June 9, 2025 • 21 mins
Set against the backdrop of a tranquil seaside village, this English mystery unfolds through the life of an old family and their domineering matriarch. Striving to shape her adopted son according to her will, she finds herself entangled with the local vicar and his enchanting daughter. A stranger seeking acceptance among the villagers adds another layer of intrigue. The narrative weaves a tale of unseen connections and hidden secrets, all coming together to form an engrossing drama.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter twenty of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh. This
LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan
The Pagan's Cup, Chapter twenty, Missus Gabriel's sacret. Missus Jeal
was not pleased. She was a woman who liked to
(00:22):
make mischief and preferred to leave sorrow rather than joy
behind her. In her time, she had caused a good
deal of misery, and she had always rejoiced over it.
But now that she had been forced to undo the
evil she had committed, her heart ached bad. As Pratt was,
his wife was words, and if he had indeed killed
(00:43):
her as he had threatened, he would have been doing
a service to Mankin. Missus Jeal was a noxious snake
who should have been killed without pity. On leaving the vicarage,
she went home at once and found the cottage empty,
as Pearl had not yet returned. Missus Child wrought out
the letter and again read it. Then she turned white
(01:03):
and shivered. Finally, she put it into the fire and
washed it burn to black ashes. Afterwards, she filled herself
a glass of brandy and drank it neat Yet she
was an abstemious woman as a rule. There must have
been something very terrible in that letter to make it
take to strong drink, and what was in it no
(01:23):
one in Chollister ever found out. Having burned it, missus
Chell put it out of her mind as well as
she was able, Yet often afterwards she shivered to think
of what might have happened had it been open in
the vicarage library and narrow shaved that muttered missus Cheel. Shortly,
when she had recovered herself in some measure, Pearl danced
(01:45):
into the room. She was now quite her old, happy self.
The restoration of the cup had made a believe that
God had forgiven her, and that the Master believed her
worthy to be the guardian of the Holy Grail. Raston
had arranged the matter in order to save her from
further misery. Earlier Sunday morning, he had taken the cup
across the moor and had placed it on the turf alter,
knowing that their Pearl, as was accustomed, would come and
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seek it. He had not anticipated such a dramatic scene
as had taken place in the chapel. Pearl believed in
her own weak mind that the Master had brought the
cup down again from heaven. She would starefore glad and
merry and a singing and dancing annoyed missus Jeeal, Keep quite, you, minx,
she cried savagely, Oh, I'll have you shut up. Where
(02:30):
have you been after making an exhibition of yourself? I've
been looking at the cup, said Pearl gayly. It's on
the altar. I'm pleased the Master has given it again
into my charge. He has forgiven me, and some day
I shall be with him in paradise. It was in
missus Jill's wicked mind to tell the truth to the girl,
but she knew that Pearl would not accept the explanation. Besides,
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strange as it may seem, even missus Jeel had some
compunction in making the girl miserable. The woman was evil
to the core, but she must have had some good
in her. Therefore she held a tongue on the subject
of the cup. Where were you so early this morning?
She asked, I found your bed empty at six o'clock.
I went to the altar to find the cup brought
(03:12):
down by the dear Master, replied Pearl, And I was
watching Sir Frank Hale and his sister going away. They
drove with two horses and many boxes. I did not,
missus Jills jumped up and seized Pearl's arm. What do
you mean, she asked, Has Sir Frank Hale gone? And
his sister? Said Pearl, twisting away with a frightened face.
(03:33):
They have left, Collister and gone away away, oh far away,
Oh oh, what are hold your tongue? Said missus Jeeal,
thrusting her into a chair. And sit you there till
I come back. She hurriedly, put on a bonnet and shawl.
If you stir, I'll kill you, and she hurried out
of the house. Pearl's news was true. There was no
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one in the Hale's house save an old woman who
was to act as scare taker. She explained. The Sir
Frank and his sister had left early that morning, and
by this time were on their way to London. Whence
they departed in a few days for the continent. Did
they leave no message for me? Asked missus Cheel, her
face growing black as she clenched her hand. No, why
(04:15):
should they, asked the crone contemptuously. What have fine folks
like them to do with a woman like you? I'll
slap your face if you talk to me like that?
Raised missus Cheel, her first nature coming up almost I
have influenced with your master. I can have you turned away.
No you can't, replied the other hag. Why I heard
(04:36):
Sir Frank say how glad he was to get away
without seeing you he called you, which he did, did
he muttered missus Cheele furiously, Now just you. She was
going on to threaten the caretaker when she found a
door banged in her face and heard the mocking laughter
of the old woman behind it. Treated thus scornfully, missus
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Cheild stamped and raged like one possessed. Not a penny,
she muttered, and he promised. Ha. Then, my sir, the beast,
I'll be even with him. There's the money for the cup.
I can follow. I can, but I want more now
that I've given up my secret. Her face grew dark
as she thought of the burnt letter. I shall be poor. Ha.
