[ÁLL RIGHTS RESERVED.]
THE BLACK RIBBON.
My
L. T. MEADE.
(Author of "A Woman in Grey."-&c.)
STROPHISOF INSTALMENTS 1.to VI. -Maurice Dela
feld, a young deater of great promise, is in love with his cousin, Helen Lamat le, who, after a six months' visit to Russia, la retuned a physical wrock, bat will not consent to see my specialist, and Maurice suspects firat she is not till she appears. Heliu, after hinting at enna mysterious work ste ho perform, umkes her censin promise his assistance through thick and tin. As so as he has given us word he learns that Professor Kristofski, in whose household Helen slayer whilst it St. Petersburg, is to visit her on the narrow, blenwi Haert, File's brother, in an interview with Kitty P lege, with whom he is deeply in love, has promise to do all in his power to wonder it easier for his sister to return to Ricoda. The young man tells Maurice of this promise, which mids to the latter's Hense of mystory, which again is pronty deepened by his sQD- ing fielen durang tire night, walking in the garden as 4ght for exercise. Dying a canversation between Belen and Kristofaki, Kilty tries to extract a promise trim Maurice od n nature similar to that he bus airmuly given to Helen, orging that they are in negai of fee, young frinude. After a talk with the profes sor, Delafield confirms his suspicion that rielen is aired up in plot, and, after trying to dissuade her, informs her that he lateral to go to bit. Veters burg with her to act as her protector. Helou's antse. who is a tool of the professors, informs her master of the growing attachment of Helen and Muurica. int he is very confident of his power over the girl, nui consitlers it wonk! he cay to get Maurice out of the way slut cension arise. In order to get her parent's comment for Holow's return to Kusal, the professor tells them that she has been moderived there by a sun, who fell ill immediately after since
thus being prevented from waking the girl from her bance. He is now recovered, but cannot come tu England. Helen, Übeufore, to be complete y restored to health unst go to him. Maurice, on learning the professor's pdu, tuxes Helen with shaming her illness, and oxirucks a promise that she will not start o the journey unless he is with her. In up te of this penise, however, Helen, after an interview with Kristefski, uses eve y effort to persuade her cousin to allow her to leave für St. Petersborg without him. Maurice aparently consents, for he leaves the house the following morning, Squire Lumsdele makes a strong effort to persuadu Hélen to forego her visit to Russia, but without snocës,
CHAPTER IX.--Contional. The rest of that long day of torture came to an end somehow. The evening stole softly over the scene.
Halen still lay on la conch. She was quiet now front excess of emotion, She had refused to go into the house for dinner, it was brought out to her, and she pretended to eat it under the shade of the tree. She had kissed her mother several times before that good lady had gone into the house to dinner, and she had told her sisters act to come out again. And she had put her arms round her father's neck, aud said-
"Don't forget that you always loved Noll best, anil whatever Noll has been to you, naver. wever forget that once you loved her best."
"And so I always will love you best," he had answered, and he strained her still more firmly to his heart, and went into the house feeling sad, he did not know why.
Where's Rupert ? he said to his wife in the midst of the meal, which was served in all stately decorum in the old dining-hall.
And thou Mrs. Lumsdale confessed that Ru port had sent her a telegram saying that be would not be buck until late, and begged of her not to tell the Squire.
I suppose there is something wrong." said Squire Lumsdule. Why should you keep it a secret from me? I don't know what the boy means, but it seems to me that the whole world is turning topsy-turvy."
Well. it was pretty right side up fast night," said Anne, and she looked at Murjory, who sighed, for she remembered the happy time she had pacing-up sud down on the wonderful terraces at Most Edge.
The two girls, however, were a little cross and fired from the excess of happiness of the night before,
We will go out into the garden," they said. “We will leave the dessert and wine to you and mother."
They strolled off to find Helen. but her place was empty. A minuto afterwards Rawlinson appeared.
* My mistress has a headache, and has gone to-bel," she said. She sends hor affectionate love. but says she hopes she won't be disturbed. I am giving her a soothing draught and you must not see her. young ladies, until the morn ing.“
Dear old Nell said Marjory.
my love, please, Rawlinson."
And mine," echoed Anne. ·
Give her
Aud will you please tell Mrs. Lumadale, and the master, that Miss Linnsdale cannot see them to night, but sends her affectionate love," said the woman.
Yes, that we will dear Nell Tell her we'll be as quiet as possible stealing past lier door by and bye." said Marjory.
