VERONICA’S SKETCH CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20260, 31 July 1937, Page 21 (Supplement)

VERONICA’S SKETCH CLUB.

(Continued from last week.) "D'you mean—lt Is, so It Is —the lame costume 1 Then Bengro must have sent it,” Veronica clapped her hands. ‘‘He got It, I suppose, with the other studio things. Oh, noble, generous Bengol” “But why the secrecy ” Jean sounded dubious. “Bengo will he seeing us next Saturday—” ‘‘Silly 1" For Veronica the whole thing was perfectly clear. ‘‘lt’s against Bengo’s principles to give things away—you know that—so when he wants to do a kindness like this he has to do it anonymously. It’s exactly the sort of thing Bengo would do. He loves a nice dark mystery. Look at the way he’s played up for the benefit of Doris and her friends. I’ll write and thank him though at once. Oh, the of having a proper costume with a proper back and a proper frunt and nothing to come unfixed 1 Saturday vvil. be a gala day.” “Listen.” Jean said “If Bengo wants to play the secret benefactor, we mustn’t spoil his game. Don’ 1 , write. We’ll use the frock next Saturday and let him know we’re using it, but we won’t probe the mystery. Come on and tell the others.’’ It was, of course, Veronica’s fault. Jean had been chosen as model, and Jean, with her pale hair, in the snarlet and white peasant costume would have Inspired any artist. Veronica's enthusiasm was boundless. “Bengo deserves to see this. I’m going to fetch him before we start.' “Don’t be an idiot!” Jean spoke sharply. “Bengo has the shop to mind and won’t want to be bothered now. Veronica—you’re not to go. 1 Doris was examining the penny books when J came In, and you know what she Is If Bengo leaves the shop for a minute— ’• But Veronica had gone. Bengo’s smiling admiration was tinged ‘with embarrassment and ho seemed anxious to return to his customers, but Veronica would not he satisfied with his general approval he must view the model from every angle and rejoice with her over every detail. “ The embroidery ! Have you noticed—” The house door clicked open softly and Doris stood on the steps. If a thunderbolt had crashed through the apple branches and exploded at their feet, Its effect could not have been more nerve-shattering. Doris was staring, staring incredulously. The artists sprawling on the grass, the gate in the wall. Jean in her bright dress—nothing, they kijaw, escaped her notice. “Please, Mr Golding, how much Is this?” She was meek, apologetic. “I came to find you because I want this book. Only a penny? Oh, thank you.” Bengo was hustling her into the house, but even after the door had closed, they heard her shrill voice. *Td no idea you’d a garden, Mr Golding. Somehow you don't expect gardens behind shops. And that dear little gate in the wall—is it ever opened?” ‘That’s settled It.” lean !nd not moved. “You’d better hurry up \ V ;th your sketches. She’ll he hark in half an hour with the Prefects. I’ve notiped Doris has a rn >st tender conscience—where other people are concerned. Poor Six 111! They'll be awfully annoyed at losing their tennis.” The Sixth was annoyed, hut Doris’s Ireuthle:.. aoi-ftunt M not lie I,*bored. “And they've been doing it for weeks and weeks. Jt seemed so funnv l thought I’d h.-i' »• •, ;i you •• • (..u:te right.” The Head Wr 1 sighed. “You can g . now, Doris.” ' i*nd wh ■: are we sur posed to d > ?“ G- n.ended the Games Jiplain. “Bengo's isn’t cut of bounds, and thc-Vs And Saturday afternoon is .« i and if Bengo’s given (hem permission —’* dress. You know tho” regulation about School uniform.” “But tho whole thing’s absurd!” “Of course it is. Still. I suppose wo shall have to investigate in anv casm You’d better come along with “It’ll upset our relations with Hie Fifth,” the Games Captain groaned. That Doris ought to he- muzzled ” W “Here they are.” Jean spoke quietly. * ‘‘Rotten having to sleuth on an after noon like this. There's no need In gel excited or upset, Veronica. r,n on with your work and let me do tlie

(By B. G. Freeman.)

