PORTRAIT OF A LADY

 

                                                                     Chapter Sixteen

                                                                    Behind The Mask

 

Steve's melancholy mood stayed with him almost until he reached the hostel when a slight movement on the path ahead caught his attention; 'something’ catching the light momentarily as the breeze disturbed the fallen leaves. As he got a little closer however he realized that it was round and shiny. He picked it up and laughed out loud. It was a soft and gentle laugh, not intended to be heard, nor indeed were the words that followed. "At last, a little bit of good luck!" This time the laughter was less restrained, "Perhaps I can buy the picture after all." he almost shouted, amused by his silly joke.

          Perhaps if he had not found that two shilling coin he would not have had the courage to go back into the Salvation Army building. Even now he stood at the window for a while trying to make up his mind. He did not see the lady who had spoken to him before had spotted him from the inside and had left the shop be a side entrance. The next thing he knew was a voice at his side.

           "Hello," the voice said pleasantly. "Did you manage to get a good sleep?"

          Steve turned abruptly, surprised at first, but when he saw who it was, a little embarrassed. "Oh yes thank you; it was good of you."

          "Not at all, it's what we do. We have to be careful of course; not everybody is in need of a bed."

          "No I suppose not. Especially if you are used to something else."

          "Are you?" She asked. "Forgive me if I am prying but some people need a little help, but don't always know how to get it."  She did not follow up by repeating 'are you'? But Steve had sensed that that was where this little conversation was headed.

          "Yes, I expect so." But there he stopped.

           The lady waited, aware that the man next to her wanted to say something; wanted to confide perhaps, and was weighing up his words. Finally he spoke.

          "There is something."

          "If I can help I will." she replied.

          Now that Steve had committed himself he didn't know how to start, and in the end he didn't make a good start. "There's a lady you see."

          "Isn't there always?" She smiled. Indeed the smile was accompanied by a soft chuckle.

          Immediately Steve was on the defensive. "It's not like that." He said somewhat curtly. "Just look at me….who would want.…?" He didn't continue and the lady from the shop was contrite.

          "Please forgive me; it was wrong of me to jump to conclusions. Please go on."

          Steve gave her a very brief résumé of his experience in the art gallery, and an even briefer reference to his life and as an artist, and nothing about his life on the road, judging that to be self evident. 

          "I had visited the art gallery again hoping that the security man wasn't there. Well it was mid day and I saw him leave - for his lunch somewhere I suppose - so I nicked in, and there she was; just as if she was waiting for me.

          Steve noticed a look on her face; "No, not the lady - the painting. As I told you I used to be an artist myself; a very successful one as it happens; so I understand about expressions and I'm sure her eyes widened a little bit when she saw me."

          " Isn't that a little fanciful?"

          Yes, I suppose so, but you see the lady I mentioned, well; we are both very attracted to the same picture and it's being sold this week so it may be the last time I will see it."

          "Will she be there?" The Salvation Army lady asked.

          "I expect so; at least she said she would be."

          "OK then, how can I help?

          "Well I don't have any money you see; haven't had for thirty years or more. But yesterday I found a two shilling coin: I've no idea what it's worth so the thing is — " There he stopped, seemingly unable to finish his sentence.

          "The thing is?" The lady asked.

          "The thing is," Steve tried again. "how much smartening up can I get for two shillings?"

          "Not much I'm afraid, but let's go inside and see what we can do."

          Half an hour later the were a number items on the counter. "These should do it. A pair of trousers, a jacket, a shirt and tie and a pair of shoes; oh! and some socks."

          "How much are these going to cost? Steve asked, concerned that his one and only coin would not cover it.

          "Twelve shillings and sixpence." the lady answered. "Now I know that you only have two shillings so here's how we do it. You give me your two shilling coin; I will lend you ten shillings, and there'll be six pence discount."

          "I don't know when I will be able to repay you, if ever." Steve confessed.

          "Well I think you will, but when that will be isn't important."

          "I don't know how I can thank you, but I will try to find a way." Steve said as he reached forward to pick up his new outfit. He was surprised therefore when the lady put her hand on his to prevent him picking them up.

          "I know you will, but there are two conditions."

          Steve looked at her blankly, surprised and a little anxious. "There are?"

          "The first is for you. That one day you will walk in here and put a ten shilling note in my hand. It doesn't matter when or how long it takes. Just try to keep your promise."

          "And the other?"

          Now the lady took a deep breath. "I must say something that my offend you a little, but please believe me I don't intend to."

          Now Steve was worried, wondering what she was about to say. "I am going to keep these here until you come back to collect them tomorrow. If you are going to meet a lady you must smell as sweet as possible."

          "Are you telling me that I smell?"

          "In as nice a way as I can, yes. But don't let it worry you. Make sure you get a good shower tonight then come and see me tomorrow; I'll be waiting. Then go and see your lady."

          As Steve walked away from the shop the lady was watching from the window. Both had deep and very different thoughts.

          She, wondering if anything she had done would help this man. Not the Not the two shillings; she knew from the start that she was unlikely to see that again, but he had promised and you never know.

          He, wondering if he would ever be able to keep his promise. He was grateful to the lady and had a good feeling about their meeting at the sale 'tomorrow'. But he was quite certain that her attempts at matchmaking were doomed to failure.

          He did of course take her advice and showered before he settled down to sleep. Indeed so much had he taken her words to heart that he had showered again before breakfast. So he was feeling very confidant when he pushed open the Salivation Army door to face his inspection. What he had not expected was to be ushered into a small back room where a small table and chair had been set up with a pair of scissors a towel and a couple of mirrors.

          "Sit yourself down." she indicated the chair. "I forgot to tell you that there are three conditions not two."

          "How come?" Steve asked, somewhat uncertain.

          "You're going to meet a lady aren't you? Got to smarten yourself up a bit don't you think?"

          "Well yes, but I thought I had done that."

          "Yes you have. Now I can see that you've washed your hair and beard and I'm wondering if there might just be a presentable face underneath it all." She saw the look of concern, perhaps even resentment on the old man's face and quickly added, "Don't worry; I promise I won't go to far."

          With that she set too and within half an hour Steve was transformed. His beard which formally was long bushy and straggly was now much shorter and neatly trimmed. His hair which had hung well below his shoulder was equally unkempt now fell to just above his collar where it curled slightly. It had clearly benefited from the application of soap and water, allowing the natural light grey to shine through. While the essential Steve was still there he was no longer hidden behind a hairy mask.

          "There you are!" The lady said, giving Steve one of the mirrors to hold in front of him, while she held the other behind him. How's that?" she asked, a big smile displaying her delight.

          Steve looked into the mirrors and smiled back at her. "I haven't seen it like that for years. In fact I don' think I have ever seen it like that." his smile even broader. "What next?" he asked.

          "Get dressed." The lady walked to a side table and picked up Steve's bundle and handed them to him. "You can change in there," She pointed to a door and gave him a little push, "and then you're ready."

          Ten minutes later he emerged looking every bit a man capable of taking his place among others, respectable if not entirely distinguished but certainly not the kind one would expect to be thrown out of an art gallery. Indeed, he looked every bit like an artist.