Front matter (continued 4)

"All for your friend? How extraordinary!" said the genius, "but, forgive me for asking, is your horse running away? I'm no good with horses." There was a touch of anxiety in his voice. He heard a rippling laugh near him.

"Don't you like it? I'll pull him in, but it's the pace I like! Suppose, Mr. Weston, you were driving with your—say your intended, would you be afraid for her?"

Mr. Weston turned towards Toney with a look of dismayed surprise.

"I—have not—got one—I really can't say."

"I'm awfully glad, I half feared you might be engaged, you know—— People say you are tremendously run after. If you had been, of course I should have asked her too. You don't mind my saying this, do you? I'm only an Australian girl, and out there we don't mince matters so much as people do here, and I once heard that—that you were going to marry a girl and that she——" Toney cleared her throat. She glanced at the genius whose marble-cut face was lifted towards the sky with a hard strange look on it. No one had ever dared to speak to him about that episode since it happened, and here was a strange girl introducing the subject! The very boldness of it put him off his guard.

"You heard rightly, Miss Whitburn; the only woman I ever loved jilted me, because I was not as nobly born as she was, and now——"

"I expect she's just mad with herself that she was so silly! A hundred to one it was her mother, sort of old pussy cat I shouldn't wonder. Why didn't you ask her again? I should if I were a man! I would not take no, not for Joe!" Toney was so excited that she flicked Colon with her whip and he, to show his surprise, suddenly reared and then bolted forward. The genius turned towards his terrible driver in mute appeal.

"It's all right, indeed it is, Colon's as gentle as a child, but I was thinking so much about your young—lady, that I touched him with the whip. He's awfully proud and that was his way of remonstrating. Here's the gate—— Will you hold Colon a minute, or——"

"Let me open the gate," said the genius, suiting the action to the words; not for the world would he have held that horse, his precious Stradivarius was behind him. Toney smiled, but indeed Colon stood quite quietly whilst she remarked,

"I told you he's like a lamb—but you will let me help about your friend? It will give me so muck pleasure, and I shan't feel this concert is wasted if you do."

"If I let you pay twice over?" said the genius, now quite under the spell of this extraordinary heiress, whose generosity was as surprising as her driving.

"If you and my friend don't enjoy this concert—"

"I shall do my best for your friend after your great kindness. Is it—a man?" He believed it was Toney's fiancé as her mind ran on that subject, and he felt in a soft mood, though he could not have told why.

"A man! I should think not! Mr. Russell—he helps me with my letters—he's musical, but then he doesn't think much of me!"

"His taste must be bad," said Frank, actually making a compliment. "He would have more confidence in you if you drove him back from the station." Frank Weston had forgiven her and Toney realised it with joy.

"Ouf! Here's Aldersfield House, I'm glad the drive is over. Will you promise, even if you don't like my friend, to take her in to dinner and to talk music to her? She'll love that. The other people wouldn't understand it—and you won't try it on me, will you, or on Uncle Evas? He'd want to be polite, but he wouldn't know what to answer."

"I think you can trust me, Miss Whitburn, not to bore the unmusical. I shall do my best to please your lady friend, because all the time I shall see Arthur Mullins' face when he hears of his luck."

"That's all right! I'm awfully relieved. You'll like to go to your room now at once, won't you, and rest? I'll send you up some tea, and then you won't have to answer foolish questions."

"That would be most kind," he said gratefully. How very extraordinarily thoughtful this young heiress seemed to be.

Toney was saying to herself, "Then they won't meet till dinner-time, and she'll just be looking so beautiful that——"

"Gollywogs!" she exclaimed as she jumped down and Jim came running up, "There's visitors just come. Jim, take Mr. Weston in by the garden door, and tell them to take him to his room and give him tea."

In this way Toney smuggled in the genius and she herself stepped into the hall to find the two Hamiltons there taking their wraps off.

"I am glad you are come early for tea. I'm sure Aunt Dove will want some help about the Peerage. I'm no use at all. If a man has got all his legs and arms, and he has a nice face and lots of genius, I don't care how he came into the world."

Maud laughed, and as Jeanie walked towards the drawing-room Toney seized her.

"Maud, he's come, he's in his room, they won't meet till dinner."

"Oh, Toney!" gasped Maud, "but do you know anything about some lovely dresses that came for us this morning?"

Toney laughed.

"Don't betray me! Pups used to say a general overlooks nothing to win the victory."

CHAPTER XXII.

FAILURE.

A few select guests were expected at Aldersfield for an early dinner party before the concert. Lady Dove was radiant. She was giving a grand party at which all the honour and none of the expense was going to fall on her. Even Miss Grossman had come in for smiles as she read a novel whilst her ladyship's hair was arranged, and for once punctuality was rewarded, for Lady Southbourne arrived very early with many apologies, which she hoped dear Lady Dove would accept. Her husband and son had gone to town on business and might be a little late, so she had come on first and they would come later in a dog-cart. Lady Dove was charmed.

"It is so kind of you, Lady Southbourne, to come at all this foggy evening. I am always ready early in case a guest does come. My husband and Antonia are usually late, but of course to-day there has been a good deal to arrange. We have turned the barn into a concert-room, and it is really very pretty. I wanted all our friends of North Downshire to come. The country has been a little dull lately."

"Miss Whitburn has told me your party would be a great success. The star's name is a secret, I hear."

"Yes, one of Antonia's little secrets! Of course I never interfere with her plans now she is of age, but I must say I feel rewarded when I look back on the training of the wild colt she was when we first took her, little dreaming of the result."

"It must be an immense pleasure for you—though a girl with money is a responsibility, isn't she?"

"Ah! no one knows how many anxious thoughts I have had on that subject."

"And that was what I really wanted to ask you about, dear Lady Dove. I want your—help and sympathy."

For the great Lady Southbourne to be asking her help and sympathy made Lady Dove happy.

"You can always rely on my help, indeed you can! Mutual help is our greatest duty."

"I need not say that if you have a niece, I have a son to have anxious thoughts about—and I want you to know a little secret."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, but I don't doubt Miss Whitburn has already confided in you. Edward has proposed to her, but——"

"Oh, what an honour for Antonia, but, indeed, Lady Southbourne, yours is a family any girl might be proud to enter! Of course much above her in rank."

"Edward has no foolish ideas about birth, almost a Republican on that subject, but—I see that you do not know Miss Whitburn refused him and Edward is heart-broken."

"Antonia refused the——" Lady Dove gasped.

"She is young, she was startled, but with your help and advice she might—reconsider it. Edward is more bent on it than ever."

If Lady Southbourne had been sitting in the palace of truth she would have said her dear boy had just lost a large sum on the turf.

"Trust me, Lady Southbourne, you shall have my influence, and Antonia owes us so much. I hardly think she will reject so much happiness."

"Thank you a thousand times."

At this moment other guests began to arrive, but where was Antonia and the great man, and where were the Hamiltons? Happily Sir Evas was working hard and making everybody welcome regardless of their place in the peerage.

Edward Lang and his father came in time, belying the fears of Lady Southbourne, and Lady Carew and her correct husband followed. An Honourable or two, and a Colonel and his wife, made up the party of people worthy of meeting each other. Toney had only begged for the Hamiltons, Mr. Hales and Lewis Waycott, but this latter Lady Dove had refused as "that tiresome Miss Waycott would have to be included." For the concert everybody was coming, and a supper was to end this grand party.

But Toney was too much occupied to give a thought to the county magnates. Rose, who came to help her to put on her white dress, was not allowed to stay long.

"I'm all right, Rose; I want you to go to the Miss Hamiltons' room and beg them to come here before going down. I've got them some lovely flowers."

"There's some come for you too, Miss Toney," said Rose, holding out a lovely bunch of white lilies. "It was left at the back door, and was specially to be given to you."

"Oh!" exclaimed Toney. "How lovely; I wonder who sent them. You see, I haven't a young man, Rose."

"Cook said as how you ought to have one, Miss Toney; specially you being so rich now."

Toney paused as she held the flowers lovingly; she always had reverenced flowers. Oh, dear! even the servants associated money with love. It was dreadful! Then she resolutely thrust away thoughts of self, and looked at her two bunches of roses. Then, pinning in her lilies, she waited a little anxiously. Time was flying. She had arranged with the footman to call Mr. Weston at the last moment, and she must get the Hamiltons down before he came. There was a knock at the door, and Jeanie Hamilton stood in the doorway, a vision of beauty in a soft cloud of pale blue silk and chiffon, whilst Maud looked nearly as much transformed in rose.

"Oh!" exclaimed Toney, "how just awfully beautiful you look, Jeanie! May I say it? and here are some flowers I got uncle to steal for you! Let me pin them on."

Jeanie could not help admiring herself, and her spirits rose. Never had she had such a dress.

"Wasn't it generous of Aunt Honoria? It's the most beautiful dress I have ever seen; and, look at Maud, isn't hers pretty too? They must have cost a small fortune."

"You both look perfect."

"We must tell you about the gentleman who took our measure," exclaimed Maud, trying to hide her nervousness by talking. "But, oh, Toney, look at the time; we ought to go down."

"Yes. We'll all go together, and if you go in first Aunt Dove's big-wigs will be so struck of a heap with you that they'll forget me. They do seem so very extra civil to me now, all because I've got so much tin. Oh! they don't know the trouble of it; but in any case I don't stick bank-notes on my clothes, so I can't see why I'm more interesting than I was before. Come, let's run! No, you can't with those clo'."

But all the same, the three girls did run, seeing an anxious look on the butler's face as they entered the hall.

