The National tribune., 1904-08-04
(Pearson's MagaZine.)

pocket. 1t was the only shilling-the only
coin. in fact was at that moment capa-
bic of producing.
With the calmness born of desperation
l reviewed the situation.
In one minute by the big station clock
beneath which l stood, Beryl would be
standing by my side (she is as punctual
as she is pretty. We were to dine, some
where, and afterwards go to whichever
theater she-I mean we-fancied.
My worldly wealth lay in the sovereign
case that (doubtless) reposed on the dress
ing-table of my kensington digs"
The total "assets" on my person con-
sisted of the wretched shilling aforemen-
toned, one visiting card in my case, a sig
net ring. and letter from Sir John Ken
way, of Montpelier Hill, Troutbridge, ask
ing me to run over for weeks shooting.
There was no time to realize on the one
article Of value-the ring. Beryl never
on principle. / knew no one from whom l
could borrow. To confess to Beryl was
not to be thought of. Only the previous
week had been lectured severely for COM
bined extravaganza and carelessness.
Something must be done-but what:
Perhaps for once Beryl might be unpunc-
tual. Dare / risk?
Jack, darling, I'm SO glad to see you-
you dear, punctual boy.'
1t was Beryl, looking aluringly sweet,
and IN a beautiful temper-her temper
varies a little at times.
Jack, you don't look quite pleased to
see me-" she cried suddenly, as we walked
away together after the preliminary. greet
ings.
BY dnt of fervent protestations and
whispered endearments | succeeded iii :! s.
arming this sudden suspicion.
And now, Jack, dearest, We'll have Il
lovely evening. I've been looking forward
to it so much. First of all, want you to
take me to the New Empire Restaurant, If
you don't think it too extravagant."
L converted a groan into q sigh Of rap
ture.
Ripping, darlingw murmured.
the Bijou!-I know one of the walters
there. It's nearer, and you like it."
mo, Jack she said, decisively. 'It's
no more expensive at the New Empire.
and we ought not to get into 'groovy'
ways. We've been to the Bijou three
weeks running, and we'll have a change
tonight Unless, of course. darling, you
want to go to our old place"
OF course l declared that it was my
palpitating desire in life to dine at the
New Empire Restaurant. What else could
/ do?
"Shall we have a cab. darling?'
asked. jauntily-the jauntiness such as
might be displayed by the dishonest bank
clerk on the eve of audit day.
emphatic answer. We'll walk, Jack.
There's plenty of time" And / felt as
the Ssnk clerk would on hearing that the
day of reckoning had been postponed a
few hours.
When we reached the dazzling exterior
of the restaurant, despair reigned in my
heart. but the shilling remained intact in
my pocket
Shall / ever forget that dinner? The
entire staff appeared to concentrate their
eyes and energies on me- The proprietor
was evidently firmly convinced that on my
ultimate patronage rested the success of
his venture.
/ ate as though in a dream while Beryl
was in raptures with. the dinner and the
service.
At the conclusion the chief approached.
and with the superb Difference of the
southern races inquired if all had been to
our entire atisfa ction.
! told him with almost pathetic earnest
ness that my companion and l had never
till this night realized what it was to dine.
l spoke of his wine as one alludes to the
pride of the connoisseur's cellar. His cof-
fee | pronounced incomparable-his Gig
ars beyond the dreams of the author of
"My Lady Nicotine"
moment had come to put into execution the
desperate scheme had formed
by the way" l said carelessly, "haye
you room to accommodate a club dinner
party-about 20 people?'
Yes. he had the very room. Would
care to see it?
l should. Berry, graciously excused ne,
and we made our way to the banqueting
hall in question.
Once inside. told him quickly the state
of affairs, and AS he listened had an OBJ
ject lesson in the mobility of the Italian
countcnance. / produced my one card and
declared solemnly the money should be
sent TO him the first thing on the morrow
He gazed at the card doubtfully-eyen
flash of inspiration. / took Sir John
kmway's invitation from my pocket and
thrust it into his hand trumphantly
Nov will you trust me-" / asked
The crested nOtepaper. the imposing adj
dress. and the contents of the letter turned
weil-nigh certain defeat into glorious vic
tory. The proprietor bowed almost abb
original hesitation. He would have the
bill sent to my address, and / should send
the ridiculous amount when it suited my
gracious purpose.
! went back to Beryl with elated step.
PAY the bill, Jack. dearest" she said
i We just been looking over the theater
list, and if You want to please your very
own Reryl you'll take her to see The One
and Only Girl at the Frivolity. | dare
say we can easily get seats. as it's been
running long time
My elation fled instantly, and remem-
bered with a shudder that ordeal number
two was before ne.
l informed Beryl that l had settled with
the proprietor outside. l gave the waiter
siXpence out of the shilling, and he looked
ut me with mildly disappointed gaze
The proprietor himself flung open the
door for us. l glanced at him gratefully
and reassuringly.
A "Mephistopheles" in uniform stood
at the door. and whispered in most in
sidious tones, Cab. sir?'' l could cheer
fully have ordered him away to the torture
had l been possessed of the necessary
powers. but Beryl-dear economical dar-
ling-refused to listen to the voice of the
tempter.
was saved again, but what terrors lay
before me.
When the bus deposited us at the Fri
volity door, the lordly sum of fourpence
remained ts me.
laid my plans with desperate, consum-
mate cunning, requesting Beryl to stay i'm
the theater vestibule for moment while |
inquired if any upper circle seats remained.
Mind, Jack. you're not to get anything
more expensive she said with that air of
which is so charming in her.