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The Queen's Scarlet, a novel by George Manville Fenn |
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Chapter 27. Dick Pipes--His Cousin Dances |
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_ CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. DICK PIPES--HIS COUSIN DANCES A loud cough, the twinkling of Mr Wilkins' spectacles, and a peculiar clearing of the voice, which made Sergeant Brumpton, who had been hard at work making ominous sounds on the bombardon, turn his head and smile at Dick--then standing in his place waiting to begin--and making him lower his head to examine the music; for, if he had smiled there, just in front of the bandmaster, it must have been seen, and taken as an insult. "I have just received a communication from the colonel," said Mr Wilkins. "We are to have a ball at the mess-room, and the 310th are coming. I shall have a few picked men from their band to make up, but, of course, ours will take the lead. Let me see: Granger, you'll get out your double-bass; Robson and Dean, violins; Boston, cornet--you lead clarionet and hautboy; Brown, bassoon. I suppose we must have you, Smithson--one flute will be enough. The 310th will furnish two violins and a 'cello. That ought to make a strong band." The men who did not play stringed instruments, or such as were suitable for a ball-room, looked disappointed; and Sergeant Brumpton, as he sat with his huge instrument between his legs, looked down into its great brass bell-mouth and sighed. That was news which set Dick's heart beating. The officers of the 310th would be there; he would be in the orchestra, and his cousin would be constantly coming close by where he was playing. And Dick thought about their last meeting and the contemptuous, haughty way in which Mark had gazed in his eyes. "Could he have recognised me," thought Dick; "or was it his manner only?" There was a strange fascination in the idea of meeting Mark that was almost magnetic; but, at the same time, it was accompanied by a feeling akin to shrinking, which for the moment Dick cast aside as best he could. He had no occasion to fear the encounter, he told himself; and from that moment he waited patiently for the evening. There was plenty to do previously, for Wilkins insisted upon several band practices of the dance-music, greatly to the disgust of the better musicians, who were ready to play the pieces at sight. Then the evening came. The mess-man had done his best; a tent-maker had come down from town to build a canvas hall, draped red and white; and a local man had fitted the marquee with gas and floor complete for a supper-room. Tempting refreshments were provided, and a nurseryman had contrived a natural garden here and there, not forgetting to make a cosy nest for the band. The officers of the two regiments meant to do the thing well, cost what it might, and the invitations had been looked upon as prizes for miles round. There was an hour to wait before the first guests were likely to arrive, and Dick sat in the band-room low-spirited and dreamy; for the festivity seemed a trouble now, and he would have given anything to have been able to keep away. Naturally, his principal thought was his cousin, but he more than once asked himself why he should trouble about Mark; for, possibly, he might not come, and, even if he did, they were not in the least likely to come face to face. Still, the idea would return; and he was at his moodiest when the door opened and a familiar voice said: "Ah! there you are." "Jerry!" "Jerry it is, Dick Smithson. I say, do go and have a look at him." "At him?" "Yes, the lieutenant; I've made a picture of him. New uniform fresh from the tailor's; I've shampooed him and brushed him, and scented him till he smells like a bed of flowers, and he's all in a nervous flutter as he sits there, afraid to smoke or do anything before the company come. Can't you go up and have a look?" "No, Jerry; I should be disposed to laugh." "That you would. I had hard work to keep from it myself; but he isn't to be laughed at either, for, without any gammon, he's the finest fellow I ever saw, and a real gentleman as well." "Yes; I like him," said Dick, quietly. "Three pairs of white kid gloves in his pockets and three scented handkerchiefs. He's got a buttonhole on; and I've got three more in water, to have ready for him during the evening. I'm to be waiting for him when he wants a fresh one. I say, Dick Smithson, there's going to be a special lady here to-night, I know." "Very likely, Jerry. Such a man as he is will, of course, have someone he admires." "Then you won't go and see him?" Dick shook his head. "He'd like it. He didn't say so; but he told me to be sure that you had plenty of refreshment. I'm to look after you. He said you'd have lots of work; so that you ought