Ross Gazette 22nd January 1914 - Page 8
Ross Gazette 22nd January 1914 - Page 8
Image displayed may not be an exact representation of the image in the library. Colour and contrast may differ.
Image Details
| Date | 22/01/1914 |
|---|---|
| Type | Newspaper |
| Format | |
| Language | English |
| Area | Ross Gazette |
| Collection Holder | Herefordshire Libraries |
| Date of Publication | 22nd January 1914 |
| Transcription |
FOREIG MATCHES More than half t the matches used in Eng- land are made abroad . ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCHES ENGLAND [ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED . ] AT DEAD OF are made in England . Every box you buy means MORE WORK FOR BRITISH WORKERS . MORELAND , GLOUCESTER . NIGHT . girl has given you very little encourage- ment ? " " Practically none . " BY CHARLES PROCTER Author of " The Dice of God , " " What Shall it England . " Profit Man ? " & c . CHAPTER I. + " London in the season is more trying than the desert at noon , " said David Emerson , gravely . uncle - somnam- a i " Liver out of order , " growled Sir Eliot , laconically . No , the old trouble , Twice during this retorted David . bulism , " week I have walked in my sleep , and I know I need a change badly when I do that . I am miserable and restless , too , and want to get sway . The old travel fever , the wander- lust Wander - lust interrupted be hanged ! " Sir Eliot , impatiently , throwing his half- smoked cigar into the fireplace and jumping to his feet . " Oh , I know what you are going to say , David - that your father lies in Nigerian swamp , a victim to his love of ad- venture ; that the travel fever runs in the blood , and that you are only following here- ditary instincts . But , good Heavens ! Tad , do you mean to spend your whole life roaming uneasily about the face of the earth like as wandering Jew ! Why , the dickens can't you be sensible and settle down ? You've had your fling . You're thirty now , you've made some- thing of a reputation as an explorer and a writer of travel books , and you can write F.R.G.S. after your name . Why not rest content with that ? Have you completely for- gotten that you owe a duty to society , David , and - and that you are the last of our line ? " In spite of his five - and - sixty years , Sir Eliot a goodly figure , erect soldierly of bearing , slim but sinewy , and with a massive , leonine head . Tropical suns had deeply tanned his fine , strong face . and his snow - white hair and moustache accentuated the mahogany hue of his complexion . He had been pacing rapidly to and fro as he growled out his questions and remonstrances in a deep bass voice , but as he concluded he halted and laid his hauds affectionately on the shoulders of his nephew , who looked up at him with a rueful smile on his dark , handsome face . Emerson Was can " and THE ROSS GAZETTE THURSDAY , JANUARY 22 , 1914 . & erowa nad collected outside the brilliantly lighted mansion in Down - street to watch the guests arrive and to criticise the toilettes of the ladies as they tripped along the strip of crimson carpet from their carriages to the house . " Gad ! What a crowd to plunder ! " mur mured a Member of Parliament as he entered with David and surveyed the brilliant and animated scene . " I wish I were chief of , a band of brigands , Dave . " Everyone who was " anyone was present . David identified & Royal Princess , a Grand Duke , two German princelings , and sufficient notabilities almost to fill the " Society column of a newspaper . There were foreign Ambassadors , too , with orders glittering on their breasts and vying in brilliance with the magnificent jewels of the ladies . At the end of the spacious hall Lady Darenth , a brilliant figure in embroidered . white , eatin , with diamonds sparkling in her hair and on her corsage ; and wearing a string of magnificent pearls around her white neck , was receiving her guests , smiling , bowing , and curtseying . She was brunette , and un- doubtedly & very handsome woman . Her abundant hair . was beautifully dressed , her complexion was good - so good that she had not the slightest need to " make up " -her fea- tures were regular , and her figure well formed and graceful if a trifle voluptuous . Her brown eyes were sparkling with pleasure as she held out her hand to David , and her full red lips were parted in a smile that showed her white , even teeth . " My dear David , " she exclaimed , " I feared you were going to fail me . ' ns be " Then what do you want to rush off to Central Africa for , like a young fool who has been jilted ? Even if Ruth Vanbrugh is en- " Never , Lady Constance , " responded gaged there are plenty of other nice girls in David , smilingly ; " the attraction was irre- I need change of element and plenty of sistible . " adventure to cure the attack of sleep - walk- He was really thinking of Ruth Vanbrugh , ing , " responded who was standing near his hostess , David , hurriedly , Mandeville's proposal is attractive . " spoke , but Lady Darenth accepted the compli- " You study tribes or something ment for herself , and evidently appreciated it , for she blushed alightly . closely approaching them - nearer home , " said Sir Eliot , with sudden animation . I can point out a more interesting field for explora- tion than Mandeville or Central Africa can offer you - n city of adventure where you can have novel experiences galore . A city where the most wonderful and exciting things hap- pen ; where men of every race and nation may and luxury in abundance , yet many people be seen in the streets ; where there is gold live in holes . A city of light and laughter and life , of darkness and mystery and death , that a man might spend years in exploring , yet in the end know but few of the tribes that He paused , breathless . Does inhabit it . " the description interest you , David ? " he asked . " Assuredly ! " replied David , who had been listening with intent interest , his brown eyes twinkling as he watched his uncle's glowing , animated face . ** Where is this wonderful and mysterious place , and what is its name ? " For answer Sir Eliot rose and