The Master Passion. A novel

Front matter

THE MASTER PASSION. A NOVEL. BY FLORENCE MARRYAT, AUTHOR OF 'LOVE'S CONFLICT,' 'FACING THE FOOTLIGHTS,' ETC., ETC. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. III. LONDON : F. V. WHITE & CO., 31 SOUTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND. W.C. 1S86. [All Rights reserved.} "SELECT" NOVELS. Crown Svo, cloth, is. 6d. each. AT ALL BOOKSELLERS AND BOOKSTALLS. By FLORENCE MARRYAT. THE HEART OF JANE WARNER. PEERESS AND PLAYER. UNDER THE LILIES & ROSES. FACING THE FOOTLIGHTS. MY OWN CHILD. A BROKEN BLOSSOM. HER WORLD AGAINST A LIE. MY SISTER THE ACTRESS. By ANNIE THOMAS (Mrs Pender Cudlip). FRIENDS AND LOVERS. I ALLERTON TOWERS. JENIFER. I KATE VALLIANT. By LADY CONSTANCE HOWARD. MATED WITH A CLOWN. I SWEETHEART AND WIFE. MOLLIE DARLING. | ONLY A VILLAGE MAIDEN. By MRS HOUSTON, Author of " Recommended to Mercy.'' BARBARA'S WARNING. By MRS ALEXANDER FRASER.

A PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY. | THE MATCH OF THE SEASON. A FATAL PASSION. By IZA DUFFUS HARDY. LOVE, HONOUR AND OBEY. | NOT EASILY JEALOUS. ONLY A LOVE STORY. By JEAN MIDDLEMASS. POISONED ARROWS. By H. LOVETT-CAMERON. A NORTH COUNTRY MAID. | A DEAD PAST. By DORA RUSSELL. I By LADY VIOLET GREVILLE. OUT OF EDEN. | KEITH'S WIFE. By NELLIE FORTESCUE HARRISON, Author of *' So Runs my Dream." FOR ONE MAN'S PLEASURE. By EDMUND LEATHES. THE ACTOR'S WIFE. COLSTON EDINBURGH- CONTENTS.

Chapter I The Seance, Rs Sidonia Rattle- Cliffe's

first visit to Ada Crayley's rooms was not the last. She appeared there frequently, and being really a good-hearted and genuine woman, fairly succeeded in overcoming the invalid's nervous dread of strangers. Of course, the attraction which the Ameri can lady held for Mrs Crayley was the in formation she gave her regarding spiritual- VOL. in. A ism. Mrs Rattlecliffe generally managed to time her visits so that she should find Ada alone, and their whole conversation turned on the one absorbing topic, which was fast becoming the latter's whole thought. It was the state of feverish doubt and uncertainty in which she had lived for years that had undermined her health, and she knew it. If she could only get rest and peace, she thought, she would not care what happened to her afterwards. The prospect seemed to lend her strength.

She who had been confined, a hopeless invalid to the sofa and the house for so long a time, now talked of paying a secret visit to the rooms of Mrs Amanda Gene vieve Coss, and approaching fearlessly the mysteries, the mere mention of which had made her shudder. That the visit must be kept a secret they both acknowledged, for Mrs Crayley was sure that her husband would forbid her attendance, if he heard of her design, and Mrs Rattlecliffe was too anxious to retain her new convert, to raise any opposition to the scheme. So it was agreed between them that Mr Field, the medium, should be told to hold himself in readiness to tender his services on the shortest notice, and that the first time Ethel and her father spent the evening at the theatre, Mrs Rattlecliffe should organ ise a stfance at Mrs Coss's rooms, for the especial benefit of Mrs Crayley.

As it gen erally happens, when one waits an opportunity, it seemed very long in coming. It was now close upon Christmas, the weather was very cold, and Mr Crayley was rather afraid of the night air for his rheumatism. Evening after evening, therefore, did the father and daughter re-appear after dinner to sit in their own apartments, until Ada seemed to get quite fractious over their refusals to go out and enjoy them selves. For the first time in her remem brance, Ethel thought her stepmother unreasonable, and could not imagine why she should urge her father to do that which might lay him up for the winter, and for the sake of an amusement which he did not desire. The night arrived, however, when she altered her opinion. Leonard Fulton procured a box for some especially attractive programme at the Brooklyn Theatre, to which he asked the Crayleys to accompany him and Lizzie ; and Ethel was quite sure then that the cold could not possibly affect dear papa, if he were warmly clad, and wore his fur-lined over coat.

