"STAR" TALES. THE AMAZEMENT OF ARTHUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7391, 1 May 1902, Page 4

"STAR" TALES. THE AMAZEMENT OF ARTHUR.

x ; (By NELL A PARKER.) &■ ' Author of *" The Mistake of Monica," :: : : " Dramas of To-day," etc. ? Hermione Kershaw was one of those ? women who possess the gift of making a - barely furnished room look comfortable and !• inviting at a small cost. Not that she L- liked cheap things, bub a wife's first duty ? is to acquire some portions of the virtues \!' ter husband admires, and Arthur parv ticularly admired thrift. He taught. her j| tf> take care of the pence, he expected her i shillings to go such a long way. The |v pounds did nob enter largely into her calJ culafcions, she so seldom- had a sovereign j-i..-' jn. her purse. . And of lato she had been more than usu- , ally economical, principally at her own expense, in atonement for having for a moment suspected that Arthur was mean, when, of course, it was his limited salary - that had forced him to complain of what had been spent the preceding year. Sh« r therefore said nothing about a new hat in Jhe spring, and contented herself with a, home-made cotton frock for "best" in the summer, and Arthur, when he. heard that ' the whole had only cost seven and threepence, said she was a clever little wife. He also regretted that a man could not do something of the same kind. As it , yras, he was obliged to keep up appearances, for. he was occasionally asked to ! spend a couple of days — from Saturday to f Monday — with a friend, and from " motives $ of policy" could not always decline such - invitations. Arguments to which Her- - iwione listened, blammg herself for assenting less readily than, she might have done flaring the first year of her married life. ' For of late two or three things ' had puzzled her. Arthur had shown her some ' Moves he had bought — six pairs for fifteen [s Shillings— but she had picked up a bill in {which, those same gloves figured at four and \ ninepence a pair, and, even to her inexperience, his shoes and hats seemed more than merely "good." 'However, she put these thoughts aside Mid accepted his praise && reward for the \ 'sacrifice when she dismissed her little L maid and engaged a girl for " od<Ji times." fjhe would have valued the praise still more -. had it not been for Arthur's concluding remark that Daisy, having reached the ma- ! tore age of three and a half, must need less attention. "■ Thus, as the summer passed, Hermione began to regard economy as one of ■, the fine arts. But at last temptation came in her way, and Arthur, glancing at her as sne poured out his coffee one morning, i could not help noticing the brightness of j *■' lier eyes. : "Yes, I've had a letter from Rosa. Deni«on. She and her husband are home from America. They have taken a furnished house in Kensington, and are to have a gathering of all their old friends on the twtnty-seventh. Dinner for the favoured ones, and a reception We're to " go to the dinner." x an<S I?" " Yes. Rosa says she has asked me — U9 " % mean — first of all." " Very kind of her. But I don't ■ se© liow it's to be .managed." ' ':~Why not?"" " Well, most of the people the Denisons ** Jcnow are well off. We'xe comparatively \ $60T." . "Oh, Rosa undclrstands. She won't exj^^Jpect me" to appear in point lace wid-dia-L- fnondV 1 c s 7f"Ybu must be»decently dressed." 4 *.-"-Yes, IVa anjanged that." This with /f _/iager good temper. "I saw a pale blue '' Krepon the other day — really cheap— that Z would look quite nice. Miss Carpenter tajuld come; to help jne make it. It wouldn't ( Vost more than. fif% shillings altogether." 'on her imagination! she had made that crekpon and: planned the trimming. It was a Ravishing gown. ; ' Arthur buttered i**slice of toast and cut \b into Btrips. Thenr he said with patronL .japing deliberation : "My dfar Hermione, dn some things you «re cleverer than most women, but you ,'Jiaven't an atom of tact. People can't help being poor, they must never appear so, and $. married' woman.,can't go to a dinner party In a frock a girl might wear at ci school \ iweaking-up." "But I saw a crepon, at a good' shop 1 'fcnarked seven guineas. Mine would be just > fes pretty." , '* '. "That's rather a rash assertion." Arthur bid not chooae to confess that he believed ' |n the possibilities of that crepon. "And >* las Mrs Denisou is going to settle in LonL don, you'll .have other opportunities of gee"t ing her. Write a friendly little note and i explain things. Say Daisy can't be left." ".We need not start till seven, Daisy's 1 bedtime. Mrs Barton, will sit watt her till we come home." i. li l don't choose to ask favours of Mrs "' Barton." A lump came into Hermione's thioat. '„ Of late she had had so few pleasures. "You do not wish me to go?" "I beg your pardon, I should like you ' to <lo so, but really, my dear girl, you must ; «cc that it : s impossible." " Shall I say we're — engaged?" In her „ voice there was the faintest suspicion of ' sarcasm. "No — no. It might be unwise for us '; both to decline." [ "Do you mean you will go — alone?" i ' " I'm afraid. I ought to do so, Mr Denirt* «oji has an interest in .our firm, and would t not aocept household cares as am excuse for nay absence." "Hermione rose, and went into the other ' i»om, where Daisy, hushing a rag doll to ■ 'Bleep, was vaguely troubled because the brightness had died out of her mothers face. . Presently Arthur followed. "I must be eft' now, little woman," he

