Part 25 (1/2)

These letters despatched, Mr. Leveridge felt easier in mind and lighter at heart. He slept well the ensuing night, better than he had for long.

His creations did not so greatly disturb him. He was aware that he was still kept under surveillance, but the watch was not so strict, nor so galling as. .h.i.therto.

On the Monday morning he was at the station, and took his ticket for Swanton. One ticket sufficed, as his companions, who awaited him on the platform, were imaginary characters.

When he took his seat, they pressed into the carriage after him. Poppy secured the seat next him, but the widow placed herself opposite, and exerted all her blandishment with the hope of engrossing his whole attention. At a junction all got out, and Joseph provided himself with a luncheon-basket and mineral water. The characters watched him discussing the half-chicken and slabs of ham, with the liveliest interest, and were especially observant of his treatment of the thin paper napkin, wherewith he wiped his fingers and mouth.

At last he arrived at Swanton and engaged a cab, as he was enc.u.mbered with a portmanteau. Lady Mabel, Poppy, and the widow could be easily accommodated within, the two latter with their backs to the horses.

Joseph would willingly have resigned his seat to either of these, but they would not hear of it. A gentle altercation ensued between the parson and the solicitor, as to which should ride on the box. The lawyer desired to yield the place to ”the cloth,” but the parson would not hear of this--the silver hairs of the other claimed precedence. The stockbroker mounted to the roof of the fly and the clerical gentleman hung on behind. The hero professed his readiness to walk.

Eventually the cab drew up at Mrs. Baker's door.

That stout, elderly lady received her old lodger without effusion, and with languid interest. The look of the house was not what it had been.

It had deteriorated. The windows had not been cleaned nor the banisters dusted.

”My dear old landlady, I am so glad to see you again,” said Joseph.

”Thank you, sir. You ordered no meal, but I have got two mutton chops in the larder, and can mash some potatoes. At what time would you like your supper, sir?” She had become a machine, a thing of routine.

”Not yet, thank you. I have business to transact first, and I shall not be disengaged before nine o'clock. But I have something to say to you, Mrs. Baker, and I will say it at once and get it over, if you will kindly step up into my parlour.”

She did so, sighing at each step of the stairs as she ascended.

All the characters mounted as well, and entering the little sitting-room, ranged themselves against the wall facing the door.

Mrs. Baker was a portly woman, aged about forty-five, and plain featured. She had formerly been neat, now she was dowdy. Before she had lost her character she never appeared in that room without removing her ap.r.o.n, but on this occasion she wore it, and it was not clean.

”Widow!” said Joseph, addressing his character, ”will you kindly step forward?”

”I would do anything for _you_,” with a roll of the eyes.

”Dear Mrs. Baker,” said Leveridge, ”I feel that I have done you a grievous wrong.”

”Well, sir, I ain't been myself since you put me into your book.”

”My purpose is now to undo the past, and to provide you with a character.”

Then, turning to the skittish widow of his creation, he said, ”Now, then, slip into and occupy her.”

”I don't like the tenement,” said the widow, pouting.

”Whether you like it or not,” protested Joseph, ”you must have that or no other.” He waved his hand. ”Presto!” he exclaimed.

Instantly a wondrous change was effected in Mrs. Baker. She whipped off the ap.r.o.n, and crammed it under the sofa cus.h.i.+on. She wriggled in her movements, she eyed herself in the gla.s.s, and exclaimed: ”Oh, my! what a fright I am. I'll be back again in a minute when I have changed my gown and done up my hair.”

”We can dispense with your presence, Mrs. Baker,” said Leveridge sternly. ”I will ring for you when you are wanted.”

At that moment a rap at the door was heard; and Mrs. Baker, having first dropped a coquettish curtsy to her lodger, tripped downstairs to admit the vicar, and to show him up to Mr. Leveridge's apartment.

”You may go, Mrs. Baker,” said he; for she seemed inclined to linger.