same moment began a wild and flurried struggle for freedom. But the arms that held her closed like steel springs. A man's strength forced her steadily away from the yawning blackness

Starting point is 00:51:58 that stretched beyond the parade. It's no good kicking, a soft voice said. You won't get away. Something in the voice reassured her. She ceased to struggle. Oh, let me go, she said breathlessly. You don't understand. I only...

Starting point is 00:52:18 Came out for a breath of air, he suggested. Of course. I gathered that. He took his arms away from her, but he still kept one on her wrist in a strong grasp. She could not see. see his face in the darkness, only his figure, which was short and stoutly built. Do you know, he said, when people take the air like that, I always have to hold on to

Starting point is 00:52:41 him tight till they've had all they want. It's damn cheek on my part as you were just going to remark. But my girl, it's easier than mucking about in a dark sea looking for him after they've lost their balance. He had led her to the shelter. She sat down rather helplessly, wondering if it would be possible to conceal her identity from him, since it was evident that so far he had not recognized her. He stood in front of her, squarely planted, his hand still locked upon her wrist. She had known him from the first word he had spoken, and remembering those startling lynx eyes of his she felt decidedly uneasy. She was sure they could see in the dark. She spoke after a moment with slight hesitation. I shouldn't have lost my balance, and if I had meant to jump over as you

Starting point is 00:53:29 imagined, I shouldn't have stood so long thinking about it. Sure you're not thinking about it now, he said. Quite sure, she answered. He bent down and she was sure, quite sure, that his eyes scrutinized her and took in every detail. The next moment he released her wrist also.

Starting point is 00:53:48 All right, my girl, he said, I believe you, but don't do it again. Accidents happen, you know. You might have had one then, and I should still have had to flounder around looking for you. Something in his tone made her want to smile, and yet she felt so sure, so sure, that he knew her all the time.

Starting point is 00:54:10 And she wanted to resent his familiarity at the same moment, for if he knew her, it was rank presumption to address her so. She rose at length and faced him with such dignity as she could muster. I am obliged to you, she said, but I failed to see why your responsibility should extend so far. If I had fallen over, the chances are that you could never have found me, or saved me if you had. Ninety-nine to one, he said coolly, but do you know I rather count on the hundredth chance. I've taken it and won on it before now. He was not to be disconcerted, it was evident. He was

Starting point is 00:54:49 plainly a difficult man to rout, one accustomed to keep his head in any emergency. And she? She was but a slip of a girl in his estimation. and he had her at a disadvantage already. She felt her face began to burn in the darkness. She shifted her ground. I don't see why anyone should be made to live against his will, she said,

Starting point is 00:55:10 why it should be anyone's business to interfere. That's because you're young, he said, you haven't yet got the proper hang of things. It only comes with practice that. Her face burned more hotly. He was actually patronizing her. She turned abruptly, good evening, she said, and began to walk away.

Starting point is 00:55:32 But he fell in beside her at once. I'm going your way, he observed. May as well see you past the bar of the anchor. They get a bit lively there sometimes at this end of the day. He walked with a slight roll of a man accustomed to much riding. She imagined that he never appeared in anything but bridges and gaiters, but his tread was firm and purposeful. Quite obviously, it never ever.

Starting point is 00:55:58 entered his head that she might not desire his company. For that reason she had to submit to the arrangement, though she felt herself grow more and more rigid as they neared the circle of light cast by the street-lamp. Of course he was bound to recognize her now. But they reached and passed the lamp, and he trapped straight ahead without looking at her, after the square fashion that she had somehow begun to associate with him.

Starting point is 00:56:23 They reached and passed the anchor also, with its lighted bar and coarse voices and lounging figures, They began the steep ascent up, which he had pushed Bunny that afternoon. It was dark enough here, at least, and her self-confidence began to revive. She would put him to the test. She would pass the gate that he had seen her enter earlier in the day. If he displayed surprise or hesitation, she would know that he had recognized her. But yet again he baffled her.

Starting point is 00:56:51 He tramped steadily on. She began to get a little breathless. There was another lamp at the top of the road. She did not want to reach that. In desperation she paused. Good evening, she said again. He stopped at once, and she thought she caught the glitter of his eyes seeking her own in the darkness. You're going in now, he asked.

Starting point is 00:57:14 Yes, she said. He came a step nearer and laid one finger on her arm. Look here, my girl. You take a straight tip from me. If you're in any sort of trouble, go and tell someone. one. Don't bottle it in till it gets too big for you. And above all, don't go step-dancing on the edge of the parade in the dark. It's a fool thing to do. He emphasized his points with impressive taps upon her arm. She felt absurdly small and meek. Suppose I haven't anyone to tell, she said after a

Starting point is 00:57:51 moment. He rose to the occasion instantly. I'm sound, he said. Tell me. She had not expected that. He seemed to disconcert her at every turn. Thank you, she said, taking refuge in extreme frigidity. I think not. As you like, he said, I dare say I shouldn't in your place. I only suggested it because I can't see a girl in trouble and pass by on the other side. He spoke quite quietly, but there was a quality in the soft voice that stirred her very strangely,

Starting point is 00:58:25 something that made her for the moment forget the man. dominant personality and feel as if a woman had uttered the words she put out a groping hand to him obeying a curious impulse that would not be denied thank you she said again he kept her hand for a second or two holding it squarely almost as if he were waiting for something then without a word he let it go she turned back and he went on six the unwilling guest but my dear "'Dear, child, you must appear,' urged the bride with a piteous little twist of the lips. "'I can't go unsupported into that dreadful crowd.'

Starting point is 00:59:07 "'Oh, mother,' Mott said. "'And that was all, for what was the good of saying more. Her mother had made the choice, and there was no turning back. They could only go forward now along the new course, whithersoever it led. "'I'll come,' she said after a moment. her mother's smile was full of pathos we must all make sacrifices for one another darling she said i have made a very big one for you and bunny he poor little lad isn't old enough to understand but surely you at least can appreciate it she looked so wistful as she spoke that in spite of herself maud was moved to a very unusual show of tenderness she turned and kissed her i do hope you will be happy she said said, I expect you will, you know, when you are used to it.

Starting point is 00:59:59 She spoke out of a very definite knowledge of her mother's character. She knew well the yielding adaptability thereof. Giles' shepherd's standards would very soon be hers also, and she would speedily cease to find anything wanting in his friends. She turned with a sigh. Let's go and get it over, she said. But I can't stay long. I shall have to get back to Bunny.

Starting point is 01:00:22 She and Bunny had spent all the afternoon and evening settling into their new quarters at the Anker Hotel, and it had been a tiring task. The bride and bridegroom had gone straight from the registry office where the ceremony had been performed to the county town, some 30 miles distant, in the one ramshackle little motor that the hotel possessed, and had returned barely in time to receive the guests whom Shepard had invited to his wedding feast. Neither Maude nor her mother had been told much of the forthcoming festivity, and the the girl's dismay upon learning that she was expected to attend it was considerable. She was feeling tired and depressed.

Starting point is 01:00:59 Bunny was in a difficult mood, and she knew that another bad night lay before them. Still, it was impossible to refuse. She could only yield with as good a grace as she could muster. "'Make yourself pretty, won't you, dear?' said Mrs. Shepard, as her point gained, she prepared smilingly to depart. "'Ware your white silk. You look charming in that.' Maud had not the faintest wish to look charming,

Starting point is 01:01:25 but yet again she could not refuse to gratify a wish so amiable expressed. She donned the white silk, therefore, though feeling in any but a festive mood, and prepared herself for the ordeal with a grim determination to escape from it as soon as possible. She was not tall, but her extreme slenderness gave her a decidedly regal pose. She held her head proudly and bore herself with distinction. Her eyes, those wonderful blue-violet,

Starting point is 01:01:52 eyes, had the aloof expression of one whose soul is far away. Giles Shepard watched her enter the drawing-room behind her mother, and a bitter sneer crossed his bloated face. He was utterly incapable of appreciating that innate pride of race that expressed itself in every line of her. He read only contempt for him and his in the girl's still face, and the deep resentment kindled the night before began to smolder within him with an ever-increasing heat. How dared she show her airs and graces here? she, a penniless minks, dependent now upon his charity for the very bread she ate. He turned with an ugly jest at her expense upon his lips to the man with whom he had been talking at her entrance.

Starting point is 01:02:35 But the jest was checked unuttered, for the man's square, thick-set as a bulldog, abruptly left his side and moved forward. The quick blood mounted in Maude's face as he intercepted her. She looked at him for a second as if she would turn and flee. but he held out a steady hand to her, and she had to place hers within it. In a moment his peculiar voice accosted her. You remember me, Miss Brian. I'm Jake Bolden, the horse-breaker. I had the pleasure of doing your brother a small service yesterday.

Starting point is 01:03:07 Both hand and voice reassured her. She had an absurd feeling that he was meeting out to her such treatment as he would have considered suitable for a nervous horse. She forced herself to smile upon him. It was the only thing to do. He smiled in return, his pleasant open smile. Remember me now, he said. Quite well, she answered.

Starting point is 01:03:30 Good, he said briefly. Let me find you a chair. I don't suppose you know many of the people here. She did not know any of them, and as Shepherd had seized upon his bride and was presenting her in rude triumph to each in turn, with much noisy laughter and coarse joking, it was not difficult to slip into a,

Starting point is 01:03:48 a corner with Jake Bolton without attracting further attention. He stood beside her for a space while covertly she took stock of him. Yes, he actually had discarded his gaiters and was wearing evening dress. It did not seem a natural garb for him, but he carried it better than she would have expected. He still reminded her very forcibly of horses, though she could not have definitely said wherein this strong suggestion lay. His ruddy face and short, dominant nose might have belonged to a sailor. but the brilliant chestnut eyes with their red-brown lashes were somehow not of the sea.

Starting point is 01:04:24 They made her think of the reek of leather and the thud of galloping hoofs. Suddenly he turned and caught her critical survey. She dropped her eyes instantly in hot confusion, while he, as if he had just made up his mind, sat down beside her. "'So you and your brother are going to live here,' he said. She answered him in a low voice. The word seemed to leap from her almost without her conscious belief. We can't help ourselves. He gave a short nod as of a suspicion confirmed,

Starting point is 01:04:55 and sat in silence for a little. The loud laughter of Giles' shepherd's guess filled in the pause. Maud held herself rigidly still, repressing a nervous shiver that attacked her repeatedly. Suddenly the man beside her spoke. What's the matter with that young brother of yours? With relief she came out of her tense silence.

Starting point is 01:05:16 It is an injury to the spine. He had a fall in his babyhood. He suffers terribly sometimes. Nothing to be done, he asked. She shook her head. No one very good has seen him. He won't let a doctor come near him now. Oh, rats, exclaimed Jake Bolton unexpectedly.

Starting point is 01:05:37 She felt her color rise as he turned his bright eyes upon her. You don't say that a kid like that can get the better of you, he said. She resented the question, yet she answered it. Bunny has a strong will. I never oppose it. And why not? He was looking directly at her with a comical smile, as if he were inspecting some quaint object of interest. Again against her will, she made a reply. I tried to give him all he wants. He has missed all that is good in life. He wrinkled his forehead for a moment as if puzzled, then broke into a laugh. Say, what a queer notion to get, he said. She still. She still.

Starting point is 01:06:18 siffened on the instant, but he did not seem to notice it. He leaned towards her and laid one finger, a short square forefinger on her arm. Tell me now, what are the good things in life? She withdrew her arm from his touch and regarded him with a hoteur that did not wholly avail her embarrassment. "'You don't know,' said Jake. "'Be honest and say so.' But Maud only retired further into her shell. "'I think we have wandered rather far from the subject, she said coldly. My brother is unfortunately the victim of circumstance, and no discussion can alter that fact.

Starting point is 01:06:57 He accepted the snub with a sign of discomfiture. Is he here now? he asked. She bent her head. In this house, yes. Will you let me see him presently? He pursued. Distantly she made a reply. I'm afraid that is impossible.

Starting point is 01:07:15 Why? he said. She raised her dark brows. tell me why he insisted calmly she met his look it is not good for him to see strangers at night it upsets his rest you think it would be bad for him to see me he questioned his voice was suddenly very deliberate he was looking her full in the face a curious little tremor went through her she felt as if he had pinioned her there before him her reply astounded herself i don't say it was would be bad for him, only, inadvisable. He is rather excited already. Will you ask him presently if he would care to see me? said Jake Bolton steadily.

Starting point is 01:08:00 She bit her lip, hesitating. I shan't upset him, he said. I won't excite him. I'll quiet him down. She did not want to yield, yet she yielded. I will ask him, if you wish, she said. He smiled. Thank you, Miss Brian.

Starting point is 01:08:18 you didn't want to give in, did you? But I undertake that you will not be sorry. Hello, Jacob, blared Shepard's voice suddenly across the room. What are you doing over there, you rascal? Thought I shouldn't see you, eh? Well, you're a deep one you are. I dare say now you've made up your mind that that young woman is a princess in disguise. She isn't.

Starting point is 01:08:43 She's just my stepdaughter, and a very cheap article I assure you, Jake. very cheap indeed the roar of laughter that greeted the sally filled the room drowning any further remarks shepherd stood in the centre swaying a little looking round on the assembled company with a facetious grin jake bolton rose and went to him he stood with him for a moment and maud shivering in her corner marvelled that he did not look mean and insignificant beside the other's great bulk she wondered what he said it was only a few words and and they were not apparently uttered with much urgency. But Shepard's grin died away, and she fancied that for a moment, only for a moment, he looked a little sheepish. Then he clapped a great hand upon Bolton's shoulder.

Starting point is 01:09:32 All right, all right, it's for you to make the running. Come along, ladies and gentlemen, let us feed. There was a general move and a tall, lanky young man with a white face and black hair that shone like varnish slouched up to maud. I don't see why Bolton should have all the plums, he said. May I have the honor of conducting you to the supper table? She was on her feet. She looked at him with a disdain so withering

Starting point is 01:10:00 that the young man wilted visibly before her. No offense meant, I'm sure, he said shuffling his feet. But I thought, as you were being so paly with Jake Bolton, you wouldn't object to being paly with me. Maud said nothing. She was, in fact, so quivering with him. rage that speech would have been difficult. A very stout, elderly lady, with a neck and arms that were hardly distinguishable from the

Starting point is 01:10:25 red silk dress she wore, sailed up to them. "'Come, come, miss,' she said, beaming good-temperedly upon Maude's pale face. "'We're not standing on ceremony to-night. We're all friends here. You won't mind going in with my boy, Tom, I'm sure. He's considered quite the ladies' man I can assure you.' "'Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Wright.' "'Miss Brian is going in with me,' said Jake Bolton's smooth voice behind her.

Starting point is 01:10:53 "'Tom, you get.' Somehow, before she knew it, the black-haired young man was gone from her path, and her hand lay trembling within Bolton's arm. She did not utter a word. She could not. She felt choked. Jake Bolton said nothing either. He only piloted her through the crowd with the smile of the winner curving the corners

Starting point is 01:11:15 of his mouth. They reached the dining room, and people began to seat themselves around a long center table. There was no formal arrangement, and some confusion ensued in consequence. Fight it out among yourselves, yelled Shepard above the din of laughter and movement. Make yourselves at home. Bolton glanced round. There's a table for two in that alcove, he said.

Starting point is 01:11:40 Shall we make for that? Anywhere, she said desperately. He elbowed away for her. The table was near a wick. window, the alcove draped with curtains. He put her into a chair where she was screened from the eyes of those at the center table. He seated himself opposite to her. Don't look so scared, he said. She smiled at him faintly in silence. I gather you don't enjoy this sort of bear fight, he said. She remained silent. The man

Starting point is 01:12:11 disconcerted her. She was burningly conscious that she had not been too discreet in taking him even so far into her confidence. He leaned slowly forward, fixing her with those relentless links like eyes. Miss Brian, he said, his voice very level, faultlessly distinct. I'm rough, no doubt,

Starting point is 01:12:30 but please believe I'm white. She looked at him, startled, unhappy, not knowing what to say. He nodded still watching her. Don't you forget it, he said. There are plenty of beasts in the world, but I'm not one of them. You'll drink champagne, of course.

Starting point is 01:12:50 He got up to procure it, and Maude managed in the interval to recover some of her composure. When he came back, she mustered a smile and thanked him. You look, fagged out, he said as he filled her glass. What have you been doing? Getting straight in our new quarters here, she answered. It takes some time.

Starting point is 01:13:10 Where are your rooms? he asked. She hesitated momentarily. it is really only one room she said but it is a fine one i have another little one upstairs but it is a long way off of course i shall sleep downstairs with bunny do you always sleep with him he asked she coloured a little yes is he a good sleeper he had moved round and was filling his own glass she watched his steady hand with a touch of envy she would have given much for as cool a nerve just then is he a good sleeper he repeated the question as he set down the bottle she answered it at once no a very poor one and you look after him night and day bolton's eyes suddenly comprehended her i guess that accounts for it he said in a tone of enlightenment for what she met his look haughtily determined to hold her own but he smiled and refused the contest for much he said now what will you eat lobster that's right i want to see you started what a filthy racket they are making i hope it won't upset your appetite any she had never felt less hungry in her life but out of a queer sensation of gratitude she tried to eat what he put before her he had certainly done his best to shield her from that objectionable crowd but she was still by no means certain that she liked the man he was still by no means certain that she liked the man he was

Starting point is 01:14:45 too much inclined to take her friendship for granted, too ready to presume upon a very short acquaintance. And she was sure, quite sure now, that he had recognized her from the first moment down on the parade the night before. The knowledge was very disquieting. He was kind. Oh yes, he was kind, but she felt that he knew too much. And so a certain antagonism warred against her gratitude and prevented any gracious expression thereof. She, she, only longed, oh, how desperately, to flee away from this new and horrible world into which she had been so ruthlessly dragged and to see no more of its inhabitants forever. Vain longing. Even then she knew, or shrewdly suspected, that her lot was to be cast in

Starting point is 01:15:33 that same world for the rest of her mortal life. End of chapters five and six. Part 1. Chapter 7 and 8 of the Hundred's Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Libre Fox's recording. is in the public domain. Seven. The magician. Oh, Maud, I thought you were never coming. Bunny's face, pale and drawn, wearing the irritable frown so habitual to it, turned towards the opening door. I have brought you a visitor, his sister said.

Starting point is 01:16:10 Her voice was low and nervous. She looked by no means sure of Bunny's reception of the news. Behind her came Jake Bolton, the trainer, alert and self-assured. It was quite evident that he was. he had no doubts whatever upon the subject. His thick mat of chestnut hair shone like copper in the brilliant electric light, such hair as would have been a woman's glory, but that Jake kept very closely cropped. What on earth for? began Bunny querulously, and then magically his face changed and he smiled. "'Hello you?' he said. Bolton came to his side and took the small, eager hand

Starting point is 01:16:46 thrust out to him. "'Yes, it's me,' he said. No objection, I hope. I should think not. The boy's face was glowing with pleasure. Sit down, he said. Mott, get a chair. Bolton turned sharply, found her already bringing one and took it swiftly from her.

Starting point is 01:17:07 He sat down by Bunny's side and took the little thin hand back into his. Do you know I've been thinking a lot about you? He said. Bunny was vastly flattered. He liked the grasp of the strong fingers also, though he would not probably have tolerated such a thing from any but this stranger. Yes, pursued Jake in his soft, level voice.

Starting point is 01:17:29 I reckon I've taken a fancy to you, little chap. I beg your pardon, Sir Bernard. How have you been today? Don't call me that, said Bunny, turning suddenly red. What? Jake smiled upon him, his magic kindly smile. Am I to call you Bunny like your sister, then? Yes, and you can call you. call her, Maude, said Bunny autocratically.

Starting point is 01:17:54 Can't he, Maude? Jake turned his head and looked at her. She was standing before the fire, the red glow all about her, very slim, very graceful, very stately. She did not so much as glance at Jake, only bent a little towards the blaze so that he could not see her face. I don't think I dare, said Jake. Mod, peremptorily Bunny's voice accosted her. Come over here.

Starting point is 01:18:19 Come and sit on my bed. It was more of a command than an invitation. Maud straightened herself and turned. But as she did so, their visitor intervened. No, don't, he said. Sit down right there, Miss Brian, in that easy chair and have a rest. His voice was peremptory, too, but in a different way. Bunny stared at him wide-eyed.

Starting point is 01:18:43 Jake met the stare with an admonitory shake of the head. Guess Bunny's not wanting you, he said. Don't listen to anything. he says. Bunny's mouth open to protest, remained open for about five seconds, and finally said, All right, Maude, you can stay by the fire while we talk. And Mod, much to her own surprise, sat down in the low chair on the hearth and leaned her aching back upon the cushion. She had her back to Bunny and his companion, and the soft murmur of the latter's voice held not disturbing. It seemed, in fact, to possess something of a soothing quality, for very soon her

Starting point is 01:19:20 heavy eyelids began to droop and the voice to recede into ever-growing distance. For a space she still heard it, dim and remote as the splash of the waves on the shore. Then very softly, it was blotted out. Her cares and her troubles all fell away from her. She sank into soundless billows of sleep. It was a perfectly dreamless repose, serene as a child's, and it seemed to last indefinitely. She lay in complete content, unconscious of all the world, lapped in peace and blissfully free from the goading anxiety that usually disturbed her rest. It was the calmest slumber she had known for many years. From it she awoke at length with a guilty start.

Starting point is 01:20:03 The fall of a piece of coal had broken the happy spell. She sat up to find herself in firelight only. Her first thought was for Bunny, and she turned in her chair and looked across the unfamiliar room. He was lying very still in the shadows. softly she rose and stepped across to him. Yes, he was asleep also, lying among his pillows. The chair by his side was empty.

Starting point is 01:20:27 The visitor vanished. Very cautiously she bent over him. He had been lying dressed outside the bed. Now, with the thrill of amazement, she realized, he was undressed and lying between the sheets. He was breathing very quietly, and his attitude was one of easy rest. Surely some magic had been at work.

Starting point is 01:20:46 On a chest of drawers near stood a glass that had contained milk. He always had some hot milk last thing, but she had not procured it for him. She had in fact been wondering how she would obtain it tonight. Another coal fell, and she crept back to replace it.

Starting point is 01:21:04 Stooping, she caught sight of another glass in the fender full of milk. It must have been there a long time, for it was barely warm. Clearly, it had been intended for her. She put it to her lips and drank, Who could have put it there? Her mother?

Starting point is 01:21:20 No. She was sure that her mother would have roused her from her sleep if she had entered. She was, moreover, quite incapable of getting bunny to bed now that he had grown out of childhood. The house was very quiet. She wondered if the guests had all gone. The room was situated at the end of a long passage, so that the noise of the party had scarcely reached it. But the utter silence without as well as within made her think that it was very late. she dared not switch on the light but as the fire burned up again she held her watch to the blaze half-past two in utter amazement she began to undress there was no second bed in the room only a horse-hair sofa that was far less comfortable than the chair by the fire

Starting point is 01:22:04 she lay down upon it however pulling over her an ancient fur travelling rug belonging to her mother and here she lay dozing and waking turning over the mystery in her mind while another quiet hour slipped away Then there came a movement from Bunny and she sat up. Are you awake, Maude? asked his voice out of the shadows. Has Jake gone? Yes, darling, she made answer. Are you wanting anything? She was by his side with the words. She bent over him. He wanted his pillows rearranged, and when she had done it, he said, I say, when did you wake up? About an hour ago, she said. He chuckled a little. weren't you surprised to find me in bed?

Starting point is 01:22:48 Yes, I was, she said. How did you get there? Bunny seemed to regard the matter as a joke. That fellow, Jake, he went over and looked at you, came back and said you were fast asleep, asked me what I generally had done, and if he couldn't do it for me. He managed very well and was jolly quick about it, too. I thought you would be sure to wake, but you didn't. And when I was settled, he asked if I didn't want anything, and I said,

Starting point is 01:23:14 Yes, hot milk, and he gripped off and got it. He brought a glass for you, too. He's stuck it in the fender. Have you had it? Yes, Mod said. But, Bunny, didn't he hurt you at all? You nearly always cry out when you're lifted. I didn't that time, said Bunny proudly. I told him I should probably squeal,

Starting point is 01:23:36 and he said if I so much as squeaked, he'd throttle me. He's a brick, do you know, Mod, and he seemed to know how to get hold of me without being told. "'Mod's amazement was growing. "'The man must be a genius indeed "'to manage Bunny in that fashion.' "'After that,' said Bunny, "'he sat down by me and got hold of my hand

Starting point is 01:23:55 "'and said, "'Now I'm going to send you to sleep.' "'I told him I never slept the first part of the night "'and he grinned and said, "'You'll be asleep in five minutes from now "'if you let yourself go.' "'And I said, rats. "'And he said, shut up.

Starting point is 01:24:10 "'So I did.' "'And he held my hand tight "'and sat staring across the, room like a mute till somehow he got all blurred up and then i suppose i went to sleep i never knew when he went did you no said maud she had an uncanny feeling that jake had somehow left his influence behind him in the atmosphere his personality seemed to dominate it still she was sure he had meant to be kind but a queer sense of antagonism made her resent his kindness she did not like bunny's whole-hearted admiration he's a brick the boy said again and do you know he's done almost everything under the sun he's been a sailor and he's dug for gold and he's kept a californian store and he's been a cowboy on a ranch he says the last suited him best because he's so keen on the wilds and horses it was out in the wild somewhere that lord salthas came on him and brought him home to be his trainer but he's british born all the same i knew he was that first time i saw him he was evidently a paragon of all the virtues in bunny's estimation and maud did not attempt to express her own feelings which were in fact somewhat complex very deep down in her woman's soul a warning voice had begun to make itself heard but she could not tell bunny that scarcely even to herself dared she admit that the straight free gaze of those red-brown eyes possessed the power to set her heart a fluttering in wild rebellion like the wings of a captive bird

Starting point is 01:25:42 eight the offer in many respects the change from their lodgings up the hill to the anchor hotel by the fishing-key was for the better and as the days went on and winter drew near maud realized this bunny's room had a southern aspect and it was only on dull days that they needed a fire before evening it possessed a french window also which was an immense advantage for it was perfectly easy to wheel him out to the stone veranda outside it and here he would lie in his own sheltered corner for hours watching the sea and the shore and the passers-by and sometimes talking to the very infrequent visitors who came at that season to the anchor he and maud lived their lives apart from the rest of the establishment and the an arrangement which Mrs. Shepherd deplored, although she knew it to be an eminently wise one. Her husband, who never lost an opportunity to revile the girl who always treated him with the same aloof distance of manner, bitterly resented the circumstance that so limited his chances of what he styled,

Starting point is 01:26:42 taking her down a peg. He hated her with a rancorous and cruel hatred of conscious inferiority, savagely repenting his undertaking to provide for her. They did not often clash because Maud steadfastly avoided him. And this also he resented, for he was in effect simply biding his time to drive her away. She was a perpetual thorn in his side, and he seized every chance that presented itself of inflicting some minor humiliation upon her. His antipathy had become almost an obsession, and he never saw her without flinging some

Starting point is 01:27:14 jiving taunt in her direction. And those taunts of his rankled deep. Maud's feelings towards him were of a very deadly order. If she had not avoided him, she knew that. she could not have remained. But, for Bunny's sake, she endured his insults when contact with him became inevitable. She could not be separated from Bunny, and she knew of no other haven. Towards Bunny, Shepherd displayed no ill feeling. He had small cause to do so, for the boy was kept rigorously out of his way, and his mother was more than willing to leave the entire

Starting point is 01:27:48 care of him to Maude. In fact, there were sometimes whole days on which she scarcely saw him. The change that Maude had foretold on her wedding day had already begun in her. She had quitted her own world without a pang, and was sunning herself in the warmth of her husband's rough devotion. As she herself expressed it, she was getting really fond of Giles, whose brutish affection for her was patent to all.

Starting point is 01:28:14 Mod suppressed a shudder whenever she encountered any evidence of it, and as a result, he was always noisier and coarser in his demonstrations before her face of white disgust. what wonder that she rigidly avoided him and insisted upon taking all her meals with bunny in this way she avoided his loud-voiced friends also another frequent cause for offence all that is save one that one was jake bolton and since bunny had so decreed it this man came and went exactly as he chose she never raised the smallest objection to his presence but she certainly never welcomed him in fact she generally took advantage of his coming to leave bunny for a space and it even became a recognized thing between them that she should avail herself of the leisure thus provided to run down to the shore for the brief recreation which was never obtainable in any other way very often she would not return until after jake's departure and so on the whole though they met so frequently she actually saw but little of him he was bunny's pal and obedient to the inner warning she was firmly determined that he should never become hers. He did not seem inclined to combat this determination,

Starting point is 01:29:26 but on the other hand, he never relinquished by a hair as breadth the position he had taken up at the beginning of their acquaintance. It was impossible to snub him. He never heard a snub. He never advanced, and he never retreated. He simply stood firm, so that after a time her uneasiness began to die down almost in spite of her, and she even came to look upon him in a very guarded way as a friend in need. He could do anything in the world with Bunny, and though she was half suspicious of his influence, she could not deny that he invariably exercised it in the right direction. He had even begun to implant in Bunny, a wholly novel, and sometimes almost disconcerting consideration for herself. Bunny was more tractable just then

Starting point is 01:30:12 than he had ever been before. It was the only bright spot in her sky. It was on an afternoon in late November that she went down to the shore during one of Jake Bolton's visits to her brother and watched the fishing fleet come in through a blur of rain. The beach looked dank and sodden, and there were trails of mist in the air. Dusk was just beginning to fall, and it would be a wet night. But the air blew in off the water sweet and southerly, and it did her good to breathe it. She walked the length of the parade twice, and finally as the fishing smacks dropped one by one into the harbor on the further side of the key, turned homewards, feeling invigorated and considerably the happier for the brief exercise. She wondered if Jake meant to stay to tea. He did not

Starting point is 01:30:57 often do so, only on the very rare occasions when she added her invitation to bunnies. She supposed she would have to ask him today if she found him still there when she returned, but she hoped she would not. She liked him best when he was not there. Regretfully, she turned her back upon the heaving waters and crossed the road to the anchor hotel. It was growing rapidly dusk. She reached the entrance and was stretching out a hand toward the swinging doors when one of them opened abruptly from within and Jake stepped out. He was smoking a cigarette and did not in the first moment perceive her. She drew back in an instinctive effort to escape notice. But he stopped short almost immediately and accosted her. Ah, is that you? I was just wondering where

Starting point is 01:31:45 you were. Her thoughts flew to Bunny. Am I wanted? She asked quickly. He checked her with a gesture. No, the lads all right. It's I who want you. Can you spare me a minute? It was impossible to refuse, but she did not yield graciously.

Starting point is 01:32:03 Somehow she never could be gracious to Jake Bolton. I ought to go in, she said. It is getting late. I shan't keep you long, he said. And she not. noticed that it was plainly a foregone conclusion with him that she would grant him what he asked. She turned back into the misty darkness with a short sigh of impatience. Walk to the end of the parade with me, he said, and fell in beside her.

Starting point is 01:32:30 Later she wondered why she did not lodge a more energetic protest, for it was beginning to reign in earnest, but at the time it seemed inevitable that she would do as he desired. She recrossed the road with him and turned to walk to the nearest end of the parade. They approached the spot where he had once laid peremptory hands upon her and drawn her out of danger. It was as they neared it that he suddenly spoke. I am sorry to have brought you out again into the wet. Will you come into the shelter? She acquiesced.

Starting point is 01:33:01 The shelter was empty. She stepped within it and stood waiting. He took out his cigarette and after a moment dropped it and set his heel upon it. I want to speak to you about your brother, he said. And by the way, I forget it, I've promised to trundle him up to the stables next Sunday to show him the animals. You will come, too, won't you? I can give you tea at my house. It's close by. Maud's eyes opened a little. The suggestion somewhat startled her, and she resented being

Starting point is 01:33:33 startled. You are very kind, she said coldly. But I don't think we can either of us do that. I am not in the least kind, said Jake, and will you tell me why you? are offended with me for suggesting it i am not offended she said feeling herself grow uncomfortably hot over the assertion but i think you might have proposed this to me before mentioning it to bunny but what's the matter with the proposal he said the boy was delighted with it that may be maud said and then she paused feeling suddenly that she was being absurdly unreasonable. She blushed still more hotly in the gloom and became silent. Jake stretched out one steady finger and laid it on her arm.

Starting point is 01:34:21 Don't take fright at nothing, he said in an admonitory tone. If you're going to shy at this, I reckon you'll kick up your heels and bolt at my next suggestion. She drew herself away from his touch, standing very erect. Perhaps you would be wiser not to make it, she said. Very likely. agreed jake but as you object to my mentioning things to your brother first i don't see how you can refuse to listen this was unanswerable she bit her lip i am listening she said and the answer is no whatever it is rejoined jake with a whimsical note in his soft voice say miss bryan play fair she felt somewhat softened in spite of herself i have said i will listen she said with an unbiased mind he said of course she spoke impatiently she wanted to get the interview over and she more and more resented his attitude towards her

Starting point is 01:35:24 there was something of the superior male about him that grated on her nerves all right said jake i'll go ahead if you will condescend to come up to my place on sunday i will show you a man one of our jockeys who was injured in just the same way that your brother is injured and who is now as sound as i am he was operated upon by an american doctor called capper one of the biggest surgeons in the world it was a bit of an experience but it succeeded now what has been done once can be done again i chance to know caper and he is coming to london next spring he makes a specialty of spinal trouble won't you let him try his hand on bunny there would be a certain amount of risk of course but wouldn't it be worth it say wouldn't it be worth it to see that boy on his legs living his life as it was meant to be lived instead of dragging out a wretched existence that hardly deserves to be called life at all he stopped abruptly as if realizing that he had suffered his eagerness to carry him away but to maud who had begun to listen in icy aloofness that same eagerness was as the kindling of a fire in a place of utter desolation for the moment she forgot to be called oh if it were only possible she said if it only could be why can't it be said Jake. She came back with something of a shock to the consciousness of his personality. She drew back from the warmth that he had made her feel.

Starting point is 01:37:04 Because, she said frigidly, doctors, great surgeons don't perform big operations for nothing. I don't think Kapper would charge an out of the way amount if he did it for me, said Jake. Perhaps not, Maude spoke in the dead tone of finality. He leaned slightly towards her. "'Say, Miss Brian, "'are you rather easily disheartened? "'Wouldn't your people "'scraped together something for such a purpose?' "'No,' she said.

Starting point is 01:37:34 "'Are you quite sure?' he urged. "'Won't you even ask him?' "'She turned from him. "'It's no good asking,' "'she said her voice low and reluctant. "'The only relation we possess "'who might help won't even answer "'when I write to him.'

Starting point is 01:37:50 "'Why don't you go and see him?' said jake put the thing before him he couldn't refuse she shook her head it wouldn't be any good she said with dreary conviction besides i couldn't get to liverpool and back in a day and i couldn't leave bunny for longer and in any case i know i know it wouldn't be any good she ended with half-angry vehemence i wish the little chap were my brother said jake maud was silent somehow her vehemence had upset her she had an outrageous desire to cry jake was silent too for a few seconds then abruptly he squared his shoulders and spoke with aggressive decision miss brian a good friend is nearer than a dozen beastly relations with your permission i'll see this thing through oh no no she said quickly no no no for the boy's sake he said no she said again there fell a sudden silence then in an odd voice jake said bunny told me only to-day with pride that there was nothing in the world that you wouldn't do for him she made a sharp movement of protest i can't take what i could never repay she said speaking almost below her breath neither shall bunny there are more ways than one of paying a debt said jake he looked almost formidable standing there in the twilight with his legs well apart and unabashed resolution in every line of his sturdy figure

Starting point is 01:39:33 she faced him with a sinking sense of her own inferior strength his self-assertion seemed to weigh her down she felt puny and insignificant before it as usual she sought refuge in stately aloofness she had no other weapon and at least it covered the beating of her heart i am afraid i don't understand you she said shall i explain said jake and then as she was silent can't you see i'm making a bid for you your friendship. She froze at the effrontery of the words. Oh, yes, said Jake, I quite understand. I'm only tolerated for bunny's sake. Isn't that so? You're too proud to associate with a clot like me. But for all that, though you'll never look at me, I'm not afraid to let you know that I've taken a fancy to you. You've never contemplated such a fool idea as marriage with me, I know, but you go home. But you go home and contemplate it right now.

Starting point is 01:40:36 Ask yourself if you wouldn't find a husband like me less nauseating than a stepfather like Giles Shepard. Ask yourself if the little chap wouldn't stand a better chance all round if you brought him along to me. I reckon we'd make his life easier between us even if Capper couldn't make him walk. He's too heavy a burden for you to carry alone, my girl. You weren't created for such a burden as that.

Starting point is 01:41:03 Let me lend a hand. I give you my solemn oath, I'll be good to you both. The tremor of passion ran through his last words, and his voice took a deeper note. Maud, upright and quivering, felt the force of the man like the blast of a tearing gale carrying all before it.

Starting point is 01:41:22 She would have left him at the commencement of his speech, but he blocked the way. She stood imprisoned in a corner of the shelter, steadying herself against the woodwork while the full strength of his individuality surged around her. She felt physically exhausted, as though she had been trying to stand against the tremendous wind. Several seconds throbbed away ere she could trust herself to speak without faltering. Then, please let me pass, she said. He stood back instantly, and she was conscious

Starting point is 01:41:52 of a lessening of that mysterious influence which had so overwhelmed her. Are you angry, or what, he said. She gathered her strength and stepped forth, though she was trembling from head to foot. Yes, I am angry, she said, forcing her voice to a certain measure of calmness notwithstanding. I have never been so insulted in my life. Insulted?

Starting point is 01:42:16 He echoed the word in unfeigned astonishment. Then, as she would have left him, put a detaining hand upon her arm. Say, Miss Brian, Since when has a proposal of marriage constituted an insult in your estimation? He spoke with something. something of a drawl, but it compelled attention.

Starting point is 01:42:36 She stopped, resisting the desire to shake herself free from his touch. A proposal of marriage from you could be nothing else, she said very bitterly. You take advantage of my position, but you know full well that we are not equals. Oh, yes, I know that, he said, but is any man you're equal? I meant socially, of course, she said, beginning to recover her composure and her dignity. i see jake's voice was very level and that is why you are upset angry it is a very sufficient reason she said yes but is it as things now are there is another point of view to that problem if you had been leading a happy sheltered life in your own sphere that might have been a reason for me to hold off you might with justice have scorned my offer but as things are as things are he spoke with strong insistence is it taking advantage of your position to want to deliver you from it it's a beastly position it's a humiliating position and i gather you've no prospect of deliverance

Starting point is 01:43:50 well i offer you a way of escape it mayn't be the way you would choose but there are worse many worse i'm not a bad sort and i've got a soft spot in my heart for that little brother of yours say miss brian do you despise me so badly that you can't even give the idea your impartial consideration he spoke whimsically but there was a rough dignity about him nevertheless which had an undeniable effect upon her she could no longer spurn him with contempt though neither could she yield a single inch to his persuasion it would be quite useless for me to consider it she said i am sorry if i was rude to you just now, but your suggestion rather took my breath away. Please understand that it is quite, quite impossible.

Starting point is 01:44:40 All right, he said. Still, you won't dismiss it quite entirely from your mind. That is to say, you'll hold it in reserve just in case a way of escape becomes essential to you. I shan't break my heart about it, but neither shall I change my mind. The offer remains open day and night, just in case the emergency might, arise which would make you willing to avail yourself of it he took his hand from her arm and she felt that the interview was over yet he walked beside her as she began to move away and

Starting point is 01:45:14 cross the road again with her to the entrance of the hotel and a one thing more he said as they reached it i have no wish or intention to force myself upon you so if to please bunny you can bring yourself to accompany the pair of us on the Sunday expedition to see the stud, you need not be afraid that I shall attempt to take advantage of your position again. The color flamed up in her face at the few leisurely words.

Starting point is 01:45:41 He seemed to possess the power of calling it up at will. She stood on the first step looking down at him, uncertain whether to be haughty or kind. He moved closer to her, and by the lamplight that streamed through the glass doors, she saw his frank disarming smile.

Starting point is 01:45:58 And look here, he said. Don't fling. cold water on that other scheme for bunny that I broached to you yet. You never know what may turn up. The smile decided her. She held out her hand to him. But you know I couldn't. I really couldn't, she said rather incoherently.

Starting point is 01:46:18 He gave the hand a firm grip and released it. No. All right, I understand. But think about it. And don't run away with the idea that I planned it just for your sake. I'd like jolly well to be of use to you, but in the main it's the lad I'm thinking of. You do the same. After all, it's second nature with you to put him first, isn't it?

Starting point is 01:46:44 He always will come first with me, she said. But I couldn't, I can't, incur such an obligation, even for him. All right, said Jake, unmoved, class it with the impossibles, but all the same. same. Think about it. He was gone with the words, striding away down the street without a backward glance. Maud was left alone with the warm blood still in her cheeks and an odd feeling of uncertainty at her heart. She felt baffled and uneasy, like a swimmer in deep waters, aware of a strong current, but still not wholly at its mercy, nor wholly aware of its force and direction. She did not mean to let herself be drawn into that current. She hung on the edge of it. She hung on the

Starting point is 01:47:30 edge of it, trying to strike out and avoid it. But all the time it drew her. It drew her. And, though she would not admit it even to herself, she knew it and was afraid. End of chapters 7 and 8. Part 1. Chapter 9 and 10 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 9. The Real Man. that sunday of their visit to the saltash stables was a marked day with maud for the rest of her life the stables were situated on the side of a splendid down about a mile from the sea Lord Saltash's estate stretched for miles around, and he practically owned the whole of Fair Harbor. Berchester Castle was the name of the seat, an ancient file dating from Saxon times that had belonged to the Berchester family since the days of the Tudors.

Starting point is 01:48:33 Charlie Berchester had inherited it from his uncle five years before, but he did not live in it. He had occasional wild house parties there, especially for the event of the Grey Down races, and he sometimes spent a night or two when the moot took him to visit the stud. but for the most part the house stood an empty grandeur, its rooms shuttered and shrouded, its stately gardens deserted save for the gardeners who tended them. Exquisite gardens they were. Maud had a glimpse of them from the height of the down, terraced gardens with marble steps and glistening fountains, you walks, darkly mysterious, quaintly fashioned, pines that rustled and whispered together.

Starting point is 01:49:11 The house was securely hidden from view among its trees. "'It used to be a nunnery,' said Jake. "'Its inhabitants had a chaise objection to publicity. "'It's an interesting old place, about a mile from the stables. "'I'd like to show it to you some time. "'You'd enjoy it.' "'Not today,' said Bunny quickly. "'Jake smiled at his tone.

Starting point is 01:49:35 "'No, not today, lad. "'We'll go and see the animals today.' "'He had brought them up the long winding private road, "'which, though smooth enough, was a continuing, assent. Maud had wanted to help with the invalid chair, but he had steadily refused any assistance. She marveled at the evident ease with which he had accomplished the journey, never hurrying, never halting, not even needing to pause for breath, untiring as a wild animal in its native haunts. She remembered the nickname he bore on the turf and reflected that it fitted him in more than one

Starting point is 01:50:07 respect. He was so supple, so tough, so sure. Suddenly those bright eyes flashed round on her. "'Say, you're tired,' he said in his queer, lelting voice. "'We'll have tea first.' "'No,' cried Bunny on the instant. "'We'll do the stables first, Jake. "'It's not time for tea. Besides, tea can wait.' Jake's brown hand came over the back of the chair and philip to the boy's cheek. "'Shut up, my son,' said Jake.

Starting point is 01:50:38 Maud stared at the action. Bunny turned scarlet. Jake unconcernedly continued his easy problem. "'Reckon the animals won't die if we don't inspect them till after tea,' he said. "'What's your idea, Miss Brian?' "'If Bunny wishes to go straight to the stables,' she began. He interrupted. "'Bunny has changed his mind.

Starting point is 01:51:02 Ain't that so, Bunny?' "'I don't care,' said Bunny rather sullenly. "'All right, then,' said Jake. "'Tee first.' He wheeled the chair into a great gateway. that led into a wide stone courtyard. White-washed stables were on each side of them, and at regular intervals large green tubs

Starting point is 01:51:22 containing miniature fir trees. At the further end of the courtyard stood a square white-washed house. That's my shanty, said Jake. It was a very plain building. In former days it had been a farm. There was a white railing in front and a small white gate flanked by another pair of toy furs.

Starting point is 01:51:41 The whole effect was one of prim cleanliness. there's a bit of a garden at the back said jake and a summer-house quite a decent little summer-house that looks right away to the sea now bunny lad there's a comfortable sofa inside for you think i can carry you in can't you take in the chair maud asked nervously jake looked at her oh yes i can but the passage is a bit narrow it's not very easy to turn of course he can carry me maud let him care carry me? Broken Bunny in an aggrieved tone. You make such a stupid fuss always. Jake had thrown open the door of his home. You go in, Miss Brian, he said. Turn to the right at the end of the passage, and it's the door facing you. She went in reluctantly. The passage was small and dark, oak-panelled, low-sealed. Go right in, said Jake. She did not want to turn her back on Bunny, but she knew that the boy would resent any link.

Starting point is 01:52:44 on her part. She passed down the passage and turned as Jake had directed. The door that faced her stood open, and she entered a long, low room, oak-paneled like the passage with a deep old-fashioned fireplace in which burned a cherry wood fire. Two windows, diamond-pained, and a door with the upper panels of glass occupied the whole of the further side of the room, and the western sunshine slanting in through great bars of gold across the low window seats. tea had been set on a table in the middle of the room to the corner of which a sofa had been drawn. There were bed pillows as well as cushions on the sofa. Evidently, Jake had ransacked the house to provide comfort for bunny.

Starting point is 01:53:25 Maud stood just within the doorway listening, dreading to hear the indignant outcry that generally attended any movement of the poor little crippled body. But she heard nothing beyond Jake's voice murmuring unintelligibly, and in a few seconds the steady tread of his feet as he entered the house. Then, while she stood listening, the feet drew near and there came a pleased chuckle from Bunny. Jake came squarely in, carrying him like an infant, and deposited him with infinite care among the cushions that Maude hastily adjusted for his reception. "'There you are, my son,' he said. "'Make yourself as much at home as you can.'

Starting point is 01:54:04 Bunny looked about him with keen interest. "'Oh, I say, what a jolly room! What a ripping room!' You're beastly lucky to live here, Jake. Oh, yes, it's a decent little crib, said Jake. Those doorsteps were just made for an evening pipe. He indicated the closed glass-paneled door. Maud went to it and found that the ground sloped sharply away from this side of the house, necessitating a flight of several steps. They led down into a sunny space that was more orchard than garden.

Starting point is 01:54:36 Fruit trees and grass spreading down the side of the hill towards the magic pine, screened grounds of Berchester Castle. Jake came and stood beside her for a moment. He was being studiously impersonal that day, an attitude which curiously caused her more of uneasiness than relief. The arbor is at the end by those apple trees, he said. You can just see the roof from here. It looks over the field where we train.

Starting point is 01:55:03 It's sport to watch the youngsters learning to run. Lord Saltash calls it the grandstand. Do you know Lord Saltash, broke in Bunny. He used to be a great pal of ours once. Oh, that was years ago, in London, said Mod, quickly. No doubt he has quite forgotten our existence by this time. She spoke with unwitting sharpness, hotly aware that the links-like eyes of her host were upon her. Bunny took instant offence.

Starting point is 01:55:32 I'm sure it wasn't years ago, Maude, and you know it wasn't. It isn't more than two since we saw him last, if that. that. As to forgetting all about us, that isn't very likely, considering the mother was one of his bad debts. Bunny? Maud began in rare anger. But in the same moment, Jake swung calmly round. Say, Bunny, do you like shrimps? he asked. He moved to Bunny's side and stood looking down at him. I got some in case. Miss Brian, I hope shrimps are good for him, are they? She doesn't know, said Bunny irritably. What's the good of asking her?

Starting point is 01:56:11 Of course I like shrimps. Aren't we going to begin soon? I want to go and see the horses. You seem to be in an all-fired hurry, observed Jake. Left your manners behind, haven't you? He took out his watch. Half past three. All right, my son.

Starting point is 01:56:30 We'll go at four. Miss Brian, do you mind pouring out? He set a chair for her facing the window and sat down himself next to Bunny. It seemed to Maud that, seated there in his own house, she saw him under a new aspect. He played the host with ability and no small amount of tact. He talked mainly about the stud, interesting her in a subject which he had never before viewed at close quarters. He described various events in which some of his charges had one distinction, and presently to Bunny's keen delight, he began a brief but stirring description of an attempt to tamper.

Starting point is 01:57:07 with one of the animals two summers before on the eve of one of the Grey-down races. Some inkling of the intended attempt had reached him, and he himself had lain in wait to frustrate it. But how? cried Bunny breathlessly. I decided to spend the night in the loose box, said Jake. There's no hardship in sleeping alongside a good horse. I've done it many a time.

Starting point is 01:57:32 I wasn't so intimate with Lord Saltash then as I am now, but I knew enough not to be all. altogether surprised when he came sliding into the stable yard a little after midnight in a two-seated car, and made straight for the loose box where I was. The top half of the door was ajar, and there was a dim lamp burning in the yard, but his headlight showed up everything like day. He pushed the top half right back and leaned his arms on the lower and said, "'That you, Bolton?' I got up and went to him. There was no one else about. I've put myself in. I've put myself in,

Starting point is 01:58:07 charge this trip, I told him. You needn't be nervous. He grinned in a sickly sort of fashion and said, I am nervous, deuced nervous, and I'll tell you why. If that brute runs tomorrow, I'm a ruined man. And then he started jawing about some fool wager he'd made, said he was under the thumb of some rascally bookie, and actually began to try and talk me into spoiling the animal's chances.

Starting point is 01:58:36 Jake paused. he was looking at maud as if he expected something she looked back at him her head very high her eyes shining defiantly bright lord saltash has a double apparently she said now that's real clever of you said jake with a smile yes that is the key to the mystery and i soon grasped it he offered me a large sum of money to prevent pedro running pedro was listening to the transaction with his head on my shoulder i said yes to everything and then i suggested that we should settle the details outside where there was no chance of witnesses he agreed to that and i picked up my whip and got into his car after him and he agreed to that and i picked up my whip and got into his car after him and And we slipped out, and ran about half a mile into the park where I stopped him. Jake paused again, still looking expectantly at the girl facing him. She was flushed, but evidently not greatly moved. What a thrilling recital, she said.

Starting point is 01:59:36 And, go on, urged Bunny impatiently. Jake laughed a little. I felt rather a skunk myself. He was so sweetly unsuspicious, till I use the case. cowboy clutch on him and tied up his arms in his own coat. That opened his eyes, but it was a bit too late. He was in for a cow hiding, and he realized it, scarcely showed fight, in fact. I didn't let him off on that account, and I don't suppose he has forgotten it to this day. I didn't quite flay him, but I made him feel some. And you let him go afterwards? questioned Bunny. Yes, I let him go.

Starting point is 02:00:17 Jake took up his cup and drank in a contemplative fashion. After that, he said in his slow way, I went back to Pedro and we finished the night together. But I don't know whether having his rest disturbed upset his nerves any. He only managed to come in second after all. And Lord Saltash, said Maude abruptly, did you ever tell him what had happened? Oh, yes, said Jake.

Starting point is 02:00:46 I told him the following evening. and he laughed in his jolly way and said, Well, I'm glad you weren't taken in, but I'm glad, too, that you let the poor devil go. A leathering from you couldn't have been any such joke. It wasn't, added Jake grimly. It was as unlike a joke as a blue pill as unlike raspberry jam. But what became of the real man? questioned Bunny.

Starting point is 02:01:11 Did he get clean away? Clean away, said Jake. And now, if you're ready, We'll go and see the hero of that episode." Who was the hero? asked Maude with a hint of sarcasm as she rose. He looked at her with a faint smile. Why, Dom Pedro, of course, he said. Come along and make his acquaintance.

Starting point is 02:01:37 Ten. The head of the family. It was among the horses that Maude at length saw Jake Bolton in his true element. They were all plainly very dear. to his heart. He introduced them as friends. His pockets were stuffed with sugar which both she and bunny helped to distribute, and not till dusk came upon them did they realize the lateness of the hour. It was at the last minute that Jake suddenly summoned a little man who was lounging in the gateway. Here, Sam, I've been telling the lady about your tumble and how they put you together again. It interested her. Sam approached with a sheepish grin.

Starting point is 02:02:17 i thought i was a goner he said but mr bolton he looked at jake and his grin widened he's one of the never say die sort and the yankee doctor well he was a regular knockout he was meant me as clean well there you wouldn't never have known i'd had a smash one eye wandered down to bunny in his long chair as he spoke but he discreetly refrained from comment and it was bunny who eagerly broke in with what happened to you was it your spine let's hear sam was only too willing to oblige he settled down to his story like a horse into its stride and for nearly a quarter of an hour maud stood listening to the account of the miracle which according to sam vickers the great american doctor had performed bunny drank it all in with feverish avidity maud did not like to watch his face the look at war went to her heart she did not want to glance at jake either though after a time she felt impelled to do so His eyes were fixed upon Bunny, but on the instant they came straight to hers as if she had spoken. She avoided them instinctively, but she felt them nonetheless, as though a dazzling searchlight had suddenly and mercilessly been turned upon her, piercing straight to her soul. It was soon after this that he quietly intervened to put an end to Sam's reminiscences.

Starting point is 02:03:43 It was growing late and they ought to be moving. Maude agreed. Bunny protested and was calmly overruled by Jake. They started back through a pearly grayness of dusk that heralded the rising of the moon. They spoke but little as they went. Bunny seemed suddenly tired, and it did not apparently occur to either of his companions to attempt to make conversation. Only as they descended the winding road that led down to Fair Harbor, and a sudden clamor of church bells arose through the evening mist, Jake glanced again at the girl who was walking rather wearily by Bunny's side and said,

Starting point is 02:04:18 "'Wouldn't you like to go to church now? "'I'll see to the youngster.' She shook her head. "'Thank you very much. I don't think so.' "'Oh, go on, Maud,' exclaimed Bunny emerging from his reverie. "'I don't want you if Jake will stay.

Starting point is 02:04:34 I'd sooner have Jake. He doesn't fuss like you.' "'I'll get him to bed,' Jake went on as if he had not spoken. "'You can trust me to do that, you know. "'I won't let him talk too much either.' "'Say, Miss Brian, it's a good offer. "'You'd better close with it.'

Starting point is 02:04:52 She heard the smile in the words, and because of it she found she could not refuse. "'But I don't like to give you so much trouble,' she said. "'You give me pleasure,' he answered simply. At the gate of the churchyard he stopped. "'I'll say goodbye,' he said. "'But don't hurry back. I shall stay as long as I am wanted.'

Starting point is 02:05:15 She knew that she could rely upon him in that as upon no one else in the world. She gave him her hand with another low word of thanks. May I walk to the door with you, he said, and drew Bunny's chair to one side. It would have been churlish to refuse. She suffered him in silence. The church was on an eminence that overlooked the harbor. Reaching the porch, the whole wide view of open sea lay spread before them, flooded in moonlight. The clanging bells above them had sunk to stillness. A piece that seemed unearthly wrapped them round. They stood for the moment quite alone, gazing out to the far, dim skyline. And suddenly, Mud heard the beating of her heart in the silence, and was

Starting point is 02:06:00 conscious of an overwhelming sense of doom. With an effort that seemed to tear at the very foundations of her being, she turned and walked down a narrow path between the tombstones. He followed her till in breathless agitation she turned again. Mr. Bolton. Her voice was no more than a whisper. She was thankful that her face was in shadow. He stood silently, his eyes alert and bright, fixed intently upon her. I must ask you, she said, I must beg you, to regard what I said the other day as final. If I am friendly with you, I want you to understand that it is solely for Bunny's sake, no other reason. That is understood, said Jake. She drew the quick breath of one seeking relief. Then you, you

Starting point is 02:06:48 will forget that, that impossible notion. You will let me forget it, too. I shan't remind you of it, said Jake. And you will forget it yourself, she insisted. He lowered his eyes suddenly, and it was as if a light had unexpectedly gone out. She waited in the dark with a beating heart. And then, with a great clash, the bells broke out overhead, and further speech became impossible.

Starting point is 02:07:15 Jake wheeled without warning, and walked away. She stood and watched him go, still with that sense of coming fate upon her. Her heart was leaping wildly like a chained thing seeking to escape. As for Jake, he rejoined Bunny and squarely resumed the journey back to the town, without the smallest sign of discomposure. He seemed somewhat absent, however, trudging along in almost unbroken silence, and it was not until he laid the boy down at length in his own room that he said, "'Now look here, youngster.

Starting point is 02:07:47 "'If you can't be decently civil to your sister, "'I've done with you. "'Understand.' "'Bunny turned impulsively "'and buried his face in Jake's sleeve. "'All right, don't jaw,' "'he begged in muffled accents. "'Jake remained unmoved.

Starting point is 02:08:05 "'I've been wanting to punch your head "'most of the afternoon,' he remarked severely. "'You can do it now if you like,' "'muttered Bunny burrowing a little deeper. Jake did not respond to the invitation. Why can't you behave yourself anyway, he said. He settled Bunny's pillows with a sure hand and laid him gently back upon them. But Bunny clung to him still.

Starting point is 02:08:30 You aren't really savage with me, Jake, he said. All right, I'm not, said Jake. But I won't have it all the same. Savvy? He put his hand for a moment on Bunny's head and rumpled. the dark hair. Bunny's lips quivered unexpectedly. It's so beastly being managed always by women, he said. You don't know when you're lucky, said Jake. Bunny's emotion passed. He looked at his friend shrewdly.

Starting point is 02:09:03 I suppose you're in love with her, he remarked after a moment. Jake's eyes met his instantly and uncompromisingly. Well, he said. "'Nothing,' said Bunny. "'Of course, she's my sister.' "'And so you think you're entitled to a voice in the matter?' Jake's tone was strictly practical. Bunny's fingers slipped into his.

Starting point is 02:09:28 "'I'm the head of the family you know, Jake,' he said. The man's face softened to a smile. "'Yes, I reckon that so,' he said. "'Well, what has the head of the family to say to the notion?' bunny turned rather red you see you're not a mister are you he said not a gentleman you mean suggested jake bunny's uneasiness increased he squeezed jake's hand very hard in silence all right little chap said jake don't agitate yourself i'm not what you call a gentleman not even a first-class imitation let's go on from there any other objection any other objection I don't want to be a cat, Jake, burst from Bunny. But you know, you know, she might have done a lot better for herself. She might have married Charlie Berchester.

Starting point is 02:10:25 Who? said Jake. Lord Saltash, explained Bunny. We thought, everyone thought five years ago, that they were going to get married. He was awfully keen on her, and she, of course, was in love with him. And then there was that row with the Cressides. Lady Cressidy got him. a mess, and Sir Philip always was an obnoxious beast, and afterwards Charlie Berchester sheared off and went abroad. He came back after he succeeded, but Maude, she's awfully proud, you know. She wouldn't look at him, vows she never will again, though I'm not so sure she won't. He's sure to come back some day. He's such a rattling good sort, and he's jolly fond of her. And the rest, said Jake dryly. No, really, Jake, he isn't a rod,

Starting point is 02:11:13 he's an awfully nice chap you'd say so if you really knew him i do know him said Jake and you don't like him bunny's eyes opened wide an astonishment yes i like him Jake's tone was enigmatical but I shouldn't call him a marrying man anyway he won't marry your sister so you can make up your mind to that any other gentleman in the running you couldn't prevent there being married if, if Ma had changed her mind, said Bunny. Jake smiled. Anyone else? He persisted. No, no one. She never sees anybody now.

Starting point is 02:11:55 Except me, said Jake. And I'm not genteel enough, eh? You're a brick, said Bunny with enthusiasm. But, you know, women don't see that sort of thing. They only care about whether a man opens the door for him, or takes off his glove to shake hands. Jake broke in. to a laugh. Say, Sonny, what a thundering lot you know about women, he said.

Starting point is 02:12:20 Anyway, I conclude I am right in surmising that you personally could swallow me as a brother-in-law. Bunny's eyes began to shine. You're the best fellow I know, he said. If it weren't for Lord Saltash, I wouldn't say a word. Well, said Jake very deliberately, I refused to be warned off on his account. That's understood, is it? Bunny hesitated. The red-brown eyes were looking full and unwaveringly into his. I'm not thinking of myself, Jake, he said with sudden pleading. Jake's hand closed squarely upon his. All right, old chap, I know, and I like you for it. But I'm taking odds. It's 99 to 1. If I win on the hundredth chance, you'll take it like a sport.

Starting point is 02:13:12 bunny's hand returned his grip with all the strength at his command he was silent for a moment or two then impossibly i say jake he said you you're such a sport yourself i think i'll back you after all "'Right, oh,' said Jake. "'You won't be sorry.' He dismissed the subject then with obvious intention, and Bunny seemed relieved to let it go. He turned the conversation to Sam Vickers, asking endless questions regarding the American doctor and his miracles. "'I wish he'd come and have a look at me, Jake,'

Starting point is 02:13:48 he said wistfully at length. "'Thought you didn't like doctors,' said Jake. "'Oh, a man like that is different. I'd put up with a man like that, said Bunny with a sigh. You might have to put up with more than you bargained for, said Jake. Bunny moved his head wearily on the pillow. I don't think anything could be worse than this, he said. I'm glad to hear you say so, said Jake with sudden force,

Starting point is 02:14:17 and then pulling himself up as suddenly. No, we won't get talking on that subject. Kappers in America and you've got to sleep. tonight. But you keep a stiff upper lip, old chap. I'm in with you from start to finish. Maybe someday we'll work a change. You're no end of a trump, said Bunny, with tears in his eyes. End of chapters nine and ten. Part one, chapters eleven and twelve of the hundredth chance by Ethel Amdel. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 11

Starting point is 02:14:59 The Declaration of War For three weeks after that Sunday visit to Jake's home, life went on as usual, and a certain measure of tranquility returned to Maud. She found herself able to meet the man without any show of embarrassment, and, finding him absolutely normal in his behavior towards her,

Starting point is 02:15:17 she began to feel a greater confidence in his presence. He had promised that he would not force himself upon her, and it was evident that he had every intention of keeping his word, that he might by imperceptible degrees drawn nearer to her, become more intimate, was a possibility that for a time troubled her, but he was so absolutely considerate in all his dealings with her that this fear of hers at length died away. If he were playing a waiting game, he did it with a patience so consummate that his tactics were wholly hidden from her. He had, to all appearances, accepted her decision as final, and put the notion away as impracticable.

Starting point is 02:15:53 Christmas was drawing near, and several visitors had already. arrived. There was generally a short season at Christmas during which the Anchor Hotel had its regular patrons. Its landlord was in an extremely variable state of mind, sometimes aggressive, sometimes jovial, frequently not wholly sober. Maud avoided all contact with him with rigorous persistence, her mother's protests notwithstanding. He can't be civil to me, she said, and he shall not have the opportunity of being anything else. And a no persuasive. could move her from this attitude. Mrs. Shepherd was obliged

Starting point is 02:16:30 reluctantly to abandon the attempt. She herself was seldom out of favor with her husband, whatever his condition, and that, after all, was what mattered most. But the state of affairs was such as was almost bound to lead to a climax sooner or later.

Starting point is 02:16:46 Giles Shepard's hectoring mood was not of the sort to be satisfied for long with passive avoidance. Every glimpse he had of the girl, who ate his bread, but disdained to do so in his company or the company of his friends inflamed him the more hotly against her. It needed but a pretext to set his wrath ablaze, and a pretext was not far to seek. One day about a week before Christmas, he unexpectedly presented himself at the door of Bunny's room. The weather was damp and raw, and a cheerful fire burned there.

Starting point is 02:17:17 Bunny was lying among pillows on the sofa. He had had a bad night, and his face, as he turned it to the intruder, was white and drawn. What on earth? He began querulously. Shepard entered with arrogance, leaving the door wide behind him. Look here, he said harshly. You've got to turn out of this. The room is wanted. Maud, who was dusting the room, as was her daily custom,

Starting point is 02:17:42 turned swiftly round with something of the movement of a tigress. Her face was pale also. She had slept even less than Bunny the previous night. Her blue eyes shone like two flames under her knitted brows. What do you mean? she said. He looked at her with insult in his eyes. I mean just that, my fine madam, he said. This room is wanted. The boy will have to go with the rest of the lumber at the top of the house.

Starting point is 02:18:11 It was brutally spoken, but the brutality was aimed at her, not bunny. Maude realized that fact and curbed her resentment. She could endure, or so she fancied, his personal hostility with fortitude. But his announcement was sufficiently disquieting in itself. I understood that we were not to be disturbed at any time, she said, meeting his look with that icy pride of hers that was the only weapon at her command. Surely some other arrangement can be made? Shepard growled out a strangled oath.

Starting point is 02:18:43 She always made him feel at a disadvantage, this slip of a girl whom he could have picked up with one hand had he chosen. I tell you, this room is wanted. He reiterated stormily. You'd better clear out at a time. once. Bunny can't possibly be moved today, Maud said quickly and decidedly. He is in pain. Can't you see for yourself how impossible it is? I am quite sure no visitor who knew the facts of the case would wish to turn him out. Shepard stamped a furious foot.

Starting point is 02:19:14 He was getting up his fury, and suddenly she saw that he had been drinking. The knowledge came upon her in a flash of understanding, and with it a disgust so complete that it overwhelmed every other consideration. She pointed to the door. Go, she said intense frozen accents. Go at once. How dare you come in here in this state? Before her withering disdain he drew back, as it were, involuntarily.

Starting point is 02:19:41 He even half turned to obey. Then suddenly some devil prompted him and he swung back again. With one gigantic stride he reached the sofa, and before either brother or sister knew what he intended to do, he had roughly seized upon the board. boy's slight body and lifted it in his great arms. Bunny's agonized outcry at the action mingled with his sisters, but it ceased almost immediately. He collapsed in the giant grip like an empty sack, and Shepherd now wrought to a blind fury that

Starting point is 02:20:09 had no thought for consequences, carried him from the room and along the passage to the stairs utterly unheeding the fact that he had fainted. Maud, nearly beside herself, went with him, striving to support the limp body where long experience had taught her support was needed. They went up the stairs so, flight after flight, shepherd's savage and stubborn, the girl in a dumb agony of anxiety, seeking only to relieve the dreadful strain that had bereft bunny of his senses.

Starting point is 02:20:36 They reached at length a room at the top of the house, a bare garret of a place with sloping ceiling and uncarpeted floor. There was a bed under the skylight, and on this the man deposited his burden. Then he turned and looked at Maude with eyes of cruel malevolence. "'This is good enough for you and yours,' he said.

Starting point is 02:20:57 Over Bunny's body she flung her fruitless defiance. "'You drunken brute!' she said. "'You loathsome coward! You hateful tipsy bully!' The words pierced him like the stabs of a dagger too swift to evade. He was sober enough to be cowed. From the door he looked back at her, where she stood at the bedside, upright, quivering, a dart-like creature full of menace despite her delicacy of form.

Starting point is 02:21:23 and fiber. Again he knew himself to be at a disadvantage. He had not drunk enough to be intrepid. Swearing and malignity withdrew like a savage beast. But as he went, the madness of hatred rose in a swirl to his brain. She had defied him, had she? Her bitter words rang again and again in his ears. She had proclaimed him a drunkard, a coward, a bully, and she thought he would put up with it, did she? Did she? Thought she could, insult him with impunity in his own house, thought he would tamely endure her impertinences for all time. He ground his teeth as he went down to the bar. He would have a reckoning with her presently. Yes, there should be a reckoning. He had borne with her

Starting point is 02:22:08 too long. Too long. Now matters had come to a head. She would either have to humble herself or go. He had tried to be patient. He had hoped that Jake Bolton would soon relieve him of the unwelcome burden he had taken upon himself. Jake could tame her. He was quite sure of that. But Jake seemed to be making no headway. He had even begun to wonder lately if Jake meant business after all. In any case he was at the end of his patience,

Starting point is 02:22:39 and when his wife came to him with tears to remonstrate on behalf of poor little bunny, he hardened himself against her and refused to discuss the subject. As for Maud, she spent the rest of the day in trying to make Bunny's new quarters habitable. She hoped, with all her heart, that Jake would come in the evening so that they could move him into the room she occupied a floor lower, which had at least a fireplace. But for once Jake disappointed her, and so the whole day passed in severe pain for bunny and vexation of spirit for her. Towards evening, to her relief, he began to doze. She watched beside him anxiously. He had been very plucky, displaying an odd, protective attitude towards herself that had gone to her heart. But,

Starting point is 02:23:22 she knew that at times he had suffered intensely, and the fact had been almost more than she could bear. She knew it would be days before he would shake off the effects of the rough handling he had received, and she dreaded the future with a foreboding that made her feel physically sick. Now that Shepard's animosity had developed into active hostility, she knew that the situation could not last much longer, but how to escape it remained a problem unsolved. Her uncle had made no reply to her letter. She could not write to him again, and there was no one else to whom she could appeal. Alone, she could have faced the world and somehow made a way for herself, but with Bunny, she clenched her hands in impotent anguish. There was only one person in the

Starting point is 02:24:08 world willing to lift the burden from her, only one person besides herself who really cared for Bunny. She suddenly began to tremble. That sense of approaching doom was upon her again. The current had caught her, surely, surely, and was whirling her away. Bunny stirred, as though somehow caught in the net of her emotions, stirred and came out of an uneasy slumber. I say, Maude, what is it, darling? Are you uncomfortable? There was a wealth of mother love in her low voice as she bent above him. Bunny put out a cold, moist hand. I say, Maude, he said again. Jake's a good sort. You like to. You like to. You love. You. You like Jake, don't you?'

Starting point is 02:24:51 "'Yes, darling,' she answered soothingly. He turned his head on the pillow. She could feel his fingers opening and closing in the restless way he had. "'I like him, too,' he said. "'I like him awfully. He's—the real thing. I wish.' "'What, Bunny?' There was constraint in her voice, and she knew it, but it was a subject upon which she could not bring herself to speak freely. She dreaded his answer more.

Starting point is 02:25:20 than she could have said. Possibly he divined the fact, for he heaved a sharp sigh and said, nothing, in a tone that told her he was very far from satisfied. But she could not pursue the matter. Thankfully, she let it drop. The evening wore away. There was only one candle in the room. By it she and Bunny ate the supper which Mott herself had fetched from the kitchen. No one had time to wait upon them. The boy was still trying to make the best of things, and she marvelled at his courage. When the meal was over, he looked at her with a faint smile

Starting point is 02:25:55 under his drawn brows. Look here, Maude. There's that bed in the corner. Can't you make it comfortable and get a good night for once? She looked back at him in surprise. It was very unusual for a bunny to give a thought to her comfort.

Starting point is 02:26:11 Yes, I want you to, he said. Go and undress and then bring your blankets up here. You can't sit up all night in a straight-back chair, so you may as well be comfortable. Don't stare. Go and do it. The bed in the corner was a thing of broken springs and crippled framework,

Starting point is 02:26:29 but it had a mattress of straw, albeit bedclothes were lacking. Bunny's suggestion seemed feasible, and since it was plain that he would not be content unless she followed it, she yielded without demure. Her own room was only a flight of stairs away, and she had already fetched several things from it for his comfort. She hoped to get him down to it on the following day if only Jake would come. It was neither warm nor spacious, but it was preferable to this

Starting point is 02:26:55 fireless attic. She brought the blankets and arranged the bed. I don't think I'll undress, Bunny, she said. You are, too, said Bunny. Jake says no one can possibly rest properly without. She was inclined to resent this assertion of Jake's teaching, but again she yielded. Bunny was in a mood to work himself into a fever if his behests were not obeyed. She went down and undressed, therefore, and presently slipped up to him again, hoping to find him asleep. But he was wide-eyed and restless. It's so beastly cold, he said. I can't sleep. My feet are like stones. Where's the fur rug?

Starting point is 02:27:35 She looked round for it. Oh, Bunny, I'm so sorry. I must have left it in your room downstairs. Never mind. Here's a blanket instead. She was already pulling it off her bed when Bunny asserted himself once more. "'Mod, I won't have it. I will not have it. Do you hear?' "'Put it back again. Why can't you go and fetch the fur rug?' "'My dear, I can't go down like this,' she objected. "'Rot,' said Bunny. Everyone's gone to bed by now. If you don't get it, they'll be turning the room out in the morning and it'll get lost.

Starting point is 02:28:10 Besides, you look all right.' She was wearing no more than a light wrap over her night dress, but as Bunny said, it was probable that everyone had retired for the hour was late. Only a few dim lights were left burning in the passages. There would be no one about, and it would not take two minutes to slip down and get the rug. She dropped the blanket he had refused and went softly out. Twelve. The Reckoning The whole house was in silence as noiselessly she stole down the stairs.

Starting point is 02:28:43 It was close upon midnight and she did not meet or hear anyone. The place might have been empty so still was it? The long, long roar of the sea came to her as she groped her way down the winding, dark passage that led to the room from which Bunny had been so rudely ejected a few hours before. There was no light here, but she knew her way perfectly, and finding the door, softly opened it and turned on the electric light.

Starting point is 02:29:08 The room was just as she had left it, the sofa drawn up by the burnt-out fire. She had collected all Bunny's things earlier in the evening, but since the rug had been forgotten, she thought it advisable to take the opportunity of ascertaining if anything else had been left behind. She found the rug,

Starting point is 02:29:25 pushed the sofa back against the wall, and began a quiet search of all the drawers and other receptacles the room contained. She had almost finished her task and was just closing the writing-table drawer when a sudden sound made her start. A creaking footstep came from the passage beyond the open door.

Starting point is 02:29:43 She turned swiftly with a jerking heart to see her stepfather, bloated and malignant standing on the threshold. For a single instant he stood there looking at her, and a great throb of misgiving went through her at the savage triumph in his eyes. He had been drinking, drinking heavily she was sure, but he did not seem to be intoxicated, only horribly sure of himself, brutally free from any trammels of civilization. He closed the door with decision and moved forward.

Starting point is 02:30:13 In the same moment she moved also to a woman. the sofa over which she had thrown the rug she had come to fetch. Her heart was beating hard and fast, but she would not address a single word to him, would not so much as seem to see him. Supremely disdainful, she prepared to gather up her property and go. But as she turned to the door, she found him barring the way. He spoke thickly, yet not indistinctly. "'Not so fast, my fine, madam. I've got to have a reckoning with you.' she drew herself up to the utmost of her slim height and gave him a single brief glance of disgust be good enough to let me pass she said in tones of clear command but shepherd did not move he had been fortifying himself against any sudden strain such as this all day long not so fast he said again with a gleam of teeth under his dark moustache you made a mistake this morning young woman a very big mistake don't make another to-night

Starting point is 02:31:16 maud froze to a nicer contempt the steady courage of her must have shamed any man in his sober senses stand aside instantly she said or i shall ring the bell and rouse the house he laughed at that a cruel vindication "'Oh, you don't come over me that way. "'You mean to have your lesson, I see, "'and perhaps it's as well. "'It's been postponed too long already. "'There's a deal too much spirit about you "'and too much lip, too. "'You think I'll put up with anything, don't you?

Starting point is 02:31:55 "'Think yourself much too high and mighty "'to associate with the likes of me. think you can call me any darn names you please and I'll bear him like a lamb his voice rose obviously his temper was already beyond control he was in fact lashing it on to fury mod knew the process well it was enough for her and she waited for no more she stepped quietly to the bell she was nearer to it than he and she did not for a moment imagine that he would dare to molest her but she had not realized the mad condition to which he had wrought himself. And even when he suddenly and violently strode forward, she did not draw back or dream that he would touch her. Only as his hand caught her outstretched arm did the knowledge that he was utterly beyond control as a wild beast burst upon her. She uttered a desperate cry and began a sharp instinctive struggle to escape. It was a very brief struggle, so taken by surprise and utterly unprepared was she. One moment she was fighting wildly

Starting point is 02:33:00 for freedom, the next he had her at his mercy. "'Oh, you may scream,' he jibed. "'No one will hear you. Now, do you know what I'm going to do to you?' "'Let me go,' she panted crimson and breathless. He locked her two wrists together in one iron hand. His strength was utterly irresistible. She was as a pygmy in the grip of a giant. "'I'll let you go when I've done with you,' he said, gloating openly over her quivering helplessness. But first you will have your

Starting point is 02:33:34 lesson. I'm going to give you the trouncing of your life. With the words, he suddenly wrenched her round and forced her, almost flung her face downwards over the sofa head. You've been spoiling for this for a long time, he

Starting point is 02:33:50 said. And being your stepfather, I'll see that you get it. Never had a good spanking before in all your life, I dare say. well we'll see how you like this one and therewith he pulled off one of his down-at-heel carpet slippers and proceeded to flog her with it as if she had been a boy what she went through during that awful chastisement maud never forgot she fought at first like a mad creature till she was suddenly aware of the light wrap she wore ripping in all directions and from that moment she resisted no more standing passive in an agony of apprehension while he reeked upon her all the pent malice of the past few weeks.

Starting point is 02:34:34 It was a brutal punishment, administered with the savage intention of breaking down this dark silence with which she sought to meet it. And even when he succeeded at last, even when the girl's strength went from her, and she collapsed as he held her with a wild burst of hysterical crying

Starting point is 02:34:50 and broken, unnerved entreaties, he did not stay his hand. Now was his grand opportunity for vengeance, and he might never get another. He did not spare her until he had inflicted the utmost of which he was capable. Then, at last, roughly, he set her free. That's right, blub away, he cheered.

Starting point is 02:35:12 I've taken all the stiffening out of you at last, and a damn good job, too. Perhaps you'll keep a civil tongue in your head for the future, and give me no more of your dratted impudence. There's nothing like a sound drubbing to bring a woman to her senses. but i don't advise you to qualify for another he put on his slipper breathing somewhat heavily after his exertions then stood up and wiped his forehead his fury had exhausted itself his mood had become one of semi-malicious elation he looked at the girl still crouched over the sofa head sobbing and convulsed utterly broken utterly conquered come he said don't let us have any more nonsense you won't give me any more of your airs after this and we shall be all the better friends for it stand up and say you're sorry she gasped and gasped again but no words could she utter the hateful callousness of the man could not so much as rouse her scorn her pride was in the dust he took her by the arm and pulled her roughly up making her stand before him though she was scarcely capable of standing

Starting point is 02:36:28 come he began again and broke off with a brutal laugh staring at her a flame of fierce humiliation went through her burning her from head to foot as she realized that her night-dress had been rent open across her bosom she caught it together in her trembling fingers shrinking in an anguish of shame from the new devil that had begun to jive at her out of his bloodshot eyes he laughed again well my fine madam we seem to have pitched the proprieties of overboard quite completely this time. All your own fault, you know. Serves you jolly well right. You aren't going to say you're sorry, eh? Well, well, I'd give you another spanking if I felt equal to it, but I don't. So I'll have the kiss of peace instead. He caught her to him with the words, gripped her tightly round the body, tilted her head back, and for one unspeakable moment, the heavy mustache, was crushed suffocatingly upon her panting lips. In that moment the strength of madness entered into mod, such strength as was later wholly beyond

Starting point is 02:37:37 her own comprehension. With frenzied force, she resisted him, fighting as it for her very life, and so suddenly, so unexpectedly, that in sheer astonishment his grip relaxed. It was her one chance of escape and she seized it. With a single, furious wrench she tore herself, from him, not caring how she did it, found herself free and fled, fled like a mad thing, panting, disheveled, frantic from the room. His laugh of half-tipsy derision followed her, and all the devils of hatred, malice, and bitter, cauterizing shame went with her as she fled. End of chapters 11 and 12. Part 1, chapters 13 and 14 of the hundredth chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 02:38:30 thirteen the only port it was a rainy squally morning and jake returning from the stables after an early ride looked down at his muddy gaiters with momentary hesitation mrs lovelace his cook and housekeeper objected very strongly to muddy gaiters in what she was pleased to call her parlor they generally meant disaster to a clean tablecloth though jake himself could never be made to see why since he was the only person to use it and never noticed its condition this should be regarded as a matter of a matter of of vital importance. On the present occasion, Mrs. Lovelace, being out of sight and hearing, he decided to risk detection, and, leaving his cap on a peg in the Dark Oak Passage, he passed on to the room overlooking

Starting point is 02:39:13 the Downs and the distant sea, in which he had once entertained Bunny and his sister. Breakfast would be awaiting him, he knew, and he was more than ready for breakfast. In fact, he was ravenously hungry, and he hastened to hide the offending gaiters under the spotless tablecloth

Starting point is 02:39:29 as soon as he had rung the bell for the dish which was being kept hot for him. When Mrs. Lovelace came stoutly in, he greeted her with a smile. I'm late this morning, been having a tussle with one of the youngsters. No, don't put that whip away. It wants a new lash. What a cusset nuisance this rain is. The ground is a quagmire, and the animals can hardly keep their feet. Any letters?

Starting point is 02:39:56 One, sir, said Mrs. Lovelace, and laid it before him. Then she looked at him, sir. searchingly. Did you get very muddy? she inquired. What? said Jake. He took up his letter. Yes, you can take the cover. No, leave the coffee. I'll pour that out when I'm ready. Muddy. Look out of the window, my good woman, if you want to know. Don't wait. Time's precious, and I guess you're busy. Again he smiled upon Mrs. Lovelace, his pleasant, candid smile, and Mrs. Lovelace had perforced to smile back and withdraw. jake heaved a sigh of relief and began his breakfast his letter bearing a purple crest of a fox's head and under it the motto saint vertue lay on the table before him he eyed it as he ate and presently took it up it bore a swiss stamp

Starting point is 02:40:47 jake opened it and read dear bolton i meant to winter in cairo and heaven alone knows why i am here it is fiendishly cold and blowing great guns there was skating when i arrived but that is a dream of the past we now slop about knee deep in slush or play cats cradle in the salon during the day we dance or cuddle in corners practically all night some of the female portion of the community are quite passably attractive but i always preferred one goddess to a craft and she is not to be found here. Unless it freezes within the next 48 hours, I shall come back to beastly old England and look for her. So if I should turn up at Berchester within the next few days, please accept this, the only, intimation, and have the stud ready for inspection. Yours sincerely, Saltash. Jake's face wore a curious expression as he folded the letter and returned it to the envelope. It was what Bunny called his cowboy look, a look in which humor and sheer savage determination were very oddly mingled.

Starting point is 02:41:51 There was a good deal of the primitive man about him at that moment. He continued his breakfast with business-like rapidity, and presently helped himself to coffee with a perfectly steady hand. The cup, however, was still untasted beside him when Mrs. Lovelace once more made her appearance, her plump face looking somewhat startled. "'Miss Brian has called, sir. Wishes to see you for a moment. Shall I show her in?'

Starting point is 02:42:16 Jake's chair scraped back and he was on his feet in a single movement. Of course. Where is she? No, I'll fetch her myself. Out of the way, my good woman. He removed her from his path without the smallest ceremony and was gone before she could protest. In the passage he almost ran into his visitor. Miss Brian, is that you? Come right in. Snakes, you're wet. Come along to the fire. He had her by it before she. his greeting was fully uttered. A man of action at all times was Jake.

Starting point is 02:42:51 And Maude, still panting from her recent struggle with the elements, found herself in an easy chair, holding numbed fingers to the blaze almost before she realized how she came to be there. He knelt beside her, unbuttoning her streaming waterproof. She saw the glint of the firelight in his chestnut hair. Thank you, she said with an effort. You are very kind. He looked at her with those links like eyes of his.

Starting point is 02:43:16 "'Say, you're perished,' he said in his soft, easy drawl. She smiled quiveringly at the concern in his face. She had expected a precipitate inquiry about Bunny, but it was evident that he had thoughts only for her at that moment, and she was very badly in need of human kindness and consideration just then. She sat, huddled over the fire, all the queenliness gone out of her, tried to speak to him twice and failed, finally shook her head and sat in silence.

Starting point is 02:43:47 He got up and reached across the table for the coffee he had just poured out. Drink a little, he said holding it to her. You needed. She made a small gesture of impotence. Somehow, the warmth and comfort of the room after the cheerless cold without had upset her. She still smiled, but it was a puckered difficult smile and her eyes were full of tears. She could not take the cup. Her throat worked painfully.

Starting point is 02:44:15 Again, she shook her head. Jake stood beside her for a moment or two looking down at her, then with swift decision he sat down the coffee, stepped to the door and quietly turned the key. He came back to her with a steady purpose of a man quite sure of himself, knelt again by her side, put his arm about her. You lean on me, my girl, he said softly. Don't be afraid.

Starting point is 02:44:39 She gave him a quick look. The tears were running down her face. She covered it suddenly with both hands and sobbed. He drew her to him so gently that she was hardly aware of the action till her head came to rest on his shoulder. His free hand, strong and purposeful, took possession of one of hers and sturdily held it. "'It's all right,' he murmured to her soothingly.

Starting point is 02:45:04 "'It's all right.' She wept for a while without restraint, her nerves completely shattered, her pride laid low. And while she wept, Jake held her, strongly, sustainingly, his red-brown eyes staring unblinkingly full into the heart of the fire. At the end of a long interval she grew a little calmer, made as if she would withdraw herself. But very quietly he frustrated her.

Starting point is 02:45:29 No, not while you're feeling so badly. Say now, let me take off your hat. Guess I can do it without you moving. She was not in a condition to forbid him, and he removed it with concern. considerable dexterity, while she still hid her quivering face against him with the instinctive confidence that paid a dumb tribute to the man's complete mastery of himself. I'm dreadfully sorry, to have behaved like this, she whispered at last.

Starting point is 02:45:57 You needn't be sorry for that, said Jake. No one will know except me, and I don't count. I think you do, she faltered, and made a more decided effort to free herself. He let her go with a kindly pat on the shoulder. Say now, if that coffee ain't cold, perhaps you'll try a sip. He reached for it and held it to her without rising. She lifted the cup in both her trembling hands while he held the saucer and slowly drank. Jake's eyes went with abrupt directness to her wrists as she did it. He did not speak at the moment.

Starting point is 02:46:34 Only as she returned the cup he put it quietly aside and laid his hand over hers. What's that skunk shepherd been doing to you? he asked she shrank at the straight question how how did you know he lifted his hand and pushed back her sleeves without speaking there was something dreadful about him as he regarded the bruises thus exposed a quick fear went through her jake she said sharply that is no affair of yours you are not to interfere his eyes came up to hers and the hardness went from him on the instant "'I reckon you're going to make some use of me,' he said. She trembled a little and turned her face away. She had used his Christian name spontaneously, and now suddenly she found that all formality had gone from between them.

Starting point is 02:47:25 It disconcerted her, frightened her, made her uncertain as to his attitude as well as her own. Jake waited a few seconds. Then, with the utmost gentleness, he laid his hand again upon hers. "'Are you afraid to say it?' he said. to say, what? Her hands moved agitatedly beneath his till, strangely unexpectedly,

Starting point is 02:47:47 they turned and clasped it with convulsive strength. Yes, I am afraid, she said with a sob. But I asked you to marry me weeks ago, said Jake. Her head was bowed. She sought to avoid his look. I know you did. And you are going to marry me? He said in a tone that was scarcely a question.

Starting point is 02:48:08 She turned desperately and faced him. "'I must have a clear understanding with you first,' she said. "'I see,' said Jake. He met her eyes with the utmost directness, and before his look her as wavered and fell. "'Please,' she whispered. "'You must agree to that.' He did not speak for a moment, but his fingers wound themselves closely about her own. "'I don't want you to be scared,' he said finally.

