A Daughter of the Tropics. A novel

Front matter

H ilooel. BY FLORENCE MARRYAT, AUTHOR OF " s.OVE'S CONFLICT," " VERONIQUF," ' 'MY SISTER THE ACTRESS," ETC, etc. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOLUME III. LONDON : F. V. WHITE & CO., 31, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, AV.C. 1887. fristed BY KELLY AND CO., GATE STKEET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. ; AND MIDDLE MILL,£___iSTpN-ON-TH_J_ES. CONTENTS. CHAP. PAOE I. — A Neay Plot 1 II. — At the Stores 19 III. — " Get hid op her " 40 IV. — Jealousy 56 V. — The Matrimonial Cloud . . 63 VI.—" The Companion " 69 VII. — The Confession 85 VIII.—" What Object ?" 101 IX.— " It is False ! " Ill X. — An Awkavard Position . . 121 XL— "Should I Die first" . . . .144 XII.— Fast Asleep 158 XIII.— Poison 167 XIV. — "There will be an Inquest'- . . 184 XV.— "Bid me Welcome" 202 XVI.— "Help me!" 220 XVII.— " Eureka ! " 237 XVIIL— "Some Day" 247 XIX.— "Save me!" 253 XX.— " Maman's Prophecy . . .266 POPULAR J-JEW NOVELS.

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Chapter I

A NEW PLOT. Mrs. Arlington Avas not well. Everyone observed it. The brilliant, active woman had become languid and depressed. She had lost her appetite, and her night's rest was broken and disturbed. She even ap peared to have parted with that beautiful serenity which, notwithstanding her naturally hot temper, she had always been politic enough hitherto to uphold in the presence of her superiors. Mrs. Kerrison declared she was getting unbearable, and requested her husband to keep his lady-secretary as much as possible out of her way. But Mark Kerrison vol. hi. A DAUGHTER OP THE TROPICS. 2 guessed the true cause of Mrs. Arlington's Ioav spirits, and it made him lenient. Men generally are disposed to be so towards the Avomen who have professed an attachment for themselves. In the light of a Avife Lola Arlington had seemed positively repulsive to Mark Kerrison, who had his whole mind fixed on a woman of a totally different stamp.

But as a rejected, and yet humble Avor shipper, he began to pity her for all that she had lost in him. And, strange as it may seem, Lola Arlington really did, after her own fashion, love Mr. Kerrison. It was not only his position and fortune that she had aspired to — it was himself. He was middle-aged and unattractive, gray-haired and somewhat unpolished in manner, and yet this woman, who was still young and very handsome, loved him. Is any explanation of the fact neces sary ? Can we always account for the strange freaks that Love plays with his victims ? Perhaps his genius had attracted her, until she could nut har monize Avith a less gifted nature. Per haps the very contrast betAA*ecn his matured age and her gloAvin.*; vouth had worked the charm. Any way, she cared for him, and noAv that the first excitement of his marriage Avas over, she began to feel the gulf that had been fixed betAveen them, and her hatred for the innocent cause of their separation increased daily.

There is nothing extraordinary in that either. People love and hate according to their natures, and it was the nature of this child of the tropics, whose blood, created beneath an Indian sun, ran like molten lava throaah her veins, to feel both emotions extravagantly. She would have laid down her life for Mark Kerrison, but she would have killed his wife, the creature he loved best, Avithout the slightest compunction. Yet she could not help shrinking a little from 33—2 the deed itself and weighing its consequence in her own favour. What she would gain by separating Lily and Mark Kerrison for ever was the question that worried her by night and day. If his wife died, Avould the man ever turn from her memory to another woman? His devotion to her seemed to grow by what it fed upon. He spent every moment he could spare from his Avork by her side, and had almost deserted his beloved club for her sake ; and Lily, on the other hand, Avas drawing closer to her husband.

She had not forgotten Esme Fielding. He was her first love, and perhaps she never would forget him. But, for the very reason that she was conscious the young man's image haunted her more than it should have done, she courted the society of her lawful owner, and forced herself to relinquish the solitude which encour aged disloyal thoughts, to be his companion. So Lola Arlington, watching their in creased affection, and feeling herself more and more shut out from the husband's confidence, fretted visibly and lost much of her good looks. Her hopes had been nourished hitherto by Maman Rosita's predictions. She had had unbounded faith in maman. But now it began to wane a little, and though she frequently went to that terrible house in the Minories to have it renewed by fresh prophecies, as soon as she found herself at home again her belief wavered and she lost confidence in herself.

