The page, a little Spanish cousin of Mulberry's was attired in white and yellow satin also and very pretty he looked, being just five years old and very dark with an olive complexion.

Lionel Lincarrol a tall handsome man of five or six and twenty gave his sister away as his father could not come up for the ceremony.

The mighty cathedral was filled to overflowing; the most part of the people were invited guests as Lord Beaufort was very popular in society; but a great many ordinary people had just dropped in to try and catch a glimpse of the bride and bridegroom as they marched up the church.

At last the service drew to a close, and the guests got into their carriages to drive back to Portman Square where the wedding breakfast was to take place.

One of the enormous reception rooms had been beautifully decorated with sprays of real orange blossom from Lord Beaufort's hot house and many other bridal decorations. A magnificent breakfast was then partaken of, every article being of the highest quality for Mulberry Beaufort prided himself on never half doing things.

The guests then repaired to another room to inspect Gladys's wedding presents, which were numerous and costly.

And so the day wore on and 5 o'clock found Gladys, Mulberry, Helen, Mina, Lionel and Lawrence all at the railway station waiting for the boat train to take Gladys and Mulberry to Newhaven for whence they were to cross the channel.

Gladys's travelling dress was extremely pretty being made of pale blue grey which suited her very well.

At last the train came slowly into the station and the happy pair got in.

The goodbyes were brief and cheerful, good luck being wished on every side.

Mulberry expected to be in London again by the end of Febuary and by that time Helen and Lawrence would probably be one.

At last the whistle sounded and those left on the platform watched the train till it rushed into the tunnel, and then they turned and went on to the opposite platform to take the train for Norfolk.

It was a long journey and they were all tired when they got there.

The brougham had been sent to meet them and though the others all knew the road to their house so perfectly, Helen looked out of the window with a new interest for it was all strange to her.

After a drive of 1/4 of an hour or more the carriage drew up in front of a fine old house standing rather back from the road and with a beautiful carriage sweep in front. In the moonlight it presented a very pretty picture.

Before the coachman had time to ring Lawrence had jumped out and opened the front door.

They then crossed the hall and entered the drawing room a beautifully furnished room.

Mrs. Lincarrol was reading by the fire when they all entered. She was a very tall thin woman with reddy coloured hair done very high on her head and small winky blue eyes. Her features were fairly good, but she was powdered profusely and indeed her hair looked as though it had seen a good many bottles of hair dye. She was attired in an evening dress of purple velvit trimmed with black satin and jet. Helen glanced at her as she rose from her chair and wondered how she came to have such a good looking family. But she quickly became aware that the room contained two other occupants. Two girls were seated at the piano trying some duets. They were both tall and fair with blue eyes and pale complexions and they wore rose coloured dresses. From Gladys' discription Helen knew why they were the twins Ethel and Elsie.

Mrs. Lincarrol rose as they entered and having embraced her family turned with a queer look in her eyes to Helen.

"So this is Helen Winston?" she said holding out her hand, "my niece I think"

Helen did not quite know what to say so she merely smiled and she was then introduced to Ethel and Elsie, both of whom she liked very much, especially the former.

"Now I think you'd better go and see your father" exclaimed Mrs. Lincarrol at last "you will find him in the library with Hugh, no doubt Helen would like to make her uncle's acquaintance."

"I should" replied Helen.

So they all marched accross the hall and opening another door entered the library.

"So here you all are again" cried a cheery voice from within and at the same moment a tall well built man came forward. He was a contrast to his wife in every way, being fairly stout, dark and brown eyed. He had a kind though stern looking face. He greeted Helen very cordially with none of the shifty glances his wife had made use of and then introduced Hugh to her. He was only 17-1/2 with dark hair and eyes and very much resembled Lionel.

"Well I'm glad to see you all back." cried Mr. Lincarrol, "but you all look tired, I suppose the journey was long?"

"Not very" replied Minna who had hitherto kept a discreet silence, "but I'm very hungry.

"Why of course you must be, ring the bell Hugh" cried Mr. Lincarrol heartily "and I'll see you get something at once."

A very good meal was soon brought up and it was quickly disposed of.

"Well Helen I'm going to bed now" said Minna at last, "if you come now I'll show you your room."

"Oh thank you" replied Helen and with that they both walked upstairs together.

Lionel and Hugh soon followed their example and so Lawrence was left alone with his father.

"A very nice girl Helen Winston seems" cried Mr. Lincarrol, "I admire your taste Lawrence."

"I'm glad you do" answered Lawrence, "I was struck with her when I first met her."

"Yes I certainly admire your choice" replied Mr. Lincarrol, and after a few more words they both retired to bed.



CHAPTER 34

FIVE YEARS LATER

Five years have elapsed since we last saw Helen. Let us choose a favourable moment to view our heroine after the lengthy interval.

Seated in a large and wealthily furnished drawing room by a bright fire, writing at a neat little table, sits Helen, now no longer Helen Winston but Mrs. Lincarrol. The clock has just struck 4. and the shades of the December evening are fast drawing in. By the light of the fire however we can get a tolerably good view of Helen. She has altered but little during the five years of her married life. She looks a trifle older, but the change is so slight as to be scarcely perceptible. She has still the luxurious black hair and long lashes shading her soft eyes.

She is clothed in a rich tea-gown of a delicate green. She is writing diligently and seems intent on her work but she occasionally looks up to address a word or two to a delicate looking little girl of about three years who is playing on the hearth with a little fox terrier. This is little Nellie, the only child, a pale-faced fair-haired little thing, who has attained her third year today.

At length it grows too dark to see, so closing her blotter with a snap, Helen walks to the window and holding aside the heavy velvit curtain gazes out accross the frost-bitten garden and the roofs of the houses, which are dotted about the town of B——.

"Dear me" she says "it is beginning to snow, I think dear" she adds turning to her child "it is time you went up to the nursery tea will be ready I expect."

So saying she rings a bell and Marshland appears, looking very different to when we last saw her, in her black dress and clean cap and apron. Having stuck to Helen in the hour of trial she now finds herself the much-respected nurse of little Nellie.

Nellie having departed to the upper regions, Helen once more resumes her writing, this time by the aid of a large standing lamp. By and bye a servent enters with some tea. "Is Mr. Lincarrol in yet?" enquires Helen. "No m'am I think not" replies the servent. "oh then I shant expect him till late" answers Helen and so saying she partakes of her tea alone, which done she goes to the piano and plays a few merry sonatas. At length the clock strikes seven, and Helen is about to go and dress for dinner, when the butler enters with the message that a woman from the village of Huntsdown (5 miles distant) wishes to see her at once on a very important matter.

