Part 15

To Toney the next two days passed as if the hours were leaden-footed, for no Lewis appeared again. She was very restless and immensely busy. Her energy was appalling, and Mr. Russell showed signs of rebellion. His young mistress heaped work upon him, for the Stone House was really begun, and the parish was invaded by workmen. Toney realised at once that there was not enough accommodation for them, and had ready-made Norwegian cottages sent down by return from a firm who kept them in sections on the premises. The contractor thought the heiress was mad to bother about the men, but he found it vastly convenient and so did the men!

Sir Evas too was kept occupied. Toney would not let him go out of her sight, and he was really in his element. Only Lady Dove complained. Energy was most displeasing to her--except her own--but just now she and Miss Grossman were in accord, and this lady agreed to her strong assertions concerning the iniquity of young people possessing money that should by right have belonged to others.

"I nourished a serpent in my bosom, Miss Grossman, when I invited Antonia to come and live here---- We are beggars, whilst she throws money to the winds."

"Miss Whitburn never thinks of a rainy day," said Miss Grossman; "I always do, I never give anything away. Charity begins at home, and if I did otherwise, doubtless I should be helping the undeserving."

"Quite right, I often say so to Sir Evas, but he is weak, very weak, and I must say weaker since Antonia's arrival. She is not a girl, she is a whirlwind. Just look at her now tearing down the drive."

It was true Toney was tearing down to meet Maud. It was Wednesday afternoon. This evening Lewis Waycott was going to town, and Toney had not seen him!

"Oh, Toney, I've come to tell you all is ready. Jeanie's dress is lovely, and her other things---- She wants to thank you."

"When?" said Toney; her face was flushed, and there was no smile on it.

"Lewis won't have any visitors to-day. He said so, but he goes this evening."

Toney felt a big lump in her throat. Surely _she_ was not a visitor!

"But I'm not a stranger."

"I said so, and Lewis said he didn't want _anybody_. So unlike him!"

"I understand---- He wants you all to himself. What train does he go by?"

"The seven o'clock express."

Toney nodded.

"I shall meet Mr. Weston at 7.10, so I'll come early."

"Do. We shan't go to the station, Lewis doesn't want any fuss. Aunt Honoria is very much upset by this sudden determination, but I quite understand it."

"Of course---- You are brave."

"Oh, no. Indeed I shan't miss Lewis till later. We have had such hard work unpacking your lovely things and packing up again. Toney, I have never seen Jeanie look as she does now! She walks about the house with a smile on her face, and sings softly to herself all the time."

Trick came trotting out to look for his mistress. Toney snatched him up.

"Dumb friends are very comforting, aren't they? Sort of understand. Is Jeanie coming to Winchley Station?"

"No, I think it is rather hard on Jeanie Lewis going like that. You'll stay for the breakfast to-morrow of course, Toney, and we'll give them a good send off."

Toney shook herself and hugged Trick closer.

"Yes, we'll finish up the romance properly. I've got heaps to do so I shan't have a minute till I go off to Winchley. I think to-morrow I shall go to London to see Mr. Staines on business."

"Poor Toney! you are hard worked. I hear the Stone House has been begun. You will let me help you still more, won't you? I am so happy."

Maud went off singing an air out of _Il Trovatore_.

"Well, gracious stars, she is one in a thousand," murmured Toney, "and I'm a horrid wretch to mind his going when she takes it so grandly!"

She stumbled over Sir Evas.

"Oh, Uncle Evas, it is nice to have you. We are good comrades, aren't we, always have been?"

"Yes, of course, but I'm afraid that means you want something more of this poor, overworked man." He looked supremely contented however.

"Yes, ever so much more."

"To be your good comrade, Toney, isn't a sinecure, you know!"

"If you really took up 'the Path of Perfection' you'd have to beg your daily bread, uncle! I can't see you doing it at all!" and Toney actually laughed in spite of her sore heart.

"You're not good enough yet, uncle, but listen, have you ever shot lions?"

"Nothing bigger than a pheasant--not my line, I'm sure the lions would make a meal of me before I had time to aim at the right place."

"You know Mr. Waycott is going to shoot lions in Somaliland. Maud thinks it all right, and is very unselfish about it."

