Part 11

Then all Toney's sadness flew away like a bird of evil omen, and she was once more the joyous creature that scattered delight about her. Mary Thomas was helping the ladies as if they were princesses, and Thomas was dealing with their boxes, and Mrs. Thomas was saying that tea was ready in the dining-room. Mrs. Phipps was a bustling, kind old lady devoted to her nearly blind daughter and telling her how beautiful everything was, and Miss Phipps was as cheerful as possible, talking and praising everything.

"The work will be quite easy," said Toney, "and Miss Hamilton will look in every day to help you, and there are four spare rooms for anyone who wants to come and have a real good time, and you will make them very happy I know, and Mary is just a treasure."

So the party sat down to tea, and they made Mrs. Phipps take the head of the table because this was her home now, and she was to entertain everybody who came, and she looked quite capable of it, and already vastly proud of her position. And yet a month ago the workhouse had been staring them in the face, because all their little savings had gone. But they did not feel like paupers here, they were to work hard so as to make less fortunate folks as happy as they were.

At last Toney rose and said good-bye, and Mrs. Phipps murmured some very grateful words, but Miss Phipps just took Toney's hand and kissed it, and Toney felt a tear on her hand, so she ran away, quickly followed by Maud.

They were going down by the lane across to Waycott Hall, and for a few minutes they were silent, then Toney exclaimed,

"Gracious stars! Maud, aren't my Poverelli just ready-made saints, and it's so dreadful their thanking me, and I can't explain to them exactly how it's really nothing to do with me, but with General Stone, and really also Mr. Waycott, who let me have all this land and this lovely farm, and you too for helping me. Do you know it's so awfully nice you two being sort of bound up together in a work."

"We two?"

"Yes, you know, you and--your cousin."

"Oh, Lewis, you mean. I do think he is so very--I suppose I oughtn't to say so because he's my cousin--but he has altered so much, and thinks such a lot about his people now, I can't understand it."

"I always think he is one of Arthur's knights, and not a bit proud or stuck-up, though of course he might be, living as he does at Waycott Hall, which is so beautiful. I like to think of--the future."

Toney paused, she dared not go on as Maud wouldn't tell her straight out.

"Well, I am thinking of the present, Toney! You can't think how the idea of working has done me good. I told mother that Lewis had sold you the farm, and she is quite pleased at my helping you. I didn't tell her about your giving me a salary for it, as she has old-fashioned ideas, but you know we are poor, and I do want it."

"Of course I know." Toney said to herself, "She wants to save for her trousseau, and it's quite right of her to work for it."

"I do mean to be in earnest this time," continued Maud, "looking back I never seem to have done anything in downright real earnest as you have, not even my music--Jeanie was the cleverest, and I knew I could never be first-rate as she will be if she works."

"But now of course you will have a real reason for bucking up. Wanting to be a little like Pups helps me awfully."

"My father wasn't like yours, he somehow spent all our money."

"But you will want to be like your cousin," said Toney, making an effort, trying to rub this idea well into Maud. Of course she must become worthy to be the mistress of Waycott Hall!

"Yes, seeing Lewis so much in earnest is a real help. By the way, Toney, as I was walking here I met Mr. Lang, and I asked him why he hadn't been to tabulate lately!"

"Did you? He's had enough of it," said Toney, pretending Trick was lost and needed a loud whistle.

"He seemed rather low, and said you didn't want him any more, and--he really is a nice fellow, Toney. Do you know that someone told mother that he wanted to marry you! I wonder if he does?"

"Not _me_!" said Toney laughing. "Aunt Dove is quite right, no one would care to marry me, only General Stone's money. I'm not sweet and pretty like you and Silvia Hales, and I'm not anything of a lady, and your mother sort of sniffs at me I know!" Toney laughed very happily.

"We were brought up to think ladylike ways covered all our sins. I see it differently now, and I don't mean to be a slave of that idea any longer."

Toney suddenly pulled a newspaper cutting out of her pocket.

"Look, Maud, I want you to read this. I've got an idea." She handed Maud an account of the splendid reception given to the great musician, Frank Weston, in London.

"How interesting! He is a real genius. I hope Jeanie won't see it. I believe she loves him all the time, and it's that which makes her miserable, but--you know--his parents once had a shop."