This is not to say that she was more selfish than her neighbours, for she was an affectionate daughter and a very amiable girl, but love is apt to make us all view things through different-coloured spectacles, and Ethel was very much in love with Leonard Fulton. She thought him the most noble and generous, and the cleverest young man in the world — the greatest gentleman, in fact, that she had ever met — and she was not blind to the partiality he displayed for her. Not a word which could be construed into love making had yet passed between them, but love has no need of words. The look in Leonard Fulton's eyes as they met her own told Ethel all she wished to know, and she was happy and hopeful, and looked for ward trustfully to the moment when they should perfectly understand each other. Mr Crayley did not need much persua sion to accept the invitation to Brooklyn.

He knew what was in his daughter's heart, and approved of the feeling, for he had conceived a great likinsr himself so r the young doctor, and considered he would be a very suitable match for Ethel. He had talked the matter over with his wife too, and Ada agreed with him on every point. So that Mr Crayley considered it quite a sacred duty — whatever the weather might be — to go to Brooklyn. The matter was decided the day before, and Mrs Crayley had ample time to advise Mrs Rattlecliffe of the fact, so that she might have every thing in readiness for the occasion. There was yet Vokins to be disposed of, but she got rid of her by sending her on an im portant and lengthy mission, concerned with dressmaking, to the other end of the city, and on the plea that Mrs Rattlecliffe was coming to spend the evening in the Princess suite, and would do anything she might require.

The servant remonstrated vehemently against her dismissal at the same time that Mr Crayley and Miss Ethel were away, but her mistress was strangely resolute. ' I shall not need you, Vokins. Mrs Rattlecliffe and I have a great deal to talk about, and we wish to be alone. Besides, I really require that dress.' ' You have a dozen dresses, ma'am, that you've never put on, and this one can surely wait another day or so. I don't feel easy at your sending me out to-night. I needn't intrude on you, nor Mrs Rattlecliffe, he Stance. 7 only let me be within call, in case you are taken faint, or want anything.' ' You silly woman. Do you suppose no one can look after me but yourself ? Besides, I am feeling remarkably well to-day, and do not intend to faint. And the dress is absolutely necessary. None of these I brought over are warm enou-di for this climate, and I am getting so much better, I might want to wear it any day.

I insist upon your seeing about it this very evening.' Vokins looked at her mistress's thin cheeks, on each of which burned a bright crimson spot, like the hectic flush of con sumption, and sighed. ' I don't see much signs of your being better, ma'am, but if you insist upon it, of course it's my duty to leave you. But I do hope you won't let that Mrs Rattle cliffe tire you with her talk. It does seem to me sometimes as if she'd talk you to death. And you'll lie down on the sofa, won't you, ma'am, and sleep a bit if you feel inclined, and then, perhaps, you may get through the evening till I come back.' ' I will be as cautious as even yott could wish me, you good old coddle,' cried Ada gaily, as she stood up against the mantelpiece, and confronted her. She was certainly looking wonderfully well, considering her usual condition.

Her eyes glowed like stars, — her face was flushed, and the crimson-plush wrapper which she wore showed off her delicate, but somewhat faded beauty, to perfec tion. It was only the effect of excite ment, the penalty for which she would have to pay in increased exhaustion on the morrow, but for the time being it irradiated her, and calmed the servant's fears. ' Very well, ma'am, I will put on my things, and be ready to start as soon as Mrs Rattlecliffe joins you. But I sha'n't be gone longer than I can help,' said Vokins significantly. Ada did not mind the friendly threat. All she wanted was freedom to leave her apartments unfollowed and unmolested. When she returned from the sanctuary of Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss, she knew that her own people would be too delighted to find her capable of such an exertion, to question the motive that took her there.

