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diff --git a/5080-h/5080-h.htm b/5080-h/5080-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4a73baf --- /dev/null +++ b/5080-h/5080-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,32757 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Magnum Bonum, by Charlotte M. Yonge + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Magnum Bonum, by Charlotte M. Yonge + +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: Magnum Bonum + +Author: Charlotte M. Yonge + +Release Date: February, 2004 [EBook #5080] +Last Updated: October 13, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAGNUM BONUM *** + + + + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + MAGNUM BONUM + </h1> + <h2> + or, Mother Carey’s Brood + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Charlotte M. Yonge + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>MAGNUM BONUM</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I.—JOE BROWNLOW’S FANCY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — THE CHICKENS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — THE WHITE SLATE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — THE STRAY CHICKENS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — BRAINS AND NO BRAINS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — ENCHANTED GROUND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — THE COLONEL’S CHICKENS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — THE FOLLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — FLIGHTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — ELLEN’S MAGNUM BONUMS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — UNDINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — KING MIDAS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — THE RIVAL HEIRESSES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — PUMPING AWAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — THE BELFOREST MAGNUM BONUM. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — POSSESSION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — POPINJAY PARLOUR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — AN OFFER FOR MAGNUM BONUM. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — THE SNOWY WINDING-SHEET. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — A RACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — SHUTTING THE STABLE DOOR. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — THE LOST TREASURE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — THE ANGEL MOUNTAIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — THE LAND OF AFTERNOON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — MOONSHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — BLUEBEARD’S CLOSET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE TURN OF THE WHEEL. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — FRIENDS AND UNFRIENDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — AS WEEL OFF AS AYE WAGGING + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — SLACK TIDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. — THE COST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — BITTER FAREWELLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — BLIGHTED BEINGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. — THE PHANTOM BLACKCOCK OF + KILNAUGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. — OF NO CONSEQUENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. — THE TRAVELLER’S JOY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. — THE TRUST FULFILLED. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. — THE TRUANT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. — EVIL OUT OF GOOD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. — GOOD OUT OF EVIL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. — DISENCHANTED. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + MAGNUM BONUM + </h1> + <h1> + OR, MOTHER CAREY’S BROOD + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I.—JOE BROWNLOW’S FANCY. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The lady said, “An orphan’s fate + Is sad and hard to bear.”—Scott. +</pre> + <p> + “Mother, you could do a great kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Joe?” + </p> + <p> + “If you would have the little teacher at the Miss Heath’s here for the + holidays. After all the rest, she has had the measles last and worst, and + they don’t know what to do with her, for she came from the asylum for + officers’ daughters, and has no home at all, and they must go away to have + the house purified. They can’t take her with them, for their sister has + children, and she will have to roam from room to room before the + whitewashers, which is not what I should wish in the critical state of + chest left by measles.” + </p> + <p> + “What is her name?” + </p> + <p> + “Allen. The cry was always for Miss Allen when the sick girls wanted to be + amused.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen! I wonder if it can be the same child as the one Robert was + interested about. You don’t remember, my dear. It was the year you were at + Vienna, when one of Robert’s brother-officers died on the voyage out to + China, and he sent home urgent letters for me to canvass right and left + for the orphan’s election. You know Robert writes much better than he + speaks, and I copied over and over again his account of the poor young man + to go with the cards. ‘Caroline Otway Allen, aged seven years, whole + orphan, daughter of Captain Allen, l07th Regiment;’ yes, that’s the way it + ran.” + </p> + <p> + “The year I was at Vienna, and Robert went out to China. That was eleven + years ago. She must be the very child, for she is only eighteen. They sent + her to Miss Heath’s to grow a little older, for though she was at the head + of everything at the asylum, she looks so childish that they can’t send + her out as a governess. Did you see her, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I never had anything to do with her; but if she is daughter to a + friend of Robert’s—” + </p> + <p> + Mother and son looked at each other in congratulation. Robert was the + stepson, older by several years, and was viewed as the representative of + sober common sense in the family. Joe and his mother did like to feel a + plan quite free from Robert’s condemnation for enthusiasm or + impracticability, and it was not the worse for his influence, that he had + been generally with his regiment, and when visiting them was a good deal + at the United Service Club. He had lately married an heiress in a small + way, retired from the army, and settled in a house of hers in a country + town, and thus he could give his dicta with added weight. + </p> + <p> + Only a parent or elder brother would, however, have looked on “Joe” as a + youth, for he was some years over thirty, with a mingled air of keenness, + refinement, and alacrity about his slight but active form, altogether with + the air of some implement, not meant for ornament but for use, and yet + absolutely beautiful, through perfection of polish, finish, applicability, + and a sharpness never meant to wound, but deserving to be cherished in a + velvet case. + </p> + <p> + This case might be the pretty drawing-room, full of the choice artistic + curiosities of a man of cultivation, and presided over by his mother, a + woman of much the same bright, keen, alert sweetness of air and + countenance: still under sixty, and in perfect health and spirits—as + well she might be, having preserved, as well as deserved, the exclusive + devotion of her only child during all the years in which her early + widowhood had made them all in all to each other. Ten years ago, on his + election to a lectureship at one of the London hospitals, the son had set + up his name on the brass plate of the door of a comfortable house in a + once fashionable quarter of London; she had joined him there, and they had + been as happy as affection and fair success could make them. He became + lecturer at a hospital, did much for the poor, both within and without its + walls, and had besides a fair practice, both among the tradespeople, and + also among the literary, scientific, and artistic world, where their + society was valued as much as his skill. Mrs. Brownlow was well used to + being called on to do the many services suggested by a kind heart in the + course of a medical man’s practice, and there was very little within, or + beyond, reason that she would not have done at her Joe’s bidding. So she + made the arrangement, exciting much gratitude in the heads of the Pomfret + House Establishment for Young Ladies; though without seeing little Miss + Allen, till, from the Doctor’s own brougham, but escorted only by an + elderly maid-servant, there came climbing up the stairs a little heap of + shawls and cloaks, surmounted by a big brown mushroom hat. + </p> + <p> + “Very proper of Joe. He can’t be too particular,—but such a child!” + thought Mrs. Brownlow as the mufflings disclosed a tiny creature, angular + in girlish sort, with an odd little narrow wedge of a face, sallow and + wan, rather too much of teeth and mouth, large greenish-hazel eyes, and a + forehead with a look of expansion, partly due to the crisp waves of dark + hair being as short as a boy’s. The nose was well cut, and each delicate + nostril was quivering involuntarily with emotion—or fright, or both. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow kissed her, made her rest on the sofa, and talked to her, + the shy monosyllabic replies lengthening every time as the motherliness + drew forth a response, until, when conducted to the cheerful little room + which Mrs. Brownlow had carefully decked with little comforts for the + convalescent, and with the ornaments likely to please a girl’s eye, she + suddenly broke into a little irrepressible cry of joy and delight. “Oh! + oh! how lovely! Am I to sleep here? Oh! it is just like the girls’ rooms I + always <i>did</i> long to see! Now I shall always be able to think about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor child, did you never even see such a room?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I slept in the attic with the maid at old Aunt Mary’s, and always in + a cubicle after I went to the asylum. Some of the girls who went home in + the holidays used to describe such rooms to us, but they could never have + been so nice as this! Oh! oh! Mrs. Brownlow, real lilies of the valley! + Put there for me! Oh! you dear, delicious, pearly things! I never saw one + so close before!” + </p> + <p> + “Never before.” That was the burthen of the song of the little bird with + wounded wing who had been received into this nest. She had the dimmest + remembrance of home or mother, something a little clearer of her sojourn + at her aunt’s, though there the aunt had been an invalid who kept her in + restraint in her presence, and her pleasures had been in the kitchen and + in a few books, probably ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘Evelina,’ so far as could be + gathered from her recollection of them. The week her father had spent with + her, before his last voyage, had been the one vivid memory of her life, + and had taught her at least how to love. Poor child, that happy week had + had to serve her ever since, through eleven years of unbroken school! Not + that she pitied herself. Everybody had been kind to her—governesses, + masters, girls, and all. She had been happy and successful, and had made + numerous friends, about whom, as she grew more at home, she freely chatted + to Mrs. Brownlow, who was always ready to hear of Mary Ogilvie and Clara + Cartwright, and liked to draw out the stories of the girl-world, in which + it was plain that Caroline Allen had been a bright, good, clever girl, + getting on well, trusted and liked. She had been half sorry to leave her + dear old school, half glad to go on to something new. She was evidently + not so comfortable, while Miss Heath’s lowest teacher, as she had been + while she was the asylum’s senior pupil. Yet when on Sunday evening the + Doctor was summoned and the ladies were left tete-a-tete, she laughed + rather than complained. But still she owned, with her black head on Mrs. + Brownlow’s lap, that she had always craved for something—something, + and she had found it now! + </p> + <p> + Everything was a fresh joy to her, every print on the walls, every + ornament on the brackets, seemed to speak to her eye and to her soul both + at once, and the sense of comfort and beauty and home, after the bareness + of school, seemed to charm her above all. “I always did want to know what + was inside people’s windows,” she said. + </p> + <p> + And in the same way it was a feast to her to get hold of “a real book,” as + she called it, not only the beginnings of everything, and selections that + always broke off just as she began to care about them. She had been + thoroughly well grounded, and had a thirst for knowledge too real to have + been stifled by the routine she had gone through—though, said she, + “I do want time to get on further, and to learn what won’t be of any use!” + </p> + <p> + “Of no use!” said Mr. Brownlow laughing—having just found her trying + to make out the Old English of King Alfred’s ‘Boethius’—“such as + this?” + </p> + <p> + “Just so! They always are turning me off with ‘This won’t be of any use to + you.’ I hate use—” + </p> + <p> + “Like Ridley, who says he reads a book with double pleasure if he is not + going to review it.” + </p> + <p> + “That Mr. Ridley who came in last evening?” + </p> + <p> + “Even so. Why that opening of eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought a critic was a most formidable person.” + </p> + <p> + “You expected to see a mess of salt and vinegar prepared for his diet?” + </p> + <p> + “I should prepare something quite different—milk and sweetbreads, I + think.” + </p> + <p> + “To soften him? Do you hear, mother? Take advice.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline—or Carey, as she had begged to be called—blushed, and + drew back half-alarmed, as she always was when the Doctor caught up any of + the little bits of fun that fell so shyly and demurely from her, as they + were evoked by the more congenial atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + It was a great pleasure to him and to his mother to show her some of the + many things she had never seen, watch her enjoyment, and elicit whether + the reality agreed with her previous imaginations. Mr. Brownlow used to + make time to take the two ladies out, or to drop in on them at some + exhibition, checking the flow of half-droll, half-intelligent remarks for + a moment, and then encouraging it again, while both enjoyed that most + amusing thing, the fresh simplicity of a grown-up, clever child. + </p> + <p> + “How will you ever bear to go back again?” said Carey’s school-friend, + Clara Cartwright, now a governess, whom Mrs. Brownlow had, with some + suppressed growls from her son, invited to share their one day’s + country-outing under the horse-chestnut trees of Richmond. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I shall have it all to take back with me,” was the answer, as Carey + toyed with the burnished celandine stars in her lap. + </p> + <p> + “I should never dare to think of it! I should dread the contrast!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no!” said Carey. “It is like a blind person who has once seen, you + know. It will be always warm about my heart to know there are such + people.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow happened to overhear this little colloquy while her son was + gone to look for the carriage, and there was something in the bright + unrepining tone that filled her eyes with tears, more especially as the + little creature still looked very fragile—even at the end of a + month. She was so tired out with her day of almost rapturous enjoyment + that Mrs. Brownlow would not let her come down stairs again, but made her + go at once to bed, in spite of a feeble protest against losing one + evening. + </p> + <p> + “And I am afraid that is a recall,” said Mrs. Brownlow, seeing a letter + directed to Miss Allen on the side-table. “I will not give it to her + to-night, poor little dear; I really don’t know how to send her back.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly what I was thinking,” said the Doctor, leaning over the fire, + which he was vigorously stirring. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t think her strong enough? If so, I am very glad,” said the + mother, in a delighted voice. “Eh, Joe?” as there was a pause; and as he + replaced the poker, he looked up to her with a colour scarcely to be + accounted for by the fire, and she ended in an odd, startled, yet not + displeased tone, “It is that—is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mother, it is that,” said Joe, laughing a little, in his relief that + the plunge was made. “I don’t see that we could do better for your + happiness or mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t put mine first” (half-crying). + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t know I did. It all comes to the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Joe, I only wish you could do it to-morrow, and have no fuss + about it! What will Robert do?” + </p> + <p> + “Accept the provision for his friend’s daughter,” said Joe, gravely; and + then they both burst out laughing. In the midst came the announcement of + dinner, during which meal they refrained themselves, and tried to discuss + other things, though not so successfully but that it was reported in the + kitchen that something was up. + </p> + <p> + Joseph was just old enough for his mother, who had always dreaded his + marriage, to have begun to wish for it, though she had never yet seen her + ideal daughter-in-law, and the enforced silence during the meal only made + her more eager, so that she began at once as soon as they were alone. + </p> + <p> + “When did you begin to think of this, Joe?” + </p> + <p> + “Not when I asked you to invite her—that would have been + treacherous. No, but when I began to realise what it would be to send her + back to her treadmill; though the beauty of it is that she never seems to + realise that it is a treadmill.” + </p> + <p> + “She might now, though I tried so hard not to spoil her. It is that + content with such a life which makes me think that in her you may have + something more worth than the portion, which—which I suppose I ought + to regret and say you will miss.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall get all that plentifully from Robert, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it does entail harder work on you, and later on in life, than + if you had chosen a person with something of her own.” + </p> + <p> + “Something of her own? Her own, indeed! Mother, she has that of her own + which is the very thing to help and inspire me to make a name, and work + out an idea, worth far more than any pounds, shillings, and pence, or even + houses or lands I might get with a serene and solemn dame, even with clear + notions as to those same L. s. d.!” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Joe! You may be as much in love as you please, but don’t be + wicked.” + </p> + <p> + For this description was applicable to the bride whom Robert had presented + to them about a year ago, on retiring with a Colonel’s rank. + </p> + <p> + “So I may be as much in love as I please? Thank you. I always knew you + were the very best mother in the world:” and he came and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what she will say, the dear child!” + </p> + <p> + “May be that she has no taste for such an old fellow. Hush, mother. + Seriously, my chief scruple is whether it be fair to ask a girl to marry a + man twice her age, when she has absolutely seen nothing of his kind but + the German master!” + </p> + <p> + “Trust her,” said Mrs. Brownlow. “Nay, she never could have a freer choice + than now, when she is too young and simple to be weighted with a sense of + being looked down on. It is possible that she may be startled at first, + but I think it will be only at life opening on her; so don’t be daunted, + and imagine it is your old age and infirmity,” said the mother, smoothing + back the locks which certainly were not the clustering curls of youth. + </p> + <p> + How the mother watched all the next morning, while the unconscious Carey + first marvelled at her nervousness and silence, and then grew almost + infected by it. It was very strange, she thought, that Mrs. Brownlow, + always so kind, should say nothing but “humph” on being told that Miss + Heath’s workmen had finished, and that she must return next Monday + morning. It was the Doctor’s day to be early at the hospital, and he had + had a summons to see some one on the way, so that he was gone before + breakfast, when Carey’s attempts to discuss her happy day in the country + met with such odd, fitful answers; for, in fact, Mrs. Brownlow could not + trust herself to talk, and had no sooner done breakfast than she went off + to her housekeeping affairs and others, which she managed unusually to + prolong. + </p> + <p> + Carey was trying to draw some flowers in a glass before her—a little + purple, green-winged orchis, a cowslip, and a quivering dark-brown tuft of + quaking grass. He came and stood behind her, saying— + </p> + <p> + “You’ve got the character of those.” + </p> + <p> + “They are very difficult,” sighed Carey; “I never tried flowers before, + but I wanted to take them with me.” + </p> + <p> + “To take them with you?” he repeated, rather dreamily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, back to another sort of Heath,” she said, with a little laugh; + “don’t you know I go next Monday?” + </p> + <p> + “If you go, I hope it will only be to come back.