Chapter 35: Chapter 35
Both Mr. Gladman and Mrs. . Goss were relieved to have Gabriel in the shop.
The sandwich board men had been rounded up again and fitted out with more signs and
even now were parading round the streets with messages urging shoppers to patronise
Gladman's music store. As well as being equipped front and back with garishly
signwritten boards proclaiming the name and address of the shop. They also bore
pictures of different instruments.
The sandwich men wound in an out of the traffic, sometimes separated and hidden by
drays, cabs and delivery carts but pressing on doggedly through the principal streets
ignoring abuse and the occasional lash across their sandwich boards from irritated
carters and cabmen. They were followed too by a group of larrikins who yelled ridicule
and now and then threw stones picked up from the road, and sometimes they tried to
smear the signs with dirt.
The sandwich men defended themselves as well as they could from these guerilla
attacks,and it seemed at times as though a minor civil war was raging in the streets.
Mr. Gladman looked out of the front door when he heard the noise of the passing
procession. After one glance he had retreated to the furthest depth of his establishment
so as to see no more.
Some pedestrians laughed as they passed the shop, those who had seen the parade, so
Gabriel thought this was a good time to play some music with Mrs. Goss.
They had not long been presenting a sentimental Victorian tune, she on the piano, he
playing the flute when Mrs. Goss leaned towards him and said quietly, "That man is back
again."
Gabriel looked round. He thought it might have been Elder Muirhead entering the shop
to denounce them but instead he saw a quiet gentleman in a soft hat and herringbone
tweed suit. The stranger smiled, removed his hat and bowed to them.
The piece was soon over and the gentleman was ecstatic at the playing. He clapped
loudly causing other people who had been looking through the window opening to join
in.
"How charming," he said, "how utterly charming. Whoever smashed the window of the
shop I thank him; otherwise I may have walked up and down Bourke Street for years
and never known what an oasis of culture was to be found here in this commercial
desert. I heard you on the first day you played to the passers by and I have scarcely been
able to stay away since." He clasped his hat, stick and gloves to his chest in both hands
and beamed on them.
Gabriel thanked him while Mrs. Goss blushed. "You're very kind." He glanced at his
watch. "The German band should be back quite soon, perhaps you would care to stay
and hear them too."
The man shuddered. "I have done a number of things I have since regretted but I will
not add to the number by listening to a German band. If you can tell me when you and
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the young lady will next be playing I shall be sure to return." He had manners that had
long disappeared in the colony of Victoria, or else he was an off duty floor walker from
one of the town’s emporiums, because he now bowed again, this time particularly to
Mrs. Goss who simpered and dropped a curtsy in return. He had a silver card case in his
pocket and produced it as Mr Gladman appeared from his office.
In spite of his gloom Mr Gladman had been watching events in the shop and had noticed
that the gentleman had the air and appearance of one who could possibly be a customer
and was most probably well to do. He decided to emphasise the fact that the shop and
its proprietor were both genteel and the present vulgarity would pass, as soon as the
window glass was replaced.
"Good afternoon, Sir," he said, with his best shopkeeper's bow, which was returned. "I
am George Gladman, proprietor of this establishment. I am sorry the business is in such
disarray; my show windows were smashed by a vicious larrikin while inflamed with
drink and nothing has gone right since."
The customer shook his head. ''A godless generation, “ Mr. Gladman, he said, sadly. I
dread the future, but am comforted by the thought that there is still beauty in the land.
What glorious music I have heard in your shop. He clasped his hands together again.
"What treasures you have here, Mr Gladman. How you must cherish their inestimable
musical gifts. I have not heard such playing since I was on my last visit to London. One of
the great halls of the capital would scarcely do justice to their talents. And the
instruments, Mr Gladman, the grand range of instruments you stock, who would have
thought that any merchant in Victoria would have the foresight and courage to stock
such glorious instruments, of the highest quality. I thought one would have to go to the
continent to obtain the like. That harp is in need of a professional tuner as this dear lady
no doubt would have noticed, but the instrument itself is beyond reproach and is a thing
of beauty, and oh, how one longs for beauty in this wasteland of the arts, so far from the
culture of Europe."
"My young friends can easily play some more," said Mr Gladman eagerly. He brought out
a light chair that was reserved solely for customers. "Pray be seated."
The gentleman did so but first insisted that each of them should have one of his visiting
cards. They were inscribed:
The Hon. Adrian Memsworth
SEA SONG
MORNINGTON
"I live by the bay, as you can see." Said The Honourable Adrian. "Fortunately, not too far
from town, and I like to leave my isolation every now and voyage here to investigate
what passes for city life in our corner of the globe. It was a great pleasure to walk by
yesterday and hear beautiful music emanating from your shop. So much so that I did not
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return home but spent the night in the city in order to come back today and hear some
more. I have passed the shop several times as this dear lady well knows. My patience
has been rewarded and I would be happy to hear you play again."
