The Lady Superior

Chapter I

sTlHE following day Patty was true to her ■*■ appointment, but she did not make her appearance alone — her brother Regi nald accompanied her, and played his cards with such tact that Mrs. Arnott was fain to ask him also to partake of their early din ner. He was nothing loth to do so ; and by his wit and humour, the brilliancy of his conversation and finished courtesy of his manner, so completely won Mrs. Arnott's heart that, by the time the meal was over, the whole party were as completely at their VOL. II. B ease together as if they had known each other years instead of hours. Reginald Crawford was a good-looking, accomplished man of the world. His wealth and position had given him an easy access into society, which his handsome face alone would have failed to win for him. He Avas known both in the Parisian and provincial salons as a bon parti, and was courted and flattered in consequence.

But he had never shown any inclination toAvards matrimony ; it was in vain that diplomatic mammas whispered to him the many virtues of their fair daughters — they never succeeded in rousing in the young officer more than a passing interest. The truth is that young — as he still was — Reginald had tasted every form of so-called pleasure which modern civilisation can devise, and, strange to say, he was not satiated ; he believed there must still be something more — some cup of delight as yet untasted. How, then, with youth and health on his side, could he dream of marriage, which, according to his creed, was the very personification of bond age; and so he turned a deaf ear to the charmers, " charmed they ever so wisely." He liked staying at the Chateau des Marais — life was free and easy there, and the Marquise was not ill-pleased at having a young and handsome man about the place ; it gave her a certain prestige, and, being no prude, she rather liked than otherwise oc cupying the position of confidant.

He was at present on sick leave for three months, and had, as usual, made the Chateau his head-quarters. As to Patty, she believed in her brother with that blind idolatry with which sisters are proverbially gifted. In her estimation there never was, nor ever would be again, a being of such superior mould as Reginald b2 CraAvford. His slightest wish was law Avith her, and she lived in mortal dread of the day when a wife should steal between her and her brother. As for her own prospects, she openly declared herself devoted to old maidism; Avith such perfection before her eyes, how could she be expected to stoop to an ordinary mortal ? Thus, in the midst of incense more or less judiciously offered at his shrine, Reginald flourished, and enjoyed himself. He avoided Avith care anything which might possibly disturb the even tenor of his way, and cultivated Avith equal assiduity everything, not excepting the veriest trifle, Avhich might conduce to his pleasure or amusement.

There Avas not much to inter est him at Roux, and time often hung heavily on his hands ; he therefore seized with avidity the possibility of new acquaint ances in the persons of two young and pretty girls like Sibyl and Brownie ; besides, the latter interested him ; he had gleaned from Patty what little she knew of Brownie's story; and then her voice had struck him as one of rare beauty and power, and Reginald considered himself no mean judge. In truth, both his taste and ear were faultless ; he frequented every sort of musi cal entertainment, and, had he chosen to apply himself, would have been a first-rate musician ; but in this, as in everything else, his indolent, dolce far niente nature prevented his attaining any degree of perfection. He was an amateur, in the true acceptation of the Avord.

"Mademoiselle," he said, turning to Brownie, before rising from the table, " may Ave hope to hear once more the song you sang for us on New Year's Eve? It has haunted me ever since. You remember, I prophesied you would be a prima donna one day ?" "So I heard. Do you know you are guilty of almost turning BroAvnie's head, Mr. Crawford ?" said Mrs. Arnott, laughing. "You must take into consideration that my girls are children still, and not accustomed to compliments." "And I meant none," answered Reginald. "Mademoiselle has a rare voice, especially for so young a lady." And he smiled kindly at Brownie, who, flushed with pleasure, looked eagerly from him to Mrs. Arnott. "I always kneAV BroAvnie had a very sweet voice, and rare musical talent," rejoined the latter. " I am no great musician myself, the village choir was all I Avas equal to, so she has not had much en couragement, but as soon as the plan for coming abroad Avas decided upon, I hoped it would give her all possible advantages in that way, advantages only to be procured in England at great pecuniary sacrifices.

