A Bottle in the Smoke: A Tale of Anglo-Indian Life

by Janet Milne Rae

  CHAPTER XVII.

  Hester awaited her husband's return home with some uneasiness. Shewondered how he would receive the disclosure that the day at Ennore wasan accomplished fact. Being neither secretive nor wanting in courage,she would have much preferred to have explained previous to theexpedition that she had felt obliged to negotiate about the carriages,and had already paid for their hire. She was therefore pleasantly takenby surprise on the morning after Mr. Rayner's return, when they sattogether at early tea under the shade of the banyan tree, when hesuddenly turned to her with a penitent air, saying:

  "Look here, Hester, I behaved abominably about the hire of those bandiesfor your _protegees_. Forgive my hasty temper, sweet wife, and as aproof of your full forgiveness accept this." He stooped down to kiss herand laid a crisp note in her hand.

  "A hundred rupees! Oh, Alfred, but that's a fortune--much more than thecost of the carriages! You remember the hire was only to be seventy-fiverupees--and they're paid. Even the bill has been filed. The first on thelittle file mother slipped into the netting of my portmanteau! 'The onlyway to keep accounts straight is to use these,' she said. And it doesgive one a sense of satisfaction when one slips the bill into the file'Paid!'"

  "Oh, well, as to that, there's no sense in wishing to pay one's billsbefore they're a day old--that doesn't pay, in fact! Tradesmen reckon ontheir bills clinging to the file 'unpaid' for some time, and chargeaccordingly. But as far as the present trifle is concerned it doesn'tmatter. As to the surplus--the extra twenty-five rupees--keep them forchiffons, my dear!"

  "I know well what I want to do with every anna of my treasure trove! Youhaven't asked how I came to have money to pay for the carriages, Alfred!It was really the remains of a little store of sovereigns in mydressing-case; I've been hoarding it for Christmas presents to sendhome, and now, like the story of the widow's cruise of oil, it hasmultiplied. I shall be able to send for those alluring hawkers. I'vealways tried to turn away my eyes from beholding their wares when theyspread them out on the verandah, conscious that I wasn't an intendingcustomer."

  "Oh, but you needn't be so sensitive! They don't in the least mind aslong as they are allowed to spread them on the verandah. But if youreally want the hawkers you'd better give orders to Veeraswamy to summonthe crew and have a bargaining. Mind, about half they ask is the realvalue of the article. I expect you'll get dreadfully imposed on."

  "I hope not, for I'm anxious to get the worth of every rupee. There areso many to send to. I must find something for father, though that won'tbe so easy. About mother, I'll have no difficulty. But, Alfred, is therenobody you want to send a Christmas-box to in the homeland?" askedHester, with kind eyes resting on her husband.

  "Oh, no doubt there are sundry who would accept one with pleasure. Butyou know, I'm a relationless being, Hester. Now that Aunt Flo is gone,there isn't a soul belonging to me. It's better than having undesirablerelatives, isn't it? What a horror that would be, to be sure! But I'mglad you've thought of the Rectory people. I owe them heaps, Hester, forhaving allowed me to carry off the only daughter of the house--and sucha daughter! And you're having a good time, are you not, dearest? YoungStapleton was just remarking the other day at the Club that you were theprettiest and most popular bride of the season. I'm so glad you're sucha glorious success," he added, taking her hand caressingly, and raisingit to his lips. "I'm going to write to your mother one day soon, andtell her how well her transplanted English rose is doing here!"

  "Don't boast about me in that strain, Alfred! It would not be convincingto mother, though I know she'd love to have a letter from you. But thatnonsense of young Stapleton's, for instance, she would positivelydislike," returned Hester with decision, for she was eager to preventthis husband of hers, whom her father half in fun maintained to be still"an unknown quantity," from betraying any trace of the curious littleselfish vanity concerning his own possessions, simply because they werehis, which he was apt to show at times. Loving him as she did in spiteof his faults, she desired like a true wife to screen them from alleyes, especially from the sensitive, high-souled, innermost circle ofher home.

  "All right, Hester, I'll submit the letter for your approval. You canexpunge all that you think would not go down in that quarter," said herhusband lightly.

  Hester, in the fullness of her heart, thought now to enliven their talkby giving her husband some passages from the happy hours spent atEnnore, and began to expatiate on the delight of the girls on its variedattractions, and how all the arrangements were carried out without asingle hitch, Waller having sent roomy carriages and good horses, and ashe promised, "done the Misses proud!"