"Are you sure about Maud?" said Sir Evas scraping his muddy boots, a custom he feared to forget, as Lady Dove might be looking out of the window.

"Of course! I've promised to look after her, but, uncle, I want him to have awfully good rifles and all the right things for shooting wild beasts. The kit is tremendously expensive. Couldn't you run up and order it for him and pretend it's _your_ present? You know he's done a lot for my affairs and it's difficult to----"

"Oh, I see; well, I was going to town. I'll go after the wedding and spend a night there."

"He's at Charing Cross Hotel. You might stay there too----"

"So I might."

"And you'll manage, won't you, ducky, and not hurt his feelings. He's rather proud. Sort of in the blood I suppose."

"All the Waycotts always were as proud as Lucifer."

"But you are so understanding. Ouf! I shall feel less under an obligation too if you get a first-rate rig-out for killing lions and tigers."

"Can't think why he has taken that idea into his head."

"I think I know. Lions are next door to tigers, and tigers are same family as wild cats, and wild cats turn into pussies, and, I bet, he has not hit it off with the old pussy at Waycott."

"Good heavens, Toney! What reasoning powers you are developing, but the old pussy, as you call that worthy lady, can only be too delighted about the engagement. Rather foolish to keep it so quiet! I expect Honoria Waycott objects to cousins marrying. Always was a sensible woman. I've great regard for Honoria Waycott."

"I'm sorry for her, she just adores her nephew. Now I must run. You won't make a mistake will you, uncle? Say--you must compose anything you like."

"Not much of an author, Toney, but I'll do my best---- Call it a wedding present?"

"Oh, no! He's determined not to let it out yet, so it wouldn't do. It's a great pity to be proud, isn't it? 'by that sin fell the Angels,' but Lewis Waycott is awfully nice otherwise."

"Very much altered of late. First-rate fellow, but--yes, certainly devilish proud. Beg pardon, Toney, my language is not quite choice enough for an heiress."

"There you are at it! Heiress! Uncle, I shall go up with you to town and see Mr. Staines on business, and come back in the evening. I shall want a rest after the wedding."

"And come back alone! Not quite the thing!"

"The thing!" repeated Toney scornfully, and ran away.

Everybody was kept going that day. Toney's untiring energy made Mr. Russell think seriously of resigning his post, and he was glad to see her starting off alone in the motor at half-past six. She was going to meet the bridegroom, and in her heart Toney hoped to say a real good-bye to Lewis Waycott, but the fates were all against her, for the express came panting in before the dog-cart dashed up, and Lewis only had time to jump in, leaving his luggage to follow. Toney caught sight of a flying vision of him, and he did not even see her---- She stood quite still as the train rushed out of the station. A feeling as if the sun had gone out of the sky, and as if life were not worth living came upon her, then a great contraction in her throat--a feeling of numbness all over her.

She had to wait for the 7.10. She must pull herself together. What did this mean? Why had Lewis been so--unkind? He might have just come to say "Good-bye, Toney, I'll not forget you among the lions"--or words to that effect. He might have just given her one of his kind, jolly looks, which made one trust him with everything, he might even have smiled a little scoffingly as he did over some of her plans!---- He had done none of these things, simply, he had gone away as any stranger might have departed.

"Lewis, Lewis, Lewis," she repeated to herself though to his face she always said "Mr. Waycott." Then something strange happened. She walked into the first-class waiting-room which was deserted and looked at herself in the glass. "Toney," she said, "Toney I--do believe--you are a downright--horrid girl--I do believe--gracious stars! I believe you are--no." She shook herself like a Newfoundland dog just come out of the water. "I won't be--so horrid. What would Pups have said? To care so awfully for someone else's lover! Oh, Pups! I never guessed it till now." A tearless sob shook her, but at that moment the 7.10 steamed in and Toney had to dart out to meet the genius. Never in all her life had she made such an effort to call up a smile, but of course Frank Weston must be received properly!

"Oh, Mr. Weston, there you are! I've told Jim to call for the luggage. Come into the motor at once. So sorry it's only me, but Jeanie isn't here. I think the puss--I mean Mrs. Hamilton--didn't like her coming. Sort of not proper to be seen in public. Odd, isn't it? But she knows I'm looking after you."

