ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3325, 18 September 1911, Page 3

ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

(By L. T. Meade, author of “A Sou of Ishmael.” etc.l A RECORD OF PLOT AND PASSION. CHAPTER LIII. THEY SPOKE IN LOW TONES, “D o yo'u intend to make a long stay in Devonshire?” was Barbara’s next commonplace remark. Dr. Tarbot replied that circumstances would decide that. Just then Mrs Pelham came into the room, followed by Diek. Dinner was announced, and die party went into the dining hall. The meal was a subdued one. Pelham’s antipathy to Tarbot made itself felt. Notwithstanding all his efforts, he could not he cordial to his unwelcome guest. The men remained for a short time over wine, and joined the ladies soon l afterwards in the drawing-room. The moment they did so } Barbara wont up to her husband, slipped her hand inside bis arm, and led him into the conservatory. Tarbot. had hoped to have a few moments’ conversation with her. ITe bit his 'lips as he saw what this movement meant.

“She hates me; she cannot bear even to- give me ordinary civilities,” he said to himself. “So much the better for my purpose.”

Tli© next instant he found himself in a low chair by Mrs Pelham’s side. "You said 'ycd wished to see me, Dr Tarbot,” she said. "I do,” he replied. “I am anxious to have an interview with you on a matter of grave importance..” “Your looks frighten me,” she said. ""What can he very important to me now?” "What I am - about to tell you will be of the gravest importance. What time to-morrow can we have our interview?’ "Whatever time will suit you, Dr Tarbot. Your time is mine. lam not specially engaged, in any way. It is true that Barbara wants me to go with her to Exeter to choose presents fcr the villagers’ Christmas tree, but there is no special hurry, and we can postpone our visit. I shall be at your disposal. Will you come here at eleven o’clock?” "Would it be possible for you to come to me?” "Why?” "I have reasons which you will appreciate.” "Certainly if you wish,” she replied. “I can secure a sitting-room where we can be quite alone at the ‘Pelham Arms.’ May I expect you at eleven o’clock to-morrow ” "Yes,” replied the widow. At that moment Barbara and Pediam entered the room. Barbara, sat down at the open piano and began to sing. She sang several times, and her voice was rich, full, and pleasing. Dick went and stood by her side. Between the songs lie and she spoke together in low tones, just as if they were lovers. Presently Dr Tarbot, making am effort, went up and joined the group. He could talk well, and he exerted himself now to be agreeable. Presently bis efforts met their reward. Barbara ceased to distrust him. He spoke of people and matters which only Londoners would appreciate, Barbara asked questions, put in suggestions, and enjoyed the doctor’s clever epitome of metropolitan gossip. Dick scarcely spoke. He was never much of a talker, and his dislike to Tarbot increased moment by moment. Once more the old suspicions returned to him. Had the child come by his death through: natural causes ? Pelham had to remind himself of what the two great consultants and' the chemist had said before his usual equanimity reasserted. itself. Soon after ten o’clock Tarbot took his leave. He shock bands first with Barbara, then he went up to Mrs Pelham. "I shall expect you to-morrow,” he said. "I shall be with you at eleven o’clock,” she l replied. He then left the room, Dick accompanying him as far u.s the hall door. The moment Barbara and Mrs Pelham were alone Barbara spoke. • "I am glad that is over,,” she said. "Why do you dislike him, Barbara?” "I cannot explain what I feel about him,” said Barbara impatiently. "By the way, was he making an appointment with you? I thought we were, to go to Exeter to-morrow.” "I hope, dear, that you will not mind putting off the expedition until Friday or, if that is very inconvenient, will you gio without me?” "01 : course I will put it off if there is any good reason for it,” mad Barbara. "We can go on Friday quite as well as to-morrow.”

“Dr Tarbot wants to leave for Lon-■ don. on Friday morning,” said Mrs Pelham, “and as he,wishes to see- me on a matter of business I appointed to-mor-row, at eleven o’clock.” “Well,” said Barbara, tapping her fingers lightly on tire mantelpiece, “we must ask him to tench, I suppose. I frankly . confess that I shall be glad when goes.” i {'ear he must have guessed your feelings twards him, for he refuses .o come here. He has asked mo to meet him at the ‘Pelham Arms.’” Barbara said nothing further, for at that moment her husband re-entered the room. v