Olga; or, Wrong on both sides

Front matter

•i don't mean to stand it any moke — there!' Frontispiece. Seepage 277. OLGA OR WRONG ON BOTH SIDES BY VIN. VINCENT GRIFFITH FARRAN BROWNE & CO. LTD. 35 BOW STREET, COVENT GARDEN LONDON The rights of Translation and of Reproduction are reserved. TO f^r fojjo sis s in ' pig ' AND THINKS, PERCHANCE IN THE SILENCE WHICH REIGNS IN THE OLD HOUSE NOW, OF THE DAYS WHEN THE PATTER OF LITTLE FEET WAS HEARD IN THE CORRIDOR AND CHILDREN'S LAUGHTER ECHOED IN THE GREAT HALL, AND, SO THINKING, CALLS TO MIND THE ONE — THE BEST BELOVED — WHO SINCE THOSE GOLDEN HOURS HAS RISEN UP AND ANSWERED WHEN HER NAME WAS CALLED. CONTENTS. CHAP. PAGE I. HOME LIFE 9 ii. Helen's first dinner 31 III. THE THRONE STEPS 54 IV. OLGA 79 v. disobedience 103 VI. A FRIEND IN NEED 121 VII. A MISUNDERSTANDING I46 VIII. CRUEL WORDS 1 70 IX. A GOOD ADVICE 193 X. THE MEMORY OF THE DEAD 224 XI. BROKEN FAITH 242 XII. GOOD-BYE 264 XIII. GATES AJAR OLGA

Chapter I. Home Life

' ~T F ever there was an unlucky beggar, I am I one!' The speaker of these doleful words was young Viscount Tempeston, aged fifteen, just then reclining at full length on the sofa in his sisters' schoolroom. He was a slight, graceful boy, with curly brown hair, deep blue eyes, long dark lashes, remarkably straight features, and a pair of very thin lips, the upper one of which curled slightly. It was these last which told of the lad's worst failing, — a violent temper and a somewhat proud disposition. There were two other occupants of the room, — the Ladies Helen and Lina Thorpe, daughters of the Earl Olga. 10 of GrantoAvn and sisters of Tempeston's. The eldest, a pretty, dark girl, Avas just seventeen, while the other, aged twelve, bore a strong family likeness to her brother. Five years before the date of my story, the children had had the great misfortune to lose their mother.

Lord Grantown, though he had loved his wife dearly, was not a man to Avear his heart on his sleeve ; and she, poor lady, mistaking his somewhat stern manner for indifference, had expended the wealth of her affections on her children. To all of them her death was a bitter bloAV. Helen had been of an age to feel it acutely, added to which, she had been her mother's constant companion ; while Lina, as the youngest, had of course been the spoilt pet of the mistress of the house. As for Lord Grantown, he Avas a man not altogether undeserving of notice. HeAvas tall and thin, Avith iron grey hair, dark, piercing eyes, and a slight stoop. Though he was a man greatly given to speaking, and Avith much of the orator about him, he had taken no part in political life. He was never absent from his place in the Upper House, but he never opened his lips when there, unless an ecclesiastical question was being discussed.

Then, though he spoke eloquently, — so eloquently that he was never at a loss for a word, — he yet influenced no one. His quarrel Avas not with this or that party, but rather with the whole bench of bishops. He Avas for ever prophesying the instant destruction of the Church of England before the great wave of infidelity, unless some pet plan of his own was at once adopted. It was useless to point out that in the past such theory had been acted upon and failed. What matter though 'they had toiled all the night, taking nothing ; ' the burden of his cry was, ' Let down the net once again.' This, however, must be done according to his express directions. Poor Lord GrantoAvn ! it was not all his own fault. His mother had been a Scotchwoman, and a member of a sect but little knoAvn in these days, and from his earliest years he had been instilled in her somewhat gloomy doctrines until he had grown up and adopted them as his OAvn.