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THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3æd, 1904.
call this evening to fit me for a new dress, and I mentioned now that she was upstairs Whon they ses uz going down. I will just say to you Keep to your left, Maria, for you aiv a bit blind. That will be your warning if there is any danger aloud. But there won't be. What do you think of this little bonnet? It is a dia. guise worth remembering. Who would think to look into the face of the beautiful Miss Lumsdale beneath a bouret of this type"
The bonnet in question was plain, made of black straw, and neatly trinned with a little rache of ribbon of the sune colour. It had a Barrow site cup inside, and over it was fas. toned a spottel unt veil. Helen wore coloured glustes over her ages, uul one or two of her teeth wore blackened in order to give her a look of age. On her shoulders, Rawlinson now placed a little cape, trimmed with old-fashioned Buglework. On her hands she wore black cotton-gloves. She had a bag, worn and com- monplacs, hanging at hur side. This was fully furnished with her own restly valuable jewels. Rawlinson, in hor umani dross, sat down near her.
Who are we to go?" said Helon, Rawlinson looked at the elosk,
"At sine" she said. "We shall moot the
"Is there a ship's doctor on board ?" she said, The woman shook her head. "There isn't a regular ship's doctor," she said. T isn't worth it for these short trips, but there may possibly be one amongst the passengers."
I had left her. Then she stooped, and begun to feel those limbs which had been so little used of late. She stretched out her shapely foot and looked at it, and swung it slowly backwards and forwards, just to have the consciousness that she could move like other people, and then she tarned back into the cabin.
The young man left hor and stood outside: his heart was benting.
9
NOTICES TO CONSIGNEES
FROM HAMBURG. ANTWERP. PENANG AND EINGAPORE.
It would simplify matters," he said to him. self, "if that woman never got better. It is a dreadful thing oven for me to think of, but I dread her more than anyone. She is vindictiveHE HA.L. Steamship and eruel, and is in the pay of our worst enemy, "I wish you would inquire," said the girl, and if there happens to be one, bring him to Just for a moment, astrangesickness, a ming Without her dangerous connivonen, I could help No. 4, I don't like the condition of my muid.ling of home sickness and longing to be with Helen, and perhaps get her back home safely." Delafield came over her, and then she turned, He knew it would be easy to let the woman I should be glad, if possible, to have medical
to see the watchful eyes of Rabecen Rawlinsango.. advice.”
It is only to withhold certain medicine fired to her face.
"Stop down." said Roboce in a honra which no one could suspect me of having on hoard," he thought. I know perfectly well that the effect of that one drug would remore the lethargy, and even if the sickness returns her life will be in no danger. Shall I Shall I not? I love Helen, and I dread that woman. Shall I shall I not?"
As Helen Jamsiale spoko, she thrust a small gold piece" into the stewardess's hand. The magic? touch hat the desired effect; and in a very short time she heard a manly tread that in some various way she soomeil to recognise, come along the passage. The next instant the
stewardess drew aside the curtain
"Hole said a voice, and she found her
an
two hands clasped in a mighty grasp. Maurice Delafield stood before her.
"How did you come here " she said. "Never mind that now. What do you want? The stewardess said a lady was ill at No. 4. I could not guess that it was you, But are you ill and do you need my help. Helen-- you know-
No.it isn't me, it is my maid, poor Raw-
cab at twenty minutes past bins at the crosslinson. She is very bad. Do something for ronds. We have here sharp to the minute when the stable clock strikes."
Rawlinson, I don't think I can bear it." "I have a glass of part wine to give you just before we start." said Rawlinson, and try, if your spirits o lag and your courage fails, to remember that young girl was saw in chains pacing along the high road from St. Petersburg to Moscow.. Isn't that enough?
"Yes," said Helen.
CHAPTER X.
The good ship Arethusa was plying not only full steam: but also sail. She was going at a tremendous paer through the choppy sea. Some of the passengers, as is usually the east when a great phip, freighted with ridan beings, feuves the English shores, wore suffering froza mal-de- eter, and were not visible on deel. The chop pinoss of the ses made this fact more observ able as the homes ffed on. Then darkness settled on the scane, and even the most hardy sought refuge below.
voice,
her, Maarice, at ouco. She is faint and cold.**
Even before the claims of love in a doctor's heart comes first the great wide claim of suffer ing kamanity. In a moment, Delafield forgot: that he had ever had cause to dislike and dis-it trust this woman: he would use his utmost skill for her benefit, and in a short time ho had the satisfaction of knowing that she had dropped into a troubled slumber.
The girl did so.
