For His Sake. A novel

Front matter

FOR HIS SAKE FOE HIS SAKE 3 "glooel. BY MRS. ALEXANDER, AUTHOR OP "THE WOOING O'T," "BY WOMAN S WIT, "WELL WON," "A WOMAN'S HEART," 4c, 4c, 4c. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON : F. V. WHITE & CO., 31, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, W.U. 1892. PRINTED BY KELLY AND CO., LIMITED, MIDDLE MILL, KINGSTON-ON-THAMES; AND GATE STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.O. CONTENTS. OHAP. PAGE I. — Greek meets Greek .... 1 II. — The Fortune of War . . . .25 III. — Peace is Proclaimed . . . .48 IV. — Progress and Civilisation . . .69 V. — A Change of Tactics . . . .93 VI. — A Confession ..... 117 VII. — Christmas at Dene Court . 143 VIII. — In the Old Groove .... 167 IX.-" Business" 191 X. — Gathering Clouds .... 212 XI. — The Storm Breaks .... — se —

Chapter I. Greek Meets Greek

A wild west wind was driving occasional showers of heavy rain against the tall windows of the sitting room shared by Sybil and her good friend one dreary October afternoon, more than a year after the tender farewell with which the last chapter closed. The curtains and furniture were a trifle more faded, the one easy chair a little more rubbed, the patches on the arms a little larger than when we saw it last, and the writing-table more piled with papers and books. Sybil sat alone on a low stool beside a small fire on which she was carefully depositing what available cinders she could find on the hearth. Beside her on the carpet lay a dark woollen dress she had been mending ; she now sat, tongs in hand, gazing into the VOL. II. grate as if in deep thought. Her expression was more serious and softer than it used to be, though it had a tinge of sadness always.

The days after Tremaine's departure had been indeed dull and dreary. She missed him even more than she expected, yet the weeks went by rapidly, and a new source of pleasure was opened up to her in his letters, and in her own to him. The same strain of boyish frankness and bright ness which characterized his manner, spoke in his writing, nor were his unstudied descriptions unamusing. She often read aloud passages of his letters to " Minty," who was enchanted by the confidence thus placed in her. Possibly Lynnchester would not have been flattered had the pen and ink pictures of life within its ancient walls, as it appeared to her, been extracted from Sybil's replies to her lover and published in that high class Conservative paper, The Courant. But her life was not all duLness by any means. She had sweet hope always with her and some fulfilment also.

Her child's story was evidently successful, for the editor of that popular juvenile periodical, Jack and Jill, asked for further contributions, and a well-known firm of publishers wrote to know her terms for a one-volume tale, suited to girls between twelve and fifteen, so time did not hang heavy on her hands. In addition to this pleasant and profitable em ployment, her friend Mrs. Winter was, during the previous months, threatened with cataract — a threatening which unfortunately proved pro phetic. Sybil therefore passed many hours reading aloud to her, endearing herself by this and many other services to the kindly plucky little woman. During this time a decided friendship sprang up between her and young Playford, whose fear of his aunt's favourite seemed to have melted away. Indeed, he frequently escorted her home in the dusk of the winter afternoons when he happened to be staying at his uncle's house.

Sometimes on these occasions he was graciously received by Mrs. Rashleigh herself, who began to hope she might soon be relieved of the dis comfort of her granddaughter's presence. It came upon her, therefore, like a thunderbolt, the sudden announcement that Miss Price was engaged to Playford. The gossips said that somehow Mrs. Winter had been won over to a favourable view of the young people's project, and had then persuaded her husband to give his consent also. Mrs. Rashleigh on receipt of this news had an 16—2 interview with Sybil, which did not exactly in cline either to peace. Very bitter words were spoken by the elder woman, and though still keeping a brave front, Sybil retired from the conflict a good deal shaken. " It is an awful thing to be hated, Minty ! " she said to her confidante.

