The Lonely Stronghold

  CHAPTER XXVI

  NINIAN'S TWIN

  "Missee fancy chicken for her lunch?" asked Sunia softly.

  Olwen shook her head miserably and mopped her eyes with herhandkerchief. As the ayah saw the traces of grief, she uttered apitying little sound and ran forward. Olwen made a brave attempt tospeak and to control her weeping.

  "Don't bring me any lunch, please. I have been working you to death, upand down stairs all day at my beck and call. Never mind, I shall begone in a day or two, and then you can have a rest."

  The Hindu took the kettle from the fire, poured out a little water,added violet salts and eau-de-Cologne, and came to her chair.

  "Don't you talk no words like those words," said she under her breath.Her voice was rather like the very low growl of an angry animal. "Madamsay things like that, she not pukka, Madam not. I sorry, for she motherto my sahib, but she not pukka. My dear lamb, let ole ayah bathe hereyes and not cry any more."

  The girl yielded herself up to the soothing touch, telling herself thatit was very likely for the last time. Ah, could she but have trustedthis woman! ...

  Madam had left her with her uncomfortable feeling of doubt moreaccentuated than ever. She was unable to guess why the Guyses haddetermined that she should not leave the Pele. Perhaps it was merelyfor the conventional reason that, if she did leave, there would beanother scandal tacked on to Ninian's shoulders. That might be all.They might be desperately anxious to detain her until things had blownover.

  Yet for two reasons she felt that she could not stay. Her father'simpending arrival was quite enough, had it stood alone. Added to it nowwas the situation between herself and Ninian.

  This she could have treated lightly but for her self-distrust. Already,at the thought that she was to see him in a few hours, her heart wasturning over, her pulses racing. She thought of his grave, preoccupiedface as he sat holding her head against his shoulder and washing bloodfrom her face with a bit of his shirt, as though she had been his littlesister; and how he had put up his hand to her cheek, covering her eyes,holding her a minute close pressed.

  She felt absolutely convinced that it could not be he who had sent theinsolent message brought by his mother, at the very memory of which herblood boiled. He was ready to marry her, _he had no wish to shirk hisobligations_!

  After that, even without her father's letter, nothing would have inducedher to stay.

  Sunia fussed over her more than ever that afternoon, as though indeliberate defiance of Madam's words. She coaxed her to eat, to rest,to compose herself; and presently she set to work to dress her patientand to arrange her hair properly for the first time since her accident.

  She had been very angry when first she discovered how big a tress hadbeen cut away; as she stood to-day, planning how best to conceal theravage, she gave vent to several remarks disparaging to Dr. Balmayne'ssurgical skill, evidently hoping to make the girl's natural vanity anally against a man who had sacrificed her appearance.

  However, she invented a new method of wrapping the hair about the littlehead--a method which hid the wound and proved very becoming. Shearrayed her in the gown she had worn the day the Kendalls called; andhad her ready a quarter of an hour too soon, that she might rest by thefire before the exertion of going downstairs.

  "Ole ayah take dear Missee down now, 'cos she got to go and bring teaafterwards," said she at last.

  As Olwen rose to obey, her heart sank and her knees trembled. Shedreaded the impending meeting unspeakably; and yet, mixed with thedread, was the mysterious, flooding joy which would not be fought down.

  She sought some motive for Madam's apparently senseless change of front.Had she, during that night of adventure, forfeited the respect of theowner of the Pele? Her whole mind rose to contradict the notion ... buthow could she, then, account for his mother's insolence? Something mighthave happened, must have happened, since they last met. She knew therewas something between herself and Nin--and as she searched her mind shewas aware of having known as much for days past. Otherwise he must havesent some message, some token of solicitude for her welfare.

  The ayah preceded her carefully down the stairs with a candle to lighther feet. She was weaker than she had foreseen, and came so slowly thatSunia, outstripping her, had opened the door of the banqueting-hall afew seconds before she reached it. Through the doorway there cameclearly the sound of a laugh--Nin's laugh, but with something unfamiliarin the tone; and words followed--"of course, if it were possible to muffit, you would--just exactly the same kind of ass that you always havebeen."

  The entrance of Miss Innes cut the speaker short. She stood just withinthe door, feeling that the fireside was a long way off, steadyingherself for a moment against the wall.

  There were three people present. Madam sat on the settle, her facetransformed with a radiance which made her almost handsome. Close ather side was Ninian, with an arm flung over her shoulders.... No, itwas not Ninian. Never had Olwen seen anything resembling an endearmentpass between those two. Ninian, with his pipe in his mouth, was leaninghis back against the mantel, and behind his shoulders the two carvedpanthers upheld the Guyse coat, while the light flickered on the wordsof the motto: "_Guyse ne scait pas se deguyser_."

  Upon the girl's appearance the young man who was seated sprang to hisfeet. Then she saw that his hair was fair and his eyes very blue. Hewas smiling--a smile which was Nin's and yet not Nin's. His teeth wereas regular, but smaller. There was nothing in his manner which at allresembled the impudence of his twin.

