MR. ELY THROWS THE LADY OVER
"Guardian! Mr. Ely! What is the matter now?"
Miss Truscott and Mr. Summers were standing at the window. They had
approached unperceived in the excitement of the little argument which
had been taking place within. The lady's face was lighted with her
sweetest, happiest smile. The gentleman, too, seemed at his ease; he
had the lady's hand in his. The perfect agreement which evidently
existed between the lovers was in striking contrast to the perfect
disagreement which was conspicuous within. Outside the room, perfect
peace; inside the room, a raging storm.
On the appearance of this united pair the combatants had the grace to
let each other go. All signs of actual violence vanished into space.
The old lady ceased to scream. Mr. Ash hastened to the window; his
plumes were still a little ruffled.
"Lily, you have been better advised than I. I commend your choice.
Rather than see you the wife of such a man as Frederic Ely, I would
cut your throat."
Miss Truscott looked surprised. Mr. Ash's language was strong in an
unexpected place. Mr. Summers laughed outright. Mr. Ely picked up his
hat, which had been up to now reposing on a chair, and settled it upon
his head.
"Mr. Summers, I can't congratulate you--I really can't. Not that I
have anything to say against the lady--at least not much. But the man
Ash--her guardian--is the most notorious character in town. Rather
than become in any way connected with such a person as that I would
march single to the silent grave. Good day, Mrs. Clive. I hope that
Pompey continues in the enjoyment of good health."
Nodding slightly to Mrs. Clive, Mr. Ely swaggered from the room. Miss
Truscott's look of surprise when he had gone was comical.
"Guardian, what does this mean?"
Mr. Ash still seemed a little uncomfortable, but he tried to pass it
off as lightly as he could.
"Nothing, my dear, nothing. Let me beg of you to dismiss the incident
wholly from your mind. Mr. Ely has revealed an unexpected phase in his
character, but it was a phase which was better discovered early than
late. I assure you that your engagement with my old friend Summers
gives me complete content. May your days be happy and your love live
long."
The lady looked her lover in the face.
"It will live long, I think."
"I am sure it will," said he.
They clasped each other by the hand; the old lady and the stockbroker
turned away. There is a candour about true love which worldly minds
find at times embarrassing.
Shortly afterwards the following announcement appeared in a daily
paper--
"Ely--Rosenbaum.--On the 6th instant, at St. Philip's, South
Kensington, Frederic Ely, Esq., of the Stock Exchange, to Ruth, sixth
and youngest daughter of Myer Rosenbaum, Esq., of Queen's Gate, S.W.,
and the Stock Exchange. No cards."
Miss Truscott showed this to Mr. Summers. They laughed together when
they read it. Not many weeks elapsed before their names appeared in
the same column of the _Times_.
UNWIN BROTHERS, THE GRESHAM PRESS, WOKING AND LONDON.