"Who is the woman?" askes Helen in great astonishment.

"I dont know mum" replies the butler "she is very poor-looking and says she's tramped all the way from Huntsdown to see you, but she wont give no name."

"How extraordinary!" says Helen, "I know no one living in Huntsdown, in fact I have only been there once; but however I will go and see the poor soul." and rising as she speaks Helen vanishes into the hall.

An old woman of about 60 or 70 is standing in a remote corner of the hall. The butler had spoken truthfully when he said the woman was poor looking. She wears a tattered dress of some faded hue, and on the top of that a man's coat, which might once have been black but is now almost bottle-green. A thin shawl coveres her shoulders and a battered black bonnet hangs back from her head. Her iron-grey hair is streaming over her face, still damp with the falling snow.

"Did you wish to speak to me" asks Helen kindly advancing to the woman.

"I do mum" replies the poor creature, dropping a bob-curtsey as she speaks, "I've bin tramping from Huntsdown since 4 o'clock and bin nearly turned back with the snow."

"What is your name," enquires Helen.

"Mrs. Cotton, if you please mum" answers the woman, "but to get on with my story, you must know I live at "The Jolly Dutchman" in Huntsdown. My husband keeps the inn, but he dont do much bussiness; the place is so remote-like, and I'm afraid he's a bad lot," and here Mrs. Cotton shook her head regretfully "but to come to the point mum, a week or so ago, a poor man all ragged and looking terribly ill, come to the door and asked if we could let him in to sleep the night, as he'd no were to go and no money. My husband was drunk at the time and turned the poor man away in spite of my pleading for him. A few minutes later when my husband was in the bar I opened the door and seeing the poor man there I could not resist letting him in. So according I gave him the attic at the top of the 'ouse, where he has bin laying ill ever since without my 'usband knowing."

"What a sad story" says Helen gently "but I'm sure it was very good of you to risk taking the man in. I suppose you came to me for money did you not?"

"No mum not for that" replies Mrs. Cotton sadly "you see I've tried to save a little money myself during the last few years so I've been able to have the doctor in once or twice to look at the poor man. Mr. Harland his name is. Me and my girl Sally, we've made the attic as confortable as we can and I've lit a fire up there once, but you see mum coles costs money like everythink else. The doctor says there's not much 'ope for the poor man, he's dying fast of fever and consumption. The other night mum, your gardiner, happened to come in for a glass of something and of course he got talking with the other men and the conversation fell on you mum, and he said he's known you a long time ever since you was Miss Winston (or some sich name as that) At the time the talk was going on, I was sitting upstairs with Mr. Harland and as the door was open we could hear the talk in the bar quite distinct; well mum, directly Mr. Harland heard your name mentioned, he got quite wild and excited all of a sudden and went raving on about you and he would'nt be satisfied till I told him all I knew about you. I was astonished mum I can tell you. After that Mr. Harland seemed much quieter and all yesterday and today he's been in a sort of stupor, but about half past three today he called me and told me he'd not got very long to live and would I do him a favour? I said "Yes," so he told me to go into the town and ask you to come and see him at once. He says he knew you quite well some time back and you knew him too, but you probably have forgotten the name now. I tell you mum I was fair took aback, but however leaving my girl Sally in charge of him, I started off on my errand, and here I am mum, waiting to know what your answer may be to this extraordinary request?"

"It is a most extraordinary request" as you say Mrs. Cotton, and I never knew anybody by the name of Harland" replied Helen.

"My idea is mum" says Mrs. Cotton "that the poor man is dilerious."

"Very likely" answered Helen, "but to please him, I will order the carriage and we will drive over together, you look far too tired and cold to walk."

As Helen speaks she toches a spring bell, and then reaching a sable-lined cloak from the peg she puts it on drawing the hood over her soft brown hair.

She then orders a baskitt of streangthing things to be packed for the invalid.

Then the carriage comes round to the front door and the two get in. A contrast indeed! The one small, shrivelled and shrunken, hugging her wreatched garments around her to keep out the biting cold; the other tall and stately, her rich cloak falling gracefully round her slender figure.

The drive is long and dreary; being for the most a long straight road with tall hedges at either side and an occasional cottage or tree releiving the monotony of the scenery. But Helen, leaning back in her comfortable carriage is not thinking of the passing scenery, but of the extraordinary mission she is bent on.

At length the carriage stops, and Mrs. Cotton leads the way up to a small tumble down dirty looking inn, whith an almost illegable incription painted in white letters, "The jolly Dutchman, Thomas Cotton."

Mrs. Cotton opens the door and Helen finds herself in a very small and filthy dirty passage. A strong smell of beer and tobacco greet her on entering. A door on one side of the passage is half open, and looking through, Helen can see three or four rough looking men seated round a table with mugs of beer before them and pipes in their mouths, and the sounds that issue from the room are none of the pleasantest, for the men are talking, laughing and shouting, not to say swearing.

In disgust Helen turns to the door of the other room. It is a kitchen evidently and a remarkably dirty one too. A candle is burning in this room, and by the light of it Helen can see a slovenly looking girl stirring some horrid smelling stuff in a saucpan, while a very small baby is yelling its heart out in a wooden cradle.

"Here Sally" cries Mrs. Cotton to the girl "how is the invalid"

"No better" replies Sally wiping her hands on her apron "I lit a fire for him, 'cause he grumbled so about the cold."

"I dont wonder at it" responds Mrs. Cotton, "well mum," she continues turning to Helen "perhaps you'll step upstairs, its that door there mum with the handle off," and she points with her grimy finger to a door at the top of the stairs. Helen climbs the ricketty staircase with a wild fear and misgiving at her heart, wondering what the result of this strange visit will be. A light is burning in the room she enters. It is a damp cold place, a trifle larger than the passage below. A miserable fire is doing its best to burn in the grate and judging by the amount of matches strewn about, Sally must have been exerting many patient efforts to get it to burn at all.

The window was minus a pane of glass and the cold wind blew right through the room making the door bang to and fro with a madly monotonous tone.

