Part 39 (1/2)
Affairs wore a different complexion a little later. When the rosy finger heralded the dawn of the day before Christmas, it was the precursor of brightness of another kind. Two incidents happened which changed the current of things.
Miss Chantrelle had the watchful, veiled eyes of the domestic cat. On the principle of striking the iron whilst hot, she urged her brother to propose marriage to their hostess forthwith. Thought that delays were dangerous.
She took him out for a walk to discuss the pros and cons of the proposal. Was a wise little woman, and a firm believer in the theory that walls have ears. Knowing what she knew, she mapped out the route her brother was to travel in his journey to Mrs. Seton-Carr's heart.
But there is such a thing as being too clever: so sharp that one cuts oneself. The average brain has a direct way of working; sees no by-paths, so wastes no time on them; goes straight to the point.
Amy's cleverness led to her undoing.
CHAPTER x.x.xI
A TEACUP STORM
The coast being clear, d.i.c.k's storm-cloud burst. The Chantrelles out for their walk, he imagined them to be was.h.i.+ng their domestic dirty linen, he took the floor.
Being alone, he meant having it out, as he termed it, with his sister.
Had quite determined on doing it very quietly and calmly. Whistling a few bars of Rule Britannia by way of appropriate prelude, he said suddenly:
”I am expecting one or two important letters, Mab. I wish directly they come you would send them to the post, will you--re-directed to my club?”
”Re-directed--to--your--club!”
”Yes. I have not quite made up my mind where I shall put up, but I am bound to go into the club each day. You won't forget, will you?”
He made a pretended movement in the direction of the door. She was on her feet in a moment, stopping him; stood by his side in dismay. Seized the lapels of his coat and looked at him reproachfully, horror-stricken; fear for him tearing at her heart-strings.
”d.i.c.k!”
”Hullo!”
”What--do--you--mean?”
”What do I me--. Surely I spoke plainly. I just want you to re-direct----”
”Yes, yes, yes. But you are here!”
”Ah! Now. But I am going up to London by the afternoon train.”
”To--London!”
”Yes.”
Mabel's heart sank. She read obstinacy in that frowning face of his; knew what sort of thing that was to fight; had had experience of it. She played what was usually a trump card.
”And at Christmas time, too! Christmas! You will leave me here alone?”
”Alone? Well--I like that! You have got your dear friends, the Chantrelles. There isn't much of a lonely look about you when Percy is around.”