Estrina

Chapter I. Eileen's Home

IT was a lovely morning in the month of June, the flowers were all out in the garden, the birds were singing in the trees, and over all was set a peace and calm that would, perhaps, defy the hand of any writer to describe. Eileen Lush was seated alone in the con servatory at the end of the drawing-room of her beautiful London house. In her right hand she held a book (although it could easily be seen that her thoughts were far away from the story she was reading), beside her lay her favourite terrier, Spot, and at the further end in the corner, fast asleep, was the guard of the house, Fidele, the grey hound. Eileen Lush was of some twenty-three years ESTRINA. of age, and the daughter of one of the richest and most distinguished solicitors in the city of London. In her early youth she had entertained a dear affection for a certain young man of the name of Ernest Grane, the son of one of the greatest diplomats of the day.

Everybody thought she would have married the boy, in fact, it was so much talked of that people began to regard Ernest as her recognised fiance'. Even her mother thought as others, and had no objec tion to have the son of so eminent a man as her son-in-law. However, day after day passed by, and still neither spoke of their love. Ernest, for the simple reason that he thought he was not welcome at Eileen's house, and Eileen because she was not certain of her own mind. And so it continued, lingering day after day in this uncertain condition, until Eileen, to the great astonishment of everybody, one morning abruptly announced her intention of marrying Bernard, the son of old Sir Roland Lush, who, although he possessed no money of his own, yet was a great favourite of her father, and who, EILEEN'S HOME. 9 by his handsome looks and winning manners, had no difficulty in leading this innocent young girl into a false dream of love.

Now Bernard Lush, in spite of his unquestion able charm and pleasing ways, was perhaps one of the worst characters one could wish to meet. Lying under his handsome features and fine stature were evils of the darkest type. He had been spoilt when a child, had always had his own way, knew the world to his finger tips, and never acted unless he could derive some particular self-interest therefrom. Such was the man Eileen took for her husband ! It will, perhaps, be thought strange Eileen should have given up Ernest so suddenly ; but when we remember the dislike of her father for him, the undoubted charm of Bernard's society, her youth, and, moreover, the unaccountable actions of some women, the reader will not be altogether over-astonished. The marriage was a great event. Many of the " upper ten " were present, and Society talked of it till, in the usual way, the event died out, and, save for a few real friends, Eileen and Bernard were speedily forgotten !

ESTRINA. 10 She looked, indeed, very beautiful, as she sat alone mid the palms and bright flowers, guarded by the dogs, and lost in some pensive reflection. At length she roused herself, patted Spot, and then leant back again once more with a sigh. It was the anniversary of her marriage, exactly a year ago to-day she was married. Oh, how well she remembered it ! How happy she was then ! How bright all seemed ! — and now ? . . . was she not happy now ? . . . " Oh, yes," she said to herself; "but somehow things have so changed ! Bernard is not as he used to be ! I remember when he would come in and kiss me, and call me his own little wife ! his own dear Eileen ! — and now ? " . . . She hid her face in her hands and wept bitterly. " Why should it be ? " she murmured. " Does he not care for me any longer ?

Is it possible he has lost his love for me so soon ? And I remember so well before we were married how he swore to love me ! Told me my kisses were as the silvery stars. And I, poor fool, believed it all, and gave him my heart. Oh, heaven ! I cannot EILEEN'S HOME. 11 bear it ! Bernard ! " she cried, " what have I done that you should turn against me like this ? What have I done ? " And here, in spite of herself, she fell back in her chair, and sobbed convulsively. The old Fidele looked up from his corner, walked to his mistress, and licked her hand. "Ah! my poor Fidele," she said, "you will always remain faithful to me, won't you ? You do not like to see your mistress so sad, do you ? There ! I am better now," she continued, wiping her eyes. " I know it is foolish of me to give way like this ; but Bernard does keep away from me so long !

