Coquette by Frank Swinnerton
her. You have to know who's who in a business like this. That'sthe chief thing."
"Does Gaga--Mr. Bertram know who's who?"
"No!" Miss Summers's tone was conclusive. "But his mother tells him whoto write to, or who to send an account to, and he knows book-keeping,and how much is at the bank; and he draws cheques for her to sign, andthat sort of thing. Between you and me, Sally--mind, this is _quite_between ourselves,--I don't think Mr. Bertram's got a very good head forfigures. You have to be a bit smarter than he is. Of course, he's verykind and good-looking; but if I wanted good sound common sense Iwouldn't go to him. Not a good head for figures. He's not very sharp.Now Madam's as sharp as a needle. It's funny how a really sharp womansometimes has a son who's--well, not so sharp...."
"Would you say _I_ was sharp?" asked Sally innocently.
"Like a knife," declared Miss Summers, with a quick dart of her felineeyes.
"Really?" Sally was eager. She gave a little chuckle of pleasure at suchemphatic praise.
"You'd be able to do the books, but you're better where you are. Whenyou've been here another three months, Sally, you'll be getting moremoney. It isn't only that you're a good worker, and quick, but you'vegot more sense than the other girls. I oughtn't to say this to you. Idon't generally praise the girls here. But if you want to get on, you'veonly got to stay where you are. You'll find Madam appreciates you. Andso do I."
"You've been awfully good to me," murmured Sally, with downcast eyes."I'm not just saying that, Miss Summers; I mean it, every word. When Icame here I didn't know anything; and now I don't know a lot; but...."She gave a small cluck of her tongue, and a smile to show how much shehad learned. It was true. And she was even learning to speak better,through listening to Madam and Miss Summers and at times a customer; andshe had enough sense to avoid the extravagant refinements of Nosey.Presently she resumed: "Miss Summers, what does Mr. Bertram do? He's gota business of his own, hasn't he?"
Miss Summers looked across at the door leading to Madam's room, andlowered her voice.
"It's only something Madam put him into. It's a business all to do withfarms."
"Farms?" Sally laughed. "Well, _he_ doesn't look much like a farmer."
"No, it isn't exactly farms; but chemical things they use on farms. Nowyou see there's the soil." Sally nodded, so deeply interested that sheceased her work. "Some soil's good for growing things, and some isn't.Well, when a soil's not good the farmers mix stuff with it, to make itbetter."
"I know," cried Sally, joyously. "Fertiliser."
"Yes. And then from the good soil they'll get a crop early in the year,and then, by using stuff, they'll get another crop later. All that sortof thing. And if cows have the mange, or the rickets, or whatever it iscows have, Mr. Bertram's got something to give them. D'you see what Imean? And all sorts of chemical things. Stuff to kill weeds, stuff togive chickens to make them have bigger eggs.... He's got an inventor,and a manager, and others who are interested in the business, and he'sgot a share, and he goes to the office and goes about the countrysometimes." Miss Summers screwed up her nose and lips, looking very likean old pussy, and in a whisper added: "Doesn't really do very much." Sheput her finger to her lips at that, and Sally, resuming her work,reassured her by a glance. "Of course," said Miss Summers, "he's veryagreeable, and good-looking, and he's got plenty of money."
Money! Sally's eyelids flickered. She gave a charming grin.
"Wish I'd got plenty money," she said.
"You will have," answered Miss Summers, confidently. "Don't fret. Yourtime's coming. You're young yet, and all sorts of things might happen toyou."
Sally made no response. She fell into silence for a time. She had learntwith the greatest interest about Gaga's business, and about the books.She learned a great deal from Miss Summers, whom she had grown to likevery much. She was by no means insensitive to kindness, although she wasnot sentimental over it. And, as she thought, she came round again tothe two workers in the next room.
"D'you think Madam will live long?" she unexpectedly asked.
vii
Within half an hour the job was finished, and Miss Summers took it in toMadam. She closed the door after her, and so Sally could not hear whatwas said. She stood up, stretching her arms, and looking down into thestreet, for it was barely growing dusk, and she could see a few men andwomen walking along in either direction. She yawned slightly, raisingher hand to her mouth, her muscles stiff. And as she stood thus sheheard the door opened and closed again, and, still yawning, saidsleepily:
"Oo, I'm _so_ tired!"
"Are you?" she heard behind her, in a very soft and sympathetic voice.Sally wheeled.
"I thought it was Miss Summers," she cried.
Gaga stood there smiling shyly, and looking at her with his appealingeyes. In this light he looked very handsome, and Sally felt almost sorryto see that he also looked tired. His face was quite grey, and hismovements were those of an exceedingly nervous person who would alwaysshrink from roughness.
"I'm so sorry you should have had to work so late," he said.
"Oo, it's nothing," cried Sally. "Do me good. If I was at home I shouldonly be working there," she added, explanatorily. "Work, work, work."
"Don't you ever get any fun?" asked Gaga, timidly. "I mean, go out, oranything?"
Sally shook her head. She was silhouetted against the light.