to be looked after." "It's very kind of him," said Dick, with his eyes brightening at the idea of his having made a friend. "And I shan't forget to attend to his orders. I say, go over to his quarters." "What for? I've no excuse for going." "Oh, yes; you have. He's on the committee. Go and ask him if he has any orders to give about the music." "I am not the bandmaster, Jerry; but I will go. There's just time before going to the ball-room." "That's right; I like pleasing anyone who behaves well to you." There was none too much time, but Dick had only to walk into the orchestra with his flute-case under his arm; so, hurrying away, he ran across the barrack yard, entered the officers' quarters unquestioned, and made his way to the first floor. "Come in!" came, in a gruff voice, in answer to a modest tap. "That you, Brigley?" "No, sir; I came to see if you wished to send any message to Mr Wilkins about the music." "Bother Wilkins!" growled the lieutenant. "I believe he'll make a muddle of it all. Can't you conduct, Smithson?" "I, sir? Oh, no. I think it will go all right." "I'm doubtful; but, look here--I want the music to be well-marked, and, if it's going wrong, you get the other fellows to help you. Keep it all well going." "I will, sir." "I've told Brigley to see that you chaps have plenty of supper and what you want to drink. I say, Smithson--" "Yes, sir. Thank you for your thought of us." "Thought of you; why, of course, thought of you. You fellows have to keep the thing going. But I say--" "Yes, sir." "Do I--er--do I look all right?" The lieutenant rose, and took a turn up and down the room. "Splendid, sir!" "No, no; don't humbug, Smithson. Tell me the truth. It's a new uniform; does it fit all right?" "I tell you it's splendid, sir! You couldn't look better. There will be no one in the room who can touch you." "Think not?" said Lacey, dubiously. "I'm sure of it, sir." "Well, I'm glad you think so, Smithson. The colonel was here just now smoking one of those strong cigars of his. Do I smell of it?" "I can smell scent, sir--nothing else." "That's right. Well, he said something like you did; but I always get so nervous, and feel as if he was chaffing me. You see, I want to look well to-night. You know why, Smithson." "Yes, sir; I can guess." "Of course. She's coming." "I guessed that, too, sir." "I don't care much how I look, for dressing yourself up takes a lot of trouble, let alone the expense. I say, you do mean it, Smithson?" "You may always believe me, sir," said Dick, quietly. "Of course--I know that. I say, Smithson: I wish you were in the mess instead of the band." Dick laughed feebly. "Perhaps I'm best where I am, sir. But I must go now, and get in my place. It's close upon the time." "By George, yes! I say, want a pair of white kids, Smithson? You'll find some in that box." "Thanks; no, sir. I hope you'll have a pleasant evening." "Thank you, Smithson. Keep them up to it with the waltzes." Dick gave a hasty promise, and then hurried down and into the flower-decked vestibule, which was entered by a covered passage festooned with lamps. Then he crossed the temporary ball-room, with its well-waxed floor, took a glance at the great marquee laid out for supper, at another arranged for tea, coffee, and ices, with various cups for the gentlemen, and beyond that at another prepared for those who chose to smoke, the whole being lit up by a blaze of light, and draped here and there with military and naval flags and cleverly-designed trophies of arms. It was but a passing glance, which filled Dick with a tingling of pleasure and disappointment, for he recalled the lieutenant's words about the mess. Then he hurried to his place, being the last to arrive, and found Wilkins glaring at him through his glasses. "Late again, Smithson!" he said, harshly; and, as he spoke, the brazen voice of the clock told him he spoke falsely; for Dick was in his place to the moment, and joined in the rustling made by his comrades, as they arranged their music in accordance with the programme, and then waited patiently. A few minutes later, the colonel and a group of officers came round to see that all was perfect, headed by the major and one of the captains, who had undertaken to see that the decorations were effective. "Capital!" cried the colonel. "The band, with their scarlet and gold, amongst the flowers and palms, give the best bit of effect I have seen. Yes, and those colours hang well over them." "Glad you're satisfied," said the major. "More," said the colonel. "By the way, Wilkins, let your men keep on their caps for the first hour--it looks more effective. When the dancing is in full swing, you can do as you like." "Yes, sir. What I had planned," said the bandmaster, obsequiously. They moved on, and a quarter of an hour passed; then, according to arrangement, the brass band of the regiment