When Mrs Rattlecliffe arrived she found her trembling with excitement, and yet imbued with a fic titious strength that she had never wit nessed in her before. As soon as Vokins' back was turned, Ada became eager to proceed at once to the stance room, like some poor creature who has screwed up his courage to undergo a torturing operation, and counts each minute an hour, until the fatal moment has arrived. ' Are you ready ? ' she asked hastily, as they found themselves alone. ' Does Mrs Coss expect me ? Has Mr Field arrived ? Are you sure there is no one else there ? ' * My dear woman,' cried Mrs Rattle cliffe, 'which question do you reckon I'll answer first ? Of course Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss expects you, — more than expects you, she is looking anxi ously for your appearance. And our medium will be there, and no one else.

Does that satisfy you ? ' ' Oh, yes ! Don't think me fanciful, but I couldn't encounter strangers to ni-rht. It is such a solemn occasion to me, you know. I might see — there is no saying who I might not see ! ' ex claimed Ada, with her hand pressed hard against her fast-beating heart. ' You may well say that,' replied Mrs Rattlecliffe ; ' for I remember the first time that I had been promised I should see the Professor, and when I was on the very tiptoe of expectation, who should walk out of the cabinet but an old woman called Sadie Moss, who used to sell candies at the corner of the street which I passed on my way to school when I was a little girl. Why old Sadie should come to me I couldn't tell, and have never found out. But I am wiser now than I was then, and know that the more you yearn after a person, the longer you have to wait to see them.' This intelligence took Ada aback. ' The more you yearn,' she repeated. ' But how can we help yearning, Mrs Rattlecliffe, to see those whom we have lost ? ' ' That's so, ma'am ; but you must try and not fix your mind too much upon it, or you'll cripple their efforts to make themselves visible.

But, come now, isn't it time we were moving ? ' ' Oh yes ! I want to get it over as quickly as I can. Yet how my heart beats ! I feel as if I had no power to move.' ' There's nothing to fear in Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss, who's just the loveliest lady you ever met. And think of what you're going to see, and that will give you strength.' Between coaxing and persuading, and promises of a grand result of her investi gation, Mrs Rattlecliffe at last got Mrs Crayley into the elevator and up to the floor on which resided Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss. At the sight of that lady and her extraordinary attire, Ada was almost ready to draw back, and declare herself too ill to go through the ordeal. But her friends put her into an easy-chair, and seated themselves on either side of her, and treated the whole matter as such an everyday proceeding, that Mrs Crayley's courage revived, and she declared herself ready for anything. ' In a very short time you will feel as familiar with the subject as my friend Mrs Sidonia Rattlecliffe, or, indeed, as I do myself,' said Mrs Coss, in her sepul chral tones. ' There was a period at the commencement of my initiation in this sublime doctrine when I felt much as you do ; but now I could not sleep unless I was sure that the angels were about me.

The last thing they do at night is to place their hands upon my head and whisper in my ear. I have even seen them walking about my room, especially after an evening spent with Mr Field.' Ada shuddered (as most people would do) at this cold-blooded mention of a mystery which appeared to her both terrible and inscrutable ; but any emotion she may have experienced was lost in curiosity, as the door opened to admit Mr Field. She was so ignorant of every thingconcerning the science she was there to pursue, that it is difficult to say what she had expected the medium to be like. But she was greatly astonished to see in him a very quiet and ordinary-looking young man, with a simple expression of countenance, and rather awkward manners. Neither did the ladies he had come to sit for treat him with the deference usually observable towards the high priest of any religion, for they asked him for neither advice nor assistance, but demanded if he were ready to begin, directly he entered the room, and then took no further notice of him.

He was nothing in their eyes evidently, — only the open door to what they claimed to be the road to heaven. But when people have once gained the haven where they would be, they are apt to forget the bark that carried them over. ' Perhaps our dear friend would like to inspect the cabinet before we commence,' said Mrs Coss to Mrs Rattlecliffe. ' The what ? ' exclaimed Ada. Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss pointed solemnly to a recess in the room, be fore which was drawn a heavy velvet •curtain. 'Is that where they come from?' she demanded, with a look of terror. ' Oh, no, no ! don't ask me ! I couldn't go behind the curtain to save my life.' She was shaking all over at the mere idea, and the ladies felt it would not do to press her further. It seemed to Ada as if she had b^en asked to penetrate some sepulchre ana view the mysteries of death with her own eyes.

