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diff --git a/2696-h/2696-h.htm b/2696-h/2696-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f420dc3 --- /dev/null +++ b/2696-h/2696-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15679 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Elsie Venner, by Oliver Wendell Holmes + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie Venner, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. + +[The Physician and Poet, Not the Jurist, O. W. Holmes, Jr.] + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Elsie Venner + +Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. + +Release Date: August 15, 2006 [EBook #2696] +Last Updated: February 18, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE VENNER *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + <h1> + ELSIE VENNER + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Oliver Wendell Holmes + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> A SECOND PREFACE. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_PREF2"> PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>ELSIE VENNER.</b> </a> <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a>THE BRAHMIN CASTE OF NEW ENGLAND. + <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a>THE STUDENT AND HIS + CERTIFICATE. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a>MR. + BERNARD TRIES HIS HAND. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. + </a>THE MOTH FLIES INTO THE CANDLE. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a>AN OLD-FASHIONED DESCRIPTIVE CHAPTER. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a>THE SUNBEAM AND THE SHADOW. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a>THE EVENT OF THE SEASON. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a>THE MORNING AFTER. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a>THE DOCTOR ORDERS THE BEST SULKY. + <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a>THE DOCTOR CALLS ON + ELSIE VENNER. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a>COUSIN + RICHARD'S VISIT. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a>THE + APOLLINEAN INSTITUTE. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. + </a>CURIOSITY. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a>FAMILY + SECRETS. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a>PHYSIOLOGICAL. + <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a>EPISTOLARY. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a>OLD SOPHY CALLS ON THE REVEREND + DOCTOR. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a>THE + REVEREND DOCTOR CALLS ON BROTHER FAIRWEATHER. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a>THE SPIDER ON HIS THREAD. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a>FROM WITHOUT AND FROM WITHIN. + <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a>THE WIDOW ROWENS + GIVES A TEA-PARTY. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a>WHY + DOCTORS DIFFER. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a>THE + WILD HUNTSMAN. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a>ON + HIS TRACKS. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a>THE + PERILOUS HOUR. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a>THE + NEWS REACHES THE DUDLEY MANSION. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0027"> + CHAPTER XXVII. </a>A SOUL IN DISTRESS. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0028"> + CHAPTER XXVIII. </a>THE SECRET IS WHISPERED. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a>THE WHITE ASH. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a>THE GOLDEN CORD IS LOOSED. <br /><br /><a + href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a>MR. SILAS PECKHAM RENDERS HIS + ACCOUNT. <br /><br /><a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a>CONCLUSION. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + This tale was published in successive parts in the “Atlantic Monthly,” + under the name of “The Professor's Story,” the first number having + appeared in the third week of December, 1859. The critic who is curious in + coincidences must refer to the Magazine for the date of publication of the + chapter he is examining. + </p> + <p> + In calling this narrative a “romance,” the Author wishes to make sure of + being indulged in the common privileges of the poetic license. Through all + the disguise of fiction a grave scientific doctrine may be detected lying + beneath some of the delineations of character. He has used this doctrine + as a part of the machinery of his story without pledging his absolute + belief in it to the extent to which it is asserted or implied. It was + adopted as a convenient medium of truth rather than as an accepted + scientific conclusion. The reader must judge for himself what is the value + of various stories cited from old authors. He must decide how much of what + has been told he can accept either as having actually happened, or as + possible and more or less probable. The Author must be permitted, however, + to say here, in his personal character, and as responsible to the students + of the human mind and body, that since this story has been in progress he + has received the most startling confirmation of the possibility of the + existence of a character like that which he had drawn as a purely + imaginary conception in Elsie Venner. + </p> + <p> + BOSTON, January, 1861. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + A SECOND PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + This is the story which a dear old lady, my very good friend, spoke of as + “a medicated novel,” and quite properly refused to read. I was always + pleased with her discriminating criticism. It is a medicated novel, and if + she wished to read for mere amusement and helpful recreation there was no + need of troubling herself with a story written with a different end in + view. + </p> + <p> + This story has called forth so many curious inquiries that it seems worth + while to answer the more important questions which have occurred to its + readers. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, it is not based on any well-ascertained physiological + fact. There are old fables about patients who have barked like dogs or + crowed like cocks, after being bitten or wounded by those animals. There + is nothing impossible in the idea that Romulus and Remus may have imbibed + wolfish traits of character from the wet nurse the legend assigned them, + but the legend is not sound history, and the supposition is nothing more + than a speculative fancy. Still, there is a limbo of curious evidence + bearing on the subject of pre-natal influences sufficient to form the + starting-point of an imaginative composition. + </p> + <p> + The real aim, of the story was to test the doctrine of “original sin” and + human responsibility for the disordered volition coming under that + technical denomination. Was Elsie Venner, poisoned by the venom of a + crotalus before she was born, morally responsible for the “volitional” + aberrations, which translated into acts become what is known as sin, and, + it may be, what is punished as crime? If, on presentation of the evidence, + she becomes by the verdict of the human conscience a proper object of + divine pity and not of divine wrath, as a subject of moral poisoning, + wherein lies the difference between her position at the bar of judgment, + human or divine, and that of the unfortunate victim who received a moral + poison from a remote ancestor before he drew his first breath? + </p> + <p> + It might be supposed that the character of Elsie Venner was suggested by + some of the fabulous personages of classical or mediaeval story. I + remember that a French critic spoke of her as cette pauvre Melusine. I + ought to have been ashamed, perhaps, but I had, not the slightest idea who + Melusina was until I hunted up the story, and found that she was a fairy, + who for some offence was changed every Saturday to a serpent from her + waist downward. I was of course familiar with Keats's Lamia, another + imaginary being, the subject of magical transformation into a serpent. My + story was well advanced before Hawthorne's wonderful “Marble Faun,” which + might be thought to have furnished me with the hint of a mixed nature,—human, + with an alien element,—was published or known to me. So that my poor + heroine found her origin, not in fable or romance, but in a physiological + conception fertilized by a theological dogma. + </p> + <p> + I had the dissatisfaction of enjoying from a quiet corner a well-meant + effort to dramatize “Elsie Venner.” Unfortunately, a physiological + romance, as I knew beforehand, is hardly adapted for the melodramatic + efforts of stage representation. I can therefore say, with perfect truth, + that I was not disappointed. It is to the mind, and not to the senses, + that such a story must appeal, and all attempts to render the character + and events objective on the stage, or to make them real by artistic + illustrations, are almost of necessity failures. The story has won the + attention and enjoyed the favor of a limited class of readers, and if it + still continues to interest others of the same tastes and habits of + thought I can ask nothing more of it. + </p> + <p> + January 23, 1883. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF2" id="link2H_PREF2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION. + </h2> + <p> + I have nothing of importance to add to the two preceding Prefaces. The + continued call for this story, which was not written for popularity, but + with a very serious purpose, has somewhat surprised and, I need not add, + gratified me. I can only restate the motive idea of the tale in a little + different language. Believing, as I do, that our prevailing theologies are + founded upon an utterly false view of the relation of man to his Creator, + I attempted to illustrate the doctrine of inherited moral responsibility + for other people's misbehavior. I tried to make out a case for my poor + Elsie, whom the most hardened theologian would find it hard to blame for + her inherited ophidian tastes and tendencies. How, then, is he to blame + mankind for inheriting “sinfulness” from their first parents? May not the + serpent have bitten Eve before the birth of Cain, her first-born? That + would have made an excuse for Cain's children, as Elsie's ante-natal + misfortune made an excuse for her. But what difference does it make in the + child's responsibility whether his inherited tendencies come from a + snake-bite or some other source which he knew nothing about and could not + have prevented from acting? All this is plain enough, and the only use of + the story is to bring the dogma of inherited guilt and its consequences + into a clearer point of view. + </p> + <p> + But, after all, the tale must have proved readable as a story to account + for the large number of editions which it has reached. + </p> + <p> + Some readers have been curious about the locality the writer was thought + to have in view. No particular place was intended. Some of the characters + may have been thought to have been drawn from life; but the personages + mentioned are mostly composites, like Mr. Galton's compound photographic + likenesses, and are not calculated to provoke scandal or suits for libel. + </p> + <p> + O. W. H. + </p> + <p> + BEVERLY FARMS, MASS., August 3, 1891. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + ELSIE VENNER. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE BRAHMIN CASTE OF NEW ENGLAND. + </h2> + <p> + There is nothing in New England corresponding at all to the feudal + aristocracies of the Old World. Whether it be owing to the stock from + which we were derived, or to the practical working of our institutions, or + to the abrogation of the technical “law of honor,” which draws a sharp + line between the personally responsible class of “gentlemen” and the + unnamed multitude of those who are not expected to risk their lives for an + abstraction,—whatever be the cause, we have no such aristocracy here + as that which grew up out of the military systems of the Middle Ages. + </p> + <p> + What we mean by “aristocracy” is merely the richer part of the community, + that live in the tallest houses, drive real carriages, (not “kerridges,”) + kidglove their hands, and French-bonnet their ladies' heads, give parties + where the persons who call them by the above title are not invited, and + have a provokingly easy way of dressing, walking, talking, and nodding to + people, as if they felt entirely at home, and would not be embarrassed in + the least, if they met the Governor, or even the President of the United + States, face to face. Some of these great folks are really well-bred, some + of them are only purse-proud and assuming,—but they form a class, + and are named as above in the common speech. + </p> + <p> + It is in the nature of large fortunes to diminish rapidly, when subdivided + and distributed. A million is the unit of wealth, now and here in America. + It splits into four handsome properties; each of these into four good + inheritances; these, again, into scanty competences for four ancient + maidens,—with whom it is best the family should die out, unless it + can begin again as its great-grandfather did. Now a million is a kind of + golden cheese, which represents in a compendious form the summer's growth + of a fat meadow of craft or commerce; and as this kind of meadow rarely + bears more than one crop, it is pretty certain that sons and grandsons + will not get another golden cheese out of it, whether they milk the same + cows or turn in new ones. In other words, the millionocracy, considered in + a large way, is not at all an affair of persons and families, but a + perpetual fact of money with a variable human element, which a philosopher + might leave out of consideration without falling into serious error. Of + course, this trivial and, fugitive fact of personal wealth does not create + a permanent class, unless some special means are taken to arrest the + process of disintegration in the third generation. This is so rarely done, + at least successfully, that one need not live a very long life to see most + of the rich families he knew in childhood more or less reduced, and the + millions shifted into the hands of the country-boys who were sweeping + stores and carrying parcels when the now decayed gentry were driving their + chariots, eating their venison over silver chafing-dishes, drinking + Madeira chilled in embossed coolers, wearing their hair in powder, and + casing their legs in long boots with silken tassels. + </p> + <p> + There is, however, in New England, an aristocracy, if you choose to call + it so, which has a far greater character of permanence. It has grown to be + a caste,—not in any odious sense;—but, by the repetition of + the same influences, generation after generation, it has acquired a + distinct organization and physiognomy, which not to recognize is mere + stupidity, and not to be willing to describe would show a distrust of the + good-nature and intelligence of our readers, who like to have us see all + we can and tell all we see. + </p> + <p> + If you will look carefully at any class of students in one of our + colleges, you will have no difficulty in selecting specimens of two + different aspects of youthful manhood. Of course I shall choose extreme + cases to illustrate the contrast between them. In the first, the figure is + perhaps robust, but often otherwise,—inelegant, partly from careless + attitudes, partly from ill-dressing,—the face is uncouth in feature, + or at least common,—the mouth coarse and unformed,—the eye + unsympathetic, even if bright,—the movements of the face are clumsy, + like those of the limbs,—the voice is unmusical,—and the + enunciation as if the words were coarse castings, instead of fine + carvings. The youth of the other aspect is commonly slender, his face is + smooth, and apt to be pallid,—his features are regular and of a + certain delicacy,—his eye is bright and quick,—his lips play + over the thought he utters as a pianist's fingers dance over their music, + and his whole air, though it may be timid, and even awkward, has nothing + clownish. If you are a teacher, you know what to expect from each of these + young men. With equal willingness, the first will be slow at learning; the + second will take to his books as a pointer or a setter to his field-work. + </p> + <p> + The first youth is the common country-boy, whose race has been bred to + bodily labor. Nature has adapted the family organization to the kind of + life it has lived. The hands and feet by constant use have got more than + their share of development,—the organs of thought and expression + less than their share. The finer instincts are latent and must be + developed. A youth of this kind is raw material in its first stage of + elaboration. You must not expect too much of any such. Many of them have + force of will and character, and become distinguished in practical life; + but very few of them ever become great scholars. A scholar is, in a large + proportion of cases, the son of scholars or scholarly persons. + </p> + <p> + That is exactly what the other young man is. He comes of the Brahmin caste + of New England. This is the harmless, inoffensive, untitled aristocracy + referred to, and which many readers will at once acknowledge. There are + races of scholars among us, in which aptitude for learning, and all these + marks of it I have spoken of, are congenital and hereditary. Their names + are always on some college catalogue or other. They break out every + generation or two in some learned labor which calls them up after they + seem to have died out. At last some newer name takes their place, it + maybe,—but you inquire a little and you find it is the blood of the + Edwardses or the Chauncys or the Ellerys or some of the old historic + scholars, disguised under the altered name of a female descendant. + </p> + <p> + There probably is not an experienced instructor anywhere in our Northern + States who will not recognize at once the truth of this general + distinction. But the reader who has never been a teacher will very + probably object, that some of our most illustrious public men have come + direct from the homespun-clad class of the people,—and he may, + perhaps, even find a noted scholar or two whose parents were masters of + the English alphabet, but of no other. + </p> + <p> + It is not fair to pit a few chosen families against the great multitude of + those who are continually working their way up into the intellectual + classes. The results which are habitually reached by hereditary training + are occasionally brought about without it. There are natural filters as + well as artificial ones; and though the great rivers are commonly more or + less turbid, if you will look long enough, you may find a spring that + sparkles as no water does which drips through your apparatus of sands and + sponges. So there are families which refine themselves into intellectual + aptitude without having had much opportunity for intellectual + acquirements. A series of felicitous crosses develops an improved strain + of blood, and reaches its maximum perfection at last in the large uncombed + youth who goes to college and startles the hereditary class-leaders by + striding past them all. That is Nature's republicanism; thank God for it, + but do not let it make you illogical. The race of the hereditary scholar + has exchanged a certain portion of its animal vigor for its new instincts, + and it is hard to lead men without a good deal of animal vigor. The + scholar who comes by Nature's special grace from an unworn stock of + broad-chested sires and deep-bosomed mothers must always overmatch an + equal intelligence with a compromised and lowered vitality. A man's + breathing and digestive apparatus (one is tempted to add muscular) are + just as important to him on the floor of the Senate as his thinking + organs. You broke down in your great speech, did you? Yes, your + grandfather had an attack of dyspepsia in '82, after working too hard on + his famous Election Sermon. All this does not touch the main fact: our + scholars come chiefly from a privileged order, just as our best fruits + come from well-known grafts, though now and then a seedling apple, like + the Northern Spy, or a seedling pear, like the Seckel, springs from a + nameless ancestry and grows to be the pride of all the gardens in the + land. + </p> + <p> + Let me introduce you to a young man who belongs to the Brahmin caste of + New England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE STUDENT AND HIS CERTIFICATE. + </h2> + <p> + Bernard C. Langdon, a young man attending Medical Lectures at the school + connected with one of our principal colleges, remained after the Lecture + one day and wished to speak with the Professor. He was a student of mark,—first + favorite of his year, as they say of the Derby colts. There are in every + class half a dozen bright faces to which the teacher naturally, directs + his discourse, and by the intermediation of whose attention he seems to + hold that of the mass of listeners. Among these some one is pretty sure to + take the lead, by virtue of a personal magnetism, or some peculiarity of + expression, which places the face in quick sympathetic relations with the + lecturer. This was a young man with such a face; and I found,—for + you have guessed that I was the “Professor” above-mentioned,—that, + when there was anything difficult to be explained, or when I was bringing + out some favorite illustration of a nice point, (as, for instance; when I + compared the cell-growth, by which Nature builds up a plant or an animal, + to the glassblower's similar mode of beginning,—always with a hollow + sphere, or vesicle, whatever he is going to make,) I naturally looked in + his face and gauged my success by its expression. + </p> + <p> + It was a handsome face,—a little too pale, perhaps, and would have + borne something more of fulness without becoming heavy. I put the + organization to which it belongs in Section B of Class 1 of my + Anglo-American Anthropology (unpublished). The jaw in this section is but + slightly narrowed,—just enough to make the width of the forehead + tell more decidedly. The moustache often grows vigorously, but the + whiskers are thin. The skin is like that of Jacob, rather than like + Esau's. One string of the animal nature has been taken away, but this + gives only a greater predominance to the intellectual chords. To see just + how the vital energy has been toned down, you must contrast one of this + section with a specimen of Section A of the same class,—say, for + instance, one of the old-fashioned, full-whiskered, red-faced, roaring, + big Commodores of the last generation, whom you remember, at least by + their portraits, in ruffled shirts, looking as hearty as butchers and as + plucky as bull-terriers, with their hair combed straight up from their + foreheads, which were not commonly very high or broad. The special form of + physical life I have been describing gives you a right to expect more + delicate perceptions and a more reflective, nature than you commonly find + in shaggy-throated men, clad in heavy suits of muscles. + </p> + <p> + The student lingered in the lecture-room, looking all the time as if he + wanted to say something in private, and waiting for two or three others, + who were still hanging about, to be gone. + </p> + <p> + Something is wrong!—I said to myself, when I noticed his expression.—Well, + Mr. Langdon,—I said to him, when we were alone,—can I do + anything for you to-day? + </p> + <p> + You can, Sir,—he said.—I am going to leave the class, for the + present, and keep school. + </p> + <p> + Why, that 's a pity, and you so near graduating! You'd better stay and + finish this course and take your degree in the spring, rather than break + up your whole plan of study. + </p> + <p> + I can't help myself, Sir,—the young man answered.—There 's + trouble at home, and they cannot keep me here as they have done. So I must + look out for myself for a while. It's what I've done before, and am ready + to do again. I came to ask you for a certificate of my fitness to teach a + common school, or a high school, if you think I am up to that. Are you + willing to give it to me? + </p> + <p> + Willing? Yes, to be sure,—but I don't want you to go. Stay; we'll + make it easy for you. There's a fund will do something for you, perhaps. + Then you can take both the annual prizes, if you like,—and claim + them in money, if you want that more than medals. + </p> + <p> + I have thought it all over,—he answered,—and have pretty much + made up my mind to go. + </p> + <p> + A perfectly gentlemanly young man, of courteous address and mild + utterance, but means at least as much as he says. There are some people + whose rhetoric consists of a slight habitual under-statement. I often tell + Mrs. Professor that one of her “I think it's sos” is worth the Bible-oath + of all the rest of the household that they “know it's so.” When you find a + person a little better than his word, a little more liberal than his + promise, a little more than borne out in his statement by his facts, a + little larger in deed than in speech, you recognize a kind of eloquence in + that person's utterance not laid down in Blair or Campbell. + </p> + <p> + This was a proud fellow, self-trusting, sensitive, with + family-recollections that made him unwilling to accept the kind of aid + which many students would have thankfully welcomed. I knew him too well to + urge him, after the few words which implied that he was determined to go. + Besides, I have great confidence in young men who believe in themselves, + and are accustomed to rely on their own resources from an early period. + When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the World, and + takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it come off + in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away timid adventurers. + I have seen young men more than once, who came to a great city without a + single friend, support themselves and pay for their education, lay up + money in a few years, grow rich enough to travel, and establish themselves + in life, without ever asking a dollar of any person which they had not + earned. But these are exceptional cases. There are horse-tamers, born so,—as + we all know; there are woman-tamers, who bewitch the sex as the pied piper + bedeviled the children of Hamelin; and there are world-tamers, who can + make any community, even a Yankee one, get down and let them jump on its + back as easily as Mr. Rarey saddled Cruiser. + </p> + <p> + Whether Langdon was of this sort or not I could not say positively; but he + had spirit, and, as I have said, a family-pride which would not let him be + dependent. The New England Brahmin caste often gets blended with + connections of political influence or commercial distinction. It is a + charming thing for the scholar, when his fortune carries him in this way + into some of the “old families” who have fine old houses, and city-lots + that have risen in the market, and names written in all the stock-books of + all the dividend-paying companies. His narrow study expands into a stately + library, his books are counted by thousands instead of hundreds, and his + favorites are dressed in gilded calf in place of plebeian sheepskin or its + pauper substitutes of cloth and paper. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Jedediah Langdon, grandfather of our young gentleman, had + made an advantageous alliance of this kind. Miss Dorothea Wentworth had + read one of his sermons which had been printed “by request,” and became + deeply interested in the young author, whom she had never seen. Out of + this circumstance grew a correspondence, an interview, a declaration, a + matrimonial alliance, and a family of half a dozen children. Wentworth + Langdon, Esquire, was the oldest of these, and lived in the old + family-mansion. Unfortunately, that principle of the diminution of estates + by division, to which I have referred, rendered it somewhat difficult to + maintain the establishment upon the fractional income which the proprietor + received from his share of the property. Wentworth Langdon, Esq., + represented a certain intermediate condition of life not at all infrequent + in our old families. He was the connecting link between the generation + which lived in ease, and even a kind of state, upon its own resources, and + the new brood, which must live mainly by its wits or industry, and make + itself rich, or shabbily subside into that lower stratum known to social + geologists by a deposit of Kidderminster carpets and the peculiar aspect + of the fossils constituting the family furniture and wardrobe. This + slack-water period of a race, which comes before the rapid ebb of its + prosperity, is familiar to all who live in cities. There are no more + quiet, inoffensive people than these children of rich families, just above + the necessity of active employment, yet not in a condition to place their + own children advantageously, if they happen to have families. Many of them + are content to live unmarried. Some mend their broken fortunes by prudent + alliances, and some leave a numerous progeny to pass into the obscurity + from which their ancestors emerged; so that you may see on handcarts and + cobblers' stalls names which, a few generations back, were upon parchments + with broad seals, and tombstones with armorial bearings. + </p> + <p> + In a large city, this class of citizens is familiar to us in the streets. + They are very courteous in their salutations; they have time enough to bow + and take their hats off,—which, of course, no businessman can afford + to do. Their beavers are smoothly brushed, and their boots well polished; + all their appointments are tidy; they look the respectable walking + gentleman to perfection. They are prone to habits,—they frequent + reading-rooms,—insurance-offices,—they walk the same streets + at the same hours,—so that one becomes familiar with their faces and + persons, as a part of the street-furniture. + </p> + <p> + There is one curious circumstance, that all city-people must have noticed, + which is often illustrated in our experience of the slack-water gentry. We + shall know a certain person by his looks, familiarly, for years, but never + have learned his name. About this person we shall have accumulated no + little circumstantial knowledge;—thus, his face, figure, gait, his + mode of dressing, of saluting, perhaps even of speaking, may be familiar + to us; yet who he is we know not. In another department of our + consciousness, there is a very familiar name, which we have never found + the person to match. We have heard it so often, that it has idealized + itself, and become one of that multitude of permanent shapes which walk + the chambers of the brain in velvet slippers in the company of Falstaff + and Hamlet and General Washington and Mr. Pickwick. Sometimes the person + dies, but the name lives on indefinitely. But now and then it happens, + perhaps after years of this independent existence of the name and its + shadowy image in the brain, on the one part, and the person and all its + real attributes, as we see them daily, on the other, that some accident + reveals their relation, and we find the name we have carried so long in + our memory belongs to the person we have known so long as a + fellow-citizen. Now the slack—water gentry are among the persons + most likely to be the subjects of this curious divorce of title and + reality,—for the reason, that, playing no important part in the + community, there is nothing to tie the floating name to the actual + individual, as is the case with the men who belong in any way to the + public, while yet their names have a certain historical currency, and we + cannot help meeting them, either in their haunts, or going to and from + them. + </p> + <p> + To this class belonged Wentworth Langdon, Esq. He had been “dead-headed” + into the world some fifty years ago, and had sat with his hands in his + pockets staring at the show ever since. I shall not tell you, for reasons + before hinted, the whole name of the place in which he lived. I will only + point you in the right direction, by saying that there are three towns + lying in a line with each other, as you go “down East,” each of them with + a Port in its name, and each of them having a peculiar interest which + gives it individuality, in addition to the Oriental character they have in + common. I need not tell you that these towns are Newburyport, Portsmouth, + and Portland. The Oriental character they have in common consists in their + large, square, palatial mansions, with sunny gardens round them. The two + first have seen better days. They are in perfect harmony with the + condition of weakened, but not impoverished, gentility. Each of them is a + “paradise of demi-fortunes.” Each of them is of that intermediate size + between a village and a city which any place has outgrown when the + presence of a well-dressed stranger walking up and down the main street + ceases to be a matter of public curiosity and private speculation, as + frequently happens, during the busier months of the year, in considerable + commercial centres like Salem. They both have grand old recollections to + fall back upon,—times when they looked forward to commercial + greatness, and when the portly gentlemen in cocked hats, who built their + now decaying wharves and sent out their ships all over the world, dreamed + that their fast-growing port was to be the Tyre or the Carthage of the + rich British Colony. Great houses, like that once lived in by Lord Timothy + Dexter, in Newburyport, remain as evidence of the fortunes amassed in + these places of old. Other mansions—like the Rockingham House in + Portsmouth (look at the white horse's tail before you mount the broad + staircase)—show that there was not only wealth, but style and state, + in these quiet old towns during the last century. It is not with any + thought of pity or depreciation that we speak of them as in a certain + sense decayed towns; they did not fulfil their early promise of expansion, + but they remain incomparably the most interesting places of their size in + any of the three northernmost New England States. They have even now + prosperity enough to keep them in good condition, and offer the most + attractive residences for quiet families, which, if they had been English, + would have lived in a palazzo at Genoa or Pisa, or some other Continental + Newburyport or Portsmouth. + </p> + <p> + As for the last of the three Ports, or Portland, it is getting too + prosperous to be as attractive as its less northerly neighbors. Meant for + a fine old town, to ripen like a Cheshire cheese within its walls of + ancient rind, burrowed by crooked alleys and mottled with venerable mould, + it seems likely to sacrifice its mellow future to a vulgar material + prosperity. Still it remains invested with many of its old charms, as yet, + and will forfeit its place among this admirable trio only when it gets a + hotel with unequivocal marks of having been built and organized in the + present century. + </p> + <p> + —It was one of the old square palaces of the North, in which Bernard + Langdon, the son of Wentworth, was born. If he had had the luck to be an + only child, he might have lived as his father had done, letting his meagre + competence smoulder on almost without consuming, like the fuel in an + air-tight stove. But after Master Bernard came Miss Dorothea Elizabeth + Wentworth Langdon, and then Master William Pepperell Langdon, and others, + equally well named,—a string of them, looking, when they stood in a + row in prayer-time, as if they would fit a set of Pandean pipes, of from + three feet upward in dimensions. The door of the air-tight stove has to be + opened, under such circumstances, you may well suppose! So it happened + that our young man had been obliged, from an early period, to do something + to support himself, and found himself stopped short in his studies by the + inability of the good people at home to furnish him the present means of + support as a student. + </p> + <p> + You will understand now why the young man wanted me to give him a + certificate of his fitness to teach, and why I did not choose to urge him + to accept the aid which a meek country-boy from a family without + ante-Revolutionary recollections would have thankfully received. Go he + must,—that was plain enough. He would not be content otherwise. He + was not, however, to give up his studies; and as it is customary to allow + half-time to students engaged in school-keeping,—that is, to count a + year, so employed, if the student also keep on with his professional + studies, as equal to six months of the three years he is expected to be + under an instructor before applying for his degree,—he would not + necessarily lose more than a few months of time. He had a small library of + professional books, which he could take with him. + </p> + <p> + So he left my teaching and that of my estimable colleagues, carrying with + him my certificate, that Mr. Bernard C. Langdon was a young gentleman of + excellent moral character, of high intelligence and good education, and + that his services would be of great value in any school, academy, or other + institution, where young persons of-either sex were to be instructed. + </p> + <p> + I confess, that expression, “either sex,” ran a little thick, as I may + say, from my pen. For, although the young man bore a very fair character, + and there was no special cause for doubting his discretion, I considered + him altogether too good-looking, in the first place, to be let loose in a + roomful of young girls. I didn't want him to fall in love just then—and + if half a dozen girls fell in love with him, as they most assuredly would, + if brought into too near relations with him, why, there was no telling + what gratitude and natural sensibility might bring about. + </p> + <p> + Certificates are, for the most part, like ostrich-eggs; the giver never + knows what is hatched out of them. But once in a thousand times they act + as curses are said to,—come home to roost. Give them often enough, + until it gets to be a mechanical business, and, some day or other, you + will get caught warranting somebody's ice not to melt in any climate, or + somebody's razors to be safe in the hands of the youngest children. + </p> + <p> + I had an uneasy feeling, after giving this certificate. It might be all + right enough; but if it happened to end badly, I should always reproach + myself. There was a chance, certainly, that it would lead him or others + into danger or wretchedness. Any one who looked at this young man could + not fail to see that he was capable of fascinating and being fascinated. + Those large, dark eyes of his would sink into the white soul of a young + girl as the black cloth sunk into the snow in Franklin's famous + experiment. Or, on the other hand, if the rays of a passionate nature + should ever be concentrated on them, they would be absorbed into the very + depths of his nature, and then his blood would turn to flame and burn his + life out of him, until his cheeks grew as white as the ashes that cover a + burning coal. + </p> + <p> + I wish I had not said either sex in my certificate. An academy for young + gentlemen, now; that sounds cool and unimaginative. A boys' school, that + would be a very good place for him;—some of them are pretty rough, + but there is nerve enough in that old Wentworth strain of blood; he can + give any country fellow, of the common stock, twenty pounds, and hit him + out of time in ten minutes. But to send such a young fellow as that out a + girl's-nesting! to give this falcon a free pass into all the dove-cotes! I + was a fool,—that's all. + </p> + <p> + I brooded over the mischief which might come out of these two words until + it seemed to me that they were charged with destiny. I could hardly sleep + for thinking what a train I might have been laying, which might take a + spark any day, and blow up nobody knows whose peace or prospects. What I + dreaded most was one of those miserable matrimonial misalliances where a + young fellow who does not know himself as yet flings his magnificent + future into the checked apron-lap of some fresh-faced, half-bred + country-girl, no more fit to be mated with him than her father's horse to + go in double harness with Flora Temple. To think of the eagle's wings, + being clipped so that he shall never lift himself over the farm-yard + fence! Such things happen, and always must,—because, as one of us + said awhile ago, a man always loves, a woman, and a woman a man, unless + some good reason exists to the contrary. You think yourself a very + fastidious young man, my friend; but there are probably at least + five-thousand young women in these United States, any one of whom you + would certainly marry, if you were thrown much into her company, and + nobody more attractive were near, and she had no objection. And you, my + dear young lady, justly pride yourself on your discerning delicacy; but if + I should say that there are twenty thousand young men, any one of whom, if + he offered his hand and heart under favorable circumstances, you would + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “First endure, then pity, then embrace,” + </pre> + <p> + I should be much more imprudent than I mean to be, and you would, no + doubt, throw down a story in which I hope to interest you. + </p> + <p> + I had settled it in my mind that this young fellow had a career marked out + for him. He should begin in the natural way, by taking care of poor + patients in one of the public charities, and work his way up to a better + kind of practice,—better, that is, in the vulgar, worldly sense. The + great and good Boerhaave used to say, as I remember very well, that the + poor were his best patients; for God was their paymaster. But everybody is + not as patient as Boerhaave, nor as deserving; so that the rich, though + not, perhaps, the best patients, are good enough for common practitioners. + I suppose Boerhaave put up with them when he could not get poor ones, as + he left his daughter two millions of florins when he died. + </p> + <p> + Now if this young man once got into the wide streets, he would sweep them + clear of his rivals of the same standing; and as I was getting indifferent + to business, and old Dr. Kilham was growing careless, and had once or + twice prescribed morphine when he meant quinine, there would soon be an + opening into the Doctor's Paradise,—the streets with only one side + to them. Then I would have him strike a bold stroke,—set up a nice + little coach, and be driven round like a first-class London doctor, + instead of coasting about in a shabby one-horse concern and casting anchor + opposite his patients' doors like a Cape Ann fishing-smack. By the time he + was thirty, he would have knocked the social pawns out of his way, and be + ready to challenge a wife from the row of great pieces in the background. + I would not have a man marry above his level, so as to become the + appendage of a powerful family-connection; but I would not have him marry + until he knew his level,—that is, again, looking at the matter in a + purely worldly point of view, and not taking the sentiments at all into + consideration. But remember, that a young man, using large endowments + wisely and fortunately, may put himself on a level with the highest in the + land in ten brilliant years of spirited, unflagging labor. And to stand at + the very top of your calling in a great city is something in itself,—that + is, if you like money, and influence, and a seat on the platform at public + lectures, and gratuitous tickets to all sorts of places where you don't + want to go, and, what is a good deal better than any of these things, a + sense of power, limited, it may be, but absolute in its range, so that all + the Caesars and Napoleons would have to stand aside, if they came between + you and the exercise of your special vocation. + </p> + <p> + That is what I thought this young fellow might have come to; and now I + have let him go off into the country with my certificate, that he is fit + to teach in a school for either sex! Ten to one he will run like a moth + into a candle, right into one of those girls'-nests, and get tangled up in + some sentimental folly or other, and there will be the end of him. Oh, + yes! country doctor,—half a dollar a visit,—drive, drive, + drive all day,—get up at night and harness your own horse,—drive + again ten miles in a snow-storm, shake powders out of two phials, (pulv. + glycyrrhiz., pulv. gum. acac. as partes equates,)—drive back again, + if you don't happen to get stuck in a drift, no home, no peace, no + continuous meals, no unbroken sleep, no Sunday, no holiday, no social + intercourse, but one eternal jog, jog, jog, in a sulky, until you feel + like the mummy of an Indian who had been buried in the sitting posture, + and was dug up a hundred years afterwards! Why did n't I warn him about + love and all that nonsense? Why didn't I tell him he had nothing to do + with it, yet awhile? Why did n't I hold up to him those awful examples I + could have cited, where poor young fellows who could just keep themselves + afloat have hung a matrimonial millstone round their necks, taking it for + a life-preserver? All this of two words in a certificate! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. MR. BERNARD TRIES HIS HAND. + </h2> + <p> + Whether the Student advertised for a school, or whether he fell in with + the advertisement of a school-committee, is not certain. At any rate, it + was not long before he found himself the head of a large district, or, as + it was called by the inhabitants, “deestric” school, in the flourishing + inland village of Pequawkett, or, as it is commonly spelt, Pigwacket + Centre. The natives of this place would be surprised, if they should hear + that any of the readers of a work published in Boston were unacquainted + with so remarkable a locality. As, however, some copies of it may be read + at a distance from this distinguished metropolis, it may be well to give a + few particulars respecting the place, taken from the Universal Gazetteer. + </p> + <p> + “PIGWACKET, sometimes spelt Pequawkett. A post-village and township in + ——— Co., State of ———, situated in a fine + agricultural region, 2 thriving villages, Pigwacket Centre and Smithville, + 3 churches, several school houses, and many handsome private residences. + Mink River runs through the town, navigable for small boats after heavy + rains. Muddy Pond at N. E. section, well stocked with horn pouts, eels, + and shiners. Products, beef, pork, butter, cheese. Manufactures, + shoe-pegs, clothes-pins, and tin-ware. Pop. 1373.” + </p> + <p> + The reader may think there is nothing very remarkable implied in this + description. If, however he had read the town-history, by the Rev. Jabez + Grubb, he would have learned, that, like the celebrated Little Pedlington, + it was distinguished by many very remarkable advantages. Thus: + </p> + <p> + “The situation of Pigwacket is eminently beautiful, looking down the + lovely valley of Mink River, a tributary of the Musquash. The air is + salubrious, and many of the inhabitants have attained great age, several + having passed the allotted period of 'three-score years and ten' before + succumbing to any of the various 'ills that flesh is heir to.' Widow + Comfort Leevins died in 1836 AEt. LXXXVII. years. Venus, an African, died + in 1841, supposed to be C. years old. The people are distinguished for + intelligence, as has been frequently remarked by eminent lyceum-lecturers, + who have invariably spoken in the highest terms of a Pigwacket audience. + There is a public library, containing nearly a hundred volumes, free to + all subscribers. The preached word is well attended, there is a + flourishing temperance society, and the schools are excellent. It is a + residence admirably adapted to refined families who relish the beauties of + Nature and the charms of society. The Honorable John Smith, formerly a + member of the State Senate, was a native of this town.” + </p> + <p> + That is the way they all talk. After all, it is probably pretty much like + other inland New England towns in point of “salubrity,”—that is, + gives people their choice of dysentery or fever every autumn, with a + season-ticket for consumption, good all the year round. And so of the + other pretences. “Pigwacket audience,” forsooth! Was there ever an + audience anywhere, though there wasn't a pair of eyes in it brighter than + pickled oysters, that did n't think it was “distinguished for + intelligence”?—“The preached word”! That means the Rev. Jabez + Grubb's sermons. “Temperance society”! “Excellent schools”! Ah, that is + just what we were talking about. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, that District No. 1, Pigwacket Centre, had had a good deal + of trouble of late with its schoolmasters. The committee had done their + best, but there were a number of well-grown and pretty rough young fellows + who had got the upper-hand of the masters, and meant to keep it. Two + dynasties had fallen before the uprising of this fierce democracy. This + was a thing that used to be not very uncommon; but in so “intelligent” a + community as that of Pigwacket Centre, in an era of public libraries and + lyceum-lectures, it was portentous and alarming. + </p> + <p> + The rebellion began under the ferule of Master Weeks, a slender youth from + a country college, underfed, thin-blooded, sloping-shouldered, + knock-kneed, straight-haired, weak-bearded, pale-eyed, wide-pupilled, + half-colored; a common type enough in in-door races, not rich enough to + pick and choose in their alliances. Nature kills off a good many of this + sort in the first teething-time, a few in later childhood, a good many + again in early adolescence; but every now and then one runs the gauntlet + of her various diseases, or rather forms of one disease, and grows up, as + Master Weeks had done. + </p> + <p> + It was a very foolish thing for him to try to inflict personal punishment + on such a lusty young fellow as Abner Briggs, Junior, one of the “hardest + customers” in the way of a rough-and-tumble fight that there were anywhere + round. No doubt he had been insolent, but it would have been better to + overlook it. It pains me to report the events which took place when the + master made his rash attempt to maintain his authority. Abner Briggs, + Junior, was a great, hulking fellow, who had been bred to butchering, but + urged by his parents to attend school, in order to learn the elegant + accomplishments of reading and writing, in which he was sadly deficient. + He was in the habit of talking and laughing pretty loud in school-hours, + of throwing wads of paper reduced to a pulp by a natural and easy process, + of occasional insolence and general negligence. One of the soft, but + unpleasant missiles just alluded to flew by the master's head one morning, + and flattened itself against the wall, where it adhered in the form of a + convex mass in alto rilievo. The master looked round and saw the young + butcher's arm in an attitude which pointed to it unequivocally as the + source from which the projectile had taken its flight. + </p> + <p> + Master Weeks turned pale. He must “lick” Abner Briggs, Junior, or + abdicate. So he determined to lick Abner Briggs, Junior. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, Sir!” he said; “you have insulted me and outraged the decency + of the schoolroom often enough! Hold out your hand!” + </p> + <p> + The young fellow grinned and held it out. The master struck at it with his + black ruler, with a will in the blow and a snapping of the eyes, as much + as to say that he meant to make him smart this time. The young fellow + pulled his hand back as the ruler came down, and the master hit himself a + vicious blow with it on the right knee. There are things no man can stand. + The master caught the refractory youth by the collar and began shaking + him, or rather shaking himself against him. + </p> + <p> + “Le' go o' that are coat, naow,” said the fellow, “or I 'll make ye! 'T + 'll take tew on yet' handle me, I tell ye, 'n' then ye caant dew it!”—and + the young pupil returned the master's attention by catching hold of his + collar. + </p> + <p> + When it comes to that, the best man, not exactly in the moral sense, but + rather in the material, and more especially the muscular point of view, is + very apt to have the best of it, irrespectively of the merits of the case. + So it happened now. The unfortunate schoolmaster found himself taking the + measure of the sanded floor, amidst the general uproar of the school. From + that moment his ferule was broken, and the school-committee very soon had + a vacancy to fill. + </p> + <p> + Master Pigeon, the successor of Master Weeks, was of better stature, but + loosely put together, and slender-limbed. A dreadfully nervous kind of man + he was, walked on tiptoe, started at sudden noises, was distressed when he + heard a whisper, had a quick, suspicious look, and was always saying, + “Hush?” and putting his hands to his ears. The boys were not long in + finding out this nervous weakness, of course. In less than a week a + regular system of torments was inaugurated, full of the most diabolical + malice and ingenuity. The exercises of the conspirators varied from day to + day, but consisted mainly of foot-scraping, solos on the slate-pencil, + (making it screech on the slate,) falling of heavy books, attacks of + coughing, banging of desk-lids, boot-creaking, with sounds as of drawing a + cork from time to time, followed by suppressed chuckles. + </p> + <p> + Master Pigeon grew worse and worse under these inflictions. The rascally + boys always had an excuse for any one trick they were caught at. “Could n' + help coughin', Sir.” “Slipped out o' m' han', Sir.” “Did n' go to, Sir.” + “Did n' dew't o' purpose, Sir.” And so on,—always the best of + reasons for the most outrageous of behavior. The master weighed himself at + the grocer's on a platform balance, some ten days after he began keeping + the school. At the end of a week he weighed himself again. He had lost two + pounds. At the end of another week he had lost five. He made a little + calculation, based on these data, from which he learned that in a certain + number of months, going on at this rate, he should come to weigh precisely + nothing at all; and as this was a sum in subtraction he did not care to + work out in practice, Master Pigeon took to himself wings and left the + school-committee in possession of a letter of resignation and a vacant + place to fill once more. + </p> + <p> + This was the school to which Mr. Bernard Langdon found himself appointed + as master. He accepted the place conditionally, with the understanding + that he should leave it at the end of a month, if he were tired of it. + </p> + <p> + The advent of Master Langdon to Pigwacket Centre created a much more + lively sensation than had attended that of either of his predecessors. + Looks go a good way all the world over, and though there were several + good-looking people in the place, and Major Bush was what the natives of + the town called a “hahnsome mahn,” that is, big, fat, and red, yet the + sight of a really elegant young fellow, with the natural air which grows + up with carefully-bred young persons, was a novelty. The Brahmin blood + which came from his grandfather as well as from his mother, a direct + descendant of the old Flynt family, well known by the famous tutor, Henry + Flynt, (see Cat. Harv. Anno 1693,) had been enlivened and enriched by that + of the Wentworths, which had had a good deal of ripe old Madeira and other + generous elements mingled with it, so that it ran to gout sometimes in the + old folks and to high spirit, warm complexion, and curly hair in some of + the younger ones. The soft curling hair Mr. Bernard had inherited,—something, + perhaps, of the high spirit; but that we shall have a chance of finding + out by and by. But the long sermons and the frugal board of his Brahmin + ancestry, with his own habits of study, had told upon his color, which was + subdued to something more of delicacy than one would care to see in a + young fellow with rough work before him. This, however, made him look more + interesting, or, as the young ladies at Major Bush's said, “interestin'.” + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Bernard showed himself at meeting, on the first Sunday after his + arrival, it may be supposed that a good many eyes were turned upon the + young schoolmaster. There was something heroic in his coming forward so + readily to take a place which called for a strong hand, and a prompt, + steady will to guide it. In fact, his position was that of a military + chieftain on the eve of a battle. Everybody knew everything in Pigwacket + Centre; and it was an understood thing that the young rebels meant to put + down the new master, if they could. It was natural that the two prettiest + girls in the village, called in the local dialect, as nearly as our + limited alphabet will represent it, Alminy Cutterr, and Arvilly Braowne, + should feel and express an interest in the good-looking stranger, and + that, when their flattering comments were repeated in the hearing of their + indigenous admirers, among whom were some of the older “boys” of the + school, it should not add to the amiable dispositions of the turbulent + youth. + </p> + <p> + Monday came, and the new schoolmaster was in his chair at the upper end of + the schoolhouse, on the raised platform. The rustics looked at his + handsome face, thoughtful, peaceful, pleasant, cheerful, but sharply cut + round the lips and proudly lighted about the eyes. The ringleader of the + mischief-makers, the young butcher who has before figured in this + narrative, looked at him stealthily, whenever he got a chance to study him + unobserved; for the truth was, he felt uncomfortable, whenever he found + the large, dark eyes fixed on his own little, sharp, deep-set, gray ones. + But he managed to study him pretty well,—first his face, then his + neck and shoulders, the set of his arms, the narrowing at the loins, the + make of his legs, and the way he moved. In short, he examined him as he + would have examined a steer, to see what he could do and how he would cut + up. If he could only have gone to him and felt of his muscles, he would + have been entirely satisfied. He was not a very wise youth, but he did + know well enough, that, though big arms and legs are very good things, + there is something besides size that goes to make a man; and he had heard + stories of a fighting-man, called “The Spider,” from his attenuated + proportions, who was yet a terrible hitter in the ring, and had whipped + many a big-limbed fellow, in and out of the roped arena. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be smoother than the way in which everything went on for the + first day or two. The new master was so kind and courteous, he seemed to + take everything in such a natural, easy way, that there was no chance to + pick a quarrel with him. He in the mean time thought it best to watch the + boys and young men for a day or two with as little show of authority as + possible. It was easy enough to see that he would have occasion for it + before long. + </p> + <p> + The schoolhouse was a grim, old, red, one-story building, perched on a + bare rock at the top of a hill,—partly because this was a + conspicuous site for the temple of learning, and partly because land is + cheap where there is no chance even for rye or buckwheat, and the very + sheep find nothing to nibble. About the little porch were carved initials + and dates, at various heights, from the stature of nine to that of + eighteen. Inside were old unpainted desks,—unpainted, but browned + with the umber of human contact,—and hacked by innumerable + jack-knives. It was long since the walls had been whitewashed, as might be + conjectured by the various traces left upon them, wherever idle hands or + sleepy heads could reach them. A curious appearance was noticeable on + various higher parts of the wall: namely, a wart-like eruption, as one + would be tempted to call it, being in reality a crop of the soft missiles + before mentioned, which, adhering in considerable numbers, and hardening + after the usual fashion of papier-mache, formed at last permanent + ornaments of the edifice. + </p> + <p> + The young master's quick eye soon noticed that a particular part of the + wall was most favored with these ornamental appendages. Their position + pointed sufficiently clearly to the part of the room they came from. In + fact, there was a nest of young mutineers just there, which must be broken + up by a coup d'etat. This was easily effected by redistributing the seats + and arranging the scholars according to classes, so that a mischievous + fellow, charged full of the rebellious imponderable, should find himself + between two non-conductors, in the shape of small boys of studious habits. + It was managed quietly enough, in such a plausible sort of way that its + motive was not thought of. But its effects were soon felt; and then began + a system of correspondence by signs, and the throwing of little scrawls + done up in pellets, and announced by preliminary a'h'ms! to call the + attention of the distant youth addressed. Some of these were incendiary + documents, devoting the schoolmaster to the lower divinities, as “a + stuck-up dandy,” as “a purse-proud aristocrat,” as “a sight too big for + his, etc.,” and holding him up in a variety of equally forcible phrases to + the indignation of the youthful community of School District No. 1, + Pigwacket Centre. + </p> + <p> + Presently the draughtsman of the school set a caricature in circulation, + labelled, to prevent mistakes, with the schoolmaster's name. An immense + bell-crowned hat, and a long, pointed, swallow-tailed coat showed that the + artist had in his mind the conventional dandy, as shown in prints of + thirty or forty years ago, rather than any actual human aspect of the + time. But it was passed round among the boys and made its laugh, helping + of course to undermine the master's authority, as “Punch” or the + “Charivari” takes the dignity out of an obnoxious minister. One morning, + on going to the schoolroom, Master Langdon found an enlarged copy of this + sketch, with its label, pinned on the door. He took it down, smiled a + little, put it into his pocket, and entered the schoolroom. An insidious + silence prevailed, which looked as if some plot were brewing. The boys + were ripe for mischief, but afraid. They had really no fault to find with + the master, except that he was dressed like a gentleman, which a certain + class of fellows always consider a personal insult to themselves. But the + older ones were evidently plotting, and more than once the warning a'h'm! + was heard, and a dirty little scrap of paper rolled into a wad shot from + one seat to another. One of these happened to strike the stove-funnel, and + lodged on the master's desk. He was cool enough not to seem to notice it. + He secured it, however, and found an opportunity to look at it, without + being observed by the boys. It required no immediate notice. + </p> + <p> + He who should have enjoyed the privilege of looking upon Mr. Bernard + Langdon the next morning, when his toilet was about half finished, would + have had a very pleasant gratuitous exhibition. First he buckled the strap + of his trousers pretty tightly. Then he took up a pair of heavy + dumb-bells, and swung them for a few minutes; then two great “Indian + clubs,” with which he enacted all sorts of impossible-looking feats. His + limbs were not very large, nor his shoulders remarkably broad; but if you + knew as much of the muscles as all persons who look at statues and + pictures with a critical eye ought to have learned,—if you knew the + trapezius, lying diamond-shaped over the back and shoulders like a monk's + cowl,—or the deltoid, which caps the shoulder like an epaulette,—or + the triceps, which furnishes the calf of the upper arm,—or the + hard-knotted biceps,—any of the great sculptural landmarks, in fact,—you + would have said there was a pretty show of them, beneath the white satiny + skin of Mr. Bernard Langdon. And if you had seen him, when he had laid + down the Indian clubs, catch hold of a leather strap that hung from the + beam of the old-fashioned ceiling,—and lift and lower himself over + and over again by his left hand alone, you might have thought it a very + simple and easy thing to do, until you tried to do it yourself. Mr. + Bernard looked at himself with the eye of an expert. “Pretty well!” he + said;—“not so much fallen off as I expected.” Then he set up his + bolster in a very knowing sort of way, and delivered two or three blows + straight as rulers and swift as winks. “That will do,” he said. Then, as + if determined to make a certainty of his condition, he took a dynamometer + from one of the drawers in his old veneered bureau. First he squeezed it + with his two hands. Then he placed it on the floor and lifted, steadily, + strongly. The springs creaked and cracked; the index swept with a great + stride far up into the high figures of the scale; it was a good lift. He + was satisfied. He sat down on the edge of his bed and looked at his + cleanly-shaped arms. “If I strike one of those boobies, I am afraid I + shall spoil him,” he said. Yet this young man, when weighed with his class + at the college, could barely turn one hundred and forty-two pounds in the + scale,—not a heavy weight, surely; but some of the middle weights, + as the present English champion, for instance, seem to be of a far finer + quality of muscle than the bulkier fellows. + </p> + <p> + The master took his breakfast with a good appetite that morning, but was + perhaps rather more quiet than usual. After breakfast he went up-stairs + and put, on a light loose frock, instead of that which he commonly wore, + which was a close-fitting and rather stylish one. On his way to school he + met Alminy Cutterr, who happened to be walking in the other direction. + “Good-morning, Miss Cutter,” he said; for she and another young lady had + been introduced to him, on a former occasion, in the usual phrase of + polite society in presenting ladies to gentlemen,—“Mr. Langdon, let + me make y' acquainted with Miss Cutterr;—let me make y' acquainted + with Miss Braowne.” So he said, “Good-morning”; to which she replied, + “Good-mornin', Mr. Langdon. Haow's your haalth?” The answer to this + question ought naturally to have been the end of the talk; but Alminy + Cutterr lingered and looked as if she had something more on her mind. + </p> + <p> + A young fellow does not require a great experience to read a simple + country-girl's face as if it were a sign-board. Alminy was a good soul, + with red cheeks and bright eyes, kind-hearted as she could be, and it was + out of the question for her to hide her thoughts or feelings like a fine + lady. Her bright eyes were moist and her red cheeks paler than their wont, + as she said, with her lips quivering, “Oh, Mr. Langdon, them boys 'll be + the death of ye, if ye don't take caar!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what's the matter, my dear?” said Mr. Bernard.—Don't think + there was anything very odd in that “my dear,” at the second interview + with a village belle;—some of these woman-tamers call a girl “My + dear,” after five minutes' acquaintance, and it sounds all right as they + say it. But you had better not try it at a venture. + </p> + <p> + It sounded all right to Alminy, as Mr. Bernard said it.—“I 'll tell + ye what's the mahtterr,” she said, in a frightened voice. “Ahbner 's go'n' + to car' his dog, 'n' he'll set him on ye'z sure 'z y' 'r' alive. 'T's the + same cretur that haaf eat up Eben Squires's little Jo, a year come nex' + Faast day.” + </p> + <p> + Now this last statement was undoubtedly overcolored; as little Jo Squires + was running about the village,—with an ugly scar on his arm, it is + true, where the beast had caught him with his teeth, on the occasion of + the child's taking liberties with him, as he had been accustomed to do + with a good-tempered Newfoundland dog, who seemed to like being pulled and + hauled round by children. After this the creature was commonly muzzled, + and, as he was fed on raw meat chiefly, was always ready for a fight, + which he was occasionally indulged in, when anything stout enough to match + him could be found in any of the neighboring villages. + </p> + <p> + Tiger, or, more briefly, Tige, the property of Abner Briggs, Junior, + belonged to a species not distinctly named in scientific books, but well + known to our country-folks under the name “Yallah dog.” They do not use + this expression as they would say black dog or white dog, but with almost + as definite a meaning as when they speak of a terrier or a spaniel. A + “yallah dog” is a large canine brute, of a dingy old-flannel color, of no + particular breed except his own, who hangs round a tavern or a butcher's + shop, or trots alongside of a team, looking as if he were disgusted with + the world, and the world with him. Our inland population, while they + tolerate him, speak of him with contempt. Old ______, of Meredith Bridge, + used to twit the sun for not shining on cloudy days, swearing, that, if he + hung up his “yallah dog,” he would make a better show of daylight. A + country fellow, abusing a horse of his neighbor's, vowed, that, “if he had + such a hoss, he'd swap him for a `yallah dog,'—and then shoot the + dog.” + </p> + <p> + Tige was an ill-conditioned brute by nature, and art had not improved him + by cropping his ears and tail and investing him with a spiked collar. He + bore on his person, also, various not ornamental scars, marks of old + battles; for Tige had fight in him, as was said before, and as might be + guessed by a certain bluntness about the muzzle, with a projection of the + lower jaw, which looked as if there might be a bull-dog stripe among the + numerous bar-sinisters of his lineage. + </p> + <p> + It was hardly fair, however, to leave Alminy Cutterr waiting while this + piece of natural history was telling.—As she spoke of little Jo, who + had been “haaf eat up” by Tige, she could not contain her sympathies, and + began to cry. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear little soul,” said Mr. Bernard, “what are you worried about? + I used to play with a bear when I was a boy; and the bear used to hug me, + and I used to kiss him,—so!” + </p> + <p> + It was too bad of Mr. Bernard, only the second time he had seen Alminy; + but her kind feelings had touched him, and that seemed the most natural + way of expressing his gratitude. Ahniny looked round to see if anybody was + near; she saw nobody, so of course it would do no good to “holler.” She + saw nobody; but a stout young fellow, leading a yellow dog, muzzled, saw + her through a crack in a picket fence, not a great way off the road. Many + a year he had been “hangin' 'raoun'” Alminy, and never did he see any + encouraging look, or hear any “Behave, naow!” or “Come, naow, a'n't ye + 'shamed?” or other forbidding phrase of acquiescence, such as village + belles under stand as well as ever did the nymph who fled to the willows + in the eclogue we all remember. + </p> + <p> + No wonder he was furious, when he saw the school master, who had never + seen the girl until within a week, touching with his lips those rosy + cheeks which he had never dared to approach. But that was all; it was a + sudden impulse; and the master turned away from the young girl, laughing, + and telling her not to fret herself about him,—he would take care of + himself. + </p> + <p> + So Master Langdon walked on toward his school-house, not displeased, + perhaps, with his little adventure, nor immensely elated by it; for he was + one of the natural class of the sex-subduers, and had had many a smile + without asking, which had been denied to the feeble youth who try to win + favor by pleading their passion in rhyme, and even to the more formidable + approaches of young officers in volunteer companies, considered by many to + be quite irresistible to the fair who have once beheld them from their + windows in the epaulettes and plumes and sashes of the “Pigwacket + Invincibles,” or the “Hackmatack Rangers.” + </p> + <p> + Master Langdon took his seat and began the exercises of his school. The + smaller boys recited their lessons well enough, but some of the larger + ones were negligent and surly. He noticed one or two of them looking + toward the door, as if expecting somebody or something in that direction. + At half past nine o'clock, Abner Briggs, Junior, who had not yet shown + himself, made his appearance. He was followed by his “yallah dog,” without + his muzzle, who squatted down very grimly near the door, and gave a + wolfish look round the room, as if he were considering which was the + plumpest boy to begin with. The young butcher, meanwhile, went to his + seat, looking somewhat flushed, except round the lips, which were hardly + as red as common, and set pretty sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Put out that dog, Abner Briggs!”—The master spoke as the captain + speaks to the helmsman, when there are rocks foaming at the lips, right + under his lee. + </p> + <p> + Abner Briggs answered as the helmsman answers, when he knows he has a + mutinous crew round him that mean to run the ship on the reef, and is one + of the mutineers himself. “Put him aout y'rself, 'f ye a'n't afeard on + him!” + </p> + <p> + The master stepped into the aisle: The great cur showed his teeth,—and + the devilish instincts of his old wolf-ancestry looked out of his eyes, + and flashed from his sharp tusks, and yawned in his wide mouth and deep + red gullet. + </p> + <p> + The movements of animals are so much quicker than those of human beings + commonly are, that they avoid blows as easily as one of us steps out of + the way of an ox-cart. It must be a very stupid dog that lets himself be + run over by a fast driver in his gig; he can jump out of the wheel's way + after the tire has already touched him. So, while one is lifting a stick + to strike or drawing back his foot to kick, the beast makes his spring, + and the blow or the kick comes too late. + </p> + <p> + It was not so this time. The master was a fencer, and something of a + boxer; he had played at singlestick, and was used to watching an + adversary's eye and coming down on him without any of those premonitory + symptoms by which unpractised persons show long beforehand what mischief + they meditate. + </p> + <p> + “Out with you!” he said, fiercely,—and explained what he meant by a + sudden flash of his foot that clashed the yellow dog's white teeth + together like the springing of a bear-trap. The cur knew he had found his + master at the first word and glance, as low animals on four legs, or a + smaller number, always do; and the blow took him so by surprise, that it + curled him up in an instant, and he went bundling out of the open + schoolhouse-door with a most pitiable yelp, and his stump of a tail shut + down as close as his owner ever shut the short, stubbed blade of his + jack-knife. + </p> + <p> + It was time for the other cur to find who his master. + </p> + <p> + “Follow your dog, Abner Briggs!” said Master Langdon. + </p> + <p> + The stout butcher-youth looked round, but the rebels were all cowed and + sat still. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go when I'm ready,” he said,—“'n' I guess I won't go afore I'm + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “You're ready now,” said Master Langdon, turning up his cuffs so that the + little boys noticed the yellow gleam of a pair of gold sleeve-buttons, + once worn by Colonel Percy Wentworth, famous in the Old French War. + </p> + <p> + Abner Briggs, Junior, did not apparently think he was ready, at any rate; + for he rose up in his place, and stood with clenched fists, defiant, as + the master strode towards him. The master knew the fellow was really + frightened, for all his looks, and that he must have no time to rally. So + he caught him suddenly by the collar, and, with one great pull, had him + out over his desk and on the open floor. He gave him a sharp fling + backwards and stood looking at him. + </p> + <p> + The rough-and-tumble fighters all clinch, as everybody knows; and Abner + Briggs, Junior, was one of that kind. He remembered how he had floored + Master Weeks, and he had just “spunk” enough left in him to try to repeat + his former successful experiment an the new master. He sprang at him, + open-handed, to clutch him. So the master had to strike,—once, but + very hard, and just in the place to tell. No doubt, the authority that + doth hedge a schoolmaster added to the effect of the blow; but the blow + was itself a neat one, and did not require to be repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Now go home,” said the master, “and don't let me see you or your dog here + again.” And he turned his cuffs down over the gold sleeve-buttons. + </p> + <p> + This finished the great Pigwacket Centre School rebellion. What could be + done with a master who was so pleasant as long as the boys behaved + decently, and such a terrible fellow when he got “riled,” as they called + it? In a week's time everything was reduced to order, and the + school-committee were delighted. The master, however, had received a + proposition so much more agreeable and advantageous, that he informed the + committee he should leave at the end of his month, having in his eye a + sensible and energetic young college-graduate who would be willing and + fully competent to take his place. + </p> + <p> + So, at the expiration of the appointed time, Bernard Langdon, late master + of the School District No. 1, Pigwacket Centre, took his departure from + that place for another locality, whither we shall follow him, carrying + with him the regrets of the committee, of most of the scholars, and of + several young ladies; also two locks of hair, sent unbeknown to payrents, + one dark and one warmish auburn, inscribed with the respective initials of + Alminy Cutterr and Arvilly Braowne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE MOTH FLIES INTO THE CANDLE. + </h2> + <p> + The invitation which Mr. Bernard Langdon had accepted came from the Board + of Trustees of the “Apollinean Female Institute,” a school for the + education of young ladies, situated in the flourishing town of Rockland. + This was an establishment on a considerable scale, in which a hundred + scholars or thereabouts were taught the ordinary English branches, several + of the modern languages, something of Latin, if desired, with a little + natural philosophy, metaphysics, and rhetoric, to finish off with in the + last year, and music at any time when they would pay for it. At the close + of their career in the Institute, they were submitted to a grand public + examination, and received diplomas tied in blue ribbons, which proclaimed + them with a great flourish of capitals to be graduates of the Apollinean + Female Institute. + </p> + <p> + Rockland was a town of no inconsiderable pretensions. It was ennobled by + lying at the foot of a mountain,—called by the working-folks of the + place “the Maounting,”—which sufficiently showed that it was the + principal high land of the district in which it was situated. It lay to + the south of this, and basked in the sunshine as Italy stretches herself + before the Alps. To pass from the town of Tamarack on the north of the + mountain to Rockland on the south was like crossing from Coire to + Chiavenna. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing gives glory and grandeur and romance and mystery to a + place like the impending presence of a high mountain. Our beautiful + Northampton with its fair meadows and noble stream is lovely enough, but + owes its surpassing attraction to those twin summits which brood over it + like living presences, looking down into its streets as if they were its + tutelary divinities, dressing and undressing their green shrines, robing + themselves in jubilant sunshine or in sorrowing clouds, and doing penance + in the snowy shroud of winter, as if they had living hearts under their + rocky ribs and changed their mood like the children of the soil at their + feet, who grow up under their almost parental smiles and frowns. Happy is + the child whose first dreams of heaven are blended with the evening + glories of Mount Holyoke, when the sun is firing its treetops, and gilding + the white walls that mark its one human dwelling! If the other and the + wilder of the two summits has a scowl of terror in its overhanging brows, + yet is it a pleasing fear to look upon its savage solitudes through the + barred nursery-windows in the heart of the sweet, companionable village.—And + how the mountains love their children! The sea is of a facile virtue, and + will run to kiss the first comer in any port he visits; but the chaste + mountains sit apart, and show their faces only in the midst of their own + families. + </p> + <p> + The Mountain which kept watch to the north of Rockland lay waste and + almost inviolate through much of its domain. The catamount still glared + from the branches of its old hemlocks on the lesser beasts that strayed + beneath him. It was not long since a wolf had wandered down, famished in + the winter's dearth, and left a few bones and some tufts of wool of what + had been a lamb in the morning. Nay, there were broad-footed tracks in the + snow only two years previously, which could not be mistaken;—the + black bear alone could have set that plantigrade seal, and little children + must come home early from school and play, for he is an indiscriminate + feeder when he is hungry, and a little child would not come amiss when + other game was wanting. + </p> + <p> + But these occasional visitors may have been mere wanderers, which, + straying along in the woods by day, and perhaps stalking through the + streets of still villages by night, had worked their way along down from + the ragged mountain-spurs of higher latitudes. The one feature of The + Mountain that shed the brownest horror on its woods was the existence of + the terrible region known as Rattlesnake Ledge, and still tenanted by + those damnable reptiles, which distil a fiercer venom under our cold + northern sky than the cobra himself in the land of tropical spices and + poisons. + </p> + <p> + From the earliest settlement of the place, this fact had been, next to the + Indians, the reigning nightmare of the inhabitants. It was easy enough, + after a time, to drive away the savages; for “a screeching Indian Divell,” + as our fathers called him, could not crawl into the crack of a rock to + escape from his pursuers. But the venomous population of Rattlesnake Ledge + had a Gibraltar for their fortress that might have defied the siege-train + dragged to the walls of Sebastopol. In its deep embrasures and its + impregnable easemates they reared their families, they met in love or + wrath, they twined together in family knots, they hissed defiance in + hostile clans, they fed, slept, hibernated, and in due time died in peace. + Many a foray had the towns-people made, and many a stuffed skin was shown + as a trophy,—nay, there were families where the children's first toy + was made from the warning appendage that once vibrated to the wrath of one + of these “cruel serpents.” Sometimes one of them, coaxed out by a warm + sun, would writhe himself down the hillside into the roads, up the walks + that led to houses,—worse than this, into the long grass, where the + barefooted mowers would soon pass with their swinging scythes,—more + rarely into houses, and on one memorable occasion, early in the last + century, into the meeting-house, where he took a position on the + pulpit-stairs,—as is narrated in the “Account of Some Remarkable + Providences,” etc., where it is suggested that a strong tendency of the + Rev. Didymus Bean, the Minister at that time, towards the Arminian Heresy + may have had something to do with it, and that the Serpent supposed to + have been killed on the Pulpit-Stairs was a false show of the Daemon's + Contrivance, he having come in to listen to a Discourse which was a sweet + Savour in his Nostrils, and, of course, not being capable of being killed + Himself. Others said, however, that, though there was good Reason to think + it was a Damon, yet he did come with Intent to bite the Heel of that + faithful Servant,—etc. + </p> + <p> + One Gilson is said to have died of the bite of a rattlesnake in this town + early in the present century. After this there was a great snake-hunt, in + which very many of these venomous beasts were killed,—one in + particular, said to have been as big round as a stout man's arm, and to + have had no less than forty joints to his rattle,—indicating, + according to some, that he had lived forty years, but, if we might put any + faith in the Indian tradition, that he had killed forty human beings,—an + idle fancy, clearly. This hunt, however, had no permanent effect in + keeping down the serpent population. Viviparous, creatures are a kind of + specie-paying lot, but oviparous ones only give their notes, as it were, + for a future brood,—an egg being, so to speak, a promise to pay a + young one by and by, if nothing happen. Now the domestic habits of the + rattlesnake are not studied very closely, for obvious reasons; but it is, + no doubt, to all intents and purposes oviparous. Consequently it has large + families, and is not easy to kill out. + </p> + <p> + In the year 184-, a melancholy proof was afforded to the inhabitants of + Rockland, that the brood which infested The Mountain was not extirpated. A + very interesting young married woman, detained at home at the time by the + state of her health, was bitten in the entry of her own house by a + rattlesnake which had found its way down from The Mountain. Owing to the + almost instant employment of powerful remedies, the bite did not prove + immediately fatal; but she died within a few months of the time when she + was bitten. + </p> + <p> + All this seemed to throw a lurid kind of shadow over The Mountain. Yet, as + many years passed without any accident, people grew comparatively + careless, and it might rather be said to add a fearful kind of interest to + the romantic hillside, that the banded reptiles, which had been the terror + of the red men for nobody knows how many thousand years, were there still, + with the same poison-bags and spring-teeth at the white men's service, if + they meddled with them. + </p> + <p> + The other natural features of Rockland were such as many of our pleasant + country-towns can boast of. A brook came tumbling down the mountain-side + and skirted the most thickly settled portion of the village. In the parts + of its course where it ran through the woods, the water looked almost as + brown as coffee flowing from its urn,—to say like smoky quartz would + perhaps give a better idea,—but in the open plain it sparkled over + the pebbles white as a queen's diamonds. There were huckleberry-pastures + on the lower flanks of The Mountain, with plenty of the sweet-scented + bayberry mingled with the other bushes. In other fields grew great store + of high-bush blackberries. Along the roadside were bayberry-bushes, hung + all over with bright red coral pendants in autumn and far into the winter. + Then there were swamps set thick with dingy alders, where the three-leaved + arum and the skunk's-cabbage grew broad and succulent, shelving down into + black boggy pools here and there at the edge of which the green frog, + stupidest of his tribe, sat waiting to be victimized by boy or + snapping-turtle long after the shy and agile leopard-frog had taken the + six-foot spring that plumped him into the middle of the pool. And on the + neighboring banks the maiden-hair spread its flat disk of embroidered + fronds on the wire-like stem that glistened polished and brown as the + darkest tortoise-shell, and pale violets, cheated by the cold skies of + their hues and perfume, sunned themselves like white-cheeked invalids. + Over these rose the old forest-trees,—the maple, scarred with the + wounds which had drained away its sweet life-blood,—the beech, its + smooth gray bark mottled so as to look like the body of one of those great + snakes of old that used to frighten armies, always the mark of lovers' + knives, as in the days of Musidora and her swain,—the yellow birch, + rough as the breast of Silenus in old marbles,—the wild cherry, its + little bitter fruit lying unheeded at its foot,—and, soaring over + all, the huge, coarse-barked, splintery-limbed, dark-mantled hemlock, in + the depth of whose aerial solitudes the crow brooded on her nest unscared, + and the gray squirrel lived unharmed till his incisors grew to look like + ram's-horns. + </p> + <p> + Rockland would have been but half a town without its pond; Guinnepeg Pond + was the name of it, but the young ladies of the Apollinean Institute were + very anxious that it should be called Crystalline Lake. It was here that + the young folks used to sail in summer and skate in winter; here, too, + those queer, old, rum-scented good-for-nothing, lazy, story-telling, + half-vagabonds, who sawed a little wood or dug a few potatoes now and then + under the pretence of working for their living, used to go and fish + through the ice for pickerel every winter. And here those three young + people were drowned, a few summers ago, by the upsetting of a sail-boat in + a sudden flaw of wind. There is not one of these smiling ponds which has + not devoured more youths and maidens than any of those monsters the + ancients used to tell such lies about. But it was a pretty pond, and never + looked more innocent—so the native “bard” of Rockland said in his + elegy—than on the morning when they found Sarah Jane and Ellen Maria + floating among the lily-pads. + </p> + <p> + The Apollinean Institute, or Institoot, as it was more commonly called, + was, in the language of its Prospectus, a “first-class Educational + Establishment.” It employed a considerable corps of instructors to rough + out and finish the hundred young lady scholars it sheltered beneath its + roof. First, Mr. and Mrs. Peckham, the Principal and the Matron of the + school. Silas Peckham was a thorough Yankee, born on a windy part of the + coast, and reared chiefly on salt-fish. Everybody knows the type of Yankee + produced by this climate and diet: thin, as if he had been split and + dried; with an ashen kind of complexion, like the tint of the food he is + made of; and about as sharp, tough, juiceless, and biting to deal with as + the other is to the taste. Silas Peckham kept a young ladies' school + exactly as he would have kept a hundred head of cattle,—for the + simple, unadorned purpose of making just as much money in just as few + years as could be safely done. Mr. Peckham gave very little personal + attention to the department of instruction, but was always busy with + contracts for flour and potatoes, beef and pork, and other nutritive + staples, the amount of which required for such an establishment was enough + to frighten a quartermaster. Mrs. Peckham was from the West, raised on + Indian corn and pork, which give a fuller outline and a more humid + temperament, but may perhaps be thought to render people a little + coarse-fibred. Her specialty was to look after the feathering, cackling, + roosting, rising, and general behavior of these hundred chicks. An honest, + ignorant woman, she could not have passed an examination in the youngest + class. So this distinguished institution was under the charge of a + commissary and a housekeeper, and its real business was making money by + taking young girls in as boarders. + </p> + <p> + Connected with this, however, was the incidental fact, which the public + took for the principal one, namely, the business of instruction. Mr. + Peckham knew well enough that it was just as well to have good instructors + as bad ones, so far as cost was concerned, and a great deal better for the + reputation of his feeding-establishment. He tried to get the best he could + without paying too much, and, having got them, to screw all the work out + of them that could possibly be extracted. + </p> + <p> + There was a master for the English branches, with a young lady assistant. + There was another young lady who taught French, of the ahvaung and + baundahng style, which does not exactly smack of the asphalt of the + Boulevards. There was also a German teacher of music, who sometimes helped + in French of the ahfaung and bauntaung style,—so that, between the + two, the young ladies could hardly have been mistaken for Parisians, by a + Committee of the French Academy. The German teacher also taught a Latin + class after his fashion,—benna, a ben, gahboot, ahead, and so forth. + </p> + <p> + The master for the English branches had lately left the school for private + reasons, which need not be here mentioned,—but he had gone, at any + rate, and it was his place which had been offered to Mr. Bernard Langdon. + The offer came just in season,—as, for various causes, he was + willing to leave the place where he had begun his new experience. + </p> + <p> + It was on a fine morning that Mr. Bernard, ushered in by Mr. Peckham, made + his appearance in the great schoolroom of the Apollinean Institute. A + general rustle ran all round the seats when the handsome young man was + introduced. The principal carried him to the desk of the young lady + English assistant, Miss Darley by name, and introduced him to her. + </p> + <p> + There was not a great deal of study done that day. The young lady + assistant had to point out to the new master the whole routine in which + the classes were engaged when their late teacher left, and which had gone + on as well as it could since. Then Master Langdon had a great many + questions to ask, some relating to his new duties, and some, perhaps, + implying a degree of curiosity not very unnatural under the circumstances. + The truth is, the general effect of the schoolroom, with its scores of + young girls, all their eyes naturally centring on him with fixed or + furtive glances, was enough to bewilder and confuse a young man like + Master Langdon, though he was not destitute of self-possession, as we have + already seen. + </p> + <p> + You cannot get together a hundred girls, taking them as they come, from + the comfortable and affluent classes, probably anywhere, certainly not in + New England, without seeing a good deal of beauty. In fact, we very + commonly mean by beauty the way young girls look when there is nothing to + hinder their looking as Nature meant them to. And the great schoolroom of + the Apollinean Institute did really make so pretty a show on the morning + when Master Langdon entered it, that he might be pardoned for asking Miss + Darley more questions about his scholars than about their lessons. + </p> + <p> + There were girls of all ages: little creatures, some pallid and + delicate-looking, the offspring of invalid parents,—much given to + books, not much to mischief, commonly spoken of as particularly good + children, and contrasted with another sort, girls of more vigorous + organization, who were disposed to laughing and play, and required a + strong hand to manage them; then young growing misses of every shade of + Saxon complexion, and here and there one of more Southern hue: blondes, + some of them so translucent-looking that it seemed as if you could see the + souls in their bodies, like bubbles in glass, if souls were objects of + sight; brunettes, some with rose-red colors, and some with that swarthy + hue which often carries with it a heavily-shaded lip, and which, with pure + outlines and outspoken reliefs, gives us some of our handsomest women,—the + women whom ornaments of plain gold adorn more than any other parures; and + again, but only here and there, one with dark hair and gray or blue eyes, + a Celtic type, perhaps, but found in our native stock occasionally; rarest + of all, a light-haired girl with dark eyes, hazel, brown, or of the color + of that mountain-brook spoken of in this chapter, where it ran through + shadowy woodlands. With these were to be seen at intervals some of maturer + years, full-blown flowers among the opening buds, with that conscious look + upon their faces which so many women wear during the period when they + never meet a single man without having his monosyllable ready for him,—tied + as they are, poor things! on the rock of expectation, each of them an + Andromeda waiting for her Perseus. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that girl in ringlets,—the fourth in the third row on the + right?” said Master Langdon. + </p> + <p> + “Charlotte Ann Wood,” said Miss Darley; “writes very pretty poems.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!—And the pink one, three seats from her? Looks bright; anything + in her?” + </p> + <p> + “Emma Dean,—day-scholar,—Squire Dean's daughter,—nice + girl,—second medal last year.” + </p> + <p> + The master asked these two questions in a careless kind of way, and did + not seem to pay any too much attention to the answers. + </p> + <p> + “And who and what is that,” he said,—“sitting a little apart there,—that + strange, wild-looking girl?” + </p> + <p> + This time he put the real question he wanted answered;—the other two + were asked at random, as masks for the third. + </p> + <p> + The lady-teacher's face changed;—one would have said she was + frightened or troubled. She looked at the girl doubtfully, as if she might + hear the master's question and its answer. But the girl did not look up;—she + was winding a gold chain about her wrist, and then uncoiling it, as if in + a kind of reverie. + </p> + <p> + Miss Darley drew close to the master and placed her hand so as to hide her + lips. “Don't look at her as if we were talking about her,” she whispered + softly; “that is Elsie Venner.