struck up outside and played a selection, as the first carriages began to arrive, but only one set for fear of their strains interfering with those in the ball-room. The first half-hour was devoted to a kind of reception, by which time the guests had grown thick enough to well fill the room, and then, punctual to the moment--dancing at nine--the band struck up, and the floor was covered with couples, the uniforms of the military and naval officers blending with the ladies' charming toilettes and flowers, and the few orthodox black dress-coats adding to, rather than detracting from, the general effect. Dick's position at one end in the front gave him plenty of opportunity for seeing the dancers, and the simple music caused but little necessity for watching his notes, so that he was able to gaze to his heart's content at the kaleidoscopic throng, and before long had watched with some interest the tall figure of Lieutenant Lacey, wondering which of the ladies he danced with was the one they had serenaded that night. He had settled upon one after the other, and credited the lieutenant with excellent taste; then believed he must be wrong, for, after dancing with his fourth partner--a tall, sweet-faced, graceful girl--he saw him lead her up to a thin, washed-out lady, of--well, middle age; and the next moment a sweet, silvery voice said-- "Pray, take aunt to have an ice, Lieutenant Lacey!" The lieutenant bowed and smiled, offered his arm, and, as his partner took the elderly lady's place, the latter was led off. "The lady of the serenade!" thought Dick, without hearing her voice. Almost directly after, as Dick was arranging a fresh sheet of music on his desk, but watching the fair-haired, graceful girl at the same time, his heart suddenly gave a bound, for he saw the major approaching, with a handsome, manly-looking young officer, who, with a half-contemptuous smile, was listening to his companion's remarks. They came on to where the young lady was seated not five yards away, and the next instant, as he stood there as if turned to stone, Dick heard every word spoken, and the major introducing Sir Mark Frayne to Miss Deane. Then they were left together, and Mark Frayne busily entered his name in three places upon the lady's programme, her name upon his own; after which he began creating the customary small talk, but at the same time seemed to be a good deal impressed by his new partner's personal appearance. It might have been Dick's jealous anger which caused his thoughts to take this direction as he stood there, feeling his breath come short, and as if he must go out at once, clap his cousin on the shoulder, and say, "Here! I want to speak to you at once." And all the while Mark was so close that nearly all his remarks and the lady's replies were perfectly audible. As Dick still gazed, stern and forbidding-looking, Lacey came slowly back with the thin, elderly lady, and as Mark Frayne saw by his partner's look that someone was approaching, he turned sharply. "Ah, Lacey, old fellow," he said, "I have just been securing Miss Deane for the next dance." "Take off your cap!" Lacey said something, but Dick did not hear what, and the niece rose to give up her place, and then accepted Mark Frayne's arm. "Take off your cap, sir!" "Don't forget I come next but one, Miss Deane," said Lacey. "Oh, no; I will not forget," she replied, with a pleasant smile. "Will you attend to me, and take--off--your--cap, sir?" came sharply from behind Dick, who started, coloured, and snatched off his cap, conscious now that the bandmaster was speaking to him, and the words had been heard by Mark Frayne and his partner, to whom Mark made some playful remark, at which she smiled, as they both gazed at the young bandsman. Then, as Dick's eyes met his cousin's with an angry stare, the latter's countenance changed, and he gave an involuntary start, but tossed his head in a contemptuous manner the next moment as he passed on, bending down to say something to the lady. Then _tap_--_tap_--_tap_ went Wilkins' baton, the band played a short introduction, and then glided off into one of Waldteuffel's waltzes; and, as Dick played, the cold perspiration stood out upon his forehead, while his eyes followed the couple as they went on down one side of the long mess-room, passed across, and then easily and gracefully swung round and round as they approached. Once they were quite close, and then passed him so near that he could have stretched out his hand, leaned forward, and touched Mark Frayne, who, however, never once lifted his eyes all through the dance, evidently forgetful, in his efforts to make himself agreeable, of the countenance which had given him so sudden a shock. For, after he had started on the waltz, he had dismissed the idea with one word-- "Absurd!" _ |
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