" I would give the world to go away out of my grandmother's sight. But I must stay. Dick is so anxious Lshould not leave this house till he comes for me, and the weeks are slipping away. In six months I shall attain my majority ; then I shall do what I like, and perhaps Dick will be able to come home. Ah ! Minty, ' Time and the hour run through the darkest day,' " and Araminta soothed her to the best of her ability. All this time we have left Sybil staring at the fire. The entrance of Miss Parry roused her. " Oh ! Minty ! do ask for some more coals," cried Sybil, putting down the tongs. " And when are you coming to sit down in peace ? You have been running about the whole morning." " Oh ! I don't expect to sit down till Captain Rashleigh comes. We have had such short notice. Why, he may be here to-morrow.

Did you see my key basket, dear ? I thought I left it on the chimney-piece ? " " No, it is not there," said Sybil, picking up her dress and turning it over to find the needle. " I think you took it downstairs with you. Haven't you finished yet. If everything is to be upset for this tiresome man, we have a pleasant look-out." " Well, Sybil, it is but natural that Mrs. Rashleigh should like to welcome her son ; and, you must remember, it is his own house. Now Sybil, I have been longing to offer you a little advice, if you don't mind. Do not be uncivil to Captain Rashleigh. He might be a very good friend to you." " I don't fancy he would be much of a friend to any one," said Sybil, thoughtfully. " And why should I want his friendship ? In a few months he will be gone out of my life, if he ever had any part in it, and we may never meet again."

" No one can tell what may happen," returned Miss Parry, as she hunted wildly for the key basket. " If you pleas'm," said the housemaid, putting in her head, " Mrs. Rashleigh says you are to be sure to put a pair of the best frilled sheets in Captain Rashleigh's room, and cook told me to let you know the butcher is afraid he cannot let us have any sweetbreads to-morrow, they are all bespoke." " Dear me, how very provoking ! Mrs. Rash leigh quite set her mind on sweetbreads ; now we will be obliged to make a curry instead." " And if you think a man fresh from India will like an English curry, I fear you are very much mistaken," said Sybil mischievously. " You are really unkind, Sybil. I will come to cook directly." Then, in a tone of joy, " Oh, here it is ! How in the world could it have got under the newspapers !

" And Miss Parry seized the key basket. " I wish, Sybil, you had not been so obstinate ; do what you will, you cannot help that dress looking shabby. Why you have had it three winters. You might have had a new one if you had let me ask. Mrs. Rashleigh, I can see, likes you to look nice." " And I like much more to spare her pocket. After our last battle I feel as if clothes bought with her money would scorch me ; and as I will not take a shilling from my precious hoard, why, I must make my present rags last me a few months longer." " Still, dear, I wish you had a new dress. First impressions are most important, and now that Captain Rash " " Minty ! " broke in Sybil, starting up and grasping her hair with both hands, "If you repeat that name again I shall go upstairs and trample on your best bonnet.

Go — go to cook, and see if you can create new sweetbreads to satisfy the dainty taste of our coming tyrant ; but if you can't, fall back on simple mutton-chops rather than risk a curry. I am growing cross. I shall wrap up and run to the stable to refresh myself with a glimpse of Oscar and the pony." Miss Parry left the room to struggle as best she could with the difficulties upstairs and down, which were increasing each hour since a letter from Rashleigh, about a fortnight before, informed his step -mother of his sudden decision to take leave of absence and anticipate the return of his battery by about six months. No one could exactly make out if this was pleasant or unpleasant news to Mrs. Rashleigh. At home, she looked exceedingly grim, and issued her orders with more than her usual im perious severity.

Abroad, she told her friends and the public that she was feeling quite young again, so delightful was the prospect of seeing her dear boy after six years' absence. The small household at the Priory had their work cut out from the time the announcement reached their mistress ; even Sybil, though quite untouched by the excitement which moved the rest, took her share in the work, wishing to lighten the labours of her chum. The day following that on which this portion of our story opens was clear and cloudless. The walls, the woods, the river, all looked their best, and a fine sunset promised a spell of good weather. The mellow light of autumn was peculiarly becoming to the stately beauty of the old town, and Sybil, who had gone forth to refresh herself by wandering round the walls, wondered if Brian Rashleigh felt any affection for the home of his boyhood.