He never laughed, because he was ever thinking of serious things, and laughter to him Olga. 1 2 was frivolous. He never shot or hunted like other men, or followed their pursuits. To him God and the things of God were all in all. So, though many thought him harsh and cold, yet on the whole he was a good man, and ever strove to act up to his principles. His wife's death made but little outward change in him, since he believed that the exhibition of sorrow was not permitted to the man who strove to folloAV the divine will ; so, even while his heart Avas Avrung, none guessed it. Such was the master of the castle at the date of my story. But, of all the household, none had felt Lady Gran town's death like her son Tempeston. The day before her decease, having given birth to a boy who survived but a feAV hours, she was taken alarmingly ill.

Towards nightfall, the ordinary medical man, Dr. Tufnell, had requested that Sir William M'Bean might be sent for from London, and Lord Grantown, a man much averse to alarm and excitement under any circumstances, had striven to oppose his wish. He said he was quite satisfied that Dr. Tufnell would do all that was necessary, and that he had every confidence in him. Then it became necessary to break to the husband the country practitioner's fears, and the former, seeing how serious matters were, gave way. Coming in, full of joyous carelessness, Tempeston had met the servant bearing the telegraphic despatch to the station, and in a moment seemed to realize the calamity with which he was threatened. Panting for breath, in his thick, muddy boots, in tAvo minutes he Avas outside his mother's door.

There he Avas stopped — he could not go in. He would — he must ; no one should prevent him. His old nurse had her arms round him, and Avas seeking to drag him away, Avhen Lord GrantoAvn came out to see Avhat the disturbance was about. He Avas ashamed of such violence at such a time, he said, and ordered his son sternly from his presence. Then Avith flashing eyes the boy refused. ' Let me pass ! ' he cried ; ' I will go in. She will see me ; I will make her better.' ' Your mother is unconscious,' Lord GrantoAvn retorted. ' I order you to be quiet. Go to your room and remain there without your tea as a punishment for not obeying me at once.' Olga 1 4 The warm, passionate heart, bursting with terror at the idea of his mother's danger, could ill stand rebuke at such a moment. He flung himself from his old nurse, and strove to Avrestle his Avay past his father.

Lord GrantoAvn caught him by the collar and half dragged, half carried the lad to the latter's OAvn room. ' You will remain here till to-morrow morning,' he said, preparing to quit the apartment. Half mad, the boy struck out at the speaker, receiving in return a ringing box on the ear. Then followed a terrible scene ; Tempeston fought with all his might, not heeding the blows showered on him, while Lord Grantown, though a strong man, had to do his best against his son. At length the elder prevailed, and flung the boy from him, bruised, to the floor. ' Lie there,' he said, ' you bad, wicked child ! Is it at such an hour as this you would shoAV your violence, when your mother may be dying ? ' ' Curse you ! ' Tempeston hissed through his clenched teeth ; ' I wish that you Avere dying. I hate you ! ' Through the night that followed, the lad remained locked into the room without food or comfort.

He IN AN INSTANT TEMPESTON WAS IN HER ARMS. ne er slept. Now pacing the apartment from end to ena, now flinging himself weeping on his bed, he waited for the arrival of the doctor who should bring help. At length, towards morning, he heard the sound ' vheels, and, looking out, beheld the carriage driving to the door. Sir William M'Bean had come by special train, but he had come too late. It was close .->»_ five o'clock Avhen the sound of the key turning .j'lsed the lad from a half doze. He opened his eyes to see his old nurse. In an instant Tempeston was in her arms. ' How was mammy ? What did the doctors say ? When would she be better ? ' The woman held him in her arms. The house was still and quiet. There was no reply — yet her silence gave him ansAver, and with a cry the lad fell senseless at her feet.

The doctor came, and lingered round his bed, but it was some days before the boy recovered consciousness. In after life Tempeston never forgot the day and hour when his senses returned. For a time he had a difficulty in recalling events. There Avas a stir and bustle within the house just then, and he could hear Olga 1 8 the sound of hoofs and wheels beloAv his window. He listed himself from his pilloAv Avith a moan, as the knowledge of the past came back to him, Avhen suddenly the tread of many feet outside his door startled him. Who were they ? Hoav slowly they came ! Every noAv and then they paused, as though they bore some heavy Aveight ! He rose, staggered to the window, and, peeping out, beheld, waiting at the steps, a carriage Avith feathers on the top which nodded in the wintry Avind.

