THE CHINA MAIL FRIDAY SUPPLEMENT, JANUARY 10, 1941.
SHORT STORY
Round The Next Corner By NORMALL GORDON
I was not until some time after he received David's letter that Brian Royle was conscious of a feeling that amounted to some- thing more than disappointment, Of course, when reading it at breakfast, he had known he was sorry, but it was one of those things that just couldn't be help- ed, Besides, the upset fur David and Aline would be much worse than for him.
Aline, David wrote, had heard from her sister, saying that their father was not very well, and she thought they should go there for Christmas. I don't think," added David in his letter, that it's any- thing very serious, but my dad- in-law's getting on in years, and W feel wa ought to go. This means we shall have to shut up our little place, and I'm terribly sorry we can't have you with us
the
festive season. Such short notice won't, 1 know, give you much chance of making fresh arrangements, but I'm sure you'll understand. Aline shares my re-
over
grets. Next year, I hope, we shall resume the happy reunion. We've spent three jolly Christmases to- gether haven't we?"
Yes, David was right. They had been jolly Christmases. That r, as David and Altne and Royle un- derstood "jollity." Not hitting the high spots,
hilarious playing games or drinking innumerable cocktails. Possibly, Brian sup- posed, judged by modern stand- ards, they'd be considered untc- countably prim and staid for people still in their twenties. Some
even
Us
might
describe them "freaks." Well, what if they did! David played the piano rather more than competently, and Aline
them
hai A mezzo-oprano voice of lyrwal qualty. Then David's Grother, Kenneth, his wife, Doris, and her sister, Betty, had joined and 4111 Chrudmus Day. when David wasn't at the piano and Ahn singing, of they weren't playing bridge for a modest penny a hundred. Kenneth demonstrat- ed his talute as a humorist Yes. very dreadedly they'd been jolly Chamaes
It was true. Too, Brian reflected on the way to his office, that he hadn't much chance of fixing up
Doubtles anything else
with Chistmas still a couple of days www.iv, he could get in somewhere
on a hotel party, which seem
to be to much the fashion now. days. But that method DI "spendier Christmas" didn't ap peal to him. it was not that he was wilfully unsperable. ur de. liberately hunned company, but he was naturally of a shy and re- tung disposition, and books, and a weekly visit to a cinema, usual- ly provided him with all the com- panionship and diversion he quired. In the summer he played tennis, and went for frequent evening runs in his small ear, but, with the exception of David and Aline, he had never cultivated any real friends Perhaps that was foolish, because if anything hap- pend like David's letter it did louse leave a fellow rather at a end.
you can't be as wise at 17 as you are--or ought to be at 28. With undying fervent protestations of
faithful promises affection, and to write at least once every week, Beryl went to complete her edu- And that, due cation in France. to parental intervention, was the end. Some time afterwards, in the Brian saw New Year Honours, that Mr. Basil Stafford Denny had received the accolade of knight- hood With a rather rueful smile, Royle admitted that he couldn't blame Beryl for that! Still, it to show how wide the served social gulf had been.
Nearing the street in which his office was situated, Royle reflected only that Beryl Denny was the girl who had held what might bu called a definite place in his heart. He had never thought, well, ten- Yet, derly, about anybody else. by Jove'--and sudden recollection almost made Royle pull up in his stride-that was not strictly true, But the other thing had been 8 nebulous - 50 unsubstantial, ob- scure and hazy-that it was hard ly possible to affix any name to it at all. Perhaps the most that could be said was that it was a passing attraction, and only one-sided at that. He couldn't imagine that an hour after he'd finished the job of work he was appointed to do the girl even so much as remem-
There was bered his existence. absolutely . no reason why should.
revelation, it had made a lonely pulse-blindly? But the hurt had staggering in its boldness, and man keenly aware of his lone- been so crushing, the wound so dazzling in the prospect it en- that she had not known visaged, had come to him sud- liness. Well, there might be some- deep,
what else to do. Was she really denly. Would it-could it-be pos- thing in what Gower had said
confusion it The noise of some one moving a coward-a person who squeal- sible? To heighten about in the small living-roomed and ran and buried her head occurred to him that Miss Chig- below aroused Gloria Chigwell. like an ostrich at the first signs well had changed-that in some She awoke suddenly, and for a of adversity-of disillusionment? indefinite, and perhaps indefinable minute was puzzled to know what If so, how did she compare with way, she was different. She had the sounds could mean, It was the countless thousands who faced the same frank manner, and she Mrs. Dorsett, of course the up to the real tragedies of life spoke brightly, but her face had ---bereavement, unemployment, a drawn look, and, in repose, cheery, homely soul who came in
Brian fancied that her eyes might every morning to wash the crock incurable disease?