The door was thrown open for them, and, as Toney had predicted, the two Hamiltons made a sensation, especially Jeanie, whose face was so full of pathos, and who looked especially beautiful. Toney crept in behind them, but was seen by her aunt.

"Toney, how dreadfully late you are! The musician—what's his name—has not come down yet. Tell Thomas to fetch him at once." Toney nodded.

"It's all right, Aunt Dove; I've done it. You know musical people are not like others."

Sir Evas knew he had to obey orders, and got hold of Jeanie. He held the list of the other pairs in his hand, but several gentlemen came up to talk to this vision of beauty. Maud kept close to Toney; she could not talk, she could hardly see. What would Jeanie do? and what would he do? Why had Toney done this? How terrible; suppose there was a scene; suppose——

The door flew open and Mr. Frank Weston was announced, but Jeanie was at the other end of the room and did not hear the name.

Toney flew up to the genius and introduced him right and left till dinner was announced; then she paused.

"You remember about—my friend, Mr. Weston?" The genius had bowed right and left in rather a formal manner. He was so often introduced that he barely listened to the names of the people introduced. He was thinking of Miss Whitburn. The big-wigs were pairing off, and solemnly marched away like a regiment of newly-trained recruits, when Sir Evas suddenly introduced him to a lady whose name he did not hear. He held out his arm mechanically; ladies were nothing to him, and he only saw a beautiful dress. A symphony was floating through his brain, he was only acting in a dream, till suddenly he felt the arm he held tremble. He was recalled to earth. They were crossing the hall, and the noise of voices was great Various scraps of conversation about hunting and the weather reached him, and his own name—the great Frank Weston; what a surprise, no one expected him! He looked down and exclaimed—he knew not what.

"Let me go away," she murmured, "you——"

"Impossible! Miss Hamilton, pray remember we are both guests—no one knows. If my presence is so—distasteful to you——"

"I did not know."

"Neither did I—but this chance meeting might have happened anywhere."

"Yes——" Jeanie straightened herself, and they both walked on in silence. They were shown their places, and Frank Weston glanced at the name on his other side; Mrs. Arbuthnot. Jeanie had Colonel Arbuthnot on her other side. They need not speak to each other. How terrible! Jeanie searched for Maud, but she was on the same side and could not be seen. Her heart beat so fast she could hardly speak. She looked for Toney, someone to appeal to. Was she near Frank? Yes, Frank was here, sitting beside her; but of course he hated her. Of course, he was wishing himself miles away; of course, he would never forgive her, never, never love her again. Never—never, she repeated to herself.

Toney's eyes, which saw so much, were looking at them; she could see they were silent, and she noticed they each turned to their other neighbours. Oh! her plan was failing, had failed, and she had risked everything on this dinner. Maud was looking deadly pale, but in spite of all this the talk was loud, drowning nearly everything. Mr. Hales at her side broke the spell.

"You are very preoccupied this evening, and yet you have secured the one man everyone wants to hear," he said. "Are you not satisfied?" His voice had a new tone in it, which made Toney look up wonderingly.

"Oh, yes, I am preoccupied; so would you be if you had conspired tremendously and your conspiracy was no good."

"Indeed!"

"Mr. Hales, help me! Mr. Frank Weston isn't talking one scrap to Jeanie Hamilton."

"He has come to play the violin, and I daresay he is not a good conversationalist."

"It's not that, you don't know her story; he was in love with Jeanie once, and she loved him really, but she sent him away because his father had a shop and sold something, and now she's just frightfully sorry she did it, and—but he doesn't look as if he was forgiving her. What would you do?"

Mr. Hales smiled.

"I should never have hazarded the meeting—never."

"Was I wrong? Oh, but of course she is sorry, and—but I wish they would notice each other. If I were her I should just say I knew I was a born fool when I said no." Mr. Hales laughed.

"I don't think you would ever have said no for that reason!"

"I couldn't, because my father sort of kept a shop; we were always selling drugs. Oh look, Mr. Hales, just out of the corner of your eye, I see Jeanie looking up into his face, and she has just refused oyster patties."

"But do I understand you did all this to—bring them together?"

"Yes. I did so want them to be happy, besides it would make Maud and Mr. Waycott happy."

Mr. Hales was silent. He was considering whether Toney would ever consent herself to say yes to somebody. A dream of a larger sphere of work floated before his mental vision, a dream of a young wife who would devote her money to their work, for in every mission-field money was needed, money and workers. But love seemed very far removed from Toney's ideas at this moment, and so he was silent. Then he asked after the work at the Haven.

"Miss Phipps is doing wonders, and some of my first friends come to-morrow. Two of the avant garde and the deaf man. He has no one to take care of him."

"You will indeed have the blind and the deaf," said Mr. Hales smiling.

"Yes, but I do wish we lived in the days of St. Clare and Sister Ortolana. For when St. Francis sent them to sick people they made the sign of the Cross, and immediately restored them all to health."

"And by their prayers, Toney, I think."

"Yes," answered Toney, "I suppose that's where we fail; but oh, Mr. Hales, I did pray ever so hard about Jeanie and the genius! Do you think—they will make it up? We have come to the cheese and they have said nothing!" Mr. Hales hid a smile.

"Perhaps the music will work the miracle. Don't despair."

"Perhaps it will, though that is a mystery to me. Mr. Hales, you will keep near me, won't you, as I see the Honourable Edward looking at me sideways. I'm so afraid he'll want to talk to me privately."

"But perhaps——"

"Oh no! I couldn't possibly think of it! Besides, I'm afraid it's true what Aunt Dove said. He wants the—money, and you see it would be a dreadful disappointment to hear that it—was not to be had. I thought money might make two people happy, and here are the ices and they haven't yet melted!"

Everyone soon rose to proceed to the barn, and in that interval Toney flew to find the genius.

CHAPTER XXIII.

TEN MINUTES.

The carriages rolled up to the barn door in quick succession, and Lady Dove did indeed feel proud as she received her guests at the entrance of the fairy bower, now styled the concert-room. Never had such an entertainment been given there by her before, and now a wireless message went round the guests that Frank Weston was the star they had come to hear. Such a treat had not been imagined, for crowned heads had to petition him, not to command. How had he been persuaded to come and give a private concert at Aldersfield House? Words of gratitude were heard on every side.

"How kind of you, Lady Dove! This is an unexpected treat; Lord Dashwood tried in vain to get him! He is very proud and very original. I heard the Emperor of Germany could not get him to play last year. The Germans say we have never had such a genius. Quite a poor man was he? Genius plays strange freaks. They say he can make as much money as he likes—Lady Gwen Steward was dying to marry him they say—but he wouldn't look at her. They say he was once jilted and that turned him into a misogamist."

Lady Dove tried to answer appropriately and was all smiles. She kept Mr. Russell near her, he was so clever and so useful, and Sir Evas was neither!

"How kind of you to come this wet evening. Yes, Mr. Frank Weston is really here, he dined with us—such a charming fellow—genius written all over him"—and so on whilst the crowd rustled into seats. Where was Toney?

Directly dinner was over, Toney flew to find Jim, who was always ready to do her bidding. She interviewed him in the housekeeper's room.

"Jim, I want you to see after Mr. Frank Weston. Show him to the waiting-room we have rigged up, and stay at the door, and don't let anyone come in or out unless I tell you. I haven't any ring, that would be the right thing, but look at this glove, Jim, you see it has one green finger, I was getting a nosegay in a hurry—if someone brings this glove, let them in! The people won't be seated for a quarter of an hour yet, and Jim—is your young woman still faithful to you?"

"Yes, miss," said Jim quite gravely, touching his cap.

"But if she wasn't what would you say?"

"Knock 'im over, miss."

"But if there wasn't a him, only she just thought you not good enough?"

"Get another, miss."

"Oh, Jim, that isn't at all having fine feeling. You'd have to be true to her, and wait till she thought better of it, and then you'd not be proud, would you?"

"Can't say, miss."

"You'd just forgive and forget, wouldn't you? I want you to say so—if you really think it."

"Yes, miss. If you was to tell me I'd forgive and forget."

Toney laughed and then hurried Jim off.

"Remember my glove with the green finger!"

"Yes, miss," and Jim flew off to obey. If Toney had told him to run twenty miles he would have gone. Next, Toney went to find the Hamiltons; she did not think they would go to the barn at once and she was right. In the little second drawing-room where the lights had been lowered, she was conscious of soft murmuring tones, and rushing in she heard Maud's voice.

"Oh, Jeanie darling, don't, don't cry like that! What shall we do?"

The beautiful vision in blue was hiding her face in the sofa cushions and sobbing.

"It's only me," exclaimed Toney coughing. "Is anything the matter?" Jeanie jumped up.

"No, no, thank you, I did not feel very well. I think I would prefer going up to my room."

"Oh! and miss Mr. Weston's playing! Please come and hear him, and after that you can go—and—and——" Poor Toney was non-plussed.

"Forgive me," said Jeanie, her pride giving way, "I was upset; I once knew Mr. Weston and—we were great friends, but we quarrelled, and—he—won't forgive me."

"Is that all? Did you say you were sorry, Jeanie? It's best to be quite straight out, isn't it? No use beating about the bush, and let me see—— Oh! he's in the little waiting-room now, I'll go and ask him—won't you give me one of your flowers or something?"

"Oh no, no, I can't—he would—throw them away—and I should deserve it."

"He looks awfully nice, Jeanie, such a good strong face; no nonsense at all. I expect he did feel a bit hipped, but—look here, if he sends you your flowers back again, you'll know he can't forgive, but if he sends you the white camellia I gave him, then you'll know it's all right, and go at once to the room. I'll send Jim, he's awfully safe. Will you wait here? There's crowds coming, and Aunt Dove and Mr. Russell are saying a lot of nothings which people like, so there's time yet."