"No," she told him. "Not often." It was strange how refined her voiceautomatically became when she was talking to Gaga. She was altogetherrestrained. "You can't if you've got to earn your own living. And haveto get here early in the morning."
Gaga hesitated, half turned away, came back.
"I'm very sorry," he said, in his gentle, weak way. "Don't you like it?I mean going out. Or is it just that you don't get the chance? Poorlittle girl. Er-- I'm sorry. Er--it's a beautiful night, isn't it?"
"Lovely," agreed Sally. "I'm going to walk home."
He considered that. He did not seem to have anything more to say. Sallymoved to her place, and mechanically put away her scissors and thimble.She was still in her pinafore, and she could not take that off and rollit up while Gage was in the room. So they stood there, separated byseveral yards. He took out a cigarette case, and lighted a cigarette,throwing the match under the long table at the side of the room.
"Yes," he said reflectively. "Are you going to have dinner first?"
"Me?" laughed Sally. She shook her head. "When I get home. If I haddinner in London it would take all my wages, and more, at a single go."She laughed again, but not woundingly.
Gaga looked at his shoes, again at Sally, again at his shoes.
"Look here," he blurted out, "I wish you'd...."
Sally's ears were pricked; but they heard only the opening of the doorof Madam's room as Miss Summers returned. Both Sally and Gaga turnedaway, as if in slight chagrin. Then Gaga backed out of the workroom. Theconversation was over. It was time to go home. Slowly Sally removed herpinafore and rolled it, thinking rapidly. Miss Summers was so pleased atMadam's satisfaction with the dress that she was beaming and purring andrubbing her hands together. She nodded benevolently at Sally.
"Well, you get off, Sally," she said, in a full tone of delight. "It'squite all right. Madam's very pleased with the dress. Don't hang aboutnow, but get home to your supper. You've been a very good girl."
Sally put on her hat.
"Good night, Miss Summers." And as she passed the door of Madam's roomshe gave a little silent nod towards it, and a little grimace also. Shewas out upon the stairs. She was out of doors. And as she walked alongshe heard rapid footsteps behind her, shrank a little, and looked up tosee Gaga standing beside her, quite breathless, as if with a hurriedjourney.
"Er-- Miss Minto," he panted. "I'm sorry.... I ... will you take these?Er--good night."
He raised his hat, and went into the building, leaving Sally mutelyclasping a box of chocolates which he had thrust into her hand. Shelooked round, but he had disappeared, and she began to march homeward,still clasping the c
hocolates. Only when she was in Regent Street withher treasure did Sally dare to laugh. Then the whole scene came back toher so vividly that she could control her mirth no longer, but stared,shaking, into a shop window. He must have hurried out to buy thechocolates after being interrupted by Miss Summers.
"My!" she
"Does Gaga--Mr. Bertram know who's who?"
"No!" Miss Summers's tone was conclusive. "But his mother tells him whoto write to, or who to send an account to, and he knows book-keeping,and how much is at the bank; and he draws cheques for her to sign, andthat sort of thing. Between you and me, Sally--mind, this is _quite_between ourselves,--I don't think Mr. Bertram's got a very good head forfigures. You have to be a bit smarter than he is. Of course, he's verykind and good-looking; but if I wanted good sound common sense Iwouldn't go to him. Not a good head for figures. He's not very sharp.Now Madam's as sharp as a needle. It's funny how a really sharp womansometimes has a son who's--well, not so sharp...."
"Would you say _I_ was sharp?" asked Sally innocently.
"Like a knife," declared Miss Summers, with a quick dart of her felineeyes.
"Really?" Sally was eager. She gave a little chuckle of pleasure at suchemphatic praise.
"You'd be able to do the books, but you're better where you are. Whenyou've been here another three months, Sally, you'll be getting moremoney. It isn't only that you're a good worker, and quick, but you'vegot more sense than the other girls. I oughtn't to say this to you. Idon't generally praise the girls here. But if you want to get on, you'veonly got to stay where you are. You'll find Madam appreciates you. Andso do I."
"You've been awfully good to me," murmured Sally, with downcast eyes."I'm not just saying that, Miss Summers; I mean it, every word. When Icame here I didn't know anything; and now I don't know a lot; but...."She gave a small cluck of her tongue, and a smile to show how much shehad learned. It was true. And she was even learning to speak better,through listening to Madam and Miss Summers and at times a customer; andshe had enough sense to avoid the extravagant refinements of Nosey.Presently she resumed: "Miss Summers, what does Mr. Bertram do? He's gota business of his own, hasn't he?"
Miss Summers looked across at the door leading to Madam's room, andlowered her voice.
"It's only something Madam put him into. It's a business all to do withfarms."
"Farms?" Sally laughed. "Well, _he_ doesn't look much like a farmer."
"No, it isn't exactly farms; but chemical things they use on farms. Nowyou see there's the soil." Sally nodded, so deeply interested that sheceased her work. "Some soil's good for growing things, and some isn't.Well, when a soil's not good the farmers mix stuff with it, to make itbetter."
"I know," cried Sally, joyously. "Fertiliser."
