A FORTUNATE MISTAKE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10092, 4 March 1911, Page 3

A FORTUNATE MISTAKE.

(By FEDDBN TINDALL.) Author of "The Nosegay," "A Week

of Wealth," etc

[All Rights Resebvkd.'J

" Well, 1 suppose I must meet her to-day; but it's a fearful bother., and I .most heartily wish she wasn't coming here at ali."

"My dear Charles, how can you say such a thing! And she'll have—how miieh was it you said?—ten thousand a year when she comes of age." "Twelve thousand, my dear, and most heartily I wish it was only twelve pence, and I'd never heard the name of Angela Richardson. Thank Heaven it's only for a- year she's got to live with us. If there's anything I detest it's to have a stranarer pitchforked, into into one's home. Why, remember. Pre never even seen the girl. Foi aJI 1 know from personal experience tdie may squint, be bandy-legged, or have an impochmont in her speech. You see, that summer I got so friendly with old Richardson at Nice, this girl was still ,at school in Switzerland. And then, just because we were pleasant companions for a few months, he. must needs go and die and leave me her guardian. Well, it's only until sho turns one-and-t'.venty; after that she's free to go whore she pleases, and I ouly hope it's nowhere, near "this house."

" Charles, how car: you go on in that, way, when you know my hooos-—that perhaps Robin '' "If Robin's a. sensible lad ho'il not care for the thousands when he sees the girl. Listen to this. T had the letter this morning from Alt Cansbrcoke; he's known Angola Richardson irom a baby.

I hear that old Richardson has died suddenly and left you guardian of his daughter and her thousands. What on earth possessed him to do it. when hj" k-n«w so little of you? Your honest face, 1 suppose, oh, old fellow? But I don't envy your guardianship, T can teR you, nor. will yen envv yourself waen. you ve seen the young "lady. I've no fault to find with her looks hhnujrh sue s not exactly my idea of a beauty) but her disposition ! All I can fcsll you it, 1 wouldn't live with her if us'an inducement, she made me a present of her entire fortune. Her name nmy bo Angela-out she i s , 10 angel, I promise you. j\<>w M -i 2a( ,]<,. you say t0 thati Christine, my dear?" ''Charles, what shall we do? Robin will never fancy Iwv. And I had such visions of using her monev to do up the dear old place a bit." "Weil, my dear, we must make the best of it. But I must read just, one more paragraph from. Oarhbmoko's letter, for I want you to remember what he says: I've always thought her 3 . most cold and certainly not affectionate child ; but I suppose she must havo some heart, I hear she's been nearly wild with grief for her father. For the first week sho was quite uncontrollable; now she seems to be getting over it, and is outwardly her normal" self and certainly not verv miserable: but J have be*:; told by her maid that at the least mention of her father she goss into violent hysterics. Take my advico, and don't refer to her father or her old life, or anv of the circumstances of her coming to von. Receive her just like mi ordinary visitor, and all may he well. But never once mention anything which can remind her of her recent trouble, or you will find she'll give you a time of i't. ; Do you see, Christine, at first, at any rate, avoid anything personal. Restrict your conversation to small talk and be very caroful." u Certainly. Charles, you may bo sure I .ihall be ar, cautious as can be. I don't like hysterical people. I'm sure I shall detest this girl. By the way, Carisbrook© mentions a maid. T wonder if she is coming with her?" "Oh. no, she has left. Can't stand the girl and her vagaries any longer, I believe* We shall have to get her a

new maid, when she's been with'us a little while. Well, an revoir, I shall only just be in time." And with these words Sir Charles Kodloy hurried out.of his wife's boudoir. A minute later lie had sprung into the high dog-cart, whipped up the -pony, and was off at a smart pace towards Cockminster Station, which was seven miles distant.