Starting point is 02:48:37 "'But that's a mighty big thing you've asked of me. me. Maud's face was burning. I know it isn't for me to make. Conditions, she said under her breath. A gleam of humor crossed Jake's face. I guess it's up to me to accept or refuse, he said. But suppose I refuse. What are you going to do then? Will you marry me? All the same. She shook her head instantly. I don't know what I shall do, Jake. I must go back and think. she mustered her strength and made as if she would rise but he checked her wait he said i haven't refused yet lean back and rest a bit i've got to do some thinking too she obeyed him because it seemed that he must be obeyed he got to his feet poor girl he said gently it hasn't been easy for you has it reckon you've just been driven to me for refuge i'm a I'm the nearest port, that's all.

Starting point is 02:49:42 The only port, Maude answered with a shiver. All right, he said. It's a safe one. But... He left the sentence unfinished and turned to the window. She lay back with closed eyes, counting the heart throbs of her heart while she waited.

Starting point is 02:50:00 He was very quiet, standing behind her with his face to the storm-driven clouds. She longed to know what was passing in his mind, but she could not break the silence. it held her like a spell while the clock on the mantelpiece ticked the dragging minutes away she whispered to her racing heart that the moment he moved she would rise and go but while the silence lasted she could not bring herself to stir she was worn out physically and mentally almost too weary for thought he moved at length rather suddenly wheeled round before she was aware and came back to the fire don't get up he said you look ready to drop, and you may just as well hear what I have to say, sitting. It won't make a mind of difference.

Starting point is 02:50:47 She raised her eyes to his in unconscious appeal. I am afraid I have made a mistake, she said. She saw his smile for a moment. No, you haven't made a mistake, my girl. You're safe with me. But I wonder if you have the faintest idea now why I want you for my wife. The simple directness of his speech touched her as she, did not want to be touched. She sat silent, her hands clasped tightly together.

Starting point is 02:51:16 You haven't, he said, and perhaps this isn't the time to tell you. You've come to me for refuge, as I hoped you would, and I shan't abuse your confidence. But you know, I had a reason. He paused, but still she said nothing. Only she could not meet his eyes any longer. She looked away into the fire waiting for him to continue. "'Say now,' he said after a moment, "'if I make a bargain with you, "'you won't accuse me of taking advantage of your position.' "'She winced a little.

Starting point is 02:51:49 "'I wish you to—to forget that I ever said that.' "'All right, it is forgotten,' said Jake. "'I'll go ahead.' "'We haven't mentioned Bunny, "'though I take it he is a fairly big factor in the case. "'That is to say, if it hadn't been for Bunny, "'you would never have taken this step.' Maude's eyes went swiftly up to his.

Starting point is 02:52:11 But of course I shouldn't, she said quickly. I thought you understood that. I quite understand, said Jake. I assure you I'm not taking anything for granted. But now, I want to put it to you, supposing the impossible happened, supposing Bunny were cured. Yes, it's only the hundredth chance I know,

Starting point is 02:52:34 still, for just a moment, suppose it. Bunny cured. able to look after himself like other lads. You would be married to me. What then? What then? She repeated the word still with an effort meeting his look.

Starting point is 02:52:51 He made a slight gesture with one hand. You would stick to me. The hot color flooded her face and neck. Of course, she said her voice very low. That goes without saying. He bent slowly towards her. "'Mod, if we ever live alone together, "'it must be as man and wife.'

Starting point is 02:53:13 "'His voice was low, too, "'but she heard in it a deep note "'that seemed to pierce through and through her. "'His eyes drew and held her own. "'She wanted to avoid them, but could not. "'They burned like the red inner heart of a furnace. "'The blood receded from her face. "'She felt it go.

Starting point is 02:53:31 "'We need never live alone,' she said faintly. "'He held ever live alone,' she said faintly. "'He held ever. a quiet hand to her. Perhaps not, but I should like your promise to that all the same. He paused a moment, then added, I have sworn already to be good to you, remember.

Starting point is 02:53:49 She laid her hand in his. She could not do otherwise. He held it, and waited. Very well, she said at last her voice almost a whisper. I agree. He let her go and straightened himself. It's a deal, then. he said.

Starting point is 02:54:07 And now for more immediate details. You've decided to marry me, and I gather you don't mind how soon. He picked up a clay pipe from the mantelpiece and knocked out some ash against the fireplace. Maud watched him with a curious species of fascination. There was something in the man's serenity of mean that puzzled her,

Starting point is 02:54:28 something that did not go with those fiery possessive eyes. He looked at her with a smile that was half quizzical, half kindly, and her heart began to beat more freely. We must somehow get away from the anchor today, she said. I have a little money. Perhaps if you would help me to move, Bunny, we could go into lodgings again until—

Starting point is 02:54:48 I have a little money, too, said Jake, and I will certainly help you. But first, do you object to telling me what has been happening at the anchor? She colored again, vividly, painfully, but he was fully engrossed with the filling of his pipe and did not notice her embarrassment. To begin with, she said with difficulty,

Starting point is 02:55:10 he, Mr. Shepard, has turned us out of the room downstairs. He carried Bunny off himself to an attic under the roof and hurt him horribly. I was driven nearly mad at the time. She broke off shuddering at the remembrance. Jake frowned. Go on, he said briefly. She went on with increasing difficulty.

Starting point is 02:55:32 That happened yesterday. I hoped you would come round in the afternoon or evening, but you didn't. I couldn't get away, he interpolated. Yes, and then. Then, in the evening, that is, late at night, Maude stumbled like a nervous child. I went down to fetch something. And he?

Starting point is 02:55:53 He came in after me, half tipsy, and, and he... She halted suddenly. I can't go on, she said with quivering lips. lips. Jake laid aside his pipe and stooped over her. Did he beat you? Or did he make love to you? Which, he said. There was a sound in his voice like the growl of an angry beast. She could not look him in the face. Tell me, he said, and laid an imperative hand on her shoulder. You need never tell anyone else. She shrank a little. I don't see why I should tell you, she said reluctantly.

Starting point is 02:56:33 you must tell me said jake with decision and after brief hesitation miserably with face averted she yielded and told him after all why should he not know her dainty pride was crushed for ever she could sink no lower he held me down and trashed me with his slipper i was in my night-dress and-and it was rather a brutal thrashing perhaps some women wouldn't have minded it much but i-i'm not used to that kind of treatment I hope you will never beat me, Jake. I don't bear it very heroically. She tried to laugh, but it was a piteous little sound that came from her quivering throat. Jake's hand closed upon her shoulder. She seemed to feel the whole man vibrate behind it

Starting point is 02:57:20 like a steel spring. Yet he made no comment whatever. Go on, he said his voice short and stern. Tell me everything. She braced herself to finish. He went on till he was tired. I believe I was wailing like a baby, but no one heard. And then, and then.

Starting point is 02:57:41 He suddenly discovered that I was a woman and not a naughty child, and he, he kissed me. She shuddered suddenly and violently. That's nearly all, she ended. I got away from him, heaven knows how, and I got back to Bunny. I didn't tell him everything, but I couldn't help him knowing I was upset. we neither of us slept all night, and the night before was a bad one too. That's how I came to be so idiotic just now. She leaned slowly back in her chair, till she rested against the hand he had laid upon her.

Starting point is 02:58:15 Do you know? She said tremulously after a moment. I think it has actually done me good to tell you. You are very kind to me, Jake. He withdrew his hand and turned away. That may be. he said enigmatically. And again, it may not.

Starting point is 02:58:34 Thanks anyway for telling me. He picked up the horsewhip that he had flung down on entering and began with his square, steady fingers to remove the lash. You are right. You can't spend another night at the anchor. If you will allow me, I will find some comfortable rooms where you and Bunny can stay till we get married. I will go up tomorrow and get a special license.

Starting point is 02:58:57 The marriage might be arranged for Sunday. if that will suit you. Next Sunday. Mod started round and looked at him with startled eyes. He nodded. In church, after the eight o'clock service, if there is one, your mother must give you away. Afterwards we will come here with the boy.

Starting point is 02:59:17 He glanced round at her. He shall have this room for the daytime, and the one over it to sleep in. I'm sorry there are not two ground floor rooms for him, but I know how to carry him in comfort. Of course, if necessary, this room could be used as a bedroom as well. He threw down the worn lash and went to a drawer for a new one. Mod still watched him in silence.

Starting point is 02:59:42 Does that meet with your approval? he asked at length. I think you are more than good, she said, a tremor feeling in her voice. He kept his eyes lowered over his task. I am not hustling you too much, he inquired. She smiled wanly. I am asking myself if I ought to let you do it, she said. It doesn't seem very fair to you. It chances to be the thing I want, said Jake.

Starting point is 03:00:09 His finger's still busy. And I reckon you won't disappoint me. Won't draw back. I can count on you. She rose turning fully towards him. You can certainly count on me, she said. But are you really sure you mean it? It isn't going to spoil your life.

Starting point is 03:00:27 Jake stood upright with a jerk. She met the extraordinary brightness of his eyes with an odd mixture of boldness and reluctance. "'My girl,' he said in his queer anomalous straw, "'there ain't a man anywhere in God's universe "'who knows what he wants better than I do. "'If I didn't want this thing, I shouldn't ask for it, see?' He came to her with the words and laid one finger on her arm.

Starting point is 03:00:54 "'Don't you know it's your friendship I'm after?' he said with a touch of aggressiveness why i've been after it ever since that night i found you in the dark alone on the edge of the parade you were up against it that night weren't you and didn't like me over much for butting in do you know what you made me think of a forlorn princess of the middle ages there's a medival flavor about you i don't know where you keep it but it makes me feel medieval too she drew back a little stiffened ever so slightly something in her resented the freedom of his speech something rose in swift revolt and clamored to be gone he must have seen her gesture her quick protesting blush for he turned almost instantly and jerked the whiplash through his fingers testing it a fitful gleam of sunshine suddenly pierced the clouds behind him and shone on his bent head his hair gleamed like burnished copper the tawny glint of it made her think of an animal a beast of prey alert merciless primeval she put on her hat i must be getting back to bunny she said i am coming with you said jake she looked at him sharply you will walk yes i shall walk She pointed with nervous abruptness to the whip he held. Then you won't want that.

Starting point is 03:02:19 Jake smiled and tested the whip again without speaking. Maud waited a moment, then steadily she spoke. You realized, of course, that when I told you about Mr. Shepard's behavior of last night, it was in strict confidence. Jake squared his broad shoulders. All right, my girl, it's safe with me, he said. There shan't be any scandal. maud was very white but quite resolute jake she said you are not to do it he raised his brows you are not to do it she said again with vehemence i mean it i mean it

Starting point is 03:02:58 the quarrel is not yours you are not to make it so she paused and suddenly caught her breath oh don't look at me like that you make me afraid jake turned and tossed the whip down on the window-seat you've nothing to be afraid of he said rather curtly you're making your own bugbear perhaps it's natural he added with abrupt gentleness you've had a lot to bear lately there i've done what you asked We had better get back while it's fine. He unlocked and opened the door standing back for her to pass. He kept his eyes downcast as she went through, and she knew that it was in response to her appeal that he did so. She tingled with a burning embarrassment, which vanished all in a moment as he said,

Starting point is 03:03:47 "'Say now, do you mind if I light my pipe before I follow you? Don't wait, I'll catch you up.' And she made her way out into the fleeting sunlight and racing wind with a strong sense of relief. The pipe was not a particularly aristocratic feature of Jake's existence, but it was an extremely characteristic one, and it placed matters on a normal footing at once.

Starting point is 03:04:10 Jake was never disconcerting or formidable when he was smoking a pipe. She consented to it gladly. And Jake turned back into the room with a grim smile on his lips, picked up a letter from the table, and thrust it deep into the fire. After that he lighted his pipe

Starting point is 03:04:25 with the charred remnant thereof, and followed Maud into the open. Fourteen. The way of escape. The sun shone out again as they went down the hill, and the sea gleamed below them like a sheet of silver. You like this place? asked Jake. I could like it, she made answer.

Starting point is 03:04:48 He smiled. Then I reckon you shall. Say, does Bunny know about your coming up here to see me? She colored deeply. He knew. I came, yes, but he did not know why. Jake was still smiling. Guess he'll be pleased, he said.

Starting point is 03:05:06 He added between puffs of his pipe. We'll make him happy between us. We'll give him the time of his life. She drew a deep breath. Surely no sacrifice was too great for that. They passed the church on the hill and descended the steep road to the town. There are some rooms I know of along this road, said Jake.

Starting point is 03:05:27 kept by the wife of one of our stablemen. Shall we go in and have a look at him? She hesitated. Bunny will wonder where I am. He glanced at her. Well, look here. You leave me to see to it. I'll fix up something,

Starting point is 03:05:44 and then I'll come on after you, and we'll get the boy away. She met his look somewhat doubtfully. Why not? said Jake. She answered him with an effort. You do understand, don't you, that I couldn't I can't accept help from you before, before our marriage. Why not, he said again.

Starting point is 03:06:05 Reckon you mean to stick to your bargain? Oh, it isn't that, she said painfully. Of course, of course I shall keep my word with you. But I have a little pride left, just a little, and... And I'm to humor it, eh? said Jake. Well, you shall have it your own way. But let me do the fixing for you. I know just what you want.

Starting point is 03:06:29 It's only for a few days, either. He smiled at her, and she yielded. But when they separated at length, she paused uneasily. Jake? Your servant, said Jake promptly. She stretched a nervous hand towards him. Jake, if you meet, my stepfather, you will not. Not.

Starting point is 03:06:51 Most unfortunately I can't, said Jake. He held her hand for a moment and let it go. there good-bye i won't do anything in discreet i promise you there is too much at stake now you get back to bunny as quick as you can i shan't be long after you and maud went with a feeling at the heart of relief and dread oddly mingled she knew that jake would keep his word there was a rock-like strength about him that nothing could ever shake for good or ill he would stick to a bargain be the price what it might but she saw him overriding every obstacle to attain his purposes. He would never flinch from possible consequences. Of that, she was certain. What he had said he would do, that he would do,

Starting point is 03:07:39 and no power on earth would divert him therefrom. She shivered suddenly and violently as she walked. The relentless force of the man had in it an element that was terrible. What had she done? What had she done? She encountered her man. mother as she mounted the hotel stairs. Oh, my dear, here you are at last, was her greeting.

Starting point is 03:08:03 I have been so worried about you. Come into my room. But Maude resisted her. I must go to Bunny. He has been alone for so long. No, dear, no. Bunny's all right for the present. I've been to see.

Starting point is 03:08:19 He doesn't want anything. He told me so. Come into my room. Just for a moment, dear child. We can't talk in the... passage as mrs. Shepard was plainly bent upon talking Maud concluded she had something to say and followed her shut the door my darling that's right how white you look this morning dearie I am more sorry than I can say for what happened last night Giles told me about it

Starting point is 03:08:47 but he says he is quite willing now to let bygones be bygones so you won't bear malice darling will you of course I know he ought to not to have done it, with a slight uneasy glance at her daughter's rigid face. I told him so. But he assured me that he only did it for your good, dear. And he seems to think that you were rather rude to him earlier in the day. He is old-fashioned, you know. He thinks a whipping clears the air, so to speak. It's better, anyhow, than saving up grievance after grievance, isn't it, dear? He'll start afresh now, and be much better friends. At least it won't be his fault

Starting point is 03:09:26 if you're not. He is quite ready to treat you as his own daughter. She paused for breath. Maude was standing stiff and cold against the door. Is that what you called me in here to say? She asked. Mrs. Shepherd still looked uneasy, though she tried to laugh it off. Not quite all, dear, but I really should go and to make friends with him if I were you. He isn't a bit angry with you any more. In fact, he has been joking about it, says his arm is so stiff this morning he hardly use it. You couldn't possibly keep it up if you heard him. I shall not hear him, said Maude.

Starting point is 03:10:04 White and proud, she faced her mother, and the latter's half-forced merriment died away. Child, don't look so tragic. What is it? Come, he didn't hurt you so badly, surely. Can't you forgive and forget? No, Mod said. I shall never do either. I am going away with Bunny today. And I hope.

Starting point is 03:10:26 with all my heart that I shall never see his face again. Going away, Mrs. Shepherd opened startled eyes, but Maude. I am going to marry Jake Bolton, Maude said, her voice very deep and quiet. He will take me and Bunny, too. Oh, my dear, that man! Her mother gazed at her in consternation. He is infinitely rougher than Giles, she said. I know he is rough, but he cares for Buny.

Starting point is 03:10:56 that matters most said mod in fact i believe he likes bunny best my dear it's you he wants not bunny said mrs shepherd with a rare flash of insight i saw that at the very beginning of things at our wedding party he looked at you as if he could devour you maud put out a quick hand of protest mother please that doesn't prove he cares about me any more than i care for him It is just the way with men of his sort. He, he has been very kind, and he is genuinely fond of bunny. And, and in fact, it's the only thing to be done. I can't possibly stay here any longer. Her lip quivered unexpectedly.

Starting point is 03:11:44 She turned to go, but her mother intercepted her quickly and dearingly. Maud, darling, wait a minute, I haven't finished. You took my breath away. But listen a moment. This sacrifice won't be necessary, I am sure, I am sure. You couldn't marry that horsey creature. You would never bear life with him. You are not adaptable enough, nor experienced enough.

Starting point is 03:12:09 You could never endure it. It would be infinitely worse than poor Giles and his tantrums. No, but listen, dear. If you really feel you must go, I think a way of escape is going to be offered to you and poor little bunny, too. I have had a letter from your uncle Edward, and he is coming expressly to see you both. Mother! Maud almost tore herself free, gazing at her with that in her eyes that was to haunt Mrs. Shepherd

Starting point is 03:12:36 for many days. Oh, why, why, why didn't you tell me before? When did the letter come? It was last night, darling. You were such a long way off, right at the top of the house, and I was too tired to go after you. I meant to tell you first thing, dear. But when I went to look for you after breakfast, you had gone. I am very sorry, but really it wasn't my fault.

Starting point is 03:13:03 Still, you won't want to marry that vulgar person now, for I am sure your uncle means to make provision for you. He can well afford it. He is very wealthy. But Maude resolutely put her mother's clinging arms away from her. Jake is not vulgar, she said in a voice that sounded flat tired, and I have promised to marry him. Nothing can make any difference to that now.

Starting point is 03:13:28 My dear, what nonsense. I will get Giles to talk to him. How can you dream of such a thing, you who might have married Lord Saltash, and may yet? There is no knowing. Maude, dearest, you must be reasonable. You must indeed. This Jake Bolton may be a very excellent man, a very worthy man, but as a husband for you he would be a utterly unsuitable. Surely you can see that for yourself. I can't imagine what possessed you to entertain such an idea for a moment. It was ranked presumption on his part to dare to lift his eyes to you. Why, my dear, if you were to marry him, your life would be an absolute thraldom. You mustn't think of it, dear child. You mustn't, indeed. Why, he is not much better than a stable

Starting point is 03:14:18 boy, and his speech. He has spent a good deal of his time. among cowboys. Maud was still firmly trying to disengage herself. His speech is more or less acquired. In any case, in any case, I have given him my promise. And you had better not let Mr. Shepard interfere. It would be wise of him to keep out of Jake's way, in fact. Jake knows exactly why I am prepared to marry him. My dear, you actually made a confidant of that dreadful person. How could you? I wanted to. I wanted to. a man to protect me, said Maude very bitterly, from the

Starting point is 03:14:56 vindictive savagery of a brute. Maud, how can you talk so? And I am sure Jake Bolton is much more of a brute than poor Giles. Why, look at the man. Look at his mouth, his eyes. They absolutely stamp him. Oh, dear, you're very headstrong and difficult.

Starting point is 03:15:15 I begin to think, Jiles had some excuse after all. Perhaps your uncle will be able to manage you. you are quite beyond me. Maud almost laughed. When does he arrive? She asked. This evening, he has asked us to reserve a room for him. Mrs. Shepard had speedily developed

Starting point is 03:15:35 a proprietary interest in the management of the hotel. Its welfare had become far more engrossing than that of her children. Maude opened the door. We shall be gone by that time. Jake is finding us room somewhere in the town. Mrs. Shepard held up. up her hands. Jake finding rooms.

Starting point is 03:15:55 Mod? How scandalous! How do you know? You don't know. That he is to be trusted. Maude made a brief gesture, as of one who submits to the inevitable. I trust him,

Starting point is 03:16:07 she said with that in her voice that stilled all further protest. And with the words, she passed with finality out of her mother's room and went upstairs without a backward glance. Mrs. Shepard sat down and shed a few petulant tears

Starting point is 03:16:21 over her child. waywardness she never would listen to advice was the burden of her lament if she had she would have been happily married to lord saltash by now and i might have had my house in london to-day oh dear oh dear children are a bitter disappointment they never can be made to see what is for their own good she'll rue the day i know she will that trainer man has a will of iron he'll break her too at like one of his horses. My poor, proud Maud. End of chapters 13 and 14. Part 1, chapters 15 and 16 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 15. The closed door. A way of escape. A way of escape. How often during the hours of that endless day

Starting point is 03:17:25 with those words in Maud's mind. They pursued her, they mocked her whichever way she turned. To Jake, she merely, very briefly imparted the news of her uncle's expected advent, and he received it without comment. Bunny was much more speculative. He had been somewhat carried out of himself

Starting point is 03:17:44 by the trend of events. It was Jake who whispered to him the amazing information of his sudden conquest, together with a very strenuous injunction not to talk to Maud about it unless she started the subject. aunt maud for some reason could not start it she went through all the necessary arrangements for their removal as one in a dream scarcely speaking at all responding very occasionally to bunny's eager surmises respecting the unknown great-uncle who had never before taken the faintest interest in them or shown himself so much as aware of their existence his coming did not seem to matter to her if indeed he were about to offer her a way of escape it could not matter to her now the door that led thither had closed closed in the night because her mother had been too tired to seek her out and tell her

Starting point is 03:18:31 the irony of it the bitter cruel irony she dared not pause to think jake spent a great part of the day with them working with a will to get them comfortably settled in their new quarters before the fall of the early dusk after that he remained to tea but he devoted almost the whole of his attention to bunny who had in fact come to regarded as his right he left soon after refusing to remain for the game of chess for which he had earnestly pleaded not to-night my son your brain has to settle down it's a deal too lively at present he bent over bunny at parting and whispered a few words that were inaudible to maud then he turned to go She followed him to the outer door. The evening air smote chill and salt upon her, and she shivered involuntarily. Jake stopped to light a cigarette. I shan't be coming round to-morrow, he remarked then. I shall be too busy, but I'll look in on Saturday and tell you what I've fixed up.

Starting point is 03:19:33 Will Sunday morning do all right if I can fix it? She shivered again. Yes, she said. Say, you're cold, said Jake gently. I mustn't keep it. you standing here. But you really meant that, yes. He looked at her, and she saw that his eyes were kindly. She held out her hand with a desperate little smile. Yes, I meant it. His hand closed strongly, sustainingly upon hers. Guess there is nothing to be scared of, he said. I'll take care of you,

Starting point is 03:20:06 sure. She felt a sudden lump rise in her throat and found she could not speak. You're tired, said Jake softly. Go and get a good night. It's what you're wanting. Yes, I am tired, she managed to say. He still held her hand, looking at her with those strange glittering eyes of his, that seemed to peer straight through all reserve and enter even the hidden inner sanctuary of her soul. What's this relative of yours like now? He asked unexpectedly. She shook her head. I don't know. I've never seen him. Think he's coming along to offer you a home, asked Jake. Her face burned suddenly and hotly.

Starting point is 03:20:50 For some reason she resented the question. I don't know. How can I possibly know? All right, said Jake imperturbably. But in case he does, I'd like you to know that you are at liberty to do as you please in the matter. He'll tell you maybe that I'm not the man for you. That, I gather, is your mother's attitude. I sensed it from the beginning. if he does and if you feel inclined to agree with him you're free to do so free as air but at the same time i'd like you to remember that if you should accept anything from him and then not find it to your liking you can still come along to me and follow out the original programme

Starting point is 03:21:33 i'm only wanting to make you comfortable he stopped and in the pause that followed maud's other hand came out to him shyly yet impossibly you are "'Such a good fellow,' she said with a catch in her voice. "'Oh, Bunkum,' said Jake in a tone of almost indignant remonstrance. He held her two hands, and, turning, spat forth his cigarette into the night. An action of primitive simplicity that filled Maud with a grotesque kind of horrified mirth, mirth so intense that she had a sudden hysterical desire to laugh. She restrained herself with a desperate effort. "'Good-night,' she said with something of urgency in her voice.

Starting point is 03:22:14 voice. It isn't Buncombe at all. It's the truth. You, I think you are the best friend I ever had. But, but, but, said Jake. She freed her hands with a little gasp. Nothing, she said. Good night. It was a final dismissal, and as such he accepted it. She heard the steady fall of his feet as he went away, and with his going she managed to recover her composure. There was an undeniable greatness about him that seemed to dwarf all criticism. She realized that to measure him by ordinary standards was out of the question, and as she reviewed all that he had done for her that day,

Starting point is 03:22:53 a gradual warmth began to glow in her. There was no other friend in all her world who would have extended to her so firm or so comforting a support in her hour of adversity. And if her face burned at the memory of her own utter collapse in his presence, she could but recall with gratitude and with confidence the steadfast kindness with which he had upheld her.

Starting point is 03:23:14 She had gone to him in anguish despair, and he had offered the utmost that he had to offer. As to his motives for so doing, she had a feeling that he had deliberately refrained from expressing them. He wanted her, and he wanted Bunny. Perhaps he was lonely. Perhaps years of wandering

Starting point is 03:23:32 had created in him a longing for home and domestic comfort. But she did not speculate very deeply upon that subject. She felt that she could not. There was something in the man's nature, something colossal of which she was but dimly aware, and which she had no means of gauging, that checked her almost at the outset. She found herself standing before a closed door, a door which she had neither the audacity nor the desire to attempt to open. She was even a little fearful lest one day that door should open to her of its own accord, and she should be constrained to enter whether she would

Starting point is 03:24:07 or not. But on the whole, that talk with Jake had calmed her. the man was so temperate, so completely master of himself, and with all, so staunch in the friendship he had established with her that she could not but feel reassured. There was a delicacy in his consideration for her that warmed her heart. She knew by every instinct of her being that he would take care of her as he had promised. And she wanted someone to take care of her so badly, so badly. She was so deadly tired of fending for herself. She found Bunny in a mood of remarkable docility, and she managed to get him to bed without much trouble. He also was worn out after two nights of restlessness, and he fell asleep earlier than usual.

Starting point is 03:24:53 She herself sat for a while in the little sitting-room with a book which she found she could not read. She was too tired to fix her attention, and the thought of Jake kept intruding itself whenever she attempted to do so. It was wonderful how she had come to rely upon him, knowing so little of him. he had always been far more to bunny than to her she was drifting into a kind of semi-dose still with the memory of him passing and repassing through her brain when there came the sound of a bell in the house and almost immediately after the opening of the sitting-room door she started up in surprise to see her landlady usher in a little spare grey-whiskered man who walked with a strut and cleared his throat as he came with a noise like the growling of a dog he made her think irresistibly of a scotch terrier bristling for a He halted in the middle of the room and banged with his umbrella on the floor as one demanding a hearing. Hello, he said. My name's Warren. You, I take it, are Maude Bryan. If so, I'm your Uncle Edward. Maud came forward, still feeling a little dazed. Since Jake's departure, she had almost forgotten

Starting point is 03:26:01 the approaching advent of this relative of hers. How do you do, she said. Yes, I am Maud Brian. come and sit down he took her hand looking at her with small gray eyes that were keenly critical how old are you he demanded i am twenty-five said maud faintly smiling he uttered a grunting growl and sat down with a jerk i've come straight from your mother to talk to you she's a fool always was i hope you're not another thank you said maud sedately he brought his shaggy gray brows together i've come the length of england to see you but i haven't any time to waste i'm going back to-morrow that letter of yours i meant to answer it but business pressed and it had to stand over then i decided to come and see what sort of young woman you were before i did anything further i couldn't stand a replica of your mother in my house but thank goodness you're not much like her she tells me you're thinking of making a marriage of convenience to get away from your stepfather now that's a very serious step for a young woman to contemplate it seems to me i've turned up in the nick of time maud sitting facing him with her hands folded in her lap still faintly smiled the bluntness with which he tackled the situation appealed more to her sense of humor than to any other emotion she realized that he was actually about to offer her a way of escape but curiously she no longer felt any impulse to avail herself of it by his generous assurance that she was actually about to offer her a way of escape but curiously she no longer felt any impulse to avail herself of it by his generous assurance that she was was at liberty to do as she would, Jake had somehow managed to arrange her on his side.

Starting point is 03:27:43 Moreover, there was Bunny to be thought of. She knew well in what direction his desires, and his welfare also lay. It was very kind of you to come, she said. But as regards my marriage, my mind is quite made up. He, the man I am going to marry, understands everything. I have been quite open with him. He has been most kind, most generous. I could not think of drawing back now. Shah, said Mr. Warren. He sat forward in his chair, his hands gripping the knob of his umbrella, and surveyed her with growing disapproval.

Starting point is 03:28:18 You're prepared to sell yourself to a man you don't love in return for a home, eh? He asked. She winced sharply, and in a moment her tired young face was flooded with color. Certainly not, she said her voice very low. Most certainly not. Looks uncommonly like it, he maintained. It is not so, she said with low-toned vehemence. I have told you.

Starting point is 03:28:42 He understands. And is prepared to give all and receive nothing for his pains, pursued the old man relentlessly. If so, he's a very remarkable young man. And let me tell you for your comfort, it's an attitude he won't keep up for long. Not, that is, unless he's a blithering idiot. Is he an idiot?

Starting point is 03:29:04 Maude almost laughed. No, that he is not. But really, really, you are wasting your time. If you had come this time yesterday, I would have listened to you. Tonight it is impossible. Why impossible? Because I have promised. Tut, tut, he must release you.

Starting point is 03:29:24 He would release me, Maude said slowly. That is just it. Just what? Talk sense if you can. It was evident that Patience was not Uncle Edward Strongpoint. He fidgeted his umbrella. tessily she looked at him with her clear straight eyes that is just why i will not ask for my release in fact i don't want it now don't want it then young woman you're in love with him i've come on a fool's errand and i'll wish you good-night he was on his feet with the words maud rose too she laid a hand of half-timid restraint upon his arm i am not in love with him uncle edward she said her

Starting point is 03:30:07 her voice not wholly steady. Such a thing would be impossible. But at the same time, though I can't give him everything, he shall not repent his bargain. We are going to be friends. Shaw, said Uncle Edward again. He gripped her hand unexpectedly, staring up at her with his keen eyes. Do you know how old I am? he said. She shook her head. I'm 80, he said. I've seen a little of men in my time, and I've been a man myself. so let me tell you this there's not a man on this earth who could be satisfied for long with that kind of farce you've got him on the leash now he's tame and good but there's a ravening wolf inside us all my dear when we're thwarted and the longer we're thwarted the more savage we get you can't bring up a wolf not the tamest wolf in the world on bread and butter sooner or later he'll begin to feel a bit empty and wine for the real thing and if you still go on starving the brute till he's famished he'll either break away and go elsewhere for food or else he'll round on you one day and tear you to pieces you'll be the sufferer either way it's nature i tell you it's nature

Starting point is 03:31:21 you'll have to give all or drive him away at the outset there can't be half-measures with a man who is a man if you offer them you must expect trouble and remember it's always the woman who pays in the end always the woman who pays he repeated the words with the impressiveness of a judge pronouncing sentence maud was trembling though she tried to conceal the fact and then there is bunny to be thought of she said bunny who is bunny oh your brother is it and he's a hopeless cripple i understand is it for his sake that you've hatched this mad scheme in a great measure you see he and and jake bolton are very fond of one another pshaw the old man exclaimed so this jake bolton is to have the boy with you thrown in as a make-weight is that it and you think you're all going to be happy together do you never heard such a tomfool scheme in my life where does this jake bolton hang out i'll go and have a talk to him oh please don't maud begged He'll think I sent you, and really, really there is nothing to discuss. We'll see about that, he rejoined grimly. Seems to me it's high time somebody came along and interfered.

Starting point is 03:32:44 Now look here. What's your name? Mod, I'm going to get you out of this mess. You shan't marry a man you don't love just because there's no other way out. There is another way out and you're to take it. You're to come and live with me, do you hear? You and your precious bunny too. and when i die i'll leave you both provided for see come i can't say fairer than that he was still gripping her hand and looking at her with shrewd eyes under their beetling brows as though prepared to be down all opposition

Starting point is 03:33:18 there was a look of bunny about those eyes bunny in a difficult mood she recognized it with a sigh it seemed her fate to be continually doing battle with someone and she felt wholly unfitted for it all she asked of life was peace and quietness my home is a dingy one said her uncle but you may be able to make it more cheerful i shan't interfere with either of you come now you're going to be a sensible girl eh i'm sorry i didn't turn up before but the knot isn't tied so i'm not too late we must explain the situation to the young man unless he's an absolute bounder he'll be amenable to reason But Maude shook her head. I can't do it, Uncle Edward. I know you mean to be kind. I am very grateful. But I can't.

Starting point is 03:34:11 He rasped his throat aggressively. That's nonsense, he said with decision. Plainly the man is beneath you. You say you don't love him and never could. I'm not altogether sure that he is beneath me, she said rather wistfully. But you don't love him. Her uncle insisted,

Starting point is 03:34:31 scanning her piercingly. She bent her head with an instinctive desire to avoid his eyes. No. Or anyone else, he pursued. She made a small movement of protest. Ha, he exclaimed, in the tone of one who has discovered something. Your mother hinted as much, and you think you're going to make things better for yourself

Starting point is 03:34:53 by marriage with a rank outsider. Is that it? Is that it? Then take my word for it. You're going. going to make the biggest mistake of your life and if you persist in it i've done with you at least no i haven't done for i'm going straight to that young man of yours to tell him the sort of bargain he's going to make he paused for suddenly maud had drawn herself up very straight and proud if you wish to do so you must she said and her pale face was very regal and composed but it will not make the smallest difference to either of us jake has my promise i have his it was at this point that the door opened again to admit the landlady with a note on a solver mr bolton's compliments she said and will you be good enough to send back an answer

Starting point is 03:35:45 sixteen the champion maud took the note with a glance at her uncle open it he said don't mind me and stumped irately to the bay window and pulled aside the blind maud opened the note her hands were not very steady the envelope contained a half-sheet of note-paper with a few words scrawled thereupon and a short length of string sorry to trouble you ran the note but will you tie a knot in the inclose to show me the size of your wedding finger. Yours, Jake. She looked up from the note as her uncle came tramping back. Is it the young man himself? he demanded. It's Mr. Bolton, sir, said the landlady. Then show him in, ordered the old man autocratically.

Starting point is 03:36:34 Show him in and we'll get it over. No time like the present. A swift remonstrance rose to Maude's lips, but she did not utter it. The landlady looked at her for confirmation of the order, order, but she did not utter a single word. Get along, commanded Uncle Edward. Or I'll fetch him in myself.

Starting point is 03:36:53 A whiff of tobacco smoke came in through the open door. Mod stood very still, listening. A moment later there came the sound of a pipe being tapped on the heel of a boot, and then the firm, quiet tread of Jake's feet in the passage. He entered. I didn't mean to disturb you again, but I'd forgotten this little detail, and I've got to catch an early train. he turned with no sign of surprise and regarded maud's visitor good evening sir he said mr warren gave him a brief nod maud still stood mute jake's note with a piece of string dangling therefrom in her hand

Starting point is 03:37:31 he went quietly to her say let me fix that for you he said she suffered him to take her hand it lay cold and quivering in his he wound the string round her third finger and nodded it Then he slipped it off, and took the hand closely and warmly into his own. I hope you haven't come to forbid the bans, he said calmly, returning the grim scrutiny that the old man had levelled at him from the moment of his entrance. Uncle Edward uttered a sound indicative of intense disgust. I—oh, I've no authority, he said. I disapprove, if that's what you mean. Any decent person would disapprove of the sort of alliance you two are determined to make.

Starting point is 03:38:14 but I don't expect my opinion to be deferred to. If you choose to marry a woman who doesn't care two straws about you, it's your affair, not mine. Jake turned in his deliberate fashion to Mod. Your uncle, I presume, he said. Yes, she made answer. His face wore a smile that baffled her as he said. It's my opinion that we should get on better alone together,

Starting point is 03:38:42 though it's for you to decide. she looked at him rather piteously and as if in answer to that look jake slipped a steady arm about her what about the head of the family he said speaking softly almost as if to a child reckon he'll be wanting you won't you go to him the slight pressure of his arm directed her towards the door she yielded to it instinctively with an abrupt feeling that the matter had been taken out of her hands he went with her into the passage and they stood for a moment together under the flickering lamp bunny in bed he asked yes she said he was still faintly smiling you go to bed too my girl he said i'll settle this old firebrand don't quarrel with him jake she said nervously what should i quarrel about said jake good-night forlorn princess his voice had a note in it that was almost motherly she went from him with a distinct sense of comfort his touch had been so strong and withal so gentle as for jake he turned back into the room with the utmost confidence and shut himself in with an air of decision now sir he said if you've any complaint to make perhaps you'll be good enough to mention it to me right now and i'll deal with the same i'm not going to have my girl bullied any more his voice was quiet even slightly drawling but his eyes shone with something of a glare he came straight to the old man who still leaned on his umbrella and stood before him

Starting point is 03:40:21 The latter gazed at him ferociously, and for a space they remained thus, stubbornly fixing each other. Then abruptly the old man spoke. You're a very masterful young fellow, my lad. I suppose you think yourself one of the lords of creation, good enough for anybody, eh? Jake's turn face relaxed slowly. I don't claim to be a prince of the blood, he said. But I reckon I've got some points. And you reckon you're good at you.

Starting point is 03:40:51 enough to marry my niece snapped uncle edward jake squared his shoulders i shall make her a better husband than some he said the old man smote the floor with his umbrella shall you and has she told you that she's in love with another man jake's right hand went suddenly deep into his pocket and remained there i am aware that she was once he said speaking very deliberately but that is over also he was was not the man for her. A scoundrel, eh? Not a sound man like yourself. There was a malicious note in the query, but Jake ignored it. He does not count anyway, he said with finality. If he did, your niece wouldn't have come to me for protection. I believe she appealed to you first, but you had more important things to attend to. With me it was otherwise, and so I consider that I have a greater her right to be her protector than anyone else in the world. Do you? said Uncle Edward.

Starting point is 03:41:57 That means you're in love with her, I suppose. Jake's eyes fenced with his. You may take it to mean that if it pleases you to do so, he said. The old man raked his throat pugnaciously. It's damn presumption, I tell you that, he said. That may be, said Jake, unmoved. But it doesn't alter your insurmount. intentions, eh? You're one of the cusset sort I can see. Well, look here, young man. I'll make you a

Starting point is 03:42:28 proposal. You seem to think I've neglected my duty, though heaven knows these bryans have no claims on me, but I've taken a fancy to the girl. She's gentle, which is more than can be said for most of your modern young women. So you just listen to me for a minute. You're on a wrong tag altogether. Courting should come before marriage, not. after you may marry first and you may think for a time that all is going to be well between you but there'll come a day when you'll wake up and find that in spite of all you haven't won her and that'll mean misery for you both don't do it young man you'll find the game's not worth the candle you have a little patience let the

Starting point is 03:43:13 girl come to me for a bit I may be old but I'll protect her and if you care to come after her and do a little courting now and then, well, it's not a very brilliant match for her, but I shan't forbid it. He ceased to speak. There seemed to be a smile in the eyes that watched him, but there was no suggestion of it about Jake's mouth

Starting point is 03:43:34 which was slightly compressed. That's all very well, sir, he said in his slow, quiet way. But have you laid this proposal of yours before Miss Brian herself? Uncle Edward made a sound of impatience. She can think of no one but her brother. She'll agree fast enough when she realizes that it's the only thing to do.

Starting point is 03:43:56 Will she, said Jake, and have you put it to her in that light? The old man coughed and made no reply. Jake went on with the utmost composure. You offer her a home where she can continue to be a slave to her brother. You don't propose to lift the burden at all, to ease her life, to make her happy. You wouldn't know where to begin. You wouldn't know where to begin. You are ready and anxious to deliver her from me. But there your goodness starts and finishes. You talk of my damnable presumption.

Starting point is 03:44:32 A ruddy glitter, like the flicker of flame, dispelled the hint of humor from the lynx-like eyes. That is just your point of view. But I reckon I'm nearer to her, several lengths nearer than you or any other man. She hasn't brought all her troubles to you and cried her heart out in your arms, has she? No, nor ever will, now.

Starting point is 03:44:56 You've come too late, sir. Too late by just twelve hours. You may keep your money and your home to yourself. The girl is mine. A deep note suddenly sounded in the man's voice, and Uncle Edward was abruptly made aware of a lion in his path. He backed at once. He had not the smallest desire for an encounter with the savage beast.

Starting point is 03:45:19 tut tut he said you talk like a red indian i wasn't proposing to deprive you of her only to give the girl a free hand and you the chance of winning her if you take her without they'll be the devil to pay sooner or later i can tell you that but if you won't take the chance i offer that's your affair entirely i have no more to say i am taking a different sort of chance jake said and i have a suspicion that it's less of a gamble than the one you suggest in any case i've put my money on it and there it'll stay he looked uncle edward straight in the eyes a moment and then broke into his sudden disarming smile can't you stop over the weekend now and give her away he asked persuasively her mother seems too shy at the notion her mother always was a fool said Uncle Edward irascibly. Here at least was a safe object upon which to vent his indignation. The biggest fool that ever lived. What on earth men found to liken her I never could understand.

Starting point is 03:46:28 Oh, yes, I'll give the girl away. If you're so set on getting married at once, I'd better stop and see that it's done properly. Lucy never did anything properly in her life. Thank you, said Jake. You are most kind and kind. consider it. Mark you, that doesn't mean that I approve, warned the old man.

Starting point is 03:46:50 It's a hair-brain scheme altogether, but I suppose I owe it to my family to see that it's done on the square. Jake had suddenly become extremely suave. That is very benevolent of you, sir, he said. I regard it as my duty, said Uncle Edward gruffly. He had never been called benevolent before, and the term was not altogether to his liking. It seemed safer to accept it, however, without question. There was an unknown element about this young man that was in some fashion formidable.

Starting point is 03:47:24 An odd respect mingled with his first contempt. The fellow might be a bounder. He was not absolutely decided upon that head, but, as he himself had modestly stated, he had some points. By marrying him, his young niece was about to commit a very rash act, but it was possible, just possible, that it might not lead to utter disaster. It was not a marriage of which he could approve,

Starting point is 03:47:50 but the man seemed solid, and certainly he himself had no urgent desire to take in the girl and her crippled brother. Altogether, though, he did not like to think that his advice had been ignored, and though at the back of his mind there lurked a vague uneasiness not unmixed with self-reproach,

Starting point is 03:48:06 it seemed that matters might have been considerably worse. Don't you tyrannize over her now? He said to Jake at Prylain't, parting. "'You've got a fighting-face, young fellow, my lad. But you bear in mind she's a woman, and, unless I'm much mistaken, she is not the sort to stand it.' "'I don't fight with women, sir,' said Jake somewhat curtly. "'I have other things to do.' Uncle Edward smiled a dry smile. "'And you've a few things to learn, yet,' he remarked enigmatically. End of chapters 15 and 16.

Starting point is 03:48:49 Part 1. Chapter 17 and 18 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 17. The Wedding Morning It was very dark and drafty in the church. Maud was shivering from head to foot. Her heart felt as if it were encased in ice. Now and then it beat a little, feebly, as if trying to break free, but the awful cold was too much for it. She did not know how to keep her teeth from chattering.

Starting point is 03:49:21 Her hands lay in her lap, numbed, and nerveless. She wondered if she would ever manage to walk as far as the dimniliate altar where Jake would be awaiting her. It was evidently drafty there also. The candles flickered fitfully. Uncle Edward was eyeing the candles with obvious disapproval. She hoped he would manage to suppress it at close quarters. She was sure she would have to laugh if he didn't, and laughter she felt would be fatal. How different this from the wedding day which once she had dared to picture for herself? It was like a mocking fantasy, a dreadful travesty of that which might have been. Like an arc of prismatic colors it hung before her. The vision of that other wedding.

Starting point is 03:50:03 The wedding of her dreams. The sunshine and the laughter and the flowers. The shining altar, the waiting bridegroom, his flashing smile of welcome. She saw it all. She saw it all. How dear he had been to her. How unutterably dear. And she remembered how in those far-off days he had always called her his queen rose.

Starting point is 03:50:28 Her heart gave a swift throb that was anguish. She stood up with a quick involuntary movement. She had not dreamed did this long-past trouble possess the power to hurt her so. She cast a desperate glance around her. This waiting in the cold and the dark, had become intolerable. A wild impulse to flee, to flee was upon her. The door was quite near. She turned towards it. But in that moment Uncle Edward cleared his throat and rose.

Starting point is 03:50:56 "'Here comes your precious bridegroom,' he said. "'I suppose they're ready at last. We had better get moving.' And then it was that Maude's knees abruptly refused to support her, and she sank down again, white and powerless on the chair by the door. Jake's sturdy figure was coming down the aisle. She watched it with eyes that were wide and fixed. He came straight to her, bent over her. I'm real sorry you've been kept waiting, he said in his womanly drawl. It's the parson's doing.

Starting point is 03:51:29 He forgot all about us. And there was no fire either. I had to force the door of the Stoke shed to light it. He bent a little lower over her, and suddenly she felt his hand against the ice. icy cold of her cheek. She started back from it. Jake, I can't come yet. I'm so cold. Stiffly her pale lips whispered the words. Her whole body seemed bound in a very

Starting point is 03:51:54 rigor of cold. And through it all, she still thought she could hear phantom echoes of that other wedding that once had seemed so near. "'Where is your mother?' said Jake. There was a hint of sternness in the question. Uncle Edward answered it. I'm expecting them every minute. I drove up first to fetch Maud. Lucy is a hopeless fool. She's never in time for anything.

Starting point is 03:52:20 Even as he spoke, there came the rush of wheels on the hard road outside and the hoot of a motor horn. The sound as it reached Maud seemed to galvanize her into sudden energy. She rose, white to the lips but resolute. I am ready, she said. Jake gave her a straight hard look

Starting point is 03:52:38 and turned without another word. He went back. up the aisle, square, purposeful, steady, and took up his stand by the waiting clergyman. Maude's hand pressed her uncle's arm with urgency. "'Let us go, let us go,' she said. "'I can see my mother afterwards.' The old man also gave her a shrewd glance, but he also said no word. Only as he stumped up the aisle beside her, he took the girlish hand upon his arm and held

Starting point is 03:53:06 it hard in his gnarled fingers. They had reached the chancel steps where the crue. clergyman awaited them ere the opening of the door and the sound of fluttering feet announced the arrival of Maud's mother. A heavier tread and a man's loud whisper and barely muffled laugh testified to the presence of Giles Shepard also. Uncle Edward cleared his throat ferociously, releasing Maud's hand with a mighty squeeze as Jake came to her side. Then he turned with deliberation and scowled upon the advancing couple. Maud did not turn. Her face was white and still as the face of a marble statue.

Starting point is 03:53:43 Her eyes stared blankly at the flickering candles on the altar. Had Jake lighted those candles, she wondered, as well as the fire in the Stoke Shed. She heard her mother's step behind her, but still she did not move, and after the briefest pause, the clergyman began to read the service. It was all horribly unreal.

Starting point is 03:54:02 The only thing of which she was vividly and poignantly conscious was the cold. She heard Jake's voice beside her, very calm and steady. and when her turn came she spoke with equal steadiness, for somehow she seemed to be imbued with his strength. But she was too frozen, too ice-bound, to feel any meaning in the word she uttered.

Starting point is 03:54:22 She spoke them like an automaton, through lips that would scarcely move. Jake's hand, warm and purposeful holding her own, sent a faint, faint glow through her, but it did not reach her heart. She thought it had ceased to beat long ago, and she wondered how soon he would realize that he was wedded to a dead woman,

Starting point is 03:54:39 what he would say when he knew. For Jake was so essentially full-blooded, so burningly alive. He was the most virile person she had ever met. Standing there, by his side, she could feel the warmth of him. She thought it was that alone that kept her from turning into a solid block of ice. When she knelt, his hand came under her elbow and supported her. When she rose, it lifted her. When the dreadful nightmare service was over at last,

Starting point is 03:55:07 his arm was round her, and by its aid alone, alone, she stumbled stiffly to the vestry. The young curate who had married them looked at her with nervous solicitude. He had been recently married himself, and he had a painfully vivid memory of the agonies thereof. He set a chair for her, and Jake put her down into it. Then he stood up and took command of the situation. Get a glass from somewhere, he said to the curate.

Starting point is 03:55:32 And you, sir, he turned upon Uncle Edward. Don't let that man come in here. Her mother can if she likes, but I won't have anyone else. He stooped over Maude, looking closely into her death-like face. He took her frozen hands and held them up to his lips, breathing on them. Her great eyes gazed up at him in mutapology. She felt he had begun to find out. It's all right, my girl, he said in answer, all right.

Starting point is 03:56:03 And then her mother came to her, and surprised Maude at least by folding her close in her arms and fondly kissing her poor numbed lips. Why, Maudey darling, she murmured to her tenderly as though she were a child again. What is it, dearie? What is it? The words, the embrace, moved Maude, piercing straight to her frozen heart. She turned with a passionate, inarticulate sound and hid her face on her mother's breast. "'My precious, my own girly,' said Mrs. Shepard and gathered her closer still. There followed a brief, brief interval of peace

Starting point is 03:56:39 while she rested in the sheltering arms that had not held her since her babyhood. Then she heard Jake's voice close to her bowed head. "'Mod, I want you to drink this.' She stirred uneasily and was aware of her mother's tears dropping on her face. Then again came Jake's voice, quite courteous but extremely decided. "'I am afraid I must trouble you, Mrs. Shepherd.

Starting point is 03:57:03 She is half dead with cold.' mrs shepherd gave a little sob and relaxed her hold maud my darling here is some brandy and water will you try and drink it mother will hold the glass but it was jake's hand that held it guiding it steadily to the cold blue lips and it was in response to his insistence and not of her own volition at all that maud drank the fiery mixture he had prepared she shuddered over it but it revived her almost immediately she felt the blood begin to stir in her veins her heart began to beat that's right said jake and she saw his smile for the first time that wintry morning and felt the better for it now sit quiet for a minute or two till you feel well enough to sign the register mrs shepherd i think your husband wants to speak to you oh dear sobbed mrs shepherd he's always wanting something maud gently released herself you had better go to him mother dear you can bring him in if you like i am quite all right now her eyes met jakes as her mother tearfully departed something like a glance of intimacy passed between them. She held out her hand to him, and he took and held it, so that some of his abundant strength seemed to communicate itself to her.

Starting point is 03:58:24 "'I don't want your mother to upset you,' he said. She dismissed the notion with a smile. "'I am quite ready to sign now. Let us get it over, shall we? I want to go back to Bunny.' His hand relinquished hers. He turned to the table. "'The sooner the better,' he said, in a tone of cool deliberation. eighteen the wedding night it was over maud sat before the open fireplace in jake's oak-panelled parlor gazing into the red heart of the fire with a stunned sense of finality a feeling that she had been overtaken and made prisoner by fate she was terribly tired every limb seemed weighted as if with iron fetters she longed with a sick longing for sleep and oblivion she ached for solitude and repose overhead she could hear jake moving he was helping bunny to prepare for the night by bunny's own decree very soon he would come down again and she would have to rouse herself and make conversation she wondered wearily how she would do it

Starting point is 03:59:31 the best room in the house had been given to bunny out of it led a smaller room in which she could sleep and be within call when he needed her jake had made every provision he could think of for their comfort she felt that she ought to be very grateful to him But somehow she was too tired for gratitude. And she could not concentrate her thoughts. They wandered so. Now it was the glint of the firelight on her wedding ring that drew them. It shone with a burning intolerable sparkle that somehow reminded her of Jake, and the look in his eyes when he had said, but she pulled her mind up short at this point with a sharp involuntary shiver.

Starting point is 04:00:09 She would not dwell on that thought. She would bury it deep, deep, deep far below all others. for she knew she would never cast it out she clenched her hand and covered the ring from sight the thought of uncle edward presented itself and she seized upon it with relief he had been with them during the greater part of the day and had left but an hour before to catch the night train to town he had been very kind to her and had taken a shrewd interest in bunny just at parting he had drawn her aside for a moment looking at her with his sharp eyes under their shaggy brows with just the look of a terrier on the hunt and if at any time you should be in need of a change of air my dear he had said don't forget that you've got an old uncle at liverpool who wouldn't be sorry to see you and the boy too however busy he happened to be he had meant that as an offer of help should she ever stand in need of it she had recognized that though neither he nor she had emphasized the fact he foresaw a possibility of difficulties ahead with which she might be unable to cope single-handed he wanted her to know that she would never call upon him a second time in vain she had thanked him with simplicity and now she registered the offer in her mind almost unconsciously she had begun already to seek for a way of escape should her captivity become at any time unendurable for a captive she undoubtedly was she had given herself voluntarily but completely into the keeping of a man whom she felt she hardly knew a man who had shown her every consideration in his power but upon whom even yet she was half afraid to lean

Starting point is 04:01:50 full of kindness as she had found him to be she knew instinctively that he possessed other qualities was capable of other impulses something of the caged beast something of the pirate on shore there was about him he was quiet he was considerate he was kind but on his own ground in his own element would he be always thus would he be always the generous captor the steadfast friend her heart misgave her a little words that giles shepard had uttered only that morning arose suddenly in her memory, jibing words that sent the hot blood again to her cheeks. Ah, he's a deep one is, Jake. What he gives with one hand he takes with the other and more to it. He's not the man to make a one-sided bargain, but he knows how to bide his time. He hasn't saddled himself with a penniless wife and a hunchback brother-in-law just for the fun of the thing. He'll be getting his own back presently, and I think I can guess who'll pay the piper. bitter words cruel words flung in her face for the malignant pleasure of seeing her wince she had not winced she was glad to remember that she had turned her back on the man's hateful sneering face

Starting point is 04:03:04 he had humbled her to the earth once but he would never have another opportunity henceforth jake stood between her and all the world she had bought his protection at a price and she knew it for a weapon that would never fail her as to the price she would pay him in service and obedience it might be he would never ask more of her than these life was short and she was very tired why should she fret herself over that which might never come to pass she closed her eyes from the red glow of the fire and lay still yet she could not have travelled far along the dim path to oblivion for the quiet opening of the door a few minutes later brought her back in a second she started up in her chair alert nervous to see Jake enter in his square fashion and shut the door behind him. Don't disturb yourself, he said. He came and stood before the fire, and Maude, sinking back into her chair, strove to calm the unreasonable inner tumult that his entrance had excited. Are you going to sit down and have a smoke, she suggested?

Starting point is 04:04:09 He gave her a side glance that had in it a hint of humor. You don't object to being smoke-dried, he asked in his slow, gentle voice. Of course I don't. she said. He took his clay pipe from his pocket and considered it. It was very old, blackened, and disguttered with much use. He looked at her again doubtfully. An odd impulse moved her unexpectedly. She sat up again and held out her hand. Give it to me. I'll fill it for you. His hand closed upon it. She saw surprise in his eyes. You, he said. She found herself smiling. He actually looked embarrassed, a fact which set her hold.

Starting point is 04:04:49 at her ease. But why not? she said. Is it too great a treasure to be entrusted to me? But he still held it back. What do you want to do it for? She kept her hand outstretched. As a small, very small, return for your goodness to bunny, she said. His face changed a little.

Starting point is 04:05:10 He put his pipe into her hand. I don't want any return, he said. Don't do it for that. She colored, but she still smiled. very well it is a favor bestowed gratis where's your tobacco he fetched a pouch nearly as ancient as the pipe out of his pocket and laid it in her lap you're not to watch me she said speaking with new-found confidence that surprised herself sit down and read the paper i'll tell you when it's done he sat down opposite to her and took up the paper you'll make a beastly mess of your hands he said uneasily be quiet she said He opened out the paper and there fell a silence. Maud pursued herself a pointed task with mixed feelings.

Starting point is 04:05:58 The tobacco was rank and coarse and it smelt like mildewed hay. It was, moreover, nearly black, and she found herself figuring it with increasing disgust. She was determined, however, not to be beaten, and with compressed lips she pinched and poked the revolting substance, ramming it deep into the blackened bowl with a heroic determination to accomplish the business to the best of her. ability, her feelings notwithstanding. You're packing it too tight, observed Jake gravely. She looked up, half laughing, half vexed.

Starting point is 04:06:29 I told you not to watch. He dropped his paper and leaned towards her. I reckon I can't help watching you, my girl, he said. I've never seen anyone like you before. He spoke with absolute simplicity, but his directness struck her like a blow in the face. She lowered her eyes swiftly. I'm sorry I haven't done it to your satisfaction, she said in a small, cold voice

Starting point is 04:06:55 from which all hint of intimacy had fled. You had better do it over again. She held out the pipe to him and again the firelight gleamed golden red on that new bright ring that he had placed on her finger that day. He leaned further forward, stretched out a quiet hand

Starting point is 04:07:11 that grasped and held her own. He took the pipe from her with the utmost gentleness and laid it aside. but he kept her hand and after a moment he left his chair and knelt beside her she did not draw back from him but she stiffened on the instant her breathing quickened there followed a silence which she found peculiarly hard to bear and which she eventually broke perhaps i ought to go to bunny for a little he will feel neglected he's not expecting you said jake say maud what is it she said she strove for composure and attained an aloofness that startled her. He released her hand and began to gather up the litter of tobacco in her lap. I was going to speak to you about Bunny, he said. I've settled to sleep with him tonight. You? She looked at him in quick surprise. He was not looking at her being too intent upon his

Starting point is 04:08:06 task. The firelight shone red on his bent head. Yes, I, he said. You can sleep in my room. I've had it got ready for you. The calm decision with which he spoke nearly took her breath away. Oh, but, but, she began. He looked up, and she saw his frank, reassuring smile. It sent a curious thrill of relief through her. It was such a smile as would have gained the confidence of a child. That's all right, he said.

Starting point is 04:08:38 Don't you start making difficulties because there aren't any at present. I've fixed it all. You're going to bed tonight without any care. and you're going to sleep the clock round, see? I couldn't sleep, away from Bunny. She said somewhat breathless still, notwithstanding the comforting kindliness of his eyes. I reckon you'll have to try, he said.

Starting point is 04:09:03 And if it's any comfort to you to know it, Bunny is charmed with the idea. His word sent an odd dismay to her heart. With this lightning of her burden, she seemed to see Bunny slipping away from her. Bunny, who filled her world? Jake was on the point of rising from his knees when she laid a detaining hand upon his arm. Jake, she said with slight hesitation,

Starting point is 04:09:26 It is more than kind of you to think of this. But do you know I would rather, really rather, go on in the old way and look after bunny myself at night. You can help me in the daytime, if you will. But—but at night, Jake, please let me take care of him at night. There was entreaty in her voice. Jake remained beside her. his hand grasping the arm of her chair. Once more she was conscious of the warmth of the man

Starting point is 04:09:53 as of a force that emanated from him. Her fingers closed almost beseechingly upon his sleeve. Say, he said slowly at last, is it for your own sake, or for bunnies? She quivered at the question. He was looking past her into the fire. She had a feeling that he was deliberately compelling himself to do so. I have always mothered Bunny, she said rather piteously.

Starting point is 04:10:20 I shouldn't feel easy about him if I were not within reach. Is that quite true? said Jake. True, she echoed. He nodded two or three times. Is it quite true that you wouldn't feel easy? Absolutely easy. About leaving the boy in my charge. She hesitated.

Starting point is 04:10:42 Now don't mind me, he said, be honest. I'm honest myself. She hesitated still. He turned his head slowly and looked at her. It's not quite true, is it? he said. Her eyes fell before his. Very well, she said her voice very low. We will say it is entirely for my own sake.

Starting point is 04:11:08 I want to be with him at night. Jake was silent a moment then. That's a pity, he said. because i'm afraid the matter is practically settled of course i'd call you if he needed you he added she took her hand away from his arm you have settled it between you i see she said with a small pinched smile he got up and solidly returned to his chair yes that's so i don't say we are going to make a rule of it but for to-night anyway she interrupted him suddenly with the vehemence of an abrupt resolution No, Jake. It must be one thing or the other. I can't have this discussion over again. So please understand that after to-night we shall return to the usual arrangement, which is far the best for us all. She spoke with nervous force. She was for the moment painfully afraid of being mastered by this man,

Starting point is 04:12:06 whose strength was still such an unknown quantity, that she braced herself to test it as though she were challenging a giant. Jake was digging in the bowl of his pipe with a penknife and was for the moment too engrossed with the matter to look up. At length, however, he stuck the pipe into his mouth and began to search his pockets for matches. He found one loose and bent to strike it on the heel of his boot. She watched him with a growing uneasiness. Would he never speak?

Starting point is 04:12:34 The rasp of the match set her nerves on edge. She rose and stood before the fire, very slim and straight. Jake puffed at his pipe with immense deliberation, and in a moment the burning match sped past her into the flames. He lay back in his chair with his legs stretched out, his hands in his pockets, and regarded her. She turned to him at length, meeting the untamed glitter of his eyes with stern composure.

Starting point is 04:13:00 Jake! My girl, said Jake. She shivered suddenly and uncontrollably. He spoke as if, as if he had a proprietary right over her. She read ownership and the pride of ownership in his look. Abruptly she turned her back upon him. Just so might he look upon one of his favorite horses.

Starting point is 04:13:22 It was the look of the master, admiring, arbitrary, possessive, and with all her soul, she resented it. She stood a moment, gripping the mantelpiece, gathering her strength. Then without another word, she drew herself up and walked out of the room. She knew even as she closed the door that, by strength she would never prevail against him. She might beat her will to atoms against his, but not by a hair's breadth

Starting point is 04:13:48 would she thus turn him from the course upon which he was set. End of chapters 17 and 18. Part 1. Chapter 19 and 20 of the 100th chance by Ethel Amdel. This Libre-Box recording is in the public domain. 19. The day after. When Maude slept that night, it was was with the deep, deep sleep of exhaustion. All the pressing cares of the past few months,

Starting point is 04:14:21 all the strenuous efforts, the unremitting anxieties, had culminated in one vast burden which had at last overweighted her strength. Against her will the burden had been lifted from her, but now that it was gone she slept and slept and slept. No dreams pierced that intense repose. She lay without stirring, as though the ancient spell had been renewed and laid upon her.

Starting point is 04:14:45 the room in which she lay overlooked the whole stone-paved length of the stable-yard but no voice or stamping of hoofs awakened her the cheery sounds of the coming day did not even vaguely penetrate her rest body and soul were wrapped in complete oblivion while hour after hour went by there had been snow in the night and the sun arose upon a world of dazzling whiteness the toy fir-trees were mantled in it the stable roofs gleamed in a thousand sparkles she had pulled up the blind before lying down and the reflection lit up the room with an over-growing brightness she opened her eyes at last quite suddenly and stared at the oak-beamed ceiling the next instant she turned sharply on her side aware of a furtive movement in the room some one a man was on his knees before the great stealthily coaxing the fire to burn she had a glimpse of brown leggings and a rough tweed suit there were spurs on his heels that shone like silver. His red-brown hair was on a level with the bars at which he was softly blowing. As she moved, a flame shot up in response to his efforts, and he turned still kneeling and looked at her. Say, you've had a real good night for once, he said in a voice of soft approval, how do you feel yourself this morning? Maud, crimson-faced, searched for words and found none.

Starting point is 04:16:10 It was one of the most difficult moments she had ever had to endure. Jake glanced at the fire, pushed the poker into it, and got to his feet. He came to her side. Don't be mad with me, he pleaded humbly. Someone had to light the fire, and old love lace is busy. He smiled as he said it, and when Jake smiled, he was hard to resist. Maud suddenly found the difficulties of the situation swept away. With Jake in a docile mood, she found it comparatively easy to deal.

Starting point is 04:16:42 Thank you, she said. said after a moment, and with slight hesitation, extended a hand to him. It was kind of you to light the fire, though I could have done very well without it. He took the hand very respectfully. She even had a faint suspicion that he also was secretly embarrassed. The room faces due north, he said. It had to be done, though I hoped you wouldn't wake. Thank you, she said again, and withdrew her hand from his steady all-enveloping grasp.

Starting point is 04:17:11 How—how is Bunny? He smiled again with more assurance. His strong white teeth were very good to see. He had a splendid night. I've got him up and dressed. He is downstairs waiting for you to take him out. This piece of diplomacy obviously came to Jake as an inspiration. His smile broadened at the brightening of her face. Maud raised yourself on her elbow and pushed the thick hair back from her forehead. You are very good, she said gratefully. Please, will you go now and let me get me. it up. He turned at once to the door, but paused as he reached it. Say, Maude, he said tentatively. There's a breakfast-ray waiting for you. May I bring it up? Oh, please don't, she said hurriedly. I never breakfast in bed. Besides, I'll put it outside the door, then, said Jake, and was gone. She heard him clatter down the uncarpeted stairs, whistling as if well-pleased with himself, and as she reviewed his unceremonious behavior, she, she said,

Starting point is 04:18:12 She decided to treat it with the simplicity with which he evidently regarded it himself. There was that advantage in the situation at least. His character and his conduct were wholly without subtleties, or so she imagined. When he dumped down the breakfast tray in the passage a little later, she called her thanks to him through the closed door as though he had been an old and intimate friend. Perhaps after all, she had been over-fancyful the night before. She ate her breakfast with a growing sense of reassurance, dressed, and went downstairs.

Starting point is 04:18:44 Something of an ordeal here awaited her in the form of an encounter with Mrs. Lovelace, who greeted her deferentially, but with a reticence that certainly did not veil any goodwill. She presented her with the household keys with the stiff remark that Mr. Bolton

Starting point is 04:18:58 had desired her to do so. Maud received them with an odd dismay. Somehow, she had not visualized herself as the mistress of the establishment. Mr. Bolton also wished me to take your orders for dinner, ma'am said mrs. Lovelace with stiff dignity. He is accustomed to dine in the middle of the day, but I was to tell you that if you preferred a late dinner, it was all one to him. The slight emphasis

Starting point is 04:19:24 on the last word did not escape Maude, and she saw at once that Mrs. Lovelace could not be considered equally indifferent on the subject. But of course we will dine in the middle of the day, she said at once, and was rewarded by a faint flicker of amiability on the old woman's severe countenance. That is as you please, ma'am, she said with less formality, and Maude felt that she had scored a point. She escaped from the interview at length with a sensation of relief and hastened to Bunny whom she found awaiting her with some impatience. The boy was in excellent spirits. He had enjoyed having Jake in attendance, and unhesitatingly he let her know it. Why, there's no trouble at all in being lifted by him, he said.

Starting point is 04:20:07 And, by the way, he says you're not to lift me at. any more. It's too much for you. I'm ready to go out now, but he will put me in the chair. He said you were to call him. He's somewhere in the stables. Bunny's fashion of expressing himself was not a diplomatic one. Maud did not argue the matter, but as she went in search of Jake, a deep resentment kindled and burned within her. So this was to be the first consequence of her rash step, the gradual removal of Bunny from her care. Bunny, her bunny. For who's

Starting point is 04:20:40 dear sake she had made the sacrifice. Out in the stable-yard she came upon Sam Vickers sucking a straw the while he cleaned a saddle. He greeted her with a smile, and informed her that the boss was in one of the loose boxes round the corner. Maude followed his directions, passing down a narrow passage between stalls to an open stone-paved space beyond that was surrounded by loose boxes.

Starting point is 04:21:04 Here she paused, catching the sound of voices, and uncertain whence they proceeded. A bony red setter came up to her and poked a friendly nose into her hand. She bent to fondle him, and as she did so, she heard Jake speaking in a building close to her. She turned towards the voice with the intention of joining him. But so turning, she heard the words he uttered and stood petrified. For Jake, albeit with the utmost calmness and deliberation, was speaking a language that made her blood run cold.

Starting point is 04:21:34 His words came with a fluency and distinctness that made them all the more terrible. If he had been stuttering with rage, she felt it would have horrified her less. She stood rooted to the spot, white-faced and powerless, while the kindly setter fawned about her knees. She thought the soft voice would never stop. Someone had done wrong and was being cursed for it with appalling thoroughness. Such oaths that Jay uttered she had never before heard or dreamed of, and the scathing cruelty of his speech was like a stinging lash. No remonstrance or protest of any sense.

Starting point is 04:22:07 sort was offered in return. But after what seemed to her an intolerable length of time, there came the sound of heavy shuffling feet, and a small sandy-haired stable lad of about seventeen came blundering out into the yard. His face was crimson and screwed up like the face of a crying baby. He sniffed emotionally as he went past her. Maud remained where she was. She was sick with disgust. Her whole being, physical and mental, was in revolt. She wanted to turn and go, but something kept her there. She stood like an outraged princess clothed in a dignity that was wholly unconscious,

Starting point is 04:22:44 while despair, grim, relentless forced away to her quivering heart. This, this was her husband. This coarse-mouthed brute, this monster of evil eloquence. This was the man to whom she had fled for protection, to whose chivalrous instincts she had entrusted herself. Oh, what had she done?

Starting point is 04:23:06 And then, suddenly, he came out upon her, striding forth, his riding-whip clenched in his hand, his brows drawn in a ruddy, threatening line. He saw her, and in a moment, magically, his face changed. The cruel links like vindictiveness went out of it. He came to her smiling. Hello, Maude, he said. And Maude shrank, shrank visibly so that he could not fail to see, then drew herself together, instinctively summoning her pride.

Starting point is 04:23:34 I came to look for you, she told him with icy aloofness. Bunny is waiting to be moved. Right, oh, said Jake. He moved towards the passage by which she had entered the yard, and she walked beside him, very pale, very erect, yet tingling with a disgust that almost amounted to loathing. They went a few yards in silence, then silence became a burden. She spoke.

Starting point is 04:23:59 It is really quite unnecessary to trouble you. I am fully capable of moving him my mind. He turned his head towards her. Say, Princess, what's wrong? he said. She quivered afresh at his tone. It had the possessive quality that she so dreaded, was beginning to abhor. She did not answer, and he passed on with scarcely a pause. I know you can lift the boy, but it's very bad for you and not over good for him.

Starting point is 04:24:29 Where's the point of it anyway when you've got me at hand to do it for you? It is quite unnecessary to trouble you, she said again. Unnecessary and absurd. All right, my girl, he said unexpectedly. Call it just one of my whims and humor it. She felt herself flush. His tone, though perfectly good-tempered, had been almost one of command.

Starting point is 04:24:53 As they emerged from the stone passage into the outer yard, she gave abrupt rein to her indignation. I really cannot submit to any interference in my care of Bunny. I told you so last night, and I meant it. He has always been my especial charge, and I cannot give him up. Jake's eyes were upon her, vigilant, intent, dominant. He spoke in a draw that sounded to her slightly derisive. Say now, what will you do if bunny is cured?

Starting point is 04:25:23 She turned her face sharply from him. What would she do indeed? But the thing was an impossibility. She put the thought away from her. I am not discussing that, she said speaking with a grim effort at calmness that cost her all her strength. It is the present with which I am dealing now. I believe you mean to be kind, but— You don't say, interjected Jake softly. But, she said again with emphasis, it is a mistake in kindness.

Starting point is 04:25:52 I am very grateful to you for your help, but really you must let me do my share. An involuntary note of wistfulness in the last words softened the look in Jake's eyes. He even smiled a little, as he said. Bunny, being the only person in the world for whom you entertain the smallest spark of affection. She looked at him quickly. He is all that I have, she said in a low tone of protest. That's so, said Jake deliberately. Well, I'm sorry. She felt the flush deep into crimson in her face, and she quickened her steps as they neared the house, longing to put an end to an encounter that had brought her nothing but discomfiture.

Starting point is 04:26:34 Jake lengthened his stride. He looked no longer at her, but straight ahead with the eyes of a man who reads the future. Evidently the prospect was a pleasing one, for the faint smile still lingered about his lips. She was thankful that he had not observed that painful blush of hers.

Starting point is 04:26:50 At the door of his house he paused and stood back for her to precede him, and so standing, suddenly and softly, he gave utterance to the thought in his mind. Say, Maude, he said, into her ear. Someday, when the boy is well and off your hands, I'd just enjoy to see you with a child of your own in your arms. She started away from the whispered words, started and quivered like a wild thing trapped. For a single instant, her eyes met his in open, passionate revolt. Then

Starting point is 04:27:22 swiftly, she passed him by. Jake followed with his lips pursed to a whistle, and a certain hard glitter replacing the dream in his eyes. twenty a friend of the family someone was whistling in the stable-yard with elaborate turns and trails to the accompaniment of a horse's hoofs that danced upon the stones it was christmas day and from the church half-way down the hill there came the gay peal of bells the stable doors were all closed and the yard was in perfect order there was no one about beside the solitary whistler on horseback and he it seemed had no intention of prolonging his solitude for he was heading his horse straight for the spotless white gate that led to jake bolden's dwelling he was a young man with a swarthy face of undeniable ugliness that yet possessed a monkeyish fascination that was all its own his eyes laughed out of it with a merry wickedness odd eyes one black one that gave a most fantastic expression to his whole countenance. They were not trustworthy eyes, but they were full of humor. He had a comedian's trick of working the brows above them,

Starting point is 04:28:30 so that his features were scarcely ever in repose. He sat in the saddle as one completely at home there. But there was no grace about him. His limbs seemed to be fastened on with wires like the limbs of a marionette. Reaching the closed white gate, he stooped from the saddle, and with the end of his running, riding switch lifted the catch. On the little finger of the hand he thus extended he wore a slender gold ring in which was set a single sapphire surrounded by diamonds. He walked his horse up the

Starting point is 04:29:00 footpath to the door, and on this he beat a rousing tattoo, still without dismounting. During the pause that ensued he whistled a few more elaborate bars of his melody and then, coming to a break, bent and knocked again. The door opened in haste, as if agitated by the second summons, and Mrs. Lovelace, red-faced from her kitchen fire, appeared cursing in the entrance. So sorry to keep you waiting, my lord. The girl's gone to church. And will your lordship be pleased to walk in? We'd only heard this morning of your lordship's return, and we'd not hardly expected to see your lordship up so soon. A merry Christmas to you, Lovelace, said his lordship with that most engaging grin of his. He leaned towards her confidentially. Take this for love of me and honour.

Starting point is 04:29:47 of the occasion. He slipped a coin into Mrs. Lovelace's hand that caused her to curtsy again ecstatically and wish him every blessing she could call to mind on the spur of the moment. But he laughed easily and cut her short. Here, here, but I can't stop to listen. Where's Jake Bolton? Is he in? Well, no, my lord. I'm sorry to say Mr. Bolton's gone to church. Sorry. Oh, come, Mother Lovelace, spare my morals. I always thought going to church was an innocent amusement. Don't disabuse me of my childish fancies. But what's the good of my walking in if the boss is out and you are cooking the turkey? Unless you're wanting someone to come and turn the spit. Mrs. Lovelace raised hands of horrified protest. How your

Starting point is 04:30:34 lordship do carry on, to be sure. No, no, my lord. I was only thinking that you maybe fancy a glass of my cherry brandy with the wind in the east as it is. I'm sure as Mr. Bolton would be wishful for me to make the suggestion. I should prefer the cherry brandy by itself, said Lord Saltash with a mischievous chuckle. But I won't stay now. Thanks all the same. I suppose he'll be back sometime. I've never known Jake to go to church before. Is he courting or what? Mrs. Lovelace opened her small round eyes to their widest extent. Why? Can it be as your lordship hasn't heard? Heard? Heard what? Tell me quickly.

Starting point is 04:31:15 urged his lordship. This suspense is too horrible. About Mr. Bolton's marriage, sir, explained Mrs. Lovelace looking suddenly prim. What? ejaculated her listener. You don't say Bolton's been caught. The marriage took place last Sunday, my lord,

Starting point is 04:31:33 said Mrs. Lovelace, still looking prim but plainly enjoying her role of informant. Lord Saltash slapped his thigh with a yell of laughter. Four old Jake. And who is the bride? "'Mrs. Bolton, my lord, is the stepdaughter of Mr. Shepherd of the Anchor Hotel,' said Mrs. Lovelace. "'Is she, though? What you like? Pretty.' Mrs. Lovelace pursed her lips. She is a lady, my lord, owned daughter to a baronet.

Starting point is 04:32:03 "'Oh, I say,' protested Lord Saltash. "'You're cramming me.' Mrs. Lovelace looked shocked, but at the same time flattered by the accusation. "'Indeed, my lord, it's the truth,' she protested. "'And her brother, Sir Bernard Bryan, is in the house at the present moment. "'He, poor young gentleman, had the misfortune to be afflicted with a hump back. "'What? What? What? "'My good woman, do you know what you're talking about?' "'Saltash's mobile brows came suddenly low over his eyes in a heavy scowl that added years to his appearance.

Starting point is 04:32:39 "'He leaned nearer to her. "'What?' he said again. Mrs. Lovelace paused, debating which of her statements he desired her to repeat. But ere she could make up her mind, Lord Saltash dropped with a thud to the ground. He threw his horses bridled over the gate-post and turned to enter. Just ring up one of the stable lads and tell him to walk Moscow up and down till I come. He ordered his voice no longer bland but curt and imperious. I should like to see this brother-in-law of Bolton's, so show me in.

Starting point is 04:33:10 Mrs. Lovelace turned before him and scurried down the passage like a startled hen. Lord Saltash strode after, a figure of medium height, sudden of movement, unimposing of carriage, yet withal possessing that nameless something that denotes high breeding. It was said that there was a strain of royal blood in the Berchester family, and this member of it had long been dubbed the merry monarch by his intimates. There was about him an inherent arrogance that no one dreamed of resenting, so essentially was it a part of himself. He entered Jake's sunny parlor with absolute assurance,

Starting point is 04:33:45 though the frown still drew his forehead. Lord Saltash, announced Mrs. Lovelace, and, Hello, Bunny, came from Lord Saltash in the same moment as he strode forward to Bunny's sofa with the confidence of one entering the presence of an old friend. Bunny's quick cry of,

Starting point is 04:34:03 Charlie, fully justified this attitude, and Mrs. Lovelace withdrew with a very greatly enhanced opinion of the importance of the Bryan family. He might have been greeting his own brother, she said to herself as she trotted back to her kitchen. There was certainly no cordiality lacking in Bunny's reception of the visitor. He clung to Lord Saltash's hand

Starting point is 04:34:24 with shining eyes upraised. I say, what a bounder you are to have stayed away all this time. I thought you'd have come back long ago. Maud's married. I suppose you know. Married to Jake Bolton. There was a peculiar intonation in the question.

Starting point is 04:34:42 Lord Saltash was smiling as he uttered it, smiling with drawn brows. Yes, and he's the best of good fellows. But I wanted her to wait for you all the same, said Bunny with the candor of the confidant. It was no good talking, though. She couldn't wait. How long has she been married? Lord Saltash's tone was settling into studied indifference. Only a few days, Bunny told him, only since Sunday.

Starting point is 04:35:08 Was it so urgent as that, then? She isn't generally in such a desperate hurry. Bunny looked uncomfortable. You see, it was that brute of a shepherd at the anchor. The matter married him, you know. Thought she was going to do a good thing for us all. I think it has turned out all right so far as she is concerned, but he was a perfect beast to mott and me.

Starting point is 04:35:31 Lord Saltash nodded comprehension. I never did think your mother was over-endowed with wisdom, he commented. And how did you come to know Bolton? Is he a friend of Shepherds? They're in the same lot, though I don't think Jake likes him. Jake's a good sort, isn't he? Said Bunny almost pleadingly.

Starting point is 04:35:51 He's been jolly decent to us. Lord Saltash was gazing before him through eyelids that were slightly contracted. I believe he is quite a good sort, he said after a moment without enthusiasm. And Maude, is she in love with him? "'Good gracious, no,' said Bunny. "'Lord Saltash turned towards him sharply.

Starting point is 04:36:12 "'You're very emphatic. Why?' "'Well, she isn't,' Bunny asserted. "'Jake knows she isn't. "'Oh, and what may Jake's sentiments be?' "'He's gone on her, of course,' said Bunny, "'but he isn't nearly so paly with her as he is with me. "'Why, he even smacks my head sometimes.' "'He spoke with genuine pride.'

Starting point is 04:36:36 Lord Saltash laughed. Oh, Jake's a great disciplinarian, he said, or he wouldn't be where he is. But look here, does he know that I am, so to speak, a friend of the family? Yes, I told him, said Bunny. What did you tell him? Told him that you and Maude were chums, and that if she married anyone she ought to marry you.

Starting point is 04:36:59 Bunny's tone was blunt, his face somewhat red. Lord Saltash laughed again. The drawn look at her. wholly gone from his eyes. He worked his brows up and down with astonishing agility. That pleased him, I'll bet, he remarked flippantly. And so he decided to get married the next day, did he, and damn the consequences. Oh, no, it didn't come off then. We had a big row with the Shepherd Beast first, and it was after that, Mod went off and fixed it up with Jake on her own. It was a pity you weren't there, Charlie. She'd have married almost anyone to get away.

Starting point is 04:37:35 "'Any scoundrel,' laughed Lord Saltash. "'Well, old chap, do you know between you and me? I'm not sure that she hasn't done better for herself than if she had waited for me to come along. Marriage has such a nasty way of taking the guilt off the gingerbread, and I must admit I always liked the guilt the best. Now, Jake, good soul, prefers the stuff itself. In fact, I'm not sure that he isn't a bit of a beast in some ways.

Starting point is 04:38:02 He looks it. But possibly, Moll. likes beasts. Indeed she doesn't, said Bunny with quick warmth. And as for Jake, he's a brick. I see a good deal of him, for he's taken me on at night now, so I ought to know. Lord Saltash got up and strolled to the window. Yes, he must be rather a brick, he said after a moment. Doesn't Maude think so? No, Ma's furious because Jake won't let her lift me anymore. I expect she is jealous, said Bunny with some complacence. And her She doesn't like being bossed.

Starting point is 04:38:37 You don't object, apparently. Lord Saltash sounded indifferent, even slightly bored. Oh, I'd sooner be bossed by a man than a woman any day, said Bunny. Besides, Jake's a sport. I like him. He's a gentleman, said Saltash unexpectedly. Not exactly, protested Bunny. He doesn't profess to be that.

Starting point is 04:39:00 My dear chap, a gentleman is born, not made. Jake's sound. It's more than most of us can say. I wouldn't part with him for a thousand pounds. Lord Saltash turned from the window with a pleasant smile on his ugly face and broke into a careless whistle. Bunny watched him fidgeting to and fro with a slightly puzzled frown. He had expected something more dramatic than this easy acquiescence to the ruling of fate. He was sure in his own mind that the Lord Saltash of today, loved his sister as much as had the Charlie Berchester of other days, and he could not understand the serenity of his attitude. I suppose you'll wait and see Maude, he said presently.

Starting point is 04:39:43 I suppose I shall, said Saltash with a baffling grimace. Are you going to eat your Christmas dinner without visitors? Yes, the matter was coming, but that shepherd bounder turned awkward at the last minute, and as we none of us wanted to go there, it fell through. They've got some show on at the anchor. We're well out of that. And you consider this a change for the better? Questioned Lord Saltash.

Starting point is 04:40:10 Rather, I wouldn't go back for fifty pounds. Neither would maud. It's much nicer up here than down by the sea, too, said Bunny with enthusiasm. I suppose you haven't been to the castle, said Lord Saltash, coming back to the fire to stand before it. No, Jake said something about taking it. us some day. But it's not much good my going. I'm such a log. The old bitterness suddenly sounded in Bunny's voice. Lord Saltash lightly poked him with the end of his riding switch. I'll take you round myself someday, you and Maude. I'm off for a ride now when I've had

Starting point is 04:40:47 a look round the stables. I shall be back in an hour or so, in time to see the virtuous Jake when he comes back from church. He turned to the door therewith and fell to whistling softly the tune to which he had entered the stable-yard a short time before. Opening it, he glanced back to wave a careless adieu, then passed whistling out. Well, I'm jiggered, said Bunny. Anyone would think he didn't care a jot. Which was precisely the impression that Lord Saltash had intended to convey. End of chapters 19 and 20. Part 1. Chapter 21 and 22 of the 100th Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:41:37 21. The Old Life That Christmas morning was like a dream to Maud. To find herself in church with Jake by her side was a circumstance that she had been very far from expecting, and the experience was so unique that it seemed scarcely real. It was by his suggestion that they were there, and he had overruled her hesitation as to leaving Bunny with a masterly skill that had enlisted Bunny himself on his. his side. So they had gone, like a sober married couple, as Mod said to herself, though the thought

Starting point is 04:42:09 of Jake as her husband was somehow one that she invariably failed utterly to grasp. She found it impossible to give her undivided attention to the service with the perpetual consciousness of his presence at her side. She could not tear her mind from him. He came between her and her devotions. And yet he himself seemed to be wholly absorbed. Not once did those watchful eyes. stray in her direction. He followed the entire service with reverence and a steady concentration that she envied but could not emulate. When it was over and they were walking back, he drew a deep breath and remarked, "'That's the first time I've been in church except for our wedding for twenty years.' Maud looked at him in amazement. So long as that.'

Starting point is 04:42:56 He nodded. "'I used to go regularly till my mother died. After that I went to see and got out of the way of it. There fell a silence upon his words. The color that was always so quick to rise in Maud's cheeks spread upwards to her forehead. It was with an evident effort that she said finally, You haven't told me anything about your mother yet, Jake. He turned his head slowly towards her.

Starting point is 04:43:22 It didn't strike me that you would care to hear, he said with simplicity. She conquered her embarrassment with difficulty, but her voice was curiously devoid of enthusiasm as she said. I am interested, of course. Really, said Jake. I don't know why you should be. She was a very fine woman and she killed herself with hard work when my father failed as a farmer. That's about all her story. Oh, Jake, how dreadfully sad. There was quick sympathy in Mod's tone. She put out a shy hand to him as they walked. He took it, held it fast for a moment and let it go. A woman will

Starting point is 04:44:02 always attempt the impossible, he said, for the sake of anyone she cares for. You would do the same for Bunny. I saw that the first day I met you. I've seen it a hundred times in different parts of the world, and I guess it's one of the greatest things in life. Maud uttered a sharp sigh. I don't see anything great in doing what one must, she said rather sadly. It is very nice of you to admire women, but I expect it is chiefly because you don't understand that. I don't. them. Jake's Frank smile appeared at her words. I'm not disputing that most women need a burden of some sort, he said gently. I guess that's just a woman's way. She wouldn't be happy if she hadn't one.

Starting point is 04:44:48 And yet you want to take mine away. The words were out almost before she knew it. She repented them even as they fell. Jake's smile passed, and an odd, dogged look took its place. I reckon that's different. he said. You've carried too heavier burden all your life. Do you know, Maude? His voice softened, though his face remained unchanged. The first time I saw you, I recognized that look of desperate endurance in your eyes that my mother used to have. It cut right through me. And you were so young, which made it worse. I don't feel young, she interposed. I know, he made answer. You've missed it

Starting point is 04:45:32 all. But when you're stronger, happier, you'll find you're not so old. There are quite a lot of good things in the world, even for middle-aged folk like you and me. She uttered a little dubious laugh. Yes, that's so, he asserted in that calm, confident drawl of his. And that brings me round to what I've been wanting to say to you. I don't want to deprive you of anything worth having, but I am wanting, real badly, to make a sound man of Bunny as soon as may be. Reckon you're wanting that, too. Her heart gave a thick heart throb. Of course, she said rather breathlessly. Yes, of course, agreed Jake imperturbably. Well, I had a letter last night from Capper, one of the biggest surgeons in the world. I had the good luck to do him a small service once, and he can't

Starting point is 04:46:27 somehow forget it. Now he's coming to England in a few weeks and he'll look me up. I've told him about Bunny and he's sort of interested. Say, Maude, it would be a mighty big thing to let him examine the little chap and see what he thinks. Maud's face was very pale. She walked in silence. Jake glanced at her. You'd be afraid, he suggested. I don't know, she said in that same breathless tone. It... It seems rather soon. And suppose— Suppose he failed.