So Brownie shall sing to you, Mr. Crawford, and then we will take counsel as to the best means for cultivating this talent, though I would rather she remained something less than prima donna." She rose from the table as she spoke, and led the way into the drawing-room, Regi nald walking beside her. " Do you not think there is less danger at the summit of the tree than midway ?" he asked. She looked up at him, answering quickly, " Mr. CraAvford, I would never consent to either of ray children entering a public career — Brownie, if possible, less than Sibyl; besides, the idea is absurd, she is but a child." "Now, yes!" replied Reginald, thoughtfully, and going to the piano, he ran his fingers along the keys, improvising a pre lude to the song which had so charmed him, "Auld Robin Gray;" and BroAvnie came and stood beside him, and at first shyly, then forgetting all save the love of song, she gave full voice to the melody, and expres sion to the words.

Even Mrs. Arnott and Sibyl, accustomed as they were to her, listened with surprise. Before Mr. Arnott's death she had been wont to sing about the house and grounds, and they loved her singing, as Ave do love dear familiar sounds. SorroAv had silenced her, and now for the first time they both recognized that there was something rare and uncommon in this gift. When she ceased Reginald rose, and tak ing her hand, said, gently, " I can but repeat what I told you the other night. You have a magnificent voice, and, I believe, great poAver of expression, but you are very young, and both need cultivation." "But I may be a prima donna, may I not ?" asked Brownie, laughing, though her voice trembled slightly Avith excitement. " You hold to the name," he answered, smiling; adding, "As you ask me, I must tell you, — I think you may be anything you choose, or rather Avhat others choose to make you.

You are in possession of a jewel, Mademoiselle, but it needs the polisher's and the jeAveller's cunning to make it so that it may be appreciated at its full value." Silence fell upon them all, broken first by Mrs. Arnott saying — " It is a lovely afternoon, suppose we take a walk to the mill ; we need something to restore the equilibrium of our ideas, after finding out Brownie is a genius." And she stroked with loving hand the young girl's soft black hair. "Let Reginald drive you in the pony carriage, Mrs. Arnott, while we walk. You have no idea Avhat jolly little ponies they are !" exclaimed Patty. "I have no doubt as to their virtues," answered Mrs. Arnott, "and if it is not troubling Mr. Crawford too much, I will accept your proposition." Of course the young officer assured her that the honour Avould be entirely on his side, and Mrs. Arnott accepted the compli ment Avith a smile, though not in the least deceived as to its value ; b_.„ she had an object in view, and imvardly thanked Patty for her timely interference.

Having seen the three girls started in front, Reginald took his place beside his hostess in the pony carriage, saying as he gathered up the reins, "I must hold them in, or else we shall soon lose sight of our young ladies." " One of whom would have been a more congenial companion for you," said Mrs. Arnott ; " but you must excuse my apparent selfishness, I desired earnestly to speak with you alone," and without waiting for the young man to answer she continued: " That you are persuaded of the truth of what you say concerning my ward's voice and musical talent I have not the shadow of doubt; I myself am convinced you are right; at the same time I must beg you to moderate the expression of your views. Brownie's excitable nature will otherwise take fire, and I shall lose all power over her. She cannot, must not be educated for a singer."

She spoke with vehemence. A singer, an actress, were synonymous with sin and vice to her, fresh from her Vicarage among the mountains. " Dear lady," rejoined Reginald, "why vex yourself needlessly ? Mademoiselle Brownie is still a child, but this you must be prepared for. I am the first to tell her she has a beautiful voice, but I shall not be the last ; such a gift as hers, do what you will, you cannot hide ; it will make itself heard." "Possibly," replied Mrs. Arnott, "but it may be kept in the shade — it must be. I am responsible for that child, she is as dear to me as my OAvn ; but she is worse than orphaned — the world must ignore her exist ence, at least at present." " I understand," said Reginald ; " my sister told me there was a mystery concern ing her parentage." "Yes, unjustly, I believe," answered Mrs. Arnott; "but there it is, and BroAvnie begins already to feel it acutely.

