All in All

Front matter

NEW NOVELS AT ALL THE LIBRARIES. THE SOUND OF A VOICE. By LINDA GARDINER, Author os 'His Heritage.' 1 vol. 6s. THE WOOING OF A FAIKY. By GERTRUDE WARDEN. Author of • The Sentimental Sex.' 1 vol. 6b. AN AUSTRALIAN DUCHESS. By AMYOT SAGON, Author of 'A Fair Palmist,' &c 1 vol. 6s. GENTLEMAN GEORGE, A Story without a Heroine. By Mrs. Herbert Martin, Author ot" ' Kritomart,' _e. 1 vol. tis. BLIND BATS. By MARGARET B. CROSS, Author of 'Stolen Honey,' 1 The Saffron Robe,' ' Newly Fashioned,' &c. 1 vol. 6s. THE YOKE OF STEEL. By C. J. WILLS, Anthor of ' The Pit Town Coronet," 'An EaBy-Going Fellow,' &C.; and GODFREY BURCHETT, Author of l Dominic Penterne,' 'One of the Wicked,' &c. 1vol. (Is. LONDOI.: HURST & BLACKETT, LIMITED. BY CORINNA BRUCE ' And e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side.' Goldsmith.

IN ONE VOLT ME LONDON : HURST AND BLACKETT, LIMITED, 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1897- All Rights Reserved. DEDICATED TO MY FRIEND, SIR ROSE LAMBERT PRICE, BART., OF HENSOL CASTLE, AUTHOR OF 'THE TWO AMERICAS,' IX GRATITUDE FOR HIS ENCOURAGEMENT.

Prologue

. The coast of Cornwall possesses some of the most impressive scenery in England. The high cliffs, rugged arches, hewn by nature's skilful hand with time as a helper, the beauty combined with wildness and grandeur all vie with each other to attract the eye. The dreary loneliness is charming for persons wishing for quiet from the worldly rabble of our big cities ; for as the waves toss and foam upon the golden sand, so the stillness on the high rocks lends a quaint weirdness to the scene, a vast blue ex panse all dotted with white sails, speaking in a far-off musical dash of things past, things pres ent, and things to come — the mighty secrets it holds in its bosom, — who could help castle- B building by the sea ? And ' men may come and men may go,' but the song of the sea is for ever the same, though the light hearts read it differently from the sad ones.

A cottage stood back on one of the tallest summits, looking isolated from every place, surrounded by heather and yellow broom, with a rough little path leading from the lonely moorland behind. There it stood, with thatched roof and white-washed walls, gleaming in the sunlight ; a carefully cared-for strip of garden in front, in which grew a profusion of brilliant ly coloured flowers cultivated evidently by a flower-lover. Trails of hardy creepers covered the rustic porch under which leaned a man's figure, his dark dreamy eyes fixed on the sea, lazy con tentment showing itself in his attitude and ex pression. His dress was simple : a navy-blue suit made by a first-class tailor, a neat cloth cap on his head to prevent any inconvenience from the wind which blew keenly enough at the top of the cliff.

A wonderfully handsome face this man pos sessed ; with a devil-may-care expression round the firm, immovable mouth which a black mou stache turning to grey overshadowed. Deep lines lay beneath the steel-blue eyes, which looked so dark from their settings of black lashes and ALL IN .ILL. '■', dark brows ; lines encouraged by reckless living and indomitable will. His countenance was tanned and weather-beaten, his brown hands slender, with pointed tips to the fingers, showing his artistic inclinations and love of the beautiful. His firm limbs were at the best advantage in a saddle or engaged in any athletic sport, as there was breadth of shoulder and strength of muscle which showed he was not always as idle as at present. A man like this would face death with a smile upon his lips, so that by doing so he might gain what he wished for.