Mark Kerrison, in common with others, noticed the difference in her looks, and commented on it to Lily ; but Lily was not sympathetic. She was afraid of Mrs. Arlington, but not too much afraid to show her dislike, at all events behind her back. So her husband had to carry his doubts and fears to his old chum, Colonel Escott, and consult him as to what could ail Mrs. Arlington. And the Colonel naturally became at once a troublesome mass of anxiety. He assailed Lola on the score of her looks, and her health, and her spirits, till she hated the very sight of him. He implored her to take care of herself for his sake till she was tempted to tell him the bitter truth, that she was utterly indifferent to his feelings concerning her. Indeed his affectionate interest in her Avelfare brought about the very climax Avhich she had not had the courage to attain for herself.

It drove her to appeal to Mark Kerrison to save her from the Colonel's persecution, and the appeal brought about an explanation between them. They Avere in the library together Avhen she broached the subject. This library was Lola's heaven. There she reigned alone with Kerrison, and even Lily was jealous of her sovereignty. The order which excluded all interruption from his hours of study did not exempt his wife's presence from that of strangers. Some times even Lola found herself excluded, but as a rule slie wrote his business letters or copied his manuscripts at another table, Avhilst he sat with wrinkled brow composing at his own. One morning in the earl}* spring of the year, as she was looking unusually pale, he asked her if she felt well enough for work. " Certainly, sir. There is nothing the matter Avith me."

She had been very particular since Kerrison's marriage to address him in this deferential manner. She kneAv that the more familiar a Avoman is with a man, the more, as a rule, he puts a guard over his own Avords and actions concerning her. " Have a glass of wine, then, before we begin," he continued. "]NTo, thank you, Mr. Kerrison. Surely you must know by this time that I never touch Avine in the morning." "Then you should take a tonic or some thing. You are looking as Avliite as a sheet ! " " Am I ? Perhaps it is the effect of the light. I am a little worried, but not ill." " What has worried you ? My ques tions ? " " 0, Mr. Kerrison, how can you hint at such an idea ! Your kind inquiries are only too flattering to me. But I don't care for all the world discussing my looks and feelings." " Somebody else has been worrying you then."

" It seems ungrateful to use such a term for what is meant for kindness," replied Lola, bending over her work. " But if you Avould not tell Colonel Escott anything about me, Mr. Kerrison, I should be very much obliged to you. If — if I suffer a little, I prefer to keep it to myself. You understand me perhaps, but strangers do not ; and it is so hard to be catechized about one's most sacred feelings." Mark Kerrison understood the allusion. He was very much attached to his AA'ife, but he could not forget that this woman had once betrayed that she loved him, and he did not feel the less interest in her on that account. " It's a confounded piece of impertinence on Jem's part to allude to it at all before you," he grumbled. "I have mentioned the fact to him I allow, because I feel anxious about you, Lola, and sorry to see you look so unlike yourself.

But I did not mean him to repeat what I said to you." " Pray don't apologize, sir. It is no thing," murmured Mrs. Arlington. " Excuse me. If 3*011 are annoyed, it is a great deal, and I shall take care it does not occur again. I shall tell Jem it is not ad\*isable to discuss your health in your presence. But that rule does not hold good with me, Lola. You have been with me noAv so -long that I look upon you as one of the family, and I cannot let you neglect yourself with impunity. Now just try to look on me as an uncle or a brother, and tell me what will do you most good. Will you go to Brighton for a few weeks, or to Paris, and see what a little change will effect for you ? Don't think twice about funds. If you are short, I am not ; and in a case like this you must use my purse as your own.

Only make your choice, and leave me to carry it through. What do you say?" But all the answer he received was con veyed by Mrs. Arlington laying her head down on the table and bursting into tears. A man seldom knows what to do when a Avoman cries. If she happens to be his wife, he generally gets angry ; but should she stand in the position of a friend, he is fairly nonplussed. As Mrs. Arlington's sobs burst forth, Maik Kerrison glanced nervously at the door, and then AA'alked timidly up to her side. " Don't cry, my dear," he said, in a fatherly sort of Avay ; " what is the matter ? Confide your trouble in me, and I will do all in my poAver to help you out of it. You may depend upon that ! " " You are \*ery — very good," gasped Mrs. Arlington, presently, " but there is no trouble, I am only a little weak !