  "But, by the way, there did threaten to be a little fiasco," she said,recalling an incident she had half forgotten. "I really must tell youabout that, Alfred. It was at the afternoon meeting the day before. Iwas telling the girls the secret of the treat which I thought had beenwell kept by those two I met on the road. It must have leaked outsomewhere, for just as I was unfolding it, the door was pushed open anda striking-looking girl stepped in and sat down. Some rather sulkyglances were directed towards her, I noticed, and seemed to me to ask,'Is this new-comer to share the privilege of the faithful attenders ofthe class?' I thought I must at once clear the atmosphere and begin toexplain that Mrs. Fellowes' invitation was limited to a number, and soexclude any hope the interloper might have had of being included. I madesome remark, intended really to soften the possible disappointment, butthe girl answered very haughtily and rudely, and after some words whichI couldn't catch, she flounced out of the room, banging the door afterher. But we must get hold of her again! I must set Mrs. Fellowes on hertrack, she has a magical influence over these girls. I don't think thegirl liked the look of me--she assumed such a black and scowling air.Perhaps I put it rather awkwardly when I explained that she couldn'tshare in the treat. Yes, poor thing, I must see what can be done! LeilaBaltus, that was her name! Rather pretty name, isn't it?"

  Mr. Rayner had been listening somewhat absently to Hester's narration ashe scanned the last evening's paper. At the mention of the familiar namehe started so that Hester exclaimed:

  "Are the mosquitoes attacking you, Alfred? I thought you boasted thatthey neglected you, bestowing all their attention on poor me!"

  He was glad that the sheets of the _Madras Mail_ were concealing hisface at the moment.

  "Leila Baltus," he repeated slowly, after a moment's pause, in which hehad succeeded in steadying his voice to a tone of unconcern. "You surelydon't call that a pretty name! Shows what a griffin you are! Why, it'sone of those hateful half-caste names--as common as mud, and as ugly,"he added, though he was aware that he only knew one family of the name.Presently he threw the newspaper to the ground with an angry swish, andjumping up confronted Hester, saying, in a voice trembling with thepassion engendered by fear:

  "I'll tell you what it is, Hester! I'll not have you crawled upon bythose vile half-castes at every turn--dangerous liars and thieves, everyone of them! You must really seek your pleasure elsewhere than with suchlow associates. In fact, the way you're going on is quite compromisingto me. Here am I struggling for an assured position at the bar, whileyou are haunting the East-Indian dens of Vepery. It isn't loyal of you!You shan't ruin me by such ongoings--that's the long and the short ofit!"

  He stood in front of his wife's lounging chair with uplifted arm and afierce look in his eyes which Hester had never seen there before. Shegrew white as her morning robe; there was pain and wonder in her eyes,but no fear, as she gazed at him. In a moment he dropped his arm, bithis lip savagely, and putting his hands in his pockets walked with slow,unsteady steps towards the house.

  Hester covered her face with her hands, and sat for some time introubled, silent meditation. Then she glanced up with a gentle, subduedsmile.

  "How foolish I have been! He was so happy and kind a few minutes agowhen he gave me that money, and was not even angry when I told him I hadpaid for the carriage hire. And then I must needs go on and chatterabout the treat, though I ou
ght to have remembered that he detested thewhole subject. Poor Alfred, no wonder his temper got the better of him!Why, have I not seen my father more than a little ruffled when he wasmade to listen to bothering domestic things? And don't I remember mothersaying: 'We must protect your father from this,' when any sudden worryarose? And here I am, her daughter, showing no more sense than a magpie!I've myself to blame for this outbreak of Alfred's, and must go and make_l'amende honorable_!"

  She rose quickly from her chair and hurried across the brown turftowards the verandah. Her husband was, however, engaged with a client inthe writing-room, and when they met again at breakfast she was thankfulto see he had quite regained his good-humour. He smilingly introducedhis visitor, a young subaltern from Palaveram, whom he had invited tostay to breakfast.

  The youth's resemblance to her brother at once drew Hester to him. Hisfair wavy hair, his blue eyes, and the shape of his forehead remindedher strongly of Charlie; but there the likeness ended, she thought, asshe gazed pitifully at the blanched, haggard face, the dull, faded eyes,and the lines of care about the sensitive mouth.

  "Poor boy, he's got into trouble, no doubt! But Alfred is so cleverhe'll be able to give him the best advice and get him well out of it,"Hester decided optimistically, noting her husband's kindly air towardshis young client; and all through breakfast she set herself to aid hisefforts.

  Her winning air of kindness seemed to work like a charm, as she talkedof English days, of Worcestershire fields and lanes and homesteads,finding that they both belonged to the same county. The boy's face lostsomewhat of its strained expression; into the blue eyes came a sparkleof brightness, and the smile which reminded Hester of her brother's methers with an air of guileless confidence.