It was not a good face, though handsome as an Adonis. Inside the cottage a girl was standing knit ting. She was apparently about five-and-twenty, tall, slight, and graceful. A gentle fire gleaming in her large Irish grey eyes rich in their setting of fringed lids and marked brows. The delicate bloom on her cheeks indicated that she was one of those highly-sensitive natures, that suffer so keenly by the rough usage of this cruel world. Her hair was brown and curled naturally on her smooth brow ; while the curves of her sweet lips appeared the very region of romance, the very realm of love and fancy ; all the features were exquisitely formed, and there was an air of refinement which proved that as yet she was unspoiled. b A little boy of five years knelt at a chair by the window busy arranging some bricks to suit himself, his hair was golden in the sunshine and his small figure looked very fascinating in black velvet, with a deep lace collar.

Presently the man turned and spoke to the girl with an air of familiarity which showed they were on good terms. ' I have been lucky in my weather this time ! What a storm there was last time. It is a calm welcome to-day, sweetheart.' ' I am glad. I like the sea to look pretty, there is always a variety about it that prevents one feeling dull. Yet time passes slowly enough sometimes when you are not here. I wish — Oh ! I wish ' She stopped, glancing up from her work with a half-impatient sigh. Her accent was pure, and her voice low. 'What do you wish?' he asked, leaving the door-post, and coming to her side. His face had changed and his brow was clouded. ' That you never had to go away !' she an swered, softly. ' That we could watch the progress of our boy together.' ' And starve ? I must make money for him, and for you,' he said, more energetically than the occasion required ; but he looked relieved. 'Oh!

Why talk like that?' ' Because, sweet, it is true. Our meetings are all the happier for these occasional partings. Don't think I do not give you credit for being the dearest little wife alive. What woman would give all her trust to a man as you have done to me ?' He passed his arm round her caressingly, raising her face so that he could gaze into the depth of her loving grey eyes. ' You understand so well how it is that I can not stay with you always ; and for love of me you are contented to remain here, isolated from the world. You never question; you hold my love by your faith in me.' His voice quiv ered, and a soft expression came into his cold, blue eyes ; he wished her to understand, so she must understand, but he had explained nothing. ' You know I trust you because I love you ; you will not deceive me because I am your wife.

Ay, dear, when you are with me the world is rose-tinted, but sometimes it looks very grey. You will never deceive me?' she pleaded, looking up at him with parted lips. ' Deceive you ! Good God ! No ; all the world perhaps, but you, never !' The passion in his voice was genuine enough, and stirred her heart, until he could almost hear the throbs as he held her to him. ' Dearest, you know I feel sure of your love!' She gave him a happy smile which made her face look lovely. ' I am going to put your love to a pretty severe test now, little one,' he said, lightly, as he put her from him, and walked over to the window wrhich looked on the vast, lonely moorlands. 'Yes?' she said, with expectation in her voice, following the dearly-loved figure with her eyes. She had ceased knitting now, and she laid her work on the table. ' You married me " for better and for worse," circumstances have caused me to drift into poverty, and — worse.

Can you be content to live a different life to that which I intended for you ? Darling, will you put aside the world for me ? It is hard for us both, but we have our love. I feel like a gardener uprooting some precious plant to place it out of sight where none can see it. Yet upon your answer depends — my life.' ' What do you mean ? Am I to have no other home but this? — am I to remain here always?' she asked, in a low voice, locking her hands tightly together in front of her, as she questioned him. ' Yes, that is what I mean,' was his reply ; still he would not look at her, but turned his eyes from her wondering gaze. ' What is your reason ?' ' The work I have got to do. It will take me away constantly from you, my sweetheart ; and I can only look forward with joy to these quiet days by the sea with my wife.

I am a poor man, and I cannot afford to be idle — for your sake, and — the boy's.' He knew the last words would touch her, and they did. ' I will obey you, if you mean no harm. I will consent to anything so long as you wish it,' she said, doubtfully. ' I still have my boy !' ' I believe you would be happy in h — 1 if I sent you there !' he informed her roughly, but tenderly. She was not a bit shocked by this speech, as she was perfectly accustomed to his change of mood. She felt in her love for him that it was one of his charms. ' I believe I should,' she returned, wistfully. The man appeared overcome with feeling as he still gazed from the window. What different thoughts were in his mind now to those he entertained on his wedding-day, when he received his wife from her grey-headed father ; with the old clergyman's blessing still ringing in his head, he turned and glanced at her now.

