ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3339, 4 October 1911, Page 3

ON THE BRINK OF A CHASM.

(By L, T. Meade.' author of “A Son

of Ishmaol.” etc.)

A RECORD OF PLOT AND PASSION.

CHAPTER LVII.

THE LAST STRAW.

' Barbara had scarcely gone before the door of the consulting room was opened, and Clara came in. Clara wore her old grey bonnet' and cloak, her nurse’s dress. Tarbot, who was standing by the mantelpiece with an excited look in his eyes and his lips still trembling, turned when she entered. “Leave me,” he said. “I cannot speak to you at present. Go away.” “I won’t keep you Jong,” answered Clara very gently. She was interrupted by a fit of coughing. Try as she would she could n'ot restrain it. Her face became crimson, and her features worked. She struggled liard with the cruel disease which was rending her. Presently it passed, but not until the handkerchief which, she had pressed to .her lips was stained with blood. Tarbot' stood a few feet away regarding her, and l his face wore a malignant scowl- Clara slipped her handkerchief into her pocket, and sat down on the nearest ©hair, panting as she did so. “You are ill,” said Tarbot. “When yon have dome your business here as witness at the trial you had better go to Algiers for the winter.” “We will leave that matter for the present,” said Clara. “I wish to tell you now that I know exactly what you have done.” “What I have done?” “Yes. You have just had an interview with Lady Pelham.” - “What is that to; you ” “A great deal. I am your wife. I happened to see you just now.” “So you played the spy?” “I did, Luke, and I am not. ashamed. I opened the door softly. You were too much occupied to notice me. I saw wfien you took her in your arms—you, who are another woman’s husband—kissed her. She repelled you, as a. good woman should- I have net a word to say against her, but for you, Luke, for you —this to ane is—the very last straw.” “Never mind!” he said excitedly. “You shall go to Algiers when the trial is over. It will come on in a fortnight. The man has not a loophole of escape. The whole thing will sweep to its ghastly conclusion in a few* weeks.” “Are you sure?” she asked. “Yes. What do you mean?” “I was only thinking of the ace of trumps.” “Again you talk in that ridiculous way. You made use of that expression before. What do you mean?” “You will know presently. Goodbye, Luke.” “Where are you going?” “Out-” Clara did not say anything further. She went into the hall, opened the hjxll door, and let herself out. Walking somewhat unsteadily and feebly, swaying now and then from side to side, she got as far as the end of the street. Here she hailed a hansom, and desired the main! to drive her to Paddington. When- she got there she took the next train to’ Haversham. “ About- half-way down the line she took a letter out of her pocket It was directed to her husband. She gave it a. queer look, and there was an ominous glitter in her eyes. When she reached a large junction she called a porter to her, gave him sixpence, and asked him to post the letter. The man promised to obey. Clara sank back in her seat with a-sigh of relief and the train moved on. She arrived at Haversham late that evening. It' was only a wayside station, and there were no cabs. She had to walk the entire distance to Great Pelham- The night- was a wet one, and heavy rain penetrated through Clara’s cloak. She was damp through and through. She reached the “Pelham Anns” about ten o’clock. When she got there she spoke to one of the waiters. “Get me some tea at once in the coffee-room and order a cab. I want to drive to Pelham Towers,” she said. The man looked eager .when she pronounced the name, for already strange news was beginning to be whispered with regard to Pelham Towers. The account of the trial had come down in the evening papers, and the whole country rang with the news. The tea, . was brought, and Clara drank it off, for she was parched with thirst and fever. In less than ten min- ■ utes she was driving to the Towers. She got there about half-past ten. She desired the man to take her to the side entrance. One of the servants came out and stared when she saw her“l have called to speak to a person who I believe is here-—a person of the name of Ives,” said Clara. “There is a little lady of that name in the house. She’s in the housekeeper's room,” said the woman. “I wish to see hero immediately,” “What name shall I. say?” “Tell her that her daughter lias come and wants to speak to her,” “Will you please step in, ana,’am?” Clara .desired■'•the cab to wait and entered the hall. A moment later Mrs Ives came out. (To he Continued To-morrow.)

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