And so seeing, the boy kneAv Avhat it Avas that had been borne past his bedroom door. It Avas five years since then, but, even at the date of the opening of my story, Tempeston had never learned to speak of his mother. The girls liked to talk with old nurse about 'her dear mistress,' but if the young heir's step was heard approaching, a sudden hush fell on them all lest he should hear. ' If ever there Avas an unlucky beggar, I am one ! ' ' What's the matter, Tempest ? ' asked Lina, looking up from the table where she was copying a French exercise. 'Why, papa says I'm not to go back to Eton next half; not to go back at all.' ' Goodness me ! why not ? ' He says he's had a correspondence with Mr. Beatson, who, it seems, must needs go writing to him that I was idle, or something of that sort, — as if a fellow could be always sapping, — so I'm to stop at home and have a tutor.' ' A tutor ! ' echoed both the girls in amazement. 'Yes.

He says that he's going to superintend the lessons himself, and see that I work.' ' Good heavens ! ' exclaimed Helen ; ' what dreadful scrapes you will get into, Tempest ! I knoAv Avhat it will be, — simply endless rowing from morning till night betAveen you both.' ' It won't be my fault if there's not, I can tell you. I'll lead him such a life that he'll rue the day he took me away from Eton. Here am I to go to London with you in May, stop there all the season, and have no cricket or anything ! I hate him. I always did and shall ; but noAv I hate him more than ever ! ' ' But, Tempest,' returned Lina, ' you Avon't mind Olga. 20 staying with us after a bit. I will do all your sums for you, and Helen can always translate your French.' 'Oh, it's not that I mind. I shan't trouble very much about lessons.

If I don't know them, Avhat can he do ? He dare not strike me now. The last time he tried that game was tAvo years ago, and if he thinks at my age ' — speaking very loftily — ' that I shall con sent to have my ears boxed by him, why, then, he's very much mistaken, that's all.' Helen could not help smiling at the speaker's ' my age.' ' I don't see AA-hy you should grin,' retorted her brother, settling himself more comfortably on the sofa ; ' you are only two years older than I am, and yet you are going to be presented next month, and call yourself groAvn up ! ' Long experience had taught the schoolroom party that it Avas best not to contradict Tempeston. Yet, with all his faults of temper and boyish conceit, the lad was a prime favourite, not only with his sisters, but Avith Miss Emmett, the governess, and all the estab lishment. ' Does papa know of a tutor ? ' asked Helen, changing the subject. ' No ; he's going to look out for one after we go to London on the first of May.

All that I know at present is that he is to be a man of papa's views.' ' Good heavens ! no ! ' exclaimed the elder girl. 'A fact.' 'And do you mean he'll live in the house, and be at luncheon, and everything, just like Miss Emmett ? ' ' I suppose so.' ' Good-bye, then, to any fun up here at tea-time,' said Lina. ' Oh, I don't think he'll come to that. He will have dinner with papa, I suppose, or else alone.' ' Well, it's been dull enough this afternoon till now, but I must say, Tempest, you have brought us some news,' said Helen. ' Wait a minute, old girl,' was the reply, ' and I'll tell you some more. Lina, just put that cushion over there under my head ; it's too low — thanks. Well, Helen, until he finds the man, very likely he's ' — speaking in a Olga. 22 tone partly filled with awe and partly with hardly suppressed fun — ' he's going to teach me himself.' ' What ! ' 'No!' ' It's as true as true can be.' ' Oh, Tempest ! ' ' It will be " Oh, Tempest !

