Chapter V: Part 5

"My dear Toney, they wouldn't like being tabulated," said Lewis laughing.

"No, of course not. I wish Mr. Russell had not that craze; however, Pups used to say, 'every man knows what crutch suits him best.' I never quite knew what he meant, but I do now: Mr. Russell finds that big book his crutch."

"But what about the Hamiltons? You know Aunt Honoria and I are always delighted to have them with us. My Uncle Hamilton was an easy-going spendthrift, and never thought what would happen when he died, so when he departed this life, they said he had quietly eaten more than half his capital."

"I daresay he helped other people, so that's just the reason why other people should take care of his children. Jeanie loves music and wants to go to Vienna, I heard her say so, and Maud--Maud is nice, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is vastly improved."

"Yes, and she is what Aunt Dove calls a 'real lady.' Of course she looked hard at me when she said it! She meant I wasn't, and I'm not, I know I wasn't born that way---- Well, I want somehow to give Maud a good time and Jeanie too at Vienna. I want to pay all their masters and expenses, and how is it to be managed without letting them know it?"

"Toney, you really mustn't---- Besides, there's no way of doing it."

"Yes, there must be some uncle in Australia or Africa, or Klondike, that would send them three hundred pounds."

"I don't know of any such individual. Yes, by the way, there is an old cousin in the Argentine, from whom they expect a legacy. I believe he is a penniless rascal, but they paint him with a coat of gilding and call him, 'dear Cousin Seaton.'" They laughed together like two good comrades.

"He'll do! Mr. Staines, who is very understanding, will get someone to send it from the Argentine, and that will be true. 'Three hundred pounds from a friend in the Argentine for musical training in Germany,' and they'll jump to conclusions!"

"And you want me to abet you in the falsehood?"

"Of course. You will have to belong to the 'poor little disciples,' as St. Francis liked his brothers to be called, and they had to do all sorts of queer commissions."

"Did the 'poor little disciples' have to swallow bare-faced deceptions?"

"I think so, for they couldn't have liked all they had to do and yet they said they did! It is a farce, isn't it? Oh, good-bye, there's Uncle Evas coming, and I'll just walk back with him. He's a little down to-day. Guess he's had to make head against a breeze. He's quite ready for a 'poor little disciple.'"

Lewis could not help laughing. Something in Toney carried all before her, because she never let self get into her plans. Sir Evas brightened up as he met his niece.

"Hulloa! where are you two going? I've had a day among the farms. There's a lot of repairs to be done and they think I must see them all myself."

"So you should, uncle! Tell you what, we'll just titivate them all up and you'll have no more trouble for years."

"My dear Toney! It's much better done by degrees, doesn't drain the property so much."

"We'll do it now, uncle, and all at once. You always say, 'make hay while the sun shines,' and that's what I am doing."

"Toney has been making hay with a vengeance to-day, Sir Evas," and Lewis told the history of the _avant garde_.

"My dear girl, the house will be besieged! You see, Lewis, what a mistake the General made," said Sir Evas laughing, "did your aunt---- Ehem--bear it well?"

Toney shook her head.

"It shan't happen again, uncle. We'll tabulate hard to-morrow. It all comes of tabulating! Now pretend you know nothing about it. Where ignorance is bliss. Good-bye, Mr. Waycott, and thank you awfully much. Now, Uncle Evas, we must quick trot home, it's Chum's last evening. Remember to be very nice and grateful to her. She's done a lot of hard work you know."

"So have we all, Toney! However, I'll compose a speech on the way home. Good night, Waycott, hope you don't want speeches."

Lewis surreptitiously watched them going off. It seemed like the last ray of evening sunshine disappearing in the woods. Why should he bother about the money? Why? Then he shook his head. Everyone would say he had married Toney's fifty thousand. His pride rebelled and even a perfectly clear conscience could not conquer it.

"There's a lovely moon so we shan't be benighted," said Toney, taking her uncle's arm.

"I say, Toney, we mustn't be late for dinner," he said walking quicker. He was trying to brace himself to hear the story of the _avant garde_, and this time he knew it would not be accompanied with laughter.

