RODNEY MAKES HIS APPEARANCE.
But the morning was not to pass without interruption. The young
mistress of Redfern House was evidently a woman of business. First, a
stout, comely looking woman demanded admittance, and had a long and
evidently a most important interview. Annette, in her sunny corner,
could only hear a word or two--mayonnaise, apricot tart, and so on.
Evidently Averil was making out the _menu_. Then, when Mrs. Adams was
dismissed, Unwin took her place, and again snatches of conversation
reached Annette's ears; they seemed to be discussing some charitable
case, for soup and linen were mentioned.
"You will go yourself, Unwin," she heard Averil say. "My time is fully
occupied to-day; but if you find out that they are really deserving
people, I will call myself to-morrow. In any case a little soup and a
few comforts will do no harm, for the woman is certainly very ill."
"Very well, ma'am: I will pack a basket, and--" Here her voice dropped,
but there was a great deal more said before Unwin left Averil to resume
her letter-writing.
Again there was silence, only broken by the trills of the bullfinch.
Averil's pen traveled rapidly over the paper; then she stopped
and appeared to listen, and a moment afterward rose with a quick
exclamation of annoyance.
"What can she have heard?" thought Annette. But her curiosity was soon
gratified. Averil had forgotten to close the door behind her, and the
next moment Annette heard her speaking to Lottie.
"Why have you stopped playing, Lottie? It is not eleven o'clock. I
thought you told me that you particularly wanted two hours."
"Yes, I did say so, but aunt wants some letters written, and Maud says
she is too busy to do them. Never mind, Averil; don't trouble about it.
I shall only get a scolding from Herr Ludwig because my piece is not
perfect."
"Go back to your playing, Lottie. I will speak to Mrs. Willmot. Now,
don't argue; it is only a waste of time, and you know you have promised
to be guided by me. Quick--march!" Here the drawing-room door closed in
a summary manner.
A heavy footfall in the passage outside--the talk begins again. Annette
pricks up her ears. Yes, she is behind the scenes; she is beginning to
learn the ways of the household.
"Mrs. Willmot, I want to speak to you"--in Averil's voice. "Why is
Lottie always to be interrupted? I thought it was understood between
us that she was to have time for her practicing. Herr Ludwig is an
expensive master; it is throwing my money away unless she prepares
properly for her lesson. Last week he was very angry because she played
her piece so imperfectly."
"I am sure I do not know why you are telling me all this, Averil. I am
not aware that I am interrupting Lottie."
"Maud has just asked her to write some letters."
"Oh, I forgot. I remember now that both the girls told me that they
were too busy; and really Georgina is so careless, and writes such a
shocking hand, that I never care to ask her."
"But Maud is always writing to some one."
"Yes; and every one says how clever and amusing her letters are. But
really she is quite cross if I beg her to answer a few notes. Girls are
so selfish; they never will take trouble for other people."
"I think you should insist on Maud making herself useful. I suppose
we should all grow selfish if we yielded to the feeling. Indeed,
Lottie must not be disturbed; another scolding from Herr Ludwig would
dishearten her. If no one else will write your letters, I must offer my
services."
"You, Averil! What nonsense! Thank you, I prefer to manage my own
business"--very stiffly. "I suppose the letters can wait." Here there
was a slow sweep of a dress over the floor, and the next moment Averil
re-entered. Annette looked at her wistfully, but said nothing, and
again the soothing stillness prevailed. The black poodle slumbered
peacefully; Annette worked on busily; her task was nearly finished. She
made up her mind, when it was completed, that she would slip through
the open window and explore the green, winding path that looked so
pleasant. A garden was a novelty to her, and the sight of the trimly
shaven lawn and gay flower-beds was wonderfully pleasant to her eyes.
Another tap at the door--a quick, imperative tap--followed by the
entrance of a fair, boyish-looking young man, dressed in the height of
fashion.
"I say, Averil, are you very busy? I want to speak to you"--and then he
checked himself as he caught sight of Annette.
"I beg your pardon. I had no idea you had any one with you," honoring
Annette with rather a cool, supercilious stare as he spoke.
"Good-morning, Rodney. This is my cousin, Miss Ramsay. You knew
yesterday that she was expected. Annette, this is Mr. Seymour, my
step-mother's son."
Annette acknowledged the introduction with rather a haughty bend of her
head--the little lace-mender had her pride. These Seymours were not
gracious in their reception of her. Each one in turn had informed her
by their manner that she was an unwelcome guest. Good; she would keep
herself to herself; they should not be inconvenienced by her. A naughty
little sparkle came into Annette's brown eyes.
"If it please you, my cousin, I will take a turn in that pleasant
garden," she said, rather primly. "I have finished the sprig, and Miss
Jones will not know where it has been mended, and then I shall be in no
one's way."
"Please do not disturb yourself on my account, Miss Ramsay," began
Rodney.
