A WEEK OF WEALTH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2394, 8 January 1909, Page 11 (Supplement)

A WEEK OF WEALTH.

(By Fedden Tindall in'“M.A.F.”)

Of course, the idea Avas scarcely sensible; but then I never have been noted for sense. Of course, also, I might have found fen thousand arguments against it; but again I had found the one and only conclusive argument in its favor—l Avantcd to co it. So I started on my journey. - This AA'as no. neAV plan. For several years I had dreamed of at least one Aveek spent amid pleasant surroundings, in every comfort, without the usual limitations as to money. And iioav I was a veil on my way for .a Aveek of luxury at the “Grand,” Seaborough. It Avas a fashionable place; I meant to do eA rerytliing thoroughly, so I had purposely chosen the most expensive bote.,. In my brand neAV Gladstone reposed an evening suit—it Avas the first I had eA-cr been able to afford.

You see, I had not had altogether ao easy time. My “screw” at the office was not exactly princely, and 1 had supported myself from a youngster. But always I remembered my mother’s talk of her life before her marriage. And always I had fancied that one day I would imagine myself a careless young gentleman of fashion. Just for this week I should study, the wine-list nightly, tip with a royal case, and walk or drive as I fancied. True, I might swallow vp the savings of two or three years, but I was mad enough to think that that scarcely mattered. I reached the “Grand” .at last. 1 had previously engaged my room, and I drove up in style from the station. At dinner I fancied that T. was faultlessly attired, .and I ordered a decent port after some deliberav.i m. Then I commenced to look about me. 1 was fascinated by the crowd o» women. They were not all exac'.iy he r. utiful; but the varying hue , of their costumes seemed marve’ki s to me. Also on every, side I. saw the flash and glitter of .diamonds. A moment my eye roved carelessly over the scenes Then it was riveted, enchained, for the rest of the evening. It was her golden hair at first, am! the proud poise of her dainty head. I gazed at .them with admiration. Then I began to take in the .whole of the' face. 1 decided that it was perfect. Laughing eyes, a demure mouth, fascinating, yet almost stately movements. I was fairly enchanted with this queen who reigned in that' world into which I was only peeping. She wore .no diamonds like the othois, only a wonderful, simple, dainty white dress that I decided had probably cost a fortune. As I passed at length from ‘ my table I gave a glance at her companion. She was a quaint, little old , lady, aiid I somehow fancied that she

thought lier companion as wholly delightfulas I did. From that moment I dreamed of a fresh madness. I was not content to look; I must speak tq my divinity. And tho very next day a kind chance helped me to accomplish what seemed so impossible. I had gone for a long walk; it must have been quite soven miles from Seaborough. I was dreaming of her, of course, when I actually saw her beforo me. Sho was walking briskly along, and by her side dragged the old lacly. And it was she—bless her heart —who addressed mo. “Excuse mo,'sir, but could you direct us tho nearest way hack to Seaborough?” I felt rather like a naughty schoolboy who,, being suddenly questioned in class, has completely forgotten his lesson. “I—l think the way I have just come is the quickest.” “Then could you kindly give us directions ” broke in my divinity, a trifle stiffly. “Oh, with pleasure.” I smiled like an idiot. And that delightful old lady went on sweetly : “I think we arc staying at the same hotel.” I took heart of grace from her manner. “Yes, and I was .just going to turn back when I met you. "Would you allow me to show you me way? There are so many turnings, it is not easy to direct you.” “Oh, wo should not like to trouble you,” began the object of my worship. Rut quickly the old lady chimed in. “"We shall be most grateful.” So we started on our homeward way—l feeling the proudest and happiest of idiots. Oh, iiow" I strove to be the very personification of courtesy, and .at the same time pleasant and amusing. 1 talked of the surrounding country, the old lady seconding me nobly. Soon my, divinity began to unbend and wo were all chatting happily. She proved a delightful companion, so pleasant, and natural and witty. By the time we reached the hotel I was more “head over ears” than ever. At table d’hote I waited eagerly. They came in rather late and bowed slightly in my direction. I fancied that I was turning scarlet; but I hope it«was only fancy. I watched for them in the lounge during tho evening. The orchestra was playing the most enchanting waltz when at last they made their appearance. For an instant my fancy ran riot. If only a wavo of the hand could cause all these others to disappear, leaving only this girl and myself to dance- to the magic of the music; ! What might I not dare then ? Flit truce to such foolish nonsense. 'Die lounge'was very crowded. They were looking for chairs quite near me. I sprang up' to offer assistance. I settled them comfortably, cushions and footstools and all. Then I made a feeble attempt at conversation. “Isn’t this a charming lounge?” I said in a manner that strove to be careless. “Yes, most- -comfortable,” said the old lady. “The whole hotel is good, don’t you think?” “Oh, so far wo have nothing to complain of.” This time the girl was speaking. I. thought her manner was slightly off-hand. Of course, I remembered, she was thoroughly accustomed to comfort and luxury. It was not “the thing” to enthuse too heartily.

“Yes, I’m satisfied so far.” I Avas casting about for a fresh topic of conversation. But alas for my evening of delight! She had brought out her book and was turning over the leaves already. She eiddentiv meant to dismiss me. I could only bow and retreat, distinctly crestfallen.