"So did Lord Courthouse at home. I used to help him a bit when he was hard put to it."

"But then he was Lord Courthouse!"

"Now that's right down silly, isn't it? Two people do just the same things, and yet because one is born a lord he can do it and people praise him, and the other man whose father was an honest tradesman is sniffed at."

"Yes, it is foolish. I wish you could see him, Toney. He has a beautiful face and perfect manners, because he is so earnest and straight to the point. But Jeanie refused him. I'm sure he would never, never ask her again, and there are no end of girls who would marry him. I wonder he isn't married by this time."

Toney stopped still to laugh.

"I must own up, Maud, I've asked him to come and play at Aldersfield. He thinks I'm a great lover of music, as I've offered him _carte blanche_ as to price! and you know, Maud, I don't know one note from another! How I shall sit out the concert I don't know, only it's going to be one of my romances."

"What do you mean, Toney?" Maud looked distressed. "Has he accepted?"

"Yes, to-day. Mr. Russell is sending invitations for a concert at Aldersfield House--supposed to be Aunt Dove's--all over the place, and you'll get one. Now, mind, no refusals--and--I'll do the rest."

"Whatever did you have to pay? He nearly always refuses private people, he hates to be patronised. But you should see him. When he has his violin under his chin he is just inspired and you feel--lifted up almost to heaven. Oh, why did Jeanie refuse him? I know I never could have!"

Maud laughed and Toney joined her.

"You were destined for something better, but I am scheming how to do it."

"Toney! was it really all for Jeanie? If she knew he was going to be at the concert she would not come."

"Well, mums the word. They'll see each other comfortably at Aldersfield. I haven't invented any more yet!---- Isn't it perfect, that little party at the farm and that sweet blind woman who has worked all her life will be very kind to my _avant garde_ folk."

"I wish you had a romance of your own, Toney. If Mr. Lang----"

"Gracious stars! I hope he won't. Just imagine me as the future Lady Southbourne having to do the civil to the county, besides--he would want my money."

"But you would like him to have it."

"No, I shouldn't! You see, Maud, it's dedicated."

"But you could do good with it together."

"But _I_ might be out of it, besides I couldn't love him. I'm just going to be an old maid and look after the declining years of Aunt Dove and Uncle Evas! By the way, Aunt Dove has had a serious difference with Miss Grossman. I do hope she won't go. She is her discipline."

"I don't think anyone can stand it long," said Maud smiling.

"My Chum stood it fifteen years; ouf! Good-bye, Maud, and keep my secret. I'm going to have a good think about it," and Toney disappeared, and Maud was left to grieve over her sister's dead romance.

*CHAPTER XX.*

*SHAPING A ROMANCE.*

Jeanie and Maud Hamilton shared a bedroom at Waycott Hall, and out of this opened a pretty sitting-room where they practised their music and wrote their letters.

The next morning Jeanie was reading an invitation written especially to her by Toney. Maud had brought it up to her. It ran thus:--

"MY DEAR JEANIE,

"Aunt Dove is giving a concert here next week. Will you come as you are so musical? A violinist is coming and perhaps you will like to play too afterwards? Aunt Dove says she is very musical, so she likes the idea of collecting the neighbourhood to hear really good music. I shan't know if it's good or bad. Will you and your sister come and help me, and stop the night here, as I don't know what to say to musical people, and as you are soon going to Germany you might like to discuss your masters with them. Please come. Aunt Dove says she loves Dvorak, but Uncle Evas declares she has never heard anything by him. Anyhow, bring your violin and you can play when the visitors have gone.

"YOUR AFFECTIONATE TONEY."

"What a long letter about this concert," said Jeanie. "Why can't Toney send out proper cards of invitation like other people?"

"She thinks you are a great player and sends you a special note. It will be nice to go and spend the night there, won't it?"

Maud looked out of the window and not at her sister. She felt very nervous over Toney's new idea!

"No, I don't think so. It will be very tiresome. Mr. Russell is musical, but you know, Maud, the others have no music in them. It's dreadful playing to people who only hear a noise, isn't it? Besides, I expect they have got hold of some second-rate fiddler. I would much rather stay at home. You had better go."

"I do think we ought both to go. Toney is so anxious to give you pleasure before you go away."

