Weston is quite the rage, and Jeanie will help him so much--socially I
mean."
Toney lifted her head and shook her curling hair in a sort of indignant
manner.
"Mr. Weston is a real genius, Mrs. Hamilton, and he doesn't care two
pins for society, so I guess that word would just make him rage. It's a
great honour to--to know him, and a tremendous honour to be engaged to
him."
"Of course. I must find dear Jeanie, it's in everybody's mouth. Such a
surprise, so clever of them, I knew nothing about it." She passed on
none too pleased with that terrible Antonia, but Miss Honoria thought
differently.
"I am wondering, Toney, if this surprise hasn't something to do with
you?" she said, taking Toney's hand. "I've just seen Lewis and he
smiled when I suggested it."
"I couldn't have done it alone, they were both deeply in love, and
wouldn't have married anyone else. But didn't she look lovely playing,
I expect ever so many men wanted to ask her. There's Chum, she'll be
awfully interested," and Toney flew off and Miss Honoria turned to Maud.
"It's true, Maud, isn't it, it is Toney's doing? But these dresses--I
hear a London man came down to measure you?"
"Aunt Honoria, don't say anything, it's Toney again, but she doesn't
want Jeanie to know, she's so proud. I think it's a lesson against such
odious pride about our ancestors, you know how nearly they both missed
this happiness."
"Of course _now_ he could marry anyone, but your mother thinks so much
of birth."
"If I fall in love with a grocer I shall not wait for mother's leave,"
exclaimed Maud; the lesson had been burnt into her nature too deeply by
knowing what her sister had gone through. Then suddenly there was a
little stir at the door as Frank Weston entered with Jeanie, who looked
very shy and frightened, but also very happy. Maud flew to her.
"Jeanie, tell me, is it true?" Jeanie nodded and Frank answered for
her,
"We are so glad now for the waiting time," he said with suppressed joy,
"we understand each other much better than we could ever have done
without it."
Like all people of big natures, when he gave in he gave in entirely.
There was no looking back on time wasted, no more reproaches. "But
where is Miss Whitburn?" He lowered his voice, "We owe it all to her."
"Jeanie, you do look so beautiful! I am glad it was this evening.
Toney says we are to sleep here, and mother is all right, and----" The
Honble. Edward interrupted her sentence.
"Miss Whitburn is asking for you, Miss Hamilton; she is at the top of
the room."
Jeanie went off with Frank, but she reflected sadly there was no need
now of courage to follow him. She would never forgive herself the pain
she had given him, whatever he might say.
Maud looked up at Edward Lang with a radiant face.
"You have heard, haven't you? It was an old romance gone wrong, which
Toney set her mind to right, and she has succeeded. I wish
_her_--romance could end as happily!"
The two remained talking together whilst Jeanie enjoyed a triumphal
procession. When they reached her Toney held out both her hands and
whispered,
"Mr. Weston, isn't she beautiful? You do look as if you had forgiven
me!"
"Forgiven you! But for you we should have----"
There was no time to finish the sentence for Mrs. Hamilton had glided up
to them.
"Jeanie, my darling! Oh--Mr. Weston--this is indeed delightful, but
this is too public a place to say more."
Jeanie kissed her mother in silence, then she had to move about in a
dream and answer questions and smile, and see that Frank had some
supper, repeating to herself, "But for Toney I think I should have
died." Remembering her little darts at Toney she was still more
humbled, and humility is good for such souls.
Toney was giving Lewis some supper and wondering why Maud left him
alone.
"You are glad, aren't you?"
"Glad--yes--I think I'm even curious."
"Why! You couldn't be curious! I knew you could be so happy about it
because of Maud."
"Yes, indeed, she has been so unselfish about her sister, and you have
done good to both."
"Good to myself. I do get pleasure out of it, and if it hadn't been for
the dear General I couldn't have bribed Mr. Weston to come."
"He gets huge sums I hear."
"But this concert money is all going to a poor musician whose music is
mute---- Isn't that just noble? How could Jeanie have ever doubted
him?"
"But the way is plain now--and I--I am thinking of going abroad, Toney."
"Going abroad, oh, why? What will--your aunt and Maud say?"
"I shall leave them in possession--I don't think----" He paused.
"Well, that is queer, I am sorry, I thought you----" Toney did not
often flounder, but she found herself in a bog. How _could_ he leave
Maud and go abroad?
"Not for long?"
"Oh, I don't know--till things get clearer."
"Is there a hitch, Mr. Waycott? Can't I make it straight, is the old
pussy cat---- Oh, I beg your pardon, she is your aunt!" Lewis laughed.
