As he sat there he gazed out upon the expanse of blue, and lapsed into silent contemplation.
The object of his admiration, who had just passed their window, was dressed with elegance and taste in a dainty pearl-grey creation of Worths, a hat of the latest French mode, the whole being surmounted by a cool-looking lace sunshade, the tint of which served to enhance her extraordinary beauty.
She was one of those women frequently met with in Society, whose past is enveloped in a mist of uncertainty, yet they cannot be termed adventuresses, for their adventures, as far as known, are nothing extraordinary, and les conveyances have always been respected and rigorously preserved. Men liked her because her foreign accent and gesture added a vivacious piquancy to her manner, and women tolerated her because she was affable, fashionable, and chic. Scandalous tongues had certainly done their utmost to injure her reputation, but had failed. She numbered many smart people among her friends, but not even her enemies could accuse her of vulgarity or indiscretion. All that was known was that she possessed ample means, moved in a good set, and was a conspicuous figure wherever the haut monde poured forth her children at Trouville, Royat, Brighton, on the plage at Arcachon, or the Promenade des Anglais at Nice, according to the season and fashion.
Lets go for a stroll, old fellow, suggested Hugh, rising, and tossing his cigar out of the window.
Ive some letters to write.
Oh, let them wait. Come along.
Egertons features were clouded by a frown of displeasure. He yawned wearily, but rose and accompanied his friend.
They strolled along the parade, and back, and then out to the end of the pier. Trethowens eager eyes soon descried the object of his admiration, seated alone under the shadow of the pavilion, apparently engrossed in a novel. She looked up in surprise at their approach, and after mutual greetings they seated themselves beside her.
Valérie Dedieu, whose features were flushed for she had been startled by their sudden appearance was certainly remarkably pretty. She was gentle and winning, with a well-formed head, and a tall, graceful figure that any woman might have envied. Her large, expressive dark eyes, protected by their fringe of long lashes, had that look, at once stubborn and gentle, provocative and modest, wanton and ardent, of the Frenchwoman. The expression of her face was ever changing; now her eyes, cast down demurely, seemed to indicate a coy modesty; now her pouting lip betrayed a slight annoyance, only to be succeeded by a charming smile which disclosed an even row of pearly teeth.
As Hugh gazed upon her he remembered his friends mysterious warning, and asked himself what evil could lurk under so innocent a countenance.
I had no idea you were acquainted with Msieur Egerton, she exclaimed, suddenly turning to him.
Oh yes; we are old friends, Hugh replied, smiling.
Ah! what an age it is since we met, she said, addressing the artist, her words just tinged with an accent that added charm to her musical voice.
It is, mademoiselle, he answered, somewhat sullenly; I scarcely expected to come across you here.
She darted a sharp, inquiring glance at him, and frowned, almost imperceptibly. Next second she recovered her self-possession, and with a light laugh said: Well, there seems some truth in the assertion that the world is very small after all.
There does, and encounters are sometimes unpleasant for both parties, he remarked abruptly. But youll excuse me, wont you? I see a man over there that I know, and want to speak to him.
Valérie gracefully inclined her head, and Egerton, rising, lounged over to the man he had recognised.
The moment he was out of hearing, she turned to Trethowen, and said:
Then you and Jack Egerton are friends?
Yes; I find him a very agreeable and good hearted fellow.
That may be. She hesitated thoughtfully; then she added: You do not know him as well as I do.
And what is your objection to him? asked he in surprise.
Hugh, yesterday you told me you loved me, she said, looking seriously into his face.
Yes, dearest, I did. I meant it.
Then; as I explained to you, I have many enemies as well as friends. Jack Egerton is one of the former, and will do all in his power to part us when he finds out our affection is mutual. Now you understand my antipathy.
Clearly, he replied, puzzled. But I know Jack too well; he would not be guilty of an underhand action.
Do not trust him, but promise me one thing.
Of course, Ill promise you anything to make you happy. What is it?
That you will take no heed of any allegations he may make against me.
She was intensely in earnest, and gazed at him with eyes that were entirely human in their quick sympathy, their gentleness in their appeal to the world for a favouring word.
Rest assured, nothing he may say will ever turn me from you, Valérie.
