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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/33597-8.txt b/33597-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b787089 --- /dev/null +++ b/33597-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,15620 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Admirable Betty, by Jeffery Farnol + +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: Our Admirable Betty + A Romance + +Author: Jeffery Farnol + +Release Date: September 1, 2010 [EBook #33597] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + +OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY + +A ROMANCE + + + +BY + +JEFFERY FARNOL + + +AUTHOR OF + + "THE BROAD HIGHWAY" "THE MONEY MOON" + "THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN" "THE HON. MR. TAWNISH" + "THE CHRONICLES OF THE IMP" "BELTANE THE SMITH" + "THE DEFINITE OBJECT" + + + + +LONDON & EDINBURGH + +SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON & CO. LTD. + + + + + By the Same author. + + Crown 8vo. + + + THE BROAD HIGHWAY + THE MONEY MOON + THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN + + THE HONOURABLE MR. TAWNISH + Fcap, 4to. Illustrated in Colour by C. E. BROCK. + + THE CHRONICLES OF THE IMP + BELTANE THE SMITH + THE DEFINITE OBJECT + + + LONDON & EDINBURGH + SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON AND COMPANY LIMITED + + + + +TO + +MY MOTHER + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. CONCERNING THE MAJOR'S CHERRIES + II. INTRODUCING THE RAVISHER OF THE SAME + III. WHICH TELLS HOW THE MAJOR CLIMBED A WALL + IV. CONCERNING THE BUTTONS OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + V. HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING BEGAN TO WONDER + VI. WHICH DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A POACHER + VII. WHICH RELATES HOW THE POACHER ESCAPED + VIII. OF PANCRAS, VISCOUNT MERIVALE + IX. WHICH IS A VERY BRIEF CHAPTER + X. INTRODUCING DIVERS FINE GENTLEMEN + XI. IN WHICH LADY BELINDA TALKS + XII. THE VISCOUNT DISCOURSES ON SARTORIAL ART + XIII. OF INDIGNATION, A WOOD, AND A GIPSY + XIV. SOME DESCRIPTION OF A KISS + XV. WHEREIN IS MUCH TALK BUT LITTLE ACTION + XVI. HOW MR. DALROYD SAW A GHOST AND THE SERGEANT AN APPARITION + XVII. HOW MY LADY BETTY WROTE A LETTER + XVIII. HOW MAJOR D'ARCY RECOVERED HIS YOUTH + XIX. HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN + XX. HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY + XXI. OF CRIMINATIONS + XXII. WHICH RELATES HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING QUELLED SCANDAL + WITH A PEWTER POT + XXIII. DESCRIBES A TRIUMPH AND A DEFEAT + XXIV. DEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH TREASONABLE MATTERS + XXV. IN WHICH THE GHOST IS LAID + XXVI. OF BACCHUS AND THE MUSES + XXVII. HOW THE SERGEANT RECOUNTED AN OLD STORY + XXVIII. THE MAJOR COMES TO A RESOLUTION + XXIX. TELLS HOW LADY BETTY DID THE SAME + XXX. CONCERNING CHARLES, EARL OF MEDHURST + XXXI. WHICH DESCRIBES SOMETHING OF MY LADY BETTY'S GRATITUDE + XXXII. FLINT AND STEEL + XXXIII. DESCRIBING SOMETHING OF COQUETRY AND A DAWN + XXXIV. HOW MR. DALROYD MADE A PLAN AND LOCKED HIS DOOR + XXXV. HOW THE SERGEANT TOOK WARNING OF A WITCH + XXXVI. HOW THEY RODE TO INCHBOURNE + XXXVII. OF ROGUES AND PLOTS + XXXVIII. HOW THE MAJOR MADE HIS WILL + XXXIX. WHICH IS A QUADRUPLE CHAPTER + XL. OF THE ONSET AT THE HAUNTED MILL + XLI. CONCERNING HIGHWAYMEN AND THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE + XLII. WHICH DESCRIBES A DUEL + XLIII. HOW THEY DRANK A NEW TOAST + XLIV. SOME ACCOUNT OF A HIGHWAYMAN + XLV. CERTAIN ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + XLVI. FURTHER INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + XLVII. OF A FEMININE COUNCIL OF WAR + XLVIII. OF THE INSUBORDINATION OF SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING + XLIX. OF A JOURNEY BY NIGHT + L. WHICH TELLS OF ANOTHER DAWN + + + + +OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY + + +CHAPTER I + +CONCERNING THE MAJOR'S CHERRIES + +"The Major, mam, the Major has a truly wonderful 'ead!" said Sergeant +Zebedee Tring as he stood, hammer in hand, very neat and precise from +broad shoe-buckles to smart curled wig that offset his square, bronzed +face. + +"Head, Sergeant, head!" retorted pretty, dimpled Mrs. Agatha, nodding +at the Sergeant's broad back. + +"'Ead mam, yes!" said the Sergeant, busily nailing up a branch of the +Major's favourite cherry tree. "The Major has a truly wonderful 'ead, +regarding which I take liberty to ob-serve as two sword-cuts and a +spent bullet have in nowise affected it, Mrs. Agatha, mam, which is a +fact as I will maintain whenever and wherever occasion demands, as in +dooty bound mam, dooty bound." + +"Duty, Sergeant, duty!" + +"Dooty, mam--pre-cisely." Here the Sergeant turning round for another +nail, Mrs. Agatha bent over the rose-bush, her busy fingers cutting a +bloom here and another there and her pretty face quite hidden in the +shade of her mob-cap. + +"Indeed," she continued, after a while, "'tis no wonder you be so +very--fond of him, Sergeant!" + +"Fond of him, mam, fond of him," said the Sergeant turning to look at +her with glowing eyes, "well--yes, I suppose so--it do be a--a matter +o' dooty with me--dooty, Mrs. Agatha, mam." + +"You mean duty, Sergeant." + +"Dooty, mam, pre-cisely!" nodded the Sergeant, busy at the cherry tree +again. + +"See how very brave he is!" sighed Mrs. Agatha. + +"Brave, mam?" The Sergeant paused with his hammer poised--"Sixteen +wounds, mam, seven of 'em bullet and the rest steel! Twenty and three +pitched battles besides outpost skirmishes and the like and 'twere his +honour the Major as saved our left wing at Ramillies. Brave, mam? +Well--yes, he's brave." + +"And how kind and gentle he is!" + +"Because, mam, because the best soldiers always are." + +"And you, Sergeant, see what care you take of him." + +"Why, I try, mam, I try. Y'see, we've soldiered together so many years +and I've been his man so long that 'tis become a matter o'----" + +"Of duty, Sergeant--yes, of course!" + +"Dooty, mam--pre-cisely!" nodded the Sergeant. + +"Pre-cisely, Sergeant and, lack-a-day, how miserable and wretched you +both are!" + +The Sergeant looked startled. + +"And the strange thing is you don't know it," said Mrs. Agatha, +snipping off a final rose. + +The Sergeant rubbed his square, clean-shaven chin and stared at her +harder than ever. + +"See how monstrous lonely you are!" sighed Mrs. Agatha, hiding her face +among her newly-gathered blooms, a face as sweet and fresh as any of +them, despite the silver that gleamed, here and there, beneath her +snowy mob-cap. + +"Lonely?" said the Sergeant, staring from her to the hammer in his +hand, "lonely, why no mam, no. The Major's got his flowers and his +cherries and his great History of Fortification as he's a-writing of in +ten vollums and I've got the Major and we've both got--got---- + +"Well, what, Sergeant?" + +The Sergeant turned and began to nail up another branch of the great +cherry tree, ere he answered: + +"You, mam--we've both got--you, mam--" + +"Lud, Sergeant Tring, and how may that be?" + +"To teach," continued the Sergeant slowly, "to teach two battered old +soldiers, as never knew it afore, what a home might be. There never +was such a housekeeper as you, mam, there never will be!" + +"A home!" repeated Mrs. Agatha softly. "'Tis a sweet word!" + +"True, mam, true!" nodded the Sergeant emphatically. "'Specially to +we, mam, us never having had no homes, d'ye see. His honour and me +have been campaigning most of our days--soldiers o' fortune, mam, +though there weren't much fortune in it for us except hard knocks--a +saddle for a piller, earth for bed and sometimes a damned--no, a--damp +bed, mam, the sky for roof----" + +"But you be come home at last, Sergeant," said Mrs. Agatha softer than +ever. + +"Home? Aye, thanks to his honour's legacy as came so sudden and +unexpected. Here's us two battered old soldiers comes marching along +and finds this here noble mansion a-waiting for us full o' furniture +and picters and works o' hart----" + +"Art, Sergeant!" + +"Aye, hart, mam--pre-cisely--and other knick-knacks and treasures and +among 'em--best and brightest----" + +"Well, Sergeant?" + +"Among 'em--you, mam!" said he; and here, aiming a somewhat random blow +with the hammer he hit himself on the thumb and swore. Whereon Mrs. +Agatha, having duly reproved him, was for examining the injured member +but, shaking his head, he sucked it fiercely instead and thereafter +proceeded to hammer away harder than ever. + +"But then--you are--neither of you so very--old, Sergeant." + +"The Major was thirty-one the day Ramillies was fought and I was +thirty-three--and that was ten years agone mam." + +"And you are both monstrous young for your age--so straight and +upright--and handsome. Y-e-e-s, the Major is very handsome--despite +the scar on his cheek--the wonder to me is that he don't get married." + +Hereupon the Sergeant dropped the hammer. + +"As to yourself, Sergeant," pursued Mrs. Agatha, her bright eyes +brim-full of mischief, "you'll never be really happy and content until +you do." + +Hereupon the Sergeant stooped for the hammer and seemed uncommonly red +in the face about it. + +"As to that mam," said he, a thought more ponderously than usual, "as +to that, I shall never look for a wife until the Major does, it has +become a matter o'----" + +"Duty, of course, Sergeant!" + +"Of dooty, mam--pre-cisely!" Saying which, the Sergeant turned to his +work again; but, chancing to lift his gaze to a certain lofty branch +that crawled along the wall just beneath the coping, he fell back a +pace and uttered a sudden exclamation: + +"_Sacré bleu!_" + +"Lud, Sergeant!" cried Mrs. Agatha, clasping her posy to her bosom and +giving voice to a small, a very small scream, "how you do fright one +with your outlandish words! What ails the man--there be no Frenchmen +here to fight--speak English, Sergeant--do!" + +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant with his gaze still fixed. + +"Sergeant--pray don't oathe!" + +"But zookers, mam----!" + +"Sergeant--ha' done, I say!" + +"But damme, Mrs. Agatha mam, asking your pardon, I'm sure--but don't ye +see--he's been at 'em again! The three best clusters on the +tree--gone, mam, gone! Stole, Mrs. Agatha mam, 'twixt now and twelve +o'clock noon----" + +"O Gemini, the wretch!" + +"I'll take my oath them cherries was a-blowing not an hour agone, mam, +on that branch atop the wall!" + +"Who could ha' done it?" + +"Not knowing, mam, can't say, but this last week the rogue has captured +fourteen squads of our best cherries--off this one tree, and this, as +you know, Mrs. Agatha mam, be the Major's favourite tree! So I say, +mam, whoever the villain be, I say--damn him, Mrs. Agatha mam!" + +"Fie--fie, Sergeant, swearing will not mend matters." + +"Maybe not, mam, maybe not, but same does me a power o' good! Egad, +when I mind how I've watched and tended them particular cherries Mrs. +Agatha I could----" + +"Then don't, Sergeant!" + +"What beats me," said he, rubbing his square chin with the shaft of the +hammer, "what beats me is--how did he do it? Must be uncommonly long +in the arms and legs to reach so high unless he used a pole----" + +"Or a ladder?" suggested Mrs. Agatha. + +"Meaning he did it by escalade, mam? Hum--no, I see no signs of +scaling ladders mam and the ground is soft, d'ye see? But a pole +now----" + +"Or a ladder--on the other side of the wall, Sergeant----" + +"B'gad, mam!" he exclaimed. "I believe you're right--though to be sure +the house next door is empty." + +"Was!" corrected Mrs. Agatha. "Lud, Sergeant, there's a great lady +from London been living there a month and more with a houseful of +lackeys and servants." + +"Ha, a month, mam? Lackeys and servants say you? B'gad, say I, that's +them! Must report this to the Major. Must report at once!" and the +Sergeant laid down his hammer. + +"And where is the Major?" + +"Mam," said the Sergeant, consulting a large, brass chronometer, "the +hour is pre-cisely three-fourteen, consequently he is now a-sitting in +his Ramillie coat a-writing of his History of Fortification--in ten +vollums." + +"'Twill be pity to wake him!" sighed Mrs. Agatha. + +"Wake him?" repeated the Sergeant, staring; whereupon Mrs. Agatha +laughed and went her way while he continued to stare after her until +her trim figure and snowy mob-cap had vanished behind the yew-hedge. + +Then the Sergeant sighed, reached for his coat, put it on, adjusted his +tall, leathern stock, sighed again and turning sharp about, marched +into the house. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +INTRODUCING THE RAVISHER OF THE SAME + +Major John D'Arcy was hard at work on his book (that is to say, he had +been, for divers plans and papers littered the table before him) but +just now he leaned far back in his elbow-chair, long legs stretched +out, deep-plunged in balmy slumber; perceiving which the Sergeant +halted suddenly, stood at ease and stared. + +The Major's great black peruke dangled from the chair-back, and his +close-cropped head (already something grizzled at the temples) was +bowed upon his broad chest, wherefore, ever and anon, he snored gently. +The Major was forty-one but just now as he sat lost in the oblivion of +sleep he looked thirty; but then again when he strode gravely to and +fro in his old service coat (limping a little by reason of an old +wound) and with black brows wrinkled in sober thought he looked fifty +at the least. + +Thus he continued to sleep and the Sergeant to stare until presently, +choking upon a snore, the Major opened his eyes and sat up briskly, +whereupon the Sergeant immediately came to attention. + +"Ha, Zeb!" exclaimed the Major in mild wonder, "what is it, Sergeant +Zeb?" + +"Your honour 'tis the cherries----" + +"Cherries?" yawned the Major, "the cherries are doing very well, thanks +to your unremitting care, Sergeant, and of all fruits commend me to +cherries. Now had it been cherries that led our common mother Eve +into--ha--difficulties, Sergeant, I could have sympathised more deeply +with her lamentable--ha--I say with her very deplorable--ha----" + +"Reverse, sir?" + +"Reverse?" mused the Major, rubbing his chin. "Aye, reverse will +serve, Zeb, 'twill serve!" + +"And three more squads of 'em missing, sir--looted, your honour's +arternoon by means of escalade t'other side party-wall. Said cherries +believed to have been took by parties unknown lately from London, sir, +not sixty minutes since and therefore suspected to be not far off." + +"Why, this must be looked to, Zeb!" said the Major, rising. "So, +Sergeant, let us look--forthwith." + +"Wig, sir!" suggested the Sergeant, holding it out. + +"Aye, to be sure!" nodded the Major, taking and clapping it on somewhat +askew. "Now--Sergeant--forward!" + +"Stick, sir!" said the Sergeant, proffering a stout crab-tree staff. + +"Aye!" smiled the Major, twirling it in a sinewy hand, "'twill be +useful like as not." + +So saying (being ever a man of action) the Major sallied forth carrying +the stick very much as if it had been a small-sword; along the terrace +he went and down the steps (two at a time) and so across the wide sweep +of velvety lawn with prodigious strides albeit limping a little by +reason of one of his many wounds, the tails of his war-worn Ramillie +coat fluttering behind. Reaching the orchard he crossed to a +particular corner and halted before a certain part of the red brick +wall where grew the cherry tree in question. + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, squaring his shoulders, "you'll note as all +cherries has been looted from top branch--only ones as was ripe----" + +"A thousand devils!" exclaimed the Major. + +"Also," continued the Sergeant, "said branch has been broke sir." + +"Ten thousand----" The Major stopped suddenly and shutting his mouth +very tight opened his grey eyes very wide and stared into two other +eyes which had risen into view on the opposite side of the wall, a pair +of eyes that looked serenely down at him, long, heavy-lashed, deeply +blue beneath the curve of their long, black lashes; he was conscious +also of a nose, neither straight nor aquiline, of a mouth scarlet and +full-lipped, of a chin round, white, dimpled but combative and of a +faded sun-bonnet beneath whose crumpled brim peeped a tress of glossy, +black hair. + +"Now God--bless--my soul!" exclaimed the Major. + +"'Tis to be hoped so, sir," said the apparition gravely, "you were +swearing, I think?" + +The Major flushed. + +"Young woman----" he began. + +"Ancient man!" + +"Madam!" + +"Sir!" + +The Major stood silent awhile, staring up into the grave blue eyes +above the wall. + +"Pray," said he at last, "why do you steal my cherries?" + +"To speak truth, sir, because I am so extreme fond of cherries." + +Here Sergeant Tring gurgled, choked, coughed and finding the Major's +eye upon him immediately came to attention, very stiff in the back and +red in the face. + +The Major stroked his clean-shaven chin and eyed him askance. + +"Sergeant, you may--er--go," said he; whereat the Sergeant saluted, +wheeled sharply and marched swiftly away. + +"And pray," questioned the Major again, "who might you be?" + +"A maid, sir." + +"Hum!" said he, "and what would your mistress say if she knew you +habitually stole and ate my cherries?" + +"My mistress?" The grave blue eyes opened wider. + +"Aye," nodded the Major, "the fine London lady. You are her maid, I +take it?" + +"Indeed, sir, her very own." + +"Well, suppose I inform her of your conduct, how then?" + +"She'd swear at me, sir." + +"Egad, and would she so?" + +"O, sir, she often doth and stamps at and reviles and rails at me +morning, noon and night!" + +"Poor child!" said the Major. + +"Truly, sir, I do think she'd do me an injury if she didn't care for me +so much." + +"Then she cares for you?" + +"More than anyone in the world beside! Indeed she loveth me as +herself, sir!" + +"Women be mysterious creatures!" said the Major, sententiously. + +"But you know my lady belike by repute, sir?" + +"Not even her name." + +"Not know of the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon!" and up went a pair of +delicate black brows in scornful amaze. + +"I have known but three women in my life, and one of them my mother," +he answered. + +"You sound rather dismal, methinks. But you must have remarked my lady +in the Mall, sir?" + +"I seldom go to London." + +"Now, sir, you sound infinite dismal and plaguily dull!" + +"Dull?" repeated the Major thoughtfully, "aye perhaps I am, and 'tis +but natural--ancient men often are, I believe." + +"And your peruke is all askew!" + +"Alack, it generally is!" sighed the Major. + +"And you wear a vile old coat!" + +"Truly I fear it hath seen its best days!" sighed the Major, glancing +down wistfully at the war-worn garment in question. + +"O, man," she cried, shaking her head at him, "for love of Heaven don't +be so pestilent humble--I despise humility in horse or man!" + +"Humble? Am I?" queried the Major and fell to pondering the question, +chin in hand. + +"Aye, truly," she answered, nodding aggressively, "your humility +nauseates me, positively!" + +"Child," he answered smiling, "what manner of man would you have?" + +"Grandad," she answered, "I would have him tall and strong and brave, +but--above all--masterful!" + +"In a word, a blustering bully!" he answered gently, grey eyes +a-twinkle. + +"Aye," she nodded vehemently, "even that, rather than--than a--a----" + +"An ancient man, ill-dressed and humble," he suggested and laughed; +whereat she frowned and bit her bonnet-string in strong, white teeth, +then: + +"'Tis a very beast of a coat!" she exclaimed, "stained, spotted, +tarnished, tattered and torn!" + +"Torn!" exclaimed the Major, glancing down at himself again. "Egad and +Sergeant Zebedee mended it but a week since----" + +"And the buttons are scratched and hanging by threads!" + +"Aye, but they'll not come off," said the Major confidently, "I sewed +'em on myself." + +"You sewed them--you!" and she laughed in fine scorn. "Indeed, sir, I +marvel they don't drop off under my very eyes!" + +"Madam," said he gravely, "among few accomplishments, permit me to say +I am a somewhat expert--er--needles-man." + +Hereupon the apparition seated herself dexterously on the broad coping +of the wall and from that vantage surveyed him with eyes of cold +disparagement. And after she had regarded him thus for a long moment +she spoke 'twixt curling red lips: + +"O, Gemini--I might have known it!" + +At this the Major ruffled the curls of his great wig and regarded her +with some apprehension. At last he ventured a question: + +"And pray madam, what might you have known concerning me?" + +"A man who sews on his own buttons is a disgrace to his sex," she +answered. + +"But how if he have no woman to do it for him?" + +"He should be a man and--get one." + +"Hum!" said the Major thoughtfully, "a needle is a sharp engine and apt +to prick one occasionally 'tis true, and yet a man may prefer it to a +woman." + +"And you," she exclaimed, drooping disdainful lashes, "you--are +a--soldier!" + +"I was!" he answered. + +"Soldiers are gallant, they say." + +"They are kind!" bowed the Major. + +"You are, I think, the poor, old, wounded soldier Major d'Arcy who +lives at the Manor yonder?" she questioned. + +"I am that shattered wreck, madam, and what remains of me is very +humbly at your service!" and setting hand to bosom of war-worn coat he +bowed with a prodigious flourish. + +"And you have never been so extreme fortunate as to behold my Lady +Elizabeth Carlyon?" + +"Hum!" said the Major, pondering, "what like is she?" + +At this slender hands clasped each other, dark eyes upturned themselves +to translucent heaven and rounded bosom heaved ecstatic: + +"O sir, she is extreme beautiful, 'tis said! She is a toast adored! +She is seen but to be worshipped! She hath wit, beauty and a thousand +accomplishments! She hath such an air! Such a killing droop of the +eyelash! She is--O, she is irresistible!" + +"Indeed," said the Major, glancing up into the beautiful face above, +"the description is just, though something too limited, perhaps." + +The eyes came back to earth and the Major in a flash: + +"Then you have seen her, sir?" + +"I'm sure of it." + +"Then describe her--come!" + +"Why, she is, I judge, neither too short nor too tall!" + +"True!" nodded the apparition, gently acquiescent. + +"Of a delicate slimness----" + +"True--O, most true, sir!" + +"Yet sufficiently--er--full and rounded!" + +The dark eyes were veiled suddenly by down-drooping lashes: + +"You think so, sir?" + +"Hair night-black, a chin well-determined and bravely dimpled-- + +"It hath been remarked before, sir!" + +"Rosy lips----" + +"Fie, sir, 'tis a vulgar phrase and trite. I suggest instead +rose-petals steeped in dew." + +"A nose----" + +"Indeed, sir?" + +"Neither arched nor straight and eyes--eyes----" the Major hesitated, +stammered and came to an abrupt pause. + +"And what of her eyes, sir? I have heard them called dreamy lakes, +starry pools and unfathomable deeps, ere now. What d'you make of them?" + +But the Major's own eyes were lowered, his bronzed cheek showed an +unwonted flush and his sinewy fingers were fumbling with one of his +loose coat-buttons. + +"Nought!" said he at last, "others methinks have described 'em better +than ever I could." + +"Major d'Arcy," said the voice softer and sweeter than ever, "I grieve +to tell you your wig is more over one eye than ever. And as for your +old coat, some fine day, sir, an you chance to walk hereabouts I may +possibly trouble to show you how a woman sews a button on!" + +Saying which the apparition vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. + +The Major stood awhile deep-plunged in reverie, then setting the +crabtree staff beneath his arm he wended his way slowly towards the +house, limping a little more than usual as he always did when much +preoccupied. + +On his way he chanced upon the Sergeant wandering somewhat aimlessly +with a hammer in his hand. + +"Sergeant," said he slowly, "er--Zebedee--if any more cherries--should +happen to--er--go astray--vanish----" + +"Or be stole, sir!" added the Sergeant. + +"Exactly, Zeb, precisely,--if such a contingency should arise you +will--er----" + +"Challenge three times, sir and then--" + +"Er--no, Sergeant, no! I think, under the circumstances, Zeb, we'll +just--er--let 'em--ah--vanish, d'ye see!" + +Then the Major limped slowly and serenely into the house and left the +Sergeant staring at the hammer in his hand with eyes very wide and +round. + +"_Ventre bleu! Sacré bleu!_ Zookers!" said he. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +WHICH TELLS HOW THE MAJOR CLIMBED A WALL + +A wonderfully pleasant place was the Major's orchard, very retired and +secluded by reason of its high old walls flushing rosily through green +leaves; an orchard, this, full of ancient trees gnarled and crooked +whose writhen boughs sprawled and twisted; an orchard carpeted with +velvety turf whereon plump thrushes and blackbirds hopped and waddled, +or, perched aloft, filled the sunny air with rich, throaty warblings +and fluty trills and flourishes. Here Sergeant Tring, ever a man of +his hands, had contrived and built a rustic arbour (its architecture +faintly suggestive of a rabbit-hutch and a sentry-box) of which he was +justly proud. + +Now Major d'Arcy despite his many battles had an inborn love of peace +and quietness, of the soft rustle of wind in leaves, of sunshine and +the mellow pipe of thrush and blackbird, hence it was not at all +surprising that he should develop a sudden fancy for strolling, to and +fro in his orchard of a sunny afternoon, book in hand, or, sitting in +the Sergeant's hutch-like sentry-box, puff dreamily at pipe of clay, or +again, tucking up his ruffles and squaring his elbows, fall to work on +his History of Fortification; and if his glance happened to rove from +printed page or busy quill in a certain direction, what of it? Though +it was to be remarked that his full-flowing peruke was seldom askew and +the lace of his cravat and the ruffles below the huge cuffs of his +Ramillie coat were of the finest point. + +It was a hot afternoon, very slumberous and still; flowers drooped +languid heads, birds twittered sleepily, butterflies wheeled and +hovered, and the Major, sitting in the shady arbour, stared at a +certain part of the old wall, sighed, and taking up his pipe began to +fill it absently, his gaze yet fixed. All at once he sprang up, +radiant-eyed, and strode across the smooth grass. + +The faded sun-bonnet was not; her black hair was coiled high, while at +white brow and glowing cheek silken curls wantoned in an artful +disorder, moreover her simple russet gown had given place to a rich, +flowered satin. All this he noticed at a glance though his gaze never +wandered from the witching eyes of her. Were they blue or black or +dark brown? + +"Sir," said she, acknowledging his deep reverence with a stately +inclination of her shapely head, "I would curtsey if I might, but to +curtsey on a ladder were dangerous and not to be lightly undertaken." + +Quoth the Major: + +"It has been a long time--a very long time since you--since I--er--that +is-- + +"Exactly five days, sir!" + +"Why--ah--to be sure these summer days do grow uncommon long, mam-- + +"Which means, sir, that you've wanted me?" + +The Major started: + +"Why er--I--indeed I--I hardly know!" he stammered. + +"Which proves it beyond all doubt!" she nodded serenely. + +The Major was silent. + +"Then, sir," she continued gravely, "since 'tis beyond all doubt you +wanted me and hither came daily to look for me, as methinks you did--?" + +Here she paused expectant, whereupon the Major stooped to survey his +neat shoe-buckle. + +"Well, sir, did you not come patiently a-seeking me here?" + +"Why, mam," he answered, rubbing his chin with his pipe-stem, "'tis +true I came hither--having a fancy for----" + +"Then, sir, since being hither come you found me not, why, having legs, +didn't you climb over the wall and seek me where you might have found +me?" + +The Major caught his breath and nearly dropped his pipe. + +"Indeed it never occurred to me!" + +"To be sure the climbing of walls is an infinite trying and arduous +task for--ancient limbs," she sighed, shaking her head, "yet--even you, +might have achieved it--with care." + +The Major laughed: + +"'Tis possible, mam," said he. + +"And it never occurred to you?" + +"No indeed, mam, and never would!" + +"Then you lack imagination and a man without imagination is akin to the +brutes and--" but here she broke off to utter a small scream and +glancing up in alarm he saw her eyes were closed and that she shuddered +violently. + +"Madam!" he cried, "mam! My lady--good heaven are you sick--faint?" + +Regardless of the cherry-tree he reached up long arms and swinging +himself up astride the wall, had an arm about her shivering form all in +a moment; thus as she leaned against him he caught the perfume of all +her warm, soft daintiness, then she drew away. + +"What was it?" he questioned anxiously as she opened her eyes, "were +you faint, mam? Was it a fit? Good lack, mam, I----" + +"Do--not--call me--that!" she cried, eyes flashing and--yes, they were +blue--very darkly blue--"Never dare to call me--so--again!" + +"Call you what, mam?" + +"Mam!" she cried, gnashing her white teeth--"'tis a hateful word!" + +"Indeed I--I had not thought it so," stammered the Major. "It is, I +believe, a word in common use and----" + +"Aye, 'tis common! 'Tis odious! 'Tis vulgar!" + +"I crave your ladyship's pardon!" And he bowed as well as his position +would allow, though a little stiffly. + +"You are marvellous nimble, sir!" + +"Your ladyship is gracious!" + +"Considering your age, sir!" + +"And you, madam, I lament that at yours you should be subject to fits." + +"Fits!" she cried in frowning amaze. + +"Seizures, then----" + +"'Twas no seizure, sir--'twas yourself!" + +"Me?" he exclaimed, staring. + +"You--and your abominable tobacco-pipe!" Here she shivered daintily. + +"Alack, madam, see, 'tis broke!" + +"Heaven be thanked, sir." + +"'Twas an admirable pipe--an old friend," he murmured. + +"O fie, sir--only chairmen and watchmen and worse, drink smoke. 'Tis a +low habit, vicious, vain and vulgar." + +"Is it so indeed, madam?" + +"It is! Aunt Belinda says so and I think so. If you must have vices +why not snuff?" + +"But I hate snuff!" + +"But 'tis so elegant! There's Sir Jasper Denholm takes it with such an +air I vow 'tis perfectly ravishing! And Sir Benjamin Tripp and +Viscount Merivale in especial--such grace! Such an elegant turn of the +wrist! But to suck a pipe--O Gemini!" + +"I'm sorry my pipe offends you!" said he, glancing at her glowing +loveliness. + +And here, because of her beauty and nearness he grew silent and finding +he yet held part of his clay pipe, broken in his hasty ascent, he fell +to turning it over in his fingers, staring at it very hard but seeing +it not at all; whereat she fell to studying him, his broad shoulders +and powerful hands, his clean-cut aquiline features, his tender mouth +and strong, square chin. Thus, the Major, glancing up suddenly, eye +met eye and for a long moment they looked on one another, then, as she +turned away he saw her cheek crimson suddenly and she, aware of this, +clenched her white fists and flushed all the deeper. + +"'Tis abominable rude to--stare so!" she said, over her shoulder. + +"You are the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, I think?" he enquired. + +"And then, sir?" + +"Then you are well used to being stared at, methinks." + +"At a distance, sir!" + +Here the Major edged away a couple of inches. + +"You have heard of such a person before, then?" she enquired loftily. + +"I go to London--sometimes, madam, when I must and when last there I +chanced to hear her acclaimed and toasted as the 'Admirable Betty'!" +said he, frowning. + +"I am sometimes called Betty, sir," she acknowledged. + +"Also 'Bewitching Bet'!" Here he scowled fiercely at a bunch of +cherries. + +"Do you think Bet so ill a name, sir?" she enquired, stealing a glance +at him. + +"'Bewitching Bet'!" he repeated grimly and the hand that grasped his +broken pipe became a fist, observing which she smiled slyly. + +"Or is it that the 'bewitching' offends you, sir?" she questioned +innocently. + +"Both, mam, both!" said he, scowling yet. + +"La, sir," she cried gaily, "in this light and at this precise angle I +do protest you look quite handsome when you frown." + +The Major immediately laughed. + +"If," she continued, "your chin were less grim and craggy and your nose +a little different and your eyes less like gimlets and needles--if you +wore a modish French wig instead of a horsehair mat and had your +garments made by a London tailor instead of a country cobbler and +carpenter you would be almost attractive--by candle light." + +"Is my wig so unmodish?" he enquired smiling a trifle ruefully, "'tis +my best." + +"Unmodish?" White hands were lifted, and sparkling eyes rolled +themselves in agonised protest. "There's a new tie-wig come in--_un +peu negligée_--a most truly ravishing confection. As for clothes----" + +"And needles," he added, "pray what of your promise?" + +"Promise, sir?" + +"You were to teach me how to sew on a button, I think?" + +"Button!" she repeated, staring, + +"If you've forgot, 'tis no matter, madam," said he and dropped very +nimbly from the wall. + +"Ah, my forgetfulness hath angered you, sir." + +"No, child, no, extreme youth is apt to be extreme thoughtless and +forgetful----" + +"Sir, I am twenty-two." + +"And I am forty-one!" he said wistfully. + +"'Tis a monstrous great age, sir!" + +"I begin to fear it is!" said he rather ruefully. + +"And great age is apt to be peevish and slothful and childish and +fretful and must be ruled. So come you over the wall this instant, +sir!" + +"And wherefore, madam?" + +"'Tis so my will!" + +"But----" + +"Plague take it, sir, how may I sew on your abominable buttons with a +wall betwixt us? Over with you this moment--obey!" + +The Major obeyed forthwith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +CONCERNING THE BUTTONS OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + +"Now pray remark, sir," said the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, seating +herself in a shady arbour and taking up her needle and thread, "a +woman, instead of sucking her thread and rubbing it into a black spike +and cursing, threads her needle--so! Thereafter she takes the object +to be sewed and holds it--no, she can't, sir, while you sit so much +afar, prithee come closer to her--there! Yet no--'twill never +do--she'll be apt to prick you sitting thus----" + +"If I took off my coat, madam----" + +"'Twould be monstrous indecorous, sir! No, you must kneel down--here +at my feet!" + +"But--madam----" + +"To your knees, sir, or I'll prick you vilely! She now takes the +article to be sewed and--pray why keep at such a distance? She cannot +sew gracefully while you pull one way and she another! She then fits +on her thimble, poises needle and--sews!" The which my lady forthwith +proceeded to do making wondrous pretty play with white hand and +delicate wrist the while. + +And when she had sewn in silence for perhaps one half-minute she fell +to converse thus: + +"Indeed you look vastly appealing on your knees, sir. Pray have you +knelt to many lovely ladies?" + +"Never in my life!" he answered fervently. + +"And yet you kneel with infinite grace--'tis quite affecting, how doth +it feel to crouch thus humbly before the sex?" + +"Uncommon hard to the knees, madam." + +"Indeed I fear you have no soul, sir." + +"Ha!" exclaimed the Major, rising hastily, "someone comes, I think!" + +Sure enough, in due time, a somewhat languid but herculean footman +appeared, who perceiving the Major, faltered, stared, pulled himself +together and, approaching at speed, bowed in swift and supple humility +and spoke: + +"Four gentlemen to see your ladyship!" + +"Only four? Their names?" + +The large menial expanded large chest and spake with unction: + +"The Marquis of Alton, Sir Jasper Denholm, Sir Benjamin Tripp and Mr. +Marchdale." + +"Well say I'm out--say I'm engaged--say I wish to be private!" + +The large footman blinked, and the Major strove to appear unconscious +that my lady held him tethered by needle and thread. + +"Very good, madam! Though, 'umbly craving your ladyship's pardon, my +lady, your aunt wished me to tell you most express----" + +"Well, tell her I won't!" + +"My lady, I will--immediate!" So saying, the large footman bowed +again, blinked again and bore himself off, blinking as he went. + +"And now, Major d'Arcy, if you will condescend to abase yourself we +will continue our sewing lesson." + +"But mam----" + +"Do--not----" + +"Your ladyship's guests----" + +"Pooh! to my ladyship's guests! Come, be kneeling, sir, and take heed +you don't break my thread." + +"Now I wonder," said the Major, "I wonder what your lackey thinks----" + +"He don't, he can't, he never does--except about food or drink or +tobacco--faugh!" + +Up started the Major again as from the adjacent yew-walk a faint +screaming arose. + +"Good God!" exclaimed the Major. "'Tis a woman!" + +"Nay sir, 'tis merely my aunt!" + +"But madam--hark to her, she is in distress!" + +"Nay sir, she doth but wail--'tis no matter!" + +"'Tis desperate sound she makes, madam." + +"But extreme ladylike, sir, Aunt Belinda is ever preposterously +feminine and ladylike, sir. Her present woe arises perchance because +she hath encountered a grub on her way hither or been routed by a +beetle--the which last I do fervently hope." + +This hope, however, was doomed to disappointment for very suddenly a +lady appeared, a somewhat faded lady who, with dainty petticoats +uplifted, tripped hastily towards them uttering small, wailing screams +as she came. + +"O Betty!" she cried. "Betty! O Elizabeth, child--a rat! O dear +heart o' me, a great rat, child! That sat in the path, Betty, and +looked at me, child--with a huge, great tail! O sweet heaven!" + +"Looked at you with his tail, aunt?" + +"Nay, child--faith, my poor senses do so twitter I scarce know what I +say--but its wicked wild eyes! And it curled its horrid tail in +monstrous threatening fashion! And O, thank heaven--a man!" + +Here the agitated lady tottered towards the Major and, supported by his +arm, sank down upon the bench and closing her eyes, gasped feebly. + +"Madam!" he exclaimed, bending over her in great alarm. + +"O lud!" she murmured faintly. + +"By heaven, she's swooning!" exclaimed the Major. + +"Nay, sir," sighed Lady Betty, "'tis no swoon nor even a faint, 'tis +merely a twitter. Dear aunt will be herself again directly--so come +let me sew on that button or I'll prick you, I vow I will!" + +At this Lady Belinda, opening her languid eyes, stared and gasped again. + +"Mercy of heaven, child!" she exclaimed, "what do you?" + +"Sew on this gentleman's buttons, aunt!" + +"Buttons, child! Heaven above!" + +"Coat-buttons, aunt!" + +"Mercy on us! Buttons! In the arbour! With a man----" + +"Major d'Arcy, our neighbour, aunt. Major, my aunt, Lady Belinda +Damain." + +Hereupon the Major bowed a trifle awkwardly since Lady Betty still had +him in leash, while her aunt, rising, sank into a curtsey that was a +wonder to behold and thereafter sighed and languished like the faded +beauty she was. + +"My undutiful niece, sir," said she, "hath no eye to decorum, she is +for ever shocking the proprieties and me--alack, 'tis a naughty +baggage--a romping hoyden, a wicked puss----" + +"Aunt Belinda, dare to call me a 'puss' again and I'll scratch!" + +"And you are Major d'Arcy--of the Guards?" + +"Late of the Third, madam." + +"Related to the d'Arcys of Sussex?" + +"Very distantly, I believe." + +"Charming people! A noble family!" + +The Major would have bowed again but for my lady Betty's levelled +needle; thereafter while her aunt alternately prattled of the joys of +Bath and languished over the delights of London, the Major's buttons +were rapidly sewn into place and my lady was in the act of nibbling the +thread when once again the ponderous menial drew nigh who, making the +utmost of his generous proportions, announced: + +"Lord Alvaston, Captain West and Mr. Dalroyd----" + +"O Betty!" exclaimed Lady Belinda, clasping rapturous fingers, "Mr. +Dalroyd--that charming man who was so attentive at Bath and afterwards +in London--such legs, my dear, O Gemini!" + +"To see the Lady Elizabeth--most express, my ladies." + +"Tell them to go--say I'm busy----" + +"Betty!" wailed her aunt. + +"Say I'm engaged, say----" + +"O Bet--Betty--my child," twittered her aunt, "why this cruel +coldness--this harsh rigour?" + +"O say I'm out--say anything!" + +"Which, my lady, I did--most particular and Mr. Dalroyd remarks as how +he'll wait till you will--most determined!" + +"O the dear, delightful, bold creature! And such a leg, my dear! Such +an air and--O dear heart o' me, if he isn't coming in quest of us +yonder! The dear, desperate, audacious man! I'll go greet him and do +you follow, child!" + +And Lady Belinda fluttered twittering away, followed by the ponderous +lackey. + +The Major sighed and glanced toward the distant ladder. + +"You would appear to be in much request, madam," said he, "and faith, +'tis but natural, youth and such beauty must attract all men and----" + +"All men, sir?" + +"Indeed, all men who are blessed with eyes to see----" + +Here chancing to meet her look he faltered and stopped. + +"To see--what?" she enquired. + +"'Bewitching Bet'!" he answered bowing very low. + +"Ah--no!" she cried--"not you!" and turning suddenly away she broke off +a rose that bloomed near by and stood twisting it in her white fingers. + +"And wherefore not?" he questioned. + +"'Tis not for _your_ lips," she said, softly. + +The Major whose glance happened to be wandering, winced slightly and +flushed. + +"Aye--indeed, I had forgot," said he, rather vaguely--"Youth must to +youth and----" + +"Must it, sir? + +"Inevitably, madam, it is but natural and----" + +"How vastly wise you are, Major d'Arcy!" The curl of her lip was quite +wasted on him for he was staring at the rose she was caressing. + +"'Twas said also by one much wiser than I 'crabbed age and youth cannot +live together.' And you are very young, my lady and--very beautiful." + +"And therefore to be pitied!" she sighed. + +"In heaven's name, why?" + +"For that I am a lonely maid that suffers from a plague of beaux, sir, +most of them over young and all of them vastly trying. 'Bewitching +Bet'!" This time he did see the scorn of her curling lip. "I had +rather you call me anything else--even 'child' or--'Betty.'" + +They stood awhile in silence, the Major looking at her and she at the +rose: "'Betty'!" said he at last, half to himself, as if trying the +sound of it. "'Tis a most--pretty name!" + +"I had not thought so," she answered. And there was silence again, he +watching where she was heedlessly brushing the rose to and fro across +her vivid lips and looking at nothing in particular. + +"Your guests await you," said he. + +"They often do," she answered. + +"I'll go," said the Major and glanced toward the ladder. "Good-bye, my +lady." + +"Well?" she asked softly. + +"And--er--my grateful thanks----" + +"Well?" she asked again, softer yet. + +"I also hope that--er--I trust that since we're neighbours, I--we----" + +"The wall is not insurmountable, sir. Well? O man," she cried +suddenly--"if you really want it so why don't you ask for it--or take +it?" + +The Major stared and flushed. + +"You--you mean----" + +"This!" she cried and tossed the rose to his feet. Scarcely believing +his eyes he stooped and took it up, and holding it in reverent fingers +watched her hasting along the yew-walk. Standing thus he saw her met +by a slender, elegant gentleman, saw him stoop to kiss her white +fingers, and, turning suddenly, strode to the ladder. + +So the Major presently climbed back over the wall and went his way, the +rose tenderly cherished in the depths of one of his great side-pockets +and, as he went, he limped rather noticeably but whistled softly to +himself, a thing very strange in him, whistled softly but very merrily. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING BEGAN TO WONDER + +Mrs. Agatha sat just within the kitchen-garden shelling peas--and Mrs. +Agatha did it as only a really accomplished woman might; at least, so +thought Sergeant Zebedee, who, busied about some of his multifarious +carpentry jobs, happened to come that way. He thought also that with +her pretty face beneath snowy mob-cap, her shapely figure in its neat +gown, she made as attractive a picture as any man might see on the +longest day's march--of all which Mrs. Agatha was supremely conscious, +of course. + +"A hot day, mam!" said he, halting. + +Mrs. Agatha glanced up demurely, smiled, and gave all her attention to +the peas again. + +"You do be getting more observant every day, Sergeant!" she said, +shelling away rapidly. + +The Sergeant stroked his new-shaven cheek with a pair of pincers he +chanced to be holding and stared down at her busy fingers; Mrs. Agatha +possessed very shapely hands, soft and dimpled--of which she was also +aware. + +"But you look cool enough, mam," said he, ponderously, "and 'tis become +a matter of----" + +"Duty, Sergeant?" she enquired. + +"No, mam, a matter of wonder to me how you manage it?" + +"Belike 'tis all because Nature made me so." + +"Natur', mam--aye, 'tis a wonderful institootion----" + +"For making me cool?" + +"For making you at all, mam!" Having said which, he wheeled suddenly, +and took three quick strides away but, hearing her call, he turned and +took three slow ones back again. "Well, mam?" he enquired, staring at +the pincers. + +"'Tis a hot day, Sergeant!" she laughed. At this he stood silent +awhile, lost in contemplation of her dexterous hands. + +"Egad!" he exclaimed, suddenly, "'Tis a beautiful finger!" + +"Is it, Sergeant?" + +"For a trigger--aye mam. To shoot straight a man must have a true eye, +mam, but he must also have a shooting-hand, quick and light o' the +finger, d'ye see, not to spoil alignment. If you'd been a man, now, +you'd ha' handled a musket wi' the best if you'd only been a man----" + +"But I'm--only a woman." + +"True, mam, true--'tis Natur' again--fault o' circumstance----" + +"And I don't want to be a man----" + +"Certainly not, mam----" + +"And wouldn't if I could!" + +"Glad, o' that, mam." + +"O, and prithee why?" + +"Because as a woman you're--female, d'ye see--I mean as you're what +Natur' intended and such being so you're--naturally formed--I mean----" + +"What d'you mean, pray?" + +"A woman. And now, talking o' the Major----" + +"But we're not!" + +"Aye, but we are, mam, and so talking, the Major do surprise me--same +be a-changing, mam." + +"Changing? How?" + +"Well, this morning he went----" + +"Into the orchard!" said Mrs. Agatha, nodding. + +"Aye, he did. Since I finished that arbour he's took to it +amazing--sits there by the hour--mam!" Mrs. Agatha smiled at the peas. +"But this morning, mam, arter breakfast, he went and turned out all +his--clothes, mam. 'Sergeant,' says he, 'be these the best I've +got'--and him as never troubled over his clothes except to put 'em on +and forget 'em." + +"But you hadn't built the arbour then!" said Mrs. Agatha softly. + +"Arbour!" exclaimed the Sergeant, staring. + +"You've known him a long time?" + +"I've knowed him nigh twenty years and I thought I did know him but I +don't know him--there's developments--he's took to whistling of late. +Only this morning I heard him whistling o' this song 'Barbary Allen' +which same were a damned--no, a devilish--no, a con-founded barbarious +young maid if words mean aught." + +"True, she had no heart, Sergeant!" + +"And a woman without an 'eart, mam----" + +"A heart, Sergeant!" + +"Aye, mam," said he, staring at the pincers, "a maid or woman without +an 'eart is no good for herself or any----" + +"Man!" suggested Mrs. Agatha, softly. + +"True, mam, and speaking o' men brings us back to the Major and him +a-whistling as merry as any grig." + +"Grigs don't whistle, Sergeant." + +"No more they do, mam, no--lark's the word. Also he's set on buying a +noo wig, mam, and him with four brand-noo--almost, except his service +wig which I'll grant you is a bit wore and moth-eaten like arter three +campaigns which therefore aren't to be nowise wondered at. But what is +to be wondered at is his honour troubling about suchlike when 'tis me +as generally reports to him when garments is outwore and me as has done +the ordering of same, these ten year and more. And now here's him +wanting to buy a noo wig all at once! Mam, what I say is--damme!" + +"Sergeant, ha' done!" + +"Ax your pardon, mam, but 'tis so strange and onexpected. A noo wig! +Wants one more modish! Aye," said the Sergeant, shaking his head, +"'modish' were the word, mam--'modish'! Now what I says to that is----" + +"Sergeant, hush!" + +"Why I ain't said it yet, mam----" + +"Then don't!" + +"Very well, mam!" he sighed. "But 'modish'----" + +"And why shouldn't he be modish?" demanded Mrs. Agatha warmly, "he's +young enough and handsome enough." + +"He's all that, mam, yet----" + +"Why should any man be slovenly and old before his time?" + +"Aye, why indeed, mam but----" + +"There's yourself, for instance." + +"Who--me, mam?" exclaimed the Sergeant, hitting himself an amazed blow +on the chest with the pincers, "me?" + +"Aye, you! Not that you're slovenly, but you talk and act like a +Methusalem instead of a--a careless boy of forty." + +"Three, mam--forty-three." + +"Aye, a helpless child of forty-three." + +"Child!" murmured the Sergeant. "Helpless child--me? Now what I says +to that is----" + +"Hush!" said Mrs. Agatha, severely; but beholding his stupefaction she +laughed merrily and taking up the peas, vanished into the kitchen, +laughing still. + +"Child--me--helpless child!" said the Sergeant, staring after her. +"Now what I says is----" + +And there being none to hush him, the Sergeant, in English, French and +Low Dutch, proceeded to "say it" forthwith. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +WHICH DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A POACHER + +The Major rubbed his chin with dubious finger, pushed back his wig and +taking up the letter from the desk before him, broke the seal and read +as follows: + + +"MY VERY DEAR UNCLE: + +"Being in a somewhat low state of health and spirits--" + + +"Spirits!" said the Major. "Ha!" + + +"--induced by a too close application to my duties--" + + +"Hum!" quoth the Major, rubbing his chin harder than ever. + + +"--I purpose (subject to your permission) to inflict myself upon you--" + + +"The devil he does!" + + +"--having been ordered rest and quiet and country air." + + +"Hum! I wonder!" mused the Major. + + +"Pray spare yourself the fatigue of writing as I leave London at once +and well knowing your extreme kindness I hope to have the felicity of +greeting you within a day or so, + +Your most grateful, humble and obedient nephew, + +TOM." + + +Having read this through the Major fell to profound meditation. + +"I wonder?" he mused and pulled the bell. + +"Sergeant!" said he, as the door opened. + +"Sir?" said the Sergeant advancing three paces and coming to attention. + +"Are there any--er--strangers in the village?" + +"Last time I chanced to drop into the 'George and Dragon' there was a +round dozen gentlemen a-staying there, sir." + +"Young gentlemen?" + +"Aye, sir, them as I ob-served was, and very fine young gents +too--almost as fine as their lackeys, sir." + +"A dozen of 'em, Zebedee!" + +The Major rubbed his chin again and frowned slightly. + +"Then my nephew will make the thirteenth. Tell Mrs. Agatha to have a +chamber ready for him to-night." + +"The Viscount a-comin' here, sir? Always thought same couldn't abide +country!" + +"He hath changed his mind it seems or----" + +The Major paused suddenly and glanced toward the open window, for, upon +the air without was a distant clamour of voices and shouting pierced, +ever and anon, by a wild hunting yell. As the uproar grew nearer and +louder the Major rose, and crossing to the casement, beheld his +lodge-gates swung wide before an insurging crowd, a motley throng, for, +among rustic homespun and smock-frock he espied velvet coats brave with +gold and silver lace. Before this riot a tall and slender gentleman +strode waving a richly be-laced hat in one hand and flourishing a whip +in the other. + +"Hark away! Hark away!" he yelled, while from those behind came +boisterous laughter and shouts of "Yoick!" "Tally-ho!" "Gone away!" and +the like. + +At the terrace steps the concourse halted and out upon this clamorous +throng the quiet figure of the Major limped, his wig a little askew as +usual. As he came, the clamour subsided and the crowd, falling back, +discovered half-a-dozen stalwart keepers who dragged between them a +slender youth, bruised and bloody. + +"Ah," said the Major, surveying the scene with interest, "and what may +all this be?" + +"O demmit, sir!" cried the slender young gentleman, clapping hat to +gorgeous bosom and bowing, "Step me vitals, sir--what should it be but +a demmed rogue and a rebbit, sir!" + +"O, a rabbit?" said the Major. + +"And a rogue, sir! Pink me, 'tis the demmdest, infernal, +long-leggedest rascal and led us the demmdest chase I promise you! +Hill and dale, hedge and wall, copse and spinney, O demn! Better than +any fox I ever hunted, there was only Alvaston, Marchdale, your humble +and one or two keeper-fellows in at the death--pace too hot, +sir--strike me dumb!" + +"And pray, sir," enquired the Major, "whom have I the fortune to +address?" + +"O Ged, sir, to be sure--I'm Alton--very obedient, humble--gentleman +yonder blowing his nose like a demmed trumpet is my friend Tony +Marchdale of Marchdale--big fellow in the purple coat and nose to match +is Sir Benjamin Tripp" (here Sir Benjamin bowed, spluttering mildly) +"gentleman with the sparrow-legs is Lord Alvaston" (here his lordship +posturing gracefully with his slender legs, bowed, cursing +amiably)--"stand-and-deliver gentleman with hook-nose, Captain West of +the Guards--die-away gentleman in lavender and gold, Mr. Dalroyd--fat +fellow in abominable scratch-wig who looks as if he'd swallowed a lemon +the wrong way, don't know--and there we are, sir--demme!" + +"And I, gentlemen, am John d'Arcy, at your service. What can I do for +you?" + +"O egad, sir--strike me everlasting blue, 'tis we have been doing for +you! Here we've caught your rogue for you--chased him high--chased him +low--here, there and everywhere--bushes, burrs and briers, dirt and +dust sir--O demmit! + +"If," began the Major, "if you will have the goodness to be a little +more explicit----" + +But here the short, plump, fierce-eyed gentleman in the scratch-wig, +elbowing aside the yokels who stood near strode forward excitedly: + +"You are Major d'Arcy?" he challenged. + +The Major bowed. + +"Why then, sir, give me leave to say we've had the extreme good fortune +to catch a poacher on your land. You'll know me of course. I'm Sir +Oliver Rington of Chevening." + +"No!" said the Major. + +"Then you'll have heard of me, to be sure?" + +"I fear not." + +"Sir, I'm your member--and----" + +"I rejoice to know it!" + +"And justice o' the peace." + +"I felicitate you!" + +"As such, sir, 'tis my present endeavour to get an enactment passed +making the law more rigorous against poaching----" + +"A noble work!" sighed the Major. + +"In the which, sir, I am being vigorously supported by the neighbouring +gentry. You are a stranger in these parts, I think?" + +"I have resided at the Manor precisely a month and two days, sir." + +"Then, sir, permit me to say that the quality hereabouts are united +against such miserable rogues as this damned poaching rascal." + +"You are something in the majority, 'twould seem!" said the Major, +glancing from the blood-smeared face of the solitary captive to the +shuffling throng. + +"We are determined to put down such roguery with a firm hand, sir," +answered Sir Oliver, truculently, "I have already succeeded in having +four such rascals as yon transported for life, sir." + +"For a dem rebbit--O Ged!" exclaimed Lord Alton. + +"You forget, Alton," interposed Mr. Dalroyd, languidly, "you forget, +the rabbit may be a sheep next week, a horse the next, your purse the +next and----" + +"And this, sir, was merely a rabbit, I believe, which happens to be +mine," said the Major, turning to glance at the speaker. + +Mr. Dalroyd was tall and slim and pallidly handsome; from black periwig +to elegant riding boots he was _point-de-vice_, a languid, soft-spoken, +very fine gentleman indeed, who surveyed the Major's tall, upright +figure, with sleepy-lidded eyes. So for a long moment they viewed each +other, the Major serene of brow, his hands buried in the pockets of his +threadbare Ramillie coat, Mr. Dalroyd cool and leisuredly critical, yet +gradually as he met the other's languid gaze, the Major's expression +changed, his black brows twitched together, his keen eyes grew suddenly +intent and withdrawing a hand from his pocket, he began absently to +finger the scar that marked his temple; then Mr. Dalroyd smiled faintly +and turned a languid shoulder. + +"Gentlemen," said he, "our sport is done, the play grows wearisome--let +us be gone." + +At this, Sir Oliver Rington approached the Major and in his eagerness +tapped him on the arm with his whip. + +"With your permission, Major, I'll see this rogue set in the stocks and +after safely under lock and key. You'll prosecute, of course." + +Very gently the Major set aside Sir Oliver's whip and limped over to +the prisoner: + +"He looks sufficiently young!" said he. + +"A criminal type!" nodded Sir Oliver, "I've convicted many such--a very +brutal, desperate rogue!" + +"To be sure he's very bloody!" said the Major. + +"Aye," growled Sir Oliver, "and serve him right--he gave enough trouble +for six." + +"And something faint!" + +"Aye, feint it is sir--the rascal's shamming." + +"And dusty!" + +"O, a foul beast!" agreed Sir Oliver. + +"And hath a hungry look. So shall he go wash and eat----" + +"Wash--eat--how--what in the devil's name, sir----" + +"Sergeant!" + +"Sir!" answered the Sergeant, very upright and stiff in the back. + +"Take the fellow to the stables and when he's washed--feed him!" + +"Very good, sir!" Saying which, the Sergeant advanced upon the +drooping prisoner, set hand to ragged coat-collar, and wheeling him +half-left, marched him away. + +"Strike me everlasting perishing purple!" exclaimed the Marquis. + +"Damnation!" cried Sir Oliver, his whip quivering in his fist, "d'ye +mean to say, sir--d'ye mean----" he choked. + +"I mean to say, that since the prisoner stole my property I will +dispose of him as I think fit----" + +"Fit sir--fit--as you think fit!" spluttered Sir Oliver. + +"Or as it pleases me, sir." + +"You sir--you!" panted Sir Oliver in sudden frenzy, "and who the devil +are you that dare run counter to the law--a beggarly half-pay +soldier----" + +"O demmit, sir!" exclaimed the Marquis, restraining plump ferocity, +"try to be a little decent, I beg, just a little--remember you are not +in the House now, sir!" + +Sir Oliver sulkily permitted himself to be drawn a little aside, then, +halting suddenly, wheeled about and pointed at the Major with his whip. + +"Gentlemen all," he cried, "behold a man who hath no respect for the +Constitution, for Church, State or King God save him! Behold a--a +being who is traitor to his class! A man who--who'd--O +damme--who'd--shoot a fox!" + +The Major laughed suddenly and shook his head. + +"No," said he, "no, I'll shoot neither foxes--nor even fools, +sir--if--I say if--it may be avoided. And so, gentlemen, thanking you +for your extreme zeal on my behalf in the matter of my poacher, I have +the honour to bid you, each and every, good day." + +So saying, the Major bowed and turning, limped into the house. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +WHICH RELATES HOW THE POACHER ESCAPED + +The rising sun made a glory in the east, purple, amber and flaming +gold; before his advent sombre night fled away and sullen mists rolled +up and vanished; up he came in triumphant majesty, his far-flung, level +beams waking a myriad sparkles on grass and leaf where the dew yet +clung; they woke also the blackbird inhabiting the great tree whose +spreading boughs shaded a certain gable of the Manor. This blackbird, +then, being awake, forthwith prepares to summon others to bid welcome +to the day, tunes sleepy pipe, finds himself astonishingly hoarse, +pauses awhile to ruminate on the wherefore of this, tries again with +better effect, stretches himself, re-settles a ruffled feather and +finally, being broad awake, bursts into a passionate ecstasy of throaty +warblings. + +It was at this precise moment that the Major thrust cropped head from +his open lattice and leaned there awhile to breathe in the dawn's sweet +freshness and to feast his eyes upon dew-spangled earth. And beholding +noble house and stately trees with smiling green fields beyond where +goodly farmsteads nestled, all his own far as the eye could see and +farther, he drew a deep and joyous breath, contrasting all this with +his late penury. Now, as he leaned thus in the warm sun, his wandering +eye fell upon a small isolated outbuilding, its narrow windows strongly +barred, its oaken door padlocked. Instantly the Major drew in his head +and began to dress; which done, he clapped on his peruke and opening +the door with some degree of care, stepped forth of his chamber, and, +carrying his shoes in his hand, tiptoed along the wide gallery, and, +descending the great stairs with the same caution, proceeded to a +certain small room against whose walls were birding-pieces, +fishing-rods, hunting-crops, spurs and the like. From amid these +heterogeneous articles he reached down a great key and slipping it into +his pocket, proceeded to furtively unbar, unlock and let himself out +into the young morning. Outside he put on his shoes and descending +marble steps and crossing trim lawns presently arrived at a forbidding +oaken door, which he opened forthwith. + +The poacher lay half-buried among a pile of hay in one corner but at +the Major's entrance started up, disclosing a pale, youthful face, +whose dark, aquiline features were vaguely reminiscent. + +"Hum!" said the Major, rubbing his chin and staring, whereat the +prisoner, scowling sullenly, turned away. + +"Ha!" said the Major. "Sirrah, 'tis a fair day for walking I think, +therefore, an you be so minded--walk!" + +"D'ye mean you'll let me--go?" demanded the prisoner. + +"Aye!" + +"Free?" + +"There's the door!" + +The prisoner sprang to his feet, brushed the hay from his rough and +stained garments, glanced from his deliverer to the glory of the +morning and stepped out into the sunlight. + +"You were wiser to avoid Sir Oliver Rington's neighbourhood, and here's +somewhat to aid you on your way." + +So saying, the Major strode off and left the poacher staring down at +the gold coins in his palm. + +The Major wandered thoughtfully along box-bordered paths, past marble +fauns and nymphs; between hedges of clipped yew and so to the +rose-garden, ablaze with colour and fragrant with bloom. In the midst +was a time-worn sundial set about with marble seats and here the Major +leaned to muse awhile and so came upon a quaint-lettered posy graven +upon the dial which ran as follows: + + "Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy: + Age and Youth together is but folly." + + +"Hum!" said the Major and sighed, and sighing, turned away, limping +more than usual, for his meditations were profound. Thus, deep in +thought he came back to the isolated building, locked it up again, and +wended his way back to the house. + +Having replaced the key he sat himself down in his study and tucking up +his ruffles, fell to work on his History of Fortification, though, to +be sure, his pen was frequently idle and once he opened a drawer to +stare down at a rapidly fading rose. + +Gradually the great house about him awoke to life and morning bustle; +light feet tripped to and fro, maids' voices chattered and sang +merrily, dusters flicked, mops twirled and Mrs. Agatha admonished, +while, from the kitchens afar came the faint but delectable rattle of +crockery while the Major drove parallels, constructed trenches and +covered ways and dreamed of the Lady Betty Carlyon, of her eyes, her +hair, the dimple in her wilful chin and of all her alluring witchery. +And bethinking him of her warm, soft daintiness, as when she had leaned +in his clasp for that much-remembered moment, he almost thought to +catch again the faint, sweet fragrance of her. + +Moved by a sudden impulse he rose, and crossing to a mirror, stood to +examine himself critically as he had never done before in all his life. + +And truly, now he came to notice, his wig was shabby despite the +Sergeant's unremitting care; then his shoes were clumsy and thick of +sole, his cotton stockings showed a darn here and there and his coat--! + +The Major shook his head and sighed: + +"'Tis a very beast of a coat!" + +In his heart he ruefully admitted that it was. + +Now, as to his face? + +The Major stared keenly at well-opened, grey eyes which stared back at +him under level brows; at straightish nose, widish mouth and strong, +deep-cleft chin; each feature in turn was the object of his wistful +scrutiny and he must even trace out the scar that marked his left +temple and seek to hide it with the limp side-curls of his peruke. +Then he turned away and seating himself at his desk leaned there, head +on hand, staring blindly at the written sheets before him. + +And behind his thoughts was a line from the posy on the sundial: + + "Youth is joyous, Age is melancholy:" + + +The Major sighed. Suddenly he started and turned as a knock sounded on +the door, which, opening forthwith, disclosed the Sergeant, his usually +trim habit slightly disordered, his usually serene brow creased and +clammy, his eye woeful. + +"Ah, Sergeant," said the Major placidly, "good morning, Zeb." + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, advancing three steps and coming to +attention. "I've come, sir, to report gross dee-reliction of dooty, +sir." + +"Indeed--whose?" + +"Mine, sir. You put prisoner in my charge, sir--same has took French +leave, sir, by aid o' witchcraft, hocus-pocus, or the devil, sir, +prisoner having vanished himself into thin air, sir----" + +"Remarkable!" said the Major. + +"Found the place locked up and all serene, sir, but on opening door +found prisoner had went which didn't seem nowise nat'ral, sir. +Hows'mever, fell in a search party immediate, self and gardeners, sir, +but though we beat the park an' the spinney, sir, owing to spells and +witchcraft 'twas but labour in vain, prisoner having been spirited +away, d'ye see?" + +"Astonishing!" said the Major. + +The Sergeant mopped his brow and sighed. + +"Prisoner having bolted and altogether went, sir--same being vanished, +though suspecting witches and hocus-pocus, must hold myself responsible +for same----" + +"No, no, Zeb." + +"And feel myself defaulter, sir, owing to which shall stop and deny +myself customary ale to-day, sir." + +"Very good, Zeb." + +"And talking of ale, sir, think it my dooty to report as in the 'George +and Dragon' last evening Sir Oliver Rington were talking agin' you, +sir--very fierce." + +"I'm not surprised, Zeb, his kind must talk." + +"Same person, sir, made oncommon free wi' your name, laying thereto +certain and divers eppythets, sir, among which was 'vulgar fellow' and +'beggarly upstart' which me overhearing was forced to shout 'damn liar' +as in dooty bound, sir. Whereupon his two grooms, wi' five or six +other rogues, took me front, flank and rear and run me out into the +road. Whereupon, chancing to have pint-pot in my hand, contrived with +same to alter the faces o' two or three of 'em for time being, as in +dooty bound, sir. All of which has caused more talk which I do truly +lament." + +"A pint-pot is an awkward weapon, Zebedee!" + +"True, sir, same being apt to bend." + +"I trust you did no serious hurt, Sergeant?" + +"Not so serious as I could ha' wished, sir." + +"And I hope it won't occur again." + +"I hope so too, sir! Regarding the prisoner, sir----" + +"He has escaped, I understand, Zeb." + +"He has so, your honour." + +"Then there is no prisoner." + +"Why as to that, sir," began the Sergeant, scratching his big chin-- + +"As to that, Zeb, 'tis just as well for everyone concerned, especially +the prisoner, that--er--isn't, as 'twere and so forth, d'ye see, +Sergeant?" So saying the Major took up his pen and the Sergeant strode +away, though more than once he shook his head in dark perplexity. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +OF PANCRAS, VISCOUNT MERIVALE + +The Major's study, opening out of the library, was a smallish chamber, +very like himself in that its appointments were simple and plain to +austerity. Its furniture comprised a desk, a couple of chairs and a +settee, its adornments consisted of the portrait of a gentleman in +armour who scowled, a Sèvres vase full of roses set there by Mrs. +Agatha, a pair of silver-mounted small-swords above the carved mantel +but within easy reach, flanked by a couple of brace of handsomely +mounted pistols. + +Just now, table, chairs and settee had been pushed into a corner and +the chamber rang with the clash and grind of vicious-darting steel +where the Major and Sergeant Zebedee in stockinged-feet and +shirt-sleeves, thrust and parried and lunged, bright eyes wide and +watchful, lips grim-set, supple of wrist and apparently tireless of +arm, the Major all lissom, graceful ease despite his limp, the Sergeant +a trifle stiff but grimly business-like and deadly; a sudden fierce +rally, a thrust, a lightning riposte and the Major stepped back. + +"_Touché!_" he exclaimed, lowering his point. "'Tis a wicked thrust of +yours--that in tierce, Zebedee!" + +"'Twas you as taught it me, sir," answered the Sergeant, whipping his +foil to the salute, "same as you taught me my letters, consequently I +am bold to fight or read any man as ever drawed breath." + +"You do credit to my method, Sergeant Zeb--especially that trick o' the +wrist--'tis mine own and I think unique. Come again, we have another +ten minutes." + +Hereupon they gravely saluted each other, came to the engage and once +more the place echoed to rasping steel and quick-thudding feet. It was +a particularly fierce and brilliant bout, in the middle of which and +quite unobserved by the combatants, the door opened and a young +gentleman appeared. He was altogether a remarkable young gentleman +being remarkably young, languid and gorgeous. A pale mauve coat, gold +of button and rich of braid, its skirts sufficiently full and ample, +seemed moulded upon his slender figure, his legs were encased in long, +brown riding-boots of excellent cut and finish, furnished with jingling +silver spurs, his face exactly modish of pallor, high-nosed and +delicately featured, was set off by a great periwig whose glossy curls +had that just and nicely-ordered disorder fashion required; in his +right hand he held his hat, a looped and belaced affair, two fingers of +his left were posed elegantly upon the silver hilt of his sword the +brown leathern scabbard of which cocked its silver lip beneath his coat +at precisely the right angle; thus, as he stood regarding the fencing +bout he seemed indeed the very "glass of fashion and mould of form" and +unutterably serene. + +"Ha!" exclaimed the Sergeant suddenly, "clean through the gizzard, +sir!" and lowering his point in turn he shook his head, "'twould ha' +done my business for good an' all, sir." And it was to be noted that +despite their exertions neither he nor the Major breathed overfast or +seemed unduly over-heated; remarking which the young gentleman +animadverted gently as follows: + +"Gad, nunky mine, Gad save my poor perishing sawl how d'ye do it--ye +don't blow and ye ain't sweating----" + +The Major started and turned: + +"What--nephew!" hastening forward to greet his visitor, "What, Pancras +lad, when did you arrive?" + +"Ten minutes since, sir. I strolled up from the 'George and Dragon' +and left my fellows to come on with the horses and baggage. Begad, +sir, 'tis a cursed fine property this, a noble heritage! Give you joy +of it! Here's a change from your trooping and fighting! You grow +warm, nunky, warm, eh?" + +"'Tis a great change, nephew, and most unexpected. But speaking of +change, Pancras, you have grown out of recognition since last I saw +you." + +"Gad prasper me, sir, I hope so--'tis five long years agone and I'm my +own man since my father had the grace to break his neck a-hunting, +though 'tis a pity he contrived to break my mother's heart first, +sweet, patient soul. Ha, sir, d'ye mind the day you pitched him out o' +the gun-room window?" + +"He's dead, Pancras!" said the Major, flushing. + +"Which is very well, sir, since you're alive and I'm alive and so's the +Sergeant here. How goes it Zeb--good old Zeb. How goes it, Sergeant +Zeb?" and the Viscount's white, be-ringed hand met the Sergeant's hairy +one in a hearty grip. + +"Look at him, nunky, look at him a Gad's name--same old square face, +not changed a hair since he used to come a-marching back with you from +some campaign or other, rat me! D'ye mind, Zeb, d'ye mind how you used +to make me wooden swords and teach me how to bear my point--eh?" + +"Aye, I mind, sir," nodded the Sergeant, grim lips smiling, "'tis not +so long since." + +"Talking of fence, sir, give me leave to say--as one somewhat +proficient in the art--that your style is a little antiquated!" + +"Is't so, nephew?" + +"Rat me if it isn't, sir! It lacketh that niceness of finish, that +gracious poise o' the bady, that '_je ne sais quoi_' which is all the +mode." + +"So, nephew, you fence-- + +"Of course, nunky, we all do--'tis the fashion. I fence a bout or so +every day with the great Mancini, sir." + +"So he's great these days?" + +"How, d'ye know him, uncle?" + +"Years ago I fenced with him in Flanders." + +"Well, sir?" + +"I thought him too flamboyant----" + +"O, Gad requite me, sir! Had you but felt his celebrated attack--that +stoccata! Let me show you!" So saying, the Viscount tossed his hat +into a corner, took the Sergeant's foil and fell into a graceful +fencing posture. + +"Come, nunky, on guard!" he cried. Smiling, the Major saluted. "Here +he is, see you, the point bearing so, and before you can blink----" + +"Your coat, sir!" said the Sergeant, proffering to take it. + +"Let be, Zeb, let be," sighed the Viscount, "it takes my fellow to get +me into 't, and my two fellows to get me out on't, so let be. Come, +nunky mine." Smiling, the Major fell to his guard and the blades rang +together. "Here he is, see you, his point bearing so, and, ere you can +blink he comes out of tierce and---- + +"I pink you--so!" said the Major. + +"Gad's me life!" exclaimed his nephew, staring. "What the--how--come +again, sir!" + +Once more the blades clinked and instantly the Viscount lunged; the +Major stepped back, his blade whirled and the Viscount's weapon spun +from his grasp and clattered to the floor. + +"Gad save me poor perishing sawl!" he exclaimed, staring gloomily at +his fallen weapon, "how did ye do 't, sir? Sergeant Zeb, damme you're +laughing at me!" + +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, picking up the foil, "I were!" + +"Very curst of you! And how did he manage Mancini?" + +"Much the same as he managed you, sir, only----" + +"Only?" + +"Not so--so prompt, sir!" + +"The devil he did! But Mancini's esteemed one of the best----" + +"So were his honour, sir!" + +"O!" said the Viscount, "and he didn't puff and he ain't sweating--my +sawl!" + +"'Tis use, nephew." + +"And country air, sir! Look at you--young as you were five years +since--nay, younger, I vow. Now look at me, a pasitive bunch of +fiddle-strings--appetite bad, stomach worse, nerves--O love me! A +pasitive wreck, Gad prasper me!" + +The Major's sharp eyes noted the youthful, upright figure, the alert +glance, the resolute set of mouth and chin, and he smiled. + +"To be sure you are in a--er--a low, weak state of health, I +understand?" + +"O sir, most curst." + +"Poor Pancras!" said the Major. + +"No, no, sir, a Gad's name don't call me so, 'tis a curst name, 'twas +my father's name, beside 'tis a name to hang a dog. Call me Tam, Tam's +short and to the point--all my friends call me Tam, so call me Tam!" + +"So be it, Tom. So you come into the country for your health?" + +"Aye, sir, I do. Nothing like the country, sir, balmy air--mighty +invigorating, look at the ploughmen they eat and drink and sleep +and--er----" + +"Plough!" suggested the Major, gravely. + +"Begad, sir, so they do. And besides, I do love the country--brooks +and beehives, nunky; cabbages, y'know, cows d'ye see and clods and +things----" + +"And cuckoos, Tom." + +"Aye, and cuckoos!" said the Viscount serenely. + +"Indeed, the country hath a beauty all its own, sir, so am I come +to----" + +"Be near her, nephew!" + +"Eh? O! Begad!" saying which Viscount Merivale took out a highly +ornate gold snuff-box, looked at it, tapped it and put it away again. +"Nunky," he murmured, "since you're so curst wide-awake I'm free to +confess that for the last six months I've worshipped at the shrine of +the Admirable Betty--de-votedly, sir!" + +"There be others also, I think!" said the Major, handing his foil to +the Sergeant. + +"Gad love me, sir, 'tis true enough! The whole town is run mad for her +pasitively, and 'tis small wonder! She's a blooming peach, nunky, a +pearl of price--let me perish! A goddess, a veritable----" + +"Woman!" said the Major. + +"And, sir, this glory of her sex blooms and blossoms--next door. Ha' +ye seen her yet?" + +"Once or twice, Tom." + +"Now I protest, sir--ain't she the most glorious creature--a peerless +piece--a paragon? By heaven, 'tis the sweetest, perversest witch and +so do my hopes soar." + +"Doth she prove so kind, nephew?" + +"O sir, she doth flout me consistently." + +"Flout you?" + +"Constantly, thank Vanus! 'Tis when she's kind I fall i' the dumps." + +"God bless me!" exclaimed the Major. + +"Look'ee sir, there's Tripp, for instance, dear old bottlenose Ben, she +smiles on him and suffers him to bear her fan, misfortunate dog! +There's Alton, she permits him to attend her regularly and hand her +from chair or coach, poor devil! There's West and Marchdale, I've +known her talk with them in corners, unhappy wights! There's +Dalroyd----" + +"The 'die-away' gentleman?" said the Major. + +"O he's death and the devil for her, he is--a sleepy, smouldering +flame, rat me! And she is scarce so kind to him I could wish. But as +for me, nunky, me she scorns, flouts, contemns and quarrels with, so +doth hope sing within me!" + +"Hum!" said the Major, clapping on his wig. + +"So I am here in the fervent hope that ere the year is out she may be +my Viscountess and--O my stricken sawl!" + +"What is't, nephew?" + +"Aye, sir, that's the question--what? Faith, it might be anything." + +"You mean my wig, Tom?" enquired the Major, laughing, yet flushing a +little. + +"Wig?" murmured the Viscount, "after all, sir, there is a +resemblance--though faint. Sure you never venture abroad in the thing? + +"Why not?" + +"'Twould be pasitively indecent, sir!" + +Here the Major laughed, but the Sergeant, setting the furniture in +place, scowled fixedly at the chair he chanced to be grasping. + +"Perhaps 'tis time I got me a new one," said the Major, slipping into +his coat. + +"One!" exclaimed the Viscount. "O pink me, sir--a man of your standing +and position needs a dozen. A wig, sir, is as capricious as a +woman--it can make a gentleman a dowdy, a fool look wise and a wise man +an ass, 'tis therefore a--what the----" + +The Viscount rose and putting up his glass peered at his uncle in +pained astonishment: + +"Sir--sir," he faltered, "'tis a perfectly curst object that--may I +venture to enquire----" + +"What, my coat, Tom?" + +"Coat--coat--O let me perish!" And the Viscount sank limply into a +chair and drooped there in dejection. "Calls it a coat!" he murmured. + +"'Tis past its first bloom, I'll allow----" + +"Bloom--O stap me!" whispered the Viscount. + +"But 'twas a very good coat once----" + +"Nay sir, nay, I protest," cried the Viscount, "upon a far, far distant +day it may have been a something to keep a man warm, but 'twas never, O +never a coat----" + +"Indeed, Tom?" + +"Indeed, sir, in its halcyon days 'twas an ill dream, now--'tis a +pasitive nightmare. Have you any other garment a trifle less gruesome, +sir?" + +"I have two other suits I think, Sergeant?" + +"Three, your honour, there's your d'Oyley stuff suit" (the Viscount +groaned), "there's your blue and silver and the black velvet garnished +with----" + +"Sounds curst funereal, Zeb! O my poor nunky! Go fetch 'em, Sergeant, +and let me see 'em--'twill distress and pain me I know but--go fetch +'em!" + +Here, at a nod from the Major, Sergeant Zebedee departed. + +"I--er--live very retired, Tom," began the Major. + +"We'll change all that, sir----" + +"The devil, you say!" + +"O nunky, nunky, 'tis time I took you in hand. D'ye ever hunt now?" + +"Why no!" + +"Visit your neighbours?" + +"Not as yet, Tom." + +"Go among your tenantry?" + +"Very seldom----" + +"O fie, sir, fie! Here's you pasitively wasting all your natural +advantages,--shape, stature, habit o' bady all thrown away--I always +admired your curst, high, stand-and-deliver air--even as a child, and +here's you living and clothing yourself like----" + +He paused as the Sergeant re-entered, who, spreading out the three +suits upon the table with a flourish, stood at attention. + +"I knew it--I feared so!" murmured the Viscount, turning over the +garments. He sighed over them, he groaned, he nearly wept. "Take 'em +away--away, Zeb," he faltered at last, "hide 'em from the eye o' day, +lose 'em, a Gad's name, Zeb--burn 'em!" + +"Burn 'em, sir?" repeated the Sergeant, folding up the despised +garments with painful care, "axing your pardon, m'lord, same being his +honour's I'd rather----" + +"Next week, nunky, you shall ride to town with me and acquire some real +clothes." + +The Major stroked his chin and surveyed the Sergeant's wooden +expression! + +"Egad, Tom," said he, "I think I will!" + +Glancing from the window, the Major beheld a train of heavily-laden +pack-horses approaching, up the drive. + +"Why, what's all this?" he exclaimed. + +"That?" answered the Viscount yawning, "merely a few of my clothes, +sir, and trifling oddments----" + +"God bless my soul!" + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, tucking the garments under his arm beneath +the Viscount's horrified gaze, "with your permission will proceed to +warn grooms and stable-boys of approaching cavalry squadron!" and he +marched out forthwith. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +WHICH IS A VERY BRIEF CHAPTER + + "I pr'ythee spare me, gentle boy + Press me no more for that slight toy + That foolish trifle of a heart + I swear it will not do its part + Though thou dost thine----" + + +The Viscount checked his song and inserting the upper half of his +person through the open lattice, hailed the Major cheerily. + +"What, uncle, nunky, nunk--still at it? 'Tis high time you went to +change your dress." + +"O? And why, Tom?" + +"I look for our company here in twenty minutes or so." + +"What company, may I ask?" + +"Lady Belinda and Our Admirable Betty." + +"Good God!" ejaculated the Major starting up in sudden agitation. +"Coming here--you never mean it?" + +"I do indeed, sir!" + +"But Lord! Why should they come?" + +"As I gather, sir, 'tis because you invited 'em----" + +"I? Never in my life!" + +"Why, 'tis true sir, I was your mouthpiece--your ambassador, as it +were." + +"And she--er--they are coming here! Both!" + +"Both, sir." + +"Lord, Tom, 'tis a something desperate situation, what am I to do +with----" + +"Leave 'em to me sir! They shan't daunt you!" + +"Ha! To you, Tom?" + +"And dear old Ben----" + +"O?" + +"And Alton----" + +"Indeed!" + +"And Marchdale----" + +"Any more, nephew?" + +"And Alvaston----" + +"Ah?" + +"And Dalroyd and Denholm----" + +"Did I invite 'em all, Tom?" + +"Every one, sir!" + +"I wonder what made me?" + +"Loneliness, sir!" + +"D'ye think so, Tom?" + +"Aye, you've always been a lonely man, I mind." + +"Perhaps I have--except for the Sergeant." + +"You are still, sir." + +"Belike I am--though I have Sergeant Zeb." + +"But we'll change all that in a month--aye, less! You shall grow two +or three hundred years younger and enjoy at last the youth you've never +known." + +"Faith, you'd give me much, Tom!" + +The Viscount took out his snuff-box, tapped it, opened it, and forgot +his affectations. + +"Sir," said he, "there was, on a time, a little, wretched boy, who, +hating and fearing his father, grieving in his sweet mother's griefs +until she died, found thereafter a friend, very tender and strong, in a +big, red-coated uncle----" + +"By adoption, nephew." + +"Aye sir, but I found him more truly satisfying to my youthful needs +than any uncle by blood, Lord love me! At whose all too infrequent +visits my boyish griefs and fears fled away--O Gad, sir, in those days +I made of you a something betwixt Ajax defying the lightning and +a--wet-nurse, and plague take it, sir, d'ye wonder if I----" Here the +Viscount took a pinch of snuff and sneezed violently. "Rat me!" he +gasped, "'tis the hatefullest stuff!" Followed a volley of sneezing +and thereafter a feeble voice--"The which reminds me sir we must drink +tea----" + +"But I abominate tea, Tom." + +"So do I, sir, so do I--curst stuff! You know the song: + + 'Let Mahometan fools + Live by heathenish rules + And be damned over tea-cups and coffee--' + +But the women dote on it, dear creatures! 'Tis to the sex what water +is to the pig (poor, fat, ignorant brute!) ale to the yeoman (lusty +fellow) Nantzy to your nobby-nosed parson (roguish old boy) and wine to +your man of true taste. So, let there be tea, sir." + +"By all means, Tom!" + +"And sir--if I may venture a suggestion--?" + +"Take courage, nephew, and try!" + +"Why then, wear your blue and silver, nunky, 'tis the least obnaxious +and by the way, have you such a thing as a lackey or so about the place +to get in one's way and to be tumbled over as is the polite custom, +sir?" + +"Hum!" said the Major thoughtfully, "I fancy the Sergeant has drafted +'em all into his gardening squad--ask Mrs. Agatha, she'll know." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +INTRODUCING DIVERS FINE GENTLEMEN + +"Gentlemen!" said the Viscount, "you have, I believe, had the honour to +meet my uncle, Major d'Arcy, for a moment, 'tis now my privilege to +make you better acquainted, for to know him is to honour him. Uncle, I +present our Ben, our blooming Benjamin--Sir Benjamin Tripp." + +"Ods body, sir!" cried Sir Benjamin, plump, rubicund and jovial. "'Tis +a joy--a joy, I vow! Od, sir,'tis I protest an infinite joy to----" + +"Ha' done with your joys, Ben," said the Viscount, "here's Tony all set +for his bow! Nunky--Mr. Anthony Marchdale!" Mr. Marchdale, a man of +the world of some nineteen summers bent languidly and lisped: + +"Kiss your hands, sir!" + +"I present Lord Alvaston!" His lordship, making the utmost of his +slender legs aided by a pair of clocked silk stockings bowed +exuberantly. + +"Very devoted humble, sir! As regards your poacher, sir, ma humble +'pinion's precisely your 'pinion sir--poacher's a dam rogue but rogue's +a man 'n' rabbit's only rabbit--if 'sequently if dam rogue kills rabbit +an' rabbit's your rabbit----" + +"Stint your plaguy rabbits a while, Bob. Nunky, Captain West." + +"Yours to command, sir!" said the Captain, a trifle mature, a trifle +grim, but shooting his ruffles with a youthful ease. + +"The Marquis of Alton!" + +"I agree with Ben, sir, 'tis a real joy, strike me dumb if 'tisn't!" + +"Sir Jasper Denholm!" + +Sir Jasper, chiefly remarkable for an interesting pallor, and handsome +eyes which had earned for themselves the epithet of "soulful," bowed in +turn: + +"Sir," he sighed, "your dutiful humble! If you be one of this sighful, +amorous fellowship that worships peerless Betty from afar, 'tis an +added bond, sir, a----" Speech was extinguished by a gusty sigh. + +"Od so!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, hilariously, "do we then greet another +rival for the smiles of our Admirable Lady Betty--begad!" + +The Major started slightly then smiled and shook his head in denial. + +"Nay sir, such presumption is not in me----" + +"But, indeed, sir," sighed Sir Jasper, "you must have marked how Cupid +lieth basking in the dimple of her able chin, lieth ambushed in her +night-soft hair, playeth (naughty young wanton) in her snowy bosom, +lurketh (rosy elf) 'neath----" + +"Sir!" said the Major, rather hastily, "I have eyes!" + +"Enough, sir--whoso hath eyes must worship! So do we salute you as a +fellow-sufferer deep-smit of Eros his blissful, barbed dart." + +"Od rabbit me, 'tis so!" cried Sir Benjamin. "Here's wine, come, a +toast, let us fill to Love's latest bleeding victim--let us +solemnly----" + +The door opened, a rehabilitated footman announced: 'Lady Belinda +Damain, Lady Elizabeth Carlyon,' and in the ladies swept, whereupon the +Major instinctively felt to see if his peruke were straight. + +"O dear heart!" exclaimed the Lady Belinda, halting with slim foot +daintily poised. "So many gentlemen--I vow 'tis pure! And discussing +a toast, too! O Gemini! Dear sirs, what is't--relate!" + +"I' faith, madam," cried Sir Benjamin, "we greet and commiserate +another victim to your glorious niece's glowing charms, we salute our +fellow-sufferer Major d'Arcy!" + +The Major laughed a little uncertainly as he hastened to welcome his +guests. + +"Indeed," said he, "what man having eyes can fail to admire though from +afar, and in all humility!" + +At this, Lady Betty laughed also and meeting her roguish look he +flushed and bent very low above the Lady Belinda's hand but conscious +only of her who stood so near and who in turn sank down before him in +gracious curtsey, down and down, looking up at him the while with smile +a little malicious and eyes of laughing mockery ere she rose, all +supple, joyous ease despite her frills and furbelows. + +"Doth he suffer much, think you, gentlemen?" she enquired, turning +towards the company yet with gaze upon the Major's placid face. +"Burneth he with amorous fire, think you, wriggleth he on Cupid's dart?" + +"O infallibly!" answered Sir Benjamin, "I'll warrant me, madam, he +flameth inwardly---- + +"E'en as unhappy I!" sighed Sir Jasper Denholm. + +"And I myself!" said the Captain, shooting a ruffle. + +"O Gad!" exclaimed Viscount Merivale, "why leave out the rest of us?" + +"Demme, yes!" cried the Marquis, "we are all our divine Betty's +miserable humble, obedient slaves to command----" + +"'Tis excellent well!" exclaimed my lady gaily, "miserable slaves, I +greet you one and all and 'tis now my will, mandate and command that +you shall attend dear my aunt whiles I question this most placid +sufferer as to his torments. Major, your hand--pray let us walk!" + +As one in a dream he took her soft fingers in his and let her lead him +whither she would. Side by side they passed through stately rooms lit +by windows rich with stained glass; beneath carved and gilded ceilings, +along broad corridors, up noble stairways and down again, she full of +blithe talk, he rather more silent even than usual. She quizzed the +grim effigies in armour, bowed airily to the portraits, peeped into +cupboards and corners, viewing all things with quick, appraising, +feminine eyes while he, looking at this and that as she directed him, +was conscious only of her. + +"'Tis a fine house!" she said critically, "and yet it hath, methinks, a +sad and plaintive air. 'Tis all so big and desolate!" + +"Desolate!" said he, thoughtfully. + +"And lonely and cold, and empty and--ha'n't you noticed it, sir?" + +"Why, no!" + +"I marvel!" + +"As for lonely, mam, they tell me I am naturally so, and then I have my +work." + +"And that, sir?" + +"I'm writing a History of Fortification." + +"It sounds plaguy dull!" + +"So it does!" he agreed. In time they came to the library and study +but on the threshold of that small, bare chamber, my lady paused. + +"You poor soul!" she exclaimed. The Major looked startled. "'Tis here +you sit and write?" she demanded. He admitted it. "And not so much as +a rug on the floor!" + +"Rugs are apt to--er--encumber one's feet!" he suggested. + +"Nor a picture to light this dull panelling! Not a cushion, not a +footstool! O 'tis a dungeon, 'tis deadly drear and smells horribly of +tobacco--faugh!" + +"Shall we rejoin the company?" he ventured. + +"So bare, so barren!" she sighed, "so lorn and loveless!" Here she +sank down at the desk in the Major's great armchair and shook +disparaging head at him: "Why not work in comfort?" + +"Is it so lacking?" he questioned, "I was content----" + +"With very little, sir!" + +"Surely to be content is to be happy?" + +"And are you so--very happy, Major d'Arcy?" + +"I--think so! At the least, I'm content----" + +"Is a man ever content?" she enquired, taking up one of his pens in +idle fingers. + +The Major fell to pondering this, watching her the while as, with the +feather of the pen she began to touch and stroke her vivid lips and he +noticed how full and gentle were their curves. + +"He is a fool who strives for the impossible!" said he at last. + +"Nay, he is a very man!" she retorted. "Are there many things +impossible after all, to a man of sufficient determination, I +wonder--or a woman?" + +The Major, seating himself on a corner of the desk, pondered this also; +and now the feather of the pen was caressing the dimple in her chin, +and he noticed how firm this chin was for all its round softness. + +"'Deed, sir," she went on again, "I feel as we had known each other all +our days, I wonder why?" + +The Major took up his tobacco-box that lay near by and turned it over +and over before he answered and without looking at her: + +"I'm happy to know it, madam, very!" + +"And my name is Betty and yours is John and we are neighbours. So I +shall call you Major John and sometimes Major Jack--when you please me." + +"How did you learn my name?" he asked gently; but now he did look at +her. + +"Major John," she answered lightly, "you possess a nephew." + +"Aye, to be sure!" said he and looked at the tobacco-box again, then +put it by, rather suddenly, and rose, "which reminds me that the +company wait you, mam----" + +"Do--not----" + +"Madam!" + +"Nor that!" + +"My lady Betty," he amended, after a momentary pause. "The company-- + +"Pish to the company!" + +"But madam, consider----" + +"Pooh to the company! Pray be seated again, Major John. You love your +nephew, sir?" + +"Indeed! 'Tis a noble fellow, handsome, rich and--young----" + +"True, he's very young, Major John!" + +"And--er--" the Major glanced a little helplessly towards the +tobacco-box, "he--he loves you and, er----" + +"Mm!" said Lady Betty, biting the pen thoughtfully between white teeth. +"He loves me, sir--go on, I beg!" + +"And being a lover he awaits you impatiently." + +"And the others, sir." + +"And the others of course, and here are you--I mean here am I----" + +"You, Major John--but O why drag yourself into it?" + +"I mean that whiles they wait for sight of you I--er--keep you here----" + +"By main force, sir." + +The Major laughed. + +"They will be growing desperate, I doubt," said he. + +"Well, let 'em, Major John, I prefer to be--kept here awhile. Pray be +seated as you were." + +He obeyed, though his usually serene brow was flushed and his gaze +wandered towards the tobacco-box again, perceiving which, my lady +placed it in his hand. + +"As regards your nephew----" + +"Meaning Tom." + +"Meaning Pancras, sir, he plagued me monstrously this morning. I was +alone within the bower and he had the extreme impertinence to--climb +the wall." + +"The deuce he did, mam!" + +"It hath been done before, I think, sir!" she sighed. "Being stole +into the arbour he set a cushion on the floor and his knees thereon +and, referring to his tablets, spoke me thus: 'Here beginneth the +one-hundred-and-forty-sixth supplication for the hand, the heart, the +peerless body of the most adorable----' but I spare you the rest, sir. +Upon this, I, for the one-hundred and forty-sixth time incontinent +refused him, whereupon he was for reading an ode he hath writ me, +whereupon I, very naturally, sought to flee away, whereupon a great, +vile, hugeous, ugly, monstrous, green and hairy caterpillar fell upon +me--whereupon, of course, I swooned immediately." + +"Poor child!" said the Major. + +"The couch being comfortably near, sir." + +"Couch!" exclaimed the Major, staring. + +"Would you have me swoon on the floor, sir?" + +"But if you swoon, mam----" + +"I swoon gracefully, sir--'tis a family trait. I, being in a swoon, +then, Major John, your nephew had the extreme temerity to--kiss me." + +The Major looked highly uncomfortable. + +"He kissed me here, sir!" and rosy finger-tip indicated dimpled chin. +"To be sure he aimed for my lips, but, by subtlety, I substituted my +chin which he kissed--O, passionately!" + +The Major dropped the tobacco-box. + +"But I understand you--but you were swooning!" he stammered. + +"I frequently do, Major John, I also faint, sir, as occasion doth +demand." + +"God bless my soul!" he exclaimed. + +"And wherefore this amaze, sir?" + +"'Fore Heaven, madam, I had not dreamed of such--such duplicity." + +"O Innocence!" she cried. + +"Do all fine ladies feign swoons, madam?" + +"Major Innocence, they do! They swoon by rote and they faint by rule." + +"Thank Heaven there be none to come swooning my way!" said he fervently. + +"Dare you contemn the sex, sir? + +"Nay, I'm not so bold, madam, or sufficiently experienced." + +"To be sure your knowledge of the sex is limited, I understand." + +"Very!" + +"You have known but three ladies, I think?" + +The Major bowed. + +"Then I make the fourth, Major John." + +"But indeed, I should never learn to know you in the least." + +"Why, 'tis very well!" she nodded. "That which mystifies, attracts." + +"Do you wish to attract?" he enquired, stooping for the tobacco-box. + +"Sir, I am a woman!" + +"True," he smiled, "for whose presence several poor gentlemen do sigh. +Let us join 'em." + +"Ah! You wish to be rid of me!" She laid down the pen and, leaning +chin on hand, regarded him with eyes of meekness. "Do you wish to be +rid of me?" she enquired humbly. "Do I weary you with my idle chatter, +most grave philosopher?" She had a trick of pouting red lips sometimes +when thinking and she did so now as she waited her answer. + +"No!" said he. + +"I could wish you a little more emphatic, sir and much more--more +fiercely masculine--ferocity tempered with respect. Could you ever +forget to be so preposterously sedate?" + +"I climbed a wall!" he reminded her. + +"Pooh!" she exclaimed, "and sat there as gravely unruffled, as proper +and precise as a parson in a pulpit. See you now, perched upon a +corner of the desk, yet you perch so sublimely correct and solemn 'tis +vastly annoying. Could you ever contrive to lose your temper, I +wonder?" + +"Never with a child," he answered, smiling. + +Lady Betty stiffened and stared at him with proud head upflung, grew +very red, grew pale, and finally laughed; but her eyes glittered +beneath down-sweeping lashes as she answered softly: + +"'Deed, sir, I'm very contemptibly young, sir, immaturely hoydenish, +sir, green, callow, unripe and altogether of no account to a tried man +o' the world sir, of age and judgment ripe--aye, a little over-ripe, +perchance. And yet, O!" my lady sighed ecstatic, "I dare swear that +one day you shall not find in all the South country such a +furiously-angry, ferociously-passionate, rampantly-raging old gentleman +as Major John d'Arcy, sir!" + +"And there's your aunt calling us, I think," said he, gently. Lady +Betty bit her lip and frowned at her dainty shoe. "Pray let her wail, +sir, 'tis her one delight when there chance to be a sufficiency of +gentlemen to attend her, so suffer the poor soul to wail awhile, +sir--nay, she's here!" + +As the Major rose the door opened and Lady Belinda entered "twittering" +upon the arms of Viscount Merivale and Sir Benjamin Tripp. + +"Olack-a-day, dear Bet!" she gasped, "my own love-bird, 'tis here you +are and the dear Major too! We've sought thee everywhere, child, the +tea languishes--high an low we've sought thee, puss. 'Tis a monstrous +fine house but vast--so many stairs--such work--upstairs and downstairs +I've climbed and clambered, child----" + +"Od so, 'tis true enough!" said Sir Benjamin clapping laced +handkerchief to heated brow, "haven't done so much, hem! I say so much +climbing for years, I vow!" + +Here the Viscount, serene as ever, slowly closed one eye. + +"Come Betty sweet, tea grows impatient and clamours for thee and I for +tea, and the gentlemen all do passion for thee." + +"By the way, Tom," said the Major as they followed the company, "I +don't see Mr. Dalroyd here." + +"No more he is, nunky!" answered the Viscount, "but then, Lord, sir, +Dalroyd is something of an unknown quantity, at all times." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +IN WHICH LADY BELINDA TALKS + +"And pray mam," enquired the Major as they strolled over velvety lawn, +"are you and my lady Betty settled in the country for good?" + +The Lady Belinda stopped suddenly and raised clasped hands to heaven. + +"Hark to the monster!" she ejaculated, "O Lud, Major, how can you? +Stop in the country--I? O heaven--a wilderness of cabbages and +caterpillars--of champing cows and snorting bulls! Sir, sir, at the +bare possibility I vow I could positively swoon away----" + +"Don't, mam!" cried the Major hastily. "No, no mam, pray don't," he +pleaded. + +"I detest the country sir, I----" + +"Quite so, quite so," said the Major soothingly, "cows mam, I +understand--quite natural indeed!" + +"I loathe and abominate the country, sir--so rude and savage! Such mud +and so--so infinite muddy and clingy! What can one do in the country +but mope and sigh to be out of it?" + +"Well, one can walk in it, mam, and----" + +"Walk, sir? But I nauseate walking--in the country extremely. Think +of the brooks sir, so--so barbarously wet and--and brooky. Think of +the wind so bold to rumple one and spiky things to drag at and tear and +take liberties with one's garments! Think of the things that creep and +crawl and the things that fly and buzz--and the spiders' webs that +tickle one's face! No sir, no--the country is no place for one endowed +with a fine and delicate nature." + +"Certainly not, mam," said the Major heartily. "Then you'll be leaving +shortly?" + +"I so beseech Heaven on my two bended knees, sir, but alas, I know not! +'Tis Betty--an orphan, sweet child and in my care. But indeed she's so +wickedly wilful, so fly-by-night, so rampant o' youth and--and +unreason." + +"Indeed, mam!" + +"And though sweet Bet is an angel of goodness she hath a temper, O!" + +"Hum!" said the Major. + +"And such--such animal spirits! So vulgarly robust! Such rude health +and vigorous as a dairy-maid! And talking of dairy matters, only the +other morning I found her positively--milking a cow!" + +"Egad and did you so, mam?" + +"And this morning such a romping in the dairy and there was she--O sir!" + +"What, mam?" + +"Arms all naked--churning, sir! + +"O, churning?" + +"Riotously, sir!" + +"Did you--er--swoon, mam?" + +"Indeed I could ha' done, dear Major, but--'twixt you and me, though +dear Bet hath the best of hearts, she is perhaps a little unsympathetic +I'll not deny, and hath betimes a sharp tongue, I must confess." + +"Indeed I--I should judge so, mam." + +"O you men!" sighed the Lady Belinda, turning up her eyes, "so quick to +spy out foibles feminine--la sir and fie! But indeed though I do love +my sweet Bet, O passionately, truth bids me say she can be almost +shrewish!" + +"You have my sympathy, mam!" + +"Dear Major, I deserve it--if you only knew! The pranks she hath +played me--so wild, so ungoverned, so--so unvirginal!" The Major +winced. "I have known her gallop her horse in the +paddock--man-fashion!" The Major looked relieved; perceiving which, +Lady Belinda, sinking her voice, continued: "And once, sir, O heaven, +can I ever forget! Once--O I tremble to speak it! Once----" The +Major flinched again. "Once, sir, she actually ventured forth dressed +in--in--O I blush!--in--O Modesty! O Purity!--in--O----!" + +"Madam, a God's name--in what?" + +"Male attire, sir--O I burn!" + +The Major did the same. + +"Not--you don't mean--abroad, mam, in--in 'em?" + +"I do, sir, I do! She swaggered down the Mall, sir ogling the women, +and finding me alone and I not knowing her, she did so leer and nudge +me that I all but swooned 'twixt fear and modesty, sir!" + +"Good God!" ejaculated the Major, faintly, "was she--alone, madam?" + +"She was with her naughty brother Charles and methought he'd die of his +unseemly mirth. A wild youth, indeed and she hath the same lawless +spirit, sir. All their motherless days I have cared for 'em and what +with their waywardness and my own high-strung nature--O me!" + +"I can conceive your days have not been--uneventful, mam." + +"Charles is known to you, of course, sir?" + +"No, mam." + +"But your nephew Pancras and he are greatly intimate!" + +"I've never even heard of him, madam." + +"Why then you don't know that poor, naughty, misguided Charles +is--hush, they come! Yonder, sir--O Cupid, a ravishing couple!" + +Lady Betty and the Viscount were approaching them, quarrelling as +usual, she bright-eyed and flushed of cheek, he handsome, debonair and +unutterably serene. + +"A truly noble pair, dear Major!" sighed Lady Belinda. + +"Indeed, yes, mam!" + +"'Twould be an excellent match?" + +"Excellent!" + +"Both so well suited, so rich, so handsome----" + +"And so--young, mam!" + +"O sir, I yearn to have 'em married!" The Major was silent. "'Twould +tame her wildness, I warrant. How think you?" + +"Belike it would, madam." + +"Then let us conspire together for their good, dear sir! Let us wed +'em as soon as may be--come?" + +"But mam, I--er--indeed, madam, I know nought of such things I----" + +"Nay sir, never doubt but we shall contrive it betwixt us. 'Tis then +agreed--O 'twill be pure! Henceforth we are conspirators, dear Major, +O 'tis ravishing! Hush--yonder come the gentlemen to make their +adieux, I think--let us meet 'em!" + +As one in a dream the Major gave her his hand and together they +rejoined the company who took leave of their host with much bowing of +backs, flirting of ruffles, flicking of handkerchiefs and tapping of +snuff-boxes. As the Major stood to watch their departure my lady Betty +beckoned him to her side: + +"And pray, dear sir, hath my aunt recounted you all my sins?" she +enquired soft-voiced. + +"I have learned you can milk a cow and felicitate you----" + +"Of course she told you how I wore breeches, sir?" + +The Major gasped, and stood before her blushing and mute; perceiving +which, she laughed: + +"Indeed, they become me vastly well!" she murmured, and sank before him +in the stateliest of curtseys. "Au revoir, my dear Major Jack!" she +laughed and giving her hand to an attendant adorer, moved away down the +drive with all the gracious dignity of a young goddess. + +Long after the gay company had vanished from sight Major d'Arcy stood +there, head bowed, hands deep-plunged in coat pockets and with the +flush still burning upon his bronzed cheek. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE VISCOUNT DISCOURSES ON SARTORIAL ART + +Viscount Merivale sighed ecstatic. + +"Beautiful!" he murmured. "O beautiful, nunky! Here we have +perfection of fit, excellence of style, harmony of colour and +graciousness of line!" + +"Colour," reflected the Major, "is't not a little fevered, Tom, a +little--hectic as 'twere?" + +"Hectic--O impiety! You are a sentient rhapsody, a breathing poem, +sir, blister me!" + +The Major regarded his reflection in the mirror dubious and askance; +his plum-coloured, gold-braided coat, his gorgeous embroidered +waistcoat, his clocked stockings and elegant French shoes; his critical +glance roved from flowing new periwig to flashing diamond shoe-buckles +and he blinked. + +"I find myself something too dazzling, Tom!" + +"Entirely _à la mode_, sir, let me perish!" + +"A little too--exotic, Tom!" + +"Rat me sir--no, not a particle." + +"And I feel uncomfortably stiff in 'em----" + +"But, sir, reflect on the joy you confer on the beholder!" + +"True, I had forgot that!" said the Major smiling. + +"You are a joy to the eye nunky, an inspiration, you are, I vow you +are. If your breeches cramp you, suffer 'em, if your coat gall you, +endure it for the sake o' the world in general--be unselfish, sir. +Look at me--on state occasions my garments pinch me infernally, cause +me pasitive torture, sir, but I endure for the sake of others, sir." + +"You are a martyr, Tom." + +"Gad love me, sir, 'tis so, a man of fashion must be. So there you +stand as gay a young spark as ever ruffled it----" + +"These shoe-buckles, now," mused the Major, "here was an egregious +folly and waste of money----" + +"Nay, you could afford 'em, sir, and there's nothing can show your true +man of taste like an elegant foot." + +"Still, considering my age, Tom-- + +"A man is as old as he looks, sir, and you look no older than +thirty-one." + +The Major shook his head. + +"I could ha' wished myself a little more sombre-clad----" + +"Sambre sir--O Gad support me, sambre? Permit me to say, sir, with the +greatest deference in the world--tush t'you, sir! Why must ye pine to +be sambre? You ain't a parson nor a Quaker, nor yet a funeral! With +all due respect, sir--pish! You are as sober clad as any +self-respecting gentleman could desire." + +"D'ye think so, Tom?" + +"Sure of it, sir, 'pon my honour!" + +"Hum!" said the Major still a little dubious and reaching for his +gold-laced hat, was in the act of setting it on his head when a cry +from the Viscount arrested him. + +"Gad love me, sir, what are you about with your hat?" + +"I am about to put it on, sure, nephew." + +"O Lard, sir, never do so, I beg!" + +"In heaven's name why not?" + +"Because 'tis never done sir. Fie, 'tis a curst barbarian act never +committed by the 'ton'!" + +"But damme, Tom, what are hats for?" + +"To show off one's hand sir, to fan one's self gracefully, to be borne +negligently 'neath the arm, to point a remark or lend force to an +epigram, to woo and make love with, to offend and insult with, 'tis for +a thousand and one things, sir, but never O never to put on one's +head--'tis a practice unmodish, reprehensible and altogether damnable!" + +"Tom," said the Major, looking a little dazed, "now look'ee, Tom, I'm +no town gallant nor ever shall be, to me a hat is a hat, and as such I +shall use it----" + +"But reflect sir, consider how it will discommode your peruke." + +"Tom, well-nigh all my days I have worn a uniform and consequently any +other garments feel strange on me--these cursedly so. But since I've +bought 'em, I'll wear 'em my own way. And now, since 'tis a fine +evening, I'll walk abroad and try to get a little used to 'em." + +Saying which the Major clapped on his hat a little defiantly and strode +out of the room. + +In the wide hall he met Mrs. Agatha and conscious of her glance of +surprised approval, felt himself flushing as he acknowledged her +curtsey; thereafter on his way out he stepped aside almost stealthily +to avoid one of the neat housemaids; even when out in the air he still +felt himself a mark for eyes that peeped unseen and hastened his steps +accordingly. + +And now, as luck would have it, he came upon the Sergeant busied at one +of the yew hedges with a pair of shears; checking a momentary impulse +to dodge out of sight, the Major advanced and touched him with his +gold-mounted cane. The Sergeant turned, stared, opened his mouth, shut +it again and came to attention. + +"Well, Sergeant?" he enquired. Sergeant Zebedee blinked and coughed. +"Sergeant, I--ah--er--O damme, Zeb, what d'ye think of 'em?" + +"Sir, being by natur' a man o' few words all I can say is--Zounds!" + +"D'ye--d'ye like 'em Zeb?" + +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, sloping the shears across his arm and +standing at ease, "I've a seen you in scarlet and jacks, I've a seen +you in cuirass and buff but--I ain't never a seen you look younger, no, +nor better, and that's God's truth amen, your honour." + +"I'm glad o' that, Zeb, very!" and the Major glanced full-skirted coat +and silk stockings with a kindlier eye. "To speak truth, Zeb, I found +'em a little--er--overpowering at first, as 'twere." + +"So they are, sir, as overpowering as ever was!" + +"Eh?" said the Major, starting. + +"Like the old regiment at Malplaquet, sir, they ain't to be took +lightly, nor yet withstood, sir." + +"Hum!" said the Major, his eyes travelling up to a patch of fleecy +cloud. "And now as regards yourself, Sergeant. Since you refuse to +accept more pay----" + +"Not a groat, sir! Which ain't to be wondered at when you consider as +you've rose me twice since you dropped in for this here fortun'--not a +stiver, sir!" + +"Just so, Zeb, just so! Therefore I propose to advance you an extra +ten guineas a year as--er--a clothes-bounty, as 'twere." + +"Clo'es, sir! And me wi' two soots as refuses to be wore out not to +mention this here. Take these breeches, for example, they've done +dooty noble and true for three years and no sign o' weakness front or +rear----" + +"Still, 'tis time they were retired from the active list, Zeb. So at +the first opportunity you will proceed to fit yourself out anew--from +head to foot. See to it, Sergeant Tring!" + +"Very good, sir. Orders is orders." + +"And the sooner the better, Zebedee." And the Major nodded and went +his way. + +"_Nom d'un chien!_" exclaimed the Sergeant looking after his master's +tall, elegant figure. "All I says is--Lord--Lord bless his eyes and +limbs!" + +Reaching the highway the Major turned aside from the village and +mounting a stile with due heed to his dainty apparel, followed a +footpath that led over a sloping upland, crossed a murmurous rill and +led on beside a wood from whose green depths came leafy stirrings and +the evening song of thrush and blackbird. As he progressed, the +leaping rill grew to a gurgling brook, widened to a splashing stream, +hurrying over pebbly bed until it deepened to a slumberous pool spanned +by a rustic bridge. + +Evening was at hand and the westering sun cast long shadows making of +these drowsy waters a pool of sombre mystery. Being upon the bridge +the Major paused to look down into these stilly depths and, leaning +well over the handrail, to survey himself in this watery mirror--the +graceful fall of his lace steenkirk, the flowing curls of his glossy +peruke, the cock of his laced hat; all of which he observed with a +profound and grave attention. So lost and absorbed was he that he +leaned there quite unconscious of one that had halted just within the +wood, crouching furtively amid the leaves. A tall, burly, +gipsy-looking fellow this, who caressed a knotty bludgeon in hairy +fingers and whose narrowed eyes roved over the indolent, lolling figure +on the bridge from gemmed cravat to glittering shoe-buckles; once he +took a stealthy forward step, the knobby club a-swing in eager hand +but, heeding the wide spread of these plum-coloured shoulders, the +vigorous length of these resplendent limbs, scowled and crouched back +among the leaves again. Presently, the Major, having settled his hat +more to his liking, went on across the bridge and along a path that led +over a wide sweep of green meadow and so to another stile flanked by +high hedges. Here he paused again to watch a skylark hovering against +the blue and to catch the faint, sweet ripple of song. And leaning +there with gaze aloft, he fell to deep thought, turning over in his +mind a problem that had vexed him much of late, a problem he had +pondered by day and thought over by night, to wit:-- + + +Could a feminine being blessed by a bounteous Nature in all the outward +attributes most desirable in womanhood, a face beyond compare and +goddess-shape, but one who had wantonly exposed that shape to public +regard clad in the baser garb of masculinity--could such a one be +worthy of a man's humble respect and reverent homage? Would his mother +(God rest her sweet soul) have thought her virginal? Would his aunt +Clarissa have endured her for a moment? + + +He sighed heavily and like an echo, came a sob and then another. He +started, and guided by these sounds, discovered a very small damsel who +wept bitterly, a huddled, woeful little figure in the grassy ditch +beneath the hedge. + +"Why, child," said he, "what's your sorrow?" + +At this she glanced up in sudden fear but, like his voice, the Major's +grey eyes were gentle and very kindly; perceiving which she rose, the +better to bob him a curtsey, and sobbed forth her woe: + +"O sir, 'tis all along of another grand gentleman like you as took away +my letter." + +Forgetting fine clothes and dignity together, the Major sat down in the +ditch, drew the small, woebegone figure beside him and patted her +tear-stained cheek. + +"Tell me all about it, you very small maid," said he. The little girl +hesitated, viewing him with the quick, intuitive eyes of childhood +then, checking her sobs, nestled within his velvet-clad arm. + +"'Twas a letter, sir, as was gave me by a dirty man as did meet me by +the old mill, sir." + +"You mean the ruined mill beyond the park wall, child?" + +"Yes, please sir." + +"And a dirty fellow, was he?" + +"Yes sir, only with a clean voice--soft, like yours. And he give me a +groat and says I must take the letter to the Lady Carlyon as lives at +Densmere Court----" + +"Lady Carlyon!" exclaimed the Major staring. "Good Lord! 'Tis +strange, very strange. Sure that was the name, child?" + +"Sure, sir--the man did say it over and over and how I must give it to +only her. So I went 'long the road, sir, but a grand gentleman came up +behind me--so fine he was and grand and asked to see the letter and +took it and says as how he will give it to my lady and bid me run away +and that's all, sir." + +"Well, never grieve, my small maid. You've done no harm--come let me +dry those pretty cheeks," which the Major with belaced handkerchief did +forthwith. "What's your name, child?" he enquired, lifting her to her +feet. + +"Charity Bent, sir." + +"'Tis a pretty name. Many brothers and sisters?" + +"No, sir. I do be all father's got to take care o' him." + +"So you take care of him, do you, child?" + +"When he be at home, sir, he do work at the great house." + +"Which is that?" + +"The Manor, sir. And now I must go an' cook his supper, he'll be along +home soon." + +"Eh--cook?" said the Major, staring at the small speaker. "Child, how +old are you?" + +"Nine, please sir." + +"Lord!" exclaimed the Major, and lifting her up he kissed her rosy +cheek and, taking off his hat, stood to watch the small figure flit +away down the grassy way beyond. + +Hat in hand he leaned there once again, revolving in his mind the old +problem under a new aspect, thus: + + +Question: Which is the more worthy, a humble village child of nine who +cooks her father's supper or a proud and idle young goddess who +wears---- + + +The Major sighed and put on his hat. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +OF INDIGNATION, A WOOD, AND A GIPSY + +It was at this juncture that the Major became aware of a tall, buxom, +not to say strapping country-wench approaching down the lane, +sun-bonnet on head and large basket on comely arm; one garbed as all +maids should be, in simple gown that allowed free play to vigorous, +young limbs; one who moved with step blithe and purposeful, doubtless +busied upon some useful and womanly duty as all women should be. + +So thought the Major as he watched the approach of this rustic lass, +comparing her in her naturalness and simplicity to wood-nymphs and +dryads and goddesses of groves and fountains, and altogether to the +disadvantage of patched and powdered beauties in their coquettish +frills and furbelows. Sighing again, he turned to go back. + +"God bless your honour and, so please your honour, a humble good day to +your honour!" said a voice. + +The Major stopped, wheeled, and dropped his cane: + +"Betty!" he exclaimed. + +"John!" said she. But, meeting his look, flushed and drooped her +lashes, whereupon he fell to stammering. + +"I--I was but now--'Tis strange but I was----" + +"Thinking of me, Major John?" + +"Indeed!" he answered. + +"Kindly, Major Jack?" + +"Pray," he enquired, "pray--er--are you alone?" + +"Momentarily!" she sighed. "But Sir Benjamin Tripp is somewhere about, +the Marquis is not far hence and Mr. Marchdale mopes at hand----" + +"You mean they seek you----?" + +"Most pertinaciously, sir, but quite vainly by reason that I can climb." + +"Climb?" repeated the Major, staring, "pray what?" + +"A wall, sir." + +"Wall?" he murmured. + +"Two, sir. I had to run away. They're dear creatures, to be sure, but +the Marquis persists in recounting pedigrees of horses and dogs, Sir +Benjamin rhapsodises in metre and poor Mr. Marchdale, being very young, +is so egregiously in love with me that I climb and clamber over walls +and here I am. Pray aid me over this stile ere they find me." + +The Major's aid was so energetic and prompt that Lady Betty was over +the stile and walking beside him, flushed and a little breathless all +in a moment. + +"You are forgetting your fine cane, sir," said she in a small voice. + +"Aye, to be sure!" And flushing, he picked it up rather hastily. + +"And now prithee my basket--'twould never suit so fine a gentleman." +The Major flushed, seeing which she added: "Though indeed I do like you +infinitely so." + +"And I," said he impulsively, his keen, bright glance appraising her +from head to foot, "I find you infinitely more--more--er--womanly as +'twere--but pray why so large a basket?" + +"To carry eggs, sir, and butter and such. Some of your tenants are +miserably poor, Major John." + +"Hum!" said he, thoughtfully. "And you buy them butter----" + +"I make them butter, sir." + +"Ha--do you, by Jove!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining. + +"I make them butter with the aid of certain polite, perspiring, and I +greatly fear, profane gentlemen." The Major's smooth brow grew ruffled. + +"Meaning whom, mam?" + +"Well, to-day 'twas Sir Benjamin Tripp, the Marquis, Sir Jasper Denholm +and Mr. Marchdale. To see Sir Benjamin churning is--O 'tis rare, 'tis +killing!" And my lady stood still the better to laugh. + +"Sir Benjamin Tripp--churning?" exclaimed the Major. + +"So hot--so scant o' breath!" she gurgled. "And his ruffles +flip-flopping and his fine peruke all askew. To-morrow 'twill be Lord +Alvaston and Captain West and--O 'twill be pure!" and once again she +trilled with laughter until, beholding the Major's expression, she +stopped breathless and wiping her eyes on the back of slender hand like +any rustic lass. "Doth it not strike you as comical?" she demanded. + +"O vastly!" said he, and sighed. + +"If you had but seen Sir Benjamin, poor, dear, good creature--he did so +blow and pant!" + +"Extreme diverting!" admitted the Major and sighed again. + +"And pray, Major d'Arcy, do you always utter deep-fetched and doleful +breathings when amused? Smile, sir, this instant!" The Major obeyed, +whereupon she shook critical head: "'Twas much like a grimace caused by +an extreme anguish, but 'twill serve for one so preternaturally grave +as Major d'Arcy." + +"Do I seem so grave, indeed?" he questioned wistfully. + +"As the tomb, sir!" The Major blinked: walked a dozen yards or so in +silence and sighed deeper than ever, strove to disguise it in a cough +and failing, stood rueful. My lady stopped and faced him: + +"Major John--Major d'Arcy, sir, look at me. Now prithee why all this +windy woe, this sighful sorrow--what evil thought harrows your lofty +serenity to-day?" + +"I think," said he, hands tight-clenched upon his cane, "I am haunted +by a certain evening in the Mall!" + +"O? Indeed? The Mall?" + +"Aye, my lady, the Mall." Slowly, slowly her red lips curved, her gaze +sank beneath his. + +"You mean, I think, when I wore----" + +"I do!" said he hastily. + +"So you have not forgot?" + +"Would to heaven I might!" + +"And prithee why?" + +"'Twas so unworthy your proud womanhood!" + +My lady flushed, averted her head and walked on in a dignified silence +until they reached the rustic bridge; here she paused to look down into +the stilly pool. + +"Heigho!" she sighed. The Major was silent and seeing how he frowned +with his big chin out-thrust, she bit her lip and dimpled. + +"The moon will be at the full to-night!" Still he didn't speak. "And +when the moon is full I always feel excessive feminine and vapourish!" +The Major, staring into the gloomy water, gloomed also. "And when I +feel vapourish, chiding nauseates me and reproaches give me the +megrims." + +"I would not reproach you, child----" + +"Ancient sir, I am not a child. And you do reproach me--you said 'twas +unworthy!" + +"Aye, I said so," he admitted, keeping his gaze bent upon the sleepy +pool, "I said so, my lady, because I would have you in all things most +noble, most high and far removed 'bove fear of reproach. Because I +would have you worthy of all reverence." + +"Alas!" she sighed, "here is a something trying role for a poor maid +who chances to be very human flesh and blood!" + +"And yet," said he in his grave, gentle voice, "knowing you flesh and +blood, in my thought you were very nigh to divinity also." + +"Were?" she questioned softly. "Is my poor divinity lost so soon?" +And her arm touched his upon the handrail. The Major sighed and +immediately the arm withdrew itself and, before he could speak, she +laughed, though her merriment rang a little hollow. "And forsooth is +it so deep a sin, so black a crime to have ventured abroad in my +brother's clothes? And if it were, pray who is Major d'Arcy to sit in +judgment? Am I dishonoured, smirched beyond redemption----" + +"No--no----" he exclaimed. + +"So stained, so steeped in depravity----" + +"Ah no indeed!" he cried, "indeed madam--ah, Betty it was but that it +seemed so--so----" + +"So what, sir?" + +"So--so--unmaidenly." + +My lady Betty caught her breath in a gasp, her cheeks glowed hot and +angry and she fronted him with head upflung. + +"How dare you--how dare you think me so--speak me so!" Even as she +spoke, proud colour ebbed, hot anger was ousted by cold disdain and he +blenched before the scorn of her eyes; he grew humble, abject, reached +out hands in supplication: + +"My lady I--I--God knows I would not hurt you! Indeed I did but +mean----" + +"Enough sir, 'tis sufficient!" said she disdainfully. "Major d'Arcy +doth pronounce me unmaidenly--O, 'tis all-sufficing!" and, as she +turned her back on him, her very garments seemed to radiate scorn +unutterable. + +"Stay!" he pleaded, as she moved away. "Ah, never leave me so--do but +let me explain--hear me!" + +"Be silent, sir!" she commanded, speaking over her shoulder, "I've +heard enough, aye--enough for a lifetime!" And stepping from the +bridge she turned aside into the wood; but there, his hand upon her arm +arrested her. + +"Child, whither go you?" + +"Whereso I will, sir. A fair, good even to you and--good-bye!" + +"Not through the wood, madam! There be rough folk about, the Sergeant +tells me--gipsies, tramping folk and the like." + +"O sir," she sighed, "I may prefer such to Major--Prudery--d'Arcy!" and +setting aside a bramble-shoot she went on into the wood, and, when he +would have followed, checked him with an imperious gesture. "Come no +further, sir, here be thorns to spoil gay finery--and besides," she +added, glancing back at him with merciless eyes, "your sober airs annoy +me, your lofty virtue is an offence--pray suffer me to go alone!" + +The Major flushed painfully, took off his hat and bowed. + +"As you will, madam!" said he and, stepping aside, watched her go until +the leaves had hidden her from sight. Then, putting on his hat, he +took a score or so of slow strides away and as many slow strides back +again, until, being come some little way in among the trees, he halted +to listen. Faint and far he caught a rustle, a leafy stirring that +told where she moved and, guided by this he began to follow into the +depths of the wood. Suddenly he paused to listen intently, cane +grasped in powerful fist, then hurried on at speed, choosing his way +with quick, soldierly eye and making very little sound for all his +haste and so reached a little clearing. + +She stood, back set to a tree, hands gripping her basket, head erect +and defiant but in her wide eyes a sickening fear as she fronted a +tall, burly, gipsy-looking fellow who carried a knobby bludgeon and +whose eyes, heedful and deliberate, roved over her trembling loveliness +and whose hairy lips curled as he slowly advanced. Then the Major +stepped out from the leaves, his gait unhurried and limping a little as +was usual. But at sight of him my lady, uttering a gasp, let fall her +basket almost forgetting shuddering fear in amazement as she beheld the +face that looked out between the precise curls of the Major's great +periwig. The gipsy fellow saw it also, and, reading its expression +aright, sprang immediately to a defensive posture and spoke between a +growl and a whine: + +"What now, master? There be no harm done, sir--nought but a bit o' +pleasantry wi' a country wench!" The Major neither spoke nor altered +his leisurely advance until, coming within striking distance, he leapt. +Heavy bludgeon whirled, long cane whizzed and the fellow, uttering a +hoarse gasp, dropped his weapon and gave back, clutching at useless, +dangling limb. But the Major's long arm rose and fell, beating the man +to his knees, to his face; even then, as the fellow writhed helpless, +those merciless blows rained down tirelessly until a voice cried: + +"Don't! Don't! Ah, Major John--you'll kill him!" The Major stepped +back, panting a little. + +"Kill him," he repeated gently, "why no, mam, no--his sort take a vast +deal of killing. I would but give him such a--er--reminder as shall +not fade awhile." + +"Nay sir, no more, I beg! And see, your cane is broke----" + +"Why so 'tis!" said the Major and tossing it aside he picked up the +knobby bludgeon, seeing which Lady Betty caught his arm and held it: + +"Nay, you are cruel--cruel! You shall not, I say. He has enough!" + +"Aye, perhaps he has," said the Major, "and 'twould be distressing for +you of course, though when one must fight 'tis as well to be thorough." +Saying which he resettled his ruffles, tucked the bludgeon under his +arm and bowed. "Pray let us be going, madam!" My lady hesitated and +glanced at her assailant's prostrate figure. "A few bruises, mam, he +will be well enough in an hour or so--though somewhat sore. And now, +with your leave I'll see you out o' the wood, evening falls apace and +the Sergeant was right, it seems." Then he picked up her basket and +motioning her to lead the way, followed her through the wood. + +For once in her twenty-two years of life my lady Betty felt herself at +a disadvantage; twice she turned to speak but he, walking behind with +head bowed, seemed utterly oblivious of her, wherefore she held her +peace and threw up proud head disdainfully. And yet he had saved her +and--from what? At this she shivered and disdain was forgotten. Still +it is difficult to express gratitude with proper dignity to a man upon +a narrow, brier-set path especially when that man keeps himself +perseveringly behind one. So my lady waited until they should be out +of the hateful wood. + +Thus they went in a silence unbroken until they came out in a bye-lane +that gave upon the highway. Here, with the glory of the sunset all +about her, she paused, quick-breathing, flushed and with witching eyes +a-droop and reached out her hands to him; but the Major chanced to be +looking just then at a tall gentleman lounging toward them down the +shady lane. + +"Yonder is Mr. Dalroyd, I think, madam," said the Major, "he shall +relieve you of my presence," and into those pleading, outstretched +hands he set--the basket. + +My lady started away, her lips quivered and, blinded by sudden tears +she turned and sped away. + +So the Major limped homeward through the afterglow, quite unconscious +of the ugly, knobby bludgeon beneath his arm, his mind once more busied +with the problem viewed from yet another aspect: + +Question: Might it be possible that a true woman can be womanly no +matter what she chance to wear? + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +SOME DESCRIPTION OF A KISS + +Mrs. Agatha, gathering beans and aided by the Viscount's two valets, +smiled and dimpled on each in turn while the Sergeant, busied in an +adjacent corner with a ladder, cursed softly but with deep and +sustained heartiness. + +Mrs. Agatha's basket was three parts full and Sergeant Zebedee, having +pretty well exhausted the English and French tongues, was vituperating +grimly in Low Dutch, when a bell jangled distantly, a faint but +determined summons, and immediately after, the Viscount's voice was +heard near at hand and imperative: + +"Arthur! Charles! Where a plague are the prepasterous dags! Oho, +Charles! Arthur!" + +The two valets, galvanised to action exceeding swift, started, saluted +Mrs. Agatha and betook themselves within doors at commendable speed, +and the Sergeant, having at last juggled his ladder into position, +vituperated them out of sight and was in the act of mounting when he +was aware of Mrs. Agatha at his elbow. + +"'Tis surely a lovely day, Sergeant!" said she demurely. + +"Is it so, mam?" + +"Well, isn't it?" + +"Why mam, I ain't had doo time to notice same, d'ye see. But, since +you ax me I say no, mam, 'tis a dam--no, a cur--no, a plaguy hot day." +Saying which, the Sergeant rolled snowy shirt-sleeve a little higher +above a remarkably hairy and muscular arm and mounted one rung of the +ladder. + +"The house do be very--gay these days, Sergeant." + +"O mam! And why?" + +"Well, since Viscount Merivale came with his two gentlemen." + +"His two what, mam? Meaning who, mam?" + +"Lud, Sergeant, his gentlemen for sure, Mr. Arthur and Mr. Charles--so +polite, so witty and they never swear!" The Sergeant snorted. "One +can never be dull in their company. Mr. Charles has such a flow of +talk and Mr. Arthur is a perfect mine of anecdote, ha'n't you noticed?" + +"Why no, mam. The only mines as I'm acquainted with is the kind that +explodes." + +"But indeed, Sergeant, everything seems changing for the better--take +his honour the Major, see how young he looks in his fine things--aye, +as young as his nephew and handsomer. And now 'tis your turn to +change----" + +"I ain't given to change, mam." + +"A frill to your shirt, say, and your wig powdered----" + +"Frills, mam--never! And I haven't powdered my wig since we quit +soldiering, why should I? What's a man of forty-three want to go +a-powdering of his wig for? Frills, mam? Powder, mam? Now what I say +to that is----" + +"Ha' done, Sergeant!" + +"Very good, mam! Only I leave frills and powder and such to young +fly-b'-nights----" + +"Powder, and frills, and ruffles at your wrists, Sergeant----" + +"And talkin' o' fly-b'-nights, mam, brings me to a question I wish to +ax you and meant to ax you afore." + +"A--a question, Sergeant?" she repeated faintly, beginning to trace out +a pattern on the path with the toe of her neat shoe. + +"As I want you to answer prompt, mam, aye or no." + +"Very well, Sergeant," said she, fainter than before. "I'm listening." + +"D'ye sleep well o' nights, mam?" + +Mrs. Agatha started, glanced up swiftly and, for no apparent reason, +blushed very red under the Sergeant's direct gaze. + +"Lud, Sergeant Zebedee, what's that to do with it--I mean----" + +"Everything, mam!" + +"And why shouldn't I sleep? I've no bad conscience to wake me, thank +God." + +"Then ye do sleep well?" + +"Ye-es!" + +"Then you ain't heard nor seen nothing toward the hour o' +midnight--footsteps, say?" + +"Footsteps! O Lud--where?" + +"Anywhere! You never have?" + +"Never!" + +"P'r'aps you don't believe in ghostes, mam, spectres, or +say--apparations?" + +"I--I don't know. Why?" + +"You've never happened to see a pale shape a-fluttering and a-flitting +by light o' moon?" + +"Gracious me--no, Sergeant! You make me all of a shiver! Have you?" + +"No, mam!" + +"O cruel, to fright one so!" + +"But hope an' expect to observe same to-night towards the hour o' +midnight or thereabouts and if so, shall immediately try what cold +steel can do agin it." + +"Gracious goodness, Sergeant, what d'you mean?" + +"I mean as I'm a-going to find out what it is as walks o' nights." + +"But ghosts don't walk, they glide." + +"Maybe so, mam, but this ghost or apparation ain't a glider 'tis a +walker, same being observed to leave footmarks. Also Roger Bent the +second gardener as lives nigh the old mill has seen it twice--says same +haunts the old mill o' moony nights, says--but there's Roger now, he +shall tell you!" The Sergeant whistled, beckoned and the second +gardener, a young-old, shock-headed man, approached, knuckling his +forehead to Mrs. Agatha. + +"Roger," said the Sergeant, "tell us what ye saw last night." + +"A gobling!" said Roger, "a grimly gobling an' that's what." + +"Bless us!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, "what was it like?" + +"Why," answered Roger, ruffling his shock of hair with a claw-like +right hand, "'twere rayther like a phamtom, mam--very much so, that's +what!" + +"O--where was it?" + +"'Twas a-quaking i' the ruin o' the owd mill, mam, dithering and +dathering glowersome like." + +Mrs. Agatha gasped, noting which, Roger shook his head gloomily. +"Always know'd th' owd mill was haunted but never seed nowt afore. I +do 'ope as my hens aren't witched from laying, that's what." + +"And then you followed it, Roger?" + +"Aye, I did so, Sergeant, me 'aving a dried hare's-foot 'ung round my +neck d'ye see which same do be a powerful charm, give me by old Betty +the witch, a spell as no gobling nor speckiter can abide." + +"And where did it go?" + +"Along by the spinney, Sergeant, then along the back lane and I see it +vanish it-self through th' orchard wall and that's what!" + +"And there was its footmarks in the earth this morning, mam, sure +enough. All right, Roger." + +Hereupon Roger knuckled again to Mrs. Agatha and betook himself back to +his duties. + +"'Tis dreadful!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, clasping her pretty hands. + +"'Tis queer, mam, queer--but 'twill be queerer if I don't find out all +about it 'twixt now and to-morrow morning." + +"Sergeant Zebedee--Zebedee, don't!" + +"Mam, I must." + +"For--my sake." + +"Mam, I--'tis become a matter o' dooty with me." + +"Have you any charm to ward off evil, Sergeant?" + +"Why no, mam." + +"Then I'll give you one," and speaking, she took a ribbon from her +white neck, a blue ribbon whereon a small gold cross dangled. "You +shall wear this!" said she, blushing a little. "Come, stoop your head!" + +"Why, Mrs. Agatha I--I----" + +"O pray stoop your head!" + +The Sergeant obeyed and it naturally followed that the Sergeant's neat +wig was very near Mrs. Agatha's pretty mob-cap, so near, indeed that a +tress of her glossy hair tickled his bronzed, smooth-shaven chin; the +Sergeant saw her eyes, grave and intent, the oval of a soft cheek, the +curve of two lips--full, soft lips, ripely delicious and tempting and +so near that he had but to turn his head---- + +The Sergeant turned his head and for a long, breathless moment lips met +lips then: + +"Why, Sergeant!" she exclaimed breathlessly. "O +Sergeant--Zebedee--Tring!" And turning, she sped away into the house. + +Left alone the Sergeant picked up his hammer, stared at it and put it +carefully into his pocket; having done which, he laughed, grew solemn, +and sighed. + +"Well," said he at last, "all I says is----" + +But for once he could find no words for it in English, French or Dutch. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +WHEREIN IS MUCH TALK BUT LITTLE ACTION + +Mr. Marchdale threw down his cards pettishly and swore, Lord Alvaston, +sprawling in his chair, surveyed his slender legs with drowsy approval, +the Marquis of Alton yawned and Mr. Dalroyd shuffled for a new deal; +hard by the Captain and Sir Jasper diced sleepily and in the ingle Sir +Benjamin snored outright. + +"Sink me!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "sink me if I've touched an ace all +the evening!" + +"Aye, Dalroyd and Alton have all the luck!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale +with youthful petulance. + +"Dem'd queer thing, but I feel dooced sleepy!" yawned the Marquis. + +"'S'ffect o' country air," murmured Lord Alvaston, "look at Ben." + +"Aye begad, will some one be good enough to stir him up, his dem'd +snoring makes me worse----" + +"Who's snoring?" demanded Sir Benjamin, sitting bolt upright, broad +awake in a moment, and straightening his wig. "Od's body, I do protest +I did but close my eyes for a moment----" + +"And snored, Ben, damnably--'ffect o' country air----" + +"And churning, Ben--eh, Benjamin?" suggested Mr. Dalroyd. "You've +taken up dairy-work, I understand." + +Sir Benjamin reached for and filled his wine-glass and grew a little +more rubicund than usual. + +"Od so, sir," said he, "'When in Rome'--od's body! 'do as Rome does.' +And we are in the country and--ah--being here 'mid rural things simple +and sweet I--hem! I say I----" + +"Snore, Ben!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "and very natural too!" + +"And churn, Ben!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd, his delicate nostrils quivering +in his sleepy smile, "You churn till you sweat, churn till you blow +like any grampus, I understand." + +Sir Benjamin took a gulp of wine, choked, coughed, and grew purple. + +"Eh? What? Ho!" exclaimed the Captain. "A churn? Ben? Split me! +Some pretty dairy-wench? Aha! Ben--confess!" + +Pompous, dignified, Sir Benjamin rose and took a pinch of snuff with +great deliberation and apparent satisfaction. + +"Od, gentlemen," said he, lace handkerchief a-flutter, "since you'd +have it, I'll freely--hem! freely confess it. But 'twas no rustic +charmer, no village beauty, no dainty wench o' the dairy bewitched +me--no, no! Od's my life, sirs, I've been beforehand wi' most of +ye--body o' me--yes! For 'twas my joy and felicity to--ah--hem! to +labour at the delightful art of--ah--buttermaking 'neath the bright and +witching eyes of--our Admirable Betty!" + +"O sly, Ben!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "O Ben--curst sly, sink me!" + +"But--a churn!" said the Captain. "Begad! So fatiguing!" + +"I churned, firstly, gentlemen, because 'twas so my lady's will and +such is, and ever will be, my law, as the mighty Hercules span for the +tender Omphale so did I churn for my lady. I churned, secondly, +because the churn is a--hem! a romantic engine--I appeal to Alton!" + +"So 'tis," mumbled his lordship, "demme if 'tisn't!" + +"And I churned thirdly, because the labour entailed is admirable for +the--hem! for tuning up the liver--I refer you to Marchdale." + +"Nothing like it!" assented that youthful man of the world, "for liver, +megrims or the pip give me a churn--and Betty along with it o' course." + +"Ha," said Mr. Dalroyd, his smile growing a little malicious, "and +then, having put your liver in tune with the churn you proceeded to put +it out again by swallowing deep potations of--rhubarb wine of my lady's +own decoction." + +Sir Benjamin sat down, his plump features took on a careworn expression +and he shuddered slightly. + +"Rhubarb!" whispered Lord Alvaston, staring. + +"Rhubarb!" muttered the Captain. "O Gad! Poor Ben!" + +"Heroic Ben!" said Sir Jasper, his fine eyes more soulful than ever. + +"Three glasses!" sighed Sir Benjamin. "Aye--three--she insisted! But, +body o' me, sirs, what would you? Beauty is the--hem! the fount, the +source, the mainspring of valour, is't not? As in olden days our +ancestors were ready and eager to adventure life and limb for the +bright eyes of their fair ladies, surely we, in like manner, should be +equally willing to risk our--hem! our--I say to risk our----" + +"Stomachs!" suggested Alvaston, "my own 'pinion precisely! Stomach's +only stomach but th' heart's a noble organ--seat o' the 'flections and +all that sort o' thing. Which reminds me, not a single ace have I held +this game." + +"But--split me! Why rhubarb?" demanded the Captain, "Why endeavour t' +poison poor Ben? O burn me!" + +"'Twas a woman's notion," explained Sir Jasper, "a whim, a fancy. The +whole sex, dear creatures, be full of 'em, 'tis what makes 'em so +infinite captivating----" + +"Not," enquired the Captain, "not rhubarb----" + +"No, no--'tis the mystery of 'em--the wonder of their changing moods +that makes women so alluring and Bet the most bewitching of 'em all. +By Venus, she's elusive as a sunbeam, mysterious as fate, changeable +as----" + +"Begad," exclaimed the Marquis, "and that's the dem'd truth--that's +Betty to a T and that's how I'm coming continual croppers--if she were +only a little more like a horse or a dog I should know what to expect +and how to treat her----" + +"I suggest--precisely the same," smiled Mr. Dalroyd, "and horses one +spurs and dogs one whips and my lady would be better for a little of +both. Women should be managed, they expect it and they love the strong +hand!" + +Sir Benjamin gaped, the Captain stared, Sir Jasper rolled his eyes and +Mr. Marchdale, furrowing youthful brow, spoke: + +"As a man of the world I vow there's wisdom in't. The lovely creatures +look for strength in a man--mastery, d'ye see, though a whip----" + +"Od sir," ejaculated Sir Benjamin, "'tis rank heresy!" + +"Pure savagery!" gasped Sir Jasper. + +"Precisely my own 'pinion!" murmured Lord Alvaston. "For if a dog's a +dog he's only a dam dog--'sequently whip him when needful. Same with a +horse. But a woman being a woman ain't a dog nor a horse, therefore +since she is a woman 'stead of whipping, worship----" + +"Talking o' whips," said the Marquis, "I should devoutly and vastly +desire to see some masterful ass attempt to horsewhip Bet, 'twould be a +sight for the gods--she has all her brother's fire and spirit with a +cleverer head." + +"None the less, Alton," retorted Mr. Dalroyd, "the man who wins her +will be the man who masters her." + +"No, no, Dalroyd," exclaimed Sir Jasper soulfully, "who shall master a +goddess? Who but the humblest of her admirers shall hope to win the +queen of women?" + +"I'm with you there, Denholm!" said Lord Alvaston heartily, "and +talking o' queens, not an ace have I touched this game--I'm done!" + +"Same here!" growled Mr. Marchdale. "You've all the luck, Dalroyd. I +owe you another fifty, I think?" + +"Seventy-five!" murmured Mr. Dalroyd. + +"Well, I'm for bed!" yawned his lordship. + +"So'm I!" nodded Mr. Marchdale. + +"Eh--bed?" cried the Marquis reproachfully. "Bed--and not gone twelve +yet--shameful, O dem!" + +"'Tis the country air," explained Marchdale, "in London I'm at my best +and brightest at three o'clock in the morning as you very well know, +Alton, but here I'm different, 'tis the curst country air, I think." + +"And the churn!" said the Marquis, "Betty kept you at it, you and Ben, +not to mention the rhubarb wine, I escaped that--eh, Ben?" + +"You were nearer the window!" sighed Sir Benjamin, rising. + +"What, are you for bed too? Nay, stop at least for a nightcap or +so--let's have up another half-dozen o' burgundy!" + +"Nay, bed for me," yawned his lordship of Alvaston, "we may be set +a-digging or a-ploughing or some such, to-morrow--one never can +tell----" + +"Ha!" exclaimed the Captain, "would lose a hundred--joyfully, to see +Alvaston perform on the hoe, begad!" + +So amid much laughter and banter the company arose and in twos and +threes sauntered up to their various rooms, all save Mr. Dalroyd who, +left alone, sat awhile playing idly with the cards that littered the +table. At last he slipped a white hand into the bosom of his coat and +taking thence a scrap of soiled and crumpled paper, smoothed it out and +perused it thoughtfully, and, as he read, his lips curved and his +nostrils quivered; then, re-folding this strange missive he put it away +and, ringing the bell, demanded his valet. + +In due time came a discreet knock and thereafter a discreet person +entered, tall, quick-eyed, low-voiced, soft-stepping, he was a very +model of a fashionable gentleman's gentleman though his eyes were +perhaps a little too close together and their glance a trifle furtive. + +"Joseph," said Mr. Dalroyd, surveying his 'gentleman' with a languid +interest yet with eyes that seemed to observe his entire person at one +and the same time. "Joseph, this afternoon I gave you leave to ramble +abroad, well knowing your passion for country roads and cross-roads." +Joseph bowed supple back and smiled deferentially, though his eyes +appeared somehow to come a little closer together. "Consequently, +Joseph, you rambled, I take it?" + +"I did, sir!" + +"And in your rambles you may have chanced by the old mill, Joseph?" + +"Indeed, sir, a charming ruin, very picturesque, the haunt of bats and +owls, sir." + +"Anything else?" + +"No, sir." + +"Nothing? Are you sure, Animal?" + +"Positively, sir!" + +"Were there no signs, Thing?" + +"None, sir." + +"Did you use your eyes well, Object?" + +"Everywhere, sir." + +"Have you heard any talk in the village of this ghost lately?" + +"Frequently, sir. Three people swear they've seen it." + +"How do they describe it?" + +"They all agree to horns, sir, and a shapeless head." + +"Do you believe in ghosts, Joseph?" + +"That depends, sir." + +"On what, fool?" + +"On who sees them sir." + +"You were almost famous for the possession of what is called 'nerves of +iron' in your predatory days, if I remember rightly, Joseph?" + +The obsequious Joseph started slightly and his bow was servile. + +"Consequently you don't fear ghosts?" + +"No, sir." + +"Neither do I, Joseph, and 'tis nigh upon the witching hour, bring me +my hat and cane." And Mr. Dalroyd rose languidly. + +"Sir," said Joseph as he handed his master the articles in question, +"might I suggest one of your travelling-pistols----" + +"No, Joseph, no, 'twould drag my pocket out o' shape, and ghosts are +impervious to pistols or shall we say 'barkers' 'tis the more +professional term for 'em, I believe?" + +Once again the obsequious Joseph started slightly, observing which, Mr. +Dalroyd flashed white teeth in languid amusement. "I may be gone an +hour or more, Joseph, remain awake to undress me." + +"Very good, sir! And if I might suggest, sir, 'tis said the ghost +walks the churchyard o' nights latterly." + +"That sounds sufficiently ghostly!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "And by the +way, let your tongue remain discreetly inactive--for your own sake, +Joseph!" + +"Very good, sir--certainly!--and may you burn in everlasting fire!" +added the obsequious Joseph under his breath as he watched his master's +languid figure out of sight--his eyes seeming closer together than ever. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +HOW MR. DALROYD SAW A GHOST AND THE SERGEANT AN APPARITION + +Mr. Dalroyd stepped out into a summer night radiant with moonbeams and +full of the heady perfume of ripening hay. Far as eye could see the +wide road stretched away very silent and deserted, not a light gleamed +anywhere, the village had been deep-plunged in slumber hours ago. + +Mr. Dalroyd sauntered on, past silent cottages, across a trim green and +so to the churchyard gate, beyond which the tombstones rose, +phantom-like beneath the moon. For a while he stood to contemplate +this quiet scene, then started and glanced up at the church tower as a +deep-toned bell began to chime the hour of midnight. One by one he +counted the deliberate strokes, waited until the last had boomed and +died away, then, opening the gate, stepped into the churchyard and +strolled on among the graves, his cane airily a-swing, following the +paved walk that led round the church. Thus he presently passed from +light into shadow, a gloom all the deeper by contrast with the moon's +bright splendour, a gloom in which carved headstone and sarcophagus +took on strange and unexpected shapes. Suddenly Mr. Dalroyd's cane +faltered in its airy swing, stopped, and he stood motionless, his body +rigid, his breath in check, his eyes wide and staring. Before him +loomed a great mausoleum, its pallid outline vague in the half-light, +but on this side the weatherworn marble was cracked and split and from +this yawning fissure a ghastly radiance streamed; then this unholy +light vanished and upon the stillness came a ghostly rustling, a soft +thud and the sound of heavy breathing. Mr. Dalroyd shrank cowering +into the deeper shadow of a buttress and dropping his cane upon the +grass groped for the hilt of his small-sword. Then, as he stared +unwinking, forth from the tomb a dim form wriggled, crouched awhile +fumbling, stood upright, and Mr. Dalroyd saw a vague head, awful and +shapeless and crowned with curving horns. This dreadful thing stood +awhile as if listening for distant sounds then took a stride forward, +floundered over a grave and cursed fluently. Mr. Dalroyd loosed rigid +fingers from his sword-hilt, picked up his cane and, keeping well in +the shadow, began to follow this strange figure; ghost-like it flitted +on among the tombs until, reaching the wall, it leapt nimbly over, +stood to listen and glance furtively about, then set off down the road +at a smart pace. Mr. Dalroyd, treading with infinite caution for the +night was very still, followed whither it led, viewing the shapeless +thing with gaze that never wavered. Thus, in a while, they reached a +grassy bye-lane flanked on the one side by a thick hedge and on the +other by a high wall. Here the figure paused and Mr. Dalroyd, +shrinking into the shadow of the hedge, saw it glance up and down the +lane, saw it lift long arms and heard a faint scuffling as, mounting +this wall it paused awhile athwart the coping ere it vanished on the +other side. Looping his cane on his wrist Mr. Dalroyd crossed the lane +and drawing himself up peered over the wall in time to see this +mysterious figure flit among the trees of an orchard, mount yet another +wall and vanish again. Without more ado Mr. Dalroyd in turn clambered +up and over the wall and dropping on soft, new-turned earth, continued +the pursuit, that is to say he had crossed a smooth stretch of lawn and +was in the very act of mounting the other wall when strong hands seized +him from behind and a gruff voice said in his ear: + +"You ain't no ghost, I'll swear! Right about turn and show us your +face!" And Mr. Dalroyd was swung round so violently that his hat fell +off. "Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "'tis nought but one o' these +fine London sparks arter all!" Mr. Dalroyd swore. "Sir," said the +Sergeant imperturbably, "why and wherefore d'ye trespass, and so late +too? Sir, what's the evolution, or shall we say, manoover?" + +"Rogue," said Mr. Dalroyd, "pick up my hat!" + +"Rogue, is it?" mused the Sergeant. + +"Animal, my hat!" + +"Animal, now?" + +"D'ye hear, vermin?" Mr. Dalroyd stood, his head viciously out-thrust +so that the long curls of his peruke falling back from brow and cheek +discovered more fully his haughty features, delicately pale in the +bright moonlight; and beholding this face--its fine black brows, +aquiline nose, fierce eyes and thin-lipped mouth the Sergeant fell +back, staring: + +"Zounds!" he exclaimed, and gaped. + +Something in the Sergeant's attitude seemed to strike Mr. Dalroyd who, +returning this searching look, lounged back against the wall, one hand +toying with the curls of his wig, and when next he spoke his voice was +as languidly soft as usual. + +"What now, ass?" The Sergeant drew a deep breath: + +"Talking o' ghosts and apparations," said he, "I aren't so sure as you +ain't one, arter all." + +"Why, worm?" + +"Because if you happened to be wearing an officer's coat--red and blue +facings, say, and your legs in a pair o' jack-boots, I should know--ah, +I'd be sure you was a ghost." + +"What d'ye mean?" Mr. Dalroyd's slender brows scowled suddenly, and +before the malevolence of his eyes the Sergeant gave back another step. + +"What d'ye mean, toad?" + +"I mean as you'd be dead! But your coat ain't red, is it, sir? And +your jack-boots is buckle-shoes, and you're very much alive, ain't you, +sir--so I'll ax you to pick up your property and to get back over the +wall yonder and to do it--prompt, sir." + +The Sergeant was a powerful fellow, at his hip swung a heavy hanger and +in hairy fist he gripped a very ugly, knobby bludgeon, observing which +facts, Mr. Dalroyd did as was suggested; but, ere he dropped back into +the lane he turned and smiled down at the stalwart Sergeant. + +"My very good clod," said he, "one of these fine, sunny days you shall +be drubbed for this--soundly, yes, soundly!" + +The Sergeant nodded: + +"Sir," said he, "same will be welcome, for, though life in the country +agrees wi' me on the whole better than expected, things is apt to grow +over quiet now and then and any little bit o' roughsome as you can +offer will be dooly welcome and do me a power o' good!" + +"Be it so!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd and, smiling, he dropped from view. + +Then the Sergeant, whistling softly, strode bedwards quite unaware of +the shapeless, horned head that watched him as he went. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +HOW MY LADY BETTY WROTE A LETTER + +"DEAR MAJOR D'ARCY, + +"Burning yet with a natural womanly indignation by reason of your +shameless accusations, each and all as cruel, as unmanly, as +unwarranted as unjust I----" + + +"Pho!" exclaimed Lady Betty and tearing up her unfinished letter, threw +it on the floor and stamped on it. + + +"To MAJOR D'ARCY: + +"SIR, + +"Though unvirginal, unmaidenly, unwomanly, and lost to all sense of +modesty and shame, I am yet not entirely removed from the lesser +virtues and amongst them----" + + +"Pish!" cried Lady Betty, and rent this asunder also. + + +"MY DEAR MAJOR D'ARCY, + +"By this time of course you are duly sorry and deeply ashamed, for the +very many indelicate expressions you gave voice to concerning me. You +have perchance passed a sleepless night and such is but your due +considering the abandoned and shameful treatment you accorded me. But +seeing you saved me from the brutal arms of----" + + +"Pshaw!" cried Lady Betty, and this letter shared the fate of its +predecessors. + +Her black brows frowned, her pink finger-tips were ink-stained, her +cheeks glowed, her bosom heaved, her white teeth gnashed themselves, in +a word, Lady Betty was in a temper. + +"Aunt Belinda, I--hate you!" + +"Lud Betty, do you child!" murmured that lady, opening sleepy eyes, +"Pray what's amiss now?" + +"Why must you tattle of me to Major d'Arcy?" + +"I? Tattle? O Gemini!" + +"Of me--and breeches?" + +"Breeches! La miss and fie! I should swoon to name 'em to a man! So +indelicate, so immodest, so----" + +"Unvirginal!" cried Betty, and stamped pretty foot more angrily than +ever. + +"Truly, miss! Indeed such a word has never crossed my lips to one of +the male sex and never shall----" + +"And when you told him he was duly shocked, I suppose, and rolled up +his eyes in a spasm of virtue and lifted his hands in prudish horror?" +demanded Lady Betty, kicking savagely at the litter of torn paper. + +"Nay, he frowned, I remember, and positively blushed--and no wonder!" + +"He blushed!" cried Betty scornfully, "and he a man--a soldier! By +heaven he seems more virginal than Diana and all her train! Fie on +him, O, 'tis shameful--so big, so strong, so--squeamish! O Lord, how I +hate, detest and despise him!" + +"Gracious heaven!" ejaculated Lady Belinda, sitting up suddenly, "I do +verily believe you're in love with him!" + +"In love with--him! I?" cried Lady Betty, "I in love with----" she +gasped and stopped suddenly, staring down at the torn paper at her feet +and, as she stared, her lashes drooped and up over creamy chin from +rounded throat to glossy hair crept a wave of vivid colour. + +"O Betty," wailed her aunt, "Betty, is it true--is it love or are you +only taken with his--his medieval airs?" + +"Aunt Belinda," said Betty, turning her back and staring out through +the open lattice, "there are times when I wonder I don't--bite you!" + +"He's so much your elder, Betty!" + +"And so much my younger, aunt--in some ways, he's a very child! But +suppose I do marry him, what then, aunt?" + +"Marry him! Heaven above--marry Major d'Arcy? Betty, are you mad? +You so young and giddy, he so--so mature and grave----" + +"You never saw him climb a wall, aunt!" + +"Old enough to be your father, girl! So very sober and reserved! So +very serious and quiet----" + +"You haven't seen him in his plum-coloured velvet, aunt!" + +"But you--O Bet, you never really--love him!" + +"Of--course--not! What has love to do with marriage, dear aunt? +Love-marriages are so unmodish--'tis like plough-boy and +dairy-wench--hugging and kissing--faugh, so vulgar and nauseous! Nay, +aunt, I desire a marriage _à la mode_: 'Good-morrow to your ladyship, I +trust your ladyship slept well?' A solemn bow, a kiss upon one extreme +finger-tip!' O, excellently, sir, I hope you the same.' A smile and +gracious curtsey--and so to breakfast. Now Major d'Arcy is a +gentleman, rich, sufficiently handsome, and once a husband would be +fairly easy to manage! Indeed I might do worse, aunt!" + +"But so much--ah, so very much better, girl. There is the Duke of +Nairn----" + +"A drunken old reprobate! Charles told me that once, being more tipsy +than usual he----" + +"Hush, miss! He worshipped you. Then there is His Grace of +Hawcastle----" + +"An addle-pated popinjay!" + +"Fie, Betty! Then there is Lord Alvaston, the Marquis, Viscount +Merivale and the rest----" + +"Aye, but I can't wed 'em all, aunt, so will I wed none!" + +"Lud child, here's scandalous talk! But O Betty, what--what of love?" + +"True, dear aunt--what?" + +"Ah, child, 'tis fair woman's crowning joy and strong man's consolation +sweet---- + +"'Tis a disease and megrim o' the mind, aunt, the which, I do thank +heaven, hath ne'er yet come anigh me----" + +"Aye but it will, Betty, it will!" + +"Then with pill and purge and bolus I will drive it hence again." + +"Nay child," sighed the Lady Belinda, as her niece arose, "talk how you +will, but when love comes to thee, as come he will, why then, Ah me! +what with thy ardent temperament, thy headstrong spirits, thy bustling +health then--O then shall I tremble for thee!" + +"Nay, prithee spare yourself, dear aunt, I can tremble for myself when +needful." Saying which my lady went out into the garden. + +Very slowly she went, her head bowed, her bright eyes grave and +troubled; once she stopped to frown at a hollyhock and once to cull a +rose only to drop it all unnoticed ere she had gone a dozen yards. +Thus thoughtful and preoccupied she came to that secluded corner of her +garden where, against a certain wall a ladder stood invitingly: +mounting forthwith, she perched herself upon the broad coping and +glanced down into the Major's orchard. The hutch-like sentry-box +showed deserted but at the foot of the wall and almost immediately +below her, Sergeant Zebedee stooped above a new-turned border of earth, +busily engaged with a foot-rule. Lady Betty reached softly over and +plucking an apricot, dropped it with remarkable accuracy into the very +middle of the Sergeant's trim wig. + +"_Sacré nom!