Helen glanced hastily round the room, but the corners being in darkness, she had to hold the candle above her head to see anything at all. In doing so a groan caught her ear and advancing to the corner from whence it issued, Helen perceved a sort of pallet bed streached on the floor, covered with a singal blankett. Placing the candle on the floor close by, Helen knelt down and with trembling hands and a quaking heart pulled the covering away. And then—no wonder Helen uttered that low stifled cry; for there with his pale thin face turned towards her and his skeleton hands clutching at the blankett, there with his eyes dim and sunken and his breath coming quick and short lay Cyril Sheene alias Mr. Harland. For a moment Helen could not utter a sound, the words seemed to stick in her throat, and she knelt gazing in horror and amazement at the fast-dying man. It was Cyril who broke the awful silence, "Helen" he whispered brokenly "what a long time you were coming."

"I never dreamt it was you Cyril" answered Helen taking his thin hand in hers, for now all her heart seemed to warm towards the man who had wronged her so much and who was so soon going to leave her.

"No of course not" replied the dying man "you never thought I would come to this—(here he stopped for breath), "but I want to tell you this before I die."

"Cyril you must not die" cried Helen, opening her basket and producing some wine.

"No, no" gasped Cyril pushing the glass away "its no use, I know I'm dying, the doctor said so; give me some water to ease my throat and I'll go on."

Helen gave him his wish and then knelt down beside him while he continued.

"After I left you Helen, that day you went to Richmond, I intended going to Picadilly to pawn some things as I had no money to pay my debts. When I got back to my amazement a letter from Mr. Palsey was waiting for me, which explained that the police were already on our track and that if I valued my life I had better leave London and go to some place with him. Of course I had no choice but to go, but oh Helen if you could have known my feelings when I thought I should not see you again. Hastily I scrawled a note to you and added a few lines to my will, you read them did'nt you?"

Helen nodded in assent.

"Well" continued Cyril, "having made my preparations, I started off to meet Palsey. We traveled together. I forget where we were going. Palsey told me how he had escaped after he had been locked up in the drawing room. We had to change at Charing Cross I think and scarcely had we set foot on the platform, when up came two policemen and before we could say a word we found ourselves handcuffed. Well to make a long story short we were tried and I was sentenced to 10 years penal servitude, and Palsey who had done the most part of the crime had penal servitude for life. Well after three years of my time had passed, I was granted a free pardon for saving the life of someone. I have no time to tell the whole story now. At first I was delighted at the mere thought of being free again, but then I recollected I had no friends nobody to care wether I lived or died. When I was set free I wandered about trying in vain to find you Helen. But I got no news of you, untill one day I read of your marriage in the paper. Then I gave up all hope of ever seeing you again. Soon after I fell ill and spent many weeks in an old barn, attended only by a child who used to go messages for me etc: till I was well enough to walk about again. Then my wanderings began again, and I found them harder than ever. After my severe illness I could no longer bear sleeping out. I had to buy lodgings wherever I happened to be, and once or twice when I had no money I had to sleep out in the fields. That did for me Helen. From that day I grew much worse. A young man took pity on me one night and gave me a room in his house for nothing. But with his exception no one cared and so I wandered on untill late one night I arrived at this miserable inn. I did'nt know where I was, but I thought it safe to take another name. So I was brought up here, where I should certainly have died had not some one down in the bar mentioned your name, and then the excitement of seeing you kept me up——

Here Cyril stopped gasping for breath and Helen with her tears fast falling administered water to him and propped up his pillows.

"Helen" cried Cyril at last, he could barely talk now, "do you forgive me?"

"Oh Cyril" cried Helen "of course I do; oh if only you had come to me before, how happily this might have ended. I forgive you fully from the bottom of my heart."

Cyril smiled, he was too far gone to talk and Helen could see his eyes growing brighter.

A long silence followed while Cyril's breathing grew laboured and slow. Presently with a great effort he turned and caught Helen's hand in his own. "Helen I'm going fast. Goodbye I die happy since you forgive me." And Helen stooped and kissed him. He turned and looked at her for the last time and then his spirit passed quietly and peacefully away.



CHAPTER 35

CONCLUSION

A Year has passed since the sad events recorded in our last chapter, and Cyril has long been laid in the church yards sod. His grave is ever bright with flowers placed there by Helen's loving hands and by those of her children Nellie and John.

Of Mr. Palsey little has been heard but it has lately been rumoured that he died a natural death in prison, though some people exagerate and say he died by his own hand.

Marshland is still living though her health is gradually becoming weaker.

And what of Helen herself?

Let us look into her drawing room to-night and we shall see her once again.

It is New Year's Eve and the drawing room, hall, rather spacious rooms are all it up, while the many happy people are dancing and enjoying themselves. For Helen is giving a dance. Yes, a gathering of all her oldest and dearest friends. Among the many faces we recognise the Lincarrols. Even Mrs. Lincarrol is there gorgeously got up in bright yellow silk which she is proudly telling everybody was the foundation of her grandmother's wedding dress.

Minna and her husband (for she is now married) are both there, also Ethel who is engaged and Elsie who has just returned from her honeymoon. Lionel is the only one not there, but he is doing well in America.

Hugh (now in the Army) is also attending the dance. But Gladys where is she? She is also there with her husband Lord Beaufort and while the latter is talking to Lawrence let us notice Gladys who is deep in conversation with Helen.

Seated on a sofa close to the entrance of the green-house, idly watching the dancers as they waltz round the spacious room, we once more see Helen and Gladys in close companionship. What a pretty contrast they make!

Helen with her dark hair as abundant as ever and the lovely colour on her cheeks.

She is glancing down and her long lashes cover her eyes. She looks very happy and a smile is playing about her lips.

She wears a pale violet coloured dress made in the latest fashion and the colour suits her to perfection. Gladys is attired in white silk trimmed with bright gauzy ruffles of pale pink and silver. She is playing with her fan and laughing merrily with Helen. Her bright blue eyes are full of happiness and a little colour has come into her usually pale cheeks.

"Ah well Helen dear" she is saying "you have nothing to grumble at now I'm sure."

"I never said I had" laughs Helen, "I am perfectly happy with Lawrence and my children and it is so nice to have you here again, but all the same I have had troubles; a good many more than most people of my age."

"Yes that's undeniable" replies Gladys "but still you have a dear husband and lovely children."

"Of course I have" cries Helen "and I am quite happy now."

"And as far as I can see there is no reason why you should ever be unhappy again," replies Gladys.

"No" says Helen, "but still I cant quite forget the sadness of my early years."

