Nineteen hundred? A forecast and a story

by Marianne Farningham

He had rebuilt the little mission chapel, which had been pronounced unsafe; he had made atonement in some way to every man who had paid him more for a house than it was worth; and he had met his liabilities like a man and a Christian.

Of course all this had not been done at small cost to himself. Much time and thought had been given to his affairs, and competent advice sought by him. It goes without saying that there had been many consultations at which his brother and his son assisted, and they were frequently joined by Mrs. Stapleton and her eldest daughter. In one point they were decided and united, once for all: whatever came they would not forfeit their own self-respect, and that of each other; nor would they do what their consciences, cultivated by Christianity, declared to be wrong in God’s sight, and dishonourable in the sight of the best men. And having thus decided it was wonderful how easy and practicable all the rest became.

The Granchester folk were considerably surprised, and almost filled with consternation, when they discovered that Mr. Stapleton’s house and estate, and even his horses, carriages, and furniture, were for sale; but he gained immensely from the fact that he was himself selling them, and not his creditors. His place was so convenient and beautiful, and in such excellent condition, that it sold exceedingly well, and with little delay; and the wonder of it all scarcely lasted the proverbial nine days. The greatest trouble Mr. Stapleton had was to get the money at once, and pay it away as quickly; for this is not the way in which business is done in these days; but he was a very determined man, and even the lawyers had for once to be in a hurry. For a few days he had much to endure—since it took that time for the people to make up their minds whether he was a rogue or a hero—and one or two acquaintances became less genial in their greetings and more cautious in their dealings with him. But after the meeting of the creditors, when it was understood what the man had really done, and how he had vindicated his honour and Christian principle, he was treated with a respect which almost amounted to veneration. One of the happiest memories of his life, henceforth, was that of the testimony which the chairman bore to his uprightness and sustained honour, and of the emphatic approval and handshakings of the other men.

And now himself and family were safely ensconced in their pretty country cottage, and had entered upon their new life. Mr. Stapleton went off every morning on the outside of the tram, and enjoyed his twopenny ride. He was always accompanied by his son, and generally by his eldest daughter, who now gave lessons on the violin, and had several pupils. Mrs. Stapleton spent an hour in the garden daily, and was assisted by some of the younger children. The girls were taking lessons in housekeeping of their mother. The troubles of the family had brought them all more closely together, and there was more love and brightness among them than before.

“Do you feel as if you have come down in the social scale, mother?” asked Ernest one day.

“Not in the least,” was the prompt reply. “My friends seem to have settled in the affirmative the question, ‘Ought we to visit her?’ and many of them have taken the trouble to come over and call. But they quite understand that I am too busy now to give much time to social civilities; and I am prepared to spend the rest of my days in the bosom of my family.”

As for Mr. Stapleton, the cloud had been lifted from him, and his step became once more buoyant and free. And the best of it was that his courageous example was followed by many other men, who would not have had strength to be honest if he had not shown them the way.

Before many weeks had passed an incident occurred which rendered it possible that he might once more win his way to fortune, although, as he often declared, if he were a millionaire he would never again live as extravagantly as he had done; and, indeed, simple life was becoming fashionable in many quarters.

The story of Arthur Knight’s removal to Craighelbyl had been frequently told in the illustrated and other newspapers, and it had excited great interest. Some manufacturers who were finding the expenses of their location in London and other large cities almost too heavy to be borne were fascinated by the idea of getting away into some country district, where the cost of living and production would be so much less as to cover in time that of removal. Before long several firms had resolved upon making a similar venture, and one or two limited liability companies were formed for the same purpose.

At a meeting of the managers of some of these companies it was resolved to ask Felix Stapleton to undertake the requisite buildings; and, as may be imagined, there was great rejoicing in his home at the news, as also at the home of Dr. Stapleton; for his brother hastened to inform him, and to ask his help and advice. “It could not come at a better time for me,” he said. “Most of my men will go with me anywhere, and will work for fair wages. The building trade is slack here so I shall have no difficulty. I am advised to go to Craighelbyl, and see the place for myself.”