She heaved a sigh of relief when he gave his answer.
Somehow or other I am always being scandalised, she exclaimed bitterly. I have done nothing of which I am ashamed, yet my select circle of enemies seem to conspire to cause the world to deride me. Because I am unmarried, and do not believe in burying myself, they endeavour to besmirch my fair name.
She spoke with a touch of emotion, which she ineffectually tried to hide.
Then, as Hugh addressed her in a tone in which respect melted into love, she quivered at the simple words in which he poured forth his whole soul:
I love you. Why need you fear?
He uttered these words with a slight pressure of the hand, and a look which sank deep into her heart.
Then they exchanged a few tremulous words those treasured speeches which, monotonous as they seem, are as music in the ears of lovers. The artist and his friend were by this time out of sight, and they were left to themselves to enjoy those brief half-hours of happiness which seldom return, which combine the sadness of parting with the radiant hopes of a brighter day, and which we all of us grasp with sweet, trembling joy, as we stand on the threshold of a new life.
And Valérie forgetting everything, absorbed in a dream which was now a tangible reality sat silent, with moist and downcast eyes. Hugh continued to smile, and murmured again and again in her ear:
I love you.
The pier was almost deserted, and, heedless of the rest of the world, they sat enraptured by love, lulled by the soft splashing of the sea, and bathed in the glorious golden sunshine.
Chapter Seven
Aut Tace, aut Pace
On the following afternoon there was held in the Floral Hall of the Devonshire Park one of those brilliant orchestral performances which always attract the fashionable portion of Eastbourne visitors. The concerts, held several times each week, are extensively patronised by the cultured, and even the crotchety, who hate music, and regard Mozart and Mendelssohn as inflictions, look upon them as a pleasant means of idling away an hour. This afternoon, however, was devoted to operatic selections, and the hall was filled with a gay throng.
Trethowen had gone over to Hastings to visit some friends, and Egerton, who found time hanging heavily upon his hands, strolled in to hear the music. As he entered, the first object which met his eye was Valérie, who, dressed with becoming taste and elegance, was sitting alone, casting furtive glances towards the door, as if expecting someone.
After a moments hesitation he walked over to where she sat, and greeting her briefly with a pleasant smile, took a chair beside her.
Where is your friend? she asked abruptly.
He went to Hastings this morning.
When will he return?
Im sure I dont know, replied the artist carelessly.
I suppose the attraction of your fascinating self will not allow him to remain absent long. Am I to er congratulate you?
Her dark eyes flashed angrily, as she exclaimed in a low, fierce tone:
Youve tricked me! Youve told him!
And if I have, surely it is no reason why you should make an exhibition of your confounded bad temper in a public place. If you wish to talk, come into the grounds, he said in a tone of annoyance.
Yes; lets go. Ive something to say.
The conductors baton was tapping the desk as they rose and passed out upon the pleasant lawn beyond. Walking a short distance, they seated themselves under the shadow of a tree, in a nook where there were no eavesdroppers.
Well, Valérie, what have you to say to me? Im all attention, said Egerton, assuming an amused air, and calmly lighting a cigarette.
Diable! You try to hide the truth from me, she said, her accent being more pronounced with her anger. You have warned Hugh; you have told him to beware of me that my touch pollutes, and my kisses are venomous. Remember what you and I were once to each other and you, of all men, try to ruin my reputation! Fortunately, I am well able to defend it.
Your reputation bah!
Yes, msieur, you may sneer; but I tell you, we are not so unequally matched as you imagine. If you have breathed one word to Hugh of my past, I can very easily prove to him that you have lied; and, further, you appear to forget that certain information that I could give would place you in a very ugly predicament.
Oh! you threaten, do you?
Only in the event of your being such an imbecile as to reveal to Hugh the secret.
Then, I may as well tell you that up to the present he knows nothing. Yet, remember, he and I are old friends, therefore it will be my endeavour to prevent him falling into your accursed toils, as others have! he exclaimed angrily.
Cursed toils, indeed! she echoed, with a contemptuous toss of her pretty head. The idea of a man like you setting himself up as Hugh Trethowens protector! Its too absurd. I wonder whether you would still be friends were he to know the truth about you, eh?