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She stopped, and, biting a finger, looked towards the castle.
I can make up pay this evening. Then it'll be
worth more than the cup. One secret is of no use,
but I've another another. She shook her fist at the
house of Sir Frank and said something about him that
was not exactly a blessing, then returned home with a
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mind made of She wished to leave callised her, which
was now too hot for her, as Sybil would look
after Pearl. There would be no difficulty in that quarter.
She had saved money, and with what she had got
from falling the cup, she was fairly well off for
a station in life. But missus Cheel was greedy and
wanted Missus Gabriel was to be the milchcow this time.
(06:03):
Thus it came about that Missus Gabriel was informed that
evening that Missus Cheel wished to see her at once
on important business. The underlying insolence of the message annoyed
Missus Gabriel, who always prided herself on keeping the lower
orders in what she called their proper place, which was
under her heel. And Missus Gabriel was in no mood
to be merciful to insolence. Some kind friend had informed
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her of the discovery of Leo's true position. She was
savagely angry an account of pratt she had hated the
young man, and later on, when he came to defy her,
she had disliked him on his own account that he
should have a title and that he should marry Sybil Tempest.
These things were all gall and bitterness to the haughty woman.
She wanted Leo to be a slave, to punish him
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for Pratt's misdemeanors. But a slave had escaped, and she
could do nothing save sit in the empty room, eating
out her heart in the bitterness of impotent anger. She
could do nothing. Leo was gone, pride was gone, and
she was left a lonely woman. She had not even
the comfort of feeling that she could revenge herself. Feeling
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in this mood, she was not unwilling to see Missus Cheele.
Here at least was some one on whom she could
went to rage. With an imperious gesture, she ordered the
woman to be admitted and received her with a stormy
bro Missus jeal smiled. She knew that she had the
upper hand and was not to be intimidated by stormy looks.
Waiting till the servant had departed and the door was closed,
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she introduced herself. I have to speak to you on
important business, my lady, she said, with assumed meekness, and
addressing Missus Gabriel by a title to which she laid
no claim. This was done to accentuate the latter part
of the interview. Missus Cheele was quite as well prepared
as was Missus Gabriel to make herself disagreeable. She also
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was out of tune. What business can a woman like
you have with me? Demanded Missus Gabriel with scorn, and
put up a log net to freeze Missus Jeal with
a look. But Missus Jeal had borne the looks of
even greater ladies than Missus Gabriel. It is strange, is
it not, my lady, she sniggered, But I've something to
talk about which will interest your ladyship very much. Indeed,
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Missus Gabriel looked most scornful there ever, And I believe
you have to do with this precious discovery I have,
my lady. Mister Haley is now Lord Morven. I proved
his right to the title. You see, my lady, I
was a nurse at Kilspindy Castle and is told his
lordship and a child. How dare you speak to me
like this, cried Missus Gabriel. Do you not know that
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I can have you arrested for such an admission? Oh no,
you cannot, my lady, retorted Missus Jeal cooldy. Only Lord
Kilspindy can do that, and yees let me go free.
Then you leave this place, said Missus Gabriel, haughtily. I'll
have no one in callister likely to cut up the
models of the people. Ah, you have great power here,
my lady, great power, thought missus Cheel. Missus Gabriel blood
(09:00):
grew cold as she saw the look in the woman's eye.
I don't understand you. Leave the room in the place,
she said, All in good time, my lady, replied Missus
Jel calmly, and took a seat. As this was more
than Missus Gabriel could bear, she rose, you infamous creature,
she cried furiously, out of my house. Oh, I'll have
(09:23):
you thrown out by my servants, my house, my servants,
my estates, sneered Missus Jeald, keeping an eye on a victim.
Are you sure you can talk like that, my lady,
I repeat, I don't understand you, stammered Missus Gabriel, Sitting down.
She was beginning to be afraid Missus Jeal would not
dare to speak. So unless she possessed some information dangerous
(09:46):
to the lady of the castle, I shall leave the
parish to morrow, went on missus child coldly. I've no
wish to remain. Miss Tempest will take care of pearl.
And what have I to do with that? Said Missus Gabriel,
sitting up this much. I want your ladyship to give
me a thousand pounds. Ah, I thought so. Your mission
(10:06):
here is one of blackmail. Missus Jill shrugged the plump shoulders.
Some people would call it that, she said, dropping the
courtesy title. And as you have paid blackmail to Pratt
all these years, I don't see why you should not
give me a thousand pounds to get rid of me Pratt.
Missus Gabriel could hardly speak. What do you know? I
(10:28):
know that Pratt was married to you in Switzerland when
you were miss Heavily, and that you afterwards married mister Gabriel.
The property was left by mister Gabriel to my wife.