talking. llow beautifully polite Bengo can be.” “But of course I understand —absolutely.” Bengo led the Prefects down the steps. “Make all the inquiries you like. If I can assist in any way,” Bengo bowed, "my dear young lady, I shall be delighted.” In the Jane, bushes rustled. Somebody peered over the wall and dropped to the ground again. There was sound of whispering and suppressed giggles. “Dear little Doris has brought her friends,” said Jean. “Mow what would you like to ask us Mary?” ‘‘Does the Head know of these meetings?” “She may.” Jean hesitated, “but not officially.” “And Miss Hawkins, l suppose you have her permission?” “Well—er—” “The point is.” the Games Captain broke in, “you’ve disregarded at least one of Ihe School rules. You I know that School uniform must be “But who wants to draw School uniform?” Veronica was angrier than she had ever been in her life. “Don’t you understand we’re trying to he artists I Yes—artists! And, heaven knows, it's difficult enough without being badgered and bullied by you Prelects! We don’t bother .you—wo don’t bother anyone.” Iler voice rose. Leave us alone—l say, leave us' ALONE.” ‘‘Go it, Michael Angelo!” Doris was enjoying herself. “We don’t want to interfere,” the Head Girl said quickly, “but when you lorget School regulations, its our duty to—” “The Hawkins! Cave The Hawkins!” There was silence in the garden and silence in the lane—a sudden dead cessation of whispering and shuffling then Miss Hawkins’ brisk order. Stay where you are, Doris. No, don’t run away.” The garden gate swung open. ° f . the b ew Hdered artists could remember afterwards what exactly she said, for the unbelievable happened, and the Ilawkins had taken charge of the situation for them beprisV recovered from their surnni;#> f all / ,ght ’ Ma nr. Everything Is rve known about the Sketch Club from the beginning, and It \\as suggested the meetings should be «f el ,H he r re ; When 1 sent tbe dress, I’m afraid I forgot the School rule, but I believe it say, “School costume must . m,hn.° ,n i n .. Sch °?J hours and ah public place —well, Mr Golding’s private garden is hardly a public place.” Her mouth twitched. “Although just recently it seems to have become rather public.” “Thank you. Miss Hawkins. We’ll he getting back to School then.” The* Head Girl was relieved. "And I’ll be getting back to my shop,” Bengo turned to the Hawkins. “There has been a—a—slight misunderstanding as to the donor of the peasant costume. I was afraid when you bought it there might be. I am | more than pleased that the mystery I lias been cleared up.” With his usual j benevolent smile Bengo followed the Prefects into the house. "Now,” Miss Hawkins spoke sharply | to Die Third Formers by the gate, j “Doris, I’ve had you and your friends ! under observation for some time. I You’ve be'en making yourselves a nuisance—worrying a Senior form and, i incidentally, me. For the rest of the j form, therefore, the village, on SaturI day afternoons, is out of bounds. You j understand? And. Doris. I should like | a little* conversation wilh you at six j o’clock this evening.” She turned and smUod suddenly. "You artist—carry ; She had gone. The lane was deserted and the gale closed. It was I Veronica who spoke first, j “But how did she know?” I And it was Jean who answered | casually—too casually. “The Staff | Room windows overlook the rliododi ondrons. I suppose she saw the ; crowd—” “But she couldn’t have guessed what it meant. And why didn’t she I come' out and—” j “Because 1 happened to meet her “Told her ” I .lean nodded. “She asked me paint - ! blank what it was all about. I ex- | plained that 1 didn't like the idea of j the Fifth having to be protected, so | she she didn't interfere. 1 should

have told you, but you'd set your heart on a Secret Society.” “And the dress?” „ “ N °lhlng to do with me. That was quite her own idea.” T “ 0h » Jean, I’ve' been an awful idiot ” Veronica was fumbling for her handkerchief. ‘‘For two pins I’d burst into tears of pure gratitude and—” “Wouldn’t it be more sensible to go and thank the Hawkins?” “Why, yes.” Veronica was on her feet—thtf oi d enthusiasts Veronica. “We’ll all go—and do it now—at once. And we’ll make her an Honorary Member of the Sketch Club. And I shall ask her to tea in my —when I have (The End.)