Who was that man who gave me the drops They have done me good. I do not feel to be sinking down below the deepest, deepest, bottom of the deepest sea any longer. It is just as though I were held ny and supported. I feel now as though I were in a sort of awing made of the softest silk, and I do not mind the motion, for my swing is strong, and I shell not break it. But who was that man! I heard his voice afar off in a dream.
He was the good doctor. Rebecca, who came to your aid, and did you servico."
I will not forget it, to him," said Robecca. will not forget it to him. I um sleepy. Is the sea calmer? Shall we soon ba in port ?"
Dream it, Rebecca," said the girl Take my hand und dream of port and mouth seas." The wou took the soft hand, and pressed against hor check.
There are some hearts worth keeping," sho murmurod, and the good doctor who put me in the silken swing shall not be forgotten by. Rebecca Rawlinson."
Delafield covered his face for one brief mo. mont, his heart was thrabbing with the strong throbs of manhood; he was fighting for the woman he worshipped, the woman who was all his world. Fighting against the machinations of the cruellest, most subtle foo in the world What might not the Lideous power of Russia effect it once he allowed Helen to get into its clutches; he had long dreaded Rawlinson, and now she was absolutely in his power how fee bin she was now, but how petent would be her strength when once they got to Petersburg!
He paused in his thought, and thon Helen. dressed as she used to be, simply, quietly, with out the disguise which who had chosen to wan: the night before, came ont and touched him on the arm.
Delafield looked at her neat white dress, at the bow of pink ribbon which she wore at her helt, at the hair clustering softly round bor
eyes.
Sho will sleep for hours," he said, "and that sleep will restore some of the lost balanes: hersereisid stendily all night, rose to a perfect hurnable forehead, at the soft, sweet, lustrous dark
There are is a curious and very severe ease. seldom people so terribly prostrated by sickness as she is Ent she is all right now. You do not need to stay in this cabin, come and walk up and down in the corridor."
Towards morning. the storm which had in
ricane. But Rebecen, under the influence of the potent drug, slept on. Helen, with consummate care, had tied her tightly into her berth, other wise she might have been hurled on the floor. Helen herslf did not think of going to bed. and when the dawn really broke, a "woman in a nurse's cap put in her head at the door, and then staggered forwards as best she could,
"There is an awful storm, but the Captain | was the brief says that we shall soon be out of it. Once we
get well into the North Sea," raid the women "I have come to help you."
"No," said-ILclen enddenly, It is late, and everyone else has gone to bod. I bud batter watch by her. I am quite well."
And the paralysis. Helen " "Gone with the necessity." акропяе.
Maurice folt the colour cash in a hot tide to bis forehead. After a nioment's silence he said- "I hare come on board to protect you, to watch over you never to leave you. That woman is my enemy, but I will do my utmost to make her well. I am afraid of no one now that I am on board this vessel with you. My cabin is not far from yours, No. 6.".
"Yon have taken a deck cabin P**
Ous of the very last to go was a tall slender woman who, in a black bönuet of old-fashioned shape with a gauze veil over her face, had stood leaning over the taffrail for long hours gazing in the direction of the fast-receding English shores. It did not matter how the ship bent and howed before the dancing waves, thy woman kept invariably one position, never looking be- hind her, and so apparently self-absorbed that
Why not, Helen Mousy is no object where the other passengers, and those were entirely of
you're concerned. Now listen. We shall be the malo sox, thought it best to feave her alone.
At last, however, something in the ever-in-watched, of course, that goes without saying, creasing darkness, and also in the warm splash but I am not going to intrude myself, I sin of rain on her face, caused her to put up her simply going to be present whenever it is neces. hand to feel her wet cheek, then to lift her sary. I shall talk quite openly to the Profes- gauze voil and walk towards the stairs which sor, who is on board, and to Miss Pembridge
"Kitty Kitty on board " oil to the dies' saloon. She walked with a cortain feebleness which was scarcely dae to the motion of the ship, and as she did so, a man, one of the passengers, put out a strong hand for hor to grasp. She accepted the prop as she would naturally in augment of peril, and passed on her way with a brief thank you," without ones ghicing at the person who had rendered her this slight assistance.
What can I do for
She came on board with you haven't you seen either of them?"
"No.
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"Have you?" said Helen.