" If I had been happy here, I should have loved the place dearly," she thought. " How charmed Dick always was with its old-world picturesqueness. I wonder if Brian is as rugged and angry-looking as ever. We shall not see much of him, I suppose. Mrs. Rashleigh was very emphatic in her directions that the table should be laid for two only. He will think I am a miserable member of some disgraced branch of the family." The usual train by which Lynncestrians travelled homeward from London reached the old city at seven, and a little before that hour Mrs. Rashleigh had established herself and her knitting beside a fine fire in the library, which gleamed on the tiled hearth, and lit up the dark oak furniture in a very pleasant and comforting fashion. The only other fight was a reading lamp on an occasional table near which she sat.

Mrs. Rashleigh had not been seated many minutes when Sybil entered, carrying a basket of hothouse flowers. She hesitated for a second on perceiving her grandmother. " I did not know* you were here," she said. " I have just been arranging the table for Miss Parry, and as these were over, I thought you might like them here." " Very well, put them on the table. By the way," continued Mrs. Rashleigh, " I have for gotten to mention that as Captain Rashleigh will probably use this library as a sitting and smoking room, I beg there may be no strum ming on the piano while he is here. The room you and Miss Parry use is, you must remember, so unfortunately near." " Perhaps it would conduce more to his com fort if Miss Parry and I moved downstairs to the housekeejoer's room, or sat in the kitchen ! " said Sybil gently, and with perfect gravity.

Mrs. Rashleigh raised her stern black eyes and looked sharply at the speaker, but Sybil kept a calm and questioning expression. While the " eye-duel " lasted the gate-bell sounded. " There ! " exclaimed Mrs. Rashleigh, "that is enough — go," and Sybil managed to escape to her own room before the expected guest crossed the threshold. Mrs. Rashleigh stirred the fire to a brighter glow. The next moment the door was opened, and Stone announced " Captain Rashleigh," and enter a tall, large -framed man with a rather gaunt face, a square chin, large sandy moustaches, close cropped hair, and steely blue eyes, to the full as stern as Mrs. Rashleigh's black ones. His step-mother advanced to meet him with her best smile, and a slightly anxious expression. " My dear boy ! I am indeed rejoiced to welcome you back !

" she said, holding out both hands. Rashleigh only took one. " Thank you ! " he said, and bending down he lightly kissed her brow. " Very glad to see you, and to see you looking so well — first rate." He let her hand go. " We had rather a cold journey. I travelled down with young Wyndham, whom I met at the station." As he spoke he threw off his ulster and showed, in his close fitting morning coat, that his breadth was due much more to bone than flesh. " We were some minutes behind time, so I must not detain you by dressing for dinner ; I am rather hungry myself." " No, my dear Brian, it is not at all necessary, after your journey. Had you a good voyage ? " " Capital ! Rather rough in the Mediter ranean, but quick, which is the main point. Gad ! how curious it seems to be in the old place again, and find everything just as it was.

Why they have the same rascally hole of a station still ; I thought they were going to build a new one ! " " Things move slowly here, but " — ringing — " you will like to go ;to your room. I have arranged your poor father's bed and dressing room for you. I have established myself in the front suite." " Oh, indeed, much obliged ; I like to look on the green fields. By the way, I hope the stables are in good condition. I shall want a couple of horses here through the winter." " My dear Brian, you will find your house and its belongings in excellent order, I flatter myself." " No doubt," he returned, with a smile — rather a pleasant smile — and taking up his ulster he followed the severe Stone, who was carrying his travelling bag upstairs. Mrs. Rashleigh returned to her knitting, and her face grew grave.