" I expect. And listen : I'm to sit Avith him in the library every day from ten till one, and two till four, Avorking all the time.' ' Poor boy ! ' exclaimed both the girls, in a tone of the deepest commiseration. At this moment the door opened, and Miss Emmett, the governess, entered the room. She Avas a lady in appearance as well as by birth. Her father had been a fox-hunting parson, and her mother the daughter of a post-captain in the navy. Well read, anxious to educate her pupils to the best of her ability, and of a kindly nature, she Avas a prime favourite, not only Avith her motherless charges, but also Avith all the servants of the establishment. The girls Avere allowed six Aveeks' holiday in the autumn, and a month at Christmas, and in old times Miss Emmett had delighted to spend those brief seasons of rest either with friends or touring on the Continent.

Since, however, the September previous to Lady GrantoAvn's death she had never been absent from her pupils for a single night. They had their usual vacations and the governess put away the lesson-books, and turned into a holiday-maker herself, but still she remained at their side. She was never in the Avay on these occasions, but spent herself in making the time of rest happy. ' I declare,' she began, as soon as she caught sight of the boy's figure on the sofa, ' young people know how to make themselves comfortable nowadays ; don't they, Helen?' ' He's spent the last twenty minutes of our prepara tion time there; and, Miss Emmett, make him tell you what he has told us.' ' What is it, Tempest ? ' asked the lady, seating her self in a chair near the sofa and sweeping the boy's curly locks from his forehead.

Lying luxuriously at full length and looking up at Miss Emmett with an expression half regretful at having to leave Eton, and half mirthful at the idea of Olga. 24 being partly educated by his father, the lad related his story. ' Help to teach you himself!' repeated the governess. ' Yes.' 'My dear boy, you'll get into serious trouble I'm afraid.' ' Can't help it,' retorted Tempeston. ' I didn't propose or want it. I suppose he begins to find he cannot live Avithout me.' Every one laughed, including Miss Emmett. ' But it seems such a pity he should leave Eton,' said the last-named lady, speaking in rather a Ioav tone to the eldest girl. ' Your father does do such sudden things. I wish he had consulted me. I never even kne.v Mr. Beatson had written about Tempest.' ' Nor any one else until this afternoon.

He met Tempest in the hall and told him, a propos of nothing.' ' Really ! ' ' Yes,' said the boy. ' I had just dashed doAvn the grand stairs, — fancy, if he had seen me ! — and as I was walking across the hall he came out of the library and Lfome Life. 25 said, " Tempest, you will not return to Eton again." You might have knocked me down Avith a feather, — I was so taken aback, partly at that and partly at being so nearly caught on the stairs.' ' I hope you will try and please him more when you Avork with him, Tempest,' said Miss Emmett. ' But now, my dear, you must be off,' she added, as the young viscount tried to prevent a cushion falling from under his head without fatiguing himself by lifting his hands. ' Oh, why ? I'm so comfortable.' ' Lina will never finish her lessons by tea-time if you stay here talking.' 'All right! only do let's have it punctually.

I'm so awfully thirsty ! ' ' Very well ; run along noAv,' was the reply. Tempeston struggled up from among the cushions and quitted the room Avith a rather thoughtful air. He was wondering what on earth he should do with himself for the next quarter of an hour. Down the corridor he went, until he came to the head of the grand stairs. The schoolroom party Avere not sup posed to make use of these, but, instead, were under Olga. orders always to go doAvn the back Avay. Now this back way Avas much frequented by housemaids carrying brooms, Avhich articles they from time to time left lying about — thereby furnishing useful weapons for Tempeston to pursue and torment his sisters Avith. The boy Avas apt to boast that he could get almost anything he Avanted out of Helen by the mere threat of brushing her hair Avith one of the aforesaid mops.

The shrieks Avhich echoed through the house on these occasions had once or twice been heard by Lord Grantown, and had brought that gentleman to the spot, greatly to the discomfort of the principal parties engaged. Tempeston stood leaning over the rails at the head of the grand stairs, listening to the tick-tick, tick-tick of the clock, and wishing for Helen, that he might make her Avalk down the forbidden Avay, when his eye suddenly fell on a large india-rubber ball Avhich he had mislaid, and now found lying on a table beside him. He seized the lost toy and began throAving it up into the air and catching it. This amusement occupied a feAV minutes, and then began to pall. It Avas not sufficiently exciting. To thoroughly enjoy a thing, Tempeston required that there should be a certain amount of risk about it.