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. AN OLD-FASHIONED DESCRIPTIVE CHAPTER. + </h2> + <p> + It was a comfort to get to a place with something like society, with + residences which had pretensions to elegance, with people of some + breeding, with a newspaper, and “stores” to advertise in it, and with two + or three churches to keep each other alive by wholesome agitation. + Rockland was such a place. + </p> + <p> + Some of the natural features of the town have been described already. The + Mountain, of course, was what gave it its character, and redeemed it from + wearing the commonplace expression which belongs to ordinary + country-villages. Beautiful, wild, invested with the mystery which belongs + to untrodden spaces, and with enough of terror to give it dignity, it had + yet closer relations with the town over which it brooded than the passing + stranger knew of. Thus, it made a local climate by cutting off the + northern winds and holding the sun's heat like a garden-wall. Peachtrees, + which, on the northern side of the mountain, hardly ever came to fruit, + ripened abundant crops in Rockland. + </p> + <p> + But there was still another relation between the mountain and the town at + its foot, which strangers were not likely to hear alluded to, and which + was oftener thought of than spoken of by its inhabitants. Those + high-impending forests,—“hangers,” as White of Selborne would have + called them,—sloping far upward and backward into the distance, had + always an air of menace blended with their wild beauty. It seemed as if + some heaven-scaling Titan had thrown his shaggy robe over the bare, + precipitous flanks of the rocky summit, and it might at any moment slide + like a garment flung carelessly on the nearest chance-support, and, so + sliding, crush the village out of being, as the Rossberg when it tumbled + over on the valley of Goldau. + </p> + <p> + Persons have been known to remove from the place, after a short residence + in it, because they were haunted day and night by the thought of this + awful green wall, piled up into the air over their heads. They would lie + awake of nights, thinking they heard the muffed snapping of roots, as if a + thousand acres of the mountain-side were tugging to break away, like the + snow from a house-roof, and a hundred thousand trees were clinging with + all their fibres to hold back the soil just ready to peel away and crash + down with all its rocks and forest-growths. And yet, by one of those + strange contradictions we are constantly finding in human nature, there + were natives of the town who would come back thirty or forty years after + leaving it, just to nestle under this same threatening mountainside, as + old men sun themselves against southward-facing walls. The old dreams and + legends of danger added to the attraction. If the mountain should ever + slide, they had a kind of feeling as if they ought to be there. It was a + fascination like that which the rattlesnake is said to exert. + </p> + <p> + This comparison naturally suggests the recollection of that other source + of danger which was an element in the every-day life of the Rockland + people. The folks in some of the neighboring towns had a joke against + them, that a Rocklander could n't hear a beanpod rattle without saying, + “The Lord have mercy on us!” It is very true, that many a nervous old lady + has had a terrible start, caused by some mischievous young rogue's giving + a sudden shake to one of these noisy vegetable products in her immediate + vicinity. Yet, strangely enough, many persons missed the excitement of the + possibility of a fatal bite in other regions, where there were nothing but + black and green and striped snakes, mean ophidians, having the spite of + the nobler serpent without his venom,—poor crawling creatures, whom + Nature would not trust with a poison-bag. Many natives of Rockland did + unquestionably experience a certain gratification in this infinitesimal + sense of danger. It was noted that the old people retained their hearing + longer than in other places. Some said it was the softened climate, but + others believed it was owing to the habit of keeping their ears open + whenever they were walking through the grass or in the woods. At any rate, + a slight sense of danger is often an agreeable stimulus. People sip their + creme de noyau with a peculiar tremulous pleasure, because there is a bare + possibility that it may contain prussic acid enough to knock them over; in + which case they will lie as dead as if a thunder-cloud had emptied itself + into the earth through their brain and marrow. + </p> + <p> + But Rockland had other features which helped to give it a special + character. First of all, there was one grand street which was its chief + glory. Elm Street it was called, naturally enough, for its elms made a + long, pointed-arched gallery of it through most of its extent. No natural + Gothic arch compares, for a moment, with that formed by two American elms, + where their lofty jets of foliage shoot across each other's ascending + curves, to intermingle their showery flakes of green. When one looks + through a long double row of these, as in that lovely avenue which the + poets of Yale remember so well, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh, could the vista of my life but now as bright appear + As when I first through Temple Street looked down thine espalier!” + </pre> + <p> + he beholds a temple not built with hands, fairer than any minster, with + all its clustered stems and flowering capitals, that ever grew in stone. + </p> + <p> + Nobody knows New England who is not on terms of intimacy with one of its + elms. The elm comes nearer to having a soul than any other vegetable + creature among us. It loves man as man loves it. It is modest and patient. + It has a small flake of a seed which blows in everywhere and makes + arrangements for coming up by and by. So, in spring, one finds a crop of + baby-elms among his carrots and parsnips, very weak and small compared to + those succulent vegetables. The baby-elms die, most of them, slain, + unrecognized or unheeded, by hand or hoe, as meekly as Herod's innocents. + One of them gets overlooked, perhaps, until it has established a kind of + right to stay. Three generations of carrot and parsnip consumers have + passed away, yourself among them, and now let your great-grandson look for + the baby-elm. Twenty-two feet of clean girth, three hundred and sixty feet + in the line that bounds its leafy circle, it covers the boy with such a + canopy as neither glossy-leafed oak nor insect-haunted linden ever lifted + into the summer skies. + </p> + <p> + Elm Street was the pride of Rockland, but not only on account of its + Gothic-arched vista. In this street were most of the great houses, or + “mansion-houses,” as it was usual to call them. Along this street, also, + the more nicely kept and neatly painted dwellings were chiefly + congregated. It was the correct thing for a Rockland dignitary to have a + house in Elm Street. A New England “mansion-house” is naturally square, + with dormer windows projecting from the roof, which has a balustrade with + turned posts round it. It shows a good breadth of front-yard before its + door, as its owner shows a respectable expanse of a clean shirt-front. It + has a lateral margin beyond its stables and offices, as its master wears + his white wrist bands showing beyond his coat-cuffs. It may not have what + can properly be called grounds, but it must have elbow-room, at any rate. + Without it, it is like a man who is always tight-buttoned for want of any + linen to show. The mansion-house which has had to “button itself up tight + in fences, for want of green or gravel margin,” will be advertising for + boarders presently. The old English pattern of the New England + mansion-house, only on a somewhat grander scale, is Sir Thomas Abney's + place, where dear, good Dr. Watts said prayers for the family, and wrote + those blessed hymns of his that sing us into consciousness in our cradles, + and come back to us in sweet, single verses, between the moments of + wandering and of stupor, when we lie dying, and sound over us when we can + no longer hear them, bringing grateful tears to the hot, aching eyes + beneath the thick, black veils, and carrying the holy calm with them which + filled the good man's heart, as he prayed and sung under the shelter of + the old English mansion-house. Next to the mansion-houses, came the + two-story trim, white-painted, “genteel” houses, which, being more gossipy + and less nicely bred, crowded close up to the street, instead of standing + back from it with arms akimbo, like the mansion-houses. Their little + front-yards were very commonly full of lilac and syringa and other bushes, + which were allowed to smother the lower story almost to the exclusion of + light and airy so that, what with small windows and small windowpanes, and + the darkness made by these choking growths of shrubbery, the front parlors + of some of these houses were the most tomb-like, melancholy places that + could be found anywhere among the abodes of the living. Their garnishing + was apt to assist this impression. Large-patterned carpets, which always + look discontented in little rooms, haircloth furniture, black and shiny as + beetles' wing cases, and centre-tables, with a sullen oil-lamp of the kind + called astral by our imaginative ancestors, in the centre,—these + things were inevitable. In set piles round the lamp was ranged the current + literature of the day, in the form of Temperance Documents, unbound + numbers of one of the Unknown Public's Magazines with worn-out steel + engravings and high-colored fashion-plates, the Poems of a distinguished + British author whom it is unnecessary to mention, a volume of sermons, or + a novel or two, or both, according to the tastes of the family, and the + Good Book, which is always Itself in the cheapest and commonest company. + The father of the family with his hand in the breast of his coat, the + mother of the same in a wide-bordered cap, sometimes a print of the Last + Supper, by no means Morghen's, or the Father of his Country, or the old + General, or the Defender of the Constitution, or an unknown clergyman with + an open book before him,—these were the usual ornaments of the + walls, the first two a matter of rigor, the others according to politics + and other tendencies. + </p> + <p> + This intermediate class of houses, wherever one finds them in New England + towns, are very apt to be cheerless and unsatisfactory. They have neither + the luxury of the mansion-house nor the comfort of the farm-house. They + are rarely kept at an agreeable temperature. The mansion-house has large + fireplaces and generous chimneys, and is open to the sunshine. The + farm-house makes no pretensions, but it has a good warm kitchen, at any + rate, and one can be comfortable there with the rest of the family, + without fear and without reproach. These lesser country-houses of genteel + aspirations are much given to patent subterfuges of one kind and another + to get heat without combustion. The chilly parlor and the slippery + hair-cloth seat take the life out of the warmest welcome. If one would + make these places wholesome, happy, and cheerful, the first precept would + be,—The dearest fuel, plenty of it, and let half the heat go up the + chimney. If you can't afford this, don't try to live in a “genteel” + fashion, but stick to the ways of the honest farm-house. + </p> + <p> + There were a good many comfortable farm-houses scattered about Rockland. + The best of them were something of the following pattern, which is too + often superseded of late by a more pretentious, but infinitely less + pleasing kind of rustic architecture. A little back from the road, seated + directly on the green sod, rose a plain wooden building, two stories in + front, with a long roof sloping backwards to within a few feet of the + ground. This, like the “mansion-house,” is copied from an old English + pattern. Cottages of this model may be seen in Lancashire, for instance, + always with the same honest, homely look, as if their roofs acknowledged + their relationship to the soil out of which they sprung. The walls were + unpainted, but turned by the slow action of sun and air and rain to a + quiet dove or slate color. An old broken millstone at the door,—a + well-sweep pointing like a finger to the heavens, which the shining round + of water beneath looked up at like a dark unsleeping eye,—a single + large elm a little at one side,—a barn twice as big as the house,—a + cattle-yard, with + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The white horns tossing above the wall,”— +</pre> + <p> + some fields, in pasture or in crops, with low stone walls round them,—a + row of beehives,—a garden-patch, with roots, and currant-bushes, and + many-hued hollyhocks, and swollen-stemmed, globe-headed, seedling onions, + and marigolds and flower-de-luces, and lady's-delights, and peonies, + crowding in together, with southernwood in the borders, and woodbine and + hops and morning-glories climbing as they got a chance,—these were + the features by which the Rockland-born children remembered the + farm-house, when they had grown to be men. Such are the recollections that + come over poor sailor-boys crawling out on reeling yards to reef topsails + as their vessels stagger round the stormy Cape; and such are the flitting + images that make the eyes of old country-born merchants look dim and + dreamy, as they sit in their city palaces, warm with the after-dinner + flush of the red wave out of which Memory arises, as Aphrodite arose from + the green waves of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + Two meeting-houses stood on two eminences, facing each other, and looking + like a couple of fighting-cocks with their necks straight up in the air,—as + if they would flap their roofs, the next thing, and crow out of their + upstretched steeples, and peck at each other's glass eyes with their + sharp-pointed weathercocks. + </p> + <p> + The first was a good pattern of the real old-fashioned New England + meeting-house. It was a large barn with windows, fronted by a square tower + crowned with a kind of wooden bell inverted and raised on legs, out of + which rose a slender spire with the sharp-billed weathercock at its + summit. Inside, tall, square pews with flapping seats, and a gallery + running round three sides of the building. On the fourth side the pulpit, + with a huge, dusty sounding-board hanging over it. Here preached the + Reverend Pierrepont Honeywood, D. D., successor, after a number of + generations, to the office and the parsonage of the Reverend Didymus Bean, + before mentioned, but not suspected of any of his alleged heresies. He + held to the old faith of the Puritans, and occasionally delivered a + discourse which was considered by the hard-headed theologians of his + parish to have settled the whole matter fully and finally, so that now + there was a good logical basis laid down for the Millennium, which might + begin at once upon the platform of his demonstrations. Yet the Reverend + Dr. Honeywood was fonder of preaching plain, practical sermons about the + duties of life, and showing his Christianity in abundant good works among + his people. It was noticed by some few of his flock, not without comment, + that the great majority of his texts came from the Gospels, and this more + and more as he became interested in various benevolent enterprises which + brought him into relations with-ministers and kindhearted laymen of other + denominations. He was in fact a man of a very warm, open, and exceedingly + human disposition, and, although bred by a clerical father, whose motto + was “Sit anima mea cum Puritanis,” he exercised his human faculties in the + harness of his ancient faith with such freedom that the straps of it got + so loose they did not interfere greatly with the circulation of the warm + blood through his system. Once in a while he seemed to think it necessary + to come out with a grand doctrinal sermon, and them he would lapse away + for a while into preaching on men's duties to each other and to society, + and hit hard, perhaps, at some of the actual vices of the time and place, + and insist with such tenderness and eloquence on the great depth and + breadth of true Christian love and charity, that his oldest deacon shook + his head, and wished he had shown as much interest when he was preaching, + three Sabbaths back, on Predestination, or in his discourse against the + Sabellians. But he was sound in the faith; no doubt of that. Did he not + preside at the council held in the town of Tamarack, on the other side of + the mountain, which expelled its clergyman for maintaining heretical + doctrines? As presiding officer, he did not vote, of course, but there was + no doubt that he was all right; he had some of the Edwards blood in him, + and that couldn't very well let him go wrong. + </p> + <p> + The meeting-house on the other and opposite summit was of a more modern + style, considered by many a great improvement on the old New England + model, so that it is not uncommon for a country parish to pull down its + old meeting-house, which has been preached in for a hundred years or so, + and put up one of these more elegant edifices. The new building was in + what may be called the florid shingle-Gothic manner. Its pinnacles and + crockets and other ornaments were, like the body of the building, all of + pine wood,—an admirable material, as it is very soft and easily + worked, and can be painted of any color desired. Inside, the walls were + stuccoed in imitation of stone,—first a dark brown square, then two + light brown squares, then another dark brown square, and so on, to + represent the accidental differences of shade always noticeable in the + real stones of which walls are built. To be sure, the architect could not + help getting his party-colored squares in almost as regular rhythmical + order as those of a chess-board; but nobody can avoid doing things in a + systematic and serial way; indeed, people who wish to plant trees in + natural chimps know very well that they cannot keep from making regular + lines and symmetrical figures, unless by some trick or other, as that one + of throwing a peck of potatoes up into the air and sticking in a tree + wherever a potato happens to fall. The pews of this meeting-house were the + usual oblong ones, where people sit close together, with a ledge before + them to support their hymn-books, liable only to occasional contact with + the back of the next pew's heads or bonnets, and a place running under the + seat of that pew where hats could be deposited,—always at the risk + of the owner, in case of injury by boots or crickets. + </p> + <p> + In this meeting-house preached the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather, a divine + of the “Liberal” school, as it is commonly called, bred at that famous + college which used to be thought, twenty or thirty years ago, to have the + monopoly of training young men in the milder forms of heresy. His + ministrations were attended with decency, but not followed with + enthusiasm. “The beauty of virtue” got to be an old story at last. “The + moral dignity of human nature” ceased to excite a thrill of satisfaction, + after some hundred repetitions. It grew to be a dull business, this + preaching against stealing and intemperance, while he knew very well that + the thieves were prowling round orchards and empty houses, instead of + being there to hear the sermon, and that the drunkards, being rarely + church-goers, get little good by the statistics and eloquent appeals of + the preacher. Every now and then, however, the Reverend Mr. Fairweather + let off a polemic discourse against his neighbor opposite, which waked his + people up a little; but it was a languid congregation, at best,—very + apt to stay away from meeting in the afternoon, and not at all given to + extra evening services. The minister, unlike his rival of the other side + of the way, was a down-hearted and timid kind of man. He went on preaching + as he had been taught to preach, but he had misgivings at times. There was + a little Roman Catholic church at the foot of the hill where his own was + placed, which he always had to pass on Sundays. He could never look on the + thronging multitudes that crowded its pews and aisles or knelt bare-headed + on its steps, without a longing to get in among them and go down on his + knees and enjoy that luxury of devotional contact which makes a + worshipping throng as different from the same numbers praying apart as a + bed of coals is from a trail of scattered cinders. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if I could but huddle in with those poor laborers and working-women!” + he would say to himself. “If I could but breathe that atmosphere, stifling + though it be, yet made holy by ancient litanies, and cloudy with the smoke + of hallowed incense, for one hour, instead of droning over these moral + precepts to my half-sleeping congregation!” The intellectual isolation of + his sect preyed upon him; for, of all terrible things to natures like his, + the most terrible is to belong to a minority. No person that looked at his + thin and sallow cheek, his sunken and sad eye, his tremulous lip, his + contracted forehead, or who heard his querulous, though not unmusical + voice, could fail to see that his life was an uneasy one, that he was + engaged in some inward conflict. His dark, melancholic aspect contrasted + with his seemingly cheerful creed, and was all the more striking, as the + worthy Dr. Honeywood, professing a belief which made him a passenger on + board a shipwrecked planet, was yet a most good-humored and companionable + gentleman, whose laugh on week-days did one as much good to listen to as + the best sermon he ever delivered on a Sunday. + </p> + <p> + A mile or two from the centre of Rockland was a pretty little Episcopal + church, with a roof like a wedge of cheese, a square tower, a stained + window, and a trained rector, who read the service with such ventral depth + of utterance and rrreduplication of the rrresonant letter, that his own + mother would not have known him for her son, if the good woman had not + ironed his surplice and put it on with her own hands. + </p> + <p> + There were two public-houses in the place: one dignified with the name of + the Mountain House, somewhat frequented by city people in the summer + months, large-fronted, three-storied, balconied, boasting a distinct + ladies'-drawing-room, and spreading a table d'hote of some pretensions; + the other, “Pollard's Tahvern,” in the common speech,—a two-story + building, with a bar-room, once famous, where there was a great smell of + hay and boots and pipes and all other bucolic-flavored elements,—where + games of checkers were played on the back of the bellows with red and + white kernels of corn, or with beans and coffee, where a man slept in a + box-settle at night, to wake up early passengers,—where teamsters + came in, with wooden-handled whips and coarse frocks, reinforcing the + bucolic flavor of the atmosphere, and middle-aged male gossips, sometimes + including the squire of the neighboring law-office, gathered to exchange a + question or two about the news, and then fall into that solemn state of + suspended animation which the temperance bar-rooms of modern days produce + in human beings, as the Grotta del Cane does in dogs in the well-known + experiments related by travellers. This bar-room used to be famous for + drinking and storytelling, and sometimes fighting, in old times. That was + when there were rows of decanters on the shelf behind the bar, and a + hissing vessel of hot water ready, to make punch, and three or four + loggerheads (long irons clubbed at the end) were always lying in the fire + in the cold season, waiting to be plunged into sputtering and foaming mugs + of flip,—a goodly compound; speaking according to the flesh, made + with beer and sugar, and a certain suspicion of strong waters, over which + a little nutmeg being grated, and in it the hot iron being then allowed to + sizzle, there results a peculiar singed aroma, which the wise regard as a + warning to remove themselves at once out of the reach of temptation. + </p> + <p> + But the bar of Pollard's Tahvern no longer presented its old attractions, + and the loggerheads had long disappeared from the fire. In place of the + decanters, were boxes containing “lozengers,” as they were commonly + called, sticks of candy in jars, cigars in tumblers, a few lemons, grown + hard-skinned and marvellously shrunken by long exposure, but still feebly + suggestive of possible lemonade,—the whole ornamented by festoons of + yellow and blue cut flypaper. On the front shelf of the bar stood a large + German-silver pitcher of water, and scattered about were ill-conditioned + lamps, with wicks that always wanted picking, which burned red and smoked + a good deal, and were apt to go out without any obvious cause, leaving + strong reminiscences of the whale-fishery in the circumambient air. + </p> + <p> + The common schoolhouses of Rockland were dwarfed by the grandeur of the + Apollinean Institute. The master passed one of them, in a walk he was + taking, soon after his arrival at Rockland. He looked in at the rows of + desks, and recalled his late experiences. He could not help laughing, as + he thought how neatly he had knocked the young butcher off his pins. + </p> + <p> + “A little science is a dangerous thing, 'as well as a little 'learning,'” + he said to himself; “only it's dangerous to the fellow you' try it on.” + And he cut him a good stick, and began climbing the side of The Mountain + to get a look at that famous Rattlesnake Ledge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE SUNBEAM AND THE SHADOW. + </h2> + <p> + The virtue of the world is not mainly in its leaders. In the midst of the + multitude which follows there is often something better than in the one + that goes before. Old generals wanted to take Toulon, but one of their + young colonels showed them how. The junior counsel has been known not + unfrequently to make a better argument than his senior fellow,—if, + indeed, he did not make both their arguments. Good ministers will tell you + they have parishioners who beat them in the practice of the virtues. A + great establishment, got up on commercial principles, like the Apollinean + Institute, might yet be well carried on, if it happened to get good + teachers. And when Master Langdon came to see its management, he + recognized that there must be fidelity and intelligence somewhere among + the instructors. It was only necessary to look for a moment at the fair, + open forehead, the still, tranquil eye of gentle, habitual authority, the + sweet gravity that lay upon the lips, to hear the clear answers to the + pupils' questions, to notice how every request had the force without the + form of a command, and the young man could not doubt that the good genius + of the school stood before him in the person of Helen barley. + </p> + <p> + It was the old story. A poor country-clergyman dies, and leaves a widow + and a daughter. In Old England the daughter would have eaten the bitter + bread of a governess in some rich family. In New England she must keep a + school. So, rising from one sphere to another, she at length finds herself + the prima donna in the department of instruction in Mr. Silas Peckham's + educational establishment. + </p> + <p> + What a miserable thing it is to be poor. She was dependent, frail, + sensitive, conscientious. She was in the power of a hard, grasping, + thin-blooded, tough-fibred, trading educator, who neither knew nor cared + for a tender woman's sensibilities, but who paid her and meant to have his + money's worth out of her brains, and as much more than his money's worth + as he could get. She was consequently, in plain English, overworked, and + an overworked woman is always a sad sight,—sadder a great deal than + an overworked man, because she is so much more fertile in capacities of + suffering than a man. She has so many varieties of headache,—sometimes + as if Jael were driving the nail that killed Sisera into her temples,—sometimes + letting her work with half her brain while the other half throbs as if it + would go to pieces,—sometimes tightening round the brows as if her + cap-band were a ring of iron,—and then her neuralgias, and her + backaches, and her fits of depression, in which she thinks she is nothing + and less than nothing, and those paroxysms which men speak slightingly of + as hysterical,—convulsions, that is all, only not commonly fatal + ones,—so many trials which belong to her fine and mobile structure,—that + she is always entitled to pity, when she is placed in conditions which + develop her nervous tendencies. + </p> + <p> + The poor young lady's work had, of course, been doubled since the + departure of Master Langdon's predecessor. Nobody knows what the weariness + of instruction is, as soon as the teacher's faculties begin to be + overtasked, but those who have tried it. The relays of fresh pupils, each + new set with its exhausting powers in full action, coming one after + another, take out all the reserved forces and faculties of resistance from + the subject of their draining process. + </p> + <p> + The day's work was over, and it was late in the evening, when she sat + down, tired and faint, with a great bundle of girls' themes or + compositions to read over before she could rest her weary head on the + pillow of her narrow trundle-bed, and forget for a while the treadmill + stair of labor she was daily climbing. + </p> + <p> + How she dreaded this most forlorn of all a teacher's tasks! She was + conscientious in her duties, and would insist on reading every sentence,—there + was no saying where she might find faults of grammar or bad spelling. + There might have been twenty or thirty of these themes in the bundle + before her. Of course she knew pretty well the leading sentiments they + could contain: that beauty was subject to the accidents of time; that + wealth was inconstant, and existence uncertain; that virtue was its own + reward; that youth exhaled, like the dewdrop from the flower, ere the sun + had reached its meridian; that life was o'ershadowed with trials; that the + lessons of virtue instilled by our beloved teachers were to be our guides + through all our future career. The imagery employed consisted principally + of roses, lilies, birds, clouds, and brooks, with the celebrated + comparison of wayward genius to meteor. Who does not know the small, + slanted, Italian hand of these girls'-compositions, their stringing + together of the good old traditional copy-book phrases; their occasional + gushes of sentiment, their profound estimates of the world, sounding to + the old folks that read them as the experience of a bantam pullet's + last-hatched young one with the chips of its shell on its head would sound + to a Mother Cary's chicken, who knew the great ocean with all its typhoons + and tornadoes? Yet every now and then one is liable to be surprised with + strange clairvoyant flashes, that can hardly be explained, except by the + mysterious inspiration which every now and then seizes a young girl and + exalts her intelligence, just as hysteria in other instances exalts the + sensibility,—a little something of that which made Joan of Arc, and + the Burney girl who prophesied “Evelina,” and the Davidson sisters. In the + midst of these commonplace exercises which Miss Darley read over so + carefully were two or three that had something of individual flavor about + them, and here and there there was an image or an epithet which showed the + footprint of a passionate nature, as a fallen scarlet feather marks the + path the wild flamingo has trodden. + </p> + <p> + The young lady-teacher read them with a certain indifference of manner, as + one reads proofs—noting defects of detail, but not commonly arrested + by the matters treated of. Even Miss Charlotte Ann Wood's poem, beginning— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “How sweet at evening's balmy hour,” + </pre> + <p> + did not excite her. She marked the inevitable false rhyme of Cockney and + Yankee beginners, morn and dawn, and tossed the verses on the pile of + papers she had finished. She was looking over some of the last of them in + a rather listless way,—for the poor thing was getting sleepy in + spite of herself,—when she came to one which seemed to rouse her + attention, and lifted her drooping lids. She looked at it a moment before + she would touch it. Then she took hold of it by one corner and slid it off + from the rest. One would have said she was afraid of it, or had some + undefined antipathy which made it hateful to her. Such odd fancies are + common enough in young persons in her nervous state. Many of these young + people will jump up twenty times a day and run to dabble the tips of their + fingers in water, after touching the most inoffensive objects. + </p> + <p> + This composition was written in a singular, sharp-pointed, long, slender + hand, on a kind of wavy, ribbed paper. There was something strangely + suggestive about the look of it, but exactly of what, Miss barley either + could not or did not try to think. The subject of the paper was The + Mountain,—the composition being a sort of descriptive rhapsody. It + showed a startling familiarity with some of the savage scenery of the + region. One would have said that the writer must have threaded its wildest + solitudes by the light of the moon and stars as well as by day. As the + teacher read on, her color changed, and a kind of tremulous agitation came + over her. There were hints in this strange paper she did not know what to + make of. There was something in its descriptions and imagery that + recalled,—Miss Darley could not say what,—but it made her + frightfully nervous. Still she could not help reading, till she came to + one passage which so agitated her, that the tired and over-wearied girl's + self-control left her entirely. She sobbed once or twice, then laughed + convulsively; and flung herself on the bed, where she worked out a set + hysteric spasm as she best might, without anybody to rub her hands and see + that she did not hurt herself. + </p> + <p> + By and by she got quiet, rose and went to her bookcase, took down a volume + of Coleridge, and read a short time, and so to bed, to sleep and wake from + time to time with a sudden start out of uneasy dreams. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it is of no great consequence what it was in the composition which + set her off into this nervous paroxysm. She was in such a state that + almost any slight agitation would have brought on the attack, and it was + the accident of her transient excitability, very probably, which made a + trifling cause the seeming occasion of so much disturbance. The theme was + signed, in the same peculiar, sharp, slender hand, E. Venner, and was, of + course, written by that wild-looking girl who had excited the master's + curiosity and prompted his question, as before mentioned. The next morning + the lady-teacher looked pale and wearied, naturally enough, but she was in + her place at the usual hour, and Master Langdon in his own. + </p> + <p> + The girls had not yet entered the school room. + </p> + <p> + “You have been ill, I am afraid,” said Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “I was not well yesterday,” she, answered. “I had a worry and a kind of + fright. It is so dreadful to have the charge of all these young souls and + bodies. Every young girl ought to walk locked close, arm in arm, between + two guardian angels. Sometimes I faint almost with the thought of all that + I ought to do, and of my own weakness and wants.—Tell me, are there + not natures born so out of parallel with the lines of natural law that + nothing short of a miracle can bring them right?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had speculated somewhat, as all thoughtful persons of his + profession are forced to do, on the innate organic tendencies with which + individuals, families, and races are born. He replied, therefore, with a + smile, as one to whom the question suggested a very familiar class of + facts. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course. Each of us is only the footing-up of a double column of + figures that goes back to the first pair. Every unit tells,—and some + of them are plus, and some minus. If the columns don't add up right, it is + commonly because we can't make out all the figures. I don't mean to say + that something may not be added by Nature to make up for losses and keep + the race to its average, but we are mainly nothing but the answer to a + long sum in addition and subtraction. No doubt there are people born with + impulses at every possible angle to the parallels of Nature, as you call + them. If they happen to cut these at right angles, of course they are + beyond the reach of common influences. Slight obliquities are what we have + most to do with in education. Penitentiaries and insane asylums take care + of most of the right-angle cases.—I am afraid I have put it too much + like a professor, and I am only a student, you know. Pray, what set you to + asking me this? Any strange cases among the scholars?” + </p> + <p> + The meek teacher's blue eyes met the luminous glance that came with the + question. She, too, was of gentle blood,—not meaning by that that + she was of any noted lineage, but that she came of a cultivated stock, + never rich, but long trained to intellectual callings. A thousand + decencies, amenities, reticences, graces, which no one thinks of until he + misses them, are the traditional right of those who spring from such + families. And when two persons of this exceptional breeding meet in the + midst of the common multitude, they seek each other's company at once by + the natural law of elective affinity. It is wonderful how men and women + know their peers. If two stranger queens, sole survivors of two + shipwrecked vessels, were cast, half-naked, on a rock together, each would + at once address the other as “Our Royal Sister.” + </p> + <p> + Helen Darley looked into the dark eyes of Bernard Langdon glittering with + the light which flashed from them with his question. Not as those foolish, + innocent country-girls of the small village did she look into them, to be + fascinated and bewildered, but to sound them with a calm, steadfast + purpose. “A gentleman,” she said to herself, as she read his expression + and his features with a woman's rapid, but exhausting glance. “A lady,” he + said to himself, as he met her questioning look,—so brief, so quiet, + yet so assured, as of one whom necessity had taught to read faces quickly + without offence, as children read the faces of parents, as wives read the + faces of hard-souled husbands. All this was but a few seconds' work, and + yet the main point was settled. If there had been any vulgar curiosity or + coarseness of any kind lurking in his expression, she would have detected + it. If she had not lifted her eyes to his face so softly and kept them + there so calmly and withdrawn them so quietly, he would not have said to + himself, “She is a LADY,” for that word meant a good deal to the + descendant of the courtly Wentworths and the scholarly Langdons. + </p> + <p> + “There are strange people everywhere, Mr. Langdon,” she said, “and I don't + think our schoolroom is an exception. I am glad you believe in the force + of transmitted tendencies. It would break my heart, if I did not think + that there are faults beyond the reach of everything but God's special + grace. I should die, if I thought that my negligence or incapacity was + alone responsible for the errors and sins of those I have charge of. Yet + there are mysteries I do not know how to account for.” She looked all + round the schoolroom, and then said, in a whisper, “Mr. Langdon, we had a + girl that stole, in the school, not long ago. Worse than that, we had a + girl who tried to set us on fire. Children of good people, both of them. + And we have a girl now that frightens me so”— + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and three misses came in to take their seats: three + types, as it happened, of certain classes, into which it would not have + been difficult to distribute the greater number of the girls in the + school.—Hannah Martin. Fourteen years and three months old. + Short-necked, thick-waisted, round-cheeked, smooth, vacant forehead, + large, dull eyes. Looks good-natured, with little other expression. Three + buns in her bag, and a large apple. Has a habit of attacking her + provisions in school-hours.—Rosa Milburn. Sixteen. Brunette, with a + rare-ripe flush in her cheeks. Color comes and goes easily. Eyes + wandering, apt to be downcast. Moody at times. Said to be passionate, if + irritated. Finished in high relief. Carries shoulders well back and walks + well, as if proud of her woman's life, with a slight rocking movement, + being one of the wide-flanged pattern, but seems restless,—a hard + girl to look after. Has a romance in her pocket, which she means to read + in school-time.—Charlotte Ann Wood. Fifteen. The poetess before + mentioned. Long, light ringlets, pallid complexion, blue eyes. Delicate + child, half unfolded. Gentle, but languid and despondent. Does not go much + with the other girls, but reads a good deal, especially poetry, + underscoring favorite passages. Writes a great many verses, very fast, not + very correctly; full of the usual human sentiments, expressed in the + accustomed phrases. Under-vitalized. Sensibilities not covered with their + normal integuments. A negative condition, often confounded with genius, + and sometimes running into it. Young people who fall out of line through + weakness of the active faculties are often confounded with those who step + out of it through strength of the intellectual ones. + </p> + <p> + The girls kept coming in, one after another, or in pairs or groups, until + the schoolroom was nearly full. Then there was a little pause, and a light + step was heard in the passage. The lady-teacher's eyes turned to the door, + and the master's followed them in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + A girl of about seventeen entered. She was tall and slender, but rounded, + with a peculiar undulation of movement, such as one sometimes sees in + perfectly untutored country-girls, whom Nature, the queen of graces, has + taken in hand, but more commonly in connection with the very highest + breeding of the most thoroughly trained society. She was a splendid + scowling beauty, black-browed, with a flash of white teeth which was + always like a surprise when her lips parted. She wore a checkered dress, + of a curious pattern, and a camel's-hair scarf twisted a little + fantastically about her. She went to her seat, which she had moved a short + distance apart from the rest, and, sitting down, began playing listlessly + with her gold chain, as was a common habit with her, coiling it and + uncoiling it about her slender wrist, and braiding it in with her long, + delicate fingers. Presently she looked up. Black, piercing eyes, not + large,—a low forehead, as low as that of Clytie in the Townley bust,—black + hair, twisted in heavy braids,—a face that one could not help + looking at for its beauty, yet that one wanted to look away from for + something in its expression, and could not for those diamond eyes. They + were fixed on the lady-teacher now. The latter turned her own away, and + let them wander over the other scholars. But they could not help coming + back again for a single glance at the wild beauty. The diamond eyes were + on her still. She turned the leaves of several of her books, as if in + search of some passage, and, when she thought she had waited long enough + to be safe, once more stole a quick look at the dark girl. The diamond + eyes were still upon her. She put her kerchief to her forehead, which had + grown slightly moist; she sighed once, almost shivered, for she felt cold; + then, following some ill-defined impulse, which she could not resist, she + left her place and went to the young girl's desk. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want of me, Elsie Venner?” It was a strange question to put, + for the girl had not signified that she wished the teacher to come to her. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” she said. “I thought I could make you come.” The girl spoke in + a low tone, a kind of half-whisper. She did not lisp, yet her articulation + of one or two consonants was not absolutely perfect. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get that flower, Elsie?” said Miss Darley. It was a rare + alpine flower, which was found only in one spot among the rocks of The + Mountain. + </p> + <p> + “Where it grew,” said Elsie Venner. “Take it.” The teacher could not + refuse her. The girl's finger tips touched hers as she took it. How cold + they were for a girl of such an organization! + </p> + <p> + The teacher went back to her seat. She made an excuse for quitting the + schoolroom soon afterwards. The first thing she did was to fling the + flower into her fireplace and rake the ashes over it. The second was to + wash the tips of her fingers, as if she had been another Lady Macbeth. A + poor, over-tasked, nervous creature,—we must not think too much of + her fancies. + </p> + <p> + After school was done, she finished the talk with the master which had + been so suddenly interrupted. There were things spoken of which may prove + interesting by and by, but there are other matters we must first attend + to. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE EVENT OF THE SEASON. + </h2> + <p> + “Mr. and Mrs. Colonel Sprowle's compliments to Mr. Langdon and requests + the pleasure of his company at a social entertainment on Wednesday evening + next. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Elm St. Monday.” + </pre> + <p> + On paper of a pinkish color and musky smell, with a large “S” at the top, + and an embossed border. Envelop adherent, not sealed. Addressed + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LANGDON ESQ. + Present. +</pre> + <p> + Brought by H. Frederic Sprowle, youngest son of the Colonel,—the H. + of course standing for the paternal Hezekiah, put in to please the father, + and reduced to its initial to please the mother, she having a marked + preference for Frederic. Boy directed to wait for an answer. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Langdon has the pleasure of accepting Mr. and Mrs. Colonel Sprowle's + polite invitation for Wednesday evening.” + </p> + <p> + On plain paper, sealed with an initial. + </p> + <p> + In walking along the main street, Mr. Bernard had noticed a large house of + some pretensions to architectural display, namely, unnecessarily + projecting eaves, giving it a mushroomy aspect, wooden mouldings at + various available points, and a grandiose arched portico. It looked a + little swaggering by the side of one or two of the mansion-houses that + were not far from it, was painted too bright for Mr. Bernard's taste, had + rather too fanciful a fence before it, and had some fruit-trees planted in + the front-yard, which to this fastidious young gentleman implied a + defective sense of the fitness of things, not promising in people who + lived in so large a house, with a mushroom roof and a triumphal arch for + its entrance. + </p> + <p> + This place was known as “Colonel Sprowle's villa,” (genteel friends,)—as + “the elegant residence of our distinguished fellow-citizen, Colonel + Sprowle,” (Rockland Weekly Universe,)—as “the neew haouse,” (old + settlers,)—as “Spraowle's Folly,” (disaffected and possibly envious + neighbors,)—and in common discourse, as “the Colonel's.” + </p> + <p> + Hezekiah Sprowle, Esquire, Colonel Sprowle of the Commonwealth's Militia, + was a retired “merchant.” An India merchant he might, perhaps, have been + properly called; for he used to deal in West India goods, such as coffee, + sugar, and molasses, not to speak of rum,—also in tea, salt fish, + butter and cheese, oil and candles, dried fruit, agricultural “p'doose” + generally, industrial products, such as boots and shoes, and various kinds + of iron and wooden ware, and at one end of the establishment in calicoes + and other stuffs,—to say nothing of miscellaneous objects of the + most varied nature, from sticks of candy, which tempted in the smaller + youth with coppers in their fists, up to ornamental articles of apparel, + pocket-books, breast-pins, gilt-edged Bibles, stationery, in short, + everything which was like to prove seductive to the rural population. The + Colonel had made money in trade, and also by matrimony. He had married + Sarah, daughter and heiress of the late Tekel Jordan, Esq., an old miser, + who gave the town-clock, which carries his name to posterity in large gilt + letters as a generous benefactor of his native place. In due time the + Colonel reaped the reward of well-placed affections. When his wife's + inheritance fell in, he thought he had money enough to give up trade, and + therefore sold out his “store,” called in some dialects of the English + language shop, and his business. + </p> + <p> + Life became pretty hard work to him, of course, as soon as he had nothing + particular to do. Country people with money enough not to have to work are + in much more danger than city people in the same condition. They get a + specific look and character, which are the same in all the villages where + one studies them. They very commonly fall into a routine, the basis of + which is going to some lounging-place or other, a bar-room, a + reading-room, or something of the kind. They grow slovenly in dress, and + wear the same hat forever. They have a feeble curiosity for news perhaps, + which they take daily as a man takes his bitters, and then fall silent and + think they are thinking. But the mind goes out under this regimen, like a + fire without a draught; and it is not very strange, if the instinct of + mental self-preservation drives them to brandy-and-water, which makes the + hoarse whisper of memory musical for a few brief moments, and puts a weak + leer of promise on the features of the hollow-eyed future. The Colonel was + kept pretty well in hand as yet by his wife, and though it had happened to + him once or twice to come home rather late at night with a curious + tendency to say the same thing twice and even three times over, it had + always been in very cold weather,—and everybody knows that no one is + safe to drink a couple of glasses of wine in a warm room and go suddenly + out into the cold air. + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda Sprowle, sole daughter of the house, had reached the age at + which young ladies are supposed in technical language to have come out, + and thereafter are considered to be in company. + </p> + <p> + “There's one piece o' goods,” said the Colonel to his wife, “that we + ha'n't disposed of, nor got a customer for yet. That 's Matildy. I don't + mean to set HER up at vaandoo. I guess she can have her pick of a dozen.” + </p> + <p> + “She 's never seen anybody yet,” said Mrs. Sprowle, who had had a certain + project for some time, but had kept quiet about it. “Let's have a party, + and give her a chance to show herself and see some of the young folks.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel was not very clear-headed, and he thought, naturally enough, + that the party was his own suggestion, because his remark led to the first + starting of the idea. He entered into the plan, therefore, with a feeling + of pride as well as pleasure, and the great project was resolved upon in a + family council without a dissentient voice. This was the party, then, to + which Mr. Bernard was going. The town had been full of it for a week. + “Everybody was asked.” So everybody said that was invited. But how in + respect of those who were not asked? If it had been one of the old + mansion-houses that was giving a party, the boundary between the favored + and the slighted families would have been known pretty well beforehand, + and there would have been no great amount of grumbling. But the Colonel, + for all his title, had a forest of poor relations and a brushwood swamp of + shabby friends, for he had scrambled up to fortune, and now the time was + come when he must define his new social position. + </p> + <p> + This is always an awkward business in town or country. An exclusive + alliance between two powers is often the same thing as a declaration of + war against a third. Rockland was soon split into a triumphant minority, + invited to Mrs. Sprowle's party, and a great majority, uninvited, of which + the fraction just on the border line between recognized “gentility” and + the level of the ungloved masses was in an active state of excitement and + indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Who is she, I should like to know?” said Mrs. Saymore, the tailor's wife. + “There was plenty of folks in Rockland as good as ever Sally Jordan was, + if she had managed to pick up a merchant. Other folks could have married + merchants, if their families was n't as wealthy as them old skinflints + that willed her their money,” etc., etc. Mrs. Saymore expressed the + feeling of many beside herself. She had, however, a special right to be + proud of the name she bore. Her husband was own cousin to the Saymores of + Freestone Avenue (who write the name Seymour, and claim to be of the Duke + of Somerset's family, showing a clear descent from the Protector to Edward + Seymour, (1630,)—then a jump that would break a herald's neck to one + Seth Saymore,(1783,)—from whom to the head of the present family the + line is clear again). Mrs. Saymore, the tailor's wife, was not invited, + because her husband mended clothes. If he had confined himself strictly to + making them, it would have put a different face upon the matter. + </p> + <p> + The landlord of the Mountain House and his lady were invited to Mrs. + Sprowle's party. Not so the landlord of Pollard's Tahvern and his lady. + Whereupon the latter vowed that they would have a party at their house + too, and made arrangements for a dance of twenty or thirty couples, to be + followed by an entertainment. Tickets to this “Social Ball” were soon + circulated, and, being accessible to all at a moderate price, admission to + the “Elegant Supper” included, this second festival promised to be as + merry, if not as select, as the great party. + </p> + <p> + Wednesday came. Such doings had never been heard of in Rockland as went on + that day at the “villa.” The carpet had been taken up in the long room, so + that the young folks might have a dance. Miss Matilda's piano had been + moved in, and two fiddlers and a clarionet-player engaged to make music. + All kinds of lamps had been put in requisition, and even colored + wax-candles figured on the mantel-pieces. The costumes of the family had + been tried on the day before: the Colonel's black suit fitted exceedingly + well; his lady's velvet dress displayed her contours to advantage; Miss + Matilda's flowered silk was considered superb; the eldest son of the + family, Mr. T. Jordan Sprowle, called affectionately and elegantly + “Geordie,” voted himself “stunnin'”; and even the small youth who had + borne Mr. Bernard's invitation was effective in a new jacket and trousers, + buttony in front, and baggy in the reverse aspect, as is wont to be the + case with the home-made garments of inland youngsters. + </p> + <p> + Great preparations had been made for the refection which was to be part of + the entertainment. There was much clinking of borrowed spoons, which were + to be carefully counted, and much clicking of borrowed china, which was to + be tenderly handled, for nobody in the country keeps those vast closets + full of such things which one may see in rich city-houses. Not a great + deal could be done in the way of flowers, for there were no greenhouses, + and few plants were out as yet; but there were paper ornaments for the + candlesticks, and colored mats for the lamps, and all the tassels of the + curtains and bells were taken out of those brown linen bags, in which, for + reasons hitherto undiscovered, they are habitually concealed in some + households. In the remoter apartments every imaginable operation was going + on at once,—roasting, boiling, baking, beating, rolling, pounding in + mortars, frying, freezing; for there was to be ice-cream to-night of + domestic manufacture;—and in the midst of all these labors, Mrs. + Sprowle and Miss Matilda were moving about, directing and helping as they + best might, all day long. When the evening came, it might be feared they + would not be in just the state of mind and body to entertain company. + </p> + <p> + —One would like to give a party now and then, if one could be a + billionaire.—“Antoine, I am going to have twenty people to dine + to-day.” “Biens, Madame.” Not a word or thought more about it, but get + home in season to dress, and come down to your own table, one of your own + guests.—“Giuseppe, we are to have a party a week from to-night,—five + hundred invitations—there is the list.” The day comes. “Madam, do + you remember you have your party tonight?” “Why, so I have! Everything + right? supper and all?” “All as it should be, Madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Send up Victorine.” “Victorine, full toilet for this evening,—pink, + diamonds, and emeralds. Coiffeur at seven. Allez.”—Billionism, or + even millionism, must be a blessed kind of state, with health and clear + conscience and youth and good looks,—but most blessed is this, that + it takes off all the mean cares which give people the three wrinkles + between the eyebrows, and leaves them free to have a good time and make + others have a good time, all the way along from the charity that tips up + unexpected loads of wood before widows' houses, and leaves foundling + turkeys upon poor men's door-steps, and sets lean clergymen crying at the + sight of anonymous fifty-dollar bills, to the taste which orders a perfect + banquet in such sweet accord with every sense that everybody's nature + flowers out full—blown in its golden—glowing, fragrant + atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + —A great party given by the smaller gentry of the interior is a kind + of solemnity, so to speak. It involves so much labor and anxiety,—its + spasmodic splendors are so violently contrasted with the homeliness of + every-day family-life,—it is such a formidable matter to break in + the raw subordinates to the manege of the cloak-room and the table,—there + is such a terrible uncertainty in the results of unfamiliar culinary + operations,—so many feuds are involved in drawing that fatal line + which divides the invited from the uninvited fraction of the local + universe,—that, if the notes requested the pleasure of the guests' + company on “this solemn occasion,” they would pretty nearly express the + true state of things. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel himself had been pressed into the service. He had pounded + something in the great mortar. He had agitated a quantity of sweetened and + thickened milk in what was called a cream-freezer. At eleven o'clock, A. + M., he retired for a space. On returning, his color was noted to be + somewhat heightened, and he showed a disposition to be jocular with the + female help,—which tendency, displaying itself in livelier + demonstrations than were approved at head-quarters, led to his being + detailed to out-of-door duties, such as raking gravel, arranging places + for horses to be hitched to, and assisting in the construction of an arch + of wintergreen at the porch of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + A whiff from Mr. Geordie's cigar refreshed the toiling females from time + to time; for the windows had to be opened occasionally, while all these + operations were going on, and the youth amused himself with inspecting the + interior, encouraging the operatives now and then in the phrases commonly + employed by genteel young men,—for he had perused an odd volume of + “Verdant Green,” and was acquainted with a Sophomore from one of the + fresh-water colleges. “Go it on the feed!” exclaimed this spirited young + man. “Nothin' like a good spread. Grub enough and good liquor, that's the + ticket. Guv'nor'll do the heavy polite, and let me alone for polishin' off + the young charmers.” And Mr. Geordie looked expressively at a handmaid who + was rolling gingerbread, as if he were rehearsing for “Don Giovanni.” + </p> + <p> + Evening came at last, and the ladies were forced to leave the scene of + their labors to array themselves for the coming festivities. The tables + had been set in a back room, the meats were ready, the pickles were + displayed, the cake was baked, the blanc-mange had stiffened, and the + ice-cream had frozen. + </p> + <p> + At half past seven o'clock, the Colonel, in costume, came into the front + parlor, and proceeded to light the lamps. Some were good-humored enough + and took the hint of a lighted match at once. Others were as vicious as + they could be,—would not light on any terms, any more than if they + were filled with water, or lighted and smoked one side of the chimney, or + spattered a few sparks and sulked themselves out, or kept up a faint show + of burning, so that their ground glasses looked as feebly phosphorescent + as so many invalid fireflies. With much coaxing and screwing and pricking, + a tolerable illumination was at last achieved. At eight there was a grand + rustling of silks, and Mrs. and Miss Sprowle descended from their + respective bowers or boudoirs. Of course they were pretty well tired by + this time, and very glad to sit down,—having the prospect before + them of being obliged to stand for hours. The Colonel walked about the + parlor, inspecting his regiment of lamps. By and by Mr. Geordie entered. + </p> + <p> + “Mph! mph!” he sniffed, as he came in. “You smell of lamp-smoke here.” + </p> + <p> + That always galls people,—to have a new-comer accuse them of smoke + or close air, which they have got used to and do not perceive. The Colonel + raged at the thought of his lamps' smoking, and tongued a few anathemas + inside of his shut teeth, but turned down two or three wicks that burned + higher than the rest. + </p> + <p> + Master H. Frederic next made his appearance, with questionable marks upon + his fingers and countenance. Had been tampering with something brown and + sticky. His elder brother grew playful, and caught him by the baggy + reverse of his more essential garment. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Mrs. Sprowle,—“there 's the bell!” + </p> + <p> + Everybody took position at once, and began to look very smiling and + altogether at ease.—False alarm. Only a parcel of spoons,—“loaned,” + as the inland folks say when they mean lent, by a neighbor. + </p> + <p> + “Better late than never!” said the Colonel, “let me heft them spoons.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sprowle came down into her chair again as if all her bones had been + bewitched out of her. + </p> + <p> + “I'm pretty nigh beat out a'ready,” said she, “before any of the folks has + come.” + </p> + <p> + They sat silent awhile, waiting for the first arrival. How nervous they + got! and how their senses were sharpened! + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said Miss Matilda,—“what 's that rumblin'?” + </p> + <p> + It was a cart going over a bridge more than a mile off, which at any other + time they would not have heard. After this there was a lull, and poor Mrs. + Sprowle's head nodded once or twice. Presently a crackling and grinding of + gravel;—how much that means, when we are waiting for those whom we + long or dread to see! Then a change in the tone of the gravel-crackling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they have turned in at our gate. They're comin'! Mother! mother!” + </p> + <p> + Everybody in position, smiling and at ease. Bell rings. Enter the first + set of visitors. The Event of the Season has begun. + </p> + <p> + “Law! it's nothin' but the Cranes' folks! I do believe Mahala 's come in + that old green de-laine she wore at the Surprise Party!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda had peeped through a crack of the door and made this + observation and the remark founded thereon. Continuing her attitude of + attention, she overheard Mrs. Crane and her two daughters conversing in + the attiring-room, up one flight. + </p> + <p> + “How fine everything is in the great house!” said Mrs. Crane,—“jest + look at the picters!” + </p> + <p> + “Matildy Sprowle's drawin's,” said Ada Azuba, the eldest daughter. + </p> + <p> + “I should think so,” said Mahala Crane, her younger sister,—a + wide-awake girl, who had n't been to school for nothing, and performed a + little on the lead pencil herself. “I should like to know whether that's a + hay-cock or a mountain!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda winced; for this must refer to her favorite monochrome, + executed by laying on heavy shadows and stumping them down into mellow + harmony,—the style of drawing which is taught in six lessons, and + the kind of specimen which is executed in something less than one hour. + Parents and other very near relatives are sometimes gratified with these + productions, and cause them to be framed and hung up, as in the present + instance. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we won't go down jest yet,” said Mrs. Crane, “as folks don't seem + to have come.” + </p> + <p> + So she began a systematic inspection of the dressing-room and its + conveniences. + </p> + <p> + “Mahogany four-poster;—come from the Jordans', I cal'la,te. + Marseilles quilt. Ruffles all round the piller. Chintz curtings,—jest + put up,—o' purpose for the party, I'll lay ye a dollar.—What a + nice washbowl!” (Taps it with a white knuckle belonging to a red finger.) + “Stone chaney.—Here's a bran'-new brush and comb,—and here's a + scent-bottle. Come here, girls, and fix yourselves in the glass, and scent + your pocket-handkerchers.” + </p> + <p> + And Mrs. Crane bedewed her own kerchief with some of the eau de Cologne of + native manufacture,—said on its label to be much superior to the + German article. + </p> + <p> + It was a relief to Mrs. and the Miss Cranes when the bell rang and the + next guests were admitted. Deacon and Mrs. Soper,—Deacon Soper of + the Rev. Mr. Fairweather's church, and his lady. Mrs. Deacon Soper was + directed, of course, to the ladies' dressing-room, and her husband to the + other apartment, where gentlemen were to leave their outside coats and + hats. Then came Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, and then the three Miss Spinneys, + then Silas Peckham, Head of the Apollinean Institute, and Mrs. Peckham, + and more after them, until at last the ladies' dressing-room got so full + that one might have thought it was a trap none of them could get out of. + In truth, they all felt a little awkwardly. Nobody wanted to be first to + venture down-stairs. At last Mr. Silas Peckham thought it was time to make + a move for the parlor, and for this purpose presented himself at the door + of the ladies' dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + “Lorindy, my dear!” he exclaimed to Mrs. Peckham,—“I think there can + be no impropriety in our joining the family down-stairs.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Peckham laid her large, flaccid arm in the sharp angle made by the + black sleeve which held the bony limb her husband offered, and the two + took the stair and struck out for the parlor. The ice was broken, and the + dressing-room began to empty itself into the spacious, lighted apartments + below. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Silas Peckham slid into the room with Mrs. Peckham alongside, like a + shad convoying a jelly-fish. + </p> + <p> + “Good-evenin', Mrs. Sprowle! I hope I see you well this evenin'. How 's + your haalth, Colonel Sprowle?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, much obleeged to you. Hope you and your good lady are well. + Much pleased to see you. Hope you'll enjoy yourselves. We've laid out to + have everything in good shape,—spared no trouble nor ex”— + </p> + <p> + “pence,”—said Silas Peckham. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Colonel Sprowle, who, you remember, was a Jordan, had nipped the + Colonel's statement in the middle of the word Mr. Peckham finished, with a + look that jerked him like one of those sharp twitches women keep giving a + horse when they get a chance to drive one. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Crane, Miss Ada Azuba, and Miss Mahala Crane made their + entrance. There had been a discussion about the necessity and propriety of + inviting this family, the head of which kept a small shop for hats and + boots and shoes. The Colonel's casting vote had carried it in the + affirmative.—How terribly the poor old green de-laine did cut up in + the blaze of so many lamps and candles. + </p> + <p> + —Deluded little wretch, male or female, in town or country, going to + your first great party, how little you know the nature of the ceremony in + which you are to bear the part of victim! What! are not these garlands and + gauzy mists and many-colored streamers which adorn you, is not this music + which welcomes you, this radiance that glows about you, meant solely for + your enjoyment, young miss of seventeen or eighteen summers, now for the + first time swimming unto the frothy, chatoyant, sparkling, undulating sea + of laces and silks and satins, and white-armed, flower-crowned maidens + struggling in their waves beneath the lustres that make the false summer + of the drawing-room? + </p> + <p> + Stop at the threshold! This is a hall of judgment you are entering; the + court is in session; and if you move five steps forward, you will be at + its bar. + </p> + <p> + There was a tribunal once in France, as you may remember, called the + Chambre Ardente, the Burning Chamber. It was hung all round with lamps, + and hence its name. The burning chamber for the trial of young maidens is + the blazing ball-room. What have they full-dressed you, or rather + half-dressed you for, do you think? To make you look pretty, of course! + Why have they hung a chandelier above you, flickering all over with + flames, so that it searches you like the noonday sun, and your deepest + dimple cannot hold a shadow? To give brilliancy to the gay scene, no + doubt!—No, my clear! Society is inspecting you, and it finds + undisguised surfaces and strong lights a convenience in the process. The + dance answers the purpose of the revolving pedestal upon which the “White + Captive” turns, to show us the soft, kneaded marble, which looks as if it + had never been hard, in all its manifold aspects of living loveliness. No + mercy for you, my love! Justice, strict justice, you shall certainly have,—neither + more nor less. For, look you, there are dozens, scores, hundreds, with + whom you must be weighed in the balance; and you have got to learn that + the “struggle for life” Mr. Charles Darwin talks about reaches to + vertebrates clad in crinoline, as well as to mollusks in shells, or + articulates in jointed scales, or anything that fights for breathing-room + and food and love in any coat of fur or feather! Happy they who can flash + defiance from bright eyes and snowy shoulders back into the pendants of + the insolent lustres! + </p> + <p> + —Miss Mahala Crane did not have these reflections; and no young girl + ever did, or ever will, thank Heaven! Her keen eyes sparkled under her + plainly parted hair and the green de-laine moulded itself in those + unmistakable lines of natural symmetry in which Nature indulges a small + shopkeeper's daughter occasionally as well as a wholesale dealer's young + ladies. She would have liked a new dress as much as any other girl, but + she meant to go and have a good time at any rate. + </p> + <p> + The guests were now arriving in the drawing-room pretty fast, and the + Colonel's hand began to burn a good deal with the sharp squeezes which + many of the visitors gave it. Conversation, which had begun like a + summer-shower, in scattering drops, was fast becoming continuous, and + occasionally rising into gusty swells, with now and then a broad-chested + laugh from some Captain or Major or other military personage,—for it + may be noted that all large and loud men in the unpaved districts bear + military titles. + </p> + <p> + Deacon Soper came up presently, and entered into conversation with Colonel + Sprowle. + </p> + <p> + “I hope to see our pastor present this evenin',” said the Deacon. + </p> + <p> + “I don't feel quite sure,” the Colonel answered. “His dyspepsy has been + bad on him lately. He wrote to say, that, Providence permittin', it would + be agreeable to him to take a part in the exercises of the evenin'; but I + mistrusted he did n't mean to come. To tell the truth, Deacon Soper, I + rather guess he don't like the idee of dancin', and some of the other + little arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the Deacon, “I know there's some condemns dancin'. I've heerd + a good deal of talk about it among the folks round. Some have it that it + never brings a blessin' on a house to have dancin' in it. Judge Tileston + died, you remember, within a month after he had his great ball, twelve + year ago, and some thought it was in the natur' of a judgment. I don't + believe in any of them notions. If a man happened to be struck dead the + night after he'd been givin' a ball,” (the Colonel loosened his black + stock a little, and winked and swallowed two or three times,) “I should + n't call it a judgment,—I should call it a coincidence. But I 'm a + little afraid our pastor won't come. Somethin' or other's the matter with + Mr. Fairweather. I should sooner expect to see the old Doctor come over + out of the Orthodox parsonage-house.” + </p> + <p> + “I've asked him,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said Deacon Soper. + </p> + <p> + “He said he should like to come, but he did n't know what his people would + say. For his part, he loved to see young folks havin' their sports + together, and very often felt as if he should like to be one of 'em + himself. 'But,' says I, 'Doctor, I don't say there won't be a little + dancin'.' 'Don't!' says he, 'for I want Letty to go,' (she's his + granddaughter that's been stayin' with him,) 'and Letty 's mighty fond of + dancin'. You know,' says the Doctor, 'it is n't my business to settle + whether other people's children should dance or not.' And the Doctor + looked as if he should like to rigadoon and sashy across as well as the + young one he was talkin' about. He 's got blood in him, the old Doctor + has. I wish our little man and him would swop pulpits.” + </p> + <p> + Deacon Soper started and looked up into the Colonel's face, as if to see + whether he was in earnest. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Silas Peckham and his lady joined the group. + </p> + <p> + “Is this to be a Temperance Celebration, Mrs. Sprowle?” asked Mr. Silas + Peckham. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sprowle replied, “that there would be lemonade and srub for those + that preferred such drinks, but that the Colonel had given folks to + understand that he did n't mean to set in judgment on the marriage in + Canaan, and that those that didn't like srub and such things would find + somethin' that would suit them better.” + </p> + <p> + Deacon Soper's countenance assumed a certain air of restrained + cheerfulness. The conversation rose into one of its gusty paroxysms just + then. Master H. Frederic got behind a door and began performing the + experiment of stopping and unstopping his ears in rapid alternation, + greatly rejoicing in the singular effect of mixed conversation chopped + very small, like the contents of a mince-pie, or meat-pie, as it is more + forcibly called in the deep-rutted villages lying along the unsalted + streams. All at once it grew silent just round the door, where it had been + loudest,—and the silence spread itself like a stain, till it hushed + everything but a few corner-duets. A dark, sad-looking, middle-aged + gentleman entered the parlor, with a young lady on his arm,—his + daughter, as it seemed, for she was not wholly unlike him in feature, and + of the same dark complexion. + </p> + <p> + “Dudley Venner,” exclaimed a dozen people, in startled, but + half-suppressed tones. + </p> + <p> + “What can have brought Dudley out to-night?” said Jefferson Buck, a young + fellow, who had been interrupted in one of the corner-duets which he was + executing in concert with Miss Susy Pettingill. + </p> + <p> + “How do I know, Jeff?” was Miss Susy's answer. Then, after a pause,—“Elsie + made him come, I guess. Go ask Dr. Kittredge; he knows all about 'em both, + they say.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Kittredge, the leading physician of Rockland, was a shrewd old man, + who looked pretty keenly into his patients through his spectacles, and + pretty widely at men, women, and things in general over them. Sixty-three + years old,—just the year of the grand climacteric. A bald crown, as + every doctor should have. A consulting practitioner's mouth; that is, + movable round the corners while the case is under examination, but both + corners well drawn down and kept so when the final opinion is made up. In + fact, the Doctor was often sent for to act as “caounsel,” all over the + county, and beyond it. He kept three or four horses, sometimes riding in + the saddle, commonly driving in a sulky, pretty fast, and looking straight + before him, so that people got out of the way of bowing to him as he + passed on the road. There was some talk about his not being so + long-sighted as other folks, but his old patients laughed and looked + knowing when this was spoken of. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor knew a good many things besides how to drop tinctures and shake + out powders. Thus, he knew a horse, and, what is harder to understand, a + horse-dealer, and was a match for him. He knew what a nervous woman is, + and how to manage her. He could tell at a glance when she is in that + condition of unstable equilibrium in which a rough word is like a blow to + her, and the touch of unmagnetized fingers reverses all her nervous + currents. It is not everybody that enters into the soul of Mozart's or + Beethoven's harmonies; and there are vital symphonies in B flat, and other + low, sad keys, which a doctor may know as little of as a hurdy-gurdy + player of the essence of those divine musical mysteries. The Doctor knew + the difference between what men say and what they mean as well as most + people. When he was listening to common talk, he was in the habit of + looking over his spectacles; if he lifted his head so as to look through + them at the person talking, he was busier with that person's thoughts than + with his words. + </p> + <p> + Jefferson Buck was not bold enough to confront the Doctor with Miss Susy's + question, for he did not look as if he were in the mood to answer queries + put by curious young people. His eyes were fixed steadily on the dark + girl, every movement of whom he seemed to follow. + </p> + <p> + She was, indeed, an apparition of wild beauty, so unlike the girls about + her that it seemed nothing more than natural, that, when she moved, the + groups should part to let her pass through them, and that she should carry + the centre of all looks and thoughts with her. She was dressed to please + her own fancy, evidently, with small regard to the modes declared correct + by the Rockland milliners and mantua-makers. Her heavy black hair lay in a + braided coil, with a long gold pin shat through it like a javelin. Round + her neck was a golden torque, a round, cord-like chain, such as the Gaols + used to wear; the “Dying Gladiator” has it. Her dress was a grayish + watered silk; her collar was pinned with a flashing diamond brooch, the + stones looking as fresh as morning dew-drops, but the silver setting of + the past generation; her arms were bare, round, but slender rather than + large, in keeping with her lithe round figure. On her wrists she wore + bracelets: one was a circlet of enamelled scales; the other looked as if + it might have been Cleopatra's asp, with its body turned to gold and its + eyes to emeralds. + </p> + <p> + Her father—for Dudley Venner was her father—looked like a man + of culture and breeding, but melancholy and with a distracted air, as one + whose life had met some fatal cross or blight. He saluted hardly anybody + except his entertainers and the Doctor. One would have said, to look at + him, that he was not at the party by choice; and it was natural enough to + think, with Susy Pettingill, that it must have been a freak of the dark + girl's which brought him there, for he had the air of a shy and + sad-hearted recluse. + </p> + <p> + It was hard to say what could have brought Elsie Venner to the party. + Hardly anybody seemed to know her, and she seemed not at all disposed to + make acquaintances. Here and there was one of the older girls from the + Institute, but she appeared to have nothing in common with them. Even in + the schoolroom, it may be remembered, she sat apart by her own choice, and + now in the midst of the crowd she made a circle of isolation round + herself. Drawing her arm out of her father's, she stood against the wall, + and looked, with a strange, cold glitter in her eyes, at the crowd which + moved and babbled before her. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor came up to her by and by. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Elsie, I am quite surprised to find you here. Do tell me how you + happened to do such a good-natured thing as to let us see you at such a + great party.” + </p> + <p> + “It's been dull at the mansion-house,” she said, “and I wanted to get out + of it. It's too lonely there,—there's nobody to hate since Dick's + gone.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor laughed good-naturedly, as if this were an amusing bit of + pleasantry,—but he lifted his head and dropped his eyes a little, so + as to see her through his spectacles. She narrowed her lids slightly, as + one often sees a sleepy cat narrow hers,—somewhat as you may + remember our famous Margaret used to, if you remember her at all,—so + that her eyes looked very small, but bright as the diamonds on her breast. + The old Doctor felt very oddly as she looked at him; he did not like the + feeling, so he dropped his head and lifted his eyes and looked at her over + his spectacles again. + </p> + <p> + “And how have you all been at the mansion house?” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well enough. But Dick's gone, and there's nobody left but Dudley and + I and the people. I'm tired of it. What kills anybody quickest, Doctor?” + Then, in a whisper, “I ran away again the other day, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you go?” The Doctor spoke in a low, serious tone. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to the old place. Here, I brought this for you.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor started as she handed him a flower of the Atragene Americana, + for he knew that there was only one spot where it grew, and that not one + where any rash foot, least of all a thin-shod woman's foot, should + venture. + </p> + <p> + “How long were you gone?” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Only one night. You should have heard the horns blowing and the guns + firing. Dudley was frightened out of his wits. Old Sophy told him she'd + had a dream, and that I should be found in Dead-Man's Hollow, with a great + rock lying on me. They hunted all over it, but they did n't find me,—I + was farther up.” + </p> + <p> + Doctor Kittredge looked cloudy and worried while she was speaking, but + forced a pleasant professional smile, as he said cheerily, and as if + wishing to change the subject, + </p> + <p> + “Have a good dance this evening, Elsie. The fiddlers are tuning up. Where + 's the young master? has he come yet? or is he going to be late, with the + other great folks?” + </p> + <p> + The girl turned away without answering, and looked toward the door. + </p> + <p> + The “great folks,” meaning the mansion-house gentry, were just beginning + to come; Dudley Venner and his daughter had been the first of them. Judge + Thornton, white-headed, fresh-faced, as good at sixty as he was at forty, + with a youngish second wife, and one noble daughter, Arabella, who, they + said, knew as much law as her father, a stately, Portia like girl, fit for + a premier's wife, not like to find her match even in the great cities she + sometimes visited; the Trecothicks, the family of a merchant, (in the + larger sense,) who, having made himself rich enough by the time he had + reached middle life, threw down his ledger as Sylla did his dagger, and + retired to make a little paradise around him in one of the stateliest + residences of the town, a family inheritance; the Vaughans, an old + Rockland race, descended from its first settlers, Toryish in tendency in + Revolutionary times, and barely escaping confiscation or worse; the + Dunhams, a new family, dating its gentility only as far back as the + Honorable Washington Dunham, M. C., but turning out a clever boy or two + that went to college; and some showy girls with white necks and fat arms + who had picked up professional husbands: these were the principal + mansion-house people. All of them had made it a point to come; and as each + of them entered, it seemed to Colonel and Mrs. Sprowle that the lamps + burned up with a more cheerful light, and that the fiddles which sounded + from the uncarpeted room were all half a tone higher and half a beat + quicker. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard came in later than any of them; he had been busy with his new + duties. He looked well and that is saying a good deal; for nothing but a + gentleman is endurable in full dress. Hair that masses well, a head set on + with an air, a neckerchief tied cleverly by an easy, practised hand, + close-fitting gloves, feet well shaped and well covered,—these + advantages can make us forgive the odious sable broadcloth suit, which + appears to have been adopted by society on the same principle that + condemned all the Venetian gondolas to perpetual and uniform blackness. + Mr. Bernard, introduced by Mr. Geordie, made his bow to the Colonel and + his lady and to Miss Matilda, from whom he got a particularly gracious + curtsy, and then began looking about him for acquaintances. He found two + or three faces he knew,—many more strangers. There was Silas + Peckham,—there was no mistaking him; there was the inelastic + amplitude of Mrs. Peckham; few of the Apollinean girls, of course, they + not being recognized members of society,—but there is one with the + flame in her cheeks and the fire in her eyes, the girl of vigorous tints + and emphatic outlines, whom we saw entering the schoolroom the other day. + Old Judge Thornton has his eyes on her, and the Colonel steals a look + every now and then at the red brooch which lifts itself so superbly into + the light, as if he thought it a wonderfully becoming ornament. Mr. + Bernard himself was not displeased with the general effect of the + rich-blooded schoolgirl, as she stood under the bright lamps, fanning + herself in the warm, languid air, fixed in a kind of passionate surprise + at the new life which seemed to be flowering out in her consciousness. + Perhaps he looked at her somewhat steadily, as some others had done; at + any rate, she seemed to feel that she was looked at, as people often do, + and, turning her eyes suddenly on him, caught his own on her face, gave + him a half-bashful smile, and threw in a blush involuntarily which made it + more charming. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do better,” he said to himself, “than have a dance with Rosa + Milburn?” So he carried his handsome pupil into the next room and took his + place with her in a cotillon. Whether the breath of the Goddess of Love + could intoxicate like the cup of Circe,—whether a woman is ever + phosphorescent with the luminous vapor of life that she exhales,—these + and other questions which relate to occult influences exercised by certain + women we will not now discuss. It is enough that Mr. Bernard was sensible + of a strange fascination, not wholly new to him, nor unprecedented in the + history of human experience, but always a revelation when it comes over us + for the first or the hundredth time, so pale is the most recent memory by + the side of the passing moment with the flush of any new-born passion on + its cheek. Remember that Nature makes every man love all women, and trusts + the trivial matter of special choice to the commonest accident. + </p> + <p> + If Mr. Bernard had had nothing to distract his attention, he might have + thought too much about his handsome partner, and then gone home and + dreamed about her, which is always dangerous, and waked up thinking of her + still, and then begun to be deeply interested in her studies, and so on, + through the whole syllogism which ends in Nature's supreme quod erat + demonstrandum. What was there to distract him or disturb him? He did not + know,—but there was something. This sumptuous creature, this Eve + just within the gate of an untried Paradise, untutored in the ways of the + world, but on tiptoe to reach the fruit of the tree of knowledge,—alive + to the moist vitality of that warm atmosphere palpitating with voices and + music, as the flower of some dioecious plant which has grown in a lone + corner and suddenly unfolding its corolla on some hot-breathing June + evening, feels that the air is perfumed with strange odors and loaded with + golden dust wafted from those other blossoms with which its double life is + shared,—this almost over-womanized woman might well have bewitched + him, but that he had a vague sense of a counter-charm. It was, perhaps, + only the same consciousness that some one was looking at him which he + himself had just given occasion to in his partner. Presently, in one of + the turns of the dance, he felt his eyes drawn to a figure he had not + distinctly recognized, though he had dimly felt its presence, and saw that + Elsie Venner was looking at him as if she saw nothing else but him. He was + not a nervous person, like the poor lady-teacher, yet the glitter of the + diamond eyes affected him strangely. It seemed to disenchant the air, so + full a moment before of strange attractions. He became silent, and dreamy, + as it were. The round-limbed beauty at his side crushed her gauzy + draperies against him, as they trod the figure of the dance together, but + it was no more to him than if an old nurse had laid her hand on his + sleeve. The young girl chafed at his seeming neglect, and her imperious + blood mounted into her cheeks; but he appeared unconscious of it. + </p> + <p> + “There is one of our young ladies I must speak to,” he said,—and was + just leaving his partner's side. + </p> + <p> + “Four hands all round?” shouted the first violin,—and Mr. Bernard + found himself seized and whirled in a circle out of which he could not + escape, and then forced to “cross over,” and then to “dozy do,” as the + maestro had it,—and when, on getting back to his place, he looked + for Elsie Venner, she was gone. + </p> + <p> + The dancing went on briskly. Some of the old folks looked on, others + conversed in groups and pairs, and so the evening wore along, until a + little after ten o'clock. About this time there was noticed an increased + bustle in the passages, with a considerable opening and shutting of doors. + Presently it began to be whispered about that they were going to have + supper. Many, who had never been to any large party before, held their + breath for a moment at this announcement. It was rather with a tremulous + interest than with open hilarity that the rumor was generally received. + </p> + <p> + One point the Colonel had entirely forgotten to settle. It was a point + involving not merely propriety, but perhaps principle also, or at least + the good report of the house,—and he had never thought to arrange + it. He took Judge Thornton aside and whispered the important question to + him,—in his distress of mind, mistaking pockets and taking out his + bandanna instead of his white handkerchief to wipe his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Judge,” he said, “do you think, that, before we commence refreshing + ourselves at the tables, it would be the proper thing to—crave a—to + request Deacon Soper or some other elderly person—to ask a + blessing?” + </p> + <p> + The Judge looked as grave as if he were about giving the opinion of the + Court in the great India-rubber case. + </p> + <p> + “On the whole,” he answered, after a pause, “I should think it might, + perhaps, be dispensed with on this occasion. Young folks are noisy, and it + is awkward to have talking and laughing going on while blessing is being + asked. Unless a clergyman is present and makes a point of it, I think it + will hardly be expected.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel was infinitely relieved. “Judge, will you take Mrs. Sprowle in + to supper?” And the Colonel returned the compliment by offering his arm to + Mrs. Judge Thornton. + </p> + <p> + The door of the supper-room was now open, and the company, following the + lead of the host and hostess, began to stream into it, until it was pretty + well filled. + </p> + <p> + There was an awful kind of pause. Many were beginning to drop their heads + and shut their eyes, in anticipation of the usual petition before a meal; + some expected the music to strike up,—others, that an oration would + now be delivered by the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Make yourselves at home, ladies and gentlemen,” said the Colonel; “good + things were made to eat, and you're welcome to all you see before you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he attacked a huge turkey which stood at the head of the table; + and his example being followed first by the bold, then by the doubtful, + and lastly by the timid, the clatter soon made the circuit of the tables. + Some were shocked, however, as the Colonel had feared they would be, at + the want of the customary invocation. Widow Leech, a kind of relation, who + had to be invited, and who came with her old, back-country-looking string + of gold beads round her neck, seemed to feel very serious about it. + </p> + <p> + “If she'd ha' known that folks would begrutch cravin' a blessin' over sech + a heap o' provisions, she'd rather ha' staid t' home. It was a bad sign, + when folks was n't grateful for the baounties of Providence.” + </p> + <p> + The elder Miss Spinney, to whom she made this remark, assented to it, at + the same time ogling a piece of frosted cake, which she presently + appropriated with great refinement of manner,—taking it between her + thumb and forefinger, keeping the others well spread and the little finger + in extreme divergence, with a graceful undulation of the neck, and a queer + little sound in her throat, as of an M that wanted to get out and perished + in the attempt. + </p> + <p> + The tables now presented an animated spectacle. Young fellows of the more + dashing sort, with high stand-up collars and voluminous bows to their + neckerchiefs, distinguished themselves by cutting up fowls and offering + portions thereof to the buxom girls these knowing ones had commonly + selected. + </p> + <p> + “A bit of the wing, Roxy, or of the—under limb?” + </p> + <p> + The first laugh broke out at this, but it was premature, a sporadic laugh, + as Dr. Kittredge would have said, which did not become epidemic. People + were very solemn as yet, many of them being new to such splendid scenes, + and crushed, as it were, in the presence of so much crockery and so many + silver spoons, and such a variety of unusual viands and beverages. When + the laugh rose around Roxy and her saucy beau, several looked in that + direction with an anxious expression, as if something had happened, a lady + fainted, for instance, or a couple of lively fellows come to high words. + </p> + <p> + “Young folks will be young folks,” said Deacon Soper. “No harm done. Least + said soonest mended.” + </p> + <p> + “Have some of these shell-oysters?” said the Colonel to Mrs. Trecothick. + </p> + <p> + A delicate emphasis on the word shell implied that the Colonel knew what + was what. To the New England inland native, beyond the reach of the east + winds, the oyster unconditioned, the oyster absolute, without a qualifying + adjective, is the pickled oyster. Mrs. Trecothick, who knew very well that + an oyster long out of his shell (as is apt to be the case with the rural + bivalve) gets homesick and loses his sprightliness, replied, with the + pleasantest smile in the world, that the chicken she had been helped to + was too delicate to be given up even for the greater rarity. But the word + “shell-oysters” had been overheard; and there was a perceptible crowding + movement towards their newly discovered habitat, a large soup-tureen. + </p> + <p> + Silas Peckham had meantime fallen upon another locality of these recent + mollusks. He said nothing, but helped himself freely, and made a sign to + Mrs. Peckham. + </p> + <p> + “Lorindy,” he whispered, “shell-oysters” + </p> + <p> + And ladled them out to her largely, without betraying any emotion, just as + if they had been the natural inland or pickled article. + </p> + <p> + After the more solid portion of the banquet had been duly honored, the + cakes and sweet preparations of various kinds began to get their share of + attention. There were great cakes and little cakes, cakes with raisins in + them, cakes with currants, and cakes without either; there were brown + cakes and yellow cakes, frosted cakes, glazed cakes, hearts and rounds, + and jumbles, which playful youth slip over the forefinger before spoiling + their annular outline. There were mounds of blo'monje, of the arrowroot + variety,—that being undistinguishable from such as is made with + Russia isinglass. There were jellies, which had been shaking, all the time + the young folks were dancing in the next room, as if they were balancing + to partners. There were built-up fabrics, called Charlottes, caky + externally, pulpy within; there were also marangs, and likewise custards,—some + of the indolent-fluid sort, others firm, in which every stroke of the + teaspoon left a smooth, conchoidal surface like the fracture of + chalcedony, with here and there a little eye like what one sees in + cheeses. Nor was that most wonderful object of domestic art called trifle + wanting, with its charming confusion of cream and cake and almonds and jam + and jelly and wine and cinnamon and froth; nor yet the marvellous + floating-island,—name suggestive of all that is romantic in the + imaginations of youthful palates. + </p> + <p> + “It must have cost you a sight of work, to say nothin' of money, to get + all this beautiful confectionery made for the party,” said Mrs. Crane to + Mrs. Sprowle. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it cost some consid'able labor, no doubt,” said Mrs. Sprowle. + “Matilda and our girls and I made 'most all the cake with our own hands, + and we all feel some tired; but if folks get what suits 'em, we don't + begrudge the time nor the work. But I do feel thirsty,” said the poor + lady, “and I think a glass of srub would do my throat good; it's dreadful + dry. Mr. Peckham, would you be so polite as to pass me a glass of srub?” + </p> + <p> + Silas Peckham bowed with great alacrity, and took from the table a small + glass cup, containing a fluid reddish in hue and subacid in taste. This + was srub, a beverage in local repute, of questionable nature, but + suspected of owing its tint and sharpness to some kind of syrup derived + from the maroon-colored fruit of the sumac. There were similar small cups + on the table filled with lemonade, and here and there a decanter of + Madeira wine, of the Marsala kind, which some prefer to, and many more + cannot distinguish from, that which comes from the Atlantic island. + </p> + <p> + “Take a glass of wine, Judge,” said, the Colonel; “here is an article that + I rather think 'll suit you.” + </p> + <p> + The Judge knew something of wines, and could tell all the famous old + Madeiras from each other, “Eclipse,” “Juno,” the almost fabulously scarce + and precious “White-top,” and the rest. He struck the nativity of the + Mediterranean Madeira before it had fairly moistened his lip. + </p> + <p> + “A sound wine, Colonel, and I should think of a genuine vintage. Your very + good health.” + </p> + <p> + “Deacon Soper,” said the Colonel, “here is some Madary Judge Thornton + recommends. Let me fill you a glass of it.” + </p> + <p> + The Deacon's eyes glistened. He was one of those consistent Christians who + stick firmly by the first miracle and Paul's advice to Timothy. + </p> + <p> + “A little good wine won't hurt anybody,” said the Deacon. “Plenty, —plenty,—plenty. + There!” He had not withdrawn his glass, while the Colonel was pouring, for + fear it should spill, and now it was running over. + </p> + <p> + —It is very odd how all a man's philosophy and theology are at the + mercy of a few drops of a fluid which the chemists say consists of nothing + but C4, O2, H6. The Deacon's theology fell off several points towards + latitudinarianism in the course of the next ten minutes. He had a deep + inward sense that everything was as it should be, human nature included. + The little accidents of humanity, known collectively to moralists as sin, + looked very venial to his growing sense of universal brotherhood and + benevolence. + </p> + <p> + “It will all come right,” the Deacon said to himself,—“I feel a + joyful conviction that everything is for the best. I am favored with a + blessed peace of mind, and a very precious season of good feelin' toward + my fellow-creturs.” + </p> + <p> + A lusty young fellow happened to make a quick step backward just at that + instant, and put his heel, with his weight on top of it, upon the Deacon's + toes. + </p> + <p> + “Aigh! What the d' d' didos are y' abaout with them great huffs o' yourn?” + said the Deacon, with an expression upon his features not exactly that of + peace and good-will to men. The lusty young fellow apologized; but the + Deacon's face did not come right, and his theology backed round several + points in the direction of total depravity. + </p> + <p> + Some of the dashing young men in stand-up collars and extensive neckties, + encouraged by Mr. Geordie, made quite free with the “Ma,dary,” and even + induced some of the more stylish girls—not of the mansion-house set, + but of the tip-top two-story families—to taste a little. Most of + these young ladies made faces at it, and declared it was “perfectly + horrid,” with that aspect of veracity peculiar to their age and sex. + </p> + <p> + About this time a movement was made on the part of some of the + mansion-house people to leave the supper-table. Miss Jane Trecothick had + quietly hinted to her mother that she had had enough of it. Miss Arabella + Thornton had whispered to her father that he had better adjourn this court + to the next room. There were signs of migration,—a loosening of + people in their places,—a looking about for arms to hitch on to. + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” said the Colonel. “There's something coming yet.—Ice-cream!” + </p> + <p> + The great folks saw that the play was not over yet, and that it was only + polite to stay and see it out. The word “ice-cream” was no sooner + whispered than it passed from one to another all down the tables. The + effect was what might have been anticipated. Many of the guests had never + seen this celebrated product of human skill, and to all the two-story + population of Rockland it was the last expression of the art of pleasing + and astonishing the human palate. Its appearance had been deferred for + several reasons: first, because everybody would have attacked it, if it + had come in with the other luxuries; secondly, because undue apprehensions + were entertained (owing to want of experience) of its tendency to + deliquesce and resolve itself with alarming rapidity into puddles of + creamy fluid; and, thirdly, because the surprise would make a grand climax + to finish off the banquet. + </p> + <p> + There is something so audacious in the conception of ice-cream, that it is + not strange that a population undebauched by the luxury of great cities + looks upon it with a kind of awe and speaks of it with a certain emotion. + This defiance of the seasons, forcing Nature to do her work of congelation + in the face of her sultriest noon, might well inspire a timid mind with + fear lest human art were revolting against the Higher Powers, and raise + the same scruples which resisted the use of ether and chloroform in + certain contingencies. Whatever may be the cause, it is well known that + the announcement at any private rural entertainment that there is to be + ice-cream produces an immediate and profound impression. It may be + remarked, as aiding this impression, that exaggerated ideas are + entertained as to the dangerous effects this congealed food may produce on + persons not in the most robust health. + </p> + <p> + There was silence as the pyramids of ice were placed on the table, + everybody looking on in admiration. The Colonel took a knife and assailed + the one at the head of the table. When he tried to cut off a slice, it + didn't seem to understand it, however, and only tipped, as if it wanted to + upset. The Colonel attacked it on the other side, and it tipped just as + badly the other way. It was awkward for the Colonel. “Permit me,” said the + Judge,—and he took the knife and struck a sharp slanting stroke + which sliced off a piece just of the right size, and offered it to Mrs. + Sprowle. This act of dexterity was much admired by the company. + </p> + <p> + The tables were all alive again. + </p> + <p> + “Lorindy, here's a plate of ice-cream,” said Silas Peckham. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Mahaly,” said a fresh-looking young-fellow with a saucerful in each + hand, “here's your ice-cream;—let's go in the corner and have a + celebration, us two.” And the old green de-lame, with the young curves + under it to make it sit well, moved off as pleased apparently as if it had + been silk velvet with thousand-dollar laces over it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, now, Miss Green! do you think it's safe to put that cold stuff into + your stomick?” said the Widow Leech to a young married lady, who, finding + the air rather warm, thought a little ice would cool her down very nicely. + “It's jest like eatin' snowballs. You don't look very rugged; and I should + be dreadful afeard, if I was you.” + </p> + <p> + “Carrie,” said old Dr. Kittredge, who had overheard this,—“how well + you're looking this evening! But you must be tired and heated;—sit + down here, and let me give you a good slice of ice-cream. How you young + folks do grow up, to be sure! I don't feel quite certain whether it's you + or your older sister, but I know it 's somebody I call Carrie, and that I + 've known ever since.” + </p> + <p> + A sound something between a howl and an oath startled the company and + broke off the Doctor's sentence. Everybody's eyes turned in the direction + from which it came. A group instantly gathered round the person who had + uttered it, who was no other than Deacon Soper. + </p> + <p> + “He's chokin'! he's chokin'!” was the first exclamation,—“slap him + on the back!” + </p> + <p> + Several heavy fists beat such a tattoo on his spine that the Deacon felt + as if at least one of his vertebrae would come up. + </p> + <p> + “He's black in the face,” said Widow Leech, “he 's swallered somethin' the + wrong way. Where's the Doctor?—let the Doctor get to him, can't ye?” + </p> + <p> + “If you will move, my good lady, perhaps I can,” said Doctor Kittredge, in + a calm tone of voice. “He's not choking, my friends,” the Doctor added + immediately, when he got sight of him. + </p> + <p> + “It 's apoplexy,—I told you so,—don't you see how red he is in + the face?” said old Mrs. Peake, a famous woman for “nussin” sick folks, + —determined to be a little ahead of the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “It's not apoplexy,” said Dr. Kittredge. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Doctor? what is it? Will he die? Is he dead?—Here's his + poor wife, the Widow Soper that is to be, if she a'n't a'ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Do be quiet, my good woman,” said Dr. Kittredge.—“Nothing serious, + I think, Mrs. Soper. Deacon!” + </p> + <p> + The sudden attack of Deacon Soper had begun with the extraordinary sound + mentioned above. His features had immediately assumed an expression of + intense pain, his eyes staring wildly, and, clapping his hands to his + face, he had rocked his head backward and forward in speechless agony. + </p> + <p> + At the Doctor's sharp appeal the Deacon lifted his head. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” said the Doctor, as soon as he saw his face. “The Deacon + had a smart attack of neuralgic pain. That 's all. Very severe, but not at + all dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor kept his countenance, but his diaphragm was shaking the change + in iris waistcoat-pockets with subterranean laughter. He had looked + through his spectacles and seen at once what had happened. The Deacon, not + being in the habit of taking his nourishment in the congealed state, had + treated the ice-cream as a pudding of a rare species, and, to make sure of + doing himself justice in its distribution, had taken a large mouthful of + it without the least precaution. The consequence was a sensation as if a + dentist were killing the nerves of twenty-five teeth at once with hot + irons, or cold ones, which would hurt rather worse. + </p> + <p> + The Deacon swallowed something with a spasmodic effort, and recovered + pretty soon and received the congratulations of his friends. There were + different versions of the expressions he had used at the onset of his + complaint,—some of the reported exclamations involving a breach of + propriety, to say the least,—but it was agreed that a man in an + attack of neuralgy wasn't to be judged of by the rules that applied to + other folks. + </p> + <p> + The company soon after this retired from the supper-room. The + mansion-house gentry took their leave, and the two-story people soon + followed. Mr. Bernard had stayed an hour or two, and left soon after he + found that Elsie Venner and her father had disappeared. As he passed by + the dormitory of the Institute, he saw a light glimmering from one of its + upper rooms, where the lady-teacher was still waking. His heart ached, + when he remembered, that, through all these hours of gayety, or what was + meant for it, the patient girl had been at work in her little chamber; and + he looked up at the silent stars, as if to see that they were watching + over her. The planet Mars was burning like a red coal; the northern + constellation was slanting downward about its central point of flame; and + while he looked, a falling star slid from the zenith and was lost. + </p> + <p> + He reached his chamber and was soon dreaming over the Event of the Season. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE MORNING AFTER. + </h2> + <p> + Colonel Sprowle's family arose late the next morning. The fatigues and + excitements of the evening and the preparation for it were followed by a + natural collapse, of which somnolence was a leading symptom. The sun shone + into the window at a pretty well opened angle when the Colonel first found + himself sufficiently awake to address his yet slumbering spouse. + </p> + <p> + “Sally!” said the Colonel, in a voice that was a little husky,—for + he had finished off the evening with an extra glass or two of “Madary,” + and had a somewhat rusty and headachy sense of renewed existence, on + greeting the rather advanced dawn,—“Sally!” + </p> + <p> + “Take care o' them custard-cups! There they go!” + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Sprowle was fighting the party over in her dream; and as the + visionary custard-cups crashed down through one lobe of her brain into + another, she gave a start as if an inch of lightning from a quart Leyden + jar had jumped into one of her knuckles with its sudden and lively poonk! + </p> + <p> + “Sally!” said the Colonel,—“wake up, wake up. What 'r' y' dreamin' + abaout?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sprowle raised herself, by a sort of spasm, sur son seant, as they + say in France,—up on end, as we have it in New England. She looked + first to the left, then to the right, then straight before her, apparently + without seeing anything, and at last slowly settled down, with her two + eyes, blank of any particular meaning, directed upon the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “What time is 't?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Ten o'clock. What y' been dreamin' abaout? Y' giv a jump like a + hopper-grass. Wake up, wake UP! Th' party 's over, and y' been asleep all + the mornin'. The party's over, I tell ye! Wake up!” + </p> + <p> + “Over!” said Mrs. Sprowle, who began to define her position at last,—“over! + I should think 't was time 't was over! It's lasted a hundud year. I've + been workin' for that party longer 'n Methuselah's lifetime, sence I been + asleep. The pies would n' bake, and the blo'monje would n' set, and the + ice-cream would n' freeze, and all the folks kep' comin' 'n' comin' 'n' + comin',—everybody I ever knew in all my life,—some of 'em 's + been dead this twenty year 'n' more,—'n' nothin' for 'em to eat nor + drink. The fire would n' burn to cook anything, all we could do. We blowed + with the belluses, 'n' we stuffed in paper 'n' pitch-pine kindlin's, but + nothin' could make that fire burn; 'n' all the time the folks kep' comin', + as if they'd never stop,—'n' nothin' for 'em but empty dishes, 'n' + all the borrowed chaney slippin' round on the waiters 'n' chippin' 'n' + crackin',—I would n' go through what I been through t'-night for all + th' money in th' Bank,—I do believe it's harder t' have a party than + t'”— + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sprowle stated the case strongly. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel said he did n't know how that might be. She was a better judge + than he was. It was bother enough, anyhow, and he was glad that it was + over. After this, the worthy pair commenced preparations for rejoining the + waking world, and in due time proceeded downstairs. + </p> + <p> + Everybody was late that morning, and nothing had got put to rights. The + house looked as if a small army had been quartered in it over night. The + tables were of course in huge disorder, after the protracted assault they + had undergone. There had been a great battle evidently, and it had gone + against the provisions. Some points had been stormed, and all their + defences annihilated, but here and there were centres of resistance which + had held out against all attacks,—large rounds of beef, and solid + loaves of cake, against which the inexperienced had wasted their energies + in the enthusiasm of youth or uninformed maturity, while the longer-headed + guests were making discoveries of “shell-oysters” and “patridges” and + similar delicacies. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast was naturally of a somewhat fragmentary character. A chicken + that had lost his legs in the service of the preceding campaign was once + more put on duty. A great ham stuck with cloves, as Saint Sebastian was + with arrows, was again offered for martyrdom. It would have been a + pleasant sight for a medical man of a speculative turn to have seen the + prospect before the Colonel's family of the next week's breakfasts, + dinners, and suppers. The trail that one of these great rural parties + leaves after it is one of its most formidable considerations. Every + door-handle in the house is suggestive of sweetmeats for the next week, at + least. The most unnatural articles of diet displace the frugal but + nutritious food of unconvulsed periods of existence. If there is a walking + infant about the house, it will certainly have a more or less fatal fit + from overmuch of some indigestible delicacy. Before the week is out, + everybody will be tired to death of sugary forms of nourishment and long + to see the last of the remnants of the festival. + </p> + <p> + The family had not yet arrived at this condition. On the contrary, the + first inspection of the tables suggested the prospect of days of unstinted + luxury; and the younger portion of the household, especially, were in a + state of great excitement as the account of stock was taken with reference + to future internal investments. Some curious facts came to light during + these researches. + </p> + <p> + “Where's all the oranges gone to?” said Mrs. Sprowle. “I expected there'd + be ever so many of 'em left. I did n't see many of the folks eatin' + oranges. Where's the skins of 'em? There ought to be six dozen + orange-skins round on the plates, and there a'n't one dozen. And all the + small cakes, too, and all the sugar things that was stuck on the big + cakes. Has anybody counted the spoons? Some of 'em got swallered, perhaps. + I hope they was plated ones, if they did!” + </p> + <p> + The failure of the morning's orange-crop and the deficit in other expected + residual delicacies were not very difficult to account for. In many of the + two-story Rockland families, and in those favored households of the + neighboring villages whose members had been invited to the great party, + there was a very general excitement among the younger people on the + morning after the great event. “Did y' bring home somethin' from the + party? What is it? What is it? Is it frut-cake? Is it nuts and oranges and + apples? Give me some! Give me some!” Such a concert of treble voices + uttering accents like these had not been heard since the great Temperance + Festival with the celebrated “colation” in the open air under the trees of + the Parnassian Grove,—as the place was christened by the young + ladies of the Institute. The cry of the children was not in vain. From the + pockets of demure fathers, from the bags of sharp-eyed spinsters, from the + folded handkerchiefs of light-fingered sisters, from the tall hats of + sly-winking brothers, there was a resurrection of the missing oranges and + cakes and sugar-things in many a rejoicing family-circle, enough to + astonish the most hardened “caterer” that ever contracted to feed a + thousand people under canvas. + </p> + <p> + The tender recollections of those dear little ones whom extreme youth or + other pressing considerations detain from scenes of festivity—a + trait of affection by no means uncommon among our thoughtful people—dignifies + those social meetings where it is manifested, and sheds a ray of sunshine + on our common nature. It is “an oasis in the desert,”—to use the + striking expression of the last year's “Valedictorian” of the Apollinean + Institute. In the midst of so much that is purely selfish, it is + delightful to meet such disinterested care for others. When a large family + of children are expecting a parent's return from an entertainment, it will + often require great exertions on his part to freight himself so as to meet + their reasonable expectations. A few rules are worth remembering by all + who attend anniversary dinners in Faneuil Hall or elsewhere. Thus: + Lobsters' claws are always acceptable to children of all ages. Oranges and + apples are to be taken one at a time, until the coat-pockets begin to + become inconveniently heavy. Cakes are injured by sitting upon them; it + is, therefore, well to carry a stout tin box of a size to hold as many + pieces as there are children in the domestic circle. A very pleasant + amusement, at the close of one of these banquets, is grabbing for the + flowers with which the table is embellished. These will please the ladies + at home very greatly, and, if the children are at the same time abundantly + supplied with fruits, nuts, cakes, and any little ornamental articles of + confectionery which are of a nature to be unostentatiously removed, the + kind-hearted parent will make a whole household happy, without any + additional expense beyond the outlay for his ticket. + </p> + <p> + There were fragmentary delicacies enough left, of one kind and another, at + any rate, to make all the Colonel's family uncomfortable for the next + week. It bid fair to take as long to get rid of the remains of the great + party as it had taken to make ready for it. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Mr. Bernard had been dreaming, as young men dream, of + gliding shapes with bright eyes and burning cheeks, strangely blended with + red planets and hissing meteors, and, shining over all, the white, + un-wandering star of the North, girt with its tethered constellations. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast he walked into the parlor, where he found Miss Darley. She + was alone, and, holding a school-book in her hand, was at work with one of + the morning's lessons. She hardly noticed him as he entered, being very + busy with her book,—and he paused a moment before speaking, and + looked at her with a kind of reverence. It would not have been strictly + true to call her beautiful. For years,—since her earliest womanhood,—those + slender hands had taken the bread which repaid the toil of heart and brain + from the coarse palms which offered it in the world's rude market. It was + not for herself alone that she had bartered away the life of her youth, + that she had breathed the hot air of schoolrooms, that she had forced her + intelligence to posture before her will, as the exigencies of her place + required,—waking to mental labor,—sleeping to dream of + problems,—rolling up the stone of education for an endless + twelvemonth's term, to find it at the bottom of the hill again when + another year called her to its renewed duties, schooling her temper in + unending inward and outward conflicts, until neither dulness nor obstinacy + nor ingratitude nor insolence could reach her serene self-possession. Not + for herself alone. Poorly as her prodigal labors were repaid in proportion + to the waste of life they cost, her value was too well established to + leave her without what, under other circumstances, would have been a more + than sufficient compensation. But there were others who looked to her in + their need, and so the modest fountain which might have been filled to its + brim was continually drained through silent-flowing, hidden sluices. + </p> + <p> + Out of such a life, inherited from a race which had lived in conditions + not unlike her own, beauty, in the common sense of the term, could hardly + find leisure to develop and shape itself. For it must be remembered, that + symmetry and elegance of features and figure, like perfectly formed + crystals in the mineral world, are reached only by insuring a certain + necessary repose to individuals and to generations. Human beauty is an + agricultural product in the country, growing up in men and women as in + corn and cattle, where the soil is good. It is a luxury almost monopolized + by the rich in cities, bred under glass like their forced pine-apples and + peaches. Both in city and country, the evolution of the physical harmonies + which make music to our eyes requires a combination of favorable + circumstances, of which alternations of unburdened tranquillity with + intervals of varied excitement of mind and body are among the most + important. Where sufficient excitement is wanting, as often happens in the + country, the features, however rich in red and white, get heavy, and the + movements sluggish; where excitement is furnished in excess, as is + frequently the case in cities, the contours and colors are impoverished, + and the nerves begin to make their existence known to the consciousness, + as the face very soon informs us. + </p> + <p> + Helen Darley could not, in the nature of things, have possessed the kind + of beauty which pleases the common taste. Her eye was calm, sad-looking, + her features very still, except when her pleasant smile changed them for a + moment, all her outlines were delicate, her voice was very gentle, but + somewhat subdued by years of thoughtful labor, and on her smooth forehead + one little hinted line whispered already that Care was beginning to mark + the trace which Time sooner or later would make a furrow. She could not be + a beauty; if she had been, it would have been much harder for many persons + to be interested in her. For, although in the abstract we all love beauty, + and although, if we were sent naked souls into some ultramundane warehouse + of soulless bodies and told to select one to our liking, we should each + choose a handsome one, and never think of the consequences,—it is + quite certain that beauty carries an atmosphere of repulsion as well as of + attraction with it, alike in both sexes. We may be well assured that there + are many persons who no more think of specializing their love of the other + sex upon one endowed with signal beauty, than they think of wanting great + diamonds or thousand-dollar horses. No man or woman can appropriate beauty + without paying for it,—in endowments, in fortune, in position, in + self-surrender, or other valuable stock; and there are a great many who + are too poor, too ordinary, too humble, too busy, too proud, to pay any of + these prices for it. So the unbeautiful get many more lovers than the + beauties; only, as there are more of them, their lovers are spread thinner + and do not make so much show. + </p> + <p> + The young master stood looking at Helen Darley with a kind of tender + admiration. She was such a picture of the martyr by the slow social + combustive process, that it almost seemed to him he could see a pale + lambent nimbus round her head. + </p> + <p> + “I did not see you at the great party last evening,” he said, presently. + </p> + <p> + She looked up and answered, “No. I have not much taste for such large + companies. Besides, I do not feel as if my time belonged to me after it + has been paid for. There is always something to do, some lesson or + exercise,—and it so happened, I was very busy last night with the + new problems in geometry. I hope you had a good time.” + </p> + <p> + “Very. Two or three of our girls were there. Rosa Milburn. What a beauty + she is! I wonder what she feeds on! Wine and musk and chloroform and coals + of fire, I believe; I didn't think there was such color and flavor in a + woman outside the tropics.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Darley smiled rather faintly; the imagery was not just to her taste: + femineity often finds it very hard to accept the fact of muliebrity. + </p> + <p> + “Was”—? + </p> + <p> + She stopped short; but her question had asked itself. + </p> + <p> + “Elsie there? She was, for an hour or so. She looked frightfully handsome. + I meant to have spoken to her, but she slipped away before I knew it.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought she meant to go to the party,” said Miss Darley. “Did she look + at you?” + </p> + <p> + “She did. Why?” + </p> + <p> + “And you did not speak to her?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I should have spoken to her, but she was gone when I looked for her. + A strange creature! Is n't there an odd sort of fascination about her? You + have not explained all the mystery about the girl. What does she come to + this school for? She seems to do pretty much as she likes about studying.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Darley answered in very low tones. “It was a fancy of hers to come, + and they let her have her way. I don't know what there is about her, + except that she seems to take my life out of me when she looks at me. I + don't like to ask other people about our girls. She says very little to + anybody, and studies, or makes believe to study, almost what she likes. I + don't know what she is,” (Miss Darley laid her hand, trembling, on the + young master's sleeve,) “but I can tell when she is in the room without + seeing or hearing her. Oh, Mr. Langdon, I am weak and nervous, and no + doubt foolish,—but—if there were women now, as in the days of + our Saviour, possessed of devils, I should think there was something not + human looking out of Elsie Venner's eyes!” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl's breast rose and fell tumultuously as she spoke, and her + voice labored, as if some obstruction were rising in her throat. + </p> + <p> + A scene might possibly have come of it, but the door opened. Mr. Silas + Peckham. Miss Darley got away as soon as she well could. + </p> + <p> + “Why did not Miss Darley go to the party last evening?” said Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the fact is,” answered Mr. Silas Peckham, “Miss Darley, she's pooty + much took up with the school. She's an industris young. woman,—yis, + she is industris,—but perhaps she a'n't quite so spry a worker as + some. Maybe, considerin' she's paid for her time, she is n't fur out o' + the way in occoopyin' herself evenin's,—that—is, if so be she + a'n't smart enough to finish up all her work in the daytime. Edoocation is + the great business of the Institoot. Amoosements are objec's of a + secondary natur', accordin' to my v'oo.” [The unspellable pronunciation of + this word is the touchstone of New England Brahminism.] + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard drew a deep breath, his thin nostrils dilating, as if the air + did not rush in fast enough to cool his blood, while Silas Peckham was + speaking. The Head of the Apollinean Institute delivered himself of these + judicious sentiments in that peculiar acid, penetrating tone, thickened + with a nasal twang, which not rarely becomes hereditary after three or + four generations raised upon east winds, salt fish, and large, + white-bellied, pickled cucumbers. He spoke deliberately, as if weighing + his words well, so that, during his few remarks, Mr. Bernard had time for + a mental accompaniment with variations, accented by certain bodily + changes, which escaped Mr. Peckham's observation. First there was a + feeling of disgust and shame at hearing Helen Darley spoken of like a dumb + working animal. That sent the blood up into his cheeks. Then the slur upon + her probable want of force—her incapacity, who made the character of + the school and left this man to pocket its profits—sent a thrill of + the old Wentworth fire through him, so that his muscles hardened, his + hands closed, and he took the measure of Mr. Silas Peckham, to see if his + head would strike the wall in case he went over backwards all of a sudden. + This would not do, of course, and so the thrill passed off and the muscles + softened again. Then came that state of tenderness in the heart, overlying + wrath in the stomach, in which the eyes grow moist like a woman's, and + there is also a great boiling-up of objectionable terms out of the + deep-water vocabulary, so that Prudence and Propriety and all the other + pious P's have to jump upon the lid of speech to keep them from boiling + over into fierce articulation. All this was internal, chiefly, and of + course not recognized by Mr. Silas Peckham. The idea, that any full-grown, + sensible man should have any other notion than that of getting the most + work for the least money out of his assistants, had never suggested itself + to him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had gone through this paroxysm, and cooled down, in the period + while Mr. Peckham was uttering these words in his thin, shallow whine, + twanging up into the frontal sinuses. What was the use of losing his + temper and throwing away his place, and so, among the consequences which + would necessarily follow, leaving the poor lady-teacher without a friend + to stand by her ready to lay his hand on the grand-inquisitor before the + windlass of his rack had taken one turn too many? + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, Mr. Peckham,” he said, in a grave, calm voice, “there is a + great deal of work to be done in the school; but perhaps we can distribute + the duties a little more evenly after a time. I shall look over the girls' + themes myself, after this week. Perhaps there will be some other parts of + her labor that I can take on myself. We can arrange a new programme of + studies and recitations.” + </p> + <p> + “We can do that,” said Mr. Silas Peckham. “But I don't propose mater'lly + alterin' Miss Darley's dooties. I don't think she works to hurt herself. + Some of the Trustees have proposed interdoosin' new branches of study, and + I expect you will be pooty much occoopied with the dooties that belong to + your place. On the Sahbath you will be able to attend divine service three + times, which is expected of our teachers. I shall continoo myself to give + Sahbath Scriptur' readin's to the young ladies. That is a solemn dooty I + can't make up my mind to commit to other people. My teachers enjoy the + Lord's day as a day of rest. In it they do no manner of work, except in + cases of necessity or mercy, such as fillin' out diplomas, or when we git + crowded jest at the end of a term, or when there is an extry number of + p'oopils, or other Providential call to dispense with the ordinance.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had a fine glow in his cheeks by this time,—doubtless + kindled by the thought of the kind consideration Mr. Peckham showed for + his subordinates in allowing them the between meeting-time on Sundays + except for some special reason. But the morning was wearing away; so he + went to the schoolroom, taking leave very properly of his respected + principal, who soon took his hat and departed. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peckham visited certain “stores” or shops, where he made inquiries + after various articles in the provision-line, and effected a purchase or + two. Two or three barrels of potatoes, which had sprouted in a promising + way, he secured at a bargain. A side of feminine beef was also obtained at + a low figure. He was entirely satisfied with a couple of barrels of flour, + which, being invoiced “slightly damaged,” were to be had at a reasonable + price. + </p> + <p> + After this, Silas Peckham felt in good spirits. He had done a pretty + stroke of business. It came into his head whether he might not follow it + up with a still more brilliant speculation. So he turned his steps in the + direction of Colonel Sprowle's. + </p> + <p> + It was now eleven o'clock, and the battle-field of last evening was as we + left it. Mr. Peckham's visit was unexpected, perhaps not very well timed, + but the Colonel received him civilly. + </p> + <p> + “Beautifully lighted,—these rooms last night!” said Mr. Peckham. + “Winter-strained?” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel nodded. + </p> + <p> + “How much do you pay for your winter-strained?” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel told him the price. + </p> + <p> + “Very hahnsome supper,—very hahnsome. Nothin' ever seen like it in + Rockland. Must have been a great heap of things leftover.” + </p> + <p> + The compliment was not ungrateful, and the Colonel acknowledged it by + smiling and saying, “I should think the' was a trifle? Come and look.” + </p> + <p> + When Silas Peckham saw how many delicacies had survived the evening's + conflict, his commercial spirit rose at once to the point of a proposal. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Sprowle,” said he, “there's 'meat and cakes and pies and pickles + enough on that table to spread a hahnsome colation. If you'd like to trade + reasonable, I think perhaps I should be willin' to take 'em off your + hands. There's been a talk about our havin' a celebration in the + Parnassian Grove, and I think I could work in what your folks don't want + and make myself whole by chargin' a small sum for tickets. Broken meats, + of course, a'n't of the same valoo as fresh provisions; so I think you + might be willin' to trade reasonable.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peckham paused and rested on his proposal. It would not, perhaps, have + been very extraordinary, if Colonel Sprowle had entertained the + proposition. There is no telling beforehand how such things will strike + people. It didn't happen to strike the Colonel favorably. He had a little + red-blooded manhood in him. + </p> + <p> + “Sell you them things to make a colation out of?” the Colonel replied. + “Walk up to that table, Mr. Peckham, and help yourself! Fill your pockets; + Mr. Peckham! Fetch a basket, and our hired folks shall fill it full for + ye! Send a cart, if y' like, 'n' carry off them leavin's to make a + celebration for your pupils with! Only let me tell ye this:—as sure + 's my name's Hezekiah Spraowle, you 'll be known through the taown 'n' + through the caounty, from that day forrard, as the Principal of the + Broken-Victuals Institoot!” + </p> + <p> + Even provincial human-nature sometimes has a touch of sublimity about it. + Mr. Silas Peckham had gone a little deeper than he meant, and come upon + the “hard pan,” as the well-diggers call it, of the Colonel's character, + before he thought of it. A militia-colonel standing on his sentiments is + not to be despised. That was shown pretty well in New England two or three + generations ago. There were a good many plain officers that talked about + their “rigiment” and their “caounty” who knew very well how to say “Make + ready!” “Take aim!” “Fire!”—in the face of a line of grenadiers with + bullets in their guns and bayonets on them. And though a rustic uniform is + not always unexceptionable in its cut and trimmings, yet there was many an + ill-made coat in those old times that was good enough to be shown to the + enemy's front rank too often to be left on the field with a round hole in + its left lapel that matched another going right through the brave heart of + the plain country captain or major or colonel who was buried in it under + the crimson turf. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Silas Peckham said little or nothing. His sensibilities were not + acute, but he perceived that he had made a miscalculation. He hoped that + there was no offence,—thought it might have been mutooally + agreeable, conclooded he would give up the idee of a colation, and backed + himself out as if unwilling to expose the less guarded aspect of his + person to the risk of accelerating impulses. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel shut the door,—cast his eye on the toe of his right + boot, as if it had had a strong temptation,—looked at his watch, + then round the room, and, going to a cupboard, swallowed a glass of + deep-red brandy and water to compose his feelings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE DOCTOR ORDERS THE BEST SULKY. (With a Digression on “Hired + Help.”) + </h2> + <h3> + “ABEL! Slip Cassia into the new sulky, and fetch her round.” + </h3> + <p> + Abel was Dr. Kittredge's hired man. He was born in New Hampshire, a queer + sort of State, with fat streaks of soil and population where they breed + giants in mind and body, and lean streaks which export imperfectly + nourished young men with promising but neglected appetites, who may be + found in great numbers in all the large towns, or could be until of late + years, when they have been half driven out of their favorite + basement-stories by foreigners, and half coaxed away from them by + California. New Hampshire is in more than one sense the Switzerland of New + England. The “Granite State” being naturally enough deficient in + pudding-stone, its children are apt to wander southward in search of that + deposit,—in the unpetrified condition. + </p> + <p> + Abel Stebbins was a good specimen of that extraordinary hybrid or mule + between democracy and chrysocracy, a native-born New-England serving-man. + The Old World has nothing at all like him. He is at once an emperor and a + subordinate. In one hand he holds one five-millionth part (be the same + more or less) of the power that sways the destinies of the Great Republic. + His other hand is in your boot, which he is about to polish. It is + impossible to turn a fellow citizen whose vote may make his master—say, + rather, employer—Governor or President, or who may be one or both + himself, into a flunky. That article must be imported ready-made from + other centres of civilization. When a New Englander has lost his + self-respect as a citizen and as a man, he is demoralized, and cannot be + trusted with the money to pay for a dinner. + </p> + <p> + It may be supposed, therefore, that this fractional emperor, this + continent-shaper, finds his position awkward when he goes into service, + and that his employer is apt to find it still more embarrassing. It is + always under protest that the hired man does his duty. Every act of + service is subject to the drawback, “I am as good as you are.” This is so + common, at least, as almost to be the rule, and partly accounts for the + rapid disappearance of the indigenous “domestic” from the basements above + mentioned. Paleontologists will by and by be examining the floors of our + kitchens for tracks of the extinct native species of serving-man. The + female of the same race is fast dying out; indeed, the time is not far + distant when all the varieties of young woman will have vanished from New + England, as the dodo has perished in the Mauritius. The young lady is all + that we shall have left, and the mop and duster of the last Ahnira or + Loizy will be stared at by generations of Bridgets and Noras as that + famous head and foot of the lost bird are stared at in the Ashmolean + Museum. + </p> + <p> + Abel Stebbins, the Doctor's man, took the true American view of his + difficult position. He sold his time to the Doctor, and, having sold it, + he took care to fulfil his half of the bargain. The Doctor, on his part, + treated him, not like a gentleman, because one does not order a gentleman + to bring up his horse or run his errands, but he treated him like a man. + Every order was given in courteous terms. His reasonable privileges were + respected as much as if they had been guaranteed under hand and seal. The + Doctor lent him books from his own library, and gave him all friendly + counsel, as if he were a son or a younger brother. + </p> + <p> + Abel had Revolutionary blood in his veins, and though he saw fit to “hire + out,” he could never stand the word “servant,” or consider himself the + inferior one of the two high contracting parties. When he came to live + with the Doctor, he made up his mind he would dismiss the old gentleman, + if he did not behave according to his notions of propriety. But he soon + found that the Doctor was one of the right sort, and so determined to keep + him. The Doctor soon found, on his side, that he had a trustworthy, + intelligent fellow, who would be invaluable to him, if he only let him + have his own way of doing what was to be done. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's hired man had not the manners of a French valet. He was grave + and taciturn for the most part, he never bowed and rarely smiled, but was + always at work in the daytime, and always reading in the evening. He was + hostler, and did all the housework that a man could properly do, would go + to the door or “tend table,” bought the provisions for the family,—in + short, did almost everything for them but get their clothing. There was no + office in a perfectly appointed household, from that of steward down to + that of stable-boy, which he did not cheerfully assume. His round of work + not consuming all his energies, he must needs cultivate the Doctor's + garden, which he kept in one perpetual bloom, from the blowing of the + first crocus to the fading of the last dahlia. + </p> + <p> + This garden was Abel's poem. Its half-dozen beds were so many cantos. + Nature crowded them for him with imagery such as no Laureate could copy in + the cold mosaic of language. The rhythm of alternating dawn and sunset, + the strophe and antistrophe still perceptible through all the sudden + shifts of our dithyrambic seasons and echoed in corresponding floral + harmonies, made melody in the soul of Abel, the plain serving-man. It + softened his whole otherwise rigid aspect. He worshipped God according to + the strict way of his fathers; but a florist's Puritanism is always + colored by the petals of his flowers,—and Nature never shows him a + black corolla. + </p> + <p> + He may or may not figure again in this narrative; but as there must be + some who confound the New England hired man, native-born, with the servant + of foreign birth, and as there is the difference of two continents and two + civilizations between them, it did not seem fair to let Abel bring round + the Doctor's mare and sulky without touching his features in half-shadow + into our background. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's mare, Cassia, was so called by her master from her cinnamon + color, cassia being one of the professional names for that spice or drug. + She was of the shade we call sorrel, or, as an Englishman would perhaps + say, chestnut,—a genuine “Morgan” mare, with a low forehand, as is + common in this breed, but with strong quarters and flat hocks, well ribbed + up, with a good eye and a pair of lively ears,—a first-rate doctor's + beast, would stand until her harness dropped off her back at the door of a + tedious case, and trot over hill and dale thirty miles in three hours, if + there was a child in the next county with a bean in its windpipe and the + Doctor gave her a hint of the fact. Cassia was not large, but she had a + good deal of action, and was the Doctor's show-horse. There were two other + animals in his stable: Quassia or Quashy, the black horse, and Caustic, + the old bay, with whom he jogged round the village. + </p> + <p> + “A long ride to-day?” said Abel, as he brought up the equipage. + </p> + <p> + “Just out of the village,—that 's all.—There 's a kink in her + mane,—pull it out, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Goin' to visit some of the great folks,” Abel said to himself. “Wonder + who it is.”—Then to the Doctor,—“Anybody get sick at + Sprowles's? They say Deacon Soper had a fit, after eatin' some o' their + frozen victuals.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor smiled. He guessed the Deacon would do well enough. He was only + going to ride over to the Dudley mansion-house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE DOCTOR CALLS ON ELSIE VENNER. + </h2> + <p> + If that primitive physician, Chiron, M. D., appears as a Centaur, as we + look at him through the lapse of thirty centuries, the modern + country-doctor, if he could be seen about thirty miles off, could not be + distinguished from a wheel-animalcule. He inhabits a wheel-carriage. He + thinks of stationary dwellings as Long Tom Coffin did of land in general; + a house may be well enough for incidental purposes, but for a “stiddy” + residence give him a “kerridge.” If he is classified in the Linnaean + scale, he must be set down thus: Genus Homo; Species Rotifer infusorius, + the wheel-animal of infusions. + </p> + <p> + The Dudley mansion was not a mile from the Doctor's; but it never occurred + to him to think of walking to see any of his patients' families, if he had + any professional object in his visit. Whenever the narrow sulky turned in + at a gate, the rustic who was digging potatoes, or hoeing corn, or + swishing through the grass with his scythe, in wave-like crescents, or + stepping short behind a loaded wheelbarrow, or trudging lazily by the side + of the swinging, loose-throated, short-legged oxen, rocking along the road + as if they had just been landed after a three-months' voyage, the toiling + native, whatever he was doing, stopped and looked up at the house the + Doctor was visiting. + </p> + <p> + “Somebody sick over there t' Haynes's. Guess th' old man's ailin' ag'in. + Winder's half-way open in the chamber,—should n' wonder 'f he was + dead and laid aout. Docterin' a'n't no use, when y' see th' winders open + like that. Wahl, money a'n't much to speak of to th' old man naow! He don' + want but tew cents,—'n' old Widah Peake, she knows what he wants + them for!” + </p> + <p> + Or again,— + </p> + <p> + “Measles raound pooty thick. Briggs's folks buried two children with 'em + lass' week. Th' of Doctor, he'd h' ker'd 'em threugh. Struck in 'n' + p'dooced mo't'f'cation,—so they say.” + </p> + <p> + This is only meant as a sample of the kind of way they used to think or + talk, when the narrow sulky turned in at the gate of some house where + there was a visit to be made. + </p> + <p> + Oh, that narrow sulky! What hopes, what fears, what comfort, what anguish, + what despair, in the roll of its coming or its parting wheels! In the + spring, when the old people get the coughs which give them a few shakes + and their lives drop in pieces like the ashes of a burned thread which + have kept the threadlike shape until they were stirred,—in the hot + summer noons, when the strong man comes in from the fields, like the son + of the Shunamite, crying, “My head, my head,”—in the dying autumn + days, when youth and maiden lie fever-stricken in many a household, + still-faced, dull-eyed, dark-flushed, dry-lipped, low-muttering in their + daylight dreams, their fingers moving singly like those of slumbering + harpers,—in the dead winter, when the white plague of the North has + caged its wasted victims, shuddering as they think of the frozen soil + which must be quarried like rock to receive them, if their perpetual + convalescence should happen to be interfered with by any untoward + accident,—at every season, the narrow sulky rolled round freighted + with unmeasured burdens of joy and woe. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor drove along the southern foot of The Mountain. The “Dudley + Mansion” was near the eastern edge of this declivity, where it rose + steepest, with baldest cliffs and densest patches of overhanging wood. It + seemed almost too steep to climb, but a practised eye could see from a + distance the zigzag lines of the sheep-paths which scaled it like + miniature Alpine roads. A few hundred feet up The Mountain's side was a + dark deep dell, unwooded, save for a few spindling, crazy-looking + hackmatacks or native larches, with pallid green tufts sticking out + fantastically all over them. It shelved so deeply, that, while the + hemlock-tassels were swinging on the trees around its border, all would be + still at its springy bottom, save that perhaps a single fern would wave + slowly backward and forward like a sabre with a twist as of a feathered + oar,—and this when not a breath could be felt, and every other stem + and blade were motionless. There was an old story of one having perished + here in the winter of '86, and his body having been found in the spring,—whence + its common name of “Dead-Man's Hollow.” Higher up there were huge cliffs + with chasms, and, it was thought, concealed caves, where in old times they + said that Tories lay hid,—some hinted not without occasional aid and + comfort from the Dudleys then living in the mansion-house. Still higher + and farther west lay the accursed ledge,—shunned by all, unless it + were now and then a daring youth, or a wandering naturalist who ventured + to its edge in the hope of securing some infantile Crotalus durissus, who + had not yet cut his poison teeth. + </p> + <p> + Long, long ago, in old Colonial times, the Honorable Thomas Dudley, + Esquire, a man of note and name and great resources, allied by descent to + the family of “Tom Dudley,” as the early Governor is sometimes + irreverently called by our most venerable, but still youthful antiquary,—and + to the other public Dudleys, of course,—of all of whom he made small + account, as being himself an English gentleman, with little taste for the + splendors of provincial office, early in the last century, Thomas Dudley + had built this mansion. For several generations it had been dwelt in by + descendants of the same name, but soon after the Revolution it passed by + marriage into the hands of the Venners, by whom it had ever since been + held and tenanted. + </p> + <p> + As the doctor turned an angle in the road, all at once the stately old + house rose before him. It was a skilfully managed effect, as it well might + be, for it was no vulgar English architect who had planned the mansion and + arranged its position and approach. The old house rose before the Doctor, + crowning a terraced garden, flanked at the left by an avenue of tall elms. + The flower-beds were edged with box, which diffused around it that dreamy + balsamic odor, full of ante-natal reminiscences of a lost Paradise, dimly + fragrant as might be the bdellium of ancient Havilah, the land compassed + by the river Pison that went out of Eden. The garden was somewhat + neglected, but not in disgrace,—and in the time of tulips and + hyacinths, of roses, of “snowballs,” of honeysuckles, of lilacs, of + syringas, it was rich with blossoms. + </p> + <p> + From the front-windows of the mansion the eye reached a far blue + mountain-summit,—no rounded heap, such as often shuts in a + village-landscape, but a sharp peak, clean-angled as Ascutney from the + Dartmouth green. A wide gap through miles of woods had opened this distant + view, and showed more, perhaps, than all the labors of the architect and + the landscape-gardener the large style of the early Dudleys. + </p> + <p> + The great stone-chimney of the mansion-house was the centre from which all + the artificial features of the scene appeared to flow. The roofs, the + gables, the dormer-windows, the porches, the clustered offices in the + rear, all seemed to crowd about the great chimney. To this central pillar + the paths all converged. The single poplar behind the house,—Nature + is jealous of proud chimneys, and always loves to put a poplar near one, + so that it may fling a leaf or two down its black throat every autumn,—the + one tall poplar behind the house seemed to nod and whisper to the grave + square column, the elms to sway their branches towards it. And when the + blue smoke rose from its summit, it seemed to be wafted away to join the + azure haze which hung around the peak in the far distance, so that both + should bathe in a common atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Behind the house were clumps of lilacs with a century's growth upon them, + and looking more like trees than like shrubs. Shaded by a group of these + was the ancient well, of huge circuit, and with a low arch opening out of + its wall about ten feet below the surface,—whether the door of a + crypt for the concealment of treasure, or of a subterranean passage, or + merely of a vault for keeping provisions cool in hot weather, opinions + differed. + </p> + <p> + On looking at the house, it was plain that it was built with Old-World + notions of strength and durability, and, so far as might be, with + Old-World materials. The hinges of the doors stretched out like arms, + instead of like hands, as we make them. The bolts were massive enough for + a donjon-keep. The small window-panes were actually inclosed in the wood + of the sashes instead of being stuck to them with putty, as in our modern + windows. The broad staircase was of easy ascent, and was guarded by + quaintly turned and twisted balusters. The ceilings of the two rooms of + state were moulded with medallion-portraits and rustic figures, such as + may have been seen by many readers in the famous old Philipse house,—Washington's + head-quarters,—in the town of Yorkers. The fire-places, worthy of + the wide-throated central chimney, were bordered by pictured tiles, some + of them with Scripture stories, some with Watteau-like figures,—tall + damsels in slim waists and with spread enough of skirt for a modern + ballroom, with bowing, reclining, or musical swains of what everybody + calls the “conventional” sort,—that is, the swain adapted to genteel + society rather than to a literal sheep-compelling existence. + </p> + <p> + The house was furnished, soon after it was completed, with many heavy + articles made in London from a rare wood just then come into fashion, not + so rare now, and commonly known as mahogany. Time had turned it very dark, + and the stately bedsteads and tall cabinets and claw-footed chairs and + tables were in keeping with the sober dignity of the ancient mansion. The + old “hangings” were yet preserved in the chambers, faded, but still + showing their rich patterns,—properly entitled to their name, for + they were literally hung upon flat wooden frames like trellis-work, which + again were secured to the naked partitions. + </p> + <p> + There were portraits of different date on the walls of the various + apartments, old painted coats-of-arms, bevel-edged mirrors, and in one + sleeping-room a glass case of wax-work flowers and spangly symbols, with a + legend signifying that E. M. (supposed to be Elizabeth Mascarene) wished + not to be “forgot”. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When I am dead and lay'd in dust + And all my bones are”— +</pre> + <p> + Poor E. M.! Poor everybody that sighs for earthly remembrance in a planet + with a core of fire and a crust of fossils! + </p> + <p> + Such was the Dudley mansion-house,—for it kept its ancient name in + spite of the change in the line of descent. Its spacious apartments looked + dreary and desolate; for here Dudley Venner and his daughter dwelt by + themselves, with such servants only as their quiet mode of life required. + He almost lived in his library, the western room on the ground-floor. Its + window looked upon a small plat of green, in the midst of which was a + single grave marked by a plain marble slab. Except this room, and the + chamber where he slept, and the servants' wing, the rest of the house was + all Elsie's. She was always a restless, wandering child from her early + years, and would have her little bed moved from one chamber to another,—flitting + round as the fancy took her. Sometimes she would drag a mat and a pillow + into one of the great empty rooms, and, wrapping herself in a shawl, coil + up and go to sleep in a corner. Nothing frightened her; the “haunted” + chamber, with the torn hangings that flapped like wings when there was air + stirring, was one of her favorite retreats. She had been a very hard + creature to manage. Her father could influence, but not govern her. Old + Sophy, born of a slave mother in the house, could do more with her than + anybody, knowing her by long instinctive study. The other servants were + afraid of her. Her father had sent for governesses, but none of them ever + stayed long. She made them nervous; one of them had a strange fit of + sickness; not one of them ever came back to the house to see her. A young + Spanish woman who taught her dancing succeeded best with her, for she had + a passion for that exercise, and had mastered some of the most difficult + dances. Long before this period, she had manifested some most + extraordinary singularities of taste or instinct. The extreme + sensitiveness of her father on this point prevented any allusion to them; + but there were stories floating round, some of them even getting into the + papers,—without her name, of course,—which were of a kind to + excite intense curiosity, if not more anxious feelings. This thing was + certain, that at the age of twelve she was missed one night, and was found + sleeping in the open air under a tree, like a wild creature. Very often + she would wander off by day, always without a companion, bringing home + with her a nest, a flower, or even a more questionable trophy of her + ramble, such as showed that there was no place where she was afraid to + venture. Once in a while she had stayed out over night, in which case the + alarm was spread, and men went in search of her, but never successfully,—so—that + some said she hid herself in trees, and others that she had found one of + the old Tory caves. + </p> + <p> + Some, of course, said she was a crazy girl, and ought to be sent to an + Asylum. But old Dr. Kittredge had shaken his head, and told them to bear + with her, and let her have her way as much as they could, but watch her, + as far as possible, without making her suspicious of them. He visited her + now and then, under the pretext of seeing her father on business, or of + only making a friendly call. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor fastened his horse outside the gate, and walked up the + garden-alley. He stopped suddenly with a start. A strange sound had jarred + upon his ear. It was a sharp prolonged rattle, continuous, but rising and + falling as if in rhythmical cadence. He moved softly towards the open + window from which the sound seemed to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Elsie was alone in the room, dancing one of those wild Moorish fandangos, + such as a matador hot from the Plaza de Toros of Seville or Madrid might + love to lie and gaze at. She was a figure to look upon in silence. The + dancing frenzy must have seized upon her while she was dressing; for she + was in her bodice, bare-armed, her hair floating unbound far below the + waist of her barred or banded skirt. She had caught up her castanets, and + rattled them as she danced with a kind of passionate fierceness, her lithe + body undulating with flexuous grace, her diamond eyes glittering, her + round arms wreathing and unwinding, alive and vibrant to the tips of the + slender fingers. Some passion seemed to exhaust itself in this dancing + paroxysm; for all at once she reeled from the middle of the floor, and + flung herself, as it were in a careless coil, upon a great tiger's-skin + which was spread out in one corner of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor stood motionless, looking at her as she lay panting on the + tawny, black-lined robe of the dead monster which stretched out beneath + her, its rude flattened outline recalling the Terror of the Jungle as he + crouched for his fatal spring. In a few moments her head drooped upon her + arm, and her glittering eyes closed,—she was sleeping. He stood + looking at her still, steadily, thoughtfully, tenderly. Presently he + lifted his hand to his forehead, as if recalling some fading remembrance + of other years. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Catalina!” + </p> + <p> + This was all he said. He shook his head,—implying that his visit + would be in vain to-day,—returned to his sulky, and rode away, as if + in a dream. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT. + </h2> + <p> + The Doctor was roused from his revery by the clatter of approaching hoofs. + He looked forward and saw a young fellow galloping rapidly towards him. + </p> + <p> + A common New-England rider with his toes turned out, his elbows jerking + and the daylight showing under him at every step, bestriding a cantering + beast of the plebeian breed, thick at every point where he should be thin, + and thin at every point where he should be thick, is not one of those + noble objects that bewitch the world. The best horsemen outside of the + cities are the unshod countryboys, who ride “bareback,” with only a halter + round the horse's neck, digging their brown heels into his ribs, and + slanting over backwards, but sticking on like leeches, and taking the + hardest trot as if they loved it.—This was a different sight on + which the Doctor was looking. The streaming mane and tail of the unshorn, + savage-looking, black horse, the dashing grace with which the young fellow + in the shadowy sombrero, and armed with the huge spurs, sat in his + high-peaked saddle, could belong only to the mustang of the Pampas and his + master. This bold rider was a young man whose sudden apparition in the + quiet inland town had reminded some of the good people of a bright, + curly-haired boy they had known some eight or ten years before as little + Dick Venner. + </p> + <p> + This boy had passed several of his early years at the Dudley mansion, the + playmate of Elsie, being her cousin, two or three years older than + herself, the son of Captain Richard Venner, a South American trader, who, + as he changed his residence often, was glad to leave the boy in his + brother's charge. The Captain's wife, this boy's mother, was a lady of + Buenos Ayres, of Spanish descent, and had died while the child was in his + cradle. These two motherless children were as strange a pair as one roof + could well cover. Both handsome, wild, impetuous, unmanageable, they + played and fought together like two young leopards, beautiful, but + dangerous, their lawless instincts showing through all their graceful + movements. + </p> + <p> + The boy was little else than a young Gaucho when he first came to + Rockland; for he had learned to ride almost as soon as to walk, and could + jump on his pony and trip up a runaway pig with the bolas or noose him + with his miniature lasso at an age when some city-children would hardly be + trusted out of sight of a nursery-maid. It makes men imperious to sit a + horse; no man governs his fellows so well as from this living throne. And + so, from Marcus Aurelius in Roman bronze, down to the “man on horseback” + in General Cushing's prophetic speech, the saddle has always been the true + seat of empire. The absolute tyranny of the human will over a noble and + powerful beast develops the instinct of personal prevalence and dominion; + so that horse-subduer and hero were almost synonymous in simpler times, + and are closely related still. An ancestry of wild riders naturally enough + bequeaths also those other tendencies which we see in the Tartars, the + Cossacks, and our own Indian Centaurs, and as well, perhaps, in the + old-fashioned fox-hunting squire as in any of these. Sharp alternations of + violent action and self-indulgent repose; a hard run, and a long revel + after it; this is what over-much horse tends to animalize a man into. Such + antecedents may have helped to make little Dick Venner a self-willed, + capricious boy, and a rough playmate for Elsie. + </p> + <p> + Elsie was the wilder of the two. Old Sophy, who used to watch them with + those quick, animal-looking eyes of hers,—she was said to be the + granddaughter of a cannibal chief, and inherited the keen senses belonging + to all creatures which are hunted as game, Old Sophy, who watched them in + their play and their quarrels, always seemed to be more afraid for the boy + than the girl. “Masse Dick! Masse Dick! don' you be too rough wi' dat gal! + She scratch you las' week, 'n' some day she bite you; 'n' if she bite you, + Masse Dick!” Old Sophy nodded her head ominously, as if she could say a + great deal more; while, in grateful acknowledgment of her caution, Master + Dick put his two little fingers in the angles of his mouth, and his + forefingers on his lower eyelids, drawing upon these features until his + expression reminded her of something she vaguely recollected in her + infancy,—the face of a favorite deity executed in wood by an African + artist for her grandfather, brought over by her mother, and burned when + she became a Christian. + </p> + <p> + These two wild children had much in common. They loved to ramble together, + to build huts, to climb trees for nests, to ride the colts, to dance, to + race, and to play at boys' rude games as if both were boys. But wherever + two natures have a great deal in common, the conditions of a first-rate + quarrel are furnished ready-made. Relations are very apt to hate each + other just because they are too much alike. It is so frightful to be in an + atmosphere of family idiosyncrasies; to see all the hereditary + uncomeliness or infirmity of body, all the defects of speech, all the + failings of temper, intensified by concentration, so that every fault of + our own finds itself multiplied by reflections, like our images in a + saloon lined with mirrors! Nature knows what she is about. The centrifugal + principle which grows out of the antipathy of like to like is only the + repetition in character of the arrangement we see expressed materially in + certain seed-capsules, which burst and throw the seed to all points of the + compass. A house is a large pod with a human germ or two in each of its + cells or chambers; it opens by dehiscence of the front-door by and by, and + projects one of its germs to Kansas, another to San Francisco, another to + Chicago, and so on; and this that Smith may not be Smithed to death and + Brown may not be Browned into a mad-house, but mix in with the world again + and struggle back to average humanity. + </p> + <p> + Elsie's father, whose fault was to indulge her in everything, found that + it would never do to let these children grow up together. They would + either love each other as they got older, and pair like wild creatures, or + take some fierce antipathy, which might end nobody could tell where. It + was not safe to try. The boy must be sent away. A sharper quarrel than + common decided this point. Master Dick forgot Old Sophy's caution, and + vexed the girl into a paroxysm of wrath, in which she sprang at him and + bit his arm. Perhaps they made too much of it; for they sent for the old + Doctor, who came at once when he heard what had happened. He had a good + deal to say about the danger there was from the teeth of animals or human + beings when enraged; and as he emphasized his remarks by the application + of a pencil of lunar caustic to each of the marks left by the sharp white + teeth, they were like to be remembered by at least one of his hearers. + </p> + <p> + So Master Dick went off on his travels, which led him into strange places + and stranger company. Elsie was half pleased and half sorry to have him + go; the children had a kind of mingled liking and hate for each other, + just such as is very common among relations. Whether the girl had most + satisfaction in the plays they shared, or in teasing him, or taking her + small revenge upon him for teasing her, it would have been hard to say. At + any rate, she was lonely without him. She had more fondness for the old + black woman than anybody; but Sophy could not follow her far beyond her + own old rocking-chair. As for her father, she had made him afraid of her, + not for his sake, but for her own. Sometimes she would seem to be fond of + him, and the parent's heart would yearn within him as she twined her + supple arms about him; and then some look she gave him, some + half-articulated expression, would turn his cheek pale and almost make him + shiver, and he would say kindly, “Now go, Elsie, dear,” and smile upon her + as she went, and close and lock the door softly after her. Then his + forehead would knot and furrow itself, and the drops of anguish stand + thick upon it. He would go to the western window of his study and look at + the solitary mound with the marble slab for its head-stone. After his + grief had had its way, he would kneel down and pray for his child as one + who has no hope save in that special grace which can bring the most + rebellious spirit into sweet subjection. All this might seem like weakness + in a parent having the charge of one sole daughter of his house and heart; + but he had tried authority and tenderness by turns so long without any + good effect, that he had become sore perplexed, and, surrounding her with + cautious watchfulness as he best might, left her in the main to her own + guidance and the merciful influences which Heaven might send down to + direct her footsteps. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the boy grew up to youth and early manhood through a strange + succession of adventures. He had been at school at Buenos Ayres,—had + quarrelled with his mother's relatives,—had run off to the Pampas, + and lived with the Gauchos;—had made friends with the Indians, and + ridden with them, it was rumored, in some of their savage forays,—had + returned and made up his quarrel,—had got money by inheritance or + otherwise,—had troubled the peace of certain magistrates,—had + found it convenient to leave the City of Wholesome Breezes for a time, and + had galloped off on a fast horse of his, (so it was said,) with some + officers riding after him, who took good care (but this was only the + popular story) not to catch him. A few days after this he was taking his + ice on the Alameda of Mendoza, and a week or two later sailed from + Valparaiso for New York, carrying with him the horse with which he had + scampered over the Plains, a trunk or two with his newly purchased outfit + of, clothing and other conveniences, and a belt heavy with gold and with a + few Brazilian diamonds sewed in it, enough in value to serve him for a + long journey. + </p> + <p> + Dick Venner had seen life enough to wear out the earlier sensibilities of + adolescence. He was tired of worshipping or tyrannizing over the bistred + or umbered beauties of mingled blood among whom he had been living. Even + that piquant exhibition which the Rio de Mendoza presents to the amateur + of breathing sculpture failed to interest him. He was thinking of a + far-off village on the other side of the equator, and of the wild girl + with whom he used to play and quarrel, a creature of a different race from + these degenerate mongrels. + </p> + <p> + “A game little devil she was, sure enough!”—And as Dick spoke, he + bared his wrist to look for the marks she had left on it: two small white + scars, where the two small sharp upper teeth had struck when she flashed + at him with her eyes sparkling as bright as those glittering stones sewed + up in the belt he wore. “That's a filly worth noosing!” said Dick to + himself, as he looked in admiration at the sign of her spirit and passion. + “I wonder if she will bite at eighteen as she did at eight! She shall have + a chance to try, at any rate!” + </p> + <p> + Such was the self-sacrificing disposition with which Richard Venner, Esq., + a passenger by the Condor from Valparaiso, set foot upon his native shore, + and turned his face in the direction of Rockland, The Mountain, and the + mansion-house. He had heard something, from time to time, of his + New-England relatives, and knew that they were living together as he left + them. And so he heralded himself to “My dear Uncle” by a letter signed + “Your loving nephew, Richard Venner,” in which letter he told a very frank + story of travel and mercantile adventure, expressed much gratitude for the + excellent counsel and example which had helped to form his character and + preserve him in the midst of temptation, inquired affectionately after his + uncle's health, was much interested to know whether his lively cousin who + used to be his playmate had grown up as handsome as she promised to be, + and announced his intention of paying his respects to them both at + Rockland. Not long after this came the trunks marked R. V. which he had + sent before him, forerunners of his advent: he was not going to wait for a + reply or an invitation. + </p> + <p> + What a sound that is,—the banging down of the preliminary trunk, + without its claimant to give it the life which is borrowed by all personal + appendages, so long as the owner's hand or eye is on them! If it announce + the coming of one loved and longed for, how we delight to look at it, to + sit down on it, to caress it in our fancies, as a lone exile walking out + on a windy pier yearns towards the merchantman lying alongside, with the + colors of his own native land at her peak, and the name of the port he + sailed from long ago upon her stern! But if it tell the near approach of + the undesired, inevitable guest, what sound short of the muffled noises + made by the undertakers as they turn the corners in the dim-lighted house, + with low shuffle of feet and whispered cautions, carries such a sense of + knocking-kneed collapse with it as the thumping down in the front entry of + the heavy portmanteau, rammed with the changes of uncounted coming weeks? + </p> + <p> + Whether the R. V. portmanteaus brought one or the other of these emotions + to the tenants of the Dudley mansion, it might not be easy to settle. + Elsie professed to be pleased with the thought of having an adventurous + young stranger, with stories to tell, an inmate of their quiet, not to say + dull, family. Under almost any other circumstances, her father would have + been unwilling to take a young fellow of whom he knew so little under his + roof; but this was his nephew, and anything that seemed like to amuse or + please Elsie was agreeable to him. He had grown almost desperate, and felt + as if any change in the current of her life and feelings might save her + from some strange paroxysm of dangerous mental exaltation or sullen + perversion of disposition, from which some fearful calamity might come to + herself or others. + </p> + <p> + Dick had been several weeks at the Dudley mansion. A few days before, he + had made a sudden dash for the nearest large city,—and when the + Doctor met him, he was just returning from his visit. + </p> + <p> + It had been a curious meeting between the two young persons, who had + parted so young and after such strange relations with each other. When + Dick first presented himself at the mansion, not one in the house would + have known him for the boy who had left them all so suddenly years ago. He + was so dark, partly from his descent, partly from long habits of exposure, + that Elsie looked almost fair beside him. He had something of the family + beauty which belonged to his cousin, but his eye had a fierce passion in + it, very unlike the cold glitter of Elsie's. Like many people of strong + and imperious temper, he was soft-voiced and very gentle in his address, + when he had no special reason for being otherwise. He soon found reasons + enough to be as amiable as he could force himself to be with his uncle and + his cousin. Elsie was to his fancy. She had a strange attraction for him, + quite unlike anything he had ever known in other women. There was + something, too, in early associations: when those who parted as children + meet as man and woman, there is always a renewal of that early experience + which followed the taste of the forbidden fruit,—a natural blush of + consciousness, not without its charm. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more becoming than the behavior of “Richard Venner, + Esquire, the guest of Dudley Venner, Esquire, at his noble mansion,” as he + was announced in the Court column of the “Rockland Weekly Universe.” He + was pleased to find himself treated with kindness and attention as a + relative. He made himself very agreeable by abundant details concerning + the religious, political, social, commercial, and educational progress of + the South American cities and states. He was himself much interested in + everything that was going on about the Dudley mansion, walked all over it, + noticed its valuable wood-lots with special approbation, was delighted + with the grand old house and its furniture, and would not be easy until he + had seen all the family silver and heard its history. In return, he had + much to tell of his father, now dead,—the only one of the Venners, + beside themselves, in whose fate his uncle was interested. With Elsie, he + was subdued and almost tender in his manner; with the few visitors whom + they saw, shy and silent,—perhaps a little watchful, if any young + man happened to be among them. + </p> + <p> + Young fellows placed on their good behavior are apt to get restless and + nervous, all ready to fly off into some mischief or other. Dick Venner had + his half-tamed horse with him to work off his suppressed life with. When + the savage passion of his young blood came over him, he would fetch out + the mustang, screaming and kicking as these amiable beasts are wont to do, + strap the Spanish saddle tight to his back, vault into it, and, after + getting away from the village, strike the long spurs into his sides and + whirl away in a wild gallop, until the black horse was flecked with white + foam, and the cruel steel points were red with his blood. When horse and + rider were alike fired, he would fling the bridle on his neck and saunter + homeward, always contriving to get to the stable in a quiet way, and + coming into the house as calm as a bishop after a sober trot on his + steady-going cob. + </p> + <p> + After a few weeks of this kind of life, he began to want some more fierce + excitement. He had tried making downright love to Elsie, with no great + success as yet, in his own opinion. The girl was capricious in her + treatment of him, sometimes scowling and repellent, sometimes familiar, + very often, as she used to be of old, teasing and malicious. All this, + perhaps, made her more interesting to a young man who was tired of easy + conquests. There was a strange fascination in her eyes, too, which at + times was quite irresistible, so that he would feel himself drawn to her + by a power which seemed to take away his will for the moment. It may have + been nothing but the common charm of bright eyes; but he had never before + experienced the same kind of attraction. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps she was not so very different from what she had been as a child, + after all. At any rate, so it seemed to Dick Venner, who, as was said + before, had tried making love to her. They were sitting alone in the study + one day; Elsie had round her neck that somewhat peculiar ornament, the + golden torque, which she had worn to the great party. Youth is adventurous + and very curious about necklaces, brooches, chains, and other such + adornments, so long as they are worn by young persons of the female sex. + Dick was seized with a great passion for examining this curious chain, + and, after some preliminary questions, was rash enough to lean towards her + and put out his hand toward the neck that lay in the golden coil. + </p> + <p> + She threw her head back, her eyes narrowing and her forehead drawing down + so that Dick thought her head actually flattened itself. He started + involuntarily; for she looked so like the little girl who had struck him + with those sharp flashing teeth, that the whole scene came back, and he + felt the stroke again as if it had just been given, and the two white + scars began to sting as they did after the old Doctor had burned them with + that stick of gray caustic, which looked so like a slate pencil, and felt + so much like the end of a red-hot poker. + </p> + <p> + It took something more than a gallop to set him right after this. The next + day he mentioned having received a letter from a mercantile agent with + whom he had dealings. What his business was is, perhaps, none of our + business. At any rate, it required him to go at once to the city where his + correspondent resided. + </p> + <p> + Independently of this “business” which called him, there may have been + other motives, such as have been hinted at. People who have been living + for a long time in dreary country-places, without any emotion beyond such + as are occasioned by a trivial pleasure or annoyance, often get crazy at + last for a vital paroxysm of some kind or other. In this state they rush + to the great cities for a plunge into their turbid life-baths, with a + frantic thirst for every exciting pleasure, which makes them the willing + and easy victims of all those who sell the Devil's wares on commission. + The less intelligent and instructed class of unfortunates, who venture + with their ignorance and their instincts into what is sometimes called the + “life” of great cities, are put through a rapid course of instruction + which entitles them very commonly to a diploma from the police court. But + they only illustrate the working of the same tendency in mankind at large + which has been occasionally noticed in the sons of ministers and other + eminently worthy people, by many ascribed to that intense congenital + hatred for goodness which distinguishes human nature from that of the + brute, but perhaps as readily accounted for by considering it as the + yawning and stretching of a young soul cramped too long in one moral + posture. + </p> + <p> + Richard Venner was a young man of remarkable experience for his years. He + ran less risk, therefore, in exposing himself to the temptations and + dangers of a great city than many older men, who, seeking the livelier + scenes of excitement to be found in large towns as a relaxation after the + monotonous routine of family life, are too often taken advantage of and + made the victims of their sentiments or their generous confidence in their + fellow-creatures. Such was not his destiny. There was something about him + which looked as if he would not take bullying kindly. He had also the + advantage of being acquainted with most of those ingenious devices by + which the proverbial inconstancy of fortune is steadied to something more + nearly approaching fixed laws, and the dangerous risks which have so often + led young men to ruin and suicide are practically reduced to somewhat less + than nothing. So that Mr. Richard Venner worked off his nervous energies + without any troublesome adventure, and was ready to return to Rockland in + less than a week, without having lightened the money-belt he wore round + his body, or tarnished the long glittering knife he carried in his boot. + </p> + <p> + Dick had sent his trunk to the nearest town through which the railroad + leading to the city passed. He rode off on his black horse and left him at + the place where he took the cars. On arriving at the city station, he took + a coach and drove to one of the great hotels. Thither drove also a + sagacious-looking, middle-aged man, who entered his name as “W. Thompson” + in the book at the office immediately after that of “R. Venner.” Mr. + “Thompson” kept a carelessly observant eye upon Mr. Venner during his stay + at the hotel, and followed him to the cars when he left, looking over his + shoulder when he bought his ticket at the station, and seeing him fairly + off without obtruding himself in any offensive way upon his attention. Mr. + Thompson, known in other quarters as Detective Policeman Terry, got very + little by his trouble. Richard Venner did not turn out to be the + wife-poisoner, the defaulting cashier, the river-pirate, or the great + counterfeiter. He paid his hotel-bill as a gentleman should always do, if + he has the money and can spare it. The detective had probably overrated + his own sagacity when he ventured to suspect Mr. Venner. He reported to + his chief that there was a knowing-looking fellow he had been round after, + but he rather guessed he was nothing more than “one o' them Southern + sportsmen.” + </p> + <p> + The poor fellows at the stable where Dick had left his horse had had + trouble enough with him. One of the ostlers was limping about with a lame + leg, and another had lost a mouthful of his coat, which came very near + carrying a piece of his shoulder with it. When Mr. Venner came back for + his beast, he was as wild as if he had just been lassoed, screaming, + kicking, rolling over to get rid of his saddle, and when his rider was at + last mounted, jumping about in a way to dislodge any common horseman. To + all this Dick replied by sticking his long spurs deeper and deeper into + his flanks, until the creature found he was mastered, and dashed off as if + all the thistles of the Pampas were pricking him. + </p> + <p> + “One more gallop, Juan?” This was in the last mile of the road before he + came to the town which brought him in sight of the mansion-house. It was + in this last gallop that the fiery mustang and his rider flashed by the + old Doctor. Cassia pointed her sharp ears and shied to let them pass. The + Doctor turned and looked through the little round glass in the back of his + sulky. + </p> + <p> + “Dick Turpin, there, will find more than his match!” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE APOLLINEAN INSTITUTE. (With Extracts from the “Reporto f + the committee.”) + </h2> + <p> + The readers of this narrative will hardly expect any elaborate details of + the educational management of the Apollinean Institute. They cannot be + supposed to take the same interest in its affairs as was shown by the + Annual Committees who reported upon its condition and prospects. As these + Committees were, however, an important part of the mechanism of the + establishment, some general account of their organization and a few + extracts from the Report of the one last appointed may not be out of + place. + </p> + <p> + Whether Mr. Silas Peckham had some contrivance for packing his Committees, + whether they happened always to be made up of optimists by nature, whether + they were cajoled into good-humor by polite attentions, or whether they + were always really delighted with the wonderful acquirements of the pupils + and the admirable order of the school, it is certain that their Annual + Reports were couched in language which might warm the heart of the most + cold-blooded and calculating father that ever had a family of daughters to + educate. In fact, these Annual Reports were considered by Mr. Peckham as + his most effective advertisements. + </p> + <p> + The first thing, therefore, was to see that the Committee was made up of + persons known to the public. + </p> + <p> + Some worn-out politician, in that leisurely and amiable transition-state + which comes between official extinction and the paralysis which will + finish him as soon as his brain gets a little softer, made an admirable + Chairman for Mr. Peckham, when he had the luck to pick up such an article. + Old reputations, like old fashions, are more prized in the grassy than in + the stony districts. An effete celebrity, who would never be heard of + again in the great places until the funeral sermon waked up his memory for + one parting spasm, finds himself in full flavor of renown a little farther + back from the changing winds of the sea-coast. If such a public character + was not to be had, so that there was no chance of heading the Report with + the name of the Honorable Mr. Somebody, the next best thing was to get the + Reverend Dr. Somebody to take that conspicuous position. Then would follow + two or three local worthies with Esquire after their names. If any stray + literary personage from one of the great cities happened to be within + reach, he was pounced upon by Mr. Silas Peckham. It was a hard case for + the poor man, who had travelled a hundred miles or two to the outside + suburbs after peace and unwatered milk, to be pumped for a speech in this + unexpected way. It was harder still, if he had been induced to venture a + few tremulous remarks, to be obliged to write them out for the “Rockland + Weekly Universe,” with the chance of seeing them used as an advertising + certificate as long as he lived, if he lived as long as the late Dr. + Waterhouse did after giving his certificate in favor of Whitwell's + celebrated Cephalic Snuff. + </p> + <p> + The Report of the last Committee had been signed by the Honorable, + ___________late __________ of ___________, as Chairman. (It is with + reluctance that the name and titles are left in blank; but our public + characters are so familiarly known to the whole community that this + reserve becomes necessary.) The other members of the Committee were the + Reverend Mr. Butters, of a neighboring town, who was to make the prayer + before the Exercises of the Exhibition, and two or three notabilities of + Rockland, with geoponic eyes, and glabrous, bumpless foreheads. A few + extracts from the Report are subjoined: + </p> + <p> + “The Committee have great pleasure in recording their unanimous opinion, + that the Institution was never in so flourishing a condition.... + </p> + <p> + “The health of the pupils is excellent; the admirable quality of food + supplied shows itself in their appearance; their blooming aspect excited + the admiration of the Committee, and bears testimony to the assiduity of + the excellent Matron. + </p> + <p> + “.... moral and religious condition most encouraging, which they cannot + but attribute to the personal efforts and instruction of the faithful + Principal, who considers religious instruction a solemn duty which he + cannot commit to other people. + </p> + <p> + “.... great progress in their studies, under the intelligent + superintendence of the accomplished Principal, assisted by Mr. Badger, + [Mr. Langdon's predecessor,] Miss Darley, the lady who superintends the + English branches, Miss Crabs, her assistant and teacher of Modern + Languages, and Mr. Schneider, teacher of French, German, Latin, and + Music.... + </p> + <p> + “Education is the great business of the Institute. Amusements are objects + of a secondary nature; but these are by no means neglected.... + </p> + <p> + “.... English compositions of great originality and beauty, creditable + alike to the head and heart of their accomplished authors.... several + poems of a very high order of merit, which would do honor to the + literature of any age or country.... life-like drawings, showing great + proficiency.... Many converse fluently in various modern languages.... + perform the most difficult airs with the skill of professional + musicians.... + </p> + <p> + “.... advantages unsurpassed, if equalled by those of any Institution in + the country, and reflecting the highest honor on the distinguished Head of + the Establishment, SILAS PECKHAM, Esquire, and his admirable Lady, the + MATRON, with their worthy assistants....” + </p> + <p> + The perusal of this Report did Mr. Bernard more good than a week's + vacation would have done: It gave him such a laugh as he had not had for a + month. The way in which Silas Peckham had made his Committee say what he + wanted them to—for he recognized a number of expressions in the + Report as coming directly from the lips of his principal, and could not + help thinking how cleverly he had forced his phrases, as jugglers do the + particular card they wish their dupe to take—struck him as + particularly neat and pleasing. + </p> + <p> + He had passed through the sympathetic and emotional stages in his new + experience, and had arrived at the philosophical and practical state, + which takes things coolly, and goes to work to set them right. He had + breadth enough of view to see that there was nothing so very exceptional + in this educational trader's dealings with his subordinates, but he had + also manly feeling enough to attack the particular individual instance of + wrong before him. There are plenty of dealer's in morals, as in ordinary + traffic, who confine themselves to wholesale business. They leave the + small necessity of their next-door neighbor to the retailers, who are + poorer in statistics and general facts, but richer in the every-day + charities. Mr. Bernard felt, at first, as one does who sees a gray rat + steal out of a drain and begin gnawing at the bark of some tree loaded + with fruit or blossoms, which he will soon girdle, if he is let alone. The + first impulse is to murder him with the nearest ragged stone. Then one + remembers that he is a rodent, acting after the law of his kind, and cools + down and is contented to drive him off and guard the tree against his + teeth for the future. As soon as this is done, one can watch his attempts + at mischief with a certain amusement. + </p> + <p> + This was the kind of process Mr. Bernard had gone through. First, the + indignant surprise of a generous nature, when it comes unexpectedly into + relations with a mean one. Then the impulse of extermination,—a + divine instinct, intended to keep down vermin of all classes to their + working averages in the economy of Nature. Then a return of cheerful + tolerance,—a feeling, that, if the Deity could bear with rats and + sharpers, he could; with a confident trust, that, in the long run, + terriers and honest men would have the upperhand, and a grateful + consciousness that he had been sent just at the right time to come between + a patient victim and the master who held her in peonage. + </p> + <p> + Having once made up his mind what to do, Mr. Bernard was as good-natured + and hopeful as ever. He had the great advantage, from his professional + training, of knowing how to recognize and deal with the nervous + disturbances to which overtasked women are so liable. He saw well enough + that Helen Darley would certainly kill herself or lose her wits, if he + could not lighten her labors and lift off a large part of her weight of + cares. The worst of it was, that she was one of those women who naturally + overwork themselves, like those horses who will go at the top of their + pace until they drop. Such women are dreadfully unmanageable. It is as + hard reasoning with them as it would have been reasoning with Io, when she + was flying over land and sea, driven by the sting of the never-sleeping + gadfly. + </p> + <p> + This was a delicate, interesting game that he played. Under one innocent + pretext or another, he invaded this or that special province she had made + her own. He would collect the themes and have them all read and marked, + answer all the puzzling questions in mathematics, make the other teachers + come to him for directions, and in this way gradually took upon himself + not only all the general superintendence that belonged to his office, but + stole away so many of the special duties which might fairly have belonged + to his assistant, that, before she knew it, she was looking better and + feeling more cheerful than for many and many a month before. + </p> + <p> + When the nervous energy is depressed by any bodily cause, or exhausted by + overworking, there follow effects which have often been misinterpreted by + moralists, and especially by theologians. The conscience itself becomes + neuralgic, sometimes actually inflamed, so that the least touch is agony. + Of all liars and false accusers, a sick conscience is the most inventive + and indefatigable. The devoted daughter, wife, mother, whose life has been + given to unselfish labors, who has filled a place which it seems to others + only an angel would make good, reproaches herself with incompetence and + neglect of duty. The humble Christian, who has been a model to others, + calls himself a worm of the dust on one page of his diary, and arraigns + himself on the next for coming short of the perfection of an archangel. + </p> + <p> + Conscience itself requires a conscience, or nothing can be more + unscrupulous. It told Saul that he did well in persecuting the Christians. + It has goaded countless multitudes of various creeds to endless forms of + self-torture. The cities of India are full of cripples it has made. The + hill-sides of Syria are riddled with holes, where miserable hermits, whose + lives it had palsied, lived and died like the vermin they harbored. Our + libraries are crammed with books written by spiritual hypochondriacs, who + inspected all their moral secretions a dozen times a day. They are full of + interest, but they should be transferred from the shelf of the theologian + to that of the medical man who makes a study of insanity. + </p> + <p> + This was the state into which too much work and too much responsibility + were bringing Helen Darley, when the new master came and lifted so much of + the burden that was crushing her as must be removed before she could have + a chance to recover her natural elasticity and buoyancy. Many of the + noblest women, suffering like her, but less fortunate in being relieved at + the right moment, die worried out of life by the perpetual teasing of this + inflamed, neuralgic conscience. So subtile is the line which separates the + true and almost angelic sensibility of a healthy, but exalted nature, from + the soreness of a soul which is sympathizing with a morbid state of the + body that it is no wonder they are often confounded. And thus many good + women are suffered to perish by that form of spontaneous combustion in + which the victim goes on toiling day and night with the hidden fire + consuming her, until all at once her cheek whitens, and, as we look upon + her, she drops away, a heap of ashes. The more they overwork themselves, + the more exacting becomes the sense of duty,—as the draught of the + locomotive's furnace blows stronger and makes the fire burn more fiercely, + the faster it spins along the track. + </p> + <p> + It is not very likely, as was said at the beginning of this chapter, that + we shall trouble ourselves a great deal about the internal affairs of the + Apollinean Institute. These schools are, in the nature of things, not so + very unlike each other as to require a minute description for each + particular one among them. They have all very much the same general + features, pleasing and displeasing. All feeding-establishments have + something odious about them,—from the wretched country-houses where + paupers are farmed out to the lowest bidder, up to the commons-tables at + colleges and even the fashionable boarding-house. A person's appetite + should be at war with no other purse than his own. Young people, + especially, who have a bone-factory at work in them, and have to feed the + living looms of innumerable growing tissues, should be provided for, if + possible, by those who love them like their own flesh and blood. Elsewhere + their appetites will be sure to make them enemies, or, what are almost as + bad, friends whose interests are at variance with the claims of their + exacting necessities and demands. + </p> + <p> + Besides, all commercial transactions in regard to the most sacred + interests of life are hateful even to those who profit by them. The + clergyman, the physician, the teacher, must be paid; but each of them, if + his duty be performed in the true spirit, can hardly help a shiver of + disgust when money is counted out to him for administering the + consolations of religion, for saving some precious life, for sowing the + seeds of Christian civilization in young ingenuous souls. + </p> + <p> + And yet all these schools, with their provincial French and their + mechanical accomplishments, with their cheap parade of diplomas and + commencements and other public honors, have an ever fresh interest to all + who see the task they are performing in our new social order. These girls + are not being educated for governesses, or to be exported, with other + manufactured articles, to colonies where there happens to be a surplus of + males. Most of them will be wives, and every American-born husband is a + possible President of these United States. Any one of these girls may be a + four-years' queen. There is no sphere of human activity so exalted that + she may not be called upon to fill it. + </p> + <p> + But there is another consideration of far higher interest. The education + of our community to all that is beautiful is flowing in mainly through its + women, and that to a considerable extent by the aid of these large + establishments, the least perfect of which do something to stimulate the + higher tastes and partially instruct them. Sometimes there is, perhaps, + reason to fear that girls will be too highly educated for their own + happiness, if they are lifted by their culture out of the range of the + practical and every-day working youth by whom they are surrounded. But + this is a risk we must take. Our young men come into active life so early, + that, if our girls were not educated to something beyond mere practical + duties, our material prosperity would outstrip our culture; as it often + does in large places where money is made too rapidly. This is the meaning, + therefore, of that somewhat ambitious programme common to most of these + large institutions, at which we sometimes smile, perhaps unwisely or + uncharitably. + </p> + <p> + We shall take it for granted that the routine of instruction went on at + the Apollinean Institute much as it does in other schools of the same + class. People, young or old, are wonderfully different, if we contrast + extremes in pairs. They approach much nearer, if we take them in groups of + twenty. Take two separate hundreds as they come, without choosing, and you + get the gamut of human character in both so completely that you can strike + many chords in each which shall be in perfect unison with corresponding + ones in the other. If we go a step farther, and compare the population of + two villages of the same race and region, there is such a regularly + graduated distribution and parallelism of character, that it seems as if + Nature must turn out human beings in sets like chessmen. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed that the position in which Mr. Bernard now found + himself had a pleasing danger about it which might well justify all the + fears entertained on his account by more experienced friends, when they + learned that he was engaged in a Young Ladies' Seminary. The school never + went on more smoothly than during the first period of his administration, + after he had arranged its duties, and taken his share, and even more than + his share, upon himself. But human nature does not wait for the diploma of + the Apollinean Institute to claim the exercise of it, instincts and + faculties. These young girls saw but little of the youth of the + neighborhood. The mansion-house young men were off at college or in the + cities, or making love to each other's sisters, or at any rate unavailable + for some reason or other. There were a few “clerks,”—that is, young + men who attended shops, commonly called “stores,”—who were fond of + walking by the Institute, when they were off duty, for the sake of + exchanging a word or a glance with any one of the young ladies they might + happen to know, if any such were stirring abroad: crude young men, mostly, + with a great many “Sirs” and “Ma'ams” in their speech, and with that style + of address sometimes acquired in the retail business, as if the salesman + were recommending himself to a customer, “First-rate family article, + Ma'am; warranted to wear a lifetime; just one yard and three quarters in + this pattern, Ma'am; sha'n't I have the pleasure?” and so forth. If there + had been ever so many of them, and if they had been ever so fascinating, + the quarantine of the Institute was too rigorous to allow any romantic + infection to be introduced from without. + </p> + <p> + Anybody might see what would happen, with a good-looking, well-dressed, + well-bred young man, who had the authority of a master, it is true, but + the manners of a friend and equal, moving about among these young girls + day after day, his eyes meeting theirs, his breath mingling with theirs, + his voice growing familiar to them, never in any harsh tones, often + soothing, encouraging, always sympathetic, with its male depth and breadth + of sound among the chorus of trebles, as if it were a river in which a + hundred of these little piping streamlets-might lose themselves; anybody + might see what would happen. Young girls wrote home to their parents that + they enjoyed themselves much, this term, at the Institute, and thought + they were making rapid progress in their studies. There was a great + enthusiasm for the young master's reading-classes in English poetry. Some + of the poor little things began to adorn themselves with an extra ribbon, + or a bit of such jewelry as they had before kept for great occasions. Dear + souls! they only half knew what they were doing it for. Does the bird know + why its feathers grow more brilliant and its voice becomes musical in the + pairing season? + </p> + <p> + And so, in the midst of this quiet inland town, where a mere accident had + placed Mr. Bernard Langdon, there was a concentration of explosive + materials which might at any time change its Arcadian and academic repose + into a scene of dangerous commotion. What said Helen Darley, when she saw + with her woman's glance that more than one girl, when she should be + looking at her book, was looking over it toward the master's desk? Was her + own heart warmed by any livelier feeling than gratitude, as its life began + to flow with fuller pulses, and the morning sky again looked bright and + the flowers recovered their lost fragrance? Was there any strange, + mysterious affinity between the master and the dark girl who sat by + herself? Could she call him at will by looking at him? Could it be that—? + It made her shiver to think of it.—And who was that strange horseman + who passed Mr. Bernard at dusk the other evening, looking so like + Mephistopheles galloping hard to be in season at the witches' + Sabbath-gathering? That must be the cousin of Elsie's who wants to marry + her, they say. A dangerous-looking fellow for a rival, if one took a fancy + to the dark girl! And who is she, and what?—by what demon is she + haunted, by what taint is she blighted, by what curse is she followed, by + what destiny is she marked, that her strange beauty has such a terror in + it, and that hardly one shall dare to love her, and her eye glitters + always, but warms for none? + </p> + <p> + Some of these questions are ours. Some were Helen Darley's. Some of them + mingled with the dreams of Bernard Langdon, as he slept the night after + meeting the strange horseman. In the morning he happened to be a little + late in entering the schoolroom. There was something between the leaves of + the Virgil which lay upon his desk. He opened it and saw a freshly + gathered mountain-flower. He looked at Elsie, instinctively, + involuntarily. She had another such flower on her breast. + </p> + <p> + A young girl's graceful compliment,—that is all,—no doubt,—no + doubt. It was odd that the flower should have happened to be laid between + the leaves of the Fourth Book of the “AEneid,” and at this line, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Incipit effari, mediaque in voce resistit.” + </pre> + <p> + A remembrance of an ancient superstition flashed through the master's + mind, and he determined to try the Sortes Virgilianae. He shut the volume, + and opened it again at a venture.—The story of Laocoon! + </p> + <p> + He read with a strange feeling of unwilling fascination, from “Horresco + referees” to “Bis medium amplexi,” and flung the book from him, as if its + leaves had been steeped in the subtle poisons that princes die of. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. CURIOSITY. + </h2> + <p> + People will talk. 'Ciascun lo dice' is a tune that is played oftener than + the national air of this country or any other. + </p> + <p> + “That 's what they say. Means to marry her, if she is his cousin. Got + money himself,—that 's the story,—but wants to come and live + in the old place, and get the Dudley property by and by.” “Mother's folks + was wealthy.”—“Twenty-three to twenty-five year old.”—“He + a'n't more 'n twenty, or twenty-one at the outside.”—“Looks as if he + knew too much to be only twenty year old.”—“Guess he's been through + the mill,—don't look so green, anyhow, hey? Did y' ever mind that + cut over his left eyebrow?” + </p> + <p> + So they gossiped in Rockland. The young fellows could make nothing of Dick + Venner. He was shy and proud with the few who made advances to him. The + young ladies called him handsome and romantic, but he looked at them like + a many-tailed pacha who was in the habit of, ordering his wives by the + dozen. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of the young man over there at the Venners'?” said Miss + Arabella Thornton to her father. + </p> + <p> + “Handsome,” said the Judge, “but dangerous-looking. His face is indictable + at common law. Do you know, my dear, I think there is a blank at the + Sheriff's office, with a place for his name in it?” + </p> + <p> + The Judge paused and looked grave, as if he had just listened to the + verdict of the jury and was going to pronounce sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard anything against him?” said the Judge's daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. But I don't like these mixed bloods and half-told stories. + Besides, I have seen a good many desperate fellows at the bar, and I have + a fancy they all have a look belonging to them. The worst one I ever + sentenced looked a good deal like this fellow. A wicked mouth. All our + other features are made for us; but a man makes his own mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was the person you sentenced?” + </p> + <p> + “He was a young fellow that undertook to garrote a man who had won his + money at cards. The same slender shape, the same cunning, fierce look, + smoothed over with a plausible air. Depend upon it, there is an expression + in all the sort of people who live by their wits when they can, and by + worse weapons when their wits fail them, that we old law-doctors know just + as well as the medical counsellors know the marks of disease in a man's + face. Dr. Kittredge looks at a man and says he is going to die; I look at + another man and say he is going to be hanged, if nothing happens. I don't + say so of this one, but I don't like his looks. I wonder Dudley Venner + takes to him so kindly.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all for Elsie's sake,” said Miss Thornton. “I feel quite sure of + that. He never does anything that is not meant for her in some way. I + suppose it amuses her to have her cousin about the house. She rides a good + deal since he has been here. Have you seen them galloping about together? + He looks like my idea of a Spanish bandit on that wild horse of his.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly he has been one,—or is one,” said the Judge,—smiling + as men smile whose lips have often been freighted with the life and death + of their fellow-creatures. “I met them riding the other day. Perhaps + Dudley is right, if it pleases her to have a companion. What will happen, + though, if he makes love to her? Will Elsie be easily taken with such a + fellow? You young folks are supposed to know more about these matters than + we middle-aged people.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody can tell. Elsie is not like anybody else. The girls who have seen + most of her think she hates men, all but 'Dudley,' as she calls her + father. Some of them doubt whether she loves him. They doubt whether she + can love anything human, except perhaps the old black woman who has taken + care of her since she was a baby. The village people have the strangest + stories about her; you know what they call her?” + </p> + <p> + She whispered three words in her father's ear. The Judge changed color as + she spoke, sighed deeply, and was silent as if lost in thought for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + “I remember her mother,” he said, “so well! A sweeter creature never + lived. Elsie has something of her in her look, but those are not her + mother's eyes. They were dark, but soft, as in all I ever saw of her race. + Her father's are dark too, but mild, and even tender, I should say. I + don't know what there is about Elsie's,—but do you know, my dear, I + find myself curiously influenced by them? I have had to face a good many + sharp eyes and hard ones,—murderers' eyes and pirates',—men + who had to be watched in the bar, where they stood on trial, for fear they + should spring on the prosecuting officers like tigers,—but I never + saw such eyes as Elsie's; and yet they have a kind of drawing virtue or + power about them,—I don't know what else to call it: have you never + observed this?” + </p> + <p> + His daughter smiled in her turn. + </p> + <p> + “Never observed it? Why, of course, nobody could be with Elsie Venner and + not observe it. There are a good many other strange things about her: did + you ever notice how she dresses?