The wedding of Captain Mallender and Miss Barbara Miller, was one of
the most popular functions of the Madras season. Scores of invitations
were issued from hospitable Hooper's Gardens, and not only was the
house crammed for the occasion, but the supplementary encampment was
on such a scale, that it might have been mistaken for a Durbar. Among
the guests, were the three Beamishes. Tom and Jessie were commonplace
enough, and appeared to be not a little bewildered by their gay
surroundings, but Tara, their bridesmaid sister, created a profound
sensation. Her beauty, lofty carriage, air of distinction and absolute
self-possession, found hosts of admirers; these were struck dumb when
they learned that this young Royal, and Imperial Highness, was merely
the daughter of old Beamish, and his third wife,--an homely humble
body, whose father had been an hospital dresser. The girl presented
an almost ludicrous contrast to her relatives! Tom passed as a young
planter, a rough diamond in his way, and a good sort: he soon made
friends; but Miss Beamish, who was shy and ill-dressed, did not know
what to talk about, or what to do with her hands--and grand climax,
impartially distributed little pink tracts, dealing with the souls of
the heathen!
Her sister, on the contrary, wore her clothes with admirable grace, and
seemed not merely to find herself at ease, but to dominate the company!
As people looked at Tara, a fragile aristocrat seated with nonchalant
dignity in the midst of her Court, and then at Jessie, bashful and
self-conscious, perched on the edge of a chair, feverishly twisting her
ugly fingers, they decided that "Heredity" was an amazing factor in
human life,--and enchanting Miss Tara a most remarkable "throw back."
But Mrs. Fiske, who had recently descended on Madras, put an entirely
different construction on the case; one alas! that was not creditable
to the virtue of Mrs. Beamish.
In his mysterious excursions through the Presidency, it was evident
that Captain Mallender had picked up some strange acquaintances--this
was another of Mrs. Fiske's pronouncements. On the afternoon of
the wedding, amidst the fashionable crowd in the Cathedral, were
two youths, who were almost black, and an elderly European woman,
conspicuous in green velveteen, yellow silk gloves, and an appalling
hat. Yet to the trio, the bridegroom, whilst awaiting the bride, most
particularly addressed himself. What could he possibly have in common
with such low people? Here even Mrs. Fiske's lurid imagination was
at fault; and besides these undesirables, close to the entrance, and
completely in the background, Mrs. Fiske was amazed to descry, two
_natives_! A black-bearded man, wearing spectacles and an immense
turban, and a lady who was closely veiled. Apparently, anxious to shun
recognition, they were the last to arrive, and effected a stealthy
departure before the Wedding March burst forth, and the bridal
procession left the altar.
Barbie, who looked lovely, and wore wonderful pearls, and a lace train
and veil, was given away by Colonel Tallboys, whilst Captain Byng
supported his friend. There were eight charming bridesmaids, many
brilliant toilettes and smart uniforms, and it was pronounced to be the
prettiest and most popular wedding that had been celebrated in Madras
for years.
Subsequently, the reception was held at Hooper's Gardens; here the
presents were on view; these were numerous and varied; from an
Annamulley cane, and a bamboo tiffin basket, to a moon-shaped amulet
set in brilliants, and a string of magnificent pearls.
When, a few weeks later, the happy couple sailed for home, their
departure was deplored by many,--even although they had faithfully
promised to return ere long.
Pending this fulfilment, Anthony had accepted service with Colonel
Tallboys; he talks much in cook-house, and pantry, of his master, the
Captain, and boasts, that before he went away, he paid in one hundred
pounds for him, Anthony, to the Madras Bank. "Two thousand five hundred
rupees, all for me, and my services. My master thinking plenty much of
_me_ therefore, fortune giving."
This as it happened was the truth; but his jealous associates comforted
one another with the statement, that it was only one of Anthony's many
lies!
On the day of departure, the Tallboys, accompanied by the Branders,
ascended to the flat roof of Hooper's Gardens, in order to see the very
last of the steamer that was bearing their relatives to England. Their
eyes followed it, or rather its smoke, till it dwindled and dwindled by
degrees, and as the little speck finally faded below the horizon Nancy
turned, with a dramatic gesture, and addressed her companions:
"They're gone, and only think of it! just one year ago, Geoffrey
came out here, on a wild-goose chase, a stranger in the land, and
empty-handed,--for his allowance was cut off from the day he arrived.
Behold, now, he returns, leaving crowds of Indian friends--not to
mention a weeping Anthony--and carries away with him, a sword, a horse,
a fortune, and a bride!"
THE END
_Printed at The Chapel River Press, Kingston, Surrey._
* * * * *
MABEL BARNES-GRUNDY has rapidly come to the front as one of
our most successful novelists. Her stories excel in wit, humour,
observation and characterisation. The complete and uniform edition of
her novels, as under, will be published, at short intervals, during
the Spring and early Summer, at the popular price of 1/-.
By
MABEL BARNES-GRUNDY
_Each bound in cloth, with most attractive picture wrapper, 1/-net._
An Undressed Heroine
Marguerite's Wonderful Year
Hilary on Her Own
Two in a Tent--and Jane
The Third Miss Wenderby
Patricia Plays a Part
Candytuft--I mean Veronica
The Vacillations of Hazel
Like Gertrude Page's Shilling Novels, published in 1916, Mabel
Barnes-Grundy's Shilling Novels for 1917 will be the outstanding
success of the year.
London: HUTCHINSON & CO., Paternoster Row.