When he at last drew rein, the London express wu.s just in. As Sir Charles reached the platform some half-dozen persons were in the act of alighting. Ho hastily scanned their faces in search of his ward. There the- wrong side of fifty, and two young girls. Now, which of the latter was the young lady he was in search of? he wondered. But his doubts were quickly solved. He saw one young lady and her numerous packages claimed by an old lady at the other end of the platform. So, boldly taking his fate rn his hands, be marched iu> to the remaining young lady, and, raising his hat, said: " Pardon me, but are yon Miss Richardson?" The girl politely bowed assent. Sir Charles had prepared a hundred pleasant speeches of welcome, he had thought over all the little tactful remarks he would mako, and he had considered with, exactly what degrea of intimacy he should greet Angela Richardson. But somehow they all faded away at sight of the girl herself, and his mind became a perlect blank. For be had alao decided in his own mind very much what his ward would be like—tall and ungainly', he felt sure, with very red cheeks, straw-ooloured hair, and nasty, insipid blue eyes. Now the young lady he was facing was the absolute opposite in every particular to the girl of his mental vision. She was not tall, but decidedly below the average height; certainly not ungainly, for her every movement bespoke grace. Petite was perhaps the word that best described her; and she was certainly dainty from head to foot. Her features, too, were small, but peri'eot in every detail. She had the dearest, tiidest mouth, and the nicest shaped nose, and fine dark brown eyes, with the kindliest expression in the world. Her complexion was certainly not very red, but a delicate cream colour, not too pale, either, but rich and soft, like the petals of a maiden's blush rose. Her hair was brown, like, her eyes, and coiled jn a knot at the back of her shapely little head. Sir Charles just had time to notice that she wore a large black picture hat and that her dress was black as well, and to wonder how on earth such a pretty little creature could be in the least objectionable, when he nad to rouse himself to say:

"What luggage have you? Is it in the van?"

" One basket trunk," she answered, and her voice was as pretty.as her face. She followed down the platform., where he quickly found her box. " Will you mind if 1 leave it to be sent up?'' he asked her. "I brought the dog-cart to meet you." " Oh, certainly, do just as you like, Mr Rodley," she replied. " Only one, Sir Charles? Right, it shall be sent up almost immediately," said the desperately civil porter, touching; his hat vigorously the while. The girl blushed crimson. " Oh, .1. beg your pardon. 1 did not know you were* Sir Charles Rodley," she said, quiokly. Sir vJharles laughed pleasantly. "Oh, that is of no consequence; and now, what shall we call you, young ladyP"

" Miss Richardson, of course," she said) with a quiet air of dignity. "Tut, tut, the little girl's got a fine idea of her own importance,'' said Sir Charles to himself. " Miss Richardson indeed! Why,'surely her 'guardian, who's old, enough to be her father, might be allowed to call her Angela. 1 wonder what sho'U expect Christine to call her? However, here goes, anything to pleas© such a perfectly charm-ing-looking young lady. Just as you wish of course," he added, aloud. "1 hope you will be happy with üb. my dear."

, "I trust to he able to please, your wife and yourself," she answered, just a. trifle stiffly he fancied. "To T>lease us? Why, my dear, it is we wlio are going to do all in our power to make you luippy with us."

" You are very, very good," she said, with a sudden change of manner. Her dark eyes had .filled with tears. "I'm afraid you'll find it very dull; hut my son must do the honours of the place for you, and we have a little young society occasionally." "But, indeed," said the girl, earnestly. "I do not want gaiety. J.ty only desire will be to please your wife, and try to make myself useful to her. Oh, you are too considerate. I am only too thankful to think I am coming among such kind people. For one in my position——" "Oh, tut. tut, my deax; don't talk about that, said Sir Charles, hastily. Meroy! She was going to get on the subject of her father and her past life, and the hysterics would soon he coming. He must be very prudent, though, really, this girl did not seem in the least the sort of person, his friend had described in his letter.

So they chatted pleasantly on the weather, the aurrounding country, the merits of the pony, and the shortcomings of railway companies, until they reached the old Hall.