Mr Gladman dusted the spotless piano once more. He had been quite overcome
at the sight of the visiting card. It was not every day that a gentleman, even with the
most minor title, entered his shop and addressed him in a pleasant way. What a
triumph it would be to go home and tell Mrs. Gladman that an Honourable had been in
the shop and had actually made a purchase. With any luck it might happen and they
could both stop thinking for a while about the Collins Street property.
Pleased with themselves and the praise they had received the two musicians
started on another piece specially chosen by Mr Gladman. It was his favourite; ‘Home
Sweet Home’. Mr. Memsworth praised them generously.
"I really would like to purchase a selection of your finest," he stated, "but then I
play very little, and my housekeeper not at all." He glanced at Mrs. Goss who had looked
at him keenly when he mentioned that a housekeeper was part of his establishment.
The Honourable Adrian Memsworth laid his hat, stick and gloves on top of the
piano while he walked round the shop and admired the stock.
"Charming," he said, "charming. I have a few items of furniture in my house that
friends have been kind enough to praise, but it is only a home for a poor bachelor after
all. What I see before me would add finishing touches to the rooms that are so much in
need of a gracious feminine hand." Clearly he aimed this compliment at Mrs. Goss who
was still sitting ready to play again at request.
"I will start making up my list instantly if only this beautiful lady would come and
grace my drawing room with a recital, but to travel to Mornington is such an
undertaking that I would not like to impose it on her. She could be my tutor for I play
the piano after a fashion but not nearly with the same grace and skill as this gifted young
man."
Mrs. Goss was much taken with the thought of travelling by steamer to Mornington and
Mr Gladman could not have been more enthusiastic. He urged Mrs. Goss to consider this
kind offer and made it clear she would have leave from him to go there and play if it
would influence this promising new customer.
"I have fallen in love with that piano," said the Honourable Adrian; "I really must have it.
Of course there is already a semi-grand in the drawing room that I have tuned to concert
pitch now and again but I believe I have just the spot for the piano in the conservatory,
and one of my friends enjoys dropping in to play the flute when we have our musical
evenings. It would be pleasant to surprise him with a Christmas gift of a new flute. Yes, I
will take both, and we shall have armfuls of sheet music. The lady must make a selection
for me, I have implicit faith in her taste, and I have decided to become patron of the
Mornington town band. I shall take what brass intruments and drums you have and we
can order the rest so you can get them in for me. I shall pay for every member of the
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band to come to town to be measured for their uniforms. Put all these beautiful
instruments down on a bill for me please, and if we make haste they can be packed up
and go on the next ferry.''
''I am excited as a boy to have the piano in my house and when it is installed the dear
lady can make an expedition one day early in the new-year to my seaside retreat and we
can spend an afternoon making sweet music together.
Mr Gladman instantly took pen and ink and commenced to write an invoice. If the goods
were to be delivered that very day the carriers had to be notified otherwise the precious
freight would miss the afternoon steamer. No doubt he would charge extra to turn out
on Christmas Eve but Mr Memsworth assured them that he well understood the
difficulties he was causing. He made it clear there would be a special gratuity for the
carrier to compensate for his trouble.
The carrier's depot was in Lonsdale Street and Fox offered to go round and negotiate to
see if there was a wagon free to make an immediate start. He came back twenty
minutes later with good news. A carter and his mate were willing to do this rush job and
they were busy harnessing some horses to a van as he left and would be around in a few
minutes. Someone else was getting crates ready in which to pack the instruments, and
all being well they would be delivered to the wharf in time to catch the afternoon boat to
Mornington.
While waiting for Gabriel to return the Honourable Adrian Memsworth had been
chatting lightly with Mr Gladman and Mrs. Goss telling about his life at Mornington since
arriving in Australia from England. He explained that he had extensive land holdings on
the other side of the bay and out beyond Geelong and some thousands of head of sheep
looked after by shepherds and managers. It was a very pleasant life, he said, but lacking
in suitable company for a bachelor. Here he looked meaningly at Mrs. Goss who was
much fluttered by the hidden meanings in these remarks.
"Now," he said, when he heard the report. "It is time for me to stop gasbagging and pay
for these marvellous instruments. I can't tell you how much pleasure they will give to
me and my friends in the years ahead. I am sure you will all find time to come out and
visit Sea Song. It is only hours away by steamer and twenty minutes by cab from the
wharf. Please do promise that you will come out and help a poor bachelor's weekends
pass more quickly."
While saying all this he had not been idle. He had produced a cheque from his
pocket book after first inquiring what would be a generous amount to add to cover the
cost of packing and carting to the wharf.
"I'm sorry," said Fox, when he saw what the customer was doing. "It is Mr Gladman's
policy not to accept cheques in payment of goods unless the customer is known to us or
he has very good guarantees regarding payment. Of course we will hold the
instruments in store until the cheque is cleared."
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"Oh dear," cried Mr Memsworth, his face falling on hearing this statement. "This means I
won't get my musical treat until after Christmas. What a shame. I did want to have
them in my home during this happy time, and I will let you into a little secret. I was just
about to invite Mrs. Goss to catch the morning steamer on Christmas Day and have
lunch with me. I was hoping to hear her play in my own drawing room as soon as
possible."