Starting point is 04:47:01 My dear, Jake said gently. Capper won't fail. He'll either tackle the job and carry it through, or he won't attempt it. That's the sort of man he is. Maud dropped back into silence. The road at this point was somewhat steep and she was gasping for breath. Suddenly Jake reached out, took her hand, and pulled it through his arm. All right, my girl, all right.

Starting point is 04:47:26 he said kindly. We won't hustle any. I shan't say another word to Bunny on the subject till you have made up your mind what you'd like done. Now you lean on me. I'll pull you up. She did not want to lean on him, but for some reason she could not at once withdraw her hand. They mounted the hill side by side. Jake said no more upon the subject. He evidently regarded it as closed. As they turned in at length at the white gates, he said, I was wondering if your mother could be persuaded to come up to tea if I went and fetched her with the dog cart. We couldn't squeeze Shepard into that if we tried. She knew that he made the suggestion solely for her pleasure and a sudden warmth kindled within her.

Starting point is 04:48:12 You are good to me, Jake, she said gratefully. Oh, rats, said Jake, being good to you is all one with being good to myself. I'll go then as soon as dinner is over. Now who in thunder? he stopped abruptly gazing straight ahead. A momentary frown drew his level brows and passed. Hello, he said in a soft drawl. Maud was looking ahead, too.

Starting point is 04:48:39 She saw a man's figure moving towards them over the stones of the yard. She heard the ring of spurs, and suddenly she stood still, white to the lips, panting, unnerved. It could only have been for a second that pause of hers, for at once she was aware of juries. Jake's hand pushed lightly through her arm leading her forward. I guess I don't need to introduce Lord Saltash, he said. You've met before.

Starting point is 04:49:06 Yes, they had met before, met and parted, and the memory of it stabbed her to the heart. She moved forward as it were mechanically under Jake's guidance. She had known that this ordeal would have to be faced, but it had taken her unawares. She was unprepared. But the moment she heard his voice, his laugh, her agitation was gone. There was a subtle camaraderie in Lord Saltash's greeting that smoothed the way. She remembered with a pang that it had ever been his custom to take the easiest course.

Starting point is 04:49:38 With this hand holding hers and his ugly face laughing its debonair welcome into her own, she could not feel tragic or even disconcerted any longer, even though with his other hand he clapped Jake on the shoulder. So you've gone and got married, have you? He said his eyebrows working with monkeyish repriments. How original of you. I won't be banal enough to congratulate. It's such a bore to have to reply to that sort of thing.

Starting point is 04:50:04 Let me wish you a happy Christmas instead. My belle rene de rose, I te salue. You are more faultily faultless than ever. He made her a sweeping cavalier's bow and lightly kissed her hand. She laughed without effort. How odd to meet you like this, Charlie. I thought you were still abroad. She was not even aware of uttering his Christian name so naturally did it rise to her lips.

Starting point is 04:50:30 It seemed to her suddenly that the old cruel barrier had been removed. Since they could never again be lovers, they were free now to be friends. Surely the same thought had struck him also, for his odd eyes smiled intimately, confidentially into hers, ere he turned in his lightning fashion to Jake standing solidly by her side. You knew we were old friends. Jake's eyes, red-brown, intent, watched the swarthy mobile face without the smallest shade of expression. Yes, he said in his slow, soft voice. I knew.

Starting point is 04:51:04 Maud glanced at him quickly. How much did he know? Had Bunny ever confided in him upon the subject? But his face, absolutely composed and normal, told her nothing. He accepted the hand that Lord Saltash extended, looking him full and straight in the face. And through her mind unbidden there ran the memory of that strange story of treachery that Jake had once told to her and Bunny. Looking at the dark, keen countenance of this man who had once been so much more to her than friend, she tried to visualize his double and failed utterly. Surely there could be but one Charlie Berchester in all the world. What are you trying to see? laughed Lord Saltash. I carry neither my virtues nor my vices in my face, being long past the ingenuous age. Have we time to go round

Starting point is 04:51:53 the stables? Or is your Christmas turkey clamoring to be eaten? Maud shot a swift look at Jake, who after a momentary pause, said, I can go round with you now if you wish, my lord. Saltash made a quick grimace. That's very obliging of you, Bolton. But don't let me interfere with your domestic arrangements. I can come over again later. It was then that Maud very quietly intervened.

Starting point is 04:52:20 If you care to join us at dinner, I'm sure we shall be very and you can go and see the stud afterwards. What? Really, said Lord Saltash. Of course I shall be delighted. There are tomorrow's events at Greydown, Bolton. I want you to post me up with the latest. Sure I shan't be in the way. He put the question directly to Jake who replied without haste or hesitation.

Starting point is 04:52:45 I reckon no guest of ours could be that. There was nothing in his manner to indicate if he were pleased or otherwise by the arrangement. he seemed to be in a mood of extreme reticence and maud wondered as they walked to the house if she had vexed him by taking upon herself to extend hospitality to his patron but then it had been the only course open to her surely he must see that she and charlie were such old friends they could not begin to be strangers now yet the doubt worried her jake was plainly not upon very intimate terms with lord saltash or was it her presence that caused constraint she wished she knew but she had no means of ascertaining she could only do her best ably seconded by saltash to smooth over any slight difficulties that might arise from a situation that was certainly none too easy despite her efforts she could not fail to note that jake was more self-contained more unresponsive than she had ever before seen him and for a time she felt her own manner to be strained and unnatural in consequence lord saltash plainly noticed nothing throughout that crispness dinner, he was just as gay, as debonair, as audacious as he had been in the old days, complimented her with his usual effrontery, provoked her to laughter with all his old quick wit.

Starting point is 04:54:04 She found it impossible not to respond, impossible not to expand in the warmth of his good comradeship. She seemed to be drawn into a magic circle of gaiety that could not last, that was all the more precious because it could not last. Bunny also was well within that charmed region. He was full of animation, eager, excited even Mary. She had an uneasy fear that he would pay for his high spirits later, but for the time she had not the heart to check him. She understood his feeling so thoroughly. It was so good to have Charlie with them again, and to bury all the troubles of the past, so good to see the flower of friendship spring from the dead root of passion, so good to be

Starting point is 04:54:45 on easy terms again with this man, whom in spite of everything, she could not but regard as a kindred spirit. They had always been sympathetic. They looked upon much in life with the same eyes. They had the same taste, the same intuitions, often the same impulses. Yes, he had shown himself unworthy. There was a fatal flaw in his character. He was wild, lawless, immoral, but he was her friend. Somehow she could not feel that anything could ever alter that. They had been too near, too intimate. He had become like one of the family. She could not regard him in any other light. He had wounded her to the heart, but yet, with a woman's awed faithfulness, she forgave him, pitied him, understood him.

Starting point is 04:55:33 Only upon that one point she had stood firm. Her innate purity had arisen as an angel with a flaming sword, dividing them. She had not been able to overlook his sins and marry him. She had known him too well. Too well. Possibly even, she had loved him to too well also. But all that was over now. The pain was stifled, the sacrifice was fast. She could suffer herself to accept his easy friendship with no dread for the future. She could let herself be at ease with him once more, knowing herself to be beyond his reach.

Starting point is 04:56:09 Once, very sorely, she had been tempted to yield to him, but that temptation could never occur again. Her marriage was a safe anchor from which she could never break free and drift out to sea. She could afford now to be kind, since henceforth no more than kindness could ever be expected from her. And it was so good to be with him again. With all his waywardness and instability, Charlie Berchester was the most satisfying friend she had. He never wearied her. He always caught and charmed her mood. He was so rarely sensitive, so delicately alive to every change of feeling. There was even something almost uncanny sometimes in the way he read her woman's heart, a feat for which he himself accounted by declaring that they had been born under the same star.

Starting point is 04:56:56 It all came back to her as they sat at the same board on that Christmas day. It was just as if there had never been any rift in their friendship. The memory of the man's passionate bleeding and her own anguished refusal had faded into an evil dream. They were back once more in the old happy days of comradeship before he had ever spoken to her of love. Only Jake's presence held her to the first. present and when at the end of the dinner he rose to carry out his suggestion with regard

Starting point is 04:57:24 to fetching her mother in the dog-cart she felt as soon as the door closed upon him that the old life she knew and loved had wholly returned she and bunny and sultash were just children together and they settled down to enjoy themselves as such twenty two the faithful widower lord saltash's desire to see the stud evaporated completely during the afternoon He stayed and made himself extremely charming to Mrs. Shepard, who returned with Jake, very fluttered and arched to spend an hour, only an hour, or Giles would be so cross, in her daughter's new home. And when she left again under Jake's escort, it was already growing dark.

Starting point is 04:58:06 I've got to talk business with Jake, so I may as well wait till he comes back, said Lord Saltash comfortably, and they gathered round the blazing fire and sat in luxurious enjoyment. undoubtedly Bunny had enjoyed himself that afternoon, but he had begun to grow restless and irritable, signs which Maud had learned to recognize as the heralds of a wakeful night. She wondered with some uneasiness if Jake would be able to manage him with his usual success.

Starting point is 04:58:32 You haven't got a piano here, have you? asked Saltash in a pause. She told him, no. In the old days they had sung duets together. She wondered if he remembered. He went lightly on, on. You will have to use the one at the castle. You mustn't let your talents run to seed. Come up any day you and Bunny. The place will always be open to you, whether I am there or not. She thanked him for the thought. We should love to come. I have had no opportunities for playing

Starting point is 04:59:03 for months, not since we left London. No, he said. I say, what made your mother come to fair harbor. It's a whole of a place to live in. She felt her face burn in the firelight. She hesitated and at once bunny cut in. The mother always has an eye on the main chance, he said, and she is a great believer in friendship. When things look black, she always likes to hunt up old friends and give them their opportunity. His meaning was not obscure. Maud made a quick movement of protest, but Lord Saltash's inconsequent laugh covered her discomforture on the instant. Poor Lady Brian, I am afraid her luck and mine are made of the same rotten material.

Starting point is 04:59:48 It tears at a touch. But I should have thought she might have chosen a sounder man than Shepherd of the Anchor for a husband. Isn't he sound? asked Maude quickly. Lord Saltash laughed again. I could sell him up, lock, stock, and barrel, tomorrow if I wanted. She started. Charlie, you don't mean that.

Starting point is 05:00:10 He looked at her with a gleam of mischief in his queer eyes. Of course I do. The anchor belongs to me and all that is in it. It's mortgaged for considerably more than its value, and I hold the mortgage. Did he never mention that detail? Maud sat speechless. He stretched out a lazy hand. It's all right, Queen Maud.

Starting point is 05:00:33 He is quite safe as long as he behaves decently to you and yours. He's something of a brute beast, I believe. Well, if he needs to be a good beast, I believe. Well, if he needs to be a good. any salutary correction you must let me know his ugly face laughed into hers the light in his eyes was half mocking half tender it's good to know that there may be something left that i can yet do for you he said the worthy jake may have a stout right arm but he is not a creases he turned the conversation in his easy well-bred fashion and her embarrassment died down but the carelessly uttered information dwelt persistently in her mind even though she she found herself talking of indifferent things. It was strange that all her affairs should be so completely,

Starting point is 05:01:17 and it seemed so irrevocably, under the direct control of this man whom she had once so resolutely driven out of her life. Fate or chance had thrown them together again. A little secret tremor went through her. What would come of it? She had not attempted to touch the hand he had stretched forth to her. It had fastened upon the arm of the chair

Starting point is 05:01:38 in which she sat and rested there. presently she looked down at it her eyes attracted by the gleam of the ring upon it your own murmured saltash violets blue as your eyes he moved his hand in the firelight and the sapphire shone in the midst of the diamonds like a deep blue flame in the heart of a leaping fire he drew a little nearer to her you sent it back to me he said i have worn it like a faithful widower ever since her heart contracted with an odd little pain. Don't whack sentimental, Charlie, she pleaded with a difficult smile. Would you prefer me heartless? He said, but he withdrew his hand

Starting point is 05:02:20 and the sapphire burned no more. They began to talk again upon ordinary topics, and the conversation turned upon the grey-down steeple-chase races of the morrow. Two horses from the Berchester stud were running. Beauties they are, too, said Bunny with

Starting point is 05:02:36 enthusiasm. Sam Vickers swears they'll win. He has a little. He uttered his quick impatient sigh. What wouldn't I give to see him do it? Why shouldn't you? said Saltash. I'll take you over. Will you?

Starting point is 05:02:50 cried Bunny with shining eyes. And in the same breath. No, no, said Modd quickly. Charlie, why do you suggest these impossible things? Saltash laughed. I never suggest the impossible, he said. Bunny, and you too can come along in the car, if you will. I can make him quite comfortable with cushions.

Starting point is 05:03:13 But Maude shook her head. It isn't so easy as it used to be. And he gets tired so soon. Really, really, it can't be done. Oh, Maude, do shut up. Broken Bunny. You jaw like an old woman. Of course I'll come, Charlie.

Starting point is 05:03:30 When will you be round? Lord Saltash looked at Maude with an impish expression. I am afraid you are in the minority, Maren. But leave it to me. I'll undertake that no harm is done. Maud rose suddenly from her chair. She stood upright slender in the firelight. I can't consent to it, she said with resolution.

Starting point is 05:03:51 He sprang instantly to his feet. You don't want to come, he said. She met his challenging eyes with an effort. Don't make things difficult, she begged in a low voice. But if I got your mother to come too, he urged, she used to love race meetings. She turned her eyes away. Neither Bunny nor I can go, she said steadily.

Starting point is 05:04:15 I say I will go, cried Bunny hotly. I'm old enough to do as I like, and I won't be dictated to by anyone. Saltash turned back to him. I'll take you one day, old chap, but the Queen's word is law, you know. We can't go in direct opposition to it. Moreover, with audacious simplicity, it wouldn't be great sport for anyone if the Queen herself not deign to accompany us.

Starting point is 05:04:42 She'll go fast enough if I do, said Bunny. She sticks to me like a leech. Lucky beggar, said Saltash. He glanced back at Maude. She was still on her feet, turned partially from him. It was evident that she did not mean to renew the friendly intercourse that his unwelcome suggestion had interrupted. I must get back to my lonely castle, said Saltash.

Starting point is 05:05:06 She turned then, as he had known she would. "'No, don't go. Why should you? Till—till Jake comes back.' He laughed into her eyes. Now don't try to persuade me that you want me any longer. I know the signs too well. I'm going to walk down and meet Jake, as I must have a word with him about the animals. By the way, why don't you call him Jacob? The other is too frivolous for your August lips. There was a sting in the smiling question of which she alone was aware. She knew that he had it in him to be malicious at times, but she would not seem to notice. Are you backing either of the horses running tomorrow, she asked.

Starting point is 05:05:47 He raised his agile brows. But of course I am. Whoever went to a meeting without putting something on? And you don't suppose I would lay a wager against one of my own beasts, do you? You always back your own before anyone else's, she said. Of course, he made prompt reply. We've pulled off a good men. events since Jake took command.

Starting point is 05:06:11 Yes, she said slowly. He is a genius with horses. Oh, quite useful, said Saltash carelessly. Well, good night to you both. Many thanks for your kind hospitality. Don't forget the piano at the castle. Come and go exactly as you like. I will give orders to that effect.

Starting point is 05:06:32 You are very kind, she said. But the pleasant intimacy between them was broken. she knew that her refusal to go with him on the morrow had hurt him he was in a mood to sting at a touch she gave him her hand with genuine regret good-bye charlie she said gently he took it with a gesture that made her remember that his mother had been a frenchwoman good-night my cher he said lightly when thou art dreaming think of me her faint laugh had a note of bitterness but i never dream she said End of chapters 21 and 22. Part 1. Chapter 23 and 24 of the 100th Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Libre Fox recording is in the public domain. 23. The Narrowing Circle.

Starting point is 05:07:30 When Jake returned at length, he entered an atmosphere so unmistakably stormy that he looked instinctively to mod for an explanation. The room was lighted and the curtains drawn. She was sitting in the low chair by the fire doing some intricate crochet work with knitted brows. There was tension in her attitude, tension in the firm compression of her lips. Bunny lay on his sofa, hot-cheeked, fiery-eyed,

Starting point is 05:07:55 beating an impatient tattoo with one hand on the table by his side. On the table lay the presence that he had received that day, a box of paints and sketching block from his mother, a book for Maude, a small telescope from Jake himself, but he was looking at none of them. His brows, too, were closely drawn. His teeth bit viciously into his lower lip. Maud did not raise her eyes at Jake's entrance.

Starting point is 05:08:19 She seemed intent upon her work. He came and stood beside her. I should have come back sooner, he remarked. But Lord Saltash met me, and I had to take him back to the castle in the dog-cart. Her fingers moved very rapidly. I thought perhaps he would dine with him. She said in a voice that sounded very cool and aloof. Not I, said Jake.

Starting point is 05:08:43 Give me my own fireside, and my old clay pipe that doesn't go into aristocratic society. She raised her eyes momentarily. Are you a socialist? she asked. His eyes were unblinkingly upon her. I guess not, he said speaking with somewhat of a drawl. I've seen life, lots of it, that's all. As to my politics, well, I reckon they're mine and no one else's. I think just what I'm.

Starting point is 05:09:13 I'd like about everything and everybody. He turned those intent eyes suddenly upon Bunny. What's wrong with the head of the family? he asked. At once Bunny burst into speech. Jake, it's infernal that I can't go to the races in Charlie's motor tomorrow. He's offered to take me. Why shouldn't I go? Hang it all, I will go.

Starting point is 05:09:37 He banged his clenched fist upon the table with the last passionate words. Modd kept her eyes upon her work. Her hands, though they moved so rapidly, were not wholly steady. He is not fit to go, she said. That's not the reason you refused, flung back Bunny, who was rapidly working himself up to fever pitch. You said no, just because you thought Jake would be jealous if you said you'd go. You're afraid of him, that's what's the matter with you? Afraid of his finding out that you're still in love with Charlie.

Starting point is 05:10:08 He broke into his cracked, painful laugh, stopping abruptly as Jake left the hearth and stepped quietly to his side. Don't touch me, he said, shrinking sharply back. Jake stooped. His face was grim. My son, I'm going to touch you, he said. I'm going to carry you straight up to bed. You've had more than enough excitement for today.

Starting point is 05:10:30 I'm not going to bed, cried Bunny, his voice high and defiant. I'm not going for hours yet. Jake, Jake, leave me alone. Do you hear? You're hurting me. Afraid you've got. to be hurt, said Jake. He was slipping steady hands under the boy's writhing body. Maud had risen. She came swiftly forward. She touched Jake's shoulder, her face pale,

Starting point is 05:10:54 and agitated. Don't, please, Jake, she entreated. It does more harm than good. He did not look at her or pay the smallest attention. Bunny was already in his arms. Bunny, purple with rage, waving his arms in blind impotence. Perhaps you'd open the door for me. said jake in his slow gentle voice she went to the door somehow it was the only thing left to do jake followed her with his burden as he did so bunny ceased to struggle realizing the mastery of the steady arms that bore him and spoke in a voice of tense hostility you beastly groom he said jake said nothing whatever he carried him firmly unfalteringly from the room maud closed the door softly behind him and went back to her chair But she did not take up her work again. She sat gazing into the fire with wide troubled eyes. She was beginning to realize that old associations,

Starting point is 05:11:54 old friends, could be nothing but a disturbing element in her life, beginning to wish with a yearning sadness that Charlie had not come back into it. She was tired, so tired, so sick at heart. As for Bunny, he had grown out of hand and would never be the same to her again. She was sure of it. She was sure of it. Nothing ever could be the same again in this new world that she had entered. It was a world of harsh realities wherein dwelt no softening magic. The fate she had dreaded was surely closing in upon her.

Starting point is 05:12:27 Whichever way she turned she found a narrowing circle. A long time passed. She began to grow anxious. What was happening upstairs? Was it possible that Jake might, after all, lose his temper and visit his wrath upon Bunny's rebellious head. Would he by any chance make use of that frightful language which he had heard him employ only a few days before

Starting point is 05:12:50 to a negligent stable boy? Bunny's bitter epithet dwelt in her memory. Surely Jake would be something more than human if he did not resent it. And then, suddenly, she heard his square footfall on the uncarpeted stairs, and a great wave of agitation went through her. All her being quivered at the thought of him,

Starting point is 05:13:10 his unyielding mastery. his utter confidence. Two eyes, one black, one gray, seemed to flash a mocking question out of the depths of the fire into which she gazed. Her heart gave a little quiver of misgiving that yet was oddly mingled with satisfaction. No, she was not wholly sorry that Lord Saltash had come back into her life. He was so subtly refreshing. He sounded deeps in her of which none other guessed. His gaiety of soul called back her vanished youth. Jake entered and she turned her head, asking her embarrassment with a resolute effort. Oh, Jake, come and sit down.

Starting point is 05:13:47 I am so sorry this has happened. He pulled forward a chair and dropped into it. The little chap is overtired, he said. He'll be better left to himself for a bit. He spoke in a quiet, temperate voice. She realized with relief that he had not taken Bunny's bitter outbursts seriously. She took up her work again. He is always difficult to manage when he gets.

Starting point is 05:14:11 caught by one of these moods, she said, and he is apt to say wild things. Jake began to fill his pipe, making no comment. Maud worked on for several seconds, still struggling against an uneasy feeling of shyness. After a little in a low voice, she spoke again. Jake, I think with you, that if Dr. Capper will examine Bunny and, perhaps operate on him, it had better be done, as soon as possible. That's so, said Jake. she knew that he turned his head to look at her and a hot sense of discomfiture surged through her she worked with fevered speed as if much depended upon it of course of course i want him to have every chance i'm not so selfish as that

Starting point is 05:14:57 but but the anxiety will be very hard to bear i dread it more than i can possibly say her lips quivered suddenly she became silent still desperately making stitches that she could hardly see she had not meant to make any appeal for sympathy it had as it were escaped her from sheer embarrassment she had never felt more utterly ill at ease in jake's presence than she felt that night he did not immediately respond though she knew that he continued to watch her with those links like brilliant eyes but after a very decided pause his hand square and steady came forth and stopped her fevered working sit still for a bit my girl he said give yourself a rest. She started sharply at his touch, but gave in at once, suffering him to draw the work from her hands. "'Say now,' he said, "'when you married me, I made myself a vow that you shouldn't be burdened any more beyond your strength. This anxiety you speak of, will it be harder to bear than to see bunny's suffering and not be able to help?' She shook her head. Her eyes were full of tears. "'Guess you're overwrought,' he said gently.

Starting point is 05:16:11 "'Why don't you lie down on the sofa? "'Perhaps you'd get asleep.' She mastered herself with an effort. "'No, thank you. I am quite all right. Of course Bunny's welfare comes before everything and always will with me. Do you know I think I will run up to him and see that he has all he wants?' "'No, my girl, no. You stay where you are,' said Jake. "'I've got him in hand.

Starting point is 05:16:36 don't you go making more trouble. She glanced at him with quick uneasiness. But is he happy? Is he comfortable? I never leave him for long when he is like this. Once he dragged himself right out of bed and onto the floor. He was worse for weeks after. He won't do that tonight, said Jake.

Starting point is 05:16:58 But she was not reassured. He may. How can you tell? He can be quite violent sometimes. He won't be tonight. said Jake with unmistakable conviction. What have you been doing to him? She said with quick suspicion.

Starting point is 05:17:14 He put a restraining hand upon her, for she seemed on the verge of rising. Now don't you meddle, he said. The boy will be all right. Only leave him alone. He won't come to any mischief because he can't. I've tied him down. No, he ain't uncomfortable,

Starting point is 05:17:32 as she uttered a sharp cry of protest. i saw to that before i put out the light and left him to come to his senses he won't hurt i tell you you leave him alone but maud was already on her feet how could you she panted how dare you he rose with her still holding her now be reasonable he said in a voice of soft persuasion i'm real fond of the little chap and i'm trying to make a man of him he knows that all's a little chap and i'm trying to make a man of him he knows that all all right. It's discipline he wants, and discipline he's going to have. Don't you get interfering? You'll do more harm than good.

Starting point is 05:18:15 Let me go, breathed Maud. She was white to the lips as she said it, white and desperate. Her eyes burned like two stars, but Jake held her still. Say now, he drawled. Aren't you a bit unreasonable? I've taken a lot of trouble to him into line. And as I tell you, I haven't hurt any part of him, except his bride,

Starting point is 05:18:40 and that'll soon mend. Maud, my girl, now don't act the fool. Don't, I say, don't. She had made a sharp effort to rest her arm free, but he frustrated it, taking her two wrists very gently but very decidedly into his square hold. Let me go, she cried again, her pale lips trembling. How, how dare you hold me against my will? Jake, you, forget yourself. He was looking at her with a hint of humor in his red-brown eyes. They were shining, too, shining with a hot intensity,

Starting point is 05:19:16 as though the leaping flames of the fire were reflected there. But at her words he let her go very abruptly and turned from her. He took up his pipe again, standing so that she saw only his broad back and gleaming hair, while she waited behind him in a palpitating silence. Some seconds passed before he spoke. and then all right my girl he said have it your own way I reckon he's your brother more than mine and I know you have his welfare at heart if you think it is to his interest to go and undo him he ain't uncomfortable mind you I saw to that I shan't interfere either way do whatever seems good to you so he delivered himself and having spoken sat squarely down and pulled out his matchbox as though the matter were at an end. She stood irresolute, facing him. Well, aren't you going? He said after a moment.

Starting point is 05:20:13 And still she stood, feeling the strain to be passed, yet not daring to relax her guard. Jake struck a match and held it to his pipe, looking at her whimsically between great puffs of smoke. There, sit down, he said after a moment. Leave the child alone for a bit. I'll go up to him myself before long. Casual as was his voice, the force of his personality reached and dominated her. It was certainly not of her own volition that she obeyed. She sat down again in the low chair before the hearth.

Starting point is 05:20:48 I know he will have a bad night, she said uneasily. It won't be any the worse for this, said Jake with confidence. And now look here, my girl. I want to ask you something, just in a friendly way. maud's hands clasped each other hard there was no repose in her attitude what is it she asked in that aloof voice of hers that emanated from intense shyness rather than pride jake was smoking steadily the heavy odor of his tobacco filled the room i don't want to give any offence he said but it seems to me that lord saltash is on a footing of intimacy with you and bunny that rather points to your not knowing the sort of person he really is maud's eyes grew suddenly darker she looked him full in the face i know him too well to discuss him with any outsider she said that's oh said jake slightly drawling well that certainly makes matters rather more complicated i know him too awfully well so well that i shall have to request you to keep the young man at a respectful distance for he certainly won't stay there if you don't

Starting point is 05:22:01 "'Mod sat tensely still. Several moments of utter silence passed away. Then almost under her breath she spoke. "'Are you absurd enough to be jealous?' Jake's eyes watched her unwaveringly through the smoke. "'Would it be very absurd of me?' he asked gravely. "'Utterly,' she spoke the one word with a free disdain. He bent his head slightly.

Starting point is 05:22:26 "'Since you say so, it goes. at the same time it might be well for you to remember that Lord Saltash invariably hunts for himself. He is not a man that any woman can safely trust. He has his points, maybe, but he is not sound. Very steadily he delivered his verdict, and Maude received it in an unbroken silence. More or less she knew it to be true, and yet very bitterly that she resented utterance. It was as if he had exposed to her the worthlessness of a possession for which old sakes sake she treasured, though conscious that in itself it was without value, for she had never

Starting point is 05:23:03 idealized Charlie Berchester. Even in the old days of close intimacy, she had always seen the feet of clay, though in her fond woman's way she had sought to overlook them. It was intolerable to have them pointed out to her by one whom she still curiously regarded as a comparative stranger. She had nothing to say on her friend's behalf. Reason warned her that it would be useless to attempt to take up the cudgels in his defense. And so she sat in silence, inwardly burning, outwardly calm. Jake smoked on for several minutes, then quietly rose. I'll go up and settle the youngster now, he said. And you have made up your mind on the other subject. I am to write to cap her. She did not answer for a moment. Her eyes were fixed upon the fire. He paused beside her,

Starting point is 05:23:54 and again there came to her that sense of warmth of bodily force that seemed to reach her from the very center of the man's being, rushing out to her, enveloping her. She made a slight involuntary movement of withdrawal. I have said so, she said. He paused no longer. Then so be it, he said, and walked away to the door. Twenty-four. Brothers. Is that you, Jake? Outraged pride and sullen submission combined in the utterance of the question. The room was in complete darkness. Yes, it's me, said Jake. He went forward into the darkness, feeling out before him.

Starting point is 05:24:37 Why don't you strike a match? said Bunny. Jake found the bed and stood beside it. Going to behave yourself, my son, he asked. There was silence from the bed, a dogged uncompromising silence. Jake stooped, feeling all of a little. Over the boy's body he began to undo his bonds. Say, Bunny, I reckoned you were a bigger man than this, he said. Bunny remained silent, stiff and unyielding.

Starting point is 05:25:07 Jake completed his task and stood up. If you're wanting to tell me to go to blazes, you may as well say it as not, he said. I'm not, growled Bunny. But you've no right to treat me like a dog. I'm not used to it. A damn good hiding is what you're not. you're most in need of, said Jake in his soft and perturbable voice. You'd learn a lot that way. There's too much pride in your family, my son, and it ain't

Starting point is 05:25:34 always the proper sort of pride either. It's likely to lead you into difficulties. He paused a moment, then bent again, his hand moving lightly upwards over the bedclothes. Say, Bunny, climb down a bit. Climb down, he said. I can't get within a mile of you on that high horse of yours? There was a hint of coaxing in words and action to which Bunny, taken by surprise, made instant almost involuntary response. With a swift, passionate movement he caught the persuasive hand. "'Old chap,' he said, and stopped breaking off short. There followed a few pulsing seconds during which Jake's hand was pressed hard against a burning face. Then very suddenly, Bunny cast his pride wholly from him and burst into choking tears.

Starting point is 05:26:23 tears. "'Little feller, little feller,' said Jake and gathered him into his arms that were full of motherly comfort. He sat down on the bed so holding him, rocking him a little, soothing him in the darkness that seemed to banish all barriers, and linked them in a brotherhood more close than either had anticipated before that moment. Bunny's surrender was complete and unconditional. He clung fast to Jake with whispered words of penitence. I'm always like that when I'm always like that when I feel bad. I have had that filthy nuralgia in my back ever since tea. It makes me want a bite and kick. I didn't mean to be a beast to you, Jake. I take back all I said. You'll forget it. Say you'll forget it. I have forgotten it, Jake assured him. Don't you fret now.

Starting point is 05:27:14 Bunny burrowed into his shoulder. You're so beastly good to a fellow. But you're right, quite right about the hiding. I only wish you could give me one. It's just that I want. No, no, Jake said tenderly. I wouldn't lay a finger on you. You would if I were sound, protested Bunny, strangling a sob. But Jake shook his head.

Starting point is 05:27:40 No, Sonny, no. I was wrong. It ain't the treatment for a soft-hearted little chap like you. I've been used to dealing with ruffs, and I'm rough myself. I try not to be, but there it is. You've sensed it, and so has mod. But, I say it now and I'll stick to it,

Starting point is 05:27:59 I'll never use violence to you as long as I live. Jake, old boy, that's rot. I, I like you to smack my head sometimes, blurted forth bunny still in the accents of distress. Jake laughed a little. Well, maybe I'll do that now and then, seeing we're brothers. He was rubbing the head with a caressing hand as he spoke. you know i've got a sort of liking for you little part and i want you to grow up a man how can i said bunny very bitterly it ain't the body that makes the man said jake gently physical conditions don't matter two cents

Starting point is 05:28:38 reckon if you were to be a cripple all your days you could still be a great man but please god you won't be a cripple always my friend capper you've heard me talk of him he's coming over from the states and maybe he'll be able to put you right we'll give him the chance eh bunny we'll get him anyway to come along and look at you bunny's frail body had begun to tremble he held very fast to jake's arm oh jake he whispered guess it's a big proposition said jake but you've got spunk for anything i'm going to send him a letter right away maudview's the matter is the matter is we do. She says the sooner the better. Whatever made her say that? said Bunny curiously. She was thinking of you,

Starting point is 05:29:31 said Jake. She thinks more of you than of anyone else in the world. Reckon you owe her a mighty lot, Bunny. Ever thought of that? Reckon she'd be rather lost without me, said Bunny perversely. Not for long, said Jake. She would, persisted Bunny.

Starting point is 05:29:51 If I were to get well, she'd be glad for my sake, but she'd be utterly miserable for her own. He spoke with a shrewdness that ears of passive observation had wrought in him, a shrewdness that somehow lifted him above the plain of ordinary unthinking boyhood. Almost instinctively Jake responded to it. He spoke to Bunny as though he had been a man. She won't be miserable when she has children of her own to look after, he said.

Starting point is 05:30:18 That's what she wants and what I want to. They'll make all the difference in the world to her. Bunny was momentarily surprised. This was a possibility that had not occurred to him. Oh, that's the idea, is it? he said. What's the matter with it? said Jake. I don't know, said Bunny. Somehow I don't seem to realize that she actually is married to you.

Starting point is 05:30:45 She doesn't realize it either, said Jake rather shortly. That's because you don't make love. love to her, said Bunny wisely. Why, you don't even kiss her, do you? I haven't. Jake's voice was an odd compound of humor and dissatisfaction. Why on earth, don't you? said Bunny. You'd better ask her, said Jake somewhat grimly. Aren't you friends? There was quick sympathy in the boy's voice. I know Mod is a bit difficult to get on with. She was very odd even to Charlie this evening when he wanted us to go to the races with him. Why shouldn't we have gone, Jake? She knew I wanted to, and she used to like it

Starting point is 05:31:26 herself. An echo of resentment sounded in the question. Bunny had plainly not wholly buried his grievance. I'll take you one day, my son, when you're stronger, Jake promised, and Maude, too, if she's keen. I didn't know she was. She didn't tell me so. She doesn't tell you everything, does she? said Bunny, giving him a squeeze. "'Reckon she's half afraid of me,' said Jake. "'What reason did she give for not going with Lord Saltash?' "'Oh, none, she just said we couldn't. Charlie wasn't best pleased about it.

Starting point is 05:32:03 Charlie can be rather hot stuff when he isn't pleased.' Jake uttered a dry laugh. "'Did he make himself unpleasant?' "'No, but he cleared out almost at once. You see, he always used to be able to twist Maud round his little finger, till she broke with him. Jake's arms suddenly grew tense about the slim boyish body he held.

Starting point is 05:32:25 Say, young feller, will you tell me something? He said. Of course, if I can, said Bunny. Just this, only this, said Jake. His voice sunk to a whisper. Have you any real reason, any good reason, for believing that Mod still cares

Starting point is 05:32:44 for this old flame of hers? Honestly now. Was there any truth in what you said downstairs? Oh, Jake, I'm beastly sorry I said it. Bunny turned a distressed face upwards, pressing his hot forehead hard against Jake's neck. All right, you needn't answer. Jake's words seemed to come from between his teeth. It's what I suspected all along.

Starting point is 05:33:09 It won't make any difference in the end, so you needn't be upset about it. I always knew I was taking chances. She'd soon forget him if you started making love to her, Bunny assured him. Why don't you, Jake? Why don't you? Ah, why don't I? Jake uttered again his dry, somewhat scoffing laugh.

Starting point is 05:33:31 Perhaps I'm waiting for someone else to make the running. But don't you bother your head about that, my son. I shall get home on the straight, or perish in the attempt. He stooped and laid Bunny gently down on the pillow. I'll light your lamp now and leave you. Maude will be up with your supper directly. But Bunny clung to his arm. You'll come back, Jake.

Starting point is 05:33:56 You'll sleep with me. Oh, yes, I'll sleep with you. If Maude will let me. Jake's voice held ironic humor. But it's a sore point, I warn you. Of course she'll let you. She can't help herself. She knows I'm ten times more comfortable

Starting point is 05:34:14 with you to look after me. Is jolly decent of you, Jake? Bunny hugged the arm a little closer. Sure you've forgiven me for being such a beast? Shucks, lad, don't think any more about it. We're all beasts sometimes, though we don't all take the trouble to be sorry afterwards. Jake stooped abruptly and kissed his forehead,

Starting point is 05:34:35 a token received by Bunny with a satisfaction as great as his surprise. Be decent to maud, little chap, he said. remember nearly the whole of her life has been one big sacrifice to you oh i know she's a brick bunny said quickly i'm awfully fond of her of course you-i suppose you're fond of her too jake he put the question with slight hesitation not wholly certain as to whether jake would welcome it yet oddly desirous of a reply jake had withdrawn his arm he stood by the bed in the darkness only dimly visible to to Bunny. A square, powerful figure of rock-like strength, endued with the hard endurance that springs in the wilderness and is the natural heritage of beasts and savage tribes, coming but seldom upon the sons of adoption.

Starting point is 05:35:28 He did not speak at all for several seconds, and Bunny began to wonder if he had given a fence. Then suddenly, he stretched out his arms with a wide, fierce gesture as of one who would seize and hold in the face of any odds. My God, he said, and in his voice was a deep throb as of a force that rose unfettered from the very heart of the man.

Starting point is 05:35:50 I worship her. In the odd silence that followed the words, his arms fell. He stood a second or two as one in a dream, striving to grip afresh the realities of life. Then, quite calmly, he turned aside and crossed the room to light the lamp. Bunny, watching him,

Starting point is 05:36:10 marveled that the kindling flame revealed only the resolute face and steady eyes of the man he knew, for it seemed to him that another man had spoken in the darkness. End of chapters 23 and 24. Part 1, Chapter 25 and 26 of the 100th chance by Ethel Emdell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 25. Misadventure Lord Saltash had the satisfaction of seeing one of his own animals a winner at the Grey Down Meeting, on the following day, a circumstance which plainly gave him the keenest pleasure. He joined his trainer at the conclusion of the event and warmly congratulated him.

Starting point is 05:36:59 Jake was himself well pleased. He had worked hard for the victory, and the horse was a particular favorite with him. But he did not betray any especial gratification at his patrons' openly expressed approval, receiving it with the reticence that Modd had remarked in him the day before. Lord Saltash, however, seemed bent upon breaking down all reserve. He treated him with easy familiarity, shouted upon a thousand subjects, received suggestions with cordiality, and, finally, when the races were over, insisted upon motoring him home in the open car which he invariably drove himself when at Burchester,

Starting point is 05:37:35 and which was the terror of the countryside. The evening was chill and mist-laden. With your permission, we'll go steady, said Jake, as they left. the teeming race course behind. What? nervous, laughed Saltash. I have a wife to think of, was Jake's unmoved to reply. Oh, to be sure.

Starting point is 05:37:57 A hint of mockery ran through the words. What an artful fox you were to go and get married on the sly like that. If I'd known I'd have come to the wedding. It wasn't much of an affair, said Jake, and it had to take place at short notice, or I should have told you about it. "'Perhaps it wouldn't have taken place at all if you had,' laughed Lord Saltash. "'You know the legend of young Lockenbar?'

Starting point is 05:38:21 "'And his dark face screwed up into a comic grimace. "'I presume you know my reputation.' "'Almost as well as I know you, my lord,' said Jake dryly. Saltash sent him a sharp glance through the gathering twilight. He was driving swiftly, but well. "'Nobody ever really knows anybody in this. this world of knots and crosses, he observed lightly after a moment. It's a queer place, Bolton, and it isn't always the fellows that gather the fruit that enjoy the

Starting point is 05:38:52 eating thereof, ever reflected on that truism. I reckon it couldn't apply to me in any case, drawled Jake, turning up his collar and settling into it with square deliberation. Because you're one of the favoured few, questioned Saltash. There was an unmistakably jeering note in his voice this time. A faint smile came into Jake's face. His eyes stared straight before him. Maybe so, he said.

Starting point is 05:39:21 But my opinion is, if a man can't hold his own, well, he deserves to lose it. Saltash laughed aloud. It isn't always brute force that counts most worthy cow-puncher. There is such a thing as brains. You don't say, said Jake in a tone of gentle incredulity. And in a moment, "'Do you mind raining in a bit? We're coming to a crossroads.'

Starting point is 05:39:45 "'You're mighty nervous,' jibed Saltash. "'It's safer,' said Jake imperturbably. They dropped into silence with one consent. Saltash was obviously inclined to recklessness, though he seemed for a while to be trying to restrain the impulse. They shot through the gathering darkness with ever-increasing speed. Jake made no further protest. He sat sphinx-like, gazing straight ahead through the the misty windscreen. The distance from Graydown to Fair Harbor was scarcely ten miles. Lord Saltas chose the shortest route, bumping through by-lanes, whizzing round unexpected corners, shooting uphill like a rocket, dropping down again like a thunderbolt.

Starting point is 05:40:27 He drove with a skill that was in its way magnificent, but the entire run was a series of risks such as only the driver could enjoy. It was evident that he speedily forgot the presence of his companion, and Jake did not remind him of it. perhaps he deemed it inadvisable to divert his attention in any way from the task at hand for nearly a quarter of an hour of rapid travelling he spoke no word sultash was humming to himself an old tune with a waltz refrain which seemed to give him considerable pleasure they were drawing near the outskirts of birchester park when abruptly he broke off and spoke i want you to come up to lunch on sunday you and maud and the boy he spoke jerkily almost curtly jake turned his head have you put the proposition before my wife he asked oh i asked her to come of course said saltash carelessly i didn't mention any particular day why have you any reason to suppose she would refuse he laughed as he said it but there was a challenging note in his laugh jake passed the question by it is real kind of your lordship to think of it he said i can't of course answer for my wife or the lad but i'm a-iq but i'm a question by it is real kind of your lordship to think of it he said i can't of course answer for my wife or the lad but i'm I shall be very pleased to come.

Starting point is 05:41:44 Saltash made a curious sound, half of ridicule, half of exasperation. If she doesn't come, I shall know who's doing it is, he said with a touch of malice. Jake was silent. Impatiently Saltash turned towards him. Look here, Bolton, he said aggressively. It's no manner of use you're raising any objection

Starting point is 05:42:05 to the intimacy between us. It began long before you came on the scene and it's going to continue. understand look where you're going said jake or else jam on the brake he uttered the words with a sharpness so unexpected that saltash started as a consequence the car swerved and instantly skidded in the mud jerking the wheel from his hold in a moment they were half-way up a steep bank at the side of the road and a moment after with a crash of splintering glass they were over flung headlong into the roadway damn said jake damnation cried lord saltash with violence it was your fault what the devil did you startle me like that for he sprang up with the agility of a monkey unscathed and furious jake remained seated in the mud he was panting a little but his speech when it came was unhurried what the blazes did you want to drive at that preposterous speed for you all fired fool he said eh what what Saltash stamped in the mud to relieve his feelings.

Starting point is 05:43:11 Do you dare to say it was my fault? I say you're an all-fired fool, said Jake with the deliberation of one who has come to an unalterable decision. You can draw your own conclusions from that. He proceeded to get up with an effort so obvious that Saltash's attention was caught. Hello? You're hurt, are you? Where? I reckon that's what I've got to find out, said Jake. Maybe it's no worse than a broken head. What about you?"

Starting point is 05:43:40 Oh, I'm all right, Saltash declared impatiently. I say, are you really hurt, man? Curse this dark. Wait while I strike a match. Curse everything, said Jake wholeheartedly. I wonder if there's a lamp not smashed. Saltash struck a match and regarded him by its flare. Great Scott, he ejaculated in dismay,

Starting point is 05:44:04 for the illumination had revealed to him that which he had certainly not expected. expected to see, one side of Jake's face streaming with blood. Jake strove ineffectually to stanch the flow with a handkerchief. I don't know where the mischief is exactly, he said. Somewhere above the temple I fancy. Don't alarm yourself, my lord. I always bleed like a pig.

Starting point is 05:44:27 It's my nature, too. A faint, grim smile drew his mouth with the words. He looked at Saltash with eyes of steady mastery. Let me hold that match. he said. Perhaps you wouldn't mind locating the mischief. Saltash, genuinely disturbed, complied with his suggestion and discovered a deep jagged cut on Jake's forehead.

Starting point is 05:44:49 I say this is a bad business, he said as the match went out. Are you feeling bad? Oh, not in the least, said Jake dryly. Sorry to give you so much trouble. My dear fellow, I'm sorrier than you are, declared Saltash impulsively. I've driven for ten years. and never had a smash before. Here, strike another match and let me see what I can do.

Starting point is 05:45:14 It was no easy matter to bandage adequately under such conditions, but Saltash was not without a certain rudimentary skill. He went to work with business-like promptitude, and had succeeded in securing a handkercher frowned Jake's head with a firmness calculated at least to check the flow of blood when the sound of wheels warned them of the approach of some vehicle. It proved to be the dog-cart of a farmer known to them both who was himself returning from the races,

Starting point is 05:45:39 and Saltash was relieved beyond measure to bundle Jake into the cart and see him depart for home. He remained with the overturned car till help should arrive from the stables. Jake also was not sorry to find himself jogging homeward, unpleasant though he found the jogging to be. He was nearer to collapse than he would have allowed.

Starting point is 05:45:59 He sat with his head in his hands, struggling desperately against a deadly sense of weakness that threatened every instant to overcome him. His companion was full of solicitude. Whatever will your missus say, he said as they drew near the stables. Jake roused himself. Don't drive in, said Jake. Put me down at the gates.

Starting point is 05:46:22 I must make myself respectable before I go in. Lord bless you, man. If she's a woman of scent, she'd sooner know the worst at once, declared the old farmer. Don't ever try to hide anything from your wife. It don't pay. I've been married three times, so I ought to know. But Jake adhered firmly to his intention of descending at the gates, resolutely declining all further help. And there his friend left him, driving away with the reflection that there was sure to be someone about to give him a hand.

Starting point is 05:46:55 As it chanced, there was no one in the stable-yard when Jake entered it. He staggered forward over the stones like a drunken man, his cap pulled forward over his face, feeling vaguely out before him with his hands. his brain was reeling and he did not know how he covered the ground or maintained his balance so dazed was he that he did not even realize that he reached the white railings before his home and only awoke to the fact when he had been leaning upon them for some time with an immense effort he pulled himself together and made his way to the door here the thought of maud made him pause she must not see him like this then reflecting that she would almost certainly be saved upstairs with Bunny, who had not left his room that day, he fumbled with the door, opened it, and entered. All was quiet within with the quiet of a well-ordered household. The passage was dimly lit. Slowly he made his halting way along it, reached the stairs and stopped at the foot,

Starting point is 05:47:55 leaning on the banisters while he summoned his strength. At last heavily like a man in a trance he began to mount. The stairs seemed endless. Once or twice he stumbled. At the top, he slipped and came down upon his knees. Oh, damn, he ejaculated with weary vehemence. At the same moment Bunny's door opened, and he heard the light tread of a woman's feet close to him. She was coming towards him, moving swiftly, when suddenly something seemed to strike her.

Starting point is 05:48:26 She stopped dead, recoiling us from a thing unclean. Jake, she said. He heard the frozen horror in her voice and thrust out a groping hand. It's all right, my heart. girl, don't be scared. I didn't mean you to see me, like this. She drew back from him sharply, speaking no word, gazing at him in the dim light with eyes of wide abhorrence. It's all right, he said again, and with a laboring effort managed to blunder to his feet. She drew back still further. He saw her slim white figure standing before him,

Starting point is 05:49:02 erect and rigid against the wall. He caught the blazing scorn of her blue eyes. say maud he said in confused apology you're looking kind of vexed it wasn't any fault of mine it was-it was-it was that fool saltash he spoke the name with difficulty his tongue felt dry and powerless guess i want a drink he said she spoke then briefly and witheringly you had better go to bed and stay there till you feel better there is plenty of water in your room if you want it her words were icy he felt as if she had flung the water of which she spoke full in his face and then suddenly the truth flashed upon him and he uttered a laugh columbus he said i believe you think i'm tipsy she did not attempt to contradict him you had better go to bed she reiterated he put up a trembling hand but it was only to draw the cap down further still over his face i reckon i'd better he said and staggered past her to his room the door closed behind him and maud turned white and quivering from the scene oh god she whispered passionately what have i done what have i done twenty six the word unspoken it was late that night when mrs lovelace called maud out of bunny's room with a white scared face to tell her that lord saltash was below asking for her he wanted mr bolton first she said

Starting point is 05:50:51 said. But I told him as I didn't know if he was back, and then he said something about a slight motor accident, and seemed surprised like that Mr. Bolton hadn't come home. It's all right, he is home, Maude said. There is no need to be anxious about him. She hesitated a moment. Then, tell Lord Saltash so, she said. I think I won't come down now. He will understand. Nevertheless, after she had dismissed the old woman, something prompted her to go and listen at Jake's door. She was convinced in her own mind that there had been no accident. Charlie had seen her husband's condition and was anxious to know if he had returned home safely. That was the explanation doubtless and she felt she could not face him.

Starting point is 05:51:37 She listened intently, but she heard no sound. Jake was sleeping, no doubt, sleeping heavily. An overwhelming disgust came upon her. She turned, shuddering away. Mrs. Lovelace came wheezing back. Lord Saltash had gone. Was Mr. Bolton all right? Should she fetch him anything? No, Mud was quite sure he wanted nothing. He was asleep, and Mrs. Lovelace had better go to bed.

Starting point is 05:52:05 But she herself remained up till long after, in dread of a summons for Jake from Sam Vickers or some other of the men at the stables. Probably they all suspected what had happened, but she felt that at all costs she must prevent the shameful search reaching them it was too horrible too lowering to her own personal pride very strangely it was that overpowering sense of shame that first made her realize the man as her husband he had dragged her into the mire and though her whole soul revolted she felt with a sinking despair that she could never be clean again she was bound to him for better for worse and nothing could ever set her free she was as it were identified with him and the evil of his nature must lie upon her like a taint. There could be no escape for her, loathe him as she might.

Starting point is 05:52:55 She lay down at last, sick at heart and full of a great bitterness. Life was horrible. Life was repulsive. Whichever way she turned, some evil monster crouched across her path. Bunny was restless and querulous throughout the night. He was deeply hurt by Jake's desertion, and though he forbore to say so, he plainly regarded his sister as a very poor substitute. I shan't get up till Jake comes to see me, he announced in the morning. And Maude went down to fetch his breakfast

Starting point is 05:53:25 with a reluctant promise to inform Jake of this intention if she saw him. She hoped very earnestly that she would not see him, but her hope was not to be fulfilled. Coming from the kitchen with Bunny's breakfast tray, she almost ran into him. He had evidently just entered the house and was hanging up his cap on the rack

Starting point is 05:53:44 that stood in the darkest corner of the passage. He stood back for her to pass him. Good morning, he said. Her face was burning. So great was her agitation for the moment that she thought she must drop the tray she held. Jake evidently thought so too, for he reached out and steadily took it from her.

Starting point is 05:54:03 I'll take up this, he said. I want to see the little chap. Do you mind going into the parlor? I shall be down directly. He spoke in his customary slightly sing-song-drawl. She longed to reviews but could not. With an inarticulate murmur she turned aside. In the parlor the fire burned brightly.

Starting point is 05:54:25 She went and stood before it striving desperately for composure. She would have given all she had to escape the coming interview. But she knew she could not, knew she must face it, listened to semi-humorous excuses, possibly a good-natured apology for an offense which she regarded as inexcusable, hideous. with all her strength she fought for self-control. She must make it clear to him, must somehow make him understand that this thing had raised up a barrier between them that could never be broken down,

Starting point is 05:54:57 an immovable obstacle to all intimacy, a perpetual stumbling block to friendship. He had brought it on himself, and never, never, never could it now be otherwise. They had never been very near, but now they were as far as sundor as the poles. No kindness from him could ever make her forget. She heard him descending the stairs and braced herself with a throbbing heart to meet him. But she was trembling in every limb. She did not turn to greet him as he entered, but kept her face resolutely averted. He came in, closed the door with evident purpose, and drew near to her.

Starting point is 05:55:35 She shrank at his coming. A quick involuntary shudder went through her. She stiffened herself instinctively. He spoke and, his voice a soft half-weedling note of her monstrance. Say, Maude, it ain't altogether reasonable to condemn a man unheard. Her breath came short. She would not look at him.

Starting point is 05:55:57 With a quivering effort she spoke. I don't see any point in discussing the obvious. I am bound to believe the evidence of my own eyes. Without doubt, conceded Jake, and they testified to my being screwed last night. You can't, with truth. assert that you were sober, she said. Jake did not make the assertion. He stood considering.

Starting point is 05:56:22 After a moment, Do you object so strongly to the sight of me that you can't bear to look at me? He asked. His tone was faintly humorous. She resented it on the instant, hotly, almost fiercely. It was so exactly the attitude she had anticipated. I do object, yes,

Starting point is 05:56:41 she said her voice low, vehement. I can't think how you can have the effrontery to speak to me until I give you leave. That's so, he said. There was insolence in his tone this time. She turned and faced him. Then she saw a large cross of strapping plaster across his temple. She looked at it a moment air defiantly, she met his eyes. "'I suppose you are going to make that your excuse,' she said. "'I was,' said Jake imperturbably. She bit her lip. His utter lack of shame made her pitiless. If I hadn't met you on the stairs last night, I might believe you, she said.

Starting point is 05:57:23 You're real kind, he rejoined. As a matter of fact, I didn't cut my head open tumbling upstairs, but I reckon that detail won't interest you. You'll think what you want to think whatever I say. And perhaps, as you say, there's not much point in discussing the obvious. shall we have some breakfast? His eyes shone with a mocking gleam into hers. She was sure he was laughing inwardly, though his mouth was grim.

Starting point is 05:57:52 I shall breakfast upstairs, she said coldly. He made a slight movement that passed unexplained. Oh, I think not, he said suavely. It won't hurt you any to sit at a table with me. I am a very ordinary sinner, I assure you. Something in his tone made her flinch. the color went out of her face she turned without a word to the table they sat down and he helped her to food she knew not what there followed a silence that she felt to be terrible a silence through which it came to her for the first time in her experience that jake was angry she looked at him no longer but she felt as if his eyes were upon her unceasingly what about coffee mrs bolton he said suddenly she gave a great start the coffee urn was in front of her she proceeded to pour out for him the cup clattering in the saucer she held

Starting point is 05:58:48 He did not move to take it. She rose as if compelled and carried it to him. As she set it down, his hand suddenly descended upon hers. He looked up into her face faintly smiling. "'Mod, my girl, don't be such a fool,' he said. "'Can't you see you're making a mistake?' She froze in his grasp. "'Don't touch me, please,' she said.

Starting point is 05:59:12 "'You, I see things from a different standpoint. It may seem a small matter to you, but to me.' to me she stopped let me go she said with a nervous effort to free herself but he held her still say now do you think you're wise to treat me like this he said you've got to put up with me remember wouldn't it be to your own interest to give me the benefit of the doubt there is no doubt she said speaking quickly breathlessly you haven't tried to deny it as to putting up with you the hand he held clenched convulsively. I have a little self-respect. Call it pride, interjected Jake softly. She looked at him with eyes of burning revolt. Very well, call it pride. And understand that if this shameful thing ever occurs again,

Starting point is 06:00:04 neither bunny nor I can stay with you any longer. Quiveringly the words rushed out. He had goaded her into uttering an ultimatum that she had never contemplated addressing to him at the commencement of the interview, and the moment that she had uttered it. She knew that she had done wrong. The red-brown eyes uplifted to hers suddenly kindled.

Starting point is 06:00:24 He looked at her with a fiery intensity that sent the blood to her heart in a wave of wild dismay. His hand closed like a steel spring upon her wrist. So you think you'll make a fool of me? He said, and in his voice there sounded a deep note that was like the menace of an angry beast. All right, my girl. You just try it. you'll find it an interesting experiment if a bit costly are you coward enough to threaten me she said through panting lips regan you've done all the threatening this journey jake rejoined with a smile that made her shiver it wasn't exactly a wise move on your part but perhaps you'll think better of it presently he let her go with the words and she went back to her place outwardly calm inwardly shaking

Starting point is 06:01:15 jake proceeded with his breakfast in a silence so absorbed that it was almost as if he had forgotten her presence altogether it was never a lengthy meal with him he ate and drank with business like rapidity not noticing that she did neither finally he rose i shall come in presently to see if bunny wants to come down he said but the little chap doesn't look up to much this morning he'll have to take it easy maud did not respond She sat rigidly gazing towards the window. Jake stood a moment, waiting for her to turn, but she made no movement. He came quietly round to her, bent over her chair. Say, Mod, you aren't going to keep it up. That's not like you. I'll tell you all that happened last night if you'll listen.

Starting point is 06:02:05 She made a slight gesture of distaste. Her face was white and cold as marble. I would rather not hear, thank you, she said without looking at him. I would rather you went away. Jake stood up. There was no longer any suggestion of anger or any other emotion about him. His eyes glittered like red quartz in the sun, but his brow was absolutely unruffled. Well, he said in a very pronounced drawl,

Starting point is 06:02:33 I should have some breakfast if I were you and see how I felt then. It's wonderful what a difference breakfast makes. He turned away with the words. She heard him go with really. relief. On the other side of the door was the red setter, Chops. He pushed his way in with a passing smile at his master, who had conferred the freedom of the house upon him since Bunny's advent to Mrs. Lovelace's prim disgust. Jake made no attempt to hinder his entrance. He knew that Chops possessed privileges of friendship denied to himself. He closed the door upon him

Starting point is 06:03:07 and departed. Chops, after a cursory glance round for Bunny, came to the feet of his mistress. He looked at her with soft questioning eyes, then as she made no response, sat gravely down before her and rested his red silken head upon her lap. She looked down at him then. Her hand went forth to caress. He snuggled closer, sensing trouble, and breathed wistful greetings through his nose. His eyes, clear brown and full of love, looked up to hers. The rigidity went out of her attitude. She bent suddenly over him and kissed him, touched by the honest of her. devotion and sympathy of those eyes. By the simple method of offering all he had, Chops had managed to convey a little comfort to her soul.

Starting point is 06:03:54 End of chapters 25 and 26. Part 1. Chapter 27 and 28 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 27. The token. Why wouldn't you see me last night? said Soltash. he sat on the corner of the table swinging a careless leg the while under quizzical brows he watched maud arrange a great bunch of violets in a bowl the violets were straight from the birchester frames and he had ridden over to present them mod was plainly in a reticent mood she had accepted the gift indeed but with somewhat distant courtesy it was late she said and i was attending to bunny bunny he echoed the name with half-mocking surprise does he still engross the whole of your energies i thought you would have been more occupied with jake she stiffened ever so slightly at his words i only saw him for a few moments she said what didn't he come to you to you to tie up his broken head, said Saltash.

Starting point is 06:05:06 I nearly killed him, you know, but it was his own fault. I am aware of that, Maud said coldly. What, ejaculated Saltash again. Did he have the impertinence to tell you so? She raised her eyes momentarily. They shone almost black. He told me, nothing, she said her voice deep with a concentrated bitterness that made him stare. He was not in a condition to do so.

Starting point is 06:05:33 "'Saltash continued to stare. "'He was talkative enough when he left me,' he remarked. "'Her eyes gazed full into his. "'Why should you try to deceive me?' she said. "'Really, you needn't take the trouble.' "'Comprehension dawned on his face. "'He laughed a little in an amused fashion as if to himself. "'What? Wasn't the rascal sober when he got back?'

Starting point is 06:05:58 "'You know he was not,' she said. "'I know he tumbled out of the car and cracked his head, said Saltash. I dare say he'd been celebrating the mascot's victory. They all do, you know. But my dear girl, what of it? Don't look so tragic. You'll get used to it.

Starting point is 06:06:16 Don't. Mod said suddenly in a voice that shook. You make me sick. She bet her face swiftly to the violets than there was a silence. Saltash continued to swing his leg, his lips pursed to an inaudible whistle. Suddenly he spoke. "'Please remember that this is quite unofficial.

Starting point is 06:06:35 I don't want a row with Jake.' "'You needn't be afraid,' she said, putting the bowl of Violet steadily from her. No more will be said on the subject by either of us. "'I'm not afraid,' Saltash was looking at her hard with a certain curiosity. But with my best friend tied to him for life, it wouldn't, naturally, be to my interest to quarrel with him.'

Starting point is 06:06:58 She flashed him a sudden glance. "'I think you had better not call me that, Charlie,' she said. He laughed carelessly. "'I'll call you, my dearest enemy, if you like. It would be almost as near the mark.' She was silent. He bent suddenly towards her, the laugh gone from his face. "'Mod,' he said,

Starting point is 06:07:20 and there was a note of urgency in his voice. "'You're not wanting to throw me over.' She shook her head very slightly. "'I can't be on really intimate terms with you any more.' she said. You must see it's impossible. No, I don't, he said. Why is it impossible?

Starting point is 06:07:39 She did not answer. Come, he said, that's unreasonable. What have I done to forfeit your friendship? She leaned slowly back in her chair and met his eyes. I am quite willing to be friends, she said. But now that I am married, you mustn't try to flirt with me. I detest married women's flirtations. He made a wry grimace.

Starting point is 06:08:03 My precious brood, you don't even know the meaning of the word. Did you ever flirt with anyone in all your pure, sweet life? The bare idea is ludicrous. Maud's eyes held his with severity. No, I never flirted with you, Charlie, she said. But I gave you privileges which I can never give you again, which you must never again expect of me. Is that quite clear?

Starting point is 06:08:27 He stooped towards her, his hand upon her shoulders, his dark face deeply glowing. Oh, Maude the sincere, he said in a voice that vibrated with an odd intensity, half fierce, half feigned, dare you look me in the face and tell me that in marrying you have not done violence to your soul? She looked him in the face with absolute steadiness. I have nothing whatever to tell you, she said. He released as suddenly as he had taken her. There is no need, he said.

Starting point is 06:08:57 I can read you like a book. I know that if I had been at hand when your mother brought you down here, as heaven knows I would have been if I had known. If I had guessed, you would have been ready enough to marry even me. He stopped, and over his ugly comic face there came a strangely tragic look.

Starting point is 06:09:15 You could have dictated your own terms, too, he said. I'm not hard to please. Charlie, hush, sharply she broke in upon him. That is a forbidden subject. I told you definitely long ago that I could never marry you. You know as well as I do that it wouldn't have answered. You would have tired very quickly of my prim ways, just as you did tire in the old days when you fancied you cared for me. I couldn't have satisfied you. I'm not the kind of woman you crave for.

Starting point is 06:09:46 No, he laughed whimsically. Yet you know you are unjust to me. Always were. I don't know that you can help it being what you are. But, if it had been my good luck to marry you, I would have been faithful to you. It's in my bones to be faithful to one woman. However, since she has denied me, he snapped his fingers with an airy gesture. I'm amuse, otherment. By the way, are you coming up to lunch at the castle on Sunday? I? She raised her brows momentarily. No, I don't think so, she said.

Starting point is 06:10:21 What, you won't? Jake's coming. She lowered her eyes. No, Charlie, she said firmly. bunny has had one of his bad attacks he won't be well enough for any excitement and of course i couldn't dream of leaving him how you do worship that boy said saltash with a touch of impatience maud was silent look here he said abruptly why don't you have a proper opinion for bunny i'll lend you the wherewithal i'm quite well off just now she looked up then with eyes of frank gratitude charlie that's more than kind of you but as a matter of fact jake has the matter in hand he knows an american surgeon a very clever man a dr caper who is coming to england soon and he is going to get him to come and examine bunny he-it is really very good of jake she spoke haltingly with flushed cheeks saltash was watching her with critical eyes oh so the worthy jake has the matter in hand has he he said as she paused "'Wise man! I suppose it is no part of his plans to be hampered with a helpless brother-in-law all his days.'

Starting point is 06:11:33 She broke in upon him swiftly. "'Charlie, that is ungenerous.' He laughed. "'My dear girl, it is the obvious. Were I in Jake's position, my first thought would be to relieve you of the all-engrossing care of Bunny. You don't suppose he married you just to make a home for Bunny, do you?' she rose quickly and turned from him why do you try to make things harder for me she said in a voice of passionate protest sultash remained seated still swinging an idle leg on the contrary i am anxious to make everything as pleasant as possible he said but there was a slightly malicious twist to his smile and his voice was suavely mocking notwithstanding maud moved from him to the window and stood before it very still with a queenly pose of bearing wholly unconscious unapproachably aloof he watched her for a space an awed dancing gleam in his strange eyes at length as she made no movement he spoke again not wholly lightly. See here, Mod.

Starting point is 06:12:39 As a proof of my goodness of heart, where you are concerned, I am going to make you an offer. This doctor man will probably want to perform an operation on Bunny, and it couldn't possibly take place here. So, if it comes to that, will you let it be done to the castle? There's room for an army of nurses there. The whole place is at your disposal, and bunnies. And I'll undertake not to get in the way.

Starting point is 06:13:03 Come, be friends with me. You know I am as harmless as a dove in your sweet company. He stood up with the words, came impulsively to her, took her hand, and, bending with a careless grace, kissed it. She started at his touch, seemed as it were to emerge from an evil dream. She met his laughing eyes and smiled as though in spite of herself. You are going to be friends with me, said Saltash with pleased conviction. She left her hand in his. If you don't suggest, impossible things.

Starting point is 06:13:35 she said. He laughed carelessly, satisfied that he had scored a point. Nonsense, why should I? Is life so hard? I think it is, she said sadly. It's only your point of view, he said. Don't take things too seriously. And above all, stick to your friends. She looked at him very earnestly.

Starting point is 06:13:59 Will you be a true friend to me, Charlie? He bent, pressing her hand to his heart. none so true as i he said she caught back a sigh i want a friend terribly she said behold me said saltash she drew her hand slowly from him but don't make love to me she urged pleadingly not even in jest let me trust you let me lean on you don't don't trifle with me i can't bear it her voice trembled suddenly her eyes filled with tears saltash made a quick gesture as if something had hurt him i am not always trifling when i jest he said that is the mistake you always made maud was silent struggling for self-command yet after a moment she gave him her hand again in mute response to his protest he took it held it a moment or two then let it go and you will consider my suggestion with regard to bunny he said she replied with an effort yes i will consider it good he said talk it over with jake if he doesn't view it reasonably send him to me but i think he will you know i think he will you know i think think he will. He turned as if to go, but paused, and after a moment turned back.

Starting point is 06:15:25 With an air half imperious, half whimsical, he held out upon the palm of his hand, the sapphire and diamond ring which till that moment he had worn. As a token of friendship between us, he said, will you take this back? No, don't shake your head. It means nothing. But I wish you to have it. And, if ever the need should arise, the need of a friend, remember? send it to me she looked at him with serious eyes charlie i would rather not it isn't sentiment he said with a quick lift of the brows it is a token just a token whereby you may test my friendship then as she still stood dubious here take it he is coming he almost thrust it upon her and wheeled round she did not want to take it but the thing was in her hand her fingers closed upon it all almost mechanically as Jake opened the door, and as they did so, she was conscious of a great

Starting point is 06:16:23 flood of color that rose and covered face and neck. She turned her back to the light as one ashamed. Jake came in slowly as if weary. Saltash greeted him with airy nonchalance. Hello, Bolden. I came round to inquire for you. How's the broken crown? Jake's eyes regarded him bright, unswervingly direct. I reckon that was real kind. of your lordship, he said. I had it stitched this morning. I am sorry I omitted to send help along last night.

Starting point is 06:16:57 Saltash laughed. Oh, that's all right. I hardly expected it of you. As a matter of fact, the car didn't turn over as you supposed. I soon righted her. You were a bit damaged, eh? Jake's eyes were still upon him.

Starting point is 06:17:12 There was something formidable in their straight survey. So the car didn't turn over, he said, after a moment. No, if you'd hung on a bit tighter you wouldn't have been pitched out. Old Harris brought you safe home, did he? No further mishaps, by the way? None, said Jake. He advanced into the room and stopped by the table. His riding-whip was in his hand. I came home two days to give an intelligible account of myself. He said speaking very deliberately, wholly without emotion.

Starting point is 06:17:45 My wife imagined that I was not sober. Will your lordship be good enough to convince her that she was mistaken? I, said Saltash. You, my lord, Jake stood at the table square and determined. I was in your company. You can testify, if you will, that up to the time of the accident I was in a perfectly normal condition. Will you tell her so?

Starting point is 06:18:11 Saltash was facing him across the table. There was a queer look on his swarthy face, a grimace half-comic dismayed. As Jake ended his curt appeal, he shrugged and spoke. You are putting me in a very embarrassing position. I am sorry, said Jake steadily, but you are the only witness that I can call. And why should she accept my testimony? said Seltash. Evidence given, so to speak, at the sword's point, my good Bolton is seldom worth having. Moreover, if she had seen my crazy driving last night, she might have been disposed to doubt

Starting point is 06:18:48 whether my own condition were above suspicion. I see, said Jake slowly. He still looked hard into Saltash's face, and there was that in the look that quelled derision. In that case, there is nothing more to be said. Saltash made him a slight bow that was not without a touch of Hoteur. I quite agree with you.

Starting point is 06:19:10 It is an unprofitable subject. With Mrs. Bolton's permission, I will take my leave. He turned to her, took and pressed her hand. sent a sudden droll smile into her grave face and walked to the door. Jake held it open for him, but very abruptly Saltash clapped a hand on his shoulder. Come along, man. I'm going round the stables. I'm sorry you've got a sore head, but I'm off to town this afternoon, so it's now or never. By the way, we shall have to postpone the luncheon party till a more convenient season. I've no doubt it's all the same to you.

Starting point is 06:19:45 He had his way. Jake went with him, and And Ma drew a breath of deep relief. She felt that another private interview with her husband just then would have been unendurable. She sat down and leaned upon the table, feeling weak and unerved. Not till several minutes had passed that she awake to the fact that she was holding Salt Ash's ring. That old dear gift of his, tightly clasped within her quivering hands. 28. The Visitor I do hope as I don't intrude.

Starting point is 06:20:18 said Mrs. Wright, passing her handkerchief over her shining forehead. I didn't mean to take the liberty of calling Mrs. Bolton, but your husband met my Tom the other day, and something he let fall made me think perhaps you'd be finding it a bit lonely, so I thought I'd come up on the chance. It was very kind of you, Maud said. She sat with her visitor in the little dark front room in which Jake kept his business books, his whips,

Starting point is 06:20:44 and all the paraphernalia of his calling. It was a bare office-like apartment and reeked horribly of Jake's tobacco, but Bunny was lying in the parlor and he had strenuously set his face against admitting the worthy Mrs. Wright there. It was extremely cold, and mod felt pinched and inhospitable. The grate was full of shavings, the whole place was cheerless and forlorn. It was a room that she scarcely ever entered, regarding it, in fact, more as Jake's office than an alternative sitting-room.

Starting point is 06:21:14 Mrs. Wright, however, stout, red. Comfortable did not feel the cold. She sat with her umbrella, propped up against her chair, and regarded her stiff young hostess with much geniality on her homely face. You do look like a princess in a cottage, my dear, if you'll allow me to say so, she said. And how are you getting on? I hope Jake's a good husband to you. I feel sure he would be.

Starting point is 06:21:38 He's such an honest fellow. I often says to Tom, Give me a plain honest man like Jake Walton, I says. he's a man in a thousand. I'm sure you think so yourself, Mrs. Bolton. Maud, not knowing quite what to say, replied with reserve that she had no doubt he was. She was wondering if she could possibly offer Mrs. Wright tea in that dreadful little room of Jake's, and if she ever would get rid of her if she didn't.

Starting point is 06:22:06 Mrs. Wright, serenely unconscious of the troublous question vexing her soul, went comfortably on. I've often thought that if it had pleased the Almighty to send me a daughter, "'Jake's just the man I would have chosen for her. "'I like them eyes of his. "'They're so straight. "'But mind you, I think he has a temper of his own. "'Mayhap you've never met with it yet.' "'She looked at Maude slyly out of merry little slits of eyes

Starting point is 06:22:33 "'and chuckled at the flush that rose in the girl's face. "'He certainly never loses it in my presence,' "'Mod said stiffly. "'Mrs. Wright's chuckle became a laugh. "'Lor my dear! here you needn't be shy with me. He worships you. Now don't he.

Starting point is 06:22:51 I saw that the first time I laid eyes on you. That was when you was waiting for him to come and take you into supper, and my Tom came first. I said to myself then, Ah, Jake, young man, it's plain to see where your fancy lies. And I laughed to myself, said Mrs. Wright still chuckling. For I couldn't help thinking he was ambitious to lift his eyes to a real lady. not that in my opinion a man who is a man isn't good enough for any woman and i'm sure you think the same and then you know he's that fond of children as jake the wonder to my mind is not that he's married now but that he stayed single so long

Starting point is 06:23:32 he is very fond of my young brother mod observed ah is he now the poor little lad is a cripple isn't he many's the time i've watched you go by my shop window it's the woolshed at the corner of East Street with one window that looks over the sea. I used to wish you'd drop in to buy something, my dear, but you never did. Perhaps now you'll manage to find your way around there some day. Thank you, Mott said, but I so seldom go anywhere. My brother takes up all my time. Mrs. Wright's Rubicund face took a look of disappointment, but she still smiled. It was the face that lent itself to smiles.

Starting point is 06:24:14 It isn't to be expected that he'd want to come, she said. But I'd be very pleased to see you both at any time. What a good sister you are to him, my dear. I hope as he appreciates you. Maud's heart smote her suddenly. She realized that she had been ungracious. Thank you very much, Mrs. Wright, she said with more cordiality than she had yet shown. I will try to run in some day.

Starting point is 06:24:41 Mrs. Wright looked enchanted on the instant. My dear, I'd be delighted. Come any time of day just when it suits you. Tom and me we live alone now. He's such a good son. He keeps a hairdresser's saloon, you know, at the side of the shop. That's how we come to know, Mr. Bolton. He comes as regular as possible every third week to have his haircut.

Starting point is 06:25:05 Such a head of hair it is, hair such as a woman would give her eyes for. It's to be hoped he'll get a little daughter some day, as'll take after him. Your eyes and his hair, wouldn't she be a picture? Maude's geniality passed like a light extinguished. She became statuesque. How soon the light goes, she said with a glance towards the darkening window. Yes, don't it, said Mrs. Wright. There fell a silence most unusual with Mrs. Wright. With an effort, Maude dispelled it. We are very much interested in the horses. You heard of the

Starting point is 06:25:42 mascot's victory at Greydown? Mrs. Wright came out of her silence, shook herself together, as it were, and smiled again. Now, isn't that nice for Jake? He's that wrapped up in the animals, and to have you interested in him, too. Now I should be jealous of him if it was me. It was at this point that Jake himself threw open the door and entered, stopping short within the room and surprised to find it occupied. Mrs. Wright laughed aloud. There now, you didn't expect to find me in possession, did you? How'd you do, Jake? What's happened to your head? Jake advanced with extended hand. Hello, it's mother right, he said, and to Maude's amazement stooped and kissed her. If this isn't a real pleasure, but what are you doing here?

Starting point is 06:26:33 My head made a hole in the road coming home from the races the other night, and it is still too sore a subject for discussion. Now, now, Jake. protested mrs. Wright. Fact, he assured her with the candid smile that Maude had seen but little of late. But now what are you doing in here, I want to know? This place is like a vault. Come along into the parlor and have some tea.

Starting point is 06:26:59 He had not so much as glanced at Maude. She spoke suddenly with nervous haste. Bunny is in the parlor, Jake. He may be dozing. We'll soon wake him up, said Jake. He drew Mrs. Wright to him. tightly-gloved hand through his arm and turned to the door. But she held him back laughing. Jake, Jake, you've forgotten something. What's that? said Jake. She told him amid many fat

Starting point is 06:27:26 chuckles. Why, you've kissed me and you haven't kissed your wife. Come now. That's not right, and you but just married. I know you're wanting to, so don't be shy. I've been a bride myself and I know all about it. She would have withdrawn her hand from Jake's arm, but he would not suffer it. No, no, he said with a careless laugh. We don't do our kissing in public. Guess it isn't a genial enough atmosphere either. Come along, mother.

Starting point is 06:27:58 You'll perish in here. He led her from the room still without glancing in Maud's direction, and drew her along the narrow passage to the door of the parlor. Maud followed with a stateliness that veiled a burning embarrassment. She listened for Bunny's voice at the opening of the door, and instantly heard it raised in cracked remonstrance. Here I say, don't bring anyone in here. Oh, it's you, Jake.

Starting point is 06:28:23 I thought it was Maud. I thought. His voice suddenly ended in what she felt to be the silence of disgust, and Jake's accents very measured, very determined, took up the tail. This is my young brother-in-law, Mrs. Wright. Sir Bernard Brian, commonly called Bunny. Well, Bunny, my lad, I've brought you a visitor to tea. Bunny growled an inarticulate response,

Starting point is 06:28:48 and Mrs. Wright covered all deficiencies with her cheery chuckle. So nice to see you so cozy and comfortable, my dear. I hope as I'm not intruding too much. Do you know, Jake, I don't think I'd better stop to tea. It's getting dark and Tom will be wondering. Let him wonder, said Jake. said Jake. I'll see you home all in good time.

Starting point is 06:29:11 You know you always have tea when you come to see me? It's seldom enough you come, too. Maud, for the first time he addressed her directly, and in his voice was a new note of authority such as she had never heard before. Order the tea, will you? We will have it at once. It was a distinct command.

Starting point is 06:29:31 Mod's delicate necks diffined instinctively. She crossed the room in silence and rang. the bell. The summons was answered with unusual promptitude by Mrs. Lovelace, who entered with the supper-cloth on her arm, and was greeted by the visitor with much joviality. "'How is it I never see you round our way, Sarah? Have you quite forgotten your old friends?' "'Not at all, Mrs. Wright, ma'am,' said Mrs. Lovelace, dexterously flinging her cloth over the table. "'But I've been a bit busy, you see, what with one thing and another, and me times been occupied. What on earth are you spreading that cloth for? Here broke in bunny in irritable astonishment.

Starting point is 06:30:12 We never have that for tea. Mrs. Lovelace looked at him with dignity and hitched one shoulder. We always has a good spread when Mrs. Wright comes to see the master, she said, in a tone that conveyed a distinct reproof for ill-timed interference. Bunny subsided into sullen silence, and Mrs. Wright laughed again. I remember as it always used. to be a heavy tea, she said. But I don't suppose a young gentleman like you would know what such things mean. Now, I do hope you won't put yourself out on my account, Mrs. Bolton. It's true I'm not accustomed to drawing-room meals.

Starting point is 06:30:50 Never had tea on my lap in my life. But there, you might say, as I haven't got much lap left to have it on. Is that sardines you've got there, Sarah? Ah, you always remember my pet weakness? "'Well, Jake, my dear, I haven't congratulated you yet on your marriage. I hope it's going to be a very prosperous one. I don't doubt as you've got a wife to be proud of, and I hope you'll pull together well, and make each other happy and comfortable, and may you have your heart's desire, Jake,

Starting point is 06:31:23 which, if I know you properly, isn't very far to seek.' "'That's real kind of you, mother,' said Jake somberly. He had seated himself near Bunny whose brows were drawn in an ominous scowl. In spite of the fire that roared up the chimney, the atmosphere was very far from being a genial one. Jake's eyes compellingly bright were fixed upon Maude, who, though burningly conscious of his regard, refused persistently to raise her own. She was bitterly resentful of Jake's attitude. It placed her in an intolerable position from which she felt herself powerless to break free.

Starting point is 06:32:00 She had no desire to treat this impossible old woman churlishly, but somehow Jake forced her to a more acute realization of the great gulf that stretched between them. She could not even pretend to be cordial in his presence. She sat tongue-tied. Mrs. Wright, however, chatted on with the utmost complacence. She was plainly quite at her ease with Jake, and she kept the conversation going without any effort, despite Maud's obvious embarrassment and Bunny's evident impatience. she made a hearty meal urged on by jake who presently bestowed the whole of his attention upon her seeming to dismiss his wife and brother-in-law from his mind i really must be going she declared at length having detailed all the local gossip she could think of for his delectation you shouldn't encourage me so jake i'm sure you'll all be tired out i reckon you're just the most welcome visitor that ever darkens my doors said jake rising with her now you're not to hurry i'm going to tell them to put the horse in no no jake my dear don't you i'd sooner walk i would indeed it does me good and it's too cold to-night for driving no and i'm not going to let you see me home either i'd know the way blindfold and i'm not that nervous oh there now what's this mrs lovelace had just thrown open the door with some pomp

Starting point is 06:33:30 She entered, bearing an enormous bunch of violets which she proceeded to present to Maude with the ceremonious announcement. Lord Saltaish's compliments, ma'am, and will you do him the honour to accept these? Oh, my, how lovely, cried Mrs. Wright. Maude said nothing. She took the violets and held them up to her face. Jake glanced at her momentarily, and thence to Mrs. Lovelace who had come forward to Mrs. Wright into her cloak.

Starting point is 06:33:58 Is Lord Saltage at the door? He asked. Mrs. Lovelace gave a start as if something in the query surprised her. No, sir. The flowers was brought by a groom, she said. Jake said no more, but something in his silence

Starting point is 06:34:15 sent the ever-ready color flooding Maude's face and neck. She bent a little lower over the violet saying no word. Mrs. Wright came clumsily into the breach. But aren't they lovely, to be sure? never did i see such beauties and the scent of em why the room is full of it isn't that kind of lord saltash now they have a great quantity at the castle maud said in muffled tones she held the flowers for mrs wright to smell and at the same moment jake reached forth and took them from her outstretched hand you take em if you like em mother we get more of em than we want he said in leisurely tones and thrust the bouquet forthwith into her astonished grasp

Starting point is 06:35:01 oh my dear cried mrs wright between dismay and delight but-but there was a present to mrs bolton i couldn't really no that i couldn't Take them, Jake said. He was smiling a smile of deadly determination, and his leisurely utterance held something of a fateful quality that induced Mrs. Wright to hush her remonstrances and turn appealingly to Maude. The latter was standing erect and still with eyes of burning blue fixed steadily upon emptiness. She made no response whatever to her visitor's unspoken appeal. It seemed that she did not even see it.

Starting point is 06:35:39 It's all right, mother, smiled Jake. you take him home and enjoy them. As a matter of fact, Maude and I are getting a bit fed up with them ourselves. Yes, I'm going to see you home. I'd rather. And I'd rather not, Jake, Mrs. Wright asserted with sudden decision. An odd expression of sternness had come into her jolly countenance. It sat very strangely there. She came close to Maude, and as the girl extended a stiff hand in farewell,

Starting point is 06:36:10 she took it and pressed the flowers into it. "'They're not Jakes to give,' she said, "'and I'm not going to deprive you of them. "'Thank you kindly for a very good tea, Mrs. Bolton, my dear. "'And now I'll wish you good-bye. "'If there's ever anything as I can do for you, "'you must let me know.' "'The words, the tone, were full of kindly comprehension,

Starting point is 06:36:34 "'a sympathy too subtle for outward expression. "'Modd looked into eyes of shining friendliness and as if a sudden shaft of sunlight had caught her heart, her bitterness melted into something that was near akin to gratitude. She held up the violets with a smile. Wait a moment, she said. I would like you to have some of them. She untied them with the words, divided the great bunch,

Starting point is 06:36:58 and gave back a generous half into Mrs. Wright's plump hand. Now that's very good of you, dear, said Mrs. Wright. I shall just treasure them, violets. They'll make me. me think of you whenever I look at him. They're just the color of your eyes. Goodbye, and thank you most kindly. It was then that Maud did a thing that amazed herself, impelled there too by that subtle sympathy which she had so little expected to meet. She bent her stately neck and kissed the red smiling face uplifted in such honest admiration

Starting point is 06:37:32 to hers. "'Good-bye, Mrs. Wright,' she said, "'and thank you for coming. I shall try to come and see you one day.' when I can make time. Any time, dear, any time, beamed Mrs. Wright. Drop in just whenever you feel inclined. I'm most always there.

Starting point is 06:37:52 She gave a hearty hug with the words, and then, as if afraid that this demonstration had been too ardent, she turned and trotted to the door. Goodbye, Jake. Goodbye. There now, I've forgotten Sir Brian. You must excuse me for being so stupid. Oh, don't trouble. said Bunny with ironical courtesy.

Starting point is 06:38:13 Pray don't come back on my account. She looked back at him from the threshold, a very motherly compassion on her jolly face. Poor little lad, she murmured pityingly. How sadly he looks to be sure. Goodbye then, Sir Brian. I won't come back. Now, Jake, I'll let you see me to the doorstep.

Starting point is 06:38:34 No further. The moon's up, and Tom will be sure to come and meet me. She started down the passage with Jake behind her, her voice dwindling as she went. I'm so glad as I've seen your princess, Jake. I think she's lovely. Mind you're very good to her. She's high-born, you know, Jake, my boy. Better class than you and me.

Starting point is 06:38:57 I never see anyone so proud and so dainty. You be kind to her, my lad, and see you treat her like the lady she is. Jake's reply, if he made one, was. inaudible. Common old hag, growled Bunny from his sofa. Maud said nothing at all. Her face was hidden in her violets, and she was as one who heard not. End of chapters 27 and 28. Part 1. Chapter 29 and 30 of the 100th Chance by Ethel Amdel. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 29. Her other self. It was on an afternoon in mid-January that Maude found herself for the first time in the precincts of Berchester Castle.

Starting point is 06:39:50 She had heard nothing of Lord Saltas since his departure for town, though gifts of flowers arrived at regular intervals from his hot-houses. And it seemed that his absence would be indefinitely prolonged. She almost hoped that it would be so, for though he was practically her only friend, his presence was not an unalloyed pleasure. She felt more at ease when he was away. On this particular afternoon she had left Bunny wrapped up in his long chair and lying in the summer house that overlooked the field where Jake was occupied in breaking in a wild young colt. The day was fine and unusually warm. Bunny was in a contented mood, and since Jake was close at hand, she did not see why she should not leave him for a space. He had been needing her less and less of late, and though his behavior towards herself had undoubtedly undergone a considerable improvement, it was becoming very evident to her.

Starting point is 06:40:42 that he vastly preferred Jake's masculine companionship to her own. He was, in fact, so devoted to Jake that he would endure correction from him without a murmur, a state of affairs that Maud vaguely resented without knowing why. They were such close allies that she often felt herself to be superfluous. Neither by day nor by night was her presence any longer essential. She knew that she ought not to regret this, for it meant that Bunny's health was very materially improving, but yet at the heart of her there often came a pang. She missed his dependence upon her with a poignancy that was very hard to bear.

Starting point is 06:41:19 And so, for the first time that afternoon, she decided to avail herself of Lord Saltash's permission to use the piano at the castle. She had an intense love of music and a natural gift for it, which she had never been able to develop very freely. Charlie was musical, too. Some of her happiest hours had been spent at the piano with him in the old days. He was an accomplished musician himself, and he had given her many a lesson and valuable hint. She sometimes thought that it was over the piano that her heart had first gone out to his.

