Produced by Al Haines.
HARUM SCARUM'S
FORTUNE
_By_ ESME STUART
JARROLDS _Publishers_ LONDON
_Limited, 10 and 11 Warwick Lane, E.C._
First Printed in 1910
Reprinted 1913
" 1915
" 1916
" 1917
" 1918
" 1919
" 1921
" 1923
" 1924
" 1925
_By the same author_:
HARUM SCARUM
HARUM SCARUM MARRIED
*CONTENTS.*
CHAPTER
I. DO YOU REMEMBER?
II. FIFTY THOUSAND A YEAR
III. BEFORE THE FRAY
IV. VERY EARLY
V. PREPARATIONS
VI. REAL SILVER
VII. THE VISITORS ARRIVE
VIII. A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
IX. A BARN DANCE
X. THE PATH OF PERFECTION
XI. THE NEW SECRETARY
XII. AN UNDIGNIFIED SITUATION
XIII. A BIG PILE
XIV. THE FIRST-FRUITS
XV. GENTLE AND SIMPLE
XVI. UNEXPECTED NEWS
XVII. STUCK IN A BOG
XVIII. A GENEROUS COUSIN
XIX. A REFUGE
XX. SHAPING A ROMANCE
XXI. PLAYING WITH FIRE
XXII. FAILURE
XXIII. TEN MINUTES
XXIV. LEWIS' DECISION
XXV. SHORT NOTICE
XXVI. ANOTHER OFFER
XXVII. A TERRIBLE SECRET
XXVIII. LILIES AND A WEDDING
XXIX. AN ANGRY LAWYER
XXX. A FIERY ORDEAL
XXXI. HOME AGAIN
*Harum Scarum's Fortune*
*CHAPTER I.*
*DO YOU REMEMBER?*
Toney Whitburn pulled in her thorough-bred suddenly by a gap in the park
and looked at her companion. The two had met by chance and they had had
a canter together, so that the exercise had made the girl look radiant,
and her hair, though twisted round her well-shaped head, rebelled at the
restriction, and in protest curled itself round her temples and the nape
of her neck.
"Do you know--I'm twenty-one to-morrow. Isn't it terrible?"
"Terrible!" answered the young Squire, Lewis Waycott, with a smile half
of amusement and half of sympathy.
"You don't think so, but I do! You know I've honestly tried to become
'a young lady with expectations.' I've been to a finishing school at
Paris, and I've tried to learn German at Dresden, and I've gone to sleep
through ever so many concerts, and I've seen all the old things at
Rome--and yet----"
"You haven't succeeded? You are just the same as you were, thank
Heaven!"
Toney's joyous laugh woke the echoes.
"No, I've failed utterly, though, honest Injun, I have tried! Aunt Dove
says so! She's always implying what a national misfortune it is that
to-morrow I shall be my own mistress, but now, will you--you have always
been awfully chummy--will you be the judge?"
"Between you and Lady Dove?"
"Yes. You know I offered to be her companion--and I meant it----"
"You always mean what you say, Toney."
"I try to because Pups always did-- Oh, if only he could just come to
me now and say, 'Toney, you must'--no, he always said _we_ must--do this
and that with our money."
"I wish he could--but if you ask me, Toney, I should say give it all to
Lady Dove, as she seems mighty jealous of your having it."
For a moment Toney looked at her companion with wide open and surprised
eyes, then she answered gravely,
"Do you really mean that?"
"Yes, I do," he muttered.
"You are quite wrong. The dear old General would rise from his grave if
I gave away his present. Oh, I couldn't; besides--I believe he wished
Aunt Dove not to have it, so it would be betraying trust if---- No,
I've got to keep it, but the thing is what I'm to do with it!"
"It's not many people who are puzzled what to do with money. I
suppose--you'll----"
"What? I never knew you jib before."
"I was going to say you'll have lots of offers--and marry some
Nabob----"
Toney laughed.
"How odd you should say that! Do you know, I wanted to ask your opinion
about that very thing, because I can trust you. What does one say if
people make you offers?"
The two had been waiting by the gate that led into the plantation. It
was a lovely October day with the sunshine turning yellow leaves into
gold and decay made glorious by its touches. Toney was so unconscious
that her remark was at all comical, that her companion dared not laugh,
nor did he even dare to look surprised.
"If you love the man, say 'yes,' and if you don't, say 'no.'"
"Thank you. I see it does seem easy and simple. Dear old Crumpet--by
the way, this was the gap she went through on our first visit to you--do
you remember? Well, when we went to Italy together----"
"Lady Dove did not approve!"
"Of course not, but she was wrong. No one could have done it better
than Crumpet. She was just delighted over everything, and I had to hide
my yawns often not to make her sorry; I couldn't stand more than one
gallery a day, and one ruin thrown in, I really couldn't, but she loved
it all. Do you know every now and then she used to burst out into a
soft little laugh all to herself just because she was so happy, and I
was so scrumptiously pleased to hear it, that I swallowed an extra
gallery and did another old ruin without letting her see how sleepy it
made me."
"But she was with you to do as you liked, I thought!"
"Oh, to see Crumpet laugh was what I really enjoyed! Do you remember
what she used to be like, and now what with the Reverend, and Harry, and
Toney, she is quite too happy, she says. But that isn't what I wanted
to say, you'll see her to-morrow, and I've been here so little that it
all brings back the past to-day. You understand?"
"Yes, I do; it seems ages since you were here, except on awfully short
visits."
"Well, in Italy, there was a young man who made me an offer."
"What impudence!"
"Oh, no, and he didn't do it to me personally, because he told Crumpet I
never gave him the tiniest chance, but he did it to her instead! Wasn't
it funny, and she wept bitterly when she told me, she thought it was her
fault."
