"Burton," I said, "Congratulate me, my old friend--Miss Sharp has
promised to marry me."
For once Burton's imperturbability deserted him, he almost staggered and
put his hand to his head.
"God bless my soul, Sir Nicholas," he gasped, and then went on, "Beg
pardon, Sir, but that is the best piece of news I ever did hear in my
life."
And his dear old eyes were full of tears while he blew his nose
vigorously.
"It will be a very quiet wedding, Burton. We shall have it at the
Consulate, and I suppose at the church in the _Rue d'Agesseau_, if Miss
Sharp is a Protestant--I have never asked her."
"The wedding don't so much matter, Sir Nicholas. It is having the young
lady always here to look after you."
"Without her glasses, Burton!"
"As you say Sir, without them horn things." And there was a world of
understanding in his faithful eyes.
He left the room presently with the walk of a boy, so elated was he,
and I was left alone, thrilling in every nerve with triumph. How I long
for Friday I cannot possibly say.
In the afternoon Maurice and Alwood Chester, and Madame de Clerté came
to see me, and all exclaimed at my improved appearance.
"Why you look like a million dollars, Nicholas," Alwood said, "What is
up, old bird?"
"I am getting well, that is all."
"We are going to have a party on Sunday to introduce you to the
loveliest young girl in Paris," Solonge announced. "The daughter of a
friend of mine without a great dot, but that does not matter for you,
Nicholas. We think that you should marry and marry a _jeune fille
francaise_!"
"That is sweet of you. I have shown how I appreciate young girls, have
not I?"
"For that--no!" she laughed, "But the time has come--."
I felt amused, what will Alathea think of these, my friends? Solonge is
the best of them.
Maurice had an air of anxiety underneath his watchful friendliness. He's
fine enough to _feel_ atmospheres, or whatever it is that comes from
people, not in words. He felt that some great change had taken place in
me, and he was not sure what aspect it would have in regard to himself.
He came back after he had seen Madame de Clerté to her coupé!--She has
essence also now,--and his rather ridiculous, kindly, effeminate,
little dark face was appealing.
"_Eh bien, mon ami?_" he said.
"_Eh bien?_"
"There is something, Nicholas, what? Was the clue of any use to you?"
"Yes, thank you a thousand times, Maurice, I could trace the whole
thing. Miss Sharp comes of a very distinguished family, which I know all
about. Her uncle is a miserable Earl! That is respectable enough,
especially a tenth Earl! And her maternal grandfather was a 'Marquess.'"
"_Vrai, mon vieux?_"
"Quite true!"
Maurice was duly interested.
"You were right then about the breeding, it always does show."
I had difficulty in not telling him my news, but I thought it wiser to
remain silent until after Friday! Friday! Day of days!
Maurice suspected that there was something beyond in all this, and was
not sure which course would be the best to pursue; one of sympathy or
unconsciousness. He decided upon the latter and presently left me.
Then I telephoned to Cartier to have some rings sent up to look at. I
have a feeling that I must be very discreet about giving Alathea
presents, or she will be resentful and even suspect that my bargain is
not entirely a business one. I am afraid I seemed a little too pleased
at our interview; I must be indifferently aloof on Friday.
I suppose I had better not give her my mother's pearls until after the
ceremony. I wonder if there will be a fuss when I suggest her going to
the _Rue de la Paix_ for clothes? I apprehend that there will be a
stubborn resistance to almost everything I would wish to do.
How will the Duchesse take it! Probably philosophically, once it is an
accomplished fact.
At that moment Burton brought me in a note from that very lady! I opened
it eagerly, and its contents made me smile.
The Duchesse wrote to remind me of a request I once made her, that if a
certain family were in trouble that I would assist them to any amount.
Twenty-five thousand francs were now absolutely necessary on the moment,
if I could send them to her by bearer, I would know that I was doing a
good deed!
For the third time that day I reached for my cheque-book and wrote a
cheque, but for only the sum asked on this occasion, and then when
Burton had brought me note paper, I sent a little word with it, to the
Duchesse, and when I was alone again I laughed aloud.
Three people determined upon it must surely save the scapegrace!--I
wonder which of the three will get there first!
I would not go out anywhere to dinner, I wanted to be alone to think
over the whole strange turn of fate. Do strong desires influence events?
Or are all these things settled beforehand? Or is there something in
reincarnation, which Alathea believes in, and the actions of one life
cause that which looks like fate in the next? We shall have many talks
on this subject, I hope.
I wonder, how long it will take for my little love to come voluntarily
into my arms?----?