"You mean my aunt won't want to turn out because of this wedding coming
on." Toney didn't mean that, but she nodded.
"I really can't stand a wedding--but they are welcome to use my house."
"But what about the Stone House? It will want you awfully." Toney
clasped her hands and looked really distressed.
"I think you will find another--many other helpers."
Toney was called for, but she felt a little lump in her chest; then with
a great effort she said to herself, "The old pussy thinks Mr. Waycott
isn't rich enough for Maud, or that he must be tested like poor Frank
Weston! If it's only money, perhaps I could square it--but oh, I don't
think Aldersfield would be anything without him!"
Now the rest of the acts of the lovers can be easily imagined this
evening, and how, when the last guests were gone, they retired to the
small drawing-room, and Toney, as she passed the door with Mrs. Faber,
heard some wondrous soft music coming out of it.
"Listen, Chum, he's talking to her, I wish I was a musician; words are
poor things for telling people you love them tremendously."
"I wish it were _your_ romance, dear Toney!"
"That's a vain wish, I'm going to be a real match-making old maid. Do
you know, Chum, Mr. Waycott is in love with Maud, and something has gone
wrong, I can tell by his face, he's bothered about it, I wish I could
make it smooth, for he and Uncle Evas are, and always have been, my two
props, and I should feel halt and blind without them. But he says he's
going to travel. Maud will sort of go to nothing like Jeanie if he
does; it's Mrs. Hamilton's fault--I'm sure. She is a pussy." Mrs.
Faber laughed.
"As to Mr. Waycott, it does seem strange. Are you sure, Toney?"
"Oh, yes, quite sure. He so often comes and meets her on her way home
from the Haven and---- But things must have gone very wrong with him;
he looks so glum. Never mind, I'll have a good think, and see if I
can't make things come right. There is Maud. Doesn't she look like a
china shepherdess, and won't he have a sweet wife at Waycott Hall?
She'll fit in exactly when she leaves her mother. I never could cotton
to her. Isn't it funny, Chum, Miss Grossman won't be bullied, and Aunt
Dove says she has no sympathy."
Mrs. Faber was puzzled, so she waylaid Maud on her way to bed, for Toney
had declared she was too sleepy to wait another minute, and only Sir
Evas and Mr. Russell were left to look after the genius. Maud gathered
up her rose creation and waited for Mrs. Faber.
"Forgive me for stopping you, but--I do want to say how glad I am about
your sister's engagement, though I don't quite understand what Toney
did!"
"Nor anyone else quite! She went to meet him at the station and
prepared the way, but they were both taken by surprise, and then----
Oh! Toney did it!"
"I wish one of Arthur's knights could come and claim Toney!"
"Indeed, so do I! She hasn't told you, but Mr. Edward Lang wants to
marry her, and she--won't hear of it. I had a long talk to-night with
him, and he is really a good fellow, only rather extravagant. He was so
open, and told me about it."
"Mr. Lang! Oh! Toney would seem very far away if she married him."
"But Lady Dove wants it, she told me so to-night---- I wish I could
help it on." Mrs. Faber shook her head.
"Toney would never be happy as a grand lady--and her money----"
"Of course he knows people will think he wants the money."
"I suppose that is true," said Mrs. Faber simply. "Good night, Miss
Hamilton. Toney is so glad about the success of her plot."
Maud went on to her sister's room.
"We have talked it all over," said the radiant Jeanie. "He won't stop
my going to Germany, but he will be there too, and--in fact he wants us
to be married at once. He says he has waited long enough, and of course
it must be just as he likes."
"Mother won't like it at once," said Maud.
Jeanie raised her head defiantly, she belonged to Frank now.
"Mother is my mother, so I won't say anything except to you, Maud, but
she was the cause of all my great misery, and nothing will make me go
against Frank again. Is there another man on earth who would have
forgiven me as he has done? The least I can do is to----"
"Let him have his own way entirely," laughed Maud. "Edward Lang says
his wife shall do exactly as she likes! How I wish Toney would say
yes!"
"Toney!--Edward Lang!" said Jeanie astonished. "Oh, that would be odd,
almost ridiculous, besides, he's so extravagant everybody says."
"Everybody says it and that helps him on. I told him he could marry
nobody if he went on as he is doing."
"_You_ told him that, Maud?"
"Yes; I do want to help Toney, and of course she has too much sense to
marry a man like that, though I believe he _could_ make a woman happy!"
"No, not Toney, they have nothing in common."
"Except riding."
"But you can't ride all the time when you are married! Just look at us,
music will always be a link, we couldn't ever get bored with each other!
