Coquette.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14238, 2 July 1910, Page 2 (Supplement)

Coquette.

1 wonder what snis 1 '©an iiavc convjilittthi iu J* ioiiitor fciusUriice 7 that I lhav'c to extirpate them iu tiiw by oeirig Coquette's mother. Her name is really Maiy; but she has been called Coquette ever since she' touid walk, *iid unlike many nicknames, it is- singu•lai'iv u.pi>t'opru:'W. iSiie has just got tiera&lf e-ngstge-.i to a jcuny doctor witvi we«k knees imd it-d hair. .1 o make matters liis VMu'-istaiu. is Airred —-a iiaine I uiariy rusiiid:. A lew jveek?> ag;o C'oquette, not having very much to do, caught influenza, as well as All'red, and 1 look her away to the Sea to recuperate. We stayed at a delightful farmhouse on the hhvdeis <jt' a lamxiu, which was only separated from the ocertn by a broad j»t-rir> oi ; dazziiug sand. On stormy days the foaming tips of the breakers could be- seen over the sands from the house. Coquette was charmed with the place. She was always charmed, with anything new, and she was out of doors all flay getting her nose burnt, anil painting tit'tiseaws with impossible cobalt Waves.

"1 am so triad there aren't any men fcero." she said one night, as she strolled into mv room to brush her hair. "Men all say the same things, and T'l like to he a month without seeing one." ' Next day Coquette seemed rather bored, and T was dreading the eonrinaud to pack up and return to town — 1 have been well brought up, and always do what Coquette tells me. At lunch-time our landlady said—"We shall have n full house to-night, ' four parties, are coming by the afternoon train."

Coquette nudged me. "I do hope ifchere aren't any babies -amongst the parties, slie said —for there were two already in the house, with vwy strong lungs. While w© were standing on tlie Verandah that night waiting for tea, the coaioh drew up and, disgorged the four new arrivals and their luggage. We stared at them curiously as they talked "up the path ; two were maiden l'adies of a very tnieort-ain age. then followed a tall young man, with a slight limp.,, anfl a sickly-looking schoolboy. . ."There comes the serpent in your T. said to Coquette, but she did not seem as disgusted as one might have expected from her remarks Earlier. As they came closer I saw the Vourig man with the limp was Hugh ij'Estrange, whom T had met when •taying with ray sister earlier in the fciimmer. He recognised' me, and hurried Foi'iVard. . ' "I'm awfully gla-d to ee« you Mi's Maybriek." lie said, with a delightful touch of brogue. "Mrs Tyors told me you were staying hero.." He lowered his Voice discreetly. "T. was dreading a (community oT old luens, and this is luck." His eyes wa'ndtered to Coquette", an;! I introducer! tlicm. "Are you fond of fishing, Miss MayVriek?" he asked. "I hope so. Fisliihg is all I'm cood for at present, and it's awfully jolly to have' a mate." "I sprained my knee at cricket," ho explained to mo. "That's, why I hare to loaf hero for a hit." Ho vrent off to the little cottage we called Wooll'ooinooioo.. where the bachelors arc quartered—when there are a.ny.

"What do you thing of our one and only man?" I asked Coquette, when sho came to say good-night. "He doesn't seem bad," she answered. yawning. _ ■

"Ho'* enpoged to a very liicc girl-; ,'AurA F.ve knows her," I said witli meaning. "All right. I'll' let Tier Have him," and the minx went off. N?\fc morning wps Sunday, and as T was dnwinfr mvs-olf in a garment that fitted jwlcrvrding 'to my flrwstnaker'awi«bp*. and not mine, I caught sight of .Cinriuptt'e lyine 'in a hammock that hunt; in the shade of a great Lindleyana. . "I walked on to the verandah 'with tlie irritation caused by a hard "tussle with hooks and eyes upon me.;" You ■will be late for church." I called sharply'.

Coopette lifted her lwad and looked 'fit he'r champagne-coloured shoes penlively. "t dare say I will," she answered', sweetly. "I'm not going, Queen (slio always calls me Queen), I have a—a headache."

Just then Hugh L'Estrange limped round the corner, looking very handBotne in immaculate flannels—and there's ijotTjing that suits a well set-up man half as well. "Aren't you coming to church?" I aslred. filing helpless. "Not this moraine, Mrs Mavbrick," hj" nu=wared, m'Hi disarming smile. "jM? kiKM" doesn't feel quite it-he thing, so T think I'll take it easy." I went off and steamed in a hot wooden church, with shrill sineing and a dull sermon, \tylien •! got back that ridiculous , L'Estrange was reading "Sonera of Travel" to Coquette. ""Will headache allow you to change rour dress for dinner?" I asked tartly.

Coquette climbed out, of tht hammock, and stretched gracefully. 'Did Von have a. nice time, -Queen ?" sbe said. anxiously.