_" he ejaculated, and starting erect, glanced up into my +lady's serene blue eyes. + +"'Tis Sergeant Zebedee, I think?" she enquired gravely. + +The Sergeant saluted and stood at attention: + +"I was so baptised, my lady, and an uncommon awk'ard name I've found +it." + +"Nay, 'tis a quaint name and suits you. If you have any children----" + +"Chil----!" The Sergeant gasped. + +"They should be called James and John, of course! So the poor Major +passed a sleepless night, did he, Sergeant?" + +"O!" said the Sergeant, staring, "Did he, mam?" + +"Well, hasn't he?" + +"Not as I know of, my lady." + +"And when will he come home?" + +"Home?" repeated the Sergeant, scratching his wig, "Why, mam, he has, I +mean he hasn't, him not having been out, d'ye see." + +"He must be a great trial and worry to live with, Sergeant?" + +"No, my lady, no--except when he don't take his rations reg'lar--food +and drink, d'ye see." + +"Ah, doth his appetite languish of late?" + +"Never was better, mam! He do seem to grow younger and brisker every +day." + +"Indeed, 'tis pity he's so wild!" + +"Wild, mam? The Major----?" + +"So gay, so bold and audacious." The Sergeant could only stare. "His +wife will lead a sorry life I fear, poor soul!" + +The Sergeant fell back a step opening eyes and mouth together: + +"Zooks!" he muttered, "axing your ladyship's pardon but--does your +ladyship mean--Zounds! Axing your pardon again, my lady, but--wife! +Does your ladyship mean to say----? Is't true, madam?" + +"So 'tis said!" nodded her unblushing ladyship. + +"But who, my lady, and--when?" + +"Nay, he's very secret." + +"Pro-digious!" exclaimed the Sergeant, his eyes shining. "His honour +was ever a great hand at surprises--ambuscades d'ye see, +madam--ambushments, my lady, sudden onfalls and the like, and for +leading a forlorn hope there was none to compare." + +"You mean he has fought in a battle, Sergeant?" + +"A battle, mam!" The Sergeant sighed and shook reproachful head. +"Twenty and three pitched battles, my lady and twelve sieges, not to +mention sorties, outpost skirmishes and the like! 'Fighting d'Arcy' he +was called, madam! Sixteen wounds, my lady, seven of 'em bullet and +the rest steel----" + +"Heavens!" exclaimed my lady, "I marvel there is any of him left!" + +"What is left, my lady, is all man! There never was such a man! There +never will be." + +"'Fighting d'Arcy'!" she repeated. "It sounds so unlike--and looks +quite impossible--see yonder!" And she turned towards where, afar off, +the object of their talk limped towards them his head bent studiously +above an open book from which he raised his eyes, ever and anon, as if +weighing some abstruse passage; thus he presently espied my lady and, +shutting the book, thrust it into his pocket and hastened towards her. +Hereupon the Sergeant saluted, wheeled and marched away, yet not before +he had noted the glad light in the Major's grey eyes and, from a proper +distance, had seen him clasp my lady's white hand and kiss it +fervently. Instantly the Sergeant fell to the "double" until he was +out of sight, then he halted suddenly, shook his head, smacked hand to +thigh and laughed: + +"All I say is, as there ain't, there never was, there never will be a +word for it--not one!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +HOW MAJOR D'ARCY RECOVERED HIS YOUTH + +So the Major kissed my lady's hand, kissed it not "on one extreme +finger-tip," but holding it in masterful clasp, kissed it on rosy palm +and dimpled knuckles, kissed it again and again with all the ardour of +a boy of twenty; and my lady sighed and--let him kiss his fill. + +She wore her rustic attire but her simple gown was enriched here and +there, with the daintiest of lace as was her snowy mob-cap; and surely +never did rustic beauty blush more rosily or look with eyes more shy +than she when at last he raised his head: + +"Good morrow to your worship!" said she softly, "I trust your honour +slept well?" + +"No!" he answered, speaking with a strange, new vehemence, "I scarce +did close my eyes all night for thought of you----" + +"Of me?" + +"And of my--my folly! I looked for you this morning--I wished to tell +you ... I ... I----" Seeing him thus at a loss, my lady smiled a +little maliciously, then hasted to his relief: + +"This morning?" said she gently, "I was making more butter for my poor +folk--with the aid of my lord of Alvaston, Captain West, and Sir +Jasper. But they proved so awkward with the churn that Sir Benjamin +must needs show 'em how 'twas done. And after he made much of my +rhubarb wine and would have them all taste it and insisted on the +Captain drinking three glasses--poor man!" + +"Wherefore 'poor'?" + +"Why, sir, 'tis truly excellent wine--to look at, but I fear 'tis +perhaps a trifle--sourish!" Here she laughed merrily, grew solemn and +sighed, glancing shyly at the Major who stood, head bowed, fumbling +with one of the gold buttons of the plum-coloured coat. + +"I--trust your ladyship is well after your--your fright of yesterday," +said he at last. + +"My ladyship is very well, sir," she sighed, "though vapourish!" + +"Which means?" + +"Perhaps I--mourn my lost divinity." + +Her tone was light, but he saw that her lips quivered as she averted +her head. + +"Betty," he cried impulsively, "I was a fool! All night long I've +burned with anger at my folly, for I do know you could never be aught +but pure and maidenly no matter what you--you chanced to wear. So do I +come craving your forgiveness." + +"O Major--Major Jack," she sighed, leaning towards him, all glowing +tenderness, "first hear me say you spoke me truth, it--it was +indeed--unworthy--a hoyden trick! But I have trod a different world to +you--a world of careless gaiety and idle chatter, where nought is +serious, reverence unknown and love itself a pastime. So I have loved +no man--save my brother Charles for we've been lonely all our +days--nay, Major John!" for he had caught her hand to his lips again. + +"And I dared think you unmaidenly!" he murmured, in bitter +self-reproach. + +"So would the mother I never knew had she seen me as--as poor Aunt +Belinda saw me--and yet--I vow 'twas monstrous laughable!" and my lady +hovered between laughter and tears. + +"Am I forgiven?" he pleaded. + +"Aye, most fully!" + +"Why then--to prove it--will you ... would you----" + +"Well, your honour?" she questioned humbly. + +"Would you permit me to show you the rose-garden?" + +"But I have seen it!" + +"Aye to be sure, so you have!" he answered, a little dashed. "Though +the roses were scarce in bloom then." + +"Truly I do love roses, Major Jack----" + +"And they are in the full splendour of their beauty----" + +"But--this wall?" she demurred. "And ... no ladder!" + +He reached up eager arms. "O Major John!" she exclaimed and drew back, +blushing as rosily as the shyest maid that ever tripped in dairy. +"'Twould be so--so extreme unmaidenly--wouldn't it?" The Major flushed +and his arms dropped. "Though indeed I--do love roses!" she sighed. +The Major glanced up eagerly. "But 'tis so awkward and someone might +see----" + +"Not a soul!" he assured her. + +"Then ... if you'll turn your head a moment ... and are sure none can +spy ... and will be vastly careful ... and are quite, quite sure you +can manage----" + +It was managed almost as she spoke, he with an assured adroitness, she +with such gracious ease that, in the same moment they were walking side +by side over the smooth turf, as calm and unruffled as any two people +ever were or will be. "'Tis a dear orchard, this!" she sighed, +stopping to pat the rough bark of a huge, gnarled apple-tree. + +"'Twas here I first saw you," said he. + +"Stealing your fruit!" she nodded. + +"It seems long ago." + +"And yet 'tis but a few short weeks." + +Slowly they went on together, past lily-pool asleep in marble basin, +through green boskages amid whose leafy shade marble dryads shyly +peeped and fauns and satyrs sported; beneath the vast spread of mighty +trees across smooth, grassy levels, by shady walks and so at last to +the blazing glory of the rose-garden. Here my lady paused with an +exclamation of delight. + +"Indeed, indeed, 'tis lovely--lovelier than I had dreamed! Are you not +proud of it?" + +"Yes," he answered, "more especially since I never owned a foot of land +till of late--or a roof to shelter me, for that matter." + +"You were a soldier!" + +"And a very poor one!" he added. + +"And they called you 'Fighting d'Arcy!'" said she, looking into the +grey eyes she had been wont to think almost too gentle. + +"That sounds strange--on your lips," said he with his grave smile, "I +perceive the Sergeant has been talking." + +"He has been boasting to me of all your wounds, sir!" The Major +laughed. "He is greatly proud of you, sir." + +"He saved my life more than once." + +"You must have been a very desperate soldier to have been wounded so +very often, Major John!" + +"Why you see, at that time," he answered, handing her down the steps +into the garden, "I wished to die." + +"To die?" she repeated. "O, prithee why?" + +"This was twenty years ago, I was a boy then," he sighed. "To-day I +am----" + +"A man, and therefore wiser," said she as they went on together among +the roses. "And pray why did you seek death?" she questioned softly. + +"Because I had lost the woman I loved." + +"So then you--have--loved?" + +"As a boy of twenty may," he answered. "She--I was an ensign without +influence and prospects and--they forced her to wed a wealthier than I." + +"O! And she did?" Lady Betty stopped to stamp an angry foot. + +"Indeed they--compelled her----" + +"Major John sir, no woman that is a woman can be compelled in her +affections!" + +"She was very young." + +"Pooh, sir! I am not yet a withered and wrinkled crone, yet no one +shall or should compel me!" And here, with a prodigious flutter of her +print gown, my lady seated herself on rustic bench beside the sundial. + +"No indeed," said he, "you are--are different." At this she flashed +him a swift up-glance and, meeting his gaze, dimpled, drew aside her +garments' ample folds and graciously, motioned him beside her. The +Major sat down. + +"And was she happy?" + +"No!" + +"Which doth but serve her to her deserts!" The Major winced, +perceiving which, my lady faced him. "How, do you love her yet?" she +questioned. + +"My lady, she is dead," he answered. Lady Betty turned and leaning to +a rose that bloomed near by, touched it with gentle fingers. + +"And--do you--love her yet, Major John?" she asked softly. + +"I held her in my memory as the sweetest of all women until a few weeks +ago," he answered simply. My lady's caressing fingers faltered +suddenly. + +"She was the third woman in your life?" + +"Yes," he answered, "because of her memory I have lived a hard life and +let love go by nor thought of it." + +"Not once?" + +"Not once, until of late." My lady was silent, and, leaning nearer, he +continued: "Twenty years ago I gave my love and, being hopeless, sought +for death and never found it. So, hating war, I made of war my life. +I became a soldier of fortune and wheresoever battle was, there was I; +when one campaign ended I went in quest of others. So I have learned +much of men, of foreign countries, and war in every shape, but of women +and love--nothing whatever. Indeed I should be fighting yet but for +this unexpected legacy. And now----" He sighed. + +"And now?" she repeated softly. + +"Now I find that youth has fled and left but emptiness behind!" + +"Poor, O poor, decrepit, ancient man!" she sighed, "with your back so +bent and your arms so feeble! So wrinkled, so toothless, and so +blind!" And rising she turned away and leaned round elbows on the +sundial. Now presently he came and stood beside her, looking into her +lovely, down-bent face then pointed to the legend graven on the stone. + +"Read," said he, "read and tell me--is't not wisdom?" And, very +obediently, she read aloud: + + "Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy: + Age and Youth together is but folly." + + +"Indeed," she nodded, "'tis a very wise proverb and, like most other +proverbs, sayeth very plainly that black is black and white is white. +And truly I do think you a great coward, Major 'Fighting d'Arcy'!" + +"Betty?" said he, a little breathlessly. + +"You may be very brave in battle but in--in other things you are a very +coward!" + +"My lady--O Betty! Do you mean ... is it possible that such miracle +could be... You in the bloom of your youth and beauty, I----" + +"So bent with years!" said she in tender mockery, "so feeble and +so--very--blind!" + +The Major's philosophic calm was shattered, his placid serenity gone +all in a moment; he reached out sudden, passionate arms but without +attempting to touch her. + +"Betty," he cried, "God knows if I'm presumptuous fool or blessed +beyond my hopes, but hear me say--I love you, for all your dainty +loveliness, your coquette airs and graces, but, most of all, for the +sweet, white, womanly soul of you. And 'tis no flame of youthful +passion this, soon to fade, 'tis a man's enduring love desiring all, +asking nothing.... I mean, Betty, whether you wed me or no, needs must +I love you to the end of time!" + +"E'en though I should love and wed another?" she questioned softly. + +"Aye, truly!" + +"Indeed, you are nobler than I--because"--here she paused to trace out +the time-worn lettering on the dial with pink finger-tip--"because if +you should love, or wed another, then I--should die of rage and +jealousy and grief and----" + +The Major's long arms were close about her and, stooping, he kissed her +again and again, her fragrant hair, her eyes, her tender mouth. + +"O Betty," he sighed, "my beautiful Betty, the wonder of it!" + +"O John," she sighed tremulously, "O Jack, indeed 'tis a very furious +lover you are! You make love as you fight--as if you loved it--nay, +show mercy!" He released her instantly and stood back staring down at +her with dazzled eyes. + +"Am I rough?" he asked anxiously. "Dear, forgive me! But 'tis all so +strange, so unexpected, so marvellous beyond belief! There be so many +to love you that I----" + +"Shall teach you what love truly is," she murmured, "And I--don't +mind--a little roughness, Jack dear!" + +"God, 'tis marvellous!" said he at last, holding her away to feast his +eyes on her glowing loveliness. "'Tis passing wonderful that of all +your throng of lovers you should choose such as I--so much older, so +much----" his breath caught, the strong hands that clasped her so +tenderly quivered suddenly. "Betty," said he hoarsely, "'tis no +coquettish whim, this--no youthful fancy? You do love me indeed?" Now +seeing the haggard pleading of his eyes, the quiver of his lips and all +his shy humility, she uttered a soft cry and drawing him close, +pillowed his troubled brow against her soft cheek. + +"Ah dearest," she whispered, "why must you doubt? Love for you hath +been in my heart from the first I think, though I never guessed 'twas +love until to-day. And for your age--O foolish! I would not have thee +younger by an hour and--for my love, 'tis here deep within my heart and +will but grow with length of days for to know thee more is to love thee +more. You think me over-young, I know, light-thoughted, belike and +careless, but in her heart a woman is ever older than a man, and, +despite my seeming heedlessness your Betty is methinks much the woman +you would have her be." + +"Aye, truly," he answered, "the sweetest, the loveliest, noblest woman, +I do think, in all this big world!" But when he would have caught her +to him again she, blushing, laughing, stayed him to straighten lacy +mob-cap and pat rebellious curls with hands a little tremulous, then, +sitting down, crossed slim feet demurely and motioned him beside her. + +"'Deed, sir," she sighed, "you do make love to perfection! And +yet--your love is so--so wonderful that I grow a little fearful lest I +prove unworthy----" + +"Ah, never!" he cried, drawing her hands to his lips. + +"Such love doth make me very humble, Jack dear, 'tis all so different, +so reverent and yet also 'tis a little--fierce!" she whispered, +yielding to his compelling arms. + +"Nay, am I so?" he asked, anxiously, his hold relaxing. + +"Ele-mentally!" she murmured, pillowing cheek on plum-coloured velvet +regardless of lace cap. "Yet methinks I do--love such ferocity!" + +"O Betty, when will you wed me?" + +"O John, here is a question to ponder. First, when would you have me?" + +"To-day! To-morrow! Soon!" + +"O impatient youth!" she murmured. "Second, shall your wife enjoy all +liberty?" + +"So much as she desire," he answered tenderly. + +"Third, shall she live in town i' the season, attend balls, theatres, +routs, card-parties, masquerades, drums and the like?" + +"If she so wish," said he, a little sadly; perceiving which, she +nestled closer to him. + +"Fourth, will you swear to be a husband _à la mode_?" + +"What may that be?" he enquired. + +"Will you be very polite to your wife and seldom intrude upon her +privacy as is the modish custom, will you keep separate establishments, +will you----" + +"By heaven--no!" exclaimed the Major; whereat, and very suddenly, she +kissed him. + +"Indeed I do think you will make almost as good a husband as lover!" +she sighed. "And--Major Jack, dear--if you would wed me soon----" + +"Nay sweet," he broke in, "here was a selfish thought! You are so +young---- + +"A ripe woman of twenty-two, sir!" + +"But youth loveth freedom, my Betty, so shall you enjoy it while you +will and come to me--when you will!" + +"Nay, dear, foolish John, you do speak as you were a prison! What is +maiden freedom compared to--wifehood?" she breathed. + +"Wife!" he repeated reverently, "'tis a sweet word, Betty!" + +"So is--husband, John." + +"My Betty--dear--when?" + +"Is three months hence too long?" + +"Aye, 'tis very long--but----" + +"Six weeks, Jack?" + +O never-to-be-forgotten hour! Hour long dreamed and yet expected +never, so swift to haste away but whose memory was to blossom, sweet +and all unfading. + +"Dear," said she at last, "since you are not for marriage '_à la mode_' +I shall plague you mightily----" + +"God!" he exclaimed softly, "what a life 'twill be!" + +But all at once she started from him as, afar off, a faint wailing +arose: + +"Betty, my love! O Bet--my Betty love!" + +My lady frowned and rising, laid rosy finger to lip. + +"Not a word yet, my John! Let our secret be ours awhile. Come, let us +meet her."' + +Slowly they went amid the roses and sighed for the hour that was gone +and wondered to see the sun so low; and thus they presently beheld Lady +Belinda twittering towards them escorted by the Sergeant and the tall, +well-fed menial. + +"O naughty Bet!" she cried, "O wicked puss and truant! I've sought +thee this hour and more, I've called thee until my poor voice grew +languishing and weak! Ah, dear Major, scold her for me, prithee scold!" + +"Nay, madam," he answered, bowing, "I fear the blame is mine, I was for +showing my lady the roses as 'twere, and--er----" + +"La, dear aunt," said my lady, "how warm you look, so red--so flushed +and fulsome!" + +"'Tis the sun--the sun!" cried Lady Belinda, "I vow I cannot abide the +sun, it nauseates me!" + +"Then let us into the shade, mam," said the Major, offering his arm. +"'Twill be cool on the terrace, a--er--a dish of tea----" + +"Nay, nay, sir, alack and no, we have neighbours expected. Sir Oliver +and Lady Rington, Mrs. Wadhurst, and Lady Lydia Flyte--and that minds +me, naughty Bet, you were to have gone a-riding to-day with Mr. Dalroyd +and Sir Jasper--they called expectant and you were not! Then came poor +young Mr. Marchdale, in a great taking, to know if you'd object to his +rhyming 'Bet' with 'sweat!' The Captain called, too, with dear Sir +Benjamin Tripp--so modish--so elegant! But solemn as two owls, though +why owls should be solemn I don't know never having seen one near +enough! So you see, dear Major, we positively must away!" + +The Major, having escorted them to his park gates, stood to watch that +slender, shapely form out of sight, then, sighing, limped slowly +housewards lost in happy dreams. As he went he remembered with an odd +relief that the Viscount was in London and would remain there several +days. Presently he came upon the Sergeant who bore a rake "at the +trail" much as if it had been a pike: and the Sergeant's face was +beaming and his bright eye almost roguish: + +"Ha, Zeb," said the Major, halting to view him over, and his own eyes +were shining also, "why Zeb, how deuced smart you look!" + +"My best clothes, sir, new ones being on order as commanded, sir." + +"Aye, but 'tis not your clothes exactly, you seem--younger, somehow." + +"Why, sir," said the Sergeant, a little diffidently, "I took the +liberty o' powdering my wig,--no objections I hope, your honour?" + +"None at all Zeb, no, no! Egad, 'tis like old times!" So saying, the +Major smiled and passed on to the house, whistling softly as he went. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN + +It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly +splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a +beauty new and strange. Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and +motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they. + +Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open +casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven +and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since. +All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at +this witching hour. But the Sergeant was there for other things than +dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a +broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets +appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol. +Wondering, the Major stepped out through the casement and followed. +Sergeant Zebedee marched with elaborate caution and was keeping so +sharp a lookout before that he quite overlooked the Major behind him; +but all at once a stick snapped, round wheeled the Sergeant, +blunderbuss at "the ready" but, seeing the Major, he immediately +lowered his weapon and stood easy. + +"'S'noggers, sir," said he, "I thought you was it!" + +"It, Zebedee?" + +"Aye, your honour, it, him, or her. If it ain't a him 'tis a her and +if it ain't a her it's an it--or shall us say a apparation, sir. Same +being said to walk i' the orchard o' nights lately----" + +"An apparition--in the orchard, Zeb? Have you seen it?" + +"Why no, sir, not exactly, but what I did see was--hist!" + +The Sergeant halted suddenly, crouching in the shadow of a hedge; they +were close on the orchard now and, upon the stilly air was a soft +rustle, a faint scraping sound and, parting the leafy screen, the Major +saw a dark figure silhouetted above the wall, a nebulous shape that +seemed to hang suspended a moment ere it vanished over the wall into my +lady's garden. + +"That weren't no apparation, sir!" whispered the Sergeant, looking to +pan and priming, and, hurrying forward, pointed to a footprint in the +soft, newly-turned soil. "Never heard as spectres wore shoes, sir." +The Major, staring at that slender footprint, felt suddenly cold and +sick, and wondered; then, as the Sergeant prepared to climb the wall, +checked him: + +"Wait--wait you here!" he muttered. "Make way!" Reaching up, the +Major swung himself astride the coping and silently mounted the wall. +Before him was a flagged walk which, as he remembered, led to the +arbour; this walk he avoided and, stepping in among the bushes, began +to advance cautiously, eyes and ears on the strain, for the shadows lay +dense hereabouts. Thus he was close upon the arbour when he stopped +suddenly, arrested by the sound of a man's voice, low and muffled. + +"... 'tis you now, Bet, and only you----" + +"... Ah God, how may I? And yet ... my own dear, have I ever refused +thee ... I've yearned for thee so..." Here the sound of passionate +kisses. + +It was her voice indeed, but so tender, so full of thrilling +gentleness! The Major shivered and a sudden faintness and nausea +seizing him, leaned weakly against a tree, and ever, as he leaned thus, +their voices reached him--his low and eager, hers a-thrill with +tenderness. + +The Major turned and, groping like one blind, crept back until he came +to the wall and crouching there, his head between his arms, seemed to +shake and writhe as with some horrible convulsion. + +"That you, sir?" a voice whispered hoarsely. Silently the Major drew +himself up and dropped back into his own grounds. + +"What was it, sir?" + +"Nought, Zeb." + +"D'ye mean 'twere a ghost, arter all?" + +"Aye!" + +"Didn't notice if 'twere a her or a him, sir?" + +"No!" + +"Why then, did you chance to ob-serve----" but seeing the Major's face, +Sergeant Zebedee broke off with a gasp and, dropping his blunderbuss, +reached out quick hands: "Good God! Your honour! What's amiss?" + +"Let be, Zeb, let be," said the Major wearily, putting by these kindly +hands, "'tis nought to worry over--nought to matter, nought i' the +world, Zeb. Leave me awhile. Go to bed!" + +"Bed, your honour? And leave you alone? Sir, I beg----" + +"Sergeant Tring--get you indoors!" + +The Sergeant stiffened, saluted, and, wheeling about, marched away +forthwith, but, once in the shadows, turned to glance anxiously at the +lonely figure so pale and still and rigid under the moon. + +Being alone, the Major seemed to shrink within himself, and, limping +slowly into the gloom of the hutch-like sentry-box, cast himself face +down across the table and lay there; and from that place of shadows +came sounds soft but awful. At last he lifted heavy head, and, staring +before him, perforce beheld that part of the wall where he had first +seen her; and again he writhed and shivered. But, all at once, as the +spasm passed, he leaned forward tense and fierce, for in that precise +spot a man was climbing the wall. The Major rose and stood with breath +in check, watching as the unknown clambered into view, a slender figure +that paused for a lingering, backward glance, then leapt down into the +orchard; but, doing so, the unknown tripped, lost his hat and cursed +softly, and in that moment the Major gripped him in iron hands and +stared into the pale, fierce face of Mr. Dalroyd; the long curls of his +peruke had fallen back leaving his features fully exposed in the strong +moonlight, and now, as the Sergeant had done before him, the Major +blenched and drew back, his fingers loosing their hold. + +"Effingham!" he gasped, "Effingham--by God!" + +Mr. Dalroyd smiled and fingered his curls: + +"'Tis Major d'Arcy, I think!" said he gently. "And Major d'Arcy is +either drunk or mad, my name, as he very well knows, is Dalroyd much +and ever at his service. Though, permit me to say 'tis scarce +a--laudable or honourable thing to--spy upon the tender hours of his +fair neighbours! 'Tis true I trespass, but love, sir, love----!" Mr. +Dalroyd smiled, sighed and picked up his hat. "If you wish to quarrel, +sir, you lose your labour for I quarrel with no man--to-night!" + +"Sir," said the Major, his voice calm and unshaken, "whoever you are +and whatever your name, I advise you to go--now, this instant!" + +Mr. Dalroyd surveyed the Major with languid interest, the pallid +serenity of his face, the smouldering eyes, the haggard lips, the moist +brow, the nervous, clutching fingers, and smiling, went his way leaving +the Major to his agony. + +For now indeed it seemed that all the fiends of hell had risen up to +mock and gibe and torture the quivering soul of him; beneath their +obscene hands his reverent love lay shamed and writhing in the dust. + +"Betty!" he whispered, "O my love!" Yet even as he spoke he knew that +the woman he had worshipped was not and never had been; he had clothed +her warm youth and beauty with divinity, had adored and made of her an +ideal and now his dream was done, his ideal shattered and by one who +wore the cold, satyr-like face of Effingham--Effingham who had died +upon his sword-point years ago in Flanders; almost unconsciously his +quivering fingers sought and touched the scar upon his temple. And +now, remembering her voice as he had heard it, thrilling with ineffable +love and tenderness, he alternatively shivered in sick horror and +burned with shame, a shame that crushed him to his knees, to his face. +That it should be Effingham of all men, or one so hatefully like! So +the Major, grovelling there beneath the moon, knew an agony in his +stricken soul, deeper, fiercer than flesh may ever know; and thus, +towards the dawn-hour, Sergeant Zebedee found him. + +"Sir--sir," said he, kneeling beside that prostrate form, "God's love, +sir--what's amiss?" + +The Major raised himself and stared round about with dazed eyes. + +"Ah Zeb," said he, slowly, "I do think I must ha' slept of late and +dreamed, Zeb, a fair sweet dream that later changed to nightmare--but +'twill pass. I've lived awhile i' the paradise of fools!" + +"Nay sir, here's spells and witchcraft! 'Tis an ill place and an ill +hour--come your ways wi' me, sir." + +"Aye, 'tis witchcraft--spells and enchantments, as 'twere, Zeb, but +'twill pass. Lend me your arm." So saying the Major rose and began to +limp towards the house. But, as they went thus, side by side, he +paused to glance up at the waning moon. "'Tis a fair night, Zeb, I've +never seen a fairer. What o'clock is it?" + +"Nigh on to three, your honour." + +"So late! How time doth flee a man once youth be gone. We've kept +many a night-watch together ere now, Zeb, but the hours never sped so +fast in those days, we were younger then, Zebedee, so much younger, +d'ye see." + +Being come into his study the Major stood beside his desk staring down +at his orderly papers and documents, vacant-eyed. + +"You'll come to bed now, sir?" enquired the Sergeant anxiously. + +"Nay Zeb, 'tis so late I'll e'en sit and watch the dawn come." + +"Why then sir, you'll take something to eat and drink? Do now!" + +The Major shook his head: + +"I want nought, Zeb, save to be--alone." + +Sergeant Zebedee sighed heavily, shook doleful head and going out, shut +the door softly behind him. + +"That it should be Effingham of all men, or one so hatefully like!" + +The Major clenched his hands and began to pace restlessly back and +forth. And now came Memory to haunt him--her sweet, soft voice, the +droop of her black lashes, the way she had of pouting red lips +sometimes when thoughtful, her eyes, her hands, her quick, light feet, +and all the infinite allurement of her. And now----! + +"That it should be--Effingham!" + +Here again he was seized of faintness and nausea, fierce tremors shook +him and sinking into his elbow-chair he sat crouched above the desk, +his face bowed between clutching hands. Sitting thus, the great house +so still and silent all about him, he must needs remember how she had +called it a "desolate" house. And, in truth, so it was and must be for +him now until the end. The end? + +Once more he rose and took to his restless pacing. What end was there +for him now but a succession of dreary days, while old age crept upon +him bringing with it loneliness and solitude--a great, empty house and +himself a solitary, loveless old man. And he had dreamed of others +perchance to bear his name! God, what a life it might have been! And +now, this was the end; he had walked in a "fool's paradise" indeed. + +Pausing in his tramping he lifted haggard eyes to the pistols on the +wall; with fumbling hands he opened a certain drawer in his desk, and, +taking thence a brown wisp that once had been a fragrant rose, looked +down at it awhile with eyes very tender, then let it fall and set his +foot upon it, and leaning back in his chair stared down at all that +remained. Long he sat thus, chin on breast, his drawn face half buried +in the gay curls of his glossy peruke, but now his gaze had wandered +back to the pistols on the wall. The candles, guttering in their +sockets, burned low and lower, flickered and went out, but he sat on, +motionless and very still; at last he sighed, stirred, rose from his +chair, reached groping hand up to the wall and stood suddenly rigid. + +"Major John, dear, some of your tenants are miserably poor, Major John!" + +It was as if she had uttered these words again, the small room seemed +to echo her soft voice, the darkness seemed full of her fragrant +presence. The Major sank back in the chair and covered his face with +twitching fingers; but, little by little, upon the gloom about him +stole a faint glow, a tender radiance, an ever-brightening glory and +lo, it was day. And presently, beholding this gladsome light, he +lifted drooping head and glanced about him. + +"Betty!" he whispered, "O sweet woman of my dream, though the dream +vanish memory abideth and in my memory I will hold thee pure and sweet +and fragrant everlastingly!" + +Then he arose and heeding no more the pistols on the wall, went forth +calm-eyed into the golden, joyous freshness of the dawn. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY + +Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously +from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and +the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed +her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the +Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the +Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone +figure and shook anxious head: + +"She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay +pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!" + +"She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full +of life and youth that 'tis but to be--eh, what the devil are you +saying, Sergeant Zebedee?" + +"Why your honour, I----" + +"Hold your tongue, sir!" + +"But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so +red all at once, "I did but----" + +"Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on +ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming +hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back. + +"'Sniggers!" he exclaimed at last under his breath, + +Presently the road narrowed between high, sloping banks clothed with +brush and bramble from amid which tangle a man rose suddenly, a tall, +dark, gipsy-looking fellow, at whose unexpected appearance the Major's +bay mare swerved and reared, all but unseating her rider; whereat the +fellow laughed vindictively, the Sergeant swore and the Major soothed +his plunging steed with voice and hand. Breathing fierce anathemas and +dire threats, the Sergeant was in the act of dismounting when the Major +stopped him peremptorily. + +"But sir, 'tis a rogue, 'tis a plaguy rascal, 'tis a----" + +"'Tis no matter, Zeb." + +"But damme sir, same do be a-shaking his dirty fist at your honour this +moment! Sir, I beg----" + +"'Tis very natural, Zeb." + +"Nat'ral sir, and wherefore?" + +"I--er--had occasion to--ha--flog the fellow." + +"Flogged him, sir?" + +"And broke my--ha--very modish cane a-doing it!" + +"Cane, sir?" repeated the Sergeant, jogging alongside again. "Ha, and +brought home his bludgeon instead, I mind, not so ornymental--but a +deal handier, your honour." + +Here the Major fell again to gloomy abstraction, observing which the +Sergeant held his peace until, having climbed a steepish ascent, they +came where stood a finger-post at the parting of the ways and here the +Sergeant ventured another question: + +"And wherefore flog same, sir?" + +"Eh?" said the Major, starting, "O, for a good and sufficient reason, +Zeb, and----" He broke off with a sudden breathless exclamation and +the Sergeant, following the direction of his wide gaze, beheld three +people approaching down a shady bye-road. + +"Why sir," he exclaimed, "here's my Lady Carlyon as----" + +The Major wheeled his big bay and, clapping in spurs, galloped off in +the opposite direction. + +"_Sapperment!_" exclaimed the Sergeant. He was yet staring in +amazement after his master's rapidly retreating figure when he became +aware that my lady had reined up her horse beside him. + +"Why Sergeant," she questioned, "O Sergeant, what is't? Why did he +spur away at sight of me?" + +"Bewitchment, mam--black magic and sorcery damned, my lady!" answered +the Sergeant, shaking rueful head. "Last night, your ladyship, he see +the devil, same being in form of a apparation----" + +"Sergeant Zebedee, what do you mean?" + +"A gobling, mam--a ghost as vanished itself away into your garden, my +lady--we both see same and his honour followed it." + +"Into--my garden?" she questioned quick-breathing, her eyes very +bright, her slender hand tight-clenched upon her riding-switch. + +"Aye mam, your garden. Since when he's been witched and spell-bound, +d'ye see." + +"How--how?" + +"Why, a tramp--tramping in his study all night long and groaning to +himself--right mournful, mam." + +"Groaning?" + +"And likewise a-sighing--very dismal. And this morning I took the +liberty of observing him unbeknownst--through the window, d'ye see--me +not having had a wink o' sleep either--and when he lifted his head----" + +"Well?" she said faintly. + +"'Twas like--like death in life, mam." + +My lady's head was bowed but the Sergeant saw that the hand grasping +the whip was trembling and when she spoke her voice was unsteady also: + +"I--I'm glad you--told me, Sergeant. I--O I must see him! Get him +home again--into the orchard. I--must speak with him--soon!" + +"But mam, he's set on riding to Inchbourne--means to look over the +cottages as Jennings has let go to rack and ruin, and when he's set on +doing a thing he'll--do it." + +"He ran away at sight of me, Sergeant?" + +"He did so, mam, by reason of the black art and----" + +"And he shall run away again--I'll ride to Inchbourne ahead of you and +frighten him back home----" + +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant. + +"And when he reaches home contrive to get him into the orchard----" + +"Zooks!" exclaimed the Sergeant. + +Here Mr. Dalroyd, who had been chatting with the Marquis hard by but +with his gaze ever upon my lady's lissom figure, urged his horse up to +them. + +"The Major would seem in a hurry this morning," said he, smiling down +into my lady's pensive face, "or is it that his horse bolted with him?" + +The Sergeant snorted but, before he could speak, Lady Betty's gloved +hand was upon his arm. + +"Sergeant Zebedee," said she gently, "I--trust to you and you won't +fail me, I know!" Then, smiling a little wistfully she turned and rode +away between her two cavaliers. + +"Now all I says is," said the Sergeant, rasping his fingers across his +big, smooth-shaven chin, "all I says is that look o' hers has drove the +word 'fail' clean off the field wi' no chance o' rallying. All I asks +is--How?" Having questioned himself thus and found no answer, he +presently set off in pursuit of the Major, as fast as his stout cob +would carry him. + +The Major sat his fretting mare beneath the shadow of trees, but +despite this shade he looked hot and uncomfortable. + +"You've been the deuce of a while, Zebedee," said he, fidgeting in his +saddle. + +"No help for it, your honour," answered the Sergeant, saluting, "her +ladyship having halted me, d'ye see." + +"Ha--what did she say, Zeb?" + +"Demanded wherefore you bolted, sir." + +"And--what did you tell her?" + +"Explained as 'twere all on account o' witchcraft and sorcery damned, +sir." + +"Then be damned for a fool, Zebedee!" The Sergeant immediately +saluted. "Then--er--what did she say?" + +"Stared, sir, and cross-examinationed me concerning same, and I dooly +explained as you did see a apparation in form of the devil--no, a devil +in form of a----" The Major uttered an impatient ejaculation and rode +on again. And after they had ridden some distance in silence the +Sergeant spoke. + +"Begging your pardon, sir, but you're wrong!" + +"I think not, Zeb,'" sighed the Major, "'tis for the best." + +"But sir, 'tis the wrong way to----" + +"On the contrary 'tis the only way, Zeb, the only way to save her pain +and vexation. I couldn't bear to see her shrink--er--ha, what a plague +are you saying now, in the fiend's name, Sergeant?" + +"Why sir, I only--" + +"Be silent, Zebedee!" + +"Very good, your honour, only this be the wrong way to Inchbourne." + +"Egad!" exclaimed the Major, staring. "Now you mention it, Zeb, so +'tis!" And wheeling his horse forthwith, the Major galloped back to +the cross-roads. Being come thither he halted to glance swiftly about +and seemed much relieved to find no one in sight. + +"Zebedee," said he suddenly as they rode on, knee to knee, "tis in my +mind to go a-travelling again." + +"Thought and hoped our travelling days was done, sir." + +"Aye, so did I, Zeb, so did I--but," the Major sighed wearily, "none +the less I'm minded to go campaigning again, leaving you here +to--er--look after things for me, as 'twere, Zeb." + +"Can't and couldn't be, your honour! You go and me stay? Axing your +pardon, sir--Zounds, no!" + +"Why not, pray?" + +"Well first, sir, what would your honour do without me?" + +"Truly I should--miss you, Zeb----" + +"So you would, sir, so why think of going? Secondly, here's me been +hoping--ah, hoping right fervent as you'd bring it off, sir, wi' +colours flying and drums a-beating as gay as gay." + +"Bring what off, Zeb?" + +"Wedlock, sir." The Major flinched, then turned to scowl: + +"Be curst for a presuming fool, Zebedee!" The Sergeant immediately +saluted. "Whom should I marry at my time of life, think you?" + +"Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, sir." + +The Major's bronzed cheek burned and he rode awhile with wistful gaze +on the distance. + +"I shall--never marry, Zebedee!" said he at last. + +"Why sir, asking your pardon, but that depends, I think." + +"Depends!" repeated the Major, staring. "On what?" + +"The Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, your honour." + +Here ensued another long pause, then: + +"How so, Zeb?" + +"Sir, when some women makes up their mind to a man it ain't no manner +o' good that man a-saying 'No'!" + +"Pray what d'you know of women, Sergeant Zebedee?" + +"That much, sir!" + +"Hum!" said the Major. "Nevertheless I shall never wed, Zebedee!" + +Here he sighed again and the Sergeant did likewise. + +"Which I do sadly grieve to hear, sir, for your honour's sake, her +ladyship's and--my sake!" + +"And why yours, Zeb?" + +"Sir, if you was to wed my lady and vicey-versey, the which I did hope, +why then belike I might do the same with Mrs. Agatha and versey-vicey." + +"God--bless--my soul!" exclaimed the Major. + +"She's a pro-digious fine figure of a woman, your honour!" + +"She is so, Zeb, she is indeed. But I had no idea----" + +"Nor did I, sir, till a few days ago and then it came on me--ah, it +come on me like a flash, your honour, quick as a musket-ball!" + +"Then, if she's willing, Zeb, marry by all means and before I go +I'll----" + +"Begging your pardon, sir, can't be done--not to be thought on--if you +wed why then I wed, if so be as she'll have me, sir, and vicey-versey, +but if you don't, I don't and versey-vicey as in dooty bound, sir." + +"But, if you love each other--why not, Zeb?" + +"Because sir, you a bachelor, me a bachelor now and for ever, amen!" + +"A Gad's name--why?" + +"Your honour, 'tis become a matter o' dooty wi' me d'ye see." + +"You're a great fool, Sergeant, aye--a fool, Zebedee, but a very +faithful fool, Zeb!" + +"Aye sir! And yonder's Inchbourne!" said the Sergeant, pointing to a +hamlet bowered amid trees in the valley below them. + +The thatched cottages of Inchbourne village stood upon three sides of a +pleasant green and in this green was a pool shaded by willows and fed +by a rippling brook. + +"'Tis a mighty pretty place!" said the Major. + +"Aye, sir--to look at--from a distance, but there ain't a cottage as +aren't damp, nor a roof as don't leak like a sieve. Still 'tis pretty +enough I'll not deny, though 'tis an ill-conditioned folk lives there, +your honour, hang-dog rascals, poachers and the like----" + +"And small wonder if things be so bad, ill-conditions beget roguery, +Zeb, I marvel what Jennings can have been doing to let things come to +such a pass!" + +"Co-lecting rents mostly, sir!" + +"You've no particular regard for Mr. Jennings, Zebedee." + +"I never said so, your honour." + +"He complained of you once, Zebedee----" + +"Sir, the same month as you and me come a-marching into this here +estate said Jennings turned old Bet Seamore out of her bit o' cottage +whereupon I dooly ventured a objection----" + +"Hum!" mused the Major, staring down at the peaceful hamlet. "He will +be awaiting us----" + +"At the d'Arcy Arms!" nodded the Sergeant. + +"Jennings was agent here in my uncle's time and bears an irreproachable +character, Zeb----" + +"Character!" quoth the Sergeant. "Sir, his character worries him to +that degree he's a-talking of it constant. Says he to me, old Betty +a-sobbing over her bits o' furniture as was a-lying there in the road, +'no rent no roof!' says he, ''tis my dooty to look arter Squire's +interests,' says he, 'and dooty's part o' my character. I was born +with a irreproachable character,' says he, 'and such I'll keep same,' +he says. 'Why then,' says I, 'since I can't kick your character, I'll +kick you instead,' I says, which I did forthwith, wherefore complaint +to you as aforesaid, sir." + +"Ha!" said the Major, frowning. "'Twas wrong in you to assault my +agent, Zeb, very wrong, but----I must enquire into the matter of the +eviction. You should have told me before." Saying which, he gave his +mare the rein and they began to descend the hill. + +"They call old Betty a witch, sir," continued the Sergeant, his keen +gaze roving expectantly among the scattered cottages, "aye, a witch, +sir, and now owing to Mr. Jennings' character d'ye see she do live in +the veriest pigsty of a place which is the reason as my Lady Carlyon +has took to riding over and a-visiting of her constant----" + +"Has she, Zeb, has she?" said the Major, his voice very gentle. + +"Aye sir, folks hereabouts know her well--she stays wi' 'em hours +sometimes and--Zounds, there she is!" + +"Where?" demanded the Major, reining his mare upon its haunches. + +"Yonder, sir, see, she's a-going into old Bet's cottage now and----" + +But the Major had wheeled about and was already half-way back up the +hill. + +"Sir," cried the Sergeant as they reached the brow of the hill, "what +about that there Mr. Jennings as is a-waiting----" + +"He must wait awhile--we'll come back later, Zeb." + +"No manner o' use, sir, my lady'll stop a couple of hours and by that +time he'll be drunk, d'ye see. Best get home, sir----" + +"Why?" + +"Well first there's your great History o' Fortification in ten vollums +a-waiting to be wrote, and secondly you can come here another day----" + +"So I can, Zeb, so I can!" agreed the Major and straightway fell into a +profound meditation while Sergeant Zebedee began to turn over in his +mind various ways and means of achieving the second part of my lady +Betty's so urgent request, pondering the problem chin in hand, his +fierce black brows close-knit in painful thought. Suddenly he smiled +and slapped hand to thigh. + +"What now?" enquired the Major, starting. + +"Why sir, there do be some evolutions as a man ain't so nat'rally +adapted for as a fe-male so, thinks I sir, I'll ask Mrs. Agatha----" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +OF CRIMINATIONS + +"Zebedee," said the Major, staring down at his empty desk, "what's +become of my manuscript and papers?" + +"I' the orchard, sir." + +"The orchard--why there?" + +"Why sir, seeing the day s'fine, the sun s'warm and the air s'balmy I +took 'em out into the arbour, your honour." + +"And who the plague told you to?" + +"Mrs. Agatha, sir, and seeing 'tis quiet there wi' none to disturb, +d'ye see, I took same, hoping what wi' the sun so warm and the air so +balmy and your History o' Fortification in ten vollums you +might--capture a wink or so o' sleep, p'r'aps, you not having closed a +optic all last night, your honour." + +"Ha!" growled the Major and, limping to the open casement, scowled out +upon the sunny garden. + +"And you was ever fond o' the orchard, sir." + +"Damn the orchard!" + +"Heartily, sir, heartily if so commanded, though 'tis for sure a +pleasant place and if you, a-sitting there so snug and secluded, could +nod off to sleep for an hour or so, what with the sun so warm and the +air so balmy, 'twould do you a power o' good, sir, you being a +bit--strange-like to-day, d'ye see." + +"Strange? How?" + +"Your temper's a leetle shortish and oncertain-like, sir." + +"Aye," nodded the Major grimly, "belike it is, Zeb." He turned and +limped slowly to the door but paused there, staring down at the +polished floor. "Zebedee," said he suddenly, without lifting his +frowning gaze, "what a plague gave you to think there was--there could +be aught 'twixt my lady and me?" + +"Observation, sir." The Major's scowl grew blacker: + +"And--Mrs. Agatha?" he enquired, "does she know?" + +"Being a woman, sir, she do--from the very first." + +"Ha!" exclaimed the Major bitterly, "and the maids--I suppose they +know, and the footmen, and the grooms, and the gardeners and every +peeping, prying----" + +"Sir," said the Sergeant fervently, "I'll lay my life there's no one +knows but Mrs. Agatha and me--her by nat'ral intooitions and me by +observation aforesaid." + +"Do I----show it so----plainly, Zeb?" + +"No, sir, but Mrs. Agatha's a remarkable woman--and I've learned to +know you in all these years, to know your looks and ways better than +you know 'em yourself, sir, wherefore I did ventur' to put two and two +together and made 'em five, it seems. For (I argufies to myself) it +ain't nowise good for man to live alone seeing as man be born to +wedlock as the sparks do up'ard fly and what's bred i' the bone is +bound to be. Moreover man cleaveth to woman and vicey-versey, your +honour. Furthermore (argues I) wedlock is a comfortable +institootion--now and then, sir, and very nat'ral 'twixt man and maid +whereby come heirs o' the body male and female, your honour. And +furthermore (I argues) you're a man and she's a maid and both on you +apt and fit for same, therefore, if so--why not? Moreover again +(thinks I) if two folk do love each other and there ain't any kind o' +just cause nor yet impedimenta--why then (says I) wherefore not obey +Natur's call and----your honour----d'ye see----there y'are, sir!" Here +the Sergeant stopped and stood at attention, breathing rather hard, +while the Major, who had averted his head, was silent awhile; when at +last he spoke his voice sounded anything but harsh. + +"You're a good soul, Sergeant Zeb, a good soul. But that which +is----impossible can--er--can never be. + + 'Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy: + Age and Youth together is but folly.' + + +"'Tis a true saying, Zeb," he sighed, "a true saying and not to be +controverted." + +"Certainly not, sir," answered the Sergeant, "and you'll find your +History o' Fortification a-laying on the table in the arbour, sir, also +pens and ink, also pipe and tobacco, also tinder-box, also----" + +"Why then, Zeb, since as you say the sun is so warm and the air so +balmy I'll go out and sit awhile and dream I'm young again, for to +youth all things are possible--or seem so." And, sighing, he limped +forth into the sunshine. But now, as he went slowly towards the +orchard, he smiled more than once, and once he murmured: + +"God bless his honest heart!" + +Thus, slow and listless of step, he came at last into the pleasant +seclusion of the orchard and, with head bowed and shoulders drooping +like one that is very weary, entered the cool shadow of the hutch-like +sentry-box and started back, trembling all at once and with breath in +check. + +She sat looking up at him, great-eyed and very still, yet all vigorous +young life from the glossy love-lock above white brow to her dainty +riding-boot. + +"Why John," said she softly, "do I fright you? Will you run from me +again you great, big, 'Fighting d'Arcy'?" And now, because of his +look, over snowy neck and cheek and brow crept a rosy flush, her lips +quivered to a shy smile, never had she seemed so maidenly or so +alluring; the Major clenched his fists and bowed his head. "John," she +commanded tenderly, "come you hither to me!" and she patted the seat +beside her with white hand invitingly. Major d'Arcy never stirred, so +she reached out and catching him by the skirt of his coat, drew him +near and nearer until he was seated beside her. + +"And now," she questioned, "why do you tramp to and fro sleepless all +night? Why do you gallop away at sight of me? Why are your poor +cheeks so pale and your eyes so heavy with pain? Why do you sit and +stare mumchance? Why? Why? Why?" + +Now looking down into these bright eyes that met his so unflinchingly, +hearkening to her soft and tender voice, his own eyes blenched and +putting up his hands he covered his face that he might not see all the +beauty of her and when he spoke his voice was hoarse and broken. + +"My lady--why are you here--after last night? Dear God!" + +"Because you need me, John, to comfort you, 'twould seem. If indeed +you are bewitched by cruel fancies I am here to drive them away." + +"Would to God you might," he groaned, "or that I had died before last +night!" + +"John," said she gently, "John--look at me! Do I seem changed, less +worthy your love?" + +"No, no, and yet--God help me--I saw, I heard!" + +"What did you hear?" + +"Your words of love--last night--in the arbour--your kisses." + +At this, she started but her glance never wavered. + +"What did you see?" + +"I saw--him--damn him--leap back over the wall--Dalroyd!" + +"Dalroyd!" she gasped, "Dalroyd--are you sure?" + +"I had him in my grip! I looked into his evil face----" + +"Dalroyd!" she whispered, and with the word her proud head drooped and +he saw her hands were shaking. + +"Betty," said he hoarsely, "O Betty, 'tis not that my dream of +possessing you is done, but--dear heaven--that it should be--such a +man! For if I do guess aright he is one so vile, so----" + +"John!" she cried, "O think you 'twas to meet--him, I was there?" + +"Aye, I saw him--fresh from your embraces--the damnable rogue boasted +of it and I was minded to strangle him--but--for your sake----" + +"My sake?" + +My lady rose and stood very pale and still, looking down at the Major's +agony. + +"And you think," she questioned softly, "you believe I was there to +meet--him, at such an hour?" + +"Betty--Betty--God help me--what am I to think?" + +"What you will!" she answered. "Therein shall be your punishment!" +And turning she would have left him, but he caught at her habit. + +"My lady," he pleaded, "for God's sweet sake be merciful and deny it. +Tell me I dreamed--say that my eyes saw falsely, tell me so in mercy +and I'll believe." + +"No!" she said dully, "No! Were I to swear this on my knees yet deep +within your heart this evil doubt would still rear its head----" + +"Nay, nay--I vow--I swear!" + +"You have been so swift to spy out evil in me from the first," she went +on in the same passionless voice, "first you thought me a wild hoyden, +then unvirginal, now--now, a sly wanton! So will I make your evil +thoughts so many whips to scourge you for all your cruel doubt of me!" + +Saying which, she broke from him and crossing the orchard on flying +feet reached the ladder set for her there by the Sergeant's willing +hands, she mounted, then paused to glance back over her shoulder but +seeing how the Major remained meekly where she had left him, his head +bowed humbly between clasping hands, she frowned, bit her lip, then +gathering up the voluminous folds of her riding-habit climbed back very +dexterously over the wall, frowned at him again, shook her head at him +and vanished. + +But then--ah then, being hid from all chance of observation she leaned +smooth cheek against the unfeeling bricks and mortar of that old +weather-beaten wall and fell to a silent passion of grief. + +"O John!" she whispered, "O foolish, blundering, cruel John dear--I +wonder if you'll ever know--how much I yearned--to kiss your dear, sad, +tired eyes!" + +Then, drying her tears, she lifted proud head and walked with much +dignified composure into the house. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +WHICH RELATES HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING QUELLED SCANDAL WITH A +PEWTER-POT + +The tap-room of the ancient "George and Dragon" Inn is a long, low, +irregular chamber full of odd and unexpected corners in one of which, +towards the hour of three, sat Sergeant Zebedee Tring as was his wont +so to do. A large tankard of foaming Kentish ale stood before him from +which he regaled himself ever and anon the while he perused a somewhat +crumpled and ragged news-sheet. But to-day, as the Sergeant +alternately sipped and read he paused very often to frown across the +length of the room towards a noisy group at the farther end; a +boisterous company, whose fine clothes and smart liveries proclaimed +their gilded servitude and who lounged, yawned, snuffed, sipped their +wine or spirits and lisped polite oaths and fashionable scandal all +with as fine, as correct and supercilious an air as either of their +several masters could have done or any other fine gallants in St. +James's. Moreover it was to be noticed, that each of them had modelled +himself, in more or less degree, upon the gentleman who happened to +rejoice in his service; hence man was faintly reminiscent of master. + +"Josh, my nib," said an extremely languid individual, sticking out a +leg and looking at it with as much lazy approval as my Lord Alvaston +might have regarded his own shapely limb, "Josh, my sunbeam, there's +something up--stap my vital organ!" + +"Up, sir, up?" enquired a stoutish, pompous person, inhaling a pinch of +snuff with all the graceful hauteur of Sir Benjamin himself, "Up, +William--up what, up where? Od, sir--pronounce, discover." + +"Josh, my bird, here's my guv'nor--here's Alvaston been a-sweating and +swearing, writin' o' verses--poetical verses all the morning--which +same is dooced queer, Josh, queer, fishy and highly disturbing--burn my +neck if t'ain't." + +"Od!" exclaimed the dignified Josh, "Od, sir, I protest 'tis a amazing +co-in-seedence, here's mine been doing the actool same--I found Sir +Benjamin up to the same caper, sir--ink all over 'imself--his +ruffles--'oly heaven. And poitry too, William, s'elp me!" + +"Egad! My eye!" exclaimed a pale youth remarkable for a long nose and +shrill voice, "O strike me pale blue, 'tis a plague o' po'try and +they've all been and took it. Here's Marchdale rings me up at three +o'clock in the morning and when I tumbled up, here's him in his +nightcap and a bottle o' port as I thought I'd put safe out of his +reach, a-staring doleful at a sheet o' paper. 'Horace,' says he, +fierce-like, 'Give me a rhyme for "Bet,"' says he. 'Sir, I hasn't got +e'er a one about me,' I says. 'Then find one this instant,' says he. +'Why then sir, 'ow about "debt?"' I says and he--ups and throws the +bottle at me!" + +"'Twas a poetical frenzy, Horace," explained a horsey-looking wight, +winking knowingly, "most poits gets took that way when they're at +it--Alton does, only 'twas his boot which me ducking--went clean +through the winder." + +"Pink my perishing soul!" ejaculated the languid William in sleepy +horror, "so they're all at it!" + +"'Od refuse me, gentlemen," said Josh, smiting plump fist on table, "we +must look into this before it goes too far----" + +"I'm with you, Josh," piped the shrill Horace, "a bottle at your head +ain't to be took smiling--nor yet to be sneezed at, strike me pink! +Besides I ain't drawed to po'try--it ain't gentleman-like, I call it +damned low, gentlemen, eh?" + +"Low?" repeated the solemn Josh musingly, "why no, it's hardly that, +sir, there's verse, ye see, and there's poetry and t'other's very +different from which--O very." + +"And what's the diff, my flower?" + +"Why, there's poetry, William, and there's verse, now verse is low I +grant you, 'od sir, verse is as low as low, but poetry is one o' the +harts, O poetry's very sooperior, a gentleman may be permitted to write +poetry when so moody and I shan't quarrel with him, but--writing it +for--money! Then 'tis mere verse, sir, and won't do not by no means. +Verse is all right in its place, Grub Street or a attic, say, but in +the gilded halls of nobility--forbid it, heaven--it won't do, sir, it +ain't the thing, sir--away with it!" + +"Ah, but we ain't in the gilded halls, we're in the country, sir, and +the country's enough to drive a man to anything--even poetry, Josh, my +tulip! Nothing to see but grass and dung hills, hedges and +haystacks--O damme!" + +"And a occasional dairymaid!" added Horace, laying a finger to his long +nose, "Don't forget the dear, simple, rural creeters!" At this ensued +much loud laughter and stamping of feet with shouts of: "A health, +Horace is right! A toast to the rural beauties!" + +Hereupon the Sergeant lowered the crumpled news-sheet and his scowl +grew blacker than ever. + +"Dairymaids?" exclaimed the languid William, turning the wineglass on +his stubby finger, "Dairymaids--faugh, gentlemen! Joe and me and +Charles does fly at higher game, we do, I vow. We've discovered a +rustic Vanus! Rabbit me--a peach! A blooming plum--round and +ripe--aha! A parfect goddess! Let me parish if London could boast a +finer! Such a shape! Such a neck! Such dem'd, see-doocing, roguish +eyes, egad!" + +"Name--name!" they roared in chorus, "Spit out her name, William!" + +"Her name, sirs, begins with a A and ends with another on 'em." Here +the Sergeant sat up suddenly and laid aside the crumpled news-sheet. +"Begins with a A, sirs," repeated William, still busy with his +wineglass, "and ends with a A and it ain't Anna. And--aha, such a +waist, such pretty wicked little feet, such----" + +"Name!" chorused the others, "Name!" + +But, at this juncture the door opened and a man entered rather hastily: +his dress was sedate, his air was sedate, indeed he seemed sedateness +personified, though the Sergeant, scowling at him over his tankard, +thought his eyes a little too close together. He was evidently held in +much esteem by the company for his entrance was hailed with acclaim: + +"What, Joe! Joey--ha, Joseph," cried the pompous Josh, "you do come +pat, sir, pat--we'm just a-discussing of the Sex--Gad bless 'em!" + +"Dear creeters!" added Horace, fingering his long nose. + +"Woman--divine Woman for ever!" said Joseph, "Woman, sirs, man's joy +and curse, his woe and consolation!" + +"Sweet creeters!" added Horace. "But William here tells us of a rural +beauty--a peach and a Vanus as you and him's got your peepers on, Joe, +so we, being all friends and jolly dogs, demands the fair one's name." + +"One minute and I'm with you," answered the sedate and obsequious +Joseph, "business first, pleasure after!" So saying he beckoned to a +man who had followed him in from the road, a tall dark, gipsy-looking +fellow at sight of whom the Sergeant clenched his fists and murmured +"Zounds!" The obsequious Joe having brought the fellow into an +adjacent corner remote from the noisy company, broke into soft but +fierce speech: + +"So you'll follow me--even here, will you?" + +"Why for sure, Nick, for sure I'll follow you to----" + +"My name's Joe, curse you!" + +"Then 'Joe' we'll make it, Nick. And I foller ye for the sake o' past +merry days, Joey, and--a guinea now and then, pal." + +The Sergeant, who had risen, sat down again. + +"Blackmail, eh?" snarled Joseph. + +"Don't go for to be 'arsh, Joey lad--a guinea, come! Or shall I ax +'ee, here afore your fine pals to pipe us a chaunt o' the High Toby----" + +"Hold your dirty tongue you----" + +"A guinea, pal--say a guinea, come!" + +"Take it and be damned!" + +"Thank 'ee kindly, Joey, and mind this--now as ever I'm your man if you +should want anyone----" here the fellow made an ugly motion with his +thumb, nodded, winked, and crossing to the door, took himself off. + +Sergeant Zebedee was about to follow when he checked himself and +clenched his fists again. + +"Begins with a A and ends with another A?" cried one of the company. +"Question remains--who, Joey, who? Speak up, Joseph." + +The sedate Joseph had crossed to his companions and now stood glancing +sedately round the merry circle. + +"Well, since you ask," he answered, "who should it be but Mistress +Agatha--pretty Mrs. Agatha at the Manor House." + +The Sergeant's nostrils widened suddenly and his grim jaws closed with +a snap. + +"Such a shape!" repeated the languid William. "Such a waist! Such +dem'd, see-doocing, roguish eyes, begad!" + +"Ah, and she knows it too!" piped Horace, "not a civil word for e'er a +one on us, let alone a kiss or a sly squeeze! And why----?" + +"Because," drawled Joseph, shaking sleek head, "because--since you ask +me, I answer you as she is meat for her betters--her master, +belike--the Major with the game leg--Squire d'Arcy of the Manor." + +The Sergeant glanced into his tankard, found therein a few frothy +drops, spilled them carefully upon the floor and hurled the empty +vessel at the last speaker. Fortunately for himself the discreet +Joseph moved at that moment and the heavy missile, hurtling past his +ear, caught the long-nosed Horace in the waistcoat and floored him. +Whirling about, Joseph was amazed to see the Sergeant advancing swiftly +and with evident intent, and the next moment all was riot and uproar. +Over crashed the table, chairs and their occupants were scattered right +and left and there rose a cloud of dust that grew ever thicker wherein +two forms, fiercely-grappled, writhed and smote and twisted. + +And, after some while, the dust subsiding a little, the startled +company beheld Sergeant Zebedee Tring sitting astride his antagonist +who writhed feebly and groaned fitfully. Seated thus the Sergeant +proceeded to re-settle his neat wig which had shed much of its powder, +to tuck up his ruffles and to dust the marks of combat from his +garments; having done which to his satisfaction and recovered his wind +meantime, he addressed the gaping company. + +"One o' you sons o' dirt bring me my hat!" The article in question +being promptly handed to him, he put it on, with due care for the curls +of his wig and glared round upon each of the spectators in turn: + +"Now if," said he at last, "if there's any other vermin-rogue has got +aught to say agin his betters, two in particular, I shall be happy to +tear his liver out and kick same through winder! Is there now?" + +Ensued a silence broken only by a faint groaning from the obsequious +Joe; whereupon the Sergeant proceeded: + +"You will all o' you notice as I'm sitting on this here piece o' filth +as is shaped like a man--I don't like to, but I do it because he won't +stand up and fight, if he would--ah, if he only would, I'd have his +liver so quick as never was, d'ye see, because he spoke dirt regarding +two o' the sweetest, noblest folk as brightens this here dark world. +Further and moreover I, now a-sitting on this piece o' rottenness, do +give warning doo--warning to all and sundry, to each and every--that if +ever a one o' you says the like again--ah, or whispers same, in my +hearing or out, that man's liver is going to be took out and throwed on +the nearest dung-hill where same belongs. Finally and lastly, if +there's ever a one o' you as feels inclined to argufy the point let him +now speak or for ever hold his peace and be damned! Is there now?" + +As no one breathed a word, the Sergeant sighed, rose from the moaning +Joseph and, crossing the room, picked up his battered tankard and shook +gloomy head over it; then, handing it to the round-eyed landlord, +sighed again: + +"That'll be the second tankard I shall ha' paid for in the last six +weeks, Jem," said he, "I do seem oncommon misfort'nate with +pewter-ware!" + +So saying, he nodded and turning his back on the silent and chastened +company, marched blithely homeward. + +Now presently as he went, he was surprised to see the Major, who stood +beside the way, his hands crossed upon his crab-tree staff, his laced +hat a little askew, his grey eyes staring very hard at a weatherbeaten +stile. As the Sergeant drew near, he started, and lifting his gaze, +nodded. + +"Ha, Zeb," said he, thoughtfully, "I'm faced with a problem of no small +magnitude, Zeb--a question of no little difficulty!" and he became lost +in contemplation of a lark carolling high overhead. + +"Nothing serious I hope, your honour?" + +"Serious, why--no Zeb, no. And yet 'tis a matter demanding a nice +judgment, a--er--a reasoned deliberation, as 'twere." + +"Certainly, sir!" + +"Yet for the life of me I can come to no decision for one of 'em is +much like t'other after all save for colour, d'ye see, Zeb, and serve +the same purpose. Yet to-morrow--to-morrow I would look my very best +and--er--youngest as 'twere, Zeb." + +"Meaning which and who, sir--how and where, your honour?" + +"Come and see, Zeb." + +Herewith the Major turned and strode away, the Sergeant marching +exactly two paces in his rear and without another word until, reaching +the study in due course, the Major carefully closed the door and +pointed with his crab-tree staff to some half-dozen of his new suits of +clothes disposed advantageously on table and chairs. + +"There they are, Zeb," said he, "though egad, now I look at 'em again +they don't seem exactly right, somehow----" + +"Why, sir, you've only got 'em mixed up a bit--this here dove-coloured +coat goes wi' these here breeches and vicey-versey--this mulberry +velvet wi'-- + +"Aye, to be sure, Zeb, to be sure. Now I see 'em so, I rather think +we'll make it the mulberry, though to be sure the pearl-grey hath its +merits--hum! We must deliberate, Zeb! 'Twill be either the mulberry +or the grey or the blue and silver or t'other with the embroidery +or--hum! 'Tis a problem, Zeb, a problem--we must think--a council of +war!" + +"Aye, sir!" answered the Sergeant, staring. + +"Anyway, 'twill be one of them, Zeb--to-morrow afternoon. To be sure I +rather fancy the orange-tawney, and yet the blue and silver--hum!" + +Here the perplexed Major crossed to the mullioned window and standing +there drew a letter from his pocket and unfolding it with reverent +fingers read these words: + + +"DEAR AND MOST CRUEL MAJOR JOHN, + +To-morrow is to be an occasion, therefore to-morrow I do invite you to +come at four of the clock, or as soon after as you will, to look upon +the sad, pale and woeful face of + + deeply wronged, + much abused, + cruelly slandered, + ELIZABETH. + +To Major ill-thinking, vile-imagining, basely-suspecting d'Arcy--these." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +DESCRIBES A TRIUMPH AND A DEFEAT + +Lady Belinda leaning back upon her cushioned day-bed, glanced up from +the open book before her and surveyed her niece's lovely, down-bent +head with curious solicitude. + +"Betty, love," said she at last, "Bet, my sweet witch, you're +vapourish! So will I read to thee--list to this," and lifting her +book, Lady Belinda read as follows: "'It must be granted that delicacy +is essential to the composition of female beauty and that strength and +robustness are contrary to the idea of it.' Alack, Betty, dear child +and my sweet, I do fear you are dreadfully robust and almost +repulsively strong! Hearken again: 'The beauty of women is greatly +owing to their delicacy and weakness'--O my love, how just! I myself +was ever most sincerely delicate and weak! How very, very true!" Here +Lady Belinda paused, eyeing her niece expectantly, but, in place of +indignant outburst, was silence; Betty sat apparently lost in mournful +reverie. + +"You like Mr. Dalroyd, I think, aunt?" she enquired suddenly. + +"Indeed--a charming man! So elegant! Such an air--and such--O my +dear--such a leg!" + +"Major d'Arcy has a leg also, aunt--two of 'em!" + +"And limps!" added Lady Belinda, "Limps woefully at times!" + +"'Tis a mark of distinction in a soldier!" exclaimed Betty, flushing. + +"True, dear Bet, very true--a mark of distinction as you say, though it +quite spoils his grace of carriage. Still, despite his limp, the Major +hath admirable limbs--a leetle robust and ultra-developed perhaps, +child, doubtless due to his marching and counter-marching, whatever +that may be. None the less, though I grant you his leg, Bet--he limps! +Now Mr. Dalroyd, on the other hand----" + +"Leg, aunt!" + +"Lud, child----!" + +"His leg, dear aunt, keep to his leg!" + +"Gracious me, miss--what under heaven----" + +"Legs, aunt, legs!" + +"Mercy on us, Betty, what of his legs?" + +"They are bearing him hither at this moment, dear aunt." + +"O Gemini!" wailed the Lady Belinda, starting up from her cushions. +"Heaven's mercy, Bet, how can you! And me in this gown--behold me--so +faded and woebegone----" + +"Nay, dear aunt, a little rouge----" + +"I meant my garments, miss--look at 'em! And my hair! Ring the +bell--call the maids! I vow I shall swoon an' he catch me so----" + +"Nay, aunt, you do look very well and Sir Benjamin----" + +"He too!" shrieked Lady Belinda, "I faint! I'm all of a twitter--I---- + +"And Lord Alvaston, aunt, and the Marquis, and Mr. Marchdale, and Major +d'Arcy----" but Lady Belinda had fled, twittering. + +Left alone, Betty grew restless, crossed to the open lattice and +frowned at the flowers on the terrace, crossed to her harp in the +corner and struck a discord with petulant fingers, took up her aunt's +discarded book, frowned at that, dropped it; finally she sat down and +propping white chin on white fist, stared down at her own pretty foot. + +"I wonder if you'll come?" she murmured. "Major John, O John, you +cruel Jack, I wonder if--all night long--you lay wakeful, too? I +wonder--ah, I wonder if----" + +A tapping at the door and, starting up, she stood bright-eyed, rosy +lips apart, all shy expectancy from head to foot then, sighing, sank +gracefully upon the day-bed and took up her aunt's discarded book as +the door opened and the large menial announced: + +"Mr. Dalroyd!" + +My lady rose majestically and never had she greeted Mr. Dalroyd with +such a radiant smile. + +"You are come betimes, sir!" she said gently as he bowed to kiss her +hand. + +"Is that so great matter for wonder?" he enquired, his ardent gaze +drinking in her loveliness. "You know full well, sweet Lady Coquetry, +'tis ever my joy and constant aim to--be alone with you, to touch this +white hand, to kiss----" + +"Fie, sir!" she sighed, but provocation was in the droop of eyelash, +the tremulous curve of lip and in all the soft, voluptuous languor of +her. + +Mr. Dalroyd's usually pale cheek glowed, his long, white hands twitched +restless fingers and he seated himself beside her. + +"Betty," he murmured, "O Betty, how delicious you are! From the first +moment I saw you I----" + +"'Twas at Bath, I think, sir, or was it at Tunbridge?" + +"Nay, my lady, since we're alone, have done with trifling----" + +"But indeed, sir, 'tis a trifling matter since you and I are but +trifles in a trifling world. And 'tis a trifling day--and mine is a +trifling humour so, since we're alone, let us trifle. And speaking of +trifles--have you writ me the trifling ode I did command, sir?" + +"Faith no, madam, there are so many to do that and I would fain be +exempt. Where others scribble bad verses to your charms I would feast +my sight upon them. Look you, Betty," he continued, leaning nearer, +his languid eyes grown suddenly wide, his thin nostrils quivering. +"I'm no tame dog to run in leash like the rest of your train of lovers, +to come at your call and go when you are weary--content with a word, a +glance--treasuring a rose from your bosom, a riband from your hair and +seeking nought beyond--no, by God! 'tis you I want--fast in my arms, +close on my heart, panting 'neath my kisses----" As he spoke he drew +yet nearer until his hot breath was upon her cheek, wherefore my lady +put up her fan and, leaning there all gracious ease surveyed him with +clear, unswerving gaze, his ill-restrained ferocity, his clutching +fingers, his eyes aflame with passionate desire; and beholding all +this, my lady dazzled him with her smile and nodded lovely head: + +"O excellently done!" she laughed lightly. "Indeed, sir, now you do +trifle to admiration!" + +"Trifle?" he exclaimed hoarsely, "Trifle is it? Not I, by heaven--ah +Betty--maddening witch----" His arms came out fiercely but, before he +could clasp her, she had risen and stepped back out of reach, looking +down at him with the same steady gaze, the same bewildering smile. + +"Nay, sir," she said gently, "though in this trifling world you are but +a trifle, 'tis true, yet your trifling offends me like your +neighbourhood!" and crossing to the open lattice she leaned there, +staring out into the sunny garden. Mr. Dalroyd watched her awhile +beneath drooping lids then, rising, sauntered after her. + +"And pray, madam, why this sudden, haughty repugnance?" he demanded +softly, "you know and have known from the first, that I love you." + +"Why then, 'tis an ugly thing, your love!" + +"'Tis very real, Betty, I live but to win you and--win you I shall." + +"You are vastly confident, sir." + +"Truly," he smiled, "'tis so my nature. And I am determined to possess +you--soon or late, Betty." + +"Even against my will?" she questioned. + +"Aye, against your will!" he murmured. + +"Even supposing that I--despised you?" + +"'Twould but make you the more adorable, Betty." + +"Even though you knew I--loved another man?" + +"'Twould make you the more desirable, Betty." + +At this she turned and looked at him and, under that look, Mr. Dalroyd +actually lowered his eyes; but his laugh was light enough none the less. + +"Betty," he continued softly, "I would peril my immortal soul to +possess you and, despite all your haughty airs and graces--win you I +will----" + +"Enough, sir!" she retorted, "Am I so weak of will, think you, to wed +where I so utterly--despise?" And, viewing him from head to foot with +her calm gaze, she laughed and turned from him as from one of no +account. For one breathless moment Mr. Dalroyd stood utterly still +then, stung beyond endurance, his modish languor swept away on a +torrent of furious anger, he came close beside her and stood striving +for speech; and she, leaning gracefully at the open casement, hummed +the lines of a song to herself very prettily, heeding him not at all. + +"Madam!" said he, thickly, "By God, madam, none hath ever scorned me +with impunity--or ever shall! Hark'ee madam----" + +My lady gazed pensive upon the sunny garden and went on humming. + +"Ha, by heaven!" he exclaimed, "I swear you shall humble yourself +yet--you shall come to me, one o' these days soon and leave your pride +behind. D'ye hear madam, d'ye hear my will shall be your law yet----" + +Now at this she turned and laughed full-throated and ever as she +laughed she mocked him: + +"Indeed, sir, and indeed? Shall I run humbly to your call? Must I +creep to you on lowly knees----" + +"Aye--by God, you shall!" he cried, his passion shaking him. + +"And must I plead and beg and sue, must I weep and sigh and moan and +groan? And to you--you, of all trifling things? I wonder why?" + +"For your brother's sake!" he answered between white teeth, stung at +last out of all restraint. + +"My brother--my Charles? What can you know of him--you?" + +"Enough to hang him!" + +Once again her laughter rang out, a joyous, rippling peal: + +"O Mr. Dalroyd!" she cried at last, dabbing at her bright eyes with +dainty handkerchief, "O, indeed, sir, here is trifling more to my +mind--nay, prithee loose my hand!" + +Mr. Dalroyd obeyed and stepped back rather hastily as the door opened +and the footman announced: + +"Major d'Arcy!" + +The Major advanced a couple of strides then halted, fumbled with his +laced hat and looked extremely uncomfortable; next moment my lady was +greeting him gaily: + +"Welcome, dear Major! You know Mr. Dalroyd, I think--so gay, so witty! +Just now he is at his very gayest and wittiest, he is about telling me +something extreme diverting in regard to my brother, my dear, wilful +Charles--but you have never met my brother, I think, Major d'Arcy?" + +"Never, madam!" he answered, bowing over her hand and dropping it +rather as if it had stung him. + +"Why then, sir," she laughed, "Mr. Dalroyd shall tell you all about +him. Pray proceed, Mr. Dalroyd." + +But hereupon Mr. Dalroyd having acknowledged the Major's stiff bow, +stood fingering the long curls of his peruke and, for once in his life, +felt himself entirely at a loss; as for the Major, he stood in +wondering amazement, staring at my lady's laughing face as if he had +never seen it before in all his days. + +"Come, sir, come!" she commanded, viewing Mr. Dalroyd's perplexity with +eyes very bright and malicious, "Charles is for ever playing some +naughty trick or other, tell us his latest." + +"Faith, madam," said Mr. Dalroyd at last, "I, like Major d'Arcy, have +never had the good fortune to meet your brother." + +"But you have seen him and very lately, I think--yes, I'm sure you +have--confess!" + +"Nay indeed, my lady, how--where should I see him----" + +"Why with me of course, sir, last night--in the arbour." + +Mr. Dalroyd recoiled a slow step, his heavy eyelids fluttered and fell, +then happening to glance at the Major, he saw his face suddenly +transfigured with a radiant joy, beholding which, Mr. Dalroyd's +delicate nostrils twitched again and his long white fingers writhed and +clenched themselves; then he turned upon my lady, seemed about to burst +into passionate speech but bowed instead and strode from the room. + +Left alone, the Major dropped his hat and my lady turning back to the +casement, leaned there and began to sing softly to herself, an old, +merry song: + + "A young cavalier he rode on his way + Singing heigho, this loving is folly." + + +"Betty," said the Major humbly, "O Betty--forgive me!" + + "And there met him a lady so frolic and gay + Singing, heigho, all loving is folly." + + +"Betty, I--O my dear love--my lady," he stammered, "I know that my +offence is great--very heinous. I have wronged you in thought and in +word--I should have known you were the sweet soul God made you. But +I--I am only a very ordinary man, very blind, very unworthy and, I fear +but ill-suited to one so young--but indeed I do love you better than my +life so may Love plead my forgiveness. But if I have sinned too +grievously, if forgiveness is impossible then will I very humbly-- + + "So he lighted him down and he louted him low + Singing heigho, be not melancholy, + And he kissed her white hand and her red mouth also + Singing heigho, love's quarrels are folly." + + +She stood waiting--waiting for the swift tread of feet behind her, for +the masterful passion of his clasping arms, for his pleading kisses; +instead, she heard him sigh and limp heavily to the door. Then she +turned to face him and, being disappointed, grew angry and disdainful. + +"Major d'Arcy," she cried, "O Major d'Arcy--what a runaway coward you +are!" + +He paused and stood regarding her wistfully and lo! as he looked her +mocking glance wavered and fell, her lip quivered and almost in that +instant he had her in his arms; but now, even now, when she lay all +soft and tremulous in his embrace, he must needs stay to humbly plead +her forgiveness, and then--Sir Benjamin Tripp's voice was heard in the +hall beyond: + +"Od's body, I do protest Dalroyd can be almost offensive at times!" + +When the door opened Major d'Arcy stood staring blindly out of the +window his clenched fists thrust deep into the pockets of the +dove-coloured coat, and my lady, seated afar, frowned at her dainty +shoe; next moment she had risen and was greeting the company all smiles +and gaiety. + +"Dear my lady," cried Sir Benjamin, bowing over her white hand with +elaborate grace, "your most submissive humble! Major d'Arcy +sir--yours! Sweet Madam, most beauteous Queen of Hearts, you behold us +hither come, rivals one and all for your sweet graces, yet rivals +united in hem! in worship of Our Admirable Betty!" + +At this was a loud hum of approval with much graceful bending of backs, +shooting of ruffles and tapping of snuff-boxes. + +"Here in bowery Westerham," continued Sir Benjamin, laced handkerchief +gracefully a-flutter, "here in this smiling countryside celebrated +alike for hem! for beauty--I say for beauty and--and-- + +"Beer!" suggested his lordship sleepily. + +"No, no, Alvaston--'od, no sir--tush! Egad you quite put me out! +Where was I? Aye--the smiling country-side famous alike for beauty of +scene, of womenkind, of----" + +"Horses!" said the Marquis. + +"A plague o' your horses, sir!" + +"But Ben----" + +"I say I'll have none of 'em, sir! Here, dear lady, within these +Arcadian solitudes we exist like so many Hermits of Love, passing our +days immune from strife political and the clash of faction, remote from +the joys of London--its wose, its hem! I say its----" + +"Dust!" sighed Sir Jasper. + +"Aye, its dust, its----" + +"Watchmen!" quoth Mr. Marchdale. + +"Watchmen?" repeated Sir Benjamin doubtfully. "Y--es, its watchmen, +its woes, its----" + +"Smells!" yawned Lord Alvaston. + +"Smells?" gasped Sir Benjamin, "'Od requite me sir--smells, sir!" + +"What smells?" enquired Lady Belinda, pausing abruptly on the threshold +with hands clasped. "Not fire? O Gemini, I shall swoon! Sir +Benjamin, your arm pray, positively I languish at the bare idea--fire?" + +"No, no, madam," exclaimed Sir Benjamin, supporting her to a chair, +"here is no fire save the flames engendered of love, madam, for as I +was saying-- + +"Stay, dear Sir Ben," laughed Betty, "first tell me, have you all writ +me your odes?" + +"'Od support me, yes faith, madam, we have writ you, rhymed you and +versified you to a man, and it hath been agreed betwixt us, one and +all, that hem! before these same odes, sonnets, triolets, vilanelles, +rondeaus, chants-royal, ballades and the like be humbly submitted to +you, we their authors shall hem! Shall----" + +"Hold, my Benjamin, hold!" exclaimed Lord Alvaston. "Too much beating +'bout bush, Ben my boy. Dear Lady Bet, what poor Ben's been trying t' +say, wants t' say, but don't know how t' say 's simply this--that +having wrote odes 'n' things, we're minded t' read 'em t' each other +and pass judgment on 'em, 'n' whoever has-- + +"Clapped the firmest saddle on Pegasus," continued the Marquis, "will +be given----" + +"He means whoso hath writ the best, Betty," Mr. Marchdale explained +with youthful gravity. + +"Shall be given three laps and a fly-away start in the Wooing +Handicap," the Marquis continued. + +"'Od--'Od's my life!" ejaculated Sir Benjamin indignantly, "We're not +in the stables now, Alton! Suffer me to explain clearly----" + +"But--wooing handicap?" repeated Betty, wrinkling her brows in +puzzlement. + +"Matrimonial Stakes, then," continued the irrepressible Marquis. "You +see, Bet, we are all riding in this race for you and it has been ruled +that----" + +"My lady," sighed the soulful Sir Jasper, "it hath been agreed that +whoso indites the worthiest screed to your beauty, he whose poor verses +shall be judged most worthy shall be awarded three clear days wherein +to plead his suit with thee, to humbly sigh, to sue, to----" + +"A clear field and no favour, my lady!" the Marquis added. + +"And," sighed Sir Jasper, "thrice happy mortal he who shall be +privileged to call thee 'wife'!" + +"Indeed, indeed," laughed my lady, "'tis vastly, excellently quaint----" + +"My idea!" said the Captain, shooting his ruffles. "Came to me--in a +moment--like a flash!" + +"Though truly," she sighed, "I do begin to think I ne'er shall wed and +be doomed to lead apes in hell as they say--unless for a penance I +marry Mr. Dalroyd or--Major d'Arcy! But come," she continued, smiling +down their many protests and rising, "let us into the garden, 'tis +shady on the lawn, we'll act a charade! Sir Jasper, your hand, pray." +Thereupon, with a prodigious fluttering of lace ruffles, the flash of +jewelled sword-hilts and shoe-buckles, the sheen of rich satins and +velvets, the gallant company escorted my lady into the garden and +across the smooth lawn. + +"'Tis a pert and naughty puss!" exclaimed Lady Belinda, studying the +Major's downcast face, "Indeed a graceless, heartless piece, sir!" + +"Er--yes, mam," he answered abstractedly. + +"A very wicked and irreverent baggage, Major!" + +"Certainly, mam." + +"Indeed, dear sir, what with her airy graces and her graceless airs I +do shudder for her future, my very soul positively--shivers!" + +"Shiver, mam?" enquired the Major, starting. "Shiver? Why 'tis very +warm, I think----" + +"Nay, this was an inward shiver, sir, a spasmic shudder o' the soul! +Indeed she doeth me constant outrage." + +"Who, mam?" + +"Why Betty, for sure." Here the Major sighed again, his wistful gaze +wandered back to the open lattice and he fell to deep and melancholy +reverie the while Lady Belinda observed him sharp-eyed, his face leanly +handsome framed in the glossy curls of his great peruke, the exquisite +cut of his rich garments and the slender grace of the powerful figure +they covered, his high-bred air, his grave serenity mingled with a shy +reserve; finally she spoke: + +"Major d'Arcy, your arm pray--let us go sit out upon the terrace." + +"Your--er--pardon madam," he answered a little diffidently, "I was but +now thinking of taking--er--my departure----" + +"Go sir--O no sir! Tut Major and fie! What would Betty think of your +so sudden desertion? Besides, I feel talkative--let us sit and tattle +awhile, let us conspire together to the future good of my naughty niece +and your wild nephew--Pancras. Though, by the way, sir, I didn't know +Pancras had an uncle." + +"Nor has he, mam," answered the Major, escorting her out upon the +terrace and sitting down rather unwillingly, "I am but his uncle +by--er--adoption, as 'twere." + +"Adoption, sir?" + +"He adopted me years ago--he was but a child then, d'ye see, and +something solitary." + +"Mm!" said Lady Belinda thoughtfully, viewing the Major's courtly +figure again, "Indeed you are looking vastly well to-day, sir--grey is +such an angelic tint--so spiritual! And young--I protest you look as +young as Pancras himself!" The Major flushed and shifted uneasily on +his seat. "And pray why doth Pancras tarry so long in London?" + +"He writes that he is stayed by affairs of moment, mam." + +"Then I vow 'tis most provoking in him! Here are you and I both +a-burning to marry him to Bet--aren't we, dear Major?" + +"Why as to that, mam--er--ah----" The Major grew muffled and +incoherent. + +"And here's Betty so carelessly rampageous--so, so lost to all sense of +feminine weakness, alack!" + +"Weakness?" murmured the Major. + +"And so masculinely audacious! O dear sir, the vain hours I have spent +trying to instil into her a little ladylike languor, a soft and +feminine meekness! But alas! Betty is anything but meek--now is she?" + +"Why--ah--perhaps not, mam--not exactly meek, as 'twere--and yet----" + +"And she fears nought i' the world, living or dead, but a mouse!" + +"But pray, mam, what should she fear?" + +"La sir, what but your naughty, wicked sex. I vow, ere to-day, I've +swooned at the merest sight of a man!" + +"You--you've conquered the habit, I trust, mam?" enquired the Major a +little anxiously. + +"Indeed no, dear Major, I fear I never shall!" + +"You don't feel any--inclination--now, mam?" + +"Nay sir, unless you give me cause----" + +"Egad, mam, I won't! Trust me----" + +"Trust a man? Never, sir, 'tis a naughty sex. But talking of Bet, her +head is quite turned, she suffers constantly from a surfeit of +worshipping wooers, her will is their law, her merest glance or gesture +a command--see her yonder, surrounded by her court yet must she have +you also--see how she summons you!" + +"Summons me--me, mam?" enquired the Major, a little breathlessly. +"Nay, I see no summons!" + +"With her eyes, sir!" + +"Indeed she doth but glance this way." + +"I know that trick o' the eyelash, sir! But as I say, Bet hath been +spoiled by a too implicit masculine obedience, she groweth more +imperious daily. If she but had someone to thwart her a little, cross +her occasionally, 'twould do her a world of good." + +"Certainly, mam!" he answered, all his attention centred upon that +lovely, animated form on the lawn below. + +"See--now she beckons you!" + +"Egad, so she does!" he exclaimed, his eyes suddenly joyous. "Your +pardon, mam, I must--" he gasped, for, attempting to rise, he found +himself held and to his horror, perceived Lady Belinda's fingers +twisted firmly in the silver-laced lapel of his coat-pocket. "Madam," +he exclaimed in great agitation, "I beg--for the love of----" + +"Sit still, sir--'twill do her a world of good!" + +"But she needs me----" + +"Sir, she hath six stalwart gentlemen to do her commands, let them +suffice." + +"But madam, I must----" + +"Remain quiescent, sir--'twould be a sad pity to tear so fine a coat. +Bide quiet, dear Major, and work a miracle." + +So perforce the Major sat there miserably enough, while, unseen by the +gay throng around her my Lady Betty continued to flash him knowledge of +her indignant surprise, anger and contempt, even while her laughter +rippled gaily to some ponderous witticism of Sir Benjamin. + +"It works!" nodded Lady Belinda. "But, O Gemini, never follow her with +such sheep's-eyes, Major, nor look so unutterly forlorn or you'll spoil +all! Learn this, sir--what we humans strive for is always the thing +withheld and--Betty is very human. And that reminds me she hath lately +taken to whistling and walking in her sleep----" + +"God bless my soul, mam, walking----" + +"And whistling--both truly disquieting habits, sir! Morning, noon and +night I cannot set foot above stairs but she falls a-whistling--extreme +shrill and unpleasant! Lud, only last night, the place being hushed in +sleep and everything so weird and churchyardy, sir, I heard a stealthy +foot--that crept! I froze with horror! None the less I seized my +candle, opened my door and--there was Betty--_en déshabille_, her hair +streaming all about her and a loaf----" + +"God bless my soul, mam!" + +"Clasped to her bosom with one hand, sir, a platter in the other and +her eyes--O sir, so wide and sightless! And her motion--so horridly +ghostlike and glidy! My blood congealed instantly! But I followed, +and she led me upstairs and she led me downstairs and she led me round +about until I shivered 'twixt fright and weariness. At last I ventured +to touch her--never so lightly, sir, and--O peaceful Heaven!" + +"What, mam?" + +"Scarce had I done so than she--O----" + +"She did what, mam, what--a Gad's name, what?" + +"Awoke sir, shrieked and dropped the loaf! Then I shrieked and the +maids woke up and they shrieked and we all shrieked--O 'twas gruesome!" + +"I can well believe it, mam!" + +"And when she'd recovered me with burnt feathers--very noxious! it +seemed 'twas all occasioned by a foolish dream--vowed she dreamed she +was poor Jane Shore doing penance in Cheapside--though why with a loaf +heaven only knows--and here she comes at last with Mr. Marchdale--'tis +a case of Mahomet and the mount! Poor, dear young gentleman, see how +he languishes! And his eyes! So dog-like!" + +Sure enough Lady Betty was approaching in animated converse with her +attendant swain but as she passed, the fan she had been using fell and +lay unnoticed within a yard of the Major's trim shoe. Stooping, he +picked it up, turned it over in reverent fingers then, seeing Betty had +passed on, laid it tenderly upon the table whence Lady Belinda +immediately took it and unfolding it, fanned herself complacently. + +"I protest the sun is very warm here, Major," she sighed, "shall we +walk?" + +Obediently he rose and presently found himself treading smooth turf and +vaguely aware of Lady Belinda's ceaseless prattle; chancing to lift his +eyes he was surprised to see Betty strolling before him, this time with +Lord Alvaston. As he watched, her dainty lace handkerchief fluttered +to the grass. + +"Aha!" murmured Lady Belinda. Instantly the Major stepped forward but +Sir Jasper, who chanced to be near, reached it first, and lifting it +tenderly, pressed it to lips, to bosom, and sighing, gave it to Betty's +outstretched hand. The Major frowned and heartily wished himself back +in his quiet study; Lady Belinda, watching him behind her fan, laughed +softly: + +"Major d'Arcy," said she, "I am thinking--deeply!" + +"Indeed, mam!" + +"I'm thinking that, after all, 'twill mayhap be as well if we agree to +wed Betty to yourself----" The Major gasped. "Since you worship her +so devotedly!" + +"Mam--madam!" he stammered, "how did you learn----" + +"I have sat beside you for quite twenty minutes, dear sir, and in all +my days I never saw such a pitiful case of humble worship and dog-like +devotion." + +"Indeed mam, I--had begun to--to hope----" + +"Hope still, sir. In two months, then. Yes, two months should be +quite soon enough. How think you?" The Major was mute and before he +could find an answer there came a burst of laughter from the adjacent +shrubbery, a chorus of merriment that grew to a roar. + +"Now I wonder--?" exclaimed Lady Belinda, halting suddenly, "This way, +sir." Following whither he was led the Major soon came upon the merry +company. Before them stood my lady Betty; in one hand she grasped the +Major's gold-mounted cane, upon her raven hair was perched the Major's +gold-laced hat, and now, squaring her shoulders, she began to limp to +and fro--a limp there was no mistaking. She bowed and postured, +mimicking to the life the Major's grave air, his attitude, his +diffidence, the very tones of his voice. + +"Egad mam! Good-day mam and how d'ye do, mam? You behold in me a +philosopher, hence my gloom and spectre-at-the-feast air, as 'twere, +d'ye see. Despite the silvered splendour of my coat and youthful +trappings I am of antiquity hoary, mam, full o' years and wisdom, with +soul immune and far above all human foibles and frailties, and vanities +vain, as 'twere. Vices have I none, save that I do suck tobacco +through pipe o' clay----" + +Lord Alvaston, beholding the Major, choked suddenly in his laughter, +Sir Benjamin started and dropped his snuff-box, the Marquis gasped and +stared up at the sky and Lady Betty, turning about, found the Major +within a yard of her; and seeing his look of sudden pain, his flushing +cheek and the gentle reproach of his eyes, she stood motionless, struck +suddenly speechless and abashed. But now, because of her +embarrassment, he hastened to her and, to cover her distressed +confusion, laughed lightly and stooping, caught her nerveless fingers +to his lips: + +"Dear my lady," said he, smiling down into her troubled eyes, "till +this moment ne'er did I think this awkward, halting gait o' mine could +seem so--so graceful as 'twere. I doubt 'twill irk me less, hereafter." + +Then, gently possessing himself of hat and cane, he faced the +dumb-struck company smiling and serene and, saluting each in turn, +limped tranquilly away. + +When he was gone, Lady Betty laughed shrilly, rent her laced +handkerchief in quick, passionate hands and throwing it on the grass +stamped on it; after which she flashed a glance of withering scorn upon +the flinching bystanders and--sobbed. + +"I detest, despise myself," she cried, "and you--all of you!" + +Then she turned and sped, sobbing, into the house. + +And the Major? + +Reaching his study, he seized that exquisite, that peerless +dove-coloured coat in merciless hands and wrenching it off, hurled it +into a corner and rang for the Sergeant who came at the "double." + +"Zebedee," said he between his teeth, pointing to that shimmering +splendour of satin and silver lace, "take that accursed thing and burn +it--bury it--away with it and bring me my Ramillie coat." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +DEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH TREASONABLE MATTERS + +"Mrs. Agatha, mam," said the Sergeant, rubbing his square chin with the +handle of the shears he had just been using, "he aren't been the same +since that there night in the orchard! He be a-fading, mam, a-fading +and perishing away afore my very eyes. He aren't ate this day so much +as would keep a babe alive let alone a man like him, six foot and one +inch, mam. Consequently, this morning I did feel called upon to +re-monstrate as in dooty bound mam, and he said--so meek, so mild--so +gentle as any bleating lamb, he says to me, says he----" + +The Sergeant paused to heave a sigh and shake gloomy head. + +"What did he say, Sergeant?" + +"Mam, he says, says he--'Damn your eyes, Sergeant Zeb!' says he--but so +mild and meek as any sucking dove----" + +"Doves don't suck, Sergeant--at least I don't think so, and they never +swear, I'm sure!" + +"But, Mrs. Agatha mam, so meek he said it, so soft and mournful as my +'eart did bleed for him--his honour as could curse and swear so gay and +hearty when needful! He says to me 'Zeb,' says he 'damn your eyes!' he +says so sweet as any piping finch, mam." Here the Sergeant sighed +heavily. "What's more, mam, he do talk o' marching off campaigning +again." + +"You mean to fight in more wars and battles?" she enquired with a catch +in her voice. + +"Aye mam, I do, and if he goes--I go as in dooty bound." Here fell a +silence wherein Mrs. Agatha stared down at her basketful of roses and +the Sergeant stared at her and rubbed his chin with the shears again. +"Mam," said he suddenly, "a fortnight ago, being the thirtieth ultimo, +towards three o'clock in the arternoon you did give me a little gold +cross which is with me now and shall be hereafter living and dead Amen!" + +"O Sergeant!" she said softly; and then "I'm glad you haven't lost it!" + +"A fortnight ago mam," continued the Sergeant, "also towards three +o'clock in the arternoon I--kissed you and the--the memory o' that kiss +is never a-going to fade mam. You'll mind as I kissed you, mam?" + +"Did you, Sergeant?" + +"Ha' you forgot, mam?" + +"Almost!" she answered softly, whereupon the Sergeant took a swift pace +nearer, halted suddenly and turning away again, went on speaking: + +"I kissed you for three reasons, same being as hereunder namely and +viz. to wit, first because I wanted to, second because your pretty red +lips was too near and too rosy to resist and third because I did mean +to beg o' you to--to be--my wife." + +"Did you--Zebedee?" + +"I did so--then, but now I--I can't----" + +"Why not--Zebedee?" + +"Dooty mam, dooty forbids." + +"You mean 'duty,' Sergeant," she corrected him gently. + +"Dooty mam, pre-cisely! 'Tis his honour the Major, I thought as he +were set on matrimony 'stead o' which I now find he's set on +campaigning again, he talks o' nothing else o' late--and if he goes--I +go. And if I go I can't ask you to wed--'twouldn't be fair." + +"And why does he want to go?" + +"Witchcraft, mam, devils, sorcery, black magic, and damned spells. +Mrs. Agatha I do tell you he are not been his own man since he +saw--what he saw i' the orchard t'other night." + +"And what was that?" enquired Mrs. Agatha, glancing up bright-eyed from +her fragrant basketful of roses. + +"A apparation in form o' the dev--no, the devil in form of a +apparation, mam." + +"Fiddlededee!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha. The Sergeant jumped and stared. + +"Mam!" said he in gentle reproach, "don't say that--ghosts is serious +and----" + +"A fiddle-stick for your ghost! 'Twould take more than a shade to put +his honour off his food, Sergeant Zebedee Tring! The question is, who +was your ghost? What was he like?" + +"Why since you're for cross-examinating me, I'll confess I caught but a +glimpse of same, same having vanished itself away afore my very eyes." + +"Where to?" + +"Into my Lady Carlyon's garden, mam, and it dissolved itself so +quick----" + +"Tut!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, + +"Tut is very well, mam, and--vastly fetching as you say it but none the +less----" + +"Ha' done Sergeant and let me think! Tell me, the night you went +ghost-seeking did you catch ever a one--a man, say?" + +"Aye, I did so, mam--one o' these London sparks and very fierce he were +too!" + +"Which one? What like was he!" With the aid of the shears Sergeant +Zebedee described the trespasser very fully as regards face, costume +and behaviour. + +"That," said Mrs. Agatha, nodding her pretty head, "that should be Mr. +Dalroyd-- + +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "how d'ye know this, mam?" + +"Well, Sergeant, I do chance to have eyes, also ears and I do use 'em. +This fine gentleman was your ghost t'other night, I'll swear." + +"But what o' the hoofs and horns, mam, what o' the stink o' brimstone?" + +"Have you seen ever a one yourself, Sergeant, or smelt the brimstone?" + +"No mam, but Roger Bent has." + +"Fiddlededee again, Sergeant!" + +"Eh mam?" + +"Roger Bent would see or smell anything. The question is what was Mr. +Dalroyd after? Since you can't find out--I will." + +"As how, mam?" + +"By wagging my tongue, Sergeant." + +"At--who, mam?" + +"Well, to begin with there is his solemn servant, Mr. Joseph----" + +The Sergeant swore fiercely. + +"No mam," said he frowning, "not him nor any like him. He aren't fit +for you to walk on--'twould dirty your pretty shoes----" + +"But I don't mean to walk on him, nor spoil my shoes." + +"Then don't hold no truck with him, mam--if you do----" the Sergeant +set his grim jaw fiercely. + +"Well--what?" + +"I shall be compelled to--out with his liver mam, that's all!" + +"Lud, Sergeant Tring." + +"Bound to do it, Mrs. Agatha, so--keep away from same----" + +"Sergeant, don't be a fool! I must use him to find out and why do you +think I want to find out?" + +"Being a woman--curiosity belike?" + +"Being a blockhead you must be told!" cried Mrs. Agatha, her eyes +flashing, "I want to find out the Major's trouble to make an end of the +Major's trouble because I would keep him here at home. And I would +keep him at home because then he won't go a-marching off to the wars, +and if he don't go marching to the wars, why then--then----" + +"Yes, yes mam--then?" + +"Then--find out!" cried Mrs. Agatha her cheeks very red all at once; +and she sped away into the house leaving the Sergeant to stare after +her and rub his chin with the shears harder than ever. He was so +engaged when he was aware of the approach of rapid hoofs and, glancing +down the drive, beheld a cavalier swing in at the open gates and come +thundering towards him. + +The Viscount rode at his usual speed, a stretching gallop; on he came +beneath the long avenue of chestnuts, horse hoofs pounding, curls +flying, coat-skirts fluttering, nor checked his pace until he was +almost upon the Sergeant, then he reined up in full career and was +himself on terra firma almost in the same instant. + +"Ha, Zeb," he sighed, drooping in modish languor, "split me, but I'm +glad to see that square phiz o' thine, 'tis positive tanic after +London, I vow! How goeth rusticity, Zeb?" + +"As well as can be expected, my lord!" + +"And the Major?" + +"As well as can be hoped, sir, what with devils, apparations, +witchcraft, magic, sorcery and hocus-pocus, m' lud!" + +"Gad save my perishing soul!" exclaimed the Viscount, "What's it all +mean, Zeb?" + +"Well, Master Pancras sir, it do mean--nay, yonder cometh his honour to +tell you himself, mayhap." Saying which, Sergeant Zebedee led the +Viscount's horse away to the stables while his lordship, knocking dust +from his slender person, went to greet the Major. + +"Sir," said he as they clasped hands, "'tis real joy to see you again, +but pray discover me the why and wherefore of the gruesome nightmare?" +and he shook reproachful head at the Ramillie coat. + +"'Tis easy, Tom, old and comfortable, d'ye see, while my new ones are +so--so plaguy fine and overpowering as 'twere, so to speak, that I feel +scarce worthy of 'em. So I--I treasure 'em, Tom, for--for great +occasions and the like----" + +"A grave fallacy, nunk! Modish garments must be worn whiles the +prevailing fashion holds--to-day they are the mode, to-morrow, the +devil! Fashion, sir, is coquettish as woman or weathercock, 'tis for +ever a-veering, already there is a new button-hole." + +"Indeed, Tom! Egad you stagger me!" + +"Cansequently sir, being a dutiful nephew, I took thought to order you +three more new suits-- + +"The devil you did!" + +"Having special regard to this new button-hole, sir----" + +"These will make nine o' them!" sighed the Major. + +"Your pardon, sir, exactly thirty-one, neither more or less!" + +"Good God, Tom!" ejaculated the Major, halting on the terrace-steps to +stare h is amazement, "Thirty-one of 'em? How the deuce----" + +"Cut aslant, d'ye see, nunky, and arabesqued with lace of gold or +silver----" + +"But, nephew--a Gad's name, what am I to do with so many--d'ye take me +for a regiment? 'Tis 'gainst all reason for a man to wear thirty-one +suits of----" + +"Sir, I allude to button-holes!" + +"Thank heaven!" murmured the Major. + +"Moreover sir, there is, late come in, a new cravat--a poorish thing +with nought to commend it save simplicity. It seems you throw it round +your neck, get your fellow to twist it behind till you're well-nigh +choked to death, bring the ends over your shoulders, loop 'em through a +brooch and 'tis done. I propose to show you after supper." + +"Hum!" said the Major dubiously. "Meantime a bottle won't be amiss +after your long ride, I judge? Come in, Tom, come in and tell me of +your adventures." + +"Thank'ee, sir, though t' be sure I drapped in at the "George" on my +way hither--left my two rogues there with my baggage. Which reminds me +I have a letter for you." Diving into his coat-pocket he brought forth +the missive in question and tendered it to the Major who took it, broke +the seal and read. + + +"To Major d'Arcy these: + +We, the undersigned, do solicit the honour of your company this night, +to sup with Bacchus, the Heavenly Nine, and + +Yours to command: + + B. TRIPP. + ALVASTON. + A. MARCHDALE. + H. WEST, CAPT. + ALTON. + J. DENHOLM." + + +"I don't see Mr. Dalroyd's name here, Tom!" said the Major, +thoughtfully, as he led the way into the house. + +"Nay sir, I protest Dalroyd's a queer fish! But as to this cravat I +was describing, 'tis a modification of the Steenkirk----" and the +Viscount plunged into a long and particular account of the article, +while in obedience to the Major's command, bottle and glasses made +their appearance. + +"But surely 'tis not a question of clothes hath kept you in London this +week and more, Tom?" + +"Nay sir, I've been on a quest. London, O pink me 'tis a very +dog-hole, 'tis no place for a gentleman these days unless he chance to +be a Whig or a damned Hanoverian----" + +"Hold, Tom!" said the Major, his quick eyes roving from door to +lattice. "Have a care, lad!" + +"Nay sir, I know I'm safe to speak out here and to you, Whig though you +be. Of late I've perforce kept such ward upon my tongue 'tis a joy to +let it wag. Indeed, nunky, London's an ill place for some of us these +times, party feeling high. 'Tis for this reason you find Alvaston and +Ben and Alton and the rest of 'em rusticating here, not to mention--my +lady Bet." + +"Ah!" exclaimed the Major. "You don't mean that she--she is not----?" + +"No sir! But there is her brother, poor Charles is bit deep, he +crossed the Border with Derwentwater last year." + +"I feared so!" sighed the Major, frowning at his half-emptied glass. +"And you, Tom, you're not----?" + +"Sir, my rascally father, as you'll mind, was a staunch Whig and +Hanoverian, naturally and consequently I'm Tory and Jacobite----" + +"Softly, Tom, softly!" said the Major, his keen eyes wandering again. + +"Well, sir!" continued the Viscount, leaning across the table and +lowering his voice, "When Charles and young Dick Eversleigh rode for +the Border last year I had half a mind to ride with 'em. But Betty was +in London and London's the devil of a way from Carlisle. Yesterday, +sir, I walked under Temple Bar and there was poor Eversleigh's head +grinning down at me.... Like as not mine would ha' been along with it +but for Bet. As for Charles, 'twas thought he'd got safe away to +France with Mar and the others, but now word comes he was wounded and +lay hid. And sir, though I've sounded every source of news in London +and out, not another word can I hear save that he's a proscribed rebel +with a price on his head and the hue and cry hot after him. Sir, poor +Charles is my childhood's friend--and lieth distressed, hiding for his +life somewhere 'twixt London and the Border, the question is--where?" + +"Here, Tom!" answered the Major softly, "Here in this village of +Westerham!" + +The Viscount half rose from his chair, fell back again and quite forgot +his affectations. + +"Sir--d'ye mean it? Here?" + +"Three nights ago he was with my lady Betty--in her garden!" + +"With Betty--good God!" exclaimed the Viscount and, springing from his +chair, began to pace up and down. "'Twill never do, uncle, 'twill +never do--he must be got away at all hazards. Charles hath been cried +'Traitor' and 'Rebel'--his property is already confiscate and himself +outlaw--and 'none may give aid or shelter to the King's enemies' on +pain of death. He must be got away--at once! Should he be found +'neath Betty's care she would be attainted too, imprisoned and +belike--Sir, you'll perceive he must be got away at once!" + +"True!" said the Major, fingering his wine-glass. + +"There none knoweth of his presence here, I trust, uncle--none save you +and Betty?" + +"None! Stay!" The Major leaned back and began to drum his fingers +softly on the arms of his chair. "Tom," he enquired at last, "who is +Mr. Dalroyd?" + +"Dalroyd is--Dalroyd, sir. Everyone knows him in town--at White's, +Lockett's, the Coca Tree, O Dalroyd is known everywhere." + +"What d'you know of him, personally?" + +"That he's reputed to play devilish high and to be a redoubtable +duellist with more than one death on his hands and--er--little beyond. +But Ben knows him, 'twas Ben introduced him, ask Ben, sir. But what of +him?" + +"Just this, Tom, if there is another person in the world who knows of +my Lord Medhurst's present hiding-place 'tis Mr. Dalroyd and if there +is one man in the world I do not trust it is--Mr. Dalroyd." + +The Viscount sat down, swallowed a glass of wine and stared blankly at +the toe of his dusty riding-boot. + +"Why then, sir," said he at last, "this makes it but the more +imperative to have Charles away at once. I must get him over to my +place in Sussex, 'tis quiet there, sir--God! I must contrive it one +way or another and the sooner the better, but how sir, how?" + +"'None may give aid or shelter to the King's enemies on pain of death,' +Tom," quoted the Major, gently. + +The Viscount flicked a patch of dust from the skirts of his coat. + +"Sir," said he, "Charles is my friend!" + +"And--my lady's brother, Tom!" + +"Perfectly, sir! I shall endeavour to get him to my Sussex place and +hide him there until I have arranged for him to cross safely into +France." + +"Precisely, Tom!" + +"The question is--how? All the coast-roads are watched of course!" +said the Viscount in deep perplexity. "Ben would help, so would Alton +or Alvaston but 'twould be asking them to put their heads in a noose +and I can't do it, sir!" + +"Certainly not, Tom! 'Tis an awkward posture of affairs and--therefore +you may--er--count upon my aid to the very uttermost, of course." + +The Viscount took out his snuff-box, tapped it, opened it, and shut it +up again. + +"Uncle," said he at last, "nunky--sir--" suddenly he rose and caught +the Major's hand, gripping it hard: "Gad prasper me sir, I think--yes I +think, I'd better--step upstairs and rid me of some o' this Kentish +dust." + +As he spoke the Viscount turned and strode from the room leaving the +Major deep in anxious thought. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +IN WHICH THE GHOST IS LAID + +My Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, seated upon a rickety chair among a pile of +other lumber high under the eaves, kicked her pretty heels for very +triumph as she watched the tatterdemalion eat and drink the dainty meal +she had just set before him. + +"O Charles--'tis all so vastly romantic!" she exclaimed. + +My Lord of Medhurst, chancing to have his mouth rather full, spluttered +and lifted handsome head indignantly; thus the likeness to his twin +sister was manifest, the same delicate profile and regularity of +features, bright, fearless eyes and firm set of mouth and chin, the +same proud and lofty carriage of the head. + +"Romantic be damned, Bet--saving your presence!" said he, "I've led a +very dog's life----" + +"My poor, poor boy!" she sighed, touching his thin cheek with gentle, +loving fingers which he immediately kissed; thereafter he fell to upon +the viands before him with renewed appetite and gusto. + +"Egad, Bet," he mumbled, "this is better than a diet of raw turnips and +blackberries or eggs sucked warm from the nest----" + +"O Charles, hath it been so bad as that?" + +"Aye--and worse! Lord, Bet--lass, I've begged and thieved my way +hither from the Border. Heaven only knows how oft I've sat i' the +stocks for a ravished hen, been kicked and cuffed and stoned out o' +villages for a vagrant, consorted with rogues of all kinds, hidden in +barns, slept in hayricks and hedges, been abused by man, and stormed at +and buffeted by the elements and, on the whole--am the better for it. +Nay, sweet lass, no tears!" + +Down went knife and fork with a clatter and his ragged sleeve was about +her. "No tears, Bet," said he consolingly, "damme, I'll not endure +'em!" + +"But O my dear, to think what you have suffered and I--so careless, +while you, Charles, you----" + +"Learned the meaning of life, Bet! Learned to--to be a man, for I do +protest the beggar is a better man than ever was his idle scatterbrain +lordship. A year ago when I had all and more than I needed, I was a +discontented fool a--a very ass, Bet. To-day, though I've lost all, +I've found--I've learned--Egad, I don't know just how to put it but +you--you get me, Bet?" + +"I understand, dearest boy!" + +"Y'see, Bet lass, hardship makes a man either a rogue or a--very man. +And, though I'm a beggar, I'm no rogue. 'Twas a great adventure, Bet, +a noble effort brought to red ruin by--ah well--'tis finished! I was +wounded, as I told you, and had to lie hid for weary weeks. When I +ventured abroad at last, 'twas to learn poor Derwentwater was executed +and Eversleigh too--poor old Dick! And the rest either in prison with +Nithsdale or scattered God knoweth where. So there was I, destitute +and with none to turn to of all my friends--for, as you know, 'tis +prison or death to shelter such as I, and so in my extremity I--I came +to you, Betty----" + +"Thank God!" she whispered fervently, giving him a little squeeze. + +"But only to beg money enough to carry me beyond seas, dearest! +To-night or to-morrow at latest I must be gone----" + +"Pho--'tis preposterous, foolish boy! 'Twere madness, dear Charles! I +say you shall remain here safe hid until you are fully recovered of +your sufferings!" + +"Nay Bet, I'll be curst if I do! How, skulk here 'neath your petticoat +and let you run the risk of sheltering a 'rebel'? No, no, I'll be----" + +"You'll be ruled by me, dear Charles, of course! As for danger, I am +your sister and proud to share it with you----" Hereupon he kissed her +heartily and sitting down on the floor beside her made great play with +knife and fork again. + +"In three or four days at most I should reach the sea, Betty. And I'm +determined on making the attempt within a night or so. As for +risk--bah! I'm become so adept at skulking and hiding I'd elude a +whole regiment! And with money in my pocket and no need to thieve or +poach--Egad! Talking of poaching, I should be on my way to the +plantations at this minute but for a neighbour of yours----" + +"Neighbour, Charles?" + +"Aye--tall, keen-eyed, soft-spoken and dev'lish placid; true-blue +'spite his limp and infernal old coat----" + +"Ah," said Betty softly, "you mean Major d'Arcy, of course!" + +"That was the name, I believe, and 'tis thanks to him----" + +"Tell me all about it, Charles." + +"Well, I'd poached a rabbit, Bet. Keeper saw me, knocked keeper down +and bolted. Other keepers headed me off but I ran like a hare and +bursting through a hedge, came full tilt upon three be-ruffled +exquisites lounging down that quiet bye-lane for all the world as it +had been St. James's--and Bet, who should they be but Alton, Marchdale +and Alvaston! Seeing me in my rags and the keepers in full cry, Alton +yells a 'view hallo' and after me they came on the instant. And a +dev'lish fine run I gave 'em, egad! O Betty, I mired 'em in bogs and +tore 'em finely in brambles and things before they ran me to +earth--even then I doubled up Alton with a leveller, thumped Alvaston +on the ear and Marchdale on the nose. Finally the keepers dragged me +before a little pompous fellow with a scratch wig and red face, called +himself Rington. By this time a crowd had collected and though I was +minded to get word to Alvaston 'twas too late, Rington's keepers and +the yokels were all about me. So they marched me off in triumph to the +Squire, Major d'Arcy, who, smiling mighty affable, threatened to shoot +Rington, sent the crowd off with a flea in their ear, as you might say, +and me to the kitchen to bathe my hurts and eat a meal, and so to the +lock-up. Next morning he woke me very early, bestowed on me some +useful advice, a couple o' guineas and my liberty and limped serenely +off." + +Here my Lord Medhurst proceeded to finish what remained of his supper +while Betty sat, chin in hand, staring at the dormer window just now +glowing with sunset. + +"To-morrow there's no moon. I shall start to-morrow, Bet." + +"Faith and you'll not, Charles!" + +"Aye, but I will. Look'ee Bet, I'm determined----" + +"See here, Charles--so am I!" + +"Pish, girl!" said he, looking dignified. + +"Tush, boy!" said she, kissing him. + +"Nay but, dear Bet, I've your safety at heart and therefore----" + +"But, dearest Charles, you've no money in your pocket--and therefore!" + +"Egad and that's true enough!" said he ruefully. + +"So you'll be ruled by me, boy, and stay here until I think you are fit +for travel." + +"What o' the servants?" + +"This part of the house is empty and--I'll manage the servants!" + +"There's Aunt Belinda, she's an infernal sharp nose, Bet." + +"Nay, I'll manage Aunt Belinda." + +"Why then, what of this Dalroyd?" + +"O!" said my lady, knitting black brows, "I'll manage him also." + +"Look'ee Bet, I'll allow you've a head, but this fellow's dangerous." + +"How so, Charles?" + +"Well, he's not afraid o' ghosts for one thing----" + +"Ghosts?" + +"Y'see Bet, when I reached Westerham my difficulty was to get word with +you and for the first night and day or so I lay hid in the ruined mill. +And having nought better to do, I started to haunt the place and by +means of an old sack and a pair of ram's horns I contrived to be a +sufficiently convincing ghost----" Here his lordship chuckled. + +"'Twas madness, Charles." + +"So 'twas and yet, I vow----" His lordship chuckled again. + +"But what of Mr. Dalroyd, Charles?" + +"Faith, he took such a plaguy interest in the haunted mill that I left +it and took to haunting the churchyard instead--used to hide in a +mouldy vault----" + +"Charles!" cried Lady Betty and shuddered. + +"Finally he and his fellow hunted me out o' that and here I am. +Haunting hath its drawbacks and 'twould have saved me much of +discomfort had you received the letter I writ you and sent by the +little girl." + +"Tell me again what was in it, Charles." + +His lordship scratched his head and wrinkled youthful brow. + +"So far as I remember, Bet, I writ you these words: 'Meet me at +midnight in your garden with fifty guineas for your loving and +misfortunate fugitive, Charles.'" + +Lady Betty set her chin on white fist and stared at her brother so +fixedly that he choked upon his last mouthful of supper and +remonstrated: + +"Gad, Bet, why d'ye fix a man so wi' such great eyes? What might ye be +thinking this time?" + +"That we are grown more like each other than ever, dear--'tis +marvellous! Aye, 'tis marvellous," she continued absently, "though +your voice will never do!" + +"Voice, Bet? Egad, what's in your mind now?" + +"Mr. Dalroyd, Charles, for one thing." + +"Aye, and what of the fellow?" + +"Would he were choked with a flap-dragon. But--meanwhile----" + +"What, Betty?" + +"Hark, there's aunt wailing for me, I must go. You are free of all the +upper chambers of this wing, but mind, if I whistle you must get you +into hiding at once." + +So saying, she shook portentous finger at him, smiled and vanished. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +OF BACCHUS AND THE MUSES + +Seldom or never, in all its length of days, had the great dining room +of the ancient hostelry of the "George and Dragon" glowed with such +sartorial splendour or known such an elegant posturing of silk-clad +legs, such a flirting of ruffles, such a whirl of full-skirted coats; +coats, these, of velvet, of worked satin and rich brocade, coats of +various colours from Sir Benjamin's pink and gold to Lord Alvaston's +purple and silver; the light of many candles scintillated in jewelled +cravat and shoe-buckle, shone upon crested buttons and on the glossy +curls of huge periwigs, black, brown and gold. In the midst of this +gorgeous company stood a short, stoutish gentleman, his booted legs +wide apart, his sun-burned face nearly as red as his weatherbeaten +service coat, a little man with a truculent eye. + +"Od's my life, my lord Colonel!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, wringing his +hand, "I know not what propitious zephyr hath wafted George Cleeve into +these Arcadian solitudes, but hem! being hither I do protest you shall +this night sit the honoured guest of good-Fellowship, Bacchus and the +Muses, shedding upon our poetical revels the--the effulgence of your +hem! your glories, gracing our company with, I say with the----" + +"Hold, Ben!" sighed my Lord Alvaston, making graceful play with his +slender legs, "hold hard, Ben, an' get your wind while I 'splain. Sir, +what poor Ben's been tryin' t' tell you 'n' can't tell you is--that we +shall rejoice if you'll sup with us. And so say we all----" + +"Strike me dumb if we don't!" added the Marquis. + +"Haw!" muttered the Captain. "B'gad! So we do!" + +"Gentlemen," said the Colonel, "I protest ya' do me too much honour, +'tis curst polite in ya' and I take it kindly, rot me, kindly!" + +"Od's body, sir," cried Sir Benjamin, "the honour is completely ours, I +vow, your exploits in Flanders and Brabant sir, your notable +achievements on the stricken fields of Mars, the very name of Colonel +Lord George Cleeve coruscates with hem! with glory, shines +like--like--a----" + +"Star," suggested the Captain. Hereupon Lord Cleeve bowed, the company +bowed, shot their ruffles, fluttered their handkerchiefs and snuffed +with one another. + +"Hem!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin with an air of ponderous waggery, "as I +was saying when my Lord Cleeve dropped upon us so happily, 'tis then +agreed that Alton and I shall see the Major home at peep o' day!" Here +Sir Benjamin grew so waggish that he very nearly laid plump finger to +nose but checked himself in time and coughed instead. "I vow 'twill be +an honour, for, foxed or no and despite his hem! his rusticity, Major +d'Arcy is a gentleman, a----" + +"Ha!" exclaimed the Colonel suddenly. "Do ya' mean Jack d'Arcy o' the +Third, sir--d'Arcy of Churchill's regiment?" Sir Benjamin bowed and +smiled: + +"You know him, my lord? A simple, quiet, kindly soul----" + +His lordship stared, laughed a short, hoarse bellow and, becoming +immediately solemn, nodded: + +"That's Jack to a hair, simple, quiet and dev'lish deadly! 'Twas so he +looked, I mind, when he killed the greatest rogue and duellist in the +three armies. Simple and quiet! Aye, 'twas so he seemed when he led +us to the storming of the counterscarp at Namur in '95, as he was when +he rallied our broken ranks at Blenheim and, after, when we turned the +French right at Oudenarde. He was my senior in those days and where he +went I followed and they called him 'Fighting d'Arcy' though a simple +soul, sir, as ya' say. I was behind him when he led us against the +French left at Ramillies and broke it too. I saw him dragged, all +blood and dust, out o' the press at Malplaquet. 'Done for at last,' +thought I--but Gad, sirs, they couldn't kill Fighting d'Arcy for all +his quiet looks and simple ways! Aye, I know Jack, we were brothers, +and like brothers we drank together, slept, quarrelled, and fought +together--he seconded me in my first affair of honour!" + +"Od's my life!" ejaculated Sir Benjamin. "Our rustic philosopher turns +out a very Mars, a thundering Jove, a paladin----" + +"True blue, damme!" added the Marquis. + +"And yonder he comes," said Mr. Marchdale at the window, "and Merivale +with him." + +"Nunky," said the Viscount as they entered the hospitable portal of the +"George and Dragon," "Ben and Alvaston are set on seeing you +comfortably faxed to-night." + +"Foxed? Ah, you mean drunk, Tom?" + +"Perfectly sir, all in the way of friendship and good-fellowship of +course, still I thought I'd let you know." + +"For the which I am duly and humbly grateful, Tom," answered the Major +as, opening the door, the Viscount bowed and stood aside to give him +precedence. + +The Major's appearance was hailed with loud cheers and cries of +"Fighting d'Arcy," drowned all at once in a hoarse roar as, with a +tramp and jingle of heavy, spurred boots, Colonel Lord George Cleeve +ran at him, thumped him and clasped him in a bear's hug: + +"'Tis the same Jack Grave-airs!" he cried, "the same sedate John! Ha, +damme, man-Jack, be curst if I don't joy to see thee again!" + +"Why George!" exclaimed the Major, patting the Colonel's back with one +hand and gripping his fist with the other, "why Georgie, I do protest +thou'rt growing fat!" + +"Burn thee for a vile-tongued rogue to say so, Jack! Ha, Jack, do ya' +mind that night in the trenches before Maastricht when we laid a trap +for young Despard of Ogle's and caught the Colonel? 'Twas next day we +stormed and ya' took a bayonet through your thigh----" + +"And you brought me down from the breach George----" + +"And cursed ya' heartily the while, I forget why but ya' deserved it!" + +"Stay, George, supper is served I think, and let me introduce Viscount +Merivale"; which done he saluted the company and they forthwith sat +down to table. + +And now corks squeaked and popped, servants and waiting-men bustled to +and fro, glasses clinked, knives and forks rattled merrily to the hum +of talk and ring of laughter. + +"By the way, sir," said the Major, addressing his neighbour the +Marquis, "I don't--er--see Mr. Dalroyd here to-night." + +"No more you do sir, strike me dumb! And for the sufficient reason he +ain't here. Dalroyd's a determined hunter o' feminine game sir, O dem! +To-night he's in full cry, I take it--joys o' the chase, sir--some +dainty bit o' rustic beauty--some shy doe----" + +"I wonder who?" enquired the Viscount, stifling a yawn. + +"Dalroyd's dev'lish close," answered Lord Alvaston, "close as 'n oyster +'sequently echo answers 'who?'" + +"Gentlemen all," cried Sir Benjamin, "I rise to give you a name--to +call the toast of toasts. I give you Betty--our bewitching, our +incomparable, Our Admirable Betty!" + +Up rose the company one and all and the long chamber echoed to the +toast: + +"Our Admirable Betty!" + +Ensued a moment's pause and every empty glass shivered to fragments on +the broad hearth. But now, as the clatter and hum and laughter broke +out anew, the Major, frowning a little, glanced across at the Viscount +and found him frowning also. + +Courses came and went and ever the talk and laughter waxed louder and +merrier, glasses brimmed and were emptied, bottles made the circuit of +the table in unending procession; gentlemen pledged each other, toasts +were called and duly honoured; in the midst of which the Major feeling +a hand upon his shoulder glanced up into the face of the Viscount. + +"Nunky," he murmured, "certain things considered, I'm minded for a +walk!" and with a smiling nod he turned and vanished among the bustling +throng of servants and waiting-men, as Sir Benjamin arose, portentous +of brow and with laced handkerchief a-flutter: + +"Gentlemen," said he, glancing round upon the brilliant assembly, +"gentlemen, or should I rather say--fellow-martyrs of the rosy, roguish +archer----" + +"Haw!" exclaimed the Captain. "Prime, Ben!" + +"Hear, hear!" nodded Alvaston. "Good, Ben--doocid delicate 'n' the +bottle's with you, Jasper!" + +"We are here, sirs," continued Sir Benjamin, bowing his +acknowledgments, "to sit unitedly in hem! in judgment upon the +individual compositions of the--the----" + +"Field!" suggested the Marquis. + +"Gang?" murmured Alvaston. + +"Amorous brotherhood!" sighed Sir Jasper. + +"Company, gentlemen, of the company. Versification affords a broad +field for achievement poetic since we have such various forms as the +rondel, ballade, pantoum--" + +"O burn me, Ben," ejaculated Alvaston, "you're out there! What's +verses t' do with phantoms----" + +"I said 'pantoum,' sir--besides which, gentlemen, we have the triolet, +the kyrielle, the virelai, the vilanelle----" + +"O dem!" cried the Marquis, "sounds curst improper and villainous, too, +Ben." Cries of "Order, Ben, order----" + +"And likewise O!" added Lord Alvaston. + +"Eh?" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, "I say what----" + +"None o' your French villainies, Ben," continued the Marquis, "we want +nothing smacking o' the tap-room, the stable or the kennel, Ben, +'twon't do! We must ha' nought to cause the blush o' shame----" + +"No, Ben," added Alvaston, "nor yet t' 'ffend th' chastest ear----" + +"Od sir, od's body--I protest----" + +"So none o' your villainies Ben," sighed Alvaston, "no looseness, +coarseness, ribaldry or bawdry----" + +"Blood and fury!" roared the exasperated Sir Benjamin, "I hope I'm +sufficiently a man of honour----" + +"Quite, Ben, quite--the very pink!" nodded his lordship affably. "And +talkin' o' pink, the bottle stands, Marchdale! Fill, gentlemen. I +give you Ben, our blooming Benjamin and no heel-taps!" + +The health was drunk with acclaim and Sir Benjamin, once more his +jovial and pompous self, proceeded: + +"In writing these odes and sonnets we have all, I take it, depended +upon our mother--hem! our mother-wit and each followed his individual +fancy. I now take joy to summon Denholm to read to us his--ah--effort." + +Sir Jasper rose, drew a paper from his bosom, sighed, languished with +his soulful eyes and read: + + "Groan, groan my heart, yet in thy groaning joy + Since thou'rt deep-smit of Venus' blooming boy; + Till Sorrow's flown + And Joy's thine own + Groan!" + + +"Haw!" exclaimed the Captain, "very chaste! Doocid delicate!" + +Sir Jasper bowed and continued: + + "Pant, pant my heart, yet in thy panting ne'er + Let Doubt steal in to slay thee with despair; + But till Love grant + All heart doth want + Pant!" + + +"Gad!" said the Marquis, "you're doing a dem'd lot o' panting, Jasper!" + +"I vow 'tis quaintly mournful!" nodded Sir Benjamin. "'Tis polished +and passionate!" + +Again Sir Jasper bowed, and continued: + + "Sob, sob my soul, sobs soul----" + + +"Hold hard, Denholm!" quoth Alvaston. "There's too many sobs f'r +sense. I don't object t' you groaning, I pass y'r pants, but you're +getting y'r soul damnably mixed wi' y'r sobs." + +"Nay, 'tis a cry o' the soul, Alvaston," sighed Sir Jasper, "a very +heart-throb, faith. Listen!" + + "Sob, sob my soul sobs soulful night and day + Till she in mercy shall thy pain allay + Till all she rob + And for thee throb + Sob!" + + +"Curst affecting!" said the Captain, applauding with thumping +wine-glass. + +"Od gentlemen," cried Sir Benjamin as Sir Jasper sank back in his +chair, "I do protest 'tis very infinite tender! It hath delicacy, +pathos and a rhythm entirely its own. Denholm, I felicitate you +heartily! And now, Alvaston, we call upon you!" + +His lordship arose, stuck out a slender leg, viewed it with lazy +approval, and unfolding a paper, recited therefrom as follows: + + "Let the bird sing on the bough + Th' ploughboy sing an' sweat + But, while I can, I will avow + Th' charms o' lovely Bet. + Let----" + + +"Hold!" commanded Sir Benjamin. + +"Stop!" cried the Marquis. "Strike me everlastingly blue but I've got +'sweat' demme!" + +"'S'heart, so have I!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale with youthful +indignation. + +"Burn me!" sighed Alvaston, "seems we're all sweating! 'S unfortunate, +curst disquietin' I'll admit, though I only sweat i' the first verse. +Le' me go on:" + + "Let the parson----" + + +"Hold!" repeated Sir Benjamin. "Desist, Alvaston, I object to sweat, +sir!" + +"An' very natural too, Ben--Gad, I'll not forget you at th' churn! But +to continue:" + + "Let the parson pray----" + + +"Stay!" thundered Sir Benjamin. "Alvaston, sweat shall never do!" + +"Why, Ben, why?" + +"Because, first 'tis not a word poetic----" + +"But I submit 'tis easy, Ben, an' very natural! Remember the churn +Ben, the churn an' le' me get on. Faith! here we're keepin' my +misfortunate parson on his knees whiles you boggle over a word! 'Sides +if my 'sweat' 's disallowed you damn Alton and Marchdale unheard!" + +Hereupon, while Sir Benjamin shook protesting head, his lordship +smoothed out his manuscript, frowned at it, turned it this way, turned +it that, and continued: + + "Let the parson pray and screech----" + + +"No, demme, 'tisn't 'screech'--here's a blot! Now what th' dooce--ha, +'preach' t' be sure----" + + "Let the parson pray and preach + And fat preferments get + But, so long as I have speech-- + I'll sing the charms o' Bet. + + "Let the----" + + +"By th' way I take liberty t' call 'tention t' the fact that I begin +'n' end each canto wi' the same words, 'let' 'n' 'Bet.'" + + "Let th' world go--round an' round + The day be fine or wet, + Take all that 'neath th' sun is found + An' I'll take lovely Bet." + + +"Bravo Bob! Bravo! Simple and pointed! Haw!" quoth the Captain, +hammering plaudits with his wine-glass again. + +"'Tis not--not utterly devoid o' merits!" admitted Sir Benjamin +judicially. + +"Thank'ee humbly, my Benjamin!" + +"Nay, but it hath points, Alvaston, especially towards the finality, +though 'tis somewhat reminiscent of Mr. Waller." + +"How so, sweet Ben?" + +"In its climacteric thus, sir:" + + "Give me but what this ribband bound + Take all the rest the sun goes round." + + +"Egad Ben, I've never read a word o' the fool stuff in my life, so +you're out there, burn me! And the bottle roosts with you, Alton. +Give it wings. Major d'Arcy sir--with you!" + +"Marchdale," said Sir Benjamin, "our ears attend you!" + +Mr. Marchdale rose, coughed, tossed back his love-locks, unfolded his +manuscript and setting hand within gorgeous bosom read forth the +following: + + "Chaste hour, soft hour, O hour when first we met + O blissful hour, my soul shall ne'er forget + How, 'mid the rose and tender violet, + Chaste, soft and sweet as rose, stood lovely Bet, + Her wreath-ed hair like silky coronet + O'er-wrought with wanton curls of blackest jet + Each glistered curl a holy amulet; + Her pearl-ed teeth her rosy lips did fret + As they'd sweet spices been or ambergret, + While o'er me stole her beauty like a net + Wherein my heart was caught and pris'ner set + A captive pent for love and not for debt, + A captive that in prison pineth yet. + A captive knowing nothing of regret + Nor uttering curse nor woeful epithet. + I pled my love, my brow grew hot, grew wet, + While sweetly she did sigh and I did sweat." + + +"Sweat, Tony?" exclaimed the Marquis. "O dem! What for?" + +"Because 'twas the only rhyme I had left, for sure!" + +"Od, od's my life!" cried Sir Benjamin, "here we have poesy o' the +purest, in diction chaste, in expression delicate, in----" + +"Nay, but Tony sweats too, Ben!" protested Alvaston. + +"No matter, sir, no matter--'tis a very triumph! So elegant! Od's +body Marchdale, 'tis excellent--sir, your health!" + +"Burn me, Ben, but if Tony may sweat why th' dooce----" + +"Major d'Arcy sir, I charge to you!" Hereupon Sir Benjamin filled and +bowed, the Major did the same, and they drank together. + +"But Ben," persisted Alvaston, "if Tony----" + +"West, the floor and our attention are yours, sir!" + +The Captain rose, shot his ruffles, squared his shoulders and read: + + "Warble ye songsters of the grove--haw! + Warble of her that is my love + Where'er on pinions light ye rove + Haw! + Ye feathered songsters--warble. + + "Warble ye heralds of the--haw!--the air + Warble her charms beyond compare + Warble here and warble there + Haw! + Ye feathered songsters--warble. + Warble, warble on the spray + Warble night and warble day + Warble, warble whiles ye may + Haw! + Ye feathered songsters--warble." + + +"A pretty thing!" nodded Sir Benjamin, "'tis light, 'tis +graceful--easy, flowing, and full of----" + +"Warbles!" murmured Alvaston. + +"'Tis a musical word, sir, and what is poesy but word-music? I commend +'warble' heartily--we all do, I think." + +Here a chorus of approval whereupon the Captain bowed, shot his ruffles +again, said 'Haw!' and sat down. + +"Alton, 'tis now your turn!" + +Up rose the Marquis, tossed off his glass, fished a somewhat crumpled +paper from his pocket and incontinent gave tongue: + + "A song I sing in praise of Bet + I sing a song o' she, sirs + O let the ploughboy curse and sweat + But what is that to me, sirs? + My bully boys, brave bully boys + But what is that to me, sirs?" + + +"Here's that misfortunate ploughboy sweating again!" sighed Alvaston, +while Sir Benjamin choked with wine and indignant horror: + +"Hold, od's my life--Alton, hold!" he gasped. "Heaven save us, what's +all this? 'Twill never do----" + +"Sink me, Ben--why not?" + +"Because it sounds like nothing in the world but a low drinking catch, +sir, mingled and confused with a vulgar hunting-snatch." + +"Nay, you'll find it betters as it goes--heark'ee!" + + "I love the pretty birds to hear; + The horn upon the hill + But when my buxom Bet appear + Her voice is sweeter still + Brave boys! + Her voice is sweeter still! + + "The fish that doth in water swim + Though burnished bright he be + Doth all his scaly splendours dim + If Bet he chance to see. + Brave boys! + If Bet he chance to see. + + "There's joy----" + + +"Ha' you got much more, Harry?" enquired Alvaston mournfully. + +"O demme yes, when I get my leg over Pegasus, Bob, 'tis hard to +dismount me." + + "There's joy in riding of a horse + That bottom hath and pace + But better still I love of course + Bet's witching, handsome face. + Brave boys! + Bet's witching, handsome face! + + "E'en as the----" + + +"Hold a minute, Harry! You're givin' us a treatise on natural hist'ry, +sure?" + +"How so, Bob?" + +"Well, you've sung 'bout a bird, 'n' fish, 'n' beast--why ignore the +humble reptile? If you've got any more you might give us a rhyme 'bout +vermin----" + +"Demme, Bob, so I have! Heark'ee:" + + "E'en as the small but gamesome flea + On her white neck might frisk, sirs + Could I be there--then, e'en as he + My life, like him, I'd risk, sirs. + My bully boys, brave bully boys + My life, like him, I'd risk, sirs!" + + +Pandemonium broke forth; bottles rolled, glasses fell unheeded and +shivered upon the floor while the long room roared with Gargantuan +laughter, rising waves of merriment wherein Sir Benjamin's indignant +outburst was wholly drowned and his rapping was lost and all unheeded. +Howbeit, having broken two glasses and a plate in his determined +knocking, he seized upon a bottle and thundered with that until +gradually the tempest subsided and a partial calm succeeded. + +"Gentlemen!" he cried, his very peruke seeming to bristle with outraged +decorum, "gentlemen, I move the total suppression of this verse--" +Here his voice was lost in shouts of: "No, no! Let be, Ben! Order!" +"I say," repeated Sir Benjamin, "it must and shall be suppressed!" + +"O why, my Ben, why?" queried Alvaston, feeble with mirth. + +"Because 'tis altogether too--too natural! Too--ah intensely, +personally intimate----" Here the rafters rang again while drawers, +ostlers and waiting-maids peeped in at slyly-opened doors. Silence +being at last restored Sir Benjamin arose, snuffed daintily, flicked +himself gracefully and bowed: + +"Gentlemen," said he, "after the hem! brilliant flights o' fancy we +have been privileged to hear, I allude particularly to Sir Jasper's +soulful strophes and to--to----" + +"Alton's gamesome flea?" suggested Alvaston, whereat was laughter with +cries of "Order." + +"And to Marchdale's delightful lyric," continued Sir Benjamin. "I do +confess to no small diffidence in offering to your attention my own +hem! I say my own poor compositions and do so in all humility. My +first is a trifle I may describe as an alliterative acrostic, its +matter as followeth." + + "Bewitching Bet by bounteous Beauty blessed + Each eager eye's enjoyment is expressed + That thus to thee doth turn then--thrilling thought; + Thou, thou thyself that teach may too be taught, + Yea, you yourself--to yearn as beauty ought." + + +"I' faith, gentlemen," said he, bowing to their loud applause, "I +humbly venture to think it hath some small ingenuity. My next is a set +of simple verselets pretending to no great depth of soul nor +heart-stirring pathos, they are hem! they are--what they are----" + +"Are ye sure o' that, Ben?" demanded Alvaston earnestly. + +"Sure sir, yes sir--od's my life, I ought to be--I wrote 'em!" + +"Then let's hear 'em and judge. But look'ee, Ben, if they ain't what +they are they won't do--not if you were ten thousand Benjamen!" + +Sir Benjamin stared, rubbed his chin, shook his head, sighed and read: + + "Venus hath left her Grecian isles + With all her charms and witching wiles + And now all rustic hearts beguiles + In bowery Westerham! + + "Ye tender herds, ye listening deer + Forget your food, forget your fear + Our glorious Betty reigneth here + In happy Westerham! + + "Ye little lambs that on the green + In gambols innocent are seen + In gleeful chorus hail your queen + Sweet Bet of Westerham! + + "Ye feathered----" + + +"Stop!" exclaimed Alvaston. "Your lambs'll never do, Ben!" + +"Od sir, I say egad, why not?" + +"Because lambs don't hail 'n' if they could hail their hail would be a +'baa' and being a baa Bet would ha' t' be a sheep t' understand 'em +which Gad forbid, Ben! An' the bottle's with----" + +"A sheep sir, a sheep?" spluttered Sir Benjamin. "Malediction! What +d'ye mean?" + +"I mean I object t' Betty being turned int' a sheep either by +inference, insinuation or induction--I 'ppeal t' the company!" + +Here ensued a heated discussion ending in his lordship's objection +being quashed, whereupon Sir Benjamin, his face redder than ever and +his elegant peruke a little awry, continued: + + "Ye feathered songsters blithely sing + Ye snowy lambkins frisk and spring + To Betty let our glasses ring + In joyous Westerham!" + + +Sir Benjamin sat down amidst loud acclaim, and there immediately +followed a perfervid debate as to the rival merits of the several +authors and finally, amid a scene of great excitement, Mr. Marchdale +was declared the victor. + +And now appeared a mighty bowl of punch flanked by pipes and tobacco at +sight of which the company rose in welcome. + +"Gentlemen," said Sir Benjamin, grasping silver ladle much as it had +been a sceptre, "the Muses have departed but in their stead behold the +jovial Bacchus with the attendant sprite yclept Virginia. Gentlemen, +it hath been suggested that we shall drink glass and glass and----" + +"Damned be he who first cries 'hold enough'!" murmured Alvaston. + +"Gentlemen, the night is young, let now the rosy hours pass in joyous +revelry and good-fellowship!" + +So the merry riot waxed and waned, tobacco smoke ascended in filmy +wreaths, songs were sung and stories told while ever the glasses filled +and grew empty and the Major, lighting his fifth pipe at a candle, +turned to find Lord Cleeve addressing him low-voiced amid the general +din across a barricade of empty bottles. + +"--don't like it Jack," he was saying, "no duty for a gentleman and +King's officer, we're no damned catchpolls ... word hath come in +roundabout way of a Jacobite rebel in these parts.... Two o' my +captains out with search parties ... poor devil!" + +Slowly the clamour of voices and laughter died away, the candles burned +low and lower in their sconces and through a blue haze the Major espied +Sir Benjamin asprawl in his chair, his fine coat wine-splashed, his +great peruke obscuring one eye, snoring gently. Hard by, Alvaston lay +forward across the table, his face pillowed upon a plate, deep-plunged +in stertorous slumber while the Colonel, sitting opposite, leaned back +in his chair and stared up solemnly at the raftered ceiling. Candles +were guttering to their end, the long chamber, the inn itself seemed +strangely silent and the broad casement already glimmered with the dawn. + +"Jack," said the Colonel suddenly, "'tis odd--'tis devilish odd I vow +'tis, but place feels curst--empty!" The Major glanced around the +disordered chamber and shivered. "Jack, here's you and here's me--very +well! Yonder's Sir Benjamin and Lord Alvaston--very well again! But +question is--where's t'others?" + +"Why I think, I rather think George, they're under the table." + +Hereupon the Colonel made as if to stoop down and look but thought +better of it, and stretching out a foot instead, touched something soft +and nodded solemnly: + +"B'gad Jack--so they are!" said he and sat staring up at the rafters +again while the pallid dawn grew brighter at the window. + +"Man Jack," he went on with a beaming smile, "'tis a goodish spell +since we had an all-night bout together. Last time I mind was in +Brabant at----" The Colonel sat up suddenly, staring through the +casement where, in the sickly light of dawn, stood a figure which +paused opposite the window to stare up at the sleeping inn, and was +gone. + +"Refuse me!" exclaimed the Colonel, still staring wide of eye, +"Jack--did ye see it?" + +"Aye, George!" + +"Then Jack if we're not drunk we ought to be--but drunk or no, we've +seen a ghost!" + +"Whose, George?" + +"Why, the spirit of that ravishing satyr, that black rogue you killed +years ago in Flanders--Effingham, by Gad!" + +"Ah!" sighed the Major. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +HOW THE SERGEANT RECOUNTED AN OLD STORY + +Viscount Merivale sat alone in the hutch-like sentry-box; his handsome +face was unduly grave, his brow care-worn and he bit at his carefully +tended nails, which last was a thing in him quite phenomenal. + +All at once he clenched his fist and smote it softly on the table: + +"Damn him!" he muttered and sat scowling at his torn nails. "Ha, +madam, it seems you are like to be the death o' me yet! ... O Woman! +... Howbeit, fight him I will!" Here, chancing to lift his frowning +gaze, he saw the Sergeant approaching with a spade on his shoulder. + +"What, Zebedee!" he called. The Sergeant glanced round, wheeled and, +halting before the arbour, stood at attention. "Ha, Zeb, good old Zeb, +come your ways. Sit down, yes, yes, here beside me. I'm beset by +devils, Zeb, devils damned of deepest blue, your honest phiz shall +fright 'em hence, mayhap--stay though!" The Viscount rose and drew his +sword: "That lunge o' yours in tierce, Zeb, 'tis a sweet stroke and +sufficiently deadly, show me the 'haviour on't. 'Twas somewhat on this +wise as I remember." And falling into a graceful fencing posture, the +Viscount made his long, narrow blade flash and dart viciously while +Sergeant Zebedee, taking himself by the chin, watched with the eye of a +connoisseur. "'Twas so, I think, Zeb?" The Sergeant smiled grimly and +shook his head. + +"You've got same all mixed up wi' fashionable school-play, Master +Pancr--Tom, my lud, which though pretty ain't by no means the real +thing." + +"How so, Zebedee?" + +"Why sir, this here posturing and flourishing is well enough a-'twixt +fine gentlemen as happens to draw on each other after a bottle or to +wipe out an ill word in a drop or so o' blood--yes. But 'tis different +when you're opposite a skilled duellist as means to kill. His honour +the Major now, he learned in a hard school and his honour learned me." + +"He's had several affairs I think, Zeb?" + +"Twenty and two, sir!" + +"Ha!" sighed the Viscount, "I've had one and got pricked in the thigh! +Here, show me the way on't, Sergeant." So saying, he turned weapon +across forearm and bowing in true academic manner, proffered the +jewelled hilt to the Sergeant who took it, tested spring and balance of +the blade with practised hands, saluted and fell to the "engage"; then +he lunged swiftly and recovered, all in a moment. + +"'Tis a stroke hard to parry, sir!" said he. + +"Gad love me!" sighed the Viscount, "do't again Zeb--slowly man and +with explanations." + +"Why look'ee sir, 'tis a trick o' the wrist on the disengage. You are +in tierce--so, your point bearing so--very good! You play a thrust, +thus d'ye see, then--whip! up comes your point and you follow in with a +lunge--so! Try it, my lud." + +"Hum!" said the Viscount, taking back his sword. + +But having "tried it" once or twice with very indifferent success, he +shook his head and, sheathing his weapon, sat down again and grew more +despondent than ever. "Sit ye down, Zeb," said he, "the blue devils +have me sure." + +"Devils, Master Tom sir," said the Sergeant, seating himself on the +bench his own hands had contrived, "I aren't nowise surprised, same do +haunt the place o' late, this here orchard being 'witched d'ye see and +full o' hocus-pocus." + +"'Tis hard to believe, Zeb, what with the sky so blue and the grass all +dappled with sunlight. Nay 'tis a fair world, Zeb, and hard to leave. +Life's a desirable thing and hard to lose! Save us! What a world +'twould be if all women were sweet as they seemed and men as true!" + +"Sure there's a deal o' roguery i' the world Master Pancras--Tom, sir! +As witness--last night!" + +The Viscount winced, muttered between clenched teeth and scowled at his +fist again: + +"Is the Major come home yet?" he enquired. + +"Yes, sir. Come in along with Lord Cleeve, same as served under his +honour years agone." + +"How were they, Zeb?" + +"His honour oncommon solemn and my lord oncommon talkative--wouldn't +nowise part wi' his boots, threatened to shoot the first man as dared +touch same. Last night must ha' been--a night, sir!" + +"Aye!" nodded the Viscount absently. "You told me last night you +actually caught the fellow one night--in the orchard here?" + +"Fellow, my lud?" + +"Mr. Dalroyd." + +"I so did, sir--same being in the act o' scaling wall--taking my lady's +garden by escalade as ye might say." + +"'Twas Dalroyd, you're--quite sure, Zeb?" + +"If 'twasn't--'twere a ghost sir." + +"What d'ye mean?" + +"The ghost of an officer of Ogle's as his honour killed in Flanders in +a duel, Master Tom." + +"Ah!" said the Viscount thoughtfully. "A duel!" + +"Aye, sir, only this man's name were Effingham." + +"A duel!" repeated the Viscount. "'Twas over a woman of course?" + +"Aye sir, and an evil tale it is and I'm a man o' few words--but if so +be you've a mind for't----" + +"I have, Zeb--proceed----" + +"Well, it seems this Captain Effingham with his company had took +prisoner a French officer in his own chateau, d'ye see, and meant to +shoot same in the morning for a spy. But to Captain Effingham comes +the officer's wife--young she was and very handsome, and implored the +Captain to mercy, which he agreed to if she'd consent to----" + +"I take you, Zeb!" + +"'Twas for her husband's life and she was very young, sir--I chanced to +see her arterwards. So the Captain had his way. Next morning, very +early, comes a roll o' musketry. She leaps out o' bed, runs to the +lattice and there's her husband being carried by--dead! So she falls +distracted and kills herself wi' the Captain's sword and arter comes +his honour the Major and kills the Captain. 'Twas a pretty bout, sir, +for the Captain was a master at rapier-play and famous duellist--laid +his honour's head open from eye to ear at the first pass and, what wi' +the blood-flow and heavy boots I thought his honour was done for more +than once--and if he had been, well--I had finger on trigger and +'twould ha' been no murder--him!" + +"The Major killed him?" + +"Dead as mutton, sir." + +"Did you bury the villain?" + +"No time, sir, we were a flanking party on a forced march, d'ye see." + +"And you say Dalroyd is like him?" + +"As one musket-ball to another, Master Tom." + +"And she was young and beautiful, Zeb?" + +"About my lady Betty's age sir, and much such another." + +"Ah!" murmured the Viscount and scowled at his fist again. "Look'ee +Zeb, 'tis my fancy to master that thrust, every morning when you've +done with the Major you shall fence a bout or so with me, eh?" + +"'Twill be joy, Master Tom." + +"But, mark this Zeb, none must know of it--especially my uncle. I--I'm +minded to surprise him. So not a word and----" + +On the warm, sunny air rose a woman's voice rich, sonorous and clear, +singing a plaintive melody. The Viscount rose, flicked a speck from +velvet coat-skirts and, crossing the orchard, swung himself astride the +wall. My lady Betty was gathering a posy; at the Viscount's sudden +appearance she broke off her song, swept him a curtsey then, standing +tall and gracious, shook white finger at him. + +"Naughty lad!" said she. "Since when have you taken to philandering in +country lanes after midnight?" + +The Viscount actually gasped; then took out his snuff-box, fumbled with +it and put it away again. + +"I--I--Gad preserve me, Bet!" he stammered, "what d'ye mean?" + +"I mean, my poor Pancras, since when ha' you taken to spying on me?" + +The Viscount's cheek flushed, then he leaned suddenly forward his hands +tight-clenched: + +"Betty," said he, his voice sunk almost to a whisper, "O Bet, in God's +name why d'you meet a man of Dalroyd's repute--alone and at such an +hour?" My lady's clear gaze never wavered and she laughed gaily: + +"Dear Pancras," she cried, "your tragical airs are ill-suited to the +top of a wall! Prithee come down to earth, smooth that face of care, +dear creature, and let us quarrel agreeably as of yore!" + +The Viscount obeyed slowly and looking a little grim: + +"Look'ee Bet," said he as they trod the tiled walk together, "I have +lived sufficiently long in this world to know that the mind of a woman +is beyond a man's comprehension and that she herself is oft-times the +sport of every idle whim----" + +"'Tis a Daniel come to judgment! O excellent young man!'" she mocked. +Whereat the Viscount became a little grimmer as he continued: + +"Yet, because my regard for you is true and sincere, I do most humbly +implore you to forego this madcap whim----" + +"Whim, Viscount Merivale, my lord?" + +"Aye--whim, fancy, mischief--call it what you will! 'Tis impossible +you can love the fellow and not to be thought on." + +"Dear Pan," she sighed, "I vow there are times I could kiss you as I +used, when we were children." + +"Trust me instead, dear Bet! Confess, the fellow hath a hold over you? +Have you met him often at night?" + +"Twice!" + +"Shall you meet him again?" + +"Thrice!" + +"Alone? And--at midnight? Alone, Betty?" + +"Quite alone." + +"God!" he exclaimed, "what will the world think?" + +"The world will be asleep." + +"But how if you should be seen as I saw you--in the lane?" + +"'Tis small chance," she answered, brushing her roses across red lips +a-pout in thought. "'Tis why I choose a spot so remote and so late an +hour." + +"But alone--at midnight--with Dalroyd! By heaven, Betty, you run +greater and more ugly risks than you know." + +"I think not, Pan." + +"But I tell you, and God forgive me if I misjudge the fellow--from what +I know--from what I hear he's a very satyr--a----" + +"Indeed I think he is!" she sighed. "So do I go prepared." + +"How--how?" he demanded. "I say no maid should run such risk, +willingly or no----" + +"Pancras!" She turned and faced him suddenly. "You never doubt +me--you?" + +"Never Bet, never, I swear. But 'tis only that I've known you all your +days and because I know you commit this folly and risk these dangers +for Charles's sake. But Betty, in God's name what will the end be?" + +"An end shall justify the means!" + +"The means--the means! Aye, but there are some means so shameful that +no end may ever justify--you never think to sacrifice yourself to----" + +My lady laughed; then seeing the anxiety of his face, the tremor of his +clenched fist, she took that fist in her soft, cool fingers and drawing +him within the arbour made him sit beside her. + +"Pan dear," she said gently, "O rest secure in this:--'tis true I love +my brother but no tender martyr am I so brave or so unselfish, even for +his dear sake, to yield myself up to--the beasts. This body of mine I +hold much too precious to glut their brutish appetite." + +"Why then, Bet, promise me this folly shall cease, you'll see Dalroyd +no more, at least at such an hour--promise me." + +"No, Pancras." + +"Ha! And wherefore not?" + +"Because 'tis so my whim." + +"Why then you leave me but one alternative, Betty." + +"Prithee--what?" + +"I'll stop it in despite of you." + +"Cry you mercy, sir--how?" + +"Very simply." + +"Ah, Pancras, you mean a--duel? No no, not that--you shall not--I +forbid such folly!" The Viscount smiled. "He'd kill you, Pan, I know +it--feel it!" The Viscount's smile grew a little rueful. + +"None the less, 'twould resolve the problem--at least for me," he +answered. + +"But, Pancras, see how clumsily! O Lud, these meddling men!" she +sighed. + +"Heavens, these wilful women!" he retorted. + +"Still, Sir Wiseacre, being a woman I'll meet and outwit the beast with +a woman's weapons. So now prithee let there be no thought of such +clumsy weapons as this!" and tapping the ornate hilt of the Viscount's +sword, she rose. "Come," said she, reaching him her hand, "take me +within-doors and I will stay thee with flagons." + +Now as they crossed the broad lawn together the balmy air was suddenly +pierced by a shrill and flute-like whistle. + +"Aha!" exclaimed the Viscount, stopping suddenly to glance about. + +As he stood thus he was amazed by an object which, hurtling from on +high, thudded upon the grass, and stepping forward he picked up a much +worn and battered shoe. From this sorry object his gaze, travelling +aloft, presently discovered a figure which had wriggled itself half out +of a small dormer window beneath the eaves and, despite this perilous +position, was beckoning to him vigorously. + +"Oho!" exclaimed the Viscount, turning to my lady Betty. "So you have +him here, 'tis as I thought!" But when he would have waved and saluted +his lordship of Medhurst in return, Betty stayed him with a gesture. + +"The servants, Pan--" she warned him. + +"You'll take me up, Bet, you'll let me see the old lad?" the Viscount +pleaded. "I've been scheming out ways and means of getting him first +to my place in Sussex and then over seas----" + +"Phoh!" exclaimed my lady. "And yourself and him dungeoned in the +Tower within the week. How should you know he was hereabouts--'twas +that Major d'Arcy, I'll vow!" + +"True, he mentioned the matter and moreover----" + +"Ha!" cried my lady stamping her foot, "so he must be talking already!" + +"Aye--to me, Bet, why not i' faith! And--though a Whig----" + +"A flapdragon!" exclaimed my lady. + +"I say though a Whig he is as ready to aid Charles into safety as you +or I. Nay, he hath even proffered to harbour him in his own house." + +"Mm!" said my lady, smiling down at her roses, "I wonder why a Whiggish +soldier should run such risk for Charles, a stranger?" + +"Because the Major chances to be the best, the bravest, the most +unselfish gentleman I have the honour to know!" replied the Viscount. + +"Dear Pancras!" she sighed, "an you would talk with Charles, you shall, +so come your ways and be silent--Pancras dear!" + +So she brought him into the house and, finger on lip, led him up back +stairways and along seldom used passages to a door small but remarkably +strong; here she paused to reach a key from a dark corner, a key of +massive proportions at sight of which the Viscount whistled. + +"You see, Pan," she explained, fitting it to the lock, "Charles is +quite determined to get away at once for my sake, but I'm quite +determined he shall stay for his own sake, until I judge him +sufficiently recovered, and--hark to him, Pan, hark to my naughty +child!" She laughed as an impatient fist thumped the stout door from +within and a muffled voice reached them. "Be silent, sir!" she +commanded. Followed a sulky muttering, the door swung open and my lord +of Medhurst appeared, petulant and eager: + +"What Pan!" he cried. "What Tom--Tommy lad! Y'see how she treats me!" + +"Hush!" exclaimed my lady, closing the door. + +"Gad, Charles!" exclaimed the Viscount as they embraced, "you're thin +and pale, is't your wound?" + +"Nay--nay, I vow I'm well enough, Tom----" + +"But I protest art worn to a shadow----" + +"A shadow--aha!" His lordship laughed gaily. "Say a shade, Tom, a +ghost and you're in the right with a vengeance. But tell me the latest +town news, Tommy, who's in and who's out? Stands London where it +did----" + +"Nay first, Charles, I'm here to smuggle you away to my Sussex place +there to keep you hid until I can arrange for you to cross into France. +'Twill be the simplest matter i' the world, Charles, I'll have a couple +of fast horses in the lane at midnight, we shall reach my place by dawn +or thereabouts. How say you?" + +"Why I say, dear lad, 'tis all very well but you forget one thing." + +"And that?" + +"Your own risk, Pan." + +"Tush!" exclaimed the Viscount. + +"Quite so, Tom," nodded my lord, "but d'ye dream I'd ever shelter +myself behind thy faithful friendship? How say you, Bet?" + +"Spoken like my own Charles!" she answered and clasping her arm about +him set her cheek to his, and the Viscount, glancing from one face to +the other, fell back in staring surprise. + +"Gad love me!" he exclaimed. "'Tis years since I saw you out of a +peruke, Charles and now I do--I vow your likeness to Bet is greater +than ever--faith 'tis marvellous! Same features, same gestures, same +height----" + +"Nay I swear I'm taller by a good inch, Tom----" + +"But the similarity is wonderful----" + +"Except for his voice!" sighed my lady, "and that--hush! 