Those were the words used in the will. And you,
miss Havely, were never mister Gabriel's wife. It's not true,
muttered Missus Gabriel, her lips quivering. It is true, you
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know it is, said the other woman. A word from
Pratt and you would have been turned out of possession. Here,
he held his tongue so long as you took the
child and brought him up. I have held my tongue
also because I was afraid of Pratt. But now he
has told my secret about Lord Morven. I want money
on my own account so as to get away from
him across the seas. Missus Gabriel drummed on the table.
(11:15):
She saw that this woman was too much for her.
What you say is perfectly true, she said. I met
Pratt in Switzerland when I was a young girl. We
were married in Geneva, and I afterwards found out what
a brute was. We parted. Afterwards, I heard that he
was dead and regarded myself as free to marry Gabriel. Oh,
that was one of Pratt's jokes, said Missus jeal easily.
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He was always a merry sort of brute. But you see,
I can turn you out, not without Pratt's aid, said
Missus Gabriel fiercely. I won't give up the property to
go to the crown. I love power, and I intend
to keep what I have. Pratt made me take that
child and lie about him. He made me introduce him
to Collis's society, and for years he has taken money
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from me all this. Do you think I'll give it
up now? I will fight? Missus Geel laughed unpleasantly. I
can put a weapon into her hand to fight with.
She said, that is if you give me a thousand pounds.
What do you mean, panted Missus Gabriel, throwing herself forward
and seizing Missus Jel by the shoulder. Can you will
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you if you give me a thousand pounds? Replied the
other woman, quite unmowed and looking up with a wicked
eyes into Missus Gabriel's agitated face. What do you know? Quick?
Tell me? Missus Gabriel shook her. Don't shake me, said
Missus Jeel, tartly, twisting herself free. If you want to
know my secret, I'll tell it to you. I am
(12:42):
Pratt's lawful wife. Missus Gabriel put her hand to her
forehead and reeled to the end of the room. Wife wife,
she muttered, Then I'm not You're not his wife, finished
missus Jel coolly. You never were his wife, seeing you
was married to me before you met you. You are
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Missus Gabriel, the widow of John Gabriel, in the possessor
of this property. Can you can you prove this, asked
the other woman, gasping. I'll give you my marriage certificate
for a thousand pounds, said Missus Jean. I don't want it.
I've had enough of pratt. Then you can see the
church where we were married and said the register. Oh
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it's all right, give me the certificate. Missus Gabriel stretched
out her hand eagerly. Not without a thousand pounds, said
missus Cheal resolutely. I'll give you a check, said Missus Gabriel,
hurrying to a writing desk. Missus Jeal shook her head.
Won't do, she remarked, I've had to do with ladies before.
You might stop that check when I had given you
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what you wanted. No, come to the bank, give me
the money in notes, and I'll place your certificate in
your hands. We can't go to the bank to night,
said Missus Gabriel, frowning. Oh, I can wait till tomorrow,
replied missus Jell coolly. Missus Gabriel lost her temper and
stamped a foot. Give me that certificate or I'll have
you arrested. Oh so you want me to tell my
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story and court my lady. You dared too, Then give
me the thousand pounds. Missus Jell was beginning to lose
a temper. Here's a coil about a trifle, she said angrily.
Instead of asking you for a blackmail, as I could
have done, I offer to give you freedom, and you
won't pay for it. I will. Here's a check. Come
with me to the bank at Portront tomorrow and you
(14:30):
can cash it in my presence. The certificate will be
given to you whether the notes are in my hand.
You can take me to Portron with my boxes as
I then can catch the afternoon streamer to London. I've
given up my cottage and sold me furniture and pack
me things. Tomorrow I'll take Pearl to miss Tempest and
then we can drive to the bank. You insolent woman,
(14:54):
raised Missus Gabriel. She was obliged to yield, for once
in a life she had met a person of her
own sex who had as bad a temperor as herself.
The two women had a royal battle, but in the
end victory declared itself on the side of Missus Cheeal,
and she departed in triumph. The next morning, Sybil was
informed that Missus Jeal and Pearl were waiting to see
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her guessing the woman's errand Miss Tempest descended. Missus Jeal
perfectly respectful, dropped her curtsey. I've brought you pearl, my lady,
she said, I'm not my lady, said Sybil coldly. You
soon will be smarked. Missus Cheal. Lady marwn well, I
don't grudge it to you. You're not so bad as
some Here's Pearl. Sybil took the hand of the poor creature,
(15:38):
who was shedding tears at the thought of losing missus Cheel.
Don't cry, Pearl, You'll be quite happy with me. Remember
you have to look after the cup. Whereat Pearl clapped
her hands and was joyful again. I sha'n't want you
any more, said Pearl to missus Cheal. The Master has
given me the cup to look after, and you're too
wicked to come near me. Missus Cheal winced and looked
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on Here's gratitude. She sighed, I've loved but one thing
in my life, and it turns against me. Well, Pearl,
I hope you will be happy. Good Bye, she paused,
and then went on, And my lady, I would like
to tell you the reason I told that lie about
Lord Morgan having pawned the cup. It was Sir Frank
Hale made me do it. Sir Frank, echoed Sybil in amazement.