"Isn't dinner a bother? Meals in general too. Brother Juniper, that's the one who didn't speak for six months and played see-saw with the children--well, he once was left alone and he was told to see he cooked some food when the others returned, and he agreed, but when they were gone he thought it was a lot of trouble so much food cooking, so he went begging for food and made a big fire, and borrowed big pots and put all the food he got into it. Fowls with their feathers on, and eggs with their shells, and the fire was so big that he had to tie a plank on his body to get near the pots. Then at last he rang the bell and all the brothers came, expecting great things, and he said, 'Eat well, for I have cooked enough for a fortnight, and then we can all go to prayer and think no more about food.'"

"I hope they enjoyed it!" said Sir Evas absently. He was thinking of his wife.

"It says so quaintly that, 'there is not a pig in all the land of Rome so famished as to have eaten it!' But he got a wigging from the General!"

This chimed in with Sir Evas' thoughts.

"I daresay he deserved it! Fowls with their feathers on can't be very digestible."

"Anyhow he was right about the time we waste over our meals! Do you know, uncle, you are rather like Brother Amazialbene."

"Good heavens, what a name! Didn't your Brother shorten it ever?"

"No, you see they had time then. Anyhow, he possessed the virtues of patience and obedience, for if he were beaten for the whole day long, he would never murmur nor complain with a single word!"

"I don't think I should take the beating so easily! But I want to say, Toney, that you are giving away your money right and left rather too freely. There's moderation in all things, my dear child."

"Dear old ducky. It's just perfect to hear you! I'm only afraid of not being able to get rid of it all, but I mean to try."

"You must remember--Ehem--if you were to marry, of course your husband would help you to get rid of a good lot!"

Toney turned the conversation and the two who so well understood each other appeared in the Aldersfield drawing-room just as Lady Dove was telling Mrs. Faber to leave off as it was time to dress.

"Oh, there you are! Well, I do think, Evas, that you might have returned to tea. Has Antonia told you of the terrible inroad we have had? If----"

"Yes, yes, it was a mistake--but they didn't do any harm, did they?"

"Lewis Waycott and Edward Lang were here happily, and were very good-natured. By the way, I have had Mrs. Kenward here, and I have heard some news about him, which of course I have been expecting."

"Indeed, what's that?" said Sir Evas, pleasantly relieved that the storm was blowing over, whilst Toney leant against the door and listened.

"Lewis is going to marry his cousin Maud. It is private as yet, but quite understood."

"Good gracious! Strange we have not heard it!"

"Oh, you men have no eyes. At the party I saw them constantly smiling at each other, and Mrs. Hamilton said very pointedly something about young people fancying no one saw their inclinations. I guessed her meaning. Well, she has been working that way for some years, she means to feather her nest well, but of course it's a pity!"

Without knowing what he was doing, Sir Evas turned towards Toney, and to his surprise he found her gone.

"Well," he said, "I always thought he liked Toney! But it's no use meddling with such things."

Upstairs Toney was sitting on her window-sill with Trick in her arms. She had locked her door, and for the first time in her life there was no smile on her lips at the thought of Lewis Waycott.

"Oh, I am glad, I must be glad that he will be happy," she said to herself, "but I wish he had told me himself, though she is a nice girl and will sort of do all he wishes." Then she laid her head against Trick's face and whispered, "Trick, Trick, you'll not leave your mistress, will you, dear? You're all I've got of my very own."

*CHAPTER XVII.*

*STUCK IN A BOG.*

After great events there is always a certain feeling of flatness, and it must have been that which made Toney somewhat silent and plunge at times into the tabulating work with furious energy. Lewis Waycott came every morning and, to everybody's surprise, the Hon. Edward often turned up too. It really was amusing to see the self-made secretaries each in front of a book and a pile of letters, whilst Plantagenet Russell indolently "bossed the show," as Toney remarked. Before he had worked long Edward Lang's labours were transmuted into conversation, and he always found an excellent excuse for luring Toney out into the park or the garden; strange to say, Toney did not seem to object, and left Lewis and Plantagenet at their task without too many apologies. The feeling of needing a good stretch came upon her, and though she would have preferred solitude, Edward Lang's thirst for information served her purpose. When Lewis was gone, however, then she returned to the tabulating work with increased energy, and the Hon. Edward's wishes could not drag her away. She said to herself she missed her chum, and that the world was a bit awry without her sweet sympathy, but she manfully fought against these feelings, flying to her "Little Flowers" for strength when she felt extra depressed. She liked reading about Brother John, of Alverina, who had entered the Order as a boy, "But seeing that God careth with tender care for His children, giving them at divers times, now consolation, and now tribulation, now prosperity, and now adversity, according as He seeth they have need thereof, for to continue in humility, or for to kindle more in them desire for heavenly things," Brother John remained without the light and love of God, and this so afflicted him that he took to running hither and thither about the woods, till at last he had a vision of Christ and after many entreaties, the gift of divine grace returned to him.