Her lovely face was clouded with trouble, as she stood with bent figure against the cottage table. The old man had trusted him, and died without knowing that his only child's fate was to be isolated on the desolated Cornish coast. ' What is your long thought, dear?' He felt he could not see that look on her face any longer. ' Look at the boy. Do you think he understands ?' The child had turned, and was watching his father and mother with interest ; he felt that something was wrong, they looked so serious. Suddenly he left his bricks, and darted into the loved arms held out to receive him. They made a pretty picture, the dark and fair hair mingling together, as she kissed him repeatedly on his bright red lips. Unaccountably jealousy shook the man for a moment, those two pure beings belonging to him, seemed as though they shut him out from their lives.

He stood apart ; like an unclean, black-hearted spirit. ' Put him down ! He is too old to pet,' he said, sharply. 'Send him away, you will have him always, my time is short.' 'I believe you are jealous of him. You are not a bit nice to him,' she said, reproachfully, as she pushed the little fellow gently towards the inner door. ' Go, my treasure, mother will come presently.' ' But I 'ant you,' he remonstrated, making a mouth fully intending that his resentment should be heard. A frown darkened the man's face. Raising his arm he would have struck the child, only his mother protected him quickly ; and with great dignity she took him out of the room. Restlessly pacing to and fro, ashamed of him self and excusing himself, paced this man. Would the child lessen her affection for him ? He would be with her constantly.

Presently he called her, and she came to him ; there was no annoyance on her face as she entered the apartment, hers was a character who forgave the blow from the hand she loved. Perhaps it would have been better for herself if she had shown some resentment. The women who are gentle generally get pushed against the wall ; it is the bold ones Avhich are most successful. He put his arm round her and drew her to his side. ' I am a brute ! dear one ; but everything is going wrong with me. I feel like a man watching his opportunities slip past, and yet unable to lay hands on them,' he said, softly. Every tone of his voice thrilled her. She leant against him lovingly, and looking up into his face, said pleadingly, ' Tell me all your troubles, I may be able to help you, sometimes a woman's wits are sharper than a man's. Trust me, dear.' He bent and kissed her. ' Not even you, my beauty.

No one can help me but myself. Ask no questions ; but remember you are first now, as you always will be I have sown my wild oats, and I must reap the harvest — such is the way of man,' he told her, bitterly. There was a silence in the cottage, only the clock ticked in a monotonous manner, approaching by degrees the hour which would separate these two ; then she spoke bravely. ' We must consider our boy. How are we to have him educated? He is your heir, and he should be brought up as his ancestors were before him ;' her motherly pride gave her strength to speak. He drew his arm away, and a dark look came into his face. ' The boy !' he exclaimed, angrily. ' Is he always to be thrust forward ? Would to heaven we never had had a child !' Then she stood before him with a world of reproach in her lovely eyes, but did not speak, though she grew pale.

He gave a short laugh, and recovered himself. ' Don't quarrel with me about the baby, dear. He is young yet ; there is plenty of time to think of him, and as he is here I shall provide for him.' She covered her face with her trembling hands, then walked to the door and stood look out trying to find comfort in watching the waves lap the yellow sand gently. His words hurt her, and she felt afraid. ' Darling !' He gathered her to him, and pressed hot kisses on her lips and brow, then raising her downcast head, he looked sadly into the lovely eyes so full of unshed tears. ' I am a brute, not fit to touch an angel as pure as yourself; forgive me.' This wras his character, full of contradictions, and yet she loved him as only a woman can. Now he was remorseful. How long would it last? Her arms stole round his neck, the smiles chased each other over her pretty face like the sun after an April shower.

