THE STORYTELLER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 178, 18 July 1908, Page 3

THE STORYTELLER.

Ia- A WEEK OF WEALTH.

By Fedden Tindall in HXP. Of course, the idea was scarcely sensible; but then I never have been noted for sense. Of course, also, I might have found ten thousand arguments against it; but again I bad found the one and ". only conclusive argument in its favour— I wanted to do it. , So I started on my journey. This was no new plan. For several years I had dreamed of at least one week spent amid pleasant surroundings, in every comfort, without the usual limitations as to money. And now I was well on my way for & week of luxury at the "Grand," Seaborough. It was a fashionable place; I meant to do everything thoroughly, so I had purposely chosen the most'expensive hotel. In my brand new gladstone reposed an evening suit—it was the first I had ever been able to afford. You see, I had not had altogether an , easy Bme. "Hy "screw" at the office was not exactly princely, and I 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 ease, and walk or drive as I fancied. True, I might swallow up the savings of two or three years, but 1 was mad enough to think that - that scarcely mattered. I reached the "Grand",at last. I had previously engaged my room, and I drove up in style from the station'. At,dinner I fancied that I was faultlessly attired, and I ordered a decent port after some deliberation. Then 1 commenced to look about me. I was fascinated by the crowd of women. They were not aU exactly beautiful; but the varying hues of their costumes seemed marvellous fo me. Also on every side 1 saw the flash and glitter of diamonds. A moment my eye roved carelessly over the scene. Then it was riveted, enchained, for the Test of the evening. If was her golden hair at first, and the proud poise of her dainty head. I gazed at them with admiration. Then I began to take in the whole of the face. I 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 word into which I was only peeping. She wore no diamonds like the others, 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, and I somehow fancied that she thought her companion .as wholly delightful as I did. From that moment I "dreamed of a fresh madness. I was not content to look; I most speak to my divinity. And the 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 seven miles from Seaborough, I wag dreaming of her, of course, when I actually saw ber before me. She was walking briskly along, " and by her side dragged the old lady. And it was she—bless her heart —who .addressed me. ' "Excuse me, sir, bnt could you direct us the nearest way back to Seaborough (' I felt rather like a naughty school-boy who, being suddenly questioned in class, has completely forgotten his lesson.

"I—l think the way I have just come is the quickest.'' fThen could you kindly give us directional" broke in my divinity, a trifle •tiffly. "Oh, with pleasure." I smiled like an idiot And that delightful old lady went on sweetly: " I think we are 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 allo\y me to show you the way? There are so many turnings, it is not easy to direct you." "Oh, we should not like to trouble yon," began the object of my worship. But quickly the old lady chimed in. "We shall be most grateful." So we started; on our homeward way— I feeling the proudest and the happiest of idiots. Oh, how I strove to be the very personification of courtesy, and at the same time pleasant and amusing. I talked of the surrounding country, the old lady seconded me nobly. Soon my divinity began to unbend and we 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 in my direction. I fancied that I was turning scarlet; but Tlope it was only fancy. I watched for them in the lounge during the 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 ft wave 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? But truce to snch foolish nonsense. The lounge was very crowded. They were looking for chairs qnite near me. I sprang up to offer assistance. I settled them comfortably, cushions and foot-stools and all. Then I made a feeble attempt at conversation. "Isn't this a charming lounge?" I ■aid in a manner that strove to be careless.