"All work and no play, Toney, will make you dull, a day's hunting will do you a world of good," said Sir Evas one day. "I'll come with you, and Colon wants exercise. The meet is at the Towers."

Toney looked up quickly.

"It's you, uncle, who want to hunt, but of course I'll come. Mr. Waycott will help Mr. Russell to-day, and perhaps a good blow will clear away my cobwebs. We're getting so puzzled as to who's the most needy and deserving, that we seriously think of raffling them."

"I hope Waycott won't give up his hunting for your beggars, Toney. Anyhow, we'll start early to-morrow."

It was a real joy to see Toney hunting; she sat her horse as if she were part and parcel of the steed and certainly there was perfect sympathy between them. The county gentlemen, who now and then spoke hard words about some of the Dianas of the hunting field, were lost in admiration as they saw Toney's seat, and Sir Evas felt immensely proud of the praises bestowed upon his niece. That this young huntress was an heiress added to the admiration, and Toney found herself surrounded with a little court of followers, foremost among them was, of course, Edward Lang. He meant to try his luck to-day, and was therefore delighted at seeing her at the meet, but how was he to find his opportunity?

Toney looked as if cobwebs were swept away judging by her face as she and Sir Evas joined the meet, indeed, she looked a perfect picture as she and Colon impatiently waited to be off though talking to Edward Lang.

"Colon is nearly perfect. Uncle Evas bought him when he became my guardian, and I don't think there is a better judge of horses in all England."

"That is a rare talent. You'll lunch here of course, Miss Whitburn?"

"I think we shall need fortifying. Oh, now they're off! I feel as if we should fly over everything."

And, indeed, it looked like it, for Toney and Colon were soon flying across country in grand style. Sir Evas presently gave up trying to keep up with her, five-barred gates were not for him now, though in his youth he had been a mighty hunter.

"Look at Miss Whitburn taking that hedge! By jove!" exclaimed one of the young men.

"Did you see her take that wide ditch? It was magnificent, and there's no show-off; it's just because she and her thorough-bred forget everything that it's so splendid."

Edward Lang even had not been able to keep up with Toney, but you can't make a proposal flying over a gate, so he comforted himself with thinking,

"Australia ought to be proud of having reared her; anyhow, a girl who rides like that can be trusted not to give way to too many fads."

No need to describe a hunting morning in that county, it has all been done before, and best by those who have themselves known the full excitement of a splendid run. To Toney it seemed to give new life and happiness, but she never was too much excited to forget that this was only an interlude. She and her father had had many a day's hard riding, and he had taught her so young that the word or feeling of fear did not even enter into her composition; and, besides this, Colon was a thoroughbred to be proud of. He understood the run as well or better than she did, and seemed endowed with miraculous powers of clearing everything that came in his way, whilst a soft pat from a loving hand was reward enough. It must be owned that though the masculine gender applauded, some of the hunting ladies were somewhat jealous.

"Of course," said a pretty girl to Edward Lang, "if you get a thorough-bred like that you can do anything, it depends on the horse." Her own was evidently a hack of moderate powers.

He shook his head.

"I fear it isn't all the horse, Miss Symons; Miss Whitburn has a superb seat."

"They say she was originally a circus rider," answered Miss Symons; "that accounts for her splendid seat, doesn't it?"

The Honble. Edward winced a little. He meant to propose to-day and this remark affected him disagreeably. Would his wife have to live down these queer reports?