These thoughts, intrusive and hold a suggestion of "suffering. cry, and tidy things up--but why was she so early? She had a key uninvited, were not pleasant. An Had anything happened to cause and could let herself in, but sel- end was put to them by Gloria her grief? Impelled by an alten dom arrived before Gloria was up. treading on a loose stone. In pre- courage, Brian pushed down the This morning was an exception, venting herself from falling, she barrier.
"I wonder, I was thinking". and the explanation could only be twisted an ankle. Tentatively she that she-Gloria--had overslept. put the injured foot to the ground. the words came haltingly, and he She did not think the strain was had to grope for them-"whether Yes, the bedside clock registered a
sericus, but it wüs sufficiently you'd mind-whether you'd think quarter to nine.
further walking It was terribly impertinent of me This morning, too, Gloria had severe to make awakened in a strangely light painful, Looking at her watch she if I said that I'd like to spend new experience reckoned the next bus would be Christmas at Darthaven, and whe- hearted mood, a
To rest ther you'd be offended if I offered in these last few months. Striy- along in half-an-hour.
the throbbing ankle Gloria went to drive you there. You see". ing to capture an elusive memory,
to a nearby gate.
Royle laughed jerkily" to tell she frowned. Oh, yes, she remem
the truth I'm feeling lonely. But" bered now. It was Christmas Eve, and, acting on a sudden resolve, decided to spend the she had holiday in a quiet hotel at Dart- haven. Six months ago nothing, no powers of persuasion, could have induced her to leave her cottage, Gloria's frown deepened.
It was there that a man in a passing car saw her standing. The hurriedly he sought to correct car was doing an easy 25 m.ph.. any possible misapprehension — and the driver had ample oppor- "I promise I wouldn't force my unity of taking stock of objects company on you. It's just that I'd on either side of him. Because he have somewhere settled to go."
and had no- Gloria gaze steadfastly at Brian, was in no hurry. where especially to go, he had of his transparent honesty there maintained the same Jog-trot At that time-six months ago
could, she felt, be no question. It. speed over the last fifty miles. Redmond had Joyce
sum-
well-knit stamped on his marised the situation very fairly time yet, but it was as well to be its kindly brown eyes and resolute Dusk would not come for some Agtre and open countenance, with she to a mutual friend. "Of course,
on the lookout for that Hkely She had said, "Donald hás
chin, symbols of tenderness and be-
farmhouse or way-side inn. Once haved abominably. He's a cad darkness fell one might go on and strength. For his age, perhaps, his face was preternaturally grave, a rank outsider. To be engaged
but was wonderfully lightened to Gloria for two years, and then
when he smiled. turn round and say he couldn't go on with it--to plead that he
wasn't a marrying mat--was un-
atid
Pouring out her coffee. Gloria said. "No, I shall walk to the sta- nobody tion. It's only two miles, and I
love the walk."
I
Mrs. Dorsett pressed an Ima- ginary crease from her apron. "If you'll excuse my saying so, miss, I'm glad you're going away for a while. Do you good to mix with a bit of company. I've been # widow woman for six years, und one feels at I knew how lonely times. Now and again my boys come to see me, and bring their wives and kiddies, and that helps. Yet it seems more lonely than ever alter they've gone again."
on. Then, with quite an unneces- say screeching of brakes, the car stopped, and the driver got out.
In-
was
"Why, of course not," Gloria's answer was as unaffected as her nature. "How could I be offended or think you impertinent? Nobody should be unhappy at Christmas. But I don't know whether the There you'll have to take another hotel people can put you chance. Perhaps and her became so low that Brian could
hear her barely
words "we're both suffering from the same complaint- loneliness."
LIP.
Voice
Te two
All he knew about her was that she was addressed as Miss Chig- well, and that she held the post of private secretary to the man- aging director of a firmy, the half-
In his musings, Brian Royle had yearly audit of whose books he
there Royle-and Gower had been in- speakably cruel. The only decent admitted to himself that
WHS no reason whatever why structed by the employers to carry thing he's done is to clear out to
Miss Chigwell should remember out The job lasted nearly a fort- South Africa, and stay there. Of
ever existed. Actually. night, and for that time they ve- course, knowing Gloria as we do he had
- how seriously she takes things; truth. A happily engaged girl of this came very near to being the cupied the next room to that of
sense of pride Miss Chigwell. To reach her room her proper
thers, how devoted she was to Donald Gloria Chigwell's kind has few she had to pass through
if any, thoughts to spare for other ww expected she'd be very and at first she confined herself
Tuen, But when Brian came 10 forina) but
"gund badly hit, and feel inexpressibly friendly mernings." Later, she stopped long humiliated But not to the extent towards her recognition was in- enough to pass some remarks of throwing over everything-her stantaneous,
jul and her friends and shutting
"Good gracious! Mr. Royle,” she
By dinner time on Christinas about the weather, or to mention
said.