Frank Weston was smiling all over his face.

"I told her not to come," he said. "She might catch cold, and besides she says she is very busy, and Maud is overworked."

"Everything's ready as I promised, you know."

Frank looked at the heiress and he thought her face was changed.

"You look tired, you have done too much for us--but I'll just say it once, Miss Whitburn."

"No, say Toney; I shall be sort of sister now, shan't I?"

He laughed.

"Well, Toney, I'll just say it once, that we owe all our great happiness to you, and that we can never forget it. Jeanie isn't demonstrative, but she never forgets."

"She never forgot you, did she? But you needn't say 'thank you' because I'm grateful to you. If it hadn't been for what I saw in your faces I might have made a great mistake."

"Is there----?"

"No--but I may as well confess. Sort of relieves me. I might have said 'yes' to the wrong man."

"The right man will come," said Frank softly. "You deserve the best."

"No, he never will come--he--oh, it doesn't matter, but I shall never, never marry--only I'll try and make it awfully nice for lovers because--I--I think I know, and you'll not say anything about it, even to Jeanie?"

"You may trust me, but if ever you want me--you may claim my help at any time--and I will come."

Toney looked up at the strong face and knew he meant every word. How could Jeanie have ever doubted or hurt such a man? How glad she felt she had cleared the brambles out of his path. It was not the music that was so wonderful, it was the man himself.

That evening Toney instead of being restless was very quiet, and in her face there was a new look of suffering such as had never been there before. She had learnt a terrible secret. She loved a man who belonged to another--and only now she realised that she had _always_ loved him.

"Oh! Lewis, Lewis!" she cried out alone in her room; "You shall be happy if I can do anything--and you shall never, never know my secret---- It's no good blaming myself because--I never knew what it meant till now. The path of perfection is awfully stoney and rutty."

*CHAPTER XXVIII.*

*LILIES AND A WEDDING.*

"There's no peace or harmony in the presence of some people," said Lady Dove after dinner to the famous genius. Her eyes involuntarily turned towards Toney, who was talking in low tones to Sir Evas. "Now, with Jeanie Hamilton you are sure of proper dignity."

Frank bowed and smiled, nothing could ruffle him now. He had sent off a letter to Jeanie, and a second diamond ring and a few other tokens, as he did not wish to go to Waycott Hall himself. Mrs. Hamilton's company recalled his past suffering too much. Toney, on the other hand, was associated only with his joy and gratitude.

As if to prove Lady Dove right, a hooting, tooting motor was heard approaching, and Toney started up.

"It's Dr. Mayo," she said, looking at Mr. Weston.

"Dr. Mayo!" he exclaimed, "coming here?"

"Yes, for your wedding! He plays to-morrow morning. It's only fitting."

Frank Weston's eyes beamed.

"You are a magician!" he said, "he wouldn't do it for royalty!" and he hurried out to greet his friend.

"Oh, I wish I could hear all they hear in music," sighed Toney.

"Your ears are sharp enough, anyhow, Toney," said Sir Evas. "By the way, what's the matter with you this evening? You are pale--most unusual!"

"Nothing--but a bit anxious about this wedding. There's many a slip, isn't there, uncle?"

"Humph, you've got the man and the woman; not much chance of slipping. You're going too fast, Toney, that's what it is."

Toney laughed.

"Gracious stars! Fast! I'd like to go faster. Stone House will keep us busy, uncle, won't it, and--have you thought about the lions and what you'll say? You mean biz, don't you?"

"I shall have to deviate a bit from the path of truth, Toney, but I'll manage it. Melina, I must go to town to-morrow and--sleep there, on business."

"On Antonia's business, I suppose?" said Lady Cove tartly.

"No, oh no--forgot a few things I had to say to Lewis Waycott, who's off after lions. I'll return early on Friday."

"I hope you will, there are plenty of neglected things on your _own_ estate, Evas, but of course----="

Happily the two great musicians came in together, and Lady Dove recognising that she would be envied by the musical portion of the county, turned on a smile of welcome, whilst Mr. Russell hastened to make himself agreeable, but in reality Lady Dove felt angry because Toney was the centre of attraction this evening.

"I should never have dared to suggest it," murmured Frank Weston to his friend.