said cheerily, " I knew you'd' see things in the right light. If I can do so, without hurting Mrs Denison's feelings, I shall make her understand that it's only duty takes me to her party." But to this Hermione made no reply. She sat playing with Daisy for a short time^ and tfcen, as if to banish the memory of her owe disappointment, she opened her desk, wrote a note to Mrs Denison, and, directly the "morning girl" arrived, sent it to the post. As a rule Hewnione had few visitors, and the doctor's was the only carriage that ever stopped in Manor Street, ao it created a little surprise when that afternoon a smart victoria drew up at the-door of .Number 33, though the excitement caused by the victoria was a small thing compared to the admiration accorded to its occupants —a wonderful nurse clad in white, a> more woSferful baby all embroidery and laoe, and a moat wonderful young mother, whose costume of grey and faintest pink might have reminded the spectators of a summer dawn, had the dwellers in- Manor Street ever read poetry, or known anything of metaphor. Then the wearer of the grey dress tripped up the steps, aflwL was admitted by the servant of the house, who, moved to. civility by the sight of co dazzling an apparition, actually deigned to go upstairs to announce a visitor for "the lodgers." As the door opened, Hermione looked up from her work. When one is greatly disappointed it is well to be busy. , "Rosa!" she exclaimed, dropping scissors, thimble and cotton. "Yes, and I wonder you have the cour;age to look Rosa in the face. We always 'used to be such, friends." " And we're friends now, dear. Oh, it is good to see you again. Why, you're prettier than ever, and," laughing softly, " more extravagant." "Indeed 1 , I'm not. It's no Ifault of mine if Walter will insist on seeing me dressed in purple and fine linen. You wouldn't have me disregard his wishes?" "Certainly not. Especially when they agree so well with your own. Sit down and let me look, at you. Is it Justine's?" touching the grey skirt. " No, I bought it in Paris. Do you like it?" . ' "Like it! Why, it's a- revelation. You see, we don't wear such gowns in this corner of the world." "No." After a glance at the room Rosa had grown thoughtful. The cheap cretonne covers, the "butter rag" curtains, the darned carpet, were, spotlessly fresh and clean, but .she had hoped to find her friend amid better surroundings. "Do you know why I came?" she asked a little sharply. ' - "Yes. toiee me." "And to scold you. I got that horrid note of yours just as I was starting for a drive, so I told nurse to bring 'baby, and here I «m. Are you going to Windsor on the 27th?" "Windsor!" repeated Hermione. "No." "Oh, I thought you might have Royal commands for that evening. Then you'll come to us." "I can't, Rosa," "Why not?" "Well," 'blushing and looking away, "I can't manage it. You must let Arthur Tepresent me." ' "But 'Arthur' won't make or mar the success of the evening. I want you." " Naturally: You always didi crave for the unattainable." "Oh, I'm not' to be frightened by long words. Now, tell the whole truth, Hermione—why did you refuse my invitation?" ' "If I give you a. good reason, will you leave off worrying?" "Perhaps." " You remember my brown silk?" "Being the possessor of a marvellous -memory. I do." "Well, I couldn't wear that." "Goodness, no! The skirt must be impossible. The sleeveSj I know, are prehistoric." "Precisely. Still I have nothing better." Mn? Denison gasped. "Nothing better than-~that! Why?" " Because this doesn't allow a margin for extravagance," and Hermione, opening her purse, let its contents, one half-crown, two shillings, a sixpence and a threepenny piece fall on her lap. "Dear me, and how long is 'this' to last?" ' " Till Saturday," was the smiling answer. "Why, that's worse than it was before I left England." " Yes. Daisy was only a baby then. And last year we had a doctor's bill to pay." "But Mr Kershaw is in a better position?" " His salary was raised — ten pounds, two yeans ago, 'but we went toJßroadstairs for a fortnight in the autumn. Now you know the truth, and we won't talk, v about it any more." I Mrs Denison tapped the toe of her dainty ' eioe "with the point of her sunshade. "There's a mistake somewhere," she said, quietly. "Walter has a good deal of influence with the firm in which your husband is employed, and I persuaded him