This is a surprise. *
Day herself up in a
nearly all the events that country cottage. a concert she had been to, or a
stinctively, she held out a hand. mattered in the lives of Gloria pieture she had seen, the previous The herinil-complex! I don't care
movement of Chigwell and Brian Royle were night. Of slightly more than ne- how snug the place is, or if there The artion caused
the injured hot, and a twinge of known slender, are rambler
honey- roses and
to each other, dum height, she had a
was reflected front pain
in her face. people inspired by mutual trust growing over the fairness suckle hupely body, hair of a
Brian was quick to notice it. it isn't natural it
there was something in the peace- that halled some way short of the door porch,
"I say," he
exclaimed, "Have fulness for a girl of twenty-
of Darthaven, and the lightness of blonde, and the wore isn't sare
you hurt yourself?" net, tailored suits. She had the five to go and hide herself away
spirit of the season, which cun- Gloria laughed a trifle shakily, pelled confidences. With the sea blue eyes which are nearly al- like that."
The
of hot "It's nothing much," she said. "I appetising aroma
a panorama before them they had ways the natural accompaniment
and fried bacon greeted was stupid enough to step on a
sat on the hotel veranda until of a fair complexion, and her fea- Poffee
twinkling lights appeared to trace tures were even and well formed. Gloria as she came downstairs. A stone and twist my ankle."
Assailed by his old enemy, re- the door minute later Mrs. Dorsett carried
the are of the curved promenade. One morning, after
tray into the living-room. serve, Brian considered this state-
Brian had comparatively little had closed behind Miss Chigwell, a
she said, ment for a moment, Then, partial- to tell the episode of Beryl and the irrepressible
said: food-morning, miss,' Gewer
"It looks like being a ly forcing down the barrier, he her honours-seeking father seem- "There goes, I'll bet you a liver, briskly.
"Are are you spending ed very remote and inconsequent one of the most efficient private nice day for your journey. You'll said:
somewhere half-past three Christmas
around now-but more in detail he de- steretapies who are the special be catching the
here? If so, please do let me give scribed his early
struggles and harrassed bus?" re- gifts of Providence to
you a lift. Mine's not a posh ear, the necessity they had imposed of managing directors. Nice girl, too.
but the engine's quite good." living very largely within and for I don't say she's my type - not
Inherently decent herself, himself. Very difdently he re- vivacious enough, and
Gloria was able to appraise the ferred to his first acquaintance could call her strikingly pretty -
same quality in others. In Royle with Gloria. "Ever since then," but she's got breeding, and doesn't put a lot of
I
silly side.
she saw a young man striving to he said, simply, "I've never for- overcome a besetting shyness by gotten you, and have always hop- shouldn't be surprised if she's a
a display of chivalry disguised as ed that one day we might meet parson's daughter, and that her vicarage home is buried some
pleasantry. In the same spirit she again." replied:
Gloria spoke of the sorrow that "Please don't disparage your had come into her life, and of how car, Mr. Royle. In any case, it's happy she had been as the fiancee 'better than of Donald Sainsbury. He was, she bound to be much mine because I haven't got one at said. a fascinating lover hand- all. Actually, though, I live here some, clever and attentive.
in the nearest village-but am smallest wish had always seeni- going to Darthaven for Christmas. ed his greatest desire. That had I've booked up at a small hotel, made the sudden end the dis- and was on my way to the sta- illusionment-so much worse. At She paused, then asked first, when she took the country tion."
cottage, she thought she would "And where are you going?"
Brilling sheepishly, Brian said: find solace in solitude and work, sound mat, and that new surroundings would "The answer will
But it's true. enable her to find peace, if not absolutely crazy.
Then forgetfulness. Yet, latterly, she Nowhere and anywhere." he told her of David's unexpect had begun to doubt whether shut- upsetting of his king herself away, and becoming ed letter, the plans, and the whimsical advice selfish und self-centred, could proffered by Gower. She remom ever bing buck true happiness.
Very lightly Brian rested a hand Bored Gower, didn't she? On the spur of the moment he'd acted on hurs. My dear," he said, ""I he had had to muke his own way Smiling rather wryly Brian re-
upon it. Got into his var, driven think I understand. And one day in the world.
because I know I love you Before he passed plied: "I'm not going. It's off. be born of yourning, and, the way, and, well, here he was!
Gloria's laugh was more spon, vory sincerely should like to out of the grammar school, to They've been called away uhex- shrewdly suspected, of a sorrow which a scholarship had admitted pectedly."
jealously guarded from the world, taneous than it had been for come and ask you whether you him, his mother had died, too. So, "Rough luck!" There was gen- "Ah, well, miss," dald Mrs. Dor months. In spite of its implied tan ever love me, and whether, attaining the position of a quali- uine regret in Gower's tone. "I'm sett, finally, "I'm not altering my element of pathos, the situation together, we can forget what fled accountant had meant rela- joining the happy family circle. mind that a change won't do you appealed to her sense of humbur. loneliness means."