Maud unpinned her sister's flowers with trembling fingers as Jeanie sat up, clasping her hands.

"Toney, you are kind, but you don't understand. I behaved so horridly to him. I let mother insult him, and he must have hated me. I deserve it all and now—now—it's horrid to say so but I would not be so unhappy if only he could forgive me, but he never will; he is proud too—as proud of his people as I am about mine, and I threw it at him. Would you ever forgive that, Toney? He never spoke to me, only once—just to ask me to have something. I nearly died."

Toney seized the flowers, there was so little time.

"Look here, Jeanie, I'll just go and reconnoitre. Here's my glove with a green finger, if you get the camellia take my glove and Jim will let you in. All those old sillies would want to get at him, and one of his conditions was a quarter of an hour alone before the concert."

Toney flew off leaving the sisters alone. Jeanie again hid her face, but she no longer sobbed, and Maud knelt by her holding her hand.

"Oh, Jim, is he in there? I've only ten minutes," said Toney. Jim nodded.

"He said no one was to come in, Miss Tonia."

"But I must go, I'm just like Queen Esther. I do hope he'll hold out his sceptre."

Jim opened the door, and Toney stood face to face with the genius, who was pacing the narrow limits of the small waiting-room.

"Oh, please forgive me! I've come to tell you that Jim, who's a great friend of mine, says he could forgive and forget if I told him to do so—I thought I'd better tell you to—forgive and forget."

No one could have resisted a smile at this speech, even Frank Weston, who was smarting from the opening of the old wound, smiled, then sternly he said, "I—did not want to see anybody."

"I'm not anybody, indeed I'm not. Just a poor relation of Sir Evas, till I got a lot of money left to me by the dearest old General. He was good, you bet, and he would have forgiven anyone, especially if—they sent these flowers."

There seemed to be no need of an explanation between these two. Frank Weston had now realised Toney's conspiracy.

Toney held out the lovely bunch of roses she had herself tied up for Jeanie.

"Look, please take them—exchange them—if you forgive her. She is just sobbing her heart out and calling herself no end of names, I believe she is heart-broken, and says she only wants your forgiveness."

The genius turned away and there was silence.

"There is so little time, Mr. Weston, can't you make up your mind?"

"You hardly understand, Miss Whitburn," he said turning suddenly towards Toney, who held the flowers in her hand. "I loved Miss Hamilton with all my heart. She made me believe she loved me, and then she threw me over because my father had honestly earned his living in trade, because he had nobly scraped every penny from his hard-earned money to give me a musical education. I can never make you rich people understand what I owe to my father, and when Miss Hamilton——"

"Oh yes, don't dwell on it, I told you it was the old pussy cat, her mother—Aunt Dove would be just the same—but you must not think Jeanie is like that now—Pups—(that's my father)—did everything for me and I quite understand, but then he would have been the first to tell me to make it up. Wouldn't your father?"

"He often has told me to try again, but he did not understand."

"Then that's easy—— Oh, please, there's awfully little time—and just to please me, will you play one of the pieces you used to play together at the end of the concert. I've got her fiddle here and she would be so awfully happy, and she has a lovely dress, and——"

Toney's words were as if the Dam of Assouan had given way and had let through the waters of the Nile, and then all at once she stood on tip-toe, for the precious minutes were flying and with deft fingers she unpinned his camellia.

"You needn't say anything, the camellia will speak; there! I must fly, you've got eight minutes and then you'll have to come. There's a chair left for Jeanie in front, it will sort of inspire you, won't it? Oh, thank you a thousand times."

She opened the door and flew past Jim with the reminder, "and, Jim, when time's up, don't go in, only knock loud," and ran in the dim darkness towards the house—but at that moment she ran against someone.

"Oh!—why it's you! How very, very nice."

"I was coming to look for you, Toney. Lady Dove is getting rather——"

"Yes, of course. Will you, please, go and give this camellia to Jeanie. Maud is there, and will you tell Jeanie to go to Mr. Weston. He wants to see her about some music—and then will you take Maud into the concert-room. Oh, that's all, but please run."

"All right, Toney," said Lewis laughing.

In another moment, Toney herself was entering the concert-room looking very red and hot, but smiling graciously and shaking hands with everybody who came in her way, in spite of Lady Dove's loud whisper,

"Antonia, how very rude to come in so late. What will people think of you!"

"So sorry—I had to see about Mr. Weston's duet. It will be just the best thing of all! How do you do? Isn't this lovely? He is a great genius and I don't even feel a bit sleepy!"

Five minutes to the time, Jeanie, like a cloud of blue, appeared at the waiting-room door, holding a lovely camellia, and a discoloured white glove. She held it out to Jim but could not speak.

"All right, miss, but there's only five minutes."

Jim then opened the door and closed it quickly. Jeanie looked like a beautiful ghost in the half-lighted room. Her heart beat so fast that for a moment she could not speak. With one hand she grasped the back of a chair, and with the other she held out the camellia.

"Frank—forgive me—I—can't forgive myself, Miss Whitburn made me come—I—— Oh, Frank, I'm so miserable, I'm not proud any more." Her head drooped and Frank Weston only saw a beautiful head of soft golden brown hair; then the greatness of his character triumphed over his pride, for suddenly he put his strong arms round her.

"Jeanie," he said; "Jeanie——" He only heard a sob, and his answer was a passionate kiss imprinted on her golden hair, for her face was hidden; then a minute of exquisite silence and then a loud knock which made them fly apart.

"If you please, sir, time's up."

"Jeanie, she, Miss Whitburn, asked us—will you play that last duet we played together, do you remember it?"

"Remember it! Oh, Frank, I can't, I've no violin."

"Yes. Here it is, she brought it here."

"It's all Toney."

"Miss Whitburn is a very wonderful person. Come, she said a chair was ready for you. Oh, my love, my love!"

Jeanie fled to the side door, then she sank into a chair that was close by. The next moment Frank Weston appeared on the platform amidst a storm of welcome. He did not smile or bow, but at once took his violin, nodded to the accompanist who had come by a later train, and began to play. All those who had a soul for music seemed to be lifted to another sphere, and even those who had not, watched with breathless wonder the face of the great musician. He saw only, sitting before him, Jeanie Hamilton, and she never took her eyes from him, for her there was no one else in the room.

Right at the other end of the barn Lewis Waycott sat next to Maud, who was still trembling with excitement.

"Oh, Lewis, it's too, too wonderful. The camellia you brought was his. It's all Toney's doing. I think she is the most wonderful person I have ever known—— You always appreciated her, you have nothing to be sorry for."

"Yes, I always did. How did she manage this?"

"I can't think how. He was so proud—I think Jeanie would soon have died—of a broken heart."

"There are no such things, Maud."

"Hush!" she said. "Listen!"

That concert was talked of for many a long day. Those who knew said that Frank Weston excelled himself, but something else wonderful happened. There was still ten minutes of the allotted time when he had finished his last piece. He put down his violin, walked down the steps and offered his arm to Jeanie Hamilton.

There was another storm of applause. Miss Hamilton, whom so many present knew was considered worthy to play with the genius—and how beautiful she looked! How was it no one had sooner recognised her beauty and her talent, and what a lovely dress! Jeanie was still in a dream. This was happening all long ago, when she and Frank had played together, of course it was for the last time—but she must play her best, she must not disgrace him in public, though it was the hardest thing she had ever done.

"Now," he said softly, looking at her, and then they began. How kindly he moderated his pace to hers, how thrilling were the tender notes. It was a little bit of heaven, and then it was over!

What a storm of applause followed, but Jeanie fled and Frank Weston followed her after simply saying "Thank you" to his audience.

Jim was keeping the door as they passed in, and when Toney arrived Jim had seized the situation.

"I think, Miss Tonia," he said, touching his cap, "I think Miss Hamilton must be his young lady."

"Yes, she is, but in ten minutes tell them to come to supper at the House. Mind, only ten minutes, Jim, for I'm just dying to congratulate them."

CHAPTER XXIV.

LEWIS' DECISION.

How did the secret come out? It was whispered, then murmured, then everybody seemed to say at once, "Isn't it romantic! The great Frank Weston is just engaged to Miss Hamilton. Didn't they look a perfect pair as they played. What a sensation it will make—an old romance. Quite charming"—and so on.

And among these buzzing remarks Toney flitted about at the stand-up supper, where everything was of the best, and where everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, but none so much as Toney herself. She had not dreamt of reward, but she certainly had it this evening. First came Maud with dewy eyes, she had not yet got over her fears.

"Oh, Toney, is it true? I have not seen her. It is all your doing. Tell me everything."

"Ouf!" said Toney, "I thought it was all white of egg at first, but—oh, Maud, it's just the most perfect romance there ever was, that is only second to my dear Chum, who is here, and I haven't had a moment to talk to her, but of course you'll both sleep here to-night and see him off to-morrow. Hasn't he a face of—iron, will sort of prop her up all her life. He hasn't a mean idea in his brain. I say, Maud, you'll be true to me and not let it out, won't you?"

At this moment Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Honoria came up looking much flustered.

"Antonia, there you are! My dear child, do you know anything about this—report? Where is Jeanie? Maud, do you know? Toney, what is happening?"

Toney shook her head.

"They are in the waiting-room; looks true, doesn't it, Mrs. Hamilton? Jim is keeping guard so I expect he let it out. Jim's got a young woman himself, so he's rather cute over the subject."

"My dear, you are so amusing!" (she meant vulgar) "but of course Frank Weston is quite the rage, and Jeanie will help him so much—socially I mean."