Had her father lived five minutes longer, all would have been clear as day." " You know Avho her father was, then ? I understood Patty that she openly rejected all cognomen, save that of Brownie." " That is her pride," answered Mrs. Arnott ; " she but half understood what she was doing, poor child ; in my mind there is not the shadoAV of doubt that George Mor daunt was her father." " Who !" exclaimed Reginald. " George Mordaunt; did you know him?" asked Mrs. Arnott, startled at the surprise expressed in the young man's voice. He did not answer immediately; then he said slowly, as if trying to recollect something in the far past, " Yes, I knew a George Mordaunt once, but it cannot be the same man. I was quite a boy when I remember him, a continual visitor at Madame de Pas's ; she Avas Made moiselle de la Roche then, and had taken an old maiden sister of her father's to reside with her, after her stepmother's death, for the sake of les convenances.

I was at the college of Roux, and used to spend my holidays at their house, and I distinctly re member George Mordaunt and two other Englishmen who accompanied him. They Avere all musical. Yes, that is it — I knew I had heard it before — he sang the very song Ave have just heard. The coincidence is strange." "Very," said Mrs. Arnott; "and in all these twelve years this is the first clue we have had to his whereabouts. Can you remember nothing more ?" " No," answered Reginald. "You knoAV how the English come and go — mere birds of passage ; but Madame de Pas — she will be able to ansAver any questions, I should think. I Avill speak to her immediately on my return. Let me see, though, I do re member hearing something about America, and a shipwreck ; but all is vague and indis tinct. The Marquise will clear it up."

" In the meantime I must beg of you not to let BroAvnie suspect Ave have the least trace — it would only raise her hopes, to disappoint her, perhaps. I will Avrite this very evening to my son — he is a lawyer — and with what you have told me, and fur ther information from Madame de Pas, he will doubtless be able to find the key to the mystery. We have always said if we could only discover whence he came, the matter Avould be easy." " Of course," answered Reginald. " At the same time let me think. You say Made moiselle has been with you twelve years — it is more than fifteen since I remember George Mordaunt. I Avas quite a little fellow — not more than nine or ten. His singing has made me remember him — he created quite a musical rage at the De La Roches.'" " And his two friends ?" asked Mrs. Arnott.

" If I heard their names I might remem ber them," answered Reginald. " One of them I knoAV was a clergyman. But what I want you to observe is the three years' interval. He did not go back from Roux to his village. The great question is, where was he during that time ?" " Just so," replied Mrs. Arnott. " But it is something to knoAV he was here once. The rest seems easy. And then there is Madame de Pas, and perhaps others." " Of course," said Reginald. For a few moments they were both silent, evidently thinking. Then Reginald spoke again, slowly and uncertainly, with that continuous strain upon his memory, " I seem to have heard words dropped here and there," he said; "but it is all indistinct — I cannot remember." " And you need not trouble yourself to do so," ansAvered Mrs. Arnott. " Madame de Pas, I have little doubt will be able to give some definite information.

Will you tell her this evening that I shall do myself the pleasure of calling upon her to-morrow, and perhaps you would inform her of the in quiries I am anxious to make. Now, Mr. CraAvford, suppose you alloAved your ponies their own way a little ; my girls have disap peared." " Only by a turn in the road," answered Reginald ; and, loosing his rein, the little thoroughbreds darted off at lightning speed, and soon brought them in sight of Patty and Sibyl, but to the surprise of both Brownie Avas not there. "Played truant again, I suppose," said Mrs. Arnott ; and Reginald had no time to ask the meaning of the words, for their rapid course had brought them up with the two girls, and he was obliged to hold the ponies in, while Mrs. Arnott asked VOL. II. c Sibyl the reason of Brownie's absence.