  "Is this Miss Innes?" he asked cordially, and moved forward so quicklyas to intercept Nin, had the latter cherished any intention of going tomeet the girl. Olwen gave her hand in mute wonder, found it taken,drawn under his arm, while he piloted her with care to a seat. "I'mWolf," he said winningly, "as my people don't seem to think anintroduction necessary. Have you ever heard tell of me?"

  She stood, so taken aback that she could not at first speak. Her eyesrested in astonishment on his face. It seemed to her like the face ofNin translated into what it might have been but just was not. From ither look flitted to the silent brother, who had not moved from his post,and who stood with the queerest expression on his face. He had takenhis pipe from his mouth, was holding it in his hand and staring at it.You would have declared that he was afraid to look up, afraid to meether questioning eye.

  "Yes," she said, when she regained her breath, "of course I have heardof you. You are Mr. Guyse's twin brother. I--I did not know you hadcome."

  "I didn't know myself that I was coming until last night," he repliedgaily. "My chief gave me a few hours' leave quite suddenly. This is abad place to get at, but, fortunately, we have got rid of all thatbeastly snow that fell last week, and my brother was able to drive overand fetch me."

  "And he can stay four or five days!" broke in Madam joyfully. Her veryvoice had changed. Gone was the forbidding, sullen woman who had solacerated the girl's feelings that day. There was a flush on the fadedcheeks, the eyes had light in them. She wore a handsome gown and adiamond brooch. Olwen wondered which was the real woman--this smilingmother or the dull, moping, vacant creature to whom she had grownaccustomed.

  "And so old Nin managed to let you down, skating, and gave you a bump onthe head, I hear," went on Wolf lightly. He had thrown himself into thechair next hers, and was pulling Daff's ears with fine, white,well-shaped hands, which did not at all resemble those of his farmertwin. "But it can't have been as had as my brother wants to makeout--or, at least, I see no signs of it. How clever ladies are withtheir hair!"

  His eyes, his smile, swept over her admiringly; his voice said, "Howcharming you are!" by its tone, not by its words.

  "Oh, I am nearly well," she answered vaguely, for so many new ideasstormed at her brain that she could not at first think clearly. "I wantto know how you are, Mr. Guyse," she went on, addressing Ninianpointedly. "Ayah told me you had a shocking cold."

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nbsp; Still without looking at her, he laughed nervously. "Oh, there's nothingthe matter with me," he replied huskily.

  "Oh, but there is," she answered quickly. "You are still very hoarse;and you look," she went on wistfully, "you look pulled down."

  On that he gave her a queer glance, quite momentary, and, turning away,began to clean out his pipe, stooping for the purpose over the fire.

  As Wolf had evidently not been given the true account of the accident--acircumstance for which she felt deeply grateful to Madam and Ninian--shecould not allude to it, nor thank Ninian for his care of her. The newarrival had changed everything. Her anger against Madam must be chokeddown, she must smile and be polite to this handsome young man, mustbehave as though all were well and everyone on good terms.

  "I've been quite eager to see you," went on Wolf confidingly. "Youknow, we had the greatest bother to get Madam to consent to ask a ladyto come here, and we were so afraid she would bite your head off whenyou came! But no. Each letter she has written me has been full of newsof you. She tells me you are settling down to be quite happy here."

  "Everyone has been very kind," replied Olwen gravely; "but I fear Ishall have to leave, at least temporarily, in a day or two. The doctorsays I must lead quite an idle life for the present."

  "Well, can't you do that here?" laughingly he demanded. "Our ancestralhome seems to me an ideal spot for the purpose. We must suborn thedoctor and get him to say so. However, at least we have you safe for afew days, as you can't travel without his permission, and the poor chapis confined to his room with a sharp touch of 'flu,' so we heard inCaryngston to-day."

  Olwen's little "Oh!" of dismay was interrupted by the entrance of Suniawith the tea. That the doctor should have "flu" in such weather was amost likely thing to happen; yet to her, after what she had gone throughthat day, Wolf Guyse's unsuspicious words seemed like another twist ofthe cord that bound her to the Pele.

  Keenly the eyes of the ayah swept the room; keenly they dwelt upon thefaces of the four persons present. She placed the little table where italways stood, and beside it the chair Olwen always used when she sat andread aloud to the others. "Tea ready, missee-bibi," said she softly.

  Olwen rose, not without an effort, went to her chair, sat down anddispensed tea. Ninian, who had only spoken that once since herentrance, watched her movements, brought hot water as she needed it, andhanded cups and cakes while Wolf engaged Miss Innes in conversation.

  By the time tea was over the girl was almost exhausted. This was herfirst venture from her room, and her head still felt weak. She leanedback in her chair and her replies became languid.

  Ninian, who had hitherto been most unusually silent, suddenly woke upand began to tell Wolf a long story of the picturesque drunkenness of acertain farmer in the district, and how his horses had brought himsafely home. His brother listened with what seemed like astonishment athis selection of a subject. When they had done laughing the younger wasapproaching Olwen's chair. Ninian stood up swiftly, and, going to thebilliard-table, began to pull off the cover.