Toney lifted her head and shook her curling hair in a sort of indignant manner.

"Mr. Weston is a real genius, Mrs. Hamilton, and he doesn't care two pins for society, so I guess that word would just make him rage. It's a great honour to—to know him, and a tremendous honour to be engaged to him."

"Of course. I must find dear Jeanie, it's in everybody's mouth. Such a surprise, so clever of them, I knew nothing about it." She passed on none too pleased with that terrible Antonia, but Miss Honoria thought differently.

"I am wondering, Toney, if this surprise hasn't something to do with you?" she said, taking Toney's hand. "I've just seen Lewis and he smiled when I suggested it."

"I couldn't have done it alone, they were both deeply in love, and wouldn't have married anyone else. But didn't she look lovely playing, I expect ever so many men wanted to ask her. There's Chum, she'll be awfully interested," and Toney flew off and Miss Honoria turned to Maud.

"It's true, Maud, isn't it, it is Toney's doing? But these dresses—I hear a London man came down to measure you?"

"Aunt Honoria, don't say anything, it's Toney again, but she doesn't want Jeanie to know, she's so proud. I think it's a lesson against such odious pride about our ancestors, you know how nearly they both missed this happiness."

"Of course now he could marry anyone, but your mother thinks so much of birth."

"If I fall in love with a grocer I shall not wait for mother's leave," exclaimed Maud; the lesson had been burnt into her nature too deeply by knowing what her sister had gone through. Then suddenly there was a little stir at the door as Frank Weston entered with Jeanie, who looked very shy and frightened, but also very happy. Maud flew to her.

"Jeanie, tell me, is it true?" Jeanie nodded and Frank answered for her,

"We are so glad now for the waiting time," he said with suppressed joy, "we understand each other much better than we could ever have done without it."

Like all people of big natures, when he gave in he gave in entirely. There was no looking back on time wasted, no more reproaches. "But where is Miss Whitburn?" He lowered his voice, "We owe it all to her."

"Jeanie, you do look so beautiful! I am glad it was this evening. Toney says we are to sleep here, and mother is all right, and——" The Honble. Edward interrupted her sentence.

"Miss Whitburn is asking for you, Miss Hamilton; she is at the top of the room."

Jeanie went off with Frank, but she reflected sadly there was no need now of courage to follow him. She would never forgive herself the pain she had given him, whatever he might say.

Maud looked up at Edward Lang with a radiant face.

"You have heard, haven't you? It was an old romance gone wrong, which Toney set her mind to right, and she has succeeded. I wish her—romance could end as happily!"

The two remained talking together whilst Jeanie enjoyed a triumphal procession. When they reached her Toney held out both her hands and whispered,

"Mr. Weston, isn't she beautiful? You do look as if you had forgiven me!"

"Forgiven you! But for you we should have——"

There was no time to finish the sentence for Mrs. Hamilton had glided up to them.

"Jeanie, my darling! Oh—Mr. Weston—this is indeed delightful, but this is too public a place to say more."

Jeanie kissed her mother in silence, then she had to move about in a dream and answer questions and smile, and see that Frank had some supper, repeating to herself, "But for Toney I think I should have died." Remembering her little darts at Toney she was still more humbled, and humility is good for such souls.

Toney was giving Lewis some supper and wondering why Maud left him alone.

"You are glad, aren't you?"

"Glad—yes—I think I'm even curious."

"Why! You couldn't be curious! I knew you could be so happy about it because of Maud."

"Yes, indeed, she has been so unselfish about her sister, and you have done good to both."

"Good to myself. I do get pleasure out of it, and if it hadn't been for the dear General I couldn't have bribed Mr. Weston to come."

"He gets huge sums I hear."

"But this concert money is all going to a poor musician whose music is mute—— Isn't that just noble? How could Jeanie have ever doubted him?"

"But the way is plain now—and I—I am thinking of going abroad, Toney."

"Going abroad, oh, why? What will—your aunt and Maud say?"

"I shall leave them in possession—I don't think——" He paused.

"Well, that is queer, I am sorry, I thought you——" Toney did not often flounder, but she found herself in a bog. How could he leave Maud and go abroad?

"Not for long?"

"Oh, I don't know—till things get clearer."

"Is there a hitch, Mr. Waycott? Can't I make it straight, is the old pussy cat—— Oh, I beg your pardon, she is your aunt!" Lewis laughed.

"You mean my aunt won't want to turn out because of this wedding coming on." Toney didn't mean that, but she nodded.

"I really can't stand a wedding—but they are welcome to use my house."

"But what about the Stone House? It will want you awfully." Toney clasped her hands and looked really distressed.

"I think you will find another—many other helpers."

Toney was called for, but she felt a little lump in her chest; then with a great effort she said to herself, "The old pussy thinks Mr. Waycott isn't rich enough for Maud, or that he must be tested like poor Frank Weston! If it's only money, perhaps I could square it—but oh, I don't think Aldersfield would be anything without him!"

Now the rest of the acts of the lovers can be easily imagined this evening, and how, when the last guests were gone, they retired to the small drawing-room, and Toney, as she passed the door with Mrs. Faber, heard some wondrous soft music coming out of it.

"Listen, Chum, he's talking to her, I wish I was a musician; words are poor things for telling people you love them tremendously."

"I wish it were your romance, dear Toney!"

"That's a vain wish, I'm going to be a real match-making old maid. Do you know, Chum, Mr. Waycott is in love with Maud, and something has gone wrong, I can tell by his face, he's bothered about it, I wish I could make it smooth, for he and Uncle Evas are, and always have been, my two props, and I should feel halt and blind without them. But he says he's going to travel. Maud will sort of go to nothing like Jeanie if he does; it's Mrs. Hamilton's fault—I'm sure. She is a pussy." Mrs. Faber laughed.

"As to Mr. Waycott, it does seem strange. Are you sure, Toney?"

"Oh, yes, quite sure. He so often comes and meets her on her way home from the Haven and—— But things must have gone very wrong with him; he looks so glum. Never mind, I'll have a good think, and see if I can't make things come right. There is Maud. Doesn't she look like a china shepherdess, and won't he have a sweet wife at Waycott Hall? She'll fit in exactly when she leaves her mother. I never could cotton to her. Isn't it funny, Chum, Miss Grossman won't be bullied, and Aunt Dove says she has no sympathy."

Mrs. Faber was puzzled, so she waylaid Maud on her way to bed, for Toney had declared she was too sleepy to wait another minute, and only Sir Evas and Mr. Russell were left to look after the genius. Maud gathered up her rose creation and waited for Mrs. Faber.

"Forgive me for stopping you, but—I do want to say how glad I am about your sister's engagement, though I don't quite understand what Toney did!"

"Nor anyone else quite! She went to meet him at the station and prepared the way, but they were both taken by surprise, and then—— Oh! Toney did it!"

"I wish one of Arthur's knights could come and claim Toney!"

"Indeed, so do I! She hasn't told you, but Mr. Edward Lang wants to marry her, and she—won't hear of it. I had a long talk to-night with him, and he is really a good fellow, only rather extravagant. He was so open, and told me about it."

"Mr. Lang! Oh! Toney would seem very far away if she married him."

"But Lady Dove wants it, she told me so to-night—— I wish I could help it on." Mrs. Faber shook her head.

"Toney would never be happy as a grand lady—and her money——"

"Of course he knows people will think he wants the money."

"I suppose that is true," said Mrs. Faber simply. "Good night, Miss Hamilton. Toney is so glad about the success of her plot."

Maud went on to her sister's room.

"We have talked it all over," said the radiant Jeanie. "He won't stop my going to Germany, but he will be there too, and—in fact he wants us to be married at once. He says he has waited long enough, and of course it must be just as he likes."

"Mother won't like it at once," said Maud.

Jeanie raised her head defiantly, she belonged to Frank now.

"Mother is my mother, so I won't say anything except to you, Maud, but she was the cause of all my great misery, and nothing will make me go against Frank again. Is there another man on earth who would have forgiven me as he has done? The least I can do is to——"

"Let him have his own way entirely," laughed Maud. "Edward Lang says his wife shall do exactly as she likes! How I wish Toney would say yes!"

"Toney!—Edward Lang!" said Jeanie astonished. "Oh, that would be odd, almost ridiculous, besides, he's so extravagant everybody says."

"Everybody says it and that helps him on. I told him he could marry nobody if he went on as he is doing."

"You told him that, Maud?"

"Yes; I do want to help Toney, and of course she has too much sense to marry a man like that, though I believe he could make a woman happy!"

"No, not Toney, they have nothing in common."

"Except riding."

"But you can't ride all the time when you are married! Just look at us, music will always be a link, we couldn't ever get bored with each other! Oh, Maud, to-night he played me one of his own compositions which no one else has heard——"

"I'm tired and sleepy, Jeanie darling, so don't go off again on Frank!—but all the same Toney has worked a miracle!"

"Yes, a miracle. Frank told me how angry he was at a stranger daring to talk to him about—me, and then, somehow, she got over him and he felt he simply couldn't say no to her!"

"Or to you!" and then at last the happy girls fell asleep from sheer weariness.

CHAPTER XXV.

SHORT NOTICE.

When Toney woke the next morning she remembered first, that she was very happy about Jeanie and the genius; secondly, that she was very unhappy about—oh, it was that Lewis Waycott was going away and she should lose all his help and—— Then she called herself horridly selfish, and lastly she felt very sorry for poor Maud, who would lose both her sister and her lover. Toney hugged Trick and told him she couldn't understand some things, and that sometimes life was all askew! Trick licked her hands vigorously as if to agree with her. But Toney had to speed the parting guests, and had little time to think of herself.