Sometimes all day ! . . . Ah me ! . . . Come, Spot — come, Fidele — let us take a stroll around the garden, it will do us good," and, walking across the conservatory to the door, was about to descend the steps leading to the lawn when her husband entered. " What, not dressed, Eileen ? " he said in sur prise. "You know it is Lady Berney's garden party this afternoon." " Oh, yes, Bernard, but there is plenty of time, dear ; it is not till three o'clock, and it is now only half-past one." ESTRINA. 12 "That does not matter," put in her husband. " Go and dress at once. I want you to look very nice this afternoon." " Oh, please forgive me if I have vexed you," said Eileen sadly ; " I really did not think it was necessary I should dress so early." "Oh, all right, I'll forgive you," said Bernard, curling his handsome moustache ; " but, get dressed.

I am going to introduce you this afternoon to a lady I know, and you must be very great friends with her, Eileen — you under stand ? " " I understand, dearest," replied his wife. " Your friend and I will like each other very much, I am sure. I will do anything to please you, dear, anything ! " " Well," put in her husband sharply, " I am very glad to hear it ; but why don't you go and dress now? What are you waiting for? . . . Why, child, you haven't been crying ? . . ." This was too much for poor Eileen ; she flung herself on the couch, hid her face in her hand kerchief, and sobbed. " Why, what is the matter, dear ? what is the matter?" said her husband tenderly, coming EILEEN'S HOME. 13 towards her, and taking her hand in his — " Are you ill, to give way like this ? " " Oh, no, no, no ! " replied Eileen quickly.

" Oh, please forgive me, Bernard — but . . . well . . . there is something the matter ! Oh, Bernard, I think you do not care for me as you used to ! What is it? What have I done? Oh, say my fears are false ! Say you love me as before ! Tell me!..." "Why, Eileen," replied her husband quietly, " what has put all these fears in your little heart? If I do not speak to you sometimes, my girl, you must pardon me. You know I do not like too much talk. There, cheer up, little woman ; go and dress, or we shall be late. Cheer up and have no more fears." Eileen did not wait for more. She was happy. These were the first really kind words he had spoken to her for two long weeks. " Oh, Bernard," she said, " you have made me happy. Forgive me for thinking badly of you, won't you ? Kiss me, dear. There ! Now you shall see how quickly I will dress.

Au revoir !" And in another second, smiling a happy smile upon her husband, she quickly left the room, ESTRINA. 14 singing to herself in such a state of joy that, alack ! was only too sweet to last. When she was gone Bernard sat down on the couch, put his hand to his head, and murmured — " Poor Eileen ! She has a heart too tender for this world ! I wonder why she can't leave me alone ? But I suppose it's my fault. She is my wife. I thought I loved her once. Yes, until Estrina came across my path. Would to heaven I had never seen that woman ! She is robbing poor Eileen of her happiness. Just a fortnight ago I saw Estrina for the first time, and since then my life has been a life of despair. Ah, why need I hide the truth ? I feel it ! I know it ! Estrina, I love you ! ! "

Chapter II. Lady Berne Y's Garden Party

OF the many guests at Lady Berney's garden party, perhaps Eileen and her husband were among the most important. Lady Berney's home was a picturesque building of the time of George II., situated near the river a little way above Teddington. It made a very pretty sight seen by Eileen and her husband from the winding lane that led to the old hall. It was a perfect day, the sky was of a deep blue, and everything looking bright and happy. As they drew nearer sounds of music could be heard, and various tents were seen about the lovely grounds, that were the admiration of all visitors to Lady Berney's ancient mansion. Lady Berney welcomed her guests with cordiality and friendship. " How glad I am to see you, Eileen," she ■5 ESTRINA. said, "and your dear husband — a very good man to come and see me this afternoon, I am sure.