"And what answer did you give him?" This time his companion smiled.
"I begged Crumpet to tell him Pups had said that he pitied any man who
married me, as I was such a dasher--you know--and that Aunt Dove said no
one would ever propose to _me_ except he wanted my money!"
The man at her side bit his lip and impatiently flipped his horse with
his whip, holding him in tightly at the same time.
"Lady Dove said that!"
"Yes, and of course it's true! Aunt Dove does say the truth now and
then. Don't you see yourself that it's true? I'm not like your cousin
or Silvia Hales, or any of the nice girls about! Aunt Dove says Paris,
Rome, Berlin, Dresden, and London, have all failed to make me an English
young lady."
"A good thing too!"
"Oh, you say that because we are chums, but I know it's true. I can't
_feel_ different, though I've tried. Once a month I say 'make me a new
heart' in the Psalms, you know, but nothing happens, so I suppose it
isn't possible to alter some people, and I'm one of them."
"Nonsense!"
"No, it's true; Madame Lemoine, at Paris, used to say, 'Il faut toujours
dire la verite en famille,' but to other people it didn't matter. I
told her it was all wrong, but she never could see it my way, so I gave
it up, and she was an old dear in spite of her fibs!"
"She didn't convert you to fibbing, Toney!"
"There you see, I can't alter, but that wasn't what I was going to say.
Do you know that last night, dear Uncle Evas--who is really quite
cheerful now--and didn't he enjoy his times at Rome with me and Crumpet?
for you know that with a lot of trouble and a little bribery I think, he
got a month off last year."
They both laughed heartily, and slowly walked their horses on together.
If a stranger had seen them he would have paused to look at this picture
of the man and the maid.
"Well, what did your uncle say?"
"Oh, it was funny. He wanted to give me good advice about my coming of
age! He cleared his throat and said, 'My dear Antonia, to-morrow you
will be----' Then I laughed so much that he couldn't help joining in
too, so I just gave him a hug till he begged for mercy."
Her companion also bowed his head over his horse's mane in happy
laughter.
"I see, Toney, it's true you _are_ incorrigible!"
"Yes, but really I don't believe you could have been so cruel as to let
Uncle Dove give you a homily, now, could you? It would only have given
him a sore throat for a month."
"I should like to have heard him all the same."
"You know he's just all right deep down in his heart, but he can't
preach to save his life. However, when I released him--Aunt Dove had
gone to bed, and he was so afraid of her hearing us--he showed me a long
list of names, all men's names."
"Good heavens! What for?"
"I was a bit surprised too, and he laughed and said, 'Don't be afraid,
they are not suitors,' then I scolded him and said he knew I never
thought of such things. Well, then he explained that as I was coming
into so much money--and do you know somehow it's a lot more than they
expected--I must have a secretary, because it would take all my time and
strength to open the letters. There's a lot come already, begging me to
buy carpets and boots and smoked bacon, and heaps more things!"
"Never open letters, then you won't want a secretary," said Lewis
decidedly.
"And I said, 'Oh, I can find a girl to do it,' but uncle intimated that
there was more work than any poor girl could do, and that I must have a
trained man--sort of lawyer--Mr. Staines insists on it, because he
doesn't trust me with money--they none of them do--and fancy, dear old
uncle had been spending hours collecting a lot of right-minded young men
for me! Isn't it funny?"
"Very unnecessary; the London lawyers could do it all."
"No, they say they can't be bothered about begging letters, and so on;
anyhow, I've got to have a secretary. I looked at the list and their
testimonials and oh, do you know, everyone was perfect, and all their
friends declared there was not a fault in them, so I told uncle it
didn't matter which I took, and I suggested we should put their names on
slips of paper and stick them up in his hat and pull one out!"
"Did he consent?"
"No! he was afraid I should tell of him I think, anyhow I had to choose,
and there was one with an Australian uncle who recommended him highly.
Out there we always recommended our relations, it wasn't neighbourly not
to say all the good and leave out all the bad, so I told uncle I'd have
him. Plantagenet Russell, that's his name. His father was a black
sheep out home, but his uncle says he is most gentlemanly!"
"Toney, how ridiculous! Of course he's a plant too!"
"Gracious stars! what's the matter? I told you Uncle Dove had written
about them all, he's all right and he's coming the day after to-morrow
to see us, so as to avoid the coming of age party. You've promised to
come, haven't you? I've been working so hard to get everything right
for it."
"Of course, we are all coming."
"Heaps of Aunt Dove's friends are coming. We haven't had one refusal.
Awfully kind of them, though of course I would much rather some of them
didn't come, it's only to see if I've improved."
"Shall I stay away?"
"Why it would not be coming of age without you and Crumpet and Uncle
Dove and Doctor Latham, and a few more--and Jim's coming to be my
coachman and groom all in one, because Aunt Dove doesn't want to pay
anything for me now I'm rich. Jim is just a faithful friend, and he's
still engaged to his second young woman, the first was a bit fast so he
gave her the slip one day."
"How do you know, Toney?"
"Jim and I have corresponded regularly. You see if you just leave go of
these young fellows they soon forget their promises, besides I kept all
his savings, and he's a nice little lump now in the Savings Bank. Oh,
dear, it's tea-time and I must scoot! Mr. Staines is coming to explain
things to me, and there's no end to do, but Crumpet is staying with me
in our old rooms, top storey, and she'll help a bit. You should see the
rooms, I spent all one quarter's pocket money on them, and now they're
real palatial, at least Crumpet's is; I hate a lot of things, but I put
in a big tub and---- Oh! gracious stars! I must go, so good-bye, dear
old chum!"
Toney Whitburn held out a strong young hand and her companion grasped
it.