Mrs. Goss looked with scorn at Gabriel on hearing this, and Mr Gladman was equally
upset. He said sharply, "Now, Mr Fox, I am older than you and pride myself on being a
better judge of character. Go ahead Mr Memsworth, write your cheque, Sir, I will be
happy to accept it. I have been in business in London and Melbourne for many years and
my perception of men and affairs has been refined during that time and I am never
wrong. It is a valuable facility, Mr Fox, and you may attain it in time when you have
gained some maturity and have dealt with as many people in all walks of life as I have."
The Hon Adrian Memsworth and Mrs. Goss were impressed by this little speech and he
put the pen back on the desk in order to clasp Mr Gladman by the hand."
"Nobly put, Mr Gladman," he exclaimed. "My friends shall come here to buy their
instruments. I will personally recommend you to them, one and all. He was holding the
pen once more and was about to dip the nib into the inkwell when he paused. "It is
pleasant to find trust and fair dealing even in this cold, commercial city, and I wonder if I
can impose on you just a little more?"
Gabriel shrugged and turned away but Mr Gladman leaned forward attentively.
"It is my fault but I have only one cheque left and the others are home in Mornington. It
was foolish of me to forget them because I did want to go to the bank and draw a little
Christmas money. I have one or two non musical friends at home for whom I wish to
buy gifts but I can't go to the bank now seeing I am giving you my only cheque. Would it
be possible to write it for an extra £10 and you can be my banker until the cheque is
cleared?"
Mr Gladman was delighted to be of service for such a small request. He went straight to
the cash drawer and withdrew £6 from the money that had already been made up to
pay into the bank. He came back apologetically. "We had more," he said, "but we have
paid into the bank several times today."
He offered the notes and coins. "Would this be enough? I am sorry we cannot make up
the £10 and I hope your friends are not too disappointed if you can't buy them the gifts
you wanted."
The Honourable Adrian graciously accepted this lesser sum and included it in the total
of the cheque. As he explained it was the thought that mattered. His dear friends would
be delighted at any small gift he might choose to give. The £6 was ample. He took the
notes and gold and put them into his pocket book which was carefully placed in an inner
pocket of his coat.
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Mrs. Goss was to catch the first boat to Mornington on Boxing Day. This had been
decided between them as more convenient than Christmas day and gave her more time
to get ready.
The Hon Adrian had an excellent knowledge of the steamer timetables and knew when
all the regular and excursion steamers would be leaving with loads of holiday makers.
He was to meet her at the wharf and they would go by carriage to his house.
They had just finished making these plans when his face fell and he smote his forehead.
"Dear Mrs. Goss," he said contritely. "How could I have overlooked it. I have to go away
immediately after Christmas for a week. All my pleasure at meeting you and the
excitement of buying these treasures had driven it out of my head. My manager at
Geelong wants me to buy another wretched property out on the plains somewhere. I
feel I own enough land but he was most insistent and said I must come while the
opportunity was there. If I don't he will be most offended and he has been in my
employment so long I look on him as a family retainer, and we will make your little
journey the first Sunday, a week from Christmas day.
Mrs. Goss was disappointed but had to agree as the carrier's van pulled up at the front
door with a rattle and stamping of hoofs. The horses snorted and shook their heads
violently as though aggrieved at being dragged out of their comfortable stables and
made to work on Christmas Eve. They pulled on their collars and backed so that the van
creaked and shook even with the brake hard on. They were not pacified until their
nosebags had been returned then they settled down quietly enough waiting while the
Hon. Adrian's purchases were loaded into the van.
The Hon. Adrian had decided to go with the carriers to the depot, first to supervise the
crating of the instruments then he said he would go with them to the wharf. He was
eager that the work should be done as quickly as possible. Haste was necessary to pack
the instruments and get them on to the boat as deck cargo and there was no time to
spare. He said he would be devastated if they missed the boat because cargo was not
carried or loaded on Christmas Day, only people.
He disappeared with the carriers after many farewells and protestations of friendships
and offered to come back after his stay at Geelong to arrange for the others to visit his
house also.
Besides the men had come and replaced the hoardings so none of the display could be
seen from the street expect for persons who came close and looked in through the glass
doors.
"Well, that's it," said the proprietor. I thank you both for your help and wish you a
happy Christmas day, and we shall meet again on the day after Boxing Day.
He took a card from his waistcoat pocket and glanced at it. ''What a pleasure it was to
meet the Honourable Adrian Memsworth. I am sure Mrs. Gladman will be pleased to see
his card and hear about my experiences. Perhaps it will make up for my not having seen
Mr. Pryor today so I had no opportunity of demanding my deposit back. I shall make a
special point of interviewing him after Christmas and driving my point home. Though I
wonder if he is right about increasing property values? If he is correct it is a matter of
balancing the present needs of the Brethren against a future profit?" He was still
meditating on this point when he turned off the gas and locked the doors for the night.