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if Mrs. Brownlow is so good as to let me come again in the holidays!” + and she was all one flush of joy, looking round, and up in his face, to + see whether it could be true. + </p> + <p> + “Not only for holidays—for work days,” he said, and his voice shook. + </p> + <p> + “But Mrs. Brownlow can’t want a companion?” + </p> + <p> + “But I do. Caroline, will you come back to us to make home doubly sweet to + a busy man, who will do his best to make you happy?” + </p> + <p> + The little creature looked up in his face bewildered, and then said shyly, + the colour surging into her face— + </p> + <p> + “Please, what did you say?” + </p> + <p> + “I asked if you would stay with us, and make this place bright for us, as + my wife,” he said, taking both the little brown hands into his own, and + looking into the widely-opened wondering eyes; while she answered, “if I + may,”—the very words, almost the very tone, in which she had replied + to his invitation to come to recover at his house. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my poor child, you have no one’s leave to ask!” he said; “you belong + to us, only to us,”—and he drew her into his arms, and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + Then he felt and heard a great sob, and there were two tears on her cheek + when he could see her face, but she smiled with happy, quivering lip, and + said— + </p> + <p> + “It was like when papa kissed me before he went away; he would be so + glad.” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the caress that answered this, a bell sounded, and in the + certainty that the announcement of luncheon would instantly follow, they + started apart. + </p> + <p> + Two seconds later they met Mrs. Brownlow on the landing— + </p> + <p> + “There, mother,” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “My child!” and Carey was in her arms. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, may I?—Is it real?” said the girl in a stifled voice. + </p> + <p> + After that, they took it very quietly. Carey was so young and ignorant of + the world that she was not nearly so much overpowered as if she had had + the slightest external knowledge either of married life, or of the + exceptional thing the doctor was doing. Her mother had died when she was + three years old, and she had never since that time lived with wedded folk, + while even her companions at school being all fatherless, she had gathered + nothing of even second-hand experience from them. All she knew was from + books, which had given glimpses into happy homes; and though she had + feasted on a few novels during this happy month, they had been very + select, and chiefly historical romance. She was at the age when nothing is + impossible to youthful dreams, and if Tancredi had come out of the + Gerusalemme and thrown himself at her feet, she would hardly have felt it + more strangely dream-like than the transformation of her kind doctor into + her own Joe: and on the other hand, she had from the first moment nestled + so entirely into the home that it would have seemed more unnatural to be + torn away from it than to become a part of it. As to her being an + extraordinary and very disadvantageous choice for him, she simply knew + nothing of the matter; she was used to passiveness as to her own destiny, + and now that she did indeed “belong to somebody” she let those somebodies + think and decide for her with the one certainty that what Mr. Brownlow and + his mother liked was sure to be the truly right and happy thing. + </p> + <p> + So, instead of being alarmed and scrupulous, she was sweetly, shyly, and + yet confidingly gay and affectionate, enchanting both her companions, but + revealing by her naive questions and remarks such utter ignorance of all + matters of common life that Mrs. Brownlow had no scruples in not stirring + the question, that had never occurred to her son or his little betrothed, + namely, her own retirement. Caroline needed a mother far too much for her + to be spared. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done about Miss Heath? It was due to her for Miss Allen to + offer to return till her place could be supplied, Mrs. Brownlow said—but + that was only to tease the lovers—for a quarter, at which Joe made a + snarling howl, whereat Carey ventured to laugh at him, and say she should + come home for every Sunday, as Miss Pinniwinks, the senior governess, did. + </p> + <p> + “Come home,—it is enough to say that,” she added. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow undertook to negotiate the matter, her son saying privately— + </p> + <p> + “Get her off, if you have to advance a quarter. I’d rather do anything + than send her back for even a week, to have all manner of nonsense put + into her head. I’d sooner go and teach there myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Or send me?” asked his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Anything short of that,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Miss Heath, as Mrs. Brownlow had guessed, thought an engaged girl as bad + as a barrel of gunpowder, and was quite as much afraid of Miss Allen + putting nonsense into her pupils’ heads as the doctor could be of the + reverse process: so, young teachers not being scarce, Carey’s brief + connection with Miss Heath was brought to an end in a morning call, whence + she returned endowed with thirteen book-markers, five mats, and a sachet. + </p> + <p> + Carey had of her own, as it appeared, twenty-five pounds a year, which had + hitherto clothed her, and of which she only knew that it was paid to her + quarterly by a lawyer at Bath, whose address she gave. Mr. Brownlow + followed up the clue, but could not learn much about her belongings. The + twenty-five pounds was the interest of the small sum, which had remained + to poor Captain Allen, when he wound up his affairs, after paying the + debts in which his early and imprudent marriage had involved him. He did + not seem to have had any relations, and of his wife nothing was known but + that she was a Miss Otway, and that he had met her in some colonial + quarters. The old lady, with whom the little girl had been left, was her + mother’s maternal aunt, and had lived on an annuity so small that on her + death there had not been funds sufficient to pay expenses without a sale + of all her effects, so that nothing had been saved for the child, except a + few books with her parents’ names in them—John Allen and Caroline + Otway—which she still kept as her chief treasures. The lawyer, who + had acted as her guardian, would hand over to her five hundred pounds on + her coming of age. + </p> + <p> + That was all that could be discovered, nor was Colonel Robert Brownlow as + much flattered as had been hoped by the provision for his friend’s + daughter. Nay, he was inclined to disavow the friendship. He was sorry for + poor Allen, he said, but as to making a friend of such a fellow, pah! No! + there was no harm in him, he was a good officer enough, but he never had a + grain of common sense; and whereas he never could keep out of debt, he + must needs go and marry a young girl, just because he thought her uncle + was not kind to her. It was the worst thing he could have done, for it + made her uncle cast her off on the spot, and then she was killed with + harass and poverty. He never held up his head again after losing her, and + just died of fever because he was too broken down to have energy to live. + There was enough in this to weave out a tender little romance, probably + really another aspect of the truth, which made Caroline’s bright eyes + overflow with tears, when she heard it couched in tenderer language from + Joseph, and the few books and treasures that had been rescued agreed with + it—a Bible with her father’s name, a few devotional books of her + mother’s, and Mrs. Hemans’s poems with “To Lina, from her devoted J. A.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline would fain have been called Lina, but the name did not fit her, + and would not <i>take</i>. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow was altogether very friendly, if rather grave and dry + towards her, as soon as he was convinced that “it was only Joe,” and that + pity, not artfulness, was to blame for the undesirable match. He was too + honourable a man not to see that it could not be given up, and he held + that the best must now be made of it, and that it would be more proper, + since it was to be, for him to assume the part of father, and let the + marriage take place from his house at Kenminster. This was a proposal for + which it was hard to be as grateful as it deserved; since it had been + planned to walk quietly into the parish church, be married “without any + fuss,” and then to take the fortnight’s holiday, which was all that the + doctor allowed himself. + </p> + <p> + But as Robert was allowed to be judge of the proprieties, and as the + kindness on his part was great, it was accepted; and Caroline was carried + off for three weeks to keep her residence, and make the house feel what a + blank her little figure had left. + </p> + <p> + Certainly, when the pair met again on the eve of the wedding, there never + was a more willing bride. + </p> + <p> + She said she had been very happy. The Colonel and Ellen, as she had been + told to call her future sister, had been very kind indeed; they had taken + her for long drives, shown her everything, introduced her to quantities of + people; but, oh dear! was it absolutely only three weeks since she had + been away? It seemed just like three years, and she understood now why the + girls who had homes made calendars, and checked off the days. No school + term had ever seemed so long; but at Kenminster she had had nothing to do, + and besides, now she knew what home was! + </p> + <p> + So it was the most cheerful and joyous of weddings, though the bride was a + far less brilliant spectacle than the bride of last year, Mrs. Robert + Brownlow, who with her handsome oval face, fine figure, and her tasteful + dress, perfectly befitting a young matron, could not help infinitely + outshining the little girlish angular creature, looking the browner for + her bridal white, so that even a deep glow, and a strange misty beaminess + of expression could not make her passable in Kenminster eyes. + </p> + <p> + How would Joe Brownlow’s fancy turn out? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — THE CHICKENS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + John Gilpin’s spouse said to her dear, + “Though wedded we have been + These twice ten tedious years, yet we + No holiday have seen.”—Cowper. +</pre> + <p> + No one could have much doubt how it had turned out, who looked, after + fifteen years, into that room where Joe Brownlow and his mother had once + sat tete-a-tete. + </p> + <p> + They occupied the two ends of the table still, neither looking much older, + in expression at least, for the fifteen years that had passed over their + heads, though the mother had—after the wont of active old ladies—grown + smaller and lighter, and the son somewhat more bald and grey, but not a + whit more careworn, and, if possible, even brighter. + </p> + <p> + On one side of him sat a little figure, not quite so thin, some angles + smoothed away, the black hair coiled, but still in resolute little + mutinous tendrils on the brow, not ill set off by a tuft of carnation + ribbon on one side, agreeing with the colour that touched up her gauzy + black dress; the face, not beautiful indeed—but developed, softened, + brightened with more of sweetness and tenderness—as well as more of + thought—added to the fresh responsive intelligence it had always + possessed. + </p> + <p> + On the opposite side of the dinner-table were a girl of fourteen and a boy + of twelve; the former, of a much larger frame than her mother, and in its + most awkward and uncouth stage, hardly redeemed by the keen ardour and + inquiry that glowed in the dark eyes, set like two hot coals beneath the + black overhanging brows of the massive forehead, on which the dark smooth + hair was parted. The features were large, the complexion dark but not + clear, and the look of resolution in the square-cut chin and closely + shutting mouth was more boy-like than girl-like. Janet Brownlow was + assuredly a very plain girl, but the family habit was to regard their want + of beauty as rather a mark of distinction, capable of being joked about, + if not triumphed in. + </p> + <p> + Nor was Allen, the boy, wanting in good looks. He was fairer, clearer, + better framed in every way than his sister, and had a pleasant, lively + countenance, prepossessing to all. He had a well-grown, upright figure, + his father’s ready suppleness of movement, and his mother’s hazel eyes and + flashing smile, and there was a look of success about him, as well there + might be, since he had come out triumphantly from the examination for Eton + College, and had been informed that morning that there were vacancies + enough for his immediate admission. + </p> + <p> + There was a pensiveness mixed with the satisfaction in his mother’s eyes + as she looked at him, for it was the first break into the home. She had + been the only teacher of her children till two years ago, when Allen had + begun to attend a day school a few streets off, and the first boy’s first + flight from under her wing, for ever so short a space, is generally a + sharp wound to the mother’s heart. + </p> + <p> + Not that Allen would leave an empty house behind him. Lying at full length + on the carpet, absorbed in a book, was Robert, a boy on whom the same + capacious brow as Janet’s sat better than on the feminine creature. He was + reading on, undisturbed by the pranks of three younger children, John + Lucas, a lithe, wiry, restless elf of nine, with a brown face and black + curly head, and Armine and Barbara, young persons of seven and six, on + whom nature had been more beneficent in the matter of looks, for though + brown was their prevailing complexion, both had well-moulded, childish + features, and really fine eyes. The hubbub of voices, as they tumbled and + rushed about the window and balcony, was the regular accompaniment of + dinner, though on the first plaintive tone from the little girl, the + mother interrupted a “Well, but papa,” from Janet, with “Babie, Babie.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s Jock, Mother Carey! He <i>will</i> come into Fairyland too soon.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s the last news from Fairyland, Babie?” asked the father as the + little one ran up to him. + </p> + <p> + “I want to be Queen Mab, papa, but Armine wants to be Perseus with the + Gorgon’s head, and Jock is the dragon; but the dragon will come before + we’ve put Polly upon the rock.” + </p> + <p> + “What! is Polly Andromeda—?” as a grey parrot’s stand was being + transferred from the balcony. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, papa,” called out Armine. “You see she’s chained, and Bobus won’t + play, and Babie will be Queen Mab—” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” said the mother, “that it is not harder to bring Queen Mab in + with Perseus than Oberon with Theseus and Hippolyta—” + </p> + <p> + “You would have us infer,” said the Doctor with grave humour, “that your + children are at their present growth in the Elizabethan age of culture—” + </p> + <p> + But again began a “Well, but papa!” but, he exclaimed, “Do look at that + boy—Well walloped, dragon!” as Jock with preternatural contortions, + rolled, kicked and tumbled himself with extended jaws to the rock, alias + stand, to which Polly was chained, she remarking in a hoarse, low whisper, + “Naughty boy—” + </p> + <p> + “Well moaned, Andromeda!” + </p> + <p> + “But papa,” persisted Janet, “when Oliver Cromwell—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! look at the Gorgon!” cried the mother, as the battered head of an + ancient doll was displayed over his shoulder by Perseus, decorated with + two enormous snakes, one made of stamps, and the other a spiral of + whalebone shavings out of a box. + </p> + <p> + The monster immediately tumbled over, twisted, kicked, and wriggled so + that the scandalised Perseus exclaimed: “But Jock—monster, I mean—you’re + turned into stone—” + </p> + <p> + “It’s convulsions,” replied the monster, gasping frightfully, while + redoubling his contortions, though Queen Mab observed in the most + admonitory tone, touching him at the same time with her wand, “Don’t you + know, Skipjack, that’s the reason you don’t grow—” + </p> + <p> + “Eh! What’s the new theory! Who says so, Babie?” came from the bottom of + the table. + </p> + <p> + “Nurse says so, papa,” answered Allen; “I heard her telling Jock yesterday + that he would never be any taller till he stood still and gave himself + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out, will you!” was then heard from the prostrate Robert, the monster + having taken care to become petrified right across his legs. + </p> + <p> + “But papa,” Janet’s voice was heard, “if Oliver Cromwell had not helped + the Waldenses—” + </p> + <p> + It was lost, for Bobus and Jock were rolling over together with too much + noise to be bearable; Grandmamma turned round with an expostulatory “My + dears,” Mamma with “Boys, please don’t when papa is tired—” + </p> + <p> + “Jock is such a little ape,” said Bobus, picking himself up. “Father, can + you tell me why the moon draws up the tides on the wrong side?” + </p> + <p> + “You may study the subject,” said the Doctor; “I shall pack you all off to + the seaside in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + There was one outcry from mother, wife, and boys, “Not without you?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t go till Drew comes back from his outing—” + </p> + <p> + “But why should we? It would be so much nicer all together.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be horribly dull without; indeed I never can see the sense of + going at all,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + There was a confused outcry of indignation, in which waves—crabs—boats + and shrimps, were all mingled together. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure that’s not half so entertaining as hearing people talk in the + evening,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “You precocious little piece of dissipation,” said her mother, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t mean fine lady nonsense,” said Janet, rather hotly; “I meant + talk like—” + </p> + <p> + “Like big guns. Oh, yes, we know,” interrupted Allen; “Janet does not + think anyone worth listening to that hasn’t got a whole alphabet tacked + behind his name.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet had better take care, and Bobus too,” said the Doctor, “or we shall + have to send them to vegetate on some farm, and see the cows milked and + the pigs fed.