"Nonsense my dear," cries Gladys, "dont forget what you told me so long ago about your sorrows, they will become like wounds which though healed over are still to be seen, and so though you will not exactly forget the sorrow you will no longer feel the pain."

"Yes" answers Helen laughingly, "that was a very good idea on my part; and though applicable to you then, it certainly applies to me now.

So now our story comes to an end and we will bid goodbye to Helen. She has already partaken freely of the cup of sorrow but now her time has come and she knows what true happiness is and all her sorrows, miseries and heartaches shall be blotted out in that sea of mist and shaddows;—The Past.

THE END



THE JEALOUS GOVERNES

or

THE GRANTED WISH



CHAPTER 1

WISHING

One evening late in Sep: Mr. Hose sat in his armchair reading a news paper. His wife sat in an other looking at the "Strand" Magerzine. Mr. Hose sudonly looked up at his wife; "Elizabeth" he said "one thing I have been wishing for, ever scince we were married is a baby, would not you like to have one looking at her seariously "Yes indeed I should" ansed his delicat wife with a sigh.

I soud like to adobt one continued Charlie, I would like to have one of my own said Elizabeth I dont like adopting babys, well you cant do it any other way if you dont get one. Besides if it was a boy what name have you got for it if it was a boy it should be named Charlie after you dear, and if it was a girl I suppose you would call it Elizabeth and liza for short would not you said Charlie, well yes she said beginning to read her magazine. Mr Hose now took out his watch and to his wife he said I have got to go out this eveing at what time said Elizabeth at seven oclock I promised Mr. Lineap I would meat him at his offiace at a quarter past it is now half past 6 just half an hour. I have time to finsh this bit of newes in the paper, so saying he continued to read.

Presently the clock sturck a quater past 7, oh goodnes I must fly, said Charlie Mr. Leanep will be expecting me he took up his boller banged it on his head took up a walking stick the first that came in to his hand, and rushed out of the room looking like a roughyeun out of the streets, his boots untide his hair rough he banged the door behind him.

Noisie man mutterd his wife as soon as he had disapear. I feel ashamed realy I do nothing will keep him quiet when he has got an appoinment never mind perhaps he cant help it she said and fell asleep in her armchair.



CHAPTER 2

THE NEW BABY

Mr. Hose came back at about 12 o'clock he had drunken a little whiskey but it made no effect on him. He woke early the next morning and woke his wife and began telling her all about his evening stroll with Mr. Leanep but he did not say anything about the whiskey he had drunk feering it would shock her. But when the clock had just struck half past six they heard a ring at the door bell and within a few minutes the maid servant came hurrying up stairs and said the Dr. had arrived with a box under his arm and he would like to see Mrs. Hose she said. "Oh well, will you show him up to this bedroom" said Mrs. Hose turning to her husband and saying "you don't mind him coming up, do you dear?" Mary went out of the room grinning, closing the door quietly behind her.

In a few minutes the Dr's. bold step was heard at the door and then a loud knock and with a "come in" from Mrs. Hose he entered the room.

"Oh I say Mrs Hose" he began taking off his hat "I have heard you have been wishing for a baby, so I have brought you one and your wish is granted."

"Oh hurrah" said Mrs. Hose "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Well I don't know" said the Dr. quite, "but I'll leave you to find out and settle matters" so saying Dr. Pauline took his departure shutting the door with his foot, while he held his precious top hat in his two hands.

As soon as the Dr. left the room, Mr. Hose began hurrahing and laughing at the idea of the new baby coming. "I am very glad it's come, arn't you?" he said to his wife.

"Yes, I'm very glad. Hasn't it come early?"

"Yes," said her husband, "but don't you think we had better open the box and look at it?" "Well perhaps we had," said his wife, cutting the string with a pair of scissors which were lying on the bed. Directly the box was opened, a dear little fat baby rolled out on to the eider down. "Oh, isn't it a darling?" said Mrs. Hose, sitting up in bed, and placing it between her and her husband, "What a pity it hasn't got its eyes open."

"Oh, but it's asleep," said Mr. Hose; "they never have their eyes open when they are asleep, except when they are very ill."

"Oh, yes, I see now it is asleep, it is blinking its eyelids."

"Hadn't we better be wrapping it up in something, it must be rather cold, poor little thing," he said, patting its face.

"Oh, yes, of course we must," said his wife, jumping out of bed, never stopping to put on her dressing slippers, she walked over to the wardrobe.

She unlocked it with a small key she kept in her drawer, and on the third shelf she found a small, pale blue shawl, which she had had when she was a baby, and she had kept it ever since, in case she should have a baby when she was grown up.

"Here's the very thing," she said, "the shawl I had when I was a baby," she said, skipping back to bed.

"Oh yes, that's a nice shawl," said Mr. Hose, "and it's pretty big too, we can wrap it all round it; and you can cuddle it close to you, and then it would be warm, I should say."

Mr. Hose did not get up till half past eight oclock he could not stay in bed any later because he was already rather late getting up I expect I shall be late at my offace said Mr. Hose to himself buttning up the last button of his waistcoat, he then slipped on his coat put on his hat took up his walking stick and maid his apperance in the hall takeing a glance at him self in the glass as he passed it, he then opened the hall door and began walking at a quick pace to his offaice he was not so late after all.



CHAPTER 3

THE BAPTISAM

It was a lovely day on the 28th of september when a carriage drove up to the door and Mr. and Mrs. Hose with the baby in her arms ran down the door steps and into the carriage Mr. Hose doing the same. "It's a good thing its a nice day isn't it Charlie?" she said to her husband "Yes it is a good job or the baby couldn't have come out tho'. He isn't so very delicate, by the bye what's his name going to be?"

"Charles Edward" she said "Charles after you and Edward after his grandfather." "I hope Miss Gurling is at the church now, she's always late for everything."

"She is going to be the godmother isn't she?" asked Charlie "Yes" said his wife "You don't object do you? And his godfather is that pious man who kneels before us in church, Mr. Johns."

"Oh he is a nice man that" said the father clapping his hands "I am glad he is going to be the godfather"

"Why here we are" said his wife jumping out of the carriage.

"Oh yes" said he stepping out with a laudable air.