" It is impossible to know what Brian thinks or feels," she thought, "he has always been so silent and undemonstrative. I hope he will be satisfied with everything. It would be well if he w*ould marry Aline soon, then Lady Elizabeth would always want them at Dene Court when he had leave of absence. When old John Rashleigh dies (he can't live long — his cough has been most trying all last winter and spring) why Brian will not want this house. I should not mind sharing it and expenses with Lady Elizabeth ; she talks noisily, but / could manage her. As to Sybil, as soon as she is of age she may go. Of course my respon sibility will be at an end then, and I'll get rid of her somehow. Brian must understand how unmanageable she is. It was his whim which brought all the cost and annoyance of her resi dence here upon me."

Here dinner was announced, and Captain Rashleigh re-entered at the same moment. He offered his arm to his stepmother, observing, as they passed through the hall, " The old house looks first-rate, by George ! Nothing like Eng land, after all." Then he devoted himself to his dinner — soup, fish and a saddle of Welsh mutton succeeded each other and were evidently approved. Then came curried chicken. At the first mouthful Brian laid down his spoon and fork. " It's enough to burn one's tongue out ! " he exclaimed. " You have plenty of indigenous good things. I would not experiment on foreign dishes if I were you." Mrs. Rashleigh signed to the attendant, and the objectionable curry was replaced by a plump, delicately-roasted grouse, with all the proper accompaniments. " This is something you can't get anywhere else," said Brian Rashleigh approvingly.

" Yes, the Dene Court grouse are remarkably good," said Mrs. Rashleigh. " Lady Elizabeth has sent some over for your delectation, to say nothing of fruit and flowers, though we are pretty well off for the latter. Poor old Dumble don really does very well. Of course to me an old employe of your dear father's, whether he does well or ill, is a sacred charge. But to return to Dene Court. I cannot tell you how kind and attentive Lady Elizabeth has been to me ; and Aline has grown up a charming girl. Just an ideal English country lady, and has been greatly admired in London, I am told." " Girls change a good deal, I am told," he returned. " Take another glass of claret ? You had better. It's a sound wine — some of the old stuff, eh?" " Yes, dear boy. It has never been touched since you went on foreign service."

" Oh, then, by Jove ! you must have another glass." " On this occasion I cannot refuse. But, apropos of Dene Court, poor John Rashleigh is failing fast. I believe he does not intend to hunt this season." " He must be far gone," exclaimed Rash leigh, helping himself to olives. "lam awfully sorry to hear it. I'll go out and see them to morrow." " Yes. They will be so pleased to see you. Aline rides very nicely. She always rides with her father. She is quite a devoted daughter, and has such a strong sense of duty." " By the way, what's become of that wild little granddaughter of yours ? You haven't men tioned her for some time." " If I did not," said Mrs. Rashleigh slowly, " It is because I had nothing good to say. I suppose she cannot help it, but she has given me a good deal of trouble. She is self-willed to a degree and rather eccentric.

She might go everywhere, being my granddaughter, but she will not make friends with any one. Then she seems to have a curious dislike to my self. She has a sort of crooked pride, which I cannot understand. To-day, for instance, I begged her not to strum on the piano, as it might annoy you (she really cannot play) and she asked demurely if it would conduce to your comfort if she were to sit in the kitchen ? " Rashleigh laughed. " Rather a crass speech," he said. " The fact is, I believe her father was not thoroughly sane — so " " There I imagine you are mistaken," inter rupted Rashleigh. " Colonel Brabazon, of the Sixth Hussars, knew him well — he was in that regiment in his early days — and Brabazon says he was a first-rate fellow, a thorough gentleman, and a handsome man to boot. Pity he didn't pass on his good looks to his daughter.