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid Bobus would apply himself to finding how much caseine matter + was in the cow’s milk,” said Janet in her womanly tone. + </p> + <p> + “Or by what rule the pigs curled their tails,” said her father, with a + mischievous pull at the black plaited tail that hung down behind her. + </p> + <p> + And then they all rose from the table, little Barbara starting up as soon + as grace was said. “Father, please, you <i>are</i> the Giant Queen Mab + always rides!” + </p> + <p> + “Queen Mab, or Queen Bab, always rides me, which comes to the same thing. + Though as to the size of the Giant—” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause to let grandmamma go up in peace, upon Mother Carey’s + arm, and then a general romp and scurry all the way up the stairs, ending + by Jock’s standing on one leg on the top post of the baluster, like an + acrobat, an achievement which made even his father so giddy that he + peremptorily desired it never to be attempted again, to the great relief + of both the ladies. Then, coming into the drawing-room, Babie perched + herself on his knee, and began, without the slightest preparation, the + recitation of Cowper’s “Colubriad”:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Fast by the threshold of a door nailed fast + Three kittens sat, each kitten looked aghast.” + </pre> + <p> + And just as she had with great excitement— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Taught him never to come there no more,” + </pre> + <p> + Armine broke in with “Nine times one are nine.” + </p> + <p> + It was an institution dating from the days when Janet made her first + acquaintance with the “Little Busy Bee,” that there should be something, + of some sort, said or shown to papa, whenever he was at home or free + between dinner and bed-time, and it was considered something between a + disgrace and a misfortune to produce nothing. + </p> + <p> + So when the two little ones had been kissed and sent off to bed, with + mamma going with them to hear their prayers, Jock, on being called for, + repeated a Greek declension with two mistakes in it, Bobus showed a long + sum in decimals, Janet, brought a neat parallelism of the present tense of + the verb “to be” in five languages—Greek, Latin, French, German, and + English. + </p> + <p> + “And Allen—reposing on your honours? Eh, my boy?” + </p> + <p> + Allen looked rather foolish, and said, “I spoilt it, papa, and hadn’t time + to begin another.” + </p> + <p> + “It—I suppose I am not to hear what till it has come to perfection. + Is it the same that was in hand last time?” + </p> + <p> + “No, papa, much better,” said Janet, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “What I want to see,” said Dr. Brownlow, “is something finished. I’d + rather have that than ever so many magnificent beginnings.” + </p> + <p> + Here he was seized upon by Robert, with his knitted brow and a book in his + hands, demanding aid in making out why, as he said, the tide swelled out + on the wrong side of the earth. + </p> + <p> + His father did his best to disentangle the question, but Bobus was not + satisfied till the clock chimed his doom, when he went off with Jock, who + was walking on his hands. + </p> + <p> + “That’s too tough a subject for such a little fellow,” said the + grandmother; “so late in the day too!” + </p> + <p> + “He would have worried his brain with it all night if he had not worked it + out,” said his father. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid he will, any way,” said the mother. “Fancy being troubled with + dreams of surging oceans rising up the wrong way!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he ought to be running after the tides instead of theorising about + them. Carry him off, Mother Carey, and the whole brood, without loss of + time.” + </p> + <p> + “But Joe, why should we not wait for you? You never did send us away all + forlorn before!” she said, pleadingly. “We are all quite well, and I can’t + bear going without you.” + </p> + <p> + “I had much rather all the chickens were safe away, Carey,” he said, + sitting down by her. “There’s a tendency to epidemic fever in two or three + streets, which I don’t like in this hot weather, and I had rather have my + mind easy about the young ones.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of my mind, leaving you in the midst of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Your mind, being that of a mother bird and a doctor’s wife, ought to have + no objection.” + </p> + <p> + “How soon does Dr. Drew come home?” + </p> + <p> + “In a fortnight, I believe. He wanted rest terribly, poor old fellow. + Don’t grudge him every day.” + </p> + <p> + “A fortnight!” (as if it was a century). “You can’t come for a fortnight. + Well, perhaps it will take a week to fix on a place.” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly, for see here, I found a letter from Acton when I came in. They + have found an unsophisticated elysium at Kyve Clements, and are in + raptures which they want us to share—rocks and waves and all.” + </p> + <p> + “And rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, very good rooms, enough for us all,” was the answer, flinging into + her lap a letter from his friend, a somewhat noted artist in + water-colours, whom, after long patience, Carey’s school friend, Miss + Cartwright, had married two years ago. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to say against it, only grandmamma observed, “I am too + old to catch things; Joe will let me stay and keep house for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Please, please let me stay with granny,” insisted Janet; “then I shall + finish my German classes.” + </p> + <p> + Janet was granny’s child. She had slept in her room ever since Allen was + born, and trotted after her in her “housewifeskep,” and the sense of being + protected was passing into the sense of protection. Before she could be + answered, however, there was an announcement. Friends were apt to drop in + to coffee and talk in the evening, on the understanding that certain days + alone were free—people chiefly belonging to a literary, scientific, + and artist set, not Bohemian, but with a good deal of quiet ease and + absence of formality. + </p> + <p> + This friend had just returned from Asia Minor, and had brought an + exquisite bit of a Greek frieze, of which he had become the happy + possessor, knowing that Mrs. Joseph Brownlow would delight to see it, and + mayhap to copy it. + </p> + <p> + For Carey’s powers had been allowed to develop themselves; Mrs. Brownlow + having been always housekeeper, she had been fain to go on with the + studies that even her preparation for governess-ship had not rendered + wearisome, and thus had become a very graceful modeller in clay—her + favourite pursuit—when her children’s lessons and other occupations + left her free to indulge in it. The history of the travels, and the + account of the discovery, were given and heard with all zest, and in the + midst others came in—a barrister and his wife to say good-bye before + the circuit, a professor with a ticket for the gallery at a scientific + dinner, two medical students, who had been made free of the house because + they were nice lads with no available friends in town. + </p> + <p> + It was all over by half-past ten, and the trio were alone together. “How + amusing Mr. Leslie is!” said the young Mrs. Brownlow. “He knows how + describe as few people do.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see Janet listening to him,” said her grandmother, “with her + brows pulled down and her eyes sparkling out under them, wanting to devour + every word?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned the Doctor, “I saw it, and I longed to souse that black + head of hers with salt water. I don’t like brains to grow to the contempt + of healthful play.” + </p> + <p> + “People never know when they are well off! I wonder what you would have + said if you had had a lot of stupid dolts, boys always being plucked, + &c.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t plume yourself too soon, Mother Carey; only one chick has gone + through the first ordeal.” + </p> + <p> + “And if Allen did, Bobus will.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen is quite as clever as Bobus, granny, if—” eagerly said the + mother. + </p> + <p> + “If—” said the father; “there’s the point. If Allen has the + stimulus, he will do well. I own I am particularly pleased with his + success, because perseverance is his weak point.” + </p> + <p> + “Carey kept him up to it,” said granny. “I believe his success is quite as + much her work as his own.” + </p> + <p> + “And the question is, how will he get on without his mother to coach him?” + </p> + <p> + “Now you know you are not one bit uneasy, papa!” cried his wife, + indignantly. “But don’t you think we might let Janet have her will for + just these ten days? There can’t be any real danger for her with + grandmamma, and I should be happier about granny.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t trust Joe to take care of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if Joe is to be out all day. There will be nobody to trot up and down + stairs for you. Come, it is only what she begs for herself, and she really + is perfectly well.” + </p> + <p> + “As if I could have a child victimised to me,” said granny. + </p> + <p> + “The little Cockney thinks the victimising would be in going to the + deserts with only the boys and me,” laughed Carey; “But I think a week + later will be quite time enough to sweep the cobwebs out of her brain.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can do without her?” inquired Mrs. Brownlow. “You don’t want her + to help to keep the boys in order?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I can do that better without her,” said Carey. “She + exasperates them sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe granny is thinking whether she is not wanted to keep Mother + Carey in order as well as her chickens. Hasn’t mother been taken for your + governess, Carey?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Joe, that’s too bad. They asked Janet at the dancing-school + whether her sister was not going to join.” + </p> + <p> + “Her younger sister?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I tell you, her half-sister. But Clara Acton will do discretion for + us, granny; and I promise you we won’t do anything her husband says is + very desperate! Don’t be afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said grandmamma, smiling as she kissed her daughter-in-law, and rose + to take her candle; “I am never afraid of anything a mother can share with + her boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if she is nearly a tomboy herself,” laughed the husband, with rather + a teasing air, towards his little wife. “Good night, mother. Shall not we + be snug with nobody left but Janet, who might be great-grandmother to us + both?” + </p> + <p> + “I really am glad that Janet should stay with granny,” said Carey, when he + had shut the door behind the old lady; “she would be left alone so many + hours while you are out, and she does need more waiting on than she used + to do.” + </p> + <p> + “You think so? I never see her grow older.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least older in mind or spirits; but she is not so strong, nor + so willing to exert herself, and she falls asleep more in the afternoon. + One reason for which I am less sorry to go on before, is that I shall be + able to judge whether the rooms are comfortable enough for her, and I + suppose we may change if they are not.” + </p> + <p> + “To another place, if you think best.” + </p> + <p> + “Only you will not let her stay at home altogether. That’s what I’m afraid + of.” + </p> + <p> + “She will only do so on the penalty of keeping me, and you may trust her + not to do that,” said Joe, laughing with the confidence of an only son. + </p> + <p> + “I shall come back and fetch you if you don’t appear under a fortnight. + Did you do any more this morning to the great experiment, Magnum Bonum?” + </p> + <p> + She spoke the words in a proud, shy, exulting semi-whisper, somewhat as + Gutenberg’s wife might have asked after his printing-press. + </p> + <p> + “No. I haven’t had half an hour to myself to-day; at least when I could + have attended to it. Don’t be afraid, Carey, I’m not daunted by the doubts + of our good friends. I see your eyes reproaching me with that.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, as you said, Sir Matthew Fleet mistrusts anything entirely new, + and the professor is never sanguine. I am almost glad they are so stupid, + it will make our pleasure all the sweeter.” + </p> + <p> + “You silly little bird, if you sit on that egg it will be sure to be + addled. If it should come to any good, probably it will take longer than + our life-time to work into people’s brains.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Carey, “I know the real object is the relieving pain and saving + life, and that is what you care for more than the honour and glory. But do + you remember the fly on the coach wheel?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the coach wheel means to stand still for a little while. I don’t + mean to try another experiment till my brains have been turned out to + grass, and I can come to it fresh.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! ‘tis you that really need the holiday,” said Carey, wistfully; “much + more than any of us. Look at this great crow’s foot,” tracing it with her + finger. + </p> + <p> + “Laughing, my dear. That’s the outline of the risible muscle. A Mother + Carey and her six ridiculous chickens can’t but wear out furrows with + laughing at them.” + </p> + <p> + “I only know I wish it were you that were going, and I that were staying + at home.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘You shall do my work to-day, + And I’ll go follow the plough,’” + </pre> + <p> + said her husband, laughing. “There are the notes of my lecture, if you’ll + go and give it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! we should not be like that celebrated couple. You would manage the + boys much better than I could doctor your patients.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know that. The boys are never so comfortable, when I’ve got them + alone. But, considering the hour, I should think the best preliminary + would be to put out the lamp and go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it is time; but I always think this last talk before going + upstairs, the best thing in the whole day!” said the happy wife as she + took the candle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — THE WHITE SLATE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dark house, by which once more I stand + Here in the long unlovely street. + Doors, where my heart was wont to beat + So quickly, waiting for a hand— + A hand that can be clasped no more. + Behold me, for I cannot sleep.—Tennyson. +</pre> + <p> + “Mother Carey,” to call her by the family name that her husband had given + the first day she held a baby in her arms, had a capacity of enjoyment + that what she called her exile could not destroy. Even Bobus left theory + behind him and became a holiday boy, and the whole six climbed rocks, + paddled, boated, hunted sea weeds and sea animals, lived on the beach from + morning to night; and were exceedingly amused by the people, who insisted + on addressing the senior of the party as “Miss,” and thought them a young + girl and her brothers under the charge of Mrs. Acton. She, though really + not a year older than her friend, looked like a worn and staid matron by + her side, and was by no means disposed to scramble barefoot over slippery + seaweed, or to take impromptu a part in the grand defence of the sand and + shingle edition of Raglan Castle. + </p> + <p> + Even to Mrs. Acton it was a continual wonder to see how entirely under + control of that little merry mother were those great, lively, spirited + boys, who never seemed to think of disobeying her first word, and, while + all made fun together, and she was hardly less active and enterprising + than they, always considered her comfort and likings. + </p> + <p> + So went things for a fortnight, during which the coming of the others had + been put off by Dr. Drew’s absence. One morning Mr. Acton sought Mrs. + Brownlow on the beach, where she was sitting with her brood round her, + partly reading from a translation, partly telling them the story of + Ulysses. + </p> + <p> + He called her aside, and told her that her husband had telegraphed to him + to bid him to carry her the tidings that good old Mrs. Brownlow had been + taken from them suddenly in the night, evidently in her sleep. + </p> + <p> + Carey turned very white, but said only “Oh! why did I go without them?” + </p> + <p> + It was such an overwhelming shock as left no room for tears. Her first + thought, the only one she seemed to have room for, was to get back to her + husband by the next train. She would have taken all the children, but that + Mrs. Acton insisted, almost commanded, that they should be left under her + charge, and reminded her that their father wished them to be out of + London; nor did Allen and Robert show any wish to return to a house of + mourning, being just of the age to be so much scared at sorrow as to + ignore it. And indeed their mother was equally new to any real grief; her + parents had been little more than a name to her, and the only loss she had + actually felt was that of a favourite schoolfellow. + </p> + <p> + She had no time to think or feel till she had reached the train and taken + her seat, and even then the first thing she was conscious of was a sense + of numbness within, and frivolous observation without, as she found + herself trying to read upside down the direction of her opposite + neighbour’s parcels, counting the flounces on her dress, and speculating + on the meetings and partings at the stations; yet with a terrible weight + and soreness on her all the time, though she could not think of the dear + grannie, of whom it was no figure of speech to say that she had been + indeed a mother. The idea of her absence from home for ever was too + strange, too heartrending to be at once embraced, and as she neared the + end of her journey on that long day, Carey’s mind was chiefly fixed on the + yearning to be with her husband and Janet, who had suffered such a shock + without her. She seemed more able to feel through her husband—who + was so devoted to his mother, than for herself, and she was every moment + more uneasy about her little daughter, who must have been in the room with + her grandmother. Comfort them? How, she did not know! The others had + always petted and comforted her, and now—No one to go to when the + children were ailing or naughty—no one to share little anxieties + when Joe was out late—no one to be the backbone she leant on—no + dear welcome from the easy chair. That thought nearly set her crying; the + tears burnt in her strained eyes, but the sight of the people opposite + braced her, and she tried to fix her thoughts on the unseen world, but + they only wandered wide as if beyond her own control, and her head was + aching enough to confuse her. + </p> + <p> + At last, late on the long summer day, she was at the terminus, and with a + heart beating so fast that she could hardly breathe, found herself in a + cab, driving up to her own door, just as the twilight was darkening. + </p> + <p> + How dark it looked within, with all the blinds down! The servant who + opened the door thought Miss Janet was in the drawing-room, but the master + was out. It sounded desolate, and Carey ran up stairs, craving and eager + for the kiss of her child—the child who must have borne the brunt of + the shock. + </p> + <p> + The room was silent, all dusky and shadowed; the window-frames were traced + on the blinds by the gas freshly lighted outside, and moving in the breeze + with a monotonous dreariness. Carey stood a moment, and then her eyes + getting accustomed to the darkness, she discerned a little heap lying + curled up before the ottoman, her head on a great open book, asleep—poor + child! quite worn out. Carey moved quietly across and sat down by her, + longing but not daring to touch her. The lamp was brought up in a minute + or two, and that roused Janet, who sprang up with a sudden start and + dazzled eyes, exclaiming “Father! Oh, it’s Mother Carey! Oh, mother, + mother, please don’t let him go!” + </p> + <p> + “And you have been all alone in the house, my poor child,” said Carey, as + she felt the girl shuddering in her close embrace. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Lucas came to stay with me, but I didn’t want her,” said Janet, “so + I told her she might go home to dinner. It’s father—” + </p> + <p> + “Where is father?” + </p> + <p> + “Those horrid people in Tottenham Court Road sent for him just as he had + come home,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “He went out as usual?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, though he had such a bad cold. He said he could not be spared; and + he was out all yesterday till bedtime, or I should have told him + grandmamma was not well.” + </p> + <p> + “You thought so!