Little Mrs. Murray

Front matter

Some Opinions of the Press on "Little Mrs. Murray." "A close observer of certain aspects of human nature, Mr. Philips tells his story with clever insight, cynical frankness, and complacent gusto." — Athenæum. "The book is, of course, well written, and reflects faithfully some phases of modern society, while it is quite free from the dulness of the orthodox society novel." — Morning Post. "You must contrive the acquaintance of little Mrs. Murray. She tells the story of her adventures as a widow in search of a livelihood naturally, vividly, and wittily. The book overflows w.th a cynical humour." — Vanity Fair. " Mr. Philips is clever, observant, and satirical." — Society. " Mr. Philips's eye for appearance and for character is as keen as ever, and the book is full of personal sketches happily hit off." — Globe.

"The charm and cleverness of the novel — which is exceedingly clever — lie in the quiet strength and incisive ness of the delineations of the various characters and circles through which Mrs. Murray moves. They are described with insight, and with a felicity of language which makes many a good point." — Scotsman. "Mrs. Murray is a dainty, saucy, bewitching little woman." — St. James's Gazette. " The only fault is that it ends too soon." — Hawk. BY F. C. PHILIPS, AUTHOR OF "AS IN A LOOKING-GLASS," "THE DEAN AND HIS DAUGHTER," "THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF LUCY SMITH," E IC, ETC. STEREOTYPED EDITION. LONDON: SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO. PATERNOSTER SQUARE. 1889. gjfirifatjtb TO DEAR KIT. ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PRESS : JOHN THOMSON, AND J. F. THOMSON it A

Chapter I

My husband was only buried yesterday. Yet I must turn from my grief and consider how I am to face the world. Two hundred and fifty pounds is not much, but anyhow it is all I possess ; and when it has gone I have not the slightest idea where the next farthing is to come from. It seems impossible to realise that Arthur has left me for ever, and that I shall never see his handsome face again ; never hear that soft and kindly voice. It is too cruel. But to-day is Wednesday, and yesterday week he died. I find it very difficult to write in my journal, but I have accustomed myself to do so for so many years that the habit is stronger than I, and in spite of disinclination I am somehow forced to perform my daily task. I had been married to Arthur nearly four years. I married him when I was twenty-two, and I am twenty-six next week — the 12th of May.

It was an imprudent match for both of us, and a very poor one for him. Arthur could have married any girl in England He had an unequalled charm of manner, and his face was that of a god. I never met a woman who was not in love with him, whether she owned it or not ; and some of them did frankly enough. Arthur Murray, who had recently become a captain in the 1 10th Hussars, sold out just before our marriage, and the sale of his troop and the remnant of his once large fortune gave us a capital of about six thousand pounds ; and on that capital we have been living ever since. It has now all gone except two hundred and fifty, and with that I have to make my way. What Arthur would have done if he had lived it is now useless to inquire. He was full of expedients, and we might have pulled through somehow ; but he died in a month in a galloping consumption, and here am I left to do the best I can.

Fortunately, I have no children — fortunately, anyhow, for their sakes. For myself, a little child would comfort me, and be a link between the present and my poor boy lying in his cold grave. I was an orphan when I married, and have no near relations except a brother two years older than myself, who is seeking his fortune in UTTLE MRS. MURRAY. 3 Australia. My father was a Queen's Mes senger, who died a few weeks after I became of age, leaving nothing behind him but an accumulation of debts ; and I lost my mother in my fourth year. I am therefore practically alone in the world, and have not the least notion how I am to gain a living. I am not well educated enough for a governess, and I am afraid that I am too attractive for a lady's maid. It would be an affectation to pretend that I am not good-looking.

My glass tells me that I am remarkably pretty, and I can gather the same fact from the way people look at me. Not that I take much pride in my appearance, which is that of a girl of. nineteen. It may be useful to me one day, or it may prove a curse, as it has hitherto done. If I had not been handsome Arthur would not have married me, for I had neither money nor wit to recommend me ; and if Arthur had not married me I should not have been called upon to endure my present suffering. I moved to-day into these lodgings in Sloane Street. We had been living in a small fur nished house in South Street, Park Lane, and as our time would expire in less than a fortnight, I thought it was not much use stopping there; and I therefore determined to spare myself the pain that each memory occasioned me. I returned from the funeral feeling, as I have felt for many days, at least ten years older.