She was a queer little creature when I saw her." " Well, she has almost worn me out. But with young people one must always hope — they are generally troublesome. I am sure I am glad dear Lady Elizabeth has such comfort in her daughter — she is gentle and conscientious and fond of home pleasures, but not at all brilliant." " Ah, well ; so much the better. Your fascinating, brilliant women generally go wrong," said Brian, " at least in India." " Would you like to smoke, Brian ? I do not mind in the least." " Sure ? " " Quite sure." Rashleigh drew forth his cigar case and lit up. The conversation then turned on strictly per sonal and business matters, and though neither of the speakers was disposed " to pour out his or her heart " to the other, the minutes flew fast, and they still sat by the dining room fire.

At length Mrs. Rashleigh, glancing at the clock, remarked that it was past her usual time for retiring. " And I daresay you are ready for bed too, Brian," she added. " Well, yes. At any rate I shall go to my room. Pray do not let me interfere with your regular routine in any way." " Thank you, my dear son. At my age one is inclined to get into a groove. Breakfast is at nine. I take mine in my room, but Miss Parry, my companion and secretary, will make tea for you. If it bores you to have her and Sybil Carew at breakfast, pray mention it to me, and I shall make other arrangements." Rashleigh laughed. " I am not much of a lady's man, certainly," he said. " But I am not so morose as to object to breakfast with a couple of women — especially if they make good tea. Later on I shall want mine earlier, I daresay."

They exchanged good-nights — Rashleigh re peating his congratulations to his stepmother on her unchanged good looks. After unpacking — or, rather, throwing out his garments hither and thither — Brian Rashleigh drew a comfortable chair to the fire and sat down to smoke a final cigar before turning in. " She is marvellously well preserved," he thought. " But somehow she seems harder, more incased in some kind of shell than she used to be. I suppose it's because I haven't seen her for a long time. No matter ; she was a capital, sensible mother to me, and made my poor sickly father deucedly comfortable. I mustn't forget that. How curiously still the place seems ; but I'll enjoy a good season with the old Lynnshire hounds again. Rather queer being shut up in the house with three women — two old ones and a child — at least, a school-girl.

I suppose she is not * out ' yet, or she would have been at dinner. She has evidently been a hand ful to my respected step-mother. Stupid little muff ! / never found it hard to get on with her. I must go and see the Dene Court people to morrow. I wonder if my uncle has anything worth buying in his stables. Poor old chap ! how straight he used to ride. AVhat a nuisance it must be to grow old and shaky. How awfully riled I should be if I had only a daughter to succeed me — unless, indeed, I had a nephew like myself. / am a Rashleigh to the backbone." Then visions of how he would manage the property and keep a fine stud, or perhaps go into Parliament and help the Conservatives to keep VOL. II. back the rising tide of radicalism and democracy and such-like damnable tendencies when he suc ceeded his uncle, floated before his eyes till, finding them closing in sleep, he roused himself and went to bed.

Brian Rashleigh was essentially a man's man, though not what is termed "universally popular " — he was too blunt and downright for that. Indeed a certain class of men who were not over scrupulous as to the means by which they pushed their fortunes, hated him, and spoke of him as that " big brute, Rashleigh ; " others who knew him well, or had been in his battery, if not en thusiastic in his praise, liked and respected him ; his soldiers feared him, but bad great trust in his justice, and every one was ready to join a hunting party got up by Brian Rashleigh, who was a mighty Nimrod and passionately fond of sport. To women he was quite indifferent. Not that he ever talked or thought any cynical nonsense respecting their wickedness or falseness, their folly or their weakness — on the whole he was inclined to think the majority were good souls and useful, though he was too often the confidant of his younger friends — whose faith in his silence and prudence was unbounded — not to know that a large sprinkling were fascinating devils, quite capable of ruining the men who were devoted to them.

For himself, he didn't understand such idiotic weakness. Still he did not dislike the sort of soft deference with which he was treated by his fair acquaintances — though quite aware it was due more to his possessions and expectations than to his individual merit. Then he never knew what to talk to women about — they seemed rather silly to him. Moreover, if they were horsey and held forth on sporting topics it rather offended his taste. Some day it would be his duty to marry, and marry he would, but he had a good long spell of freedom before him, thank heaven ! The following morning was cool and crisp, but bright, and Captain Rashleigh, in most correct country get-up, descended in excellent humour to the morning meal. Tea at the Priory, early or late, was always served with a huge silver tea urn, under which a spirit lamp burned.