Oh, Maud, to-night he played me one of his own compositions which no one
else has heard----"
"I'm tired and sleepy, Jeanie darling, so don't go off again on
Frank!--but all the same Toney has worked a miracle!"
"Yes, a miracle. Frank told me how angry he was at a stranger daring to
talk to him about--me, and then, somehow, she got over him and he felt
he simply couldn't say _no_ to her!"
"Or to you!" and then at last the happy girls fell asleep from sheer
weariness.
*CHAPTER XXV.*
*SHORT NOTICE.*
When Toney woke the next morning she remembered first, that she was very
happy about Jeanie and the genius; secondly, that she was very unhappy
about--oh, it was that Lewis Waycott was going away and she should lose
all his help and---- Then she called herself horridly selfish, and
lastly she felt very sorry for poor Maud, who would lose both her sister
and her lover. Toney hugged Trick and told him she couldn't understand
some things, and that sometimes life was all askew! Trick licked her
hands vigorously as if to agree with her. But Toney had to speed the
parting guests, and had little time to think of herself.
Jeanie came down to breakfast with a changed expression on her face.
Frank Weston had no eyes but for her, with now and then a side glance at
Toney. Happily, Lady Dove was tired, so did not appear. She
particularly disliked lovers.
"We want to be married as soon as possible," said the genius after
breakfast to Toney, "will you help us? Jeanie says you can work
miracles, and then I will take her to Germany."
"That's just what I should like; I hate grand weddings. I'll tell you
what, Maud, if you will give me leave I'll manage it all: will a week be
short enough?"
They looked at each other and laughed,
"Would it be possible? Mother----"
"Oh, I know she'll say she can't afford it! Aunt Dove always does when
she doesn't want anything. I'll order your trousseau from the man
who--from a very quick and ready firm, and then Mr. Hales will marry you
in the early morning. We'll have a record wedding, but I must have my
poor friends there."
Maud laughed, and the lovers smiled as Mr. Weston answered,
"It sounds delightfully original, but indeed we could not give you all
this trouble. Jeanie has some money from her cousin abroad and----"
"The money was given for music. It isn't fair, is it, to use it for
anything else? Do let me do as I like, Mr. Weston, to show you forgive
me! Maud will help me."
"Frank has engagements this week he cannot put off now. It is
impossible," said Jeanie, looking at her lover.
"Of course, that's why you'll let me do everything. Come back to-day
week, Mr. Weston, and then you'll find everything ready. It's just what
Pups would have done. Once he got a couple married straight off,
because he was afraid the man would change his mind--I don't mean it as
an example."
Everyone laughed, and the farewell seemed quite cheerful, especially as
Toney sent the pair in her motor to the station, and then she and Maud
went off to the Haven. Toney was so happy in planning everything and
getting Maud's advice on the subject of clothes, that for the moment she
forgot her own little load of sorrow.
"That nice man must come down and take orders! I'll give him _carte
blanche_, Maud, but I must choose colours and style. I'll telegraph
to-day. It's wonderful what money can do in hurrying people up. How
shall we break it to Mrs. Hamilton?"
"I don't know--but oh, Toney, I don't think we ought to accept all this
from you. I--don't believe now that Cousin George was in the business
at all and--mother ought not to accept. However, she really has no
ready money so she would like to linger a long time over
this--engagement, and Jeanie might----"
"Fall ill or something might happen, and she would never forgive us,
would she? But I do want to say one thing, Maud--I'm so sorry that--Mr.
Waycott's----"
"About Lewis, what about him?" asked Maud, leaning on the gate of the
Haven.
"About his going away! I know it will be hard for you, but he _must_
stay for Jeanie's wedding if it's so soon."
"Lewis going away! How odd, he has said nothing about it."
"Gracious stars! I ought not to have told you!" Poor Toney blushed.
"But of course I thought you would know."
"It's quite right he should," added Maud quickly. "he has worked so hard
over the estate lately, and he really wants a change, he is rather
down."
"You are jolly over it. Forgive me for letting it out. When you are
married I'll do the same for you, Maud, as for Jeanie, if you'll let
me."
Then the two girls went in, and Toney had to interview the Harrises and
Captain Grant till it was time to go home. No Lewis met them to-day.
Toney felt still more uncomfortable at having let the cat out of the
bag, but admired the way Maud took it. So noble not to be the least
jealous that Lewis had told her first, she thought, but very
heavy-hearted herself she went to her study to work with Mr. Russell.