" Mamma, you know she cannot bear what she calls straight walks. She came with us to the end of the village, and then said she must go back and finish some work she has to do for the classes to-morroAV ; and she must have gone round behind, so as not to meet you. It is no use, mamma," added Sibyl, smiling, "you must let Brownie be Brownie — you cannot change her all at once. And Patty doesn't mind much — she will try and endure my company." And she turned her bright face towards her com panion with such a winsome look upon it that Patty involuntarily slipped her arm into hers, Avith an earnest " I should think so indeed." And Reginald, by looks, if not by words, expressed the same. " My Birdie, my Avild Birdie, shall I never tame her ?" said Mrs. Arnott, sadly. "Not very polite of her, was it?" said Patty, as the two girls walked beside the pony-carriage; "but then you know she did it in such a way that one could not be angry with her.

Somehow one never is angry with Brownie, though she does more things to vex one than all the other girls at school put together. I wonder Avhat it is ?" "Witchery," answered Reginald, laughing; "but come, you both look so disconsolate. We must try to mend matters. Suppose we send Francois home, and you mount in his place, Patty. Miss Arnott, I am sure Ave could make room for you in front." The idea was hailed with delight. The page descended from his back seat, and Patty installed herself in his stead ; while Sibyl found a comfortable place between her mother and the driver ; and then with an encouraging crack of the whip from Regi nald, the ponies started off afresh, appac2 rently unconscious of the extra weight inflicted on them. It was a merry party — the girls laughed and chatted, Reginald in no way behindhand with his Irish wit and repartee, till their mirth infected Mrs. Arnott, and she forgot for the moment the heavy cares resting on her heart.

We will leave them for a time, and fol low Brownie. Why had she left her com panions ? Not from any dislike to their society — no, far from it. They were both pleasant to her. Sibyl she loved ; but she had never outgrown the sense of isolation Avhich the lonely life she had led Avith her grandmother had engendered in her. Soli tude, to be alone, had become at times a perfect necessity to her. She pined after it. The smallest incident in her daily life seemed but half understood by her, until she had carried it away, and com muned with it in the silence of her OAvn heart. At Langarth she had had haunts innumerable — mountain paths, the gently-flowing river, even her old garret in Betsy's cottage; but here at Corban she had no hiding-place — Sibyl shared her room, the garden was small, and open to all comers, and beyond the precincts of the village Mrs. Arnott's mandate forbade her to roam.

One day it came to pass, when the restless spirit was upon her with more than usual force, she had wandered down to the village church — it lay within five minutes of home, standing a little back from the road, a garden of its own in front, and a small graveyard on the further side. Unconsciously BroAvnie pushed open the oak door, and entered. It was as simple a place of worship as one could find, with no architectural grace or beauty — a plain stone altar, decorated with a lace cover, and a few tinsel flowers, some painted statues of the saints, painful in their ungainliness — such was all that met BroAvnie's eyes, until moving up the nave she stood in the Vir gin's chapel, and there she paused, looking up at the Virgin Mother and the Divine child, cradled on her bosom, stretching forth its arms, as if with its love to embrace the whole universe.

Brownie Avas no con noisseur — as a work of art it might be worth nothing, but the figure of that gentle mother and that smiling babe soothed and calmed her spirit. The little chapel was quite silent, the church Avas empty, and she sat down upon one of the rude straAv chairs and pondered ; and from that day forth this was her hiding-place. Thither she sped with hght steps almost joyously, this Winter afternoon, when she ran away from Patty and Sibyl. It is doubtful Avhether there was any de liberate thought of prayer in BroAvnie's mind as she crossed the threshold of the church. She herself would have denied it indignantly ; she had never outgrown her childish dislike to the feeling, as she quaintly expressed it, of being forced to say her prayers in church. No, she came, led, as it Avere, by instinct, and sitting down before the altar with a satisfied sigh, leaned her head thoughtfully against the pillar, and fixed her eyes dreamily upon that image of mother and child.