"I never heard that report," he said smiling, "but if I had been the owner of the circus I would not have let Miss Whitburn leave me. Her father was a doctor in Australia."

"Oh, Australia! They are queer people there! Descendants of convicts, aren't they?"

At this moment the dogs were seen in full cry, the fox had been dislodged and part of the hunt came flying back across a field hard by. Toney was close behind, and at that moment Miss Symons and Edward Lang saw her and Colon leap over a gate that would have been avoided by all the ladies and most of the men.

"By Jove! That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," exclaimed Edward Lang, looking towards Toney and leaving the disconsolate Miss Symons to answer her own question. To his amusement Toney drew rein and came to meet him and her uncle.

"Uncle Evas, you look as if you wanted your lunch. Wasn't it splendatious? Colon just flies!"

"Don't stop your Pegasus for me, Toney."

"But I want to. How far is it to the Towers, Mr. Lang? and then we have to get home."

"I quite agree; besides the fox has got into Red Hollow and will escape. They always do in Red Hollow." Toney smiled.

"He deserves it. But it does make one happy, doesn't it?"

The three trotted back to the Towers, Edward Lang was rather silent, wondering how he should propose. He heartily wished Toney were as easily approached as Miss Symons, who was always lifting her sad sweet eyes to his.

The breakfast was a joy to the hungry, and Lady Southbourne all amiability to Toney and Sir Evas. He had nothing to mar his enjoyment, and even managed not to think of Melina at home.

All luncheon time Edward could think of nothing more original than discussing the hunt, but as so many of the male guests would chat with Toney and all were enthusiastic over her riding, he only succeeded in carrying her off to the conservatory when the horses were at the door. It does not help matters if you feel there must be no delay over your proposal.

"You just eclipsed all the girls on the hunting field, Miss Whitburn," he began, as he picked some lovely flowers at random. "I do hope you'll come again soon. Why haven't we seen you oftener--I--I----"

Hunting and love don't dovetail easily, and Toney was sniffing hard at some flowers quite unconscious of what was coming.

"I shan't have much time, but Colon loves it; I love the exercise too, but I'm not sure about the fox!"

"You are too much of a sportswoman to join the squeamish set."

"I'm not a sportswoman but I do love riding. Pups and I had glorious days out in the Bush! I wish England didn't feel so small, but one gets used to being cooped up, and it's very good discipline."

"You are too young and too beautiful to talk of discipline," he murmured. Toney took her face out of a bush of sweet azaleas and looked at him in amazement, so he continued very quickly,

"Of course you must know that _I_ think so, and that I--I--want to know if you will let me tell you I love you? Upon my word, I--do hope you'll give me a chance. Mother is awfully fond of you too, and in fact, will you be my wife?"

Never, never had Edward found it so difficult to compose a speech worthy of the occasion. He had never made love to such a perfectly simple bright-eyed girl, impervious to flattery.

Suddenly Toney realised that she was having an offer made to her:

"Gracious stars! You don't mean you want to marry me? I'm sure you don't, because Aunt Dove says no one can want to marry me except for my money," and Toney laughed happily, "and you are ever so much too nice for that."

If only she had been shy! If only she had not mentioned money in this bald way!

"Of course it isn't for your money--but----" the lie stuck a little in his throat, looking at those wide-opened laughing eyes, "but I think I could make you happy, and you should have your own way." Toney nodded.

"Oh, yes, of course I should! That's why it's no use thinking of it. My way and your way would never be one scrap like twins. Uncle Dove says it's best to give me my head, but he declares no other man but he would put up with it! Ouf! that's over, isn't it? You don't mind one bit, I'm sure! Good-bye. I heard uncle calling. Time's up and Colon hates waiting. Good-bye," and Toney flew off like a sudden gust of wind, leaving Edward Lang to chew the cud of disappointment alone.

Lady Southbourne watched Sir Evas and Toney ride off followed by Jim, who had enjoyed himself immensely in the servants' hall, weaving yarns about his mistress and Colon.

"Well, Toney, you look very fit in spite of your high jumps," said Sir Evas, looking with pleasure at his niece, "It was a very fine run."

"And you look all the sprucer, dear old duck, but I shan't come often if----"

"If--what's the matter?"