But next morning my hopes rose again. Really she was almost friendly. She asked me the best way to walk to a village hear, and thanked me for my scanty inlorniataion with graciousness. I pondered. She was evidently devoted to walking. I wondered why she did not drive or motor. Well, anyway I blessed her tastes, and I laid my plans deeply and cunningly. I studied a local map for fully five minutes. Mien I set . out walking furiously. I struck their road about half an hour after they had left the hotel. I had been a tremendous round ; really, I flattered myself that the meeting, which good luck soon brought about, seemed quite accidental. “Wo seem born to meet,” smiled the girl. . “Wo do,, indeed,” I assented heartily- • . , And, will you believe it,- that delightful old lady said : “Are you going our way?” as naturally as possible. “Since I have so strangely struck your path, I think I may as well, if you will allow me?” I looked at the younger lady. Her assent was cold, I fancied. But such as it was, I welcomed at, and we went on our way together. After that- wo had. several meetings. Each time T thought her moro delightful. She was cold and stiff no longer; but wonderfully natural and friendly. Of-my own life, of course, I dared talk; but the country was a boon in conversation,, and we found kindred tastes' in music and reading. The days were speeding by all too quickly ; .my week of comforts was going. In a day or so more I must leave it all.; go l;ack to London and work and loneliness. Anti .somehow I should feel more lonely than ever

after this glimpse of happiness. Oh, I had been mad to eomo! Yet I could not regret it! Only I could not deceive myself—her wond and mine lay apart, wo should probably never nicer again after we,had once parted. My last clay dawned. It was wot and cold and wretched. Sli© came down to breakfast late; then disappeared to write letters. After lunch came a few words of desultory talk. •The old lady sat knitting serenely, “Isn’t this miserable?” I said. “It is my last day; I’m going to-mor-row.” “Has the weather driven you away?” laughed the girl. “It is having the same effect on us. We also arc going to-morrow.” A feeble glimmer of sun peeped through the clouds for au instant. “I believe it is going "to clear up,” she said suddenly. “Yes, the rain lias stopped. Would you care to stroll for a few minutes in the garden?” I had to include them botlr in my glance ;--but it was not of the old lady that 1 Avas thinking. I positively loA’ed the good old soul Avlien I heard" her pleasant ansii-er. “I think I’m afraid of the damp, thanks. Would you care to go for a few minutes, Muriel?” “Yes, I. helieA T e I avoulcl. lam tired of staying indoors.” My heart gai r e a leap of delight; but it.sank again instantly. This avoulcl be really ‘-Goodbye” ; it was not- likely that avc should ha\-e further chance of conversation. So I felt depressed and Avretched eevn with her by my side, as we strolled later on in the garden.* At last I could keep back my thoughts no longer. • “I’m sorry to be going to-morroAV,” r -I burst out. “So am I.” she said softly. “I suppose avc shall never meet again.” “No.” It aims almost a Avliisper. Then I lost my head, I hardly knew Avhat I Avas doing. “I can scarcely bear to think of tlie future —ay if bout you,” I said quickly. And she fixed her eyes full on -me, alight Avith a great surprise ; but not in anger, I fancied. “Oh, I knoAv it’s impertinent, but I must tell you just this once. The world will seem empty without you.” “You mean it?” came the faintest Avliisper. “You must knoAv that I loa'o you Avith all my heart and my soul and mv strength.” I cried Avildlv, “hut it is madness for mo to say it.” , “You mean the difference in our positions?” “Yes,” 1 almost,groaned. “Oh, Avhy am I not a rich man, and able to claim you?” The light of surprise deepened in her beautiful eyes. “But aren’t you?” she said very softly. “I forgot that you couldn’t know. Forgive me, you must think me a cad to lisiA'e masqueraded. lam having a week’s holiday in comfort, that is all. lam only the poorest of City clerks, in reality.” “Are you?” Her tones avc re incredulous. The surprise aims still in her eyes, but a light almost of happiness Avas shining there also. “Then Avhere is the difference in our positions?” What could she mean? I aims ton-gue-tied. And then the passionfraught silence Avas broken by her rippling laughter. “Why., of course, I forgot that you could not knoAv. I am masquerading too. This is my Aveek of exlra\-a-gance, a Aveek for AA-hich I haA-e been saA'ing for Mhree Avhole years. I am only a typist in an office.” I stood before her open-mouthed, idiotic. And she talked- so easily,- so gaily. “I had to press poor old Mrs. Shubins into the service; you see, she aims a necessity. I had to ha\ r e a chaperon. My evening dress Avas another necessary thing—it cost such a lot of money. But the dress gaA'c me entire satisfaction ; poor Mrs. Simkins Avorried me. She is so confiding and unco n volitional.”

“I see,” I managed to gasp out lamely.

And then I gathered together my scattered wits and said a great deal more, which it is quite unnecessary to write down. I need only say that she decided that we must choose a less expensive place than the Grand, Seaborough, for our honeymoon. ~ And, of course., her will is Jaw, so we have rae obvious defects even in such an energetic labors, long ere such a state taken a cottage in the country. We are going to be married to-morrow.