  Nothing pleased her husband better than Hester's simple unconsciouspower of winning the golden opinions of his clients. It was indeed anasset he valued. His face was radiant with good-humour as he took leaveof her to go to the High Court, arranging to return early and drive withher to a polo match on the Island, a spectacle which Hester's liking forhorses made always welcome.

  As they were driving home that evening Mr. Rayner suddenly said to hiswife: "Why, Hester, you have actually never asked for your old friend,Cheveril! Of course I saw him at Puranapore. I declare I'll be maliciousenough, and in your presence too, to tell him of your heartless conductnext time we meet. That will take down the august civilian a bit!" headded, with an unpleasant smile which was lost on Hester.

  "But, Alfred, I never even knew you had been to Puranapore. Your chitmerely said you were going away on pressing business and I somehow tookit for granted you were going to where that poor boy camefrom--Palaveram, isn't it? So you were at Mark's station and saw him?"she said eagerly. "Do tell me all about your visit! Does he like theplace? Has he got a nice house, and how does he get on with theCollector? You thought they would be at daggers drawn!"

  Hester's variety of questions gave her husband a relieving loophole. Hewould, if possible, make a selection and only reply to those that suitedhim. He quickly decided to ignore all mention of his visit to Zynool,and to endeavour to convey the impression that he had seen more of theAssistant-Collector than he actually had, if only she did not press himfor details about the English quarter. He told her that he had, ofcourse, given Cheveril a gracious invitation to spend Christmas atClive's Road, but he had rejected it, preferring the Club. He felt someslight surprise on perceiving that his wife did not evincedisappointment at this announcement. Indeed, though Hester would hardlyhave acknowledged it, and eager as she was to keep in touch with thisfriend of old days, she felt it was best that his visit to Clive's Roadshould not be repeated, that Alfred and he should not again come intoclose quarters. Her husband's nerves were so highly strung and hisbitter prejudice against the community to which Mark made no secret ofbelonging, all made it desirable that there should be little contactbetween them. Then, too, those little jars during Mark's short stay hadleft a deep mark on Hester, and brought a flush of vexation to her faceevery time she recalled them. There was no doubt that Mark must haveoverheard Alfred's discourtesy to Mr. Morpeth, and also, she feared, hiscruel words to herself. Yes, it would be best that he should come for aquiet evening only, and she would try to make it bright, and without anyjar for her husband or her friend, she decided with sweet serenity,accepting the limitations of the lot to which, she was feeling every daymore conscious, her husband's peculiarities of temperament consignedher.

  "Cheveril looks uncommonly well and brisk," remarked Mr. Rayner."Puranapore must be suiting him. I expect he is already dropping thatquixotic notion of proclaiming the dark spot. And upon my word, I wasjust thinking when I looked at him that no one could detect the touch ofthe tar brush! He looks quite the pucka service man already. OldWorsley's companionship must be educating! By the way, Hester, I've beenthinking we might try to get hold of Worsley when he's here, I ratherwant to pick up acquaintance with him. I was once introduced to him atthe Club, so I should like you to ask him to dinner with Cheveril, and,of course, a regulation number of picked guests. Let's fix the date, andthen you can write to Puranapore! Mrs. Glanton will be capturing thepair for Christmas day, if I mistake not; the Brigadier and theCollector are old friends. Let's say the day before Christmas then. Getour lists full and leave a couple of places for the Puranaporecontingent, and then you can annex them nearer the time. Yes, that willbe best!"

  "You always plan things out so methodically, Alfred! I suppose thatcomes from your legal training. As for me, I prefer to let thingsarrange themselves," said Hester with a smile, relieved to see that herhusband had forgotten the morning's annoyance concerning which shecontinued to feel penitently that she was the sole cause. She decidedthat she would still continue to help Mrs. Fellowes in her work, butwould not again obtrude these interests on her husband. With tact andtenderness the time might come when he would be disabused of theprejudice which he nursed against all Eurasians; and who would be morefit to break it down than her old friend, who, Charlie used to say,recalled to him Sir Galahad, whose "strength was as the strength of tenbecause his heart was pure!" Yes, it would be quite enough joy for herto have one or two good talks with Mark about things old and new, forthey would have many mutual experiences to exchange in this their firstseason in the Eastern land.

  The pink haze of the Indian sunset had faded as they drove along theleafy roads. A glorious yellow moon was rising and a soft breeze fromthe sea rustled among the branching palms overhead. On Hester and herhusband fell the peace of the twilight as they sat hand in hand,drinking in the serenity of the scene while the landau bowled along onits easy springs.