"Look here, Toney, if you are in trouble or want anything, anything, you
know--you'll ask me to help you--promise?"
"Of course I will. Haven't I just now asked you about young men and
offers, all because I thought you would know and wouldn't laugh."
"Yes, thank you--and I'll come to-morrow in spite of not being sure I
shall be welcome."
"There! you are telling fibs like Madame, but honest truth, I'd rather
have you and Jim at my party, than any other men I know."
"Thanks awfully," and with a laugh the two separated. Toney galloped
across the park, and the Squire was just going to jump the fence when he
paused and looked back at her.
"Oh, Toney, Toney," he said to himself; "when will you understand, but
even if you did I'll never let that horrid old cat say I wanted your
money! Hang it all--and now there's a beastly young secretary coming to
be always in her pocket. Sir Evas ought to know better!"
*CHAPTER II.*
*FIFTY THOUSAND A YEAR.*
Aldersfield House had changed very little outwardly since Antonia
Whitburn and Trick had arrived there as lonely orphans. There was the
same heavy, handsome, mid-Victorian furniture, the same stately and
punctilious servants, or others of the same specie, because the same
Lady Dove presided over the establishment. But as every human being
changes for better or for worse, there was something even more
displeasing than formerly in Lady Dove's face. She was a prey--and had
been ever since the memorable day when she heard the news of Toney's
good fortune--to the demon of jealousy, who never leaves his victims
many peaceful moments, and just now he was her constant visitor. Toney
had been very little at Aldersfield, because Sir Evas and Mr. Staines,
the lawyer, had insisted on her having foreign advantages, and Lady Dove
had eagerly acquiesced. The very sight of Toney increased her malady,
but as no one knew this it had been decided that Toney should, for the
present, live with her uncle and aunt, for everyone recognised that she
had not learnt the use of money, and that it was not safe for her to be
left quite unprotected. Strange to say Toney had not rebelled when she
was told of this decision; she was very fond of her uncle, and though
secretly she called Aunt Dove her "cross," she meant to carry the burden
bravely so that Sir Evas should be able to be "off duty" as often as
possible. The other plans that had been maturing in the mind of Harum
Scarum were for the present kept a secret.
Before Toney could take off her habit she was bidden to come and see Mr.
Staines in her uncle's study, so she and Trick hastily ran in, and
indeed, Trick, having got jambed between her feet, nearly succeeded in
making his mistress tumble--as it was, she lurched into the room in a
most undignified manner.
"Gracious stars! I nearly took a header! It's Trick's fault. How do
you do, Mr. Staines? I hope you won't be very solemn, as I want
everyone to be awfully jolly to-morrow. I've made my own time-table
this time," and the remembrance of Aunt Dove's time-table nearly upset
Toney's gravity.
Mr. Staines had happily a sense of fun, besides he knew what to expect
and merely smiled.
"It is my duty to be solemn, Miss Whitburn, but I fear it is an
impossible duty in your presence! To-morrow you will come of age and you
will have the sole control of your fortune. I tried to make General
Stone insert some restrictions in his will, but he refused. I can still
near our dear old friend saying, 'If you knew Toney Whitburn, Staines,
you would know restrictions would be of no use!'"
Sir Evas was smiling in his corner. Perhaps Toney's fortune had brought
him more happiness than to anyone else, for being her guardian, he had
been fully occupied during her minority, and the work had been a real
pleasure and occupation for him. Besides this, once a year he had got a
month--not in prison, but with Toney abroad, and what good times those
had been, even though he always had to pay handsomely for them on his
return home. Now he added,
"The General was a very unwise man, and I do hope, Toney----"
"Yes, I know, uncle!---- Oh dear, I suppose my youth has flown now!
I've got to do such a lot of thinking--but look here, Mr. Staines, tell
me the amount I may spend and I'll promise I'll do it."
"This was what I wished to explain. Sir Evas Dove in accounting for his
guardianship has left everything in order, and by a curious piece of
luck he bought some land for you with some surplus money, which has
turned out to be extremely valuable, as a rich vein of coal has been
discovered on it. You will have---- Ehem--at least----"
"Oh, I don't mind, Mr. Staines, so don't hesitate at the figure."
"You will have fifty thousand a year, Miss Whitburn. It is a larger
fortune than General Stone anticipated, and I can only hope that you
will not long have to bear the burden of the fortune alone. Ehem--I
hope that a happy marriage will--ere long----"
Toney shook her head and laughed.
"Oh no, it's no good hoping. Aunt Dove says no one would marry me
except for the money, but I'll manage all right, and Uncle Evas will
help, won't you!"
"I do not wish to influence you, Toney, my duty ends to-day, but you
have never wanted for pluck----"
"No, no, certainly not," said the lawyer, "but if I may say so, Miss
Whitburn, your ample pocket money seemed to melt in your hands. Several
times you wrote to me for more, and in your last letter----"
Toney laughed as she seized Trick in the act of making a dash at Mr.
Staines' heels.
"Yes, I know there was never enough. I'm a bit like Pups in that; our
box was always getting empty, but there will be a heap now. Oh dear!"
and Toney for a moment heaved a deep sigh.
"I've kept the amount of Toney's fortune a secret, Mr. Staines,
from--the neighbourhood," said Sir Evas, "it's better so; of course
there are fortune hunters everywhere and--I think, my dear, you had
better not mention the actual figures. Everyone knows you will have
some money, but even your aunt does not know accurately." Sir Evas
looked a little shame-faced.
"Oh dear, I hate secrets," sighed Toney, "I'll try and say nothing--but
gracious stars! I needn't tell anyone how it goes, need I, for it would
be more than I could do?"