"I hate Toney's ostentatious lavishness. Mother says she will ruin the neighbourhood." Maud blushed.

"Oh, Jeanie, aren't we very horrid about Toney? I wish---- Well, anyhow, I shall go. Most likely they will have some great man, and you'll be sorry afterwards."

There was only one great man in Jeanie's estimation, and of course he wouldn't come to a private house.

"I want to work hard till I go away, so inferior concerts are waste of time."

"What's the good of all your work if mother hates you earning money. If you played at this concert it would do you good. I don't see why we shouldn't work like other poor people."

"Mother expects us to marry," said Jeanie, "but _I_ never shall."

"Oh, Jeanie, I really believe you--still love Frank Weston!" Maud expected something dreadful to happen but only silence followed.

"You were just made for each other and he worshipped you."

"He's forgotten me now," said Jeanie bitterly.

"Of course he can't forget the--the snubbing he got."

"I want to practise," said Jeanie, and seizing her violin she drowned further remarks in wild melody. Her sore heart could find relief only in music. Yes, she knew well enough now she was fretting her life away in useless regrets.

Maud crept away with a smile on her lips. Would Toney succeed? Frank Weston did not know that the Hamiltons were staying near Aldersfield House, he could never guess he would meet face to face his old love who had used him so ill. If he knew, Maud felt sure he would at once throw up the engagement, for he could afford to please himself.

Maud seized her hat and went off to the Haven as she did every morning now. It seemed the nicest hour of the day, for there it really was a haven of peace. The Phipps were always cheerful, always so happy over every little flower they found in their path.

Most mornings also Toney met her there. She was arranging for three new inmates, the deaf Captain Grant and Mr. and Mrs. Harris, and the Phipps were full of plans for their comfort. Toney had indeed chosen well. To-day, when their business was done, Toney seized on Maud.

"Come along and lunch with us, I want to show you all the arrangements for our romance. I do hope it will succeed, only you must help me, Maud."

Then Maud related what had taken place that morning.

"That is all on the right road. Aunt Dove is delighted because all 'our county friends' are coming. Can't think why lords and ladies please her so much. I never can learn her table of degrees." "There is Lewis," exclaimed Maud. "Oh, Toney, do tell him."

Toney was not surprised. Of course Lewis Waycott knew Maud went every day to the Haven, and of course he sort of happened to be often in the way. He shook hands as he said,

"So, Toney, we are all booked for your concert to-morrow. Who is the star you are preparing for us? Nobody knows!"

"It's Aunt Dove's concert, please; she is so smiling to-day, and she and Mr. Russell have been discussing all the musicians beginning with Tubal Cain. Maud has promised to pinch me at intervals in case I go to sleep. Only 'Sound the loud timbrel' sort of thing keeps me awake, but I guess I'll keep awake to-morrow because----"

"Why, pray?"

"You are safe I know, Mr. Waycott, and I want you both to know."

"Both?" asked Lewis.

"Yes, you and Maud of course, you will both be so pleased--if it succeeds."

"What is this surprise, Toney? I am a little nervous," and Lewis laughed.

"It's a romance--about Jeanie. You know, Mr. Waycott, that she loved someone once, but she chucked him up because his father kept a store somewhere."

"Oh! Jeanie's romance! You don't mean to say, Toney----"

"Yes, I do. I've got him, and no one knows but you two."

"Knows what?

"Don't laugh please. He's coming, and all the musical people will be in a seventh heaven, and then Jeanie will come in looking beautiful and sad--and he will see her and she will see him--and----"

"Good heavens! Toney! What do you think will happen then?"

"He'll speak through his violin. Books always say that, though that language would be of no use to me!"

"I don't think a musician could make you an offer, Toney," said Maud laughing, "you would hurt his tenderest feelings."

"Anyhow, I wouldn't chuck him up because his parents kept a store."

"And what will happen next, Toney?" said Lewis, "pray tell us."

"That's what I can't quite settle in my own mind. They are both going to stay in the house to-morrow, and I think there must be sort of opportunities----"

"It's too delicious, but I think they will both send for a carriage and depart."

"Together?" said Toney laughing. "Oh, I hope they will do that."

"No, on opposite sides!" answered Lewis.

"I shall work hard and see. Chum is coming with her Henry as they are both musical, and I want to introduce her to some nice people. Clergy folk want rubbing up."