Suppose her Jack — her lost and lamented lover — should be even now standing within these dark portals waiting to embrace her. Her brain whirled at the very thought, and she had to grasp the sides of the chair on which she sat, to prevent her falling. As Mr Field mechanically took his place in the cabinet, she felt her senses reeling, and a strange sensation, hitherto unknown to her, creeping through her veins. Some thing seemed to be pressing down her head, and compelling her eyes to close ; but she was so intensely anxious to see what might follow, that she forced them open again, and kept them fixed upon the cabinet. ' You don't feel ill, Mrs Crayley, I hope?' said Mrs Rattlecliffe anxiously. ' Oh, no,' cried Ada, rousing herself with a violent effort ; ' not worse than usual. Will it be very long ?' ' It is impossible to say.

The intro duction of a fresh element sometimes causes a little delay, but I do not think it can be much in your case, for you seem to me to be very mediumistic. You feel Mr Field's influence, I am sure.' ' I don't know what I feel,' replied Ada, who was as white as death, ' but I believe I am going to sleep. I can hardly keep my eyes open. And yet I would not miss seeing whatever is going to happen for the world.' 'Oh!' exclaimed Mrs Rattlecliffe involuntarily, but further remark was stayed by a gesture of warning from Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss. ' Let us leave our dear friend to her self, ma'am,' she pleaded ; ' talking is never admissible at such a moment, and will only tend to distract and fatigue her mind.' So Mrs Crayley was suffered to sit there in silence, and almost in the dark, whilst strange shivers and vibrations seemed to pass at intervals through her frame, like an uncertain hand trying the strings of an instrument.

And the dark ness became more black, and the pressure on her brain was kept up until it was simply agonising, and yet she had no power to call out or to resist. What happened at that stance has nothing to do with Ada Crayley's story, for she neither saw nor heard anything. When it was announced to be concluded, and the gas was raised again, and the two enthusiasts turned eagerly to ask what Mrs Crayley VOL. III. b thought of her first experience in spiri tualism, they found Ada lying back in her chair, white as marble, almost as cold, and perfectly unconscious. 'My!' exclaimed Mrs Rattlecliffe, 'it has been too much for her, and she has fainted. Oh dear ! oh dear ! What shall I say to Mr Crayley ? How I wish I had never persuaded her to come here.' She was about to dash some eau-de- Cologne in Ada's face when Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss stayed her hand. ' Don't touch her,' she whispered, as she rose and lowered the gas again. ' She is probably in a trance.

Let us remain quiet and see what she may say to us ! ' The ladies reseated themselves, one on each side of the insensible woman. ' Will you speak to us ? ' demanded Mrs Coss in solemn tones, after a long pause. ' Have you nothing to say ? We are ready to listen.' ' Try to speak, dear spirit,' continued Mrs Rattlecliffe, as if she were coaxing an infant to perform its duty. 'Who are you ? For whom do you come ? ' Still neither word nor motion conveyed the idea that Mrs Crayley was living, although Mr Field emerged from the cabinet rubbing his eyes, and looking very sleepy and stupid, and took a seat amongst them. 'Is she sick?' he demanded, alluding to Ada. ' We cannot tell, Mr Field. We hope she is in a trance. Perhaps dear "Jim" has influenced her, or Jerry Davis. What do you think ? You have had so much experience.

Is it a trance or a fainting fit?' But Mr Field did not appear to have penetrated very deeply into the mysteries of which he was the exponent, nor to care if they were promulgated by others. If he satisfied his patrons, and was paid his fees, he asked no more. He had to live, like other less wonderful people than himself, and he did not care to encourage new pro fessors of the science. So he shook his head over Mrs Crayley's condition, and professed ignorance of its cause. ' But we must do something!' exclaimed Mrs Rattlecliffe anxiously ; ' she might die, if left to herself. Shall I go and see if her maid has returned to her rooms ? ' ' Let us try the usual remedies first,' replied Mrs Coss ; ' but you must do it on your own responsibility, Mrs Rattlecliffe. If this is the work of angels, I will not interfere with it.