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, handsomely enough, I should think,” the Judge answered. “I suppose + she dresses as she likes, and sends to the city for what she wants. What + do you mean in particular? We men notice effects in dress, but not much in + detail.” + </p> + <p> + “You never noticed the colors and patterns of her dresses? You never + remarked anything curious about her ornaments? Well! I don't believe you + men know, half the time, whether a lady wears a nine-penny collar or a + thread-lace cape worth a thousand dollars. I don't believe you know a silk + dress from a bombazine one. I don't believe you can tell whether a woman + is in black or in colors, unless you happen to know she is a widow. Elsie + Venner has a strange taste in dress, let me tell you. She sends for the + oddest patterns of stuffs, and picks out the most curious things at the + jeweller's, whenever she goes to town with her father. They say the old + Doctor tells him to let her have her way about such matters. Afraid of her + mind, if she is contradicted, I suppose. You've heard about her going to + school at that place,—the 'Institoot,' as those people call it? They + say she's bright enough in her way,—has studied at home, you know, + with her father a good deal, knows some modern languages and Latin, I + believe: at any rate, she would have it so,—she must go to the + 'Institoot.' They have a very good female teacher there, I hear; and the + new master, that young Mr. Langdon, looks and talks like a well-educated + young man. I wonder what they 'll make of Elsie, between them!” + </p> + <p> + So they talked at the Judge's, in the calm, judicial-looking + mansion-house, in the grave, still library, with the troops of wan-hued + law-books staring blindly out of their titles at them as they talked, like + the ghosts of dead attorneys fixed motionless and speechless, each with a + thin, golden film over his unwinking eyes. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, everything went on quietly enough after Cousin Richard's + return. A man of sense,—that is, a man who knows perfectly well that + a cool head is worth a dozen warm hearts in carrying the fortress of a + woman's affections, (not yours, “Astarte,” nor yours, “Viola,”)—who + knows that men are rejected by women every day because they, the men, love + them, and are accepted every day because they do not, and therefore can + study the arts of pleasing,—a man of sense, when he finds he has + established his second parallel too soon, retires quietly to his first, + and begins working on his covered ways again. The whole art of love may be + read in any Encyclopaedia under the title Fortification, where the terms + just used are explained. After the little adventure of the necklace, Dick + retreated at once to his first parallel. Elsie loved riding,—and + would go off with him on a gallop now and then. He was a master of all + those strange Indian horseback-feats which shame the tricks of the + circus-riders, and used to astonish and almost amuse her sometimes by + disappearing from his saddle, like a phantom horseman lying flat against + the side of the bounding creature that bore him, as if he were a hunting + leopard with his claws in the horse's flank and flattening himself out + against his heaving ribs. Elsie knew a little Spanish too, which she had + learned from the young person who had taught her dancing, and Dick + enlarged her vocabulary with a few soft phrases, and would sing her a song + sometimes, touching the air upon an ancient-looking guitar they had found + with the ghostly things in the garret,—a quaint old instrument, + marked E. M. on the back, and supposed to have belonged to a certain + Elizabeth Mascarene, before mentioned in connection with a work of art,—a + fair, dowerless lady, who smiled and sung and faded away, unwedded, a + hundred years ago, as dowerless ladies, not a few, are smiling and singing + and fading now,—God grant each of them His love,—and one human + heart as its interpreter! + </p> + <p> + As for school, Elsie went or stayed away as she liked. Sometimes, when + they thought she was at her desk in the great schoolroom, she would be on + The Mountain,—alone always. Dick wanted to go with her, but she + would never let him. Once, when she had followed the zigzag path a little + way up, she looked back and caught a glimpse of him following her. She + turned and passed him without a word, but giving him a look which seemed + to make the scars on his wrist tingle, went to her room, where she locked + herself up, and did not come out again till evening, Old Sophy having + brought her food, and set it down, not speaking, but looking into her eyes + inquiringly, like a dumb beast trying to feel out his master's will in his + face. The evening was clear and the moon shining. As Dick sat at his + chamber-window, looking at the mountain-side, he saw a gray-dressed figure + flit between the trees and steal along the narrow path which led upward. + Elsie's pillow was unpressed that night, but she had not been missed by + the household,—for Dick knew enough to keep his own counsel. The + next morning she avoided him and went off early to school. It was the same + morning that the young master found the flower between the leaves of his + Virgil. + </p> + <p> + The girl got over her angry fit, and was pleasant enough with her cousin + for a few days after this; but she shunned rather than sought him. She had + taken a new interest in her books, and especially in certain poetical + readings which the master conducted with the elder scholars. This gave + Master Langdon a good chance to study her ways when her eye was on her + book, to notice the inflections of her voice, to watch for any expression + of her sentiments; for, to tell the truth, he had a kind of fear that the + girl had taken a fancy to him, and, though she interested him, he did not + wish to study her heart from the inside. + </p> + <p> + The more he saw her, the more the sadness of her beauty wrought upon him. + She looked as if she might hate, but could not love. She hardly smiled at + anything, spoke rarely, but seemed to feel that her natural power of + expression lay all in her bright eyes, the force of which so many had + felt, but none perhaps had tried to explain to themselves. A person + accustomed to watch the faces of those who were ailing in body or mind, + and to search in every line and tint for some underlying source of + disorder, could hardly help analyzing the impression such a face produced + upon him. The light of those beautiful eyes was like the lustre of ice; in + all her features there was nothing of that human warmth which shows that + sympathy has reached the soul beneath the mask of flesh it wears. The look + was that of remoteness, of utter isolation. There was in its stony apathy, + it seemed to him, the pathos which we find in the blind who show no film + or speck over the organs of sight; for Nature had meant her to be lovely, + and left out nothing but love. And yet the master could not help feeling + that some instinct was working in this girl which was in some way leading + her to seek his presence. She did not lift her glittering eyes upon him as + at first. It seemed strange that she did not, for they were surely her + natural weapons of conquest. Her color did not come and go like that of + young girls under excitement. She had a clear brunette complexion, a + little sun-touched, it may be,—for the master noticed once, when her + necklace was slightly displaced, that a faint ring or band of a little + lighter shade than the rest of the surface encircled her neck. What was + the slight peculiarity of her enunciation, when she read? Not a lisp, + certainly, but the least possible imperfection in articulating some of the + lingual sounds,—just enough to be noticed at first, and quite + forgotten after being a few times heard. + </p> + <p> + Not a word about the flower on either side. It was not uncommon for the + schoolgirls to leave a rose or pink or wild flower on the teacher's desk. + Finding it in the Virgil was nothing, after all; it was a little delicate + flower, which looked as if it were made to press, and it was probably shut + in by accident at the particular place where he found it. He took it into + his head to examine it in a botanical point of view. He found it was not + common,—that it grew only in certain localities,—and that one + of these was among the rocks of the eastern spur of The Mountain. + </p> + <p> + It happened to come into his head how the Swiss youth climb the sides of + the Alps to find the flower called the Edelweiss for the maidens whom they + wish to please. It is a pretty fancy, that of scaling some dangerous + height before the dawn, so as to gather the flower in its freshness, that + the favored maiden may wear it to church on Sunday morning, a proof at + once of her lover's devotion and his courage. Mr. Bernard determined to + explore the region where this flower was said to grow, that he might see + where the wild girl sought the blossoms of which Nature was so jealous. + </p> + <p> + It was on a warm, fair Saturday afternoon that he undertook his + land-voyage of discovery. He had more curiosity, it may be, than he would + have owned; for he had heard of the girl's wandering habits, and the + guesses about her sylvan haunts, and was thinking what the chances were + that he should meet her in some strange place, or come upon traces of her + which would tell secrets she would not care to have known. + </p> + <p> + The woods are all alive to one who walks through them with his mind in an + excited state, and his eyes and ears wide open. The trees are always + talking, not merely whispering with their leaves, (for every tree talks to + itself in that way, even when it stands alone in the middle of a pasture,) + but grating their boughs against each other, as old horn-handed farmers + press their dry, rustling palms together, dropping a nut or a leaf or a + twig, clicking to the tap of a woodpecker, or rustling as a squirrel + flashes along a branch. It was now the season of singing-birds, and the + woods were haunted with mysterious, tender music. The voices of the birds + which love the deeper shades of the forest are sadder than those of the + open fields: these are the nuns who have taken the veil, the hermits that + have hidden themselves away from the world and tell their griefs to the + infinite listening Silences of the wilderness,—for the one deep + inner silence that Nature breaks with her fitful superficial sounds + becomes multiplied as the image of a star in ruffled waters. Strange! The + woods at first convey the impression of profound repose, and yet, if you + watch their ways with open ear, you find the life which is in them is + restless and nervous as that of a woman: the little twigs are crossing and + twining and separating like slender fingers that cannot be still; the + stray leaf is to be flattened into its place like a truant curl; the limbs + sway and twist, impatient of their constrained attitude; and the rounded + masses of foliage swell upward and subside from time to time with long + soft sighs, and, it may be, the falling of a few rain-drops which had lain + hidden among the deeper shadows. I pray you, notice, in the sweet summer + days which will soon see you among the mountains, this inward tranquillity + that belongs to the heart of the woodland, with this nervousness, for I do + not know what else to call it, of outer movement. One would say, that + Nature, like untrained persons, could not sit still without nestling about + or doing something with her limbs or features, and that high breeding was + only to be looked for in trim gardens, where the soul of the trees is ill + at ease perhaps, but their manners are unexceptionable, and a rustling + branch or leaf falling out of season is an indecorum. The real forest is + hardly still except in the Indian summer; then there is death in the + house, and they are waiting for the sharp shrunken months to come with + white raiment for the summer's burial. + </p> + <p> + There were many hemlocks in this neighborhood, the grandest and most + solemn of all the forest-trees in the mountain regions. Up to a certain + period of growth they are eminently beautiful, their boughs disposed in + the most graceful pagoda-like series of close terraces, thick and dark + with green crystalline leaflets. In spring the tender shoots come out of a + paler green, finger-like, as if they were pointing to the violets at their + feet. But when the trees have grown old, and their rough boles measure a + yard and more through their diameter, they are no longer beautiful, but + they have a sad solemnity all their own, too full of meaning to require + the heart's comment to be framed in words. Below, all their + earthward-looking branches are sapless and shattered, splintered by the + weight of many winters' snows; above, they are still green and full of + life, but their summits overtop all the deciduous trees around them, and + in their companionship with heaven they are alone. On these the lightning + loves to fall. One such Mr. Bernard saw,—or rather, what had been + one such; for the bolt had torn the tree like an explosion from within, + and the ground was strewed all around the broken stump with flakes of + rough bark and strips and chips of shivered wood, into which the old tree + had been rent by the bursting rocket from the thunder-cloud. + </p> + <p> + —The master had struck up The Mountain obliquely from the western + side of the Dudley mansion-house. In this way he ascended until he reached + a point many hundred feet above the level of the plain, and commanding all + the country beneath and around. Almost at his feet he saw the + mansion-house, the chimney standing out of the middle of the roof, or + rather, like a black square hole in it,—the trees almost directly + over their stems, the fences as lines, the whole nearly as an architect + would draw a ground-plan of the house and the inclosures round it. It + frightened him to see how the huge masses of rock and old forest-growths + hung over the home below. As he descended a little and drew near the ledge + of evil name, he was struck with the appearance of a long narrow fissure + that ran parallel with it and above it for many rods, not seemingly of + very old standing,—for there were many fibres of roots which had + evidently been snapped asunder when the rent took place, and some of which + were still succulent in both separated portions. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had made up his mind, when he set forth, not to come back + before he had examined the dreaded ledge. He had half persuaded himself + that it was scientific curiosity. He wished to examine the rocks, to see + what flowers grew there, and perhaps to pick up an adventure in the + zoological line; for he had on a pair of high, stout boots, and he carried + a stick in his hand, which was forked at one extremity, so as to be very + convenient to hold down a crotalus with, if he should happen to encounter + one. He knew the aspect of the ledge from a distance; for its bald and + leprous-looking declivities stood out in their nakedness from the wooded + sides of The Mountain, when this was viewed from certain points of the + village. But the nearer aspect of the blasted region had something + frightful in it. The cliffs were water-worn, as if they had been gnawed + for thousands of years by hungry waves. In some places they overhung their + base so as to look like leaning towers which might topple over at any + minute. In other parts they were scooped into niches or caverns. Here and + there they were cracked in deep fissures, some of them of such width that + one might enter them, if he cared to run the risk of meeting the regular + tenants, who might treat him as an intruder. + </p> + <p> + Parts of the ledge were cloven perpendicularly, with nothing but cracks or + slightly projecting edges in which or on which a foot could find hold. + High up on one of these precipitous walls of rock he saw some tufts of + flowers, and knew them at once for the same that he had found between the + leaves of his Virgil. Not there, surely! No woman would have clung against + that steep, rough parapet to gather an idle blossom. And yet the master + looked round everywhere, and even up the side of that rock, to see if + there were no signs of a woman's footstep. He peered about curiously, as + if his eye might fall on some of those fragments of dress which women + leave after them, whenever they run against each other or against anything + else,—in crowded ballrooms, in the brushwood after picnics, on the + fences after rambles, scattered round over every place which has witnessed + an act of violence, where rude hands have been laid upon them. Nothing—Stop, + though, one moment. That stone is smooth and polished, as if it had been + somewhat worn by the pressure of human feet. There is one twig broken + among the stems of that clump of shrubs. He put his foot upon the stone + and took hold of the close-clinging shrub. In this way he turned a sharp + angle of the rock and found himself on a natural platform, which lay in + front of one of the wider fissures,—whether the mouth of a cavern or + not he could not yet tell. A flat stone made an easy seat, upon which he + sat down, as he was very glad to do, and looked mechanically about him. A + small fragment splintered from the rock was at his feet. He took it and + threw it down the declivity a little below where he sat. He looked about + for a stem or a straw of some kind to bite upon,—a country-instinct,—relic, + no doubt, of the old vegetable-feeding habits of Eden. Is that a stem or a + straw? He picked it up. It was a hair-pin. + </p> + <p> + To say that Mr. Langdon had a strange sort of thrill shoot through him at + the sight of this harmless little implement would be a statement not at + variance with the fact of the case. That smooth stone had been often + trodden, and by what foot he could not doubt. He rose up from his seat to + look round for other signs of a woman's visits. What if there is a cavern + here, where she has a retreat, fitted up, perhaps, as anchorites fitted + their cells,—nay, it may be, carpeted and mirrored, and with one of + those tiger-skins for a couch, such as they, say the girl loves to lie on? + Let us look, at any rate. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard walked to the mouth of the cavern or fissure and looked into + it. His look was met by the glitter of two diamond eyes, small, sharp, + cold, shining out of the darkness, but gliding with a smooth, steady + motion towards the light, and himself. He stood fixed, struck dumb, + staring back into them with dilating pupils and sudden numbness of fear + that cannot move, as in the terror of dreams. The two sparks of light came + forward until they grew to circles of flame, and all at once lifted + themselves up as if in angry surprise. Then for the first time thrilled in + Mr. Bernard's ears the dreadful sound that nothing which breathes, be it + man or brute, can hear unmoved,—the long, loud, stinging whirr, as + the huge, thick bodied reptile shook his many-jointed rattle and adjusted + his loops for the fatal stroke. His eyes were drawn as with magnets toward + the circles of flame. His ears rung as in the overture to the swooning + dream of chloroform. Nature was before man with her anaesthetics: the + cat's first shake stupefies the mouse; the lion's first shake deadens the + man's fear and feeling; and the crotalus paralyzes before he strikes. He + waited as in a trance,—waited as one that longs to have the blow + fall, and all over, as the man who shall be in two pieces in a second + waits for the axe to drop. But while he looked straight into the flaming + eyes, it seemed to him that they were losing their light and terror, that + they were growing tame and dull; the charm was dissolving, the numbness + was passing away, he could move once more. He heard a light breathing + close to his ear, and, half turning, saw the face of Elsie Venner, looking + motionless into the reptile's eyes, which had shrunk and faded under the + stronger enchantment of her own. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. FAMILY SECRETS. + </h2> + <p> + It was commonly understood in the town of Rockland that Dudley Venner had + had a great deal of trouble with that daughter of his, so handsome, yet so + peculiar, about whom there were so many strange stories. There was no end + to the tales which were told of her extraordinary doings. Yet her name was + never coupled with that of any youth or man, until this cousin had + provoked remark by his visit; and even then it was oftener in the shape of + wondering conjectures whether he would dare to make love to her, than in + any pretended knowledge of their relations to each other, that the public + tongue exercised its village-prerogative of tattle. + </p> + <p> + The more common version of the trouble at the mansion-house was this: + Elsie was not exactly in her right mind. Her temper was singular, her + tastes were anomalous, her habits were lawless, her antipathies were many + and intense, and she was liable to explosions of ungovernable anger. Some + said that was not the worst of it. At nearly fifteen years old, when she + was growing fast, and in an irritable state of mind and body, she had had + a governess placed over her for whom she had conceived an aversion. It was + whispered among a few who knew more of the family secrets than others, + that, worried and exasperated by the presence and jealous oversight of + this person, Elsie had attempted to get finally rid of her by unlawful + means, such as young girls have been known to employ in their straits, and + to which the sex at all ages has a certain instinctive tendency, in + preference to more palpable instruments for the righting of its wrongs. At + any rate, this governess had been taken suddenly ill, and the Doctor had + been sent for at midnight. Old Sophy had taken her master into a room + apart, and said a few words to him which turned him as white as a sheet. + As soon as he recovered himself, he sent Sophy out, called in the old + Doctor, and gave him some few hints, on which he acted at once, and had + the satisfaction of seeing his patient out of danger before he left in the + morning. It is proper to say, that, during the following days, the most + thorough search was made in every nook and cranny of those parts of the + house which Elsie chiefly haunted, but nothing was found which might be + accused of having been the intentional cause of the probably accidental + sudden illness of the governess. From this time forward her father was + never easy. Should he keep her apart, or shut her up, for fear of risk to + others, and so lose every chance of restoring her mind to its healthy tone + by kindly influences and intercourse with wholesome natures? There was no + proof, only presumption, as to the agency of Elsie in the matter referred + to. But the doubt was worse, perhaps, than certainty would have been,—for + then he would have known what to do. + </p> + <p> + He took the old Doctor as his adviser. The shrewd old man listened to the + father's story, his explanations of possibilities, of probabilities, of + dangers, of hopes. When he had got through, the Doctor looked him in the + face steadily, as if he were saying, Is that all? + </p> + <p> + The father's eyes fell. This was not all. There was something at the + bottom of his soul which he could not bear to speak of,—nay, which, + as often as it reared itself through the dark waves of unworded + consciousness into the breathing air of thought, he trod down as the + ruined angels tread down a lost soul, trying to come up out of the + seething sea of torture. Only this one daughter! No! God never would have + ordained such a thing. There was nothing ever heard of like it; it could + not be; she was ill,—she would outgrow all these singularities; he + had had an aunt who was peculiar; he had heard that hysteric girls showed + the strangest forms of moral obliquity for a time, but came right at last. + She would change all at once, when her health got more firmly settled in + the course of her growth. Are there not rough buds that open into sweet + flowers? Are there not fruits, which, while unripe, are not to be tasted + or endured, which mature into the richest taste and fragrance? In God's + good time she would come to her true nature; her eyes would lose that + frightful, cold glitter; her lips would not feel so cold when she pressed + them against his cheek; and that faint birth-mark, her mother swooned when + she first saw, would fade wholly out,—it was less marked, surely, + now than it used to be! + </p> + <p> + So Dudley Venner felt, and would have thought, if he had let his thoughts + breathe the air of his soul. But the Doctor read through words and + thoughts and all into the father's consciousness. There are states of mind + which may be shared by two persons in presence of each other, which remain + not only unworded, but unthoughted, if such a word may be coined for our + special need. Such a mutually interpenetrative consciousness there was + between the father and the old physician. By a common impulse, both of + them rose in a mechanical way and went to the western window, where each + started, as he saw the other's look directed towards the white stone which + stood in the midst of the small plot of green turf. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor had, for a moment, forgotten himself but he looked up at the + clouds, which were angry, and said, as if speaking of the weather, “It is + dark now, but we hope it will clear up by and by. There are a great many + more clouds than rains, and more rains than strokes of lightning, and more + strokes of lightning than there are people killed. We must let this girl + of ours have her way, as far as it is safe. Send away this woman she + hates, quietly. Get her a foreigner for a governess, if you can,—one + that can dance and sing and will teach her. In the house old Sophy will + watch her best. Out of it you must trust her, I am afraid,—for she + will not be followed round, and she is in less danger than you think. If + she wanders at night, find her, if you can; the woods are not absolutely + safe. If she will be friendly with any young people, have them to see her,—young + men especially. She will not love any one easily, perhaps not at all; yet + love would be more like to bring her right than anything else. If any + young person seems in danger of falling in love with her, send him to me + for counsel.” + </p> + <p> + Dry, hard advice, but given from a kind hewn, with a moist eye, and in + tones which tried to be cheerful and were full of sympathy. This advice + was the key to the more than indulgent treatment which, as we have seen, + the girl had received from her father and all about her. The old Doctor + often came in, in the kindest, most natural sort of way, got into pleasant + relations with Elsie by always treating her in the same easy manner as at + the great party, encouraging all her harmless fancies, and rarely + reminding her that he was a professional adviser, except when she came out + of her own accord, as in the talk they had at the party, telling him of + some wild trick she had been playing. + </p> + <p> + “Let her go to the girls' school, by all means,” said the Doctor, when she + had begun to talk about it. “Possibly she may take to some of the girls or + of the teachers. Anything to interest her. Friendship, love, religion, + whatever will set her nature at work. We must have headway on, or there + will be no piloting her. Action first of all, and then we will see what to + do with it.” + </p> + <p> + So, when Cousin Richard came along, the Doctor, though he did not like his + looks any too well, told her father to encourage his staying for a time. + If she liked him, it was good; if she only tolerated him, it was better + than nothing. + </p> + <p> + “You know something about that nephew of yours, during these last years, I + suppose?” the Doctor said. “Looks as if he had seen life. Has a scar that + was made by a sword-cut, and a white spot on the side of his neck that + looks like a bullet-mark. I think he has been what folks call a 'hard + customer.'” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner owned that he had heard little or nothing of him of late + years. He had invited himself, and of course it would not be decent not to + receive him as a relative. He thought Elsie rather liked having him about + the house for a while. She was very capricious,—acted as if she + fancied him one day and disliked him the next. He did not know,—but + sometimes thought that this nephew of his might take a serious liking to + Elsie. What should he do about it, if it turned out so? + </p> + <p> + The Doctor lifted his eyebrows a little. He thought there was no fear. + Elsie was naturally what they call a man-hater, and there was very little + danger of any sudden passion springing up between two such young persons. + Let him stay awhile; it gives her something to think about. So he stayed + awhile, as we have seen. + </p> + <p> + The more Mr. Richard became acquainted with the family,—that is, + with the two persons of whom it consisted,—the more favorably the + idea of a permanent residence in the mansion-house seemed to impress him. + The estate was large,—hundreds of acres, with woodlands and meadows + of great value. The father and daughter had been living quietly, and there + could not be a doubt that the property which came through the Dudleys must + have largely increased of late years. It was evident enough that they had + an abundant income, from the way in which Elsie's caprices were indulged. + She had horses and carriages to suit herself; she sent to the great city + for everything she wanted in the way of dress. Even her diamonds—and + the young man knew something about these gems—must be of + considerable value; and yet she wore them carelessly, as it pleased her + fancy. She had precious old laces, too, almost worth their weight in + diamonds; laces which had been snatched from altars in ancient Spanish + cathedrals during the wars, and which it would not be safe to leave a + duchess alone with for ten minutes. The old house was fat with the + deposits of rich generations which had gone before. The famous “golden” + fire-set was a purchase of one of the family who had been in France during + the Revolution, and must have come from a princely palace, if not from one + of the royal residences. As for silver, the iron closet which had been + made in the dining-room wall was running over with it: tea-kettles, + coffee-pots, heavy-lidded tankards, chafing-dishes, punch-bowls, all that + all the Dudleys had ever used, from the caudle-cup which used to be handed + round the young mother's chamber, and the porringer from which children + scooped their bread-and-milk with spoons as solid as ingots, to that + ominous vessel, on the upper shelf, far back in the dark, with a spout + like a slender italic S, out of which the sick and dying, all along the + last century, and since, had taken the last drops that passed their lips. + Without being much of a scholar, Dick could see well enough, too, that the + books in the library had been ordered from the great London houses, whose + imprint they bore, by persons who knew what was best and meant to have it. + A man does not require much learning to feel pretty sure, when he takes + one of those solid, smooth, velvet-leaved quartos, say a Baskerville + Addison, for instance, bound in red morocco, with a margin of gold as rich + as the embroidery of a prince's collar, as Vandyck drew it,—he need + not know much to feel pretty sure that a score or two of shelves full of + such books mean that it took a long purse, as well as a literary taste, to + bring them together. + </p> + <p> + To all these attractions the mind of this thoughtful young gentleman may + be said to have been fully open. He did not disguise from himself, + however, that there were a number of drawbacks in the way of his becoming + established as the heir of the Dudley mansion-house and fortune. In the + first place, Cousin Elsie was, unquestionably, very piquant, very + handsome, game as a hawk, and hard to please, which made her worth trying + for. But then there was something about Cousin Elsie,—(the small, + white scars began stinging, as he said this to himself, and he pushed his + sleeve up to look at them)—there was something about Cousin Elsie he + couldn't make out. What was the matter with her eyes, that they sucked + your life out of you in that strange way? What did she always wear a + necklace for? Had she some such love-token on her neck as the old Don's + revolver had left on his? How safe would anybody feel to live with her? + Besides, her father would last forever, if he was left to himself. And he + may take it into his head to marry again. That would be pleasant! + </p> + <p> + So talked Cousin Richard to himself, in the calm of the night and in the + tranquillity of his own soul. There was much to be said on both sides. It + was a balance to be struck after the two columns were added up. He struck + the balance, and came to the conclusion that he would fall in love with + Elsie Venner. + </p> + <p> + The intelligent reader will not confound this matured and serious + intention of falling in love with the young lady with that mere impulse of + the moment before mentioned as an instance of making love. On the + contrary, the moment Mr. Richard had made up his mind that he should fall + in love with Elsie, he began to be more reserved with her, and to try to + make friends in other quarters. Sensible men, you know, care very little + what a girl's present fancy is. The question is: Who manages her, and how + can you get at that person or those persons? Her foolish little sentiments + are all very well in their way; but business is business, and we can't + stop for such trifles. The old political wire-pullers never go near the + man they want to gain, if they can help it; they find out who his + intimates and managers are, and work through them. Always handle any + positively electrical body, whether it is charged with passion or power, + with some non-conductor between you and it, not with your naked hands. + —The above were some of the young gentleman's working axioms; and he + proceeded to act in accordance with them. + </p> + <p> + He began by paying his court more assiduously to his uncle. It was not + very hard to ingratiate himself in that quarter; for his manners were + insinuating, and his precocious experience of life made him entertaining. + The old neglected billiard—room was soon put in order, and Dick, who + was a magnificent player, had a series of games with his uncle, in which, + singularly enough, he was beaten, though his antagonist had been out of + play for years. He evinced a profound interest in the family history, + insisted on having the details of its early alliances, and professed a + great pride in it, which he had inherited from his father, who, though he + had allied himself with the daughter of an alien race, had yet chosen one + with the real azure blood in her veins, as proud as if she had Castile and + Aragon for her dower and the Cid for her grand-papa. He also asked a great + deal of advice, such as inexperienced young persons are in need of, and + listened to it with due reverence. + </p> + <p> + It is not very strange that uncle Dudley took a kinder view of his nephew + than the Judge, who thought he could read a questionable history in his + face,—or the old Doctor, who knew men's temperaments and + organizations pretty well, and had his prejudices about races, and could + tell an old sword-cut and a ballet-mark in two seconds from a scar got by + falling against the fender, or a mark left by king's evil. He could not be + expected to share our own prejudices; for he had heard nothing of the wild + youth's adventures, or his scamper over the Pampas at short notice. So, + then, “Richard Venner, Esquire, guest of Dudley Venner, Esquire, at his + elegant mansion,” prolonged his visit until his presence became something + like a matter of habit, and the neighbors began to think that the fine old + house would be illuminated before long for a grand marriage. + </p> + <p> + He had done pretty well with the father: the next thing was to gain over + the nurse. Old Sophy was as cunning as a red fox or a gray woodchuck. She + had nothing in the world to do but to watch Elsie; she had nothing to care + for but this girl and her father. She had never liked Dick too well; for + he used to make faces at her and tease her when he was a boy, and now he + was a man there was something about him—she could not tell what—that + made her suspicious of him. It was no small matter to get her over to his + side. + </p> + <p> + The jet-black Africans know that gold never looks so well as on the foil + of their dark skins. Dick found in his trunk a string of gold beads, such + as are manufactured in some of our cities, which he had brought from the + gold region of Chili,—so he said,—for the express purpose of + giving them to old Sophy. These Africans, too, have a perfect passion for + gay-colored clothing; being condemned by Nature, as it were, to a + perpetual mourning-suit, they love to enliven it with all sorts of + variegated stuffs of sprightly patterns, aflame with red and yellow. The + considerate young man had remembered this, too, and brought home for Sophy + some handkerchiefs of rainbow hues, which had been strangely overlooked + till now, at the bottom of one of his trunks. Old Sophy took his gifts, + but kept her black eyes open and watched every movement of the young + people all the more closely. It was through her that the father had always + known most of the actions and tendencies of his daughter. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time the strange adventure on The Mountain had brought the + young master into new relations with Elsie. She had led him out of, + danger; perhaps saved him from death by the strange power she exerted. He + was grateful, and yet shuddered at the recollection of the whole scene. In + his dreams he was pursued by the glare of cold glittering eyes, whether + they were in the head of a woman or of a reptile he could not always tell, + the images had so run together. But he could not help seeing that the eyes + of the young girl had been often, very often, turned upon him when he had + been looking away, and fell as his own glance met them. Helen Darley told + him very plainly that this girl was thinking about him more than about her + book. Dick Venner found she was getting more constant in her attendance at + school. He learned, on inquiry, that there was a new master, a handsome + young man. The handsome young man would not have liked the look that, came + over Dick's face when he heard this fact mentioned. + </p> + <p> + In short, everything was getting tangled up together, and there would be + no chance of disentangling the threads in this chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. PHYSIOLOGICAL. + </h2> + <p> + If Master Bernard felt a natural gratitude to his young pupil for saving + him from an imminent peril, he was in a state of infinite perplexity to + know why he should have needed such aid. He, an active, muscular, + courageous, adventurous young fellow, with—a stick in his hand, + ready to hold down the Old Serpent himself, if he had come in his way, to + stand still, staring into those two eyes, until they came up close to him, + and the strange, terrible sound seemed to freeze him stiff where he stood,—what + was the meaning of it? Again, what was the influence this girl had + seemingly exerted, under which the venomous creature had collapsed in such + a sudden way? Whether he had been awake or dreaming he did not feel quite + sure. He knew he had gone up The Mountain, at any rate; he knew he had + come down The Mountain with the girl walking just before him;—there + was no forgetting her figure, as she walked on in silence, her braided + locks falling a little, for want of the lost hairpin, perhaps, and looking + like a wreathing coil of—Shame on such fancies!—to wrong that + supreme crowning gift of abounding Nature, a rush of shining black hair, + which, shaken loose, would cloud her all round, like Godiva, from brow to + instep! He was sure he had sat down before the fissure or cave. He was + sure that he was led softly away from the place, and that it was Elsie who + had led him. There was the hair-pin to show that so far it was not a + dream. But between these recollections came a strange confusion; and the + more the master thought, the more he was perplexed to know whether she had + waked him, sleeping, as he sat on the stone, from some frightful dream, + such as may come in a very brief slumber, or whether she had bewitched him + into a trance with those strange eyes of hers, or whether it was all true, + and he must solve its problem as he best might. + </p> + <p> + There was another recollection connected with this mountain adventure. As + they approached the mansion-house, they met a young man, whom Mr. Bernard + remembered having seen once at least before, and whom he had heard of as a + cousin of the young girl. As Cousin Richard Venner, the person in + question, passed them, he took the measure, so to speak, of Mr. Bernard, + with a look so piercing, so exhausting, so practised, so profoundly + suspicious, that the young master felt in an instant that he had an enemy + in this handsome youth,—an enemy, too, who was like to be subtle and + dangerous. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had made up his mind, that, come what might, enemy or no + enemy, live or die, he would solve the mystery of Elsie Venner, sooner or + later. He was not a man to be frightened out of his resolution by a scowl, + or a stiletto, or any unknown means of mischief, of which a whole armory + was hinted at in that passing look Dick Venner had given him. Indeed, like + most adventurous young persons, he found a kind of charm in feeling that + there might be some dangers in the way of his investigations. Some rumors + which had reached him about the supposed suitor of Elsie Venner, who was + thought to be a desperate kind of fellow, and whom some believed to be an + unscrupulous adventurer, added a curious, romantic kind of interest to the + course of physiological and psychological inquiries he was about + instituting. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon on The Mountain was still upper-most in his mind. Of course + he knew the common stories—about fascination. He had once been + himself an eyewitness of the charming of a small bird by one of our common + harmless serpents. Whether a human being could be reached by this subtile + agency, he had been skeptical, notwithstanding the mysterious relation + generally felt to exist between man and this creature, “cursed above all + cattle and above every beast of the field,”—a relation which some + interpret as the fruit of the curse, and others hold to be so instinctive + that this animal has been for that reason adopted as the natural symbol of + evil. There was another solution, however, supplied him by his + professional reading. The curious work of Mr. Braid of Manchester had made + him familiar with the phenomena of a state allied to that produced by + animal magnetism, and called by that writer by the name of hypnotism. He + found, by referring to his note-book, the statement was, that, by fixing + the eyes on a bright object so placed as to produce a strain upon the eyes + and eyelids, and to maintain a steady fixed stare, there comes on in a few + seconds a very singular condition, characterized by muscular rigidity and + inability to move, with a strange exaltation of most of the senses, and + generally a closure of the eyelids,—this condition being followed by + torpor. + </p> + <p> + Now this statement of Mr. Braid's, well known to the scientific world, and + the truth of which had been confirmed by Mr. Bernard in certain + experiments he had instituted, as it has been by many other experimenters, + went far to explain the strange impressions, of which, waking or dreaming, + he had certainly been the subject. His nervous system had been in a high + state of exaltation at the time. He remembered how the little noises that + made rings of sound in the silence of the woods, like pebbles dropped in + still waters, had reached his inner consciousness. He remembered that + singular sensation in the roots of the hair, when he came on the traces of + the girl's presence, reminding him of a line in a certain poem which he + had read lately with a new and peculiar interest. He even recalled a + curious evidence of exalted sensibility and irritability, in the twitching + of the minute muscles of the internal ear at every unexpected sound, + producing an odd little snap in the middle of the head, which proved to + him that he was getting very nervous. + </p> + <p> + The next thing was to find out whether it were possible that the venomous + creature's eyes should have served the purpose of Mr. Braid's “bright + object” held very close to the person experimented on, or whether they had + any special power which could be made the subject of exact observation. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose Mr. Bernard considered it necessary to get a live + crotalus or two into his possession, if this were possible. On inquiry, he + found that there was a certain family living far up the mountainside, not + a mile from the ledge, the members of which were said to have taken these + creatures occasionally, and not to be in any danger, or at least in any + fear, of being injured by them. He applied to these people, and offered a + reward sufficient to set them at work to capture some of these animals, if + such a thing were possible. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this, a dark, gypsy-looking woman presented herself at + his door. She held up her apron as if it contained something precious in + the bag she made with it. + </p> + <p> + “Y' wanted some rattlers,” said the woman. “Here they be.” + </p> + <p> + She opened her apron and showed a coil of rattlesnakes lying very + peaceably in its fold. They lifted their heads up, as if they wanted to + see what was going on, but showed no sign of anger. + </p> + <p> + “Are you crazy?” said Mr. Bernard. “You're dead in an hour, if one of + those creatures strikes you!” + </p> + <p> + He drew back a little, as he spoke; it might be simple disgust; it might + be fear; it might be what we call antipathy, which is different from + either, and which will sometimes show itself in paleness, and even + faintness, produced by objects perfectly harmless and not in themselves + offensive to any sense. + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you,” said the woman, “rattlers never touches our folks. I'd + jest 'z lieves handle them creaturs as so many striped snakes.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she put their heads down with her hand, and packed them + together in her apron as if they had been bits of cart-rope. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had never heard of the power, or, at least, the belief in the + possession of a power by certain persons, which enables them to handle + these frightful reptiles with perfect impunity. The fact, however, is well + known to others, and more especially to a very distinguished Professor in + one of the leading institutions of the great city of the land, whose + experiences in the neighborhood of Graylock, as he will doubtless inform + the curious, were very much like those of the young master. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had a wired cage ready for his formidable captives, and + studied their habits and expression with a strange sort of interest. What + did the Creator mean to signify, when he made such shapes of horror, and, + as if he had doubly cursed this envenomed wretch, had set a mark upon him + and sent him forth the Cain of the brotherhood of serpents? It was a very + curious fact that the first train of thoughts Mr. Bernard's small + menagerie suggested to him was the grave, though somewhat worn, subject of + the origin of evil. There is now to be seen in a tall glass jar, in the + Museum of Comparative Anatomy at Cantabridge in the territory of the + Massachusetts, a huge crotalus, of a species which grows to more frightful + dimensions than our own, under the hotter skies of South America. Look at + it, ye who would know what is the tolerance, the freedom from prejudice, + which can suffer such an incarnation of all that is devilish to lie + unharmed in the cradle of Nature! Learn, too, that there are many things + in this world which we are warned to shun, and are even suffered to slay, + if need be, but which we must not hate, unless we would hate what God + loves and cares for. + </p> + <p> + Whatever fascination the creature might exercise in his native haunts, Mr. + Bernard found himself not in the least nervous or affected in any way + while looking at his caged reptiles. When their cage was shaken, they + would lift their heads and spring their rattles; but the sound was by no + means so formidable to listen to as when it reverberated among the chasms + of the echoing rocks. The expression of the creatures was watchful, still, + grave, passionless, fate-like, suggesting a cold malignity which seemed to + be waiting for its opportunity. Their awful, deep-cut mouths were sternly + closed over the long hollow fangs which rested their roots against the + swollen poison-gland, where the venom had been hoarding up ever since the + last stroke had emptied it. They never winked, for ophidians have no + movable eyelids, but kept up that awful fixed stare which made the two + unwinking gladiators the survivors of twenty pairs matched by one of the + Roman Emperors, as Pliny tells us, in his “Natural History.” Their eyes + did not flash, but shone with a cold still light. They were of a + pale-golden or straw color, horrible to look into, with their stony + calmness, their pitiless indifference, hardly enlivened by the almost + imperceptible vertical slit of the pupil, through which Death seemed to be + looking out like the archer behind the long narrow loop-hole in a blank + turret-wall. On the whole, the caged reptiles, horrid as they were, hardly + matched his recollections of what he had seen or dreamed he save at the + cavern. These looked dangerous enough, but yet quiet. A treacherous + stillness, however,—as the unfortunate New York physician found, + when he put his foot out to wake up the torpid creature, and instantly the + fang flashed through his boot, carrying the poison into his blood, and + death with it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard kept these strange creatures, and watched all their habits + with a natural curiosity. In any collection of animals the venomous beasts + are looked at with the greatest interest, just as the greatest villains + are most run after by the unknown public. Nobody troubles himself for a + common striped snake or a petty thief, but a cobra or a wife-killer is a + centre of attraction to all eyes. These captives did very little to earn + their living, but, on the other hand, their living was not expensive, + their diet being nothing but air, au naturel. Months and months these + creatures will live and seem to thrive well enough, as any showman who has + then in his menagerie will testify, though they never touch anything to + eat or drink. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Mr. Bernard had become very curious about a class of + subjects not treated of in any detail in those text-books accessible in + most country-towns, to the exclusion of the more special treatises, and + especially of the rare and ancient works found on the shelves of the + larger city-libraries. He was on a visit to old Dr. Kittredge one day, + having been asked by him to call in for a few moments as soon as + convenient. The Doctor smiled good-humoredly when he asked him if he had + an extensive collection of medical works. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” said the old Doctor, “I haven't got a great many printed books; + and what I have I don't read quite as often as I might, I'm afraid. I read + and studied in the time of it, when I was in the midst of the young men + who were all at work with their books; but it's a mighty hard matter, when + you go off alone into the country, to keep up with all that's going on in + the Societies and the Colleges. I'll tell you, though, Mr. Langdon, when a + man that's once started right lives among sick folks for five-and-thirty + years, as I've done, if he has n't got a library of five-and-thirty + volumes bound up in his head at the end of that time, he'd better stop + driving round and sell his horse and sulky. I know the bigger part of the + families within a dozen miles' ride. I know the families that have a way + of living through everything, and I know the other set that have the trick + of dying without any kind of reason for it. I know the years when the + fevers and dysenteries are in earnest, and when they're only making + believe. I know the folks that think they're dying as soon as they're + sick, and the folks that never find out they 're sick till they're dead. I + don't want to undervalue your science, Mr. Langdon. There are things I + never learned, because they came in after my day, and I am very glad to + send my patients to those that do know them, when I am at fault; but I + know these people about here, fathers and mothers, and children and + grandchildren, so as all the science in the world can't know them, without + it takes time about it, and sees them grow up and grow old, and how the + wear and tear of life comes to them. You can't tell a horse by driving him + once, Mr. Langdon, nor a patient by talking half an hour with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know much about the Venner family?” said Mr. Bernard, in a natural + way enough, the Doctor's talk having suggested the question. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor lifted his head with his accustomed movement, so as to command + the young man through his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “I know all the families of this place and its neighborhood,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “We have the young lady studying with us at the Institute,” said Mr. + Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” the Doctor answered. “Is she a good scholar?” + </p> + <p> + All this time the Doctor's eyes were fixed steadily on Mr. Bernard, + looking through the glasses. + </p> + <p> + “She is a good scholar enough, but I don't know what to make of her. + Sometimes I think she is a little out of her head. Her father, I believe, + is sensible enough;—what sort of a woman was her mother, Doctor?—I + suppose, of course, you remember all about her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I knew her mother. She was a very lovely young woman.”—The + Doctor put his hand to his forehead and drew a long breath.—“What is + there you notice out of the way about Elsie Venner?” + </p> + <p> + “A good many things,” the master answered. “She shuns all the other girls. + She is getting a strange influence over my fellow-teacher, a young lady,—you + know Miss Helen Darley, perhaps? I am afraid this girl will kill her. I + never saw or heard of anything like it, in prose at least;—do you + remember much of Coleridge's Poems, Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + The good old Doctor had to plead a negative. + </p> + <p> + “Well, no matter. Elsie would have been burned for a witch in old times. I + have seen the girl look at Miss Darley when she had not the least idea of + it, and all at once I would see her grow pale and moist, and sigh, and + move round uneasily, and turn towards Elsie, and perhaps get up and go to + her, or else have slight spasmodic movements that looked like hysterics;—do + you believe in the evil eye, Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Langdon,” the Doctor said, solemnly, “there are strange things about + Elsie Venner,—very strange things. This was what I wanted to speak + to you about. Let me advise you all to be very patient with the girl, but + also very careful. Her love is not to be desired, and “—he spoke in + a lower tone—“her hate is to be dreaded. Do you think she has any + special fancy for anybody else in the school besides Miss Darley?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard could not stand the old Doctor's spectacled eyes without + betraying a little of the feeling natural to a young man to whom a home + question involving a possible sentiment is put suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “I have suspected,” he said,—“I have had a kind of feeling—that + she—Well, come, Doctor,—I don't know that there 's any use in + disguising the matter,—I have thought Elsie Venner had rather a + fancy for somebody else,—I mean myself.” + </p> + <p> + There was something so becoming in the blush with which the young man made + this confession, and so manly, too, in the tone with which he spoke, so + remote from any shallow vanity, such as young men who are incapable of + love are apt to feel, when some loose tendril of a woman's fancy which a + chance wind has blown against them twines about them for the want of + anything better, that the old Doctor looked at him admiringly, and could + not help thinking that it was no wonder any young girl should be pleased + with him. + </p> + <p> + “You are a man of nerve, Mr. Langdon?” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so till very lately,” he replied. “I am not easily frightened, + but I don't know but I might be bewitched or magnetized, or whatever it is + when one is tied up and cannot move. I think I can find nerve enough, + however, if there is any special use you want to put it to.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me ask you one more question, Mr. Langdon. Do you find yourself + disposed to take a special interest in Elsie,—to fall in love with + her, in a word? Pardon me, for I do not ask from curiosity, but a much + more serious motive.” + </p> + <p> + “Elsie interests me,” said the young man, “interests me strangely. She has + a wild flavor in her character which is wholly different from that of any + human creature I ever saw. She has marks of genius, poetic or dramatic,—I + hardly know which. She read a passage from Keats's 'Lamia' the other day, + in the schoolroom, in such a way that I declare to you I thought some of + the girls would faint or go into fits. Miss Darley got up and left the + room, trembling all over. Then, I pity her, she is so lonely. The girls + are afraid of her, and she seems to have either a dislike or a fear of + them. They have all sorts of painful stories about her. They give her a + name which no human creature ought to bear. They say she hides a mark on + her neck by always wearing a necklace. She is very graceful, you know, and + they will have it that she can twist herself into all sorts of shapes, or + tie herself in a knot, if she wants to. There is not one of them that will + look her in the eyes. I pity the poor girl; but, Doctor, I do not love + her. I would risk my life for her, if it would do her any good, but it + would be in cold blood. If her hand touches mine, it is not a thrill of + passion I feel running through me, but a very different emotion. Oh, + Doctor! there must be something in that creature's blood which has killed + the humanity in her. God only knows the cause that has blighted such a + soul in so beautiful a body! No, Doctor, I do not love the girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Langdon,” said the Doctor, “you are young, and I am old. Let me talk + to you with an old man's privilege, as an adviser. You have come to this + country-town without suspicion, and you are moving in the midst of perils. + There are things which I must not tell you now; but I may warn you. Keep + your eyes open and your heart shut. If, through pitying that girl, you + ever come to love her, you are lost. If you deal carelessly with her, + beware! This is not all. There are other eyes on you beside Elsie + Venner's. Do you go armed?” + </p> + <p> + “I do!” said Mr. Bernard,—and he “put his hands up” in the shape of + fists, in such a way as to show that he was master of the natural weapons + at any rate. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor could not help smiling. But his face fell in an instant. + </p> + <p> + “You may want something more than those tools to work with. Come with me + into my sanctum.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor led Mr. Bernard into a small room opening out of the study. It + was a place such as anybody but a medical man would shiver to enter. There + was the usual tall box with its bleached, rattling tenant; there were jars + in rows where “interesting cases” outlived the grief of widows and heirs + in alcoholic immortality,—for your “preparation-jar” is the true + “monumentum aere perennius;” there were various semi-possibilities of + minute dimensions and unpromising developments; there were shining + instruments of evil aspect, and grim plates on the walls, and on one shelf + by itself, accursed and apart, coiled in a long cylinder of spirit, a huge + crotalus, rough-scaled, flatheaded, variegated with dull bands, one of + which partially encircled the neck like a collar,—an awful wretch to + look upon, with murder written all over him in horrid hieroglyphics. Mr. + Bernard's look was riveted on this creature,—not fascinated + certainly, for its eyes looked like white beads, being clouded by the + action of the spirits in which it had been long kept,—but fixed by + some indefinite sense of the renewal of a previous impression;—everybody + knows the feeling, with its suggestion of some past state of existence. + There was a scrap of paper on the jar, with something written on it. He + was reaching up to read it when the Doctor touched him lightly. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Mr. Langdon!” he said, with a certain vivacity of manner, as + if wishing to call away his attention,—“this is my armory.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor threw open the door of a small cabinet, where were disposed in + artistic patterns various weapons of offence and defence,—for he was + a virtuoso in his way, and by the side of the implements of the art of + healing had pleased himself with displaying a collection of those other + instruments, the use of which renders the first necessary. + </p> + <p> + “See which of these weapons you would like best to carry about you,” said + the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard laughed, and looked at the Doctor as if he half doubted + whether he was in earnest. + </p> + <p> + “This looks dangerous enough,” he said,—“for the man who carries it, + at least.” + </p> + <p> + He took down one of the prohibited Spanish daggers or knives which a + traveller may, occasionally get hold of and smuggle out of the country. + The blade was broad, trowel-like, but the point drawn out several inches, + so as to look like a skewer. + </p> + <p> + “This must be a jealous bull-fighter's weapon,” he said, and put it back + in its place. + </p> + <p> + Then he took down an ancient-looking broad-bladed dagger, with a complex + aspect about it, as if it had some kind of mechanism connected with it. + </p> + <p> + “Take care!” said the Doctor; “there is a trick to that dagger.” + </p> + <p> + He took it and touched a spring. The dagger split suddenly into three + blades, as when one separates the forefinger and the ring-finger from the + middle one. The outside blades were sharp on their outer edge. The stab + was to be made with the dagger shut, then the spring touched and the split + blades withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard replaced it, saying, that it would have served for sidearm to + old Suwarrow, who told his men to work their bayonets back and forward + when they pinned a Turk, but to wriggle them about in the wound when they + stabbed a Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” said the Doctor, “this is the thing you want.” + </p> + <p> + He took down a much more modern and familiar implement,—a small, + beautifully finished revolver. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to carry this,” he said; “and more than that, I want you to + practise with it often, as for amusement, but so that it maybe seen and + understood that you are apt to have a pistol about you. Pistol-shooting is + pleasant sport enough, and there is no reason why you should not practise + it like other young fellows. And now,” the Doctor said, “I have one other, + weapon to give you.” + </p> + <p> + He took a small piece of parchment and shook a white powder into it from + one of his medicine-jars. The jar was marked with the name of a mineral + salt, of a nature to have been serviceable in case of sudden illness in + the time of the Borgias. The Doctor folded the parchment carefully, and + marked the Latin name of the powder upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” he said, handing it to Mr. Bernard, “you see what it is, and you + know what service it can render. Keep these two protectors about your + person day and night; they will not harm you, and you may want one or the + other or both before you think of it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard thought it was very odd, and not very old-gentlemanlike, to be + fitting him out for treason, stratagem, and spoils, in this way. There was + no harm, however, in carrying a doctor's powder in his pocket, or in + amusing himself with shooting at a mark, as he had often done before. If + the old gentleman had these fancies, it was as well to humor him. + </p> + <p> + So he thanked old Doctor Kittredge, and shook his hand warmly as he left + him. + </p> + <p> + “The fellow's hand did not tremble, nor his color change,” the Doctor + said, as he watched him walking away. “He is one of the right sort.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. EPISTOLARY. + </h2> + <h3> + Mr. Langdon to the Professor. + </h3> + <p> + MY DEAR PROFESSOR, You were kind enough to promise me that you would + assist me in any professional or scientific investigations in which I + might become engaged. I have of late become deeply interested in a class + of subjects which present peculiar difficulty, and I must exercise the + privilege of questioning you on some points upon which I desire + information I cannot otherwise obtain. I would not trouble you, if I could + find any person or books competent to enlighten me on some of these + singular matters which have so excited me. The leading doctor here is a + shrewd, sensible man, but not versed in the curiosities of medical + literature. + </p> + <p> + I proceed, with your leave, to ask a considerable number of questions,—hoping + to get answers to some of them, at least. + </p> + <p> + Is there any evidence that human beings can be infected or wrought upon by + poisons, or otherwise, so that they shall manifest any of the + peculiarities belonging to beings of a lower nature? Can such + peculiarities—be transmitted by inheritance? Is there anything to + countenance the stories, long and widely current, about the “evil eye”? or + is it a mere fancy that such a power belongs to any human being? Have you + any personal experience as to the power of fascination said to be + exercised by certain animals? What can you make of those circumstantial + statements we have seen in the papers, of children forming mysterious + friendships with ophidians of different species, sharing their food with + them, and seeming to be under some subtile influence exercised by those + creatures? Have you read, critically, Coleridge's poem of “Christabel,” + and Keats's “Lamia”?—If so, can you understand them, or find any + physiological foundation for the story of either? + </p> + <p> + There is another set of questions of a different nature I should like to + ask, but it is hardly fair to put so many on a single sheet. There is one, + however, you must answer. Do you think there may be predispositions, + inherited or ingrafted, but at any rate constitutional, which shall take + out certain apparently voluntary determinations from the control of the + will, and leave them as free from moral responsibility as the instincts of + the lower animals? Do you not think there may be a crime which is not a + sin? + </p> + <p> + Pardon me, my dear Sir, for troubling you with such a list of notes of + interrogation. There are some very strange things going on here in this + place, country-town as it is. Country-life is apt to be dull; but when it + once gets going, it beats the city hollow, because it gives its whole mind + to what it is about. These rural sinners make terrible work with the + middle of the Decalogue, when they get started. However, I hope I shall + live through my year's school-keeping without catastrophes, though there + are queer doings about me which puzzle me and might scare some people. If + anything should happen, you will be one of the first to hear of it, no + doubt. But I trust not to help out the editors of the “Rockland Weekly + Universe” with an obituary of the late lamented, who signed himself in + life— + </p> + <p> + Your friend and pupil, BERNARD C. LANGDON. + </p> + <p> + The Professor to Mr. Langdon. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MR. LANGDON, I do not wonder that you find no answer from your + country friends to the curious questions you put. They belong to that + middle region between science and poetry which sensible men, as they are + called, are very shy of meddling with. Some people think that truth and + gold are always to be washed for; but the wiser sort are of opinion, that, + unless there are so many grains to the peck of sand or nonsense + respectively, it does not pay to wash for either, so long as one can find + anything else to do. I don't doubt there is some truth in the phenomena of + animal magnetism, for instance; but when you ask me to cradle for it, I + tell you that the hysteric girls cheat so, and the professionals are such + a set of pickpockets, that I can do something better than hunt for the + grains of truth among their tricks and lies. Do you remember what I used + to say in my lectures?—or were you asleep just then, or cutting your + initials on the rail? (You see I can ask questions, my young friend.) + Leverage is everything,—was what I used to say;—don't begin to + pry till you have got the long arm on your side. + </p> + <p> + To please you, and satisfy your doubts as far as possible, I have looked + into the old books,—into Schenckius and Turner and Kenelm. Digby and + the rest, where I have found plenty of curious stories which you must take + for what they are worth. + </p> + <p> + Your first question I can answer in the affirmative upon pretty good + authority. Mizaldus tells, in his “Memorabilia,” the well-known story of + the girl fed on poisons, who was sent by the king of the Indies to + Alexander the Great. “When Aristotle saw her eyes sparkling and snapping + like those of serpents, he said, 'Look out for yourself, Alexander! this + is a dangerous companion for you!'”—and sure enough, the young lady + proved to be a very unsafe person to her friends. Cardanus gets a story + from Avicenna, of a certain man bit by a serpent, who recovered of his + bite, the snake dying therefrom. This man afterwards had a daughter whom + venomous serpents could not harm, though she had a fatal power over them. + </p> + <p> + I suppose you may remember the statements of old authors about + Zycanthropy, the disease in which men took on the nature and aspect of + wolves. Actius and Paulus, both men of authority, describe it. Altomaris + gives a horrid case; and Fincelius mentions one occurring as late as 1541, + the subject of which was captured, still insisting that he was a wolf, + only that the hair of his hide was turned in! Versipelles, it may be + remembered, was the Latin name for these “were-wolves.” + </p> + <p> + As for the cases where rabid persons have barked and bit like dogs, there + are plenty of such on record. + </p> + <p> + More singular, or at least more rare, is the account given by Andreas + Baccius, of a man who was struck in the hand by a cock, with his beak, and + who died on the third day thereafter, looking for all the world like a + fighting-cock, to the great horror of the spectators. + </p> + <p> + As to impressions transmitted at a very early period of existence, every + one knows the story of King James's fear of a naked sword, and the way it + is accounted for. Sir Kenelm Digby says,—“I remember when he dubbed + me Knight, in the ceremony of putting the point of a naked sword upon my + shoulder, he could not endure to look upon it, but turned his face another + way, insomuch, that, in lieu of touching my shoulder, he had almost thrust + the point into my eyes, had not the Duke of Buckingham guided his hand + aright.” It is he, too, who tells the story of the mulberry mark upon the + neck of a certain lady of high condition, which “every year, to mulberry + season, did swell, grow big, and itch.” And Gaffarel mentions the case of + a girl born with the figure of a fish on one of her limbs, of which the + wonder was, that, when the girl did eat fish, this mark put her to + sensible pain. But there is no end to cases of this kind, and I could give + some of recent date, if necessary, lending a certain plausibility at least + to the doctrine of transmitted impressions. + </p> + <p> + I never saw a distinct case of evil eye, though I have seen eyes so bad + that they might produce strange effects on very sensitive natures. But the + belief in it under various names, fascination, jettcztura, etc., is so + permanent and universal, from Egypt to Italy, and from the days of Solomon + to those of Ferdinand of Naples, that there must be some peculiarity, to + say the least, on which the opinion is based. There is very strong + evidence that some such power is exercised by certain of the lower + animals. Thus, it is stated on good authority that “almost every animal + becomes panic-struck at the sight of the rattlesnake, and seems at once + deprived of the power of motion, or the exercise of its usual instinct of + self-preservation.” Other serpents seem to share this power of + fascination, as the Cobra and the Buccephalus Capensis. + </p> + <p> + Some think that it is nothing but fright; others attribute it to the + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “strange powers that lie + Within the magic circle of the eye,”— +</pre> + <p> + as Churchill said, speaking of Garrick. + </p> + <p> + You ask me about those mysterious and frightful intimacies between + children and serpents, of which so many instances have been recorded. I am + sure I cannot tell what to make of them. I have seen several such accounts + in recent papers, but here is one published in the seventeenth century, + which is as striking as any of the more modern ones: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Herbert Tones of Monmouth, when he was a little Boy, was used to eat + his Milk in a Garden in the Morning, and was no sooner there, but a large + Snake always came, and eat out of the Dish with him, and did so for a + considerable time, till one Morning, he striking the Snake on the Head, it + hissed at him. Upon which he told his Mother that the Baby (for so he + call'd it) cry'd Hiss at him. His Mother had it kill'd, which occasioned + him a great Fit of Sickness, and 'twas thought would have dy'd, but did + recover.” + </p> + <p> + There was likewise one “William Writtle, condemned at Maidston Assizes for + a double murder, told a Minister that was with him after he was condemned, + that his mother told him, that when he was a Child, there crept always to + him a Snake, wherever she laid him. Sometimes she would convey him up + Stairs, and leave him never so little, she should be sure to find a Snake + in the Cradle with him, but never perceived it did him any harm.” + </p> + <p> + One of the most striking alleged facts connected with the mysterious + relation existing between the serpent and-the human species is the + influence which the poison of the Crotulus, taken internally, seemed to + produce over the moral faculties, in the experiments instituted by Dr. + Hering at Surinam. There is something frightful in the disposition of + certain ophidians, as the whipsnake, which darts at the eyes of cattle + without any apparent provocation or other motive. It is natural enough + that the evil principle should have been represented in the form of a + serpent, but it is strange to think of introducing it into a human being + like cow-pox by vaccination. + </p> + <p> + You know all about the Psylli, or ancient serpent tamers, I suppose. + Savary gives an account of the modern serpent-tamers in his “Letters on + Egypt.” These modern jugglers are in the habit of making the venomous Naja + counterfeit death, lying out straight and stiff, changing it into a rod, + as the ancient magicians did with their serpents, (probably the same + animal,) in the time of Moses. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid I cannot throw much light on “Christabel” or “Lamia” by any + criticism I can offer. Geraldine, in the former, seems to be simply a + malignant witch-woman with the evil eye, but with no absolute ophidian + relationship. Lamia is a serpent transformed by magic into a woman. The + idea of both is mythological, and not in any sense physiological. Some + women unquestionably suggest the image of serpents; men rarely or never. I + have been struck, like many others, with the ophidian head and eye of the + famous Rachel. + </p> + <p> + Your question about inherited predispositions, as limiting the sphere of + the will, and, consequently, of moral accountability, opens a very wide + range of speculation. I can give you only a brief abstract of my own + opinions on this delicate and difficult subject. Crime and sin, being the + preserves of two great organized interests, have been guarded against all + reforming poachers with as great jealousy as the Royal Forests. It is so + easy to hang a troublesome fellow! It is so much simpler to consign a soul + to perdition, or say masses, for money, to save it, than to take the blame + on ourselves for letting it grow up in neglect and run to ruin for want of + humanizing influences! They hung poor, crazy Bellingham for shooting Mr. + Perceval. The ordinary of Newgate preached to women who were to swing at + Tyburn for a petty theft as if they were worse than other people,—just + as though he would not have been a pickpocket or shoplifter, himself, if + he had been born in a den of thieves and bred up to steal or starve! The + English law never began to get hold of the idea that a crime was not + necessarily a sin, till Hadfield, who thought he was the Saviour of + mankind, was tried for shooting at George the Third;—lucky for him + that he did not hit his Majesty! + </p> + <p> + It is very singular that we recognize all the bodily defects that unfit a + man for military service, and all the intellectual ones that limit his + range of thought, but always talk at him as if all his moral powers were + perfect. I suppose we must punish evil-doers as we extirpate vermin; but I + don't know that we have any more right to judge them than we have to judge + rats and mice, which are just as good as cats and weasels, though we think + it necessary to treat them as criminals. + </p> + <p> + The limitations of human responsibility have never been properly studied, + unless it be by the phrenologists. You know from my lectures that I + consider phrenology, as taught, a pseudo-science, and not a branch of + positive knowledge; but, for all that, we owe it an immense debt. It has + melted the world's conscience in its crucible, and cast it in a new mould, + with features less like those of Moloch and more like those of humanity. + If it has failed to demonstrate its system of special correspondences, it + has proved that there are fixed relations between organization and mind + and character. It has brought out that great doctrine of moral insanity, + which has done more to make men charitable and soften legal and + theological barbarism than any one doctrine that I can think of since the + message of peace and good-will to men. + </p> + <p> + Automatic action in the moral world; the reflex movement which seems to be + self-determination, and has been hanged and howled at as such + (metaphorically) for nobody knows how many centuries: until somebody shall + study this as Marshall Hall has studied reflex nervous action in the + bodily system, I would not give much for men's judgments of each others' + characters. Shut up the robber and the defaulter, we must. But what if + your oldest boy had been stolen from his cradle and bred in a North-Street + cellar? What if you are drinking a little too much wine and smoking a + little too much tobacco, and your son takes after you, and so your poor + grandson's brain being a little injured in physical texture, he loses the + fine moral sense on which you pride yourself, and doesn't see the + difference between signing another man's name to a draft and his own? + </p> + <p> + I suppose the study of automatic action in the moral world (you see what I + mean through the apparent contradiction of terms) may be a dangerous one + in the view of many people. It is liable to abuse, no doubt. People are + always glad to, get hold of anything which limits their responsibility. + But remember that our moral estimates come down to us from ancestors who + hanged children for stealing forty shillings' worth, and sent their souls + to perdition for the sin of being born,—who punished the unfortunate + families of suicides, and in their eagerness for justice executed one + innocent person every three years, on the average, as Sir James Mackintosh + tells us. + </p> + <p> + I do not know in what shape the practical question may present itself to + you; but I will tell you my rule in life, and I think you will find it a + good one. Treat bad men exactly as if they were insane. They are in-sane, + out of health, morally. Reason, which is food to sound minds, is not + tolerated, still less assimilated, unless administered with the greatest + caution; perhaps, not at all. Avoid collision with them, so far as you + honorably can; keep your temper, if you can,—for one angry man is as + good as another; restrain them from violence, promptly, completely, and + with the least possible injury, just as in the case of maniacs,—and + when you have got rid of them, or got them tied hand and foot so that they + can do no mischief, sit down and contemplate them charitably, remembering + that nine tenths of their' perversity comes from outside influences, + drunken ancestors, abuse in childhood, bad company, from which you have + happily been preserved, and for some of which you, as a member of society, + may be fractionally responsible. I think also that there are special + influences which work in the brood lake ferments, and I have a suspicion + that some of those curious old stories I cited may have more recent + parallels. Have you ever met with any cases which admitted of a solution + like that which I have mentioned? + </p> + <p> + Yours very truly, _____________ _____________ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Bernard Langdon to Philip Staples. +MY DEAR PHILIP,— +</pre> + <p> + I have been for some months established in this place, turning the main + crank of the machinery for the manufactory of accomplishments + superintended by, or rather worked to the profit of, a certain Mr. Silas + Peckham. He is a poor wretch, with a little thin fishy blood in his body, + lean and flat, long-armed and large-handed, thick-jointed and + thin-muscled,—you know those unwholesome, weak-eyed, half-fed + creatures, that look not fit to be round among live folks, and yet not + quite dead enough to bury. If you ever hear of my being in court to answer + to a charge of assault and battery, you may guess that I have been giving + him a thrashing to settle off old scores; for he is a tyrant, and has come + pretty near killing his principal lady-assistant with overworking her and + keeping her out of all decent privileges. + </p> + <p> + Helen Darley is this lady's name,—twenty two or three years old, I + should think,—a very sweet, pale woman,—daughter of the usual + country-clergyman,—thrown on her own resources from an early age, + and the rest: a common story, but an uncommon person,—very. All + conscience and sensibility, I should say,—a cruel worker,—no + kind of regard for herself, seems as fragile and supple as a young + willow-shoot, but try her and you find she has the spring in her of a + steel cross-bow. I am glad I happened to come to this place, if it were + only for her sake. I have saved that girl's life; I am as sure of it as if + I had pulled her out of the fire or water. + </p> + <p> + Of course I'm in love with her, you say,—we always love those whom + we have benefited; “saved her life,—her love was the reward of his + devotion,” etc., etc., as in a regular set novel. In love, Philip? Well, + about that,—I love Helen Darley—very much: there is hardly + anybody I love so well. What a noble creature she is! One of those that + just go right on, do their own work and everybody else's, killing + themselves inch by inch without ever thinking about it,—singing and + dancing at their toil when they begin, worn and saddened after a while, + but pressing steadily on, tottering by and by, and catching at the rail by + the way-side to help them lift one foot before the other, and at last + falling, face down, arms stretched forward. + </p> + <p> + Philip, my boy, do you know I am the sort of man that locks his door + sometimes and cries his heart out of his eyes,—that can sob like a + woman and not be ashamed of it? I come of fighting-blood on one side, you + know; I think I could be savage on occasion. But I am tender,—more + and more tender as I come into my fulness of manhood. I don't like to + strike a man, (laugh, if you like,—I know I hit hard when I do + strike,)—but what I can't stand is the sight of these poor, patient, + toiling women, who never find out in this life how good they are, and + never know what it is to be told they are angels while they still wear the + pleasing incumbrances of humanity. I don't know what to make of these + cases. To think that a woman is never to be a woman again, whatever she + may come to as an unsexed angel,—and that she should die unloved! + Why does not somebody come and carry off this noble woman, waiting here + all ready to make a man happy? Philip, do you know the pathos there is in + the eyes of unsought women, oppressed with the burden of an inner life + unshared? I can see into them now as I could not in those 'earlier days. I + sometimes think their pupils dilate on purpose to let my consciousness + glide through them; indeed, I dread them, I come so close to the nerve of + the soul itself in these momentary intimacies. You used to tell me I was a + Turk,—that my heart was full of pigeon-holes, with accommodations + inside for a whole flock of doves. I don't know but I am still as Youngish + as ever in my ways,—Brigham-Youngish, I mean; at any rate, T. always + want to give a little love to all the poor things that cannot have a whole + man to themselves. If they would only be contented with a little! + </p> + <p> + Here now are two girls in this school where I am teaching. One of them, + Rosa M., is not more than sixteen years old, I think they say; but Nature + has forced her into a tropical luxuriance of beauty, as if it were July + with her, instead of May. I suppose it is all natural enough that this + girl should like a young man's attention, even if he were a grave + schoolmaster; but the eloquence of this young thing's look is + unmistakable,—and yet she does not know the language it is talking,—they + none of them do; and there is where a good many poor creatures of our + good-for-nothing sex are mistaken. There is no danger of my being rash, + but I think this girl will cost somebody his life yet. She is one of those + women men make a quarrel about and fight to the death for,—the old + feral instinct, you know. + </p> + <p> + Pray, don't think I am lost in conceit, but there is another girl here who + I begin to think looks with a certain kindness on me. Her name is Elsie + V., and she is the only daughter and heiress of an old family in this + place. She is a portentous and almost fearful creature. If I should tell + you all I know and half of what I fancy about her, you would tell me to + get my life insured at once. Yet she is the most painfully interesting + being,—so handsome! so lonely!—for she has no friends among + the girls, and sits apart from them,—with black hair like the flow + of a mountain-brook after a thaw, with a low-browed, scowling beauty of + face, and such eyes as were never seen before, I really believe, in any + human creature. + </p> + <p> + Philip, I don't know what to say about this Elsie. There is something + about her I have not fathomed. I have conjectures which I could not utter + to any living soul. I dare not even hint the possibilities which have + suggested themselves to me. This I will say, that I do take the most + intense interest in this young person, an interest much more like pity + than love in its common sense. If what I guess at is true, of all the + tragedies of existence I ever knew this is the saddest, and yet so full of + meaning! Do not ask me any questions,—I have said more than I meant + to already; but I am involved in strange doubts and perplexities,—in + dangers too, very possibly,—and it is a relief just to speak ever so + guardedly of them to an early and faithful friend. + </p> + <p> + Yours ever, BERNARD. + </p> + <p> + P. S. I remember you had a copy of Fortunius Licetus' “De Monstris” among + your old books. Can't you lend it to me for a while? I am curious, and it + will amuse me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. OLD SOPHY CALLS ON THE REVEREND DOCTOR. + </h2> + <p> + The two meeting-houses which faced each other like a pair of + fighting-cocks had not flapped their wings or crowed at each other for a + considerable time. The Reverend Mr. Fairweather had been dyspeptic and + low-spirited of late, and was too languid for controversy. The Reverend + Doctor Honeywood had been very busy with his benevolent associations, and + had discoursed chiefly on practical matters, to the neglect of special + doctrinal subjects. His senior deacon ventured to say to him that some of + his people required to be reminded of the great fundamental doctrine of + the worthlessness of all human efforts and motives. Some of them were + altogether too much pleased with the success of the Temperance Society and + the Association for the Relief of the Poor. There was a pestilent heresy + about, concerning the satisfaction to be derived from a good conscience, + as if, anybody ever did anything which was not to be hated, loathed, + despised, and condemned. + </p> + <p> + The old minister listened gravely, with an inward smile, and told his + deacon that he would attend to his suggestion. After the deacon had gone, + he tumbled over his manuscripts, until at length he came upon his + first-rate old sermon on “Human Nature.” He had read a great deal of hard + theology, and had at last reached that curious state which is so common in + good ministers,—that, namely, in which they contrive to switch off + their logical faculties on the narrow sidetrack of their technical dogmas, + while the great freight-train of their substantial human qualities keeps + in the main highway of common-sense, in which kindly souls are always + found by all who approach them by their human side. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor read his sermon with a pleasant, paternal interest: it was well + argued from his premises. Here and there he dashed his pen through a harsh + expression. Now and then he added an explanation or qualified abroad + statement. But his mind was on the logical side-track, and he followed the + chain of reasoning without fairly perceiving where it would lead him, if + he carried it into real life. + </p> + <p> + He was just touching up the final proposition, when his granddaughter, + Letty, once before referred to, came into the room with her smiling face + and lively movement. Miss Letty or Letitia Forrester was a city-bred girl + of some fifteen or sixteen years old, who was passing the summer with her + grandfather for the sake of country air and quiet. It was a sensible + arrangement; for, having the promise of figuring as a belle by and by, and + being a little given to dancing, and having a voice which drew a pretty + dense circle around the piano when she sat down to play and sing, it was + hard to keep her from being carried into society before her time, by the + mere force of mutual attraction. Fortunately, she had some quiet as well + as some social tastes, and was willing enough to pass two or three of the + summer months in the country, where she was much better bestowed than she + would have been at one of those watering-places where so many half-formed + girls get prematurely hardened in the vice of self-consciousness. + </p> + <p> + Miss Letty was altogether too wholesome, hearty, and high-strung a young + girl to be a model, according to the flat-chested and cachectic pattern + which is the classical type of certain excellent young females, often the + subjects of biographical memoirs. But the old minister was proud of his + granddaughter for all that. She was so full of life, so graceful, so + generous, so vivacious, so ready always to do all she could for him and + for everybody, so perfectly frank in her avowed delight in the pleasures + which this miserable world offered her in the shape of natural beauty, of + poetry, of music, of companionship, of books, of cheerful cooperation in + the tasks of those about her, that the Reverend Doctor could not find it + in his heart to condemn her because she was deficient in those particular + graces and that signal other-worldliness he had sometimes noticed in + feeble young persons suffering from various chronic diseases which + impaired their vivacity and removed them from the range of temptation. + </p> + <p> + When Letty, therefore, came bounding into the old minister's study, he + glanced up from his manuscript, and, as his eye fell upon her, it flashed + across him that there was nothing so very monstrous and unnatural about + the specimen of congenital perversion he was looking at, with his features + opening into their pleasantest sunshine. Technically, according to the + fifth proposition of the sermon on Human Nature, very bad, no doubt. + Practically, according to the fact before him, a very pretty piece of the + Creator's handiwork, body and soul. Was it not a conceivable thing that + the divine grace might show itself in different forms in a fresh young + girl like Letitia, and in that poor thing he had visited yesterday, + half-grown, half-colored, in bed for the last year with hip-disease? + </p> + <p> + Was it to be supposed that this healthy young girl, with life throbbing + all over her, could, without a miracle, be good according to the invalid + pattern and formula? + </p> + <p> + And yet there were mysteries in human nature which pointed to some + tremendous perversion of its tendencies,—to some profound, radical + vice of moral constitution, native or transmitted, as you will have it, + but positive, at any rate, as the leprosy, breaking out in the blood of + races, guard them ever so carefully. Did he not know the case of a young + lady in Rockland, daughter of one of the first families in the place, a + very beautiful and noble creature to look at, for whose bringing up + nothing had been spared,—a girl who had had governesses to teach her + at the house, who had been indulged almost too kindly,—a girl whose + father had given himself, up to her, he being himself a pure and + high-souled man?—and yet this girl was accused in whispers of having + been on the very verge of committing a fatal crime; she was an object of + fear to all who knew the dark hints which had been let fall about her, and + there were some that believed—Why, what was this but an instance of + the total obliquity and degeneration of the moral principle? and to what + could it be owing, but to an innate organic tendency? + </p> + <p> + “Busy, grandpapa?” said Letty, and without waiting for an answer kissed + his cheek with a pair of lips made on purpose for that little function,—fine, + but richly turned out, the corners tucked in with a finish of pretty + dimples, the rose-bud lips of girlhood's June. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman looked at his granddaughter. Nature swelled up from his + heart in a wave that sent a glow to his cheek and a sparkle to his eye. + But it is very hard to be interrupted just as we are winding up a string + of propositions with the grand conclusion which is the statement in brief + of all that has gone before: our own starting-point, into which we have + been trying to back our reader or listener as one backs a horse into the + shafts. + </p> + <p> + “Video meliora, proboque,—I see the better, and approve it; + deteriora sequor, I follow after the worse; 't is that natural dislike to + what is good, pure, holy, and true, that inrooted selfishness, totally + insensible to the claims of”— + </p> + <p> + Here the worthy man was interrupted by Miss Letty. + </p> + <p> + “Do come, if you can, grandpapa,” said the young girl; “here is a poor old + black woman wants to see you so much!” + </p> + <p> + The good minister was as kind-hearted as if he had never groped in the + dust and ashes of those cruel old abstractions which have killed out so + much of the world's life and happiness. “With the heart man believeth unto + righteousness;” a man's love is the measure of his fitness for good or bad + company here or elsewhere. Men are tattooed with their special beliefs + like so many South-Sea Islanders; but a real human heart, with Divine love + in it, beats with the same glow under all, the patterns of all earth's + thousand tribes! + </p> + <p> + The Doctor sighed, and folded the sermon, and laid the Quarto Cruden on + it. He rose from his desk, and, looking once more at the young girl's + face, forgot his logical conclusions, and said to himself that she was a + little angel,—which was in violent contradiction to the leading + doctrine of his sermon on Human Nature. And so he followed her out of the + study into the wide entry of the old-fashioned country-house. + </p> + <p> + An old black woman sat on the plain oaken settle which humble visitors + waiting to see the minister were wont to occupy. She was old, but how old + it would be very hard to guess. She might be seventy. She might be ninety. + One could not swear she was not a hundred. Black women remain at a + stationary age (to the eyes of white people, at least) for thirty years. + They do not appear to change during this period any more than so many + Trenton trilobites. Bent up, wrinkled, yellow-eyed, with long upper-lip, + projecting jaws, retreating chin, still meek features, long arms, large + flat hands with uncolored palms and slightly webbed fingers, it was + impossible not to see in this old creature a hint of the gradations by + which life climbs up through the lower natures to the highest human + developments. We cannot tell such old women's ages because we do not + understand the physiognomy of a race so unlike our own. No doubt they see + a great deal in each other's faces that we cannot,—changes of color + and expression as real as our own, blushes and sudden betrayals of + feeling,—just as these two canaries know what their single notes and + short sentences and full song with this or that variation mean, though it + is a mystery to us unplumed mortals. + </p> + <p> + This particular old black woman was a striking specimen of her class. Old + as she looked, her eye was bright and knowing. She wore a red-and-yellow + turban, which set off her complexion well, and hoops of gold in her ears, + and beads of gold about her neck, and an old funeral ring upon her finger. + She had that touching stillness about her which belongs to animals that + wait to be spoken to and then look up with a kind of sad humility. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Sophy!” said the good minister, “is this you?” + </p> + <p> + She looked up with the still expression on her face. “It's ol' Sophy,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said the Doctor, “I did not believe you could walk so far as this + to save the Union. Bring Sophy a glass of wine, Letty. Wine's good for old + folks like Sophy and me, after walking a good way, or preaching a good + while.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl stepped into the back-parlor, where she found the great + pewter flagon in which the wine that was left after each communion-service + was brought to the minister's house. With much toil she managed to tip it + so as to get a couple of glasses filled. The minister tasted his, and made + old Sophy finish hers. + </p> + <p> + “I wan' to see you 'n' talk wi' you all alone,” she said presently. + </p> + <p> + The minister got up and led the way towards his study. “To be sure,” he + said; he had only waited for her to rest a moment before he asked her into + the library. The young girl took her gently by the arm, and helped her + feeble steps along the passage. When they reached the study, she smoothed + the cushion of a rocking-chair, and made the old woman sit down in it. + Then she tripped lightly away, and left her alone with the minister. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy was a member of the Reverend Doctor Honeywood's church. She had + been put through the necessary confessions in a tolerably satisfactory + manner. To be sure, as her grandfather had been a cannibal chief, + according to the common story, and, at any rate, a terrible wild savage, + and as her mother retained to the last some of the prejudices of her early + education, there was a heathen flavor in her Christianity which had often + scandalized the elder of the minister's two deacons. But, the good + minister had smoothed matters over: had explained that allowances were to + be made for those who had been long sitting without the gate of Zion,—that, + no doubt, a part of the curse which descended to the children of Ham + consisted in “having the understanding darkened,” as well as the skin,—and + so had brought his suspicious senior deacon to tolerate old Sophy as one + of the communion of fellow-sinners. + </p> + <p> + —Poor things! How little we know the simple notions with which these + rudiments of souls are nourished by the Divine Goodness! Did not Mrs. + Professor come home this very blessed morning with a story of one of her + old black women? + </p> + <p> + “And how do you feel to-day, Mrs. Robinson?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear, I have this singing in my head all the time.” (What doctors + call tinnitus aurium.) + </p> + <p> + “She 's got a cold in the head,” said old Mrs. Rider. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, my dear! Whatever I'm thinking about, it's all this singing, this + music. When I'm thinking of the dear Redeemer, it all turns into this + singing and music. When the clark came to see me, I asked him if he + couldn't cure me, and he said, No,—it was the Holy Spirit in me, + singing to me; and all the time I hear this beautiful music, and it's the + Holy Spirit a-singing to me.” + </p> + <p> + The good man waited for Sophy to speak; but she did not open her lips as + yet. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are not troubled in mind or body,” he said to her at length, + finding she did not speak. + </p> + <p> + The poor old woman took out a white handkerchief, and lifted it—to + her black face. She could not say a word for her tears and sobs. + </p> + <p> + The minister would have consoled her; he was used to tears, and could in + most cases withstand their contagion manfully; but something choked his + voice suddenly, and when he called upon it, he got no answer, but a + tremulous movement of the muscles, which was worse than silence. + </p> + <p> + At last she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no, no! It's my poor girl, my darling, my beauty, my baby, that + 's grown up to be a woman; she will come to a bad end; she will do + something that will make them kill her or shut her up all her life. Or, + Doctor, Doctor, save her, pray for her! It a'n't her fault. It a'n't her + fault. If they knew all that I know, they would n' blame that poor child. + I must tell you, Doctor: if I should die, perhaps nobody else would tell + you. Massa Venner can't talk about it. Doctor Kittredge won't talk about + it. Nobody but old Sophy to tell you, Doctor; and old Sophy can't die + without telling you.” + </p> + <p> + The kind minister soothed the poor old soul with those gentle, quieting + tones which had carried peace and comfort to so many chambers of sickness + and sorrow, to so many hearts overburdened by the trials laid upon them. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy became quiet in a few minutes, and proceeded to tell her story. + She told it in the low half-whisper which is the natural voice of lips + oppressed wish grief and fears; with quick glances around the apartment + from time to time, as if she dreaded lest the dim portraits on the walls + and the dark folios on the shelves might overhear her words. + </p> + <p> + It was not one of those conversations which a third person can report + minutely, unless by that miracle of clairvoyance known to the readers of + stories made out of authors' brains. Yet its main character can be + imparted in a much briefer space than the old black woman took to give all + its details. + </p> + <p> + She went far back to the time when Dudley Venner was born,—she being + then a middle-aged woman. The heir and hope of a family which had been + narrowing down as if doomed to extinction, he had been surrounded with + every care and trained by the best education he could have in New England. + He had left college, and was studying the profession which gentlemen of + leisure most affect, when he fell in love with a young girl left in the + world almost alone, as he was. The old woman told the story of his young + love and his joyous bridal with a tenderness which had something more, + even, than her family sympathies to account for it. Had she not hanging + over her bed a paper-cutting of a profile,—jet black, but not + blacker than the face it represented—of one who would have been her + own husband in the small years of this century, if the vessel in which he + went to sea, like Jamie in the ballad, had not sailed away and never come + back to land? Had she not her bits of furniture stowed away which had been + got ready for her own wedding,—two rocking-chairs, one worn with + long use, one kept for him so long that it had grown a superstition with + her never to sit in it,—and might he not come back yet, after all? + Had she not her chest of linen ready for her humble house-keeping with + store of serviceable huckaback and piles of neatly folded kerchiefs, + wherefrom this one that showed so white against her black face was taken, + for that she knew her eyes would betray her in “the presence”? + </p> + <p> + All the first part of the story the old woman told tenderly, and yet + dwelling upon every incident with a loving pleasure. How happy this young + couple had been, what plans and projects of improvement they had formed, + how they lived in each other, always together, so young and fresh and + beautiful as she remembered them in that one early summer when they walked + arm in arm through the wilderness of roses that ran riot in the garden,—she + told of this as loath to leave it and come to the woe that lay beneath. + </p> + <p> + She told the whole story;-shall I repeat it? Not now. If, in the course of + relating the incidents I have undertaken to report, it tells itself, + perhaps this will be better than to run the risk of producing a painful + impression on some of those susceptible readers whom it would be + ill-advised to disturb or excite, when they rather require to be amused + and soothed. In our pictures of life, we must show the flowering-out of + terrible growths which have their roots deep, deep underground. Just how + far we shall lay bare the unseemly roots themselves is a matter of + discretion and taste, and which none of us are infallible. + </p> + <p> + The old woman told the whole story of Elsie, of her birth, of her + peculiarities of person and disposition, of the passionate fears and hopes + with which her father had watched the course of her development. She + recounted all her strange ways, from the hour when she first tried to + crawl across the carpet, and her father's look as she worked her way + towards him. With the memory of Juliet's nurse she told the story of her + teething, and how, the woman to whose breast she had clung dying suddenly + about that time, they had to struggle hard with the child before she would + learn the accomplishment of feeding with a spoon. And so of her fierce + plays and fiercer disputes with that boy who had been her companion, and + the whole scene of the quarrel when she struck him with those sharp white + teeth, frightening her, old Sophy, almost to death; for, as she said, the + boy would have died, if it hadn't been for the old Doctor's galloping over + as fast as he could gallop and burning the places right out of his arm. + Then came the story of that other incident, sufficiently alluded to + already, which had produced such an ecstasy of fright and left such a + nightmare of apprehension in the household. And so the old woman came down + to this present time. That boy she never loved nor trusted was grown to a + dark, dangerous-looking man, and he was under their roof. He wanted to + marry our poor Elsie, and Elsie hated him, and sometimes she would look at + him over her shoulder just as she used to look at that woman she hated; + and she, old Sophy, couldn't sleep for thinking she should hear a scream + from the white chamber some night and find him in spasms such as that + woman came so near dying with. And then there was something about Elsie + she did not know what to make of: she would sit and hang her head + sometimes, and look as if she were dreaming; and she brought home books + they said a young gentleman up at the great school lent her; and once she + heard her whisper in her sleep, and she talked as young girls do to + themselves when they're thinking about somebody they have a liking for and + think nobody knows it. + </p> + <p> + She finished her long story at last. The minister had listened to it in + perfect silence. He sat still even when she had done speaking,—still, + and lost in thought. It was a very awkward matter for him to have a hand + in. Old Sophy was his parishioner, but the Venners had a pew in the + Reverend Mr. Fairweather's meeting-house. It would seem that he, Mr. + Fairweather, was the natural adviser of the parties most interested. Had + he sense and spirit enough to deal with such people? Was there enough + capital of humanity in his somewhat limited nature to furnish sympathy and + unshrinking service for his friends in an emergency? or was he too busy + with his own attacks of spiritual neuralgia, and too much occupied with + taking account of stock of his own thin-blooded offences, to forget + himself and his personal interests on the small scale and the large, and + run a risk of his life, if need were, at any rate give himself up without + reserve to the dangerous task of guiding and counselling these distressed + and imperilled fellow-creatures? + </p> + <p> + The good minister thought the best thing to do would be to call and talk + over some of these matters with Brother Fairweather,—for so he would + call him at times, especially if his senior deacon were not within + earshot. Having settled this point, he comforted Sophy with a few words of + counsel and a promise of coming to see her very soon. He then called his + man to put the old white horse into the chaise and drive Sophy back to the + mansion-house. + </p> + <p> + When the Doctor sat down to his sermon again, it looked very differently + from the way it had looked at the moment he left it. When he came to think + of it, he did not feel quite so sure practically about that matter of the + utter natural selfishness of everybody. There was Letty, now, seemed to + take a very unselfish interest in that old black woman, and indeed in poor + people generally; perhaps it would not be too much to say that she was + always thinking of other people. He thought he had seen other young + persons naturally unselfish, thoughtful for others; it seemed to be a + family trait in some he had known. + </p> + <p> + But most of all he was exercised about this poor girl whose story Sophy + had been telling. If what the old woman believed was true,—and it + had too much semblance of probability,—what became of his theory of + ingrained moral obliquity applied to such a case? If by the visitation of + God a person receives any injury which impairs the intellect or the moral + perceptions, is it not monstrous to judge such a person by our common + working standards of right and wrong? Certainly, everybody will answer, in + cases where there is a palpable organic change brought about, as when a + blow on the head produces insanity. Fools! How long will it be before we + shall learn that for every wound which betrays itself to the sight by a + scar, there are a thousand unseen mutilations that cripple, each of them, + some one or more of our highest faculties? If what Sophy told and believed + was the real truth, what prayers could be agonizing enough, what + tenderness could be deep enough, for this poor, lost, blighted, hapless, + blameless child of misfortune, struck by such a doom as perhaps no living + creature in all the sisterhood of humanity shared with her? + </p> + <p> + The minister thought these matters over until his mind was bewildered with + doubts and tossed to and fro on that stormy deep of thought heaving + forever beneath the conflict of windy dogmas. He laid by his old sermon. + He put back a pile of old commentators with their eyes and mouths and + hearts full of the dust of the schools. Then he opened the book of Genesis + at the eighteenth chapter and read that remarkable argument of Abraham's + with his Maker in which he boldly appeals to first principles. He took as + his text, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” and began to + write his sermon, afterwards so famous, “On the Obligations of an Infinite + Creator to a Finite Creature.” + </p> + <p> + It astonished the good people, who had been accustomed so long to repeat + mechanically their Oriental hyperboles of self-abasement, to hear their + worthy minister maintaining that the dignified attitude of the old + Patriarch, insisting on what was reasonable and fair with reference to his + fellow-creatures, was really much more respectful to his Maker, and a + great deal manlier and more to his credit, than if he had yielded the + whole matter, and pretended that men had not rights as well as duties. The + same logic which had carried him to certain conclusions with reference to + human nature, this same irresistible logic carried him straight on from + his text until he arrived at those other results, which not only + astonished his people, as was said, but surprised himself. He went so far + in defence of the rights of man, that he put his foot into several + heresies, for which men had been burned so often, it was time, if ever it + could be, to acknowledge the demonstration of the argumentum ad ignem. He + did not believe in the responsibility of idiots. He did not believe a + new-born infant was morally answerable for other people's acts. He thought + a man with a crooked spine would never be called to account for not + walking erect. He thought if the crook was in his brain, instead of his + back, he could not fairly be blamed for any consequence of this natural + defect, whatever lawyers or divines might call it. He argued, that, if a + person inherited a perfect mind, body, and disposition, and had perfect + teaching from infancy, that person could do nothing more than keep the + moral law perfectly. But supposing that the Creator allows a person to be + born with an hereditary or ingrafted organic tendency, and then puts this + person into the hands of teachers incompetent or positively bad, is not + what is called sin or transgression of the law necessarily involved in the + premises? Is not a Creator bound to guard his children against the ruin + which inherited ignorance might entail on them? Would it be fair for a + parent to put into a child's hands the title-deeds to all its future + possessions, and a bunch of matches? And are not men children, nay, babes, + in the eye of Omniscience?—The minister grew bold in his questions. + Had not he as good right to ask questions as Abraham? + </p> + <p> + This was the dangerous vein of speculation in which the Reverend Doctor + Honeywood found himself involved, as a consequence of the suggestions + forced upon him by old Sophy's communication. The truth was, the good man + had got so humanized by mixing up with other people in various benevolent + schemes, that, the very moment he could escape from his old scholastic + abstractions, he took the side of humanity instinctively, just as the + Father of the Faithful did,—all honor be to the noble old Patriarch + for insisting on the worth of an honest man, and making the best terms he + could for a very ill-conditioned metropolis, which might possibly, + however, have contained ten righteous people, for whose sake it should be + spared! + </p> + <p> + The consequence of all this was, that he was in a singular and seemingly + self-contradictory state of mind when he took his hat and cane and went + forth to call on his heretical brother. The old minister took it for + granted that the Reverend Mr. Fairweather knew the private history of his + parishioner's family. He did not reflect that there are griefs men never + put into words,—that there are fears which must not be spoken,—intimate + matters of consciousness which must be carried, as bullets which have been + driven deep into the living tissues are sometimes carried, for a whole + lifetime,—encysted griefs, if we may borrow the chirurgeon's term, + never to be reached, never to be seen, never to be thrown out, but to go + into the dust with the frame that bore them about with it, during long + years of anguish, known only to the sufferer and his Maker. Dudley Venner + had talked with his minister about this child of his. But he had talked + cautiously, feeling his way for sympathy, looking out for those + indications of tact and judgment which would warrant him in some partial + communication, at least, of the origin of his doubts and fears, and never + finding them. + </p> + <p> + There was something about the Reverend Mr. Fairweather which repressed all + attempts at confidential intercourse. What this something was, Dudley + Venner could hardly say; but he felt it distinctly, and it sealed his + lips. He never got beyond certain generalities connected with education + and religious instruction. The minister could not help discovering, + however, that there were difficulties connected with this girl's + management, and he heard enough outside of the family to convince him that + she had manifested tendencies, from an early age, at variance with the + theoretical opinions he was in the habit of preaching, and in a dim way of + holding for truth, as to the natural dispositions of the human being. + </p> + <p> + About this terrible fact of congenital obliquity his new beliefs began to + cluster as a centre, and to take form as a crystal around its nucleus. + Still, he might perhaps have struggled against them, had it not been for + the little Roman Catholic chapel he passed every Sunday, on his way to the + meeting-house. Such a crowd of worshippers, swarming into the pews like + bees, filling all the aisles, running over at the door like berries heaped + too full in the measure,—some kneeling on the steps, some standing + on the sidewalk, hats off, heads down, lips moving, some looking on + devoutly from the other side of the street! Oh, could he have followed his + own Bridget, maid of all work, into the heart of that steaming throng, and + bowed his head while the priests intoned their Latin prayers! could he + have snuffed up the cloud of frankincense, and felt that he was in the + great ark which holds the better half of the Christian world, while all + around it are wretched creatures, some struggling against the waves in + leaky boats, and some on ill-connected rafts, and some with their heads + just above water, thinking to ride out the flood which is to sweep the + earth clean of sinners, upon their own private, individual + life-preservers! + </p> + <p> + Such was the present state of mind of the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather, + when his clerical brother called upon him to talk over the questions to + which old Sophy had called his attention. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. THE REVEREND DOCTOR CALLS ON BROTHER FAIRWEATHER. + </h2> + <p> + For the last few months, while all these various matters were going on in + Rockland, the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather had been busy with the records + of ancient councils and the writings of the early fathers. The more he + read, the more discontented he became with the platform upon which he and + his people were standing. They and he were clearly in a minority, and his + deep inward longing to be with the majority was growing into an engrossing + passion. He yearned especially towards the good old unquestioning, + authoritative Mother Church, with her articles of faith which took away + the necessity for private judgment, with her traditional forms and + ceremonies, and her whole apparatus of stimulants and anodynes. + </p> + <p> + About this time he procured a breviary and kept it in his desk under the + loose papers. He sent to a Catholic bookstore and obtained a small + crucifix suspended from a string of beads. He ordered his new coat to be + cut very narrow in the collar and to be made single-breasted. He began an + informal series of religious conversations with Miss O'Brien, the young + person of Irish extraction already referred to as Bridget, maid of all + work. These not proving very satisfactory, he managed to fall in with + Father McShane, the Catholic priest of the Rockland church. + </p> + <p> + Father McShane encouraged his nibble very scientifically. It would be such + a fine thing to bring over one of those Protestant heretics, and a + “liberal” one too!—not that there was any real difference between + them, but it sounded better, to say that one of these rationalizing + free-and-equal religionists had been made a convert than any of those + half-way Protestants who were the slaves of catechisms instead of + councils, and of commentators instead of popes. The subtle priest played + his disciple with his finest tackle. It was hardly necessary: when + anything or anybody wishes to be caught, a bare hook and a coarse line are + all that is needed. + </p> + <p> + If a man has a genuine, sincere, hearty wish to get rid of his liberty, if + he is really bent upon becoming a slave, nothing can stop him. And the + temptation is to some natures a very great one. Liberty is often a heavy + burden on a man. It involves that necessity for perpetual choice which is + the kind of labor men have always dreaded. In common life we shirk it by + forming habits, which take the place of self-determination. In politics + party-organization saves us the pains of much thinking before deciding how + to cast our vote. In religious matters there are great multitudes watching + us perpetually, each propagandist ready with his bundle of finalities, + which having accepted we may be at peace. The more absolute the submission + demanded, the stronger the temptation becomes to those who have been long + tossed among doubts and conflicts. + </p> + <p> + So it is that in all the quiet bays which indent the shores of the great + ocean of thought, at every sinking wharf, we see moored the hulks and the + razees of enslaved or half-enslaved intelligences. They rock peacefully as + children in their cradles on the subdued swell which comes feebly in over + the bar at the harbor's mouth, slowly crusting with barnacles, pulling at + their iron cables as if they really wanted to be free; but better + contented to remain bound as they are. For these no more the round + unwalled horizon of the open sea, the joyous breeze aloft, the furrow, the + foam, the sparkle, that track the rushing keel! They have escaped the + dangers of the wave, and lie still henceforth, evermore. Happiest of + souls, if lethargy is bliss, and palsy the chief beatitude! + </p> + <p> + America owes its political freedom to religious Protestantism. But + political freedom is reacting on religious prescription with still + mightier force. We wonder, therefore, when we find a soul which was born + to a full sense of individual liberty, an unchallenged right of + self-determination on every new alleged truth offered to its intelligence, + voluntarily surrendering any portion of its liberty to a spiritual + dictatorship which always proves to rest, in the last analysis, on a + majority vote, nothing more nor less, commonly an old one, passed in those + barbarous times when men cursed and murdered each other for differences of + opinion, and of course were not in a condition to settle the beliefs of a + comparatively civilized community. + </p> + <p> + In our disgust, we are liable to be intolerant. We forget that weakness is + not in itself a sin. We forget that even cowardice may call for our most + lenient judgment, if it spring from innate infirmity, Who of us does not + look with great tenderness on the young chieftain in the “Fair Maid of + Perth,” when he confesses his want of courage? All of us love + companionship and sympathy; some of us may love them too much. All of us + are more or less imaginative in our theology. + </p> + <p> + Some of us may find the aid of material symbols a comfort, if not a + necessity. The boldest thinker may have his moments of languor and + discouragement, when he feels as if he could willingly exchange faiths + with the old beldame crossing herself at the cathedral-door,—nay, + that, if he could drop all coherent thought, and lie in the flowery meadow + with the brown-eyed solemnly unthinking cattle, looking up to the sky, and + all their simple consciousness staining itself blue, then down to the + grass, and life turning to a mere greenness, blended with confused scents + of herbs,—no individual mind-movement such as men are teased with, + but the great calm cattle-sense of all time and all places that know the + milky smell of herds,—if he could be like these, he would be content + to be driven home by the cow-boy, and share the grassy banquet of the king + of ancient Babylon. Let us be very generous, then, in our judgment of + those who leave the front ranks of thought for the company of the meek + non-combatants who follow with the baggage and provisions. Age, illness, + too much wear and tear, a half-formed paralysis, may bring any of us to + this pass. But while we can think and maintain the rights of our own + individuality against every human combination, let us not forget to + caution all who are disposed to waver that there is a cowardice which is + criminal, and a longing for rest which it is baseness to indulge. God help + him, over whose dead soul in his living body must be uttered the sad + supplication, Requiescat in pace! + </p> + <p> + A knock at the Reverend Mr. Fairweather's study door called his eyes from + the book on which they were intent. He looked up, as if expecting a + welcome guest. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Pierrepont Honeywood, D. D., entered the study of the + Reverend Chauncy Fairweather. He was not the expected guest. Mr. + Fairweather slipped the book he was reading into a half-open drawer, and + pushed in the drawer. He slid something which rattled under a paper lying + on the table. He rose with a slight change of color, and welcomed, a + little awkwardly, his unusual visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Good-evening, Brother Fairweather!” said the Reverend Doctor, in a very + cordial, good-humored way. “I hope I am not spoiling one of those eloquent + sermons I never have a chance to hear.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, not at all,” the younger clergyman answered, in a languid + tone, with a kind of habitual half-querulousness which belonged to it,—the + vocal expression which we meet with now and then, and which says as + plainly as so many words could say it, “I am a suffering individual. I am + persistently undervalued, wronged, and imposed upon by mankind and the + powers of the universe generally. But I endure all. I endure you. Speak. I + listen. It is a burden to me, but I even approve. I sacrifice myself. + Behold this movement of my lips! It is a smile.” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor knew this forlorn way of Mr. Fairweather's, and was + not troubled by it. He proceeded to relate the circumstances of his visit + from the old black woman, and the fear she was in about the young girl, + who being a parishioner of Mr. Fairweather's, he had thought it best to + come over and speak to him about old Sophy's fears and fancies. + </p> + <p> + In telling the old woman's story, he alluded only vaguely to those + peculiar circumstances to which she had attributed so much importance, + taking it for granted that the other minister must be familiar with the + whole series of incidents she had related. The old minister was mistaken, + as we have before seen. Mr. Fairweather had been settled in the place only + about ten years, and, if he had heard a strange hint now and then about + Elsie, had never considered it as anything more than idle and ignorant, if + not malicious, village-gossip. All that he fully understood was that this + had been a perverse and unmanageable child, and that the extraordinary + care which had been bestowed on her had been so far thrown away that she + was a dangerous, self-willed girl, whom all feared and almost all shunned, + as if she carried with her some malignant influence. + </p> + <p> + He replied, therefore, after hearing the story, that Elsie had always + given trouble. There seemed to be a kind of natural obliquity about her. + Perfectly unaccountable. A very dark case. Never amenable to good + influences. Had sent her good books from the Sunday-school library. + Remembered that she tore out the frontispiece of one of them, and kept it, + and flung the book out of the window. It was a picture of Eve's + temptation; and he recollected her saying that Eve was a good woman,—and + she'd have done just so, if she'd been there. A very sad child, very sad; + bad from infancy. He had talked himself bold, and said all at once, + “Doctor, do you know I am almost ready to accept your doctrine of the + congenital sinfulness of human nature? I am afraid that is the only thing + which goes to the bottom of the difficulty.” + </p> + <p> + The old minister's face did not open so approvingly as Mr. Fairweather had + expected. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,—well,—many find comfort in it,—I believe;—there + is much to be said,—there are many bad people,—and bad + children,—I can't be so sure about bad babies,—though they cry + very malignantly at times,—especially if they have the stomach-ache. + But I really don't know how to condemn this poor Elsie; she may have + impulses that act in her like instincts in the lower animals, and so not + come under the bearing of our ordinary rules of judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “But this depraved tendency, Doctor,—this unaccountable + perverseness. My dear Sir, I am afraid your school is in the right about + human nature. Oh, those words of the Psalmist, 'shapen in iniquity,' and + the rest! What are we to do with them,—we who teach that the soul of + a child is an unstained white tablet?” + </p> + <p> + “King David was very subject to fits of humility, and much given to + self-reproaches,” said the Doctor, in a rather dry way. “We owe you and + your friends a good deal for calling attention to the natural graces, + which, after all, may, perhaps, be considered as another form of + manifestation of the divine influence. Some of our writers have pressed + rather too hard on the tendencies of the human soul toward evil as such. + It maybe questioned whether these views have not interfered with the sound + training of certain young persons, sons of clergymen and others. I am + nearer of your mind about the possibility of educating children so that + they shall become good Christians without any violent transition. That is + what I should hope for from bringing them up 'in the nurture and + admonition of the Lord.'” + </p> + <p> + The younger minister looked puzzled, but presently answered, “Possibly we + may have called attention to some neglected truths; but, after all, I fear + we must go to the old school, if we want to get at the root of the matter. + I know there is an outward amiability about many young persons, some young + girls especially, that seems like genuine goodness; but I have been + disposed of late to lean toward your view, that these human affections, as + we see them in our children,—ours, I say, though I have not the + fearful responsibility of training any of my own,—are only a kind of + disguised and sinful selfishness.” + </p> + <p> + The old minister groaned in spirit. His heart had been softened by the + sweet influences of children and grandchildren. He thought of a half-sized + grave in the burial-ground, and the fine, brave, noble-hearted boy he laid + in it thirty years before,—the sweet, cheerful child who had made + his home all sunshine until the day when he was brought into it, his long + curls dripping, his fresh lips purpled in death,—foolish dear little + blessed creature to throw himself into the deep water to save the drowning + boy, who clung about him and carried him under! Disguised selfishness! And + his granddaughter too, whose disguised selfishness was the light of his + household! + </p> + <p> + “Don't call it my view!” he said. “Abstractly, perhaps, all natures may be + considered vitiated; but practically, as I see it in life, the divine + grace keeps pace with the perverted instincts from infancy in many + natures. Besides, this perversion itself may often be disease, bad habits + transmitted, like drunkenness, or some hereditary misfortune, as with this + Elsie we were talking about.” + </p> + <p> + The younger minister was completely mystified. At every step he made + towards the Doctor's recognized theological position, the Doctor took just + one step towards his. They would cross each other soon at this rate, and + might as well exchange pulpits,—as Colonel Sprowle once wished they + would, it may be remembered. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, though a much clearer-headed man, was almost equally puzzled. + He turned the conversation again upon Elsie, and endeavored to make her + minister feel the importance of bringing every friendly influence to bear + upon her at this critical period of her life. His sympathies did not seem + so lively as the Doctor could have wished. Perhaps he had vastly more + important objects of solicitude in his own spiritual interests. + </p> + <p> + A knock at the door interrupted them. The Reverend Mr. Fairweather rose + and went towards it. As he passed the table, his coat caught something, + which came rattling to the floor. It was a crucifix with a string of beads + attached. As he opened the door, the Milesian features of Father McShane + presented themselves, and from their centre proceeded the clerical + benediction in Irish-sounding Latin, Pax vobiscum! + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor Honeywood rose and left the priest and his disciple + together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. THE SPIDER ON HIS THREAD. + </h2> + <p> + There was nobody, then, to counsel poor Elsie, except her father, who had + learned to let her have her own way so as not to disturb such relations as + they had together, and the old black woman, who had a real, though limited + influence over the girl. Perhaps she did not need counsel. To look upon + her, one might well suppose that she was competent to defend herself + against any enemy she was like to have. That glittering, piercing eye was + not to be softened by a few smooth words spoken in low tones, charged with + the common sentiments which win their way to maidens' hearts. That round, + lithe, sinuous figure was as full of dangerous life as ever lay under the + slender flanks and clean-shaped limbs of a panther. + </p> + <p> + There were particular times when Elsie was in such a mood that it must + have been a bold person who would have intruded upon her with reproof or + counsel. “This is one of her days,” old Sophy would say quietly to her + father, and he would, as far as possible, leave her to herself. These days + were more frequent, as old Sophy's keen, concentrated watchfulness had + taught her, at certain periods of the year. It was in the heats of summer + that they were most common and most strongly characterized. In winter, on + the other hand, she was less excitable, and even at times heavy and as if + chilled and dulled in her sensibilities. It was a strange, paroxysmal kind + of life that belonged to her. It seemed to come and go with the sunlight. + All winter long she would be comparatively quiet, easy to manage, + listless, slow in her motions; her eye would lose something of its strange + lustre; and the old nurse would feel so little anxiety, that her whole + expression and aspect would show the change, and people would say to her, + “Why, Sophy, how young you're looking!” + </p> + <p> + As the spring came on, Elsie would leave the fireside, have her tiger-skin + spread in the empty southern chamber next the wall, and lie there basking + for whole hours in the sunshine. As the season warmed, the light would + kindle afresh in her eyes, and the old woman's sleep would grow restless + again,—for she knew, that, so long as the glitter was fierce in the + girl's eyes, there was no trusting her impulses or movements. + </p> + <p> + At last, when the veins of the summer were hot and swollen, and the juices + of all the poison-plants and the blood of all the creatures that feed upon + them had grown thick and strong,—about the time when the second + mowing was in hand, and the brown, wet-faced men were following up the + scythes as they chased the falling waves of grass, (falling as the waves + fall on sickle-curved beaches; the foam-flowers dropping as the + grass-flowers drop,—with sharp semivowel consonantal sounds,—frsh,—for + that is the way the sea talks, and leaves all pure vowel-sounds for the + winds to breathe over it, and all mutes to the unyielding earth,)—about + this time of over-ripe midsummer, the life of Elsie seemed fullest of its + malign and restless instincts. This was the period of the year when the + Rockland people were most cautious of wandering in the leafier coverts + which skirted the base of The Mountain, and the farmers liked to wear + thick, long boots, whenever they went into the bushes. But Elsie was never + so much given to roaming over The Mountain as at this season; and as she + had grown more absolute and uncontrollable, she was as like to take the + night as the day for her rambles. + </p> + <p> + At this season, too, all her peculiar tastes in dress and ornament came + out in a more striking way than at other times. She was never so superb as + then, and never so threatening in her scowling beauty. The barred skirts + she always fancied showed sharply beneath her diaphanous muslins; the + diamonds often glittered on her breast as if for her own pleasure rather + than to dazzle others; the asp-like bracelet hardly left her arm. She was + never seen without some necklace,—either the golden cord she wore at + the great party, or a chain of mosaics, or simply a ring of golden scales. + Some said that Elsie always slept in a necklace, and that when she died + she was to be buried in one. It was a fancy of hers,—but many + thought there was a reason for it. + </p> + <p> + Nobody watched Elsie with a more searching eye than her cousin, Dick + Venner. He had kept more out of her way of late, it is true, but there was + not a movement she made which he did not carefully observe just so far as + he could without exciting her suspicion. It was plain enough to him that + the road to fortune was before him, and that the first thing was to marry + Elsie. What course he should take with her, or with others interested, + after marrying her, need not be decided in a hurry. + </p> + <p> + He had now done all he could expect to do at present in the way of + conciliating the other members of the household. The girl's father + tolerated him, if he did not even like him. Whether he suspected his + project or not Dick did not feel sure; but it was something to have got a + foothold in the house, and to have overcome any prepossession against him + which his uncle might have entertained. To be a good listener and a bad + billiard-player was not a very great sacrifice to effect this object. Then + old Sophy could hardly help feeling well-disposed towards him, after the + gifts he had bestowed on her and the court he had paid her. These were the + only persons on the place of much importance to gain over. The people + employed about the house and farm-lands had little to do with Elsie, + except to obey her without questioning her commands. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard began to think of reopening his second parallel. But he had + lost something of the coolness with which he had begun his system of + operations. The more he had reflected upon the matter, the more he had + convinced himself that this was his one great chance in life. If he + suffered this girl to escape him, such an opportunity could hardly, in the + nature of things, present itself a second time. Only one life between + Elsie and her fortune,—and lives are so uncertain! The girl might + not suit him as a wife. Possibly. Time enough to find out after he had got + her. In short, he must have the property, and Elsie Venner, as she was to + go with it,—and then, if he found it convenient and agreeable to, + lead a virtuous life, he would settle down and raise children and + vegetables; but if he found it inconvenient and disagreeable, so much the + worse for those who made it so. Like many other persons, he was not + principled against virtue, provided virtue were a better investment than + its opposite; but he knew that there might be contingencies in which the + property would be better without its incumbrances, and he contemplated + this conceivable problem in the light of all its possible solutions. + </p> + <p> + One thing Mr. Richard could not conceal from himself: Elsie had some new + cause of indifference, at least, if not of aversion to him. With the + acuteness which persons who make a sole business of their own interest + gain by practice, so that fortune-hunters are often shrewd where real + lovers are terribly simple, he fixed at once on the young man up at the + school where the girl had been going of late, as probably at the bottom of + it. + </p> + <p> + “Cousin Elsie in love!” so he communed with himself upon his lonely + pillow. “In love with a Yankee schoolmaster! What else can it be? Let him + look out for himself! He'll stand but a bad chance between us. What makes + you think she's in love with him? Met her walking with him. Don't like her + looks and ways;—she's thinking about something, anyhow. Where does + she get those books she is reading so often? Not out of our library, that + 's certain. If I could have ten minutes' peep into her chamber now, I + would find out where she got them, and what mischief she was up to.” + </p> + <p> + At that instant, as if some tributary demon had heard his wish, a shape + which could be none but Elsie's flitted through a gleam of moonlight into + the shadow of the trees. She was setting out on one of her midnight + rambles. + </p> + <p> + Dick felt his heart stir in its place, and presently his cheeks flushed + with the old longing for an adventure. It was not much to invade a young + girl's deserted chamber, but it would amuse a wakeful hour, and tell him + some little matters he wanted to know. The chamber he slept in was over + the room which Elsie chiefly occupied at this season. There was no great + risk of his being seen or heard, if he ventured down-stairs to her + apartment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard Venner, in the pursuit of his interesting project, arose and + lighted a lamp. He wrapped himself in a dressing-gown and thrust his feet + into a pair of cloth slippers. He stole carefully down the stair, and + arrived safely at the door of Elsie's room. + </p> + <p> + The young lady had taken the natural precaution to leave it fastened, + carrying the key with her, no doubt,—unless; indeed, she had got out + by the window, which was not far from the ground. Dick could get in at + this window easily enough, but he did not like the idea of leaving his + footprints in the flower-bed just under it. He returned to his own + chamber, and held a council of war with himself. + </p> + <p> + He put his head out of his own window and looked at that beneath. It was + open. He then went to one of his trunks, which he unlocked, and began + carefully removing its contents. What these were we need not stop to + mention,—only remarking that there were dresses of various patterns, + which might afford an agreeable series of changes, and in certain + contingencies prove eminently useful. After removing a few of these, he + thrust his hand to the very bottom of the remaining pile and drew out a + coiled strip of leather many yards in length, ending in a noose,—a + tough, well-seasoned lasso, looking as if it had seen service and was none + the worse for it. He uncoiled a few yards of this and fastened it to the + knob of a door. Then he threw the loose end out of the window so that it + should hang by the open casement of Elsie's room. By this he let himself + down opposite her window, and with a slight effort swung himself inside + the room. He lighted a match, found a candle, and, having lighted that, + looked curiously about him, as Clodius might have done when he smuggled + himself in among the Vestals. + </p> + <p> + Elsie's room was almost as peculiar as her dress and ornaments. It was a + kind of museum of objects, such as the woods are full of to those who have + eyes to see them, but many of them such as only few could hope to reach, + even if they knew where to look for them. Crows' nests, which are never + found but in the tall trees, commonly enough in the forks of ancient + hemlocks, eggs of rare birds, which must have taken a quick eye and a hard + climb to find and get hold of, mosses and ferns of unusual aspect, and + quaint monstrosities of vegetable growth, such as Nature delights in, + showed that Elsie had her tastes and fancies like any naturalist or poet. + </p> + <p> + Nature, when left to her own freaks in the forest, is grotesque and + fanciful to the verge of license, and beyond it. The foliage of trees does + not always require clipping to make it look like an image of life. From + those windows at Canoe Meadow, among the mountains, we could see all + summer long a lion rampant, a Shanghai chicken, and General Jackson on + horseback, done by Nature in green leaves, each with a single tree. But to + Nature's tricks with boughs and roots and smaller vegetable growths there + is no end. Her fancy is infinite, and her humor not always refined. There + is a perpetual reminiscence of animal life in her rude caricatures, which + sometimes actually reach the point of imitating the complete human figure, + as in that extraordinary specimen which nobody will believe to be genuine, + except the men of science, and of which the discreet reader may have a + glimpse by application in the proper quarter. + </p> + <p> + Elsie had gathered so many of these sculpture-like monstrosities, that one + might have thought she had robbed old Sophy's grandfather of his fetishes. + They helped to give her room a kind of enchanted look, as if a witch had + her home in it. Over the fireplace was a long, staff-like branch, + strangled in the spiral coils of one of those vines which strain the + smaller trees in their clinging embraces, sinking into the bark until the + parasite becomes almost identified with its support. With these sylvan + curiosities were blended objects of art, some of them not less singular, + but others showing a love for the beautiful in form and color, such as a + girl of fine organization and nice culture might naturally be expected to + feel and to indulge, in adorning her apartment. + </p> + <p> + All these objects, pictures, bronzes, vases, and the rest, did not detain + Mr. Richard Venner very long, whatever may have been his sensibilities to + art. He was more curious about books and papers. A copy of Keats lay on + the table. He opened it and read the name of Bernard C. Langdon on the + blank leaf. An envelope was on the table with Elsie's name written in a + similar hand; but the envelope was empty, and he could not find the note + it contained. Her desk was locked, and it would not be safe to tamper with + it. He had seen enough; the girl received books and notes from this fellow + up at the school, this usher, this Yankee quill-driver;—he was + aspiring to become the lord of the Dudley domain, then, was he? + </p> + <p> + Elsie had been reasonably careful. She had locked up her papers, whatever + they might be. There was little else that promised to reward his + curiosity, but he cast his eye on everything. There was a clasp-Bible + among her books. Dick wondered if she ever unclasped it. There was a book + of hymns; it had her name in it, and looked as if it might have been often + read;—what the diablo had Elsie to do with hymns? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard Venner was in an observing and analytical state of mind, it + will be noticed, or he might perhaps have been touched with the innocent + betrayals of the poor girl's chamber. Had she, after all, some human + tenderness in her heart? That was not the way he put the question,—but + whether she would take seriously to this schoolmaster, and if she did, + what would be the neatest and surest and quickest way of putting a stop to + all that nonsense. All this, however, he could think over more safely in + his own quarters. So he stole softly to the window, and, catching the end + of the leathern thong, regained his own chamber and drew in the lasso. + </p> + <p> + It needs only a little jealousy to set a man on who is doubtful in love or + wooing, or to make him take hold of his courting in earnest. As soon as + Dick had satisfied himself that the young schoolmaster was his rival in + Elsie's good graces, his whole thoughts concentrated themselves more than + ever on accomplishing his great design of securing her for himself. There + was no time to be lost. He must come into closer relations with her, so as + to withdraw her thoughts from this fellow, and to find out more exactly + what was the state of her affections, if she had any. So he began to court + her company again, to propose riding with her, to sing to her, to join her + whenever she was strolling about the grounds, to make himself agreeable, + according to the ordinary understanding of that phrase, in every way which + seemed to promise a chance for succeeding in that amiable effort. + </p> + <p> + The girl treated him more capriciously than ever. She would be sullen and + silent, or she would draw back fiercely at some harmless word or gesture, + or she would look at him with her eyes narrowed in such a strange way and + with such a wicked light in them that Dick swore to himself they were too + much for him, and would leave her for the moment. Yet she tolerated him, + almost as a matter of necessity, and sometimes seemed to take a kind of + pleasure in trying her power upon him. This he soon found out, and humored + her in the fancy that she could exercise a kind of fascination over him, + though there were times in which he actually felt an influence he could + not understand, an effect of some peculiar expression about her, perhaps, + but still centring in those diamond eyes of hers which it made one feel so + curiously to look into. + </p> + <p> + Whether Elsie saw into his object or not was more than he could tell. His + idea was, after having conciliated the good-will of all about her as far + as possible, to make himself first a habit and then a necessity with the + girl,—not to spring any trap of a declaration upon her until + tolerance had grown into such a degree of inclination as her nature was + like to admit. He had succeeded in the first part of his plan. He was at + liberty to prolong his visit at his own pleasure. This was not strange; + these three persons, Dudley Venner, his daughter, and his nephew, + represented all that remained of an old and honorable family. Had Elsie + been like other girls, her father might have been less willing to + entertain a young fellow like Dick as an inmate; but he had long outgrown + all the slighter apprehensions which he might have had in common with all + parents, and followed rather than led the imperious instincts of his + daughter. It was not a question of sentiment, but of life and death, or + more than that,—some dark ending, perhaps, which would close the + history of his race with disaster and evil report upon the lips of all + coming generations. + </p> + <p> + As to the thought of his nephew's making love to his daughter, it had + almost passed from his mind. He had been so long in the habit of looking + at Elsie as outside of all common influences and exceptional in the law of + her nature, that it was difficult for him to think of her as a girl to be + fallen in love with. Many persons are surprised, when others court their + female relatives; they know them as good young or old women enough,—aunts, + sisters, nieces, daughters, whatever they may be,—but never think of + anybody's falling in love with them, any more than of their being struck + by lightning. But in this case there were special reasons, in addition to + the common family delusion,—reasons which seemed to make it + impossible that she should attract a suitor. Who would dare to marry + Elsie? No, let her have the pleasure, if it was one, at any rate the + wholesome excitement, of companionship; it might save her from lapsing + into melancholy or a worse form of madness. Dudley Venner had a kind of + superstition, too, that, if Elsie could only outlive three septenaries, + twenty-one years, so that, according to the prevalent idea, her whole + frame would have been thrice made over, counting from her birth, she would + revert to the natural standard of health of mind and feelings from which + she had been so long perverted. The thought of any other motive than love + being sufficient to induce Richard to become her suitor had not occurred + to him. He had married early, at that happy period when interested motives + are least apt to influence the choice; and his single idea of marriage + was, that it was the union of persons naturally drawn towards each other + by some mutual attraction. Very simple, perhaps; but he had lived lonely + for many years since his wife's death, and judged the hearts of others, + most of all of his brother's son, by his own. He had often thought + whether, in case of Elsie's dying or being necessarily doomed to + seclusion, he might not adopt this nephew and make him his heir; but it + had not occurred to him that Richard might wish to become his son-in-law + for the sake of his property. + </p> + <p> + It is very easy to criticise other people's modes of dealing with their + children. Outside observers see results; parents see processes. They + notice the trivial movements and accents which betray the blood of this or + that ancestor; they can detect the irrepressible movement of hereditary + impulse in looks and acts which mean nothing to the common observer. To be + a parent is almost to be a fatalist. This boy sits with legs crossed, just + as his uncle used to whom he never saw; his grandfathers both died before + he was born, but he has the movement of the eyebrows which we remember in + one of them, and the gusty temper of three different generations, can tell + pretty nearly the range of possibilities and the limitations of a child, + actual or potential, of a given stock,—errors excepted always, + because children of the same stock are not bred just alike, because the + traits of some less known ancestor are liable to break out at any time, + and because each human being has, after all, a small fraction of + individuality about him which gives him a flavor, so that he is + distinguishable from others by his friends or in a court of justice, and + which occasionally makes a genius or a saint or a criminal of him. It is + well that young persons cannot read these fatal oracles of Nature. Blind + impulse is her highest wisdom, after all. We make our great jump, and then + she takes the bandage off our eyes. That is the way the broad sea-level of + average is maintained, and the physiological democracy is enabled to fight + against the principle of selection which would disinherit all the weaker + children. The magnificent constituency of mediocrities of which the world + is made up,—the people without biographies, whose lives have made a + clear solution in the fluid menstruum of time, instead of being + precipitated in the opaque sediment of history— + </p> + <p> + But this is a narrative, and not a disquisition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. FROM WITHOUT AND FROM WITHIN. + </h2> + <p> + There were not wanting people who accused Dudley VENNER of weakness and + bad judgment in his treatment of his daughter. Some were of opinion that + the great mistake was in not “breaking her will” when she was a little + child. There was nothing the matter with her, they said, but that she had + been spoiled by indulgence. If they had had the charge of her, they'd have + brought her down. She'd got the upperhand of her father now; but if he'd + only taken hold of her in season! There are people who think that + everything may be done, if the doer, be he educator or physician, be only + called “in season.” No doubt,—but in season would often be a hundred + or two years before the child was born; and people never send so early as + that. + </p> + <p> + The father of Elsie Venner knew his duties and his difficulties too well + to trouble himself about anything others might think or say. So soon as he + found that he could not govern his child, he gave his life up to following + her and protecting her as far as he could. It was a stern and terrible + trial for a man of acute sensibility, and not without force of intellect + and will, and the manly ambition for himself and his family-name which + belonged to his endowments and his position. Passive endurance is the + hardest trial to persons of such a nature. + </p> + <p> + What made it still more a long martyrdom was the necessity for bearing his + cross in utter loneliness. He could not tell his griefs. He could not talk + of them even with those who knew their secret spring. His minister had the + unsympathetic nature which is common in the meaner sort of devotees,—persons + who mistake spiritual selfishness for sanctity, and grab at the infinite + prize of the great Future and Elsewhere with the egotism they + excommunicate in its hardly more odious forms of avarice and + self-indulgence. How could he speak with the old physician and the old + black woman about a sorrow and a terror which but to name was to strike + dumb the lips of Consolation? + </p> + <p> + In the dawn of his manhood he had found that second consciousness for + which young men and young women go about looking into each other's faces, + with their sweet, artless aim playing in every feature, and making them + beautiful to each other, as to all of us. He had found his other self + early, before he had grown weary in the search and wasted his freshness in + vain longings: the lot of many, perhaps we may say of most, who infringe + the patent of our social order by intruding themselves into a life already + upon half allowance of the necessary luxuries of existence. The life he + had led for a brief space was not only beautiful in outward circumstance, + as old Sophy had described it to the Reverend Doctor. It was that + delicious process of the tuning of two souls to each other, string by + string, not without little half-pleasing discords now and then when some + chord in one or the other proves to be overstrained or over-lax, but + always approaching nearer and nearer to harmony, until they become at last + as two instruments with a single voice. Something more than a year of this + blissful doubled consciousness had passed over him when he found himself + once more alone,—alone, save for the little diamond-eyed child lying + in the old black woman's arms, with the coral necklace round—her + throat and the rattle in her hand. + </p> + <p> + He would not die by his own act. It was not the way in his family. There + may have been other, perhaps better reasons, but this was enough; he did + not come of suicidal stock. He must live for this child's sake, at any + rate; and yet,—oh, yet, who could tell with what thoughts he looked + upon her? Sometimes her little features would look placid, and something + like a smile would steal over them; then all his tender feelings would + rush up, into his eyes, and he would put his arms out to take her from the + old woman,—but all at once her eyes would narrow and she would throw + her head back, and a shudder would seize him as he stooped over his child,—he + could not look upon her,—he could not touch his lips to her cheek; + nay, there would sometimes come into his soul such frightful suggestions + that he would hurry from the room lest the hinted thought should become a + momentary madness and he should lift his hand against the hapless infant + which owed him life. + </p> + <p> + In those miserable days he used to wander all over The Mountain in his + restless endeavor to seek some relief for inward suffering in outward + action. He had no thought of throwing himself from the summit of any of + the broken cliffs, but he clambered over them recklessly, as having no + particular care for his life. Sometimes he would go into the accursed + district where the venomous reptiles were always to be dreaded, and court + their worst haunts, and kill all he could come near with a kind of blind + fury which was strange in a person of his gentle nature. + </p> + <p> + One overhanging cliff was a favorite haunt of his. It frowned upon his + home beneath in a very menacing way; he noticed slight seams and fissures + that looked ominous;—what would happen, if it broke off some time or + other and came crashing down on the fields and roofs below? He thought of + such a possible catastrophe with a singular indifference, in fact with a + feeling almost like pleasure. It would be such a swift and thorough + solution of this great problem of life he was working out in + ever-recurring daily anguish! The remote possibility of such a catastrophe + had frightened some timid dwellers beneath The Mountain to other places of + residence; here the danger was most imminent, and yet he loved to dwell + upon the chances of its occurrence. Danger is often the best + counterirritant in cases of mental suffering; he found a solace in + careless exposure of his life, and learned to endure the trials of each + day better by dwelling in imagination on the possibility that it might be + the last for him and the home that was his. + </p> + <p> + Time, the great consoler, helped these influences, and he gradually fell + into more easy and less dangerous habits of life. He ceased from his more + perilous rambles. He thought less of the danger from the great overhanging + rocks and forests; they had hung there for centuries; it was not very + likely they would crash or slide in his time. He became accustomed to all + Elsie's strange looks and ways. Old Sophy dressed her with ruffles round + her neck, and hunted up the red coral branch with silver bells which the + little toothless Dudleys had bitten upon for a hundred years. By an + infinite effort, her father forced himself to become the companion of this + child, for whom he had such a mingled feeling, but whose presence was + always a trial to him, and often a terror. + </p> + <p> + At a cost which no human being could estimate, he had done his duty, and + in some degree reaped his reward. Elsie grew up with a kind of filial + feeling for him, such as her nature was capable of. She never would obey + him; that was not to be looked for. Commands, threats, punishments, were + out of the question with her; the mere physical effects of crossing her + will betrayed themselves in such changes of expression and manner that it + would have been senseless to attempt to govern her in any such way. + Leaving her mainly to herself, she could be to some extent indirectly + influenced,—not otherwise. She called her father “Dudley,” as if he + had been her brother. She ordered everybody and would be ordered by none. + </p> + <p> + Who could know all these things, except the few people of the household? + What wonder, therefore, that ignorant and shallow persons laid the blame + on her father of those peculiarities which were freely talked about,—of + those darker tendencies which were hinted of in whispers? To all this + talk, so far as it reached him, he was supremely indifferent, not only + with the indifference which all gentlemen feel to the gossip of their + inferiors, but with a charitable calmness which did not wonder or blame. + He knew that his position was not simply a difficult, but an impossible + one, and schooled himself to bear his destiny as well as he might, and + report himself only at Headquarters. + </p> + <p> + He had grown gentle under this discipline. His hair was just beginning to + be touched with silver, and his expression was that of habitual sadness + and anxiety. He had no counsellor, as we have seen, to turn to, who did + not know either too much or too little. He had no heart to rest upon and + into which he might unburden himself of the secrets and the sorrows that + were aching in his own breast. Yet he had not allowed himself to run to + waste in the long time since he was left alone to his trials and fears. He + had resisted the seductions which always beset solitary men with restless + brains overwrought by depressing agencies. He disguised no misery to + himself with the lying delusion of wine. He sought no sleep from + narcotics, though he lay with throbbing, wide-open eyes through all the + weary hours of the night. + </p> + <p> + It was understood between Dudley Venner and old Doctor Kittredge that + Elsie was a subject of occasional medical observation, on account of + certain mental peculiarities which might end in a permanent affection of + her reason. Beyond this nothing was said, whatever may have been in the + mind of either. But Dudley Venner had studied Elsie's case in the light of + all the books he could find which might do anything towards explaining it. + As in all cases where men meddle with medical science for a special + purpose, having no previous acquaintance with it, his imagination found + what it wanted in the books he read, and adjusted it to the facts before + him. So it was he came to cherish those two fancies before alluded to that + the ominous birthmark she had carried from infancy might fade and become + obliterated, and that the age of complete maturity might be signalized by + an entire change in her physical and mental state. He held these vague + hopes as all of us nurse our only half-believed illusions. Not for the + world would he have questioned his sagacious old medical friend as to the + probability or possibility of their being true. We are very shy of asking + questions of those who know enough to destroy with one word the hopes we + live on. + </p> + <p> + In this life of comparative seclusion to which the father had doomed + himself for the sake of his child, he had found time for large and varied + reading. The learned Judge Thornton confessed himself surprised at the + extent of Dudley Venner's information. Doctor Kittredge found that he was + in advance of him in the knowledge of recent physiological discoveries. He + had taken pains to become acquainted with agricultural chemistry; and the + neighboring farmers owed him some useful hints about the management of + their land. He renewed his old acquaintance with the classic authors. He + loved to warm his pulses with Homer and calm them down with Horace. He + received all manner of new books and periodicals, and gradually gained an + interest in the events of the passing time. Yet he remained almost a + hermit, not absolutely refusing to see his neighbors, nor even churlish + towards them, but on the other hand not cultivating any intimate relations + with them. + </p> + <p> + He had retired from the world a young man, little more than a youth, + indeed, with sentiments and aspirations all of them suddenly extinguished. + The first had bequeathed him a single huge sorrow, the second a single + trying duty. In due time the anguish had lost something of its poignancy, + the light of earlier and happier memories had begun to struggle with and + to soften its thick darkness, and even that duty which he had confronted + with such an effort had become an endurable habit. + </p> + <p> + At a period of life when many have been living on the capital of their + acquired knowledge and their youthful stock of sensibilities until their + intellects are really shallower and their hearts emptier than they were at + twenty, Dudley Venner was stronger in thought and tenderer in soul than in + the first freshness of his youth, when he counted but half his present + years. He had entered that period which marks the decline of men who have + ceased growing in knowledge and strength: from forty to fifty a man must + move upward, or the natural falling off in the vigor of life will carry + him rapidly downward. At this time his inward: nature was richer and + deeper than in any earlier period of his life. If he could only be + summoned to action, he was capable of noble service. If his sympathies + could only find an outlet, he was never so capable of love as now; for his + natural affections had been gathering in the course of all these years, + and the traces of that ineffaceable calamity of his life were softened and + partially hidden by new growths of thought and feeling, as the wreck left + by a mountainslide is covered over by the gentle intrusion of the + soft-stemmed herbs which will prepare it for the stronger vegetation that + will bring it once more into harmony with the peaceful slopes around it. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Dudley Venner had not gained so much in worldly wisdom as if he + had been more in society and less in his study. The indulgence with which + he treated his nephew was, no doubt, imprudent. A man more in the habit of + dealing with men would have been more guarded with a person with Dick's + questionable story and unquestionable physiognomy. But he was singularly + unsuspicious, and his natural kindness was an additional motive to the + wish for introducing some variety into the routine of Elsie's life. + </p> + <p> + If Dudley Venner did not know just what he wanted at this period of his + life, there were a great many people in the town of Rockland who thought + they did know. He had been a widower long enough, “—nigh twenty + year, wa'n't it? He'd been aout to Spraowles's party,—there wa'n't + anything to hender him why he shouldn't stir raound l'k other folks. What + was the reason he did n't go abaout to taown-meetin's 'n' + Sahbath-meetin's, 'n' lyceums, 'n' school 'xaminations, 'n' + s'prise-parties, 'n' funerals,—and other entertainments where the + still-faced two-story folks were in the habit of looking round to see if + any of the mansion-house gentry were present?—Fac' was, he was + livin' too lonesome daown there at the mansion-haouse. Why shouldn't he + make up to the Jedge's daughter? She was genteel enough for him, and—let's + see, haow old was she? Seven-'n'itwenty,—no, six-'n'-twenty,—born + the same year we buried our little Anny Marl”. + </p> + <p> + There was no possible objection to this arrangement, if the parties + interested had seen fit to make it or even to think of it. But “Portia,” + as some of the mansion-house people called her, did not happen to awaken + the elective affinities of the lonely widower. He met her once in a while, + and said to himself that she was a good specimen of the grand style of + woman; and then the image came back to him of a woman not quite so large, + not quite so imperial in her port, not quite so incisive in her speech, + not quite so judicial in her opinions, but with two or three more joints + in her frame, and two or three soft inflections in her voice, which for + some absurd reason or other drew him to her side and so bewitched him that + he told her half his secrets and looked into her eyes all that he could + not tell, in less time than it would have takes him to discuss the + champion paper of the last Quarterly with the admirable “Portia.” Heu, + quanto minus! How much more was that lost image to him than all it left on + earth! + </p> + <p> + The study of love is very much like that of meteorology. We know that just + about so much rain will fall in a season; but on what particular day it + will shower is more than we can tell. We know that just about so much love + will be made every year in a given population; but who will rain his young + affections upon the heart of whom is not known except to the astrologers + and fortune-tellers. And why rain falls as it does and why love is made + just as it is are equally puzzling questions. + </p> + <p> + The woman a man loves is always his own daughter, far more his daughter + than the female children born to him by the common law of life. It is not + the outside woman, who takes his name, that he loves: before her image has + reached the centre of his consciousness, it has passed through fifty + many-layered nerve-strainers, been churned over by ten thousand + pulse-beats, and reacted upon by millions of lateral impulses which bandy + it about through the mental spaces as a reflection is sent back and + forward in a saloon lined with mirrors. With this altered image of the + woman before him, his preexisting ideal becomes blended. The object of his + love is in part the offspring of her legal parents, but more of her + lover's brain. The difference between the real and the ideal objects of + love must not exceed a fixed maximum. The heart's vision cannot unite them + stereoscopically into a single image, if the divergence passes certain + limits. A formidable analogy, much in the nature of a proof, with very + serious consequences, which moralists and match-makers would do well to + remember! Double vision with the eyes of the heart is a dangerous + physiological state, and may lead to missteps and serious falls. + </p> + <p> + Whether Dudley Venner would ever find a breathing image near enough to his + ideal one, to fill the desolate chamber of his heart, or not, was very + doubtful. Some gracious and gentle woman, whose influence would steal upon + him as the first low words of prayer after that interval of silent mental + supplication known to one of our simpler forms of public worship, gliding + into his consciousness without hurting its old griefs, herself knowing the + chastening of sorrow, and subdued into sweet acquiescence with the Divine + will,—some such woman as this, if Heaven should send him such, might + call him back to the world of happiness, from which he seemed forever + exiled. He could never again be the young lover who walked through the + garden-alleys all red with roses in the old dead and buried June of long + ago. He could never forget the bride of his youth, whose image, growing + phantomlike with the lapse of years, hovered over him like a dream while + waking and like a reality in dreams. But if it might be in God's good + providence that this desolate life should come under the influence of + human affections once more, what an ecstasy of renewed existence was in + store for him! His life had not all been buried under that narrow ridge of + turf with the white stone at its head. It seemed so for a while; but it + was not and could not and ought not to be so. His first passion had been a + true and pure one; there was no spot or stain upon it. With all his grief + there blended no cruel recollection of any word or look he would have + wished to forget. All those little differences, such as young married + people with any individual flavor in their characters must have, if they + are tolerably mated, had only added to the music of existence, as the + lesser discords admitted into some perfect symphony, fitly resolved, add + richness and strength to the whole harmonious movement. It was a deep + wound that Fate had inflicted on him; nay, it seemed like a mortal one; + but the weapon was clean, and its edge was smooth. Such wounds must heal + with time in healthy natures, whatever a false sentiment may say, by the + wise and beneficent law of our being. The recollection of a deep and true + affection is rather a divine nourishment for a life to grow strong upon + than a poison to destroy it. + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner's habitual sadness could not be laid wholly to his early + bereavement. It was partly the result of the long struggle between natural + affection and duty, on one side, and the involuntary tendencies these had + to overcome, on the other,—between hope and fear, so long in + conflict that despair itself would have been like an anodyne, and he would + have slept upon some final catastrophe with the heavy sleep of a bankrupt + after his failure is proclaimed. Alas! some new affection might perhaps + rekindle the fires of youth in his heart; but what power could calm that + haggard terror of the parent which rose with every morning's sun and + watched with every evening star,—what power save alone that of him + who comes bearing the inverted torch, and leaving after him only the ashes + printed with his footsteps? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. THE WIDOW ROWENS GIVES A TEA-PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + There was a good deal of interest felt, as has been said, in the lonely + condition of Dudley Venner in that fine mansion-house of his, and with + that strange daughter, who would never be married, as many people thought, + in spite of all the stories. The feelings expressed by the good folks who + dated from the time when they “buried aour little Anny Mari',” and others + of that homespun stripe, were founded in reason, after all. And so it was + natural enough that they should be shared by various ladies, who, having + conjugated the verb to live as far as the preterpluperfect tense, were + ready to change one of its vowels and begin with it in the present + indicative. Unfortunately, there was very little chance of showing + sympathy in its active form for a gentleman who kept himself so much out + of the way as the master of the Dudley Mansion. + </p> + <p> + Various attempts had been made, from time to time, of late years, to get + him out of his study, which had, for the most part, proved failures. It + was a surprise, therefore, when he was seen at the Great Party at the + Colonel's. But it was an encouragement to try him again, and the + consequence had been that he had received a number of notes inviting him + to various smaller entertainments, which, as neither he nor Elsie had any + fancy for them, he had politely declined. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of things when he received an invitation to take tea + sociably, with a few friends, at Hyacinth Cottage, the residence of the + Widow Rowens, relict of the late Beeri Rowens, Esquire, better known as + Major Rowens. Major Rowens was at the time of his decease a promising + officer in the militia, in the direct line of promotion, as his waistband + was getting tighter every year; and, as all the world knows, the + militia-officer who splits off most buttons and fills the largest + sword-belt stands the best chance of rising, or, perhaps we might say, + spreading, to be General. + </p> + <p> + Major Rowens united in his person certain other traits which help a man to + eminence in the branch of public service referred to. He ran to high + colors, to wide whiskers, to open pores; he had the saddle-leather skin + common in Englishmen, rarer in Americans,—never found in the Brahmin + caste, oftener in the military and the commodores: observing people know + what is meant; blow the seed-arrows from the white-kid-looking button + which holds them on a dandelion-stalk, and the pricked-pincushion surface + shows you what to look for. He had the loud gruff voice which implies the + right to command. He had the thick hand, stubbed fingers, with bristled + pads between their joints, square, broad thumb-nails, and sturdy limbs, + which mark a constitution made to use in rough out-door work. He had the + never-failing predilection for showy switch-tailed horses that step high, + and sidle about, and act as if they were going to do something fearful the + next minute, in the face of awed and admiring multitudes gathered at + mighty musters or imposing cattle-shows. He had no objection, either, to + holding the reins in a wagon behind another kind of horse,—a + slouching, listless beast, with a strong slant to his shoulder; and a + notable depth to his quarter and an emphatic angle at the hock, who + commonly walked or lounged along in a lazy trot of five or six miles an + hour; but, if a lively colt happened to come rattling up alongside, or a + brandy-faced old horse-jockey took the road to show off a fast nag, and + threw his dust into the Major's face, would pick his legs up all at once, + and straighten his body out, and swing off into a three-minute gait, in a + way that “Old Blue” himself need not have been ashamed of. + </p> + <p> + For some reason which must be left to the next generation of professors to + find out, the men who are knowing in horse-flesh have an eye also for, let + a long dash separate the brute creation from the angelic being now to be + named,—for lovely woman. Of this fact there can be no possible + doubt; and therefore you shall notice, that, if a fast horse trots before + two, one of the twain is apt to be a pretty bit of muliebrity, with shapes + to her, and eyes flying about in all directions. + </p> + <p> + Major Rowens, at that time Lieutenant of the Rockland Fusileers, had + driven and “traded” horses not a few before he turned his acquired skill + as a judge of physical advantages in another direction. He knew a neat, + snug hoof, a delicate pastern, a broad haunch, a deep chest, a close + ribbed-up barrel, as well as any other man in the town. He was not to be + taken in by your thick-jointed, heavy-headed cattle, without any go to + them, that suit a country-parson, nor yet by the “gaanted-up,” long-legged + animals, with all their constitutions bred out of them, such as rich + greenhorns buy and cover up with their plated trappings. + </p> + <p> + Whether his equine experience was of any use to him in the selection of + the mate with whom he was to go in double harness so long as they both + should live, we need not stop to question. At any rate, nobody could find + fault with the points of Miss Marilla Van Deusen, to whom he offered the + privilege of becoming Mrs. Rowens. The Van must have been crossed out of + her blood, for she was an out-and-out brunette, with hair and eyes black + enough for a Mohawk's daughter. A fine style of woman, with very striking + tints and outlines,—an excellent match for the Lieutenant, except + for one thing. She was marked by Nature for a widow. She was evidently got + up for mourning, and never looked so well as in deep black, with jet + ornaments. + </p> + <p> + The man who should dare to marry her would doom himself; for how could she + become the widow she was bound to be, unless he could retire and give her + a chance? The Lieutenant lived, however, as we have seen, to become + Captain and then Major, with prospects of further advancement. But Mrs. + Rowens often said she should never look well in colors. At last her + destiny fulfilled itself, and the justice of Nature was vindicated. Major + Rowens got overheated galloping about the field on the day of the Great + Muster, and had a rush of blood to the head, according to the common + report,—at any rate, something which stopped him short in his career + of expansion and promotion, and established Mrs. Rowens in her normal + condition of widowhood. + </p> + <p> + The Widow Rowens was now in the full bloom of ornamental sorrow. A very + shallow crape bonnet, frilled and froth-like, allowed the parted raven + hair to show its glossy smoothness. A jet pin heaved upon her bosom with + every sigh of memory, or emotion of unknown origin. Jet bracelets shone + with every movement of her slender hands, cased in close-fitting black + gloves. Her sable dress was ridged with manifold flounces, from beneath + which a small foot showed itself from time to time, clad in the same hue + of mourning. Everything about her was dark, except the whites of her eyes + and the enamel of her teeth. The effect was complete. Gray's Elegy was not + a more perfect composition. + </p> + <p> + Much as the Widow was pleased with the costume belonging to her condition, + she did not disguise from herself that under certain circumstances she + might be willing to change her name again. Thus, for instance, if a + gentleman not too far gone in maturity, of dignified exterior, with an + ample fortune, and of unexceptionable character, should happen to set his + heart upon her, and the only way to make him happy was to give up her + weeds and go into those unbecoming colors again for his sake,—why, + she felt that it was in her nature to make the sacrifice. By a singular + coincidence it happened that a gentleman was now living in Rockland who + united in himself all these advantages. Who he was, the sagacious reader + may very probably have divined. Just to see how it looked, one day, having + bolted her door, and drawn the curtains close, and glanced under the sofa, + and listened at the keyhole to be sure there was nobody in the entry,—just + to see how it looked, she had taken out an envelope and written on the + back of it Mrs. Manilla Venner. It made her head swim and her knees + tremble. What if she should faint, or die, or have a stroke of palsy, and + they should break into the room and find that name written! How she caught + it up and tore it into little shreds, and then could not be easy until she + had burned the small heap of pieces— + </p> + <p> + But these are things which every honorable reader will consider imparted + in strict confidence. + </p> + <p> + The Widow Rowens, though not of the mansion house set, was among the most + genteel of the two-story circle, and was in the habit of visiting some of + the great people. In one of these visits she met a dashing young fellow + with an olive complexion at the house of a professional gentleman who had + married one of the white necks and pairs of fat arms from a distinguished + family before referred to. The professional gentleman himself was out, but + the lady introduced the olive-complexioned young man as Mr. Richard + Venner. + </p> + <p> + The Widow was particularly pleased with this accidental meeting. Had heard + Mr. Venner's name frequently mentioned. Hoped his uncle was well, and his + charming cousin,—was she as original as ever? Had often admired that + charming creature he rode: we had had some fine horses. Had never got over + her taste for riding, but could find nobody that liked a good long gallop + since—well—she could n't help wishing she was alongside of + him, the other day, when she saw him dashing by, just at twilight. + </p> + <p> + The Widow paused; lifted a flimsy handkerchief with a very deep black + border so as to play the jet bracelet; pushed the tip of her slender foot + beyond the lowest of her black flounces; looked up; looked down; looked at + Mr. Richard, the very picture of artless simplicity,—as represented + in well-played genteel comedy. + </p> + <p> + “A good bit of stuff,” Dick said to himself, “and something of it left + yet; caramba!” The Major had not studied points for nothing, and the Widow + was one of the right sort. The young man had been a little restless of + late, and was willing to vary his routine by picking up an acquaintance + here and there. So he took the Widow's hint. He should like to have a + scamper of half a dozen miles with her some fine morning. + </p> + <p> + The Widow was infinitely obliged; was not sure that she could find any + horse in the village to suit her; but it was so kind in him! Would he not + call at Hyacinth Cottage, and let her thank him again there? + </p> + <p> + Thus began an acquaintance which the Widow made the most of, and on the + strength of which she determined to give a tea-party and invite a number + of persons of whom we know something already. She took a half-sheet of + note-paper and made out her list as carefully as a country “merchant's + clerk” adds up two and threepence (New-England nomenclature) and twelve + and a half cents, figure by figure, and fraction by fraction, before he + can be sure they will make half a dollar, without cheating somebody. After + much consideration the list reduced itself to the following names: Mr. + Richard Venner and Mrs. Blanche Creamer, the lady at whose house she had + met him,—mansion-house breed,—but will come,—soft on + Dick; Dudley Venner,—take care of him herself; Elsie,—Dick + will see to her,—won't it fidget the Creamer woman to see him round + her? the old Doctor,—he 's always handy; and there's that young + master there, up at the school,—know him well enough to ask him,—oh, + yes, he'll come. One, two, three, four, five, six,—seven; not room + enough, without the leaf in the table; one place empty, if the leaf's in. + Let's see,—Helen Darley,—she 'll do well enough to fill it up,—why, + yes, just the thing,—light brown hair, blue eyes,—won't my + pattern show off well against her? Put her down,—she 's worth her + tea and toast ten times over,—nobody knows what a + “thunder-and-lightning woman,” as poor Major used to have it, is, till she + gets alongside of one of those old-maidish girls, with hair the color of + brown sugar, and eyes like the blue of a teacup. + </p> + <p> + The Widow smiled with a feeling of triumph at having overcome her + difficulties and arranged her party,—arose and stood before her + glass, three-quarters front, one-quarter profile, so as to show the whites + of the eyes and the down of the upper lip. “Splendid!” said the Widow—and + to tell the truth, she was not far out of the way, and with Helen Darley + as a foil anybody would know she must be foudroyant and pyramidal,—if + these French adjectives may be naturalized for this one particular + exigency. + </p> + <p> + So the Widow sent out her notes. The black grief which had filled her + heart and had overflowed in surges of crape around her person had left a + deposit half an inch wide at the margin of her note-paper. Her seal was a + small youth with an inverted torch, the same on which Mrs. Blanche Creamer + made her spiteful remark, that she expected to see that boy of the Widow's + standing on his head yet; meaning, as Dick supposed, that she would get + the torch right-side up as soon as she had a chance. That was after Dick + had made the Widow's acquaintance, and Mrs. Creamer had got it into her + foolish head that she would marry that young fellow, if she could catch + him. How could he ever come to fancy such a quadroon-looking thing as + that, she should like to know? + </p> + <p> + It is easy enough to ask seven people to a party; but whether they will + come or not is an open question, as it was in the case of the spirits of + the vasty deep. If the note issues from a three-story mansion-house, and + goes to two-story acquaintances, they will all be in an excellent state of + health, and have much pleasure in accepting this very polite invitation. + If the note is from the lady of a two-story family to three-story ones, + the former highly respectable person will very probably find that an + endemic complaint is prevalent, not represented in the weekly bills of + mortality, which occasions numerous regrets in the bosoms of eminently + desirable parties that they cannot have the pleasure of and-so-forthing. + </p> + <p> + In this case there was room for doubt,—mainly as to whether Elsie + would take a fancy to come or not. If she should come, her father would + certainly be with her. Dick had promised, and thought he could bring + Elsie. Of course the young schoolmaster will come, and that poor tired-out + looking Helen, if only to get out of sight of those horrid Peckham + wretches. They don't get such invitations every day. The others she felt + sure of,—all but the old Doctor,—he might have some horrid + patient or other to visit; tell him Elsie Venner's going to be there,—he + always likes to have an eye on her, they say,—oh, he'd come fast + enough, without any more coaxing. + </p> + <p> + She wanted the Doctor, particularly. It was odd, but she was afraid of + Elsie. She felt as if she should be safe enough, if the old Doctor were + there to see to the girl; and then she should have leisure to devote + herself more freely to the young lady's father, for whom all her + sympathies were in a state of lively excitement. + </p> + <p> + It was a long time since the Widow had seen so many persons round her + table as she had now invited. Better have the plates set and see how they + will fill it up with the leaf in.—A little too scattering with only + eight plates set: if she could find two more people, now, that would bring + the chairs a little closer,—snug, you know,—which makes the + company sociable. The Widow thought over her acquaintances. Why how + stupid! there was her good minister, the same who had married her, and + might—might—bury her for aught she anew, and his granddaughter + staying with him,—nice little girl, pretty, and not old enough to be + dangerous;—for the Widow had no notion of making a tea-party and + asking people to it that would be like to stand between her and any little + project she might happen to have on anybody's heart,—not she! It was + all right now; Blanche was married and so forth; Letty was a child; Elsie + was his daughter; Helen Darley was a nice, worthy drudge,—poor + thing!—faded, faded,—colors wouldn't wash, just what she + wanted to show off against. Now, if the Dudley mansion-house people would + only come,—that was the great point. + </p> + <p> + “Here's a note for us, Elsie,” said her father, as they sat round the + breakfast-table. “Mrs. Rowens wants us all to come to tea.” + </p> + <p> + It was one of “Elsie's days,” as old Sophy called them. The light in her + eyes was still, but very bright. She looked up so full of perverse and + wilful impulses, that Dick knew he could make her go with him and her + father. He had his own motives for bringing her to this determination,—and + his own way of setting about it. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to go,” he said. “What do you say, uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “To tell the truth, Richard, I don't mach fancy the Major's widow. I don't + like to see her weeds flowering out quite so strong. I suppose you don't + care about going, Elsie?” + </p> + <p> + Elsie looked up in her father's face with an expression which he knew but + too well. She was just in the state which the plain sort of people call + “contrary,” when they have to deal with it in animals. She would insist on + going to that tea-party; he knew it just as well before she spoke as after + she had spoken. If Dick had said he wanted to go and her father had + seconded his wishes, she would have insisted on staying at home. It was no + great matter, her father said to himself, after all; very likely it would + amuse her; the Widow was a lively woman enough,—perhaps a little + comme il ne faut pas socially, compared with the Thorntons and some other + families; but what did he care for these petty village distinctions? + </p> + <p> + Elsie spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I mean to go. You must go with me, Dudley. You may do as you like, Dick.” + </p> + <p> + That settled the Dudley-mansion business, of course. They all three + accepted, as fortunately did all the others who had been invited. + </p> + <p> + Hyacinth Cottage was a pretty place enough, a little too much choked round + with bushes, and too much overrun with climbing-roses, which, in the + season of slugs and rose-bugs, were apt to show so brown about the leaves + and so coleopterous about the flowers, that it might be questioned whether + their buds and blossoms made up for these unpleasant animal combinations,—especially + as the smell of whale-oil soap was very commonly in the ascendant over + that of the roses. It had its patch of grass called “the lawn,” and its + glazed closet known as “the conservatory,” according to that system of + harmless fictions characteristic of the rural imagination and shown in the + names applied to many familiar objects. The interior of the cottage was + more tasteful and ambitious than that of the ordinary two-story dwellings. + In place of the prevailing hair-cloth covered furniture, the visitor had + the satisfaction of seating himself upon a chair covered with some of the + Widow's embroidery, or a sofa luxurious with soft caressing plush. The + sporting tastes of the late Major showed in various prints on the wall: + Herring's “Plenipotentiary,” the “red bullock” of the '34 Derby; “Cadland” + and “The Colonel;” “Crucifix;” “West-Australian,” fastest of modern + racers; and among native celebrities, ugly, game old “Boston,” with his + straight neck and ragged hips; and gray “Lady Suffolk,” queen, in her day, + not of the turf but of the track, “extending” herself till she measured a + rod, more or less, skimming along within a yard of the ground, her legs + opening and shutting under her with a snap, like the four blades of a + compound jack-knife. + </p> + <p> + These pictures were much more refreshing than those dreary fancy death-bed + scenes, common in two-story country-houses, in which Washington and other + distinguished personages are represented as obligingly devoting their last + moments to taking a prominent part in a tableau, in which weeping + relatives, attached servants, professional assistants, and celebrated + personages who might by a stretch of imagination be supposed present, are + grouped in the most approved style of arrangement about the chief actor's + pillow. + </p> + <p> + A single glazed bookcase held the family library, which was hidden from + vulgar eyes by green silk curtains behind the glass. It would have been + instructive to get a look at it, as it always is to peep into one's + neighbor's book-shelves. From other sources and opportunities a partial + idea of it has been obtained. The Widow had inherited some books from her + mother, who was something of a reader: Young's “Night-Thoughts;” “The + Preceptor;” “The Task, a Poem,” by William Cowper; Hervey's “Meditations;” + “Alonzo and Melissa;” “Buccaneers of America;” “The Triumphs of Temper;” + “La Belle Assemblee;” Thomson's “Seasons;” and a few others. The Major had + brought in “Tom Jones” and “Peregrine Pickle;” various works by Mr. Pierce + Egan; “Boxiana,” “The Racing Calendar;” and a “Book of Lively Songs and + Jests.” The Widow had added the Poems of Lord Byron and T. Moore; “Eugene + Aram;” “The Tower of London,” by Harrison Ainsworth; some of Scott's + Novels; “The Pickwick Papers;” a volume of Plays, by W. Shakespeare; + “Proverbial Philosophy;” “Pilgrim's Progress;” “The Whole Duty of Man” (a + present when she was married); with two celebrated religious works, one by + William Law and the other by Philip Doddridge, which were sent her after + her husband's death, and which she had tried to read, but found that they + did not agree with her. Of course the bookcase held a few school manuals + and compendiums, and one of Mr. Webster's Dictionaries. But the gilt-edged + Bible always lay on the centre-table, next to the magazine with the + fashion-plates and the scrap-book with pictures from old annuals and + illustrated papers. + </p> + <p> + The reader need not apprehend the recital, at full length, of such + formidable preparations for the Widow's tea-party as were required in the + case of Colonel Sprowle's Social Entertainment. A tea-party, even in the + country, is a comparatively simple and economical piece of business. As + soon as the Widow found that all her company were coming, she set to work, + with the aid of her “smart” maid-servant and a daughter of her own, who + was beginning to stretch and spread at a fearful rate, but whom she + treated as a small child, to make the necessary preparations. The silver + had to be rubbed; also the grand plated urn,—her mother's before + hers,—style of the Empire,—looking as if it might have been + made to hold the Major's ashes. Then came the making and baking of cake + and gingerbread, the smell whereof reached even as far as the sidewalk in + front of the cottage, so that small boys returning from school snuffed it + in the breeze, and discoursed with each other on its suggestions; so that + the Widow Leech, who happened to pass, remembered she had n't called on + Marilly Raowens for a consid'ble spell, and turned in at the gate and rang + three times with long intervals,—but all in vain, the inside Widow + having “spotted” the outside one through the blinds, and whispered to her + aides-de-camp to let the old thing ring away till she pulled the bell out + by the roots, but not to stir to open the door. + </p> + <p> + Widow Rowens was what they called a real smart, capable woman, not very + great on books, perhaps, but knew what was what and who was who as well as + another,—knew how to make the little cottage look pretty, how to set + out a tea-table, and, what a good many women never can find out, knew her + own style and “got herself up tip-top,” as our young friend Master + Geordie, Colonel Sprowle's heir-apparent, remarked to his friend from one + of the fresh-water colleges. Flowers were abundant now, and she had + dressed her rooms tastefully with them. The centre-table had two or three + gilt-edged books lying carelessly about on it, and some prints and a + stereoscope with stereographs to match, chiefly groups of picnics, + weddings, etc., in which the same somewhat fatigued looking ladies of + fashion and brides received the attentions of the same unpleasant-looking + young men, easily identified under their different disguises, consisting + of fashionable raiment such as gentlemen are supposed to wear habitually. + With these, however, were some pretty English scenes,—pretty except + for the old fellow with the hanging under-lip who infests every one of + that interesting series; and a statue or two, especially that famous one + commonly called the Lahcoon, so as to rhyme with moon and spoon, and + representing an old man with his two sons in the embraces of two monstrous + serpents. + </p> + <p> + There is no denying that it was a very dashing achievement of the Widow's + to bring together so considerable a number of desirable guests. She felt + proud of her feat; but as to the triumph of getting Dudley Venner to come + out for a visit to Hyacinth Cottage, she was surprised and almost + frightened at her own success. So much might depend on the impressions of + that evening! + </p> + <p> + The next thing was to be sure that everybody should be in the right place + at the tea-table, and this the Widow thought she could manage by a few + words to the older guests and a little shuffling about and shifting when + they got to the table. To settle everything the Widow made out a diagram, + which the reader should have a chance of inspecting in an authentic copy, + if these pages were allowed under any circumstances to be the vehicle of + illustrations. If, however, he or she really wishes to see the way the + pieces stood as they were placed at the beginning of the game, (the + Widow's gambit,) he or she had better at once take a sheet of paper, draw + an oval, and arrange the characters according to the following schedule. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the table, the Hostess, Widow Marilla Rowens. Opposite her, + at the other end, Rev. Dr. Honeywood. At the right of the Hostess, Dudley + Venner, next him Helen Darley, next her Dr. Kittredge, next him Mrs. + Blanche Creamer, then the Reverend Doctor. At the left of the Hostess, + Bernard Langdon, next him Letty Forrester, next Letty Mr. Richard Venner, + next him Elsie, and so to the Reverend Doctor again. + </p> + <p> + The company came together a little before the early hour at which it was + customary to take tea in Rockland. The Widow knew everybody, of course: + who was there in Rockland she did not know? But some of them had to be + introduced: Mr. Richard Venner to Mr. Bernard, Mr. Bernard to Miss Letty, + Dudley Venner to Miss Helen Darley, and so on. The two young men looked + each other straight in the eyes, both full of youthful life, but one of + frank and fearless aspect, the other with a dangerous feline beauty alien + to the New England half of his blood. + </p> + <p> + The guests talked, turned over the prints, looked at the flowers, opened + the “Proverbial Philosophy” with gilt edges, and the volume of Plays by W. + Shakespeare, examined the horse-pictures on the walls, and so passed away + the time until tea was announced, when they paired off for the room where + it was in readiness. The Widow had managed it well; everything was just as + she wanted it. Dudley Venner was between herself and the poor + tired-looking schoolmistress with her faded colors. Blanche Creamer, a + lax, tumble-to-pieces, Greuze-ish looking blonde, whom the Widow hated + because the men took to her, was purgatoried between the two old Doctors, + and could see all the looks that passed between Dick Venner and his + cousin. The young schoolmaster could talk to Miss Letty: it was his + business to know how to talk to schoolgirls. Dick would amuse himself with + his cousin Elsie. The old Doctors only wanted to be well fed and they + would do well enough. + </p> + <p> + It would be very pleasant to describe the tea-table; but in reality, it + did not pretend to offer a plethoric banquet to the guests. The Widow had + not visited the mansion-houses for nothing, and she had learned there that + an overloaded tea-table may do well enough for farm-hands when they come + in at evening from their work and sit down unwashed in their shirtsleeves, + but that for decently bred people such an insult to the memory of a dinner + not yet half-assimilated is wholly inadmissible. Everything was delicate, + and almost everything of fair complexion: white bread and biscuits, + frosted and sponge cake, cream, honey, straw-colored butter; only a shadow + here and there, where the fire had crisped and browned the surfaces of a + stack of dry toast, or where a preserve had brought away some of the red + sunshine of the last year's summer. The Widow shall have the credit of her + well-ordered tea-table, also of her bountiful cream-pitchers; for it is + well known that city-people find cream a very scarce luxury in a good many + country-houses of more pretensions than Hyacinth Cottage. There are no + better maims for ladies who give tea-parties than these: + </p> + <p> + Cream is thicker than water. Large heart never loved little cream pot. + </p> + <p> + There is a common feeling in genteel families that the third meal of the + day is not so essential a part of the daily bread as to require any + especial acknowledgment to the Providence which bestows it. Very devout + people, who would never sit down to a breakfast or a dinner without the + grace before meat which honors the Giver of it, feel as if they thanked + Heaven enough for their tea and toast by partaking of them cheerfully + without audible petition or ascription. But the Widow was not exactly + mansion-house-bred, and so thought it necessary to give the Reverend + Doctor a peculiar look which he understood at once as inviting his + professional services. He, therefore, uttered a few simple words of + gratitude, very quietly,—much to the satisfaction of some of the + guests, who had expected one of those elaborate effusions, with rolling up + of the eyes and rhetorical accents, so frequent with eloquent divines when + they address their Maker in genteel company. + </p> + <p> + Everybody began talking with the person sitting next at hand. Mr. Bernard + naturally enough turned his attention first to the Widow; but somehow or + other the right side of the Widow seemed to be more wide awake than the + left side, next him, and he resigned her to the courtesies of Mr. Dudley + Venner, directing himself, not very unwillingly, to the young girl next + him on the other side. Miss Letty Forrester, the granddaughter of the + Reverend Doctor, was city-bred, as anybody might see, and city-dressed, as + any woman would know at sight; a man might only feel the general effect of + clear, well-matched colors, of harmonious proportions, of the cut which + makes everything cling like a bather's sleeve where a natural outline is + to be kept, and ruffle itself up like the hackle of a pitted fighting-cock + where art has a right to luxuriate in silken exuberance. How this citybred + and city-dressed girl came to be in Rockland Mr. Bernard did not know, but + he knew at any rate that she was his next neighbor and entitled to his + courtesies. She was handsome, too, when he came to look, very handsome + when he came to look again,—endowed with that city beauty which is + like the beauty of wall-fruit, something finer in certain respects than + can be reared off the pavement. + </p> + <p> + The miserable routinists who keep repeating invidiously Cowper's + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “God made the country and man made the town,” + </pre> + <p> + as if the town were a place to kill out the race in, do not know what they + are talking about. Where could they raise such Saint-Michael pears, such + Saint-Germains, such Brown-Beurres, as we had until within a few years + growing within the walls of our old city-gardens? Is the dark and damp + cavern where a ragged beggar hides himself better than a town-mansion + which fronts the sunshine and backs on its own cool shadow, with gas and + water and all appliances to suit all needs? God made the cavern and man + made the house! What then? + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that the pavement keeps a deal of mischief from coming + up out of the earth, and, with a dash off of it in summer, just to cool + the soles of the feet when it gets too hot, is the best place for many + constitutions, as some few practical people have already discovered. And + just so these beauties that grow and ripen against the city-walls, these + young fellows with cheeks like peaches and young girls with cheeks like + nectarines, show that the most perfect forms of artificial life can do as + much for the human product as garden-culture for strawberries and + blackberries. + </p> + <p> + If Mr. Bernard had philosophized or prosed in this way, with so pretty, + nay, so lovely a neighbor as Miss Letty Forrester waiting for him to speak + to her, he would have to be dropped from this narrative as a person + unworthy of his good-fortune, and not deserving the kind reader's further + notice. On the contrary, he no sooner set his eyes fairly on her than he + said to himself that she was charming, and that he wished she were one of + his scholars at the Institute. So he began talking with her in an easy + way; for he knew something of young girls by this time, and, of course, + could adapt himself to a young lady who looked as if she might be not more + than fifteen or sixteen years old, and therefore could hardly be a match + in intellectual resources for the seventeen and eighteen year-old + first-class scholars of the Apollinean Institute. But city-wall-fruit + ripens early, and he soon found that this girl's training had so sharpened + her wits and stored her memory, that he need not be at the trouble to + stoop painfully in order to come down to her level. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of good-breeding is that it adjusts itself to all relations + without effort, true to itself always however the manners of those around + it may change. Self-respect and respect for others,—the sensitive + consciousness poises itself in these as the compass in the ship's binnacle + balances itself and maintains its true level within the two concentric + rings which suspend it on their pivots. This thorough-bred school-girl + quite enchanted Mr. Bernard. He could not understand where she got her + style, her way of dress, her enunciation, her easy manners. The minister + was a most worthy gentleman, but this was not the Rockland native-born + manner; some new element had come in between the good, plain, worthy man + and this young girl, fit to be a Crown Prince's partner where there were a + thousand to choose from. + </p> + <p> + He looked across to Helen Darley, for he knew she would understand the + glance of admiration with which he called her attention to the young + beauty at his side; and Helen knew what a young girl could be, as compared + with what too many a one is, as well as anybody. + </p> + <p> + This poor, dear Helen of ours! How admirable the contrast between her and + the Widow on the other side of Dudley Venner! But, what was very odd, that + gentleman apparently thought the contrast was to the advantage of this + poor, dear Helen. At any rate, instead of devoting himself solely to the + Widow, he happened to be just at that moment talking in a very interested + and, apparently, not uninteresting way to his right-hand neighbor, who, on + her part, never looked more charmingly,—as Mr. Bernard could not + help saying to himself,—but, to be sure, he had just been looking at + the young girl next him, so that his eyes were brimful of beauty, and may + have spilled some of it on the first comer: for you know M. Becquerel has + been showing us lately how everything is phosphorescent; that it soaks + itself with light in an instant's exposure, so that it is wet with liquid + sunbeams, or, if you will, tremulous with luminous vibrations, when first + plunged into the negative bath of darkness, and betrays itself by the + light which escapes from its surface. + </p> + <p> + Whatever were the reason, this poor, dear Helen never looked so sweetly. + Her plainly parted brown hair, her meek, blue eyes, her cheek just a + little tinged with color, the almost sad simplicity of her dress, and that + look he knew so well,—so full of cheerful patience, so sincere, that + he had trusted her from the first moment as the believers of the larger + half of Christendom trust the Blessed Virgin,—Mr. Bernard took this + all in at a glance, and felt as pleased as if it had been his own sister + Dorothea Elizabeth that he was looking at. As for Dudley Venner, Mr. + Bernard could not help being struck by the animated expression of his + countenance. It certainly showed great kindness, on his part, to pay so + much attention to this quiet girl, when he had the thunder-and-lightning + Widow on the other side of him. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Marilla Rowens did not know what to make of it. She had made her + tea-party expressly for Mr. Dudley Venner. She had placed him just as she + wanted, between herself and a meek, delicate woman who dressed in gray, + wore a plain breastpin with hair in it, who taught a pack of girls up + there at the school, and looked as if she were born for a teacher,—the + very best foil that she could have chosen; and here was this man, polite + enough to herself, to be sure, but turning round to that very + undistinguished young person as if he rather preferred her conversation of + the two! + </p> + <p> + The truth was that Dudley Venner and Helen Darley met as two travellers + might meet in the desert, wearied, both of them, with their long journey, + one having food, but no water, the other water, but no food. Each saw that + the other had been in long conflict with some trial; for their voices were + low and tender, as patiently borne sorrow and humbly uttered prayers make + every human voice. Through these tones, more than by what they said, they + came into natural sympathetic relations with each other. Nothing could be + more unstudied. As for Dudley Venner, no beauty in all the world could + have so soothed and magnetized him as the very repose and subdued + gentleness which the Widow had thought would make the best possible + background for her own more salient and effective attractions. No doubt, + Helen, on her side, was almost too readily pleased with the confidence + this new acquaintance she was making seemed to show her from the very + first. She knew so few men of any condition! Mr. Silas Peckham: he was her + employer, and she ought to think of him as well as she could; but every + time she thought of him it was with a shiver of disgust. Mr. Bernard + Langdon: a noble young man, a true friend, like a brother to her,—God + bless him, and send him some young heart as fresh as his own! But this + gentleman produced a new impression upon her, quite different from any to + which she was accustomed. His rich, low tones had the strangest + significance to her; she felt sure he must have lived through long + experiences, sorrowful like her own. Elsie's father! She looked into his + dark eyes, as she listened to him, to see if they had any glimmer of that + peculiar light, diamond-bright, but cold and still, which she knew so well + in Elsie's. Anything but that! Never was there more tenderness, it seemed + to her, than in the whole look and expression of Elsie's father. She must + have been a great trial to him; yet his face was that of one who had been + saddened, not soured, by his discipline. Knowing what Elsie must be to + him, how hard she must make any parent's life, Helen could not but be + struck with the interest Mr. Dudley Venner showed in her as his daughter's + instructress. He was too kind to her; again and again she meekly turned + from him, so as to leave him free to talk to the showy lady at his other + side, who was looking all the while + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “like the night + Of cloudless realms and starry skies;” + </pre> + <p> + but still Mr. Dudley Venner, after a few courteous words, came back to the + blue eyes and brown hair; still he kept his look fixed upon her, and his + tones grew sweeter and lower as he became more interested in talk, until + this poor, dear Helen, what with surprise, and the bashfulness natural to + one who had seen little of the gay world, and the stirring of deep, + confused sympathies with this suffering father, whose heart seemed so full + of kindness, felt her cheeks glowing with unwonted flame, and betrayed the + pleasing trouble of her situation by looking so sweetly as to arrest Mr. + Bernard's eye for a moment, when he looked away from the young beauty + sitting next him. + </p> + <p> + Elsie meantime had been silent, with that singular, still, watchful look + which those who knew her well had learned to fear. Her head just a little + inclined on one side, perfectly motionless for whole minutes, her eyes + seeming to, grow small and bright, as always when she was under her evil + influence, she was looking obliquely at the young girl on the other side + of her cousin Dick and next to Bernard Langdon. As for Dick himself, she + seemed to be paying very little attention to him. Sometimes her eyes would + wander off to Mr. Bernard, and their expression, as old Dr. Kittredge, who + watched her for a while pretty keenly, noticed, would change perceptibly. + One would have said that she looked with a kind of dull hatred at the + girl, but with a half-relenting reproachful anger at Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + Miss Letty Forrester, at whom Elsie had been looking from time to time in + this fixed way, was conscious meanwhile of some unusual influence. First + it was a feeling of constraint,—then, as it were, a diminished power + over the muscles, as if an invisible elastic cobweb were spinning round + her,—then a tendency to turn away from Mr. Bernard, who was making + himself very agreeable, and look straight into those eyes which would not + leave her, and which seemed to be drawing her towards them, while at the + same time they chilled the blood in all her veins. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard saw this influence coming over her. All at once he noticed + that she sighed, and that some little points of moisture began to glisten + on her forehead. But she did not grow pale perceptibly; she had no + involuntary or hysteric movements; she still listened to him and smiled + naturally enough. Perhaps she was only nervous at being stared at. At any + rate, she was coming under some unpleasant influence or other, and Mr. + Bernard had seen enough of the strange impression Elsie sometimes produced + to wish this young girl to be relieved from it, whatever it was. He turned + toward Elsie and looked at her in such a way as to draw her eyes upon him. + Then he looked steadily and calmly into them. It was a great effort, for + some perfectly inexplicable reason. At one instant he thought he could not + sit where he was; he must go and speak to Elsie. Then he wanted to take + his eyes away from hers; there was something intolerable in the light that + came from them. But he was determined to look her down, and he believed he + could do it, for he had seen her countenance change more than once when he + had caught her gaze steadily fixed on him. All this took not minutes, but + seconds. Presently she changed color slightly,—lifted her head, + which was inclined a little to one side,—shut and opened her eyes + two or three times, as if they had been pained or wearied,—and + turned away baffled, and shamed, as it would seem, and shorn for the time + of her singular and formidable or at least evil-natured power of swaying + the impulses of those around her. + </p> + <p> + It takes too long to describe these scenes where a good deal of life is + concentrated into a few silent seconds. Mr. Richard Venner had sat quietly + through it all, although this short pantomime had taken place literally + before his face. He saw what was going on well enough, and understood it + all perfectly well. Of course the schoolmaster had been trying to make + Elsie jealous, and had succeeded. The little schoolgirl was a decoy-duck,—that + was all. Estates like the Dudley property were not to be had every day, + and no doubt the Yankee usher was willing to take some pains to make sure + of Elsie. Does n't Elsie look savage? Dick involuntarily moved his chair a + little away from her, and thought he felt a pricking in the small white + scars on his wrist. A dare-devil fellow, but somehow or other this girl + had taken strange hold of his imagination, and he often swore to himself, + that, when he married her, he would carry a loaded revolver with him to + his bridal chamber. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Blanche Creamer raged inwardly at first to find herself between the + two old gentlemen of the party. It very soon gave her great comfort, + however, to see that Marilla, Rowens had just missed it in her + calculations, and she chuckled immensely to find Dudley Venner devoting + himself chiefly to Helen Darley. If the Rowens woman should hook Dudley, + she felt as if she should gnaw all her nails off for spite. To think of + seeing her barouching about Rockland behind a pair of long-tailed bays and + a coachman with a band on his hat, while she, Blanche Creamer, was driving + herself about in a one-horse “carriage”! Recovering her spirits by + degrees, she began playing her surfaces off at the two old Doctors, just + by way of practice. First she heaved up a glaring white shoulder, the + right one, so that the Reverend Doctor should be stunned by it, if such a + thing might be. The Reverend Doctor was human, as the Apostle was not + ashamed to confess himself. Half-devoutly and half-mischievously he + repeated inwardly, “Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.” As the + Reverend Doctor did not show any lively susceptibility, she thought she + would try the left shoulder on old Dr. Kittredge. That worthy and + experienced student of science was not at all displeased with the + manoeuvre, and lifted his head so as to command the exhibition through his + glasses. “Blanche is good for half a dozen years or so, if she is + careful,” the Doctor said to himself, “and then she must take to her + prayer-book.” After this spasmodic failure of Mrs. Blanche Creamer's to + stir up the old Doctors, she returned again to the pleasing task of + watching the Widow in her evident discomfiture. But dark as the Widow + looked in her half-concealed pet, she was but as a pale shadow, compared + to Elsie in her silent concentration of shame and anger. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is one good thing,” said Mrs. Blanche Creamer; “Dick doesn't + get much out of that cousin of his this evening! Does n't he look + handsome, though?” + </p> + <p> + So Mrs. Blanche, being now a good deal taken up with her observations of + those friends of hers and ours, began to be rather careless of her two old + Doctors, who naturally enough fell into conversation with each other + across the white surfaces of that lady, perhaps not very politely, but, + under the circumstances, almost as a matter of necessity. + </p> + <p> + When a minister and a doctor get talking together, they always have a + great deal to say; and so it happened that the company left the table just + as the two Doctors were beginning to get at each other's ideas about + various interesting matters. If we follow them into the other parlor, we + can, perhaps, pick up something of their conversation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. WHY DOCTORS DIFFER. + </h2> + <p> + The company rearranged itself with some changes after leaving the + tea-table. Dudley Venner was very polite to the Widow; but that lady + having been called off for a few moments for some domestic arrangement, he + slid back to the side of Helen Darley, his daughter's faithful teacher. + Elsie had got away by herself, and was taken up in studying the + stereoscopic Laocoon. Dick, being thus set free, had been seized upon by + Mrs. Blanche Creamer, who had diffused herself over three-quarters of a + sofa and beckoned him to the remaining fourth. Mr. Bernard and Miss Letty + were having a snug fete-'a-fete in the recess of a bay-window. The two + Doctors had taken two arm-chairs and sat squared off against each other. + Their conversation is perhaps as well worth reporting as that of the rest + of the company, and, as it was carried on in a louder tone, was of course + more easy to gather and put on record. + </p> + <p> + It was a curious sight enough to see those two representatives of two + great professions brought face to face to talk over the subjects they had + been looking at all their lives from such different points of view. Both + were old; old enough to have been moulded by their habits of thought and + life; old enough to have all their beliefs “fretted in,” as vintners say,—thoroughly + worked up with their characters. Each of them looked his calling. The + Reverend Doctor had lived a good deal among books in his study; the + Doctor, as we will call the medical gentleman, had been riding about the + country for between thirty and forty years. His face looked tough and + weather-worn; while the Reverend Doctor's, hearty as it appeared, was of + finer texture. The Doctor's was the graver of the two; there was something + of grimness about it, partly owing to the northeasters he had faced for so + many years, partly to long companionship with that stern personage who + never deals in sentiment or pleasantry. His speech was apt to be brief and + peremptory; it was a way he had got by ordering patients; but he could + discourse somewhat, on occasion, as the reader may find out. The Reverend + Doctor had an open, smiling expression, a cheery voice, a hearty laugh, + and a cordial way with him which some thought too lively for his cloth, + but which children, who are good judges of such matters, delighted in, so + that he was the favorite of all the little rogues about town. But he had + the clerical art of sobering down in a moment, when asked to say grace + while somebody was in the middle of some particularly funny story; and + though his voice was so cheery in common talk, in the pulpit, like almost + all preachers, he had a wholly different and peculiar way of speaking, + supposed to be more acceptable to the Creator than the natural manner. In + point of fact, most of our anti-papal and anti-prelatical clergymen do + really intone their prayers, without suspecting in the least that they + have fallen into such a Romish practice. + </p> + <p> + This is the way the conversation between the Doctor of Divinity and the + Doctor of Medicine was going on at the point where these notes take it up. + </p> + <p> + “Obi tres medici, duo athei, you know, Doctor. Your profession has always + had the credit of being lax in doctrine,—though pretty stringent in + practice, ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Some priest said that,” the Doctor answered, dryly. “They always talked + Latin when they had a bigger lie than common to get rid of.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said the Reverend Doctor; “I'm afraid they would lie a little + sometimes. But isn't there some truth in it, Doctor? Don't you think your + profession is apt to see 'Nature' in the place of the God of Nature,—to + lose sight of the great First Cause in their daily study of secondary + causes?” + </p> + <p> + “I've thought about that,” the Doctor answered, “and I've talked about it + and read about it, and I've come to the conclusion that nobody believes in + God and trusts in God quite so much as the doctors; only it is n't just + the sort of Deity that some of your profession have wanted them to take up + with. There was a student of mine wrote a dissertation on the Natural + Theology of Health and Disease, and took that old lying proverb for his + motto. He knew a good deal more about books than ever I did, and had + studied in other countries. I'll tell you what he said about it. He said + the old Heathen Doctor, Galen, praised God for his handiwork in the human + body, just as if he had been a Christian, or the Psalmist himself. He said + they had this sentence set up in large letters in the great lecture-room + in Paris where he attended: I dressed his wound and God healed him. That + was an old surgeon's saying. And he gave a long list of doctors who were + not only Christians, but famous ones. I grant you, though, ministers and + doctors are very apt to see differently in spiritual matters.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it,” said the Reverend Doctor; “you are apt to see 'Nature' where + we see God, and appeal to 'Science' where we are contented with + Revelation.” + </p> + <p> + “We don't separate God and Nature, perhaps, as you do,” the Doctor + answered. “When we say that God is omnipresent and omnipotent and + omniscient, we are a little more apt to mean it than your folks are. We + think, when a wound heals, that God's presence and power and knowledge are + there, healing it, just as that old surgeon did. We think a good many + theologians, working among their books, don't see the facts of the world + they live in. When we tell 'em of these facts, they are apt to call us + materialists and atheists and infidels, and all that. We can't help seeing + the facts, and we don't think it's wicked to mention 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Do tell me,” the Reverend Doctor said, “some of these facts we are in the + habit of overlooking, and which your profession thinks it can see and + understand.” + </p> + <p> + “That's very easy,” the Doctor replied. “For instance: you don't + understand or don't allow for idiosyncrasies as we learn to. We know that + food and physic act differently with different people; but you think the + same kind of truth is going to suit, or ought to suit, all minds. We don't + fight with a patient because he can't take magnesia or opium; but you are + all the time quarrelling over your beliefs, as if belief did not depend + very much on race and constitution, to say nothing of early training.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that every man is not absolutely free to choose his + beliefs?” + </p> + <p> + “The men you write about in your studies are, but not the men we see in + the real world. There is some apparently congenital defect in the Indians, + for instance, that keeps them from choosing civilization and Christianity. + So with the Gypsies, very likely. Everybody knows that Catholicism or + Protestantism is a good deal a matter of race. Constitution has more to do + with belief than people think for. I went to a Universalist church, when I + was in the city one day, to hear a famous man whom all the world knows, + and I never saw such pews-full of broad shoulders and florid faces, and + substantial, wholesome-looking persons, male and female, in all my life. + Why, it was astonishing. Either their creed made them healthy, or they + chose it because they were healthy. Your folks have never got the hang of + human nature.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid this would be considered a degrading and dangerous view of + human beliefs and responsibility for them,” the Reverend Doctor replied. + “Prove to a man that his will is governed by something outside of himself, + and you have lost all hold on his moral and religious nature. There is + nothing bad men want to believe so much as that they are governed by + necessity. Now that which is at once degrading and dangerous cannot be + true.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” the Doctor replied, “all large views of mankind limit our + estimate of the absolute freedom of the will. But I don't think it + degrades or endangers us, for this reason, that, while it makes us + charitable to the rest of mankind, our own sense of freedom, whatever it + is, is never affected by argument. Conscience won't be reasoned with. We + feel that we can practically do this of that, and if we choose the wrong, + we know we are responsible; but observation teaches us that this or that + other race or individual has not the same practical freedom of choice. I + don't see how we can avoid this conclusion in the instance of the American + Indians. The science of Ethnology has upset a good many theoretical + notions about human nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Science!” said the Reverend Doctor, “science! that was a word the Apostle + Paul did not seem to think much of, if we may judge by the Epistle to + Timothy: 'Oppositions of science falsely so called.' I own that I am + jealous of that word and the pretensions that go with it. Science has + seemed to me to be very often only the handmaid of skepticism.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor!” the physician said, emphatically, “science is knowledge. Nothing + that is not known properly belongs to science. Whenever knowledge obliges + us to doubt, we are always safe in doubting. Astronomers foretell + eclipses, say how long comets are to stay with us, point out where a new + planet is to be found. We see they know what they assert, and the poor old + Roman Catholic Church has at last to knock under. So Geology proves a + certain succession of events, and the best Christian in the world must + make the earth's history square with it. Besides, I don't think you + remember what great revelations of himself the Creator has made in the + minds of the men who have built up science. You seem to me to hold his + human masterpieces very cheap. Don't you think the 'inspiration of the + Almighty' gave Newton and Cuvier 'understanding'?” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor was not arguing for victory. In fact, what he wanted + was to call out the opinions of the old physician by a show of opposition, + being already predisposed to agree with many of them. He was rather trying + the common arguments, as one tries tricks of fence merely to learn the way + of parrying. But just here he saw a tempting opening, and could not resist + giving a home-thrust. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but you surely would not consider it inspiration of the same kind as + that of the writers of the Old Testament?” + </p> + <p> + That cornered the Doctor, and he paused a moment before he replied. Then + he raised his head, so as to command the Reverend Doctor's face through + his spectacles, and said, + </p> + <p> + “I did not say that. You are clear, I suppose, that the Omniscient spoke + through Solomon, but that Shakespeare wrote without his help?” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor looked very grave. It was a bold, blunt way of putting + the question. He turned it aside with the remark, that Shakespeare seemed + to him at times to come as near inspiration as any human being not + included among the sacred writers. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” the physician began, as from a sudden suggestion, “you won't + quarrel with me, if I tell you some of my real thoughts, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Say on, my dear Sir, say on,” the minister answered, with his most genial + smile; “your real thoughts are just what I want to get at. A man's real + thoughts are a great rarity. If I don't agree with you, I shall like to + hear you.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor began; and in order to give his thoughts more connectedly, we + will omit the conversational breaks, the questions and comments of the + clergyman, and all accidental interruptions. + </p> + <p> + “When the old ecclesiastics said that where there were three doctors there + were two atheists, they lied, of course. They called everybody who + differed from them atheists, until they found out that not believing in + God was n't nearly so ugly a crime as not believing in some particular + dogma; then they called them heretics, until so many good people had been + burned under that name that it began to smell too strong of roasting + flesh,—and after that infidels, which properly means people without + faith, of whom there are not a great many in any place or time. But then, + of course, there was some reason why doctors shouldn't think about + religion exactly as ministers did, or they never would have made that + proverb. It 's very likely that something of the same kind is true now; + whether it is so or not, I am going to tell you the reasons why it would + not be strange, if doctors should take rather different views from + clergymen about some matters of belief. I don't, of course, mean all + doctors nor all clergymen. Some doctors go as far as any old New England + divine, and some clergymen agree very well with the doctors that think + least according to rule. + </p> + <p> + “To begin with their ideas of the Creator himself. They always see him + trying to help his creatures out of their troubles. A man no sooner gets a + cut, than the Great Physician, whose agency we often call Nature, goes to + work, first to stop the blood, and then to heal the wound, and then to + make the scar as small as possible. If a man's pain exceeds a certain + amount, he faints, and so gets relief. If it lasts too long, habit comes + in to make it tolerable. If it is altogether too bad, he dies. That is the + best thing to be done under the circumstances. So you see, the doctor is + constantly in presence of a benevolent agency working against a settled + order of things, of which pain and disease are the accidents, so to speak. + Well, no doubt they find it harder than clergymen to believe that there + can be any world or state from which this benevolent agency is wholly + excluded. This may be very wrong; but it is not unnatural. + </p> + <p> + “They can hardly conceive of a permanent state of being in which cuts + would never try to heal, nor habit render suffering endurable. This is one + effect of their training. + </p> + <p> + “Then, again, their attention is very much called to human limitations. + Ministers work out the machinery of responsibility in an abstract kind of + way; they have a sort of algebra of human nature, in which friction and + strength (or weakness) of material are left out. You see, a doctor is in + the way of studying children from the moment of birth upwards. For the + first year or so he sees that they are just as much pupils of their Maker + as the young of any other animals. Well, their Maker trains them to pure + selfishness. Why? In order that they may be sure to take care of + themselves. So you see, when a child comes to be, we will say a year and a + day old, and makes his first choice between right and wrong, he is at a + disadvantage; for he, has that vis a tergo, as we doctors call it, that + force from behind, of a whole year's life of selfishness, for which he is + no more to blame than a calf is to blame for having lived in the same way, + purely to gratify his natural appetites. Then we see that baby grow up to + a child, and, if he is fat and stout and red and lively, we expect to find + him troublesome and noisy, and, perhaps, sometimes disobedient more or + less; that's the way each new generation breaks its egg-shell; but if he + is very weak and thin, and is one of the kind that may be expected to die + early, he will very likely sit in the house all day and read good books + about other little sharp-faced children just like himself, who died early, + having always been perfectly indifferent to all the out-door amusements of + the wicked little red-cheeked children. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the little folks we watch grow up to be young women, and + occasionally one of them gets nervous, what we call hysterical, and then + that girl will begin to play all sorts of pranks,—to lie and cheat, + perhaps, in the most unaccountable way, so that she might seem to a + minister a good example of total depravity. We don't see her in that + light. We give her iron and valerian, and get her on horseback, if we can, + and so expect to make her will come all right again. By and by we are + called in to see an old baby, threescore years and ten or more old. We + find this old baby has never got rid of that first year's teaching which + led him to fill his stomach with all he could pump into it, and his hands + with everything he could grab. People call him a miser. We are sorry for + him; but we can't help remembering his first year's training, and the + natural effect of money on the great majority of those that have it. So + while the ministers say he 'shall hardly enter into the kingdom of + heaven,' we like to remind them that 'with God all things are possible.' + </p> + <p> + “Once more, we see all kinds of monomania and insanity. We learn from them + to recognize all sorts of queer tendencies in minds supposed to be sane, + so that we have nothing but compassion for a large class of persons + condemned as sinners by theologians, but considered by us as invalids. We + have constant reasons for noticing the transmission of qualities from + parents to offspring, and we find it hard to hold a child accountable in + any moral point of view for inherited bad temper or tendency to + drunkenness,—as hard as we should to blame him for inheriting gout + or asthma. I suppose we are more lenient with human nature than + theologians generally are. We know that the spirits of men and their views + of the present and the future go up and down with the barometer, and that + a permanent depression of one inch in the mercurial column would affect + the whole theology of Christendom. + </p> + <p> + “Ministers talk about the human will as if it stood on a high look-out, + with plenty of light, and elbowroom reaching to the horizon. Doctors are + constantly noticing how it is tied up and darkened by inferior + organization, by disease, and all sorts of crowding interferences, until + they get to look upon Hottentots and Indians—and a good many of + their own race as a kind of self-conscious blood-clocks with very limited + power of self-determination. That's the tendency, I say, of a doctor's + experience. But the people to whom they address their statements of the + results of their observation belong to the thinking class of the highest + races, and they are conscious of a great deal of liberty of will. So in + the face of the fact that civilization with all it offers has proved a + dead failure with the aboriginal races of this country,—on the + whole, I say, a dead failure,—they talk as if they knew from their + own will all about that of a Digger Indian! We are more apt to go by + observation of the facts in the case. We are constantly seeing weakness + where you see depravity. I don't say we're right; I only tell what you + must often find to be the fact, right or wrong, in talking with doctors. + You see, too, our notions of bodily and moral disease, or sin, are apt to + go together. We used to be as hard on sickness as you were on sin. We know + better now. We don't look at sickness as we used to, and try to poison it + with everything that is offensive, burnt toads and earth-worms and + viper-broth, and worse things than these. We know that disease has + something back of it which the body isn't to blame for, at least in most + cases, and which very often it is trying to get rid of. Just so with sin. + I will agree to take a hundred new-born babes of a certain stock and + return seventy-five of them in a dozen years true and honest, if not + 'pious' children. And I will take another hundred, of a different stock, + and put them in the hands of certain Ann-Street or Five-Points teachers, + and seventy-five of them will be thieves and liars at the end of the same + dozen years. I have heard of an old character, Colonel Jaques, I believe + it was, a famous cattle-breeder, who used to say he could breed to pretty + much any pattern he wanted to. Well, we doctors see so much of families, + how the tricks of the blood keep breaking out, just as much in character + as they do in looks, that we can't help feeling as if a great many people + hadn't a fair chance to be what is called 'good,' and that there isn't a + text in the Bible better worth keeping always in mind than that one, + 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.' + </p> + <p> + “As for our getting any quarter at the hands of theologians, we don't + expect it, and have no right to. You don't give each other any quarter. I + have had two religious books sent me by friends within a week or two. One + is Mr. Brownson's; he is as fair and square as Euclid; a real honest, + strong thinker, and one that knows what he is talking about,—for he + has tried all sorts of religions, pretty much. He tells us that the Roman + Catholic Church is the one 'through which alone we can hope for heaven.' + The other is by a worthy Episcopal rector, who appears to write as if he + were in earnest, and he calls the Papacy the 'Devil's Masterpiece,' and + talks about the 'Satanic scheme' of that very Church 'through which + alone,' as Mr. Brownson tells us, 'we can hope for heaven.' + </p> + <p> + “What's the use in our caring about hard words after this,—'atheists,' + heretics, infidels, and the like? They're, after all, only the cinders + picked up out of those heaps of ashes round the stumps of the old stakes + where they used to burn men, women, and children for not thinking just + like other folks. They 'll 'crock' your fingers, but they can't burn us. + </p> + <p> + “Doctors are the best-natured people in the world, except when they get + fighting with each other. And they have some advantages over you. You + inherit your notions from a set of priests that had no wives and no + children, or none to speak of, and so let their humanity die out of them. + It did n't seem much to them to condemn a few thousand millions of people + to purgatory or worse for a mistake of judgment. They didn't know what it + was to have a child look up in their faces and say 'Father!' It will take + you a hundred or two more years to get decently humanized, after so many + centuries of de-humanizing celibacy. + </p> + <p> + “Besides, though our libraries are, perhaps, not commonly quite so big as + yours, God opens one book to physicians that a good many of you don't know + much about,—the Book of Life. That is none of your dusty folios with + black letters between pasteboard and leather, but it is printed in bright + red type, and the binding of it is warm and tender to every touch. They + reverence that book as one of the Almighty's infallible revelations. They + will insist on reading you lessons out of it, whether you call them names + or not. These will always be lessons of charity. No doubt, nothing can be + more provoking to listen to. But do beg your folks to remember that the + Smithfield fires are all out, and that the cinders are very dirty and not + in the least dangerous. They'd a great deal better be civil, and not be + throwing old proverbs in the doctors' faces, when they say that the man of + the old monkish notions is one thing and the man they watch from his + cradle to his coffin is something very different.” + </p> + <p> + It has cost a good deal of trouble to work the Doctor's talk up into this + formal shape. Some of his sentences have been rounded off for him, and the + whole brought into a more rhetorical form than it could have pretended to, + if taken as it fell from his lips. But the exact course of his remarks has + been followed, and as far as possible his expressions have been retained. + Though given in the form of a discourse, it must be remembered that this + was a conversation, much more fragmentary and colloquial than it seems as + just read. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor was very far from taking offence at the old + physician's freedom of speech. He knew him to be honest, kind, charitable, + self-denying, wherever any sorrow was to be alleviated, always + reverential, with a cheerful trust in the great Father of all mankind. To + be sure, his senior deacon, old Deacon Shearer,—who seemed to have + got his Scripture-teachings out of the “Vinegar Bible,” (the one where + Vineyard is misprinted Vinegar; which a good many people seem to have + adopted as the true reading,)—his senior deacon had called Dr. + Kittredge an “infidel.” But the Reverend Doctor could not help feeling, + that, unless the text, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” were an + interpolation, the Doctor was the better Christian of the two. Whatever + his senior deacon might think about it, he said to himself that he + shouldn't be surprised if he met the Doctor in heaven yet, inquiring + anxiously after old Deacon Shearer. + </p> + <p> + He was on the point of expressing himself very frankly to the Doctor, with + that benevolent smile on his face which had sometimes come near giving + offence to the readers of the “Vinegar” edition, but he saw that the + physician's attention had been arrested by Elsie. He looked in the same + direction himself, and could not help being struck by her attitude and + expression. There was something singularly graceful in the curves of her + neck and the rest of her figure, but she was so perfectly still that it + seemed as if she were hardly breathing. Her eyes were fixed on the young + girl with whom Mr. Bernard was talking. He had often noticed their + brilliancy, but now it seemed to him that they appeared dull, and the look + on her features was as of some passion which had missed its stroke. Mr. + Bernard's companion seemed unconscious that she was the object of this + attention, and was listening to the young master as if he had succeeded in + making himself very agreeable. + </p> + <p> + Of course Dick Venner had not mistaken the game that was going on. The + schoolmaster meant to make Elsie jealous,—and he had done it. That + 's it: get her savage first, and then come wheedling round her,—a + sure trick, if he isn't headed off somehow. But Dick saw well enough that + he had better let Elsie alone just now, and thought the best way of + killing the evening would be to amuse himself in a little lively talk with + Mrs. Blanche Creamer, and incidentally to show Elsie that he could make + himself acceptable to other women, if not to herself. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor presently went up to Elsie, determined to engage her in + conversation and get her out of her thoughts, which he saw, by her look, + were dangerous. Her father had been on the point of leaving Helen Darley + to go to her, but felt easy enough when he saw the old Doctor at her side, + and so went on talking. The Reverend Doctor, being now left alone, engaged + the Widow Rowens, who put the best face on her vexation she could, but was + devoting herself to all the underground deities for having been such a + fool as to ask that pale-faced thing from the Institute to fill up her + party. + </p> + <p> + There is no space left to report the rest of the conversation. If there + was anything of any significance in it, it will turn up by and by, no + doubt. At ten o'clock the Reverend Doctor called Miss Letty, who had no + idea it was so late; Mr. Bernard gave his arm to Helen; Mr. Richard saw to + Mrs. Blanche Creamer; the Doctor gave Elsie a cautioning look, and went + off alone, thoughtful; Dudley Venner and his daughter got into their + carriage and were whirled away. The Widow's gambit was played, and she had + not won the game. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE WILD HUNTSMAN. + </h2> + <p> + The young master had not forgotten the old Doctor's cautions. Without + attributing any great importance to the warning he had given him, Mr. + Bernard had so far complied with his advice that he was becoming a pretty + good shot with the pistol. It was an amusement as good as many others to + practise, and he had taken a fancy to it after the first few days. + </p> + <p> + The popping of a pistol at odd hours in the backyard of the Institute was + a phenomenon more than sufficiently remarkable to be talked about in + Rockland. The viscous intelligence of a country-village is not easily + stirred by the winds which ripple the fluent thought of great cities, but + it holds every straw and entangles every insect that lights upon it. It + soon became rumored in the town that the young master was a wonderful shot + with the pistol. Some said he could hit a fo'pence-ha'penny at three rod; + some, that he had shot a swallow, flying, with a single ball; some, that + he snuffed a candle five times out of six at ten paces, and that he could + hit any button in a man's coat he wanted to. In other words, as in all + such cases, all the common feats were ascribed to him, as the current + jokes of the day are laid at the door of any noted wit, however innocent + he may be of them. + </p> + <p> + In the natural course of things, Mr. Richard Venner, who had by this time + made some acquaintances, as we have seen, among that class of the + population least likely to allow a live cinder of gossip to go out for + want of air, had heard incidentally that the master up there at the + Institute was all the time practising with a pistol, that they say he can + snuff a candle at ten rods, (that was Mrs. Blanche Creamer's version,) and + that he could hit anybody he wanted to right in the eye, as far as he + could see the white of it. + </p> + <p> + Dick did not like the sound of all this any too well. Without believing + more than half of it, there was enough to make the Yankee schoolmaster too + unsafe to be trifled with. However, shooting at a mark was pleasant work + enough; he had no particular objection to it himself. Only he did not care + so much for those little popgun affairs that a man carries in his pocket, + and with which you could n't shoot a fellow,—a robber, say,—without + getting the muzzle under his nose. Pistols for boys; long-range rifles for + men. There was such a gun lying in a closet with the fowling-pieces. He + would go out into the fields and see what he could do as a marksman. + </p> + <p> + The nature of the mark which Dick chose for experimenting upon was + singular. He had found some panes of glass which had been removed from an + old sash, and he placed these successively before his target, arranging + them at different angles. He found that a bullet would go through the + glass without glancing or having its force materially abated. It was an + interesting fact in physics, and might prove of some practical + significance hereafter. Nobody knows what may turn up to render these + out-of-the-way facts useful. All this was done in a quiet way in one of + the bare spots high up the side of The Mountain. He was very thoughtful in + taking the precaution to get so far away; rifle-bullets are apt to glance + and come whizzing about people's ears, if they are fired in the + neighborhood of houses. Dick satisfied himself that he could be tolerably + sure of hitting a pane of glass at a distance of thirty rods, more or + less, and that, if there happened to be anything behind it, the glass + would not materially alter the force or direction of the bullet. + </p> + <p> + About this time it occurred to him also that there was an old + accomplishment of his which he would be in danger of losing for want of + practice, if he did not take some opportunity to try his hand and regain + its cunning, if it had begun to be diminished by disuse. For his first + trial, he chose an evening when the moon was shining, and after the hour + when the Rockland people were like to be stirring abroad. He was so far + established now that he could do much as he pleased without exciting + remark. + </p> + <p> + The prairie horse he rode, the mustang of the Pampas, wild as he was, had + been trained to take part in at least one exercise. This was the + accomplishment in which Mr. Richard now proposed to try himself. For this + purpose he sought the implement of which, as it may be remembered, he had + once made an incidental use,—the lasso, or long strip of hide with a + slip-noose at the end of it. He had been accustomed to playing with such a + thong from his boyhood, and had become expert in its use in capturing wild + cattle in the course of his adventures. Unfortunately, there were no wild + bulls likely to be met with in the neighborhood, to become the subjects of + his skill. A stray cow in the road, an ox or a horse in a pasture, must + serve his turn,—dull beasts, but moving marks to aim at, at any + rate. + </p> + <p> + Never, since he had galloped in the chase over the Pampas, had Dick Venner + felt such a sense of life and power as when he struck the long spurs into + his wild horse's flanks, and dashed along the road with the lasso lying + like a coiled snake at the saddle-bow. In skilful hands, the silent, + bloodless noose, flying like an arrow, but not like that leaving a wound + behind it,—sudden as a pistol-shot, but without the telltale + explosion,—is one of the most fearful and mysterious weapons that + arm the hand of man. The old Romans knew how formidable, even in contest + with a gladiator equipped with sword, helmet, and shield, was the almost + naked retiarius, with his net in one hand and his three-pronged javelin in + the other. Once get a net over a man's head, or a cord round his neck, or, + what is more frequently done nowadays, bonnet him by knocking his hat down + over his eyes, and he is at the mercy of his opponent. Our soldiers who + served against the Mexicans found this out too well. Many a poor fellow + has been lassoed by the fierce riders from the plains, and fallen an easy + victim to the captor who had snared him in the fatal noose. + </p> + <p> + But, imposing as the sight of the wild huntsmen of the Pampas might have + been, Dick could not help laughing at the mock sublimity of his situation, + as he tried his first experiment on an unhappy milky mother who had + strayed from her herd and was wandering disconsolately along the road, + laying the dust, as slue went, with thready streams from her swollen, + swinging udders. “Here goes the Don at the windmill!” said Dick, and + tilted full speed at her, whirling the lasso round his head as he rode. + The creature swerved to one side of the way, as the wild horse and his + rider came rushing down upon her, and presently turned and ran, as only + cows and it would n't be safe to say it—can run. Just before he + passed,—at twenty or thirty feet from her,—the lasso shot from + his hand, uncoiling as it flew, and in an instant its loop was round her + horns. “Well cast!” said Dick, as he galloped up to her side and + dexterously disengaged the lasso. “Now for a horse on the run!” + </p> + <p> + He had the good luck to find one, presently, grazing in a pasture at the + road-side. Taking down the rails of the fence at one point, he drove the + horse into the road and gave chase. It was a lively young animal enough, + and was easily roused to a pretty fast pace. As his gallop grew more and + more rapid, Dick gave the reins to the mustang, until the two horses + stretched themselves out in their longest strides. If the first feat + looked like play, the one he was now to attempt had a good deal the + appearance of real work. He touched the mustang with the spur, and in a + few fierce leaps found himself nearly abreast of the frightened animal he + was chasing. Once more he whirled the lasso round and round over his head, + and then shot it forth, as the rattlesnake shoots his head from the loops + against which it rests. The noose was round the horse's neck, and in + another instant was tightened so as almost to stop his breath. The prairie + horse knew the trick of the cord, and leaned away from the captive, so as + to keep the thong tensely stretched between his neck and the peak of the + saddle to which it was fastened. Struggling was of no use with a halter + round his windpipe, and he very soon began to tremble and stagger,—blind, + no doubt, and with a roaring in his ears as of a thousand battle-trumpets,—at + any rate, subdued and helpless. That was enough. Dick loosened his lasso, + wound it up again, laid it like a pet snake in a coil at his saddle-bow, + turned his horse, and rode slowly along towards the mansion-house. + </p> + <p> + The place had never looked more stately and beautiful to him than as he + now saw it in the moonlight. The undulations of the land,—the grand + mountain screen which sheltered the mansion from the northern blasts, + rising with all its hanging forests and parapets of naked rock high + towards the heavens,—the ancient mansion, with its square chimneys, + and bodyguard of old trees, and cincture of low walls with marble-pillared + gateways,—the fields, with their various coverings,—the beds + of flowers,—the plots of turf, one with a gray column in its centre + bearing a sundial on which the rays of the moon were idly shining, another + with a white stone and a narrow ridge of turf,—over all these + objects, harmonized with all their infinite details into one fair whole by + the moonlight, the prospective heir, as he deemed himself, looked with + admiring eyes. + </p> + <p> + But while he looked, the thought rose up in his mind like waters from a + poisoned fountain, that there was a deep plot laid to cheat him of the + inheritance which by a double claim he meant to call his own. Every day + this ice-cold beauty, this dangerous, handsome cousin of his, went up to + that place,—that usher's girl-trap. Everyday,—regularly now,—it + used to be different. Did she go only to get out of his, her cousin's, + reach? Was she not rather becoming more and more involved in the toils of + this plotting Yankee? + </p> + <p> + If Mr. Bernard had shown himself at that moment a few rods in advance, the + chances are that in less than one minute he would have found himself with + a noose round his neck, at the heels of a mounted horseman. Providence + spared him for the present. Mr. Richard rode his horse quietly round to + the stable, put him up, and proceeded towards the house. He got to his bed + without disturbing the family, but could not sleep. The idea had fully + taken possession of his mind that a deep intrigue was going on which would + end by bringing Elsie and the schoolmaster into relations fatal to all his + own hopes. With that ingenuity which always accompanies jealousy, he + tortured every circumstance of the last few weeks so as to make it square + with this belief. From this vein of thought he naturally passed to a + consideration of every possible method by which the issue he feared might + be avoided. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard talked very plain language with himself in all these inward + colloquies. Supposing it came to the worst, what could be done then? + First, an accident might happen to the schoolmaster which should put a + complete and final check upon his projects and contrivances. The + particular accident which might interrupt his career must, evidently, be + determined by circumstances; but it must be of a nature to explain itself + without the necessity of any particular person's becoming involved in the + matter. It would be unpleasant to go into particulars; but everybody knows + well enough that men sometimes get in the way of a stray bullet, and that + young persons occasionally do violence to themselves in various modes,—by + firearms, suspension, and other means,—in consequence of + disappointment in love, perhaps, oftener than from other motives. There + was still another kind of accident which might serve his purpose. If + anything should happen to Elsie, it would be the most natural thing in the + world that his uncle should adopt him, his nephew and only near relation, + as his heir. Unless, indeed, uncle Dudley should take it into his head to + marry again. In that case, where would he, Dick, be? This was the most + detestable complication which he could conceive of. And yet he had noticed—he + could not help noticing—that his uncle had been very attentive to, + and, as it seemed, very much pleased with, that young woman from the + school. What did that mean? Was it possible that he was going to take a + fancy to her? + </p> + <p> + It made him wild to think of all the several contingencies which might + defraud him of that good-fortune which seemed but just now within his + grasp. He glared in the darkness at imaginary faces: sometimes at that of + the handsome, treacherous schoolmaster; sometimes at that of the + meek-looking, but no doubt, scheming, lady-teacher; sometimes at that of + the dark girl whom he was ready to make his wife; sometimes at that of his + much respected uncle, who, of course, could not be allowed to peril the + fortunes of his relatives by forming a new connection. It was a frightful + perplexity in which he found himself, because there was no one single life + an accident to which would be sufficient to insure the fitting and natural + course of descent to the great Dudley property. If it had been a simple + question of helping forward a casualty to any one person, there was + nothing in Dick's habits of thought and living to make that a serious + difficulty. He had been so much with lawless people, that a life between + his wish and his object seemed only as an obstacle to be removed, provided + the object were worth the risk and trouble. But if there were two or three + lives in the way, manifestly that altered the case. + </p> + <p> + His Southern blood was getting impatient. There was enough of the + New-Englander about him to make him calculate his chances before he + struck; but his plans were liable to be defeated at any moment by a + passionate impulse such as the dark-hued races of Southern Europe and + their descendants are liable to. He lay in his bed, sometimes arranging + plans to meet the various difficulties already mentioned, sometimes + getting into a paroxysm of blind rage in the perplexity of considering + what object he should select as the one most clearly in his way. On the + whole, there could be no doubt where the most threatening of all his + embarrassments lay. It was in the probable growing relation between Elsie + and the schoolmaster. If it should prove, as it seemed likely, that there + was springing up a serious attachment tending to a union between them, he + knew what he should do, if he was not quite so sure how he should do it. + </p> + <p> + There was one thing at least which might favor his projects, and which, at + any rate, would serve to amuse him. He could, by a little quiet + observation, find out what were the schoolmaster's habits of life: whether + he had any routine which could be calculated upon; and under what + circumstances a strictly private interview of a few minutes with him might + be reckoned on, in case it should be desirable. He could also very + probably learn some facts about Elsie, whether the young man was in the + habit of attending her on her way home from school; whether she stayed + about the schoolroom after the other girls had gone; and any incidental + matters of interest which might present themselves. + </p> + <p> + He was getting more and more restless for want of some excitement. A mad + gallop, a visit to Mrs. Blanche Creamer, who had taken such a fancy to + him, or a chat with the Widow Rowens, who was very lively in her talk, for + all her sombre colors, and reminded him a good deal of same of his earlier + friends, the senoritas,—all these were distractions, to be sure, but + not enough to keep his fiery spirit from fretting itself in longings for + more dangerous excitements. The thought of getting a knowledge of all Mr. + Bernard's ways, so that he would be in his power at any moment, was a + happy one. + </p> + <p> + For some days after this he followed Elsie at a long distance behind, to + watch her until she got to the schoolhouse. One day he saw Mr. Bernard + join her: a mere accident, very probably, for it was only once this + happened. She came on her homeward way alone,—quite apart from the + groups of girls who strolled out of the schoolhouse yard in company. + Sometimes she was behind them all,—which was suggestive. Could she + have stayed to meet the schoolmaster? + </p> + <p> + If he could have smuggled himself into the school, he would have liked to + watch her there, and see if there was not some understanding between her + and the master which betrayed itself by look or word. But this was beyond + the limits of his audacity, and he had to content himself with such + cautious observations as could be made at a distance. With the aid of a + pocket-glass he could make out persons without the risk of being observed + himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Silos Peckham's corps of instructors was not expected to be off duty + or to stand at ease for any considerable length of time. Sometimes Mr. + Bernard, who had more freedom than the rest, would go out for a ramble in + the daytime, but more frequently it would be in the evening, after the + hour of “retiring,” as bedtime was elegantly termed by the young ladies of + the Apollinean Institute. He would then not unfrequently walk out alone in + the common roads, or climb up the sides of The Mountain, which seemed to + be one of his favorite resorts. Here, of course, it was impossible to + follow him with the eye at a distance. Dick had a hideous, gnawing + suspicion that somewhere in these deep shades the schoolmaster might meet + Elsie, whose evening wanderings he knew so well. But of this he was not + able to assure himself. Secrecy was necessary to his present plans, and he + could not compromise himself by over-eager curiosity. One thing he learned + with certainty. The master returned, after his walk one evening, and + entered the building where his room was situated. Presently a light + betrayed the window of his apartment. From a wooded bank, some thirty or + forty rods from this building, Dick Venner could see the interior of the + chamber, and watch the master as he sat at his desk, the light falling + strongly upon his face, intent upon the book or manuscript before him. + Dick contemplated him very long in this attitude. The sense of watching + his every motion, himself meanwhile utterly unseen, was delicious. How + little the master was thinking what eyes were on him! + </p> + <p> + Well,—there were two things quite certain. One was, that, if he + chose, he could meet the schoolmaster alone, either in the road or in a + more solitary place, if he preferred to watch his chance for an evening or + two. The other was, that he commanded his position, as he sat at his desk + in the evening, in such a way that there would be very little difficulty,—so + far as that went; of course, however, silence is always preferable to + noise, and there is a great difference in the marks left by different + casualties. Very likely nothing would come of all this espionage; but, at + any rate, the first thing to be done with a man you want to have in your + power is to learn his habits. + </p> + <p> + Since the tea-party at the Widow Rowens's, Elsie had been more fitful and + moody than ever. Dick understood all this well enough, you know. It was + the working of her jealousy against that young schoolgirl to whom the + master had devoted himself for the sake of piquing the heiress of the + Dudley mansion. Was it possible, in any way, to exasperate her irritable + nature against him, and in this way to render her more accessible to his + own advances? It was difficult to influence her at all. She endured his + company without seeming to enjoy it. She watched him with that strange + look of hers, sometimes as if she were on her guard against him, sometimes + as if she would like to strike at him as in that fit of childish passion. + She ordered him about with a haughty indifference which reminded him of + his own way with the dark-eyed women whom he had known so well of old. All + this added a secret pleasure to the other motives he had for worrying her + with jealous suspicions. He knew she brooded silently on any grief that + poisoned her comfort,—that she fed on it, as it were, until it ran + with every drop of blood in her veins,—and that, except in some + paroxysm of rage, of which he himself was not likely the second time to be + the object, or in some deadly vengeance wrought secretly, against which he + would keep a sharp lookout, so far as he was concerned, she had no outlet + for her dangerous, smouldering passions. + </p> + <p> + Beware of the woman who cannot find free utterance for all her stormy + inner life either in words or song! So long as a woman can talk, there is + nothing she cannot bear. If she cannot have a companion to listen to her + woes, and has no musical utterance, vocal or instrumental,—then, if + she is of the real woman sort, and has a few heartfuls of wild blood in + her, and you have done her a wrong,—double-bolt the door which she + may enter on noiseless slipper at midnight,—look twice before you + taste of any cup whose draught the shadow of her hand may have darkened! + </p> + <p> + But let her talk, and, above all, cry, or, if she is one of the + coarser-grained tribe, give her the run of all the red-hot expletives in + the language, and let her blister her lips with them until she is tired, + she will sleep like a lamb after it, and you may take a cup of coffee from + her without stirring it up to look for its sediment. + </p> + <p> + So, if she can sing, or play on any musical instrument, all her wickedness + will run off through her throat or the tips of her fingers. How many + tragedies find their peaceful catastrophe in fierce roulades and strenuous + bravuras! How many murders are executed in double-quick time upon the keys + which stab the air with their dagger-strokes of sound! What would our + civilization be without the piano? Are not Erard and Broadwood and + Chickering the true humanizers of our time? Therefore do I love to hear + the all-pervading tum tum jarring the walls of little parlors in houses + with double door-plates on their portals, looking out on streets and + courts which to know is to be unknown, and where to exist is not to live, + according to any true definition of living. Therefore complain I not of + modern degeneracy, when, even from the open window of the small unlovely + farmhouse, tenanted by the hard-handed man of bovine flavors and the + flat-patterned woman of broken-down countenance, issue the same familiar + sounds. For who knows that Almira, but for these keys, which throb away + her wild impulses in harmless discords would not have been floating, dead, + in the brown stream which slides through the meadows by her father's door,—or + living, with that other current which runs beneath the gas-lights over the + slimy pavement, choking with wretched weeds that were once in spotless + flower? + </p> + <p> + Poor Elsie! She never sang nor played. She never shaped her inner life in + words: such utterance was as much denied to her nature as common + articulate speech to the deaf mute. Her only language must be in action. + Watch her well by day and by night, old Sophy! watch her well! or the long + line of her honored name may close in shame, and the stately mansion of + the Dudleys remain a hissing and a reproach till its roof is buried in its + cellar! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. ON HIS TRACKS. + </h2> + <p> + “Able!” said the old Doctor, one morning, “after you've harnessed Caustic, + come into the study a few minutes, will you?” + </p> + <p> + Abel nodded. He was a man of few words, and he knew that the “will you” + did not require an answer, being the true New-England way of rounding the + corners of an employer's order,—a tribute to the personal + independence of an American citizen. + </p> + <p> + The hired man came into the study in the course of a few minutes. His face + was perfectly still, and he waited to be spoken to; but the Doctor's eye + detected a certain meaning in his expression, which looked as if he had + something to communicate. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “He's up to mischief o' some kind, I guess,” said Abel. “I jest happened + daown by the mansion-haouse last night, 'n' he come aout o' the gate on + that queer-lookin' creator' o' his. I watched him, 'n' he rid, very slow, + all raoun' by the Institoot, 'n' acted as ef he was spyin' abaout. He + looks to me like a man that's calc'latin' to do some kind of ill-turn to + somebody. I should n't like to have him raoun' me, 'f there wa'n't a + pitchfork or an eel-spear or some sech weep'n within reach. He may be all + right; but I don't like his looks, 'n' I don't see what he's lurkin' + raoun' the Institoot for, after folks is abed.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you watched him pretty close for the last few days?” said the + Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “W'll, yes,—I've had my eye on him consid'ble o' the time. I haf to + be pooty shy abaout it, or he'll find aout th't I'm on his tracks. I don' + want him to get a spite ag'inst me, 'f I c'n help it; he looks to me like + one o' them kind that kerries what they call slung-shot, 'n' hits ye on + the side o' th' head with 'em so suddin y' never know what hurts ye.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said the Doctor, sharply,—“have you ever seen him with any + such weapon about him?” + </p> + <p> + “W'll, no,—I caan't say that I hev,” Abel answered. “On'y he looks + kin' o' dangerous. Maybe he's all jest 'z he ought to be,—I caan't + say that he a'n't,—but he's aout late nights, 'n' lurkin' raonn' + jest 'z ef he was spyin' somebody, 'n' somehaow I caan't help mistrustin' + them Portagee-lookin' fellahs. I caan't keep the run o' this chap all the + time; but I've a notion that old black woman daown 't the mansion-haouse + knows 'z much abaout him 'z anybody.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor paused a moment, after hearing this report from his private + detective, and then got into his chaise, and turned Caustic's head in the + direction of the Dudley mansion. He had been suspicious of Dick from the + first. He did not like his mixed blood, nor his looks, nor his ways. He + had formed a conjecture about his projects early. He had made a shrewd + guess as to the probable jealousy Dick would feel of the schoolmaster, had + found out something of his movements, and had cautioned Mr. Bernard,—as + we have seen. He felt an interest in the young man,—a student of his + own profession, an intelligent and ingenuously unsuspecting young fellow, + who had been thrown by accident into the companionship or the neighborhood + of two persons, one of whom he knew to be dangerous, and the other he + believed instinctively might be capable of crime. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor rode down to the Dudley mansion solely for the sake of seeing + old Sophy. He was lucky enough to find her alone in her kitchen. He began + taking with her as a physician; he wanted to know how her rheumatism had + been. The shrewd old woman saw through all that with her little beady + black eyes. It was something quite different he had come for, and old + Sophy answered very briefly for her aches and ails. + </p> + <p> + “Old folks' bones a'n't like young folks',” she said. “It's the Lord's + doin's, 'n' 't a'n't much matter. I sha'n' be long roan' this kitchen. + It's the young Missis, Doctor,—it 's our Elsie,—it 's the + baby, as we use' t' call her,—don' you remember, Doctor? Seventeen + year ago, 'n' her poor mother cryin' for her,—'Where is she? where + is she? Let me see her! '—'n' how I run up-stairs,—I could run + then,—'n' got the coral necklace 'n' put it round her little neck, + 'n' then showed her to her mother,—'n' how her mother looked at her, + 'n' looked, 'n' then put out her poor thin fingers 'n' lifted the + necklace,—'n' fell right back on her piller, as white as though she + was laid out to bury?” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor answered her by silence and a look of grave assent. He had + never chosen to let old Sophy dwell upon these matters, for obvious + reasons. The girl must not grow up haunted by perpetual fears and + prophecies, if it were possible to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how has Elsie seemed of late?” he said, after this brief pause. + </p> + <p> + The old woman shook her head. Then she looked up at the Doctor so steadily + and searchingly that the diamond eyes of Elsie herself could hardly have + pierced more deeply. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor raised his head, by his habitual movement, and met the old + woman's look with his own calm and scrutinizing gaze, sharpened by the + glasses through which he now saw her. + </p> + <p> + Sophy spoke presently in an awed tone, as if telling a vision. + </p> + <p> + “We shall be havin' trouble before long. The' 's somethin' comin' from the + Lord. I've had dreams, Doctor. It's many a year I've been a-dreamin', but + now they're comin' over 'n' over the same thing. Three times I've dreamed + one thing, Doctor,—one thing!” + </p> + <p> + “And what was that?” the Doctor said, with that shade of curiosity in his + tone which a metaphysician would probably say is an index of a certain + tendency to belief in the superstition to which the question refers. + </p> + <p> + “I ca'n' jestly tell y' what it was, Doctor,” the old woman answered, as + if bewildered and trying to clear up her recollections; “but it was + somethin' fearful, with a great noise 'n' a great cryin' o' people,—like + the Las' Day, Doctor! The Lord have mercy on my poor chil', 'n' take care + of her, if anything happens! But I's feared she'll never live to see the + Las' Day, 'f 't don' come pooty quick.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Sophy, only the third generation from cannibalism, was, not + unnaturally, somewhat confused in her theological notions. Some of the + Second-Advent preachers had been about, and circulated their predictions + among the kitchen—population of Rockland. This was the way in which + it happened that she mingled her fears in such a strange manner with their + doctrines. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor answered solemnly, that of the day and hour we knew not, but it + became us to be always ready.—“Is there anything going on in the + household different from common?” + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy's wrinkled face looked as full of life and intelligence, when + she turned it full upon the Doctor, as if she had slipped off her + infirmities and years like an outer garment. All those fine instincts of + observation which came straight to her from her savage grandfather looked + out of her little eyes. She had a kind of faith that the Doctor was a + mighty conjurer, who, if he would, could bewitch any of them. She had + relieved her feelings by her long talk with the minister, but the Doctor + was the immediate adviser of the family, and had watched them through all + their troubles. Perhaps he could tell them what to do. She had but one + real object of affection in the world,—this child that she had + tended from infancy to womanhood. Troubles were gathering thick round her; + how soon they would break upon her, and blight or destroy her, no one + could tell; but there was nothing in all the catalogue of terrors which + might not come upon the household at any moment. Her own wits had + sharpened themselves in keeping watch by day and night, and her face had + forgotten its age in the excitement which gave life to its features. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” old Sophy said, “there's strange things goin' on here by night + and by day. I don' like that man,—that Dick,—I never liked + him. He giv' me some o' these things I' got on; I take 'em 'cos I know it + make him mad, if I no take 'em; I wear 'em, so that he need n' feel as if + I did n' like him; but, Doctor, I hate him,—jes' as much as a member + of the church has the Lord's leave to hate anybody.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes sparkled with the old savage light, as if her ill-will to Mr. + Richard Venner might perhaps go a little farther than the Christian limit + she had assigned. But remember that her grandfather was in the habit of + inviting his friends to dine with him upon the last enemy he had bagged, + and that her grandmother's teeth were filed down to points, so that they + were as sharp as a shark's. + </p> + <p> + “What is that you have seen about Mr. Richard Venner that gives you such a + spite against him, Sophy?” asked the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “What I' seen 'bout Dick Venner?” she replied, fiercely. “I'll tell y' + what I' seen. Dick wan's to marry our Elsie,—that 's what he wan's; + 'n' he don' love her, Doctor,—he hates her, Doctor, as bad as I hate + him! He wan's to marry our Elsie, In' live here in the big house, 'n' have + nothin' to do but jes' lay still 'n' watch Massa Venner 'n' see how long + 't Ill take him to die, 'n' 'f he don' die fas' 'puff, help him some way + t' die fasser!—Come close up t' me, Doctor! I wan' t' tell you + somethin' I tol' th' minister t' other day. Th' minister, he come down 'n' + prayed 'n' talked good,—he's a good man, that Doctor Honeywood, 'n' + I tol' him all 'bout our Elsie, but he did n' tell nobody what to do to + stop all what I' been dreamin' about happenin'. Come close up to me, + Doctor!” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor drew his chair close up to that of the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor, nobody mus'n' never marry our Elsie 's longs she lives! Nobody + mus' n' never live with Elsie but ol Sophy; 'n' ol Sophy won't never die + 's long 's Elsie 's alive to be took care of. But I's feared, Doctor, I's + greatly feared Elsie wan' to marry somebody. The' 's a young gen'l'm'n up + at that school where she go,—so some of 'em tells me, 'n' she loves + t' see him 'n' talk wi' him, 'n' she talks about him when she 's asleep + sometimes. She mus 'n' never marry nobody, Doctor! If she do, he die, + certain!” + </p> + <p> + “If she has a fancy for the young man up at the school there,” the Doctor + said, “I shouldn't think there would be much danger from Dick.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor, nobody know nothin' 'bout Elsie but of Sophy. She no like any + other creator' th't ever drawed the bref o' life. If she ca'n' marry one + man 'cos she love him, she marry another man 'cos she hate him.” + </p> + <p> + “Marry a man because she hates him, Sophy? No woman ever did such a thing + as that, or ever will do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who tol' you Elsie was a woman, Doctor?” said old Sophy, with a flash of + strange intelligence in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's face showed that he was startled. The old woman could not + know much about Elsie that he did not know; but what strange superstition + had got into her head, he was puzzled to guess. He had better follow + Sophy's lead and find out what she meant. + </p> + <p> + “I should call Elsie a woman, and a very handsome one,” he said. “You + don't mean that she has any mark about her, except—you know—under + the necklace?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman resented the thought of any deformity about her darling. + </p> + <p> + “I did n' say she had nothin'—but jes' that—you know. My + beauty have anything ugly? She's the beautifullest-shaped lady that ever + had a shinin' silk gown drawed over her shoulders. On'y she a'n't like no + other woman in none of her ways. She don't cry 'n' laugh like other women. + An' she ha'n' got the same kind o' feelin's as other women.—Do you + know that young gen'l'm'n up at the school, Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sophy, I've met him sometimes. He's a very nice sort of young man, + handsome, too, and I don't much wonder Elsie takes to him. Tell me, Sophy, + what do you think would happen, if he should chance to fall in love with + Elsie, and she with him, and he should marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “Put your ear close to my lips, Doctor, dear!” She whispered a little to + the Doctor, then added aloud, “He die,—that's all.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely, Sophy, you a'n't afraid to have Dick marry her, if she would + have him for any reason, are you? He can take care of himself, if anybody + can.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor!” Sophy answered, “nobody can take care of hisself that live wi' + Elsie! Nobody never in all this worl' mus' live wi' Elsie but of Sophy, I + tell you. You don' think I care for Dick? What do I care, if Dick Venner + die? He wan's to marry our Elsie so 's to live in the big house 'n' get + all the money 'n' all the silver things 'n' all the chists full o' linen + 'n' beautiful clothes. That's what Dick wan's. An' he hates Elsie 'cos she + don' like him. But if he marry Elsie, she 'll make him die some wrong way + or other, 'n' they'll take her 'n' hang her, or he'll get mad with her 'n' + choke her.—Oh, I know his chokin' tricks!—he don' leave his + keys roun' for nothin.'” + </p> + <p> + “What's that you say, Sophy? Tell me what you mean by all that.” + </p> + <p> + So poor Sophy had to explain certain facts not in all respects to her + credit. She had taken the opportunity of his absence to look about his + chamber, and, having found a key in one of his drawers, had applied it to + a trunk, and, finding that it opened the trunk, had made a kind of + inspection for contraband articles, and, seeing the end of a leather + thong, had followed it up until she saw that it finished with a noose, + which, from certain appearances, she inferred to have seen service of at + least doubtful nature. An unauthorized search; but old Sophy considered + that a game of life and death was going on in the household, and that she + was bound to look out for her darling. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor paused a moment to think over this odd piece of information. + Without sharing Sophy's belief as to the kind of use this + mischievous-looking piece of property had been put to, it was certainly + very odd that Dick should have such a thing at the bottom of his trunk. + The Doctor remembered reading or hearing something about the lasso and the + lariat and the bolas, and had an indistinct idea that they had been + sometimes used as weapons of warfare or private revenge; but they were + essentially a huntsman's implements, after all, and it was not very + strange that this young man had brought one of them with him. Not strange, + perhaps, but worth noting. + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think Dick means mischief to anybody, that he has such + dangerous-looking things?” the Doctor said, presently. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Doctor. Dick means to have Elsie. If he ca'n' get her, he + never let nobody else have her! Oh, Dick 's a dark man, Doctor! I know + him! I 'member him when he was little boy,—he always cunin'. I think + he mean mischief to somebody. He come home late nights,—come in + softly,—oh, I hear him! I lay awake, 'n' got sharp ears,—I + hear the cats walkin' over the roofs,—'n' I hear Dick Venner, when + he comes up in his stockin'-feet as still as a cat. I think he mean' + mischief to somebody. I no like his looks these las' days.—Is that a + very pooty gen'l'm'n up at the schoolhouse, Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “I told you he was good-looking. What if he is?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see him, Doctor,—I should like to see the pooty + gen'l'm'n that my poor Elsie loves. She mus 'n' never marry nobody, + —but, oh, Doctor, I should like to see him, 'n' jes' think a little + how it would ha' been, if the Lord had n' been so hard on Elsie.” + </p> + <p> + She wept and wrung her hands. The kind Doctor was touched, and left her a + moment to her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “And how does Mr. Dudley Venner take all this?” he said, by way of + changing the subject a little. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Massa Venner, he good man, but he don' know nothin' 'bout Elsie, as + of Sophy do. I keep close by her; I help her when she go to bed, 'n' set + by her sometime when she—'sleep; I come to her in th' mornin' 'n' + help her put on her things.”—Then, in a whisper;—“Doctor, + Elsie lets of Sophy take off that necklace for her. What you think she do, + 'f anybody else tech it?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, I'm sure, Sophy,—strike the person, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, strike 'em! but not with her han's, Doctor!”—The old + woman's significant pantomime must be guessed at. + </p> + <p> + “But you haven't told me, Sophy, what Mr. Dudley Venner thinks of his + nephew, nor whether he has any notion that Dick wants to marry Elsie.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you. Massa Venner, he good man, but he no see nothin' 'bout what + goes on here in the house. He sort o' broken-hearted, you know,—sort + o' giv up,—don' know what to do wi' Elsie, 'xcep' say 'Yes, yes.' + Dick always look smilin' 'n' behave well before him. One time I thought + Massa Venner b'lieve Dick was goin' to take to Elsie; but now he don' seem + to take much notice,—he kin' o' stupid-' like 'bout sech things. + It's trouble, Doctor; 'cos Massa Venner bright man naterally,—'n' + he's got a great heap o' books. I don' think Massa Venner never been jes' + heself sence Elsie 's born. He done all he know how,—but, Doctor, + that wa'n' a great deal. You men-folks don' know nothin' 'bout these young + gals; 'n' 'f you knowed all the young gals that ever lived, y' would n' + know nothin' 'bout our Elsie.” + </p> + <p> + “No,—but, Sophy, what I want to know is, whether you think Mr. + Venner has any kind of suspicion about his nephew,—whether he has + any notion that he's a dangerous sort of fellow,—or whether he feels + safe to have him about, or has even taken a sort of fancy to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Lar' bless you, Doctor, Massa Venner no more idee 'f any mischief 'bout + Dick than he has 'bout you or me. Y' see, he very fond o' the Cap'n,—that + Dick's father,—'n' he live so long alone here, 'long wi' us, that he + kin' o' like to see mos' anybody 't 's got any o' th' of family-blood in + 'em. He ha'n't got no more suspicions 'n a baby,—y' never see sech a + man 'n y'r life. I kin' o' think he don' care for nothin' in this world + 'xcep' jes' t' do what Elsie wan's him to. The fus' year after young Madam + die he do nothin' but jes' set at the window 'n' look out at her grave, + 'n' then come up 'n' look at the baby's neck 'n' say, 'It's fadin', Sophy, + a'n't it? 'n' then go down in the study 'n' walk 'n' walk, 'n' them kneel + down 'n' pray. Doctor, there was two places in the old carpet that was all + threadbare, where his knees had worn 'em. An' sometimes, you remember + 'bout all that,—he'd go off up into The Mountain, 'n' be gone all + day, 'n' kill all the Ugly Things he could find up there.—Oh, + Doctor, I don' like to think o' them days!—An' by 'n' by he grew + kin' o' still, 'n' begun to read a little, 'n' 't las' he got 's quiet's a + lamb, 'n' that's the way he is now. I think he's got religion, Doctor; but + he a'n't so bright about what's goin' on, 'n' I don' believe he never + suspec' nothin' till somethin' happens; for the' 's somethin' goin' to + happen, Doctor, if the Las' Day does n' come to stop it; 'n' you mus' tell + us what to do, 'n' save my poor Elsie, my baby that the Lord has n' took + care of like all his other childer.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor assured the old woman that he was thinking a great deal about + them all, and that there were other eyes on Dick besides her own. Let her + watch him closely about the house, and he would keep a look-out elsewhere. + If there was anything new, she must let him know at once. Send up one of + the menservants, and he would come down at a moment's warning. + </p> + <p> + There was really nothing definite against this young man; but the Doctor + was sure that he was meditating some evil design or other. He rode + straight up to the Institute. There he saw Mr. Bernard, and had a brief + conversation with him, principally on matters relating to his personal + interests. + </p> + <p> + That evening, for some unknown reason, Mr. Bernard changed the place of + his desk and drew down the shades of his windows. Late that night Mr. + Richard Venner drew the charge of a rifle, and put the gun back among the + fowling-pieces, swearing that a leather halter was worth a dozen of it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. THE PERILOUS HOUR. + </h2> + <p> + Up to this time Dick Venner had not decided on the particular mode and the + precise period of relieving himself from the unwarrantable interference + which threatened to defeat his plans. The luxury of feeling that he had + his man in his power was its own reward. One who watches in the dark, + outside, while his enemy, in utter unconsciousness, is illuminating his + apartment and himself so that every movement of his head and every button + on his coat can be seen and counted, experiences a peculiar kind of + pleasure, if he holds a loaded rifle in his hand, which he naturally hates + to bring to its climax by testing his skill as a marksman upon the object + of his attention. + </p> + <p> + Besides, Dick had two sides in his nature, almost as distinct as we + sometimes observe in those persons who are the subjects of the condition + known as double consciousness. On his New England side he was cunning and + calculating, always cautious, measuring his distance before he risked his + stroke, as nicely as if he were throwing his lasso. But he was liable to + intercurrent fits of jealousy and rage, such as the light-hued races are + hardly capable of conceiving, blinding paroxysms of passion, which for the + time overmastered him, and which, if they found no ready outlet, + transformed themselves into the more dangerous forces that worked through + the instrumentality of his cool craftiness. + </p> + <p> + He had failed as yet in getting any positive evidence that there was any + relation between Elsie and the schoolmaster other than such as might exist + unsuspected and unblamed between a teacher and his pupil. A book, or a + note, even, did not prove the existence of any sentiment. At one time he + would be devoured by suspicions, at another he would try to laugh himself + out of them. And in the mean while he followed Elsie's tastes as closely + as he could, determined to make some impression upon her,—to become + a habit, a convenience, a necessity,—whatever might aid him in the + attainment of the one end which was now the aim of his life. + </p> + <p> + It was to humor one of her tastes already known to the reader, that he + said to her one morning,—“Come, Elsie, take your castanets, and let + us have a dance.” + </p> + <p> + He had struck the right vein in the girl's fancy, for she was in the mood + for this exercise, and very willingly led the way into one of the more + empty apartments. What there was in this particular kind of dance which + excited her it might not be easy to guess; but those who looked in with + the old Doctor, on a former occasion, and saw her, will remember that she + was strangely carried away by it, and became almost fearful in the + vehemence of her passion. The sound of the castanets seemed to make her + alive all over. Dick knew well enough what the exhibition would be, and + was almost afraid of her at these moments; for it was like the dancing + mania of Eastern devotees, more than the ordinary light amusement of + joyous youth,—a convulsion of the body and the mind, rather than a + series of voluntary modulated motions. + </p> + <p> + Elsie rattled out the triple measure of a saraband. Her eyes began to + glitter more brilliantly, and her shape to undulate in freer curves. + Presently she noticed that Dick's look was fixed upon her necklace. His + face betrayed his curiosity; he was intent on solving the question, why + she always wore something about her neck. The chain of mosaics she had on + at that moment displaced itself at every step, and he was peering with + malignant, searching eagerness to see if an unsunned ring of fairer hue + than the rest of the surface, or any less easily explained peculiarity, + were hidden by her ornaments. + </p> + <p> + She stopped suddenly, caught the chain of mosaics and settled it hastily + in its place, flung down her castanets, drew herself back, and stood + looking at him, with her head a little on one side, and her eyes narrowing + in the way he had known so long and well. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, Cousin Elsie? What do you stop for?” he said. + </p> + <p> + Elsie did not answer, but kept her eyes on him, full of malicious light. + The jealousy which lay covered up under his surface-thoughts took this + opportunity to break out. + </p> + <p> + “You would n't act so, if you were dancing with Mr. Langdon,—would + you, Elsie?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + It was with some effort that he looked steadily at her to see the effect + of his question. + </p> + <p> + Elsie colored,—not much, but still perceptibly. Dick could not + remember that he had ever seen her show this mark of emotion before, in + all his experience of her fitful changes of mood. It had a singular depth + of significance, therefore, for him; he knew how hardly her color came. + Blushing means nothing, in some persons; in others, it betrays a profound + inward agitation,—a perturbation of the feelings far more trying + than the passions which with many easily moved persons break forth in + tears. All who have observed much are aware that some men, who have seen a + good deal of life in its less chastened aspects and are anything but + modest, will blush often and easily, while there are delicate and + sensitive women who can faint, or go into fits, if necessary, but are very + rarely seen to betray their feelings in their cheeks, even when their + expression shows that their inmost soul is blushing scarlet. Presently she + answered, abruptly and scornfully, “Mr. Langdon is a gentleman, and would + not vex me as you do.” + </p> + <p> + “A gentleman!” Dick answered, with the most insulting accent,—“a + gentleman! Come, Elsie, you 've got the Dudley blood in your veins, and it + does n't do for you to call this poor, sneaking schoolmaster a gentleman!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped short. Elsie's bosom was heaving, the faint flush on her cheek + was becoming a vivid glow. Whether it were shame or wrath, he saw that he + had reached some deep-lying centre of emotion. There was no longer any + doubt in his mind. With another girl these signs of confusion might mean + little or nothing; with her they were decisive and final. Elsie Venner + loved Bernard Langdon. + </p> + <p> + The sudden conviction, absolute, overwhelming, which rushed upon him, had + well-nigh led to an explosion of wrath, and perhaps some terrible scene + which might have fulfilled some of old Sophy's predictions. This, however, + would never do. Dick's face whitened with his thoughts, but he kept still + until he could speak calmly. + </p> + <p> + “I've nothing against the young fellow,” he said; “only I don't think + there's anything quite good enough to keep the company of people that have + the Dudley blood in them. You a'n't as proud as I am. I can't quite make + up my mind to call a schoolmaster a gentleman, though this one may be well + enough. I 've nothing against him, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + Elsie made no answer, but glided out of the room and slid away to her own + apartment. She bolted the door and drew her curtains close. Then she threw + herself on the floor, and fell into a dull, slow ache of passion, without + tears, without words, almost without thoughts. So she remained, perhaps, + for a half-hour, at the end of which time it seemed that her passion had + become a sullen purpose. She arose, and, looking cautiously round, went to + the hearth, which was ornamented with curious old Dutch tiles, with + pictures of Scripture subjects. One of these represented the lifting of + the brazen serpent. She took a hair-pin from one of her braids, and, + insinuating its points under the edge of the tile, raised it from its + place. A small leaden box lay under the tile, which she opened, and, + taking from it a little white powder, which she folded in a scrap of + paper, replaced the box and the tile over it. + </p> + <p> + Whether Dick had by any means got a knowledge of this proceeding, or + whether he only suspected some unmentionable design on her part, there is + no sufficient means of determining. At any rate, when they met, an hour or + two after these occurrences, he could not help noticing how easily she + seemed to have got over her excitement. She was very pleasant with him,—too + pleasant, Dick thought. It was not Elsie's way to come out of a fit of + anger so easily as that. She had contrived some way of letting off her + spite; that was certain. Dick was pretty cunning, as old Sophy had said, + and, whether or not he had any means of knowing Elsie's private + intentions, watched her closely, and was on his guard against accidents. + </p> + <p> + For the first time, he took certain precautions with reference to his + diet, such as were quite alien to his common habits. On coming to the + dinner-table, that day, he complained of headache, took but little food, + and refused the cup of coffee which Elsie offered him, saying that it did + not agree with him when he had these attacks. + </p> + <p> + Here was a new complication. Obviously enough, he could not live in this + way, suspecting everything but plain bread and water, and hardly feeling + safe in meddling with them. Not only had this school-keeping wretch come + between him and the scheme by which he was to secure his future fortune, + but his image had so infected his cousin's mind that she was ready to try + on him some of those tricks which, as he had heard hinted in the village, + she had once before put in practice upon a person who had become odious to + her. + </p> + <p> + Something must be done, and at once, to meet the double necessities of + this case. Every day, while the young girl was in these relations with the + young man, was only making matters worse. They could exchange words and + looks, they could arrange private interviews, they would be stooping + together over the same book, her hair touching his cheek, her breath + mingling with his, all the magnetic attractions drawing them together with + strange, invisible effluences. As her passion for the schoolmaster + increased, her dislike to him, her cousin, would grow with it, and all his + dangers would be multiplied. It was a fearful point he had, reached. He + was tempted at one moment to give up all his plans and to disappear + suddenly from the place, leaving with the schoolmaster, who had come + between him and his object, an anonymous token of his personal sentiments + which would be remembered a good while in the history of the town of + Rockland. This was but a momentary thought; the great Dudley property + could not be given up in that way. + </p> + <p> + Something must happen at once to break up all this order of things. He + could think of but one Providential event adequate to the emergency,—an + event foreshadowed by various recent circumstances, but hitherto floating + in his mind only as a possibility. Its occurrence would at once change the + course of Elsie's feelings, providing her with something to think of + besides mischief, and remove the accursed obstacle which was thwarting all + his own projects. Every possible motive, then,—his interest, his + jealousy, his longing for revenge, and now his fears for his own safety,—urged + him to regard the happening of a certain casualty as a matter of simple + necessity. This was the self-destruction of Mr. Bernard Langdon. + </p> + <p> + Such an event, though it might be surprising to many people, would not be + incredible, nor without many parallel cases. He was poor, a miserable fag, + under the control of that mean wretch up there at the school, who looked + as if he had sour buttermilk in his veins instead of blood. He was in love + with a girl above his station, rich, and of old family, but strange in all + her ways, and it was conceivable that he should become suddenly jealous of + her. Or she might have frightened him with some display of her + peculiarities which had filled him with a sudden repugnance in the place + of love. Any of these things were credible, and would make a probable + story enough,—so thought Dick over to himself with the New-England + half of his mind. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, men will not always take themselves out of the way when, so + far as their neighbors are concerned, it would be altogether the most + appropriate and graceful and acceptable service they could render. There + was at this particular moment no special reason for believing that the + schoolmaster meditated any violence to his own person. On the contrary, + there was good evidence that he was taking some care of himself. He was + looking well and in good spirits, and in the habit of amusing himself and + exercising, as if to keep up his standard of health, especially of taking + certain evening-walks, before referred to, at an hour when most of the + Rockland people had “retired,” or, in vulgar language, “gone to bed.” + </p> + <p> + Dick Venner settled it, however, in his own mind, that Mr. Bernard Langdon + must lay violent hands upon himself. He even went so far as to determine + the precise hour, and the method in which the “rash act,” as it would + undoubtedly be called in the next issue of “The Rockland Weekly Universe,” + should be committed. Time,—this evening. Method, asphyxia, by + suspension. It was, unquestionably, taking a great liberty with a man to + decide that he should become felo de se without his own consent. Such, + however, was the decision of Mr. Richard Venner with regard to Mr. Bernard + Langdon. + </p> + <p> + If everything went right, then, there would be a coroner's inquest + to-morrow upon what remained of that gentleman, found suspended to the + branch of a tree somewhere within a mile of the Apollinean Institute. The + “Weekly Universe” would have a startling paragraph announcing a “SAD + EVENT!!!” which had “thrown the town into an intense state of excitement. + Mr. Barnard Langden, a well-known teacher at the Appolinian Institute, was + found, etc., etc. The vital spark was extinct. The motive to the rash act + can only be conjectured, but is supposed to be disappointed affection. The + name of an accomplished young lady of the highest respectability and great + beauty is mentioned in connection with this melancholy occurrence.” + </p> + <p> + Dick Venner was at the tea-table that evening, as usual.—No, he + would take green tea, if she pleased,—the same that her father + drank. It would suit his headache better.