"Poor Mrs. Faber, she goes through a good deal for your sake, Toney!"

"But you'll just both help me, won't you, and make people talk and introduce anybody to anybody. It takes too much time to remember who may speak to who, according to Aunt Dove, that it's better to forget it all."

"Poor county! You are going against its most cherished ideas," said Lewis, secretly glorying in Toney's courage.

"I can't help it. Mr. Russell is studying the Peerage this morning and he'll cover up my mistakes. Anyhow, I may count on you two? Now I'm off as there are several things to think out for the great romance! First I am going to meet _him_ at the station and drive him home alone. Good-bye. You'll have a nice walk home."

Toney disappeared swiftly as usual, and Lewis walked a few minutes in silence by his cousin, considering why Toney classed them together so pointedly. Maud had not noticed it, her mind was full of another idea.

"Oh, Lewis, I believe Mr. Lang is in love with Toney! Wouldn't it be lovely if she became chief lady in the county!"

"Edward Lang! What nonsense! Who said it?" Lewis dug his stick into the ground rather savagely.

"I put two and two together."

"Do you think Toney would--marry him?"

"If she could be persuaded he cared about her and not her money."

"But does he?"

"I think you are prejudiced against him. He is rather a nice fellow."

"I wish you girls wouldn't use the word nice for everything," said Lewis somewhat crossly; but Maud's answer was cut short by the appearance of her mother as they walked up on to the terrace of Waycott Hall.

"I've just persuaded Jeanie to accept Antonia's invitation. I hear the county is coming and they expect something good, but no one knows. Do you, Maud?"

"Toney wants it to be a secret," said Maud.

"Ah, I see, you two always take Toney's side. Maud, what a colour you have. Morning walks agree with you, don't you think so, Lewis?"

Lewis looked up and noticed how pretty Maud was looking.

"Maud is developing into a beauty, aunt!"

"You silly boy! I don't want my girls to be beauties."

"Then you must find out some way of stopping it! Jeanie's pensive air is most becoming, and Maud----"

"Ah! poor Jeanie, I think Germany will cure her low spirits."

Lewis remarked he had to go to town on business that afternoon but he could be back for the concert. He wanted to get rid of his ill-temper. Maud's unfortunate remark had been the cause of it. Would someone else seize the prize he was too proud to win--and would that someone else be Edward Lang? Certainly fine feelings would not stop him trying to grasp at wealth.

Maud was dreadfully restless that afternoon and insisted on Jeanie turning out her wardrobe to see what suitable dress she should wear.

"Your pale blue dress is pretty," remarked Maud. "Oh, we have both worn those pale blue dresses till people must know them."

"There is no time to get a new dress, I'm afraid."

"I shan't waste a penny of my money on dress and mother says she can't afford it."

"Then your white muslin, Jeanie dear."

"I don't feel like white muslin. I shall wear my black dress. No one will notice us, Maud."

The sisters stood rather sadly looking over the beautiful park from the Elizabethan windows. Nothing is more depressing than to be surrounded by wealthy friends and yet to be too poor to take the position you are entitled to. Suddenly the butler entered.

"A gentleman to see you, Miss Hamilton."

Their Aunt Honoria and their mother had gone out to pay calls; they were alone.

Jeanie flushed. "A gentleman to see her" made her heart beat, but the gentleman that entered was quite unknown. He bowed very politely and looked at the sisters critically.

"Excuse me, ladies, but five minutes will suffice."

Five minutes! The sisters looked at each other in dismay. Had Miles let in a lunatic?

The stranger looked at a letter he held in his hand.

"Surely I am not mistaken. Two Miss Hamiltons at Waycott Hall. The order to be executed immediately. I shall take the next train back to town and twenty individuals are put on at once on each dress; by to-morrow at ten o'clock you will have two creations. If you will permit me." A yard measure came swiftly out of the gentleman's pocket, and before the astonished girls could speak, their measures were taken and the gentleman bowed low and retired.

"Oh!" exclaimed Jeanie, "it's Aunt Honoria! She heard me say I had nothing to wear! But she might have asked us what colour we wanted."

"As she didn't, we had better say nothing about it. Perhaps she sent the measures and the gentleman wanted to make sure," said Maud. A faint idea had entered her head, but she would not for the world have told Jeanie.