Suddenly the idea struck him of pitching the ball against the opposite wall Avith sufficient force to make it rebound back to the landing-place ; if it failed to do so, it Avould go down the Avell of the staircase, which Avould necessitate his going after it. The fear of its doing so, and of his father catching him as he crept down, lent the required flavour to the new pastime. One, two, three, four, backwards and forwards went the ball, and each time Tempeston caught it easily ; but the fifth time, either from carelessness, or the sudden sound of the tea-bell ringing distracting his attention, he did not send it hard enough. The ball struck the Avail lightly and then disappeared down the well of the stairs, followed by a sound of broken glass. 'Death and destruction! what's gone now?' exclaimed the boy, peering over the rails, when the sound of a footstep in the hall made him start.

He kneAv Avhose it was. ' Good gracious ! he's come in from his Avalk and is Olga going to the library ! ' thought the lad. ' I must Avait till after tea before I dare go down and see what it is. He'll be up-stairs perhaps by then.' Tempeston dashed away to the schoolroom, where he found the party gathered round the board, on which was spread cold beef, tea, toast, jam, bread, and eggs. Tempeston was soon hard at work. Indeed, they all did full justice to the good things, while laughter and fun were the order of the day. The boy, having related the accident with the india rubber ball amidst general exclamations of horror and dread, was just engaged in a friendly argument Avith Lina as to whether she had or had not taken two helps of straAvberry jam to his one, when a knock came to the door.

No one heard it. ' You did. I saw you take it. I remember noticing how you stuck the spoon Avell in, so as to get double.' ' Oh, Tempest ' (getting very red), ' what a story ! ' ' It's not a story. I never have anything to eat up here unless you are late, and I happen to get a start' Again the knock. This time Miss Emmett heard it. ' Come in ! ' The door opened, and there appeared 'his lordship's man,' Dutton, who had never in his life before had occasion to visit the schoolroom party. Every one stared, Avhile Tempeston sat with the jam-spoon in his hand, gazing wildly at the new arrival. He thought it was a summons for him. ' His lordship's compliments, and Lady Helen was to dine with him at eight o'clock.' ' Good gracious ! ' from the last-named individual. ' Dear me ! ' from Miss Emmett. ' Oh, Helen ! ' from Lina. ' My stars, what swells we are ! ' from the holder of the jam-spoon, thinking that the above Avas the Avhole of the message, when his hopes were rudely broken by Dutton turning toAvards him, saying, — ' Will you please step down, my lord, to the library, and see his lordship at once ? ' The boy groaned and dropped the spoon, Avhile murmurs of sympathy Avere heard on all sides. ' He said at once, my lord,' urged the kindly valet ' It's all UP!' exclaimed Tempeston, laughing in Olga. 30 spite of his fright, as they rose from the table, and he AvithdreAv toAvards the door. ' Hoav did he look, Dutton ? ' he asked ; ' nice ? ' ' N — not very, my lord,' Avas the reply. Miss Emmett, who heard it, said grace with difficulty.

Chapter II. Helen's First Dinner

IT Avas Avith a beating heart that Tempeston descended the stairs in obedience to his father's summons. He pushed open the swing door and entered the hail, but the great place Avas deserted ; and, after pausing for a moment, pursued his way to the library, and, opening the door, Avent in. Before the fire stood the master of the house, Avhom I have already described to my readers. He did not move when his son entered, but, fixing his piercing gaze upon him, silently regarded him. ' Well, papa ? ' said the boy at last, pertly. 'What is the meaning of this, sir?' ' The meaning of Avhat, papa ? ' ' You knoAv very Avell, sir. How many times haA'e I Olga. 32 told you I Avould not have you on the grand stairs, much less playing there with a cricket ball.' The boy burst out laughing. ' A what, papa ? ' he exclaimed ' A ball, sir !