Starting point is 06:41:51 She did not want to recall those happy times they had together. They lay far behind her with her buried youth. But the longing to make music was strong upon her. It had risen out of her loneliness like a fiery thirst in the desert, and she yearned to gratify it. And after all, why should you? she not. Charlie was away. There was no one to know or care how she spent her time. It was obviously and unquestionably her own. Jake had wholly ceased to take any interest in her doings. He treated her

Starting point is 06:42:23 as the most casual acquaintance. When he greeted her, he never so much as touched her hand. He was everything to Bunny. He was nothing to her. And every day it seemed to her that he drew a little further away from her. She had tried to make overtures more than once, but he never seemed to understand. He would look at her in his straight, impenetrable way, and passed deliberately on to some other matter, whether with intention or not she could never wholly decide. He had never tried to be kind to her since the day she had refused to hear his preferred explanation. A great bitterness was growing up within her. She felt as if he had deprived her of all she cared for, and given her nothing in return. It was in part this bitterness of spirit that drove her to

Starting point is 06:43:07 Berchester Castle that day, and added there to an intense and feverish desire to escape, if only for an hour, from the atmosphere of her daily existence. She felt as if it were crushing out her individuality, and she longed desperately to be herself, her best and happiest self, if only for an hour. So with no word to any but bunny of her intention, she passed up the long-fur avenue to the castle with the winter sun sinking red behind her. The great stone building frowned upon, her as she drew near. She approached it with a certain awe. The dark windows seemed to gaze at her. The massive entrance yawned to receive her. She stepped into the echoing Gothic porch and found

Starting point is 06:43:50 herself confronted by a massive oak door. The electric bell at the side of this, however, was reassuring and she rang it without hesitation. While she waited for the door to open, she amused herself by examining the gargoyles that surmounted the pillars of the porch. jeering demon faces that made her shiver. There was about the place an ecclesiastical dignity at which those faces seemed to mock. The thought of Saltash went through her. Saltash, in a derisive mood,

Starting point is 06:44:18 was strikingly like one of these. The door opened with noiseless state and an ancient man-servant stood before her. He looked at her with grave inquiry and with a touch of nervousness she explained her presence. I am Mrs. Bolton. Lord Saltash is a way I know.

Starting point is 06:44:35 but he has given me permission to use his piano. I thought I should like to do so this afternoon. The old man stood back and bowed before her. Come in, madame, he said. She entered with a curious sensation of unreality and found herself in an immense stone hall, carpeted with rich Persian rugs and splendidly warmed by a great fire that roared in an open fireplace.

Starting point is 06:45:00 The sense of ecclesiastical austerity completely vanished as soon as the door closed behind her. the whole atmosphere became luxurious sensuous eastern there were some wonderful pieces of statuary some in marble and some in bronze placed here and there that were of anything but monastical design one in particular in a niche in the stone wall caught maud's eyes as she followed her guide a nude female figure with wings one of which was spread like an eagle's pinion as though to soar while the other trailed back broken drooping powerless It was a wonderful marble, and she paused before it almost involuntarily. The arms of the figure were outstretched and straining upwards, the head flung back, and in the face such anguish, such longing, such passionate protest, as thrilled her through and through. The old butler paused also.

Starting point is 06:45:53 That, he said in his decorous monotone, is Spentoli's fallen woman. His lordship prefers to call it the captured angel. a very valuable piece of sculpture, I believe, madam, quite one of the features of the place. His lordship sets great store by it, and it is universally admired by all visitors. It is wonderful, Maud said.

Starting point is 06:46:17 But yet she turned her eyes away almost immediately. There was something about that mute, agonized figure of womanhood that she felt she could not bear to look upon except in solitude. The butler stumped on down the Great Hall, and she followed, to a grand oak's staircase that divided into two branches halfway up and led to a paneled gallery that ran along three sides of the hall. Solomely they mounted. A high oak door confronted them at the top which

Starting point is 06:46:43 the old man threw open with much ceremony. The grand piano, madam, is over by the west window, he said, and with another deep bow withdrew, closing the door without sound behind her. Maud went forward into the room. The first impression she received was of great loftiness. it was a huge apartment oak-panelled and with a floor of polished oak the whole of one side of the room was lighted by south windows that looked out over terraced gardens to the pine woods of the park at the end was a turret in the western angle of the wall and here stood the piano full in the glow of the sinking sun there were two fireplaces in the room and in the one nearer to the piano a red still fire was burning a low couch stood before it and a great tiger skin the only rug in the whole vast place was spread on the hearth there were other couches and strangely shaped divans in the room but no chairs and only one small table the whole effect was spacious and eastern curiously attractive to the senses and yet curiously elusive maud went over to the uncovered floor treading lightly with a feeling of having entered an enchanted land a feeling not wholly pleasant of being caught in a fairy web of subtleties, from which one might not find it easy to escape.

Starting point is 06:48:03 The whole atmosphere breathed of saltash. She was sure he had designed every elusive detail. The piano was thrown invitingly open. A French song was on the rack. It had the appearance of having been placed there but a moment before. A sudden doubt assailed her, a sensation as of having walked unwittingly into a trap. Some force had drawn her hither some magnetism had surely been at work. The impulse came to her then to turn and go, yet she resisted it. Later it seemed to her that she had lacked the motive power to do what but move straight to the piano and drop into the music-stool before the keys.

Starting point is 06:48:45 Her hands went out to them, and suddenly she was playing, at first very softly, then with gathering tone as she felt the instrument respond to her touch, till at length all sense of strangeness left her, and she began to sing the little friend Diddy that once had been one of her favorites. She had never heard her own voice to greater advantage than in that lofty music room. It was a mezzo, sweet rather than powerful, with a ringing bell-like quality that Charlie had been wont to compare to the tentative notes of a bullfinch. He had always declared that she was afraid of the sound of it, but this was certainly not the case today. The glad notes left her lips, true and free and bird-like. The heart within her had suddenly

Starting point is 06:49:26 grown light. The song came to an end. Her fingers began to wander idly over the keys. She played a dreamy air with an old world waltz refrain, too lost in her trance of delight to realize what she played, and again half unconsciously, she was singing as she had sung long ago before the gates of youth. There has fallen a splendid tear from the passion flower at the gate.

Starting point is 06:49:52 She is coming, my dove, my dear. She is coming, my dear. She is coming, my life, my fate. The red rose cries, she is near, she is near. And the white rose weeps, she is late. The larkspur listens, I hear, I hear. And the lily whispers, I wait. Softly, sweetly, the notes told through the room, wandered a while and ceased. There fell a pause, and the girl's eyes rested dreaming on the long dark line of pine trees red flushed in the glow of sunset. then still following her dream she sang on she is coming my own my sweet were it ever so airy a tread my heart would hear her and beat were at earth in an earthy bed my dust would hear her and beat had i lain for a century dead would start and tremble under her feet and blossom in purple and red and then she was singing the refrain and while she sang it she awoke come into the garden maud for the blood

Starting point is 06:50:54 black bat night has flown come into the garden maud i am here at the gate alone i am here at the gate alone she stopped suddenly with the conviction that a man's voice had joined hers in the singing of that refrain yet if this had been so the accompanying voice ceased as abruptly as her own she found herself sitting in absolute silence with every pulse racing every nerve strained to listen no sound came to her the whole great chamber was as still as death the fire burned red and silent there was not so much as the ticking of a clock to be heard and yet it seemed to her that eyes watched her from some vantage point unseen she had a firm conviction that she was not alone she controlled the curious excitement that possessed her and slowly set her fingers once more on the keys she played the old refrain again singing it very softly listening intently while she sang this time she was sure quite sure that a man's voice hummed the air she went on to the end and suffered her hands to fall charlie she said without turning there came a slight sound behind her the click as of a spring catch she looked round and saw him standing against the high paneling of the wall what a childish game to play she said with lips that slightly trembled we are all children observed saltash we may think ourselves mighty clever but the fact remains greetings my queen rose i am enchanted to see you he came forward his black brows working comically his queer ugly face smiling a welcome in spite of herself maud smiled in answer but why did you pretend you weren't at home she said in a voice of protest he laughed as he took her hand but i wasn't he said i motored down on purpose to receive you are you so disappointed she shook her head but she still looked at him

Starting point is 06:52:56 him somewhat dubiously you know charlie she said i like people to behave quite straightforwardly and to tell the truth heavens above laughed saltash why so grievously moral well look here let me be quite quite honest and admit that it was wholly by chance that i came down here today chance or the beneficent will of the gods call it what you will and my dear girl don't be prudish now you are married remember that though it is a state of bondage there are certain liberties attached that are well worth having. Now you are going to play and sing to me while I smoke and admire. He turned from her and threw himself upon a low settee in the window embrasure. The scent of his cigarette came to her aromatic, eastern, fragrant of many subtleties.

Starting point is 06:53:46 She breathed it as one who inhales the magic of the gods. Now play, he commanded his strange restless eyes upon her. play as the spirit moves you never mind me i am of no account she had done it often before in the old days it was not difficult to do it now with the spell of his personality upon her her own spirit responded instinctively to the call of his the sympathy between them became communion she began to play and playing lost herself in the music as one inspired saltash lay without moving as if half asleep he also seemed seemed as one under a charm. Aunt Maud played on, and on, seeing visions, steeping her soul in romance, forgetful wholly of the chain by which she was bound, forgetful also of her companion,

Starting point is 06:54:38 or perhaps so merged in his individuality as to be unaware of any dividing line. It was the old sweet dreamland that had always held them both. Time passed and the red sun with it. The early dark began to fall, the shining visions to wane. She came out of her trance at last with a deep sigh

Starting point is 06:54:58 and suffered her hands to fall. Instantly Sautash sat up. Bravo, my belle reine. Your touch is like velvet to the senses. You have scarcely sung to me at all. But no matter. You have closed the gates now and we can't go back. But wasn't it good?

Starting point is 06:55:17 Come, be honest and say so. She lifted her eyes to his with something of her dream still lingering. there. It was very good, she said. And you'll come again, he insinuated. The dream began to fade.

Starting point is 06:55:33 With her right hand she picked out a nervous little air on the piano, saying no word. He leaned towards her. Maud, he insisted. Surely you'll come again. I don't know, she said slowly. Surely, he said again. Her eyes grew troubled. Charlie, she said, her finger still softly pressing the keys.

Starting point is 06:55:57 I can't come here when you are here. I like to come. Oh, yes, I like to come. But I mustn't. Why not? said Saltash. Afraid of the cow-puncher. She shrank and struck a sudden discordant cord. I am not afraid of anyone, but I must think of appearances. I owe it to myself. I should like to come sometimes and play. But, with you here, I am not afraid of anyone. But I must think of appearances. I owe it to myself. I should like to come sometimes and play. But, with you here, I can't. All right, he said abruptly, I'll go. Her eyes flashed up to his. She took her hand from the piano and gave it to him. You are going to be a true friend to me, Charlie, she said. He smiled rather wryly. My friendship is to take a somewhat negative form, it seems to me, but perhaps it will stand the

Starting point is 06:56:45 strain. Have you heard anything yet about the American doctor? She shook her head. No, nothing. And you have not laid my proposal before Jake, I gather. He pursued, boldly keeping her hand in his. Not yet, she said. Have you given the matter your own August's consideration? He asked. Her hand began to fidget for freedom. I have thought about it, Charlie. I have not quite made up my mind. but you mustn't be hurt if I say no I shan't be hurt he said slowly relaxing his hold so that her hand slipped free but I shall think that your love of propriety somewhat outweighs your love for bunny she flushed and turned aside to take up her gloves in silence he stood and watched her that is so like you he said after a moment she glanced at him what do you mean he laughed lightly but without mockery your state's silences. Do you know, I remember you best by your silences. It is there that you differ from all the rest of your charming sex. Other women, when they are misjudged, clamor for redress.

Starting point is 06:57:55 You endure in silence, too proud to complain. I wonder if Jake has realized your silences yet. Maude stiffened a little. I must be going, she said. I promised Bunny I would be back to tea. I'll walk back with you, said Saltash. She shook her head. No, I would rather go alone. Why don't you tackle the situation boldly and ask me to tea? She was walking down the long room, and he sauntered beside her smoking a cigarette, careless, and debonair. I think it wise or not, Charlie, she said.

Starting point is 06:58:30 He laughed. As you will. But to remember, life is short. We may as well enjoy ourselves while it lasts. Did old Billings show you up here? He is the one respectable feature of the sustainability. establishment. Yes, he certainly is respectable, she agreed with a smile. But where were you when I came in? You didn't come through this door. He laughed again, in a fashion half-mocking,

Starting point is 06:58:56 half-secretive. That is my affair, my Belle Reine. Some day I may show you, several things, but that day has not dawned yet. He threw open the door and they found the great hall below them a blaze with electric light. I suppose I may accompany you downstairs. he observed. What a wonderful place it is, Maude said. Her eyes went almost involuntarily to the statue that had arrested her attention

Starting point is 06:59:23 on entering. It shone from its niche with a white splendor that seemed to give forth a light. My captured angel has the place of honor by night and by day, said Saltash. I have been wanting you to see her, or perhaps it would be more correct to say,

Starting point is 06:59:39 I have been wanting to see you together. Have you ever met your other, self before my other self she looked at him interrogatively he made her a quizzical bow have you never seen that face before she descended the stairs and approached the statue they stood together before it she had desired to see it in solitude before but with saltash by her side that desire had left her they viewed it from the same standpoint in that subtle communion of spirit that had always characterized their interest course. And she saw, as he saw, her own features carved in the marble, piteous, tragic, alive.

Starting point is 07:00:22 Poor captured angel, murmured Soltash softly, so fair of face, so sad of soul. She did not respond. She felt as if in that recognition something had pierced her heart. It was like a revelation of things to come. So for a while she stood, gazing upon that tragic figure of broken womanhood, and finally, in silence, turned away. He went with her to the door, but he did not offer a second time to accompany her further. On the threshold she gave him her hand in farewell. You will come again, he said. She met his strange, unstable eyes for a moment and fancied that they pleaded with her.

Starting point is 07:01:05 Not to see you, Charlie, she said, and was conscious in a vaguely troubled way that the words cost her an effort. His eyes flashed her a laugh. No, not to see me, he said lightly. Of course not. Just for your own enjoyment. You will enjoy that piano, you know. And you can have it all to yourself.

Starting point is 07:01:26 She smiled in spite of herself, even against her will. Very well, she said. I will come again some day. And thank you very much. Oh, don't do that, he protested. It spoils everything. She released her hand and, turned from him, still smiling.

Starting point is 07:01:44 Goodbye, she said. Farewell, Queen of the Roses, he made light response. She passed through the wide stone porch and out into the dark of the winter evening. 30. The rising current. It was very dark along the avenue of pine trees, darker than she had anticipated. She almost wished that she had allowed saltash to accompany her. She went as quickly as she dared in the gloom, conscious that it was growing late. The road wound considerably, and she could not see the lamp at the gates.

Starting point is 07:02:17 Overhead, a rising wind moaned desolately through the pines. They swayed and creaked as though whispering together. Very soon, the lights of the castle were obscured behind her, and she was in almost total darkness. She pressed on with an uneasy suspicion that it must be later than she had thought. Doubtless Jake had wheeled Bunny back to the house long before. Bunny knew whether she had gone so they would not be anxious about her, but they would wonder why she was so late. The afternoon had fled away like a dream. She began to quicken her steps somewhat recklessly, but the road curved more abruptly than she realized, and she presently ran into the grassy bank, nearly falling into the outstretched

Starting point is 07:02:58 arms of a fir tree. She recovered herself sharply with a gasp of dismay, and paused to try to discern more clearly the winding of the way. It was at this point that there came to her the sound of advancing footsteps. Someone was approaching with a slow, purposeful stride that suddenly sent the blood to her heart in a quick wave of something that was almost apprehension. She stood quite still and waited. Nearer and nearer came the leisurely tread. Instinct, blind, and unreasoning, prompted her to draw back into the shielding recesses of the tree with a desperate desire to escape notice. It was a footfall that she had come to know, and, why she could not have said, did not want to meet Jake at that moment.

Starting point is 07:03:43 With a very curious dread at her heart, she stood and waited. He came to within a couple of yards of her and stopped. You can come out, he remarked dryly. It's just you I've come along to fetch. His voice was perfectly quiet and natural, but there was that in the words that fired within her a burning indignation. She came forward and faced him in the gloom. Why should you take that trouble? she said.

Starting point is 07:04:10 she saw his eyes glitter in the darkness and knew that they were upon her with a lynx-like intensity i reckon i have the right he said in his slow way you've no objection i presume her cheeks burned hotly in the darkness she knew that he had her at a disadvantage i am fully capable of taking care of myself she said beginning to walk on down the dim avenue he fell into his easy stride beside her is that why lord saltage left you to walk home alone he said she clenched her hands in the darkness what do you mean i think i am right in concluding that you have spent the afternoon with him jake said in his measured tones maud stood suddenly still she was quivering from head to foot you are quite right she said in a voice that she strove in vain to steady i think i have told you before lord saltash and i are old friends yes i am aware of that jake said he reached out a quiet hand and took her by the arm leading her calmly forward she went with him because she could not do otherwise but she would have given all she had at that moment to wrench herself free There was no escape for her, however. She was forced to endure his touch, forced to go forward with him along a road that she could not see.

Starting point is 07:05:30 He led her in silence, calmly, unfalteringly, with the utmost confidence. She was sure that those lynx eyes of his could see in the dark. But his silence speedily became intolerable. It seemed to her to bristle with condemnation. It goaded her against her will into speech. Lord Saltash has given me his permission to use the piano at the castle.

Starting point is 07:05:52 I did not know when I went that he had returned. I could have told you that, commented Jake. Again her resentment rose to a flame burning fiercely. Yet his words held no insult. With all her strength she strove for calmness. I did not know of it. In any case, I do not see that it was a matter of very vital importance. An hour at the piano is a great treat for me, and I shall probably go again.

Starting point is 07:06:19 For an hour, said Jake. This time the peculiar intonation of his voice was unmistakable, not to be ignored. She flung him instant defiance. For as long as I choose, my time is my own. He was silent a moment, but she was conscious of the tightening of his hand. At length, all right, my girl, he said,

Starting point is 07:06:42 but remember my claim to it comes before Lord Saltash's. Some day it may happen that I shall put in my claim. I have never been content to be passed at the winning post. Her heart quivered at the deliberate purpose with which he spoke. She walked on, saying no word. They were nearing the gates and the glare from the two great lamps shone towards them lighting the way. She braced herself and made a resolute attempt to free her arm from his hold. Easy, easy, said Jake.

Starting point is 07:07:14 We haven't got there yet. It's dark beyond those lights. She abandoned her effort, feeling that she had no choice. They walked on together silently. They reached and passed through the gates. The road stretched before them, steep and winding. Will cut across the fields, said Jake. He led her to a stile almost concealed in the hedge

Starting point is 07:07:36 and hear his hold upon her relaxed. He vaulted the rail and waited for her. He did not offer to assist her, though the step was high. She mounted in nervous haste to avoid his touch. but for the darkness she would have found no difficulty in springing down but as it was she misjudged the distance slipped and fell she threw out her hands with a cry and the next moment she was caught in jake's arms he held her fast so fast that for a few palpitating seconds she felt the hard beating of his heart against her own then in response to her desperate efforts for freedom he let her go without excuse without apology in a deep-breathing silence that somehow appalled her they walked side by side along the field path saying no word there was a gate at the further end that led into the training field below the little orchard as they reached this jake paused very deliberately and spoke i reckon i've got to prepare you for a visitor a visitor she stopped in swift dread if she knew not what a friend of mine drawled jake with an odd touch of aggressiveness you're not precisely dead nuts on my friends as a rule i know

Starting point is 07:08:47 but I guess this one may prove an exception. Dr. Capper turned up this afternoon. I left him having tea with Bunny. Dr. Capper. Maud gasped the name scarcely conscious of speaking at all. Dr. Capper from the States, said Jake unmoved. He chanced to be just leaving for this country when my letter reached him, so he thought he'd answer it in person and look us up first.

Starting point is 07:09:13 He and Bunny are fast pals already. He's a regular man. magician is Dr. Kapper. But, but you never expected him so soon, faltered Maude. Surely, he won't want to, to examine Bunny yet. Not before tomorrow, maybe, said Jake. We can't expect to keep him very long, you know. He's a busy man. I've heard that people in this country simply tumble over each other to consult

Starting point is 07:09:40 him. He could make a score of fortunes over here if he would, but he won't. He'll only take up the case. he fancies, won't waste himself over easy things. That's why we're so almighty lucky to get him. His easy, unhurried speech gave her time to collect herself. She forced her first involuntary dismay into the background, facing the sudden exigency of the situation with all the strength at her disposal. Jake, she said, this thing has come very suddenly, but, curiously enough, Lord Saltash was speaking about it only this afternoon. If... If there is to be anything of the nature of an operation, he has offered to place any part of the

Starting point is 07:10:22 castle at our disposal. It is a very generous offer, and it—it would be an excellent thing for Bunny. Then you have decided to accept it, said Jake. His tone was perfectly quiet and matter of fact, but it amazed her. She had expected a determined opposition. Disconcerted, she paused before replying. I don't think it is especially generous, Jake said, and again it seemed to her. that he was talking to give her time.

Starting point is 07:10:50 But it might be a good thing for Bunny. If you like, I will go up tonight and see Saltash about it. He opened the gate for her with the words, and she passed through with feelings too mixed to bear any analysis. Am I to go? He asked, as he dropped back into his sturdy stride beside her. Please, she said in a low voice. His attitude was a complete puzzle to her.

Starting point is 07:11:15 It seemed so utterly at variance with the absurd. absurdly jealous line he had taken but a few minutes before. But she could not ask for an explanation. The relief of finding him prepared to act in unison with her on this point was too great. She did not understand either his motives or his actions, but she was thankful to find that there was to be no battle of wills between them. After all, his motives were not of paramount importance. As they walked through the last field, she tried to banish her embarrassment and recover her normal composure of Mien. But strive as she would, she could not wholly reassure herself, nor could she forget the fast holding of his arms and the strong, deep throbbing

Starting point is 07:11:57 of his heart against her own. That moment had been a revelation to her upon which she dared not dwell. They reached the dark orchard and passed up the dim path to the house. Jake went straight up the steps to the French window of the parlour from which a cheery welcoming light shone forth. He raised a hand to the catch. Wouldn't it be better to go around, Maude said. She was suddenly trembling all over in an agitation that seemed to possess her body and soul.

Starting point is 07:12:26 Jake did not pause. Steadily, he raised the latch. Come right in, he said. The door opened, a light poured out upon them. There came to her the sound of bunnies' cracked, difficult laugh. She entered in front of Jake dazzled, hesitating, uncertain. instantly a man's voice greeted her a quiet casual voice with an unmistakable new york accent ah i guess this is the lady of the house i am very pleased to make your acquaintance madam mr bolton will have told you who i am

Starting point is 07:13:00 tall and gaunt and meagre he bent over the hand she offered him holding it in a strong sustaining clasp she looked at him rather piteously aware of green eyes darting over her with lizard-like swiftness eyes that show intensely in a face that was the color of old ivory. She also saw a yellow-pointed beard that for a moment prejudiced her, and the next was forgotten. It was so kind of you to come, she said with a quivering smile. He smiled in answer, a sudden transforming smile that warmed her heart. I guess I followed my own inclination, he said. Say now, you're cold. Bunny and I have been keeping up a good fire for you. Sit down and make your husband do the the waiting. His manner was so kind and withal so courteous that Maude's embarrassment passed like a cloud. She came to the fire, pulling off her gloves and stretching her

Starting point is 07:13:54 fingers to the blaze. Bunny accosted her with eager eyes. Mod, he's going to overhaul me and see if he can do anything for me. Mod, can't he do it tonight? I won't sleep a wink if he doesn't. Her heart sank inexplicably. She seemed to have stepped into a new atmosphere that's with possibilities that somehow frightened her. She was, as one in the grip of a force indomitable that hurled her headlong towards a goal she dreaded. She leaned upon the mantelpiece, looking towards Capper with more of appeal than she knew. You are much too kind, she said. He pushed up a chair for her. Say now, there's no need to hustle any, he said. I suspect there is no harm in my looking at the lad, but we won't take any further action at present.

Starting point is 07:14:42 i've a lot to get through in this old country and i'd just like to know right now if this is a case for me or not he patted the back of the chair with fatherly insistence and she sank into it with a feeling of utter weariness and impotence it seemed futile to battle any longer against the torrent that bore her she was as a straw in the whirlpool of fate it is so good of you even to think of helping us she said rather unsteadily please make your examination whenever it suits you better but Bunny is not a good sleeper. You will remember that, won't you? Kapper took up the cup of tea that Jake had prepared and handed it to her. Let me have the pleasure of seeing you drink this, he said. I should like to make my examination tonight if you have no objection. In fact, I have come down for the purpose.

Starting point is 07:15:32 My time, madam, is more limited than anyone on this side could ever be made to realize. I won't hustle you, but if I didn't hustle myself, I guess I'd have to account someday for a waste of good material. He sat down in a chair facing her with the words and fell to cracking his finger joints one after the other with absent energy. It was a way he had, as Maude was soon to discover. You have had tea, she asked. He nodded. I am ready to get to work. I shan't want an audience. If I want anything, I'll let you know. But I have a very decided notion that my patient and I will get on best alone. Jake Ray's, his eyes suddenly.

Starting point is 07:16:14 That's so, doctor, he drawled. Then I guess I'll carry the youngster up right now. Kapper looked at him with a smile and pulled his beard speculatively. Bunny beamed approval. Maud drank her tea in utter silence, feeling as if it would choke her. The silence became prolonged, but she did not realize that anything was expected of her till Kapper leaned slightly towards her and spoke.

Starting point is 07:16:41 Have I your permission? madam, he asked courteously. She met his keen eyes and was struck afresh by the kindly reassurance they held. Of course, she said in a low voice. I am very grateful to you. I hope some day you may have caused to be, he rejoined. Jake went to Bunny's side. She saw the boy raise his arms as he bent and clasped his neck.

Starting point is 07:17:07 A few muttered confidences passed between them. Then Jake's strong arms lifted the frail, impotent body as they alone knew how to lift. And in that moment, it seemed to maude that the beloved burden had been taken finally from her, and she was left to wander alone in a desert that was very dark and bare. End of chapters 29 and 30. Part 1, chapters 31 and 32, of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dale. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 31. Light Relief May I come in, said Kapper.

Starting point is 07:17:51 Maud started. She had been sitting huddled over the fire for what seemed like countless ages, listening with straining nerves to every sound overhead, and sometimes shrinking and trembling at what she heard. Jake had gone out long since to the stables, and she had been thankful to see him go. His very presence was intolerable to her just then. At the sound of Capper's voice she turned an ashen face. Say now, he said in a tone of kindly chiding. You've been scaring yourself, Mrs. Bolton. And if that's not the silliest game under the sun, you may call me a nigger.

Starting point is 07:18:27 She rose to receive him, trying to force her quivering lips to practical speech, but she could not articulate. I heard him cry out several times. Does he want me? Not yet, said Capper. He laid a very steady hand upon her shoulder. Leave him alone for a little. He'll pull himself together best alone.

Starting point is 07:18:48 He's got the spunk all right. She stood still under his hand, piteously awaiting the information for which she could not bring herself to ask. He was looking at her keenly she knew. But she could not face his look. She could have been strong, had strength been essential,

Starting point is 07:19:05 but the need for it seemed to have gone. Bunny no longer leaned upon her sustaining love. "'Come now, I want a straight talk with you,' the great doctor said. "'I want to understand your point of view, if you will be gracious enough to expound it to me.' She made a pathetic attempt to laugh. "'Do you think you can cure him, doctor?' she said. Kapper laughed too with a species of grim exultation. "'Is that what troubles you?

Starting point is 07:19:33 If that's all, I guess I can soon set your mind at rest. I can cure him absolutely within three months.' But I shall want your cooperation. Can I count on that?' His hand pressed upon her with something of insistence. His yellow face looked searchingly with an odd elation into hers. She met his look reluctantly and became dominated by it. Of course you can count upon it, she said. He nodded, pulling restlessly at his beard with his free hand.

Starting point is 07:20:03 To what extent I wonder. Are you keen? Of course I am keen, she said, almost with indignation. He stood silent a moment, his hand still upon her shoulder. Then, Mrs. Bolton, he said, Do you know your young brother has got a curious notion into his head that you don't want him to be made sound? Ah, but that is a mistake, she said quickly.

Starting point is 07:20:29 Is it a mistake? said Capper. No, don't answer. Why should you? But it's curious that I should have sensed the same myself the moment I saw you. However, if you tell me it is not so, I shall take your word for it. But at the same time, I think I begin to see your point of view. Without the care of him, you should feel lost for a bit.

Starting point is 07:20:51 Life might be rather difficult. Isn't that so? She laughed somewhat tremulously. I think I have always found life difficult. But lately, just lately, she paused in uncertainty. Ah, said Capper. Maybe you're up against it, but you've got solid ground to stand on. You may take my word for that, because I happen to know.

Starting point is 07:21:17 He spoke with a kindness that went straight to her heart. Almost involuntarily she put her hand into his, feeling the long act of fingers close upon it with a sense of security that was infinitely comforting. Did Jake ever tell you the foundation of our friendship? He asked her suddenly. She shook her head. It's an interesting story.

Starting point is 07:21:38 "'Capper said. "'Praps you'd like to hear it.' "'Mod was silent. "'He proceeded as if she had answered in the affirmative. "'It was on the dark night in the Atlantic "'ten years ago. "'Do you remember the wreck of the Hyperion?' "'No, maybe you wouldn't.

Starting point is 07:21:55 "'She ran into a submerged iceberg "'and was nearly torn in two. "'I was knocked down by the shock "'and got jammed against a locker in the saloon. "'It was a case of every man for himself "'and I was soon left to my first. fate. But Jake, he was working his way across a ship's carpenter, came back on his own to see if there were anyone left below, and found me wedged there in the wreckage. We were settling down

Starting point is 07:22:19 fast the water was over our knees, and I told him to look out for himself, but he wouldn't. I cursed him for a fool, I remember. Capper's yellow face was strangely alight, his fingers gripped hers tensely. But that didn't make any difference. He had no time to go and get any implements to work with, so he just set two with his hands and ripped and tore at the wood till at last it splintered and he got me free. He worked like a titan. I've never forgotten. He got me out just in time, heaven knows how. The water was above his waist before he'd done, and I was on the verge of drowning. But he did it and more also. He grabbed me up out of that death trap as if I had been a priceless possession of his own. He dragged me up on deck and roped me up on deck and roped

Starting point is 07:23:08 me to him because I was too damaged to help myself. And when we went down, as we very soon did, we sank together, and we came up together, and he managed at last to get me to a boat. Now you'll never get him to speak of that episode, but it's about the finest piece of work I've ever come across. The man was utterly unknown to me and I to him. Yet he never thought of passing me by, but just kept on till he'd saved my life. Not a thought to his own safety, mark you. He wasn't out for that. And he wasn't out for reward either. When

Starting point is 07:23:43 I offered him money later on, he just laughed in a purring sort of fashion and told me to keep it for some chap who had failed. We don't all of us win out on the hundredth chance, he said. Thank the high gods, not me. I saw he meant it, so of course I let him have his way. But it's been

Starting point is 07:24:01 a sort of bond between us ever since. A bond that stretches but never breaks. he ceased to speak ceased also to hold her hand maud's face was turned towards him her blue eyes were intently fixed upon his she said nothing whatever and there fell a silence that was curiously intimate between them caper broke it at length he's been a bit of a rover but i've never quite lost sight of him since that night when i make a friend like that i can't afford to lose him again but i've never had a chance of doing him a service till now he's a married man and considerably more civilized than he was in those days but i have a notion that there's a leaven of the wild ass still in his composition that's why i'm afraid you may not realize that he's gold all through all through he paused a moment looking at her quizzically then by way of light relief he said i guess you know the fascinating story of the princess and the frog she had to take the beast as he was and even give him her pillow a night's but only when she struck at last and threw him against the wall that she find out that she caught a prince after all i guess the man who wrote that story was a student of human nature it's a comic story anyway

Starting point is 07:25:22 maud was laughing somehow inexplicably the man had eased her burden thank you for telling me doctor she said you are very kind it's mighty fine of you to take that view said capper with a tug of his yellow beard i shall do my best to deserve it thirty two the only solution oh lord saltash so you're home at last what a pity you didn't come back a little sooner. Am I late for anything, Lady Brian? smiled Lord Saltash, holding her hand in his. She shook her head at him. You are hopelessly late, and you mustn't call me that. I have renounced my title. Really? How generous of you! Saltash began to laugh in his easy, mocking way. Lady Brian has left down for the South Coast, and Mrs. Shepard is now in residence at Fair Harbor. I am sorry that I was not at hand to escort her ladyship,

Starting point is 07:26:24 but I am nonetheless pleased to be received by Mrs. Shepard. Have I missed anything besides the first-mentioned privilege? Mrs. Shepherd threw out her hands with a dainty gesture of despair. My dear, Charlie, you've missed. Everything. Have you seen poor Maude? He nodded. More than once. I make a point of seeing her whenever I feel so disposed.

Starting point is 07:26:48 Now that she is in such safe hands, there is no longer any necessity to hold me at arm's length. I assure you we are on the best of terms. Mrs. Shepard groaned. Why, oh, why, didn't you come back sooner? It would have altered everything. He looked at her, the teasing smile still hovering about his swarthy face. It would have been too obvious a solution, he said lightly. Don't you know that the unattainable is always the dearest?

Starting point is 07:27:18 mrs shepherd clasped her hands with a tragic gesture you don't realize or perhaps you don't care that she has sold herself to a man for whom she has not the smallest shadow of affection in pursuit of her illustrious mother's example suggested saltash with careless effrontery but why did you allow it wasn't it up to you to forbid the bans i mrs shepherd cast up her eyes do you suppose i ever had any control over her. I presume you had the slapping of her in her babyhood, he observed. She laughed almost hysterically. As if I ever did or could, she was always so serious and quiet and determined.

Starting point is 07:28:03 No one she didn't love could ever move her an inch. And the dear child never loved me, you know. Somehow we didn't touch. No, I couldn't prevent the marriage. Only one person in the world could have done that. "'Oh, Charlie, what a pity! What a pity!' The easy tears had risen to her eyes.

Starting point is 07:28:26 She was very appealing in Moe. But Saltash was apparently unmoved. He sat facing her with his odd eyes glancing hither and thither, the brows above them jerking continually. "'She certainly married in the deuce of a hurry,' he remarked after a moment. "'What made her do it, eh? I presume it was the old man.

Starting point is 07:28:47 Did he turn amorous or what? Mrs. Shepard laughed rather pathetically and dried her eyes. Oh, dear, no. Giles was rather too severe. He was always willing to be friendly, but Maud's attitude was so hostile that at last it was hardly to be wondered at. He turned against her.

Starting point is 07:29:08 I was very sorry, but, you know, Maude always takes things so seriously, poor child, and she wouldn't hear of making friends when it was over, but needs ghost, straight away to Jake Bolton and offered to marry him. He was ready to take her at any price, of course. So they settled it all between them with never a word to me. But you haven't altogether enlightened me even now, said Saltash, recalling her with his

Starting point is 07:29:33 semi-ironical courtesy. What was this dire offence that Mott couldn't bring herself to forgive? I should like to know for my own future guidance. Mrs. Shepard's laugh had a deprecating note. Oh, it was only a little thing. thing, quite a little thing. If she hadn't been really spoiled all her life, I don't think she would have thought so much of it. I blame myself, of course. But there, what is the use? Giles is a plain man, and he believes in a little wholesome chastisement now and then.

Starting point is 07:30:04 It does a woman good, he says. And I dare say he is not altogether wrong, but in this case. Oh, forgive me for interrupting you. Rather lazily, he cut her short. "'That term. "'A little wholesome chastisement. "'Does it mean a beating, or what?' "'Mrs. Shepherd nodded with some agitation. "'Yes, he gave her a whipping one night. "'It was very unfortunate, but I must say not wholly undeserved,

Starting point is 07:30:33 "'and I am afraid he had rather a heavy hand. "'Poor Maud was very much upset.' "'Really?' said Saltash. "'Yes, he shouldn't have done it, of course, but—' He probably was not in a state to know what he was doing, suggested Saltash. There was a slight frown between his mobile brows, but his voice was suave. Mrs. Shepherd eyed him wistfully. Poor Giles, she murmured.

Starting point is 07:31:03 Saltash uttered a sudden sharp laugh and rose. Well, I mustn't take up any more of your valuable time. No doubt you are busy. You have heard about Bunny's prospects, I presume. "'Oh, yes, they have told me about Bunny. I am sure I hope it will be a success, but of course I have had no say in the matter,' said Mrs. Shepard plaintively. "'I don't so much as know when the operation is to be performed.'

Starting point is 07:31:30 "'That isn't finally settled,' said Saltash. "'It's to be according to the American Dr. Mann's convenience. I suggested that they might like to make use of Berchester for the occasion, and Bolton has caught on to the idea. Very sensible of him. Salt Ash's mouth twisted into a faint smile. How do you get on with your son-in-law? He inquired pleasantly.

Starting point is 07:31:54 Mrs. Shepherd shook her head dubiously. I never liked him. There is something of the wild about him. Maud doesn't like him either. I am sure of that. They are complete strangers and always will be. In fact, if it weren't for Bunny, she lowered her voice, I believe she would very soon desert him.

Starting point is 07:32:14 him. What? Really? Said Saltash in a peculiar tone. She met his interrogation with a swift upward glance. She would never stand life alone with him. It would drive her desperate. I am sure, quite sure, if it comes to that, she will somehow break free.

Starting point is 07:32:35 Really? He said again, subtle encouragement in his voice. Mrs. Shepherd suddenly clasped her hands against her bosom and went close to him. Oh, Charlie, I do think, sometimes. Divorce is the only way. You know she has always loved you. And it isn't your fault you came too late. Charlie, if the chance were to come to you again,

Starting point is 07:32:59 the chance to make her your wife, you wouldn't, surely you couldn't, let it slip again. Again, said Saltash, his lip lipped it a little. He was looking at her fixedly. She made a small nervous gesture of pleading. "'You would marry her, Charlie, if you could. She loves you. You would never, never—' "'Let her down,' suggested Saltash. His expression was utterly cynical, yet something in those queer eyes of his emboldened her.

Starting point is 07:33:31 She placed her two hands against his shoulders and suffered the tears to run down her face. "'Charlie, I am wretched about her. Quite wretched. Save her from that rough cow-herd, Charlie.' Make her your own, in spite of all. She broke down into muffled sobbing and would have leaned upon him for support had he permitted it, but with gentle decision he alluded her, taking her hands and leading her to a chair. Now, Lady Brian, there is no need for this agitation, believe me.

Starting point is 07:34:04 For the present there is nothing to be done. Bunny occupies the center of the stage. He won't, of course, remain there forever, but he has got to have his turn. Till that is over, we can only possess our souls in patience. But afterwards, wailed Mrs. Shepherd, it is the afterwards that troubles me. Afterwards, he said lightly,

Starting point is 07:34:27 I presume it will be someone else's turn. And Maud will be miserable, she protested. Saltash was silent. Only after a moment he strolled to the window and stood looking at the grey, tumbling waves that dashed against the seawall. Mrs. Shepherd dabbed her eyes and began to recover herself. It was plainly the only course.

Starting point is 07:34:50 She remembered regretfully that sympathy had never been dear Charlie's strong point. When he glanced over his shoulder a few seconds later, she mustered a somewhat piteous smile. Life is very difficult sometimes, she said apologetically. Oh, quite damnable, he answered in his careless, mocking way. But we've got to get through with it somehow. and with as few tumbles as possible. I really think I must be going now. We shall let you know when anything Devon it is settled about Bunny.

Starting point is 07:35:22 Don't fret, you know. Take it easy. He came back to her with the words and took her hand with a certain arrogant kindness characteristic of him. She looked up at him with quivering lips. It is so good of you to let them have Berchester, she said. He made her a brief bow. I serve my own ends. he said.

Starting point is 07:35:44 Mrs. Shepard rose. And I don't know what will happen when bunny is cured, she said pathetically. He will have to go to school. And who is going to pay for it, I wonder. Saltash shrugged his shoulders. Perhaps he'll train for a jockey. Who knows?

Starting point is 07:36:02 Mrs. Shepard sighed. I can't think how you can treat everything as a joke. I can't myself. He laughed. I don't chance to be gifted with a serious mind, you see. Besides, Cui Bono, does worrying help. I'm sure it ought to, sighed Mrs. Shepherd. He laughed again derisively. Shear waste of time, believe me. Either fight or submit to the inevitable. Personally, I prefer to

Starting point is 07:36:33 fight. He shut his teeth with a sudden click, and for a single instant his face was grim. But the next he was laughing again. Goodbye, Lady Brum. Brian. In the name of beauty, don't fret. It can't be done with impunity, remember? He pressed her hand and released it. You've given me quite a lot to think about. It's been an interesting conversation. I have quite enjoyed it. Goodbye. He was gone. She heard him departing, light-footed as a happy boy, whistling under his breath an old, old waltz refrain. Gradually, a smile came into her own face as she turned to the glass. to repair the ravages of her recent emotion.

Starting point is 07:37:16 I wonder whether he will do anything, she murmured to her reflection. He isn't a man to sit still. And really, the circumstances are so exceptional. It is the only solution, literally, the only one. She paused a moment, drew out a hairpin, twisted back a curl, and very nicely readjusted it.

Starting point is 07:37:39 And, when Giles is bankrupt, she added with a little nod to the third, thoughtful gaze that met hers. There will be a home for me to go to. She heaved a pensive sigh. I am glad he knows everything, she said. There is nothing like telling the whole truth. She smiled again with more assurance and went her way. End of chapters 31 and 32. Part 1, chapters 33 and 34 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Libervox recording is in the the public domain.

Starting point is 07:38:20 33. The Furnace It was on a frosty morning in February that Maude stood in one of the great guest chambers of Berchester Castle, waiting with Bunny for news of Dr. Cappers coming. A nurse was busy in the room and the hour fixed for the operation was drawing near. Bunny was full of pluck that morning. He had greeted her bravely smiling. Yes, he had slept like a top,

Starting point is 07:38:44 thanks to Jake, who had held his hand half the night and scared away the bogeys. Jake was a stunner. He was going to pay him back some day. And what a ripping room Charlie had given him. Was it truth that there was a music room close by? That would be ripping too. Maud would be able to play to him all day long while he was getting well. Maude was looking a bit blue this morning. What was the matter? She had to admit that she had passed a restless night. Silly? said Bunny and squeezed her hand. Why didn't you come and sleep in here? Jake could have looked after you too, He chattered on incessantly, making her respond, compelling her attention, till news was brought to her of Dr. Kapper's arrival, and she went down to receive him. She found him standing in the great entrance hall with a doctor from Fair Harbor. He moved forward to greet

Starting point is 07:39:34 her as serenely as if he had come upon pleasure-bent. Delighted to meet you again, Mrs. Bolton. I am just admiring this fine old English castle. Guess it's the sort of setting that suits you. He held her hand a moment and looked at her, but he made no comment upon her appearance. She faced the green eyes with an odd little feeling of shame. They seemed to see so much that she hid from all the world. You are very punctual, she said with an effort as she turned to greet the local doctor. I hope you found the car ready at the station. We were driven up by his lordship himself, said Capper.

Starting point is 07:40:12 She gave a great start. Oh, has he come down? I didn't know. He joined us at the terminus quite unexpectedly, Kapper told her. I have brought my assistant Rafford to administer the anesthetic. Rafford, where are you? A dark young man with absolutely black eyes and a high dominant forehead

Starting point is 07:40:32 turned sharply from a rapt contemplation of Saltash's captured angel and bowed automatically to Maud. I was just trying to make out the anatomy of those wings, he said in a very pronounced American accent. guess it's a cute addition to the human frame, but I'd like to know how it's worked from the spinal column without an extra vertebra or two. Maud suddenly felt hysterical.

Starting point is 07:40:57 She looked at Capper, who pulled at his beard and smiled. Guess it's up to you to find the solution, Raff, he said. Rafford bowed again. I'd like to make a sketch of that figure if Lady Saltash will permit me, he said. It's an anatomical problem. The blood rose to Maud's pale face in a great wave. She was about to speak when a voice at her shoulder spoke for her.

Starting point is 07:41:22 I am sure Lady Saltash will be charmed to do so. But I think the face must be excluded. That can scarcely be of any anatomical interest to you. Maud started. Saltash's hand gripped her elbow for a moment and instantly relaxed. He did not speak to her. The young American glanced back at the face of the statue. you, stared at it for a second, then looked again at Maude. She saw his thin black brows rise

Starting point is 07:41:49 ever so slightly. The face is certainly of interest, he said speaking with evident caution, but not, as you say, my lord, from an anatomical point of view. He withdrew himself with the words seemed as it were to become Capra's background, while Saltash sauntered forward to offer refreshment. Caper asked for coffee and smoked a cigarette. He sat in an ungainable. He sat in an ungainly attitude by the fire while these were in process of consumption and spoke scarcely at all. Maud stood near him in silence, shafing at the delay, yet dreading unspeakably the moment when it should be at an end. Saltash lounge, smoking on a settee with Dr. Burroughs of Fair Harbor, and chatted cheerily

Starting point is 07:42:31 about local matters, with one eye on the great American surgeon who sat cracking his long fingers so abstractedly before the fire. Suddenly, Kapper turned his head and looked up at Maud. Where is Jake? he is coming she made answer coming why does the boy want him is he nervous any he is being very brave she said but of course naturally he is nervous he nodded well i guess we needn't wait for jake let's go up he'll keep a stiff upper lip if you're there he got up with the words his bony yellow hand closed upon her arm kindly reassuringly confidently confidently the burden of her anxiety grew magically lighter she felt immensely comforted by reason of that friendly pressure she prepared to lead the way caper paused a moment i am going to have five minutes talk with the patient he said to dr burrows will you be kind enough to follow on when the time is up raff you can make your anatomical study right now but be at my disposal in five minutes lord saltash maybe you will stay behind and show them the way

Starting point is 07:43:42 He made his dispositions with the calm mare of a man accustomed to obedience. And then, his hand still upon Maude's arm, he turned with her to ascend the stairs. A great, shivering fit assailed her as they went. She fought it resolutely down. "'Say, you're not worrying any,' he questioned. "'It seems to me that it's you Jake ought to be thinking about. What have you been doing since I saw you last?' "'Nothing, nothing,' she said hastily. "'Capper grunted. "'That's a very unhealthy occupation,

Starting point is 07:44:16 "'especially for a woman.' She looked at him appealingly. "'Oh, please, Dr. Capper, don't talk about me. "'I would so much rather not.' "'Capper smiled a little. "'You're a true woman, "'but I can't have you worrying to death like this. "'Will you believe me when I tell you

Starting point is 07:44:35 "'that this operation is going to be an almighty success?' "'She stopped short. Are you sure? Quite sure? She breathed. He nodded. I am willing to stake my reputation on it. If I weren't sure, I wouldn't touch it.

Starting point is 07:44:51 I'm past the speculating age. He led her gently on along the corridor at the head of the stairs. You may bet your last dollar, he said, that I shan't mush up this business. I never lose my patience when they're young and keen. It's the older ones when they get tired, fed up with life. He paused, and a very human shadow crossed his face, darkening his shrewd eyes. That's when God sometimes interferes, he said. So I'm never quite sure of the older ones.

Starting point is 07:45:22 But the youngsters, he lets me have my own way with them. There's such a mighty force in what the French call chue de vivre. A quick sigh rose to Maude's lips. She laid a sudden impulsive hand upon the long fingers that held her arm. You are so good. So very good, she said tremulously. Kapper smiled. Oh, just ordinary, I guess.

Starting point is 07:45:48 Wait till you're up against me. You won't like me then. I'm going to have a straight talk with Jake presently. About you. She gave a quick start of dismay. Oh, no, please don't. Please don't. It's nothing to do with Jake.

Starting point is 07:46:05 He wouldn't understand. He'll understand me, said Kapper in a sense. Exorably. I have a patent way of expressing myself that leaves no room for misunderstandings. There. Now I've given you something more important than your brother to think about. Suppose you take me to him. She would have detained him to protest still further, but he refused to be detained and she found herself compelled to yield. Very quietly he insisted and she had no choice. They entered the room in which Bunny lay, and immediately a square check-clad figure rose from the boy's side and came forward with hand outstretched in greeting.

Starting point is 07:46:44 Hello, Doc, said Jake. Maud gazed at him in astonishment. I had no idea you were up here. When, how did you come? Jake was faintly smiling. I came just now, by the back way, as is my custom. I promised to be here to give him a send-off, doctor. Guess you've no objection. So long as you go when you're told, said Kapper rather shortly. "'Reckon I always do that,' said Jake. "'Do you?' said Capper with his sudden smile. "'That's not always been my experience of you.' "'Oh, shucks,' said Jake, turning deep red.

Starting point is 07:47:25 Capper passed him by and went to Bunny. Maud saw that he was intent upon reassuring him as he had reassured her. She turned away to the window and waited. Jake did not join her there, possibly because his hand was tightly locked in Bunnies. but very soon caper called her back to the bedside and drew her into talk keeping her there till he finally rose and went out with the nurse maud scarcely knew how she came through the next few minutes but jake and bunny seemed to feel no strain jake was talking of the horses and the boy's keenest interest was aroused and you're going to teach me to ride like you do he said with an eagerness that maud had seldom seen in him i'm just mad to begin he was picking up jake's manner of speech in a fashion that his sister deplored but could not attempt to check but no evil word had she ever heard on his lips nor had she ever heard jake use bad language in his presence like one in the mesh of an evil dream she listened to jake's reply marvelling at the easy detachment with which he made it and then the door opened and the nurse came in with rafford she stood up her heart beating as if it would choke her

Starting point is 07:48:36 bunny shot a swift glance around you'll stay with me jake he said quickly sure said jake bunny drew a hard breath hang on to me tight tight jake he whispered and maud turned to the door without a word he did not need her he did not need her she had a passing impression of the sympathy in rafford's eyes as he held open the door for her and then she was alone in the passage outside She moved along it uncertainly, almost as if groping her way, found the door of the music-room ajar and entered. A warm fragrance met her on the threshold, a sense of eastern luxuriance and delight, soothing her troubled spirit as if with a soft, healing hand, wooing her to a curious peace of mind. It was as though a misty veil had been drawn over her troubles, obscuring them, deadening her faculty for suffering. She went forward to the fire that burned so mysteriously red and still, reaching out her cold hands to its comfort.

Starting point is 07:49:38 She had a feeling that she ought to kneel and pray, but somehow in that strangely soothing atmosphere prayer was an impossibility. Her brain felt drugged and powerless, and she was numbly thankful for the respite. Come and sit down, a cool voice said. She turned with no surprise or agitation and saw Saltash lounging on a divan behind her. He had a cigarette between his fingers. the scent of it came to her with a strange allurement. Almost mechanically she accepted the invitation.

Starting point is 07:50:11 Have you been here at all in my absence? He asked, stretching a careless arm along the cushions behind her. She shook her head. No. But why not? Does Jake think I am not to be trusted? She smiled at that. Oh, no.

Starting point is 07:50:27 Jake never interferes. But somehow, I haven't wanted to make music lately. You are not having to make music lately. happy, said Saltash with conviction. She colored a little. It has been an anxious time, Charlie, and I am afraid, yet will be. You take things too hard, he said. She clasped her hands tightly together. How can I help it? Everything is hard. Life is hard. Only if you choose to have it so, said Saltash. He leaned a little forward, looking into her face. She turned her eyes to his with a vague reluctance.

Starting point is 07:51:03 Yes, he said. You've got the wrong pilot on board. That's why you're getting dragged into the whirlpools. You'll have to heave him over the side if you want to ride the seas with a free helm. My dear girl, what a frightful mess you've made of things. She did not resent his tone. Somehow in that atmosphere resentment was difficult. Moreover, her attention was not wholly given to what he was saying.

Starting point is 07:51:30 I had to think of Bunny, she said after a moment as one in search of an excuse. Saltash laughed. And when are you going to begin to think of yourself? Don't you realize what is going to happen now that Bunny has been taken off your hands? You, the dainty, the proud, the fastidious, who wouldn't look at even the man you loved because you thought him unworthy? On my soul! A sudden tremor of passion ran through his speech.

Starting point is 07:51:59 I think you were mad. You must have been mad to have done such a thing. Have you looked forward at all? Can you see yourself a few years hence? I can, and it's a sight to make angels weep. Oh, Maude, my love, my fate, is that to be the end? I'd sooner see you dead. His hand was upon both hers as he ended.

Starting point is 07:52:23 His dark face was burning with a fierce emotion. But Maude only shivered, and, Leaning forward, gazed deep into the heart of the fire saying no word. Saltash watched her, a mocking light in his eyes that shone and slowly died. What are you looking for? he said. She shook her head in silence. He threw his cigarette suddenly into the deep glow upon which her eyes were fixed. It leaped at once to flame, flame that burned ardently for a brief while and then went out. Are you trying to find a way out? he asked her then very softly.

Starting point is 07:52:59 there is a way out of every hole believe me she gave him a quick glance as of one heart pressed but still she did not speak he leaned forward also pointing to the red heart of the fire that glowed but never flickered if you have the nerve the pluck to face the furnace he said it may scorch you a bit but it shan't consume you and it would soon be over would you be afraid would you be afraid to face it with me his voice was low sunk almost to a whisper yet it reached her for he spoke almost in her ear she sat rigidly still gazing before her the fragrance of the burnt cigarette came out like incense from an altar he drew a little closer to her maud i am always ready always ready i am willing to offer any sacrifice i should never count the cost nothing could be too much i don't say any more that you are mine unless you stoop to bestow yourself upon me but i am yours always for all time bear that in mind when the time comes he paused a moment then let that ring of hours be the sign and message he murmured. When you need deliverance, I will come to you from the world's end. He rose with the words so suddenly that she was startled,

Starting point is 07:54:26 and in a moment his voice, calm, and debonair rang across the room. Hello, Bolton. How long have you been hiding there? Come over here and see if you can put a little heart into your wife. She needs it. Maud, her white face turned over her shoulder, saw Jake's square shoulders outlined against the furthest south, window. He was looking over his shoulder also. Their eyes met across the room.

Starting point is 07:54:53 Then he turned fully around in his solid way and came to them. He was wearing slippers that he had donned for the sick room and they made no sound. Salt Ashes lied, the form straightened. He stood ready, almost on guard at the other man's approach. But his face remained debonair still. There was even a hint of humor about his mobile brows. His eyes flashed wickedly. So they've turned you out, have they? He said with that hint of regal haughtiness that usually characterized his speech when addressing an inferior.

Starting point is 07:55:25 Jake did not answer. His eyes, red-brown and very still, were upon Maude. They did not leave her for a moment. They seemed to search her through and through. There came to her a second of deadly panic, panic that stopped her heart. She put up a hand to her throat

Starting point is 07:55:42 with a spasmodic effort to breathe, and suddenly it seemed to her that she sat engulfed in the red, red heart of a soundless furnace. She gave a gasping cry, tried to rise, and fell forward, fainting, at her husband's feet. 34. The Sacrifice He lifted her. She knew that he lifted her, but all her powers were gone. She hung a dead weight in his arms. Over her head she heard his voice intensely quiet, but deeper than usual.

Starting point is 07:56:14 She thought it held a menacing note. i'll take her to the window thanks i'm not wanting any help from you she felt the strength of the man as he lifted her bodily and bore her across the room he set her down upon the window-seat supporting her with the utmost steadiness while he opened the window the wintry air blew in upon her and she shivered and came to life don't move he said the awful weakness was still upon her she obeyed him because she had no choice lying back against his arm in quivering submission i'm so sorry she whispered at length i i never did anything so stupid before that's so said jake she lifted her eyes with a piteous effort to his please leave me now i shall do quite well by myself that's so he said again his eyes held her as with a piercing straight regard but after a moment his hand came up and rubbed her icy cheek. It was a small act, but it affected her very curiously. She turned her face quickly to hide a rush of tears. Jake's attitude changed on the instant. He stooped over her, his arm about her. Say, Maude, my girl, what is it?

Starting point is 07:57:35 What is it? he said. The little chap will be all right. Don't you worry any. The old kindness was in his voice. He held her to him, just as a little man. He held her to him, as he had held her on the morning that she had first gone to him for help. For the moment, she yielded herself, scarcely knowing what she did. Then she realized his nearness and began to draw herself away. I am foolish, she whispered, just foolish. Don't take any notice. Guess you're worn out, he said gently. She shook her head, striving to master herself. No, it's not that. It isn't anything. Please, leave me alone.

Starting point is 07:58:16 for a little, I would rather. He let her go, but he still remained beside her, looking down at her bent, dark head. She leaned against the woodwork of the window, panting a little. I am better, she said uneasily after a moment. Please don't worry about me any more. Who else should I worry about, he said. Do you suppose you aren't first with me every time?

Starting point is 07:58:43 She quivered at the question, but she made no attempt to ask. answer it. He went on with a restraint that was somehow eloquent of vehemence suppressed. I know well enough that you aren't happy with me. It's not in nature that you should be. Maybe it's my fault, too. Maybe it's not. I've been a damn fool. I know that. But even so, you've no call to be afraid of me. You won't come up against me if you play a straight game. He paused and she saw his hands. slowly clench. At the same moment she became aware of someone approaching, and turned her head to

Starting point is 07:59:22 see Saltash coming towards her with a wine-glass in his hand. Oh, that's right. You're better, he said. Here, Bolton, make her drink this. It'll put a little life into her. He gave the glass to Jake, who stood a moment as a fun decided as to what to do with it and then bent over Maud. She drew back. Oh, no, thank you. I never drink brandy. Besides, I am quite well again now. She made as if she would get up to demonstrate this fact, but he stopped her. Take a little, he drawled.

Starting point is 07:59:56 Lord Saltash has had the trouble of fetching it. I would rather not, she said. I would much rather not. Let her please herself, said Saltash sharply. But Jake's hand, steady as rock, was already holding the glass to her lips. She drank as one compelled. Saltash fidgeted up and down in front of the window in evident dissatisfaction, his ugly face full of lines.

Starting point is 08:00:22 I am infernally sorry this has happened, he said. You ought to have had the stuff sooner. I wish I had ordered champagne. We'll have some presently. Ah, that'll do, Jake, that'll do. Don't force it on her for heaven's sake. Look here, you and I will clear out now and let her rest in front of the fire. You'd like that, Maude, wouldn't you?

Starting point is 08:00:44 you? Maud murmured an affirmative. Sure, said Jake. She looked up at him. Yes, but not too near the fire. And, and leave the door open. I want to hear, to know. Her voice failed, sank into silence. All right, said Jake quietly. I'm not leaving you till it's over. The calm decision of his speech silenced all protest. Maud attempted none. Saltash shrugged his shoulders and flung round on his heel. Jake bent to offer a steady arm. She accepted his support in silence.

Starting point is 08:01:23 There was that about him that would not brook resistance just then. She was sure that Saltash was aware of it also, for after a very brief pause he began to whistle under his breath and in a few moments more sauntered from the room. Jake, very quiet and determined, led her to a settee. I won't lie down, she said, restlessly. I want to listen. Jake was looking round for a chair, failing to see one he seated himself by her side. I reckon this is the most respectable piece of furniture in the place, he observed.

Starting point is 08:01:57 Here is a cushion. Lean back and shut your eyes. I wish you wouldn't wait here, she murmured uneasily. I've got to wait somewhere, said Jake. And then his hand descended upon hers and held it. she started at his touch seeking instinctively to free herself but in the end she yielded lying back in a tense stillness in which she knew the beating of her heart to be clearly audible what was he going to say to her what had he overheard what must he think of the agitation she had displayed upon discovering him her breath quivered through her parted lips the dread that she so often felt in his presence was upon her but ten times magnified by her present weakness and the thought of that which he might have overheard but jake sat in unbroken silence his hand holding her is in a steady purposeful grasp and gradually very gradually her fear began to subside. He could have heard nothing. Surely he could have heard nothing.

Starting point is 08:03:01 Surely if he had, he would have spoken, half-questioned, or accused. A great shiver went through her. Cold, said Jake. She opened her eyes. No. His hand closed more firmly about her own. Don't be so anxious, he said.

Starting point is 08:03:20 It'll be all right. His voice was kind. she tried to smile. Was he... Was he very nervous? She asked, finding relief in speech. Game all through, said Jake,

Starting point is 08:03:34 went off like a baby. Say, Maude, he'll be a fine man someday. He'll never be mine anymore, she said, and turned her face aside. Jake said nothing. He fell into a musing silence that seemed to stretch and widen

Starting point is 08:03:51 to an unknown abyss between them. She closed her eyes, hoping that he would think her sleeping. He remained absolutely still by her side while the silence lengthened and deepened. She wondered for a while if he were watching her, wondered if he were actually as free from anxiety on Bunny's account as he appeared, became vaguely aware of a curious, hushed sense of repose stealing over her tired nerves. She drifted away at last into a state that was not quite slumber that yet held her translike and unaware of time. she knew that jake was beside her never wholly forgot his presence but he had ceased to have a disquieting effect upon her somehow he fitted into the atmosphere of peace that surrounded her she was even dimly glad that he had not left her alone

Starting point is 08:04:38 she was tired unutterably tired but her mind had ceased to work at the problems that so vexed her soul it had become as it were dormant even the thought of bunny did not disturb her any more had not not Dr. Kappar solemnly declared that all would be well. So she sank into an ever-deepening sea of oblivion, unmindful of the hand that so surely held her own, and so that long, long hour crept by. When there came at last the opening of a door and the sound of voices, she was too far away in her merciful dreamland to hear. She knew in a vague fashion that Jake's hand left hers, even murmured a faint protest, but she did not attempt to rouse herself.

Starting point is 08:05:22 she had yielded too completely to the healing magic of rest. There followed a space during which all consciousness was entirely blotted out, and she slept like a weary child, a space that seemed to last interminably, and yet was all too short. Then at length nature our conscience stirred within her, and her brain began to work once more. Out of a vague obscurity of dimly registered impressions, the light of understanding began to dawn. She opened heavy eyes upon the red still fire that burned so steadily, so unfailingly. It put her in mind of something, that hot, silent fire, but she could not remember what it was,

Starting point is 08:06:02 something that was vigilant, intense, unquenchable, something that she could never wholly grasp or wholly elude. She opened her eyes a little wider and moved her head upon the cushion. Surely she had slept for a long, long time. and then she caught the sound of a voice that whispered, a low, clear whisper. Why don't you take her for a honeymoon, my son? It would do you both all the good in the world. There was a pause, and then someone, Jake, murmured something unintelligible. Maude raised herself slightly and saw him standing before the fire. His thick-set figure was

Starting point is 08:06:40 turned from her. His head leaned somewhat dejectedly against the high mantelpiece. "'Capper was standing beside him, lounging against the carved wood in an ungainly attitude, "'his hands thrust deep in his pockets. "'At Jake's muttered words he turned and looked at him keenly with eyes of semi-quysical sympathy. "'Say Jake,' he said, "'the man who walks his horse along a hedge-side never gets there. "'The hedge has a way of getting higher, moreover, every step he goes. "'Guess being in love has kind of demoralized you.

Starting point is 08:07:13 "'You'll never win out this way.' Jake moved a little, straightened himself, stood squarely facing the great doctor. I'm going to win out, he said. And with that, very abruptly, he wheeled round and came straight to Maud as though she had called him. So sudden was his movement that she was taken wholly by surprise. He stooped over her and took her hand before she had time to draw back. It's all right, my girl, he said, and she heard a note of reassurance in his voice. the little chaps come through it finally. There's nothing to be anxious about.

Starting point is 08:07:49 Capper says so, and whatever Capper says goes. Guess that so, said Capper. He remained at his post by the fire, a smile of keen satisfaction on his parchment face. You shall see him presently, not yet, not for another hour, and then only for a few seconds. He's got to be kept as quiet as an infant. But I've done just what I figured to do.

Starting point is 08:08:13 in another six weeks he ought to be learning to walk bunny walking maud spoke the words as one dazed the whole of her world seemed suddenly to have changed it was as if she actually breathed the new atmosphere she caught her breath feeling half afraid is it is it true she said kapper laughed seems like a miracle does it never met with a miracle before yet there's quite a lot of it of them to be seen in this curious old world. Maybe you'll come across some more now you've started. He came quietly to her, bent and took her free hand into his. She felt his thin, sensitive fingers press her pulse. I'm quite well indeed, she said in a tone of protest. Please tell me more about Bunny.

Starting point is 08:09:04 I want to hear everything. My dear lady, you know practically all there is to know. He made answer. Bunny is going to be one of my proudest successes, but there's just one thing to be arranged. I want to have him under my own eye for a time. It's for his own good, so I know your consent is a foregone conclusion. No, not yet, of course.

Starting point is 08:09:28 I will give him a month here, and then I want to fetch him up to London and keep him in a home there, belonging to my colleagues or Curcely Witten, until I am able to discharge him as cured. Will you agree to that? His eyes, shrewd and kindly, looked down into hers. His hand still held her wrist. She felt the magic of his personality and found it hard to resist.

Starting point is 08:09:52 But, to take him away from me, she said rather piteously, Must you take him away? Jake had withdrawn a little as if he did not wish to take part of the conversation. Kapper sat down beside her. Mrs. Bolton, he said, I guess that young brother of yours is just one of the biggest factors of your existence. Isn't that so? You'd do anything for him and never count the cost.

Starting point is 08:10:18 Well, here's something you can do for him. A mighty big thing, too. It'll be a very critical time, and I want to have him under my own eye. I also want to have complete control of him. I'm not hinting that your influence isn't good. I know it is. But for all that, he'll do better with comparative strangers during that critical time than he would with his own people.

Starting point is 08:10:43 I want to lift him entirely out of the old ruts. I want to start him on an entirely new footing, to give himself reliance, to get him into good, wholesome habits. It'll make all the difference in the world to him, or I shouldn't be urging it so strongly. Say now, you promised me your cooperation. You are not going to refuse. She could not refuse. she realized it with a leaden heart yet she made one quivering attempt to pierce through the ever-narrowing circle but the cost she said it won't cost you a single cent said capper it's just for my private satisfaction that it will be done

Starting point is 08:11:25 her last hope faded she made a little gesture of helplessness he is in your hands doctor she said i am much more grateful to you than i seem caper's hand pressed hers you will never regret this sacrifice as long as you live he said looking at her with his keen kindly eyes i'm even ready to prophesy that you'll one day reap a very considerable benefit from it but maud's only answer was a dreary little shake of the head end of chapters thirty three and thirty four part one chapters thirty five and thirty six of the hundredth chance by ethel amdel This Librovox recording is in the public domain. 35. The Offer of Freedom Slowly the dreary winter days gave place to spring. March came with gusty rainstorms that swept over sea and downs, lashing the waves to fury, blotting the countryside like a torn veil.

Starting point is 08:12:33 March went, smiling and wonderful, with a treacherous graciousness that deceived all nature into imagining that the winter was really gone. at birchester castle bunny lying perpetually flat on his back by the doctor's unalterable decree alternated between fits of bitter complaining and fits of black despair he suffered more from tedium and weariness than from any definite pain and maud found herself fully occupied once more with the care of him the nurse was thankful to have her at hand for bunny was at all times a difficult patient and to be in attendance upon him was maud's greatest joy in those days she watched over him with such a wealth of devotion as she had never displayed before a devotion at which even the boy himself sometimes marvelled jake came and went but he was never with him at night the nurse slept in his room and maud in the one adjoining jake went back to his home to sleep he and maud saw but little of one another they met daily but she avoided all intercourse with him so strenuously that only the most ordinary commonplace has ever passed between them she saw much more of saltash though he was often away his comings and goings were never known beforehand and he never intruded himself upon her only when she went in the afternoons or evenings to the music-room and propping the door wide played and sometimes sang to her

Starting point is 08:13:58 to Bunny, he had a fashion of coming lightly in upon her, dropping as it seemed from nowhere, and lying outstretched upon the settee near her while he smoked his endless cigarettes and occasionally criticized. How he entered she never discovered. He was always there before she knew, and he never came in by the door. When she asked him he would only jest, "'Someday I will show you my secret chamber, my belle reyn.' But not yet. Not yet. No intimate conversation took place at these times. They were seldom really alone, being always within call of Bunny's imperious voice. Saltash was very good to Bunny, but his company was considered by the nurse to be too lively for her patient,

Starting point is 08:14:40 and she would not permit him to stay long in the sick room. Her orders regarding Bunny were very strict. He was to be kept quiet, contented also if possible, but always quiet. For that reason his mother's visits were also. very brief. She did not often come to the castle. It seemed to maud that her plump face was beginning to wear a harassed look, but there never had been any confidence between them and she did not like to question her. She knew herself quite powerless to assist in the bearing of her mother's burdens. During that final month of devotion to Bunny, she gave herself up to him so completely that

Starting point is 08:15:19 even her own problems grew remote and almost unreal. She was upon the usual friendly terms with Charlie, but he was very far from occupying her first attention. So absorbed indeed was she that the memory of their brief conversation on the day of Bunny's operation, together with his mad, characteristic suggestion, had faded altogether into the background of her mind. It seemed somehow impossible that Bunny could ever cease to be the center and aim of her whole conscious existence, impossible that Capra and his miracles could so alter the trend of her life's destiny. Her feeling for Saltat, her feeling for Salta, seemed to be lying dormant very far below the surface she was not thinking of herself at all just then she was too fully occupied her feeling for Jake also was almost a blank now that he no longer attempted to play any part in her life but that of passive spectator she treated him without conscious effort as a comparative stranger

Starting point is 08:16:16 but all the time deep down in her heart she smothered that nameless dread of the man that once had been so active she did not want to think of him him. She instinctively restrained herself from thinking of him. She had schooled herself to meet him without agitation. She had thrust him unresisting into the furthest background of her consciousness. And now she lived for bunny and for bunny alone. So that last month slipped away. April came, but no word from Capper. A faint new hope began to dawn in her heart. Was it possible that the sacrifice might not, after all, be demanded of her? Was it possible that the miracle might even yet be worked out with much patience at Burchester?

Starting point is 08:17:01 Bunny did not seem to be making much progress, but at least she was sure he was not losing ground. He did not suffer so much as formerly, though his chafing irritability sometimes seemed to her to be even greater than before. He talked incessantly of Capper, urging Jake to write to him. But Jake would not be persuaded. "'Capper knows his own business, my son. You leave him alone,' he said. And Bunny had perforced to accept the fiat.

Starting point is 08:17:31 He never seriously attempted to resist Jake. Their friendship was too near for that. Jake's influence over him was practically boundless. But he could not check the boy's fearsome patience, which grew perceptibly from day to day. It was on a warm afternoon towards the middle of the month that Maude was sitting at the piano, trying to soothe him with the music he loved during the absence of the nurse when the sound

Starting point is 08:17:55 of a footfall in the room made her turn. Soltash had been away for a few days, but she was half expecting him. He never remained away for long. Why, Charlie? She began with a quick smile of welcome and broke off sharply. It was Capper. Her face must have displayed something more than surprise, she reflected later, for his first words, albeit he smiled whimsically as he uttered them were words of apology so sorry mrs bolton i shouldn't have taken you off your guard like this only i had a notion that being somewhat overdue you might be more or less prepared to see me she left the piano and went with outstretched hand to meet him you at last she said her welcome was cordial but it was wholly without eagerness her heart was beating wildly uncontrollably she felt suddenly cold as if she had stepped into a stone vault "'Capper bent a little over her hand. "'She saw his eyes flash over her.

Starting point is 08:18:55 "'I don't find the frog in attendance,' he remarked. "'Has he been shunted for a spell?' "'She felt her colour come again. "'Don't you want to hear about Bunny?' she said. "'He smiled at her. "'I know my own business so well, Madam, "'that I know all I need to know about Bunny,' "'he told her dryly.

Starting point is 08:19:14 "'The boy is just mad to be allowed to try his strength, "'and between you and me, he'll have about the biggest disappointment of his life when he does. It won't do him any harm, though, so don't you worry any. He suddenly held up her hand to the light and surveyed it critically. Say, Mrs. Bolton, he said, what do you live on? Just monkey nuts. She laughed in spite of herself.

Starting point is 08:19:39 I live very well, I assure you. But I could never get fat. It's not my nature. He grunted and pulled at his yellow beard. Do you realize, that you've lost pounds of flesh since it was first my privilege to meet you. She shook her head protestingly. Oh, no, really.

Starting point is 08:19:57 It is your imagination. Kapper shook his head also. My imagination feeds on facts only. Jake is not looking after you properly. It's my belief he is treating you to slow starvation. Oh, indeed, indeed, she broke in with vehemence. Jake has had nothing to do with me lately. I have been much too busy with Bunny, and he has had the good sense not to interfere.

Starting point is 08:20:23 Is that good sense, said Capper in the tone of one who does not require an answer? Besides, she went on rather breathlessly. It's not Jake's business to look after me. I thought that was what husbands were for, said Capper with his whimsical smile. It's a fool policy anyway to leave a woman to look after herself, and you're just a living illustration of that fact. Her hands clasped his arm almost unconsciously. Please, please don't ever discuss me again with Jake, she begged in tones of distress. He patted her hand with fatherly reassurance and passed the matter by. What are you going to do when bunny is gone? he asked. Her face paled again.

Starting point is 08:21:07 You are really going to take him away, she said. Tomorrow, said Capper. She removed her hands with a gesture. that was piteous. She said nothing whatever. Kapper turned aside. Maybe you'll take up housekeeping, he said practically. If I dare to venture upon the suggestion, you would make a charming hostess. She was silent still. He glanced at her.

Starting point is 08:21:34 Say, Mrs. Bolton, he said. I guess you'll think me several kinds of a nuisance. But your husband has offered me his hospitality for tonight. And I, well, I have accepted it provisionally. that is, on the condition that he can supply me with a hostess. She looked at him in black dismay. But I sleep here, she said. I must always be at hand, in case Bunny should want me.

Starting point is 08:21:58 Isn't the nurse in attendance? asked Capper with a touch of sharpness. Oh, of course, she answered. But, but... And how often in the night does she generally call you? Maud was silent. Capper's hand patted her shoulder again, paternally, admonishingly.

Starting point is 08:22:16 Guess he could spare you for tonight, he said. Pack your grip and come home. Jake will be pleased to see you, sure. She shivered. It isn't home to me, she said. What? said Capper. Not your husband's house. The hot color rushed up over her face.

Starting point is 08:22:35 She turned from him. Come and see Bunny, she said. A few minutes later she stood alone in the music room, gazing forth from the western window. with eyes that seemed to search the horizon for help. Kapper was occupied with Bunny. The nurse had returned and she was not needed. The certainty of this was upon her,

Starting point is 08:22:55 a dead weight pressing her down. Bunny's need of her was passed forever. Duty, stark and implacable was all that remained in life. Ah, a step behind her. She turned swiftly. Charlie. He came to her, a smile on his swarthy face, a gleam of wickedness in his eyes.

Starting point is 08:23:14 He took the hands that almost involuntarily she stretched to him. You summoned me, he said. Something in his look warned her of danger. His clasp was electric in its tenseness. She stood a moment before replying then, I didn't so much as know you were in the house, she said. She left her hands in his. An odd recklessness was upon her,

Starting point is 08:23:40 the recklessness born of despair. He laughed into her eyes. yet you summoned me most tragic queen of the roses he said you weren't so much as thinking of me perhaps yet subconsciously your spirit cried to mine and behold i am here he had drawn her close to him holding her hands against his breast so that the quick ardent beat of his heart came to her sending a curious half-reluctant thrill through her own she looked into his face of mocking subtleties no i wasn't thinking of you charlie she said i was not thinking of you charlie she said i was thinking of myself, hating the life before me, hating everything. The concentrated bitterness of her speech was almost like a challenge. She spoke passionately as one goaded, not caring what came of it. Saltash was bending slowly towards her, still laughing, ready to take refuge in a joke

Starting point is 08:24:35 if refuge were needed, yet daring also, warily marking his game. Why don't you think of me for a change, he said. She turned her face, swing. aside her lips were suddenly quivering no one not even you can help me now she said you are wrong he answered instantly I can help you it's just what I'm here for she glanced at him again as a friend Charlie she said he bent his dark head over her hands yes a friend he said but she had begun to tremble the old dread was upon her, the old instinct of recoil, the old ache of distrust.

Starting point is 08:25:20 She set her hands against him, holding him from her. How can you help me? she said. He did not lift his head. I can't keep you out of the furnace altogether, he said, but I can save you from living in bondage to a man you loathe. You will have to trust me, to a surgeon extent. Do you trust me? I don't know. Her voice was low, quivering. with an agitation she could not repress. Tell me what you are thinking of. Tell me how, how...

Starting point is 08:25:51 I will tell you, he said, when you have made up your mind as to my trustworthiness. She controlled her agitation with an effort. Oh, don't play with me, Charlie, she besought him. Don't you see I'm cornered, desperate? Of course I will trust you. He looked up at her with a wry lift of one eyebrow. being a case of needs must he observed dryly well my dear girl the case is simple enough you are ready to trust me because you must no one else is under the same obligation everyone else the worthy cow-puncher included knows my fascinating reputation

Starting point is 08:26:32 disappear with me for a week or so we'll run away and hide and all charitably minded folks will jump to the obvious conclusion the result will be an undefended divorce suit, and I shall pay the damages. His smile became a grimace. That is your road to freedom, my belle reine, he said. And think on me, I pray thee, when that freedom shall be achieved. There are sunnier lands than England, where lovely ladies may be wooed by wandering cavaliers. And surely, surely, his smile flashed forth again. Having thus made such atonement for past offenses as lies in my power, my queen would stoop to be gracious to me at last. He bent again over her hands, holding them pressed to his lips.

Starting point is 08:27:19 Maud stood mute. The audacity of the suggestion seemed to deprive her of the power of speech. None but Charlie could ever have evolved such a plan. None but Charlie, who loved her. The sudden realization of his love went through her like a sword-thrust in her heart. She actually gasped with the pain of it. What he suggested was impossible, of course. Of course.

Starting point is 08:27:46 But how gallantly, and with all how tenderly, he had laid the offer before her, urging no claim merely, out of the love he still had for her, offering her deliverance. But she must find an answer for him. He was waiting, bent in courtly fashion, with that king-like carelessness of pose

Starting point is 08:28:04 that marked him out from all other men. She looked at the bowed head that could be poised so arrogantly, and suddenly her own. eyes were full of tears. She made a movement to withdraw her hands. Oh, Charlie, she said in a broken, passionate whisper, If only I were free. He raised his head on the instant. But you can be free. I am offering you freedom. A little courage, a little confidence.

Starting point is 08:28:31 Can't you face it with me? Are you afraid? His voice was eager. His eyes were shining and boyishly persuasive. His hand still clasped hers with a pressure so vital and insistent that she felt impelled to suffer it. She shook her head. No, Charlie, it isn't that. But, but my promise. Oh, what of that? He said impetuously.

Starting point is 08:28:55 A promise made under compulsion is no bond at all. You can't keep it and yet be true to yourself. The mistake lay in making it. But to stick to it would be worse than madness. Listen, Mod, you must listen. Your marriage is in a body. and you must rid yourself of it whatever the cost i can see i have seen all along that it is an absolute violation of your whole nature you shrink from the man i believe in your soul you abhor him you did it on impulse he knows that and you have repented ever since your heart was never in it i think i know where your heart is his voice suddenly softened and his hands began subtly to draw her back to him but we won't

Starting point is 08:29:41 discuss that now it isn't the time i am concerned only to deliver you and i am offering you such deliverance as you can accept a deliverance that you can safely contemplate without shrinking the publicity of the thing never need touch you personally you can live in seclusion till it is all forgotten maud my maud won't you can't you trust an old friend his hands were drawing her closer his dark face again glow with the ardor of his quest was close to hers. You want to be free, he urged. And, my darling, I want you free.

Starting point is 08:30:21 I want you free. His voice throbbed into silence. He was drawing her, drawing her. In another moment he would have had her in his arms, but she held back from him with quivering, desperate strength. No, Charlie, no, she said gaspingly. He released her hands at one. and abruptly with a species of royal indifference curiously characteristic of him he veiled his ardor it is for you to choose he said i don't take i offer then as she covered her face he softened again took her suddenly very lightly by the shoulders

Starting point is 08:30:59 have i gone too far queen of the roses he whispered yet he will go further still it is that that i want to save you from you must forgive me sweet if i seem to you seem to you too anxious. I am heart-pressed myself. I want you badly enough, it's true. But that isn't my main reason for urging this. If you had married a man you cared for, I could have borne it. But this, this is intolerable. There, I have done. Only remember that I am ready. I am always ready. I shall wait for you by day and by night. Sooner or later. Sooner or later, I know you will come. Come. Don't be afraid to come, Queen Maud. I will be to you whatever you wish always. I only ask to serve you. Rapidly he uttered the low word still holding her with a touch that

Starting point is 08:31:53 was scarcely perceptible, but of which she was so vividly conscious that she quivered from head to foot every nerve stretched and vibrant, burningly alive, chafing to respond. The wild impulse to yield herself to his arms, casting away all shackles, was for the moment almost overpowering. Her spirit leapt to the call of his, beating fiercely for freedom like a caged bird viewing its mate in the open sky. How she restrained it, she knew not. Perhaps it was fear, perhaps it was that old, instinctive sense of fitness that had influenced her long ago. But the moment passed, and she remained motionless. Saltash turned aside. He betrayed no sign of disappointment. That also was caricated.

Starting point is 08:32:40 of him. He saw no defeat in failure. He regarded it only as victory postponed. And his attitude said as much when after a moment or two he began to speak in a light and careless strain of matters indifferent to them both. If he had not squarely hit his mark, he was not far there from, and with that he was content. He knew her to be nearer to his level than she had ever been before. The mod of the old days would have viewed his suggestion with a shrinking horror of a spirit that had never known temptation. The mod of today was different, more human, more truly woman. She had suffered, and her dainty pride had ceased to uphold her.

Starting point is 08:33:21 He had offered himself to her in the light of deliverer, and as such he believed he would win her. The odds were at last in his favor. As for Jake, he might be formidable, but Saltash was no coward. He fancied that when the time came, Jake would accept the inevitable. In any case he was far too keen upon the chase to be deterred by the thought of an outsider like Jake. If any element of danger existed, he welcomed it. If a thing were worth having, it was worth fighting for.

Starting point is 08:33:52 Saltash never had in any one of his rash intrigues paused to count the cost, and certainly it was not often that the cost had been borne by him. He snatched his pleasures and he drank deep thereof, but the dregs he was wont to throw away. once only, or possibly twice, had he ever been made to drink to the bottom of the cup. And he did not stop now to consider that on each of those occasions the cup had been firmly held in the hand of Jake Bolton. 36. The Bond

Starting point is 08:34:25 I have called him the hundredth chance, said Jake. But I guess he is going to be a winner. He was stooping over a tiny black foal that stood with trembling, legs pressed against its mother's flank. She was looking round at the master with questioning eyes. Even he was only allowed in the loose box on sufferance. You're very hopeful, said Kapper. He stood leaning on the half-door looking in upon Jake's latest treasure.

Starting point is 08:34:54 Maud was standing with him but slightly apart, modeling the red-settered chops who fawned about her knees. Chops had been unfainly delighted to see her again, and he could not desist from telling her so. She had bid goodbye to Bunny till the morrow, but she had made no definite arrangements for leaving the castle, and even yet she was wondering if she might not manage to return for that one last night of her brother's sojourn there. Jake had received her without comment when she had arrived with Capper half an hour before. She fancied his manner was somewhat guarded, but he treated her as if he had expected her and her coming had caused him no surprise.

Starting point is 08:35:31 Upon an ordinary occasion she would have been charmed with the sight of the week old. fall that Jake had brought them thither to see, but at the moment she was too stiff with shy reserve to enjoy it. So she stood apart instead, while Jake talked in his soft voice to the doctor, striving to hide her embarrassment and murmured endearments to chops. Oh, yes, the dam's a blood mare. Jake was saying, the most valuable animal we have. She's a mass of nerves, unfortunately. We've had a lot of trouble with her. He stretched a fondling hand to the creature's inquiring muzzle. She laid her ears for a moment, but the next her tongue came out and

Starting point is 08:36:10 softly licked first his fingers, and then the wistful black face of her offspring. Jake smiled and stood up. She's a good mother, doctor. I like a good mother, he said. His eyes fell on Maude, bending low with flushed face over the dog. A momentary shadow crossed his face. He had counted upon a greater enthusiasm on her part. Never before had she failed to take a keen interest in the animals. Reckon we'd better go in and get some supper, he said. They went in. The spring twilight was falling,

Starting point is 08:36:45 and with it a brief shower that pattered a while and was stayed. Down in the orchard, the blackbirds were singing in a wonderful chorus that seemed to fill all the world with music. The scents that rose from the rain-steeped earth were of that wondrous fragrance that holds the senses spellbound in the magic of spring. From somewhere near the ocean, open French window there came the breath of violets, and from a little further away,

Starting point is 08:37:10 subtly mingling with it, the incense of wallflowers, all wet and luscious from the damp, sweet earth. A wonderful season, said Capper. Jake smiled somewhat grimly. A stormy may, he said. The meal was of the simplest, served by Mrs. Lovelace in her best gown of black satine. Her plump face wore a pursed look of peculiar severity. Maud, very pale and still at the end of the table, gave her a murmured greeting which called forth a very grim response. Jake was apparently at his ease, but he made no attempt to draw his wife into the conversation. He talked to Kapper or was silent.

Starting point is 08:37:51 He was still wearing the riding costume with which she always associated him. She heard the clink of his spurs whenever he moved. Kapper was very gentle with her, full of kindly consideration. There were no difficult pauses. To a casual observer, there would have been no evidence of strain. Only to the girls sitting there at her husband's stable, a stranger was it almost insupportable. She did not know how she came through the meal, nor was she aware of eating anything. When it was over at last, she was thankful to rise and go.

Starting point is 08:38:23 She took refuge upstairs in the room that had been bunnies, standing there in the darkness, striving with herself, fighting desperately for composure. What was expected of her she did not know? whether to go or to remain. The impulse to go strongly urged her, but she held it back. There was the morrow to be thought of, the morrow to be faced, and she had a feeling, a dreadful growing suspicion that Jake was drawing to the end of his patience. Not that he had betrayed it by word or look, only he seemed to be waiting, waiting with an iron determination that no action of hers could balk. She felt that if she fled from him tonight,

Starting point is 08:39:02 she would never dare to face him again. The thought of Charlie arose within her. Charlie, careless, debonair, gay of soul. He had offered her his protection. Should she go to him, even now? Could she? Dared she? The temptation drew her, drew her.

Starting point is 08:39:23 She knew Charlie so well. She was sure he would be chivalrous. She was sure she could count upon him. But his protection, what was it worth? now that she had seen jake had felt the primitive force of the man in you her heart misgave her she was possessed by the appalling conviction that in the matter of lawlessness jake could outdo charlie many times over if once roused no trammels of civilization would hold him he would go straight for his prey and no power on earth would turn him aside or make him relinquish his whole till he had wreaked his vengeance for the first time it occurred to her that it might not be upon herself alone that that vengeance would fall a great shudder went through her she quivered all over and turning crept to the bed and crouched beside it she was terrified unnerved despairing Her own wickedness frightened her, so that she could not even pray for help.

Starting point is 08:40:23 She knew not which way to turn. A long time passed thus. Then there came a step upon the stair, a steady, quiet step. A hand pushed open the door. Say, Ma, are you here? Jake said. She tried to answer him, but could not. She knew that the moment she spoke she would betray herself.

Starting point is 08:40:45 He came forward into the room. She saw his square figure against the light outside the door. Capper has gone back, he said. He wouldn't stay any longer. That startled her to a tragic activity. She sprang up in wild dismay. Dr. Capper, gone. I thought he was spending the night.