However, even business was exciting to-day, the plans for the new Home
having come, and everything had to be looked into. Each inmate or
couple were to have a bedroom and sitting-room, besides the joint
dining-room and drawing-room, and though everything was to be simple,
nothing was to be mean. Even Plantagenet Russell warmed up, but to
herself she said, "I want Mr. Waycott's opinion, he always has good
ideas, I must go and ask him--perhaps he wants to give all his time to
Maud. Why is he going? I expect I've taken too much of his time." Mr.
Russell interrupted her thoughts.
"Here is a letter from Mr. Staines, Miss Whitburn. He says you have been
spending too much lately. Your parties and the Haven, and----"
Toney laughed.
"Isn't that like a lawyer, they never can bear your spending all your
income; but it's better he should ruffle up a bit now, he'll have more
provocation soon when the house begins. Now, Mr. Russell, telephone to
the firm of Woods. Can they make a trousseau in four days?"
Mr. Russell gasped.
"A trousseau in four days?"
"Yes, perhaps I'd better hitch on myself. Hulloa, hulloa, hitch on to
4004. Miss Whitburn is on and is in a hurry."
When communication was established, Toney began,
"Send off same gentleman as before at once. Want first-class trousseau
in four days."
"Quite impossible, madam. Very busy."
"Oh, then hitch me on to someone who can. Why not multiply workers?" A
pause and then the firm gave in.
"Very well, madam. Have things in stock which will help. Mr. Woods
will be with you this evening."
"Thank you, very much. Must hurry up at times; couple can't wait."
Then Toney decided she must go to Waycott Hall to prepare Jeanie and
Mrs. Hamilton, and the plans must be seen by Mr. Waycott. She called
Trick, and not waiting for motor or horse dashed off across the park.
"One must stretch oneself when there is a sort of lump on one's chest,"
she said to herself. Even the plans seemed to have lost some of their
delight--Toney did love to feel happy. She gave a run when she came to
the gap, and she and Trick bounded over together, and to her dismay she
nearly fell upon Lewis Waycott, who had just turned a corner. Both of
them laughed and Trick danced round his heels but only looked at them.
"I'm awfully sorry! I was coming to see Jeanie, and--to see if you and
Maud would look at the last plans? How strange you should be here.
It's all right, to-day week: you _must_ stay for it, won't you?"
"Stay for what?" asked Lewis.
"Didn't Maud tell you? Haven't you seen her?"
"No, I've been out all the morning miles away. The cottages in the
Stanmore Lane must be rebuilt."
"Oh--I want to make an awful confession."
"You, Toney!---- Are you--no--what is it?" He looked so grave that
Toney laughed.
"Don't be frightened! it's bad, but might be worse! I let the cat out
of the bag and told Maud you were going away! Of course you ought to
tell her first."
"She'll know soon enough----"
"Oh--but wouldn't it be nicer if you told her?"
"Told Maud? I suppose I ought to tell Aunt Honoria first. She'll be
rather cut up, and--Toney, is it true that Jeanie is really going to
marry Frank Weston at once?"
"Yes, that's the other thing. I've undertaken it--in a week!"
"You are not an undertaker, Toney."
They both laughed like old times.
"You see Mrs. Hamilton will say this and that and the other. I expect
she isn't overpleased. Aunt Dove would be the same, so I've promised to
see it through--in a week, clo' and all! I'm just delighted--you see it
would never do to fail after one's hard work."
"Will they be happy?"
"Happy! you should have seen Jeanie's face, it was like---- Oh, I don't
know what it was like! All the troubles fled away and just nothing but
love in her eyes."
The path was narrow and Lewis fell back. He clenched his right hand.
Why couldn't he just say, "Toney, let me see love in your eyes," but all
the county would declare----
"You've done it all," was all he said.
"It's a great privilege--isn't it? but I was thinking of Maud and you
too. The clo' is ordered. It was fun! But you will stay for it, won't
you?"
"I don't know--I think I've taken my passage."
"Passage! where to?"
"To Somaliland."
"Maud said you wanted change."
"Did she? She is so taken up with her sister, she sees nothing else."
"I'm sure she does, but she is very noble-minded. But why not wait for a
week--and here are my plans finished and you must look them over."
"Oh, I can do that, Toney, before I go."
"You are always good and kind. When will you come back?"
"I've no plans, it depends."
"On what?--on Maud, of course."
"Of course, if Aunt Delia and Maud go away I can't stay away too long."
"Why should they go?"
"No reason, so I expect they'll stay."
"Maud is very unselfish."
"Yes--but unselfish women are not always easy to deal with."