"Oh dear" said his wife "I've left the baby in the carriage" "Oh poor thing" said the husband running back for it. Goodbye Thompson "said he to the coachman here's 6d for you, it's quite enough for him" he murmured to his wife as he took off his hat very reverently at the church door. When they got into the church the first person they saw was Miss Gerling sitting quitertly in the bottem seat saying her prays very dovoutly. Mrs. Hose went up to her oh I say she began you are the godmother "Yes said Miss Gerling it is going to begin soon. what? said Mrs. Hose the christening said Miss Gerling Mr. Johns is not here we are wateing for him. Presently Father clocks came bussling down the church he went up to Mr. Hose and said "I can't think why Mr. Johns is not here he is very late, yes he is said Mr. Hose and the worst of it is we cant begin without him. No we cant said the preast it is a great nuisance he continued shacking his black head of hair. after about half an hour the church door opened and in came Mr. Jons he walked quite calmly up the aisle of the curch to his own seat, takeing it more as if he was very early insted of very late, he said a few prays and then he went down to the bottem of the church and said in rather a loud wisper had not we better begin yes said father clocks puting on his stoll.

All this while during the christening Mr. Johns kept standing on one leg and blowing his nose rather hard, he didn't have to say much tho he looked rather embarassed. When it was all over they took their departure and went home in the carraige, but poor Mr. Hose parted with a good deal of his pence, because little boys kept running after his carraige and would not go away without a copper or so.

"As we are passing the confectioners" said Mr. Hose to his wife, "we might tell them to send up a nice sugar cake in honour of baby's Xning.

"Oh yes we might do that" said his wife, scratching her head to show off her net which was carefully covering her knob behind.

They arrived home at last and had the beautiful Xning cake between them for tea.



CHAPTER 4

ENGAGING THE NURSERY GOVERNESS

"Do you know my dear" said Mr. Hose to his wife one morning at breakfast "what I was thinking of doing?" "No" said his wife looking very surprised, "What is it."

"Well" he said "I was thinking of getting a nursery governess."

"A nursery Governess" said his wife "Why the baby isn't old enough to have one yet, remember it's only 6 months old."

"Well" said Mr. Hose "I was thinking of getting one because only think to yourself how very useful she would be, she could help us in the evening when baby was in bed and besides that she could look after baby and he would get used to her before it was time to be taught."

"Oh yes" said his wife "now I see what you mean it would be a very good thing. You and I must go and see Madam Toinette about one in London tomorrow."

When breakfast was over, they went into the drawing room and Mrs. H. began knitting a pr. of socks for her short coated boy, and her husband curled himself up in an arm chair and smoked to a low degree.

"I say Lizzie eh! why shouldn't we go to London today eh?" (he was rather a cockney man.)

"Yes we can go today, I don't see what harm it could do. We'll go in the afternoon then."

"Right you are," said the husband, "I'll change my clothes" he said as he retired to his bedroom and his wife continued to knit the pair of socks she was knitting for her baby.

Presently just after the dinner-bell had rung, down came Mr. Hose from his bedroom looking like a duke instead of a mere Mr.

"I say wife do you think I look nice. I have been such a long time dressing do you know what I've put on clean?"

"No said his wife who did not take the least interest in a man's toilet. Well he said clearing his throat and pulling up his trousers and sitting down. "I've put on this beautiful black suit with coat tails and a lovely clean shirt he said stroking his front and I've put on a clean pair of scarlet socks with a hole in but it does not show and he continued I've got on a nice pair of black trousers but he said with a sorrowful face the button has come off from my trousers which makes one leg shorter than the other. This being the only sentence his wife had heard she looked up from her plate and said "Oh you poor dear! never mind I'll sew it on for you after dinner. "Oh thank you so much! said Mr. Hose I should not have been able to go to London if you had not thought of this kind offer. Now Charles said his wife eat your dinner because we are going by the 3.15 train. Charles began eating his dinner quickly saying at the same time with his mouth full "Do you think baby will be all right with the housemaid.

"Oh yes he will be all right it is only for a few howers" said Mrs. Hose.

"Oh yes" said Mr. Hose beginning to eat his dinner.

Presently his wife looked up and said now Charles, I have done my dinner and I am going up to get ready and she went out of the room.

Mr. Hose finnished his dinner and then put on his top hat and took his best cherry wood walking stick. He could not see his wife anywhere; so like a wise man he began walking down to the station when he was half way whom should he see but his wife walking sedately along; she looked very nice in a coffee coloured dress trimmed with brown velvet a bonnet to match with a pretty bird in front and strings of brown velvet as well as a large bow of the same; she had brown gloves and a pretty light coffee coloured parasol in her hands, her nice walking shoes and stockings just peeped from under her dress. Well said Charlie we are not late for the train."

"An't we" said his wife looking at her watch which she wore on her bracelet. "No" said Charlie but you do look nice.

They arrived at the station and jumped into a first class carriage.

Presently they arrived in London and walked arm in arm from the station. They walked up to Madame Antoinette's house to ask her if she knew of any governess which they could engage. A nice fat looking servant answered the door. Is Madame Antoinette at home. Yes mam' she said looking rather ignorant will you step this way. (Mrs. Hose walked into the drawing room and sat down waiting for Madame Antoinette) Presently Madame Antoinette came down into the room. Good morning Mrs. Hose she said. Oh good morning Madame Antoinette said Mrs. Hose sit down but do you know of any governesses which we could engage? Well said Madame Antoinette frowning there is a Miss Brentnor she lives in Julian Road No 36. Oh what is she like? Oh she has fair hair at least you may say carrotty hair and one good thing about her is her eyes she has lovely big grey eyes. She has a very sallow complexion and she had a blue dress on last time I saw her.

Do you know of any other governesses continued Mr. Hose? Yes said Madame Antoinette there is a very nice young lady called Miss Smith she has dark hair and brown eyes but she is rather cow-like she has rather boisterous feet and a few freckles on the top of her nose but she is all right you know and she lives in Buttonbrick House Hudson's Street and then there is another young lady called Miss Junick. She left her last place and was hated in this family and I have been told that she was known to take a few things that did not belong to her in that house; but I can scarcely believe that for she is a beautiful young lady and I like her very much. They left Madame Antoinette's house and went to call on Miss Brentnor and Miss Smith but did not like either of them. They went home and the next morning a letter came addressed to Mrs. Hose she opened it and this is what she read

MADAM,

I beg to present you with the photograph which you ask me to send. I think I have very good features and I know I'll make a excellent governess. It is not at all true what was said about me in my last situation and I am willing to come and look after your little boy and teach him when he is old enough. Give me a nice bed-room Madam; of course I am a Catholic which I suppose you heard from Madame Antoinette.