What do you mean by such conduct as this — laughing in my very face ? ' ' Papa, I couldn't help it ; you called it a cricket ball.' ' I don't care Avhat it is. Step out into the lobby, and see the mischief you have done there first, and then come back.' The boy obeyed, and returned in a minute, looking much relieved. 'Why, papa,' he said, 'it's only a stupid old lamp chimney. I thought I had smashed something worth fifty pounds, at least' ' Do you suppose I am going to put up Avith having every lamp glass smashed in the house? Besides Avhich, that is but a part of the damage you have done. Look here at this Avhich .vas standing on the slab. Do you knoAv that it cost a guinea ? ' Lord GrantoAvn held out a Bohemian flowervase Avhich had been split in two. Tempeston's face fell. ' Oh, papa, I am so sorry !

I forgot all about the things on the slab when I was playing with the ball.' • ' Forgot ! You had no business there, and no business to forget. I will give you a punishment Avhich shall teach you to remember. How much of your pocket-money have you spent this month ? ' ' Fifteen shillings.' 'Then you have one pound five left. Go up-stairs and bring me doAvn a guinea of it. I mean that you shall pay for this vase.' ' Oh, papa, I can't ! ' ' What ! ' ' Papa, it's Helen's birthday on the 27th, and I have told her Avhat I am going to give her. It's to cost seventeen and six. If you take a guinea away I shall not have money enough to pay for it.' ' It will be a part of your punishment, and will also teach you the salutary lesson that Avrong committed too often brings trouble on the innocent as Avell as the guilty.' Olga. 34 ' But, papa, I have told her I am going to give it, and she will be so disappointed.

I will pay this out of next month's pocket-money.' ' You will do what I tell you, sir. Go and fetch me that guinea at once.' ' I Avon't,' stamping his foot. ' Sir ! ' ' It's a great shame — a beastly shame — and ' — ' Obey me at once ! ' thundered Lord GrantoAvn. ' If I hear one more Avord, you will forfeit your pocket money for the rest of the year.' KnoAving that his father Avas apt to keep his promise, and not Avishing to be left in a destitute condition for eight months, the boy departed. In a feAV minutes he returned to the library, Avhere he flung the whole twenty-five shillings on the table Avith a sulky air. ' Less noise, Tempest,' said Lord GrantoAvn gravely. 'What is this? I only require a guinea. You can keep the other four shillings.' ' I don't Avant the beastly things,' retorted the boy. ' What's the use of four shillings ? ' and he strode aAvay, banging the door behind him.

Fortunately the dressing-bell ringing prevented Lord Grantown from sending for his son, as he would other wise have felt it his bounden duty to do. He allowed the matter to drop. ' Oh, Helen ! ' exclaimed Tempeston, meeting his sister in the hall a minute or tAvo before eight o'clock the same evening, — ' Oh, Helen ! it Avas a guinea vase I smashed this afternoon, and he has taken my money to pay for it, and now I Avon't have enough to get you the velvet frame I promised on the 27th. Is it not a shame ? ' The boy's disappointment Avas so plainly written on his handsome young face, that the girl Avas more pained for his sake than for the loss of the promised picture case. ' Never mind, Tempest,' she said, kissing him. ' You shall give it me some other day, when you are rich.' ' Oh, I will, Helen.

I mean to give it you next month; only it's not the same as the 27th, is it?' ' Yes, it is, and better. On my birthday I shall have Olga. 36 so many presents to look at, I should not be able to do justice to the frame ; now, when it comes singly, I shall only have the one thing to admire.' ' How good you are, Helen,' said the boy ; ' you always try to comfort one. Listen ! there's the warning bell. Oh, do you think you will go in to dinner arm in-arm ?' ' I don't know.' ' Oh, I must see it, if you do. Look, I'll get behind those old muskets in the niche over there.' ' No, for goodness' sake, don't ! He might see you. Tempest, I beg you won't ! ' ' I will. Shut up ! It Avill be the greatest sport out. There's the gong, — I have only a second.' Before Helen could say another word he Avas off, and she saw the slight, graceful figure easily swing itself up and wriggle away behind the musty Aveapons of the past.