Her beauty showed to the greatest advantage, for the most lasting charm is that of the mind, and a graceful manner is more engaging than personal beauty ; modesty and meekness, with a spirit to forgive, are true and lasting ornaments. Late that evening, when the sun was sinking behind the sea in all his glory of orange and red, and dark clouds made their appearance on .\LL IN ALL. the horizon, a man walked across the lonely moorlands, with a pipe in his mouth and a gloomy expression on his countenance. The purple heather bent beneath his firm tread springing into its usual position as he passed on his way, but he noticed nothing; not even the lovely scenery before him, the lights and shades of nature going to sleep ; his eyes were fixed on the white sandy path which led him onwards, and his thoughts were busy, not with the loving woman he had just parted from, but with temptation.

He spoke aloud, safe in the conviction that no single mortal was on the moor but himself, and he was right. ' The devil may be tempting, but I will do it. I cannot see the old place go. The boy shall have it — her son and mine. She is the only woman to save me, and she is not strong enough ; weak in her love for me ! God ! How I love her, first and last. The old boyish feelings hold me when I am av ith her. H — 1 ! What fools we men are with our money, I never appreciated it while I had it ; and now Then the boy ' He ground his heel into the turf with an oath, then walked on quickly, until he was lost to view over the head of the hill. Meantime, the girl knelt beside her child's bed, praying earn- .4.LL IN A-iLL. 13 estly for strength to bear her troubles ; while the little boy slept peacefully, looking the picture of beauty and health with a placid smile on his pretty, baby face.

Chapter I

I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of tbe die. Shakespere. In one of the mid-counties of England, within reach of many important places, was situated a charming old country residence, surrounded picturesquely by woods, waters, and a high road bordered by bracken, fern Avails, tapestry carpets of heather, and golden gorse. Further on, the tall, sombre fir-trees Avaved their plume like branches encouragingly to the paler oaks, AArhich flAATelt beside them ; and a slender, silver birch Avould tremble and quiver in the fore ground. Round Desmond Castle the scenery Avas someAvhat different than nearer the small toA\rn six miles off. There, the thorn hedges lined the roads covered with sAveet-scented honey suckle and pink dog-roses. Houses Avere dotted about for the work-people's occupation with gardens in front, some tended carefully, others neglected, according to the taste of their owners.

Enter the high iron gates Avith the crest of the Desmonds wrought into them, and a Avind ing avenue leads up to the house through a park in Avhich glistened a sheet of ornamental Avater Avith an island in its midst. A park to be proud of Avith its fine timber and undulat ing ground. The house Avas built in grey stone, a piece of grand architecture with turrets pro truding from the wings, a style much in vogue amongst Scotch houses in 15 — , most likely a copy of one that took the fancy of an ancient Desmond. Round it ran a terrace-walk Avith handsome balustrades and marble statues gleaming Avhite in contrast to the gloomy trees in the background ; noble shrubs graced the lawns and shrubberies, and a conservatory added to the neAv part of the building opened out from the dining-room Avindow Avhere ivy clung lovingly to the grey Avails, from out of Avhich the chirping brown sparroAvs Avould fly Avith a startling Avhirr at the slightest disturbance.

A range of hills loomed in the far distance seen from the battlements of the Castle, and making a blue-grey lining to the green park studded with elms and Avith beeches, into the boughs of Avhich the squirrels sported, and Avood-pigeons flocked, to feed upon the nuts Avhich fell to the ground stirred by the autumn breezes. The OAvner of this property Avas Sir Giles Desmond, Avho came from an old, but ill-famed race ; for generations, bad, Avild blood had run in his family's veins, and he likewise was tainted. Originally they came from Ireland, evidently outlawed from their oavh country, and had built and settled in the neighbourhood where they Avere soon the terror, for they feared neither laAV nor death, leading Avicked lives. Each succeeding squire being Avorse than the last one, there appeared to be a curse upon the Avhole race, yet they possessed such cleverness and bravery that they emerged from squires into baronets, in spite of their laAvless be haviour.