It was as if a certain void in her heart Avas filled up. As she gazed a feeling of realized love such as she had never known crept over her, penetrating her Avhole being, almost gladdening it, as if something of that Avarmth and tenderness had descended upon her. So complete was her feeling of isolation that she unwittingly gave vent, in half-out spoken words, to the thoughts Avhich came and went so rapidly in her mind. It was a strange fancy and a strange scene, if there had been anyone there to witness it ; but there was no one, and the growing dark ness alone roused BroAvnie to the consciousness that time had floAvn, and she must hurry home, if she would not make Mrs. Arnott anxious. She arrived before them, and was soon helping Jane to lay the table, Avith what they both agreed was a really comfort able English tea.

" Although that girl Marie looks as if she despised us for not wanting soup two or three times a day, there she is sopping bread in onions and hot Avater to any amount, and, Avith a salad, she calls that ' dine.' I'd rather have a plain, honest cup of tea I" said Jane. " Of course you Avould, and so would I," said Brownie, laughing; "but, you see, Jane, if you had had soup administered to you as the French babies have, your tastes might have more nearly resembled Marie's. Ah ! I hear the carriage." And darting out, she stood on the top of the terrace steps, ready to receive her friends. Her bright Avelcome, the glad tones of her young voice falling on their ears, made even Mrs. Arnott relent as her lips were about to utter a rebuke, and it ended in Patty and Sibyl exclaiming, in chorus, " We have had such a pleasant drive, Brownie.

You would have enjoyed it so." " Should I ?" she answered. " I am glad you have been happy. Mamma, shall I make tea ? It is quite ready." " Yes, if you like, dear ; but my Brownie must be more civilized in future." Then, turning to Mr. Crawford, she added, "Will you take a cup of tea with us, if we have not quite tired you out ?" The invitation was willingly accepted, and not till it was time for Patty to take leave did the party break up, Reginald's last words to Mrs. Arnott being — " If I have any news, I will ride over the first thing to-morrow morning and tell you."

Chapter II

" TTTELL, Reginald, I shall take care how " I send my ponies out with you another time ! Where have you been all day ?" Such was Madame de Pas's greeting, as brother and sister entered the draAving-room at Les Marais about nine o'clock. "Dear Madame," exclaimed Reginald, awaking suddenly to the fact that he had monopolized that lady's carriage for the whole day, without the least reference to her pleasure. It was a common case with him ; he had meant no harm, it just happened so, suited his purpose, in fact, and Reginald was not in the habit of consulting anyone or anything but his own pleasure ; he had grown up with no other object. Now, Avhen it Avas brought before him, he Avas in a moment alive to the full impro priety of his conduct. " How can I excuse myself? I think I must have lost my senses to take such a liberty !"

"But Avhere have you been ?" repeated Madame. " Been ! Why, at Corban, of course." "At the Arnotts' the whole day?" said Madame de Pas, turning round and looking full at Reginald, who had thrown himself into an arm-chair a little behind her, while Patty, with a mischievous smile playing in the corners of her mouth, leaned on the back of his chair. " Yes," he answered quietly. "Then I am not surprised. You have doubtless lost both head and heart," replied Madame. " Not at all," answered Reginald, quickly, " though in truth there is something refresh ing in two such girls — in these days, when girls are rather more blasees than their mothers. But my heart I can at present answer for ; my head is a different matter. I am most decidedly interested, and that accounts for my culpable forgetfulness, for which I now duly beg forgiveness."

And rising, he stood before Madame de Pas, and lifted her hand gallantly to his lips. She was appeased by this act of courtesy, as he knew she would be. Worship and homage, if only in appearance, were almost a necessity to her. All her male friends were aware of the fact ; and those Avho had anything to gain by it habitually pandered to her vanity. " At all events you are bound to tell us what has so roused your interest," she said. " Of course — I intend doing so ; especially as I Avant the aid of your memory." So saying, he drew his chair in front of the fire. Patty did the same, and he began : " Do you remember a certain Englishman called George Mordaunt, who used to visit you when you Avere living Avith your aunt before your marriage ?" He was not looking at Madame as he put the question, but straight into the fire — he therefore failed to see the sudden change Avhich came over her.