Starting point is 08:41:06 I wanted him, too, said Jake. He wouldn't. He said I was to wish you good night and thank you for your hospitality. Maud stood still, her hands at her throat. for the moment she was too electrified for speech then anger bitter furious resentment came to her aid so you brought me here by a trick she said her voice pitched very low but full of a quivering abhorrence that must have reached him where he stood i don't know what you mean said jake his voice was curt and cool he spoke without the smallest evidence of indignation or constraint i never asked you to come nor did i ask kapper to bring you i presume you were a free agent so far as that goes but since you are here there is not much point in running away again it's here that you belong the finality of his speech came upon her with stunning force it had the dead level of absolute assurance

Starting point is 08:42:07 as he made it he came forward into the room and she heard the rattle of his match-box as he drew it forth she stood and waited tensely while he deliberately struck a match and lighted one of the candles upon the mantelpiece all the blood in her body seemed to be throbbing at her throat she had not been alone with him for weeks she had never been alone with him as she was to-night the light from the candle showed her the room prepared as for a guest the chint's covers were all newly starched and frisked From the bed there seemed to come a subtle scent of lavender. The lattice window was wide to the night, and from far away there rose the long, deep roar of the sea. Jake turned from the lighted candle and pointed to a low chair by the bed. Sit down, he said. There's something I've got to say to you. She looked at him with hunted eyes.

Starting point is 08:43:00 She thought his face was very grim, but the dim flickering light threw strange shadows upon it, baffling her. He came to her as she still remained upon her feet, took her between his hands and held her so facing him. Say now, he said, and a hint of half-coaxing kindliness softened the measured resolution of his speech. Where's the sense of fighting when you know you can't win? You're not a very good loser, my girl.

Starting point is 08:43:26 But I reckon it's just a woman's way. I won't be hard on you on that account. She drew back from him swiftly, with the old instinctive shrinking from the man's overwhelming force of personality. Oh, need we talk about that now? she said hurriedly. I—there is still bunny to think of. It is his last night, and—and—and— She broke off with a sound half-choked that was almost a cry. For Jake's hands were holding her, drawing her, compelling her.

Starting point is 08:43:56 She realized that in another moment she would be in his arms. She set her quivering hands against his shoulders, pushing him from her with all her strength. He set her free, then, with a gesture half contemptuous. So it's to be the same old fool game, to the bitter end, is it? He asked, and she caught in his voice a new note as of anger barely held in check. Well, I reckon it's up to you to make good sooner or later. It was not my intention to hold you down to that bargain of ours. But if you must have it, you shall.

Starting point is 08:44:31 I want to know when you propose to make good. she shrank away from him in quivering disgust oh never never she said the words rushed out almost against her will and the moment they were uttered she wished them back for jake's eyes leapt into sudden furious flame such flame as seemed to scorch her from head to foot he did not speak at once but stood looking at her looking at her while the awful seconds crept away at last it's rather rash of you to put it that way, he said, and there was a faintly humorous sound in his voice, as though he restrained a laugh. So, you're not a woman of your word after all. That's queer. Damn queer. I could have sworn you were. She wrung her hands hard together in a desperate effort at self-control. Oh, Jake, she said piteously. It isn't my fault that were not made of the same stuff, indeed, indeed.

Starting point is 08:45:33 You, you wouldn't ask the impossible of me? Perhaps not, said Jake, and now he spoke in the old soft draw that she knew well as a cloak to unwavering determination. But has it never occurred to you that I might leave asking and just, take? She recoiled further from him. The man's deadly assurance appalled her.

Starting point is 08:45:56 She had no weapon to oppose against it, and his eyes were as a red-hot furrowed. into which she dared not look. Now listen to me, he suddenly said. There's been enough of this fooling around, more than enough. I've put up with it so far, but there's a limit to everything. The time has come for you to remember that you are my wife. I am your husband.

Starting point is 08:46:21 We may not be over well suited to one another as you have pointed out, but the bond exists and we have to make the best of it. and so you will not go back to the castle to-night you will stay here under your husband's roof and fill your rightful place by my side is that understood he spoke with the utmost decision aunt maud white to the lips attempted no reply she had made her appeal and he had not heard it she knew with sure intuition that further resistance would be useless she had staked all and she had lost in that moment she saw her love life a heap of ruins, blasted by a devastating tempest that had scattered to the four winds all that she had ever held precious. And nothing was left to her. Nothing of value could ever be hers again. Only out of the smoking ruins there presently arose one thing, a poison plant, that was to flourish in the midst of desolation. Out of the furnace of a man's unshackled passion, it sprang to full

Starting point is 08:47:27 growth in a single night, ready to bear its evil fruit, when time should have made it ripe. The seed of it had been sown by saltash. The tropica raising of it was the work of Jake Bolton. The nourishing of it was left to maud. But the final in-gathering of that bitter harvest was to fall to the lot of all three. End of chapters 35 and 36. End of Part 1. Part 2, chapters 1 and 2. Of the hundredth chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Part 2. The Race

Starting point is 08:48:11 1. Husks Chops, the setter, was puzzled. He had been following his mistress about in his faithful way throughout the whole of that hot July afternoon, and he had fathomed the fact that she was preparing for a visitor. He even half suspected that he knew who the visitor would prove to be. But nonetheless, was he puzzled by her answer? for to Chop's plain and honest mind the coming of a guest was a cause for undiluted joy,

Starting point is 08:48:39 but it was evident that to Maude the advent of this one was a matter of anxiety, even almost of dread. Jake's old bedroom facing the stables had been assigned to the newcomer. She had spent hours of loving care upon it, yet on this, the great day of arrival, she did not seem happy or by any means content. A great restlessness possessed her, and Chops in consequence was uneasy, too. He had conceived a vast affection for his young mistress that was in some fashion vaguely mingled with pity and concern. She had a disconcerting way of weeping in private when only Chops might see, and he had a feeling that such consolation as he was able to prefer, though quite wholehearted, was never altogether equal to the occasion. The tears she shed were so piteously

Starting point is 08:49:24 hopeless, and even her smiles were hopeless, too. Chops often mourned over the sadness of his idol. She had just come in from the garden with a great handful of sweet peas. It was a glorious sunny morning, and she had put on an old blue sunbonnet that had done duty down on the seashore in previous summers to protect her from the glare. She was holding the flowers up to her face as she mounted the steps to the parlor, and such was her absorption that she did not notice what Chops, following close behind, perceived on the instant, the strong square figure of her husband, waiting in the entrance of the glass door.

Starting point is 08:49:59 She was actually within touch of him before she was aware of his presence, and then, with a great start, she lowered her flowers, while over her face there came a look that was like the sudden dawning of a mask. I thought you had gone, she said. Not quite, said Jake. He bent slightly as she entered,

Starting point is 08:50:18 stretched out a hand, took her by the chin, and kissed her mask-like face. She endured his action with the most complete show of indifference, neither returning nor avoiding his caress. A faint, faint tinge of color showed in her cheeks as with scarcely a pause she passed on into the room. That was all. It is getting late, she observed.

Starting point is 08:50:39 I think you had better go. Jake's eyes, red-brown and shining, followed her with a masterful expression as she moved to the table and laid down her flowers, marking the queenly bend of her neck, the cold majesty of her pose. He said nothing for the moment, merely took out his pipe out of his pocket and began to fill it. Maud went to the sideboard for a vase. Her movements were very measured very stately.

Starting point is 08:51:04 She did not so much as glance towards the man who watched her. The old quick nervousness of manner had gone utterly from her. She was like a marble statue, endued with a certain icy animation. You don't look exactly, excited, remarked Jake as he finally stuck his pipe into his mouth. She smiled a cool, aloof smile saying nothing. He lighted his pipe, his eyes still upon her. Say, Maude, he said between the

Starting point is 08:51:31 puffs, why don't you come, too? She raised her beautiful brows a little at the question and slightly shrugged her shoulders. You don't want to, pursued Jake. Her blue eyes met his for a single instant. They were dark and remote as a deep

Starting point is 08:51:47 mountain tarn. Not in the least, she said. He swung round with a jingle of spurs and came to the table by which she stood. What if I wish you to come? he said. The faint cold smile still drew her lips. She had begun already to arrange her flowers. Of course, your wish is law, she said. He leaned towards her, laying an abrupt hand upon hers.

Starting point is 08:52:13 Maude, he said. She became still on the instant, but she did not look at him, or attempt to avoid the tobacco smoke that curled. between them. Maud, he said again, and there was a hint of pleading in his voice. Why can't you be friends with me? Surely I'm not all that hard to get on with. She kept her eyes lowered.

Starting point is 08:52:35 The pale composure of her face did not vary as she made reply. I am sorry if you are not satisfied. I thought you had got all you wanted. He pulled the pipe from his mouth and laid it on the table. Do you think any man is satisfied with husk? he said. Her lip curled a little. She said nothing. He took her by the arms, not violently, but with firmness. Maud, he said, and there was urgency in his voice. Where's the use of behaving like this? Do you think it's going to make life easier, happier? Is it doing God's work in the

Starting point is 08:53:12 world to be always fighting the inevitable? I'm rough, I know, but I'm white. Why can't you take me as I am and make the best of me? he had never thus appealed to her before she stood stiffly between his hands but still she did not look at him her eyes were on the flowers on the table that lay scorching and slowly shriveling under his pipe i really don't know what you want she said in a tone of cool aloofness and don't care said jake with sudden vehemence on my soul i sometimes think to myself that if you treated shepherd as you treat me he had some reason for giving you a hiding Her eyelids quivered sharply at the rough illusion, but she did not raise them. You are rather hard to please, she said in a low voice. Am I? said Jake. And do you ever try to please me by any chance?

Starting point is 08:54:07 A slight tremor went through her. I give you submission, obedience, she said. You have all that you married me for. Have I? said Jake. His voice was suddenly ironical. "'Ah, my girl, you know a mighty lot about that, don't you?' "'And have I also your confidence, your goodwill, your friendship?' Her eyes flashed him a look of swift protest.

Starting point is 08:54:33 "'They were not a part of the bargain,' she said. "'Dam the bargain,' said Jake with force. "'If I didn't want them, what did I want?' Her eyes comprehended him and fell again. She said nothing. He held her by the shoulders and gave her a sharp shake, as if to her to her senses. Perhaps you think I'm brutal, he said,

Starting point is 08:54:55 but you treat me as I wouldn't treat any brute in creation. Why do you never speak to me? Why do you never kiss me? On my oath, you starve me of all that's good in life and yet expect me to remain civilized. She made no attempt to free herself, nor did she utter remonstrance of any kind. If the grip of his hands hurt her, she did not show it.

Starting point is 08:55:18 She stood in utter silence. slowly jake's hold relaxed the fierceness went out of it he stood for a few seconds watching her a deep frown between his brows i don't seem to be able to get hold of you somehow he said at length and yet it ain't for want of trying say maud can't you be decent to me for a bit now the little chap is coming he'll notice sure if you're not guess we don't either of us want him pestering around with questions there was a species of half-grudging persuasion in his voice he held her as though at the faintest sign of encouragement he would have drawn her into his arms but maud made no such sign she stood motionless without looking at him she spoke "'I can't pretend to love you, you see, I don't.' He made a sharp gesture, such a gesture as a man might make if stabbed in the back. A very bitter look came into his eyes. It was as if an evil spirit looked jibing forth.

Starting point is 08:56:20 They glittered like the red flare of a torch. "'All right, my girl,' he said, and his voice was soft and slow and wholly without emotion. Then I continue my meal of husks. With the words he let her go took up his pipe from the table and left her. Mewely, she watched him go. Then, as the sound of his footsteps died away, she sank on her knees by the table,

Starting point is 08:56:45 burying her face upon the scorched and ruined flowers. And so she remained for a long, long time. Even the sympathy of chops was lacking. He had followed his master and the dog-cart to the station to welcome the visitor for whom such loving preparations had been made, and he was compelled to fly like the wind to keep pace with the flying wheels. Two, the poison plant. The wheels of the dog cart clattered back over the stone paving of the yard, and a wild

Starting point is 08:57:16 whoop of welcome echoed through the place. A small, boyish figure leaped impetuously to the ground to be caught and fast held in Maud's straining arms. Hello, Maud, hello Maud, cried Bunny. He hugged her nonetheless ardently, hugged and kissed her. They had not seen each other for three months. Maud's greeting was inaudible. She could only hold him passionately close, feeling the abounding activity of his light young frame, and realizing with a great throb of rejoicing that the miracle had been wrought indeed. Bunny had been made whole. I say, isn't it fine? The boy cried eagerly. I've been doing gymnastics and physical exercises

Starting point is 08:57:58 to any amount. I can swim, too, and Dr. Kapper says I may learn to ride. Jake's going to teach me, aren't you, Jake? Oh, isn't it fine, Mod? Isn't it fine? She held him a little from her, gazing at him fondly, as she gathered him close again. He was very slight and thin, but he was taller than she had thought possible. The deep hollows about his eyes were far less marked than before, though his whole face bore that indelible stamp of suffering which had always made him older than his ears. He gave her another hearty hug. I'm as fit as a fiddle, he declared,

Starting point is 08:58:34 but I still have to do four hours flat on the floor every day. I told Jake that I wasn't going to do it anymore, but he swears he'll tie me down to the table legs if I don't. You're a sport, aren't you, Jake? He left his sister abruptly to attach himself to Jake, whose threats of violence were plainly a huge attraction to his boyish mind. Jake thrust an arm about the narrow shoulders. We've got to make a man.

Starting point is 08:58:58 of you somehow, my son, he said. And Kapper is very emphatic about keeping up the treatment for another six weeks. Yes, and after that I'm going to school, said Bunny, with the assurance of a man who holds the ruling of his own destiny. There's Fair Harbor College up on the hill, Jake. That'll do for me, and I'll be a weekly boarder, and you'll take me to races on Saturdays. But Jake shook his head. Not at your time of life, young feller. No, when you go Go to school, you'll stay there. You've got to make up for lost time. Perhaps in the holidays, we'll see.

Starting point is 08:59:35 But I make no rash promises. Now, Mrs. Bolton, what about tea? They went within to the meal prepared in the sunny parlor with its door thrown open to the garden. They sat at the table, bunny alert, excited, radiant. Jake, cheery and indulgent, bestowing his exclusive attention upon him. Maud, very quiet and reserved,

Starting point is 08:59:57 but watching the boy. with eyes of shining affection that scarcely left him for a moment. He had so much to tell them of his treatment and of that how at the beginning of things he had found it so hard to bear and how the doctors had helped him through. They were so awfully decent, he said. There was one of them, Dr. Windham, who was no end of a swell. He used to come twice a week and put me through the most ghastly drill

Starting point is 09:00:22 that rolled me out quite flat. He made me think of you, Jake. He was such a chap for getting his own way. Somehow I never could get ratty with him, though I used to dread this sight of him forever so long. He soon got to know it, and he'd sit down by my side and talk in a reassuring sort of way till he'd worked me up to it. He seemed to have no end of time to waste, and yet he was always ready, used to come in

Starting point is 09:00:47 with his hands in his pockets and a funny smile on his face, and send the nurse packing because he knew I hated anyone looking on. I got to like him no end. You'd have liked him too, Maude. He was just our sort. And there he stopped suddenly, for the first time gazing fully at her. Great, Scott, he said. How queer you look.

Starting point is 09:01:09 I? said Maude slightly startled. Bunny was looking at her hard. He turned abruptly to Jake. Why does she look like that? She hasn't been ill, has she? Jake's eyes went to his wife's face. He regarded her critically for a moment. But before he could speak, Maude hastily broke in.

Starting point is 09:01:28 Bunny, how absurd. Of course not. I am never ill. Jake, pass up his cup. He obeyed in silence and she received it with a hand that trembled. Her face was burning. You look better now, said Bunny. Perhaps it's the heat. How do you amuse yourself nowadays? Is Salt Ash at the castle? She shook her head. No, he left on the same day that you did. I have scarcely seen him since. You have heard from him. said Jake in the tone of one making a casual statement. She was silent for a second or two while she poured out Bunny's tea,

Starting point is 09:02:06 then without lifting her eyes. Yes, she said, I have heard from him. Where is he? asked Bunny. Does he write often? Not often, said Mod. She suddenly looked across at Jake with eyes that seemed to fling a challenge. I expect you know where he is, she said.

Starting point is 09:02:26 He is in town, said Jake. He met her look with the utmost deliberation and almost at once she looked away. I expect he'll be going to Scotland next month, said Bunny, but I hope he'll come here first. I'd like to see him. Aren't there some big races at Greydown soon, Jake? Won't he come for them? I can't say what he'll do, said Jake, pulling out his pipe. The Berchester Cup will be run in a fortnight.

Starting point is 09:02:53 Oh, Jake, old chap, do, do let me see that, urged Bunny with Shep. shining eyes. Is the mascot going to run again? No, not the mascot this time. The Albatross. You remember him? Reckon he ought to carry it off if his jockey is good enough. Jake spoke with something of a frown. Bunny was all eagerness. The Albatross. Wasn't he the chap you were forcing into the water that day you first spoke to us? Yes, I remember him, of course. A beauty. Who's up, Jake? Isn't he any good? i wanted vickers to ride him jake said he's been training but he has just broken his thumb confound him that leaves it to dick stevens and i don't feel just sure of him he may pull it off but he's not like sam vickers the animals haven't the same faith in him any more than i have he got up from the table as he spoke and went to the mantelpiece for a match bunny gulped down his tea and sprang up also

Starting point is 09:03:58 "'Say, Jake, I'm coming round the stables with you,' he said. "'I won't be in the way.' Jake, his clay pipe between his teeth, puffed forth a cloud of smoke and turned. "'Not to-night, my son. You've got another two-hours floor drill before you. You go and do it.' Bunny's face fell. "'Oh, damn it, Jake, not to-night.'

Starting point is 09:04:23 Jake's hand shot forth and grasped his shoulder. Who taught you to say that?' he demanded. Bunny stared. I don't know. Lots of fellows say it. Charlie often does. I do myself, said Jake grimly.

Starting point is 09:04:40 But you're not too savvy? I mean it. It ain't a mite clever, my son. It's beastly ugly. And you? You've got to be a gentleman if you do live under the roof of a bounder. Now you go and do as you're told. Quick march.

Starting point is 09:04:56 I shall know if you don't and I shall know the reason why. too take him upstairs mod and if he don't behave himself undress him and put him to bed he would have gone with the words but bunny with a red face stayed him I'll do as you tell me Jake he said but I won't be managed by anyone else and I'm not a bit afraid of you see Jake stopped and the old kind smile that once had been so much more frequent alighted his face that's right a little part you've no call to be he said but I won't have it said that you were brought up in a stable and I won't have you hanging around with the boys in the yard either our language is not your

Starting point is 09:05:40 language and you're not to learn it now go and do your duty I'll take you round the stables tomorrow he bestowed a kindly pat upon Bunny's shoulder and departed bunny turned around to mod what's the matter with him he said she sat with her face to the window her eyes fixed unseeingly upon the sunlit garden. Nothing that I know of, she said without moving. Bunny came to her side. But, Mod, he isn't always like that. At least, he used not to be.

Starting point is 09:06:13 Like what, she said. Bunny was looking at her hard. You used not to be like this either, he said. What's happened to you both? She gave herself a sharp shake. It was almost like a shutter suppressed, and came out of her reverie. She met Bunny's questioning eyes with a smile.

Starting point is 09:06:33 My dear boy, nothing has happened. Don't look so suspicious. There, come and let me look at you. Do you know I hardly know you? You seem so young. Bunny pushed an arm about her neck and gave the kiss for which she earned. You look years older than you did,

Starting point is 09:06:51 he said with brotherly candor. I thought you'd get on like a house on fire when you hadn't me to worry you, but you look more down in the mouth than ever. I shan't now I've got you, she whispered, clinging to him. I've missed you. Horribly dear. I thought you would, said Bunny with complacence.

Starting point is 09:07:11 I missed you too at first. When they gave me that beastly massage, I used to howl for you. Was it so terribly bad? She murmured, holding him faster. It was unspeakable, said Bunny. I shouldn't have stuck to it if you'd been there. as it was well i couldn't help myself but they were awfully kind too no one ever pitched into me for behaving badly they all seemed to take it for granted i should and when i began to get better they were so jolly encouraging but i'd rather be flogged every day for a year ended bunny then go through it all again dr capper didn't tell me it would be so bad said maud no caper's a deep one he didn't tell me it would be so bad said maud no caper's a deep one he didn't tell you

Starting point is 09:07:56 me either. He laughs about it now, said Bunny, and says the end has fully justified the means. He's rather a card, but he's a fine chap. He is coming to see us before he leaves England. I made him promise. He'll be off before the end of August. Bunny stretched himself luxuriously. How's the mother getting on? he inquired. I haven't seen her for quite a long time. I believe she is very busy, Maude said. They have discharged some of the of the servants at the anchor. I don't believe it answers. She was looking rather worried the last time we met, but she didn't tell me anything, except that times were bad. They always are with some people, said Bunny. I suppose Jake is quite prosperous, is he? Oh, quite, I think, she said in

Starting point is 09:08:46 surprise. Of course he is Charity's paid man. Why do you ask? He looks a bit bothered, said Bunny. Perhaps it isn't that, though. Come along. Let's go. upstairs. He twined his arm in hers. They went up side by side. A little later they separated, and Maude went to her own room. Down in the training field below the orchard, a solitary horseman was riding a young, untamed animal that fought savagely against his mastery, striving by every conceivable artifice to unseat him. She paused at the casement window and watched the struggle, marked the man's calm assurance, his inflexible strength of purpose, his ruthless self assertion. And as she watched, that evil thing that she nourished in her heart opened its first

Starting point is 09:09:33 poisonous flowers and bloomed in rank profusion. She hoped with a sickening intensity that the animal would win the day and that Jake Bolton would be killed. End of chapters one and two. Part two, chapters three and four of the hundredth chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. three confidences three days after bunny's return maud drove him down in the dog-cart one afternoon to see their mother she herself would not go into the anchor hotel she had never entered it since that bitter day in the winter when she had thrown herself upon jake's protection nor had she exchanged a single word with her stepfather since her wedding day her mother seemed to have grown completely away from them and would seldom be persuaded to visit her daughter even though jake himself offered to her to fetch her. She had become fretful and irritable, and was in a certain measure vexed with Maude, who had not apparently made the most of her opportunities. There was no denying the

Starting point is 09:10:42 fact that they were drifting further and further apart, and to neither of them did the other's presence afford the smallest pleasure. Now that Lord Saltash had quitted the scene, Mrs. Shepard took no further interest in her daughter's doings. She strongly suspected that it was in response to Maude's insistence that he had gone, and she was inclined to regard his absence as a personal grievance against her in consequence. Emphatically, Mrs. Shepard was not improved by adversity. Her looks were fading, and her placid temperament had vanished. Giles was such a trial. Life was so difficult. She had always acted for the best, but she never reaped any benefit therefrom. In fact, fate had never been kind to her, and she was beginning to cherish a grudge in consequence.

Starting point is 09:11:29 bunny was by no means anxious to pay her a visit it was only by jake's command that he went maud was a little surprised to find that he was developing a scrupulous regard for jake's wishes she drove the dog-cart into the stable-yard of the anchor and left it there with a promise to return for him in an hour then she herself wandered down to the shore to pass the time the day was sultory with a brooding heat the sea lay wrapped and mist like a steaming sheet of molten lead there was no sound of waves only now and then the wailing cry of a seagull floated across the water and sometimes there throbbed upon the heavy air the paddle of an unseen steamer beating through that silent waste of grayness she had no sunshade and the glare was intense albeit the sun was veiled half mechanically she turned her steps towards the shelter in which how long ago jake had made as astounding proposal of marriage she felt miserable depressed sick at heart the clothes weather did not agree with her she was limp and listless and she could neither eat nor sleep she dropped wearily down upon the seat and leaned back with her eyes half closed her head was aching dully as if a heavy weight pressed upon it there was no one in sight that end of the parade was little frequented the gay crowd preferred the vicinity of the bathing machines where a little group of pierrot's were making merry now and this the raucous voice of the funny man of the party reached her, but it was too far away to disturb her. She was thankful for the attraction that kept the people away.

Starting point is 09:13:09 Chops lay at her feet, snapping at the flies, grave, sympathetic, watchful. He was feeling the heat, too, but he took it philosophically with the wisdom of experience. He knew better than to chafe at the inevitable. Half an hour crawled away thus in dumb oppression, while the atmosphere grew imperceptibly thicker, gradually extinguishing the sun rays, darkening the world. At length, a long ridge rose with ghostly suddenness on that flat desert of waters and swept shorewards, bursting upon the beach with a startling roar. Maud started and opened her eyes.

Starting point is 09:13:45 In a moment she was on her feet, dismayed, irresolute. One glance at the ominous sky and sullen, glassy water told her that a storm was imminent. She could not stay in that exposed place. She would not contemplate taking refuge at the anchor. Whither could she go? She began to walk swiftly along the parade, chops pacing sedately behind. The pierrotes were gone, the crowd scattered.

Starting point is 09:14:10 She was sure that in a few moments there would be a terrific downpour. Another long swell showed like the beck of a swift-moving monster on the face of the waters. It traveled landwards with incredible rapidity. It burst in the water just below her. A great swirl of surf rushed up to the wall and receded to rejoin the inky water.

Starting point is 09:14:31 And suddenly, the blast of the storm caught her. Almost before she realized it, she was fleeing before it down the deserted road. Eddies of dust rose up under her feet, and sand whipped up from the beach stung her face. She raced the tempest, making for the nearest side road to escape the unbroken fury

Starting point is 09:14:50 with which it raged along the shore. As she tore across to the sheltering houses, there came a blinding flash of lightning, and instantly overhead, a splitting explosion that seemed to shatter the whole world. For a second or two she was checked in her wild career. She felt stunned. Then in a sweeping torrent the rain was upon her, and she stumbled towards the nearest doorway. Before she reached it, however, a voice called to her. A stout figure came running forth with amazing lightness, and two plump hands seized one of hers. "'Come in, my dear, come in!'

Starting point is 09:15:25 panted a wheezy voice. Why, whatever brought you out in such a storm? You look scared to death. Come and sit down in my back parlor behind the shop. It's all right, dearie, all right. Don't be upset. Gasping and unerved, Maude tottered into the little shop, groping, clinging to her guide.

Starting point is 09:15:46 The gloom without made almost impenetrable darkness within. She had not the faintest idea as to whither she was being led. But there was no hesitation. about her companion she pressed her forward till a glimmer of light revealed a window in a dingy little room beyond the shop and here she deposited her with a friendly firmness upon a horsehair sofa making her lean against a cushion sewn with beads while she recovered her breath don't you be frightened any more my dear she admonished her you're quite safe trust the dear lord for that the wind and storm are only fulfilling his will poor child you're all of a tremble There, let's take your hat off. And I'll get you a cup of tea, dear. You'll be better, then.

Starting point is 09:16:31 Tenderly, she removed the hat while maud, panting and spent, lay limply against the cushion. Chops sat pressed against her his silken head on her knee. Why, look at him. It's just as if he's trying to tell you not to take on, said her rescuer. There's a deal of soul in a dog, I always say. Now you know who I am, Mrs. Bolton, my dear. dear, don't you? You don't feel as if you're taking shelter with a stranger. You are... Mrs. Wright, Maud said, speaking with an effort.

Starting point is 09:17:05 That's right, my dear. I felt sure you'd remember me. Now, will you be quite comfortable if I run into the kitchen and make the tea? Or will you come along with me? I often think company is a good thing in a storm. Maud was recovering herself. She sat up with something of her usual quiet demeanor, though her heart was still beating unpleasantly fast. Please don't trouble to get any tea for me, she said. If I may stay till the worst is over, I shall be very grateful. But I must go directly it gets better. My brother is waiting for me at the anchor.

Starting point is 09:17:40 Another terrible flash pierced the gloom, and she shrank involuntarily, one hand covering her face, while the thunder crashed above them with a force that shook the house. As the dreadful echoes died away, she was. awoke to the fact that Mrs. Wright was kneeling stoutly beside her, one kindly arm pressing her close. It's all right, darling. Don't shiver so, she murmured maternally. We're quite safe in the Lord's good keeping.

Starting point is 09:18:08 He won't let us be harmed if we trust in him. Maude made a slight gesture as though she would withdraw herself, and then the comfort of that motherly arm overcame her shyness. Very suddenly she let herself go into the old woman's embrace. she hid her face on the ample shoulder i'm not really frightened she whispered piteously but oh i'm so tired i'm so tired poor lamb said mrs wright compassionately she gathered her to her bosom rocking her softly in her arms as one who soothes a hurt child and whispering endearing words from time to time while maud spent and weary wept silently there till with the shedding of tears some measure of relief came to her aching soul. She forgot the storm that raged around them. She forgot that Mrs. Wright was a comparative stranger to her. She forgot the passage of time and all besides, in the blessed

Starting point is 09:19:05 consciousness of another woman's sympathy, compassing her round, sustaining, comprehending, lifting her up from the depths of despair into which she had lately sunk so low. There, then, there, you're better now, murmured Mrs. Wright at last. Would you like to talk a bit, or shall we just pretend as there's nothing to talk about? But Maude was clinging to her as a drowning person clings to a spar. You're very good to me, she whispered tremulously. It was enough for Mrs. Wright. She proceeded with boldness.

Starting point is 09:19:41 It didn't become me to take the first step, dearie, you being a lady like you are, and me only a clumsy old woman. But I've had troubles myself, and I'm not blind. You aren't well, dear. You aren't happy. I was afraid that day in the winter, and I've been much more afraid since. I was wanting to step up and see you again,

Starting point is 09:20:03 but then I wasn't sure as you'd want me. But I've thought of you often and often, and poor Jake, too. Maude shivered. Life is horrible, horrible, she said, and there was a quiver of passion in the words. Ah, dear, Mrs. Wright held her closer. maybe that's because you're not taking things just as you should no i don't suppose as it's your fault i wouldn't presume but there's ways and ways of looking at things and sometimes when a girl is hurried into marrying like you were she's likely to be a bit taken aback when she comes to realize what it means

Starting point is 09:20:44 and it is then maybe that she gets a wrong impression of men in their ways which is like to interfere with all happiness but you know dearie men are only a pack of children any woman can manage a man if she puts her mind to it and he'll like her the better for it too but if once a man gets the whip hand and knows it that's fatal a spoilt child soon becomes a tyrant jake is no child low and bitter the words came Maude's face was buried deep in her new friend's shoulder. He is nothing but a brute. Lord, love us, ejaculated Mrs. Wright. And then, very tenderly, her hand began to smooth the girl's tumbled hair. Has he been, that, to you, she said. Ah, dear, dear, dear, and what's going to happen, I wonder, when he knows what you're going to give him?

Starting point is 09:21:40 No, don't shrink, darling. There's nothing to be ashamed. of. Would you be ashamed if God sent an angel to lay a baby in your arms? For it's just that, darling. It is his gift. Aren't you going to thank him for it? The first is so much the most wonderful. Think, dear, think of the little wee thing that will cling to you, cry to you, depend on only you. Maud was shivering violently. She did not lift her head or speak. Mrs. Wright's hand did not cease to caress and soothe. I am right, dear, am I? she asked softly.

Starting point is 09:22:20 And Maude's silence answered her. Thereafter there came an interval during which the loud patter of the rain was the only sound. Maud's tears had ceased. She sat bowed upon the old woman's breast as though she lacked the strength to lift herself. But presently without moving she spoke, I suppose I am very wicked, but I don't. don't feel like that about it. I can't. I don't want it. You'll be dreadfully shocked, I'm afraid. I have never spoken my mind to anyone before. But the fact is, I've never felt

Starting point is 09:22:54 really married to Jake. I don't in my heart belong to him. And that makes everything wrong. My dear, my dear, said Mrs. Wright. But he is your husband all the same. And you? You are the one woman in the world to him. He loves you as his own soul. Ma shook her head hopelessly. Oh, no, indeed he doesn't. He doesn't know the meaning of the word. If he did, things would be very different. Dear heart, that's just where you go wrong. The beginning and end of the whole trouble, declared Mrs. Wright. I knew he loved you that night last year at your mother's wedding party. Why, it was shining a in his eyes for all to see. Was he such a dunderhead then that he never told you so?

Starting point is 09:23:46 But at that, Maud raised herself. She met the old woman's eyes in the gloom, her own heavy with bitterness. Mrs. Wright, that was not love, she said, or anything approaching to love. She paused a moment, as though the tragic word had cost her all her strength. Then piteously she ended. He told me he had a fancy for me, that was all. So for bunny's sake and partly for my own. I married him. And now, I am the slave of that fancy. Oh, dear, dear, dear, Mrs. Wright said again. And has he never made love to you at all? What a silly fellow, to be sure. Men don't know anything. Upon my word, they don't. I didn't like his methods of making love. Maud spoke with growing bitterness, and I never suffered

Starting point is 09:24:38 them. Oh, yes, I have to endure them now. He takes whatever he wants. But every spark of affection or respect that I ever had for him went out one night in the winter when he came home the worse for drink. Sakes alive, exclaimed Mrs. Wright. Not Jake. Yes, Jake. Maud spoke with tragic vehemence. I saw him and so did Charlie. We both knew it. Who is Charlie? Questioned Mrs. Wright. A faint tinge of color rose in the girl's pale face. Lord Saltash, he is an old family friend of ours. He was always Charlie Berchester to us in the old days. And he told you Jake was drunk, demanded Mrs. Wright with round indignant eyes.

Starting point is 09:25:23 Maud made a gesture of weary indifference. He didn't actually tell me so. I think he didn't want me to know. But he couldn't deny it when I put it to him. Then, my dear, he was very grievously misled. taken, declared Mrs. Wright with stout emphasis. Jake was not drunk. He never drinks. Why, look at the man. His eyes are as clear as the day. Oh, believe me, dear, you've wronged him. You've wronged him cruelly.

Starting point is 09:25:52 And that's maybe what brought about all your trouble. For men can't put up with injustice. It's the one thing they can't abide and I don't blame him. She paused. "'Mod was listening, but not as one convinced or even greatly interested. "'It doesn't really alter anything whether it's true or not,' she said. "'I had begun even before that to know what sort of a man he was. "'I heard him using the most appalling language one day. "'That opened my eyes.' "'Not to you, dear Shirley,' urged Mrs. Wright, looking momentarily shocked.

Starting point is 09:26:27 "'Oh, no, not to me. "'I overheard it accidentally. "'But,' Maud shivered. again. I've never forgotten it. Sometimes the memory of it turns me nearly sick. Oh, dearie me, what a pity, what a pity. And he loving you so. Mrs. Wright put up a very tender hand and stroked her cheek. Poor little Hurt Princess, she said, if I could but open your eyes and show you how much true love there is behind his roughness. You'll see it someday. I'm sure of that. Please

Starting point is 09:27:03 God some day quite soon. You're tired and heart-sick now, dear. But that'll get better as time goes on. And if you'll take an old woman's advice, you'll tell him soon of the little one that's coming. It'll maybe make all the difference to you both. But Maude drew back sharply at the bare suggestion. I couldn't possibly tell him yet.

Starting point is 09:27:25 I couldn't tell anyone. Mrs. Wright looked at her with eyes of motherly wisdom. You'll feel different, presently. she said i know dear i know you don't know you can't know maud's voice was strangled she seemed to be striving for self-control i do know very firmly mrs wright made the assertion just you listen a minute dearie and i'll tell you something that i've never told to mortal being before i'm only just an ordinary old woman but i am a woman and i know what it means to love the the wrong man. She spoke impressively, but she did not seem to notice Mod's quick start. When I was a girl, I was something of a bell. It seems funny now, don't it? But I attracted the attention of a good many young men, and I got a bit upish in consequence. My poor Tom was

Starting point is 09:28:21 the best of the bunch, and I always knew it, though I led him a fine dance before we came to walking out together. And then a young doctor's assistant came to the place, and— well i'll not deny it now we was both young and a bit plighty we got larking together on them roundabouts one night at a fair and after that we took to meeting one another on the sly till to cut it short i fell in love with him very badly in love i ought to have known better of course poor gentlemen like him don't marry little farmer's daughters like me but i was young and inexperienced and i thought his intentions were honest till one night i found as they weren't I've never ceased to thank the Almighty that I had the strength to send him about his business then and there, and I got engaged to Tom the following Sunday, and tried to forget it all. I wasn't in love with him, but I knew he was a good sort, and the match pleased my people who weren't too well to do. Well, I thought I was going to be happy in a home of my own,

Starting point is 09:29:25 and I'd let everything be arranged, and I deceived myself into thinking that it was going to be all right. And then, when the wedding was over, I felt quite sudden like, sick, just sick to think what I'd done. I didn't let on to Tom. He was such a good solid man. I'd have died of shame if I had. I didn't let on to anybody. But I was that miserable. There were times on and off when I almost hated him. And then, well then, I began to have hopes. It didn't help. It didn't help. It didn't help. me a bit at first but gradually very gradually the thought of poor tom's baby purified me and when i'd come through my trouble and little tom was born i felt as if i had been born again too and all my regrets were gone i never had em any more dear after that and i got that fond of poor tom he never guessed i thanked the almighty he didn't for the morning as he died he told me so simple like that i'd been the sunshine of his life from the first day he ever met me mrs. Wright paused to wipe her eyes poor Tom I was never good enough for him she said he was such a good kind soul and luckily for me he never saw an inch beyond his nose she got up with the words dismissing the subject with practical common sense now I'm going to get you some tea dear and by that time it'll have left off

Starting point is 09:31:00 rining. See? It's getting lighter already. I'm so glad you came this way. Maybe you'll come again now. And, if there's ever anything I can do, why you've only to let me know, and it's as good as done. She bent in response to Maude's silent gesture and kissed her tenderly. Try not to fret any more, darling. Everything will come right. I'm sure of it. I know Jake so well. you only know the rough side of him at present. There's a whole lot of reserve in Jake. He won't show you his heart, so long as he thinks you've no use for it. Maybe he's shy, too.

Starting point is 09:31:41 I've sometimes thought so. Maud turned from the subject with a sigh. In some subtle fashion old Mrs. Wright's confidences had helped her, but she felt as if the matter would not bear further discussion. I shall never forget your kindness, she said rather, wistfully. I wish I had come to see you long ago. I did mean to. And then there came Bunny's operation. And after that, after that, I felt too miserable. Mrs. Wright shook her head in gentle chiding. Don't ever again stay away on that account, dear, she said. And do you know,

Starting point is 09:32:19 I've got a feeling that maybe he is miserable too. Why don't you try a little kindness, my dear? do now. It's wonderful what a difference to sore hearts a little kindness makes. She bustled away with the words. She also knew that for the moment there was no more to be said. Yet there was a smile on her face as she closed the door. A wise mother's smile that turned its plainness into beauty. Poor children, she murmured to herself. They'll find each other some day. And then, dear Lord, how happy they'll be. she permitted herself a little chuckle as she set the kettle to boil things always came right in the end four the letter maud drove home with bunny after the storm through an atmosphere washed clean of cloud and golden with evening sunshine she found him very silent and concluded that he had not greatly enjoyed himself she asked few questions about his visit and bunny did not seem inclined to volunteer anything till as they reigned into a walk at the steep hill

Starting point is 09:33:25 by the church, he turned abruptly towards her and spoke. I told the mother you were corresponding with Saltash. Maud started a little. Really, Bunny? She said in a tone of protest. Bunny's face was red. He looked at her with a species of dogged defiance. I didn't mean to tell her.

Starting point is 09:33:44 It just came out. I don't see why she shouldn't know anyway. Jake knows. There is not the faintest reason. Maud's tone was cold. She stared straight ahead between the horse's ears with eyes that were fixed and hard. I don't see why it should interest her, that's all.

Starting point is 09:34:01 Charlie is such an old friend that surely there is nothing very surprising about it. Or anything to get ratty about, said Bunny with a touch of warmth. That wasn't what I set out to tell you. But you do jump down a fellow's throat so. Of course the mother didn't see anything in it. Why should she? What were you going to tell me? Maude's voice still sounded cold, but she forced herself to smile.

Starting point is 09:34:25 She had no desire to give offense to Bunny who was not always easy to conciliate. Bunny considered a moment. Well, it has to do with Charlie. You know he owns the anchor. Ma's attitude relaxed. She turned towards him. Yes, I know he does. He holds the mortgage, at least.

Starting point is 09:34:44 Yes, that's it. The mortgage. Bunny's face wore a trouble to frown. Well, it seems that the place isn't answering, and they can't go on paying interest. in fact they are badly in arrears already, and he, or his agent, is tightening the reins and threatening to sell them up. The mother is pretty desperate about it, but she was very particular that I wasn't to tell anybody but you. She says it means ruin, and no one can

Starting point is 09:35:10 prevent it but Charlie, unless someone came along with a little money which is the last thing likely to happen. She wants you to get hold of Charlie, says he will do anything for you, though I don't know how she knows that. In fact, she went on as if it was a matter of life and death. Say, Maude, do you really think they are going to be ruined? What would happen if they were? Bunny looked at her with worried eyes. Evidently Mrs. Shepard had succeeded in impressing him with the urgency of the situation. Maud shook her head. She had not the least idea. How much money do they want to tide them over? she asked. Rather a lot, said Bunny uneasily. Four hundred pounds at least, she said. I suppose.

Starting point is 09:35:54 it would be no good to write to Uncle Edward? He wouldn't do it for the mother, I know, but he might for you. I couldn't ask him, Maude said. I might if it were for you or myself, but not for Mother. I am sure he wouldn't do it.

Starting point is 09:36:10 It's a beastly mess, said Bunny gloomily. You'll have to get round to Charlie. There's no other way. I must think, Maude said. They reached the top of the hill and she took the reins. In sober silence they trotted.

Starting point is 09:36:24 home. Jake was in the yard when they turned in. He came to meet them. I've had a fine scare about you, he said as he helped Bunny to descend. Were you caught in the storm? Sam Vickers came to the horse's head and Maude followed her brother down. Jake did not offer to assist her. He was wearing neither coat nor waistcoat, only a white canvas shirt with rolled-up sleeves, unbuttoned at the neck and displaying a good deal of brawny chest. His clay pipe was between his teeth and the pungent scent of his tobacco seemed even more nauseating than usual. No, we weren't caught, Bunny made answer. I was at the anchor, and Modd took refuge with that

Starting point is 09:37:04 old Wright woman who came here in the winter. What, old Mother Wright? Jake turned to his wife with a smile of approval. Been having tea with her, have you? I'm real pleased to hear it. You couldn't be in better company. Maud stiffened a little. Somehow his approval nettled her. I took the first shelter within reach, she said coldly. Bunny stared at her as though astonished at something in her tone. Sharply Jake turned on him. You trot in, my son, and do your floor drill, he said. You've got just two hours before supper. Bunny colored and flung away. Oh, damn, he said. He was on the step with Maude immediately behind him when Jake's voice arrested him.

Starting point is 09:37:51 Bunny? It was a perfectly quiet voice, but it was the voice of authority. Bunny stopped short. Well, you will do an extra half hour for that after supper, Jake said. Bunny faced around his face crimson. Oh, I say, Jake, that's too bad. I didn't mean to say it, and anyway I can't do any extra time. It's beastly enough as it is.

Starting point is 09:38:17 I have said it, remarked Jake. Bunny clenched his hands. dash at all you can't make me he said his voice low and defiant no no you can't impulsively maud broke in her hand through bunny's arm it's ridiculous and tyrannical i won't have him bullied jake you are to leave him alone she spoke with vehemence carried away by a gust of indignation but the moment she had spoken she realized that she had made a mistake jake said nothing whatever he did not so much as love for her but the moment she had spoken she realized that she had made a mistake jake said nothing whatever he did not so much as look at her. But he did look at Bunny, hard and straight, and in a moment the boy's attitude changed. He unclenched his hands with a gesture half-shamed, half-deprecatory. All right, Jake, he said in a tone of sullen submission, and to his sister, curtly, "'Shut up, Maude, you always make a mess of things.' With the words he pulled himself from her

Starting point is 09:39:15 hold and went within. She turned to follow him upstairs, but was checked by the knowledge that Jake was entering the house behind her. He did not speak, but it was certainly not of her own free will that she passed on to the parlor instead. Angry as she was, she yet would have avoided the encounter had had been possible. It was not possible. Jake followed her grimace fate, and in desperation she turned and faced him the moment she was in the room. Jake, she said, in a voice that quivered in spite of her, I can't have you interfering with Bunny, punishing him, like this. it's too much jake closed the door and stood against it the sheer brute strength of the man had never been more forcibly apparent to her than at that moment the thick powerful neck and broad chest the red-brown links like eyes the merciless mouth all seemed to mock her openly exulting over her dominating her like bunny she clenched her hands meeting the straight gaze of those glittering eyes with the defiance born of conscious impotence

Starting point is 09:40:20 and another thing she said i wish you wouldn't come into the house in that horrible wild west attire you look worse than any stable hand i don't know how you can expect bunny to be civilized with such an example before him she paused a moment but as he said nothing rushed blindly on finding silence intolerable you come in at all hours in the day with your horrible clay pipe and vile tobacco you behave like a farm laborer you use hateful language to to the men, and still you take it upon you to, to meet out punishment to Bunny, because he has picked up, doubtless from you, an expression that is a household world in your daily life. She stopped, for Jake had made an abrupt movement, as if her fierce words had somehow pierced a joint in his armor. He came squarely forward, took his pipe from his mouth, and knocked out the half-burned contents into the grate. She turned to watch him, feeling her heart racing like a runaway engine.

Starting point is 09:41:18 and so turning her eyes fell upon a letter that lay upon the table she could not read the address but in a flash she recognized the handwriting and suddenly the mad racing of her heart died down so that it did not seem to be beating at all swiftly while jake was still intent upon his pipe she reached across the table and picked up the letter her fingers felt the crest on the back of the envelope as she slipped it into her dress she had fallen into the habit of walking to meet the postman of late, but today the storm had made her miss him. She hoped, earnestly hoped, that Jake had not chanced to see the letter. She was sure his eyes had not rested upon the table. Her heart began to beat again with great leaps as Jake turned from the fireplace. She felt as if she had overtaxed her strength in opposing him, and yet now that she had begun she must go on. She must. But still he did not speak, and fascinated. She stood and watched him. saw him thrust the offending pipe deep into his breeches pocket unroll the sleeves of his shirt and buttoned at the neck then at last he came and stood before her and spoke i'm sorry i've offended you he said

Starting point is 09:42:33 the words were so utterly unexpected that maud literally gasped she drew back before him as if he had threatened her there was something about him at that moment that made her feel infinitesimally small and mean she stood silent dismayed, ashamed. Jake was looking straight at her with a steady intentness that seemed to search and search her soul. There was no anger in his face. She almost wished there had been. He waited for her to speak, but as she did not broke the silence again himself.

Starting point is 09:43:07 I know my ways are not exactly polished. I'll try and mend them. As for my language, I didn't know you had ever heard me in full swing. You were never meant to. do anyway. As for Bunny, I guess he's your brother and you've a right to stick up for him if you

Starting point is 09:43:24 think he needs it. But I give you my word of honor, my oath if you like, that he'll never be one cent the worse for anything I may do to him. You can tell him from me that if he don't do that extra half hour, I shan't say a word.

Starting point is 09:43:41 Maude's lips quivered. She strove for dignity in the face of overwhelming defeat. He had beaten her as it were with his hands behind him. He won't take it from me, she said. You know that quite well. That's so, said Jake. Well, I reckon he'd better go through with it then. It won't hurt him. It'll do him good. He paused a moment then. Are you still feeling mad with me? He asked. Her eyes fell before his. She did not understand his tone. It held a note of gentleness which she had not heard since the day of

Starting point is 09:44:17 Bunny's operation. It was almost as if he were pleading with her, striving to pierce through her resentment. She found it very difficult to reply. I don't want to quarrel with you, Jake, she said at last with an effort. Jake's intent looked deepened, became for a moment almost intolerable. Then it passed. He even faintly smiled, albeit his smile had a touch of irony. All right, my girl, he said. Don't you worry any. about that. I like you for being open with me. It's an almighty mistake to keep things back. He moved to the window with the words, stood a moment or two as to give her an opportunity to call him back, then as she remained silent, went down the steps into the garden and passed out of

Starting point is 09:45:05 sight round the house. Maud was left with a stinging sensation of discomfiture that was compounded of doubt, indignation, and shame. She was relieved to think that he had not seen the letter, but she hated the impulse that had moved her to conceal it. End of chapters three and four. Part 2, chapters 5 and 6, of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 5. Rebellion That letter from Saltash, written in French,

Starting point is 09:45:45 contained the announcement of his approaching return. It was at her urgent written request that he had gone three months before. Somehow, the very thought of him at the castle had been intolerable after what had passed between them on the day of her return to her husband. But they had corresponded ever since. She could not refuse to receive and answer his letters. Her intimacy with Charlie was like a gem with many facets. He had an adroit fashion of flashing it before her hither and thither till dazzled,

Starting point is 09:46:13 she wondered if she had ever truly grasped its full value. Sometimes it seemed to her that it had been cut from the very best. of friendship, and at such times the realization of the sympathy that ever pulsed between them was a pure joy to her. At other times, remembering the strange impulses of the man, his sudden gusts of passion, swift misgiving would assail her, and she would tell herself that she was making a terrible mistake. And then again she would catch a glimpse of his careless butterfly temperament, and her doubts would vanish almost in spite of her. How could she take him seriously. His gay, in consequence, made the bare notion seem ridiculous. They were pals,

Starting point is 09:46:55 no more. True, he had offered to help her, but knowing him through and through as she did, he was the last man in the world to whom she would really turn for help. And since she was so sure of herself, what had she to fear? Charlie was, before all things, a gentleman. There was nothing coarse or brutal about him. In his own words, where women were concerned, he did not take. He offered. For that very reason he was the harder to resist. But she knew him to be safe. That was the foundation of her confidence. She had no fear of him. He had always set her at her ease. Without virtue he might be, yet was he not without a certain code of honor? He tempted. Therein lay the subtle attraction of the man, but he never compelled. He was selfish. Oh, yes,

Starting point is 09:47:46 he was selfish. But he was always. so strangely, whimsically kind at heart. In all her experience of him, she had never found him merciless. And so she did not see why she should wholly deny herself the friendship, which seemed to her to be the only good thing left in her life now. She had not wanted to see him, but now that he wrote to announce his return, she found that she was glad. The first meeting with him might be a little difficult, but Charlie always knew how to deal

Starting point is 09:48:14 with difficulties. He understood her. it would not be really hard. They would be friends again. Just friends. She slipped the letter away with a smile. He always allowed himself a little more latitude when he wrote in French.

Starting point is 09:48:30 It was but natural. It meant nothing she knew. How could anyone take him really seriously? His soul was as elusive as thistledown. It was only in the realms of music that she ever really saw his soul. He did not say on what day he would return. She wondered if Jake knew, wondered if she could induce Bunny to ask him without betraying any interest in the subject herself.

Starting point is 09:48:55 She was a little afraid of Bunny. His shrewdness embarrassed her. It was like a microscope, discovering things that otherwise would have escaped notice. She did not want to come under that microscope very often. There were some parts of her existence that would not bear it. She suspected that Bunny was already beginning to find that out. She was sure that that that he was aware of a lack of sympathy between herself and Jake, and she wished she could have kept it from him. With regard to her mother's affairs also, she would have been glad if the boy had not been drawn into the discussion.

Starting point is 09:49:30 It was characteristic of Mrs. Shepard to fling her burden upon the first shoulder that offered, but Maud was fashioned otherwise, and she wanted Bunny to throw off his precocities and become like other boys. The thought of his education was beginning to weigh upon her. She wanted to talk about it to Jake, but somehow she did not know how to broach the subject. She wondered if she would write to Uncle Edward but hesitated to do so. Letters were never satisfactory. She was pondering this matter as she undressed that night when a sudden thought struck her.

Starting point is 09:50:04 A thought that darted through her like a flash, leaving a shining trail of possibilities behind. Why should they not accept the old man's invitation and go to him for a little while? He would be glad to see them, she was sure. And she would be glad, oh, unspeakably glad, to get away for a time. Face to face with him she might even plead for her mother. She would infinitely rather be under an obligation to him than to Charlie. The idea drew her more and more. She wondered it had not occurred to her before.

Starting point is 09:50:37 In the end, finding it still early, she sat down at the table and began to scribble a hasty note. She determined that she would not tell Jake until Uncle Edward's reply reached her. She felt convinced that it would contain the invitation she was soliciting. Feverishly she penned her appeal. Would he invite them to spend a few days? Bunny was well or nearly so. She herself was feeling the heat and would like a change. Jake?

Starting point is 09:51:05 No, she found that she could not mention Jake. With trembling fingers she brought the note to an end. She had scarcely finished addressing the envelope when she heard Jake's step on the stairs. Startled, she caught up letter and writing case and pushed them into a drawer. He seldom retired late, but she had not expected him so early as this.

Starting point is 09:51:27 Swiftly, she turned, shut the door that led into his room, blew out her lamp, and slipped into bed. But he did not pass on to his own room. He stopped at the door of hers, paused a second, then quietly opened it. She heard the creak of his caterers as he entered. He had a candle in one hand. He put up the other to shield it from the draft,

Starting point is 09:51:48 and the door blew gently too behind him. Maude leaned against her pillow and watched him. Her heart was beating very fast. She wondered if he had heard her hasty movements of the past few moments. He came to her side and set down his candle. Say, Maude, he said, I saw your light go out, so I guessed you weren't asleep. maud's eyes blue-black and somber looked up to his what do you want she asked him coldly he stood squarely beside her i wanted just to speak to you he said and i thought if i waited to undress maybe you'd be asleep

Starting point is 09:52:26 with the words he sat down rather heavily in the chair by her side and there fell a silence a dragging difficult silence maud's heart was beating very fast had he come to talk about that letter from saltash Was he about to make a scene? His stillness began to act upon her nerves. She turned towards him restlessly. Oh, what is it? She said, veiling her doubt with a show of impatience. He stretched out a strong hand and took one of hers. It's you, my girl, he said, and in his voice was the note of anxiety that partly reassured her.

Starting point is 09:53:03 You've not been yourself lately. Guess there's something the matter? There is nothing the matter, she said, hastily. He held her hand closely. You've no call to be afraid of me, he said gently. Maybe I've been rough and rude at times. I've never meant it, my princess. I can't live up to you always. But I try. God knows I try. A sudden tremor sounded in his voice. He became abruptly silent. Maud's hand was heart clenched in his. She did not look at it. She did not look at it. He was a sudden,

Starting point is 09:53:40 at him, but the beating of her heart rose up between them, a hard, insistent drumming that she was powerless to control. After a brief space he spoke again, his voice quite steady and controlled. Reckon you're not happy. Reckon you're not well, either. I've been thinking maybe you'd like to go away for a spell, you and the boy. If so, I'm willing to manage it.

Starting point is 09:54:07 It'll be a bit of a rest for you. He paused. The clenched hand he held had made a sharp convulsive movement as if at a sudden twinge of pain. Maud lay breathing rapidly, her eyes fixed upon the flame of the candle. He waited a few moments then. What do you think of the proposition, my girl?

Starting point is 09:54:28 He asked. She turned her head slowly towards him. Bunny and I alone, she said. That's the idea, said Jake. Her eyes met his resolutely with, a certain challenging directness. As a matter of fact, I had thought myself that we might go to Uncle Edward for a little, she said.

Starting point is 09:54:48 He showed no surprise. You would like that, he asked. Yes, she spoke with instant decision. Then go, said Jake. He set her hand free with the words, but he remained seated as if he had something further on his mind. By the way, he said after a moment, I had a letter this evening.

Starting point is 09:55:09 She started. A letter? Yes. Very deliberately he answered her. I met the postman and took it from him at the door. Ah, it was scarcely more than a whisper. She shrank against her pillow with a gesture wholly involuntary. Jake's eyes were upon her, alert, unswerving, dominating. My letter came from Capper, he said quietly. He is coming to us in a few days. He wants to see Bunny again. before he leaves England. Oh, surely we needn't wait for him. With a sudden rush the words came. She spoke with feverish vehemence.

Starting point is 09:55:48 If we really are going away, let us go soon, she urged. Why should we wait? I thought maybe you'd like to say thank you to Cap her before he goes, said Jake. But I needn't see him for that, she said in growing agitation. I'll write. Jake was silent. He will very likely sail from Liverpool. pool, she went on. He could come and see Bunny there. Jake bent towards her.

Starting point is 09:56:15 Say, Maude, he said in his soft, slow way. Don't be upset, Annie. If you're not wanting to meet Capper, it's all one to me. But my girl, there ain't anything he could tell me about you that I don't know already. Her face flamed Scarlet. For the moment she was furious with an indignation that burned intolerably. Her very soul was. soul felt on fire. It was more than she could bear. Oh, go away, she cried out fiercely. Go, I say, go. You make me hate you more and more every day, every night. He rose on the instant. For a few quivering moments she thought she had roused him to anger, for his eyes glowed in the dimness like a slow, burning fire. And then, in utter silence he turned away. He went

Starting point is 09:57:04 into his own room and softly closed the door. The problem. He's going to be a winner, is he? asked Saltash, flicking the ash from his cigarette as he stood in the training field with Jake. That depends how he's ridden, my lord, said Jake dryly. He is a hot favorite. Pity you can't ride him yourself, observed Saltash, watching the albatross with a critical eye as he cantered down the field. Who is in the saddle? Not Vickers. No, Vickers is incapacity. I have put Stevens up.

Starting point is 09:57:42 He seems keen for the chance, though I'm not so keen to give it him. Jake spoke with grimness. He ought to pull it off, said Saltash. He ought, my lord. Jake's tone lacked conviction notwithstanding. Saltash turned. What's the matter with the lad? You don't seem over-enthusiastic about him.

Starting point is 09:58:03 Jake flicked at a clump of nettles with his riding-whip. I've done my best to shape him, but he's a bit of have occurred. The animals don't trust him. Saltash uttered a careless laugh. Oh, you always were an adept at reading the equine mind. Come along and show me the latest offspring. What was it you called him? The hundredth chance.

Starting point is 09:58:26 A curious name to choose. Jake's grim face relaxed to a smile. Oh, he's in the paddock along with his mother. He promises to be the most valuable animal in the stables. he'll carry everything before him when the time comes. Is that why you've given him such a hopeful name? asked Saltash. Jake uttered a brief laugh. Even so, my lord, he carries my luck with him wherever he goes.

Starting point is 09:58:56 You're a queer fish, Bolton, observed Saltash turning to leave the field. The paddock lay on the further side of the orchard, and here they found the pride of Jake's heart, a frisky black fore. who kicked up his heels and scampered at the sight of him. He'll take some taming presently, commented Saltash. And he'll knock spots off any animal I have ever had to tame, said Jake.

Starting point is 09:59:21 Saltash laughed again with nonchalant interest. If ever there were the right man in the right place, it is you, he said. Can we go back through the garden? I believe that's the shortest way. He spoke with a wary glance in the direction whether he wished to go. A white fish. was visible on the steps that led into the parlor.

Starting point is 09:59:41 I hear Mrs. Bolton is away, he added, immediately averting his eyes. Jake turned in his sturdy fashion and began to walk towards the house. No, she is at home for the present, he said. We are expecting Capper. In fact, the lad has gone to the station to meet him. What, Bunny? Is he really all right? Capper must be a magician, ejaculated Saltash.

Starting point is 10:00:08 He is the biggest man I know, said Jake simply. They approached the house. The white figure had disappeared. Saltash chatted inconsequently, strolling along with a cigarette between his lips and a confident smile on his dark face. He had come down as usual unexpectedly, but she was probably aware of his advent.

Starting point is 10:00:28 His car was awaiting him in the stable yard. He did not think she would suffer him to pass the window unnoticed. Yet as he drew near, she made no sign. Chops came smiling down the steps to greet him, and he paused at once to fondle the dog. Jake paused also, but he did not invite him to enter. He stood pulling at the lash of his riding-whip, stolidly patient, awaiting his patron's pleasure. Suddenly, Saltage looked up.

Starting point is 10:00:55 I believe your guest has arrived, Bolton. You'd better go. Never mind me. There came undoubtedly the sound of wheels from the other side of the house. Jake glanced towards the gate that led thither. Saltash bent again over the dog. You'd better go, he reiterated. I won't show. Don't let me keep you. Jake raised a hand to his cap and turned away. Instantly Saltash straightened himself.

Starting point is 10:01:22 He uttered a low, clear whistle, and almost immediately, Maude, clad in white, came to the window. He sprang up the steps in a single bound and caught her hands into his own. I had your letter, he said. Quick, when can you meet me? "'Mod was gasping a little.

Starting point is 10:01:39 "'Her face was deeply flushed. "'Charlie, you are so sudden. "'I only want a few minutes alone with you.' "'He held her hands. "'When?' he said. "'His eyes were gazing into hers freely, ardently, "'but he was laughing as he always laughed, "'ready to turn his ardor into a joke at a moment's notice.

Starting point is 10:01:59 "'She hesitated. "'Quick,' he said. "'They are coming, and I must go. "'Come down to the orchard. gate after dinner tonight. Jake and Capper will be smoking. No one will know, Queen Rose. That is settled, then. I shall be at the gate alone. He laughed under his breath, lifted her hands to his lips, made a wild gesture as if he would clasp her in his arms, laughed again as she drew back, and wheeling sprang down the steps and was gone in a moment round the side of the

Starting point is 10:02:28 house. Maud's cheeks were burning. She turned to meet the visitor with the feeling of one who has a sudden rapid fall through space. She was not sure of the ground beneath her feet. She did not know how she greeted Kapper, but somehow the difficult moment passed. She was convinced afterwards that her manner had been perfectly normal, for the atmosphere was quite natural and free from strain. In a very few minutes they were all seated round the tea table, and to her relief, Bunny and Not She was the center of observation and general topic of their talk. She feared that when tea was over, Kapper would seek her out, but he did not. He went round the stables with Jake.

Starting point is 10:03:10 She went to her own room to rest and recover her composure. It was true that she had wanted to see Charlie alone. In fact, it had become essential to her mother's interest that she should do so. But she had not altogether expected so prompt a reply to her request. She wished she could have made some more ordinary arrangement. She wished with all her heart that she had had the presence of mind to veto his suggestion. It had never been her intention to meet him secretly and at night. Not that she cared personally how or when she met him. Their friendship was too old for that. But she did not like secrecy. Small as was the confidence she extended to her husband, she yet had no desire to exclude him deliberately from the knowledge of her doings.

Starting point is 10:03:55 She did not wish to commit any act however innocent which might appear suspicious in his eyes. The thing was unavoidable, however, the appointment was made. She could not leave Charlie to wait in vain. For this once, she must run the risk and trust to luck to bring her through. It would not be a long interview. She was fully determined upon that point, and she would never agree to another on the same clandestine lines. She must assert her independence and meet him openly.

Starting point is 10:04:26 Jake must learn to trust her. She must not suffer him to interfere with her liberty of action. If he were ridiculous enough to be jealous, that was his affair. She would not allow herself to be influenced by such an absurd attitude. She never questioned his doings. She must not suffer him to question hers. So she sought to reassure herself the while her uneasiness grew. She put on a dress of black lace when the supper hour drew near. It made her look even paler than her want, but she gave scarcely a thought to her appearance. Her mind was weighed, down by far more serious matters.

Starting point is 10:05:03 Even the prospect of a tete-a-tete with Dr. Capper hardly disquieted her, and when she discovered him on the garden steps of the parlor, she went forward to join him without hesitation. His greeting of her was full of kindness. There was nothing disconcerting about his attitude. I was just thinking about my friend Rafford, he said. You remember him? And how mad he went over that piece of statuary at Berchester Castle. but, strange to say, it's not the anatomy that interests him any longer.

Starting point is 10:05:35 It's the face. She felt herself color a little. If it bears any resemblance to me, it is purely accidental, she said. Or rather a coincidence, amended Kapper. It's a fine piece of work anyway, but he is nothing of a judge. Guess it's just the humanity of the thing that gets him? It's rather a painful study, Maud said. "'Ah, but it leaves endless possibilities.

Starting point is 10:06:02 That is where the genius of the sculpture displays itself. Rafford saw that. The hotter the furnace, the purer the gold,' he said to me. "'If I had the naming of that work, I'd call it the crucible, or seven times purified.' "'What a peculiar point of view!' Maud exclaimed almost in spite of herself. Capper assented. "'Raff is highly imaginative. He has a very long perspective, a bit of a dreamer, too.

Starting point is 10:06:31 If it weren't for that, I should prophesy a great future for him. But there's no time for dreaming in this world. You must either hustle through or be content to stand aside. You can't do both. I don't like hustling, Maud said with a smile. He made her a bow. No, you are English, but Raph has not that excuse. That's why I doubt if he ever gets there.

Starting point is 10:06:55 He needs to be up against a thing before he considers it worthwhile. That's not the way to win out handsomely. It's the way to get whipped off the field. Always make for the crest of the wave, said Jake's voice behind them. You may get there someday, if you're lucky, though it's more likely you'll be dragged under and swamped. Kapper turned to him. Not you, Jake, he said.

Starting point is 10:07:21 You're a born winner. I'm sure Mrs. Bolton will bear me out. there? Jake's hand descended upon his wife's shoulder. Mrs. Bolton doesn't know my capabilities in that respect at present, he remarked dryly. She has only witnessed the start. Mod did not turn her head. You are all invincible, of course, she said. Bunny's advent diverted the conversation.

Starting point is 10:07:49 He could think and talk of nothing but the forthcoming races at Greydown, which had been fixed for the end of the week and which he had prevailed. upon Jake to allow him to attend. Kapper, though not particularly enthusiastic, was to remain for them, just to see Jake come out on top, as he expressed it. It was taken for granted by all that Maud would go to, and she supposed she would do so. But she took no part in the conversation which Bunny found so all absorbing. She was too occupied with the thought of Charlie.

Starting point is 10:08:19 There was no need for her to talk. She sat silent and abstracted while the protracted discussion went on around her. Bunny had learned more about the animals in ten days than she had discovered in as many weeks, and Kapper listened with amused indulgence. It all went over her head, and no one seemed to notice her aloofness. Bunny would gladly have sat up till late, but Jake would not permit this. He ordered him off to bed on the stroke of nine, and Bunny went without demure. He was learning to obey his brother-in-law without any thought of rebellion. Maud noted the fact bitterly. It was another proof to her of the despotic mastery of Jake's personality.

Starting point is 10:09:00 He ruled them all. She herself rose from the table upon Bunny's departure, and as she did so, she was for the first time conscious of Capper's critical scrutiny. It passed almost immediately as he sprang to his feet to open the door. I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again, he asked. She bent her head. I am only going to fetch a rap for the garden. He smiled and bowed her out.

Starting point is 10:09:25 jake was in the act of lighting a cigarette when he returned to the table he proffered the end of it to caper and as the latter stooped to kindle his own their eyes met cappers held a question that could scarcely be ignored half reluctantly jake removed his cigarette and spoke it's the biggest problem i've ever been up against caper puffed forth a cloud of smoke what's troubling you jake sat down heavily she ain't pleased Not any. Life is damnably difficult. I thought I was going to make her happy, but I've made an almighty failure of it. She used to just tolerate me in the old days, but now she hates the very sight of me. The mere thought of bearing me a child seems to drive her clean crazy. He ceased to speak and sat bowed in his chair, his chin on his breast, his eyes gazing somberly forth under bent brows. caper was still on his feet he stood cracking his fingers one after the other with meditative regularity his eyes very green and shrewd rested upon jake's head that shone like copper in the lamplight There fell a silence of several seconds.

Starting point is 10:10:42 Then, at length, with another great puff of smoke, he spoke. Guess it's just a question of patience, Jake, my lad. These things right themselves, you know, when the time comes. It's wonderful how child-bearing softens a woman, and you love her. That'll make a difference, too, when the time comes. Jake did not look up. God knows I do, he said slowly. But you know, Doc, he seemed to be speaking with something of an effort.

Starting point is 10:11:13 I don't fancy she knows it. Oh, shucks, Kapper exclaimed. She wouldn't be a woman if she didn't. Jake shook his head despondently. I suppose I'm just a brute beast. She thinks so, and I can't show her anything different now. Maybe I am more flesh than spirit. But for all that, she is the one woman I want.

Starting point is 10:11:37 want, and none other could ever satisfy me now. But I haven't got her. Even when I hold her in my arms, she ain't there. And she has never kissed me, never once. Again he ceased to speak, and Capper pulled at his beard and said nothing. There fell a long silence between them, through which the grandfather clock in the corner ticked with a melancholy beat. It was like the heart of a tired man. Jake's cigarette hung negligence. between his fingers, which almost trailed on the floor. His eyes still stared before him as though they saw one thing, and only one. Kapper smoked with scarcely a pause.

Starting point is 10:12:19 His yellow face was very thoughtful. His cigarette came to an end, and he dropped it smouldering onto a plate. Then he turned and laid a kindly hand upon Jake's shoulder. Keep a stiff upper lip, my son. I guess she's yours for the winning, or she will be. It's no good trying to understand a woman. woman's mood. You will never do that as long as you live. But she'll come to you in the end, sure. Give her all the rope you can. If she hasn't any use for you at present, it'll come.

Starting point is 10:12:51 Will it? said Jake rather bitterly. I reckon I'm further away from winning her now than I've ever been. Once, it's ages ago, she came to me and cried out her troubles on my shoulder. She'd no more dream of doing that now than she'd dream of flying. She'd be more likely to... He broke off short. What? said Capper. Jake sat slowly up. His eyes still seemed to be fixed upon some definite object.

Starting point is 10:13:22 I was going to say, he said in a voice that had become peculiarly soft and deliberate, that she'd be more likely to carry her troubles to Saltash. But I don't think exactly. that. He's too crooked to hold a woman's confidence. No woman with any sense would trust him. He grasped Casper's hand and looked up with a curious smile. It would be a pity to have to shoot a freak like Saltash, wouldn't it? he said. Reckon a good many women would miss him. His eyes shone red for a moment, then he uttered a laugh that seemed to dismiss the subject. Come into the garden and see the moon rise.

Starting point is 10:14:04 he said. End of chapters five and six. Part 2. Chapter 7 and 8 of the Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 7. The Land of Moonshine. The dew was thick on the orchard grass as Maude ran down under the trees.

Starting point is 10:14:32 An orange moon was rising behind them and the shadows lay deep and mysterious across her path. The wind blew fresh from the sea, sweeping the wide down, bringing relief after the heat of the day. She was trembling as she went, yet as she neared the tristing place, she checked herself and walked with some dignity. She did not want to arrive in a state of agitation. She was sure he would be waiting for her. She was sure. She was sure. Yes, he was there. They saw each other simultaneously, and in a moment he had sprung to meet her with the ardor she knew so well. Her

Starting point is 10:15:08 Her hands were in his almost in the same instant. He held them closely, lingeringly. At last, he said. Rather breathlessly, she made a response. Yes, but I can't stay. I want to speak to you, only to speak to you, about my mother. Good heavens, said Saltash. His hold relaxed for a second, then tightened again.

Starting point is 10:15:31 My dear girl, how absurdly prosaic of you to come to me on such a night as this and talk about anybody or anything on earth besides ourselves. I won't allow it, and that's a fact. She laughed a little unsteadily. But it is just that I have come for,

Starting point is 10:15:48 Charlie, and nothing else. And I can't stay either. You must let me say what I have to say quickly, and then go. He drew her gently through the gate and let her to the summer house close by that overlooked the down. The moonlight filtered in upon them through a latticework of leaves.

Starting point is 10:16:05 Don't tremble, my belle reine, he said. you shall go whenever you will but need we waste to-night i will call upon you formally in the morning if you desire it and talk about anything you wish she sat down with the feeling of one who moves beneath a spell and after a moment he sat beside her still lightly holding her hand yes she was at liberty to go whenever she would and yet she could not she could not the witchy of the hour was upon her it was not the first time that they had sat that thus he and she hand in hand wrapped in the mystery and romance of a summer night her thoughts went back with a bitter pang to the old dear dream ah why had she sent him from her she had obeyed the instincts of her soul perchance but she had wrecked her life to do it why why he was speaking leaning to her his swarthy face against her shoulder maud let us forget the world to-night never mind what brought you. Just remember that you are here, in the land of moonshine, with me. She turned at his voice. She yielded ever so slightly to the subtle drawing of his hand.

Starting point is 10:17:20 But let me speak, Charlie, she whispered. I am so troubled, I want your help. It is yours forever, he made answer. You have but to command. That is a promise, she urged. My solemn promise, said Saltash. Now, Shall we forget? His voice was full of a tenderness that stirred her to the depths. A piteous sob caught her throat. She put up a swift silencing hand. Oh, if only I could, she said.

Starting point is 10:17:52 You can, said Saltash. He moved also, slid a gentle arm about her. Close your eyes, dear heart, and forget all your troubles, he whispered. I can charm them all away. She shook her head. Her eyes were full of. tears. I am caught in the whirlpools, Charlie, she whispered back. I shall never get away. All the romance has gone out of my life, forever. I can bring it back, he said. Her tears

Starting point is 10:18:22 overflowed. She could not hold them back. I wish I were dead, she said. The arm that encircled her grew gradually tense like the tightening of a coil. Come to me, he murmured. Listen to your own heart and come. "'What does it matter what lies behind? "'Put it all away from you, and come.' "'She suffered his arm, but she yielded herself no further to it. "'I can't,' she said hopelessly. "'I can't.'

Starting point is 10:18:52 "'Why not?' he urged. "'Haven't I waited long enough. "'Are you afraid?' She bent her head covering her face. "'Oh, yes, I am afraid. "'Afraid. "'Life is so dreadful. "'It is full of—'

Starting point is 10:19:08 terrible consequences it had come upon her so suddenly she had as it were stepped out of prison into a world of seething temptation with the passing of that gate never before had she felt so lured and drawn by that which was evil the swift spell had caught her in a moment and it held how it held her his arms were about her he drew her to his breast what do i care for consequences he whispered passionately "'Come to me, Queen of my heart. I have been cheated of my right long enough.' "'Yes, my right. My right. You have belonged to me always, and you know it. Oh, what are we to fight against destiny? Do you think I don't know how you have suffered? Do you think I haven't suffered, too? All because you loved me and sent me away. You will never do that again, Queen of the Roses. You have called me back to you. you are mine turn your face to me sweetheart there is no love in all the world like ours how can we resist it it is greater than we ourselves

Starting point is 10:20:20 but she kept her face covered hidden low against the throbbing of his heart his words went into silence a silence that was stark and cold the very shadow of despair it bound them both for a while then shudderingly she spoke "'It is no good, Charlie. I can't do it, now. If I had known, three months ago, what was before me, I think I would have come. But the whirlpools caught me, drew me down. I realized too late. Too late. I can't come now. I am bound, hand and foot, in outer darkness. I can deliver you,' he said. "'No one can deliver me.' The bitter conviction of her voice silenced even him. "'It is what you foretold. "'I am a slave,

Starting point is 10:21:11 "'and I have got to bear the yoke of my slavery. "'I shall never be free now, "'never as long as I live. "'I am bound to the oar by a chain "'that, even you, could never break.' "'She moved in his arms. "'She raised her head at last. "'Say goodbye to me, Charlie,' she whispered,

Starting point is 10:21:31 "'and, go.' "'He caught her to him. "'He looked closely into her quivering face. you love me still he whispered with passionate insistence tell me you love me still she seemed to hesitate as if reluctant or irresolute she seemed about to draw back and then something magnetic in his face or his touch must have moved her or was it the weird enchantment of the night she gave him her lips without a word and so he had his answer there came the click of the orchard gate the sound of a quiet voice "'Come round to the summer-house, Doc. There's a fine view from there.' Maud stiffened in Salt Ash's arms as if turned to stone.

Starting point is 10:22:16 He set her free with the utmost coolness and rose. The next instant she was sitting alone in the chequered moonlight. He had vanished without sound round the side of the arbor farthest from the orchard gate. She sat with a thumping heart, waiting. There had been something almost eerie in his disappearance. She knew he must be standing. pressed against the wall by which she sat, but yet his going had been so silent

Starting point is 10:22:41 that, even though her lips still burned with the memory of his kiss, she felt curiously as though the whole episode were as incredible as a dream. She made no attempt to move. Her limbs felt like lead. Only her heart raced so madly that she gasped for breath.

Starting point is 10:22:58 She heard again the quiet, drawling voice. The gate was open. Very likely my wife is here. Her great shiver went through her. She felt suddenly cold from head to foot. She clasped her hands tightly together, striving with all her strength for self-control. There fell the tread of feet upon the grass, and Capper's tall, thin form came round the side of the arbor. He saw her in a moment for the moonlight was on her face.

Starting point is 10:23:26 She stared at him with hunted eyes. Where was Jake? He accosted her at once. Ah, Mrs. Bolton, so here you are? "'Say, do you think you're wise to sit here with the frogs? "'It's cold, you know. "'Where's that rap you were going to fetch?' She stretched out a hand to him instinctively.

Starting point is 10:23:46 "'Yes, I am cold,' she said, and her teeth chattered upon the words. "'Is—is Jake there?' Kapper glanced over his shoulder. "'He was there, but—' "'Columbus, how cold you are, child. "'You will be sick if you stay here. "'Come, let me take you in.' he drew her to her feet then as she tottered leaning upon him past a wiry arm about her as he did so she saw jake come round the other corner of the arbor and stop upon the threshold

Starting point is 10:24:17 she turned suddenly giddy and clung weakly to cap her he had seen he must have seen but why had there been no encounter no challenge of any sort where where was charlie she went through an agony of apprehension during her during those few moments. She thought the awful suspense would kill her. Then Jake's square figure advanced, blocking the opening. His voice pierced through her agitation. So you have found her, Doc. I thought she would be hereabouts. I see there is a mist coming up. We had better go in. There was nothing in the words, but she shivered uncontrollably at the sound of them. That soft, slow speech was as a veil that hid unutterable things. With a great effort she mastered her weakness and spoke. Yes, it has turned quite cold.

Starting point is 10:25:09 I think it is the dew. Did you come here to admire the view, Dr. Kapper? It is one of the best in the neighborhood. I often think I should like to come and camp out here on these summer nights. You would want plenty of blankets, said Kapper. There is a creepy chill in the atmosphere that reminds one of the fall. He took his arm from about her and drew her hand through it. Come, we must go.

Starting point is 10:25:33 "'It isn't right for you to take risks. "'A glass of wine before you turn in is what I should recommend.' "'She made an attempt to laugh, but she did not feel it to be a success. "'That is Jake's invariable remedy for all ills,' she declared. "'But I thought it had ceased to be popular with your profession.' She emerged from the summer-house holding his arm, but a new strength, born of terrible expediency, seemed to have entered into her. She moved without effort, Jake stepping back to let her pass.

Starting point is 10:26:03 "'Do admire the beauties of it before we go,' she urged. "'It is so romantic by this light. "'The Brethaven lighthouse is over there. "'It has a revolving light. "'Do you see it?' "'She turned and spoke over her shoulder. "'Jake, come and show Dr. Capper all the different points of interest.' "'But Capper would have none of it.

Starting point is 10:26:25 "'I shan't be satisfied till I've got you indoors,' he said. "'What have you got on your feet?' "'Nothing but light slippers.' "'Say, Mrs. Bolton, you ought to take more care of yourself.' "'Oh, but I never have,' she protested. "'I am wonderfully strong. Jake will tell you that.' "'I think as Dr. Kapper thinks,' Jake said. "'You ought to be more careful.'

Starting point is 10:26:49 She felt herself flush. Now that her agitation had subsided she was capable of feeling resentment once more, and there was that in the quiet utterance that stung her. She made no rejoinder, but her face burnt hotter and hotter as they began to walk back. She was sure, quite sure, that she had been made a subject of discussion between her husband and Dr. Capper. Jake walked on her other side. She had the feeling of being a prisoner between two warders,

Starting point is 10:27:19 and she wondered if Charity were watching with that mocking humor in his eyes. She set her teeth as the memory of his voice, his touch went through her. She wondered with a sinking heart What she would have to tell him when they met again Eight The warning Half an hour later Maud stood in her bedroom waiting The window was wide open

Starting point is 10:27:43 And the night air blew in cold and pure With a scent of dew-drenched roses And the salt of the sea behind There was a large moth in the room It had been attracted thither by the light of the candles But it seemed to be dashing to and fro Now in a wild search for freedom She watched its futile efforts with a vague pity,

Starting point is 10:28:02 but she was powerless to help it. Every moment it was circling closer and closer to the flame, and would probably perish there in the end. She supposed it didn't matter. It was born to die in any case, and surely death was kinder than life. She had often thought so. If she could have chosen death in that moment,

Starting point is 10:28:23 instead of this numb waiting for an ordeal which she felt would be beyond her strength, she believed she would not have hesitated. This continual battling against a will so immeasurably stronger than her own was wearing her down. The bare thought of an open conflict made her sick. And that an open conflict was before her she felt convinced.

Starting point is 10:28:43 He had not chosen to confound her in the presence of Capper, but she knew that the reckoning was only deferred. She had come to know him as a man of unerring justice, and she had long ceased to hope for mercy from him. Ah, she heard his step at last, and turned bracing herself. The moth was flitting dizzily round and round the candle. Her eyes followed it, fascinated. Suddenly, it made a headlong dash for the flame,

Starting point is 10:29:11 there came a sharp crackle, and then the dull thud of its fall upon the floor. A great shudder caught her, almost convulsed her, and in the same instant the door that intervened between her room and Jake's opened, and he stood before her. She faced him stiffly in utter silence. One glimpse she had of his face, and only one, for she could not look again. The red-brown eyes were a light with a fire

Starting point is 10:29:36 that seemed to consume her even from afar. She stood, and numbly waited. He came straight to her. So, he said, you have decided to make a fool of me, have you? His voice was very low, but it had in it the sound as of an angry animal. There was something of the air,

Starting point is 10:29:55 animal in his pose, also something from which her whole being shrank affrighted. Yet she was not without courage. She forced herself to a certain calmness. Will you tell me what you mean? she said. He made a slight gesture that seemed to cry aloud of a savagery scarcely restrained. I guess you can do that, he said. What do I mean? Tell me. She drew back from him with an instinctive movement of recoil, but on the instant, as though she had stepped into a trap, his hands came out and caught her by the wrists. He held her firmly before him. Tell me, he reiterated.

Starting point is 10:30:35 But she took refuge in silence. She had no words. He held her so for many seconds, and she knew that during those seconds his eyes remained immovably fixed upon her. She made no attempt to resist him. She knew beyond all question that resistance would be worse than useless. But she refused with mute determination to to meet his eyes.

Starting point is 10:30:57 Crush her, conquer her, as he would. He should not force his way past every barrier unopposed. Her submission was physical, but not mental. She had always held back from him her soul. He spoke at length, and still in his voice she heard that terrible, deep menace, as of a savage force that gathered and gathered under the thinning surface of his civilization. I reckon you think I'm easier to fool than I am. Old friends must have their privileges.

Starting point is 10:31:28 Ain't that so? And if they include a little genteel love-making, where's the harm? Who is to raise any objection? Not the husband, who has been too big enough ever to make love to you in his life. The husband who just takes what he wants and leaves what's over for the lover. He should be the last person to interfere, I reckon. Ain't that so? She shivered in his hold, but she spoke no way.

Starting point is 10:31:55 word. Had they not always been utterly at variance with one another? How could she hope to make him see anything but evil, now that his brutal passions were aroused? How could she ever attempt to convince him that he alone was responsible for the fact that temptation had become even possible to her? And so she stood in silence, while the dreadful force of the man mounted and mounted menacing her. He waited for several seconds for some response from her. Then at last as she made none, he moved, drew her locked wrists behind her, forcing her slowly back till her face was turned up to his gaze. She felt the scorching fire of the eyes she would not meet, and in a moment her whole body

Starting point is 10:32:39 seemed to burn in a furnace of shame. The hot blood stung her from head to foot, pricking every vein. Crimson and quivering, she hung there in his hold, waiting. "'So you won't speak to me,' he said. "'Won't even try to defend your own. yourself. Well, maybe you're wise. Maybe explanations would do more harm than good. I know well enough how it is with you. You've got to the pitch of enduring me like a loathsome but incurable disease. You never reflected, did you, that in so doing you were making your own hell? You hate me, but you don't

Starting point is 10:33:18 realize that the thing you hate is not me at all, but a brute of your own creation. And because of that. Perhaps it's a natural consequence. You've come to prefer another man's love to mine. His hold was tightening upon her. She felt herself being drawn to him, felt the warmth of his body like the glow of an open fire. And a sudden wild wave of rebellion went through her, goading her into action at last. She had never resisted him before. She resisted him now, fiercely, passionately, striving with all her strength to free herself from that pitiless hold. You never offered me love, she panted, straining back from him even while he mastered her.

Starting point is 10:34:03 Love, love, is a very different thing. Her voice went into a gasp that was almost a cry. He was holding her crushed to him in a grip that nearly suffocated her. His eyes blazed down into hers terrible in their intensity, cruelly, appallingly bright. The savage in him had leapt free of all shackles at last, and had her utterly at his mercy. Well, he said speaking with lips drawn back showing his set teeth. And what is love as defined by you, and Saltash? Something peculiarly holy? The taunt pierced her like a knife, with a pain so unbearable that for the moment she was

Starting point is 10:34:43 almost beside herself. For an instant she winced from that intolerable thrust, but only for an instant. The next, with a furious wrench, she freed one hand and struck him, struck him, struck him across his grim, menacing mouth. How dare you say that? She cried. How dare you? How dare you? She struck him afresh with each repetition

Starting point is 10:35:05 so stung to frenzy was she by that sneer. But when the sudden realization that he stood to endure her blows without the smallest attempt to check or avoid them came upon her, the spirit went out of her. She became passive again, trembling from head to foot, so that but for his upholding arms she must have fallen. Let me go. she whispered voicelessly let me go he was still gazing at her but his look had changed his eyes still burned but they no longer threatened rather she reddened them a slow gathering wonder as of a man who has picked up some strange substance of which he does not know the value or properties

Starting point is 10:35:44 he held her a while longer and then very gradually he let her go she drew away from him her bosom heaving her lips panting and leaned upon the dressing-table for support port. She had withstood him indeed, but it had cost her every inch of her strength. She did not know how she endured his silence. It seemed to pierce every nerve while he still stood observing her, as it were appraising her. Then at length very slowly he spoke. I take back what I said about Saltash. I see I was wrong. He paused a moment. She had made a sharp gesture of surprise, but she spoke no word. He went on, I realized now that you do not know what love is. If you did, you wouldn't be so ashamed. Maybe you will never know. It isn't given to all of us. Not that sort. But let me tell you

Starting point is 10:36:42 this. Your friendship, or whatever you call it, with Saltash, must end. There must be no more letters, no more secret meetings. Saltash is not a white man. I believe in your own heart, you know it. Trust him, and he will let you down, sure. He spoke with somber force. She heard him in utter silence,

Starting point is 10:37:06 her head bent, still striving to call back her vanished strength. He came a step nearer to her. Maybe you think you can hoodwink me, disobey me, and I shan't know. You haven't a very great opinion of my intellect, I guess. But you may take it from me. I shall know. And if you try to deceive me, you will repent it. You wouldn't fancy life on a lone ranch with not a soul but me to speak to,

Starting point is 10:37:33 and all the dishes to wash. A grim note that was not without a hint of humor crept into his voice. That's what it will mean, my girl, if you don't obey your husband now. I'm a man of my word, and I think you know it. He was standing. standing close to her. She felt the vitality of the man, encompassing her, enthralling her. Her brief resistance was over. The very heart of her felt too tired to beat. He had not forcibly quelled her rebellion, yet in some fashion he had taken from her the power to rebel. He waited for her to speak, but still she could not. Only after a moment or two she drew back from him again and sat down in a chair by the table. He had delivered his ultimatum. There

Starting point is 10:38:19 seemed nothing more to be said. She wished dully that he would go. Surely he could see that the game was his, that she had ceased to move or to attempt to counter that final stroke. Yet he still stood motionless, almost as if he were waiting for something. Suddenly he spoke again with a nod to restrained vehemence. She felt that he spoke in spite of himself. That's a prospect that doesn't attract you, I reckon. You've no use for me, never have had.