And I cannot believe but it is.' ' But how much longer are we to wait before coming to a decision, ma'am?' asked Mrs Rattlecliffe; 'Mrs Crayley is a very sick lady, and delay might be dangerous to her. I guess if she doesn't speak soon, we ought to hurry up to recover her.' ' Hush ! ' interposed Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss, raising her hand ; ' she is going to address us.' But it was a false alarm. Poor Ada moved her head, gave a slight moan, and sunk back into unconsciousness. ' You had better get assistance, for I don't like her looks,' said Mr Field slowly. Mrs Rattlecliffe placed the bottle of eau de-Cologne in Mrs Coss's hands, and flew down to the Princess suite, where she found Vokins in a state of nervous alarm. ' Oh ! dear ma'am, what have you done with my mistress ? ' she cried, as soon as she caught sight of Mrs Rattlecliffe. ' It's given me such a start, finding her gone, as never did.' ' I have come down to fetch you to her, Vokins.

She went upstairs to pay a visit to my friend, Mrs Amanda Genevieve Coss, and has been taken a little faint. Will you return with me, and bring whatever you are in the habit of using on such occasions ? ' Mrs Rattlecliffe's words were not very alarming, but she looked so frightened, and her face was so pale, that Vokins guessed there was more the matter than she chose to say. ' Now, this comes of my leaving my mistress alone ! ' she exclaimed, as she hur riedly seized a bottle of ammonia and a fan. ' I knew how it would be before ever I went out, and I cautioned her to be careful. To think of her mounting those stairs, and paying a visit, when she hasn't left her rooms for three weeks past. You shouldn't have let her do it, ma'am. The master will be furious when he comes to hear of it. She's far worse than any of you think, and if she dies this night, her death will lie at your door.' ' Don't talk of dying, woman ! ' exclaimed Mrs Rattlecliffe, as they went upstairs together. ' I guess it's only a fit, and she'll soon be round again.

But we must get her over it before Mr Crayley comes home, or I'll never forgive myself.' As soon as Vokins saw her mistress, she gave a low cry of horror. She could tell at a glance that this was something worse than an ordinary fainting fit. Ada's form was rigid. Her eyes were wide open, but lifeless, her teeth clenched, and the pul sation of her heart was hardly discernible. ' This is a nice night's work ! ' cried Vokins, almost fiercely. ' What have you been doing to her, to bring her to a state like this ? ' There was no trace left in the room of what had taken place there. The gas was burning brightly — the velvet curtain was drawn off the recess, and Mr Field had pocketed his fee, and disappeared. Mrs Coss, too, had withdrawn to a respectful distance, and left all the brunt of the dis aster to fall on the shoulders of Mrs Rattlecliffe.

The Alaster Passion. 24 ' Nothing out of the way, I can assure you,' answered that lady ; ' nothing. She said she felt strong enough to pay Mrs Coss a visit, and I thought the change would do her good. I had no idea that she was subject to such alarming attacks as these.' ' No more she is, ma'am. She faints occasionally, but I've never seen her look like this before. How long is it since she was took ? ' Mrs Rattlecliffe faltered. 'An hour, perhaps, or a little more! 'An hour!' repeated the servant in dignantly ; ' and you've let her bide for an hour like this without calling for help ! It's my belief you've killed her, ma'am, and got murder on your soul.' ' Don't say that,' pleaded the unhappy Mrs Rattlecliffe. ' It was her own wish to come. It was indeed ! And how could I tell it would affect her like this?' Vokins had applied the ammonia and the fan without producing any amend ment.