"Yes, most comfortable," said the old lady. "The whole hotel is good, don't you thinkl" "Oh, so far we have nothing to complain of." This time the girl was speaking. I thought her manner was slightly ' off-hand. <M course I remembered she wag thoroughly accustomed to comfort and luxury. It was not " the thing "to enthuse too heartily. "Yes, Fm satisfied so far." I was 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. Bhe evidently meant to dismiss me. I 'could only how and retreat, distinctly crest-fallen. But next morning my hopes rose again. Really she was almost friendly. She asked me. the best way to walk to a village near' and thanked me for my scanty information with graciousness. I pondered. She was evidently devote! to walking. I wondered why she did not drive or motor. Well, anyway, I Messed her tastes, and I laid my plans deeply and cunningly. I studied a local map for fully five minutes. Then I set out walking furiously. I struck their road about half-an-hour after they had I 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. "We seem'born to meet," smiled the girl. "We 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 Etrangely struck your path, I think I may as well, if you will nllow met" I looked at the younger lady. Her assent was cold, I fancied. But fjuch as it was, I welcomed it, and we went on on r way together. After that we had several meetings. Each time I thought her more delightful. She was cold and stiff no longer: hut wonderfully natural and friendly. Of my own life, of course, I dared no. talk; but the country was a boon in conversation, and we found kindred tastes in music and reading. IThe days were speeding by all too quickly: my week of comfort was going. • In a dav or so more I must leave it all: j ro back to London and work and loneliness. And somehow I should feel morn lonely than ever after this glimpse o - happiness. Oh, I had been mad to com"! Yet T could not regret it! Only I could not deceive myself—her world and min» lay apart, we would probably never meet again after we had on.ee parted. My last day dawned. It was wet ami cold" and wretched. She 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. 1} U my last day; I'm going to-morrow.; "Has the weather driven you away? laughed the girl. "It is having the sam<effect on us. We also are going tomorrow." . , A feeble glimmer of sun peepel through the clouds for an instant. "I Believe if is going to clear up, she said suddenly. -,,-,,11 "Yes, the rain has stopped. wouhl yon care tv> stroll for a few minutes in the garden?" . I had to include them both in 1m ■glance; but it was not of the old lady T w<is thinking. I nositivelv loved th" flood old soul wlieu I heard her pleasant, | answer: "I think' T'm afraid of tJhe damp. - thanV". »Woi'M von care to go for a i fen- minutes. Muriel?" i "T«. T MW? T would. T am fired '■ ■ «of *tayiiig indoors." Ify heart gave a

! leap of delight; but it sank again in[stantly. This would be really "Good- | bye" j it was not likely that wc should have further chance of conversation. 00 I felt depressed and wretched even with her by my side, as we strolieJ later on in the garden. At last I could keep back my thoughts no longer. "I'm sorry to be going to-morrow," 1 burst out.

"So am I," alio said softly. "I suppose we shall never meel again."

"No." It was almost a whisper Then I lost my head, I hardly knew what 1 was doing. "I can scarcely bear to think of the I future-without you," I said quickly. And she fixed her eyes full on me, alight with a great surprise; but no, not anger I fancied.

Oh, I know it's impertinent, but I must tell you just this once. The world will soon be empty without you." "You mean it!" came the faintest whisper.

You must know that I love you with all my heart and my soul and my strength," 1 cried wildly, " but it is madness for me to say it." " You mean the difference in our positions?"

"Yes," I almost groaned. "Oh, whj i am not I a rich man, and able to claim you I"

The light of surprise deepened in hei beautiful eyes. "But aren't you*" she said very soft-

"I forgot that you couldn't know. Forgive me, you must think me a cad to have masqueraded. 1 am having n week's holiday i n comfort, that is all. I am only the poorest of city clerks, in reality."

"Are you!" Her tones were incredulous. The surprise was still in her eyes, but a light almost of happiness was shining there also. "Then where is the difference in our positions!" What could she mean? I was tonguetied. And then the passion-fraught silence was broken by her rippling laughter. "Why, of course, I forgot that you could not know. I am masquerading, too. This is my week of extravagance, a week for which I have been saving for three whole 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. Simkills into the service: you see, she was a necessity. I had to have a chaperon. My evening dress was another necessary thing: it cost such a lot of money. But the dress gave me entire satisfaction; poor Mrs. Simkins worried me. She is so confiding and unconventional." " 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 onr honeymoon. And, of course, her will is law, so we have taken a cottage in the country. We are going to be married to-morrow.