went quickly to the window . Throwing it open wide , he stood silent for a minute looking over his shoulder at David , who was smiling quizzi- cally . A gentle June breeze fluttered the cur- tains , and carried into the quiet room the dull roar of traffic in near distance - the rumble of London . the " It lies out there , David , and its name is London , " said the old gentleman , with a ges- ture . and A duty to society ? " queried David . What would you have me do , sir ? " " Marry and settle down at home , my boy , " answered Sir Eliot . quickly . " Don't let the good old breed of Emerson die out , David . Marry some sweet , healthy English girl , and give me the pleasure of seeing an heir to the name before I start en my journey into the Shadowland . " but eyes were " Ay , London , the city of adventure- the most wealthy , poverty - stricken , beautiful , and horrible city on the face of the earth . There's a field for exploration !. You know it , perhaps , from the Bank to Bays- water , and then only the main streets . You know the Carlton and Ritz and the Savoy , but you don't know the doss - houses and the shelters . Have you seen the hunger - line on the Embankment in the early hours of the morning , or the ' hard beats under the rail- way arches ! Do you know how men exist in London when they are broke - absolutely on their uppers or where these- miserable speci- mens of humanity come from tlint one sees sometimes shuffling along the streets ? Has it ever occurred to you to go in search of adven- ture in the under - world out there ? " " No , but I have half n mind to try it now , " answered David .. slowly , after a short silence . He clasped his long sinewy hands round one knee , and rocked himself to and fro in his chair , frowning thoughtfully . " It would be an interesting . if not particularly attractive , experience , and a great contrast to the social swirl of London in the height of the season . But I have my doubts about the City of Ad- venture City of Dreadful Night ' is nearer the mark . I faney . " Sir David rose somewhat hastily , smiling still , Th trifle grimly , and with heightened colour . He was , like his uncle , tall and spare of figure , made up of bone and muscle , with ont an ounce of superfluous flesh , but deep ebested withal and wide of shoulder . He and the same clean - cut features and square , deter- mined jaw ; but whereas the eyes of the elder man were steel blue , David's There are adventures - and adventurers , brown , deep - set , but almost equally piercing . too - to be found in plenty , and some strange A black moustache concealed a retorted firm almost things happen after dark , " Think of the mysterious obstinate - mouth , and his close - cropped , dark Eliot , briskly . hair was already tinged very faintly with crimes , the , unsolved mysteries , the disappear- silver at the temples . " Sometimes I have thought of something " I'll try it ! " said David , decisively , after of that sort , uncle , " he said , slowly , after a another pause . " I'll give up the idea of pause , resting one elbow on the mantelshelf , joining Captain Mandeville and go in search London . The idea attracts me . " and thoughtfully regarding the smouldering of adventure end of his cigar ; " but I don't know . It would " Good ! " ejaculated Sir Eliot , in gratified mean exchanging a tent in the desert or a bed in the bush for a house of bricks and mortar , and giving up the roving life I love . It wouldn't be worth it unless she was absolutely the right woman , the only woman ; and , after all , I'm a man's man , not a woman's man . " ances . " much with tones . " It need not interfere your ordinary life , you see , David . You can spend a few hours every night in my city of adventure , and yet " No , I shall do the thing thoroughly , " in- Let me terposed David , " and lead the life . Thursday - yes , I can start next Tues- as any woman could tell you , " said Sir Eliot , sitting down and regarding David keenly . " Any woman would marry you in preference " A man's man makes the best husband - day . I'll take a ramble to - morrow night just to a ladies ' man . " " Maybe , but I could only marry the right responded David , gravely . woman , " You don't suppose I want you to marry anyone else ? You will tell me next , I suppose , that you have never met a girl who stirred woman you would have you never met s cared to marry ? " " No , I cannot say that , " responded David , to get the hang of the thing , but next Tues- day I shall leave purple and fine linen ' be- hind for ten days or so , and go out with only how a man lives in London when he is a shilling in my pocket to find out for myself ' broke ' - and to seek adventure . " " You're & " mented queer beggar , David , " com- his uncle , tugging at his white moustache . " Why , if you disappear like that in the height of the season , people- " You can announce that I have had a call ingly . to foreign parts , " interrupted . David , smil- People would think me mad , I sup- a little reluctantly . " I have met such a girl , but , unfortunately , she belonged to someone Mandeville's invitation and go out with him went off to Central Africa . It's a queer world ! " Will you take Ruth in , David ? " she mur- mured , as David edged aside to make way for some other late arrivals who were approach- ing . She has been helping me all day , and we have some surprises in store . Of course , I shall have to go in with the Grand Duke , but I'll save & dance for you . " passed on . " You are very good , " said David , as he " The gods are smiling on me to- night . " He gave a little sigh of relief when Ruth Vanbrugh emiled at him and held out her hand , for he had been afraid that her father might have forbidden her even to recognise him . was silence for a few moments , then again someone passed the door , trending lightly , but breathing hard . Another silence , then B gasping , smothered cry from some room near -an eerie , blood - curdling little squeal - and again the sound of footsteps . wandered down to the Embankment , then back to Boho , and , in the Seven Dials district he was attracted