  The coachman had been told to drive at a slow pace, and just as thecarriage was turning into Clive's Road, Hester's attention was attractedby an old woman who was seated on the stump of a tree by the roadside.On catching sight of the carriage, she sprang up quickly, her wrinkledface lit up by a pair of dark piercing eyes.

  "Alfred, I'm sure that woman wants to speak to us," said Hester. "She isone of your clients, perhaps."

  There was silence for a moment. Mr. Rayner had hurriedly withdrawn hishand from his wife's and seemed pondering.

  "Yes, you're right, Hester! That woman is one of my clients. I'd bettersee what the creature wants, though it's past business hours."

  "Poor soul, perhaps she expected to find you at the High Court. It'slate for her to have travelled so far out. It's good of you, Alfred, tohave pity on her old legs," said Hester, as her husband ordered thelandau to pull up. He got out hurriedly without another word and wentback to where the old woman stood with statuesque pose.

  "How kind-hearted Alfred is to be sure!" thought his wife. "Many a youngbarrister wouldn't have allowed himself to be bothered like this afterhours."

  "Just drive on, Hester," Rayner called back. "I can walk home, it's justa step!"

  She expostulated, saying she would wait.

  "Not at all! The walk will do me good. You'll have time to have a littlerest before dressing for dinner. Drive on," he ca
lled to the coachman,and advanced to meet the waiting woman, whom he accosted with an angryfrown. "Now, Mrs. Baltus, what game is this you're up to, dogging myfootsteps so that I can't have peace to drive home of an evening with mywife?"

  "Your wife, forsooth! 'Tis my girl that should have been thatt if youweren't the false snake you be," retorted the woman, the moonlightrevealing her wrinkled face, distorted by passion.

  "Look here, Mrs. Baltus, I'm not going to stand any more of your vileaccusations. Let me tell you, you have not an atom of proof that I evermeant to marry your daughter. And what's more, I've been a fool ever tolet you see the colour of my money; and, my word, you've seen the lastof my charity, for that's what it's been pure and simple! I'll stand noblackmailing from you or anybody else," said Mr. Rayner in a bullyingtone, as he folded his arms with a resolute air.

  "No proof, do you say, Alfred Rayner?" cried the woman shrilly. "We'llsee about that! There are more la'yers in Madras besides you! Didn't youcome billin' and cooin' with my poor girl many an evening, and was gladto eat my prawn curry, and----"

  "Oh, that prawn curry! Shall I never hear the end of it? Anyhow I'vepaid for it fifty times over! Did you ever for a moment dream I wouldwed a half-caste like your daughter? And again I ask you how you darecome crawling to my compound? Why are you here to-night?"

  "I'll just tell you why! In another five minutes I mean to be in yourverandah, and may be further in, a-talkin' to your fine English missusand tellin' her what sort o' a blackguard she's gotten for a husband,"said Mrs. Baltus, with a defiant air.

  "So it's spite and revenge that's brought you tramping all the way fromVepery?"

  "Well, that's my girl's side of it, and no wonder. But look here, youngman, I'll make a bargain with you. I'll defer my visit to-night; and ifyou'll give me a few rupees, I'll crawl away and not disturb your finelady. Leila and me's stonybroke--it's as true as I stand here!"

  "Well," returned Mr. Rayner briskly, putting his hand in his pocket."I'll make a bargain with you too. You've got to promise two thingsbefore I give you one pie. First, that you will never set foot inClive's Road on any pretext; second, that Leila does not set foot in theconventicle for girls my wife patronises in Vepery."

  "Ha, ha! Well named, 'a conventicle' indeed! I'll undertake for my girl,she'll not darken that door again. Why, the poor sweet girl only took apeep to get a sight of your fine English missus. No harm in that,Alfred!" said the woman in an ingratiating tone.

  "Well, what's past is past! Do you agree then that you cease to annoy mein any way? If you do, I'll send my horse-keeper to turn you out. Mindwhat I say! You haven't any legal claim on me--not for a single pie, butI'll open my purse this time because you're down in your luck. Here's aten-rupee note, and see you stick to your bargain."

  "Certainlee," snapped the woman, as her long brown fingers closed on thenote, and turning she hobbled away.

  "Well, that's over for this time," muttered Mr. Rayner, "but if I hadn'tstopped the creature she would have forced her way into the verandah inno time, then there would have been misery to pay; and just as I wastrying to throw off all my worries too, and Hester and I were sitting inthe landau like two doves in this glorious moonlight."