CHAPTER II. PERILS OF THE PARKS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2203, 21 August 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER 11. PERILS OF THE PARKS.

The Syringa Mus ; o Hall ia the City Road whs a place of mark known not only in Clerkenwell and Islington, but occasionally visited by adventurous spirits from the West End, whoso insatiable thirst to 1 see the la.st thing it " great and gloiious comics" or eminent acrobats led them to penetrate to di-tant suburbs. The Syringa had been established about ton years, but in its earlier days had been only a modest concert-room, under the name of Moffats, where harmony and refreshments were nightly dispensed. Whether M off at was unequal to the times, failed to discern that mystic problem *• what the public wanted ;" or •whether Moffat lacked capital, it is impossiblo to say, but it is certain that Moff.it did not flourish. He reduced his vocalists' j»al:irie<, whereby the music went from bad to worse ; the quality of his liquors fell off, and his customers also in like proportion ; in short after sustaining 1 the struggle for five years Moffat was glad to avert bankruptcy by disposing of the whole concern, including 1 the remainder of his leat>e of Mr James Foxborough. James Fonborough was u man of a very different stamp from the late proprietor. He was a go-ahca<', energetic man, with evident command or capital. He knocked the whole conceit room down, got pos-^e^sion of an adjoininghouse or two, and proceeded to build a commodious modern music "hall in its place, which he christened "Mie Syringa. Whereas Moffats has been comparatively unknown, except to the initiated g.iudycoloured posters and extensive advertising proclaimed the birth of the Syring.i; star artists were engaged, a capital entertainment organised, the catering carefully looked to, and in less than three months the new music hall was drawing crowded houses. Mr Pox borough might be said to be in the profession. He had married Miss Nydia Willoughby, the celebrated seriocomic vocalist, some twenty years old, and in the beginning of his career had been chiefly indebted to that lady's earnings for his support, but of late y^ars he had made money, chiefly it was supposed, by travelling about the country with threatical companies. Hn was an admitted shrewd juch/e of such things, and was, moreover, considerably assisted therein by his wife. Mrs Foxborongh was wont to say, ' I don't, pretend to be a judge of either the play or the acting, but I know when there* money in a piece, and it is by no means the best plays that bring in the most mouoy.' In which assertion the lady was in all probability right. At all events sho managed the Syriiiira — while her husband was away on his numerous theatrical tours exceedingly well, was very popular with her company, and hure to note tho*>o who ' ' drew '' and these who failed to do so ; and though she knew well it was her business to get rid of these latter unfortunates as quickly as possible, yet th? kind-hearted manageress when aware that employment -was a very serious object for them on account or the narrowness of their means, would allow them at any time to hang on some weeks after their engagement had expired, sooner than turn them adritt with nothing to do. It was not often that Miss Nydia Willoughby appeared on the stage now-a-days. It was not that her voice was gone at all, far from it; perhaps it was as good as ever it had been, the result of not being unduly worked. If her figure was a little fuller and more matronly than in her younger days, she was still a tall handsome woman ; verging on forty it might be, but with not a thread of .silver in the rich chestnut hair, while the dark blue eyes flashed as brightly and archly as when they had riddled the heart of Jim Foxborough years ago ; bub Miss Willoughby thought it judicious not to give the frequenters of the Syringa too much of herself. She always got an immense reception when she did sing, which she dearly loved, for bhe was clever in her line and very popular with the public, and she had sense enough to know that if she was continually in the programme her welcome could hardly be expected to be so enthusiastic. She was a brave plucky woman who had had a hard struggle with the world in her younger days, and had battled it out, neither flinchnig nor complaining. Now things were easy for her, and she had leisure to enjoy life, and was never so happy as when she had her vagrant husband at home for a little between his tours. Mrs Foxborough dearly loved her husband and Nid. Nid was their only daughter, a sweetly pretty girl of six teen with her mother's chestnut hair and