The servants instinctively avoided me. The blinds were drawn up, and I wandered moodily about the house, like a caged panther. There was Arthur's sword hanging up in the little sanctum that he called his study. There were his guns and fishing-rods, foxes' brushes, stags' heads, and other trophies of the chase ; his picture on the wall — everywhere something to remind me of him, down even to the little silver inkstand he had given me on my last birthday. It was terrible! it was insupport able ! I felt that I should go mad if I remained. So I left. The landlady here seems a kind woman, and is sympathetic without fussiness ; and active and energetic without being intrusive. I think, therefore, that I shall be comfortable, for the present at any rate. I have taken two rooms on the second floor at a rental of thirty shillings a week.

That, I think, is economical enough. I am expecting Tom Hurst to-night. Tom was an old brother officer of Arthur's, and devoted to him. And in his way — his rough, honest way — he is devoted to me. And he is coming to advise me as to the future. # * * * * My dinner was just over when Tom was announced. "Well, Mrs. Murray," said he, "have you yet decided upon anything ? " " No, everything is in cloudland. I have not the least idea what I had better do." "Well, you must make up your mind soon, I am afraid. I think you said that all you had left was about two hundred pounds ? " "Yes, that is so — about two hundred and fifty." " Look here, Mrs. Murray, why don't you go on to the stage ? You've lots of brains, you are young, and you're better-looking than any of them. There's nothing infra dig. in it.

Look at Mrs. Layton, look at those ladies at the Avenue — Mrs. Mackenzie and her sister, Miss Bullock. I am told they are getting twenty pounds a week. And as for Mrs. Layton, she is making a fortune. Why shouldn't you do the same ? Take my advice, and try." " I have never thought of it before. I fear I have no talent. And you want such a lot of talent to succeed on the stage." " Rubbish," said Tom. "You want a pretty face and plenty of cheek. And if you've got talent thrown into the bargain, why then you knock them silly, and you make a fortune, as you will do if you take my advice. Why, there isn't a woman on the stage as pretty as you — not one that can hold a candle to you. You'll send all London raving mad in less than a fortnight. You'll make your manager's fortune, and a hundred thousand pounds for yourself into the bargain, or my name's not Tom Hurst.'" "You are too sanguine, Tom," I answered.

" I know I'm good-looking and won't pretend I'm anything else, but I've had no training for the stage, and my abilities are not as great as you suppose. However, I thank you for your suggestion, and would take advantage of it, if only I knew how." " You mean you would go on the stage ? " " Yes, I would, if anyone would give me the chance." " You are serious ? " " Never more so in my life. I must do something. My few pounds will not last long, and when they are gone some more must be found to take their place. And if I can make my living on the stage, it is at any rate an honest one. But how can I manage it ? " " Well, as you seem in earnest, I will tell you.' "You will help me? You know some manager ? " " I will help you, and I know several managers. But it is not to a manager that I shall first introduce you.

It is to a dramatic agent, a Mr. Johnson, of the firm of Nogo, Tarry, and Johnson. They live in the Strand, and have the agency of the principal London theatres. You have heard me speak to poor Arthur of my connection with the Jollity. Well, while I was interested in that venture I made the acquaintance of Johnson, who supplied most of the company for the theatre, and who acted as private secretary to the lessees. He is a capital fellow, and I got on excellently with him. I am certain he will do anything to serve my interests or those of anyone with whom I am in any way connected. I have only to tell him that you are the widow of an old brother-officer of mine, and I want him to push you forward in the profession, and I am sure that he will strain every nerve to carry out my views." "You really think this ?"

" I am certain of it. Let me give you a letter to him, and you can go and see him to-morrow." "It is awfully kind of you. I must do some thing, I know. And, after all, I think I should like the stage." "If you only get a good start, I am certain you will make your fortune." " I am not so sanguine. Still, I think I might perhaps get on a little bit. Even if I failed I could abandon the attempt. Yes, I have made up my mind to try. I am sure that, under all the circumstances, Arthur would approve of what I am doing. Don't you think so ? Tell me candidly, Tom." " Of course he would, or I should not pro pose it. Let me give you a letter to Johnson and let me advise you to go and see him to morrow. His hours are from eleven to three, but of course you can see him at any other time by appointment."

