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Shadow of a Sin (Dramatic reading)

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<h2>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2> It appeared to Adrian, Lord Chandon, on the morning following, that there was some unusual confusion in the house. Lady Dartelle was late in coming down to breakfast. When breakfast was over, she asked to speak with Lord Chandon alone, and he followed her to the library. "My lord," she began, "pray tell me, do you know anything of the whereabouts of this unfortunate girl? I had perhaps better explain to you that much scandal has been caused in my household by the fact that my governess met your valet on the sands, and was seen talking to him for more than an hour. One of my daughters also saw him give Miss Holte a note. Now, as we could not imagine her capable of any correspondence with a servant it was only natural to suppose that he was acting for his master. I sent for Miss Holte and spoke to her, and she evinced the utmost confusion, and terrible agitation. She did not deny that she was acquainted with you. I told her I should consider it my duty to speak to you; this morning we find she must have left the house last night. Had I not reason to seek an explanation, Lord Chandon?" "You had, indeed," he replied, "but I can throw no light on the mystery. Here is Gustave; perhaps he can enlighten us." "Gustave," asked Lord Chandon, "for whom have you been carrying notes to Lady Dartelle's governess?" "For no one, my lord. I took her one note, but it was written by myself." "Gustave," said Lord Chandon, sternly, "I command you to tell all you know of the lady." "I promised not to betray her, my lord," and as he spoke he looked wistfully at his master. Adrian thought that he saw tears in his eyes. "Gustave," he said, "you have always been faithful to me. Tell me, who is this lady?" "Oh, my lord!" cried the man, in a strange voice, "can you not guess?" Lord Chandon was puzzled, and then his face changed, a ghastly pallor came over it. "Do you mean to tell me," he demanded, in a trembling voice, "that it is—it is Miss Vaughan?" [Pg 158] A look of wild excitement came over Adrian's face, as he turned to Lady Dartelle. "I believe," he said, "that the lady you call your governess is the one I have so long searched for—the lady who is betrothed to me—Miss Vaughan. Where is she?" he cried, "she must be looked for. Thank heaven, I have found some trace of her at last!" "Where is Aubrey?" he asked, and in a few minutes the young baronet had heard the story. He could scarcely conceal his excitement and wonder. "I will find her," said Adrian to Sir Aubrey. "Will you go down to the seashore, Aubrey? And I will take Gustave with me through the woods. I will find her, living or dead." They were half way through the woods, walking on in profound silence, when Gustave, looking through a cluster of trees, suddenly clutched his master's arm. "Look, my lord, there is something lying under that tree!" It was Hyacinth's silent, prostrate form. "She is dead!" cried Gustave. But Lord Chandon pushed him away. With a cry of agony the man never forgot, he raised the silent figure in his arms. "My darling!" he cried, "Oh, heaven, do not let me lose her! Give me the brandy, Gustave, quickly," he said, "and run—run for your life. Tell Lady Dartelle that we have found Miss Vaughan, and ask her to send a carriage to the entrance to the woods, telegraph for a doctor, and have all ready as soon as possible." Adrian would allow no other hands to touch her. He raised her, carried her to the carriage, and held her during the short drive. When they reached the house, and she had been carried to her room, he went to Lady Dartelle and took her hands in his. Tears shone in his eyes. "Lady Dartelle," he said, "I would give my life for hers! Will you do your best to save her for me?" "I will," she replied, "you may trust me." Adrian did not leave the house, but Sir Aubrey Dartelle telegraphed Sir Arthur and Lady Vaughan the glad tidings that the lost one had been found. Dr. Ewald was astonished, when he went down stairs, to find himself caught in a most impulsive and excited manner by the hand. <hr class="chap" /> [Pg 159] "The truth, doctor," said Lord Chandon, "I must know the truth! Is there any danger?" "I think not. If she is kept quiet, and free from excitement for two days, I will predict a perfect recovery." On the third day Lady Dartelle sought Lord Chandon. "Miss Vaughan is much better, and is sitting up," she said, with a quiet smile. "Would you like to go up and see her?" Hyacinth rose when Adrian entered Lady Dartelle's sitting-room. She stretched out her hands to him with a little imploring cry, and the next moment he had folded her to his heart—he had covered her face with passionate kisses and tears. She trembled in his strong grasp. "Adrian," she whispered, "do you quite forgive me?" "My darling," he said, "I have nothing to forgive; it was, after all, but the shadow of a sin." <hr class="tb" /> Never had the May sun shone more brightly. It was the twenty-second of the month, yet everyone declared it was more like the middle of June than of May. Hyacinth and Adrian were to be married in the old parish church at Oakton. Long before the hour of celebration, crowds of people had assembled, all bearing flowers to throw beneath the bride's feet. Sir Aubrey Dartelle—best man—with Lord Chandon, was already waiting at the altar, and to all appearances seemed inclined to envy his friend's good fortune. The ceremony was performed, the marriage vows were repeated, and Adrian Lord Chandon and Hyacinth Vaughan were made husband and wife—never to be parted more until death. <hr class="tb" /> Three years have passed since that bright wedding day. Looking on the radiant face of Lady Chandon, one could hardly believe that desolation and anguish had marked her for their own. There was no shadow now in those beautiful eyes, for the face was full of love and of happiness. One morning Lady Chandon was in the nursery with Lady Vaughan, who had gone to look at the baby. They were admiring him, his golden curls, his dark eyes,[Pg 160] the grace of his rounded limbs, when Lord Chandon suddenly appeared on the scene. "Hyacinth," he said, "will you come down stairs? There are visitors for you." "Who is it, Adrian?" she asked. "The visitors are Mr. and Mrs. Lady Claude Lennox." She drew back with a start, and her face flushed hotly. "Claude," she repeated. "Oh, Adrian, I would rather not go." "Go for my sake, darling, and because I ask it." Her husband's wish was sufficient. She entered the room, and Claude advanced to meet her. "Lady Chandon," he said, "I am delighted to see you." She was introduced to his wife, and Hyacinth speedily conceived a liking for her. Lady Geraldine was very fond of flowers, and during the course of conversation she asked Lord Chandon to show her his famous conservatories. They all four went together, but Claude, who was walking with Lady Chandon, purposely lingered near some beautiful heliotrope. "Pardon me," he said, "Lady Chandon, I wish to ask you a great favor. You will like my wife, I think. Will you be her friend? Will you let us all be friends? We should be so happy." She answered, "Yes." And to this day they are all on the most intimate and friendly terms. After Claude and Lady Geraldine had driven away, Lord Chandon returned to the drawing-room, and saw his wife standing by the window, with a grave look on her beautiful face. He went to her. "What are you thinking about, Hyacinth?" he asked. "I am thinking, Adrian," she said, "that, remembering my great fault, I do not deserve to be half as happy as I am." But he kissed the sweet lips, and said— "Hush! That is passed and done with. After all, my darling, it was but the Shadow of a Sin." THE END. <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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