(16:24):
Why should he? It was partly your fault, miss said
missus Jell coolly. He loved you and he loved his sister.
If Lord Morgan had married miss Edith and you had
married Sir Frank, all would have been well. But on
that night I brought back the cup, he saw me
and got the truth out of me. There he used
me for his own INDs, so as to get the
(16:45):
plame laid on mister Haveley. How wicked of him, said
Sybil angrily. Missus Jeel laughed, It was his way, my lady.
But he has gone away and will not trouble you again.
Neither shall I. Good bye, my lady Pearl. But Pearl
turned away like a cross child. Missus Cheal had to
go without a fable kiss, and her wicked nature felt
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the slight. However, she controlled her emotion and went off
to Portront with missus Gabriel. There the check was cashed
and missus Chele became possessed of a thousand pounds in
Bank of England notes. She would take no other, And
there's a certificate. She said to missus Gabriel, Thank God,
cried that lady, seizing it. No, I'm free of that man.
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If he comes to Callister again, I'll put him in jail.
And you, hussy, I'll have you ducked. I said you
would talk like that, cheered Missus Cheel, A lucky thing.
I have the notes. Good day, Miss Haverley. And with
this last insulting speech, which she knew was untrue, missus
jeal went away. What became of her no one ever heard.
(17:50):
But creatures like missus Chell always fall on their feet
like cats, perhaps because they have so much of the
cat nature in them. Missus Gabriel, rejoicing in her freedom,
returned to Kolister and became more domineering than ever. Whether
Pratt guessed that his wife would tell her the truth,
it is impossible to sigh. But he never came near
missus Gabriel again, nor did he write to her. If
(18:13):
he had, she would have set to work to trace
him out and have him arrested. With a certificate of marriage.
It was easy for Missus Gabriel to prove that she
had been deceived by a villain, and she would have
had no hesitation, making the affair public. Pratt knew this
and knew her savage nature. He therefore kept away, and
Missus Gabriel, unrestrained by any fear, became more of a
(18:35):
terrant than ever. She refused to come to Leo's wedding
or even to see him, intimating to Sybil, who called
upon her to entry it her to be reconciled to
the new Lord Mauven, that she hated both of them.
Missus Gabriel went away to London for six months and
amused herself be hunting for Pratt. In the meantime, Lord
Mauven and Sybil were married. Also, Raston was united to
(18:56):
his Spiggure. Of the same day, Missus Parthurst bore up heroically.
Whilely she regretted that she had not known of Leo's
true parentage. He might have married Peggy. She would grace
a title, said Missus Parthurst. And now said Lord Kilspindy,
when the wedding was at an end, we will go
to our own place and take the cup with us.
(19:16):
So it came about that the Pagan cup, which was
the luck of the grounds, was replaced in Kilspindy Castle.
There was a brave home coming for the long lost
son and his pride. And there Lord and Lady Marwn lived,
beloved by all. It was a happy ending to Leo's troubles.
After a time, mister Tempest found that he could not
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live without his daughter, so he took up his residence
in Kilspindy Castle as a kind of chaplain. Pearl was
already established at the castle and constituted herself the guardian
of the Cup, which in a mad fancy she still
called the holy Grail. No one tried to undeceive her,
but there is no danger of the cup being lost
again while Pearl looks after it, and that that's a
(20:00):
good thing for the grants, since their luck is wound
up in its possession. And who would doubt the truth
of the tradition, said Kilspindy, seeing that three times the
legend has come true. Raston succeeded mister Tempest's vicar of Kolister,
and Missus Gabriel rather approved of him. Thus it was
that Missus Parthurs came to think herself entitled to interfere
(20:20):
and perish affairs as the mother in law of the vicar.
She and Missus Gabriel fought bitterly, and still fight over
the affairs of the kingdom. Raston and Peggy take no notice.
They are perfectly happy. Pratt wrote one letter to Lord Mouven,
telling him that he was going to lead a new
and decent life in South America, and asking the young
(20:40):
man not to think too badly of him. As he
gave no address. Leo could not answer the letter, so
he burnt it and said nothing about it save to
his father. There was some good in Pratt, said Lord Morven. Well, yes,
assented Kilspindy. He was a thief, a liar, and a
rogue in grain, nevertheles. Yes, I believe he had a
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sincere affection for you, my dear boy. He certainly did
a kind act when he restored to me my son
and my cup and a daughter, said Sybil, who entered
at the moment. Who is the light of my eyes,
said Maugan, kissing her. We are happy now, father, After
the storm comes the calm. Therefore, remember to keep thanks,
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said mister Tempest, pointing to the cup. I think we
can make use of the line on that goblet, and
he read out in English the inscription to the Great
God who maketh the heart joyful the gore of Israel,
said mister Tempest, solemnly, Amen and Amen. The end of
(21:43):
the Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh
Chapter twenty of The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh. This
LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Read by Yoganan
The Pagan's Cup, Chapter twenty, Missus Gabriel's sacret. Missus Jeal
was not pleased. She was a woman who liked to
(00:22):
make mischief and preferred to leave sorrow rather than joy
behind her. In her time, she had caused a good
deal of misery, and she had always rejoiced over it.