Jeanie came down to breakfast with a changed expression on her face. Frank Weston had no eyes but for her, with now and then a side glance at Toney. Happily, Lady Dove was tired, so did not appear. She particularly disliked lovers.

"We want to be married as soon as possible," said the genius after breakfast to Toney, "will you help us? Jeanie says you can work miracles, and then I will take her to Germany."

"That's just what I should like; I hate grand weddings. I'll tell you what, Maud, if you will give me leave I'll manage it all: will a week be short enough?"

They looked at each other and laughed,

"Would it be possible? Mother——"

"Oh, I know she'll say she can't afford it! Aunt Dove always does when she doesn't want anything. I'll order your trousseau from the man who—from a very quick and ready firm, and then Mr. Hales will marry you in the early morning. We'll have a record wedding, but I must have my poor friends there."

Maud laughed, and the lovers smiled as Mr. Weston answered,

"It sounds delightfully original, but indeed we could not give you all this trouble. Jeanie has some money from her cousin abroad and——"

"The money was given for music. It isn't fair, is it, to use it for anything else? Do let me do as I like, Mr. Weston, to show you forgive me! Maud will help me."

"Frank has engagements this week he cannot put off now. It is impossible," said Jeanie, looking at her lover.

"Of course, that's why you'll let me do everything. Come back to-day week, Mr. Weston, and then you'll find everything ready. It's just what Pups would have done. Once he got a couple married straight off, because he was afraid the man would change his mind—I don't mean it as an example."

Everyone laughed, and the farewell seemed quite cheerful, especially as Toney sent the pair in her motor to the station, and then she and Maud went off to the Haven. Toney was so happy in planning everything and getting Maud's advice on the subject of clothes, that for the moment she forgot her own little load of sorrow.

"That nice man must come down and take orders! I'll give him carte blanche, Maud, but I must choose colours and style. I'll telegraph to-day. It's wonderful what money can do in hurrying people up. How shall we break it to Mrs. Hamilton?"

"I don't know—but oh, Toney, I don't think we ought to accept all this from you. I—don't believe now that Cousin George was in the business at all and—mother ought not to accept. However, she really has no ready money so she would like to linger a long time over this—engagement, and Jeanie might——"

"Fall ill or something might happen, and she would never forgive us, would she? But I do want to say one thing, Maud—I'm so sorry that—Mr. Waycott's——"

"About Lewis, what about him?" asked Maud, leaning on the gate of the Haven.

"About his going away! I know it will be hard for you, but he must stay for Jeanie's wedding if it's so soon."

"Lewis going away! How odd, he has said nothing about it."

"Gracious stars! I ought not to have told you!" Poor Toney blushed. "But of course I thought you would know."

"It's quite right he should," added Maud quickly. "he has worked so hard over the estate lately, and he really wants a change, he is rather down."

"You are jolly over it. Forgive me for letting it out. When you are married I'll do the same for you, Maud, as for Jeanie, if you'll let me."

Then the two girls went in, and Toney had to interview the Harrises and Captain Grant till it was time to go home. No Lewis met them to-day. Toney felt still more uncomfortable at having let the cat out of the bag, but admired the way Maud took it. So noble not to be the least jealous that Lewis had told her first, she thought, but very heavy-hearted herself she went to her study to work with Mr. Russell.

However, even business was exciting to-day, the plans for the new Home having come, and everything had to be looked into. Each inmate or couple were to have a bedroom and sitting-room, besides the joint dining-room and drawing-room, and though everything was to be simple, nothing was to be mean. Even Plantagenet Russell warmed up, but to herself she said, "I want Mr. Waycott's opinion, he always has good ideas, I must go and ask him—perhaps he wants to give all his time to Maud. Why is he going? I expect I've taken too much of his time." Mr. Russell interrupted her thoughts.

"Here is a letter from Mr. Staines, Miss Whitburn. He says you have been spending too much lately. Your parties and the Haven, and——"

Toney laughed.

"Isn't that like a lawyer, they never can bear your spending all your income; but it's better he should ruffle up a bit now, he'll have more provocation soon when the house begins. Now, Mr. Russell, telephone to the firm of Woods. Can they make a trousseau in four days?"

Mr. Russell gasped.

"A trousseau in four days?"

"Yes, perhaps I'd better hitch on myself. Hulloa, hulloa, hitch on to 4004. Miss Whitburn is on and is in a hurry."

When communication was established, Toney began,

"Send off same gentleman as before at once. Want first-class trousseau in four days."

"Quite impossible, madam. Very busy."

"Oh, then hitch me on to someone who can. Why not multiply workers?" A pause and then the firm gave in.

"Very well, madam. Have things in stock which will help. Mr. Woods will be with you this evening."

"Thank you, very much. Must hurry up at times; couple can't wait."

Then Toney decided she must go to Waycott Hall to prepare Jeanie and Mrs. Hamilton, and the plans must be seen by Mr. Waycott. She called Trick, and not waiting for motor or horse dashed off across the park.

"One must stretch oneself when there is a sort of lump on one's chest," she said to herself. Even the plans seemed to have lost some of their delight—Toney did love to feel happy. She gave a run when she came to the gap, and she and Trick bounded over together, and to her dismay she nearly fell upon Lewis Waycott, who had just turned a corner. Both of them laughed and Trick danced round his heels but only looked at them.

"I'm awfully sorry! I was coming to see Jeanie, and—to see if you and Maud would look at the last plans? How strange you should be here. It's all right, to-day week: you must stay for it, won't you?"

"Stay for what?" asked Lewis.

"Didn't Maud tell you? Haven't you seen her?"

"No, I've been out all the morning miles away. The cottages in the Stanmore Lane must be rebuilt."

"Oh—I want to make an awful confession."

"You, Toney!—— Are you—no—what is it?" He looked so grave that Toney laughed.

"Don't be frightened! it's bad, but might be worse! I let the cat out of the bag and told Maud you were going away! Of course you ought to tell her first."

"She'll know soon enough——"

"Oh—but wouldn't it be nicer if you told her?"

"Told Maud? I suppose I ought to tell Aunt Honoria first. She'll be rather cut up, and—Toney, is it true that Jeanie is really going to marry Frank Weston at once?"

"Yes, that's the other thing. I've undertaken it—in a week!"

"You are not an undertaker, Toney."

They both laughed like old times.

"You see Mrs. Hamilton will say this and that and the other. I expect she isn't overpleased. Aunt Dove would be the same, so I've promised to see it through—in a week, clo' and all! I'm just delighted—you see it would never do to fail after one's hard work."

"Will they be happy?"

"Happy! you should have seen Jeanie's face, it was like—— Oh, I don't know what it was like! All the troubles fled away and just nothing but love in her eyes."

The path was narrow and Lewis fell back. He clenched his right hand. Why couldn't he just say, "Toney, let me see love in your eyes," but all the county would declare——

"You've done it all," was all he said.

"It's a great privilege—isn't it? but I was thinking of Maud and you too. The clo' is ordered. It was fun! But you will stay for it, won't you?"

"I don't know—I think I've taken my passage."

"Passage! where to?"

"To Somaliland."

"Maud said you wanted change."

"Did she? She is so taken up with her sister, she sees nothing else."

"I'm sure she does, but she is very noble-minded. But why not wait for a week—and here are my plans finished and you must look them over."

"Oh, I can do that, Toney, before I go."

"You are always good and kind. When will you come back?"

"I've no plans, it depends."

"On what?—on Maud, of course."

"Of course, if Aunt Delia and Maud go away I can't stay away too long."

"Why should they go?"

"No reason, so I expect they'll stay."

"Maud is very unselfish."

"Yes—but unselfish women are not always easy to deal with."

They turned into a path leading to the front of Waycott Hall, and Toney remarked,

"I think this is the most beautiful house I have ever seen. How can you leave it! Your people will miss you—and—" she wanted to say, "and Maud will be lonely," but he evidently would not discuss Maud with her, so she stopped.

"Oh, it will be all right—— There are some things one can't stand too long."

"Of course, repairs of gates and tenants' grumbles and—I know I always wonder at Uncle Evas' patience over it all. Now I will go and find Mrs. Hamilton. Will she churn a bit?" Lewis smiled.

"I expect she'll be not too pleased because she—was looking out for a good match."

Toney flew into the drawing-room, where in the pleasant room full of old treasures, the two ladies sat working. Maud and Jeanie were not there.

"How do you do, Mrs. Hamilton, it's all beautiful and I want to tell you that——"

"That you are a deep conspirator," said Miss Honoria.

"It was so beautiful, wasn't it, all music—— I couldn't hear it, but people said he played out of his heart, anyhow, it's fixed up and I'm going to help them with the trousseau. You don't mind, do you? It's such a pleasure for me to manage. I think some ancestor of mine must have been a store manager."

"But really, Antonia, I can't allow it, I can't accept—they must wait till——"

"Till they lose sight of each other again! Oh, it's not possible. He just worships her."

"Jeanie was very much admired last night," sighed Mrs. Hamilton.

"If you give leave you needn't trouble one bit. It's to be quite quiet and simple, and you'll just drive to church and half an hour will do it."

Mrs. Hamilton was torn by conflicting thoughts. Toney's generosity was splendid, but Jeanie might do better by waiting.

"Please say 'yes,' or I must telegraph to stop Wood."

"You must have your way, silly child. You always do! Oh, here's Lewis. Have you heard of Antonia's generous offer? I really doubt but——"

"Toney's quite right. They've waited long enough. By the way, I'm sorry, Aunt Delia, but I have settled to travel a little and I shan't be here. I'll give the wedding breakfast anyhow, and my blessing."