by a ' sign Lodgings for Men , 4d . night " -and decided to investi- gate . Having paid his fourpence to a man who looked like a pugilist very much out of condition he went down to the kitchen of the Unable any longer to stand the suspense- " doss - bouse , " and seated himself in the fear of something unknown - Ruth threw There were about twenty open the door , stepped out quickly and as shadowy corner . men in the place - some cooking food at a range , others eating or talking - and the air was thick with the fumes of sizzling bloaters , rancid bacon , and cheap shag . The smells , and the appearance of some of the older men in the kitchen , made David shudder , and he had just decided that he had seen enough for one night when he became aware of the fact that an elderly man who had followed him in , and was sitting on a bench on the opposite side of the room , was gazing at him intently , Something in the man's appearance attracted David's attention , and he looked at him keenly , wondering where he had seen him before . The man was clad in rusty black , and had a thick black beard , long , wispy black hair , very heavy black eyebrows , and although his nose was long and slightly hooked he had not the appearance of a Jew . " I feel certain I have seen that beggar be- fore , " thought David , " but where I cannot imagine . Certainly he seems to be taking an interest in me . " He rose and made his way out , and as he did so the bearded man got up quickly and followed . David pretended not to notice him , and went hurriedly into the street ; but when he reached the first corner the man was still at his heels . " What do you want ? " demanded David , sharply , wheeling round . " I should like a word with you , my young friend , " said the man , and , to David's sur prise , he spoke in a cultured voice . " I think perhaps I can be of some assistance to you , and I have a proposal to make . " go some- " I can't stop now , I have to where , " said David , anxious to get rid of the man . " I'll see you some other night , if you like . " the when ? " asked man , " Where and promptly . " Tuesday night at - er - twelve o'clock on the Embankment , by Waterloo Bridge , " re- plied David , now puzzled and curious . " Good ! That will do , " said the " Keep the appointment , my friend , and you will not regret it . Good - night . " man . He nodded and turned away , and David walked smartly home , trying hard to recollect whom the man resembled , and puzzled com- " I am in luck to - night , Miss Vanbrugh , " pletely . He determined , however , that he would he said . " Lady Darenth tells me I am to take you in to dinner . " com- Ruth coloured slightly under his look of glowing admiration , and murmured a monplace . She was certainly very lovely , and there was about her a freshness , a joyousness , " something in undefinable , attractive an her bearing and her smiling glance that made David feel glad to be alive . She was dressed in soft , shimmering satin , and wore no jewels save one beautiful diamond pendant on her in her , shining , bosom , but there were roses red - gold hair , and a great bunch of them at her breast . Her eyes were blue , the purple- blue of English violets , her complexion was f the creamy pureness that one sees sometimes in Ireland or Devon , and her lissom , supple figure was perfectly developed and propor . tioned . " What a crush ! " she murmured , gazing around to hide her momentary confusion . " Do you notice my father and mother over there near the corner ! Father is looking this way . " Ďayid turned his head , and flushed slightly in spite of himself when he saw that Sir Nicholas was regarding him fixedly with an gry glint in his dark , deep - set eyes . Ruth's father was a man of about fifty - five , slightly bald , clean shaven , with sallow face , promi- nent nose , thin lips , and the appearance of a keen , clever legal man . " There is trouble brewing there , " thought David , as he offered Ruth his arm , after bow- ing towards Sir Nicholas , and a move was made towards the dining - room . was The scores of tables in the great panelled dining - room were set for four , and Ruth and David found themselves seated opposite a middle - aged , saturnine , but popular author , and a young , colourless , and chattering daughter of a great diplomat , who already keeping the man beside her busily A engaged in answering frivolous questions . few commonplace remarks were exchanged by Ruth and David ; then the latter thought he saw an opportunity and boldly plunged into the subject that was troubling him . " I hear that I have to offer you congratula- tions , Miss Vanbrugh , " he said , in a low voice . Congratulations ! Why ? queried Ruth , turning quickly and looking perplexed . " I was told that you were engaged engaged to Lord Patmore . " Nonsense ! " Ruth's face crimsoned , and there was a startled look in her blue eyes . " Who told you that , Mr. Emerson ! It is not true . " " I am glad very glad , " said David , quickly , ignoring the question . " I had in- tended to go away - in fact , I have decided to go off next week on a little expedition " " You are going away ? " He fancied there was regret as well as surprise in Ruth's voice as she interposed , and he took fresh heart . " Not to Africa again , surely ? " " No , not to Africa , " he answered , smiling into her eyes . " It is a secret and novel expe- dition , but I shall most likely be back in about ten days . I am glad the story I was told last night is untrue , because I have been hoping- keep the appointment , and went to bed - to dream uneasily of bloaters and bearded men . He was in high fettle , however , when he ar- rived at Lady Darenth's charming house in Mid - Kent on the following afternoon , and was looking forward eagerly to seeing Ruth again . Nor was he to be disappointed , for he found that Ruth and her father and mother had al- ready arrived , having motored down from London . But there was a fly in the ointment , for Lord Brinsley Patmore was also of the party . At dinner David was seated next to his charming hostess , and had to endure the sight of Ruth and