Lady Rodley cum© forward to greet the newcomer, and gave hor a kindly kiss. The girl looked decidedly surprised at being recoired so warmly, hut otherwise her behaviour was everything that oould. bo desired—perfectly deferential, courteous ami pleasant. As soon as the first greetings had been exchanged. Miss Richardson was handed over to a maid to be shown her room. When they were alone. Lady Rodley turned sharply ixnind upon her husband. " Alf Oarisbrooke must be mad." she said. " I think so, too." replied Sir diaries. And that was all that passed between them concerning the shattering of thefr preconceived notions regarding Miss Angola Richardson. From that, day forth she found her way into their hearts, and before a. week was over it seemed a if fcue had been always vith them, and they treated, her like a daughter. She waited on Lady Rodley hand and foot, till that good matron was almost nonplussed by hor devotion. In fact, she made herself quite indispensable within the space of seven abort days. And there was another person to whom she was fast becoming equally indispensable- Robin Rodley, the son and heir. From the first hour she .-saw him .she had conquered him. Not only was he., struck with her beauty —-they seemed utterly congenial characters. Their tastes were so much alike, and almost unconsciously she was bringing him out in a way ho had never been brought out before. Yet she uover once neglected Lady Rodley, but would be ready at all times to attend to her slightest want. Nor could it be said that she in airy way laid

herself out to attract Robin : she merely made herself pleasant and agreeable to him, as she did to everybody in. the house. For all that, a subtlo influence was fast drawing them together. Sir Charles and Lady Rodley could scarce conceal their delight at the turn events had taken, and the latter did everything in her power to throw the young people more and more together. For "now iffcr personal affection for the girl was added to the desire for her wealth. Only one thing puzzled Lady Rodley, and troubled her somewhat'it'must be confessed —a certain worried, perplexed expression which ivOpt coming over Robin's handsome young face, even in the-midst of his happiest conversations with Miss Richardson. She wonld have been still more puzzled could-she have seen her son, on a day just one week after .Angela's arrival, pacing his room with, Siort. nervous steps, muttering to himself the while: ■ '•' Oh, L cannot, I cannot believe it of her. She is as pure, as spotless as the angels she is named after. And vet—l knew her face haunted me from the verv first! Though I cannot think my little darling guilty of deceit for, whatever reason I" That evening, as Miss Richardson was playing to him after dinner, Lady Rodlev quietly left the room. Suddenly Robin caught 7ne girl's hands in his and said quietly, but very tenderly: " Miss Richardson, I have something to say to you, something which will affect both'our future' lives, something which I feel more deeply than you can possibly imagine. Dearest, I want to ask you to be my wife. But first.—forgive'mo for even doubting you—l want to know if there is anything you feel you would rather tell me before I say any more. Listen, dear, I promise to stand by you whatever my parents may say, nothing can make any difference to* 'me, but I do long to understand what is at present an absolutely impenetrable mystery." The expression of the girl's face changed from shy pleasure to perfect bewilderment.

"What on earth do you mean?" she said. "Oh, dear, surely you know what I mean? Tell me, is "it. only for the sake of a home or' is it the money you want?"

A little light came into the girl's face. "Do not let that stand between us,'" she said. "I confess that I was indignant at being so beaten down. L felt'it was unfair that I, a lady, should be paid far less than your cook. But I had nowhere else to §o, so I had to Home . hero. And oh,, indeed, I .-have forgotten everything in the intense kindness which I have received here." It was Robin's turn to look surprised now. "What, in tho name of goodness, do you mean?" he said. "Why.' when I engaged to come as companion to your mother I asked twenty-live pounds a year. I thought it was '"'"

She never got any further. Robin interrupted her in a voice of utter bewilderment :

" Companion to my mother! 'Twen-ty-five pounds a year! Why, you call yourself Angela Richardson, my rather : s ward, and in a year's time you will have twelve thousand a year in your own right." '' Mr Rodley. have you taken leave of your senses? My name is Pansy, not Angela. Richardson, and I am a penniless clergyman's daughter, not a rich heiress. T am your mother's-com-panion, not your father's ward."

Suddenly a strange light spread over Robin's face. He began faintly to understand. He drew her gently to.him, and kissed her on the forehead. " My darling> forgive mo; how could I over doubt youP" he said tenderly. Then the humour of the situation struck him irresistibly: "A case of mistaken identity," he cried, and burst into wild, uncontrollable laughter.