A great favourite of mine, your husband. A very great favourite, my dear. Come, I will introduce you to my friends. Ah, I see you know many already. There is Lord Twedmoth. Do you know Lord Twedmoth ? No ? Then I will introduce you." And here, against her will, Eileen was bundled off in the direction of a tall-looking individual, who was lazily strolling about the lawn, looking with a sort of sleepy stupidity at the many coloured dresses and sunshades that everywhere abounded. " Dear Lord Twedmoth, how very bored you look ! " exclaimed Lady Berney as she drew near with her companion. " Allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Lush, a very great favourite of mine, the wife of my dear friend Bernard. Bernard, my favourite ! You have often heard me talk of Bernard, have you not? — my greatest favourite."

Lord Twedmoth bowed. " I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Lush," he said. " What beautiful grounds you have, Lady Berney ! " said Eileen. Lady Berney smiled. Although drawing near seventy years of age, she was still young in spirit, and was never so happy as when surrounded with young people. One of her small weaknesses, however, was to have " favourites." Everybody was a " favourite " with her ; in fact, the word " favourite " seemed to be the only way she had of expressing her liking for any person. " I am glad to see you are pleased, Eileen," she said. " The weather favours me, does it not ? Here in England the weather is so changeable that one runs a great risk when giving outdoor entertainments. But the weather always favours me. Always did. It is really a most extra ordinary thing, but whenever I give a garden fete I invariably have fine weather."

" You are to be envied, Lady Berney," said Lord Twedmoth smiling. " Envied ! Well, I don't know. That depends. But I must run away now, Eileen. Make your self quite at home, my dear ; you are cliez-vous here, you know. Ah, there is Harold Vinard, one of my special favourites. Dear me, what a naughty boy he is not to come and speak to me. A very naughty boy ! But still, one of B ESTRINA. my favourites. I must run after him . . . " and saying so Lady Berney was gone, leaving Eileen and Lord Twedmoth alone. During this conversation Bernard was wander ing among the crowd in search of the lady friend he was so keen on introducing to his wife. It did not take long to find her. She was surrounded by a party of admirers, including many lords and noblemen of all nationalities. On seeing Bernard, however, she rose from her seat and held out her hand to him.

" Ah, Mr. Lush," she said, " how pleased I am to see you ! and where is your charming wife ? " " She is with Lady Berney," replied Bernard. " I have just left her to find you. She is very desirous of making your acquaintance, Miss de Vould." Miss de Vould smiled, showing a row of beautiful teeth, whilst her bright eyes flashed a look of pride and scorn at the young counts and lords around her, who were, no doubt, extremely envious of the attention she showed to Bernard. Perhaps one could never find a more beautiful woman than Estrina de Vould. She looked about some twenty-eight years of age, with an exquisitely clear complexion, with light greyish hair, bright blue eyes ; tall, stately, and, in short, every inch a queen ! " I shall be most happy to meet your wife, Mr. Lush," she said. " Will you introduce me now, or perhaps later ..." n "Oh, Miss de Vould," said Lady Berney as she made her appearance suddenly, " do you know Mr. Lush ?

Ah, yes ? That is well. One of my greatest favourites, I assure you." " Mr. Lush and I have known each other for some little time," said Estrina smiling. " Indeed," said Lady Berney. At this moment, however, there fell a sort of lull that generally precedes anything important that is about to take place. Everybody crowded towards a large tent, and, somehow or other, our friends found themselves unconsciously moving in the same direction. " A wonderful musician is to perform," whispered a fair damsel. " A recitation," whispered another. "An orator," said a third. And so it happened that ere long Bernard found himself seated at the side of Estrina, in a corner of the tent, awaiting, with all the rest of ESTRINA. 20 the company, in anxious expectation for the coming entertainment. " How very much you are admired, Estrina ?