Lord Patmore seated to- gether chatting gaily on the other side of the table . He noted that Patmore was obviously in high spirits ; but Ruth was a trifle pale , and her gaiety seemed somewhat forced . Lord Brinsley Patmore was a clean - shaven , good - looking man of about twenty - eight , of less than average height , and bearing unmis- takable marks of dissipation . His loose liv- ing and dissipation were smiled at .because of his title and his wealth , and he was tolerated They stepped back again , strangling a cry . passage was in darkness , but the light from her bedroom showed her the figure of David Emerson , clad only in his silk sleeping suit , advancing along the passage . He was almost level with the door when Ruth threw it open , and she saw that bis - face was pale . and contorted , his lips were parted , and his eyes , wide open and dilated , were staring blankly before him . He was walking slowly , and did not even turn his head when Ruth ap- peared and retired again , panic - stricken . face was like that of a dead man , and his eyes looked sightless . His Choking back her fear , Ruth looked out again , saw him open a door , and pass into a bedroom . She glanced along the passage , and thought she distinguished , another figure lurk- ing in the shadows . Thoroughly scared now she shut the door , but stood close beside it , straining her ears . Dead silence for a few seconds , then yes , undoubtedly a footstep , someone The Ross Gazette Ltd. , PRINTERS , PUBLISHERS , & BOOKSELLERS . STATIONERS , & High - class Note Papers AT POPULAR PRICES . QUEEN'S PARCHMENT . Embassy Treble Thick Note , Romanesque , & c , & c . 1 / - per Box of Five Quires . Various sizes . LINEN . passing a pause , then NEWTON a figure creeping along brushed against the door and passed . Ruth waited for a few minutes longer until her courage had returned , and once again opened the door cautiously . She looked out , and saw , only a few yards away , a white - clad figure , woman - Lady Darenth . " Ruth ! " gasped Lady Darenth , white , trembling , and breathless . " Have you seep anything - anyone ? " " I opened the door a few moments . ago and saw David Emerson walking . along the pas sage , " answered Ruth , in a quivering voice . " I was frightened . He looked strange so strange I think he must be ill . " " David Emerson - oh ! " Constance Darenth seemed to be struggling with some overwhelm- ing terror . " I - I thought it was a burglar , I'm Ruth , and - and came out of my room . frightened , Ruth . I - I'll stay here if you don't mind , and we'll keep each other company . " The morning sunlight streaming into his room wakened David , and he sat up in bed , feeling tired , troubled , and depressed . " I've had a bad night , " he muttered- " a horrible night . I believe I have been walking in my sleep again - yes , the door is ajar , and I locked it before I went to bed .. That row with Patmore excited and upset me . I won- der where I went and what I did ? " He sprang out of bed , and as he did so his bare foot struck against something hard and cold . With an impatient exclamation glanced down - and stood still , staring . It was a long hunting - knife that he had kicked , and the blade of it was red and moist with blood from point to handle . he " How did that beastly thing get there ? " he muttered , picking up the knife and looking at it with an expression of distaste . " Ugh ! Scarcely recognising what he was doing , he opened the casement window of the room and tossed the knife out . " This sleep - walking habit is confoundedly awkward , " he ruminated , standing by the open window and inhaling deep breaths of the pure morning air . " It is bad enough at home , but when one is visiting " A loud cry rudely disturbed his soliloquy , and the sound of someone rushing , shouting excitedly , along the corridor took him to the door of his room . " Hullo ! What's up ? he muttered , glane . Cream , Heliotrope , and Cornflower Blue . , 71d . per 1lb . Box . Dainty shape and smart appearance . PARCHMENTS . White and Cream Woves , Vellum , Linen , and numerous styles , At 6d . per 1 lb. Box . The best value obtainable anywhere . PRIVATE ADDRESSES PRINTED in Latest Styles at Lowest Rates . Call and see Samples . PRINTING and EMBOSSING done on the Premises . Business Envelopes From 2/6 per 1,000 . Largest Stock in the District . Special Envelopes supplied at Competitive Prices . It will be worth your while to obtain our quotation before sending elsewhere . Billheads , Memorandums , Post Cards , Receipt Books , & c & c . " Good Work , Prompt Attention , and Low Prices AT THE " GAZETTE " OFFICE . in good society because of the fact that he ing along the passage , and feeling vaguely DRESSMAKING AT HOME . ck the left side to that of back , leaving the WAS a brilliant conversationalist and some thing of a raconteur . It was a close , heavy night in June , and when dinner was over and the company had reassembled in the drawing - room the French windows were thrown open to admit what breeze there was , and some of the guests strolled out into the grounds , while the majority settled down to Bridge . David saw Ruth throw a light silk wrap over her shoulders and go out , and he fol lowed without hesitation , unconscious of the fet that the eyes of Sir Nicholas Vanbrugh sad Lord Patmore were upon him . He found Ruth standing alone a little distance from the windows , gazing pensively before her , and he went quietly to her side . " I am fortunate to find you alone so soon , " he said , his heart beating rapidly . " There is something I want to say to you , Miss Van- brugh . Last night I was interrupted , but now- " " Mr. Emerson , I am sorry , but I must not listen , " Ruth's voice was low and breathless , and it seemed to David that she was trem- bling . My father has forbidden me to speak to you . " Do know you quickly . " Do you know what crime I have why ? " asked David , committed ! You are your own mistress - is it your wish that we should be as strangers ? " " No , but - but my father- " " Thank you . Your father told me that you were of the same opinion as himself , and ob