I don't sleep Avell at night, and I feel tired. Indeed that is all ! " " Can't you read yourself to sleep ? " " I haA*e often tried to do so; indeed, I seldom go to bed without a book in my hand. And I have occupied myself in another way!" she added, glancing up- AA*ards, shyly. "Indeed; Avhat is that?" " I dare not tell you, you will think me so silly — so presumptuous ! " "What nonsense! You are a clever woman, and would succeed in most things you undertook ! " " If I could only think that ! " cried Mrs. Arlington, clasping her hands, " but it is impossible ; it Avould be too great a happiness. How you would laugh if I were to confide in you ! " " I mean to be confided in ! I shall keep you here till you have told me this wonderful secret ! " " Remember, then, if it appears too ex travagantly foolish in your eyes, that it is the outcome of my acquaintanceship Avith yourself.

The fruit of having enjoyed the happiness of seeing you Avork — of having helped to transcribe your great thoughts - — of having served under you — my master — and — and " "You mean that you have Avritten a book ! " interposed Kerrison, hastily, afraid of Avhat she might be about to say. A NEAV PLOT. 13 " No — no ! Not a book ; as if I were clever enough ! " " A play, then ? " " 0, Mr. Kerrison ! you make my con fession seem so small. But in the night watches — Ah ! how long and dreary they sometimes seem to me ! — I have tried to beguile the time by working out a little plot, and I think, perhaps, if it were modelled " " Let me see it ! " exclaimed Mark Kerrison, delighted to think she had found a legitimate outlet for her thoughts and feelings. " I have often fancied it would come to this Avith you, Lola !

You are so quick and bright, and have had such varied experience in life, that you are the very woman to take to literature. Be sides, I flatter myself you have served a good apprenticeship under me ! " " I OAve it all to you," she said, feverishly ; " I knew nothing when I came here ! You have taught me how to live." "If I can teach you Iioav to Avrite, my dear, you will have learned to live tAvice over. But give me a synopsis of your plot, Lola! I am sure it will be original! " D " I have it written out here," she an swered, drawing a paper from her bosom. " It is very disconnected. You know how difficult it is to write doAvn a plot ; but your master eye Avill grasp its possible capabilities at a glance." He looked at the paper for a few minutes, elevating his shaggy eyebrows, and making a running commentary as he proceeded.

" Good ! — good — very clever — an ori ginal situation — an excellent climax," he murmured at intervals, as he perused the outline to the end. " And Iioav much do you want for your plot, Mrs. Arlington? " he asked, smilingly, as he refolded the paper in his hand. " 0 ! Mr. Kerrison, don't talk like that. If you should think there is the remotest possibility of a taking plot in it " " The possibility is not remote. It is close at hand. The story will want work ing out and constructing, of course ; but it will make an excellent melodrama, and I am ready to go in for it Avith you." " Mr. Kerrison, what do you mean ? " " I mean that (if you agree to it, Lola) I will write the play and share the profits with you. My name, joined to yours, will give you a lift upon the stage, which, if you continue to write for it, will help you in after years.

Besides, I think this will be an excellent occupation for you just now. You are unhinged and rest less. It will afford you interesting work, and a diversion from whatever may be on your mind. What do you say to my proposal ? " "It is too sudden — too generous — too noble! I hardly know what to say. To be associated, however humbly, with your Avork, has been the pride of my life. To see my name brought before the public in conjunction Avith your own would be too much. I think my heart Avould burst with pride and pleasure." " Don't talk nonsense. Hearts don't burst up after that fashion. They're much too tough. But I shall really be glad to be of assistance to you in this matter." He spoke the truth ; but could Mrs. Arlington have read his mind, she would not have felt so flattered by his offer.

He felt he owed her something more than her wages, and he saw a way by this means of defraying the debt. This woman, who had served him faithfully for many years, and given him her heart as well as her service, deserved something more at his hands than mere money. At one time he would have of fered her a home for life in return for it. But lately he had begun to think that it would be the better for all parties if they could decently part. Lily disliked her, and she Avas evidently jealous of his wife. What domestic peace should he ever gain between them ? Besides, he loved his wife too well to keep any one beside her who was not entirely to her taste. Therefore, sooner or later, he felt that Mrs. Arlington must go ; and if he could turn her out upon the world again in a better position than that in which he had found her, he felt he should do it with an easier mind.

Now she was dependent. As his collaborateur she would be independent, at least, of domestic ser vice. And Mark Kerrison's heart glowed at the idea of being of real assistance to her. " I am heartily glad of this," he con tinued, shaking Lola by the hand. " I have always felt you were worthy of better things than copying manuscripts I will keep this little paper and think it vol. in. over, till it becomes more ship-shape, and then you shall set to work and write down all your ideas about it, before I come blundering in with my OAvn. We'll make a bi" thing of it, never fear. And hoav," O O ** he said, looking at her affectionately, " you will try to be a little happier, Lola, for my sake, and let me think that I have helped to make you so." " I will do anything for your sake," she ansAvered, in a Ioav voice.