" he whispered to his fair companion. Estrina looked archly at him in return, flashed her lovely eyes, and replied, " It is the privilege of a lady to be admired, Mr. Lush." " Mr. Lush, indeed," said Bernard in surprise. "Well, Bernard if you like," replied his com panion ; " but your wife will be jealous if I call you by that name." "My wife?" "Yes, your wife." " Nonsense. My wife and you are to be great friends. Estrina, I have something to ask you. We are going to our house in Lausanne shortly. Will you join us? We should be so pleased if you would honour our household with your company. I have already spoken to my wife about it." Estrina looked at him with a piercing glance that made his heart beat wildly, and himself almost mad. Her lips pouted a little as she replied : " Beware of me, Bernard, people say I am dangerous."

" You are very beautiful, Estrina." " Am I ? " "Yes. But answer me, will you consent to be our guest ? " "I shall be delighted." A warm clasp of the hand was the reply. At this moment a low hush ensued as an extraordinary little man with light yellow hair made his appearance on the stage erected at the further end of the tent. " Herr Fragina, the great singer," said several voices at the same time. " Oh, how beautiful he looks," whispered a fair damsel to an elderly dame at her side. " Quite superb," said a third. These whispers were suddenly interrupted, how ever, by the distinguished gentleman at the piano, who commenced a quick movement in the treble, ran down the keys with great speed, and at length relaxed into an air that sounded like "Home, Sweet Home" with variations. At the same time Herr Fragina opened his mouth, gave forth a series of low notes, which grew gradually louder and louder till the whole tent fairly vibrated with the stentorian notes of this distinguished singer.

The gentleman at the ESTRINA. 22 piano became more excited as the song went on, till he really seemed to quite lose his head. Quicker and quicker he played, whilst the tones became louder and louder, till with a sudden diminuendo the song finished. Tremendous ap plause ensued, cheers expressed the thanks of all, handkerchiefs waved, whilst the eminent singer bowed, smiling bewitchingly. Of course, there was an encore. We will not fatigue the reader with a description of this song, which differed considerably from the other, save in one item, namely, that not a word could be heard of what he was singing about. After the bravos had died away and Herr Fragina had retired, the next to amuse the com pany was a small lady with fluffy hair, whose name was down to play a piece by a celebrated composer of whom nobody had ever heard.

After bowing and trying to look ex tremely pleasant, she sat down and commenced. At first it sounded as if a little bombardment were taking place, till at length the lady, piano and all, seemed moving up and down with the tremendous bangs that were continually applied to the instrument. When she had finished there was almost overwhelming applause, till an elderly gentleman, thinking it was very hot, strolled to the door of the tent, intending during the interval before the next piece to take a little fresh air. This was unhappily mistaken by the rest of the company as the signal for the end of the entertainment. Immediately, in spite of another distinguished individual who was announced to sing, everybody strove to get out. Tremendous confusion prevailed, which every second became greater and greater.

People trampled on each other's corns in their endea vours to get " fresh air " as they called it, till the doorway was absolutely blocked with frock coats, silk dresses, fans, and extensive hats. When all the company had made this un expected exeunt and the confusion had sub sided, Eileen found herself in conversation with an elderly lady and her two nieces. " But Mrs. Wingham," she was saying, " do you not think people sometimes make too much of their clergymen ? " "Ah, Mrs. Lush," replied her companion with a shake of the head, " you have not seen Mr. ESTRINA. 24 Bonson. If you had only seen Mr. Bonson you would not say such a thing. A more noble man could nowhere be found. Why, he only told me the other day I was the hardest worker and the most honoured lady of his congrega tion. Now was not that nice, Mrs. Lush ?

Oh, he is indeed a dear man ! " " He must be," replied Eileen slowly, all the time thinking what an extraordinary woman Mrs. Wingham was. " But if you could only see him ! " continued her companion. " Such a noble face ! Such beautiful hair ! Ah, you do not know what he says to me. I know all the secrets of the family, but I must not tell you, you know. That would never do. Mr. Bonson is a sweet man, is he not, Nora?" turning to one of her nieces. "A dear man, auntie," replied Nora. " There ! " said Mrs. Wingham, " you see how he is loved by all." Eileen made no reply. " And you, surely you have your favourite clergyman," continued Mrs. Wingham, turning to Eileen. "Well, yes, I suppose I have" — with a sigh — " but sometimes I think religion has very con trary forms. Each sect tells you theirs is the right one, and the others are heretical !