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she panted and breathed so oddly; but she would not let me say a + word to him. She made me promise not, but being anxious about him helped + to do it. Dr. Lucas said so.” + </p> + <p> + There was a strange hardness and yet a trembling in Janet’s voice; nor did + she look as if she had shed tears, though her face was pale and her eyes + black-ringed, and when old nurse, now very old indeed, tottered in + sobbing, she flung herself to the other end of the room. It was more from + nurse than from Janet that Carey learnt the particulars, such as they + were, namely, that the girl had been half-dressed when she had taken alarm + from her grandmother’s unresponsive stillness, and had rushed down to her + father’s room. He had found that all had long been over. His friend, old + Dr. Lucas, had come immediately, and had pronounced the cause to have been + heart complaint. + </p> + <p> + Nurse said her master had been “very still,” and had merely given the + needful orders and written a few letters before going to his patients, for + the illness was at its height, and there were cases for which he was very + anxious. + </p> + <p> + The good old woman, who had lived nearly all her life with her mistress, + was broken-hearted; but she did not forget to persuade Caroline to take + food, telling her she must be ready to cheer up the master when he should + come in, and assuring her that the throbbing headache which disgusted her + with all thoughts of eating, would be better for the effort. Perhaps it + was, but it would not allow her to bring her thoughts into any connection, + or to fix them on what she deemed befitting, and when she saw that the + book over which Janet had been asleep in the twilight was “The Last of the + Mohicans,” she was more scandalised than surprised. + </p> + <p> + It was past Janet’s bedtime, but though too proud to say so, she + manifestly shrank from her first night of loneliness, and her mother, + herself unwilling to be alone, came with her to her room, undressed her, + and sat with her in the darkness, hoping for some break in the dull + reticence, but disappointed, for Janet hid her head in the clothes, and + slept, or seemed to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Carey herself had been half dozing, when she heard the well-known + sounds of arrival, and darted down stairs, meeting indeed the welcoming + eye and smile; but “Ah, here she is!” was said so hoarsely and feebly, + that she exclaimed “Oh Joe, you have knocked yourself up!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Dr. Lucas, whom she only then perceived. “He must go to bed + directly, and then we will see to him. Not another word, Brownlow, till + you are there, nor then if you are wise.” + </p> + <p> + He strove to disobey, but cough and choking forbade; and as he began to + ascend the stairs, Caroline turned in dismay to the kind, fatherly old + man, who had always been one of the chief intimates of the house, and was + now retired from practice, except for very old friends. + </p> + <p> + He told her that her husband was suffering from a kind of sore throat that + sometimes attacked those attending on this fever, though generally not + unless there was some predisposition, or unless the system had been unduly + lowered. Joe had indeed been over-worked in the absence of several of the + regular practitioners and of all those who could give extra help; but this + would probably have done little harm, but for a cold caught in a draughty + room, and the sudden stroke with which the day had begun. Dr. Lucas had + urged him to remain at home, and had undertaken his regular work for the + day, but summonses from his patients had been irresistible; he had + attended to everyone except himself, and finally, after hours spent over + the critical case of the wife of a small tradesman, he had found himself + so ill that he had gone to his friend for treatment, and Dr. Lucas had + brought him home, intending to stay all night with him. + </p> + <p> + Since the wife had arrived, the good old man, knowing how much rather they + would be alone, consented to sleep in another room, after having done all + that was possible for the night, and cautioned against talking. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Joe, heavy, stupefied, and struggling for breath, knew too well + what it all meant not to give himself all possible chance by silent + endurance, lying with his wife’s hand in his, or sometimes smoothing her + cheek, but not speaking without necessity. Once he told her that her head + was aching, and made her lie down on the bed, but he was too ill for this + rest to last long, and the fits of struggling with suffocation prevented + all respite save for a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + With the early light of the long summer morning Dr. Lucas looked in, and + would have sent her to bed, but she begged off, and a sign from her + husband seemed to settle the matter, for the old physician went away + again, perhaps because his eyes were full of tears. + </p> + <p> + The first words Joe said when they were again alone was “My tablets.” She + went in search of them to his dressing-room, and not finding them there, + was about to run down to the consulting-room, when Janet came out already + dressed, and fetched them for her, as well as a white slate, on which he + was accustomed to write memorandums of engagements. + </p> + <p> + Her father thanked her by a sign, but there was possibility enough of + infection to make him wave her back from kissing him, and she took refuge + at the foot of the bed, on a sofa shut off by the curtains which had been + drawn to exclude the light. + </p> + <p> + Joe meantime wrote on the slate the words, “Magnum bonum.” + </p> + <p> + “Magnum bonum?” read his wife, in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Papers in bureau,” he wrote; “lock all in my desk. Mention to no one.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to put them in your desk?” asked Caroline, bewildered as to his + intentions, and finding it hard to read the writing, as he went on— + </p> + <p> + “No word to anyone!” scoring it under, “not till one of the boys is + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “One of the boys!” in utter amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Not as a chance for himself,” he wrote, “but as a great trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” she said, “it is a great trust to make a discovery which will + save life. It is my pride to know you are doing it, my own dear Joe.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems I am not worthy to do it,” was traced by his fingers. “It is not + developed enough to be listened to by anyone. Keep it for the fit one of + the boys. Religion, morals, brains, balance.” + </p> + <p> + She read each word aloud, bending her head in assent; and, after a pause, + he wrote “Not till his degree. He could not work it out sooner. These is + peril to self and others in experimenting—temptation to rashness. It + were better unknown than trifled with. Be an honest judge—promise. + Say what I want.” + </p> + <p> + Spellbound, almost mesmerised by his will, Caroline pronounced—“I + promise to keep the magnum bonum a secret till the boys are grown up, and + then only to confide it to the one that seems fittest, when he has taken + his degree, and is a good, religious, wise, able man, with brains and + balance, fit to be trusted to work out and apply such an invention, and + not make it serve his own advancement, but be a real good and blessing to + all.” + </p> + <p> + He gave her one of his bright, sweet smiles, and, as she sealed her + promise by a kiss, he took up the slate again and wrote, “My dear comfort, + you have always understood. You are to be trusted. It must be done + worthily or not at all.” + </p> + <p> + That was the burthen of everything; and his approval and affection gave a + certain sustaining glow to the wife, who was besides so absorbed in + attending to him, as not to look beyond the moment. He wrote presently, + after a little more, “You know all my mind for the children. With God’s + help you can fill both places to them. I should like you to live at + Kenminster, under Robert’s wing.” + </p> + <p> + After that he only used the tablets for temporary needs, and to show what + he wanted Dr. Lucas to undertake for his patients. The husband and wife + had little more time for intimate communings, for the strangulation grew + worse, more remedies were tried, and one of the greatest physicians of the + day was called in, but only to make unavailing efforts. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow arrived in the middle of the day, and was thunderstruck + at the new and terrible disaster. He was a large, tall man, with a + good-humoured, weather-beaten face, and an unwieldy, gouty figure; and he + stood, with his eyes brimming over with tears, looking at his brother, and + at first unable to read the one word Joe traced for him—for writing + had become a great effort—“Carey.” + </p> + <p> + “We will do our best for her, Ellen and I, my dear fellow. But you’ll soon + be better. Horrid things, these quinsies; but they pass off.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Joe half-smiled at this confident opinion, but he merely wrung his + brother’s hand, and only twice more took up the pencil—once to write + the name of the clergyman he wished to see, and lastly to put down the + initials of all his children: “Love to you all. Let God and your mother be + first with you.—J. B.” + </p> + <p> + The daylight of the second morning had come in before that deadly + suffocation had finished its work, and the strong man’s struggles were + ended. + </p> + <p> + When Colonel Brownlow tried to raise his sister-in-law, he found her + fainting, and, with Dr. Lucas’s help, carried her to another room, where + she lay, utterly exhausted, in a kind of faint stupor, apparently + unconscious of anything but violent headache, which made her moan from + time to time, if anything stirred her. Dr. Lucas thought this the effect + of exhaustion, for she had not slept, and hardly taken any food since her + breakfast at Kyve three days ago; and finding poor old nurse too entirely + broken down to be of any use, he put his own kind wife in charge of her, + and was unwilling to admit anyone else—even Mrs. Robert Brownlow, + who arrived in the course of the day. She was a tall, fine-looking person, + with an oval face—soft, pleasant brown skin, mild brown eyes, and + much tenderness of heart and manner, but not very well known to Caroline; + for her periodical visits had been wholly devoted to shopping and + sight-seeing. She was exceedingly shocked at the tidings that met her, and + gathered Janet into her arms with many tears over the poor orphan girl! It + was an effusiveness that overwhelmed Janet, who had a miserable, hard, + dried-up feeling of wretchedness, and injury too; for the more other + people cried, the less she could cry, and she heard them saying to one + another that she was unfeeling. + </p> + <p> + Still Aunt Ellen’s presence was a sort of relief, for it made the house + less empty and dreary, and she took upon her the cares that were greatly + needed in the bereaved household, where old nurse had lost her head, and + could do nothing, and the most effective maid was away with the children. + So Janet wandered about after her aunt, with an adverse feeling at having + her home meddled with, but answering questions and giving opinions, called + or uncalled for. Her longing was for her brothers, and it was a great blow + to find that her uncle had written to both Allen and Mr. Acton that they + had better not come home at present. She thought it cruel and unjust both + towards them and herself; and in her sickening sense of solitude and + injury she had a vague expectation that they were all going to be left + wholly orphans, like the children of fiction, dependent on their uncle and + aunt, who would be unjust, and prefer their own children; and she had a + prevision of the battles she was to fight, and the defensive influence she + was to exert. + </p> + <p> + That brought to her mind the white slate on which her father had been + writing, and she hurried to secure it, though she hardly knew where to go + or to look; but straying into her father’s dressing-room, she found both + it and the tablets among a heap of other small matters that had been, + cleared away when the other chamber had been arranged into the solemnity + of the death-room. Hastily securing them, she carried them to her own desk + in the deserted school-room, feeling as if they were her charge, and thus + having no scruple in reading them. + </p> + <p> + She had heard what passed aloud; and, as the eldest girl, had been so + constantly among the seniors, and so often supposed to be intent on her + own occupations when they were conversing, that she had already the + knowledge that magnum bonum, was the pet home term for some great + discovery in medical, science that her father had been pursuing, with many + disappointments and much incredulity from the few friends to whom it had + been mentioned, but with absolute confidence on his own part. What it was + she did, not know, but she had fully taken in the injunction of secrecy + and the charge to hand on the task to one of her brothers; only, while her + father had spoken of it as a grave trust, she viewed it as an inheritance + of glory; and felt a strange longing and repining that it could not be + given to her to win and wear the crown of success. + </p> + <p> + Janet, did not, however, keep the treasure long, for that very evening + Mrs. Lucas sought her out to tell her that her mother had been saying + something, about a slate, and Dr. Lucas thought it was one on which her + father had been writing. If she could find it, they hoped her mother would + rest better. + </p> + <p> + Janet produced it, and, being evidently most unwilling to let it go out of + her hands, was allowed to carry it in, and to tell her mother that she had + it. There was no need for injunctions to do so softly and cautiously, for + she was frightened by her mother’s dull, half-closed eye, and pale, leaden + look; but there was a little air of relief as she faltered, “Here’s the + slate, dear mother:” and the answer, so faint that she could hardly hear + it, was, “Lock it up, my dear, till I can look.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lucas told Janet she might kiss her, and then sent the girl away. + There was need of anxious watch lest fever should set in, and therefore + all that was exciting was kept at a distance as the poor young widow + verged towards recovery. + </p> + <p> + Once, when she heard voices on the stairs, she started nervously, and + asked Mrs. Lucas, “Is Ellen there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear; she shall not come to you unless you wish it,” seeing her + alarm; and she laid her head down again. + </p> + <p> + The double funeral was accomplished while she was still too ill to hear + anything about it, though Mrs. Lucas had no doubt that she knew; and when + he came home, Colonel Brownlow called for Janet, and asked her whether she + could find her grandmother’s keys and her father’s for him. + </p> + <p> + “Mother would not like anyone to rummage their things,” said Janet, like a + watch-dog. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said her uncle, in a surprised but kind tone, as one who + respected yet resented her feeling; “you may trust me not to rummage, as + you call it, unnecessarily; but I know that I am executor, if you + understand what that means, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Janet, affronted as she always was by being treated as a + child. + </p> + <p> + “To both wills,” continued her uncle; “and it will save your mother much + trouble and distress if I can take steps towards acting on them at once; + and if you cannot tell where the keys are, I shall have to look for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet ought to obey at once,” said her aunt, not adding to the serenity + of Janet’s mind; but she turned on her heel, ungraciously saying, “I’ll + get them;” and presently returned with her grandmother’s key-box, full of + the housekeeping keys, and a little key, which she gave to her uncle with + great dignity, adding, “The key of her desk is the Bramah one; I’ll see + for the others.” + </p> + <p> + “A strange girl, that!” said her uncle, as she marched out of the room. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad our Jessie has not her temper!” responded his wife; and then + they both repaired to old Mrs. Brownlow’s special apartment, the back + drawing-room, while Janet quietly dropped downstairs with the key she had + taken from her father’s table on her way to the consulting-room. She + intended to prevent any search, by herself producing the will from among + his papers, for she was in an agony lest her uncle should discover the + clue to the magnum bonum, of which she regarded herself the guardian. + </p> + <p> + Till she had actually unlocked the sloping lid of the old-fashioned + bureau, it did not occur to her that she did not know either what the will + was like, nor yet the magnum bonum, which was scarcely likely to be so + ticketed. She only saw piles of letters and papers, marked, some with + people’s names, some with a Greek or Latin word, or one of the curious old + Arabic signs, for which her father had always a turn, having, as his + mother used to tell him, something of the alchemist in his composition. + One of these parcels, fastened with elastic rings, must be magnum bonum, + and Janet, though without much chance of distinguishing it, was reading + the labels with a strange, sad fascination, when, long before she had + expected him, her uncle stood before her, with greatly astonished and + displeased looks, and the word “Janet.” + </p> + <p> + She coloured scarlet, but answered boldly, “There was something that I + know father did not want anyone but mother to see.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course there is much,” said her uncle, gravely—“much that I am + fitter to judge, of than any little girl.” + </p> + <p> + Words cannot express the offence thus given to Janet. Something swelled in + her throat as if to suffocate her, but there could be no reply, and to + burst out crying would only make him think her younger still; so as he + turned to his mournful task, she ensconced herself in a high-backed chair, + and watched him from under her dark brows. + </p> + <p> + She might comfort herself by the perception that he was less likely than + even herself to recognise the magnum bonum. He would scarcely have thought + it honourable to cast a glance upon the medical papers, and pushing them + aside from where she had pulled them forward, searched till he had found a + long cartridge-paper envelope, which he laid on the table behind him while + he shut up the bureau, and Janet, by cautiously craning up her neck, + managed to read that on it was written “Will of Joseph Brownlow, + Executors: Mrs. Caroline Otway Brownlow, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert + Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + Her uncle then put both that and the keys in his pocket, either not seeing + her, or not choosing to notice her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — THE STRAY CHICKENS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But when our father came not here, + I thought if we could find the sea + We should be sure to meet him there, + And once again might happy be.—Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + “What was Dr. Lucas saying to you?” asked Carey, sitting up in bed after + her breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “He said, my dear, that you were really well now,” said Mrs. Lucas, + tenderly; “and that you only wanted rousing.” + </p> + <p> + She clasped her hands together. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know it. I have been knowing it all yesterday and last night. It + hasn’t been right of me, keeping you all this time, and not facing it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you could, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at first. It seems to me like having been in a whirlpool, and those + two went down in it.” She put her hands to her temples. “But I must do it + all now, and I will. I’ll get up now. Oh! dear, if they only would let me + come down and go about quietly.” Then smiling a piteous smile. “It is very + naughty, but of all things I dread the being cried over and fondled by + Ellen!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Lucas shook her head, though the tears were in her eyes, and + bethought her whether she could caution Mrs. Robert Brownlow not to be too + demonstrative; but it was a delicate matter in which to interfere, and + after all, whatever she might think beforehand, Caroline might miss these + tokens of feeling. + </p> + <p> + She had sat up for some hours the evening before, so that there was no + fear of her not being strong enough to get up as she proposed; but how + would it be when she left her room, and beheld all that she could not have + realised? + </p> + <p> + However, matters turned out contrary to all expectation. Mrs. Lucas was in + the drawing-room, talking to the Colonel’s wife, and Janet up stairs + helping her mother to dress, when there was a sound of feet on the stairs, + the door hastily opened for a moment, and two rough-headed, dusty little + figures were seen for one moment, startling Mrs. Brownlow with the notion + of little beggars; but they vanished in a moment, and were heard + chattering up stairs with calls of “Mother! Mother Carey!” And looking + out, they beheld at the top of the stairs the two little fellows hanging + one on each side of Carey, who was just outside her door, with her hair + down, in her white dressing gown, kneeling between them, all the three + almost devouring one another. + </p> + <p> + “Jockie! Armie! my dears! How did you come? Where are the rest?” + </p> + <p> + “Still at Kyve,” said Jock. “Mother we have done such a thing—we + came to tell you of it.