"Nonsense! Why didn't you? Miss Whitburn said it was my duty, and of course my pleasure, and that your wedding could not take place without me----"

Everybody laughed.

"In a sort of way it was Jeanie who suggested it to me," said Toney. "I thought our organist would do, but she looked so reproachfully at me, and said, 'I don't want any music, thank you--short of Dr. Mayo--Frank would run away if he heard our organist!'"

"Do you always get what you want, Miss Whitburn?" said Dr. Mayo.

Poor Toney turned pale but no one noticed this.

"I like other people to have what they like, and I sort of try to get it for them, that's all."

"Ask Weston to sing, Miss Whitburn, and I will accompany him. Weston's voice is something out of the common, but he has refused to sing for some years."

"Do," said Toney, "I think I like singing best, especially when you can hear the words."

Then followed a rare musical treat, till Toney, saying she was very sleepy, excused herself and went to bed.

She paced her small room like a lion in a cage; she felt she must rush up to town to-morrow and call at the hotel, so as just to see him once more, but then she argued this would be wrong knowing what she did know! Perhaps--such things did happen--she might meet him in the streets. That wouldn't be wrong, because she could not help that. Was it wrong to wish it? Anyhow, she couldn't help it. She must turn for comfort to work, work and prayer; and yet neither of these two words seemed to be able to stop the pain. But they must; she, too, would fight with a lion.

She opened her "Little Flowers of St. Francis" to try and find some balm, and her eyes lighted on these words:--

"There came unto him (St. Francis) a youth, noble and tender, and said unto him, 'Father, right willingly would I become one of your brothers.' Replied St. Francis, 'My son, thou art a youth, tender and noble, it may well be that thou couldest not endure our hardships and our poverty.' And quoth he, 'Father, are ye not men even as I? Wherefore, as ye endure, even so shall I be able with the grace of Jesus Christ.'"

And Toney seemed to be comforted by these words, "As ye endure." That was it, to endure nobly, that meant she must not be beaten by her pain. Ah, she too would endure as did that young noble. Of course, endurance was easy when everything went right, but the only thing worth a rag was to endure when everything went wrong! And Toney looked this great sorrow in the face and made up her mind, oh, if it were possible--and it was possible--to endure _cheerfully_. Then, knowing she must be up early, she went to bed and fell asleep.

She awoke to the sound of marriage bells through the open windows; for one moment her face was all joy, then suddenly the pain returned. She dressed very quickly in a plain white serge dress, and then ran out to find the motor. Jim was ready with it. He looked beaming.

"I want to see if the church is properly beautiful. When you get married, Jim, I'll do the same for you. When is it to be?"

"We're in no hurry, Miss Tonia, there's time enough."

Toney laughed, Jim did not feel as did Frank Weston evidently.

At the church there were busy helpers, and several men from London. Large hampers of lilies were being unpacked.

Next, Toney motored to Waycott Hall and interviewed Maud, and then went home to early breakfast. Jim and the motor were to be kept busy.

The actual wedding was simple in the extreme. Only the Waycott Hall party, Miss Waycott, Mrs. Hamilton and Maud; and from Aldersfield, Sir Evas, Toney, the bridegroom, and Dr. Mayo. As the party entered he was already playing divine music, but the church was full of poor people and of white lilies. Never had the little old building looked so beautiful; Jeanie paused at the entrance.

"Oh! This is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen!" she whispered to Frank.

Mrs. Hamilton looked at Toney and then at her sister.

"Honoria, what extravagance, but how beautiful!"

"It's Toney all over," said Miss Honoria.

As to Frank Weston, he thought, "This is as it should be, no fuss, only poor people and flowers and heavenly music."

There were no jovial young men fussing and talking, no hustling, no disgraceful pushing, no whispered conversations. To the poor it was nearly as good as a funeral as they listened to Mr. Hales' strong manly voice, and saw his face full of mystic joy.

If Jeanie Hamilton had wanted any more reforming she had it then. How could pride exist in this sanctuary of beauty? She looked like a lily herself in a white afternoon dress, not a ball dress to be minutely described in the newspapers, Jeanie, belonging to one of the oldest families in the county, was marrying a self-made man, but as she looked up at his strong face, full of manly joy, she knew that she, not he, had the best of the bargain! She was only proud now of belonging to him.