The present oAAmer of Desmond Castle was no longer a young man, he had run through two fortunes in a Avild fashion, thro .ving his money aAvay at Monte Carlo, dropping it carefully into the outstretched hands of bookmakers that haunt the race-courses to find such as he ; and generally distributing it amongst the undeserv ing, till the day dawned when he Avas hauled up short. Desmond Castle Avas doomed. The money was gone, the estate Avas mortgaged, and the place must be sold, passing perhaps into hands Avhich would cut the timber, and destroy the lovely old place. At any risk this must not be, and Giles Desmond determined to save it. He saw and captivated a silly, but rich young Avidow, and brought her home to retrieve, the property with her full purse. Of this union a son and daughter were born, both possessing the attractive beauty of their father, but the girl alone inheriting her ancestors' dispositions.

This marriage changed Sir Giles considerably ; he sobered doAvn into a quiet country gentle man, never paying much attention to his children, and his Avife soon found she had made a great mistake in marrying a man for his hand some face, for though fifteen years had passed, she was no nearer his confidence or affection than she had been on her Avedding-day. Indeed, Avhen first they married, Sir Giles showed a kind of pitiful tenderness towards his wife, Avhich gradually faded away Avhen he grew to know her true character ; for she Avas a grumbling, discontented Avoman of no depth, invariably complaining to strangers of her un happy home life, and dwelling on the advantages she might have gained had she remained a widow. Lady Desmond had been a pretty woman, but had fretted away her good looks by her in ability of adapting herself to circumstances ; she worried herself over trifles, troubling those about her Avith endless complaints of no conse quence, and living in a state of constant sus picion of her servants.

Perhaps her life at Desmond Castle added to her faults, for her husband wras mj^sterious, and Avrapped himself in a cloak of reserve and mystery that it Avas impossible to penetrate. His study Avas sacred ground and no one AAras admitted inside, and occasionally Sir Giles Avould go away for months at a time, returning more surly and retiring than usual, shutting himself aAvay from the household and avoiding his wife's reproachful looks ; for she had learned that to speak to her husband on certain matters brought forth deep oaths and black froAvns,so she Avas obliged to indulge only in sighs and inuendoes. The best excuse for grumblers is to suppose they are out of health, so perhaps Lady Desmond Avas to be excused, for she certainly AAras a delicate Avoman. When first they married, Sir Giles disco\*ered that his Avife intended to make her only child by her former marriage a perfect bug-bear in the establishment, dragging her to every enter tainment that they themselves Avere asked to, and taking her to places unfitted for a child of her young age.

So he took steps to prevent her being spoiled, by sending her to a good c school, arranging that she should spend her holidays with a maiden sister of her father's in Ireland: a Miss Rachel Nugent, who Avas a thorough gentleAVoman and who took excellent care of her precious charge. This arrangement was one of Lady Desmond's principal grievances ; that she should have been thought incapable of ' bringing up ' her own child was a terrible hardship ; and she an noyed Sir Giles so much by her very con stant nagging that, for peace sake, he allowed her to have her own way Avith Madeline, so the latter was indulged liberally, and Lady Des mond superintended her education as she Avished. Sir Giles Avas very reserved concerning his income and business affairs, but it was an ac knoAvledged fact that Doris Nugent would come into her own at tAArenty-one ; so at eighteen she came to reside at Desmond Castle and Avas considered ready for society.

It Avas a damp, gloomy September day Avith a heavy mist out of doors and a depressing feeling in the air Avhich heralded winter's approach. The AvindoAv panes in the school-room at Desmond Castle Avere clouded Avith moisture, the room itself looked cheerless with a tireless grate, and things Avere tossed untidily anyhow. The Avails, panelled in oak, bore a few common book-shelves hung upon them ; strangely out of keeping Avith the ancient room. A large table, stood in the middle of the room, piled with copy-books and papers, and streAvn about the ground .vere books of various forms Avith their leaves anyhoAv, just Avhere they had been throAvn. Uncomfortable-looking cane chairs, scratched all over by mischievous fingers of youth, leant against the Avail, some disabled by hard tumbles on the carpet, Avhich Avas old, and covered Avith ink, worn, and full of holes.