"Lewis, what do you mean?" exclaimed Miss Honoria. "Impossible!"

"You must stay," said Aunt Delia.

"Impossible!" echoed Lewis and turned away but added, "I'll look over these plans, Toney, and let you have them back."

CHAPTER XXVI.

ANOTHER OFFER.

Toney could not make it out at all. Lewis Waycott had not come near her for two days, though he was still at home. The world seemed out of tune. He had returned the plans with one or two remarks, and with her usual precipitation Toney had given orders that the building was to be begun at once. But he might have brought them himself! Maud was naturally his first thought; she was claiming all his spare time, but, oddly enough, Maud did not miss her daily visits to the Haven. Toney decided that Maud was tremendously honourable.

In the meanwhile she had the wedding to plan for, and Toney loved planning. She had given private orders to Mr. Wood, who had ascertained Mrs. Hamilton's ideas of colours, £c. Miss Honoria was going to pay for the wedding dress, and Lewis had ordered the wedding breakfast, but it was all kept private. Mrs. Hamilton was silently aggrieved. Everything had been done without her, and she defended herself by saying she could not interfere any more, with the result that both her daughters looked supremely happy.

On the third day Toney drove up to the Haven in her motor-car, for she had to go on to the Vicarage afterwards to see that all was "real fixed up." The wedding was to be next Thursday, and to-day was Monday. Maud came out to greet her. Toney wanted to say, "Why hasn't Mr. Waycott come to see me?" but the words stuck in her throat. Toney wondered why she should be afraid of saying anything? This was another puzzle. Maud was smiling and very cheerful; that was odd too.

"I'm off to Mr. Hales to see it's all right! I'll be back as soon as I can, Maud," said Toney.

"I have the week's accounts to add up, so don't hurry! Dear Toney, it's no good trying to say 'Thank you,' but Jeanie's face ought to repay you."

"You'll see, Maud, it will be perfect! It's my pet romance.

"Jeanie says you are much more worthy of Frank than she is."

"Ouf! the music would be a penance! But I expect Mr. Waycott appreciates your music."

"Yes, he does—in his way. He's very busy; we hardly see him. He's so much with his bailiff, draining and repairing cottages, and you don't know what heaps of kind things he does and lets nobody know."

"I guess he does!"

"He's quite changed, somehow; just now he's rather silent. He says he will stay in London to buy all sorts of things for the wild places in Somaliland he means to go to."

"He might stay for the wedding to please you," said Toney thoughtfully; "I never knew he liked lions before."

"And mother and Aunt Honoria are both a little offended. Jeanie doesn't mind, because she doesn't heed anything now. Frank writes every day. Last night the letter didn't come, and she was so miserable." Maud laughed happily.

"Mr. Waycott won't write every day, will he?"

"Lewis! I should think not! He hates writing letters, so I told him we shouldn't worry if he promised to write when he is ill."

"That's fine—you are not like Jeanie."

"Not a bit!"

Toney spun the wheel round and flew off. She wanted to go fast, very fast, so as not to think too much. Evidently Lewis and Maud had perfect trust in each other! Yes, that was fine!

She found that Mr. Hales was visiting some cottages at the other end of his parish, so she sent Jim to Wynchley for some purchases and walked on alone, fast, very fast. She felt in a mighty hurry to-day. At the edge of a fir wood she saw the Vicar coming out of a cottage.

"So glad to see you," she exclaimed; "may I stop you a minute?"

"Of course, Toney, as many minutes as you like." His voice was kind and soft, and Toney felt comforted. Anyhow, Mr. Hales could not go hunting lions.

"It's all right about Thursday, isn't it? Special licence is all right. Mr. Weston's seen to it. Vastly convenient if one is in a hurry."

"You like things done quickly!" said Mr. Hales smiling.

"They want no fuss and no one in church, but I begged for my poor friends. They love a wedding, I'll send my motor to bring the pair at nine o'clock. You'll fix it up sharp, and they will go back to a real breakfast and off by twelve. I've ordered flowers and music."

"You think of everything, as usual," said the Vicar musingly. "Toney, have you ever thought of your own future?"

"Of course! The Stone House will take all my time and mind!"

"But have you ever thought of—wider work for the Church, or of helping another with your love and energy?"

Toney opened her eyes. Mr. Hales looked so odd.

"It's no use thinking, Mr. Hales; I've been walking like mad to stop my thinking to-day."

"Why shouldn't you think?—Toney, I want to ask you a question. Will you let me take care of you, and together we should do a great work for the Master. Your money, I need not say, should be for the Master's cause. Will you be my wife, dear Toney?"

Toney stood transfixed. This idea had never entered her head in connection with Mr. Hales. He was her embodiment of all that was good, but far out of her sphere, poor Harum Scarum Toney.

"Gracious stars! You don't mean it?"

"Yes, I do."

Toney shook her head.

"I wish I could, I do wish I could say 'Yes.' You are so good and just a holy man, but—I'm going to be an old maid—I saw Jeanie's face when Mr. Weston was near her and—then I knew—I could say love, honour, and obey, but even that wouldn't be the real thing!"

"Thank you, Toney—" he said, taking her hand; "you're honest, as always; but we shall be friends still?"

"I should think so!"

"Forget the rest. I had had a vision of missionary work and the great harvest waiting for workers, but I am content to wait here."

"You saw a vision?" repeated Toney, "and I'm just ordinary flesh and blood, and not at all like a vision—Good-bye! I'm going to 'The Haven'—you won't tell anyone, will you, not Silvia or Mrs. Hales? They wouldn't understand how much I love my dear old master."

Without waiting for an answer, Toney jumped over a low stile, and took a short cut back towards the Haven.

"It was only a vision, just like St. Francis had visions; I don't think the real Toney was in it!" she thought, laughing happily. Somehow she felt happier. Someone had made her an offer who did not care for money—then she stopped—after all, the money had formed part of the vision. That was it, it would always come in the way! That was part of the price she had to pay for having the means of helping other people! The hard part was that her Path of Perfection was paved with gold. She loved Mr. Hales, but she could never, never love him like that.

Toney was just emerging from the wood when she was conscious of hearing voices, and looking down a path at right angles she saw Maud talking to—yes, how strange, talking to Edward Lang; but Toney, feeling it was not honourable to spy, turned the other way and got back to the Haven by a longer detour. Maud appeared soon after.

"Did you see Mr. Hales? and is it all right?" Toney nodded.

"Yes; it will be just as they like it, with some music."

"Music! That never entered my head!"

"It wouldn't do for two musicians to be married without music, so I telegraphed to the great Dr. Mayo, who is a friend of Mr. Weston, and I said he should be motored down here in a jiffy if he would come, but it was strictly private, and he says 'yes.' Mr. Russell has been so helpful over all this. He's getting quite understanding and no longer argues!"

"Toney, I want to ask you a question, may I?"

"Of course, why not?"

"If—Mr. Lang asked you again, could you——"

"Oh!" thought Toney to herself, "she was hatching that! It was for me!" Then she laughed.

"Never, Maud, so don't conspire! I'm going to be a real old maid. The jolliest old maid that ever was. Remember the Stone House."

"You are quite, quite sure?"

"Just about sure! Golly! I wouldn't be the Honourable Mrs. Edward Lang at any price."

As she walked home Toney was in a very meditative mood. She blamed herself for this sadness, for her romance had succeeded beyond her greatest hopes. What was the matter with her? She looked up and in the near distance she saw Lewis walking with his bailiff. Her heart beat faster. Would he see her? She wanted to talk to him very badly, but his back was turned to her. She might have called to him, but she wouldn't or couldn't. Well, she was a silly, a downright silly!

But fate interfered. The bailiff saw Miss Whitburn and touched his hat, and Lewis turned. He half hesitated, but as Toney stood still, he was obliged to come forward.

"Are you going home?" was all he said.

"Yes," answered Toney. How stupid they both were, she thought.

"I've had a hard morning with Selby. He's not been here long, so I have a great deal to explain before going away."

"Do stay till after Thursday!" said Toney. "It's quite a quiet wedding, only just flowers and music, and Jeanie would be so pleased, and especially Maud."

"Sorry, Toney, but I really can't! All my plans are made. I go Wednesday evening, and I shall be at Charing Cross Hotel for a week more, and that is a very short time for all my preparations."

"To prepare for the lions?" asked Toney seriously.

Lewis laughed.

"Yes, if you put it like that."

"It's a pity there are not lions in England."

"There are lions in my path——"

"Guess you, mean a pussy cat—sort of relation to tigers anyway. You know I will help you—if I can."

"You can't, Toney, thank you."

"Anyhow, I'll take care of Maud."

"You've done wonders for her as it is. I don't know how you manage it."

"I've done nothing except—of course I cared—because of—because I did."

Why couldn't she say straight out because you are going to marry her, but she couldn't.

"That is the secret, I suppose that caring doesn't always answer—anyhow, Toney, I hope by the time I come back the Stone House will be built."

"Oh! it will take a year, a long year," sighed Toney. Everything looked grey and dull.

"Yes, I shall be away as long as that, and when I return there will be changes I expect. Most likely you will be——"

"Oh, I shan't go and kill anything," interrupted Toney laughing, and determined she would be natural. "Of course Maud and your aunt and Mrs. Hamilton will be very dull without you—and there are your poor people."

"Honour bright, Toney, I have thought of them. Selby has carte blanche to do anything he can. But there are some farms unlet, and the estate is not improving."

"When you have shot enough lions you will come back?"

"I must—of course—— Now, good-bye, I mustn't stay here talking."