'Tis the +coach returned, aunt is back from Sevenoaks already!" So saying, she +crossed to the window and leaned out. "Heavens!" she cried, "aunt must +ha' driven home galloping, the horses are all in a lather o' foam. I +wonder----" + +"Betty!" cried a voice, "O Betty!" + +"Save us!" ejaculated my lady, crossing to the door and turning the +key, "she's coming up!" + +"Betty!" cried Lady Belinda from the landing without, "O Betty, let me +in--let me in!" Here the strong door was shaken by eager hands. "Let +me in, Betty, O I know who's there--I've known for days. Let me in for +O Lud--I've such terrible news--quick, open the door!" + +Instantly Betty obeyed and Lady Belinda tottered in, closed it again +and leaned there breathless. + +"Charles!" she cried. "My wicked wanderer! My wayward boy! O I shall +faint--I swoon!" But Lady Belinda did neither, instead she caught the +earl to her bosom, kissed him tenderly and spoke. "My dears, there are +soldiers at Sevenoaks seeking our fugitive--they may be here at any +time!" + +"The devil!" exclaimed the fugitive. + +"We must do something!" said the Viscount. + +"We will!" nodded my lady. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE MAJOR COMES TO A RESOLUTION + +Colonel Lord George Cleeve sat perched astride a chair on the desk in +the corner and watched where the Major and Sergeant Zebedee fronted +each other for their wonted morning's fencing-bout: + +"You'll find me a little sluggish as 'twere after last night, Zeb," +said the Major, taking his ground. + +"Why there have been other nights, sir, and I never found you so yet," +answered the Sergeant, as, returning the Major's salute, he came to his +guard, and, with a tinkle and clash of steel, they engaged, the Major, +light-poised and graceful, the Sergeant balanced upon stockinged feet, +cunning, swift and throbbing with vigorous strength. Now as their play +became closer it seemed that the weapons were part of themselves, this +darting, twining steel seemed instinct with life and foreknowledge as +lightning thrust was met by lightning parry; while the Colonel, craning +forward in his chair, cursed rapturously under his breath, snorted and +wriggled ecstatic. It was a long, close rally ending in a sudden +grinding flurry of pliant blades followed by a swift and deadly lunge +from the Sergeant met by an almost miraculous riposte, and he stepped +back to shake his head and smile; while the Colonel slapped his thigh +and roared for pure joy of it. + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, "'tis me is sluggish it seems! Clean through +my sword-arm!" + +"Faith, Zeb, I saw it coming in time." + +"Joy!" cried the Colonel, sprinkling himself copiously with snuff, "O +man Jack 'tis a delight t' the eye, a balm t' the soul, a comfort t' +the heart! Rabbit me, Jack, Sergeant Zeb is improved out o' knowledge." + +"Aye, George, Zeb is an apt pupil. Come again, Sergeant." + +At this moment the door opened and the Viscount lounged in, but seeing +what was toward, seated himself on a corner of the desk as the foils +rang together again. Before the next venue was decided the Colonel was +on his legs with excitement and the Viscount's languor was forgotten +quite, for, despite their buttoned foils, they fought with a grim yet +joyous ferocity, as if death itself had hung upon the issue. Their +blades whirled and clashed, or grinding lightly together seemed to feel +out and sense each other's attack; followed cunning feints, vicious +thrust or lunge and dexterous parry until, at last, the Major stepped +back and lowered his point: + +"'Tis your hit, Zeb--here on my wrist!" + +"Why 'twas scarce a hit, your honour." + +"Most palpable, Zeb!" + +"Gad love me!" murmured the Viscount, "and they don't sweat and they +ain't panting!" + +"Music!" snorted the Colonel, bestriding his chair again, "poetry, +pictures--bah! Here you have 'em all together! A fine 'ooman's a +graceful sight I'll allow, but sirs, for beauty and music, poetry and +grace all in one, give me a couple o' well-matched small-sworders!" + +"Parfectly, sir!" bowed the Viscount. "Though, nunky, if I may venture +the remark and with all the deference in the world, your play is +perhaps a trifle austere--lacking those small elegancies and delicate +refinements----" + +The Colonel rolled truculent eye and sprinkled himself with snuff again. + +"Master Tom sir--Pancras my lud," said the Sergeant, "I were thinking +p'r'aps you'd play this third venue with his honour?" + +"Gad, nunky, 'twould be a joy," murmured the Viscount. So saying he +took the Sergeant's foil. "You'll mind sir, how you disarmed me last +time----" + +"'Twas but a trick, Tom, and you were all unsuspecting." + +"At least, sir, this time I shall play more cautious." And the +Viscount saluted and fell to his guard, one white hand fanning the air +daintily aloft. The foils crossed and, as the bout progressed, the +Viscount's self-assurance grew, he even pressed the Major repeatedly +and twice forced him to break ground; time and again his point missed +by inches while the Sergeant watched between a smile and a frown and +the Colonel wriggled on his chair again: + +"Faith!" cried he, as the foils were lowered by common consent. "The +lad hath a wrist, Jack, and a quick eye for distance--he should make a +fencer one o' these days--with pains----" + +"Gad so, sir!" exclaimed the Viscount, a little huffed, "I rejoice to +know it!" + +"And though his point wavers out o' the line like a straw i' the wind +and his parade is curst inviting and open, still----" + +"Let me perish, what d'ye mean, my lord?" + +"Come again, Tom and I'll show you!" said the Major. + +"Those are fairly large buttons on your waistcoat. I'll take the top +four. On guard, Tom!" + +Again the foils met and almost immediately the Major's blade leapt and +the Sergeant counted "One--two!" The Viscount broke ground, then +lunged in turn and the Sergeant counted again, "Three--four!" The +Viscount stepped back, pitched his foil into a corner and stared at the +Major in rueful amaze, whereupon Lord Cleeve laughed, and, clambering +from the table, clapped him on the shoulder: + +"Never be discouraged, Viscount," said he, "never be peevish, sir, in +your place I should ha' fared little better. Few may cope with d'Arcy +o' the Buffs--or Sergeant Zebedee for that matter!" + +"Gad love me sir," answered the Viscount smiling, "'twould seem so." + +"And now, man Jack, I'm for Sevenoaks on small matter o' business, +moreover 'tis like my lady Carlyon will be thereabouts and young +Marchdale promised to make me known to 'Our Admirable Betty.' Will ye +ride with me, Jack?" + +"Why thank'ee George, no--there's my chapter on the Defects of Salient +Angles d'ye see, for one thing----" + +"Devil burn your salient angles!" + +"But here's Tom now. Tom might join you," suggested the Major with a +meaning glance at his nephew. + +"'Twould be a joy, sir!" murmured the Viscount dutifully. + +"Why then I'll go get into my boots," nodded the Colonel and strode +from the room. + +"Nunky," said the Viscount, rearranging his cravat before the mirror +with scrupulous care, "there are soldiers at Sevenoaks and the man they +seek lieth hid--next door, if I mistake not!" + +"Art sure, Pancras?" + +"I spoke with Charles himself a while since, and my lady Belinda saw +the soldiers to-day. Question, what's to do, sir?" + +"'Tis a problem, nephew, and one requiring a nice judgment. Let me +think! Sergeant, I'll thank you for my Ramillie coat. And she hath +him hid?" enquired the Major, getting into the garment in question. + +"Under lock and key, nunky. Charles would have been away ere this for +her sake, but she'd locked him in. You see he is still scarce +recovered of his wound and hardships, and Betty is determined to keep +him till he be quite strong again." + +"To be sure!" nodded the Major, fingering the tarnished buttons of his +old campaigning coat. "And she locked him in--'twas like her! As for +the soldiers, Tom, having traced him so far, they will be here next +'tis sure and her house will be searched first, of course." + +"Gad sir!" exclaimed the Viscount, striding to and fro in sudden +perturbation. "You take it devilish calm and serene! If they search +there they'll find him beyond doubt----" + +"Not so, Tom, I'll see to that." + +"You sir--how?" + +"He shall come here." + +"Here nunky--here in this house--with Colonel Cleeve your guest?" + +"Precisely, Tom--I must hide him under old George's honest nose. 'Tis +irregular, as 'twere--aye, 'tis vastly irregular, and yet----" Here +there rose a distant roaring, a hoarse and intermittent clamour. + +"Gad love us!" exclaimed the Viscount, starting, "what's here?" + +"'Tis only George roaring for thee, Tom." + +"And the horses are at the door, my lud!" added the Sergeant, glancing +from the window. + +"So begone, Tom and----" + +"No no, sir, I'll stay and aid you with----" + +"Nay, look'ee Tom, you ride to Sevenoaks with George. You learn +precisely when the soldiers march for Westerham and, if need be, you +make your excuses and ride back to warn me of their coming. Your +dapple-grey is the fastest thing on four legs and--ah, George--I do but +stay my nephew to give him certain commissions and, as I was saying, +his big dapple-grey is the fastest----" + +"Ha--rot me, Viscount, we'll see that--we'll see that!" nodded the +Colonel pulling on his gauntlets. "Now, if you're ready, sir?" + +"Quite, my lord, quite!" smiled the Viscount, and, taking hat, gloves +and whip from Sergeant Zebedee, he bowed and followed the Colonel out. +Thereafter rose the clatter of their horse-hoofs which died rapidly +away until they were lost altogether. + +"Zeb," said the Major, sinking heavily into his chair and leaning head +on hand, "Sergeant Zebedee, I go about to do a thing I never thought to +do. We fought and bled for England and Queen Anne Zeb, you and I, and +after for King William and then for King George, and now, it seems, I +must forget my loyalty for the sake of a youth I've never seen, a +Jacobite fugitive, Zeb, whose life is held forfeit--but, he is the +brother of one--one I hold--very dear, Zeb. And for her sake I am +about to be false to the oath I swore as an officer, I am about to give +aid and shelter to an enemy of my king. This is a grief to me, Zeb, a +great grief, since honour was very dear to me, but she--is dearer +still! So shall I do this thing gladly--aye, even though it lose me +all as well as honour--even life itself because 'tis for--her." Here +the Major paused to sigh and the Sergeant finding nothing to say, +saluted. "But as for you yourself, Zeb, all these long, hard years +you've served faithfully and kept your record clean, and God forbid I +should smirch it. So, Zebedee, you will take a week's leave--you will +get you to London or----" + +"Which, saving your presence, can't nowise be, your honour!" answered +the Sergeant. "King George is very well and I say, God bless same. +But then King George and me don't chance t' have fought for England +together side by side, nor yet have saved each other's life, sir--very +good! But, says I, in action or out, wheres'ever you've led I've +folleyed most determined, and I'm too old to change my tactics, sir. +So, your honour, I'm with you in this, in that, or in t'other, +heretofore, now and hereafter, so be it, amen!" Having said which, the +Sergeant saluted again and stood at ease. + +"You risk your neck, Zeb!" + +"I've risked every member I possess afore now, like your honour." + +"I mean there is a danger that----" + +"Dangers has been our daily meat and drink, sir, and perils our +portion. Consequently if dangers and perils should threaten your +honour 'tis only nat'ral I should share same, besides 'tis become a +matter o' dooty wi' me, d'ye see, sir?" + +"Zeb," said the Major, rising, "Zebedee--ha--Sergeant Tring, give me +your hand! And now," he continued, as their hands gripped and fell +apart, "bring me my hat and cane, Zeb, I'll to my lady." These being +produced, the Major clapped on laced hat, took ebony cane in hand and +crossed to the door; but there the Sergeant stayed him: + +"Sir," said he in gentle remonstrance, "you'll never go in your old +coat? + +"And wherefore not, Zeb?" + +"'Tis not in keeping wi' your brave new hat, your honour!" + +"Maybe not, Zeb," sighed the Major, "but then 'tis in most excellent +keeping with my--my limp, d'ye see. So let be, Zeb, let be!" + +And so the Major went forth upon his errand and, being a little +perturbed as to his possible reception, fell to planning himself a line +of conduct for the forthcoming interview and forming stern resolutions +that should govern him throughout. Thus, as he walked, head a-droop +and deep-plunged in thought, his limp was rather more pronounced than +usual. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +TELLS HOW LADY BETTY DID THE SAME + +And so my Lady Carlyon sitting in her arbour, lovely head bent above a +book on surgery, presently espied the Major's tall figure advancing +towards her; and beholding the familiar features of the Ramillie coat, +its threadbare seams, its tarnished braid and buttons, she had the +grace to blush, and felt her breath catch unwontedly. + +The rosy flush still mantled her cheeks as she rose to greet him, quick +to heed the courtly grace of his stately bow and his air of gentle +aloofness. + +"Madam--my lady, pray pardon this unwarranted intrusion, but----" + +"O sir," she murmured, eyes a-droop, "most fully." + +"I am come on account of your brother, my Lord Medhurst." + +"Ah!" she sighed, "you mean my dear rebel--will't please you to sit, +sir?" + +"Thank you, I had--rather stand," he answered gently. + +"And pray sir, what of my brother?" + +"My lady, it seems the soldiers--a search-party have reached Sevenoaks +and may be on their way hither, and your house would prove but a +dangerous hiding-place, I fear. They would naturally search there +first and very thoroughly." + +"And you are here to warn me?" + +"I am here to offer him the more secure shelter of the Manor." + +Here my lady sighed, glanced swiftly up at his averted face and made +room for him beside her on the rustic bench. + +"Will you not--sit down, sir?" she asked softly. + +"Thank you but I--am very well here!" he answered; whereupon my lady +frowned at her book and fluttered its pages with petulant fingers. + +"Can it be sir," she questioned, "can it possibly be that Major John +d'Arcy so--so sternly orthodox and----and Whiggish is willing to give +shelter to a Jacobite rebel?" The Major bowed. "And you are a--loyal +soldier?" + +"I--was!" he answered, sighing so deeply that she glanced at him again +and beholding his troubled face, her petulant fingers were stilled, her +frown vanished and her voice grew suddenly pleading and tender. + +"Prithee, Major John will you not--sit awhile?" and she drew aside the +folds of her gown invitingly. + +"Indeed I--I had--rather not!" he answered, drawing back a step. + +My lady's round bosom heaved tempestuous and she glanced at his averted +face with eyes of scorn. + +"Sir," said she, "the soldier who shelters the enemies of his king is +a--traitor!" The Major winced. "And traitors are sometimes--hanged, +sir!" + +"Or shot, or beheaded!" he murmured. + +"And you, Major d'Arcy, you are willing to run all these risks and +wherefore?" The Major prodded diligently at a patch of moss with his +cane, while, chin on hand, she watched him, waiting his answer. + +"Need you ask?" he muttered. + +"I do ask, sir," said she, her watchful gaze unwavering; and he, +conscious of this intent look, flushed, grew uneasy, grew abashed; +finally he raised his head and returned her look and in his eyes was +that which called imperious to all her womanhood, that before which her +own eyes fell though his voice was very tender as he answered: + +"My lady you know well 'tis--for you. You know my love is one that +counteth not risk, now or--or ever." + +At this, my lady having seen and heard all she had desired, bowed +shapely head and was silent awhile, staring down at the page before her +headed: "Quartern Ague." When at last she spoke her voice quavered +oddly and he flinched, believing that she laughed at him again. + +"Your coat is more--more threadbare and--woebegone than--ever, John!" +Here he sighed, still thinking that she mocked him but, as he turned +away, he saw something that fell sparkling upon the page before her, +followed by another and another. The Major stood awe-struck. + +"My lady!" he exclaimed, "mam----" + +"Do--not----" my lady sobbed but stamped her foot at him none the less. + +"Madam," he corrected hastily. + +"Nor that, sir! I'll not be 'madam-ed' or 'my lady-ed'--by you--any +longer." + +"Betty! O Betty!" he cried yearningly. + +"John!" she sighed, "Jack!" And lifting her head she looked at him +with eyes brimful of tears, tears that would not be winked away, so she +dabbed at them with her handkerchief and sobbed again. The Major +stepped hastily into the arbour. + +"Betty?" he questioned in awed wonderment. + +"Yes--I'm weeping, sir," she confessed. "I'm shedding--real tears and +'tis not a custom of mine, sir--consequently 'tis not so easy as to +faint or--swoon. I hate to--sob and weep, and I--despise +tears--besides they hurt me, John." He came a quick step nearer. "O +'tis very cruel to make a poor maid weep--how can you, John dear?" + +"I?" he exclaimed aghast, "I--make you weep?" + +"Indeed you--you! O cruel!" + +"In heaven's name, how--what have I done?" + +"Heaped coals of fire, John! Burnt me! Scorched me!" + +The Major stared, utterly at a loss and fumbled with one of his +tarnished buttons; then, seeing his bewilderment, she laughed through +her tears and, choking back her sobs, rose and stretched out her arms +to him. + +"John," she murmured, "you dear, noble, generous Jack--ah, don't you +see? When I made a public mock of you the other day, you hid your pain +for my sake--and to-day, O to-day you come ready and willing to aid my +brother heedless of risks and dangers. And now--now you--stand so--far +off! John dear, if--if you won't sit down--prithee come a little +nearer for me--just to--touch you." + +Now hearing the thrill in her voice, beholding the melting tenderness +of her look, his doubts were all forgotten and his stern resolutions +swept clean away; so he came near, very near and, sitting down, clasped +her yielding loveliness to the shabby, war-worn Ramillie coat. + +"My dear, brave, noble John," she sighed, "and I such a beast to thee! +To make a mock of thee for fools to laugh at--but none so great a fool +as I--yes, Jack I repeat----" But here the Major closed her +self-accusing lips awhile. "Yes, dear John," she continued, "I was a +positive beast--though 'tis true you did anger me vastly!" + +"How?" he questioned, drawing her yet nearer. + +"You would not heed my signals--my fan, my handkerchief, both +unregarded." + +"Fan?" he repeated. "Handkerchief? You mean--Egad!" His fervent arms +grew suddenly lax and he sighed. "Dear," said he, shaking rueful head, +"I fear you do find me very obtuse, very dull and stupid, not at all +the man----" + +"The only man!" she whispered. + +"But to think I could be so dense, such an unutterable blockhead, such +a----" Here my lady in her turn stopped his self-reproaches and +thereafter, taking him by two curls of his great periwig, one either +side, nodded lovely head at him. + +"Though indeed, 'tis true sir, I was a little put out----" + +"And no wonder!" he agreed. "Any other man would ha' known and +understood. But I, being nought but a simple----" Again she sealed +his lips, this time with one white finger. + +"Nay, Major John sir--I do protest your grave simplicity hath a potent +charm in a wilderness of wits and beaux! 'Twas that same, methinks did +first attract me, for dear John, hear me confess, I have loved thee +from our first meeting--to-day I honour thee also. Dost mind that +first hour--when you caught me stealing your cherries? Dost remember, +John?" + +"Aye, truly," he answered, "'twas in that hour happiness found me--a +happiness I had never thought to know!" Here, meeting his ardent gaze, +she flushed and drooped her lashes, yet nestled closer. + +"John," she whispered, "thou'rt so placid as a rule, so serene and calm +yet, methinks there might come a time when I--should--fear +thee--almost. Our love is not politely _à la mode_, John!" + +"Nor ever could be!" he answered. + +"'Tis thing so wondrous great John, that I do tremble--and you--you +too, John! Ah prithee loose me awhile. Love is so vastly different +from what I dreamed--'tis methinks a happiness nigh to pain. And yet +our love hath not run so smooth dear, there have been doubts, and +fears, and misconceptions and--mayhap John, there shall be more." + +"Heaven forefend, sweet. For indeed thou art my light, without thee +this world were place of emptiness and gloom and I a lonely wanderer +lost and all foredone. Ah Betty, since love looked at me through thine +eyes life hath become to me a thing so precious----" + +"Yet you would peril it, John, and with thy life my happiness." + +"Nay, but my Betty----" + +"Aye, but my John, this shall not be! Think you I'll permit that you +hazard yourself----" + +"But, dear heart, I have a plan very excellent----" + +"So have I, John, a plan more excellent, nay--most!" + +"But sweeting, I am here to----" + +"To listen to me, of course, my Jack. See now, Charles is my brother +and if danger come I, as his sister, am proud and willing to share it +with him or to--endure much for his sake. But dear, whiles I live none +other shall jeopardise life or fortune in his behalf, on this I am +determined and he also. Besides, I have a plan, a wondrous plan, John, +shall save my dear Charles from all the soldiers 'twixt here and London +town. If they will search my house--let them, but they shall not find +him. And after, when he's strong enough, he shall win to France and +none to give him let or stay. Moreover John I shall be very sweetly +avenged in certain trifling matter. Nay--no questions sir, only meddle +not in this and, beyond all, have faith in thy Betty." + +The sun had set long since, evening deepened into night but, when he +would have gone, she stayed him with gentle hands, with sighs and +plaintive murmurs. + +"'Tis not yet late ... life holdeth so few hours the like of this ... +and John dear, I do feel troubles are nigh us ... doubts, John ... +sorrows belike... And yet surely our love is too great... But if you +should ... hear aught of evil ... or ... should see----" + +"Betty--O Betty, alas, alas!" It was Lady Belinda's voice and in it a +note that brought Betty to her feet, suddenly pale and trembling. +"Betty, O Betty!" With the cry on her lips Lady Belinda appeared in +the half-light hurrying towards them distractedly and wringing her +hands as she came: "Alas, Betty!" + +"Yes, aunt--dear heaven, what's amiss?" + +"'Tis Charles--our dear Charles!" + +"What--what of him?" + +"O Betty, he's--gone!" + +"Gone? But aunt 'tis impossible, his door was locked----" + +"Aye, but the window--the window! He's gone, Betty--ropes and +things--bed-clothes and what not. O my heart! There they +are--dangling from the window--to and fro. But poor, naughty, wilful +Charles is gone!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +CONCERNING CHARLES, EARL OF MEDHURST + +If my lady Betty was of a determined temper, my lord of Medhurst was no +less so; being set on ridding his sister of his dangerous presence he +contrived, so soon as her back was turned, to effect his exit through +the window by means of his bed-clothes and sundry odds and ends of rope +and cord he had found in the attics. + +Darkness having fallen, the frantic search for him being over and the +coast at last clear, the earl proceeded to squirm and clamber out of +the disused water-butt that had been his hiding-place, knocked the dust +and cobwebs from his person (dressed somewhat roomily in a suit of +Viscount Merivale's clothes) and glided away into the shadows of the +garden swift and silent as any ghost. Reaching the wall he scaled it +lightly, paused to sweep off his hat and to blow a kiss towards his +sister's window, then dropped into the lane; followed it a little way +and, turning aside into the fields set off at a smart pace. Very soon +he reached a small wood and had advanced but a little way in among the +trees when his quick ears warned him that others were here before him; +a bush rustled at no great distance and he caught the sound of a voice +hoarse and subdued: + +"... heard someone behind us I say!" + +"'Twere a bird Joe, wood be full of 'em. 'Taren't our man, he'll come +by th' field-path--hist! What's yon?" My lord's eyes sparkled as, +settling his hat more firmly, he loosened sword in scabbard and stepped +daintily into the open. Then came a sudden rustling of leaves, the +muffled thud of hasty feet, and, by light of the rising moon, his +lordship saw a tangle of vague forms, that twisted and writhed, and +arms that rose and fell viciously; out came his steel and with the +long, narrow blade a-glitter he leapt forward shouting blithely as he +ran. He was close upon the combatants when one staggered and fell, +another was beaten to his knees and then the earl was upon them. Now a +light small-sword is an awkward weapon to meet the swashing blows of +heavy bludgeons; therefore his lordship kept away, avoiding their +rushes and fierce strokes by quickness of foot and dexterity of body; +twice his twinkling point had darted vainly but his third thrust was +answered by a snarling cry of pain and incontinent his two assailants +took to their heels, whereupon his lordship uttered a joyous shout and +leapt in pursuit but was staggered by a blow from behind and, reeling +aside, saw his third assailant make off after the others. My lord +feeling suddenly faint and sick, cursed feebly and dropped his sword +then, hearing a groan near by, staggered across to the fallen man. + +Thus Sergeant Zebedee presently opening his eyes looked up into the +face above him, a face pallid in the moonlight and with a dark smear of +blood on the cheek. Hereupon the Sergeant blinked, sat up and stared. + +"Zounds!" he exclaimed. "If you ain't the poacher as vanished into air +all I say is--Zooks!" His lordship nodded and smiled faintly. + +"How goes it, Sergeant?" he questioned, swaying strangely from side to +side as he knelt. + +"A woundy rap o' the nob d'ye see lad, and more o' the same front and +rear, but no worse thanks t'you and now--Gog and Magog, hold up lad! +What, ha' they got you too?" His lordship tried to laugh but failing, +smiled instead: + +"Got me--aye!" he mumbled, "I--almost think--I'm going----" The words +ended in a sigh and my lord Medhurst slipped limply to the ground and +lay there. Muttering oaths in English, French and Dutch the Sergeant +set hands to throbbing head and staring blankly about spied the sword +near by; took it up, examined the point instinctively and nodding +grimly contrived to set it back in scabbard. Then taking the inert +figure in practised hold lifted him to broad shoulder and trudged +sturdily off; but as he went the throbbing in his head seemed like +hammer-strokes that deafened, that blinded him; yet on he strode nor +paused nor stayed until the welcome lights of the Manor gleamed before +him. As he plodded heavily on, he became aware of a voice hailing him +above the thunderous hammer-strokes and he paused, reeling: + +"Zeb, Sergeant Zebedee!" + +"Here, sir!" he gasped hoarsely. Next moment the Major was beside him: + +"Suffer me, Zebedee," said he, and taking the insensible form in his +powerful arms, led the way into the house and so to the library, the +Sergeant plodding doggedly in his rear. Laying his inert lordship upon +a settee, the Major summoned Mrs. Agatha, who, seeing the Sergeant +bruised and bloody screamed once, below her breath, and immediately +became all womanly dexterity. Softly, swiftly she bustled to and fro; +first came cordials and glasses, thereafter a bowl of water, sponges +and soft linen and very soon beneath her able and gentle ministrations +the earl sighed, opened languid eyes and sitting up, stared about him +while Mrs. Agatha promptly turned her attention to the battered +Sergeant. + +"Faith, sir," said my lord apologetically, "I--I fear I was so foolish +as to swoon----" + +"But saved my life first, your honour," added the Sergeant, dodging +Mrs. Agatha's sponge to say so, "and winged one o' the rogues into the +bargain." + +"Then sir," said the Major, "my deepest gratitude is yours. Sergeant +Zebedee is--is an old comrade of mine a--a comrade and--and so forth as +'twere, my lord Medhurst." + +Here the Sergeant blinked and opened his mouth so wide that Mrs. Agatha +felt impelled to promptly fill it with the sponge. + +"I trust sir," continued the Major, "you feel yourself a little +recovered of your hurts?" + +"O infinitely sir--quite, quite!" answered the earl and getting to his +feet, staggered and sat down again. "A small vertigo sir, a trifling +dizziness," he explained, more apologetically than ever, "but 'twill +soon pass." + +"Meantime," suggested the Major, viewing his pallor with sharp eyes, "I +will, with your permission, send and notify my lady Carlyon of her +brother's welfare." + +Here, by reason of astonishment and Mrs. Agatha's sponge the Sergeant +spluttered and choked: + +"As to that sir," answered the earl, fidgeting, "I--faith! I had +rather you didn't. And indeed, since you know who I am, 'twill be +immediately apparent to you that the farther I am from Betty and the +sooner I quit your roof, the better for all concerned----" + +"On the contrary, sir," said the Major, "'tis for that very reason I +offer you the shelter of my roof until----" + +A rush of flying feet along the passage without, a fumbling knock and +the door flying open discovered one of the maids her eyes round and +staring in fearful excitement: + +"Soldiers!" she cried, "O sir--O Mrs. Agatha--'tis the soldiers--all +round the house--lanthorns and guns--I do be frighted to death!" + +Mrs. Agatha dropped the sponge and uttering no word, pointed one plump +finger at the frightened girl and stamped her foot; and before that +ominous finger the trembling maid shrank and turning about incontinent +fled, slamming the door behind her. For a breathless moment none +moved. Then Medhurst rose a little unsteadily, glancing round rueful +and helpless. + +"So then--'tis ended!" he sighed. "My poor, sweet Bet! And you +sir--you--my God, I must not be taken here for your sake!" and he +sprang towards the window. + +"Stay sir," said the Major gently, "'tis no use, the house is +surrounded of course. Aye, I thought so----!" He nodded as in the +dark beyond the curtained windows came the measured tramp of feet, a +hoarse command and the ring of grounded muskets. + +"Sir--sir," exclaimed Lord Medhurst, "God forgive me that I all +unwitting as I was, should bring you to this black hazard." + +"Nay, my lord," answered the Major, smiling into the earl's troubled +face, "grieve not yourself on my account, 'twas I brought you hither +knowing who you were, so do not reproach yourself, 'tis but the fortune +of war. Hark, they are here, I think----" + +"Then I'll go meet 'em!" said his lordship, "I'll give myself up--they +shall never--take me!" + +"Well said, sir," nodded the Major, his brow unruffled and serene, +"we'll go together! Pray, Sergeant, open the door!" + +"Don't, Sergeant, don't!" panted Mrs. Agatha, "wait--O--wait!" Thus, +speaking, she sped across the room and, kneeling before the great +fireplace, seemed to feel along the carved foliage of the mantel with +frenzied fingers, then uttered a gasp of satisfaction: "Quick--quick my +lord!" she panted. And even as she spoke the great hearthstone sank +down endwise turning upon itself and disclosing a narrow flight of +steps. The earl uttered a sound between a laugh and a sob, turned +aside to take up hat and sword and, descending into the gloomy depths, +glanced up blithe of eye and waved his hand as the stone swung back +into place above him. + +Then Mrs. Agatha rose, dusted her silken gown with her pretty white +hands and curtseyed: + +"Your honour," said she, "with your leave, I'll run out to my poor, +silly, frighted maids!" and taking up bowl and sponges while the +Sergeant opened the door, she rustled away. With the door still in his +hand, Sergeant Zebedee turned to stare at the Major and found the Major +staring at him. + +"Sir," said he at last, "sir, she's--a----" here he paused to shake +solemn head, "sir, she's the--sir--she--is--a--woman!" + +"Zeb," answered the Major, sinking into a chair, +"she--most--undoubtedly--is!" + +But now the house was full of strange stir and hubbub, the tread and +tramp of heavy feet, the clatter of accoutrements, and the ring of +iron-shod muskets on stone-flagged hall. + +"Sir," questioned the Sergeant, putting on his wig and re-settling his +rumpled garments, "shall I go out to 'em?" + +"Do so, Zeb, and bring the officer to me--here, in the library." + +The officer in question, a tall and languid exquisite, found the Major +at his desk, who, setting aside his papers, rose to give him courteous +greeting. + +"Ged, sir," he exclaimed returning the Major's stately bow, "you'll +f'give this dem'd intrusion I trust--I'm Prothero, Captain o' Cleeve's, +your very dutiful humble. You are Major d'Arcy, I think?" + +"The same, sir, and yours to command." + +"Let me perish, sir, 'tis an honour to meet you I vow and protest. +Colonel Cleeve hath spoke of you--I've heard of you in Flanders also. +All o' which doth but make an unpleasant duty--dem'd unpleasant. +Regarding the which I may tell you that my lord Colonel is so put out +over the business that he hath absented himself until our search here +shall be over. But this Jacobite f'low is known to be i' these parts +and my orders are to search every house----" + +"And orders are to be obeyed!" smiled the Major. "Let your men search, +sir, and meantime a glass or so of Oporto perhaps----?" + +"Ged sir, your kindness smites me t' the heart I vow." + +The bottle having duly been brought and the glasses filled the Captain +rose and proposed: + +"Sir, I give you 'Our Admirable Betty!' 'Tis a health much discussed +in these parts o' late I believe, sir," said he, "aye and in London +too. And the dem'dest strangest part on't is the man we hunt is her +own brother--no less, sir! And since he is so here's wings to his +heels say I, curst Jacobite though he be. But when a man is blessed +with such a sister damn his politics, say I. And O Cupid, sir, what a +crayture! Her shape! Her air! Her pretty, little, dem'd demure foot! +I give you her foot, sir. And the pride of her! The grace of her! +The dem'd bewitching enchanting entirety of her. I vow 'tis the +dem'dest, charmingest piece o' feminine loveliness that ever lured +mankind t' demnition. Demme sir, she's the sort o' goddess-crayture +that gets into a f'low's blood--goes t' f'low's head like wine sir, +makes a f'low forget duty, kindred, country, honour and even himself." + +"You have searched my lady's house, I take it?" enquired the Major. + +"Faith we have so, sir,--and herself to light us up-stairs and down. +So gracious sir! _So très debonnaire_! So smiling and altogether +dem'd sedoocing--O Lard!" + +On this wise the Captain held forth until the wine was all gone, and +his corporal came to announce that the house had been duly and +thoroughly searched from cellar to attic, without success: whereupon +the Captain rose, shook the Major's hand--babbled forth more apologies +in melting, mellifluous accents, roared at his men and finally marched +them out of the house and away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +WHICH DESCRIBES SOMETHING OF MY LADY BETTY'S GRATITUDE + +The Major, leaning back somnolent in his great elbow-chair, fingers +joined and head bowed, listened lethargically to the Sergeant who, +sitting bolt upright, read aloud from the manuscript he held. + +"'Vauban, in his instructions on the siege of Aeth, giveth notice of +sundry salient angles all fortified, the most open by bastions, the +others, and those of at least ninety degrees, by demi-bastions----'" + +Here the Major snored but so gently that the Sergeant, whose whole +attention was centred on the written words, was proceeding all unaware +when a small, roundish object hurtled across the room, smote the Major +softly upon the cheek and fell to the floor; hereupon the Major opened +sleepy eyes. + +"Certainly, Zeb!" said he. "Egad you're in the right on't--er--I fear +my attention was wandering as 'twere--though I listen very well with my +eyes shut!" + +The Sergeant lowered the manuscript to stare, round-eyed: + +"Anan, sir?" he enquired. + +"Go on again, Zeb--this chapter on Salient Angles must be clear and +concise as possible. Proceed, Zebedee--we'd got as far as the siege of +Aeth, I think." Saying which, the Major closed his eyes again and +Sergeant Zebedee, nothing loth, went on: + +"'--the most open by bastions, the others, and those of at least ninety +degrees, by demi----'" + +Once again a small missile flew with unerring aim, struck the Major on +the chin and rebounded on to the desk. + +The Major started, rubbed his eyes and sat up. + +"What now, Zeb?" he enquired. The Sergeant, lowering the manuscript +again, stared harder than ever. + +"Sir?" he enquired. + +"Something--er--touched me I think Zeb!" + +"Touched you, sir! Zounds, here's but you and me, your honour!" + +"Strange!" mused the Major, rubbing his chin, "very strange, Zeb, I +must ha' dreamed it, though I distinctly felt----" He leaned forward +suddenly and picked up from the desk before him a half-opened moss +rosebud. With this in his fingers he turned towards the open casement +behind the Sergeant's chair and beheld a face, all roguish witchery and +laughter, and two white hands held out to him. + +"Help me in, John--help me in!" she commanded. In an instant the Major +was across the room, had clasped those slender hands and my lady, +mounting the low sill, stood a moment framed in the heavy moulding of +the long window, a very picture of vigorous young womanhood; then +leaping lightly down with flashing vision of dainty feet and ankles, +she crossed to where the Sergeant stood, very erect and upright, and +setting her two hands upon his broad shoulders, smiled up at him +radiant-eyed. + +"Sergeant Zebedee," said she, "dear Sergeant Zebedee you must be vastly +strong to have carried my brother so far. Stoop down!" + +Wondering, the Sergeant obeyed and immediately felt the pressure of two +warm, soft lips on his smooth-shaven cheek; whereupon he flushed, +blinked and stood at attention. "Did you like it, Sergeant?" she +enquired. + +"My lady, all I can say is--mam I--I did, your ladyship." + +"Then stoop again, Sergeant!" With an apologetic glance towards the +Major he obeyed and my lady kissed his other cheek. Then she turned +and looked at the Major with glistening eyes. "O!" she cried, "I am +come overflowing with gratitude to you all for my dear brother's sake. +I owe you his life--but for you he--he would be----" Her deep bosom +swelled and she bowed her head. "Charles is very--very dear to me +and--you saved him to me. O pray, John, may I see Mrs. Agatha?" + +Here, at a sign from the Major, Sergeant Zebedee strode from the room +shutting the door carefully behind him: and as it closed they were in +each other's arms. + +"Jack!" she murmured. "My noble John!" + +"Nay, beloved," he sighed, "dream not 'twas I. Sergeant Zebedee found +him and but for Mrs. Agatha----" + +"O my scrupulous man, art afraid lest I do think too well of thee? Art +frighted lest I give thee more gratitude than thy just due? Indeed but +Charles hath told me all and I do know 'twas these arms bore him 'neath +thy roof, 'twas thy brave heart sheltered him and was ready to face +ignominy with him. But indeed if you have no--no will to--kiss me----" +The Major kissed her until she sued for mercy. Thereafter, throned in +his great chair, she surveyed the bare chamber with gentle eyes: "'Tis +a great house, John," she nodded, "and this, a barren corner--and yet, +meseemeth, 'tis not so--so outrageously desolate as it was." + +"My Betty," he answered, "I do but live for the time when it shall be +brightened by thy sweet presence, its floors know the light tread of +these dear feet, its walls the music of thy voice and--thy love make +it 'home' for me at last." + +"'Deed John but you do grow poetical--though perchance thy style might +not please Sir Benjamin or Sir Jasper or--O John how I have laughed and +laughed----" + +Here came a gentle rapping on the door and being bidden enter, Mrs. +Agatha appeared demure and smiling, dropped a curtsey to the Major, +another to my lady and then she was caught in gentle embrace and kissed. + +"Why Mrs. Agatha!" exclaimed my lady, "dear Mrs. Agatha, how pretty you +are! 'Tis seldom wit and beauty go together! Thank you, my dear, for +a brother's life. For service so great there are no words--nought to +repay. But take this and wear it in memory of a sister's gratitude!" +And speaking, my lady took a necklet from her own white throat and +clasped it about Mrs. Agatha's neck. "But for you," she sighed, "but +for you I should have lost my only brother and--" my lady faltered, +then, meeting Mrs. Agatha's gentle glance, threw up proud head, "and +one I love--beyond all!" + +"My lady--O my lady!" cried Mrs. Agatha, "Heaven send you happiness now +and ever--both!" Then stooping, she kissed my lady's hand and was gone. + +My lady crossed the room and seated herself in the Major's great +elbow-chair while he, sitting on a corner of the desk gazed down at her +with eyes of rapture. + +"Well, Major John?" + +"How--beautiful you are!" he sighed and she actually blushed and bowed +her head. + +"O--John!" she whispered. + +"Surely many have told you so before?" + +"Hosts, of course, dear Major!" she nodded. + +"Aye, I fear I'm not very original," he sighed, "I'm awkward, I know, +tongue-tied and mute when I would speak; but dear, my love doth 'whelm +me so--poor, futile words are lost----" + +"'Deed, sir," she answered demurely, "I find no fault with your powers +of converse more especially when you grow personal. That remark, now, +'beautiful' was the word I think, being a woman such will never tire +me--as you say them." + +"Yet I do but echo what others have said before me." + +"Aye, but you say it as no other man ever did--you speak it so +sincerely and reverently as it had been a prayer, John." + +"God knoweth I'm sincere, Betty." + +"So do I, John," and taking the rosebud from the desk she began to open +its petals with gentle fingers. So the Major sat gazing at her, +wishing that she would lift her eyes and she, knowing this, kept them +lowered of course. + +"John," said she at last. + +"Betty?" + +"Sometimes you do seem almost--afraid to--touch me." + +"I am." + +"And wherefore?" + +"Because even now there are times when I scarce can credit my wondrous +happiness, scarce believe you can really love--such as I----" + +"None the less I shall convince you once and for all--one day, Master +Humility!" + +And now she lifted her head at last and looked at him, and, thrilling +to the revelation of that look, he leaned swiftly down to her, but then +she put up gentle hand and stayed him. + +"John," she murmured, "dear, when you look at me so you are not a bit +humble, I know not if I fear you or--love you most. Stay, John, if my +hair should come down and anyone see I--O then quick, John--there's +aunt calling! Let us join the company ere we are fetched like truants. +She is out on the terrace with Pancras and Mr. Marchdale who is a +trifle trying at times being over-youthful and very soberly adoring. +'Chaste hour, soft hour, O hour when first we met!'" she quoted. +"Indeed," she laughed, "'tis a very worshipful, humble youth so very +unlike----" + +"Mr. Dalroyd!" said the Major thoughtfully. + +My lady started, the rosebud fell from relaxed fingers and she glanced +up with a look in her eyes that might have been mistaken for sudden +fear. + +"Why--why do you name--him?" she questioned dully; but before he could +answer came a knock at the door and Mrs. Agatha appeared to say that +"tea was a-drinking on the terrace!" + +They found Lady Belinda seated on the terrace before a tea equipage +with Mrs. Agatha and a footman in attendance while beside her sat the +Viscount, one arm in a sling, dutifully sipping a dish of tea and +making wry faces over it. + +"Gad love me, 'tis the washiest stuff!" he sighed. + +"O dear Major, hark to the naughty wanton!" cried Lady Belinda as the +Major bowed over her hand, "First he nigh breaks his neck knocking at +fences and now miscalleth tea!" + +"Knocks at fences, aunt?" + +"Truly, he tells me his horse budged, took off something or other, was +very short about it, knocked at a fence and fell--which is not to be +wondered at." + +"Faith, Viscount," said Mr. Marchdale looking puzzled "'tis a fierce +and dangerous beast that grey o' yours but I don't quite see----" + +"Nay," smiled the Viscount, "'twas that stiffish fence beyond +Meadowbrook Bottom--the Colonel put his Arab at it and cleared but my +grey balked, took off short, rapped, came down on his head and I came +by a sprained arm and shoulder." + +"'Twas all that Colonel Cleeve's fault, I dare swear," cried Lady +Belinda, "he's a wild soul, I fear!" + +"On the contrary, Aunt Belinda, he's a very noble fellow. And he bade +me be sure carry you his humble duty." Here Lady Belinda blushed quite +becomingly and perceiving the Viscount had contrived to swallow his +tea, forthwith filled him more despite his expostulations. + +"Drink it, Pancras," she commanded, "'tis soothing and sedative and +good for everything--see how healthy the Chinamen are--so polite too +and placid, I vow!" + +"I'd no idea, mam," said the Major, "no idea that you and my old friend +George were acquaint." + +"It happened yesterday sir, in Sevenoaks, Sir Benjamin made us known." + +"Talking of the Colonel," said Mr. Marchdale, "the village is all agog +over the soldiers--they searched your house as well as my lady's I +understand, sir?" + +"They did!" nodded the Major. + +"Consequently everybody is wondering what i' the world they wanted." + +"Why Charles for sure!" answered Lady Betty, "they seemed to think we +had him in hiding." + +"Charles!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale opening his mouth and staring, +"O--Egad they--they didn't find him, of course!" + +"No, and I pray God they never will, wherever he may be." + +"Have you seen or heard from him since he rode for Scotland?" enquired +Mr. Marchdale. "Because I----" + +"More tea, Mr. Marchdale?" demanded Lady Belinda. Mr. Marchdale's +feeble refusals were overruled and he was treated beside to a long +exordium on the beneficent qualities of the herb, the while he gulped +down the beverage to the Viscount's no small satisfaction. As for the +Major, he was looking at Betty and she at him, and the Viscount's quick +glance happening to rove their way and noting the look in the Major's +eyes and the answering flush on her smooth cheek the Viscount's own +eyes opened very wide, he pursed his lips in a soundless whistle and +thereafter studiously glanced another way. + +"Major d'Arcy sir," said Mr. Marchdale, gulping his tea and blinking, +"I am come with an embassage to you, Tripp and the rest of us present +their service and beg you'll join us at cards this evening--nothing +big, a guinea or so----" + +"Aye, go, nunky," nodded the Viscount, "I'm going over to try some new +songs with Betty." Here Mr. Marchdale sighed heavily. + +All too soon for the Major the ladies arose to take their departure. + +"We are hoping, dear Major," said Lady Belinda, "that you will come in +to supper one evening soon, you and Pancras----" + +"With Colonel Cleeve, if he chance to be here still," added Betty. + +The gentlemen bowed, the ladies curtseyed, and descended the terrace +steps all stately dignity and gracious ease. + +Left alone the Major stood awhile to enjoy the beauty of the sunset-sky +and to sigh over the past hour; then slowly went into the house. + +In the study he found Sergeant Zebedee who stood tentatively beside the +desk. + +"I was thinking, sir," said he, "that seeing the company is gone we +might contrive to get through your chapter on Salient Angles at last!" + +"A happy thought, Zeb--by all means." + +So they sat down together then and there and the Sergeant took up the +manuscript. It was then that the Major spied the fallen rosebud and +glancing at the Sergeant stooped and picked it up almost furtively +though all the Sergeant's attention was focussed, like his eyes, upon +the foolscap in his hand; so, leaning back in his chair the Major +raised the bud to reverent lips watching Sergeant Zebedee the while, +who, clearing his throat with a loud "Hem!" began to read forthwith: + +"'Vauban, in his instructions on the siege of Aeth, giveth notice of +sundry salient angles all fortified, the most open by bastions, the +others, and those of at least ninety degrees, by demi-bastions...'" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +FLINT AND STEEL + +The Major, puffing thoughtfully at his pipe and hearkening to Sir +Benjamin's ponderous witticisms, kept his sharp eyes on the +card-players opposite, Mr. Marchdale flushed and eager, the Marquis +smiling and good-humoured, Lord Alvaston sleepy as usual and Mr. +Dalroyd blandly imperturbable. + +"Then, my dear sir, I gather you judge well o' that little flight o' +mine t'other night?" enquired Sir Benjamin, "I mean the acrostic +alliterative, how did it go----" + + 'Bewitching Bet, by bounteous beauty blessed'-- + +you think well on't, Major, eh?" + +"Indeed sir, 'twas very ingenious." + +"Od's body, sir, I think you've a judgment to be commended, I venture +to opine it was ingenious--and therewith not lacking in wit, sir?" + +"By no means, Sir Benjamin." + +"To be sure the last line might be bettered, though it cost me a world +o' thought. 'Twas if I remember: + + 'Yea you, yourself to yearn as beauty ought.' + +Yet od's my life sir! I fail to see how it should be bettered. Y is +an awkward, stubborn, damned implacable letter at best, sir." + +"Truly a most awkward letter, Sir Benjamin." + +Here Mr. Marchdale slammed down his cards petulantly. + +"So!" he exclaimed, "that makes another fifteen guineas!" + +"Twenty-five, my dear Marchdale!" smiled Mr. Dalroyd, taking up a new +pack. + +"How much ha' you lost, Alton?" + +"Nothing much Tony, only ten or so." + +"And you, Alvaston?" + +"Nay I'm 'n odd guinea or so t' th' good, s' far," yawned his lordship. + +"May I perish," exclaimed Mr. Marchdale, "but you and Dalroyd have all +the luck, as usual!" + +"I--I in luck?" exclaimed Alvaston, his sleepy eyes wider than usual, +"stint y'r dreams and babble not, Tony! Whoe'er saw me win? Never had +any measure o' luck since I was breeched, or before. And talking o' +luck, Major, how goeth Merivale, how's poor Tom since his spill +yesterday?" + +"Bruised and sore, sir, but no worse, thank God. He'll be about again +in a day or so." + +"Tom rides like--like the devil, strike me blue if he don't!" said the +Marquis. + +"And just as reckless!" added Dalroyd. + +"Aye, but here was none o' that. His horse balked a fence, rapped and +went down with him. Brute'll kill him yet, damme if he don't!" + +"Talking o' luck," pursued Alvaston, sorting his cards lazily, "never +had any measure of it yet, either with cards, dice, horses or the sex. +An' talkin' o' the sex, Tony my lad, what of its brightest and most +particular, what of Bet, how speeds th' wooing?" Mr. Marchdale swore +earnestly. "Oho!" murmured Alvaston, "doth she prove so cold and +indifferent----" + +"Neither one nor t'other, but I must ha' more time." + +"Three days must suffice, Tony, 'twas so agreed. After you comes Ben +and after Ben, Jasper and then after Jasper, West, with poor Ned and me +left nowhere." + +"Aye, but damme," quoth the Marquis, "what o' Dalroyd here?" + +"Aye, where d'you come, Dalroyd?" queried Alvaston. + +Mr. Dalroyd's nostrils worked and his white teeth gleamed. "I come +nowhere, anywhere or everywhere," he answered, surveying his hearers +beneath lowered eyelids. "A free-lance in love, I--to woo precisely +how and where and--when, I choose." Here for an infinitesimal space of +time his keen eye rested on the Major. + +"You always were such a dem'd dumb dog!" quoth the Marquis. + +"Close as 'n oyster!" murmured Alvaston. + +"And he's lucky in cards and love, which ain't fair," grumbled Mr. +Marchdale. "I've heard whispers of a handsome farmer's daughter not a +hundred miles hence--eh, Dalroyd?" + +"'Tis your turn to lead, Marchdale!" said Mr. Dalroyd, his lips a +little grim. + +"My fellow swears he saw you only t'other night--dev'lish late--with an +armful o' loveliness----" + +"You should kick your fellow for impertinence, Marchdale, and 'tis your +turn to lead!" + +"I'll be curst if I know what, then!" he exclaimed, slapping down a +card at random. "There's Bet, now--and but one more day to win her! +Who might win such a goddess in a day, 'tis preposterous----" + +"I've heard," smiled Mr. Dalroyd, "yes, I've heard of women being won +in less. And as to goddesses, Endymion sighed not vainly nor over +long." + +"Why as to that I progress--O I progress!" nodded Mr. Marchdale with +youthful assertiveness, "she's all witching laughter and affection----" + +"Unhappy wight!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd. + +"Eh?" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale, wine-glass at lip, "How so?" + +"Kind Venus save me from affection feminine!" smiled Dalroyd, "Where +affection is passion is not. So give me burning love or passionate +hate and she is mine." + +"Od Dalroyd," interposed Sir Benjamin indignantly, "I say od's my life, +sir, here's wooing most unorthodox, most unseemly i' faith!" + +"But natural, Ben," retorted Dalroyd, "women love or hate as the wind +bloweth. Your loving woman is very well though apt to cloy, but your +hater--O Ben! Besides, all women love a little force--to force 'em +willing is child's play, to force 'em hating--ah Ben, that methinks is +man's play." + +"Out on you, sir!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin. "Is it thus you'd win our +incomparable, Our Admirable Betty?" Mr. Dalroyd threw down his cards +and leaning back in his chair surveyed the indignant Sir Benjamin with +his fleeting smile. + +"She is a woman, Ben, and therefore to be won one way or t'other." And +here once again his keen gaze rested momentarily on the Major's passive +figure. As for Sir Benjamin, his face grew purple, his great peruke +seemed to bristle again. + +"Enough sir!" he cried, "Are we satyrs, hairy and unpolished, to creep, +to crouch, to win by forceful fury what trembling beauty would deny? I +say no sir--I say the day of such is long gone by I--I appeal to Major +d'Arcy!" + +The Major, being thus addressed, blew forth a cloud of smoke, fanned it +away with his hand and spoke in his measured, placid tones: + +"I fear sir, even in these days satyrs walk among us now and then +though indeed they have covered their hairy and unpolished hides 'neath +velvets and fine linen and go a-satyrizing delicately pulvilled. Yet +woman, I take it, hath been granted eyes to see the brute 'neath all +his dainty trappings." + +Here there fell a moment's silence, for the company, quick to sense the +sudden tenseness in the air, sat in rapt expectation of what was to be; +perceiving which Mr. Dalroyd smiled again and the Major went on +smoking. At last, when he judged the silence had endured long enough, +Mr. Dalroyd spoke: + +"Major d'Arcy, Ben's simile is perchance a little harsh, for he would +have us all satyrs, in that at some time or other, every man doth seek, +pursue and hunt the lovely sex to his own selfish end. Even you +yourself, I dare swear, have dreamed dreams, have beheld a vision of +some dainty beauty you would fain possess. I have, I do confess. Now, +doth she yield--well and good! Doth she fly us, we pursue. And do we +catch her--well, hate and love are kindred passions, nay indeed, hate +is love's refinement, though both are passing moods. Indeed some women +are preferable in the hating moods--to know the woman in one's arms +hates one, there, sir, so 'tis said, is the very refinement of +pleasure." + +"Sir," said the Major gently, "I heard one say as much in Flanders +years agone and I did my best to kill him and thought I had succeeded, +but of late I have begun to entertain grave doubts and never more so +than at this minute." Here fell a silence absolute. + +Mr. Dalroyd's white lids flickered and into his eyes came a bodeful +glare as he met the Major's placid but unswerving gaze and as they +fronted each other thus, there fell a silence so absolute that the tick +of a clock in distant corner sounded uncannily loud--a chair creaked, a +foot scraped the floor, but save for this was silence, threatening and +ominous, while Mr. Dalroyd glared at the Major and the Major, leaning +back in his chair, stared at Mr. Dalroyd as if he would read the very +soul of him. All at once came a whirr of springs and the clock began +to chime midnight whereupon was sudden relaxation, chairs were moved, +arms and legs stretched themselves. + +"Od's my life--midnight already!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin in very +apparent relief. + +"Aye, faith!" yawned Alvaston, "Now is the witching hour when +graveyards yawn----" + +"No, no, Bob!" laughed Dalroyd, "Now is the witching hour when beauty +coy doth flush and furtive steal to raptures dreamed by day. Now is +the witching hour when satyrs in compelling arms----" he yawned, smiled +and rose. "Howbeit sirs, I am summoned hence----" + +"Ah--ah!" nodded Marchdale, "The farmer's daughter--the beauty o' the +blue cloak--ha, lucky dog!" + +"A blue cloak!" repeated Mr. Dalroyd, "Egad, your fellow's too +infernally observant, Marchdale, you should really kick him a little." +So saying, Mr. Dalroyd crossed to the corner and took up his sword, +"Adieu gentlemen," said he, "I go, shall we say, a-satyrizing--no, +'twould shock our Ben, none the less I--go. Gentlemen, I salute you!" +And bowing to the room Mr. Dalroyd sauntered away. + +"Burn me!" exclaimed Alvaston, "the wine's near out, let's order up +'nother dozen or so an' make a night on't." This being agreed, the +bottles presently made their appearance, glasses clinked and the +company began to grow merry. But after two or three toasts had been +called and honoured, the Major arose, made his excuses, and calling for +his hat, sword and cane, presently took his departure. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +DESCRIBING SOMETHING OF COQUETRY AND A DAWN + +It was a glorious summer night, the moon riding high in a cloudless +heaven, a night full of a tranquil quietude and filled with the +thousand scents of dewy earth. Before him stretched the wide road, a +silver causeway fretted with shadows, a silent road where nothing moved +save himself. + +Thus, joying in the beauty of the night, Major d'Arcy walked slowly and +took a roundabout course, and a distant clock chimed the hour of one as +he found himself traversing a small copse that abutted on his own +property. + +In this place of light and shadow a nightingale poured forth his liquid +notes rilling the leafy mysteries with ecstatic song; here the Major +paused and setting his back to a tree, stood awhile to hearken, lost in +a profound reverie. + +And into this little wood came two who walked very close together and +spoke in rapt murmurs; near they came and nearer until the Major +started and looking up beheld a woman who wore a blue cloak and whose +face, hidden beneath her hood, was turned up to the eager face of him +who went beside her. The Major, scowling and disgusted thus to have +stumbled upon a vulgar amour and fearing to be seen, waited impatiently +for them to be gone. But they stopped within a few yards of him, half +screened from view behind a tangle of bushes. Hot with his disgust, +the Major turned to steal away, heard a cry of passionate protest, and +glancing back, saw the woman caught in sudden fierce arms, viciously +purposeful, and drawn swiftly out of sight. + +"Mr. Dalroyd," said my lady gently, lying passive in his embrace, "pray +turn your head." Wondering, he obeyed and stared into the muzzle of a +small pocket pistol. "Dear Mr. Dalroyd--must I kill you?" she smiled; +and he, beholding the indomitable purpose in that lovely, smiling face, +gnashed white teeth and loosing her, stood back as the Major appeared. + +For a tense moment no one moved, then with an inarticulate sound Mr. +Dalroyd took a swift backward step, his hand grasping the hilt of his +small-sword; but the Major had drawn as quick as he and the air seemed +full of the blue flash and glitter of eager steel. Then, even as the +swift blades rang together, my lady had slipped off her cloak and next +moment the murderous points were entangled, caught, and held in the +heavy folds. + +"Shame sirs, O shame!" she cried. "Will you do murder in my very +sight? Loose--loose your hold, both of you--loose, I say!" Here my +lady, shaking the entangled blades in passionate hands, stamped her +foot in fury. The Major, relinquishing his weapon, stepped back and +bowed like the grand gentleman he was; then Mr. Dalroyd did the same +and so they stood facing each other, my lady between them, the bundled +cloak and weapons clasped to her swelling bosom; and it was to be +remarked that while Mr. Dalroyd kept his ardent gaze bent upon her +proud loveliness, the Major, tall and stately, never so much as glanced +at her. + +"Sir," said he, "our quarrel will keep awhile, I think?" + +"Keep--aye sir!" nodded the other carelessly, "you'll remark the +farmers in these parts beget goddesses for daughters, sir." + +"Major d'Arcy," said my lady, "take your sword, sir." + +The Major, keeping his eyes averted, sheathed the weapon and forthwith +turned his back; and as he limped heavily away was aware of Dalroyd's +amused laughter. He walked slowly and more than once blundered into a +tree or tripped over manifest obstacles like one whose eyesight is +denied him, and ever as he went Mr. Dalroyd's triumphant laughter +seemed to ring in his ears. + +Thus at last he came out of the shadow of the little wood, but now was +aware of the tread of quick, light feet behind him, felt a hand upon +his arm and found my lady at his side. Then he stopped and drawing +from her contact glanced back and saw Mr. Dalroyd watching them from +the edge of the coppice, his arms folded and the smile still curling +his lips; my lady saw him also and with a passionate gesture bade him +begone, whereupon he flourished off his hat, laughed again, and bowing +profoundly, vanished amid the trees. Then they went on side by side, +my lady quick-breathing, the Major grim and stately--a very grand +gentleman indeed. + +At last they reached a lane whose high banks sheltered them from all +chance of observation; here my lady paused. + +"O John," she murmured, "I'm so--so weary, prithee don't hurry me so!" +The Major, mute and grim, stared straight before him. "John?" said she +tenderly. At this he turned and looked at her and before that look my +lady cried out and cowered away. "John!" she cried in frightened +wonderment. + +"Madam," said he, "why are you here, I sought you not? If you are for +dallying, go back--back to your----" He clenched his teeth on the word +and turned away. "If mam, if you are--for home to-night I'll see you +so far. Pray let us go." And he strode impatiently forward, but +presently, seeing her stand where he had left her, pale and forlorn, +frowned and stood hesitating. + +Here my lady, feeling the situation called for tears, sank down upon +the grassy bank beside the way and forthwith wept distractingly; though +had any been there to notice, it might have been remarked that her eyes +did not swell and her delicate nose did not turn red--yet she wept with +whole-hearted perseverance. + +The Major grew restless, he looked up the lane and he looked down the +lane, he turned scowling eyes aloft to radiant moon and down to shadowy +earth; finally he took one long pace back towards her. + +"Madam!" said he. + +My lady sobbed and bowed her lovely head. The Major approached another +step. + +"My lady!" he remonstrated. + +My lady gasped and crouched lower. The Major approached nearer yet. + +"Mam!" + +My lady choked and sank full length upon the mossy turf. The Major +stooped above her. + +"Betty!" said he anxiously. "You--you're never swooning?" + +"O John!" she said in strangled voice. + +"Great heavens!" he exclaimed. "Art ill--sick----?" + +"At--at heart, John!" she murmured, stealing a look at his anxious +face. The Major stood suddenly erect, frowning a little. + +"Madam!" said he. A deep sigh. "My lady--mam----" + +"Do not--call me so!" + +"You'll take a rheum--a cold, lying there--'tis a heavy dew!" + +"Why then I will--let me, John." + +"Pray get up, mam--my lady." + +"Never, John!" + +"Why then----" said he and paused to look up the lane once more. + +"What, John?" + +"You force me to----" He paused and glanced down the lane. + +"To--what, John!" + +"To carry you!" + +"Never, John! For shame! Besides you couldn't. I'm a vast weight +and----" + +The Major picked her up, then and there, and began to carry her down +the lane. And after they had gone some distance she sighed and with a +little wriggle disposed herself more comfortably; and after they had +gone further still he found two smooth, round arms about his neck and +thereafter a soft breath at his ear. + +"Pray don't be angry with your Betty, John dear." The Major stopped +and stared down at her in the brilliant moonlight. Her eyes were +closed, her rosy lips just apart, curving to a smile; he drew a sudden +deep breath, and stooping his head, kissed her. For a long moment he +held her thus, lip to lip, then all at once he set her down on her feet. + +"Gad!" he cried, "what kind of woman are you to lure and mad me with +your kisses----" + +"Your woman, John." + +"And yet--for aught I know----" the Major clenched his fists and +pressed them on his eyes as if to shut out some hateful vision--"ah +God, for aught I can be sure----" + +"What, John?" + +"He--he hath kissed you too, this night----" + +"But he hath not, John--nor ever shall." + +"Yet I saw you in his arms----" My lady sighed and bowed her head. + +"The beast is always and ever the beast!" she said. + +"How came you with him in a wood--after midnight?" + +"For sufficient reasons, John." + +"There never was reason sufficient--nay, not even your brother----" + +"Nay dear John, I think different----" + +"To peril that sweet body----" The Major choked. + +"Nay, I'm very strong--and--and I have this!" + +The Major scowled at the small, silver-mounted weapon and turned away. + +"There is your maiden reputation----" + +"That is indeed mine own, and in good keeping. Grieve not your woeful +head on that score." + +"Ah Betty, why will you run such hazard----" + +"Because 'tis so my will, sir." The Major bowed. + +"'Tis long past midnight, madam." + +"Aye, 'tis a sweet hour--so still and solitary." + +"Shall we proceed, madam?" + +"At your pleasure, sir." So they went on side by side silently awhile, +the Major a little grim and very stately. + +"I do think John thou'rt very mannish at times." + +"Mannish, madam?" + +"Blind, overbearing and apt to be a little muddled." + +The Major bowed. "For instance, John, methinks you do muddle a woman +of will with a wilful woman." The Major bowed. "Now if, John, if in +cause so just I should risk--not my body but my name--my fame, who +shall stay me seeing I'm unwed and slave to no man yet--God be +thanked." The Major bowed lower than ever and went beside her with his +grandest air. "'Deed John," she sighed, "if you do grow any more +dignified I fear you'll expire and perish o' pride and high-breeding." + +The distant clock struck two as, turning down a certain bye-lane, the +Major paused at a rustic door that gave into my lady's herb-garden. +But when he would have opened it she stayed him. + +"'Tis so late, John----" + +"Indeed 'tis very late, madam!" + +"Too late to sleep this night. And such a night, John--the moon, O the +moon!" + +"What o' the moon, madam?" + +"John d'Arcy I do protest if you bow or say 'madam' again I--I'll bite +you! And the moon is--is--the moon and looks vastly romantic and +infinite appealing. So will I walk and gaze upon her pale loveliness +and sigh and sigh and--sigh again, sir." + +"But indeed you cannot walk abroad--at this hour----" + +"Having the wherewithal I can sir, and I will, sir." + +"But 'tis after two----" + +"Then sir, in but a little while it will be three, heigho, so wags the +world--your arm pray, your arm." + +"But my lady pray consider--your health--your----" + +"Fie sir and fiddlededee!" + +"But the--the dew, 'tis very----" + +"Excellent for the complexion!" and she trilled the line of a song: + + 'O 'tis dabbling in the dew that makes the milkmaids fair.' + + +"But 'tis so--unseasonable! So altogether--er--irregular, as +'twere----" + +"Egad sir and you're i' the right on't!" she mocked. "'Tis +unseasonable, unreasonable, unwomanly, unvirginal and altogether +unthinkable as 'twere and so forth d'ye see! Major d'Arcy is probably +pining for his downy bed. Major d'Arcy must continue to pine unless he +will leave a poor maid to wander alone among bats and owls and newts +and toads and worms and goblins and other noxious things----" + +"But Betty, indeed----" + +"Aye, John--indeed! To-night you did look on me as I had committed--as +I had been--O 'twas a hateful look! And for that look I'll be avenged, +and my vengeance is this, to wit--you shall sleep no wink this night! +Your arm sir, come!" + +Almost unwillingly he gave her his arm and they went on slowly down the +lane; but before they had gone very far that long arm was close about +her and had swept her into his embrace. + +"Betty," he murmured, "to be alone with you thus in a sleeping world +'tis surely a foretaste of heaven." He would have drawn her yet nearer +but she stayed him with arms outstretched. + +"John," said she, "you ha' not forgot how you looked at me to-night, as +I were--impure--unworthy? O John!" The Major was silent. "It angered +me, John but--ah, it hurt me more! O Jack, how could you?" But now, +seeing him stand abashed and silent, her repelling arms relaxed and she +came a little nearer. "Indeed John, I'll allow you had some +small--some preposterously pitiful small excuse. And you might answer +that one cannot come nigh pitch without being defiled. But had you +said anything so foolish I--I should ha' sent you home to bed--at +once!" Here the Major drew her a little nearer. "But John," she +sighed, "you did doubt me for awhile--I saw it in your eyes. Look at +me again, John--here a little closer--here where the light falls +clear--look, and tell me--am I different? Do I seem any less worthy +your love than I was yesterday?" + +"No," he answered, gazing into her deep eyes. "O my Betty, God help me +if ever I lost faith in you, for 'twould be the end of hope and faith +for me." + +"But you did lose faith to-night, John--for a little while! And so you +shall sue pardon on your knees, here at my feet--nay, 'tis damp, +mayhap. I'll sit yonder on the bank and you shall kneel upon a fold of +my cloak. Come!" + +So the Major knelt to her very reverently and taking her two hands +kissed them. + +"Dear maid that I love," said he, "forgive the heart that doubted thee. +But O love, because I am a very ordinary man, prithee don't--don't put +my faith too oft upon the rack for I am over prone to doubts and +jealous fears and they--O they are torment hard to bear." Now here she +leaned forward and, taking him by two curls of his long periwig, drew +him near until she could look into his eyes: + +"Jack dear," she said, very tenderly, "I needs must meet this man +again--and yet again----" + +"Why?" he questioned, "Why?" + +"Because 'tis only thus my plan shall succeed. Will you doubt me +therefore?" + +"No!" he cried hoarsely, "not you--never you, sweet maid! Tis him I +doubt, he is a man, strong, determined and utterly ruthless and you are +a woman----" + +"And more than his match, John! O do but trust me! Do but wait until +my plan is ripe----" + +"Betty, a God's name what is this wild plan?" + +"Nay, that I may not tell thee----" + +"Could I not aid?" + +"Truly--by doubting me no more, John. By trusting me--to the +uttermost." + +The Major groaned and bowed his head: + +"Ah Betty!" he sighed, "yet must I think of thee as I saw thee +to-night--alone with that--that satyr and nought to protect thee but +thy woman's wit. God!" he cried, his powerful form shaking, "God, 'tis +unthinkable! It must not be--it shall not be!" here he lifted face to +radiant heaven, "I'll kill him first--I swear!" + +Now seeing the awful purpose in that wild, transfigured face, she cried +out and clasping him in tender arms, drew him near to kiss that +scowling brow, those fierce, glaring eyes, that grim-set, ferocious +mouth, pillowing his head upon her bosom as his mother might have done. + +"O my John," she cried, "be comforted! Never let thy dear, gentle face +wear look so evil, I--I cannot bear it." + +"I'll kill him!" said the Major, the words muffled in her embrace. + +"No, John! Ah no--you shall not! I do swear thee no harm shall come +to me. I will promise thee to keep ever within this lane when--when we +do meet o' nights----" Here the Major groaned again, wherefore she +stooped swiftly to kiss him and spoke on, her soft lips against his +cheek; "Meet him I needs must, dear--once or twice more if my purpose +is to succeed--but I do vow and swear to thee never to quit this lane, +John. I do swear all this if thou too wilt swear not to pursue this +quarrel." + +"He will insist on a meeting, Betty--and I pray God soon!" + +"And if he doth not, John--if he doth not, thou wilt swear to let the +quarrel pass?" + +"Art so fearful for me, Betty?" + +"O my John!" she whispered, her embrace tightening, "how might I live +without thee? And he is so cold, so--deadly!" + +"Yet art not afraid for thyself, Betty!" + +"Nor ever shall be. So promise me, John--O promise me! Swear me, dear +love!" And with each entreaty she kissed him, and so at last he gave +her his promise, kneeling thus his head pillowed between soft neck and +shoulder; and being in this fragrant nest his lips came upon her smooth +throat and he kissed it, clasping her in sudden, passionate arms. + +"John!" she whispered breathlessly. "O John!" + +Instantly he loosed his hold and rising, stood looking down at her +remorsefully. + +"Dear--have I--angered you?" he questioned in stammering humility. + +"Angry--and with thee?" and she laughed, though a little tremulously. + +"Betty, I do worship thee--revere thee as a goddess--and yet----" + +"You tickle me, John! You are by turns so reverent and humble and +so--so opposite. I do love your respect and reverent homage, 'tis this +doth make me yearn to be more worthy--but alack! I am a very woman, +John, especially with thine arms about me and--and the moon at the +full. But heigho, the moon is on the wane, see, she sinketh apace." + +"Dawn will be soon, Betty." + +"Hast seen a many dawns, John?" + +"Very many!" + +"But never one the like of this?" + +"Never a one." + +"O 'tis a fair, sweet world!" she sighed, "'tis a world of faerie, a +dream world wherein are none but thou and I. Here is neither doubt nor +sorrow, but love and faith abiding. Come let us walk awhile in this +our faerie kingdom." + +Slowly they went beneath the fading moon, speaking but seldom, for +theirs was a rapture beyond the reach of words. So at last they came +to a stile and paused there to kiss and sigh and kiss again like any +rustic youth and maid. Something of this was in my lady's mind, for +she laughed soft and happily and nestled closer to him. + +"My Master Grave-airs," she murmured, "O Master Grave-airs where is now +thy stately dignity, where now my fine-lady languor and indifference? +To stand at a stile and kiss like village maid and lad--and--love it, +John! How many rustic lovers have stood here before us, how many will +come after us, and yet I doubt if any may know a joy so deep. Think +you paradise may compare with this? Art happy, John?" + +"Beloved," he answered, "I who once sought death boldly as a friend now +do fear it like a very craven----" + +"Ah no!" she cried, "speak not of death at such an hour, my Jack." + +"Betty," said he, "O Betty, thou art my happiness, my hope, my very +life. I had thought to go wifeless, childless and solitary all my days +in my blindness and was content. But heaven sent thee to teach me the +very joy and wonder of life, to--to----" + +"To go beside thee henceforth, John, my hand in thine, learning each +day to love thee a little more, to cherish and care for thee, men are +such children and thou in some things a very babe. And belike to +quarrel with thee, John--a little----" At this he laughed happily and +they were silent awhile. + +"See John, the moon is gone at last! How dark it grows, 'tis the dawn +hour methinks and some do call it the death hour. But with these dear +arms about me I--shouldn't fear so--very much." + +Slowly, slowly upon the dark was a gleam that grew and grew, an ever +waxing brightness filling the world about them. + +"Look!" she whispered, "look! O John, 'tis the dawn at last, 'tis the +dayspring and hath found me here upon thy breast!" + +Thus, standing by that weatherbeaten stile that had known so many +lovers before them, they watched day's majestic advent; a flush that +deepened to rose, to scarlet, amber and flaming gold. And presently +upon the brooding stillness was the drowsy call of a blackbird +uncertain as yet and hoarse with sleep, a note that died away only to +come again, sweeter, louder, until the feathered tribe, aroused by this +early herald, awoke in turn and filled the golden dawn with an ecstasy +of rejoicing. + +Then my lady sighed and stirred: + +"O John," said she, "'tis a good, sweet world! And this hath been a +night shall be for us a fragrant memory, methinks. But now must I +leave thee--take me home, my John." + +So he brought her to the rustic gate that opened upon the lane and +setting it wide, stooped to kiss her lips, her eyes, her fragrant hair +and watched her flit away among the sleeping roses. + +When she had gone he closed the door and trod a path gay with dewy +gems; and hearkening to the joyous carolling of the birds it seemed +their glad singing was echoed in his heart. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +HOW MR. DALROYD MADE A PLAN AND LOCKED HIS DOOR + +Mr. Dalroyd kicked the obsequious Joseph soundly and cursed him +soft-voiced but with a passionate fervour; yet such violence being apt +to disarrange one's dress and to heat and distort one's features, Mr. +Dalroyd reluctantly checked the ebullition and seating himself before +the mirror surveyed his handsome face a little anxiously and with +glance quick to heed certain faint lines that would occasionally +obtrude themselves in the region of eye and mouth. + +"Positively, I'm flushed!" he panted, "and for that alone I'd kick you +downstairs, my poor worm, were it not that 'twould disorder me +damnably. As 'tis I'll restore you to the hangman for the rogue you +are!" + +"Sir," said Joseph, bowing obsequious back and keeping his eyes humbly +abased, "you ask a thing impossible----" + +"Ask, animal? I never ask, I command!" + +"But indeed--indeed sir I cannot even though I would----" + +"Think again, Joseph, and mark this, Joseph, I saved you from the +gallows because I thought you might be useful, very good! Now the +instant you cease to be of use I give you back and you hang--so think +again, Joseph." + +"Lord--Lord help me!" exclaimed Joseph, writhing and wringing his hands +but keeping his eyes always lowered. "Sir, 'tis impossible, 'tis----" + +"In your predatory days, Joseph, you were of course well acquainted +with other debased creatures like yourself, very good! You will +proceed forthwith to get together three or four such--three or four +should suffice. You will convene them secretly hereabouts. You will +form your plans and next Saturday you will escort my lady Carlyon to a +coach I shall have in waiting at the cross-roads." + +"Abduct her, sir?" + +"Precisely, Joseph! You and your--ah--assistants will bear her to the +coach----" + +"By force, sir?" + +"Force! Hum, 'tis an ugly word! Say rather by gentle suasion, Joseph, +but as silently as may be--there must be no wails or shrieking----" + +"You mean choke her quiet, sir?" enquired Joseph gently, his eyelids +drooping more humbly than ever. + +Mr. Dalroyd turned from his toilet and smiled, "Joseph," said he +softly, "if I find so much as a bruise or a scratch on her loveliness +I'll break every bone in your rogue's carcass. So, as I say, you will +see her conveyed silently into the coach, you will mount the rumble +with your weapons ready in case of pursuit and upon arrival at +our--destination I disburse to you certain monies and give +you--quittance of my service." + +"Abduction is a capital offence, sir." + +"Egad, I believe it is. But you have run such chances ere now----" + +"True sir. There was your uncle, since dead----" + +"Ha!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd and, soft though his voice was, Joseph +blenched and cowered. + +"I--I've served you faithfully hitherto, sir!" said he hastily. + +"And will again, grub!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "You will take two days' +leave to make your necessary arrangements and on second thoughts I will +give you two hundred guineas; one half as earnest-money you shall take +with you in the morning--now go. I'll dispense with your services +to-night. Begone, object! You shall have the money and further +instructions in the morning." + +Joseph took a hesitating step towards the door, paused and came back. + +"Sir, how if--our scheme fail?" + +"The--scheme will not fail." + +"Sir, how if I make off with the money?" + +"Why then, Joseph, there is your bedridden mother you have so great a +weakness for--she cannot abscond." + +Here Joseph raised his eyes at last and Mr. Dalroyd happening at that +moment to glance into the mirror saw murder glaring at him, instantly +Joseph's gaze abased itself, yet a fraction too late, Mr. Dalroyd's +hand shot out and catching up a heavy toilet-bottle he whirled about +and felled Joseph to his knees. + +"Ha!" he exclaimed softly, staring down at the fallen man who crouched +with bloody face hidden in his hands, "I've met and mastered your like +ere this! Out, vermin--come out!" + +And stooping, he seized the cowering form in strong, merciless hands, +dragged him across the floor and kicked him from the room. Then, +having closed the door Mr. Dalroyd surveyed himself in the mirror +again, examined eye and mouth with frowning solicitude and proceeded to +undress. Being ready for bed, he took up the candle, then stood with +head bent in the attitude of one in thought or like one who hearkens +for distant sounds, set down the candle and opening a drawer took out a +silver-mounted pistol and glanced heedfully at flint and priming; with +this in his hand he crossed the room and slipping the weapon under his +pillow, got into bed and blew out the candle. But, in the act of +composing himself to sleep, he started up suddenly, and sat again in +the attitude of one who listens; then very stealthily, he got out of +bed and crossing to the door felt about in the dark and silently shot +the bolt. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +HOW THE SERGEANT TOOK WARNING OF A WITCH + +Sergeant Zebedee having pinked the Viscount in every vital part of his +aristocratic anatomy, lowered his foil, shook his head and sighed while +the Viscount panted rueful. + +"You reached me seven times I think, that bout, Zeb?" + +"Eight, sir!" + +"Ha, the dooce! How d'ye do it?" + +"'Tis your own self, m' lud. How can I help but pink you when you play +your parades so open and inviting?" + +"Hm!" said the Viscount, frowning. + +"And then too, you're so slow in your recoveries, Master Pancras--Tom, +sir!" + +"Anything more, Zeb?" + +"Aye, m' lud. Your hand on your p'int's for ever out o' the line and +your finger-play----" The Sergeant shook his head again. + +"Devil burn it, Zeb! I begin to think I don't sound over-promising. +And yet--Gad love me, Sergeant, but you've no form, no style, y' know, +pasitively none! In the schools they'd laugh at your play and call it +mighty unmannerly." + +"Belike they would, sir. But 'tis the schools as is the matter wi' you +and so many other modish gentlemen, same be all froth and flourish. +But flourishes though taking to the eye, is slow m' lud, slow." + +"Nay, I've seen some excellent fencing in the schools, Zeb, such poise +o' bady, such grace----" + +"Grace is very well, m' lud--in a school. But 'tis one thing to play a +veney wi' blunted weapons and another to fight wi' the sharps." + +"True, Zeb, though La Touche teacheth in his book----" + +"Book!" exclaimed the Sergeant and snorted. + +"Hm!" said the Viscount, smiling, "howbeit in these next three days, +I'd have you teach me all you can of your--unmannerly method." + +"And wherefore three days, sir?" + +"Why as to that Zeb--er--Lard save me, I'm to ride with the Major to +Sevenoaks, he'll be waiting! Here, help me on with this!" And laying +by his foil, the Viscount caught up his coat. + +"Three days, Master Tom, and wherefore three?" enquired the Sergeant as +Viscount Merivale struggled into his tight-fitting garment. + +"Take care, Zeb, 'tis a new creation." + +"And seems much too small, sir!" + +"Nay, 'twill go on in time, Zeb, in time. I shall acquire it by +degrees. Ease me into it--gently, gently--so!" + +"And wherefore three days, sir?" persisted the Sergeant, as the coat +being "acquired" its wearer settled its graceful folds about his +slender person. + +"Why three is a lucky number they say, Zeb," and with a smiling nod the +Viscount hasted serenely away. + +"Three days!" muttered the Sergeant, looking after him. "Zounds--I +wonder!" So saying, he put away the foils and taking a pair of shears +set himself to trim one of the tall yew hedges, though more than once +he paused to rub his chin and murmur: "Three days--I wonder?" + +This remark he had just uttered for perhaps the twentieth time when, +roused by a hurried, shambling step, he glanced up and saw Roger, one +of the under-gardeners who, touching an eyebrow, glanced over right +shoulder, glanced over left, and spoke: + +"Sergeant I do ha' worked here i' the park an' grounds twenty-five year +man an' boy, an' in all that length o' days I never knowed it to happen +afore, an' now it 'ave happened all of a shakesome sweat I be, +hares-foot or no--an' that's what!" + +"What's to do, Roger?" + +"'Tis the eyes of 'er, Sergeant! 'Tis 'er mumping an' 'er mowing! +'Tis all the brimstoney look an' ways of 'er as turns a man's good +flesh to flesh o' goose, 'is bones to jelly an' 'is bowels to +water--an' that's what!" + +"Nay, but what is't, Roger man?" + +"'Ere's me, look'ee, trimming them borders, Sergeant, so 'appy-'earted +as any bird and all at once, I falls to coldsome, quakesome shivers, my +'eart jumps into my jaws, my knees knocks an' trembles horrorsome-like, +an' I sweats----" + +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant. + +"Then I feels a ghas'ly touch o' quakesome fingers as shoots all +through my vitals--like fire, Sergeant and--there she is at my elber!" + +"Who, Roger?" + +"And 'er looks at me doomful, Sergeant, an' that's what!" + +"Aye, but who, Roger, damme who?" + +"'Tis th' owd witch as do be come for 'ee an' that's what!" + +"Name of a dog!" exclaimed the Sergeant. "For me?" + +"Aye," nodded Roger, glancing over his shoulder again, "'I want the +Sergeant,' says she roupysome and grim-like, 'bring me the fine, big, +sojer-sergeant,' she says." + +"And what's her will wi' me?" enquired the Sergeant, glancing about +uneasily. + +"Wants to blast 'ee belike, Sergeant," groaned Roger. "Or mayhap she +be minded only to 'witch 'ee wi' a bloody flux, or a toothache, or a +windy colic or--Angels o' mercy, there she be a-coming!" + +Turning hastily the Sergeant beheld a bowed, cloaked figure that +hobbled towards them on a stick. The Sergeant let fall the shears and +thrusting hand into frilled shirt, grasped a small, gold cross in his +sinewy fingers. + +Being come up to them the old creature paused and showed a face brown, +wrinkled and lighted by glittering, black eyes; then lifting her staff +she darted it thrice at the trembling Roger: + +"Hoosh! Scow! Begone!" she cried in harsh, croaking voice, whereupon +Roger forthwith took to his heels, stumbling and praying as he ran +while the Sergeant gripped Mrs. Agatha's gold cross with one hand while +he wiped sweat from his brow with the other as he met her piercing eyes. + +"Good morrow, mam!" said he at last. The old woman shook her head but +remained silent, fixing him with her wide-eyed stare. "Mam," he +ventured again, "what would ye wi' me? Are you in trouble again, old +Betty? If so--speak, mam!" + +The old woman, bowed upon her staff, viewed his tall figure up and down +with her bright eyes and nodded: + +"'Tis my tall, fine sojer!" she said at last, and her voice had lost +its shrill stridency. "'Tis my kind sojer so like the one I lost long +and long since. I'm old: old and knew sorrow afore the mother as bore +ye. Sorrow hath bided in me all my woeful days. Pain, pain, and +hardship my lot hath been. They've hunted me wi' sticks and stones ere +now, I've knowed the choking water and the scorch o' cruel fire. I +mind all the pain and evil but I mind the good--aye, aye! There's been +many to harm and few t' cherish! Aye, I mind it all, I mind it, the +evil and the good. And you was kind t' old Betty because your 'eart be +good, so I be come this weary way to warn 'ee, my big sojer." + +"Warn me--of what, mam?" + +"A weary way, a woeful way for such old bones as Betty's!" + +"Why then come sit ye and rest, mam. Come your ways to the arbour +yonder." Moaning and muttering the old woman followed whither he led, +but seeing how she stumbled he reached out his hand, keeping the other +upon his small gold cross and so brought her into the hutch-like +sentry-box. Down sat old Betty with a blissful sigh; but now, when he +would have withdrawn his hand, her fingers closed upon it, gnarled and +claw-like and, before he could prevent, she had stooped and touched it +to her wrinkled cheek and brow. + +"'Tis a strong hand, a kindly hand," she croaked, "'tis a sojer's +hand--my boy was a sojer but they killed him when the world was young. +I'm old, very old, and deaf they say--aha! But the old can see and the +deaf can hear betimes, aha! Come, ope your hand, my dear, come ope +your hand and let old Betty read. So, here's a big hand, a strong +hand--now let us see what says the big, strong hand. Aha--here's +death----" + +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, starting. "You're something sudden +mam, death is our common lot----" + +"Death that creeps, my dear. Here's ill chances and good. Here's +sorrow and joy. Here's love shall be a light i' the dark. But here's +dangers, perils, night-lurkers and creepers i' the gloom. Death for +you and shame for her." + +"Ha--for her!" cried the Sergeant, his big hand clenching on the +feeble, old fingers. "D'ye mean--Mrs. Agatha, mam?" + +"No, no, my dear, no no!" answered old Betty, viewing his stern and +anxious face with her quick bright eyes. "'Tis not her you love, no, +no, 'tis one as loveth him ye serve. 'Tis one with a soul as sweet, as +soft and white as her precious body, 'tis one as is my namesake, +'tis----" + +"_Sapperment_!" exclaimed the Sergeant. "You never mean my lady Betty, +my lady Carlyon----" + +"Aye, aye my dear--'tis she!" + +"And in danger, d'ye say? Can ye prove it, mam?" + +"Come ye to-morrow t' my cottage at rise o' moon and I'll show ye a +thing, ye shall see, ye shall hear. Bring him along o' you him--ssh!" +The old woman's clutch tightened suddenly, her bowed figure grew more +upright, and she stared wide of eye: "Come," she cried suddenly, in her +shrillest tones, "you as do hearken--come! You in petticoats--aha, I +can see, I can hear! Come forth, I summon ye!" + +A moment's utter silence, then leaves rustled and Mrs. Agatha stood in +the doorway, her eyes very bright, her cheeks more rosy than usual. + +"Sergeant Tring," she demanded, "what doth the old beldam here?" + +Old Betty seemed to cower beneath Mrs. Agatha's look, while the +Sergeant fidgeted, muttered "Zounds" and was thereafter dumb. "'Tis an +arrant scold and wicked witch," continued Mrs. Agatha, "and should to +the brank, or the cucking-stool----" + +"No, no!" cried the old woman, shivering and struggling to her feet. +"Not again a God's love, mistress--not again! I'll be gone! Let me +go!" + +"Nay, not yet mam," said the Sergeant gently as he rose; "you are +weary, sit ye and rest awhile. Mrs. Agatha mam, you speak +woman-like----" + +"Aye, aye," nodded old Betty, "'tis ever woman is cruellest to woman!" + +"As you will, Zebedee Tring!" nodded Mrs. Agatha. "Yonder is Roger +Bent shook with a shivering fit at sight of her while you sit here and +let her scrabble your hand, but as you will!" and crossing her arms +over opulent bosom Mrs. Agatha would have turned away but old Betty +stabbed at her with bony finger. + +"Woman," she croaked, "I'm here t' save the man you love. Come sit ye +and list to my telling." Mrs. Agatha faltered, whereupon the Sergeant +caught her hand, drawing her into the arbour: and there, sitting beside +the old woman they hearkened to her story. + +"Mam," said the Sergeant, "ha' ye told my lady Carlyon aught o' this? + +"Nay, nay," answered old Betty, "I had a mind to--but they wouldna let +me see my lady--the footmen and lackeys laughed at poor old Bet and +turned her from the door--so I did come to tell my brave +sojer-sergeant." + +"'Tis just as well, mam," nodded the Sergeant, "for now you shall come +wi' us to his honour, the Major will hear you, I'll warrant me, so come +your ways, mam." + +"Aye," said Mrs. Agatha, "and you shall eat and drink likewise and +after the Sergeant shall drive you back to Inchbourne an he will." + +Thus Roger Bent, busied in the herb-garden, chancing to lift his head, +stood suddenly upright, staggered back and fell into a clump of +parsley; and propped upon an elbow, stared, as well he might, for into +the sacred precincts of her stillroom went Mrs. Agatha and the Sergeant +but between them tottered the bowed form of old Betty the witch. + +"Lord!" exclaimed Roger, ruffling up his shock of hair. "My eyes is +sure a-deceiving of me--an' that's what!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +HOW THEY RODE TO INCHBOURNE + +"And what time doth the moon rise, Zebedee?" enquired the Major as they +swung their horses into the high road. + +"Ten forty-five about, your honour," + +"Then we've no need for hurry. And egad Zeb, it sounds a wild story!" + +"It do so, sir, cock and bullish as you might say." + +"To abduct my lady, Zeb!" + +"On Saturday night next as ever was, your honour." + +"And this is Friday night!" said the Major thoughtfully. + +"Which do give us good time to circumvent enemy's manoover." + +"How many of the rogues will be there, think you?" + +"Can't say for sure, sir. 'Twas three on 'em as ambushed me t'other +night." + +"Why as to that Zeb, as to that I imagine you brought that drubbing on +yourself by your somewhat frequent and indiscriminate--er--pewter-play +as 'twere." + +"Mayhap sir, though if so be rogues were same rogues I should ha' +knowed same, though to be sure 'twere a darkish night and they were +masked. Howsobe, my Lord Medhurst pinked one of 'em, his point was +prettily bloodied." + +"Are you armed, Zeb?" + +"Nought to speak of, sir." + +"What have you?" + +"A sword sir, and a brace o' travelling-pistols as chanced to lay handy +which, with your honour's, maketh four shot, two swords and a bagnet." + +"Lord, Zeb, we're not going up against a troop!" said the Major, +smiling in the dark, "and why the bayonet?" + +"'Tis the one I used for to carry when we were on outpost duty at +night, sir--the one as I had shortened for the purpose, your honour. +You'll mind as there's nought like a short, stiff bagnet when 'tis a +case o' silence. And as for a troop you ha'n't forgot the time as we +routed that company o' Bavarian troopers, you and me, sir, thereby +proving the advantages o' the element o' surprise?" + +"Aye, those were desperate times, Zebedee." + +"Mighty different to these, sir." + +"Aye, truly, truly!" said the Major, gently. + +"But if there is to be a little bit o' cut and thrust work to-night, +your honour, 'tis as well to be prepared." + +"You think old Betty is to be relied on, Zeb?" + +"Aye sir, I do." + +"None the less I'm glad my lady Carlyon knoweth nought o' the matter, +'tis best, I think, to keep it from her--at least until we are sure, +moreover 'tis like enough she--" the Major paused to rub his chin +dubiously, "'tis very like she would only----" + +"Laugh, your honour?" + +"Hum!" said the Major. + +"Lord sir, but she's a woundy fine spirit!" exclaimed the Sergeant. + +"True, Zeb, very true!" The Major nodded. "Yet I would she were a +thought less venturesome and--ah--contrary at times as 'twere, Zeb----" + +"Contrairy, sir? Lord love me, there you have it! Woman is a +contrairy sect, 'tis born in 'em! Look at Mrs. Agatha, contrairiness +ain't no word for same!" + +"How so, Zeb?" + +"Why, d'ye see sir, when thinking I'd soon be under marching +orders--you then talking o' campaigning again--there's me don't venter +to open my mind to her touching matrimony though her a-giving me +chances for same constant. To-day here's me--you being settled and wi' +no wish for foreign fields--here's me, d'ye see, looking for chances +and occasions to speak wedlock and such constant and her giving me no +chances what-so-ever. And that's woman, sir!" + +They rode at a gentle, ambling pace and with no sound to disturb the +brooding night-silence except the creak of their saddles and the +thudding of their horses' hoofs dulled and muffled in the dust of the +road. A hushed and windless night full of the quivering glamour of +stars whose soft effulgence lent to hedge and tree and all things else +a vague and solemn beauty; and riding with his gaze uplifted to this +heavenly host, the Major thought of Life and Death and many other +things, yet mostly of my lady Elizabeth Carlyon, while Sergeant +Zebedee, gazing at nothing in particular, dreamed also. + +"'Tis as well she should learn nought of the ugly business!" said the +Major at last. + +"But sir, Mrs. Agatha----" + +"I mean her ladyship, Zebedee." + +"Aye, aye for sure, sir, for sure!" + +"And if there be indeed villainy afoot--if there is, why then egad, +Sergeant Zeb, I'll not rest until I know who is at the bottom on't!" + +"Aye--who, sir? 'Tis what we're a-going to find out to-night I do +hope. And when we do find out, sir--how then?" + +"Why then, Zeb--ha, then--we shall see, we shall see!" + +After this they rode on in silence awhile, the Major staring up at the +glory of the stars again. + +"If so be we should be so fortuned as to come in for a little bit o' +roughsome to-night, your honour," said the Sergeant thoughtfully, +"you'd find this here bludgeon a vast deal handier than your sword and +play very sweet at close quarters, sir." + +"By the way, Zebedee, I think you once told me you surprised--er--Mr. +Dalroyd i' the orchard one night?" + +"I did so, your honour." + +"And did you chance to--ah--to see his face, to observe his features +clear and distinct, as 'twere, Zeb?" + +"Aye, sir." + +"Well?" + +"Aye, very well, sir!" + +By this time they had reached the cross-roads and here the Major +checked his horse suddenly, whereupon Sergeant Zebedee did likewise. + +"Sergeant!" + +"Sir?" + +The Major leaned from his saddle until he could peer into the +Sergeant's eyes. + +"Did Mr. Dalroyd remind you of--of anyone you have ever seen before?" + +"Of Captain Effingham as your honour killed years agone." + +"Ah!" said the Major and sat awhile frowning up at the stars. "So you +likewise marked the resemblance, did you, Zeb?" + +"I did so, sir." + +"And what did you think----" + +"Why sir, that Captain Effingham having been killed ten years agone, is +very dead indeed, by this time!" + +"Supposing he wasn't killed--how then, Zeb?" + +"Why then sir he was alive arter all--though he looked dead enough." + +"'Twas a high chest-thrust you'll mind, Zeb." + +"Base o' the throat, sir." + +"Why have you never mentioned your suspicions, Zebedee?" + +"Because, your honour, 'tis ever my tactics to let sleeping dogs +lie--bygones is bygones and what is, is. If, on t'other hand Mr. +Dalroyd's Captain Effingham which God forbid, then all I says is--what +is, ain't. Furthermore and moreover Mr. Dalroyd would be the last man +I'd ha' you cross blades with on account o' the Captain's devilish +sword-play--that thrust of his in carte nigh did your honour's business +ten years ago, consequently to-day I hold my peace regarding suspicions +o' same." + +"D'ye think he'd--kill me, Zeb?" + +"I know 'twould sure be one or t'other o' ye, sir." + +"And that's true enough!" said the Major and rode on again. "None the +less, Zeb," said he after awhile, "none the less he shall have another +opportunity of trying that thrust if, as I think, he is at the bottom +of this vile business." + +But now they were drawing near to Inchbourne village and, reining up, +the Major glanced about him: + +"What of our horses, Zebedee?" he questioned. "'Twill never do to go +clattering through the village at this hour." + +"No more 'twill, sir. Old Bet's cottage lieth a good mile and a half +t'other side Inchbourne, d'ye see. Further on is a lane that fetcheth +a circuit about the village--this way, your honour." So they presently +turned off into a narrow and deep-rutted lane that eventually brought +them out upon a desolate expanse with the loom of woods beyond. + +"Yonder's a spinney, sir, 'tis there we'll leave our horses." + +Riding in among the trees they dismounted and led their animals into +the depths of the wood until they came to a little dell well hidden in +the brush. Here, having securely tethered their horses they sat down +to wait the moonrise. + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, settling pistols in pockets, "this doth mind +me o' the night we lay in such another wood as this, the night we +stormed Douai, you'll mind I was wounded just arter we carried the +counterscarp----" + +"By a pike-thrust meant for me, Zeb." + +"'Twas a pretty fight, sir, 'specially the forcing o' the +palisadoes--'twere just such another night as this----" + +"Only we were younger then, Zeb, years younger." + +"Why as to that, sir, I've been feeling younger than e'er I was, of +late--and yonder cometh the moon at last! This way, sir!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +OF ROGUES AND PLOTS + +The moon was fast rising as they left the shadow of the trees and +crossing a meadow presently saw before them the loom of a building +which, on near approach, proved to be a very tumble-down, two-storied +cottage. The Sergeant led the way past a broken fence through a +riotous tangle of weeds and so to a door whereon he rapped softly; +almost immediately it was opened and old Betty the witch stood on the +threshold peering into the dimness under her hand. + +"Mam," said the Sergeant, "'tis us--we've come!" + +"Aha!" she croaked. "'Tis you--'tis my big sojer--my fine +sojer-sergeant an' the lord squire o' the Manor! Come your ways--come +your ways in--'tis an ill place for fine folk but 'tis all they've left +me. Come in!" Following Sergeant Zebedee's broad back the Major +stumbled down three steps into a small, dim chamber, very close and +airless, lighted by a smoky rushlight. Old Betty closed the door, +curtseyed to the Major and clutching at Sergeant Zebedee's hand, +stooped and kissed it, whereupon he glanced apologetically at the Major +and saluted. + +"'Tis her gratitood, sir," he explained, "on account o' Mr. Jennings me +having kicked same, as dooly reported." + +"An ill place for the likes o' your honour," croaked the old woman, "an +evil place for evil men as will be here anon--the rogues, the fools! +They think old Betty's blind and deaf--the rogues! Come, dearies, the +moon's up and wi' the moon comes evil so get ye above--yonder, yonder +and mum, dearies, mum!" As she spoke old Betty pointed to a corner of +the dingy chamber where a rickety ladder gave access to a square +opening above. "Go ye up, dearies and ye shall see, ye shall hear, +aha--but mum, dearies, mum!" + +Forthwith they mounted the ladder and so found themselves in a small, +dark loft full of the smell of rotting wood and dank decay. Above +their heads stars winked through holes in the mouldering thatch, +beneath their feet the rotten flooring showed great rents and fissures +here and there through which struck the pallid beams of the twinkling +rushlight in the room below. + +"God bless my soul!" exclaimed the Major, "does this pestiferous ruin +belong to me, Zeb?" + +"Well, I don't rightly know, your honour, 'tis a mile and a half out o' +the village d'ye see, and hath stood empty for years and years they do +tell me, on account of a murder as was done here, and nobody would live +here till old Betty come. Folk do say the place is haunted and there +be few as dare come nigh the place after dark. But old Betty, being a +powerful witch d'ye see sir, aren't nowise afeard of any ghost, gobling +nor apparation as ever--ssh!" + +Upon the night without, was a sound of voices that grew ever louder, +the one hoarse and querulous the other upraised in quavering song: + + "O 'tis bien bowse, 'tis bien bowse, + Too little is my skew. + I bowse no lage, but one whole gage + O' this I'll bowse to you----" + + +"Stow the chaunting, Jerry!" growled the hoarse voice, "close up that +ugly gan o' yourn. Oliver's awake----" + +"Oliver? Aye, so 'tis with a curse on't! The moon's no friend o' +mine. Gimme a black night, darkmans wi' a popper i' my famble and +t'other in my cly and I'm your cull, ecod!" Here the door of the +cottage swung open and two men entered, the one a tall, wild, +gipsy-looking fellow, the other a shortish man in spurred boots and +long riding-coat from the side-pockets of which protruded the +brass-heeled butts of a pair of pistols. + +"What, Benno, my lad--what Benno," he cried, scowling round the dismal +room beneath the cock of his weatherbeaten hat, "blind me, but here's a +plaguy dog-hole for a genty-cove o' the high-toby!" + + "O, the high pad is a delicate trade + And a delicate trade o' fame + We bite the cully of his cole + And carry away his game + Oho, and carry away----" + + +"Quit, Jerry, quit!" growled the man Benno. "Hold that dasher o' yourn +won't 'ee----" + +"No, Benno my cove, if I do ha' a mind for t' sing, I'll sing and burn +all, says I!" + + "I keep my prancer and two pepps + A tattle in my cly. + When bowsing----" + + +"Keep your chaffer still, won't 'ee!" snarled the other. "'Swounds, a +pal can't hear hisself! Ha, Bet!" he roared, "old Bet--what grannam, +oho--lights, more lights here!" + +"Lights--aye," nodded Jerry, "lights inside's well enough but lights +outside's the devil! Look at Oliver, look at th' moon, well--curse th' +moon says I and--O ecod! What's yon i' the corner? A ladder as I'm a +roaring boy--a ladder! Well, here's to see what's above. A doxy, aha, +a dimber-dell, oho--" + + "When my dimber-dell I courted + She had youth and beauty too----" + + +As he sang he whipped a pistol from his pocket and lurched towards the +ladder; and Sergeant Zebedee, watching through one of the many +crevices, smiled happily and drew his bayonet. Jerry had one foot on +the ladder when his companion caught his shoulder and swung him roughly +away. + +"How now?" he demanded. "What's your ploy?" + +"Look'ee Benno, if you're a-hiding of some dimber mort aloft there I'm +the cove to----" + +"Ah, you're lushed, Jerry, foxed t' your peepers, sit down--sit down +and put away your popp--afore I crack your mazzard!" + +Sulkily enough Jerry obeyed and seating himself at the table turned, +ever and anon, to view the ladder with a drunken stare. + +"Lushed am I?" he repeated. "Drunk hey? Well, so I am and when lushed +'tis at my best I am, my lad. And look'ee a ladder's meant for to +climb ain't it? Very well then--I'm the cove to climb it! And +look'ee, what's more 'tis a curst dog-hole this for a genty-cove o' the +high pad and----" But here his companion roared again for "Old Bet" +and "Lights" until the old woman hobbled in. + +"Eh, eh?" she whimpered, blinking from one to the other. "Did ye call, +dearie?" + +"Aye--bring more glims, d'ye hear----" + +"Candles, dearie, eh--eh?" + +"Aye, candles! And I'm expecting company, so bring candles and get ye +to bed, d'ye hear?" + +"Aye, aye, I hear, dearie, I hear--candles, candles," and muttering the +word she hobbled away and presently was back again and stood, mowing +and mumbling, to watch the candles lighted. + +"Now get ye to bed," cried Benno, "to bed, d'ye hear?" + +"Dead, dearie?" she croaked. "Who's dead now? Not me, no, no, nor +you--yet. No no, but 'tis coming, aha--'tis coming--dead oho!" + +The man Benno fell back a step, eyes wide and mouth agape, then very +suddenly made a cross in the air before him, while Jerry, getting on +his feet, did the same with unsteady finger on the table. + +"The evil eye! 'Tis the evil eye!" he muttered, while old Betty nodded +and chuckled as her quick, bright eyes flashed from one to the other. + +"I said 'bed'!" roared the gipsy-looking fellow clenching his fists +fiercely but falling back another step from old Betty's vicinity, "bed +was the word----" + +"Aye, aye, dearie!" she nodded, "some in bed an' some out--dead, aye, +aye, some by day and some by night--all go dead soon or late, you an' +me and all on us--one way or t'other--dead, dearie, dead!" + +So saying old Betty hobbled out of the room closing the door behind her. + +"A curst old beldam, a hag, a damned witch as I'm a roarer!" exclaimed +Jerry shaking his head, while his companion wiped sweat from his brow. +"O rot me, a nice dog-hole this and wi' a ladder look'ee, leading devil +knoweth where, but I'm the cove to see----" + +"Sit still--sit still and take a sup o' this, Jerry!" And crossing to +a corner Benno brought thence a stone jar and a couple of mugs and +brimming one unsteadily he tossed it off; then sitting down at the +rickety table they alternately drank and cursed old Betty. + +"Come now, Benno my dimber cove," cried Jerry at last, "what's the +game? What ha' ye brought me here for? Tip us the office!" + +"Why then we're on the spiriting lay--a flash blowen--a genty mort, +Jerry." + +"Aha, that should mean shiners, plenty o' lour, Benno?" + +"Fifty apiece near as nothing." + +"Here's game as I'm a flash padder. What more, cove, what more? Let's +hear." + +"Not me, Jerry--there's one a-coming as will tip you the lay--an old +pal, Jerry, a flaming buck o' the high pad, a reg'lar dimber-damber, +a--hist! 'Tis him at last, I think, but ha' your popps ready in case, +Jerry." + +Here Benno arose and crossing a little unsteadily to the door stood +there listening: after a while came a knock, a muffled voice, and, +opening the door, he admitted three men. The first a great, rough +fellow who bore one arm in a sling, the second a little man, +_point-de-vice_ from silvered spurs to laced hat, yet whose elegant +appearance was somewhat marred by a black patch that obscured one eye; +the third was the obsequious Joseph, but now, as he stood blinking in +the candle-light, there was in his whole sleek person an air of +authority and command, and a grimness in the set of smooth-shaven jaw +that transfigured him quite. + +At sight of him Jerry sprang up, nearly upsetting the table, and stood +to stare in gaping astonishment. + +"'Tis Nick!" he cried at last, "Galloping Nick, as I'm a hell-fire, +roaring dog! 'Tis Nick o' the High Toby as hath diddled the +nubbing-cheat arter all, ecod! Ha, Nick--Nicky lad, tip us your famble +and burn all, says I!" + +Joseph suffered his hand to be shaken and nodded. + +"Drunk as usual, Jerry?" + +"Ecod and so I am! Drunk enough t' shoot straight--drunk as I was that +night by the gravel-pits on Blackheath. You'll mind that night, Nick +and how you----" + +"Bah, you're talking lushy, Jerry! Here's Captain Swift and the +Chicken so--let's to business." + +"Aye, to business, my cullies!" cried Jerry saluting them in turn. "To +business--'tis the spiriting of a genty mort, eh Nick?" + +"A fine lady, aye!" nodded Joseph. "There's two hundred guineas in't, +which is fifty for me and the rest atween you, share and share." + +"Which is fair enough, rabbit me!" said the Captain. + +"Now hark'ee all," continued Joseph beckoning them near and lowering +his voice. "You, Jerry and the Captain will come mounted and meet us +at the cross-roads beyond----" + +"Cross-roads?" hiccoughed Jerry, "not me, Nick, no, no--there's +cross-roads everywhere hereabouts I tell'ee, and I don't know the +country hereabouts--no meetings at cross-roads, Nicky, burn my eyes +no----" Here Joseph cursed him and fell to biting his nails. + +"Why not meet here?" suggested Benno. + +"No, nor here!" snarled Jerry, "I don't like this place, 'tis a +dog-hole and wi' a ladder look'ee a ladder leading devil knoweth where +look'ee--a ladder as is meant to climb and as I'm a-going to +c-climb----" But as he rose unsteadily Joseph's heavy hand dragged him +down again. + +"There's the mill then," said he, "the ruined mill beyond Westerham, +we'll meet there. We all know it----" + +"I don't," growled Jerry, "and don't want----" + +"The Captain does and you'll ride with him. At the ruined mill then +to-morrow night a half after ten--sharp." + +"And what then, Nick--ha?" enquired the Captain, taking a pinch of +snuff. + +"Why then----" Here Joseph sunk his voice so low as to be inaudible to +any but those craning their necks to listen. + +"'Tis a simple plan and should be no great matter!" nodded the Captain. +"Aye, rat me, I like your plan, Nick----" + +"Aye, but the genty mort," demurred Jerry, "now if she squeal and +kick--burn me I've had 'em scratch and tear d-damnably ere now----" + +"Squeeze her pretty neck a little," suggested the Captain. + +"Or choke her with her furbelows," grinned Benno. + +"No!" said Joseph, scowling, "there's to be no strangling--no rough +work, d'ye take me--it's to be done gentle or----" + +"Gentle, ho--gentle, is it!" cried Jerry fiercely. "And how if she +gets her claws into me--the last one as I culled for a flash sportsman +nigh wrung my ear off--gentle? 'Tain't fair to a man it don't give a +man a chance, it d-don't----" + +"And that's all now!" said Joseph, rising. "To-morrow night at the +ruined mill--I'll give you your last instructions to-morrow at half +after ten. Now who's for a glass over at the inn--landlord's a cull o' +mine." At this everyone rose excepting Jerry who lolled across the +table scowling from one candle to another. + +"Ain't you a-coming, Jerry?" enquired the gipsy-looking fellow, turning +at the door. + +"No--not me!" snarled Jerry. "Bones do ache--so they do! 'S-sides +I've drunk enough, and I--I'm a-going--to climb--that ladder an' burn +all, says I." + +"Then climb it and be damned!" said the other and strode away after his +companions, slamming the door behind him. Jerry sat awhile muttering +incoherently and drew a pistol from his pocket; then he rose and +steadying himself with infinite pains against the rickety table, fixed +his scowling gaze upon the ladder and lurched towards it. But the +liquor had affected his legs and he staggered from wall to wall ere, +tripping and stumbling, he finally reached the ladder that shook under +the sudden impact. For a long moment he stood, weapon in hand, staring +up into the blackness above, then slowly and with much labour began the +ascent rung by rung, pausing very often and muttering hoarsely to +himself; he was already half-way up and the Sergeant, crouched in the +shadow, was waiting to receive him with upraised pistol-butt, when he +missed his hold, his foot slipped and pitching sideways he crashed to +the floor and lay still, snoring stertorously. Almost immediately old +Betty appeared, crossed to the outstretched body, looked at it, spat at +it and spoke: + +"'Tis all well, dearies--he be nice and fast what wi' drink and fall. +Come down, my dearies, come down and get ye gone." + +The Major followed Sergeant Zebedee down the ladder and crossing to the +old woman, removed his hat. + +"Mam," said he, "'tis like enough you have saved a great wrong being +committed and I am deeply grateful. Words are poor things, mam, but +henceforth it shall be my care to see your remaining days be days of +comfort. Meantime pray accept this and rest assured of the future." +Saying which the Major laid a purse upon the table, then turned rather +hastily to escape old Betty's eager, tremulous thanks and stepped from +the cottage. + +"Zebedee," said he as they led their horses out of the coppice, "I +recognised two of these rascals. One is the tramping gipsy I broke my +cane over and the other----" + +"The other is Mr. Dalroyd's man Joe, sir." + +"Ha! Art sure o' that, Zeb?" + +"I am so, sir!" + +"Excellent!" said the Major, swinging to saddle. "Our expedition +to-night hath not been in vain, after all." + +"Where now, sir?" enquired the Sergeant, gathering up his reins. + +"Home!" + +"What--ha' we done, your honour?" + +"Until to-morrow night--at the ruined mill, Zeb." + +"To-morrow night--zounds, sir!" chuckled the Sergeant as they broke +into a trot. "'Twill be like old times!" + +"'Twill be five to two, Zebedee!" said the Major thoughtfully. + +"Warmish, sir--warmish! Though t' be sure the big rascal bore his arm +in a sling, still, 'tis pretty odds, I allow." + +"There must be no shooting, Zeb." + +"Why your honour, pistols are apt t' be a trifle unhandy for close +work, d'ye see. Now, a bagnet----" + +"And no steel, Zeb. We'll have no killing if it can be avoided!" + +"No steel sir?" gasped the Sergeant. "No steel--!" + +"Bludgeons will be best if it should come to fighting," continued the +Major thoughtfully, "though I hope to effect their capture without any +undue violence----" The Sergeant turned to stare: + +"What, is there to be no violence now, your honour?" he sighed. + +"Violent methods are ever clumsy, Zeb, I propose to use the element of +surprise." + +"Ah!" exclaimed the Sergeant and smiling grimly up at the moon he +slowly closed one eye and opened it again. + +After this they rode some time in silence, the Sergeant's mind +preoccupied with the "Element of Surprise" as applied to the odds of +five to two, while the Major, looking round about on the calm beauty of +the night, dreamed ever of my lady Elizabeth Carlyon as had become his +wont and custom. + +In due time they reached a certain quiet bye-lane and here the Major +checked his horse. + +"Sergeant," said he, "'tis a fair night for walking what with the +moon--er--the moon d'ye see and so forth----" + +"Moon, sir?" + +"Aye, the moon!" said the Major, dismounting. "Do you go on with the +horses, I've a mind for walking." So he handed Sergeant Zebedee the +reins of his horse and turned aside down this quiet bye-lane. + +This lane that led away between blooming hedges, that wandered on, +haphazard as it were, to lose itself at last in a little wood where +nightingales sang; this bye-lane wherein he had walked with her that +never-to-be-forgotten night and stood with her to watch the world grow +bright and joyous with a new day; this leafy sheltered lane that held +for him the sweet magic of her presence and was therefore a hallowed +place. + +Thus as he walked, his slow steps falling silent on soft mosses and +dewy grass, the Major took off his hat. + +Bareheaded and with reverent feet he wandered on dreaming of those joys +that were to be, God willing, and turning a sharp bend in the lane +stopped all at once, smitten to sudden, breathless immobility. + +She sat upon the wall, dainty foot a-swing, while below stood Mr. +Dalroyd who seized that shapely foot in irreverent hands, stooped and +covered it with kisses that grew more bold and audacious until she, +stifling laughter in her cloak, freed herself with a sudden, vigorous +kick that sent Mr. Dalroyd's hat flying-- + +The Major turned and hurried away looking neither right nor left; +becoming conscious of the hat in his hand, he laughed and crammed it on +his head. So he went with great strides until he reached a stile +beside the way and halting, he leaned there, with face bowed upon his +arms. Long he stood thus, silent and motionless and with face hidden. +At last he raised his head, looked up at heaven and round about him +like one who wakes in a new world, and limped slowly homewards. + +"Sir," said the Sergeant, meeting him at the door, "Colonel Cleeve is +here." + +"O!" said the Major, slowly. "Is he, Zeb? That is well!" + +"A-snoring in the library, sir!" + +"Aye, to be sure--to be sure!" said the Major vaguely. + +"Y' see 'tis getting late, your honour," continued Sergeant Zebedee, +viewing the Major's drawn features anxiously. + +"Why then--go you to bed, Zebedee." + +"Can I get you aught first, sir--a bite o' something--a bottle or so?" + +"No, Zeb, no--stay! Bring me my Ramillie coat." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII + +HOW THE MAJOR MADE HIS WILL + +Colonel Lord George Cleeve, blissfully slumbering in deep armchair +beside the library fire, choked upon a snore and, opening his eyes, +perceived the Major opposite in another deep chair; but the Major was +awake, his frowning gaze was bent upon the fire and ever and anon he +sighed deeply. + +"Refuse me, Jack!" exclaimed the Colonel, "to hark to you one would +think you in love and--er--damnably forlorn, you sigh, man, you sigh, +aye, let me perish, you puff grief like any bellows." + +"And you snore, George, you snore man, aye, egad, like a very grampus! +None the less I joy to see thee, George," said the Major, rising and +extending his hand. "When did you arrive?" + +"Some half-hour since. And snore, did I? Well, 'tis late enough, o' +conscience. Faith Jack, Sir Benjamin brews a devilish strong punch--I +supped with the company at the George. Then strolled over with Tom to +visit ya' charming neighbours. Man Jack, she's a damned fine +creature--ha?" + +"She is!" sighed the Major. + +"And with an air, Jack--an air." The Major sighed and seemed lost in +thought. "I say an air, Jack." + +"An air George, as you say." + +"Full up o' womanly graces and adornments feminine." + +"True, George." + +"And thoroughbred, Jack!" The Major stared pensively into the fire. +"I say all blood and high breeding, Jack." + +"Aye, true George, true!" + +"Well then, a man might do worse--ha?" The Major started. "How think +ye, Jack? I'm not a marrying man, Jack, as you know, the sex hath +never been a weakness o' mine but I'm touched at last, Jack--aye +touched with a curse on't!" + +"God--bless--my--soul!" exclaimed the Major, staring harder than ever. + +"'Fore Gad, man Jack, it came on me like a charge o' cavalry. Like you +I meant to live and die a free man and now--O Gad! 'Tis her eyes, I +think, I see 'em everywhere--blue, you'll mind, Jack, blue +as--as--well, blue." + +"Aye, they're blue!" nodded the Major, all grave attention at last. + +"Well, 'tis her eyes, Jack, or else her dooced demure airs, or her +languishing graces, or her feet, or her shape, or the way she smiles, +or--O damme! Howbeit I'm smitten, Jack--through and through--done for +and be curst to it!" + +"You too!" sighed the Major and stared into the fire again. + +"Aye--and why not i' faith? I'm a man sound in wind and limb and but +few years ya' senior--why the devil not? She's free to wed and if +she's willing and I've a mind for't who the devil's going to stay +me--ha?" The Major sighed and shook his head. "Save us, Jack, but +ya're curst gloomy, I think!" + +"Why as to that, as to that, George, I fear I am. Perhaps if we crack +a bottle before we go to bed--how say you?" + +"With all my heart!" So the Major brought bottle and glasses and, +having filled to each other, they sat awhile each staring into the +fire. "And now," continued the Colonel, "what's to stop me a-marrying, +Jack, if I'm so minded, come?" + +"Is she likely to--to make you happy, George?" + +"Rabbit me--and why not?" + +"Well," said the Major hesitatingly, "her age----" + +"Dooce take me, she's none so old----" + +"Old!" repeated the Major, "nay indeed I----" + +"She's no filly I'll allow, Jack, but then I shed my colt's teeth long +ago. Nay, she's rather in her blooming prime, summer--er--languishing +to autumn----" + +"Autumn!" murmured the Major, staring. + +"No--I see nought against it unless--O smite me, Jack!" The Colonel +set down his glass and stared at the Major who stared back at him. + +"Unless what, George?" + +"Unless y'are bitten too." The Major frowned into the fire again. "If +y'are, Jack, if y'are, why then damme I'll not come athwart ya'--no, +no--old friends--Gad, no! I'll ride away to-morrow and give you a +clear field." + +"I shall never marry--never, George!" said the Major and sighed deeper +than ever. The Colonel refilled his glass, raised it to his lips, +sighed in turn and put it down again. + +"Love's a plaguy business!" he groaned. "How old are ye, Jack?" + +"Forty-two, almost." + +"And I'm forty-five--quite. And i' faith, Jack, when the curst disease +plagues men of our age 'tis there to stay. None the less, man Jack, if +ya' love her, why then Belinda's not for me----" + +"Belinda!" exclaimed the Major. + +"Aye, who else? What the dooce, man?" + +"I--egad, George, I thought--" + +"What did ya' think?" + +"'Twas Lady Betty you had in mind." + +"Lady Bet----!" The Colonel whistled. "So-ho!" he exclaimed and +turned, full of eager questions but seeing how the Major scowled into +the fire again, sipped his wine instead and thereafter changed the +subject abruptly. + +"Ya'r Viscount's a fine lad, Jack!" The Major's brow cleared instantly. + +"Aye, indeed, Tom's a man, 'spite all his modish airs and affectations, +a man! Where is he, by the way?" + +"Went to bed hours since and very rightly, seeing what's toward." + +"As what, George?" + +"His forthcoming duel with Dalroyd." The Major sat suddenly upright. + +"A duel with--Dalroyd!" + +"What, didn't ya' know?" + +"Not a word." + +"Why true, it only happened this evening." + +"And when do they fight?" + +"That's the curst queer thing about the affair. I don't know, he don't +know--nobody knows but Dalroyd. 'Tis a black business, Jack, a black +business and looks ill for the lad!" + +"Aye!" said the Major, rising and beginning to pace to and fro. "Pray +tell me of it, George." + +"Well, i' the first place, 'tis a hopeful youth, your nephew, Jack, a +lovely lad. Smite me, I never saw an affront more pleasantly bestowed +nor more effectively! Such a polished business with him and pure joy +for the spectators, he insulted his man so gracefully yet so thoroughly +that their steel was out in a twinkling. But the place was cluttered +with chairs and tables, so Alvaston and Tripp fell upon Dalroyd and I +and Captain West on the Viscount and parted 'em till the matter could +be arranged more commodiously for 'em. Well, we cleared the floor and +locked the door, they seeming so eager for one another's blood and +then--damme, Dalroyd refuses to fight. 'No, gentlemen,' says he, +smiling but with death aglare in his eyes, 'I grant Viscount Merivale a +day or so more of life, when it suits me to kill him I'll let him +know,' and off he goes. 'Tis a vile black business, for if ever I saw +a killer, 'tis this Dalroyd. Though why the lad goes out of his way to +affront such a man, God only knows. And talking of the affront I've +told the story plaguy ill. Here sits Dalroyd, d'ye see, at cards, +Jack, and along comes my fine young gentleman and insults him beyond +any possibility o' doubt. 'Ah,' says Dalroyd, laying down his cards, +'I believe, I verily believe he means to be offensive!' 'Gad love me, +sir,' smiles the Viscount, 'I'm performing my best endeavour that way.' +'You mean to quarrel, then,' says Dalroyd. ''Twill be pure joy, sir!' +bows the Viscount. 'Impossible!' sneers Dalroyd. 'Why then, sir,' +beams the Viscount, 'perhaps a glass of wine applied outwardly will +make my intention quite apparent, because if so, sir, I shall be happy +to waste so much good wine on thing of so little worth.' O Jack, 'twas +pure--never have I seen it better done. But 'tis an ill business all +the same, for when they meet 'twill go ill with the lad, I fear--aye, I +greatly fear!" + +"Why then, they shan't meet!" said the Major gently. + +"Eh--eh?" cried the Colonel. "Damme, Jack--who's to prevent?" + +"I, of course, George." + +"Aye, but how, a Gad's name? + +"First, I do know Dalroyd a rogue unworthy to cross blades with the +Viscount----" + +"I doubt 'twill serve, Jack, I doubt." + +"Secondly, I intend to cross blades with Dalroyd myself." + +"You Jack--you? O preposterous! Smite me, 'tis most irregular." + +"Indeed and so it is, George, but----" the Major smiled, and knowing +that smile of old the Colonel shrugged his shoulders. "I will but ask +you to be here in this room to-morrow night at--say twelve +o'clock--alone, George." + +"When you use that tone, Jack, I know you'll do't. But how you'll +contrive thing so impossible is beyond me. And talking of Dalroyd the +resemblance is strong, he's very like----" + +"Ah, you mean like Effingham." + +"Aye, like Effingham--and yet again he's--different, Jack, and besides +'tis impossible!" + +"Ten years must needs alter a man," said the Major thoughtfully. +"George, I'd give very much to know if Dalroyd bears a certain scar." + +"Impossible, Jack--quite, your thrust was too sure." + +"Hum!" said the Major, "howbeit I cross blades with Dalroyd as soon as +possible, which reminds me I've made no will and 'tis best to be +prepared, George, and you shall witness it if you will." + +So the document was drawn up, blunt and soldier-like, and duly attested. + +"A will, Jack," said the Colonel throwing down the pen, "is a curst +dust to dust and dry bones business, let's ha' another bottle." + +"Egad, and so we will!" answered the Major. "And drink success to thy +wooing, George." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX + +WHICH IS A QUADRUPLE CHAPTER + +I + +My lady Betty opened the bedroom door and sneezed violently: + +"Aunt Bee," she gasped, "O!" + +"Heavens, child, how you pounce on one!" cried Lady Belinda, starting +and dropping her powder puff. "What is't?" + +"Snuff, aunt--O!" + +"Snuff--O Lord! Where? Who?" + +"Your Colonel--Cleeve, aunt--O!" + +"Colonel Cleeve? Here again? O Heavens!" cried Lady Belinda, flushing. + +"He's been waiting below and sprinkling me with his dreadful snuff this +half-hour and more, as you know very well, aunt!" + +"Indeed miss, and how should I know?" cried Lady Belinda indignantly, +stealing a glance at her reflection in the mirror. + +"You saw him come a-marching up the drive of course, dear aunt. O he +uses the dreadfullest snuff I vow--'tis like gunpowder--and scatters it +broadcast! 'And pray how's your lady aunt?' says he, sprinkling it +over the window-seat and me. 'O sir, in excellent health I thank you,' +says I, 'twixt my sneezes. 'I trust she finds herself none the worse +for her walk last night, the air grows chill toward sunset,' says he +through a brown cloud. 'Indeed sir,' I choked feebly, 'aunt enjoys the +evening air hugely.' 'Then,' says he, speaking like Jove in the cloud, +'I'm bold to hope that she perhaps--this afternoon----' 'I'll go and +see,' I gasped, and staggered from the room strangling. 'Tis a dear, +shy soul, aunt, for all his ogreish eyes and gruff voice." + +"Betty!" exclaimed Belinda clasping her hands, "when I think of him +downstairs and our poor, dear Charles abovestairs I could positively +swoon----" + +"Nay, aunt, the Colonel's presence here is Charles' safeguard surely, +and the Colonel's a true soldier, a dear, gentle man 'spite all his +bloodthirsty airs and ferocious eyes----" + +"Do you think them so--so fierce, Betty?" questioned Lady Belinda +wistfully. + +"Go down and see for yourself, aunt." + +Lady Belinda crossed to the door, but paused there, fumbled with the +latch and then, all at once, sobbed, and next moment Betty had her +close in her arms. + +"Why, aunt!" she whispered. "My dear, what's your grief?" + +"O Betty!" whispered Lady Belinda, trembling in those strong young +arms, "O my dear I'm--so--old----" + +Betty's eyes filled and stooping she kissed that humbly bowed head: + +"Aunt Belinda," she murmured, "Love is never old, nor ever can be. If +Love hath come to thee when least expected, Love shall make thee young. +Thy years of waiting and unselfish service these have but made thee +more worthy--would I were the same. There, let me dry these foolish +tears, so. Now go, dear, go down and may'st thou find a joy worthy of +thy life of devotion to thy Betty who loveth thee and ever will. I'll +upstairs to Charles!" + + +II + +"Now look'ee Bet," my Lord of Medhurst was saying five minutes later, +"I'll not endure it another week--I'll not I say. To lie mewed up +here, to creep out like a very thief--'tis beyond my endurance----" + +"And mine too, Charles--almost," sighed Betty. "To have to live a +hateful lie, to be forced to meet one I despise, to endure his looks, +his words, his touches--O!" + +"God forgive me, Bet--I'm a beast, a graceless, selfish beast!" cried +his lordship, clasping her in his arms. "When I think of all you've +done for me I could kick this damned carcass o' mine--forgive me! But +ha!" his lordship chuckled boyishly, "Deuce take me Bet, but I avenged +you to some extent last night. I sat on the wall, Bet, as coyly as you +please and true to a minute along comes my gentleman and kisses my hand +and I more demure and shy than e'er you were. 'Betty,' says he, low +and eager, 'by heaven, you're more bewitching than ever to-night!' His +very words, Bet, as I'm a sinner!" Here my lord chuckled again, +laughed and finally fell to such an ecstasy of mirth that he must needs +gag and half-choke himself with his handkerchief, while Betty laughed +too and thereafter gnashed white teeth vindictively: + +"What more?" she questioned, her eyes bright and malevolent. + +"Why then, Bet, the fool falls to an amorous ecstasy--pleads for a +taste o' my lips--damn him! and finally catches me by the foot and +falls to kissing that and I bursting with laughter the while! So there +he has me by the foot d'ye see and I nigh helpless with suppressed joy, +but when I wished to get away he did but hold and kiss the fiercer. So +Bet, I--full of prudish alarms as it were--bestowed on him--a kick!" +Here his lordship found it necessary to gag himself again while Betty, +leaning forward with hands clasped, watched him gleefully. + +"You kicked him!" she repeated. "Hard?" + +"Fairly so--enough to send his hat flying, and Bet, as luck would have +it who should chance along at that precise moment but Major d'Arcy +and----" + +Uttering an inarticulate cry my lady sprang to her feet. + +"Did he see--did he see?" she demanded breathlessly, "Charles--O +Charles--did he see?" + +"Begad, I fear he did--why Bet--Betty--good God--what is it?" For, +covering her face, Betty had cowered away to the wall and leaned there. + +"What will he think!" she murmured. "O what will he think of me?" + +My lord stood speechless awhile, his delicate features twitching with +emotion as he watched her bowed form. + +"Betty dear," said he tenderly at last, "doth it matter to thee--so +much?" + +"Charles!" she cried, "O Charles!" and in that stricken cry and the +agony of the face she lifted, he read her answer. + +"Dearest," said he after awhile, clasping his arm about her, "here is +no cause for grief. I'll go to him in--in these curst floppy +things--he shall see for himself and I'll tell him all----" + +"No!" said she rising and throwing up proud head. "I'll die first! We +will go through with it to the end--nobody shall know until you are +safe--none but you and I and Aunt Belinda. To speak now were to ruin +all. So, my Charles, whatsoe'er befall you shall not speak--I forbid +it!" + +"Forgive me, Bess," he pleaded, "wilt forgive me for jeopardising +thy--thy happiness so?" + +"Aye to be sure, dear boy!" she answered, kissing him. "Only now I +must go!" + +"Go, Betty?" + +"To him!" she sighed. "I must find out--just how and what he thinks of +me." + +"Gad's my life, Bet!" sighed his lordship ruefully as he followed her +to the door, "I do think thou wert ever the braver of the two of us." + + +III + +"Consequently Tom, dear lad," the Major was saying as he walked the +rose-garden arm in arm with the Viscount, "feeling for thee as I do and +because of the years that have but knit our affections the closer, I am +bold to ask thee what hath moved thee to run so great a risk o' thy +life--a life so young and promising." + +"Why nunky," answered the Viscount, pressing the arm within his own +affectionately, "in the first place I'll confess to a pronounced +distaste for the fellow." + +"Yes, Tom?" + +"His air of serene assurance displeases me." + +"Quite so, Tom." + +"His air of cold cynicism annoys me." + +"Well, Tom?" + +"In fine sir, not to particularise, Mr. Dalroyd, within and without and +altogether, I find a trifle irksome." + +"And so, Tom, for these trivialities, you picked a quarrel with a man +who is a notorious and deadly duellist? + +"I believe I objected to his method of dealing cards, among other +things, sir." + +"And now, Tom," said the Major, sitting down beside the sun-dial and +crossing his legs, "may I suggest you tell me the real reason--your +true motive?" + +The Viscount began to pull at and arrange the rich lace of his +steenkirk with gentle fingers. + +"Gad save my poor perishing soul!" he sighed, "but you're a very +persistent nunky!" + +"Tom," said the Major softly, "you--you love my lady Betty, I think?" + +The Viscount, sitting beside him, was silent a moment, still pulling +gently at the lace of his cravat. + +"And--and always shall, sir," he answered at last. + +"This," said the Major, staring straight before him, "this brings me to +a matter I have long wished to touch upon--and desired to tell thee, +Tom. For I also thought--that she ... I ... we..." + +"Love each other, sir," said the Viscount gently. + +"You knew this, Tom?" + +"Sir, I guessed it a few days since." + +The Major bowed his head and was silent awhile. + +"Pancras," said he at last, "'twas none of my seeking. I thought +myself too old for love--beyond the age. But Love stole on me all +unbeknown, Love gave me back my vanished youth, changed the world into +a paradise wherein I, dreaming that she loved me, found a joy, a +happiness so great no words may tell of it. And in this paradise I +lived until--last night, and last night I found it but the very +paradise o' fools, dear lad----" + +"Last night!" exclaimed the Viscount, "last night sir?" + +"I chanced to walk in the lane, Tom." + +The Viscount clenched white hand and smote it on his knee: + +"Damn him!" he cried, "he must ha' bewitched her in some infernal +manner! That Betty should act so--'tis incredible! Yet 'twas none so +dark! And I saw! 'Twas shameless--a vulgar country-wench would +never----" + +"Hush, Tom, hush!" cried the Major, flushing. "She's--after all she's +so young, Tom, young and a little +wilful--high-spirited--and--and--young, as 'twere----" + +"Betty's no child, sir, and 'fore heaven----" + +"'Tis strange I missed you, Tom," said the Major a little hastily. + +"The lane makes a bend there sir, and when I saw I stopped----" + +"So here's the true cause of your quarrel, Tom?" + +"Nay, sir, I've known Betty from childhood, I've honoured and loved her +but--'twas not so much on her account----" + +"Then whose, Tom?" + +"Why sir I--knew you loved her too----" + +"God bless thee, lad!" said the Major and thereafter they sat awhile +staring studiously away from each other. + +"The vile dog hath bewitched her somehow!" explained the Viscount +suddenly at last, "I've heard tell o' such cases ere now, sir." + +"Heaven send he bewitch none other sweet soul!" said the Major +fervently. + +"He sha'n't--if I may stop him!" said the Viscount scowling. + +"I don't think--no, I don't think he ever will, Tom!" + +"Gad love us!" exclaimed the Viscount suddenly in altered tone. +"Nunky--sir--look yonder! 'Tis Betty herself and she's seen us! O +Lard, sir--she's coming!" + +Glancing swiftly round, the Major sat with breath in check watching +where my lady was descending the steps into the rose-garden, as fresh, +as fair and sweet as the morning itself. With one accord they rose +and, side by side, went to meet her. + +"Heavens!" she cried as they came up. "How glum you look--and the sun +so bright too! Ha' you no greeting for me?" + +"Madam," said the Viscount with a prodigious bow, "I was but now +relating how, last night, I saw you in a lane, seated upon a wall." + +"Was I, Pan?" + +"Indeed, my lady!" he answered, taking out his snuff-box. + +"And did you see me, too?" + +"Who else should see you?" questioned the Viscount staring. + +"I thought 'twas only Major d'Arcy--thought to see." + +"I saw you also, madam." + +"Art sure, Pan?" + +"O pasitive, madam!" + +"And prithee--what saw you?" + +"'Tis no matter----" + +"What saw you, Pan--Tom?" + +"I saw that Dalroyd fellow--brutalise your foot." + +My lady's cheek grew rosy and her delicate nostrils expanded suddenly, +but her voice was smooth and soft as ever. + +"Will you swear it, Pan?" + +"On oath!" he answered. + +"Alack!" she sighed. "On what slender threads doth woman's reputation +hang! And if I say I was not there?" + +"Then, my lady, I am blind or, having eyes, see visions----" + +"Was ever such a coil!" she sighed. "Dear Pan, hast ever been my +second brother, so do I forgive thee and, thus forgiving, bid thee go, +thinking on me as kindly as thou may'st and believing that thine eyes +do verily see visions." So the Viscount bowed and went, somewhat stiff +in the back and making great play with his snuff-box. "Dear Pan!" she +murmured as she watched him go, "I might have loved him had I any love +to spare. And now--you, John--will you rail at me, too?" + +"No, my lady," he answered dully, "never again!" + +"Yet your voice is cold and hard! Did you think to see me too?" + +"Aye, I saw--I saw," he answered wearily. + +"And if I say you saw me not?" + +"Then, my lady, I will say I saw you not." + +Now at this she came near, so near that he was conscious of all her +warm and fragrant loveliness and thrilled to the contact of her hand +upon the sleeve of the war-worn Ramillie coat. + +"And--wilt believe, John?" she questioned softly. The Major stood +silent and with head averted. "This dear old coat!" she murmured. +"Dost remember how I sewed these buttons on?" + +"Aye, I remember!" he groaned. + +"And--wilt believe, my John?" she questioned, and drew nearer yet, +until despite her soft and even tone, he could feel against him the +swell and tumult of her bosom; yet he stood with head still averted and +arms, that yearned to clasp her, rigid at his sides. "Wilt believe, +John?" + +"Betty," he answered, "ask me to believe the sun will rise no more and +I'll believe, but not--not this!" + +"Yet, dost love me--still?" she whispered. + +"Aye, my lady--through life to death and beyond. The love I bear you +is a love stronger than death and the agony of heartbreak and dead +hopes. Though you take my heart and trample it in the dust that heart +shall love thee still--though you profane the worship that I bear you +still shall that worship endure--though you strip me of fame and honour +and rob me of my dearest ideals still, ah still shall I love you +until--until----" His voice broke and he bowed his head. "O Betty!" +he cried. "In God's name show me--a little mercy--let me go!" + +And turning he limped away and left her standing alone. + + +IV + +The Colonel's fierce eyes were transfigured with a radiant tenderness, +his gruff voice was grown strangely soft and tender, his sinewy hand +had sought and found at last those white and trembling fingers, while +two soft eyes were looking up into his, eyes made young with love, and +bright with happy tears. + +Seeing all of which from without the casement, my lady Betty, choking +back her own grief, smiled, sobbed and, stealing away, crept softly +upstairs to her room, locked herself in and, lying face down upon her +bed, wept tears more bitter than any she had ever known. + + + + +CHAPTER XL + +OF THE ONSET AT THE HAUNTED MILL + +A wild, black night full of wind and rain and mud--a raging, tearing +wind with rain that hissed in every vicious gust--a wind that roared +fiercely in swaying tree-tops and passing, moaned dismally afar; a wind +that flapped the sodden skirts of the Major's heavy riding-coat, that +whirled the Sergeant's hat away into the blackness and set him cursing +in French and Dutch and English. + +"What is't, Zeb?" enquired the Major during a momentary lull as they +rode knee and knee in the gloom. + +"My hat sir ... the wind with a cur----" The words were blown away and +the Sergeant, swearing unheard, bent his head to the lashing rain. + +"Are we ... right ... think you? ... long way ... very dark egad..." + +"Dark sir, never knowed it darker and the rain--may the dev..." + +"Are we nigh the place Zeb d'ye think, we should be ... by now----" + +"Not so fur your hon ... a bye-road hereabouts if 'twarn't dark, with +ten thousand..." + +In a while as they splashed on through the gloom the Major felt a hand +on his arm. + +"By your left, sir ... bye-road ... can't see on account o' dark, may +the foul fiend ... by your left, so!" Thus through mud and rain and +buffeting wind they rode until at word of the Sergeant they dismounted. + +"Must hide the horses, sir," said he in the Major's ear. "I know a +snug place hard by, wait you here sir ... some shelter under the hedge +... never saw such a plaguy night, may all the foul----" And the +Sergeant was gone, venting curses at every step. Very soon he was back +again and the Major stumbled after him across an unseen, wind-swept +expanse until looming blacker than the dark, they saw the ruin of the +haunted mill. Inside, sheltered from rain and wind the Major unloosed +his heavy coat and took from under his arm a certain knobby bludgeon +and twirled it in the dark while Sergeant Zebedee, hard by, struck +flint and steel, but the tinder was damp and refused to burn. + +"Is a light necessary Zeb--if any should observe----" + +"Why sir, like as not they'd think 'twas ghosts, d'ye see. And 'tis as +well to survey field of operations, wherefore I brought a lanthorn +and----" The Major reached out and caught his arm. + +"Hark!" said he. + +Above and around them were shrieks and howlings, timbers creaked and +groaned and the whole ruined fabric quivered, ever and anon, to the +fierce buffets of the wind, while faint and far was an ever-recurrent +roll and rumble of thunder. + +"Storm's a-waxing sir ... can't last, I..." Borne on the wind above +the tempest came a faint hail. "Zounds, they're close on us!" +exclaimed the Sergeant. "This way, sir, keep close, catch the tail o' +my coat." Thus they stumbled on through the pitchy dark, found a wall, +followed it, turned a corner, brought up against another wall and so +stood waiting with ears on the stretch. + +And soon amid this confusion of sounds was a stamping of horse, the +tread of feet and presently voices within the mill itself; one in +especial that poured out a flood of oaths and fierce invective upon +rain and wind and all things in general. + +"O burn me, and must we wait here, shivering in the darkness with a +curse on't and me wet to the bone----" + +"Content ye, my lushy cove, the others aren't far." + +"The others, curse 'em! And what o' me shivering to the bones o' me as +I'm a roaring lad----" + +"What, Jerry," cried another voice, "is the Captain wi' you?" + +"Aye, here I am--show a light!" + +"Why so I will an ye gimme time. So we're all met, then--all here, +Nick?" Followed the sound of flint on steel, a flash, a glow, a light +dazzling in its suddenness, a light that revealed four masked men, +mud-splashed and bedraggled, thronged about a lanthorn on the uneven +floor. + +"Now mark me all," said Joseph pushing up his vizard. "You, Jerry and +the Captain will ride to the cross-roads, the finger-post a-top o' the +hill. The coach should reach thereabouts in half an hour or so. Benno +and I strike across the fields and join my gentleman's coach and come +down upon you by the cross-roads. So soon as you've stopped the coach, +do you hold 'em there till we come, then it's up wi' the lady and into +my gentleman's coach wi' her. D'ye take me?" + +"No we don't!" growled Jerry, shaking the rain from his hat, "how a +plague are we t' know which is the right coach----" + +"By stopping all as come your way----" + +"Ged so--we will that!" nodded the Captain. + +"And look'ee Jerry and be damned, if you----" + +"Stand!" The four sprang apart and stood staring at the Major who +stood, a pistol in each hand, blocking the doorway between them and the +howling desolation outside. "Move so much as a finger either one of +you and he's a dead man. Quick, Sergeant--their wrists--behind!" +Thus while the Major stood covering the four with levelled weapons +watchful and ready, Sergeant Zebedee stepped forward with several +lengths of stout cord across his arm. Coming up to the Captain who +chanced to be nearest, the Sergeant was in the act of securing him, +when Jerry uttered a dreadful cry: + +"God save us--look!" For an instant the Major's glance wavered and in +that moment Joseph had kicked out the light and there and then befell a +fierce struggle in the dark, a desperate smiting and grappling; no +chance here for pistol-play, since friend and foe were inextricably +mixed, a close-locked, reeling fray. So while the storm raged without, +the fight raged within, above the howling of wind and lash of rain rose +piercing cries, shouts, groans and hoarse-panted oaths. Smitten by a +random blow the Major fell and was kicked and trampled upon by unseen +feet; yet he staggered up in the dark, his long arms closed in +relentless grip, his iron fingers sought and found a hold that never +loosed even when he fell and rolled again beneath those unseen, +trampling feet. Little by little the ghastly sounds of conflict died +away and in their place was again the roar and shriek of wind. + +"Zebedee--Sergeant Zeb!" + +"Thank God!" a hoarse voice panted. "A moment sir--must have--light. +Hot work your honour--never ask for warmer!" After some delay the +Sergeant contrived to light his lanthorn; and the Major, looking into +the face of the man he held, loosed his grip and got to his feet. + +"'Tis him they call the Captain!" said the Sergeant, flashing his light. + +"Pray God I haven't killed him!" the Major panted, clasping one hand to +his side. + +"'Twould but save the hangman a job, sir. Lord! but you're ripped and +tore, sir!" The Major glanced from his disordered dress to the +Sergeant's bloody face: + +"Are you hurt, Zeb?" he questioned. + +"Nought to matter, sir. Look'ee, here lies the rogue Jerry--zounds, +and a-coming to already! Hold the light, sir--may as well tie him up +nice and comfortable." + +"And this other fellow too, Zeb--he's stirring, I'm glad to see----" + +"Glad sir? Zooks, 'tis pity you didn't kill him----" + +"Nay, I'll ha' no killing, Zebedee----" + +"Zounds sir, why so queasy-stomached nowadays? 'Tain't as if you'd +never----" + +"Enough, Sergeant! I'm no longer a soldier and besides--things +are--are different quite--nowadays." + +"Why look'ee sir, where's t'others? Here be but two o' the rogues----" + +"Only two, Zeb?--give me the lanthorn!" By its light they searched the +mill inside and out; gruesome signs of the vicious struggle they found +in plenty but, save themselves and their two groaning captives, the +place was empty. + +"'Tis mortal hard," mourned the Sergeant, "here's me i' the dark, +seemingly a-knocking of 'em all down one arter t'other, continual. +Yet, 'spite said zeal here's but two to show for same, sure enough." + +"Why then we must after 'em, Zeb!" said the Major with a sudden sharp +catch of the breath. "Go fetch the horses!" Forthwith Sergeant +Zebedee hurried away and, left alone, the Major, leaning against the +wall, set a hand to his side and kept it there until the Sergeant +reappeared, leading their horses. + +"You picked up my pistols, Zeb?" + +"And put 'em back i' the holsters, sir. And the rogues are got away +sure enough, their horses are gone, d'ye see." + +"Then we must spur, Zebedee." + +"Aye sir. And the rain's stopped, praise God!" quoth the Sergeant and +blew out the lanthorn leaving their captives to groan in the dark. + +"Take the lead, Zeb," said the Major as they reached the +high-road--"the finger-post a-top the hill--and gallop." + + + + +CHAPTER XLI + +CONCERNING HIGHWAYMEN AND THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE + +My lady Betty leaned back in the corner of her coach, gazed at her +aunt's slumbering features dim-seen in the light of the flickering +lamps, and yawned. The storm had abated, the rain had passed, but the +darkness was around them, a darkness full of rioting wind, and mud was +below them through which the heavy wheels splashed dismally as the +great coach laboured on its way. + +My lady Betty, stretching rounded limbs luxuriously, yawned again and +having nothing particular to look at, closed her eyes; but, almost +immediately she opened them rather wider than usual, and sat up +suddenly as, from somewhere amid the gusty dark outside, a loud voice +hailed, a pistol cracked and the coach pulled up with a jerk. + +Instantly Lady Belinda awoke, screamed "Highwaymen!" and swooned. Next +moment the coach door swung open and Lady Betty saw a sodden hat with a +hideous, masked face below; she saw also two arms that seized her +roughly, dragged her forward and whirled her out into the tempestuous +darkness. Hereupon my lady struggled once, found it vain, screamed +once, felt the cry blown away and lost in the wind and, resisting no +more, reserved her forces for what might be. Next she was aware of a +dim shape, was bundled through a narrow opening, was seized by hands +that aided her to a cushioned seat, heard the slam of a door, a hoarse +command, and was jolted fast over an uneven road. + +Instinctively she reached out her hand, groping for the door, felt that +hand clasped in smooth, strong fingers, and a voice spoke close beside +her: + +"That would be unwise, sweet Bet?" + +Recognising that voice, she freed her hand and shrank back into her +corner, shivering all at once; yet when she spoke her voice was almost +casual. + +"This is quite surprising, Mr. Dalroyd." + +"But more delightful!" he retorted, and she was aware that his hand, in +the darkness, was seeking hers again. + +"Yet--how very foolish and--and unnecessary!" said she a little +breathlessly. + +"Unnecessary--ha, perhaps, dear Betty----" + +"Had I not promised to fly with you, next week?" + +"True, my Bet, true, but next week is--next week. And then besides +though you would have run off with me in your own time yet I prefer to +run off with you in my own time. Moreover----" + +"Well, sir?" + +"I love the unexpected! I want you, Betty, but I'd have you come a +little unwilling to my embrace. Give me this pretty hand, suffer me +to--what, no?