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ve lost the man’s boat,” added Armine, “and we must give him the money + for another.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it? What is it, Caroline?” began her sister-in-law; but Mrs. + Lucas touched her arm, and as a mother herself, she saw that mother and + sons had best be left to one another, and let them retreat into the + bedroom, Carey eagerly scanning her two little boys, who had a battered, + worn, unwashed look that puzzled her as much as their sudden appearance, + which indeed chimed in with the strange dreamy state in which she had + lived ever since that telegram. But their voices did more to restore her + to ordinary life than anything else could have done; and their hearts were + so full of their own adventure, that they poured it out before remarking + anything,— + </p> + <p> + “How did you come, my dear boys?” + </p> + <p> + “We walked, after the omnibus set us down at Charing Cross, because we + hadn’t any more money,” said Armine. “I’m so tired.” And he nestled into + her lap, seeming to quell the beating of her aching heart by his pressure. + </p> + <p> + “This is it, mother,” said Jock, pulling her other arm round him. “We two + went down to the beach yesterday, and we saw a little boat—Peter + Lary’s pretty little boat, you know, that is so light—and we got in + to rock in her, and then I thought I would pull about in her a little.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Jock, Jock, how could you?” + </p> + <p> + “I’d often done it with Allen and Young Pete,” said Jock, defensively. + </p> + <p> + “But by yourselves!” she said in horror. + </p> + <p> + “Nobody told us not,” said Jock rather defiantly; and Armine, who, with + his little sister Barbara, always seemed to live where dreamland and + reality bordered on each other, looked up in her face and innocently said— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Acton read us about the Rocky Island, and she said father and granny + had brought their boats to the beautiful country, and that we ought to go + after them, and there was the bright path along the sea, and I thought we + would go too, and that it would be nicer if Jock went with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew it did not mean that,” said Jock, hanging his mischievous black + head a little, as he felt her shudder; “but I thought it would be such fun + to be Columbus.” + </p> + <p> + “And then? Oh! my boys, what a fearful thing! Thank God I have you here.” + </p> + <p> + “I wasn’t frightened,” said Jock, with uplifted head; “we could both row, + couldn’t we, Armie? and the tide was going out, and it was so jolly; it + seemed to take us just where we wanted to go, out to that great rock, you + know, mother, that Bobus called the Asses’ Bridge.” + </p> + <p> + Carey knew that the current at the mouth of the river did, at high tide, + carry much drift to the base of this island, and she could understand how + her two boys had been floated thither. Jock went on— + </p> + <p> + “We had a boat-hook, and I pulled up to the island; I did, mother, and I + made fast the boat to a little stick, and we went out to explore the + island.” + </p> + <p> + “It has a crater in the top, mother, and we think it must be an instinct + volcano,” said Armine, looking up sleepily. + </p> + <p> + “And there were such lots of jolly little birds,” went on Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that now. What happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the brute of a boat got away,” said Jock, much injured, “when I’d + made her ever so fast. She pulled up the stick, I’m sure she did, for I + can tie a knot as well as Pete.” + </p> + <p> + “So you could not get away?” + </p> + <p> + “No, and we’d got nothing to eat but chocolate creams and periwinkles, and + Armie wouldn’t look at them, and I don’t think I could while they were + alive. So I hoisted a signal of distress, made of my tie, for we’d lost + our pocket-handkerchiefs. I was afraid they would think we were pirates, + and not venture to come near us, for we’d only got black flags, and it was + a very, very long time, but at last, just as it got a little darkish, and + Armie was crying—poor little chap—that steamer came by that + always goes between Porthole and Kyvemouth on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I + hailed and I hailed, and they saw or heard, and sent a boat and took us on + board. The people all came and looked at us, and one of them said I was a + plucky little chap; he did, mother, and that I’d the making of an admiral + in me; and a lady gave us such a jolly paper of sandwiches. But you see + the steamer was going to Porthole, and the captain said he could not + anyhow put back to Kyve, but he must take us on, and we must get back by + train.” + </p> + <p> + Mother Carey understood this, for the direct line ran to Porthole, and + there was a small junction station whence a branch ran to Kyvemouth, from + which Kyve St. Clements was some three miles distant. + </p> + <p> + “Were you carried on?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, but we meant it,” said Jock. “I remembered the boat. I knew + father would say we must buy another, so I asked the captain what was the + price of one, for Armine and I had each got half-a-sovereign.” + </p> + <p> + “How was that?” + </p> + <p> + “An old gentleman the day before was talking to Mr. Acton. I think he is + some great swell, for he has got a yacht, and servants, and a carriage, + and lots of things; and he said, ‘What! are those poor Brownlow’s boys? + bless me!’ and he tipped us each. Allen and Bobus were to go with Mr. + Acton and have a sail in his yacht, but they said we should be too many, + so we thought we’d get a new boat, but the Captain—” + </p> + <p> + “Said your money would go but a little way,” put in Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “He laughed!” said Jock, as a great offence; “and said that was a matter + for our governor, and we had better go home and tell as fast as we could. + There was a train just starting when we got in to Porthole, and somebody + got our tickets for us, and Armie went fast off to sleep, and I, when I + came to think about it, thought we would not get out at the junction, but + come on home at once, Mother Carey, and tell you all about it. When Armie + woke—why, he’s asleep now—he said he would rather come home + than to Kyve.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you travelled all night?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there was a jolly old woman who made us a bed with her shawl, only I + tumbled off three times and bumped myself, and she gave us gooseberries, + and cake, and once when we stopped a long time a porter got us a cup of + tea. Then when we came to where they take the tickets, I think the man was + going to make a row, but the guard came up and told him all about it, and + I gave him my two half-sovereigns, and he gave me back fourteen shillings + change, for he said we were only half-price and second class. Then when + once I was in London,” said Jock, as if his foot was on his native heath, + “of course I knew what to be at.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you had nothing to eat?” + </p> + <p> + “We had each a bun when we got out at Charing Cross, but I’m awfully + hungry, mother!” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so. Janet, my dear, go and order some breakfast for them.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” said Janet, “must not the others be dreadfully frightened about + them at Kyve?” + </p> + <p> + That question startled her mother into instant action. + </p> + <p> + “Of course they must! Poor Clara! poor Allen! They must be in a dreadful + state. I must telegraph to them at once.” + </p> + <p> + She lifted Armine off gently to her bed, scarcely disturbing him, twisted + up her hair in summary fashion, and the dress, which her friends had + dreaded her seeing, was on, she hardly knew how, as she bade old nurse see + to Jock’s washing, dressing, and making himself tidy, and then amazed the + other ladies by running into the drawing-room crying breathlessly— + </p> + <p> + “I must telegraph to the Actons,” and plunging to the depths of a drawer + in the davenport. + </p> + <p> + “Caroline, your cap!” + </p> + <p> + For it was on the back of the head that had never worn a cap before. And + not only then, but for the most part whenever they met, those tears and + caresses, that poor Mother Carey so much feared, were checked midway by + the instinct that made Aunt Ellen run at her with a great pin and cry— + </p> + <p> + “Caroline, your cap.” + </p> + <p> + She was still, after having had it fixed, kneeling down, searching for a + form for telegraphing, when the door was opened, and in came Colonel + Brownlow, looking very pale and fearfully shocked. + </p> + <p> + “Ellen!” he began, “how shall I ever tell that poor child? Here is Mr. + Acton.” + </p> + <p> + But at that moment up sprang Mother Carey, and as Mr. Acton entered the + room she leapt forward— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I was just going to telegraph! They are safe! they are here! Jock, + Jock!” + </p> + <p> + And downstairs came tumbling and rushing that same little imp, while the + astonishment of his uncle and aunt only allowed them to utter the one + word, “John!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Acton drew a long breath, and said, “You have given us a pretty + fright, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Here’s the paper,” added Carey; “telegraph to Clara at once. Ring the + bell, Jock; I’ll send to the office.” + </p> + <p> + All questions were suspended while Mr. Acton wrote the telegram, and then + it appeared that the boat had been picked up empty, with Armine’s + pocket-handkerchief full of shells in it, and the boys had been given up + for lost, it having been concluded that, if they had been seen, the boat + also would have been taken in tow, and not cast loose to tell the tale. + The two elder boys were almost broken-hearted, and would have been wild to + come back to their mother, had it not been impossible to leave poor little + Barbara, who clung fast to them, as the only shreds left to her of home + and protection. They would at least be comforted in the space of a quarter + of an hour! + </p> + <p> + Carey was completely herself and full of vigour while Mr. Acton was there, + consoling him when he lamented not having taken better care, and refusing + when he tried to persuade her to accompany him back to Kyve. Neither would + Janet return with him, feeling it impossible to relax such watch as she + could keep over the Magnum Bonum papers, even though she much longed for + her brothers. + </p> + <p> + “I should insist on her going,” said Aunt Ellen, “after all she has gone + through.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I can,” said Carey. “You would not send away your Jessie?” + </p> + <p> + Ellen did not quite say that her pretty, sweet, caressing Jessie was + different, but she thought it all the same. + </p> + <p> + Carey did not fulfil her intentions of going into matters of business with + her brother-in-law that day, for little Armine, always delicate, had been + so much knocked up by his course of adventures, that he needed her care + all the rest of the day. Nor would she have been fit for anything else, + for when his aunt recommended a totally different treatment for his + ailments, she had no spirit to argue, but only looked pale and determined, + being too weary and dejected to produce her arguments. + </p> + <p> + Jock was sufficiently tired to be quiescent in the nursery, where she kept + him with her, feeling, in his wistful eyes, and even in poor little + Armine’s childish questions, something less like blank desolation than her + recent apathy had been, as if she were waking to thrills of pain after the + numbness of a blow. + </p> + <p> + Urged by a restless night and an instinctive longing for fresh air, she + took a long walk in the park before anyone came down the next morning, + with only Jock for her companion, and she came to the breakfast table with + a freshened look, though with a tremulous faintness in her voice, and she + let Janet continue tea maker, scarcely seeming to hear or understand the + casual remarks around her; but afterwards she said in a resolute tone, + “Robert, I am ready whenever you wish to speak to me.” + </p> + <p> + So in the drawing-room the Colonel, with the two wills in his hand, found + himself face to face with her. He was the more nervous of the two, being, + much afraid of upsetting that composure which scandalised his wife, but + which he preferred to tears; and as he believed her to be a mere child in + perception, he explained down to her supposed level, while she listened in + a strange inert way, feeling it hard to fix her attention, yet half-amused + by the simplicity of his elucidations. “Would Ellen need to be told what + an executor meant?” thought she. + </p> + <p> + She was left sole guardian of the children, “the greatest proof of + confidence a parent can give,” impressively observed the Colonel, + wondering at the languor of her acquiescence, and not detecting the + thought, “Dear Joe! of course! as if he would have done anything else!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” continued the Colonel, “he never expected that it would have + proved more than a nominal matter, a mere precaution. For my own part, I + can only say that I shall be always ready to assist you with advice or + authority if ever you should find the charge too onerous for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” was all she could bring herself to say at that moment, + feeling that her boys were her own, though the next she was recollecting + that this was no doubt the reason Joe had bidden her live at Kenminster, + and in a pang of self-reproach, was hardly attending to the technicalities + of the matters of property which were being explained to her. + </p> + <p> + Her husband had not been able to save much, but his life insurance was for + a considerable sum, and there was also the amount inherited from his + parents. A portion of the means which his mother had enjoyed passed to the + elder brother, and Mrs. Brownlow had sunk most of her individual property + in the purchase of the house in which they lived. By the terms of Joseph’s + will, everything was left to Caroline unreservedly, save for a stipulation + that all, on her death, should be divided among the children, as she + should appoint. The house was not even secured to Allen, so that she could + let or sell it as she thought advisable. + </p> + <p> + “I could not sell it,” said Carey quickly, feeling it her first and only + home. “I hope to see Allen practising there some day.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not in a situation where you could sell it to so much advantage as + you would have by letting it to whoever takes the practice.” + </p> + <p> + She winced, but it was needful to listen, as he told her of the offers + that had been made for the house and the good-will of the practice. What + he had thought the best offer was, however, rejected by her with + vehemence. She was sure that Joe would never stand that man coming in upon + his patients, and when asked for her reasons, would only reply, that “None + of us could bear him.” + </p> + <p> + “That is no reason why he should not be a good practitioner and + respectable man. He may not be what you like in society, and yet—” + </p> + <p> + “Ask Dr. Lucas,” hastily interrupted Carey. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that will be the best way,” said the Colonel gravely. “Will you + promise to abide by his decision?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know! I mean, if everyone decided against me, <i>nothing</i> + should induce me to let <i>that</i> Vaughan into Joe’s house to meddle + with his patients.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow made a sign of displeased acquiescence, so like his + brother when Carey was a little impetuous or naughty, that she instantly + felt shocked at herself, and faltered, “I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed not to notice this, but went on, “As you say, it may be wise to + consult Dr. Lucas. Perhaps, putting it up to competition would be the best + way.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said Caroline. “Have you a letter from Dr. Drake?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then depend upon it he must have too much delicacy to begin about it so + soon. I had rather he had it than anyone else.” + </p> + <p> + “Can he make a fair offer for it? You cannot afford to throw away a + substantial benefit for preferences,” said the Colonel. “At the outside, + you will not have more than five hundred pounds a year, and I fear you + will feel much straitened after what you are used to, with four boys, and + such ideas as to their education,” he added smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, but I am sure it is what Joe would wish. He had rather + trust his patients to Harry—to Dr. Drake—than to anyone, and + he is just going to be married, and wants a practice; I shall write to + him. It is so nice of him not to have pressed forward.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not commit yourself?” said Colonel Brownlow. “Remember that your + children’s interests are at stake, and must not be sacrificed to a + predilection.” + </p> + <p> + Again Caroline felt fiery and furious, and less inclined than ever to + submit her judgment as she said, “You can inquire, but I know what Joe + thought of him.” + </p> + <p> + “His worthiness is not the point, but whether he can indemnify you.” + </p> + <p> + “His worthiness not the point!” cried Caroline, indignantly. “I think it + all the point.” + </p> + <p> + “You misunderstand me; you totally misunderstand me,” exclaimed the + Colonel trying hard to be gentle. “I never meant to recommend an unworthy + man.” + </p> + <p> + “You wanted Vaughan,” murmured Mother Carey, but he did not regard the + words, perhaps did not hear them, for he went on: “My brother in such a + case would have taken a reasonable view, and placed the good of his + children before any amiable desire to benefit a—a—one + unconnected with him. However,” he added, “there is no reason against + writing to him, provided you do not commit yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline hated the word, but endured it, and the rest of the interview was + spent upon some needful signatures, and on the question of her residence + at Kenminster, an outlook which she contemplated as part of the darkness + into which her life seemed to have suddenly dashed forward. One place + would be much the same as another to her, and she could only hear with + indifference about the three houses, possible, and the rent, garden, and + number of rooms. + </p> + <p> + She was very glad when it was over, and the Colonel, saying he should go + and consult Dr. Lucas, gave her back the keys he had taken from Janet, and + said that perhaps she would prefer looking over the papers before he + himself did so, with a view to accounts; but he should advise all + professional records to be destroyed. + </p> + <p> + It may be feared that the two executors did not respect or like each, + other much the better for the interview, which had made the widow feel + herself even more desolate and sore-hearted. + </p> + <p> + She ran, downstairs, locked the door of the consulting room, opened the + lid of the bureau, and kneeling down with her head among all the papers, + she sobbed with long-drawn, tearless sobs, “O father! O Joe! how could you + bid me live there? He makes me worse! They will make me worse and worse, + and now you are gone, and Granny is gone, there’s nobody to make me good; + and what will become of the children?” + </p> + <p> + Then she looked drearily on the papers that lay before her, as if his + hand-writing at least gave a sort of nearness. There was a memorandum book + which had been her birthday present to him, and she felt drawn to open it. + The first she saw after her own writing of his name was— + </p> + <p> + “‘Magnum Bonum. So my sweet wife insists on calling this possibility, of + which I will keep the notes in her book. + </p> + <p> + “‘Magnum Bonum! Whether it so prove, and whether I may be the means of + making it known, must be as God may will. May He give me the power of + persevering, to win, or to fail, or to lay the foundation for other men, + whichever may be the best, with a true heart, heeding His glory, and + acting as His servant to reveal His mysteries of science for the good of + His children. + </p> + <p> + “‘And above all, may He give us all to know and feel the true and only + Magnum Bonum, the great good, which alone makes success or failure, loss + or gain, life or death, alike blessed in Him and through Him.’” + </p> + <p> + Carey gazed on those words, as she sat in the large arm-chair, whither she + had moved on opening the book. She had always known that religion was + infinitely more to her husband than ever it had been to herself. She had + done what he led her to do, and had a good deal of intellectual and + poetical perception and an uprightness, affection, and loyalty of nature + that made her anxious to do right, but devotion was duty, and not pleasure + to her; she was always glad when it was over, and she was feeling that the + thoughts which were said to comfort others were quite unable to reach her + grief. There was no disbelief nor rebellion about her, only a dull + weariness, and an inclination which she could hardly restrain, even while + it shocked her, to thrust aside those religious consolations that were + powerless to soothe her. She knew it was not their fault, she did not + doubt of their reality; it was she who was not good enough to use them. + </p> + <p> + These words of Joe were to her as if he were speaking to her again. She + laid them on her knee, murmured them over fondly, looked at them, and + finally, for she was weak still and had had a bad night, fell fast asleep + over them, and only wakened, as shouts of “Mother” were heard over the + house. + </p> + <p> + She locked the bureau in a hurry, and opened the door, calling back to the + boys, and then she found that Aunt Ellen had taken all the three out + walking, when Jock and Armine, with the remains of their money burning in + their pockets, had insisted on buying two little ships, which must + necessarily be launched in the Serpentine. Their aunt could by no means + endure this, and Janet did not approve, so there seemed to have been a + battle royal, in which Jock would have been the victor, if his little + brother had not been led off captive between his aunt and sister, when + Jock went along on the opposite side of the road, asserting his + independence by every sort of monkey trick most trying to his aunt’s rural + sense of London propriety. + </p> + <p> + It was very ridiculous to see the tall, grave, stately Mrs. Robert + Brownlow standing there describing the intolerable naughtiness of that + imp, who, not a bit abashed, sat astride on the balustrade in the + comfortable conviction that he was not hers. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, at least,” concluded the lady, “that you will make them feel how + bad their behaviour has been.” + </p> + <p> + “Jock,” said Carey mechanically, “I am afraid you have behaved very ill to + your aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mother Carey,” said that little wretch, “it is just that she doesn’t + know anything about anything in London.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” chimed in little Armine, who was hanging to his mother’s skirts; + “she thought she should get to the Park by Duke Street.” + </p> + <p> + “That did not make it right for you not to be obedient,” said Carey, + trying for severity. + </p> + <p> + “But we couldn’t, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Couldn’t?” both echoed. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jock, “or we should be still in Piccadilly. Mother Carey, she + told us not to cross till it was safe.” + </p> + <p> + “And she stood up like the Duke of Bedford in the Square,” added Armine. + </p> + <p> + Janet caught her mother’s eye, and both felt a spasm of uncontrollable + diversion in their throats, making Janet turn her back, and Carey gasp and + turn on the boys. + </p> + <p> + “All that is no reason at all. Go up to the nursery. I wish I could trust + you to behave like a gentleman, when your aunt is so kind as to take you + out.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>did</i>, mother! I did hand her across the street, and dragged her + out from under all the omnibus horses,” said Jock in an injured tone, + while Janet could not refrain from a whispered comparison, “Like a little + steam-tug,” and this was quite too much for all of them, producing an + explosion which made the tall and stately dame look from one to another in + such bewildered amazement, that struck the mother and daughter as so + comical that the one hid her face in her hands with a sort of hysterical + heaving, and the other burst into that painful laughter by which strained + spirits assert themselves in the young. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Robert Brownlow, in utter astonishment and discomfiture, turned and + walked off to her own room. Somehow Carey and Janet felt more on their + ordinary terms than they had done all these sad days, in their + consternation and a certain sense of guilt. + </p> + <p> + Carey could adjudicate now, though trembling still. She made Jock own that + his Serpentine plans had been unjustifiable, and then she added, “My poor + boy, I must punish you. You must remember it, for if you are not good and + steady, what <i>will</i> become of us.” + </p> + <p> + Jock leapt at her neck. “Mother, do anything to me. I don’t mind, if you + only won’t look at me like that!” + </p> + <p> + She sat down on the stairs, all in a heap again with him, and sentenced + him to the forfeit of the ship, which he endured with more tolerable + grace, because Armine observed, “Never mind, Skipjack, we’ll go partners + in mine. You shall have half my cargo of gold dust.” + </p> + <p> + Carey could not find it in her heart to check the voyages of the remaining + ship, over the uncarpeted dining-room; but as she was going, Armine looked + at her with his great soft eyes, and said, “Mother Carey, have you got to + be the scoldy and punishy one now?” + </p> + <p> + “I must if you need it,” said she, going down on her knees again to gather + the little fellow to her breast; “but, oh, don’t—don’t need it.” + </p> + <p> + “I’d rather it was Uncle Robert and Aunt Ellen,” said Jock, “for then I + shouldn’t care.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Jock, if you only care, I think we sha’n’t want many punishments. + But now I must go to your aunt, for we did behave horribly ill to her.” + </p> + <p> + Aunt Ellen was kind, and accepted Carey’s apology when she found that Jock + had really been punished. Only she said, “You must be firm with that boy, + Caroline, or you will be sorry for it. My boys know that what I have said + is to be done, and they know it is of no use to disobey. I am happy to say + they mind me at a word; but that John of yours needs a tight hand. The + Colonel thinks that the sooner he is at school the better.” + </p> + <p> + Before Carey had time to get into a fresh scrape, the Colonel was ringing + at the door. He had to confess that Dr. Lucas had said Mrs. Joe Brownlow + was right about Vaughan, and had made it plain that his offer ought not to + be accepted, either in policy, or in that duty which the Colonel began to + perceive towards his brother’s patients. Nor did he think ill of her plan + respecting Dr. Drake; and said he would himself suggest the application + which that gentleman was no doubt withholding from true feeling, for he + had been a favourite pupil of Joe Brownlow, and had been devoted to him. + He was sure that Mrs. Brownlow’s good sense and instinct were to be + trusted, a dictum which not a little surprised her brother-in-law, who had + never ceased to think of “poor Joe’s fancy” as a mere child, and who + forgot that she was fifteen years older than at her marriage. + </p> + <p> + He told his wife what Dr. Lucas had said, to which she replied, “That’s + just the way. Men know nothing about it.” + </p> + <p> + However, Dr. Drake’s offer was sufficiently eligible to be accepted. + Moreover, it proved that the most available house at Kenminster could not + be got ready for the family before the winter, so that the move could not + take place till the spring. In the meantime, as Dr. Drake could not marry + till Easter, the lower part of the house was to be given up to him, and + Carey and Janet felt that they had a reprieve. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — BRAINS AND NO BRAINS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I do say, thou art quick in answers: + Thou heatest my blood.—Love’s Labours Lost. +</pre> + <p> + Kem’ster, as county tradition pronounced what was spelt Kenminster, a name + meaning St. Kenelm’s minster, had a grand collegiate church and a + foundation-school which, in the hands of the Commissioners, had of late + years passed into the rule of David Ogilvie, Esq., a spare, pale, nervous, + sensitive-looking man of eight or nine and twenty, who sat one April + evening under his lamp, with his sister at work a little way off, + listening with some amusement to his sighs and groans at the holiday tasks + that lay before him. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s an answer, Mary. What was Magna Charta? The first map of the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s that ingenious person?” + </p> + <p> + “Brownlow Major, of course; and here’s French, who says it was a new sort + of cow invented by Henry VIII.—a happy feminine, I suppose, to the + Papal Bull. Here’s a third! The French fleet defeated by Queen Elizabeth. + Most have passed it over entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know this is the first time you have tried such an examination, + and boys never do learn history.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor anything else in this happy town,” was the answer, accompanied by a + ruffling over of the papers. + </p> + <p> + “For shame, David! The first day of the term!” + </p> + <p> + “It is the dead weight of Brownlows, my dear. Only think! There’s another + lot coming! A set of duplicates. They haven’t even the sense to vary the + Christian names. Three more to be admitted to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “That accounts for a good deal!” + </p> + <p> + “You are laughing at me, Mary; but did you never know what it is to feel + like Sisyphus? Whenever you think you have rolled it a little way, down it + comes, a regular dead weight again, down the slope of utter indifference + and dulness, till it seems to crush the very heart out of you!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you really nobody that is hopeful?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody who does not regard me as his worst enemy, and treat all my + approaches with distrust and hostility. Mary, how am I to live it down?” + </p> + <p> + “You speak as if it were a crime!” + </p> + <p> + “I feel as if it were one. Not of mine, but of the pedagogic race before + me, who have spoilt the relations between man and boy; so that I cannot + even get one to act as a medium.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be contrary to esprit de corps.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly; and the worst of it is, I am not one of those genial fellows, + half boys themselves, who can join in the sports con amore; I should only + make a mountebank of myself if I tried, and the boys would distrust me the + more.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true. The only way is to be oneself, and one’s best self, and the + rest will come.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so sure of that. Some people mistake their vocation.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, when you have given it a fair trial, you can turn to something + else. You are getting the school up again, which is at least one + testimony.” + </p> + <p> + David Ogilvie made a sound as if this were very base kind of solace, and + his sister did not wonder when she remembered the bright hopes and + elaborate theories with which he had undertaken the mastership only nine + months ago. He was then fresh from the university, and the loss of + constant intercourse with congenial minds had perhaps contributed as much + as the dulness of the Kenminster youth to bring him into a depressed state + of health and spirits, which had made his elder sister contrive to spend + her Easter at the seaside with him, and give him a few days at the + beginning of the term. Indeed, she was anxious enough about him, when he + went down to the old grammar-school, to revolve the possibility of + acceding to his earnest wish, and coming to live with him, instead of + continuing in her situation as governess. + </p> + <p> + He came back to luncheon next day with a brightened face, that made his + sister say, “Well, have you struck some sparks?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got some new material, and am come home saying, ‘What’s in a name?’” + </p> + <p> + “Eh! Is it those very new Brownlows, that seemed yesterday to be the last + straw on the camel’s back?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you could have seen the whole scene, Mary. There were half-a-dozen + new boys to be admitted, four Brownlows! Think of that! Well, there stood + manifestly one of the old stock, with the same oval face and sleepy brown + eyes, and the very same drawl I know so well in the ‘No—a—’ to + the vain question, ‘Have you done any Latin?’ And how shall I do justice + to the long, dragging drawl of his reading? Aye, here’s the sentence I set + him on: ‘The—Gowls—had—con—sen—ted—to—accept—a—sum—of—gold—and—retire. + They were en—gagged—in—wag—ging out the sum—required, + and—’ I had to tell him what to call Brennus, and he proceeded to + cast the sword into the scale, exclaiming, just as to a cart-horse, ‘Woh! + To the Worsted’ (pronounced like yarn). After that you may suppose the + feelings with which I called his ditto, another Joseph Armine Brownlow; + and forth came the smallest sprite, with a white face and great black + eyes, all eagerness, but much too wee for this place. ‘Begun Latin?’ ‘Oh, + yes;’ and he rattled off a declension and a tense with as much ease as if + he had been born speaking Latin. I gave him Phaedrus to see whether that + would stump him, and I don’t think it would have done so if he had not + made os a mouth instead of a bone, in dealing with the ‘Wolf and the + Lamb.’ He was almost crying, so I put the Roman history into his hand, and + his reading was something refreshing to hear. I asked if he knew what the + sentence meant, and he answered, ‘Isn’t it when the geese cackled?’ trying + to turn round the page. ‘What do you know about the geese?’ said I. To + which the answer was, ‘We played at it on the stairs! Jock and I were the + Romans, and Mother Carey and Babie were the geese.’” + </p> + <p> + “Poor little fellow! I hope no boys were there to listen, or he will never + hear the last of those geese.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope no one was within earshot but his brothers, who certainly did look + daggers at him. He did very well in summing and in writing, except that he + went out of his way to spell fish, p h y c h, and shy, s c h y; and at + last, I could not resist the impulse to ask him what Magna Charta is. Out + came the answer, ‘It is yellow, and all crumpled up, and you can’t read + it, but it has a bit of a great red seal hanging to it.’” + </p> + <p> + “What, he had seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, or a facsimile, and what was more, he knew who signed it. Whoever + taught that child knew how to teach, and it is a pity he should be swamped + among such a set as ours.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would be delighted.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be, if I had him alone, but he must be put with a crew who will + make it their object to bully him out of his superiority, and the more I + do for him, the worse it will be for him, poor little fellow; and he looks + too delicate to stand the ordeal. It is sheer cruelty to send him.” + </p> + <p> + “Hasn’t he brothers?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! I was going to tell you, two bigger boys, another Robert and + John Brownlow—about eleven and nine years old. The younger one is a + sort of black spider monkey, wanting the tail. We shall have some trouble + with that gentleman, I expect.” + </p> + <p> + “But not the old trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; unless the atmosphere affects him. He answered as no boy of + twelve can do here; and as to the elder one, I must take him at once into + the fifth form, such as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have they been at school?” + </p> + <p> + “At a day school in London. They are Colonel Brownlow’s nephews. Their + father was a medical man in London, who died last summer, leaving a young + widow and these boys, and they have just come down to live in Kenminster. + But it can’t be owing to the school. No school would give all three that + kind of—what shall I call it?—culture, and intelligence, that + they all have; besides, the little one has been entirely taught at home.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether it is their mother’s doing?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it is their father’s. The Colonel spoke of her as a poor + helpless little thing, who was thrown on his hands with all her family.” + </p> + <p> + After the morning’s examination and placing of the boys, there was a + half-holiday; and the brother and sister set forth to enjoy it together, + for Kenminster was a place with special facilities for enjoyment. It was + built as it were within a crescent, formed by low hills sloping down to + the river; the Church, school, and other remnants of the old collegiate + buildings lying in the flat at the bottom, and the rest of the town, one + of the small decayed wool staples of Somerset, being in terraces on the + hill-side, with steep streets dividing the rows. These were of very mixed + quality and architecture, but, as a general rule, improved the higher they + rose, and were all interspersed with gardens running up or down, and with + a fair sprinkling of trees, whose budding green looked well amid the + yellow stone. + </p> + <p> + On the summit were some more ornamental villa-like houses, and grey stone + buildings with dark tiled roofs, but the expansion on that side had been + checked by extensive private grounds. There were very beautiful woods + coming almost close to the town, and in the absence of the owner, a great + moneyed man, they were open to all those who did not make themselves + obnoxious to the keepers; and these, under an absentee proprietor, gave a + free interpretation to rights of way. Thither were the Ogilvies bound, in + search of primrose banks, but their way led them past two or three houses + on the hill-top, one of which, being constructed on supposed Chinese + principles of architecture, was known to its friends as “the Pagoda,” to + its foes as “the Folly.” It had been long untenanted, but this winter it + had been put into complete repair, and two rooms, showing a sublime + indifference to consistency of architecture, had been lately built out + with sash windows and a slated roof, contrasting oddly with the frilled + and fluted tiles of the tower from which it jutted. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there sounded close to their ears the words—“School time, + my dear!” + </p> + <p> + Starting and looking round for some impertinent street boy, Mr. Ogilvie + exclaimed, “What’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother Carey! We are all Mother Carey’s chickens.” + </p> + <p> + “See, there,” exclaimed Mary, and a great parrot was visible on the branch + of a sumach, which stretched over the railings of the low wall of the + pagoda garden. “O you appropriate bird,—you surely ought not to be + here!” + </p> + <p> + To which the parrot replied, “Hic, haec, hoc!” and burst out in a wild + scream of laughing, spreading her grey wings, and showing intentions of + flying away; but Mr. Ogilvie caught hold of the chain that hung from her + leg. + </p> + <p> + Just then voices broke out— + </p> + <p> + “That’s Polly! Where is she? That’s you, Jock, you horrid boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I didn’t see why she shouldn’t enjoy herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you’ve been and lost her. Poll, Poll!” + </p> + <p> + “I have her!” called back Mr. Ogilvie. “I’ll bring her to the gate.” + </p> + <p> + Thanks came through the hedge, and the brother and sister walked on. + </p> + <p> + “It’s old Ogre. Cut!” growled in what was meant to be an aside, a voice + the master knew full well, and there was a rushing off of feet, like + ponies in a field. + </p> + <p> + When the sheep gate was reached, a great furniture van was seen standing + at the door of the “Folly,” and there appeared a troop of boys and girls + in black, eager to welcome their pet. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; thank you very much. Come, Polly,” said the eldest boy, + taking possession of the bird. + </p> + <p> + “I think we have met before,” said the schoolmaster to the younger ones, + glad to see that two—i.e. the new Robert and Armine Brownlow—had + not joined in the sauve qui peut. + </p> + <p> + Nay, Robert turned and said, “Mother, it is Mr. Ogilvie.” + </p> + <p> + Then that gentleman was aware that one of the black figures had a widow’s + cap, with streamers flying behind her in the breeze, but while he was + taking off his hat and beginning, “Mrs. Brownlow,” she held out her hands + to his sister, crying, “Mary, Mary Ogilvie,” and there was an equally + fervent response. “Is it? Is it really Caroline Allen?” and the two + friends linked eager hands in glad pressure, turning, after the first + moment, towards the house, while Mary said, “David, it is my dear old + schoolfellow; Carey, this is my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “You were very kind to these boys,” said Carey, warmly shaking hands with + him. “The name sounded friendly, but I little thought you were Mary’s + brother. Are you living here, Mary? How delightful!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, no; I am only keeping holiday with David. I go back to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Then stay now, stay and let me get all I can of you, in this frightful + muddle,” entreated Caroline. “Chaos is come again, but you won’t mind.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll come and help you,” said Mary. “David, you must go on alone and come + back for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t I be of use?” offered David, feeling rather shut out in the cold; + “I see a bookcase. Isn’t that in my line?” + </p> + <p> + “And here’s the box with its books,” said Janet. “Oh! mother, do let that + be finished off at least! Bobus, there are the shelves, and I have all + their pegs in my basket.” + </p> + <p> + The case was happily in its place against the wall, and Janet had seized + on her recruit to hold the shelves while she pegged them, while the two + friends were still exchanging their first inquiries, Carey exclaiming, + “Now, you naughty Mary, where have you been, and why didn’t you write?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been in Russia, and I didn’t write, because nobody answered, and I + didn’t know where anybody was.” + </p> + <p> + “In Russia! I thought you were with a Scottish family, and wrote to you to + the care of some laird with an unearthly name.” + </p> + <p> + “But you knew that they took me abroad.” + </p> + <p> + “And Alice Brown told me that letters sent to the place in Scotland would + find you. I wrote three times, and when you did not answer my last—” + and Caroline broke off with things unutterable in her face. + </p> + <p> + “I never had any but the first when you were going to London. I answered + that. Yes, I did! Don’t look incredulous. I wrote from Sorrento.” + </p> + <p> + “That must have miscarried. Where did you address it.” + </p> + <p> + “To the old place, inside a letter to Mrs. Mercer.” + </p> + <p> + “I see! Poor Mrs. Mercer went away ill, and did not live long after, and I + suppose her people never troubled themselves about her letters. But why + did not you get ours.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. McIan died at Venice, and the aunts came out, and considering me too + young to go on with the laird and his girls, they fairly made me over to a + Russian family whom we had met. Unluckily, as I see now, I wrote to Mrs. + Mercer, and as I never heard more I gave up writing. Then the Crimean War + cut me off entirely even from David. I had only one letter all that time.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it that you are a governess? I thought one was sure of a pension + from a Russian grandee!” + </p> + <p> + “These were not very grand grandees, only counts, and though they paid + liberally, they could not pension one. So when I had done with the + youngest daughter, I came to England and found a situation in London. I + tried to look up our old set, but could not get on the track of anyone + except Emily Collins, who told me you had married very soon, but was not + even sure of your name. Very soon! Why, Caroline, your daughter looks as + old as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I sometimes think she is older! And have you seen my Eton boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Was it he who received the delightful popinjay, who ‘Up and spak’ so much + to the purpose?” asked Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was Allen. He is the only one you did not see in the morning. Did + they do tolerably?” + </p> + <p> + “I only wish I had any boys who did half as well,” said Mr. Ogilvie, the + lads being gone for more books. + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid for John and Armine, for we have been unsettled, and I could + not go on so steadily with them as before,” she said eagerly, but + faltering a little. “Armine told me he blundered in Phaedrus, but I hope + he did fairly on the whole.” + </p> + <p> + “So well that if you ask my advice, I should say keep him to yourself two + years more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I am so glad,” with a little start of joy. “You’ll tell his uncle? He + insisted—he had some impression that they were very naughty boys, + whom I could not cope with, poor little fellows.” + </p> + <p> + “I can decidedly say he is learning more from you than he would in school + among those with whom, at his age, I must place him.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, thank you. Then Babie won’t lose her companion. She wanted to + go to school with Armie, having always gone on with him. And the other two—what + of them? Bobus is sure to work for the mere pleasure of it—but + Jock?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t promise that he may not let himself down to the standard of his + age and develop a capacity for idleness, but even he has time to spare, + and he is at that time of life when boys do for one another what no one + else can do for them.” + </p> + <p> + “The Colonel said the boys were a good set and gentlemanly,” said Carey + wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “I think I may say that for them,” returned their master. “They are not + bad boys as boys go. There is as much honour and kindliness among them as + you would find anywhere. Besides, to boys like yours this would be only a + preparatory school. They are sure to fly off to scholarships.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said Carey. “I want them to be where physical science is + an object. Or do you think that thorough classical training is a better + preparation than taking up any individual line?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it is easier to learn how to learn through languages than + through anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “And to be taught how to learn is a much greater thing than to be + crammed,” said Carey. “Of course when one begins to teach oneself, the + world has become “mine oyster,” and one has the dagger. The point becomes + how to sharpen the dagger.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment three or four young people rushed in with arms full of + books, and announcing that the uncle and aunt were coming. The next moment + they appeared, and stood amazed at the accession of volunteer auxiliaries. + Mr. Ogilvie introduced his sister, while Caroline explained that she was + an old friend,—meanwhile putting up a hand to feel for her cap, as + she detected in Ellen’s eyes those words, “Caroline, your cap.” + </p> + <p> + “We came to see how you were getting on,” said the Colonel, kindly. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, we are getting on capitally. And oh, Robert, Mr. Ogilvie will + tell you; he thinks Armine too—too—I mean he thinks he had + better not go into school yet,” she added, thankful that she had not said + “too clever for the school.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel turned aside with the master to discuss the matter, and the + ladies went into the drawing-room, the new room opening on the lawn, under + a verandah, with French windows. It was full of furniture in the most dire + confusion. Mrs. Robert Brownlow wanted to clear off at once the desks and + other things that seemed school-room properties, saying that a little room + downstairs had always served the purpose. + </p> + <p> + “That must be nurse’s sitting-room,” said Carey. + </p> + <p> + “Old nurse! She can be of no use, my dear!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, she is; she has lived with us ever since dear grandmamma married, + and has no home, and no relations. We could not get on without dear old + nursey!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear, I hope you will find it answer to keep her on. But as to + this room! It is such a pity not to keep it nice, when you have such + handsome furniture too.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to keep it nice with habitation,” said Caroline. “That’s the only + way to do it. I can’t bear fusty, shut-up smart rooms, and I think the + family room ought to be the pleasantest and prettiest in the house for the + children’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well,” said Mrs. Brownlow, with a serene good nature, contrasting + with the heat with which Caroline spoke, “it is your affair, my dear, but + my boys would not thank me for shutting them in with my pretty things, and + I should be sorry to have them there. Healthy country boys like to have + their fun, and I would not coop them up.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but there’s the studio to run riot in, Ellen,” said Carey. “Didn’t + you see? The upper story of the tower. We have put the boy’s tools there, + and I can do my modelling there, and make messes and all that’s nice,” she + said, smiling to Mary, and to Allen, who had just come in. + </p> + <p> + “Do you model, Carey?” Mary asked, and Allen volunteered to show his + mother’s groups and bas-reliefs, thereby much increasing the litter on the + floor, and delighting Mary a good deal more than his aunt, who asked, + “What will you do for a store-room then?” + </p> + <p> + “Put up a few cupboards and shelves anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to describe the sort of air with which Mrs. Robert Brownlow + received this answer. She said nothing but “Oh,” and was perfectly + unruffled in a sort of sublime contempt, as to the hopelessness of doing + anything with such a being on her own ground. + </p> + <p> + There did not seem overt provocation, but poor Caroline, used to petting + and approval, chafed and reasoned: “I don’t think anything so important as + a happy home for the boys, where they can have their pursuits, and enjoy + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow seemed to think this totally irrelevant, and observed, “When + I have nice things, I like to keep them nice.” + </p> + <p> + “I like nice boys better than nice things,” cried Carey. + </p> + <p> + Ellen smiled as though to say she hoped she was not an unnatural mother, + and again said “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + Mary Ogilvie was very glad to see the two gentlemen come in from the hall, + the Colonel saying, “Mr. Ogilvie tells me he thinks Armine too small at + present for school, Caroline.” + </p> + <p> + “You know I am very glad of it, Robert,” she said, smiling gratefully, and + Ellen compassionately observed, “Poor little fellow, he is very small, but + country air and food will soon make a man of him if he is not overdone + with books. I make it a point never to force my children.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that you don’t,” said Caroline, with a dangerous smile about the + corners of her mouth. + </p> + <p> + “And my boys do quite as well as if they had their heads stuffed and their + growth stunted,” said Ellen. “Joe is only two months older than Armine, + and you are quite satisfied with him, are you not, Mr. Ogilvie?” + </p> + <p> + “He is more on a level with the others,” said Mr. Ogilvie politely; “but I + wish they were all as forward as this little fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Schoolmasters and mammas don’t always agree on those points,” said the + Colonel good-humouredly. + </p> + <p> + “Very true,” responded his wife. “I never was one for teasing the poor + boys with study and all that. I had rather see them strong and well grown. + They’ll have quite worry enough when they go to school.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sorry you look at me in that aspect,” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know you can’t help it,” said the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Any more than Trois Echelles and Petit Andre,” said Carey, in a low + voice, giving the two Ogilvies the strongest desire to laugh. + </p> + <p> + Just then out burst a cry of wrath and consternation, making everyone + hurry out into the hall, where, through a perfect cloud of white powder, + loomed certain figures, and a scandalised voice cried “Aunt Caroline, Jock + and Armine have been and let all the arrowroot fly about.” + </p> + <p> + “You told me to be useful and open parcels,” cried Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, jolly, jolly! first-rate!” shouted Armine in ecstasy. “It’s just like + Paris in the cloud! More, more, Babie. You are Venus, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Master Armine, Miss Barbara! For shame,” exclaimed the nurse’s voice. + “All getting into the carpet, and in your clothes, I do declare! A whole + case of best arrowroot wasted, and worse.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Twas Jessie’s doing,” replied Jock. “She told me.” + </p> + <p> + Jessie, decidedly the most like Venus of the party, being a very pretty + girl, with an oval face and brown eyes, had retreated, and was with + infinite disgust brushing the white powder out of her dress, only in + answer ejaculating, “Those boys!” + </p> + <p> + Jock had not only opened the case, but had opened it upside down, and the + classical performances of Armine and Barbara had powdered themselves and + everything around, while the draught that was rushing through all the wide + open doors and windows dispersed the mischief far and wide. + </p> + <p> + “Can you do nothing but laugh, Caroline?” gravely said Mrs. Brownlow. + “Janet, shut that window. Children, out of the way! If you were mine, I + should send you to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no bed to be sent to,” muttered Jock, running round to give a sly + puff to the white heap, diffusing a sprinkling of white powder over his + aunt’s dress. + </p> + <p> + “Jock,” said his mother with real firmness and indignation in her voice, + “that is not the way to behave. Beg your aunt’s pardon this instant.” + </p> + <p> + And to everyone’s surprise the imp obeyed the hand she had laid on him, + and muttered something like, “beg pardon,” though it made his face + crimson. + </p> + <p> + His uncle exclaimed, “That’s right, my boy,” and his aunt said, with + dignity, “Very well, we’ll say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Mary Ogilvie was in the meantime getting some of the powder back into the + tin, and Janet running in from the kitchen with a maid, a soup tureen, and + sundry spoons, everyone became busy in rescuing the remains—in the + midst of which there was a smash of glass. + </p> + <p> + “Jock again!” quoth Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother!” called out Jock. “It’s so long! I thought I’d get the + feather-brush to sweep it up with, and the other end of it has been and + gone through this stupid lamp.” + </p> + <p> + “Things are not unapt to be and go through, where you are concerned, Mr. + Jock, I suspect,” said Mr. Ogilvie. “Suppose you were to come with me, and + your brothers too, and be introduced to the swans on the lake at + Belforest.” + </p> + <p> + The boys brightened up, the mother said, “Thank you most heartily, if they + will not be a trouble,” and Babie put her hand entreatingly into the + schoolmaster’s, and said, “Me too?” + </p> + <p> + “What, Venus herself! I thought she had disappeared in the cloud! Let her + come, pray, Mrs. Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the children would have been with their cousins,” observed the + aunt. + </p> + <p> + “So we were,” returned Armine; “but Johnnie and Joe ran away when they saw + Mr. Ogilvie coming.” + </p> + <p> + Babie having by this time had a little black hat tied on, and as much + arrowroot as possible brushed out of her frock; Carey warned the + schoolmaster not to let himself be chattered to death, and he walked off + with the three younger ones. + </p> + <p> + Caroline would have kept her friend, but Mary, seeing that little good + could be gained by staying with her at present, replied that she would + take the walk now, and return to her friend in a couple of hours’ time; + and Carey was fain to consent, though with a very wistful look in her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time, or more, Janet met the party at the garden gate. + “You are to go down to my uncle’s, children,” she said; “mother has one of + her very bad headaches.” + </p> + <p> + There was an outcry that they must take her the flowers, of which their + hands and arms were full; but Janet was resolute, though Babie was very + near tears. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow—to-morrow,” she said. “She must lie still now, or she + won’t be able to do anything. Run away, Babie, they’ll be waiting tea for + you. Allen’s there. He’ll take care of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to give Mother Carey those dear white flowers,” still entreated + Babie. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll give them, my dear. They want you down there—Ellie and + Esther.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to play with Ellie and Essie,” sturdily declared Barbara. + “They say it is telling falsehoods when one wants to play at anything.” + </p> + <p> + “They don’t understand pretending,” said Armine. “Do let us stay, Janet, + we’ll not make one smallest little atom of noise, if Jock doesn’t stay.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t,” said Janet, “for there’s nothing for you to eat, and nurse + and Susan are as savage as Carribee islanders.” + </p> + <p> + This last argument was convincing. The children threw their flowers into + Janet’s arms, gave their hands to Miss Ogilvie, and Babie between her two + brothers, scampered off, while Miss Ogilvie uttered her griefs and + regrets. + </p> + <p> + “My mother would like to see you,” said Janet; “indeed, I think it will do + her good. She told me to bring you in.” + </p> + <p> + “Such a day of fatigue,” began Mary. + </p> + <p> + “That and all the rest of it,” said Janet moodily. + </p> + <p> + “Is she subject to headaches?” + </p> + <p> + “No, she never had one, till—” Janet broke off, for they had reached + her mother’s door. + </p> + <p> + “Bring her in,” said a weary voice, and Mary found herself beside a low + iron bed, where Carey, shaking off the handkerchief steeped in vinegar and + water on her brow, and showing a tear-stained, swollen-eyed face, threw + herself into her friend’s arms. + </p> + <p> + But she did not cry now, her tears all came when she was alone, and when + Mary said something of being so sorry for her headache, she said, “Oh! + it’s only with knocking one’s head against a mattress like mad people,” in + such a matter-of-fact voice, that Mary for a moment wondered whether she + had really knocked her head. + </p> + <p> + Mary doubted what to say, and wetted the kerchief afresh with the vinegar + and water. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mary, I wish you were going to stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish! I wish I could, my dear!” + </p> + <p> + “I think I could be good if you were here!” she sighed. “Oh, Mary, why do + they say that troubles make one good?” + </p> + <p> + “They ought,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “They don’t,” said Carey. “They make me wicked!” and she hid her face in + the pillow with a great gasp. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Carey!” said the gentle voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I want to tell you all about it. Oh! Mary, we have been so happy!” + and what a wail there was in the tone. “But I can’t talk,” she added + faintly, “it makes me sick, and that’s all her doing too.