"If I have to have an offer at the end! Mr. Lang didn't do it very easily either, got into a bog and sort of stuck there."

"Good heavens, Toney, have you refused the best match of the county?"

"I don't believe he wanted _me_, but the money. Aunt Dove sees some things awfully truly, I can tell you, uncle, so I just repeated what she said about it to him."

"Good heavens! What was that?"

"You know, that it's only my money the men will want."

"You didn't tell him to his face, Toney?"

"Why not? It's much better to be honest about it, and besides I put it gingerly. I told him it couldn't be _that_. But I did bless you when you shouted for me, couldn't have found anything else to say, either of us, not for anything! so I just ran!" Sir Evas laughed till the tears ran down his face.

"Edward Lang won't forgive you in a hurry, besides, I daresay he does like you, and he's not half a bad fellow, only rather extravagant, and given to---- Ehem----"

"That's it, he wants to pay his bills, that shows he's honest, anyhow, doesn't it? but I haven't as much liking for him as I have for Jim. That can't be love, can it, uncle?"

"I should surmise not."

"But you might know, because you once made love, didn't you?"

"Ye-es--but it was different. We weren't romantic in those days."

They went on in silence for a little while, then Toney remarked,

"Do you know, Uncle Evas, you might have told me about a pretty romance going on near us."

"Whose, Toney?"

"It's Mr. Waycott. I guess he's awfully in love with Maud Hamilton. Don't you think that that will be a very, very happy romance? He's so real nice, isn't he? and you see, she's very poor, so it isn't for money only, but just because he loves and admires her. We'll give them a scrumptious wedding present, won't we, uncle?"

"As it's a secret better say nothing; but, as you remark, he can't be marrying for money!"

"I expect he'll tell me some day. He always has been so chummy with us, hasn't he?"

"Well, yes, Lewis Waycott is a first-rate fellow. Now let's trot home quickly."

*CHAPTER XVIII.*

*A GENEROUS COUSIN.*

Lewis was looking at the newspaper in the dining-room one morning whilst waiting for his aunts and cousins to come down to breakfast. The postman had just left the letters when Maud entered. She looked very bright and pretty, and Lewis thought to himself what a pity it was he could not feel towards her as he did for Toney. Everything would be so easy as Maud was not an heiress. Aunt Delia's wishes were so carefully hidden that happily Lewis did not recognise them, still he knew his aunts would easily consent. Maud held a letter in her hand.

"Oh, Lewis, imagine what has happened! Mother always said it would!"

"I did not know Aunt Delia had the spirit of prophecy."

"She has! You know Cousin Seaton Hamilton lives in the Argentine?"

"I thought he found living rather a difficulty."

"Mother always said he would make a fortune and think of us, and he has! So nice, too, he won't say it's him. Just imagine a present of two hundred pounds for each of us, to go and study music in Germany!"

Lewis laughed heartily.

"Oh, Lewis, you don't believe it! Look for yourself!" She held out her letter which certainly contained a draft for two hundred pounds. Jeanie walked in with a similar letter in her hand.

"Isn't it lovely? Imagine such a thing happening to us!"

"Seaton Hamilton must have found a gold mine! When was the last time he wrote to you?"

"It was just when--Jeanie was playing with----" Maud left off, she must not mention the discarded lover, but Jeanie blushed as she murmured,

"Mother is always right! She said he would remember us when he was rich, and he has."

Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Honoria entered together, and there was a chorus from the girls whilst Lewis stood by the fire smiling.

"Really, Delia, this is the first time I have known your prophecy to come true. And he puts it nicely," said Miss Honoria.

"I wonder he doesn't sign his name," said Lewis.

"So full of good feeling. He always admired you two girls so much," said their mother.

"Poor Seaton, money was always like water in his hands."

"Nonsense, Lewis, he never had any, so your simile is quite wrong, but I always said he _would_ make money some day, and would remember the girls."

"Let's eat our breakfast in his honour then," said Lewis, sitting down. "Shall you accept it, Jeanie?"

"Of course. Mother, when can we start?"

"We must thank him first; but isn't it tiresome there is no address except that of the Argentine lawyer?" said Maud.