" Eleven to three is quite sufficient margin for me. I will call upon him to-morrow morning, if you will give me the letter of introduction.' Then Tom took pen, ink, and paper, and wrote as follows, — " Dear Johnson, — This note is to introduce Mrs. Murray, the widow of a brother-officer, and one of my best friends. I am sure she possesses considerable talent, and that you will find little difficulty in placing her in a position where she will have the opportunity of developing it. " You have always promised that if ever occasion should arise when you could possibly serve me, you would not hesitate for an instant. The occasion has arisen, and I know that you are not the man to go back from your word. " Any kindness you may show her, and any trouble you may take in Mrs. Murray's affairs, will be ten times more acceptable than if it was shown or taken for, " Yours most truly, "Thomas Hurst.

" P.S. — Mrs. Murray is anxious to get into harness at once. She will place her future unreservedly in your hands. I am confident that you will advise her for the best, and help her in every way in your power." " I can never sufficiently thank you, Tom," I said, as I read the letter. " It is very good of you to bother about me." " Don't talk nonsense, Mrs. Murray. I wish I could do more. In reality, I'm the most selfish person in the world. I only bother about you, as you call it, because it pleases me to do so. You've nothing to thank me for. And now good-night, and God bless you." And the next moment the kind-hearted fellow was gone.

Chapter II

This morning I was up early, and shortly after twelve presented myself and Tom's letter to Mr. Johnson. The offices of Messrs. Nogo, Tarry, and Johnson are in the middle of the Strand, over a jeweller's shop. In the outer room I found a youth of sixteen, smart and intelligent, and evidently knowing beyond his years, holding a court of chorus ladies and child performers. They were all talking at once, and two or three of them were not too complimentary in their remarks towards the manager, who had made an appointment to inspect them at eleven, but who, it seems, had not arrived. " Can I see Mr. Johnson ? " I asked, handing my card and Tom's letter to the precocious young gentleman. "Can't say, I'm sure. Mr. Johnson's in, but is very busy this morning. Take a seat. I'll inquire." And off he went to an inner room, leaving me to the mercies of the thirty or forty young women, feeling, as I did, like a canary among a flock of sparrows.

The sparrows stared a good deal, but anyhow none of them pecked at me. They did not even speak to me, and it was not long before the clerk returned. "Step this way," he said "You'll find Mr. Johnson in the room at the end of the passage — the one with ' Private ' on it." I walked towards the door, which suddenly opened and revealed Mr. Johnson politely bowing a lady out of his sanctum. Mr. Johnson is a gentlemanly-looking man of middle height, of rather good appearance and apparently about thirty-five years of age. He might have been a retired officer ; he might have been a stockbroker ; he might have been anybody. He continued his conversation with the lady, not taking any notice of me. " Very well, Miss Bruce, I think we may consider it settled, and I'll send on the agreement. But Tucker is very close, as you know, and I fear we shall only get half salaries for morning performances.

Good-morning." " Never mind. You stick out till the last," replied Miss Bruce. " Tell him you've got another offer for me. I know he wants me, and so does the author, and I think he'll give in. Now, you do your best." " You may be sure of that," said Mr. John son. " Good-day." " Good-bye," said Miss Bruce. " Mind you stick out." " Walk in, please," said the dramatic agent, eyeing me narrowly, and being, as I thought, favourably impressed. " I have read Mr. Hurst's letter, and my services are entirely at your disposal. May I ask if you have had any experience ? " " Do you mean if I have been on the stage before?" " Yes." " No, I have never acted, except once or twice in private theatricals." Mr. Johnson looked as if that did not count for much. Then he said, "Would you mind going into the provinces?

If you don't object to that, I think I can arrange it at once." " I don't quite understand you," I answered. " I mean on a tour through the provinces with a travelling company. We are engaging the people for one now — comedy and burlesque. Mr. Baker is the manager. Well-known man, used to have the Prince's at Birmingham. Daresay you've heard of him." I was compelled to reply that I had not that honour. " Well," he said, "he's a good man to go out with. Salaries low but sure. What do you say ? I think I can manage it. Walking ladies and a small speaking part in the bur lesque." Most of this was quite unintelligible to me, but I answered that I was much obliged, and that I thought I should like it very much. " Well, you'd better come here to-morrow, at one, if you don't mind, and see Mr. Baker.