"Only two days and three-quarters more. How strange! I wish we lived in the Middle Ages, and you were going to the Holy Land to shoot the Turks," said Toney thoughtfully.

"Lions are more troublesome. I shall have time to think anyhow."

"Will you write sometimes?" said Toney slowly.

"I'm afraid I shan't have time—and there might be——"

"Oh, I see, jealousies at Waycott Hall. Of course. Maud says you don't like writing letters, but of course you'll write to her."

"She'll write to me! and I shall hear all the news. Good-bye, Toney."

"Oh, we shall meet again." Toney's heart went thump, thump!

"Perhaps, but I have so little time that perhaps—we shan't."

They shook hands quite solemnly, and parted without another word.

CHAPTER XXVII.

A TERRIBLE SECRET.

To Toney the next two days passed as if the hours were leaden-footed, for no Lewis appeared again. She was very restless and immensely busy. Her energy was appalling, and Mr. Russell showed signs of rebellion. His young mistress heaped work upon him, for the Stone House was really begun, and the parish was invaded by workmen. Toney realised at once that there was not enough accommodation for them, and had ready-made Norwegian cottages sent down by return from a firm who kept them in sections on the premises. The contractor thought the heiress was mad to bother about the men, but he found it vastly convenient and so did the men!

Sir Evas too was kept occupied. Toney would not let him go out of her sight, and he was really in his element. Only Lady Dove complained. Energy was most displeasing to her—except her own—but just now she and Miss Grossman were in accord, and this lady agreed to her strong assertions concerning the iniquity of young people possessing money that should by right have belonged to others.

"I nourished a serpent in my bosom, Miss Grossman, when I invited Antonia to come and live here—— We are beggars, whilst she throws money to the winds."

"Miss Whitburn never thinks of a rainy day," said Miss Grossman; "I always do, I never give anything away. Charity begins at home, and if I did otherwise, doubtless I should be helping the undeserving."

"Quite right, I often say so to Sir Evas, but he is weak, very weak, and I must say weaker since Antonia's arrival. She is not a girl, she is a whirlwind. Just look at her now tearing down the drive."

It was true Toney was tearing down to meet Maud. It was Wednesday afternoon. This evening Lewis Waycott was going to town, and Toney had not seen him!

"Oh, Toney, I've come to tell you all is ready. Jeanie's dress is lovely, and her other things—— She wants to thank you."

"When?" said Toney; her face was flushed, and there was no smile on it.

"Lewis won't have any visitors to-day. He said so, but he goes this evening."

Toney felt a big lump in her throat. Surely she was not a visitor!

"But I'm not a stranger."

"I said so, and Lewis said he didn't want anybody. So unlike him!"

"I understand—— He wants you all to himself. What train does he go by?"

"The seven o'clock express."

Toney nodded.

"I shall meet Mr. Weston at 7.10, so I'll come early."

"Do. We shan't go to the station, Lewis doesn't want any fuss. Aunt Honoria is very much upset by this sudden determination, but I quite understand it."

"Of course—— You are brave."

"Oh, no. Indeed I shan't miss Lewis till later. We have had such hard work unpacking your lovely things and packing up again. Toney, I have never seen Jeanie look as she does now! She walks about the house with a smile on her face, and sings softly to herself all the time."

Trick came trotting out to look for his mistress. Toney snatched him up.

"Dumb friends are very comforting, aren't they? Sort of understand. Is Jeanie coming to Winchley Station?"

"No, I think it is rather hard on Jeanie Lewis going like that. You'll stay for the breakfast to-morrow of course, Toney, and we'll give them a good send off."

Toney shook herself and hugged Trick closer.

"Yes, we'll finish up the romance properly. I've got heaps to do so I shan't have a minute till I go off to Winchley. I think to-morrow I shall go to London to see Mr. Staines on business."

"Poor Toney! you are hard worked. I hear the Stone House has been begun. You will let me help you still more, won't you? I am so happy."

Maud went off singing an air out of Il Trovatore.

"Well, gracious stars, she is one in a thousand," murmured Toney, "and I'm a horrid wretch to mind his going when she takes it so grandly!"

She stumbled over Sir Evas.

"Oh, Uncle Evas, it is nice to have you. We are good comrades, aren't we, always have been?"

"Yes, of course, but I'm afraid that means you want something more of this poor, overworked man." He looked supremely contented however.

"Yes, ever so much more."

"To be your good comrade, Toney, isn't a sinecure, you know!"

"If you really took up 'the Path of Perfection' you'd have to beg your daily bread, uncle! I can't see you doing it at all!" and Toney actually laughed in spite of her sore heart.

"You're not good enough yet, uncle, but listen, have you ever shot lions?"

"Nothing bigger than a pheasant—not my line, I'm sure the lions would make a meal of me before I had time to aim at the right place."

"You know Mr. Waycott is going to shoot lions in Somaliland. Maud thinks it all right, and is very unselfish about it."

"Are you sure about Maud?" said Sir Evas scraping his muddy boots, a custom he feared to forget, as Lady Dove might be looking out of the window.

"Of course! I've promised to look after her, but, uncle, I want him to have awfully good rifles and all the right things for shooting wild beasts. The kit is tremendously expensive. Couldn't you run up and order it for him and pretend it's your present? You know he's done a lot for my affairs and it's difficult to——"

"Oh, I see; well, I was going to town. I'll go after the wedding and spend a night there."

"He's at Charing Cross Hotel. You might stay there too——"

"So I might."

"And you'll manage, won't you, ducky, and not hurt his feelings. He's rather proud. Sort of in the blood I suppose."

"All the Waycotts always were as proud as Lucifer."

"But you are so understanding. Ouf! I shall feel less under an obligation too if you get a first-rate rig-out for killing lions and tigers."

"Can't think why he has taken that idea into his head."

"I think I know. Lions are next door to tigers, and tigers are same family as wild cats, and wild cats turn into pussies, and, I bet, he has not hit it off with the old pussy at Waycott."

"Good heavens, Toney! What reasoning powers you are developing, but the old pussy, as you call that worthy lady, can only be too delighted about the engagement. Rather foolish to keep it so quiet! I expect Honoria Waycott objects to cousins marrying. Always was a sensible woman. I've great regard for Honoria Waycott."

"I'm sorry for her, she just adores her nephew. Now I must run. You won't make a mistake will you, uncle? Say—you must compose anything you like."

"Not much of an author, Toney, but I'll do my best—— Call it a wedding present?"

"Oh, no! He's determined not to let it out yet, so it wouldn't do. It's a great pity to be proud, isn't it? 'by that sin fell the Angels,' but Lewis Waycott is awfully nice otherwise."

"Very much altered of late. First-rate fellow, but—yes, certainly devilish proud. Beg pardon, Toney, my language is not quite choice enough for an heiress."

"There you are at it! Heiress! Uncle, I shall go up with you to town and see Mr. Staines on business, and come back in the evening. I shall want a rest after the wedding."

"And come back alone! Not quite the thing!"

"The thing!" repeated Toney scornfully, and ran away.

Everybody was kept going that day. Toney's untiring energy made Mr. Russell think seriously of resigning his post, and he was glad to see her starting off alone in the motor at half-past six. She was going to meet the bridegroom, and in her heart Toney hoped to say a real good-bye to Lewis Waycott, but the fates were all against her, for the express came panting in before the dog-cart dashed up, and Lewis only had time to jump in, leaving his luggage to follow. Toney caught sight of a flying vision of him, and he did not even see her—— She stood quite still as the train rushed out of the station. A feeling as if the sun had gone out of the sky, and as if life were not worth living came upon her, then a great contraction in her throat—a feeling of numbness all over her.

She had to wait for the 7.10. She must pull herself together. What did this mean? Why had Lewis been so—unkind? He might have just come to say "Good-bye, Toney, I'll not forget you among the lions"—or words to that effect. He might have just given her one of his kind, jolly looks, which made one trust him with everything, he might even have smiled a little scoffingly as he did over some of her plans!—— He had done none of these things, simply, he had gone away as any stranger might have departed.

"Lewis, Lewis, Lewis," she repeated to herself though to his face she always said "Mr. Waycott." Then something strange happened. She walked into the first-class waiting-room which was deserted and looked at herself in the glass. "Toney," she said, "Toney I—do believe—you are a downright—horrid girl—I do believe—gracious stars! I believe you are—no." She shook herself like a Newfoundland dog just come out of the water. "I won't be—so horrid. What would Pups have said? To care so awfully for someone else's lover! Oh, Pups! I never guessed it till now." A tearless sob shook her, but at that moment the 7.10 steamed in and Toney had to dart out to meet the genius. Never in all her life had she made such an effort to call up a smile, but of course Frank Weston must be received properly!

"Oh, Mr. Weston, there you are! I've told Jim to call for the luggage. Come into the motor at once. So sorry it's only me, but Jeanie isn't here. I think the puss—I mean Mrs. Hamilton—didn't like her coming. Sort of not proper to be seen in public. Odd, isn't it? But she knows I'm looking after you."

Frank Weston was smiling all over his face.

"I told her not to come," he said. "She might catch cold, and besides she says she is very busy, and Maud is overworked."

"Everything's ready as I promised, you know."

Frank looked at the heiress and he thought her face was changed.

"You look tired, you have done too much for us—but I'll just say it once, Miss Whitburn."

"No, say Toney; I shall be sort of sister now, shan't I?"

He laughed.

"Well, Toney, I'll just say it once, that we owe all our great happiness to you, and that we can never forget it. Jeanie isn't demonstrative, but she never forgets."

"She never forgot you, did she? But you needn't say 'thank you' because I'm grateful to you. If it hadn't been for what I saw in your faces I might have made a great mistake."

"Is there——?"