deep blue eyos, but with no promise of ever attaining her mother's stature. Sho was a blight piquant little thing with ruther irregular features, but with a charming Miiilo tind most beautiful teeth. Sho had°becii highly edutmted, especially in music, lor money had been tolerably plentiful ever since Nid hud beeu of asro to require masters, icdeed the hard tunes of her parents' eaily career had been over before Nid was old enough to understand such things. She had a dun recollection of living iv somewhat poky lodgings compared with the pretty cottage ataudiug in its own gardens ou the north-east *ide of the Regent's Parl; which they now occupied, but she could only ju«t c.ill to mind the lime when her mother had no biougham of her own, and had to go about in o ib*. The little lady, indeed, had been brought up, if not in luxury, :it all events in ea&y circumstances, and had acquired a somewhat contemptuous estimate of the value of money. She was seated now, coiled up in a big easy chair, in the drawing-room of the cottage, talking in animated fashion and with very flushed face to her mother. 'Yes, mamma, quite an adventure, I assure you. I was just entering the Park at the upper end, one of the side gates not far from the Zoological Gardens, you know, when a rongh-looking man accosted me, and asked me to give him something. I glanced round in hopes of seeing some one, but as far as. I could see there was nobody in sight. I hurried on, but he easily kept alongside of me. and I suppose it quickly dawned upon him also that he had got me all to himself. Suddenly he changed his voice and exclaimed gruffly, 'If young women like you ain't Lirnt to be charitable it's about time they wos taught. Do yon know, miss, it's the tiptoppedest of all the virtues— leastways that's what the chaplain taught us in Milbank, so tip us that purse I see in your hand— quick, or I'll twist your blessed little head off.' Oh, mamma, I could have dropped, and mechanically held out my purse to him. • This is a somewhat hasty conwersion,' he continued, as he pocketed it, 'but a welleducated young woman like you don't require to be reminded that *'He who giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord,' and so off with that necklace and those bracelets, and look shaip, for if I have to help you I shall, perhaps, turn out a roughish lady's maid.' This so frightened me, mamma, my hands trembled to that extent that I could not undo the clasp of the necklet. The man got impatient and suddenly seized hold of me and wrenched it Irom my neck. Up to this I had been paralysed with fear, but now I screamed in downright earnest. 'Stow that,' exclaimed the man fiercely, * or I'll strangle you. Come, off with the bangles, quick, or I shall have to assist you again.' 1 unclasped one bracelet, and then my legs faiily failed to sustain me, and I .sank half fainting to the ground. The ruffian uttered a savage oath, and advanced towards me. Suddenly I lieanl a quick step on the grass ; a man with a white hat dashed at my assailant, who had barely time to confront the iipw comer. There was a quick intei change: of blows. I saw my footpad acquaintance drop as if shot, and then I fainted.' 'My darling, you must never go out again in that way by yourself,' said Mrs Foxborough, as she came across from her own seat to fondle the littlo che&tnut head in the arm-chair. 4 Nobody was ever rude to me in the park before, mamma, and you know I have been there by myself over and over again." " Yes, dear, but this shows it is insufficiently policed. When your papa comes back we must get him to see the authorities about it. It is monstrous that a young lady living near the Regent's Park should not be able to walk in it unattended. But let me hear the end of your adventure, Nid, as I have got yon \ here safe and sound I can afford to listen to it.' 1 Well, when I came to, I found the gentleman in the white hat suppoiting me, and dabbing my face with a wet handkerchief, which he kept (lamping from a watering pot held by a parkkeeper. I came round pretty quick, then, mamma, as you may imagine. If finding hersalf in a strange gentleman's arms, while her face is being dabbed in a most uncomfortable and manlike tashion, with a park-keeper superintending- the operation, isn't enough to bring any girl to, I don'c Know what is. Anyhow I gave a gulp or two, got on my legs, shaking as they were, and asked for some water to drink. He ot the white hat and the parkkeeper looked helplessly at each other for a moment or two — it was otvious I couldn't drink out of the watering pot, and then my preserver started the parkkeeper on for a jug and a tumbler. I felt so damp that I half suspect they had used the watering pot and treated me as if I were a geranium while I was unconcious.' "I am afraid you have been terribly frightened,' he said quietly, ' but I trust are not hurt. I was unluckily a little late in coming to your assistance, though 1 assure you I came as soon as I heard your screams, and as quickly as I could —anyone naturally would. Has the ruffian robbed you of anything ? I found the bracelet on the grass, but you inny have lost more.' * He has got my purse and my necklet,' I stammered, ' but don't, please, don't trouble. I can't thank you now, lam too nervous, but you have been very good — and — and I'm very much obliged.' *It was tame, mamma, I know, but I really was all abroad, and could not do the thing prettily.' 4 I'm sorry about the purse, and also that the scoundrel has got away, but though I knocked him down very clean,' rejoined my hero, 'he was on his legs and making marvellously good use of them in a twinkling. I thought of giving chase for a moment, but I couldn't leave you here insensible.' 'It would have been very inhuman if you had,' I answered with a gulp, • for I could hardly repress a slight tendency to hysterics.' ' I should think not, darling,' said her mother, softly, as she bent over the girl, fondling her. 