I remain, Yours truly,

ROSE M. JUNICK.

Mrs. Hose answered the letter and this is what she put,

DEAR MISS JUNICK,

I like you very much but I must not believe what was said about you in your last situation. Will you meet me at the Victoria Station on Thursday at half past four and I will ask you a few questions.

Yours truly, E. HOSE.

Mrs. Hose was now satisfied she d answered the letter and in time she would have the governess with her.



CHAPTER 5

THE GOVERNES ARRIVES

The next morning Mrs. Hose ordered breakfast early than usual in order that she might get off by the 9/30 becaus she was going to do a little shoping first and she thought to her self she could get a beautiful dinner at one of the Resteraunts and she smacked her lips as she sat down to her breakfast of eggs and beacon and a cup of cocoa. When she had finished she went up stairs and placed her bonnet on her head and buttoned up her patent leather boots and took an umbrella because it looked stormy and started on her way to the station bidding her husband farewell.

Directly she got outside it began to rain so she put up umbrela and within ten minets she got to the station and jumped into a first class carriage (for she licked to look grand) and soon the train started off for the smokey and dreary city.

At last the train got to Victora and out jumped Mrs. hose without a moments delay, she walked up and down outside the refreshment room (for this was where she was to meet our Heroine) she went up to one lady and said do you mind me asking you but I am looking for my future governess Miss Junick do you posess that name I am sorry for your sake that I do not she ansewerd politely and walked on. then Mrs. hose asked another lady who was peradeing up and down in a red and gray dress eating a halfpeny bun which she had just bought. Mrs. Hose advanced towards her and when she got close to her she saw she was very pretty so she thorght she would be as polite as she could and began have I the plesure of meeting Miss Junick. I am not Miss Junick but I am a frend of the dear ladys (best luck) and she told me she would be here to meet you at half past four this afternoon oh thank you said Mrs. Hose I now recerlect I was thinking I had to meet her this morning farewell or a deiw as the french say she said as she left the station to go and get some dinner. Perhaps you would like to know what she had for dinner—rabbit and merangues were what she chose and she drank sherry wine. After dinner she went into the depth of London to look at some of the shops and came back in time to see the governess. As she entered Victoria station she met a precise young lady hastening to the refreshment room, she hurried after her and when she got up to her thought she looked like Miss Junick in the face, but before she could say a word the lady jumped sideways and asked her was she Mrs. Hose and with an answer of yes they walked together into the waiting room and sat down upon a horse hair cushion and they now commenced their conversation.

"How long were you in your last place?"

"Two years madam"

"Oh and was that your 1st place?"

"Oh no I was abroad before with three little french children there was only one in the other family and she was a throro English child—so was her mother."

"Oh and what do you teach" said Mrs. Hose cocking up one eyebrow.

"Music, drawing, the use of the globes, etc., etc. only you don't want me to teach your little boy yet do you?"

"No, no, no," said Mrs. Hose "not yet he is only six months old, but are you very fond of children and have you any little sisters and brothers?"

"I have one little sister of 10 and a little baby brother and I have two grown uppers, but I am very fond of children and wish I had one of my own."

"You won't whip my baby will you?" said Mrs. Hose.

"Oh dear no" she answered "I'de spoil him more likely than whip him."

"Oh well I want you to be medium with him" said Mrs. Hose.

"Quite so Madam I understand babies thoroughly; are there any more questions you think you would like to ask me whilst I'm here?"

"I think I've asked you pretty nearly all she answered" except when could you come to me?"

"I can come on Monday Madam I was packing a few of my things in case you would have me."

"Let me see now" said Mrs. Hose pausing "how about the washing shall you pay it or will I?"

"Well I'm not very rich Madam and it would be a charity if you will pay it."

"Certainly I will and how much are you used to getting a year?"

"Either 5 or 14 pounds according to what I have to do. I don't do much for 5."

"All right I will give you 14. I hope you will do a good deal for that as I want you to bath the baby and have utter charge of him. And as you are coming on Monday, I will prepare you a nice bedroom" "Thank you very much Madam" said Miss Junick getting up smiling. "Good afternoon Madam she said hurrying out of the waiting room. Mrs. Hose came home by the 6 o'clock train and told her husband all about Miss Junick and Mr. Hose said he thought she'd do very nicely.

Monday soon came and with it the governess in a station cab and a large box with R. M. J. in red enamel on it. "Here I am Mrs. Hose" she said stepping out of the cab "who tips the cabman you or I"? "The Butler" replied Mrs. Hose he has a few shillings in his pocket—Come on John and give the Cabman 2/6". The Butler obeyed and helped the honest cabman in with the box. Miss Junick was then shown up to her bedroom to take off her hat. Then she went into the nursery and found her pupil sitting in a high chair all alone playing with his rattle.

Just the kind of baby I shall get jelous of she thought.



CHAPTER 6

HOW MISS JUNICK'S JEALOUSY BEGAN

As she entered the room the baby looked up from his play, and stared at her rather hard, surprised at seeing a strange lady.

But Miss Junick did not take any notice of the baby's astonishment, but merely walked straight over to it, lifted it up, and kissed it a great many times, saying as she did so,

"Oh you dear little thing! how I would long to have you for my own." She then rang the bell for dinner, as it was then one o'clock, and she knew that she had to give the baby its dinner in the nursery. Presently the housemaid came up, bearing a tray in her hand with the dinner on it. Miss Junick then gave the baby its dinner, and got up and tried to amuse it, but the baby got cross and tired, not being used to her; so that she was obliged to lay it down in its cradle for its afternoon sleep, while she herself went upstairs to unpack her box. When she had done unpacking she came down again to see if the baby had awoke.

It was just beginning to wake up as she entered the room. She was pleased to see that it was awake, and lifted it out of its cradle, kissing it and repeating the same words as before.

At last tea time came, and pretty soon after tea Miss Junick took the baby in her arms and took it down stairs to say good night to Mr. and Mrs. Hose.

She then brought it upstairs again, took it into its mother's bedroom, and began to undress it. She found its little nightgown in a white case with C.H. in pale blue letters on it. The nightgown was very pretty, It was of white flannel, and the frills round the neck and sleeves were of pale blue, as the baby was dedicated to Our Lady of Victories.