jected to me . I knew it was not true . " David's voice was husky with inward excite- ment . " You have been forbidden to have anything to do with me , and I have been for- bidden by your father to approach you , be- cause your father has guessed that I love you and because he has made up his mind that you shall marry Lord Patmore . " He took her trembling hand , and she did not resist . " Ruth , I love you , " he went on , breathlessly , " and I want you to promise- " " Excuse me , Emerson , I want a word with you , if you please . " Ruth and David , who had been looking in- It was Lord Patmore who interposed , and tently at each other , turned to him with a start . Well ? I am at your service , " said David , else , and so - well , I think I will accept Pose , if they knew where I had gone , although and he ewore under his breath a minute later schooling his voice and regarding Patmore to Central Africa to study this tribe in which he is interested . " " Oho ! That puts a different complexion on the matter ! " exclaimed Sir Eliot . May I ask who the woman was , David ? " " Her name is Ruth Vanbrugh , " answered David , after a moment of hesitation . it would not strike them as being strange if I " But what about your engagements ? " " There is Mrs. Rutherford West's ball to- night , and I have faithfully promised to go to Lady Darenth's dinner - party cotillon to- morrow evening and spend the week - end at her country house . But next week there is nothing of great importance . I shall be back expedition . " " Ruth Vanbrugh ! You don't mean Nick in London on Tuesday ready for my novel . Vanbrugh's daughter , surely ? " " Yes , I mean Sir Nicholas Vanbrugh's H'm ! Then perhaps I may not see you daughter , " said David , throwing away the again before you start , for I am dining to- stump of his cigar with affected carelessness . morrow with Colonel Roberts , and going up the river for the week - end . Constance . Darenth's party will be a big affair , I hear , but these cotillon romps are not in my line She's making the money fly since her time of A fine woman , David , A hand com- " I didn't intend to mention the matter . " " H'm ! I don't like her father , " mented Sir Eliot , drily , after a pause . " Neither do I ,, for that matter , " retorted David ; with a glimmer of a smile , " but I mourning ended - eh ? don't want to marry her father . " Sir Eliot gazed at him earnestly for a few seconds , then laughed . " It would certainly be unfair to condemn the girl because of her father , " he said . Ruth Vanbrugh is un- doubtedly a splendid girl , and as sweet and pretty as a a wild rose . What do you mean by saying she belongs to someone else ? Why , she isn't even engaged ! " and a splendid catch for someone . some and vivacious widow under thirty , with a fortune approaching two millions . By Jove ! you might do worse than make a match of it with Constance Darenth , my boy ! " " My dear uncle , you should certainly start a matrimonial agency ! " laughed David , ris- ing . " I must be off now , so as I may not see Adventure I'll say good - bye . " He could have slain the obsequious waiter who interrupted him at that moment with a prosaic question respecting the next course ; when the author leant across the table and appealed to him in desperation . to answer an inane question put to him by the diplomat's daughter , and so dragged him into the conver- sation . He did not again have a chance to continue his confidential talk with Ruth during the elaborate dinner , but he was en- couraged by the fact that once or twice she blushed slightly as their eyes met . " You will let me have one or two dances , won't you ? " he asked , when dinner was over and Ruth rose . " I cannot , " answered Ruth , smilingly . " You must trust to luck , for partners are to be drawn for to - night as if they were prizes in a lottery , or paired up according to the favours which will be distributed . " " And if Dame Fortune fails me to - night , when shall I see you again ? " queried David . " We are going down to Eynsbury for the week - end , " responded Ruth , " and " So am I , " said David , quickly ; " so luck is on my side after all . " But Fortune did not favour him in the ball- room , and he had no opportunity of dancing or talking with Ruth during the evening . The Vanbrughs left about midnight , and soon I have it on the authority of her father you again before I start out for the City of afterwards David made his excuses to his that she is engaged to Lord Patmore , " said " Good - bye , my lad , take care of yourself , " David , grimly . said Sir Eliot , gripping the outstretched " What ! Engaged to Brineley Patmore - to hand . " I hope you will have lots of novel that undersized , dissipated rascal ! " Ugh ! I experiences , and come back cured of your don's believe it ! " unrest , and with a zest for the good things of " That is what I was foolish enough to say life . Don't give up hope of winning the girl to Sir Nicholas last night when he took the you've set your heart on . You may carry her trouble to inform me that I was riding for off yet in spite of Patmore and Nick Vanbrugh . " fall . He had been most polite and fatherly " I think I'll try , " responded David , flush- up to that point , but he flared up then , told ing . " Perhaps I may see her to - morrow , for me I was an insolent young bounder - or she and Constance Darenth are great friends . something of the sort - and that he would not Any way , I won't let Patmore win without permit me to force my attentions daughter , who , he said , was of the same mind his making a bid . " on as himself . We had a warm five minutes , and " That's better ! More like an Emerson ! " hostess and went off to his chambers in luck . " keenly . A word Patmore . in private , " said . " Sorry to interrupt , but Miss Vanbrugh will understand that it is important and will ex- cuse you , I'm sure . " He walked away a little distance and David followed , frowning . Ruth stood motionless , staring after them , her small hands clenched , her thought he was out of earshot of Ruth , but so eyes troubled . Patmore paused when he still