'The scoundrel will probably get off,' continued my friend, ' and you will probably never see his face again. But there is one consolation for you — had he been apprehended you would have to appear against him at the police court, and that is not very nice for a young lady.' 4 1 would rather lose ten purses,' I replied, hastily. "That depends a little what is in them,' rejoined my friend laughing. ' But are you well enough to think of going home yet? Ah. here comes the park-keeper with the water.' ' Well, I drank some water, and he escorted me to the outside of the paik, and walked with me till we met a cabThen he put me into it, asked where he should tell the man to drive to, hoped I should soou recover from my fright, an-1 lifted his hat in farewell. He was very nice, mamma.' 'And I suppose very good looking, Nid— the heroes of little romances like yours always are," replied her mother, laughing. ' Well, that is just what I don't think he is. I can't say I ever had a really good look at him. I was so frightened, and it was so awkward, you know, but I should call him tall, and red-headed. He was thoughtful, too, to the last, for he checked the cabman ?> minute just as I I w ■* w.'.t!/ vi. * .d leaning forward said, | 'Do not think me obstrusive, but re-

member you have lost your purse ; can I be of any further use ?' Of course I thanked him and said no.' ' I suppose he is a young man ?* said Mrs Foxborough, interrogatively. ' I hardly know— not very young, certainly : but, mamma, the more, I think about it, the mote convinced I am he is ugly- ' Ah well, my dear, I don't suppose we shall see him again, thought I own I should like to thank him for his kindness to my little girl, 1 said M*-3 Foxborough, as she stroked the girl's chesnut locks. ' Perhaps not,' replied Nid, but in her own mind she felt pretty certain that she should see her red-haired, white-hatted acquaintances again before long. And the girl was correct in her surmise, for the very next morning the trim parlourmaid brought in a card, on which wag inscribed "Mr Herbert Morant, 6, Morpeth terrace.' I Please ma'am, the gentleman wants to know if you will sec him, as he has ieco\ered Miss Nydia's necklace which the thief stole yesterday.' ' Certainly ; show him in Ellen, and let Miss Nydia know he's here,' and Mrs Foxborough with no little curiosity awaited the appearance of the heto of yesterday's adventure. He speedily made his appearance, a tall, gentlemanly-looking man, with hair, though not glating red, still of a most decidedly warm-coloured tint, clean shaved all but a trim moustache, a quiet mobile face, with a pair of bold, keen eyes that met your own without a blink or droop in them. •Mrs Foxborontfh, I presume,' he said, with an easy smile. 'it was my good I fortune yesterday to render your daughter some slight service, and though I should hardly have ventured to intrude upon you on such grounds, yet it is incumbent on me to restore this to her (here he produced the necklet), and I could not resist the temptation of doing so in person in order that I might inquire if she is really none the worse for the rascally attack made upon her.' 'It is very kind of you to take so much trouble, "' rejoined Mrs Foxborough, ' and the more so because it enables me to thank you and express my gratitude for your protection of my daughter. I do thank you from the bottom of my heart,' continued the lady, extending her hand ; ' but for you there is no saying how far that brute's ill-tieatment of her might have been ranird.and she is very, very dear to me, Mr Moiant, as you will understand when you know us better.' I 1 don't think I need see much of you to understand that,' said the young man, with a frank smile, for though he might not be young fiom Nid's point of view, he lacked a year or two of thirty. ' I ought to tell you, Mks Foxborough, who and what I am ; but that is just what is rather difficult to convey to you. It is much easier to tell you what I'm not. I am neither barrister, doctor, soldier, sailor, in short, I am nothing. I am th.it anomaly known as a gentleman of independent moans, which might be translated in this wise— l have sufficient money to dispense with working for *ny living, and yet not enough to do what I want. Then why don't I work, you will, of course ask, like everyone else ; to which I repty, I am just about to begin. I have been about to begin, now,' he added, ruefully, 'about six years, but somehow I don't seen) to get auy nearer to it.' Mrs Foxborough could not help laughing. •An extraordinary frank, openminded young gentleman, this,' she thought ; and yet this guileless young man was even now practising a slight deception on her. The necklet which he had called to restore he had picked up at the same time as the bracelet, but he had been so struck with Nid'a beauty that he had quietly put it in his pocket so that it might serve as an excuse for culling upon the young lady. ' Forgive me,' he said, after a slight pause, ' but lam haunted with the ult-a that we have met before.' 'I think not,' she replied, 'although it is very likely that you have seen me. I am a professional, you know, and that you have heard Miss Nydia Willoughby sing is very possible — that is my stage name.' 'Of course ; how very dull of me ! I have heard you with great pleasure many times, but it did not, as you may suppose, occur to me to connect Miss Willoughby with Mrs Foxborough, and so I was at fault.' 