CHAPTER II.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 574, 28 December 1889, Page 8

CHAPTER 11.

HE SAW",

Some days passed, and the unwelcome Mr Snell, how they hated the name— was still unwelcome. He did not seem in any way to improve, his manners were still awkward, his appearance still slovenly; but he was giadually getting over his shyness ; so much so that the girls trembled at the thought that he might eventually become obtrusive. He did not talk about his shop— that was one good thing, nor did he ever allude to those old shop-keeping days in England, and he had also relieved their minds by informing them that he did not intend to remain in Arcadia more than a few weeks. This was good news ; and had it not been for the coming Christmas time they might perhaps manage to keep him in the \ background ; as it was, it seemed impossible. However things went on very well until, about a week after his arrival, Mrs Delisle's aftei'noon 'at home ' came round. He had been seen only by the trades people so far, for he had spent the greater part of his time in exploring the city ; but upon this particular afternoon he too was 'at home ' — very much at home. He had strolled about as usual during the morning, but in spite of sundry remarks from Violet about various sights tojbe seen that afternoon, he persisted in remaining indoors. ' Really, it's too hot, cousin,' he would insist upon claiming this relationship. 'I'm nearly melted already,' wiping his forehead with a huge red cotton handherchief — ' and if you don't mind I will sit in the parlour and read a bit. It's a sight cooler there.' , ' And so he had ; but the sight that met the eyes of Mrs Delisle and Elinor when they sailed into the drawing room about naif past two, nearly set their hair on end. Mr Snell' had evidently made himself very comfortable upon the sofa, and then read until he had fallen asleep. He lay full length upon the. luxurious couch, his clumsy feet hanging over tbe end, in all the revealed glory of coloured shirt sleeves, dishevelled collar, baggy waistcoat and tawdry watch chain and ornaments. His mouth was wide open, and to crovra all, he was snoring stertorously. ' Good gracious, what a sight,' ejaculated Mrs Delisle. 'And here's Mrs Colonel Graves and Miss Graves coming up the path!' exclaimed Elinor. ( Oh, mother, make haste and get him out of the room— quick. Tell him to go and make himself presentable.' Mrs Delisle frantically aroused the sleeper and explained the situation hurriedly to him. #He looked bewildered, but gathered up his belongings [j and rushed upstairs justin time to escape, being i :-£e,oH.v- x-Hi£^'hpstjßj3BgsSi' i f6EK|wttjsLe „hoj)jed;it|iftt!;'h,e,