"You must thank him then," said Lewis, "he'll pass it on."

"I think Lewis does not half believe," said Jeanie.

"I believe in the money as the cheque looks good enough; to me the miracle seems to be in Seaton. He never could make money, and wasn't very generous."

"How could he be on nothing? Poor Seaton! I always believed in him," repeated Mrs. Hamilton, "but I don't think Maud can go to Germany just now."

They discussed this some time when suddenly Lewis exclaimed,

"Why there is Toney cantering across the park! You must tell her of your good fortune." Lewis went to the front door to warn her. She ran up the steps leaving Jim to hold the horses, and Lewis thought he had never seen her looking so happy.

"Will you forgive me coming so early?"

"Forgive you? Why, it's a great pleasure to see you, Toney."

"Is it? Well, that is nice of you. I never know if people care----"

What an opportunity! Lewis nearly said, "I care more for you than for anybody in the world," but the fifty thousand a year popped up before his mental vision like a number on a music hall platform.

"Everybody does," he altered it to, "but I came to tell you that Maud and Jeanie are in the seventh heaven of delight over poor Seaton Hamilton's gift of two hundred pounds each. You are too generous, Toney."

"You are glad, aren't you? You won't scold me? I know you like Maud to have advantages. Keep the secret, won't you?"

"Of course, but what brings you? Has Lady Dove given you notice to quit?"

Toney laughed.

"Oh no, not yet; but she is very angry because--another _avant garde_ came yesterday--such a quaint little old maid whose father was at Balaclava, and then finished up all his money before he died, and she has kept her mother for years by working at a little school, and now she is going blind."

"Did one little old maid rouse her anger?"

"Somehow it did, when it really was an honour to shake hands with Miss Phipps; but I want to know if I may have the farm at once and rig it up for interviews. I could put Miss Phipps and her mother there, and she could be sort of interviewing secretary."

"But you say she can't see?"

"Her mother could see for her and they could do it between them. Mr. Staines is so slow about the lease, and he and your lawyer are having _chasse croise_ about everything, and--if you don't mind lending it to me straight off till it's paid for we could send an army of work-people and do it up from top to toe."

Lewis looked at her bright eager face, and he felt it was also an honour to shake hands with her, but he could say nothing but,

"Of course you shall have it, only it's giving in to Lady Dove's selfishness."

"Pups said it was not seeing through other people's eyes that made us selfish. I read last night about Brother Leo's dream, and I did wish Aunt Dove could hear it, but she would think it rubbish. He saw a lot of brothers with loads on their backs trying to cross a river, some got half-way and some nearly to the shore, but in the end all were drowned; and then he saw others with no loads and they got over easily, and St. Francis explained that the loads were the riches which they could not forsake."

"Lady Dove has a pretty good heavy load, I fancy!" said Lewis rather savagely.

"I'm sure Pups hadn't any. That's why he got to the other side so easily. Then I may see about the farm this very day, may I?"

"Yes, this very day, I'll come with you directly after breakfast; but come in and hear about the Argentine cousin."

"You swear to keep the secret, won't you, Mr. Waycott?"

"Certainly, by the seven gods if you like."

As the two entered the dining-room, Miss Honoria thought she had never seen two faces looking so perfectly happy.

Never had Jeanie Hamilton appeared so much excited as she did now as both sisters recounted their good fortune, to which Toney listened with a smile on her lips.

"It will pay for a whole course of Herr Ludowic. Imagine such luck!"

"Jeanie is really worth the lessons, but I'm not," said Maud humbly. "I think she had better have it all and then she can become a professional."

"Cousin Seaton wouldn't like that," said Mrs. Hamilton; "you can keep it and see what you really want. I always said he would make money and that he had a generous heart," and Toney put in,

"If he has made a lot I expect he finds it just a great pleasure to give it away. Now I'll go on to the farm and take notes."

The farm was a most picturesque place with old black woodwork outside, and within panelled rooms with lattice windows, but it all needed repainting and papering. Toney was in her element, as pencil in hand, she planned out something very pretty. She had not done before Lewis appeared, and with his help she put down the names of the tradesmen she should apply to to transform the old farm into something that would be very pretty and attractive, and where some of the future dwellers in Toney's palace should lodge.