was the night that the girl heard every word that passed between the two men . " Well ? asked David . " I want to say this , Emerson , that you must not persist in troubling Miss Vanbrugh with your attentions , " said Lord Patmore , steadily , but with some degree of bluster . By what right do you dare to speak to me in this manner ? " demanded David . " You are presuming-- " We are engaged " The girl belongs to me . to be married . " " It's a lie ! " snapped David , angrily . " Be careful ! ' " She's mine , I tell you , and I won't have said Patmore , hotly . any of your nonsense . I've bought her and paid for her , and- " " You cad ! You cur ! " David towered over the smaller man , who shrank back in sudden Piccadilly , to exchange his well - fitting dress affright , expecting violence . " You dare to clothes for a suit of shabby , weather - beaten talk of a girl as if she were a chattel . En homespun a relic of one of his expeditionsgaged to you to you , you miserable little at which a Petticoat - lane dealer would have beast ! Bought her ! Are you mad or drunk ? turned up his nose . A grey flannel shirt , a muffler , and a tweed cap pulled well down over You shall never marry Miss Vanbrugh in spite of your money and title , that I swear , his eyes completed his make - up ; and when he looked his part - that of a man " down on his had slightly dirtied his face with cigar - ash he I'll thrash you - kill you ! Go to the deuce ! " and if you dare to interfere with her or me He turned on his heel , blind with fury , and strode off through the grounds , leaving Pat- more cursing breathlessly in impotent rage . Ruth had heard all , and she retreated into the deepest shadow as Patmore faced about and went back to the drawing - room . Her laboured , and she moaned as if in pain as she leant against the wall , burning with shame and indignation . Quickly she recovered her- self , however , and in B few minutes re- entered the house to plead a headache and escape to her bedroom . He went out without any plan of campaign . exclaimed his uncle , patting him on the back INFLUENZA face was deathly white , her breathing was and chuckling approval . " Good luck to you , I told him again that I did not believe him , and would take my dismissal only from Ruth ; David ! " but , of course , I have realised since how very indiscreet I was , and so- " CHAPTER II . Lady Constance Darenth was an only child , and had - so people said - been jockeyed by her parents into a marriage with a middle- aged and immensely rich manufacturer . The union had not been a particularly happy one , Why not cut out that little beast and . marry the girl in spite of her father ? " sug- gested Sir Eliot , his eyes sparkling . " You forget that her father has no doubt already forbidden her to have anything to do . with me , " said David , gloomily . " You for- get , too , that the little beast has an income but the manufacturer had obligingly died Brinsley bag like £ 30,000 a year . Lord after some eighteen months of married life , leaving his young widow the mistress of his immense fortune , which she was now spend- " Society hasn't advanced far enough to ing lavishly . It had been rumoured that her permit even that . " dinner - party cotillon to - night was to be some- " Humb ! Well , after all . I suppose the thing particularly novel and magnificent . and Patmore- " Hang Lord Brinsley Patmore ! " Are you run down or weak - practically at the mercy of colds and influenza Fortify your system so that you can repulse these insidious foes when they attack you . Take Iron - Ox Tablets , They supply you with ' rength and vigour . Give you good appetite and good digestion . Take two or three tabl ts after every meal . Dainty aluminium box containing 50 tableta 1 / - . 250 tablets - . At all Chemists , or from the IRON - OX REMEDY Co. , Ltd. , 20 , Co - kspur Street , London , 8.W. At all Chemists IRON - OX TABLETS . So Tablets Is . 350 Tablets 4 . But not to sleep . For long after the maid had gone , long after the other guests had re- tired , she sat with her chin in her hands thinking , thinking , and feeling utterly miser- able and depressed . Somewhere in the house a clock chimed three , and she rose at last with & weary , long - drawn sigh , with the inten- tion of going to bed , when she was startled by the sound of stealthy footsteps in the passage outside her door . She listened intently , and the footsteps passed down the corridor thera alarmed . A man was shouting somewhere in the hall , there was a rush of feet on the staircase , and four men - servants appeared , stared into one of the rooms , and recoiled , crying out . " What's all this noise about ? " demanded & man - one of the guests - putting his head out of his bedroom door . What's wrong ? " Sir ! Something terrible has " Oh , sir ! happened . " The trembling reply reached David distinctly , and struck a chill through his whole being . " Lord Patmore has been murdered , sir ! His valet has found him stabbed to death in his room ! " ( To be continued . ) DELICIOUS COFFEE . RED WHITE & BLUE For Breakfast & after Dinner . PRINCIPLE . The truth may cost many a pang to utter , strict integrity may have to give up many coveted gain , the courage of principle may for . feit the goodwill so highly prized or the posi tion so eminently desirable ; but upon the scale of years they will lead their adherents to a posi- tion of honour and happiness compared with which all that had been sacrificed seems utterly trivial . HOW TO RIBH . The way for a young man to rise is to im . prove himself in every way he can , never sus- pecting that anybody wishes to hinder him . Allow me to assure you that suspicion and ' jealousy never did help any man in any situa tion . There may sometimes be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down ; and they will succeed , too , if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood over the attempted injury . Cast about , and see if this failing has not injured every person you have ever known to fall into it . - ABRAHAM LINCOLN . WORRY NO GOOD . Worry does no good . It does not make the burden