room ; but alas, Mr Snell did not anticipate the 1 ? hopes. In a few minutes he reappeared, having made himself as presentable as he knew how, but the big red necktie was still there, and the face of its wearer seemed to shine with a sort of reflected glory as he came in. His favourite red handkerchief was stuck conspicuously half out of his pocket ; and as he crossed the room he took it out with a flourish and began energetically mopping 1 his forehead with it, evidently perspiring with the speed he had made over his toilet. There was no help for it. Mrs Delisle had to introduce him to her visitors with what grace she might. But Mrs and Miss Graves, though not residents of Ponderby, were true ladies to the core, and they went through the introduction so courteously that the hearts of the unhappy trio were set almost at ease. The visitors did not even smile at the vigorous hand-shake he gave them both, nor at the hearty tone in which he said he hoped he saw them well ; and, fortunately, no others arrived during their stay. To be sure, when tea was brought in, Mr Snell made a remark as if it were an extraordinary occurrence, and ere he received his, carefully spread his handkerchief over his knees and then gingerly poised his cup and cake thereon, looking very uncomfortable meanwhile. He had apparently some idea that he ought Ito make himself useful, but considered it impossible under the circumstances. Still not a smile crossed the faces of the visitors ; and it happened that, ere others arrived, something occurred to Mr Snell's, memory that took him out of the room and he returned no more that afternoon. It was with infinite relief that Mrs and the Misses Delisle saw their last visitor depart, and knew that the vexation of having to introduce Mr Snell was over for the time. But they did not utter the slightest reproach to Mr Snell, though they did bewail his conduct to Mr St. George, with whom, somehow or another, Mr Snell had already struck up a strange friendship. But Mr St. George only laughed heartily, and then seriously advised them all not to show any annoyance at Mr Snell's shortcomings. He hinted gravely that he admired Miss Delisle too much for his peace of mind ; and at this, Elinor flushed angrily. 'He would never dare — ' she began, sharply, then she stopped, and looked suspiciously at Mr St. George's twinkling eyes. ' I believe you are only jesting,' she said, turning away in offended dignity. 'At least, Mr Snell knows better than that.' Again Mr St. George smiled and went off chuckling softly to himself. And as time sped on, Elinor-segan to see plainly that he was right — the awkward and unwelcome Mr Snell was falling head over ears in love with her. This was not merely annoying, it was intolerably presumptuous. And for the life of her she could not snub him in the way he deserved. She did not utter the cutting sarcasms that rose to her lips when he ventured to be a little more obtrusive than usual with his attentions and compliments. She did not ridicule him or laugh "in his ' face as she felt strongly inclined to do sometimes ; and what she would not do before his face neither would she behind his back. His sincerity was evident, and that she respected ; but as to loving or even liking— above all marrying him — the idea 'was preposterous, insulting. She was coolly civil, distantly polite, always ; and Mr Snell could make no headway in any shape or form. He began to look very woebegone at times ; then Elinor's heart would smite her, and she would be a little more kindly with him. Of course he brightened up immediately, and became so devoted that Elinor was soon obliged to lapse back into her former manner. And so things went on. But at last Mr Snell made up his mind in desperation to settle his fate. He found Elinor alone in the garden one evening, just a week before Christmas; and after standing with his hands in his pockets watching her for some minutes in utter silence — save fora single remark about the weather — he burst out &% last — ' Cousin Elinor, I want to say something to you.' Elinor was busy watering her flowers. She merely glanced round at him and said carelessly, though she rightly guessed what was coming, ' Well, lam here, listening. Say on.' He moved a few steps nearer, and stood there the image of awkward shyness and embarrassment. ' You know, Cousin Elinor,' he began, after at least half-a-minute's silence, ' you know— l'm sure you know — I've always admired you very much.' ' I am sure I am much obliged to you, said Elinor, gravely. ' Oh no, nobody could help admiring you ;' he said eagerly. 'I am sure I don't know why anybody should think Violet prettier than you. I think you are a sight prettier.' ' You are very kind,' remarked Elinor, still calmly going on with her occupation. ' But Violet is fair and lam dark ; it is purely a matter of taste.' ' Well, you are my taste, Elinor, exactly my taste,' proceeded Mr Snell enthusiastically. ' And oh, my darling, howl wish I was youra.' The murder was out now. Elinor turned and looked at him, amuse ment and anger both in her face. She opened her lips to speak, but Mr Snell's heart was waxing hot within him, and he could no longer contain himself. ' No, hear me first, cousin,' he went on hurriedly, seizing her hand. 'Don't say anything yet. I meant to ask you to marry me before I came here — indeed I did. I saw your likeness over in Sydney and I fell in love with you there and then, and I says to myself, ".I will have her for my wife if I live." I have got a comfortable home to offer you, darling, and I am not bad off either, and I won't ever ask you to wait in the shop, though I know you used to — ' The unhappy young man gob no farther. That last sentence was too much. Elinor's face turned white. She snatched her hand away, pointed down the garden path and said in a tone of freezing disdain' Go!' 4 Go,' said Mr Snell, aghast. ' Yea, go, don't come near me or speak to me again like this, You have insulted me. Go.' 'Elinor, cousin, listen — ' stammered Mr Snell in dire confusion. ' I will not listen,' said Elinor, in a milder tone. * Your intentions are good, no doubt, but you are singularly obtuse on some points. Be kind enough to leave me now and never mention the subject to me again. Go.' And Mr Snell felt constrained to obey the imperative gesture that accompanied the last word. He turned'and slouched away, looking very crestfallen. Elinor watched him out of sight, her anger rapidly giving way to amusement. She { laughed softly as she resumed her flowerwatering. 'He touched a sore spot unwittingly, poor fellow, 3 she said to herself. ' I did wait in the shop before I went to school. After all, he is as good as I am. And I think I won't tell mother or Violet.' ■ ■ - •'■■.'-.* '.-.' .\ ':■-*- •-.-, ..■■*■ s£ ?.M£.S^ell.;;did^

was remarkably cheerful under the circumstanoes» and displayed a callousness that was highly suggest tive of the idea that he had never been in earnest, or else was atrociously fickle. He went with the girls to assist in decorating the church, in spite of Elinor's coldness and Violet's hints that ha could do nothing, and was as hearty and as jolly as if nothing had happened. In truth, he was so merry and good-natured, and made himself so useful, and displayed such a capacity for the business in hand, that the young ladies assembled there voted him quite an acquisition ; and Elinor was secretly amazed and puzzled. Moreover he had discarded all his showy jewellery, gorgeous necktie, and his red cotton handkerchief for a white one, and was altogether dressed in quiet good taste. And he did not laugh loudly, nor drop his h's, nor use any of the queer expressions he was usually addicted to ; and somehow he did not look either awkward or shy.. . Elinor noticed all these trifling changes, and was considerably puzzled, especially when occasionally she caught that twinkle in Mr Snell's eyes that she had sometimes noticed before. '. If he were always like this, ' she said to herself, ' one Gould not help liking him. . Really those girls seem quite taken up with him. He is positively making them laugh.' It was quite true — some of the young ladies were laughing heartily at an anecdote he was telling them with much quiet drollery. And he seemed quite at ihome amongst them, and Very contented and happy. He kept away from Elinor all the afternoon, and devoted himself in particular to Miss Graves, who was there assisting the decorators ; and Miss Graves was very gracious to him and did not seem in the least toobject to his society. And not only upon that day, but upon the two following, when the decorations were still in progress, did he continue to give assistance and to develop a wonderful improvement : so much so that Mrs and theMisses Delisle were more and more puzzled every hour ; but perforce came to the conclusion that the influence of refined society was working 1 upon him like a charm. Mr St George, when they drew his attention to the great improvement in Mr Snell, laughed and said, ' Oh, I've been giving him a few hints ; ' but Elinor, at least, did not consider this explanation sufficient to account for so marked a change. And he saw.