"Yes. And then from the good soil they'll get a crop early in the year,and then, by using stuff, they'll get another crop later. All that sortof thing. And if cows have the mange, or the rickets, or whatever it iscows have, Mr. Bertram's got something to give them. D'you see what Imean? And all sorts of chemical things. Stuff to kill weeds, stuff togive chickens to make them have bigger eggs.... He's got an inventor,and a manager, and others who are interested in the business, and he'sgot a share, and he goes to the office and goes about the countrysometimes." Miss Summers screwed up her nose and lips, looking very likean old pussy, and in a whisper added: "Doesn't really do very much." Sheput her finger to her lips at that, and Sally, resuming her work,reassured her by a glance. "Of course," said Miss Summers, "he's veryagreeable, and good-looking, and he's got plenty of money."
Money! Sally's eyelids flickered. She gave a charming grin.
"Wish I'd got plenty money," she said.
"You will have," answered Miss Summers, confidently. "Don't fret. Yourtime's coming. You're young yet, and all sorts of things might happen toyou."
Sally made no response. She fell into silence for a time. She had learntwith the greatest interest about Gaga's business, and about the books.She learned a great deal from Miss Summers, whom she had grown to likevery much. She was by no means insensitive to kindness, although she wasnot sentimental over it. And, as she thought, she came round again tothe two workers in the next room.
"D'you think Madam will live long?" she unexpectedly asked.
vii
Within half an hour the job was finished, and Miss Summers took it in toMadam. She closed the door after her, and so Sally could not hear whatwas said. She stood up, stretching her arms, and looking down into thestreet, for it was barely growing dusk, and she could see a few men andwomen walking along in either direction. She yawned slightly, raisingher hand to her mouth, her muscles stiff. And as she stood thus sheheard the door opened and closed again, and, still yawning, saidsleepily:
"Oo, I'm _so_ tired!"
"Are you?" she heard behind her, in a very soft and sympathetic voice.Sally wheeled.
"I thought it was Miss Summers," she cried.
Gaga stood there smiling shyly, and looking at her with his appealingeyes. In this light he looked very handsome, and Sally felt almost sorryto see that he also looked tired. His face was quite grey, and hismovements were those of an exceedingly nervous person who would alwaysshrink from roughness.
"I'm so sorry you should have had to work so late," he said.
"Oo, it's nothing," cried Sally. "Do me good. If I was at home I shouldonly be working there," she added, explanatorily. "Work, work, work."
"Don't you ever get any fun?" asked Gaga, timidly. "I mean, go out, oranything?"
Sally shook her head. She was silhouetted against the light.
"No," she told him. "Not often." It was strange how refined her voiceautomatically became when she was talking to Gaga. She was altogetherrestrained. "You can't if you've got to earn your own living. And haveto get here early in the morning."
Gaga hesitated, half turned away, came back.
"I'm very sorry," he said, in his gentle, weak way. "Don't you like it?I mean going out. Or is it just that you don't get the chance? Poorlittle girl. Er-- I'm sorry. Er--it's a beautiful night, isn't it?"
"Lovely," agreed Sally. "I'm going to walk home."
He considered that. He did not seem to have anything more to say. Sallymoved to her place, and mechanically put away her scissors and thimble.She was still in her pinafore, and she could not take that off and rollit up while Gage was in the room. So they stood there, separated byseveral yards. He took out a cigarette case, and lighted a cigarette,throwing the match under the long table at the side of the room.
"Yes," he said reflectively. "Are you going to have dinner first?"
"Me?" laughed Sally. She shook her head. "When I get home. If I haddinner in London it would take all my wages, and more, at a single go."She laughed again, but not woundingly.
Gaga looked at his shoes, again at Sally, again at his shoes.
"Look here," he blurted out, "I wish you'd...."
Sally's ears were pricked; but they heard only the opening of the doorof Madam's room as Miss Summers returned. Both Sally and Gaga turnedaway, as if in slight chagrin. Then Gaga backed out of the workroom. Theconversation was over. It was time to go home. Slowly Sally removed herpinafore and rolled it, thinking rapidly. Miss Summers was so pleased atMadam's satisfaction with the dress that she was beaming and purring andrubbing her hands together. She nodded benevolently at Sally.
"Well, you get off, Sally," she said, in a full tone of delight. "It'squite all right. Madam's very pleased with the dress. Don't hang aboutnow, but get home to your supper. You've been a very good girl."
Sally put on her hat.
"Good night, Miss Summers." And as she passed the door of Madam's roomshe gave a little silent nod towards it, and a little grimace also. Shewas out upon the stairs. She was out of doors. And as she walked alongshe heard rapid footsteps behind her, shrank a little, and looked up tosee Gaga standing beside her, quite breathless, as if with a hurriedjourney.
"Er-- Miss Minto," he panted. "I'm sorry.... I ... will you take these?Er--good night."
He raised his hat, and went into the building, leaving Sally mutelyclasping a box of chocolates which he had thrust into her hand. Shelooked round, but he had disappeared, and she began to march homeward,still clasping the c
"My!" she