But now that she had been forced to undo the
evil she had committed, her heart ached bad. As Pratt was,
his wife was words, and if he had indeed killed
(00:43):
her as he had threatened, he would have been doing
a service to Mankin. Missus Jeal was a noxious snake
who should have been killed without pity. On leaving the vicarage,
she went home at once and found the cottage empty,
as Pearl had not yet returned. Missus Child wrought out
the letter and again read it. Then she turned white
(01:03):
and shivered. Finally, she put it into the fire and
washed it burn to black ashes. Afterwards, she filled herself
a glass of brandy and drank it neat Yet she
was an abstemious woman as a rule. There must have
been something very terrible in that letter to make it
take to strong drink, and what was in it no
(01:23):
one in Chollister ever found out. Having burned it, missus
Chell put it out of her mind as well as
she was able, Yet often afterwards she shivered to think
of what might have happened had it been open in
the vicarage library and narrow shaved that muttered missus Cheel. Shortly,
when she had recovered herself in some measure, Pearl danced
(01:45):
into the room. She was now quite her old, happy self.
The restoration of the cup had made a believe that
God had forgiven her, and that the Master believed her
worthy to be the guardian of the Holy Grail. Raston
had arranged the matter in order to save her from
further misery. Earlier Sunday morning, he had taken the cup
across the moor and had placed it on the turf alter,
knowing that their Pearl, as was accustomed, would come and
(02:08):
seek it. He had not anticipated such a dramatic scene
as had taken place in the chapel. Pearl believed in
her own weak mind that the Master had brought the
cup down again from heaven. She would starefore glad and
merry and a singing and dancing annoyed missus Jeeal, Keep quite, you, minx,
she cried savagely, Oh, I'll have you shut up. Where
(02:30):
have you been after making an exhibition of yourself? I've
been looking at the cup, said Pearl gayly. It's on
the altar. I'm pleased the Master has given it again
into my charge. He has forgiven me, and some day
I shall be with him in paradise. It was in
missus Jill's wicked mind to tell the truth to the girl,
but she knew that Pearl would not accept the explanation. Besides,
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strange as it may seem, even missus Jeel had some
compunction in making the girl miserable. The woman was evil
to the core, but she must have had some good
in her. Therefore she held a tongue on the subject
of the cup. Where were you so early this morning?
She asked, I found your bed empty at six o'clock.
I went to the altar to find the cup brought
(03:12):
down by the dear Master, replied Pearl, And I was
watching Sir Frank Hale and his sister going away. They
drove with two horses and many boxes. I did not,
missus Jills jumped up and seized Pearl's arm. What do
you mean, she asked, Has Sir Frank Hale gone? And
his sister? Said Pearl, twisting away with a frightened face.
(03:33):
They have left, Collister and gone away away, oh far away,
Oh oh, what are hold your tongue? Said missus Jeeal,
thrusting her into a chair. And sit you there till
I come back. She hurriedly, put on a bonnet and shawl.
If you stir, I'll kill you, and she hurried out
of the house. Pearl's news was true. There was no
(03:54):
one in the Hale's house save an old woman who
was to act as scare taker. She explained. The Sir
Frank and his sister had left early that morning, and
by this time were on their way to London. Whence
they departed in a few days for the continent. Did
they leave no message for me? Asked missus Cheel, her
face growing black as she clenched her hand. No, why
(04:15):
should they, asked the crone contemptuously. What have fine folks
like them to do with a woman like you? I'll
slap your face if you talk to me like that?
Raised missus Cheel, her first nature coming up almost I
have influenced with your master. I can have you turned away.
No you can't, replied the other hag. Why I heard
(04:36):
Sir Frank say how glad he was to get away
without seeing you he called you, which he did, did
he muttered missus Cheele furiously, Now just you. She was
going on to threaten the caretaker when she found a
door banged in her face and heard the mocking laughter
of the old woman behind it. Treated thus scornfully, missus
(04:57):
Cheild stamped and raged like one possessed. Not a penny,
she muttered, and he promised. Ha. Then, my sir, the beast,
I'll be even with him. There's the money for the cup.
I can follow. I can, but I want more now
that I've given up my secret. Her face grew dark
as she thought of the burnt letter. I shall be poor. Ha.
(05:20):
She stopped, and, biting a finger, looked towards the castle.
I can make up pay this evening. Then it'll be
worth more than the cup. One secret is of no use,
but I've another another. She shook her fist at the
house of Sir Frank and said something about him that
was not exactly a blessing, then returned home with a
(05:41):
mind made of She wished to leave callised her, which
was now too hot for her, as Sybil would look
after Pearl. There would be no difficulty in that quarter.