When it was in bed, after kissing it a great many times, she turned out the gas and retired to her bedroom, saying as she did so, "I could never find a baby like that anywhere, not even if I were to search the wide wide world."

"Well! I dont know though," she said to herself as she sat down on the bed, "I might go out tonight, and ask the Doctor where Mrs. Hose got her lovely baby from. Oh no though, perhaps I couldn't, as I should have to tell Mrs. Hose that I was going out and what I was going out for. But I could pretend to her that I was going out to buy some Beechams Pills or a reel of cotton to mend some of my linen. Yes, of course I could do that."

And so, without a moments delay, she marched downstairs and into the drawing room.

"Oh please Mrs. Hose," she began, "I would like to go down the town to buy a box of Beecham's Pills, may I go?, she added.

"A box of Beecham's Pills! why—are you unwell?" said Mrs. Hose.

"Oh dear no, but in case of necessity," said Miss Junick, "and perhaps when I get there I may find some other things which I want to buy in the shops."

Oh certainly, you may go," said Mrs. Hose, "but you wont be back late, will you, because of Baby."

Oh! I have put the baby to bed," said Miss Junick, cocking her head in the air, and slamming the door behind her.



CHAPTER 7

WHAT MISS JUNICK DID IN THE TOWN

Miss Junick arrived in the town at about eight o'clock! She went straight to the Doctor's house and rang loudly at the bell. In a few minutes it was answered by a boy in buttons, who asked her what she wanted, and on her replying that she wanted to see the Doctor, she was shown into a neat little drawing room draped in green and red silk. Soon she heard the Doctor's bold step. He opened the door and in he came dressed in an evening suit. He bowed politely as he shut the door, saying—"Have I the pleasure of seeing Miss Junick the new and accomplished governess of Mrs. Hose?" "Yes—you have that pleasure," she said, getting up and bowing also.

And what is it you have come to ask me, Miss Junick? he said preparing to sit down in his arm chair.

Oh! she said, I have come to ask you where Mrs. Hose got her most lovely baby from.

"Oh, said the Doctor, I gave it to her because she wished for one," "Do you think you could manage to give me a baby like him?" said Miss Junick.

"Well, said the Doctor, the first question is, are you married?

"No, I am not married, but I will marry if you can give me a baby like that—it would be worth marrying for."

"Well! you cannot marry till someone asks you, and I cant because I have a wife of my own," said the Doctor.

"Well! can I have a baby like it even if I don't marry?" said Miss Junick.

"Oh well! I dont think so; Is that all you have come to ask me"? he said, in an aggravating tone, beginning to open the door for her.

"Yes, that is all," said Miss Junick, "but you will try and find a baby for me, wont you?

"Yes, but you say you are not married," said the Doctor.

"Well! I must have made a mistake, and was not thinking of what I was saying, for I certainly am."

"Oh yes, I will try and find one—Good evening Miss Junick," said the Doctor.

"Good evening Doctor Brandon, said Miss Junick, and she shut the hall door behind her, and commenced to walk up the town.

Dear dear it is nine oclock oh no half past I must hurry or Mrs. Hose will be cross and say I neglect the child and I dont only she will think so because I have it for too long only an hour and a half it is not at all long. At last she came to the house and she went strait to bed but she could not sleep for thinking of the baby which she was going to have. She did not get scolded in spite of all she said.



CHAPTER 8

THE PRIVATE ARIVAL OF MISS JUNICKS BABY

Miss Junick awoke early the next morning; she was very excited thinking of her future baby, and she didn't get up until eight o'clock. She then walked downstairs to the baby's room, and got it up. When it was dressed she gave it its breakfast, but she didn't talk to it, as much as she did the other day, for she was too much excited. After breakfast, she found it's pram in the shed and took it out for it's walk.

At last she arrived home, and after giving the baby its dinner, she put it to it's afternoon sleep. When it woke up she took it out for another walk, and on her way she met the doctor's page boy coming along with a box under his arm. As she saw him approaching she left the pram without a word and ran along to meet him. When she got up to him, the boy raised his cap and said. "If you please, Miss, the doctor told me to bring you this box and he hopes the contents will do."

"Oh, thank you, thank you," said Miss Junick, as she took the parcel, and ran back to the pram with it.

She put the box in, and walked hastily home, for she wanted to open it. Soon she got to the house, and to her great horror, as she was going upstairs she met Mrs. Hose.

"Well, Miss Junick, have you been taking baby for a walk? she said, "and what is that box you have under your arm."

"It is only something I have bought, nothing to do with you," she muttered, as Mrs. Hose shut her bedroom door.

When she had undressed the baby, she set it up in it's high chair gave it it's rattle, and hurried upstairs to open her precious box.

"I hope it's nice," she said, as she cut the string; she then opened the lid of the box. Of course it was ugly, as most babies are when they are first born.

But this would not do for Miss Junick, for she called it 'an ugly little beast," and threatened to throw it away.

When the next day came she thought it was more ugly still, and that day she really did throw it away, and I will tell you where she put it."

In fact she did more than this, for she murdered it first, and then threw it into one of the dirty alleys. She was now quite satisfied that she had got rid of it, but she was more angry still when she found the bill inside the box, "Miss Junick Dr. to Doctor Paulin for one baby delivered as per agreement L1." She took the L1 out of her purse and walked straight down to the Doctors and gave it without a minutes delay and begged to have a receipt at once. So it was given to her at once, and he asked her in and cross questioned her about the baby. She paused a little and then said—

"Oh its getting on very nicely thank you, good afternoon," and she shut the outer door and hurried away home.

When she got home Mrs. Hose's baby was sleeping quietly in its cradle, but it soon woke up and she gave it its tea. Pretty soon after tea it went to bed, and she went up to her room, and I must tell you that her front window looked out upon the churchyard. She was looking out of this window as she was doing her hair, and she saw that the burial of a little baby was going on, and two poor women were there. Miss Junick pierced very hard out of the window and she recognised that it was the same little baby that she had murdered and thrown away.

"Oh! so they are burying it are they?" she said to herself, "I wouldn't take pity on such an ugly little thing if I were them.

When she had changed her dress she went downstairs to have her supper with Mr. and Mrs. Hose thinking all the while of what she had seen. When supper was over, she went upstairs and took from her trunk a "shilling shocker" and began to read it. Presently she got tired and went to bed.