to use it, for, of course, it was impossible that two people and a baby should live on two hundred a year. Mr Kershaw doesn't know why, but his salary was raised! £50 the year before last. Six months ago he was transferred to another department, and has now nearly £5400 a year." , "So you thought we were living in the lap of luxury. Rosa, you dear little goose, there isn't a word of truth in what youVe been told." Now amongst her friends Mrs Denison, as a rule, chose to assume an air of infantile simplicity, because she had a fixed idea, that "nice men," amongst whom, her husband stood first and foremost, disliked capable women. In reality, she was particularly shrewd, and did not in any way deserve the epithet Hermione had bestowed upon her. However, she let it pass, choosing to bide her time until she could be provided with, facts and figures. That evening Hermione found much to tell Arthur concerning her visitor, though she was careful to avoid mentioning that visitor's reference to his salary. The idea that he would even prevaricate on such a point was so preposterous that she scarcely gave it a second thought. But it all came back the next morning when she received a note from Mrs Denison — a note that ran thus" — " Dear Hermione, — I was perfectly right. Mr Kershaw's salary this year is £385. Now, insist on having a new gown, and don't pretend that you have any excuse for refusing my invitation. — Affectionately yours, Rosa." Hermione read these few lines twice. The first time she was startled, the second time angry. Beading them again she became uneasy,, and. throughout the day was haunted by such a feeling of vague anxiety that it. was a relief when Daisy, having been put to bed, she was free to talk to* her husband. Even then she waited till he had finished reading bis paper. When at last he put it down, sh© said quietly — "Arthur, I wish you would t«ll ane the exact amount of your salary." "What an extraordinary question! Why do you ask!" "Well, for information," and she smiled. "It occurred to me that I should like to know." "I don't care to have my affairs talked over by-strangers." "Of course not. That would be a very different thing." "Still, our money matters are too unsatisfactory to discuss even with you," and he took up a book. " Oh, I don't want to- discuss them". I only want a frank answer to a plain question." % At this a decided and unpleasant change of expression came over Arthur's face. "My dear girl," he began, "a husband) has his privileges ; he may even 'have his whims. One of mine is a fancy for avoiding financial arguments. They bore me. If over I'm in & good position you and I will have ft regular palaver about £ s. d. At present, you must be content to know that I do what is best ior you as well as myself. I never ask what becomes of any surplus that is left from your housekeeping money." Hennione's cheeks flushed, and she laughed a little bitterly." "I don't think the ' surplus,' as you call it, will allow me to be wildly extravagant. You look through my book and know how every shilling is spent." "As you would do if you earned our income. Now, do be guided 1 by me. No man likes to feel that his wife distrusts him. I keep account of my expenses, but I'm not a child to be catechised. And . I think it would have been more generous not to have reminded me of our limited income. ... Husband and- wife ought to leave the money market alone. Come, give me a kiss, little woman, and forget all about it." ' Hermione let ihimi kiss !her and forced herself to smile. . "Well, it's a "bad habit to ask questions," she said 1 , putting her hand on his arm. " Still, I've get my heart on knowing | this one thing, and I shall take it as a personal favour if you will answer me." Arthur shook off her hand. "Really, Hermione, you are too ridiculous, and you leave me no alternative but to say openly that I prefer to keep my own counsel. Instead of wasting time in this unprofitable talk you would do well to remember that I have had* « busy day, and! would like supper a little earlier than ■usual." Hermione accepted, the reproof in silence, and began 'her preparations for supper, whilst Arthur threw himself on the couch with a sigh, as if the conversation had put the • finishing touch to his fatigue. He might have doubted the wisdom of the course he had pursued had he known that, for the firet time, Hermione felt glad when he said he was going out. As the street door closed behind him she put aside her pretence of work. She was bitterly hurt, and half inclined to believe Rosa's story. At