"I am going to call the palace 'Stone House' after my General," she said, "and you must name the farm, as it is really your gift."

"My gift when I am selling it for a handsome sum! It will be a chapel of ease I think."

Toney laughed.

"Indeed it won't. Everybody connected with it will work hard. Pups said hard work was like salt to dried herrings! But I do wish we could get on with the palace. It's going to be built of stone of course, with mullion windows and airy rooms, and very hygienic and--oh, I must ride home, for Mr. Russell will be wanting me. He takes Aunt Dove's part, and she is really quite nice to him."

At that moment Maud made her appearance. Her mother had sent her to invite Toney to lunch, but in the back of her mind it was to report how Lewis conducted himself with the heiress. Maud found them only busy over the names of many tradesmen.

"I'm glad you came," exclaimed Toney, but not laughing. "I want you to help Mr. Waycott to choose a name for the farm. It will be nice if you both help."

Maud was beginning to admire Toney very much; ever since the birthday party she always took her part when her mother and Jeanie abused her, and now here was Toney saying something so nice. At that moment, however, the Squire's agent came to call him away on business.

"Oh, Toney, it will be lovely to have your palace so near to Lewis, because he does take so much interest in it."

"It is very good of him and you. If you both care it will get on."

Maud wondered why Toney put it like that; happily, Mrs. Hamilton had not let Maud become acquainted with her plans, and as she herself had never seen any attention, other than cousinly, on Lewis' side, the idea of marrying him had not entered her head. In this Mrs. Hamilton had shown her talent. She knew Lewis would resent the idea of having his wife chosen for him, but some day he would fall in with the idea and all would be well, but it did no harm to prepare the matrimonial path by telling other people about it.

"Toney, dear, I want to make a confession to you," said Maud, leaning against the gate whilst Toney sat on the top of it.

"Confession to me! I'm the worst person, for if I were a Roman Catholic priest I would never listen to confessions, but absolve them all. I should feel rather mean to hear people's bad thoughts, wouldn't you?"

"Well, you must listen. I think we were all horrid about you, I don't know why, at least I think when you first came I was rather jealous of you."

"Jealous of me when I first came! Why, I was only a poor relation."

"Yes, but you could ride and play tennis, and you always said things straight out, which I never, never can!"

"It was only Pups' teaching."

"But I want to say I've changed my mind, Toney, and I do like you very much now, and will you let me help you in your work? Jeanie and I do seem to lead such useless lives. Of course now with Cousin Seaton's present it will be better. Jeanie will go and get really good lessons and be a success, and I shall give her my share, as it will be much better for her, and then I thought that perhaps you would let me help with your poor people."

"Well, now that is scrumptious of you, Maud; you're the first woman that ever wanted to help except Crumpet, and she's got her Henry. If you really mean it, you could come and help Miss Phipps here. Mr. Waycott laughs because she's nearly blind--and there'll be so much to do at first about accounts and other things."

"Let's call it 'The Haven.'"

"Yes, and you shall visit the Haven every day. That will be beautiful, and you won't mind being a paid official, will you, as I think paid work is more satisfactory. I'll give you one hundred pounds a year, and it will be a real, real help."

"Oh, Toney! but---- Yes, I won't be proud because the money will be so useful to me. It is silly our being afraid of saying we are poor. Since I've known you, Toney, I see how foolish we are."

Toney took her hand and clasped it

"That's a token of our agreement. The Kanakas did that when I tried to make them promise to leave off a bad habit; but I think they liked clasping hands, as they so often forgot and had to begin again!" They both laughed, and Maud's eyes began to shine with new hope and pleasure. She was going to be useful.

"And there's another thing I want to ask you about. You know Jeanie always looks so miserable; well, it's because she is constantly thinking of Frank Weston. She rejected him because he wasn't a gentleman born, I used to think she was right, but now--I begin to feel it's we that were silly and foolish. How can it matter what a man is by birth so that he's _really nice_. You don't know what a wonderful musician he is, and what a very, very nice man. I think Jeanie broke his heart, or nearly, and I believe she is breaking hers, as she is so cross if I mention him. Oh, Toney, can you help her? You got Miss Crump married. Lewis says it was all your doing."