Starting point is 10:38:49 save once my love is just an insult to you you even call it by another name but i tell you this his voice deepened with a strong vibration that affected her very strangely gripping her close attention whatever it is it's a driving force that i can't restrain it may be an obsession it may be a curse but there is no getting away from it it simply is and it has got to be and if any man ever dares to come between us you had better mark what i say i'll shoot him he spoke with a fatalism that sank deep into her soul it was no savage threat but the clear pronouncement of a man who knew exactly what he would do under given circumstances and she was sure in that moment absolutely sure that no dread of consequences would deter him she did not answer him there was nothing to say but there swept over her another dreadful wave of apprehension such as it caught her in the summer-house an hour before turning her cold from head to foot what would he say if he knew what had passed between them if he knew that their lips had met she pictured him selecting his weapon with the deadly determination that had inspired his words saw the cruel set of the mouth the ruthless glitter of the savage eyes and she shivered shivered uncontrollably convulsively as one in the grip of an ague he saw the shiver he could not fail to see it and his attitude changed a little a measure of softening came into it even a tinge of kindliness there you're overwrought he said it's time you got to bed reckon you understand me so we'll give the matter a rest he turned with the words turned in his sturdy purposeful fashion and went back to his room

Starting point is 10:40:46 she did not watch him go but she listened with straining ears for the closing of the door between them it did not come to her there was to be no relief from his presence that night the door remained half open she sat on motionless for a moment or two listening in a numb hopeless fashion to his quiet methodical movements she got up sharply at length and began with quivering speed to undress not daring to linger lest she should have to meet again the straight unsparing scrutiny of those terribly bright eyes once only and that just at the last did she stay a moment and stoop over a small dark object on the floor something she fancied she had dropped but the next instant a wild fit of trembling seized her she stood up again feeling giddy physically sick the thing on the floor was the charred remnant of the moth that had fluttered impotent wings to escape but so short a time before it lay there shrivelled lifeless the wings that had beaten so madly for freedom shattered and consumed in the flame. She caught her hand to her throat. What evil fate had decreed that such things should be. Even the tiniest threat of life could not escape the seething whirlpool of destruction. Sick at heart, she turned and extinguished the candle that had wrought so cruel a doom. The moonlight shone whitely into the room. She went to the window and pulled down the blind,

Starting point is 10:42:13 then trembling she crept to bed. And the darkness covered her soul. End of chapters 7 and 8. Part 2, Chapter 9 and 10 of the 100th Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 9. The Invitation Saltash did not come to her on the following day, and for her own sake she was thankful that he did not. But the problem of her mother's difficulties had begun to vex her sorely.

Starting point is 10:42:50 Without communicating with him, she knew that it could not be solved. He had given his promise to help her, yet somehow she did not feel the task before her to be a very easy one. Charlie was so curiously elusive in some respects. It was not always a simple matter to detach him from the whim of the moment, and she had many a time heard him declare that he was not a businessman. She watched the post with nervous anxiety, but nothing came for her. She was relieved to have nothing to conceal, but her mother's anxieties weighed upon her. She hesitated to write to Charlie, but told herself she would have to do so if no word came from him.

Starting point is 10:43:29 It was all highly unsatisfactory, and, behind her uneasiness there lurked a deep sense of self-reproach, self-distrust. She had suffered him to go too far, too far. It might be difficult to recover a normal footing. It might be he was even now planning some deep game, some master's stroke to follow up the advantage he had gained and win her for his own. He would not succeed. He could not succeed. She would not so much as allow her thoughts to wander in that direction. She had been mad that night. There had been witchery in the very air. But now she was awake to the crude realities of life, awake and sane and bitterly ashamed of her weakness. He might plot and intrigue, but he could not overthrow her reason a second time. The madness had passed, and it would not return. but the necessity for seeing him remained and it was an urgent one.

Starting point is 10:44:24 She found it hard to wait an inactivity. The whole day passed without a sign from him, and her patience began to wear thin. Surely, surely he could not fail to keep that solemn promise of his. Surely he could not have forgotten, or be waiting for her to make the first move. She went for a walk on the down with Capper in the evening. She did not greatly want to go. She was a little afraid of his shrewd insight. But she found that she had no cause for fear.

Starting point is 10:44:54 He was full of kindly commonplace topics, and he touched upon no intimate subject whatever. She returned from the walk, feeling soothed and refreshed. They went through the training field on the way back, and here they came upon Jake, giving Bunny his first writing lesson. It was good to see the boy's eagerness, his flushed face, and shining eyes. He was utterly fearless, and even impatient of Jake's care. They stood a while and watched, then turned and walked up through the garden.

Starting point is 10:45:23 He is very happy, Mod said. Kapper smiled. Jake is a nay-one companion for him, Mrs. Bolton. He is twice lucky to be in the care of a man like Jake. She agreed without enthusiasm. Yes, Jake is very kind. That's so, and he won't spoil him either. Also, Kapper spoke with emphasis.

Starting point is 10:45:45 He'll never learn anything that isn't clean and straight from Jake. Guess he'll make a fine man some day. Thanks to you, Doctor, Maud said. No, madam, thanks to Jake. My part was a very small one. I am just a mechanic, but Jake is a driver of engines,

Starting point is 10:46:03 a maker of men. Maud said nothing, and he changed the subject. They lingered in the garden till Jake and Bunny joined them. Then they separated, Bunny contrary to custom, attaching himself to Maude,

Starting point is 10:46:16 and Jake taking possession of Capper. brother and sister ascended the steps into the house and entered the parlor bunny was still flushed and excited life was full of absorbing interest to him he had actually been off the leading rain most of the time yes and he had cantered too jake said he was to go and have a warm bath and then do his time on the floor it was a great bore but he supposed he'd have to what was maud looking so sick about wasn't she well This amiable inquiry was made just as Maud's eyes had fallen upon a letter lying on the table. She almost snatched it up, and then found with a mingling of relief and disappointment that it was not from Saltash. The crabbed writing was wholly unfamiliar to her. She stood gazing at it while her sudden agitation subsided. "'Who's it from?' said Bunny, coming to peer over her shoulder.

Starting point is 10:47:12 "'Liverpool Postmark. Why? That's from that queer old Godger who was down here in the... the winter, I'll bet. What on earth does he want? To be sure, Uncle Edward, Maud said. She opened the letter with Bunny looking on. They read it together. My dear grand niece, I am pleased to acknowledge your letter of the fourth instant, and I write to inform you that I shall be delighted to receive you and your brother on whatever date it may suit you to come. I am glad to hear of the latter's excellent progress. I presume you are capable of keeping him in

Starting point is 10:47:45 order. You will, of course, be prepared to find your own entertainment. Should your worthy husband care to join the party by any chance, I have room for all? Your affectionate uncle, Edward Warren. Holy Christopher, ejaculated Bunny. What on earth did you want to write to him for? I'm not going there, jiggered if I am. And to be tied to your apron strings, too? Not much. Mod folded the letter. I thought you might like to go away. with me for a little, she said. He stared at her. What, away from Jake? Not much. She tried to smile. You're not very flattering, Bunny. Bunny was still staring. I can't think what's

Starting point is 10:48:31 come to you. Jake's the best chap in the world and yet you don't seem to get on with him. Say, what the blazes is the matter with you anyway? She bit her lip. I wish you wouldn't be so horribly imitative, Bunny. You never used to talk like that. Bunny flared up on the instant. I'll talk as I damn well, please. It's no affair of yours. As to leaving Jake, I'm hanged if I will. You can jolly well go by yourself. And as to behaving like a beastly bounder, you'll apologize for it before you leave this room, a soft voice said. Both started violently. Jake had come up the steps from the garden. He walked over to the mantelpiece, searched for, and found a box of matches, then turned. If we were alone, my son, I'd punch your head for you. Maud is quite right.

Starting point is 10:49:25 You've no call to talk like a cowboy. Now apologize, quick. But Bunny stood sullenly silent. Maud turned to the door. Pray don't trouble to make him do that, she said. I am accustomed to cowboy manners. The door closed upon her, and in the same instant Jake's hand closed upon Bunny's shoulder. Go after her, he commanded. Catch her up and say you're sorry. But Bunny resisted him. I won't, Jake. I'm not sorry, and I won't go away and stay with Uncle Edward. There. If you send me, I'll run away. Jake shook him. I'll be mad with you in a minute, my son. Go after her. Do you hear. Go after her and make it up before she starts crying. She won't cry, said Bunny incredulously. She never does. Jake swung him round to the door.

Starting point is 10:50:21 Bunny, don't you be a skunk. If you don't go, there'll be trouble. Bad trouble. But it was her fault, protested Bunny's tongue to remonstrance. She set on to me first. I don't care whose fault it was, said Jake. You're to go. Bunny writhed in his hold. You're beastly unfair, Jake. If I do go, I shan't apologize. You won't, said Jake. No, I won't.

Starting point is 10:50:51 There was a faint note of apprehension in Bunny's voice notwithstanding its defiance. He stood up to Jake, but his eyelids quivered ever so slightly. His hands opened and shut in the old nervous fashion. Jake was holding him fast. Think it over, he said. think it over.

Starting point is 10:51:10 His voice was steady, his grip inflexible. His eyes never left the boy's hot face. They held a stern warning that could not be ignored. Bunny straightened himself to meet it. I suppose you'll thrash me, he said. Well, you must, that's all. A faint gleam crossed Jake's face. It was hardly a smile and was gone on the instant.

Starting point is 10:51:36 No, I shan't thrash you, he said. said. Now will you go? And Bunny, capitulated, struck his colors unconditionally, flung his arms round his brother-in-law's shoulders. All right, Jake, I'll go, old man, I'll go. Don't look so confoundedly grim. Jake held him back with one hand on his rough, dark head. Be off with you, boy. I'll see you later. Maybe when you're in bed. Go now. He smiled upon Bunny, for there were tears in the boy's patted him on the back and turned to go as he had entered. Ten seconds later, Bunny was beating a rousing tattoo on his sister's door. Say, Mod, let me in. Quick, quick!

Starting point is 10:52:21 He wriggled at the handle for the door was locked and meeting with no response beat again. Mod, I say, let me in. I've come to say I'm sorry. Don't be waxy, old girl. Open the door. There came a lagging footstep. The key turned. He burst into the room headlong. You're not crying, are you? I knew you weren't. There.

Starting point is 10:52:44 It's all right, isn't it? What makes you so touchy nowadays? You never used to be. Her arms held him tightly in a mute embrace. She kissed him with a yearning tenderness. Bunny drew back and looked at her with sudden close attention. Mod, what's the matter? Tell me what's the matter?

Starting point is 10:53:05 She was smiling, a strangely drawn smile. not for the first time he became conscious of the veil of reserve that hung between them he strove with it indignantly seeking to tear it aside maud tell me i say you would have told me in the old days she caught back an involuntary sigh you were older than bunny i wasn't he declared what wrought ah well she said gently things were different in those days and suddenly there suddenly there could came to Bunny. Bunny, who had lain and watched life so long that his eyes had grown tired with watching, one of the old, shrewd flashes of enlightenment solving the mystery. He held her very tightly his face burning red. Say, Maude, old girl, is it, is it? I know what it is. Don't, Bunny, she whispered inarticulately. He kissed her with the warmth of renewed understanding. That's why Jake so beastly worried about you.

Starting point is 10:54:08 "'Poor old boy, he's getting as lean as chops. Have you noticed?' She had not. They sat down together on an ottoman near the window, bunny's arm protectingly around her. "'He sent me up after you in such a hurry because he was afraid you were going to cry,' he went on. He was furious with me for vexing you. "'Poor old Jake!' A curious little pang of resentment went through her. "'You seem to think he is very much to be pitied,' she said.

Starting point is 10:54:38 I do, said Bunny instantly. He looks so down in the mouth nowadays. I saw it directly I came home. He's got a sort of hurt look at the back of his eyes, as if he wasn't getting on with himself. I sometimes wish you'd be a bit kinder to him, Maude. I'm sure he mopes. This was a point of view so new to Maude

Starting point is 10:54:59 that she hardly knew how to regard it. Somehow it had never occurred to her that Jake could take her attitude to heart. Jake, who trampled, down all rebellion was so merciless a heel. She had always told herself that Jake had all he really wanted, that he was aware of any need of the spirit she had never seriously believed. Bunny's assertion brought to mind Mrs. Wright's kindly assurance that there was a whole lot of reserve in Jake, and for the first time the old woman's words recurred to her. He won't show you

Starting point is 10:55:31 his heart so long as he thinks you've no use for it. Was there a measure of truth in those words, she wondered. She wondered. Guess I must be going, said Bunny. I've got to have a bath. You might turn on the water for me like a brick while I go and undress. There was a subtle tact in the suggestion. Bunny knew none better that to wait upon him was his sister's dearest privilege, and he judged by her sad face that it was time to change her thoughts. When he arrived in the bathroom a few minutes later,

Starting point is 10:56:05 he found everything put ready for his comfort. and Maude waiting to turn off the water at his command. He was attired in a large bath-thowel which he held artistically draped about his person. He thrust a bare, warm arm about her neck. Thanks, old girl. You're jolly decent to me. I don't know how I managed to be such a beast. Guess my temper must have got warped in its youth.

Starting point is 10:56:29 By the way, there's a letter for you from Charlie on my dressing table. He told me to give it to you when we were alone. I suppose it's something to do with the mother. mother's affairs. Oh, perhaps, Maud said. And she hoped he did not note her sudden start or the quick flushing of her face. When did you see him? He came up the garden way this evening just before I was riding with Jake. You were out with Dr. Capper. He was in a rather decent mood, said Bunny. He gave me half a sovereign. Not a bad sort, Charlie. He began to emerge from the enveloping towel and Maud turned to go.

Starting point is 10:57:06 "'You can stay if you like,' said Bunny graciously. "'I have no wish to make a stranger of you.' But she smiled and declined the invitation. "'You do better without me now,' she said. And as the boy's small, thin figure slipped down into the bath, she went out and crossed the passage swiftly to his room. The letter from Charlie was not on his table, but tossed carelessly on the bed with his clothes.

Starting point is 10:57:31 She shivered at the thought that Jake and not she might have found it there. The purple crest stood out conspicuous on the white envelope. A fox's head with the motto, Saint-Vertu, underneath. She wondered what wild ancestor of his had designed the cynical device. Her hands were trembling as she tore open the flap. She was half impatient, yet half afraid. Her heart throbbed hard at sight of the dashing scrawl, once so familiar and so dear. My belle rene de Rose!

Starting point is 10:58:02 Her heart throbbed a little faster. The old sweet name. How it brought back to her those free happy days of her youth. How she marveled now at the high girlish pride that had sent him away. How cruel had been the cost of that same pride. She read on. It was a characteristic epistle, half mocking, half tender throughout. Would she meet him again?

Starting point is 10:58:27 But of course she would. Had she not said that he could serve her? But they would not risk another interruption. would she be going to the Grey Down races? If not, he would manage to return early and come to her by the garden way. They would thus be sure of at least half an hour together before anyone else got back. He seemed confident that she would not refuse, and she knew even as she read that she could not. She must see him somehow.

Starting point is 10:58:54 She must somehow get back to normal relations with him. She could not sacrifice his friendship to that one night's madness. Besides, there was a little bit of her. her mother. A trampling of hoofs in the yard below drew her to the window. She looked forth. It was the albatross being led out of his table for the evening canter. Dick Stevens held the bridle. He wore a heavy glowering look. She remembered, and the memory seemed to scorch her, that morning after her wedding day when she had stood and listened in petrified horror to Jake pouring forth terrible invective upon the lad's head. He was standing by now, watching with a frown,

Starting point is 10:59:33 though the boy's movements displeased him. And even as she looked, he went forward and took the bridle into his own hand. Stephen stood aside, sullenly, while he readjusted the bit with set lips. The albatross nuzzled against him, and after a few moments Jake's hand went to his pocket and brought forth a piece of sugar. Then while the animal munched it, he turned round upon the sulky stable boy and spoke. If any harm comes to him through any damn carelessness of yours, I warn you. and I'm a man of my word. I'll leather you to a jelly if it cost me fifty pounds.

Starting point is 11:00:10 His words were quiet, but absolutely distinct. His right hand was hard gripped on his riding whip. Stevens slunk back a step, not speaking, his face crimson and defiant. Maude at the upper window clasped her hand suddenly and very tightly upon the letter they held. Yes, he was a man of his word. And what if he kept that other problem? promise he had made to her. Life alone on a ranch with Jake. Her whole being rose in revolt at the thought. She turned away with a shudder. Ten. The mistake. The day fixed for the race for the Berchester Cup was inclined to be showery. Jake was up at an early hour, and when he was gone, Maude rose also. But she felt too languid to bestir herself very greatly. She sat by the open window,

Starting point is 11:01:02 breathing the pure morning air and wondering, wondering, what the day would bring forth. Since the receipt of Saltash's letter she had been making up her mind. That she must see him alone that day was inevitable, but she had formed a strong determination that for the future she would put bounds to their intercourse. It could but lead in the one hopeless direction. Moreover, open friendship between them had become, owing to Jake's prohibition, impossible. She did not blame Saltus. for what had happened, but bitterly she blamed herself. She had been carried away by the

Starting point is 11:01:37 moment's madness. Her feet had slipped. But the determination to retrace that false step was strong within her. For Charlie's sake, as well as for her own, she knew that they must not go on. With fatal clearness, she realized that it was the downward path leading to destruction. It had never attracted her before her marriage, that downward path. The care of Bunny had absorbed her life. But now that her life was empty of all but the bondage she hated, she faced the fact that her resolution had begun to waver. She could no longer trust herself to stand firm. Sitting there, drinking in the refreshing coolness of the rain-washed air, feeling the sweet morning chill all about her, something of that innate purity of her seemed to revive. Some of the bitterness went from her soul.

Starting point is 11:02:26 She was very, very tired. But after long meditation, she had begun to to see her way more clearly. Perhaps dimly the future had begun to draw her. Yes, her life was empty now. But in a little while, a little while. A deep, deep breath escaped her. The memory of Mrs. Wright and her confident words of wisdom came to her. Her life would not be always a dreary wandering in a desert land.

Starting point is 11:02:55 Prisoner she might be, but even so, the flowers might bloom around her within her reach. A little tremor went through her. Ah, yes, it might be there were compensations in store even for her. Her life would not be always empty. A kind of waking dream came upon her. It was as though a soothing hand had been laid upon her, stealing her wild rebellion, giving her hope. The kaleidoscope of life was changing every day.

Starting point is 11:03:24 Why should she despair? When she descended to breakfast, she was calmer, more at peace with herself than she had been for long. She found Capper waiting alone. He gave her his quick, keen look, but characteristically he made no comment upon what he saw. I am wondering how I shall catch the boat train tonight, he said. Must you do so? she asked.

Starting point is 11:03:48 He nodded vigorously. Indeed I must. I have trespassed upon your hospitality quite long enough. And there is work waiting across the Atlantic that only Maurice Capper can do. She smiled at him. How indefatigable you are. Won't it wait a little longer?

Starting point is 11:04:06 Not a day, declared Kapper. And neither of them dreamed that that same work would have to wait many days Air Maurice Kapper was at liberty to handle it. They sat down alone to breakfast. Jake and Bunny had had their meal long before. There's no holding the boy this morning, Kapper observed. It will be a good thing now when you get him off

Starting point is 11:04:29 to school, Mrs. Bolton. He'll grow quicker there than anywhere. Maud looked up quickly. You think so? He smiled. I have told Jake so. He, I believe, is waiting till these all-absorbing races are over to consult you on the subject. Maude's eyes fell. He won't do that, she said in a low voice. He and Bunny will settle it between them and I shall be told afterwards. That's so, said Capper. Then if I may take the liberty to advise you, madam, I should consult them first. She shook her head in silence. How could she even begin to tell Capper of the utter lack of sympathy between herself and Jake?

Starting point is 11:05:12 And you really think he is fit to go to school and fend for himself? She asked after a moment. Do him all the good in the world, said Capper. He added kindly, "'Guess you'll miss him some, my dear. But believe me, you won't be sorry when you see what it does for him.' "'Oh, no, I shall never be sorry on his account,' she said. And there the subject ended.

Starting point is 11:05:35 But before she left the breakfast table, she found an opportunity to acquaint him with her decision to remain at home that day. He expressed regret, but not surprise. You are wise not to overtire yourself, he said. She became aware again of the green eyes surveying her for a moment and colored. I am not sleeping very well, she said with an effort. He nodded as one who fully understood. Take things easily, he said.

Starting point is 11:06:03 Don't fret over him. Let the world go by. She got up, moved by an impulse, curiously insistent. Dr. Kapper, she said, it's rather a difficult world, isn't it? Her voice had a quiver of wistfulness in it. He reached out a hand at once that sought and held hers. My dear Mrs. Bolton, he said,

Starting point is 11:06:24 We live too hard, all of us. "'That's nine-tenths of the trouble. "'It's because we won't trust the hand on the helm. "'We're all so mighty anxious to do our own steering, "'and we don't know a thing about it.' "'The hold of the thin yellow fingers was full of kindly comfort. "'There was nothing disconcerting in the shrewd green eyes "'that looked into hers.

Starting point is 11:06:47 "'I think you'll be happier presently, you know,' he said. "'It seems to me that two people I'm mighty fond of "'have got wandering off their bearings in the wilderness. They'll find each other presently, and then, I guess, that same wilderness will blossom into a garden, and they'll settle down in comfort and enjoy themselves. He pressed her hand and released it, making it evident that he had no intention of pursuing the matter further without definite encouragement. And Maude gave him none.

Starting point is 11:07:17 Something in her shrank from doing so. He was Jake's friend before he was hers. The day seemed very long. It was oppressive also, gleams of sunshine alternating with occasional heavy thunder showers. She was lying in a hammock chair under the trees in the orchard with chops at her feet when Jake came striding through at the last moment to find her. Kapper tells me you don't feel up to coming, he said. She barely glanced up from the book in her lap.

Starting point is 11:07:47 She did not want to meet his eyes. I didn't tell him so, she said. But it is so, insisted Jake. I have decided not to come, certainly, she said, feeling her heart jerk apprehensively as she made the statement. He stood a moment in silence, then bent unexpectedly, took her by the chin and turned her face up to his own. It was flooded with scarlet on the instant. Her eyes flinched away from his. He held her so for several seconds looking at her, mercilessly watching that agonizing blush, till it faded under his eyes, leaving her white to the lips. Then without an

Starting point is 11:08:25 another word, he let her go. She heard the jingle of his spurs as he went away, and for a long time after she lay as he had left her, too unnerved to move. What could he know? How much did he suspect? She felt cold to the very heart of her, stricken and sick with fear. He had not so much as kissed her in his brutal domineering way, and that fact disquieted her more than any other. Though she hated the touch of his lips, she would have welcomed it thankfully in that hour of sickening apprehension, only to feel reassured and safe. The patter of rain roused her to activity and drove her back to the house, in time to meet Mrs. Lovelace hastening forth with an umbrella to her rescue.

Starting point is 11:09:09 You shouldn't be sitting out there, ma'am, on a day like this, the old woman said. And like a Massey, you do look bad. Maud tried to smile. I am not bad, Mrs. Lovelace, it's only the heat. Mrs. Lovelace pursed her lips and looked so. severely incredulous. You'd best lie down, ma'am, she said. I'll bring your lunch immediately.

Starting point is 11:09:33 She bustled away, and Maude sank on the couch in the parlor and strove to compose herself. But she could not, with that awful fear, coiled like a snake about her heart. A terrible restlessness possessed her. It was impossible to remain still. If she could only send a message to Charlie warning him not to come. But that was impossible. She knew that no message could reach him now. He would have to come, and Jake would know of it.

Starting point is 11:10:02 Maneuver as she might, those link's eyes would rest from her the secret. She knew herself powerless to withstand them. She made scarcely any pretense to eat the luncheon that Mrs. Lovelace brought her. She had never before been in such a ferment of disquietude. Those few awful moments of Jake's silent scrutiny had shaken her to the very foundations of her being. She felt that he had ruthlessly forced his way past her defenses and looked upon her naked soul. And she realized that he had spoken the truth when he said that she could not deceive him. He could tear her reserve from her like a garment and expose her most secret thoughts.

Starting point is 11:10:41 She spent most of the afternoon in pacing to and fro for she could not rest. Her feet were soaked with the drenched orchard grass, but she did not know it. Her limbs were strung to a feverish activity. There were times when she thought she would go mad. The hours crawled by, leaden-footed. She did not know in the least when Charlie would come, but she began to expect him long before he could possibly arrive, and the waiting became a torment that shaped her intolerably.

Starting point is 11:11:11 If he would only come soon, so that she might make her petition and let him go. Back and forth, back and forth, she wandered, conscious sometimes of a dreadful physical sinking, but for the most part too torn with anxiety to be aware of anything else. And chops paced with her in mute sympathy with her distress. The afternoon was beginning to wane towards evening when Mrs. Lovelace came forth once more in search of her. Mrs. Lovelace with prim set lips sternly disapproving.

Starting point is 11:11:42 You'll make yourself bad if you go on, ma'am, she said. And if you please, Mrs. Wright is here, and I am laying the cloth for tea. Mrs. Wright. Maud looked at her with dazed eyes, bringing her thoughts back as it were from afar. "'There she is,' said Mrs. Lovelace. And even as she spoke, Mott caught sight of the comfortable portly figure standing on the steps. She gave a gasp that was almost a cry, and began to hasten toward her. Mrs. Wright on her part bustled down to meet her.

Starting point is 11:12:15 "'Don't hurry, my dear, don't. I've only just come. Why, how tired and white you look!' There, run along, Sarah, and get the tea like a good soul. I'll take care of Mrs. Bolton. Her arm was already around Maude's waist. She looked up at her with round eyes full of kindly concern. Maud bent to kiss her. How good have you to come, she said. She herself was divided between relief and dismay, but the relief predominated. It would not matter now if Charlie came. She would have to write to him on her mother's behalf. It was the only way.

Starting point is 11:12:54 She believed she could evade Jake's vigilance with her letter, so long as Charlie did not write to her. The anguish through which she had passed had made her realize that she must not, could not, take such a risk again. She clung to Mrs. Wright as to a deliverer. Thank you for coming, she said. Mrs. Wright had begun to steer sturdily for the house.

Starting point is 11:13:16 Lord, bless you, dear, I am as pleased as anything to come, she said. Jake dropped in this moment. morning casual-like and happened to pass the remark as they was all going to the races but you. So I sent down to Tom's young lady to be so kind as to come and mind the shop for me this afternoon, and after dinner I dressed myself and came along to keep you company. I could have got here an hour ago, but I thought as you'd be resting and I knew as Sarah would be busy.

Starting point is 11:13:44 So it was Jake's doing. He had taken this step to circumvent her. Maud was conscious of a throb of anger against him, but her. Her visitors' guileless chatter made her stifle it. Mrs. Wright was so obviously unsuspecting. They ascended the steps together, Mrs. Wright's arms stoutly assisting her. Then in the parlor she turned and looked at Maude.

Starting point is 11:14:06 If I was you, my dearie, I should lie right down and have a rest, and I'll give you a drop of brandy in your tea. She sank upon the sofa without protest. The reaction from those hours of feverish suspense was upon her. She felt exhausted in my eyes. mind and body. Mrs. Wright attended upon her with the utmost kindness. She did not talk a great deal for which forbearance Maud was mutely thankful. She was so unutterably tired, too tired even to protest against that drop of brandy in her tea upon which Mrs. Wright insisted. Another hour went

Starting point is 11:14:42 by, but there was no sign of salt ashes coming. The evening was turning dark and wet. Maud lay on her sofa, sometimes dozing, sometimes talking abstractedly to her visitor. For Mrs. Wright was determined to remain till Jake returned, and briskly said so. Maud did not want to combat the decision. She was glad to have her there. It seemed that Charlie was not coming after all. Something had detained him. Her anxiety had spent itself, but she felt terribly weak. The comfort of the old woman's tender care was too great to refuse. She scarcely knew how the time went, so overpowering was the languor that possessed her. The rainy sky brought down an early dusk long before the setting of the sun.

Starting point is 11:15:29 The brooding stillness hung upon all things, through which the patter of the rain sounded with unvarying monotony. "'Dearie me, they will get wet,' sighed Mrs. Wright. Slowly the heavy clouds gathered and hung. Slowly the darkness deepened. Suddenly, Maude raised her. herself, sat up, tensely listened. What is that? she said.

Starting point is 11:15:53 Mrs. Wright looked at her. I hear nothing but the rain, dear. Maud broke in upon her impatiently. Yes, that, that, that, don't you hear? What is it? Oh, God, what is it? Her voice rose wildly. In a moment she had sprung from her couch and was standing with caught breath listening.

Starting point is 11:16:15 My dearie, it's only the rain, said Mrs. Wright, soothingly. Don't let yourself get jumpy. There's nothing there. But Modd paid no attention to her. With a movement incredibly swift, she reached the door and threw it open. Then, indeed, Mrs. Wright heard sounds, muffled but undeniable, of some commotion in the stable-yard. I expect they've just got home, dear, she said. And very wet they'll be. And you better tell Sarah to get a nice hot brew of tea ready for them? Little serve. Brian will be sure to want his tea. But the rush of Maud's feet along the oaken passage was her only answer. The girl went like the wind urged by the most awful fear she had ever known.

Starting point is 11:17:00 The front door was open. Bunny was on the step. But she brushed past him without so much as seeing him, tearing forth bareheaded, ashen-faced into the rain. For there, in the murky twilight, terrible as a lion newly roused, stood Jake, gripping by the collar a struggling writhing figure, the while he administered to it as sound a horse whipping as his great strength could accomplish. His right arm moved slowly with a deliberate regularity unspeakably horrible to behold. She had a glimpse, only a glimpse of his face, and the savage cruelty of it was such that it seemed no longer human. Of his victim she saw very little, but of his identity not the smallest doubt existed in her mind. And as the sound of those awful blows reached her,

Starting point is 11:17:46 the last shred of her endurance was torn away. She shrieked and shrieked again as she ran. Those shrieks reached Jake as the cry of its mate in distress might reach an animal intent upon its prey. He flung the prey from him on the instant and wheeled. He met her a full ten yards from the spot, just as her feet slipped on the wet stones of the yard. He caught her, she almost fell against him, and held her hard in his arms. She was sobbing terribly, utterly unstrung, hysterical. She struggled for speech, but the wild sounds that left her lips were wholly unintelligible.

Starting point is 11:18:23 She struggled to free herself, but her strength was gone. In the end, her knees suddenly gave way under her. She collapsed with a gasping cry, and Jake, stooping, raised her, and bore her in, senseless, out of the drenching rain. End of chapters nine and ten. Part two, chapters eleven and twelve of the hundredth chance by Ethel Amdell. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Eleven. The reason. You've only yourself to thank, said Capper. He tugged irritably at his pointed yellow beard.

Starting point is 11:19:07 His eyes were moody under brows that frowned. You might have known what to expect if you'd had an ounce of sense. Guess I always was an all-fired fool, said Jake. The great doctor looked down at him from his post on the hearth, and his eyes softened a little. For Jake's dejection was very thorough. He sat as it were in dust and ashes. "'Not always, my son,' he said.

Starting point is 11:19:31 "'But I guess you've surpassed yourself on this occasion. Well, it's done. She may get over it, but she won't love you any the better for it. It'll be up to you to make a fresh start presently.' Jake was silent. He was not smoking. He sat with bent head and lowered eyes. Kapper contemplated him a while.

Starting point is 11:19:51 till at length the faint glint of humor began to shine in his green eyes. He moved and laid a long, wiry hand upon Jake's shoulder. Say Jake, he said, Don't take it too hard, man. Let it be a lesson to you, that's all. And the next time you want to whip a stable boy, do it on the quiet, and there'll be no misunderstandings. Guess you'll have to sink small for a bit, but it's not a hanging matter.

Starting point is 11:20:16 She'll forgive you by and by. Why should she? Jake did not move his head or respond in any way to the friendly touch. Because she's that sort, Kapper spoke with stout conviction. She won't hold out against you when she sees your sorry. Don't be afraid to tell her so, Jake. Don't hide your soul.

Starting point is 11:20:38 Jake raised his head suddenly, looking full up at Kapper with eyes that glowed red and somber. You don't quite grasp the situation, Doc, he said. She won't be sorry for this when she comes to her. herself. She never wanted to bear a child of mine. She loathes the very ground I walk on. She do most anything, most anything to get quit of me. No, I reckon she won't be sorry any. She'll be sort of glad. Oh, shucks, Kapper's hand suddenly smote him hard. You don't know women. I tell you you don't know him. I know one. Jake's voice was deadly calm. His I shone like a still hot fire.

Starting point is 11:21:23 I thought I could win her, though the odds were dead against me. I staked all on the chance, the hundredth chance, and it's gone. I've lost. There's no sense in pretending otherwise. Now this has happened I shan't hold her any longer, unless it's by brute force, and I reckon there's more loss than gain that way. And yet I know. I know.

Starting point is 11:21:48 His voice suddenly took a deeper note. that where I've failed, no other man has ever yet succeeded. No one else has ever got to the heart of her. That I know. He spoke with grim force as though challenging incredulity on Capper's part, but Capper made no attempt to contradict him.

Starting point is 11:22:07 He even nodded as if he held the same opinion. Then I guess it's up to you to find the way, he said. There's a better way for all of us than brute force, my son. There is a power that all the The violence in the world can't beat. It's greater than all the devils. And you'll win out, you'll win out, on the strength of it. He paused.

Starting point is 11:22:30 Jake's eyes had kindled a little. He set his hands on the arms of his chair as though about to rise. You get me, Kapper asked. The faint smile came over his face. You speak as one who knows, he said. I do know. Kapper's voice was very emphatic. It's not an easy.

Starting point is 11:22:50 world to live in. It's a mighty difficult one. But we've been given a compass to steer by. A divine compass, Jake, my lad. Guess it's our own faults in the main if we fail to get there. He waited. The light was gradually growing in Jake's eyes. He had a speculative half-doubtful look. And yet you advised me to jump the hedge, he said. Kapper smiled somewhat ruefully.

Starting point is 11:23:17 I didn't tell you to burst your way through, did I? he said you didn't take it the right way my son you blundered and it's left a nasty breach it's not beyond repair mind you but it'll take some patience and some faith before it's all filled up set to work on it right now you've got the materials use them all you know show her what love real love is worth she's a woman she'll soon understand jake got to his feet with a quiet purposeful movement of a man who has work before him. He gripped Capra's hand for a moment and looked him straight in the face. "'I reckon you're right, sir,' he said speaking rather heavily. "'I've made a damn muddle of the whole show.

Starting point is 11:24:03 I was nearer to her, several lengths nearer in the old days, when we were just friends. Just friends.' His voice quibbered slightly, than I am now. Well, I reckon I must get back to the old footing.

Starting point is 11:24:19 "'We'll be just friends again.' He turned from Capper with the words, went to the mantelpiece and took up his pipe. The doctor watched him for a while silently. There was a greatness about the man's simplicity that commanded his respect. There was even an element of the superb in it. "'I take off my hat to you, Jake,' he said at length. "'You're a white man.' Jake's head was bent over his pipe.

Starting point is 11:24:46 He made a brief contemptuous sound and rammed it into his mouth. "'We don't all think alike,' he said. "'Well, I must be going anyway. "'So long, Doc. "'Where are you off to?' Kapper asked. "'He made a gesture as of one who contemplates an unpleasant task. "'I must go up to the castle. "'I said I would.

Starting point is 11:25:07 "'I've got to tell Lord Saltash how the albatross failed this afternoon.' "'But man he knows,' exclaimed Kapper. "'He was there.' "'Jake turned round. his pipe was a light. He puffed at it to grimly. Maybe he does, but it's my duty to tell him all the same. It may interest him also to hear that Stevens won't be fit for the saddle again for a week or two. I'd have marked the young Blackguard for life if I hadn't been stopped. His brows suddenly met fiercely. I'd have got out of him what he did it for, too, though I guess I know.

Starting point is 11:25:45 When a hot favorite like the albatross gets left behind like, that there's always a reason a damn substantial reason at the bottom of it oh it's a foul business he said bitterly i ought to have scratched sooner than run the chance of having him pulled i never trusted stevens never i'll see him drawn and quartered before he ever rides another horse of mine but you've no evidence suggested caper i've the evidence of my own eyes said jake bluntly And there'll be further evidence presently, or I'm a nigger. What do you mean? He'll never own it.

Starting point is 11:26:25 No, Jake spoke with a savage disdain. He won't have the spunk for that, and he won't have the spunk either to take out a summons for assault. He'll just take it all lying down. I know. I know. He swung round on his heel to go, went as far as the door, then suddenly wheeled and came back.

Starting point is 11:26:46 Say, capper, he said. and all the savagery was gone from his voice it held a note of pleading she'll get over it sure caper's yellow face was full of kindness he reached forth a hand that gripped hard please god she'll live to be the mother of your children yet jake he said jake drew a sharp breath god knows i don't want her just for that he said with husky vehemence and then abruptly as if ashamed he pulled his hand free and departed "'Capper's fingers sought his beard as the door closed. "'You're learning, Jake,' he said. "'You're learning. "'Wonder how soon she'll begin to find out "'that there's another man in the place

Starting point is 11:27:30 "'where her husband used to be.' "'He coiled himself down into a chair, "'bending and cracking his long fingers with meditative zest. "'But the frown remained between his brows. "'If Capper the man were satisfied, "'Capper the doctor was very much the reverse. "'He was not dismayed. but he was anxious, more anxious than he deemed it necessary for anyone to know.

Starting point is 11:27:54 She'll pull through, he muttered to himself once. And again, she must pull through. But in his heart he knew that it was more than possible that his patient's life might ab out on the bitter side of disappointment and misery, even when the worst danger seemed to be over. She was so lonely in her trouble, so piteously bereft of all desire or incentive to live. up in the room above maud lay white and still her dark hair all about her her eyes closed in aloofness that was almost like the shadow of death wrapping her round

Starting point is 11:28:29 mrs wright sat by her side very alert and watchful it was growing late but she had long ago signified her intention of remaining for the night very practical and sure of herself was mrs wright she and dr capper were already firm allies the night was close and the windows were flung wide the door in the adjoining room was wide open also and a faint current of air eddied about the room stirring now and again the chint's hangings of the old-fashioned bed rustling occasionally the white muslin curtains at the window the wash of the sea came up vaguely from the dark distance it sounded like the far splashing of mighty oars near at hand down in the dim garden there came sometimes the mysterious movements of some sort of the far splashing of some sort of the far splashing of the dark airs nearer's near at hand down in the dim garden there came sometimes the mysterious movements of some sort of some sort of some sort of some sort of some sort of the far small creature creeping stealthily through the bushes, and, once or twice, down in the orchard, an owl hooded its weird half-human signal. Mrs. Wright did not like the voice of the owl. She shivered whenever she heard it. But Maude lay as one oblivious of all things, drifting, drifting on a gray, lonely sea, on which no sun ever rose or star shone. Someone came into the adjoining room and stood in the open doorway. Mrs. Wright looked swiftly round.

Starting point is 11:29:45 Jake's eyes met hers. He made a brief sign for silence. Then, without sound, he crept in and stood against the bed curtain, looking down mutely at his wife's still face. Several seconds of complete silence followed. Then, quite suddenly, as though someone had called her, she opened her eyes wide and turned her head. He drew back behind the curtain on the instant ere she could catch sight of him, standing motionless as a statue, not seeming so much as to breathe. The troubled frown gathered on Maude's face. She made a restless movement.

Starting point is 11:30:21 At once Mrs. Wright bent to her from the other side of the bed. What is it, my dearie? You're not in pain. Maud was panting a little. She tried to raise herself, but was gently checked by a motherly hand. She took and held it with trembling fingers. Mrs. Wright, please, you won't go, she begged. Surely not, my dear.

Starting point is 11:30:44 stoutly Mrs. Wright made answer, "'I'm going to take care of you all night long.' But Maude was not wholly reassured. She clung faster to the plump soothing hand. If Jake comes in, he will want to send you away. Don't let him, Mrs. Wright. I can't be alone with Jake to-night. She was becoming agitated, but Mrs. Wright gently hushed her.

Starting point is 11:31:11 You shat be, dearest. Jake wants me to be with you. tonight. He is very unhappy about you is, poor Jake. Goodness knows you needn't be afraid of him. Oh, how can I help it after what he did to Charlie? Did you see? Did you see? Is Charlie very badly hurt? Charlie? questioned Mrs. Wright. Charlie Berchester, Lord Saltash. Didn't you see what what Jake did to him? Oh, it was terrible. Terrible. Terrible. A great shudder shook her at the remembrance of what she had seen. My dear, my dear, Mrs. Wright leaned to her, smoothing her pillow.

Starting point is 11:31:54 Why, what a mistake, to be sure. And to think you've put yourself out like this all for nothing. Dear, dear, dear, to be sure. That wasn't Lord Saltash, darling. Whatever made you think it was. It was just one of them pesky stable-boys as he was given. a jacketing to, and richly he deserved it I'll be bound. "'Oh, Mrs. Wright,' Maud's voice was suddenly eager.

Starting point is 11:32:23 "'Are you sure? Are you sure?' Her dark eyes, wide and beseeching, were raised in earnest questioning to her old friend's kindly face. She clung to the sustaining hand. "'My dear, of course I am sure. I came along behind you. I saw it all. It was that young dog Dick Stevens. I know him well, never did like him, and I'm sure he deserved all he got, probably more. Now you mustn't worry yourself any longer. Leave it all to old mother right and go to sleep. Will you, my dearie? You're sure Charlie is safe, Maud said quiveringly. He was coming. Don't tell Jake. To see me today. But he didn't come, and I thought, I thought, I thought, I

Starting point is 11:33:12 thought. Oh, are you sure Jake isn't listening? She broke off in sudden tear starting up as if she would tear aside the curtain. But Mrs. Wright was swift to interpose. My dear, you mustn't upset yourself like this. It's very wrong. What if Jake did know? Surely he would understand. He would know that there could be no reason why Lord Saltax should not drop in and see you in a friendly way now and then. Didn't you tell me you were old friends? Oh, you don't know Jake, moaned Maude.

Starting point is 11:33:47 He is so terrible, so terrible. He would shoot Charlie if he knew. My dear, Mrs. Wright was genuinely shocked. She threw a sharp glance towards the curtain. But there is no reason. There can be no reason you're talking wildly. You can't know what you're saying. "'Mod had sunk back upon her pillow's white-lipped exhausted.

Starting point is 11:34:13 "'There is a reason,' she whispered. "'There's a reason. "'I love Charlie. "'I have loved him for years. "'And Jake. "'Jake would kill him if he knew. "'He does know a little. "'That's why I'm so afraid.

Starting point is 11:34:30 "'Oh, I wish, I wish I were dead.' "'She ceased to speak, and a dreadful pallor crept up over her face. Mrs. Wright, anxiously watching, saw that she was slipping into unconsciousness, and across the bed she issued a sharp command. Quick, Jake, go and fetch the doctor. The shadow behind the curtain vanished. Mrs. Wright reached for a fan. The heat was intense. The darkness hung before the window like a pall. And the good woman trembled a little in spite of herself. She felt as if the angel of death had suddenly entered the quiet room to share her watch.

Starting point is 11:35:08 twelve refuge so you've come to see your old uncle at last dear me you've been a precious long time about it tut tut child what a close peg to be sure sit down sit down you don't look fit to stand old uncle edward pulled out a chair from his dining-room table and almost thrust his visitor into it then he turned seized a decanter and poured some wine into a large old-fashioned glass cobblet you drink this it's good stuff older than you are it'll turn to blood in your veins and a good thing too you'd look as if you hadn't gotten more than a thin half-pint in the whole of your constitution there that's better don't be afraid of it don't be afraid of it take another dose before you start talking i know what you women are once your tongues get going take another dose i say you're looking half dead what have they been doing to you starving you his gray whiskers seemed to bristle with indignation as he asked the question his eyes glared at her like the eyes of a terrier on the hunt maud sat in the red velvet chair with the feeling of vast unreality it was true that she was feeling almost too weak to stand and her weakness imparted to her an odd desire to cry the gruff kindliness of her reception made her feel like a lost child brought home to a kind but somewhat severe parent she drank the wine in almost unbroken silence uncle edward stood looking on sternly critical so you've been ill have you i can see you have you have you "'Poor girl! Poor girl!

Starting point is 11:37:00 Well, we must see what we can do to get you strong again. And you haven't brought your young brother along? How is he? Quite cured?' "'Yes, quite cured.' Maud put out a hesitating hand and somewhat shyly slipped it into her uncles. "'He is quite cured,' she said, forcing a difficult smile. "'And he would have come, too. It was so good of you to ask him, only it is September,

Starting point is 11:37:25 and the school will soon be over.' and it seemed a pity not to let him go at the beginning of the term. We all thought so. Uncle Edward grunted as if not wholly pleased, but his old nodded fingers closed very kindly about her own. So your good husband is going to pay for his schooling, is he? That's very generous of him. Very generous indeed.

Starting point is 11:37:49 He's a man of property, is he, your Jake? A quick flush rose in Maud's upturned face. She averted it swiftly. I don't know. He seems to be able to do anything he likes. He is very kind to bunny. Uncle Edward grunted again. Well, and how do you amuse yourself

Starting point is 11:38:10 now that the all-important bunny is off your hands? I suppose you play the busy housewife, do you? Maud uttered a faint laugh as forced as her smile had been. Oh, no, I don't do anything. There is an old woman who cooks and does everything. I really can't think of anything that I do. Of course, lately, just lately, I haven't been able to do things.

Starting point is 11:38:35 But everything goes very well without me. Uncle Edward squeezed her hand and released it. You've too humble an opinion of yourself, my dear. Most women get upish when they marry. I don't as a rule like young married women for that reason. They think all the world stands still to admire them. But you? Well, you're different.

Starting point is 11:38:57 you and I will get on together he smiled upon her so suddenly and so genially that she felt as if a burst of sunshine had warmed her tired soul she lifted her face with a gesture that was half instinctive and he stooped at once and kissed it you're a very pretty young woman he said patting her cheek paternally at least you might be if you weren't so painfully thin you've been very ill i can see you're hardly fit to travel alone now Why didn't you tell me? I'd have come and fetched you if I'd known. Oh, I didn't travel alone, she said. I had Dr. Capper with me. I shouldn't have come so soon but for him. He was going to the docks that he offered to bring me and take care of me.

Starting point is 11:39:43 He knew how dreadfully I wanted to get away. And who may Dr. Capper be? Uncle Edward demanded grimly. He is a very great American surgeon, a friend of Jake's. He was with us when, when, when I began to be ill. And, and I have been in his hands ever since, Maude spoke haltingly.

Starting point is 11:40:04 He is a very kind man, she said. I don't think I should have lived if it hadn't been for him. He made me live. Oh, he's one of your quacks, is he? Uncle Edward spoke with a mighty contempt. Well, I thank heaven I've never called in a doctor all my life, and I consider it's one of the chief reasons why I've lived so long. People think a deal too much about their health nowadays.

Starting point is 11:40:30 The world is getting neurotic. Plenty of fresh air and exercise and good wholesome food. That's my motto. No beastly doctor's messes for me. Now that man of yours, he's a healthy animal all be bound. I liked the looks of him and the ways of him too. A bit offhand but straight and clean. He's been good to you, has he?

Starting point is 11:40:55 He shot the question with an abruptness found Maude wholly unprepared. She made an involuntary movement of shrinking. Oh, that's it, is it? said Uncle Edward. He's been high-handed, I gather. Just what I expected. If a man doesn't make love to a woman before he marries her, he'll never be bothered to after. Silly fool! Silly fool! Still, you might have done worse. Don't take him too seriously, my dear. tip him off his perch if he crows too loud. Maud smiled her faint sad smile and rose. I am not complaining of anyone, Uncle Edward.

Starting point is 11:41:36 You mustn't jump to conclusions. And you mustn't call Dr. Kapper a quack, for he has healed bunny. Now, may I please go up to my room? I know you are busy, and I shall be glad to rest for a little if I may. Go, by all means, said Uncle Edward. You're to do exactly as you like in this.

Starting point is 11:41:55 house, consider the whole show at your disposal. Come and go exactly as you will. He drew her to him abruptly and kissed her a second time. Be happy, my dear, he said. Be happy. You won't be young always, and there's not much fun to be had when you're old, especially if you're alone. But you'll never be that, please, heaven.

Starting point is 11:42:20 You'll have your children and your children's children growing up around you, even when you're old. He paused, holding her, for Maude had suddenly hidden her face against his shoulder. I can't look forward, like that, she whispered. I often think that I'd rather live alone. There was a pathos in her words that bordered upon tragedy. Uncle Edward thrust a protecting arm about her, rasping his throat as if something had made it smart.

Starting point is 11:42:50 Tut, tut, he said. You wouldn't enjoy it for long. There's precious little fun in the lonely life I can tell you, for I know. I sit here on a Sunday and listen to the quiet till even the racket of a dog-fight would be welcome. We're all the same, I expect, wanting what we haven't got, instead of making the best of what we have. I should think the Almighty must smile sometimes at the very contrariness of us. He patted her shoulder as she lifted her head, looking at her with his key, gray eyes that held humor as well as sympathy.

Starting point is 11:43:27 You'll have plenty of solitude in this establishment anyhow, he said. You can soak yourself in it all day long. There's a library that may amuse you, but that's all I can offer in the way of entertainment. Oh, I don't want entertainment, Maud assured him. You're singularly unlike your mother, was Uncle Edward's comment. He did not ask how her mother was faring, and she did not feel that the moment for speaking of her affairs had arrived. There was a touch of the formidable about the old man, all his kindness to her notwithstanding, and she felt too tired and ill for

Starting point is 11:44:06 a difficult discussion. She wanted to lie down and rest for a long, long time. This visit to Uncle Edward meant deliverance to her from a yoke too heavy to be born. All through her illness she had yearned for, striven for this escape. And because of this intense longing of hers, Kapper, realizing that disappointment could but retard her progress, had set himself to further her desire. Jake had offered no opposition to it. She had scarcely seen Jake since the night of the races, and not once had they been alone together. He had bidden her farewell that morning in Kapper's presence briefly, almost coldly. There had not been even so much as a touch of hands between them at parting.

Starting point is 11:44:51 He had got into the carriage after them, it was true, and had wrapped a rug about her knees, but he had done it without any personal solicitude or show of sympathy. Only at the very last, just as the train started, had he looked her in the face. And then, as it were half against his will, he had turned his eyes upon her. And the memory of that look had gone with her throughout the journey. It was to haunt her for many days with a strange poignancy. for the red-brown eyes had held no mastery, no passion, only a dumb misery that had somehow gone to her heart. Why had he looked at her like that? Why was he so unhappy? Had he wanted to speak to her and failed for lack of words?

Starting point is 11:45:34 Did he blame himself at all for what had happened? Did he desire in any way to make amends? She had thought that to escape from his proximity would have been sheer relief, but now that she actually found herself free from all possibility of seeing him, she was curiously perturbed by the thought of him. She had an odd little regret that she had not waved a hand to him as the train had borne her away. Just a friendly wave to show him that she harbored no resentment any longer. She might have done it, but for an overpowering shyness that had prevented any expression of farewell.

Starting point is 11:46:09 Ill though she was, ill and weary, she could have made him that sign of friendship and been none the worse for it. But Reserve had held her back. It towered between them, a barrier more insurmountable than it had ever been before, and behind that reserve her whole being crouched in fear. For she had begun to tell herself over and over, over, over, like a panic-stricken child, that once away from him, she could never return, never face again, that which she had faced. Possibly he had begun to realize this also.

Starting point is 11:46:44 Possibly that was why he had looked at her so. would he accept it as inevitable, she wondered. Would he, now that she had dragged herself free for a space from a bondage unendurable, be merciful and let her go altogether? There was her promise. Oh, yes, there was her promise. But might not that promise now be regarded as fulfilled? She had striven to do her duty, but it had proved too hard for her.

Starting point is 11:47:13 Surely he must see that now. surely he could not wish to hold her any longer against her will. The thought tortured her. She was like a hunted creature in a temporary refuge, all exits from which were barred. If she made a final dash for freedom and the open, she would almost certainly be trapped. Against her will, the thought of Charlie went through her like a flaming sword, Charlie, who had sworn to be a friend to her, Charlie from whom she had not heard one single word since that awful day that she had awaited him in vain.

Starting point is 11:47:44 No one had spoken to her of him, but that he was no longer at the castle she was fairly convinced. He had, as it were, darted like a firefly into her ken and out of it again. But he would return. She was sure he would return. And when he came, what then? What then? She did not ask herself why he had gone in that sudden fashion. It was so characteristic of the man that she saw nothing in it,

Starting point is 11:48:12 that there had been no encounter between. in him and Jake she was now certain. Perhaps he had gone away for her sake in order to avert Jake's suspicion. His complete silence seemed to point to this. But it was quite useless to speculate. His ways were past understanding, so vague was her knowledge of the motives that governed his actions. Meanwhile, the problem of her mother's difficulties remained

Starting point is 11:48:37 and was becoming more and more acute. The place had been mortgaged by Shepard to Saltash's predecessor, who had had a fancy for possessing the whole of Fair Harbor. And the affairs of the landlord of the Anchor Hotel had been on the downward trend ever since. Occasionally, a good season would arrest this decline for a space. But good seasons were becoming more and more rare. Giles Shepard sought consolation too often in his cellars, and the management was no longer what it had been. Regular visitors were beginning to desert him in consequence, and the downward slope was rapidly becoming precipitous.

Starting point is 11:49:13 Salt Ash's man of business was tightening his hold, and Shepherd's tenure of the place was becoming week by week more uncertain. All of this Maude knew. Her mother was growing desperate. Her life, it seemed, had been nothing but a series of misfortunes, and this threatened to be the greatest of them all. Jiles had deceived her outrageously, and now that he had secured her he cared for her no longer, save when his frequent libations rendered him tipsily amorous. Something of a vixenous nature was beginning to develop in Mrs. Shepard. She was no more the gentle plaintive creature she had been. She had once, and only once, approached Jake on the subject of financial help.

Starting point is 11:49:56 Maud was unaware of this. Jake's reply had been perfectly courteous, but uncompromisingly firm. He would give Mrs. Shepard shelter if she ever needed it, but he would have nothing to do with her husband or his affairs. Mrs. Shepard had turned from him with a bitter look that had said more than words, and since that day she had steadily avoided all intercourse even with her daughter declaring herself far too busy to get as far as the stables. Maud had not needed her, but nonetheless she was uneasy about her. She wished she knew where Charlie was, but she could not risk sending a letter to the castle.

Starting point is 11:50:33 There seemed to be nothing more she could do. She had begun to tell him of her trouble. He knew she needed help. Possibly even he might without further persuasion refer. refrain from carrying matters to extremes. She had mentioned her mother to him. He must have understood. He would surely remember her distress. And yet, whenever her thoughts turned towards him, the memory of Jake's words awoke within her, tormented her. Trust him and he will let you down, sure. Why had he spoken so certainly? What did he know of Saltash and his ways? Was it possible? Could it be? That he knew a side of Charlie's whimsical? nature that had never been presented to her? Or was she so blind that she had failed to perceive it?

Starting point is 11:51:20 It was true that in the old days he had failed her, he had wavered in his allegiance. But he had come back. He had come back. Always she remembered that. And because he had come back, her heart had warmed to him again, against her will, against her judgment, even in spite of every instinct. He belonged to her. That was the thought that flashed with such a burning intensity through her soul, the thought that refused utterly to be stifled or put away. He belonged to her, and to none other, trifle or intrigue as he might. She was his fate. How often he had said it. And so he would return. She was sure he would return. And when he came, what then? Ah, what then?

Starting point is 11:52:11 End of chapters 11 and 12. Part 2, chapters 13 and 14 of the 100th chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 13. The lamp before the altar. Life at Uncle Edwards was, as he had predicted, a very quiet affair indeed, but Maude slipped into it very easily with a sense of comfort at her heart. It had a healing effect upon her. It stilled the fevered unrest of her spirit.

Starting point is 11:52:47 It was all so well-ordered, so methodical. It soothed her, gave her a sense of normality and peace. Her physical strength came back to her with a rapidity that surprised herself, and with its return she found herself beginning to look upon the world with new eyes, found herself able to thrust dark thoughts and problems into the background, found herself at rest. At Uncle Edward's suggestion, she wrote, once a week to Jake. It was not easy to write, but when her uncle remarked that the young man

Starting point is 11:53:17 would probably come tearing hell for leather across England to find out what was the matter if she didn't, she deemed it the wiser course to follow. Her letters were very brief, very formal, and the letters she received in reply were equally so. She was sure that they were penned in that cheerless little den of his that faced north and overlooked the stableyard. Bunny's letters were very few and far between. He was completely engrossed with the thought of the new life at school upon which he was about to enter, and it was very plain to Ma that he missed her not at all. The fact had ceased to hurt her as poignantly as when she first discovered it. Empty, though her life was, she had learned by degrees to do without him. She was learning day by day to endure

Starting point is 11:54:01 that emptiness with patience, for, by some secret instinct she knew that it would not be her portion forever. Not far from her uncle's house at the corner of a busy street there stood an old grey church. The doors were always open and one day she dropped in to rest. It was the first visit of many. The place was infinitely peaceful, full of silence and soft shadows. A red light burned ever before the altar and there were always beautiful flowers upon it, white lilies that never seemed to fade. She loved to draw near and smell the incense of those flowers, to get gaze upon their shining purity, to feel with awe that the ground beneath her feet was holy. She did not often turn her eyes upon the lamp that burned so still and red. It was always

Starting point is 11:54:47 the flowers that drew her, the fragrance of them that comforted her soul. Once on a golden afternoon in mid-September, she came in late and stayed for the evening service. And then it was that sitting in the body of the church she found herself gazing, gazing, not at the flowers, but at the red mystic flame that burned on flickering before the altar. It reminded her of something, that still red flame, something that made her want to flee away and hide. It came between her and her prayers. It lay in wait for her in dreams.

Starting point is 11:55:23 And yet, when Sunday evening came and Uncle Edward prepared to sally forth alone, she put forward a tentative suggestion that she should accompany him. He was delighted with the proposal, and as they fared forth together, his horny old hand was on her arm, making her glad that she was with him. They sat near the door and she was secretly relieved. In the glare of many lights all down the body of the church, the gleam of that one red light was swallowed up and she saw only the flowers. It was a beautiful service, a harmonious hall in which no individual note was struck.

Starting point is 11:55:59 The man who officiated was young and very quiet, and not till he assented the pulpit was she aware of anything out of the ordinary in his person, It came to her then instantaneously, like a flashlight piercing her soul. He struck no attitudes, made no visible attempt to gain the attention of his audience, but it was fully his from the moment he began to speak. He preached, not as one delivering a discourse, but with the absolute simplicity of a man who speaks from his heart. Let your lights be burning, were the words he first uttered, and then without preamble

Starting point is 11:56:33 he began to talk of love. love divine unconquerable eternal love that stoops but is never small love that soars but is never out of reach he spoke of the great warfare of the spirit of the thousand difficulties holding back the soul and he declared that love was the one great weapon to meet and overcome them all we do not know the power of love he said we only know that it is invincible and undying the very essence of god he spoke of spiritual blindness and swept it aside as not we may not all of us be able to believe but we can all have love nothing counts in the same way however blind we may be we can keep that one one lamp burning in the darkness, burning in the desert, giving light to the outcast, and guiding the feet of the wanderers. It was while he was speaking thus that the light in the body of the church went down, and the red flame before the altar shone clear and unchanging in the gloom. Maude's eyes were drawn instantly to it, became riveted upon it. She sat with bated

Starting point is 11:57:45 breath, almost as one who watched a miracle. And by some strange telepathy, the man in the pulpit became aware of it also. He turned towards it. Look at that light, he said. It is kept burning perpetually, the symbol of undying worship, undying love. Everyone may keep such a light as that burning always. The spark is ours for the kindling. It may be placed before the altar of an unknown god.

Starting point is 11:58:13 But nonetheless, is it often? offered to his glory and immortal it is not faith or hope that the soul needs above all things it is love the power to love and the power to create love the will to offer love perpetually before the altar of love it is only love that counts in the long run only love that survives there may be a thousand other things around us when we die good and evil but the only thing we shall carry with us beyond is that lamp that we have have always kept burning before the altar and never suffered to go out. It is no easy thing to keep it always burning in this world of many failures. It is bound to flicker sometimes, even to die down. But while we live, the power to revive it is still ours, the power to worship God with love.

Starting point is 11:59:05 He paused a moment, turned slowly back to face the dim nave, and then very quietly he gave utterance to words that Maude was never to forget. We all want love, hunger for it, starve for it. Our lives are mere ashheaps without it. But do we all realize that love is only gained by love, that we must pour out all we have to win it, that we must purge our hearts of all selfish desire, sanctify ourselves by self-sacrifice, by the complete renunciation of self, before the perfect gift can be ours. Love is a joyful sacrifice. There are people whom ever... everyone loves they are the people who realize what love means who give and give without measure not counting the cost rejoicing only in the power to give till it all comes back to them a thousandfold it is then that the ploughman overtakes the reaper for ploughman and reaper are one

Starting point is 12:00:02 when maud lay down that night those words were still running in her mind that unstinted giving that measureless pouring out that utter sacrifice were these indeed the means by which the desert could be made to blossom even for her she slept sooner than usual but the echoes of that quiet voice still followed her down through the deeps of slumber till she dreamed that she was back before that shining altar of flowers and a radiance that was not of earth was all about her, a radiance unimaginable that was warmth as well as light, and looking up, she saw that it came from the red lamp above her, the symbol of undying love. As in a trance, she waited, for the wonder of the thing held her spellbound. And while she waited, she became aware of someone else in the holy place, someone who moved stealthily as if half afraid. And turning by the light of that revealing glow, she saw her husband with that look of

Starting point is 12:01:02 silent misery in his eyes. It pierced her then, as it had not pierced her before. She was conscious of an almost fierce impulse to comfort, an impulse that urged her to him, banishing all hesitation, all doubt. She went near to him. She gave him both her hands, and even as she did so, the look in his eyes changed. She saw a deep still fire come into them. It seemed to be reflected from the red lamp above. He moved forward with her into the glow. And suddenly her own eyes were opened, and she knew that he loved her. He loved her.

Starting point is 12:01:42 Then she awoke with a palpitating heart, and realized that it was a dream. Fourteen. The open door. Not till she had been in her uncle's house for close upon four weeks did Maude brace herself to speak to him of her mother. She had been on the verge of doing so many times, but always in his house. bluff fashion, he had managed to convey to her that the subject was not to be broached. But for an urgent letter for Mrs. Shepherd herself, she would scarcely have summoned the courage

Starting point is 12:02:12 to break through what was almost a prohibition, for Uncle Edward was not an easy man to resist. And even as she did so, she knew with absolute conviction that her effort was foredoomed to failure. She scarcely knew how to make it, so uncompromising was the old man's attitude, and when at last it was made, when, in desperation she for her. forced herself to tell him of her mother's pitiable plight. She regretted it almost immediately, so curtly was her information received. She saw that Uncle Edward was really angry, though he said but little. She also saw that what she said on her mother's behalf made not the smallest impression upon his will. He heard her out indeed, but so grimly that at length, feeling that

Starting point is 12:02:55 she was presenting the matter quite inadequately in face of his total lack of sympathy, she gave him her mother's hysterical appeal to read. He shook his head at first, but finally, as she pressed it upon him almost tearfully, he took and read the letter. Then, while anxiously she watched him, he tore it across and across and flung it back to her over the table.

Starting point is 12:03:16 Shah, he said, The woman's a hypocrite, a confounded impostor. I know her. You don't. Leave her alone and let her sink. And with that he stumped angrily from the room with beetling brows and fiery eyes.

Starting point is 12:03:32 Maud sat very still after his departure. She had known in her heart that it was hopeless to appeal to him, but now that the appeal had failed she was utterly nonplussed. There was no doubt in her mind that matters were desperate. Her mother had made her realize that, and she felt she could not write and tell her that she could do nothing. Slight as was the bond of sympathy between them, still were they mother and daughter,

Starting point is 12:03:56 and she could not fling her off as Uncle Edward ran. recommended. In a fashion the old man's anger reacted in her mother's favor, for she was conscious of indignation on her behalf. Whatever Mrs. Shepherd's faults might be, and it was quite possible that insincerity was among them, he had no right to abuse her to her daughter. It aroused her own anger, and it aroused also that protective instinct which was never very far below the surface with her. When she rose at length her face was very pale and determined. She had not wanted to write to Charlie, but it seemed that she had no choice. It was a still warm afternoon in October.

Starting point is 12:04:37 She went into the drawing room, a stiff apartment upholstered in Gold Brocade, and sat down at a writing table in a window recess to write. It was the most difficult letter she had ever composed, and yet she had never experienced the smallest difficulty in writing to him before. She could not express herself freely. Words would not come. she desired to avoid all reference to what had passed between them on that night of witchery in which they had last met. She wanted to blot it out of her mind and heart to address

Starting point is 12:05:07 him, to regard him as only a friend. Ever since that Sunday evening, now nearly a week ago, she had kept her thoughts rigidly from straying in his direction. Had it been possible she would have put him all together out of her life. It was not possible, and she knew it. But it was with the greatest reluctance that she set herself to write to him, and her reluctance displayed itself in every sentence. She sat over that letter for the greater part of the afternoon, and when it was finished at last she felt utterly dissatisfied with it. She had an urgent desire to tear it up, but she could not face the writing of another. With a weary sigh she closed and stamped the envelope. It was then that there fell a step outside the drawing-room

Starting point is 12:05:54 door, and Uncle Edward's discreet elderly maid-servant peeped in. Maud turned in her chair. What is it, Martha? Martha was about to explain, but broke off with a gasp and drew back. There was a muttered word in the doorway, and the next moment Martha had disappeared, and a man's figure stood in the opening. Hello? said Charlie, with a smile of gay effrontery. May I come in?

Starting point is 12:06:20 Maud sat for a second or two as one in a trance and stared at him. it was as if the afternoon's labour had suddenly taken concrete form he did not wait for her greeting but came lightly forward with hands outstretched ah queen of the roses he said what a peculiarly unbecoming setting you have chosen for yourself why why what is that a letter to me how many times a day do you write them with a lithe elastic movement he drew her to her feet held her a moment looking at her then bent his smiling swarthy face to hers greeting queen of the roses he said she awoke then came out of her trance drew swiftly back from him oh charlie is it is it really you she said rather incoherently You? How you startled me. He let her go, as always, at her desire, but with a faint monkeyish grimace of disapproval. You were always easily shocked, he said. But on this occasion I assure you there is no need.

Starting point is 12:07:27 I found myself in the neighborhood and thought it would be the correct thing to pay you a morning call. His queer eyes mocked her openly as he made the explanation. She felt discomfited, painfully embarrassed, and with all conscious of an almost desperate longing to tell him to go. But she knew she could not do that. Too much hung in the balance. Sit down, she said, mustering her dignity with an immense effort. And I will tell you why I have been writing to you.

Starting point is 12:07:56 Wouldn't it save trouble to show me the letter, he suggested with easy audacity. Or have you decided, now that you have had a further opportunity of considering my personal charms, that you really can't? She flushed at the implied suggestion. you can read the letter if you like she said somewhat stiffly it is on business she held it out to him and he sank upon one knee to receive it merci ma belle reine do you wish me to read it in your august presence please she said he sat facing her and read it she watched his mobile brows as his eyes travelled over the page she saw amusement turned to humor and humor to merriment on his face when he looked up at her her at length he was laughing. You write as a serf appealing to a feudal lord, he said.

Starting point is 12:08:47 Did you mean to write like that? She shook her head at him gravely. It is not a laughing matter, she said. What I am laughing at is, he rejoined still smiling, with a hint of derision. By the way, have you heard from our worthy cowpuncher lately? She flinted sharply before she was aware. Her whole body tinkled with a sudden burning blush.

Starting point is 12:09:11 And Saltash laughed again wickedly. I saw him yesterday. He was in a fiendish temper for some reason or other. Naturally, I asked after you, when he was expecting you back. What do you think he said? What? Maud breathed the words through lips that panted. Her heart was beating violently.

Starting point is 12:09:32 She knew not why. Saltash's dark face seemed to exult over her agitation. He said, you know his soft, drawly way? I guess I shall go shortly and fetch her back, my lord. I wondered if you were aware of his amiable intention. There was the most deadly air of determination about him. I thought you might like to know. Maud's face was no longer burning.

Starting point is 12:09:58 She was white to the lips. But she turned from the subject with composure. How did you know where to find me? He laughed teasingly. You are curious, Maud of the roses. "'Don't you yet realize that I always know everything? "'For instance, I know exactly why you are treating me "'to this wet blanket reception.

Starting point is 12:10:20 "'But you would be angry if I told you, so I won't. "'I also know,' he paused suddenly. "'Shall I say it?' "'No, perhaps I had better not.' She smiled faintly. "'Perhaps it is beside the point, Charlie. "'Do you mind coming back to the subject of that letter? It is that that is troubling me now more than anything else.

Starting point is 12:10:43 Really? he said, But why should you be troubled? It wouldn't trouble me to see my arch-enemy in Dyer's traits. It is my mother I am anxious about, she said. If Giles Shepherd goes under, she will go too. Saltash raised his brows in amused interrogation. Oh, does that follow? I should abandon the sinking ship if I were Mrs. Shepherd.

Starting point is 12:11:07 she has nothing to gain by sticking to it. Maud received the remark in silence. He leaned forward, his dark face still smiling. Do you know I love you for that? He said, Cherraine de Fleur, Lady of the Golden Silences. Do you ever say what you really think? She shook her head.

Starting point is 12:11:30 Charlie, I am learning. Very slowly, a hard lesson. Don't, please make it any harder for me. what he said you are really going back to him she put up a hand to her face almost as if she would hide it from him i don't know yet what i shall do but i do know that it would be wrong not to go back me veraumannes he protested is life so simple as that how do you arrive at that conclusion do you follow always the easy path of virtue she looked at him quickly it is not a very simple as that how do you arrive at that conclusion do you follow always the easy path of virtue she looked at him quickly it is not Not easy, she said. He lifted his shoulders. No, but it is, safe at least.

Starting point is 12:12:15 And you do not possess the adventurous soul. You like to be, safe, ma belle, even at the sacrifice of your very heart. Do you remember that night of moonshine? But of course you do. Do you know that I prowled in the garden half the night for your sake, just in case you should deem it worthwhile to be true to that poor heart of yours? you went through a good deal that night my maud his voice changed subtly the half-c coughing note went out of it a faint warmth of pity took its place and yet you endure it all in silence why didn't you break free and come to me you knew and so did he that i was waiting or you might have known maud's head was bent she did not attempt to answer him he got up abruptly and came to her good-bye maud

Starting point is 12:13:07 of the roses. She started slightly. You are going. Yes, I am going. I have received my discharge. My faithful service is at end, unless, or may I say until, that message comes to call me back. He bent towards her. Even I cannot wait forever, he said. Do you know I stood by the orchard gate in the rain for two hours of the day of the races? You had a visitor, and so I would not intrude upon you. But you, cherraine, you knew I was going to be there, and yet you never came. She raised her head sharply, moved by something in his tone. But how could I? How could I? she said. Besides, Jake knew. He laughed. Yes, Jake knew. He saw me that night of moonshine. He nearly challenged me. And then he changed his mind and passed on.

Starting point is 12:14:06 I concluded it didn't suit him to quarrel. with me. But what of that? He was bound to know someday. She clasped her hands tightly together. If he knew all, he would shoot you, she said with a sudden hard shudder. But Saltash only laughed again and touched a wisp of her hair. Oh, I don't think so, Queen of the Roses. I think he would have pity on my innocence, if he knew all. But that isn't the point, you know. The point is that you choose bondage with him rather than freedom with me. And that being so, I can only bow to your ruling. Once more, good-bye.

Starting point is 12:14:47 She parted her hands with an effort and gave him one of them. What about, my mother, Charlie, she asked. He pressed her fingers lightly. I commend her to the kind care of her worthy son-in-law. She raised her eyes to his almost incredulously. You are going to—to let them be ruined? He smiled at her, flashing his strange eyes. It wouldn't do for you to be under an obligation, a personal obligation, to me, would it?

Starting point is 12:15:17 Jake, you know, Jake might object. She rose quickly and stood facing him. Charlie, please don't jest, she urged him, her voice low and very earnest. His smile became a grimace. It rests with you, he said. Whether I jest my way to the devil or whether I live a godly, righteous and sober life forever more. If it is to be the latter, then I am quite prepared to fulfill my virtuous devoirs to my prospective mother-in-law. But if the former is to be my portion, well, I don't think

Starting point is 12:15:50 even St. Peter himself would have saddled himself with anyone else's. That is the position, cherraine. You comprehend, now? Yes, she understood. There was nothing complex in the situation. She stood looking at him, her hand still in. his. Then, I cannot look upon you as, a friend, she said at last almost under her breath. He smiled upon her, a sudden, baffling smile. But ask yourself that question, Maud of the roses, he said. You will find the answer there in your own heart, if you seek for it. She quivered at the words, feeling the subtle attraction of the man even against her will. You have refused to help me, she said. He bent towards.

Starting point is 12:16:36 her, his dark face glowing. I offer you, all I have, he said. It is your own to do with as you will. But you must take all or leave all. Maud, maud, his speech quickened to sudden vehemence. You love me. Why do you cling to your prison when the door is standing wide? Now is your time to escape, if ever.

Starting point is 12:16:58 I will take all your cares, all your burdens. You shall be free as air. Only, now that the door is open, come. yes i should shut the door another time if i were you a gruff voice commented behind them it's a rash thing young man to leave the door open when you're talking confidences what are you doing in this house i wonder did you come in at the door both maud and saltash had faced round at the first sentence she with a sharp exclamation he with a laugh uncle edward his eyes very bright under the beetling brows stumped up to them with the the air of an old watchdog investigating the presence of a suspicious stranger. He rasped his throat ferociously as he came. Who may you be? he demanded. I.

Starting point is 12:17:48 Saltash was laughing still, facing the situation with his hands in his pockets, the soul of careless effrontery. I don't suppose you have ever heard my name before. I am Saltash. Who? Uncle Edward turned for explanation towards his niece. Lord Saltash, she said in a low voice. Oh, Lord Saltash, the old man turned back to him with a sound like a snarl. Yes, I have heard of you before. You were correspondent in the Cressidy divorce case a few years back. Saltash laughed again with easy nonchalance. You have a good memory, sir. If it serves you as it should, you will also recall the fact that the case was dismissed. I remember all the facts,

Starting point is 12:18:34 said Uncle Edward with ominous deliberation. And as it is not my custom to admit man of your stamp into my house, you will oblige me by quitting it without delay. Saltash turned to Maud. I am sorry you have been caught in such bad company, he said. Pray explain that I came uninvited. I shall be at Burchester for the present.

Starting point is 12:18:57 When you come back, you and your husband must come and dine. Goodbye. With the unabashed smile still on his ugly face, he turned to go, moving with the easy arrogance of the ruling race, royally incapable of discomfiture. Uncle Edward followed him to the door, and grimly watched his exit. Then still more grimly he came tramping back. And now, to pick a bone with you, my niece, he said. End of chapters thirteen and fourteen.

Starting point is 12:19:35 Part two, Chapter 15 and 16 and 16. of the hundredth chance by Ethel Em dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Fifteen. The Downward Path She stood erect, facing him. Her face was very pale, but her eyes were quite unflinching. There was about her a majesty of demeanor that might have deterred a less determined man than Uncle Edward. But he stood upon his own ground and grappled with the situation quite undismayed. He was, moreover, very angry. "'You young hussy,' he said, bringing out his words with immense emphasis,

Starting point is 12:20:12 "'How dare you have your lover here? Thought you were safe, eh? Thought I shouldn't know. Oh, you're like the rest of him, crappedy as an eel. What's the meaning of it, eh? What have you got to say for yourself?' She did not attempt to answer him. Where her mother would have been loud and self-justification, she uttered not a word. Only after a moment or two, she turned slowly and sat down at the writing table, leaning her chin on her hand as one spent. Even so, there was an aloofness in her attitude that conveyed to the wrathful old man beside her, an unpleasant sense of being at a disadvantage. He stood looking down at her grievously resentful, striving to select a weapon sharp enough

Starting point is 12:20:55 to pierce her calm. I thought you were to be trusted, he said. Goodness knows why. You didn't seem to have any leaven of your mother about you. But I see now I was wrong. you are just your mother over again. But if you think you are going to pursue an intrigue with that aristocratic blackguard in my house, you're very much mistaken. No doubt I'm very old-fashioned and straight-laced. But there it is. I object. I object strongly. The man's a liar and a thief

Starting point is 12:21:28 and a scoundrel. Don't you know it, eh? Haven't you found him out yet? He stopped so pointedly for an answer that she could not maintain her silence any longer. She moved a little, turned her head slightly without raising her eyes, and spoke. I know him very well. But forgive me, Uncle Edward. I can't discuss him with you. I... I am sorry you thought it necessary to insult him.

Starting point is 12:21:56 Insult him? Uncle Edward's anger boiled afresh. Didn't I catch the hound making love to you? Here in my house where I have lived decently and respectable. for over fifty years. Didn't I catch him, I say. He a well-known profligate and you a married woman. Didn't I actually hear him trying to tempt you from your husband and your duty? And you were calmly permitting it. Look here, young woman. I've been too kind to you. That's the fact of the matter. You've had too much liberty, too much indulgence, too much of your own way. You married in a hurry

Starting point is 12:22:35 against my judgment. But by heaven, since you are married you shall stick to your bargain. You take a pen now, do you hear, and a sheet of paper, and write to your husband this minute and ask him to come and join you here. I won't be surety for you any longer. Tell him to come tomorrow. But Maude only stiffened as she sat, making no movement to comply. She looked like a marble statue of despair. Uncle Edward came a little nearer to her. he was not accustomed to being said it not most people regarded him as formidable even when he was in a comparatively genial mood are you going to do as i tell you he said she glanced up at him momentarily i think she said we will wait till to-morrow he stamped a furious foot will we indeed madam well you may wait as long as you please but i tell you this if you don't write that last her instantly I shall go straight to the post-office round the quarter and send your husband a telegram to summon him at once.

Starting point is 12:23:43 He will be here by the morning if I know him. And then I shall tell him exactly why I sent for him. So now you can take your choice. Which is it to be? He had moved her at last. Maid rose to her feet with a suddenness that was almost suggestive of panic. You would never do such a thing, she said. You could not be so, so wicked.

Starting point is 12:24:05 wickedly cruel. He snapped his jaws like an angry terrier. Oh, that would be wicked, would it? You have some odd ideas of morals, that's all I can say. But wicked or cruel, it's what I mean to do. So take your choice, and be quick about it, for I shan't go back on what I've said. When a woman starts on the downward path, she usually takes it at a run, and I won't be responsible. So, which is it to be? Your letter or my telegram. Make up your mind. Which? His manner was almost menacing. She stood facing him with an awful sense of impotence growing at her heart. To summon Jake herself was a proceeding that she could not for a moment

Starting point is 12:24:51 contemplate, but the bare thought of Uncle Edward's alternative pierced like a poisoned knife. She felt again that dreadful trapped feeling of former days. The liberty she had enjoyed of late made it all the more terrible. I can't decide anything just now, she said at last, and she knew that her voice trembled painfully. Please, please, let us wait a little. There is really no need to send for Jake. Lord Saltash has gone and he will not come back. Don't tell me, said Uncle Edward truculently. Even if he doesn't, how am I to be sure that you won't take it into your head to go to him?

Starting point is 12:25:29 No, my niece, I've heard too much. Why, he'd have had his arm round you in another second. I know. I saw. If I'd waited another three seconds, he'd have been kissing you. And not for the first time I'll be bound. The hot colour rushed to Maud's face. She turned sharply aside. Ha, that touches you, does it?

Starting point is 12:25:53 Snarled Uncle Edward with ferocious triumph. I guessed as much. Now, which is it to be? Are you going to write that letter? it was hopeless to carry the discussion further a burning wave of anger went through her anger that buoyed her up above despair stimulating her to a fierce rebellion she drew herself to her full height and faced him with supreme defiance i will not write that letter she said i will not be forced into a false position if you are tired of me i will go i will not stay in any case to be insulted and with that boldly with the carriage of an out-pocket and with that boldly with the carriage of an out-pocket raged princess, she swept by him and out of the room, leaving him staring after and a fury too great to express itself before the closing of the door. Up to her room she went, outwardly calm,

Starting point is 12:26:43 inwardly raging. All the old hot rebellion against destiny had awaked within her. It had died down of late, soothed into coiescence by the peaceful solitude in which she had been living. But now it had sprung afresh to quivering life. Her freedom from bondage had given her new strength. She would not be bound again hand and foot and thrust back into the old bitter slavery. It was too much. Too much. She had her life to live. It was hers, not Jakes. She had a right to do with it as she would. With hands that trembled she began to pack. Uncle Edward had made it impossible for her to stay. If he had not set her feet upon the downward path, he had sped her upon it with an impetus that drove her irresistibly.

Starting point is 12:27:31 She worked in a fever, not pausing for thought, conscious but of the one urgent desire to be gone, to escape. She had scarcely begun to think with her. No one came near her during those evening hours. The daylight waned, and she realized that it was nearing the dinner hour. Then suddenly it came to her that she could not face her uncle again. She must make some excuse. Her work was done.

Starting point is 12:27:57 She rang the bell. After a pause, Martha came to her. There was a scared look on the woman's face. She seemed half afraid to meet Maude's eyes. Did you ring, ma'am? She inquired. Yes. With an effort, Maude made reply.

Starting point is 12:28:15 Is, is my uncle in? He's just come in and gone upstairs to dress for dinner, ma'am, Martha told her. Ah, Maude's heart contracted a little. He has been out some time, she said. Yes, ma'am, a long time. He seems a little. bit out of temper about something. Martha's round eyes

Starting point is 12:28:35 suddenly conveyed sympathy that shone out to Maude like a beacon in the darkness. I shouldn't take much notice of him, ma'am, she said. He often says what he don't mean when he's in one of his tantrums. He'll be better in the morning. Again that awful sense

Starting point is 12:28:51 of impotence assailed Maude. She leaned her head against the doorpost, closing her eyes for a second. What would the morning bring forth? The thought turned her. sick. Is there anything as I can do, ma'am? asked Martha. Yes. Abruptly, Maud pulled herself together. A sudden resolution had sprung up within her. She could not face another storm such as that through which she had just come. Above all, she could not face the morrow in its possibilities in this

Starting point is 12:29:21 house. She turned back into the room and took a half-sovereign from the table. Martha, she said, I have packed everything up and I am going away. I want you, please, to call the cab now, at once to take me away before my uncle comes downstairs. I will write him a note while you are gone. Please, please, Martha, be as quick as you can. The sympathy in Martha's eyes became a sort of tragic friendliness. I knew as you wouldn't stay, ma'am, she said. Not after the way he hollered at you.

Starting point is 12:29:53 I wouldn't myself in your place, ma'am. Know that I wouldn't. But you see, I've been with him so long. I don't mind his rough ways. I'll go at once and thank you kindly, ma'am. It won't take me five minutes. But mind you, I think he'll be sorry to lose you. I can't help that, Maud made answer.

Starting point is 12:30:15 It is quite impossible for me to stay. He will know why. But I will write him a note all the same. And when Martha had gone, she sat down and scribbled two notes. The first she addressed to her uncle. Dear Uncle Edward, I do not think you will be greatly surprised at my leaving you. After what has passed I could not stay.

Starting point is 12:30:36 I am very sorry for what has happened, but I suppose it had to be. I wish I could thank you for all your kindness to me, but I know this is not the time, so I will only say goodbye. Yours, Mod. The second note consisted of one sentence only. I am going to my mother, Mod. And once she had written it, she picked up a tiny packet. of tissue paper that lay beside her and dropped it into the envelope with the note.

Starting point is 12:31:03 She addressed the envelope to Lord Saltash, Berchester Castle, and later she sealed and registered it, stopping at a post office to send it on its way. She believed it would reach its destination almost as soon as she did, and that packet, that tiny object wrapped in tissue paper, would convey its own message. No further words were needed. She herself went for the night to a small hotel in a back street that was not far from her uncle's house. There would be a train in the early morning. She would not travel by night. Something held her back, some instincts she did not attempt to fathom.

Starting point is 12:31:40 But she believed that Charlie would travel by the night train, and she did not want to see him again until he had received that packet. Afterwards, well, that afterwards would rest with him. Her sleep was fitful and troubled that night, broken repeatedly by the assistant chime of a church clock. Towards morning she slept and dreamed again that strangely haunting dream of the flower-decked altar in the red

Starting point is 12:32:05 shining lamp above. For a space she held herself aloof from that dream, refusing to yield to it. But at length it seemed to her that someone came and took her hand drawing her forward and she had no choice. Straight into the wondrous glow she went, and presently she knelt before those

Starting point is 12:32:23 flowers of dazzling purity. The quiet hand still held hers in a calm and comforting grasp. She felt that she would have been frightened but for that sustaining hold. And then, suddenly, she saw that the candles also were burning upon the altar, knew that she was kneeling there with Jake, heard a voice above their heads, very low and clear, that seemed to be speaking to their hearts. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. And turning she found Jake's eyes upon her, a light, with adoration. She awoke with a gasping cry to a seething, passionate regret.

Starting point is 12:33:04 Because in those first wild moments, she knew with an awful certainty that her feet were set upon the downward path, and she could never turn back again. Sixteen. The Revelation The autumn dusk was falling as the Fair Harbor train crawled at length into the station. A sea-fog hung clamily along the shore, and a smell of burning weeds was in the air. Maud shivered with cold and weariness as she descended to the platform. It had been a long, long journey. Her whole body ached with fatigue.

Starting point is 12:33:39 There were not many travellers, and they had all disappeared before she had collected her luggage and made her way out into the dank chill of the station yard where a rickety cab stood waiting. She shivered afresh as she got into it. The dampness and the cold seemed to penetrate to her very bones. She sat huddled in a corner. Where too, miss?

Starting point is 12:33:58 the porter thrust a cheery face in upon her and albeit she was veiled she shrank back with an instinctive desire to avoid recognition the anchor hotel she said through teeth that chattered in spite of herself she heard him give the order and in a moment the ramshackle conveyance was on its way they clattered forth over the stones into the clinging billows of mist the cold caught and pierced her anew as they neared the dreary front she heard the muffled roar of the sea splashing dolly against the wall. The mist became a wet drizzle beating in through the window. She tried to close it, but the strap was broken. She could only draw her wrap more closely about her. The cab horse stumbled and was dragged up by his driver with a curse. They were nearing the anchor hotel. She wished she had prepared her mother for her advent. She had not dared to do so in case, just in case it should come to Jake's knowledge, though she believed that Jake must be well on his way to Liverpool by now if he had not already arrived there.

Starting point is 12:35:03 It was possible that he had not been able to leave at a moment's notice, and she had not dared to take the chance of any rumor of her coming, reaching him. But now that she was so nearly at the end of her journey, she wished earnestly that her mother were expecting her. The thought of meeting Giles Shepard, asking his hospitality, was hateful to her. It would not be more than that one night. Of that she was convinced. charlie would be swift to answer her summons if indeed he had returned to the castle but he was so erratic in all his ways that she had some doubt on this point if he had not returned but she could not think of that possibility she turned from it with a sick foreboding surely fate could not play her so hideous a trick they lumbered on suddenly the light from the swinging lamp that hung in the porch of the anchor burst across their path the horse stumbled again recovered itself, jolted on a few yards and stopped.