any rate she would take some trouble to learn the truth, and, thinking this, her eyes fell on Arthur's desk, in which he had left the key, knowing that Hermione was the last person in the world to avail herself of such a chance* of gratifying her -curiosity. Now, without a moment's hesitation', she opened the •desk. After all, it would be no worse than questioning Rosa. And there was little difficulty in finding what she sought. , In one corner lay Arthur's .account-book, a packet of letters and a clasped volume containing a brief record* of his visits and any unusual expenses. Opening the first book she turned to the date of their majriage. On the last day of that month there was a notice of the receipt of his salary, and for a good many

succeeding months an acknowledgment of the same amount. At the end of three years this amount was 'increased, and at the end of four increased again, 'being equal, ■us she found after a rapid calculation, to the sum Rosa had 1 mentioned. With a dull kind of indifference ehe took up the other book. Then . after looking through a few pages, her face hardened. The true record of her husband's expenditure was so vastly different from the accounts he had; given her. The frugal lunches of bread and cheese, or biscuits and coffee, to which he so often and so pathetically referred, must have included many other items, as they cost in. the week rather more than the entire earn she was allowed for housekeeping. The theatre and concert tickets bestowed upon him by mysterious friends, who at the last moment found themselves with "one to spare," had been bought, and the "one" frequently meant "two." An occasional omnibus taken when he was specially tired was represented in his accounts as " hansoms to and from " places she had' no idea -he ever visited. In other respects it was apparent that he had not spent his money entirely on himself. .In one week in June, there was an entry "Supper for self and M." Another item was "Gloves for :M. t " and yet another " Flowers for Mrs Lane." For quite a long time, Hermione, her elbow 9on the desk, her chin resting on her hands, sat staring at that particular page. It seemed to her an incredible thing that anyone should have taken so much pains to achieve so little. She was not jealous, and would have been willing that Arthur should repay any debt of hospitality in the way that might best please him. But at the time he had) been spending money on "gloves for M." and "flowers for Mrs Lane," Daisy ihad been in sore need of new Shoes. However, at last outside things attracted her attention. The ticking of the clock annoyed her, the distant roll of a cart jarred on her nerves, and/ presently two great tears splashed on.tthe desk. Then rousing herself, she copied a page of Arthur's expenses in a note-book of her own, and went to bed. For a few hours, at least, she could not trust herself to look in her husband's face and keep silence. Somewhat to Arthur's surprise, Hennione never referred to the Denisoirs dinnerparty, and when on the morning of the 2%h he told her he should " dress -in the City," as there would " scarcely be time to come home and then get across to Kensington," she answered with a brief "V«ry well." To tell the truth, her manner of late 'had puzzled him, for though she was more than usually exact in attending to his comforts, what she did was not done" in the old way. Then, 'he did not like the unconcern, real or assumed, with which _she treated his comings and goings. Other things being equal, "he preferred telling the truth, and had often wished she would not question him. Now that' she listened in silence when he said he was go-ing out, asking, no questions if he returned home before his tame, as she made no remark if ihe were a couple of hours late, he felt that something was missing, and for this reason had composed quite a neat little speech to express his regret that she could not go to Mrs Denkon's, but her cold "Very well," disconcerted him. That evening he contrived to time 'his arrival so that he entered Mrs Denison' s drawing-room at the right moment, neither too early nor too late, but somehow his entrance attracted no attention. * Rosa was talking to a tall old man, evidently a guest of importance, and after shaking hands rather coldly with Arthur, she turned to her husband, saying; " Walter, this is 'Mi' Kershaw — Hermione's husband, you know." "Ah,;how do you do? Let me introduce you to Mrs Lenster," and, without being allowed an opportunity of " making an impression," Arthur found himself seated by a middle-aged lady who had lately returned from Australia and was anxious to hear the small talk of London society, of which he waa profoundly ignorant, so she let the conversation drop, and Arthur was beginning to feel neglected when his attention was