They turned into a path leading to the front of Waycott Hall, and Toney
remarked,
"I think this is the most beautiful house I have ever seen. How can you
leave it! Your people will miss you--and--" she wanted to say, "and
Maud will be lonely," but he evidently would not discuss Maud with her,
so she stopped.
"Oh, it will be all right---- There are some things one can't stand too
long."
"Of course, repairs of gates and tenants' grumbles and--I know I always
wonder at Uncle Evas' patience over it all. Now I will go and find Mrs.
Hamilton. Will she churn a bit?" Lewis smiled.
"I expect she'll be not too pleased because she--was looking out for a
good match."
Toney flew into the drawing-room, where in the pleasant room full of old
treasures, the two ladies sat working. Maud and Jeanie were not there.
"How do you do, Mrs. Hamilton, it's all beautiful and I want to tell you
that----"
"That you are a deep conspirator," said Miss Honoria.
"It was so beautiful, wasn't it, all music---- I couldn't hear it, but
people said he played out of his heart, anyhow, it's fixed up and I'm
going to help them with the trousseau. You don't mind, do you? It's
such a pleasure for me to manage. I think some ancestor of mine must
have been a store manager."
"But really, Antonia, I can't allow it, I can't accept--they must wait
till----"
"Till they lose sight of each other again! Oh, it's not possible. He
just worships her."
"Jeanie was very much admired last night," sighed Mrs. Hamilton.
"If you give leave you needn't trouble one bit. It's to be quite quiet
and simple, and you'll just drive to church and half an hour will do
it."
Mrs. Hamilton was torn by conflicting thoughts. Toney's generosity was
splendid, but Jeanie might do better by waiting.
"Please say 'yes,' or I must telegraph to stop Wood."
"You must have your way, silly child. You always do! Oh, here's Lewis.
Have you heard of Antonia's generous offer? I really doubt but----"
"Toney's quite right. They've waited long enough. By the way, I'm
sorry, Aunt Delia, but I have settled to travel a little and I shan't be
here. I'll give the wedding breakfast anyhow, and my blessing."
"Lewis, what do you mean?" exclaimed Miss Honoria. "Impossible!"
"You must stay," said Aunt Delia.
"Impossible!" echoed Lewis and turned away but added, "I'll look over
these plans, Toney, and let you have them back."
*CHAPTER XXVI.*
*ANOTHER OFFER.*
Toney could not make it out at all. Lewis Waycott had not come near her
for two days, though he was still at home. The world seemed out of
tune. He had returned the plans with one or two remarks, and with her
usual precipitation Toney had given orders that the building was to be
begun at once. But he might have brought them himself! Maud was
naturally his first thought; she was claiming all his spare time, but,
oddly enough, Maud did not miss her daily visits to the Haven. Toney
decided that Maud was tremendously honourable.
In the meanwhile she had the wedding to plan for, and Toney loved
planning. She had given private orders to Mr. Wood, who had ascertained
Mrs. Hamilton's ideas of colours, Lc. Miss Honoria was going to pay for
the wedding dress, and Lewis had ordered the wedding breakfast, but it
was all kept private. Mrs. Hamilton was silently aggrieved. Everything
had been done without her, and she defended herself by saying she could
not interfere any more, with the result that both her daughters looked
supremely happy.
On the third day Toney drove up to the Haven in her motor-car, for she
had to go on to the Vicarage afterwards to see that all was "real fixed
up." The wedding was to be next Thursday, and to-day was Monday. Maud
came out to greet her. Toney wanted to say, "Why hasn't Mr. Waycott come
to see me?" but the words stuck in her throat. Toney wondered why she
should be afraid of saying anything? This was another puzzle. Maud was
smiling and very cheerful; that was odd too.
"I'm off to Mr. Hales to see it's all right! I'll be back as soon as I
can, Maud," said Toney.
"I have the week's accounts to add up, so don't hurry! Dear Toney, it's
no good trying to say 'Thank you,' but Jeanie's face ought to repay
you."
"You'll see, Maud, it will be perfect! It's my pet romance.
"Jeanie says you are much more worthy of Frank than she is."
"Ouf! the music would be a penance! But I expect Mr. Waycott
appreciates your music."
"Yes, he does--in his way. He's very busy; we hardly see him. He's so
much with his bailiff, draining and repairing cottages, and you don't
know what heaps of kind things he does and lets nobody know."
"I guess he does!"
"He's quite changed, somehow; just now he's rather silent. He says he
will stay in London to buy all sorts of things for the wild places in
Somaliland he means to go to."
"He might stay for the wedding to please you," said Toney thoughtfully;
"I never knew he liked lions before."