"Of course you need not, but it is more business-like to keep accounts,"
said the lawyer sternly, "and to come to details, it would be better to
give Lady Dove the same amount as she has had, as long as you live
here."
"Of course. You'll do that, Mr. Staines, and if you double it, perhaps
she'll not dislike me so much."
Sir Evas shook his head deprecatingly.
"My dear child, you are welcome to all I can give you without return."
"You dear old duck of an uncle, of course _you_ shan't have a penny of
it, but Aunt Dove won't mind pickings--for the estate you know! and
there's extra servants to pay and a lot of---- Is that all, Mr.
Staines? By the way, uncle and I have chosen a secretary, so that's a
good thing over! Ouf! I do wish it wasn't such a lot of pelf, sort of
stifles one, doesn't it? The basket of Gwyddnen Garanhir was nothing to
it, but I'll not be crushed by such a silly thing as money, you bet----
Oh, I mustn't say that, eh, Trick?"
"One thing more, Toney; I am going to give over to you the left wing of
the house which we shut up some years ago. Your aunt agrees. (Lady Dove
had said, "Pray do as you like, Evas, you always go against my wishes.")
Come and see if it suits you. I've had it all done up."
"Well, that's real kind; but indeed, uncle, Crumpet's room and mine
would have done. I'll keep those, no one wants them, and she can come
often and stay with me."
Sir Evas led the way down a passage, and, opening a swing door, they
passed through an old library full of books, with pretty windows looking
over the park, and next to it a morning room painted white and furnished
with old-fashioned oak things, which Lady Dove had long ago discarded as
too much out of date. Beyond that again was a small garden room,
opening out into the shrubbery.
"These shall be for you, Toney, where you may receive your own friends,
and there are two rooms above for the secretary. Mr. Staines agrees
with me that--well, considering your fortune, it is more fitting for you
to have some rooms you may call your own."
"Oh!" exclaimed Toney, "it is just awfully nice, but--what will Aunt
Dove say?"
Sir Evas was thinking the same to himself. Lady Dove had not once come
to see the result of his work, and he knew he would have to pay her bill
as well as that of the work-people who had decorated the old rooms.
Still, you don't give a coming of age present for nothing, and he hoped
he should pay his debts honestly!
"Trick, darling, here's your very own rooms, where you can bark as much
as you like," and Toney, catching hold of her uncle, waltzed him round
the room, regardless of Trick scampering after them barking and darting
at the manly heels, whilst Mr. Staines stood by unable to hide a smile
on his smooth lawyer-like face.
"Spare me, Toney! and for goodness' sake remember you are twenty-one
to-morrow! I fear Mr. Staines will think all your foreign experience
has not made a grown-up young lady of you!"
"Oh yes, it has!" said Toney, releasing him. "A sense of sorrow for my
sins has grown awful big lately, and I never used to have it. It feels
like indigestion, a lump here; but just this evening, uncle, I'll be
young, and I'm so awfully pleased. I'll tell you what: you and I will
have a sort of house-warming here next week, and ask just our very
particular friends, but my party's coming first."
"There's the Winchley ball," said the lawyer, "I suppose you mean to go
to that."
"Of course; I love dancing, and Uncle Dove must just come with me and
hop a bit, but, Stars and Stripes, look! there's Crumpet's pony carriage
and the fat pony bundling up the drive. I must go and get her out of it,
for she's never got over her nervous feelings at driving up to
Aldersfield. Uncle, remember it's her first visit here, and you will
make her feel at home, won't you?" and Toney made a dash through the
garden door and rushed to meet Mrs. Faber, who had come to spend two
nights at Aldersfield House to celebrate Toney's coming of age. Mr.
Faber was to appear the next day, and in the evening there was to be a
great ball for the tenants and retainers, and others who had been
invited. Sir Evas had had his way about this, and Lady Dove had
grudgingly acquiesced, only saying that of course Antonia must pay all
expenses.
This time the tables were reversed, and now Toney received the once
humble companion at the big house, instead of being received by her.
"Oh, Crumpet, how nice! it's just perfect your coming like this. Jim!
drive Mrs. Faber's carriage round, and take particular care of 'The
Squire'" (this was the pony's name); "and oh, dear Chum, don't put on
that scared look. Aunt Dove won't eat you; you're Mrs. Faber now, do
remember that, and my honoured guest!"
"Oh, Toney!" gasped Mrs. Faber, "I feel as if I ought to be doing the
flowers and writing notes and----" and then the little woman with the
Fra Angelico face smiled like a saint; the scars of ancient chains never
having quite disappeared.
"How I wish you had brought the piccaninnies; but it wouldn't do."
"Who is here in my place?" asked Mrs. Faber as she entered the hall,
keeping close to Toney whilst the butler relieved her of her wraps.
"It's so funny, Crumpet; there's a companion here, Miss Grossman, who
actually frightens Aunt Dove a little--she keeps strict hours and will
not be put upon, but she knows her duties and is as strong as a horse.
I can't help laughing! To be quite honest, she frightens me a little!"
"Oh, no! no one ever frightened you! but, Toney, don't leave me."
The butler opened the door and announced, "Mrs. Faber." The very fact
of being announced at all to Lady Dove made Mrs. Faber wish to sink
under the floor, but as this was not possible she bravely went forward
behind Toney to greet her ancient slave-driver.
"Aunt Dove, here's Mrs. Faber come. Isn't it good of her to leave the
pic--the children to come to my birthday party?"
Lady Dove stretched out two fingers without rising.
"Good afternoon, Anne Faber," she said, severely emphasizing the name,
and using the word "afternoon" to make Mrs. Faber remember she was still
the tradesman's daughter whom for fifteen years she had befriended by
letting her act as her companion. In spite of her previous resolutions
to remember that she was Henry's wife, and was well received by all her
own neighbourhood, Mrs. Faber felt miserable. Why had she come? only
for Toney's sake would she have undergone this ordeal.