CHAPTER 9

MISS JUNICK'S PLANS

Many years had passed by since Miss Junick had come to Mr. and Mrs. Hose, and Mrs. Hose's baby was now two years old, and Mr. Hose was very much mastaken in what he had said at first about Miss Junick helping them in the evening for she did nothing but read shilling shockers and penny horribles all the eveing till it was time for bed and after that when she was in bed she used to make plans these were what she maid, as she found her baby ugly and that she could not get one like Mrs. Hose's she planed that she would steal Mrs. Hoses most lovely baby, little did Miss Junick think that the baby she was going to steal was the greatest tressure Mrs. Hose had ever had so she realy planed to do this wicked act. She was very kind too the baby all this time and each day she grew more and more jealous of the baby and she said her plain must soon happen and I will tell you more in the next chapter.



CHAPTER 10

HOW MISS JUNICK CARYS OUT HER PLAN

2 Weaks had past since Miss Junick had planed what she should do. One eveing she pretented too have a bad headache and went to bed before supper and had her supper in bed in order that she might think it over, yes she said I will steal the baby tomorrow and run away home too my mother and father they will be plased to know that I have stolen something and she turned on her side I will put mine and some of the babys things in a bag very early at about 5 oclock and start off so saying she began too snore and too go too sleap. soon the morning came and she awoke and dressed hurryeld put her clothes and one dress and one cloack and bonnet of the babys in the bag and soon she and the baby were in the train for Chichester were she and her mother and father lived. The baby screamed and cried because it was tired and wanted too go to sleap but wound not because it was in the train and had never been in a train before.

Miss Junick had forgoten to bring the babys own bottel but she had a small tin of biscuits in her bag and a bottel of sour milk which she had entendid for herself but gave it too the baby because it was very hungry and had not had anything too eat since its tea the eveing before, all this time Mrs. Hose was greeving over the loss of her baby and who she thought was her dear good governess can any one have murdered them Charlie she said and buried their bodys somewere No I dont think that could have happened but we might send round to Mrs. Wight and ask her if she has seen anything of them said Charlie. Yes we will do that said Mrs. Hose, I will go and wright a note and the weping lady left the room. She soon came back I have written to Mrs. Wight she said the boy has taken the note and I expect an asew soon and she was wright for in 3 minets the boy entered and said if you plase Mum Mrs. Wight has come too see you herself she is in the drawing room and wants you. Now very well said Mrs. Hose and she walked down stairs and into the drawing room. Oh how do you do said Mrs. Wight I got your note sit down I will explain all about this. Mrs. Hose sat down and Mrs. wight began her story. Well she said I one eveing saw Miss Junick taking an eveing stroll and I asked her too come in to my house and she said as you are a great frend I will tell you this so she said I am very jealous of Mrs. Hose's baby and some day I mean to steal him and run away with him and go to my own mother and father and I promised I would not say a word to anyone.

Mrs. Hose jumped up from her chair Oh Mrs Wight if you had only told me this before I could have saved my own darling baby from been stolen from that wicked women and I will now put the blame on you. but why said Mrs. wight I think it was very good of me to keep my promise so well.

My dear Mrs. wight said Mrs. Hose if you had told me before I could have given notice to that wicked Miss Junick and she would have left before she could have time to steal my preschus darling and Mrs. Hose left the room and rushed upstairs to tell her husband the bad newes and Mrs. wight went home.

Mrs. hose ran into her husbands bedroom Charlie, Charlie, she said what do you think that wicked Miss Junick whom we thought was so good has stolen our precious baby from us and that silly Mrs. wight new of this all along but never told us simply because Miss Junick asked her not too she new that Miss Junick was going to steal him and the words died off her lips as she fainted into a fitt Mr. Hose burnt a feather under her nose to make her come round and she soon revived and was able to say more to Mr. Hose.



CHAPT 11

MR. HOSE MAKES ENQUIRIES

early the next morning Mr. Hose got up dressed quickly and instead of going to his office he went to the police office and made enquiries and this is what he said to inspecter have you seen a young lady with a little baby. I got a governes for my little boy and now she has stolen him and has gone home to her parents her Mother is a murderdress and her father is a robber I have no idear were her parents live, No Sir said inspecter gong I have not seen her I dont think could you dicribe her and the baby to me and then I could make sure weather I had seen her or not. Well said Mr. Hose the governess was an elderly person with sharpe black eyes and black hair and a salow complexion I do not no how she was dressed at the time for it was quite early in the morning when she stole my baby. No Sir replyed inspecter Gong I have seen no such person, oh thank you said Mr. Hose good morning, good morning Sir said the inspecter as he shut the door of the police office and Mr. Hose went down the steps and walked feeling very unsatisfactory.



CHAPTER 12

Many years have passed since Mr. Hose lost his child Mrs. Hose had died of greef two years befor and often in the eveing when Mr Hose sat alonne he would say to himself would I had that wretched Miss Junick by the scraff of the neck and he picked up the poker and shook it to show what he would do if he had her in his hands, one eveing as Mr Hose sat gazeing in to the emty great where there should have been a fire, he heard footsteps in the Porch Mr Hose was startled for now that Mrs Hose was dead people seldom came near the house and Mr Hose was not much to look at, he had very little hair and what he had was very seldom brushed and his red nose got bigger every day so you can emagin how few people ventured near him. when he heard the bell ring he jumped up and asked the servent who it was she said she would go and see she soon apperd and said it was a young man wanted to know if Mr Hose lived here show him in and say I do Just at that moment a man rushed in father he said dont you know me, and he flung himself into Mr Hoses arms my son my son where have you been all these long years tell me all about it. where is mother I must tell her too why my son you will never see your mother again she is dead she has dided for the loss of you ah I have had whom I thought was my mother and it was not untill I saw in the paper that I was still bieng looked for and that my name was Charlie Hose and Mr Hose was still alive while my supposed name was Auther Junick that I was determined to ascape and so I did. well my son I cant tell you how glad I am to have you back again saying you where 1 year old when we missed you If your mother had only been here to see you safe at home and Miss Junick in Prison and always had you with her she would rejoice, and now hoping I have pleased I will end my story of the Jealous governess or the granted wish.

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

The oe-ligature is denoted in the text by brackets.

Page 60, "is" changed to "it" (What is it dearest)

Page 164, "He,en" changed to "Helen" (12-30 Helen)

Page 173, an opening quotation mark was removed (Gladys dried her eyes)

THE END