When Gloria turned. to him tively hard going all the way. If I had to spend Christmas alone good. And I hope, I'm sure, you'll There was something about it so
were Anyhow, there hadn't been much in digs" Gower paused, then have a very happy Christmas, quaintly quixotic. "You mean you Royle sow that her eyes time for day dreaming about the added: "Here's an ideal If I was Don't you worrit about the cot took a chance and depended on 13ar-dimmed. That, my dear," she said, "is very sweet of you. I possible or positive charm, of the in your place I'd get out tage. I'll see that everything's all luck," she said, opposite sex.
the 'car,
Brian grinned. "That's right" do believe you, and when we've choose any one of the right." If one excepted an adolescent roads, and without any settled "Thank you, Mrs. Dorsett," said he said. Gosh! She had used the got to know each other better, I episode he remembered he was plan just drive on until I cume Gloria. "I'm certain you will. And same words as 'Gower. There was think the answer wil be what But the wound was about 17 at the time-Royle had across a farmhouse or roadside inn the same to you a happy Christ- that other bit about never know you seek.
'ing who was round the next corn- very deep, and you must be pat- never thought seriously about any that looked a likely sort of place mas." girl. And, of course, looking back in which to put up for a night, or Carrying her sult-case, Gloria set, er, but he didn't think he'd bet font and give me time.” from the superior height of 23, longer. Leave it to chance tind out for the station. She had alter mention that "Ir Durtheven's Brian was well content. Retir- this affair seemed rather amusing luck. Even in these days of con- lowed herself ample time, and as pretty as its name it must be ing that night, mingled with Trifling, too. Beryl Denty ducted tours you can't rule ad- Mrs. Dorsett's prophecy of "a nice a delightful place. Are you meet thoughts of the most splendid girl in the world, were grateful re- was a daughter of the managing venture clear out, and one never day" was verlien. The air, holding friends there?" director of a big firm of wine im- can
Gloria both nodded and shook membrances of Cell Gower. "OL tell who's round the next ing a strong tinge of frost, wUS porters miles above him in the corner."
invigorating. For some reason she her head. "It is," the agreed." "course" Brian soliloqulsed, "he's Bocial scale-and if he had hat It was then, or shortly after- did not care to andiyue too closely Anyway, it Buite me, Quiet and an incorrigibly Hirt, but a deshed any sense at all he would have warda, Brian "realised fully that Gloria's mood was responsive, peaceful, I shall be alone, except root sort all the same. If it hadn't known that the nipping in the bud David's letter had occasioned him Yet, dosildI ALE TROY KIM HO imminy Zug «farsany.cpeople I may speak to In fiwen ror. Film, fet hever have known who was round: the next of their boy and girl romance was something more than disappoint her friends had declared, that she the hotel." inevitable from the beginning. But ment. Disturbing and startling, had, sate
"d
the
where in the country." Once a colleague at the office - Royle had no means of know. a genial chap named Gower had ing whether Gower's speculations
were close laughingly described him as
to or miles off bit of an old fossil for 28." Gower mark, Anyhow, what did it signi- had added: "There no denying !y"
It was over 12 months since you're a pukka accountant, but he had done that particular job. one day, my boy, you'll wake up and had never met Miss Chigwell to the fact that figures, and figur- again. It was queer, though, that ing 'em out, aren't everything. remembrance of her should have There are other kinds of figures remained with him so vividly. He in the world" - Gower grinned at had often thought about her, and his own joke--and mostly they're now, hanging up his hat and coat, dressed in pretty frocks."
he wondered where she would be Recollection of Gower's leg spending Christmas, Funny!
On the morning pulling came to Hayle now. Much
of Christmas of his self-sufliciency, he supposed Eve, after glancing at the clock, the little desire he felt for mix- Gower said: "Only another hour, ing with others- was due to his and we bid adieu to our labours having been the only child of a for four blissful days. What time widowed mother left in straitened are you leaving for your friends' circumstances, and very largely place?"
now.
A slight flush stained Gloria's "Oh, I don't know, Mrs. cheeks. Dorsett. I've got my writing to do, and my books, and the days pass quite quickly. Besides, you and everybody else in the village have been extremely kind to the so that I don't see how I could possibly feel lonely.
Moving to the door, Mrs. Dor- sett recalled times when, thinking herself unobserved, Gloria's shout ders had drooped, and an expres. sion had come into her eyes which the worldly wise woman whow to
Boyle looked away. A thong
Her