Ada still lay as though carved in marble in her chair. ' We must get her to her own room,' said the servant presently, ' for this is a case for the doctor, if not the under taker. Will you please to ring your bell, ma'am, and ask for a couple of waiters to help me carry her to the elevator.' Mrs Rattlecliffe, who was in a mortal fright, did as she was requested, and in a few minutes Mrs Crayley, still uncon scious, was being borne along the corridor to her own apartments. It happened that the little cavalcade reached the door at the same time as the party returning from the theatre. 'What is this?' exclaimed Mr Crayley in the utmost alarm, as he recognised that they were carrying his wife. ' It's just what might have been ex- The Master Passion. pected, sir,' replied Vokins significantly. ' My mistress sends me out as soon as your back is turned, and goes upstairs with that there Mrs Rattlecliffe and another party, and between 'em, they talks her to death.

I said as much be fore I left, but she wouldn't believe me, poor dear. Is that Dr Fulton ? I'm glad you're here, sir, for you're wanted badly. Shall I carry my mistress to bed at once ? ' 'No! no! Place her on the sofa,' said Leonard, who was alarmed by her appear ance. They laid her, like a beautiful white statue in her crimson plush dress, upon the couch, where she remained without sign of sense or motion. ' Mamma ! mamma ! ' cried Ethel, burst ing into tears. 'She is dead!' 'No! dear Miss Crayley. Calm your self,' replied Leonard. ' She is not dead. But I must ask you to retire. I would The Seance. 27 rather be alone with your father and Vokins.' ' Oh, Dr Fulton ! Don't tell me to go. Let me stay and help you.' ' Do you think I would ask it if it were not necessary? Cannot you trust me, Ethel ? ' The girl made no reply, but with her eyes brimming with tears, left the room.

The usual questions were asked and answered, and then Ada's dress was loosened and the windows were thrown open, and the most powerful remedies applied to her temples and the region of the heart. Mr Crayley stood by the head of the sofa breathless with anxiety, whilst the young doctor plied his professional duty. 'Is she alive, Fulton?' he whispered, in a tone of awe. ' Yes ; she is alive,' was the dubious answer. ' And will she recover this attack ? ' ' I hope so, Mr Crayley, sincerely. Depend upon it, I will do my utmost to help her.' ' From what has it arisen ? ' ' That is impossible for me to say, with out better information than Vokins can afford us. From some mental shock, I should imagine ! ' ' What shock can she possibly have received whilst with Mrs Rattlecliffe?' ' There I cannot help you.

But some thing has had a very serious effect upon her.' ' What do you call the attack ? ' ' The primary cause is a suspension of the action of the heart. The nature of it is a species of catalepsy — or advanced form of hysteria. Don't frighten yourself, Mr Crayley, at hard words. Mrs Crayley will recover from it, I fully believe, but it may be some time before she does so. Her head a little lower, Vokins, please. That is better. And now give me the smaller bottle of those two. Thanks.' The Stance. 29 Then they all sat down and waited in the stillness of the night for the faintest token of returning animation on the part of Ada Crayley. Twelve o'clock — one o'clock struck — and still she had made no sign. ' Had not Vokins better go to Miss Crayley ? ' said Leonard, to the unhappy husband, who was watching his wife's form with looks of despair. ' She can do no good here.

You and I will sit up with Mrs Crayley, and your daughter is doubtless suffering as much anxiety as we are. Let Vokins go and comfort her.' Mr Crayley wrung the young doctor's hand. ' Thank you ! thank you a thousand times for your kindness and sympathy. But will not Dr Menzies wonder what has become of you ? ' ' Oh, no ! I sent him word by my cousin that Mrs Crayley was ill. I have no intention of leaving her to-night.' The servant was dismissed, much against her will, and the two men held vigil together. ' I thought it as well she should go,' whispered Leonard. ' Mrs Crayley may be a little light-headed when she regains consciousness, and servants are very curious, and not always dependable.' Had Mr Crayley been in a fit state to attend to anything, he might have ex plained that Vokins had been in their service for years, and his wife could not possibly have any secrets that the whole world might not hear.

But he scarcely noticed Leonard's remark, but kept his eyes fixed on the recumbent figure of his wife. At last — as the clock struck three, their efforts were rewarded by success. Ada stirred restlessly, opened her lips twice or thrice, as if she wanted air, and finally rose suddenly to her feet and walked to the further end of the room.