The doctor said I was to arrange everything for you, and my name is Rose Merton. I am an English nurse, and am going to Petersburg to look after a sister who is very ill. 1.hope to I am glad to accopt bring her back with me. any services on board, for I am poor, and it is important for me to earn what money I can. Dr. Delafiell says miss, that you are not strong and must not be worn out, and that the sick person is your mid. She do look bad,
miss
This last remark was made as a sort of green light from the depths of the green and angry sen fell over the face of the sick woman,
It is touch and go with bar, I'm thinking," said Nurse Rose, and she dropped on her knees and put her hand on the woman's damp fore- head. She wants rousine. I don't like her condition, I'd best bring the docter "
Helen," he said, you would do right at any cost, couldn't you, if you believed in it?" Of course, Maurice," she replied, looking at him in astonishment. If you let go your anchorage of right, you drift, Maurice dear."
I know, I know. Stay here for a minute. I'll be back in a flash,
He rushed to his cabív, and took a little phial fall of a colourless liquid from his medicine chest; he looked at it for one minute as though ho longed to dish it away, and then he came back, and stood by Helen.
I am very auxions about Rawlinson," said the girl.
You needn't be-I can save her,"
Maurice, you don't look a bit well yourself." She noticed how white was his face, the beads of perspiration that stood on his forehead.
* But
*I'm all right,” he said with a laugh. you are not to stand any more of this. The woman shall be saved, but not at the cost of your health. Come, I feel bound to do my best for you for the sake of the Squire and for your sweet mother, even if not for yourself. Sister Rose!"
Sister Rose appe: red.
"I want a glass of water," said the docter briefly,
He put a few drops of the colourless liquid into the water which she brought him.
"ARMENIA," Captain Forst, having arrived from the above ports, Consigness of Cargo are hereby requested to sexsi in their Bills of Lading for countersignature by the Undersigned and to tako izmediato dolivary of their Goods from alongside.
Optional Cargo will be forwarded unless notice to the contrary be given before TO-DAY
the 28th inak.
Any Cargo impeding her discharge will be landed into the Godowns of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, Limited, and stored at Cousignees' risk and expense.
No Chims will be admitted after the Goods have left the Godowns, and all Goods remaining undolivored after the 5th December, will be subject to rant.
All broken, chafed, and damaged Goods are to be left in the Godowns, where they will be examined on the 5th December, at 3 r.3.
No. Fire Insuranco has been effectel.
HAMBURG-AMERIKA LINIE,
Hongkong Office. Hongkong, 28th November, 1904
12773
STEAMSHIP TONKIN," COMPAGNIE DES MESSAGERIES MARITIMES.
CONSIGNEES of Cargo from Londen ex 8.6. Cordouan, from Havre ex sis. Laas, from Ville de Marseille, from Bordeaux of Marseille ex 8.8. Topane, in connection with above Steamer, are hereby informed that their Goods, with the exception of Opina, Tressure and Valuables, are being landed and stored at their risks into the Godowns of the Hongkong
and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Lď, at Kowloon, whence delivery may be obtained immediately after landing.
Optional Cargo will be forwarded on unless intimation is received from the Consignees before NOON, TO-DAY, the 29th inst., requesting it to be landed here.
Bill of Lading will be countersigned by the Undersigned. Goods remaining anclaimed aftor Tuesday, the 6th December, at Noon, will be subject to rent and landing charges. the 6th December, or they will not be recognised.
All claims must be sent in to ma on or before
All damaged packages will be examined on Tuesday, the 6th December, at 3 r.M.
L. BRIDOU, ·
Acting Agent. Hongkong, 29th November, 1904.
JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN LIJN.
FROM JAVA PORTS AND MACASSAR. #JHE JC.J.L. Steamship
"TJIPANAS,"
Captain Zwart, having arrived from the above porte, Connigases of Cargo are hereby requested to send in their Bits of Lading for countersignature by the andersiguel, and to fake immediate delivery of their Goods from alongside.
Give her this by teaspoonful every quarter I wish you would, if you really think so," of an hour," he said. "I will come back to see said Helen.
her in about an hour's time. Now then Helen." Delafield entered a minute later: be looke? at Delafield took her hand, and lod her along Helen with discomposure, and yet with marked the corrider, which presently led them into the satisfaction, and then at his patient. The con. wide and comfortable anison, in which about dition of the patient scarcely satisfied him; he three passengers were doing their best to convey consulted for a short time with the nursa, who coffee and hot calls to their lips. The fiddles were
will be landed You staggered in presently with some very hot on, of course, and the whole place was made as
water in which she put the patient's cold hands tight and secure as the storm would permit. and then bathed her head hot water was also applied to her feet, and after a time she revived slightly, but was too ill to know anyone.