They commence rehearsing at the Criterion on Monday, and open at Brighton in three weeks. It's a very nice tour indeed. We arranged it." " Thanks," I said, " I will be here. There is nothing more, I suppose, I need further trouble you about ? " " Stop a minute," said Mr. Johnson. " I suppose you've got a pretty good leg?" "What!" I cried in astonishment. "Oh," said he, "it's only a matter of business. Baker's sure to ask me if you've got good legs ; but, after all, he'd better judge for himself. Good-bye. Remember me kindly to Mr. Hurst if you see him, and tell him I'll manage everything for you." I returned Mr. Johnson's salutation and made my escape, not sorry to get away from this strange place. The din was louder than ever in the outer office as I passed it, and before I had descended the stairs I heard Mr. Johnson crying out, " Ladies, a little less noise, please.

I can't hear myself carry on my own business." Then a voice, " Please, Mr. Johnson, I've waited an hour and a half." "A good thing for your patience, my dear. Some day you'll be a manageress, and then you'll be able to keep people waiting your self." I went my way, wondering at the curious things I had seen and heard, but not particularly sanguine as to my theatrical future. The whole thing had rather jarred upon me, and I was glad to get home. I paid my second visit to the dramatic agents this morning. I arrived punctually at one, but ascertained that Mr. Johnson had gone for the day, and that Mr. Baker, the manager, had not yet arrived. The precocious young gentleman of yester day was still to the fore, and with much con descension invited me into Mr. Nogo's room. My experience of dramatic agents, or, indeed, of anything theatrical, is more than limited : it is absolutely nugatory ; but anyone more unlike a dramatic agent than Mr. Nogo I could not well have imagined.

He is intensely respectable ; presents the appearance of a person who has been much chastened by prayer and fasting ; and is a strange contrast to his genial, if not rakish partner. " Pray be seated, madam," said Mr. Nogo. " Mr. Baker will be here directly, I have no doubt. Mr. Johnson was sorry to have to leave early to-day. But he is not at all well — a trifle overworked, I am afraid ; and he is very delicate, and cannot stand anything of the sort." I ventured to observe that I should scarcely have gathered as much from Mr. Johnson's appearance. "No, perhaps not," he said; "but appear ances are deceitful, and poor Johnson is far from strong. He tells me that you are think ing of adopting the stage as a profession. Well, you have an excellent appearance, and ought to make a big success if you only stick to it.

So many tire at first, don't care about the drudgery of the business, and so fall out. Perhaps it's a good thing, for it makes room for others ; and the stage now is very over stocked. However, as in other walks of life, it's the survival of the fittest. And I'm bound to say, if you'll excuse the liberty, that anyone apparently better fitted than you are for the exercise of the dramatic calling I've never seen enter this office ; and I began business in '52, about the time Johnson was put into short clothes." I thanked him for his good opinion, and then asked if there was not a Mr. Tarry, a member of the firm. " No. Johnson and I bought him out some eighteen months ago, but by arrangement we keep up the name, and it brings custom. No. Mr. Tarry has taken to farming, breeding pigs, and a curious kind of cochin-china, and they tell me he is making a very good thing of it.

I had thought of retiring from the business at one time, but I have given up the idea now. After five-and-thirty years of it I have grown so used to the work that I should fret myself to death if I were to leave it." " Then you think I may get on, Mr. Nogo ?" " Get on ! " he echoed, " of course you will. You have a good speaking voice, and I daresay can sing quite well enough for the burlesque stage — most ladies can — and as for your face and your appearance generally, there is no one in London to touch you. Johnson told me about you yesterday, but then Johnson is a little prone to exaggeration. This time, however, he has understated his facts — a very rare occurrence with Johnson. Dear me, Mr. Baker is late. I suppose he's very busy ; that must be his excuse. You see, Mrs. Murray — or, rather, you will see — that theatrical people always put off everything to the last moment, and then conduct their business and correspond ence by telegram.

It is an expensive process in more ways than one, but they like it — they like it. And it seems to work well, and some how all comes right in the end. Ah ! here is Mr. Baker. How do you do, Mr. Baker ? Let me present you to Mrs. Murray, the lady about whom Johnson wrote to you. I'll leave you to have a little chat ; and I'll see you, Mrs Murray, before you go."

Chapter III

Mr. Baker was a man about fifty, very neat and natty in appearance, with regular features, a slim and well-proportioned figure, and possessing an extremely fascinating manner. I am bound to say that he impressed me most favourably. He glanced at me with an almost astonished look, and then said, " Johnson tells me that you are without experience, but that you want to try your luck on the stage." "Yes, that is so," I answered. " Well, it is a great lottery. But you ought to get on. You have everything in your favour. But it is harder work than you may perhaps imagine." " So I am given to understand." "Well, never mind. You can come to me and I'll help you if you will help yourself. Are you a quick study ? " " I don't quite know what you mean." "Oh, of course not. I forgot that you were a novice.