Starting point is 12:36:01 They had arrived. Maud gathered her energies for one supreme effort, though she felt almost too stiff with cold to move. The cabman shambled down and opened the door. "'No one about, seemingly,' he remarked. She controlled her quivering nerves. "'Perhaps you will get down my trunk,' she said. You can leave it in the porch.'

Starting point is 12:36:23 The man grumbled to himself, but proceeded to comply, she's standing on the step to watch him. The mist was beating in from the sea. Her face was wet with it, and yet her dread of entering that house was such that she could hardly bring herself to open the swing door, debating with herself if even then

Starting point is 12:36:41 she might not run up the hill to the house in which they had lodged a year before, only a year before, and obtained shelter for the night there. The darkness and the rain deterred her. Her courage seemed to have quite left her. In the end, she turned with a sense, species of dreary desperation and pushed back the heavy door.

Starting point is 12:37:02 The entrance hall was empty, vaguely lit by one flaring gas jet round which the fog-rease curled and drifted in the draught, cold as a vault, and smelling of stale tobacco smoke. The place looked bare and poverty-stricken, almost squalid. The rugs were gone from the floor, the pictures from the walls. The door swung closed behind her, and she felt as if she stood inside a prison. The office window was shut, and no sound came from any quarter. Only through the desolate silence there came the sullen thump of the sea against the wall, like the waning struggle of a giant grown impotent with long and fruitless striving.

Starting point is 12:37:41 The utter solitude of the place began to possess her like an evil dream. She stood as one under a spell, afraid to move. And then, quite suddenly, she heard a step. The impulse came to her then to flee, but she did not. obey it. She stood stiffly waiting. Even if it were Giles Shepherd himself, she would meet him before she went out into the dripping dark outside. It was not Giles Shepard. A man in a tweed suit and brown gaiters square-shouldered, rather short than tall, a man of bulldog strength, came suddenly upon her from the interior of the house. She heard the jingle of

Starting point is 12:38:19 spurs upon the stones of the hall, caught one glance of a sunburnt dominant face and hair that shone like burnished copper in the light, and then she was tottering blindly backwards, groping, groping for the door by which she might escape. He came to her air she could open it, and in a moment she became rigid, as one fascinated into passivity. He took her ice-cold hands and held them. Why, maud, maud, he said in the tone of one who would comfort a child. A great shiver went through her at his touch. But she stood speechless. His face swam before her shrinking vision.

Starting point is 12:38:57 She felt sick and faint. "'Snakes,' he said, "'you're perished with cold. Say, why didn't you tell me you were coming?' Then as still she could not speak. Come along into the office. There's no one there, and I'll soon have a fire for you. You lean on me, my girl.

Starting point is 12:39:17 It'll be all right.' His arm went round her. He supported her strongly. The warmth of his body sent a faint glow through her. Almost without knowing it, she leaned upon him. He took her into the deserted office, put her into a chair by the empty fireplace, lighted the gas, then knelt to kindle the fire. The wood was damp.

Starting point is 12:39:40 He coaxed it to burn, blowing at the unwilling flame, his head in the smoke. Say, that's better, he said softly at length. Now I'm going to give you something you'll hate, but I reckon you'll take. it to please me, won't you?' He still knelt beside her, but there was no hint of authority, no possessiveness in his bearing. Rather, there was about him a curious something that was almost like humility. She watched him dumbly as he pulled a small glass flask out of his pocket and withdrew the cork. He turned to her as he did it, and for an instant she met his eyes.

Starting point is 12:40:18 The old hot glow was wholly gone from them. She missed it with an odd sense of it. shock. Only kindness shone out at her. Only friendliness was in the clasp of the hand he laid on hers. You'll take it, he said in his voice of soft persuasion. It's raw spirit, but it's not going to do you any harm. Just a drop, and then I'll feel easier about you. There now, if that's not real good of you. He was pressing it gently upon her, and she could not refuse. She took the flask from him and drank a burning drain. Has it gone? said Jake.

Starting point is 12:40:58 She nodded silently, feeling the glow of the spirit spreading through her veins, and the deadly coldness at her heart, giving place to it. He smiled upon her his pleasant sudden smile, and took the flask back into his own keeping. Then he bent again to the fire,

Starting point is 12:41:14 blowing at it persistently, patiently till it shot up into a blaze. She watched him as one in a dream, a dream from which all nightmare horror had been magically banished. This. This was the old, Jake, to whom she had once turned in trouble, in whose arms she had sobbed out her misery and despair. This was Jake the friend,

Starting point is 12:41:36 into whose keeping she had given her life. He straightened himself again, coughing a little. She caught again the gleam of the red-brown eyes seeking hers. "'Better now,' he asked her. She bent her head. "'Yes, I am all right now. "'You—you—I didn't expect to see you here.' "'Guess it was a mutual surprise,' said Jake.

Starting point is 12:42:00 "'What brought you anyway?' Her heart gave a sudden quick throb of dismay. Actually, she had forgotten the desperate resolution that had urged her for so long. She turned her face quickly from him. "'I—' "'Came to—to see my mother,' she faltered. He raised his brows momentarily. She wasn't expecting you, sure, he commented.

Starting point is 12:42:24 No, she felt her cheeks burning and strove still further to avoid his look. No, it was a surprise visit. There fell a brief silence upon her words, and while it lasted she sat in tense suspense, waiting, waiting for him to pounce upon her secret and drag it to the light. She dared not look at him kneeling there beside her, dared not meet that awful scrutiny of those links. eyes. Such was her agitation that she scarcely dared even to breathe. And then an amazing thing happened. Jake's hand was suddenly laid upon her knee,

Starting point is 12:43:01 pressing it reassuringly. Well, he said in his casual drawl, I reckon you've come in the nick of time so far as your mother is concerned. Your amiable stepfather has cleared out bag and baggage and left her to face the music. He pawned everything he could lay his dirt. "'dirty hands on first, and the place is empty, except for the old ostler who is serving behind the bar till further orders.' "'Oh, Jake!' startled Maud turned back to him. "'And what is my mother doing?' There was a faintly humorous twist about Jake's lips as he made reply.

Starting point is 12:43:39 "'Your mother has gone to bed in hysterics. I can't get out of her exactly what she means to do. Perhaps you will be more successful.' i came down this morning as soon as i got the news of shepherd's departure and tried to persuade her to come along to the stables but she wouldn't hear of it she's got some idea at the back of her mind i gather for maybe the stables aren't aristocratic enough anyway there was no moving her i've been up at tattersalls all day only got back half an hour ago i thought i'd look in again here and see how things were going before I went home. But they haven't moved any since this morning, and she is still in bed with hysterics. He had not been home all day. He had received no message. The thought darted through Maud with a suddenness that nearly made her gasp with relief. He did not know of Uncle Edward Summons. And then she remembered that it must be awaiting him, and her heart sank again.

Starting point is 12:44:43 You're shivering still, said Jake gently. It's nothing, she made. She made. She made. answer. It's nothing. And then desperately. You, you didn't get a telegram from Uncle Edward last night? I, said Jake. No. What should he wire to me for? She hesitated a second, then feverishly faced the danger that menaced her. You, I expect he will find a message waiting for you. We, we had a disagreement yesterday. That's why I came away. Jake's brows met abruptly. Hasn't he. been treating you properly. Oh, it's not that. I, I can't tell you what it was. But he said

Starting point is 12:45:26 you should wire to you, to go to Liverpool. Maud's hands clasped each other very tightly. She was striving with all her strength for composure, but she could not bring herself to look him in the face. "'And so you came away,' said Jake slowly. She nodded, swallowing down her agitation. I didn't want to meet you, like that. I didn't know what was in the telegram. Jake's fingers patted her knee gently. And so you came back here for refuge. All right, my girl, you needn't be afraid.

Starting point is 12:46:04 Uncle Edward may go to blazes. I shan't read the telegram. He stooped with the words, picked up a fragment of burning stick that had fallen at her feet and tossed it back into the flames. "'Mod uttered a sharp exclamation. "' Jake, you'll be burnt.' He looked up at her with a smile. "'I guess not,' he said.

Starting point is 12:46:26 "'And now that that matter is disposed of, "'you'll maybe like to go and see your mother.' "'She met his eyes with a feeling that she could do no less. "'You're very good,' she said with an effort. "'His smile broadened. "'Then it's the cheapest form of goodness I know,' he said. if your uncle edward were a little younger i'd give myself the pleasure of accepting his invitation just for the sake of administering the kicking he deserves however we won't waste time discussing him are you going to spend the night here along with your mother he seemed bent upon making things easy for her his attitude amazed her she kept asking herself again and again if this could be the man from whom she had fled in bitterness of spirit

Starting point is 12:47:15 all those weeks ago. She hesitated to answer his question. She was painfully uncertain of the ground beneath her feet. Almost she expected it to cleave asunder at any moment and reveal the raging fires at once had scorched her soul. But Jake did not suffer her to remain in suspense. Very quietly he filled in her hesitation. Maybe you'd sooner stay here, he said in his soft, rather sing-song voice.

Starting point is 12:47:43 It's up to you to decide. guess i shan't interfere any with your movements his one hand still lay on her knee it pressed upon her a little as though seeking to convey something that she was slow to grasp her doubt subsided under the steady touch she suddenly knew beyond all questioning that she stood on solid ground yet it was not without difficulty that she answered him i think perhaps for to-night i will stay with her jake nodded with his face to the flames it's up to you he said again she looked at his bent head conscious of a new distress how was she going to repay him for this his goodness to her he was trusting her blindly he had refused to let his eyes be opened for she knew he would keep his word about that telegram jake always kept his word her distress grew became almost unbearable she saw herself in a new and horrible light and shrank in anguish of soul from the revelation. It was as if upon that downward path she had suddenly caught

Starting point is 12:48:51 a glimpse of the precipice at the end, the cruel rocks, the dreadful fall, the black seething whirlpool below, and her whole being revolted. All that was pure in her made swift outcry. If Jake, Jake, had climbed back to the old high ground,

Starting point is 12:49:09 surely she could do the same. Surely she could do no less. He trusted her. He tried her. He trusted her. How could she go on? The wild tempest of feeling rushed through her and passed. She was left very cold, striving desperately to suppress a fit of shuddering that threatened to overwhelm her. Jake was not looking at her. He seemed unaware of her agitation. After a moment he took his hand away and rose. He began to feel in his pockets, produced

Starting point is 12:49:40 his clay pipe and tobacco pouch, then suddenly paused. "'Do you mind if I light up? I'm just going.' "'Oh, please do,' she said. He began to fill the pipe with minute care. "'Don't let your mother take too much out of you,' he said. "'Have a meal and turn in as early as you can. Guess you're needing a good rest.' She leaned her head on her hand.

Starting point is 12:50:07 "'Yes, I am tired.' Jake was silent again for a space. Finally, he put the pipe into his mouth and shook the tobacco back into his pouch. Then in a curiously hesitating voice he spoke. Say, Maud. She gave a start and raised her head. He was looking down at her with a faint smile in his eyes, a smile that struck her as being whimsical and yet curiously wistful also.

Starting point is 12:50:34 I just want to tell you, my girl, he said, that you're not to be scared of me any more. reckon you've had a hell of a time all your life but it's come to an end right now for the future you do the asking and i the giving your boss and don't you forget it i'm your man not your master and i'll behave accordingly guess i'll even lie down and let you kick me if it'll make you happy any maud was gazing at him in open amazement long before he had finished his astounded speech. The slow utterance, half sad, half humorous, was spoken with the full weight of the man's strength of purpose. Every word came with the steady force of unwavering resolution. There was a touch of the superb about him even with that unlighted pipe between his teeth, and every word seemed to pierce her with a deeper pain, pain that was well-nigh unendurable. As he uttered the last deliberate sentence,

Starting point is 12:51:39 she rose quickly with a gesture of protest. She could bear no more. Jake, you, you, you hurt me, she stammered incoherently. He put out a hand to her. No, no, he said, that was not my intention. It was almost as though he pleaded with her for some species of clemency. She was sure she read entreaty in the red-brown eyes. But she could not lay her hand in his. She could not. she could not she stood before him panting speechless shaken to the very foundations of her being his hand fell i just want you to be happy my girl that's all he said gently happy after your own notions of happiness maybe there ain't room for me in the general scheme of things if that's so i reckon i'll stay outside he turned aside he turned aside with the words and struck a match to kindle his pipe with the air of a man who has had his say. Then, while she still watched him, he puffed a great cloud of smoke into the air,

Starting point is 12:52:49 straightened himself and made her an odd clumsy bow. I'm going now. So long, he said. And so, without further parley, he left her, striding away in his square, purposeful fashion, without a backward glance. Only when he was gone did it flash upon her that this, this was her dream come true all unknowing wholly without intention he had opened her eyes and she knew that he loved her he loved her end of chapters fifteen and sixteen part two chapter seventeen and eighteen of the hundredth chance by ethel m dell this librawk's recording is in the public domain seventeen the last chance "'It's a cruel world,' complained Mrs. Shepard.

Starting point is 12:53:48 "'Nothing ever goes right, and no one ever thinks of anybody but themselves.' She wiped her eyes pathetically. "'I'm sure I've always tried to consider others, and this is the result. "'In my hour of need I am forsaken by everybody.' "'It's no good, fretting,' Mott said very wearily. "'We must think what is best to be done.' she realized that her mother was in her most unreasonable mood and she felt herself powerless to cope with it yet the situation had to be faced and with a heavy heart she faced it my dear i thought and thought till my brain refuses to work said mrs shepherd plaintively what is the good of it you know as well as i that if charlie refuses to help all hope is gone and you say he has refused

Starting point is 12:54:39 yes maud was stooping over the kettle that she was boiling in her mother's bedroom he has refused unconditionally mrs shepherd sent a sudden keen glance across at the slim drooping figure and noted the weariness of its pose maud tell me unconditionally maud remained bent i am not going to accept his conditions she said after a moment then he made conditions the question came sharp and querulous from the bed one condition maud bent a little lower what is it my child you must tell me i have a right to know mrs shepherd raised herself to a sitting posture what was this condition Maude did not turn. What does it matter what it was, as I am not going to accept it, she said. You have refused? I am going to refuse. There was utter weariness in her voice.

Starting point is 12:55:38 She spoke as one to whom nothing mattered any more. Maude, then you haven't actually refused him yet? Mrs. Shepard suddenly flung out her arms. Maude, darling, come and tell me all about it, she urged. There is something behind that you haven't told me. yet? Come here, dearest. Come to me. Maud turned an unwilling face over her shoulder. I am too tired to-night, Mother, she said.

Starting point is 12:56:06 Besides, there is really nothing to tell. Charlie made me a certain proposal which, which I thought for a little that I might accept. I now realize that I can't, and, and... A faint quiver of vehemence crept into her voice. I want to forget that I ever thought I could. "'Please let me forget. "'My dear child, "'do you mean that he made you a proposal of marriage?' "'The eagerness of Mrs. Shepherd's query was scarcely veiled. "'Her eyes had the look of one in search of treasure.

Starting point is 12:56:38 "'Yes, just that.' "'The emotion had gone out of Maude's voice again. "'It sounded flat and mechanical. "'She leaned her arm upon the mantelpiece for support. "'I ought not to have suffered it. "'I was to blame more than he.' He has always been—that sort. I haven't.

Starting point is 12:56:57 But, my dear, you have always loved each other. Why should either of you be to blame? The fault was certainly yours in the first place for sending him away long ago. But now—now! Now I am married to another man, Maud said. Mrs. Shepard clasped her hands together in a sudden access of impatience. A man for whom you have not the smallest respect or affection. a man of intemperate habits who took advantage of a weak moment to marry you who has made you utterly miserable and deserves nothing from you but the utmost contempt my dear maud i always thought that you were proud and fastidious didn't charlie always call you his queen rose

Starting point is 12:57:40 How can you? How can you, regard that farcical marriage of yours as binding? How can you contemplate ruining your own life and Charlie's also now that another chance has been given to you? It is sheer willful folly. It is madness. Or is it that you are just, afraid? Maud shook her head. I don't suppose you would ever really understand, Mother, she said. Anyhow, I don't know how to explain. But I can't do it. it now. I thought I could. I came back because I thought I could. But now I am here. Now I have seen Jake. I find I can't. That is because you are afraid, declared Mrs. Shepard. He has

Starting point is 12:58:25 terrorized you. But, oh, my dear, do try to break away from that. Do think of yourself, and of Charlie who has loved you all these years. One great effort, only one, and you will be free from this horrible and natural bond. I know that Charlie will be true to you. You are the one woman so far as he is concerned. And he? He is the one man, dear, isn't he? You can't. Surely you can't. Bear to disappoint him now. Think of the years to come. Think of the life happiness waiting for you if you only muster the strength now to grasp it. Maud, my darling, my own girly, can't you be brave just this once, when so much hangs upon it, he will take you away in his yacht, and you will be all in all to each other.

Starting point is 12:59:15 You will find all the good things you have missed till now, and this dreadful year will fade away like a dream. Oh, darling, surely you will make this one great effort to gain so much. The chance will never come again to you. It is the one chance of your life, the last. How can you bear to throw it away? and what of jake maud spoke the words as though uttering her thought aloud she was gazing downwards at the steaming kettle in the red-hot glow of the fire jake mrs shepard's reply was instant and contemptuous he will marry a girl in his own station who will satisfy all his desires you can't honestly imagine that you have done that that he regards his marriage with you as a success he may be annoyed at your preference but he will be as

Starting point is 13:00:07 glad as you are to be rid of his bargain. It will be the greatest kindness you can do him, if you want to be kind. You know you hate him from the bottom of your heart. Mother, you're wrong. Sharply, as though stung to action, Maud turned. I don't hate Jake. He... He is too good a man, too upright a man to hate.

Starting point is 13:00:29 It is true I haven't been happy with him, but that has not been his fault. Our ideas of happiness are not the same, that's all. mrs shepherd stared in momentary discomfiture at this sudden display of strength she had not expected serious resistance in this quarter but she was quick to rally her forces oh i don't blame him entirely she said as you say you are utterly unsuited to each other but it is sheer nonsense to call him a good man i know that he is often the worse for drink i have seen him myself flogging his horses down on the beach as no man in his sober senses would dream of doing. He is an utter brute at heart. There is no getting away from that fact. He may not be a wholly bad man. I have not said that he is, but he is a man of violent impulses. He knows nothing of the refinements of life. He is a brute. Mrs. Shepard paused. Maud was standing mute and motionless with tragic eyes fixed before her.

Starting point is 13:01:32 After a moment or two to give her words time to sink in, Mrs. Shepard continued. on a note of pathos. You may say to me that I have made exactly the same mistake myself, but then I did it for you, children, and it was not the whole of my life that I had to offer. But you, you are young. Your good time is yet to come. And think, dear, think how much depends upon you.

Starting point is 13:01:58 If Charlie dies unmarried, there will be no one to succeed him. He is the last of the Burchester's. And if he doesn't marry you, I am sure he will never marry any other woman. He loves you so devotedly. Through all his peccadillos, he has always remembered you. Come back to you.

Starting point is 13:02:18 Are you going to let him be lonely always because of his love for you? He has laid the greatest gift in the world at your feet, dear. Oh, grasp it while you can. Don't let the whole of his manhood, your womanhood, be one long and fruitless regret. It was the climate. acts of her pleading. The tears were running down her face as she reached it, and she did not

Starting point is 13:02:42 check them too readily, though she knew that she had made an impression. Victory would not come at once, she fully realized. The stony immobility of Maud's attitude told her that. But she had laid her plans with craft. She believed that by the exercise of extreme patience, victory might ultimately be achieved. "'There, darling, you're very tired,' she said as she slowly dried her eyes. Much too tired to see anything in its proper light tonight. You must go to bed and sleep. You will see things much more clearly in the morning. And, shall I tell you a secret?

Starting point is 13:03:18 She smiled a wistful, loving smile. Charlie will be at the castle tomorrow afternoon. How do you know, mother? Maud spoke quickly as one suddenly awakened. How do I know? But everyone knows, Mrs. Shepard answered vaguely. The yacht is in the harbor. and they are getting her ready for a trip.

Starting point is 13:03:39 Darling, the kettle is boiling at last. Mind how you take it off. Oh, dear, I'm very tired. I hope I shan't end my days in the workhouse. So trying to have to make one's bed every day. Good night, darling. No tea for me, thank you. I haven't the heart to drink it.

Starting point is 13:03:58 There's a bed made up in the room next to this. I hope you will find it comfortable. Good night, dear. Good night. the words went into a deep sigh mrs shepherd sank down upon her pillow and maud turned with a set face and prepared to leave her for the night yes her mother's words had made an impression upon her they had voiced all the doubts and turmoil in her own sad heart but they had not blotted out that vision of the precipice the rocks and the black black whirlpool that awaited her at the end of the downward path neither had they wholly taken from her the memory of a man's eyes straight and honest and strangely appealing that had looked into hers only a couple of hours before above her mother's warnings above all the trouble and the tumult of her soul she heard a voice within clear insistent indomitable love is only gained by love we must pour out all we have to win it purge our hearts of all selfish desire sanctify ourselves by the complete renunciation of self before the perfect gift can be ours

Starting point is 13:05:08 the perfect gift the perfect gift she had almost ceased to believe in it but that night she dreamed that she had it in her grasp eighteen the whirlpool well billings you're looking as cadaverously blooming as ever how do you do it man did someone give you an overdose of respectability in your youth saltash leaned back in his chair smiling up at his wry-faced servitor with insolent humor billings the decorous betrayed not the smallest sign of surprise or resentment it was said of him that when saltash had once in a fit of anger flung a wine-glass at his head he had knelt and collected the fragments and mopped up the water before he had dreamed of retiring to attend to the cut on his face that the glass had inflicted. On the present occasion he made response with the utmost gravity. I can't say, my lord. Shall I light the fire, my lord? Oh, yes, it's a filthy day, typical of a filthy climate.

Starting point is 13:06:11 Yes, light the fire, and pull down the blinds, and let's be comfortable. It won't be dark yet, my lord, observed Billings with a glance at the clock. Saltash's eyes went in the same. direction. It was not quite three o'clock. What of that, good Billings? I please myself, he said. By the way, you might take coffee up to the music room. Leave it to brew up there. And when Mrs. Bolton calls, tell her I'm out, but I shall be back in a very short time. Ask her to wait in the music room and pour her out some coffee. Light the red lamp by the piano,

Starting point is 13:06:47 but leave the rest. Is that quite clear, Billings? Quite clear, my lord. Billings was on his knees before the fire. Saltash leaned forward in his chair. Be sure you get her to have some coffee, Billings, he said. Tell her I especially recommend it. Very good, my lord. Billings spoke with his head nearly touching the logs of wood he was seeking to kindle. I quite understand, my lord.

Starting point is 13:07:14 Saltash got to his feet. I'll give you a gold watch if you succeed, Billings, he said. You're very good. Good, my lord, said Billings. Saltash wandered down the hall. He had a cigarette between his lips, but he was not smoking. He reached the marble statue near the grand staircase and pressed a switch that flooded it with light. Then he stood before it, silent and intent.

Starting point is 13:07:39 White and wonderful the anguished figure shone, but it was rather a figure of death than life. Its purity was almost dazzling. Its very agony was unearthly. Saltash frowned abruptly and switched off the light. Then for his face he stood in the gloom staring at the vague outline. Billings came up behind him, soft-footed, unobtrusive. The rose light, my lord, was placed on the other side, according to your lordship's orders, he said deferentially, and passed on as if he had not spoken.

Starting point is 13:08:12 Saltash glanced over his shoulder momentarily and resumed his silent contemplation of the figure in the shadows. Several seconds passed. then very suddenly he moved again bent swiftly and pressed another switch in a moment the figure was fully visible again but no longer did it dazzle the eyes with its whiteness a soft rose radiance surrounded it it glowed into life pulsing palpitating flesh and blood and the man's eyes suddenly kindled as they passed over the naked straining form i have you now my captured angel he murmured he stood and feasted upon the vision once he stretched a hand to touch the faultless curve of the breast but checked himself with an odd flickering smile as though he did reverence whimsically to a sacred element in which he had no faith the agonized shame of the thing poignant arresting though it was seemed wholly to pass him by his queer glancing eyes saw only the unveiled voluptuousness of the form the perfect contour of the limbs the exquisite moulding of each full and graciously line. He dwelt upon them all with the look of an epicure. He moved again at length, drew near to the statue, reached a hand to the dark paneling of the recess behind. It slipped inwards noiselessly,

Starting point is 13:09:32 disclosing a narrow doorway. In a moment he had passed through and the great hall was empty. Empty, save for that figure of tragic womanhood, rose lighted, piteously alive, standing out against the shadows. It was nearly half an hour later. than an electric bell sounded through the silence, and Billings, the respectable, came noiselessly through the hall. He swung the great door open with a well-bred flourish. A woman's figure clad in a streaming waterproof

Starting point is 13:10:01 stood on the step, and in a low voice asked for Lord Saltash. Billings stood back with a deep bow. Will you walk in, madam? She entered and stood on the mat. He took her umbrella and set it aside. Will you permit me to remove your waterproof, madam? he suggested.

Starting point is 13:10:19 She seemed to hesitate, but in a moment yielded. But I can only stay a few moments, she said. Please tell him so. Quite so, madam. Billings was deftly removing the wet garment. Up in the music room, if you please, madam. She suffered his ministrations in silence. Only as he turned to lead the way, she shivered suddenly and uncontrollably.

Starting point is 13:10:42 She followed him up the dim hall. They approached the rose-lit statue. Her eyes were drawn to it. She stopped as though involuntarily, stopped and caught her breath as if in sudden surprise or dismay. Then she quickly passed on. They ascended the grand staircase

Starting point is 13:10:58 in solemn procession and reached the music room door. Again, Billing stood back for her to enter, but when she had done so he closed the door remaining within. The great room was dim and shadowy, heavy, with some mysterious eastern fragrance that hung in the air like incense. It was lighted by two red fires that burned without flame,

Starting point is 13:11:20 and a red-shaded lamp that shed a mysterious arc of light far away by the piano. There was a small table by the further fire, and on this a silver coffee-pot hissed over a spirit lamp. A low divan, so low that it looked a mere pile of luxurious cushions, stood invitingly close. Billings deferentially led the way thither. If you will be pleased to take a seat, madam, he said, His lordship will not keep you waiting long.

Starting point is 13:11:46 "'Is he out?' Maud asked quickly. "'He has been out, madam. He came in wet through and is changing. He begged very particularly that you would drink a cup of coffee while you awaited him. He indicated the divan, but Maud remained on her feet. The atmosphere of the place disturbed her. It seemed to be charged with subtleties that baffled her, making her vaguely uneasy. She had come in answer to a message accompanying a great bunch of violets that had reached her that morning. She had not wanted to come, but for this once, it seemed imperative that she should meet him face to face, and explained that which she had felt nor written words could

Starting point is 13:12:26 ever express. She had sent him her rash summons, and he had replied by that bunch of violets and the request that she would come to him, since he did not wish to risk interruption from Madame la Mare. On this point she had been fully in accord with him, and she had sent back word that she would come in the afternoon just to speak to him for a few minutes. She had hoped that he would gather from that, that since the sending of her summons, she had repented of her madness. It would not be an easy interview she was sure, but she was not afraid of Charlie. She hated the thought of hurting him all the more because she did not fear him. He would let her go. Oh, yes, he would let her go. He had never

Starting point is 13:13:06 sought to hold her against her will. But that very fact would make the parting the more bitter. His half-whimsical chivalry was somehow harder to face, than any fury of indignation. He had hurt her at their last interview, hurt, and disappointed her. But yet, the man's fascination overpowered all thought of his shortcomings. Already she had almost forgotten them. She stood before the fire, absently watching the servant as he busied himself over the coffee, till the aromatic scent of it suddenly brought her out of her reverie. "'Oh, thank you,' she said. "'I don't think I will have any. I have only come for five minutes

Starting point is 13:13:45 talk with Lord Saltash. His lordship particularly desired that you would take a cup, madam, the man replied. It is a very special Egyptian brew. He turned round with a small silver cup on a salver which he decorously presented. It is supposed to be particularly pleasing to a lady's palate, madam, he said. She did not want the coffee, but it seemed ungracious to refuse it. She took the cup and set it on the mantelpiece. It should be drunk very hot, ma'am.

Starting point is 13:14:15 madam, said Billings persuasively. Will you be so very kind, madam, as to taste it, and tell me if it is to your liking? She hesitated momentarily, but it was too small a matter to refuse. She took the cup by its slender handle and put it to her lips. Instantly it was as if a warm current of life went through her, a fine golden thread of delight. She looked at Billings and smiled. It is delicious, she said. Billings looked gratified.

Starting point is 13:14:45 The second cup is generally considered even better than the first, madam, he said. Oh, I won't take more than one, thank you, she said. And Billings retired, closing the door soundlessly behind him. Maude lifted the cup again to her lips. Its fragrance pervaded all her senses. It was unlike anything she knew, and in some subtle fashion, it made her think of palms and orange groves and the strong sunshine of the east. It presented before her mind a vivid picture of beauties that she had never seen.

Starting point is 13:15:19 She drank again, and again that strange sense of dawning bliss came to her. It was like the coming of a tropic morning after a long black night. Her anxiety was magically lifted from her. The sensation of pure gladness, of warmth of soul and body began to possess her. It was like drinking in the pure essence of sunshine. All things seemed easy. All difficulties were smoothed the way. She was sure that Charlie would understand and be content. Had he not promised to be to her whatever she wished? She drained the cup and set it down. It seemed a little strange to her that her hand should be trembling as she did

Starting point is 13:16:01 so, for all her misgivings had vanished. She had stepped as it were into a garden of delight. A strange unearthly happiness was hers. It was as if her. It was as if her misgivings had vanished. It was as if her life had been suddenly and mysteriously filled to the brim with all that she could desire. The only thing lacking was music. She looked across at the grand piano lighted with that one red lamp, and a haunting memory came to her. Came to her. She saw the altar and the glow of the undying flame before it, but the flowers, the white

Starting point is 13:16:34 lilies of purity. Where were they? A vague distress came to her, filtering as it were through locked senses, dispelling the golden rapture, dimming her dream. She moved over the polished floor drawn by that red arc of light. She reached the piano. She stood before it, and then her dream changed. The vision of the altar faded, faded.

Starting point is 13:16:57 She slipped down before the gleaming keys. She struck a soft, sweet chord, and with it the former magic took her. The sun and the orange groves were hers again, and a blue, blue gleam of sea. came into the picture like the last touch of romance into a fairy tale. As one beneath a spell, she sat and wove her vision into such music as she had never contemplated before. As of old, she never knew quite when he came to her. She only realized

Starting point is 13:17:28 very suddenly that he was there. His dark face gleamed down at her in the lamplight. His odd eyes sent a mocking invitation into hers. Again her vision was swept away. Her hands fell from the piano and were caught in the same instant into his. Oh, Charlie, she gasped incoherently. He drew her close, laughing at her with half-teasing tenderness. Oh, Maude, he said. Oh, queen of all the roses. But she hung back from him.

Starting point is 13:18:01 It was almost as if something dragged her back. I have something to say to you, she faltered confusedly. I came to say it. what was it oh what was it his swarthy face was bending nearer nearer she saw the humorous lift of his black brows you have said it he told her softly there is nothing left to say there will never again be any need for words between us two he laughed at her again with a kind of kingly indulgence his arms went round her pressing her to him ignoring her last quivering effort to resist his lips suddenly found her own and then it was that her eyes were opened and her memory came back in a flash of anguished understanding she was brought face to face with the realities of life she knew that she had been enmeshed in a dream of evil delight drawn unaccountably by some hidden devilish strategy to the very edge of that precipice that she had striven so desperately to avoid in that moment she would have torn herself free but her strength was gone her body felt leaden and powerless, her throat too numb to utter any protest.

Starting point is 13:19:17 Her visions had all fallen away from her, but she thought she heard the roar of the whirlpool below. And through all, she was madly conscious of the lips that pressed her own, the arms that drew her closer, always closer, to the gulf. She thought that her senses were leaving her, so utterly helpless had she become. An awful cloud seemed to be hanging over her, slowly, slowly descending. Faintly, she tried to pray for deliverance, but his lips stilled the prayer. Against her will, as one horribly compelled, she knew that she returned his kiss. And then she was lying on the low divan with Charlie beside her, holding her, calling her his queen, his captured angel, his wife. She did not know exactly what happened afterwards, for a great

Starting point is 13:20:08 darkness took her. She only knew that she was suddenly lifted and borne away. She only heard the rush of the whirlpool as it closed over her head. End of Chapter 17 and 18. Part 2. Chapter 19 and 20 of the 100th Chance by Ethel Amdel. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 19. The Outer Darkness Something was waking her. someone seemed to be knocking on the outer door of her brain. She came back to consciousness as one returning from a far, far journey that yet had occupied

Starting point is 13:20:47 but a very brief space of time. An inner sense of urgency awoke and responded to that outer knocking. As through a maze of disconnected impressions, she heard a voice. I give you ten seconds, my lord, it said. Just ten seconds. The words were absolutely quix. quiet. They sounded almost suave. But the deadly determination of them smote upon her like the call of a trumpet. She started up. The next instant, she was staring about her in utter

Starting point is 13:21:20 bewilderment. She was lying on a deep couch in a room she had never seen before, a strange conical chamber, oak-panelled, lighted by a dome to skylight. It was furnished with bizarre eastern luxury. The couch on which she lay was a nest of tiger skins. But she saw these details but vaguely. That voice she had heard had made all else of no importance. It had spoken close to her, but it was not in the room with her, and she could not for the moment tell whence it had come. She could only listen with caught breath for more.

Starting point is 13:21:55 Listen, with starting eyes fixed on the stuffed skin of a cobra poised on a small table near as if ready to strike. She even fancied for a moment that the thing was alive, and then realized with a passing relief that it had been converted into the stem of a reading lamp. Again the voice came. It was counting slowly with the utmost regularity. But it was not allowed to continue.

Starting point is 13:22:20 Saltash's voice, quick and imperious, broke in upon it. Be quiet, you damn fool. If you murder me, you'll only be sorry afterwards. I have told you I don't know where she is. You have told me a lie, my lord. grim as fate came the answer, and following it a movement that turned her sick with fear. She sprang to her feet with a wild cry. Jake, Jake, I am here.

Starting point is 13:22:46 Jake, come to me. She threw herself against the paneling of the wall in a frenzy of terror and beat upon it fiercely frantically. There was a door behind her, but instinct warned her that it did not lead whether she desired to go. It was through the paneling that those sinister words had reached her. But it resisted her wild efforts. She beat in vain. Oh, Jake, she cried and broke into agonized, sobbing. Jake, where are you?

Starting point is 13:23:14 And then she heard his voice again short this time and commanding. Let her out, my lord. The game is up. Trust a woman to give it away, said Saltash and laughed a cold hard laugh. The panelling against which she stood, suddenly yielded, slid back. She found herself standing. on the threshold of the music room close to one of the carved fireplaces. And there, face to face with her, one hand thrust deep into his bridge's pocket, stood her husband,

Starting point is 13:23:44 stood Jake. All her life she was to remember the look he wore. Saltash was nearer still, but she scarcely saw him. She went past him, sobbing, inarticulate, unnerved. She stretched out, trembling, beseeching hands to the man in whose eyes she read the lust of murder. She cried aloud to him in her agony. Come away, oh, come away. Be merciful this once. Only this once. Jake.

Starting point is 13:24:13 Jake. She reached him. She clung to him. She would have knelt to him. But he thrust his left arm around her, forcibly holding her up. He did not speak to her, did not she believe so much as look at her.

Starting point is 13:24:28 His eyes were fixed with a terrible intensity upon the man beyond her. His attitude was strained and unyielding. The untamed ferocity of the wilds was in every line of him, in every tense muscle. Ruthlessness, lawlessness, savagery unshackled, fiercely eager, beaten every pulse, every sinew of his frame. She felt as if she were holding back a furious animal from his prey, as if at any moment he would burst free and rend and tear till the demon that possessed him was satisfied. But she clung to him faster and fast.

Starting point is 13:25:02 her seeking to pinion the murderous right hand that was thrust so deeply away out of her reach. She heard another laugh from Saltash, but she did not dare to turn. And then came a sound like the click of a spring trap. The tension went suddenly out of Jake. He relaxed and with a certain cowboy roughness took his hand from his pocket and grasped her by the shoulders. His eyes came from beyond her and looked straight into hers. And she knew without turning her head that her own eyes, hour of reckoning had come. They were alone. For many, many seconds he looked at her

Starting point is 13:25:39 so, with a red-hot glow in his eyes that seemed as though it would burn its way to her most secret soul. She endured it with a desperate courage. If he had caught her by the throat, she would not have flinched. But his hold, though insistent, was without violence. And at last, very, very slowly, he let her go. I guess that ends it, he said. What do you mean?" Through quivering lips, she asked the question. She felt as if a icy wind had suddenly caught her. She was cold from head to foot.

Starting point is 13:26:13 He made a slight gesture as of one indicating the obvious and turned away. She saw his square figure moving away from her, and a terrible fear went through her. Her very heart felt frozen within her. She tried to speak, to utter his name, but her throat only worked spasmodically making no sound. he reached the door opened it and then as if he could not help it he looked back at her and in that moment with frantic effort she burst the bonds that held her she threw out her arms in wild entreaty jake she gasped jake don't don't leave me he stopped but he did not return there was a curious look on his face he seemed to stand irresolute she began to move towards him but found her son her son but found her

Starting point is 13:27:02 trembling too much to walk. She tattered to the mantelpiece for support. But still she looked towards him, still tremulously entreated him. Jake, you, you don't understand. You never will understand if you leave me now. I'm going under. I'm going under. Jake, save me. She bowed her head suddenly upon her hands and stood quivering. She had made her last, piteous effort to escape from the toils that held her. Nothing but a miracle could save her now. Nothing but the power of that love that dieth not. Seconds passed. She thought that he had gone, had abandoned her to her fate, left her to the mercy of a man who would compass her ruin, and she wondered in her agony if she could muster sufficient strength to flee from that evil place and snatch her own

Starting point is 13:27:55 deliverance down on the dark, lonely shore, where no one could ever drag her back again. And then, very suddenly, a hand touched her, closed upon her arm. It was as if a current of electricity ran through her. She turned with a great start. Jake's eyes, very level, quite inscrutable, looked straight into hers. I guess we'll be getting a long home, he said. His hand urged her steadily, indomitably. He led her speechless from the room, supporting her when she faltered,

Starting point is 13:28:28 but never hesitating or suffering her to pause. They came out at the top of the great branching staircase. The hall below them was lighted only by the soft glow that surrounded Saltash's favorite statue. The hand that held Maude's arm tightened to a grip. They went down the stairs together and passed the tragic figure by. As they moved down the long hall, a man stepped suddenly out from behind the statue

Starting point is 13:28:54 and looked after them with eyes that shone derisively. He did not utter a word, and his movements were without sound. Neither of the two was aware of his presence. Only as they paused at the outer door, Maude glanced back and saw the arc of light about the statue vanish. She uttered a quick exclamation, for it was as if the marble itself had come to life and fled from her gaze.

Starting point is 13:29:20 And then she was aware of Jake's hands, fastening her waterproof about her, and she forgot all but her longing to escape. To escape. A few seconds more, and she heard the heavy door shut behind them. She was out in the gathering darkness with Jake, and the rain was beating in her face.

Starting point is 13:29:39 It was then that her weakness came back to her, a sense of terrible exhaustion that gave her the feeling of dragging heavy chains. She fought against it desperately, dreading every instant lest he should misinterpret her dragging steps and leave her. An overwhelming drowsiness was creeping over her, numbing all her faculties.

Starting point is 13:29:59 She struggled to cling it off, but could not. It crowded upon her like an evil dream. She staggered, stumbled, almost fell. Jake stopped. Reckon you're tired, he said. She answered him with a rush of tears. I can't help it. Really? I can't help it.

Starting point is 13:30:17 I believe I must be ill. She tried to cling to his supporting arm, but her hand slipped weakly away. She felt herself sinking, sinking into a black sea of oblivion, and knew it was futile to struggle any longer. Yet a vague sense of comfort came to her with the consciousness of his arms tightening around her.

Starting point is 13:30:39 She gave herself to him like a tired child. She even feebly thanked him as he lifted her. And then for a long, long space, she knew nothing. Billows and billows of unfathomable nothingness were over her, under her, all about her. Sometimes her drugged brain stirred as if about to register an impression, but no actual impression reached it. The things of Earth had faded utterly away. She was as one vaguely floating in a nebulous cloud, through which now and then, now and then,

Starting point is 13:31:11 a dim star shone for a moment and then went out. After a time even this slender link was snapped. She went into a deeper darkness and there for a while her troubled wanderings were stayed. She slept as she had never slept before. It was as if for a long, long, long. space she ceased to be out of the silence at last came a fearful dream out of a great emptiness she entered another world a world of demon shapes and demon voices of faces that jeered and vanished a world of terrible outer darkness in which she seemed to be bereft of all things to stand as it were naked and alone she dreamed that the statue had come to life indeed and behold it

Starting point is 13:31:57 It was herself. In horror, unutterable, in shame that was agony, she went her appointed way, a fallen woman who could never rise again. And ever a voice within seemed urging her to soar, to sore, but she could not. Wings had been given her, but she could not use them. One wing had been broken, how she knew not. Perhaps it wasn't beating against the bars of a cage. Some such struggle hovered vaguely in her memory, but all strange.

Starting point is 13:32:27 struggling was over now. All hope of escape was dead. Again the demon faces came all about her. Demon hands clutched at her, pulling her down. And every face was the face of Charlie Berchester. Every hand wore the ring which twice over he had given to her. And still she heard his laugh, that cruel, bitter laugh with which he had left her alone in the music room with Jake. At last she knew that she cried aloud to die, but instantly she realized the futility of her prayer. There was no God to hear her in this awful place, and there was no death. Yet it was then that it seemed to her that a door was open somewhere very far above her, and a gracious breath of purity came down. Crushed as she was,

Starting point is 13:33:15 overwhelmed with evil, grossly besmirched and degraded, it came to her like a puff of morning wind from the clean open spaces of the earth. She turned her face upwards, She gasped and opened her eyes. And then, all in a moment, the dreadful vision passed away from her, and she saw Jake's eyes gazing, gazing into hers. Twenty. Deliverance She stared at him vaguely for a space half in wonder half in fear. His look was very intent, but it was without anger.

Starting point is 13:33:50 She wondered hazily what had happened, why he was watching her so. "'Where am I?' she murmured at length. He made answer very quietly as if he had expected the question. "'You are here in the old parlor with me. I brought you here.' "'Oh,' she gazed around her doubtfully. Her brain felt clogged and dull. "'Have I been away, then?' she said.

Starting point is 13:34:15 "'Where is Bunny?' He rose and moved across the room to the fire. "'Bunny is at school,' he said, and stooped to lift off a saucepan. Yes, you have been away. You came back from Liverpool yesterday. Ah, she gave a quick gasp. The mists were beginning to clear a little. She became dimly conscious that there was something terrible behind. She raised herself on her elbow, but was instantly assailed by a feeling of sickness so intense that she sank back again. She was lying with closed eyes when Jake came back to her. He bent over her with a steaming cup in his hand.

Starting point is 13:34:53 try a little of this he said she looked up with an effort i don't think i can jake what has happened am i ill again guess you'll remember presently if you drink this he said she drew back shuddering what is it not brandy no it's beef tea he sat down beside her with a resolute air and she suddenly realized that resistance was useless he was very gentle with her feeding her spoonful by spoonful and gradually as she swallowed it she revived her brain stirred and seemed to awake memory came crowding back long ere the cup was finished that last scene in the music-room hung before her like a lurid picture from which she could not tear her gaze quietly jake set aside the cup maybe you'll sleep better now he said she lifted her heavy eyes to his no i don't want to sleep any longer jake you-you are not going away he seemed on the point of rising she stretched out a beseeching hand and laid it on his arm jake i-i want to tell you something will you listen to me please will you listen to me his arm grew tense as stretched wire under her touch she thought there was a glitter of hardness in the red-brown eyes as he said, There is no call for you to tell me anything unless you wish. She sat up slowly, compelling herself to face him.

Starting point is 13:36:29 But I want you to understand, she said. He laid his hand abruptly upon hers with a gesture that almost seemed as if he would restrain her. You needn't fret any about that, he said. Reg and I, do understand. The vital force of the man was in that free grip of his. She looked to see the awful flare of savage passion leap back into his eyes, but she looked in vain. His eyes baffled her. They seemed to hold her back like a sword in the hand of a practiced

Starting point is 13:37:02 fencer. The words she had thought to utter died on her lips. There was to be no reckoning then, and yet she could not feel reassured. He did not look like a man who would forego his revenge. What? What are you going to do? She faltered. at last. I shouldn't want to know too much if I were you, said Jake softly drawling. Not at this stage anyway. His hand still held hers.

Starting point is 13:37:31 He looked her hard and straightened the face, and she was conscious of something fiery, something elementary, wholly uncivilized behind his look. There was a suggestion of violence about him. She saw him as a man tracking his enemy through an endless wilderness, resting mighty rivers, hewing his way through pathless forests,

Starting point is 13:37:50 conquering every obstacle with fixed determination, mercilessly riding him down. She braced herself and rose, drawing her hand free. Her head still swam, but she controlled herself resolutely. She stood before him like a prisoner upon trial. Jake, she said,

Starting point is 13:38:09 I am going to tell you something that will make you terribly angry, but it's something that you must know. She paused, but he sat in silent, grimly watching her. She found her resolution wavering and gripped it with all her strength. When I came back here from Liverpool, it was not—not to see my mother, as I gave you to understand. It was to—to—she faltered under his look, found she could not continue, and suddenly threw out her hands in piteous appeal. Jake, don't make it impossible for me to tell you.

Starting point is 13:38:45 He rose also. They stood face to face. are you going to tell me that you lied to me he said she drew back from him sharply the question felt like a blow i am telling you the truth now she said and for whose sake he flung the words brutally as a man goaded beyond endurance but the moment they were uttered he drew a hard breath as though he would recall them he came to her took her by the shoulders you take my advice he said leave the whole miserable business alone. You've been tricked, badly tricked. You have appealed to me to protect you, and that's enough. I don't want any more than that. I reckon I understand the situation better than you think. You are trying to tell me that it was your original intention to elope with Saltash. Well, maybe it was. But you had given up the notion before you went to him at the castle, and he knew you had given it up. If he had had to have it up, if he had to him. If he had to

Starting point is 13:39:48 known it, he wouldn't have taken the trouble to drug you. It's an old device, old as the hills. He's probably done it a score of times, and with more success than he had today. Yes, that makes you sick. I guess it would. And that's what he's going to answer to me for. What he'll ask your pardon for on his knees before I've done with him. Oh, no, Jake, no! She broke in upon him with a cry of consternation. for pity's sake no Jake I can't bear it I cannot bear it Jake I beseech you leave him alone now oh do leave him alone You you can punish me in any other way I'll bear anything but that anything but that

Starting point is 13:40:36 Piteously she besought him shaken to the soul by the grim purport of his speech She did not flinch from him now rather she appealed to him as one in sore straits pouring out her entreaty with all that remained of her quivering strength and her words made an impression upon him of which she was instantly aware his hand still held her but the tension went out of his grasp he looked at her with eyes that were no longer hard eyes that held a dawning compassion reckon you're the last person that deserves punishing he said at length and in his voice she fancied she caught an echo of the old frank kindliness you've been the victim all through reckon you've suffered more than enough already she hid her face from him with a sudden rush of tears something in his words pierced straight to her heart you don't know me she sobbed oh you don't know me

Starting point is 13:41:35 she drew herself away and sank down in the chair by the fire where once she had poured out all her troubles to him he did not kneel beside her now he stood in silence and as he stood his hands slowly clenched and he threw thrust them into his pockets. He spoke at last, but with a restraint that made the words sound cold. Maybe I know you better than you think. I know you've cared for the wrong man ever since I first met you. Guess I've known it all along, and it hasn't made things extra easy for either of us, more especially as he was utterly unworthy of you. But you're not to blame for that. It's just human nature. And you'd never. have fallen in love with me anyway. He paused a moment.

Starting point is 13:42:22 I don't see you're to blame any for that either, he said, and she knew by his voice that he had turned away from her. Anyway, I'm not blaming you. And if... If punishing saltash means punishing you too. Well, even though he's a skunk and a blackguard, I reckon I'll let him go. He was moving to the door with the words.

Starting point is 13:42:48 they came half strangled as if something within rebelled fiercely against their utterance. He reached the door and stopped with his back to her. You'd better get your mother to join you here tomorrow, he said. I'm sleeping with the hundredth chance tonight. He's been below par lately and I'm kind of worried about him. He opened the door. He was on the point of squarely passing through when quickly, tremulously she stopped him. Jake, please.

Starting point is 13:43:17 please wait a moment i must i must jake he closed the door again and turned round but he did not come back or even look at her there was a hint of doggedness about him almost as though he waited against his will she stood up something in his attitude made it difficult painfully difficult to speak she strove for self-control you are going to to forgive me she said quiveringly he glanced down momentarily, a grim flicker as of a smile about his mouth. "'For what you haven't done, and never could do. "'It would be mighty generous of me, wouldn't it?' he said. She moved a step towards him. "'I might have done it. I so nearly did it,' she said in distress. "'I don't deserve any kindness from you, Jake.

Starting point is 13:44:11 I don't know how to thank you for it.' He made a sharp gesture with one hand. If I've given you more than bare justice, he said, put it to my credit. Make allowance for me next time. Something rose in her throat. She stood for a moment, battling with it. Bear justice, had she ever given him so much as that?

Starting point is 13:44:36 And he rewarded her with this blind generosity that would not even be aware of the weakness that had so nearly been her ruin. Trembling, she drew nearer to him. She stretched out a quivering hand, "'Jake,' she said, and the tears were running down her face. "'I will try to be worthy of your goodness to me.' He took her hand, gripping it with a force that made her wince.

Starting point is 13:45:02 "'Shucks my girl,' he said with a gruffness oddly uncharacteristic of him. "'That's nothing. Be worthy of yourself.' And with that abruptly he let her go, turned, and left her. She knew by the finality of his going That she would see him no more that night End of chapters 19 and 20 Part 2, chapters 21 and 22 Of the 100th Chance by Ethel Amdell

Starting point is 13:45:35 This Librevox recording is in the public domain 21 The Poison Fruit It was curiously like the old days To see Jake enter the parlor on the following morning with chops the red setter at his heels But for Chops' delighted welcome of her, Mott could almost have felt that the intervening weeks

Starting point is 13:45:55 had been no more than a dream. She sat in her accustomed place and fondled him. Then, as Jake passed her, she put out a detaining hand. Good morning, Jake. Her face was burning, yet she lifted it. He stood a second, only a second, behind her chair. Then bent and touched her forehead with his lips. You're down early, he said.

Starting point is 13:46:18 Have you slept? She nodded, feeling her agitation subside with thankfulness. How is the hundredth chance? Jake went to the fire. I think he'll be all right, but I won't trust anyone else to look after him. By the way, here's a letter for you. He held it out to her behind his back. She took it.

Starting point is 13:46:41 Her fingers closed upon a crest. She got up sharply, went to his side, and with a passionate movement dropped it straight into the flames. Shall we have breakfast now? She said. Here's another letter, said Jake. The grim smile was suffering about his mouth, but he made no comment whatever upon her action.

Starting point is 13:47:02 She took the second letter. Is this all? That's all, said Jake. It's from Uncle Edward. She opened it and began to read. Suddenly she glanced up and found his eyes upon her. They fell instantly. You can read it too, she said.

Starting point is 13:47:19 and held the letter so that he might share it with her. He stood at her shoulder and read, it was a very brief epistle, written in evident distress of mind. My dear grand-niece, will you permit me to tender to you my very humble apology for the gross behavior by which I drove you from the shelter of my roof? The fact that you have returned to your husband's house convinces me of the base injustice of my suspicions.

Starting point is 13:47:47 I ought to be old enough to know. that a woman cannot be judged by her friends? If you find that you possess sufficient magnanimity to extend a free pardon to a very lonely and penitent old sinner, will you of your charity return, for however brief a period, and give him an opportunity to demonstrate his penitence? Yours humbly and hopefully, Edward Warren. Oh, poor old man, Maude looked up quickly. But how did he know I was here? I wired to him of your safe arrival, said Jake, in reply to a wire from him which I didn't read. I thought he might come posting down here if I didn't.

Starting point is 13:48:28 Poor old man, she said again, and after a moment, thank you, Jake. He looked at her, for keeping my word. I generally do that. Say, what are you going to do? I'll write to him, she said. He moved around to his place at the breakfast. table. You're not wanting to go back then. She hesitated. What is it? He said. Money. I can let you have

Starting point is 13:48:57 some if you're short of it. She flushed. No, Jake, no. I think. I think I'll stay here for the present. I will make him understand. Please yourself, said Jake, and opened the morning paper. A faint sense of disappointment

Starting point is 13:49:13 went through her. She had fancied her decision would have evoked a if not open pleasure from him. She poured out his coffee in silence. As she brought it to him, he glanced up at her. Don't stay on my account if you feel you'd sooner go, he said. I get along very well alone. She stiffened ever so slightly.

Starting point is 13:49:35 Thank you, she said. I'll think about it. Jake fell to work upon his breakfast with his usual business-like rapidity. She did not attempt to keep pace with him. Somehow the idea that he's really wished her to go had robbed her of all desire to eat. After a time he glanced across at her again. Are you going down to see your mother?

Starting point is 13:49:57 She answered him somewhat listlessly. Yes, I suppose so. She'll have to decide on something soon, he observed. Maud bit her lip. The thought of going to her mother again was wholly repugnant to her. She marveled that he did not see it. I am sure she won't come and live in this place. She said after a moment.

Starting point is 13:50:19 She can please herself, said Jake imperturbably. That was to be his attitude, then. They were to please themselves. He had withdrawn his control over her actions. An evil spirit suddenly whispered to her that he would even have left her in saltash's keeping had she not called to him to deliver her. She shook off, the poisonous thought,

Starting point is 13:50:40 but it had been there. He had been kind, more than kind, to her. She forced herself to dwind. upon his kindness. But his present indifference was even more obvious. He was engrossed in his work. He had thought only for his animals. Plainly it was a matter of small importance to him if she went or stayed. He finished his breakfast and got up. Well, so long, he said, I may not get back before nightfall. I have to go over to Greydown. She scarcely acknowledged his words, and he did not wait for any acknowledgement. He took up his riding-whip and went out. Chops looked round at her doubtfully

Starting point is 13:51:20 and followed him. The door closed upon them. And suddenly, Maud leaned upon the table and hid her face. This was to be her life, then, the unspeakable dreariness of a loveless home. She had thought he loved her. She had thought. She had thought. And now she saw that it began and ended with mere kindness and possibly a sense of duty. His passion for her. That fiery, all-mastering desire had burnt itself out, and there was nothing left.

Starting point is 13:51:53 An unutterable weariness came upon her. Oh, she was so tired. She was tired of life. It was then that in some mystic fashion, that voice which she had once heard spoke again in her soul.

Starting point is 13:52:08 The spark is ours for the kindling. The power to love, the power to create love. Was she indeed capable of kindling this lamp in the desert? Out of those dead ashes of passion could love the immortal indeed be made to rise. She sat for a long time and pondered. Pondered.

Starting point is 13:52:30 When an hour later she went down the hill to the town, the day was brilliant in the sky without a cloud. The sea was one glorious sheet of blue that seemed to stretch away limitless into infinity. Down by the key a white yacht rocked at her moorings. She marked it with a throbbing heart. Why, oh, why, did he linger? She yearned it to trust him forever out of her life.

Starting point is 13:52:54 She reached the anchor hotel and entered. The bareness of the place smote cold upon the senses. She passed through it quickly and went up to her mother's room. Oh, my dear, at last! querulously, Mrs. Shepherd greeted her. Shut the door and come in. Charlie is watching for you. He will be over directly. She was clad in an old pink wrapper and kneeling before a half-filled trunk.

Starting point is 13:53:20 Maud stood still in the doorway every spark of animation gone out of her. Mother, what are you doing? What do you mean? Her voice sounded frozen and devoid of all emotion. Her fingers were clenched rigidly upon the handle of the door. She stared at her mother with eyes that were suddenly stony. What do you mean? she repeated. Mrs. Shepard looked up at her smiling.

Starting point is 13:53:45 I mean, dear, that while you go for your Mediterranean cruise, I am going back to London. Dear me, why did I ever leave it? I have never been happy since. Fair Harbor never suited me. I was saying so to Charlie only last night. He told me all about it, dear. Poor child.

Starting point is 13:54:05 I hope that horrible cowboy person wasn't very cruel to you. I couldn't help let me. out where you had gone yesterday afternoon. He came in only a few minutes after you left and was so insistent. But thank goodness you've broken away. You had Charlie's letter, did you? I told him I was sure you would come directly you knew he was waiting. Dear, Charlie, he really is very good.

Starting point is 13:54:30 I quite see his point of view about the poor old anchor, and I really think it is all for the best. Jaws is gone anyway, and I am released from any obligations in that direction. Charlie hated Child's for some reason, though I can't discover that he ever met him. Come in, child. Why do you stand there looking so tragic? Surely all's well that ends well. Maud turned stiffly as though her limbs had become automatic. I am going, she said.

Starting point is 13:54:59 I am going. Oh, wait till Charlie comes for you, dearest. Don't be too impetuous. I am sure he will come immediately. He would be watching the shore from the yacht. such a lovely morning for a cruise too you will be wanting a few little necessaries dear i have put them up for you in that leather bag i knew you would never think of that for yourself i believe he means to take you straight to paris you lucky child the yacht will go round and wait for you at marseilles charlie always does things so royally doesn't he he has been most kind most generous to me mrs shepherd was talking into the trunk a smile of happy anticipation about her lips that made her almost comely again really she said it is quite wonderful how things always turn out for the best

Starting point is 13:55:52 i only wish i had known a year ago how happy you and dear little bunny were going to be it would have saved me so much anxiety when you are lady sultash of course you will make a home for him at the castle and there may be just a corner sometimes for me too darling what a happy party we shall all be she threw a smile over her shoulder and then suddenly turned and stared the door was closed and she was alone down the wide staircase maud ran like a wild thing seeking freedom down into the bare echoing hall but the moment she reached it she stopped stopped dead as one suddenly turned to stone he was waiting for her there in the sunny open doorway a smile of arrogant satisfaction on his ugly face and a triumph open triumph in his eyes he came to meet her like a king carelessly gracious royally self-assured ah maud of the roses he said free at last he reached her where she stood rigidly waiting he opened his arms to take her and then as though there had been the flash of a dagger between them he stopped she had not moved she did not move but the blazing blue of her eyes gave him check for the space of many seconds they stood not breathing not stirring and in those seconds as by the light of a piercing torch, each read the other's soul. It was Saltash who gave ground at last, but insolently with a smile of bitter mockery.

Starting point is 13:57:29 This scene is called The Unmasking of the Villain, he observed. The virtuous heroine, having descended from her pedestal to expose his many crimes, now gathers her mud-stained garments about her and climbs back again, in the confident hope that the worthy cow-puncher who owns her will conclude that she has never left her exalted position, and that the mud was all thrown by the villain. Now, I wonder if the worthy cow-puncher is quite such a fool as that. Her face was quite colourless, but she heard his jive without a sign of shrinking. Only as he ceased to speak she lifted one hand and pointed to the open door.

Starting point is 13:58:09 Go, she said. Just the one word, spoken with a finality more crushing than any outburst of anger. If it expressed contempt it was involuntary. She uttered only what was in her soul. He looked at her, and suddenly the derision in his eyes flamed into fierce malignancy. Oh, I am going, he said. You will never kick me from your path again. You shall tread it alone, quite alone except for the cow-puncher,

Starting point is 13:58:38 who no doubt will see to it that you walk on the stony side of the way. And I warn you it will be very stony, especially when he comes to realize that his lady-wife has been his ruin. A tramp across the world with Jake Bolton under those conditions will at least destroy all illusions as to the stuff of which he is made. And I wish you joy of the journey. He made her a deep, ironical bow, and swung upon his heel. But as he went, she spoke, suddenly, passionately, as though the words leaped forth compelling her. Jake Bolton is a man, a white man.

Starting point is 13:59:16 Soltash laughed aloud, lifting his shoulders as he sauntered away. with the heart of a beast cherraine he said for that cause also i wish you joy he went the sun smote through the empty doorway she put up both hands to her eyes as though to blot out some evil vision and presently like a creature that has been sorely wounded she also crept away fleeing ashamed by another door that no one might observe her going no jake was no fool he saw only what he chose to see believed only what he willed to believe he had been generous to her ay generous past all understanding but he was no fool he had refused the mute offer of her lips only that morning wherefore Wherefore? The answer lay in saltash's mocking words, and all her life she would remember them. The poison plant had borne its bitter fruit indeed, and she had been forced to eat thereof. It burned her now with a cruel intensity, consuming her like a darting flame.

Starting point is 14:00:24 But she knew by its very fierceness that it could not last. Very soon her heart, her soul, would all be burnt away, and there would be only dead ashes left. only dead ashes from which no living spark could ever be kindled again no jake was no fool no fool he would not blame her that was all because she was a woman twenty two the loser why doesn't maud come back said bunny discontentedly it's beastly mean of her to stay away over the holidays you can go to her if you like my son said Jake, between whiffs of his pipe. Oh, I know, but it isn't the same thing. And besides, I'm not going to leave you alone for Christmas, so there. Say, Jake, I wonder you put up with it.

Starting point is 14:01:18 Why shouldn't we go, the two of us, and fetch her back? She's better where she is, said Jake. And as to my going away, it's out of the question. I'm a fixture, so long as there's anything left to do. Something in the last words caught Bunny's attention. attention. He looked at him with sudden shrewdness. What do you mean, Jake? What's up? Jake was silent. He sat moodily smoking and staring into the fire. His chin was sunk on his chest. He looked older than his ears. Bunny on the other side of the hearth gazed at him for several

Starting point is 14:01:54 seconds with close attention. Finally he got up, went to him, slipped down onto the arm of his chair. What is it, Jake, old feller? Tell me. jake looked up met the warm sympathy in the boy's eyes and in a moment thrust a kindly arm about the slim young figure don't you worry about me little part he said there ain't anything the matter that i can't face out by myself oh but that's rot jake bunny's cheek went down against the man's bronze head and pressed it hard what's the good of bottling it up sighed you know jake i don't count i'd die before i'd split "'Guess I know that,' Jake said. He hugged Bunny to him as if there were comfort in mere contact, but he said no more. Bunny hugged him in return, and after a brief silence began to probe for the enlightenment he desired, "'Why do you say Mod is better where she is, Jake?

Starting point is 14:02:52 After all, she is your wife and no one else's, isn't she?' Jake puffed at his pipe for a few seconds, as if considering his reply. "'At last—' i say it because it is so he said your uncle edward wanted her and i reckon that's just the silver lining to my cloud he's a rich man i gather he can look after the two of you if i go under jake you aren't going under horrified incredulity sounded in bunny's voice he leaned swiftly forward to look into jake's face a queer dogged smile showed upon it for an instant and was gone don't you worry any sonny i shall come up again said jake i've been under before practically down and out but it hasn't killed me it ain't going to kill me this time so long as you and maud are provided for i can fend for myself but jake what's it mean you haven't lost money urged bunny in bewilderment no i've got a little money there are plenty of poor devils worse off than i jake leaned his head back against bunny's wiry arm there was a fighting gleam in his eyes but it ain't enough to keep me going if it had been i reckon i shouldn't have waited for notice to quit

Starting point is 14:04:17 is that what you've got jake you aren't in earnest charlie wouldn't be such a blackguard jake uttered an abrupt laugh his teeth were clenched on his lower lip oh charlie's a blackguard all right blackguard enough for anything don't you ever make any mistake about that but i presume it's up to him to sell the studs if he feels so disposed there ain't anything specially blackguardly in that it's just his polite way of telling me to git sell the stud is that what he's going to do oh jake old feller jake shocked sympathy was in bunny's voice jake hugged him harder i hadn't meant to tell you on your first night But you're such a shrewd little chap, and you've got to know sooner or later. Don't make an all-fired fuss about it anyway. All right, Jake. Bunny sounded a little breathless, but there was resolution in his voice. It's you I'm thinking of.

Starting point is 14:05:19 When... When's it going to be? The sale? Early in the year, I expect. I haven't any definite instructions as to that. I'm expecting them every day. All I've been told officially at press. is to cancel all engagements.

Starting point is 14:05:36 Of course I guessed what was in the wind then. I tackled old Bishop the agent about it the other day, and he had to confirm it. Ah, well. Jake heaved an abrupt sigh that seemed to catch him unawares and became silent. Perhaps he won't sell him all, Jake, said Bunny, hesitatingly. He couldn't, surely, sell the hundredth chance.

Starting point is 14:06:02 Jake's pipe suddenly came. cracked between his teeth. He sat up sharply and took it out of his mouth. It fell in twain between his fingers. He sat staring at it, then, with a curious reverence, he stooped forward and dropped the pieces into the heart of the fire. Yes, he said heavily, I reckon the hundredth chance will go with all the rest. He looked at Bunny, and there was desolation in his eyes, but he gave it no verbal expression. And Bunny also found, that the subject demanded silence. It was beyond words.

Starting point is 14:06:38 Does Mod know? He asked at length, speaking rather doubtfully, as if not quite sure of his ground. No, I didn't want to worry her before I need. Jake's eyes went back to the fire, gazing into it, dumbly troubled. I fancy there's no doubt that the old man will provide for her,

Starting point is 14:06:57 for both of you. That's what I'm counting on anyway. Bunny made an abrupt movement of impatience. Oh, damn all that, Jake. What of you! For the first time his strong language went unrebuked. Jake's eyes remained fixed upon the fire where burned the remains of his treasure. He spoke slowly, as one reading words but dimly discerned.

Starting point is 14:07:22 Reckon I shall go back to America. I shall find my feet again there. There's no call for you to be anxious about me. Guess I shan't starve. Jake. Bunny's arm went round his shoulders, gripping them hard. He spoke into Jake's ear, a rapid nervous whisper. Jake, if you're going to America, I reckon I'm coming, too.

Starting point is 14:07:46 There's no one worth speaking to after you. I just won't be left behind. I'll work, Jake. I'll work like a nigger. I won't be a drag on you. But I can't stay behind. Not after all you've been to me. Jake.

Starting point is 14:08:01 Jake, old feller. Say you'll have me. I'm as strong as a horse, and I'd sooner starve along with you than be left without you. I, I... Jake, old feller, please! He suddenly bowed his head upon Jake's shoulder with a hard sob. Little part, Jake said, and pulled him down beside him.

Starting point is 14:08:22 Don't act the fool now. That ain't like you. Bunny clung to him almost fiercely. You shan't. lose everything, Jake. First, mod, and then the animals, and then the home and—and me too. You like me a bit, don't you, Jake? Just a bit, said Jake, ruffling the black head. Then let me come with you, Jake. I'll do whatever you tell me. I'll black your boots for you

Starting point is 14:08:49 every day. I'll do anything under the sun. Only don't leave me behind. I miss you badly enough at school. But I can't stick it without you altogether. shucks shucks said jake very softly he was holding bunny in his arms in the old brotherly way they were too close to one another for any boyish dignity to come between the bond that linked them had been forged in the fires of adversity and adversity served but to strengthen it i can't bunny reiterated you don't know what you are to me jake you've just made me and i-i feel as if i'll all come undone again if you go right away. I haven't gone yet, said Jake in a draw that was slightly unsteady. But if it is to be, Bunny Lad,

Starting point is 14:09:41 and God knows it's more than likely, you can do a bigger thing for me by staying back here, along with Maude, than if you came along and roughed it with me. You'll be the link between us, boy, when all the other links are gone. He became silent, gently smoothing the hair that he had

Starting point is 14:10:01 ruffled. Bunny was silent also for a space. It was as if something sacred had come into their communion. At last, with his head still pillowed on Jake's shoulder, he spoke. Say, Jake. Jake's arm tightened almost as if he would silence him, but he said nothing. And Bunny persisted. Jake, old chap, it doesn't take a profit to see that things aren't as they should be between you, too. I'm beastly sorry. I know jolly well it's not your fault. It ain't hers, Jake said almost under his breath. No, I guess it's that blackguard, Charlie. I wish I were a man.

Starting point is 14:10:41 I'd shoot him, said Bunny vindictively. I guess you wouldn't, Jake said faint humor in his voice. Besides, there's nothing to shoot him for now. He's as much a loser as I am. What, they've quarreled? questioned Bunny. Where is he? At the castle?

Starting point is 14:10:59 No, heaven knows where he is. He's been gone for the last six weeks and more. It's twice that since Mod went away, observed Bunny uneasily. Why on earth doesn't she come back, Jake? She's not... Not afraid of you. She has been back once in that time, Jake said quietly. She stayed one night with your mother at the anchor.

Starting point is 14:11:26 The place is shut up now and your mother has gone back. to London. I thought, possibly, that she would have settled down here a bit with Mod, but she didn't quite see it. And it was as well, for the old uncle wrote asking Mod to go back to him, and she went. Without consulting you? asked Bunny quickly. She didn't consult me, certainly, but she knew I was willing for her to go. Jake spoke with a touch of restraint. Bunny raised his head and looked at him with a sudden shrewdness. Who did she want to get away from, you or Charlie? A flicker that was scarcely humorous crossed Jake's face.

Starting point is 14:12:07 Maybe both, he said. And you, you quarreled with Charlie? No, seeing he was a loser, I let him go in peace. It was the only thing to do. And he has got his knife into you on that account? questioned Bunny. Maybe, Jake admitted. Then he's a low hound, and I'd love to tell him so.

Starting point is 14:12:29 "'Where's the use? Reckon he knows it all right,' said Jake dryly. "'I hope Maud knows it, too.' "'She does,' said Jake. "'Bunny looked slightly mollified. "'That's something, anyway. Say Jake. "'What is it, my son?' Jake's red-brown eyes looked at him with a tenderness that only Bunny was ever allowed to see. Bunny's head went back to its resting place against his shoulder swiftly andeeringly.

Starting point is 14:12:58 Jake, Jake, old man, why don't you go back to her? Maybe she's wanting you, and she hasn't the pluck to say so. Women are like that, you know. Jake was silent. Give her the chance, Jake, Bunny urged. You don't know her like I do. She was always shy. Lots of people thought her proud, but it was mostly shyness.

Starting point is 14:13:24 Give her the chance, Jake, old feller. Just this one chance. It may make all the difference. Think so, said Jake. Of course I do. I know, Maude. She'd sooner die than show you her feelings. But she's got them all the same.

Starting point is 14:13:41 Maybe she's wanting you quite a lot, Jake. You can't tell. And maybe she's not, said Jake. Oh, don't, don't be an ass, Jake. Come along and find out anyway. It's up to you, Jake. And there's no one else in the running. A whimsical smile touched Jake's grim mouth.

Starting point is 14:14:01 Guess that's just what makes it so difficult, he said. Is anyone at all in the running? I'd sooner draw a loser than a blank. Bunny lifted a hot, earnest face. Don't be an ass, Jake, he urged again. Go in, man. Go in and win. You love her, don't you? It was a straight shot, and it found its mark.

Starting point is 14:14:25 Something fiery, something hoarse. Something wholly untamed leaped into Jake's eyes. They shone like a flame upon which spirit has been poured. Bunny pulled himself free with a sound that was almost a whoop of triumph. You silly coon, go and tell her so, he said. I'll bet you never have yet. And Jake uttered a laugh that was curiously broken. You're getting too damn clever, my son, he said.

Starting point is 14:14:53 End of chapters 21 and 22 Part 2, Chapter 23 and 24 of the 100th Chance by Ethel Amdel. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 23. The Storm Wind It'll be real sport to take her by surprise, said Bunny with a chuckle of anticipation. But what a beast of a journey it's been! They had been traveling practically all day, and a black night of streaming rain had been their welcome.

Starting point is 14:15:30 They had found accommodation at the hotel in which Maude had once spent a night, and having dined there they splashed through the muddy streets in search of their goal. They found it, a tall gaunt house standing back in a dark dripping garden, unlighted, forsaken. It can't be the place, said Bunny, for the first time feeling his ardor for the adventure slightly damped. We'll soon find out, said Jake. They groped their way to a flight of step. and with the aid of a match found the bell. It rang desolately through the building. The house is empty, declared Bunny. But after a considerable pause, a step sounded within,

Starting point is 14:16:09 and a white-faced mate-servant opened to them. Come in, she said in a hollow voice. You're very late. Mrs. Bolton here, asked Jake as he stepped on to the mat. She nodded as if in agitation. Yes, I'll tell her. She shut the door behind them and went away, leaving them in the narrow dimly lighted hall. What a rum go, said Bunny. Jake said nothing. He was gazing into the shadows in front of him with intent searching eyes.

Starting point is 14:16:38 How would she greet him? Would she be glad? Would she be sorry? He watched for her face and the first instinctive expression it would wear at sight of him. There came the rustle of a dress, a football that was light and yet somehow sounded weary.

Starting point is 14:16:54 She came through the dim hall with a slow, tired, gate. Good evening, she said. Will you come upstairs? Bunny's fist suddenly prodded Jake in the back. He went forward a step almost involuntarily. Mod, he said. Jake, she stood as one transfixed. And in that moment he forgot to notice how she looked at him, forgot everything in the one overwhelming thought that he was with her. He strode forward, and somehow her two cold hands were in his before he knew whether he had taken or she had offered them.

Starting point is 14:17:28 My girl, he said, and again huskily. My girl. She lifted a quivering face. Jake, thank you for coming. I hardly thought you could have got here so soon. He drew her to him and kissed her. You've been wanting me, he said. She nodded.

Starting point is 14:17:48 I sent for you, yes. I didn't feel as if I could face it all by myself. His hold was warm, full of sustaining strength. You'll have to tell me what has happened, he said. I didn't get your message. You didn't? She looked momentarily startled.

Starting point is 14:18:07 Then why are you here? I came, he hesitated, glanced over his shoulder. Bunny's here, too, he said. Thought we'd just look you up, said Bunny emerging from the background. Hello, Mod, what's the matter? Is the old man ill? She turned to greet him. He died.

Starting point is 14:18:27 yesterday, she said. Great Scott, said Bunny. Jake said nothing. He was watching her closely, closely. She kissed Bunny lingeringly, but without emotion. He was only ill five days, she said. It was a chill and then pneumonia. I nursed him right up to the last.

Starting point is 14:18:47 He wouldn't have anyone else. In fact, he wouldn't let me out of his sight. Her face quivered again, and she paused, then drearily. I was expecting the undertaker when you came in, she said. I've had to arrange everything. The funeral will be the day after tomorrow. Will you come into the dining room? There's a fire there.

Starting point is 14:19:08 She led the way to that stiff and cheerless apartment. Bunny pressed close to her and pushed his hand through her arm. Say, maud, old girl, you're ill yourself, he said. She looked at him out of deeply shadowed eyes. No, I'm not ill, only tired, too tired to sleep. "'There is some wine in that cupboard, dear. Do you mind getting it out? You and Jake must have some.' She went over to the fire almost as one moving in a dream and stood before it silently. Jake came to her, put a kindly arm about her.

Starting point is 14:19:42 "'You must go to bed, my dear,' he said. "'You're worn out.' She shook her head with a rather piteous smile. "'Oh, no, I can go for a long while yet. I must get some rooms ready for you and Bunny.' you won't need to do that he said bunny is putting up at the hotel round the corner and i can sleep just anywhere she let herself lean against him thank you for coming jake she said again She was plainly worn out, and from that moment Jake took command. He made her sit in one of the stiff velvet chairs in front of the fire, made her drink some wine, and finally left her there with Bunny in charge. She was absolutely docile, gladly relinquishing all responsibility.

Starting point is 14:20:29 To Bunny she gave a few halting details of the old man's death, but she could not talk much. The strain of those days and nights of constant watching had brought her very near to a complete breakdown. She was so tired, so piteously tired. She dozed presently sitting there before the fire with him, holding his hand. It was so good to have him there, so good to feel that there was someone left to love her, to think for her, so good to know that bunny, though he had ceased to be the one aim and end of her

Starting point is 14:21:00 existence, had not drifted wholly out of her life. It must have been more than an hour later that she was aroused by a few whispered words over her head, and sat up to see Bunny on his feet, preparing to take his departure. She looked up in swift distress. Oh, are you going? Must you go? Yes, he must go, Jake said gently.

Starting point is 14:21:22 He'll get locked out if he doesn't. And the little chap's tired, you know, Maude. He's been traveling all day and wants a good night's rest. That moved her. Though Bunny disclaimed fatigue, she saw that he had been sleeping also. All the mother in her rose to the surface. "'Yes, of course, dear, you must go,' she said. "'I wish you could have slept here, but perhaps it's better you shouldn't.

Starting point is 14:21:47 Can you find your way alone? Jake, won't you go with him?' But Bunny strenuously refused Jake's escort. He bade her good-night with warmth, and she saw that he hugged Jake at parting. And then the door closed upon him, and Jake's square figure came back alone. He came straight to her, and bent over her. "'My dear,' he said, "'you're tired to death. "'You must go to bed.' She shook her head, wanly smiling.

Starting point is 14:22:15 "'It's no good going to bed, Jake. "'I'm much happier here. "'Directly I lie down. "'I am wide awake. "'Besides, I'm too tired to get there.' "'All right, I'll put you there,' he said. "'No, no, Jake.' "'She stretched out a quick hand of protest,

Starting point is 14:22:34 "'but there was no holding him off. His arm was already about her. He lifted her to her feet. His face wore the old dominant look, yet with a subtle difference. His eyes held naught but kindness. She yielded herself to him almost involuntarily. I haven't been to bed for nearly a week, she said. I've slept, of course, in snatches.

Starting point is 14:22:58 I used to lie down in Uncle Edward's room. Poor dear old man. He wanted me so. Her eyes were full of tears. I was with him when he died, she whispered. We had arranged to have a nurse this morning, but the end came rather quickly. We knew his heart was weak.

Starting point is 14:23:17 The doctor said, It was better for him, really, that he went like that. Why didn't you send for me sooner? Jake said. Her pale face flushed. She turned it from him. I didn't think you'd want to come. It wasn't till,

Starting point is 14:23:34 till I got frightened at the dreadful emptiness that—that—she broke off fighting with herself. All right. Don't try to tell me. I understand, he said soothingly. He went up the long, dim staircase with her, still strongly supporting her. He entered her room as one who had the right. The tears were running down her face, for she could not check them. She attempted no remonstrance, suffering him like a forlorn child. And as though she had been a child, he ministered to her, waiting upon her, helping her, with a womanly intuition that robbed the situation of all difficulty, meeting her utter need with a simplicity and singleness of purpose that could not but achieve its end.

Starting point is 14:24:17 "'You treat me as if—as if I were bunny,' she said once, smiling faintly through her tears. And Jake smiled in answer, "'A man ought to be able to valet his own wife,' he said. The words were simply uttered, but they sent the blood to her cheeks. "'You—you are very good to me,' she murmured confusedly. "'I ought not to let you.' "'Don't you worry any about that,' said Jake. "'The main idea is to get you to bed.'

Starting point is 14:24:47 "'I am sure I shall never sleep again,' she said. Yet as she sank down at last upon the pillow, there was a measure of relief in her eyes. "'Now you're going to lie quiet till morning,' Jake said, tucking in the bedclothes with motherly care. good night my girl is that comfortable he kissed her for the second time lightly caressingly exactly as he might have kissed a child she tried to answer him to thank him but could not he smoothed the hair from her temples and turned away but in that moment her hands came out to him with a gesture that was almost convulsive caught and held his sleeve oh jake she said jake i'm so lonely and suddenly began to to sob. I want you more than bunny does. Don't go. Don't go. It was a cry of utter desolation. He turned back to her on the instant. He stooped over her his face close to hers.

Starting point is 14:25:48 Do you mean that? He said, and in his voice, low as it was, there sounded a deep note as of something forcibly suppressed. She clung to him, hiding her face against the rough tweed coat. I've no one else, she sobbed. "'Ah,' Jake said. A very strange look came into his face. His mouth twitched a little as if in self-ridicule. "'But my girl,' he said, "'I reckon you'd say that to anyone to-night.'

Starting point is 14:26:17 "'No, no!' Quiveringly she answered him. "'I say it to you, to you. I'm so terribly alone, so, so empty.' Uncle Edward used to tell me what it meant to be lonely. But I never knew it could be like this. Poor girl, Jake murmured softly.

Starting point is 14:26:39 I know, I know. The look of faint irony still hovered about his lips, but his voice, his touch, conveyed nothing but tenderness. He was stroking the dark hair with a motherliness that was infinitely soothing. She was holding his other hand tightly, tightly against her breast, and it was wet with her tears. I've been so miserable, she told him brokenly. I know it's been no one's fault, but my own.

Starting point is 14:27:09 But life is so difficult, so difficult. I've treated you badly, badly. I haven't done my duty. I've always yearned for the things out of reach. And now, and now. Oh, Jake, my world is a desert. I haven't a friend left anywhere. that's wrong jake said in his voice of soft decision you've got me i mayn't be the special kind of friend you're wanting but as you say i reckon i'm better than nothing and i'm your husband anyway

Starting point is 14:27:47 my husband yes that's why i sent for you jake she hid her face lower deeper into his coat if-if i had had a child would it-would it have made you happy oh that jake laid his head down suddenly on the pillow above hers he spoke into the thick darkness of her hair my girl don't cry so i wanted it yes she moved slightly stretching a hesitating hand upwards, touched his face, his neck. Jake, it, it would make me happy, too. He put his arm about her as she lay and gathered her close to him not speaking. She was trembling all over,

Starting point is 14:28:33 her face was still hidden. But she yielded to the drawing of his arm, clinging to him blindly, desperately. He held her so for a little space, then with steady insistence he moved his other hand, beginning to turn her face upwards to his own. She tried to resist him, but he would not be resisted. In the end, panting, quivering, she yielded very suddenly.

Starting point is 14:28:57 She lifted her face voluntarily to his. She offered him her lips, but her eyes were closed. She palpitated like a trapped thing in his hold. Yet when his lips met hers, she returned his kiss, and it was for the first time in her life. She slept that night in the shelter of his arms. safeguarded from the desolate emptiness of her desert. And if she dreamed that she had gone back into the house of bondage

Starting point is 14:29:24 for the sake of the fire that burned there, the dream did not distress her, nor did the fire scorch. Rather, the warmth of it filled her lonely spirit with such comfort as she had long ceased to hope for. And the steady beat of a man's heart lulled her to a deeper rest. When the dim dawn light came filtering in, Jake's eyes turned to meet it with a lynx-like watchful, as of an animal on guard.

Starting point is 14:29:50 He had not slept all through the night. His face was grim and still, and there was a hint of savagery, or was it irony, about his mouth? For the second time in their lives, fate had driven her to him for refuge. Like a bird out of the storm she had come to him, perchance but for that one-night shelter.

Starting point is 14:30:11 Already a contrary wind was blowing that might sunder them forever. With the coming of the day they might drift apart and meet no more at all, so slender was the bond between them, so transient their union. For he knew that she loved him not, had never loved him. His eyes grew harder, brighter. They shone with a great and bitter hunger. He turned them upon her sleeping face, and then magically they softened, grew pitiful, grew tender. For though she slept, the veil was lifted, and he read the sadness of her soul. His lips, his lips. His lips,

Starting point is 14:30:47 lips suddenly trembled as he looked upon her, and the irony went out of him like an evil spirit. Whether she loved him or loved him not, she was his, she was his, till the stormwind drove her from him, and she needed him as she needed no one else on earth. His arm clasped her. He gathered her closer to his breast. Twenty-four. The Great Burden By Jove! said Bunny in a voice of all. never thought of that. Then, Maude, will be rich, will she?

Starting point is 14:31:21 Rich as greases. Just think of it. Maud! He drew a deep breath that ended in a whistle. Puts a different complexion on things, eh, Jake, old feller? He said. Quite different, said Jake. He stood at the window gazing forth into the murky atmosphere with his brows drawn.

Starting point is 14:31:41 He looked like a man searching the far distance. Bunny glanced at him questioningly. What does she say? say to it? Was it a great shock? I don't know. I think it was. She said he once offered to provide for the two of you and leave you provided for at his death. But that was before her marriage. And now he's gone and left her the whole caboodle. Say, Jake, what's it come to? Did the lawyer chap give you any idea? No one knew what the old man was worth, Jake said with his eyes still fixed steadily ahead. He wasn't very great at spending money, but he owned a large factory and had a vested interest

Starting point is 14:32:19 in several others, besides some thousands and other concerns. The lawyer put it down at not less than $250,000. Jake! Bunny began to execute an ecstatic war dance behind him. Jake wheeled sharply. Don't do that here, Bunny. It's not decent. Bunny stopped. Oh, sorry, Jake. I forgot. I forgot. I But aren't you pleased, old fella? You don't look it, or is it just decency on your part? I'm pleased she's got enough to live on, yes, Jake said. I don't know that a whole pile is specially good for anyone. And now, look here, young chap. I'm going back directly after the funeral. I've got to go, and you're to stay and take care of her. Bunny's face fell. Oh, I say, Jake, I'd sooner come with you.

Starting point is 14:33:13 That may be. Jake smiled momentarily. But you've got to do as you're told, see? Bunny looked mutinous. But she won't want me, Jake. She'll be much too busy. And this is such a beastly hole. And there's the hunting. You promised I might hunt these holidays. Oh, I can't stick here. I shall only be in the way. His eyes flashed sudden rebellion. Can't and won't, Jake, he said boldly. So that. settled. He stood and defied Jake openly for an instant, then flung round with a dogged air and walked away. Jake remained motionless watching him. Say, Bunny, he said after a moment his voice very soft and drawling. Bunny came to a stand before the fire which he poked with considerable

Starting point is 14:34:02 violence. He did not turn his head. Put that thing down. The order came from the further end of the room, but he obeyed it. There fell a brief silence. than from his post by the window Jake spoke. You can do as you like about it. You can come back with me to the stables, but you'll do all your riding on a leading string if you do. And if you hunt, it'll be on foot. Bunny's face flamed a scarlet.

Starting point is 14:34:30 Jake, you're a beast, he said. Oh, I can do beastlier things than that, Jake said. I can give you one hell of a time, my son. I'm dashed ingenious in that respect when I get my mind to it. Bunny growled something deep in his throat and kicked the coals with a savage foot. Jake turned deliberately round and looked at him,

Starting point is 14:34:53 watched him with the utmost patience till he desisted. Then, Come here now, he said, and have your head punched. Bunny growled again less articulately, more ferociously. Jake left the window. The boy wheeled to meet him

Starting point is 14:35:09 with the glare of a tiger. Touch me if you dare, he exclaimed. There was a faint, relentless smile on Jake's face. He took Bunny by the shoulders and looked him full and straight in the eyes. Bunny stood before him for his face, with clenched hands. Then he dropped his own eyes sullenly before that stern regard, slowly lowered his head. There fell a tense silence then, "'Get on with it, Jake,' he said in a voice half sulky, half submissive.

Starting point is 14:35:40 And Jake abruptly moved, struck him twice, lately on the side of the head. That's for using the forbidden language, he said. And that's for general fooling around. A taste of the leather would do you good, only I can't leather a jolly little cocks barrel like you. Don't you think you're rather a fool, Bunny? I do.

Starting point is 14:36:02 I'm a damn cad, Bunny said with shaky vehemence and pulled himself away with the words. I can't help it. I don't see much of you now, and I do hate being left behind. He turned his back on Jake and leaned dejectedly against the high mantelpiece. But Jake's arm went round his shoulders, giving him a comforting squeeze. Don't you know I'm trying to make a partner of you, my son?

