An I.D.B. in South Africa Part 14

"Why do you think that?"

"Well," said Kate, slowly, "I glided over the surface of life then, and did not appreciate half there was to be found in it. I realise now, that it is a great, a grand thing to live."

"And you make others think the same thought when they come near you."

"Ah! if I could have that power, what a rich woman I would be. What knowledge I would have, and what good I could do."

"Don't say 'if,'" Kate felt the doctor's eyes looking down upon her, as he spoke, and knew that he was deeply moved as he continued:

"I think I am a n.o.bler man since I first met you. Your thoughts have been a refreshing draught to my thirsty soul. The divine womanhood in you has at last awakened my true self."

"Then my coming has done some good; I am content."

The doctor stood with his hand behind him. Att.i.tude and form expressing the n.o.bility of manhood, as he looked at this queen of his heart.

Drawing a long breath he said: "I am not in a mood to talk plat.i.tudes, for my life has now become an earnest endeavour. I would rather you would wound me, than to endure another day of suspense such as I have pa.s.sed through since you left me. Words are but clumsy vehicles to bear the expression of my feelings for you. You seem to be a part of myself--my spirit-mate. Kate, my beloved, come to me; let me call you-- wife!"

As he said this he made a step forward, and grasped the hammock, trembling from head to foot. Kate remained silent, while the doctor stood with his hand still on the hammock patiently waiting her reply.

Kate was pale to her lips, as she replied: "My friend, I will be as truthful to you, as one soul can be to another; and I think you will understand me. I am happier now than I have ever been, in my life. I am at peace with myself. To say that I am perfectly happy, would be to say what no one yet has said truly; but it is a question, a very serious one with me, whether marriage would bring me greater happiness than I now know."

"Would not this love I bear for you make you happier? G.o.d did not place you in my pathway without a purpose."

"That is true. But let us be sure that this love is not a fancy!"

"A fancy! Have you no feeling for me deeper than you give to a mere friend?"

"Yes."

"Thank G.o.d!" and the doctor raised his eyes, then let them fall upon her face with an adoring look.

"But I cannot make you understand, that I would spare you suffering later on. Let me tell you. Love, to me, means perfect trust. I could never stoop to find out if you ever deceived me. If I did, love would die out of me that instant, and then how dreary my life would be. I don't want to be wretched through any mistaken fancy. When I surrender, it must bring me what I long for--Contentment."

"Come to me, Kate, and trust me! I am not here without being certain that our lives can be made of use and joy to each other, for I love you.

I love you. I have been smothering my feelings so long, that it is now a relief to tell you of it," and the doctor took one of her hands in his, and held it firmly.

"Tell me, Kate, is marriage distasteful to you?"

"Not my ideal of the true married state. When I look at my married friends, and see among them so many lovely women wretched, and unable to solve the problem of happiness, I pray that my life may escape like miserable failure."

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

WHAT SHALL THEY DO WITH IT?

"Explain to me your ideal of married life?"

"It is one of joy and happiness and of usefulness to our neighbours as well as ourselves. I have come to the conclusion that the restlessness in married people, which leads to divorces, springs entirely from selfishness. As for me, I want henceforth to make my life one of use to every one that comes near me. Every one is given at least one talent for use; not to hide and h.o.a.rd away. Except for its new duties and relations, married life has no higher ideals than single life. The same earnest unselfish principles should actuate us in whatever sphere we are called. We must shut our eyes to everything but the good in those who seek us, and so call out the best there is in them. That is the great secret of happiness. Encourage a soul to grow, and it will soar far beyond its highest fancies."

"Kate! you voice the feelings of my best nature. The life of a conscientious physician is only one of use to his neighbour. How might we, equally devoted to humanity and usefulness, work together. If you could but trust yourself to me, we could surely do much good in our lives, one in heart and purpose. Do not fear to trust yourself in my keeping. I know the responsibility of holding a woman's happiness in keeping, and I would hardly let my first betrayal of any trust be a treachery to the wife of my choice."

Kate looked long and earnestly at the brilliant stars, that hung from the blue curtain of night. She seemed to drink of an inspiring force, and her eyes matched the brilliancy of the heavenly orbs, as she looked into his, that were so strong and true. In a clear voice she said:

"I am yours in trust."

The next instant she was gathered in his arms, and held there, while his lips pressed her brow. It would have seemed like mockery to have spoken at such a moment. Words are needless when Love sits enthroned. Then it is that heart speaks to heart.

"Miss Darcy?"

"Yes, Margaret."

"May I speak with you a moment?"

"Well, what is it?" and Kate approached Margaret, who stood a little distance from the lovers.

"A strange creature is here who wishes to see you."

"See me? Is it a man or woman?"

"He looks like a Bushman."

"What can a Bushman want of me?" said Kate, walking toward the house.

In the still night air, the doctor had heard every word, and now followed her. He found Bela talking rapidly to her in clicks and vowel sounds, with his hand held over his eyes.

When Kate saw the doctor she laughingly said:

"He sounds like a cricket! Can you understand the jargon?"

At sight of the doctor, Bela acted like one insane with delight. He clapped his hands and kept time with his feet, while his body swayed in strange undulating motions.

"Let us go into the house, Miss Darcy," and making a motion to the Bushman to follow, they entered the salon. The doctor sat down, and Bela stood and told his story. As he proceeded the doctor's face was a study to Kate, who knew from its expression that something very strange had occurred.

In a few moments putting his fingers to Bela's eyes, he lifted the lid and slipped the gla.s.s eye from under it. As he did so, the concealed diamond fell into his hand.

"Great Scott!" exclaimed the doctor.

Bela chuckled, and began to clap his hands and express delight in his usual way. Kate gave one look, and sank into a chair. They sat for a moment looking at each other, in stupefaction. Then Kate asked:

"What does it all mean?"

"It means that Donald Laure has been arrested on suspicion of being an I.D.B. and this creature has been a faithful servant to Mrs Laure. You may go outside and wait for me, Bela." When the Bushman had gone, the doctor continued: "Knowing you were a friend to his mistress, he has run from the Fields to you, without stopping, carrying the diamond in his eye! These natives are wonderfully astute, and Bela knowing that as you were living in the Orange Free State out of the pale of the law of Griqua Land West, the land of diamonds, if he could deliver this diamond into your keeping, he would be safe, and every one else connected with it."

"What would I have done with the diamond? Mercy! how glad I am that you are here."

"Already, Kate, I am of use to you? I am very glad indeed, for your sake, that I am here."

"What will you do with it?"