"I'm quite well, thank you, Lady Dove," she answered, forgetting she had
not been asked after her health, "and so are the children."
"Oh, are they? I can't think how you are going to bring them up on,
your small income. I always say the clergy should have no children;
sooner or later they expect us to bring them up."
"I'm sure Henry will never beg a penny for our children," said Mrs.
Faber, the colour flushing her face, which, however, was no longer like
ancient pastry, but was now adorned by a pretty delicate pink colour.
Mrs. Faber really looked charming, and her dress was as dainty and
simple as her face. Toney interposed.
"But, Aunt Dove, I'm godmother to both the children; you'll see what
good times they'll have! It's awfully good of my Chum to have children I
can play with. Oh dear, I've got to feel grown-up, Mr. Staines says,
but just for this evening I'll still be young."
"Tea is coming in; sit down, Anne Faber, and kindly pour it out. That
tiresome Grossman will never come in before five, as she insists on
taking a walk till then. I really must give her notice, only one is
afraid of getting something worse. You should _never_ have married, Anne
Faber. I got you quite into my ways, and since you left I've never had
anyone who could write and read as you did."
"I'm very sorry you are not suited," murmured Mrs. Faber, beginning to
make the tea whilst Toney flew at the kettle; but at that moment a tall
angular woman appeared, and gave a terrible look at Lady Dove and at the
other two, as she said tartly,
"It is five minutes to five; I am _never_ late, Lady Dove, and, as you
know, I never allow anyone to do my work. Excuse me----"
"I wish you would not argue, Grossman. Miss Whitburn and Mrs. Faber are
quite equal to making tea if I choose to ask them;" but then the door
opened, and Sir Evas and the lawyer entered and stopped further
bickering between Lady Dove and her companion.
"Oh, Toney," whispered Sir Evas, "it's tartaric acid, I see; that
woman's got a devil of a temper, and your Aunt Dove is really learning
patience."
*CHAPTER III.*
*BEFORE THE FRAY.*
"Oh!" exclaimed Mrs. Faber later on, when Toney threw open her old
sitting-room door where the poor companion had had such miserable hours.
It was as comfortable as modern comfort bought with modern money could
make it. Then the little woman fairly sat down and cried.
"Gracious stars! I meant to make you laugh, Crumpet! Oh, gee! you see
how hard it is to do right!"
Mrs. Faber quickly dried her tears and smiled.
"I can't help thinking of all my happiness now and comparing it with the
past, and it's all owing to you, Toney. Do you remember----"
"Of course I do. What mostest fun we had when I dressed in your
grandmother's garments, and then when your dear Henry came!"
"When I compare my past and my present I feel how ungrateful I am!"
"Nonsense, Chum, you _never_ were ungrateful! But look here, I got
aunt's leave to furbish up this room a bit so that you shouldn't be
reminded of the old order. I knew you would prefer our being together
up here, and I've got lots to tell you. First, I've had some dresses
made for you, so that you shouldn't be put to any expense for _my_
party." Toney quickly opened a wooden box and displayed the most lovely
dresses imaginable, lovely because suitable and perfectly simple. One
was a dinner dress of pale mauve silk, just suited to Mrs. Faber's
delicate complexion, and the other was a white liberty silk dress for
the ball. Mrs. Faber gasped.
"Oh no, Toney! it's impossible! They must have cost ever so much money,
and I don't want people to say that I--I sponge upon you."
"There you are again, Crumpet! 'People to say,' I did think that you'd
rise above that. Remember Henry's pleasure--and mine!"
"Henry may not think it right!"
"Look here, Chum, let's be serious just for one minute and listen. You
know I've an awful lot of money, fifty thousand a year!" Mrs. Faber
gasped again.
"It's a secret, by the way, but not from you. Well, when I first heard
it I did what Pups would have done, I just dedicated it all to other
people that wanted it, and I didn't guess it would be such hard work as
I see it will be. After to-morrow I shall work like a Kanaka, but just
for this week I'm going to please myself and not think if it's wise, or
if it's political economy, or all the things I've been trying to learn
to fit myself for spending this stuff."
"It will be too much work for you, dear!"
"Yes, it's awful! but I'm going to keep just enough to dress like Pups'
daughter, because that's what I am. You know Aunt Dove never thought me
fit to live here, and I'm not yet changed, you see! And there shall
always be enough to take people abroad who want it every year, you, too,
of course among the number, for you'll get so parochial if you don't rub
about a little, that you must travel, and then the rest will have to be
'wisely distributed,' as Mr. Hales says. Ouf!"
"Oh, dear, it is too much work," repeated Mrs. Faber, gently feeling the
dinner dress between her fingers; she had never had a gown like that
before, and how proud Henry would be of her appearance!
"So, Crumpet, don't ever think of me as rich. I shan't be, I'll have to
screw sometimes on the allowance I'll make myself, but that's for
discipline. Aunt Dove will have a nice slice of cake to make her
happy--if she can be--and well, that's all, now remember I'm just the
same old Toney with all her faults as of old, and too bad for anyone to
love for herself, Aunt Dove says so--except you always, Crumpet. Now
I'll ring for Rose to help us to dress."
"Where's your dress, dear Toney?" asked Mrs. Faber, going across to
Toney's simple bedroom on which no money had been spent to embellish it.
"It's here. You see, Chum, it's only white muslin, but it's brand new
and looks all right."
"Oh, Toney, much too simple, why anyone might wear that!"