attracted by the announcement "Mrs Kershaw," and Hermione, dressed, not in the blue crepon, but in a gown of some soft material, silken in texture, pale green in hue, entered the room. I Certainly in the welcome accorded to " Mrs Kershaw " there was no lack of warmth. Rosa met her with outstretched hands, Mr Denison found her a seat, and stood talking to her with evident pleasure, 1 whilst Arthur had the further mortification of hearing part of a conversation between two men, who had just come in. " Who's that very pretty woman in the green gown?" asked the elder. " Mrs Kershaw. She was a Miss Graham. Good family, but poor. Lost her parents, married a nobody and vanished. Haven't seen her for years." "Has the nobody vanished, too?" " Oh, he was never visible." " Well, if she's a widow " "She needn't remain one long ! Exactly." When a, move was made to the diningroom, Hermione was sent in with the tall old man, who seemed to think himself the favoured perpon. Arthur was paired off with the seeker after society gossip, and followed at the end of the little procession, losing his spirits and appetite on the way. In his own set he had the reputation of a wit, but then his set was not the Denisons',

' and though from time to time he felt called upon to make a remark to one or the other of his neighbours, the remarks fell n afc ' and he c^ght himself listening to what was being said at the -upper end' of the table ; the occasional sound of H«rmionc's soft laugh making Mm flu^h with vexation. Apparently no one seemed to know he was Mrs Kershaw's husband. In announcing him the footman had not 6polcen clearly, so the s'niilarity of their names had probably escaped notice, and, guessing this to be the case, he did not correct the Australian lady when she addressed him as " Mr Shaw." In the drawing-room after dinner at was , the same. Hermione, either by accident or ! design, never came near him, though he longed to "assert himself," but a vague suspicion that she had some reason for her conduct ' prevented him from risking an explanation. That Hermione was enjoying her evening there .could be no doubt. That she was taking innocent pleasure in her surroundings was also apparent, and Arthur, furtively watching- her, could scarcely believe iha.t she was the same woman who had swept the room and prepared his breakfast that very morning. He noticed the artistic coils of her bright brown hair, the tiny curls falling over her forehead, the light in her eyeg as she listened and replied to the talk going on around- her. He remarked the whiteness of her bare neck, the graceful poise of her head, and suddenly recollected that a painter friend had once said she had a "perfect mouth." Altogether, the evening that Hermione found so pleasant was to him a time of exceeding trial. Then as the guests began to leave, a fresh difficulty presented itself. He could not go without speaking to his wife, and in her new character he was not sure of her. However, whilst he hesitated, the matter was decided. Hermione rose, and, with Mr Denison at her side, came across the room to where Arthur was sitting. " My brougham is here," she said, quietly, " will you come with ,me, or do you wish to stay a little longer?" " Oh, we'll go now," he answered, trying to speak with ecme show of authority. " Then I suppose we must yiel<}to the inevitable," said Mr Denison. " I haven't had. a chance of speaking to you," ihe w«nt on, addressing Arthur, "but I wanted to tell you that I was glaid to* mention your name to the firm for Mrs Kershaw's sake. J My wife as warmly attached; to her, and for that reason I shall always be pleased to advance your interests." "You're: very kind." "Not at, all," and Mr Denison lanighed. "To tell the truth, I rather dislike bestirring myself for a stranger's benefit. But you and I owe a good deal to our wives, ag you are doubtless aware."To this, galling as it was, Arthur contrived to make a reasonably courteous re- ' ply, and a few minutes later he and Hermione had left the house. When they rwuched home Hermione dismissed Mrs Barton, who had been sitting up jn case Daisy should wake, closed the door, threw off her cloak, and! turned to j Arthur. , " You were surprised to see me this evening " " There are stronger terms than ' surprised,' " he retorted. "Yes, though it will be wiaer not to use them. It's rather late, still there is something I should like to tell you." "Well!" " Men do not always understand women. „You have not understood me. You have grown so accustomed to making my comfort subservient to your wishes that you have forgotten that I may have rights as well as duties. I had almost forgdtten it myself. This brought the fact back to my memory." Arthur took up the sheet of paper that she pushed across the table, and his face darkened with anger. "So you