But Annette did not give him time to finish. She had had enough of
these Seymours, she told herself, as she brushed a thread or two from
her black dress. She did not even wait for Averil's permission, but ran
down the steps, followed by the black poodle, who was enchanted at the
prospect of a game. Annette had never found out that she had a temper
till that minute. "One must grow tall to stand on tiptoe with these
English," she said, with a little toss of her head, as she walked down
the shrubbery.
Rodney lolled against the window-frame and watched her rather lazily.
"What a very energetic young person!" he muttered. Then aloud, "It must
be an awful bore for you, Averil, having a poor relative turning up in
this unexpected fashion."
"I am not so sure that Annette will prove a bore," replied Averil,
rather coolly. "I am very pleased with the little I have seen of her.
In spite of poverty and hard work, she seems to have a great deal of
refinement. She is clever and amusing, and I have discovered that she
is an excellent companion."
"Indeed! The girls did not seem much impressed by her at breakfast. It
is a pity she is not better-looking. She has a half-starved sort of
appearance. But if you are pleased, and all that--"
"Rodney!" a little impatiently, "did you come to my room to discuss my
cousin's merits and demerits?"
"No, indeed. How sharp you are, Averil! You are always down on a fellow
before he can get a word in. There is no particular hurry, is there?"
fingering the rosebud in his button-hole in a way that provoked Averil.
"No hurry for you," rather sarcastically; "but if you will excuse me
for mentioning it, I am very much pressed for time myself, so please
let me know what you want as quickly as possible."
"Well, you might be a little more gracious, Ave," in a rather sulky
tone. "I don't often take up your precious time, do I?" Then, as she
made no answer, he went on in the same drawling fashion. "The fact
is, I am a bit hard up, and I dare not let the mater know it. She cut
up rough last time, and if there is anything I hate it is a scene--my
nerves won't stand it."
Averil sat down and folded her hands on her lap in a resigned way. Her
manner said mutely that this was exactly what she expected to hear. She
looked such a little creature--so absurdly childish--beside the tall
lazy figure that was propping itself against the wall; but there was
nothing childish in the small, resolute face. Rodney seemed to find the
silence trying. He shifted from one foot to the other, and pulled his
mustache as he furtively eyed her.
"Can't you speak a word to a fellow?" he said, when the situation
became intolerable.
Averil flashed a look at him. "Oh, dear yes; a thousand words if you
like," she returned, scornfully. "The question is, whether the _fellow_
will like them."
"Come now, Ave, don't be so confoundedly hard on me. You are such a
good-natured little soul, and have so often helped me, that you are not
going to turn rusty now."
"Does it never strike you"--in a keen, incisive voice--"that there are
limits even to good nature, that I may possibly have conscientious
scruples about throwing my money away on a spendthrift? Now, please do
not interrupt me, Rodney; I must speak, even if the truth is not to
your taste. I am not one to prophesy smooth things. You have come to
tell me that you have exceeded your allowance, that you are in debt
again, and that you dare not apply to your mother; and I will tell you
in return that you ought to be ashamed of yourself."
"Of course I must bear anything that you choose to say, if I put myself
in this position." And here Rodney seemed to gulp down something.
Averil's voice softened unconsciously. "Rodney, it is for your good I
am speaking. I have no wish to be hard on you or any one, but I can not
see you ruining yourself without a word of remonstrance. How long do
you mean to go on like this, living upon"--she was going to say "me,"
but hastily substituted the word "mother?"
Rodney colored as though he understood her.
"If only something would turn up," he muttered. "It is just like my
luck, failing to pass that examination."
"When people do not work, is it a surprising fact that they cannot
pass an examination? Ill luck--something to turn up!" still more
impatiently. "How I hate those phrases! The very cant of the idler. Is
there anything in this world worth having that can be procured without
effort--without downright labor? 'By the sweat of your brow shall you
eat bread.' Why should you be exempt, Rodney, from the common burden of
humanity?"
"Oh, come! don't preach, Ave. Who says that I don't mean to work?"
"Did you work at Oxford? Are you working now?"
"Perhaps not. But I am young; and even the mater says there is plenty
of time. You need not grudge me a little amusement. I'll work fast
enough by and by."
"My dear," replied Averil, with a quaint motherliness that sat oddly
upon her, "'by and by' is a dangerous ally. 'Now' is a stouter fellow,
and a better staff for a young man. You know what Mr. Harland says,
'The longer you wait for work, the less you will feel inclined for it
when it comes. Idleness never improved any one.'"
"'How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour!'" drawled
Rodney, who was getting weary of this lecture.
"Exactly so. And you have not stored a bit of honey yet. Now, Rodney,
in spite of your impatience, I must beg you to listen to me a moment.
I will help you this once."
"Oh, thanks, awfully! I always knew you were a brick, Averil."
"This once"--holding up her finger impressively. "But, Rodney, never
again. I tell you my conscience will not allow me to do it. I cannot
throw away good money that might help worthy people in paying the debts
of an extremely idle young man, and so encourage him to contract more."