Pansy Richardson drew herself up proudly. "What do you mean by your merriment, Mr Rodley?" she said cold-

But once started off laughing, Robin was unable to control himself. He laughed, and laughed, and laughed, till Tansy bewail to think lie had taken leave of his senses. He stopped suddenly. Ho heard the sound of footsteps o'utsido. and a voice proclaiming loudly and indignantly. The next minute the door was flung open to admit a tall, dark girl, closely followed by Sir Charles Rodley. The girl stood erect, with flashing eves, and pointing dramatically at little* Miss Richardson, she almost streamed:

" Ask her who she is. and let her dare deny her real identity, here, in my presence." " 1 am sorry to trouble you by this unseemly disturbance, my dear Miss Richardson," said Sir Charles, courteously, "but this madwoman hero" (the * dark eye* flashed dangerously) " says that she is my ward, Angela Richardsotn, and that you are an impostor. Will you kindly set her mind hi rest, and then I will not disturb you further." "Yes, tell us your name," put in the stranger, excitedly. Misa Richardson's expression had grown more and more-blank during this conversation. Now she answered quickly

"'[ think v.'« are siJI at sixes ami sevens. 1 can't understand it. There inti&t bo a mistake somewhere. My name is Pansy Hh-hardson. and I thought till ten'minutes ago that J was Lady Rod ley's companion. But now it ssems I am—well, really. 1 don't know myself what I am. I only know that I most emphatically am not what 1 have twice been called within the last ten miuutes —namely. Angela Richardson, and vour ward. '

" 'ton see, she can't deny her idontity now she is brought to bay." burst in the ether girl. "What is 'more. 1 believe she knew who you thought she was all along, and lias played a deep game; hut now she sees that game is up she is playing at injured innocence. Now, will you believe me when 1 say that 1 am Angola Kichardson, your ward, and that I claim the shelter and protection of your ruof. and an account of the way in which you arc managing ray money?"

She paused a moment to gather breath—for she had spoken hurriedly and excitedly. Then, giving rent to the full force of her fury, she literally rushed at poor little Pansy. "You thief—you impostor!" site chriekecl. She would have struck her supposed rival, had not llobin tjeized her wrists in a grip of iron and forced her into a chair. " How dare you so insult t.ie lady I hope to make my wife?" he 'said, sternly. " Kindly collect yourself, and if yen wish us to think you sane do not behave like a madwoman. I fancy 1 see a grain of truth in your improbable story, and, indeed, believe that this strange scene is the result of an almost

B

incredible mistake of identity. Will you toll us your story, calmly and coir lectedly?"

The girl seemed somewhat impressed by Robin's stern manner. She did. not attempt to move from the chair in which he had placed her, and after a second's pause continued—hurriedly and excitedly it is true, but still in a little more intelligible manner: " Well, I. ivill tell you exactly what Tins happened to me, and then perhaps vou will believe me and: turn out that-—"

"Silence!" interposed Robin. "Tell us your story, but kindly make no personal remarks."