any lighter , the road shorter , the duty easier . The sensible thing to do is to face the fact that is discouraging or hard , and go right He was a wise traveller who , when his horse died , said : " I must walk now , " and trudged on with cheerful energy . A good many people would have sat down beside the dead horse and spent hours in worry . on . The American heiress had just come back from her first trip to Europe . At dinner her turesque old ruins during your trip ? " " Yes , " she replied . And six of them proposed to me . " " Pat , Pat , " remonstrated Father Doolan , this will never do ! You must really go and take the pledge at once . " " Then , bedad , yir for not a foot will he stir past a public - house riverince , I'll require to part with my old pony , until I go in . " " I can say one thing in favour of Mr. Featherly , " remarks Mrs. Hendricks , the land- lady ; he never takes the last piece of bread on the plate . " " No , indeed , Mrs. Hendricks , " assented Dumley , cordially ; " Featherly ain't quick enough . " " My charge for taking out a tooth , madam , is five shillings . " " But , doctor , isn't that rather dear ? Other dentists only ask one . " " Ah , but you must remember , ma'am , they hurry over their work , while sometimes I spend an hour or so drawing a tooth . " An excellent Food , admirably adopted to the wente of Infante " : Sir Chan . A. Cameron , C.B. , M.D. Neave's Food Useful Booklet Hints about Baby " free . Sample for 2d . postage . Mention this paper . JOSIAH R. NEAVE & CO . , Fordingbridge Br SYLVIA . The New Walking Skirt . At the end of the sale season the majority of women have become possessed of a length of material which they have picked up " for next to nothing , you know , " and which they are anxious to convert into a skirt for spring wear . As such a garment is always the most useful item in the wardrobe , and is especially , neces- sary in the early months of the year , I have borne this in mind , and had one of the latest models sketched for your benefit in No. 1,762 . This pattern is quite an easy one for the home- dressmaker to undertake , and is , moreover , not only one of to - day , but have reason to think that it is one of to - morrow , so that if nicely made it will carry the wearer well on into the It looks well in any material , and as the mode still obtains for skirts of checked fabrics worn with plain coats I should suggest this season . PATTERN No. 1,752 . combination , as it is quite smart , and will en able one to wear out à coat the skirt of which is somewhat shabby . The particular feature of this skirt , as you see from the small sketch , is the arrangement of the fulness at the back into gathers , secured by a buttoned tab , though the skirt itself is fas- tened at the side , the seams being arranged to come nearly under the arms . In the accompanying diagrams I have arranged the two portions of the pattern on the material . folded in half as when bought , No. I. representing the back and No. II . the front of the skirt , for which you will require 2 yards . Having placed the pattern as I have shown , chalk - mark round the outlines and out out , allowing ample turnings . For the hem of the left side you must leave on about 1 inch , and 2 inches for the hem . When you have cut out the skirt , either thread - mark the outline or chalk - mark the other side , in order to get it absolutely ven . Next I Cut Edges Cut Edges Back Front 00 Cut Edges Cut Edges , DIAGRAMS FOR PATTERN No. 1,752 . Selvedges turn in the hem of the left side , tack it along evenly , tack the right side of front to the corre sponding side of the back , tack up the darts , taking these off to nothing at the tipa .. than necessary spaces for the openings at waist and foot - part . Fit on the skirt to see if it sets nicely , then machine - stitch the seams , side , and darts ; finish these off with a few overcasting stitches , neaten the inside edges by binding or oversewing ; make and finish off the side and placket - openings , sew on the required fastenings to the latter , turn up the hem of lower edge , stitch , press the darts and seams , and finish off . Now turn in the upper part of waist , tack and stitch , gather the back part between the darts , arrange and stitch this to a deep , firm peter- sham band inside ; make the tab , secure this to the back as in the smaller sketch , and finish off . A Plain Under - Bodice . It is usually after the festive season is over that , we get the really cold weather , when warm underwear is necessary , for which reason I have selected an under - bodice of a homely but com- fortable type for illustration in my sketch No .. 1,753 . The pattern I have selected is of a matronly type , and quite easy to make , as there are only PATTERN No. 1,759 . the shoulder and under - arm seams to account for , the back being quite plain and seamless . Flannel , flannelette , or calico can be used for this bodice , according to the taste of the wearer . The making , as I have implied , is extremely simple , the fronts being hemmed , and button- holes made in the right side , for small buttons , as I find these less noticeable than large ones . They are sewn on the left side to correspond . The seams are united by means of running and herring - boning , when the basque is hemmed and secured to the waist - part by means of a double stitched band . The neck is pointed slightly in front , as this is newer and more comfortable than the conven- tional round shape . The sleeves can be made any length desired , and , like the neck , are finished off at the wrists with , herring - boning and narrow lace . From 1 to 2 yards of 36 - inch material are required . HOW TO OBTAIN PATTERNS . Our paper patterns are specially out for us from designs expressly prepared for this column , and the cost of each complete pattern is 6 d . post free . Address all letters , enclosing stamps for patterns , to " Sylvia , " Whitefriars House , Carmelite street , London , EC . Be sure and mention the number of the pattern required when order ing . Patterns will be despatched with thres days of the application being received . fquisitive Intant : Why do the leaves of this book stay together so ? " Fond Parent : " Qh . they're bound to do that " c . & c . KEARSLEY'S CRICINAL WidowWelch's Female Pills Prompt and reliable for Ladies . The only Genuine Awarded CERTIFICATE of MERIT at the Tasmanian Fabibition , 1891 . 