You will meet to-morrow, Your maid will be better then, but she is so ill that she will be obliged to remain in her cabin the greater part I do not think it necessary, or of the voyage. good, for you that you should be with her after to night. I would suggest that a nurse whore Thapper to have seen, a board, should take your place, and that you should go to the large ladies cabin in the middle of the boat. will have more air thore, and be safer then quite alone with this woman. Now understand Helen, if you do what I wish you to do, you cabin, will be positively out of danger, but if you do hot, I shall make such a row that you will regret very much cot having obeyed me. I consider myself your master. Helen, for I love you, and I dare you to deny that you love me back
egain."
When she got downstairs the electric light was so bright that for a time she was unable to find her boarings. Then a neatly dressed stew. ardess spoke to her.
r you, madum? Are you searching for suyane ?
I should like to go to my cabin." What is the number of your malam ?**
No.4"
"Oh, yours is one of the deck cabins. Como this way. I am sorry to say your mail is very
ill
The girl followed the stewardess. She had now quite recovered her balance, coull see clearly, and seemed to enjoy the motion of exer- rise. They panred hefore a door which was slightly ajar. The girl pushed back a cartaiu, and entered. The cabin in question was one of the best on board, and only contained two berths, one exactly under the port-hole, the other at the right side of the deer. The door, of course, faced the port-hole; at the opposite side to the other berth was a looking-glass with the usual washing apparatas beneath, On the berth facing the looking-glass a woman in a dark dress was lying, giving went to sundry greans of intense misery. The girl went ap to her, knelt down by her side, and tonehed her an the shoulder.
Are you very had, Rebecca?" she asked. "Can I do anything for you
"I am so bad that I wish I were dead," said the woman, **Sea sickness always takes me in this fashion. My doctor ones said that I might die in some of these spasms; he said that may heart was weak-oue of the valves out of order; and that oh, dear; Ob, dear"
A gronu concluded the sentence. The wom covered her face again. The girl seated herself on the floor, and laying her hand, long, white, and beautifully formed, on the women's shoul- der, patted her gently.
"You must bear up. You'll be better in the morning
"No, worse," said the wouian. → We shall be
Rawlinson turned to the house, he entered Helen's room, lecked the door, and drew a cur- tain across it Helen Lumedale was not sitting on her bed, she was standing fally dressed by one of the windows; her face was white as | Sea." death, her eysa were bright, her lips were com- pressed.
Have you told them?" she said, turning to Rawlinson.
"Yes," said Rebecca, those threads are snapped, thank the good God. Now then, my lady, it only means a short time for darkness to settle over the land, and then you and 1 will set forth on our business.”
in the North Sea then, and I dread the North
"Yes," said the girl. "but at this time of the year one seldom has a rough crossing, and once we come under the shores of Finland, it will be like sailing on numerous lakes.”
"I can't think of that now," said the woman, Oh, my God how the pain' clinches. I wish I hadn't come Nothing in all the world is worth this torture."'
The girl gently forced the woman to turn But I shall be recognised going ont." round, so that she could look into her face. It "No you won't. You might pass even Mr. was ghastly, the heavy lines under the eyes be- Lamsdale, mul he wouldn't know you. But yoning very nearly black. The lips were parched, won't ace him, nor any of the family, for we'll the eyes were sunken, and the pupils much con- go.down the back stairs. I have told the ser- (tracted. The girl rose softly. She went to the Tants that my cousin. Maria Collins, was to door, and called the stewardess.
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The young man disappeared with the last words, and Helen stood perfectly still where he
!
I will come in again in a few minutes Do so-and-se and so-and-sc," said Delafield to Nuras Rese. And now, Helen," he continued, I am going to take you into the breakfast aloor. "You are looking very bad.”
"I will come in a minute or two, Maurice. Woit for me in the corridor," said Helen.
i
A dark mau, with a smooth. olive tinted face, was talking to a radiant and beautiful girl who sat close to him. Presently the girl sprang to her feet with a cry, and came totteringly towards Helen. Professor. Kristofski, for of course it was he, also exclaimed-
My dear, dear Miss Lumusdude!" Then be saw Delafield-- ‘How the devil—” he began.
To be continued_j
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Any Cargo impeding her discharge and/or Cargo left on board after the 5th inst., the Hongkong and Kowloon Whorf and Gedown Company, Limited, and stared at Consignee risk and expense.
Optional Cargo will be landed, unless notice has been given prior to steamer's arrival.
No Fire Insurance has been affected, The steamer will be despatched for Shanghai, Moji, Kobe, and Yokohama on the 6th ist.
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