She had saved money, and with what she had got
from falling the cup, she was fairly well off for
a station in life. But missus Cheel was greedy and
wanted Missus Gabriel was to be the milchcow this time.
(06:03):
Thus it came about that Missus Gabriel was informed that
evening that Missus Cheel wished to see her at once
on important business. The underlying insolence of the message annoyed
Missus Gabriel, who always prided herself on keeping the lower
orders in what she called their proper place, which was
under her heel. And Missus Gabriel was in no mood
to be merciful to insolence. Some kind friend had informed
(06:27):
her of the discovery of Leo's true position. She was
savagely angry an account of pratt she had hated the
young man, and later on, when he came to defy her,
she had disliked him on his own account that he
should have a title and that he should marry Sybil Tempest.
These things were all gall and bitterness to the haughty woman.
She wanted Leo to be a slave, to punish him
(06:48):
for Pratt's misdemeanors. But a slave had escaped, and she
could do nothing save sit in the empty room, eating
out her heart in the bitterness of impotent anger. She
could do nothing. Leo was gone, pride was gone, and
she was left a lonely woman. She had not even
the comfort of feeling that she could revenge herself. Feeling
(07:09):
in this mood, she was not unwilling to see Missus Cheele.
Here at least was some one on whom she could
went to rage. With an imperious gesture, she ordered the
woman to be admitted and received her with a stormy
bro Missus jeal smiled. She knew that she had the
upper hand and was not to be intimidated by stormy looks.
Waiting till the servant had departed and the door was closed,
(07:30):
she introduced herself. I have to speak to you on
important business, my lady, she said, with assumed meekness, and
addressing Missus Gabriel by a title to which she laid
no claim. This was done to accentuate the latter part
of the interview. Missus Cheele was quite as well prepared
as was Missus Gabriel to make herself disagreeable. She also
(07:51):
was out of tune. What business can a woman like
you have with me? Demanded Missus Gabriel with scorn, and
put up a log net to freeze Missus Jeal with
a look. But Missus Jeal had borne the looks of
even greater ladies than Missus Gabriel. It is strange, is
it not, my lady, she sniggered, But I've something to
talk about which will interest your ladyship very much. Indeed,
(08:13):
Missus Gabriel looked most scornful there ever, And I believe
you have to do with this precious discovery I have,
my lady. Mister Haley is now Lord Morven. I proved
his right to the title. You see, my lady, I
was a nurse at Kilspindy Castle and is told his
lordship and a child. How dare you speak to me
like this, cried Missus Gabriel. Do you not know that
(08:36):
I can have you arrested for such an admission? Oh no,
you cannot, my lady, retorted Missus Jeal cooldy. Only Lord
Kilspindy can do that, and yees let me go free.
Then you leave this place, said Missus Gabriel, haughtily. I'll
have no one in callister likely to cut up the
models of the people. Ah, you have great power here,
my lady, great power, thought missus Cheel. Missus Gabriel blood
(09:00):
grew cold as she saw the look in the woman's eye.
I don't understand you. Leave the room in the place,
she said, All in good time, my lady, replied Missus
Jel calmly, and took a seat. As this was more
than Missus Gabriel could bear, she rose, you infamous creature,
she cried furiously, out of my house. Oh, I'll have
(09:23):
you thrown out by my servants, my house, my servants,
my estates, sneered Missus Jeald, keeping an eye on a victim.
Are you sure you can talk like that, my lady,
I repeat, I don't understand you, stammered Missus Gabriel, Sitting down.
She was beginning to be afraid Missus Jeal would not
dare to speak. So unless she possessed some information dangerous
(09:46):
to the lady of the castle, I shall leave the
parish to morrow, went on missus child coldly. I've no
wish to remain. Miss Tempest will take care of pearl.
And what have I to do with that? Said Missus Gabriel,
sitting up this much. I want your ladyship to give
me a thousand pounds. Ah, I thought so. Your mission
(10:06):
here is one of blackmail. Missus Jill shrugged the plump shoulders.
Some people would call it that, she said, dropping the
courtesy title. And as you have paid blackmail to Pratt
all these years, I don't see why you should not
give me a thousand pounds to get rid of me Pratt.
Missus Gabriel could hardly speak. What do you know? I
(10:28):
know that Pratt was married to you in Switzerland when
you were miss Heavily, and that you afterwards married mister Gabriel.
The property was left by mister Gabriel to my wife.
Those were the words used in the will. And you,
miss Havely, were never mister Gabriel's wife. It's not true,
muttered Missus Gabriel, her lips quivering. It is true, you
(10:51):
know it is, said the other woman. A word from
Pratt and you would have been turned out of possession. Here,
he held his tongue so long as you took the
child and brought him up. I have held my tongue
also because I was afraid of Pratt. But now he
has told my secret about Lord Morven. I want money
on my own account so as to get away from
him across the seas. Missus Gabriel drummed on the table.