"Yes, you are right--I must say it's nice of her. I should have been ashamed to play in that old blue or white muslin!--Not that it matters much."

When Aunt Honoria came in she found Maud waiting for her.

"Did you--order a dress to be sent to us, Aunt Honoria?"

"A dress? No, dear. Your mother said you had some that would do nicely, as there will be such a crowd, she hears."

"Would you mind if some dresses come not saying anything--I'll tell you why another day. It's a surprise for Jeanie."

"Oh! indeed! But I can't accept the credit--who is the donor?"

"Please, please, accept thanks if--you don't mind just for one day----"

Maud retired to solitude thinking to herself.

"I'm sure it's Toney, it's part of her plan! She's ordered something lovely for Jeanie and couldn't leave me out! It would break her heart if Jeanie refused her gift. Dear Toney's romance must not be spoilt."

*CHAPTER XXI.*

*PLAYING WITH FIRE.*

"Uncle Evas, I want you particularly," said Toney next morning after lunch.

"Your aunt does too. She and Mr. Russell are tabulating guests. I hear some great man sleeps here to-night."

"I'm just off to meet him, but you will be very nice to him, uncle, at dinner to-night, won't you, and mind you see he takes in Jeanie Hamilton. They will talk of music all the time and save us a lot of trouble."

"Very well, but your aunt will pair him off with Lady Southbourne. He seems to be no end of a swell. For my part I never can find a word to say to these geniuses."

"Dear, ducky uncle, they are none of them so nice as you are, gospel truth, but I wish you were just a wee bit curious." The heart of Sir Evas felt warmed. He realised now what an immense difference Toney's love made in his life. To him it seemed as if he had been in a grave till her arrival, and then had slowly crept out of it.

"Curious, eh? Well, so I am."

"You never asked me why I wanted you particularly."

"I'm a trifle nervous when you do!" he answered laughing.

"You always were a bit of a coward, weren't you? Well, I'll tell you. You must let Maud Hamilton go in with Mr. Waycott, I think it's all right."

"Good Lord! what's all right?"

"Why, they are! I wonder they don't announce it, but I expect Miss Honoria doesn't like it."

"Like what?"

"You know! I think they're engaged now. He nearly always comes to meet her at the Haven."

"Toney, your romantic nature should be curbed. I don't believe a word of it."

Toney looked up with wide-opened eyes.

"That's just like a man--awfully opaque. Well, I'm off, I'm going to drive the motor to the station, and come back in the dog-cart."

"You'll take Jim?"

"No, I'm going quite alone. I want to make friends with the great musician."

"I say, Toney, I don't think that's quite _comme-il-faut_. Now you're a lady of property you mustn't be quite so--so----"

"Oh, Uncle Evas, you do disappoint me! It's Mr. Russell that is spoiling your natural disposition. You're downright snobby! What harm can I do to a poor stranger that comes here to give us pleasure? He's not a wild beast. Good-bye, and wish me luck."

"You won't let--your aunt see you, will you, Toney?"

"No, you bet!" and Toney flew off laughing heartily.

"Can't get the fear of Aunt Dove out of his constitution, poor darling, sort of chronic disease," she said to herself.

Happily the day turned into a dull drizzle, and the county magnates stayed indoors, or they might have seen a flying machine guided by the heiress, dashing up to the station. Toney timed herself always to be exact, with no time to spare. Her face was radiant. She had settled her plan of campaign, and as she walked up and down well "reefed in" with a serge coat and skirt of the simplest description, no one would have guessed that she was the envy of all the impoverished aristocrats of the county. She looked more cheerful than she felt, however. "There's many a slip between the cup and the lip," and that tiresome proverb would float about on the surface of Toney's brain.

The train flustered in with a great show of consequentiality, the slow porters had on the look of "Take it easy, pray," as Toney ran up and down looking for the great man, whose father had once kept a shop. For a moment she thought he had failed to appear, then from the other end of the platform a tall man with a very remarkable face came slowly towards her. He carried a violin case, and a man-servant followed him laden with other luggage.

Toney knew at once this was her man, and she seized the porter.

"Mr. Smith, will you please get a fly and put that gentleman and all the luggage in it. I'm driving the other gentleman in the dog-cart."