Starting point is 14:36:27 He said in his soft voice, You needn't be so mighty difficult to handle. What I'm on to now is more than a one-man job. I'm wanting all the help I can get. Bunny laid a hot cheek against his hand. You know I'd do anything for you, Jake, he said. He swallowed once or twice hard and phased round. Anything under the sun, he said.

Starting point is 14:36:53 Jake's hand smote him the blow of good fellowship. I'm counting on, just that, Sonny, he said. He turned round with the words. Someone was entering the room. Hello, said Bunny. Hello, Mod. He moved to meet his sister with a curious new shyness. She looked pale.

Starting point is 14:37:12 aloof, very sad. Jake has been telling you, she said. Bunny nodded. It's rather great, isn't it? he said. She came slowly forward, not looking at Jake. It's too great, she said. I might have been glad of it once, but now, now, she broke off. Jake drew forward a chair.

Starting point is 14:37:37 Reckon you'll find it just as useful now as then, he said. She glanced at him quickly. and a tinge of color rose in her face. Oh, I dare say we shall all find it useful, she said. Jake's expression was enigmatical. He stood up squarely, looking straight before him. You'll be able to buy anything and everything you want, he said. To live where and how you like.

Starting point is 14:38:02 In short, you'll be in a position to create your own atmosphere. Money is freedom. Remember that. If you choose to buy a team of cash, camels and trundle off into the desert, there's no one can prevent you. She shivered as if a cold blast had struck her and leaned towards the fire.

Starting point is 14:38:23 I'm not particularly fond of the desert, she said in a low voice. Oh, you needn't go alone, Jake said. You'll be able to buy your friends by the score and populate all the lonely places. There was no sound of scoffing in his voice. It was not even without a hint of kindliness. but she shook her head in silence.

Starting point is 14:38:46 And suddenly, Bunny knelt down beside her, thrusting an impetuous arm about her waist. Say, Maude, he's only rotting. We'll have a ripping time together presently. Don't be so down in the mouth, old girl. There's plenty of fun to be got out of life. She smiled with lips that trembled. I'm afraid I'm getting rather old, Bunny,

Starting point is 14:39:07 she said wistfully, old enough anyhow to know that money doesn't bring happiness. "'Depends on how you spend it,' maintained Bunny stoutly. "'Of course it is a downright curse to the people who hoard it, "'like that beast who buried his talent. "'But you can make any amount of happiness out of it if you try. "'Think of the crowds you can reach with it. "'That's where the fun comes in.

Starting point is 14:39:31 "'Why, you reap as fast as you sow.' "'Mod made a sudden quick gesture. "'Bunny, how curious that you should say that. "'Why?' "'Bunny opened his eyes and surprised. surprise. Oh, never mind. It reminded me of something. Something rather big, I once heard in a church here. Maud gently passed on as though it were a matter too sacred for discussion. Perhaps you're right, dear. Perhaps there is happiness to be got out of it.

Starting point is 14:40:00 Anyhow, we'll try, won't we? Won't we, Jake? There was almost a note of entreaty in her voice, but she received no answer. She turned sharply. Jake had gone. "'Never mind,' said Bunny, quick to console. "'He's busy. Letters or something. "'But you've got me?' "'Say, Maude, you'll be able to keep the mother above water now. "'That's rather a mercy, anyway.' He almost forced her to the channel of his own cheery speculations

Starting point is 14:40:29 with the reflection that if it wasn't decent, at least it was wholesome. But when he looked back upon that talk with her later, he could not remember that she had made a single suggestion of her own, or displayed the smallest spark of enthusiasm in connection with the great fortune that had come to her. She was tired, of course, and sad. No doubt she would change her mind, but for the present, she seemed to regard it only in the light of a new and heavy burden that had been laid upon her. Bunny could not understand it, but an uneasy wonder awoke and stirred in his heart. Was it because she was married to Jake that she felt it had come too late?

Starting point is 14:41:07 If so, if so. Well, if so, poor old Jake. End of chapters 23 and 24. Part 2, chapters 25 and 26, of the hundredth chance by Ethel Emdel. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. 25. The Blow Home for Christmas. Motoring from Greydown. Three cheers. Bunny. The ecstatic message stood on the mantelpiece in the old.

Starting point is 14:41:45 parlor above a roaring fire, and Jake stood in front of it grimly patient, while the old grandfather clock ticked monotonously in the corner. It was Christmas Eve, still, and frosty. The glass door into the garden was wide open, so that he could hear the first hoot of a motor, and he was listening for it with a lynx-like intensity, a concentration that had in it something almost terrible. It was nearly a fortnight since he had left her, and all his veins were on fire at the thought of having her again. He yearned for her with a fierce hunger that tore at the very soul of him, a hunger that he knew he must suppress, crushed down out of sight ere he met her. Because in her desolation she had turned to him for comfort, he must not take it for granted

Starting point is 14:42:29 that she needed him still. She had had time to recover, time possibly to be amazed, to be shocked at her own yielding. He dreaded to see that instinctive recoil from him which he had learned to know so cruelly well in the summer that was dead. Those words of hers, I can't pretend to love you. You see, I don't. Still haunted him. And he remembered how once,

Starting point is 14:42:54 in bitterness of soul, she had told him that she hated him. He clenched his hands over the memory, cursing himself for the passion that even now leaped so fiercely within him. She had changed towards him since those days, that he knew, but even though she turned to him,

Starting point is 14:43:11 she was half afraid of him still, and he dared not show her his heart. He must be calm and temperate, taking only what she offered, lest he should drive her away again. It might be she would never offer very much. Possibly it did not lie in her power. She had given her whole love to another man, and it had been crashed into the mud. It might be that it still lived there in quivering shame, a thing to be hidden, if it could not be utterly destroyed. He could not tell. He could not tell, But he did not feel that his chance of winning to the heart of her was very great. It might be that when she came to realize the practically boundless power with which this great fortune endowed her, it would vanish altogether.

Starting point is 14:43:55 True, he might put up a fight for his rights. He might insist upon his ownership. But had he not already done that? And what had it brought him? Nothing but emptiness. The desire of the flesh was nothing to the aching longing of the spirit. and that could never be satisfied by such means. And she did not so much as know that it existed.

Starting point is 14:44:18 He had once dreamed that a child might draw them together. But now, but now, a curiously wistful smile drew his mouth. Poor girl, she wanted a child to comfort her desolation. But if she had her wish, he knew that she would never turn to him again for comfort. His last chance would be gone. someone knocked at the open door that led into the garden he turned sharply and saw sam vaker's good-humored countenance looking up at him post just in sir he remarked i was coming round so brought your letter along oh thanks come in jake remained before the fire and after an instant hesitation sam mounted the steps and entered he was carrying a huge bunch of mistletoe in one hand thought you'd like a bit sir he said with a little bit sir he said with a instant hesitation sam mounted the steps and entered he was carrying a huge bunch of mistletoe in one hand thought you'd like a bit sir he said with a cheery smile you haven't got any decorations i see thanks jake said again i don't know where you'll fix it

Starting point is 14:45:20 over the front door sir if you ask me said sam promptly oh no not there sam it's a bit too public over this door if you like jake smiled a little and began to open his letter all right sir i'll get a nail said sam he departed and jake with a face-grown stern proceeded to read his letter when sam returned the letter had disappeared and jake was grinding at the fire with the poker with his head down and a deep-bred flush on his face sam noticed nothing he was too much engrossed with the matter in hand mounted on a wooden chair and whistling softly he applied himself to the task of hanging the mistletoe at the most inviting angle like a bit for your cap sir he inquired with an impudent grin when he had finished. Jake made no reply. Sam threw him a glance and found that he had turned and was standing with his back to the fire, gazing out before him with eyes that shone like two pieces of red quartz. Sam was momentarily disconcerted. No offense meant, sir, he said, picking up his own cap and hastening somewhat clumsily to conceal the decoration it bore. Jake's eyes came to him, regarded him for a moment fiercely without seeing him.

Starting point is 14:46:37 Then abruptly softened and took him in. Sam, he said, I trust you and I'm going to tell you something. Shut the door. Sam obeyed. He looked straight at Jake with sunny, honest eyes. Hadn't you better think it over first, sir, he suggested. No, Jake held out his hand suddenly.

Starting point is 14:46:59 I trust you, he repeated a dogged note in his voice. Sam's hand gripped his like a vice. Right you are, sir, he said cheerily. Jake went on as if impelled. You remember what happened in the summer at the Grey Down meeting when I thrashed young Stevens? Quite well, sir, Sam's reply came brisk and smart. He held himself like a soldier on parade.

Starting point is 14:47:24 You know why I thrashed him? Jake proceeded. Yes, sir, thrashed him and kicked him out, sir. I was never more pleased in my life. said Sam. He's been employed at the castle stables ever since, Jake said very bitterly. I was a fool, a damn fool not to expose him.

Starting point is 14:47:45 But Lord Saltash knew that he pulled the albatross. I told him so. He now says that he has proof that I aided and abetted, proof enough to get me warned off the turf. Proof be damned, sir, said Sam warmly. That ain't a good enough story for anyone with a head on his shoulders to swallow. No, Sam, you're right, and Lord Saltash knows it.

Starting point is 14:48:11 I can't go to him and demand to see his proof because he's on the other side of the world, but there's no scotching a lie of that sort. It'll have spread like the plague long before he gets back. And meantime, he has decided that horse racing and breeding are no longer his fancy, and he is going to sell the stud, and me, along with him. it. Jake's mouth took a bitter downward curve with the last words. Sam's jaw dropped. Going to sell the stud, sir. Jake nodded. Yes, before the spring meetings. You'll be all right, Sam. Anyone would be glad to get you. The stewards know you all right.

Starting point is 14:48:53 Oh, I wasn't thinking of that, sir. I was thinking of you. Sam's blue eyes were gravely troubled. You've got a wife, sir. "'My wife inherits her uncle's money. "'She is not dependent upon me, fortunately for her.' Jake was speaking through set teeth. "'I knew it was coming,' he added. "'I've known it for some weeks.' His eyes suddenly glittered afresh.

Starting point is 14:49:19 "'It ain't a knock-out blow, Sam,' he said. "'Don't you make any mistake as to that?' Sam's eyes sparkled in response. "'It's you that's the knock-out, sir.' he said with eager partisanship. He hits below the belt, but he won't down you that way. You're better known than I am. And no one will believe as you're not straight.

Starting point is 14:49:43 Why, if I was to hear any chap say a single word against you, I'd crack his skull for him. I would that, if it was Saltash himself. Jake uttered a brief laugh. No, you steer clear of Saltash. He's one too many for honest men. "'He's a dirty swab,' said Sam, and spat into the fire with fervor. "'He ain't fit to employ anyone except Dick Stevens and the likes of him.

Starting point is 14:50:10 "'I often wondered who squared Dick that time, but it wouldn't surprise me now if—' He paused, looking at Jake interrogatively. But the latter's face had changed, changed magically, as though some transforming hand had touched it, wiping all the bitterness away. He looked at Sam with a dawning smile in his eyes. good night my lad he said i must go he went to the door with the words and opened it there came the sound of a motor-horn without the gay whoop of a boyish voice jake spurs went jingling down the passage and sam turned to leave by the garden door by which he had entered he crammed his cap down over his eyes as he did poor old boss he said poor old boss twenty six the deed of gift oh isn't it good to be home again said bunny isn't it just good they sat before the blazing fire in the parlor after a late supper drinking mrs lovelace's rhubarb wine and enjoying the glow

Starting point is 14:51:18 maud's cheeks were flushed and her eyes very bright she did not look at her husband very often and there was that about her manner that seemed to suggest that she was striving against considerable odds to appear at her ease. How are the animals, Jake? she asked. How is the hundredth chance? Jake, on the other side of the fire, was lying back in his chair with a cigarette between his lips. His gaitered legs were stretched out before him, and his eyes fixed downwards as if he were half asleep.

Starting point is 14:51:48 He did not stir from this attitude as he made reply. They're all going strong. You must see them for yourself in the morning. His words did not seem to invite any further development of the subject. perhaps he really was sleepy maud bent to fondle chops who lay on the hearth at her feet and asked no more but bunny at once plunged into the silence he had not permitted any silences during supper having plainly determined that the evening should not drag he also was a little fevered in his animation a fact which made jake's absolute calmness of demeanor all the more marked he had been quieter and quieter ever since the removal of the supper things bunny fought against this quietness talking with a nervous excitement that elicited only occasional low replies from maud and none at all from jake but it was jake who finally at the striking of the clock broke in upon his insistent chatter time you went to bed my son say good-night and go a quick word sprang at once to bunny's lips but jake's hand abruptly gripped his knee hard and he swallowed it unspoken he got up with a somewhat wry smile

Starting point is 14:52:58 yes all right i'll go but i don't generally clear out before eleven do i maud you do in my house whatever you do in mods said jake imperturbably good-night my son pleasant dreams to you He looked up at Bunny with a sudden, kindly smile, and Bunny bent impulsively to him. Say, Jake, come and see me presently when, when you come up yourself. The request was preferred in an undertone with unmistakable nervousness. Jake looked him straight in the eyes. All right, he said. The door closed upon Bunny and there fell a silence. Maud sat very still, her hands clasped in her lap.

Starting point is 14:53:40 But there was no repose in her attitude, only a dumb time. tension that seemed to indicate suspense. Jake leaned forward slowly at length, took the cigarette from his mouth, and dropped it into the heart of the fire. Then, without looking at her, he spoke, What's the matter with the little chap? She looked across at him quickly from beneath eyelids that slightly fluttered. Is there anything the matter with him? I didn't notice. He was nearly crying when he said good-night anyway, said Jake.

Starting point is 14:54:12 Oh, was he? perhaps he thought perhaps he thought you were vexed with him murmured maud why should he think that jake's eyes piercingly bright suddenly met hers she winced involuntarily as one might wince from the glare of a searchlight then with a visible effort she met them jake she said i want to talk to you jake's eyes fell away from her they went with a sombre directness to the fire and became fixed about your affairs, my girl, he said. She hesitated momentarily, then. Our affairs, Jake, she said her voice very low. He jerked his head as if to indicate attention, but he said nothing further. It remained for her to proceed, and she did so slowly, as if carefully weighing each word.

Starting point is 14:55:03 You have left me a free hand in the settling of Uncle Edward's affairs, and Mr. Craven is a very clever businessman. I know Uncle Edward trusted him implicitly. But I should like you to know everything that has been done, that is, if you care to know. She paused a moment. You do care, don't you, Jake? she said. I do care for your welfare, my girl, he made answer. Not being your trustee, it's not essential that I should be told every detail.

Starting point is 14:55:33 I wish you were a trustee, she said. He bent his head. Thanks, but I don't know that I'm especially well suited to be. It's better for you, I reckon. to have a free hand. And it's a mighty lot better that you should have a man of education to attend to your business affairs.

Starting point is 14:55:51 Jake! There was quick pain in her voice, pain that he could not fail to note. She leaned forward, stretching a hand to him across the hearth. Jake, she said again very earnestly, Do you think that, that I shall ever forget, that I owe you everything? He took her hand,

Starting point is 14:56:10 but with a curious doggedness he kept his eyes averted. I guess we're quits, he said. You don't owe me anything. I took my payment for all I ever gave you. There was no bitterness in his voice, no emotion of any sort. The clasp of his fingers was no more than kind. His mouth looked stubborn. But a strange sort of stubbornness seemed to have entered into Mod also.

Starting point is 14:56:36 She kept her hand in his. I take another view, she said. I don't think any man. has ever done more for a woman than you have done for me haltingly the words came but she spoke them bravely it's a big big debt jake immeasurally big a personal debt that can never be repaid i feel contemptible whenever i think of it her voice shook jake's fingers closed upon hers with a quiet strength you've no call to feel like that he said Her hand clung to his suddenly, desperately. You believe in me, Jake, she whispered. His face did not vary.

Starting point is 14:57:22 I guess I've proved that, he said very steadily. She uttered a sharp catching sigh. Yes, yes, that is another debt. But till, till that night you came to me at Uncle Edwards, I was never quite sure. Why weren't you sure? He put the question abruptly, with an insistence that demanded an instant to reply.

Starting point is 14:57:44 But still he did not look at her. His eyes gazed ever straight into the fire. Tremulously, she answered him. I met Charlie, Lord Saltash, the morning after, down at the anchor. He said, he said, you wouldn't be such a fool. That was why I went away. Damn him! The words burst from Jake with terrific violence.

Starting point is 14:58:07 He sprang to his feet as a man goaded, all bearing. Curse him, he said his face gone white with passion. May his soul rot in... Jake! The name was a cry, breaking through the fierce rush of his fury. Maud was on her feet also. She held him by the shoulders in a vital quivering hold.

Starting point is 14:58:28 You're not to say it, she said, and her face was close to his, compelling him to silence. You are not to curse him. A curse comes back, comes back. She put one hand on his mouth, for he seemed to on the verge of breaking forth afresh. She looked him full in the eyes. You're not, too, Jake, she said. I won't have it.

Starting point is 14:58:49 You, who have been so splendidly generous, can afford to leave a beaten enemy alone. Ah, Jake! For his arms were round her gripping her. The naked soul of the man was looking into hers. With a supreme impulse, she took her hand away and gave her lips to his, surrendered herself wholly to the fiery path,

Starting point is 14:59:10 that had suddenly blazed forth upon her but in a moment his arms were loosened he went back against the mantelpiece as though he had been struck a blow between the eyes he stood motionless his mouth working but uttering no word she stood before him pale to the lips but not without a surgeon's strength she had offered and he had not taken but yet her doubts were set at rest perhaps for the first time in her life she faced him wholly unafraid so we will leave him out of it she said breathing fast he has ceased to count jake moved pulled himself together you must forgive me he said maybe you'd be wise to leave me i shall be saner presently she put one hand against his breast no jake no you're going to be sane now sit down again let us finish our talk he looked at her with the red light still smoldering in his eyes after a moment he took her wrist with a grip in which passion lingered i'm trying to act fair by you my girl he said with a faint smile that somehow touched her heart it seems to me you've never had a chance not a real chance all your life what with bunny and me and and saltash his mouth twisted over the name you've been handicapped left and right that's why i've sworn to myself that i've sworn to myself that i've sworn to myself that i've won't interfere with you any more. You shall have a free hand, a free hand. This money of yours makes it possible. Play with it, spend it, enjoy yourself. Be happy, my girl, be happy. I won't

Starting point is 15:00:57 step in to prevent it. Maud's eyes were suddenly full of tears, yet she laughed. You've sworn to give me a free hand, she said. He nodded. Sure. Her other hand. clasped his quickly, pleadingly. Then, Jake, you won't be angry if, if I decide to do something that, that you may not altogether like. It's your money, said Jake doggedly. Yes, yes, and, I have your permission,

Starting point is 15:01:27 your unreserved consent to, to do what I like with it. Her voice quivered. She was clinging to him almost unconsciously. He stood stiffly facing her. He had forced his passion down again, there was tension about him still. My girl, he said. If you want to turn it all into paper

Starting point is 15:01:46 and make a bonfire of it, I shan't object. Oh, I don't want to do that, she said. And again she faintly laughed, though in her laughter there was a sound of tears. I felt just at first, just at first, that I didn't want it. But I've got over that, though I've come to the conclusion

Starting point is 15:02:05 that there's no fun to be got out of money unless there's someone to enjoy it with you. And so, And so, she became a little breathless, and her hands pressed his in agitation. I'm making over half of it to you, by deed of gift. Please, Jake, please, you don't mind? What, said Jake. He raised his tawny brows, staring at her for an instant in sheer overwhelming amazement.

Starting point is 15:02:30 Then they came down uncompromisingly in a thick, straight line above his eyes. He put her hands away from him, gently but with the utmost decision. He turned himself from her and bent to pick up the poker. Then, as he stirred the fire, with his face in the glow he spoke briefly almost roughly. I don't know if you're joking or in earnest. But that's the one thing that I can't and won't consent to. So I reckon that's all there is to it. Jake!

Starting point is 15:03:00 There was consternation in her voice, bitter disappointment, keen pain. Oh, Jake, she said, you can't mean to refuse. like that. How did you expect me to refuse? said Jake without turning. She answered him chokingly. Not as if, as if I had insulted you.

Starting point is 15:03:21 He dropped the poker and straightened himself. Maybe you didn't intend any insult, he said. But you don't credit me with an over-allowance of self-respect, do you? She did not answer him, for she could not. She stood fighting for self-control, striving to collect her scattered forces, but so overwhelmingly distressed that she could not attempt to withstand him. He turned round to her slowly at length. Say, Maude, he said something of the old kindliness in his tone. We won't talk any more about it. Guess it's an impossible subject.

Starting point is 15:03:57 You'll know me better next time. She struggled for utterance with lips that trembled piteously. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Finally, With a small, hopeless gesture, she turned away, moved across the room blindly, found the door and fumblingly opened it. Good night. She whispered then, in a voice that was scarcely audible, and in another moment the door closed without sound behind her. She was gone.

Starting point is 15:04:24 Jake's mouth set itself in a hard, straight line. He squared his shoulders with the instinctive movement of a man facing odds. He began to feel with brutal deliberation for his cigarette case. The rasp of his match made a short, indignant sound in the quiet room. It was like a sharp protest. The smell of his tobacco began to dominate the atmosphere. He smoked furiously. Suddenly there came a check.

Starting point is 15:04:51 The cigarette had ceased to draw. He ground his teeth on it, turned and spat it into the flames. It hissed and vanished. Then Jake abruptly lifted his clenched hands above his head and swore a frightful oath that comprehended. himself, the world and all things in it, in one vast anethema. End of chapters 25 and 26. Part 2, chapters 27 and 28 of the hundredth chance by Ethel Amdel.

Starting point is 15:05:27 This Libre-Fox recording is in the public domain. 27. The Impossible Say, Jake, are you going to spend the night downstairs? Bunny's thin, eager face, speared round the door with the words. He slipped into the room, clad in pajamas, his hair all ruffled on his forehead. Jake was sitting before burnt out fire. He looked round at Bunny with heavy eyes. Were you asleep? said Bunny.

Starting point is 15:05:55 No. He got up stiffly. Just thinking. What have you come down for? Bunny glanced at the clock. Why, you said you'd come and see me in bed and it's long past midnight. I've been lying awake for ages. He pressed close to Jake,

Starting point is 15:06:12 reproach mingling with a touch of apprehension in his eyes. Fact is, I... wanted to tell you something. But I've got cold now. I don't know that I shall, after all. Jake put a hand on his shoulder. I shouldn't, my son, he said. I should cut back to bed if I were you.

Starting point is 15:06:31 I give you a free pardon whatever it is. There, good night. But Bunny refused to be dismissed thus perfunctorily. You'd treat me like a child, Jake, he grumbled. It's not fair. I'd sooner be pitched into than that. Jake smiled faintly.

Starting point is 15:06:50 Well, what's the matter? He said. Bunny's eyes gleamed a little. It's just this. I expect you'll be savage, but you've got to know. Modd knows all about the stud and everything. She was bound to know sooner or later, so I don't see that it greatly matters. But I'd no right to tell her.

Starting point is 15:07:09 And I did. He ended on a note of defiance. His penitence had plainly not survived his long-drawn-out suspense. But Jake heard him without any sign of displeasure. Betrayed my confidence, eh? He said. Well, I reckon that's a matter for your conscience, not mine. Bunny bit his lip.

Starting point is 15:07:31 You ought to have told her yourself, Jake. Jake nodded. He seemed to be past all feeling that night. I know that, but she had plenty to think of without worrying herself about my affairs. Anyway, she knows now. Yes, knows you're thinking of going to America, Jake. Eagerly Bunny broke in. And she's jolly sick about it, I can tell you.

Starting point is 15:07:55 She doesn't want you to go? Oh, doesn't she? said Jake. Bunny seized his arm and shook it. Jake, surely you won't go. She's rich enough to keep us all. She wants to share everything with you. Oh, yes. Jake's voice was dead level.

Starting point is 15:08:15 His eyes looked at Bunny, but they saw beyond him. I know all about that. I know just what she wants. She wants a watchdog, one that'll fetch and carry and accept all benefits with humility. She's lonely now, but she won't be lonely long.

Starting point is 15:08:34 She'll have a crowd round her, a set of fashionable, gibbering monkeys who will sneer at the watchdog, the meek and patient hanger on, the adjunct at every party, who lives on his mistress's smile and doesn't object to her kick. That's what she wants, and that, my son, is the one thing she's not going to get. But what on earth do you want, Jake? Burst from Bunny, half startled, half exasperated. You needed to be that. You never could be that. Her idea was to make you independent. Oh, yes, I know. Jake's mouth twisted a little. She's mighty generous. She figured to hand over half her

Starting point is 15:09:15 fortune by deed of gift. And you wouldn't have it? Bunny almost gasped. I wouldn't touch it, Jake said, with a sound that was oddly like a suppressed laugh in his throat. But why in wonder not? Bunny stared at him as if he thought he had gone suddenly mad. We've taken oceans of things from you. "'That's different,' said Jake. "'How different? Make me understand, Jake. I have a right to understand.' Bunny's voice was imperious. Jake looked at him. There was actually a smile in his eyes, but it was a smile of self-ridicule. "'You asked me just now what I wanted,' he said. "'I'll tell you.

Starting point is 15:10:00 "'I want a woman who loves me well enough to chuck up everything. Everything, mind you. and follow me barefoot to the other end of the world he broke into a laugh that seemed to hurt him and that he said is the one thing i'm not going to get now do you understand not quite jake not quite bunny spoke almost diffidently he looked back at jake with awe in his eyes you think she doesn't love you well enough is that it jake nodded still with that smile of self-mockery about his mouth. You've hit it, my son, he said. We're not a pair. That's the trouble. She means to be kind, but I'd sooner go empty than be fed on husks. I didn't offer either of you that.

Starting point is 15:10:53 It was the real thing I gave you. But she? She hasn't the real thing to offer. And so I'll do without. He turned squarely to put out the waning lap as though the discussion were ended, but Bunny stayed him with a nervous hand. Jake, suppose you're wrong, old boy. Suppose she does care. Care badly. His voice quivered with earnestness. Women are queer, fish as you know, Jake. Suppose you've made a mistake. Where's the use of supposing the impossible? asked Jake somberly. Yet he paused,

Starting point is 15:11:31 his hand rubbing the boy's rough head caressingly. Ah, but just for a more. moment, Bunny insisted. If she loved you, Jake, you wouldn't refuse then to, to do what she wanted. If she loved me, Jake said and stopped suddenly. He moved abruptly to the lamp and extinguished it. Then, in the dim light that filtered

Starting point is 15:11:52 through the blinds from a full moon of frosty radiance, he spoke, deeply, slowly, solemnly. If she loved me, I would accept anything under the sun from her. everything she had would be mine everything of mine would be hers and before god i would make her happy if she loved me he drew a deep breath that seemed to burst from the very heart of him then in a moment he turned aside but that's the impossible bunny he said and now good-night they went upstairs together and parted in the passage bunny bunny seemed too odd for speech only he hugged jake hard for a moment before he went to his own room jake passed on to his utter silence reigned there he lighted a candle and went softly to the door that led into his wife's room it was shut softly he turned the handle pressed a little softly he turned it back the door was locked then he threw off his clothes blew out the candle and lay down alone

Starting point is 15:13:04 and all through the night he was listening to words uttered over and over above his head like evil spirits whispering together i can't pretend to love you you see i don't he realized now that she had been right it was better not to pretend it was better not to pretend it was better not to pretend twenty eight the first of the vultures christmas day was a farce in which jake maud and bunny each played their appointed parts was somewhat dreary zest. The brother and sister had drawn much closer to each other during the past fortnight in which they had been thrown together. The old quick understanding, the old comradeship had revived between them, and on Bunny's part there was added to it a certain protectiveness that created a new and even more intimate element in their intercourse.

Starting point is 15:13:55 In a fashion their positions were reversed. Maude leaned upon him, as he once had leaned upon her, and his sturdy support comforted her sick heart. as for jake he went his way among his animals spending his time almost exclusively with them during that day in the days that followed he was very quiet invariably kind but there was about him a suggestion of strain behind his composure a hint of something terrible as of a man hiding a mortal wound he never talked about the animals now and he did not welcome even bunny in the stables he's fretting his heart out over them the boy said and mom knew that he spoke the truth. The thought of the coming parting with them hurt him to the soul. Sam Vickers knew this also, and watched him in mute sympathy. He would have given all he had to avert this bitter blow from the boss, but he could only stand and look on. It was on the last

Starting point is 15:14:52 day in the year, a biting sunless day, that he sought him late in the afternoon with a visiting card in his hand. Jake was leaning on the half-door of the loose box in which was lodged the black colt of his dreams, the hundredth chance. The animal's head was nuzzled against his shoulder. There seemed to be a perfect understanding between them. But at sight of Sam, the colt started back. He was suspicious of all the world but Jake. Jake looked round, his face gray in the failing light.

Starting point is 15:15:23 Hello? What is it? Sam came forward and gave him the card. Mrs. Bolton was out, sir, and he asked for you. said he'd wait in the yard, sir. Jake bent his brows over the card. It bore a name that seemed vaguely familiar to him, though in what connection he could not for the moment recall.

Starting point is 15:15:44 Monterey W. Rafford. He looked up. He's no friend of mine. Do you know what he wants? Said he was a friend of Dr. Capper, sir, said Sam. Oh, that American chap. I remember now. All right, Sam.

Starting point is 15:16:00 I'll see him. Jake gently pushed back the Colt's inquiring nose, closed the upper half of the door, and strode off down the stone passage that led to the yard. The visitor was standing under a lamp, a slim young man with a dark keen face that broke into a smile at Jake's approach. He moved to meet him,

Starting point is 15:16:20 speaking in a voice that betrayed his nationality at the first word. I am very pleased to meet you again, sir, though no doubt you have forgotten me. They shook hands. Jake was looking at him with steady eyes. No, he said in his slow way. I think you are the sort of man that doesn't get forgotten very easily. Rappard laughed.

Starting point is 15:16:44 He had an easy well-bred laugh. Capper doesn't believe in me, he said. He declares I'll never get there. Perhaps he's right. It doesn't concern me very much either way. Anyway, I've given up sending sick people to sleep for the present. I'm out on my own this journey. How is your young brother-in-law? Cure complete. Absolutely. Jake was still looking at him hard. If it's not a rude question, he said deliberately.

Starting point is 15:17:17 Is that what brought you? The American met his look with a flicker of the eyes that betrayed a hint of wariness. It's not a rude question, Mr. Bolton, he said, and it is not what brought me. I'm after our treasures at the present moment. To be particular, I'm after Saltash's wonder in marble, the fallen woman. We did a deal over that marble he and I in New York the other day. He was showing me a card trick, and I spotted the knave. Rafford suddenly drawled, and Jake's eyes grew brighter. Come inside, he said.

Starting point is 15:17:56 But Rafford shook his head. No, not right away if you don't. mind, there's a little light left. Will you show me the animals? Jake's right hand clenched on his whip. Have you done a deal over them, too? He said, sinking his voice very low. No, but I've got an idea, Rafford said. I'll tell you what it is presently. You've got some valuable stock here, I'm told. Say, Mr. Bolton, you don't object to showing me round. His smile was disarming. Jake swung round on his heel without another word.

Starting point is 15:18:35 They went from stable to stable, inspecting one after another of Jake's treasures, Jake himself reciting the record of each. He began the tour almost in silence, speaking only words of bare necessity, but in some magnetic fashion Rafford broke through his reserve. His quiet enthusiasm reached and fired Jake. Gradually the glow kindled, the bitterly. The bitterly. passed from him, he became himself in his own element. He opened his heart to the stranger because it seemed that he understood. It was a long inspection and darkness was upon them before it ended. They came last of all to the home of the hundredth chance, and here, with his

Starting point is 15:19:15 favourite's nose tucked confidingly into his arm, Jake told his hopes, his dreams. Rafford listened with a sympathy that was scarcely perceptible in his speech, yet of which Jake was very strongly aware, for he had not so expanded. Later he marvelled himself at his own candor, but at the time it seemed wholly natural, even inevitable. By that mysterious force which makes men know each other as comrades even from afar, he recognized in Rafford the one quality that his soul demanded. Circumstance had flung them together for an hour. Circumstance would part them again, but for that hour the bond of sympathy between them was complete. In the end he remembered again the coming loss, the crushing failure of all his plans,

Starting point is 15:20:01 and the bitterness came down upon him afresh, an overwhelming burden forcing him down. He fondled the colt, and with a gentle hand closed the door upon him. Yes, he said heavily. Given fair treatment he'll turn out a winner, but I shan't be here to see it. What's come to Saltash? Rafford questioned. He seems ready to throw away. up everything. Yes, that's him, Jake

Starting point is 15:20:30 said. But then he hasn't had the working up of the stud as I have. It's nothing to him to part with the animals. They were no more than a pastime. And not always a creditable pastime at that, suggested Rafford. I guess you're too straight

Starting point is 15:20:48 for him, Mr. Bolton. He's a crooked devil, but a curiously likable one. He smiled as if at some Well, what's your opinion? Do you think he could be persuaded to sell this show privately if he got a good offer? Jake's reserve came down upon him like a mask. I can't say. You'd better go to his agent, Bishop. Rafford was still faintly smiling. I've just come from him. He practically sent me to you. I've just paid him Salt Asch's price for the statue. She will be on her way. I've just come from him. I'm just

Starting point is 15:21:22 paid him Salt Ash's price for the statue. She will be on her way to America with me in a fortnight. But I'd like to bring off this deal before we go. It doesn't rest with me, Jake said, doggedness in every line. No, I know, but I'd like to feel that I've got you behind me. My patron would like to know that. Who is your patron? Jake asked. His name is Ruse. You mayn't have heard of him, but he's quite well known in a good many circles, especially on our side. He has taken a fancy for horse racing,

Starting point is 15:22:00 and he will probably drop a lot of money over it before he's done. That is, unless he's lucky enough to retain you for his trainer. A hot gleam suddenly kindled in Jake's eyes, and has suddenly died. I reckon that won't be possible, he said. Lord Saltash will see to that.

Starting point is 15:22:21 "'Saltash may not be able to prevent it,' Rafford observed quietly. "'Ruse will want a trainer, and when I tell him how your heart's in the job, it wouldn't surprise me if he persuaded you to keep it on. "'You wouldn't be very hard to persuade, I take it.' Jake hesitated momentarily, then passed the question by. "'Is your friend in England?' he asked. "'He will be in England very soon after the deal is completed. if it is completed, Rafford answered.

Starting point is 15:22:54 Won't he want to see the stud first? Jake's voice was quietly businesslike. He seemed to have put all personal considerations away. I doubt it, Rafford said. The value of the stud is well known, and, to let you into a secret, he is mad keen on securing it. You won't tell Saltas that, of course, or bishop,

Starting point is 15:23:17 who I understand is empowered to act on his behalf. but i think saltash will get his price without much haggling my patron is particularly anxious to prevent the stud coming on the market he is prepared to offer something better than a market price to make sure of it he must be a very remarkable man observed jake he is sir a very remarkable man a man who never misses his opportunities and in consequence he is on the whole very seldom a loser. It would be a great mistake to let him slip through your fingers. A very great mistake. Rafford spoke with earnestness.

Starting point is 15:24:03 His dark face was a light with eagerness. Jake looked at him faintly smiling. You have an interest at stake, he suggested. Only the interest that makes me want to push a thing to success. I have full powers, though. Rafford's face reflected his smile. When my patron got news of this thing, shall I tell you what he said to me? Just clinch. I shall go to Bishop tomorrow and carry out those instructions if I can to the letter.

Starting point is 15:24:37 You won't do it in a day, Jake said. Maybe you'd like to put up at my place pending negotiations. Raffert's hand came out to him with impulsive friendliness. No, sir, you're more than and kind, but I won't do that. I've seen the animals and I've seen you. That's enough. You and I mustn't get too intimate over this deal. You know what Saltash is.

Starting point is 15:25:03 When we've pulled it off, I'll be delighted, if there's still time. He gripped Jake's hand hard, looking him straight in the face. You've given me a real happy hour, Mr. Bolton, he said. And I shan't forget it. It was mighty generous if you can

Starting point is 15:25:21 considering you regarded me as the first of the vultures. Well, I hope I shall be the last. So long. So long, Jake said. I hope you will. He accompanied the young man to the gate and watched him go. Then, squarely, he came back again, walked straight up the middle of the yard,

Starting point is 15:25:41 looking neither to the right nor left, went into his own house and shut the door. Late that night when Maude rose to go upstairs, he came out of what had apparently been, in a heavy doze before the fire, and spoke for the first time of his own affairs. Bunny told you some time ago that the stud was to be sold, I believe, he said. Mod stood still on the hearth, looking down at him. The question evidently startled her, for her breath came suddenly faster.

Starting point is 15:26:11 Yes, he told me, she said. Why didn't you tell me you knew? said Jake. And then he saw that his abruptness had agitated her, and leaned forward to take her hand. She suffered him to take it, but she was trembling from head to foot. I didn't think you wished me to know, she said. He bent his head slightly,

Starting point is 15:26:33 so that only the shining copper of his hair met her look. It wasn't that, he said slowly. At least, not at first. Just at first I didn't want to bother you. Afterwards, well, I guess I'm an independent sort of cuss, and I was afraid you'd want. to finance me when you knew I was to be kicked out I did want to Jake she said quickly he nodded I know I was mighty ungracious over it I've been sorry ever since

Starting point is 15:27:05 Jake she stooped a little a quick dawning of hope in her pale face but he kept his head bent no he said the answer is still no I don't want to hurt your feelings any but I can't can't live on anyone's charity. If there's anything under the sun that I can do to serve you, I'll do it. But I can't do the pet dog business. For one thing I'm not ornamental enough. And for another, it ain't my nature.

Starting point is 15:27:37 He paused a moment, but Maude made no attempt to speak. Only the hope had all died out of her face, and she looked unutterably tired. Jake went on. Just when your uncle died, you were feeling extra lonely and... His voice sank a little.

Starting point is 15:27:55 You turned to me for comfort. But I didn't flatter myself that I had become permanently necessary to you. I knew you never intended me to think that. I saw it directly we met again. You fancied yourself under an obligation to me. You were willing, because of that, to give me anything I wanted.

Starting point is 15:28:17 But it's come to this. What I really want, is not in your power to give, and I can't accept less. For that reason, I've got to live in my own house, not in yours. I don't want you to feel bound to live with me. I know my setting never was good enough for you either. You can come to me just sometimes, and I shall be honored to receive you. But I'd like you to know that you are absolutely free to come or go. I'm not insisting on my rights, just because I have learnt that it doesn't make for happiness on either side. Again he paused, but still she did not speak.

Starting point is 15:29:00 Quietly, he resumed. That brings me to what I set out to tell you about the stud. There is a chance, I think it's a good one, that it may be kept together after all. There is also a chance, a less promising one, that I may be retained as trainer. If I am offered the post, I shall accept it. If I am not offered the post, well, I shall have to start again at the beginning. I shall have to rough it. So if that happens, you will have to go your way and I mine.

Starting point is 15:29:37 He ceased to speak, and his hand relinquished hers. Maud stood up. She was no longer trembling, but she was very pale. I hope you will get the post, she said after a moment. You—I think you would feel it if you had to part with the horses. They mean so much to you. I belong to them, Jake said simply. She smiled a little with lips that quivered.

Starting point is 15:30:03 Then I hope you will have them always, she said. Good night, and thank you for being so explicit. She looked at his bent head, stretched a hand above it, almost as if she would touch it, then drew it swiftly back and turned to go. A few seconds later she was ascending the stairs, still piteously smiling, with the tears running down her face. End of chapters 27 and 28. Part 2. Chapters 29 through 31 of the 100th Chance by Ethel M. Dell. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 29 The Dutiful Wife

Starting point is 15:30:49 Well, my dearie, this is the biggest treat I've had. for I don't know how long. Sit you down and tell me all your news. Is it true what my Tom tells me, as you've come into a pot of money? Well, there now, I am pleased. Put your feet in the fender, my dear. There's a cruel wind blowing today. We'll have some hot butter toast for tea. I hope you're not busy, Mrs. Wright. Maud clasped the round dumpy form very closely for a minute. "'Lord, no, my dear, not a bit. It's early closing today. Fancy you're thinking of that now. And fancy you're coming to see me, of all people. Why, I feel just as if a princess had stepped out of a fairy tale.'

Starting point is 15:31:40 "'I don't feel a bit like a princess,' Maud said. She sat down before the cheery little fire in Mrs. Wright's back parlor and stretched out her hands to the blaze. The old woman hovered over her tenderly. "'You look like one, my dear,' she said. "'I think it's just wonderful that you should condescend to be friendly with the likes of me.' "'Oh, Mrs. Wright, don't, please put it like that.' Maud leaned quickly back, turning up a face of flushed protest. "'I don't like that aspect of myself at all,' she said. "'I don't think I am that sort of person, indeed.'

Starting point is 15:32:19 "'I always think of you. you as Jake's princess dear, Mrs. Wright maintained. I don't see why it should distress you. I like to think of you so. Maud laughed a little. I wish you wouldn't, and I wish Jake wouldn't either. Perhaps once I was foolish and proud, but really, I have got over that now. I am very humble nowadays. Are you happy, dearie? That's the great thing, said Mrs. Wright. Maud stooped again over the fire. I'm trying to be, she said. I don't succeed perhaps all the time, but... She stopped. Don't let us talk about my affairs till I have heard all yours, she said. How is Tom? When is he going to be married? It was the signal for Mrs. Wright to plunge into personal gossip, and she did so with

Starting point is 15:33:11 zest. But she kept a motherly eye upon her visitor notwithstanding, missing no detail of her appearance and general demeanor. There was plenty to be said. Mrs. Wright was always voluble, but she was not a selfish talker. She did not monopolize the conversation, and she never lost sight of her listener. Maud's sympathy was quite unfeigned. She liked to hear about Mrs. Wright's various interests, and there was a genial warmth in the atmosphere that did her good. Let me come into the kitchen with you and help you make the toast, she begged at length. And after a brief demur, Mrs. Wright concerned. consented. Tom was out and there would be no one to disturb them. She would not have dreamed of

Starting point is 15:33:53 permitting Tom to sit down in the kitchen with Jake's princess. So, to the kitchen they went and finding it cozier than the parlor decided to remain there to partake of the meal they had prepared. Mrs. Wright, albeit sorely against her will, occupying the wooden armchair of state, while Maude sat close to her knees on the fender. You're looking very thin, dear. Mrs. Wright checked her chatter to observe as she put down her final cup of tea. "'It's my nature to be thin,' Maud said. Mrs. Wright permitted herself a more critical survey. "'I wonder what Jake thinks,' she said.

Starting point is 15:34:29 "'I shouldn't feel happy about you if I were Jake.' Maud smiled faintly into the fire and said nothing. Mrs. Wright's plump hand stole down to her shoulder. "'I hope as he's being good to you, dearie,' she murmured. maud leaned back against her knee he is trying to be she said you know that the stud has been sold it really has said mrs wright yes it really has the animals were to have been sent to tattersalls but a man we know an american came at the very beginning of the year and made an offer on behalf of a friend of his that lord saltash's agent thought too good to refuse he has gone back to america now and no doubt his principal will make his appearance soon. The idea is to build new stables nearer to Greydown. Jake is negotiating about some land there. It's such a pretty part, and there will have to be a house for him, too. We shall probably be allowed

Starting point is 15:35:27 to stay on at the Berchester Stables till it is all ready. Jake is hoping that it may be all done in a year. I think—she smiled again with a hint of wistfulness. I think Jake is going to enjoy himself. "'And you, dearie,' whispered Mrs. Wright, tenderly persistent. Maud reached up a hand to clasp hers. "'I have been lost in the desert for a long, long time, dear Mrs. Wright,' she said. "'But I am just beginning to find myself.' Mrs. Wright stooped impulsively and carried the soft hand to her lips. "'May it please the dear Lord to guide you, dear,' she said.

Starting point is 15:36:07 "'He is guiding me,' Maud said with simplicity. but I've some way to travel yet before I reach my goal, and it's very sandy traveling sometimes, Mother Wright. She lifted her face with its sweet, quivering smile. And there are stones, too, sometimes, she said, but I'd like you to know that I've passed the worst. I've left off yearning for, for the mirage. It doesn't draw me anymore at all.

Starting point is 15:36:35 I have left it all behind me, like an evil dream, and I can never, never, never, never, be deceived by it again. My darling, murmured Mrs. Wright very tenderly. My darling. Maud suddenly clung to her closely. I'm beginning to find out, she whispered tremulously, that the thing I took for a rank weed growing beside my path

Starting point is 15:36:58 is the one flower I have always wanted in my garden. I've tried for ever so long to uproot it, but now, but now, I'm trying to make it grow. I want it. but this is a secret more than anything else on earth mrs wright's own eyes were full of tears i am sure you will have it darling she said i am sure quite sure your want will be satisfied she kissed the quivering face on her bosom and fondled the soft dark hair they remained so for a space not speaking then very gently maud withdrew herself did i tell you that bunny is allowed to play hockey this term it is horribly dangerous i went up to watch it last saturday but he enjoys it tremendously and they say it will do him good he is growing fast getting quite a man i am very pleased to hear it mrs wright said warmly dearie me just to think of the poor little weekly thing he was a year ago do you remember that day i first looked in on you and how you gave me them violets i've never forgotten it

Starting point is 15:38:13 maud flushed a little you were so good to me and i had been so ungracious i wonder you ever forgave me what rubbish dear what rubbish softly interpolated mrs wright I loved you from the first moment I set eyes on you that night at Giles Shepard's. And that reminds me. How is your mother doing now? She is living in London, Maud said. I believe Giles Shepard went to Canada. She doesn't seem to trouble about him, but has settled down quite happily in a boarding house in Bayswater.

Starting point is 15:38:48 I invested some of Uncle Edward's money in an annuity for her. It seemed the best plan. I am so glad you have got that money. "'Money, dear,' said Mrs. Wright simply. "'Thank you,' Maud said. "'But, you know, I could have been quite happy without it. "'At least I think I could. "'We should have had to immigrate, and I—'

Starting point is 15:39:10 "'She smiled momentarily. "'I suppose I should have been a cow-puncher's wife in earnest.' "'You wouldn't have liked that,' said Mrs. Wright with conviction. "'Shouldn't I? I wonder. "'I am beginning to think that external circumstances haven't much to do, with happiness. Maud spoke thoughtfully. Still, now I am used to the idea.

Starting point is 15:39:33 I am glad to have the money. Uncle Edward left all his affairs in such perfect order that they will probably be wound up very soon now. Mr. Craven, the solicitor, said it was one of the simplest matters he had ever had to deal with,

Starting point is 15:39:47 which is all the better for me. He is in a position to raise almost any amount for me even now. Maud was smiling again that faint half-wispil smile that had become hers. It will be useful when it comes to furnishing the new house, won't it? she said. My dear, you will just love that, said Mrs. Wright.

Starting point is 15:40:07 And what does Jake say to it all? Isn't he pleased to know as you and little Sir Bernard are provided for as befits your rank and station? Maud's smile became a laugh. Dear Mother Wright, you are incorrigible, she declared. No, Jake is not over and above, pleased. I think he has a lurking fear that I want to take him away from his horses and make him lead a life of elegant idleness.

Starting point is 15:40:32 He doesn't guess how thankful I was to know that he would not have to give them up after all. For he loves his animals as he loves nothing else on earth. Oh, tut-tut, dearie, remonstrated Mrs. Wright. And it really is settled for him to keep on in his present position. Practically settled. He says he must wait and see his boss before he regards it as a sure thing.

Starting point is 15:40:54 meantime he is carrying out Mr. Rafford's instructions as far as possible. He has gone over to Greydown today about the building site for the new stables. I hope he will secure it. It is on a southern slope. It would be splendid for the animals. Why, you are getting quite enthusiastic, said Mrs. Wright with a chuckle. I believe I am, Maud admitted. I never thought so much of them till it seemed that we were going to lose them.

Starting point is 15:41:23 I think it would almost have to be. broken Jake's heart. He don't keep his heart in the stables, said Mrs. Wright wisely. Nor yet in the training field. What, my dear, you're not thinking of going yet? Why, it's quite early. Yes, I ought to be going, Maud said. I like to be in first to give him his tea and so on.

Starting point is 15:41:47 He is much too polite to say so, but I fancy he likes it. Of course he likes it, dear. And I think he's... a very, very lucky man. Mrs. Wright spoke with great emphasis. Maud was on her feet. She looked down at her half laughing. Oh, do you? I wonder why. To have such a beautiful wife, dear, said Mrs. Wright. I hope you're not going to spoil him now. It would be a pity to do that. Mott uttered a funny little sigh. Oh, no, I shan't spoil him. He is most careful not to take anything for granted.

Starting point is 15:42:26 In fact, I sometimes wonder, she paused. What, darling? Mrs. Wright looked up at her with loving admiration. Maud's face was flushed. Oh, nothing very much. I was only going to say that I sometimes wonder if he has any real use for the dutiful wife after all. I tried to please him, but all he seems really to want me to do is to please myself.

Starting point is 15:42:52 Mrs. Wright rose up in her own. resilient fashion oh there now how like a man she said they're as cussed as mules my dear but never you mind you'll catch him off his guard one of these days if you keep on and then it'll be your time you step in and take possession before he can turn round and stop you it's only a question of patience dear it'll come it'll come maud smiled again as she bent to kiss her you're such a good friend to me she said i'll be sure to take your advice if i can god bless you my darling said mrs wright with great fervor thirty the lane of fire an icy wind was blowing as maud climbed the steep road by the church it whirled down on her with the fiercest that made quick progress out of the question nevertheless she fought valiantly against it, fearing that Jake would have returned before her. It was not dark. The tearing wind had chased all clouds from the sky and the daylight still lingered. Ahead of her, the north star hung like a beacon, marvelously bright. There was a smell of smoke in the air that seemed to accentuate the bitter coldness.

Starting point is 15:44:09 The church clock struck six as she passed it, and she sought to quicken her steps. She did not want Jake to come in search of her. For some reason she did not greatly want to tell him how she had been spending the afternoon. Round the bend of the road, the wind caught her mercilessly. She had to battle against it with all her might to make any progress at all. It was while she was struggling round this bend that there suddenly came to her the sound of galloping hoofs and a man's voice wildly shouting. She drew to one side and stood against the hedge, and in a moment a horseman dashed into

Starting point is 15:44:43 view and thundered past her. He was lying forward on the animal's neck urging him like a jockey. He was gone like a whirlwind in the dusk, and Maude was left with a throbbing heart that seemed to have been touched by a hand that was icy cold. She was nearly sure that the animal had come from the stables and that the man was Sam Vickers. He was not a furious rider as a rule.

Starting point is 15:45:07 What had induced him to ride like that tonight? Something was wrong. Something was wrong. The certainty of it stabbed her like a knife. What could it be? What? What? had jake met with an accident was sam tearing thus madly down to fair harbor to find the doctor the strength of a great fear entered into her she began to run up the hill in the teeth of the wind she had only half a mile to go she would soon know the worst

Starting point is 15:45:35 but she had not gone twenty yards before her progress was checked she became aware of a drifting mist all about her a mist that made her gasp and choke she ran on in the face of it but it was with failing progress for the further she went the more it enveloped her like the smoke of a vast bonfire the coldness at her heart became a tangible and ever-growing fear she tried to tell herself that the suffocating vapour blowing down on her came from a group of ricks that stood not far from the entrance of the stables some mischievous person had fired them and sam had discovered it and gone to raise the alarm but deep within her there clamored an insistent something that refused to be reassured struggling on through the blinding ever-thickening smoke the conviction forced itself upon her that no hericks were responsible for that headlong gallop of sam's he had gone as a man going for his life his progress had been winged by tragedy gasping stumbling with terror in her soul she fought her her way on till a further bend in the road revealed to her the driving smoke all lurid with the glare of flames behind. By that curve, she escaped from the direct drift of it and found herself able to breathe more freely. The shoulder of the hill protected her at this point in some degree from the wind also. She covered the ground more quickly and with less effort.

Starting point is 15:46:56 It was here that there first came to her that awful sound as of a rending devouring monster, the fierce crackling and roaring of fire. the horror of it set all her pulses leaping but its effect upon her senses was curiously stimulating where another might have been paralyzed by fear she was driven forward as though goaded irresistibly it came to her whence she knew not that something immense lay before her a task of such magnitude as she had never before contemplated had been laid upon her and strength such strength as had never before been hers had been given to her for its accomplishment She did not know exactly when her fear became certainty, but when that happened all personal fear passed utterly away from her. She forgot herself completely. All her being leapt to the fulfillment of the unknown task.

Starting point is 15:47:49 The last curve in the uphill road brought her within a view of the red flames, rushing skyward and curling over like fiery waves before the wind. Through the roar of the furnace there came to her the shouting of men's voices and the wild stampeding of horses. And twice ere she reached, reached the gate she heard the terrible cry of a horse. Then, as though she moved on wings, she was there in the stable-yard, in the thick of the confusion, with the fire roaring ahead of her and the red glare all around. The whole stone-paved space seemed crowded with men and horses,

Starting point is 15:48:21 and, for the first few seconds, the noise and movement bewildered her. Then she grasped the fact that only one side of the double row of stables was alight, and that in consequence of the driving north wind, the other side was in comparative safety. They were leading the terrified animals out through a passage that led to further buildings on this safe side. But the task was no light one, for they were all maddened by fear and almost beyond control. As she drew nearer, however, Maud saw that the men themselves were grappling with a situation with energy and resolution, and there was no panic among them. One, a mere lad, gripping a plunging horse by the forelock, recognized her and shouted a warning through the din. She came to him unheeding the trampling hoofs.

Starting point is 15:49:06 Is Mr. Bolton back? she cried. He shook his head, striving to back the animal away from her. He had a halter flung over his shoulder which he had not stopped to adjust. Mod took it from him and between them with difficulty they slipped it over the terrified creature's head. Then obtaining a firmer hold, the boy shouted further information. No, the boss ain't back yet. He'll be in any minute now. Sam's gone for the fire engine.

Starting point is 15:49:33 He thinks the house will be safe if the wind don't veer. But the other side will be burnt out before he gets back at this rate. We've got most all the animals out now, though. Not all? Maud cried the words with a momentary wild misgiving. The boy yelled back again still wrestling with a struggling horse. Oh, but the hundredth chance. He's gone by this time.

Starting point is 15:49:56 We couldn't save him. It's like an open furnace along there. then she knew what it was that lay before her the task for which this great new strength had been bestowed she left the boy and ran up the yard in the rear of that raging fire she did not feel the stones under her feet the seething crowd of men and horses became no more than shadows on the wall twice as she went she narrowly escaped death from the plunging hoofs and knew it not the heat was terrific but the smoke was all blown away from her she felt no suffocation but when she reached the stone passage that led to the group of loose boxes where once she had stood horror-stricken and listened to jake reprimanding dick stevens in the language of the stables she realized the truth of what the boy had said it was like an open furnace yet there seemed a chance the faintest chance that that one loose box at the southern corner the best loose box in the whole of the stables might yet be untouched by the devouring flames the block of buildings was alight and burning fiercely but it was not yet a light from end to end it looked like a lane of fire at the end of that stone passage but she could see the line of loose boxes beyond fitfully through wreaths of smoke all the doors stood open as far as she could see they had evidently taken the animals in order and it had been the fate of the hundredth chance to be left till last and how to reach him it had baffled his rescuers for the moment it baffled her also she stood at the entrance to the stone passage looking through feeling the stones under her feet hot

Starting point is 15:51:32 like a grid, seeing the red flames leaping from roof to roof. Then the driving wind came swirling behind her, and she felt as if a hand had pushed her. She plunged into the passage and ran before it. She emerged in that lane of fire. It roared all around her. She felt the heat envelop her with a fiery, blistering intensity, but ever that unseen hand seemed to urge her. She hesitated no more, though she rushed into a seething calder in a flame. And ever the thought of Jake was with her, Jake who loved his animals as he loved nothing else on earth. She reached that line of boxes how she knew not. The roof was burning now from end to end, but as she tore past the open doors there came to her an awful cry, and she knew that the

Starting point is 15:52:19 colt still lived. The smoke came down on her here, blinding her, but though it stopped her breath it could not stop her progress. It seemed as though no power on earth could do that now until she had reached her goal. Crouching, with lungs that felt like bursting, she forced away over those last desperate yards. Every door was open save that one, and against that one there came a maddened wild tattoo. The hundredth chance was fighting for life.

Starting point is 15:52:47 She reached the door through swirling smoke. The flames were shooting over her head. She caught at the bolt. It was burning hot as the door of an oven, but she knew no pain. She dragged it back. again there came that fearful shriek in the battering of heels against the wood the animal was plunging about his prison like a mad thing she mustered all her strength and pushed upper and lower doors inwards at the same moment instantly there came the rush of hoofs she was flung violently backwards falling headlong on the stones the hundredth chance galloped free and she was left shattered inert with the fire raging all around her

Starting point is 15:53:29 but the deed was done the great task accomplished and nothing mattered any more jake loved his animals as he loved nothing else on earth thirty one the new boss what was that red light burning symbol of undying love symbol of the immortal the lamp that burns forever before the high altar of heaven over the wide sandy desert it shone The only light in leagues and leagues of darkness. A great many wayfarers were drawing towards it, but they were very far away from it and from each other. Billows and billows of sandy waste stretched between. But they could all see the lamp. It shone like a red-still beacon, giving light to the outcast,

Starting point is 15:54:21 guiding the feet of the wanderers. Ah, the long sandy ridges! How weary for the feet! Who could have faced the journey of God has? had not lifted up that lamp in the desert. Who could ever have hoped to reach the goal? Even as it was the journey was long, so long, and the light so far away.

Starting point is 15:54:43 Who was that speaking? Was it the voice that had not sounded in tempest or fire, but only at the very last when all other things were passed? Love is only gained by love, by the complete renunciation of self. Love is a joyful sacrifice, to give and give without measure, not counting the cost, rejoicing only in the power to give, till it all comes back a thousandfold.

Starting point is 15:55:10 Love, the invincible, love, the divine, love, the perfect gift. Surely it was love itself that spoke those words, love that had raised that eternal beacon, love that drew the pilgrims out of the long dark night, and the sandy desert faded, and became a garden where white, lilies bloomed. Lillies that faded not, such lilies as decked the high altar of heaven. There were no wayfarers here. There was no journeying for tired feet. Only a peace ineffable, beyond the power of words to describe. The lilies grew tall and white, unspeakably pure,

Starting point is 15:55:50 fairer than any earthly flowers, dazzling in splendor, decked in holiness. Very peaceful was that quiet garden, with no song of Birds to break the stillness, no whisper of fountains, no faintest echo of voices. Perfect rest was there, a calm as the calm of still waters, a hush that was divine. Like a veil the solitude lay spread, stretching into the great spaces of eternity, and the lilies stood waiting, waiting, to be laid upon the altar of God. How long had they stood waiting thus? Were they yet not pure enough? How long had they still to wait?

Starting point is 15:56:32 Would the gates of that garden never open, and the angel that served the altar come to gather the flowers? Ah, surely they were opening now. There came a waft of air, the scent and sound of the earth. But no one entered, and the lilies never stirred. Only the gates remained open, and the piece that wrapped the garden quivered like a filmy veil. Very far away from that quiet place.

Starting point is 15:56:58 someone was calling, calling. At first, it was suggestion rather than sound, a vague murmur from the old, sad world so many millions of miles away. But gradually it grew till it seemed the echo of a cry, and at last the cry itself became articulate, a cry of anguish rising from the void. Come back, come back.

Starting point is 15:57:22 Oh, God, send her back to me. Sent her back. The lilies were moving, now. They seemed to be listening, whispering together. The wind that blew through the open gates rustled among their ranks. Someone was lost then. Someone was wanted. Someone was being sought through the great spaces of eternity. Was it a soul that had drifted free too soon? Would the searcher ever find that drifting soul? Did the one great bond that not could ever sever hang between them, linking each to each? It was only by the drawing-clothed. It was only by the drawing-close.

Starting point is 15:57:58 closer of this bond that they would ever find each other. And the way back was long and dark and stormy. Other worlds were there, other worlds and other voices. And once there came a great sound of singing as of men and angels praising God before the high altar of heaven. Then the darkness of earth rushed upwards like the smoke from a mighty furnace and all was blotted out. Someone was holding her.

Starting point is 15:58:27 Someone was whispering her name. she opened her eyes upon the old world of cloud and sunshine and knew that the bond had brought her back through all the great spaces of eternity he had drawn her to his side she looked into his face and it was the face of a man who had suffered agony thank god he said oh thank god then she remembered in what cause she had spent herself what of the hundredth chance she said he caught his breath his lips were quivering he's safe enough but my girl what made you do it she looked at him wonderingly but it was all i could do she said he bent his head over something that he was holding and it came to her with a little start of surprise that it was her own hand swathed in bandages oh jake she said am i ill have i been hurt He did not look at her. Thank God, not seriously. He said speaking with a nod, jerkiness.

Starting point is 15:59:37 The colt knocked you down. You were stunned. You scorched your hands over that infernal bolt. But the wind blew the fire away from you. You weren't actually burnt. Is the fire out? She asked anxiously. Tell me what happened.

Starting point is 15:59:53 Jake's head was still bent. She thought that he suppressed a shudder. Yes, they did. soon got it under. There wasn't much left to burn that side. It was a good thing the wind held or the whole show might have been gutted. It's all safe now. Maud's eyes wandered round the paneled parlor and came back to his bent head. I feel so strange, she said, as if I had been on a long, long journey, and as if it had all happened ages and ages ago. Is it so very long ago, Jake? "'About four hours,' said Jake.

Starting point is 16:00:30 "'Dr. Burroughs has been in. "'He chanced to be passing in his dog-cart. "'He was on his way to a case and couldn't stay except to give you first aid. "'He is coming back presently. "'And you have been here with me ever since,' "'she said with a touch of shyness. "'Didn't you want to be looking after the animals?' "'He shook his head, gazing steadily downwards.

Starting point is 16:00:53 "'Have you been anxious about me, Jake?' she whispered yes just the one word spoken with an almost savage emphasis but dr burrows must have known if i were in any danger she said he answered her with what she felt to be a great effort burrows was anxious too he was afraid of the shock for you he thought there was danger she moved her hand a little and in a moment as though he feared to hurt her he laid it gently down I am so sorry you have been worried about me, she said. It doesn't matter now, said Jake. He reached out for a glass that stood on the table. Burroughs left this for you. Can you manage to drink it?

Starting point is 16:01:40 He held it to her lips with a hand that was not so steady as usual. She drank and felt revived. Her brain was becoming more active. There was something in Jake's attitude that required explanation. I am better now, she said. Tell me a little more. How did I get here? Who found me?

Starting point is 16:02:00 I found you. The hundreds' chance came tearing out. We had some trouble to catch him. And then one of the boys suddenly said, Jake stopped and swallowed hard. Said, said you had been in the yard and must have set him free. I got to you just in time.

Starting point is 16:02:19 You saved me, she said swiftly. He nodded. She raised herself, leaning towards him. "'Jake, were you hurt?' "'No.' He kept his eyes stubbornly lowered. "'No one has been hurt,' she persisted. "'No one but you.'

Starting point is 16:02:37 His tone was almost surly. But something urged her on. "'Jake,' she said wistfully, "'are you glad your animals are all safe?' "'They belong to the new boss,' he said doggedly. "'They don't belong to me.' Her face changed a little. I think they belong to you first, Jake, she said.

Starting point is 16:02:59 You love them so. He made a sharp gesture. It isn't quite likely the new boss will tell me to shunt. Oh, he won't do that, Jake, she protested quickly. I'm sure he won't do that. You, you are one of the best trainers in England. His mouth twitched a little. She thought he wryly smiled.

Starting point is 16:03:22 One of the best black guards, too, my girl, he said grimly. She opened her eyes and surprise. Jake, what do you mean? Are people saying hateful things against you? He gripped his hands between his knees. It ain't that I meant. People can say what they damn, please. No, it's just my own estimate of myself. I'm going to chuck the animals. They've come near costing me too dear. I'm going to give in to you now. You can do what you let you. with me. I'll serve you to the best of my ability, fetch and carry and generally wait around on

Starting point is 16:04:01 you till you're tired of me. Then I'll go. Jake, Jake, she was half laughing, but there was remonstrance in her voice. But I never wanted you to give up the animals. Why, I don't believe you could live without them, could you? He gave himself an odd, half-angry shake. I've done with him, he declared almost fiercely. I can't serve two masters. If the new boss don't chuck me, I shall shock him. But the horses, Jake, she urged, and the hundreds' chance. You can't be in earnest.

Starting point is 16:04:37 You have always loved them better than anything else in the world. He winced sharply. You're wrong. And I am in earnest. If, if you had lost your life over the colt, I'd have shot him first and myself after. What sort of a brute do you take me for? Do you think I'm without any heart at all? All animal and no heart?

Starting point is 16:05:02 The question was passionate, but yet he did not look at her as he uttered it. He was gazing downwards at his clenched hands. He was formidable at that moment, but she did not shrink from him. Rather, she drew nearer. Of course I don't think so, she said. But...

Starting point is 16:05:20 But am I first with you, Jake? Am I really, first? He made a choked sound in his throat as if many emotions struggled for utterance, then almost under his breath. An easy first, he muttered, an easy first. Her bandaged tan slipped onto his arm. Her eyes were shining. Oh, Jake, thank you for telling me that, she said. You, I know you didn't want to tell me. And, and now, I've got to tell you something, that I don't want to tell you. either, that I don't know how to tell you. Oh, Jake, do help me. Don't, don't be angry.

Starting point is 16:06:02 He turned towards her, but he did not lift his eyes. He seemed almost afraid to look her in the face. My girl, you've no call to be afraid of me, he said. But there was constraint in his tone, constraint in his attitude, and her heart sank. I'm so horribly afraid of hurting you, she said. a faint faint gleam of humor crossed his face oh i guess i'm down he said you needn't be afraid of that either she tried to clasp his arm jake if-if i really come first with you perhaps perhaps you'll be able to forgive me it's because you came first with me too a very very long way first her voice shook that i was able to do it it's because i wanted you to have what you wanted without without feeling under an obligation to me or anyone it's because because your happiness is more to me a thousand times more than anything else in the world her breast began to heave jake's eyes were suddenly upon her but it was she who could not dared not meet their look ah i haven't told you yet she said brokenly how shall i tell you-you you "'It's—it's the animals, Jake.

Starting point is 16:07:26 "'It's the stud.' "'What about the stud?' he said. His voice was sunk very low. It sounded stern. With a great effort she mastered her agitation and answered him. "'It's yours, Jake. All yours. "'The new boss is—is just an invention of Mr. Raffords. "'You—you are the new boss.'

Starting point is 16:07:49 "'What?' he said. "'He got up. suddenly with a movement that verged upon violence and stood over her, she felt almost threateningly. Through quivering distress, she answered him again. I've played a double game. I met Mr. Rafford first at Liverpool, and then I chanced to meet him again hereafter, after you had refused to have my money, and he was kind and sympathetic and offered to help me. I wanted you so to have the horses, and I couldn't bear to think that you should lose them through me.

Starting point is 16:08:21 Oh, Jake, don't look so, so terrible. She sank back, panting on her cushions. That one brief glimpse of his face had appalled her. He had the look of a man hard-pressed and nearing the end of his strength. She saw that his hands were clenched. He spoke after several tense seconds. Why have you done this thing? She made a piteous gesture.

Starting point is 16:08:48 Oh, Jake, only, only because I loved you. Only, he said, and with the word she saw his hands unclench. For a moment a wild uncertainty possessed her, and then it was gone. Jake dropped down on his knees beside her and took her into his arms. Maud, he said, and again, Maud. But no further words would come. His voice broke.

Starting point is 16:09:16 He hid his face against her breast with a great sob. Her arms were round his neck. in an instant, her cheek was pressed against his hair. All doubts were gone forever. My darling, she whispered, my darling. And through the great storm of emotion that shook Jake, she said the soft words over and over, holding his head against her heart, kissing the cropped hair above his temple, drawing him near, ever near to the inner sanctuary of her soul, till at length by the shattering of her own reserve she broke down the last, of his also. He lifted his face to her with no attempt to hide his tears, and in the long,

Starting point is 16:09:58 long kiss that passed between them, they found each other at last, where the sand of the desert turns to gold. End of chapters 29 through 31. Part 2. Chapter 32 and epilogue of the 100th chance by Ethel Emdel. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. 32 Old Scores Someone was whistling on the garden path below the parlor window Someone had sauntered up by way of the orchard through an April night of radiant moonlight And was softly whistling an old old love-song with a waltz refrain

Starting point is 16:10:40 There was a light burning in the parlor and at the table a woman sat with bent head working She did not look up as the sweet rhythmic sound reached her She worked steadily on The walt's refrain came to an end. There fell a step outside the window. A wicked, mischievous face peered in. What? All alone, Queen of the Roses. Will you grant me admittance?

Starting point is 16:11:07 She looked across at him then, but she did not rise. Come in, certainly, if you wish, she said. He came in with the air of one conferring a royal favor. He moved round the table to her side, bent, and lightly kissed her hand. She suffered him with an enigmatic smile, scarcely pausing in her work. And where is the worthy cow-puncher, he said. She raised her brows ever so slightly. Are you speaking of Jake, my husband?

Starting point is 16:11:36 He smiled briefly, derisively. Even so. Of Jake, your husband. She smiled also, but her smile was wholly sweet. He will be in soon. He has gone round to see that all is well. Sit down, won't you, and wait to wait. till he comes.

Starting point is 16:11:54 Oh, ho, said Saltash. He sat down, facing her closely watching her every movement with his queer, restless eyes. Do you think he will be pleased to see me? he asked. She glanced at him. As pleased as I am, she said. Are you pleased? He flung the question as though he scarcely expected an answer. But she answered it with serenity.

Starting point is 16:12:18 Yes, I am quite pleased to see you, Charlie. I have been half expecting you all day. Really, he said. She bent her head. Ever since I heard of your return to the castle. It was kind of you to come round so soon. And we want to thank you, Jake and I, for letting us use the stables till the new ones at Greydown are ready.

Starting point is 16:12:40 Really, Saltash said again. He added, As half are already demolished and the other half will be pulled down as soon as the stud goes, it was not much of a favor to grant. Do I understand that Jake is to continue in command under the new regime? She smiled again as she answered. In absolute command. He frowned momentarily.

Starting point is 16:13:03 A fortunate thing for Jake. He thinks so too, she said. He began to finger his cigarette case. Do you mind if I smoke? Not in the least. She raised her eyes suddenly and fully to his. Please remember that. that you are in the house of friends,

Starting point is 16:13:21 she said with a slight emphasis on the last word. You amaze me, said Saltash. She laid aside her work with heightened color. Charlie, I have some rather serious things to say to you. My dear girl, he protested, must you? Yes, I must, and you must listen. She spoke with resolution. I will be as brief as I possibly can, but I must speak.

Starting point is 16:13:47 Smoke, please smoke, if you want. to. He laughed a little, leaning towards her. On second thoughts, I don't. This promises to be interesting after all. Do you know when I came in just now you looked so prim that I was nearly frightened quite away? She was looking him straight in the face. Charlie, why did you come? He shrugged his shoulders. Ask the needle why it follows the magnet, he said. His eyes caressed her, but she steadily faced them. I ought to hate you, she said, but I don't.

Starting point is 16:14:22 I think of you always, in spite of myself, as a friend. I suppose that is a woman's way, to be tricked, and to forgive. Anyhow, I forgave you a long while ago. I believe I have even begun to forget. Charlie, I know that you are capable of a sincere friendship. I can't help knowing it. You deceive yourself, he said lightly. His eyes still dwelt upon her.

Starting point is 16:14:47 but it was with a half-tender mockery, as one who smiles at the make-believe of a child. Her lips quivered a little. No, she said, it is the truth. You are pleased to wear a mask, but I know, the real man. I know that you are often crooked in your dealings, often cruelly malicious and vindictive. But at the back of it all, there is a man capable of big things, of chivalry, generosity, and honest kindness of heart. "'Charlie, I appeal to that man.'

Starting point is 16:15:19 "'What do you want of him?' said Saltash. And still he looked at her, but again his look had changed. The mockery had given place to a species of dispassionate curiosity. His ugly face had the odd melancholy as of something longed for, but hopelessly lost which may be seen on the face of a monkey. Because of that look, she suddenly stretched out her hands to him, impulsively, generously. I want fair play, she said. Perhaps I don't deserve it.

Starting point is 16:15:50 I haven't always treated you fairly. But I want you to put the past away from you, as I have done. I want to trust you again. There were tears in her eyes as she spoke. He held her hands hard pressed in his. A dangerous experiment, Maud of the Roses, he said. But if you will, you must. What more do you want?

Starting point is 16:16:12 She answered him quickly, pleadingly. charlie you have a grudge against my husband i want it put right away right away i don't think you have the power to hurt him but even if you had i want to know that you wouldn't use it he has always served you faithfully i want fair play for him saltash's dark face showed a faint twisted smile you certainly credit me with considerable generosity he said he deserves fair play from you she insisted you have tried to undermine his reputation and you have failed But you might have succeeded, although you know as well as I do, that he is a white man. Do I? said Saltash. You do, you do, she said with conviction. You have no right to cherish a grudge against him. He has done nothing to deserve it.

Starting point is 16:17:08 And how do you know that? said Saltash. I know him, she said with simplicity. I see. His smile became a little more marked. did he ever tell you the funny story of my double, he asked. She gave a great start, and in a moment her face was burning. I see, he said again. You needn't answer.

Starting point is 16:17:31 And you tell me that I have no right to cherish a grudge against him. She spoke with difficulty. He did not accuse you of anything. Saltash laughed. Left you to draw your own conclusions, eh? Score number one. and after that, when he knew that I was coming home, when he knew that you were mine for the asking, didn't he race you into marriage with him before you had time to find your breath?

Starting point is 16:17:57 Her face burned more hotly. Wouldn't you have done the same? she said. He looked sardonic. You must remember that I am not a white man, my queen of the roses. My standards won't compare with his. Score number two, then. And hasn't he balked me at every turn ever since? "'When have I ever got back any of my own, except once,

Starting point is 16:18:21 "'when I made you see him as he wasn't, a drunkard. "'And except when one night of moonshine, "'I held you in my arms and you gave your lips to mine.' "'His voice suddenly thrilled. "'She caught her breath sharply. "'I was mad,' she said. "'I was mad.' "'She would have withdrawn her hands from his, but he frustrated her.

Starting point is 16:18:42 "'A gleam of mischief flashed in his eyes. "'No, Mottes. of the roses, it was just a dream. Have you never said to yourself, that was the happiest dream of my life? She shook her head. That part of my life is over, quite over.

Starting point is 16:18:59 I have come into reality and, Charlie, it is better than any dream. That is why I want all that is evil to be taken away. If Jake has ever wronged you, then I have wronged you. And I appeal to your kindness of heart,

Starting point is 16:19:14 your generosity for forgiveness. the mischief died out of the eyes that watched her sultage bent a little over the hands he held but why should you take that trouble if i have ceased to count he said you do count she answered quickly and earnestly surely not if as you say it is out of my power to hurt him there was a hint of banter in the words but they held no venom it isn't that she said i want to know that the hatchet is buried that there will be no more ill-feeling jake is his own master and i know he will make his mark but i want him to have a fair chance free from all handicap what do you mean by that sultash suddenly broke in i presume he is still a paid service though it may no longer be my privilege to employ him. She lifted her head a little. No, Jake is his own master. The stud was bought with my money.

Starting point is 16:20:13 It belongs to him. Saltash's brows went up. Your money. You never had any. Never before last winter, she said. I inherited a very large fortune from my uncle in the north. It came to me, just in time. Saltash's brows were worried.

Starting point is 16:20:31 working up and down like a monkey's. And you, bought the stud. Then all this American business was Buncom. Did my agent know of this? She shook her head. No, no one knows yet except Jake, Bunny and me. He let her hands go abruptly and began to pace the room. She stood motionless, watching him.

Starting point is 16:20:55 Even Jake did not know till it had all gone through, she said after a moment. I told him, on the night of the fire. what did he say sultash tossed the words over his shoulder his dark face was drawn almost distorted maud hesitated then he asked me why i had done it she said in a low voice he paused in his walk and you struck a bargain with him he was to let you go your own way for all time please yourself live your own life wasn't that it her eyes fell involuntarily before the sudden fire his. Oh, no, she said quickly. Oh, no, I didn't want that. What then? He wheeled and came to her, stood before her. Surely you didn't give him all that for nothing. She faced him again steadily. He wouldn't have taken it. Then he was standing close to her, his odd eyes gazed deeply craving into hers. But she did not flinch. I gave it to him, for love, she said, she said, and

Starting point is 16:22:01 said. He made a sudden movement. His features were for a moment convulsed. Then swiftly he controlled himself. You love the man, he said. She clasped her hands together tightly. Her eyes never wavered for an instant from his. Yes, I love him, she said. He flung violently away from her. Why didn't I destroy him long ago? He said. Again he paced the room with sharp jerky movements. suddenly he flung two questions over his shoulder that was why you changed your mind after sending me that ring that was what you came to me at the castle to tell me she bent her head i believe that was the reason but i couldn't have told you that then i didn't know it myself how long have you known it he was not looking at her and very piteously she smiled it came to me quite suddenly in the hall at the anchor when you told you told you it-he was not looking at her and very piteously she smiled it came to me quite suddenly in the hall at the anchor when you told you told you me, you told me, that he wouldn't be such a fool as to believe in me. I left him without seeing him again.

Starting point is 16:23:09 And then, and then, just when my uncle died, he came to me. And I knew that he did believe in me after all. Saltash broke into a laugh, the laugh of a man who hides pain. It was my doing, then. Come, you owe me something after all. But it seems I have been misspending my energies ever since. I thought you wanted to be rid of him. Again, abruptly, he came back to her, stopped in front of her.

Starting point is 16:23:38 And so it all came out on the night of the fire, he said. She looked at him and her blue eyes shone. Yes, she said softly. There have been no misunderstanding since then. He smiled a little with twisted brows. Do you know who was responsible for that fire? She started. No.

Starting point is 16:24:00 A certain skill. "'Scoundrel named Stevens,' he said. "'The same scoundrel who pulled the albatross at the cup meeting and was thrashed for it by the virtuous cow-puncher. "'Do you know who was at the back of that scoundrel?' Her eyes fell before the grim bitterness of his. "'Charlie?' she faltered. "'Yes, Charlie,' he said.

Starting point is 16:24:22 "'Charles Berchester, Lord Saltash, "'another scoundrel blacker than the first, "'who had suffered a similar punishment "'for a somewhat similar offence from the same, same virtuous hands. Scoundrel number one won't trouble you again. I have shipped him off to Australia. Scoundrel number two is awaiting his orders to go to

Starting point is 16:24:41 another place. Her lips suddenly quivered. She put out a trembling hand. Charlie, I don't believe it of you. Believe it or not, he said, it's true. I'm a spiteful devil. You said so yourself a minute ago. But he held her hand almost as well.

Starting point is 16:25:00 one pleading for clemency. She raised her eyes to his. The fascination of the man drew her, but, possibly for the first time, not against her better judgment. Let us forget it all, she said. Let us be friends. He laughed in a fashion that moved her to pity, and bending kissed her hand. If Jake agrees, amen, he said. And then sharply, like an animal trapped, he turned towards the window and met Jake face to face. They stood for a moment so, confronting each other in dead silence. Then lightly, Saltash spoke. Caught trespassing, but not poaching, he said.

Starting point is 16:25:44 Your wife and I have been settling old scores. Jake's eyes went past him to his wife's face. She made no sign of any kind, save that she met the look. Jake came quietly forward. You are very well. Welcome, my lord, he said, and held out a steady hand. A gleam of surprise crossed Saltash's dark face. He took the hand, looking at Jake whimsically.

Starting point is 16:26:09 You are the fellow who is not accustomed to being beaten at the winning post, he said. Well, you were a bad starter and the odds were dead against you, but you've got there. I congratulate you. You are very good, my lord. Jake's eyes red-brown and resolute looked into his. Saltash shrugged his shoulders with a slight grimace. The roll is thrust upon me. I wonder if I shall be able to sustain it.

Starting point is 16:26:37 Something in the words reached Jake. His lips parted in a sudden smile that banished all the hardness from his face. His hand squarely gripped and held. For a second, just a second, there was a gleam of comradeship in his eyes. I guess it's up to you, my lord, he said. The moment passed and Salt Ash turned aside, laughing with a certain royal graciousness that was all his own. The odds are 99 to one, Bolton, he said.

Starting point is 16:27:07 But you are too accustomed to that to be dismayed. I put my money on the hundredth chance, Jake answered in his low, sure fashion. And I reckon I shan't lose it. Epilogue. The finish. The black colt leads. The black colt leads.

Starting point is 16:27:27 He wins. He wins! He wins! A great shout went up from the straining multitude as the hundredth chance, ridden by Sam Vickers shot past the winning post three lengths ahead of the horse behind. It was a sensational victory, for it was his maiden race, and the crowd yelled themselves horse over it, cheering and cheering again till the black colt came forth in a welter of sweat and foam to gather his laurels, still carrying his jockey and led by his owner, Jake Bolton.

Starting point is 16:27:56 He bore himself proudly as if fully conscious of the distinction he had won. Jake looked proud, too. He stuffed some sugar between the wet lips as he came, and his hand caressed the streaming neck. It was a popular meeting, and it was plainly a popular victory, though the favourite had not proved the winner. Jake Bolton's name went from mouth to mouth, and the throng cheered him to the echo.

Starting point is 16:28:22 He smiled his open, pleasant smile and answer. He had been looking to this moment for the past two years. He had worked hard for it. And his trust in the hundredth chance had been vindicated, his labor rewarded. He knew that yet greater victories lay before his favorite. The hundredth chance was a born winner. He would be famous.

Starting point is 16:28:44 Back in the paddock, a slim, boyish figure leaped to meet him. Jake, he's a stunner. Let me hold him a minute, Jake. Well done, Sam. Well done. Sam grinned from here to ear as he dropped from the saddle. Pretty sight, warranted, sir Bernard. Best I've ever seen, declared Bunny enthusiastically.

Starting point is 16:29:07 He led the black colt proudly after his jockey for a few paces, then gave him up and went back to Jake. Old feller, I'm so jolly bucked, he said, hugging his arm. I want a dance on my head. Do you know what I heard a chap say of you just now? A chap who knew too. He said, there goes the lynx, one of the straightest men on the turf. It sounded just fine. I wanted to go and shake hands with him.

Starting point is 16:29:34 Jake laughed, a quiet, satisfied laugh. Was Maud pleased? Oh, rather. She's going home now, said I was to tell you, said she'd save up and congratulate you in private. That's so, said Jake. He disengaged himself from Bunny and went about his business, but the smile lingered in his eyes for the rest of the afternoon, and it was the smile of a man who grasps his heart's desire. There was a white house on one of the great rolling downs behind the Grey Down race course, a low white house with gabled roofs and dark green shutters. There were woodland trees about it, and a terraced garden bright with many spring flowers. Behind it lay the racing stables, also white, model stables, the pride of Jake's heart. He said, he said, and he said, and he's, he's,

Starting point is 16:30:23 seldom approached the house by any other route. But as he passed between the long, orderly buildings on that particular evening after his horse's victory, he did not linger. Straight to the house he went, and straight within, pausing only in the wide square hall to throw down hat and whip ere he passed on, guided by the notes of a piano, to a room that overlooked the garden and the whole sweep of hillside beyond. She did not hear him enter, albeit she was playing softly, a dreamy melody that had in its something of dawning gladness and of infinite hope. Only chops, the red setter, lying by the open French window, looked up and wagged a noiseless welcome. Then, as he reached her, she caught

Starting point is 16:31:05 the jingle of his spurs, and in a moment she had turned to meet him with a vivid smile of eagerness. Oh, Jake, I am so glad, so glad. He put his arms about her as she sat, holding the flushed face upturned to his. What's that you're playing, my girl? Not a peon of of thanksgiving. Her eyelids fluttered under his look. She laughed faintly. She offered him her lips with just a hint of shyness. He kissed her, but he continued to look at her with an intent glitter in his eyes. "'You're glad, are you?' he said. Real glad?' Her arms clung about his neck. "'Yes, real glad, Jake. I know you call the hundredth chance your luck. I was horribly anxious, lest he should lose after all.

Starting point is 16:31:53 all. He smiled a little. What if he had? Think I can't stand up to a loss. She lifted her eyes to his for a moment, but they fell almost immediately. No, to use your own language, I think you're just fine. But, but all the same, I have been saving up a little consolation for you in case you needed it. That so, said Jake. He spoke very softly through lips that were suddenly tender. "'Well, let's imagine I'm in need of consolation. I'd enjoy to be consoled by you.'

Starting point is 16:32:30 She laughed again that faint shy laugh, and freeing one hand began to feel over the keys of the piano striking a soft chord here and there. Jake stood for a moment or two, then squarely bent, bringing his face on a level with hers. She made a slight gesture of protest, and then, very suddenly, as if compelled, she raised her eyes fully to his.

Starting point is 16:32:52 "'You once told me you'd enjoy "'something quite different,' she said. "'The red-brown eyes gazed deeply into hers. "'And, good land, how shocked you were,' he said. "'You didn't view yourself as a plain man's wife in those days, my princess. "'Reckon you hated the plain man pretty badly "'for teaching you the meaning of the word.' "'She laid one hand against his breast.

Starting point is 16:33:19 "'Her eyes were of that intense blueness "'that comes from the heart of a sapphire. And now, she said, I love him better every day, every night. His big hand closed upon her wrist. He drew a great breath. Ah, he said. She went on, albeit her lips were quivering. I don't need to tell you that, do I?

Starting point is 16:33:43 You know it so well. I don't think I really need to tell you of this other thing either, of this big, big gift that is coming to us. Oh, Jake, dear Jake, I have so hoped, so hoped. He held her closer. My own girl. Guess you'll be happy now, he whispered. She smiled at him through tears.

Starting point is 16:34:07 No, not for my own sake. For yours, for yours. For mine, he said. Haven't you given me all the world and then some? She uttered a trembling laugh. I have given you lots that you didn't want to take. things that have cost me nothing, but this, this is different, and it's the thing you wanted. He clasped her to him almost fiercely.

Starting point is 16:34:32 My girl, I want nothing, no one but you. She clung to him with a tenseness that was passionate. That is what I wanted to say to you, my darling. You will always be first, first, first. Dr. Capper once told me that, that my frog would turn into a prince some day. And, dear, he was right. You are the prince of my heart, forever. I love you as, as I never thought it was humanly possible to love.

Starting point is 16:35:03 Maybe it's not, all human, he whispered, with lips that moved against her own. You are right, she whispered back. It is divine, the perfect gift. But it only comes to those who give, without measure, not counting the cost, rejoicing only in the power to give. till it all comes back a thousandfold, a thousand fold. Her voice thrilled, her arms clung closer. I once heard a man preach about that, and at the end he said,

Starting point is 16:35:34 It is then that the ploughman overtakes the reaper, for ploughman and reaper are one. Jake, I think that man spoke a great truth. You and I have done some heavy ploughing, but we are beginning to be reapers now. Her lips suddenly pressed his, closely, lingeringly. Her tears were gone. It's good to reap our own harvest, isn't it, Jake? She murmured. Yours and mine together.

Starting point is 16:36:01 And Jake answered her in his own language, his voice very soft and slow, his eyes gazing straight into hers, seeing her soul. Sure, he said. Sure. End of the hundredth chance by Ethel Amdell.

Classic Audiobook Collection - The Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. Dell ~ Full Audiobook [romance]

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.