Rising from behind its friendly shelter, Miss Parry, feeling exceedingly nervous, stepped forth to receive the autocrat of all the Rashleighs. " Miss Parry, I suppose," said that important personage. " Good morning." " I hope you slept well ? " said the amiable spinster. " Thanks, admirably." 17—2 " We will not wait for Miss Carew ; she is sometimes a little late. Will you take some dried haddock or cold ham ? " " Thanks ; I'll help myself." A pause — only broken by a timid inquiry, " Do you take milk and sugar ? " " Yes, both." Then Brian said, half to him self, " Capital cup of tea !" " I am very glad you like it," said Miss Parry, much encouraged. "You have been absent for a long time." " For more than six years ; and Time seems to have stood still here." " You find Mrs. Rashleigh looking very well ?

" " I do, quite first-rate." Here the door opened gently, and Sybil en tered. She wore her much mended blue serge, a line of white frilling at throat and wrists, her sunny chestnut hair twisted into a loose knot on the top of her head, a few locks curling tendril like about her brow. Her old gown fitted well, and Rashleigh looked at her in great sur prise as she moved with grace and a certain decision across the room. He had a keen eye for form, trained as it had been to the beauty of na ture in fauna and flora ; something in her step, her carriage, and the setting on of her head was indescribably distinguished, and utterly unlike what he could have expected from the little ill dressed neglected waif he had left six years ago. He rose and, advancing to meet her, held out his hand. " Why, Sybil," he exclaimed, " I should not have known you if I had met you anywhere else than here !

I suppose you hardly remember me?" " I remember you perfectly," said Sybil, giving him her hand for a second, and looking very steadily into his face without the ghost of a smile, while the tone of her voice did not convey the idea of an agreeable recollection. But it did not seem to convey any especial meaning to Rash leigh, who returned to his seat and pushed the butter towards Sybil, whose place was opposite, and continued his breakfast as if it was a matter of great importance. Sybil helped herself to marmalade, and silence reigned for a few minutes. " When do you get the London papers ? " asked Rashleigh. " They used to come in about this time." " They are a little late to-day," observed Miss Parry. " I will ask if they have come ; I know Mrs. Rashleigh ordered the Times for your bene fit."

She rose and rang. " Hasn't the Times come yet ? " she asked when the servant ap peared. " I don't know 'm ; I'll ask Jane. I didn't know as it was to come." " I am afraid there has been some mistake," said Miss Parry, apologetically. " Very likely," returned Rashleigh ; " and it is rather a nuisance. One of the comforts of home life is to have the Times at breakfast." Having nothing else to occupy his attention he bestowed it on his opposite neighbour, who was silent, he concluded, because of his important presence, made her feel shy and timid. Who could have imagined that the thin awkward child he dimly remembered would have developed into such an elegant-looking girl ? " I suppose you are what is called ' out,' " he began, intending to show her that she was not beneath his notice. His voice seemed harsh and overbearing to Sybil, who was bristling all over with antago nism.

" No, I am always ' in.' " " How's that ? Are you averse to society ? Far gone in High Church devotion ? — or Higher Education ? — or what ? " Sybil shook her head. " It seems only the other day you arrived here. I remember what a curious little specimen I thought you, with your big eyes, your wild hair and outlandish clothes," he laughed, con trasting the past and present. Sybil lifted her eyes to his as if studying him deliberately. " And / remember the impression you made on me. I thought you extremely forbidding," she said calmly and sweetly. Miss Parry nearly jumped out of her chair with horror. Rashleigh opened his grave eyes, and an amused look came into his face. " I suppose I frightened you ; I am sure I never intended to do so." " Frightened me ? No, I don't think so ! " Another steady look.