ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3329, 22 September 1911, Page 3

ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

! (By L. T. Meade, author of “A Son of Islimael.” etc.) A RECORD OF PLOT AND PASSION. CHAPTER LVII. THE APPROACHING SHADOW. It wanted now' but: three, days to Christmas and Pelham and liis wife were very busy. They were happy in their new life, and all Pel ham’s suspicions had rolled away like a< cloud on a summer’s morning. He was sorry for Piers } sorry the child’s early death, but his own life now fully occupied him. Pelham was a good fellow. He was married bo the girl he loved. Day by day he saw mere of the charm and beauty of her character—she was ail his. To pour his riches at her feet, to surround her with glory- and honor were his delight. Yes, he would live a good life, the best life of all, for the sake of Barbara. Mrs Pelham’s mesage and her sudden departure puzled the young couple. “What can it mean?” said Barbara. “Mrs Pelham was not going to leave Uo until long after Christmas. My mother arrives to-morrow. Wliat can be the matter?” “She doubtless bad her reasons,” said Pelham. “She wi'il write and tell you when She gets to town.” “I wonder what Dr Tarbot really wanted with her?” con tinned Barbara. Pelham put his arm. round his wife and drew her to his side. “Don’t let us talk about Tarbot,” be &aid.

“Why do?” “I dislike the man so cordially What about that Christmas tree?” Barbara brightened up.

“I shall go into Exeter to-day,” she said, “and I will buy the things necessary for the tree there. Will you come with me, Dick?” “I ca nnot. I have to see Man son about the lease' for the South Meadow Farm. ’it is a lovely day, and you may as well drive over to Exeter. The horses are eating their heads off and a long run will do them good.” The pair had this conversation in their room before they went down to breakfast. On the breakfast table several letters awaited them. Amongst others, was one from Mrs Evershed. In this she announced her intention, of arriving at Pelham Towers by a certain train in the afternoon.

“I did net know that mother would choose that train,” said Barbara. “As that is the case, Dick, I will goi to Exeter by train, for I can just fit things in, and return in< time to join mother at Haveraham station. We will then drive home together.”

“Very well, dear, as you like.” “I shall buy quite a cartload of things,” said Barbara, laughing as slie epoke. “I want this Christmas tree to be the best the children have ever seen. You may as well select a- fir tree for the purpose when yon. take your rounds this morning Diolc.”

“All right,” he answered. Barbara having finished her breakfast, went to the window. .“How lovely .tilings arc looking!” she said. “But it is cold. I should not be surprised if we had. a fall of snow.”

Pelham joined his wife at the window. A fairer scene could scarcely be found in the length and breadth of England. The pace was covered with hoar frest, the rolling lawns was skirted by great forest trees, there was a lake in the distance, and a range of low-lying hills stood up against the horizon.. The high rood wound like a white ribbon to the left of the view. There was a peace and a great silence over the scene. A robin was hopping about on a hough near by-tooking for his breakfast. Barbara opened the window and threw out gome crumbs.

“It is all lovely, lovely,” slie said. “Don’t forget about the. tree this morning, Dick. Let it be a right royal one, for the sake of dear little Piers. I am going to give the Chdistmas tree in his memory } and I mean to talk about him to the children.”

Pelham said nothing, and a thoughtful look passed over his face. For a moment his eyes became full of gloom, but Barbara was too happy ini her own reflections to notice this.

“Good-bye, dear,” she said.' “I must hurry off. I have to give some directions about -mother’s room, and I,shall try to catch the 11.10 train. She ran out of the room singing liglit song under her breath. Dick Pelham stood for a moment where she had left him. He continued to gaze out at the lovely landscape then., whistling to his dogs, lie went out into the yard. For the rest of the morning' many duties kept him busy, for lie was an ideal 'landlord, apd looked into, the smallest details himself, but he found time to walk round to the front and see Barbara off on her expedition to Exeter. She was to drive to the station about four miles away.

“GocT bless her!” said Pelham as he watched the ponies .with their ringing bells trot down the avenue and. then disappear, from view. His doigsi still foil owing him, he sauntered down the avenue. tie was to meet his steward within an hour, but there was still plenty of time. He had - gome about a hundred 1 yards when an old man was seen hobbling up the drive. (To he Continued To-morrow.)