T did ,not say anything, but when I went into my room I banged thy door Jlnrd. For several days I watolied Hugh. L'Est. range and Coquette rowing 'and fishiog together, and when T came across them sitting under -the pae-mon-fruit trellis, Blirroniided : bv sJubllb. and lie wiping her fingers on his handkerchief, I thought it time to speak to Coouett».

"I have been looking for yon everywhere, Coquette," I eakj, ignoring Hugh, "I want you to help me -wftn some mendine." She smiled at me, and I saw she read my motive.

"Never mind tlie mending," sbe said. "Come and sit here. Queen, dear, and heln n» eat passion-fruits" I am ashamed to say I did bo, .butLafcaroii I cornered W.

'"You., are really too bad. (.'o<(Ue.tte." I hurst out. ''You will bare everyone talking; aba 11 t yrin, and considering 'you're both engaged, it's absolutely." disgraceful. Hare you no conscience.?"

."Xn!" slip ans-wered, pushing hack her hair. "T took after yon. Queen. T'oor old Dad had all the conscience of the family."

1. sighed. hopelessiiy. Sonietiwes, since Coquette grew up, I am tempted to wiith John were alito. He might ■liiivn been able to manage her. "Still, you won't be foolish," I per BlSted

"L won't make any r:u<h promises," •she said, and walked down the garden path singing. "I Will Marry My Own jxive, ' I felt niumsv. Hall-an-hour later T saw her out on tne lagoon in n riekettv canoe, belonging to the house, and ugh L'.fistrange «as plilling. T felt unea.sier still. Things went on in this fashion for another ten days.. .1 ought to liavo taken Coquette away, but, \ as she Tievei' does anything ulie doesn't want !j ' <ndirt see what I could do. Besides, I hate packing. I knew everyone wns talking about her, because, ■wienover I came near them, there was always a silence, and .someone would jump up and offer me a chair in a, flurried waT.

My first warning that it was really becoming serious—for Coquette that is was one day, when I had a had. tierv''llr headache. I stayed in my room all flay, and Coquette was .sweet. mid v. onld. not leave me. ami Lathed my hea,;l for hours. After tea I was better, and 'told Lor T was going to slfc-ep, so she went out for "fresh air and moonlight," she said. As as she went 011 to the \oranduh .someone joined her. 'How is Mrs Alaybrick ?" I heard a low vcneo ask ,a-ud knew it was ' Thigh Ij'Kstraniis's. "She is better, in ft sweet, subdued tone. '"Good night." \ne take you for a short row. Do, .Miss Maybrick," he said eagerly. "You are tired out, and the fresli air will do von good. 1 know your mother would like vou to: vou are looking .pull'." 1 1 smiled primly, for the vines made the verandah pitch dark, and it was -impossible to see any tiling. Then they went off together. They were away quite two hours, and I worried myself into ii. fresh headache. Then 1 heard footsteps coming along the side path, ami knew it was the truants returning. Coquette had a verandah room just beyond mine. and 1 heard Hugh strike a match and light her candle;, then I heatM a/ low "Good-night. Coquette," and his uneven steps gl'OWl- - fainter in the distance. It had come then I had only heard two whispered words, but they told me what had 'gone before. 1 have been young. too.

Next morning no Coquette came dancing into my room in a kimona, with "-streaming hair, singing one of those, sougs I don't know -how- she jrtek's up.- I wondortod what was the matter, and 1 slipped on 'a wrapper, and went to see her. .She was wide awake, and I could see she had not slept, .for there were dark circles underneath her eyes. ' You will be late for breakfast," 1 said, pretend Mig not to notice ailythi;'\"; unusual.

not going in. I don't wa.nt nnv. Don't worry. Queen— sav I'm , dead and buried, or 'anything"' and she turned hfer face to the wall, like the person, in Scripture. At breakfast 1 found Hftgli L'Estrance was also inisSinjj. "Mr -L'Betruuge has gone off to the Trigg Station, and taken M's lunch," said one oi the spinsters, -acidly, "\~ery foolish 1 consider it, with his lame leg. Itrust Miss Ai'aybi'ick will not find it too -much of a climb." I would like to have.-'struck the old cat, but 1 tried to . smile sweetly as I answered, "She is lying down m her room; sho was so much indoors yesterday she got a bad headache." "indeed! liow unfortunate," ejaculated the amiable person, and we finished in silence. Cnouette would have nothing but lemon drinks all day, and she hardly said -a word. I wont into her ro-orn after t-fea-. determined to fish the story out of her bv some -means or other. A's I ivas commencing matters by making my eau-de-eologiie compress for her head, I heard Hugh -L'Estra~nge walking up the path. Coquette m'ove'd restlessly, and he began to seeming -carelessness and obvious meaning "My deafest Heart." The words came to us quite plainly—"All our dreaimig noiv- is broken

through Both what is done and undone -I Tue.'''