"Upon my word, Averil!" in an affronted tone.
"My dear boy, I am stating the sober truth. You are an idle young man;
and you are far too fond of pleasure. All the Seymours are."
"You are vastly complimentary to the family"--relapsing into sulkiness.
"Why don't you turn us out? You are not bound to put up with us. Come
now, Averil, answer that if you can?"
"I could answer it easily," looking at him with an expression of
sadness. "But silence is golden, Rodney. But do not try me too much.
There are times, I do not deny it, when I long to run away from you
all."
"Well, you are awfully good to us"--in a penitent tone. "I often tell
the girls what a little brick you are. I know we are a troublesome lot.
It is our up-bringing, as Aunt Dinah calls it. The mater has spared the
rod and spoiled the child, don't you know? Awful nuisance that."
Averil smiled. In her heart Rodney was her favorite--weak,
self-indulgent, and easily led. He was not without good impulses, and
he was not so hopelessly selfish as the others.
"Now tell me what you want and I will write the check," she observed,
resuming her business-like manner; "or, better still, let me have your
bills."
"Oh, of course, if you do not trust me!" and Rodney looked hurt and
mortified.
"Very well, I will. Now then!" and as Rodney whispered the amount in
her ear she merely elevated her eyebrows, but made no remarks as she
wrote the check and passed it to him. She checked his profuse thanks.
"Never mind about that. I never care much for words. If you want to
please me, if you have the faintest wish to preserve my respect, you
will look out seriously for a berth. You will ask Mr. Harland to help
you. Do, Rodney; do, my dear boy; and I shall still live to be proud of
you."
Rodney tried to laugh at her earnestness, but it was easy to see that
his light facile nature was touched.
"Well, I will see about it. Don't bother yourself Ave. I never was
worth the trouble. You are a good little soul, and I am awfully
obliged to you. I am, indeed. Oh, there is the young woman--the cousin,
I mean. And I may as well take myself off." And Rodney sauntered off.
"Are you alone? Then I need not fear to interrupt you?" began Annette.
Then she stopped, and regarded Averil with close attention. "Ah! you
are tired, my cousin. You have grown quite pale and fatigued during my
absence. I will take a book to that shady garden seat."
"No, no! I will put away my letters. I have had so many interruptions.
Indeed, I must talk to you, Annette. That is part of my business for
this morning. Shall we go up to your room? I want you to tell me
exactly what you require for renovating your wardrobe, just as you
would have told your mother. You are still in mourning, of course. It
is only six months since you lost her."
"Only six months! To me it seems like six years. Yes, I will keep to my
black gown; any color would dazzle me too much. You are in black, too,
my cousin!"
"Yes; but this is not mourning. I think I dislike any color for myself.
Unwin sees to my dresses. When she thinks I want a new one she tells
me so. I should never remember it myself. But, strange to say, it is
always a pleasure to me to see people round me well dressed."
"That is because you have an artistic taste. Miss Jones dresses well. I
was remarking on her gown this morning."
"Oh, yes! Lottie has excellent taste. And then she knows she is pretty."
Averil could have said more on this subject, but she was singularly
uncommunicative on the subject of her own good deeds. Lottie would
have waxed eloquent on the theme. She could have informed Annette of a
time when the little school-girl had shed hot tears of humiliation and
shame over the out-grown shabby gown, with the ink-stain dropped by a
malicious school-mate on one of the breadths; days when faded ribbons
and mended gloves were the order of the day; when Lottie's piteous
petitions for a new frock, even for new boots, were refused on the
score of reckless extravagance.
Lottie's sweet youth had been imbittered by these minor vexations,
these galling restrictions enforced by unloving tyranny and despotism.
In a thousand ways she had been made to suffer for being an
incumbrance. The bright, lively girl, conscious of latent talents, and
yearning for a higher education and self-culture, was literally starved
and repressed in her intellectual faculties--reduced to a dull level
of small, grinding duties. Lottie had good masters in the school at
Stoke Newington, but as she lacked time for preparation, their lessons
yielded scant profit. She had to teach history and geography to the
young ones, to help them with their sums, their mending, to overlook
their practicing. The young pupil teacher was the drudge of the whole
school. And yet even there she won golden opinions. It was Averil who
was her benefactor, whose sympathy and ready affection smoothed her
daily life. It was Averil who watched over her in a hundred ways.
Lottie had still much to bear from her aunt's selfish caprices, but
her life was a far happier one now. The shabby gowns were things of
the past. Averil had taken that matter in hand. Lottie's fresh, dainty
toilets often caused a remonstrance from Mrs. Willmot, and a sneering
remark from Maud or Georgina. Her neglected musical powers were
cultivated by the eminent Herr Ludwig. Lottie was not ungrateful for
all this kindness. Her loving nature blossomed into fresh sweetness,
and she repaid Averil by the devotion of her young girlish heart--"my
sweet Saint Averil," as she often called her.