100 Years Reputation . Ordered by Spacialists for the Cure of all Female Complaints . Sold in boxes , 1.1 % and 3/9 , of al hemiste , or past free , 1/2 nd 1/10 from CATHERINE KEARSLEY ( DEPT . ) . 42 , Waterloo Ra.London.S.E Printed and Published for the Ross GAZETTE LIMITED , by GODFREY M. MORTON , t their Offices , High - street and Church- street , Ross , in the County of Hereford . THURSDAY , JANUARY 22 , 1914 . STATIONERY DO NOT FORGET when you Bend away for your next batch of . Stationery that you have only to walk across the street to obtain the same goods very probably at a lower price , certainly not dearer . GAZETTE " OFFICE VOL . XLVIII . No. 2457 SALES BY AUOTION . COOPER AND PREECE , STOCK SALESMEN AND GENERAL E AUCTIONEERS . PROBATE , ESTATE , & HOTEL VALUERS . [ ESTABLISHED VER 70 YEARS . ] GENERAL INSURANCE AND SHIPPING AGENTS . TIMBER SURVEYORS , PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS . ESTATES MANAGED ; RENTS , TITHES , AND DEBTS GE COLLECTED . Bailiffs ( by appointment ) under the Agricul- tural Holdings Act . Mr. Cooper , F.A.I. , is a County Valuer under the Finance Act . AGENTS FOR THE County Fire Office ( Limited ) , Provident Life , Railway Passengers , General Assurance Co. , Commercial Union , Scottish Insurance Co. , Guardian Plate Glass , Hailstorm , & c .. FURNITURE WAREHOUSED .. ADVANCES MADE on Sales , if required . Mortgages Negotiated . B I ALBION CHAMBERS , MARKET PLACE , ROSS SALE FIXTURES This Day . Bale of Cows and Calves , and other Store Cattle , in Ross Stock Market , at 11 a.m. ( by request ) ; Fat Cattle at 11.45 . This Day . Sale , by Tender , of valuable Growing Timber close to Ross . February 3. - Highly Important Sale of Live and Dead Farming Stock for Mr. W. H. Marfell , Foxhall . - See advt . February 12. - Ross Stook Market , March 17 and 18. - Penoraig Court . Sale of valuable Household Furniture , Carriages , Harness , Greenhouse Plante , Garden and Out - door Effects , of R. Spelman Marriott , Esq . , who is leaving the district . Particulars later on . " Further Appointments respectfully solicited . SALE THIS DAY . ROSS STOCK MARKET . THURSDAY , the 29th JANUARY , 1914 . MB ESSRS . COOPER and PREECE will SELL by AUCTION , in the above . Market , a large Consignment of FAT & STORE CATTLE , CALVES SHEEP , and PIGS . Commencing with the Pigs at 10.30 sharp ; Fat Cattle at 11.45 . At 11 o'clock , BAY PONY GELDING ,. aged , quiet to ride and drive ; Two - wheel DOG CART , Bet HARNESS ; Open DOG CART ( suitable for a farmer ) in good condition ; Double - furrow PLOUGH ; Set of iron 3 - horse Batterkins ; also 3 pure bred OAMPINE COCKERELS . SALE on TUESDAY NEXT . FOXHALL FARM , UPTON BISHOP , Two Miles and a Half from Ross . MESSRS . COOPER and PREECE are favoured with instructions from Mr. W. H. MARFELL ( who is retiring from Farming ) . to SELL by AUCTION , as above , on TUESDAY , the 3rd day of FEBRUARY , 1914 , The whole of his valuable LIVE and DEAD FARMING STOCK , viz . , 247 Black - faced SHEEP , including 101 Ewes in Yean , 2 Ewes and 2 Lambs , 10 Fat Ewes , 6 Yearling Oxford Down Rams , 1 two- year - old Ram , and 125 Fat Tegs ; 52 Well - bred CATTLE , viz . , 10 Fat Bul- looks and Heifers , 9 ooming Three - year - old Bullocks , 17 Two - year - old Ballooks , 14 com- ing Two - year - old Ballocks , and 2 Dairy Cowe in Calf ( due February and March ) ; 8 Cart HORSES and COLTS , consisting of 6 Working Geldings and Mares , Bay Two- year - old Cart Colt , and Brown Yearling Cat Filly ; And a general Collection of Up - to - Date T AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS ( by the best makers ) , including 4 Broad and Narrow - wheel Waggons , One - horse Waggon , B 3. Broad - wheel Carts . Galvanized Water . Cart ; Long , Short , and G.O. Gears 3 Binders ( by McCormick and Hornsby ) : 3 F McCormick Mowers , Deering Kicker , Taun- ton Haymaker ; 2 Horse Rakes , " Economi- cal " Drill ( by Kell ) , Six - Coulter Root Drill , P Bouting Drill , Turnip and Manure Drill , 2 Manure Distributors ( one as new ) , 8 Cam- bridge Rolls , Wood Roll Banbury Cutters L and Pulpers , Iron and Wood Cattle Cribs , Galvanized and Wood Sheep Troughs ; Digger , Bouting , and other Ploughs ; Horse Hoes ; Heavy , Light , and Chain Harrows ; " The Ideal " and " Giant " Cultivators , Cider Cloths : Portable Cider Mill and Press ; upwards of 2.000 Gallons of Cider and Eng- lish Oak Casks , 16 Empty Casks ; Horse Works , with Shafting : 500 Four and Five- Bar Iron Sheep Hurdles ; Portable 6 h.p. Engine and Threshing Machine , with Massey- Harris Trusser ; Feeding Tubs , Iron Water Troughs , Long and Short Ladders , Wheel- barrows . Seed Barrow . " Fiddle " Sower , Winnowers . Avery's Scales and Weights , Cake Crushers , Sack Carts , Bushel and Half- Bushel Measures , Corn Bins , Empty Sacks ; a large quantity of Farm Tools , and numer- ous other Effects , fully set out in Catalognes , to be obtained of the Auctioneers 10 days prior to Sale . " Luncheon at 11.15 a m . Sale at 12 noon . N.B. - The Sale of Live Stock will com- mence with the Sheep punctually at 2 p.m. " Albion Chambers , Ross . POULTRY FARM of 20 Acres FOR SALE ; near to station and cheap .-- Con ; sult CooPER and PREECE as to price . A NEAT RUSTIC COUNTRY COT TAGE and over an acro of LAND some FRUIT TREES FOR SALE . Price surprisingly low . Apply to CooPER and PaxECE . Ross . FOR SALE , small COUNTRY RESI- DENCE , with three acres of Land , within three miles of Ross . - Apply to Coop and PREECE , ROSS . SANDRINGHAM VILLA , Ross ( re- decorated throughout ) , TO LET , at low RADOO rent . CR VILLA , Gloucester - road TO LET . Three sitting ro me nerve tory , saveu badrooms ; bath ( hade ; dry Excellent walled garden , wit tents cart Immediate possession . Near Golf Links , and olose to Town and Station . - Apply , Coo and REECE , Roas . a f |