'My husband is the proprietor of the Syringa, Mr Morant, and as he has to be a good deal away conducting country companies, I am usually manageress. But here cornea Nydia to thank you in her own proper person.' Very .pretty the girl looked as she once more bln^hingly expressed her gratitude. ' Ah, Mr Morant, 1 she said, ' I am so glad you hpve come to see us. Mamma can say for me all I am too foolish to say for myself. I am sure she has thanked you properly for coming to my rescue yesterday.' Mr Herbert Morant was as self-pos-sessed a young gentleman as there was about town, but even he was a little taken aback by the expression of Nid's gratitude. There was a tremor in her voice, and the tears stood in her eyes as she gave him her hand, and uttered the above speech. The girl's nervous system had received a shock from the fright, and, as is often the case, she felt it more the day following the occurrence than at the time. Sho had told her mother her rescuer was not good looking ; but he was hor hero n.ll the same, though an ugly one. Her girlish imagination had magnified the exploit considerably. It may be no great feat to knock a cowardly scoundrel down, but a woman feels great gratitude to the man who does that for her in her hour of need. To an athlete like Morant, who had been hi his college eight, been one of the best racquet players in the University, and had always enjoyed the reputation of being very smart with the gloves, it appeared a very small matter, but Nid viewed it in a very different light. ' You are making much of a trifle,' he rejoined gaily as last. ' You don't know what relief it is catching a fellow to knock down occasionally— an impudent rough, or something of that kind— quite an outlet to the suppressed energy of my nature. lam am afraid I shall recover no more of your properties, and that you mu^t bo content to suffer the loss of your purse. 1 ' ' We dine what no doubt you will call very early, Mr Moranfc. It was a necessity ot my vocation at one time, md has now become habit with me. If you will take us ab you find us, we shall be very glad if you will join us and accompany ua to the .Syringa afterwards. I must go there to-night to keep my eye on things.' The genial off- hand manner in which the invitation was eiven would have impelled most men to accept it, and Herbert Morant closed at once with the offer. Mrs Foxborongh had no reason to mistrust her nwHftffc, nor could any one reasonably have complained of the neat little dinner her cook served up. Mr Morant at all event**, wis perfectly sati^liod with this, the immediate result of his adventure. His hostess could be excessively pleasant whon she liked, and upon this occa«iou it pleased her to be so. Not only was bho under some obligation to the young" man, but his quiet, eu^y assurance without a particlo of either swairgnr or affectation amused Itt. Herbert "YTorrint, indeed, with his periuuily unconscious manner,

could perpetrate in society without giving offence what -would have been deemed impertinence in another. This, though in aomo measure the result of manner at first, was to some extent a matter of calculation now. He was licensed in his own set to do cool things and he did them. Society, us usual, when two or three of its leaders have aecopted ecceutrioities from anyone, followed suit, and it was "only Herbert Morant's way" was the conventional explantion of anything that gentleman might choose to do. He was careful not to abuse the privilege he had somehow acquired, and if did cool things he took care they should never be offensive. | In fact, he was a ver" popular man, and his table at Morpeth-terraee was usually pietty well covered with cards of invitation. The talking at dinner whs chiefly done by Mrs Foxborough and her guest. .She was a quiet, clover woman, and though she knew but little of his world, she contrived that the conversation should turn mostly in that diiecton. She was much more an fit it of what was going on in London generally than most of her class, whose knowledge and interest are usually confined exclusively, to the doinurs of the profession in its virinus branches. He was candour itself. He made no secret of his position in any way ; he owned that his moans were very moderate, that he was a great fool not to follow a profession or business of some sort, but said gravely that he never could quite make up his mind whether to make profit out of people's litigious tempers, their ailments, their spiritual necessities, or their credulity. The result was that he had embarked in no calling whatever, and was hti)l considering how to make that fortune which he declared would require no consideration about spending. "Now what do you think, Mrs. Foxborough ? What should you recommend me to turn my ever wandering attention to? I've implicit belief in myself in any capacity, and that, as a rule, usually insures the belief of the public." " Upon my word I cannot say," laughed the lady. " In my case I only know belief in one's self is by no means so readily reciprocated by the public, otherwise there are ladies I have met with, who would occupy a very different position on the Htage, oh ! yes, and men too. Vanity is no speciality of our sex." " No, I quite agree with you there. A woman is apt to be vain of her appearance, but bless you there's no end to our conceits. Our good looks, our talents, accomplishments, meaning a capacity for lawn tennis and valsiug. I know one man who is vain about his collars and another who piques himself on his boots. Oh ! no Mrs Foxborough, you can't give us points about that " "lam glad you admit it, for honestly in my profession I declare there is not a pin to choose about vanity between the sexes, nor about jealousy neither." 