"How absurdly youthful and stagey,'' I -said, arid then Coquette suddenly tinned to me—

"Can't we. get away from here tomorrow," she 'asked, wearily—and I knew she had suddenly grown* up. I plumped down on her Tied with emphasis. "No,, you can't," 'I -said, decidedly. "If I'm not quite a "fool that young Tnan will 4'eave in -a day or two, and unless '.you want -a lot- of

stories. :t<j.yo./round the wuiiU'y, you'll stay <m and. pot A'i'rr 1 tip to throw them off tlic scent."

Coquette didn't attempt to. hedge, and hegan to cry. I hacl never seen her cry since "she was a. child* and I ielt angry, with young .irusn in general, a.iid in pertiefdor with. Hugh L'festrange.

, "I've l>een a—#. —a fool." she sobbed. "I put my. arm round her. "You can't help it, dear, 1 ' I said, soothingly, ' Tell, mo all about it."

''Yon—yon know all the b—beginning. I knew he was e —engaged, and he —he knew I was; and we were just friends."

"Old friends!" I interrupted. 'Then I began to like him awfully. H« is' sweet, isn't he, Queen ? Don't you .love his eyes arid his moustache, and F"

"Go on," T said hastily, for her eyes were tilling afresh. "Well, wo just drifted on, and then I found everything seemed pretty dull' when he wasn't there. I loved boating and fishng wiih him, and listening to his reading, hut'T never bothered to think why. Last night after von were asleep, he took me for a row, as my head was aching, and " "Yes, I know that," I interrupted again. "Queen! I (jo believe you have second sight. He roved me tip Davis Creek, and stopped under the big mangrove tree, and —it's no use; I can't tell you the rest."

"There's -no need to. my darling," T said, stroking her hair. ' 1 What are you going to do?"

"I don't- know; I don't know, I belifeve my heart's broken, and I never knew I had one before.'' "Neither did 1," I said, trying not to smile. "I suppose poor Alfred will get his -dismissal." "Of course!"

Coquette's, matter-of-fact tone made me smile again. "But, Queen, isn't it awful? Hugh will have tft mririy that girl. He says it isn't cricket to sling a girl over. It appears it's honourable to go and marry the girl you don't love, and break tile heart of-f the on-one you do-d-do."

She burst out sobbing again. -I stayed with her until she fell' ' asleep: then 1 sat up until dawn, but J. couldn't see what I could do to smooth matters for lie'r. John always said Lhad no brains. . Coquette was at breakfast next morning, as airy and inconsequent as usual. I rather thought she was overdoing it, but she and Hugh really behaved admirably—if rather late in the da v. She Teard in the hammock all the .mot-ping, and Hugh went off fishing alone. I thought I detected a gleam of pleasure on the acetous sninster's face. The afternoon was horribly hot. end - I left Coquette asleep and "wandered down to the lucerne paddock. The hay was in cocks, and I lay down oil oirie in'the sh-ftde of a jinnee tree, and fell fast asleep. A person of my to ought to. have Teore sense, but then I was always foolish. There was a delicious breeze blowing when I -woke tip, so I strolled further along the -lagoon. As I eame out tK'roneh the mangroves I saxv a boat pulled in close to the edge of +-he mud, in it my daughter. Coquet-to, with a man's arm around her Yraist and her head on his shoulder at an absurd. aiurle—of course the - man was Hugh L'Estrange. - "This is altogether too mm.-h," I said angrily, as I towards them over the mud, and ruined a sweet, pair of French boot*. They did not hear me coming, and I leaned over and poked Coquette hard with my parasol. She screamed and turned round, nearly upsetting the bout. -Re;i]ly, Corptette—'' T began. She smiled ut> at me in her old way. "It's all right. Queen. Get in out of the mud. dear; you'll- spoil your "boots. Hugh, you vamoose. I'll manage this."

' He_ vamoosed—-hurriedly. "Now," I said, "please explain!" "All right, lovie. Din't be cross—you look ten years older when you're cross. You see. when I was in the hammock this afternoon—"

"Asleep." I interpolated. /'No. I -wasn't—l was feeling inclined to -drown myself—Hugh came ,up, and said, 'I -must talk to you. I've had a letter "that alters things for us.' '-My heaVf- skipped at his tone. Queen. I", eoiildu't find you, sol came out with him. Will at d'Vou think tilie Hotter Wfl-s ? Why. that dear, darlirtc girl he was :engajged to Isn't' it sweet of her? "All the same she's a fool to do it. It -appears she ha-d a fight with some man or other «he Avn-i sort of engaged to—then she took Hugh to spite him. The b->-map—not HusJl. you know. Well, the other man came hack, anfl thev fixed it up. f>nd she's let Hugh off. Isn't it iUrfl.nd ? I want to rjajiee; its ended .right. Like- an old-fashioned siorv." "There's still Alfred." X reminded her. "Oh. bother Alfred." She cave a : mo«t ■yelled. "Pitiip on. HrMil" And he came!—-8.D.. in Ah?>tralasfan.