In fact, ' Roman Catholics,' ' Nonconformists,' ' Baptists,' ' Church of England,' and ' Presbyterians ' fight so much against each other, that one really does not know which to believe in ! " "That is perfectly true," said Mrs. Wingham thoughtfully. " You are quite a philosopher, Mrs. Lush." " Well, perhaps I am," replied Eileen. " It is not enough for me to know this or that is the right faith. I want to know why. And as I can not have perfectly clear proof, by nature I am so inclined to doubt, that I laugh at them all, fighting and squabbling with each other like a parcel of hungry sparrows after a piece of bread ; and on the top of it all placing the word ' Christianity ' as their password, as if ' Christianity ' meant calling the other party heretical ! Dear, oh dear, what a farce the whole world is !

" Mrs. Wingham looked shocked. Eileen was at this juncture interrupted in her conversation by the appearance of her husband in company with Estrina. ESTRINA. "Oh, Eileen, my dear," he said, "there you are. I have been looking for you everywhere. Let me introduce you to my friend of whom I have so often spoken. Miss de Vould — my wife!" The two ladies bowed. There was a great contrast between these two women as they stood together in the light of the setting sun and reddening sky. The one fair, slight, pensive ; the other tall, fascinating, brilliant ! " I am delighted to Miss de Vould," said words of her husband. shall be great friends." make your acquaintance, Eileen, remembering the " I am sure I hope we Estrina bowed. " I am sure of that," she said with a smile. " I have so long wished to know you, Mrs. Lush."

"What a very pretty scene this is," said Eileen musingly. " Yes, is it not beautiful ! And I think Lady Berney so charming ! I have really enjoyed myself this afternoon ! " " Miss de Vould has consented to be our guest for a while at Lausanne," said Bernard to his wife. "Is not that kind of her?" " Very ! " replied Eileen pleasantly. " I am so glad, Miss de Vould. We shall be most happy to have you stay with us — provided it be not too dull." " Oh, not at all," said Estrina with a flash of her strange eyes. " I am sure we shall be most happy together ! It is indeed very kind of you, Mrs. Lush, considering our acquaintance has been so short." " Oh, but Bernard has told me so much about you, that I feel I know you quite well already, and like you ! " Miss de Vould laughed. "You are very kind to say so," she said.

"It will give me such pleasure to visit your pretty villa. I think Lausanne a most charming place ! " " It is very beautiful," replied Eileen. " I hope you will honour me with a visit," said Estrina, handing her card to Eileen. " You must come as often as you like. Remember, we must be sisters." Eileen smiled. "Thank you so much, Miss de Vould," she said. " Oh, please do not call me Miss de Vould," said Estrina jokingly ; " it does sound so formal ! " " Well, Estrina ! " laughed Eileen in return. ESTRINA. " Ah ! that is as it should be ! But I must be leaving you now," continued her companion, looking at her watch. " It is getting late, and I am going to the opera to-night. Good-bye, Mrs. Lush. I am so pleased to have seen you. Good bye. Remember, we must be sisters ! Good-bye, Bernard ! " and in another second she was gone. " Bernard ! " exclaimed Eileen to herself in dis may. " That woman call my husband by his Christian name ? How dare she ! "

Chapter III. The Lake Of Geneva

THE sun was pouring its beams on the beautiful Lake of Geneva, adding a lustre of brilliancy to the dark blue surface of the still water, that looked as clear and as transparent as if it were glass. Not a sound disturbed the air, save perchance some happy bird, as it fluttered from its hiding place amidst the foliage, and poured forth its high notes to the dazzling heavens. A little way above the pretty village of Ouchy, beyond the celebrated Beau Rivage Hotel, hidden by the over-dropping boughs of the graceful willow tree, two individuals were lazily seated in a little boat — one at the bow, and the other at the stern. The one seemed about some twenty-three years of age— handsome, fair, with a clear, pensive face. The other looked in the prime of life — tall, dark, and determined. ESTRINA. 30 " How beautiful it is to look at this still, quiet lake," said the younger, leaning his chin on his hand.