--excellent! Presently, here in the dark, with unbridled +tempest rioting about us, I shall kiss your lips and the more you +struggle in my arms the sweeter I shall find you--so, dearest Bet, +struggle and strive your best----" + +But at this moment the coach slowed down, came to a standstill and a +hand knocked at the window. Whispering fierce curses Mr. Dalroyd +lowered it. + +"Sir," said a voice humbly, "these bye-roads be evil going and in this +dark hard to follow--shall we light the lamps?" + +"Aye--if you must--light one--the off one." + +Thus after some little delay the lamp was lighted and the coach lurched +forward again. My lady sighed to find herself no longer in utter +darkness, though the light was faint--scarcely more than a glow. Then +dread seized her, for by this glow she saw her captor's eyes and, +reading his sure and merciless purpose there, she grew suddenly and +terribly afraid of him at last. Fronting that look she strove to hide +her shame and terror but he, wise in the ways of proud and frightened +beauty, laughed softly and leaned towards her. And in that moment, +looking beyond him, she saw over his shoulder that which strung every +quivering nerve of her, for in a sling, on Mr. Dalroyd's side of the +coach, hung his travelling pistols; and now in her terror the one +ambition of her life became narrowed down to this--to grasp sure +fingers round the silver-mounted butt of one of these weapons. + +"Betty," said he, "my beautiful Betty, which is it to be?" + +"Pray sir," said she, striving to speak lightly, "pray be more +explicit." + +"Doth proud loveliness yield at last?" he questioned softly, "or shall +it be forced?" Even as he spoke his arms were about her; for a moment +she struggled wildly, then, as he crushed her to him, still struggling +against his contact, she yielded suddenly and, bearing him backward, +her white hand flashed out and, laughing hysterically, she wrenched +herself away from him. + +"Sir," she panted, "O dear sir, you love surprises, you tell me--look, +look at this and beg your life of me!" + +His arms fell from her and slowly, sullenly, he recoiled, watching her +beneath drooping lids. + +"Ah, Betty!" he sighed, "what an adorable woman you are!" + +"Why then sir," said she a little tremulously but with hand and eyes +steady, "you will obey me." + +"'Twill be my joy, sweet Bet," he answered softly, "aye faith, my +joy--when I have conquered thee----" + +"Conquered?" she cried and gnashed white teeth. "No man shall do +that--you least of----" + +A hoarse command from the road in front, followed almost immediately by +two pistol shots in rapid succession, and, lurching towards the hedge, +the coach came to an abrupt standstill, ensued the stamp of horses, +cries, fierce imprecations, the sounds of desperate struggling and a +heavy fall. In an instant Mr. Dalroyd had snatched his other pistol, +had jerked down the window and thrust out head and arms. + +"What now?" he cried. "What the devil----" The words ended in a +choking gasp, for the pistol was twisted from his hold and a strong +hand was upon his throat; then the door was wrenched open and himself +dragged into the road there to be caught and crushed in arms of steel +while his hands were drawn swiftly behind him and dexterously trussed +together, all in a moment. + +"You!" he cried, staring into the pale, serene face of his captor and +struggling against his bonds. "God, but you shall repent this outrage, +I swear you----" + +"The gag, Sergeant!" + +"Here, sir!" And Mr. Dalroyd's vicious threats were choked to sudden +silence. + +"His ankles, Sergeant!" + +"All secure, your honour!" + +"Then mount and take him before you--so! Up with him--heave!" + +Next moment Mr. Dalroyd lay bound, gagged and helpless across the +withers of the Sergeant's horse. + +"What's come of the coachman, Zebedee?" + +"I' the ditch, sir." + +"Hurt?" + +"Lord love ye, just a rap o' the nob, sir." + +It was now that my lady, crouched in the darkest corner of the chaise, +fancied she heard shouts above the raving of the wind and, grasping the +pistol in trembling fingers, ventured to look out. And thus she saw a +face, pallid in the flickering light of the solitary lantern, a face +streaked with mud and sweat, fierce-eyed and grim of mouth. She caught +but a momentary glimpse as he swung to horse but, reading aright the +determined purpose of that haggard face, she cried aloud and sprang out +into the road, calling on his name. + +"John--O John!" But her voice was lost in the rushing wind, and the +Major, spurring his spirited horse, plunged into the dark, beyond the +feeble light of the lamp, and was swallowed up in the whirling darkness. + +Deafened and half-dazed by the buffeting wind and the suddenness of it +all, she stood awhile, then, squaring her dimpled chin, set about +freeing one of the horses. + + + + +CHAPTER XLII + +WHICH DESCRIBES A DUEL + +Colonel Lord George Cleeve, dozing over a bottle beside the hearth, +stirred at the heavy tread of feet, unclosed slumberous eyes at the +sudden opening of the door, glanced round sleepily, stared and sprang +to his feet, broad awake in a moment, to see the Major and Sergeant +Zebedee, wind-blown and mud-splashed, tramp heavily in bearing between +them a shapeless bundle of sodden clothes and finery the which, propped +upright in a chair, resolved itself into a human being, gagged and +bound hand and foot. + +"Jack!" he gasped, his eyes rolling. "Why, Jack--good Lord!" After +which, finding no more to say he sank back into his armchair and swore +feebly. + +"Off with the gag, Sergeant," said the Major serenely as he laid by his +own mud-spattered hat and riding-coat. The Sergeant obeyed; and now +beholding the prisoner's pale, contorted features, the Colonel sprang +to his feet again. + +"Refuse me!" he gasped. "What the--Mr. Dalroyd!" + +"Or Captain Effingham!" said the Major. "Loose his cravat and shirt, +Sergeant, and let us be sure at last." Sergeant Zebedee's big fingers +were nimble and the Major, taking one of the silver candlesticks, bent +above the helpless man for a long moment; then, setting down the light, +he bowed: + +"Captain Effingham, I salute you!" said he. "To-night sir, here in +this room, I propose that we finish, once and for all, what we left +undone ten years ago, 'tis for this purpose I brought you hither, +though a little roughly I fear. My Lord Cleeve will oblige me by +acting as your second, I think. But first, take some refreshment, I +beg. We have ample leisure, so pray compose yourself until you shall +have recovered from the regrettable violence I have unavoidably +occasioned you. Loose him, Zebedee!" + +Freed of his bonds, Mr. Dalroyd stretched himself, re-settled his damp +and rumpled garments, and lounged back in his chair. + +"Sir," said he, viewing the Major with eyes that glittered between +languid-drooping lids, "though my--enforced presence here runs counter +to certain determined purposes of mine, yet I am so much of a +philosopher as to recognise in this the hand of Fate and to find +therein a very real satisfaction, for I have long been possessed of a +most earnest desire to kill you--as indeed I think I should ha' done +years ago but for a slip of the foot." The Major bowed: + +"May I pour you a glass of wine, Captain Effingham? he enquired. + +"Not now sir, I thank you," answered Mr. Dalroyd, languidly testing the +play of right hand and wrist, "afterwards, perhaps!" + +"You are without your sword, I perceive sir," said the Major. + +"Gad, yes sir!" lisped Mr. Dalroyd, smiling, "in our hurry we left it +behind in the coach." + +"Still, you will prefer swords, of course?" + +"Of course, sir." + +"Go, bring the duelling-swords, Sergeant," said the Major and sitting +down filled himself a glass of wine while Mr. Dalroyd gently smoothed +and patted wrist and sword-hand with long, white fingers and the +Colonel, standing on the hearth, his feet wide apart, stared from one +serene, deadly face to the other. + +"Ten years, sir, is a fair span of life," said Mr. Dalroyd musingly, +"and in that time Fortune hath been kind to you, 'twould seem. You +have here a noble heritage to--ah--leave behind you to some equally +fortunate wight!" Here he turned to glance at the wicked-looking +weapons Sergeant Zebedee had laid upon the table. "When you have +finished your wine, sir, I will play Providence to that fortunate +wight, whoever he may be, and put him in possession of his heritage as +soon as possible." The Major bowed, emptied his glass and rising, +proceeded to remove coat and waistcoat and, with the Sergeant's aid, to +draw off his long riding-boots and rolled back snowy shirt from his +broad chest while Mr. Dalroyd, having kicked off his buckled shoes, did +the same. + +"We have no surgeon here, I perceive," he smiled. "Ah well, so much +the better." So saying, he took up the nearest sword haphazard, +twirled it, made a rapid pass in the air and stood waiting. + +"My Lord Cleeve," said the Major as the Colonel drew his weapon and +stepped forward, "when once we engage you will on no account strike up +our swords----" + +"But damme, man Jack, how if you wound each other----" + +"Why then sir," murmured Mr. Dalroyd quietly, testing the suppleness of +his blade, "we shall proceed to--exterminate one another. This is to +the death, my lord!" + +The library was a long, spacious chamber with the broad fireplace at +one end; moreover the Sergeant had already set back the furniture +against the wall and rolled up the rugs out of the way. Lord Cleeve +glanced round about him quick-eyed, ordered the candles to be disposed +a little differently that there might be no advantage of light, then, +folding his arms, glanced from the pale, serene face of the Major to +the cold, smiling face of Mr. Dalroyd as they fronted each other sword +in hand in the middle of the wide floor. + +"Then, 'tis understood, I am not to part ya', not to interfere +until----" + +"Until one of us is dead, my lord!" said Mr. Dalroyd, his nostrils +quivering. + +"Exactly so!" said the Major. "Sergeant Zebedee--lock the door!" + +Lord Cleeve shrugged his shoulders: "'Tis a damnably cold-blooded +business altogether!" said he as the Sergeant turned key in lock. + +"Agreed, sir!" smiled Mr. Dalroyd. "But pray be so obliging as to give +the word." + +The Colonel shrugged his shoulders again, cleared his throat and took a +step backwards: + +"Ready, sirs!" said he curtly. "On guard!" + +The narrow blades glittered, crossed, kissed lightly together and +remained for a moment rigidly motionless, then, quicker than eye could +follow, flashed into swift and deadly action. Followed the soft thud +of swift-moving feet, the quick, light beat of the blades, now ringing +sharply, now clashing and grinding, now silent altogether. Mr. +Dalroyd's white teeth were bared in a confident smile as, pressing in, +he beset the Major with thrust on thrust, now in the high line, now in +the low, constantly changing his attack, besetting him with cunning +beats and skilful twists; but cunning was met with cunning and fierce +attack with calm and unerring guard. + +Thus as the moments sped, the fighting grew ever more close and deadly, +the blades darted and writhed unceasingly, they flashed and flickered +in narrow circles, while the Sergeant, leaning broad back against +locked door, watched the rapid exchanges with a fencer's eye and the +Colonel forgot all else in the world but the sublime skill of their +play. But as the moments dragged by, the Colonel's fingers began to +pull and twist irritably at one of the buttons of his coat, and about +this time too, Sergeant Zebedee's nonchalant attitude changed to one of +rigid attention, his black brows twitched and in his look was dawning +bewilderment; for while Mr. Dalroyd fought serene of face and tireless +of arm the Major seemed to have become strangely languid and +unaccountably slow, his pallid cheeks were lined with sweat and he +laboured painfully in his breathing; noting all of which the Sergeant's +bewilderment grew to anxiety, while Colonel Cleeve's fingers were +twisting and wrenching at the button harder than ever. + +Without the windows was the ceaseless rush of the wind, now rising to +an angry roar, now dying to a mournful wail; within was a ceaseless +tread of shoeless feet and ring of steel, now clashing fierce and loud, +and always the Sergeant's anxiety increased, for the Major's parries +seemed slower than ever; again and again his adversary's point, +flashing perilously near, was turned only just in time, once ripping +the cambric at his neck and again at shoulder; and ever Mr. Dalroyd's +smile grew more confident and the spectators' anxious bewilderment the +keener. + +All at once the Sergeant uttered a gasp, the Colonel took a quick +stride forward as Mr. Dalroyd, thrusting in tierce, flashed into carte +and drove in a vicious lunge--was met by lightning riposte and flinging +himself sideways sprang out of distance, a fleck of blood upon his +shirt-sleeve. + +"You are touched, I think, sir?" enquired the Colonel. + +"Thank you, 'tis nought in the world," he answered, panting a little +but with lips that curled and nostrils that quivered in his cold smile +as he watched the Major who stood, haggard of face, one hand pressed to +his side, his lips close-set, breathing hard through his nose. + +"Art hurt, man Jack--art hurt?" + +"Nay sir I--I am well enough!" he answered, forcing a ghastly +smile--"when Captain Effingham is ready----" + +"Nay sir," answered Mr. Dalroyd, bowing, "pray take your time--you are +a little distressed I think, pray recover your breath----" + +"I am quite ready, sir." So they bowed to each other, advanced upon +each other and again their weapons crossed. And now as though they +knew it was a matter of time they pressed each other more fiercely and +with a new impetuosity, yet equally alert and wary--came a whirl and +flurry of ringing steel drowned all at once in the crash of splintering +glass at one of the windows--a frenzied hand that groped, then the +casement swung wide with a rush of wind and, as though borne in upon +the raging tempest, a figure sprang into the room, long hair flying, a +cloud of tresses black as the night, silks and satins torn and +mud-splashed, one white hand grasping a silver-mounted pistol, the +other stretched out commandingly. + +"Stop!" she panted. "Stop!" + +At sight of her Mr. Dalroyd lowered his weapon and bowed; the Major, +with head drooping, viewed her beneath his brows, then, crossing to the +table leaned there with head averted, and Lord Cleeve, having opened +his eyes to their widest, opened his mouth also--but said not a word +and dropped a button from suddenly relaxed fingers; as for the Sergeant +he unclenched his fists, breathed a deep sigh of thankfulness and +murmured "Zounds!" + +"My Lord Cleeve," said she at last, "when Mr. Dalroyd has taken his +departure, I will beg you to escort me to my house." + +Lord Cleeve bowed and sheathed his sword looking foolish the while. + +"A--a happiness!" he stammered. + +"Mr. Dalroyd," said my lady very proudly for all her torn and muddy +gown, "I ask you to prove your manhood by setting by that sword and +leaving the house--now! You will find one of your coach horses below +the terrace. Your quicker way will be by the window yonder." + +Mr. Dalroyd hesitated, his pale cheeks flushed suddenly, his sleepy +eyes opened wide, then he smiled and bowing, reached for his coat and +with the Colonel's assistance got into it, and he slipped on his shoes. +Then, heedless of the others, he caught my lady's hand to his lips and +bowing, kissed it. + +"Ah, Betty," said he, "you are worth the winning--aye, upon my soul you +are!" + +"Take your pistol, sir!" He took it, turned it over and laughed gently. + +"My dear lady," said he, "after your exploits this night I wouldn't +forego you for any woman that ever tempted man. Your time shall be my +time and my time is--soon, Betty--ah, soon!" And bowing again, he +crossed to the open window, stepped out into the dark and was gone. +For a moment none moved, then the Sergeant crossed the room and closed +the shattered casement. + +"Major d'Arcy," said my lady, and now there was a troubled quiver in +the clear voice, "upon a night not long ago you made me a promise--nay, +swore me an oath. Do you remember?" The Major was silent. "Sir," she +continued, her voice growing more troubled, "you did not give me that +oath easily and now--O is it thus you keep all your promises?" The +Major made no answer, nor did he stir, nor even lift his head. + +"John," she took a quick step toward the rigid figure. "O Jack--you +are not hurt----" + +"Thank you--I am--very well!" he answered, still without turning, and +gripping the sword he still held in rigid fingers. After this there +seemed a long silence filled with the rumble of wind in the wide +chimney. Then my lady stirred, sighed, and stretched out her hand to +Colonel Cleeve. + +"O my lord," she said wearily, "prithee take me home." So the Colonel +took her hand, drew it through his arm and led her towards the door, +but ever as she went she gazed towards the Major's motionless back; +reaching the door she paused, but still his head was averted; then she +sighed, shivered and, despite her muddy and tattered gown, swept away +upon Lord George's arm like a young, disdainful goddess. + +The Major drew a quivering breath and his sword clattered upon the +floor. + +"God above!" exclaimed the Sergeant, clasping strong arms about that +rigid form, "the Captain pinked you after all, sir." + +"No, Zeb, no--but I fancy I've broke a--couple of ribs or so--as +'twere, d'ye see, Zeb----" And sighing, he fell forward with his head +pillowed upon the Sergeant's shoulder. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII + +HOW THEY DRANK A NEW TOAST + +"The Major's rib will do, sir," nodded Dr. Ponderby, "'tis doing well +and will do better and better. A simple fracture, sir--'twill be sound +in no time, it being a rib of health abounding, owing, if I may put it +so, to an abstemious life, a past puritanic--a----" + +"Abstemious, sir!" exclaimed Lord Cleeve, rolling his eyes, "abstemious +d'ya' say? O begad, hark to that, Jack! Abstemious sir, abste----" +The Colonel choked and rolled his eyes fiercer than ever. + +"My lord," said portly Dr. Ponderby, patting his smooth wig, "I am no +Puritan myself, nor do I look askance at a glass or so of wine, far +from it----" + +"The bottle is at your elbow, sir," said the Major from his cushioned +chair. + +"Abstemious--begad!" chuckled Lord Cleeve, snuffing fiercely. + +"I thank you, Major," said Dr. Ponderby, leisurely filling his glass, +"and my Lord Cleeve, coming back to my patient's rib, I repeat its +abounding health is due entirely to a youthful and immensely robust +constitution and----" + +"Abstemious--ho!" chuckled the Colonel. "Given occasion sir, Jack can +be as abstemious as Bacchus. I remember last time we made a night +on't--aha! It being nigh dawn and we on our fifth bottle, or was it +the seventh, Jack--not to mention Sir Benjamin's punch, begad, it being +nigh dawn, I say, and I happening to glance about missed divers faces +from the genial board. 'Where are they all, Jack?' says I. 'Under the +table,' says he, sober as a judge, and damme sir, so they were and Jack +as I say, sober as yourself sir, for all his abstemiousness!" + +"Hem!" exclaimed Dr. Ponderby, gulping his wine and rising. "None the +less, Major d'Arcy, my dear sir, you shall be abroad again in a week +if--I say, and mark me sir, I say it with deepest emphasis--if you will +brisk up, banish gloomy thought and melancholy, cultivate joy, sit i' +the sun, eat well, drink moderately and sleep as much as possible." + +"A copious prescription, sir!" sighed the Major wearily. + +"Brisk?" snorted Lord Cleeve, "brisk, is it? Refuse me but he's as +brisk and joyous as a gallows! Here he sits, hunched up in that old +service coat and glooms and glowers all day, and when night draws on, +damns his bed, curses himself, and wishes his oldest friend to the +devil and that's me sir--his friend I mean." + +"Stay, never that, George," smiled the Major, shaking protesting head. + +"But ya' curst gloomy Jack, none the less." + +"This won't do," smiled Dr. Ponderby, "won't do at all. Gloom must we +dissipate----" + +"Dissipate!" exclaimed the Colonel, "dissipate--aye man, but he won't +drink and the Oporto's the right stuff you'll allow----" + +"He must have company----" + +"Well and aren't I company?" + +"The very best, my lord----" + +"Not to mention Viscount Tom and----" + +"Very true sir," smiled the doctor, "only you don't either of you +happen to wear petticoats----" + +"Petticoats!" exclaimed the Colonel, rolling his eyes. + +"Petticoats are my prescription, my lord--plenty of 'em and taken +often. A house is a gloomy place without 'em----' + +"Agad and ya' right there--ya' right there!" nodded the Colonel +vehemently. + +"No!" protested the Major. + +"Yes!" cried the Colonel. "Look at my place in Surrey, the damndest, +dreariest curst hole y'ever saw----" + +"Nay George, when I saw it last it was----" + +"A plaguy, dreary hole, Jack!" snapped the Colonel. "Used to wonder +why I couldn't abide the place--reason perfectly plain to-day--lacks a +petticoat, and Jack man, a petticoat I'm a-going to have soon, man, +soon ha, and so shall you begad!" + +"Never!" said the Major drearily. + +"Now hark to the poor, curst wretch, 'tis the woefullest dog!" +exclaimed the Colonel feelingly, "won't drink and no petticoats! Man +Jack, I tell thee woman is to man his--his--well, she's a woman, and +man without woman's gentle and purifying influence is--is only--only +a--well, man. Look at me. After all these years, Jack 'tis a +petticoat for me." + +The Major murmured the old adage about one man's meat being another +man's poison, whereon his lordship snarled and rolled his eyes as he +rose to escort the doctor to the door. + +"Petticoats quotha?" said he, "Petticoats it shall be." + +"In large doses!" nodded Dr. Ponderby, "and repeated often." So +saying, he shook the invalid's languid hand, smiled and bustled away. + +"Ha!" exclaimed his lordship, "there's a man of stark common sense, +Jack." + +"Aye, aye," nodded the Major a little impatiently, "but what of +Effingham, you say he has left Westerham?" + +"He left at mid-day, Jack." + +"For good?" + +"'Twould seem so, he marched bag and baggage. The rascal fences purely +well, I vow." + +"Superlatively well," nodded the Major beginning to fill a much smoked +clay pipe. + +"Man Jack, I thought he had ya' there in carte." + +"Nay I was expecting it and ready, George. I should have caught him on +the riposte but I was short d'ye see----" + +"Owing to ya' rib, Jack." + +"Damn my rib!" exclaimed the Major. "'Tis pure folly I should be laid +up and sit here like a lame dog for so small a matter as a rib, d'ye +see----" + +"'Tis more than ya' rib is wrong with ya', Jack!" + +"A Gad's name, what?" + +"A general gloom and debility induced by lack of and need for--a +petticoat." + +"Folly!" snorted the Major, but his pale cheek flushed none the less. + +"Talking o' Dalroyd, ya' pinked his sword arm, Jack." + +"But he's alive, alive George and now, now for all I know--where's +Tom--where's Pancras? For all we know they may be fighting at this +moment!" And the Major half rose from his elbow-chair. + +"Content ya', Jack, content ya'!" said the Colonel, pressing him back +with hands surprisingly gentle, "the lad's not fighting--nor likely to. +I swear again, he shan't cross blades with Dalroyd or Effingham if I +have to pistol the rogue myself, so ha' no worry on that score, Jack." + +The Major sighed and leaned back in his chair while Lord Cleeve watched +him and, snuffing copiously, sighed sympathetically. + +"'Tis the woefullest figure ya' cut, Jack, wi' that long face and +damned old service coat." + +"'Tis the one I wore at Ramillies," said the Major, glancing down at +faded cloth and tarnished lace. + +"Is it, begad! I'd never ha' recognised it. Then 'tis time 'twas +superannuated and retired from active service. You was wounded that +day I remember, Jack." + +"Yes." + +"Twice." + +"Yes." + +"But ya' never wore look so doleful--never such a damned dumb-dog, +suffer-and-smite me air--not then, Jack--not in those days and ya' were +generally nursing some wound or other." + +"I was younger then!" sighed the Major. + +"Pah!" exclaimed the Colonel scattering a pinch of snuff in his +vehemence, "I say pish, man--tush and the devil! Ya' younger these +days than ever ya' were--all ya' need to become a very youth is a +petticoat--take your old comrade's advice and marry one." + +"Never!" exclaimed the Major, clenching his fists. + +"Tush!" exclaimed the Colonel, snuffing. "As ya' friend, Jack, 'tis my +duty to see ya' happily married and I'll be damned if I don't. Wedlock +'twixt man and woman is--is--ah, is well, marriage. There's little +Mrs. Wadhurst over at Sevenoaks--a shape, Jack, an eye and a curst +alluring nose. Hast ever noticed her nose?" + +"No!" snarled the Major. + +"Ha!" sighed the Colonel. "Not to ya' taste, belike. Why then there's +Lady Lydia Flyte--a widow, Jack--another neighbour--a comely piece, +man, bright eyes, wealthy and sufficiently plump----" + +"Ha' done!" snapped the Major, puffing smoke. + +"Dooce take ya'!" snarled the Colonel, scattering snuff. "Begad, man +Jack, ya' damned peevish and contrary, y'are 'pon my life! If I wasn't +the most patient, long-suffering, meek and mild soul i' the world I +should be inclined to lose my temper over ya' damned stubbornness--rot +me, I should!" At this the Major chuckled.. + +"Your meekness, George, hath ever been equalled only by your humility!" +said he. + +"Nay, but man Jack, look'ee now--'tis not that I would ram my own +happiness down thy throat, but to see thee so glum and spiritless, +damps my own joy doocedly. And the word glum brings us back to +petticoats." + +"Nay George, for mercy's sake no more----" + +"But comrade, a petticoat should be--ah--should be, a petticoat is--is +a--ha!" + +At this moment was a knock and, the door opening, the Sergeant advanced +two paces and stood at attention: + +"Your honour," said he. + +"Ha, Zeb," exclaimed the Colonel, fixing him with fierce, blue eye, +"ho, Sergeant Zeb, what the dooce is a petticoat?" + +The Sergeant stared at his lordship, stared at the ceiling, scratched +smooth-shaven chin with thoughtful finger and spoke. + +"A petticoat, m' lud, is a article as a woman can't very well go +without and a man shouldn't--and won't!" + +The Colonel set down his glass, threw back his head and roared with +laughter till he stamped. "Aha--oho!" he cried at last, sprinkling +snuff over himself and everything within reach. "O Gad, Zeb, ya' +right, ya' right--must remember that. D'ya hear that, Jack--oho--aha!" +And he roared again while the Major smiled, chuckled, and despite rib +and bandages, laughed until Sergeant Zebedee anxiously bade him have a +care, and announced that Sir Benjamin Tripp, Lord Alvaston, Mr. +Marchdale, Sir Jasper and Captain West had ridden over to see him and +enquire after his health. + +"Why then let 'em in, Zeb--let 'em in," said the Major a little +breathlessly, "and bring up a half-dozen or so of the yellow seal----" + +"The yellow--ha!" sighed the Colonel, "if the same as last time 'tis +bottled sunshine, 'twill warm the very cockles o' ya' heart, man----" + +"Nay, George----" + +"Tush, Jack--an you don't drink, I don't----" + +"But George----" + +"Pish, Jack! You'll never go for to deny ya' old friend?" Here the +door opened and the company entered with a prodigious waving of hats, +flirting of gold-mounted whips and jingling of spurs. + +"Major d'Arcy, sir!" cried Sir Benjamin, "your very devoted, humble +servant. My lord, yours! Ods my life, my dear Major d'Arcy, I joy to +see you no worse, sir, after your desperate battle with nine +bloodthirsty ruffians----" + +"Four, Sir Benjamin----" + +"Common report, sir, makes 'em twelve but I'm assured they were but +nine----" + +"Sir, they were but four," repeated the Major gently. "But gentlemen, +you have lost one of your number--Mr. Dalroyd is gone, I understand?" + +"Faith and so he has, sir," answered Mr. Marchdale petulantly, "clean +gone and with eight hundred guineas o' mine and more of Alvaston's, not +to mention----" + +"But then we never had 'ny luck wi' th' cards, Tony," yawned his +lordship. + +"Luck!" spluttered Mr. Marchdale, "luck, d'ye call it----" + +"Ahem!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin. "'Tis true Dalroyd is gone, sir, and +suddenly, nor will I disguise the fact that his ahem!--his departure +was in some sort a relief considering the deplorable scene 'twixt him +and Viscount Merivale----" + +"And his curst secret ways," added Mr. Marchdale, "and his treatment of +that fellow of his--Dalroyd's room was next mine and I know he's beaten +the poor rogue damnably more than once of late." + +"Haw--that's true enough!" exclaimed Captain West, "heard the miserable +dog myself. Dismally a-groaning a-nights. More than once, haw!" + +"And yesterday, just as he mounts to ride away Dalroyd must fall +a-kicking the fellow--in the open street and with us standing by! And +kicked him, look you, not as a gentleman should but with such vicious +pleasure in it--faith, 'twas positively indecent!" + +"Od's life, sir, and that's true--indecent is the word!" nodded Sir +Benjamin tapping his snuff-box, "and gentlemen, if the human optic, +basilisk-like, could blast soul and wither flesh--Dalroyd would have +hem! I say would have known--ha--would have made a sufficiently +uncomfortable not to say painful exit--or setting forth the matter in +plainer terms Dalroyd hem----" + +"Hold hard, Ben!" yawned Alvaston. "Y' gettin' lost again. What our +Ben wants t' say 's simply Dalroyd's f'low looked bloody murder 'n so +he did." + +"Ha--begad! He did so!" + +"Dalroyd is well enough enjoyed now and then," said Mr. Marchdale +sententiously, "but as a constant diet is apt to become devilish +indigestible! And as regards his unfailing lack with the cards, I +shouldn't wonder----" + +"Then don't, Tony--don't!" murmured Lord Alvaston, crossing his slender +legs. "Dalroyd may be this, that or t'other, but Dalroyd ain't +here--enough of him." + +"Aye, true," nodded Sir Benjamin, "true indeed, Dalroyd is gone and we, +dear Major, like this year's roses, are going too. In a week sir, this +fraternity amorous will suffer disruption, our lady hath so decreed, +the fiat hath gone forth." + +"Indeed sir, you surprise me!" said the Major, glancing from one to +another, "whence comes this?" + +Here Sir Benjamin shook his head and sighed, Sir Jasper stifled a +groan, Mr. Marchdale swore beneath his breath, the Captain uttered a +feeble "Haw" and Lord Alvaston whistled dolefully. + +"Sir," sighed Sir Benjamin, "you behold in us a band of woeful wooers +each alike condemned to sigh, and yet to sigh in unison and in this, +the measure of our woe doth find some small abatement. Each hath wooed +and each hath proved his wooing vain, his dreams, his visions must +remain but--hem!--but dreams and----" + +"Hold on, Ben," murmured Alvaston, "burn me but y're gettin' int' th' +weeds again! What poor old Ben's strivin' t' say 's simply that----" + +"Betty'll ha' none of us," scowled Mr. Marchdale, "though if I'd had +more time----" + +"None of us!" added the Captain, "er--haw! Not one!" Here Sir Jasper, +trying to sip his wine and groan at the same time, choked. + +"And yet--and yet," sighed Sir Benjamin, holding his glass between his +eye and the light, "seeing that our ahem! our unspeakable grief is +common to us, each and all, it shall, methinks, but knit closer the +bonds of our fellowship and we should unite to wish her happiness with +whatsoever unknown mortal she shall some day make blest. Regarding +which I think a toast might be appropriate--pray charge your glasses +and I----" Sir Benjamin paused and turned as with a perfunctory knock +the Sergeant re-appeared. + +"Your honour," said he, "my Lady Belinda Damain with Lady Carlyon to +see you." + +The Major caught his breath, then sat upright his square chin showing a +little grim. + +"You will tell their ladyships that I present my humble respects and +thanks but regret I am unable to see them." + +"Sir?" said the Sergeant, staring. + +"Go, Sergeant!" + +"Jack!" exclaimed the Colonel as the door closed "why, Jack!" + +"Sir!" answered the Major, his eyes very keen and bright. + +"P-petticoats, man--two of 'em--doctor's orders! O rot me!" spluttered +the Colonel. + +"Gentlemen," said the Major, smiling wearily, "pray charge your glasses +for Sir Benjamin's toast." + +"Major d'Arcy, sir," said Sir Benjamin, bowing from his chair, "permit +me to say that I applaud the delicacy of your feelings. We lovers who +have wooed and lost, alas! Ods my life, sir, 'twas well done--honour +me!" And he extended his snuff-box. "Sir," he continued, when they +had bowed and snuffed together, "summer is on the wane and with the +summer we, like the swallows, shall desert these rural solitudes. A +week hence, instead of perambulating bosky Westerham we shall most of +us be jolting over the cobblestones of London--but we shall one and all +treasure a lively memory of your friendship and trust that it may be +renewed from time to time. Meanwhile, ere we fly hence, it is our +united hope that you, together with my Lord Cleeve will honour us again +with your company to supper on an early date----" + +"A Gad, sir, we will that!" nodded the Colonel. "Speaking for myself I +thank you heartily, and speaking for Jack, I say he shall come if I +have to carry him there and back again." + +"And now, Sir Benjamin," said the Major, "pray give us your toast." + +Sir Benjamin rose, glass in one hand, lace handkerchief in the other. + +"We have all here, I think, with the exception of the gallant Colonel, +essayed our fortune with my lady Betty, and with equal ahem! equally +deplorable lack of success. 'Twould seem that she is determined on +according to no one of us here that felicity we have, each one, dreamed +of and sought for. But she is young and 'tis but to be expected that +one day some happier man shall succeed where we have failed. Now sirs, +as lovers, as gentlemen and sportsmen true, let us raise our glasses to +that happy unknown whoever he be, let us drink health to him, joy to +him, success and long life to him for the sake of Our Admirable Betty. +Gentlemen 'The Unknown!'" + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV + +SOME ACCOUNT OF A HIGHWAYMAN + +Mr. Dalroyd was a man of habit and of late it had become his custom to +take particular heed as to the lock and bolts of his chamber door of +nights and to sleep with his pistol beneath his pillow. + +He had formed another habit also, a strange, uncanny habit of pausing +suddenly with head aslant like one hearkening for soft or distant +sounds; though to be sure his eyes were as sleepy and himself as +languid as usual. + +But the stair leading to Mr. Dalroyd's bedchamber was narrow and +extremely precipitous and, descending in the gloom one evening, he had +tripped over some obstacle and only by his swordsman's quickness and +bodily agility saved himself from plunging headlong to the bottom. He +had wakened in the middle of the night for no seeming reason and, +sitting up in that attitude of patient listening, had chanced to glance +at the door lit by a shaft of moonlight and had watched the latch +quiver, lift silently and as silently sink back in place. + +He had moreover become cautious as to how he took up his pistols, +having found them more than once mysteriously at full cock. So Mr. +Dalroyd continued to lock and double-lock his door at night and, in the +morning, seated before his mirror, to watch Joseph the obsequious +therein: as he was doing now. + +"Sir," said Joseph, eyes lowered yet perfectly aware of his master's +watchful scrutiny, "everything is packed save your brushes and the +gillyflower water." + +"Why then, my snail, you may pack them also." + +"I will, sir." + +"It is now half after ten, Joseph--we ride at eleven." + +"To London, sir?" + +"Order the horses to the door at that hour, Object." + +"Yes, sir. Pray, sir," said he humbly, head bowed and big hands +twitching nervously, "regarding your promise of permitting me +to--to--quit your service--pray when is it to be?" + +"I don't know, Joseph, I can't say." + +"Sir--sir--d'ye mean----" + +"I mean that I don't feel I can endure to part with you, Joseph." + +"You mean--you--won't?" + +"You interest me, Joseph. Yes, you amuse me vastly, there is about you +such infinite repression, Joseph, such latent ferocity. Yours is a +nature of great and unexpected possibilities. Ferocity, duly in check, +allures me, Joseph; so I shall continue to be your master and +to--master you, Animal. Reach me my pistols." + +Joseph crossed the room to where they lay beside the bed. + +"Sir," said he, taking up the weapons, "you won't let me go, then?" + +"Are they loaded, Joseph?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are they cocked?" + +"No, sir." + +"Which is just as well, Joseph. With your hands shaking like that you +might have had the misfortune to shoot me and be infallibly hanged for +a deplorable accident." + +Joseph's eyes flickered and he stood, still grasping a pistol in either +hand. + +"Sir," said he thickly, "do you mean to let me go--yes or no?" + +"Hanged, Joseph, for--knowing you as I do, Reptile, I am leaving behind +me a letter to the effect that should I meet with any sudden or +untoward misfortune on my journey, a knife in the back, say, or a +bullet, Joseph, justice may be done on the body of one Joseph Appleby, +alias Galloping Nick, already wanted for the murder of----" + +The weapons thudded to the floor and Joseph cowered. + +"For the love of God!" he whispered hoarsely. "Sir--sir----" And he +clenched and wrung his hands together. + +"Pick up the pistols, Worm, and handle them carefully, they've taken to +cocking themselves of late, 'twould seem. And I, Joseph, I've taken to +locking and bolting my door a-nights and being particular how I tread +in the dark." + +So saying, Mr. Dalroyd smiled and went downstairs humming softly, where +the company were gathered to see him off. + +In due time the horses were brought to the door and Mr. Dalroyd, +pulling on his gauntlets, prepared to mount; but before doing so, drew +his pistols from their holsters and found that their primings had been +shaken out. Whereupon he beckoned Joseph smilingly--saw them re-primed +and, smiling still, kicked Joseph viciously. + +Then he mounted, watched Joseph do the same, waved an airy farewell to +the company and rode gracefully away. + +Reaching the open road, Mr. Dalroyd summoned his follower to ride +beside him. + +"On the whole, Joseph," said he, "I prefer to have a man of +your--infinite possibilities beside me, at my elbow--within reach. +Besides, I'm in the mood for conversation, let us talk, creature." +Joseph's heavy brow grew rather more lowering and he kept his gaze bent +obsequiously on the dust of the way as he drew level with his master, +who had reined his horse to a gentle, ambling pace. + +"You were educated above your station, Joseph--the law, I think?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Owing to your mother's exertions--hence the extreme warmth of +your--ah--filial regard." + +"She also shielded me from a father's brutality, sir." + +"Hence, Joseph, as I say, the ardour of your regard for her. 'Tis +strange to find that even in the basest, most depraved natures the +softer qualities of gratitude and love may occasionally be remarked by +the philosophical observer, a fact sufficiently strange and +interesting!" Joseph's wolverine mouth twitched and he lifted his gaze +slowly as high as the top of the hedge and kept it there. "Your first +noteworthy exploit," continued Mr. Dalroyd good-humouredly, "was the +forgery of a bill----" + +"Sir--sir," stammered Joseph, glance abased to the dust again, "pray +why must you----" + +"My good Object, I would see that I have the facts sufficiently clear. +To begin again, you forged a bill on one Hilary Girard, he, discovering +your criminality, taxed you with the fact, whereafter poor Mr. Girard +suddenly died--misfortunate wight! Lead poisoning was it, or powdered +glass?" Joseph uttered a sound between a choke and a groan. "Nay, +after all, 'tis no matter which," continued Mr. Dalroyd, "suffice +it--he died. Thereafter you took to the highway, became famous for +your daring, were finally betrayed by a jealous beauty, were sentenced +to hang, escaped on a legal quibble, and were cast for transportation, +effected your escape and--Fortune sent you to me and I give you life, +Joseph, and a certain amount of freedom so long as you are of use to +me." + +Joseph's mouth had become a twisted line and he moved in his saddle as +if undergoing some sharp, physical discomfort, while Mr. Dalroyd lapsed +into pleasant reverie as they rode on through the warm and fragrant air. + +They held a course south-easterly staying only to change horses at the +various stages where Joseph, acting on his master's instructions, +ordered post-horses to be in readiness three nights hence. Towards +late afternoon Mr. Dalroyd halted at Tenterden for refreshment; after +an excellent meal he sauntered out into the yard and summoned Joseph, +but without avail, the obsequious Joseph was not to be found. Mr. +Dalroyd's modish languor changed to a sudden cold ferocity before which +ostlers, post-boys and stablemen quailed; within five minutes he had +roused the whole place and set everyone searching, from host to +pot-boy. Every hiding-place, likely and unlikely, was ransacked, the +inn, the stable and scattered outbuildings, but to no end, Joseph had +vanished. Finally he ordered his horse to be saddled and while this +was doing, stood, chin in hand, like one lost in vexed thought yet more +than once fell into that attitude of strained attention as though +listening for distant sounds. Roused by the clatter of his fresh +horse's hoofs on the cobbles of the yard as it was led from the +stables, he glanced up and surveyed the animal with quick, appraising +eye and prepared to mount; but, before doing so, stayed to lift his +holster-flaps and found that his pistols were gone. At this he laughed +suddenly--a strange laugh, at sound of which the fellow holding the +horse put up an elbow and cowered behind it as if expecting a blow; but +Mr. Dalroyd, laughing still, turned and beckoned to the landlord with +his gold-mounted riding-whip. + +"Look'ee," said he, his mirth still distorting his features, "I've been +robbed by the rascal and among other things, of my pistols. I must +have another pair--at once!" + +"Sir," began the landlord, bobbing apologetically, "there ain't a pair +in the house Lord love me, no such thing except a blunderbuss----" + +"Blockhead!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd, pointing at the speaker with his +whip, "I said a pair of pistols, go get 'em--how and where you will, +but get them and bring 'em to me and don't keep me waiting, my good +oaf." So saying, Mr. Dalroyd turned and sauntered up and down the +shady side of the yard apparently lost in dreamy reverie. Very soon +the landlord came hurrying back triumphantly bearing a long-barrelled +weapon in either hand. Mr. Dalroyd took one, balanced it and cursed +its weight and clumsiness. + +"Careful, sir," warned the landlord, flinching, "they're loaded." + +Mr. Dalroyd glanced around; overhead a crow flapped heavily on lazy +wings. Mr. Dalroyd aimed the weapon and while the report still rang +and echoed, the crow turned over and over, a shapeless bundle of ragged +feathers and thudding down into the grassy ditch opposite the inn lay +there struggling and croaking dismally. + +"They'll serve!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd, "have the thing loaded again and +hasten!" Watched by many awestruck eyes, Mr. Dalroyd crossed to his +horse, mounted, and oblivious of the interest he caused, sat awhile +with eyes half-shut and head aslant, listening, until the weapon was +brought; then he examined each with care, flint, priming and charge, +and thrust them into his holsters. + +"Landlord," said he, as he put away his purse, "did you take any heed +to the general appearance of that runaway rogue of mine?" + +"Aye sir, a tall chap wi' big hands and a way o' lookin' down his nose +and--come to think on't, a fresh-healed scar just over one eye-brow----" + +"Caused by a cut-glass perfume bottle!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "A just +and fair description, landlord. Should you ever chance on such a +fellow anywhere at any time you will do well to apprehend him----" + +"For robbery, sir----?" + +"For murder, landlord!" As he spoke Mr. Dalroyd touched spurs to his +horse and cantered away, leaving the landlord to stare open-mouthed and +the crow to thrash broken wing and croak dismally in the ditch as, +reaching the highway, he spurred to a gallop. + +All the afternoon he kept the road, and as the day waned he became ever +more alert, his quick eyes scanned the road before and behind and he +rode for long stretches with his head leaned to that angle of patient +listening for sounds afar. Now, as evening fell he had an unpleasant +feeling that he was being followed, more than once he fancied he caught +the faint throbbing of distant hoofs, now lost, now heard again, never +any nearer yet never any further off. Once he reined up suddenly to +hearken but heard nothing save the desolate sighing of wind in trees; +yet when he went on again he could have sworn to the distant beat of +galloping hoofs, wherefore, ears on the stretch, he loosed the flaps of +his holsters. + +So day drew to evening and evening to night and with every mile the +fancy grew within him, little by little, until it became an obsession +and he spurred fiercely uphill and down, often turning to glance back +along the darkening road and with his pistols cocked and ready. + + + + +CHAPTER XLV + +CERTAIN ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + +The Major's rib mended apace; nevertheless his fits of gloom and +depression seemed but to grow more pronounced, insomuch that he would +seize any and every opportunity to escape from Colonel Cleeve's cheery +presence or the Viscount's affectionate solicitude and, locking himself +into his study, would strive feverishly to banish thought with his +gabions, angles of fire, etc. + +To-day the Viscount and Colonel Cleeve had ridden abroad together, and +being alone, the Major had ventured forth into the orchard and now sat +in the hutch-like sentry-box hard at work on his History of +Fortification. + +The afternoon was very still and very hot, so hot indeed that he had +laid by coat and wig and sat in shirt-sleeves, his close-cropped, brown +head bent above his manuscript, writing busily. But presently he set +this aside and leaning head on hand wearily, became lost in troubled +reverie, then, sighing deeply, took pen and paper and began to indite a +letter. At first he paused often as if the composition were difficult, +but, little by little, his thoughts seemed to flow more freely for his +quill flew rapidly, never staying until the letter was finished. +Having sanded it, he read over what he had written, folded it, paused, +shook his head and tore it across and across in his sinewy fingers, +made as if to throw the scraps aside, checked himself and crammed them +into one of the yawning side-pockets of the Ramillie coat. Thereafter, +he sat staring straight before him until, moved by sudden impulse, he +drew to him a new sheet of paper and wrote again busily. Then, not +staying this time to read over what he had set down, he sanded, folded, +sealed it, and turning, thrust it carefully into a pocket of the +Ramillie coat and so turned back to his history once more. + +All at once he started, lifted his head and glanced across at a certain +part of the old, red-brick wall and, dropping his pen, got stealthily +to his feet. + + "A young cavalier he rode on his way + Singing heigho, this loving is folly." + + +The singing voice on the opposite side of the wall was drawing nearer, +wherefore the Major snatched up his wig, clapped it on anyhow and +incontinent fled. + +My lady Betty, having watched this hasty retreat, frowned, plucked a +leaf, bit it with sharp, white teeth and--espied the Ramillie coat. +The wall was rather high and there was no ladder this side, but my lady +was of courageous temper and determined character, so---- + +The Major, turning a sharp corner of the yew walk, ran full tilt into +Sergeant Zebedee. + +"Ha, Zeb," said he, a little breathlessly, "I--I was looking for +you----" + +"Same likewise, sir," answered the Sergeant, standing at attention. +"There's Colonel Cleeve, Sir Benjamin, and the Viscount a-waiting to +play cards wi' you----" + +"Excellent! I'll join 'em at once----" + +"But your--your coat, sir?" + +"Aye, to be sure! You'll find it in the arbour, Zeb, bring it to me in +the library." + +"Now, I wonder," murmured the Sergeant as the Major hastened away with +long strides, "I wonder wherefore so rapid?" + +So my lady jumped. She had just caught up the Ramillie coat when she +heard the approach of heavy steps and, being as resourceful as she was +determined, she folded the garment compactly and sat upon it. + +The Sergeant, about to enter the arbour, paused, started and stood at +attention. + +"Good day, Sergeant Zebedee!" quoth she demurely. + +"Same to you my lady and thank'ee." + +"And pray how is the Major?" + +"Ha'n't you just seen him mam?" + +"Indeed, but he--he vanished before I could speak a word, Sergeant." + +"Zounds!" murmured the Sergeant. + +"What d'you say, Sergeant Zebedee? + +"Why my lady, 'tis his coat I'm after----" + +"Coat?" repeated my lady. + +"Aye mam, his Ramillie coat, sent me here for same----" + +"I don't see it, do you, Sergeant?" + +"Why no, my lady, I don't! But he says he left same here and----" + +"But it doesn't seem to be, does it?" + +"No my lady, unless you----" + +"And how is the Major, pray?" + +Sergeant Zebedee sighed and shook his head. + +"Lord, my lady, he is that gloomy, he do sigh continual--mopes in his +study when he should be out i' the sun and wanders abroad when he +should be snug abed----" + +"But he sat out here to-day----" + +"Aye, for a wonder! 'Twas Mrs. Agatha and me as coaxed him out." + +"He seems to be a very--uncomfortably--moody kind of man, Sergeant." + +"Aye--but only of late, my lady." + +"I wonder why?" The Sergeant glanced down into her bright eyes, looked +at earth, looked at sky, and scratched his chin. + +"Why, since you put the point, my lady, I should say 'tis either on +account o' petticoats or witchcraft or--maybe both. And talking o' +witchcraft, there's his coat now, p'r'aps you might chance to be----" + +"He seems mighty set on this coat," said she, deftly spreading out her +voluminous petticoats, "and 'tis such a shabby, woeful old thing." + +"True mam, but I follered that coat through the smoke and dust of +Ramillies fight though 'twas gayer then, d'ye see, but even now it +shows the rents in skirt and arm o' bullet and bagnet as he took that +day. 'Tis a wonderful garment, my lady." + +"It would irk him to lose it, belike?" + +"Lose it! Mam, it aren't to be thought on!" + +"Still I think 'twould do him a world of good if 'twere lost awhile, it +seems to affect him so evilly." + +"Nay, I think 'tis t'other way about, mam. Says I to him one day, +'Sir,' says I, 'when at all put out wherefore and why the Ramillie +coat?' 'Because Zeb,' says he, 'when I put it on I seem to put on some +of my lost youth also.' Still, there's limits, mam, there's limits, +and for a gentleman o' his degree to go out in same, and among his +tenants d'ye see, well, it aren't right--though I've darned same +constant. No wonder Widow Weston, which same is a scold, my lady, but +'tis no wonder she contradictioned of his honour no later than +yesterday arternoon towards four o' the clock as ever was----" + +"Aye, I know Widow Weston!" smiled my lady. "Contradicted +him--aye--she would." + +"And did, my lady! Here's his honour in his old coat a-bowing to her +and a-choking and coughing d'ye see, on account of her chimbley +a-smoking woeful. 'Mam,' says he, 'I fear your chimbley smokes.' 'It +don't!' she cries, 'it don't, and if it do 'tis no worse than it was in +my husband's time and if it did for him 'twill do for me,' she says. +Whereon his honour bows himself into the air and wipes the soot out of +his eyes all the way home, mam." + +"But referring to the coat, Sergeant----" + +"Begad, yes mam, saving your presence. There's him a-waiting for same." + +"You must insist on his leaving it off, Sergeant." + +"Insist? Zounds, my lady, insist--to the Major. Couldn't nowise be +done, mam." + +"Why then he must lose same, Sergeant Zeb," said my lady roguishly. + +"Lose it, mam! Lord mam, his honour would never forgive me." + +"He would--O he would. Besides you didn't lose it. And it isn't here, +is it?" + +"Why it aren't apparent to human observation, my lady. But p'r'aps you +might chance to be sit----" + +"Hush!" cried my lady, white finger upraised. "Is someone coming?" +The Sergeant stepped outside to glance about, listened dutifully and +shook his head. + +"No mam, but I must get back to the house, his honour will----" + +"How is he progressing in health, Sergeant--his appetite--doth he eat +well? + +"Eat, my lady!" exclaimed the Sergeant dolefully, "he's forgot how." + +"Truly I do begin to think he hath a soul after all, Sergeant." + +"Soul, mam? The finest as ever was! He's all soul, my lady, 'tis his +body as do worry me--vading mam it be, vading and a-languishing away. +Aye, 'tis his body----" + +"There seems plenty of it left, Sergeant, and it looks solid enough--O +Lud!" she exclaimed all at once and clasped her hands, as from afar +rose a hoarse, growl that swelled into a deep-lunged roar. "A mercy's +sake, what is it?" + +"My lady, 'tis the Colonel a-calling me. I must go, my lady, and +consequently humbly request you to----" + +"Stay, dear Sergeant Zeb, first pray go fetch me a ladder." + +"Ladder, my lady?" + +"How may I get back over the wall without it?" + +The Sergeant turned and stared at the wall, shook his head and rubbed +his chin: + +"Question is, how did you get over, my lady?" + +"'Tis no matter! Go--go fetch the ladder, I must not be seen here--go +this instant!" The Sergeant went. + +Once out of eyeshot my lady sprang up, sped across the orchard, hurled +the Ramillie coat over the wall into her own garden and was back in the +arbour a full half-minute before the Sergeant re-appeared, ladder on +shoulder. + +"You dear Sergeant Zeb!" she exclaimed, rising and crossing the orchard +beside him. "The bravest soldiers and strongest men are always the +kindest and gentlest to women, aren't they?" + +"Are they, mam?" said the Sergeant flushing a little as he planted the +ladder where she directed. + +"To be sure they are," she sighed, gathering up her petticoats, "see +how hard you kicked that hateful Jennings----" + +"Shall I hold the ladder, my lady?" he enquired, flushing deeper. + +"Thank you--no!" she answered and set a slender foot upon the lowest +rung. "Sergeant Zebedee!" + +"My lady?" + +"Right about face!" The Sergeant turned automaton-like and stood so +until a laughing voice cried, "Sergeant Zebedee--as you were!" And +swinging round he beheld her smiling down at him from her own side of +the wall. "Thank you, dear Sergeant Zeb, thank you!" she said, and +nodding, vanished from sight. + +The Sergeant, being orderly in all things, proceeded to set back the +ladder in the tool-house, to dust his coat and re-settle his wig, then +crossed to the arbour and stood there for a full minute staring at the +empty bench. + +"Zounds!" he exclaimed at last, and wheeling, marched very thoughtfully +into the house. + +"Eh--not there--not there, Zeb?" exclaimed the Major, laying down his +cards and turning to glance at the Sergeant's expressionless face. + +"Your honour, it are--not!" + +"But--God bless my soul--it must be!" + +"Why then sir, if 'tis it aren't apparent to human observation!" + +"But I distinctly remember taking it off there!" + +"Why then sir, it hath gone and vanished itself away!" + +"Pish!" exclaimed the Major rising. "I'll fetch it myself." + +"O rot me, Jack!" cried the Colonel, "here's a curst rampageous +business over an old rag. 'Tis time 'twas lost----" + +"Or burned, nunky!" added the Viscount. + +"So let be, Jack--Sergeant Zeb shall bring you another!" + +But the Major was determined, and presently sallied forth with Sir +Benjamin, the Viscount, Colonel Cleeve and the Sergeant at his heels. +Reaching the orchard, they searched the arbour within and without, they +peered and prodded under bushes, they sought high and they sought low +without avail. + +"Very remarkable!" exclaimed the Major at last. + +"Most extraordinary, od's my life!" assented Sir Benjamin, mopping +heated brow. "Are you sure you had it on, sir?" + +"Belike some stray cur hath taken a fancy to it and run off wi' it!" +the Colonel suggested. + +"Mistaking it for--er--something equally unpleasant, nunky!" added the +Viscount. + +"'Tis not so much the loss of the coat itself that gives me worry +as--er--the contents of the pockets!" said the Major, wrinkling his +brow. + +"What, your purse, sir?" enquired Sir Benjamin. + +"Nay that--would scarce ha' mattered." + +"Ya' snuff-box, Jack?" + +"Letters, uncle?" + +"No, no, not--exactly letters as 'twere and yet--ah--O demme!" So the +Major gave up the useless search. "Come, gentlemen--if 'tis gone, 'tis +gone. Come, let us get back to our game." + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI + +FURTHER INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT + +"Aunt Belinda," said my lady, pausing on the broad stair with lighted +candle, "pray how do you refrain?" + +"From what, dear Betty?" + +"Sneezing, aunt!" + +"O naughty puss!" + +"All the evening by my reckoning you have sneezed but once. Sure you +must be getting snuff-proof or----" + +"O wicked, teasing baggage!" + +"Art very happy, dear aunt?" + +"Ah my sweet, so happy that I yearn to have thee happy too!" + +"In two days, aunt, two little days! Charles will wait no longer +and--I'm glad." + +"Hast been up to wish him good-night, Bet?" + +"Nay, he was asleep, dear boy, and looked so young, aunt, for all his +trials." + +"Trials do but better us, child--or should do. Good-night, my sweet, +and pleasant dreams!" So they kissed each other and went their several +ways. + +Reaching her chamber my lady sent her maid to bed, locked the door, +took a key from her bosom and, from its hiding-place among dainty, +perfumed garments and laces, drew forth the Ramillie coat. Then she +set it upon the back of a chair and, hanging thus, the well-worn +garment fell into such natural folds and creases that its owner might +almost have been inside it. The night was hot and still, and through +the open lattice stole the languorous perfume of honeysuckle, and +breathing in the sweetness my lady sighed as she began to undress; yet +in the midst of this dainty business, chancing to glance at the +Ramillie coat she blushed and started instinctively so lifelike was +that broad back and the set of those square shoulders. + +And now in dainty night-rail and be-ribanded cap she sat down and +leaned near to snuff delicately at the worn and faded garment. + +Tobacco! How coarse and hateful! And yet how vividly it brought his +stately presence before her, his slow, grave smile, his clear, youthful +eyes, his serene brow, and all his shy yet virile personality. + +Tobacco! Him! O was there in all the world quite such another man, so +brave, so chivalrous--and so unmodish? + +Here in the sleeve was a rent, even as the Sergeant had said, and very +featly mended by the Sergeant's own skilful fingers; a jagged rent it +had been and even now she could see a faint stain--she shivered, for +now she saw other like stains were here also. So my lady shuddered, +yet, doing so, leaned nearer and drew the threadbare sleeve about her +snowy neck and thus espied the yawning side-pocket. My lady peeped +into it, hesitated, then plunged slim hand into those cavernous depths. + +His clay pipe. His silver tobacco-box. A mass of torn paper. A +letter sealed with his signet, and my lady sighed rapturously for it +was addressed thus: + + "To Lady Elizabeth Carlyon." + + +With this in one hand, the Ramillie coat in the other, she crossed to +her great high bed and, seated there, the coat beside her on laced +pillow, drew the candles a little nearer, broke the seals and read: + + +"DEAR LADY AND MY LOVE, + +When you receive this I shall be beyond seas and 'tis like I shall not +see you again for I leave suddenly and unknown to any. + +All this summer afternoon I have sat here striving to tell you why this +must be, and now my labour is lost for I have destroyed my letter since +it doth seem that it might perchance have pained you to read it almost +as much as me to write. So I have destroyed it since I would spare you +pain now and ever. Of late I have been sick, not of body so much as +mind, and mayhap once or twice have suffered harsh thoughts of thee, +but to-day these are gone and out of mind, and love for thee burns +within me true and steadfast as it shall do until I cease to be--aye, +and beyond. For if I have grieved of late yet have I known joys +undreamed and have looked and seen what Happiness is like unto, +wherefore I do not repine that Happiness hath not stayed. Love and I +have lived so long estranged that now methinks I am not fitted, so do I +go back to the things I understand. But Happiness hath stooped to me a +little while to brush me with his pinions ere he fled and hath left +with me a glory shall never fade. So now, dear maid that I do love and +ever shall beyond mine understanding, here do I take my leave of thee. +I ride alone henceforth yet shall I not be solitary since thy sweet +memory goeth beside me even unto my journey's end. + +JOHN D'ARCY." + + +And now my lady turned and looked upon that war-worn coat through a +mist of tears and sinking down, laid soft cheek upon its tarnished +braid and lay thus a long while, the letter clasped to swelling bosom. +Then starting up she gathered those torn scraps of paper and strove to +piece them together; but they were inextricably mixed, yet here and +there the fragment of some sentence would leap to meet her. + +"... my breaking heart ... ever doubted thine eyes so sweet and true +... joy for me is dead, the world a black nothingness ... O that night +with thee in the dawn when earth touched heaven ... if Death should +meet me in the field I'll meet him gladly ... my Love, my Betty, +leaving thee I leave my very soul behind ... my farewell to thee and to +love ... forget thee never..." + +These she saw and many more. Every scrap of crumpled paper she +smoothed with gentle fingers and every written word she read and laid +tenderly aside. + +And now, since she had pried thus far, she opened the other missive +also, a folded sheet of paper, and saw this: + + +"I, John d'Arcy of Shevening Manor, Westerham, Kent, in the event of my +falling in action do will and bequeath as follows: + +To Zebedee Tring my servant late of His Majesty's Third Regiment of +Foot the sum of Five Thousand Pounds and any cottage he may choose on +my estate. + +To Mrs. Agatha Ridley the sum of One Thousand Pounds: But should she +marry the aforesaid Zebedee Tring then I bequeath to them a marriage +portion of Four Thousand Pounds making Ten Thousand Pounds in all. + +And all the rest I die possessed of soever both land and monies I leave +unconditionally to my dear Lady Elizabeth Carlyon. + +JOHN D'ARCY." + + +Having folded this up again and laid it by, Lady Betty sat awhile very +still, staring out into the fragrant, summer night. Then she blew out +the candle and lying amid the gloom, fell to sudden, stifled sobbing +and muffled, passionate whispers, her head pillowed upon a certain +mended coat-sleeve; and when at last she fell asleep, that shabby, +war-worn garment lay close about her loveliness. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII + +OF A FEMININE COUNCIL OF WAR + +The Sergeant was at all times an early riser, but this morning he was +abroad with the sun itself--a sun whose level beams wrought gloriously +in dew-spangled grass underfoot, in scarlet, pink and flaming gold +overhead and added fresh beauty to herb and leaf and flower; a fair, +fragrant, golden morning where dismal Doubt had no place and Hope +lilted in the joyous pipe of the birds, insomuch that the Sergeant +paused to snuff the balmy air and to glance up at radiant sky and round +about upon radiant earth feeling that life was sweet and held its best +yet in store even for a battered sergeant of forty-three. And standing +thus, his grim features relaxed, and for once in his busy life he fell +to dreaming and forgot awhile the work that had lured him forth so very +early; at length he roused himself and marched across wide lawns and +along yew-bordered walks to his small tool-house, whistling softly as +he went. And now, armed with nail-box, hammer, saw etc., he presently +reached the work--a rustic pergola in course of construction; a very +artful work this, in every respect, requiring many fierce contractions +of the eyebrows, sudden fallings back two paces to the rear with head +jerked suddenly left or right to judge of angle, alignment, nice +proportion and the like. + +The Sergeant, whistling still, had driven his first nail and had fallen +back, eyebrows contracted, to judge the effect, when he wheeled +suddenly about and dropped the hammer: + +"Sergeant--O Sergeant Zebedee!" + +Picking up the hammer, he set off at the double and reaching the +orchard, halted at the foot of the wall, saluted and stared up +wondering at my lady's lovely, anxious face. + +"You be early abroad, mam." + +"O I was here before dawn--waiting for you. Tell me, is--is the Major +in?" + +"The Major, mam? Aye, and sound asleep!" + +"Are you sure--quite sure, Sergeant?" + +"Sure, my lady. I went in but now to draw his curtains according to +custom and found him sleeping soft as any child, God be thanked. But +why----" + +"Because he intends to go away--soon." + +"Where to, my lady?" + +"Back to the wars." + +The Sergeant swore, apologised immediately, and saluted. + +"Be you sure, my lady?" + +"Quite, O quite, Sergeant." + +"But he would never go without me, mam, couldn't possibly--'twould be +agin natur', d'ye see." + +"But he will, Sergeant, he hath written me so--he will ride away--steal +away at midnight--alone--to-night mayhap or to-morrow night--we must +stay him." + +The Sergeant stared grimly at a bold thrush that hopped upon the grass +near by. + +"Do you hear, Sergeant?" + +"Aye, I hear, my lady, I hear!" + +"Well--say something----" + +"Mam, there aren't no words as'll fit--not one!" + +"Well, what can you do?" + +"Pipeclay my cross-belts for one thing and then there's my +spatterdashes----" + +"What do you mean?" + +"I mean if he goes, my lady, I go----" + +"O folly, Sergeant, folly----" + +"Agreed mam, heartily, but dooty is dooty and when his honour commands, +I obey--'tis become a matter o'----" + +"But he doesn't command--he means to ride without you." + +"Same couldn't nowise be, my lady, consequently and therefore +notwithstanding, if he goes--I go." + +"And pray what of poor Mrs. Agatha?" + +At this the Sergeant's grim mouth twitched and he turned to watch the +thrush again. + +"Dooty is dooty, my lady." + +"Do you want to go fighting again?" + +"No mam, I thought my soldiering was done, but if he goes, I----" + +"And never try to stay him--you'll do nought----" + +"Stay his honour the Major? My lady, if his mind's set on't, a whole +troop o' cavalry couldn't stop him--no, not even a picked company o' +the Third itself--earthquakes, fires, floods nor furies couldn't----" + +"No, but I can, Sergeant, and I will!" said my lady setting her dimpled +chin resolutely. "Lord!" she exclaimed fervently, "what troublesome, +wayward children men are--and how helpless!" + +"Children, my lady?" + +"Aye--both of you! He so wilfully wayward and you so helpless. +Prithee go fetch me Mrs. Agatha." + +The Sergeant started. "Why mam--my lady, I----" he stammered, +flushing, "'tis so early and she asleep and I--she being asleep, d'ye +see, 'twouldn't be--that is I----" + +"Sergeant," sighed my lady, "bring hither the ladder like a good child. +I'll e'en wake her myself." + +So the ladder was brought, the Sergeant turned his back and in the +twinkling of an eye my lady was over the wall and walking across the +dewy grass beside him; reaching the house he pointed to a latticed +casement above their heads. + +"'Tis rather high, Sergeant, but a handful of gravel----" + +"Gravel, my lady?" + +"Gravel, child--launched into the air and truly aimed----" + +"But mam----" The Sergeant glanced from the loose gravel underfoot to +the open lattice above and flushed. "Zounds mam, I--never did such a +thing in all my days----" + +"Then 'tis time you began, you're quite old enough--gravel, +Sergeant--aimed carefully!" + +The Sergeant obeyed and almost immediately out of the window came Mrs. +Agatha's pretty face framed in a dainty, be-ribanded nightcap; at sight +of the Sergeant, she flushed rosily, perceiving my lady, who beckoned +imperiously, she smiled, nodded and vanished. + +"Mrs. Agatha hath a pretty taste in nightcaps, Sergeant Zebedee!" said +my lady demurely. The Sergeant looked sheepish, grew red, became +exceedingly grim and finally answered: + +"Aye, my lady." + +"And a pretty face below, Sergeant!" said she, watching a lark that +soared, carolling, against the blue. + +"Aye, my lady!" + +"And you will go a-marching to the wars, Sergeant!" + +At this he uttered a sound between a sigh and a groan and thereafter +looked grimmer than ever. + +In surprisingly short time Mrs. Agatha appeared, as neat, demure and +self-possessed as usual. + +"Is aught amiss, my lady?" she enquired, dropping a curtsey. + +"Only this, Mrs. Agatha, Major d'Arcy will away campaigning again and +the Sergeant feels he must needs go too, so I have summoned you from +bed that we together may end such folly." + +The Sergeant stared. + +"And end it once and for all!" added my lady firmly. + +"Aye for sure, madam," said Mrs. Agatha, calmly. + +The Sergeant gaped. + +"Then come to the orchard and let us talk." + +Seated in the arbour my lady beckoned Mrs. Agatha to sit beside her: + +"I don't think we need the Sergeant, do we?" she enquired. + +"I'm sure we don't, my lady." + +"Then Sergeant, go and hammer!" + +The Sergeant went like one in a dream. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVIII + +OF THE INSUBORDINATION OF SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING + +"Man Jack," sighed the Colonel, ogling the wine in his glass, "now mark +me, Jack, for pure Christian drink there's nought may compare with wine +of Oporto, 'tis a heart-warmer, a soul-expander, a sharpener o' th' +intellect, a loosener o' tongues. Moreover it doth beget good +fellowship and love o' mankind in general. Begad sir, wine of Oporto +is--is--I say Oporto wine is--is, well--wine. So give me Oporto----" + +"And now and then a dish of tea, George!" added the Major solemnly. At +this Colonel Cleeve might have been observed to quail slightly. + +"You have acquired the taste--very lately, I think, sir?" enquired the +Viscount. + +"True, sir," answered the Colonel, rolling his eyes, "and on the whole +ha' managed it very well. Tea is none so bad--once 'tis disposed of, +I've drank worse stuff ere now--aye and so has Jack. Tea hath its +virtues, sir, first 'tis soon over--a dish or so may be swallowed +readily enough when cool by a determined effort----" + +"Though," murmured the Viscount, "though 'tis better thrown out o' the +window, 'twould seem, sir." + +Colonel Cleeve rolled his fierce eyes again, sprinkled himself with +snuff and finally laughed: + +"Agad, Viscount, ya' ha' me there true enough. Look'ee now, one dish I +can manage creditably enough, two at a pinch with my lady's eye on me, +but three and with Belinda's eye off me--damme, no! So--out o' the +window it went, aha! But how came ya' to spy me do't--eh?" + +"I came to bring you news, sir, but seeing you so--ah--particularly +engaged I let it wait." + +"What news, lad--ha?" + +"I am become a soldier, sir. I have secured a commission in His +Majesty's Third Regiment of Foot." + +"Ha, the old regiment--dooce take me, Viscount, but I rejoice to hear +it!" exclaimed the Colonel and leapt to his feet with hand +outstretched. "The 'Third' is the one and only--eh, Jack? And hath +the noblest and highest traditions, yet--high and noble though they be, +I'm bold to say you'll do 'em credit and be worthy of 'em, Viscount +Tom--eh, man Jack?" + +"Nay sir," answered the Viscount, clasping the proffered hand, "if I +can but emulate in some small way nunky's and your achievements I shall +be proud indeed." + +"Whose company are ya' 'tached to--and when?" + +"Ogilvie's sir--a fortnight hence." + +"Begad, but Ogilvie's hath been cast for foreign service." + +"'Tis why I chose it, sir." + +"Aha!" exclaimed the Colonel, "Oho! Another case o' the heart, I +judge. There was young Denholm talking but yesterday about a red coat, +death and glory, or bleaching his dead bones on some foreign shore." +The Viscount smiled serenely: + +"I do confess love hath something to do with it, sir," said he, "though +not altogether. I've had the project in mind for some time." + +"Love--God bless it!" exclaimed the Colonel, "love hath made a many +fine soldiers ere now, sir, and begad there's nought can cure a +heartache like a brisk campaign. Come, a toast--and bumpers! Here's +health and long life, honour and fortune to Ensign Viscount Merivale!" +So my Lord Cleeve and the Major rose and drank the toast with hearty +goodwill while the Viscount, his smooth cheek a little rosier than +usual, bowed his acknowledgments. + +"And now," quoth the Colonel, setting down his empty glass, "the +bottle's out, 'tis near twelve and I'm for bed. To-morrow, Viscount, +I'll give ya' certain advices may be of service to ya' in the regiment +and write ya' a letter to Ogilvie. And so good-night, sir!" + +"Good-night, George!" said the Major and reaching out suddenly he +grasped Lord Cleeve's hand and wrung it hard. + +"Why Jack!" said the Colonel, staring, "y'are dooced impressive, one +would think ya' were going out to-night on a forlorn hope. Talking o' +which, d'ya' remember the storming o' Douai, Jack? Aha, those were +times--stirring times--but past and done, since, like you, I mean to +quit the service for wedlock--'tis a great adventure that, Jack, belike +the greatest of all, may we front it with a like resolution." + +With which the Colonel bowed and betook himself to bed. + +"Tom," said the Major, staring wistfully into the fire, "I'm glad +you've chosen the old regiment--'ours'--very glad, because I know you +will be worthy of it and this England of ours and help to add to the +glory and honour of both. But Tom, as to your--your--er--love trouble, +dear lad, I--trust 'tis no mistaken idea of self-sacrifice, no idea +that--that she loveth--that she--I----" + +"Nay sir, that you love her I do know right well, that she loveth you I +cannot doubt, aye, despite the--despite the wall, with a curse on't! +But that she loveth not me I am perfectly sure. So here is no +self-sacrifice, nunky, never fear. And sir," continued the Viscount, +taking out his snuff-box and tapping it with one delicate finger, "sir, +I have a feeling, a premonition that, so far as you and she are +concerned, matters will right themselves anon. For if--if she did sit +on that--that curst wall, she is always her pure, sweet self and +remember, sir, she kicked the damned fellow's hat off!" Here he opened +his snuff-box and gazed into it abstractedly as he went on: "Sir, when +love cometh to such as you and she, there are few things in earth may +thwart or stay such a love, 'tis a fire consumeth all obstacles and +pettiness. And indeed, in my mind I see her, in days to come, here +beside you, filling this great house with gladness and laughter and, +wherever I may be, you will know that in your happiness I am happy too. +And sir, as she is the only woman i' the world, I do think you are the +only man truly worthy of her and I--ha--I therefore--nunky--er----" +Here the Viscount inadvertently took a pinch of snuff and immediately +sneezed violently: "O Lard--O Lard!" he gasped. "'Tis the damndest +stuff! Always catches me--vilely! A--a curse--on't and--goo'-night, +sir!" And, turning abruptly away he sneezed himself out of the room. + +For a long while the Major stood looking down into the dying fire, then +he stirred, sighed, shook his head and, extinguishing the candles, +tramped heavily upstairs, closing the door of his bedchamber a little +louder than was necessary. Then, seated at his writing-table he fell +to work and wrote so industriously that the clocks were striking the +hour of one when at last he rose and stood listening intently. The +house lay very still, not a sound reached him save the whisper of the +night-wind beyond his open lattice. Treading softly, he crossed to the +hearth, above which the Sergeant had hung his swords, half-a-dozen +light, richly-hilted walking-swords and his heavier service blade, the +colichemarde. This he reached down, drew it from shabby leathern +scabbard and found the steel bright and glittering with the Sergeant's +unremitting care; so he sheathed it, girded it to his side and, opening +a tall, carved press, took thence his old campaign cloak, stained by +much hard service, and a pair of long and heavy riding-boots. Kicking +off buckled shoes he proceeded to don this cumbrous footgear but +paused, and rising, took the spurred boots under his arm together with +the cloak and crossing the wide room in stockinged feet, softly opened +the door and stood again to listen; finally he took his candle, closed +the door with infinite care and crept softly down the great, wide +staircase. Reaching the foot he paused to look back up that noble +stair and to glance round the spacious hall with its tapestries, its +dim portraits, its gleaming arms and armour then, sighing, took his way +to the library. Here he paused to shift the candle from one hand to +the other; then he opened the door and fell back, staring. + +The Sergeant advanced one pace and came to attention. Very upright he +stood in ancient, buff-lined, service coat, in cross-belts and +spatterdashes, his hat at its true regimental cock, his wig newly +ironed and powdered--a soldier from the crown of his head to the lowest +button of his long, white gaiters, a veteran grim and ineffably calm. +The scarlet of his coat was a little faded, perhaps, but the sheen of +broad white belts and the glitter of buckles and side-arms made up for +that. His chin, high-poised above leathern stock, looked squarer than +usual and his arm seemed a trifle stiffer as he saluted. + +"Your honour," said he, "the horses are saddled and ready." + +"Zeb--Zebedee!" exclaimed the Major, falling back another step. "A +Gad's name what does this mean?" + +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, staring stonily before him, "same do mean +as I, like the horses, am ready and waiting to march so soon as you do +give the word." + +"Then, damme Zeb, I'll not permit it! I ride--alone. D'ye hear?" + +"I hear, sir." + +"You understand, Zebedee, alone!" + +"Aye, sir." + +"Consequently you will go back--back to bed, at once, d'ye hear?" + +"Aye sir, I hear." + +"Then begone." + +"Axing your grace, your honour, but same can't nowise be, orders +notwithstanding nevertheless--no!" + +"Ha! D'ye mean you actually--refuse to obey?" + +The Sergeant blinked, swallowed hard and saluted: + +"Your honour--sir--I do!" + +"God--bless--my--soul!" ejaculated the Major and stared wide-eyed at +cross-belts, buckles and spatterdashes as if he had never seen such +things in all his forty-one years. "Is it--insubordination, Sergeant +Zebedee?" he demanded, his cheeks flushing. + +"Your honour--it be. Same I do admit though same regretting. But sir, +if you are for the wars it na't'rally do follow as I must be. +Wheresoever you go--speaking as soldiers sir, I must go as by natur' so +determined now and for ever, amen." + +"And what o' the estate, ass? I ha' left you agent here in Mr. +Jennings' room." + +"Same is an honour, sir, but dooty demands----" + +"And what of Mrs. Agatha, dolt?" + +The Sergeant's broad shoulders drooped quite perceptibly for a moment, +then grew rigid again: + +"Dooty is--dooty, your honour!" + +"And you are a damned obstinate fellow, Zebedee, d'ye hear?" + +The Sergeant saluted. + +"I say a dolt and a preposterous fool to boot--d'ye take me, Zeb?" + +The Sergeant saluted. + +"And you talk pure folly--curst folly, d'ye understand, Zebedee?" + +"Folly as ever was sir, but--folly for you, folly for me, says I!" + +Now at this the Major grew so angry that he dropped a riding-boot and, +stooping for it at the same instant as the Sergeant they knocked their +hats off and were groping for these when there came a soft rapping at +the door and, starting erect, they beheld Mrs. Agatha, smiling and +bright-eyed and across one arm she bore--the Ramillie coat. + +"Your honour," said she, curtseying, "'tis very late, I know, but I'm +here to bring your old battle-coat as I found to-day in the garden, +knowing 'tis such a favourite with you. Good-night, sir!" So Mrs. +Agatha dimpled, curtseyed and sped softly away, surreptitiously +beckoning to the Sergeant. + +Left alone, the Major let fall his boots and sinking into a chair sat +staring at the Ramillie coat, chin on breast; then he leaned forward to +take it up but paused suddenly arrested by a fragrance very faint and +elusive yet vaguely familiar; he sighed and sinking deeper into his +chair became lost awhile in reverie. At last he roused himself and +reaching the garment from where Mrs. Agatha had set it on the table, +drew it upon his knees, made as if to feel in the pockets and paused +again for now the fragrance seemed all about him, faint but ineffably +sweet, a sweetness breathing of--Her. And, inhaling this fragrance, +the glamour of her presence was about him, he had but to close his eyes +and she was there before him in all her warm and vivid beauty, now +smiling in bewitching allurement, now plaintive and tender, now +quick-breathing, blushing, trembling to his embrace--even as he was +trembling. + +So the Major sat grasping his old coat and sighed and yearned amain for +the unattainable; imagination rioted and he saw visions and dreamed +dreams of happiness as far beyond expression as they were beyond hope +of realisation. Wherefore he groaned, cursed himself for a fool and +casting the Ramillie coat to the floor, set his foot upon it; and +frowning down at this worn-out garment, how should he guess of those +bitter tears that had bedewed its tarnished braid, of the soft cheek +that had pressed it, the white arms that had cradled it so recently? +How indeed should Major d'Arcy as he scowled down at it know aught of +this? Though to be sure there was that haunting fragrance, that +sweetness that breathed of--Her. Suddenly he stooped and picking it +up, raised it to his nostrils; yes it was here--particularly the right +sleeve and shoulder. He closed his eyes again, then opening them very +wide plunged a hand into the nearest pocket. + +His pipe! His silver tobacco-box! In another pocket his purse and a +few odds and ends but nothing more. He ransacked the garment +feverishly but in place of will, torn paper and letter, he found only +one other letter, sealed and addressed thus, + + "To Major d'Arcy." + + +Letting the coat slip to the floor he sank back in the chair, staring +long at superscription and seal; then he drew the candle nearer and +opening the letter read as follows: + + +"DEAR SIR, + +If this sorry coat looketh a little more creased and rumpled than it is +wont to do, this is entirely my fault. And because I am as much a +woman as our common mother Eve I have read every document in every +pocket. And because every document was for me or of me I have kept +them. Yet because, after all, I am truly a very honest person, I do +return this your garment herewith together with all other articles +soever herein contained, as namely and to wit: Item, one clay pipe and +smells! Item, tobacco-box of silver, much scratched. Item, a +tobacco-stopper of silver-gilt. Item, a silver sixpence with a hole in +it. Item, one purse containing three guineas, one crown piece and a +shilling. Item, a small knife for making pens and very blunt. O John, +O Jack, great strong tender chivalrous man, and doth thy poor heart +break? Stay then, my love shall make it whole again. And wilt thou to +the cruel wars? Then will I after thee. And wilt thou die? Then will +I die with thee. But O John if thou wilt live, then will I live to +love thee better day by day for I am thine and thou art mine henceforth +and for ever. But now do I lie here sleepless and grieving for thee +and writing this do weep (see how my tears do blot the page) and none +to comfort me save thine old coat. O John, John, how couldst have writ +such things--to tear my heart and blind me with my tears--yet do I love +thee. And thou didst break thine oath to me and yet do I love thee. +And thou wouldst have left me--stolen away to give thy body unto cruel +death and slay me with despair but still--still do I love thee dearest +John. Shouldst thou steal away like a very coward I would be bold to +follow thee--aye even into battle itself--so fly not John. And since +thou didst break thine oath--thou shalt sue me an humble pardon. And +since I do lie sleepless here and weep by reason of thee--so shalt thou +make unto me a comfortable reparation. So dear John to-morrow night at +nine-thirty of the clock thou shalt meet me at our stile--where we did +watch the dawn--and there all thy doubts and fears shall be resolved +and vanish utterly away for ever and ever and thou (as I do think) +shalt learn to love me even a little better. So come my John at +nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner and fail not for my +sake and thy sake and Love's sweet sake. O John my love 'tis nigh to +dawn, art thou waking or asleep I wonder? Since I am thine so utterly, +fain would I write that which I dare not write yet in these lines read +all thou fain wouldst read. God keep thee my love and waking or +sleeping thou hast the prayers and thoughts of thy Betty. + +My poor eyes are all bleared with my weeping and my nose is woeful. +And John dear take care of this dear old coat it shall be my comforter +this night." + + +Having read to the end, the Major carefully re-folded the letter and +thrust it into an inner pocket; took it out again, unfolded it and +having re-read every word once more put it away. Then rising, he set +the Ramillie coat upon a chair-back and taking out his handkerchief +dusted it, touching its rumpled folds with hands grown almost reverent, +which done he sat down and propping square chin on fist gazed at it +with a new and wonderful interest. Then he took out the letter again, +read it through again and pressed it to his lips; thus he sat, his +attention divided between the letter and the coat, until the clock +struck two. He was reading the letter for perhaps the sixth time when +came a knock at the door and the Sergeant entered. + +"Ax your pardon sir, but what o' the horses?" he enquired. + +"Horses?" repeated the Major vacantly. + +"Aye sir, they've been a-standing in their stalls saddled and bridled a +hour or more." + +"Have they, Zeb?" + +"Aye sir, a-waiting for your honour to give the word to march." + +"Why then Zeb," said the Major rising and taking the Ramillie coat over +his arm, "you may unsaddle 'em, my honour has decided--not to march." + +"Very good, sir!" The Sergeant blinked, saluted and wheeled about. + +"Sergeant Zebedee!" The Sergeant wheeled back again. + +"Sir?" + +"I think--ha--I rather fancy I called you a damned obstinate fellow as +'twere and er--so forth." + +"You did so, sir. Likewise 'ass' and 'dolt.'" + +"Why if I said 'em, I meant 'em, Zebedee and----" The Major strode +forward impulsively and grasped Sergeant Zebedee's hand. "'Twas true +Zeb, 'twas true every word, so you are, but--God bless thee for't, +Zeb!" Saying which the Major went upstairs to his chamber bearing the +Ramillie coat much as if it had been some sacred relic rather than the +rumpled, unlovely thing it was. + +Being alone the Sergeant stared at his right hand, smiled, took it in +his left and shook it heartily. "_Sapperment_!" he exclaimed, "All I +says is, O woman!" + + + + +CHAPTER XLIX + +OF A JOURNEY BY NIGHT + +The Major stood chin in hand staring at the weather-beaten stile, set a +little back from the road between high hedges and shaded by the +spreading boughs of a great tree; its worn timbers were gnarled and +twisted with years and the rigours of succeeding winters and, in its +length of days, many were the lovers had sighed and kissed and plighted +troth beside it; and yet of them all surely never a one had waited with +more impatience or hearkened more eagerly for the quick, light tread of +approaching feet than Major John d'Arcy, for all his quiescent attitude +and apparent calm, as he stood in the light of the rising moon staring +gravely at the rickety fabric. + +It was here he had held her to his breast as night melted into day, it +was here he had kissed her in the dawn--and to-night----The Major's big +hand touched the warped crossbar and rested there a little tremulously. +And standing thus he fell to thinking of love and the never-ceasing +wonder of it and to-night----! + + +"So dear John to-morrow at nine-thirty of the clock thou shalt meet me +at our stile--where we did watch the dawn and there all thy doubts and +fears shall be resolved and vanish utterly away for ever and ever, and +thou (as I do think) shalt learn to love me even a little better. So +come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner and +fail not for my sake and thy sake and Love's sweet sake." + + +How well he remembered those oft-read lines, he knew every twirl and +flourish that her pen had made---- + +Soft with distance the church clock chimed the hour of nine. Half an +hour to wait! He was earlier than he had thought. The Major sighed +and leaning across the stile, stared away towards the rising moon. +Half an hour and then----? + +"Come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner." + + +And wherefore not? he wondered. Was it on his account or--? Here he +fell to frowning thought and gradually a vague unease came upon him; +standing erect he half turned, meaning to walk awhile and return at the +appointed time, then paused suddenly to listen. + +The night was warm and so very still that sounds carried far and thus +he heard a throb upon the air which his trained senses instantly +recognised as the sound of horse-hoofs coming at a gallop. Wondering, +he moved forward until, standing in the shadow of the high hedge, he +could see the road stretching away white under the moon; and presently +upon the road were two horsemen, travellers these who rode close side +by side, despite their speed. Instinctively the Major stepped back +into the shadow and had reached the stile again when he started and +wheeled swiftly about--above the drumming of rapidly approaching hoofs +he had caught the sound of a laugh, a lazy laugh full of languid +amusement; the Major clenched his fists and standing in the shadow, +watched the oncoming horsemen under knitted brows. Nearer they came +until he could see that one of the riders was a woman; nearer yet until +he could make out the pale, aquiline features of Mr. Dalroyd; on they +came at speed until--the Major's breath caught suddenly for beneath the +lady's riding-hood he saw a face framed in glossy, black curls--the +delicate profile, the long-lashed eye, that sweet, proud, red-curving +mouth--the face of my lady Betty herself. + +'So 'twas thus she came to meet him! Well, even so--' he took an +uncertain pace forward. 'But was she there to meet him?' She rode +loose-reined at the same swift pace; twelve yards, six! 'Was she +indeed coming to keep her appointment? No, by God!' For once in his +life the Major's iron self-control was not, a wild rage possessed him; +he wore no sword, but, acting upon blind impulse, unarmed as he was, he +sprang for the head of Dalroyd's horse. A startled, breathless oath, a +wild hurly-burly of stamping hoofs and rearing of frightened horses, +then, whipping out one of his ever-ready pistols, Mr. Dalroyd levelled +it point-blank at his dim-seen opponent, but as he pulled the trigger +his arm was knocked up and the weapon exploded in the air. A desperate +smiting in the shadow then, spurring his rearing horse, Mr. Dalroyd +broke free and the Major, struck by the shoulder of the plunging +animal, was hurled violently into the ditch. When at last he got to +his feet, my lady and her escort were nearly out of sight. + +"Ha--d'Arcy was it!" said Mr. Dalroyd a little breathlessly as he +thrust discharged pistol into holster. "Egad, sweetheart, 'tis relief +to know it, I thought 'twas--d'Arcy was it, poor devil. By heaven, +Betty, since you are mine at last I can almost find pity for the poor +devil, he loved you with a death-in-life adoration, sweet Bet, +worshipped you with lowly fervour as you were a saint--you, all warmth +and love and passion. O, 'tis a pitiful lover you'd ha' found him, +sweetheart, 'tis a smug fool and would ha' driven you frantic with his +grave and reverent homage. Now I on the other hand Bet----" Mr. +Dalroyd paused suddenly to glance over his shoulder and rode on for a +few moments, his head aslant in that attitude of patient listening. + +"Didst hear aught, sweetheart? A horse galloping?" + +"Nay indeed!" voice muffled in her cloak. + +"Good!" Hereupon Mr. Dalroyd entered into a full and particular +account of his own virtues as a lover, though more than once he paused +in the recital to glance over his shoulder and to listen. + +"Indeed, sweet Bet, 'tis as well you are set on Paris henceforth for +'tis necessary I should quit England for awhile. I had the misfortune +to offend a gentleman some months since and last week the thoughtless +fellow was so mistaken as to die--hence I must to France awhile--but +with thee 'twill be a very paradise." Here Mr. Dalroyd reached out to +touch his companion's hand but in the act of doing so, paused and +glanced over his shoulder and immediately proceeded to change the +pistols in his holsters. + +"'Twas folly in my lord your brother to choose a different route, Bet, +I have post-horses waiting all along the road and a lugger waiting in a +certain snug cove. If he should be behind----" + +"We must wait!" said my lady. + +"Wait--aye Bet, we'll wait a reasonable while, though 'tis torment to +an eager lover. To-morrow morning we should reach Boulogne and in +Boulogne you shall wed me and----" + +My lady turned and scanned the long road behind. + +"Ha--d'ye hear hoofs, Bet--a horseman?" My lady shook her head, but +now Mr. Dalroyd grew silent and rode alert and watchful. + +So they rode, staying only to change horses and on again; even when +they paused for refreshment, Mr. Dalroyd spoke little except to urge +haste and often would cross to door or window and stand there, head +aslant, listening. + +It was after they had changed horses for the last time that Mr. Dalroyd +lifted his head suddenly and glared back over his shoulder as, faint +and far, but plain to hear, came the rhythmic throb of galloping hoofs. + +"Ha!" he exclaimed in a long-drawn breath. "Dost hear aught, Bet?" + +"One gallops behind us!" said my lady faintly. + +"Art wearied, sweetheart?" + +"Nay--not very." + +"Then ride--spur!" + +"Nay, 'tis Charles--my brother, perchance." + +"'Tis not your brother!" + +"How can you tell?" + +"I know!" said he grimly and lifted his holster-flap. Thus, mile after +mile they rode with never a word between them, yet, despite their +speed, faint and far behind was that rhythmic beat of pursuing hoofs, +now lost, now heard again, faint but persistent, never any nearer yet +never any further off. And often Mr. Dalroyd glared back across his +shoulder and spoke only to encourage his companion to faster pace. + +Uphill and down they spurred and across wind-swept levels while the +moon waned and the stars paled to the dawn; and with the first chill +breath of coming day there reached them the sharp, salt tang of the +sea. Mr. Dalroyd uttered a short, fierce laugh and, seizing his +companion's rein, spurred his jaded animal to the hill before them. A +sloping upland, wild and desolate, a treeless expanse clothed with bush +and scrub, with beyond, at the top of the ascent, a little wood. +Spurring still, they reached this wood at last and here Mr. Dalroyd +drew rein, whipped pistols into pockets and dismounting, lifted my lady +from the saddle; then he turned and looked back to see, far away upon +the lonely road, a solitary horseman indistinct in the half-light. + +"I can do it yet!" he laughed and, catching his companion's hand, +hurried through the wood, across a short stretch of grass and so to the +edge of a cliff with the sea beyond, where a two-masted vessel rode at +her anchor close inshore, while immediately below them was a little bay +where a boat had been drawn up. Mr. Dalroyd whistled shrilly, at which +signal two men rose from where they had sprawled on the shingle and ran +the boat to the edge of the tide. + +Then Mr. Dalroyd turned and laughed again. + +"Come Betty--my Betty!" he cried. "Yonder lies France and happiness." + +"But Charles----" + +"He's aboard like enough." + +"But----" + +"Come!" he cried, glancing toward the little wood. + +But now my lady's petticoats must catch which caused much delay; free +at length she, not troubling for Mr. Dalroyd's hand, went on down the +precipitous path. The sailors, seeing her coming, launched their boat, +and my lady, not waiting for their aid and heedless of wet ankles, +sprang in, motioning them to do the same. + +"But th' gentleman, mam--you'll never run off wi'out your fancy man, +lady!" laughed one of the men and pointed to where Mr. Dalroyd yet +stood upon the edge of the cliff, staring back towards the wood. + +"Lady do be in a 'urry an' no mistake. Tom, give my lord a hail!" + +The fellow Tom hailed lustily whereupon Mr. Dalroyd shook clenched fist +at the little wood and turned to descend the cliff, but in that instant +was a faint report; Mr. Dalroyd staggered, wheeled round, took a +reeling pace towards that dark wood and fell. + +"Lord--Lord love me, Tom!" gasped the sailor. + +"Shove off!" cried my lady. + +"But mam--your ladyship----" + +"Shove off, I say." Almost instinctively the men obeyed, shipped the +oars and sat waiting. + +"Row!" cried my lady. + +"But Lord--Lord love 'ee mam, what o'----" + +"Row!" commanded my lady again, "Row and be damned!" And from under +her cloak came a hand grasping a long-barrelled pistol. The little +boat shot away from shore out towards the lugger. + +Mr. Dalroyd lay motionless, outstretched upon the grass, one arm hidden +beneath him and with blood welling between his parted lips; and +presently, forth from the shadow of the little wood a masked figure +crept, head out-thrust, shoulders bowed, big hand yet grasping the +smoking pistol; cautiously and slowly the man drew near and stood +looking down on his handiwork. Then Joseph, his obsequiousness gone +for ever, laughed harshly and spurned that limp and motionless form +with the toe of his heavy riding-boot. + +With sudden, mighty effort the dying man struggled to his knees and +glaring up into the masked face of his slayer, levelled the weapon he +had drawn and cocked with so much agony and stealth. + +"Ha, worm!" he groaned, "I waited and you--came. Die--vermin!" +Steadying himself he pulled the trigger and Joseph, throwing up his +arms, fell and lay staring up, unwinking and sightless, on the pallid +dawn. Then Mr. Dalroyd laughed, choked and sinking slowly to the +grass, moved no more. The death which had pursued him so relentlessly +had caught up with him at last. + + + + +CHAPTER L + +WHICH TELLS OF ANOTHER DAWN + +By a kindly dispensation of Nature all great and sudden shocks are apt +to deaden agony awhile. Thus, as the Major stared along the deserted +road he was conscious only of a great and ever-growing wonder; his mind +groped vainly and he stood, utterly still, long after the throb of +horse-hoofs had died away. + +At last he turned and fixed his gaze upon the weatherbeaten stile again. + +It was here he had held her to his heart, had felt her kisses on his +lips, had listened to her murmurs of love. It was here she had +promised to meet him and resolve his doubts and fears once and for all. +And now? She was away with Dalroyd of all men in the world--Dalroyd! + +The Major stirred, sighed, and reaching out set his hand upon the +warped timber of the old stile, a hand that twitched convulsively. + +She was gone. She was off and away with Dalroyd of all men! +Dalroyd--of course! Dalroyd had been the chosen man all along and he +himself a blind, self-deluding fool. + +The Major bowed his head, loathing his fatuous blindness and burning +with self-contempt. Slowly those twitching fingers became a quivering +fist as wonder and shame gave place to anger that blazed to a fury of +passion, casting out gentle Reason and blinding calm judgment. Truly +his doubts and fears were resolved for him at last--she was off and +away with Dalroyd! So she had tricked--fooled--deceived from the very +first! + +The big fist smote down upon the stile and, spattering blood from +broken knuckles, the Major leapt over and hasted wildly from the +accursed place; and as he strode there burned within him an anger such +as he had never known--fierce, unreasoning, merciless, all-consuming. +Headlong he went, heedless of direction until at last, finding himself +blundering among underbrush and trees, he stopped to glance about him. +And now, moved by sudden impulse, he plunged fierce hand into bosom and +plucked forth her letter, that close-written sheet he had cherished so +reverently, and, holding it in griping fingers, smiled grimly to see it +all blood-smeared from his torn knuckles; then he ripped it almost as +though it had been a sentient thing, tore it across and across, and +scattering the fragments broadcast, tramped on again. Thus in his +going he came to the rustic bridge above the sleepy pool and paused +there awhile to stare down into the stilly waters upon whose placid +surface the moon seemed to float in glory. + +And she had once stood beside him here and plied him with her woman's +arts, tender sighs and pretty coquetry--and anon proud scorn as when he +had vowed her unmaidenly and he, poor fool, had loved and worshipped +her the while. And now? Now she was away with--Dalroyd of all men in +the world, Dalroyd who, wiser in woman, loved many but worshipped never +a one. + +Borne to his ears on the quiet night air came the faint sound of the +church clock chiming ten. The Major shivered forlornly and turning, +tramped wearily homeward. + +Sergeant Zebedee, opening to his knock, glanced at him keen-eyed, quick +to notice lack-lustre eye, furrowed brow and down-trending mouth. + +"Sir," he enquired anxiously, "your honour, is aught amiss?" + +"Nought, Zeb," answered the Major heavily, "nought i' the world. Why?" + +"Why sir, you do look uncommon--woeful." + +"'Tis like enough, Zeb, like enough, for to-night I have--beheld +myself. And I find, Zeb, yes, I find myself a pitiful failure as a--a +county squire and man o' leisure. This _otium cum dignitate_ is not +for me so I'm done with it, Zeb, I'm done with it." + +"Meaning how, sir, which and what, your honour?" + +"Meaning that Nature made me a man of limitations, Zeb. I am a fair +enough soldier but--in--in certain--other ways as 'twere I am woefully +lacking. I'm a soldier now and always, Zeb, so a soldier I must live +and a soldier, pray God, I'll die. Last night you were in a mind to +follow me to the wars--doth the desire still hold?" + +"Aye sir. Dooty is dooty. Where you go--I go." + +"So be it, Zeb. We will ride to-morrow for Dover at five o' the clock." + +"Very good, sir." + +"Are the servants all abed?" + +"Aye, sir, and so's the Colonel." + +"Then lock up and go you likewise, I have certain writings to make. +And mark this, Zebedee, 'tis better to die a man of limitations than to +live on smug and assured the sport of coquette Fortune as--as 'twere +and so forth. D'ye get me, Zeb?" + +"No sir, I don't." + +"Egad, 'tis none surprising Zeb," said the Major ruefully, "I express +myself very ill, but I know what I mean. Good-night, Zeb--get ye to +bed." + +Reaching the library the Major crossed to the hearth and sinking down +in a chair beside the fire, sat awhile staring into the fire, lost in +wistful thought. At length he arose and taking one of the candles +opened the door of that small, bare chamber he called his study; opened +the door and stood there wide-eyed and with the heavy silver +candlestick shaking in his grasp. + +She sat crouched down in his great elbow-chair, fast asleep. And she +was really asleep, there was no coquettish shamming about it since +coquetry does not admit of snoring and my lady snored distinctly; true, +it was a very small and quite inoffensive snore, induced by her +somewhat unwonted posture, but a snore it was beyond all doubt. + +The Major rid himself of the candle and closing the door softly behind +him leaned there watching her. + +She half sat, half lay, lovely head adroop upon her shoulder, one +slender foot just kissing the floor, the other hidden beneath her +petticoats; and as she lay thus in the soft abandonment of sleep he +could not help but be struck anew by the compelling beauty of her: the +proud swell of her bosom that rose and fell with her gentle breathing, +the curves of hip and rounded limbs, the soft, white column of her +throat. All this he saw and, because she lay so defenceless in her +slumber, averted his gaze for perhaps thirty seconds then, yielding +himself to this delight of the eyes, studied all her loveliness from +dark, drooping lashes and rosy, parted lips down to that slender, +dainty foot. And as he gazed his eyes grew tender, his fierce hands +unclenched themselves and then my lady snored again unmistakably, +stirred, sighed and opened her eyes. + +"John!" she whispered, then, sitting up, uttered a shy gasp and ordered +her draperies with quick, furtive hands, while the Major, eyes +instantly averted, became his most stately self. + +"O John are you come at last and I asleep? And I fear I snored John, +did I? Did I indeed, John?" + +The Major, gaze bent on the polished floor, bowed. + +"I don't as a rule--I vow I don't! 'tis hateful to snore and I don't +snore--ask Aunt Belinda. And O pray John don't be so grim and stately." + +"So," said he gently but his voice a little hoarse, "so you have--have +thought better of your bargain, it seems." + +"Bargain, dear John?" + +"Your--cavalier, madam. Mr. Dalroyd rides alone after all, 'twould +appear." + +"Mr. Dalroyd!" she repeated, busied with a lock of glossy hair that had +escaped its bonds. + +The Major bowed with his gravest and grandest air. + +"Nay prithee John," she sighed, "beseech thee, don't be dignified. And +the hour so late and I all alone here." + +"And pray madam, why are you here?" he questioned. Now at this, +meeting his cold, grey eye, she flushed and quailed slightly. + +"Doth it--displease you, Major John?" + +"Here is no place for you, madam, nor--nor ever can be, nor any woman +henceforth." + +At this she caught her breath, the rosy flush ebbed and left her pale. + +"Must I go, sir?" she asked humbly, but with eyes very bright. + +"When you are ready I will attend you as far as your own house." + +"If I go, John," said she a little breathlessly, "if I go you will come +to me to-morrow and plead forgiveness on your knees, and I am minded to +let you." + +"I think not, my lady--there is a limit I find even to such love as +mine." + +"Then is my love the greater, John, for now, rather than let you humble +yourself to beg forgiveness for your evil thought of me, I will stoop +to explain away your base suspicions. To-night you went to the stile +before the time appointed and saw that hateful Dalroyd eloping with my +brother Charles in my clothes as you saw him once before--upon the +wall." + +"Your brother!" cried the Major. "Dear God in heaven!" + +"Is it so wonderful?" she sighed. "Had you been a woman you would have +guessed ere now, I think. But a woman is so much quicker than a blind, +blundering man. And you are very blind, John--and a prodigious +blunderer." + +The Major stood silent and with bowed head. + +"So this was my scheme to save my dear Charles and avenge myself upon +Mr. Dalroyd--and see how near you brought it to ruin, John, and your +own life in jeopardy with your fighting. But men are so clumsy, alas! +And you are vastly clumsy--aren't you, John?" + +The Major did not answer: and now, seeing him so humbled, his grand +manner quite forgotten, her look softened and her voice grew a little +kinder. + +"But you did save Charles from the soldiers, John. And after, did save +me from Mr. Dalroyd's evil passion--wherefore, though I loved thee ere +this, my love for thee grew mightily--O mightily, John. But now, alas! +how should a poor maid wed and give herself into the power of a +man--like thee, John? A man so passionate, so prone to cruel doubt, to +jealousy, to evil and vain imaginings, to cruel fits of--of dignity--O +John!" + +The Major raised his head and saw her leaning towards him in the great +chair, her hands outstretched to him, her eyes full of a yearning +tenderness. + +"Betty!" He was down before her on his knees, those gentle hands +pressed to his brow, his cheek, his eager lips. + +"I have been blind, blind--a blind fool!" + +"But you were brave and generous also, dear John, though over-prone to +cruel doubt of me from the first, John, the very first." + +"Yes, my lady," he confessed, humbly. + +"Though mayhap I did give thee some--some little cause, John, so now do +I forgive thee!" + +"This night," said he sighing, "I destroyed thy dear letter." + +"Did you, John?" + +"And thought to destroy my love for thee with it!" + +"And--did you, John?" + +"Nay, 'tis beyond my strength. O Betty--canst love me as I do +thee--beyond all thought and reason?" + +At this she looked down at him with smile ineffably tender and drew his +head to her bosom and clasping it there stooped soft lips to cheek and +brow and wistful eyes. + +"Listen, dear foolish, doubting John, my love for thee is of this sort; +if thou wert sick and feeble instead of strong, my strength should +cherish thee; wert thou despised and outcast, these arms should shelter +thee, hadst thou indeed ridden hence, then would I humbly have followed +thee. And now, John--unless thou take and wed me--then solitary and +loveless will I go all my days, dear John--since thou art indeed the +only man----" + +The soft voice faltered, died away, and sinking into his embrace she +gave her lips to his. + +"Betty!" he murmured. "Ah God--how I do worship thee!" + +The hours sped by and rang their knell unheeded, for them time was not, +until at last she stirred within his arms. + +"O love," she sighed, "look, it is the dawn again--our dawn, John. But +alas, I must away--let us go." And she shivered. + +"Art cold, my Betty, and the air will chill thee----" + +"Thy old coat, John, the dear old coat I stole away from thee." So he +brought the Ramillie coat and girded it about her loveliness and she +rubbed soft cheek against threadbare cuff. "Dear shabby old thing!" +she sighed, "it brought to me thy letters--so shall I love it alway, +John." + +"But thy shoes!" said he. "Thy little shoes! And the dew so heavy!" +My lady laughed and reached up to kiss his anxious brow. + +"Nay," she murmured as he opened the door---- + + "'Tis dabbling in the dew that makes the milkmaids fair." + + +Hand in hand, and creeping stealthily as truant children, they came out +upon the terrace. + +"John," she whispered, "'tis a something grey dawn and yet methinks +this bringeth us even more joy than the last." + +"And Betty," said he a little unsteadily, "there will be--other +dawns--an God be kind--soon, beloved--soon!" + +"Yes, John," she answered, face hidden against his velvet coat, "God +will be kind." + +"And the dew, my Betty----" + +"What of it, John?" she questioned, not moving. + +"Is heavier than I thought. And thou'rt no milkmaid, and beyond all +milkmaids fair." + +"Dost think so, John dear?" + +"Aye, I do!" he answered. "So, sweet woman of my dreams--come!" + +Saying which he caught her in compelling arms and lifting her high +against his heart, stood awhile to kiss hair and eyes and vivid mouth, +then bore her away through the dawn. + +And thus it was that Sergeant Zebedee Tring, gloomy of brow, in faded, +buff-lined service coat, in cross-belts and spatterdashes, paused on +his way stablewards and catching his breath, incontinent took cover +behind a convenient bush; but finding himself wholly unobserved, stole +forth to watch them out of sight. Now though the dawn was grey, yet +upon those two faces, so near together, he had seen a radiance far +brighter than the day--wherefore his own gloom vanished and he turned +to look up at Mrs. Agatha's open lattice-window. Then he stooped and +very thoughtfully raked up a handful of small gravel and strode +resolutely up the terrace steps. + +Being there he paused to glance glad-eyed where, afar off, the Major +bore my lady through the dawn, and, as the Sergeant watched, paused to +stoop again and kiss her. + +"Glory be!" exclaimed the Sergeant and instantly averted his head: "All +I says is--Joy!" + +Then, with unerring aim, he launched the gravel at Mrs. Agatha's window. + + + + +THE WHITEFRIARS PRESS, LTD., LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Admirable Betty, by Jeffery Farnol + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY *** + +***** This file should be named 33597-8.txt or 33597-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/5/9/33597/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +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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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: Our Admirable Betty + A Romance + +Author: Jeffery Farnol + +Release Date: September 1, 2010 [EBook #33597] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + +</pre> + + +<BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY +</H1> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +A ROMANCE +</H2> + +<BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +BY +</H4> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JEFFERY FARNOL +</H3> + +<BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +AUTHOR OF +<BR> +"THE BROAD HIGHWAY" "THE MONEY MOON"<BR> +"THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN" "THE HON. MR. TAWNISH"<BR> +"THE CHRONICLES OF THE IMP" "BELTANE THE SMITH"<BR> +"THE DEFINITE OBJECT"<BR> +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +LONDON & EDINBURGH +<BR> +SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON & CO. LTD. +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +By the Same author.<BR> +</H4> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +Crown 8vo.<BR> +</H5> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%"> +THE BROAD HIGHWAY<BR> +THE MONEY MOON<BR> +THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN<BR> +<BR> +THE HONOURABLE MR. TAWNISH<BR> +Fcap, 4to. Illustrated in Colour by C. E. BROCK.<BR> +<BR> +THE CHRONICLES OF THE IMP<BR> +BELTANE THE SMITH<BR> +THE DEFINITE OBJECT<BR> +<BR><BR> +LONDON & EDINBURGH<BR> +SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON AND COMPANY LIMITED<BR> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TO +<BR> +MY MOTHER +</H3> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +CONTENTS +</H2> + +<TABLE ALIGN="center" WIDTH="100%"> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">CHAPTER</TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> </TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">CONCERNING THE MAJOR'S CHERRIES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">INTRODUCING THE RAVISHER OF THE SAME</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">WHICH TELLS HOW THE MAJOR CLIMBED A WALL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">CONCERNING THE BUTTONS OF THE RAMILLIE COAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING BEGAN TO WONDER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">WHICH DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A POACHER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">WHICH RELATES HOW THE POACHER ESCAPED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">OF PANCRAS, VISCOUNT MERIVALE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">WHICH IS A VERY BRIEF CHAPTER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">INTRODUCING DIVERS FINE GENTLEMEN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">IN WHICH LADY BELINDA TALKS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">THE VISCOUNT DISCOURSES ON SARTORIAL ART</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">OF INDIGNATION, A WOOD, AND A GIPSY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">SOME DESCRIPTION OF A KISS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">WHEREIN IS MUCH TALK BUT LITTLE ACTION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">HOW MR. DALROYD SAW A GHOST AND THE SERGEANT AN APPARITION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">HOW MY LADY BETTY WROTE A LETTER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">HOW MAJOR D'ARCY RECOVERED HIS YOUTH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">OF CRIMINATIONS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">WHICH RELATES HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING QUELLED SCANDAL WITH A PEWTER POT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">DESCRIBES A TRIUMPH AND A DEFEAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">DEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH TREASONABLE MATTERS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">IN WHICH THE GHOST IS LAID</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap26">OF BACCHUS AND THE MUSES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap27">HOW THE SERGEANT RECOUNTED AN OLD STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap28">THE MAJOR COMES TO A RESOLUTION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap29">TELLS HOW LADY BETTY DID THE SAME</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap30">CONCERNING CHARLES, EARL OF MEDHURST</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap31">WHICH DESCRIBES SOMETHING OF MY LADY BETTY'S GRATITUDE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap32">FLINT AND STEEL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap33">DESCRIBING SOMETHING OF COQUETRY AND A DAWN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap34">HOW MR. DALROYD MADE A PLAN AND LOCKED HIS DOOR</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap35">HOW THE SERGEANT TOOK WARNING OF A WITCH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap36">HOW THEY RODE TO INCHBOURNE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap37">OF ROGUES AND PLOTS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap38">HOW THE MAJOR MADE HIS WILL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap39">WHICH IS A QUADRUPLE CHAPTER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XL. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap40">OF THE ONSET AT THE HAUNTED MILL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap41">CONCERNING HIGHWAYMEN AND THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap42">WHICH DESCRIBES A DUEL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap43">HOW THEY DRANK A NEW TOAST</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap44">SOME ACCOUNT OF A HIGHWAYMAN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap45">CERTAIN ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap46">FURTHER INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap47">OF A FEMININE COUNCIL OF WAR</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap48">OF THE INSUBORDINATION OF SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XLIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap49">OF A JOURNEY BY NIGHT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">L. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap50">WHICH TELLS OF ANOTHER DAWN</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY +</H2> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +CONCERNING THE MAJOR'S CHERRIES +</H4> + +<P> +"The Major, mam, the Major has a truly wonderful 'ead!" said Sergeant +Zebedee Tring as he stood, hammer in hand, very neat and precise from +broad shoe-buckles to smart curled wig that offset his square, bronzed +face. +</P> + +<P> +"Head, Sergeant, head!" retorted pretty, dimpled Mrs. Agatha, nodding +at the Sergeant's broad back. +</P> + +<P> +"'Ead mam, yes!" said the Sergeant, busily nailing up a branch of the +Major's favourite cherry tree. "The Major has a truly wonderful 'ead, +regarding which I take liberty to ob-serve as two sword-cuts and a +spent bullet have in nowise affected it, Mrs. Agatha, mam, which is a +fact as I will maintain whenever and wherever occasion demands, as in +dooty bound mam, dooty bound." +</P> + +<P> +"Duty, Sergeant, duty!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty, mam—pre-cisely." Here the Sergeant turning round for another +nail, Mrs. Agatha bent over the rose-bush, her busy fingers cutting a +bloom here and another there and her pretty face quite hidden in the +shade of her mob-cap. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed," she continued, after a while, "'tis no wonder you be so +very—fond of him, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Fond of him, mam, fond of him," said the Sergeant turning to look at +her with glowing eyes, "well—yes, I suppose so—it do be a—a matter +o' dooty with me—dooty, Mrs. Agatha, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean duty, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty, mam, pre-cisely!" nodded the Sergeant, busy at the cherry tree +again. +</P> + +<P> +"See how very brave he is!" sighed Mrs. Agatha. +</P> + +<P> +"Brave, mam?" The Sergeant paused with his hammer poised—"Sixteen +wounds, mam, seven of 'em bullet and the rest steel! Twenty and three +pitched battles besides outpost skirmishes and the like and 'twere his +honour the Major as saved our left wing at Ramillies. Brave, mam? +Well—yes, he's brave." +</P> + +<P> +"And how kind and gentle he is!" +</P> + +<P> +"Because, mam, because the best soldiers always are." +</P> + +<P> +"And you, Sergeant, see what care you take of him." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, I try, mam, I try. Y'see, we've soldiered together so many years +and I've been his man so long that 'tis become a matter o'——" +</P> + +<P> +"Of duty, Sergeant—yes, of course!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty, mam—pre-cisely!" nodded the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Pre-cisely, Sergeant and, lack-a-day, how miserable and wretched you +both are!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant looked startled. +</P> + +<P> +"And the strange thing is you don't know it," said Mrs. Agatha, +snipping off a final rose. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant rubbed his square, clean-shaven chin and stared at her +harder than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"See how monstrous lonely you are!" sighed Mrs. Agatha, hiding her face +among her newly-gathered blooms, a face as sweet and fresh as any of +them, despite the silver that gleamed, here and there, beneath her +snowy mob-cap. +</P> + +<P> +"Lonely?" said the Sergeant, staring from her to the hammer in his +hand, "lonely, why no mam, no. The Major's got his flowers and his +cherries and his great History of Fortification as he's a-writing of in +ten vollums and I've got the Major and we've both got—got—— +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant turned and began to nail up another branch of the great +cherry tree, ere he answered: +</P> + +<P> +"You, mam—we've both got—you, mam—" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, Sergeant Tring, and how may that be?" +</P> + +<P> +"To teach," continued the Sergeant slowly, "to teach two battered old +soldiers, as never knew it afore, what a home might be. There never +was such a housekeeper as you, mam, there never will be!" +</P> + +<P> +"A home!" repeated Mrs. Agatha softly. "'Tis a sweet word!" +</P> + +<P> +"True, mam, true!" nodded the Sergeant emphatically. "'Specially to +we, mam, us never having had no homes, d'ye see. His honour and me +have been campaigning most of our days—soldiers o' fortune, mam, +though there weren't much fortune in it for us except hard knocks—a +saddle for a piller, earth for bed and sometimes a damned—no, a—damp +bed, mam, the sky for roof——" +</P> + +<P> +"But you be come home at last, Sergeant," said Mrs. Agatha softer than +ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Home? Aye, thanks to his honour's legacy as came so sudden and +unexpected. Here's us two battered old soldiers comes marching along +and finds this here noble mansion a-waiting for us full o' furniture +and picters and works o' hart——" +</P> + +<P> +"Art, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, hart, mam—pre-cisely—and other knick-knacks and treasures and +among 'em—best and brightest——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Among 'em—you, mam!" said he; and here, aiming a somewhat random blow +with the hammer he hit himself on the thumb and swore. Whereon Mrs. +Agatha, having duly reproved him, was for examining the injured member +but, shaking his head, he sucked it fiercely instead and thereafter +proceeded to hammer away harder than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"But then—you are—neither of you so very—old, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"The Major was thirty-one the day Ramillies was fought and I was +thirty-three—and that was ten years agone mam." +</P> + +<P> +"And you are both monstrous young for your age—so straight and +upright—and handsome. Y-e-e-s, the Major is very handsome—despite +the scar on his cheek—the wonder to me is that he don't get married." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the Sergeant dropped the hammer. +</P> + +<P> +"As to yourself, Sergeant," pursued Mrs. Agatha, her bright eyes +brim-full of mischief, "you'll never be really happy and content until +you do." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the Sergeant stooped for the hammer and seemed uncommonly red +in the face about it. +</P> + +<P> +"As to that mam," said he, a thought more ponderously than usual, "as +to that, I shall never look for a wife until the Major does, it has +become a matter o'——" +</P> + +<P> +"Duty, of course, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Of dooty, mam—pre-cisely!" Saying which, the Sergeant turned to his +work again; but, chancing to lift his gaze to a certain lofty branch +that crawled along the wall just beneath the coping, he fell back a +pace and uttered a sudden exclamation: +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Sacré bleu!</I>" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, Sergeant!" cried Mrs. Agatha, clasping her posy to her bosom and +giving voice to a small, a very small scream, "how you do fright one +with your outlandish words! What ails the man—there be no Frenchmen +here to fight—speak English, Sergeant—do!" +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant with his gaze still fixed. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant—pray don't oathe!" +</P> + +<P> +"But zookers, mam——!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant—ha' done, I say!" +</P> + +<P> +"But damme, Mrs. Agatha mam, asking your pardon, I'm sure—but don't ye +see—he's been at 'em again! The three best clusters on the +tree—gone, mam, gone! Stole, Mrs. Agatha mam, 'twixt now and twelve +o'clock noon——" +</P> + +<P> +"O Gemini, the wretch!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll take my oath them cherries was a-blowing not an hour agone, mam, +on that branch atop the wall!" +</P> + +<P> +"Who could ha' done it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not knowing, mam, can't say, but this last week the rogue has captured +fourteen squads of our best cherries—off this one tree, and this, as +you know, Mrs. Agatha mam, be the Major's favourite tree! So I say, +mam, whoever the villain be, I say—damn him, Mrs. Agatha mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Fie—fie, Sergeant, swearing will not mend matters." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe not, mam, maybe not, but same does me a power o' good! Egad, +when I mind how I've watched and tended them particular cherries Mrs. +Agatha I could——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then don't, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"What beats me," said he, rubbing his square chin with the shaft of the +hammer, "what beats me is—how did he do it? Must be uncommonly long +in the arms and legs to reach so high unless he used a pole——" +</P> + +<P> +"Or a ladder?" suggested Mrs. Agatha. +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning he did it by escalade, mam? Hum—no, I see no signs of +scaling ladders mam and the ground is soft, d'ye see? But a pole +now——" +</P> + +<P> +"Or a ladder—on the other side of the wall, Sergeant——" +</P> + +<P> +"B'gad, mam!" he exclaimed. "I believe you're right—though to be sure +the house next door is empty." +</P> + +<P> +"Was!" corrected Mrs. Agatha. "Lud, Sergeant, there's a great lady +from London been living there a month and more with a houseful of +lackeys and servants." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, a month, mam? Lackeys and servants say you? B'gad, say I, that's +them! Must report this to the Major. Must report at once!" and the +Sergeant laid down his hammer. +</P> + +<P> +"And where is the Major?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam," said the Sergeant, consulting a large, brass chronometer, "the +hour is pre-cisely three-fourteen, consequently he is now a-sitting in +his Ramillie coat a-writing of his History of Fortification—in ten +vollums." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twill be pity to wake him!" sighed Mrs. Agatha. +</P> + +<P> +"Wake him?" repeated the Sergeant, staring; whereupon Mrs. Agatha +laughed and went her way while he continued to stare after her until +her trim figure and snowy mob-cap had vanished behind the yew-hedge. +</P> + +<P> +Then the Sergeant sighed, reached for his coat, put it on, adjusted his +tall, leathern stock, sighed again and turning sharp about, marched +into the house. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +INTRODUCING THE RAVISHER OF THE SAME +</H4> + +<P> +Major John D'Arcy was hard at work on his book (that is to say, he had +been, for divers plans and papers littered the table before him) but +just now he leaned far back in his elbow-chair, long legs stretched +out, deep-plunged in balmy slumber; perceiving which the Sergeant +halted suddenly, stood at ease and stared. +</P> + +<P> +The Major's great black peruke dangled from the chair-back, and his +close-cropped head (already something grizzled at the temples) was +bowed upon his broad chest, wherefore, ever and anon, he snored gently. +The Major was forty-one but just now as he sat lost in the oblivion of +sleep he looked thirty; but then again when he strode gravely to and +fro in his old service coat (limping a little by reason of an old +wound) and with black brows wrinkled in sober thought he looked fifty +at the least. +</P> + +<P> +Thus he continued to sleep and the Sergeant to stare until presently, +choking upon a snore, the Major opened his eyes and sat up briskly, +whereupon the Sergeant immediately came to attention. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb!" exclaimed the Major in mild wonder, "what is it, Sergeant +Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour 'tis the cherries——" +</P> + +<P> +"Cherries?" yawned the Major, "the cherries are doing very well, thanks +to your unremitting care, Sergeant, and of all fruits commend me to +cherries. Now had it been cherries that led our common mother Eve +into—ha—difficulties, Sergeant, I could have sympathised more deeply +with her lamentable—ha—I say with her very deplorable—ha——" +</P> + +<P> +"Reverse, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Reverse?" mused the Major, rubbing his chin. "Aye, reverse will +serve, Zeb, 'twill serve!" +</P> + +<P> +"And three more squads of 'em missing, sir—looted, your honour's +arternoon by means of escalade t'other side party-wall. Said cherries +believed to have been took by parties unknown lately from London, sir, +not sixty minutes since and therefore suspected to be not far off." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, this must be looked to, Zeb!" said the Major, rising. "So, +Sergeant, let us look—forthwith." +</P> + +<P> +"Wig, sir!" suggested the Sergeant, holding it out. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure!" nodded the Major, taking and clapping it on somewhat +askew. "Now—Sergeant—forward!" +</P> + +<P> +"Stick, sir!" said the Sergeant, proffering a stout crab-tree staff. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye!" smiled the Major, twirling it in a sinewy hand, "'twill be +useful like as not." +</P> + +<P> +So saying (being ever a man of action) the Major sallied forth carrying +the stick very much as if it had been a small-sword; along the terrace +he went and down the steps (two at a time) and so across the wide sweep +of velvety lawn with prodigious strides albeit limping a little by +reason of one of his many wounds, the tails of his war-worn Ramillie +coat fluttering behind. Reaching the orchard he crossed to a +particular corner and halted before a certain part of the red brick +wall where grew the cherry tree in question. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, squaring his shoulders, "you'll note as all +cherries has been looted from top branch—only ones as was ripe——" +</P> + +<P> +"A thousand devils!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Also," continued the Sergeant, "said branch has been broke sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Ten thousand——" The Major stopped suddenly and shutting his mouth +very tight opened his grey eyes very wide and stared into two other +eyes which had risen into view on the opposite side of the wall, a pair +of eyes that looked serenely down at him, long, heavy-lashed, deeply +blue beneath the curve of their long, black lashes; he was conscious +also of a nose, neither straight nor aquiline, of a mouth scarlet and +full-lipped, of a chin round, white, dimpled but combative and of a +faded sun-bonnet beneath whose crumpled brim peeped a tress of glossy, +black hair. +</P> + +<P> +"Now God—bless—my soul!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis to be hoped so, sir," said the apparition gravely, "you were +swearing, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"Young woman——" he began. +</P> + +<P> +"Ancient man!" +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major stood silent awhile, staring up into the grave blue eyes +above the wall. +</P> + +<P> +"Pray," said he at last, "why do you steal my cherries?" +</P> + +<P> +"To speak truth, sir, because I am so extreme fond of cherries." +</P> + +<P> +Here Sergeant Tring gurgled, choked, coughed and finding the Major's +eye upon him immediately came to attention, very stiff in the back and +red in the face. +</P> + +<P> +The Major stroked his clean-shaven chin and eyed him askance. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant, you may—er—go," said he; whereat the Sergeant saluted, +wheeled sharply and marched swiftly away. +</P> + +<P> +"And pray," questioned the Major again, "who might you be?" +</P> + +<P> +"A maid, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said he, "and what would your mistress say if she knew you +habitually stole and ate my cherries?" +</P> + +<P> +"My mistress?" The grave blue eyes opened wider. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," nodded the Major, "the fine London lady. You are her maid, I +take it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sir, her very own." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, suppose I inform her of your conduct, how then?" +</P> + +<P> +"She'd swear at me, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, and would she so?" +</P> + +<P> +"O, sir, she often doth and stamps at and reviles and rails at me +morning, noon and night!" +</P> + +<P> +"Poor child!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Truly, sir, I do think she'd do me an injury if she didn't care for me +so much." +</P> + +<P> +"Then she cares for you?" +</P> + +<P> +"More than anyone in the world beside! Indeed she loveth me as +herself, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Women be mysterious creatures!" said the Major, sententiously. +</P> + +<P> +"But you know my lady belike by repute, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not even her name." +</P> + +<P> +"Not know of the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon!" and up went a pair of +delicate black brows in scornful amaze. +</P> + +<P> +"I have known but three women in my life, and one of them my mother," +he answered. +</P> + +<P> +"You sound rather dismal, methinks. But you must have remarked my lady +in the Mall, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I seldom go to London." +</P> + +<P> +"Now, sir, you sound infinite dismal and plaguily dull!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dull?" repeated the Major thoughtfully, "aye perhaps I am, and 'tis +but natural—ancient men often are, I believe." +</P> + +<P> +"And your peruke is all askew!" +</P> + +<P> +"Alack, it generally is!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And you wear a vile old coat!" +</P> + +<P> +"Truly I fear it hath seen its best days!" sighed the Major, glancing +down wistfully at the war-worn garment in question. +</P> + +<P> +"O, man," she cried, shaking her head at him, "for love of Heaven don't +be so pestilent humble—I despise humility in horse or man!" +</P> + +<P> +"Humble? Am I?" queried the Major and fell to pondering the question, +chin in hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, truly," she answered, nodding aggressively, "your humility +nauseates me, positively!" +</P> + +<P> +"Child," he answered smiling, "what manner of man would you have?" +</P> + +<P> +"Grandad," she answered, "I would have him tall and strong and brave, +but—above all—masterful!" +</P> + +<P> +"In a word, a blustering bully!" he answered gently, grey eyes +a-twinkle. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," she nodded vehemently, "even that, rather than—than a—a——" +</P> + +<P> +"An ancient man, ill-dressed and humble," he suggested and laughed; +whereat she frowned and bit her bonnet-string in strong, white teeth, +then: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a very beast of a coat!" she exclaimed, "stained, spotted, +tarnished, tattered and torn!" +</P> + +<P> +"Torn!" exclaimed the Major, glancing down at himself again. "Egad and +Sergeant Zebedee mended it but a week since——" +</P> + +<P> +"And the buttons are scratched and hanging by threads!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but they'll not come off," said the Major confidently, "I sewed +'em on myself." +</P> + +<P> +"You sewed them—you!" and she laughed in fine scorn. "Indeed, sir, I +marvel they don't drop off under my very eyes!" +</P> + +<P> +"Madam," said he gravely, "among few accomplishments, permit me to say +I am a somewhat expert—er—needles-man." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the apparition seated herself dexterously on the broad coping +of the wall and from that vantage surveyed him with eyes of cold +disparagement. And after she had regarded him thus for a long moment +she spoke 'twixt curling red lips: +</P> + +<P> +"O, Gemini—I might have known it!" +</P> + +<P> +At this the Major ruffled the curls of his great wig and regarded her +with some apprehension. At last he ventured a question: +</P> + +<P> +"And pray madam, what might you have known concerning me?" +</P> + +<P> +"A man who sews on his own buttons is a disgrace to his sex," she +answered. +</P> + +<P> +"But how if he have no woman to do it for him?" +</P> + +<P> +"He should be a man and—get one." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major thoughtfully, "a needle is a sharp engine and apt +to prick one occasionally 'tis true, and yet a man may prefer it to a +woman." +</P> + +<P> +"And you," she exclaimed, drooping disdainful lashes, "you—are +a—soldier!" +</P> + +<P> +"I was!" he answered. +</P> + +<P> +"Soldiers are gallant, they say." +</P> + +<P> +"They are kind!" bowed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"You are, I think, the poor, old, wounded soldier Major d'Arcy who +lives at the Manor yonder?" she questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"I am that shattered wreck, madam, and what remains of me is very +humbly at your service!" and setting hand to bosom of war-worn coat he +bowed with a prodigious flourish. +</P> + +<P> +"And you have never been so extreme fortunate as to behold my Lady +Elizabeth Carlyon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major, pondering, "what like is she?" +</P> + +<P> +At this slender hands clasped each other, dark eyes upturned themselves +to translucent heaven and rounded bosom heaved ecstatic: +</P> + +<P> +"O sir, she is extreme beautiful, 'tis said! She is a toast adored! +She is seen but to be worshipped! She hath wit, beauty and a thousand +accomplishments! She hath such an air! Such a killing droop of the +eyelash! She is—O, she is irresistible!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed," said the Major, glancing up into the beautiful face above, +"the description is just, though something too limited, perhaps." +</P> + +<P> +The eyes came back to earth and the Major in a flash: +</P> + +<P> +"Then you have seen her, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure of it." +</P> + +<P> +"Then describe her—come!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, she is, I judge, neither too short nor too tall!" +</P> + +<P> +"True!" nodded the apparition, gently acquiescent. +</P> + +<P> +"Of a delicate slimness——" +</P> + +<P> +"True—O, most true, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet sufficiently—er—full and rounded!" +</P> + +<P> +The dark eyes were veiled suddenly by down-drooping lashes: +</P> + +<P> +"You think so, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hair night-black, a chin well-determined and bravely dimpled— +</P> + +<P> +"It hath been remarked before, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Rosy lips——" +</P> + +<P> +"Fie, sir, 'tis a vulgar phrase and trite. I suggest instead +rose-petals steeped in dew." +</P> + +<P> +"A nose——" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Neither arched nor straight and eyes—eyes——" the Major hesitated, +stammered and came to an abrupt pause. +</P> + +<P> +"And what of her eyes, sir? I have heard them called dreamy lakes, +starry pools and unfathomable deeps, ere now. What d'you make of them?" +</P> + +<P> +But the Major's own eyes were lowered, his bronzed cheek showed an +unwonted flush and his sinewy fingers were fumbling with one of his +loose coat-buttons. +</P> + +<P> +"Nought!" said he at last, "others methinks have described 'em better +than ever I could." +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy," said the voice softer and sweeter than ever, "I grieve +to tell you your wig is more over one eye than ever. And as for your +old coat, some fine day, sir, an you chance to walk hereabouts I may +possibly trouble to show you how a woman sews a button on!" +</P> + +<P> +Saying which the apparition vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. +</P> + +<P> +The Major stood awhile deep-plunged in reverie, then setting the +crabtree staff beneath his arm he wended his way slowly towards the +house, limping a little more than usual as he always did when much +preoccupied. +</P> + +<P> +On his way he chanced upon the Sergeant wandering somewhat aimlessly +with a hammer in his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant," said he slowly, "er—Zebedee—if any more cherries—should +happen to—er—go astray—vanish——" +</P> + +<P> +"Or be stole, sir!" added the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly, Zeb, precisely,—if such a contingency should arise you +will—er——" +</P> + +<P> +"Challenge three times, sir and then—" +</P> + +<P> +"Er—no, Sergeant, no! I think, under the circumstances, Zeb, we'll +just—er—let 'em—ah—vanish, d'ye see!" +</P> + +<P> +Then the Major limped slowly and serenely into the house and left the +Sergeant staring at the hammer in his hand with eyes very wide and +round. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Ventre bleu! Sacré bleu!</I> Zookers!" said he. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH TELLS HOW THE MAJOR CLIMBED A WALL +</H4> + +<P> +A wonderfully pleasant place was the Major's orchard, very retired and +secluded by reason of its high old walls flushing rosily through green +leaves; an orchard, this, full of ancient trees gnarled and crooked +whose writhen boughs sprawled and twisted; an orchard carpeted with +velvety turf whereon plump thrushes and blackbirds hopped and waddled, +or, perched aloft, filled the sunny air with rich, throaty warblings +and fluty trills and flourishes. Here Sergeant Tring, ever a man of +his hands, had contrived and built a rustic arbour (its architecture +faintly suggestive of a rabbit-hutch and a sentry-box) of which he was +justly proud. +</P> + +<P> +Now Major d'Arcy despite his many battles had an inborn love of peace +and quietness, of the soft rustle of wind in leaves, of sunshine and +the mellow pipe of thrush and blackbird, hence it was not at all +surprising that he should develop a sudden fancy for strolling, to and +fro in his orchard of a sunny afternoon, book in hand, or, sitting in +the Sergeant's hutch-like sentry-box, puff dreamily at pipe of clay, or +again, tucking up his ruffles and squaring his elbows, fall to work on +his History of Fortification; and if his glance happened to rove from +printed page or busy quill in a certain direction, what of it? Though +it was to be remarked that his full-flowing peruke was seldom askew and +the lace of his cravat and the ruffles below the huge cuffs of his +Ramillie coat were of the finest point. +</P> + +<P> +It was a hot afternoon, very slumberous and still; flowers drooped +languid heads, birds twittered sleepily, butterflies wheeled and +hovered, and the Major, sitting in the shady arbour, stared at a +certain part of the old wall, sighed, and taking up his pipe began to +fill it absently, his gaze yet fixed. All at once he sprang up, +radiant-eyed, and strode across the smooth grass. +</P> + +<P> +The faded sun-bonnet was not; her black hair was coiled high, while at +white brow and glowing cheek silken curls wantoned in an artful +disorder, moreover her simple russet gown had given place to a rich, +flowered satin. All this he noticed at a glance though his gaze never +wandered from the witching eyes of her. Were they blue or black or +dark brown? +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said she, acknowledging his deep reverence with a stately +inclination of her shapely head, "I would curtsey if I might, but to +curtsey on a ladder were dangerous and not to be lightly undertaken." +</P> + +<P> +Quoth the Major: +</P> + +<P> +"It has been a long time—a very long time since you—since I—er—that +is— +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly five days, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why—ah—to be sure these summer days do grow uncommon long, mam— +</P> + +<P> +"Which means, sir, that you've wanted me?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major started: +</P> + +<P> +"Why er—I—indeed I—I hardly know!" he stammered. +</P> + +<P> +"Which proves it beyond all doubt!" she nodded serenely. +</P> + +<P> +The Major was silent. +</P> + +<P> +"Then, sir," she continued gravely, "since 'tis beyond all doubt you +wanted me and hither came daily to look for me, as methinks you did—?" +</P> + +<P> +Here she paused expectant, whereupon the Major stooped to survey his +neat shoe-buckle. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir, did you not come patiently a-seeking me here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, mam," he answered, rubbing his chin with his pipe-stem, "'tis +true I came hither—having a fancy for——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then, sir, since being hither come you found me not, why, having legs, +didn't you climb over the wall and seek me where you might have found +me?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major caught his breath and nearly dropped his pipe. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed it never occurred to me!" +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure the climbing of walls is an infinite trying and arduous +task for—ancient limbs," she sighed, shaking her head, "yet—even you, +might have achieved it—with care." +</P> + +<P> +The Major laughed: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis possible, mam," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"And it never occurred to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"No indeed, mam, and never would!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you lack imagination and a man without imagination is akin to the +brutes and—" but here she broke off to utter a small scream and +glancing up in alarm he saw her eyes were closed and that she shuddered +violently. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" he cried, "mam! My lady—good heaven are you sick—faint?" +</P> + +<P> +Regardless of the cherry-tree he reached up long arms and swinging +himself up astride the wall, had an arm about her shivering form all in +a moment; thus as she leaned against him he caught the perfume of all +her warm, soft daintiness, then she drew away. +</P> + +<P> +"What was it?" he questioned anxiously as she opened her eyes, "were +you faint, mam? Was it a fit? Good lack, mam, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do—not—call me—that!" she cried, eyes flashing and—yes, they were +blue—very darkly blue—"Never dare to call me—so—again!" +</P> + +<P> +"Call you what, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam!" she cried, gnashing her white teeth—"'tis a hateful word!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I—I had not thought it so," stammered the Major. "It is, I +believe, a word in common use and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, 'tis common! 'Tis odious! 'Tis vulgar!" +</P> + +<P> +"I crave your ladyship's pardon!" And he bowed as well as his position +would allow, though a little stiffly. +</P> + +<P> +"You are marvellous nimble, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Your ladyship is gracious!" +</P> + +<P> +"Considering your age, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"And you, madam, I lament that at yours you should be subject to fits." +</P> + +<P> +"Fits!" she cried in frowning amaze. +</P> + +<P> +"Seizures, then——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas no seizure, sir—'twas yourself!" +</P> + +<P> +"Me?" he exclaimed, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"You—and your abominable tobacco-pipe!" Here she shivered daintily. +</P> + +<P> +"Alack, madam, see, 'tis broke!" +</P> + +<P> +"Heaven be thanked, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas an admirable pipe—an old friend," he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"O fie, sir—only chairmen and watchmen and worse, drink smoke. 'Tis a +low habit, vicious, vain and vulgar." +</P> + +<P> +"Is it so indeed, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is! Aunt Belinda says so and I think so. If you must have vices +why not snuff?" +</P> + +<P> +"But I hate snuff!" +</P> + +<P> +"But 'tis so elegant! There's Sir Jasper Denholm takes it with such an +air I vow 'tis perfectly ravishing! And Sir Benjamin Tripp and +Viscount Merivale in especial—such grace! Such an elegant turn of the +wrist! But to suck a pipe—O Gemini!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sorry my pipe offends you!" said he, glancing at her glowing +loveliness. +</P> + +<P> +And here, because of her beauty and nearness he grew silent and finding +he yet held part of his clay pipe, broken in his hasty ascent, he fell +to turning it over in his fingers, staring at it very hard but seeing +it not at all; whereat she fell to studying him, his broad shoulders +and powerful hands, his clean-cut aquiline features, his tender mouth +and strong, square chin. Thus, the Major, glancing up suddenly, eye +met eye and for a long moment they looked on one another, then, as she +turned away he saw her cheek crimson suddenly and she, aware of this, +clenched her white fists and flushed all the deeper. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis abominable rude to—stare so!" she said, over her shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"You are the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, I think?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"And then, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you are well used to being stared at, methinks." +</P> + +<P> +"At a distance, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +Here the Major edged away a couple of inches. +</P> + +<P> +"You have heard of such a person before, then?" she enquired loftily. +</P> + +<P> +"I go to London—sometimes, madam, when I must and when last there I +chanced to hear her acclaimed and toasted as the 'Admirable Betty'!" +said he, frowning. +</P> + +<P> +"I am sometimes called Betty, sir," she acknowledged. +</P> + +<P> +"Also 'Bewitching Bet'!" Here he scowled fiercely at a bunch of +cherries. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think Bet so ill a name, sir?" she enquired, stealing a glance +at him. +</P> + +<P> +"'Bewitching Bet'!" he repeated grimly and the hand that grasped his +broken pipe became a fist, observing which she smiled slyly. +</P> + +<P> +"Or is it that the 'bewitching' offends you, sir?" she questioned +innocently. +</P> + +<P> +"Both, mam, both!" said he, scowling yet. +</P> + +<P> +"La, sir," she cried gaily, "in this light and at this precise angle I +do protest you look quite handsome when you frown." +</P> + +<P> +The Major immediately laughed. +</P> + +<P> +"If," she continued, "your chin were less grim and craggy and your nose +a little different and your eyes less like gimlets and needles—if you +wore a modish French wig instead of a horsehair mat and had your +garments made by a London tailor instead of a country cobbler and +carpenter you would be almost attractive—by candle light." +</P> + +<P> +"Is my wig so unmodish?" he enquired smiling a trifle ruefully, "'tis +my best." +</P> + +<P> +"Unmodish?" White hands were lifted, and sparkling eyes rolled +themselves in agonised protest. "There's a new tie-wig come in—<I>un +peu negligée</I>—a most truly ravishing confection. As for clothes——" +</P> + +<P> +"And needles," he added, "pray what of your promise?" +</P> + +<P> +"Promise, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"You were to teach me how to sew on a button, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"Button!" she repeated, staring, +</P> + +<P> +"If you've forgot, 'tis no matter, madam," said he and dropped very +nimbly from the wall. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, my forgetfulness hath angered you, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"No, child, no, extreme youth is apt to be extreme thoughtless and +forgetful——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I am twenty-two." +</P> + +<P> +"And I am forty-one!" he said wistfully. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a monstrous great age, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"I begin to fear it is!" said he rather ruefully. +</P> + +<P> +"And great age is apt to be peevish and slothful and childish and +fretful and must be ruled. So come you over the wall this instant, +sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis so my will!" +</P> + +<P> +"But——" +</P> + +<P> +"Plague take it, sir, how may I sew on your abominable buttons with a +wall betwixt us? Over with you this moment—obey!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major obeyed forthwith. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +CONCERNING THE BUTTONS OF THE RAMILLIE COAT +</H4> + +<P> +"Now pray remark, sir," said the Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, seating +herself in a shady arbour and taking up her needle and thread, "a +woman, instead of sucking her thread and rubbing it into a black spike +and cursing, threads her needle—so! Thereafter she takes the object +to be sewed and holds it—no, she can't, sir, while you sit so much +afar, prithee come closer to her—there! Yet no—'twill never +do—she'll be apt to prick you sitting thus——" +</P> + +<P> +"If I took off my coat, madam——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould be monstrous indecorous, sir! No, you must kneel down—here +at my feet!" +</P> + +<P> +"But—madam——" +</P> + +<P> +"To your knees, sir, or I'll prick you vilely! She now takes the +article to be sewed and—pray why keep at such a distance? She cannot +sew gracefully while you pull one way and she another! She then fits +on her thimble, poises needle and—sews!" The which my lady forthwith +proceeded to do making wondrous pretty play with white hand and +delicate wrist the while. +</P> + +<P> +And when she had sewn in silence for perhaps one half-minute she fell +to converse thus: +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed you look vastly appealing on your knees, sir. Pray have you +knelt to many lovely ladies?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never in my life!" he answered fervently. +</P> + +<P> +"And yet you kneel with infinite grace—'tis quite affecting, how doth +it feel to crouch thus humbly before the sex?" +</P> + +<P> +"Uncommon hard to the knees, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I fear you have no soul, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed the Major, rising hastily, "someone comes, I think!" +</P> + +<P> +Sure enough, in due time, a somewhat languid but herculean footman +appeared, who perceiving the Major, faltered, stared, pulled himself +together and, approaching at speed, bowed in swift and supple humility +and spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"Four gentlemen to see your ladyship!" +</P> + +<P> +"Only four? Their names?" +</P> + +<P> +The large menial expanded large chest and spake with unction: +</P> + +<P> +"The Marquis of Alton, Sir Jasper Denholm, Sir Benjamin Tripp and Mr. +Marchdale." +</P> + +<P> +"Well say I'm out—say I'm engaged—say I wish to be private!" +</P> + +<P> +The large footman blinked, and the Major strove to appear unconscious +that my lady held him tethered by needle and thread. +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, madam! Though, 'umbly craving your ladyship's pardon, my +lady, your aunt wished me to tell you most express——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, tell her I won't!" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady, I will—immediate!" So saying, the large footman bowed +again, blinked again and bore himself off, blinking as he went. +</P> + +<P> +"And now, Major d'Arcy, if you will condescend to abase yourself we +will continue our sewing lesson." +</P> + +<P> +"But mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do—not——" +</P> + +<P> +"Your ladyship's guests——" +</P> + +<P> +"Pooh! to my ladyship's guests! Come, be kneeling, sir, and take heed +you don't break my thread." +</P> + +<P> +"Now I wonder," said the Major, "I wonder what your lackey thinks——" +</P> + +<P> +"He don't, he can't, he never does—except about food or drink or +tobacco—faugh!" +</P> + +<P> +Up started the Major again as from the adjacent yew-walk a faint +screaming arose. +</P> + +<P> +"Good God!" exclaimed the Major. "'Tis a woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, 'tis merely my aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"But madam—hark to her, she is in distress!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, she doth but wail—'tis no matter!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis desperate sound she makes, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"But extreme ladylike, sir, Aunt Belinda is ever preposterously +feminine and ladylike, sir. Her present woe arises perchance because +she hath encountered a grub on her way hither or been routed by a +beetle—the which last I do fervently hope." +</P> + +<P> +This hope, however, was doomed to disappointment for very suddenly a +lady appeared, a somewhat faded lady who, with dainty petticoats +uplifted, tripped hastily towards them uttering small, wailing screams +as she came. +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty!" she cried. "Betty! O Elizabeth, child—a rat! O dear +heart o' me, a great rat, child! That sat in the path, Betty, and +looked at me, child—with a huge, great tail! O sweet heaven!" +</P> + +<P> +"Looked at you with his tail, aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, child—faith, my poor senses do so twitter I scarce know what I +say—but its wicked wild eyes! And it curled its horrid tail in +monstrous threatening fashion! And O, thank heaven—a man!" +</P> + +<P> +Here the agitated lady tottered towards the Major and, supported by his +arm, sank down upon the bench and closing her eyes, gasped feebly. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" he exclaimed, bending over her in great alarm. +</P> + +<P> +"O lud!" she murmured faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"By heaven, she's swooning!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, sir," sighed Lady Betty, "'tis no swoon nor even a faint, 'tis +merely a twitter. Dear aunt will be herself again directly—so come +let me sew on that button or I'll prick you, I vow I will!" +</P> + +<P> +At this Lady Belinda, opening her languid eyes, stared and gasped again. +</P> + +<P> +"Mercy of heaven, child!" she exclaimed, "what do you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sew on this gentleman's buttons, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Buttons, child! Heaven above!" +</P> + +<P> +"Coat-buttons, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Mercy on us! Buttons! In the arbour! With a man——" +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy, our neighbour, aunt. Major, my aunt, Lady Belinda +Damain." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the Major bowed a trifle awkwardly since Lady Betty still had +him in leash, while her aunt, rising, sank into a curtsey that was a +wonder to behold and thereafter sighed and languished like the faded +beauty she was. +</P> + +<P> +"My undutiful niece, sir," said she, "hath no eye to decorum, she is +for ever shocking the proprieties and me—alack, 'tis a naughty +baggage—a romping hoyden, a wicked puss——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Belinda, dare to call me a 'puss' again and I'll scratch!" +</P> + +<P> +"And you are Major d'Arcy—of the Guards?" +</P> + +<P> +"Late of the Third, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Related to the d'Arcys of Sussex?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very distantly, I believe." +</P> + +<P> +"Charming people! A noble family!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major would have bowed again but for my lady Betty's levelled +needle; thereafter while her aunt alternately prattled of the joys of +Bath and languished over the delights of London, the Major's buttons +were rapidly sewn into place and my lady was in the act of nibbling the +thread when once again the ponderous menial drew nigh who, making the +utmost of his generous proportions, announced: +</P> + +<P> +"Lord Alvaston, Captain West and Mr. Dalroyd——" +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty!" exclaimed Lady Belinda, clasping rapturous fingers, "Mr. +Dalroyd—that charming man who was so attentive at Bath and afterwards +in London—such legs, my dear, O Gemini!" +</P> + +<P> +"To see the Lady Elizabeth—most express, my ladies." +</P> + +<P> +"Tell them to go—say I'm busy——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" wailed her aunt. +</P> + +<P> +"Say I'm engaged, say——" +</P> + +<P> +"O Bet—Betty—my child," twittered her aunt, "why this cruel +coldness—this harsh rigour?" +</P> + +<P> +"O say I'm out—say anything!" +</P> + +<P> +"Which, my lady, I did—most particular and Mr. Dalroyd remarks as how +he'll wait till you will—most determined!" +</P> + +<P> +"O the dear, delightful, bold creature! And such a leg, my dear! Such +an air and—O dear heart o' me, if he isn't coming in quest of us +yonder! The dear, desperate, audacious man! I'll go greet him and do +you follow, child!" +</P> + +<P> +And Lady Belinda fluttered twittering away, followed by the ponderous +lackey. +</P> + +<P> +The Major sighed and glanced toward the distant ladder. +</P> + +<P> +"You would appear to be in much request, madam," said he, "and faith, +'tis but natural, youth and such beauty must attract all men and——" +</P> + +<P> +"All men, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, all men who are blessed with eyes to see——" +</P> + +<P> +Here chancing to meet her look he faltered and stopped. +</P> + +<P> +"To see—what?" she enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"'Bewitching Bet'!" he answered bowing very low. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah—no!" she cried—"not you!" and turning suddenly away she broke off +a rose that bloomed near by and stood twisting it in her white fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore not?" he questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not for <I>your</I> lips," she said, softly. +</P> + +<P> +The Major whose glance happened to be wandering, winced slightly and +flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—indeed, I had forgot," said he, rather vaguely—"Youth must to +youth and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Must it, sir? +</P> + +<P> +"Inevitably, madam, it is but natural and——" +</P> + +<P> +"How vastly wise you are, Major d'Arcy!" The curl of her lip was quite +wasted on him for he was staring at the rose she was caressing. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas said also by one much wiser than I 'crabbed age and youth cannot +live together.' And you are very young, my lady and—very beautiful." +</P> + +<P> +"And therefore to be pitied!" she sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"In heaven's name, why?" +</P> + +<P> +"For that I am a lonely maid that suffers from a plague of beaux, sir, +most of them over young and all of them vastly trying. 'Bewitching +Bet'!" This time he did see the scorn of her curling lip. "I had +rather you call me anything else—even 'child' or—'Betty.'" +</P> + +<P> +They stood awhile in silence, the Major looking at her and she at the +rose: "'Betty'!" said he at last, half to himself, as if trying the +sound of it. "'Tis a most—pretty name!" +</P> + +<P> +"I had not thought so," she answered. And there was silence again, he +watching where she was heedlessly brushing the rose to and fro across +her vivid lips and looking at nothing in particular. +</P> + +<P> +"Your guests await you," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"They often do," she answered. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll go," said the Major and glanced toward the ladder. "Good-bye, my +lady." +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" she asked softly. +</P> + +<P> +"And—er—my grateful thanks——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" she asked again, softer yet. +</P> + +<P> +"I also hope that—er—I trust that since we're neighbours, I—we——" +</P> + +<P> +"The wall is not insurmountable, sir. Well? O man," she cried +suddenly—"if you really want it so why don't you ask for it—or take +it?