Mrs. Hamilton was touched by the beauty and the originality. There was no vulgarity to hurt her pride, and she forgave Maud's first words in the vestry,

"Oh dearest Jeanie, you are a lucky woman. Toney, it was quite, quite perfect."

"You shall have the same, Maud, when you marry," answered Toney smiling.

Maud laughed and looked guilty. How pretty she appeared in her white dress, looking not unlike a bride herself.

The poor people remained seated till the pair came out together, but Toney stayed behind with a little army of helpers. All the lilies were to be tied in bunches, and each poor person in the church was to take home a bunch. Toney therefore missed seeing an uninvited guest at the church door, who shook hands cordially with the wedding party.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Weston, I was not invited, but I heard a whisper of your original wedding and----"

Jeanie smiled.

"It's Miss Whitburn's idea. Could anything be more beautiful?"

He was by Maud's side now and he said quite gravely,

"I took note of everything, Miss Hamilton."

"Oh," said Maud smiling, "it would not do for _your_ tastes. Hanover Square and a rowdy audience!"

"Indeed you are unjust. This is the first wedding I have enjoyed----"

Mrs. Hamilton was smiling, but, thinking Edward Lang wanted to make up to Toney, she did not invite him to the breakfast. Only Maud lingered a minute to say something, and then the poor people came trooping out, and when Toney reappeared she was too busy talking to them to see anything else.

The breakfast at Waycott Hall was a great trial to Toney, but she fought against this lion and no one found out she was in a battle. Dr. Mayo acted as best man, and his speech was short but to the point.

"The bridegroom being a friend of long standing, I rise to drink his health. The bride I have only seen to-day, but I congratulate her from the bottom of my heart. To be the wife of Frank Weston means to be the wife of a genius--that is nothing, he was born a genius, he couldn't help himself--but it also means to be the wife of a man who, having a grand profession, has always ennobled it, and who has never, by thought, word, or deed, lowered the high standard he set before himself, and I think Mr. and Mrs. Weston are wise to go at once to Germany, so as to avoid such demonstration from the musical world here as might be overpowering."

The bridegroom's speech was also very short.

"I thank my friend for his words, because I think he believes them!--but I rise to drink the health of Miss Whitburn. I believe she does not like titles, so when we think of all she has accomplished, we mentally say 'Toney'---- Round this word centres the gratitude of two persons who can never forget her. I am further asked by Mr. Lewis Waycott, to say how much he regrets not being amongst us, but his plans could not be altered. He has ordered that all the cottagers on his estate are to have a good dinner--he wishes us to accept that as his wedding present. For my part he could not have offered me anything I appreciate more."

Toney felt her throat tighten again. Lewis had thought of the nicest thing possible--if only he had been there himself! Maud was looking so happy, but then she, of course, knew he was happy, and knew he could not change.

Now Miss Honoria had something to say.

"I am very sorry that my nephew is not here in person, but he thought of everybody before his departure, and he begged me to say that as all the wedding arrangements were due to Miss Whitburn, he had asked all his tenants to remember her when they enjoyed their dinner."

Toney actually blushed, and Sir Evas, who was sitting beside her, nudged her.

"Come, Toney, say something. Don't say you're shy! Nobody would believe that!"

Toney laughed and stood up.

"It's all a mistake. I'm just doing nothing but please myself awfully when I plan a romance, so there is no credit at all but---- Gracious stars! I can't spout any more."

There was a burst of laughter and the wedding ended in merriment. Toney's one comfort was, "He did think of me anyhow." As they prepared to get ready for going away, she went up to Maud, his Maud.

"Maud, you do look sweet! I want to kiss you. It will do me good."

It was so unlike Toney that Maud laughed.

"I want to hug you, dear Toney, it will do me good! I am so happy."

Jeanie's thanks were simple.

"Toney, Frank says he'll always come when you want him--for a private concert or anything, and so will I."

"How charming of you both, but I don't think there is another romance for me to undertake except Maud's."

"Oh, Maud--must wait," said her sister.

"Yes, of course. Well, now we're going to see you off in grand style."

*CHAPTER XXIX.*

*AN ANGRY LAWYER.*