Her complexion, usually florid, became almost purple, and as rapidly faded to a livid hue. She passed her handkerchief quickly over her face, and then answered, in a hesitating voice, "Yes, I believe I do. I do remember some one of that name." " You must," ansAvered Reginald, looking up sharply. "I was but a child at the time, and I remember him distinctly. He spent tAvo whole Winters at Roux ; he was musical, and his two friends also. You used to get up soirees together." "Well, supposing I do recollect, Avhat then ? It is fifteen years ago. People lose sight of each other in that time." " Possibly," replied Reginald ; and he looked keenly at her. " Still you must know what he and his friends were doing here, where they went on leaving, and what has become of them since ?" " That I most certainly do not.

May I know the reason of these questions ?" an swered Madame de Pas, now complete mis tress of herself, and returning with un wavering steadiness Reginald's look. " Certainly," he ansAvered ; " it is very simple. It is generally supposed that George Mordaunt is Mademoiselle Brownie's father, only the fact has never been positively ascertained, where the marriage took place, and who the mother was, being mysteries. When Mrs. Arnott casually mentioned the name of Mordaunt I remembered it and the man, and told her you could doubtless give her further information ; till now they have never been able to trace him since the day he left his home. Mrs. Arnott desired me to say she would come over and speak to you on the subject to-morrow." " It is useless," answered Madame de Pas, coldly. " I know nothing that would help her, beyond the fact that he was about tAvo years in Roux; his after movements did not interest me.

His friend's name even I have forgotten. I know he was a clergyman. George Mordaunt himself, I believe, Avrote newspaper and magazine articles ; he was a clever felloAv and a great musician, that ac counts for his intimacy at our house. Of his private life I know nothing." ** But why did he leave ? — and where did he go?" "Are not all Englishmen subject to fits of restlessness? He was doubtless tired ofthe place, or found some advantage likely to accrue to him from moving on." " And this is really all you know ?" per sisted Reginald. " I thought I had heard something about America and a shipwreck." " Not from me," ansAvered Madame. " I have told you all." "I am afraid Mrs. Arnott will be disap pointed," rejoined Reginald. " I think I shall go over to-morrow morning and tell her Avhat you have said."

" I wish you would," exclaimed Madame, eagerly. " It is inconvenient for me to re ceive her to-morrow, as I have been kept in to-day. I had arranged to make a round of visits which I owe for the New Year. You might manage to intimate that I shall be most happy to receive her on some future occasion. I daresay she is a most charming VOL. II. D woman ; but, you see, Reginald, her house does not offer me the same attractions as it does you, and an English mere de famille is proverbially prosy." "Very well, I will see what I can do to take her off your hands to-morrow," was the laughing rejoinder. " By-the-by, where is Monsieur de Pas ?" "You have just aAvoke to the fact of his absence ?" said Madame. " Better late than never," ansAvered Regi nald, and they all three laughed. It was the custom to make light of the master of the house.

" He is dining at the Comte de Chanon's," said Madame ; " and you must excuse me, Reginald, but I shall retire to my room be fore his return. I am not anxious to hear a detailed account of the young Countess's numerous perfections." "Supposing Ave all go?" said Reginald, smiling. "Patty, child, I do not believe you have uttered a syllable since you came in. What is the reason of this extraordinary silence ?" " I have a headache, and am tired," said Patty, rising quickly. " I shall be very glad to go to bed. Good night, Madame." " Good night, ma chere ; you look pale. Have you over-fatigued yourself?" " No ; oh ! no," ansAvered Patty, some what sharply. " Good night, Reggy." And she left the room. " There is the Marquis," exclaimed Ma dame de Pas, as wheels sounded on the gravel-path ; and she escaped by one door to her own room, while Reginald disappeared through another.