"Well, I _am_ disappointed in you! Didn't I explain quite straight I'm
only Toney, and not rich, if I dressed up smart--which you know I hate
any way--people would think I was rich. I believe you would like me to
wear a dress of bank-notes sewed together. I did think you weren't
worldly!"
"I'll try, dear, but when you make me wear such a lovely thing, though
I'm only a poor clergyman's wife with three hundred a year, it doesn't
seem quite----"
"It's to please me! Just for once I must have a fling, and after that
I'll be as matter of fact as you like."
At this moment Rose appeared. She had been kitchen-maid, but Toney had
hunted her up and turned her into a lady's maid, as Lady Dove insisted
on Toney's engaging such a personage, saying her own maid had as much as
she could do with her own affairs. Rose was supremely happy, but far
more willing than capable, and Toney managed to do all her own toilet
whilst she was getting Mrs. Faber into her dream dress. Toney had
begged her uncle that they should be by themselves at Aldersfield this
evening, just to seem like old times, and he had agreed, though Mr.
Staines, the London lawyer, was of course one of the small party. Miss
Grossman never appeared after the dinner bell had rung, and firmly
refused any summons to the drawing-room after that meal, saying she had
her own affairs to see after. Her ladyship had been very angry of
course, and relieved her feelings by grumbling to her husband. She was
discharging her wrath at him this evening before going up to dress.
"Grossman has very erroneous ideas of her duty, Evas. It's preposterous
to refuse to pour out the evening tea and to take out the cards or pick
up my stitches. I should never have engaged her if I could have guessed
what she would be like."
"Why don't you get rid of her, Melina?"
"How aggravating you can be, Evas, you know quite well the last woman
drank, and the one before was deaf and heard all awry. If I sent
Grossman away, which I should dearly love to do, her successor would
have a worse failing."
"Yes, most likely," he answered.
"That's just like you, Evas, you never try to help me."
"Shall I have a talk with her?"
"_You_ have a talk with Grossman! Pray don't joke! she'd tell you to
mind your own business; that woman is afraid of no one, positively no
one! I wish Faber would die, and then I could have Crump back again, for
then she would be penniless."
"And the two children?"
"Yes, it's really wicked of them! I should have to get them into
asylums. Most provoking, ever since Antonia stepped into the house
everything has gone from bad to worse. However, she is sure to get
married soon for her money!"
"Did you ever think Lewis Waycott admired Toney?" said Sir Evas, hoping
to please his spouse by this suggestion.
"Lewis Waycott! He's going to marry his cousin Maud. Mrs. Hamilton
arranged all that long ago. But I dare say you are right, and he will
throw up that nice girl for Toney's money bags. After all we have done
for her--and it's entirely through me she has this money, for I told the
General the plain truth about her penniless condition--I think Antonia
could show her gratitude more by imitating our English manners. What's
bred in the bone, I know, but she might at least pretend to be a lady."
"Pretend! You might know by this time that Toney can't pretend."
"Oh, you men are all taken with a young girl, I know! Duty goes to the
wind when----"
But here Sir Evas slipped away to dress; now and then his manners failed
entirely, and he did not always wait for the end of his wife's
sentences. This evening, as her ladyship walked upstairs, her familiar
demon provided a new torture for her. Suppose what Evas said were true,
suppose Lewis Waycott fell in love with Antonia and married her and her
fortune, his estate would benefit enormously, and the Waycotts would be
a power in the county. "Antonia shall certainly not marry Lewis
Waycott," she said to herself, "I can nip that in the bud--and I shall."
Then, with a smile on her face, she rang for Rivett, who was as prim as
formerly, but now she could no longer bully the companion, as Miss
Grossman was fully able to keep her own position and to exact outward
respect from the servants.
That evening in the drawing-room at Aldersfield, Toney's very presence
seemed to shame the selfish stateliness of Lady Dove, for she had more
than fulfilled the promise of beauty, though of a special kind. Her
face was radiant, and her beautiful hair seemed to crown the perfect
outline of her head. Her very simplicity of dress might have been
premeditated, so entirely did it harmonize with the girl whose every
motion was full of life and the beauty that comes from perfect
unconsciousness of self. Certainly three of the people there were
secretly speculating what fortunate man would win Toney's heart. At
present her heart was given to humanity, and had never experienced the
personal feeling which may make or mar perfect womanhood, but which
never passes without leaving its trace.
Mr. Staines made a formal bow to Lady Dove and offered his arm, whilst
Toney looked at Sir Evas who hesitated.
"Of course, uncle, married ladies first," and Sir Evas offered his arm
to the blushing Anne Faber, but thinking of Henry she determined to make
the most of herself, and Toney would be close by, besides, abroad she
and Sir Evas had become most friendly, and this was a wonderful
transformation. Mr. Staines was so attentive to Lady Dove that the
other three were allowed to enjoy themselves.
"Are the preparations all ready, uncle? Did you see if the big barn was
finally swept out, and if the rose wreaths were finished?"
"I assure you, Toney, I've worked myself to death."
"And did you send out all the invitations I wrote?"
"Every one. I got Barnes and Jones to take them round a week ago. I
only hope your scrawls were readable!"
"I thought they would like it best, a personal invitation is much
better, isn't it?"
"What did you say, Toney?" asked Mrs. Faber.
"Miss Toney Whitburn will be much delighted if Mrs. Spratt will come and
have a dinner and dance on October 28th, at Aldersfield House. Dinner
punctually at six o'clock, family included--babies taken care of."
"But you'll have all the village!"
"All uncle's people, of course. Won't it be fun! Uncle and I planned
it all weeks ago. Didn't we, dear?"
"You planned it, Toney, and I said yes. I know my duty!"
"But you were as excited as I was. You know you were! I do wish my
dear General were here. Do you think he and Pups will look on?"