In a rocking-chair, more comfortable than the rest of the furniture, reclined the slight figure of Madeline Desmond, aged fourteen years. She was reading a yelloAV-backed novel in a lazy fashion, making a pretty picture in her dark red dress, Avhich shoAveda certain amount of black stockings and thin legs. Her eyes Avere grey, shaded by long lashes and arched broAvs, her nose Avell shaped, while her mouth Avas rather large for actual beauty, but there gleamed between the coral lips a row of the whitest teeth imaginable, and, although her skin Avas olive-tinted, undoubtedly she was the chrysalis of a lovely Avoman. On the floor in a spraAvling attitude, his chin resting on a pair of very dirty hands, lay Harry Desmond, one year his sister's junior. He was c contemplating her in a musing fashion ; staring at her Avith his big broAvn eyes full of thought.

His Avas a bright, honest face Avith dark hair, and good features Avith plenty of expression round the firm, Avell-cut mouth. ' Won't you catch it, if mother comes in and finds you reading that book,' he said, presently, blinking his eyes at Madeline. ' I don't in the least see that it matters to you if I catch it or not,' returned his sister, without looking up from her book. ' No, you are quite right, it don't. I love a row. It is such jolly fun guessing Avhat you will do or say next. I'm a .vfully glad I have an odd sister,' he remarked, indolently, as he kicked his heels and continued to Avatch her. ' Shut up !' she said, sharply. ' I want to finish this chapter.' ' Capital ! I am not interfering with you, only I Avant to knoAv Avhy it is nicer to do forbidden deeds ? If that was a lesson-book Avould it be in your hand this minute ?

As it is, you don't really understand what you are reading. All the love and rubbish! It charms you only because mother told you not to read it,' he said, provokingly. ' As if you understand my motive for doing anything !' Madeline retaliated, scornfully, looking up for an instant to glare at him. You are a study, my dear. I shall be quite sorry to go back to school, as I shall lose you. You give me a load of fun watching you. It's as good as a play.' She took no notice of his last speech, treat ing it Avith silence. Then presently Harry spoke again. ' Mother is coming to the school-room tea to night, Avith Doris.' ' Why did you not say so before ?' his sister asked, quickly putting doAvn her book. ' You did not want me to talk to you, I thought,' he said, coolly. ' They aatII be here soon now, as it is close on tea-time.' Madeline Avas not quite sure that she could believe him, but considered it better to be on the safe side ; so she rose in a languid fashion from her chair, and, crossing to a book-shelf, tucked the forbidden volume out of sight.

Harry made good this opportunity, Avhen her back Avas turned, to slip into her rocking-chair quickly, so that when she turned she found him there. An angry look spread over her face, and her eyes became Avild with rage. Stamping passionately on the floor, she rushed at Harry, and a struggle ensued ; frantically she seized his hair, which she pulled Avith all her strength, Avhile he defended himself by kicking, ".etting red in his endeavour to free himself. In the midst of this scene the door opened, and Doris Nugent appeared on the threshold. ' Madeline ! Harry ! You young savages. What does this uproar mean ? For any sake stop fighting, mother is coming to tea. You are a couple of enraged babies !' Her presence Avas successful in separating the combatants, and Harry looked at her in a half-shamed fashion as he got on his feet. ' Come,' she con tinued, briskly, seeing her advantage, ' tidy up the room a bit, it is like a pig-sty.

If Miss Mason were here she Avould faint Avith horror. Harry, go and Avash ; Madeline, help me. It Avill never do for mother to come to a room like this !' Then she commenced the clearing-up pro cess, stuffing things out of sight, and moving about gracefully, her pretty, girlish figure shoAving to the best advantage Avith every movement. She was not too tall, and just davvning from slender girlhood into Avoman hood. A fascinating, A\Tilful face, Avith golden fluffy hair, and dark eyes full of expression ; a complexion Avhich paled and coloured ac cording to her various moods ; for she was full of variety in her feelings, and showed it by her sensitive mouth with its coral lips. Her father had been a clever young man, Avho had inherited a good large fortune from his father, and he had added to it by his OAvn abilities, until death cut short his career, and left his Avidow and child to fall into the hands of Giles Desmond. ' There ! noAv the room looks better.