"Well, will you listen to me like ft getttieman, and I will tell you all I have gone through lately. I, arrived at Cockminster Station just a week;apes to-day. I had not the least /idea>wh&» my guardian was like. I knew noticing, indeed, except that Ids name 'was' Ilod!ey, and that lie lived near' a village called Gresham. I. was standing-at the door of my railway carriage, looking for a porter to lift out my boxes, and'wondering if my guardian had ocme himself to meet me, when an old lady rushed, up to me and said : ' I any Mrs R-odley; are you Miss Richardson ?', Of course I answered ' Yes' to h.er. question, and imagined that my guardian had sent his wife to meet me. , We got my luggage together, and the old-lady told mo she had got her carriage'waiting outside the station. Her ftrit remark we had driven off" was-: ' Well, I trust we shall get on.together. Miss Richardson.' I said: ' I also trust | !K>. I am most anxious to see Mr Rodj ley.' »The old lady threw up her-hands in horror, and asked what wct<? coming to nowadays. I made i:p my mind I should never stand thatwcinan. and a terrible week I have had with I her and her old husband. They: tried to make me dust the drawing-room', hut I flatly refused. The old womaWviint-' ed me to road to her, and of course I wouldn't do that. They told uie-~told me—to drive into .Cockminster add do a lot of shopping. Needless to : say. 1 refused. Well, so things have gone on till this morning. But at breakfast today I started giving, them a bit of my mind. I told them'that they forgot that they were answerable to myvtru&tees for their treatment of ward—and that I would have them, to remember that 1 was. no pauper, •■ but an heiress in my own right. Then they both stared r at me, and asked- me, as you've had the cheek to do, if T was mad. I turned round to the old-man and said he couldn't deny I was kw ward. He answered that he most emphatically did deny it; I was his' wife's companion. I asked him if he-was mad; and then, after a hot we came to explanations. Suddenly old Mr Rodley said: •' Good' heavens, my girl, I suppose you can't have mistaken me for Sfr Charles Rodley, who I believe lives hereabouts; You know, I've only just come here, and he's "* been settled some two miles off all-'his ; life, and his ancestors before him.' I didn't wait for more. I just flew - upstairs, put on my hat and jacket, and rushed downstairs and into the carriage- which was waiting at the door. I called out to the old man: 'l'm going to'see if your story's true. Tell your coachman to drive me there.' He did as I'told him quite meekly—he looked so bewildered. And so I came here, and as you say you have a. ward, Angela Richardson, I know you must be my guardian.. Deny it if you can." She ended in almost as great a fury as she had begun. "I begin to see daylight,", said Sir Charles, in a voice-something.between laughing and crying. ' ( This Mr ..Rcdley has had my ward and I his wife's companion. But I don't want .to change." (Those last words were said sctto voce.) "Mind you.. I shajl demand proofs of your "■)'...-■,,

And then ;and there Miss,.;' Angela Richardson gave. the. surest proof, of her real identity whiclC she ■, could : ,have given—she did just whsvfc, the lettaf'had said she. would, went urjtp fcerics. ' ' ..,,

Here Pansy Richardson broke in.: "Yes, I see it all at last." she said. "Our names are, the aame, ..we ...were both of us strangers' to the people we were coming to. and "Voice broke a little—" we : got mixed*:Oh, T have been so happy here." Robin was at her side in. an instant, his arm round her waist, his strong hand gripping her little tiny one. "My darling," he said, tenderly, "I want you,to forgive me if for a moment I doubted your truth. I saw you many, years ago at your father's- vicarage. 1 remembered your face, and could not understand your being here as my father's ward, Angela Richardson. You don't remember me, darling." ''Not until'this minute; but-now I have the faintest recollection ,of. the gentleman my dear father brought home one day. You are so altered." " And your father, how is he?". "He is dead. 1 have not yet-left off my mourning- for him.""My poor little s*irl. Your life must have been very sad without him. But now, if you will let me, darling. I will make you happy again. I a question a little while ago. I'.'want your answer."

"'But—everything'is so very different now. You thought' me a rich heiress when you asked me to,marry yo)u half an hour ago. I am only a poor companion——" " A poor companion, yes, but my little love—my future wife."

So there was a wedding from the old Hall, after all, and the'bride was as fair and sweet as • ever Lady Rodley could have imagined in her wildest dreams. Only the fortune was lacking. But. after all, money does n6t make up the whole sum of hurriah'happiness. "Kind hearts are more'than coronets.'

When; after a .year's tour abroad, Robin brought home his wife, the old people gav* her the warmest welcome imaginable. 'They' had endured, one year of Angela Richard-son, and were quite willing to say good-bye to her thousands, seeing that they could also sav Mod-bve to herself.

" After all, my dear Charles-,"' said Lady -Rodley. contentedly. "1 must congratulate you on a ' Fortunate Mistake.' " '

In view of the fact that it has been decided to abolish the red. trousers of the French soldiers, it is interesting to note that one British regiment,- the famous 11th Hussars, still wears- this coloured article of dress.