  "Play you fifty up before dinner," said he.

  "Done," was the reply; and in a minute the two were busy lighting thelarge lights over the billiard-table, leaving the convalescent free torest.

  Instinctively Olwen glanced at Madam to see if she wanted anything; butMadam had no eyes, no attention for anybody but Wilfrid. She made himmove her chair so that she could watch them play, asking eager questionsabout what games Wolf had had lately, how hard he was worked, and so on.

  Olwen had slipped into the large, low chair which usually was Ninian'sproperty. She lay there with her eyes closed, trying to fix herthoughts coherently. She was vaguely terrified, because she did notunderstand. There seemed no reason in Madam's behaviour, while that ofNinian was so wholly unexpected as to be affrighting. It was some weeksnow since they first dropped into the habit of teasing each other,chipping each other, behaving like brother and sister. And now--what?Was he ashamed of his mother's conduct? Was he apprehensive lest hercoarseness might have scared the girl? Or did he not wish his brotherto know on what terms they stood? He had the air of being embarrassed.Well, a man might well be embarrassed if he considered himself bound tomarry a girl because of such an adventure as they had been through....Was it true that Dr. Balmayne was laid up? It must be. Wolf could notbe also in the plot, whatever it was, against her. He had said that thedoctor had "flu," and had assumed that she could not leave the Peleuntil he had sanctioned the removal. She comforted herself with thethought that there were several days to spare before the _Stupendous_could reach Liverpool. It would really be better for her not to startupon her travels yet; she felt far from strong. If only Ninian were notin this curious mood she would feel quite different.

  "Come, Miss Innes," said Wolf's delightful voice, "you must back one ofus. Here's my silly old mother putting her money on me. Won't you backNin?"

  "Why, yes, certainly," she replied, sitting up so that she could see thetable. "What's the game now?"

  Wolf gave the score, and informed her that if Nin won he would have togive her a pair of gloves. "Is he the kind of chap you would back toget anything he wants, in the usual way?" he asked mischievously.

  Reflecting that Ninian might see a point in her answer which thequestioner could not intend, she replied: "I think he is usually contentwith very little."

  Wolf's laugh had perhaps an edge of malice. "By Jove! you've hit it,"said he, chuckling; "and faint heart never won fair lady, eh?"

  "Oh," laughed Olwen in sudden malice, longing to sting Nin into speech,"the fair lady seemed willing enough the day I saw her."

  "Hallo! What's this? I am going to hear news," cried Wolf, approachingher chair, cue in hand.

  Ninian spoke from where he stood, leaning over the table in the act ofmaking his stroke. "If you don't lie back in that chair and keep quiet,Miss Innes, you shall go back upstairs to bed," he said calmly.

  "Mr. Guyse, I must ask you not to talk while you are playing," cried shewhen his cannon failed. "Kindly remember that I am backing you."

  "Backbiting me, I should say," he replied gloomily, chalking his cue.

  "Well, I'm a generous foe. If our talking scandal put you off yourstroke, little brother, we are dumb," was Wolf's amused comment. Helooked from one to the other as though highly entertained.

  "Come, that's better," said Olwen, lying back as admonished. "I assureyou, Mr. Wilfrid, I often make him quite brilliant; but if he loses thisgame he knows what to expect," in tones of mock anger.

  "What am I to expect?" demanded Nin, speaking from the far end of thetable.

  "Well, I shall never go skating with you again, for one thing."

  "I shouldn't suppose you would do that, in any case," he replied, inwhat almost amounted to a return to his old manner.

  "You want me to ask why, so I just won't," she flashed back. "I am notwell, and my repartee department is all out of order."

  "You always end with a jade's trick," said Ninian, as he once more tookhis turn.

  "If you've got to the point of searching Shakespeare for your repartee,I fear you can't win," she told him sadly. It was not long before herforeboding was justified, and Wolf had to announce that her champion wasdefeated.

  "It's my fault," said she. "He has had nobody but me to play againstthis winter, and of course it has spoilt his play." As she spoke thedressing-bell rang.

  Olwen asked Madam if she might be allowed to dine with them as she was,without changing. Madam said she looked all right, and Wolf improvedthe occasion with a neat phrase, but Ninian said calmly:

  "Miss Innes will not come down to dinner. She is already tired, andwill go upstairs now."

  "Oh, Mr. Guyse! Is this my punishment for backbiting?" she pleaded,standing up and looking beseechingly at him. Wolf happened to be theother side of the room, putting the cues into the rack, so that thereply was not audible to him.

  "No, it's my own punishment for letting him beat me."
As he spoke hiseyes, for the first time that evening, met hers. Without a word saidshe understood that it cost him something to utter the sentence thatwould send her away--that consideration for her health had prompted hisungracious speech. She held her breath for a minute, her face full of atender light. He lowered his own gaze, turned slowly from her, strolleddown the room and opened the door. Sunia was waiting outside with ashawl. Olwen bade good night to the others, and passed out. Ninianheld open the door, and did not seem to notice her outstretched hand.