'Yes,' rejoined Moran t, ' 1 have always understood theatrical people wpre very sensitive to criticism on their efforts, but it has never been my good fortune to encounter, them before to-night,' 1 ani here he bent his head laughingly to his hostess. ''Do you mean to enter the profession, Miss Foxborough ?' 1 Oh ! that is .still in the samo category as your own start in life, Mr Moratit, not yet decided.' ' Nid can do just as she likes,'interposed her mother. ' She has uo need to go on the stage, as I had, nor is she ever likely to have ; but if she does I insist on the legitimate theatre, my dear. I'll not have you iv the my&ic hall business. I was glad to take an opening where I could, and when my chance of an engagement for a regular theatre came, found that I could command a much higher silary where I was, Wo can always find an opening for you if you wish to try the boards, and then, dear child, you can give it up if you don't like it. And now, Mr Morant, we will leave you to your coffee and cigarette for ten minutes, while we get our hats on, and then it will be time to go clown to the Syring.i. Come Nid,' aud the two ladies loft the loom. ' Well,' muttered Mr Morant, as he lazily inhaled his cigarette, ' I have been some years making up my mind with regard to a profession, but it strikes me that the stage is about my form. Deuced nice little dinner. I'd like to be eusureu champagne as good all the year round, und by Jove wh.it a charming woman the mother is ; aud as ior the daughter she is simply lovely. Bless my soul, if knocking down roughs is going to lead to this sort of tiding only once in six times. I'll go into th' 1 business heavily. It is so easy— so simple ; a brute of that sort, when once you get in a real straight one, has always had enough — he's always a cur. Upon my soul, I think Nid Foxborough is the sweetest girl I ever set eyes on. Rather funny this going down to the Syringa protected by the authorities ;" and here his meditations were cut short by the opening of the door, and an intimation from the parlour-maid that the brougham was at the door. He threw the fragment of his cigarette into the empty grate, and, proceeding to the hall, found the ladies, hatted and shawled, awaiting him. 'Trust I haven't hurried you,' exclaimed Mrs Foxborough ; ' but you must bear in mind that it is business with me. I shall send you to my box when we get there, and leave you and Nid to amuse each other while I am engaged in my own room with various people.' Now though Mr Morant knew the Syringa very well by name he had never been there. He had heard it mentioned at times by some of the fastest of his acquaintances, young men who were perpetually ransacking the town in search of novelty, as a fine music hall, but he had expected to see a very much rougher place, and was quite unprepared for the gorgeously decorated and spacious theatre the place really was, for the Syringa rejoiced in a large stage and elaborate scenery, and as nearly enacted stage plays as it darnel to do ; indeed, Mr Foxborough had for the last twelve months been thinking seriously about applying for a license and turning it into a bout fide theatte. But then, as his wife urged, there was a risk about this— the place was a very paying, thriving concern as it was, turn it into a theatre and it might cease to be so, and uobody knew better the marvellous uncertainty that characterises matters theatrical than Jim Foxborough. Seated m an extremely well fitted stage box, looking la/ily on at a ballet as well mounted as could be soon at any Westend theatre, and tt'/r a tlh with his pretty companion, Herbi'it Morant felt that lie had indeed fallen on his legs, and th.it hih interposition in favour of injured inuocunce was bountifully rewarded. "If thoso Knights of the Round Table got half such payment in Jvind, Miss Foxborough, as you and your mother have bestowed upon mo this evening, I don't J give them much credit for riding up and down to right wronged maidens.' ' I suppose the damsels they rescued ministered to their wants,' replied Nid, ' though perhaps they did not comprise cigarettes and music halls.' ' Hush, Miss Koxborough ; you must not speak lightly of tho laureate.' ' Oh, dear! Who commenced I should like to know ? Ye*teulay when I was f tightened I could have given you my glove to wear in your helm — that in that — if you had asked for it.' 'And suppose I asked for it now !' ' Oh, you wouldn't ; look, it has eight buttons," rejoined Nid in a tone of mock pathos that augured well for her success on the stage.'

' Oh, and you don't bestow gloves on your champions with over two. Is that so?' Nid nodded. ' Queen Guinevere and her ladies, I believe, only bestowed mittens, and those woollen ones. I don't believe much in those old chivalry myths.' ' What a shocking little pagan you are,' replied Morant, laughing. " Your opinions would be scouted in society, where we believe in old pictures, old furniture, old books, old china, in short everything that savours of antiquity. Have you a fancy for going on the stage ?' (To be continued. )