(11:15):
She saw that this woman was too much for her.
What you say is perfectly true, she said. I met
Pratt in Switzerland when I was a young girl. We
were married in Geneva, and I afterwards found out what
a brute was. We parted. Afterwards, I heard that he
was dead and regarded myself as free to marry Gabriel. Oh,
that was one of Pratt's jokes, said Missus jeal easily.
(11:38):
He was always a merry sort of brute. But you see,
I can turn you out, not without Pratt's aid, said
Missus Gabriel fiercely. I won't give up the property to
go to the crown. I love power, and I intend
to keep what I have. Pratt made me take that
child and lie about him. He made me introduce him
to Collis's society, and for years he has taken money
(11:58):
from me all this. Do you think I'll give it
up now? I will fight? Missus Geel laughed unpleasantly. I
can put a weapon into her hand to fight with.
She said, that is if you give me a thousand pounds.
What do you mean, panted Missus Gabriel, throwing herself forward
and seizing Missus Jel by the shoulder. Can you will
(12:20):
you if you give me a thousand pounds? Replied the
other woman, quite unmowed and looking up with a wicked
eyes into Missus Gabriel's agitated face. What do you know? Quick?
Tell me? Missus Gabriel shook her. Don't shake me, said
Missus Jeel, tartly, twisting herself free. If you want to
know my secret, I'll tell it to you. I am
(12:42):
Pratt's lawful wife. Missus Gabriel put her hand to her
forehead and reeled to the end of the room. Wife wife,
she muttered, Then I'm not You're not his wife, finished
missus Jel coolly. You never were his wife, seeing you
was married to me before you met you. You are
(13:03):
Missus Gabriel, the widow of John Gabriel, in the possessor
of this property. Can you can you prove this, asked
the other woman, gasping. I'll give you my marriage certificate
for a thousand pounds, said Missus Jean. I don't want it.
I've had enough of pratt. Then you can see the
church where we were married and said the register. Oh
(13:24):
it's all right, give me the certificate. Missus Gabriel stretched
out her hand eagerly. Not without a thousand pounds, said
missus Cheal resolutely. I'll give you a check, said Missus Gabriel,
hurrying to a writing desk. Missus Jeal shook her head.
Won't do, she remarked, I've had to do with ladies before.
You might stop that check when I had given you
(13:46):
what you wanted. No, come to the bank, give me
the money in notes, and I'll place your certificate in
your hands. We can't go to the bank to night,
said Missus Gabriel, frowning. Oh, I can wait till tomorrow,
replied missus Jell coolly. Missus Gabriel lost her temper and
stamped a foot. Give me that certificate or I'll have
you arrested. Oh so you want me to tell my
(14:08):
story and court my lady. You dared too, Then give
me the thousand pounds. Missus Jell was beginning to lose
a temper. Here's a coil about a trifle, she said angrily.
Instead of asking you for a blackmail, as I could
have done, I offer to give you freedom, and you
won't pay for it. I will. Here's a check. Come
with me to the bank at Portront tomorrow and you
(14:30):
can cash it in my presence. The certificate will be
given to you whether the notes are in my hand.
You can take me to Portron with my boxes as
I then can catch the afternoon streamer to London. I've
given up my cottage and sold me furniture and pack
me things. Tomorrow I'll take Pearl to miss Tempest and
then we can drive to the bank. You insolent woman,
(14:54):
raised Missus Gabriel. She was obliged to yield, for once
in a life she had met a person of her
own sex who had as bad a temperor as herself.
The two women had a royal battle, but in the
end victory declared itself on the side of Missus Cheeal,
and she departed in triumph. The next morning, Sybil was
informed that Missus Jeal and Pearl were waiting to see
(15:14):
her guessing the woman's errand Miss Tempest descended. Missus Jeal
perfectly respectful, dropped her curtsey. I've brought you pearl, my lady,
she said, I'm not my lady, said Sybil coldly. You
soon will be smarked. Missus Cheal. Lady marwn well, I
don't grudge it to you. You're not so bad as
some Here's Pearl. Sybil took the hand of the poor creature,
(15:38):
who was shedding tears at the thought of losing missus Cheel.
Don't cry, Pearl, You'll be quite happy with me. Remember
you have to look after the cup. Whereat Pearl clapped
her hands and was joyful again. I sha'n't want you
any more, said Pearl to missus Cheal. The Master has
given me the cup to look after, and you're too
wicked to come near me. Missus Cheal winced and looked
(16:01):
on Here's gratitude. She sighed, I've loved but one thing
in my life, and it turns against me. Well, Pearl,
I hope you will be happy. Good Bye, she paused,
and then went on, And my lady, I would like
to tell you the reason I told that lie about
Lord Morgan having pawned the cup. It was Sir Frank
Hale made me do it. Sir Frank, echoed Sybil in amazement.
