Sawn Off Part 32

"Don't talk nonsense. Nice thing, for a young couple to be always having their father and mother in the house! Suppose whoever it is should want to bring his too?"

"Well, that would be awkward," said d.i.c.k, rubbing his nose. "Hush! here she is."

For Jessie came in just then, very gently, and her aspect justified Mrs Shingle's words. She looked thin and wasted, while a sad, weary smile played about her lips, as if she were in constant pain and trying to hide it from those around. "Why, Jessie, my gal," said d.i.c.k, "where have you been all this long time? Come along. I've got to leave soon-- 11:20 sharp," he continued, glancing at his watch, and shutting it with a loud snap as Mrs Shingle rose and left the room.

Jessie went to his side, and kissed him, staying leaning upon his shoulder; but soon after walked away to the window and looked out.

"That's what she's always doing," muttered d.i.c.k--"always looking for some one as never comes. It must be about one of those two fellows.

Jessie!" he cried.

"Yes, father."

"I met Fred Fraser yesterday."

She started round, and looked at him with dilated eyes.

"And Tom Fraser, his brother, the day before."

Her face flushed, and an angry look darted from her eyes as he spoke, but she turned away.

"It must be Fred," he muttered. "I don't like it," he continued; "I never did see such things as gals--girls. If she wants such and such a fellow, why don't she say so? and if money'll get him, why, he's hers; but I'm not going to see her die before my eyes. I'd sooner she married a scamp--if she loves him. But he don't have the playing with any money I may give her. Now, if Max would only make the first advances, we might be friendly again. I can afford to be, and I will; but I don't like to make the first step. Jessie, my girl, if--I say if--if I was to become friends with your uncle again--"

"Friends with Uncle Max?" cried Jessie, starting.

"I've been thinking of it, you know; and I was going to say he did give you--us, I mean--the rough side of his tongue once."

"That's--that's all forgotten now, father," faltered Jessie softly.

"You forgive him, my gal, for what he said to you?"

"Yes, father, yes," she cried, with a sob.

"And you wouldn't mind meeting him again?"

"N-no, father, I think not," she faltered.

"And you wouldn't mind meeting your cousin Fred, eh?"

"I--I don't think so, father; I would try not to mind."

"I wouldn't press you, my dear," he said; "but you know Uncle Max is my brother, and blood is thicker than water, eh? I say blood is thicker than water; and some day I must die, and I should like to be friends first."

"Die, father!" said Jessie, with a weary look. "Would it be very hard to die?"

"Here, I say, Jessie, my pet, don't talk in that way. How should I know? I never tried. What makes you say that?"

"Because--because, father--"

She stopped short.

"Oh, there, my gal, no one's going to die yet; but I say, Jessie, your cousin Tom--you wouldn't mind meeting him, too?"

She turned upon him a mingled look of joy and dread; and then, shaking her head--

"No, no, father," she exclaimed, closing her eyes, and with the veins in her forehead standing out--"I could not bear to meet him."

"It's Fred! I said it was," exclaimed d.i.c.k to himself. "Well, I'm sorry; but it can't be helped. I'll talk to him like a father, and bring him round. Now, if--What do you want, John?"

He turned sharply round, for the door opened, and a page in a neat livery, hardly recognisable as the 'prentice of the shoemaker's workshop, entered the room.

"Please, sir, here's a gentleman to see you."

"Who is it?" cried d.i.c.k; "and what are you grinning at?"

"Please, sir, it's Mr Maximilian Shingle; and 'ere's his card."

Max Shingle had made up his mind, without any allusion to blood being thicker than water, to make the first advance to his brother. For it was very evident that d.i.c.k had hit upon some means of making money rapidly, whilst of late matters had been turning out very badly in his own business arrangements. No matter what he tried, or how he speculated, everything went wrong; until, in a kind of reckless gambling fit, to try and recoup himself for past losses, he had plunged himself more deeply in the mire.

He had broached his intentions to his wife and ward at breakfast time, and Mrs Max had shed tears.

"I'm sure I don't know what to say, Max," she whimpered, "unless it be--_oh_!"

She uttered a loud shriek.

"My poor darling! what is it?" cried Max. "Another of your little fits?

There, go to her, Violante. She will be better soon."

"Yes, yes--it is nothing," faltered the unhappy woman. "I shall be better directly."

She looked in a frightened way at her smooth, smiling lord, as she ground her teeth and pressed her lips together, to keep from moaning aloud.

Violante, who did not know what was the matter, jumped up and went to Mrs Max's a.s.sistance; while the cat, who did know, having felt Max Shingle's boot whisk by her ears as it struck Mrs Max, crept out of harm's way, and curled up on the mat.

Tom Fraser and his brother Fred had risen and left the table, the one for Somerset House, the other for the office, before this incident occurred, or probably it would not have taken place; but Max had his reasons for not speaking sooner--one being that he fully intended Tom to marry his ward, and the other that he wished to pay his visit before the young men were aware of the fact.

On reaching his brother's house, it was with a feeling of annoyance that he was ushered by the boy into the handsome dining-room, opening upon a conservatory, where, amongst other pictures, that of d.i.c.k and his wife occupied conspicuous places.

"So you say your master is at home, my man?" said Max, with his most urbane smile, as the boy came back from the study.

"Yes, sir; he don't go out till nearly midday on Toosdays. He says will you wait five minutes, sir?"

"You didn't know me again," said Max, smiling in an ingratiating manner.

"Oh, don't I just know you again, sir!" cried the boy. "You're master's brother, as used to come to the old place."

"Quite right, my man, quite right; I am your master's brother."

"You didn't know me again, sir?"