" Here, at least, there is peace in life." "Why, Ernest, how very thoughtful you are, my boy," said the elder as he quietly smoked his pipe, now and again dipping his hand in the cool water. " But I suppose you are right ; there must be such a thing as poetry after all." " Of course there is, Colonel ! " returned his companion with a start. " You army men get so in the habit of fighting and commanding, that all the beautiful things in life seem to be absolutely 'nil' in you! But why should I talk? — chacun a son gout, as the French say ! " The colonel made no reply, but continued to smoke in silence. "Well, I don't know about that," he said at length. " I think people have a wrong opinion of army men. Somehow or other people imagine that if one goes into the army one must necessarily develop into a sort of ' longing-for-blood ' kind of man."

" At all events, you feed the animal part of the body," interrupted his companion with a smile. " Well, yes, I suppose we do. But then you see THE LAKE OF GENEVA. 31 one must do something in this world, and killing a few niggers in South Africa or some such place is not half bad sport, you know. At all events, it 's better than being shut up in an office all day in dirty London ! " "Good heavens ! I think that is the most hateful of all things," returned his companion. " London is really a very funny place. Some times, you know, it seems to me that the inhabitants are by nature awfully hard-working people, con sidering the variety of institutions there exist for educational purposes. But, good heavens ! what a deception ! All those masters and teachers one sees about, they only teach for money, my dear Colonel.

None of them for the love of the thing — at least, mighty few. All for money ! Trust them for anything else ! And as to the modern up-to-date scholar, or idiot rather, his only aim in putting anything into his head at all, is to swagger about and make people believe he knows a deuced lot, when in reality he knows nothing ! " A smile came over the Colonel's face. " 'Pon my word, Ernest," he said, " you are getting as cynical as I don't know what ; but it 's ESTRINA. 32 perfectly true what you say — things go ahead so rapidly nowadays, that the world is something like an express engine, tearing along as if its only aim were to get to its goal and rest. Poor world ! " At this moment their attention was attracted by the appearance of a beautiful swan, which came proudly up to the boat, looked at them disdainfully, and passed by.

" Those are fine things those birds, but little thought of," said Ernest. " Yes, and happy as the day is long," replied the Colonel. " Have a cigarette, my boy." " Thank you." "And that woman you once loved," continued the Colonel, making himself comfortable in the bow of the boat, " do you ever hear anything of her now ? " Ernest lit his cigarette, threw the match into the lake, silently watched it float away, then lean ing one arm over the side of the boat, so that the cool water touched the tips of his fingers, replied : " Nothing. I don't even know where she is." " Really ! It was a most extraordinary thing she should have given you up like that ! " con- THE LAKE OF GENEVA. 33 tinued his companion. " Never trust women, my boy ; they are the most changeable creatures on God's earth." " I won't say that," replied Ernest pensively.

" Perhaps it was my fault, for I never told Eileen of the love I possessed for her, because I knew her father was not a great friend of mine ; in fact, to put it plainly, I don't think he ever intended his daughter should marry me at all ; but she must have been aware I entertained a very unusual admiration for her ; in fact, I am sure of it. But it 's no use to talk now ; it is past. At the time I was dreadfully cut up, but now I treat it as the will of Providence who intended Eileen to be another's." " Ton my word, you seem to take it rather easily," said the Colonel. " I think if / had been in love I should have run my sword through the other chap, sooner than let him marry my girl." " That 's all very well in theory," returned his companion. " What can I do but take it easily ? To go and run a sword through the other chap's body, as you say, would have brought me to the gallows ; and I 'm not so tired of life as all that.