I mean, can you learn by heart quickly ? " "Yes, I think I have a good memory." "Very well, then, if you will give me your address I will send your part in the comedy on to you, and you can come as perfect as possible to the rehearsal on Monday. As for the burlesque, I have not yet made up my mind for which part to cast you ; but it will only be a small one, and you can get dead letter perfect in an hour. The part in the comedy is a very pretty one, but does not require much experience, and if you take pains, as I am sure you will, you will get through it very creditably." " I will try my best," I answered humbly. " That's right," he said, encouragingly. " And now as to terms : what salary do you expect ? " I told him that I had not considered the question of salary, and, in fact, had not the least idea what I was worth.

" Well," said he, " it isn't exactly what you are worth, but what I can afford to give. I don't want to cut anyone down, but things are not what they were in the provinces, and it's very hard to make both ends meet, and, indeed, quite impossible if you give extravagant salaries. Well, to come to the point, I will find all fancy dresses, pay second class railway fares, and give you two pounds a week. It's not a fortune, I know, but you'll be able to live on it in the provinces, and as soon as you know your business you'll be worth double, or perhaps more. What do you say ? " What could I say, except that I accepted it ? It was more than I could have made in any other walk of life, and, to tell the truth, I was sincerely grateful to Mr. Baker for not having made an inquiry on the subject of my legs.

"Well, good-bye, Mrs. Murray. By the way, I suppose you have a stage-name. If so, leave it on these people's books, in order that I may have it for the bills." "Very well," I said, " I will speak to them on the subject. Good-bye, and many thanks." " Not at all. We shall meet on Monday." I found Mr. Nogo talking to young Hopeful. " Go in to Mr. Baker, Geoffrey," he said on perceiving me. " Go in to Mr. Baker and say that I won't detain him a minute. And now, madam, kindly step in here," and he led the way into Mr. Johnson's room. " I hope all is satisfactory,'' he continued, " and that you have come to an arrangement." " Yes, all is settled, and I think satisfac torily." " What are the terms ? ' " I am to receive two pounds a week." " Well, that is not bad to begin with. Many ladies at first actually pay a premium to perform at all.

And many act for nothing for a certain time. I think you have done very well. I will have the agreement made out and for warded for your signature, and at the same time I will send you the duplicate signed by Mr. Baker. I suppose Mr. Johnson explained to you that you will have to pay us a commission of io per cent, on your salary " " No, he did not mention that, but I shall be most happy to do so." " Or, if you prefer it, you can pay us the first week's salary instead. It is quite inmaterial to II us. " Very well," I said. " I think that would be simpler. Perhaps you won't mind taking it now." And I produced my purse. "Just as you please," he said, deprecatingly. " There is not the slightest necessity to pay now. In fact, we don't expect our commission — nor, indeed, have any right to it — until you have earned and received it."

" Never mind," I answered ; " it will save us both trouble." And I handed him two sove reigns. He took them in a manner which showed he was not accustomed to such prompt payment. " I wish everyone were as business-like as you, Mrs. Murray. It would, as you say, save us a good deal of trouble. A receipt shall be forwarded to you with the agreement." At this moment there was a knock, followed by the entrance of Mr. Geoffrey. " Mr. Baker wants to know if you will be long. He says he has another appointment, and is afraid he can't wait." "Tell Mr. Baker that I shan't be half a minute. I think that is all I need trouble you with to-day, Mrs. Murray," said Mr. Nogo, turning to me. " The only thing I wished to speak to you about was with reference to my name. I don't think I should like to use my own on the stage.

My husband's relations might not approve of it." " Very well. Think of a nice, taking name, and let Mr. Baker know, or send it to us. We will write and tell you when the rehearsal is fixed. Good-morning." And so this, to me, most important business was concluded. Tom Hurst called this afternoon, and seems to think that I have managed matters very well. " The salary is not much," he said, " but Nogo was quite right in telling you that it is a great deal more than most people get at first. And of course you will soon learn your business, and be worth five times as much." " I am afraid, Tom, that will be a long time hence." " Not a bit of it. You are sure to succeed ; I haven't the faintest doubt. And Baker, who has evidently taken a fancy to you, will push you on. I know something of Baker. He is a wonderful creature.