—Nothing,—he was much + obliged to her. He would help himself,—which he did in a little + different way from common, naturally enough, on account of his headache. + He noticed that Elsie seemed a little nervous while she was rinsing some + of the teacups before their removal. + </p> + <p> + “There's something going on in that witch's head,” he said to himself. “I + know her,—she 'd be savage now, if she had n't got some trick in + hand. Let 's see how she looks to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + Dick announced that he should go to bed early that evening, on account of + this confounded headache which had been troubling him so much. In fact, he + went up early, and locked his door after him, with as much noise as he + could make. He then changed some part of his dress, so that it should be + dark throughout, slipped off his boots, drew the lasso out from the bottom + of the contents of his trunk, and, carrying that and his boots in his + hand, opened his door softly, locked it after him, and stole down the + back-stairs, so as to get out of the house unnoticed. He went straight to + the stable and saddled the mustang. He took a rope from the stable with + him, mounted his horse, and set forth in the direction of the Institute. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard, as we have seen, had not been very profoundly impressed by + the old Doctor's cautions,—enough, however, to follow out some of + his hints which were not troublesome to attend to. He laughed at the idea + of carrying a loaded pistol about with him; but still it seemed only fair, + as the old Doctor thought so much of the matter, to humor him about it. As + for not going about when and where he liked, for fear he might have some + lurking enemy, that was a thing not to be listened to nor thought of. + There was nothing to be ashamed of or troubled about in any of his + relations with the school-girls. Elsie, no doubt, showed a kind of + attraction towards him, as did perhaps some others; but he had been + perfectly discreet, and no father or brother or lover had any just cause + of quarrel with him. To be sure, that dark young man at the Dudley + mansion-house looked as if he were his enemy, when he had met him; but + certainly there was nothing in their relations to each other, or in his + own to Elsie, that would be like to stir such malice in his mind as would + lead him to play any of his wild Southern tricks at his, Mr. Bernard's, + expense. Yet he had a vague feeling that this young man was dangerous, and + he had been given to understand that one of the risks he ran was from that + quarter. + </p> + <p> + On this particular evening, he had a strange, unusual sense of some + impending peril. His recent interview with the Doctor, certain remarks + which had been dropped in his hearing, but above all an unaccountable + impression upon his spirits, all combined to fill his mind with a + foreboding conviction that he was very near some overshadowing danger. It + was as the chill of the ice-mountain toward which the ship is steering + under full sail. He felt a strong impulse to see Helen Darley and talk + with her. She was in the common parlor, and, fortunately, alone. + </p> + <p> + “Helen,” he said,—for they were almost like brother and sister now,—“I + have been thinking what you would do, if I should have to leave the school + at short notice, or be taken away suddenly by any accident.” + </p> + <p> + “Do?” she said, her cheek growing paler than its natural delicate hue,—“why, + I do not know how I could possibly consent to live here, if you left us. + Since you came, my life has been almost easy; before, it was getting + intolerable. You must not talk about going, my dear friend; you have + spoiled me for my place. Who is there here that I can have any true + society with, but you? You would not leave us for another school, would + you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my dear Helen,” Mr. Bernard said, “if it depends on myself, I + shall stay out my full time, and enjoy your company and friendship. But + everything is uncertain in this world. I have been thinking that I might + be wanted elsewhere, and called when I did not think of it;—it was a + fancy, perhaps,—but I can't keep it out of my mind this evening. If + any of my fancies should come true, Helen, there are two or three messages + I want to leave with you. I have marked a book or two with a cross in + pencil on the fly-leaf;—these are for you. There is a little + hymn-book I should like to have you give to Elsie from me;—it may be + a kind of comfort to the poor girl.” + </p> + <p> + Helen's eyes glistened as she interrupted him,— + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? You must not talk so, Mr. Langdon. Why, you never + looked better in your life. Tell me now, you are not in earnest, are you, + but only trying a little sentiment on me?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard smiled, but rather sadly. + </p> + <p> + “About half in earnest,” he said. “I have had some fancies in my head,—superstitions, + I suppose,—at any rate, it does no harm to tell you what I should + like to have done, if anything should happen,—very likely nothing + ever will. Send the rest of the books home, if you please, and write a + letter to my mother. And, Helen, you will find one small volume in my desk + enveloped and directed, you will see to whom;—give this with your + own hands; it is a keepsake.” + </p> + <p> + The tears gathered in her eyes; she could not speak at first. Presently, + “Why, Bernard, my dear friend, my brother, it cannot be that you are in + danger? Tell me what it is, and, if I can share it with you, or counsel + you in any way, it will only be paying back the great debt I owe you. No, + no,—it can't be true,—you are tired and worried, and your + spirits have got depressed. I know what that is;—I was sure, one + winter, that I should die before spring; but I lived to see the dandelions + and buttercups go to seed. Come, tell me it was nothing but your + imagination.” + </p> + <p> + She felt a tear upon her cheek, but would not turn her face away from him; + it was the tear of a sister. + </p> + <p> + “I am really in earnest, Helen,” he said. “I don't know that there is the + least reason in the world for these fancies. If they all go off and + nothing comes of them, you may laugh at me, if you like. But if there + should be any occasion, remember my requests. You don't believe in + presentiments, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't ask-me, I beg you,” Helen answered. “I have had a good many + frights for every one real misfortune I have suffered. Sometimes I have + thought I was warned beforehand of coming trouble, just as many people are + of changes in the weather, by some unaccountable feeling,—but not + often, and I don't like to talk about such things. I wouldn't think about + these fancies of yours. I don't believe you have exercised enough;—don't + you think it's confinement in the school has made you nervous?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it has; but it happens that I have thought more of exercise + lately, and have taken regular evening walks, besides playing my old + gymnastic tricks every day.” + </p> + <p> + They talked on many subjects, but through all he said Helen perceived a + pervading tone of sadness, and an expression as of a dreamy foreboding of + unknown evil. They parted at the usual hour, and went to their several + rooms. The sadness of Mr. Bernard had sunk into the heart of Helen, and + she mingled many tears with her prayers that evening, earnestly entreating + that he might be comforted in his days of trial and protected in his hour + of danger. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard stayed in his room a short time before setting out for his + evening walk. His eye fell upon the Bible his mother had given him when he + left home, and he opened it in the New Testament at a venture. It happened + that the first words he read were these,—“Lest, coming suddenly, he + find you sleeping.” In the state of mind in which he was at the moment, + the text startled him. It was like a supernatural warning. He was not + going to expose himself to any particular danger this evening; a walk in a + quiet village was as free from risk as Helen Darley or his own mother + could ask; yet he had an unaccountable feeling of apprehension, without + any definite object. At this moment he remembered the old Doctor's + counsel, which he had sometimes neglected, and, blushing at the feeling + which led him to do it, he took the pistol his suspicious old friend had + forced upon him, which he had put away loaded, and, thrusting it into his + pocket, set out upon his walk. + </p> + <p> + The moon was shining at intervals, for the night was partially clouded. + There seemed to be nobody stirring, though his attention was unusually + awake, and he could hear the whirr of the bats overhead, and the pulsating + croak of the frogs in the distant pools and marshes. Presently he detected + the sound of hoofs at some distance, and, looking forward, saw a horseman + coming in his direction. The moon was under a cloud at the moment, and he + could only observe that the horse and his rider looked like a single dark + object, and that they were moving along at an easy pace. Mr. Bernard was + really ashamed of himself, when he found his hand on the butt of his + pistol. When the horseman was within a hundred and fifty yards of him, the + moon shone out suddenly and revealed each of them to the other. The rider + paused for a moment, as if carefully surveying the pedestrian, then + suddenly put his horse to the full gallop, and dashed towards him, rising + at the same instant in his stirrups and swinging something round his head, + what, Mr. Bernard could not make out. It was a strange manoeuvre,—so + strange and threatening in aspect that the young man forgot his + nervousness in an instant, cocked his pistol, and waited to see what + mischief all this meant. He did not wait long. As the rider came rushing + towards him, he made a rapid motion and something leaped five-and-twenty + feet through the air, in Mr. Bernard's direction. In an instant he felt a + ring, as of a rope or thong, settle upon his shoulders. There was no time + to think, he would be lost in another second. He raised his pistol and + fired,—not at the rider, but at the horse. His aim was true; the + mustang gave one bound and fell lifeless, shot through the head. The lasso + was fastened to his saddle, and his last bound threw Mr. Bernard violently + to the earth, where he lay motionless, as if stunned. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, Dick Venner, who had been dashed down with his horse, + was trying to extricate himself,—one of his legs being held fast + under the animal, the long spur on his boot having caught in the + saddle-cloth. He found, however, that he could do nothing with his right + arm, his shoulder having been in some way injured in his fall. But his + Southern blood was up, and, as he saw Mr. Bernard move as if he were + coming to his senses, he struggled violently to free himself. + </p> + <p> + “I 'll have the dog, yet,” he said,—“only let me get at him with the + knife!” + </p> + <p> + He had just succeeded in extricating his imprisoned leg, and was ready to + spring to his feet, when he was caught firmly by the throat, and looking + up, saw a clumsy barbed weapon, commonly known as a hay fork, within an + inch of his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there! What 'n thunder 'r' y' abaout, y' darned Portagee?” said a + voice, with a decided nasal tone in it, but sharp and resolute. + </p> + <p> + Dick looked from the weapon to the person who held it, and saw a sturdy, + plain man standing over him, with his teeth clinched, and his aspect that + of one all ready for mischief. + </p> + <p> + “Lay still, naow!” said Abel Stebbins, the Doctor's man; “'f y' don't, + I'll stick ye, 'z sure 'z y' 'r' alive! I been arfter ye f'r a week, 'n' I + got y' naow! I knowed I'd ketch ye at some darned trick or 'nother 'fore + I'd done 'ith ye!” + </p> + <p> + Dick lay perfectly still, feeling that he was crippled and helpless, + thinking all the time with the Yankee half of his mind what to do about + it. He saw Mr. Bernard lift his head and look around him. He would get his + senses again in a few minutes, very probably, and then he, Mr. Richard + Venner, would be done for. + </p> + <p> + “Let me up! let me up!” he cried, in a low, hurried voice,—“I 'll + give you a hundred dollars in gold to let me go. The man a'n't hurt,—don't + you see him stirring? He'll come to himself in two minutes. Let me up! + I'll give you a hundred and fifty dollars in gold, now, here on the spot,—and + the watch out of my pocket; take it yourself, with your own hands!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see y' darned fust! Ketch me lett'n' go!” was Abel's emphatic + answer. “Yeou lay still, 'n' wait t'll that man comes tew.” + </p> + <p> + He kept the hay-fork ready for action at the slightest sign of resistance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard, in the mean time, had been getting, first his senses, and + then some few of his scattered wits, a little together. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?”—he said. “Who'shurt? What's happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Come along here 'z quick 'z y' ken,” Abel answered, “'n' haalp me fix + this fellah. Y' been hurt, y'rself, 'n' the' 's murder come pooty nigh + happenin'.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard heard the answer, but presently stared about and asked again, + “Who's hurt? What's happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Y' 'r' hurt, y'rself, I tell ye,” said Abel; “'n' the' 's been a murder, + pooty nigh.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard felt something about his neck, and, putting his hands up, + found the loop of the lasso, which he loosened, but did not think to slip + over his head, in the confusion of his perceptions and thoughts. It was a + wonder that it had not choked him, but he had fallen forward so as to + slacken it. + </p> + <p> + By this time he was getting some notion of what he was about, and + presently began looking round for his pistol, which had fallen. He found + it lying near him, cocked it mechanically, and walked, somewhat + unsteadily, towards the two men, who were keeping their position as still + as if they were performing in a tableau. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, naow!” said Abel, who had heard the click of cocking the pistol, + and saw that he held it in his hand, as he came towards him. “Gi' me that + pistil, and yeou fetch that 'ere rope layin' there. I 'll have this here + fellah fixed 'n less 'n two minutes.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard did as Abel said,—stupidly and mechanically, for he was + but half right as yet. Abel pointed the pistol at Dick's head. + </p> + <p> + “Naow hold up y'r hands, yeou fellah,” he said, “'n' keep 'em up, while + this man puts the rope mound y'r wrists.” + </p> + <p> + Dick felt himself helpless, and, rather than have his disabled arm roughly + dealt with, held up his hands. Mr. Bernard did as Abel said; he was in a + purely passive state, and obeyed orders like a child. Abel then secured + the rope in a most thorough and satisfactory complication of twists and + knots. + </p> + <p> + “Naow get up, will ye?” he said; and the unfortunate Dick rose to his + feet. + </p> + <p> + “Who's hurt? What's happened?” asked poor Mr. Bernard again, his memory + having been completely jarred out of him for the time. + </p> + <p> + “Come, look here naow, yeou, don' Stan' askin' questions over 'n' over;—'t + beats all! ha'n't I tol' y' a dozen times?” + </p> + <p> + As Abel spoke, he turned and looked at Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! What 'n thunder's that 'ere raoun' y'r neck? Ketched ye 'ith a + slippernoose, hey? Wal, if that a'n't the craowner! Hol' on a minute, + Cap'n, 'n' I'll show ye what that 'ere halter's good for.” + </p> + <p> + Abel slipped the noose over Mr. Bernard's head, and put it round the neck + of the miserable Dick Venner, who made no sign of resistance,—whether + on account of the pain he was in, or from mere helplessness, or because he + was waiting for some unguarded moment to escape,—since resistance + seemed of no use. + </p> + <p> + “I 'm go'n' to kerry y' home,” said Abel; “'T' th' ol Doctor, he's got a + gre't cur'osity t' see ye. Jes' step along naow,—off that way, will + ye?—'n' I Ill hol' on t' th' bridle, f' fear y' sh'd run away.” + </p> + <p> + He took hold of the leather thong, but found that it was fastened at the + other end to the saddle. This was too much for Abel. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, naow, yeou be a pooty chap to hev raound! A fellah's neck in a + slippernoose at one eend of a halter, 'n' a hors on th' full spring at t' + other eend!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at him from' head to foot as a naturalist inspects a new + specimen. His clothes had suffered in his fall, especially on the leg + which had been caught under the horse. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! look o' there, naow! What's that 'ere stickin' aout o' y'r boot?” + </p> + <p> + It was nothing but the handle of an ugly knife, which Abel instantly + relieved him of. + </p> + <p> + The party now took up the line of march for old Doctor Kittredge's house, + Abel carrying the pistol and knife, and Mr. Bernard walking in silence, + still half-stunned, holding the hay-fork, which Abel had thrust into his + hand. It was all a dream to him as yet. He remembered the horseman riding + at him, and his firing the pistol; but whether he was alive, and these + walls around him belonged to the village of Rockland, or whether he had + passed the dark river, and was in a suburb of the New Jerusalem, he could + not as yet have told. + </p> + <p> + They were in the street where the Doctor's house was situated. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I'll fire off one o' these here berrils,” said Abel. + </p> + <p> + He fired. + </p> + <p> + Presently there was a noise of opening windows, and the nocturnal + head-dresses of Rockland flowered out of them like so many developments of + the Nightblooming Cereus. White cotton caps and red bandanna handkerchiefs + were the prevailing forms of efflorescence. The main point was that the + village was waked up. The old Doctor always waked easily, from long habit, + and was the first among those who looked out to see what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Abel!” he called out, “what have you got there? and what 's all this + noise about?” + </p> + <p> + “We've ketched the Portagee!” Abel answered, as laconically as the hero of + Lake Erie, in his famous dispatch. “Go in there, you fellah!” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner was marched into the house, and the Doctor, who had bewitched + his clothes upon him in a way that would have been miraculous in anybody + but a physician, was down in presentable form as soon as if it had been a + child in a fit that he was sent for. + </p> + <p> + “Richard Venner!” the Doctor exclaimed. “What is the meaning of all this? + Mr. Langdon, has anything happened to you?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard put his hand to his head. + </p> + <p> + “My mind is confused,” he said. “I've had a fall.—Oh, yes!—wait + a minute and it will all come back to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, sit down,” the Doctor said. “Abel will tell me about it. Slight + concussion of the brain. Can't remember very well for an hour or two,—will + come right by to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Been stunded,” Abel said. “He can't tell nothin'.” + </p> + <p> + Abel then proceeded to give a Napoleonic bulletin of the recent combat of + cavalry and infantry and its results,—none slain, one captured. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor looked at the prisoner through his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “What 's the matter with your shoulder, Venner?” + </p> + <p> + Dick answered sullenly, that he didn't know, fell on it when his horse + came down. The Doctor examined it as carefully as he could through his + clothes. + </p> + <p> + “Out of joint. Untie his hands, Abel” + </p> + <p> + By this time a small alarm had spread among the neighbors, and there was a + circle around Dick, who glared about on the assembled honest people like a + hawk with a broken wing. + </p> + <p> + When the Doctor said, “Untie his hands,” the circle widened perceptibly. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it a leetle rash to give him the use of his hands? I see there's + females and children standin' near.” + </p> + <p> + This was the remark of our old friend, Deacon Soper, who retired from the + front row, as he spoke, behind a respectable-looking, but somewhat hastily + dressed person of the defenceless sex, the female help of a neighboring + household, accompanied by a boy, whose unsmoothed shock of hair looked + like a last year's crow's-nest. + </p> + <p> + But Abel untied his hands, in spite of the Deacon's considerate + remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the Doctor, “the first thing is to put the joint back.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” said Deacon Soper,—“stop a minute. Don't you think it will + be safer—for the women-folks—jest to wait till mornin', afore + you put that j'int into the socket?” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Sprowle, who had been called by a special messenger, spoke up at + this moment. + </p> + <p> + “Let the women-folks and the deacons go home, if they're scared, and put + the fellah's j'int in as quick as you like. I 'll resk him, j'int in or + out.” + </p> + <p> + “I want one of you to go straight down to Dudley Venner's with a message,” + the Doctor said. “I will have the young man's shoulder in quick enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't send that message!” said Dick, in a hoarse voice;—“do what + you like with my arm, but don't send that message! Let me go,—I can + walk, and I'll be off from this place. There's nobody hurt but myself. + Damn the shoulder!—let me go! You shall never hear of me again!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard came forward. + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” he said, “I am not injured,—seriously, at least. + Nobody need complain against this man, if I don't. The Doctor will treat + him like a human being, at any rate; and then, if he will go, let him. + There are too many witnesses against him here for him to want to stay.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, in the mean time, without saying a word to all this, had got a + towel round the shoulder and chest and another round the arm, and had the + bone replaced in a very few minutes. + </p> + <p> + “Abel, put Cassia into the new chaise,” he said, quietly. “My friends and + neighbors, leave this young man to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Sprowle, you're a justice of the peace,” said Deacon Soper, “and + you know what the law says in cases like this. It a'n't so clear that it + won't have to come afore the Grand Jury, whether we will or no.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess we'll set that j'int to-morrow mornin',” said Colonel Sprowle,—which + made a laugh at the Deacon's expense, and virtually settled the question. + </p> + <p> + “Now trust this young man in my care,” said the old Doctor, “and go home + and finish your naps. I knew him when he was a boy and I'll answer for it, + he won't trouble you any more. The Dudley blood makes folks proud, I can + tell you, whatever else they are.” + </p> + <p> + The good people so respected and believed in the Doctor that they left the + prisoner with him. + </p> + <p> + Presently, Cassia, the fast Morgan mare, came up to the front-door, with + the wheels of the new, light chaise flashing behind her in the moonlight. + The Doctor drove Dick forty miles at a stretch that night, out of the + limits of the State. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want money?” he said, before he left him. + </p> + <p> + Dick told him the secret of his golden belt. + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I send your trunk after you from your uncle's?” + </p> + <p> + Dick gave him a direction to a seaport town to which he himself was going, + to take passage for a port in South America. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Richard,” said the Doctor. “Try to learn something from + to-night's lesson.” + </p> + <p> + The Southern impulses in Dick's wild blood overcame him, and he kissed the + old Doctor on both cheeks, crying as only the children of the sun can cry, + after the first hours in the dewy morning of life. So Dick Venner + disappears from this story. An hour after dawn, Cassia pointed her fine + ears homeward, and struck into her square, honest trot, as if she had not + been doing anything more than her duty during her four hours' stretch of + the last night. + </p> + <p> + Abel was not in the habit of questioning the Doctor's decisions. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” he said to Mr. Bernard. “The fellah 's Squire Venner's + relation, anyhaow. Don't you want to wait here, jest a little while, till + I come back? The's a consid'able nice saddle 'n' bridle on a dead boss + that's layin' daown there in the road 'n' I guess the' a'n't no use in + lettin' on 'em spite,—so I'll jest step aout 'n' fetch 'em along. I + kind o' calc'late 't won't pay to take the cretur's shoes 'n' hide off + to-night,—'n' the' won't be much iron on that hose's huffs an haour + after daylight, I'll bate ye a quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll walk along with you,” said Mr. Bernard; “I feel as if I could get + along well enough now.” + </p> + <p> + So they set off together. There was a little crowd round the dead mustang + already, principally consisting of neighbors who had adjourned from the + Doctor's house to see the scene of the late adventure. In addition to + these, however, the assembly was honored by the presence of Mr. Principal + Silas Peckham, who had been called from his slumbers by a message that + Master Langdon was shot through the head by a highway-robber, but had + learned a true version of the story by this time. His voice was at that + moment heard above the rest,—sharp, but thin, like bad + cider-vinegar. + </p> + <p> + “I take charge of that property, I say. Master Langdon 's actin' under my + orders, and I claim that hoss and all that's on him. Hiram! jest slip off + that saddle and bridle, and carry 'em up to the Institoot, and bring down + a pair of pinchers and a file,—and—stop—fetch a pair of + shears, too; there's hosshair enough in that mane and tail to stuff a + bolster with.” + </p> + <p> + “You let that hoss alone!” spoke up Colonel Sprowle. “When a fellah goes + out huntin' and shoots a squirrel, do you think he's go'n' to let another + fellah pick him up and kerry him off? Not if he's got a double-berril gun, + and t'other berril ha'n't been fired off yet! I should like to see the + mahn that'll take off that seddle 'n' bridle, excep' the one th't hez a + fair right to the whole concern!” + </p> + <p> + Hiram was from one of the lean streaks in New Hampshire, and, not being + overfed in Mr. Silas Peckham's kitchen, was somewhat wanting in stamina, + as well as in stomach, for so doubtful an enterprise, as undertaking to + carry out his employer's orders in the face of the Colonel's defiance. + </p> + <p> + Just then Mr. Bernard and Abel came up together. “Here they be,” said the + Colonel. “Stan' beck, gentlemen!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard, who was pale and still a little confused, but gradually + becoming more like himself, stood and looked in silence for a moment. + </p> + <p> + All his thoughts seemed to be clearing themselves in this interval. He + took in the whole series of incidents: his own frightful risk; the + strange, instinctive, nay, Providential impulse, which had led him so + suddenly to do the one only thing which could possibly have saved him; the + sudden appearance of the Doctor's man, but for which he might yet have + been lost; and the discomfiture and capture of his dangerous enemy. + </p> + <p> + It was all past now, and a feeling of pity rose in Mr. Bernard's heart. + </p> + <p> + “He loved that horse, no doubt,” he said,—“and no wonder. A + beautiful, wild—looking creature! Take off those things that are on + him, Abel, and have them carried to Mr. Dudley Venner's. If he does not + want them, you may keep them yourself, for all that I have to say. One + thing more. I hope nobody will lift his hand against this noble creature + to mutilate him in any way. After you have taken off the saddle and + bridle, Abel, bury him just as he is. Under that old beech-tree will be a + good place. You'll see to it,—won't you, Abel?” + </p> + <p> + Abel nodded assent, and Mr. Bernard returned to the Institute, threw + himself in his clothes on the bed, and slept like one who is heavy with + wine. + </p> + <p> + Following Mr. Bernard's wishes, Abel at once took off the high-peaked + saddle and the richly ornamented bridle from the mustang. Then, with the + aid of two or three others, he removed him to the place indicated. Spades + and shovels were soon procured, and before the moon had set, the wild + horse of the Pampas was at rest under the turf at the wayside, in the far + village among the hills of New England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. THE NEWS REACHES THE DUDLEY MANSION. + </h2> + <p> + Early the next morning Abel Stebbins made his appearance at Dudley + Venner's, and requested to see the maan o' the haouse abaout somethin' o' + consequence. Mr. Venner sent word that the messenger should wait below, + and presently appeared in the study, where Abel was making himself at + home, as is the wont of the republican citizen, when he hides the purple + of empire beneath the apron of domestic service. + </p> + <p> + “Good mornin', Squire!” said Abel, as Mr. Venner entered. “My name's + Stebbins, 'n' I'm stoppin' f'r a spell 'ith of Doctor Kittredge.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Stebbins,” said Mr. Dudley Venner, “have you brought any special + message from the Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Y' ha'n't heerd nothin' abaout it, Squire, d' ye mean t' say?” said Abel,—beginning + to suspect that he was the first to bring the news of last evening's + events. + </p> + <p> + “About what?” asked Mr. Venner, with some interest. + </p> + <p> + “Dew tell, naow! Waal, that beats all! Why, that 'ere Portagee relation o' + yourn 'z been tryin' t' ketch a fellah 'n a slippernoose, 'n' got ketched + himself,—that's all. Y' ha'n't heerd noth'n' abaout it?” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down,” said Mr. Dudley Venner, calmly, “and tell me all you have to + say.” + </p> + <p> + So Abel sat down and gave him an account of the events of the last + evening. It was a strange and terrible surprise to Dudley Venner to find + that his nephew, who had been an inmate of his house and the companion of + his daughter, was to all intents and purposes guilty of the gravest of + crimes. But the first shock was no sooner over than he began to think what + effect the news would have on Elsie. He imagined that there was a kind of + friendly feeling between them, and he feared some crisis would be provoked + in his daughter's mental condition by the discovery. He would wait, + however, until she came from her chamber, before disturbing her with the + evil tidings. + </p> + <p> + Abel did not forget his message with reference to the equipments of the + dead mustang. + </p> + <p> + “The' was some things on the hoss, Squire, that the man he ketched said he + did n' care no gre't abaout; but perhaps you'd like to have 'em fetched to + the mansion-haouse. Ef y' did n' care abaout 'em, though, I should n' min' + keepin' on 'em; they might come handy some time or 'nother; they say, holt + on t' anything for ten year 'n' there 'll be some kin' o' use for 't.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep everything,” said Dudley Venner. “I don't want to see anything + belonging to that young man.” + </p> + <p> + So Abel nodded to Mr. Venner, and left the study to find some of the men + about the stable to tell and talk over with them the events of the last + evening. He presently came upon Elbridge, chief of the equine department, + and driver of the family-coach. + </p> + <p> + “Good mornin', Abe,” said Elbridge. “What's fetched y' daown here so + all-fired airly?” + </p> + <p> + “You're a darned pooty lot daown here, you be!” + </p> + <p> + Abel answered. “Better keep your Portagees t' home nex' time, ketchin' + folks 'ith slippernooses raoun' their necks, 'n' kerryin' knives 'n their + boots!” + </p> + <p> + “What 'r' you jawin' abaout?” Elbridge said, looking up to see if he was + in earnest, and what he meant. + </p> + <p> + “Jawin' abaout? You'll find aout'z soon 'z y' go into that 'ere stable o' + yourn! Y' won't curry that 'ere long-tailed black hoss no more; 'n' y' + won't set y'r eyes on the fellah that rid him, ag'in, in a hurry!” + </p> + <p> + Elbridge walked straight to the stable, without saying a word, found the + door unlocked, and went in. + </p> + <p> + “Th' critter's gone, sure enough!” he said. “Glad on 't! The darndest, + kickin'est, bitin'est beast th't ever I see, 'r ever wan' t' see ag'in! + Good reddance! Don' wan' no snappin'-turkles in my stable! Whar's the man + gone th't brought the critter?” + </p> + <p> + “Whar he's gone? Guess y' better go 'n ask my ol man; he kerried him off + lass' night; 'n' when he comes back, mebbe he 'll tell ye whar he's gone + tew!” + </p> + <p> + By this time Elbridge had found out that Abel was in earnest, and had + something to tell. He looked at the litter in the mustang's stall, then at + the crib. + </p> + <p> + “Ha'n't eat b't haalf his feed. Ha'n't been daown on his straw. Must ha' + been took aout somewhere abaout ten 'r 'levee o'clock. I know that 'ere + critter's ways. The fellah's had him aout nights afore; b't I never + thought nothin' o' no mischief. He 's a kin' o' haalf Injin. What is 't + the chap's been a-doin' on? Tell 's all abaout it.” + </p> + <p> + Abel sat down on a meal-chest, picked up a straw and put it into his + mouth. Elbridge sat down at the other end, pulled out his jack-knife, + opened the penknife-blade, and began sticking it into the lid of the + meal-chest. The Doctor's man had a story to tell, and he meant to get all + the enjoyment out of it. So he told it with every luxury of circumstance. + Mr. Venner's man heard it all with open mouth. No listener in the gardens + of Stamboul could have found more rapture in a tale heard amidst the + perfume of roses and the voices of birds and tinkling of fountains than + Elbridge in following Abel's narrative, as they sat there in the aromatic + ammoniacal atmosphere of the stable, the grinding of the horses' jaws + keeping evenly on through it all, with now and then the interruption of a + stamping hoof, and at intervals a ringing crow from the barn-yard. + </p> + <p> + Elbridge stopped a minute to think, after Abel had finished. + </p> + <p> + “Who's took care o' them things that was on the hoss?” he said, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Waal, Langden, he seemed to kin 'o' think I'd ought to have 'em,—'n' + the Squire; he did n' seem to have no 'bjection; 'n' so,—waal, I + calc'late I sh'll jes' holt on to 'em myself; they a'n't good f 'r much, + but they're cur'ous t' keep t' look at.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Venner's man did not appear much gratified by this arrangement, + especially as he had a shrewd suspicion that some of the ornaments of the + bridle were of precious metal, having made occasional examinations of them + with the edge of a file. But he did not see exactly what to do about it, + except to get them from Abel in the way of bargain. + </p> + <p> + “Waal, no,—they a'n't good for much 'xcep' to look at. 'F y' ever + rid on that seddle once, y' would n' try it ag'in, very spry,—not 'f + y' c'd haalp y'rsaalf. + </p> + <p> + “I tried it,—darned 'f I sot daown f'r th' nex' week,—eat all + my victuals stan'in'. I sh'd like t' hev them things wal enough to heng up + 'n the stable; 'f y' want t' trade some day, fetch 'em along daown.” + </p> + <p> + Abel rather expected that Elbridge would have laid claim to the saddle and + bridle on the strength of some promise or other presumptive title, and + thought himself lucky to get off with only offering to think abaout + tradin'. + </p> + <p> + When Elbridge returned to the house, he found the family in a state of + great excitement. Mr. Venner had told Old Sophy, and she had informed the + other servants. Everybody knew what had happened, excepting Elsie. Her + father had charged them all to say nothing about it to her; he would tell + her, when she came down. + </p> + <p> + He heard her step at last,—alight, gliding step,—so light that + her coming was often unheard, except by those who perceived the faint + rustle that went with it. She was paler than common this morning, as she + came into her father's study. + </p> + <p> + After a few words of salutation, he said quietly, “Elsie, my dear, your + cousin Richard has left us.” + </p> + <p> + She grew still paler, as she asked, + </p> + <p> + “Is he dead?” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner started to see the expression with which Elsie put this + question. + </p> + <p> + “He is living,—but dead to us from this day forward,” said her + father. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to tell her, in a general way, the story he had just heard + from Abel. There could be no doubting it;—he remembered him as the + Doctor's man; and as Abel had seen all with his own eyes, as Dick's + chamber, when unlocked with a spare key, was found empty, and his bed had + not been slept in, he accepted the whole account as true. + </p> + <p> + When he told of Dick's attempt on the young schoolmaster, (“You know Mr. + Langdon very well, Elsie,—a perfectly inoffensive young man, as I + understand,”) Elsie turned her face away and slid along by the wall to the + window which looked out oh the little grass-plot with the white stone + standing in it. Her father could not see her face, but he knew by her + movements that her dangerous mood was on her. When she heard the sequel of + the story, the discomfiture and capture of Dick, she turned round for an + instant, with a look of contempt and of something like triumph upon her + face. Her father saw that her cousin had become odious to her: He knew + well, by every change of her countenance, by her movements, by every + varying curve of her graceful figure, the transitions front passion to + repose, from fierce excitement to the dull languor which often succeeded + her threatening paroxysms. + </p> + <p> + She remained looking out at the window. A group of white fan-tailed + pigeons had lighted on the green plot before it and clustered about one of + their companions who lay on his back, fluttering in a strange way, with + outspread wings and twitching feet. Elsie uttered a faint cry; these were + her special favorites and often fed from her hand. She threw open the long + window, sprang out, caught up the white fantail, and held it to her bosom. + The bird stretched himself out, and then lay still, with open eyes, + lifeless. She looked at him a moment, and, sliding in through the open + window and through the study, sought her own apartment, where she locked + herself in, and began to sob and moan like those that weep. But the + gracious solace of tears seemed to be denied her, and her grief, like her + anger, was a dull ache, longing, like that, to finish itself with a fierce + paroxysm, but wanting its natural outlet. + </p> + <p> + This seemingly trifling incident of the death of her favorite appeared to + change all the current of her thought. Whether it were the sight of the + dying bird, or the thought that her own agency might have beep concerned + in it, or some deeper grief, which took this occasion to declare itself,—some + dark remorse or hopeless longing,—whatever it might be, there was an + unwonted tumult in her soul. To whom should she go in her vague misery? + Only to Him who knows all His creatures' sorrows, and listens to the + faintest human cry. She knelt, as she had been taught to kneel from her + childhood, and tried to pray. But her thoughts refused to flow in the + language of supplication. She could not plead for herself as other women + plead in their hours of anguish. She rose like one who should stoop to + drink, and find dust in the place of water. Partly from restlessness, + partly from an attraction she hardly avowed to herself, she followed her + usual habit and strolled listlessly along to the school. + </p> + <p> + Of course everybody at the Institute was full of the terrible adventure of + the preceding evening. Mr. Bernard felt poorly enough; but he had made it + a point to show himself the next morning, as if nothing had happened. + Helen Darley knew nothing of it all until she hard risen, when the gossipy + matron of the establishment made her acquainted with all its details, + embellished with such additional ornamental appendages as it had caught up + in transmission from lip to lip. She did not love to betray her + sensibilities, but she was pale and tremulous and very nearly tearful when + Mr. Bernard entered the sitting-room, showing on his features traces of + the violent shock he had received and the heavy slumber from which he had + risen with throbbing brows. What the poor girl's impulse was, on seeing + him, we need not inquire too curiously. If he had been her own brother, + she would have kissed him and cried on his neck; but something held her + back. There is no galvanism in kiss-your-brother; it is copper against + copper: but alien bloods develop strange currents, when they flow close to + each other, with only the films that cover lip and cheek between them. Mr. + Bernard, as some of us may remember, violated the proprieties and laid + himself open to reproach by his enterprise with a bouncing village-girl, + to whose rosy cheek an honest smack was not probably an absolute novelty. + He made it all up by his discretion and good behavior now. He saw by + Helen's moist eye and trembling lip that her woman's heart was off its + guard, and he knew, by the infallible instinct of sex, that he should be + forgiven, if he thanked her for her sisterly sympathies in the most + natural way,—expressive, and at the same time economical of breath + and utterance. He would not give a false look to their friendship by any + such demonstration. Helen was a little older than himself, but the aureole + of young womanhood had not yet begun to fade from around her. She was + surrounded by that enchanted atmosphere into which the girl walks with + dreamy eyes, and out of which the woman passes with a story written on her + forehead. Some people think very little of these refinements; they have + not studied magnetism and the law of the square of the distance. + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Bernard thanked Helen for her interest without the aid of the + twenty-seventh letter of the alphabet,—the love labial,—the + limping consonant which it takes two to speak plain. Indeed, he scarcely + let her say a word, at first; for he saw that it was hard for her to + conceal her emotion. No wonder; he had come within a hair's-breadth of + losing his life, and he had been a very kind friend and a very dear + companion to her. + </p> + <p> + There were some curious spiritual experiences connected with his last + evening's adventure which were working very strongly in his mind. It was + borne in upon him irresistibly that he had been dead since he had seen + Helen,—as dead as the son of the Widow of Nain before the bier was + touched and he sat up and began to speak. There was an interval between + two conscious moments which appeared to him like a temporary annihilation, + and the thoughts it suggested were worrying him with strange perplexities. + </p> + <p> + He remembered seeing the dark figure on horseback rise in the saddle and + something leap from its hand. He remembered the thrill he felt as the coil + settled on his shoulders, and the sudden impulse which led him to fire as + he did. With the report of the pistol all became blank, until he found + himself in a strange, bewildered state, groping about for the weapon, + which he had a vague consciousness of having dropped. But, according to + Abel's account, there must have been an interval of some minutes between + these recollections, and he could not help asking, Where was the mind, the + soul, the thinking principle, all this time? + </p> + <p> + A man is stunned by a blow with a stick on the head. He becomes + unconscious. Another man gets a harder blow on the head from a bigger + stick, and it kills him. Does he become unconscious, too? If so, when does + he come to his consciousness? The man who has had a slight or moderate + blow comes to himself when the immediate shock passes off and the organs + begin to work again, or when a bit of the skull is pried up, if that + happens to be broken. Suppose the blow is hard enough to spoil the brain + and stop the play of the organs, what happens them? + </p> + <p> + A British captain was struck by a cannon-ball on the head, just as he was + giving an order, at the Battle of the Nile. Fifteen months afterwards he + was trephined at Greenwich Hospital, having been insensible all that time. + Immediately after the operation his consciousness returned, and he at once + began carrying out the order he was giving when the shot struck him. + Suppose he had never been trephined, when would his consciousness have + returned? When his breath ceased and his heart stopped beating? + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Bernard said to Helen, “I have been dead since I saw you,” it + startled her not a little; for his expression was that of perfect good + faith, and she feared that his mind was disordered. When he explained, not + as has been done just now, at length, but in a hurried, imperfect way, the + meaning of his strange assertion, and the fearful Sadduceeisms which it + had suggested to his mind, she looked troubled at first, and then + thoughtful. She did not feel able to answer all the difficulties he + raised, but she met them with that faith which is the strength as well as + the weakness of women,—which makes them weak in the hands of man, + but strong in the presence of the Unseen. + </p> + <p> + “It is a strange experience,” she said; “but I once had something like it. + I fainted, and lost some five or ten minutes out of my life, as much as if + I had been dead. But when I came to myself, I was the same person every + way, in my recollections and character. So I suppose that loss of + consciousness is not death. And if I was born out of unconsciousness into + infancy with many family-traits of mind and body, I can believe, from my + own reason, even without help from Revelation, that I shall be born again + out of the unconsciousness of death with my individual traits of mind and + body. If death is, as it should seem to be, a loss of consciousness, that + does not shake my faith; for I have been put into a body once already to + fit me for living here, and I hope to be in some way fitted after this + life to enjoy a better one. But it is all trust in God and in his Word. + These are enough for me; I hope they are for you.” + </p> + <p> + Helen was a minister's daughter, and familiar from her childhood with this + class of questions, especially with all the doubts and perplexities which + are sure to assail every thinking child bred in any inorganic or not + thoroughly vitalized faith,—as is too often the case with the + children of professional theologians. The kind of discipline they are + subjected to is like that of the Flat-Head Indian pappooses. At five or + ten or fifteen years old they put their hands up to their foreheads and + ask, What are they strapping down my brains in this way for? So they tear + off the sacred bandages of the great Flat-Head tribe, and there follows a + mighty rush of blood to the long-compressed region. This accounts, in the + most lucid manner, for those sudden freaks with which certain children of + this class astonish their worthy parents at the period of life when they + are growing fast, and, the frontal pressure beginning to be felt as + something intolerable, they tear off the holy compresses. + </p> + <p> + The hour for school came, and they went to the great hall for study. It + would not have occurred to Mr. Silas Peckham to ask his assistant whether + he felt well enough to attend to his duties; and Mr. Bernard chose to be + at his post. A little headache and confusion were all that remained of his + symptoms. + </p> + <p> + Later, in the course of the forenoon, Elsie Venner came and took her + place. The girls all stared at her—naturally enough; for it was + hardly to have been expected that she would show herself, after such an + event in the household to which she belonged. Her expression was somewhat + peculiar, and, of course, was attributed to the shock her feelings had + undergone on hearing of the crime attempted by her cousin and daily + companion. When she was looking on her book, or on any indifferent object, + her countenance betrayed some inward disturbance, which knitted her dark + brows, and seemed to throw a deeper shadow over her features. But, from + time to time, she would lift her eyes toward Mr. Bernard, and let them + rest upon him, without a thought, seemingly, that she herself was the + subject of observation or remark. Then they seemed to lose their cold + glitter, and soften into a strange, dreamy tenderness. The deep instincts + of womanhood were striving to grope their way to the surface of her being + through all the alien influences which overlaid them. She could be secret + and cunning in working out any of her dangerous impulses, but she did not + know how to mask the unwonted feeling which fixed her eyes and her + thoughts upon the only person who had ever reached the spring of her + hidden sympathies. + </p> + <p> + The girls all looked at Elsie, whenever they could steal a glance + unperceived, and many of them were struck with this singular expression + her features wore. They had long whispered it around among each other that + she had a liking for the master; but there were too many of them of whom + something like this could be said, to make it very remarkable. Now, + however, when so many little hearts were fluttering at the thought of the + peril through which the handsome young master had so recently passed, they + were more alive than ever to the supposed relation between him and the + dark school-girl. Some had supposed there was a mutual attachment between + them; there was a story that they were secretly betrothed, in accordance + with the rumor which had been current in the village. At any rate, some + conflict was going on in that still, remote, clouded soul, and all the + girls who looked upon her face were impressed and awed as they had never + been before by the shadows that passed over it. + </p> + <p> + One of these girls was more strongly arrested by Elsie's look than the + others. This was a delicate, pallid creature, with a high forehead, and + wide-open pupils, which looked as if they could take in all the shapes + that flit in what, to common eyes, is darkness,—a girl said to be + clairvoyant under certain influences. In the recess, as it was called, or + interval of suspended studies in the middle of the forenoon, this girl + carried her autograph-book,—for she had one of those indispensable + appendages of the boarding-school miss of every degree,—and asked + Elsie to write her name in it. She had an irresistible feeling, that, + sooner or later, and perhaps very soon, there would attach an unusual + interest to this autograph. Elsie took the pen and wrote, in her sharp + Italian hand, + </p> + <p> + Elsie Venner, Infelix. + </p> + <p> + It was a remembrance, doubtless, of the forlorn queen of the “AEneid”; but + its coming to her thought in this way confirmed the sensitive school-girl + in her fears for Elsie, and she let fall a tear upon the page before she + closed it. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the keen and practised observation of Helen Darley could not + fail to notice the change of Elsie's manner and expression. She had long + seen that she was attracted to the young master, and had thought, as the + old Doctor did, that any impression which acted upon her affections might + be the means of awakening a new life in her singularly isolated nature. + Now, however, the concentration of the poor girl's thoughts upon the one + object which had had power to reach her deeper sensibilities was so + painfully revealed in her features, that Helen began to fear once more, + lest Mr. Bernard, in escaping the treacherous violence of an assassin, had + been left to the equally dangerous consequences of a violent, engrossing + passion in the breast of a young creature whose love it would be ruin to + admit and might be deadly to reject. She knew her own heart too well to + fear that any jealousy might mingle with her new apprehensions. It was + understood between Bernard and Helen that they were too good friends to + tamper with the silences and edging proximities of lovemaking. She knew, + too, the simply human, not masculine, interest which Mr. Bernard took in + Elsie; he had been frank with Helen, and more than satisfied her that with + all the pity and sympathy which overflowed his soul, when he thought of + the stricken girl, there mingled not one drop of such love as a youth may + feel for a maiden. + </p> + <p> + It may help the reader to gain some understanding of the anomalous nature + of Elsie Venner, if we look with Helen into Mr. Bernard's opinions and + feelings with reference to her, as they had shaped themselves in his + consciousness at the period of which we are speaking. + </p> + <p> + At first he had been impressed by her wild beauty, and the contrast of all + her looks and ways with those of the girls around her. Presently a sense + of some ill-defined personal element, which half-attracted and + half-repelled those who looked upon her, and especially those on whom she + looked, began to make itself obvious to him, as he soon found it was + painfully sensible to his more susceptible companion, the lady-teacher. It + was not merely in the cold light of her diamond eyes, but in all her + movements, in her graceful postures as she sat, in her costume, and, he + sometimes thought, even in her speech, that this obscure and exceptional + character betrayed itself. When Helen had said, that, if they were living + in times when human beings were subject to possession, she should have + thought there was something not human about Elsie, it struck an + unsuspected vein of thought in his own mind, which he hated to put in + words, but which was continually trying to articulate itself among the + dumb thoughts which lie under the perpetual stream of mental whispers. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard's professional training had made him slow to accept marvellous + stories and many forms of superstition. Yet, as a man of science, he well + knew that just on the verge of the demonstrable facts of physics and + physiology there is a nebulous border-land which what is called “common + sense” perhaps does wisely not to enter, but which uncommon sense, or the + fine apprehension of privileged intelligences, may cautiously explore, and + in so doing find itself behind the scenes which make up for the gazing + world the show which is called Nature. + </p> + <p> + It was with something of this finer perception, perhaps with some degree + of imaginative exaltation, that he set himself to solving the problem of + Elsie's influence to attract and repel those around her. His letter + already submitted to the reader hints in what direction his thoughts were + disposed to turn. Here was a magnificent organization, superb in vigorous + womanhood, with a beauty such as never comes but after generations of + culture; yet through all this rich nature there ran some alien current of + influence, sinuous and dark, as when a clouded streak seams the white + marble of a perfect statue. + </p> + <p> + It would be needless to repeat the particular suggestions which had come + into his mind, as they must probably have come into that of the reader who + has noted the singularities of Elsie's tastes and personal traits. The + images which certain poets had dreamed of seemed to have become a reality + before his own eyes. Then came that unexplained adventure of The Mountain,—almost + like a dream in recollection, yet assuredly real in some of its main + incidents,—with all that it revealed or hinted. This girl did not + fear to visit the dreaded region, where danger lurked in every nook and + beneath every tuft of leaves. Did the tenants of the fatal ledge recognize + some mysterious affinity which made them tributary to the cold glitter of + her diamond eyes? Was she from her birth one of those frightful children, + such as he had read about, and the Professor had told him of, who form + unnatural friendships with cold, writhing ophidians? There was no need of + so unwelcome a thought as this; she had drawn him away from the dark + opening in the rock at the moment when he seemed to be threatened by one + of its malignant denizens; that was all he could be sure of; the + counter-fascination might have been a dream, a fancy, a coincidence. All + wonderful things soon grow doubtful in our own minds, as do even common + events, if great interests prove suddenly to attach to their truth or + falsehood. + </p> + <p> + —I, who am telling of these occurrences, saw a friend in the great + city, on the morning of a most memorable disaster, hours after the time + when the train which carried its victims to their doom had left. I talked + with him, and was for some minutes, at least, in his company. When I + reached home, I found that the story had gone before that he was among the + lost, and I alone could contradict it to his weeping friends and + relatives. I did contradict it; but, alas! I began soon to doubt myself, + penetrated by the contagion of their solicitude; my recollection began to + question itself; the order of events became dislocated; and when I heard + that he had reached home in safety, the relief was almost as great to me + as to those who had expected to see their own brother's face no more. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard was disposed, then, not to accept the thought of any odious + personal relationship of the kind which had suggested itself to him when + he wrote the letter referred to. That the girl had something of the feral + nature, her wild, lawless rambles in forbidden and blasted regions of The + Mountain at all hours, her familiarity with the lonely haunts where any + other human foot was so rarely seen, proved clearly enough. But the more + he thought of all her strange instincts and modes of being, the more he + became convinced that whatever alien impulse swayed her will and modulated + or diverted or displaced her affections came from some impression that + reached far back into the past, before the days when the faithful Old + Sophy had rocked her in the cradle. He believed that she had brought her + ruling tendency, whatever it was, into the world with her. + </p> + <p> + When the school was over and the girls had all gone, Helen lingered in the + schoolroom to speak with Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “Did you remark Elsie's ways this forenoon?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “No, not particularly; I have not noticed anything as sharply as I + commonly do; my head has been a little queer, and I have been thinking + over what we were talking about, and how near I came to solving the great + problem which every day makes clear to such multitudes of people. What + about Elsie?” + </p> + <p> + “Bernard, her liking for you is growing into a passion. I have studied + girls for a long while, and I know the difference between their passing + fancies and their real emotions. I told you, you remember, that Rosa would + have to leave us; we barely missed a scene, I think, if not a whole + tragedy, by her going at the right moment. But Elsie is infinitely more + dangerous to herself and others. Women's love is fierce enough, if it once + gets the mastery of them, always; but this poor girl does not know what to + do with a passion.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard had never told Helen the story of the flower in his Virgil, or + that other adventure—which he would have felt awkwardly to refer to; + but it had been perfectly understood between them that Elsie showed in her + own singular way a well-marked partiality for the young master. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't they take her away from the school, if she is in such a + strange, excitable state?” said Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “I believe they are afraid of her,” Helen answered. “It is just one of + those cases that are ten thousand thousand times worse than insanity. I + don't think from what I hear, that her father has ever given up hoping + that she will outgrow her peculiarities. Oh, these peculiar children for + whom parents go on hoping every morning and despairing every night! If I + could tell you half that mothers have told me, you would feel that the + worst of all diseases of the moral sense and the will are those which all + the Bedlams turn away from their doors as not being cases of insanity!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think her father has treated her judiciously?” said Mr. Bernard. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Helen, with a little hesitation, which Mr. Bernard did not + happen to notice,—“I think he has been very kind and indulgent, and + I do not know that he could have treated her otherwise with a better + chance of success.” + </p> + <p> + “He must of course be fond of her,” Mr. Bernard said; “there is nothing + else in the world for him to love.” + </p> + <p> + Helen dropped a book she held in her hand, and, stooping to pick it up, + the blood rushed into her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “It is getting late,” she said; “you must not stay any longer in this + close schoolroom. Pray, go and get a little fresh air before dinner-time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. A SOUL IN DISTRESS. + </h2> + <p> + The events told in the last two chapters had taken place toward the close + of the week. On Saturday evening the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather received + a note which was left at his door by an unknown person who departed + without saying a word. Its words were these: “One who is in distress of + mind requests the prayers of this congregation that God would be pleased + to look in mercy upon the soul that he has afflicted.” + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to show from whom the note came, or the sex or age or + special source of spiritual discomfort or anxiety of the writer. The + handwriting was delicate and might well be a woman's. The clergyman was + not aware of any particular affliction among his parishioners which was + likely to be made the subject of a request of this kind. Surely neither of + the Venners would advertise the attempted crime of their relative in this + way. But who else was there? The more he thought about it, the more it + puzzled him, and as he did not like to pray in the dark, without knowing + for whom he was praying, he could think of nothing better than to step + into old Doctor Kittredge's and see what he had to say about it. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor was sitting alone in his study when the Reverend Mr. + Fairweather was ushered in. He received his visitor very pleasantly, + expecting, as a matter of course, that he would begin with some new + grievance, dyspeptic, neuralgic, bronchitic, or other. The minister, + however, began with questioning the old Doctor about the sequel of the + other night's adventure; for he was already getting a little Jesuitical, + and kept back the object of his visit until it should come up as if + accidentally in the course of conversation. + </p> + <p> + “It was a pretty bold thing to go off alone with that reprobate, as you + did,” said the minister. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what there was bold about it,” the Doctor answered. “All he + wanted was to get away. He was not quite a reprobate, you see; he didn't + like the thought of disgracing his family or facing his uncle. I think he + was ashamed to see his cousin, too, after what he had done.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he talk with you on the way?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much. For half an hour or so he did n't speak a word. Then he asked + where I was driving him. I told him, and he seemed to be surprised into a + sort of grateful feeling. Bad enough, no doubt, but might be worse. Has + some humanity left in him yet. Let him go. God can judge him,—I + can't.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too charitable, Doctor,” the minister said. “I condemn him just + as if he had carried out his project, which, they say, was to make it + appear as if the schoolmaster had committed suicide. That's what people + think the rope found by him was for. He has saved his neck,—but his + soul is a lost one, I am afraid, beyond question.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't judge men's souls,” the Doctor said. “I can judge their acts, and + hold them responsible for those,—but I don't know much about their + souls. If you or I had found our soul in a half-breed body; and been + turned loose to run among the Indians, we might have been playing just + such tricks as this fellow has been trying. What if you or I had inherited + all the tendencies that were born with his cousin Elsie?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that reminds me,”—the minister said, in a sudden way,—“I + have received a note, which I am requested to read from the pulpit + tomorrow. I wish you would just have the kindness to look at it and see + where you think it came from.” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor examined it carefully. It was a woman's or girl's note, he + thought. Might come from one of the school-girls who was anxious about her + spiritual condition. Handwriting was disguised; looked a little like Elsie + Venner's, but not characteristic enough to make it certain. It would be a + new thing, if she had asked public prayers for herself, and a very + favorable indication of a change in her singular moral nature. It was just + possible Elsie might have sent that note. Nobody could foretell her + actions. It would be well to see the girl and find out whether any unusual + impression had been produced on her mind by the recent occurrence or by + any other cause. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Mr. Fairweather folded the note and put it into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “I have been a good deal exercised in mind lately, myself,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor looked at him through his spectacles, and said, in his + usual professional tone, + </p> + <p> + “Put out your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + The minister obeyed him in that feeble way common with persons of weak + character,—for people differ as much in their mode of performing + this trifling act as Gideon's soldiers in their way of drinking at the + brook. The Doctor took his hand and placed a finger mechanically on his + wrist. + </p> + <p> + “It is more spiritual, I think, than bodily,” said the Reverend Mr. + Fairweather. + </p> + <p> + “Is your appetite as good as usual?” the Doctor asked. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty good,” the minister answered; “but my sleep, my sleep, Doctor,—I + am greatly troubled at night with lying awake and thinking of my future, I + am not at ease in mind.” + </p> + <p> + He looked round at all the doors, to be sure they were shut, and moved his + chair up close to the Doctor's. + </p> + <p> + “You do not know the mental trials I have been going through for the last + few months.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I do,” the old Doctor said. “You want to get out of the new + church into the old one, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + The minister blushed deeply; he thought he had been going on in a very + quiet way, and that nobody suspected his secret. As the old Doctor was his + counsellor in sickness, and almost everybody's confidant in trouble, he + had intended to impart cautiously to him some hints of the change of + sentiments through which he had been passing. He was too late with his + information, it appeared, and there was nothing to be done but to throw + himself on the Doctor's good sense and kindness, which everybody knew, and + get what hints he could from him as to the practical course he should + pursue. He began, after an awkward pause, + </p> + <p> + “You would not have me stay in a communion which I feel to be alien to the + true church, would you?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you stay, my friend?” said the Doctor, with a pleasant, friendly + look,—“have you stay? Not a month, nor a week, nor a day, if I could + help it. You have got into the wrong pulpit, and I have known it from the + first. The sooner you go where you belong, the better. And I'm very glad + you don't mean to stop half-way. Don't you know you've always come to me + when you've been dyspeptic or sick anyhow, and wanted to put yourself + wholly into my hands, so that I might order you like a child just what to + do and what to take? That 's exactly what you want in religion. I don't + blame you for it. You never liked to take the responsibility of your own + body; I don't see why you should want to have the charge of your own soul. + But I'm glad you're going to the Old Mother of all. You wouldn't have been + contented short of that.” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Mr. Fairweather breathed with more freedom. The Doctor saw + into his soul through those awful spectacles of his,—into it and + beyond it, as one sees through a thin fog. But it was with a real human + kindness, after all. He felt like a child before a strong man; but the + strong man looked on him with a father's indulgence. Many and many a time, + when he had come desponding and bemoaning himself on account of some + contemptible bodily infirmity, the old Doctor had looked at him through + his spectacles, listened patiently while he told his ailments, and then, + in his large parental way, given him a few words of wholesome advice, and + cheered him up so that he went off with a light heart, thinking that the + heaven he was so much afraid of was not so very near, after all. It was + the same thing now. He felt, as feeble natures always do in the presence + of strong ones, overmastered, circumscribed, shut in, humbled; but yet it + seemed as if the old Doctor did not despise him any more for what he + considered weakness of mind than he used to despise him when he complained + of his nerves or his digestion. + </p> + <p> + Men who see into their neighbors are very apt to be contemptuous; but men + who see through them find something lying behind every human soul which it + is not for them to sit in judgment on, or to attempt to sneer out of the + order of God's manifold universe. + </p> + <p> + Little as the Doctor had said out of which comfort could be extracted, his + genial manner had something grateful in it. A film of gratitude came over + the poor man's cloudy, uncertain eye, and a look of tremulous relief and + satisfaction played about his weak mouth. He was gravitating to the + majority, where he hoped to find “rest”; but he was dreadfully sensitive + to the opinions of the minority he was on the point of leaving. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor saw plainly enough what was going on in his mind. + </p> + <p> + “I sha'n't quarrel with you,” he said,—“you know that very well; but + you mustn't quarrel with me, if I talk honestly with you; it isn't + everybody that will take the trouble. You flatter yourself that you will + make a good many enemies by leaving your old communion. Not so many as you + think. This is the way the common sort of people will talk:—'You + have got your ticket to the feast of life, as much as any other man that + ever lived. Protestantism says,—“Help yourself; here's a clean + plate, and a knife and fork of your own, and plenty of fresh dishes to + choose from.” The Old Mother says,—“Give me your ticket, my dear, + and I'll feed you with my gold spoon off these beautiful old wooden + trenchers. Such nice bits as those good old gentlemen have left for you!” + There is no quarrelling with a man who prefers broken victuals. That's + what the rougher sort will say; and then, where one scolds, ten will + laugh. But, mind you, I don't either scold or laugh. I don't feel sure + that you could very well have helped doing what you will soon do. You know + you were never easy without some medicine to take when you felt ill in + body. I'm afraid I've given you trashy stuff sometimes, just to keep you + quiet. Now, let me tell you, there is just the same difference in + spiritual patients that there is in bodily ones. One set believes in + wholesome ways of living, and another must have a great list of specifics + for all the soul's complaints. You belong with the last, and got + accidentally shuffled in with the others.” + </p> + <p> + The minister smiled faintly, but did not reply. Of course, he considered + that way of talking as the result of the Doctor's professional training. + It would not have been worth while to take offence at his plain speech, if + he had been so disposed; for he might wish to consult him the next day as + to “what he should take” for his dyspepsia or his neuralgia. + </p> + <p> + He left the Doctor with a hollow feeling at the bottom of his soul, as if + a good piece of his manhood had been scooped out of him. His hollow aching + did not explain itself in words, but it grumbled and worried down among + the unshaped thoughts which lie beneath them. He knew that he had been + trying to reason himself out of his birthright of reason. He knew that the + inspiration which gave him understanding was losing its throne in his + intelligence, and the almighty Majority-Vote was proclaiming itself in its + stead. He knew that the great primal truths, which each successive + revelation only confirmed, were fast becoming hidden beneath the + mechanical forms of thought, which, as with all new converts, engrossed so + large a share of his attention. The “peace,” the “rest,” which he had + purchased were dearly bought to one who had been trained to the arms of + thought, and whose noble privilege it might have been to live in perpetual + warfare for the advancing truth which the next generation will claim as + the legacy of the present. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Mr. Fairweather was getting careless about his sermons. He + must wait the fitting moment to declare himself; and in the mean time he + was preaching to heretics. It did not matter much what he preached, under + such circumstances. He pulled out two old yellow sermons from a heap of + such, and began looking over that for the forenoon. Naturally enough, he + fell asleep over it, and, sleeping, he began to dream. + </p> + <p> + He dreamed that he was under the high arches of an old cathedral, amidst a + throng of worshippers. The light streamed in through vast windows, dark + with the purple robes of royal saints, or blazing with yellow glories + around the heads of earthly martyrs and heavenly messengers. The billows + of the great organ roared among the clustered columns, as the sea breaks + amidst the basaltic pillars which crowd the stormy cavern of the Hebrides. + The voice of the alternate choirs of singing boys swung back and forward, + as the silver censer swung in the hands of the white-robed children. The + sweet cloud of incense rose in soft, fleecy mists, full of penetrating + suggestions of the East and its perfumed altars. The knees of twenty + generations had worn the pavement; their feet had hollowed the steps; + their shoulders had smoothed the columns. Dead bishops and abbots lay + under the marble of the floor in their crumbled vestments; dead warriors, + in rusted armor, were stretched beneath their sculptured effigies. And all + at once all the buried multitudes who had ever worshipped there came + thronging in through the aisles. They choked every space, they swarmed + into all the chapels, they hung in clusters over the parapets of the + galleries, they clung to the images in every niche, and still the vast + throng kept flowing and flowing in, until the living were lost in the rush + of the returning dead who had reclaimed their own. Then, as his dream + became more fantastic, the huge cathedral itself seemed to change into the + wreck of some mighty antediluvian vertebrate; its flying-buttresses arched + round like ribs, its piers shaped themselves into limbs, and the sound of + the organ-blast changed to the wind whistling through its thousand-jointed + skeleton. + </p> + <p> + And presently the sound lulled, and softened and softened, until it was as + the murmur of a distant swarm of bees. A procession of monks wound along + through an old street, chanting, as they walked. In his dream he glided in + among them and bore his part in the burden of their song. He entered with + the long train under a low arch, and presently he was kneeling in a narrow + cell before an image of the Blessed Maiden holding the Divine Child in her + arms, and his lips seemed to whisper, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis! +</pre> + <p> + He turned to the crucifix, and, prostrating himself before the spare, + agonizing shape of the Holy Sufferer, fell into a long passion of tears + and broken prayers. He rose and flung himself, worn-out, upon his hard + pallet, and, seeming to slumber, dreamed again within his dream. Once more + in the vast cathedral, with throngs of the living choking its aisles, + amidst jubilant peals from the cavernous depths of the great organ, and + choral melodies ringing from the fluty throats of the singing boys. A day + of great rejoicings,—for a prelate was to be consecrated, and the + bones of the mighty skeleton-minster were shaking with anthems, as if + there were life of its own within its buttressed ribs. He looked down at + his feet; the folds of the sacred robe were flowing about them: he put his + hand to his head; it was crowned with the holy mitre. A long sigh, as of + perfect content in the consummation of all his earthly hopes, breathed + through the dreamer's lips, and shaped itself, as it escaped, into the + blissful murmur, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ego sum Episcopus! +</pre> + <p> + One grinning gargoyle looked in from beneath the roof through an opening + in a stained window. It was the face of a mocking fiend, such as the old + builders loved to place under the eaves to spout the rain through their + open mouths. It looked at him, as he sat in his mitred chair, with its + hideous grin growing broader and broader, until it laughed out aloud, such + a hard, stony, mocking laugh, that he awoke out of his second dream + through his first into his common consciousness, and shivered, as he + turned to the two yellow sermons which he was to pick over and weed of the + little thought they might contain, for the next day's service. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Chauncy Fairweather was too much taken up with his own bodily + and spiritual condition to be deeply mindful of others. He carried the + note requesting the prayers of the congregation in his pocket all day; and + the soul in distress, which a single tender petition might have soothed, + and perhaps have saved from despair or fatal error, found no voice in the + temple to plead for it before the Throne of Mercy! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. THE SECRET IS WHISPERED. + </h2> + <p> + The Reverend Chauncy Fairweather's congregation was not large, but select. + The lines of social cleavage run through religious creeds as if they were + of a piece with position and fortune. It is expected of persons of a + certain breeding, in some parts of New England, that they shall be either + Episcopalians or Unitarians. The mansion-house gentry of Rockland were + pretty fairly divided between the little chapel, with the stained window + and the trained rector, and the meeting-house where the Reverend Mr. + Fairweather officiated. + </p> + <p> + It was in the latter that Dudley Venner worshipped, when he attended + service anywhere,—which depended very much on the caprice of Elsie. + He saw plainly enough that a generous and liberally cultivated nature + might find a refuge and congenial souls in either of these two + persuasions, but he objected to some points of the formal creed of the + older church, and especially to the mechanism which renders it hard to get + free from its outworn and offensive formulae,—remembering how + Archbishop Tillotson wished in vain that it could be “well rid of” the + Athanasian Creed. This, and the fact that the meeting-house was nearer + than the chapel, determined him, when the new rector, who was not quite up + to his mark in education, was appointed, to take a pew in the “liberal” + worshippers' edifice. + </p> + <p> + Elsie was very uncertain in her feeling about going to church. In summer, + she loved rather to stroll over The Mountain, on Sundays. There was even a + story, that she had one of the caves before mentioned fitted up as an + oratory, and that she had her own wild way of worshipping the God whom she + sought in the dark chasms of the dreaded cliffs. Mere fables, doubtless; + but they showed the common belief, that Elsie, with all her strange and + dangerous elements of character, had yet strong religious feeling mingled + with them. The hymn-book which Dick had found, in his midnight invasion of + her chamber, opened to favorite hymns, especially some of the Methodist + and Quietist character. Many had noticed, that certain tunes, as sung by + the choir, seemed to impress her deeply; and some said, that at such times + her whole expression would change, and her stormy look would soften so as + to remind them of her poor, sweet mother. + </p> + <p> + On the Sunday morning after the talk recorded in the last chapter, Elsie + made herself ready to go to meeting. She was dressed much as usual, + excepting that she wore a thick veil, turned aside, but ready to conceal + her features. It was natural enough that she should not wish to be looked + in the face by curious persons who would be staring to see what effect the + occurrence of the past week had had on her spirits. Her father attended + her willingly; and they took their seats in the pew, somewhat to the + surprise of many, who had hardly expected to see them, after so + humiliating a family development as the attempted crime of their kinsman + had just been furnishing for the astonishment of the public. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Mr. Fairweather was now in his coldest mood. He had passed + through the period of feverish excitement which marks a change of + religious opinion. At first, when he had began to doubt his own + theological positions, he had defended them against himself with more + ingenuity and interest, perhaps, than he could have done against another; + because men rarely take the trouble to understand anybody's difficulties + in a question but their own. After this, as he began to draw off from + different points of his old belief, the cautious disentangling of himself + from one mesh after another gave sharpness to his intellect, and the + tremulous eagerness with which he seized upon the doctrine which, piece by + piece, under various pretexts and with various disguises, he was + appropriating, gave interest and something like passion to his words. But + when he had gradually accustomed his people to his new phraseology, and + was really adjusting his sermons and his service to disguise his thoughts, + he lost at once all his intellectual acuteness and all his spiritual + fervor. + </p> + <p> + Elsie sat quietly through the first part of the service, which was + conducted in the cold, mechanical way to be expected. Her face was hidden + by her veil; but her father knew her state of feeling, as well by her + movements and attitudes as by the expression of her features. The hymn had + been sung, the short prayer offered, the Bible read, and the long prayer + was about to begin. This was the time at which the “notes” of any who were + in affliction from loss of friends, the sick who were doubtful of + recovery, those who had cause to be grateful for preservation of life or + other signal blessing, were wont to be read. + </p> + <p> + Just then it was that Dudley Venner noticed that his daughter was + trembling,—a thing so rare, so unaccountable, indeed, under the + circumstances, that he watched her closely, and began to fear that some + nervous paroxysm, or other malady, might have just begun to show itself in + this way upon her. + </p> + <p> + The minister had in his pocket two notes. One, in the handwriting of + Deacon Soper, was from a member of this congregation, returning thanks for + his preservation through a season of great peril, supposed to be the + exposure which he had shared with others, when standing in the circle + around Dick Venner. The other was the anonymous one, in a female hand, + which he had received the evening before. He forgot them both. His + thoughts were altogether too much taken up with more important matters. He + prayed through all the frozen petitions of his expurgated form of + supplication, and not a single heart was soothed or lifted, or reminded + that its sorrows were struggling their way up to heaven, borne on the + breath from a human soul that was warm with love. + </p> + <p> + The people sat down as if relieved when the dreary prayer was finished. + Elsie alone remained standing until her father touched her. Then she sat + down, lifted her veil, and looked at him with a blank, sad look, as if she + had suffered some pain or wrong, but could not give any name or expression + to her vague trouble. She did not tremble any longer, but remained + ominously still, as if she had been frozen where she sat. + </p> + <p> + —Can a man love his own soul too well? Who, on the whole, constitute + the nobler class of human beings? those who have lived mainly to make sure + of their own personal welfare in another and future condition of + existence, or they who have worked with all their might for their race, + for their country, for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and left all + personal arrangements concerning themselves to the sole charge of Him who + made them and is responsible to himself for their safe-keeping? Is an + anchorite who has worn the stone floor of his cell into basins with his + knees bent in prayer, more acceptable than the soldier who gives his life + for the maintenance of any sacred right or truth, without thinking what + will specially become of him in a world where there are two or three + million colonists a month, from this one planet, to be cared for? These + are grave questions, which must suggest themselves to those who know that + there are many profoundly selfish persons who are sincerely devout and + perpetually occupied with their own future, while there are others who are + perfectly ready to sacrifice themselves for any worthy object in this + world, but are really too little occupied with their exclusive personality + to think so much as many do about what is to become of them in another. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Chauncy Fairweather did not, most certainly, belong to this + latter class. There are several kinds of believers, whose history we find + among the early converts to Christianity. + </p> + <p> + There was the magistrate, whose social position was such that he preferred + a private interview in the evening with the Teacher to following him—with + the street-crowd. He had seen extraordinary facts which had satisfied him + that the young Galilean had a divine commission. But still he + cross-questioned the Teacher himself. He was not ready to accept + statements without explanation. That was the right kind of man. See how he + stood up for the legal rights of his Master, when the people were for + laying hands on him! + </p> + <p> + And again, there was the government official, intrusted with public money, + which, in those days, implied that he was supposed to be honest. A single + look of that heavenly countenance, and two words of gentle command, were + enough for him. Neither of these men, the early disciple, nor the + evangelist, seems to have been thinking primarily about his own personal + safety. + </p> + <p> + But now look at the poor, miserable turnkey, whose occupation shows what + he was like to be, and who had just been thrusting two respectable + strangers, taken from the hands of a mob, covered with stripes and + stripped of clothing, into the inner prison, and making their feet fast in + the stocks. His thought, in the moment of terror, is for himself: first, + suicide; then, what he shall do,—not to save his household,—not + to fulfil his duty to his office,—not to repair the outrage he has + been committing,—but to secure his own personal safety. Truly, + character shows itself as much in a man's way of becoming a Christian as + in any other! + </p> + <p> + —Elsie sat, statue-like, through the sermon. It would not be fair to + the reader to give an abstract of that. When a man who has been bred to + free thought and free speech suddenly finds himself stepping about, like a + dancer amidst his eggs, among the old addled majority-votes which he must + not tread upon, he is a spectacle for men and angels. Submission to + intellectual precedent and authority does very well for those who have + been bred to it; we know that the underground courses of their minds are + laid in the Roman cement of tradition, and that stately and splendid + structures may be reared on such a foundation. But to see one laying a + platform over heretical quicksands, thirty or forty or fifty years deep, + and then beginning to build upon it, is a sorry sight. A new convert from + the reformed to the ancient faith may be very strong in the arms, but he + will always have weak legs and shaky knees. He may use his hands well, and + hit hard with his fists, but he will never stand on his legs in the way + the man does who inherits his belief. + </p> + <p> + The services were over at last, and Dudley Venner and his daughter walked + home together in silence. He always respected her moods, and saw clearly + enough that some inward trouble was weighing upon her. There was nothing + to be said in such cases, for Elsie could never talk of her griefs. An + hour, or a day, or a week of brooding, with perhaps a sudden flash of + violence: this was the way in which the impressions which make other women + weep, and tell their griefs by word or letter, showed their effects in her + mind and acts. + </p> + <p> + She wandered off up into the remoter parts of The Mountain, that day, + after their return. No one saw just where she went,—indeed, no one + knew its forest-recesses and rocky fastnesses as she did. She was gone + until late at night; and when Old Sophy, who had watched for her, bound up + her long hair for her sleep, it was damp with the cold dews. + </p> + <p> + The old black woman looked at her without speaking, but questioning her + with every feature as to the sorrow that was weighing on her. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she turned to Old Sophy. + </p> + <p> + “You want to know what there is troubling me;” she said. “Nobody loves me. + I cannot love anybody. What is love, Sophy?” + </p> + <p> + “It's what poor Ol' Sophy's got for her Elsie,” the old woman answered. + “Tell me, darlin',—don' you love somebody?—don' you love? you + know,—oh, tell me, darlin', don' you love to see the gen'l'man that + keeps up at the school where you go? They say he's the pootiest gen'l'man + that was ever in the town here. Don' be 'fraid of poor Ol' Sophy, darlin',—she + loved a man once,—see here! Oh, I've showed you this often enough!” + </p> + <p> + She took from her pocket a half of one of the old Spanish silver coins, + such as were current in the earlier part of this century. The other half + of it had been lying in the deep sea-sand for more than fifty years. + </p> + <p> + Elsie looked her in the face, but did not answer in words. What strange + intelligence was that which passed between them through the diamond eyes + and the little beady black ones?—what subtile intercommunication, + penetrating so much deeper than articulate speech? This was the nearest + approach to sympathetic relations that Elsie ever had: a kind of dumb + intercourse of feeling, such as one sees in the eyes of brute mothers + looking on their young. But, subtile as it was, it was narrow and + individual; whereas an emotion which can shape itself in language opens + the gate for itself into the great community of human affections; for + every word we speak is the medal of a dead thought or feeling, struck in + the die of some human experience, worn smooth by innumerable contacts, and + always transferred warm from one to another. By words we share the common + consciousness of the race, which has shaped itself in these symbols. By + music we reach those special states of consciousness which, being without + form, cannot be shaped with the mosaics of the vocabulary. The language of + the eyes runs deeper into the personal nature, but it is purely + individual, and perishes in the expression. + </p> + <p> + If we consider them all as growing out of the consciousness as their root, + language is the leaf, music is the flower; but when the eyes meet and + search each other, it is the uncovering of the blanched stem through which + the whole life runs, but which has never taken color or form from the + sunlight. + </p> + <p> + For three days Elsie did not return to the school. Much of the time she + was among the woods and rocks. The season was now beginning to wane, and + the forest to put on its autumnal glory. The dreamy haze was beginning to + soften the landscape, and the mast delicious days of the year were lending + their attraction to the scenery of The Mountain. It was not very singular + that Elsie should be lingering in her old haunts, from which the change of + season must soon drive her. But Old Sophy saw clearly enough that some + internal conflict was going on, and knew very well that it must have its + own way and work itself out as it best could. As much as looks could tell + Elsie had told her. She had said in words, to be sure, that she could not + love. Something warped and thwarted the emotion which would have been love + in another, no doubt; but that such an emotion was striving with her + against all malign influences which interfered with it the old woman had a + perfect certainty in her own mind. + </p> + <p> + Everybody who has observed the working of emotions in persons of various + temperaments knows well enough that they have periods of incubation, which + differ with the individual, and with the particular cause and degree of + excitement, yet evidently go through a strictly self-limited series of + evolutions, at the end of which, their result—an act of violence, a + paroxysm of tears, a gradual subsidence into repose, or whatever it may be—declares + itself, like the last stage of an attack of fever and ague. No one can + observe children without noticing that there is a personal equation, to + use the astronomer's language, in their tempers, so that one sulks an hour + over an offence which makes another a fury for five minutes, and leaves + him or her an angel when it is over. + </p> + <p> + At the end of three days, Elsie braided her long, glossy, black hair, and + shot a golden arrow through it. She dressed herself with more than usual + care, and came down in the morning superb in her stormy beauty. The + brooding paroxysm was over, or at least her passion had changed its phase. + Her father saw it with great relief; he had always many fears for her in + her hours and days of gloom, but, for reasons before assigned, had felt + that she must be trusted to herself, without appealing to actual + restraint, or any other supervision than such as Old Sophy could exercise + without offence. + </p> + <p> + She went off at the accustomed hour to the school. All the girls had their + eyes on her. None so keen as these young misses to know an inward movement + by an outward sign of adornment: if they have not as many signals as the + ships that sail the great seas, there is not an end of ribbon or a turn of + a ringlet which is not a hieroglyphic with a hidden meaning to these + little cruisers over the ocean of sentiment. + </p> + <p> + The girls all looked at Elsie with a new thought; for she was more + sumptuously arrayed than perhaps ever before at the school; and they said + to themselves that she had come meaning to draw the young master's eyes + upon her. That was it; what else could it be? The beautiful cold girl with + the diamond eyes meant to dazzle the handsome young gentleman. He would be + afraid to love her; it couldn't be true, that which some people had said + in the village; she was n't the kind of young lady to make Mr. Langdon + happy. Those dark people are never safe: so one of the young blondes said + to herself. Elsie was not literary enough for such a scholar: so thought + Miss Charlotte Ann Wood, the young poetess. She couldn't have a good + temper, with those scowling eyebrows: this was the opinion of several + broad-faced, smiling girls, who thought, each in her own snug little + mental sanctum, that, if, etc., etc., she could make him so happy! + </p> + <p> + Elsie had none of the still, wicked light in her eyes, that morning. She + looked gentle, but dreamy; played with her books; did not trouble herself + with any of the exercises,—which in itself was not very remarkable, + as she was always allowed, under some pretext or other, to have her own + way. + </p> + <p> + The school-hours were over at length. The girls went out, but she lingered + to the last. She then came up to Mr. Bernard, with a book in her hand, as + if to ask a question. + </p> + <p> + “Will you walk towards my home with me today?” she said, in a very low + voice, little more than a whisper. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard was startled by the request, put in such a way. He had a + presentiment of some painful scene or other. But there was nothing to be + done but to assure her that it would give him great pleasure. + </p> + <p> + So they walked along together on their way toward the Dudley mansion. + </p> + <p> + “I have no friend,” Elsie said, all at once. “Nothing loves me but one old + woman. I cannot love anybody. They tell me there is something in my eyes + that draws people to me and makes them faint: Look into them, will you?” + </p> + <p> + She turned her face toward him. It was very pale, and the diamond eyes + were glittering with a film, such as beneath other lids would have rounded + into a tear. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful eyes, Elsie,” he said,—“sometimes very piercing,—but + soft now, and looking as if there were something beneath them that + friendship might draw out. I am your friend, Elsie. Tell me what I can do + to render your life happier.” + </p> + <p> + “Love me!” said Elsie Venner. + </p> + <p> + What shall a man do, when a woman makes such a demand, involving such an + avowal? It was the tenderest, cruellest, humblest moment of Mr. Bernard's + life. He turned pale, he trembled almost, as if he had been a woman + listening to her lover's declaration. + </p> + <p> + “Elsie,” he said, presently, “I so long to be of some use to you, to have + your confidence and sympathy, that I must not let you say or do anything + to put us in false relations. I do love you, Elsie, as a suffering sister + with sorrows of her own,—as one whom I would save at the risk of my + happiness and life,—as one who needs a true friend more than—any + of all the young girls I have known. More than this you would not ask me + to say. You have been through excitement and trouble lately, and it has + made you feel such a need more than ever. Give me your hand, dear Elsie, + and trust me that I will be as true a friend to you as if we were children + of the same mother.” + </p> + <p> + Elsie gave him her hand mechanically. It seemed to him that a cold aura + shot from it along his arm and chilled the blood running through his + heart. He pressed it gently, looked at her with a face full of grave + kindness and sad interest, then softly relinquished it. + </p> + <p> + It was all over with poor Elsie. They walked almost in silence the rest of + the way. Mr. Bernard left her at the gate of the mansion-house, and + returned with sad forebodings. Elsie went at once to her own room, and did + not come from it at the usual hours. At last Old Sophy began to be alarmed + about her, went to her apartment, and, finding the door unlocked, entered + cautiously. She found Elsie lying on her bed, her brows strongly + contracted, her eyes dull, her whole look that of great suffering. Her + first thought was that she had been doing herself a harm by some deadly + means or other. But Elsie, saw her fear, and reassured her. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she said, “there is nothing wrong, such as you are thinking of; I am + not dying. You may send for the Doctor; perhaps he can take the pain from + my head. That is all I want him to do. There is no use in the pain, that I + know of; if he can stop it, let him.” + </p> + <p> + So they sent for the old Doctor. It was not long before the solid trot of + Caustic, the old bay horse, and the crashing of the gravel under the + wheels, gave notice that the physician was driving up the avenue. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor was a model for visiting practitioners. He always came into + the sick-room with a quiet, cheerful look, as if he had a consciousness + that he was bringing some sure relief with him. The way a patient snatches + his first look at his doctor's face, to see whether he is doomed, whether + he is reprieved, whether he is unconditionally pardoned, has really + something terrible about it. It is only to be met by an imperturbable mask + of serenity, proof against anything and everything in a patient's aspect. + The physician whose face reflects his patient's condition like a mirror + may do well enough to examine people for a life-insurance office, but does + not belong to the sickroom. The old Doctor did not keep people waiting in + dread suspense, while he stayed talking about the case,—the patient + all the time thinking that he and the friends are discussing some alarming + symptom or formidable operation which he himself is by-and-by—to + hear of. + </p> + <p> + He was in Elsie's room almost before she knew he was in the house. He came + to her bedside in such a natural, quiet way, that it seemed as if he were + only a friend who had dropped in for a moment to say a pleasant word. Yet + he was very uneasy about Elsie until he had seen her; he never knew what + might happen to her or those about her, and came prepared for the worst. + </p> + <p> + “Sick, my child?” he said, in a very soft, low voice. + </p> + <p> + Elsie nodded, without speaking. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor took her hand,—whether with professional views, or only + in a friendly way, it would have been hard to tell. So he sat a few + minutes, looking at her all the time with a kind of fatherly interest, but + with it all noting how she lay, how she breathed, her color, her + expression, all that teaches the practised eye so much without a single + question being asked. He saw she was in suffering, and said presently, + </p> + <p> + “You have pain somewhere; where is it?” + </p> + <p> + She put her hand to her head. + </p> + <p> + As she was not disposed to talk, he watched her for a while, questioned + Old Sophy shrewdly a few minutes, and so made up his mind as to the + probable cause of disturbance and the proper remedies to be used. + </p> + <p> + Some very silly people thought the old Doctor did not believe in medicine, + because he gave less than certain poor half-taught creatures in the + smaller neighboring towns, who took advantage of people's sickness to + disgust and disturb them with all manner of ill-smelling and ill-behaving + drugs. In truth, he hated to give anything noxious or loathsome to those + who were uncomfortable enough already, unless he was very sure it would do + good,—in which case, he never played with drugs, but gave good, + honest, efficient doses. Sometimes he lost a family of the more boorish + sort, because they did not think they got their money's worth out of him, + unless they had something more than a taste of everything he carried in + his saddlebags. + </p> + <p> + He ordered some remedies which he thought would relieve Elsie, and left + her, saying he would call the next day, hoping to find her better. But the + next day came, and the next, and still Elsie was on her bed, feverish, + restless, wakeful, silent. At night she tossed about and wandered, and it + became at length apparent that there was a settled attack, something like + what they called, formerly, a “nervous fever.” + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day she was more restless than common. One of the women of + the house came in to help to take care of her; but she showed an aversion + to her presence. + </p> + <p> + “Send me Helen Darley,” she said, at last. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor told them, that, if possible, they must indulge this fancy + of hers. The caprices of sick people were never to be despised, least of + all of such persons as Elsie, when rendered irritable and exacting by pain + and weakness. + </p> + <p> + So a message was sent to Mr. Silas Peckham at the Apollinean Institute, to + know if he could not spare Miss Helen Darley for a few days, if required, + to give her attention to a young lady who attended his school and who was + now lying ill,—no other person than the daughter of Dudley Venner. + </p> + <p> + A mean man never agrees to anything without deliberately turning it over, + so that he may see its dirty side, and, if he can, sweating the coin he + pays for it. If an archangel should offer to save his soul for sixpence, + he would try to find a sixpence with a hole in it. A gentleman says yes to + a great many things without stopping to think: a shabby fellow is known by + his caution in answering questions, for fear of, compromising his pocket + or himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Silas Peckham looked very grave at the request. The dooties of Miss + Darley at the Institoot were important, very important. He paid her large + sums of money for her time,—more than she could expect to get in any + other institootion for the edoocation of female youth. A deduction from + her selary would be necessary, in case she should retire from the sphere + of her dooties for a season. He should be put to extry expense, and have + to perform additional labors himself. He would consider of the matter. If + any arrangement could be made, he would send word to Squire Venner's + folks. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Darley,” said Silas Peckham, “the' 's a message from Squire Venner's + that his daughter wants you down at the mansion-house to see her. She's + got a fever, so they inform me. If it's any kind of ketchin' fever, of + course you won't think of goin' near the mansion-house. If Doctor + Kittredge says it's safe, perfec'ly safe, I can't object to your goin', on + sech conditions as seem to be fair to all' concerned. You will give up + your pay for the whole time you are absent,—portions of days to be + caounted as whole days. You will be charged with board the same as if you + eat your victuals with the household. The victuals are of no use after + they're cooked but to be eat, and your bein' away is no savin' to our + folks. I shall charge you a reasonable compensation for the demage to the + school by the absence of a teacher. If Miss Crabs undertakes any dooties + belongin' to your department of instruction, she will look to you for sech + pecooniary considerations as you may agree upon between you. On these + conditions I am willin' to give my consent to your temporary absence from + the post of dooty. I will step down to Doctor Kittredge's myself, and make + inquiries as to the natur' of the complaint.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peckham took up a rusty and very narrow-brimmed hat, which he cocked + upon one side of his head, with an air peculiar to the rural gentry. It + was the hour when the Doctor expected to be in his office, unless he had + some special call which kept him from home. + </p> + <p> + He found the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather just taking leave of the Doctor. + His hand was on the pit of his stomach, and his countenance was expressive + of inward uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “Shake it before using,” said the Doctor; “and the sooner you make up your + mind to speak right out, the better it will be for your digestion.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Peckham! Walk in, Mr. Peckham! Nobody sick up at the school, I + hope?” + </p> + <p> + “The haalth of the school is fust-rate,” replied Mr. Peckham. “The + sitooation is uncommonly favorable to saloobrity.” (These last words were + from the Annual Report of the past year.) “Providence has spared our + female youth in a remarkable measure. I've come with reference to another + consideration. Dr. Kittredge, is there any ketchin' complaint goin' about + in the village?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes,” said the Doctor, “I should say there was something of that + sort. Measles. Mumps. And Sin,—that's always catching.” + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor's eye twinkled; once in a while he had his little touch of + humor. + </p> + <p> + Silas Peckham slanted his eye up suspiciously at the Doctor, as if he was + getting some kind of advantage over him. That is the way people of his + constitution are apt to take a bit of pleasantry. + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean sech things, Doctor; I mean fevers. Is there any ketchin' + fevers—bilious, or nervous, or typus, or whatever you call 'em—now + goin' round this village? That's what I want to ascertain, if there's no + impropriety.” + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor looked at Silas through his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “Hard and sour as a green cider-apple,” he thought to himself. “No,”; he + said,—“I don't know any such cases.” + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter with Elsie Venner?” asked Silas, sharply, as if he + expected to have him this time. + </p> + <p> + “A mild feverish attack, I should call it in anybody else; but she has a + peculiar constitution, and I never feel so safe about her as I should + about most people.” + </p> + <p> + “Anything ketchin' about it?” Silas asked, cunningly. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” said the Doctor,—“catching? no,—what put that + into your head, Mr. Peckham?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Doctor,” the conscientious Principal answered, “I naterally feel a + graat responsibility, a very graaat responsibility, for the noomerous and + lovely young ladies committed to my charge. It has been a question, + whether one of my assistants should go, accordin' to request, to stop with + Miss Venner for a season. Nothin' restrains my givin' my full and free + consent to her goin' but the fear lest contagious maladies should be + introdooced among those lovely female youth. I shall abide by your + opinion,—I understan' you to say distinc'ly, her complaint is not + ketchin'?—and urge upon Miss Darley to fulfil her dooties to a + sufferin' fellow-creature at any cost to myself and my establishment. We + shall miss her very much; but it is a good cause, and she shall go,—and + I shall trust that Providence will enable us to spare her without + permanent demage to the interests of the Institootion.” + </p> + <p> + Saying this, the excellent Principal departed, with his rusty + narrow-brimmed hat leaning over, as if it had a six-knot breeze abeam, and + its gunwale (so to speak) was dipping into his coat-collar. He announced + the result of his inquiries to Helen, who had received a brief note in the + mean time from a poor relation of Elsie's mother, then at the + mansion-house, informing her of the critical situation of Elsie and of her + urgent desire that Helen should be with her. She could not hesitate. She + blushed as she thought of the comments that might be made; but what were + such considerations in a matter of life and death? She could not stop to + make terms with Silas Peckham. She must go. He might fleece her, if he + would; she would not complain,—not even to Bernard, who, she knew, + would bring the Principal to terms, if she gave the least hint of his + intended extortions. + </p> + <p> + So Helen made up her bundle of clothes to be sent after her, took a book + or two with her to help her pass the time, and departed for the Dudley + mansion. It was with a great inward effort that she undertook the sisterly + task which was thus forced upon her. She had a kind of terror of Elsie; + and the thought of having charge of her, of being alone with her, of + coming under the full influence of those diamond eyes,—if, indeed, + their light were not dimmed by suffering and weariness,—was one she + shrank from. But what could she do? It might be a turning-point in the + life of the poor girl; and she must overcome all her fears, all her + repugnance, and go to her rescue. + </p> + <p> + “Is Helen come?” said Elsie, when she heard, with her fine sense quickened + by the irritability of sickness, a light footfall on the stair, with a + cadence unlike that of any inmate of the house. + </p> + <p> + “It's a strange woman's step,” said Old Sophy, who, with her exclusive + love for Elsie, was naturally disposed to jealousy of a new-comer. “Let + Ol' Sophy set at 'th' foot o' th' bed, if th' young missis sets by th' + piller,—won' y', darlin'? The' 's nobody that's white can love y' as + th' of black woman does;—don' sen' her away, now, there 's a dear + soul!” + </p> + <p> + Elsie motioned her to sit in the place she had pointed to, and Helen at + that moment entered the room. Dudley Venner followed her. + </p> + <p> + “She is your patient,” he said, “except while the Doctor is here. She has + been longing to have you with her, and we shall expect you to make her + well in a few days.” + </p> + <p> + So Helen Darley found herself established in the most unexpected manner as + an inmate of the Dudley mansion. She sat with Elsie most of the time, by + day and by night, soothing her, and trying to enter into her confidence + and affections, if it should prove that this strange creature was really + capable of truly sympathetic emotions. + </p> + <p> + What was this unexplained something which came between her soul and that + of every other human being with whom she was in relations? Helen + perceived, or rather felt, that she had, folded up in the depths of her + being, a true womanly nature. Through the cloud that darkened her aspect, + now and then a ray would steal forth, which, like the smile of stern and + solemn people, was all the more impressive from its contrast with the + expression she wore habitually. It might well be that pain and fatigue had + changed her aspect; but, at any rate, Helen looked into her eyes without + that nervous agitation which their cold glitter had produced on her when + they were full of their natural light. She felt sure that her mother must + have been a lovely, gentle woman. There were gleams of a beautiful nature + shining through some ill-defined medium which disturbed and made them + flicker and waver, as distant images do when seen through the rippling + upward currents of heated air. She loved, in her own way, the old black + woman, and seemed to keep up a kind of silent communication with her, as + if they did not require the use of speech. She appeared to be + tranquillized by the presence of Helen, and loved to have her seated at + the bedside. Yet something, whatever it was, prevented her from opening + her heart to her kind companion; and even now there were times when she + would lie looking at her, with such a still, watchful, almost dangerous + expression, that Helen would sigh, and change her place, as persons do + whose breath some cunning orator had been sucking out of them with his + spongy eloquence, so that, when he stops, they must get some air and stir + about, or they feel as if they should be half smothered and palsied. + </p> + <p> + It was too much to keep guessing what was the meaning of all this. Helen + determined to ask Old Sophy some questions which might probably throw + light upon her doubts. She took the opportunity one evening when Elsie was + lying asleep and they were both sitting at some distance from her bed. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Sophy,” she said, “was Elsie always as shy as she seems to be + now, in talking with those to whom she is friendly?” + </p> + <p> + “Alway jes' so, Miss Darlin', ever sense she was little chil'. When she + was five, six year old, she lisp some,—call me Thophy; that make her + kin' o' 'shamed, perhaps: after she grow up, she never lisp, but she kin' + o' got the way o' not talkin' much. Fac' is, she don' like talkin' as + common gals do, 'xcep' jes' once in a while wi' some partic'lar folks,—'n' + then not much.” + </p> + <p> + “How old is Elsie?” + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen year this las' September.” + </p> + <p> + “How long ago did her mother die?” Helen asked, with a little trembling in + her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen year ago this October,” said Old Sophy. + </p> + <p> + Helen was silent for a moment. Then she whispered, almost inaudibly,—for + her voice appeared to fail her, + </p> + <p> + “What did her mother die of, Sophy?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman's small eyes dilated until a ring of white showed round + their beady centres. She caught Helen by the hand and clung to it, as if + in fear. She looked round at Elsie, who lay sleeping, as of she might be + listening. Then she drew Helen towards her and led her softly out of the + room. + </p> + <p> + “'Sh!—'sh!” she said, as soon as they were outside the door. “Don' + never speak in this house 'bout what Elsie's mother died of!” she said. + “Nobody never says nothin' 'bout it. Oh, God has made Ugly Things wi' + death in their mouths, Miss Darlin', an' He knows what they're for; but my + poor Elsie!—to have her blood changed in her before—It was in + July Mistress got her death, but she liv' till three week after my poor + Elsie was born.” + </p> + <p> + She could speak no more. She had said enough. Helen remembered the stories + she had heard on coming to the village, and among them one referred to in + an early chapter of this narrative. All the unaccountable looks and tastes + and ways of Elsie came back to her in the light of an ante-natal + impression which had mingled an alien element in her nature. She knew the + secret of the fascination which looked out of her cold, glittering eyes. + She knew the significance of the strange repulsion which she felt in her + own intimate consciousness underlying the inexplicable attraction which + drew her towards the young girl in spite of this repugnance. She began to + look with new feelings on the contradictions in her moral nature,—the + longing for sympathy, as shown by her wishing for Helen's company, and the + impossibility of passing beyond the cold circle of isolation within which + she had her being. The fearful truth of that instinctive feeling of hers, + that there was something not human looking out of Elsie's eyes, came upon + her with a sudden flash of penetrating conviction. There were two warring + principles in that superb organization and proud soul. One made her a + woman, with all a woman's powers and longings. The other chilled all the + currents of outlet for her emotions. It made her tearless and mute, when + another woman would have wept and pleaded. And it infused into her soul + something—it was cruel now to call it malice—which was still + and watchful and dangerous, which waited its opportunity, and then shot + like an arrow from its bow out of the coil of brooding premeditation. Even + those who had never seen the white scars on Dick Venner's wrist, or heard + the half-told story of her supposed attempt to do a graver mischief, knew + well enough by looking at her that she was one of the creatures not to be + tampered with,—silent in anger and swift in vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Helen could not return to the bedside at once after this communication. It + was with altered eyes that she must look on the poor girl, the victim of + such an unheard-of fatality. All was explained to her now. But it opened + such depths of solemn thought in her awakened consciousness, that it + seemed as if the whole mystery of human life were coming up again before + her for trial and judgment. “Oh,” she thought, “if, while the will lies + sealed in its fountain, it may be poisoned at its very source, so that it + shall flow dark and deadly through its whole course, who are we that we + should judge our fellow-creatures by ourselves?” Then came the terrible + question, how far the elements themselves are capable of perverting the + moral nature: if valor, and justice, and truth, the strength of man and + the virtue of woman, may not be poisoned out of a race by the food of the + Australian in his forest, by the foul air and darkness of the Christians + cooped up in the “tenement-houses” close by those who live in the palaces + of the great cities? + </p> + <p> + She walked out into the garden, lost in thought upon these dark and deep + matters. Presently she heard a step behind her, and Elsie's father came up + and joined her. Since his introduction to Helen at the distinguished + tea-party given by the Widow Rowens, and before her coming to sit with + Elsie, Mr. Dudley Venner had in the most accidental way in the world met + her on several occasions: once after church, when she happened to be + caught in a slight shower and he insisted on holding his umbrella over her + on her way home;—once at a small party at one of the mansion-houses, + where the quick-eyed lady of the house had a wonderful knack of bringing + people together who liked to see each other;—perhaps at other times + and places; but of this there is no certain evidence. + </p> + <p> + They naturally spoke of Elsie, her illness, and the aspect it had taken. + But Helen noticed in all that Dudley Venner said about his daughter a + morbid sensitiveness, as it seemed to her, an aversion to saying much + about her physical condition or her peculiarities,—a wish to feel + and speak as a parent should, and yet a shrinking, as if there were + something about Elsie which he could not bear to dwell upon. She thought + she saw through all this, and she could interpret it all charitably. There + were circumstances about his daughter which recalled the great sorrow of + his life; it was not strange that this perpetual reminder should in some + degree have modified his feelings as a father. But what a life he must + have been leading for so many years, with this perpetual source of + distress which he could not name! Helen knew well enough, now, the meaning + of the sadness which had left such traces in his features and tones, and + it made her feel very kindly and compassionate towards him. + </p> + <p> + So they walked over the crackling leaves in the garden, between the lines + of box breathing its fragrance of eternity;—for this is one of the + odors which carry us out of time into the abysses of the unbeginning past; + if we ever lived on another ball of stone than this, it must be that there + was box growing on it. So they walked, finding their way softly to each + other's sorrows and sympathies, each matching some counterpart to the + other's experience of life, and startled to see how the different, yet + parallel, lessons they had been taught by suffering had led them step by + step to the same serene acquiescence in the orderings of that Supreme + Wisdom which they both devoutly recognized. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy was at the window and saw them walking up and down the + garden-alleys. She watched them as her grandfather the savage watched the + figures that moved among the trees when a hostile tribe was lurking about + his mountain. + </p> + <p> + “There'll be a weddin' in the ol house,” she said, “before there's roses + on them bushes ag'in. But it won' be my poor Elsie's weddin', 'n' ol' + Sophy won' be there.” + </p> + <p> + When Helen prayed in the silence of her soul that evening, it was not that + Elsie's life might be spared. She dared not ask that as a favor of Heaven. + What could life be to her but a perpetual anguish, and to those about her + but an ever-present terror? Might she but be so influenced by divine + grace, that what in her was most truly human, most purely woman-like, + should overcome the dark, cold, unmentionable instinct which had pervaded + her being like a subtile poison that was all she could ask, and the rest + she left to a higher wisdom and tenderer love than her own. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. THE WHITE ASH. + </h2> + <p> + When Helen returned to Elsie's bedside, it was with a new and still deeper + feeling of sympathy, such as the story told by Old Sophy might well + awaken. She understood, as never before, the singular fascination and as + singular repulsion which she had long felt in Elsie's presence. It had not + been without a great effort that she had forced herself to become the + almost constant attendant of the sick girl; and now she was learning, but + not for the first time, the blessed truth which so many good women have + found out for themselves, that the hardest duty bravely performed soon + becomes a habit, and tends in due time to transform itself into a + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor was beginning to look graver, in spite of himself. The + fever, if such it was, went gently forward, wasting the young girl's + powers of resistance from day to day; yet she showed no disposition to + take nourishment, and seemed literally to be living on air. It was + remarkable that with all this her look was almost natural, and her + features were hardly sharpened so as to suggest that her life was burning + away. He did not like this, nor various other unobtrusive signs of danger + which his practised eye detected. A very small matter might turn the + balance which held life and death poised against each other. He surrounded + her with precautions, that Nature might have every opportunity of + cunningly shifting the weights from the scale of death to the scale of + life, as she will often do if not rudely disturbed or interfered with. + </p> + <p> + Little tokens of good-will and kind remembrance were constantly coming to + her from the girls in the school and the good people in the village. Some + of the mansion-house people obtained rare flowers which they sent her, and + her table was covered with fruits which tempted her in vain. Several of + the school-girls wished to make her a basket of their own handiwork, and, + filling it with autumnal flowers, to send it as a joint offering. Mr. + Bernard found out their project accidentally, and, wishing to have his + share in it, brought home from one of his long walks some boughs full of + variously tinted leaves, such as were still clinging to the stricken + trees. With these he brought also some of the already fallen leaflets of + the white ash, remarkable for their rich olive-purple color, forming a + beautiful contrast with some of the lighter-hued leaves. It so happened + that this particular tree, the white ash, did not grow upon The Mountain, + and the leaflets were more welcome for their comparative rarity. So the + girls made their basket, and the floor of it they covered with the rich + olive-purple leaflets. Such late flowers as they could lay their hands + upon served to fill it, and with many kindly messages they sent it to Miss + Elsie Venner at the Dudley mansion-house. + </p> + <p> + Elsie was sitting up in her bed when it came, languid, but tranquil, and + Helen was by her, as usual, holding her hand, which was strangely cold, + Helen thought, for one who was said to have some kind of fever. The + school-girls' basket was brought in with its messages of love and hopes + for speedy recovery. Old Sophy was delighted to see that it pleased Elsie, + and laid it on the bed before her. Elsie began looking at the flowers, and + taking them from the basket, that she might see the leaves. All at once + she appeared to be agitated; she looked at the basket, then around, as if + there were some fearful presence about her which she was searching for + with her eager glances. She took out the flowers, one by one, her + breathing growing hurried, her eyes staring, her hands trembling,—till, + as she came near the bottom of the basket, she flung out all the rest with + a hasty movement, looked upon the olive-purple leaflets as if paralyzed + for a moment, shrunk up, as it were, into herself in a curdling terror, + dashed the basket from her, and fell back senseless, with a faint cry + which chilled the blood of the startled listeners at her bedside. + </p> + <p> + “Take it away!—take it away!—quick!” said Old Sophy, as she + hastened to her mistress's pillow. “It 's the leaves of the tree that was + always death to her,—take it away! She can't live wi' it in the + room!” + </p> + <p> + The poor old woman began chafing Elsie's hands, and Helen to try to rouse + her with hartshorn, while a third frightened attendant gathered up the + flowers and the basket and carried them out of the apartment, She came to + herself after a time, but exhausted and then wandering. In her delirium + she talked constantly as if she were in a cave, with such exactness of + circumstance that Helen could not doubt at all that she had some such + retreat among the rocks of The Mountain, probably fitted up in her own + fantastic way, where she sometimes hid herself from all human eyes, and of + the entrance to which she alone possessed the secret. + </p> + <p> + All this passed away, and left her, of course, weaker than before. But + this was not the only influence the unexplained paroxysm had left behind + it. From this time forward there was a change in her whole expression and + her manner. The shadows ceased flitting over her features, and the old + woman, who watched her from day to day and from hour to hour as a mother + watches her child, saw the likeness she bore to her mother coming forth + more and more, as the cold glitter died out of the diamond eyes, and the + stormy scowl disappeared from the dark brows and low forehead. + </p> + <p> + With all the kindness and indulgence her father had bestowed upon her, + Elsie had never felt that he loved her. The reader knows well enough what + fatal recollections and associations had frozen up the springs of natural + affection in his breast. There was nothing in the world he would not do + for Elsie. He had sacrificed his whole life to her. His very seeming + carelessness about restraining her was all calculated; he knew that + restraint would produce nothing but utter alienation. Just so far as she + allowed him, he shared her studies, her few pleasures, her thoughts; but + she was essentially solitary and uncommunicative. No person, as was said + long ago, could judge him, because his task was not merely difficult, but + simply impracticable to human powers. A nature like Elsie's had + necessarily to be studied by itself, and to be followed in its laws where + it could not be led. + </p> + <p> + Every day, at different hours, during the whole of his daughter's illness, + Dudley Venner had sat by her, doing all he could to soothe and please her. + Always the same thin film of some emotional non-conductor between them; + always that kind of habitual regard and family-interest, mingled with the + deepest pity on one side and a sort of respect on the other, which never + warmed into outward evidences of affection. + </p> + <p> + It was after this occasion, when she had been so profoundly agitated by a + seemingly insignificant cause, that her father and Old Sophy were sitting, + one at one side of her bed and one at the other. She had fallen into a + light slumber. As they were looking at her, the same thought came into + both their minds at the same moment. Old Sophy spoke for both, as she + said, in a low voice, + </p> + <p> + “It 's her mother's look,—it 's her mother's own face right over + again,—she never look' so before, the Lord's hand is on her! His + will be done!” + </p> + <p> + When Elsie woke and lifted her languid eyes upon her father's face, she + saw in it a tenderness, a depth of affection, such as she remembered at + rare moments of her childhood, when she had won him to her by some unusual + gleam of sunshine in her fitful temper. + </p> + <p> + “Elsie, dear,” he said, “we were thinking how much your expression was + sometimes like that of your sweet mother. If you could but have seen her, + so as to remember her!” + </p> + <p> + The tender look and tone, the yearning of the daughter's heart for the + mother she had never seen, save only with the unfixed, undistinguishing + eyes of earliest infancy, perhaps the under-thought that she might soon + rejoin her in another state of being,—all came upon her with a + sudden overflow of feeling which broke through all the barriers between + her heart and her eyes, and Elsie wept. It seemed to her father as if the + malign influence—evil spirit it might almost be called—which + had pervaded her being, had at last been driven forth or exorcised, and + that these tears were at once the sign and the pledge of her redeemed + nature. But now she was to be soothed, and not excited. After her tears + she slept again, and the look her face wore was peaceful as never before. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy met the Doctor at the door and told him all the circumstances + connected with the extraordinary attack from which Elsie had suffered. It + was the purple leaves, she said. She remembered that Dick once brought + home a branch of a tree with some of the same leaves on it, and Elsie + screamed and almost fainted then. She, Sophy, had asked her, after she had + got quiet, what it was in the leaves that made her feel so bad. Elsie + could n't tell her,—did n't like to speak about it,—shuddered + whenever Sophy mentioned it. + </p> + <p> + This did not sound so strangely to the old Doctor as it does to some who + listen to his narrative. He had known some curious examples of + antipathies, and remembered reading of others still more singular. He had + known those who could not bear the presence of a cat, and recollected the + story, often told, of a person's hiding one in a chest when one of these + sensitive individuals came into the room, so as not to disturb him; but he + presently began to sweat and turn pale, and cried out that there must be a + cat hid somewhere. He knew people who were poisoned by strawberries, by + honey, by different meats, many who could not endure cheese,—some + who could not bear the smell of roses. If he had known all the stories in + the old books, he would have found that some have swooned and become as + dead men at the smell of a rose,—that a stout soldier has been known + to turn and run at the sight or smell of rue,—that cassia and even + olive-oil have produced deadly faintings in certain individuals,—in + short, that almost everything has seemed to be a poison to somebody. + </p> + <p> + “Bring me that basket, Sophy,” said the old Doctor, “if you can find it.” + </p> + <p> + Sophy brought it to him,—for he had not yet entered Elsie's + apartment. + </p> + <p> + “These purple leaves are from the white ash,” he said. “You don't know the + notion that people commonly have about that tree, Sophy?” + </p> + <p> + “I know they say the Ugly Things never go where the white ash grows,” + Sophy answered. “Oh, Doctor dear, what I'm thinkin' of a'n't true, is it?” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor smiled sadly, but did not answer. He went directly to Elsie's + room. Nobody would have known by his manner that he saw any special change + in his patient. He spoke with her as usual, made some slight alteration in + his prescriptions, and left the room with a kind, cheerful look. He met + her father on the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Is it as I thought?” said Dudley Venner. + </p> + <p> + “There is everything to fear,” the Doctor said, “and not much, I am + afraid, to hope. Does not her face recall to you one that you remember, as + never before?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” her father answered,—“oh, yes! What is the meaning of this + change which has come over her features, and her voice, her temper, her + whole being? Tell me, oh, tell me, what is it? Can it be that the curse is + passing away, and my daughter is to be restored to me,—such as her + mother would have had her,—such as her mother was?” + </p> + <p> + “Walk out with me into the garden,” the Doctor said, “and I will tell you + all I know and all I think about this great mystery of Elsie's life.” + </p> + <p> + They walked out together, and the Doctor began: “She has lived a double + being, as it were,—the consequence of the blight which fell upon her + in the dim period before consciousness. You can see what she might have + been but for this. You know that for these eighteen years her whole + existence has taken its character from that influence which we need not + name. But you will remember that few of the lower forms of life last as + human beings do; and thus it might have been hoped and trusted with some + show of reason, as I have always suspected you hoped and trusted, perhaps + more confidently than myself, that the lower nature which had become + engrafted on the higher would die out and leave the real woman's life she + inherited to outlive this accidental principle which had so poisoned her + childhood and youth. I believe it is so dying out; but I am afraid,—yes, + I must say it, I fear it has involved the centres of life in its own + decay. There is hardly any pulse at Elsie's wrist; no stimulants seem to + rouse her; and it looks as if life were slowly retreating inwards, so that + by-and-by she will sleep as those who lie down in the cold and never + wake.” + </p> + <p> + Strange as it may seem, her father heard all this not without deep sorrow, + and such marks of it as his thoughtful and tranquil nature, long schooled + by suffering, claimed or permitted, but with a resignation itself the + measure of his past trials. Dear as his daughter might become to him, all + he dared to ask of Heaven was that she might be restored to that truer + self which lay beneath her false and adventitious being. If he could once + see that the icy lustre in her eyes had become a soft, calm light,—that + her soul was at peace with all about her and with Him; above,—this + crumb from the children's table was enough for him, as it was for the + Syro-Phoenician woman who asked that the dark spirit might go out from her + daughter. + </p> + <p> + There was little change the next day, until all at once she said in a + clear voice that she should like to see her master at the school, Mr. + Langdon. He came accordingly, and took the place of Helen at her bedside. + It seemed as if Elsie had forgotten the last scene with him. Might it be + that pride had come in, and she had sent for him only to show how superior + she had grown to the weakness which had betrayed her into that + extraordinary request, so contrary to the instincts and usages of her sex? + Or was it that the singular change which had come over her had involved + her passionate fancy for him and swept it away with her other habits of + thought and feeling? Or could it be that she felt that all earthly + interests were becoming of little account to her, and wished to place + herself right with one to whom she had displayed a wayward movement of her + unbalanced imagination? She welcomed Mr. Bernard as quietly as she had + received Helen Darley. He colored at the recollection of that last scene, + when he came into her presence; but she smiled with perfect tranquillity. + She did not speak to him of any apprehension; but he saw that she looked + upon herself as doomed. So friendly, yet so calm did she seem through all + their interview, that Mr. Bernard could only look back upon her + manifestation of feeling towards him on their walk from the school as a + vagary of a mind laboring under some unnatural excitement, and wholly at + variance with the true character of Elsie Venner as he saw her before him + in her subdued, yet singular beauty. He looked with almost scientific + closeness of observation into the diamond eyes; but that peculiar light + which he knew so well was not there. She was the same in one sense as on + that first day when he had seen her coiling and uncoiling her golden + chain; yet how different in every aspect which revealed her state of mind + and emotion! Something of tenderness there was, perhaps, in her tone + towards him; she would not have sent for him, had she not felt more than + an ordinary interest in him. But through the whole of his visit she never + lost her gracious self-possession. The Dudley race might well be proud of + the last of its daughters, as she lay dying, but unconquered by the + feeling of the present or the fear of the future. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Bernard, he found it very hard to look upon her, and listen to + her unmoved. There was nothing that reminded him of the stormy—browed, + almost savage girl he remembered in her fierce loveliness,—nothing + of all her singularities of air and of costume. Nothing? Yes, one thing. + Weak and suffering as she was, she had never parted with one particular + ornament, such as a sick person would naturally, as it might be supposed, + get rid of at once. The golden cord which she wore round her neck at the + great party was still there. A bracelet was lying by her pillow; she had + unclasped it from her wrist. + </p> + <p> + Before Mr. Bernard left her, she said, + </p> + <p> + “I shall never see you again. Some time or other, perhaps, you will + mention my name to one whom you love. Give her this from your scholar and + friend Elsie.” + </p> + <p> + He took the bracelet, raised her hand to his lips, then turned his face + away; in that moment he was the weaker of the two. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye,” she said; “thank you for coming.” + </p> + <p> + His voice died away in his throat, as he tried to answer her. She followed + him with her eyes as he passed from her sight through the door, and when + it closed after him sobbed tremulously once or twice, but stilled herself, + and met Helen, as she entered, with a composed countenance. + </p> + <p> + “I have had a very pleasant visit from Mr. Langdon,” Elsie said. “Sit by + me, Helen, awhile without speaking; I should like to sleep, if I can,—and + to dream.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. THE GOLDEN CORD IS LOOSED. + </h2> + <p> + The Reverend Chauncy Fairweather, hearing that his parishioner's daughter, + Elsie, was very ill, could do nothing less than come to the mansion-house + and tender such consolations as he was master of. It was rather remarkable + that the old Doctor did not exactly approve of his visit. He thought that + company of every sort might be injurious in her weak state. He was of + opinion that Mr. Fairweather, though greatly interested in religious + matters, was not the most sympathetic person that could be found; in fact, + the old Doctor thought he was too much taken up with his own interests for + eternity to give himself quite 'so heartily to the need of other people as + some persons got up on a rather more generous scale (our good neighbor Dr. + Honeywood, for instance) could do. However, all these things had better be + arranged to suit her wants; if she would like to talk with a clergyman, + she had a great deal better see one as often as she liked, and run the + risk of the excitement, than have a hidden wish for such a visit and + perhaps find herself too weak to see him by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + The old Doctor knew by sad experience that dreadful mistake against which + all medical practitioners should be warned. His experience may well be a + guide for others. Do not overlook the desire for spiritual advice and + consolation which patients sometimes feel, and, with the frightful + mauvaise honte peculiar to Protestantism, alone among all human beliefs, + are ashamed to tell. As a part of medical treatment, it is the physician's + business to detect the hidden longing for the food of the soul, as much as + for any form of bodily nourishment. Especially in the higher walks of + society, where this unutterably miserable false shame of Protestantism + acts in proportion to the general acuteness of the cultivated + sensibilities, let no unwillingness to suggest the sick person's real need + suffer him to languish between his want and his morbid sensitiveness. What + an infinite advantage the Mussulmans and the Catholics have over many of + our more exclusively spiritual sects in the way they keep their religion + always by them and never blush for it! And besides this spiritual longing, + we should never forget that + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “On some fond breast the parting soul relies,” + </pre> + <p> + and the minister of religion, in addition to the sympathetic nature which + we have a right to demand in him, has trained himself to the art of + entering into the feelings of others. + </p> + <p> + The reader must pardon this digression, which introduces the visit of the + Reverend Chauncy Fairweather to Elsie Venner. It was mentioned to her that + he would like to call and see how she was, and she consented,—not + with much apparent interest, for she had reasons of her own for not + feeling any very deep conviction of his sympathy for persons in sorrow. + But he came, and worked the conversation round to religion, and confused + her with his hybrid notions, half made up of what he had been believing + and teaching all his life, and half of the new doctrines which he had + veneered upon the surface of his old belief. He got so far as to make a + prayer with her,—a cool, well-guarded prayer, which compromised his + faith as little as possible, and which, if devotion were a game played + against Providence, might have been considered a cautious and sagacious + move. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone, Elsie called Old Sophy to her. + </p> + <p> + “Sophy,” she said, “don't let them send that cold hearted man to me any + more. If your old minister comes—to see you, I should like to hear + him talk. He looks as if he cared for everybody, and would care for me. + And, Sophy, if I should die one of these days, I should like to have that + old minister come and say whatever is to be said over me. It would comfort + Dudley more, I know, than to have that hard man here, when you're in + trouble, for some of you will be sorry when I'm gone,—won't you, + Sophy?” + </p> + <p> + The poor old black woman could not stand this question. The cold minister + had frozen Elsie until she felt as if nobody cared for her or would regret + her,—and her question had betrayed this momentary feeling. + </p> + <p> + “Don' talk so! don' talk so, darlin'!” she cried, passionately. “When you + go, Ol' Sophy'll go; 'n' where you go, Ol' Sophy'll go: 'n' we'll both go + t' th' place where th' Lord takes care of all his children, whether their + faces are white or black. Oh, darlin', darlin'! if th' Lord should let me + die firs', you shall fin' all ready for you when you come after me. On'y + don' go 'n' leave poor Ol' Sophy all 'lone in th' world!” + </p> + <p> + Helen came in at this moment and quieted the old woman with a look. Such + scenes were just what were most dangerous, in the state in which Elsie was + lying: but that is one of the ways in which an affectionate friend + sometimes unconsciously wears out the life which a hired nurse, thinking + of nothing but her regular duties and her wages, would have spared from + all emotional fatigue. + </p> + <p> + The change which had come over Elsie's disposition was itself the cause of + new excitements. How was it possible that her father could keep away from + her, now that she was coming back to the nature and the very look of her + mother, the bride of his youth? How was it possible to refuse her, when + she said to Old Sophy, that she should like to have her minister come in + and sit by her, even though his presence might perhaps prove a new source + of excitement? + </p> + <p> + But the Reverend Doctor did come and sit by her, and spoke such soothing + words to her, words of such peace and consolation, that from that hour she + was tranquil as never before. All true hearts are alike in the hour of + need; the Catholic has a reserved fund of faith for his fellow-creature's + trying moment, and the Calvinist reveals those springs of human + brotherhood and charity in his soul which are only covered over by the + iron tables inscribed with the harder dogmas of his creed. It was enough + that the Reverend Doctor knew all Elsie's history. He could not judge her + by any formula, like those which have been moulded by past ages out of + their ignorance. He did not talk with her as if she were an outside sinner + worse than himself. He found a bruised and languishing soul, and bound up + its wounds. A blessed office,—one which is confined to no sect or + creed, but which good men in all times, under various names and with + varying ministries, to suit the need of each age, of each race, of each + individual soul, have come forward to discharge for their suffering + fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + After this there was little change in Elsie, except that her heart beat + more feebly every day,—so that the old Doctor himself, with all his + experience, could see nothing to account for the gradual failing of the + powers of life, and yet could find no remedy which seemed to arrest its + progress in the smallest degree. + </p> + <p> + “Be very careful,” he said, “that she is not allowed to make any muscular + exertion. Any such effort, when a person is so enfeebled, may stop the + heart in a moment; and if it stops, it will never move again.” + </p> + <p> + Helen enforced this rule with the greatest care. Elsie was hardly allowed + to move her hand or to speak above a whisper. It seemed to be mainly the + question now, whether this trembling flame of life would be blown out by + some light breath of air, or whether it could be so nursed and sheltered + by the hollow of these watchful hands that it would have a chance to + kindle to its natural brightness. + </p> + <p> + —Her father came in to sit with her in the evening. He had never + talked so freely with her as during the hour he had passed at her bedside, + telling her little circumstances of her mother's life, living over with + her all that was pleasant in the past, and trying to encourage her with + some cheerful gleams of hope for the future. A faint smile played over her + face, but she did not answer his encouraging suggestions. The hour came + for him to leave her with those who watched by her. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, my dear child,” he said, and stooping down, kissed her cheek. + </p> + <p> + Elsie rose by a sudden effort, threw her arms round his neck, kissed him, + and said, “Good-night, my dear father!” + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of her movement had taken him by surprise, or he would have + checked so dangerous an effort. It was too late now. Her arms slid away + from him like lifeless weights,—her head fell back upon her pillow,—along + sigh breathed through her lips. + </p> + <p> + “She is faint,” said Helen, doubtfully; “bring me the hartshorn, Sophy.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman had started from her place, and was now leaning over her, + looking in her face, and listening for the sound of her breathing. + </p> + <p> + “She 's dead! Elsie 's dead! My darlin 's dead!” she cried aloud, filling + the room with her utterance of anguish. + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner drew her away and silenced her with a voice of authority, + while Helen and an assistant plied their restoratives. It was all in vain. + </p> + <p> + The solemn tidings passed from the chamber of death through the family. + The daughter, the hope of that old and honored house, was dead in the + freshness of her youth, and the home of its solitary representative was + hereafter doubly desolate. + </p> + <p> + A messenger rode hastily out of the avenue. A little after this the people + of the village and the outlying farm-houses were startled by the sound of + a bell. + </p> + <p> + One,—two,—three,—four, + </p> + <p> + They stopped in every house, as far as the wavering vibrations reached, + and listened— + </p> + <p> + five,—six,—seven,— + </p> + <p> + It was not the little child which had been lying so long at the point of + death; that could not be more than three or four years old— + </p> + <p> + eight,—nine,—ten,—and so on to fifteen, sixteen,—seventeen, + —eighteen— + </p> + <p> + The pulsations seemed to keep on,—but it was the brain, and not the + bell, that was throbbing now. + </p> + <p> + “Elsie 's dead!” was the exclamation at a hundred firesides. + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen year old,” said old Widow Peake, rising from her chair. + “Eighteen year ago I laid two gold eagles on her mother's eyes,—he + wouldn't have anything but gold touch her eyelids,—and now Elsie's + to be straightened,—the Lord have mercy on her poor sinful soul!” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner prayed that night that he might be forgiven, if he had + failed in any act of duty or kindness to this unfortunate child of his, + now freed from all the woes born with her and so long poisoning her soul. + He thanked God for the brief interval of peace which had been granted her, + for the sweet communion they had enjoyed in these last days, and for the + hope of meeting her with that other lost friend in a better world. + </p> + <p> + Helen mingled a few broken thanks and petitions with her tears: thanks + that she had been permitted to share the last days and hours of this poor + sister in sorrow; petitions that the grief of bereavement might be + lightened to the lonely parent and the faithful old servant. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy said almost nothing, but sat day and night by her dead darling. + But sometimes her anguish would find an outlet in strange sounds, + something between a cry and a musical note,—such as noise had ever + heard her utter before. These were old remembrances surging up from her + childish days, coming through her mother from the cannibal chief, her + grandfather,—death-wails, such as they sing in the mountains of + Western Africa, when they see the fires on distant hill-sides and know + that their own wives and children are undergoing the fate of captives. + </p> + <p> + The time came when Elsie was to be laid by her mother in the small square + marked by the white stone. + </p> + <p> + It was not unwillingly that the Reverend Chauncy Fairweather had + relinquished the duty of conducting the service to the Reverend Doctor + Honeywood, in accordance with Elsie's request. He could not, by any + reasoning, reconcile his present way of thinking with a hope for the + future of his unfortunate parishioner. Any good old Roman Catholic priest, + born and bred to his faith and his business, would have found a loophole + into some kind of heaven for her, by virtue of his doctrine of “invincible + ignorance,” or other special proviso; but a recent convert cannot enter + into the working conditions of his new creed. Beliefs must be lived in for + a good while, before they accommodate themselves to the soul's wants, and + wear loose enough to be comfortable. + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Doctor had no such scruples. Like thousands of those who are + classed nominally with the despairing believers, he had never prayed over + a departed brother or sister without feeling and expressing a guarded hope + that there was mercy in store for the poor sinner, whom parents, wives, + children, brothers and sisters could not bear to give up to utter ruin + without a word,—and would not, as he knew full well, in virtue of + that human love and sympathy which nothing can ever extinguish. And in + this poor Elsie's history he could read nothing which the tears of the + recording angel might not wash away. As the good physician of the place + knew the diseases that assailed the bodies of men and women, so he had + learned the mysteries of the sickness of the soul. + </p> + <p> + So many wished to look upon Elsie's face once more, that her father would + not deny them; nay, he was pleased that those who remembered her living + should see her in the still beauty of death. Helen and those with her + arrayed her for this farewell-view. All was ready for the sad or curious + eyes which were to look upon her. There 'was no painful change to be + concealed by any artifice. Even her round neck was left uncovered, that + she might be more like one who slept. Only the golden cord was left in its + place: some searching eye might detect a trace of that birthmark which it + was whispered she had always worn a necklace to conceal. + </p> + <p> + At the last moment, when all the preparations were completed, Old Sophy + stooped over her, and, with trembling hand, loosed the golden cord. She + looked intently; for some little space: there was no shade nor blemish + where the ring of gold had encircled her throat. She took it gently away + and laid it in the casket which held her ornaments. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord be praised!” the old woman cried, aloud. “He has taken away the + mark that was on her; she's fit to meet his holy angels now!” + </p> + <p> + So Elsie lay for hours in the great room, in a kind of state, with flowers + all about her,—her black hair braided as in life,—her brows + smooth, as if they had never known the scowl of passion,—and on her + lips the faint smile with which she had uttered her last “Good—night.” + The young girls from the school looked at her, one after another, and + passed on, sobbing, carrying in their hearts the picture that would be + with them all their days. The great people of the place were all there + with their silent sympathy. The lesser kind of gentry, and many of the + plainer folk of the village, half-pleased to find themselves passing + beneath the stately portico of the ancient mansion-house, crowded in, + until the ample rooms were overflowing. All the friends whose acquaintance + we have made were there, and many from remoter villages and towns. + </p> + <p> + There was a deep silence at last. The hour had come for the parting words + to be spoken over the dead. The good old minister's voice rose out of the + stillness, subdued and tremulous at first, but growing firmer and clearer + as he went on, until it reached the ears of the visitors who were in the + far, desolate chambers, looking at the pictured hangings and the old dusty + portraits. He did not tell her story in his prayer. He only spoke of our + dear departed sister as one of many whom Providence in its wisdom has seen + fit to bring under bondage from their cradles. It was not for us to judge + them by any standard of our own. He who made the heart alone knew the + infirmities it inherited or acquired. For all that our dear sister had + presented that was interesting and attractive in her character we were to + be grateful; for whatever was dark or inexplicable we must trust that the + deep shadow which rested on the twilight dawn of her being might render a + reason before the bar of Omniscience; for the grace which had lightened + her last days we should pour out our hearts in thankful acknowledgment. + From the life and the death of this our dear sister we should learn a + lesson of patience with our fellow-creatures in their inborn + peculiarities, of charity in judging what seem to us wilful faults of + character, of hope and trust, that, by sickness or affliction, or such + inevitable discipline as life must always bring with it, if by no gentler + means, the soul which had been left by Nature to wander into the path of + error and of suffering might be reclaimed and restored to its true aim, + and so led on by divine grace to its eternal welfare. He closed his prayer + by commending each member of the afflicted family to the divine blessing. + </p> + <p> + Then all at once rose the clear sound of the girls' voices, in the sweet, + sad melody of a funeral hymn,—one of those which Elsie had marked, + as if prophetically, among her own favorites. + </p> + <p> + And so they laid her in the earth, and showered down flowers upon her, and + filled her grave, and covered it with green sods. By the side of it was + another oblong ridge, with a white stone standing at its head. Mr. Bernard + looked upon it, as he came close to the place where Elsie was laid, and + read the inscription, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CATALINA + + WIFE TO DUDLEY VENNER + + DIED + OCTOBER 13TH 1840 + + AGED XX YEARS +</pre> + <p> + A gentle rain fell on the turf after it was laid. This was the beginning + of a long and dreary autumnal storm, a deferred “equinoctial,” as many + considered it. The mountain streams were all swollen and turbulent, and + the steep declivities were furrowed in every direction by new channels. It + made the house seem doubly desolate to hear the wind howling and the rain + beating upon the roofs. The poor relation who was staying at the house + would insist on Helen's remaining a few days: Old Sophy was in such a + condition, that it kept her in continual anxiety, and there were many + cares which Helen could take off from her. + </p> + <p> + The old black woman's life was buried in her darling's grave. She did + nothing but moan and lament for her. At night she was restless, and would + get up and wander to Elsie's apartment and look for her and call her by + name. At other times she would lie awake and listen to the wind and the + rain,—sometimes with such a wild look upon her face, and with such + sudden starts and exclamations, that it seemed as if she heard + spirit-voices and were answering the whispers of unseen visitants. With + all this were mingled hints of her old superstition,—forebodings of + something fearful about to happen,—perhaps the great final + catastrophe of all things, according to the prediction current in the + kitchens of Rockland. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” Old Sophy would say,—“don' you hear th' crackin' 'n' th' + snappin' up in Th' Mountain, 'n' th' rollin' o' th' big stones? The' 's + somethin' stirrin' among th' rocks; I hear th' soun' of it in th' night, + when th' wind has stopped blowin'. Oh, stay by me a little while, Miss + Darlin'! stay by me! for it's th' Las' Day, maybe, that's close on us, 'n' + I feel as if I could n' meet th' Lord all alone!” + </p> + <p> + It was curious,—but Helen did certainly recognize sounds, during the + lull of the storm, which were not of falling rain or running streams,—short + snapping sounds, as of tense cords breaking,—long uneven sounds, as + of masses rolling down steep declivities. But the morning came as usual; + and as the others said nothing of these singular noises, Helen did not + think it necessary to speak of them. All day long she and the humble + relative of Elsie's mother, who had appeared as poor relations are wont to + in the great prises of life, were busy in arranging the disordered house, + and looking over the various objects which Elsie's singular tastes had + brought together, to dispose of them as her father might direct. They all + met together at the usual hour for tea. One of the servants came in, + looking very blank, and said to the poor relation, + </p> + <p> + “The well is gone dry; we have nothing but rainwater.” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner's countenance changed; he sprang to, his feet and went to—assure + himself of the fact, and, if he could, of the reason of it. For a well to + dry up during such a rain-storm was extraordinary,—it was ominous. + </p> + <p> + He came back, looking very anxious. + </p> + <p> + “Did any of you notice any remarkable sounds last night,” he said,—“or + this morning? Hark! do you hear anything now?” + </p> + <p> + They listened in perfect silence for a few moments. Then there came a + short cracking sound, and two or three snaps, as of parting cords. + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner called all his household together. + </p> + <p> + “We are in danger here, as I think, to-night,” he said,—“not very + great danger, perhaps, but it is a risk I do not wish you to run. These + heavy rains have loosed some of the rocks above, and they may come down + and endanger the house. Harness the horses, Elbridge, and take all the + family away. Miss Darley will go to the Institute; the others will pass + the night at the Mountain House. I shall stay here, myself: it is not at + all likely that anything will come of these warnings; but if there should, + I choose to be there and take my chance.” + </p> + <p> + It needs little, generally, to frighten servants, and they were all ready + enough to go. The poor relation was one of the timid sort, and was + terribly uneasy to be got out of the house. This left no alternative, of + course, for Helen, but to go also. They all urged upon Dudley Venner to go + with them: if there was danger, why should he remain to risk it, when he + sent away the others? + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy said nothing until the time came for her to go with the second + of Elbridge's carriage-loads. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Sophy,” said Dudley Venner, “get your things and go. They will take + good care of you at the Mountain House; and when we have made sure that + there is no real danger, you shall come back at once.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Masse!” Sophy answered. “I've seen Elsie into th' ground, 'n' I a'n't + goin' away to come back 'n' fin' Masse Venner buried under th' rocks. My + darlin' 's gone; 'n' now, if Masse goes, 'n' th' of place goes, it's time + for Ol' Sophy to go, too. No, Masse Venner, we'll both stay in th' of + mansion 'n' wait for th' Lord!” + </p> + <p> + Nothing could change the old woman's determination; and her master, who + only feared, but did not really expect the long-deferred catastrophe, was + obliged to consent to her staying. The sudden drying of the well at such a + time was the most alarming sign; for he remembered that the same thing had + been observed just before great mountain-slides. This long rain, too, was + just the kind of cause which was likely to loosen the strata of rock piled + up in the ledges; if the dreaded event should ever come to pass, it would + be at such a time. + </p> + <p> + He paced his chamber uneasily until long past midnight. If the morning + came without accident, he meant to have a careful examination made of all + the rents and fissures above, of their direction and extent, and + especially whether, in case of a mountain-slide, the huge masses would be + like to reach so far to the east and so low down the declivity as the + mansion. + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock in the morning he was dozing in his chair. Old Sophy had + lain down on her bed, and was muttering in troubled dreams. + </p> + <p> + All at once a loud crash seemed to rend the very heavens above them: a + crack as of the thunder that follows close upon the bolt,—a rending + and crashing as of a forest snapped through all its stems, torn, twisted, + splintered, dragged with all its ragged boughs into one chaotic ruin. The + ground trembled under them as in an earthquake; the old mansion shuddered + so that all its windows chattered in their casements; the great chimney + shook off its heavy cap-stones, which came down on the roof with + resounding concussions; and the echoes of The Mountain roared and bellowed + in long reduplication, as if its whole foundations were rent, and this + were the terrible voice of its dissolution. + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner rose from his chair, folded his arms, and awaited his fate. + There was no knowing where to look for safety; and he remembered too well + the story of the family that was lost by rushing out of the house, and so + hurrying into the very jaws of death. + </p> + <p> + He had stood thus but for a moment, when he heard the voice of Old Sophy + in a wild cry of terror: + </p> + <p> + “It's th' Las' Day! It's th' Las' Day! The Lord is comin' to take us all!” + </p> + <p> + “Sophy!” he called; but she did not hear him or heed him, and rushed out + of the house. + </p> + <p> + The worst danger was over. If they were to be destroyed, it would + necessarily be in a few seconds from the first thrill of the terrible + convulsion. He waited in awful suspense, but calm. Not more than one or + two minutes could have passed before the frightful tumult and all its + sounding echoes had ceased. He called Old Sophy; but she did not answer. + He went to the western window and looked forth into the darkness. He could + not distinguish the outlines of the landscape, but the white stone was + clearly visible, and by its side the new-made mound. Nay, what was that + which obscured its outline, in shape like a human figure? He flung open + the window and sprang through. It was all that there was left of poor Old + Sophy, stretched out lifeless, upon her darling's grave. + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely composed her limbs and drawn the sheet over her, when the + neighbors began to arrive from all directions. Each was expecting to hear + of houses overwhelmed and families destroyed; but each came with the story + that his own household was safe. It was not until the morning dawned that + the true nature and extent of the sudden movement was ascertained. A great + seam had opened above the long cliff, and the terrible Rattlesnake Ledge, + with all its envenomed reptiles, its dark fissures and black caverns, was + buried forever beneath a mighty incumbent mass of ruin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. MR. SILAS PECKHAM RENDERS HIS ACCOUNT. + </h2> + <p> + The morning rose clear and bright. The long storm was over, and the calm + autumnal sunshine was now to return, with all its infinite repose and + sweetness. With the earliest dawn exploring parties were out in every + direction along the southern slope of The Mountain, tracing the ravages of + the great slide and the track it had followed. It proved to be not so much + a slide as the breaking off and falling of a vast line of cliff, including + the dreaded Ledge. It had folded over like the leaves of a half-opened + book when they close, crushing the trees below, piling its ruins in a + glacis at the foot of what had been the overhanging wall of the cliff, and + filling up that deep cavity above the mansion-house which bore the + ill-omened name of Dead Man's Hollow. This it was which had saved the + Dudley mansion. The falling masses, or huge fragments breaking off from + them, would have swept the house and all around it to destruction but for + this deep shelving dell, into which the stream of ruin was happily + directed. It was, indeed, one of Nature's conservative revolutions; for + the fallen masses made a kind oz shelf, which interposed a level break + between the inclined planes above and below it, so that the + nightmare-fancies of the dwellers in the Dudley mansion, and in many other + residences under the shadow of The Mountain, need not keep them lying + awake hereafter to listen for the snapping of roots and the splitting of + the rocks above them. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-four hours after the falling of the cliff, it seemed as if it had + happened ages ago. The new fact had fitted itself in with all the old + predictions, forebodings, fears, and acquired the solidarity belonging to + all events which have slipped out of the fingers of Time and dissolved in + the antecedent eternity. + </p> + <p> + Old Sophy was lying dead in the Dudley mansion. If there were tears shed + for her, they could not be bitter ones; for she had lived out her full + measure of days, and gone—who could help fondly believing it?—to + rejoin her beloved mistress. They made a place for her at the foot of the + two mounds. It was thus she would have chosen to sleep, and not to have + wronged her humble devotion in life by asking to lie at the side of those + whom she had served so long and faithfully. There were very few present at + the simple ceremony. Helen Darley was one of these few. The old black + woman had been her companion in all the kind offices of which she had been + the ministering angel to Elsie. + </p> + <p> + After it was all over, Helen was leaving with the rest, when Dudley Venner + begged her to stay a little, and he would send her back: it was a long + walk; besides, he wished to say some things to her, which he had not had + the opportunity of speaking. Of course Helen could not refuse him; there + must be many thoughts coming into his mind which he would wish to share + with her who had known his daughter so long and been with filer in her + last days. + </p> + <p> + She returned into the great parlor with the wrought cornices and the + medallion-portraits on the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + “I am now alone in the world,” Dudley Venner said. + </p> + <p> + Helen must have known that before he spoke. But the tone in which he said + it had so much meaning, that she could not find a word to answer him with. + They sat in silence, which the old tall clock counted out in long seconds; + but it was silence which meant more than any words they had ever spoken. + </p> + <p> + “Alone in the world. Helen, the freshness of my life is gone, and there is + little left of the few graces which in my younger days might have fitted + me to win the love of women. Listen to me,—kindly, if you can; + forgive me, at least. Half my life has been passed in constant fear and + anguish, without any near friend to share my trials. My task is done now; + my fears have ceased to prey upon me; the sharpness of early sorrows has + yielded something of its edge to time. You have bound me to you by + gratitude in the tender care you have taken of my poor child. More than + this. I must tell you all now, out of the depth of this trouble through + which I am passing. I have loved you from the moment we first met; and if + my life has anything left worth accepting, it is yours. Will you take the + offered gift?” + </p> + <p> + Helen looked in his face, surprised, bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “This is not for me,—not for me,” she said. “I am but a poor faded + flower, not worth the gathering, of such a one as you. No, no,—I + have been bred to humble toil all my days, and I could not be to you what + you ought to ask. I am accustomed to a kind of loneliness and + self-dependence. I have seen nothing, almost, of the world, such as you + were born to move in. Leave me to my obscure place and duties; I shall at + least have peace;—and you—you will surely find in due time + some one better fitted by Nature and training to make you happy.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Darley!” Dudley Venner said, almost sternly. “You must not speak + to a man, who has lived through my experiences, of looking about for a new + choice after his heart has once chosen. Say that you can never love me; + say that I have lived too long to share your young life; say that sorrow + has left nothing in me for Love to find his pleasure in; but do not mock + me with the hope of a new affection for some unknown object. The first + look of yours brought me to your side. The first tone of your voice sunk + into my heart. From this moment my life must wither out or bloom anew. My + home is desolate. Come under my roof and make it bright once more,—share + my life with me,—or I shall give the halls of the old mansion to the + bats and the owls, and wander forth alone without a hope or a friend!” + </p> + <p> + To find herself with a man's future at the disposal of a single word of + hers!—a man like this, too, with a fascination for her against which + she had tried to shut her heart, feeling that he lived in another sphere + than hers, working as she was for her bread a poor operative in the + factory of a hard master and jealous overseer, the salaried drudge of Mr. + Silas Peckham! Why, she had thought he was grateful to her as a friend of + his daughter; she had even pleased herself with the feeling that he liked + her, in her humble place, as a woman of some cultivation and many + sympathetic points of relation with himself; but that he loved her,—that + this deep, fine nature, in a man so far removed from her in outward + circumstance, should have found its counterpart in one whom life had + treated so coldly as herself,—that Dudley Venner should stake his + happiness on a breath of hers,—poor Helen Darley's,—it was all + a surprise, a confusion, a kind of fear not wholly fearful. Ah, me! women + know what it is, that mist over the eyes, that trembling in the limbs, + that faltering of the voice, that sweet, shame-faced, unspoken confession + of weakness which does not wish to be strong, that sudden overflow in the + soul where thoughts loose their hold on each other and swim single and + helpless in the flood of emotion,—women know what it is! + </p> + <p> + No doubt she was a little frightened and a good deal bewildered, and that + her sympathies were warmly excited for a friend to whom she had been + brought so near, and whose loneliness she saw and pitied. She lost that + calm self-possession she had hoped to maintain. + </p> + <p> + “If I thought that I could make you happy,—if I should speak from my + heart, and not my reason,—I am but a weak woman,—yet if I can + be to you—What can I say?” + </p> + <p> + What more could this poor, dear Helen say? + </p> + <p> + “Elbridge, harness the horses and take Miss Darley back to the school.” + </p> + <p> + What conversation had taken place since Helen's rhetorical failure is not + recorded in the minutes from which this narrative is constructed. But when + the man who had been summoned had gone to get the carriage ready, Helen + resumed something she had been speaking of. + </p> + <p> + “Not for the world. Everything must go on just as it has gone on, for the + present. There are proprieties to be consulted. I cannot be hard with you, + that out of your very affliction has sprung this—this well—you + must name it for me,—but the world will never listen to + explanations. I am to be Helen Darley, lady assistant in Mr. Silas + Peckham's school, as long as I see fit to hold my office. And I mean to + attend to my scholars just as before; so that I shall have very little + time for visiting or seeing company. I believe, though, you are one of the + Trustees and a Member of the Examining Committee; so that, if you should + happen to visit the school, I shall try to be civil to you.” + </p> + <p> + Every lady sees, of course, that Helen was quite right; but perhaps here + and there one will think that Dudley Venner was all wrong,—that he + was too hasty,—that he should have been too full of his recent grief + for such a confession as he has just made, and the passion from which it + sprung. Perhaps they do not understand the sudden recoil of a strong + nature long compressed. Perhaps they have not studied the mystery of + allotropism in the emotions of the human heart. Go to the nearest chemist + and ask him to show you some of the dark-red phosphorus which will not + burn without fierce heating, but at 500 deg. Fahrenheit, changes back + again to the inflammable substance we know so well. Grief seems more like + ashes than like fire; but as grief has been love once, so it may become + love again. This is emotional allotropism. + </p> + <p> + Helen rode back to the Institute and inquired for Mr. Peckham. She had not + seen him during the brief interval between her departure from the + mansion-house and her return to Old Sophy's funeral. There were various + questions about the school she wished to ask. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how's your haalth, Miss Darley?” Silas began. “We've missed you + consid'able. Glad to see you back at the post of dooty. Hope the Squire + treated you hahnsomely,—liberal pecooniary compensation,—hey? + A'n't much of a loser, I guess, by acceptin' his propositions?” + </p> + <p> + Helen blushed at this last question, as if Silas had meant something by it + beyond asking what money she had received; but his own double-meaning + expression and her blush were too nice points for him to have taken + cognizance of. He was engaged in a mental calculation as to the amount of + the deduction he should make under the head of “demage to the + institootion,”—this depending somewhat on that of the “pecooniary + compensation” she might have received for her services as the friend of + Elsie Venner. + </p> + <p> + So Helen slid back at once into her routine, the same faithful, patient + creature she had always been. But what was this new light which seemed to + have kindled in her eyes? What was this look of peace, which nothing could + disturb, which smiled serenely through all the little meannesses with + which the daily life of the educational factory surrounded her, which not + only made her seem resigned, but overflowed all her features with a + thoughtful, subdued happiness? Mr. Bernard did not know,—perhaps he + did not guess. The inmates of the Dudley mansion were not scandalized by + any mysterious visits of a veiled or unveiled lady. The vibrating tongues + of the “female youth” of the Institute were not set in motion by the + standing of an equipage at the gate, waiting for their lady-teacher. The + servants at the mansion did not convey numerous letters with + superscriptions in a bold, manly hand, sealed with the arms of a + well-known house, and directed to Miss Helen Darley; nor, on the other + hand, did Hiram, the man from the lean streak in New Hampshire, carry + sweet-smelling, rose-hued, many-layered, criss-crossed, + fine-stitch-lettered packages of note-paper directed to Dudley Venner, + Esq., and all too scanty to hold that incredible expansion of the famous + three words which a woman was born to say,—that perpetual miracle + which astonishes all the go-betweens who wear their shoes out in carrying + a woman's infinite variations on the theme— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I love you.” + </pre> + <p> + But the reader must remember that there are walks in country-towns where + people are liable to meet by accident, and that the hollow of an old tree + has served the purpose of a post-office sometimes; so that he has her + choice (to divide the pronouns impartially) of various hypotheses to + account for the new glory of happiness which seemed to have irradiated our + poor Helen's features, as if her dreary life were awakening in the dawn of + a blessed future. + </p> + <p> + With all the alleviations which have been hinted at, Mr. Dudley Venner + thought that the days and the weeks had never moved so slowly as through + the last period of the autumn that was passing. Elsie had been a perpetual + source of anxiety to him, but still she had been a companion. He could not + mourn for her; for he felt that she was safer with her mother, in that + world where there are no more sorrows and dangers, than she could have + been with him. But as he sat at his window and looked at the three mounds, + the loneliness of the great house made it seem more like the sepulchre + than these narrow dwellings where his beloved and her daughter lay close + to each other, side by side,—Catalina, the bride of his youth, and + Elsie, the child whom he had nurtured, with poor Old Sophy, who had + followed them like a black shadow, at their feet, under the same soft + turf, sprinkled with the brown autumnal leaves. It was not good for him to + be thus alone. How should he ever live through the long months of November + and December? + </p> + <p> + The months of November and December did, in some way or other, get rid of + themselves at last, bringing with them the usual events of village-life + and a few unusual ones. Some of the geologists had been up to look at the + great slide, of which they gave those prolix accounts which everybody + remembers who read the scientific journals of the time. The engineers + reported that there was little probability of any further convulsion along + the line of rocks which overhung the more thickly settled part of the + town. The naturalists drew up a paper on the “Probable Extinction of the + Crotalus Durissus in the Township of Rockland.” The engagement of the + Widow Rowens to a Little Millionville merchant was announced,—“Sudding + 'n' onexpected,” Widow Leech said,—“waalthy, or she wouldn't ha' + looked at him,—fifty year old, if he is a day, 'n' hu'n't got a + white hair in his head.” The Reverend Chauncy Fairweather had publicly + announced that he was going to join the Roman Catholic communion,—not + so much to the surprise or consternation of the religious world as he had + supposed. Several old ladies forthwith proclaimed their intention of + following him; but, as one or two of them were deaf, and another had been + threatened with an attack of that mild, but obstinate complaint, dementia + senilis, many thought it was not so much the force of his arguments as a + kind of tendency to jump as the bellwether jumps, well known in flocks not + included in the Christian fold. His bereaved congregation immediately + began pulling candidates on and off, like new boots, on trial. Some + pinched in tender places; some were too loose; some were too square-toed; + some were too coarse, and did n't please; some were too thin, and would + n't last;—in short, they could n't possibly find a fit. At last, + people began to drop in to hear old Doctor Honeywood. They were quite + surprised to find what a human old gentleman he was, and went back and + told the others, that, instead of being a case of confluent sectarianism, + as they supposed, the good old minister had been so well vaccinated with + charitable virus that he was now a true, open-souled Christian of the + mildest type. The end of all which was, that the liberal people went over + to the old minister almost in a body, just at the time that Deacon Shearer + and the “Vinegar-Bible” party split off, and that not long afterwards they + sold their own meeting-house to the malecontents, so that Deacon Soper + used often to remind Colonel Sprowle of his wish that “our little man and + him [the Reverend Doctor] would swop pulpits,” and tell him it had “pooty + nigh come trew.”—But this is anticipating the course of events, + which were much longer in coming about; for we have but just got through + that terrible long month, as Mr. Dudley Venner found it, of December. + </p> + <p> + On the first of January, Mr. Silas Peckham was in the habit of settling + his quarterly accounts, and making such new arrangements as his + convenience or interest dictated. New Year was a holiday at the Institute. + No doubt this accounted for Helen's being dressed so charmingly,—always, + to be sure in, her own simple way, but yet with such a true lady's air, + that she looked fit to be the mistress of any mansion in the land. + </p> + <p> + She was in the parlor alone, a little before noon, when Mr. Peckham came + in. + </p> + <p> + “I'm ready to settle my accaount with you now, Miss Darley,” said Silas. + </p> + <p> + “As you please, Mr. Peckham,” Helen answered, very graciously. + </p> + <p> + “Before payin' you your selary,” the Principal continued, “I wish to come + to an understandin' as to the futur'. I consider that I've been payin' + high, very high, for the work you do. Women's wages can't be expected to + do more than feed and clothe 'em, as a gineral thing, with a little + savin', in case of sickness, and to bury 'em, if they break daown, as all + of 'em are liable to do at any time. If I a'n't misinformed, you not only + support yourself out of my establishment, but likewise relatives of yours, + who I don't know that I'm called upon to feed and clothe. There is a young + woman, not burdened with destitute relatives, has signified that she would + be glad to take your dooties for less pecooniary compensation, by a + consid'able amaount, than you now receive. I shall be willin', however, to + retain your services at sech redooced rate as we shall fix upon,—provided + sech redooced rate be as low or lower than the same services can be + obtained elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please, Mr. Peckham,” Helen answered, with a smile so sweet that + the Principal (who of course had trumped up this opposition-teacher for + the occasion) said to himself she would stand being cut down a quarter, + perhaps a half, of her salary. + </p> + <p> + “Here is your accaount, Miss Darley, and the balance doo you,” said Silas + Peckham, handing her a paper and a small roll of infectious-flavored bills + wrapping six poisonous coppers of the old coinage. + </p> + <p> + She took the paper and began looking at it. She could not quite make up + her mind to touch the feverish bills with the cankering coppers in them, + and left them airing themselves on the table. + </p> + <p> + The document she held ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + Silas Peckham, Esq., Principal of the Apollinean Institute, In Account + with Helen Darley, Assist. Teacher. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dr. Cr. + + To salary for quarter By Deduction for absence + ending Jan 1st @ $75 per 1 week 3 days........... $10.00 + quarter................ $75.00 + “Board, lodging, etc for + 10 days @ 75 cts per day.. 7.50 + + “Damage to Institution by + absence of teacher from + duties, say.............. 25.00 + + “Stationary furnished......... 43 + + “Postage-stamp................ 01 + + “Balance due Helen Darley. 32.06 + ——— ———— + $75.00 $75.00 + + ROCKLAND, Jan. 1st, 1859. +</pre> + <p> + Now Helen had her own private reasons for wishing to receive the small sum + which was due her at this time without any unfair deduction,—reasons + which we need not inquire into too particularly, as we may be very sure + that they were right and womanly. So, when she looked over this account of + Mr. Silas Peckham's, and saw that he had contrived to pare down her salary + to something less than half its stipulated amount, the look which her + countenance wore was as near to that of righteous indignation as her + gentle features and soft blue eyes would admit of its being. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mr. Peckham,” she said, “do you mean this? If I am of so much value + to you that you must take off twenty-five dollars for ten days' absence, + how is it that my salary is to be cut down to less than seventy-five + dollars a quarter, if I remain here?” + </p> + <p> + “I gave you fair notice,” said Silas. “I have a minute of it I took down + immed'ately after the intervoo.” + </p> + <p> + He lugged out his large pocket-book with the strap going all round it, and + took from it a slip of paper which confirmed his statement. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” he added, slyly, “I presoom you have received a liberal + pecooniary compensation from Squire Venner for nussin' his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Helen was looking over the bill while he was speaking. + </p> + <p> + “Board and lodging for ten days, Mr. Peckham,—whose board and + lodging, pray?” + </p> + <p> + The door opened before Silas Peckham could answer, and Mr. Bernard walked + into the parlor. Helen was holding the bill in her hand, looking as any + woman ought to look who has been at once wronged and insulted. + </p> + <p> + “The last turn of the thumbscrew!” said Mr. Bernard to himself. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Helen? You look troubled.” + </p> + <p> + She handed him the account. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the footing of it. Then he looked at the items. Then he + looked at Silas Peckham. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Silas was sublime. He was so transcendently unconscious of + the emotions going on in Mr. Bernard's mind at the moment, that he had + only a single thought. + </p> + <p> + “The accaount's correc'ly cast, I presoom;—if the' 's any mistake of + figgers or addin' 'em up, it'll be made all right. Everything's accordin' + to agreement. The minute written immed'ately after the intervoo is here in + my possession.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard looked at Helen. Just what would have happened to Silas + Peckham, as he stood then and there, but for the interposition of a + merciful Providence, nobody knows or ever will know; for at that moment + steps were heard upon the stairs, and Hiram threw open the parlor-door for + Mr. Dudley Venner to enter. + </p> + <p> + He saluted them all gracefully with the good-wishes of the season, and + each of them returned his compliment,—Helen blushing fearfully, of + course, but not particularly noticed in her embarrassment by more than + one. + </p> + <p> + Silas Peckham reckoned with perfect confidence on his Trustees, who had + always said what he told them to, and done what he wanted. It was a good + chance now to show off his power, and, by letting his instructors know the + unstable tenure of their offices, make it easier to settle his accounts + and arrange his salaries. There was nothing very strange in Mr. Venner's + calling; he was one of the Trustees, and this was New Year's Day. But he + had called just at the lucky moment for Mr. Peckham's object. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought some of makin' changes in the department of instruction,” + he began. “Several accomplished teachers have applied to me, who would be + glad of sitooations. I understand that there never have been so many + fust-rate teachers, male and female, out of employment as doorin' the + present season. If I can make sahtisfahctory arrangements with my present + corpse of teachers, I shall be glad to do so; otherwise I shell, with the + permission of the Trustees, make sech noo arrangements as circumstahnces + compel.” + </p> + <p> + “You may make arrangements for a new assistant in my department, Mr. + Peckham,” said Mr. Bernard, “at once,—this day,—this hour. I + am not safe to be trusted with your person five minutes out of this lady's + presence,—of whom I beg pardon for this strong language. Mr. Venner, + I must beg you, as one of the Trustees of this Institution, to look at the + manner in which its Principal has attempted to swindle this faithful + teacher whose toils and sacrifices and self-devotion to the school have + made it all that it is, in spite of this miserable trader's incompetence. + Will you look at the paper I hold?” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner took the account and read it through, without changing a + feature. Then he turned to Silas Peckham. + </p> + <p> + “You may make arrangements for a new assistant in the branches this lady + has taught. Miss Helen Darley is to be my wife. I had hoped to have + announced this news in a less abrupt and ungraceful manner. But I came to + tell you with my own lips what you would have learned before evening from + my friends in the village.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard went to Helen, who stood silent, with downcast eyes, and took + her hand warmly, hoping she might find all the happiness she deserved. + Then he turned to Dudley Venner, and said, “She is a queen, but has never + found it out. The world has nothing nobler than this dear woman, whom you + have discovered in the disguise of a teacher. God bless her and you!” + </p> + <p> + Dudley Venner returned his friendly grasp, without answering a word in + articulate speech. + </p> + <p> + Silas remained dumb and aghast for a brief space. Coming to himself a + little, he thought there might have been some mistake about the items,—would + like to have Miss barley's bill returned,—would make it all right,—had + no idee that Squire Venner had a special int'rest in Miss barley,—was + sorry he had given offence,—if he might take that bill and look it + over— + </p> + <p> + “No. Mr. Peckham,” said Mr. Dudley Venner, “there will be a full meeting + of the Board next week, and the bill, and such evidence with reference to + the management of the Institution and the treatment of its instructors as + Mr. Langdon sees fit to bring forward will be laid before them.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Helen Darley became that very day the guest of Miss Arabella + Thornton, the Judge's daughter. Mr. Bernard made his appearance a week or + two later at the Lectures, where the Professor first introduced him to the + reader. + </p> + <p> + He stayed after the class had left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mr. Langdon! how do you do? Very glad to see you back again. How have + you been since our correspondence on Fascination and other curious + scientific questions?” + </p> + <p> + It was the Professor who spoke,—whom the reader will recognize as + myself, the teller of this story. + </p> + <p> + “I have been well,” Mr. Bernard answered, with a serious look which + invited a further question. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have had none of those painful or dangerous experiences you + seemed to be thinking of when you wrote; at any rate, you have escaped + having your obituary written.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen some things worth remembering. Shall I call on you this + evening and tell you about them?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be most happy to see you.” + </p> + <p> + This was the way in which I, the Professor, became acquainted with some of + the leading events of this story. They interested me sufficiently to lead + me to avail myself of all those other extraordinary methods of obtaining + information well known to writers of narrative. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Langdon seemed to me to have gained in seriousness and strength of + character by his late experiences. He threw his whole energies into his + studies with an effect which distanced all his previous efforts. + Remembering my former hint, he employed his spare hours in writing for the + annual prizes, both of which he took by a unanimous vote of the judges. + Those who heard him read his Thesis at the Medical Commencement will not + soon forget the impression made by his fine personal appearance and + manners, nor the universal interest excited in the audience, as he read, + with his beautiful enunciation, that striking paper entitled “Unresolved + Nebulae in Vital Science.” It was a general remark of the Faculty,—and + old Doctor Kittredge, who had come down on purpose to hear Mr. Langdon, + heartily agreed to it,—that there had never been a diploma filled + up, since the institution which conferred upon him the degree of Doctor + Medicdnce was founded, which carried with it more of promise to the + profession than that which bore the name of + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + BERNARDUS CARYL LANGDON +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. CONCLUSION. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Bernard Langdon had no sooner taken his degree, than, in accordance + with the advice of one of his teachers whom he frequently consulted, he + took an office in the heart of the city where he had studied. He had + thought of beginning in a suburb or some remoter district of the city + proper. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said his teacher,—to wit, myself,—“don't do any such + thing. You are made for the best kind of practice; don't hamper yourself + with an outside constituency, such as belongs to a practitioner of the + second class. When a fellow like you chooses his beat, he must look ahead + a little. Take care of all the poor that apply to you, but leave the + half-pay classes to a different style of doctor,—the people who + spend one half their time in taking care of their patients, and the other + half in squeezing out their money. Go for the swell-fronts and + south-exposure houses; the folks inside are just as good as other people, + and the pleasantest, on the whole, to take care of. They must have + somebody, and they like a gentleman best. Don't throw yourself away. You + have a good presence and pleasing manners. You wear white linen by + inherited instinct. You can pronounce the word view. You have all the + elements of success; go and take it. Be polite and generous, but don't + undervalue yourself. You will be useful, at any rate; you may just as well + be happy, while you are about it. The highest social class furnishes + incomparably the best patients, taking them by and large. Besides, when + they won't get well and bore you to death, you can send 'em off to travel. + Mind me now, and take the tops of your sparrowgrass. Somebody must have + 'em,—why shouldn't you? If you don't take your chance, you'll get + the butt-ends as a matter of course.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard talked like a young man full of noble sentiments. He wanted to + be useful to his fellow-beings. Their social differences were nothing to + him. He would never court the rich,—he would go where he was called. + He would rather save the life of a poor mother of a family than that of + half a dozen old gouty millionaires whose heirs had been yawning and + stretching these ten years to get rid of them. + </p> + <p> + “Generous emotions!” I exclaimed. “Cherish 'em; cling to 'em till you are + fifty, till you are seventy, till you are ninety! But do as I tell you,—strike + for the best circle of practice, and you 'll be sure to get it!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Langdon did as I told him,—took a genteel office, furnished it + neatly, dressed with a certain elegance, soon made a pleasant circle of + acquaintances, and began to work his way into the right kind of business. + I missed him, however, for some days, not long after he had opened his + office. On his return, he told me he had been up at Rockland, by special + invitation, to attend the wedding of Mr. Dudley Venner and Miss Helen + Darley. He gave me a full account of the ceremony, which I regret that I + cannot relate in full. “Helen looked like an angel,”—that, I am + sure, was one of his expressions. As for her dress, I should like to give + the details, but am afraid of committing blunders, as men always do, when + they undertake to describe such matters. White dress, anyhow,—that I + am sure of,—with orange-flowers, and the most wonderful lace veil + that was ever seen or heard of. The Reverend Doctor Honeywood performed + the ceremony, of course. The good people seemed to have forgotten they + ever had had any other minister, except Deacon Shearer and his set of + malcontents, who were doing a dull business in the meeting-house lately + occupied by the Reverend Mr. Fairweather. + </p> + <p> + “Who was at the wedding?” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody, pretty much. They wanted to keep it quiet, but it was of no + use. Married at church. Front pews, old Dr. Kittredge and all the + mansionhouse people and distinguished strangers,—Colonel Sprowle and + family, including Matilda's young gentleman, a graduate of one of the + fresh-water colleges,—Mrs. Pickins (late Widow Rowens) and husband,—Deacon + Soper and numerous parishioners. A little nearer the door, Abel, the + Doctor's man, and Elbridge, who drove them to church in the family-coach. + Father Fairweather, as they all call him now, came in late with Father + McShane.” + </p> + <p> + “And Silas Peckham?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Silas had left The School and Rockland. Cut up altogether too badly + in the examination instituted by the Trustees. Had removed over to + Tamarack, and thought of renting a large house and 'farming' the + town-poor.” + </p> + <p> + Some time after this, as I was walking with a young friend along by the + swell-fronts and south-exposures, whom should I see but Mr. Bernard + Langdon, looking remarkably happy, and keeping step by the side of a very + handsome and singularly well-dressed young lady? He bowed and lifted his + hat as we passed. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that pretty girl my young doctor has got there?” I said to my + companion. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” he answered. “You don't know? Why, that is neither more nor + less than Miss Letitia Forrester, daughter of—of—why, the + great banking firm, you know, Bilyuns Brothers & Forrester. Got + acquainted with her in the country, they say. There 's a story that + they're engaged, or like to be, if the firm consents.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh” I said. + </p> + <p> + I did not like the look of it in the least. Too young,—too young. + Has not taken any position yet. No right to ask for the hand of Bilyuns + Brothers & Co.'s daughter. Besides, it will spoil him for practice, if + he marries a rich girl before he has formed habits of work. + </p> + <p> + I looked in at his office the other day. A box of white kids was lying + open on the table. A three-cornered note, directed in a very delicate + lady's-hand, was distinguishable among a heap of papers. I was just going + to call him to account for his proceedings, when he pushed the + three-cornered note aside and took up a letter with a great + corporation-seal upon it. He had received the offer of a professor's chair + in an ancient and distinguished institution. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty well for three-and-twenty, my boy,” I said. “I suppose you'll + think you must be married one of these days, if you accept this office.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Langdon blushed.—There had been stories about him, he knew. His + name had been mentioned in connection with that of a very charming young + lady. The current reports were not true. He had met this young lady, and + been much pleased with her, in the country, at the house of her + grandfather, the Reverend Doctor Honeywood,—you remember Miss + Letitia Forrester, whom I have mentioned repeatedly? On coming to town, he + found his country-acquaintance in a social position which seemed to + discourage his continued intimacy. He had discovered, however; that he was + a not unwelcome visitor, and had kept up friendly relations with her. But + there was no truth in the current reports,—none at all.' + </p> + <p> + Some months had passed, after this visit, when I happened one evening to + stroll into a box in one of the principal theatres of the city. A small + party sat on the seats before me: a middle-aged gentleman and his lady, in + front, and directly behind them my young doctor and the same very handsome + young lady I had seen him walking with on the sidewalk before the + swell-fronts and south-exposures. As Professor Langdon seemed to be very + much taken up with his companion, and both of them looked as if they were + enjoying themselves, I determined not to make my presence known to my + young friend, and to withdraw quietly after feasting my eyes with the + sight of them for a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + “It looks as if something might come of it,” I said to myself. At that + moment the young lady lifted her arm accidentally in such a way that the + light fell upon the clasp of a chain which encircled her wrist. My eyes + filled with tears as I read upon the clasp, in sharp-cut Italic letters, + E. V. They were tears at once of sad remembrance and of joyous + anticipation; for the ornament on which I looked was the double pledge of + a dead sorrow and a living affection. It was the golden bracelet,—the + parting-gift of Elsie Venner, the golden bracelet,—the parting-gift + of Elsie Venner. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Elsie Venner, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE VENNER *** + +***** This file should be named 2696-h.htm or 2696-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/9/2696/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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