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major stared and flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"You—you mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"This!" she cried and tossed the rose to his feet. Scarcely believing +his eyes he stooped and took it up, and holding it in reverent fingers +watched her hasting along the yew-walk. Standing thus he saw her met +by a slender, elegant gentleman, saw him stoop to kiss her white +fingers, and, turning suddenly, strode to the ladder. +</P> + +<P> +So the Major presently climbed back over the wall and went his way, the +rose tenderly cherished in the depths of one of his great side-pockets +and, as he went, he limped rather noticeably but whistled softly to +himself, a thing very strange in him, whistled softly but very merrily. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING BEGAN TO WONDER +</H4> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha sat just within the kitchen-garden shelling peas—and Mrs. +Agatha did it as only a really accomplished woman might; at least, so +thought Sergeant Zebedee, who, busied about some of his multifarious +carpentry jobs, happened to come that way. He thought also that with +her pretty face beneath snowy mob-cap, her shapely figure in its neat +gown, she made as attractive a picture as any man might see on the +longest day's march—of all which Mrs. Agatha was supremely conscious, +of course. +</P> + +<P> +"A hot day, mam!" said he, halting. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha glanced up demurely, smiled, and gave all her attention to +the peas again. +</P> + +<P> +"You do be getting more observant every day, Sergeant!" she said, +shelling away rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant stroked his new-shaven cheek with a pair of pincers he +chanced to be holding and stared down at her busy fingers; Mrs. Agatha +possessed very shapely hands, soft and dimpled—of which she was also +aware. +</P> + +<P> +"But you look cool enough, mam," said he, ponderously, "and 'tis become +a matter of——" +</P> + +<P> +"Duty, Sergeant?" she enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"No, mam, a matter of wonder to me how you manage it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Belike 'tis all because Nature made me so." +</P> + +<P> +"Natur', mam—aye, 'tis a wonderful institootion——" +</P> + +<P> +"For making me cool?" +</P> + +<P> +"For making you at all, mam!" Having said which, he wheeled suddenly, +and took three quick strides away but, hearing her call, he turned and +took three slow ones back again. "Well, mam?" he enquired, staring at +the pincers. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a hot day, Sergeant!" she laughed. At this he stood silent +awhile, lost in contemplation of her dexterous hands. +</P> + +<P> +"Egad!" he exclaimed, suddenly, "'Tis a beautiful finger!" +</P> + +<P> +"Is it, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"For a trigger—aye mam. To shoot straight a man must have a true eye, +mam, but he must also have a shooting-hand, quick and light o' the +finger, d'ye see, not to spoil alignment. If you'd been a man, now, +you'd ha' handled a musket wi' the best if you'd only been a man——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I'm—only a woman." +</P> + +<P> +"True, mam, true—'tis Natur' again—fault o' circumstance——" +</P> + +<P> +"And I don't want to be a man——" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not, mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"And wouldn't if I could!" +</P> + +<P> +"Glad, o' that, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"O, and prithee why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because as a woman you're—female, d'ye see—I mean as you're what +Natur' intended and such being so you're—naturally formed—I mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"What d'you mean, pray?" +</P> + +<P> +"A woman. And now, talking o' the Major——" +</P> + +<P> +"But we're not!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but we are, mam, and so talking, the Major do surprise me—same +be a-changing, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Changing? How?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, this morning he went——" +</P> + +<P> +"Into the orchard!" said Mrs. Agatha, nodding. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, he did. Since I finished that arbour he's took to it +amazing—sits there by the hour—mam!" Mrs. Agatha smiled at the peas. +"But this morning, mam, arter breakfast, he went and turned out all +his—clothes, mam. 'Sergeant,' says he, 'be these the best I've +got'—and him as never troubled over his clothes except to put 'em on +and forget 'em." +</P> + +<P> +"But you hadn't built the arbour then!" said Mrs. Agatha softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Arbour!" exclaimed the Sergeant, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"You've known him a long time?" +</P> + +<P> +"I've knowed him nigh twenty years and I thought I did know him but I +don't know him—there's developments—he's took to whistling of late. +Only this morning I heard him whistling o' this song 'Barbary Allen' +which same were a damned—no, a devilish—no, a con-founded barbarious +young maid if words mean aught." +</P> + +<P> +"True, she had no heart, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"And a woman without an 'eart, mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"A heart, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, mam," said he, staring at the pincers, "a maid or woman without +an 'eart is no good for herself or any——" +</P> + +<P> +"Man!" suggested Mrs. Agatha, softly. +</P> + +<P> +"True, mam, and speaking o' men brings us back to the Major and him +a-whistling as merry as any grig." +</P> + +<P> +"Grigs don't whistle, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"No more they do, mam, no—lark's the word. Also he's set on buying a +noo wig, mam, and him with four brand-noo—almost, except his service +wig which I'll grant you is a bit wore and moth-eaten like arter three +campaigns which therefore aren't to be nowise wondered at. But what is +to be wondered at is his honour troubling about suchlike when 'tis me +as generally reports to him when garments is outwore and me as has done +the ordering of same, these ten year and more. And now here's him +wanting to buy a noo wig all at once! Mam, what I say is—damme!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant, ha' done!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ax your pardon, mam, but 'tis so strange and onexpected. A noo wig! +Wants one more modish! Aye," said the Sergeant, shaking his head, +"'modish' were the word, mam—'modish'! Now what I says to that is——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant, hush!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why I ain't said it yet, mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then don't!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, mam!" he sighed. "But 'modish'——" +</P> + +<P> +"And why shouldn't he be modish?" demanded Mrs. Agatha warmly, "he's +young enough and handsome enough." +</P> + +<P> +"He's all that, mam, yet——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why should any man be slovenly and old before his time?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, why indeed, mam but——" +</P> + +<P> +"There's yourself, for instance." +</P> + +<P> +"Who—me, mam?" exclaimed the Sergeant, hitting himself an amazed blow +on the chest with the pincers, "me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, you! Not that you're slovenly, but you talk and act like a +Methusalem instead of a—a careless boy of forty." +</P> + +<P> +"Three, mam—forty-three." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, a helpless child of forty-three." +</P> + +<P> +"Child!" murmured the Sergeant. "Helpless child—me? Now what I says +to that is——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" said Mrs. Agatha, severely; but beholding his stupefaction she +laughed merrily and taking up the peas, vanished into the kitchen, +laughing still. +</P> + +<P> +"Child—me—helpless child!" said the Sergeant, staring after her. +"Now what I says is——" +</P> + +<P> +And there being none to hush him, the Sergeant, in English, French and +Low Dutch, proceeded to "say it" forthwith. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A POACHER +</H4> + +<P> +The Major rubbed his chin with dubious finger, pushed back his wig and +taking up the letter from the desk before him, broke the seal and read +as follows: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"MY VERY DEAR UNCLE: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Being in a somewhat low state of health and spirits—" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Spirits!" said the Major. "Ha!" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"—induced by a too close application to my duties—" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hum!" quoth the Major, rubbing his chin harder than ever. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"—I purpose (subject to your permission) to inflict myself upon you—" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"The devil he does!" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"—having been ordered rest and quiet and country air." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hum! I wonder!" mused the Major. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Pray spare yourself the fatigue of writing as I leave London at once +and well knowing your extreme kindness I hope to have the felicity of +greeting you within a day or so, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +Your most grateful, humble and obedient nephew, +<BR> + TOM." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Having read this through the Major fell to profound meditation. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder?" he mused and pulled the bell. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant!" said he, as the door opened. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir?" said the Sergeant advancing three paces and coming to attention. +</P> + +<P> +"Are there any—er—strangers in the village?" +</P> + +<P> +"Last time I chanced to drop into the 'George and Dragon' there was a +round dozen gentlemen a-staying there, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Young gentlemen?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir, them as I ob-served was, and very fine young gents +too—almost as fine as their lackeys, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"A dozen of 'em, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major rubbed his chin again and frowned slightly. +</P> + +<P> +"Then my nephew will make the thirteenth. Tell Mrs. Agatha to have a +chamber ready for him to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"The Viscount a-comin' here, sir? Always thought same couldn't abide +country!" +</P> + +<P> +"He hath changed his mind it seems or——" +</P> + +<P> +The Major paused suddenly and glanced toward the open window, for, upon +the air without was a distant clamour of voices and shouting pierced, +ever and anon, by a wild hunting yell. As the uproar grew nearer and +louder the Major rose, and crossing to the casement, beheld his +lodge-gates swung wide before an insurging crowd, a motley throng, for, +among rustic homespun and smock-frock he espied velvet coats brave with +gold and silver lace. Before this riot a tall and slender gentleman +strode waving a richly be-laced hat in one hand and flourishing a whip +in the other. +</P> + +<P> +"Hark away! Hark away!" he yelled, while from those behind came +boisterous laughter and shouts of "Yoick!" "Tally-ho!" "Gone away!" and +the like. +</P> + +<P> +At the terrace steps the concourse halted and out upon this clamorous +throng the quiet figure of the Major limped, his wig a little askew as +usual. As he came, the clamour subsided and the crowd, falling back, +discovered half-a-dozen stalwart keepers who dragged between them a +slender youth, bruised and bloody. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said the Major, surveying the scene with interest, "and what may +all this be?" +</P> + +<P> +"O demmit, sir!" cried the slender young gentleman, clapping hat to +gorgeous bosom and bowing, "Step me vitals, sir—what should it be but +a demmed rogue and a rebbit, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"O, a rabbit?" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And a rogue, sir! Pink me, 'tis the demmdest, infernal, +long-leggedest rascal and led us the demmdest chase I promise you! +Hill and dale, hedge and wall, copse and spinney, O demn! Better than +any fox I ever hunted, there was only Alvaston, Marchdale, your humble +and one or two keeper-fellows in at the death—pace too hot, +sir—strike me dumb!" +</P> + +<P> +"And pray, sir," enquired the Major, "whom have I the fortune to +address?" +</P> + +<P> +"O Ged, sir, to be sure—I'm Alton—very obedient, humble—gentleman +yonder blowing his nose like a demmed trumpet is my friend Tony +Marchdale of Marchdale—big fellow in the purple coat and nose to match +is Sir Benjamin Tripp" (here Sir Benjamin bowed, spluttering mildly) +"gentleman with the sparrow-legs is Lord Alvaston" (here his lordship +posturing gracefully with his slender legs, bowed, cursing +amiably)—"stand-and-deliver gentleman with hook-nose, Captain West of +the Guards—die-away gentleman in lavender and gold, Mr. Dalroyd—fat +fellow in abominable scratch-wig who looks as if he'd swallowed a lemon +the wrong way, don't know—and there we are, sir—demme!" +</P> + +<P> +"And I, gentlemen, am John d'Arcy, at your service. What can I do for +you?" +</P> + +<P> +"O egad, sir—strike me everlasting blue, 'tis we have been doing for +you! Here we've caught your rogue for you—chased him high—chased him +low—here, there and everywhere—bushes, burrs and briers, dirt and +dust sir—O demmit! +</P> + +<P> +"If," began the Major, "if you will have the goodness to be a little +more explicit——" +</P> + +<P> +But here the short, plump, fierce-eyed gentleman in the scratch-wig, +elbowing aside the yokels who stood near strode forward excitedly: +</P> + +<P> +"You are Major d'Arcy?" he challenged. +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, sir, give me leave to say we've had the extreme good fortune +to catch a poacher on your land. You'll know me of course. I'm Sir +Oliver Rington of Chevening." +</P> + +<P> +"No!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Then you'll have heard of me, to be sure?" +</P> + +<P> +"I fear not." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I'm your member—and——" +</P> + +<P> +"I rejoice to know it!" +</P> + +<P> +"And justice o' the peace." +</P> + +<P> +"I felicitate you!" +</P> + +<P> +"As such, sir, 'tis my present endeavour to get an enactment passed +making the law more rigorous against poaching——" +</P> + +<P> +"A noble work!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"In the which, sir, I am being vigorously supported by the neighbouring +gentry. You are a stranger in these parts, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have resided at the Manor precisely a month and two days, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Then, sir, permit me to say that the quality hereabouts are united +against such miserable rogues as this damned poaching rascal." +</P> + +<P> +"You are something in the majority, 'twould seem!" said the Major, +glancing from the blood-smeared face of the solitary captive to the +shuffling throng. +</P> + +<P> +"We are determined to put down such roguery with a firm hand, sir," +answered Sir Oliver, truculently, "I have already succeeded in having +four such rascals as yon transported for life, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"For a dem rebbit—O Ged!" exclaimed Lord Alton. +</P> + +<P> +"You forget, Alton," interposed Mr. Dalroyd, languidly, "you forget, +the rabbit may be a sheep next week, a horse the next, your purse the +next and——" +</P> + +<P> +"And this, sir, was merely a rabbit, I believe, which happens to be +mine," said the Major, turning to glance at the speaker. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd was tall and slim and pallidly handsome; from black periwig +to elegant riding boots he was <I>point-de-vice</I>, a languid, soft-spoken, +very fine gentleman indeed, who surveyed the Major's tall, upright +figure, with sleepy-lidded eyes. So for a long moment they viewed each +other, the Major serene of brow, his hands buried in the pockets of his +threadbare Ramillie coat, Mr. Dalroyd cool and leisuredly critical, yet +gradually as he met the other's languid gaze, the Major's expression +changed, his black brows twitched together, his keen eyes grew suddenly +intent and withdrawing a hand from his pocket, he began absently to +finger the scar that marked his temple; then Mr. Dalroyd smiled faintly +and turned a languid shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said he, "our sport is done, the play grows wearisome—let +us be gone." +</P> + +<P> +At this, Sir Oliver Rington approached the Major and in his eagerness +tapped him on the arm with his whip. +</P> + +<P> +"With your permission, Major, I'll see this rogue set in the stocks and +after safely under lock and key. You'll prosecute, of course." +</P> + +<P> +Very gently the Major set aside Sir Oliver's whip and limped over to +the prisoner: +</P> + +<P> +"He looks sufficiently young!" said he. +</P> + +<P> +"A criminal type!" nodded Sir Oliver, "I've convicted many such—a very +brutal, desperate rogue!" +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure he's very bloody!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," growled Sir Oliver, "and serve him right—he gave enough trouble +for six." +</P> + +<P> +"And something faint!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, feint it is sir—the rascal's shamming." +</P> + +<P> +"And dusty!" +</P> + +<P> +"O, a foul beast!" agreed Sir Oliver. +</P> + +<P> +"And hath a hungry look. So shall he go wash and eat——" +</P> + +<P> +"Wash—eat—how—what in the devil's name, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir!" answered the Sergeant, very upright and stiff in the back. +</P> + +<P> +"Take the fellow to the stables and when he's washed—feed him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir!" Saying which, the Sergeant advanced upon the +drooping prisoner, set hand to ragged coat-collar, and wheeling him +half-left, marched him away. +</P> + +<P> +"Strike me everlasting perishing purple!" exclaimed the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"Damnation!" cried Sir Oliver, his whip quivering in his fist, "d'ye +mean to say, sir—d'ye mean——" he choked. +</P> + +<P> +"I mean to say, that since the prisoner stole my property I will +dispose of him as I think fit——" +</P> + +<P> +"Fit sir—fit—as you think fit!" spluttered Sir Oliver. +</P> + +<P> +"Or as it pleases me, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"You sir—you!" panted Sir Oliver in sudden frenzy, "and who the devil +are you that dare run counter to the law—a beggarly half-pay +soldier——" +</P> + +<P> +"O demmit, sir!" exclaimed the Marquis, restraining plump ferocity, +"try to be a little decent, I beg, just a little—remember you are not +in the House now, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +Sir Oliver sulkily permitted himself to be drawn a little aside, then, +halting suddenly, wheeled about and pointed at the Major with his whip. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen all," he cried, "behold a man who hath no respect for the +Constitution, for Church, State or King God save him! Behold a—a +being who is traitor to his class! A man who—who'd—O +damme—who'd—shoot a fox!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major laughed suddenly and shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"No," said he, "no, I'll shoot neither foxes—nor even fools, +sir—if—I say if—it may be avoided. And so, gentlemen, thanking you +for your extreme zeal on my behalf in the matter of my poacher, I have +the honour to bid you, each and every, good day." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, the Major bowed and turning, limped into the house. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH RELATES HOW THE POACHER ESCAPED +</H4> + +<P> +The rising sun made a glory in the east, purple, amber and flaming +gold; before his advent sombre night fled away and sullen mists rolled +up and vanished; up he came in triumphant majesty, his far-flung, level +beams waking a myriad sparkles on grass and leaf where the dew yet +clung; they woke also the blackbird inhabiting the great tree whose +spreading boughs shaded a certain gable of the Manor. This blackbird, +then, being awake, forthwith prepares to summon others to bid welcome +to the day, tunes sleepy pipe, finds himself astonishingly hoarse, +pauses awhile to ruminate on the wherefore of this, tries again with +better effect, stretches himself, re-settles a ruffled feather and +finally, being broad awake, bursts into a passionate ecstasy of throaty +warblings. +</P> + +<P> +It was at this precise moment that the Major thrust cropped head from +his open lattice and leaned there awhile to breathe in the dawn's sweet +freshness and to feast his eyes upon dew-spangled earth. And beholding +noble house and stately trees with smiling green fields beyond where +goodly farmsteads nestled, all his own far as the eye could see and +farther, he drew a deep and joyous breath, contrasting all this with +his late penury. Now, as he leaned thus in the warm sun, his wandering +eye fell upon a small isolated outbuilding, its narrow windows strongly +barred, its oaken door padlocked. Instantly the Major drew in his head +and began to dress; which done, he clapped on his peruke and opening +the door with some degree of care, stepped forth of his chamber, and, +carrying his shoes in his hand, tiptoed along the wide gallery, and, +descending the great stairs with the same caution, proceeded to a +certain small room against whose walls were birding-pieces, +fishing-rods, hunting-crops, spurs and the like. From amid these +heterogeneous articles he reached down a great key and slipping it into +his pocket, proceeded to furtively unbar, unlock and let himself out +into the young morning. Outside he put on his shoes and descending +marble steps and crossing trim lawns presently arrived at a forbidding +oaken door, which he opened forthwith. +</P> + +<P> +The poacher lay half-buried among a pile of hay in one corner but at +the Major's entrance started up, disclosing a pale, youthful face, +whose dark, aquiline features were vaguely reminiscent. +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major, rubbing his chin and staring, whereat the +prisoner, scowling sullenly, turned away. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" said the Major. "Sirrah, 'tis a fair day for walking I think, +therefore, an you be so minded—walk!" +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye mean you'll let me—go?" demanded the prisoner. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye!" +</P> + +<P> +"Free?" +</P> + +<P> +"There's the door!" +</P> + +<P> +The prisoner sprang to his feet, brushed the hay from his rough and +stained garments, glanced from his deliverer to the glory of the +morning and stepped out into the sunlight. +</P> + +<P> +"You were wiser to avoid Sir Oliver Rington's neighbourhood, and here's +somewhat to aid you on your way." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, the Major strode off and left the poacher staring down at +the gold coins in his palm. +</P> + +<P> +The Major wandered thoughtfully along box-bordered paths, past marble +fauns and nymphs; between hedges of clipped yew and so to the +rose-garden, ablaze with colour and fragrant with bloom. In the midst +was a time-worn sundial set about with marble seats and here the Major +leaned to muse awhile and so came upon a quaint-lettered posy graven +upon the dial which ran as follows: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy:<BR> +Age and Youth together is but folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major and sighed, and sighing, turned away, limping +more than usual, for his meditations were profound. Thus, deep in +thought he came back to the isolated building, locked it up again, and +wended his way back to the house. +</P> + +<P> +Having replaced the key he sat himself down in his study and tucking up +his ruffles, fell to work on his History of Fortification, though, to +be sure, his pen was frequently idle and once he opened a drawer to +stare down at a rapidly fading rose. +</P> + +<P> +Gradually the great house about him awoke to life and morning bustle; +light feet tripped to and fro, maids' voices chattered and sang +merrily, dusters flicked, mops twirled and Mrs. Agatha admonished, +while, from the kitchens afar came the faint but delectable rattle of +crockery while the Major drove parallels, constructed trenches and +covered ways and dreamed of the Lady Betty Carlyon, of her eyes, her +hair, the dimple in her wilful chin and of all her alluring witchery. +And bethinking him of her warm, soft daintiness, as when she had leaned +in his clasp for that much-remembered moment, he almost thought to +catch again the faint, sweet fragrance of her. +</P> + +<P> +Moved by a sudden impulse he rose, and crossing to a mirror, stood to +examine himself critically as he had never done before in all his life. +</P> + +<P> +And truly, now he came to notice, his wig was shabby despite the +Sergeant's unremitting care; then his shoes were clumsy and thick of +sole, his cotton stockings showed a darn here and there and his coat—! +</P> + +<P> +The Major shook his head and sighed: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a very beast of a coat!" +</P> + +<P> +In his heart he ruefully admitted that it was. +</P> + +<P> +Now, as to his face? +</P> + +<P> +The Major stared keenly at well-opened, grey eyes which stared back at +him under level brows; at straightish nose, widish mouth and strong, +deep-cleft chin; each feature in turn was the object of his wistful +scrutiny and he must even trace out the scar that marked his left +temple and seek to hide it with the limp side-curls of his peruke. +Then he turned away and seating himself at his desk leaned there, head +on hand, staring blindly at the written sheets before him. +</P> + +<P> +And behind his thoughts was a line from the posy on the sundial: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Youth is joyous, Age is melancholy:"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +The Major sighed. Suddenly he started and turned as a knock sounded on +the door, which, opening forthwith, disclosed the Sergeant, his usually +trim habit slightly disordered, his usually serene brow creased and +clammy, his eye woeful. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, Sergeant," said the Major placidly, "good morning, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, advancing three steps and coming to +attention. "I've come, sir, to report gross dee-reliction of dooty, +sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed—whose?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mine, sir. You put prisoner in my charge, sir—same has took French +leave, sir, by aid o' witchcraft, hocus-pocus, or the devil, sir, +prisoner having vanished himself into thin air, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"Remarkable!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Found the place locked up and all serene, sir, but on opening door +found prisoner had went which didn't seem nowise nat'ral, sir. +Hows'mever, fell in a search party immediate, self and gardeners, sir, +but though we beat the park an' the spinney, sir, owing to spells and +witchcraft 'twas but labour in vain, prisoner having been spirited +away, d'ye see?" +</P> + +<P> +"Astonishing!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant mopped his brow and sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"Prisoner having bolted and altogether went, sir—same being vanished, +though suspecting witches and hocus-pocus, must hold myself responsible +for same——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"And feel myself defaulter, sir, owing to which shall stop and deny +myself customary ale to-day, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"And talking of ale, sir, think it my dooty to report as in the 'George +and Dragon' last evening Sir Oliver Rington were talking agin' you, +sir—very fierce." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not surprised, Zeb, his kind must talk." +</P> + +<P> +"Same person, sir, made oncommon free wi' your name, laying thereto +certain and divers eppythets, sir, among which was 'vulgar fellow' and +'beggarly upstart' which me overhearing was forced to shout 'damn liar' +as in dooty bound, sir. Whereupon his two grooms, wi' five or six +other rogues, took me front, flank and rear and run me out into the +road. Whereupon, chancing to have pint-pot in my hand, contrived with +same to alter the faces o' two or three of 'em for time being, as in +dooty bound, sir. All of which has caused more talk which I do truly +lament." +</P> + +<P> +"A pint-pot is an awkward weapon, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +"True, sir, same being apt to bend." +</P> + +<P> +"I trust you did no serious hurt, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not so serious as I could ha' wished, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And I hope it won't occur again." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope so too, sir! Regarding the prisoner, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"He has escaped, I understand, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"He has so, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"Then there is no prisoner." +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that, sir," began the Sergeant, scratching his big chin— +</P> + +<P> +"As to that, Zeb, 'tis just as well for everyone concerned, especially +the prisoner, that—er—isn't, as 'twere and so forth, d'ye see, +Sergeant?" So saying the Major took up his pen and the Sergeant strode +away, though more than once he shook his head in dark perplexity. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF PANCRAS, VISCOUNT MERIVALE +</H4> + +<P> +The Major's study, opening out of the library, was a smallish chamber, +very like himself in that its appointments were simple and plain to +austerity. Its furniture comprised a desk, a couple of chairs and a +settee, its adornments consisted of the portrait of a gentleman in +armour who scowled, a Sèvres vase full of roses set there by Mrs. +Agatha, a pair of silver-mounted small-swords above the carved mantel +but within easy reach, flanked by a couple of brace of handsomely +mounted pistols. +</P> + +<P> +Just now, table, chairs and settee had been pushed into a corner and +the chamber rang with the clash and grind of vicious-darting steel +where the Major and Sergeant Zebedee in stockinged-feet and +shirt-sleeves, thrust and parried and lunged, bright eyes wide and +watchful, lips grim-set, supple of wrist and apparently tireless of +arm, the Major all lissom, graceful ease despite his limp, the Sergeant +a trifle stiff but grimly business-like and deadly; a sudden fierce +rally, a thrust, a lightning riposte and the Major stepped back. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Touché!</I>" he exclaimed, lowering his point. "'Tis a wicked thrust of +yours—that in tierce, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas you as taught it me, sir," answered the Sergeant, whipping his +foil to the salute, "same as you taught me my letters, consequently I +am bold to fight or read any man as ever drawed breath." +</P> + +<P> +"You do credit to my method, Sergeant Zeb—especially that trick o' the +wrist—'tis mine own and I think unique. Come again, we have another +ten minutes." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon they gravely saluted each other, came to the engage and once +more the place echoed to rasping steel and quick-thudding feet. It was +a particularly fierce and brilliant bout, in the middle of which and +quite unobserved by the combatants, the door opened and a young +gentleman appeared. He was altogether a remarkable young gentleman +being remarkably young, languid and gorgeous. A pale mauve coat, gold +of button and rich of braid, its skirts sufficiently full and ample, +seemed moulded upon his slender figure, his legs were encased in long, +brown riding-boots of excellent cut and finish, furnished with jingling +silver spurs, his face exactly modish of pallor, high-nosed and +delicately featured, was set off by a great periwig whose glossy curls +had that just and nicely-ordered disorder fashion required; in his +right hand he held his hat, a looped and belaced affair, two fingers of +his left were posed elegantly upon the silver hilt of his sword the +brown leathern scabbard of which cocked its silver lip beneath his coat +at precisely the right angle; thus, as he stood regarding the fencing +bout he seemed indeed the very "glass of fashion and mould of form" and +unutterably serene. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed the Sergeant suddenly, "clean through the gizzard, +sir!" and lowering his point in turn he shook his head, "'twould ha' +done my business for good an' all, sir." And it was to be noted that +despite their exertions neither he nor the Major breathed overfast or +seemed unduly over-heated; remarking which the young gentleman +animadverted gently as follows: +</P> + +<P> +"Gad, nunky mine, Gad save my poor perishing sawl how d'ye do it—ye +don't blow and ye ain't sweating——" +</P> + +<P> +The Major started and turned: +</P> + +<P> +"What—nephew!" hastening forward to greet his visitor, "What, Pancras +lad, when did you arrive?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ten minutes since, sir. I strolled up from the 'George and Dragon' +and left my fellows to come on with the horses and baggage. Begad, +sir, 'tis a cursed fine property this, a noble heritage! Give you joy +of it! Here's a change from your trooping and fighting! You grow +warm, nunky, warm, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a great change, nephew, and most unexpected. But speaking of +change, Pancras, you have grown out of recognition since last I saw +you." +</P> + +<P> +"Gad prasper me, sir, I hope so—'tis five long years agone and I'm my +own man since my father had the grace to break his neck a-hunting, +though 'tis a pity he contrived to break my mother's heart first, +sweet, patient soul. Ha, sir, d'ye mind the day you pitched him out o' +the gun-room window?" +</P> + +<P> +"He's dead, Pancras!" said the Major, flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"Which is very well, sir, since you're alive and I'm alive and so's the +Sergeant here. How goes it Zeb—good old Zeb. How goes it, Sergeant +Zeb?" and the Viscount's white, be-ringed hand met the Sergeant's hairy +one in a hearty grip. +</P> + +<P> +"Look at him, nunky, look at him a Gad's name—same old square face, +not changed a hair since he used to come a-marching back with you from +some campaign or other, rat me! D'ye mind, Zeb, d'ye mind how you used +to make me wooden swords and teach me how to bear my point—eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I mind, sir," nodded the Sergeant, grim lips smiling, "'tis not +so long since." +</P> + +<P> +"Talking of fence, sir, give me leave to say—as one somewhat +proficient in the art—that your style is a little antiquated!" +</P> + +<P> +"Is't so, nephew?" +</P> + +<P> +"Rat me if it isn't, sir! It lacketh that niceness of finish, that +gracious poise o' the bady, that '<I>je ne sais quoi</I>' which is all the +mode." +</P> + +<P> +"So, nephew, you fence— +</P> + +<P> +"Of course, nunky, we all do—'tis the fashion. I fence a bout or so +every day with the great Mancini, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"So he's great these days?" +</P> + +<P> +"How, d'ye know him, uncle?" +</P> + +<P> +"Years ago I fenced with him in Flanders." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I thought him too flamboyant——" +</P> + +<P> +"O, Gad requite me, sir! Had you but felt his celebrated attack—that +stoccata! Let me show you!" So saying, the Viscount tossed his hat +into a corner, took the Sergeant's foil and fell into a graceful +fencing posture. +</P> + +<P> +"Come, nunky, on guard!" he cried. Smiling, the Major saluted. "Here +he is, see you, the point bearing so, and before you can blink——" +</P> + +<P> +"Your coat, sir!" said the Sergeant, proffering to take it. +</P> + +<P> +"Let be, Zeb, let be," sighed the Viscount, "it takes my fellow to get +me into 't, and my two fellows to get me out on't, so let be. Come, +nunky mine." Smiling, the Major fell to his guard and the blades rang +together. "Here he is, see you, his point bearing so, and, ere you can +blink he comes out of tierce and—— +</P> + +<P> +"I pink you—so!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad's me life!" exclaimed his nephew, staring. "What the—how—come +again, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +Once more the blades clinked and instantly the Viscount lunged; the +Major stepped back, his blade whirled and the Viscount's weapon spun +from his grasp and clattered to the floor. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad save me poor perishing sawl!" he exclaimed, staring gloomily at +his fallen weapon, "how did ye do 't, sir? Sergeant Zeb, damme you're +laughing at me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, picking up the foil, "I were!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very curst of you! And how did he manage Mancini?" +</P> + +<P> +"Much the same as he managed you, sir, only——" +</P> + +<P> +"Only?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not so—so prompt, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"The devil he did! But Mancini's esteemed one of the best——" +</P> + +<P> +"So were his honour, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"O!" said the Viscount, "and he didn't puff and he ain't sweating—my +sawl!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis use, nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"And country air, sir! Look at you—young as you were five years +since—nay, younger, I vow. Now look at me, a pasitive bunch of +fiddle-strings—appetite bad, stomach worse, nerves—O love me! A +pasitive wreck, Gad prasper me!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major's sharp eyes noted the youthful, upright figure, the alert +glance, the resolute set of mouth and chin, and he smiled. +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure you are in a—er—a low, weak state of health, I +understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"O sir, most curst." +</P> + +<P> +"Poor Pancras!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, sir, a Gad's name don't call me so, 'tis a curst name, 'twas +my father's name, beside 'tis a name to hang a dog. Call me Tam, Tam's +short and to the point—all my friends call me Tam, so call me Tam!" +</P> + +<P> +"So be it, Tom. So you come into the country for your health?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir, I do. Nothing like the country, sir, balmy air—mighty +invigorating, look at the ploughmen they eat and drink and sleep +and—er——" +</P> + +<P> +"Plough!" suggested the Major, gravely. +</P> + +<P> +"Begad, sir, so they do. And besides, I do love the country—brooks +and beehives, nunky; cabbages, y'know, cows d'ye see and clods and +things——" +</P> + +<P> +"And cuckoos, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, and cuckoos!" said the Viscount serenely. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, the country hath a beauty all its own, sir, so am I come +to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Be near her, nephew!" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh? O! Begad!" saying which Viscount Merivale took out a highly +ornate gold snuff-box, looked at it, tapped it and put it away again. +"Nunky," he murmured, "since you're so curst wide-awake I'm free to +confess that for the last six months I've worshipped at the shrine of +the Admirable Betty—de-votedly, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"There be others also, I think!" said the Major, handing his foil to +the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me, sir, 'tis true enough! The whole town is run mad for her +pasitively, and 'tis small wonder! She's a blooming peach, nunky, a +pearl of price—let me perish! A goddess, a veritable——" +</P> + +<P> +"Woman!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And, sir, this glory of her sex blooms and blossoms—next door. Ha' +ye seen her yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Once or twice, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Now I protest, sir—ain't she the most glorious creature—a peerless +piece—a paragon? By heaven, 'tis the sweetest, perversest witch and +so do my hopes soar." +</P> + +<P> +"Doth she prove so kind, nephew?" +</P> + +<P> +"O sir, she doth flout me consistently." +</P> + +<P> +"Flout you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Constantly, thank Vanus! 'Tis when she's kind I fall i' the dumps." +</P> + +<P> +"God bless me!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Look'ee sir, there's Tripp, for instance, dear old bottlenose Ben, she +smiles on him and suffers him to bear her fan, misfortunate dog! +There's Alton, she permits him to attend her regularly and hand her +from chair or coach, poor devil! There's West and Marchdale, I've +known her talk with them in corners, unhappy wights! There's +Dalroyd——" +</P> + +<P> +"The 'die-away' gentleman?" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"O he's death and the devil for her, he is—a sleepy, smouldering +flame, rat me! And she is scarce so kind to him I could wish. But as +for me, nunky, me she scorns, flouts, contemns and quarrels with, so +doth hope sing within me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major, clapping on his wig. +</P> + +<P> +"So I am here in the fervent hope that ere the year is out she may be +my Viscountess and—O my stricken sawl!" +</P> + +<P> +"What is't, nephew?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir, that's the question—what? Faith, it might be anything." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean my wig, Tom?" enquired the Major, laughing, yet flushing a +little. +</P> + +<P> +"Wig?" murmured the Viscount, "after all, sir, there is a +resemblance—though faint. Sure you never venture abroad in the thing? +</P> + +<P> +"Why not?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould be pasitively indecent, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +Here the Major laughed, but the Sergeant, setting the furniture in +place, scowled fixedly at the chair he chanced to be grasping. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps 'tis time I got me a new one," said the Major, slipping into +his coat. +</P> + +<P> +"One!" exclaimed the Viscount. "O pink me, sir—a man of your standing +and position needs a dozen. A wig, sir, is as capricious as a +woman—it can make a gentleman a dowdy, a fool look wise and a wise man +an ass, 'tis therefore a—what the——" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount rose and putting up his glass peered at his uncle in +pained astonishment: +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—sir," he faltered, "'tis a perfectly curst object that—may I +venture to enquire——" +</P> + +<P> +"What, my coat, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Coat—coat—O let me perish!" And the Viscount sank limply into a +chair and drooped there in dejection. "Calls it a coat!" he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis past its first bloom, I'll allow——" +</P> + +<P> +"Bloom—O stap me!" whispered the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"But 'twas a very good coat once——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, nay, I protest," cried the Viscount, "upon a far, far distant +day it may have been a something to keep a man warm, but 'twas never, O +never a coat——" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sir, in its halcyon days 'twas an ill dream, now—'tis a +pasitive nightmare. Have you any other garment a trifle less gruesome, +sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have two other suits I think, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Three, your honour, there's your d'Oyley stuff suit" (the Viscount +groaned), "there's your blue and silver and the black velvet garnished +with——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sounds curst funereal, Zeb! O my poor nunky! Go fetch 'em, Sergeant, +and let me see 'em—'twill distress and pain me I know but—go fetch +'em!" +</P> + +<P> +Here, at a nod from the Major, Sergeant Zebedee departed. +</P> + +<P> +"I—er—live very retired, Tom," began the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll change all that, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"The devil, you say!" +</P> + +<P> +"O nunky, nunky, 'tis time I took you in hand. D'ye ever hunt now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why no!" +</P> + +<P> +"Visit your neighbours?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not as yet, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Go among your tenantry?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very seldom——" +</P> + +<P> +"O fie, sir, fie! Here's you pasitively wasting all your natural +advantages,—shape, stature, habit o' bady all thrown away—I always +admired your curst, high, stand-and-deliver air—even as a child, and +here's you living and clothing yourself like——" +</P> + +<P> +He paused as the Sergeant re-entered, who, spreading out the three +suits upon the table with a flourish, stood at attention. +</P> + +<P> +"I knew it—I feared so!" murmured the Viscount, turning over the +garments. He sighed over them, he groaned, he nearly wept. "Take 'em +away—away, Zeb," he faltered at last, "hide 'em from the eye o' day, +lose 'em, a Gad's name, Zeb—burn 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"Burn 'em, sir?" repeated the Sergeant, folding up the despised +garments with painful care, "axing your pardon, m'lord, same being his +honour's I'd rather——" +</P> + +<P> +"Next week, nunky, you shall ride to town with me and acquire some real +clothes." +</P> + +<P> +The Major stroked his chin and surveyed the Sergeant's wooden +expression! +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, Tom," said he, "I think I will!" +</P> + +<P> +Glancing from the window, the Major beheld a train of heavily-laden +pack-horses approaching, up the drive. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, what's all this?" he exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"That?" answered the Viscount yawning, "merely a few of my clothes, +sir, and trifling oddments——" +</P> + +<P> +"God bless my soul!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, tucking the garments under his arm beneath +the Viscount's horrified gaze, "with your permission will proceed to +warn grooms and stable-boys of approaching cavalry squadron!" and he +marched out forthwith. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH IS A VERY BRIEF CHAPTER +</H4> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"I pr'ythee spare me, gentle boy<BR> +Press me no more for that slight toy<BR> +That foolish trifle of a heart<BR> +I swear it will not do its part<BR> +Though thou dost thine——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +The Viscount checked his song and inserting the upper half of his +person through the open lattice, hailed the Major cheerily. +</P> + +<P> +"What, uncle, nunky, nunk—still at it? 'Tis high time you went to +change your dress." +</P> + +<P> +"O? And why, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"I look for our company here in twenty minutes or so." +</P> + +<P> +"What company, may I ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lady Belinda and Our Admirable Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"Good God!" ejaculated the Major starting up in sudden agitation. +"Coming here—you never mean it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do indeed, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"But Lord! Why should they come?" +</P> + +<P> +"As I gather, sir, 'tis because you invited 'em——" +</P> + +<P> +"I? Never in my life!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, 'tis true sir, I was your mouthpiece—your ambassador, as it +were." +</P> + +<P> +"And she—er—they are coming here! Both!" +</P> + +<P> +"Both, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Lord, Tom, 'tis a something desperate situation, what am I to do +with——" +</P> + +<P> +"Leave 'em to me sir! They shan't daunt you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha! To you, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"And dear old Ben——" +</P> + +<P> +"O?" +</P> + +<P> +"And Alton——" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed!" +</P> + +<P> +"And Marchdale——" +</P> + +<P> +"Any more, nephew?" +</P> + +<P> +"And Alvaston——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah?" +</P> + +<P> +"And Dalroyd and Denholm——" +</P> + +<P> +"Did I invite 'em all, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Every one, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder what made me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Loneliness, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye think so, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, you've always been a lonely man, I mind." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps I have—except for the Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"You are still, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Belike I am—though I have Sergeant Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"But we'll change all that in a month—aye, less! You shall grow two +or three hundred years younger and enjoy at last the youth you've never +known." +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, you'd give me much, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount took out his snuff-box, tapped it, opened it, and forgot +his affectations. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, "there was, on a time, a little, wretched boy, who, +hating and fearing his father, grieving in his sweet mother's griefs +until she died, found thereafter a friend, very tender and strong, in a +big, red-coated uncle——" +</P> + +<P> +"By adoption, nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, but I found him more truly satisfying to my youthful needs +than any uncle by blood, Lord love me! At whose all too infrequent +visits my boyish griefs and fears fled away—O Gad, sir, in those days +I made of you a something betwixt Ajax defying the lightning and +a—wet-nurse, and plague take it, sir, d'ye wonder if I——" Here the +Viscount took a pinch of snuff and sneezed violently. "Rat me!" he +gasped, "'tis the hatefullest stuff!" Followed a volley of sneezing +and thereafter a feeble voice—"The which reminds me sir we must drink +tea——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I abominate tea, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"So do I, sir, so do I—curst stuff! You know the song: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +'Let Mahometan fools<BR> +Live by heathenish rules<BR> +And be damned over tea-cups and coffee—'<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +But the women dote on it, dear creatures! 'Tis to the sex what water +is to the pig (poor, fat, ignorant brute!) ale to the yeoman (lusty +fellow) Nantzy to your nobby-nosed parson (roguish old boy) and wine to +your man of true taste. So, let there be tea, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"By all means, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"And sir—if I may venture a suggestion—?" +</P> + +<P> +"Take courage, nephew, and try!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, wear your blue and silver, nunky, 'tis the least obnaxious +and by the way, have you such a thing as a lackey or so about the place +to get in one's way and to be tumbled over as is the polite custom, +sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major thoughtfully, "I fancy the Sergeant has drafted +'em all into his gardening squad—ask Mrs. Agatha, she'll know." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +INTRODUCING DIVERS FINE GENTLEMEN +</H4> + +<P> +"Gentlemen!" said the Viscount, "you have, I believe, had the honour to +meet my uncle, Major d'Arcy, for a moment, 'tis now my privilege to +make you better acquainted, for to know him is to honour him. Uncle, I +present our Ben, our blooming Benjamin—Sir Benjamin Tripp." +</P> + +<P> +"Ods body, sir!" cried Sir Benjamin, plump, rubicund and jovial. "'Tis +a joy—a joy, I vow! Od, sir,'tis I protest an infinite joy to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha' done with your joys, Ben," said the Viscount, "here's Tony all set +for his bow! Nunky—Mr. Anthony Marchdale!" Mr. Marchdale, a man of +the world of some nineteen summers bent languidly and lisped: +</P> + +<P> +"Kiss your hands, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"I present Lord Alvaston!" His lordship, making the utmost of his +slender legs aided by a pair of clocked silk stockings bowed +exuberantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Very devoted humble, sir! As regards your poacher, sir, ma humble +'pinion's precisely your 'pinion sir—poacher's a dam rogue but rogue's +a man 'n' rabbit's only rabbit—if 'sequently if dam rogue kills rabbit +an' rabbit's your rabbit——" +</P> + +<P> +"Stint your plaguy rabbits a while, Bob. Nunky, Captain West." +</P> + +<P> +"Yours to command, sir!" said the Captain, a trifle mature, a trifle +grim, but shooting his ruffles with a youthful ease. +</P> + +<P> +"The Marquis of Alton!" +</P> + +<P> +"I agree with Ben, sir, 'tis a real joy, strike me dumb if 'tisn't!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir Jasper Denholm!" +</P> + +<P> +Sir Jasper, chiefly remarkable for an interesting pallor, and handsome +eyes which had earned for themselves the epithet of "soulful," bowed in +turn: +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," he sighed, "your dutiful humble! If you be one of this sighful, +amorous fellowship that worships peerless Betty from afar, 'tis an +added bond, sir, a——" Speech was extinguished by a gusty sigh. +</P> + +<P> +"Od so!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, hilariously, "do we then greet another +rival for the smiles of our Admirable Lady Betty—begad!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major started slightly then smiled and shook his head in denial. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, such presumption is not in me——" +</P> + +<P> +"But, indeed, sir," sighed Sir Jasper, "you must have marked how Cupid +lieth basking in the dimple of her able chin, lieth ambushed in her +night-soft hair, playeth (naughty young wanton) in her snowy bosom, +lurketh (rosy elf) 'neath——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir!" said the Major, rather hastily, "I have eyes!" +</P> + +<P> +"Enough, sir—whoso hath eyes must worship! So do we salute you as a +fellow-sufferer deep-smit of Eros his blissful, barbed dart." +</P> + +<P> +"Od rabbit me, 'tis so!" cried Sir Benjamin. "Here's wine, come, a +toast, let us fill to Love's latest bleeding victim—let us +solemnly——" +</P> + +<P> +The door opened, a rehabilitated footman announced: 'Lady Belinda +Damain, Lady Elizabeth Carlyon,' and in the ladies swept, whereupon the +Major instinctively felt to see if his peruke were straight. +</P> + +<P> +"O dear heart!" exclaimed the Lady Belinda, halting with slim foot +daintily poised. "So many gentlemen—I vow 'tis pure! And discussing +a toast, too! O Gemini! Dear sirs, what is't—relate!" +</P> + +<P> +"I' faith, madam," cried Sir Benjamin, "we greet and commiserate +another victim to your glorious niece's glowing charms, we salute our +fellow-sufferer Major d'Arcy!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major laughed a little uncertainly as he hastened to welcome his +guests. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed," said he, "what man having eyes can fail to admire though from +afar, and in all humility!" +</P> + +<P> +At this, Lady Betty laughed also and meeting her roguish look he +flushed and bent very low above the Lady Belinda's hand but conscious +only of her who stood so near and who in turn sank down before him in +gracious curtsey, down and down, looking up at him the while with smile +a little malicious and eyes of laughing mockery ere she rose, all +supple, joyous ease despite her frills and furbelows. +</P> + +<P> +"Doth he suffer much, think you, gentlemen?" she enquired, turning +towards the company yet with gaze upon the Major's placid face. +"Burneth he with amorous fire, think you, wriggleth he on Cupid's dart?" +</P> + +<P> +"O infallibly!" answered Sir Benjamin, "I'll warrant me, madam, he +flameth inwardly—— +</P> + +<P> +"E'en as unhappy I!" sighed Sir Jasper Denholm. +</P> + +<P> +"And I myself!" said the Captain, shooting a ruffle. +</P> + +<P> +"O Gad!" exclaimed Viscount Merivale, "why leave out the rest of us?" +</P> + +<P> +"Demme, yes!" cried the Marquis, "we are all our divine Betty's +miserable humble, obedient slaves to command——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis excellent well!" exclaimed my lady gaily, "miserable slaves, I +greet you one and all and 'tis now my will, mandate and command that +you shall attend dear my aunt whiles I question this most placid +sufferer as to his torments. Major, your hand—pray let us walk!" +</P> + +<P> +As one in a dream he took her soft fingers in his and let her lead him +whither she would. Side by side they passed through stately rooms lit +by windows rich with stained glass; beneath carved and gilded ceilings, +along broad corridors, up noble stairways and down again, she full of +blithe talk, he rather more silent even than usual. She quizzed the +grim effigies in armour, bowed airily to the portraits, peeped into +cupboards and corners, viewing all things with quick, appraising, +feminine eyes while he, looking at this and that as she directed him, +was conscious only of her. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a fine house!" she said critically, "and yet it hath, methinks, a +sad and plaintive air. 'Tis all so big and desolate!" +</P> + +<P> +"Desolate!" said he, thoughtfully. +</P> + +<P> +"And lonely and cold, and empty and—ha'n't you noticed it, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, no!" +</P> + +<P> +"I marvel!" +</P> + +<P> +"As for lonely, mam, they tell me I am naturally so, and then I have my +work." +</P> + +<P> +"And that, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm writing a History of Fortification." +</P> + +<P> +"It sounds plaguy dull!" +</P> + +<P> +"So it does!" he agreed. In time they came to the library and study +but on the threshold of that small, bare chamber, my lady paused. +</P> + +<P> +"You poor soul!" she exclaimed. The Major looked startled. "'Tis here +you sit and write?" she demanded. He admitted it. "And not so much as +a rug on the floor!" +</P> + +<P> +"Rugs are apt to—er—encumber one's feet!" he suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"Nor a picture to light this dull panelling! Not a cushion, not a +footstool! O 'tis a dungeon, 'tis deadly drear and smells horribly of +tobacco—faugh!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall we rejoin the company?" he ventured. +</P> + +<P> +"So bare, so barren!" she sighed, "so lorn and loveless!" Here she +sank down at the desk in the Major's great armchair and shook +disparaging head at him: "Why not work in comfort?" +</P> + +<P> +"Is it so lacking?" he questioned, "I was content——" +</P> + +<P> +"With very little, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Surely to be content is to be happy?" +</P> + +<P> +"And are you so—very happy, Major d'Arcy?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—think so! At the least, I'm content——" +</P> + +<P> +"Is a man ever content?" she enquired, taking up one of his pens in +idle fingers. +</P> + +<P> +The Major fell to pondering this, watching her the while as, with the +feather of the pen she began to touch and stroke her vivid lips and he +noticed how full and gentle were their curves. +</P> + +<P> +"He is a fool who strives for the impossible!" said he at last. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, he is a very man!" she retorted. "Are there many things +impossible after all, to a man of sufficient determination, I +wonder—or a woman?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major, seating himself on a corner of the desk, pondered this also; +and now the feather of the pen was caressing the dimple in her chin, +and he noticed how firm this chin was for all its round softness. +</P> + +<P> +"'Deed, sir," she went on again, "I feel as we had known each other all +our days, I wonder why?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major took up his tobacco-box that lay near by and turned it over +and over before he answered and without looking at her: +</P> + +<P> +"I'm happy to know it, madam, very!" +</P> + +<P> +"And my name is Betty and yours is John and we are neighbours. So I +shall call you Major John and sometimes Major Jack—when you please me." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you learn my name?" he asked gently; but now he did look at +her. +</P> + +<P> +"Major John," she answered lightly, "you possess a nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure!" said he and looked at the tobacco-box again, then +put it by, rather suddenly, and rose, "which reminds me that the +company wait you, mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do—not——" +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor that!" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady Betty," he amended, after a momentary pause. "The company— +</P> + +<P> +"Pish to the company!" +</P> + +<P> +"But madam, consider——" +</P> + +<P> +"Pooh to the company! Pray be seated again, Major John. You love your +nephew, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed! 'Tis a noble fellow, handsome, rich and—young——" +</P> + +<P> +"True, he's very young, Major John!" +</P> + +<P> +"And—er—" the Major glanced a little helplessly towards the +tobacco-box, "he—he loves you and, er——" +</P> + +<P> +"Mm!" said Lady Betty, biting the pen thoughtfully between white teeth. +"He loves me, sir—go on, I beg!" +</P> + +<P> +"And being a lover he awaits you impatiently." +</P> + +<P> +"And the others, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And the others of course, and here are you—I mean here am I——" +</P> + +<P> +"You, Major John—but O why drag yourself into it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean that whiles they wait for sight of you I—er—keep you here——" +</P> + +<P> +"By main force, sir." +</P> + +<P> +The Major laughed. +</P> + +<P> +"They will be growing desperate, I doubt," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, let 'em, Major John, I prefer to be—kept here awhile. Pray be +seated as you were." +</P> + +<P> +He obeyed, though his usually serene brow was flushed and his gaze +wandered towards the tobacco-box again, perceiving which, my lady +placed it in his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"As regards your nephew——" +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning Pancras, sir, he plagued me monstrously this morning. I was +alone within the bower and he had the extreme impertinence to—climb +the wall." +</P> + +<P> +"The deuce he did, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"It hath been done before, I think, sir!" she sighed. "Being stole +into the arbour he set a cushion on the floor and his knees thereon +and, referring to his tablets, spoke me thus: 'Here beginneth the +one-hundred-and-forty-sixth supplication for the hand, the heart, the +peerless body of the most adorable——' but I spare you the rest, sir. +Upon this, I, for the one-hundred and forty-sixth time incontinent +refused him, whereupon he was for reading an ode he hath writ me, +whereupon I, very naturally, sought to flee away, whereupon a great, +vile, hugeous, ugly, monstrous, green and hairy caterpillar fell upon +me—whereupon, of course, I swooned immediately." +</P> + +<P> +"Poor child!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"The couch being comfortably near, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Couch!" exclaimed the Major, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"Would you have me swoon on the floor, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"But if you swoon, mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"I swoon gracefully, sir—'tis a family trait. I, being in a swoon, +then, Major John, your nephew had the extreme temerity to—kiss me." +</P> + +<P> +The Major looked highly uncomfortable. +</P> + +<P> +"He kissed me here, sir!" and rosy finger-tip indicated dimpled chin. +"To be sure he aimed for my lips, but, by subtlety, I substituted my +chin which he kissed—O, passionately!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major dropped the tobacco-box. +</P> + +<P> +"But I understand you—but you were swooning!" he stammered. +</P> + +<P> +"I frequently do, Major John, I also faint, sir, as occasion doth +demand." +</P> + +<P> +"God bless my soul!" he exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore this amaze, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Fore Heaven, madam, I had not dreamed of such—such duplicity." +</P> + +<P> +"O Innocence!" she cried. +</P> + +<P> +"Do all fine ladies feign swoons, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Major Innocence, they do! They swoon by rote and they faint by rule." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank Heaven there be none to come swooning my way!" said he fervently. +</P> + +<P> +"Dare you contemn the sex, sir? +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I'm not so bold, madam, or sufficiently experienced." +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure your knowledge of the sex is limited, I understand." +</P> + +<P> +"Very!" +</P> + +<P> +"You have known but three ladies, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I make the fourth, Major John." +</P> + +<P> +"But indeed, I should never learn to know you in the least." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, 'tis very well!" she nodded. "That which mystifies, attracts." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you wish to attract?" he enquired, stooping for the tobacco-box. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I am a woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"True," he smiled, "for whose presence several poor gentlemen do sigh. +Let us join 'em." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah! You wish to be rid of me!" She laid down the pen and, leaning +chin on hand, regarded him with eyes of meekness. "Do you wish to be +rid of me?" she enquired humbly. "Do I weary you with my idle chatter, +most grave philosopher?" She had a trick of pouting red lips sometimes +when thinking and she did so now as she waited her answer. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" said he. +</P> + +<P> +"I could wish you a little more emphatic, sir and much more—more +fiercely masculine—ferocity tempered with respect. Could you ever +forget to be so preposterously sedate?" +</P> + +<P> +"I climbed a wall!" he reminded her. +</P> + +<P> +"Pooh!" she exclaimed, "and sat there as gravely unruffled, as proper +and precise as a parson in a pulpit. See you now, perched upon a +corner of the desk, yet you perch so sublimely correct and solemn 'tis +vastly annoying. Could you ever contrive to lose your temper, I +wonder?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never with a child," he answered, smiling. +</P> + +<P> +Lady Betty stiffened and stared at him with proud head upflung, grew +very red, grew pale, and finally laughed; but her eyes glittered +beneath down-sweeping lashes as she answered softly: +</P> + +<P> +"'Deed, sir, I'm very contemptibly young, sir, immaturely hoydenish, +sir, green, callow, unripe and altogether of no account to a tried man +o' the world sir, of age and judgment ripe—aye, a little over-ripe, +perchance. And yet, O!" my lady sighed ecstatic, "I dare swear that +one day you shall not find in all the South country such a +furiously-angry, ferociously-passionate, rampantly-raging old gentleman +as Major John d'Arcy, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"And there's your aunt calling us, I think," said he, gently. Lady +Betty bit her lip and frowned at her dainty shoe. "Pray let her wail, +sir, 'tis her one delight when there chance to be a sufficiency of +gentlemen to attend her, so suffer the poor soul to wail awhile, +sir—nay, she's here!" +</P> + +<P> +As the Major rose the door opened and Lady Belinda entered "twittering" +upon the arms of Viscount Merivale and Sir Benjamin Tripp. +</P> + +<P> +"Olack-a-day, dear Bet!" she gasped, "my own love-bird, 'tis here you +are and the dear Major too! We've sought thee everywhere, child, the +tea languishes—high an low we've sought thee, puss. 'Tis a monstrous +fine house but vast—so many stairs—such work—upstairs and downstairs +I've climbed and clambered, child——" +</P> + +<P> +"Od so, 'tis true enough!" said Sir Benjamin clapping laced +handkerchief to heated brow, "haven't done so much, hem! I say so much +climbing for years, I vow!" +</P> + +<P> +Here the Viscount, serene as ever, slowly closed one eye. +</P> + +<P> +"Come Betty sweet, tea grows impatient and clamours for thee and I for +tea, and the gentlemen all do passion for thee." +</P> + +<P> +"By the way, Tom," said the Major as they followed the company, "I +don't see Mr. Dalroyd here." +</P> + +<P> +"No more he is, nunky!" answered the Viscount, "but then, Lord, sir, +Dalroyd is something of an unknown quantity, at all times." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +IN WHICH LADY BELINDA TALKS +</H4> + +<P> +"And pray mam," enquired the Major as they strolled over velvety lawn, +"are you and my lady Betty settled in the country for good?" +</P> + +<P> +The Lady Belinda stopped suddenly and raised clasped hands to heaven. +</P> + +<P> +"Hark to the monster!" she ejaculated, "O Lud, Major, how can you? +Stop in the country—I? O heaven—a wilderness of cabbages and +caterpillars—of champing cows and snorting bulls! Sir, sir, at the +bare possibility I vow I could positively swoon away——" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't, mam!" cried the Major hastily. "No, no mam, pray don't," he +pleaded. +</P> + +<P> +"I detest the country sir, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so, quite so," said the Major soothingly, "cows mam, I +understand—quite natural indeed!" +</P> + +<P> +"I loathe and abominate the country, sir—so rude and savage! Such mud +and so—so infinite muddy and clingy! What can one do in the country +but mope and sigh to be out of it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, one can walk in it, mam, and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Walk, sir? But I nauseate walking—in the country extremely. Think +of the brooks sir, so—so barbarously wet and—and brooky. Think of +the wind so bold to rumple one and spiky things to drag at and tear and +take liberties with one's garments! Think of the things that creep and +crawl and the things that fly and buzz—and the spiders' webs that +tickle one's face! No sir, no—the country is no place for one endowed +with a fine and delicate nature." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not, mam," said the Major heartily. "Then you'll be leaving +shortly?" +</P> + +<P> +"I so beseech Heaven on my two bended knees, sir, but alas, I know not! +'Tis Betty—an orphan, sweet child and in my care. But indeed she's so +wickedly wilful, so fly-by-night, so rampant o' youth and—and +unreason." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"And though sweet Bet is an angel of goodness she hath a temper, O!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And such—such animal spirits! So vulgarly robust! Such rude health +and vigorous as a dairy-maid! And talking of dairy matters, only the +other morning I found her positively—milking a cow!" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad and did you so, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"And this morning such a romping in the dairy and there was she—O sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"What, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Arms all naked—churning, sir! +</P> + +<P> +"O, churning?" +</P> + +<P> +"Riotously, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you—er—swoon, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I could ha' done, dear Major, but—'twixt you and me, though +dear Bet hath the best of hearts, she is perhaps a little unsympathetic +I'll not deny, and hath betimes a sharp tongue, I must confess." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I—I should judge so, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"O you men!" sighed the Lady Belinda, turning up her eyes, "so quick to +spy out foibles feminine—la sir and fie! But indeed though I do love +my sweet Bet, O passionately, truth bids me say she can be almost +shrewish!" +</P> + +<P> +"You have my sympathy, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dear Major, I deserve it—if you only knew! The pranks she hath +played me—so wild, so ungoverned, so—so unvirginal!" The Major +winced. "I have known her gallop her horse in the +paddock—man-fashion!" The Major looked relieved; perceiving which, +Lady Belinda, sinking her voice, continued: "And once, sir, O heaven, +can I ever forget! Once—O I tremble to speak it! Once——" The +Major flinched again. "Once, sir, she actually ventured forth dressed +in—in—O I blush!—in—O Modesty! O Purity!—in—O——!" +</P> + +<P> +"Madam, a God's name—in what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Male attire, sir—O I burn!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major did the same. +</P> + +<P> +"Not—you don't mean—abroad, mam, in—in 'em?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do, sir, I do! She swaggered down the Mall, sir ogling the women, +and finding me alone and I not knowing her, she did so leer and nudge +me that I all but swooned 'twixt fear and modesty, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good God!" ejaculated the Major, faintly, "was she—alone, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"She was with her naughty brother Charles and methought he'd die of his +unseemly mirth. A wild youth, indeed and she hath the same lawless +spirit, sir. All their motherless days I have cared for 'em and what +with their waywardness and my own high-strung nature—O me!" +</P> + +<P> +"I can conceive your days have not been—uneventful, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Charles is known to you, of course, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"But your nephew Pancras and he are greatly intimate!" +</P> + +<P> +"I've never even heard of him, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then you don't know that poor, naughty, misguided Charles +is—hush, they come! Yonder, sir—O Cupid, a ravishing couple!" +</P> + +<P> +Lady Betty and the Viscount were approaching them, quarrelling as +usual, she bright-eyed and flushed of cheek, he handsome, debonair and +unutterably serene. +</P> + +<P> +"A truly noble pair, dear Major!" sighed Lady Belinda. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, yes, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould be an excellent match?" +</P> + +<P> +"Excellent!" +</P> + +<P> +"Both so well suited, so rich, so handsome——" +</P> + +<P> +"And so—young, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"O sir, I yearn to have 'em married!" The Major was silent. "'Twould +tame her wildness, I warrant. How think you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Belike it would, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let us conspire together for their good, dear sir! Let us wed +'em as soon as may be—come?" +</P> + +<P> +"But mam, I—er—indeed, madam, I know nought of such things I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, never doubt but we shall contrive it betwixt us. 'Tis then +agreed—O 'twill be pure! Henceforth we are conspirators, dear Major, +O 'tis ravishing! Hush—yonder come the gentlemen to make their +adieux, I think—let us meet 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +As one in a dream the Major gave her his hand and together they +rejoined the company who took leave of their host with much bowing of +backs, flirting of ruffles, flicking of handkerchiefs and tapping of +snuff-boxes. As the Major stood to watch their departure my lady Betty +beckoned him to her side: +</P> + +<P> +"And pray, dear sir, hath my aunt recounted you all my sins?" she +enquired soft-voiced. +</P> + +<P> +"I have learned you can milk a cow and felicitate you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course she told you how I wore breeches, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major gasped, and stood before her blushing and mute; perceiving +which, she laughed: +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, they become me vastly well!" she murmured, and sank before him +in the stateliest of curtseys. "Au revoir, my dear Major Jack!" she +laughed and giving her hand to an attendant adorer, moved away down the +drive with all the gracious dignity of a young goddess. +</P> + +<P> +Long after the gay company had vanished from sight Major d'Arcy stood +there, head bowed, hands deep-plunged in coat pockets and with the +flush still burning upon his bronzed cheek. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE VISCOUNT DISCOURSES ON SARTORIAL ART +</H4> + +<P> +Viscount Merivale sighed ecstatic. +</P> + +<P> +"Beautiful!" he murmured. "O beautiful, nunky! Here we have +perfection of fit, excellence of style, harmony of colour and +graciousness of line!" +</P> + +<P> +"Colour," reflected the Major, "is't not a little fevered, Tom, a +little—hectic as 'twere?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hectic—O impiety! You are a sentient rhapsody, a breathing poem, +sir, blister me!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major regarded his reflection in the mirror dubious and askance; +his plum-coloured, gold-braided coat, his gorgeous embroidered +waistcoat, his clocked stockings and elegant French shoes; his critical +glance roved from flowing new periwig to flashing diamond shoe-buckles +and he blinked. +</P> + +<P> +"I find myself something too dazzling, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"Entirely <I>à la mode</I>, sir, let me perish!" +</P> + +<P> +"A little too—exotic, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"Rat me sir—no, not a particle." +</P> + +<P> +"And I feel uncomfortably stiff in 'em——" +</P> + +<P> +"But, sir, reflect on the joy you confer on the beholder!" +</P> + +<P> +"True, I had forgot that!" said the Major smiling. +</P> + +<P> +"You are a joy to the eye nunky, an inspiration, you are, I vow you +are. If your breeches cramp you, suffer 'em, if your coat gall you, +endure it for the sake o' the world in general—be unselfish, sir. +Look at me—on state occasions my garments pinch me infernally, cause +me pasitive torture, sir, but I endure for the sake of others, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"You are a martyr, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me, sir, 'tis so, a man of fashion must be. So there you +stand as gay a young spark as ever ruffled it——" +</P> + +<P> +"These shoe-buckles, now," mused the Major, "here was an egregious +folly and waste of money——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, you could afford 'em, sir, and there's nothing can show your true +man of taste like an elegant foot." +</P> + +<P> +"Still, considering my age, Tom— +</P> + +<P> +"A man is as old as he looks, sir, and you look no older than +thirty-one." +</P> + +<P> +The Major shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"I could ha' wished myself a little more sombre-clad——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sambre sir—O Gad support me, sambre? Permit me to say, sir, with the +greatest deference in the world—tush t'you, sir! Why must ye pine to +be sambre? You ain't a parson nor a Quaker, nor yet a funeral! With +all due respect, sir—pish! You are as sober clad as any +self-respecting gentleman could desire." +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye think so, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure of it, sir, 'pon my honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major still a little dubious and reaching for his +gold-laced hat, was in the act of setting it on his head when a cry +from the Viscount arrested him. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me, sir, what are you about with your hat?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am about to put it on, sure, nephew." +</P> + +<P> +"O Lard, sir, never do so, I beg!" +</P> + +<P> +"In heaven's name why not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'tis never done sir. Fie, 'tis a curst barbarian act never +committed by the 'ton'!" +</P> + +<P> +"But damme, Tom, what are hats for?" +</P> + +<P> +"To show off one's hand sir, to fan one's self gracefully, to be borne +negligently 'neath the arm, to point a remark or lend force to an +epigram, to woo and make love with, to offend and insult with, 'tis for +a thousand and one things, sir, but never O never to put on one's +head—'tis a practice unmodish, reprehensible and altogether damnable!" +</P> + +<P> +"Tom," said the Major, looking a little dazed, "now look'ee, Tom, I'm +no town gallant nor ever shall be, to me a hat is a hat, and as such I +shall use it——" +</P> + +<P> +"But reflect sir, consider how it will discommode your peruke." +</P> + +<P> +"Tom, well-nigh all my days I have worn a uniform and consequently any +other garments feel strange on me—these cursedly so. But since I've +bought 'em, I'll wear 'em my own way. And now, since 'tis a fine +evening, I'll walk abroad and try to get a little used to 'em." +</P> + +<P> +Saying which the Major clapped on his hat a little defiantly and strode +out of the room. +</P> + +<P> +In the wide hall he met Mrs. Agatha and conscious of her glance of +surprised approval, felt himself flushing as he acknowledged her +curtsey; thereafter on his way out he stepped aside almost stealthily +to avoid one of the neat housemaids; even when out in the air he still +felt himself a mark for eyes that peeped unseen and hastened his steps +accordingly. +</P> + +<P> +And now, as luck would have it, he came upon the Sergeant busied at one +of the yew hedges with a pair of shears; checking a momentary impulse +to dodge out of sight, the Major advanced and touched him with his +gold-mounted cane. The Sergeant turned, stared, opened his mouth, shut +it again and came to attention. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Sergeant?" he enquired. Sergeant Zebedee blinked and coughed. +"Sergeant, I—ah—er—O damme, Zeb, what d'ye think of 'em?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, being by natur' a man o' few words all I can say is—Zounds!" +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye—d'ye like 'em Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, sloping the shears across his arm and +standing at ease, "I've a seen you in scarlet and jacks, I've a seen +you in cuirass and buff but—I ain't never a seen you look younger, no, +nor better, and that's God's truth amen, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm glad o' that, Zeb, very!" and the Major glanced full-skirted coat +and silk stockings with a kindlier eye. "To speak truth, Zeb, I found +'em a little—er—overpowering at first, as 'twere." +</P> + +<P> +"So they are, sir, as overpowering as ever was!" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh?" said the Major, starting. +</P> + +<P> +"Like the old regiment at Malplaquet, sir, they ain't to be took +lightly, nor yet withstood, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major, his eyes travelling up to a patch of fleecy +cloud. "And now as regards yourself, Sergeant. Since you refuse to +accept more pay——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not a groat, sir! Which ain't to be wondered at when you consider as +you've rose me twice since you dropped in for this here fortun'—not a +stiver, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Just so, Zeb, just so! Therefore I propose to advance you an extra +ten guineas a year as—er—a clothes-bounty, as 'twere." +</P> + +<P> +"Clo'es, sir! And me wi' two soots as refuses to be wore out not to +mention this here. Take these breeches, for example, they've done +dooty noble and true for three years and no sign o' weakness front or +rear——" +</P> + +<P> +"Still, 'tis time they were retired from the active list, Zeb. So at +the first opportunity you will proceed to fit yourself out anew—from +head to foot. See to it, Sergeant Tring!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir. Orders is orders." +</P> + +<P> +"And the sooner the better, Zebedee." And the Major nodded and went +his way. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Nom d'un chien!</I>" exclaimed the Sergeant looking after his master's +tall, elegant figure. "All I says is—Lord—Lord bless his eyes and +limbs!" +</P> + +<P> +Reaching the highway the Major turned aside from the village and +mounting a stile with due heed to his dainty apparel, followed a +footpath that led over a sloping upland, crossed a murmurous rill and +led on beside a wood from whose green depths came leafy stirrings and +the evening song of thrush and blackbird. As he progressed, the +leaping rill grew to a gurgling brook, widened to a splashing stream, +hurrying over pebbly bed until it deepened to a slumberous pool spanned +by a rustic bridge. +</P> + +<P> +Evening was at hand and the westering sun cast long shadows making of +these drowsy waters a pool of sombre mystery. Being upon the bridge +the Major paused to look down into these stilly depths and, leaning +well over the handrail, to survey himself in this watery mirror—the +graceful fall of his lace steenkirk, the flowing curls of his glossy +peruke, the cock of his laced hat; all of which he observed with a +profound and grave attention. So lost and absorbed was he that he +leaned there quite unconscious of one that had halted just within the +wood, crouching furtively amid the leaves. A tall, burly, +gipsy-looking fellow this, who caressed a knotty bludgeon in hairy +fingers and whose narrowed eyes roved over the indolent, lolling figure +on the bridge from gemmed cravat to glittering shoe-buckles; once he +took a stealthy forward step, the knobby club a-swing in eager hand +but, heeding the wide spread of these plum-coloured shoulders, the +vigorous length of these resplendent limbs, scowled and crouched back +among the leaves again. Presently, the Major, having settled his hat +more to his liking, went on across the bridge and along a path that led +over a wide sweep of green meadow and so to another stile flanked by +high hedges. Here he paused again to watch a skylark hovering against +the blue and to catch the faint, sweet ripple of song. And leaning +there with gaze aloft, he fell to deep thought, turning over in his +mind a problem that had vexed him much of late, a problem he had +pondered by day and thought over by night, to wit:— +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +Could a feminine being blessed by a bounteous Nature in all the outward +attributes most desirable in womanhood, a face beyond compare and +goddess-shape, but one who had wantonly exposed that shape to public +regard clad in the baser garb of masculinity—could such a one be +worthy of a man's humble respect and reverent homage? Would his mother +(God rest her sweet soul) have thought her virginal? Would his aunt +Clarissa have endured her for a moment? +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +He sighed heavily and like an echo, came a sob and then another. He +started, and guided by these sounds, discovered a very small damsel who +wept bitterly, a huddled, woeful little figure in the grassy ditch +beneath the hedge. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, child," said he, "what's your sorrow?" +</P> + +<P> +At this she glanced up in sudden fear but, like his voice, the Major's +grey eyes were gentle and very kindly; perceiving which she rose, the +better to bob him a curtsey, and sobbed forth her woe: +</P> + +<P> +"O sir, 'tis all along of another grand gentleman like you as took away +my letter." +</P> + +<P> +Forgetting fine clothes and dignity together, the Major sat down in the +ditch, drew the small, woebegone figure beside him and patted her +tear-stained cheek. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me all about it, you very small maid," said he. The little girl +hesitated, viewing him with the quick, intuitive eyes of childhood +then, checking her sobs, nestled within his velvet-clad arm. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a letter, sir, as was gave me by a dirty man as did meet me by +the old mill, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean the ruined mill beyond the park wall, child?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, please sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And a dirty fellow, was he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes sir, only with a clean voice—soft, like yours. And he give me a +groat and says I must take the letter to the Lady Carlyon as lives at +Densmere Court——" +</P> + +<P> +"Lady Carlyon!" exclaimed the Major staring. "Good Lord! 'Tis +strange, very strange. Sure that was the name, child?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, sir—the man did say it over and over and how I must give it to +only her. So I went 'long the road, sir, but a grand gentleman came up +behind me—so fine he was and grand and asked to see the letter and +took it and says as how he will give it to my lady and bid me run away +and that's all, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, never grieve, my small maid. You've done no harm—come let me +dry those pretty cheeks," which the Major with belaced handkerchief did +forthwith. "What's your name, child?" he enquired, lifting her to her +feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Charity Bent, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a pretty name. Many brothers and sisters?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir. I do be all father's got to take care o' him." +</P> + +<P> +"So you take care of him, do you, child?" +</P> + +<P> +"When he be at home, sir, he do work at the great house." +</P> + +<P> +"Which is that?" +</P> + +<P> +"The Manor, sir. And now I must go an' cook his supper, he'll be along +home soon." +</P> + +<P> +"Eh—cook?" said the Major, staring at the small speaker. "Child, how +old are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nine, please sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Lord!" exclaimed the Major, and lifting her up he kissed her rosy +cheek and, taking off his hat, stood to watch the small figure flit +away down the grassy way beyond. +</P> + +<P> +Hat in hand he leaned there once again, revolving in his mind the old +problem under a new aspect, thus: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +Question: Which is the more worthy, a humble village child of nine who +cooks her father's supper or a proud and idle young goddess who +wears—— +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +The Major sighed and put on his hat. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF INDIGNATION, A WOOD, AND A GIPSY +</H4> + +<P> +It was at this juncture that the Major became aware of a tall, buxom, +not to say strapping country-wench approaching down the lane, +sun-bonnet on head and large basket on comely arm; one garbed as all +maids should be, in simple gown that allowed free play to vigorous, +young limbs; one who moved with step blithe and purposeful, doubtless +busied upon some useful and womanly duty as all women should be. +</P> + +<P> +So thought the Major as he watched the approach of this rustic lass, +comparing her in her naturalness and simplicity to wood-nymphs and +dryads and goddesses of groves and fountains, and altogether to the +disadvantage of patched and powdered beauties in their coquettish +frills and furbelows. Sighing again, he turned to go back. +</P> + +<P> +"God bless your honour and, so please your honour, a humble good day to +your honour!" said a voice. +</P> + +<P> +The Major stopped, wheeled, and dropped his cane: +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" he exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"John!" said she. But, meeting his look, flushed and drooped her +lashes, whereupon he fell to stammering. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I was but now—'Tis strange but I was——" +</P> + +<P> +"Thinking of me, Major John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed!" he answered. +</P> + +<P> +"Kindly, Major Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pray," he enquired, "pray—er—are you alone?" +</P> + +<P> +"Momentarily!" she sighed. "But Sir Benjamin Tripp is somewhere about, +the Marquis is not far hence and Mr. Marchdale mopes at hand——" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean they seek you——?" +</P> + +<P> +"Most pertinaciously, sir, but quite vainly by reason that I can climb." +</P> + +<P> +"Climb?" repeated the Major, staring, "pray what?" +</P> + +<P> +"A wall, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Wall?" he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"Two, sir. I had to run away. They're dear creatures, to be sure, but +the Marquis persists in recounting pedigrees of horses and dogs, Sir +Benjamin rhapsodises in metre and poor Mr. Marchdale, being very young, +is so egregiously in love with me that I climb and clamber over walls +and here I am. Pray aid me over this stile ere they find me." +</P> + +<P> +The Major's aid was so energetic and prompt that Lady Betty was over +the stile and walking beside him, flushed and a little breathless all +in a moment. +</P> + +<P> +"You are forgetting your fine cane, sir," said she in a small voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure!" And flushing, he picked it up rather hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"And now prithee my basket—'twould never suit so fine a gentleman." +The Major flushed, seeing which she added: "Though indeed I do like you +infinitely so." +</P> + +<P> +"And I," said he impulsively, his keen, bright glance appraising her +from head to foot, "I find you infinitely more—more—er—womanly as +'twere—but pray why so large a basket?" +</P> + +<P> +"To carry eggs, sir, and butter and such. Some of your tenants are +miserably poor, Major John." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said he, thoughtfully. "And you buy them butter——" +</P> + +<P> +"I make them butter, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—do you, by Jove!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining. +</P> + +<P> +"I make them butter with the aid of certain polite, perspiring, and I +greatly fear, profane gentlemen." The Major's smooth brow grew ruffled. +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning whom, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, to-day 'twas Sir Benjamin Tripp, the Marquis, Sir Jasper Denholm +and Mr. Marchdale. To see Sir Benjamin churning is—O 'tis rare, 'tis +killing!" And my lady stood still the better to laugh. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir Benjamin Tripp—churning?" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"So hot—so scant o' breath!" she gurgled. "And his ruffles +flip-flopping and his fine peruke all askew. To-morrow 'twill be Lord +Alvaston and Captain West and—O 'twill be pure!" and once again she +trilled with laughter until, beholding the Major's expression, she +stopped breathless and wiping her eyes on the back of slender hand like +any rustic lass. "Doth it not strike you as comical?" she demanded. +</P> + +<P> +"O vastly!" said he, and sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"If you had but seen Sir Benjamin, poor, dear, good creature—he did so +blow and pant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Extreme diverting!" admitted the Major and sighed again. +</P> + +<P> +"And pray, Major d'Arcy, do you always utter deep-fetched and doleful +breathings when amused? Smile, sir, this instant!" The Major obeyed, +whereupon she shook critical head: "'Twas much like a grimace caused by +an extreme anguish, but 'twill serve for one so preternaturally grave +as Major d'Arcy." +</P> + +<P> +"Do I seem so grave, indeed?" he questioned wistfully. +</P> + +<P> +"As the tomb, sir!" The Major blinked: walked a dozen yards or so in +silence and sighed deeper than ever, strove to disguise it in a cough +and failing, stood rueful. My lady stopped and faced him: +</P> + +<P> +"Major John—Major d'Arcy, sir, look at me. Now prithee why all this +windy woe, this sighful sorrow—what evil thought harrows your lofty +serenity to-day?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think," said he, hands tight-clenched upon his cane, "I am haunted +by a certain evening in the Mall!" +</P> + +<P> +"O? Indeed? The Mall?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, my lady, the Mall." Slowly, slowly her red lips curved, her gaze +sank beneath his. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean, I think, when I wore——" +</P> + +<P> +"I do!" said he hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"So you have not forgot?" +</P> + +<P> +"Would to heaven I might!" +</P> + +<P> +"And prithee why?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas so unworthy your proud womanhood!" +</P> + +<P> +My lady flushed, averted her head and walked on in a dignified silence +until they reached the rustic bridge; here she paused to look down into +the stilly pool. +</P> + +<P> +"Heigho!" she sighed. The Major was silent and seeing how he frowned +with his big chin out-thrust, she bit her lip and dimpled. +</P> + +<P> +"The moon will be at the full to-night!" Still he didn't speak. "And +when the moon is full I always feel excessive feminine and vapourish!" +The Major, staring into the gloomy water, gloomed also. "And when I +feel vapourish, chiding nauseates me and reproaches give me the +megrims." +</P> + +<P> +"I would not reproach you, child——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ancient sir, I am not a child. And you do reproach me—you said 'twas +unworthy!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I said so," he admitted, keeping his gaze bent upon the sleepy +pool, "I said so, my lady, because I would have you in all things most +noble, most high and far removed 'bove fear of reproach. Because I +would have you worthy of all reverence." +</P> + +<P> +"Alas!" she sighed, "here is a something trying role for a poor maid +who chances to be very human flesh and blood!" +</P> + +<P> +"And yet," said he in his grave, gentle voice, "knowing you flesh and +blood, in my thought you were very nigh to divinity also." +</P> + +<P> +"Were?" she questioned softly. "Is my poor divinity lost so soon?" +And her arm touched his upon the handrail. The Major sighed and +immediately the arm withdrew itself and, before he could speak, she +laughed, though her merriment rang a little hollow. "And forsooth is +it so deep a sin, so black a crime to have ventured abroad in my +brother's clothes? And if it were, pray who is Major d'Arcy to sit in +judgment? Am I dishonoured, smirched beyond redemption——" +</P> + +<P> +"No—no——" he exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"So stained, so steeped in depravity——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah no indeed!" he cried, "indeed madam—ah, Betty it was but that it +seemed so—so——" +</P> + +<P> +"So what, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"So—so—unmaidenly." +</P> + +<P> +My lady Betty caught her breath in a gasp, her cheeks glowed hot and +angry and she fronted him with head upflung. +</P> + +<P> +"How dare you—how dare you think me so—speak me so!" Even as she +spoke, proud colour ebbed, hot anger was ousted by cold disdain and he +blenched before the scorn of her eyes; he grew humble, abject, reached +out hands in supplication: +</P> + +<P> +"My lady I—I—God knows I would not hurt you! Indeed I did but +mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"Enough sir, 'tis sufficient!" said she disdainfully. "Major d'Arcy +doth pronounce me unmaidenly—O, 'tis all-sufficing!" and, as she +turned her back on him, her very garments seemed to radiate scorn +unutterable. +</P> + +<P> +"Stay!" he pleaded, as she moved away. "Ah, never leave me so—do but +let me explain—hear me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Be silent, sir!" she commanded, speaking over her shoulder, "I've +heard enough, aye—enough for a lifetime!" And stepping from the +bridge she turned aside into the wood; but there, his hand upon her arm +arrested her. +</P> + +<P> +"Child, whither go you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Whereso I will, sir. A fair, good even to you and—good-bye!" +</P> + +<P> +"Not through the wood, madam! There be rough folk about, the Sergeant +tells me—gipsies, tramping folk and the like." +</P> + +<P> +"O sir," she sighed, "I may prefer such to Major—Prudery—d'Arcy!" and +setting aside a bramble-shoot she went on into the wood, and, when he +would have followed, checked him with an imperious gesture. "Come no +further, sir, here be thorns to spoil gay finery—and besides," she +added, glancing back at him with merciless eyes, "your sober airs annoy +me, your lofty virtue is an offence—pray suffer me to go alone!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major flushed painfully, took off his hat and bowed. +</P> + +<P> +"As you will, madam!" said he and, stepping aside, watched her go until +the leaves had hidden her from sight. Then, putting on his hat, he +took a score or so of slow strides away and as many slow strides back +again, until, being come some little way in among the trees, he halted +to listen. Faint and far he caught a rustle, a leafy stirring that +told where she moved and, guided by this he began to follow into the +depths of the wood. Suddenly he paused to listen intently, cane +grasped in powerful fist, then hurried on at speed, choosing his way +with quick, soldierly eye and making very little sound for all his +haste and so reached a little clearing. +</P> + +<P> +She stood, back set to a tree, hands gripping her basket, head erect +and defiant but in her wide eyes a sickening fear as she fronted a +tall, burly, gipsy-looking fellow who carried a knobby bludgeon and +whose eyes, heedful and deliberate, roved over her trembling loveliness +and whose hairy lips curled as he slowly advanced. Then the Major +stepped out from the leaves, his gait unhurried and limping a little as +was usual. But at sight of him my lady, uttering a gasp, let fall her +basket almost forgetting shuddering fear in amazement as she beheld the +face that looked out between the precise curls of the Major's great +periwig. The gipsy fellow saw it also, and, reading its expression +aright, sprang immediately to a defensive posture and spoke between a +growl and a whine: +</P> + +<P> +"What now, master? There be no harm done, sir—nought but a bit o' +pleasantry wi' a country wench!" The Major neither spoke nor altered +his leisurely advance until, coming within striking distance, he leapt. +Heavy bludgeon whirled, long cane whizzed and the fellow, uttering a +hoarse gasp, dropped his weapon and gave back, clutching at useless, +dangling limb. But the Major's long arm rose and fell, beating the man +to his knees, to his face; even then, as the fellow writhed helpless, +those merciless blows rained down tirelessly until a voice cried: +</P> + +<P> +"Don't! Don't! Ah, Major John—you'll kill him!" The Major stepped +back, panting a little. +</P> + +<P> +"Kill him," he repeated gently, "why no, mam, no—his sort take a vast +deal of killing. I would but give him such a—er—reminder as shall +not fade awhile." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, no more, I beg! And see, your cane is broke——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why so 'tis!" said the Major and tossing it aside he picked up the +knobby bludgeon, seeing which Lady Betty caught his arm and held it: +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, you are cruel—cruel! You shall not, I say. He has enough!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, perhaps he has," said the Major, "and 'twould be distressing for +you of course, though when one must fight 'tis as well to be thorough." +Saying which he resettled his ruffles, tucked the bludgeon under his +arm and bowed. "Pray let us be going, madam!" My lady hesitated and +glanced at her assailant's prostrate figure. "A few bruises, mam, he +will be well enough in an hour or so—though somewhat sore. And now, +with your leave I'll see you out o' the wood, evening falls apace and +the Sergeant was right, it seems." Then he picked up her basket and +motioning her to lead the way, followed her through the wood. +</P> + +<P> +For once in her twenty-two years of life my lady Betty felt herself at +a disadvantage; twice she turned to speak but he, walking behind with +head bowed, seemed utterly oblivious of her, wherefore she held her +peace and threw up proud head disdainfully. And yet he had saved her +and—from what? At this she shivered and disdain was forgotten. Still +it is difficult to express gratitude with proper dignity to a man upon +a narrow, brier-set path especially when that man keeps himself +perseveringly behind one. So my lady waited until they should be out +of the hateful wood. +</P> + +<P> +Thus they went in a silence unbroken until they came out in a bye-lane +that gave upon the highway. Here, with the glory of the sunset all +about her, she paused, quick-breathing, flushed and with witching eyes +a-droop and reached out her hands to him; but the Major chanced to be +looking just then at a tall gentleman lounging toward them down the +shady lane. +</P> + +<P> +"Yonder is Mr. Dalroyd, I think, madam," said the Major, "he shall +relieve you of my presence," and into those pleading, outstretched +hands he set—the basket. +</P> + +<P> +My lady started away, her lips quivered and, blinded by sudden tears +she turned and sped away. +</P> + +<P> +So the Major limped homeward through the afterglow, quite unconscious +of the ugly, knobby bludgeon beneath his arm, his mind once more busied +with the problem viewed from yet another aspect: +</P> + +<P> +Question: Might it be possible that a true woman can be womanly no +matter what she chance to wear? +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +SOME DESCRIPTION OF A KISS +</H4> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha, gathering beans and aided by the Viscount's two valets, +smiled and dimpled on each in turn while the Sergeant, busied in an +adjacent corner with a ladder, cursed softly but with deep and +sustained heartiness. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha's basket was three parts full and Sergeant Zebedee, having +pretty well exhausted the English and French tongues, was vituperating +grimly in Low Dutch, when a bell jangled distantly, a faint but +determined summons, and immediately after, the Viscount's voice was +heard near at hand and imperative: +</P> + +<P> +"Arthur! Charles! Where a plague are the prepasterous dags! Oho, +Charles! Arthur!" +</P> + +<P> +The two valets, galvanised to action exceeding swift, started, saluted +Mrs. Agatha and betook themselves within doors at commendable speed, +and the Sergeant, having at last juggled his ladder into position, +vituperated them out of sight and was in the act of mounting when he +was aware of Mrs. Agatha at his elbow. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis surely a lovely day, Sergeant!" said she demurely. +</P> + +<P> +"Is it so, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, isn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why mam, I ain't had doo time to notice same, d'ye see. But, since +you ax me I say no, mam, 'tis a dam—no, a cur—no, a plaguy hot day." +Saying which, the Sergeant rolled snowy shirt-sleeve a little higher +above a remarkably hairy and muscular arm and mounted one rung of the +ladder. +</P> + +<P> +"The house do be very—gay these days, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"O mam! And why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, since Viscount Merivale came with his two gentlemen." +</P> + +<P> +"His two what, mam? Meaning who, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, Sergeant, his gentlemen for sure, Mr. Arthur and Mr. Charles—so +polite, so witty and they never swear!" The Sergeant snorted. "One +can never be dull in their company. Mr. Charles has such a flow of +talk and Mr. Arthur is a perfect mine of anecdote, ha'n't you noticed?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why no, mam. The only mines as I'm acquainted with is the kind that +explodes." +</P> + +<P> +"But indeed, Sergeant, everything seems changing for the better—take +his honour the Major, see how young he looks in his fine things—aye, +as young as his nephew and handsomer. And now 'tis your turn to +change——" +</P> + +<P> +"I ain't given to change, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"A frill to your shirt, say, and your wig powdered——" +</P> + +<P> +"Frills, mam—never! And I haven't powdered my wig since we quit +soldiering, why should I? What's a man of forty-three want to go +a-powdering of his wig for? Frills, mam? Powder, mam? Now what I say +to that is——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha' done, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, mam! Only I leave frills and powder and such to young +fly-b'-nights——" +</P> + +<P> +"Powder, and frills, and ruffles at your wrists, Sergeant——" +</P> + +<P> +"And talkin' o' fly-b'-nights, mam, brings me to a question I wish to +ax you and meant to ax you afore." +</P> + +<P> +"A—a question, Sergeant?" she repeated faintly, beginning to trace out +a pattern on the path with the toe of her neat shoe. +</P> + +<P> +"As I want you to answer prompt, mam, aye or no." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, Sergeant," said she, fainter than before. "I'm listening." +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye sleep well o' nights, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha started, glanced up swiftly and, for no apparent reason, +blushed very red under the Sergeant's direct gaze. +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, Sergeant Zebedee, what's that to do with it—I mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"Everything, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"And why shouldn't I sleep? I've no bad conscience to wake me, thank +God." +</P> + +<P> +"Then ye do sleep well?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ye-es!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you ain't heard nor seen nothing toward the hour o' +midnight—footsteps, say?" +</P> + +<P> +"Footsteps! O Lud—where?" +</P> + +<P> +"Anywhere! You never have?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never!" +</P> + +<P> +"P'r'aps you don't believe in ghostes, mam, spectres, or +say—apparations?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I don't know. Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"You've never happened to see a pale shape a-fluttering and a-flitting +by light o' moon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Gracious me—no, Sergeant! You make me all of a shiver! Have you?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"O cruel, to fright one so!" +</P> + +<P> +"But hope an' expect to observe same to-night towards the hour o' +midnight or thereabouts and if so, shall immediately try what cold +steel can do agin it." +</P> + +<P> +"Gracious goodness, Sergeant, what d'you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean as I'm a-going to find out what it is as walks o' nights." +</P> + +<P> +"But ghosts don't walk, they glide." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe so, mam, but this ghost or apparation ain't a glider 'tis a +walker, same being observed to leave footmarks. Also Roger Bent the +second gardener as lives nigh the old mill has seen it twice—says same +haunts the old mill o' moony nights, says—but there's Roger now, he +shall tell you!" The Sergeant whistled, beckoned and the second +gardener, a young-old, shock-headed man, approached, knuckling his +forehead to Mrs. Agatha. +</P> + +<P> +"Roger," said the Sergeant, "tell us what ye saw last night." +</P> + +<P> +"A gobling!" said Roger, "a grimly gobling an' that's what." +</P> + +<P> +"Bless us!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, "what was it like?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why," answered Roger, ruffling his shock of hair with a claw-like +right hand, "'twere rayther like a phamtom, mam—very much so, that's +what!" +</P> + +<P> +"O—where was it?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a-quaking i' the ruin o' the owd mill, mam, dithering and +dathering glowersome like." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha gasped, noting which, Roger shook his head gloomily. +"Always know'd th' owd mill was haunted but never seed nowt afore. I +do 'ope as my hens aren't witched from laying, that's what." +</P> + +<P> +"And then you followed it, Roger?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I did so, Sergeant, me 'aving a dried hare's-foot 'ung round my +neck d'ye see which same do be a powerful charm, give me by old Betty +the witch, a spell as no gobling nor speckiter can abide." +</P> + +<P> +"And where did it go?" +</P> + +<P> +"Along by the spinney, Sergeant, then along the back lane and I see it +vanish it-self through th' orchard wall and that's what!" +</P> + +<P> +"And there was its footmarks in the earth this morning, mam, sure +enough. All right, Roger." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon Roger knuckled again to Mrs. Agatha and betook himself back to +his duties. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis dreadful!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, clasping her pretty hands. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis queer, mam, queer—but 'twill be queerer if I don't find out all +about it 'twixt now and to-morrow morning." +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Zebedee—Zebedee, don't!" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam, I must." +</P> + +<P> +"For—my sake." +</P> + +<P> +"Mam, I—'tis become a matter o' dooty with me." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you any charm to ward off evil, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why no, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'll give you one," and speaking, she took a ribbon from her +white neck, a blue ribbon whereon a small gold cross dangled. "You +shall wear this!" said she, blushing a little. "Come, stoop your head!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Mrs. Agatha I—I——" +</P> + +<P> +"O pray stoop your head!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant obeyed and it naturally followed that the Sergeant's neat +wig was very near Mrs. Agatha's pretty mob-cap, so near, indeed that a +tress of her glossy hair tickled his bronzed, smooth-shaven chin; the +Sergeant saw her eyes, grave and intent, the oval of a soft cheek, the +curve of two lips—full, soft lips, ripely delicious and tempting and +so near that he had but to turn his head—— +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant turned his head and for a long, breathless moment lips met +lips then: +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Sergeant!" she exclaimed breathlessly. "O +Sergeant—Zebedee—Tring!" And turning, she sped away into the house. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone the Sergeant picked up his hammer, stared at it and put it +carefully into his pocket; having done which, he laughed, grew solemn, +and sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said he at last, "all I says is——" +</P> + +<P> +But for once he could find no words for it in English, French or Dutch. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHEREIN IS MUCH TALK BUT LITTLE ACTION +</H4> + +<P> +Mr. Marchdale threw down his cards pettishly and swore, Lord Alvaston, +sprawling in his chair, surveyed his slender legs with drowsy approval, +the Marquis of Alton yawned and Mr. Dalroyd shuffled for a new deal; +hard by the Captain and Sir Jasper diced sleepily and in the ingle Sir +Benjamin snored outright. +</P> + +<P> +"Sink me!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "sink me if I've touched an ace all +the evening!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, Dalroyd and Alton have all the luck!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale +with youthful petulance. +</P> + +<P> +"Dem'd queer thing, but I feel dooced sleepy!" yawned the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"'S'ffect o' country air," murmured Lord Alvaston, "look at Ben." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye begad, will some one be good enough to stir him up, his dem'd +snoring makes me worse——" +</P> + +<P> +"Who's snoring?" demanded Sir Benjamin, sitting bolt upright, broad +awake in a moment, and straightening his wig. "Od's body, I do protest +I did but close my eyes for a moment——" +</P> + +<P> +"And snored, Ben, damnably—'ffect o' country air——" +</P> + +<P> +"And churning, Ben—eh, Benjamin?" suggested Mr. Dalroyd. "You've +taken up dairy-work, I understand." +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin reached for and filled his wine-glass and grew a little +more rubicund than usual. +</P> + +<P> +"Od so, sir," said he, "'When in Rome'—od's body! 'do as Rome does.' +And we are in the country and—ah—being here 'mid rural things simple +and sweet I—hem! I say I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Snore, Ben!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "and very natural too!" +</P> + +<P> +"And churn, Ben!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd, his delicate nostrils quivering +in his sleepy smile, "You churn till you sweat, churn till you blow +like any grampus, I understand." +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin took a gulp of wine, choked, coughed, and grew purple. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh? What? Ho!" exclaimed the Captain. "A churn? Ben? Split me! +Some pretty dairy-wench? Aha! Ben—confess!" +</P> + +<P> +Pompous, dignified, Sir Benjamin rose and took a pinch of snuff with +great deliberation and apparent satisfaction. +</P> + +<P> +"Od, gentlemen," said he, lace handkerchief a-flutter, "since you'd +have it, I'll freely—hem! freely confess it. But 'twas no rustic +charmer, no village beauty, no dainty wench o' the dairy bewitched +me—no, no! Od's my life, sirs, I've been beforehand wi' most of +ye—body o' me—yes! For 'twas my joy and felicity to—ah—hem! to +labour at the delightful art of—ah—buttermaking 'neath the bright and +witching eyes of—our Admirable Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"O sly, Ben!" murmured Lord Alvaston, "O Ben—curst sly, sink me!" +</P> + +<P> +"But—a churn!" said the Captain. "Begad! So fatiguing!" +</P> + +<P> +"I churned, firstly, gentlemen, because 'twas so my lady's will and +such is, and ever will be, my law, as the mighty Hercules span for the +tender Omphale so did I churn for my lady. I churned, secondly, +because the churn is a—hem! a romantic engine—I appeal to Alton!" +</P> + +<P> +"So 'tis," mumbled his lordship, "demme if 'tisn't!" +</P> + +<P> +"And I churned thirdly, because the labour entailed is admirable for +the—hem! for tuning up the liver—I refer you to Marchdale." +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing like it!" assented that youthful man of the world, "for liver, +megrims or the pip give me a churn—and Betty along with it o' course." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha," said Mr. Dalroyd, his smile growing a little malicious, "and +then, having put your liver in tune with the churn you proceeded to put +it out again by swallowing deep potations of—rhubarb wine of my lady's +own decoction." +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin sat down, his plump features took on a careworn expression +and he shuddered slightly. +</P> + +<P> +"Rhubarb!" whispered Lord Alvaston, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"Rhubarb!" muttered the Captain. "O Gad! Poor Ben!" +</P> + +<P> +"Heroic Ben!" said Sir Jasper, his fine eyes more soulful than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Three glasses!" sighed Sir Benjamin. "Aye—three—she insisted! But, +body o' me, sirs, what would you? Beauty is the—hem! the fount, the +source, the mainspring of valour, is't not? As in olden days our +ancestors were ready and eager to adventure life and limb for the +bright eyes of their fair ladies, surely we, in like manner, should be +equally willing to risk our—hem! our—I say to risk our——" +</P> + +<P> +"Stomachs!" suggested Alvaston, "my own 'pinion precisely! Stomach's +only stomach but th' heart's a noble organ—seat o' the 'flections and +all that sort o' thing. Which reminds me, not a single ace have I held +this game." +</P> + +<P> +"But—split me! Why rhubarb?" demanded the Captain, "Why endeavour t' +poison poor Ben? O burn me!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a woman's notion," explained Sir Jasper, "a whim, a fancy. The +whole sex, dear creatures, be full of 'em, 'tis what makes 'em so +infinite captivating——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not," enquired the Captain, "not rhubarb——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no—'tis the mystery of 'em—the wonder of their changing moods +that makes women so alluring and Bet the most bewitching of 'em all. +By Venus, she's elusive as a sunbeam, mysterious as fate, changeable +as——" +</P> + +<P> +"Begad," exclaimed the Marquis, "and that's the dem'd truth—that's +Betty to a T and that's how I'm coming continual croppers—if she were +only a little more like a horse or a dog I should know what to expect +and how to treat her——" +</P> + +<P> +"I suggest—precisely the same," smiled Mr. Dalroyd, "and horses one +spurs and dogs one whips and my lady would be better for a little of +both. Women should be managed, they expect it and they love the strong +hand!" +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin gaped, the Captain stared, Sir Jasper rolled his eyes and +Mr. Marchdale, furrowing youthful brow, spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"As a man of the world I vow there's wisdom in't. The lovely creatures +look for strength in a man—mastery, d'ye see, though a whip——" +</P> + +<P> +"Od sir," ejaculated Sir Benjamin, "'tis rank heresy!" +</P> + +<P> +"Pure savagery!" gasped Sir Jasper. +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely my own 'pinion!" murmured Lord Alvaston. "For if a dog's a +dog he's only a dam dog—'sequently whip him when needful. Same with a +horse. But a woman being a woman ain't a dog nor a horse, therefore +since she is a woman 'stead of whipping, worship——" +</P> + +<P> +"Talking o' whips," said the Marquis, "I should devoutly and vastly +desire to see some masterful ass attempt to horsewhip Bet, 'twould be a +sight for the gods—she has all her brother's fire and spirit with a +cleverer head." +</P> + +<P> +"None the less, Alton," retorted Mr. Dalroyd, "the man who wins her +will be the man who masters her." +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, Dalroyd," exclaimed Sir Jasper soulfully, "who shall master a +goddess? Who but the humblest of her admirers shall hope to win the +queen of women?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm with you there, Denholm!" said Lord Alvaston heartily, "and +talking o' queens, not an ace have I touched this game—I'm done!" +</P> + +<P> +"Same here!" growled Mr. Marchdale. "You've all the luck, Dalroyd. I +owe you another fifty, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"Seventy-five!" murmured Mr. Dalroyd. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I'm for bed!" yawned his lordship. +</P> + +<P> +"So'm I!" nodded Mr. Marchdale. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh—bed?" cried the Marquis reproachfully. "Bed—and not gone twelve +yet—shameful, O dem!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the country air," explained Marchdale, "in London I'm at my best +and brightest at three o'clock in the morning as you very well know, +Alton, but here I'm different, 'tis the curst country air, I think." +</P> + +<P> +"And the churn!" said the Marquis, "Betty kept you at it, you and Ben, +not to mention the rhubarb wine, I escaped that—eh, Ben?" +</P> + +<P> +"You were nearer the window!" sighed Sir Benjamin, rising. +</P> + +<P> +"What, are you for bed too? Nay, stop at least for a nightcap or +so—let's have up another half-dozen o' burgundy!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, bed for me," yawned his lordship of Alvaston, "we may be set +a-digging or a-ploughing or some such, to-morrow—one never can +tell——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed the Captain, "would lose a hundred—joyfully, to see +Alvaston perform on the hoe, begad!" +</P> + +<P> +So amid much laughter and banter the company arose and in twos and +threes sauntered up to their various rooms, all save Mr. Dalroyd who, +left alone, sat awhile playing idly with the cards that littered the +table. At last he slipped a white hand into the bosom of his coat and +taking thence a scrap of soiled and crumpled paper, smoothed it out and +perused it thoughtfully, and, as he read, his lips curved and his +nostrils quivered; then, re-folding this strange missive he put it away +and, ringing the bell, demanded his valet. +</P> + +<P> +In due time came a discreet knock and thereafter a discreet person +entered, tall, quick-eyed, low-voiced, soft-stepping, he was a very +model of a fashionable gentleman's gentleman though his eyes were +perhaps a little too close together and their glance a trifle furtive. +</P> + +<P> +"Joseph," said Mr. Dalroyd, surveying his 'gentleman' with a languid +interest yet with eyes that seemed to observe his entire person at one +and the same time. "Joseph, this afternoon I gave you leave to ramble +abroad, well knowing your passion for country roads and cross-roads." +Joseph bowed supple back and smiled deferentially, though his eyes +appeared somehow to come a little closer together. "Consequently, +Joseph, you rambled, I take it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"And in your rambles you may have chanced by the old mill, Joseph?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sir, a charming ruin, very picturesque, the haunt of bats and +owls, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Anything else?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing? Are you sure, Animal?" +</P> + +<P> +"Positively, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Were there no signs, Thing?" +</P> + +<P> +"None, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you use your eyes well, Object?" +</P> + +<P> +"Everywhere, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you heard any talk in the village of this ghost lately?" +</P> + +<P> +"Frequently, sir. Three people swear they've seen it." +</P> + +<P> +"How do they describe it?" +</P> + +<P> +"They all agree to horns, sir, and a shapeless head." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you believe in ghosts, Joseph?" +</P> + +<P> +"That depends, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"On what, fool?" +</P> + +<P> +"On who sees them sir." +</P> + +<P> +"You were almost famous for the possession of what is called 'nerves of +iron' in your predatory days, if I remember rightly, Joseph?" +</P> + +<P> +The obsequious Joseph started slightly and his bow was servile. +</P> + +<P> +"Consequently you don't fear ghosts?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Neither do I, Joseph, and 'tis nigh upon the witching hour, bring me +my hat and cane." And Mr. Dalroyd rose languidly. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said Joseph as he handed his master the articles in question, +"might I suggest one of your travelling-pistols——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Joseph, no, 'twould drag my pocket out o' shape, and ghosts are +impervious to pistols or shall we say 'barkers' 'tis the more +professional term for 'em, I believe?" +</P> + +<P> +Once again the obsequious Joseph started slightly, observing which, Mr. +Dalroyd flashed white teeth in languid amusement. "I may be gone an +hour or more, Joseph, remain awake to undress me." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir! And if I might suggest, sir, 'tis said the ghost +walks the churchyard o' nights latterly." +</P> + +<P> +"That sounds sufficiently ghostly!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "And by the +way, let your tongue remain discreetly inactive—for your own sake, +Joseph!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir—certainly!—and may you burn in everlasting fire!" +added the obsequious Joseph under his breath as he watched his master's +languid figure out of sight—his eyes seeming closer together than ever. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW MR. DALROYD SAW A GHOST AND THE SERGEANT AN APPARITION +</H4> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd stepped out into a summer night radiant with moonbeams and +full of the heady perfume of ripening hay. Far as eye could see the +wide road stretched away very silent and deserted, not a light gleamed +anywhere, the village had been deep-plunged in slumber hours ago. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd sauntered on, past silent cottages, across a trim green and +so to the churchyard gate, beyond which the tombstones rose, +phantom-like beneath the moon. For a while he stood to contemplate +this quiet scene, then started and glanced up at the church tower as a +deep-toned bell began to chime the hour of midnight. One by one he +counted the deliberate strokes, waited until the last had boomed and +died away, then, opening the gate, stepped into the churchyard and +strolled on among the graves, his cane airily a-swing, following the +paved walk that led round the church. Thus he presently passed from +light into shadow, a gloom all the deeper by contrast with the moon's +bright splendour, a gloom in which carved headstone and sarcophagus +took on strange and unexpected shapes. Suddenly Mr. Dalroyd's cane +faltered in its airy swing, stopped, and he stood motionless, his body +rigid, his breath in check, his eyes wide and staring. Before him +loomed a great mausoleum, its pallid outline vague in the half-light, +but on this side the weatherworn marble was cracked and split and from +this yawning fissure a ghastly radiance streamed; then this unholy +light vanished and upon the stillness came a ghostly rustling, a soft +thud and the sound of heavy breathing. Mr. Dalroyd shrank cowering +into the deeper shadow of a buttress and dropping his cane upon the +grass groped for the hilt of his small-sword. Then, as he stared +unwinking, forth from the tomb a dim form wriggled, crouched awhile +fumbling, stood upright, and Mr. Dalroyd saw a vague head, awful and +shapeless and crowned with curving horns. This dreadful thing stood +awhile as if listening for distant sounds then took a stride forward, +floundered over a grave and cursed fluently. Mr. Dalroyd loosed rigid +fingers from his sword-hilt, picked up his cane and, keeping well in +the shadow, began to follow this strange figure; ghost-like it flitted +on among the tombs until, reaching the wall, it leapt nimbly over, +stood to listen and glance furtively about, then set off down the road +at a smart pace. Mr. Dalroyd, treading with infinite caution for the +night was very still, followed whither it led, viewing the shapeless +thing with gaze that never wavered. Thus, in a while, they reached a +grassy bye-lane flanked on the one side by a thick hedge and on the +other by a high wall. Here the figure paused and Mr. Dalroyd, +shrinking into the shadow of the hedge, saw it glance up and down the +lane, saw it lift long arms and heard a faint scuffling as, mounting +this wall it paused awhile athwart the coping ere it vanished on the +other side. Looping his cane on his wrist Mr. Dalroyd crossed the lane +and drawing himself up peered over the wall in time to see this +mysterious figure flit among the trees of an orchard, mount yet another +wall and vanish again. Without more ado Mr. Dalroyd in turn clambered +up and over the wall and dropping on soft, new-turned earth, continued +the pursuit, that is to say he had crossed a smooth stretch of lawn and +was in the very act of mounting the other wall when strong hands seized +him from behind and a gruff voice said in his ear: +</P> + +<P> +"You ain't no ghost, I'll swear! Right about turn and show us your +face!" And Mr. Dalroyd was swung round so violently that his hat fell +off. "Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "'tis nought but one o' these +fine London sparks arter all!" Mr. Dalroyd swore. "Sir," said the +Sergeant imperturbably, "why and wherefore d'ye trespass, and so late +too? Sir, what's the evolution, or shall we say, manoover?" +</P> + +<P> +"Rogue," said Mr. Dalroyd, "pick up my hat!" +</P> + +<P> +"Rogue, is it?" mused the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Animal, my hat!" +</P> + +<P> +"Animal, now?" +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye hear, vermin?" Mr. Dalroyd stood, his head viciously out-thrust +so that the long curls of his peruke falling back from brow and cheek +discovered more fully his haughty features, delicately pale in the +bright moonlight; and beholding this face—its fine black brows, +aquiline nose, fierce eyes and thin-lipped mouth the Sergeant fell +back, staring: +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" he exclaimed, and gaped. +</P> + +<P> +Something in the Sergeant's attitude seemed to strike Mr. Dalroyd who, +returning this searching look, lounged back against the wall, one hand +toying with the curls of his wig, and when next he spoke his voice was +as languidly soft as usual. +</P> + +<P> +"What now, ass?" The Sergeant drew a deep breath: +</P> + +<P> +"Talking o' ghosts and apparations," said he, "I aren't so sure as you +ain't one, arter all." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, worm?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because if you happened to be wearing an officer's coat—red and blue +facings, say, and your legs in a pair o' jack-boots, I should know—ah, +I'd be sure you was a ghost." +</P> + +<P> +"What d'ye mean?" Mr. Dalroyd's slender brows scowled suddenly, and +before the malevolence of his eyes the Sergeant gave back another step. +</P> + +<P> +"What d'ye mean, toad?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean as you'd be dead! But your coat ain't red, is it, sir? And +your jack-boots is buckle-shoes, and you're very much alive, ain't you, +sir—so I'll ax you to pick up your property and to get back over the +wall yonder and to do it—prompt, sir." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant was a powerful fellow, at his hip swung a heavy hanger and +in hairy fist he gripped a very ugly, knobby bludgeon, observing which +facts, Mr. Dalroyd did as was suggested; but, ere he dropped back into +the lane he turned and smiled down at the stalwart Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"My very good clod," said he, "one of these fine, sunny days you shall +be drubbed for this—soundly, yes, soundly!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant nodded: +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, "same will be welcome, for, though life in the country +agrees wi' me on the whole better than expected, things is apt to grow +over quiet now and then and any little bit o' roughsome as you can +offer will be dooly welcome and do me a power o' good!" +</P> + +<P> +"Be it so!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd and, smiling, he dropped from view. +</P> + +<P> +Then the Sergeant, whistling softly, strode bedwards quite unaware of +the shapeless, horned head that watched him as he went. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW MY LADY BETTY WROTE A LETTER +</H4> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"DEAR MAJOR D'ARCY, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Burning yet with a natural womanly indignation by reason of your +shameless accusations, each and all as cruel, as unmanly, as +unwarranted as unjust I——" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Pho!" exclaimed Lady Betty and tearing up her unfinished letter, threw +it on the floor and stamped on it. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"To MAJOR D'ARCY: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"SIR, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Though unvirginal, unmaidenly, unwomanly, and lost to all sense of +modesty and shame, I am yet not entirely removed from the lesser +virtues and amongst them——" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Pish!" cried Lady Betty, and rent this asunder also. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"MY DEAR MAJOR D'ARCY, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"By this time of course you are duly sorry and deeply ashamed, for the +very many indelicate expressions you gave voice to concerning me. You +have perchance passed a sleepless night and such is but your due +considering the abandoned and shameful treatment you accorded me. But +seeing you saved me from the brutal arms of——" +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Pshaw!" cried Lady Betty, and this letter shared the fate of its +predecessors. +</P> + +<P> +Her black brows frowned, her pink finger-tips were ink-stained, her +cheeks glowed, her bosom heaved, her white teeth gnashed themselves, in +a word, Lady Betty was in a temper. +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Belinda, I—hate you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud Betty, do you child!" murmured that lady, opening sleepy eyes, +"Pray what's amiss now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why must you tattle of me to Major d'Arcy?" +</P> + +<P> +"I? Tattle? O Gemini!" +</P> + +<P> +"Of me—and breeches?" +</P> + +<P> +"Breeches! La miss and fie! I should swoon to name 'em to a man! So +indelicate, so immodest, so——" +</P> + +<P> +"Unvirginal!" cried Betty, and stamped pretty foot more angrily than +ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Truly, miss! Indeed such a word has never crossed my lips to one of +the male sex and never shall——" +</P> + +<P> +"And when you told him he was duly shocked, I suppose, and rolled up +his eyes in a spasm of virtue and lifted his hands in prudish horror?" +demanded Lady Betty, kicking savagely at the litter of torn paper. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, he frowned, I remember, and positively blushed—and no wonder!" +</P> + +<P> +"He blushed!" cried Betty scornfully, "and he a man—a soldier! By +heaven he seems more virginal than Diana and all her train! Fie on +him, O, 'tis shameful—so big, so strong, so—squeamish! O Lord, how I +hate, detest and despise him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gracious heaven!" ejaculated Lady Belinda, sitting up suddenly, "I do +verily believe you're in love with him!" +</P> + +<P> +"In love with—him! I?" cried Lady Betty, "I in love with——" she +gasped and stopped suddenly, staring down at the torn paper at her feet +and, as she stared, her lashes drooped and up over creamy chin from +rounded throat to glossy hair crept a wave of vivid colour. +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty," wailed her aunt, "Betty, is it true—is it love or are you +only taken with his—his medieval airs?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Belinda," said Betty, turning her back and staring out through +the open lattice, "there are times when I wonder I don't—bite you!" +</P> + +<P> +"He's so much your elder, Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"And so much my younger, aunt—in some ways, he's a very child! But +suppose I do marry him, what then, aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Marry him! Heaven above—marry Major d'Arcy? Betty, are you mad? +You so young and giddy, he so—so mature and grave——" +</P> + +<P> +"You never saw him climb a wall, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Old enough to be your father, girl! So very sober and reserved! So +very serious and quiet——" +</P> + +<P> +"You haven't seen him in his plum-coloured velvet, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"But you—O Bet, you never really—love him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Of—course—not! What has love to do with marriage, dear aunt? +Love-marriages are so unmodish—'tis like plough-boy and +dairy-wench—hugging and kissing—faugh, so vulgar and nauseous! Nay, +aunt, I desire a marriage <I>à la mode</I>: 'Good-morrow to your ladyship, I +trust your ladyship slept well?' A solemn bow, a kiss upon one extreme +finger-tip!' O, excellently, sir, I hope you the same.' A smile and +gracious curtsey—and so to breakfast. Now Major d'Arcy is a +gentleman, rich, sufficiently handsome, and once a husband would be +fairly easy to manage! Indeed I might do worse, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"But so much—ah, so very much better, girl. There is the Duke of +Nairn——" +</P> + +<P> +"A drunken old reprobate! Charles told me that once, being more tipsy +than usual he——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush, miss! He worshipped you. Then there is His Grace of +Hawcastle——" +</P> + +<P> +"An addle-pated popinjay!" +</P> + +<P> +"Fie, Betty! Then there is Lord Alvaston, the Marquis, Viscount +Merivale and the rest——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but I can't wed 'em all, aunt, so will I wed none!" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud child, here's scandalous talk! But O Betty, what—what of love?" +</P> + +<P> +"True, dear aunt—what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, child, 'tis fair woman's crowning joy and strong man's consolation +sweet—— +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a disease and megrim o' the mind, aunt, the which, I do thank +heaven, hath ne'er yet come anigh me——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye but it will, Betty, it will!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then with pill and purge and bolus I will drive it hence again." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay child," sighed the Lady Belinda, as her niece arose, "talk how you +will, but when love comes to thee, as come he will, why then, Ah me! +what with thy ardent temperament, thy headstrong spirits, thy bustling +health then—O then shall I tremble for thee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, prithee spare yourself, dear aunt, I can tremble for myself when +needful." Saying which my lady went out into the garden. +</P> + +<P> +Very slowly she went, her head bowed, her bright eyes grave and +troubled; once she stopped to frown at a hollyhock and once to cull a +rose only to drop it all unnoticed ere she had gone a dozen yards. +Thus thoughtful and preoccupied she came to that secluded corner of her +garden where, against a certain wall a ladder stood invitingly: +mounting forthwith, she perched herself upon the broad coping and +glanced down into the Major's orchard. The hutch-like sentry-box +showed deserted but at the foot of the wall and almost immediately +below her, Sergeant Zebedee stooped above a new-turned border of earth, +busily engaged with a foot-rule. Lady Betty reached softly over and +plucking an apricot, dropped it with remarkable accuracy into the very +middle of the Sergeant's trim wig. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Sacré nom!</I>" he ejaculated, and starting erect, glanced up into my +lady's serene blue eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis Sergeant Zebedee, I think?" she enquired gravely. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant saluted and stood at attention: +</P> + +<P> +"I was so baptised, my lady, and an uncommon awk'ard name I've found +it." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, 'tis a quaint name and suits you. If you have any children——" +</P> + +<P> +"Chil——!" The Sergeant gasped. +</P> + +<P> +"They should be called James and John, of course! So the poor Major +passed a sleepless night, did he, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"O!" said the Sergeant, staring, "Did he, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, hasn't he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not as I know of, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"And when will he come home?" +</P> + +<P> +"Home?" repeated the Sergeant, scratching his wig, "Why, mam, he has, I +mean he hasn't, him not having been out, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"He must be a great trial and worry to live with, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, my lady, no—except when he don't take his rations reg'lar—food +and drink, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, doth his appetite languish of late?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never was better, mam! He do seem to grow younger and brisker every +day." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, 'tis pity he's so wild!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wild, mam? The Major——?" +</P> + +<P> +"So gay, so bold and audacious." The Sergeant could only stare. "His +wife will lead a sorry life I fear, poor soul!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant fell back a step opening eyes and mouth together: +</P> + +<P> +"Zooks!" he muttered, "axing your ladyship's pardon but—does your +ladyship mean—Zounds! Axing your pardon again, my lady, but—wife! +Does your ladyship mean to say——? Is't true, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"So 'tis said!" nodded her unblushing ladyship. +</P> + +<P> +"But who, my lady, and—when?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, he's very secret." +</P> + +<P> +"Pro-digious!" exclaimed the Sergeant, his eyes shining. "His honour +was ever a great hand at surprises—ambuscades d'ye see, +madam—ambushments, my lady, sudden onfalls and the like, and for +leading a forlorn hope there was none to compare." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean he has fought in a battle, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"A battle, mam!" The Sergeant sighed and shook reproachful head. +"Twenty and three pitched battles, my lady and twelve sieges, not to +mention sorties, outpost skirmishes and the like! 'Fighting d'Arcy' he +was called, madam! Sixteen wounds, my lady, seven of 'em bullet and +the rest steel——" +</P> + +<P> +"Heavens!" exclaimed my lady, "I marvel there is any of him left!" +</P> + +<P> +"What is left, my lady, is all man! There never was such a man! There +never will be." +</P> + +<P> +"'Fighting d'Arcy'!" she repeated. "It sounds so unlike—and looks +quite impossible—see yonder!" And she turned towards where, afar off, +the object of their talk limped towards them his head bent studiously +above an open book from which he raised his eyes, ever and anon, as if +weighing some abstruse passage; thus he presently espied my lady and, +shutting the book, thrust it into his pocket and hastened towards her. +Hereupon the Sergeant saluted, wheeled and marched away, yet not before +he had noted the glad light in the Major's grey eyes and, from a proper +distance, had seen him clasp my lady's white hand and kiss it +fervently. Instantly the Sergeant fell to the "double" until he was +out of sight, then he halted suddenly, shook his head, smacked hand to +thigh and laughed: +</P> + +<P> +"All I say is, as there ain't, there never was, there never will be a +word for it—not one!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW MAJOR D'ARCY RECOVERED HIS YOUTH +</H4> + +<P> +So the Major kissed my lady's hand, kissed it not "on one extreme +finger-tip," but holding it in masterful clasp, kissed it on rosy palm +and dimpled knuckles, kissed it again and again with all the ardour of +a boy of twenty; and my lady sighed and—let him kiss his fill. +</P> + +<P> +She wore her rustic attire but her simple gown was enriched here and +there, with the daintiest of lace as was her snowy mob-cap; and surely +never did rustic beauty blush more rosily or look with eyes more shy +than she when at last he raised his head: +</P> + +<P> +"Good morrow to your worship!" said she softly, "I trust your honour +slept well?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" he answered, speaking with a strange, new vehemence, "I scarce +did close my eyes all night for thought of you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Of me?" +</P> + +<P> +"And of my—my folly! I looked for you this morning—I wished to tell +you ... I ... I——" Seeing him thus at a loss, my lady smiled a +little maliciously, then hasted to his relief: +</P> + +<P> +"This morning?" said she gently, "I was making more butter for my poor +folk—with the aid of my lord of Alvaston, Captain West, and Sir +Jasper. But they proved so awkward with the churn that Sir Benjamin +must needs show 'em how 'twas done. And after he made much of my +rhubarb wine and would have them all taste it and insisted on the +Captain drinking three glasses—poor man!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wherefore 'poor'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, sir, 'tis truly excellent wine—to look at, but I fear 'tis +perhaps a trifle—sourish!" Here she laughed merrily, grew solemn and +sighed, glancing shyly at the Major who stood, head bowed, fumbling +with one of the gold buttons of the plum-coloured coat. +</P> + +<P> +"I—trust your ladyship is well after your—your fright of yesterday," +said he at last. +</P> + +<P> +"My ladyship is very well, sir," she sighed, "though vapourish!" +</P> + +<P> +"Which means?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps I—mourn my lost divinity." +</P> + +<P> +Her tone was light, but he saw that her lips quivered as she averted +her head. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he cried impulsively, "I was a fool! All night long I've +burned with anger at my folly, for I do know you could never be aught +but pure and maidenly no matter what you—you chanced to wear. So do I +come craving your forgiveness." +</P> + +<P> +"O Major—Major Jack," she sighed, leaning towards him, all glowing +tenderness, "first hear me say you spoke me truth, it—it was +indeed—unworthy—a hoyden trick! But I have trod a different world to +you—a world of careless gaiety and idle chatter, where nought is +serious, reverence unknown and love itself a pastime. So I have loved +no man—save my brother Charles for we've been lonely all our +days—nay, Major John!" for he had caught her hand to his lips again. +</P> + +<P> +"And I dared think you unmaidenly!" he murmured, in bitter +self-reproach. +</P> + +<P> +"So would the mother I never knew had she seen me as—as poor Aunt +Belinda saw me—and yet—I vow 'twas monstrous laughable!" and my lady +hovered between laughter and tears. +</P> + +<P> +"Am I forgiven?" he pleaded. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, most fully!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then—to prove it—will you ... would you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, your honour?" she questioned humbly. +</P> + +<P> +"Would you permit me to show you the rose-garden?" +</P> + +<P> +"But I have seen it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye to be sure, so you have!" he answered, a little dashed. "Though +the roses were scarce in bloom then." +</P> + +<P> +"Truly I do love roses, Major Jack——" +</P> + +<P> +"And they are in the full splendour of their beauty——" +</P> + +<P> +"But—this wall?" she demurred. "And ... no ladder!" +</P> + +<P> +He reached up eager arms. "O Major John!" she exclaimed and drew back, +blushing as rosily as the shyest maid that ever tripped in dairy. +"'Twould be so—so extreme unmaidenly—wouldn't it?" The Major flushed +and his arms dropped. "Though indeed I—do love roses!" she sighed. +The Major glanced up eagerly. "But 'tis so awkward and someone might +see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not a soul!" he assured her. +</P> + +<P> +"Then ... if you'll turn your head a moment ... and are sure none can +spy ... and will be vastly careful ... and are quite, quite sure you +can manage——" +</P> + +<P> +It was managed almost as she spoke, he with an assured adroitness, she +with such gracious ease that, in the same moment they were walking side +by side over the smooth turf, as calm and unruffled as any two people +ever were or will be. "'Tis a dear orchard, this!" she sighed, +stopping to pat the rough bark of a huge, gnarled apple-tree. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas here I first saw you," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Stealing your fruit!" she nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"It seems long ago." +</P> + +<P> +"And yet 'tis but a few short weeks." +</P> + +<P> +Slowly they went on together, past lily-pool asleep in marble basin, +through green boskages amid whose leafy shade marble dryads shyly +peeped and fauns and satyrs sported; beneath the vast spread of mighty +trees across smooth, grassy levels, by shady walks and so at last to +the blazing glory of the rose-garden. Here my lady paused with an +exclamation of delight. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, indeed, 'tis lovely—lovelier than I had dreamed! Are you not +proud of it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," he answered, "more especially since I never owned a foot of land +till of late—or a roof to shelter me, for that matter." +</P> + +<P> +"You were a soldier!" +</P> + +<P> +"And a very poor one!" he added. +</P> + +<P> +"And they called you 'Fighting d'Arcy!'" said she, looking into the +grey eyes she had been wont to think almost too gentle. +</P> + +<P> +"That sounds strange—on your lips," said he with his grave smile, "I +perceive the Sergeant has been talking." +</P> + +<P> +"He has been boasting to me of all your wounds, sir!" The Major +laughed. "He is greatly proud of you, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"He saved my life more than once." +</P> + +<P> +"You must have been a very desperate soldier to have been wounded so +very often, Major John!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why you see, at that time," he answered, handing her down the steps +into the garden, "I wished to die." +</P> + +<P> +"To die?" she repeated. "O, prithee why?" +</P> + +<P> +"This was twenty years ago, I was a boy then," he sighed. "To-day I +am——" +</P> + +<P> +"A man, and therefore wiser," said she as they went on together among +the roses. "And pray why did you seek death?" she questioned softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Because I had lost the woman I loved." +</P> + +<P> +"So then you—have—loved?" +</P> + +<P> +"As a boy of twenty may," he answered. "She—I was an ensign without +influence and prospects and—they forced her to wed a wealthier than I." +</P> + +<P> +"O! And she did?" Lady Betty stopped to stamp an angry foot. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed they—compelled her——" +</P> + +<P> +"Major John sir, no woman that is a woman can be compelled in her +affections!" +</P> + +<P> +"She was very young." +</P> + +<P> +"Pooh, sir! I am not yet a withered and wrinkled crone, yet no one +shall or should compel me!" And here, with a prodigious flutter of her +print gown, my lady seated herself on rustic bench beside the sundial. +</P> + +<P> +"No indeed," said he, "you are—are different." At this she flashed +him a swift up-glance and, meeting his gaze, dimpled, drew aside her +garments' ample folds and graciously, motioned him beside her. The +Major sat down. +</P> + +<P> +"And was she happy?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" +</P> + +<P> +"Which doth but serve her to her deserts!" The Major winced, +perceiving which, my lady faced him. "How, do you love her yet?" she +questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady, she is dead," he answered. Lady Betty turned and leaning to +a rose that bloomed near by, touched it with gentle fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"And—do you—love her yet, Major John?" she asked softly. +</P> + +<P> +"I held her in my memory as the sweetest of all women until a few weeks +ago," he answered simply. My lady's caressing fingers faltered +suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"She was the third woman in your life?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," he answered, "because of her memory I have lived a hard life and +let love go by nor thought of it." +</P> + +<P> +"Not once?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not once, until of late." My lady was silent, and, leaning nearer, he +continued: "Twenty years ago I gave my love and, being hopeless, sought +for death and never found it. So, hating war, I made of war my life. +I became a soldier of fortune and wheresoever battle was, there was I; +when one campaign ended I went in quest of others. So I have learned +much of men, of foreign countries, and war in every shape, but of women +and love—nothing whatever. Indeed I should be fighting yet but for +this unexpected legacy. And now——" He sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"And now?" she repeated softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I find that youth has fled and left but emptiness behind!" +</P> + +<P> +"Poor, O poor, decrepit, ancient man!" she sighed, "with your back so +bent and your arms so feeble! So wrinkled, so toothless, and so +blind!" And rising she turned away and leaned round elbows on the +sundial. Now presently he came and stood beside her, looking into her +lovely, down-bent face then pointed to the legend graven on the stone. +</P> + +<P> +"Read," said he, "read and tell me—is't not wisdom?" And, very +obediently, she read aloud: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy:<BR> +Age and Youth together is but folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Indeed," she nodded, "'tis a very wise proverb and, like most other +proverbs, sayeth very plainly that black is black and white is white. +And truly I do think you a great coward, Major 'Fighting d'Arcy'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty?" said he, a little breathlessly. +</P> + +<P> +"You may be very brave in battle but in—in other things you are a very +coward!" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady—O Betty! Do you mean ... is it possible that such miracle +could be... You in the bloom of your youth and beauty, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"So bent with years!" said she in tender mockery, "so feeble and +so—very—blind!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major's philosophic calm was shattered, his placid serenity gone +all in a moment; he reached out sudden, passionate arms but without +attempting to touch her. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he cried, "God knows if I'm presumptuous fool or blessed +beyond my hopes, but hear me say—I love you, for all your dainty +loveliness, your coquette airs and graces, but, most of all, for the +sweet, white, womanly soul of you. And 'tis no flame of youthful +passion this, soon to fade, 'tis a man's enduring love desiring all, +asking nothing.... I mean, Betty, whether you wed me or no, needs must +I love you to the end of time!" +</P> + +<P> +"E'en though I should love and wed another?" she questioned softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, truly!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, you are nobler than I—because"—here she paused to trace out +the time-worn lettering on the dial with pink finger-tip—"because if +you should love, or wed another, then I—should die of rage and +jealousy and grief and——" +</P> + +<P> +The Major's long arms were close about her and, stooping, he kissed her +again and again, her fragrant hair, her eyes, her tender mouth. +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty," he sighed, "my beautiful Betty, the wonder of it!" +</P> + +<P> +"O John," she sighed tremulously, "O Jack, indeed 'tis a very furious +lover you are! You make love as you fight—as if you loved it—nay, +show mercy!" He released her instantly and stood back staring down at +her with dazzled eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Am I rough?" he asked anxiously. "Dear, forgive me! But 'tis all so +strange, so unexpected, so marvellous beyond belief! There be so many +to love you that I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall teach you what love truly is," she murmured, "And I—don't +mind—a little roughness, Jack dear!" +</P> + +<P> +"God, 'tis marvellous!" said he at last, holding her away to feast his +eyes on her glowing loveliness. "'Tis passing wonderful that of all +your throng of lovers you should choose such as I—so much older, so +much——" his breath caught, the strong hands that clasped her so +tenderly quivered suddenly. "Betty," said he hoarsely, "'tis no +coquettish whim, this—no youthful fancy? You do love me indeed?" Now +seeing the haggard pleading of his eyes, the quiver of his lips and all +his shy humility, she uttered a soft cry and drawing him close, +pillowed his troubled brow against her soft cheek. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah dearest," she whispered, "why must you doubt? Love for you hath +been in my heart from the first I think, though I never guessed 'twas +love until to-day. And for your age—O foolish! I would not have thee +younger by an hour and—for my love, 'tis here deep within my heart and +will but grow with length of days for to know thee more is to love thee +more. You think me over-young, I know, light-thoughted, belike and +careless, but in her heart a woman is ever older than a man, and, +despite my seeming heedlessness your Betty is methinks much the woman +you would have her be." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, truly," he answered, "the sweetest, the loveliest, noblest woman, +I do think, in all this big world!" But when he would have caught her +to him again she, blushing, laughing, stayed him to straighten lacy +mob-cap and pat rebellious curls with hands a little tremulous, then, +sitting down, crossed slim feet demurely and motioned him beside her. +</P> + +<P> +"'Deed, sir," she sighed, "you do make love to perfection! And +yet—your love is so—so wonderful that I grow a little fearful lest I +prove unworthy——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, never!" he cried, drawing her hands to his lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Such love doth make me very humble, Jack dear, 'tis all so different, +so reverent and yet also 'tis a little—fierce!" she whispered, +yielding to his compelling arms. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, am I so?" he asked, anxiously, his hold relaxing. +</P> + +<P> +"Ele-mentally!" she murmured, pillowing cheek on plum-coloured velvet +regardless of lace cap. "Yet methinks I do—love such ferocity!" +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty, when will you wed me?" +</P> + +<P> +"O John, here is a question to ponder. First, when would you have me?" +</P> + +<P> +"To-day! To-morrow! Soon!" +</P> + +<P> +"O impatient youth!" she murmured. "Second, shall your wife enjoy all +liberty?" +</P> + +<P> +"So much as she desire," he answered tenderly. +</P> + +<P> +"Third, shall she live in town i' the season, attend balls, theatres, +routs, card-parties, masquerades, drums and the like?" +</P> + +<P> +"If she so wish," said he, a little sadly; perceiving which, she +nestled closer to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Fourth, will you swear to be a husband <I>à la mode</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +"What may that be?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Will you be very polite to your wife and seldom intrude upon her +privacy as is the modish custom, will you keep separate establishments, +will you——" +</P> + +<P> +"By heaven—no!" exclaimed the Major; whereat, and very suddenly, she +kissed him. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I do think you will make almost as good a husband as lover!" +she sighed. "And—Major Jack, dear—if you would wed me soon——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sweet," he broke in, "here was a selfish thought! You are so +young—— +</P> + +<P> +"A ripe woman of twenty-two, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"But youth loveth freedom, my Betty, so shall you enjoy it while you +will and come to me—when you will!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, dear, foolish John, you do speak as you were a prison! What is +maiden freedom compared to—wifehood?" she breathed. +</P> + +<P> +"Wife!" he repeated reverently, "'tis a sweet word, Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"So is—husband, John." +</P> + +<P> +"My Betty—dear—when?" +</P> + +<P> +"Is three months hence too long?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, 'tis very long—but——" +</P> + +<P> +"Six weeks, Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +O never-to-be-forgotten hour! Hour long dreamed and yet expected +never, so swift to haste away but whose memory was to blossom, sweet +and all unfading. +</P> + +<P> +"Dear," said she at last, "since you are not for marriage '<I>à la mode</I>' +I shall plague you mightily——" +</P> + +<P> +"God!" he exclaimed softly, "what a life 'twill be!" +</P> + +<P> +But all at once she started from him as, afar off, a faint wailing +arose: +</P> + +<P> +"Betty, my love! O Bet—my Betty love!" +</P> + +<P> +My lady frowned and rising, laid rosy finger to lip. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a word yet, my John! Let our secret be ours awhile. Come, let us +meet her."' +</P> + +<P> +Slowly they went amid the roses and sighed for the hour that was gone +and wondered to see the sun so low; and thus they presently beheld Lady +Belinda twittering towards them escorted by the Sergeant and the tall, +well-fed menial. +</P> + +<P> +"O naughty Bet!" she cried, "O wicked puss and truant! I've sought +thee this hour and more, I've called thee until my poor voice grew +languishing and weak! Ah, dear Major, scold her for me, prithee scold!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, madam," he answered, bowing, "I fear the blame is mine, I was for +showing my lady the roses as 'twere, and—er——" +</P> + +<P> +"La, dear aunt," said my lady, "how warm you look, so red—so flushed +and fulsome!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the sun—the sun!" cried Lady Belinda, "I vow I cannot abide the +sun, it nauseates me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then let us into the shade, mam," said the Major, offering his arm. +"'Twill be cool on the terrace, a—er—a dish of tea——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, nay, sir, alack and no, we have neighbours expected. Sir Oliver +and Lady Rington, Mrs. Wadhurst, and Lady Lydia Flyte—and that minds +me, naughty Bet, you were to have gone a-riding to-day with Mr. Dalroyd +and Sir Jasper—they called expectant and you were not! Then came poor +young Mr. Marchdale, in a great taking, to know if you'd object to his +rhyming 'Bet' with 'sweat!' The Captain called, too, with dear Sir +Benjamin Tripp—so modish—so elegant! But solemn as two owls, though +why owls should be solemn I don't know never having seen one near +enough! So you see, dear Major, we positively must away!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major, having escorted them to his park gates, stood to watch that +slender, shapely form out of sight, then, sighing, limped slowly +housewards lost in happy dreams. As he went he remembered with an odd +relief that the Viscount was in London and would remain there several +days. Presently he came upon the Sergeant who bore a rake "at the +trail" much as if it had been a pike: and the Sergeant's face was +beaming and his bright eye almost roguish: +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb," said the Major, halting to view him over, and his own eyes +were shining also, "why Zeb, how deuced smart you look!" +</P> + +<P> +"My best clothes, sir, new ones being on order as commanded, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but 'tis not your clothes exactly, you seem—younger, somehow." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, sir," said the Sergeant, a little diffidently, "I took the +liberty o' powdering my wig,—no objections I hope, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"None at all Zeb, no, no! Egad, 'tis like old times!" So saying, the +Major smiled and passed on to the house, whistling softly as he went. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THE MAJOR LOST HIS YOUTH AGAIN +</H4> + +<P> +It was a night of midsummer glory; an orbed moon rode high in queenly +splendour filling the world with a radiance that lent to all things a +beauty new and strange. Not a breath stirred, trees, tall and +motionless, seemed asleep, so still were they. +</P> + +<P> +Thus the Major, on his way to bed, paused to lean from the open +casement of his study and to gaze, happy-eyed, upon the radiant heaven +and to dream of the future as many a man has done before and since. +All at once he started and stared to behold Sergeant Zebedee abroad at +this witching hour. But the Sergeant was there for other things than +dreaming, it seemed, for upon his shoulder he bore a blunderbuss, a +broadsword swung at his thigh, and from one of his big side-pockets +appeared the heavy, brass-mounted butt of a long-barrelled pistol. +Wondering, the Major stepped out through the casement and followed. +Sergeant Zebedee marched with elaborate caution and was keeping so +sharp a lookout before that he quite overlooked the Major behind him; +but all at once a stick snapped, round wheeled the Sergeant, +blunderbuss at "the ready" but, seeing the Major, he immediately +lowered his weapon and stood easy. +</P> + +<P> +"'S'noggers, sir," said he, "I thought you was it!" +</P> + +<P> +"It, Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, your honour, it, him, or her. If it ain't a him 'tis a her and +if it ain't a her it's an it—or shall us say a apparation, sir. Same +being said to walk i' the orchard o' nights lately——" +</P> + +<P> +"An apparition—in the orchard, Zeb? Have you seen it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why no, sir, not exactly, but what I did see was—hist!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant halted suddenly, crouching in the shadow of a hedge; they +were close on the orchard now and, upon the stilly air was a soft +rustle, a faint scraping sound and, parting the leafy screen, the Major +saw a dark figure silhouetted above the wall, a nebulous shape that +seemed to hang suspended a moment ere it vanished over the wall into my +lady's garden. +</P> + +<P> +"That weren't no apparation, sir!" whispered the Sergeant, looking to +pan and priming, and, hurrying forward, pointed to a footprint in the +soft, newly-turned soil. "Never heard as spectres wore shoes, sir." +The Major, staring at that slender footprint, felt suddenly cold and +sick, and wondered; then, as the Sergeant prepared to climb the wall, +checked him: +</P> + +<P> +"Wait—wait you here!" he muttered. "Make way!" Reaching up, the +Major swung himself astride the coping and silently mounted the wall. +Before him was a flagged walk which, as he remembered, led to the +arbour; this walk he avoided and, stepping in among the bushes, began +to advance cautiously, eyes and ears on the strain, for the shadows lay +dense hereabouts. Thus he was close upon the arbour when he stopped +suddenly, arrested by the sound of a man's voice, low and muffled. +</P> + +<P> +"... 'tis you now, Bet, and only you——" +</P> + +<P> +"... Ah God, how may I? And yet ... my own dear, have I ever refused +thee ... I've yearned for thee so..." Here the sound of passionate +kisses. +</P> + +<P> +It was her voice indeed, but so tender, so full of thrilling +gentleness! The Major shivered and a sudden faintness and nausea +seizing him, leaned weakly against a tree, and ever, as he leaned thus, +their voices reached him—his low and eager, hers a-thrill with +tenderness. +</P> + +<P> +The Major turned and, groping like one blind, crept back until he came +to the wall and crouching there, his head between his arms, seemed to +shake and writhe as with some horrible convulsion. +</P> + +<P> +"That you, sir?" a voice whispered hoarsely. Silently the Major drew +himself up and dropped back into his own grounds. +</P> + +<P> +"What was it, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nought, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye mean 'twere a ghost, arter all?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye!" +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't notice if 'twere a her or a him, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, did you chance to ob-serve——" but seeing the Major's face, +Sergeant Zebedee broke off with a gasp and, dropping his blunderbuss, +reached out quick hands: "Good God! Your honour! What's amiss?" +</P> + +<P> +"Let be, Zeb, let be," said the Major wearily, putting by these kindly +hands, "'tis nought to worry over—nought to matter, nought i' the +world, Zeb. Leave me awhile. Go to bed!" +</P> + +<P> +"Bed, your honour? And leave you alone? Sir, I beg——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Tring—get you indoors!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant stiffened, saluted, and, wheeling about, marched away +forthwith, but, once in the shadows, turned to glance anxiously at the +lonely figure so pale and still and rigid under the moon. +</P> + +<P> +Being alone, the Major seemed to shrink within himself, and, limping +slowly into the gloom of the hutch-like sentry-box, cast himself face +down across the table and lay there; and from that place of shadows +came sounds soft but awful. At last he lifted heavy head, and, staring +before him, perforce beheld that part of the wall where he had first +seen her; and again he writhed and shivered. But, all at once, as the +spasm passed, he leaned forward tense and fierce, for in that precise +spot a man was climbing the wall. The Major rose and stood with breath +in check, watching as the unknown clambered into view, a slender figure +that paused for a lingering, backward glance, then leapt down into the +orchard; but, doing so, the unknown tripped, lost his hat and cursed +softly, and in that moment the Major gripped him in iron hands and +stared into the pale, fierce face of Mr. Dalroyd; the long curls of his +peruke had fallen back leaving his features fully exposed in the strong +moonlight, and now, as the Sergeant had done before him, the Major +blenched and drew back, his fingers loosing their hold. +</P> + +<P> +"Effingham!" he gasped, "Effingham—by God!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd smiled and fingered his curls: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis Major d'Arcy, I think!" said he gently. "And Major d'Arcy is +either drunk or mad, my name, as he very well knows, is Dalroyd much +and ever at his service. Though, permit me to say 'tis scarce +a—laudable or honourable thing to—spy upon the tender hours of his +fair neighbours! 'Tis true I trespass, but love, sir, love——!" Mr. +Dalroyd smiled, sighed and picked up his hat. "If you wish to quarrel, +sir, you lose your labour for I quarrel with no man—to-night!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Major, his voice calm and unshaken, "whoever you are +and whatever your name, I advise you to go—now, this instant!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd surveyed the Major with languid interest, the pallid +serenity of his face, the smouldering eyes, the haggard lips, the moist +brow, the nervous, clutching fingers, and smiling, went his way leaving +the Major to his agony. +</P> + +<P> +For now indeed it seemed that all the fiends of hell had risen up to +mock and gibe and torture the quivering soul of him; beneath their +obscene hands his reverent love lay shamed and writhing in the dust. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" he whispered, "O my love!" Yet even as he spoke he knew that +the woman he had worshipped was not and never had been; he had clothed +her warm youth and beauty with divinity, had adored and made of her an +ideal and now his dream was done, his ideal shattered and by one who +wore the cold, satyr-like face of Effingham—Effingham who had died +upon his sword-point years ago in Flanders; almost unconsciously his +quivering fingers sought and touched the scar upon his temple. And +now, remembering her voice as he had heard it, thrilling with ineffable +love and tenderness, he alternatively shivered in sick horror and +burned with shame, a shame that crushed him to his knees, to his face. +That it should be Effingham of all men, or one so hatefully like! So +the Major, grovelling there beneath the moon, knew an agony in his +stricken soul, deeper, fiercer than flesh may ever know; and thus, +towards the dawn-hour, Sergeant Zebedee found him. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—sir," said he, kneeling beside that prostrate form, "God's love, +sir—what's amiss?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major raised himself and stared round about with dazed eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah Zeb," said he, slowly, "I do think I must ha' slept of late and +dreamed, Zeb, a fair sweet dream that later changed to nightmare—but +'twill pass. I've lived awhile i' the paradise of fools!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, here's spells and witchcraft! 'Tis an ill place and an ill +hour—come your ways wi' me, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, 'tis witchcraft—spells and enchantments, as 'twere, Zeb, but +'twill pass. Lend me your arm." So saying the Major rose and began to +limp towards the house. But, as they went thus, side by side, he +paused to glance up at the waning moon. "'Tis a fair night, Zeb, I've +never seen a fairer. What o'clock is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nigh on to three, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"So late! How time doth flee a man once youth be gone. We've kept +many a night-watch together ere now, Zeb, but the hours never sped so +fast in those days, we were younger then, Zebedee, so much younger, +d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +Being come into his study the Major stood beside his desk staring down +at his orderly papers and documents, vacant-eyed. +</P> + +<P> +"You'll come to bed now, sir?" enquired the Sergeant anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay Zeb, 'tis so late I'll e'en sit and watch the dawn come." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir, you'll take something to eat and drink? Do now!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major shook his head: +</P> + +<P> +"I want nought, Zeb, save to be—alone." +</P> + +<P> +Sergeant Zebedee sighed heavily, shook doleful head and going out, shut +the door softly behind him. +</P> + +<P> +"That it should be Effingham of all men, or one so hatefully like!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major clenched his hands and began to pace restlessly back and +forth. And now came Memory to haunt him—her sweet, soft voice, the +droop of her black lashes, the way she had of pouting red lips +sometimes when thoughtful, her eyes, her hands, her quick, light feet, +and all the infinite allurement of her. And now——! +</P> + +<P> +"That it should be—Effingham!" +</P> + +<P> +Here again he was seized of faintness and nausea, fierce tremors shook +him and sinking into his elbow-chair he sat crouched above the desk, +his face bowed between clutching hands. Sitting thus, the great house +so still and silent all about him, he must needs remember how she had +called it a "desolate" house. And, in truth, so it was and must be for +him now until the end. The end? +</P> + +<P> +Once more he rose and took to his restless pacing. What end was there +for him now but a succession of dreary days, while old age crept upon +him bringing with it loneliness and solitude—a great, empty house and +himself a solitary, loveless old man. And he had dreamed of others +perchance to bear his name! God, what a life it might have been! And +now, this was the end; he had walked in a "fool's paradise" indeed. +</P> + +<P> +Pausing in his tramping he lifted haggard eyes to the pistols on the +wall; with fumbling hands he opened a certain drawer in his desk, and, +taking thence a brown wisp that once had been a fragrant rose, looked +down at it awhile with eyes very tender, then let it fall and set his +foot upon it, and leaning back in his chair stared down at all that +remained. Long he sat thus, chin on breast, his drawn face half buried +in the gay curls of his glossy peruke, but now his gaze had wandered +back to the pistols on the wall. The candles, guttering in their +sockets, burned low and lower, flickered and went out, but he sat on, +motionless and very still; at last he sighed, stirred, rose from his +chair, reached groping hand up to the wall and stood suddenly rigid. +</P> + +<P> +"Major John, dear, some of your tenants are miserably poor, Major John!" +</P> + +<P> +It was as if she had uttered these words again, the small room seemed +to echo her soft voice, the darkness seemed full of her fragrant +presence. The Major sank back in the chair and covered his face with +twitching fingers; but, little by little, upon the gloom about him +stole a faint glow, a tender radiance, an ever-brightening glory and +lo, it was day. And presently, beholding this gladsome light, he +lifted drooping head and glanced about him. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" he whispered, "O sweet woman of my dream, though the dream +vanish memory abideth and in my memory I will hold thee pure and sweet +and fragrant everlastingly!" +</P> + +<P> +Then he arose and heeding no more the pistols on the wall, went forth +calm-eyed into the golden, joyous freshness of the dawn. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THE MAJOR RAN AWAY +</H4> + +<P> +Larks, high in air, carolled faint and sweet, birds chirped joyously +from fragrant hedgerows, a gentle wind set leaves dancing merrily, and +the Major's big bay mare, being full of life and the joy of it, tossed +her shapely head and beat a tattoo with her four round hoofs; but the +Major rode with shoulders drooping and in gloomy silence, wherefore the +Sergeant trotting behind on his stout cob, stared at the woebegone +figure and shook anxious head: +</P> + +<P> +"She's a bit skittish, sir," he hazarded at last as the powerful bay +pranced sideways toward the hedge, "a bit wilful-like, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"She's so young, Zeb," answered the Major absently, "so young, so full +of life and youth that 'tis but to be—eh, what the devil are you +saying, Sergeant Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why your honour, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold your tongue, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"But sir," began the Sergeant, wondering to see his master's face so +red all at once, "I did but——" +</P> + +<P> +"Be silent!" said the Major and, giving his mare the rein, rode on +ahead while the Sergeant trotted after staring in turn at the blooming +hedges, the white road, the blue sky and the Major's broad back. +</P> + +<P> +"'Sniggers!" he exclaimed at last under his breath, +</P> + +<P> +Presently the road narrowed between high, sloping banks clothed with +brush and bramble from amid which tangle a man rose suddenly, a tall, +dark, gipsy-looking fellow, at whose unexpected appearance the Major's +bay mare swerved and reared, all but unseating her rider; whereat the +fellow laughed vindictively, the Sergeant swore and the Major soothed +his plunging steed with voice and hand. Breathing fierce anathemas and +dire threats, the Sergeant was in the act of dismounting when the Major +stopped him peremptorily. +</P> + +<P> +"But sir, 'tis a rogue, 'tis a plaguy rascal, 'tis a——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis no matter, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"But damme sir, same do be a-shaking his dirty fist at your honour this +moment! Sir, I beg——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis very natural, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Nat'ral sir, and wherefore?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—er—had occasion to—ha—flog the fellow." +</P> + +<P> +"Flogged him, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"And broke my—ha—very modish cane a-doing it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Cane, sir?" repeated the Sergeant, jogging alongside again. "Ha, and +brought home his bludgeon instead, I mind, not so ornymental—but a +deal handier, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +Here the Major fell again to gloomy abstraction, observing which the +Sergeant held his peace until, having climbed a steepish ascent, they +came where stood a finger-post at the parting of the ways and here the +Sergeant ventured another question: +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore flog same, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh?" said the Major, starting, "O, for a good and sufficient reason, +Zeb, and——" He broke off with a sudden breathless exclamation and +the Sergeant, following the direction of his wide gaze, beheld three +people approaching down a shady bye-road. +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir," he exclaimed, "here's my Lady Carlyon as——" +</P> + +<P> +The Major wheeled his big bay and, clapping in spurs, galloped off in +the opposite direction. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Sapperment!</I>" exclaimed the Sergeant. He was yet staring in +amazement after his master's rapidly retreating figure when he became +aware that my lady had reined up her horse beside him. +</P> + +<P> +"Why Sergeant," she questioned, "O Sergeant, what is't? Why did he +spur away at sight of me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Bewitchment, mam—black magic and sorcery damned, my lady!" answered +the Sergeant, shaking rueful head. "Last night, your ladyship, he see +the devil, same being in form of a apparation——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Zebedee, what do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"A gobling, mam—a ghost as vanished itself away into your garden, my +lady—we both see same and his honour followed it." +</P> + +<P> +"Into—my garden?" she questioned quick-breathing, her eyes very +bright, her slender hand tight-clenched upon her riding-switch. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye mam, your garden. Since when he's been witched and spell-bound, +d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"How—how?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, a tramp—tramping in his study all night long and groaning to +himself—right mournful, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Groaning?" +</P> + +<P> +"And likewise a-sighing—very dismal. And this morning I took the +liberty of observing him unbeknownst—through the window, d'ye see—me +not having had a wink o' sleep either—and when he lifted his head——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" she said faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas like—like death in life, mam." +</P> + +<P> +My lady's head was bowed but the Sergeant saw that the hand grasping +the whip was trembling and when she spoke her voice was unsteady also: +</P> + +<P> +"I—I'm glad you—told me, Sergeant. I—O I must see him! Get him +home again—into the orchard. I—must speak with him—soon!" +</P> + +<P> +"But mam, he's set on riding to Inchbourne—means to look over the +cottages as Jennings has let go to rack and ruin, and when he's set on +doing a thing he'll—do it." +</P> + +<P> +"He ran away at sight of me, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"He did so, mam, by reason of the black art and——" +</P> + +<P> +"And he shall run away again—I'll ride to Inchbourne ahead of you and +frighten him back home——" +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"And when he reaches home contrive to get him into the orchard——" +</P> + +<P> +"Zooks!" exclaimed the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +Here Mr. Dalroyd, who had been chatting with the Marquis hard by but +with his gaze ever upon my lady's lissom figure, urged his horse up to +them. +</P> + +<P> +"The Major would seem in a hurry this morning," said he, smiling down +into my lady's pensive face, "or is it that his horse bolted with him?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant snorted but, before he could speak, Lady Betty's gloved +hand was upon his arm. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Zebedee," said she gently, "I—trust to you and you won't +fail me, I know!" Then, smiling a little wistfully she turned and rode +away between her two cavaliers. +</P> + +<P> +"Now all I says is," said the Sergeant, rasping his fingers across his +big, smooth-shaven chin, "all I says is that look o' hers has drove the +word 'fail' clean off the field wi' no chance o' rallying. All I asks +is—How?" Having questioned himself thus and found no answer, he +presently set off in pursuit of the Major, as fast as his stout cob +would carry him. +</P> + +<P> +The Major sat his fretting mare beneath the shadow of trees, but +despite this shade he looked hot and uncomfortable. +</P> + +<P> +"You've been the deuce of a while, Zebedee," said he, fidgeting in his +saddle. +</P> + +<P> +"No help for it, your honour," answered the Sergeant, saluting, "her +ladyship having halted me, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—what did she say, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Demanded wherefore you bolted, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And—what did you tell her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Explained as 'twere all on account o' witchcraft and sorcery damned, +sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Then be damned for a fool, Zebedee!" The Sergeant immediately +saluted. "Then—er—what did she say?" +</P> + +<P> +"Stared, sir, and cross-examinationed me concerning same, and I dooly +explained as you did see a apparation in form of the devil—no, a devil +in form of a——" The Major uttered an impatient ejaculation and rode +on again. And after they had ridden some distance in silence the +Sergeant spoke. +</P> + +<P> +"Begging your pardon, sir, but you're wrong!" +</P> + +<P> +"I think not, Zeb,'" sighed the Major, "'tis for the best." +</P> + +<P> +"But sir, 'tis the wrong way to——" +</P> + +<P> +"On the contrary 'tis the only way, Zeb, the only way to save her pain +and vexation. I couldn't bear to see her shrink—er—ha, what a plague +are you saying now, in the fiend's name, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, I only—" +</P> + +<P> +"Be silent, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, your honour, only this be the wrong way to Inchbourne." +</P> + +<P> +"Egad!" exclaimed the Major, staring. "Now you mention it, Zeb, so +'tis!" And wheeling his horse forthwith, the Major galloped back to +the cross-roads. Being come thither he halted to glance swiftly about +and seemed much relieved to find no one in sight. +</P> + +<P> +"Zebedee," said he suddenly as they rode on, knee to knee, "tis in my +mind to go a-travelling again." +</P> + +<P> +"Thought and hoped our travelling days was done, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, so did I, Zeb, so did I—but," the Major sighed wearily, "none +the less I'm minded to go campaigning again, leaving you here +to—er—look after things for me, as 'twere, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Can't and couldn't be, your honour! You go and me stay? Axing your +pardon, sir—Zounds, no!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why not, pray?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well first, sir, what would your honour do without me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Truly I should—miss you, Zeb——" +</P> + +<P> +"So you would, sir, so why think of going? Secondly, here's me been +hoping—ah, hoping right fervent as you'd bring it off, sir, wi' +colours flying and drums a-beating as gay as gay." +</P> + +<P> +"Bring what off, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Wedlock, sir." The Major flinched, then turned to scowl: +</P> + +<P> +"Be curst for a presuming fool, Zebedee!" The Sergeant immediately +saluted. "Whom should I marry at my time of life, think you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, sir." +</P> + +<P> +The Major's bronzed cheek burned and he rode awhile with wistful gaze +on the distance. +</P> + +<P> +"I shall—never marry, Zebedee!" said he at last. +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, asking your pardon, but that depends, I think." +</P> + +<P> +"Depends!" repeated the Major, staring. "On what?" +</P> + +<P> +"The Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +Here ensued another long pause, then: +</P> + +<P> +"How so, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, when some women makes up their mind to a man it ain't no manner +o' good that man a-saying 'No'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Pray what d'you know of women, Sergeant Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"That much, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major. "Nevertheless I shall never wed, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +Here he sighed again and the Sergeant did likewise. +</P> + +<P> +"Which I do sadly grieve to hear, sir, for your honour's sake, her +ladyship's and—my sake!" +</P> + +<P> +"And why yours, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, if you was to wed my lady and vicey-versey, the which I did hope, +why then belike I might do the same with Mrs. Agatha and versey-vicey." +</P> + +<P> +"God—bless—my soul!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"She's a pro-digious fine figure of a woman, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"She is so, Zeb, she is indeed. But I had no idea——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor did I, sir, till a few days ago and then it came on me—ah, it +come on me like a flash, your honour, quick as a musket-ball!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then, if she's willing, Zeb, marry by all means and before I go +I'll——" +</P> + +<P> +"Begging your pardon, sir, can't be done—not to be thought on—if you +wed why then I wed, if so be as she'll have me, sir, and vicey-versey, +but if you don't, I don't and versey-vicey as in dooty bound, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"But, if you love each other—why not, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because sir, you a bachelor, me a bachelor now and for ever, amen!" +</P> + +<P> +"A Gad's name—why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour, 'tis become a matter o' dooty wi' me d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"You're a great fool, Sergeant, aye—a fool, Zebedee, but a very +faithful fool, Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir! And yonder's Inchbourne!" said the Sergeant, pointing to a +hamlet bowered amid trees in the valley below them. +</P> + +<P> +The thatched cottages of Inchbourne village stood upon three sides of a +pleasant green and in this green was a pool shaded by willows and fed +by a rippling brook. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a mighty pretty place!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir—to look at—from a distance, but there ain't a cottage as +aren't damp, nor a roof as don't leak like a sieve. Still 'tis pretty +enough I'll not deny, though 'tis an ill-conditioned folk lives there, +your honour, hang-dog rascals, poachers and the like——" +</P> + +<P> +"And small wonder if things be so bad, ill-conditions beget roguery, +Zeb, I marvel what Jennings can have been doing to let things come to +such a pass!" +</P> + +<P> +"Co-lecting rents mostly, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"You've no particular regard for Mr. Jennings, Zebedee." +</P> + +<P> +"I never said so, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"He complained of you once, Zebedee——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, the same month as you and me come a-marching into this here +estate said Jennings turned old Bet Seamore out of her bit o' cottage +whereupon I dooly ventured a objection——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" mused the Major, staring down at the peaceful hamlet. "He will +be awaiting us——" +</P> + +<P> +"At the d'Arcy Arms!" nodded the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Jennings was agent here in my uncle's time and bears an irreproachable +character, Zeb——" +</P> + +<P> +"Character!" quoth the Sergeant. "Sir, his character worries him to +that degree he's a-talking of it constant. Says he to me, old Betty +a-sobbing over her bits o' furniture as was a-lying there in the road, +'no rent no roof!' says he, ''tis my dooty to look arter Squire's +interests,' says he, 'and dooty's part o' my character. I was born +with a irreproachable character,' says he, 'and such I'll keep same,' +he says. 'Why then,' says I, 'since I can't kick your character, I'll +kick you instead,' I says, which I did forthwith, wherefore complaint +to you as aforesaid, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" said the Major, frowning. "'Twas wrong in you to assault my +agent, Zeb, very wrong, but——I must enquire into the matter of the +eviction. You should have told me before." Saying which, he gave his +mare the rein and they began to descend the hill. +</P> + +<P> +"They call old Betty a witch, sir," continued the Sergeant, his keen +gaze roving expectantly among the scattered cottages, "aye, a witch, +sir, and now owing to Mr. Jennings' character d'ye see she do live in +the veriest pigsty of a place which is the reason as my Lady Carlyon +has took to riding over and a-visiting of her constant——" +</P> + +<P> +"Has she, Zeb, has she?" said the Major, his voice very gentle. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, folks hereabouts know her well—she stays wi' 'em hours +sometimes and—Zounds, there she is!" +</P> + +<P> +"Where?" demanded the Major, reining his mare upon its haunches. +</P> + +<P> +"Yonder, sir, see, she's a-going into old Bet's cottage now and——" +</P> + +<P> +But the Major had wheeled about and was already half-way back up the +hill. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," cried the Sergeant as they reached the brow of the hill, "what +about that there Mr. Jennings as is a-waiting——" +</P> + +<P> +"He must wait awhile—we'll come back later, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"No manner o' use, sir, my lady'll stop a couple of hours and by that +time he'll be drunk, d'ye see. Best get home, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well first there's your great History o' Fortification in ten vollums +a-waiting to be wrote, and secondly you can come here another day——" +</P> + +<P> +"So I can, Zeb, so I can!" agreed the Major and straightway fell into a +profound meditation while Sergeant Zebedee began to turn over in his +mind various ways and means of achieving the second part of my lady +Betty's so urgent request, pondering the problem chin in hand, his +fierce black brows close-knit in painful thought. Suddenly he smiled +and slapped hand to thigh. +</P> + +<P> +"What now?" enquired the Major, starting. +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, there do be some evolutions as a man ain't so nat'rally +adapted for as a fe-male so, thinks I sir, I'll ask Mrs. Agatha——" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF CRIMINATIONS +</H4> + +<P> +"Zebedee," said the Major, staring down at his empty desk, "what's +become of my manuscript and papers?" +</P> + +<P> +"I' the orchard, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"The orchard—why there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, seeing the day s'fine, the sun s'warm and the air s'balmy I +took 'em out into the arbour, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"And who the plague told you to?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Agatha, sir, and seeing 'tis quiet there wi' none to disturb, +d'ye see, I took same, hoping what wi' the sun so warm and the air so +balmy and your History o' Fortification in ten vollums you +might—capture a wink or so o' sleep, p'r'aps, you not having closed a +optic all last night, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" growled the Major and, limping to the open casement, scowled out +upon the sunny garden. +</P> + +<P> +"And you was ever fond o' the orchard, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Damn the orchard!" +</P> + +<P> +"Heartily, sir, heartily if so commanded, though 'tis for sure a +pleasant place and if you, a-sitting there so snug and secluded, could +nod off to sleep for an hour or so, what with the sun so warm and the +air so balmy, 'twould do you a power o' good, sir, you being a +bit—strange-like to-day, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"Strange? How?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your temper's a leetle shortish and oncertain-like, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," nodded the Major grimly, "belike it is, Zeb." He turned and +limped slowly to the door but paused there, staring down at the +polished floor. "Zebedee," said he suddenly, without lifting his +frowning gaze, "what a plague gave you to think there was—there could +be aught 'twixt my lady and me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Observation, sir." The Major's scowl grew blacker: +</P> + +<P> +"And—Mrs. Agatha?" he enquired, "does she know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Being a woman, sir, she do—from the very first." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed the Major bitterly, "and the maids—I suppose they +know, and the footmen, and the grooms, and the gardeners and every +peeping, prying——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant fervently, "I'll lay my life there's no one +knows but Mrs. Agatha and me—her by nat'ral intooitions and me by +observation aforesaid." +</P> + +<P> +"Do I——show it so——plainly, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, but Mrs. Agatha's a remarkable woman—and I've learned to +know you in all these years, to know your looks and ways better than +you know 'em yourself, sir, wherefore I did ventur' to put two and two +together and made 'em five, it seems. For (I argufies to myself) it +ain't nowise good for man to live alone seeing as man be born to +wedlock as the sparks do up'ard fly and what's bred i' the bone is +bound to be. Moreover man cleaveth to woman and vicey-versey, your +honour. Furthermore (argues I) wedlock is a comfortable +institootion—now and then, sir, and very nat'ral 'twixt man and maid +whereby come heirs o' the body male and female, your honour. And +furthermore (I argues) you're a man and she's a maid and both on you +apt and fit for same, therefore, if so—why not? Moreover again +(thinks I) if two folk do love each other and there ain't any kind o' +just cause nor yet impedimenta—why then (says I) wherefore not obey +Natur's call and——your honour——d'ye see——there y'are, sir!" Here +the Sergeant stopped and stood at attention, breathing rather hard, +while the Major, who had averted his head, was silent awhile; when at +last he spoke his voice sounded anything but harsh. +</P> + +<P> +"You're a good soul, Sergeant Zeb, a good soul. But that which +is——impossible can—er—can never be. +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +'Youth is joyous; Age is melancholy:<BR> +Age and Youth together is but folly.'<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"'Tis a true saying, Zeb," he sighed, "a true saying and not to be +controverted." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not, sir," answered the Sergeant, "and you'll find your +History o' Fortification a-laying on the table in the arbour, sir, also +pens and ink, also pipe and tobacco, also tinder-box, also——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, Zeb, since as you say the sun is so warm and the air so +balmy I'll go out and sit awhile and dream I'm young again, for to +youth all things are possible—or seem so." And, sighing, he limped +forth into the sunshine. But now, as he went slowly towards the +orchard, he smiled more than once, and once he murmured: +</P> + +<P> +"God bless his honest heart!" +</P> + +<P> +Thus, slow and listless of step, he came at last into the pleasant +seclusion of the orchard and, with head bowed and shoulders drooping +like one that is very weary, entered the cool shadow of the hutch-like +sentry-box and started back, trembling all at once and with breath in +check. +</P> + +<P> +She sat looking up at him, great-eyed and very still, yet all vigorous +young life from the glossy love-lock above white brow to her dainty +riding-boot. +</P> + +<P> +"Why John," said she softly, "do I fright you? Will you run from me +again you great, big, 'Fighting d'Arcy'?" And now, because of his +look, over snowy neck and cheek and brow crept a rosy flush, her lips +quivered to a shy smile, never had she seemed so maidenly or so +alluring; the Major clenched his fists and bowed his head. "John," she +commanded tenderly, "come you hither to me!" and she patted the seat +beside her with white hand invitingly. Major d'Arcy never stirred, so +she reached out and catching him by the skirt of his coat, drew him +near and nearer until he was seated beside her. +</P> + +<P> +"And now," she questioned, "why do you tramp to and fro sleepless all +night? Why do you gallop away at sight of me? Why are your poor +cheeks so pale and your eyes so heavy with pain? Why do you sit and +stare mumchance? Why? Why? Why?" +</P> + +<P> +Now looking down into these bright eyes that met his so unflinchingly, +hearkening to her soft and tender voice, his own eyes blenched and +putting up his hands he covered his face that he might not see all the +beauty of her and when he spoke his voice was hoarse and broken. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady—why are you here—after last night? Dear God!" +</P> + +<P> +"Because you need me, John, to comfort you, 'twould seem. If indeed +you are bewitched by cruel fancies I am here to drive them away." +</P> + +<P> +"Would to God you might," he groaned, "or that I had died before last +night!" +</P> + +<P> +"John," said she gently, "John—look at me! Do I seem changed, less +worthy your love?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, and yet—God help me—I saw, I heard!" +</P> + +<P> +"What did you hear?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your words of love—last night—in the arbour—your kisses." +</P> + +<P> +At this, she started but her glance never wavered. +</P> + +<P> +"What did you see?" +</P> + +<P> +"I saw—him—damn him—leap back over the wall—Dalroyd!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dalroyd!" she gasped, "Dalroyd—are you sure?" +</P> + +<P> +"I had him in my grip! I looked into his evil face——" +</P> + +<P> +"Dalroyd!" she whispered, and with the word her proud head drooped and +he saw her hands were shaking. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," said he hoarsely, "O Betty, 'tis not that my dream of +possessing you is done, but—dear heaven—that it should be—such a +man! For if I do guess aright he is one so vile, so——" +</P> + +<P> +"John!" she cried, "O think you 'twas to meet—him, I was there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I saw him—fresh from your embraces—the damnable rogue boasted +of it and I was minded to strangle him—but—for your sake——" +</P> + +<P> +"My sake?" +</P> + +<P> +My lady rose and stood very pale and still, looking down at the Major's +agony. +</P> + +<P> +"And you think," she questioned softly, "you believe I was there to +meet—him, at such an hour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty—Betty—God help me—what am I to think?" +</P> + +<P> +"What you will!" she answered. "Therein shall be your punishment!" +And turning she would have left him, but he caught at her habit. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady," he pleaded, "for God's sweet sake be merciful and deny it. +Tell me I dreamed—say that my eyes saw falsely, tell me so in mercy +and I'll believe." +</P> + +<P> +"No!" she said dully, "No! Were I to swear this on my knees yet deep +within your heart this evil doubt would still rear its head——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, nay—I vow—I swear!" +</P> + +<P> +"You have been so swift to spy out evil in me from the first," she went +on in the same passionless voice, "first you thought me a wild hoyden, +then unvirginal, now—now, a sly wanton! So will I make your evil +thoughts so many whips to scourge you for all your cruel doubt of me!" +</P> + +<P> +Saying which, she broke from him and crossing the orchard on flying +feet reached the ladder set for her there by the Sergeant's willing +hands, she mounted, then paused to glance back over her shoulder but +seeing how the Major remained meekly where she had left him, his head +bowed humbly between clasping hands, she frowned, bit her lip, then +gathering up the voluminous folds of her riding-habit climbed back very +dexterously over the wall, frowned at him again, shook her head at him +and vanished. +</P> + +<P> +But then—ah then, being hid from all chance of observation she leaned +smooth cheek against the unfeeling bricks and mortar of that old +weather-beaten wall and fell to a silent passion of grief. +</P> + +<P> +"O John!" she whispered, "O foolish, blundering, cruel John dear—I +wonder if you'll ever know—how much I yearned—to kiss your dear, sad, +tired eyes!" +</P> + +<P> +Then, drying her tears, she lifted proud head and walked with much +dignified composure into the house. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH RELATES HOW SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING <BR> +QUELLED SCANDAL WITH A PEWTER-POT +</H4> + +<P> +The tap-room of the ancient "George and Dragon" Inn is a long, low, +irregular chamber full of odd and unexpected corners in one of which, +towards the hour of three, sat Sergeant Zebedee Tring as was his wont +so to do. A large tankard of foaming Kentish ale stood before him from +which he regaled himself ever and anon the while he perused a somewhat +crumpled and ragged news-sheet. But to-day, as the Sergeant +alternately sipped and read he paused very often to frown across the +length of the room towards a noisy group at the farther end; a +boisterous company, whose fine clothes and smart liveries proclaimed +their gilded servitude and who lounged, yawned, snuffed, sipped their +wine or spirits and lisped polite oaths and fashionable scandal all +with as fine, as correct and supercilious an air as either of their +several masters could have done or any other fine gallants in St. +James's. Moreover it was to be noticed, that each of them had modelled +himself, in more or less degree, upon the gentleman who happened to +rejoice in his service; hence man was faintly reminiscent of master. +</P> + +<P> +"Josh, my nib," said an extremely languid individual, sticking out a +leg and looking at it with as much lazy approval as my Lord Alvaston +might have regarded his own shapely limb, "Josh, my sunbeam, there's +something up—stap my vital organ!" +</P> + +<P> +"Up, sir, up?" enquired a stoutish, pompous person, inhaling a pinch of +snuff with all the graceful hauteur of Sir Benjamin himself, "Up, +William—up what, up where? Od, sir—pronounce, discover." +</P> + +<P> +"Josh, my bird, here's my guv'nor—here's Alvaston been a-sweating and +swearing, writin' o' verses—poetical verses all the morning—which +same is dooced queer, Josh, queer, fishy and highly disturbing—burn my +neck if t'ain't." +</P> + +<P> +"Od!" exclaimed the dignified Josh, "Od, sir, I protest 'tis a amazing +co-in-seedence, here's mine been doing the actool same—I found Sir +Benjamin up to the same caper, sir—ink all over 'imself—his +ruffles—'oly heaven. And poitry too, William, s'elp me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad! My eye!" exclaimed a pale youth remarkable for a long nose and +shrill voice, "O strike me pale blue, 'tis a plague o' po'try and +they've all been and took it. Here's Marchdale rings me up at three +o'clock in the morning and when I tumbled up, here's him in his +nightcap and a bottle o' port as I thought I'd put safe out of his +reach, a-staring doleful at a sheet o' paper. 'Horace,' says he, +fierce-like, 'Give me a rhyme for "Bet,"' says he. 'Sir, I hasn't got +e'er a one about me,' I says. 'Then find one this instant,' says he. +'Why then sir, 'ow about "debt?"' I says and he—ups and throws the +bottle at me!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a poetical frenzy, Horace," explained a horsey-looking wight, +winking knowingly, "most poits gets took that way when they're at +it—Alton does, only 'twas his boot which me ducking—went clean +through the winder." +</P> + +<P> +"Pink my perishing soul!" ejaculated the languid William in sleepy +horror, "so they're all at it!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Od refuse me, gentlemen," said Josh, smiting plump fist on table, "we +must look into this before it goes too far——" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm with you, Josh," piped the shrill Horace, "a bottle at your head +ain't to be took smiling—nor yet to be sneezed at, strike me pink! +Besides I ain't drawed to po'try—it ain't gentleman-like, I call it +damned low, gentlemen, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"Low?" repeated the solemn Josh musingly, "why no, it's hardly that, +sir, there's verse, ye see, and there's poetry and t'other's very +different from which—O very." +</P> + +<P> +"And what's the diff, my flower?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, there's poetry, William, and there's verse, now verse is low I +grant you, 'od sir, verse is as low as low, but poetry is one o' the +harts, O poetry's very sooperior, a gentleman may be permitted to write +poetry when so moody and I shan't quarrel with him, but—writing it +for—money! Then 'tis mere verse, sir, and won't do not by no means. +Verse is all right in its place, Grub Street or a attic, say, but in +the gilded halls of nobility—forbid it, heaven—it won't do, sir, it +ain't the thing, sir—away with it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, but we ain't in the gilded halls, we're in the country, sir, and +the country's enough to drive a man to anything—even poetry, Josh, my +tulip! Nothing to see but grass and dung hills, hedges and +haystacks—O damme!" +</P> + +<P> +"And a occasional dairymaid!" added Horace, laying a finger to his long +nose, "Don't forget the dear, simple, rural creeters!" At this ensued +much loud laughter and stamping of feet with shouts of: "A health, +Horace is right! A toast to the rural beauties!" +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the Sergeant lowered the crumpled news-sheet and his scowl +grew blacker than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Dairymaids?" exclaimed the languid William, turning the wineglass on +his stubby finger, "Dairymaids—faugh, gentlemen! Joe and me and +Charles does fly at higher game, we do, I vow. We've discovered a +rustic Vanus! Rabbit me—a peach! A blooming plum—round and +ripe—aha! A parfect goddess! Let me parish if London could boast a +finer! Such a shape! Such a neck! Such dem'd, see-doocing, roguish +eyes, egad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Name—name!" they roared in chorus, "Spit out her name, William!" +</P> + +<P> +"Her name, sirs, begins with a A and ends with another on 'em." Here +the Sergeant sat up suddenly and laid aside the crumpled news-sheet. +"Begins with a A, sirs," repeated William, still busy with his +wineglass, "and ends with a A and it ain't Anna. And—aha, such a +waist, such pretty wicked little feet, such——" +</P> + +<P> +"Name!" chorused the others, "Name!" +</P> + +<P> +But, at this juncture the door opened and a man entered rather hastily: +his dress was sedate, his air was sedate, indeed he seemed sedateness +personified, though the Sergeant, scowling at him over his tankard, +thought his eyes a little too close together. He was evidently held in +much esteem by the company for his entrance was hailed with acclaim: +</P> + +<P> +"What, Joe! Joey—ha, Joseph," cried the pompous Josh, "you do come +pat, sir, pat—we'm just a-discussing of the Sex—Gad bless 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dear creeters!" added Horace, fingering his long nose. +</P> + +<P> +"Woman—divine Woman for ever!" said Joseph, "Woman, sirs, man's joy +and curse, his woe and consolation!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sweet creeters!" added Horace. "But William here tells us of a rural +beauty—a peach and a Vanus as you and him's got your peepers on, Joe, +so we, being all friends and jolly dogs, demands the fair one's name." +</P> + +<P> +"One minute and I'm with you," answered the sedate and obsequious +Joseph, "business first, pleasure after!" So saying he beckoned to a +man who had followed him in from the road, a tall dark, gipsy-looking +fellow at sight of whom the Sergeant clenched his fists and murmured +"Zounds!" The obsequious Joe having brought the fellow into an +adjacent corner remote from the noisy company, broke into soft but +fierce speech: +</P> + +<P> +"So you'll follow me—even here, will you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why for sure, Nick, for sure I'll follow you to——" +</P> + +<P> +"My name's Joe, curse you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then 'Joe' we'll make it, Nick. And I foller ye for the sake o' past +merry days, Joey, and—a guinea now and then, pal." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant, who had risen, sat down again. +</P> + +<P> +"Blackmail, eh?" snarled Joseph. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't go for to be 'arsh, Joey lad—a guinea, come! Or shall I ax +'ee, here afore your fine pals to pipe us a chaunt o' the High Toby——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold your dirty tongue you——" +</P> + +<P> +"A guinea, pal—say a guinea, come!" +</P> + +<P> +"Take it and be damned!" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank 'ee kindly, Joey, and mind this—now as ever I'm your man if you +should want anyone——" here the fellow made an ugly motion with his +thumb, nodded, winked, and crossing to the door, took himself off. +</P> + +<P> +Sergeant Zebedee was about to follow when he checked himself and +clenched his fists again. +</P> + +<P> +"Begins with a A and ends with another A?" cried one of the company. +"Question remains—who, Joey, who? Speak up, Joseph." +</P> + +<P> +The sedate Joseph had crossed to his companions and now stood glancing +sedately round the merry circle. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, since you ask," he answered, "who should it be but Mistress +Agatha—pretty Mrs. Agatha at the Manor House." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant's nostrils widened suddenly and his grim jaws closed with +a snap. +</P> + +<P> +"Such a shape!" repeated the languid William. "Such a waist! Such +dem'd, see-doocing, roguish eyes, begad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, and she knows it too!" piped Horace, "not a civil word for e'er a +one on us, let alone a kiss or a sly squeeze! And why——?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because," drawled Joseph, shaking sleek head, "because—since you ask +me, I answer you as she is meat for her betters—her master, +belike—the Major with the game leg—Squire d'Arcy of the Manor." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant glanced into his tankard, found therein a few frothy +drops, spilled them carefully upon the floor and hurled the empty +vessel at the last speaker. Fortunately for himself the discreet +Joseph moved at that moment and the heavy missile, hurtling past his +ear, caught the long-nosed Horace in the waistcoat and floored him. +Whirling about, Joseph was amazed to see the Sergeant advancing swiftly +and with evident intent, and the next moment all was riot and uproar. +Over crashed the table, chairs and their occupants were scattered right +and left and there rose a cloud of dust that grew ever thicker wherein +two forms, fiercely-grappled, writhed and smote and twisted. +</P> + +<P> +And, after some while, the dust subsiding a little, the startled +company beheld Sergeant Zebedee Tring sitting astride his antagonist +who writhed feebly and groaned fitfully. Seated thus the Sergeant +proceeded to re-settle his neat wig which had shed much of its powder, +to tuck up his ruffles and to dust the marks of combat from his +garments; having done which to his satisfaction and recovered his wind +meantime, he addressed the gaping company. +</P> + +<P> +"One o' you sons o' dirt bring me my hat!" The article in question +being promptly handed to him, he put it on, with due care for the curls +of his wig and glared round upon each of the spectators in turn: +</P> + +<P> +"Now if," said he at last, "if there's any other vermin-rogue has got +aught to say agin his betters, two in particular, I shall be happy to +tear his liver out and kick same through winder! Is there now?" +</P> + +<P> +Ensued a silence broken only by a faint groaning from the obsequious +Joe; whereupon the Sergeant proceeded: +</P> + +<P> +"You will all o' you notice as I'm sitting on this here piece o' filth +as is shaped like a man—I don't like to, but I do it because he won't +stand up and fight, if he would—ah, if he only would, I'd have his +liver so quick as never was, d'ye see, because he spoke dirt regarding +two o' the sweetest, noblest folk as brightens this here dark world. +Further and moreover I, now a-sitting on this piece o' rottenness, do +give warning doo—warning to all and sundry, to each and every—that if +ever a one o' you says the like again—ah, or whispers same, in my +hearing or out, that man's liver is going to be took out and throwed on +the nearest dung-hill where same belongs. Finally and lastly, if +there's ever a one o' you as feels inclined to argufy the point let him +now speak or for ever hold his peace and be damned! Is there now?" +</P> + +<P> +As no one breathed a word, the Sergeant sighed, rose from the moaning +Joseph and, crossing the room, picked up his battered tankard and shook +gloomy head over it; then, handing it to the round-eyed landlord, +sighed again: +</P> + +<P> +"That'll be the second tankard I shall ha' paid for in the last six +weeks, Jem," said he, "I do seem oncommon misfort'nate with +pewter-ware!" +</P> + +<P> +So saying, he nodded and turning his back on the silent and chastened +company, marched blithely homeward. +</P> + +<P> +Now presently as he went, he was surprised to see the Major, who stood +beside the way, his hands crossed upon his crab-tree staff, his laced +hat a little askew, his grey eyes staring very hard at a weatherbeaten +stile. As the Sergeant drew near, he started, and lifting his gaze, +nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb," said he, thoughtfully, "I'm faced with a problem of no small +magnitude, Zeb—a question of no little difficulty!" and he became lost +in contemplation of a lark carolling high overhead. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing serious I hope, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Serious, why—no Zeb, no. And yet 'tis a matter demanding a nice +judgment, a—er—a reasoned deliberation, as 'twere." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet for the life of me I can come to no decision for one of 'em is +much like t'other after all save for colour, d'ye see, Zeb, and serve +the same purpose. Yet to-morrow—to-morrow I would look my very best +and—er—youngest as 'twere, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning which and who, sir—how and where, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Come and see, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +Herewith the Major turned and strode away, the Sergeant marching +exactly two paces in his rear and without another word until, reaching +the study in due course, the Major carefully closed the door and +pointed with his crab-tree staff to some half-dozen of his new suits of +clothes disposed advantageously on table and chairs. +</P> + +<P> +"There they are, Zeb," said he, "though egad, now I look at 'em again +they don't seem exactly right, somehow——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, sir, you've only got 'em mixed up a bit—this here dove-coloured +coat goes wi' these here breeches and vicey-versey—this mulberry +velvet wi'— +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure, Zeb, to be sure. Now I see 'em so, I rather think +we'll make it the mulberry, though to be sure the pearl-grey hath its +merits—hum! We must deliberate, Zeb! 'Twill be either the mulberry +or the grey or the blue and silver or t'other with the embroidery +or—hum! 'Tis a problem, Zeb, a problem—we must think—a council of +war!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir!" answered the Sergeant, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"Anyway, 'twill be one of them, Zeb—to-morrow afternoon. To be sure I +rather fancy the orange-tawney, and yet the blue and silver—hum!" +</P> + +<P> +Here the perplexed Major crossed to the mullioned window and standing +there drew a letter from his pocket and unfolding it with reverent +fingers read these words: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"DEAR AND MOST CRUEL MAJOR JOHN, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +To-morrow is to be an occasion, therefore to-morrow I do invite you to +come at four of the clock, or as soon after as you will, to look upon +the sad, pale and woeful face of +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter" STYLE="margin-left: 15%"> +deeply wronged,<BR> +much abused,<BR> +cruelly slandered,<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">ELIZABETH.</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +To Major ill-thinking, vile-imagining, basely-suspecting d'Arcy—these." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +DESCRIBES A TRIUMPH AND A DEFEAT +</H4> + +<P> +Lady Belinda leaning back upon her cushioned day-bed, glanced up from +the open book before her and surveyed her niece's lovely, down-bent +head with curious solicitude. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty, love," said she at last, "Bet, my sweet witch, you're +vapourish! So will I read to thee—list to this," and lifting her +book, Lady Belinda read as follows: "'It must be granted that delicacy +is essential to the composition of female beauty and that strength and +robustness are contrary to the idea of it.' Alack, Betty, dear child +and my sweet, I do fear you are dreadfully robust and almost +repulsively strong! Hearken again: 'The beauty of women is greatly +owing to their delicacy and weakness'—O my love, how just! I myself +was ever most sincerely delicate and weak! How very, very true!" Here +Lady Belinda paused, eyeing her niece expectantly, but, in place of +indignant outburst, was silence; Betty sat apparently lost in mournful +reverie. +</P> + +<P> +"You like Mr. Dalroyd, I think, aunt?" she enquired suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed—a charming man! So elegant! Such an air—and such—O my +dear—such a leg!" +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy has a leg also, aunt—two of 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"And limps!" added Lady Belinda, "Limps woefully at times!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a mark of distinction in a soldier!" exclaimed Betty, flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"True, dear Bet, very true—a mark of distinction as you say, though it +quite spoils his grace of carriage. Still, despite his limp, the Major +hath admirable limbs—a leetle robust and ultra-developed perhaps, +child, doubtless due to his marching and counter-marching, whatever +that may be. None the less, though I grant you his leg, Bet—he limps! +Now Mr. Dalroyd, on the other hand——" +</P> + +<P> +"Leg, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, child——!" +</P> + +<P> +"His leg, dear aunt, keep to his leg!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gracious me, miss—what under heaven——" +</P> + +<P> +"Legs, aunt, legs!" +</P> + +<P> +"Mercy on us, Betty, what of his legs?" +</P> + +<P> +"They are bearing him hither at this moment, dear aunt." +</P> + +<P> +"O Gemini!" wailed the Lady Belinda, starting up from her cushions. +"Heaven's mercy, Bet, how can you! And me in this gown—behold me—so +faded and woebegone——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, dear aunt, a little rouge——" +</P> + +<P> +"I meant my garments, miss—look at 'em! And my hair! Ring the +bell—call the maids! I vow I shall swoon an' he catch me so——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, aunt, you do look very well and Sir Benjamin——" +</P> + +<P> +"He too!" shrieked Lady Belinda, "I faint! I'm all of a twitter—I—— +</P> + +<P> +"And Lord Alvaston, aunt, and the Marquis, and Mr. Marchdale, and Major +d'Arcy——" but Lady Belinda had fled, twittering. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone, Betty grew restless, crossed to the open lattice and +frowned at the flowers on the terrace, crossed to her harp in the +corner and struck a discord with petulant fingers, took up her aunt's +discarded book, frowned at that, dropped it; finally she sat down and +propping white chin on white fist, stared down at her own pretty foot. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if you'll come?" she murmured. "Major John, O John, you +cruel Jack, I wonder if—all night long—you lay wakeful, too? I +wonder—ah, I wonder if——" +</P> + +<P> +A tapping at the door and, starting up, she stood bright-eyed, rosy +lips apart, all shy expectancy from head to foot then, sighing, sank +gracefully upon the day-bed and took up her aunt's discarded book as +the door opened and the large menial announced: +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd!" +</P> + +<P> +My lady rose majestically and never had she greeted Mr. Dalroyd with +such a radiant smile. +</P> + +<P> +"You are come betimes, sir!" she said gently as he bowed to kiss her +hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Is that so great matter for wonder?" he enquired, his ardent gaze +drinking in her loveliness. "You know full well, sweet Lady Coquetry, +'tis ever my joy and constant aim to—be alone with you, to touch this +white hand, to kiss——" +</P> + +<P> +"Fie, sir!" she sighed, but provocation was in the droop of eyelash, +the tremulous curve of lip and in all the soft, voluptuous languor of +her. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd's usually pale cheek glowed, his long, white hands twitched +restless fingers and he seated himself beside her. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he murmured, "O Betty, how delicious you are! From the first +moment I saw you I——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas at Bath, I think, sir, or was it at Tunbridge?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, my lady, since we're alone, have done with trifling——" +</P> + +<P> +"But indeed, sir, 'tis a trifling matter since you and I are but +trifles in a trifling world. And 'tis a trifling day—and mine is a +trifling humour so, since we're alone, let us trifle. And speaking of +trifles—have you writ me the trifling ode I did command, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Faith no, madam, there are so many to do that and I would fain be +exempt. Where others scribble bad verses to your charms I would feast +my sight upon them. Look you, Betty," he continued, leaning nearer, +his languid eyes grown suddenly wide, his thin nostrils quivering. +"I'm no tame dog to run in leash like the rest of your train of lovers, +to come at your call and go when you are weary—content with a word, a +glance—treasuring a rose from your bosom, a riband from your hair and +seeking nought beyond—no, by God! 'tis you I want—fast in my arms, +close on my heart, panting 'neath my kisses——" As he spoke he drew +yet nearer until his hot breath was upon her cheek, wherefore my lady +put up her fan and, leaning there all gracious ease surveyed him with +clear, unswerving gaze, his ill-restrained ferocity, his clutching +fingers, his eyes aflame with passionate desire; and beholding all +this, my lady dazzled him with her smile and nodded lovely head: +</P> + +<P> +"O excellently done!" she laughed lightly. "Indeed, sir, now you do +trifle to admiration!" +</P> + +<P> +"Trifle?" he exclaimed hoarsely, "Trifle is it? Not I, by heaven—ah +Betty—maddening witch——" His arms came out fiercely but, before he +could clasp her, she had risen and stepped back out of reach, looking +down at him with the same steady gaze, the same bewildering smile. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, sir," she said gently, "though in this trifling world you are but +a trifle, 'tis true, yet your trifling offends me like your +neighbourhood!" and crossing to the open lattice she leaned there, +staring out into the sunny garden. Mr. Dalroyd watched her awhile +beneath drooping lids then, rising, sauntered after her. +</P> + +<P> +"And pray, madam, why this sudden, haughty repugnance?" he demanded +softly, "you know and have known from the first, that I love you." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, 'tis an ugly thing, your love!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis very real, Betty, I live but to win you and—win you I shall." +</P> + +<P> +"You are vastly confident, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Truly," he smiled, "'tis so my nature. And I am determined to possess +you—soon or late, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"Even against my will?" she questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, against your will!" he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"Even supposing that I—despised you?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould but make you the more adorable, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"Even though you knew I—loved another man?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould make you the more desirable, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +At this she turned and looked at him and, under that look, Mr. Dalroyd +actually lowered his eyes; but his laugh was light enough none the less. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he continued softly, "I would peril my immortal soul to +possess you and, despite all your haughty airs and graces—win you I +will——" +</P> + +<P> +"Enough, sir!" she retorted, "Am I so weak of will, think you, to wed +where I so utterly—despise?" And, viewing him from head to foot with +her calm gaze, she laughed and turned from him as from one of no +account. For one breathless moment Mr. Dalroyd stood utterly still +then, stung beyond endurance, his modish languor swept away on a +torrent of furious anger, he came close beside her and stood striving +for speech; and she, leaning gracefully at the open casement, hummed +the lines of a song to herself very prettily, heeding him not at all. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" said he, thickly, "By God, madam, none hath ever scorned me +with impunity—or ever shall! Hark'ee madam——" +</P> + +<P> +My lady gazed pensive upon the sunny garden and went on humming. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, by heaven!" he exclaimed, "I swear you shall humble yourself +yet—you shall come to me, one o' these days soon and leave your pride +behind. D'ye hear madam, d'ye hear my will shall be your law yet——" +</P> + +<P> +Now at this she turned and laughed full-throated and ever as she +laughed she mocked him: +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sir, and indeed? Shall I run humbly to your call? Must I +creep to you on lowly knees——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—by God, you shall!" he cried, his passion shaking him. +</P> + +<P> +"And must I plead and beg and sue, must I weep and sigh and moan and +groan? And to you—you, of all trifling things? I wonder why?" +</P> + +<P> +"For your brother's sake!" he answered between white teeth, stung at +last out of all restraint. +</P> + +<P> +"My brother—my Charles? What can you know of him—you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Enough to hang him!" +</P> + +<P> +Once again her laughter rang out, a joyous, rippling peal: +</P> + +<P> +"O Mr. Dalroyd!" she cried at last, dabbing at her bright eyes with +dainty handkerchief, "O, indeed, sir, here is trifling more to my +mind—nay, prithee loose my hand!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd obeyed and stepped back rather hastily as the door opened +and the footman announced: +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major advanced a couple of strides then halted, fumbled with his +laced hat and looked extremely uncomfortable; next moment my lady was +greeting him gaily: +</P> + +<P> +"Welcome, dear Major! You know Mr. Dalroyd, I think—so gay, so witty! +Just now he is at his very gayest and wittiest, he is about telling me +something extreme diverting in regard to my brother, my dear, wilful +Charles—but you have never met my brother, I think, Major d'Arcy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never, madam!" he answered, bowing over her hand and dropping it +rather as if it had stung him. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, sir," she laughed, "Mr. Dalroyd shall tell you all about +him. Pray proceed, Mr. Dalroyd." +</P> + +<P> +But hereupon Mr. Dalroyd having acknowledged the Major's stiff bow, +stood fingering the long curls of his peruke and, for once in his life, +felt himself entirely at a loss; as for the Major, he stood in +wondering amazement, staring at my lady's laughing face as if he had +never seen it before in all his days. +</P> + +<P> +"Come, sir, come!" she commanded, viewing Mr. Dalroyd's perplexity with +eyes very bright and malicious, "Charles is for ever playing some +naughty trick or other, tell us his latest." +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, madam," said Mr. Dalroyd at last, "I, like Major d'Arcy, have +never had the good fortune to meet your brother." +</P> + +<P> +"But you have seen him and very lately, I think—yes, I'm sure you +have—confess!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay indeed, my lady, how—where should I see him——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why with me of course, sir, last night—in the arbour." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd recoiled a slow step, his heavy eyelids fluttered and fell, +then happening to glance at the Major, he saw his face suddenly +transfigured with a radiant joy, beholding which, Mr. Dalroyd's +delicate nostrils twitched again and his long white fingers writhed and +clenched themselves; then he turned upon my lady, seemed about to burst +into passionate speech but bowed instead and strode from the room. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone, the Major dropped his hat and my lady turning back to the +casement, leaned there and began to sing softly to herself, an old, +merry song: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"A young cavalier he rode on his way<BR> +Singing heigho, this loving is folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Betty," said the Major humbly, "O Betty—forgive me!" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"And there met him a lady so frolic and gay<BR> +Singing, heigho, all loving is folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Betty, I—O my dear love—my lady," he stammered, "I know that my +offence is great—very heinous. I have wronged you in thought and in +word—I should have known you were the sweet soul God made you. But +I—I am only a very ordinary man, very blind, very unworthy and, I fear +but ill-suited to one so young—but indeed I do love you better than my +life so may Love plead my forgiveness. But if I have sinned too +grievously, if forgiveness is impossible then will I very humbly— +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"So he lighted him down and he louted him low<BR> +Singing heigho, be not melancholy,<BR> +And he kissed her white hand and her red mouth also<BR> +Singing heigho, love's quarrels are folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +She stood waiting—waiting for the swift tread of feet behind her, for +the masterful passion of his clasping arms, for his pleading kisses; +instead, she heard him sigh and limp heavily to the door. Then she +turned to face him and, being disappointed, grew angry and disdainful. +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy," she cried, "O Major d'Arcy—what a runaway coward you +are!" +</P> + +<P> +He paused and stood regarding her wistfully and lo! as he looked her +mocking glance wavered and fell, her lip quivered and almost in that +instant he had her in his arms; but now, even now, when she lay all +soft and tremulous in his embrace, he must needs stay to humbly plead +her forgiveness, and then—Sir Benjamin Tripp's voice was heard in the +hall beyond: +</P> + +<P> +"Od's body, I do protest Dalroyd can be almost offensive at times!" +</P> + +<P> +When the door opened Major d'Arcy stood staring blindly out of the +window his clenched fists thrust deep into the pockets of the +dove-coloured coat, and my lady, seated afar, frowned at her dainty +shoe; next moment she had risen and was greeting the company all smiles +and gaiety. +</P> + +<P> +"Dear my lady," cried Sir Benjamin, bowing over her white hand with +elaborate grace, "your most submissive humble! Major d'Arcy +sir—yours! Sweet Madam, most beauteous Queen of Hearts, you behold us +hither come, rivals one and all for your sweet graces, yet rivals +united in hem! in worship of Our Admirable Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +At this was a loud hum of approval with much graceful bending of backs, +shooting of ruffles and tapping of snuff-boxes. +</P> + +<P> +"Here in bowery Westerham," continued Sir Benjamin, laced handkerchief +gracefully a-flutter, "here in this smiling countryside celebrated +alike for hem! for beauty—I say for beauty and—and— +</P> + +<P> +"Beer!" suggested his lordship sleepily. +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, Alvaston—'od, no sir—tush! Egad you quite put me out! +Where was I? Aye—the smiling country-side famous alike for beauty of +scene, of womenkind, of——" +</P> + +<P> +"Horses!" said the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"A plague o' your horses, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"But Ben——" +</P> + +<P> +"I say I'll have none of 'em, sir! Here, dear lady, within these +Arcadian solitudes we exist like so many Hermits of Love, passing our +days immune from strife political and the clash of faction, remote from +the joys of London—its wose, its hem! I say its——" +</P> + +<P> +"Dust!" sighed Sir Jasper. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, its dust, its——" +</P> + +<P> +"Watchmen!" quoth Mr. Marchdale. +</P> + +<P> +"Watchmen?" repeated Sir Benjamin doubtfully. "Y—es, its watchmen, +its woes, its——" +</P> + +<P> +"Smells!" yawned Lord Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"Smells?" gasped Sir Benjamin, "'Od requite me sir—smells, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"What smells?" enquired Lady Belinda, pausing abruptly on the threshold +with hands clasped. "Not fire? O Gemini, I shall swoon! Sir +Benjamin, your arm pray, positively I languish at the bare idea—fire?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, madam," exclaimed Sir Benjamin, supporting her to a chair, +"here is no fire save the flames engendered of love, madam, for as I +was saying— +</P> + +<P> +"Stay, dear Sir Ben," laughed Betty, "first tell me, have you all writ +me your odes?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Od support me, yes faith, madam, we have writ you, rhymed you and +versified you to a man, and it hath been agreed betwixt us, one and +all, that hem! before these same odes, sonnets, triolets, vilanelles, +rondeaus, chants-royal, ballades and the like be humbly submitted to +you, we their authors shall hem! Shall——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold, my Benjamin, hold!" exclaimed Lord Alvaston. "Too much beating +'bout bush, Ben my boy. Dear Lady Bet, what poor Ben's been trying t' +say, wants t' say, but don't know how t' say 's simply this—that +having wrote odes 'n' things, we're minded t' read 'em t' each other +and pass judgment on 'em, 'n' whoever has— +</P> + +<P> +"Clapped the firmest saddle on Pegasus," continued the Marquis, "will +be given——" +</P> + +<P> +"He means whoso hath writ the best, Betty," Mr. Marchdale explained +with youthful gravity. +</P> + +<P> +"Shall be given three laps and a fly-away start in the Wooing +Handicap," the Marquis continued. +</P> + +<P> +"'Od—'Od's my life!" ejaculated Sir Benjamin indignantly, "We're not +in the stables now, Alton! Suffer me to explain clearly——" +</P> + +<P> +"But—wooing handicap?" repeated Betty, wrinkling her brows in +puzzlement. +</P> + +<P> +"Matrimonial Stakes, then," continued the irrepressible Marquis. "You +see, Bet, we are all riding in this race for you and it has been ruled +that——" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady," sighed the soulful Sir Jasper, "it hath been agreed that +whoso indites the worthiest screed to your beauty, he whose poor verses +shall be judged most worthy shall be awarded three clear days wherein +to plead his suit with thee, to humbly sigh, to sue, to——" +</P> + +<P> +"A clear field and no favour, my lady!" the Marquis added. +</P> + +<P> +"And," sighed Sir Jasper, "thrice happy mortal he who shall be +privileged to call thee 'wife'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, indeed," laughed my lady, "'tis vastly, excellently quaint——" +</P> + +<P> +"My idea!" said the Captain, shooting his ruffles. "Came to me—in a +moment—like a flash!" +</P> + +<P> +"Though truly," she sighed, "I do begin to think I ne'er shall wed and +be doomed to lead apes in hell as they say—unless for a penance I +marry Mr. Dalroyd or—Major d'Arcy! But come," she continued, smiling +down their many protests and rising, "let us into the garden, 'tis +shady on the lawn, we'll act a charade! Sir Jasper, your hand, pray." +Thereupon, with a prodigious fluttering of lace ruffles, the flash of +jewelled sword-hilts and shoe-buckles, the sheen of rich satins and +velvets, the gallant company escorted my lady into the garden and +across the smooth lawn. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a pert and naughty puss!" exclaimed Lady Belinda, studying the +Major's downcast face, "Indeed a graceless, heartless piece, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Er—yes, mam," he answered abstractedly. +</P> + +<P> +"A very wicked and irreverent baggage, Major!" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, dear sir, what with her airy graces and her graceless airs I +do shudder for her future, my very soul positively—shivers!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shiver, mam?" enquired the Major, starting. "Shiver? Why 'tis very +warm, I think——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, this was an inward shiver, sir, a spasmic shudder o' the soul! +Indeed she doeth me constant outrage." +</P> + +<P> +"Who, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why Betty, for sure." Here the Major sighed again, his wistful gaze +wandered back to the open lattice and he fell to deep and melancholy +reverie the while Lady Belinda observed him sharp-eyed, his face leanly +handsome framed in the glossy curls of his great peruke, the exquisite +cut of his rich garments and the slender grace of the powerful figure +they covered, his high-bred air, his grave serenity mingled with a shy +reserve; finally she spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy, your arm pray—let us go sit out upon the terrace." +</P> + +<P> +"Your—er—pardon madam," he answered a little diffidently, "I was but +now thinking of taking—er—my departure——" +</P> + +<P> +"Go sir—O no sir! Tut Major and fie! What would Betty think of your +so sudden desertion? Besides, I feel talkative—let us sit and tattle +awhile, let us conspire together to the future good of my naughty niece +and your wild nephew—Pancras. Though, by the way, sir, I didn't know +Pancras had an uncle." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor has he, mam," answered the Major, escorting her out upon the +terrace and sitting down rather unwillingly, "I am but his uncle +by—er—adoption, as 'twere." +</P> + +<P> +"Adoption, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"He adopted me years ago—he was but a child then, d'ye see, and +something solitary." +</P> + +<P> +"Mm!" said Lady Belinda thoughtfully, viewing the Major's courtly +figure again, "Indeed you are looking vastly well to-day, sir—grey is +such an angelic tint—so spiritual! And young—I protest you look as +young as Pancras himself!" The Major flushed and shifted uneasily on +his seat. "And pray why doth Pancras tarry so long in London?" +</P> + +<P> +"He writes that he is stayed by affairs of moment, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I vow 'tis most provoking in him! Here are you and I both +a-burning to marry him to Bet—aren't we, dear Major?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that, mam—er—ah——" The Major grew muffled and +incoherent. +</P> + +<P> +"And here's Betty so carelessly rampageous—so, so lost to all sense of +feminine weakness, alack!" +</P> + +<P> +"Weakness?" murmured the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And so masculinely audacious! O dear sir, the vain hours I have spent +trying to instil into her a little ladylike languor, a soft and +feminine meekness! But alas! Betty is anything but meek—now is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why—ah—perhaps not, mam—not exactly meek, as 'twere—and yet——" +</P> + +<P> +"And she fears nought i' the world, living or dead, but a mouse!" +</P> + +<P> +"But pray, mam, what should she fear?" +</P> + +<P> +"La sir, what but your naughty, wicked sex. I vow, ere to-day, I've +swooned at the merest sight of a man!" +</P> + +<P> +"You—you've conquered the habit, I trust, mam?" enquired the Major a +little anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed no, dear Major, I fear I never shall!" +</P> + +<P> +"You don't feel any—inclination—now, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, unless you give me cause——" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, mam, I won't! Trust me——" +</P> + +<P> +"Trust a man? Never, sir, 'tis a naughty sex. But talking of Bet, her +head is quite turned, she suffers constantly from a surfeit of +worshipping wooers, her will is their law, her merest glance or gesture +a command—see her yonder, surrounded by her court yet must she have +you also—see how she summons you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Summons me—me, mam?" enquired the Major, a little breathlessly. +"Nay, I see no summons!" +</P> + +<P> +"With her eyes, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed she doth but glance this way." +</P> + +<P> +"I know that trick o' the eyelash, sir! But as I say, Bet hath been +spoiled by a too implicit masculine obedience, she groweth more +imperious daily. If she but had someone to thwart her a little, cross +her occasionally, 'twould do her a world of good." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, mam!" he answered, all his attention centred upon that +lovely, animated form on the lawn below. +</P> + +<P> +"See—now she beckons you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, so she does!" he exclaimed, his eyes suddenly joyous. "Your +pardon, mam, I must—" he gasped, for, attempting to rise, he found +himself held and to his horror, perceived Lady Belinda's fingers +twisted firmly in the silver-laced lapel of his coat-pocket. "Madam," +he exclaimed in great agitation, "I beg—for the love of——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sit still, sir—'twill do her a world of good!" +</P> + +<P> +"But she needs me——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, she hath six stalwart gentlemen to do her commands, let them +suffice." +</P> + +<P> +"But madam, I must——" +</P> + +<P> +"Remain quiescent, sir—'twould be a sad pity to tear so fine a coat. +Bide quiet, dear Major, and work a miracle." +</P> + +<P> +So perforce the Major sat there miserably enough, while, unseen by the +gay throng around her my Lady Betty continued to flash him knowledge of +her indignant surprise, anger and contempt, even while her laughter +rippled gaily to some ponderous witticism of Sir Benjamin. +</P> + +<P> +"It works!" nodded Lady Belinda. "But, O Gemini, never follow her with +such sheep's-eyes, Major, nor look so unutterly forlorn or you'll spoil +all! Learn this, sir—what we humans strive for is always the thing +withheld and—Betty is very human. And that reminds me she hath lately +taken to whistling and walking in her sleep——" +</P> + +<P> +"God bless my soul, mam, walking——" +</P> + +<P> +"And whistling—both truly disquieting habits, sir! Morning, noon and +night I cannot set foot above stairs but she falls a-whistling—extreme +shrill and unpleasant! Lud, only last night, the place being hushed in +sleep and everything so weird and churchyardy, sir, I heard a stealthy +foot—that crept! I froze with horror! None the less I seized my +candle, opened my door and—there was Betty—<I>en déshabille</I>, her hair +streaming all about her and a loaf——" +</P> + +<P> +"God bless my soul, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Clasped to her bosom with one hand, sir, a platter in the other and +her eyes—O sir, so wide and sightless! And her motion—so horridly +ghostlike and glidy! My blood congealed instantly! But I followed, +and she led me upstairs and she led me downstairs and she led me round +about until I shivered 'twixt fright and weariness. At last I ventured +to touch her—never so lightly, sir, and—O peaceful Heaven!" +</P> + +<P> +"What, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Scarce had I done so than she—O——" +</P> + +<P> +"She did what, mam, what—a Gad's name, what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Awoke sir, shrieked and dropped the loaf! Then I shrieked and the +maids woke up and they shrieked and we all shrieked—O 'twas gruesome!" +</P> + +<P> +"I can well believe it, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"And when she'd recovered me with burnt feathers—very noxious! it +seemed 'twas all occasioned by a foolish dream—vowed she dreamed she +was poor Jane Shore doing penance in Cheapside—though why with a loaf +heaven only knows—and here she comes at last with Mr. Marchdale—'tis +a case of Mahomet and the mount! Poor, dear young gentleman, see how +he languishes! And his eyes! So dog-like!" +</P> + +<P> +Sure enough Lady Betty was approaching in animated converse with her +attendant swain but as she passed, the fan she had been using fell and +lay unnoticed within a yard of the Major's trim shoe. Stooping, he +picked it up, turned it over in reverent fingers then, seeing Betty had +passed on, laid it tenderly upon the table whence Lady Belinda +immediately took it and unfolding it, fanned herself complacently. +</P> + +<P> +"I protest the sun is very warm here, Major," she sighed, "shall we +walk?" +</P> + +<P> +Obediently he rose and presently found himself treading smooth turf and +vaguely aware of Lady Belinda's ceaseless prattle; chancing to lift his +eyes he was surprised to see Betty strolling before him, this time with +Lord Alvaston. As he watched, her dainty lace handkerchief fluttered +to the grass. +</P> + +<P> +"Aha!" murmured Lady Belinda. Instantly the Major stepped forward but +Sir Jasper, who chanced to be near, reached it first, and lifting it +tenderly, pressed it to lips, to bosom, and sighing, gave it to Betty's +outstretched hand. The Major frowned and heartily wished himself back +in his quiet study; Lady Belinda, watching him behind her fan, laughed +softly: +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy," said she, "I am thinking—deeply!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm thinking that, after all, 'twill mayhap be as well if we agree to +wed Betty to yourself——" The Major gasped. "Since you worship her +so devotedly!" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam—madam!" he stammered, "how did you learn——" +</P> + +<P> +"I have sat beside you for quite twenty minutes, dear sir, and in all +my days I never saw such a pitiful case of humble worship and dog-like +devotion." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed mam, I—had begun to—to hope——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hope still, sir. In two months, then. Yes, two months should be +quite soon enough. How think you?" The Major was mute and before he +could find an answer there came a burst of laughter from the adjacent +shrubbery, a chorus of merriment that grew to a roar. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I wonder—?" exclaimed Lady Belinda, halting suddenly, "This way, +sir." Following whither he was led the Major soon came upon the merry +company. Before them stood my lady Betty; in one hand she grasped the +Major's gold-mounted cane, upon her raven hair was perched the Major's +gold-laced hat, and now, squaring her shoulders, she began to limp to +and fro—a limp there was no mistaking. She bowed and postured, +mimicking to the life the Major's grave air, his attitude, his +diffidence, the very tones of his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Egad mam! Good-day mam and how d'ye do, mam? You behold in me a +philosopher, hence my gloom and spectre-at-the-feast air, as 'twere, +d'ye see. Despite the silvered splendour of my coat and youthful +trappings I am of antiquity hoary, mam, full o' years and wisdom, with +soul immune and far above all human foibles and frailties, and vanities +vain, as 'twere. Vices have I none, save that I do suck tobacco +through pipe o' clay——" +</P> + +<P> +Lord Alvaston, beholding the Major, choked suddenly in his laughter, +Sir Benjamin started and dropped his snuff-box, the Marquis gasped and +stared up at the sky and Lady Betty, turning about, found the Major +within a yard of her; and seeing his look of sudden pain, his flushing +cheek and the gentle reproach of his eyes, she stood motionless, struck +suddenly speechless and abashed. But now, because of her +embarrassment, he hastened to her and, to cover her distressed +confusion, laughed lightly and stooping, caught her nerveless fingers +to his lips: +</P> + +<P> +"Dear my lady," said he, smiling down into her troubled eyes, "till +this moment ne'er did I think this awkward, halting gait o' mine could +seem so—so graceful as 'twere. I doubt 'twill irk me less, hereafter." +</P> + +<P> +Then, gently possessing himself of hat and cane, he faced the +dumb-struck company smiling and serene and, saluting each in turn, +limped tranquilly away. +</P> + +<P> +When he was gone, Lady Betty laughed shrilly, rent her laced +handkerchief in quick, passionate hands and throwing it on the grass +stamped on it; after which she flashed a glance of withering scorn upon +the flinching bystanders and—sobbed. +</P> + +<P> +"I detest, despise myself," she cried, "and you—all of you!" +</P> + +<P> +Then she turned and sped, sobbing, into the house. +</P> + +<P> +And the Major? +</P> + +<P> +Reaching his study, he seized that exquisite, that peerless +dove-coloured coat in merciless hands and wrenching it off, hurled it +into a corner and rang for the Sergeant who came at the "double." +</P> + +<P> +"Zebedee," said he between his teeth, pointing to that shimmering +splendour of satin and silver lace, "take that accursed thing and burn +it—bury it—away with it and bring me my Ramillie coat." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +DEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH TREASONABLE MATTERS +</H4> + +<P> +"Mrs. Agatha, mam," said the Sergeant, rubbing his square chin with the +handle of the shears he had just been using, "he aren't been the same +since that there night in the orchard! He be a-fading, mam, a-fading +and perishing away afore my very eyes. He aren't ate this day so much +as would keep a babe alive let alone a man like him, six foot and one +inch, mam. Consequently, this morning I did feel called upon to +re-monstrate as in dooty bound mam, and he said—so meek, so mild—so +gentle as any bleating lamb, he says to me, says he——" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant paused to heave a sigh and shake gloomy head. +</P> + +<P> +"What did he say, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam, he says, says he—'Damn your eyes, Sergeant Zeb!' says he—but so +mild and meek as any sucking dove——" +</P> + +<P> +"Doves don't suck, Sergeant—at least I don't think so, and they never +swear, I'm sure!" +</P> + +<P> +"But, Mrs. Agatha mam, so meek he said it, so soft and mournful as my +'eart did bleed for him—his honour as could curse and swear so gay and +hearty when needful! He says to me 'Zeb,' says he 'damn your eyes!' he +says so sweet as any piping finch, mam." Here the Sergeant sighed +heavily. "What's more, mam, he do talk o' marching off campaigning +again." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean to fight in more wars and battles?" she enquired with a catch +in her voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye mam, I do, and if he goes—I go as in dooty bound." Here fell a +silence wherein Mrs. Agatha stared down at her basketful of roses and +the Sergeant stared at her and rubbed his chin with the shears again. +"Mam," said he suddenly, "a fortnight ago, being the thirtieth ultimo, +towards three o'clock in the arternoon you did give me a little gold +cross which is with me now and shall be hereafter living and dead Amen!" +</P> + +<P> +"O Sergeant!" she said softly; and then "I'm glad you haven't lost it!" +</P> + +<P> +"A fortnight ago mam," continued the Sergeant, "also towards three +o'clock in the arternoon I—kissed you and the—the memory o' that kiss +is never a-going to fade mam. You'll mind as I kissed you, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha' you forgot, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Almost!" she answered softly, whereupon the Sergeant took a swift pace +nearer, halted suddenly and turning away again, went on speaking: +</P> + +<P> +"I kissed you for three reasons, same being as hereunder namely and +viz. to wit, first because I wanted to, second because your pretty red +lips was too near and too rosy to resist and third because I did mean +to beg o' you to—to be—my wife." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you—Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did so—then, but now I—I can't——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why not—Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty mam, dooty forbids." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean 'duty,' Sergeant," she corrected him gently. +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty mam, pre-cisely! 'Tis his honour the Major, I thought as he +were set on matrimony 'stead o' which I now find he's set on +campaigning again, he talks o' nothing else o' late—and if he goes—I +go. And if I go I can't ask you to wed—'twouldn't be fair." +</P> + +<P> +"And why does he want to go?" +</P> + +<P> +"Witchcraft, mam, devils, sorcery, black magic, and damned spells. +Mrs. Agatha I do tell you he are not been his own man since he +saw—what he saw i' the orchard t'other night." +</P> + +<P> +"And what was that?" enquired Mrs. Agatha, glancing up bright-eyed from +her fragrant basketful of roses. +</P> + +<P> +"A apparation in form o' the dev—no, the devil in form of a +apparation, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Fiddlededee!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha. The Sergeant jumped and stared. +</P> + +<P> +"Mam!" said he in gentle reproach, "don't say that—ghosts is serious +and——" +</P> + +<P> +"A fiddle-stick for your ghost! 'Twould take more than a shade to put +his honour off his food, Sergeant Zebedee Tring! The question is, who +was your ghost? What was he like?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why since you're for cross-examinating me, I'll confess I caught but a +glimpse of same, same having vanished itself away afore my very eyes." +</P> + +<P> +"Where to?" +</P> + +<P> +"Into my Lady Carlyon's garden, mam, and it dissolved itself so +quick——" +</P> + +<P> +"Tut!" exclaimed Mrs. Agatha, +</P> + +<P> +"Tut is very well, mam, and—vastly fetching as you say it but none the +less——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha' done Sergeant and let me think! Tell me, the night you went +ghost-seeking did you catch ever a one—a man, say?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I did so, mam—one o' these London sparks and very fierce he were +too!" +</P> + +<P> +"Which one? What like was he!" With the aid of the shears Sergeant +Zebedee described the trespasser very fully as regards face, costume +and behaviour. +</P> + +<P> +"That," said Mrs. Agatha, nodding her pretty head, "that should be Mr. +Dalroyd— +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "how d'ye know this, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Sergeant, I do chance to have eyes, also ears and I do use 'em. +This fine gentleman was your ghost t'other night, I'll swear." +</P> + +<P> +"But what o' the hoofs and horns, mam, what o' the stink o' brimstone?" +</P> + +<P> +"Have you seen ever a one yourself, Sergeant, or smelt the brimstone?" +</P> + +<P> +"No mam, but Roger Bent has." +</P> + +<P> +"Fiddlededee again, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Roger Bent would see or smell anything. The question is what was Mr. +Dalroyd after? Since you can't find out—I will." +</P> + +<P> +"As how, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"By wagging my tongue, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"At—who, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, to begin with there is his solemn servant, Mr. Joseph——" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant swore fiercely. +</P> + +<P> +"No mam," said he frowning, "not him nor any like him. He aren't fit +for you to walk on—'twould dirty your pretty shoes——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't mean to walk on him, nor spoil my shoes." +</P> + +<P> +"Then don't hold no truck with him, mam—if you do——" the Sergeant +set his grim jaw fiercely. +</P> + +<P> +"Well—what?" +</P> + +<P> +"I shall be compelled to—out with his liver mam, that's all!" +</P> + +<P> +"Lud, Sergeant Tring." +</P> + +<P> +"Bound to do it, Mrs. Agatha, so—keep away from same——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant, don't be a fool! I must use him to find out and why do you +think I want to find out?" +</P> + +<P> +"Being a woman—curiosity belike?" +</P> + +<P> +"Being a blockhead you must be told!" cried Mrs. Agatha, her eyes +flashing, "I want to find out the Major's trouble to make an end of the +Major's trouble because I would keep him here at home. And I would +keep him at home because then he won't go a-marching off to the wars, +and if he don't go marching to the wars, why then—then——" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, yes mam—then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Then—find out!" cried Mrs. Agatha her cheeks very red all at once; +and she sped away into the house leaving the Sergeant to stare after +her and rub his chin with the shears harder than ever. He was so +engaged when he was aware of the approach of rapid hoofs and, glancing +down the drive, beheld a cavalier swing in at the open gates and come +thundering towards him. +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount rode at his usual speed, a stretching gallop; on he came +beneath the long avenue of chestnuts, horse hoofs pounding, curls +flying, coat-skirts fluttering, nor checked his pace until he was +almost upon the Sergeant, then he reined up in full career and was +himself on terra firma almost in the same instant. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb," he sighed, drooping in modish languor, "split me, but I'm +glad to see that square phiz o' thine, 'tis positive tanic after +London, I vow! How goeth rusticity, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"As well as can be expected, my lord!" +</P> + +<P> +"And the Major?" +</P> + +<P> +"As well as can be hoped, sir, what with devils, apparations, +witchcraft, magic, sorcery and hocus-pocus, m' lud!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad save my perishing soul!" exclaimed the Viscount, "What's it all +mean, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Master Pancras sir, it do mean—nay, yonder cometh his honour to +tell you himself, mayhap." Saying which, Sergeant Zebedee led the +Viscount's horse away to the stables while his lordship, knocking dust +from his slender person, went to greet the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he as they clasped hands, "'tis real joy to see you again, +but pray discover me the why and wherefore of the gruesome nightmare?" +and he shook reproachful head at the Ramillie coat. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis easy, Tom, old and comfortable, d'ye see, while my new ones are +so—so plaguy fine and overpowering as 'twere, so to speak, that I feel +scarce worthy of 'em. So I—I treasure 'em, Tom, for—for great +occasions and the like——" +</P> + +<P> +"A grave fallacy, nunk! Modish garments must be worn whiles the +prevailing fashion holds—to-day they are the mode, to-morrow, the +devil! Fashion, sir, is coquettish as woman or weathercock, 'tis for +ever a-veering, already there is a new button-hole." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, Tom! Egad you stagger me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Cansequently sir, being a dutiful nephew, I took thought to order you +three more new suits— +</P> + +<P> +"The devil you did!" +</P> + +<P> +"Having special regard to this new button-hole, sir——" +</P> + +<P> +"These will make nine o' them!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Your pardon, sir, exactly thirty-one, neither more or less!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good God, Tom!" ejaculated the Major, halting on the terrace-steps to +stare h is amazement, "Thirty-one of 'em? How the deuce——" +</P> + +<P> +"Cut aslant, d'ye see, nunky, and arabesqued with lace of gold or +silver——" +</P> + +<P> +"But, nephew—a Gad's name, what am I to do with so many—d'ye take me +for a regiment? 'Tis 'gainst all reason for a man to wear thirty-one +suits of——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I allude to button-holes!" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank heaven!" murmured the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Moreover sir, there is, late come in, a new cravat—a poorish thing +with nought to commend it save simplicity. It seems you throw it round +your neck, get your fellow to twist it behind till you're well-nigh +choked to death, bring the ends over your shoulders, loop 'em through a +brooch and 'tis done. I propose to show you after supper." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major dubiously. "Meantime a bottle won't be amiss +after your long ride, I judge? Come in, Tom, come in and tell me of +your adventures." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank'ee, sir, though t' be sure I drapped in at the "George" on my +way hither—left my two rogues there with my baggage. Which reminds me +I have a letter for you." Diving into his coat-pocket he brought forth +the missive in question and tendered it to the Major who took it, broke +the seal and read. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"To Major d'Arcy these: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +We, the undersigned, do solicit the honour of your company this night, +to sup with Bacchus, the Heavenly Nine, and +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +Yours to command: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +B. TRIPP.<BR> +ALVASTON.<BR> +A. MARCHDALE.<BR> +H. WEST, CAPT.<BR> +ALTON.<BR> +J. DENHOLM."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"I don't see Mr. Dalroyd's name here, Tom!" said the Major, +thoughtfully, as he led the way into the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, I protest Dalroyd's a queer fish! But as to this cravat I +was describing, 'tis a modification of the Steenkirk——" and the +Viscount plunged into a long and particular account of the article, +while in obedience to the Major's command, bottle and glasses made +their appearance. +</P> + +<P> +"But surely 'tis not a question of clothes hath kept you in London this +week and more, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, I've been on a quest. London, O pink me 'tis a very +dog-hole, 'tis no place for a gentleman these days unless he chance to +be a Whig or a damned Hanoverian——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold, Tom!" said the Major, his quick eyes roving from door to +lattice. "Have a care, lad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, I know I'm safe to speak out here and to you, Whig though you +be. Of late I've perforce kept such ward upon my tongue 'tis a joy to +let it wag. Indeed, nunky, London's an ill place for some of us these +times, party feeling high. 'Tis for this reason you find Alvaston and +Ben and Alton and the rest of 'em rusticating here, not to mention—my +lady Bet." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" exclaimed the Major. "You don't mean that she—she is not——?" +</P> + +<P> +"No sir! But there is her brother, poor Charles is bit deep, he +crossed the Border with Derwentwater last year." +</P> + +<P> +"I feared so!" sighed the Major, frowning at his half-emptied glass. +"And you, Tom, you're not——?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, my rascally father, as you'll mind, was a staunch Whig and +Hanoverian, naturally and consequently I'm Tory and Jacobite——" +</P> + +<P> +"Softly, Tom, softly!" said the Major, his keen eyes wandering again. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir!" continued the Viscount, leaning across the table and +lowering his voice, "When Charles and young Dick Eversleigh rode for +the Border last year I had half a mind to ride with 'em. But Betty was +in London and London's the devil of a way from Carlisle. Yesterday, +sir, I walked under Temple Bar and there was poor Eversleigh's head +grinning down at me.... Like as not mine would ha' been along with it +but for Bet. As for Charles, 'twas thought he'd got safe away to +France with Mar and the others, but now word comes he was wounded and +lay hid. And sir, though I've sounded every source of news in London +and out, not another word can I hear save that he's a proscribed rebel +with a price on his head and the hue and cry hot after him. Sir, poor +Charles is my childhood's friend—and lieth distressed, hiding for his +life somewhere 'twixt London and the Border, the question is—where?" +</P> + +<P> +"Here, Tom!" answered the Major softly, "Here in this village of +Westerham!" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount half rose from his chair, fell back again and quite forgot +his affectations. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—d'ye mean it? Here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Three nights ago he was with my lady Betty—in her garden!" +</P> + +<P> +"With Betty—good God!" exclaimed the Viscount and, springing from his +chair, began to pace up and down. "'Twill never do, uncle, 'twill +never do—he must be got away at all hazards. Charles hath been cried +'Traitor' and 'Rebel'—his property is already confiscate and himself +outlaw—and 'none may give aid or shelter to the King's enemies' on +pain of death. He must be got away—at once! Should he be found +'neath Betty's care she would be attainted too, imprisoned and +belike—Sir, you'll perceive he must be got away at once!" +</P> + +<P> +"True!" said the Major, fingering his wine-glass. +</P> + +<P> +"There none knoweth of his presence here, I trust, uncle—none save you +and Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"None! Stay!" The Major leaned back and began to drum his fingers +softly on the arms of his chair. "Tom," he enquired at last, "who is +Mr. Dalroyd?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dalroyd is—Dalroyd, sir. Everyone knows him in town—at White's, +Lockett's, the Coca Tree, O Dalroyd is known everywhere." +</P> + +<P> +"What d'you know of him, personally?" +</P> + +<P> +"That he's reputed to play devilish high and to be a redoubtable +duellist with more than one death on his hands and—er—little beyond. +But Ben knows him, 'twas Ben introduced him, ask Ben, sir. But what of +him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Just this, Tom, if there is another person in the world who knows of +my Lord Medhurst's present hiding-place 'tis Mr. Dalroyd and if there +is one man in the world I do not trust it is—Mr. Dalroyd." +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount sat down, swallowed a glass of wine and stared blankly at +the toe of his dusty riding-boot. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, sir," said he at last, "this makes it but the more +imperative to have Charles away at once. I must get him over to my +place in Sussex, 'tis quiet there, sir—God! I must contrive it one +way or another and the sooner the better, but how sir, how?" +</P> + +<P> +"'None may give aid or shelter to the King's enemies on pain of death,' +Tom," quoted the Major, gently. +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount flicked a patch of dust from the skirts of his coat. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, "Charles is my friend!" +</P> + +<P> +"And—my lady's brother, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"Perfectly, sir! I shall endeavour to get him to my Sussex place and +hide him there until I have arranged for him to cross safely into +France." +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"The question is—how? All the coast-roads are watched of course!" +said the Viscount in deep perplexity. "Ben would help, so would Alton +or Alvaston but 'twould be asking them to put their heads in a noose +and I can't do it, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not, Tom! 'Tis an awkward posture of affairs and—therefore +you may—er—count upon my aid to the very uttermost, of course." +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount took out his snuff-box, tapped it, opened it, and shut it +up again. +</P> + +<P> +"Uncle," said he at last, "nunky—sir—" suddenly he rose and caught +the Major's hand, gripping it hard: "Gad prasper me sir, I think—yes I +think, I'd better—step upstairs and rid me of some o' this Kentish +dust." +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke the Viscount turned and strode from the room leaving the +Major deep in anxious thought. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +IN WHICH THE GHOST IS LAID +</H4> + +<P> +My Lady Elizabeth Carlyon, seated upon a rickety chair among a pile of +other lumber high under the eaves, kicked her pretty heels for very +triumph as she watched the tatterdemalion eat and drink the dainty meal +she had just set before him. +</P> + +<P> +"O Charles—'tis all so vastly romantic!" she exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +My Lord of Medhurst, chancing to have his mouth rather full, spluttered +and lifted handsome head indignantly; thus the likeness to his twin +sister was manifest, the same delicate profile and regularity of +features, bright, fearless eyes and firm set of mouth and chin, the +same proud and lofty carriage of the head. +</P> + +<P> +"Romantic be damned, Bet—saving your presence!" said he, "I've led a +very dog's life——" +</P> + +<P> +"My poor, poor boy!" she sighed, touching his thin cheek with gentle, +loving fingers which he immediately kissed; thereafter he fell to upon +the viands before him with renewed appetite and gusto. +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, Bet," he mumbled, "this is better than a diet of raw turnips and +blackberries or eggs sucked warm from the nest——" +</P> + +<P> +"O Charles, hath it been so bad as that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—and worse! Lord, Bet—lass, I've begged and thieved my way +hither from the Border. Heaven only knows how oft I've sat i' the +stocks for a ravished hen, been kicked and cuffed and stoned out o' +villages for a vagrant, consorted with rogues of all kinds, hidden in +barns, slept in hayricks and hedges, been abused by man, and stormed at +and buffeted by the elements and, on the whole—am the better for it. +Nay, sweet lass, no tears!" +</P> + +<P> +Down went knife and fork with a clatter and his ragged sleeve was about +her. "No tears, Bet," said he consolingly, "damme, I'll not endure +'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"But O my dear, to think what you have suffered and I—so careless, +while you, Charles, you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Learned the meaning of life, Bet! Learned to—to be a man, for I do +protest the beggar is a better man than ever was his idle scatterbrain +lordship. A year ago when I had all and more than I needed, I was a +discontented fool a—a very ass, Bet. To-day, though I've lost all, +I've found—I've learned—Egad, I don't know just how to put it but +you—you get me, Bet?" +</P> + +<P> +"I understand, dearest boy!" +</P> + +<P> +"Y'see, Bet lass, hardship makes a man either a rogue or a—very man. +And, though I'm a beggar, I'm no rogue. 'Twas a great adventure, Bet, +a noble effort brought to red ruin by—ah well—'tis finished! I was +wounded, as I told you, and had to lie hid for weary weeks. When I +ventured abroad at last, 'twas to learn poor Derwentwater was executed +and Eversleigh too—poor old Dick! And the rest either in prison with +Nithsdale or scattered God knoweth where. So there was I, destitute +and with none to turn to of all my friends—for, as you know, 'tis +prison or death to shelter such as I, and so in my extremity I—I came +to you, Betty——" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank God!" she whispered fervently, giving him a little squeeze. +</P> + +<P> +"But only to beg money enough to carry me beyond seas, dearest! +To-night or to-morrow at latest I must be gone——" +</P> + +<P> +"Pho—'tis preposterous, foolish boy! 'Twere madness, dear Charles! I +say you shall remain here safe hid until you are fully recovered of +your sufferings!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay Bet, I'll be curst if I do! How, skulk here 'neath your petticoat +and let you run the risk of sheltering a 'rebel'? No, no, I'll be——" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll be ruled by me, dear Charles, of course! As for danger, I am +your sister and proud to share it with you——" Hereupon he kissed her +heartily and sitting down on the floor beside her made great play with +knife and fork again. +</P> + +<P> +"In three or four days at most I should reach the sea, Betty. And I'm +determined on making the attempt within a night or so. As for +risk—bah! I'm become so adept at skulking and hiding I'd elude a +whole regiment! And with money in my pocket and no need to thieve or +poach—Egad! Talking of poaching, I should be on my way to the +plantations at this minute but for a neighbour of yours——" +</P> + +<P> +"Neighbour, Charles?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—tall, keen-eyed, soft-spoken and dev'lish placid; true-blue +'spite his limp and infernal old coat——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah," said Betty softly, "you mean Major d'Arcy, of course!" +</P> + +<P> +"That was the name, I believe, and 'tis thanks to him——" +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me all about it, Charles." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I'd poached a rabbit, Bet. Keeper saw me, knocked keeper down +and bolted. Other keepers headed me off but I ran like a hare and +bursting through a hedge, came full tilt upon three be-ruffled +exquisites lounging down that quiet bye-lane for all the world as it +had been St. James's—and Bet, who should they be but Alton, Marchdale +and Alvaston! Seeing me in my rags and the keepers in full cry, Alton +yells a 'view hallo' and after me they came on the instant. And a +dev'lish fine run I gave 'em, egad! O Betty, I mired 'em in bogs and +tore 'em finely in brambles and things before they ran me to +earth—even then I doubled up Alton with a leveller, thumped Alvaston +on the ear and Marchdale on the nose. Finally the keepers dragged me +before a little pompous fellow with a scratch wig and red face, called +himself Rington. By this time a crowd had collected and though I was +minded to get word to Alvaston 'twas too late, Rington's keepers and +the yokels were all about me. So they marched me off in triumph to the +Squire, Major d'Arcy, who, smiling mighty affable, threatened to shoot +Rington, sent the crowd off with a flea in their ear, as you might say, +and me to the kitchen to bathe my hurts and eat a meal, and so to the +lock-up. Next morning he woke me very early, bestowed on me some +useful advice, a couple o' guineas and my liberty and limped serenely +off." +</P> + +<P> +Here my Lord Medhurst proceeded to finish what remained of his supper +while Betty sat, chin in hand, staring at the dormer window just now +glowing with sunset. +</P> + +<P> +"To-morrow there's no moon. I shall start to-morrow, Bet." +</P> + +<P> +"Faith and you'll not, Charles!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but I will. Look'ee Bet, I'm determined——" +</P> + +<P> +"See here, Charles—so am I!" +</P> + +<P> +"Pish, girl!" said he, looking dignified. +</P> + +<P> +"Tush, boy!" said she, kissing him. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay but, dear Bet, I've your safety at heart and therefore——" +</P> + +<P> +"But, dearest Charles, you've no money in your pocket—and therefore!" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad and that's true enough!" said he ruefully. +</P> + +<P> +"So you'll be ruled by me, boy, and stay here until I think you are fit +for travel." +</P> + +<P> +"What o' the servants?" +</P> + +<P> +"This part of the house is empty and—I'll manage the servants!" +</P> + +<P> +"There's Aunt Belinda, she's an infernal sharp nose, Bet." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I'll manage Aunt Belinda." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, what of this Dalroyd?" +</P> + +<P> +"O!" said my lady, knitting black brows, "I'll manage him also." +</P> + +<P> +"Look'ee Bet, I'll allow you've a head, but this fellow's dangerous." +</P> + +<P> +"How so, Charles?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, he's not afraid o' ghosts for one thing——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ghosts?" +</P> + +<P> +"Y'see Bet, when I reached Westerham my difficulty was to get word with +you and for the first night and day or so I lay hid in the ruined mill. +And having nought better to do, I started to haunt the place and by +means of an old sack and a pair of ram's horns I contrived to be a +sufficiently convincing ghost——" Here his lordship chuckled. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas madness, Charles." +</P> + +<P> +"So 'twas and yet, I vow——" His lordship chuckled again. +</P> + +<P> +"But what of Mr. Dalroyd, Charles?" +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, he took such a plaguy interest in the haunted mill that I left +it and took to haunting the churchyard instead—used to hide in a +mouldy vault——" +</P> + +<P> +"Charles!" cried Lady Betty and shuddered. +</P> + +<P> +"Finally he and his fellow hunted me out o' that and here I am. +Haunting hath its drawbacks and 'twould have saved me much of +discomfort had you received the letter I writ you and sent by the +little girl." +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me again what was in it, Charles." +</P> + +<P> +His lordship scratched his head and wrinkled youthful brow. +</P> + +<P> +"So far as I remember, Bet, I writ you these words: 'Meet me at +midnight in your garden with fifty guineas for your loving and +misfortunate fugitive, Charles.'" +</P> + +<P> +Lady Betty set her chin on white fist and stared at her brother so +fixedly that he choked upon his last mouthful of supper and +remonstrated: +</P> + +<P> +"Gad, Bet, why d'ye fix a man so wi' such great eyes? What might ye be +thinking this time?" +</P> + +<P> +"That we are grown more like each other than ever, dear—'tis +marvellous! Aye, 'tis marvellous," she continued absently, "though +your voice will never do!" +</P> + +<P> +"Voice, Bet? Egad, what's in your mind now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd, Charles, for one thing." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, and what of the fellow?" +</P> + +<P> +"Would he were choked with a flap-dragon. But—meanwhile——" +</P> + +<P> +"What, Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hark, there's aunt wailing for me, I must go. You are free of all the +upper chambers of this wing, but mind, if I whistle you must get you +into hiding at once." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, she shook portentous finger at him, smiled and vanished. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap26"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF BACCHUS AND THE MUSES +</H4> + +<P> +Seldom or never, in all its length of days, had the great dining room +of the ancient hostelry of the "George and Dragon" glowed with such +sartorial splendour or known such an elegant posturing of silk-clad +legs, such a flirting of ruffles, such a whirl of full-skirted coats; +coats, these, of velvet, of worked satin and rich brocade, coats of +various colours from Sir Benjamin's pink and gold to Lord Alvaston's +purple and silver; the light of many candles scintillated in jewelled +cravat and shoe-buckle, shone upon crested buttons and on the glossy +curls of huge periwigs, black, brown and gold. In the midst of this +gorgeous company stood a short, stoutish gentleman, his booted legs +wide apart, his sun-burned face nearly as red as his weatherbeaten +service coat, a little man with a truculent eye. +</P> + +<P> +"Od's my life, my lord Colonel!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, wringing his +hand, "I know not what propitious zephyr hath wafted George Cleeve into +these Arcadian solitudes, but hem! being hither I do protest you shall +this night sit the honoured guest of good-Fellowship, Bacchus and the +Muses, shedding upon our poetical revels the—the effulgence of your +hem! your glories, gracing our company with, I say with the——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold, Ben!" sighed my Lord Alvaston, making graceful play with his +slender legs, "hold hard, Ben, an' get your wind while I 'splain. Sir, +what poor Ben's been tryin' t' tell you 'n' can't tell you is—that we +shall rejoice if you'll sup with us. And so say we all——" +</P> + +<P> +"Strike me dumb if we don't!" added the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"Haw!" muttered the Captain. "B'gad! So we do!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said the Colonel, "I protest ya' do me too much honour, +'tis curst polite in ya' and I take it kindly, rot me, kindly!" +</P> + +<P> +"Od's body, sir," cried Sir Benjamin, "the honour is completely ours, I +vow, your exploits in Flanders and Brabant sir, your notable +achievements on the stricken fields of Mars, the very name of Colonel +Lord George Cleeve coruscates with hem! with glory, shines +like—like—a——" +</P> + +<P> +"Star," suggested the Captain. Hereupon Lord Cleeve bowed, the company +bowed, shot their ruffles, fluttered their handkerchiefs and snuffed +with one another. +</P> + +<P> +"Hem!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin with an air of ponderous waggery, "as I +was saying when my Lord Cleeve dropped upon us so happily, 'tis then +agreed that Alton and I shall see the Major home at peep o' day!" Here +Sir Benjamin grew so waggish that he very nearly laid plump finger to +nose but checked himself in time and coughed instead. "I vow 'twill be +an honour, for, foxed or no and despite his hem! his rusticity, Major +d'Arcy is a gentleman, a——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed the Colonel suddenly. "Do ya' mean Jack d'Arcy o' the +Third, sir—d'Arcy of Churchill's regiment?" Sir Benjamin bowed and +smiled: +</P> + +<P> +"You know him, my lord? A simple, quiet, kindly soul——" +</P> + +<P> +His lordship stared, laughed a short, hoarse bellow and, becoming +immediately solemn, nodded: +</P> + +<P> +"That's Jack to a hair, simple, quiet and dev'lish deadly! 'Twas so he +looked, I mind, when he killed the greatest rogue and duellist in the +three armies. Simple and quiet! Aye, 'twas so he seemed when he led +us to the storming of the counterscarp at Namur in '95, as he was when +he rallied our broken ranks at Blenheim and, after, when we turned the +French right at Oudenarde. He was my senior in those days and where he +went I followed and they called him 'Fighting d'Arcy' though a simple +soul, sir, as ya' say. I was behind him when he led us against the +French left at Ramillies and broke it too. I saw him dragged, all +blood and dust, out o' the press at Malplaquet. 'Done for at last,' +thought I—but Gad, sirs, they couldn't kill Fighting d'Arcy for all +his quiet looks and simple ways! Aye, I know Jack, we were brothers, +and like brothers we drank together, slept, quarrelled, and fought +together—he seconded me in my first affair of honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"Od's my life!" ejaculated Sir Benjamin. "Our rustic philosopher turns +out a very Mars, a thundering Jove, a paladin——" +</P> + +<P> +"True blue, damme!" added the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"And yonder he comes," said Mr. Marchdale at the window, "and Merivale +with him." +</P> + +<P> +"Nunky," said the Viscount as they entered the hospitable portal of the +"George and Dragon," "Ben and Alvaston are set on seeing you +comfortably faxed to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"Foxed? Ah, you mean drunk, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perfectly sir, all in the way of friendship and good-fellowship of +course, still I thought I'd let you know." +</P> + +<P> +"For the which I am duly and humbly grateful, Tom," answered the Major +as, opening the door, the Viscount bowed and stood aside to give him +precedence. +</P> + +<P> +The Major's appearance was hailed with loud cheers and cries of +"Fighting d'Arcy," drowned all at once in a hoarse roar as, with a +tramp and jingle of heavy, spurred boots, Colonel Lord George Cleeve +ran at him, thumped him and clasped him in a bear's hug: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the same Jack Grave-airs!" he cried, "the same sedate John! Ha, +damme, man-Jack, be curst if I don't joy to see thee again!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why George!" exclaimed the Major, patting the Colonel's back with one +hand and gripping his fist with the other, "why Georgie, I do protest +thou'rt growing fat!" +</P> + +<P> +"Burn thee for a vile-tongued rogue to say so, Jack! Ha, Jack, do ya' +mind that night in the trenches before Maastricht when we laid a trap +for young Despard of Ogle's and caught the Colonel? 'Twas next day we +stormed and ya' took a bayonet through your thigh——" +</P> + +<P> +"And you brought me down from the breach George——" +</P> + +<P> +"And cursed ya' heartily the while, I forget why but ya' deserved it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Stay, George, supper is served I think, and let me introduce Viscount +Merivale"; which done he saluted the company and they forthwith sat +down to table. +</P> + +<P> +And now corks squeaked and popped, servants and waiting-men bustled to +and fro, glasses clinked, knives and forks rattled merrily to the hum +of talk and ring of laughter. +</P> + +<P> +"By the way, sir," said the Major, addressing his neighbour the +Marquis, "I don't—er—see Mr. Dalroyd here to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"No more you do sir, strike me dumb! And for the sufficient reason he +ain't here. Dalroyd's a determined hunter o' feminine game sir, O dem! +To-night he's in full cry, I take it—joys o' the chase, sir—some +dainty bit o' rustic beauty—some shy doe——" +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder who?" enquired the Viscount, stifling a yawn. +</P> + +<P> +"Dalroyd's dev'lish close," answered Lord Alvaston, "close as 'n oyster +'sequently echo answers 'who?'" +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen all," cried Sir Benjamin, "I rise to give you a name—to +call the toast of toasts. I give you Betty—our bewitching, our +incomparable, Our Admirable Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +Up rose the company one and all and the long chamber echoed to the +toast: +</P> + +<P> +"Our Admirable Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +Ensued a moment's pause and every empty glass shivered to fragments on +the broad hearth. But now, as the clatter and hum and laughter broke +out anew, the Major, frowning a little, glanced across at the Viscount +and found him frowning also. +</P> + +<P> +Courses came and went and ever the talk and laughter waxed louder and +merrier, glasses brimmed and were emptied, bottles made the circuit of +the table in unending procession; gentlemen pledged each other, toasts +were called and duly honoured; in the midst of which the Major feeling +a hand upon his shoulder glanced up into the face of the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"Nunky," he murmured, "certain things considered, I'm minded for a +walk!" and with a smiling nod he turned and vanished among the bustling +throng of servants and waiting-men, as Sir Benjamin arose, portentous +of brow and with laced handkerchief a-flutter: +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said he, glancing round upon the brilliant assembly, +"gentlemen, or should I rather say—fellow-martyrs of the rosy, roguish +archer——" +</P> + +<P> +"Haw!" exclaimed the Captain. "Prime, Ben!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hear, hear!" nodded Alvaston. "Good, Ben—doocid delicate 'n' the +bottle's with you, Jasper!" +</P> + +<P> +"We are here, sirs," continued Sir Benjamin, bowing his +acknowledgments, "to sit unitedly in hem! in judgment upon the +individual compositions of the—the——" +</P> + +<P> +"Field!" suggested the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"Gang?" murmured Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"Amorous brotherhood!" sighed Sir Jasper. +</P> + +<P> +"Company, gentlemen, of the company. Versification affords a broad +field for achievement poetic since we have such various forms as the +rondel, ballade, pantoum—" +</P> + +<P> +"O burn me, Ben," ejaculated Alvaston, "you're out there! What's +verses t' do with phantoms——" +</P> + +<P> +"I said 'pantoum,' sir—besides which, gentlemen, we have the triolet, +the kyrielle, the virelai, the vilanelle——" +</P> + +<P> +"O dem!" cried the Marquis, "sounds curst improper and villainous, too, +Ben." Cries of "Order, Ben, order——" +</P> + +<P> +"And likewise O!" added Lord Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh?" exclaimed Sir Benjamin, "I say what——" +</P> + +<P> +"None o' your French villainies, Ben," continued the Marquis, "we want +nothing smacking o' the tap-room, the stable or the kennel, Ben, +'twon't do! We must ha' nought to cause the blush o' shame——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Ben," added Alvaston, "nor yet t' 'ffend th' chastest ear——" +</P> + +<P> +"Od sir, od's body—I protest——" +</P> + +<P> +"So none o' your villainies Ben," sighed Alvaston, "no looseness, +coarseness, ribaldry or bawdry——" +</P> + +<P> +"Blood and fury!" roared the exasperated Sir Benjamin, "I hope I'm +sufficiently a man of honour——" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite, Ben, quite—the very pink!" nodded his lordship affably. "And +talkin' o' pink, the bottle stands, Marchdale! Fill, gentlemen. I +give you Ben, our blooming Benjamin and no heel-taps!" +</P> + +<P> +The health was drunk with acclaim and Sir Benjamin, once more his +jovial and pompous self, proceeded: +</P> + +<P> +"In writing these odes and sonnets we have all, I take it, depended +upon our mother—hem! our mother-wit and each followed his individual +fancy. I now take joy to summon Denholm to read to us his—ah—effort." +</P> + +<P> +Sir Jasper rose, drew a paper from his bosom, sighed, languished with +his soulful eyes and read: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Groan, groan my heart, yet in thy groaning joy<BR> +Since thou'rt deep-smit of Venus' blooming boy;<BR> +Till Sorrow's flown<BR> +And Joy's thine own<BR> +Groan!"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Haw!" exclaimed the Captain, "very chaste! Doocid delicate!" +</P> + +<P> +Sir Jasper bowed and continued: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Pant, pant my heart, yet in thy panting ne'er<BR> +Let Doubt steal in to slay thee with despair;<BR> +But till Love grant<BR> +All heart doth want<BR> +Pant!"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Gad!" said the Marquis, "you're doing a dem'd lot o' panting, Jasper!" +</P> + +<P> +"I vow 'tis quaintly mournful!" nodded Sir Benjamin. "'Tis polished +and passionate!" +</P> + +<P> +Again Sir Jasper bowed, and continued: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Sob, sob my soul, sobs soul——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hold hard, Denholm!" quoth Alvaston. "There's too many sobs f'r +sense. I don't object t' you groaning, I pass y'r pants, but you're +getting y'r soul damnably mixed wi' y'r sobs." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, 'tis a cry o' the soul, Alvaston," sighed Sir Jasper, "a very +heart-throb, faith. Listen!" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Sob, sob my soul sobs soulful night and day<BR> +Till she in mercy shall thy pain allay<BR> +Till all she rob<BR> +And for thee throb<BR> +Sob!"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Curst affecting!" said the Captain, applauding with thumping +wine-glass. +</P> + +<P> +"Od gentlemen," cried Sir Benjamin as Sir Jasper sank back in his +chair, "I do protest 'tis very infinite tender! It hath delicacy, +pathos and a rhythm entirely its own. Denholm, I felicitate you +heartily! And now, Alvaston, we call upon you!" +</P> + +<P> +His lordship arose, stuck out a slender leg, viewed it with lazy +approval, and unfolding a paper, recited therefrom as follows: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the bird sing on the bough<BR> +Th' ploughboy sing an' sweat<BR> +But, while I can, I will avow<BR> +Th' charms o' lovely Bet.<BR> +Let——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hold!" commanded Sir Benjamin. +</P> + +<P> +"Stop!" cried the Marquis. "Strike me everlastingly blue but I've got +'sweat' demme!" +</P> + +<P> +"'S'heart, so have I!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale with youthful +indignation. +</P> + +<P> +"Burn me!" sighed Alvaston, "seems we're all sweating! 'S unfortunate, +curst disquietin' I'll admit, though I only sweat i' the first verse. +Le' me go on:" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the parson——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hold!" repeated Sir Benjamin. "Desist, Alvaston, I object to sweat, +sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"An' very natural too, Ben—Gad, I'll not forget you at th' churn! But +to continue:" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the parson pray——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Stay!" thundered Sir Benjamin. "Alvaston, sweat shall never do!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Ben, why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because, first 'tis not a word poetic——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I submit 'tis easy, Ben, an' very natural! Remember the churn +Ben, the churn an' le' me get on. Faith! here we're keepin' my +misfortunate parson on his knees whiles you boggle over a word! 'Sides +if my 'sweat' 's disallowed you damn Alton and Marchdale unheard!" +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon, while Sir Benjamin shook protesting head, his lordship +smoothed out his manuscript, frowned at it, turned it this way, turned +it that, and continued: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the parson pray and screech——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"No, demme, 'tisn't 'screech'—here's a blot! Now what th' dooce—ha, +'preach' t' be sure——" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the parson pray and preach<BR> +And fat preferments get<BR> +But, so long as I have speech—<BR> +I'll sing the charms o' Bet.<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let the——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"By th' way I take liberty t' call 'tention t' the fact that I begin +'n' end each canto wi' the same words, 'let' 'n' 'Bet.'" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Let th' world go—round an' round<BR> +The day be fine or wet,<BR> +Take all that 'neath th' sun is found<BR> +An' I'll take lovely Bet."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Bravo Bob! Bravo! Simple and pointed! Haw!" quoth the Captain, +hammering plaudits with his wine-glass again. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not—not utterly devoid o' merits!" admitted Sir Benjamin +judicially. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank'ee humbly, my Benjamin!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, but it hath points, Alvaston, especially towards the finality, +though 'tis somewhat reminiscent of Mr. Waller." +</P> + +<P> +"How so, sweet Ben?" +</P> + +<P> +"In its climacteric thus, sir:" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Give me but what this ribband bound<BR> +Take all the rest the sun goes round."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Egad Ben, I've never read a word o' the fool stuff in my life, so +you're out there, burn me! And the bottle roosts with you, Alton. +Give it wings. Major d'Arcy sir—with you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Marchdale," said Sir Benjamin, "our ears attend you!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Marchdale rose, coughed, tossed back his love-locks, unfolded his +manuscript and setting hand within gorgeous bosom read forth the +following: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Chaste hour, soft hour, O hour when first we met<BR> +O blissful hour, my soul shall ne'er forget<BR> +How, 'mid the rose and tender violet,<BR> +Chaste, soft and sweet as rose, stood lovely Bet,<BR> +Her wreath-ed hair like silky coronet<BR> +O'er-wrought with wanton curls of blackest jet<BR> +Each glistered curl a holy amulet;<BR> +Her pearl-ed teeth her rosy lips did fret<BR> +As they'd sweet spices been or ambergret,<BR> +While o'er me stole her beauty like a net<BR> +Wherein my heart was caught and pris'ner set<BR> +A captive pent for love and not for debt,<BR> +A captive that in prison pineth yet.<BR> +A captive knowing nothing of regret<BR> +Nor uttering curse nor woeful epithet.<BR> +I pled my love, my brow grew hot, grew wet,<BR> +While sweetly she did sigh and I did sweat."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Sweat, Tony?" exclaimed the Marquis. "O dem! What for?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'twas the only rhyme I had left, for sure!" +</P> + +<P> +"Od, od's my life!" cried Sir Benjamin, "here we have poesy o' the +purest, in diction chaste, in expression delicate, in——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, but Tony sweats too, Ben!" protested Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"No matter, sir, no matter—'tis a very triumph! So elegant! Od's +body Marchdale, 'tis excellent—sir, your health!" +</P> + +<P> +"Burn me, Ben, but if Tony may sweat why th' dooce——" +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy sir, I charge to you!" Hereupon Sir Benjamin filled and +bowed, the Major did the same, and they drank together. +</P> + +<P> +"But Ben," persisted Alvaston, "if Tony——" +</P> + +<P> +"West, the floor and our attention are yours, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +The Captain rose, shot his ruffles, squared his shoulders and read: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Warble ye songsters of the grove—haw!<BR> +Warble of her that is my love<BR> +Where'er on pinions light ye rove<BR> +Haw!<BR> +Ye feathered songsters—warble.<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Warble ye heralds of the—haw!—the air<BR> +Warble her charms beyond compare<BR> +Warble here and warble there<BR> +Haw!<BR> +Ye feathered songsters—warble.<BR> +Warble, warble on the spray<BR> +Warble night and warble day<BR> +Warble, warble whiles ye may<BR> +Haw!<BR> +Ye feathered songsters—warble."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"A pretty thing!" nodded Sir Benjamin, "'tis light, 'tis +graceful—easy, flowing, and full of——" +</P> + +<P> +"Warbles!" murmured Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a musical word, sir, and what is poesy but word-music? I commend +'warble' heartily—we all do, I think." +</P> + +<P> +Here a chorus of approval whereupon the Captain bowed, shot his ruffles +again, said 'Haw!' and sat down. +</P> + +<P> +"Alton, 'tis now your turn!" +</P> + +<P> +Up rose the Marquis, tossed off his glass, fished a somewhat crumpled +paper from his pocket and incontinent gave tongue: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"A song I sing in praise of Bet<BR> +I sing a song o' she, sirs<BR> +O let the ploughboy curse and sweat<BR> +But what is that to me, sirs?<BR> +My bully boys, brave bully boys<BR> +But what is that to me, sirs?"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Here's that misfortunate ploughboy sweating again!" sighed Alvaston, +while Sir Benjamin choked with wine and indignant horror: +</P> + +<P> +"Hold, od's my life—Alton, hold!" he gasped. "Heaven save us, what's +all this? 'Twill never do——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sink me, Ben—why not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because it sounds like nothing in the world but a low drinking catch, +sir, mingled and confused with a vulgar hunting-snatch." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, you'll find it betters as it goes—heark'ee!" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"I love the pretty birds to hear;<BR> +The horn upon the hill<BR> +But when my buxom Bet appear<BR> +Her voice is sweeter still<BR> +Brave boys!<BR> +Her voice is sweeter still!<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"The fish that doth in water swim<BR> +Though burnished bright he be<BR> +Doth all his scaly splendours dim<BR> +If Bet he chance to see.<BR> +Brave boys!<BR> +If Bet he chance to see.<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"There's joy——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Ha' you got much more, Harry?" enquired Alvaston mournfully. +</P> + +<P> +"O demme yes, when I get my leg over Pegasus, Bob, 'tis hard to +dismount me." +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"There's joy in riding of a horse<BR> +That bottom hath and pace<BR> +But better still I love of course<BR> +Bet's witching, handsome face.<BR> +Brave boys!<BR> +Bet's witching, handsome face!<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"E'en as the——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Hold a minute, Harry! You're givin' us a treatise on natural hist'ry, +sure?" +</P> + +<P> +"How so, Bob?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you've sung 'bout a bird, 'n' fish, 'n' beast—why ignore the +humble reptile? If you've got any more you might give us a rhyme 'bout +vermin——" +</P> + +<P> +"Demme, Bob, so I have! Heark'ee:" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"E'en as the small but gamesome flea<BR> +On her white neck might frisk, sirs<BR> +Could I be there—then, e'en as he<BR> +My life, like him, I'd risk, sirs.<BR> +My bully boys, brave bully boys<BR> +My life, like him, I'd risk, sirs!"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Pandemonium broke forth; bottles rolled, glasses fell unheeded and +shivered upon the floor while the long room roared with Gargantuan +laughter, rising waves of merriment wherein Sir Benjamin's indignant +outburst was wholly drowned and his rapping was lost and all unheeded. +Howbeit, having broken two glasses and a plate in his determined +knocking, he seized upon a bottle and thundered with that until +gradually the tempest subsided and a partial calm succeeded. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen!" he cried, his very peruke seeming to bristle with outraged +decorum, "gentlemen, I move the total suppression of this verse—" +Here his voice was lost in shouts of: "No, no! Let be, Ben! Order!" +"I say," repeated Sir Benjamin, "it must and shall be suppressed!" +</P> + +<P> +"O why, my Ben, why?" queried Alvaston, feeble with mirth. +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'tis altogether too—too natural! Too—ah intensely, +personally intimate——" Here the rafters rang again while drawers, +ostlers and waiting-maids peeped in at slyly-opened doors. Silence +being at last restored Sir Benjamin arose, snuffed daintily, flicked +himself gracefully and bowed: +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said he, "after the hem! brilliant flights o' fancy we +have been privileged to hear, I allude particularly to Sir Jasper's +soulful strophes and to—to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Alton's gamesome flea?" suggested Alvaston, whereat was laughter with +cries of "Order." +</P> + +<P> +"And to Marchdale's delightful lyric," continued Sir Benjamin. "I do +confess to no small diffidence in offering to your attention my own +hem! I say my own poor compositions and do so in all humility. My +first is a trifle I may describe as an alliterative acrostic, its +matter as followeth." +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"<B>B</B>ewitching Bet by bounteous Beauty blessed<BR> +<B>E</B>ach eager eye's enjoyment is expressed<BR> +<B>T</B>hat thus to thee doth turn then—thrilling thought;<BR> +<B>T</B>hou, thou thyself that teach may too be taught,<BR> +<B>Y</B>ea, you yourself—to yearn as beauty ought."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"I' faith, gentlemen," said he, bowing to their loud applause, "I +humbly venture to think it hath some small ingenuity. My next is a set +of simple verselets pretending to no great depth of soul nor +heart-stirring pathos, they are hem! they are—what they are——" +</P> + +<P> +"Are ye sure o' that, Ben?" demanded Alvaston earnestly. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure sir, yes sir—od's my life, I ought to be—I wrote 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's hear 'em and judge. But look'ee, Ben, if they ain't what +they are they won't do—not if you were ten thousand Benjamen!" +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin stared, rubbed his chin, shook his head, sighed and read: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Venus hath left her Grecian isles<BR> +With all her charms and witching wiles<BR> +And now all rustic hearts beguiles<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 2em">In bowery Westerham!</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Ye tender herds, ye listening deer<BR> +Forget your food, forget your fear<BR> +Our glorious Betty reigneth here<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 2em">In happy Westerham!</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Ye little lambs that on the green<BR> +In gambols innocent are seen<BR> +In gleeful chorus hail your queen<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 2em">Sweet Bet of Westerham!</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Ye feathered——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Stop!" exclaimed Alvaston. "Your lambs'll never do, Ben!" +</P> + +<P> +"Od sir, I say egad, why not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because lambs don't hail 'n' if they could hail their hail would be a +'baa' and being a baa Bet would ha' t' be a sheep t' understand 'em +which Gad forbid, Ben! An' the bottle's with——" +</P> + +<P> +"A sheep sir, a sheep?" spluttered Sir Benjamin. "Malediction! What +d'ye mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean I object t' Betty being turned int' a sheep either by +inference, insinuation or induction—I 'ppeal t' the company!" +</P> + +<P> +Here ensued a heated discussion ending in his lordship's objection +being quashed, whereupon Sir Benjamin, his face redder than ever and +his elegant peruke a little awry, continued: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"Ye feathered songsters blithely sing<BR> +Ye snowy lambkins frisk and spring<BR> +To Betty let our glasses ring<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 2em">In joyous Westerham!"</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin sat down amidst loud acclaim, and there immediately +followed a perfervid debate as to the rival merits of the several +authors and finally, amid a scene of great excitement, Mr. Marchdale +was declared the victor. +</P> + +<P> +And now appeared a mighty bowl of punch flanked by pipes and tobacco at +sight of which the company rose in welcome. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said Sir Benjamin, grasping silver ladle much as it had +been a sceptre, "the Muses have departed but in their stead behold the +jovial Bacchus with the attendant sprite yclept Virginia. Gentlemen, +it hath been suggested that we shall drink glass and glass and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Damned be he who first cries 'hold enough'!" murmured Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen, the night is young, let now the rosy hours pass in joyous +revelry and good-fellowship!" +</P> + +<P> +So the merry riot waxed and waned, tobacco smoke ascended in filmy +wreaths, songs were sung and stories told while ever the glasses filled +and grew empty and the Major, lighting his fifth pipe at a candle, +turned to find Lord Cleeve addressing him low-voiced amid the general +din across a barricade of empty bottles. +</P> + +<P> +"—don't like it Jack," he was saying, "no duty for a gentleman and +King's officer, we're no damned catchpolls ... word hath come in +roundabout way of a Jacobite rebel in these parts.... Two o' my +captains out with search parties ... poor devil!" +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the clamour of voices and laughter died away, the candles burned +low and lower in their sconces and through a blue haze the Major espied +Sir Benjamin asprawl in his chair, his fine coat wine-splashed, his +great peruke obscuring one eye, snoring gently. Hard by, Alvaston lay +forward across the table, his face pillowed upon a plate, deep-plunged +in stertorous slumber while the Colonel, sitting opposite, leaned back +in his chair and stared up solemnly at the raftered ceiling. Candles +were guttering to their end, the long chamber, the inn itself seemed +strangely silent and the broad casement already glimmered with the dawn. +</P> + +<P> +"Jack," said the Colonel suddenly, "'tis odd—'tis devilish odd I vow +'tis, but place feels curst—empty!" The Major glanced around the +disordered chamber and shivered. "Jack, here's you and here's me—very +well! Yonder's Sir Benjamin and Lord Alvaston—very well again! But +question is—where's t'others?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why I think, I rather think George, they're under the table." +</P> + +<P> +Hereupon the Colonel made as if to stoop down and look but thought +better of it, and stretching out a foot instead, touched something soft +and nodded solemnly: +</P> + +<P> +"B'gad Jack—so they are!" said he and sat staring up at the rafters +again while the pallid dawn grew brighter at the window. +</P> + +<P> +"Man Jack," he went on with a beaming smile, "'tis a goodish spell +since we had an all-night bout together. Last time I mind was in +Brabant at——" The Colonel sat up suddenly, staring through the +casement where, in the sickly light of dawn, stood a figure which +paused opposite the window to stare up at the sleeping inn, and was +gone. +</P> + +<P> +"Refuse me!" exclaimed the Colonel, still staring wide of eye, +"Jack—did ye see it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, George!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then Jack if we're not drunk we ought to be—but drunk or no, we've +seen a ghost!" +</P> + +<P> +"Whose, George?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, the spirit of that ravishing satyr, that black rogue you killed +years ago in Flanders—Effingham, by Gad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap27"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THE SERGEANT RECOUNTED AN OLD STORY +</H4> + +<P> +Viscount Merivale sat alone in the hutch-like sentry-box; his handsome +face was unduly grave, his brow care-worn and he bit at his carefully +tended nails, which last was a thing in him quite phenomenal. +</P> + +<P> +All at once he clenched his fist and smote it softly on the table: +</P> + +<P> +"Damn him!" he muttered and sat scowling at his torn nails. "Ha, +madam, it seems you are like to be the death o' me yet! ... O Woman! +... Howbeit, fight him I will!" Here, chancing to lift his frowning +gaze, he saw the Sergeant approaching with a spade on his shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"What, Zebedee!" he called. The Sergeant glanced round, wheeled and, +halting before the arbour, stood at attention. "Ha, Zeb, good old Zeb, +come your ways. Sit down, yes, yes, here beside me. I'm beset by +devils, Zeb, devils damned of deepest blue, your honest phiz shall +fright 'em hence, mayhap—stay though!" The Viscount rose and drew his +sword: "That lunge o' yours in tierce, Zeb, 'tis a sweet stroke and +sufficiently deadly, show me the 'haviour on't. 'Twas somewhat on this +wise as I remember." And falling into a graceful fencing posture, the +Viscount made his long, narrow blade flash and dart viciously while +Sergeant Zebedee, taking himself by the chin, watched with the eye of a +connoisseur. "'Twas so, I think, Zeb?" The Sergeant smiled grimly and +shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"You've got same all mixed up wi' fashionable school-play, Master +Pancr—Tom, my lud, which though pretty ain't by no means the real +thing." +</P> + +<P> +"How so, Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, this here posturing and flourishing is well enough a-'twixt +fine gentlemen as happens to draw on each other after a bottle or to +wipe out an ill word in a drop or so o' blood—yes. But 'tis different +when you're opposite a skilled duellist as means to kill. His honour +the Major now, he learned in a hard school and his honour learned me." +</P> + +<P> +"He's had several affairs I think, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twenty and two, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" sighed the Viscount, "I've had one and got pricked in the thigh! +Here, show me the way on't, Sergeant." So saying, he turned weapon +across forearm and bowing in true academic manner, proffered the +jewelled hilt to the Sergeant who took it, tested spring and balance of +the blade with practised hands, saluted and fell to the "engage"; then +he lunged swiftly and recovered, all in a moment. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a stroke hard to parry, sir!" said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me!" sighed the Viscount, "do't again Zeb—slowly man and +with explanations." +</P> + +<P> +"Why look'ee sir, 'tis a trick o' the wrist on the disengage. You are +in tierce—so, your point bearing so—very good! You play a thrust, +thus d'ye see, then—whip! up comes your point and you follow in with a +lunge—so! Try it, my lud." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Viscount, taking back his sword. +</P> + +<P> +But having "tried it" once or twice with very indifferent success, he +shook his head and, sheathing his weapon, sat down again and grew more +despondent than ever. "Sit ye down, Zeb," said he, "the blue devils +have me sure." +</P> + +<P> +"Devils, Master Tom sir," said the Sergeant, seating himself on the +bench his own hands had contrived, "I aren't nowise surprised, same do +haunt the place o' late, this here orchard being 'witched d'ye see and +full o' hocus-pocus." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis hard to believe, Zeb, what with the sky so blue and the grass all +dappled with sunlight. Nay 'tis a fair world, Zeb, and hard to leave. +Life's a desirable thing and hard to lose! Save us! What a world +'twould be if all women were sweet as they seemed and men as true!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure there's a deal o' roguery i' the world Master Pancras—Tom, sir! +As witness—last night!" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount winced, muttered between clenched teeth and scowled at his +fist again: +</P> + +<P> +"Is the Major come home yet?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. Come in along with Lord Cleeve, same as served under his +honour years agone." +</P> + +<P> +"How were they, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"His honour oncommon solemn and my lord oncommon talkative—wouldn't +nowise part wi' his boots, threatened to shoot the first man as dared +touch same. Last night must ha' been—a night, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye!" nodded the Viscount absently. "You told me last night you +actually caught the fellow one night—in the orchard here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Fellow, my lud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd." +</P> + +<P> +"I so did, sir—same being in the act o' scaling wall—taking my lady's +garden by escalade as ye might say." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas Dalroyd, you're—quite sure, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"If 'twasn't—'twere a ghost sir." +</P> + +<P> +"What d'ye mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"The ghost of an officer of Ogle's as his honour killed in Flanders in +a duel, Master Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said the Viscount thoughtfully. "A duel!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir, only this man's name were Effingham." +</P> + +<P> +"A duel!" repeated the Viscount. "'Twas over a woman of course?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, and an evil tale it is and I'm a man o' few words—but if so +be you've a mind for't——" +</P> + +<P> +"I have, Zeb—proceed——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it seems this Captain Effingham with his company had took +prisoner a French officer in his own chateau, d'ye see, and meant to +shoot same in the morning for a spy. But to Captain Effingham comes +the officer's wife—young she was and very handsome, and implored the +Captain to mercy, which he agreed to if she'd consent to——" +</P> + +<P> +"I take you, Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas for her husband's life and she was very young, sir—I chanced to +see her arterwards. So the Captain had his way. Next morning, very +early, comes a roll o' musketry. She leaps out o' bed, runs to the +lattice and there's her husband being carried by—dead! So she falls +distracted and kills herself wi' the Captain's sword and arter comes +his honour the Major and kills the Captain. 'Twas a pretty bout, sir, +for the Captain was a master at rapier-play and famous duellist—laid +his honour's head open from eye to ear at the first pass and, what wi' +the blood-flow and heavy boots I thought his honour was done for more +than once—and if he had been, well—I had finger on trigger and +'twould ha' been no murder—him!" +</P> + +<P> +"The Major killed him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dead as mutton, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you bury the villain?" +</P> + +<P> +"No time, sir, we were a flanking party on a forced march, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"And you say Dalroyd is like him?" +</P> + +<P> +"As one musket-ball to another, Master Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"And she was young and beautiful, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"About my lady Betty's age sir, and much such another." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" murmured the Viscount and scowled at his fist again. "Look'ee +Zeb, 'tis my fancy to master that thrust, every morning when you've +done with the Major you shall fence a bout or so with me, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twill be joy, Master Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"But, mark this Zeb, none must know of it—especially my uncle. I—I'm +minded to surprise him. So not a word and——" +</P> + +<P> +On the warm, sunny air rose a woman's voice rich, sonorous and clear, +singing a plaintive melody. The Viscount rose, flicked a speck from +velvet coat-skirts and, crossing the orchard, swung himself astride the +wall. My lady Betty was gathering a posy; at the Viscount's sudden +appearance she broke off her song, swept him a curtsey then, standing +tall and gracious, shook white finger at him. +</P> + +<P> +"Naughty lad!" said she. "Since when have you taken to philandering in +country lanes after midnight?" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount actually gasped; then took out his snuff-box, fumbled with +it and put it away again. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I—Gad preserve me, Bet!" he stammered, "what d'ye mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean, my poor Pancras, since when ha' you taken to spying on me?" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount's cheek flushed, then he leaned suddenly forward his hands +tight-clenched: +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," said he, his voice sunk almost to a whisper, "O Bet, in God's +name why d'you meet a man of Dalroyd's repute—alone and at such an +hour?" My lady's clear gaze never wavered and she laughed gaily: +</P> + +<P> +"Dear Pancras," she cried, "your tragical airs are ill-suited to the +top of a wall! Prithee come down to earth, smooth that face of care, +dear creature, and let us quarrel agreeably as of yore!" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount obeyed slowly and looking a little grim: +</P> + +<P> +"Look'ee Bet," said he as they trod the tiled walk together, "I have +lived sufficiently long in this world to know that the mind of a woman +is beyond a man's comprehension and that she herself is oft-times the +sport of every idle whim——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a Daniel come to judgment! O excellent young man!'" she mocked. +Whereat the Viscount became a little grimmer as he continued: +</P> + +<P> +"Yet, because my regard for you is true and sincere, I do most humbly +implore you to forego this madcap whim——" +</P> + +<P> +"Whim, Viscount Merivale, my lord?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—whim, fancy, mischief—call it what you will! 'Tis impossible +you can love the fellow and not to be thought on." +</P> + +<P> +"Dear Pan," she sighed, "I vow there are times I could kiss you as I +used, when we were children." +</P> + +<P> +"Trust me instead, dear Bet! Confess, the fellow hath a hold over you? +Have you met him often at night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twice!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall you meet him again?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thrice!" +</P> + +<P> +"Alone? And—at midnight? Alone, Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite alone." +</P> + +<P> +"God!" he exclaimed, "what will the world think?" +</P> + +<P> +"The world will be asleep." +</P> + +<P> +"But how if you should be seen as I saw you—in the lane?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis small chance," she answered, brushing her roses across red lips +a-pout in thought. "'Tis why I choose a spot so remote and so late an +hour." +</P> + +<P> +"But alone—at midnight—with Dalroyd! By heaven, Betty, you run +greater and more ugly risks than you know." +</P> + +<P> +"I think not, Pan." +</P> + +<P> +"But I tell you, and God forgive me if I misjudge the fellow—from what +I know—from what I hear he's a very satyr—a——" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I think he is!" she sighed. "So do I go prepared." +</P> + +<P> +"How—how?" he demanded. "I say no maid should run such risk, +willingly or no——" +</P> + +<P> +"Pancras!" She turned and faced him suddenly. "You never doubt +me—you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never Bet, never, I swear. But 'tis only that I've known you all your +days and because I know you commit this folly and risk these dangers +for Charles's sake. But Betty, in God's name what will the end be?" +</P> + +<P> +"An end shall justify the means!" +</P> + +<P> +"The means—the means! Aye, but there are some means so shameful that +no end may ever justify—you never think to sacrifice yourself to——" +</P> + +<P> +My lady laughed; then seeing the anxiety of his face, the tremor of his +clenched fist, she took that fist in her soft, cool fingers and drawing +him within the arbour made him sit beside her. +</P> + +<P> +"Pan dear," she said gently, "O rest secure in this:—'tis true I love +my brother but no tender martyr am I so brave or so unselfish, even for +his dear sake, to yield myself up to—the beasts. This body of mine I +hold much too precious to glut their brutish appetite." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, Bet, promise me this folly shall cease, you'll see Dalroyd +no more, at least at such an hour—promise me." +</P> + +<P> +"No, Pancras." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha! And wherefore not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'tis so my whim." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then you leave me but one alternative, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"Prithee—what?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll stop it in despite of you." +</P> + +<P> +"Cry you mercy, sir—how?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very simply." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, Pancras, you mean a—duel? No no, not that—you shall not—I +forbid such folly!" The Viscount smiled. "He'd kill you, Pan, I know +it—feel it!" The Viscount's smile grew a little rueful. +</P> + +<P> +"None the less, 'twould resolve the problem—at least for me," he +answered. +</P> + +<P> +"But, Pancras, see how clumsily! O Lud, these meddling men!" she +sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"Heavens, these wilful women!" he retorted. +</P> + +<P> +"Still, Sir Wiseacre, being a woman I'll meet and outwit the beast with +a woman's weapons. So now prithee let there be no thought of such +clumsy weapons as this!" and tapping the ornate hilt of the Viscount's +sword, she rose. "Come," said she, reaching him her hand, "take me +within-doors and I will stay thee with flagons." +</P> + +<P> +Now as they crossed the broad lawn together the balmy air was suddenly +pierced by a shrill and flute-like whistle. +</P> + +<P> +"Aha!" exclaimed the Viscount, stopping suddenly to glance about. +</P> + +<P> +As he stood thus he was amazed by an object which, hurtling from on +high, thudded upon the grass, and stepping forward he picked up a much +worn and battered shoe. From this sorry object his gaze, travelling +aloft, presently discovered a figure which had wriggled itself half out +of a small dormer window beneath the eaves and, despite this perilous +position, was beckoning to him vigorously. +</P> + +<P> +"Oho!" exclaimed the Viscount, turning to my lady Betty. "So you have +him here, 'tis as I thought!" But when he would have waved and saluted +his lordship of Medhurst in return, Betty stayed him with a gesture. +</P> + +<P> +"The servants, Pan—" she warned him. +</P> + +<P> +"You'll take me up, Bet, you'll let me see the old lad?" the Viscount +pleaded. "I've been scheming out ways and means of getting him first +to my place in Sussex and then over seas——" +</P> + +<P> +"Phoh!" exclaimed my lady. "And yourself and him dungeoned in the +Tower within the week. How should you know he was hereabouts—'twas +that Major d'Arcy, I'll vow!" +</P> + +<P> +"True, he mentioned the matter and moreover——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" cried my lady stamping her foot, "so he must be talking already!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—to me, Bet, why not i' faith! And—though a Whig——" +</P> + +<P> +"A flapdragon!" exclaimed my lady. +</P> + +<P> +"I say though a Whig he is as ready to aid Charles into safety as you +or I. Nay, he hath even proffered to harbour him in his own house." +</P> + +<P> +"Mm!" said my lady, smiling down at her roses, "I wonder why a Whiggish +soldier should run such risk for Charles, a stranger?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because the Major chances to be the best, the bravest, the most +unselfish gentleman I have the honour to know!" replied the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"Dear Pancras!" she sighed, "an you would talk with Charles, you shall, +so come your ways and be silent—Pancras dear!" +</P> + +<P> +So she brought him into the house and, finger on lip, led him up back +stairways and along seldom used passages to a door small but remarkably +strong; here she paused to reach a key from a dark corner, a key of +massive proportions at sight of which the Viscount whistled. +</P> + +<P> +"You see, Pan," she explained, fitting it to the lock, "Charles is +quite determined to get away at once for my sake, but I'm quite +determined he shall stay for his own sake, until I judge him +sufficiently recovered, and—hark to him, Pan, hark to my naughty +child!" She laughed as an impatient fist thumped the stout door from +within and a muffled voice reached them. "Be silent, sir!" she +commanded. Followed a sulky muttering, the door swung open and my lord +of Medhurst appeared, petulant and eager: +</P> + +<P> +"What Pan!" he cried. "What Tom—Tommy lad! Y'see how she treats me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" exclaimed my lady, closing the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad, Charles!" exclaimed the Viscount as they embraced, "you're thin +and pale, is't your wound?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay—nay, I vow I'm well enough, Tom——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I protest art worn to a shadow——" +</P> + +<P> +"A shadow—aha!" His lordship laughed gaily. "Say a shade, Tom, a +ghost and you're in the right with a vengeance. But tell me the latest +town news, Tommy, who's in and who's out? Stands London where it +did——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay first, Charles, I'm here to smuggle you away to my Sussex place +there to keep you hid until I can arrange for you to cross into France. +'Twill be the simplest matter i' the world, Charles, I'll have a couple +of fast horses in the lane at midnight, we shall reach my place by dawn +or thereabouts. How say you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why I say, dear lad, 'tis all very well but you forget one thing." +</P> + +<P> +"And that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your own risk, Pan." +</P> + +<P> +"Tush!" exclaimed the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so, Tom," nodded my lord, "but d'ye dream I'd ever shelter +myself behind thy faithful friendship? How say you, Bet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Spoken like my own Charles!" she answered and clasping her arm about +him set her cheek to his, and the Viscount, glancing from one face to +the other, fell back in staring surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me!" he exclaimed. "'Tis years since I saw you out of a +peruke, Charles and now I do—I vow your likeness to Bet is greater +than ever—faith 'tis marvellous! Same features, same gestures, same +height——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay I swear I'm taller by a good inch, Tom——" +</P> + +<P> +"But the similarity is wonderful——" +</P> + +<P> +"Except for his voice!" sighed my lady, "and that—hush! 'Tis the +coach returned, aunt is back from Sevenoaks already!" So saying, she +crossed to the window and leaned out. "Heavens!" she cried, "aunt must +ha' driven home galloping, the horses are all in a lather o' foam. I +wonder——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" cried a voice, "O Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"Save us!" ejaculated my lady, crossing to the door and turning the +key, "she's coming up!" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" cried Lady Belinda from the landing without, "O Betty, let me +in—let me in!" Here the strong door was shaken by eager hands. "Let +me in, Betty, O I know who's there—I've known for days. Let me in for +O Lud—I've such terrible news—quick, open the door!" +</P> + +<P> +Instantly Betty obeyed and Lady Belinda tottered in, closed it again +and leaned there breathless. +</P> + +<P> +"Charles!" she cried. "My wicked wanderer! My wayward boy! O I shall +faint—I swoon!" But Lady Belinda did neither, instead she caught the +earl to her bosom, kissed him tenderly and spoke. "My dears, there are +soldiers at Sevenoaks seeking our fugitive—they may be here at any +time!" +</P> + +<P> +"The devil!" exclaimed the fugitive. +</P> + +<P> +"We must do something!" said the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"We will!" nodded my lady. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap28"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE MAJOR COMES TO A RESOLUTION +</H4> + +<P> +Colonel Lord George Cleeve sat perched astride a chair on the desk in +the corner and watched where the Major and Sergeant Zebedee fronted +each other for their wonted morning's fencing-bout: +</P> + +<P> +"You'll find me a little sluggish as 'twere after last night, Zeb," +said the Major, taking his ground. +</P> + +<P> +"Why there have been other nights, sir, and I never found you so yet," +answered the Sergeant, as, returning the Major's salute, he came to his +guard, and, with a tinkle and clash of steel, they engaged, the Major, +light-poised and graceful, the Sergeant balanced upon stockinged feet, +cunning, swift and throbbing with vigorous strength. Now as their play +became closer it seemed that the weapons were part of themselves, this +darting, twining steel seemed instinct with life and foreknowledge as +lightning thrust was met by lightning parry; while the Colonel, craning +forward in his chair, cursed rapturously under his breath, snorted and +wriggled ecstatic. It was a long, close rally ending in a sudden +grinding flurry of pliant blades followed by a swift and deadly lunge +from the Sergeant met by an almost miraculous riposte, and he stepped +back to shake his head and smile; while the Colonel slapped his thigh +and roared for pure joy of it. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, "'tis me is sluggish it seems! Clean through +my sword-arm!" +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, Zeb, I saw it coming in time." +</P> + +<P> +"Joy!" cried the Colonel, sprinkling himself copiously with snuff, "O +man Jack 'tis a delight t' the eye, a balm t' the soul, a comfort t' +the heart! Rabbit me, Jack, Sergeant Zeb is improved out o' knowledge." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, George, Zeb is an apt pupil. Come again, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +At this moment the door opened and the Viscount lounged in, but seeing +what was toward, seated himself on a corner of the desk as the foils +rang together again. Before the next venue was decided the Colonel was +on his legs with excitement and the Viscount's languor was forgotten +quite, for, despite their buttoned foils, they fought with a grim yet +joyous ferocity, as if death itself had hung upon the issue. Their +blades whirled and clashed, or grinding lightly together seemed to feel +out and sense each other's attack; followed cunning feints, vicious +thrust or lunge and dexterous parry until, at last, the Major stepped +back and lowered his point: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis your hit, Zeb—here on my wrist!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why 'twas scarce a hit, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"Most palpable, Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me!" murmured the Viscount, "and they don't sweat and they +ain't panting!" +</P> + +<P> +"Music!" snorted the Colonel, bestriding his chair again, "poetry, +pictures—bah! Here you have 'em all together! A fine 'ooman's a +graceful sight I'll allow, but sirs, for beauty and music, poetry and +grace all in one, give me a couple o' well-matched small-sworders!" +</P> + +<P> +"Parfectly, sir!" bowed the Viscount. "Though, nunky, if I may venture +the remark and with all the deference in the world, your play is +perhaps a trifle austere—lacking those small elegancies and delicate +refinements——" +</P> + +<P> +The Colonel rolled truculent eye and sprinkled himself with snuff again. +</P> + +<P> +"Master Tom sir—Pancras my lud," said the Sergeant, "I were thinking +p'r'aps you'd play this third venue with his honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad, nunky, 'twould be a joy," murmured the Viscount. So saying he +took the Sergeant's foil. "You'll mind sir, how you disarmed me last +time——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas but a trick, Tom, and you were all unsuspecting." +</P> + +<P> +"At least, sir, this time I shall play more cautious." And the +Viscount saluted and fell to his guard, one white hand fanning the air +daintily aloft. The foils crossed and, as the bout progressed, the +Viscount's self-assurance grew, he even pressed the Major repeatedly +and twice forced him to break ground; time and again his point missed +by inches while the Sergeant watched between a smile and a frown and +the Colonel wriggled on his chair again: +</P> + +<P> +"Faith!" cried he, as the foils were lowered by common consent. "The +lad hath a wrist, Jack, and a quick eye for distance—he should make a +fencer one o' these days—with pains——" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad so, sir!" exclaimed the Viscount, a little huffed, "I rejoice to +know it!" +</P> + +<P> +"And though his point wavers out o' the line like a straw i' the wind +and his parade is curst inviting and open, still——" +</P> + +<P> +"Let me perish, what d'ye mean, my lord?" +</P> + +<P> +"Come again, Tom and I'll show you!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Those are fairly large buttons on your waistcoat. I'll take the top +four. On guard, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +Again the foils met and almost immediately the Major's blade leapt and +the Sergeant counted "One—two!" The Viscount broke ground, then +lunged in turn and the Sergeant counted again, "Three—four!" The +Viscount stepped back, pitched his foil into a corner and stared at the +Major in rueful amaze, whereupon Lord Cleeve laughed, and, clambering +from the table, clapped him on the shoulder: +</P> + +<P> +"Never be discouraged, Viscount," said he, "never be peevish, sir, in +your place I should ha' fared little better. Few may cope with d'Arcy +o' the Buffs—or Sergeant Zebedee for that matter!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me sir," answered the Viscount smiling, "'twould seem so." +</P> + +<P> +"And now, man Jack, I'm for Sevenoaks on small matter o' business, +moreover 'tis like my lady Carlyon will be thereabouts and young +Marchdale promised to make me known to 'Our Admirable Betty.' Will ye +ride with me, Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why thank'ee George, no—there's my chapter on the Defects of Salient +Angles d'ye see, for one thing——" +</P> + +<P> +"Devil burn your salient angles!" +</P> + +<P> +"But here's Tom now. Tom might join you," suggested the Major with a +meaning glance at his nephew. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould be a joy, sir!" murmured the Viscount dutifully. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then I'll go get into my boots," nodded the Colonel and strode +from the room. +</P> + +<P> +"Nunky," said the Viscount, rearranging his cravat before the mirror +with scrupulous care, "there are soldiers at Sevenoaks and the man they +seek lieth hid—next door, if I mistake not!" +</P> + +<P> +"Art sure, Pancras?" +</P> + +<P> +"I spoke with Charles himself a while since, and my lady Belinda saw +the soldiers to-day. Question, what's to do, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a problem, nephew, and one requiring a nice judgment. Let me +think! Sergeant, I'll thank you for my Ramillie coat. And she hath +him hid?" enquired the Major, getting into the garment in question. +</P> + +<P> +"Under lock and key, nunky. Charles would have been away ere this for +her sake, but she'd locked him in. You see he is still scarce +recovered of his wound and hardships, and Betty is determined to keep +him till he be quite strong again." +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure!" nodded the Major, fingering the tarnished buttons of his +old campaigning coat. "And she locked him in—'twas like her! As for +the soldiers, Tom, having traced him so far, they will be here next +'tis sure and her house will be searched first, of course." +</P> + +<P> +"Gad sir!" exclaimed the Viscount, striding to and fro in sudden +perturbation. "You take it devilish calm and serene! If they search +there they'll find him beyond doubt——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not so, Tom, I'll see to that." +</P> + +<P> +"You sir—how?" +</P> + +<P> +"He shall come here." +</P> + +<P> +"Here nunky—here in this house—with Colonel Cleeve your guest?" +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely, Tom—I must hide him under old George's honest nose. 'Tis +irregular, as 'twere—aye, 'tis vastly irregular, and yet——" Here +there rose a distant roaring, a hoarse and intermittent clamour. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love us!" exclaimed the Viscount, starting, "what's here?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis only George roaring for thee, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"And the horses are at the door, my lud!" added the Sergeant, glancing +from the window. +</P> + +<P> +"So begone, Tom and——" +</P> + +<P> +"No no, sir, I'll stay and aid you with——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, look'ee Tom, you ride to Sevenoaks with George. You learn +precisely when the soldiers march for Westerham and, if need be, you +make your excuses and ride back to warn me of their coming. Your +dapple-grey is the fastest thing on four legs and—ah, George—I do but +stay my nephew to give him certain commissions and, as I was saying, +his big dapple-grey is the fastest——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—rot me, Viscount, we'll see that—we'll see that!" nodded the +Colonel pulling on his gauntlets. "Now, if you're ready, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite, my lord, quite!" smiled the Viscount, and, taking hat, gloves +and whip from Sergeant Zebedee, he bowed and followed the Colonel out. +Thereafter rose the clatter of their horse-hoofs which died rapidly +away until they were lost altogether. +</P> + +<P> +"Zeb," said the Major, sinking heavily into his chair and leaning head +on hand, "Sergeant Zebedee, I go about to do a thing I never thought to +do. We fought and bled for England and Queen Anne Zeb, you and I, and +after for King William and then for King George, and now, it seems, I +must forget my loyalty for the sake of a youth I've never seen, a +Jacobite fugitive, Zeb, whose life is held forfeit—but, he is the +brother of one—one I hold—very dear, Zeb. And for her sake I am +about to be false to the oath I swore as an officer, I am about to give +aid and shelter to an enemy of my king. This is a grief to me, Zeb, a +great grief, since honour was very dear to me, but she—is dearer +still! So shall I do this thing gladly—aye, even though it lose me +all as well as honour—even life itself because 'tis for—her." Here +the Major paused to sigh and the Sergeant finding nothing to say, +saluted. "But as for you yourself, Zeb, all these long, hard years +you've served faithfully and kept your record clean, and God forbid I +should smirch it. So, Zebedee, you will take a week's leave—you will +get you to London or——" +</P> + +<P> +"Which, saving your presence, can't nowise be, your honour!" answered +the Sergeant. "King George is very well and I say, God bless same. +But then King George and me don't chance t' have fought for England +together side by side, nor yet have saved each other's life, sir—very +good! But, says I, in action or out, wheres'ever you've led I've +folleyed most determined, and I'm too old to change my tactics, sir. +So, your honour, I'm with you in this, in that, or in t'other, +heretofore, now and hereafter, so be it, amen!" Having said which, the +Sergeant saluted again and stood at ease. +</P> + +<P> +"You risk your neck, Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"I've risked every member I possess afore now, like your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"I mean there is a danger that——" +</P> + +<P> +"Dangers has been our daily meat and drink, sir, and perils our +portion. Consequently if dangers and perils should threaten your +honour 'tis only nat'ral I should share same, besides 'tis become a +matter o' dooty wi' me, d'ye see, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Zeb," said the Major, rising, "Zebedee—ha—Sergeant Tring, give me +your hand! And now," he continued, as their hands gripped and fell +apart, "bring me my hat and cane, Zeb, I'll to my lady." These being +produced, the Major clapped on laced hat, took ebony cane in hand and +crossed to the door; but there the Sergeant stayed him: +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he in gentle remonstrance, "you'll never go in your old +coat? +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore not, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not in keeping wi' your brave new hat, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe not, Zeb," sighed the Major, "but then 'tis in most excellent +keeping with my—my limp, d'ye see. So let be, Zeb, let be!" +</P> + +<P> +And so the Major went forth upon his errand and, being a little +perturbed as to his possible reception, fell to planning himself a line +of conduct for the forthcoming interview and forming stern resolutions +that should govern him throughout. Thus, as he walked, head a-droop +and deep-plunged in thought, his limp was rather more pronounced than +usual. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap29"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +TELLS HOW LADY BETTY DID THE SAME +</H4> + +<P> +And so my Lady Carlyon sitting in her arbour, lovely head bent above a +book on surgery, presently espied the Major's tall figure advancing +towards her; and beholding the familiar features of the Ramillie coat, +its threadbare seams, its tarnished braid and buttons, she had the +grace to blush, and felt her breath catch unwontedly. +</P> + +<P> +The rosy flush still mantled her cheeks as she rose to greet him, quick +to heed the courtly grace of his stately bow and his air of gentle +aloofness. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam—my lady, pray pardon this unwarranted intrusion, but——" +</P> + +<P> +"O sir," she murmured, eyes a-droop, "most fully." +</P> + +<P> +"I am come on account of your brother, my Lord Medhurst." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" she sighed, "you mean my dear rebel—will't please you to sit, +sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, I had—rather stand," he answered gently. +</P> + +<P> +"And pray sir, what of my brother?" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady, it seems the soldiers—a search-party have reached Sevenoaks +and may be on their way hither, and your house would prove but a +dangerous hiding-place, I fear. They would naturally search there +first and very thoroughly." +</P> + +<P> +"And you are here to warn me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am here to offer him the more secure shelter of the Manor." +</P> + +<P> +Here my lady sighed, glanced swiftly up at his averted face and made +room for him beside her on the rustic bench. +</P> + +<P> +"Will you not—sit down, sir?" she asked softly. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you but I—am very well here!" he answered; whereupon my lady +frowned at her book and fluttered its pages with petulant fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"Can it be sir," she questioned, "can it possibly be that Major John +d'Arcy so—so sternly orthodox and——and Whiggish is willing to give +shelter to a Jacobite rebel?" The Major bowed. "And you are a—loyal +soldier?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—was!" he answered, sighing so deeply that she glanced at him again +and beholding his troubled face, her petulant fingers were stilled, her +frown vanished and her voice grew suddenly pleading and tender. +</P> + +<P> +"Prithee, Major John will you not—sit awhile?" and she drew aside the +folds of her gown invitingly. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed I—I had—rather not!" he answered, drawing back a step. +</P> + +<P> +My lady's round bosom heaved tempestuous and she glanced at his averted +face with eyes of scorn. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said she, "the soldier who shelters the enemies of his king is +a—traitor!" The Major winced. "And traitors are sometimes—hanged, +sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Or shot, or beheaded!" he murmured. +</P> + +<P> +"And you, Major d'Arcy, you are willing to run all these risks and +wherefore?" The Major prodded diligently at a patch of moss with his +cane, while, chin on hand, she watched him, waiting his answer. +</P> + +<P> +"Need you ask?" he muttered. +</P> + +<P> +"I do ask, sir," said she, her watchful gaze unwavering; and he, +conscious of this intent look, flushed, grew uneasy, grew abashed; +finally he raised his head and returned her look and in his eyes was +that which called imperious to all her womanhood, that before which her +own eyes fell though his voice was very tender as he answered: +</P> + +<P> +"My lady you know well 'tis—for you. You know my love is one that +counteth not risk, now or—or ever." +</P> + +<P> +At this, my lady having seen and heard all she had desired, bowed +shapely head and was silent awhile, staring down at the page before her +headed: "Quartern Ague." When at last she spoke her voice quavered +oddly and he flinched, believing that she laughed at him again. +</P> + +<P> +"Your coat is more—more threadbare and—woebegone than—ever, John!" +Here he sighed, still thinking that she mocked him but, as he turned +away, he saw something that fell sparkling upon the page before her, +followed by another and another. The Major stood awe-struck. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady!" he exclaimed, "mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do—not——" my lady sobbed but stamped her foot at him none the less. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam," he corrected hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"Nor that, sir! I'll not be 'madam-ed' or 'my lady-ed'—by you—any +longer." +</P> + +<P> +"Betty! O Betty!" he cried yearningly. +</P> + +<P> +"John!" she sighed, "Jack!" And lifting her head she looked at him +with eyes brimful of tears, tears that would not be winked away, so she +dabbed at them with her handkerchief and sobbed again. The Major +stepped hastily into the arbour. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty?" he questioned in awed wonderment. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—I'm weeping, sir," she confessed. "I'm shedding—real tears and +'tis not a custom of mine, sir—consequently 'tis not so easy as to +faint or—swoon. I hate to—sob and weep, and I—despise +tears—besides they hurt me, John." He came a quick step nearer. "O +'tis very cruel to make a poor maid weep—how can you, John dear?" +</P> + +<P> +"I?" he exclaimed aghast, "I—make you weep?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed you—you! O cruel!" +</P> + +<P> +"In heaven's name, how—what have I done?" +</P> + +<P> +"Heaped coals of fire, John! Burnt me! Scorched me!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major stared, utterly at a loss and fumbled with one of his +tarnished buttons; then, seeing his bewilderment, she laughed through +her tears and, choking back her sobs, rose and stretched out her arms +to him. +</P> + +<P> +"John," she murmured, "you dear, noble, generous Jack—ah, don't you +see? When I made a public mock of you the other day, you hid your pain +for my sake—and to-day, O to-day you come ready and willing to aid my +brother heedless of risks and dangers. And now—now you—stand so—far +off! John dear, if—if you won't sit down—prithee come a little +nearer for me—just to—touch you." +</P> + +<P> +Now hearing the thrill in her voice, beholding the melting tenderness +of her look, his doubts were all forgotten and his stern resolutions +swept clean away; so he came near, very near and, sitting down, clasped +her yielding loveliness to the shabby, war-worn Ramillie coat. +</P> + +<P> +"My dear, brave, noble John," she sighed, "and I such a beast to thee! +To make a mock of thee for fools to laugh at—but none so great a fool +as I—yes, Jack I repeat——" But here the Major closed her +self-accusing lips awhile. "Yes, dear John," she continued, "I was a +positive beast—though 'tis true you did anger me vastly!" +</P> + +<P> +"How?" he questioned, drawing her yet nearer. +</P> + +<P> +"You would not heed my signals—my fan, my handkerchief, both +unregarded." +</P> + +<P> +"Fan?" he repeated. "Handkerchief? You mean—Egad!" His fervent arms +grew suddenly lax and he sighed. "Dear," said he, shaking rueful head, +"I fear you do find me very obtuse, very dull and stupid, not at all +the man——" +</P> + +<P> +"The only man!" she whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"But to think I could be so dense, such an unutterable blockhead, such +a——" Here my lady in her turn stopped his self-reproaches and +thereafter, taking him by two curls of his great periwig, one either +side, nodded lovely head at him. +</P> + +<P> +"Though indeed, 'tis true sir, I was a little put out——" +</P> + +<P> +"And no wonder!" he agreed. "Any other man would ha' known and +understood. But I, being nought but a simple——" Again she sealed +his lips, this time with one white finger. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, Major John sir—I do protest your grave simplicity hath a potent +charm in a wilderness of wits and beaux! 'Twas that same, methinks did +first attract me, for dear John, hear me confess, I have loved thee +from our first meeting—to-day I honour thee also. Dost mind that +first hour—when you caught me stealing your cherries? Dost remember, +John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, truly," he answered, "'twas in that hour happiness found me—a +happiness I had never thought to know!" Here, meeting his ardent gaze, +she flushed and drooped her lashes, yet nestled closer. +</P> + +<P> +"John," she whispered, "thou'rt so placid as a rule, so serene and calm +yet, methinks there might come a time when I—should—fear +thee—almost. Our love is not politely <I>à la mode</I>, John!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor ever could be!" he answered. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis thing so wondrous great John, that I do tremble—and you—you +too, John! Ah prithee loose me awhile. Love is so vastly different +from what I dreamed—'tis methinks a happiness nigh to pain. And yet +our love hath not run so smooth dear, there have been doubts, and +fears, and misconceptions and—mayhap John, there shall be more." +</P> + +<P> +"Heaven forefend, sweet. For indeed thou art my light, without thee +this world were place of emptiness and gloom and I a lonely wanderer +lost and all foredone. Ah Betty, since love looked at me through thine +eyes life hath become to me a thing so precious——" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet you would peril it, John, and with thy life my happiness." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, but my Betty——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but my John, this shall not be! Think you I'll permit that you +hazard yourself——" +</P> + +<P> +"But, dear heart, I have a plan very excellent——" +</P> + +<P> +"So have I, John, a plan more excellent, nay—most!" +</P> + +<P> +"But sweeting, I am here to——" +</P> + +<P> +"To listen to me, of course, my Jack. See now, Charles is my brother +and if danger come I, as his sister, am proud and willing to share it +with him or to—endure much for his sake. But dear, whiles I live none +other shall jeopardise life or fortune in his behalf, on this I am +determined and he also. Besides, I have a plan, a wondrous plan, John, +shall save my dear Charles from all the soldiers 'twixt here and London +town. If they will search my house—let them, but they shall not find +him. And after, when he's strong enough, he shall win to France and +none to give him let or stay. Moreover John I shall be very sweetly +avenged in certain trifling matter. Nay—no questions sir, only meddle +not in this and, beyond all, have faith in thy Betty." +</P> + +<P> +The sun had set long since, evening deepened into night but, when he +would have gone, she stayed him with gentle hands, with sighs and +plaintive murmurs. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not yet late ... life holdeth so few hours the like of this ... +and John dear, I do feel troubles are nigh us ... doubts, John ... +sorrows belike... And yet surely our love is too great... But if you +should ... hear aught of evil ... or ... should see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty—O Betty, alas, alas!" It was Lady Belinda's voice and in it a +note that brought Betty to her feet, suddenly pale and trembling. +"Betty, O Betty!" With the cry on her lips Lady Belinda appeared in +the half-light hurrying towards them distractedly and wringing her +hands as she came: "Alas, Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, aunt—dear heaven, what's amiss?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis Charles—our dear Charles!" +</P> + +<P> +"What—what of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty, he's—gone!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gone? But aunt 'tis impossible, his door was locked——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but the window—the window! He's gone, Betty—ropes and +things—bed-clothes and what not. O my heart! There they +are—dangling from the window—to and fro. But poor, naughty, wilful +Charles is gone!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap30"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +CONCERNING CHARLES, EARL OF MEDHURST +</H4> + +<P> +If my lady Betty was of a determined temper, my lord of Medhurst was no +less so; being set on ridding his sister of his dangerous presence he +contrived, so soon as her back was turned, to effect his exit through +the window by means of his bed-clothes and sundry odds and ends of rope +and cord he had found in the attics. +</P> + +<P> +Darkness having fallen, the frantic search for him being over and the +coast at last clear, the earl proceeded to squirm and clamber out of +the disused water-butt that had been his hiding-place, knocked the dust +and cobwebs from his person (dressed somewhat roomily in a suit of +Viscount Merivale's clothes) and glided away into the shadows of the +garden swift and silent as any ghost. Reaching the wall he scaled it +lightly, paused to sweep off his hat and to blow a kiss towards his +sister's window, then dropped into the lane; followed it a little way +and, turning aside into the fields set off at a smart pace. Very soon +he reached a small wood and had advanced but a little way in among the +trees when his quick ears warned him that others were here before him; +a bush rustled at no great distance and he caught the sound of a voice +hoarse and subdued: +</P> + +<P> +"... heard someone behind us I say!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twere a bird Joe, wood be full of 'em. 'Taren't our man, he'll come +by th' field-path—hist! What's yon?" My lord's eyes sparkled as, +settling his hat more firmly, he loosened sword in scabbard and stepped +daintily into the open. Then came a sudden rustling of leaves, the +muffled thud of hasty feet, and, by light of the rising moon, his +lordship saw a tangle of vague forms, that twisted and writhed, and +arms that rose and fell viciously; out came his steel and with the +long, narrow blade a-glitter he leapt forward shouting blithely as he +ran. He was close upon the combatants when one staggered and fell, +another was beaten to his knees and then the earl was upon them. Now a +light small-sword is an awkward weapon to meet the swashing blows of +heavy bludgeons; therefore his lordship kept away, avoiding their +rushes and fierce strokes by quickness of foot and dexterity of body; +twice his twinkling point had darted vainly but his third thrust was +answered by a snarling cry of pain and incontinent his two assailants +took to their heels, whereupon his lordship uttered a joyous shout and +leapt in pursuit but was staggered by a blow from behind and, reeling +aside, saw his third assailant make off after the others. My lord +feeling suddenly faint and sick, cursed feebly and dropped his sword +then, hearing a groan near by, staggered across to the fallen man. +</P> + +<P> +Thus Sergeant Zebedee presently opening his eyes looked up into the +face above him, a face pallid in the moonlight and with a dark smear of +blood on the cheek. Hereupon the Sergeant blinked, sat up and stared. +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" he exclaimed. "If you ain't the poacher as vanished into air +all I say is—Zooks!" His lordship nodded and smiled faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"How goes it, Sergeant?" he questioned, swaying strangely from side to +side as he knelt. +</P> + +<P> +"A woundy rap o' the nob d'ye see lad, and more o' the same front and +rear, but no worse thanks t'you and now—Gog and Magog, hold up lad! +What, ha' they got you too?" His lordship tried to laugh but failing, +smiled instead: +</P> + +<P> +"Got me—aye!" he mumbled, "I—almost think—I'm going——" The words +ended in a sigh and my lord Medhurst slipped limply to the ground and +lay there. Muttering oaths in English, French and Dutch the Sergeant +set hands to throbbing head and staring blankly about spied the sword +near by; took it up, examined the point instinctively and nodding +grimly contrived to set it back in scabbard. Then taking the inert +figure in practised hold lifted him to broad shoulder and trudged +sturdily off; but as he went the throbbing in his head seemed like +hammer-strokes that deafened, that blinded him; yet on he strode nor +paused nor stayed until the welcome lights of the Manor gleamed before +him. As he plodded heavily on, he became aware of a voice hailing him +above the thunderous hammer-strokes and he paused, reeling: +</P> + +<P> +"Zeb, Sergeant Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Here, sir!" he gasped hoarsely. Next moment the Major was beside him: +</P> + +<P> +"Suffer me, Zebedee," said he, and taking the insensible form in his +powerful arms, led the way into the house and so to the library, the +Sergeant plodding doggedly in his rear. Laying his inert lordship upon +a settee, the Major summoned Mrs. Agatha, who, seeing the Sergeant +bruised and bloody screamed once, below her breath, and immediately +became all womanly dexterity. Softly, swiftly she bustled to and fro; +first came cordials and glasses, thereafter a bowl of water, sponges +and soft linen and very soon beneath her able and gentle ministrations +the earl sighed, opened languid eyes and sitting up, stared about him +while Mrs. Agatha promptly turned her attention to the battered +Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, sir," said my lord apologetically, "I—I fear I was so foolish +as to swoon——" +</P> + +<P> +"But saved my life first, your honour," added the Sergeant, dodging +Mrs. Agatha's sponge to say so, "and winged one o' the rogues into the +bargain." +</P> + +<P> +"Then sir," said the Major, "my deepest gratitude is yours. Sergeant +Zebedee is—is an old comrade of mine a—a comrade and—and so forth as +'twere, my lord Medhurst." +</P> + +<P> +Here the Sergeant blinked and opened his mouth so wide that Mrs. Agatha +felt impelled to promptly fill it with the sponge. +</P> + +<P> +"I trust sir," continued the Major, "you feel yourself a little +recovered of your hurts?" +</P> + +<P> +"O infinitely sir—quite, quite!" answered the earl and getting to his +feet, staggered and sat down again. "A small vertigo sir, a trifling +dizziness," he explained, more apologetically than ever, "but 'twill +soon pass." +</P> + +<P> +"Meantime," suggested the Major, viewing his pallor with sharp eyes, "I +will, with your permission, send and notify my lady Carlyon of her +brother's welfare." +</P> + +<P> +Here, by reason of astonishment and Mrs. Agatha's sponge the Sergeant +spluttered and choked: +</P> + +<P> +"As to that sir," answered the earl, fidgeting, "I—faith! I had +rather you didn't. And indeed, since you know who I am, 'twill be +immediately apparent to you that the farther I am from Betty and the +sooner I quit your roof, the better for all concerned——" +</P> + +<P> +"On the contrary, sir," said the Major, "'tis for that very reason I +offer you the shelter of my roof until——" +</P> + +<P> +A rush of flying feet along the passage without, a fumbling knock and +the door flying open discovered one of the maids her eyes round and +staring in fearful excitement: +</P> + +<P> +"Soldiers!" she cried, "O sir—O Mrs. Agatha—'tis the soldiers—all +round the house—lanthorns and guns—I do be frighted to death!" +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Agatha dropped the sponge and uttering no word, pointed one plump +finger at the frightened girl and stamped her foot; and before that +ominous finger the trembling maid shrank and turning about incontinent +fled, slamming the door behind her. For a breathless moment none +moved. Then Medhurst rose a little unsteadily, glancing round rueful +and helpless. +</P> + +<P> +"So then—'tis ended!" he sighed. "My poor, sweet Bet! And you +sir—you—my God, I must not be taken here for your sake!" and he +sprang towards the window. +</P> + +<P> +"Stay sir," said the Major gently, "'tis no use, the house is +surrounded of course. Aye, I thought so——!" He nodded as in the +dark beyond the curtained windows came the measured tramp of feet, a +hoarse command and the ring of grounded muskets. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—sir," exclaimed Lord Medhurst, "God forgive me that I all +unwitting as I was, should bring you to this black hazard." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, my lord," answered the Major, smiling into the earl's troubled +face, "grieve not yourself on my account, 'twas I brought you hither +knowing who you were, so do not reproach yourself, 'tis but the fortune +of war. Hark, they are here, I think——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'll go meet 'em!" said his lordship, "I'll give myself up—they +shall never—take me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well said, sir," nodded the Major, his brow unruffled and serene, +"we'll go together! Pray, Sergeant, open the door!" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't, Sergeant, don't!" panted Mrs. Agatha, "wait—O—wait!" Thus, +speaking, she sped across the room and, kneeling before the great +fireplace, seemed to feel along the carved foliage of the mantel with +frenzied fingers, then uttered a gasp of satisfaction: "Quick—quick my +lord!" she panted. And even as she spoke the great hearthstone sank +down endwise turning upon itself and disclosing a narrow flight of +steps. The earl uttered a sound between a laugh and a sob, turned +aside to take up hat and sword and, descending into the gloomy depths, +glanced up blithe of eye and waved his hand as the stone swung back +into place above him. +</P> + +<P> +Then Mrs. Agatha rose, dusted her silken gown with her pretty white +hands and curtseyed: +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour," said she, "with your leave, I'll run out to my poor, +silly, frighted maids!" and taking up bowl and sponges while the +Sergeant opened the door, she rustled away. With the door still in his +hand, Sergeant Zebedee turned to stare at the Major and found the Major +staring at him. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he at last, "sir, she's—a——" here he paused to shake +solemn head, "sir, she's the—sir—she—is—a—woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"Zeb," answered the Major, sinking into a chair, +"she—most—undoubtedly—is!" +</P> + +<P> +But now the house was full of strange stir and hubbub, the tread and +tramp of heavy feet, the clatter of accoutrements, and the ring of +iron-shod muskets on stone-flagged hall. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," questioned the Sergeant, putting on his wig and re-settling his +rumpled garments, "shall I go out to 'em?" +</P> + +<P> +"Do so, Zeb, and bring the officer to me—here, in the library." +</P> + +<P> +The officer in question, a tall and languid exquisite, found the Major +at his desk, who, setting aside his papers, rose to give him courteous +greeting. +</P> + +<P> +"Ged, sir," he exclaimed returning the Major's stately bow, "you'll +f'give this dem'd intrusion I trust—I'm Prothero, Captain o' Cleeve's, +your very dutiful humble. You are Major d'Arcy, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"The same, sir, and yours to command." +</P> + +<P> +"Let me perish, sir, 'tis an honour to meet you I vow and protest. +Colonel Cleeve hath spoke of you—I've heard of you in Flanders also. +All o' which doth but make an unpleasant duty—dem'd unpleasant. +Regarding the which I may tell you that my lord Colonel is so put out +over the business that he hath absented himself until our search here +shall be over. But this Jacobite f'low is known to be i' these parts +and my orders are to search every house——" +</P> + +<P> +"And orders are to be obeyed!" smiled the Major. "Let your men search, +sir, and meantime a glass or so of Oporto perhaps——?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ged sir, your kindness smites me t' the heart I vow." +</P> + +<P> +The bottle having duly been brought and the glasses filled the Captain +rose and proposed: +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I give you 'Our Admirable Betty!' 'Tis a health much discussed +in these parts o' late I believe, sir," said he, "aye and in London +too. And the dem'dest strangest part on't is the man we hunt is her +own brother—no less, sir! And since he is so here's wings to his +heels say I, curst Jacobite though he be. But when a man is blessed +with such a sister damn his politics, say I. And O Cupid, sir, what a +crayture! Her shape! Her air! Her pretty, little, dem'd demure foot! +I give you her foot, sir. And the pride of her! The grace of her! +The dem'd bewitching enchanting entirety of her. I vow 'tis the +dem'dest, charmingest piece o' feminine loveliness that ever lured +mankind t' demnition. Demme sir, she's the sort o' goddess-crayture +that gets into a f'low's blood—goes t' f'low's head like wine sir, +makes a f'low forget duty, kindred, country, honour and even himself." +</P> + +<P> +"You have searched my lady's house, I take it?" enquired the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Faith we have so, sir,—and herself to light us up-stairs and down. +So gracious sir! <I>So très debonnaire</I>! So smiling and altogether +dem'd sedoocing—O Lard!" +</P> + +<P> +On this wise the Captain held forth until the wine was all gone, and +his corporal came to announce that the house had been duly and +thoroughly searched from cellar to attic, without success: whereupon +the Captain rose, shook the Major's hand—babbled forth more apologies +in melting, mellifluous accents, roared at his men and finally marched +them out of the house and away. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap31"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH DESCRIBES SOMETHING OF MY LADY BETTY'S GRATITUDE +</H4> + +<P> +The Major, leaning back somnolent in his great elbow-chair, fingers +joined and head bowed, listened lethargically to the Sergeant who, +sitting bolt upright, read aloud from the manuscript he held. +</P> + +<P> +"'Vauban, in his instructions on the siege of Aeth, giveth notice of +sundry salient angles all fortified, the most open by bastions, the +others, and those of at least ninety degrees, by demi-bastions——'" +</P> + +<P> +Here the Major snored but so gently that the Sergeant, whose whole +attention was centred on the written words, was proceeding all unaware +when a small, roundish object hurtled across the room, smote the Major +softly upon the cheek and fell to the floor; hereupon the Major opened +sleepy eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, Zeb!" said he. "Egad you're in the right on't—er—I fear +my attention was wandering as 'twere—though I listen very well with my +eyes shut!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant lowered the manuscript to stare, round-eyed: +</P> + +<P> +"Anan, sir?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Go on again, Zeb—this chapter on Salient Angles must be clear and +concise as possible. Proceed, Zebedee—we'd got as far as the siege of +Aeth, I think." Saying which, the Major closed his eyes again and +Sergeant Zebedee, nothing loth, went on: +</P> + +<P> +"'—the most open by bastions, the others, and those of at least ninety +degrees, by demi——'" +</P> + +<P> +Once again a small missile flew with unerring aim, struck the Major on +the chin and rebounded on to the desk. +</P> + +<P> +The Major started, rubbed his eyes and sat up. +</P> + +<P> +"What now, Zeb?" he enquired. The Sergeant, lowering the manuscript +again, stared harder than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Something—er—touched me I think Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"Touched you, sir! Zounds, here's but you and me, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"Strange!" mused the Major, rubbing his chin, "very strange, Zeb, I +must ha' dreamed it, though I distinctly felt——" He leaned forward +suddenly and picked up from the desk before him a half-opened moss +rosebud. With this in his fingers he turned towards the open casement +behind the Sergeant's chair and beheld a face, all roguish witchery and +laughter, and two white hands held out to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Help me in, John—help me in!" she commanded. In an instant the Major +was across the room, had clasped those slender hands and my lady, +mounting the low sill, stood a moment framed in the heavy moulding of +the long window, a very picture of vigorous young womanhood; then +leaping lightly down with flashing vision of dainty feet and ankles, +she crossed to where the Sergeant stood, very erect and upright, and +setting her two hands upon his broad shoulders, smiled up at him +radiant-eyed. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Zebedee," said she, "dear Sergeant Zebedee you must be vastly +strong to have carried my brother so far. Stoop down!" +</P> + +<P> +Wondering, the Sergeant obeyed and immediately felt the pressure of two +warm, soft lips on his smooth-shaven cheek; whereupon he flushed, +blinked and stood at attention. "Did you like it, Sergeant?" she +enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady, all I can say is—mam I—I did, your ladyship." +</P> + +<P> +"Then stoop again, Sergeant!" With an apologetic glance towards the +Major he obeyed and my lady kissed his other cheek. Then she turned +and looked at the Major with glistening eyes. "O!" she cried, "I am +come overflowing with gratitude to you all for my dear brother's sake. +I owe you his life—but for you he—he would be——" Her deep bosom +swelled and she bowed her head. "Charles is very—very dear to me +and—you saved him to me. O pray, John, may I see Mrs. Agatha?" +</P> + +<P> +Here, at a sign from the Major, Sergeant Zebedee strode from the room +shutting the door carefully behind him: and as it closed they were in +each other's arms. +</P> + +<P> +"Jack!" she murmured. "My noble John!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, beloved," he sighed, "dream not 'twas I. Sergeant Zebedee found +him and but for Mrs. Agatha——" +</P> + +<P> +"O my scrupulous man, art afraid lest I do think too well of thee? Art +frighted lest I give thee more gratitude than thy just due? Indeed but +Charles hath told me all and I do know 'twas these arms bore him 'neath +thy roof, 'twas thy brave heart sheltered him and was ready to face +ignominy with him. But indeed if you have no—no will to—kiss me——" +The Major kissed her until she sued for mercy. Thereafter, throned in +his great chair, she surveyed the bare chamber with gentle eyes: "'Tis +a great house, John," she nodded, "and this, a barren corner—and yet, +meseemeth, 'tis not so—so outrageously desolate as it was." +</P> + +<P> +"My Betty," he answered, "I do but live for the time when it shall be +brightened by thy sweet presence, its floors know the light tread of +these dear feet, its walls the music of thy voice and—thy love make +it 'home' for me at last." +</P> + +<P> +"'Deed John but you do grow poetical—though perchance thy style might +not please Sir Benjamin or Sir Jasper or—O John how I have laughed and +laughed——" +</P> + +<P> +Here came a gentle rapping on the door and being bidden enter, Mrs. +Agatha appeared demure and smiling, dropped a curtsey to the Major, +another to my lady and then she was caught in gentle embrace and kissed. +</P> + +<P> +"Why Mrs. Agatha!" exclaimed my lady, "dear Mrs. Agatha, how pretty you +are! 'Tis seldom wit and beauty go together! Thank you, my dear, for +a brother's life. For service so great there are no words—nought to +repay. But take this and wear it in memory of a sister's gratitude!" +And speaking, my lady took a necklet from her own white throat and +clasped it about Mrs. Agatha's neck. "But for you," she sighed, "but +for you I should have lost my only brother and—" my lady faltered, +then, meeting Mrs. Agatha's gentle glance, threw up proud head, "and +one I love—beyond all!" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady—O my lady!" cried Mrs. Agatha, "Heaven send you happiness now +and ever—both!" Then stooping, she kissed my lady's hand and was gone. +</P> + +<P> +My lady crossed the room and seated herself in the Major's great +elbow-chair while he, sitting on a corner of the desk gazed down at her +with eyes of rapture. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Major John?" +</P> + +<P> +"How—beautiful you are!" he sighed and she actually blushed and bowed +her head. +</P> + +<P> +"O—John!" she whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"Surely many have told you so before?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hosts, of course, dear Major!" she nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I fear I'm not very original," he sighed, "I'm awkward, I know, +tongue-tied and mute when I would speak; but dear, my love doth 'whelm +me so—poor, futile words are lost——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Deed, sir," she answered demurely, "I find no fault with your powers +of converse more especially when you grow personal. That remark, now, +'beautiful' was the word I think, being a woman such will never tire +me—as you say them." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet I do but echo what others have said before me." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but you say it as no other man ever did—you speak it so +sincerely and reverently as it had been a prayer, John." +</P> + +<P> +"God knoweth I'm sincere, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"So do I, John," and taking the rosebud from the desk she began to open +its petals with gentle fingers. So the Major sat gazing at her, +wishing that she would lift her eyes and she, knowing this, kept them +lowered of course. +</P> + +<P> +"John," said she at last. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sometimes you do seem almost—afraid to—touch me." +</P> + +<P> +"I am." +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because even now there are times when I scarce can credit my wondrous +happiness, scarce believe you can really love—such as I——" +</P> + +<P> +"None the less I shall convince you once and for all—one day, Master +Humility!" +</P> + +<P> +And now she lifted her head at last and looked at him, and, thrilling +to the revelation of that look, he leaned swiftly down to her, but then +she put up gentle hand and stayed him. +</P> + +<P> +"John," she murmured, "dear, when you look at me so you are not a bit +humble, I know not if I fear you or—love you most. Stay, John, if my +hair should come down and anyone see I—O then quick, John—there's +aunt calling! Let us join the company ere we are fetched like truants. +She is out on the terrace with Pancras and Mr. Marchdale who is a +trifle trying at times being over-youthful and very soberly adoring. +'Chaste hour, soft hour, O hour when first we met!'" she quoted. +"Indeed," she laughed, "'tis a very worshipful, humble youth so very +unlike——" +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd!" said the Major thoughtfully. +</P> + +<P> +My lady started, the rosebud fell from relaxed fingers and she glanced +up with a look in her eyes that might have been mistaken for sudden +fear. +</P> + +<P> +"Why—why do you name—him?" she questioned dully; but before he could +answer came a knock at the door and Mrs. Agatha appeared to say that +"tea was a-drinking on the terrace!" +</P> + +<P> +They found Lady Belinda seated on the terrace before a tea equipage +with Mrs. Agatha and a footman in attendance while beside her sat the +Viscount, one arm in a sling, dutifully sipping a dish of tea and +making wry faces over it. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love me, 'tis the washiest stuff!" he sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"O dear Major, hark to the naughty wanton!" cried Lady Belinda as the +Major bowed over her hand, "First he nigh breaks his neck knocking at +fences and now miscalleth tea!" +</P> + +<P> +"Knocks at fences, aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Truly, he tells me his horse budged, took off something or other, was +very short about it, knocked at a fence and fell—which is not to be +wondered at." +</P> + +<P> +"Faith, Viscount," said Mr. Marchdale looking puzzled "'tis a fierce +and dangerous beast that grey o' yours but I don't quite see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay," smiled the Viscount, "'twas that stiffish fence beyond +Meadowbrook Bottom—the Colonel put his Arab at it and cleared but my +grey balked, took off short, rapped, came down on his head and I came +by a sprained arm and shoulder." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas all that Colonel Cleeve's fault, I dare swear," cried Lady +Belinda, "he's a wild soul, I fear!" +</P> + +<P> +"On the contrary, Aunt Belinda, he's a very noble fellow. And he bade +me be sure carry you his humble duty." Here Lady Belinda blushed quite +becomingly and perceiving the Viscount had contrived to swallow his +tea, forthwith filled him more despite his expostulations. +</P> + +<P> +"Drink it, Pancras," she commanded, "'tis soothing and sedative and +good for everything—see how healthy the Chinamen are—so polite too +and placid, I vow!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'd no idea, mam," said the Major, "no idea that you and my old friend +George were acquaint." +</P> + +<P> +"It happened yesterday sir, in Sevenoaks, Sir Benjamin made us known." +</P> + +<P> +"Talking of the Colonel," said Mr. Marchdale, "the village is all agog +over the soldiers—they searched your house as well as my lady's I +understand, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"They did!" nodded the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Consequently everybody is wondering what i' the world they wanted." +</P> + +<P> +"Why Charles for sure!" answered Lady Betty, "they seemed to think we +had him in hiding." +</P> + +<P> +"Charles!" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale opening his mouth and staring, +"O—Egad they—they didn't find him, of course!" +</P> + +<P> +"No, and I pray God they never will, wherever he may be." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you seen or heard from him since he rode for Scotland?" enquired +Mr. Marchdale. "Because I——" +</P> + +<P> +"More tea, Mr. Marchdale?" demanded Lady Belinda. Mr. Marchdale's +feeble refusals were overruled and he was treated beside to a long +exordium on the beneficent qualities of the herb, the while he gulped +down the beverage to the Viscount's no small satisfaction. As for the +Major, he was looking at Betty and she at him, and the Viscount's quick +glance happening to rove their way and noting the look in the Major's +eyes and the answering flush on her smooth cheek the Viscount's own +eyes opened very wide, he pursed his lips in a soundless whistle and +thereafter studiously glanced another way. +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy sir," said Mr. Marchdale, gulping his tea and blinking, +"I am come with an embassage to you, Tripp and the rest of us present +their service and beg you'll join us at cards this evening—nothing +big, a guinea or so——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, go, nunky," nodded the Viscount, "I'm going over to try some new +songs with Betty." Here Mr. Marchdale sighed heavily. +</P> + +<P> +All too soon for the Major the ladies arose to take their departure. +</P> + +<P> +"We are hoping, dear Major," said Lady Belinda, "that you will come in +to supper one evening soon, you and Pancras——" +</P> + +<P> +"With Colonel Cleeve, if he chance to be here still," added Betty. +</P> + +<P> +The gentlemen bowed, the ladies curtseyed, and descended the terrace +steps all stately dignity and gracious ease. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone the Major stood awhile to enjoy the beauty of the sunset-sky +and to sigh over the past hour; then slowly went into the house. +</P> + +<P> +In the study he found Sergeant Zebedee who stood tentatively beside the +desk. +</P> + +<P> +"I was thinking, sir," said he, "that seeing the company is gone we +might contrive to get through your chapter on Salient Angles at last!" +</P> + +<P> +"A happy thought, Zeb—by all means." +</P> + +<P> +So they sat down together then and there and the Sergeant took up the +manuscript. It was then that the Major spied the fallen rosebud and +glancing at the Sergeant stooped and picked it up almost furtively +though all the Sergeant's attention was focussed, like his eyes, upon +the foolscap in his hand; so, leaning back in his chair the Major +raised the bud to reverent lips watching Sergeant Zebedee the while, +who, clearing his throat with a loud "Hem!" began to read forthwith: +</P> + +<P> +"'Vauban, in his instructions on the siege of Aeth, giveth notice of +sundry salient angles all fortified, the most open by bastions, the +others, and those of at least ninety degrees, by demi-bastions...'" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap32"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +FLINT AND STEEL +</H4> + +<P> +The Major, puffing thoughtfully at his pipe and hearkening to Sir +Benjamin's ponderous witticisms, kept his sharp eyes on the +card-players opposite, Mr. Marchdale flushed and eager, the Marquis +smiling and good-humoured, Lord Alvaston sleepy as usual and Mr. +Dalroyd blandly imperturbable. +</P> + +<P> +"Then, my dear sir, I gather you judge well o' that little flight o' +mine t'other night?" enquired Sir Benjamin, "I mean the acrostic +alliterative, how did it go——" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +'Bewitching Bet, by bounteous beauty blessed'—<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +you think well on't, Major, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed sir, 'twas very ingenious." +</P> + +<P> +"Od's body, sir, I think you've a judgment to be commended, I venture +to opine it was ingenious—and therewith not lacking in wit, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"By no means, Sir Benjamin." +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure the last line might be bettered, though it cost me a world +o' thought. 'Twas if I remember: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +'Yea you, yourself to yearn as beauty ought.'<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +Yet od's my life sir! I fail to see how it should be bettered. Y is +an awkward, stubborn, damned implacable letter at best, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Truly a most awkward letter, Sir Benjamin." +</P> + +<P> +Here Mr. Marchdale slammed down his cards petulantly. +</P> + +<P> +"So!" he exclaimed, "that makes another fifteen guineas!" +</P> + +<P> +"Twenty-five, my dear Marchdale!" smiled Mr. Dalroyd, taking up a new +pack. +</P> + +<P> +"How much ha' you lost, Alton?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing much Tony, only ten or so." +</P> + +<P> +"And you, Alvaston?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay I'm 'n odd guinea or so t' th' good, s' far," yawned his lordship. +</P> + +<P> +"May I perish," exclaimed Mr. Marchdale, "but you and Dalroyd have all +the luck, as usual!" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I in luck?" exclaimed Alvaston, his sleepy eyes wider than usual, +"stint y'r dreams and babble not, Tony! Whoe'er saw me win? Never had +any measure o' luck since I was breeched, or before. And talking o' +luck, Major, how goeth Merivale, how's poor Tom since his spill +yesterday?" +</P> + +<P> +"Bruised and sore, sir, but no worse, thank God. He'll be about again +in a day or so." +</P> + +<P> +"Tom rides like—like the devil, strike me blue if he don't!" said the +Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"And just as reckless!" added Dalroyd. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but here was none o' that. His horse balked a fence, rapped and +went down with him. Brute'll kill him yet, damme if he don't!" +</P> + +<P> +"Talking o' luck," pursued Alvaston, sorting his cards lazily, "never +had any measure of it yet, either with cards, dice, horses or the sex. +An' talkin' o' the sex, Tony my lad, what of its brightest and most +particular, what of Bet, how speeds th' wooing?" Mr. Marchdale swore +earnestly. "Oho!" murmured Alvaston, "doth she prove so cold and +indifferent——" +</P> + +<P> +"Neither one nor t'other, but I must ha' more time." +</P> + +<P> +"Three days must suffice, Tony, 'twas so agreed. After you comes Ben +and after Ben, Jasper and then after Jasper, West, with poor Ned and me +left nowhere." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but damme," quoth the Marquis, "what o' Dalroyd here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, where d'you come, Dalroyd?" queried Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd's nostrils worked and his white teeth gleamed. "I come +nowhere, anywhere or everywhere," he answered, surveying his hearers +beneath lowered eyelids. "A free-lance in love, I—to woo precisely +how and where and—when, I choose." Here for an infinitesimal space of +time his keen eye rested on the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"You always were such a dem'd dumb dog!" quoth the Marquis. +</P> + +<P> +"Close as 'n oyster!" murmured Alvaston. +</P> + +<P> +"And he's lucky in cards and love, which ain't fair," grumbled Mr. +Marchdale. "I've heard whispers of a handsome farmer's daughter not a +hundred miles hence—eh, Dalroyd?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis your turn to lead, Marchdale!" said Mr. Dalroyd, his lips a +little grim. +</P> + +<P> +"My fellow swears he saw you only t'other night—dev'lish late—with an +armful o' loveliness——" +</P> + +<P> +"You should kick your fellow for impertinence, Marchdale, and 'tis your +turn to lead!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll be curst if I know what, then!" he exclaimed, slapping down a +card at random. "There's Bet, now—and but one more day to win her! +Who might win such a goddess in a day, 'tis preposterous——" +</P> + +<P> +"I've heard," smiled Mr. Dalroyd, "yes, I've heard of women being won +in less. And as to goddesses, Endymion sighed not vainly nor over +long." +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that I progress—O I progress!" nodded Mr. Marchdale with +youthful assertiveness, "she's all witching laughter and affection——" +</P> + +<P> +"Unhappy wight!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh?" exclaimed Mr. Marchdale, wine-glass at lip, "How so?" +</P> + +<P> +"Kind Venus save me from affection feminine!" smiled Dalroyd, "Where +affection is passion is not. So give me burning love or passionate +hate and she is mine." +</P> + +<P> +"Od Dalroyd," interposed Sir Benjamin indignantly, "I say od's my life, +sir, here's wooing most unorthodox, most unseemly i' faith!" +</P> + +<P> +"But natural, Ben," retorted Dalroyd, "women love or hate as the wind +bloweth. Your loving woman is very well though apt to cloy, but your +hater—O Ben! Besides, all women love a little force—to force 'em +willing is child's play, to force 'em hating—ah Ben, that methinks is +man's play." +</P> + +<P> +"Out on you, sir!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin. "Is it thus you'd win our +incomparable, Our Admirable Betty?" Mr. Dalroyd threw down his cards +and leaning back in his chair surveyed the indignant Sir Benjamin with +his fleeting smile. +</P> + +<P> +"She is a woman, Ben, and therefore to be won one way or t'other." And +here once again his keen gaze rested momentarily on the Major's passive +figure. As for Sir Benjamin, his face grew purple, his great peruke +seemed to bristle again. +</P> + +<P> +"Enough sir!" he cried, "Are we satyrs, hairy and unpolished, to creep, +to crouch, to win by forceful fury what trembling beauty would deny? I +say no sir—I say the day of such is long gone by I—I appeal to Major +d'Arcy!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major, being thus addressed, blew forth a cloud of smoke, fanned it +away with his hand and spoke in his measured, placid tones: +</P> + +<P> +"I fear sir, even in these days satyrs walk among us now and then +though indeed they have covered their hairy and unpolished hides 'neath +velvets and fine linen and go a-satyrizing delicately pulvilled. Yet +woman, I take it, hath been granted eyes to see the brute 'neath all +his dainty trappings." +</P> + +<P> +Here there fell a moment's silence, for the company, quick to sense the +sudden tenseness in the air, sat in rapt expectation of what was to be; +perceiving which Mr. Dalroyd smiled again and the Major went on +smoking. At last, when he judged the silence had endured long enough, +Mr. Dalroyd spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy, Ben's simile is perchance a little harsh, for he would +have us all satyrs, in that at some time or other, every man doth seek, +pursue and hunt the lovely sex to his own selfish end. Even you +yourself, I dare swear, have dreamed dreams, have beheld a vision of +some dainty beauty you would fain possess. I have, I do confess. Now, +doth she yield—well and good! Doth she fly us, we pursue. And do we +catch her—well, hate and love are kindred passions, nay indeed, hate +is love's refinement, though both are passing moods. Indeed some women +are preferable in the hating moods—to know the woman in one's arms +hates one, there, sir, so 'tis said, is the very refinement of +pleasure." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Major gently, "I heard one say as much in Flanders +years agone and I did my best to kill him and thought I had succeeded, +but of late I have begun to entertain grave doubts and never more so +than at this minute." Here fell a silence absolute. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd's white lids flickered and into his eyes came a bodeful +glare as he met the Major's placid but unswerving gaze and as they +fronted each other thus, there fell a silence so absolute that the tick +of a clock in distant corner sounded uncannily loud—a chair creaked, a +foot scraped the floor, but save for this was silence, threatening and +ominous, while Mr. Dalroyd glared at the Major and the Major, leaning +back in his chair, stared at Mr. Dalroyd as if he would read the very +soul of him. All at once came a whirr of springs and the clock began +to chime midnight whereupon was sudden relaxation, chairs were moved, +arms and legs stretched themselves. +</P> + +<P> +"Od's my life—midnight already!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin in very +apparent relief. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, faith!" yawned Alvaston, "Now is the witching hour when +graveyards yawn——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, Bob!" laughed Dalroyd, "Now is the witching hour when beauty +coy doth flush and furtive steal to raptures dreamed by day. Now is +the witching hour when satyrs in compelling arms——" he yawned, smiled +and rose. "Howbeit sirs, I am summoned hence——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah—ah!" nodded Marchdale, "The farmer's daughter—the beauty o' the +blue cloak—ha, lucky dog!" +</P> + +<P> +"A blue cloak!" repeated Mr. Dalroyd, "Egad, your fellow's too +infernally observant, Marchdale, you should really kick him a little." +So saying, Mr. Dalroyd crossed to the corner and took up his sword, +"Adieu gentlemen," said he, "I go, shall we say, a-satyrizing—no, +'twould shock our Ben, none the less I—go. Gentlemen, I salute you!" +And bowing to the room Mr. Dalroyd sauntered away. +</P> + +<P> +"Burn me!" exclaimed Alvaston, "the wine's near out, let's order up +'nother dozen or so an' make a night on't." This being agreed, the +bottles presently made their appearance, glasses clinked and the +company began to grow merry. But after two or three toasts had been +called and honoured, the Major arose, made his excuses, and calling for +his hat, sword and cane, presently took his departure. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap33"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +DESCRIBING SOMETHING OF COQUETRY AND A DAWN +</H4> + +<P> +It was a glorious summer night, the moon riding high in a cloudless +heaven, a night full of a tranquil quietude and filled with the +thousand scents of dewy earth. Before him stretched the wide road, a +silver causeway fretted with shadows, a silent road where nothing moved +save himself. +</P> + +<P> +Thus, joying in the beauty of the night, Major d'Arcy walked slowly and +took a roundabout course, and a distant clock chimed the hour of one as +he found himself traversing a small copse that abutted on his own +property. +</P> + +<P> +In this place of light and shadow a nightingale poured forth his liquid +notes rilling the leafy mysteries with ecstatic song; here the Major +paused and setting his back to a tree, stood awhile to hearken, lost in +a profound reverie. +</P> + +<P> +And into this little wood came two who walked very close together and +spoke in rapt murmurs; near they came and nearer until the Major +started and looking up beheld a woman who wore a blue cloak and whose +face, hidden beneath her hood, was turned up to the eager face of him +who went beside her. The Major, scowling and disgusted thus to have +stumbled upon a vulgar amour and fearing to be seen, waited impatiently +for them to be gone. But they stopped within a few yards of him, half +screened from view behind a tangle of bushes. Hot with his disgust, +the Major turned to steal away, heard a cry of passionate protest, and +glancing back, saw the woman caught in sudden fierce arms, viciously +purposeful, and drawn swiftly out of sight. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd," said my lady gently, lying passive in his embrace, "pray +turn your head." Wondering, he obeyed and stared into the muzzle of a +small pocket pistol. "Dear Mr. Dalroyd—must I kill you?" she smiled; +and he, beholding the indomitable purpose in that lovely, smiling face, +gnashed white teeth and loosing her, stood back as the Major appeared. +</P> + +<P> +For a tense moment no one moved, then with an inarticulate sound Mr. +Dalroyd took a swift backward step, his hand grasping the hilt of his +small-sword; but the Major had drawn as quick as he and the air seemed +full of the blue flash and glitter of eager steel. Then, even as the +swift blades rang together, my lady had slipped off her cloak and next +moment the murderous points were entangled, caught, and held in the +heavy folds. +</P> + +<P> +"Shame sirs, O shame!" she cried. "Will you do murder in my very +sight? Loose—loose your hold, both of you—loose, I say!" Here my +lady, shaking the entangled blades in passionate hands, stamped her +foot in fury. The Major, relinquishing his weapon, stepped back and +bowed like the grand gentleman he was; then Mr. Dalroyd did the same +and so they stood facing each other, my lady between them, the bundled +cloak and weapons clasped to her swelling bosom; and it was to be +remarked that while Mr. Dalroyd kept his ardent gaze bent upon her +proud loveliness, the Major, tall and stately, never so much as glanced +at her. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, "our quarrel will keep awhile, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"Keep—aye sir!" nodded the other carelessly, "you'll remark the +farmers in these parts beget goddesses for daughters, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy," said my lady, "take your sword, sir." +</P> + +<P> +The Major, keeping his eyes averted, sheathed the weapon and forthwith +turned his back; and as he limped heavily away was aware of Dalroyd's +amused laughter. He walked slowly and more than once blundered into a +tree or tripped over manifest obstacles like one whose eyesight is +denied him, and ever as he went Mr. Dalroyd's triumphant laughter +seemed to ring in his ears. +</P> + +<P> +Thus at last he came out of the shadow of the little wood, but now was +aware of the tread of quick, light feet behind him, felt a hand upon +his arm and found my lady at his side. Then he stopped and drawing +from her contact glanced back and saw Mr. Dalroyd watching them from +the edge of the coppice, his arms folded and the smile still curling +his lips; my lady saw him also and with a passionate gesture bade him +begone, whereupon he flourished off his hat, laughed again, and bowing +profoundly, vanished amid the trees. Then they went on side by side, +my lady quick-breathing, the Major grim and stately—a very grand +gentleman indeed. +</P> + +<P> +At last they reached a lane whose high banks sheltered them from all +chance of observation; here my lady paused. +</P> + +<P> +"O John," she murmured, "I'm so—so weary, prithee don't hurry me so!" +The Major, mute and grim, stared straight before him. "John?" said she +tenderly. At this he turned and looked at her and before that look my +lady cried out and cowered away. "John!" she cried in frightened +wonderment. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam," said he, "why are you here, I sought you not? If you are for +dallying, go back—back to your——" He clenched his teeth on the word +and turned away. "If mam, if you are—for home to-night I'll see you +so far. Pray let us go." And he strode impatiently forward, but +presently, seeing her stand where he had left her, pale and forlorn, +frowned and stood hesitating. +</P> + +<P> +Here my lady, feeling the situation called for tears, sank down upon +the grassy bank beside the way and forthwith wept distractingly; though +had any been there to notice, it might have been remarked that her eyes +did not swell and her delicate nose did not turn red—yet she wept with +whole-hearted perseverance. +</P> + +<P> +The Major grew restless, he looked up the lane and he looked down the +lane, he turned scowling eyes aloft to radiant moon and down to shadowy +earth; finally he took one long pace back towards her. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" said he. +</P> + +<P> +My lady sobbed and bowed her lovely head. The Major approached another +step. +</P> + +<P> +"My lady!" he remonstrated. +</P> + +<P> +My lady gasped and crouched lower. The Major approached nearer yet. +</P> + +<P> +"Mam!" +</P> + +<P> +My lady choked and sank full length upon the mossy turf. The Major +stooped above her. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" said he anxiously. "You—you're never swooning?" +</P> + +<P> +"O John!" she said in strangled voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Great heavens!" he exclaimed. "Art ill—sick——?" +</P> + +<P> +"At—at heart, John!" she murmured, stealing a look at his anxious +face. The Major stood suddenly erect, frowning a little. +</P> + +<P> +"Madam!" said he. A deep sigh. "My lady—mam——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do not—call me so!" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll take a rheum—a cold, lying there—'tis a heavy dew!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then I will—let me, John." +</P> + +<P> +"Pray get up, mam—my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"Never, John!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then——" said he and paused to look up the lane once more. +</P> + +<P> +"What, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"You force me to——" He paused and glanced down the lane. +</P> + +<P> +"To—what, John!" +</P> + +<P> +"To carry you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Never, John! For shame! Besides you couldn't. I'm a vast weight +and——" +</P> + +<P> +The Major picked her up, then and there, and began to carry her down +the lane. And after they had gone some distance she sighed and with a +little wriggle disposed herself more comfortably; and after they had +gone further still he found two smooth, round arms about his neck and +thereafter a soft breath at his ear. +</P> + +<P> +"Pray don't be angry with your Betty, John dear." The Major stopped +and stared down at her in the brilliant moonlight. Her eyes were +closed, her rosy lips just apart, curving to a smile; he drew a sudden +deep breath, and stooping his head, kissed her. For a long moment he +held her thus, lip to lip, then all at once he set her down on her feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad!" he cried, "what kind of woman are you to lure and mad me with +your kisses——" +</P> + +<P> +"Your woman, John." +</P> + +<P> +"And yet—for aught I know——" the Major clenched his fists and +pressed them on his eyes as if to shut out some hateful vision—"ah +God, for aught I can be sure——" +</P> + +<P> +"What, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"He—he hath kissed you too, this night——" +</P> + +<P> +"But he hath not, John—nor ever shall." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet I saw you in his arms——" My lady sighed and bowed her head. +</P> + +<P> +"The beast is always and ever the beast!" she said. +</P> + +<P> +"How came you with him in a wood—after midnight?" +</P> + +<P> +"For sufficient reasons, John." +</P> + +<P> +"There never was reason sufficient—nay, not even your brother——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay dear John, I think different——" +</P> + +<P> +"To peril that sweet body——" The Major choked. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I'm very strong—and—and I have this!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major scowled at the small, silver-mounted weapon and turned away. +</P> + +<P> +"There is your maiden reputation——" +</P> + +<P> +"That is indeed mine own, and in good keeping. Grieve not your woeful +head on that score." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah Betty, why will you run such hazard——" +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'tis so my will, sir." The Major bowed. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis long past midnight, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, 'tis a sweet hour—so still and solitary." +</P> + +<P> +"Shall we proceed, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"At your pleasure, sir." So they went on side by side silently awhile, +the Major a little grim and very stately. +</P> + +<P> +"I do think John thou'rt very mannish at times." +</P> + +<P> +"Mannish, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Blind, overbearing and apt to be a little muddled." +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed. "For instance, John, methinks you do muddle a woman +of will with a wilful woman." The Major bowed. "Now if, John, if in +cause so just I should risk—not my body but my name—my fame, who +shall stay me seeing I'm unwed and slave to no man yet—God be +thanked." The Major bowed lower than ever and went beside her with his +grandest air. "'Deed John," she sighed, "if you do grow any more +dignified I fear you'll expire and perish o' pride and high-breeding." +</P> + +<P> +The distant clock struck two as, turning down a certain bye-lane, the +Major paused at a rustic door that gave into my lady's herb-garden. +But when he would have opened it she stayed him. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis so late, John——" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed 'tis very late, madam!" +</P> + +<P> +"Too late to sleep this night. And such a night, John—the moon, O the +moon!" +</P> + +<P> +"What o' the moon, madam?" +</P> + +<P> +"John d'Arcy I do protest if you bow or say 'madam' again I—I'll bite +you! And the moon is—is—the moon and looks vastly romantic and +infinite appealing. So will I walk and gaze upon her pale loveliness +and sigh and sigh and—sigh again, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"But indeed you cannot walk abroad—at this hour——" +</P> + +<P> +"Having the wherewithal I can sir, and I will, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"But 'tis after two——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then sir, in but a little while it will be three, heigho, so wags the +world—your arm pray, your arm." +</P> + +<P> +"But my lady pray consider—your health—your——" +</P> + +<P> +"Fie sir and fiddlededee!" +</P> + +<P> +"But the—the dew, 'tis very——" +</P> + +<P> +"Excellent for the complexion!" and she trilled the line of a song: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +'O 'tis dabbling in the dew that makes the milkmaids fair.'<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"But 'tis so—unseasonable! So altogether—er—irregular, as +'twere——" +</P> + +<P> +"Egad sir and you're i' the right on't!" she mocked. "'Tis +unseasonable, unreasonable, unwomanly, unvirginal and altogether +unthinkable as 'twere and so forth d'ye see! Major d'Arcy is probably +pining for his downy bed. Major d'Arcy must continue to pine unless he +will leave a poor maid to wander alone among bats and owls and newts +and toads and worms and goblins and other noxious things——" +</P> + +<P> +"But Betty, indeed——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, John—indeed! To-night you did look on me as I had committed—as +I had been—O 'twas a hateful look! And for that look I'll be avenged, +and my vengeance is this, to wit—you shall sleep no wink this night! +Your arm sir, come!" +</P> + +<P> +Almost unwillingly he gave her his arm and they went on slowly down the +lane; but before they had gone very far that long arm was close about +her and had swept her into his embrace. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he murmured, "to be alone with you thus in a sleeping world +'tis surely a foretaste of heaven." He would have drawn her yet nearer +but she stayed him with arms outstretched. +</P> + +<P> +"John," said she, "you ha' not forgot how you looked at me to-night, as +I were—impure—unworthy? O John!" The Major was silent. "It angered +me, John but—ah, it hurt me more! O Jack, how could you?" But now, +seeing him stand abashed and silent, her repelling arms relaxed and she +came a little nearer. "Indeed John, I'll allow you had some +small—some preposterously pitiful small excuse. And you might answer +that one cannot come nigh pitch without being defiled. But had you +said anything so foolish I—I should ha' sent you home to bed—at +once!" Here the Major drew her a little nearer. "But John," she +sighed, "you did doubt me for awhile—I saw it in your eyes. Look at +me again, John—here a little closer—here where the light falls +clear—look, and tell me—am I different? Do I seem any less worthy +your love than I was yesterday?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," he answered, gazing into her deep eyes. "O my Betty, God help me +if ever I lost faith in you, for 'twould be the end of hope and faith +for me." +</P> + +<P> +"But you did lose faith to-night, John—for a little while! And so you +shall sue pardon on your knees, here at my feet—nay, 'tis damp, +mayhap. I'll sit yonder on the bank and you shall kneel upon a fold of +my cloak. Come!" +</P> + +<P> +So the Major knelt to her very reverently and taking her two hands +kissed them. +</P> + +<P> +"Dear maid that I love," said he, "forgive the heart that doubted thee. +But O love, because I am a very ordinary man, prithee don't—don't put +my faith too oft upon the rack for I am over prone to doubts and +jealous fears and they—O they are torment hard to bear." Now here she +leaned forward and, taking him by two curls of his long periwig, drew +him near until she could look into his eyes: +</P> + +<P> +"Jack dear," she said, very tenderly, "I needs must meet this man +again—and yet again——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" he questioned, "Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because 'tis only thus my plan shall succeed. Will you doubt me +therefore?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" he cried hoarsely, "not you—never you, sweet maid! Tis him I +doubt, he is a man, strong, determined and utterly ruthless and you are +a woman——" +</P> + +<P> +"And more than his match, John! O do but trust me! Do but wait until +my plan is ripe——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty, a God's name what is this wild plan?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, that I may not tell thee——" +</P> + +<P> +"Could I not aid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Truly—by doubting me no more, John. By trusting me—to the +uttermost." +</P> + +<P> +The Major groaned and bowed his head: +</P> + +<P> +"Ah Betty!" he sighed, "yet must I think of thee as I saw thee +to-night—alone with that—that satyr and nought to protect thee but +thy woman's wit. God!" he cried, his powerful form shaking, "God, 'tis +unthinkable! It must not be—it shall not be!" here he lifted face to +radiant heaven, "I'll kill him first—I swear!" +</P> + +<P> +Now seeing the awful purpose in that wild, transfigured face, she cried +out and clasping him in tender arms, drew him near to kiss that +scowling brow, those fierce, glaring eyes, that grim-set, ferocious +mouth, pillowing his head upon her bosom as his mother might have done. +</P> + +<P> +"O my John," she cried, "be comforted! Never let thy dear, gentle face +wear look so evil, I—I cannot bear it." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll kill him!" said the Major, the words muffled in her embrace. +</P> + +<P> +"No, John! Ah no—you shall not! I do swear thee no harm shall come +to me. I will promise thee to keep ever within this lane when—when we +do meet o' nights——" Here the Major groaned again, wherefore she +stooped swiftly to kiss him and spoke on, her soft lips against his +cheek; "Meet him I needs must, dear—once or twice more if my purpose +is to succeed—but I do vow and swear to thee never to quit this lane, +John. I do swear all this if thou too wilt swear not to pursue this +quarrel." +</P> + +<P> +"He will insist on a meeting, Betty—and I pray God soon!" +</P> + +<P> +"And if he doth not, John—if he doth not, thou wilt swear to let the +quarrel pass?" +</P> + +<P> +"Art so fearful for me, Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"O my John!" she whispered, her embrace tightening, "how might I live +without thee? And he is so cold, so—deadly!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet art not afraid for thyself, Betty!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor ever shall be. So promise me, John—O promise me! Swear me, dear +love!" And with each entreaty she kissed him, and so at last he gave +her his promise, kneeling thus his head pillowed between soft neck and +shoulder; and being in this fragrant nest his lips came upon her smooth +throat and he kissed it, clasping her in sudden, passionate arms. +</P> + +<P> +"John!" she whispered breathlessly. "O John!" +</P> + +<P> +Instantly he loosed his hold and rising, stood looking down at her +remorsefully. +</P> + +<P> +"Dear—have I—angered you?" he questioned in stammering humility. +</P> + +<P> +"Angry—and with thee?" and she laughed, though a little tremulously. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty, I do worship thee—revere thee as a goddess—and yet——" +</P> + +<P> +"You tickle me, John! You are by turns so reverent and humble and +so—so opposite. I do love your respect and reverent homage, 'tis this +doth make me yearn to be more worthy—but alack! I am a very woman, +John, especially with thine arms about me and—and the moon at the +full. But heigho, the moon is on the wane, see, she sinketh apace." +</P> + +<P> +"Dawn will be soon, Betty." +</P> + +<P> +"Hast seen a many dawns, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very many!" +</P> + +<P> +"But never one the like of this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never a one." +</P> + +<P> +"O 'tis a fair, sweet world!" she sighed, "'tis a world of faerie, a +dream world wherein are none but thou and I. Here is neither doubt nor +sorrow, but love and faith abiding. Come let us walk awhile in this +our faerie kingdom." +</P> + +<P> +Slowly they went beneath the fading moon, speaking but seldom, for +theirs was a rapture beyond the reach of words. So at last they came +to a stile and paused there to kiss and sigh and kiss again like any +rustic youth and maid. Something of this was in my lady's mind, for +she laughed soft and happily and nestled closer to him. +</P> + +<P> +"My Master Grave-airs," she murmured, "O Master Grave-airs where is now +thy stately dignity, where now my fine-lady languor and indifference? +To stand at a stile and kiss like village maid and lad—and—love it, +John! How many rustic lovers have stood here before us, how many will +come after us, and yet I doubt if any may know a joy so deep. Think +you paradise may compare with this? Art happy, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Beloved," he answered, "I who once sought death boldly as a friend now +do fear it like a very craven——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah no!" she cried, "speak not of death at such an hour, my Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," said he, "O Betty, thou art my happiness, my hope, my very +life. I had thought to go wifeless, childless and solitary all my days +in my blindness and was content. But heaven sent thee to teach me the +very joy and wonder of life, to—to——" +</P> + +<P> +"To go beside thee henceforth, John, my hand in thine, learning each +day to love thee a little more, to cherish and care for thee, men are +such children and thou in some things a very babe. And belike to +quarrel with thee, John—a little——" At this he laughed happily and +they were silent awhile. +</P> + +<P> +"See John, the moon is gone at last! How dark it grows, 'tis the dawn +hour methinks and some do call it the death hour. But with these dear +arms about me I—shouldn't fear so—very much." +</P> + +<P> +Slowly, slowly upon the dark was a gleam that grew and grew, an ever +waxing brightness filling the world about them. +</P> + +<P> +"Look!" she whispered, "look! O John, 'tis the dawn at last, 'tis the +dayspring and hath found me here upon thy breast!" +</P> + +<P> +Thus, standing by that weatherbeaten stile that had known so many +lovers before them, they watched day's majestic advent; a flush that +deepened to rose, to scarlet, amber and flaming gold. And presently +upon the brooding stillness was the drowsy call of a blackbird +uncertain as yet and hoarse with sleep, a note that died away only to +come again, sweeter, louder, until the feathered tribe, aroused by this +early herald, awoke in turn and filled the golden dawn with an ecstasy +of rejoicing. +</P> + +<P> +Then my lady sighed and stirred: +</P> + +<P> +"O John," said she, "'tis a good, sweet world! And this hath been a +night shall be for us a fragrant memory, methinks. But now must I +leave thee—take me home, my John." +</P> + +<P> +So he brought her to the rustic gate that opened upon the lane and +setting it wide, stooped to kiss her lips, her eyes, her fragrant hair +and watched her flit away among the sleeping roses. +</P> + +<P> +When she had gone he closed the door and trod a path gay with dewy +gems; and hearkening to the joyous carolling of the birds it seemed +their glad singing was echoed in his heart. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap34"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW MR. DALROYD MADE A PLAN AND LOCKED HIS DOOR +</H4> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd kicked the obsequious Joseph soundly and cursed him +soft-voiced but with a passionate fervour; yet such violence being apt +to disarrange one's dress and to heat and distort one's features, Mr. +Dalroyd reluctantly checked the ebullition and seating himself before +the mirror surveyed his handsome face a little anxiously and with +glance quick to heed certain faint lines that would occasionally +obtrude themselves in the region of eye and mouth. +</P> + +<P> +"Positively, I'm flushed!" he panted, "and for that alone I'd kick you +downstairs, my poor worm, were it not that 'twould disorder me +damnably. As 'tis I'll restore you to the hangman for the rogue you +are!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said Joseph, bowing obsequious back and keeping his eyes humbly +abased, "you ask a thing impossible——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ask, animal? I never ask, I command!" +</P> + +<P> +"But indeed—indeed sir I cannot even though I would——" +</P> + +<P> +"Think again, Joseph, and mark this, Joseph, I saved you from the +gallows because I thought you might be useful, very good! Now the +instant you cease to be of use I give you back and you hang—so think +again, Joseph." +</P> + +<P> +"Lord—Lord help me!" exclaimed Joseph, writhing and wringing his hands +but keeping his eyes always lowered. "Sir, 'tis impossible, 'tis——" +</P> + +<P> +"In your predatory days, Joseph, you were of course well acquainted +with other debased creatures like yourself, very good! You will +proceed forthwith to get together three or four such—three or four +should suffice. You will convene them secretly hereabouts. You will +form your plans and next Saturday you will escort my lady Carlyon to a +coach I shall have in waiting at the cross-roads." +</P> + +<P> +"Abduct her, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely, Joseph! You and your—ah—assistants will bear her to the +coach——" +</P> + +<P> +"By force, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Force! Hum, 'tis an ugly word! Say rather by gentle suasion, Joseph, +but as silently as may be—there must be no wails or shrieking——" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean choke her quiet, sir?" enquired Joseph gently, his eyelids +drooping more humbly than ever. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd turned from his toilet and smiled, "Joseph," said he +softly, "if I find so much as a bruise or a scratch on her loveliness +I'll break every bone in your rogue's carcass. So, as I say, you will +see her conveyed silently into the coach, you will mount the rumble +with your weapons ready in case of pursuit and upon arrival at +our—destination I disburse to you certain monies and give +you—quittance of my service." +</P> + +<P> +"Abduction is a capital offence, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, I believe it is. But you have run such chances ere now——" +</P> + +<P> +"True sir. There was your uncle, since dead——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd and, soft though his voice was, Joseph +blenched and cowered. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I've served you faithfully hitherto, sir!" said he hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"And will again, grub!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "You will take two days' +leave to make your necessary arrangements and on second thoughts I will +give you two hundred guineas; one half as earnest-money you shall take +with you in the morning—now go. I'll dispense with your services +to-night. Begone, object! You shall have the money and further +instructions in the morning." +</P> + +<P> +Joseph took a hesitating step towards the door, paused and came back. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, how if—our scheme fail?" +</P> + +<P> +"The—scheme will not fail." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, how if I make off with the money?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, Joseph, there is your bedridden mother you have so great a +weakness for—she cannot abscond." +</P> + +<P> +Here Joseph raised his eyes at last and Mr. Dalroyd happening at that +moment to glance into the mirror saw murder glaring at him, instantly +Joseph's gaze abased itself, yet a fraction too late, Mr. Dalroyd's +hand shot out and catching up a heavy toilet-bottle he whirled about +and felled Joseph to his knees. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" he exclaimed softly, staring down at the fallen man who crouched +with bloody face hidden in his hands, "I've met and mastered your like +ere this! Out, vermin—come out!" +</P> + +<P> +And stooping, he seized the cowering form in strong, merciless hands, +dragged him across the floor and kicked him from the room. Then, +having closed the door Mr. Dalroyd surveyed himself in the mirror +again, examined eye and mouth with frowning solicitude and proceeded to +undress. Being ready for bed, he took up the candle, then stood with +head bent in the attitude of one in thought or like one who hearkens +for distant sounds, set down the candle and opening a drawer took out a +silver-mounted pistol and glanced heedfully at flint and priming; with +this in his hand he crossed the room and slipping the weapon under his +pillow, got into bed and blew out the candle. But, in the act of +composing himself to sleep, he started up suddenly, and sat again in +the attitude of one who listens; then very stealthily, he got out of +bed and crossing to the door felt about in the dark and silently shot +the bolt. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap35"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THE SERGEANT TOOK WARNING OF A WITCH +</H4> + +<P> +Sergeant Zebedee having pinked the Viscount in every vital part of his +aristocratic anatomy, lowered his foil, shook his head and sighed while +the Viscount panted rueful. +</P> + +<P> +"You reached me seven times I think, that bout, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Eight, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, the dooce! How d'ye do it?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis your own self, m' lud. How can I help but pink you when you play +your parades so open and inviting?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hm!" said the Viscount, frowning. +</P> + +<P> +"And then too, you're so slow in your recoveries, Master Pancras—Tom, +sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Anything more, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, m' lud. Your hand on your p'int's for ever out o' the line and +your finger-play——" The Sergeant shook his head again. +</P> + +<P> +"Devil burn it, Zeb! I begin to think I don't sound over-promising. +And yet—Gad love me, Sergeant, but you've no form, no style, y' know, +pasitively none! In the schools they'd laugh at your play and call it +mighty unmannerly." +</P> + +<P> +"Belike they would, sir. But 'tis the schools as is the matter wi' you +and so many other modish gentlemen, same be all froth and flourish. +But flourishes though taking to the eye, is slow m' lud, slow." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I've seen some excellent fencing in the schools, Zeb, such poise +o' bady, such grace——" +</P> + +<P> +"Grace is very well, m' lud—in a school. But 'tis one thing to play a +veney wi' blunted weapons and another to fight wi' the sharps." +</P> + +<P> +"True, Zeb, though La Touche teacheth in his book——" +</P> + +<P> +"Book!" exclaimed the Sergeant and snorted. +</P> + +<P> +"Hm!" said the Viscount, smiling, "howbeit in these next three days, +I'd have you teach me all you can of your—unmannerly method." +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore three days, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that Zeb—er—Lard save me, I'm to ride with the Major to +Sevenoaks, he'll be waiting! Here, help me on with this!" And laying +by his foil, the Viscount caught up his coat. +</P> + +<P> +"Three days, Master Tom, and wherefore three?" enquired the Sergeant as +Viscount Merivale struggled into his tight-fitting garment. +</P> + +<P> +"Take care, Zeb, 'tis a new creation." +</P> + +<P> +"And seems much too small, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, 'twill go on in time, Zeb, in time. I shall acquire it by +degrees. Ease me into it—gently, gently—so!" +</P> + +<P> +"And wherefore three days, sir?" persisted the Sergeant, as the coat +being "acquired" its wearer settled its graceful folds about his +slender person. +</P> + +<P> +"Why three is a lucky number they say, Zeb," and with a smiling nod the +Viscount hasted serenely away. +</P> + +<P> +"Three days!" muttered the Sergeant, looking after him. "Zounds—I +wonder!" So saying, he put away the foils and taking a pair of shears +set himself to trim one of the tall yew hedges, though more than once +he paused to rub his chin and murmur: "Three days—I wonder?" +</P> + +<P> +This remark he had just uttered for perhaps the twentieth time when, +roused by a hurried, shambling step, he glanced up and saw Roger, one +of the under-gardeners who, touching an eyebrow, glanced over right +shoulder, glanced over left, and spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant I do ha' worked here i' the park an' grounds twenty-five year +man an' boy, an' in all that length o' days I never knowed it to happen +afore, an' now it 'ave happened all of a shakesome sweat I be, +hares-foot or no—an' that's what!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's to do, Roger?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the eyes of 'er, Sergeant! 'Tis 'er mumping an' 'er mowing! +'Tis all the brimstoney look an' ways of 'er as turns a man's good +flesh to flesh o' goose, 'is bones to jelly an' 'is bowels to +water—an' that's what!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, but what is't, Roger man?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Ere's me, look'ee, trimming them borders, Sergeant, so 'appy-'earted +as any bird and all at once, I falls to coldsome, quakesome shivers, my +'eart jumps into my jaws, my knees knocks an' trembles horrorsome-like, +an' I sweats——" +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I feels a ghas'ly touch o' quakesome fingers as shoots all +through my vitals—like fire, Sergeant and—there she is at my elber!" +</P> + +<P> +"Who, Roger?" +</P> + +<P> +"And 'er looks at me doomful, Sergeant, an' that's what!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but who, Roger, damme who?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis th' owd witch as do be come for 'ee an' that's what!" +</P> + +<P> +"Name of a dog!" exclaimed the Sergeant. "For me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," nodded Roger, glancing over his shoulder again, "'I want the +Sergeant,' says she roupysome and grim-like, 'bring me the fine, big, +sojer-sergeant,' she says." +</P> + +<P> +"And what's her will wi' me?" enquired the Sergeant, glancing about +uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"Wants to blast 'ee belike, Sergeant," groaned Roger. "Or mayhap she +be minded only to 'witch 'ee wi' a bloody flux, or a toothache, or a +windy colic or—Angels o' mercy, there she be a-coming!" +</P> + +<P> +Turning hastily the Sergeant beheld a bowed, cloaked figure that +hobbled towards them on a stick. The Sergeant let fall the shears and +thrusting hand into frilled shirt, grasped a small, gold cross in his +sinewy fingers. +</P> + +<P> +Being come up to them the old creature paused and showed a face brown, +wrinkled and lighted by glittering, black eyes; then lifting her staff +she darted it thrice at the trembling Roger: +</P> + +<P> +"Hoosh! Scow! Begone!" she cried in harsh, croaking voice, whereupon +Roger forthwith took to his heels, stumbling and praying as he ran +while the Sergeant gripped Mrs. Agatha's gold cross with one hand while +he wiped sweat from his brow with the other as he met her piercing eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Good morrow, mam!" said he at last. The old woman shook her head but +remained silent, fixing him with her wide-eyed stare. "Mam," he +ventured again, "what would ye wi' me? Are you in trouble again, old +Betty? If so—speak, mam!" +</P> + +<P> +The old woman, bowed upon her staff, viewed his tall figure up and down +with her bright eyes and nodded: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis my tall, fine sojer!" she said at last, and her voice had lost +its shrill stridency. "'Tis my kind sojer so like the one I lost long +and long since. I'm old: old and knew sorrow afore the mother as bore +ye. Sorrow hath bided in me all my woeful days. Pain, pain, and +hardship my lot hath been. They've hunted me wi' sticks and stones ere +now, I've knowed the choking water and the scorch o' cruel fire. I +mind all the pain and evil but I mind the good—aye, aye! There's been +many to harm and few t' cherish! Aye, I mind it all, I mind it, the +evil and the good. And you was kind t' old Betty because your 'eart be +good, so I be come this weary way to warn 'ee, my big sojer." +</P> + +<P> +"Warn me—of what, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"A weary way, a woeful way for such old bones as Betty's!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then come sit ye and rest, mam. Come your ways to the arbour +yonder." Moaning and muttering the old woman followed whither he led, +but seeing how she stumbled he reached out his hand, keeping the other +upon his small gold cross and so brought her into the hutch-like +sentry-box. Down sat old Betty with a blissful sigh; but now, when he +would have withdrawn his hand, her fingers closed upon it, gnarled and +claw-like and, before he could prevent, she had stooped and touched it +to her wrinkled cheek and brow. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a strong hand, a kindly hand," she croaked, "'tis a sojer's +hand—my boy was a sojer but they killed him when the world was young. +I'm old, very old, and deaf they say—aha! But the old can see and the +deaf can hear betimes, aha! Come, ope your hand, my dear, come ope +your hand and let old Betty read. So, here's a big hand, a strong +hand—now let us see what says the big, strong hand. Aha—here's +death——" +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" exclaimed the Sergeant, starting. "You're something sudden +mam, death is our common lot——" +</P> + +<P> +"Death that creeps, my dear. Here's ill chances and good. Here's +sorrow and joy. Here's love shall be a light i' the dark. But here's +dangers, perils, night-lurkers and creepers i' the gloom. Death for +you and shame for her." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—for her!" cried the Sergeant, his big hand clenching on the +feeble, old fingers. "D'ye mean—Mrs. Agatha, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, my dear, no no!" answered old Betty, viewing his stern and +anxious face with her quick bright eyes. "'Tis not her you love, no, +no, 'tis one as loveth him ye serve. 'Tis one with a soul as sweet, as +soft and white as her precious body, 'tis one as is my namesake, +'tis——" +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Sapperment</I>!" exclaimed the Sergeant. "You never mean my lady Betty, +my lady Carlyon——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye my dear—'tis she!" +</P> + +<P> +"And in danger, d'ye say? Can ye prove it, mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Come ye to-morrow t' my cottage at rise o' moon and I'll show ye a +thing, ye shall see, ye shall hear. Bring him along o' you him—ssh!" +The old woman's clutch tightened suddenly, her bowed figure grew more +upright, and she stared wide of eye: "Come," she cried suddenly, in her +shrillest tones, "you as do hearken—come! You in petticoats—aha, I +can see, I can hear! Come forth, I summon ye!" +</P> + +<P> +A moment's utter silence, then leaves rustled and Mrs. Agatha stood in +the doorway, her eyes very bright, her cheeks more rosy than usual. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Tring," she demanded, "what doth the old beldam here?" +</P> + +<P> +Old Betty seemed to cower beneath Mrs. Agatha's look, while the +Sergeant fidgeted, muttered "Zounds" and was thereafter dumb. "'Tis an +arrant scold and wicked witch," continued Mrs. Agatha, "and should to +the brank, or the cucking-stool——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no!" cried the old woman, shivering and struggling to her feet. +"Not again a God's love, mistress—not again! I'll be gone! Let me +go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, not yet mam," said the Sergeant gently as he rose; "you are +weary, sit ye and rest awhile. Mrs. Agatha mam, you speak +woman-like——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye," nodded old Betty, "'tis ever woman is cruellest to woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"As you will, Zebedee Tring!" nodded Mrs. Agatha. "Yonder is Roger +Bent shook with a shivering fit at sight of her while you sit here and +let her scrabble your hand, but as you will!" and crossing her arms +over opulent bosom Mrs. Agatha would have turned away but old Betty +stabbed at her with bony finger. +</P> + +<P> +"Woman," she croaked, "I'm here t' save the man you love. Come sit ye +and list to my telling." Mrs. Agatha faltered, whereupon the Sergeant +caught her hand, drawing her into the arbour: and there, sitting beside +the old woman they hearkened to her story. +</P> + +<P> +"Mam," said the Sergeant, "ha' ye told my lady Carlyon aught o' this? +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, nay," answered old Betty, "I had a mind to—but they wouldna let +me see my lady—the footmen and lackeys laughed at poor old Bet and +turned her from the door—so I did come to tell my brave +sojer-sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis just as well, mam," nodded the Sergeant, "for now you shall come +wi' us to his honour, the Major will hear you, I'll warrant me, so come +your ways, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye," said Mrs. Agatha, "and you shall eat and drink likewise and +after the Sergeant shall drive you back to Inchbourne an he will." +</P> + +<P> +Thus Roger Bent, busied in the herb-garden, chancing to lift his head, +stood suddenly upright, staggered back and fell into a clump of +parsley; and propped upon an elbow, stared, as well he might, for into +the sacred precincts of her stillroom went Mrs. Agatha and the Sergeant +but between them tottered the bowed form of old Betty the witch. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord!" exclaimed Roger, ruffling up his shock of hair. "My eyes is +sure a-deceiving of me—an' that's what!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap36"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THEY RODE TO INCHBOURNE +</H4> + +<P> +"And what time doth the moon rise, Zebedee?" enquired the Major as they +swung their horses into the high road. +</P> + +<P> +"Ten forty-five about, your honour," +</P> + +<P> +"Then we've no need for hurry. And egad Zeb, it sounds a wild story!" +</P> + +<P> +"It do so, sir, cock and bullish as you might say." +</P> + +<P> +"To abduct my lady, Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"On Saturday night next as ever was, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"And this is Friday night!" said the Major thoughtfully. +</P> + +<P> +"Which do give us good time to circumvent enemy's manoover." +</P> + +<P> +"How many of the rogues will be there, think you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Can't say for sure, sir. 'Twas three on 'em as ambushed me t'other +night." +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that Zeb, as to that I imagine you brought that drubbing on +yourself by your somewhat frequent and indiscriminate—er—pewter-play +as 'twere." +</P> + +<P> +"Mayhap sir, though if so be rogues were same rogues I should ha' +knowed same, though to be sure 'twere a darkish night and they were +masked. Howsobe, my Lord Medhurst pinked one of 'em, his point was +prettily bloodied." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you armed, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nought to speak of, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"What have you?" +</P> + +<P> +"A sword sir, and a brace o' travelling-pistols as chanced to lay handy +which, with your honour's, maketh four shot, two swords and a bagnet." +</P> + +<P> +"Lord, Zeb, we're not going up against a troop!" said the Major, +smiling in the dark, "and why the bayonet?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the one I used for to carry when we were on outpost duty at +night, sir—the one as I had shortened for the purpose, your honour. +You'll mind as there's nought like a short, stiff bagnet when 'tis a +case o' silence. And as for a troop you ha'n't forgot the time as we +routed that company o' Bavarian troopers, you and me, sir, thereby +proving the advantages o' the element o' surprise?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, those were desperate times, Zebedee." +</P> + +<P> +"Mighty different to these, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, truly, truly!" said the Major, gently. +</P> + +<P> +"But if there is to be a little bit o' cut and thrust work to-night, +your honour, 'tis as well to be prepared." +</P> + +<P> +"You think old Betty is to be relied on, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, I do." +</P> + +<P> +"None the less I'm glad my lady Carlyon knoweth nought o' the matter, +'tis best, I think, to keep it from her—at least until we are sure, +moreover 'tis like enough she—" the Major paused to rub his chin +dubiously, "'tis very like she would only——" +</P> + +<P> +"Laugh, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord sir, but she's a woundy fine spirit!" exclaimed the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"True, Zeb, very true!" The Major nodded. "Yet I would she were a +thought less venturesome and—ah—contrary at times as 'twere, Zeb——" +</P> + +<P> +"Contrairy, sir? Lord love me, there you have it! Woman is a +contrairy sect, 'tis born in 'em! Look at Mrs. Agatha, contrairiness +ain't no word for same!" +</P> + +<P> +"How so, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, d'ye see sir, when thinking I'd soon be under marching +orders—you then talking o' campaigning again—there's me don't venter +to open my mind to her touching matrimony though her a-giving me +chances for same constant. To-day here's me—you being settled and wi' +no wish for foreign fields—here's me, d'ye see, looking for chances +and occasions to speak wedlock and such constant and her giving me no +chances what-so-ever. And that's woman, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +They rode at a gentle, ambling pace and with no sound to disturb the +brooding night-silence except the creak of their saddles and the +thudding of their horses' hoofs dulled and muffled in the dust of the +road. A hushed and windless night full of the quivering glamour of +stars whose soft effulgence lent to hedge and tree and all things else +a vague and solemn beauty; and riding with his gaze uplifted to this +heavenly host, the Major thought of Life and Death and many other +things, yet mostly of my lady Elizabeth Carlyon, while Sergeant +Zebedee, gazing at nothing in particular, dreamed also. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis as well she should learn nought of the ugly business!" said the +Major at last. +</P> + +<P> +"But sir, Mrs. Agatha——" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean her ladyship, Zebedee." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye for sure, sir, for sure!" +</P> + +<P> +"And if there be indeed villainy afoot—if there is, why then egad, +Sergeant Zeb, I'll not rest until I know who is at the bottom on't!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—who, sir? 'Tis what we're a-going to find out to-night I do +hope. And when we do find out, sir—how then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, Zeb—ha, then—we shall see, we shall see!" +</P> + +<P> +After this they rode on in silence awhile, the Major staring up at the +glory of the stars again. +</P> + +<P> +"If so be we should be so fortuned as to come in for a little bit o' +roughsome to-night, your honour," said the Sergeant thoughtfully, +"you'd find this here bludgeon a vast deal handier than your sword and +play very sweet at close quarters, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"By the way, Zebedee, I think you once told me you surprised—er—Mr. +Dalroyd i' the orchard one night?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did so, your honour." +</P> + +<P> +"And did you chance to—ah—to see his face, to observe his features +clear and distinct, as 'twere, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, very well, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +By this time they had reached the cross-roads and here the Major +checked his horse suddenly, whereupon Sergeant Zebedee did likewise. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major leaned from his saddle until he could peer into the +Sergeant's eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Did Mr. Dalroyd remind you of—of anyone you have ever seen before?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of Captain Effingham as your honour killed years agone." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" said the Major and sat awhile frowning up at the stars. "So you +likewise marked the resemblance, did you, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"I did so, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And what did you think——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, that Captain Effingham having been killed ten years agone, is +very dead indeed, by this time!" +</P> + +<P> +"Supposing he wasn't killed—how then, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir he was alive arter all—though he looked dead enough." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a high chest-thrust you'll mind, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Base o' the throat, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Why have you never mentioned your suspicions, Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because, your honour, 'tis ever my tactics to let sleeping dogs +lie—bygones is bygones and what is, is. If, on t'other hand Mr. +Dalroyd's Captain Effingham which God forbid, then all I says is—what +is, ain't. Furthermore and moreover Mr. Dalroyd would be the last man +I'd ha' you cross blades with on account o' the Captain's devilish +sword-play—that thrust of his in carte nigh did your honour's business +ten years ago, consequently to-day I hold my peace regarding suspicions +o' same." +</P> + +<P> +"D'ye think he'd—kill me, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know 'twould sure be one or t'other o' ye, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And that's true enough!" said the Major and rode on again. "None the +less, Zeb," said he after awhile, "none the less he shall have another +opportunity of trying that thrust if, as I think, he is at the bottom +of this vile business." +</P> + +<P> +But now they were drawing near to Inchbourne village and, reining up, +the Major glanced about him: +</P> + +<P> +"What of our horses, Zebedee?" he questioned. "'Twill never do to go +clattering through the village at this hour." +</P> + +<P> +"No more 'twill, sir. Old Bet's cottage lieth a good mile and a half +t'other side Inchbourne, d'ye see. Further on is a lane that fetcheth +a circuit about the village—this way, your honour." So they presently +turned off into a narrow and deep-rutted lane that eventually brought +them out upon a desolate expanse with the loom of woods beyond. +</P> + +<P> +"Yonder's a spinney, sir, 'tis there we'll leave our horses." +</P> + +<P> +Riding in among the trees they dismounted and led their animals into +the depths of the wood until they came to a little dell well hidden in +the brush. Here, having securely tethered their horses they sat down +to wait the moonrise. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, settling pistols in pockets, "this doth mind +me o' the night we lay in such another wood as this, the night we +stormed Douai, you'll mind I was wounded just arter we carried the +counterscarp——" +</P> + +<P> +"By a pike-thrust meant for me, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas a pretty fight, sir, 'specially the forcing o' the +palisadoes—'twere just such another night as this——" +</P> + +<P> +"Only we were younger then, Zeb, years younger." +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that, sir, I've been feeling younger than e'er I was, of +late—and yonder cometh the moon at last! This way, sir!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap37"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF ROGUES AND PLOTS +</H4> + +<P> +The moon was fast rising as they left the shadow of the trees and +crossing a meadow presently saw before them the loom of a building +which, on near approach, proved to be a very tumble-down, two-storied +cottage. The Sergeant led the way past a broken fence through a +riotous tangle of weeds and so to a door whereon he rapped softly; +almost immediately it was opened and old Betty the witch stood on the +threshold peering into the dimness under her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Mam," said the Sergeant, "'tis us—we've come!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aha!" she croaked. "'Tis you—'tis my big sojer—my fine +sojer-sergeant an' the lord squire o' the Manor! Come your ways—come +your ways in—'tis an ill place for fine folk but 'tis all they've left +me. Come in!" Following Sergeant Zebedee's broad back the Major +stumbled down three steps into a small, dim chamber, very close and +airless, lighted by a smoky rushlight. Old Betty closed the door, +curtseyed to the Major and clutching at Sergeant Zebedee's hand, +stooped and kissed it, whereupon he glanced apologetically at the Major +and saluted. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis her gratitood, sir," he explained, "on account o' Mr. Jennings me +having kicked same, as dooly reported." +</P> + +<P> +"An ill place for the likes o' your honour," croaked the old woman, "an +evil place for evil men as will be here anon—the rogues, the fools! +They think old Betty's blind and deaf—the rogues! Come, dearies, the +moon's up and wi' the moon comes evil so get ye above—yonder, yonder +and mum, dearies, mum!" As she spoke old Betty pointed to a corner of +the dingy chamber where a rickety ladder gave access to a square +opening above. "Go ye up, dearies and ye shall see, ye shall hear, +aha—but mum, dearies, mum!" +</P> + +<P> +Forthwith they mounted the ladder and so found themselves in a small, +dark loft full of the smell of rotting wood and dank decay. Above +their heads stars winked through holes in the mouldering thatch, +beneath their feet the rotten flooring showed great rents and fissures +here and there through which struck the pallid beams of the twinkling +rushlight in the room below. +</P> + +<P> +"God bless my soul!" exclaimed the Major, "does this pestiferous ruin +belong to me, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I don't rightly know, your honour, 'tis a mile and a half out o' +the village d'ye see, and hath stood empty for years and years they do +tell me, on account of a murder as was done here, and nobody would live +here till old Betty come. Folk do say the place is haunted and there +be few as dare come nigh the place after dark. But old Betty, being a +powerful witch d'ye see sir, aren't nowise afeard of any ghost, gobling +nor apparation as ever—ssh!" +</P> + +<P> +Upon the night without, was a sound of voices that grew ever louder, +the one hoarse and querulous the other upraised in quavering song: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"O 'tis bien bowse, 'tis bien bowse,<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">Too little is my skew.</SPAN><BR> +I bowse no lage, but one whole gage<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">O' this I'll bowse to you——"</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Stow the chaunting, Jerry!" growled the hoarse voice, "close up that +ugly gan o' yourn. Oliver's awake——" +</P> + +<P> +"Oliver? Aye, so 'tis with a curse on't! The moon's no friend o' +mine. Gimme a black night, darkmans wi' a popper i' my famble and +t'other in my cly and I'm your cull, ecod!" Here the door of the +cottage swung open and two men entered, the one a tall, wild, +gipsy-looking fellow, the other a shortish man in spurred boots and +long riding-coat from the side-pockets of which protruded the +brass-heeled butts of a pair of pistols. +</P> + +<P> +"What, Benno, my lad—what Benno," he cried, scowling round the dismal +room beneath the cock of his weatherbeaten hat, "blind me, but here's a +plaguy dog-hole for a genty-cove o' the high-toby!" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"O, the high pad is a delicate trade<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">And a delicate trade o' fame</SPAN><BR> +We bite the cully of his cole<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">And carry away his game</SPAN><BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">Oho, and carry away——"</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Quit, Jerry, quit!" growled the man Benno. "Hold that dasher o' yourn +won't 'ee——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Benno my cove, if I do ha' a mind for t' sing, I'll sing and burn +all, says I!" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"I keep my prancer and two pepps<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">A tattle in my cly.</SPAN><BR> +When bowsing——"<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Keep your chaffer still, won't 'ee!" snarled the other. "'Swounds, a +pal can't hear hisself! Ha, Bet!" he roared, "old Bet—what grannam, +oho—lights, more lights here!" +</P> + +<P> +"Lights—aye," nodded Jerry, "lights inside's well enough but lights +outside's the devil! Look at Oliver, look at th' moon, well—curse th' +moon says I and—O ecod! What's yon i' the corner? A ladder as I'm a +roaring boy—a ladder! Well, here's to see what's above. A doxy, aha, +a dimber-dell, oho—" +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"When my dimber-dell I courted<BR> +<SPAN STYLE="margin-left: 1em">She had youth and beauty too——"</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +As he sang he whipped a pistol from his pocket and lurched towards the +ladder; and Sergeant Zebedee, watching through one of the many +crevices, smiled happily and drew his bayonet. Jerry had one foot on +the ladder when his companion caught his shoulder and swung him roughly +away. +</P> + +<P> +"How now?" he demanded. "What's your ploy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Look'ee Benno, if you're a-hiding of some dimber mort aloft there I'm +the cove to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, you're lushed, Jerry, foxed t' your peepers, sit down—sit down +and put away your popp—afore I crack your mazzard!" +</P> + +<P> +Sulkily enough Jerry obeyed and seating himself at the table turned, +ever and anon, to view the ladder with a drunken stare. +</P> + +<P> +"Lushed am I?" he repeated. "Drunk hey? Well, so I am and when lushed +'tis at my best I am, my lad. And look'ee a ladder's meant for to +climb ain't it? Very well then—I'm the cove to climb it! And +look'ee, what's more 'tis a curst dog-hole this for a genty-cove o' the +high pad and——" But here his companion roared again for "Old Bet" +and "Lights" until the old woman hobbled in. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh, eh?" she whimpered, blinking from one to the other. "Did ye call, +dearie?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—bring more glims, d'ye hear——" +</P> + +<P> +"Candles, dearie, eh—eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, candles! And I'm expecting company, so bring candles and get ye +to bed, d'ye hear?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye, I hear, dearie, I hear—candles, candles," and muttering the +word she hobbled away and presently was back again and stood, mowing +and mumbling, to watch the candles lighted. +</P> + +<P> +"Now get ye to bed," cried Benno, "to bed, d'ye hear?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dead, dearie?" she croaked. "Who's dead now? Not me, no, no, nor +you—yet. No no, but 'tis coming, aha—'tis coming—dead oho!" +</P> + +<P> +The man Benno fell back a step, eyes wide and mouth agape, then very +suddenly made a cross in the air before him, while Jerry, getting on +his feet, did the same with unsteady finger on the table. +</P> + +<P> +"The evil eye! 'Tis the evil eye!" he muttered, while old Betty nodded +and chuckled as her quick, bright eyes flashed from one to the other. +</P> + +<P> +"I said 'bed'!" roared the gipsy-looking fellow clenching his fists +fiercely but falling back another step from old Betty's vicinity, "bed +was the word——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye, dearie!" she nodded, "some in bed an' some out—dead, aye, +aye, some by day and some by night—all go dead soon or late, you an' +me and all on us—one way or t'other—dead, dearie, dead!" +</P> + +<P> +So saying old Betty hobbled out of the room closing the door behind her. +</P> + +<P> +"A curst old beldam, a hag, a damned witch as I'm a roarer!" exclaimed +Jerry shaking his head, while his companion wiped sweat from his brow. +"O rot me, a nice dog-hole this and wi' a ladder look'ee, leading devil +knoweth where, but I'm the cove to see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sit still—sit still and take a sup o' this, Jerry!" And crossing to +a corner Benno brought thence a stone jar and a couple of mugs and +brimming one unsteadily he tossed it off; then sitting down at the +rickety table they alternately drank and cursed old Betty. +</P> + +<P> +"Come now, Benno my dimber cove," cried Jerry at last, "what's the +game? What ha' ye brought me here for? Tip us the office!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then we're on the spiriting lay—a flash blowen—a genty mort, +Jerry." +</P> + +<P> +"Aha, that should mean shiners, plenty o' lour, Benno?" +</P> + +<P> +"Fifty apiece near as nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"Here's game as I'm a flash padder. What more, cove, what more? Let's +hear." +</P> + +<P> +"Not me, Jerry—there's one a-coming as will tip you the lay—an old +pal, Jerry, a flaming buck o' the high pad, a reg'lar dimber-damber, +a—hist! 'Tis him at last, I think, but ha' your popps ready in case, +Jerry." +</P> + +<P> +Here Benno arose and crossing a little unsteadily to the door stood +there listening: after a while came a knock, a muffled voice, and, +opening the door, he admitted three men. The first a great, rough +fellow who bore one arm in a sling, the second a little man, +<I>point-de-vice</I> from silvered spurs to laced hat, yet whose elegant +appearance was somewhat marred by a black patch that obscured one eye; +the third was the obsequious Joseph, but now, as he stood blinking in +the candle-light, there was in his whole sleek person an air of +authority and command, and a grimness in the set of smooth-shaven jaw +that transfigured him quite. +</P> + +<P> +At sight of him Jerry sprang up, nearly upsetting the table, and stood +to stare in gaping astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis Nick!" he cried at last, "Galloping Nick, as I'm a hell-fire, +roaring dog! 'Tis Nick o' the High Toby as hath diddled the +nubbing-cheat arter all, ecod! Ha, Nick—Nicky lad, tip us your famble +and burn all, says I!" +</P> + +<P> +Joseph suffered his hand to be shaken and nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"Drunk as usual, Jerry?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ecod and so I am! Drunk enough t' shoot straight—drunk as I was that +night by the gravel-pits on Blackheath. You'll mind that night, Nick +and how you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Bah, you're talking lushy, Jerry! Here's Captain Swift and the +Chicken so—let's to business." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to business, my cullies!" cried Jerry saluting them in turn. "To +business—'tis the spiriting of a genty mort, eh Nick?" +</P> + +<P> +"A fine lady, aye!" nodded Joseph. "There's two hundred guineas in't, +which is fifty for me and the rest atween you, share and share." +</P> + +<P> +"Which is fair enough, rabbit me!" said the Captain. +</P> + +<P> +"Now hark'ee all," continued Joseph beckoning them near and lowering +his voice. "You, Jerry and the Captain will come mounted and meet us +at the cross-roads beyond——" +</P> + +<P> +"Cross-roads?" hiccoughed Jerry, "not me, Nick, no, no—there's +cross-roads everywhere hereabouts I tell'ee, and I don't know the +country hereabouts—no meetings at cross-roads, Nicky, burn my eyes +no——" Here Joseph cursed him and fell to biting his nails. +</P> + +<P> +"Why not meet here?" suggested Benno. +</P> + +<P> +"No, nor here!" snarled Jerry, "I don't like this place, 'tis a +dog-hole and wi' a ladder look'ee a ladder leading devil knoweth where +look'ee—a ladder as is meant to climb and as I'm a-going to +c-climb——" But as he rose unsteadily Joseph's heavy hand dragged him +down again. +</P> + +<P> +"There's the mill then," said he, "the ruined mill beyond Westerham, +we'll meet there. We all know it——" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't," growled Jerry, "and don't want——" +</P> + +<P> +"The Captain does and you'll ride with him. At the ruined mill then +to-morrow night a half after ten—sharp." +</P> + +<P> +"And what then, Nick—ha?" enquired the Captain, taking a pinch of +snuff. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then——" Here Joseph sunk his voice so low as to be inaudible to +any but those craning their necks to listen. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis a simple plan and should be no great matter!" nodded the Captain. +"Aye, rat me, I like your plan, Nick——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but the genty mort," demurred Jerry, "now if she squeal and +kick—burn me I've had 'em scratch and tear d-damnably ere now——" +</P> + +<P> +"Squeeze her pretty neck a little," suggested the Captain. +</P> + +<P> +"Or choke her with her furbelows," grinned Benno. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" said Joseph, scowling, "there's to be no strangling—no rough +work, d'ye take me—it's to be done gentle or——" +</P> + +<P> +"Gentle, ho—gentle, is it!" cried Jerry fiercely. "And how if she +gets her claws into me—the last one as I culled for a flash sportsman +nigh wrung my ear off—gentle? 'Tain't fair to a man it don't give a +man a chance, it d-don't——" +</P> + +<P> +"And that's all now!" said Joseph, rising. "To-morrow night at the +ruined mill—I'll give you your last instructions to-morrow at half +after ten. Now who's for a glass over at the inn—landlord's a cull o' +mine." At this everyone rose excepting Jerry who lolled across the +table scowling from one candle to another. +</P> + +<P> +"Ain't you a-coming, Jerry?" enquired the gipsy-looking fellow, turning +at the door. +</P> + +<P> +"No—not me!" snarled Jerry. "Bones do ache—so they do! 'S-sides +I've drunk enough, and I—I'm a-going—to climb—that ladder an' burn +all, says I." +</P> + +<P> +"Then climb it and be damned!" said the other and strode away after his +companions, slamming the door behind him. Jerry sat awhile muttering +incoherently and drew a pistol from his pocket; then he rose and +steadying himself with infinite pains against the rickety table, fixed +his scowling gaze upon the ladder and lurched towards it. But the +liquor had affected his legs and he staggered from wall to wall ere, +tripping and stumbling, he finally reached the ladder that shook under +the sudden impact. For a long moment he stood, weapon in hand, staring +up into the blackness above, then slowly and with much labour began the +ascent rung by rung, pausing very often and muttering hoarsely to +himself; he was already half-way up and the Sergeant, crouched in the +shadow, was waiting to receive him with upraised pistol-butt, when he +missed his hold, his foot slipped and pitching sideways he crashed to +the floor and lay still, snoring stertorously. Almost immediately old +Betty appeared, crossed to the outstretched body, looked at it, spat at +it and spoke: +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis all well, dearies—he be nice and fast what wi' drink and fall. +Come down, my dearies, come down and get ye gone." +</P> + +<P> +The Major followed Sergeant Zebedee down the ladder and crossing to the +old woman, removed his hat. +</P> + +<P> +"Mam," said he, "'tis like enough you have saved a great wrong being +committed and I am deeply grateful. Words are poor things, mam, but +henceforth it shall be my care to see your remaining days be days of +comfort. Meantime pray accept this and rest assured of the future." +Saying which the Major laid a purse upon the table, then turned rather +hastily to escape old Betty's eager, tremulous thanks and stepped from +the cottage. +</P> + +<P> +"Zebedee," said he as they led their horses out of the coppice, "I +recognised two of these rascals. One is the tramping gipsy I broke my +cane over and the other——" +</P> + +<P> +"The other is Mr. Dalroyd's man Joe, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha! Art sure o' that, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am so, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Excellent!" said the Major, swinging to saddle. "Our expedition +to-night hath not been in vain, after all." +</P> + +<P> +"Where now, sir?" enquired the Sergeant, gathering up his reins. +</P> + +<P> +"Home!" +</P> + +<P> +"What—ha' we done, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Until to-morrow night—at the ruined mill, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"To-morrow night—zounds, sir!" chuckled the Sergeant as they broke +into a trot. "'Twill be like old times!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twill be five to two, Zebedee!" said the Major thoughtfully. +</P> + +<P> +"Warmish, sir—warmish! Though t' be sure the big rascal bore his arm +in a sling, still, 'tis pretty odds, I allow." +</P> + +<P> +"There must be no shooting, Zeb." +</P> + +<P> +"Why your honour, pistols are apt t' be a trifle unhandy for close +work, d'ye see. Now, a bagnet——" +</P> + +<P> +"And no steel, Zeb. We'll have no killing if it can be avoided!" +</P> + +<P> +"No steel sir?" gasped the Sergeant. "No steel—!" +</P> + +<P> +"Bludgeons will be best if it should come to fighting," continued the +Major thoughtfully, "though I hope to effect their capture without any +undue violence——" The Sergeant turned to stare: +</P> + +<P> +"What, is there to be no violence now, your honour?" he sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"Violent methods are ever clumsy, Zeb, I propose to use the element of +surprise." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" exclaimed the Sergeant and smiling grimly up at the moon he +slowly closed one eye and opened it again. +</P> + +<P> +After this they rode some time in silence, the Sergeant's mind +preoccupied with the "Element of Surprise" as applied to the odds of +five to two, while the Major, looking round about on the calm beauty of +the night, dreamed ever of my lady Elizabeth Carlyon as had become his +wont and custom. +</P> + +<P> +In due time they reached a certain quiet bye-lane and here the Major +checked his horse. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant," said he, "'tis a fair night for walking what with the +moon—er—the moon d'ye see and so forth——" +</P> + +<P> +"Moon, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, the moon!" said the Major, dismounting. "Do you go on with the +horses, I've a mind for walking." So he handed Sergeant Zebedee the +reins of his horse and turned aside down this quiet bye-lane. +</P> + +<P> +This lane that led away between blooming hedges, that wandered on, +haphazard as it were, to lose itself at last in a little wood where +nightingales sang; this bye-lane wherein he had walked with her that +never-to-be-forgotten night and stood with her to watch the world grow +bright and joyous with a new day; this leafy sheltered lane that held +for him the sweet magic of her presence and was therefore a hallowed +place. +</P> + +<P> +Thus as he walked, his slow steps falling silent on soft mosses and +dewy grass, the Major took off his hat. +</P> + +<P> +Bareheaded and with reverent feet he wandered on dreaming of those joys +that were to be, God willing, and turning a sharp bend in the lane +stopped all at once, smitten to sudden, breathless immobility. +</P> + +<P> +She sat upon the wall, dainty foot a-swing, while below stood Mr. +Dalroyd who seized that shapely foot in irreverent hands, stooped and +covered it with kisses that grew more bold and audacious until she, +stifling laughter in her cloak, freed herself with a sudden, vigorous +kick that sent Mr. Dalroyd's hat flying— +</P> + +<P> +The Major turned and hurried away looking neither right nor left; +becoming conscious of the hat in his hand, he laughed and crammed it on +his head. So he went with great strides until he reached a stile +beside the way and halting, he leaned there, with face bowed upon his +arms. Long he stood thus, silent and motionless and with face hidden. +At last he raised his head, looked up at heaven and round about him +like one who wakes in a new world, and limped slowly homewards. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said the Sergeant, meeting him at the door, "Colonel Cleeve is +here." +</P> + +<P> +"O!" said the Major, slowly. "Is he, Zeb? That is well!" +</P> + +<P> +"A-snoring in the library, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure—to be sure!" said the Major vaguely. +</P> + +<P> +"Y' see 'tis getting late, your honour," continued Sergeant Zebedee, +viewing the Major's drawn features anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then—go you to bed, Zebedee." +</P> + +<P> +"Can I get you aught first, sir—a bite o' something—a bottle or so?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, Zeb, no—stay! Bring me my Ramillie coat." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap38"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THE MAJOR MADE HIS WILL +</H4> + +<P> +Colonel Lord George Cleeve, blissfully slumbering in deep armchair +beside the library fire, choked upon a snore and, opening his eyes, +perceived the Major opposite in another deep chair; but the Major was +awake, his frowning gaze was bent upon the fire and ever and anon he +sighed deeply. +</P> + +<P> +"Refuse me, Jack!" exclaimed the Colonel, "to hark to you one would +think you in love and—er—damnably forlorn, you sigh, man, you sigh, +aye, let me perish, you puff grief like any bellows." +</P> + +<P> +"And you snore, George, you snore man, aye, egad, like a very grampus! +None the less I joy to see thee, George," said the Major, rising and +extending his hand. "When did you arrive?" +</P> + +<P> +"Some half-hour since. And snore, did I? Well, 'tis late enough, o' +conscience. Faith Jack, Sir Benjamin brews a devilish strong punch—I +supped with the company at the George. Then strolled over with Tom to +visit ya' charming neighbours. Man Jack, she's a damned fine +creature—ha?" +</P> + +<P> +"She is!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"And with an air, Jack—an air." The Major sighed and seemed lost in +thought. "I say an air, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"An air George, as you say." +</P> + +<P> +"Full up o' womanly graces and adornments feminine." +</P> + +<P> +"True, George." +</P> + +<P> +"And thoroughbred, Jack!" The Major stared pensively into the fire. +"I say all blood and high breeding, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, true George, true!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well then, a man might do worse—ha?" The Major started. "How think +ye, Jack? I'm not a marrying man, Jack, as you know, the sex hath +never been a weakness o' mine but I'm touched at last, Jack—aye +touched with a curse on't!" +</P> + +<P> +"God—bless—my—soul!" exclaimed the Major, staring harder than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"'Fore Gad, man Jack, it came on me like a charge o' cavalry. Like you +I meant to live and die a free man and now—O Gad! 'Tis her eyes, I +think, I see 'em everywhere—blue, you'll mind, Jack, blue +as—as—well, blue." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, they're blue!" nodded the Major, all grave attention at last. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, 'tis her eyes, Jack, or else her dooced demure airs, or her +languishing graces, or her feet, or her shape, or the way she smiles, +or—O damme! Howbeit I'm smitten, Jack—through and through—done for +and be curst to it!" +</P> + +<P> +"You too!" sighed the Major and stared into the fire again. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—and why not i' faith? I'm a man sound in wind and limb and but +few years ya' senior—why the devil not? She's free to wed and if +she's willing and I've a mind for't who the devil's going to stay +me—ha?" The Major sighed and shook his head. "Save us, Jack, but +ya're curst gloomy, I think!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why as to that, as to that, George, I fear I am. Perhaps if we crack +a bottle before we go to bed—how say you?" +</P> + +<P> +"With all my heart!" So the Major brought bottle and glasses and, +having filled to each other, they sat awhile each staring into the +fire. "And now," continued the Colonel, "what's to stop me a-marrying, +Jack, if I'm so minded, come?" +</P> + +<P> +"Is she likely to—to make you happy, George?" +</P> + +<P> +"Rabbit me—and why not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said the Major hesitatingly, "her age——" +</P> + +<P> +"Dooce take me, she's none so old——" +</P> + +<P> +"Old!" repeated the Major, "nay indeed I——" +</P> + +<P> +"She's no filly I'll allow, Jack, but then I shed my colt's teeth long +ago. Nay, she's rather in her blooming prime, summer—er—languishing +to autumn——" +</P> + +<P> +"Autumn!" murmured the Major, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"No—I see nought against it unless—O smite me, Jack!" The Colonel +set down his glass and stared at the Major who stared back at him. +</P> + +<P> +"Unless what, George?" +</P> + +<P> +"Unless y'are bitten too." The Major frowned into the fire again. "If +y'are, Jack, if y'are, why then damme I'll not come athwart ya'—no, +no—old friends—Gad, no! I'll ride away to-morrow and give you a +clear field." +</P> + +<P> +"I shall never marry—never, George!" said the Major and sighed deeper +than ever. The Colonel refilled his glass, raised it to his lips, +sighed in turn and put it down again. +</P> + +<P> +"Love's a plaguy business!" he groaned. "How old are ye, Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +"Forty-two, almost." +</P> + +<P> +"And I'm forty-five—quite. And i' faith, Jack, when the curst disease +plagues men of our age 'tis there to stay. None the less, man Jack, if +ya' love her, why then Belinda's not for me——" +</P> + +<P> +"Belinda!" exclaimed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, who else? What the dooce, man?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—egad, George, I thought—" +</P> + +<P> +"What did ya' think?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas Lady Betty you had in mind." +</P> + +<P> +"Lady Bet——!" The Colonel whistled. "So-ho!" he exclaimed and +turned, full of eager questions but seeing how the Major scowled into +the fire again, sipped his wine instead and thereafter changed the +subject abruptly. +</P> + +<P> +"Ya'r Viscount's a fine lad, Jack!" The Major's brow cleared instantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, indeed, Tom's a man, 'spite all his modish airs and affectations, +a man! Where is he, by the way?" +</P> + +<P> +"Went to bed hours since and very rightly, seeing what's toward." +</P> + +<P> +"As what, George?" +</P> + +<P> +"His forthcoming duel with Dalroyd." The Major sat suddenly upright. +</P> + +<P> +"A duel with—Dalroyd!" +</P> + +<P> +"What, didn't ya' know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not a word." +</P> + +<P> +"Why true, it only happened this evening." +</P> + +<P> +"And when do they fight?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's the curst queer thing about the affair. I don't know, he don't +know—nobody knows but Dalroyd. 'Tis a black business, Jack, a black +business and looks ill for the lad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye!" said the Major, rising and beginning to pace to and fro. "Pray +tell me of it, George." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, i' the first place, 'tis a hopeful youth, your nephew, Jack, a +lovely lad. Smite me, I never saw an affront more pleasantly bestowed +nor more effectively! Such a polished business with him and pure joy +for the spectators, he insulted his man so gracefully yet so thoroughly +that their steel was out in a twinkling. But the place was cluttered +with chairs and tables, so Alvaston and Tripp fell upon Dalroyd and I +and Captain West on the Viscount and parted 'em till the matter could +be arranged more commodiously for 'em. Well, we cleared the floor and +locked the door, they seeming so eager for one another's blood and +then—damme, Dalroyd refuses to fight. 'No, gentlemen,' says he, +smiling but with death aglare in his eyes, 'I grant Viscount Merivale a +day or so more of life, when it suits me to kill him I'll let him +know,' and off he goes. 'Tis a vile black business, for if ever I saw +a killer, 'tis this Dalroyd. Though why the lad goes out of his way to +affront such a man, God only knows. And talking of the affront I've +told the story plaguy ill. Here sits Dalroyd, d'ye see, at cards, +Jack, and along comes my fine young gentleman and insults him beyond +any possibility o' doubt. 'Ah,' says Dalroyd, laying down his cards, +'I believe, I verily believe he means to be offensive!' 'Gad love me, +sir,' smiles the Viscount, 'I'm performing my best endeavour that way.' +'You mean to quarrel, then,' says Dalroyd. ''Twill be pure joy, sir!' +bows the Viscount. 'Impossible!' sneers Dalroyd. 'Why then, sir,' +beams the Viscount, 'perhaps a glass of wine applied outwardly will +make my intention quite apparent, because if so, sir, I shall be happy +to waste so much good wine on thing of so little worth.' O Jack, 'twas +pure—never have I seen it better done. But 'tis an ill business all +the same, for when they meet 'twill go ill with the lad, I fear—aye, I +greatly fear!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, they shan't meet!" said the Major gently. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh—eh?" cried the Colonel. "Damme, Jack—who's to prevent?" +</P> + +<P> +"I, of course, George." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, but how, a Gad's name? +</P> + +<P> +"First, I do know Dalroyd a rogue unworthy to cross blades with the +Viscount——" +</P> + +<P> +"I doubt 'twill serve, Jack, I doubt." +</P> + +<P> +"Secondly, I intend to cross blades with Dalroyd myself." +</P> + +<P> +"You Jack—you? O preposterous! Smite me, 'tis most irregular." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed and so it is, George, but——" the Major smiled, and knowing +that smile of old the Colonel shrugged his shoulders. "I will but ask +you to be here in this room to-morrow night at—say twelve +o'clock—alone, George." +</P> + +<P> +"When you use that tone, Jack, I know you'll do't. But how you'll +contrive thing so impossible is beyond me. And talking of Dalroyd the +resemblance is strong, he's very like——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, you mean like Effingham." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, like Effingham—and yet again he's—different, Jack, and besides +'tis impossible!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ten years must needs alter a man," said the Major thoughtfully. +"George, I'd give very much to know if Dalroyd bears a certain scar." +</P> + +<P> +"Impossible, Jack—quite, your thrust was too sure." +</P> + +<P> +"Hum!" said the Major, "howbeit I cross blades with Dalroyd as soon as +possible, which reminds me I've made no will and 'tis best to be +prepared, George, and you shall witness it if you will." +</P> + +<P> +So the document was drawn up, blunt and soldier-like, and duly attested. +</P> + +<P> +"A will, Jack," said the Colonel throwing down the pen, "is a curst +dust to dust and dry bones business, let's ha' another bottle." +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, and so we will!" answered the Major. "And drink success to thy +wooing, George." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap39"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXIX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH IS A QUADRUPLE CHAPTER +</H4> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +I +</H4> + +<P> +My lady Betty opened the bedroom door and sneezed violently: +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Bee," she gasped, "O!" +</P> + +<P> +"Heavens, child, how you pounce on one!" cried Lady Belinda, starting +and dropping her powder puff. "What is't?" +</P> + +<P> +"Snuff, aunt—O!" +</P> + +<P> +"Snuff—O Lord! Where? Who?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your Colonel—Cleeve, aunt—O!" +</P> + +<P> +"Colonel Cleeve? Here again? O Heavens!" cried Lady Belinda, flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"He's been waiting below and sprinkling me with his dreadful snuff this +half-hour and more, as you know very well, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed miss, and how should I know?" cried Lady Belinda indignantly, +stealing a glance at her reflection in the mirror. +</P> + +<P> +"You saw him come a-marching up the drive of course, dear aunt. O he +uses the dreadfullest snuff I vow—'tis like gunpowder—and scatters it +broadcast! 'And pray how's your lady aunt?' says he, sprinkling it +over the window-seat and me. 'O sir, in excellent health I thank you,' +says I, 'twixt my sneezes. 'I trust she finds herself none the worse +for her walk last night, the air grows chill toward sunset,' says he +through a brown cloud. 'Indeed sir,' I choked feebly, 'aunt enjoys the +evening air hugely.' 'Then,' says he, speaking like Jove in the cloud, +'I'm bold to hope that she perhaps—this afternoon——' 'I'll go and +see,' I gasped, and staggered from the room strangling. 'Tis a dear, +shy soul, aunt, for all his ogreish eyes and gruff voice." +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" exclaimed Belinda clasping her hands, "when I think of him +downstairs and our poor, dear Charles abovestairs I could positively +swoon——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, aunt, the Colonel's presence here is Charles' safeguard surely, +and the Colonel's a true soldier, a dear, gentle man 'spite all his +bloodthirsty airs and ferocious eyes——" +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think them so—so fierce, Betty?" questioned Lady Belinda +wistfully. +</P> + +<P> +"Go down and see for yourself, aunt." +</P> + +<P> +Lady Belinda crossed to the door, but paused there, fumbled with the +latch and then, all at once, sobbed, and next moment Betty had her +close in her arms. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, aunt!" she whispered. "My dear, what's your grief?" +</P> + +<P> +"O Betty!" whispered Lady Belinda, trembling in those strong young +arms, "O my dear I'm—so—old——" +</P> + +<P> +Betty's eyes filled and stooping she kissed that humbly bowed head: +</P> + +<P> +"Aunt Belinda," she murmured, "Love is never old, nor ever can be. If +Love hath come to thee when least expected, Love shall make thee young. +Thy years of waiting and unselfish service these have but made thee +more worthy—would I were the same. There, let me dry these foolish +tears, so. Now go, dear, go down and may'st thou find a joy worthy of +thy life of devotion to thy Betty who loveth thee and ever will. I'll +upstairs to Charles!" +</P> + +<BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +II +</H4> + +<P> +"Now look'ee Bet," my Lord of Medhurst was saying five minutes later, +"I'll not endure it another week—I'll not I say. To lie mewed up +here, to creep out like a very thief—'tis beyond my endurance——" +</P> + +<P> +"And mine too, Charles—almost," sighed Betty. "To have to live a +hateful lie, to be forced to meet one I despise, to endure his looks, +his words, his touches—O!" +</P> + +<P> +"God forgive me, Bet—I'm a beast, a graceless, selfish beast!" cried +his lordship, clasping her in his arms. "When I think of all you've +done for me I could kick this damned carcass o' mine—forgive me! But +ha!" his lordship chuckled boyishly, "Deuce take me Bet, but I avenged +you to some extent last night. I sat on the wall, Bet, as coyly as you +please and true to a minute along comes my gentleman and kisses my hand +and I more demure and shy than e'er you were. 'Betty,' says he, low +and eager, 'by heaven, you're more bewitching than ever to-night!' His +very words, Bet, as I'm a sinner!" Here my lord chuckled again, +laughed and finally fell to such an ecstasy of mirth that he must needs +gag and half-choke himself with his handkerchief, while Betty laughed +too and thereafter gnashed white teeth vindictively: +</P> + +<P> +"What more?" she questioned, her eyes bright and malevolent. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, Bet, the fool falls to an amorous ecstasy—pleads for a +taste o' my lips—damn him! and finally catches me by the foot and +falls to kissing that and I bursting with laughter the while! So there +he has me by the foot d'ye see and I nigh helpless with suppressed joy, +but when I wished to get away he did but hold and kiss the fiercer. So +Bet, I—full of prudish alarms as it were—bestowed on him—a kick!" +Here his lordship found it necessary to gag himself again while Betty, +leaning forward with hands clasped, watched him gleefully. +</P> + +<P> +"You kicked him!" she repeated. "Hard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Fairly so—enough to send his hat flying, and Bet, as luck would have +it who should chance along at that precise moment but Major d'Arcy +and——" +</P> + +<P> +Uttering an inarticulate cry my lady sprang to her feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Did he see—did he see?" she demanded breathlessly, "Charles—O +Charles—did he see?" +</P> + +<P> +"Begad, I fear he did—why Bet—Betty—good God—what is it?" For, +covering her face, Betty had cowered away to the wall and leaned there. +</P> + +<P> +"What will he think!" she murmured. "O what will he think of me?" +</P> + +<P> +My lord stood speechless awhile, his delicate features twitching with +emotion as he watched her bowed form. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty dear," said he tenderly at last, "doth it matter to thee—so +much?" +</P> + +<P> +"Charles!" she cried, "O Charles!" and in that stricken cry and the +agony of the face she lifted, he read her answer. +</P> + +<P> +"Dearest," said he after awhile, clasping his arm about her, "here is +no cause for grief. I'll go to him in—in these curst floppy +things—he shall see for himself and I'll tell him all——" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" said she rising and throwing up proud head. "I'll die first! We +will go through with it to the end—nobody shall know until you are +safe—none but you and I and Aunt Belinda. To speak now were to ruin +all. So, my Charles, whatsoe'er befall you shall not speak—I forbid +it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Forgive me, Bess," he pleaded, "wilt forgive me for jeopardising +thy—thy happiness so?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye to be sure, dear boy!" she answered, kissing him. "Only now I +must go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Go, Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"To him!" she sighed. "I must find out—just how and what he thinks of +me." +</P> + +<P> +"Gad's my life, Bet!" sighed his lordship ruefully as he followed her +to the door, "I do think thou wert ever the braver of the two of us." +</P> + +<BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +III +</H4> + +<P> +"Consequently Tom, dear lad," the Major was saying as he walked the +rose-garden arm in arm with the Viscount, "feeling for thee as I do and +because of the years that have but knit our affections the closer, I am +bold to ask thee what hath moved thee to run so great a risk o' thy +life—a life so young and promising." +</P> + +<P> +"Why nunky," answered the Viscount, pressing the arm within his own +affectionately, "in the first place I'll confess to a pronounced +distaste for the fellow." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"His air of serene assurance displeases me." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +"His air of cold cynicism annoys me." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"In fine sir, not to particularise, Mr. Dalroyd, within and without and +altogether, I find a trifle irksome." +</P> + +<P> +"And so, Tom, for these trivialities, you picked a quarrel with a man +who is a notorious and deadly duellist? +</P> + +<P> +"I believe I objected to his method of dealing cards, among other +things, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And now, Tom," said the Major, sitting down beside the sun-dial and +crossing his legs, "may I suggest you tell me the real reason—your +true motive?" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount began to pull at and arrange the rich lace of his +steenkirk with gentle fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad save my poor perishing soul!" he sighed, "but you're a very +persistent nunky!" +</P> + +<P> +"Tom," said the Major softly, "you—you love my lady Betty, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount, sitting beside him, was silent a moment, still pulling +gently at the lace of his cravat. +</P> + +<P> +"And—and always shall, sir," he answered at last. +</P> + +<P> +"This," said the Major, staring straight before him, "this brings me to +a matter I have long wished to touch upon—and desired to tell thee, +Tom. For I also thought—that she ... I ... we..." +</P> + +<P> +"Love each other, sir," said the Viscount gently. +</P> + +<P> +"You knew this, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, I guessed it a few days since." +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed his head and was silent awhile. +</P> + +<P> +"Pancras," said he at last, "'twas none of my seeking. I thought +myself too old for love—beyond the age. But Love stole on me all +unbeknown, Love gave me back my vanished youth, changed the world into +a paradise wherein I, dreaming that she loved me, found a joy, a +happiness so great no words may tell of it. And in this paradise I +lived until—last night, and last night I found it but the very +paradise o' fools, dear lad——" +</P> + +<P> +"Last night!" exclaimed the Viscount, "last night sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I chanced to walk in the lane, Tom." +</P> + +<P> +The Viscount clenched white hand and smote it on his knee: +</P> + +<P> +"Damn him!" he cried, "he must ha' bewitched her in some infernal +manner! That Betty should act so—'tis incredible! Yet 'twas none so +dark! And I saw! 'Twas shameless—a vulgar country-wench would +never——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush, Tom, hush!" cried the Major, flushing. "She's—after all she's +so young, Tom, young and a little +wilful—high-spirited—and—and—young, as 'twere——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty's no child, sir, and 'fore heaven——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis strange I missed you, Tom," said the Major a little hastily. +</P> + +<P> +"The lane makes a bend there sir, and when I saw I stopped——" +</P> + +<P> +"So here's the true cause of your quarrel, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, sir, I've known Betty from childhood, I've honoured and loved her +but—'twas not so much on her account——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then whose, Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir I—knew you loved her too——" +</P> + +<P> +"God bless thee, lad!" said the Major and thereafter they sat awhile +staring studiously away from each other. +</P> + +<P> +"The vile dog hath bewitched her somehow!" explained the Viscount +suddenly at last, "I've heard tell o' such cases ere now, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Heaven send he bewitch none other sweet soul!" said the Major +fervently. +</P> + +<P> +"He sha'n't—if I may stop him!" said the Viscount scowling. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think—no, I don't think he ever will, Tom!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gad love us!" exclaimed the Viscount suddenly in altered tone. +"Nunky—sir—look yonder! 'Tis Betty herself and she's seen us! O +Lard, sir—she's coming!" +</P> + +<P> +Glancing swiftly round, the Major sat with breath in check watching +where my lady was descending the steps into the rose-garden, as fresh, +as fair and sweet as the morning itself. With one accord they rose +and, side by side, went to meet her. +</P> + +<P> +"Heavens!" she cried as they came up. "How glum you look—and the sun +so bright too! Ha' you no greeting for me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Madam," said the Viscount with a prodigious bow, "I was but now +relating how, last night, I saw you in a lane, seated upon a wall." +</P> + +<P> +"Was I, Pan?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, my lady!" he answered, taking out his snuff-box. +</P> + +<P> +"And did you see me, too?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who else should see you?" questioned the Viscount staring. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought 'twas only Major d'Arcy—thought to see." +</P> + +<P> +"I saw you also, madam." +</P> + +<P> +"Art sure, Pan?" +</P> + +<P> +"O pasitive, madam!" +</P> + +<P> +"And prithee—what saw you?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis no matter——" +</P> + +<P> +"What saw you, Pan—Tom?" +</P> + +<P> +"I saw that Dalroyd fellow—brutalise your foot." +</P> + +<P> +My lady's cheek grew rosy and her delicate nostrils expanded suddenly, +but her voice was smooth and soft as ever. +</P> + +<P> +"Will you swear it, Pan?" +</P> + +<P> +"On oath!" he answered. +</P> + +<P> +"Alack!" she sighed. "On what slender threads doth woman's reputation +hang! And if I say I was not there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Then, my lady, I am blind or, having eyes, see visions——" +</P> + +<P> +"Was ever such a coil!" she sighed. "Dear Pan, hast ever been my +second brother, so do I forgive thee and, thus forgiving, bid thee go, +thinking on me as kindly as thou may'st and believing that thine eyes +do verily see visions." So the Viscount bowed and went, somewhat stiff +in the back and making great play with his snuff-box. "Dear Pan!" she +murmured as she watched him go, "I might have loved him had I any love +to spare. And now—you, John—will you rail at me, too?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, my lady," he answered dully, "never again!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet your voice is cold and hard! Did you think to see me too?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I saw—I saw," he answered wearily. +</P> + +<P> +"And if I say you saw me not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Then, my lady, I will say I saw you not." +</P> + +<P> +Now at this she came near, so near that he was conscious of all her +warm and fragrant loveliness and thrilled to the contact of her hand +upon the sleeve of the war-worn Ramillie coat. +</P> + +<P> +"And—wilt believe, John?" she questioned softly. The Major stood +silent and with head averted. "This dear old coat!" she murmured. +"Dost remember how I sewed these buttons on?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I remember!" he groaned. +</P> + +<P> +"And—wilt believe, my John?" she questioned, and drew nearer yet, +until despite her soft and even tone, he could feel against him the +swell and tumult of her bosom; yet he stood with head still averted and +arms, that yearned to clasp her, rigid at his sides. "Wilt believe, +John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," he answered, "ask me to believe the sun will rise no more and +I'll believe, but not—not this!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yet, dost love me—still?" she whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, my lady—through life to death and beyond. The love I bear you +is a love stronger than death and the agony of heartbreak and dead +hopes. Though you take my heart and trample it in the dust that heart +shall love thee still—though you profane the worship that I bear you +still shall that worship endure—though you strip me of fame and honour +and rob me of my dearest ideals still, ah still shall I love you +until—until——" His voice broke and he bowed his head. "O Betty!" +he cried. "In God's name show me—a little mercy—let me go!" +</P> + +<P> +And turning he limped away and left her standing alone. +</P> + +<BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +IV +</H4> + +<P> +The Colonel's fierce eyes were transfigured with a radiant tenderness, +his gruff voice was grown strangely soft and tender, his sinewy hand +had sought and found at last those white and trembling fingers, while +two soft eyes were looking up into his, eyes made young with love, and +bright with happy tears. +</P> + +<P> +Seeing all of which from without the casement, my lady Betty, choking +back her own grief, smiled, sobbed and, stealing away, crept softly +upstairs to her room, locked herself in and, lying face down upon her +bed, wept tears more bitter than any she had ever known. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap40"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XL +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF THE ONSET AT THE HAUNTED MILL +</H4> + +<P> +A wild, black night full of wind and rain and mud—a raging, tearing +wind with rain that hissed in every vicious gust—a wind that roared +fiercely in swaying tree-tops and passing, moaned dismally afar; a wind +that flapped the sodden skirts of the Major's heavy riding-coat, that +whirled the Sergeant's hat away into the blackness and set him cursing +in French and Dutch and English. +</P> + +<P> +"What is't, Zeb?" enquired the Major during a momentary lull as they +rode knee and knee in the gloom. +</P> + +<P> +"My hat sir ... the wind with a cur——" The words were blown away and +the Sergeant, swearing unheard, bent his head to the lashing rain. +</P> + +<P> +"Are we ... right ... think you? ... long way ... very dark egad..." +</P> + +<P> +"Dark sir, never knowed it darker and the rain—may the dev..." +</P> + +<P> +"Are we nigh the place Zeb d'ye think, we should be ... by now——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not so fur your hon ... a bye-road hereabouts if 'twarn't dark, with +ten thousand..." +</P> + +<P> +In a while as they splashed on through the gloom the Major felt a hand +on his arm. +</P> + +<P> +"By your left, sir ... bye-road ... can't see on account o' dark, may +the foul fiend ... by your left, so!" Thus through mud and rain and +buffeting wind they rode until at word of the Sergeant they dismounted. +</P> + +<P> +"Must hide the horses, sir," said he in the Major's ear. "I know a +snug place hard by, wait you here sir ... some shelter under the hedge +... never saw such a plaguy night, may all the foul——" And the +Sergeant was gone, venting curses at every step. Very soon he was back +again and the Major stumbled after him across an unseen, wind-swept +expanse until looming blacker than the dark, they saw the ruin of the +haunted mill. Inside, sheltered from rain and wind the Major unloosed +his heavy coat and took from under his arm a certain knobby bludgeon +and twirled it in the dark while Sergeant Zebedee, hard by, struck +flint and steel, but the tinder was damp and refused to burn. +</P> + +<P> +"Is a light necessary Zeb—if any should observe——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, like as not they'd think 'twas ghosts, d'ye see. And 'tis as +well to survey field of operations, wherefore I brought a lanthorn +and——" The Major reached out and caught his arm. +</P> + +<P> +"Hark!" said he. +</P> + +<P> +Above and around them were shrieks and howlings, timbers creaked and +groaned and the whole ruined fabric quivered, ever and anon, to the +fierce buffets of the wind, while faint and far was an ever-recurrent +roll and rumble of thunder. +</P> + +<P> +"Storm's a-waxing sir ... can't last, I..." Borne on the wind above +the tempest came a faint hail. "Zounds, they're close on us!" +exclaimed the Sergeant. "This way, sir, keep close, catch the tail o' +my coat." Thus they stumbled on through the pitchy dark, found a wall, +followed it, turned a corner, brought up against another wall and so +stood waiting with ears on the stretch. +</P> + +<P> +And soon amid this confusion of sounds was a stamping of horse, the +tread of feet and presently voices within the mill itself; one in +especial that poured out a flood of oaths and fierce invective upon +rain and wind and all things in general. +</P> + +<P> +"O burn me, and must we wait here, shivering in the darkness with a +curse on't and me wet to the bone——" +</P> + +<P> +"Content ye, my lushy cove, the others aren't far." +</P> + +<P> +"The others, curse 'em! And what o' me shivering to the bones o' me as +I'm a roaring lad——" +</P> + +<P> +"What, Jerry," cried another voice, "is the Captain wi' you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, here I am—show a light!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why so I will an ye gimme time. So we're all met, then—all here, +Nick?" Followed the sound of flint on steel, a flash, a glow, a light +dazzling in its suddenness, a light that revealed four masked men, +mud-splashed and bedraggled, thronged about a lanthorn on the uneven +floor. +</P> + +<P> +"Now mark me all," said Joseph pushing up his vizard. "You, Jerry and +the Captain will ride to the cross-roads, the finger-post a-top o' the +hill. The coach should reach thereabouts in half an hour or so. Benno +and I strike across the fields and join my gentleman's coach and come +down upon you by the cross-roads. So soon as you've stopped the coach, +do you hold 'em there till we come, then it's up wi' the lady and into +my gentleman's coach wi' her. D'ye take me?" +</P> + +<P> +"No we don't!" growled Jerry, shaking the rain from his hat, "how a +plague are we t' know which is the right coach——" +</P> + +<P> +"By stopping all as come your way——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ged so—we will that!" nodded the Captain. +</P> + +<P> +"And look'ee Jerry and be damned, if you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Stand!" The four sprang apart and stood staring at the Major who +stood, a pistol in each hand, blocking the doorway between them and the +howling desolation outside. "Move so much as a finger either one of +you and he's a dead man. Quick, Sergeant—their wrists—behind!" +Thus while the Major stood covering the four with levelled weapons +watchful and ready, Sergeant Zebedee stepped forward with several +lengths of stout cord across his arm. Coming up to the Captain who +chanced to be nearest, the Sergeant was in the act of securing him, +when Jerry uttered a dreadful cry: +</P> + +<P> +"God save us—look!" For an instant the Major's glance wavered and in +that moment Joseph had kicked out the light and there and then befell a +fierce struggle in the dark, a desperate smiting and grappling; no +chance here for pistol-play, since friend and foe were inextricably +mixed, a close-locked, reeling fray. So while the storm raged without, +the fight raged within, above the howling of wind and lash of rain rose +piercing cries, shouts, groans and hoarse-panted oaths. Smitten by a +random blow the Major fell and was kicked and trampled upon by unseen +feet; yet he staggered up in the dark, his long arms closed in +relentless grip, his iron fingers sought and found a hold that never +loosed even when he fell and rolled again beneath those unseen, +trampling feet. Little by little the ghastly sounds of conflict died +away and in their place was again the roar and shriek of wind. +</P> + +<P> +"Zebedee—Sergeant Zeb!" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank God!" a hoarse voice panted. "A moment sir—must have—light. +Hot work your honour—never ask for warmer!" After some delay the +Sergeant contrived to light his lanthorn; and the Major, looking into +the face of the man he held, loosed his grip and got to his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis him they call the Captain!" said the Sergeant, flashing his light. +</P> + +<P> +"Pray God I haven't killed him!" the Major panted, clasping one hand to +his side. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould but save the hangman a job, sir. Lord! but you're ripped and +tore, sir!" The Major glanced from his disordered dress to the +Sergeant's bloody face: +</P> + +<P> +"Are you hurt, Zeb?" he questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"Nought to matter, sir. Look'ee, here lies the rogue Jerry—zounds, +and a-coming to already! Hold the light, sir—may as well tie him up +nice and comfortable." +</P> + +<P> +"And this other fellow too, Zeb—he's stirring, I'm glad to see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Glad sir? Zooks, 'tis pity you didn't kill him——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I'll ha' no killing, Zebedee——" +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds sir, why so queasy-stomached nowadays? 'Tain't as if you'd +never——" +</P> + +<P> +"Enough, Sergeant! I'm no longer a soldier and besides—things +are—are different quite—nowadays." +</P> + +<P> +"Why look'ee sir, where's t'others? Here be but two o' the rogues——" +</P> + +<P> +"Only two, Zeb?—give me the lanthorn!" By its light they searched the +mill inside and out; gruesome signs of the vicious struggle they found +in plenty but, save themselves and their two groaning captives, the +place was empty. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis mortal hard," mourned the Sergeant, "here's me i' the dark, +seemingly a-knocking of 'em all down one arter t'other, continual. +Yet, 'spite said zeal here's but two to show for same, sure enough." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then we must after 'em, Zeb!" said the Major with a sudden sharp +catch of the breath. "Go fetch the horses!" Forthwith Sergeant +Zebedee hurried away and, left alone, the Major, leaning against the +wall, set a hand to his side and kept it there until the Sergeant +reappeared, leading their horses. +</P> + +<P> +"You picked up my pistols, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"And put 'em back i' the holsters, sir. And the rogues are got away +sure enough, their horses are gone, d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we must spur, Zebedee." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir. And the rain's stopped, praise God!" quoth the Sergeant and +blew out the lanthorn leaving their captives to groan in the dark. +</P> + +<P> +"Take the lead, Zeb," said the Major as they reached the +high-road—"the finger-post a-top the hill—and gallop." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap41"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +CONCERNING HIGHWAYMEN AND THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE +</H4> + +<P> +My lady Betty leaned back in the corner of her coach, gazed at her +aunt's slumbering features dim-seen in the light of the flickering +lamps, and yawned. The storm had abated, the rain had passed, but the +darkness was around them, a darkness full of rioting wind, and mud was +below them through which the heavy wheels splashed dismally as the +great coach laboured on its way. +</P> + +<P> +My lady Betty, stretching rounded limbs luxuriously, yawned again and +having nothing particular to look at, closed her eyes; but, almost +immediately she opened them rather wider than usual, and sat up +suddenly as, from somewhere amid the gusty dark outside, a loud voice +hailed, a pistol cracked and the coach pulled up with a jerk. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly Lady Belinda awoke, screamed "Highwaymen!" and swooned. Next +moment the coach door swung open and Lady Betty saw a sodden hat with a +hideous, masked face below; she saw also two arms that seized her +roughly, dragged her forward and whirled her out into the tempestuous +darkness. Hereupon my lady struggled once, found it vain, screamed +once, felt the cry blown away and lost in the wind and, resisting no +more, reserved her forces for what might be. Next she was aware of a +dim shape, was bundled through a narrow opening, was seized by hands +that aided her to a cushioned seat, heard the slam of a door, a hoarse +command, and was jolted fast over an uneven road. +</P> + +<P> +Instinctively she reached out her hand, groping for the door, felt that +hand clasped in smooth, strong fingers, and a voice spoke close beside +her: +</P> + +<P> +"That would be unwise, sweet Bet?" +</P> + +<P> +Recognising that voice, she freed her hand and shrank back into her +corner, shivering all at once; yet when she spoke her voice was almost +casual. +</P> + +<P> +"This is quite surprising, Mr. Dalroyd." +</P> + +<P> +"But more delightful!" he retorted, and she was aware that his hand, in +the darkness, was seeking hers again. +</P> + +<P> +"Yet—how very foolish and—and unnecessary!" said she a little +breathlessly. +</P> + +<P> +"Unnecessary—ha, perhaps, dear Betty——" +</P> + +<P> +"Had I not promised to fly with you, next week?" +</P> + +<P> +"True, my Bet, true, but next week is—next week. And then besides +though you would have run off with me in your own time yet I prefer to +run off with you in my own time. Moreover——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I love the unexpected! I want you, Betty, but I'd have you come a +little unwilling to my embrace. Give me this pretty hand, suffer me +to—what, no?—excellent! Presently, here in the dark, with unbridled +tempest rioting about us, I shall kiss your lips and the more you +struggle in my arms the sweeter I shall find you—so, dearest Bet, +struggle and strive your best——" +</P> + +<P> +But at this moment the coach slowed down, came to a standstill and a +hand knocked at the window. Whispering fierce curses Mr. Dalroyd +lowered it. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said a voice humbly, "these bye-roads be evil going and in this +dark hard to follow—shall we light the lamps?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—if you must—light one—the off one." +</P> + +<P> +Thus after some little delay the lamp was lighted and the coach lurched +forward again. My lady sighed to find herself no longer in utter +darkness, though the light was faint—scarcely more than a glow. Then +dread seized her, for by this glow she saw her captor's eyes and, +reading his sure and merciless purpose there, she grew suddenly and +terribly afraid of him at last. Fronting that look she strove to hide +her shame and terror but he, wise in the ways of proud and frightened +beauty, laughed softly and leaned towards her. And in that moment, +looking beyond him, she saw over his shoulder that which strung every +quivering nerve of her, for in a sling, on Mr. Dalroyd's side of the +coach, hung his travelling pistols; and now in her terror the one +ambition of her life became narrowed down to this—to grasp sure +fingers round the silver-mounted butt of one of these weapons. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty," said he, "my beautiful Betty, which is it to be?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pray sir," said she, striving to speak lightly, "pray be more +explicit." +</P> + +<P> +"Doth proud loveliness yield at last?" he questioned softly, "or shall +it be forced?" Even as he spoke his arms were about her; for a moment +she struggled wildly, then, as he crushed her to him, still struggling +against his contact, she yielded suddenly and, bearing him backward, +her white hand flashed out and, laughing hysterically, she wrenched +herself away from him. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," she panted, "O dear sir, you love surprises, you tell me—look, +look at this and beg your life of me!" +</P> + +<P> +His arms fell from her and slowly, sullenly, he recoiled, watching her +beneath drooping lids. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, Betty!" he sighed, "what an adorable woman you are!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir," said she a little tremulously but with hand and eyes +steady, "you will obey me." +</P> + +<P> +"'Twill be my joy, sweet Bet," he answered softly, "aye faith, my +joy—when I have conquered thee——" +</P> + +<P> +"Conquered?" she cried and gnashed white teeth. "No man shall do +that—you least of——" +</P> + +<P> +A hoarse command from the road in front, followed almost immediately by +two pistol shots in rapid succession, and, lurching towards the hedge, +the coach came to an abrupt standstill, ensued the stamp of horses, +cries, fierce imprecations, the sounds of desperate struggling and a +heavy fall. In an instant Mr. Dalroyd had snatched his other pistol, +had jerked down the window and thrust out head and arms. +</P> + +<P> +"What now?" he cried. "What the devil——" The words ended in a +choking gasp, for the pistol was twisted from his hold and a strong +hand was upon his throat; then the door was wrenched open and himself +dragged into the road there to be caught and crushed in arms of steel +while his hands were drawn swiftly behind him and dexterously trussed +together, all in a moment. +</P> + +<P> +"You!" he cried, staring into the pale, serene face of his captor and +struggling against his bonds. "God, but you shall repent this outrage, +I swear you——" +</P> + +<P> +"The gag, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Here, sir!" And Mr. Dalroyd's vicious threats were choked to sudden +silence. +</P> + +<P> +"His ankles, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"All secure, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then mount and take him before you—so! Up with him—heave!" +</P> + +<P> +Next moment Mr. Dalroyd lay bound, gagged and helpless across the +withers of the Sergeant's horse. +</P> + +<P> +"What's come of the coachman, Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"I' the ditch, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Hurt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lord love ye, just a rap o' the nob, sir." +</P> + +<P> +It was now that my lady, crouched in the darkest corner of the chaise, +fancied she heard shouts above the raving of the wind and, grasping the +pistol in trembling fingers, ventured to look out. And thus she saw a +face, pallid in the flickering light of the solitary lantern, a face +streaked with mud and sweat, fierce-eyed and grim of mouth. She caught +but a momentary glimpse as he swung to horse but, reading aright the +determined purpose of that haggard face, she cried aloud and sprang out +into the road, calling on his name. +</P> + +<P> +"John—O John!" But her voice was lost in the rushing wind, and the +Major, spurring his spirited horse, plunged into the dark, beyond the +feeble light of the lamp, and was swallowed up in the whirling darkness. +</P> + +<P> +Deafened and half-dazed by the buffeting wind and the suddenness of it +all, she stood awhile, then, squaring her dimpled chin, set about +freeing one of the horses. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap42"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH DESCRIBES A DUEL +</H4> + +<P> +Colonel Lord George Cleeve, dozing over a bottle beside the hearth, +stirred at the heavy tread of feet, unclosed slumberous eyes at the +sudden opening of the door, glanced round sleepily, stared and sprang +to his feet, broad awake in a moment, to see the Major and Sergeant +Zebedee, wind-blown and mud-splashed, tramp heavily in bearing between +them a shapeless bundle of sodden clothes and finery the which, propped +upright in a chair, resolved itself into a human being, gagged and +bound hand and foot. +</P> + +<P> +"Jack!" he gasped, his eyes rolling. "Why, Jack—good Lord!" After +which, finding no more to say he sank back into his armchair and swore +feebly. +</P> + +<P> +"Off with the gag, Sergeant," said the Major serenely as he laid by his +own mud-spattered hat and riding-coat. The Sergeant obeyed; and now +beholding the prisoner's pale, contorted features, the Colonel sprang +to his feet again. +</P> + +<P> +"Refuse me!" he gasped. "What the—Mr. Dalroyd!" +</P> + +<P> +"Or Captain Effingham!" said the Major. "Loose his cravat and shirt, +Sergeant, and let us be sure at last." Sergeant Zebedee's big fingers +were nimble and the Major, taking one of the silver candlesticks, bent +above the helpless man for a long moment; then, setting down the light, +he bowed: +</P> + +<P> +"Captain Effingham, I salute you!" said he. "To-night sir, here in +this room, I propose that we finish, once and for all, what we left +undone ten years ago, 'tis for this purpose I brought you hither, +though a little roughly I fear. My Lord Cleeve will oblige me by +acting as your second, I think. But first, take some refreshment, I +beg. We have ample leisure, so pray compose yourself until you shall +have recovered from the regrettable violence I have unavoidably +occasioned you. Loose him, Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +Freed of his bonds, Mr. Dalroyd stretched himself, re-settled his damp +and rumpled garments, and lounged back in his chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, viewing the Major with eyes that glittered between +languid-drooping lids, "though my—enforced presence here runs counter +to certain determined purposes of mine, yet I am so much of a +philosopher as to recognise in this the hand of Fate and to find +therein a very real satisfaction, for I have long been possessed of a +most earnest desire to kill you—as indeed I think I should ha' done +years ago but for a slip of the foot." The Major bowed: +</P> + +<P> +"May I pour you a glass of wine, Captain Effingham? he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Not now sir, I thank you," answered Mr. Dalroyd, languidly testing the +play of right hand and wrist, "afterwards, perhaps!" +</P> + +<P> +"You are without your sword, I perceive sir," said the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Gad, yes sir!" lisped Mr. Dalroyd, smiling, "in our hurry we left it +behind in the coach." +</P> + +<P> +"Still, you will prefer swords, of course?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Go, bring the duelling-swords, Sergeant," said the Major and sitting +down filled himself a glass of wine while Mr. Dalroyd gently smoothed +and patted wrist and sword-hand with long, white fingers and the +Colonel, standing on the hearth, his feet wide apart, stared from one +serene, deadly face to the other. +</P> + +<P> +"Ten years, sir, is a fair span of life," said Mr. Dalroyd musingly, +"and in that time Fortune hath been kind to you, 'twould seem. You +have here a noble heritage to—ah—leave behind you to some equally +fortunate wight!" Here he turned to glance at the wicked-looking +weapons Sergeant Zebedee had laid upon the table. "When you have +finished your wine, sir, I will play Providence to that fortunate +wight, whoever he may be, and put him in possession of his heritage as +soon as possible." The Major bowed, emptied his glass and rising, +proceeded to remove coat and waistcoat and, with the Sergeant's aid, to +draw off his long riding-boots and rolled back snowy shirt from his +broad chest while Mr. Dalroyd, having kicked off his buckled shoes, did +the same. +</P> + +<P> +"We have no surgeon here, I perceive," he smiled. "Ah well, so much +the better." So saying, he took up the nearest sword haphazard, +twirled it, made a rapid pass in the air and stood waiting. +</P> + +<P> +"My Lord Cleeve," said the Major as the Colonel drew his weapon and +stepped forward, "when once we engage you will on no account strike up +our swords——" +</P> + +<P> +"But damme, man Jack, how if you wound each other——" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir," murmured Mr. Dalroyd quietly, testing the suppleness of +his blade, "we shall proceed to—exterminate one another. This is to +the death, my lord!" +</P> + +<P> +The library was a long, spacious chamber with the broad fireplace at +one end; moreover the Sergeant had already set back the furniture +against the wall and rolled up the rugs out of the way. Lord Cleeve +glanced round about him quick-eyed, ordered the candles to be disposed +a little differently that there might be no advantage of light, then, +folding his arms, glanced from the pale, serene face of the Major to +the cold, smiling face of Mr. Dalroyd as they fronted each other sword +in hand in the middle of the wide floor. +</P> + +<P> +"Then, 'tis understood, I am not to part ya', not to interfere +until——" +</P> + +<P> +"Until one of us is dead, my lord!" said Mr. Dalroyd, his nostrils +quivering. +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly so!" said the Major. "Sergeant Zebedee—lock the door!" +</P> + +<P> +Lord Cleeve shrugged his shoulders: "'Tis a damnably cold-blooded +business altogether!" said he as the Sergeant turned key in lock. +</P> + +<P> +"Agreed, sir!" smiled Mr. Dalroyd. "But pray be so obliging as to give +the word." +</P> + +<P> +The Colonel shrugged his shoulders again, cleared his throat and took a +step backwards: +</P> + +<P> +"Ready, sirs!" said he curtly. "On guard!" +</P> + +<P> +The narrow blades glittered, crossed, kissed lightly together and +remained for a moment rigidly motionless, then, quicker than eye could +follow, flashed into swift and deadly action. Followed the soft thud +of swift-moving feet, the quick, light beat of the blades, now ringing +sharply, now clashing and grinding, now silent altogether. Mr. +Dalroyd's white teeth were bared in a confident smile as, pressing in, +he beset the Major with thrust on thrust, now in the high line, now in +the low, constantly changing his attack, besetting him with cunning +beats and skilful twists; but cunning was met with cunning and fierce +attack with calm and unerring guard. +</P> + +<P> +Thus as the moments sped, the fighting grew ever more close and deadly, +the blades darted and writhed unceasingly, they flashed and flickered +in narrow circles, while the Sergeant, leaning broad back against +locked door, watched the rapid exchanges with a fencer's eye and the +Colonel forgot all else in the world but the sublime skill of their +play. But as the moments dragged by, the Colonel's fingers began to +pull and twist irritably at one of the buttons of his coat, and about +this time too, Sergeant Zebedee's nonchalant attitude changed to one of +rigid attention, his black brows twitched and in his look was dawning +bewilderment; for while Mr. Dalroyd fought serene of face and tireless +of arm the Major seemed to have become strangely languid and +unaccountably slow, his pallid cheeks were lined with sweat and he +laboured painfully in his breathing; noting all of which the Sergeant's +bewilderment grew to anxiety, while Colonel Cleeve's fingers were +twisting and wrenching at the button harder than ever. +</P> + +<P> +Without the windows was the ceaseless rush of the wind, now rising to +an angry roar, now dying to a mournful wail; within was a ceaseless +tread of shoeless feet and ring of steel, now clashing fierce and loud, +and always the Sergeant's anxiety increased, for the Major's parries +seemed slower than ever; again and again his adversary's point, +flashing perilously near, was turned only just in time, once ripping +the cambric at his neck and again at shoulder; and ever Mr. Dalroyd's +smile grew more confident and the spectators' anxious bewilderment the +keener. +</P> + +<P> +All at once the Sergeant uttered a gasp, the Colonel took a quick +stride forward as Mr. Dalroyd, thrusting in tierce, flashed into carte +and drove in a vicious lunge—was met by lightning riposte and flinging +himself sideways sprang out of distance, a fleck of blood upon his +shirt-sleeve. +</P> + +<P> +"You are touched, I think, sir?" enquired the Colonel. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, 'tis nought in the world," he answered, panting a little +but with lips that curled and nostrils that quivered in his cold smile +as he watched the Major who stood, haggard of face, one hand pressed to +his side, his lips close-set, breathing hard through his nose. +</P> + +<P> +"Art hurt, man Jack—art hurt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir I—I am well enough!" he answered, forcing a ghastly +smile—"when Captain Effingham is ready——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir," answered Mr. Dalroyd, bowing, "pray take your time—you are +a little distressed I think, pray recover your breath——" +</P> + +<P> +"I am quite ready, sir." So they bowed to each other, advanced upon +each other and again their weapons crossed. And now as though they +knew it was a matter of time they pressed each other more fiercely and +with a new impetuosity, yet equally alert and wary—came a whirl and +flurry of ringing steel drowned all at once in the crash of splintering +glass at one of the windows—a frenzied hand that groped, then the +casement swung wide with a rush of wind and, as though borne in upon +the raging tempest, a figure sprang into the room, long hair flying, a +cloud of tresses black as the night, silks and satins torn and +mud-splashed, one white hand grasping a silver-mounted pistol, the +other stretched out commandingly. +</P> + +<P> +"Stop!" she panted. "Stop!" +</P> + +<P> +At sight of her Mr. Dalroyd lowered his weapon and bowed; the Major, +with head drooping, viewed her beneath his brows, then, crossing to the +table leaned there with head averted, and Lord Cleeve, having opened +his eyes to their widest, opened his mouth also—but said not a word +and dropped a button from suddenly relaxed fingers; as for the Sergeant +he unclenched his fists, breathed a deep sigh of thankfulness and +murmured "Zounds!" +</P> + +<P> +"My Lord Cleeve," said she at last, "when Mr. Dalroyd has taken his +departure, I will beg you to escort me to my house." +</P> + +<P> +Lord Cleeve bowed and sheathed his sword looking foolish the while. +</P> + +<P> +"A—a happiness!" he stammered. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd," said my lady very proudly for all her torn and muddy +gown, "I ask you to prove your manhood by setting by that sword and +leaving the house—now! You will find one of your coach horses below +the terrace. Your quicker way will be by the window yonder." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd hesitated, his pale cheeks flushed suddenly, his sleepy +eyes opened wide, then he smiled and bowing, reached for his coat and +with the Colonel's assistance got into it, and he slipped on his shoes. +Then, heedless of the others, he caught my lady's hand to his lips and +bowing, kissed it. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, Betty," said he, "you are worth the winning—aye, upon my soul you +are!" +</P> + +<P> +"Take your pistol, sir!" He took it, turned it over and laughed gently. +</P> + +<P> +"My dear lady," said he, "after your exploits this night I wouldn't +forego you for any woman that ever tempted man. Your time shall be my +time and my time is—soon, Betty—ah, soon!" And bowing again, he +crossed to the open window, stepped out into the dark and was gone. +For a moment none moved, then the Sergeant crossed the room and closed +the shattered casement. +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy," said my lady, and now there was a troubled quiver in +the clear voice, "upon a night not long ago you made me a promise—nay, +swore me an oath. Do you remember?" The Major was silent. "Sir," she +continued, her voice growing more troubled, "you did not give me that +oath easily and now—O is it thus you keep all your promises?" The +Major made no answer, nor did he stir, nor even lift his head. +</P> + +<P> +"John," she took a quick step toward the rigid figure. "O Jack—you +are not hurt——" +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you—I am—very well!" he answered, still without turning, and +gripping the sword he still held in rigid fingers. After this there +seemed a long silence filled with the rumble of wind in the wide +chimney. Then my lady stirred, sighed, and stretched out her hand to +Colonel Cleeve. +</P> + +<P> +"O my lord," she said wearily, "prithee take me home." So the Colonel +took her hand, drew it through his arm and led her towards the door, +but ever as she went she gazed towards the Major's motionless back; +reaching the door she paused, but still his head was averted; then she +sighed, shivered and, despite her muddy and tattered gown, swept away +upon Lord George's arm like a young, disdainful goddess. +</P> + +<P> +The Major drew a quivering breath and his sword clattered upon the +floor. +</P> + +<P> +"God above!" exclaimed the Sergeant, clasping strong arms about that +rigid form, "the Captain pinked you after all, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"No, Zeb, no—but I fancy I've broke a—couple of ribs or so—as +'twere, d'ye see, Zeb——" And sighing, he fell forward with his head +pillowed upon the Sergeant's shoulder. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap43"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +HOW THEY DRANK A NEW TOAST +</H4> + +<P> +"The Major's rib will do, sir," nodded Dr. Ponderby, "'tis doing well +and will do better and better. A simple fracture, sir—'twill be sound +in no time, it being a rib of health abounding, owing, if I may put it +so, to an abstemious life, a past puritanic—a——" +</P> + +<P> +"Abstemious, sir!" exclaimed Lord Cleeve, rolling his eyes, "abstemious +d'ya' say? O begad, hark to that, Jack! Abstemious sir, abste——" +The Colonel choked and rolled his eyes fiercer than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"My lord," said portly Dr. Ponderby, patting his smooth wig, "I am no +Puritan myself, nor do I look askance at a glass or so of wine, far +from it——" +</P> + +<P> +"The bottle is at your elbow, sir," said the Major from his cushioned +chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Abstemious—begad!" chuckled Lord Cleeve, snuffing fiercely. +</P> + +<P> +"I thank you, Major," said Dr. Ponderby, leisurely filling his glass, +"and my Lord Cleeve, coming back to my patient's rib, I repeat its +abounding health is due entirely to a youthful and immensely robust +constitution and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Abstemious—ho!" chuckled the Colonel. "Given occasion sir, Jack can +be as abstemious as Bacchus. I remember last time we made a night +on't—aha! It being nigh dawn and we on our fifth bottle, or was it +the seventh, Jack—not to mention Sir Benjamin's punch, begad, it being +nigh dawn, I say, and I happening to glance about missed divers faces +from the genial board. 'Where are they all, Jack?' says I. 'Under the +table,' says he, sober as a judge, and damme sir, so they were and Jack +as I say, sober as yourself sir, for all his abstemiousness!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hem!" exclaimed Dr. Ponderby, gulping his wine and rising. "None the +less, Major d'Arcy, my dear sir, you shall be abroad again in a week +if—I say, and mark me sir, I say it with deepest emphasis—if you will +brisk up, banish gloomy thought and melancholy, cultivate joy, sit i' +the sun, eat well, drink moderately and sleep as much as possible." +</P> + +<P> +"A copious prescription, sir!" sighed the Major wearily. +</P> + +<P> +"Brisk?" snorted Lord Cleeve, "brisk, is it? Refuse me but he's as +brisk and joyous as a gallows! Here he sits, hunched up in that old +service coat and glooms and glowers all day, and when night draws on, +damns his bed, curses himself, and wishes his oldest friend to the +devil and that's me sir—his friend I mean." +</P> + +<P> +"Stay, never that, George," smiled the Major, shaking protesting head. +</P> + +<P> +"But ya' curst gloomy Jack, none the less." +</P> + +<P> +"This won't do," smiled Dr. Ponderby, "won't do at all. Gloom must we +dissipate——" +</P> + +<P> +"Dissipate!" exclaimed the Colonel, "dissipate—aye man, but he won't +drink and the Oporto's the right stuff you'll allow——" +</P> + +<P> +"He must have company——" +</P> + +<P> +"Well and aren't I company?" +</P> + +<P> +"The very best, my lord——" +</P> + +<P> +"Not to mention Viscount Tom and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Very true sir," smiled the doctor, "only you don't either of you +happen to wear petticoats——" +</P> + +<P> +"Petticoats!" exclaimed the Colonel, rolling his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Petticoats are my prescription, my lord—plenty of 'em and taken +often. A house is a gloomy place without 'em——' +</P> + +<P> +"Agad and ya' right there—ya' right there!" nodded the Colonel +vehemently. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" protested the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes!" cried the Colonel. "Look at my place in Surrey, the damndest, +dreariest curst hole y'ever saw——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay George, when I saw it last it was——" +</P> + +<P> +"A plaguy, dreary hole, Jack!" snapped the Colonel. "Used to wonder +why I couldn't abide the place—reason perfectly plain to-day—lacks a +petticoat, and Jack man, a petticoat I'm a-going to have soon, man, +soon ha, and so shall you begad!" +</P> + +<P> +"Never!" said the Major drearily. +</P> + +<P> +"Now hark to the poor, curst wretch, 'tis the woefullest dog!" +exclaimed the Colonel feelingly, "won't drink and no petticoats! Man +Jack, I tell thee woman is to man his—his—well, she's a woman, and +man without woman's gentle and purifying influence is—is only—only +a—well, man. Look at me. After all these years, Jack 'tis a +petticoat for me." +</P> + +<P> +The Major murmured the old adage about one man's meat being another +man's poison, whereon his lordship snarled and rolled his eyes as he +rose to escort the doctor to the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Petticoats quotha?" said he, "Petticoats it shall be." +</P> + +<P> +"In large doses!" nodded Dr. Ponderby, "and repeated often." So +saying, he shook the invalid's languid hand, smiled and bustled away. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" exclaimed his lordship, "there's a man of stark common sense, +Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye," nodded the Major a little impatiently, "but what of +Effingham, you say he has left Westerham?" +</P> + +<P> +"He left at mid-day, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"For good?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Twould seem so, he marched bag and baggage. The rascal fences purely +well, I vow." +</P> + +<P> +"Superlatively well," nodded the Major beginning to fill a much smoked +clay pipe. +</P> + +<P> +"Man Jack, I thought he had ya' there in carte." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay I was expecting it and ready, George. I should have caught him on +the riposte but I was short d'ye see——" +</P> + +<P> +"Owing to ya' rib, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Damn my rib!" exclaimed the Major. "'Tis pure folly I should be laid +up and sit here like a lame dog for so small a matter as a rib, d'ye +see——" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis more than ya' rib is wrong with ya', Jack!" +</P> + +<P> +"A Gad's name, what?" +</P> + +<P> +"A general gloom and debility induced by lack of and need for—a +petticoat." +</P> + +<P> +"Folly!" snorted the Major, but his pale cheek flushed none the less. +</P> + +<P> +"Talking o' Dalroyd, ya' pinked his sword arm, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"But he's alive, alive George and now, now for all I know—where's +Tom—where's Pancras? For all we know they may be fighting at this +moment!" And the Major half rose from his elbow-chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Content ya', Jack, content ya'!" said the Colonel, pressing him back +with hands surprisingly gentle, "the lad's not fighting—nor likely to. +I swear again, he shan't cross blades with Dalroyd or Effingham if I +have to pistol the rogue myself, so ha' no worry on that score, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +The Major sighed and leaned back in his chair while Lord Cleeve watched +him and, snuffing copiously, sighed sympathetically. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the woefullest figure ya' cut, Jack, wi' that long face and +damned old service coat." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis the one I wore at Ramillies," said the Major, glancing down at +faded cloth and tarnished lace. +</P> + +<P> +"Is it, begad! I'd never ha' recognised it. Then 'tis time 'twas +superannuated and retired from active service. You was wounded that +day I remember, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Twice." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"But ya' never wore look so doleful—never such a damned dumb-dog, +suffer-and-smite me air—not then, Jack—not in those days and ya' were +generally nursing some wound or other." +</P> + +<P> +"I was younger then!" sighed the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Pah!" exclaimed the Colonel scattering a pinch of snuff in his +vehemence, "I say pish, man—tush and the devil! Ya' younger these +days than ever ya' were—all ya' need to become a very youth is a +petticoat—take your old comrade's advice and marry one." +</P> + +<P> +"Never!" exclaimed the Major, clenching his fists. +</P> + +<P> +"Tush!" exclaimed the Colonel, snuffing. "As ya' friend, Jack, 'tis my +duty to see ya' happily married and I'll be damned if I don't. Wedlock +'twixt man and woman is—is—ah, is well, marriage. There's little +Mrs. Wadhurst over at Sevenoaks—a shape, Jack, an eye and a curst +alluring nose. Hast ever noticed her nose?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" snarled the Major. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" sighed the Colonel. "Not to ya' taste, belike. Why then there's +Lady Lydia Flyte—a widow, Jack—another neighbour—a comely piece, +man, bright eyes, wealthy and sufficiently plump——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha' done!" snapped the Major, puffing smoke. +</P> + +<P> +"Dooce take ya'!" snarled the Colonel, scattering snuff. "Begad, man +Jack, ya' damned peevish and contrary, y'are 'pon my life! If I wasn't +the most patient, long-suffering, meek and mild soul i' the world I +should be inclined to lose my temper over ya' damned stubbornness—rot +me, I should!" At this the Major chuckled.. +</P> + +<P> +"Your meekness, George, hath ever been equalled only by your humility!" +said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, but man Jack, look'ee now—'tis not that I would ram my own +happiness down thy throat, but to see thee so glum and spiritless, +damps my own joy doocedly. And the word glum brings us back to +petticoats." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay George, for mercy's sake no more——" +</P> + +<P> +"But comrade, a petticoat should be—ah—should be, a petticoat is—is +a—ha!" +</P> + +<P> +At this moment was a knock and, the door opening, the Sergeant advanced +two paces and stood at attention: +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour," said he. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb," exclaimed the Colonel, fixing him with fierce, blue eye, +"ho, Sergeant Zeb, what the dooce is a petticoat?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant stared at his lordship, stared at the ceiling, scratched +smooth-shaven chin with thoughtful finger and spoke. +</P> + +<P> +"A petticoat, m' lud, is a article as a woman can't very well go +without and a man shouldn't—and won't!" +</P> + +<P> +The Colonel set down his glass, threw back his head and roared with +laughter till he stamped. "Aha—oho!" he cried at last, sprinkling +snuff over himself and everything within reach. "O Gad, Zeb, ya' +right, ya' right—must remember that. D'ya hear that, Jack—oho—aha!" +And he roared again while the Major smiled, chuckled, and despite rib +and bandages, laughed until Sergeant Zebedee anxiously bade him have a +care, and announced that Sir Benjamin Tripp, Lord Alvaston, Mr. +Marchdale, Sir Jasper and Captain West had ridden over to see him and +enquire after his health. +</P> + +<P> +"Why then let 'em in, Zeb—let 'em in," said the Major a little +breathlessly, "and bring up a half-dozen or so of the yellow seal——" +</P> + +<P> +"The yellow—ha!" sighed the Colonel, "if the same as last time 'tis +bottled sunshine, 'twill warm the very cockles o' ya' heart, man——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, George——" +</P> + +<P> +"Tush, Jack—an you don't drink, I don't——" +</P> + +<P> +"But George——" +</P> + +<P> +"Pish, Jack! You'll never go for to deny ya' old friend?" Here the +door opened and the company entered with a prodigious waving of hats, +flirting of gold-mounted whips and jingling of spurs. +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy, sir!" cried Sir Benjamin, "your very devoted, humble +servant. My lord, yours! Ods my life, my dear Major d'Arcy, I joy to +see you no worse, sir, after your desperate battle with nine +bloodthirsty ruffians——" +</P> + +<P> +"Four, Sir Benjamin——" +</P> + +<P> +"Common report, sir, makes 'em twelve but I'm assured they were but +nine——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir, they were but four," repeated the Major gently. "But gentlemen, +you have lost one of your number—Mr. Dalroyd is gone, I understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Faith and so he has, sir," answered Mr. Marchdale petulantly, "clean +gone and with eight hundred guineas o' mine and more of Alvaston's, not +to mention——" +</P> + +<P> +"But then we never had 'ny luck wi' th' cards, Tony," yawned his +lordship. +</P> + +<P> +"Luck!" spluttered Mr. Marchdale, "luck, d'ye call it——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ahem!" exclaimed Sir Benjamin. "'Tis true Dalroyd is gone, sir, and +suddenly, nor will I disguise the fact that his ahem!—his departure +was in some sort a relief considering the deplorable scene 'twixt him +and Viscount Merivale——" +</P> + +<P> +"And his curst secret ways," added Mr. Marchdale, "and his treatment of +that fellow of his—Dalroyd's room was next mine and I know he's beaten +the poor rogue damnably more than once of late." +</P> + +<P> +"Haw—that's true enough!" exclaimed Captain West, "heard the miserable +dog myself. Dismally a-groaning a-nights. More than once, haw!" +</P> + +<P> +"And yesterday, just as he mounts to ride away Dalroyd must fall +a-kicking the fellow—in the open street and with us standing by! And +kicked him, look you, not as a gentleman should but with such vicious +pleasure in it—faith, 'twas positively indecent!" +</P> + +<P> +"Od's life, sir, and that's true—indecent is the word!" nodded Sir +Benjamin tapping his snuff-box, "and gentlemen, if the human optic, +basilisk-like, could blast soul and wither flesh—Dalroyd would have +hem! I say would have known—ha—would have made a sufficiently +uncomfortable not to say painful exit—or setting forth the matter in +plainer terms Dalroyd hem——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold hard, Ben!" yawned Alvaston. "Y' gettin' lost again. What our +Ben wants t' say 's simply Dalroyd's f'low looked bloody murder 'n so +he did." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—begad! He did so!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dalroyd is well enough enjoyed now and then," said Mr. Marchdale +sententiously, "but as a constant diet is apt to become devilish +indigestible! And as regards his unfailing lack with the cards, I +shouldn't wonder——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then don't, Tony—don't!" murmured Lord Alvaston, crossing his slender +legs. "Dalroyd may be this, that or t'other, but Dalroyd ain't +here—enough of him." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, true," nodded Sir Benjamin, "true indeed, Dalroyd is gone and we, +dear Major, like this year's roses, are going too. In a week sir, this +fraternity amorous will suffer disruption, our lady hath so decreed, +the fiat hath gone forth." +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed sir, you surprise me!" said the Major, glancing from one to +another, "whence comes this?" +</P> + +<P> +Here Sir Benjamin shook his head and sighed, Sir Jasper stifled a +groan, Mr. Marchdale swore beneath his breath, the Captain uttered a +feeble "Haw" and Lord Alvaston whistled dolefully. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," sighed Sir Benjamin, "you behold in us a band of woeful wooers +each alike condemned to sigh, and yet to sigh in unison and in this, +the measure of our woe doth find some small abatement. Each hath wooed +and each hath proved his wooing vain, his dreams, his visions must +remain but—hem!—but dreams and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hold on, Ben," murmured Alvaston, "burn me but y're gettin' int' th' +weeds again! What poor old Ben's strivin' t' say 's simply that——" +</P> + +<P> +"Betty'll ha' none of us," scowled Mr. Marchdale, "though if I'd had +more time——" +</P> + +<P> +"None of us!" added the Captain, "er—haw! Not one!" Here Sir Jasper, +trying to sip his wine and groan at the same time, choked. +</P> + +<P> +"And yet—and yet," sighed Sir Benjamin, holding his glass between his +eye and the light, "seeing that our ahem! our unspeakable grief is +common to us, each and all, it shall, methinks, but knit closer the +bonds of our fellowship and we should unite to wish her happiness with +whatsoever unknown mortal she shall some day make blest. Regarding +which I think a toast might be appropriate—pray charge your glasses +and I——" Sir Benjamin paused and turned as with a perfunctory knock +the Sergeant re-appeared. +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour," said he, "my Lady Belinda Damain with Lady Carlyon to +see you." +</P> + +<P> +The Major caught his breath, then sat upright his square chin showing a +little grim. +</P> + +<P> +"You will tell their ladyships that I present my humble respects and +thanks but regret I am unable to see them." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir?" said the Sergeant, staring. +</P> + +<P> +"Go, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +"Jack!" exclaimed the Colonel as the door closed "why, Jack!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir!" answered the Major, his eyes very keen and bright. +</P> + +<P> +"P-petticoats, man—two of 'em—doctor's orders! O rot me!" spluttered +the Colonel. +</P> + +<P> +"Gentlemen," said the Major, smiling wearily, "pray charge your glasses +for Sir Benjamin's toast." +</P> + +<P> +"Major d'Arcy, sir," said Sir Benjamin, bowing from his chair, "permit +me to say that I applaud the delicacy of your feelings. We lovers who +have wooed and lost, alas! Ods my life, sir, 'twas well done—honour +me!" And he extended his snuff-box. "Sir," he continued, when they +had bowed and snuffed together, "summer is on the wane and with the +summer we, like the swallows, shall desert these rural solitudes. A +week hence, instead of perambulating bosky Westerham we shall most of +us be jolting over the cobblestones of London—but we shall one and all +treasure a lively memory of your friendship and trust that it may be +renewed from time to time. Meanwhile, ere we fly hence, it is our +united hope that you, together with my Lord Cleeve will honour us again +with your company to supper on an early date——" +</P> + +<P> +"A Gad, sir, we will that!" nodded the Colonel. "Speaking for myself I +thank you heartily, and speaking for Jack, I say he shall come if I +have to carry him there and back again." +</P> + +<P> +"And now, Sir Benjamin," said the Major, "pray give us your toast." +</P> + +<P> +Sir Benjamin rose, glass in one hand, lace handkerchief in the other. +</P> + +<P> +"We have all here, I think, with the exception of the gallant Colonel, +essayed our fortune with my lady Betty, and with equal ahem! equally +deplorable lack of success. 'Twould seem that she is determined on +according to no one of us here that felicity we have, each one, dreamed +of and sought for. But she is young and 'tis but to be expected that +one day some happier man shall succeed where we have failed. Now sirs, +as lovers, as gentlemen and sportsmen true, let us raise our glasses to +that happy unknown whoever he be, let us drink health to him, joy to +him, success and long life to him for the sake of Our Admirable Betty. +Gentlemen 'The Unknown!'" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap44"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +SOME ACCOUNT OF A HIGHWAYMAN +</H4> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd was a man of habit and of late it had become his custom to +take particular heed as to the lock and bolts of his chamber door of +nights and to sleep with his pistol beneath his pillow. +</P> + +<P> +He had formed another habit also, a strange, uncanny habit of pausing +suddenly with head aslant like one hearkening for soft or distant +sounds; though to be sure his eyes were as sleepy and himself as +languid as usual. +</P> + +<P> +But the stair leading to Mr. Dalroyd's bedchamber was narrow and +extremely precipitous and, descending in the gloom one evening, he had +tripped over some obstacle and only by his swordsman's quickness and +bodily agility saved himself from plunging headlong to the bottom. He +had wakened in the middle of the night for no seeming reason and, +sitting up in that attitude of patient listening, had chanced to glance +at the door lit by a shaft of moonlight and had watched the latch +quiver, lift silently and as silently sink back in place. +</P> + +<P> +He had moreover become cautious as to how he took up his pistols, +having found them more than once mysteriously at full cock. So Mr. +Dalroyd continued to lock and double-lock his door at night and, in the +morning, seated before his mirror, to watch Joseph the obsequious +therein: as he was doing now. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said Joseph, eyes lowered yet perfectly aware of his master's +watchful scrutiny, "everything is packed save your brushes and the +gillyflower water." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then, my snail, you may pack them also." +</P> + +<P> +"I will, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"It is now half after ten, Joseph—we ride at eleven." +</P> + +<P> +"To London, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Order the horses to the door at that hour, Object." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir. Pray, sir," said he humbly, head bowed and big hands +twitching nervously, "regarding your promise of permitting me +to—to—quit your service—pray when is it to be?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know, Joseph, I can't say." +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—sir—d'ye mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean that I don't feel I can endure to part with you, Joseph." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean—you—won't?" +</P> + +<P> +"You interest me, Joseph. Yes, you amuse me vastly, there is about you +such infinite repression, Joseph, such latent ferocity. Yours is a +nature of great and unexpected possibilities. Ferocity, duly in check, +allures me, Joseph; so I shall continue to be your master and +to—master you, Animal. Reach me my pistols." +</P> + +<P> +Joseph crossed the room to where they lay beside the bed. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he, taking up the weapons, "you won't let me go, then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Are they loaded, Joseph?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Are they cocked?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Which is just as well, Joseph. With your hands shaking like that you +might have had the misfortune to shoot me and be infallibly hanged for +a deplorable accident." +</P> + +<P> +Joseph's eyes flickered and he stood, still grasping a pistol in either +hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," said he thickly, "do you mean to let me go—yes or no?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hanged, Joseph, for—knowing you as I do, Reptile, I am leaving behind +me a letter to the effect that should I meet with any sudden or +untoward misfortune on my journey, a knife in the back, say, or a +bullet, Joseph, justice may be done on the body of one Joseph Appleby, +alias Galloping Nick, already wanted for the murder of——" +</P> + +<P> +The weapons thudded to the floor and Joseph cowered. +</P> + +<P> +"For the love of God!" he whispered hoarsely. "Sir—sir——" And he +clenched and wrung his hands together. +</P> + +<P> +"Pick up the pistols, Worm, and handle them carefully, they've taken to +cocking themselves of late, 'twould seem. And I, Joseph, I've taken to +locking and bolting my door a-nights and being particular how I tread +in the dark." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, Mr. Dalroyd smiled and went downstairs humming softly, where +the company were gathered to see him off. +</P> + +<P> +In due time the horses were brought to the door and Mr. Dalroyd, +pulling on his gauntlets, prepared to mount; but before doing so, drew +his pistols from their holsters and found that their primings had been +shaken out. Whereupon he beckoned Joseph smilingly—saw them re-primed +and, smiling still, kicked Joseph viciously. +</P> + +<P> +Then he mounted, watched Joseph do the same, waved an airy farewell to +the company and rode gracefully away. +</P> + +<P> +Reaching the open road, Mr. Dalroyd summoned his follower to ride +beside him. +</P> + +<P> +"On the whole, Joseph," said he, "I prefer to have a man of +your—infinite possibilities beside me, at my elbow—within reach. +Besides, I'm in the mood for conversation, let us talk, creature." +Joseph's heavy brow grew rather more lowering and he kept his gaze bent +obsequiously on the dust of the way as he drew level with his master, +who had reined his horse to a gentle, ambling pace. +</P> + +<P> +"You were educated above your station, Joseph—the law, I think?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Owing to your mother's exertions—hence the extreme warmth of +your—ah—filial regard." +</P> + +<P> +"She also shielded me from a father's brutality, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Hence, Joseph, as I say, the ardour of your regard for her. 'Tis +strange to find that even in the basest, most depraved natures the +softer qualities of gratitude and love may occasionally be remarked by +the philosophical observer, a fact sufficiently strange and +interesting!" Joseph's wolverine mouth twitched and he lifted his gaze +slowly as high as the top of the hedge and kept it there. "Your first +noteworthy exploit," continued Mr. Dalroyd good-humouredly, "was the +forgery of a bill——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir—sir," stammered Joseph, glance abased to the dust again, "pray +why must you——" +</P> + +<P> +"My good Object, I would see that I have the facts sufficiently clear. +To begin again, you forged a bill on one Hilary Girard, he, discovering +your criminality, taxed you with the fact, whereafter poor Mr. Girard +suddenly died—misfortunate wight! Lead poisoning was it, or powdered +glass?" Joseph uttered a sound between a choke and a groan. "Nay, +after all, 'tis no matter which," continued Mr. Dalroyd, "suffice +it—he died. Thereafter you took to the highway, became famous for +your daring, were finally betrayed by a jealous beauty, were sentenced +to hang, escaped on a legal quibble, and were cast for transportation, +effected your escape and—Fortune sent you to me and I give you life, +Joseph, and a certain amount of freedom so long as you are of use to +me." +</P> + +<P> +Joseph's mouth had become a twisted line and he moved in his saddle as +if undergoing some sharp, physical discomfort, while Mr. Dalroyd lapsed +into pleasant reverie as they rode on through the warm and fragrant air. +</P> + +<P> +They held a course south-easterly staying only to change horses at the +various stages where Joseph, acting on his master's instructions, +ordered post-horses to be in readiness three nights hence. Towards +late afternoon Mr. Dalroyd halted at Tenterden for refreshment; after +an excellent meal he sauntered out into the yard and summoned Joseph, +but without avail, the obsequious Joseph was not to be found. Mr. +Dalroyd's modish languor changed to a sudden cold ferocity before which +ostlers, post-boys and stablemen quailed; within five minutes he had +roused the whole place and set everyone searching, from host to +pot-boy. Every hiding-place, likely and unlikely, was ransacked, the +inn, the stable and scattered outbuildings, but to no end, Joseph had +vanished. Finally he ordered his horse to be saddled and while this +was doing, stood, chin in hand, like one lost in vexed thought yet more +than once fell into that attitude of strained attention as though +listening for distant sounds. Roused by the clatter of his fresh +horse's hoofs on the cobbles of the yard as it was led from the +stables, he glanced up and surveyed the animal with quick, appraising +eye and prepared to mount; but, before doing so, stayed to lift his +holster-flaps and found that his pistols were gone. At this he laughed +suddenly—a strange laugh, at sound of which the fellow holding the +horse put up an elbow and cowered behind it as if expecting a blow; but +Mr. Dalroyd, laughing still, turned and beckoned to the landlord with +his gold-mounted riding-whip. +</P> + +<P> +"Look'ee," said he, his mirth still distorting his features, "I've been +robbed by the rascal and among other things, of my pistols. I must +have another pair—at once!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," began the landlord, bobbing apologetically, "there ain't a pair +in the house Lord love me, no such thing except a blunderbuss——" +</P> + +<P> +"Blockhead!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd, pointing at the speaker with his +whip, "I said a pair of pistols, go get 'em—how and where you will, +but get them and bring 'em to me and don't keep me waiting, my good +oaf." So saying, Mr. Dalroyd turned and sauntered up and down the +shady side of the yard apparently lost in dreamy reverie. Very soon +the landlord came hurrying back triumphantly bearing a long-barrelled +weapon in either hand. Mr. Dalroyd took one, balanced it and cursed +its weight and clumsiness. +</P> + +<P> +"Careful, sir," warned the landlord, flinching, "they're loaded." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd glanced around; overhead a crow flapped heavily on lazy +wings. Mr. Dalroyd aimed the weapon and while the report still rang +and echoed, the crow turned over and over, a shapeless bundle of ragged +feathers and thudding down into the grassy ditch opposite the inn lay +there struggling and croaking dismally. +</P> + +<P> +"They'll serve!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd, "have the thing loaded again and +hasten!" Watched by many awestruck eyes, Mr. Dalroyd crossed to his +horse, mounted, and oblivious of the interest he caused, sat awhile +with eyes half-shut and head aslant, listening, until the weapon was +brought; then he examined each with care, flint, priming and charge, +and thrust them into his holsters. +</P> + +<P> +"Landlord," said he, as he put away his purse, "did you take any heed +to the general appearance of that runaway rogue of mine?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, a tall chap wi' big hands and a way o' lookin' down his nose +and—come to think on't, a fresh-healed scar just over one eye-brow——" +</P> + +<P> +"Caused by a cut-glass perfume bottle!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd. "A just +and fair description, landlord. Should you ever chance on such a +fellow anywhere at any time you will do well to apprehend him——" +</P> + +<P> +"For robbery, sir——?" +</P> + +<P> +"For murder, landlord!" As he spoke Mr. Dalroyd touched spurs to his +horse and cantered away, leaving the landlord to stare open-mouthed and +the crow to thrash broken wing and croak dismally in the ditch as, +reaching the highway, he spurred to a gallop. +</P> + +<P> +All the afternoon he kept the road, and as the day waned he became ever +more alert, his quick eyes scanned the road before and behind and he +rode for long stretches with his head leaned to that angle of patient +listening for sounds afar. Now, as evening fell he had an unpleasant +feeling that he was being followed, more than once he fancied he caught +the faint throbbing of distant hoofs, now lost, now heard again, never +any nearer yet never any further off. Once he reined up suddenly to +hearken but heard nothing save the desolate sighing of wind in trees; +yet when he went on again he could have sworn to the distant beat of +galloping hoofs, wherefore, ears on the stretch, he loosed the flaps of +his holsters. +</P> + +<P> +So day drew to evening and evening to night and with every mile the +fancy grew within him, little by little, until it became an obsession +and he spurred fiercely uphill and down, often turning to glance back +along the darkening road and with his pistols cocked and ready. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap45"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +CERTAIN ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT +</H4> + +<P> +The Major's rib mended apace; nevertheless his fits of gloom and +depression seemed but to grow more pronounced, insomuch that he would +seize any and every opportunity to escape from Colonel Cleeve's cheery +presence or the Viscount's affectionate solicitude and, locking himself +into his study, would strive feverishly to banish thought with his +gabions, angles of fire, etc. +</P> + +<P> +To-day the Viscount and Colonel Cleeve had ridden abroad together, and +being alone, the Major had ventured forth into the orchard and now sat +in the hutch-like sentry-box hard at work on his History of +Fortification. +</P> + +<P> +The afternoon was very still and very hot, so hot indeed that he had +laid by coat and wig and sat in shirt-sleeves, his close-cropped, brown +head bent above his manuscript, writing busily. But presently he set +this aside and leaning head on hand wearily, became lost in troubled +reverie, then, sighing deeply, took pen and paper and began to indite a +letter. At first he paused often as if the composition were difficult, +but, little by little, his thoughts seemed to flow more freely for his +quill flew rapidly, never staying until the letter was finished. +Having sanded it, he read over what he had written, folded it, paused, +shook his head and tore it across and across in his sinewy fingers, +made as if to throw the scraps aside, checked himself and crammed them +into one of the yawning side-pockets of the Ramillie coat. Thereafter, +he sat staring straight before him until, moved by sudden impulse, he +drew to him a new sheet of paper and wrote again busily. Then, not +staying this time to read over what he had set down, he sanded, folded, +sealed it, and turning, thrust it carefully into a pocket of the +Ramillie coat and so turned back to his history once more. +</P> + +<P> +All at once he started, lifted his head and glanced across at a certain +part of the old, red-brick wall and, dropping his pen, got stealthily +to his feet. +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"A young cavalier he rode on his way<BR> +Singing heigho, this loving is folly."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +The singing voice on the opposite side of the wall was drawing nearer, +wherefore the Major snatched up his wig, clapped it on anyhow and +incontinent fled. +</P> + +<P> +My lady Betty, having watched this hasty retreat, frowned, plucked a +leaf, bit it with sharp, white teeth and—espied the Ramillie coat. +The wall was rather high and there was no ladder this side, but my lady +was of courageous temper and determined character, so—— +</P> + +<P> +The Major, turning a sharp corner of the yew walk, ran full tilt into +Sergeant Zebedee. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, Zeb," said he, a little breathlessly, "I—I was looking for +you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Same likewise, sir," answered the Sergeant, standing at attention. +"There's Colonel Cleeve, Sir Benjamin, and the Viscount a-waiting to +play cards wi' you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Excellent! I'll join 'em at once——" +</P> + +<P> +"But your—your coat, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, to be sure! You'll find it in the arbour, Zeb, bring it to me in +the library." +</P> + +<P> +"Now, I wonder," murmured the Sergeant as the Major hastened away with +long strides, "I wonder wherefore so rapid?" +</P> + +<P> +So my lady jumped. She had just caught up the Ramillie coat when she +heard the approach of heavy steps and, being as resourceful as she was +determined, she folded the garment compactly and sat upon it. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant, about to enter the arbour, paused, started and stood at +attention. +</P> + +<P> +"Good day, Sergeant Zebedee!" quoth she demurely. +</P> + +<P> +"Same to you my lady and thank'ee." +</P> + +<P> +"And pray how is the Major?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha'n't you just seen him mam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, but he—he vanished before I could speak a word, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" murmured the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +"What d'you say, Sergeant Zebedee? +</P> + +<P> +"Why my lady, 'tis his coat I'm after——" +</P> + +<P> +"Coat?" repeated my lady. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye mam, his Ramillie coat, sent me here for same——" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see it, do you, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why no, my lady, I don't! But he says he left same here and——" +</P> + +<P> +"But it doesn't seem to be, does it?" +</P> + +<P> +"No my lady, unless you——" +</P> + +<P> +"And how is the Major, pray?" +</P> + +<P> +Sergeant Zebedee sighed and shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord, my lady, he is that gloomy, he do sigh continual—mopes in his +study when he should be out i' the sun and wanders abroad when he +should be snug abed——" +</P> + +<P> +"But he sat out here to-day——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, for a wonder! 'Twas Mrs. Agatha and me as coaxed him out." +</P> + +<P> +"He seems to be a very—uncomfortably—moody kind of man, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—but only of late, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder why?" The Sergeant glanced down into her bright eyes, looked +at earth, looked at sky, and scratched his chin. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, since you put the point, my lady, I should say 'tis either on +account o' petticoats or witchcraft or—maybe both. And talking o' +witchcraft, there's his coat now, p'r'aps you might chance to be——" +</P> + +<P> +"He seems mighty set on this coat," said she, deftly spreading out her +voluminous petticoats, "and 'tis such a shabby, woeful old thing." +</P> + +<P> +"True mam, but I follered that coat through the smoke and dust of +Ramillies fight though 'twas gayer then, d'ye see, but even now it +shows the rents in skirt and arm o' bullet and bagnet as he took that +day. 'Tis a wonderful garment, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"It would irk him to lose it, belike?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lose it! Mam, it aren't to be thought on!" +</P> + +<P> +"Still I think 'twould do him a world of good if 'twere lost awhile, it +seems to affect him so evilly." +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, I think 'tis t'other way about, mam. Says I to him one day, +'Sir,' says I, 'when at all put out wherefore and why the Ramillie +coat?' 'Because Zeb,' says he, 'when I put it on I seem to put on some +of my lost youth also.' Still, there's limits, mam, there's limits, +and for a gentleman o' his degree to go out in same, and among his +tenants d'ye see, well, it aren't right—though I've darned same +constant. No wonder Widow Weston, which same is a scold, my lady, but +'tis no wonder she contradictioned of his honour no later than +yesterday arternoon towards four o' the clock as ever was——" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I know Widow Weston!" smiled my lady. "Contradicted +him—aye—she would." +</P> + +<P> +"And did, my lady! Here's his honour in his old coat a-bowing to her +and a-choking and coughing d'ye see, on account of her chimbley +a-smoking woeful. 'Mam,' says he, 'I fear your chimbley smokes.' 'It +don't!' she cries, 'it don't, and if it do 'tis no worse than it was in +my husband's time and if it did for him 'twill do for me,' she says. +Whereon his honour bows himself into the air and wipes the soot out of +his eyes all the way home, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"But referring to the coat, Sergeant——" +</P> + +<P> +"Begad, yes mam, saving your presence. There's him a-waiting for same." +</P> + +<P> +"You must insist on his leaving it off, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"Insist? Zounds, my lady, insist—to the Major. Couldn't nowise be +done, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then he must lose same, Sergeant Zeb," said my lady roguishly. +</P> + +<P> +"Lose it, mam! Lord mam, his honour would never forgive me." +</P> + +<P> +"He would—O he would. Besides you didn't lose it. And it isn't here, +is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why it aren't apparent to human observation, my lady. But p'r'aps you +might chance to be sit——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" cried my lady, white finger upraised. "Is someone coming?" +The Sergeant stepped outside to glance about, listened dutifully and +shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"No mam, but I must get back to the house, his honour will——" +</P> + +<P> +"How is he progressing in health, Sergeant—his appetite—doth he eat +well? +</P> + +<P> +"Eat, my lady!" exclaimed the Sergeant dolefully, "he's forgot how." +</P> + +<P> +"Truly I do begin to think he hath a soul after all, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"Soul, mam? The finest as ever was! He's all soul, my lady, 'tis his +body as do worry me—vading mam it be, vading and a-languishing away. +Aye, 'tis his body——" +</P> + +<P> +"There seems plenty of it left, Sergeant, and it looks solid enough—O +Lud!" she exclaimed all at once and clasped her hands, as from afar +rose a hoarse, growl that swelled into a deep-lunged roar. "A mercy's +sake, what is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady, 'tis the Colonel a-calling me. I must go, my lady, and +consequently humbly request you to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Stay, dear Sergeant Zeb, first pray go fetch me a ladder." +</P> + +<P> +"Ladder, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"How may I get back over the wall without it?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant turned and stared at the wall, shook his head and rubbed +his chin: +</P> + +<P> +"Question is, how did you get over, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis no matter! Go—go fetch the ladder, I must not be seen here—go +this instant!" The Sergeant went. +</P> + +<P> +Once out of eyeshot my lady sprang up, sped across the orchard, hurled +the Ramillie coat over the wall into her own garden and was back in the +arbour a full half-minute before the Sergeant re-appeared, ladder on +shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"You dear Sergeant Zeb!" she exclaimed, rising and crossing the orchard +beside him. "The bravest soldiers and strongest men are always the +kindest and gentlest to women, aren't they?" +</P> + +<P> +"Are they, mam?" said the Sergeant flushing a little as he planted the +ladder where she directed. +</P> + +<P> +"To be sure they are," she sighed, gathering up her petticoats, "see +how hard you kicked that hateful Jennings——" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall I hold the ladder, my lady?" he enquired, flushing deeper. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you—no!" she answered and set a slender foot upon the lowest +rung. "Sergeant Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +"My lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Right about face!" The Sergeant turned automaton-like and stood so +until a laughing voice cried, "Sergeant Zebedee—as you were!" And +swinging round he beheld her smiling down at him from her own side of +the wall. "Thank you, dear Sergeant Zeb, thank you!" she said, and +nodding, vanished from sight. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant, being orderly in all things, proceeded to set back the +ladder in the tool-house, to dust his coat and re-settle his wig, then +crossed to the arbour and stood there for a full minute staring at the +empty bench. +</P> + +<P> +"Zounds!" he exclaimed at last, and wheeling, marched very thoughtfully +into the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Eh—not there—not there, Zeb?" exclaimed the Major, laying down his +cards and turning to glance at the Sergeant's expressionless face. +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour, it are—not!" +</P> + +<P> +"But—God bless my soul—it must be!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir, if 'tis it aren't apparent to human observation!" +</P> + +<P> +"But I distinctly remember taking it off there!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why then sir, it hath gone and vanished itself away!" +</P> + +<P> +"Pish!" exclaimed the Major rising. "I'll fetch it myself." +</P> + +<P> +"O rot me, Jack!" cried the Colonel, "here's a curst rampageous +business over an old rag. 'Tis time 'twas lost——" +</P> + +<P> +"Or burned, nunky!" added the Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"So let be, Jack—Sergeant Zeb shall bring you another!" +</P> + +<P> +But the Major was determined, and presently sallied forth with Sir +Benjamin, the Viscount, Colonel Cleeve and the Sergeant at his heels. +Reaching the orchard, they searched the arbour within and without, they +peered and prodded under bushes, they sought high and they sought low +without avail. +</P> + +<P> +"Very remarkable!" exclaimed the Major at last. +</P> + +<P> +"Most extraordinary, od's my life!" assented Sir Benjamin, mopping +heated brow. "Are you sure you had it on, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Belike some stray cur hath taken a fancy to it and run off wi' it!" +the Colonel suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"Mistaking it for—er—something equally unpleasant, nunky!" added the +Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not so much the loss of the coat itself that gives me worry +as—er—the contents of the pockets!" said the Major, wrinkling his +brow. +</P> + +<P> +"What, your purse, sir?" enquired Sir Benjamin. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay that—would scarce ha' mattered." +</P> + +<P> +"Ya' snuff-box, Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +"Letters, uncle?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, not—exactly letters as 'twere and yet—ah—O demme!" So the +Major gave up the useless search. "Come, gentlemen—if 'tis gone, 'tis +gone. Come, let us get back to our game." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap46"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +FURTHER INTIMATE ADVENTURES OF THE RAMILLIE COAT +</H4> + +<P> +"Aunt Belinda," said my lady, pausing on the broad stair with lighted +candle, "pray how do you refrain?" +</P> + +<P> +"From what, dear Betty?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sneezing, aunt!" +</P> + +<P> +"O naughty puss!" +</P> + +<P> +"All the evening by my reckoning you have sneezed but once. Sure you +must be getting snuff-proof or——" +</P> + +<P> +"O wicked, teasing baggage!" +</P> + +<P> +"Art very happy, dear aunt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah my sweet, so happy that I yearn to have thee happy too!" +</P> + +<P> +"In two days, aunt, two little days! Charles will wait no longer +and—I'm glad." +</P> + +<P> +"Hast been up to wish him good-night, Bet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, he was asleep, dear boy, and looked so young, aunt, for all his +trials." +</P> + +<P> +"Trials do but better us, child—or should do. Good-night, my sweet, +and pleasant dreams!" So they kissed each other and went their several +ways. +</P> + +<P> +Reaching her chamber my lady sent her maid to bed, locked the door, +took a key from her bosom and, from its hiding-place among dainty, +perfumed garments and laces, drew forth the Ramillie coat. Then she +set it upon the back of a chair and, hanging thus, the well-worn +garment fell into such natural folds and creases that its owner might +almost have been inside it. The night was hot and still, and through +the open lattice stole the languorous perfume of honeysuckle, and +breathing in the sweetness my lady sighed as she began to undress; yet +in the midst of this dainty business, chancing to glance at the +Ramillie coat she blushed and started instinctively so lifelike was +that broad back and the set of those square shoulders. +</P> + +<P> +And now in dainty night-rail and be-ribanded cap she sat down and +leaned near to snuff delicately at the worn and faded garment. +</P> + +<P> +Tobacco! How coarse and hateful! And yet how vividly it brought his +stately presence before her, his slow, grave smile, his clear, youthful +eyes, his serene brow, and all his shy yet virile personality. +</P> + +<P> +Tobacco! Him! O was there in all the world quite such another man, so +brave, so chivalrous—and so unmodish? +</P> + +<P> +Here in the sleeve was a rent, even as the Sergeant had said, and very +featly mended by the Sergeant's own skilful fingers; a jagged rent it +had been and even now she could see a faint stain—she shivered, for +now she saw other like stains were here also. So my lady shuddered, +yet, doing so, leaned nearer and drew the threadbare sleeve about her +snowy neck and thus espied the yawning side-pocket. My lady peeped +into it, hesitated, then plunged slim hand into those cavernous depths. +</P> + +<P> +His clay pipe. His silver tobacco-box. A mass of torn paper. A +letter sealed with his signet, and my lady sighed rapturously for it +was addressed thus: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"To Lady Elizabeth Carlyon."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +With this in one hand, the Ramillie coat in the other, she crossed to +her great high bed and, seated there, the coat beside her on laced +pillow, drew the candles a little nearer, broke the seals and read: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"DEAR LADY AND MY LOVE, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +When you receive this I shall be beyond seas and 'tis like I shall not +see you again for I leave suddenly and unknown to any. +</P> + +<P> +All this summer afternoon I have sat here striving to tell you why this +must be, and now my labour is lost for I have destroyed my letter since +it doth seem that it might perchance have pained you to read it almost +as much as me to write. So I have destroyed it since I would spare you +pain now and ever. Of late I have been sick, not of body so much as +mind, and mayhap once or twice have suffered harsh thoughts of thee, +but to-day these are gone and out of mind, and love for thee burns +within me true and steadfast as it shall do until I cease to be—aye, +and beyond. For if I have grieved of late yet have I known joys +undreamed and have looked and seen what Happiness is like unto, +wherefore I do not repine that Happiness hath not stayed. Love and I +have lived so long estranged that now methinks I am not fitted, so do I +go back to the things I understand. But Happiness hath stooped to me a +little while to brush me with his pinions ere he fled and hath left +with me a glory shall never fade. So now, dear maid that I do love and +ever shall beyond mine understanding, here do I take my leave of thee. +I ride alone henceforth yet shall I not be solitary since thy sweet +memory goeth beside me even unto my journey's end. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +JOHN D'ARCY." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +And now my lady turned and looked upon that war-worn coat through a +mist of tears and sinking down, laid soft cheek upon its tarnished +braid and lay thus a long while, the letter clasped to swelling bosom. +Then starting up she gathered those torn scraps of paper and strove to +piece them together; but they were inextricably mixed, yet here and +there the fragment of some sentence would leap to meet her. +</P> + +<P> +"... my breaking heart ... ever doubted thine eyes so sweet and true +... joy for me is dead, the world a black nothingness ... O that night +with thee in the dawn when earth touched heaven ... if Death should +meet me in the field I'll meet him gladly ... my Love, my Betty, +leaving thee I leave my very soul behind ... my farewell to thee and to +love ... forget thee never..." +</P> + +<P> +These she saw and many more. Every scrap of crumpled paper she +smoothed with gentle fingers and every written word she read and laid +tenderly aside. +</P> + +<P> +And now, since she had pried thus far, she opened the other missive +also, a folded sheet of paper, and saw this: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"I, John d'Arcy of Shevening Manor, Westerham, Kent, in the event of my +falling in action do will and bequeath as follows: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +To Zebedee Tring my servant late of His Majesty's Third Regiment of +Foot the sum of Five Thousand Pounds and any cottage he may choose on +my estate. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +To Mrs. Agatha Ridley the sum of One Thousand Pounds: But should she +marry the aforesaid Zebedee Tring then I bequeath to them a marriage +portion of Four Thousand Pounds making Ten Thousand Pounds in all. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +And all the rest I die possessed of soever both land and monies I leave +unconditionally to my dear Lady Elizabeth Carlyon. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +JOHN D'ARCY." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Having folded this up again and laid it by, Lady Betty sat awhile very +still, staring out into the fragrant, summer night. Then she blew out +the candle and lying amid the gloom, fell to sudden, stifled sobbing +and muffled, passionate whispers, her head pillowed upon a certain +mended coat-sleeve; and when at last she fell asleep, that shabby, +war-worn garment lay close about her loveliness. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap47"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF A FEMININE COUNCIL OF WAR +</H4> + +<P> +The Sergeant was at all times an early riser, but this morning he was +abroad with the sun itself—a sun whose level beams wrought gloriously +in dew-spangled grass underfoot, in scarlet, pink and flaming gold +overhead and added fresh beauty to herb and leaf and flower; a fair, +fragrant, golden morning where dismal Doubt had no place and Hope +lilted in the joyous pipe of the birds, insomuch that the Sergeant +paused to snuff the balmy air and to glance up at radiant sky and round +about upon radiant earth feeling that life was sweet and held its best +yet in store even for a battered sergeant of forty-three. And standing +thus, his grim features relaxed, and for once in his busy life he fell +to dreaming and forgot awhile the work that had lured him forth so very +early; at length he roused himself and marched across wide lawns and +along yew-bordered walks to his small tool-house, whistling softly as +he went. And now, armed with nail-box, hammer, saw etc., he presently +reached the work—a rustic pergola in course of construction; a very +artful work this, in every respect, requiring many fierce contractions +of the eyebrows, sudden fallings back two paces to the rear with head +jerked suddenly left or right to judge of angle, alignment, nice +proportion and the like. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant, whistling still, had driven his first nail and had fallen +back, eyebrows contracted, to judge the effect, when he wheeled +suddenly about and dropped the hammer: +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant—O Sergeant Zebedee!" +</P> + +<P> +Picking up the hammer, he set off at the double and reaching the +orchard, halted at the foot of the wall, saluted and stared up +wondering at my lady's lovely, anxious face. +</P> + +<P> +"You be early abroad, mam." +</P> + +<P> +"O I was here before dawn—waiting for you. Tell me, is—is the Major +in?" +</P> + +<P> +"The Major, mam? Aye, and sound asleep!" +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure—quite sure, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, my lady. I went in but now to draw his curtains according to +custom and found him sleeping soft as any child, God be thanked. But +why——" +</P> + +<P> +"Because he intends to go away—soon." +</P> + +<P> +"Where to, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Back to the wars." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant swore, apologised immediately, and saluted. +</P> + +<P> +"Be you sure, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite, O quite, Sergeant." +</P> + +<P> +"But he would never go without me, mam, couldn't possibly—'twould be +agin natur', d'ye see." +</P> + +<P> +"But he will, Sergeant, he hath written me so—he will ride away—steal +away at midnight—alone—to-night mayhap or to-morrow night—we must +stay him." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant stared grimly at a bold thrush that hopped upon the grass +near by. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you hear, Sergeant?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I hear, my lady, I hear!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well—say something——" +</P> + +<P> +"Mam, there aren't no words as'll fit—not one!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what can you do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pipeclay my cross-belts for one thing and then there's my +spatterdashes——" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean if he goes, my lady, I go——" +</P> + +<P> +"O folly, Sergeant, folly——" +</P> + +<P> +"Agreed mam, heartily, but dooty is dooty and when his honour commands, +I obey—'tis become a matter o'——" +</P> + +<P> +"But he doesn't command—he means to ride without you." +</P> + +<P> +"Same couldn't nowise be, my lady, consequently and therefore +notwithstanding, if he goes—I go." +</P> + +<P> +"And pray what of poor Mrs. Agatha?" +</P> + +<P> +At this the Sergeant's grim mouth twitched and he turned to watch the +thrush again. +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty is dooty, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you want to go fighting again?" +</P> + +<P> +"No mam, I thought my soldiering was done, but if he goes, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"And never try to stay him—you'll do nought——" +</P> + +<P> +"Stay his honour the Major? My lady, if his mind's set on't, a whole +troop o' cavalry couldn't stop him—no, not even a picked company o' +the Third itself—earthquakes, fires, floods nor furies couldn't——" +</P> + +<P> +"No, but I can, Sergeant, and I will!" said my lady setting her dimpled +chin resolutely. "Lord!" she exclaimed fervently, "what troublesome, +wayward children men are—and how helpless!" +</P> + +<P> +"Children, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye—both of you! He so wilfully wayward and you so helpless. +Prithee go fetch me Mrs. Agatha." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant started. "Why mam—my lady, I——" he stammered, +flushing, "'tis so early and she asleep and I—she being asleep, d'ye +see, 'twouldn't be—that is I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant," sighed my lady, "bring hither the ladder like a good child. +I'll e'en wake her myself." +</P> + +<P> +So the ladder was brought, the Sergeant turned his back and in the +twinkling of an eye my lady was over the wall and walking across the +dewy grass beside him; reaching the house he pointed to a latticed +casement above their heads. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis rather high, Sergeant, but a handful of gravel——" +</P> + +<P> +"Gravel, my lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Gravel, child—launched into the air and truly aimed——" +</P> + +<P> +"But mam——" The Sergeant glanced from the loose gravel underfoot to +the open lattice above and flushed. "Zounds mam, I—never did such a +thing in all my days——" +</P> + +<P> +"Then 'tis time you began, you're quite old enough—gravel, +Sergeant—aimed carefully!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant obeyed and almost immediately out of the window came Mrs. +Agatha's pretty face framed in a dainty, be-ribanded nightcap; at sight +of the Sergeant, she flushed rosily, perceiving my lady, who beckoned +imperiously, she smiled, nodded and vanished. +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Agatha hath a pretty taste in nightcaps, Sergeant Zebedee!" said +my lady demurely. The Sergeant looked sheepish, grew red, became +exceedingly grim and finally answered: +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"And a pretty face below, Sergeant!" said she, watching a lark that +soared, carolling, against the blue. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, my lady!" +</P> + +<P> +"And you will go a-marching to the wars, Sergeant!" +</P> + +<P> +At this he uttered a sound between a sigh and a groan and thereafter +looked grimmer than ever. +</P> + +<P> +In surprisingly short time Mrs. Agatha appeared, as neat, demure and +self-possessed as usual. +</P> + +<P> +"Is aught amiss, my lady?" she enquired, dropping a curtsey. +</P> + +<P> +"Only this, Mrs. Agatha, Major d'Arcy will away campaigning again and +the Sergeant feels he must needs go too, so I have summoned you from +bed that we together may end such folly." +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant stared. +</P> + +<P> +"And end it once and for all!" added my lady firmly. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye for sure, madam," said Mrs. Agatha, calmly. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant gaped. +</P> + +<P> +"Then come to the orchard and let us talk." +</P> + +<P> +Seated in the arbour my lady beckoned Mrs. Agatha to sit beside her: +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think we need the Sergeant, do we?" she enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure we don't, my lady." +</P> + +<P> +"Then Sergeant, go and hammer!" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant went like one in a dream. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap48"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF THE INSUBORDINATION OF SERGEANT ZEBEDEE TRING +</H4> + +<P> +"Man Jack," sighed the Colonel, ogling the wine in his glass, "now mark +me, Jack, for pure Christian drink there's nought may compare with wine +of Oporto, 'tis a heart-warmer, a soul-expander, a sharpener o' th' +intellect, a loosener o' tongues. Moreover it doth beget good +fellowship and love o' mankind in general. Begad sir, wine of Oporto +is—is—I say Oporto wine is—is, well—wine. So give me Oporto——" +</P> + +<P> +"And now and then a dish of tea, George!" added the Major solemnly. At +this Colonel Cleeve might have been observed to quail slightly. +</P> + +<P> +"You have acquired the taste—very lately, I think, sir?" enquired the +Viscount. +</P> + +<P> +"True, sir," answered the Colonel, rolling his eyes, "and on the whole +ha' managed it very well. Tea is none so bad—once 'tis disposed of, +I've drank worse stuff ere now—aye and so has Jack. Tea hath its +virtues, sir, first 'tis soon over—a dish or so may be swallowed +readily enough when cool by a determined effort——" +</P> + +<P> +"Though," murmured the Viscount, "though 'tis better thrown out o' the +window, 'twould seem, sir." +</P> + +<P> +Colonel Cleeve rolled his fierce eyes again, sprinkled himself with +snuff and finally laughed: +</P> + +<P> +"Agad, Viscount, ya' ha' me there true enough. Look'ee now, one dish I +can manage creditably enough, two at a pinch with my lady's eye on me, +but three and with Belinda's eye off me—damme, no! So—out o' the +window it went, aha! But how came ya' to spy me do't—eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came to bring you news, sir, but seeing you so—ah—particularly +engaged I let it wait." +</P> + +<P> +"What news, lad—ha?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am become a soldier, sir. I have secured a commission in His +Majesty's Third Regiment of Foot." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, the old regiment—dooce take me, Viscount, but I rejoice to hear +it!" exclaimed the Colonel and leapt to his feet with hand +outstretched. "The 'Third' is the one and only—eh, Jack? And hath +the noblest and highest traditions, yet—high and noble though they be, +I'm bold to say you'll do 'em credit and be worthy of 'em, Viscount +Tom—eh, man Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir," answered the Viscount, clasping the proffered hand, "if I +can but emulate in some small way nunky's and your achievements I shall +be proud indeed." +</P> + +<P> +"Whose company are ya' 'tached to—and when?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ogilvie's sir—a fortnight hence." +</P> + +<P> +"Begad, but Ogilvie's hath been cast for foreign service." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis why I chose it, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Aha!" exclaimed the Colonel, "Oho! Another case o' the heart, I +judge. There was young Denholm talking but yesterday about a red coat, +death and glory, or bleaching his dead bones on some foreign shore." +The Viscount smiled serenely: +</P> + +<P> +"I do confess love hath something to do with it, sir," said he, "though +not altogether. I've had the project in mind for some time." +</P> + +<P> +"Love—God bless it!" exclaimed the Colonel, "love hath made a many +fine soldiers ere now, sir, and begad there's nought can cure a +heartache like a brisk campaign. Come, a toast—and bumpers! Here's +health and long life, honour and fortune to Ensign Viscount Merivale!" +So my Lord Cleeve and the Major rose and drank the toast with hearty +goodwill while the Viscount, his smooth cheek a little rosier than +usual, bowed his acknowledgments. +</P> + +<P> +"And now," quoth the Colonel, setting down his empty glass, "the +bottle's out, 'tis near twelve and I'm for bed. To-morrow, Viscount, +I'll give ya' certain advices may be of service to ya' in the regiment +and write ya' a letter to Ogilvie. And so good-night, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good-night, George!" said the Major and reaching out suddenly he +grasped Lord Cleeve's hand and wrung it hard. +</P> + +<P> +"Why Jack!" said the Colonel, staring, "y'are dooced impressive, one +would think ya' were going out to-night on a forlorn hope. Talking o' +which, d'ya' remember the storming o' Douai, Jack? Aha, those were +times—stirring times—but past and done, since, like you, I mean to +quit the service for wedlock—'tis a great adventure that, Jack, belike +the greatest of all, may we front it with a like resolution." +</P> + +<P> +With which the Colonel bowed and betook himself to bed. +</P> + +<P> +"Tom," said the Major, staring wistfully into the fire, "I'm glad +you've chosen the old regiment—'ours'—very glad, because I know you +will be worthy of it and this England of ours and help to add to the +glory and honour of both. But Tom, as to your—your—er—love trouble, +dear lad, I—trust 'tis no mistaken idea of self-sacrifice, no idea +that—that she loveth—that she—I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay sir, that you love her I do know right well, that she loveth you I +cannot doubt, aye, despite the—despite the wall, with a curse on't! +But that she loveth not me I am perfectly sure. So here is no +self-sacrifice, nunky, never fear. And sir," continued the Viscount, +taking out his snuff-box and tapping it with one delicate finger, "sir, +I have a feeling, a premonition that, so far as you and she are +concerned, matters will right themselves anon. For if—if she did sit +on that—that curst wall, she is always her pure, sweet self and +remember, sir, she kicked the damned fellow's hat off!" Here he opened +his snuff-box and gazed into it abstractedly as he went on: "Sir, when +love cometh to such as you and she, there are few things in earth may +thwart or stay such a love, 'tis a fire consumeth all obstacles and +pettiness. And indeed, in my mind I see her, in days to come, here +beside you, filling this great house with gladness and laughter and, +wherever I may be, you will know that in your happiness I am happy too. +And sir, as she is the only woman i' the world, I do think you are the +only man truly worthy of her and I—ha—I therefore—nunky—er——" +Here the Viscount inadvertently took a pinch of snuff and immediately +sneezed violently: "O Lard—O Lard!" he gasped. "'Tis the damndest +stuff! Always catches me—vilely! A—a curse—on't and—goo'-night, +sir!" And, turning abruptly away he sneezed himself out of the room. +</P> + +<P> +For a long while the Major stood looking down into the dying fire, then +he stirred, sighed, shook his head and, extinguishing the candles, +tramped heavily upstairs, closing the door of his bedchamber a little +louder than was necessary. Then, seated at his writing-table he fell +to work and wrote so industriously that the clocks were striking the +hour of one when at last he rose and stood listening intently. The +house lay very still, not a sound reached him save the whisper of the +night-wind beyond his open lattice. Treading softly, he crossed to the +hearth, above which the Sergeant had hung his swords, half-a-dozen +light, richly-hilted walking-swords and his heavier service blade, the +colichemarde. This he reached down, drew it from shabby leathern +scabbard and found the steel bright and glittering with the Sergeant's +unremitting care; so he sheathed it, girded it to his side and, opening +a tall, carved press, took thence his old campaign cloak, stained by +much hard service, and a pair of long and heavy riding-boots. Kicking +off buckled shoes he proceeded to don this cumbrous footgear but +paused, and rising, took the spurred boots under his arm together with +the cloak and crossing the wide room in stockinged feet, softly opened +the door and stood again to listen; finally he took his candle, closed +the door with infinite care and crept softly down the great, wide +staircase. Reaching the foot he paused to look back up that noble +stair and to glance round the spacious hall with its tapestries, its +dim portraits, its gleaming arms and armour then, sighing, took his way +to the library. Here he paused to shift the candle from one hand to +the other; then he opened the door and fell back, staring. +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant advanced one pace and came to attention. Very upright he +stood in ancient, buff-lined, service coat, in cross-belts and +spatterdashes, his hat at its true regimental cock, his wig newly +ironed and powdered—a soldier from the crown of his head to the lowest +button of his long, white gaiters, a veteran grim and ineffably calm. +The scarlet of his coat was a little faded, perhaps, but the sheen of +broad white belts and the glitter of buckles and side-arms made up for +that. His chin, high-poised above leathern stock, looked squarer than +usual and his arm seemed a trifle stiffer as he saluted. +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour," said he, "the horses are saddled and ready." +</P> + +<P> +"Zeb—Zebedee!" exclaimed the Major, falling back another step. "A +Gad's name what does this mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," answered the Sergeant, staring stonily before him, "same do mean +as I, like the horses, am ready and waiting to march so soon as you do +give the word." +</P> + +<P> +"Then, damme Zeb, I'll not permit it! I ride—alone. D'ye hear?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hear, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"You understand, Zebedee, alone!" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Consequently you will go back—back to bed, at once, d'ye hear?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, I hear." +</P> + +<P> +"Then begone." +</P> + +<P> +"Axing your grace, your honour, but same can't nowise be, orders +notwithstanding nevertheless—no!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ha! D'ye mean you actually—refuse to obey?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant blinked, swallowed hard and saluted: +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour—sir—I do!" +</P> + +<P> +"God—bless—my—soul!" ejaculated the Major and stared wide-eyed at +cross-belts, buckles and spatterdashes as if he had never seen such +things in all his forty-one years. "Is it—insubordination, Sergeant +Zebedee?" he demanded, his cheeks flushing. +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour—it be. Same I do admit though same regretting. But sir, +if you are for the wars it na't'rally do follow as I must be. +Wheresoever you go—speaking as soldiers sir, I must go as by natur' so +determined now and for ever, amen." +</P> + +<P> +"And what o' the estate, ass? I ha' left you agent here in Mr. +Jennings' room." +</P> + +<P> +"Same is an honour, sir, but dooty demands——" +</P> + +<P> +"And what of Mrs. Agatha, dolt?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant's broad shoulders drooped quite perceptibly for a moment, +then grew rigid again: +</P> + +<P> +"Dooty is—dooty, your honour!" +</P> + +<P> +"And you are a damned obstinate fellow, Zebedee, d'ye hear?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant saluted. +</P> + +<P> +"I say a dolt and a preposterous fool to boot—d'ye take me, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +The Sergeant saluted. +</P> + +<P> +"And you talk pure folly—curst folly, d'ye understand, Zebedee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Folly as ever was sir, but—folly for you, folly for me, says I!" +</P> + +<P> +Now at this the Major grew so angry that he dropped a riding-boot and, +stooping for it at the same instant as the Sergeant they knocked their +hats off and were groping for these when there came a soft rapping at +the door and, starting erect, they beheld Mrs. Agatha, smiling and +bright-eyed and across one arm she bore—the Ramillie coat. +</P> + +<P> +"Your honour," said she, curtseying, "'tis very late, I know, but I'm +here to bring your old battle-coat as I found to-day in the garden, +knowing 'tis such a favourite with you. Good-night, sir!" So Mrs. +Agatha dimpled, curtseyed and sped softly away, surreptitiously +beckoning to the Sergeant. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone, the Major let fall his boots and sinking into a chair sat +staring at the Ramillie coat, chin on breast; then he leaned forward to +take it up but paused suddenly arrested by a fragrance very faint and +elusive yet vaguely familiar; he sighed and sinking deeper into his +chair became lost awhile in reverie. At last he roused himself and +reaching the garment from where Mrs. Agatha had set it on the table, +drew it upon his knees, made as if to feel in the pockets and paused +again for now the fragrance seemed all about him, faint but ineffably +sweet, a sweetness breathing of—Her. And, inhaling this fragrance, +the glamour of her presence was about him, he had but to close his eyes +and she was there before him in all her warm and vivid beauty, now +smiling in bewitching allurement, now plaintive and tender, now +quick-breathing, blushing, trembling to his embrace—even as he was +trembling. +</P> + +<P> +So the Major sat grasping his old coat and sighed and yearned amain for +the unattainable; imagination rioted and he saw visions and dreamed +dreams of happiness as far beyond expression as they were beyond hope +of realisation. Wherefore he groaned, cursed himself for a fool and +casting the Ramillie coat to the floor, set his foot upon it; and +frowning down at this worn-out garment, how should he guess of those +bitter tears that had bedewed its tarnished braid, of the soft cheek +that had pressed it, the white arms that had cradled it so recently? +How indeed should Major d'Arcy as he scowled down at it know aught of +this? Though to be sure there was that haunting fragrance, that +sweetness that breathed of—Her. Suddenly he stooped and picking it +up, raised it to his nostrils; yes it was here—particularly the right +sleeve and shoulder. He closed his eyes again, then opening them very +wide plunged a hand into the nearest pocket. +</P> + +<P> +His pipe! His silver tobacco-box! In another pocket his purse and a +few odds and ends but nothing more. He ransacked the garment +feverishly but in place of will, torn paper and letter, he found only +one other letter, sealed and addressed thus, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"To Major d'Arcy."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Letting the coat slip to the floor he sank back in the chair, staring +long at superscription and seal; then he drew the candle nearer and +opening the letter read as follows: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"DEAR SIR, +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +If this sorry coat looketh a little more creased and rumpled than it is +wont to do, this is entirely my fault. And because I am as much a +woman as our common mother Eve I have read every document in every +pocket. And because every document was for me or of me I have kept +them. Yet because, after all, I am truly a very honest person, I do +return this your garment herewith together with all other articles +soever herein contained, as namely and to wit: Item, one clay pipe and +smells! Item, tobacco-box of silver, much scratched. Item, a +tobacco-stopper of silver-gilt. Item, a silver sixpence with a hole in +it. Item, one purse containing three guineas, one crown piece and a +shilling. Item, a small knife for making pens and very blunt. O John, +O Jack, great strong tender chivalrous man, and doth thy poor heart +break? Stay then, my love shall make it whole again. And wilt thou to +the cruel wars? Then will I after thee. And wilt thou die? Then will +I die with thee. But O John if thou wilt live, then will I live to +love thee better day by day for I am thine and thou art mine henceforth +and for ever. But now do I lie here sleepless and grieving for thee +and writing this do weep (see how my tears do blot the page) and none +to comfort me save thine old coat. O John, John, how couldst have writ +such things—to tear my heart and blind me with my tears—yet do I love +thee. And thou didst break thine oath to me and yet do I love thee. +And thou wouldst have left me—stolen away to give thy body unto cruel +death and slay me with despair but still—still do I love thee dearest +John. Shouldst thou steal away like a very coward I would be bold to +follow thee—aye even into battle itself—so fly not John. And since +thou didst break thine oath—thou shalt sue me an humble pardon. And +since I do lie sleepless here and weep by reason of thee—so shalt thou +make unto me a comfortable reparation. So dear John to-morrow night at +nine-thirty of the clock thou shalt meet me at our stile—where we did +watch the dawn—and there all thy doubts and fears shall be resolved +and vanish utterly away for ever and ever and thou (as I do think) +shalt learn to love me even a little better. So come my John at +nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner and fail not for my +sake and thy sake and Love's sweet sake. O John my love 'tis nigh to +dawn, art thou waking or asleep I wonder? Since I am thine so utterly, +fain would I write that which I dare not write yet in these lines read +all thou fain wouldst read. God keep thee my love and waking or +sleeping thou hast the prayers and thoughts of thy Betty. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +My poor eyes are all bleared with my weeping and my nose is woeful. +And John dear take care of this dear old coat it shall be my comforter +this night." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Having read to the end, the Major carefully re-folded the letter and +thrust it into an inner pocket; took it out again, unfolded it and +having re-read every word once more put it away. Then rising, he set +the Ramillie coat upon a chair-back and taking out his handkerchief +dusted it, touching its rumpled folds with hands grown almost reverent, +which done he sat down and propping square chin on fist gazed at it +with a new and wonderful interest. Then he took out the letter again, +read it through again and pressed it to his lips; thus he sat, his +attention divided between the letter and the coat, until the clock +struck two. He was reading the letter for perhaps the sixth time when +came a knock at the door and the Sergeant entered. +</P> + +<P> +"Ax your pardon sir, but what o' the horses?" he enquired. +</P> + +<P> +"Horses?" repeated the Major vacantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, they've been a-standing in their stalls saddled and bridled a +hour or more." +</P> + +<P> +"Have they, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir, a-waiting for your honour to give the word to march." +</P> + +<P> +"Why then Zeb," said the Major rising and taking the Ramillie coat over +his arm, "you may unsaddle 'em, my honour has decided—not to march." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir!" The Sergeant blinked, saluted and wheeled about. +</P> + +<P> +"Sergeant Zebedee!" The Sergeant wheeled back again. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think—ha—I rather fancy I called you a damned obstinate fellow as +'twere and er—so forth." +</P> + +<P> +"You did so, sir. Likewise 'ass' and 'dolt.'" +</P> + +<P> +"Why if I said 'em, I meant 'em, Zebedee and——" The Major strode +forward impulsively and grasped Sergeant Zebedee's hand. "'Twas true +Zeb, 'twas true every word, so you are, but—God bless thee for't, +Zeb!" Saying which the Major went upstairs to his chamber bearing the +Ramillie coat much as if it had been some sacred relic rather than the +rumpled, unlovely thing it was. +</P> + +<P> +Being alone the Sergeant stared at his right hand, smiled, took it in +his left and shook it heartily. "<I>Sapperment</I>!" he exclaimed, "All I +says is, O woman!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap49"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XLIX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +OF A JOURNEY BY NIGHT +</H4> + +<P> +The Major stood chin in hand staring at the weather-beaten stile, set a +little back from the road between high hedges and shaded by the +spreading boughs of a great tree; its worn timbers were gnarled and +twisted with years and the rigours of succeeding winters and, in its +length of days, many were the lovers had sighed and kissed and plighted +troth beside it; and yet of them all surely never a one had waited with +more impatience or hearkened more eagerly for the quick, light tread of +approaching feet than Major John d'Arcy, for all his quiescent attitude +and apparent calm, as he stood in the light of the rising moon staring +gravely at the rickety fabric. +</P> + +<P> +It was here he had held her to his breast as night melted into day, it +was here he had kissed her in the dawn—and to-night——The Major's big +hand touched the warped crossbar and rested there a little tremulously. +And standing thus he fell to thinking of love and the never-ceasing +wonder of it and to-night——! +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"So dear John to-morrow at nine-thirty of the clock thou shalt meet me +at our stile—where we did watch the dawn and there all thy doubts and +fears shall be resolved and vanish utterly away for ever and ever, and +thou (as I do think) shalt learn to love me even a little better. So +come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner and +fail not for my sake and thy sake and Love's sweet sake." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +How well he remembered those oft-read lines, he knew every twirl and +flourish that her pen had made—— +</P> + +<P> +Soft with distance the church clock chimed the hour of nine. Half an +hour to wait! He was earlier than he had thought. The Major sighed +and leaning across the stile, stared away towards the rising moon. +Half an hour and then——? +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Come my John at nine-thirty of the clock but not an instant sooner." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +And wherefore not? he wondered. Was it on his account or—? Here he +fell to frowning thought and gradually a vague unease came upon him; +standing erect he half turned, meaning to walk awhile and return at the +appointed time, then paused suddenly to listen. +</P> + +<P> +The night was warm and so very still that sounds carried far and thus +he heard a throb upon the air which his trained senses instantly +recognised as the sound of horse-hoofs coming at a gallop. Wondering, +he moved forward until, standing in the shadow of the high hedge, he +could see the road stretching away white under the moon; and presently +upon the road were two horsemen, travellers these who rode close side +by side, despite their speed. Instinctively the Major stepped back +into the shadow and had reached the stile again when he started and +wheeled swiftly about—above the drumming of rapidly approaching hoofs +he had caught the sound of a laugh, a lazy laugh full of languid +amusement; the Major clenched his fists and standing in the shadow, +watched the oncoming horsemen under knitted brows. Nearer they came +until he could see that one of the riders was a woman; nearer yet until +he could make out the pale, aquiline features of Mr. Dalroyd; on they +came at speed until—the Major's breath caught suddenly for beneath the +lady's riding-hood he saw a face framed in glossy, black curls—the +delicate profile, the long-lashed eye, that sweet, proud, red-curving +mouth—the face of my lady Betty herself. +</P> + +<P> +'So 'twas thus she came to meet him! Well, even so—' he took an +uncertain pace forward. 'But was she there to meet him?' She rode +loose-reined at the same swift pace; twelve yards, six! 'Was she +indeed coming to keep her appointment? No, by God!' For once in his +life the Major's iron self-control was not, a wild rage possessed him; +he wore no sword, but, acting upon blind impulse, unarmed as he was, he +sprang for the head of Dalroyd's horse. A startled, breathless oath, a +wild hurly-burly of stamping hoofs and rearing of frightened horses, +then, whipping out one of his ever-ready pistols, Mr. Dalroyd levelled +it point-blank at his dim-seen opponent, but as he pulled the trigger +his arm was knocked up and the weapon exploded in the air. A desperate +smiting in the shadow then, spurring his rearing horse, Mr. Dalroyd +broke free and the Major, struck by the shoulder of the plunging +animal, was hurled violently into the ditch. When at last he got to +his feet, my lady and her escort were nearly out of sight. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—d'Arcy was it!" said Mr. Dalroyd a little breathlessly as he +thrust discharged pistol into holster. "Egad, sweetheart, 'tis relief +to know it, I thought 'twas—d'Arcy was it, poor devil. By heaven, +Betty, since you are mine at last I can almost find pity for the poor +devil, he loved you with a death-in-life adoration, sweet Bet, +worshipped you with lowly fervour as you were a saint—you, all warmth +and love and passion. O, 'tis a pitiful lover you'd ha' found him, +sweetheart, 'tis a smug fool and would ha' driven you frantic with his +grave and reverent homage. Now I on the other hand Bet——" Mr. +Dalroyd paused suddenly to glance over his shoulder and rode on for a +few moments, his head aslant in that attitude of patient listening. +</P> + +<P> +"Didst hear aught, sweetheart? A horse galloping?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay indeed!" voice muffled in her cloak. +</P> + +<P> +"Good!" Hereupon Mr. Dalroyd entered into a full and particular +account of his own virtues as a lover, though more than once he paused +in the recital to glance over his shoulder and to listen. +</P> + +<P> +"Indeed, sweet Bet, 'tis as well you are set on Paris henceforth for +'tis necessary I should quit England for awhile. I had the misfortune +to offend a gentleman some months since and last week the thoughtless +fellow was so mistaken as to die—hence I must to France awhile—but +with thee 'twill be a very paradise." Here Mr. Dalroyd reached out to +touch his companion's hand but in the act of doing so, paused and +glanced over his shoulder and immediately proceeded to change the +pistols in his holsters. +</P> + +<P> +"'Twas folly in my lord your brother to choose a different route, Bet, +I have post-horses waiting all along the road and a lugger waiting in a +certain snug cove. If he should be behind——" +</P> + +<P> +"We must wait!" said my lady. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait—aye Bet, we'll wait a reasonable while, though 'tis torment to +an eager lover. To-morrow morning we should reach Boulogne and in +Boulogne you shall wed me and——" +</P> + +<P> +My lady turned and scanned the long road behind. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha—d'ye hear hoofs, Bet—a horseman?" My lady shook her head, but +now Mr. Dalroyd grew silent and rode alert and watchful. +</P> + +<P> +So they rode, staying only to change horses and on again; even when +they paused for refreshment, Mr. Dalroyd spoke little except to urge +haste and often would cross to door or window and stand there, head +aslant, listening. +</P> + +<P> +It was after they had changed horses for the last time that Mr. Dalroyd +lifted his head suddenly and glared back over his shoulder as, faint +and far, but plain to hear, came the rhythmic throb of galloping hoofs. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" he exclaimed in a long-drawn breath. "Dost hear aught, Bet?" +</P> + +<P> +"One gallops behind us!" said my lady faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"Art wearied, sweetheart?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay—not very." +</P> + +<P> +"Then ride—spur!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, 'tis Charles—my brother, perchance." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis not your brother!" +</P> + +<P> +"How can you tell?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know!" said he grimly and lifted his holster-flap. Thus, mile after +mile they rode with never a word between them, yet, despite their +speed, faint and far behind was that rhythmic beat of pursuing hoofs, +now lost, now heard again, faint but persistent, never any nearer yet +never any further off. And often Mr. Dalroyd glared back across his +shoulder and spoke only to encourage his companion to faster pace. +</P> + +<P> +Uphill and down they spurred and across wind-swept levels while the +moon waned and the stars paled to the dawn; and with the first chill +breath of coming day there reached them the sharp, salt tang of the +sea. Mr. Dalroyd uttered a short, fierce laugh and, seizing his +companion's rein, spurred his jaded animal to the hill before them. A +sloping upland, wild and desolate, a treeless expanse clothed with bush +and scrub, with beyond, at the top of the ascent, a little wood. +Spurring still, they reached this wood at last and here Mr. Dalroyd +drew rein, whipped pistols into pockets and dismounting, lifted my lady +from the saddle; then he turned and looked back to see, far away upon +the lonely road, a solitary horseman indistinct in the half-light. +</P> + +<P> +"I can do it yet!" he laughed and, catching his companion's hand, +hurried through the wood, across a short stretch of grass and so to the +edge of a cliff with the sea beyond, where a two-masted vessel rode at +her anchor close inshore, while immediately below them was a little bay +where a boat had been drawn up. Mr. Dalroyd whistled shrilly, at which +signal two men rose from where they had sprawled on the shingle and ran +the boat to the edge of the tide. +</P> + +<P> +Then Mr. Dalroyd turned and laughed again. +</P> + +<P> +"Come Betty—my Betty!" he cried. "Yonder lies France and happiness." +</P> + +<P> +"But Charles——" +</P> + +<P> +"He's aboard like enough." +</P> + +<P> +"But——" +</P> + +<P> +"Come!" he cried, glancing toward the little wood. +</P> + +<P> +But now my lady's petticoats must catch which caused much delay; free +at length she, not troubling for Mr. Dalroyd's hand, went on down the +precipitous path. The sailors, seeing her coming, launched their boat, +and my lady, not waiting for their aid and heedless of wet ankles, +sprang in, motioning them to do the same. +</P> + +<P> +"But th' gentleman, mam—you'll never run off wi'out your fancy man, +lady!" laughed one of the men and pointed to where Mr. Dalroyd yet +stood upon the edge of the cliff, staring back towards the wood. +</P> + +<P> +"Lady do be in a 'urry an' no mistake. Tom, give my lord a hail!" +</P> + +<P> +The fellow Tom hailed lustily whereupon Mr. Dalroyd shook clenched fist +at the little wood and turned to descend the cliff, but in that instant +was a faint report; Mr. Dalroyd staggered, wheeled round, took a +reeling pace towards that dark wood and fell. +</P> + +<P> +"Lord—Lord love me, Tom!" gasped the sailor. +</P> + +<P> +"Shove off!" cried my lady. +</P> + +<P> +"But mam—your ladyship——" +</P> + +<P> +"Shove off, I say." Almost instinctively the men obeyed, shipped the +oars and sat waiting. +</P> + +<P> +"Row!" cried my lady. +</P> + +<P> +"But Lord—Lord love 'ee mam, what o'——" +</P> + +<P> +"Row!" commanded my lady again, "Row and be damned!" And from under +her cloak came a hand grasping a long-barrelled pistol. The little +boat shot away from shore out towards the lugger. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Dalroyd lay motionless, outstretched upon the grass, one arm hidden +beneath him and with blood welling between his parted lips; and +presently, forth from the shadow of the little wood a masked figure +crept, head out-thrust, shoulders bowed, big hand yet grasping the +smoking pistol; cautiously and slowly the man drew near and stood +looking down on his handiwork. Then Joseph, his obsequiousness gone +for ever, laughed harshly and spurned that limp and motionless form +with the toe of his heavy riding-boot. +</P> + +<P> +With sudden, mighty effort the dying man struggled to his knees and +glaring up into the masked face of his slayer, levelled the weapon he +had drawn and cocked with so much agony and stealth. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, worm!" he groaned, "I waited and you—came. Die—vermin!" +Steadying himself he pulled the trigger and Joseph, throwing up his +arms, fell and lay staring up, unwinking and sightless, on the pallid +dawn. Then Mr. Dalroyd laughed, choked and sinking slowly to the +grass, moved no more. The death which had pursued him so relentlessly +had caught up with him at last. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap50"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER L +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WHICH TELLS OF ANOTHER DAWN +</H4> + +<P> +By a kindly dispensation of Nature all great and sudden shocks are apt +to deaden agony awhile. Thus, as the Major stared along the deserted +road he was conscious only of a great and ever-growing wonder; his mind +groped vainly and he stood, utterly still, long after the throb of +horse-hoofs had died away. +</P> + +<P> +At last he turned and fixed his gaze upon the weatherbeaten stile again. +</P> + +<P> +It was here he had held her to his heart, had felt her kisses on his +lips, had listened to her murmurs of love. It was here she had +promised to meet him and resolve his doubts and fears once and for all. +And now? She was away with Dalroyd of all men in the world—Dalroyd! +</P> + +<P> +The Major stirred, sighed, and reaching out set his hand upon the +warped timber of the old stile, a hand that twitched convulsively. +</P> + +<P> +She was gone. She was off and away with Dalroyd of all men! +Dalroyd—of course! Dalroyd had been the chosen man all along and he +himself a blind, self-deluding fool. +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed his head, loathing his fatuous blindness and burning +with self-contempt. Slowly those twitching fingers became a quivering +fist as wonder and shame gave place to anger that blazed to a fury of +passion, casting out gentle Reason and blinding calm judgment. Truly +his doubts and fears were resolved for him at last—she was off and +away with Dalroyd! So she had tricked—fooled—deceived from the very +first! +</P> + +<P> +The big fist smote down upon the stile and, spattering blood from +broken knuckles, the Major leapt over and hasted wildly from the +accursed place; and as he strode there burned within him an anger such +as he had never known—fierce, unreasoning, merciless, all-consuming. +Headlong he went, heedless of direction until at last, finding himself +blundering among underbrush and trees, he stopped to glance about him. +And now, moved by sudden impulse, he plunged fierce hand into bosom and +plucked forth her letter, that close-written sheet he had cherished so +reverently, and, holding it in griping fingers, smiled grimly to see it +all blood-smeared from his torn knuckles; then he ripped it almost as +though it had been a sentient thing, tore it across and across, and +scattering the fragments broadcast, tramped on again. Thus in his +going he came to the rustic bridge above the sleepy pool and paused +there awhile to stare down into the stilly waters upon whose placid +surface the moon seemed to float in glory. +</P> + +<P> +And she had once stood beside him here and plied him with her woman's +arts, tender sighs and pretty coquetry—and anon proud scorn as when he +had vowed her unmaidenly and he, poor fool, had loved and worshipped +her the while. And now? Now she was away with—Dalroyd of all men in +the world, Dalroyd who, wiser in woman, loved many but worshipped never +a one. +</P> + +<P> +Borne to his ears on the quiet night air came the faint sound of the +church clock chiming ten. The Major shivered forlornly and turning, +tramped wearily homeward. +</P> + +<P> +Sergeant Zebedee, opening to his knock, glanced at him keen-eyed, quick +to notice lack-lustre eye, furrowed brow and down-trending mouth. +</P> + +<P> +"Sir," he enquired anxiously, "your honour, is aught amiss?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nought, Zeb," answered the Major heavily, "nought i' the world. Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why sir, you do look uncommon—woeful." +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis like enough, Zeb, like enough, for to-night I have—beheld +myself. And I find, Zeb, yes, I find myself a pitiful failure as a—a +county squire and man o' leisure. This <I>otium cum dignitate</I> is not +for me so I'm done with it, Zeb, I'm done with it." +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning how, sir, which and what, your honour?" +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning that Nature made me a man of limitations, Zeb. I am a fair +enough soldier but—in—in certain—other ways as 'twere I am woefully +lacking. I'm a soldier now and always, Zeb, so a soldier I must live +and a soldier, pray God, I'll die. Last night you were in a mind to +follow me to the wars—doth the desire still hold?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye sir. Dooty is dooty. Where you go—I go." +</P> + +<P> +"So be it, Zeb. We will ride to-morrow for Dover at five o' the clock." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Are the servants all abed?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, sir, and so's the Colonel." +</P> + +<P> +"Then lock up and go you likewise, I have certain writings to make. +And mark this, Zebedee, 'tis better to die a man of limitations than to +live on smug and assured the sport of coquette Fortune as—as 'twere +and so forth. D'ye get me, Zeb?" +</P> + +<P> +"No sir, I don't." +</P> + +<P> +"Egad, 'tis none surprising Zeb," said the Major ruefully, "I express +myself very ill, but I know what I mean. Good-night, Zeb—get ye to +bed." +</P> + +<P> +Reaching the library the Major crossed to the hearth and sinking down +in a chair beside the fire, sat awhile staring into the fire, lost in +wistful thought. At length he arose and taking one of the candles +opened the door of that small, bare chamber he called his study; opened +the door and stood there wide-eyed and with the heavy silver +candlestick shaking in his grasp. +</P> + +<P> +She sat crouched down in his great elbow-chair, fast asleep. And she +was really asleep, there was no coquettish shamming about it since +coquetry does not admit of snoring and my lady snored distinctly; true, +it was a very small and quite inoffensive snore, induced by her +somewhat unwonted posture, but a snore it was beyond all doubt. +</P> + +<P> +The Major rid himself of the candle and closing the door softly behind +him leaned there watching her. +</P> + +<P> +She half sat, half lay, lovely head adroop upon her shoulder, one +slender foot just kissing the floor, the other hidden beneath her +petticoats; and as she lay thus in the soft abandonment of sleep he +could not help but be struck anew by the compelling beauty of her: the +proud swell of her bosom that rose and fell with her gentle breathing, +the curves of hip and rounded limbs, the soft, white column of her +throat. All this he saw and, because she lay so defenceless in her +slumber, averted his gaze for perhaps thirty seconds then, yielding +himself to this delight of the eyes, studied all her loveliness from +dark, drooping lashes and rosy, parted lips down to that slender, +dainty foot. And as he gazed his eyes grew tender, his fierce hands +unclenched themselves and then my lady snored again unmistakably, +stirred, sighed and opened her eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"John!" she whispered, then, sitting up, uttered a shy gasp and ordered +her draperies with quick, furtive hands, while the Major, eyes +instantly averted, became his most stately self. +</P> + +<P> +"O John are you come at last and I asleep? And I fear I snored John, +did I? Did I indeed, John?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major, gaze bent on the polished floor, bowed. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't as a rule—I vow I don't! 'tis hateful to snore and I don't +snore—ask Aunt Belinda. And O pray John don't be so grim and stately." +</P> + +<P> +"So," said he gently but his voice a little hoarse, "so you have—have +thought better of your bargain, it seems." +</P> + +<P> +"Bargain, dear John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your—cavalier, madam. Mr. Dalroyd rides alone after all, 'twould +appear." +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Dalroyd!" she repeated, busied with a lock of glossy hair that had +escaped its bonds. +</P> + +<P> +The Major bowed with his gravest and grandest air. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay prithee John," she sighed, "beseech thee, don't be dignified. And +the hour so late and I all alone here." +</P> + +<P> +"And pray madam, why are you here?" he questioned. Now at this, +meeting his cold, grey eye, she flushed and quailed slightly. +</P> + +<P> +"Doth it—displease you, Major John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Here is no place for you, madam, nor—nor ever can be, nor any woman +henceforth." +</P> + +<P> +At this she caught her breath, the rosy flush ebbed and left her pale. +</P> + +<P> +"Must I go, sir?" she asked humbly, but with eyes very bright. +</P> + +<P> +"When you are ready I will attend you as far as your own house." +</P> + +<P> +"If I go, John," said she a little breathlessly, "if I go you will come +to me to-morrow and plead forgiveness on your knees, and I am minded to +let you." +</P> + +<P> +"I think not, my lady—there is a limit I find even to such love as +mine." +</P> + +<P> +"Then is my love the greater, John, for now, rather than let you humble +yourself to beg forgiveness for your evil thought of me, I will stoop +to explain away your base suspicions. To-night you went to the stile +before the time appointed and saw that hateful Dalroyd eloping with my +brother Charles in my clothes as you saw him once before—upon the +wall." +</P> + +<P> +"Your brother!" cried the Major. "Dear God in heaven!" +</P> + +<P> +"Is it so wonderful?" she sighed. "Had you been a woman you would have +guessed ere now, I think. But a woman is so much quicker than a blind, +blundering man. And you are very blind, John—and a prodigious +blunderer." +</P> + +<P> +The Major stood silent and with bowed head. +</P> + +<P> +"So this was my scheme to save my dear Charles and avenge myself upon +Mr. Dalroyd—and see how near you brought it to ruin, John, and your +own life in jeopardy with your fighting. But men are so clumsy, alas! +And you are vastly clumsy—aren't you, John?" +</P> + +<P> +The Major did not answer: and now, seeing him so humbled, his grand +manner quite forgotten, her look softened and her voice grew a little +kinder. +</P> + +<P> +"But you did save Charles from the soldiers, John. And after, did save +me from Mr. Dalroyd's evil passion—wherefore, though I loved thee ere +this, my love for thee grew mightily—O mightily, John. But now, alas! +how should a poor maid wed and give herself into the power of a +man—like thee, John? A man so passionate, so prone to cruel doubt, to +jealousy, to evil and vain imaginings, to cruel fits of—of dignity—O +John!" +</P> + +<P> +The Major raised his head and saw her leaning towards him in the great +chair, her hands outstretched to him, her eyes full of a yearning +tenderness. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" He was down before her on his knees, those gentle hands +pressed to his brow, his cheek, his eager lips. +</P> + +<P> +"I have been blind, blind—a blind fool!" +</P> + +<P> +"But you were brave and generous also, dear John, though over-prone to +cruel doubt of me from the first, John, the very first." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, my lady," he confessed, humbly. +</P> + +<P> +"Though mayhap I did give thee some—some little cause, John, so now do +I forgive thee!" +</P> + +<P> +"This night," said he sighing, "I destroyed thy dear letter." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"And thought to destroy my love for thee with it!" +</P> + +<P> +"And—did you, John?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nay, 'tis beyond my strength. O Betty—canst love me as I do +thee—beyond all thought and reason?" +</P> + +<P> +At this she looked down at him with smile ineffably tender and drew his +head to her bosom and clasping it there stooped soft lips to cheek and +brow and wistful eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Listen, dear foolish, doubting John, my love for thee is of this sort; +if thou wert sick and feeble instead of strong, my strength should +cherish thee; wert thou despised and outcast, these arms should shelter +thee, hadst thou indeed ridden hence, then would I humbly have followed +thee. And now, John—unless thou take and wed me—then solitary and +loveless will I go all my days, dear John—since thou art indeed the +only man——" +</P> + +<P> +The soft voice faltered, died away, and sinking into his embrace she +gave her lips to his. +</P> + +<P> +"Betty!" he murmured. "Ah God—how I do worship thee!" +</P> + +<P> +The hours sped by and rang their knell unheeded, for them time was not, +until at last she stirred within his arms. +</P> + +<P> +"O love," she sighed, "look, it is the dawn again—our dawn, John. But +alas, I must away—let us go." And she shivered. +</P> + +<P> +"Art cold, my Betty, and the air will chill thee——" +</P> + +<P> +"Thy old coat, John, the dear old coat I stole away from thee." So he +brought the Ramillie coat and girded it about her loveliness and she +rubbed soft cheek against threadbare cuff. "Dear shabby old thing!" +she sighed, "it brought to me thy letters—so shall I love it alway, +John." +</P> + +<P> +"But thy shoes!" said he. "Thy little shoes! And the dew so heavy!" +My lady laughed and reached up to kiss his anxious brow. +</P> + +<P> +"Nay," she murmured as he opened the door—— +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +"'Tis dabbling in the dew that makes the milkmaids fair."<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Hand in hand, and creeping stealthily as truant children, they came out +upon the terrace. +</P> + +<P> +"John," she whispered, "'tis a something grey dawn and yet methinks +this bringeth us even more joy than the last." +</P> + +<P> +"And Betty," said he a little unsteadily, "there will be—other +dawns—an God be kind—soon, beloved—soon!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, John," she answered, face hidden against his velvet coat, "God +will be kind." +</P> + +<P> +"And the dew, my Betty——" +</P> + +<P> +"What of it, John?" she questioned, not moving. +</P> + +<P> +"Is heavier than I thought. And thou'rt no milkmaid, and beyond all +milkmaids fair." +</P> + +<P> +"Dost think so, John dear?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, I do!" he answered. "So, sweet woman of my dreams—come!" +</P> + +<P> +Saying which he caught her in compelling arms and lifting her high +against his heart, stood awhile to kiss hair and eyes and vivid mouth, +then bore her away through the dawn. +</P> + +<P> +And thus it was that Sergeant Zebedee Tring, gloomy of brow, in faded, +buff-lined service coat, in cross-belts and spatterdashes, paused on +his way stablewards and catching his breath, incontinent took cover +behind a convenient bush; but finding himself wholly unobserved, stole +forth to watch them out of sight. Now though the dawn was grey, yet +upon those two faces, so near together, he had seen a radiance far +brighter than the day—wherefore his own gloom vanished and he turned +to look up at Mrs. Agatha's open lattice-window. Then he stooped and +very thoughtfully raked up a handful of small gravel and strode +resolutely up the terrace steps. +</P> + +<P> +Being there he paused to glance glad-eyed where, afar off, the Major +bore my lady through the dawn, and, as the Sergeant watched, paused to +stoop again and kiss her. +</P> + +<P> +"Glory be!" exclaimed the Sergeant and instantly averted his head: "All +I says is—Joy!" +</P> + +<P> +Then, with unerring aim, he launched the gravel at Mrs. Agatha's window. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +THE WHITEFRIARS PRESS, LTD., LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Admirable Betty, by Jeffery Farnol + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR ADMIRABLE BETTY *** + +***** This file should be named 33597-h.htm or 33597-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/5/9/33597/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +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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