"No—but I may as well confess. Sort of relieves me. I might have said 'yes' to the wrong man."

"The right man will come," said Frank softly. "You deserve the best."

"No, he never will come—he—oh, it doesn't matter, but I shall never, never marry—only I'll try and make it awfully nice for lovers because—I—I think I know, and you'll not say anything about it, even to Jeanie?"

"You may trust me, but if ever you want me—you may claim my help at any time—and I will come."

Toney looked up at the strong face and knew he meant every word. How could Jeanie have ever doubted or hurt such a man? How glad she felt she had cleared the brambles out of his path. It was not the music that was so wonderful, it was the man himself.

That evening Toney instead of being restless was very quiet, and in her face there was a new look of suffering such as had never been there before. She had learnt a terrible secret. She loved a man who belonged to another—and only now she realised that she had always loved him.

"Oh! Lewis, Lewis!" she cried out alone in her room; "You shall be happy if I can do anything—and you shall never, never know my secret—— It's no good blaming myself because—I never knew what it meant till now. The path of perfection is awfully stoney and rutty."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

LILIES AND A WEDDING.

"There's no peace or harmony in the presence of some people," said Lady Dove after dinner to the famous genius. Her eyes involuntarily turned towards Toney, who was talking in low tones to Sir Evas. "Now, with Jeanie Hamilton you are sure of proper dignity."

Frank bowed and smiled, nothing could ruffle him now. He had sent off a letter to Jeanie, and a second diamond ring and a few other tokens, as he did not wish to go to Waycott Hall himself. Mrs. Hamilton's company recalled his past suffering too much. Toney, on the other hand, was associated only with his joy and gratitude.

As if to prove Lady Dove right, a hooting, tooting motor was heard approaching, and Toney started up.

"It's Dr. Mayo," she said, looking at Mr. Weston.

"Dr. Mayo!" he exclaimed, "coming here?"

"Yes, for your wedding! He plays to-morrow morning. It's only fitting."

Frank Weston's eyes beamed.

"You are a magician!" he said, "he wouldn't do it for royalty!" and he hurried out to greet his friend.

"Oh, I wish I could hear all they hear in music," sighed Toney.

"Your ears are sharp enough, anyhow, Toney," said Sir Evas. "By the way, what's the matter with you this evening? You are pale—most unusual!"

"Nothing—but a bit anxious about this wedding. There's many a slip, isn't there, uncle?"

"Humph, you've got the man and the woman; not much chance of slipping. You're going too fast, Toney, that's what it is."

Toney laughed.

"Gracious stars! Fast! I'd like to go faster. Stone House will keep us busy, uncle, won't it, and—have you thought about the lions and what you'll say? You mean biz, don't you?"

"I shall have to deviate a bit from the path of truth, Toney, but I'll manage it. Melina, I must go to town to-morrow and—sleep there, on business."

"On Antonia's business, I suppose?" said Lady Cove tartly.

"No, oh no—forgot a few things I had to say to Lewis Waycott, who's off after lions. I'll return early on Friday."

"I hope you will, there are plenty of neglected things on your own estate, Evas, but of course——="

Happily the two great musicians came in together, and Lady Dove recognising that she would be envied by the musical portion of the county, turned on a smile of welcome, whilst Mr. Russell hastened to make himself agreeable, but in reality Lady Dove felt angry because Toney was the centre of attraction this evening.

"I should never have dared to suggest it," murmured Frank Weston to his friend.

"Nonsense! Why didn't you? Miss Whitburn said it was my duty, and of course my pleasure, and that your wedding could not take place without me——"

Everybody laughed.

"In a sort of way it was Jeanie who suggested it to me," said Toney. "I thought our organist would do, but she looked so reproachfully at me, and said, 'I don't want any music, thank you—short of Dr. Mayo—Frank would run away if he heard our organist!'"

"Do you always get what you want, Miss Whitburn?" said Dr. Mayo.

Poor Toney turned pale but no one noticed this.

"I like other people to have what they like, and I sort of try to get it for them, that's all."

"Ask Weston to sing, Miss Whitburn, and I will accompany him. Weston's voice is something out of the common, but he has refused to sing for some years."

"Do," said Toney, "I think I like singing best, especially when you can hear the words."

Then followed a rare musical treat, till Toney, saying she was very sleepy, excused herself and went to bed.

She paced her small room like a lion in a cage; she felt she must rush up to town to-morrow and call at the hotel, so as just to see him once more, but then she argued this would be wrong knowing what she did know! Perhaps—such things did happen—she might meet him in the streets. That wouldn't be wrong, because she could not help that. Was it wrong to wish it? Anyhow, she couldn't help it. She must turn for comfort to work, work and prayer; and yet neither of these two words seemed to be able to stop the pain. But they must; she, too, would fight with a lion.

She opened her "Little Flowers of St. Francis" to try and find some balm, and her eyes lighted on these words:—

"There came unto him (St. Francis) a youth, noble and tender, and said unto him, 'Father, right willingly would I become one of your brothers.' Replied St. Francis, 'My son, thou art a youth, tender and noble, it may well be that thou couldest not endure our hardships and our poverty.' And quoth he, 'Father, are ye not men even as I? Wherefore, as ye endure, even so shall I be able with the grace of Jesus Christ.'"

And Toney seemed to be comforted by these words, "As ye endure." That was it, to endure nobly, that meant she must not be beaten by her pain. Ah, she too would endure as did that young noble. Of course, endurance was easy when everything went right, but the only thing worth a rag was to endure when everything went wrong! And Toney looked this great sorrow in the face and made up her mind, oh, if it were possible—and it was possible—to endure cheerfully. Then, knowing she must be up early, she went to bed and fell asleep.

She awoke to the sound of marriage bells through the open windows; for one moment her face was all joy, then suddenly the pain returned. She dressed very quickly in a plain white serge dress, and then ran out to find the motor. Jim was ready with it. He looked beaming.

"I want to see if the church is properly beautiful. When you get married, Jim, I'll do the same for you. When is it to be?"

"We're in no hurry, Miss Tonia, there's time enough."

Toney laughed, Jim did not feel as did Frank Weston evidently.

At the church there were busy helpers, and several men from London. Large hampers of lilies were being unpacked.

Next, Toney motored to Waycott Hall and interviewed Maud, and then went home to early breakfast. Jim and the motor were to be kept busy.

The actual wedding was simple in the extreme. Only the Waycott Hall party, Miss Waycott, Mrs. Hamilton and Maud; and from Aldersfield, Sir Evas, Toney, the bridegroom, and Dr. Mayo. As the party entered he was already playing divine music, but the church was full of poor people and of white lilies. Never had the little old building looked so beautiful; Jeanie paused at the entrance.

"Oh! This is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen!" she whispered to Frank.

Mrs. Hamilton looked at Toney and then at her sister.

"Honoria, what extravagance, but how beautiful!"

"It's Toney all over," said Miss Honoria.

As to Frank Weston, he thought, "This is as it should be, no fuss, only poor people and flowers and heavenly music."

There were no jovial young men fussing and talking, no hustling, no disgraceful pushing, no whispered conversations. To the poor it was nearly as good as a funeral as they listened to Mr. Hales' strong manly voice, and saw his face full of mystic joy.

If Jeanie Hamilton had wanted any more reforming she had it then. How could pride exist in this sanctuary of beauty? She looked like a lily herself in a white afternoon dress, not a ball dress to be minutely described in the newspapers, Jeanie, belonging to one of the oldest families in the county, was marrying a self-made man, but as she looked up at his strong face, full of manly joy, she knew that she, not he, had the best of the bargain! She was only proud now of belonging to him.

Mrs. Hamilton was touched by the beauty and the originality. There was no vulgarity to hurt her pride, and she forgave Maud's first words in the vestry,

"Oh dearest Jeanie, you are a lucky woman. Toney, it was quite, quite perfect."

"You shall have the same, Maud, when you marry," answered Toney smiling.

Maud laughed and looked guilty. How pretty she appeared in her white dress, looking not unlike a bride herself.

The poor people remained seated till the pair came out together, but Toney stayed behind with a little army of helpers. All the lilies were to be tied in bunches, and each poor person in the church was to take home a bunch. Toney therefore missed seeing an uninvited guest at the church door, who shook hands cordially with the wedding party.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Weston, I was not invited, but I heard a whisper of your original wedding and——"

Jeanie smiled.

"It's Miss Whitburn's idea. Could anything be more beautiful?"

He was by Maud's side now and he said quite gravely,

"I took note of everything, Miss Hamilton."

"Oh," said Maud smiling, "it would not do for your tastes. Hanover Square and a rowdy audience!"

"Indeed you are unjust. This is the first wedding I have enjoyed——"

Mrs. Hamilton was smiling, but, thinking Edward Lang wanted to make up to Toney, she did not invite him to the breakfast. Only Maud lingered a minute to say something, and then the poor people came trooping out, and when Toney reappeared she was too busy talking to them to see anything else.

The breakfast at Waycott Hall was a great trial to Toney, but she fought against this lion and no one found out she was in a battle. Dr. Mayo acted as best man, and his speech was short but to the point.

"The bridegroom being a friend of long standing, I rise to drink his health. The bride I have only seen to-day, but I congratulate her from the bottom of my heart. To be the wife of Frank Weston means to be the wife of a genius—that is nothing, he was born a genius, he couldn't help himself—but it also means to be the wife of a man who, having a grand profession, has always ennobled it, and who has never, by thought, word, or deed, lowered the high standard he set before himself, and I think Mr. and Mrs. Weston are wise to go at once to Germany, so as to avoid such demonstration from the musical world here as might be overpowering."