"Well, I expect---- I shouldn't wonder," said poor Sir Evas, whose
ethics of the world beyond were very hazy, "or, perhaps they can see a
long way off."
"Pups said that there were no real lines of demarcation in nature, but,
of course, you would not want everybody who's dead to crowd in. It's
just a puzzle! The cook is excited too. Oh, Chum, I've ordered the
dinner as I'm going to pay all expenses, and you'll see. It took a good
deal of planning, but I didn't tell uncle all that, I was just a bit
afraid he'd split on me."
"I'm as dark as the grave, Toney!" said Sir Evas laughing, "but I must
say I shall be glad when it's over. One never knows with you----"
"Are we all to dance together?" asked Mrs. Faber.
"At first, but there's a ball in the big drawing-room for the people who
don't care about the tenants, only they won't be half so lively. Mr.
Waycott's promised he'll be at the opening of my ball, and Dr. Latham,
and, of course, you and uncle. I don't think Aunt Dove will care. She
says poor people are not odoriferous. It comes from their clothes being
rather old. I wished we lived in the days of Henry IV., when every poor
man had a fowl in his cooking-pot."
"A fowl wouldn't go far with Charles Pipkin and his family," said Sir
Evas, "it did all very well for the Frenchies."
"It is fortunate girls only come of age once in their lifetime," Lady
Dove was saying. "When I was young it meant a young lady was fully
formed and educated, and her manners were irreproachable; I fear we
can't say that of Antonia, Mr. Staines."
"All in due time, Lady Dove," was Mr. Staines' guarded answer.
"Really how horribly Grossman has arranged these flowers, and taken all
my best roses too," exclaimed her ladyship. "You were much more
successful, Anne Faber. It seems a pity you can no longer use your
talents."
"My husband is passionately fond of flowers, we always have some on the
table," murmured Mrs. Faber.
"Indeed! It's a pity flowers are not edible. Mr. Staines, how is
Captain Stone. He is another eccentric creature, and has not been to
see us for a long time, but he asked for a bed to-morrow."
"He told me of his intention. He was very fond of his brother."
"The General's will must have been a bitter pill to him," said Lady Dove
smiling.
Mr. Staines saw clearly that it was Lady Dove who had swallowed the
pill, and replied politely,
"I know that the General asked his brother's consent, and Captain Stone
thought all his brother did perfect."
"Indeed! men are so deluded, I mean the old ones of course. Lewis
Waycott, our neighbour, is fast turning into the same kind of man. He
has become quite the farmer, don't you think so, Evas?"
"What, my dear, Lewis Waycott? Yes, certainly, excellent fellow; sees
after his cottages now, and is quite a model landlord."
*CHAPTER IV.*
*VERY EARLY.*
Toney was alone in the little bare simple room which had been hers on
her first arrival at Aldersfield. She sat down on the window-sill with
Trick in her arms, and she looked back with wonder across the five
years' interval since her arrival. She remembered the terrible
homesickness that had seized her in the stifling atmosphere of
Aldersfield, but God had made her paths smooth for her since then, and
now He was going to give her the great responsibility of wealth. She
did not feel the burden as much as an older woman might have done, for
besides possessing the courage of youth, her mind was not complex. Her
great ideas were simple enough after all--to give good times to all the
needy people she came in contact with. That had been her father's
creed, and that should be hers. She had yet to find out that even this
creed is not nearly as simple as it appears at first sight. Toney's
prayers were never very lengthy, but they came from her heart, and
before she got into bed she laughed softly to herself as she examined a
sheet of paper on which was written,
"Toney's time-table, on her twenty-first birthday," thinking of the old
time-table that had brought her into so much disgrace with Lady Dove.
This one had to begin early, for it was St. Simon and St. Jude's Day,
and before anyone but underlings were about, Toney stepped out of the
house and began running across the park as if she were running for a
wager, Trick panting after her. She had to be in time for the eight
o'clock early service, which Mr. Hales, despite small encouragement from
his flock, never omitted on Saints' Days. Lady Dove said it was
ridiculous of him to have these early services, as she never went to
them. Mrs. Hales, Silvia, and an old servant, these formed all his
congregation, till just as he was about to begin, Toney entered, panting
audibly.
"Where two or three are gathered together there am I in the midst of
them," thought the Vicar, and was not discouraged. When the others
hurried home, Toney still remained on her knees, till suddenly Trick
pattered in to remind her that he was waiting for her, and Toney took
the hint.
The Vicar was also waiting for her outside.
"Oh!" exclaimed Toney with her radiant smile, "that is kind of you, I
wanted to see you so much."
"Many happy returns of the day, Toney," he said, holding her hand, then
very simply he added, "I have been praying for you." The Vicar was not
ashamed of mentioning his prayers--had he not been ordained to prayer,
and was it not his duty to wear his colours as bravely as did his former
pupil?
"Thank you. I know you _mean_ it! and you're not thinking of the money,
are you? Everybody will be to-day, but I want to tell you that I'm
going to have a fling just this week, so don't scold, and after
that--I'm going to be as wise as Solomon. Honour bright!"
The Vicar smiled.
"Well, Toney, what's the fling?"
"One thing I'm doing the dinner and the dance as it should be done.
Aunt Dove wouldn't hear of--things I wanted, so I begged for a free
hand. You are all coming, aren't you? And Dr. Latham will be there, and
he's helped me ever so much, and Mr. Waycott is awfully nice, and I've
got my Chum. Oh, you don't know how different she is. You'll pay her
special attention, won't you, Mr. Hales? She is really quite clever
now, it's Mr. Faber's doing, they read together every day a good book
and a literary book. I call that a real union, don't you?"