The situation Avas again becoming dan gerous. Mark Kerrison turned quickly towards the door. " I can't work any more this morning. This little discovery has quite excited me," he said. " By the way, Lola, I suppose you have not yet thought of a possible name for your first venture ? " "I wish to leave everything to your decision, Mr. Kerrison," she answered ; " but if you have no objection I should like to call it ' The Companion ! ' " CHAPTER H. AT THE STORES. After this little explanation with Mark Kerrison Mrs. Arlington regained her usual health and spirits, and things -went on as smoothly as before. She shut herself up a good deal in the library and her own room, but no one but her collaborateur knew the reason for which she did so. She had entered into an agreement with him from the beginning, that the fact of her helping him in the neAv drama should be kept a secret until their joint work appeared upon the stage.

She was so afraid of failure, she said. His share in it, she knew, would be faultless ; but she was such a novice, she mio-ht make a bungle of her crude attempt, and have to withdraw from the under- 34—2 taking altogether ; and in that case she should be so thankful to feel that no one kneAv of her disappointment but herself. Mr. Kerrison agreed in the wisdom of her decision. He, too, was uncertain how she would come out of the ordeal (though he did not say so), and thought that if she succeeded it would be better to take the world by surprise. So he said nothing, even to Lily, of the nature of the work she was engaged upon ; and Mrs. Arlington, under the influence of ambition and the hope of success, became more agreeable and fascinating than before. It Avas poor Colonel Escott who suffered most from her changeful moods at this period ; but he, too, was unable to make a confidant of anyone on the subject.

Lola had strictly forbidden his mentioning the understanding that existed between them, on pain of her serious displeasure, and the uncertain way in which she accepted his attentions, kept him in a constant state of feverish excitement. Sometimes, when they met without spectators, she was so sweet and winning in her ways that he almost thought she loved him. At others, she kept him at a distance, and refused to remember they had ever spoken of a nearer tie than friendship. She Avas, in fact (after a custom very common with her sex), playing with the man like a fish upon a hook, and keeping him as a piece de resistance, in case her other prospects failed. But like all men in love, he was a perfect fool concerning Mrs. Arlington, and saw all her actions through the rosy glasses of his own sick imagination.

Her indifference he called womanly reticence ; her fickleness, modesty ; and her arts to keep him by her side, affection. He would have liked to pour the story of his love for her into the kindly ears of Mark Kerrison; but this solace had been forbidden him, so he was fain to content himself with adoring her in secret. He presented himself at the house as often as he dared, but his frequent visits Avere naturally attributed to his old friendship for Mark Kerrison ; and Mrs. Arlington took good care no one should guess he came to see her. The Colonel, however, contrived to smuggle many a letter and present into her hands unperceived by her employers, and Lola never remonstrated with him for spending his money on her behalf. One afternoon in February he walked down to the Stores to buy a work-basket for her.

The evening before Mrs. Kerrison had asked her, rather sharply as it appeared to Colonel Escott, why she never brought down any work into the draAvino--room, but sat with her hands folded before her all the evening? For Lily Avas a most industrious little woman herself, and never seen Avithout some employ ment. And Mrs. Arlington had answered, in the affectedly meek voice which she had schooled herself to use to Mark Kerrison's wife, that she had no work-basket, and it Avas such a trouble carrying her needles and cotton and materials backwards and for Avar ds. Here was one of the opportunities to sIioav his devotion, for which the Colonel was always on the look-out. He made a note of the work-basket on the spot, and the very next day found him on his way to the Army and Navy Stores, in search of something both novel and pretty.

As he ascended the steps he encountered Esm-i Fielding. " Hullo, my boy ! " he exclaimed, " you here ? " "I, and no other, Colonel. They're rather dilatory with some of my outfit, and Ave start early next week." " Have you seen your mother again ? " " No. She is as obstinate as ever, and refuses to see me unless I resign my appointment, which I have no intention of doing. It is the only thing that has given me any real pleasure for years. It is selfish of her to wish to bind me down to an idle life Avhen she knows the harm it has done me." " Still, Esme, she is a fond mother, if a prejudiced one. Don't leave England without wishing her farewell. Go down to Applescourt and take her by storm, and she will thank you for it afterwards. Remember, you may have many sweet hearts in your lifetime, but you can have only one mother."