It matters little, he answered sternly. Youll keep your mouth closed for your own sake.
What have I to fear, pray? she asked impatiently. It seems you think me a weak, impressionable schoolgirl, who will tremble under your menaces. Why, the worst accusation you can make, is that I have been guilty of that crime so terrible to the eyes of the hypocritical English unconventionality. Dont you think I could easily disprove your statements, especially to a man who loves me?
Loves you! repeated the artist, with a harsh, derisive laugh. He wouldnt be guilty of such romantic folly.
You are mistaken.
Then I can quickly put an end to his fools paradise.
How? she asked breathlessly.
I will find the means. If nothing else avails, he shall be made acquainted with the history of La
Hear me! she interrupted fiercely. We are both past masters in the art of lying, John Egerton; we have both led double lives, and graduated as deceivers. Breathe one word to him, and I swear that at any cost the world shall know your secret. You should know by this time how futile it is to trifle with me, especially when I hold the trump card. Hugh has been your friend, but now he is my lover; and, furthermore, I mean that he shall marry me.
The man was silent.
He admitted to himself that her bold, passionate words were true. He was powerless to give his friend an insight into her true character, fearing the consequences, and knowing too well how relentless she was, and that she would not spare him.
If I carry out my intentions and tell him everything
Then you will suffer, and in his eyes I shall remain immaculate, she exclaimed quickly, watching his face intently.
Calm indifference had been succeeded by a wearied, anxious expression, and in his eyes there was a look of unutterable hatred. She waited for him to answer, but he continued smoking thoughtfully.
Ne méchauffez pas les oreilles, she urged in a less irritated tone. You must admit, Jack, there are certain bonds between us that for our own sakes must not be broken. The folly of disclosing my past to Hugh is palpable, for it would mean speedy ruin to yourself, and be of no possible benefit. Therefore but one solution of the difficulty remains.
What is it?
Well, I have already told you what form my revenge would take were you to expose me, and I think you acknowledge that to tell all I know would be most undesirable from your point of view.
He bowed in assent.
Im glad you admit the inefficacy of your attempt to bounce me, she continued. I can suggest but one thing, namely, that we resolve to preserve our compact of secrecy.
At the cost of my friends happiness?
At any risk. But let me first assure you that Hughs happiness will not be jeopardised by the adoption of this course.
There will be no er danger, I suppose?
What do you mean?
Men die sometimes.
I dont understand your insinuation. I confess I love him, so it is scarcely probable that any harm will befall him if it is in my power to prevent it.
He thrust his hands deep into his pockets and frowned. Then he exclaimed decisively:
Your words have no effect upon me. I am determined he shall judge you in your true light.
She glanced at him in anxious surprise, for, truth to tell, she was unprepared for this bold reply. She hesitated whether she should change her tactics, as she was well acquainted with his obdurate nature, and in her heart feared to lose the man whose tender passion she half reciprocated. But her quick, impetuous character quickly asserted itself, and attained the mastery.
You you blighted my life! she cried in a towering rage, her face blanched with passion. And even now, when I have an opportunity, you debar me from atoning for the past, and becoming an honest woman! I am not such a blind fool, however, as to bow calmly to your tyranny. I have already sacrificed too much, so I give you but one chance to save yourself.
To save myself. Bah! you are talking nonsense.
No, believe me, Im not, she declared, her dark eyes flashing with anger. Either you give your promise of secrecy now, at once, or before the day is out I will give you up to the police.
Jack Egerton drew a long breath, and his countenance grew visibly paler. He was cornered, and saw no possible means of evading the dire alternative. If he divulged the secret, it would mean disgrace, ruin, even worse.
She smiled triumphantly at his bewilderment. It was true, as she assured him, she held the trump card, and was playing the dangerous game dexterously, as only a clever, scheming woman could.
Which do you choose? she asked in a cool, indifferent tone, as if putting forward some very commonplace plan.
Youre an idiot, he exclaimed in vehement disgust.
Im well aware of that fact, mon ami, replied she, with a supercilious curl of the lip. Such a compliment is particularly appropriate. I was an idiot to allow you to have the freedom you now enjoy. Remember, however, I have yet a talisman that will sooner or later cause you to cringe at my feet.