"Some wives wouldn't thank their husbands for educating them."
"You won't talk five minutes with Mr. Faber before he mentions something
wonderful about his dearest Anne. It's real sweet!" and Toney laughed
for joy.
"Come in to breakfast, Toney, and see mother and Silvia."
"I can't, thank you. I must get back; Uncle Evas wants a lot of
supporting to-day, because Aunt Dove is not very--happy in her mind."
"By the way, Toney, has that surprising distribution of letters last
night anything to do with you? Silvia said she saw two men going round.
She thought at first it was the Insurance people who are always wanting
to bury babies, but then she recognised your friend Jim, and an
Aldersfield gardener."
Toney laughed.
"I would have liked to see our friends open their letters! Oh, Trick,
be quiet, he thinks you haven't taken any notice of him. Then, oh
please, do tell me if Thomas has been happy with his wife? The children
look nicely cared for anyhow."
"Yes, that marriage turned out very well. I only hope you will----"
The Vicar paused.
"I know, 'make a good use of your money.' Don't please. Mr. Staines
and Uncle Evas have both tried to preach little sermons on that text."
The Vicar had not thought of the money, but he let it pass with a smile
as Toney continued,
"I want to tell you that I put my first cheque in the bag this morning;
it's for the sick and needy, and you know them best, and anyone else who
wants it. Pups used to say it's much better to reform people with
happiness than with reproaches. You agree, don't you? Now good-bye,
and come early. Oh, please make friends with Miss Grossman. It's real
difficult."
Toney was gone like a sudden cyclone, and the Vicar stood and looked
after her. A little sigh escaped him, and then he walked home to his
breakfast. Before he could reach it, however, he was waylaid by Thomas'
wife.
"Oh, sir, Thomas he sent me to ask you, sir, if it was a mistake. Mrs.
Smith, next door to me, she's had the same, and Culver too."
"What is it?" asked the Vicar, taking the envelope presented to him.
"It's in it, sir, if you don't mind, and do you think it's a mistake?"
"What mistake? Oh----" He understood as he read the note in Toney's
writing,
"DEAR MR. AND MRS. THOMAS,
"Please spend this little present just as you like. It's a birthday
treat to myself, and come in good time to the dinner and dance.
"Your sincere friend,
"TONEY WHITBURN.
"P.S.--Tell the children they shall have a separate room and can make as
much noise as they like."
"The children is so excited, sir, they wouldn't eat their victuals
yesterday, but Thomas says he's sure it's a mistake."
"In what way, Mrs. Thomas?"
"Well, sir, the sovereign I mean, a whole sovereign. And it's the same
to the others. We didn't want no money from Miss Toney, but it do seem
just a nice surprise."
The Vicar unfolded the silver paper and saw the golden sovereign with
his own eyes. He had heard Toney was rich, but this beginning appeared
lavish and was it wise?
"I don't think it's a mistake, Mrs. Thomas."
"Thank you, sir. Thomas he wouldn't hear of spending it till I'd asked
you, and he do say how he'll keep the coin, but I says Miss Toney tells
us to spend it and it wouldn't be honest not to."
Mrs. Thomas had already mentally spent it, and could not at all agree
with wrapping up the gold as a keepsake.
"Certainly, she means you to spend it. You must all come to do her
honour to-day. If we could all think of other people instead of
ourselves as she does, our village would be none the worse!"
"Thomas thinks no end of her after what she did for him, sir, he
wouldn't go the public now as he used to do if you was to pay him to go,
all along of Miss Toney. Thank you, sir, I'll tell Thomas."
In another moment the Vicar met his own gardener, who lived in a cottage
close by.
"If you please, sir, Miss Toney sent me a sovereign. Is it all right,
sir, for me to accept it?"
"She has made no favourite, Turner, every villager on her uncle's estate
has the same, I believe."
Mr. Hales returned home with a smile on his lips.
"Mother! our madcap heiress has sent a sovereign to each of her uncle's
cottagers. I don't know what other surprises we shall have this
evening." Mrs. Hales shook her head.
"The old General ought to have secured some controlling power for her."
"She will pauperize the village," said Silvia, who was still pretty, but
had now a little discontented expression on her face, and the reason was
that Captain Nichols, a young penniless officer who admired her, and
whom she loved, would not come forward, as he could not make up his mind
to give up his own extravagances. Without owning it to herself, Silvia
was jealous of the once despised Harum Scarum. Silvia's younger sister
had boldly faced poverty, and gone to be a lady nurse, but was coming
for two days at Toney's special request.
"When you get a present of a sovereign, Silvia, are you pauperized?"
said the Vicar smiling.
"It isn't often I do!"
"I think we may safely say Toney will not repeat this surprise."
"Of course it is easy to be generous when you have heaps of money! I
wonder how much Toney has got," and Silvia heaved a little sigh.
"I rather pity her," said Mr. Hales gently. "Lady Dove never says a kind
word about her, at least to me."
"I think Toney likes her inferiors best," added Silvia. "I hear Mrs.
Faber has come to stay at Aldersfield. She must remember the time when
she was only the poor companion."
"We none of us received her very kindly," remarked the Vicar, cutting
some bread, and then Silvia gave a quick glance at her brother's face.
Was it possible that he admired Toney? If he married her and her
fortune, what great things might he not achieve for himself and his
family! Silvia determined to say nothing more against Toney. Vague
possibilities which she would have been ashamed to own aloud flitted
through her mind.
"Anyhow, she is very, very generous, and I mean to enjoy the ball," she
said in quite a cheerful voice.
Mrs. Hales was opening her letters and exclaimed suddenly,
"Really that child! Listen! dear boy."
"MY DEAR MRS. HALES,