CHAPTER XVII

EDEN SENDS FOR THE SQUIRE

"It is best to be cautious and avoid extremes."

PLUTARCH.

FOR a few moments Eden remained silent-sheer perplexity and embarrassment deprived her of words; when she spoke, it was only in feeble reiteration.

"You want me to bring Bonnabel here?”

But her tone was so eloquent of meaning that an angry flush came to Madelon's face.

"Those were my words," she returned haughtily. "There is nothing in such a simple request to justify such excessive surprise. You are a paid dependent of the house of Redford; my daughter is in your charge; you are therefore the proper person to bring her to me. I have already explained to you that the situation between Mr. Redford and myself is rather strained; we have no liking for each other; indeed,

I might use a stronger word. It is far better for me to arrange matters with Bonnabel's governess." She spoke with hauteur; but Eden, who had plenty of moral courage, was not to be coerced.

"You must excuse me, Mrs. Redford, if I say frankly that I must decline taking any part in this matter. I am responsible to Mr. Redford, and I could not act in such an underhand fashion." Then she added coldly, "I am quite aware of your position with regard to your daughterthat you are a perfect stranger to her, and that it is Mr. Redford's wish that you and Bonnie should be kept apart. You will pardon my mentioning this, but I could not allow you to think that I am ignorant of these matters."

"Oh, you are in my brother-law's confidence, are you?" sneered Madelon. "You decline helping me? But I must tell you I have set my heart on this, and I am not to be so easily baffled. I have a strong will, and I am never turned from my purpose. I have not seen Bonnie since she was four or five. Why, the little monkey must be nearly sixteen now.

be like Cecil, and I am likeness still holds good.

She used to

curious to know if the I shall certainly not

leave Huntsmoor until I have fulfilled my purpose. If you will not help me, Miss Lloyd, I am strong enough to do without you; but neither you "—in a withering tone-" nor my precious brother-inlaw can prevent my seeing my own child."

Eden gazed at her bewildered. Was this playacting, or a desire to torment her old enemy? Her dislike to the woman the woman increased every moment, and yet, in her inner consciousness, she felt sure that Madelon was in earnest. If so, why had she been contented all these years without seeing her child's face? What did this sudden maternal interest mean? Human nature

is very complex and many-sided, and even a human butterfly like Madelon may not be wholly devoid of natural feeling; and though Eden was determined not to yield, or to be in any way the tool of a designing woman, yet when she next spoke her tone was gentle.

"I hope you will think better of it, for Bonnie's sake," she said pleadingly; "the child is so happy. Why should you bring unnecessary complications into her young life? It would be far better for you to go away. You have much to lose and little to gain by an interview with her."

Eden was trying to use the same weapons as her adversary; but Madelon only laughed scornfully.

Mon

"You mean that I should lose the allowance that Alick Redford has paid me through his lawyer all these years? Do you suppose I care for his beggarly pittance?" Her brow darkened with anger. "I have taken it because it served my purpose; but I am rich enough to do without it. Do you suppose Daphne Chasmar has not feathered her nest? Why "-with a splendid gesture, that might have become an empress—“ if I had chosen, I could have been a countess. dieu ! yes. The young fool was infatuated; but I had had enough of matrimony. Husbands are so ennuyant and tyrannical; and he was so young -and so imbecile. No, I could not stoop to it. The real temptation would have been to change my name to be Madelon Redford no longer; but that would have pleased Alick. So I shall keep it-keep it to my dying day." Here she winced suddenly, as though in pain, and sank back against her furs, while a faint grey tinge showed under her pale olive skin.

"I am afraid you are ill," observed Eden, rising from her chair.

But Madelon waved her back. "It is nothing; I am used to pain. But you are right; I am ill. Did you not see in the paper that Daphne Chasmar was about to retire from the stage? Well, that is true. The doctor says the life is killing me by inches, so I am going abroad to rest." She spoke wearily, in the tone a person who had nothing to hope and nothing

of a

to fear.

Eden looked at her in sudden pity. "I am very sorry to hear this. This is why you wish to see Bonnie."

But already Madelon's humour had changed, and her voice had its light, mocking tone again.

Oh, there is no need to sentimentalise. I am a very practical person-hard as nails. It is just curiosity on my part to see my red-headed little monkey again."

But Eden did not believe her. staying here?" she asked presently.

"Are you

"Yes, I have a lodging at Hencotes. Do you know that white house near the temporary church -Rookwood Cottage? It is tolerably comfortable, and the people are civil; and I have my maid