"Gracious stars! but I do love a real, real romance. Of course I'd marry a pig-sticker if he was real nice, but I'm not a Hamilton--I'm only just Toney Whitburn. But, Maud, let's think out a solution, and thank you very, very much for being so nice to me! I'll never be jealous of you!"

"Jealous of me!--how could you be, Toney?"

*CHAPTER XIX.*

*A REFUGE.*

The transformation of the farm seemed to take place by magic, for Toney spared neither trouble nor money. She wished to have some place where her visitors might be received with kindness and courtesy, two things which were a very uncertain quantity at Aldersfield, that is if Lady Dove was in the vicinity. Besides all this time, Toney was constantly writing to the architect about plans for "Stone House," and to Mr. Staines about the purchase of the land. It was in all these ways that the girl's real ability was soon visible; what she did not understand she grappled with till, as she expressed it, daylight came. Even Mr. Russell began to feel that his employer was not only a mere girl with whims and fancies, for that had been his first opinion of her. He was often surprised at the grasp she had of subjects not included in a young lady's education, and a faint spark of enthusiasm began to appear occasionally in his work. Certainly there was a great deal of secretarial work to do, but Toney's masterly scribbles on the letters to be answered were seldom at fault, though expressed in somewhat quaint fashion. She appeared to remember cases in an extraordinary manner without their being tabulated, for she possessed a royal memory, bred of early training and a perfectly healthy life.

Ten days later Toney rode off alone to the farm to see to last touches, for Miss Phipps and her mother were to come that very afternoon. The door was opened by Mrs. Thomas, who had been a cook, and Mary, now a tall girl, was to wait on the ladies, whilst Mr. Thomas was to see after the garden and make himself generally useful. As the whole family adored Toney, there was no fear of the wheels not going round easily. She had made them think they themselves were going to confer great benefits.

"I do think, Miss Tonia, everything is ready!" said Mrs. Thomas.

"And I've put flowers in the sitting-room," added Mary. "I knew you would wish them to have flowers."

"And we shall have a fine dairy, miss," added Thomas, "'twill supply all your big house when it's built."

They all accepted Miss Tonia's big house quite naturally, and they all meant to have a hand in its success.

Toney made a last inspection, her quick eyes seeing everything. Then she returned alone into the parlour to await Maud who had gone to meet Miss Phipps. Toney and Trick sat on the wide window seat looking into the garden, in which beautiful chrysanthemums were to be seen, and curled up here with Trick in her arms she had a good think.

It was very sweet of Maud to want to help her, she loved her for it, and she loved her because Lewis loved her, and the two would perfect as master and mistress of beautiful Waycott Hall with all its art treasures. It was very nice of Lewis never to have thought of money at all, as Lady Dove had formerly said he would, it showed he was what Toney had always thought him, one of King Arthur's knights. She did wish they had told her herself because she could have assured them how perfect she thought it, and she would try to be awfully nice to Maud for his sake. Of course it was his influence that had made her so much nicer, and now so willing to join in Toney's work.

As for herself, her work was marked out quite plainly, and she must think of nothing else; it would be years before it would run on all fours, and till then she must keep a watchful eye over everything and must not think of personal pleasure. Then she would be following in her father's footsteps, and doing her duty to her neighbour as General Stone had expected of her.

The bright face was quite grave as she leant against Trick's shaggy locks. The burden felt just a wee bit heavy this morning, and the future, just like a hill that went up and up a long, long way, and no top visible at this moment. Then suddenly she shook herself and Trick to get rid of these grey thoughts.

"I do wish Pups could appear to me as the Brothers of Poverello did so often to each other. I shouldn't be a bit afraid, as of course he is working hard somewhere, and of course he sees me and does care about my work. But the Brothers of Poverello were so very, very good and always praying, so that they were fit to see the saints, and I'm not."

At this moment, happily for Toney's spirits, a fly drove up and she flew to receive her first visitors. Maud was there looking quite transformed from the discontented girl she had been into a woman with a purpose.

"Here we are, Toney, and Mrs. and Miss Phipps are very cold and tired after their journey."

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."