(16:24):
Why should he? It was partly your fault, miss said
missus Jell coolly. He loved you and he loved his sister.
If Lord Morgan had married miss Edith and you had
married Sir Frank, all would have been well. But on
that night I brought back the cup, he saw me
and got the truth out of me. There he used
me for his own INDs, so as to get the
(16:45):
plame laid on mister Haveley. How wicked of him, said
Sybil angrily. Missus Jeel laughed, It was his way, my lady.
But he has gone away and will not trouble you again.
Neither shall I. Good bye, my lady Pearl. But Pearl
turned away like a cross child. Missus Cheal had to
go without a fable kiss, and her wicked nature felt
(17:06):
the slight. However, she controlled her emotion and went off
to Portront with missus Gabriel. There the check was cashed
and missus Chele became possessed of a thousand pounds in
Bank of England notes. She would take no other, And
there's a certificate. She said to missus Gabriel, Thank God,
cried that lady, seizing it. No, I'm free of that man.
(17:27):
If he comes to Callister again, I'll put him in jail.
And you, hussy, I'll have you ducked. I said you
would talk like that, cheered Missus Cheel, A lucky thing.
I have the notes. Good day, Miss Haverley. And with
this last insulting speech, which she knew was untrue, missus
jeal went away. What became of her no one ever heard.
(17:50):
But creatures like missus Chell always fall on their feet
like cats, perhaps because they have so much of the
cat nature in them. Missus Gabriel, rejoicing in her freedom,
returned to Kolister and became more domineering than ever. Whether
Pratt guessed that his wife would tell her the truth,
it is impossible to sigh. But he never came near
missus Gabriel again, nor did he write to her. If
(18:13):
he had, she would have set to work to trace
him out and have him arrested. With a certificate of marriage.
It was easy for Missus Gabriel to prove that she
had been deceived by a villain, and she would have
had no hesitation, making the affair public. Pratt knew this
and knew her savage nature. He therefore kept away, and
Missus Gabriel, unrestrained by any fear, became more of a
(18:35):
terrant than ever. She refused to come to Leo's wedding
or even to see him, intimating to Sybil, who called
upon her to entry it her to be reconciled to
the new Lord Mauven, that she hated both of them.
Missus Gabriel went away to London for six months and
amused herself be hunting for Pratt. In the meantime, Lord
Mauven and Sybil were married. Also, Raston was united to
(18:56):
his Spiggure. Of the same day, Missus Parthurst bore up heroically.
Whilely she regretted that she had not known of Leo's
true parentage. He might have married Peggy. She would grace
a title, said Missus Parthurst. And now said Lord Kilspindy,
when the wedding was at an end, we will go
to our own place and take the cup with us.
(19:16):
So it came about that the Pagan cup, which was
the luck of the grounds, was replaced in Kilspindy Castle.
There was a brave home coming for the long lost
son and his pride. And there Lord and Lady Marwn lived,
beloved by all. It was a happy ending to Leo's troubles.
After a time, mister Tempest found that he could not
(19:38):
live without his daughter, so he took up his residence
in Kilspindy Castle as a kind of chaplain. Pearl was
already established at the castle and constituted herself the guardian
of the Cup, which in a mad fancy she still
called the holy Grail. No one tried to undeceive her,
but there is no danger of the cup being lost
again while Pearl looks after it, and that that's a
(20:00):
good thing for the grants, since their luck is wound
up in its possession. And who would doubt the truth
of the tradition, said Kilspindy, seeing that three times the
legend has come true. Raston succeeded mister Tempest's vicar of Kolister,
and Missus Gabriel rather approved of him. Thus it was
that Missus Parthurs came to think herself entitled to interfere
(20:20):
and perish affairs as the mother in law of the vicar.
She and Missus Gabriel fought bitterly, and still fight over
the affairs of the kingdom. Raston and Peggy take no notice.
They are perfectly happy. Pratt wrote one letter to Lord Mouven,
telling him that he was going to lead a new
and decent life in South America, and asking the young
(20:40):
man not to think too badly of him. As he
gave no address. Leo could not answer the letter, so
he burnt it and said nothing about it save to
his father. There was some good in Pratt, said Lord Morven. Well, yes,
assented Kilspindy. He was a thief, a liar, and a
rogue in grain, nevertheles. Yes, I believe he had a
(21:01):
sincere affection for you, my dear boy. He certainly did
a kind act when he restored to me my son
and my cup and a daughter, said Sybil, who entered
at the moment. Who is the light of my eyes,
said Maugan, kissing her. We are happy now, father, After
the storm comes the calm. Therefore, remember to keep thanks,
(21:22):
said mister Tempest, pointing to the cup. I think we
can make use of the line on that goblet, and
he read out in English the inscription to the Great
God who maketh the heart joyful the gore of Israel,
said mister Tempest, solemnly, Amen and Amen. The end of
(21:43):
the Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hugh
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