have been prying into my private affairs." "Our private affairs," _she corrected. " Beyond a certain point money matters are as much my concern as yours. If you were ill or in. trouble there is no sacrifice that I would not make for your sake. As it is, I am tired of playing the part of — shall we say— 'wife-general.' In future, I mean to be more of the wife and less of the maid of all work." " I should like to know how you dared — " " Well, I" might not have ' dared,' had not Mrs Denison told me what your salary was. I appealed to you, hoping you would disprove her words. You refused to answer my question, so I took the first opportunity of learning the truth. Daisy anci I, as you know, have gone without things that most- people would consider neces. saries. We will not. do so in future." "It seems to me that you have token a good deal upon yourself." "Yes, and the novelty of taking anything upon mys«lf made me at first think, the same." " Then it's a pity you didn't act on the thought. I'm not an the habit of being dictated to by other people, and certainly don't mean to allow you to tell me what I am and what I am not to do. You can manage the child and the house. You won't manage me." Arthur had never spoken so roughly before, but he did so now, believing that Hermione's courage would melt before his anger as snow melts before the sun. In this expectation he was disappointed. ''Pardon me," she said, calmly. "It's not a question of managing anyone. I went this evening principally because 1 have led such a dull life that I was afraid a dozen people might frighten me into stupidity." t "It did not seem ta have that effect." Hermione disregarded the sneer. " Well, from a social point of view you cannot say I was a failure." . "Do you wish to imply that I was?" In his passion Arthur admitted more than was wise. " Need we <?dscuss that?" asked Hermione with a faint smile, "and nsed we quarrel? If you think the matter over, you will see that. I am not unreasonable. Your position is likely to improve — and for once I must remind you that the improvement depends on the interest my friends take in you — for my sake. This being the case, some of your money must be spent at home, instead of being devoted to the purchase of flowers and gloves for other women. We will keep a servant, I shall have an occasional new gown, and Daisy will no longer wear patched shoes." " Confound you," began Arthur, and then he stopped. In the chimney-glass lie had caught sight of his reflection — his and Hermione's. She was looking at him with indifference, perhaps with a little wonder, and it suddenly flashed across his mind that he was losing her. Besides this, he felt forced to concede to Hermione, well dressed, admired and— indifferent, what he would never have granted to Hermione in her character of household drudge. "Oh well, we won't make a scene," he said, awkwardly. "Whatever I have done has been done from motives of policy." Here again Hermione smiled, she had heard that phriise so often, so very often. "A few pairs of gloves and a handful of flowers mean nothing, and as Mr Denison seems

to regard you as my guardian, angel — why," forcing a smile, 'Til accept yon in that character. 1 suppose, your finery isn't paid for?" " No, Daisy, and I and — the house needed so much. You can have the bills in the morning. Now, may I say good-night? I am rather tired," and, taking up her cloak and fan, she turned away. As ghe reached the door Arthur's better feelings conquered his anger. After all, she had some right to be vexed aw]— a good many men would be proud of such a wife. "One. moment, ffermione," he said, hastily. With her fingers on the door-handle she paused, facing him. '• Let's make up our differences, little woman. You don't want to bear malice," and he held out his hand. Hermione moved back a step or two, and he^put his arm round her shoulders. " We'll turn over a iiew leaf, and! forget all about th& old one." "1 shall not try to remember it." / - "That's right," and with an approving kiss he let her go. But as he listened to the sound of her light step on the stairs he felt ill at ease. He was not a clever man, still he was Shrewd enough to know that 'he had made a mistake. He had trusted too much to his wife's docility, so her display of spirit had amazed him, and with his amazement there was mingled some fear. As she had said, riie would not "try to remember;" she might not be able to forget. For the rest, Hermione the woman would be a loyal wife, a faithful friend, a cheerful companion. Hermione the girl might have been all these and something more, but he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that this Hermione had passed out of his life for ever, and standing there in the silent room he also knew that, having lost, he would regret .her.