The young man coloured "Why should you make that allusion, Colonel?" " Because I don't go through the world with my eyes quite shut, my boy ; and when you tell me you have no pleasure in life, I guess there is a Avoman at the bottom of so unnatural a senti ment." " There was," replied Esme, sighing, " but it is all past and done with now. My mother might, had she so chosen, have bound me to her side by gratitude and affection ; but she preferred to out rage the best feelings of my nature, and she must take the consequences. It is her fault entirely that England has become too hot to hold me ! " " The woman, then, lives in England ? " said the Colonel, inquiringly. Young Fielding laughed. " I shall not answer another question, Colonel. You are a great deal too smart for me. You will have ali my secrets in your hand in another minute.

But I will consider what you say about running down to Applescourt again." "That's a good fellow. Don't think I can"t feel for you, Esme. I — I — have had mv troubles about women as well as most of us, and I know they're the hardest of any to bear. But there are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it." " Did you think so when you were in trouble, Colonel? " " Well, I can say so now, you see, and so Avill you if you live to my age. But you Avill spare an evening to run in and say good-bye to the Kerrisons and Mrs. Arlington before you go, Esme, will you not?" " To the Kerrisons — yes. But with regard to the other party I am quite indifferent." " I thought you admired her. I don't see how anyone could help doing so," replied Escott, uneasily. " Physically, perhaps, I do admire her ; but as a woman I particularly dislike Mrs. Arlington." ''I am surprised to hear you say so!

What can be your reason ? " " 0 ! it's not Avorth mentioning, sir. But she is exactly opposite to my ideal of the sex. Too pushing, and forward, and domineering ; Avhat I should call an oppressive woman, especially to live with. But I may be prejudiced. What part of this vast establishment are you bound for ? " " The baskets — that is, I Avanted to see " commenced the Colonel, stammeringly. " And I have to visit the tailoring department at the other end, so I'll wish you good-bye ; but I daresay we shall meet again," and Avith a nod Esme Fielding turned on his heel aud disappeared. Colonel Escott let him go without a remonstrance. He had been disposed to sympathize with the lad's troubles, but his last Avords had changed the current of his feelings, and all the more because some inAvard monitor told him (although he would have died before confessing it) that his young friend's judgment of Lola Arlington Avas true.

Everyone knoAvs how unreasonably angry he feels with the person avIio has boldly clothed Avith words the doubt or the fear which he has not dared to whisper to his own heart. So the Colonel inquired his labyrinthine way to the basket department with more resentment in his breast tOAA'ards his unconsciously-offending godson than he had ever felt before. He was still upset when he reached it, and felt quite unable for the moment to attend to business. So he wandered about a little, and ex amined the various baskets on view, from the dainty little French work-basket, lined with quilted satin, and decorated with fringes and tassels, to the tall red and white receptacles for linen ; and the panniers to carry children on a donkey's back. As Colonel Escott stood before the latter articles he perceived a lady just in front of him who was examining them with some interest, whilst an attendant ex plained to her their mode of usage and various prices.

There was something in her appearance that struck him as familiar even on a first vieAv, and yet there was nothing remarkable. She Avas a slight, graceful-looking woman, clothed in half mourning, but as far as he could see she was neither fashionable nor young. Presently she answered some remark of the salesman. " Yes," she said, in a sweet, Ioav voice, " they are very nice and very cheap, but I am afraid I must not indulge in one to-day." The Colonel started and breathed hard. Was it possible he could be mistaken? " You will find them worth double the money," continued the salesman. "This one for example, to carry three children — one on the saddle and one on each side — is only seven pounds ten, and will last for twenty years. It is a first-class article." " It will outlast my children in fact,'' replied the lady, with a slight laugh.

Colonel Escott hesitated no longer. He walked straight up to her side and held out his hand. All the colour deserted her face as her eyes fell upon him. " Don't you know me, Helen ? " he said, as the attendant withdreAv. "I recognized the first sound of your voice." " I — I never expected to see you here," she answered, in a half-audible tone, as she tried to evade his scrutiny. But he clasped her hand as in a vice, and gazed into the features Avhich were twitching with emotion. He, too, was not unmoved by the encounter. It had not been an easy task for him to write coolly to the iove of his youth even when ten years of separation stretched between them ; but all his philosophj' deserted him as he stood with her face to face. All the good and high-toned sentiments we express in letters are so apt to find themselves nowhere before the influence of a personal presence.