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t try,” said Mary tenderly. “We know where to find each other now, + and you can write to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Caroline; “I can write much better than tell. And you will + come back, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I can get a holiday, my dear, indeed I will.” + </p> + <p> + Carey was too much worn out not to repose on the promise, and though she + was unwilling to let her friend go, she said very little more. + </p> + <p> + Mary longed to give her a cup of strong coffee, and suggested it to Janet; + but headaches were so new in the family, that domestic remedies had not + become well-known. Janet instantly rushed down to order it, but in the + state of the house at that moment, it was nearly as easy to get a draught + of pearls. + </p> + <p> + “But she shall have it, Miss Ogilvie,” said Janet, putting on her hat. + “Where’s the nearest grocer?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind, my dear,” sighed the patient. “It will go off of itself, + when I can get to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have it,” returned Janet. + </p> + <p> + And Mary having taken as tender a farewell as Caroline was able to bear, + they walked off together; but the girl did not respond to the kindness of + Miss Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + She was too miserable not to be glum, too reserved to be open to a + stranger. Mary guessed a little of the feeling, though she feared that an + uncomfortable daughter might be one of poor Carey’s troubles, and she + could not guess the girl’s sense of banishment from all that she had + enjoyed, society, classes, everything, or her feeling that the Magnum + Bonum itself was imperilled by exile into the land of dulness, which of + course the poor child exaggerated in her imagination. Her only consolation + was to feel herself the Masterman Ready of the shipwreck. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — ENCHANTED GROUND. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And sometimes a merry train + Comes upon us from the lane + All through April, May, or June, + Every gleaming afternoon; + All through April, May, and June, + Boys and maidens, birds and bees, + Airy whisperings from all trees. + Petition of the Flowers—Keble. +</pre> + <p> + The headache had been carried off by a good night’s rest; a droll, + scrambling breakfast had been eaten, German fashion, with its headquarters + on the kitchen table; and everybody running about communicating their + discoveries. Bobus and Jock had set off to school, and poor little Armine, + who firmly believed that his rejection was in consequence of his confusion + between os, ossis, and os, oris, and was very sore about it, had gone with + Allen and Barbara to see them on their way, and Mother Carey and Janet had + agreed to get some real work done and were actually getting through + business, when in rushed, rosy and eager, Allen, Armine, and Babie, with + arms stretched and in breathless haste. + </p> + <p> + “Mother Carey! Oh, mother! mammie, dear! come and see!” + </p> + <p> + “Come—where?” + </p> + <p> + “To fairy-land. Get her bonnet, Babie.” + </p> + <p> + “Out of doors, you boy? just look there!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! bother all that! It can wait.” + </p> + <p> + “Do pray come, mother,” entreated Armine; “you never saw anything like + it!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it? Will it take long?” said she, beginning to yield, as Babie + danced about with her bonnet, Armine tugged at her, and Allen look + half-commanding, half-coaxing. + </p> + <p> + “She is not to know till she sees! No, don’t tell her,” said Armine. + “Bandage her eyes, Allen. Here’s my silk handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “And Janet. She mustn’t see,” cried Babie, in ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not coming,” said Janet, rather crossly. “I’m much too busy, and it + is only some nonsense of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Allen, laughing; “mother shall judge of that.” + </p> + <p> + “It does seem a shame to desert you, my dear,” said Carey, “but you see—” + </p> + <p> + What Janet was to see was stifled in the flap of the handkerchief with + which Allen was binding her eyes, while Armine and Babie sang rapturously— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come along, Mother Carey, + Come along to land of fairy;” + </pre> + <p> + an invocation to which, sooth to say, she had become so much accustomed + that it prevented her from expecting a fairy-land where it was not + necessary to “make believe very much.” + </p> + <p> + Janet so entirely disapproved of the puerile interruption that she never + looked to see how Allen and Babie managed the bonnet. She only indignantly + picked up the cap which had fallen from the sofa to the floor, and + disposed of it for security’s sake on the bronze head of Apollo, which was + waiting till his bracket could be put up. + </p> + <p> + Guided most carefully by her eldest son, and with the two little ones + dancing and singing round her, and alternately stopping each other’s + mouths when any premature disclosure was apprehended, pausing in wonder + when the cuckoo note, never heard before, came on them, making them laugh + with glee. + </p> + <p> + Thus she was conducted much further than she expected. She heard the swing + of the garden gate and felt her feet on the road and remonstrated, but she + was coaxed on and through another gate, and a path where Allen had to walk + in front of her, and the little ones fell behind. + </p> + <p> + Then came an eager “Now.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were unbound, and she beheld what they might well call enchanted + ground. + </p> + <p> + She was in the midst of a curved bank where the copsewood had no doubt + been recently cut away, and which was a perfect marvel of primroses, their + profuse bunches standing out of their wrinkled leaves at every hazel root + or hollow among the exquisite moss, varied by the pearly stars of the + wind-flower, purple orchis spikes springing from black-spotted leaves, and + deep-grey crested dog-violets. On one side was a perfect grove of the + broad-leaved, waxen-belled Solomon’s seal, sloping down to moister ground + where was a golden river of king-cups, and above was a long glade between + young birch-trees, their trunks gleaming silvery white, the boughs over + head breaking out into foliage that looked yellow rather than green + against the blue sky, and the ground below one sheet of that unspeakably + intense purple blue which is only produced by masses of the wild hyacinth. + </p> + <p> + “There!” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “There!” re-echoed the children. “Oh mammy, mammy dear! Is it not + delicious?” + </p> + <p> + Carey held up her hand in silence, for a nightingale was pouring out his + song close by; she listened breathlessly, and as it ceased she burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + “O mother!” cried Allen, “it is too much for you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear boy, it is—it is—only too beautiful. It is what papa + always talked of and would have so enjoyed.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he has better flowers up there?” asked Babie. “I don’t think + they can be much better.” + </p> + <p> + And without waiting for more she plunged down among the primroses and + spread her little self out with a scream of ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + And verily the strange sense of rapture and enchantment was no less in the + mother herself. There is no charm perhaps equal to that of a primrose bank + on a sunny day in spring, sight, sound, scent all alike exquisite. It + comes with a new and fresh delight even to those to whom this is an annual + experience, and to those who never saw the like before it gives, like the + first sight of the sea or of a snowy mountain, a sensation never to be + forgotten. Fret, fatigue, anxiety, sorrow all passed away like dreams in + that sweet atmosphere. Carey, like one of her children, absolutely forgot + everything in the charm and wonder of the scene, in the pure, delicate + unimaginable odour of the primroses, in debating with Allen whether + (cockneys that they were) it could be a nightingale “singing by day when + every goose is cackling,” in listening to the marvellous note, only + pausing to be answered from further depths, in the beauty of the whole, + and in the individual charm of every flower, each heavily-laden arch of + dark blue-bells with their curling tips, so infinitely more graceful than + their pampered sister, the hyacinth of the window-glass, of each pure + delicate anemone she gathered, with its winged stem, of the smiling + primrose of that inimitable tint it only wears in its own woodland nest; + and when Allen lighted on a bed of wood-sorrel, with its scarlet stems, + lovely trefoil leaves, and purple striped blossoms like insect’s wings, + she absolutely held her breath in an enthusiasm of reverent admiration. No + one can tell the happiness of those four, only slightly diminished by + Armine’s getting bogged on his way to the golden river of king-cups, and + his mother in going after him, till Allen from an adjacent stump pulled + them out, their feet deeply laden with mud. + </p> + <p> + They had only just emerged when the strokes of a great bell came pealing + up from the town below; Allen and his mother looked at each other in + amused dismay, then at their watches. It was twelve o’clock! Two hours had + passed like as many minutes, and the boys would be coming home to dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well, we must go,” said Carey, as they gathered up their armloads of + flowers. “You naughty children to make me forget everything.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not sorry you came though, mother. It has done you good,” said + Allen solicitously. He was the most affectionate of them all. + </p> + <p> + “Sorry! I feel as if I cared for nothing while I have a place like that to + drink up delight in.” + </p> + <p> + With which they tried to make their way back to the path again, but it was + not immediately to be found; and their progress was further impeded by a + wood-pigeon dwelling impressively on the notes “Take two cows, Taffy; + Taffy take TWO!” and then dashing out, flapping and grey, in their faces, + rather to Barbara’s alarm, and then by Armine’s stumbling on his first + bird’s nest, a wren’s in the moss of an old stump, where the tiny bird + unadvisedly flew out of her leafy hole full before their eyes. That was a + marvel of marvels, a delight equal to that felt by any explorer the world + has seen. Armine and Barbara, who lived in one perpetual fairy tale, were + saying to one another that + </p> + <p> + “One needn’t make believe here, it was every bit real.” + </p> + <p> + “And more;” added the other little happy voice. Barbara did however begin + to think of the numerous children in the wood, and to take comfort that it + was unprecedented that their mother and big brother should be with them, + but they found the park palings at last, and then a little wicket gate, + where they were very near home. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, where <i>have</i> you been?” exclaimed Janet, somewhat suddenly + emerging from the door. + </p> + <p> + “In Tom Tiddler’s ground, picking up gold and silver,” said Carey, + pointing to the armsful of king-cups, cuckoo-flowers, and anemones, + besides blue-bells, orchises, primroses, &c. “My poor child, it was a + great shame to leave you, but they got me into the enchanted land and I + forgot all about everything.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” said a gravely kind voice, and Caroline was aware of Ellen’s + eye looking at her as the Court Queen might have looked at Ophelia if she + had developed her taste for “long purples” as Hamlet’s widow. At least so + it struck Mother Carey, who immediately became conscious that her bonnet + was awry, having been half pulled off by a bramble, that her ankles were + marked by the bog, and that bits of green were sticking all over her. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been helping Janet? Oh, how kind!” she said, refreshed by her + delightsome morning into putting a bright face on it. + </p> + <p> + “We have done all we could in your absence,” said her sister-in-law, in a + reproachful voice. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I’m sure it is very good of you. Janet—Janet, where’s + the great Dutch bowl—and the little Salviati? Nothing else is worthy + of this dear little fairy thing.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it? Just common wood-sorrel,” said the other lady, in utter + amaze. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Ellen, you think me demented. You little know what it is to see + spring for the first time. Ah! that’s right, Janet. Now, Babie, we’ll make + a little bit of fairy-land—” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t put all those littering flowers on that nice clean chintz, + children,” exclaimed the aunt, as though all her work were about to be + undone. + </p> + <p> + And then a trampling of boy’s boots being heard and shouts of “Mother,” + Carey darted out into the hall to hear fragments of school intelligence as + to work and play, tumbling over one another, from Bobus and Jock both at + once, in the midst of which Mrs. Robert Brownlow came out with her hat on, + and stood, with her air of patient serenity, waiting for an interval. + </p> + <p> + Caroline looked up, and said, “I beg your pardon, Ellen—what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “If you can attend a moment,” said she, gravely; “I must be going to my + boys’ dinner. But Robert wishes to know whether he shall order this paper + for the drawing-room. It cannot be put up yet, of course; but Smith has + only a certain quantity of it, and it is so stylish that he said the + Colonel had better secure it at once.” + </p> + <p> + She spread the roll of paper on the hall table. It was a white paper, + slightly tinted, and seemed intended to represent coral branches, with + starry-looking things at the ends. + </p> + <p> + “The aquarium at the Zoo,” muttered Bobus; and Caroline herself, meeting + Allen’s eye, could not refrain from adding, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The worms they crawled in, + And the worms they crawled out.” + </pre> + <p> + “Mother!” cried Jock, “I thought you were going to paint it all over with + jolly things.” + </p> + <p> + “Frescoes,” said Allen; “sha’n’t you, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “If your uncle does not object,” said his mother, choking down a giggle. + “Those plaster panels are so tempting for frescoes, Ellen.” + </p> + <p> + “Frescoes! Why, those are those horrid improper-looking gods and goddesses + in clouds and chariots on the ceilings at Belforest,” observed that lady, + in a half-puzzled, half-offended tone of voice, that most perilously + tickled the fancy of Mother Carey and her brood! and she could hardly + command her voice to make answer, “Never fear, Ellen; we are not going to + attempt allegorical monstrosities, only to make a bower of green leaves + and flowers such as we see round us; though after what we have seen to-day + that seems presumptuous enough. Fancy, Janet! golden green trees and + porcelain blue ground, all in one bath of sunshine. Such things must be + seen to be believed in.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Robert Brownlow! She went home and sighed, as she said to her + husband, “Well, what is to become of those poor things I do not know. One + would sometimes think poor Caroline was just a little touched in the + head.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not,” said the Colonel, rather alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “It may be only affectation,” said his lady, in a consolatory tone. “I am + afraid poor Joe did live with a very odd set of people—artists, and + all that kind of thing. I am sure I don’t blame her, poor thing! But she + is worse to manage than any child, because you can’t bid her mind what she + is about, and not talk nonsense. When she leaves her house in such a + state, and no one but that poor girl to see to anything, and comes home + all over mud, raving about fairyland, and gold trees and blue ground; when + she has just got into a bog in Belforest coppice—littering the whole + place, too, with common wild flowers. If it had been Essie and Ellie, I + should just have put them in the corner for making such a mess!” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel laughed a little to himself, and said, consolingly, “Well, + well, you know all these country things are new to her. You must be + patient with her.” + </p> + <p> + Patient! That had to be the burthen of the song on both sides. Carey was + pushing back her hair with a fierce, wild sense of impatience with that + calm assumption that fretted her beyond all bearing, and made her feel + desolate beyond all else. She would have, she thought, done well enough + alone with her children, and scrambled into her new home; but the + directions, however needful, seemed to be continually insulting her + understanding. When she was advised as to the best butcher and baker, + there was a ring in her ears as if Ellen meant that these were safe men + for a senseless creature like her, and she could not encounter them with + her orders without wondering whether they had been told to treat her well. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, one of the chief drawbacks to Carey’s comfort was her difficulty + in attending to what her brother and sister-in-law said to her. Something + in the measured tones of the Colonel always made her thoughts wander as + from a dull sermon; and this was more unlucky in his case than in his + wife’s—for Ellen used such reiterations that there was a fair chance + of catching her drift the second or third time, if not the first, whereas + all he said was well weighed and arranged, and was only too heavy and + sententious. + </p> + <p> + Kencroft, the home of the Colonel and his family, Mrs. Robert Brownlow’s + inheritance, was certainly “a picture of a place.” It had probably been an + appendage of the old minster, though the house was only of the seventeenth + century; but that was substantial and venerable of its kind, and + exceedingly comfortable and roomy, with everything kept in perfect order. + Caroline could not quite think the furniture worthy of it, but that was + not for want of the desire to do everything handsomely and fashionably. + Moreover, in spite of the schoolroom and nurseryful of children, marvels + of needlework and knitting adorned every table, chair, and sofa, while + even in the midst of the town Kencroft had its own charming garden; a + lawn, once devoted to bowls and now to croquet, an old-fashioned walled + kitchen garden, sloping up the hill, and a paddock sufficient to make cows + and pigs part of the establishment. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel had devoted himself to gardening and poultry with the mingled + ardour and precision of a man who needed something to supply the place of + his soldierly duties; and though his fervour had relaxed under the + influence of ease, gout, and substantial flesh, enough remained to keep up + apple-pie order without-doors, and render Kencroft almost a show place. + The meadow lay behind the house, and a gravel walk leading along its + shaded border opened into the lane about ten yards from the gate of the + Pagoda, as Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow and the post office laboured to call + it; the Folly, as came so much more naturally to everyone’s lips. It had + been the work of the one eccentric man in Mrs. Robert Brownlow’s family, + and was thus her property. It had hung long on hand, being difficult to + let, and after making sufficient additions, it had been decided that, at a + nominal rent, it would house the family thrown upon the hands of the good + Colonel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — THE COLONEL’S CHICKENS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + They censured the bantam for strutting and crowing, + In those vile pantaloons that he fancied looked knowing; + And a want of decorum caused many demurs + Against the game chicken for coming in spurs. + The Peacock at Home. +</pre> + <p> + Left to themselves, Mother Carey, with Janet and old nurse, completed + their arrangements so well that when Jessie looked in at five o’clock, + with a few choice flowers covering a fine cucumber in her basket, she + exclaimed in surprise, “How nice you have made it all look, I shall be so + glad to tell mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell her what?” asked Janet. + </p> + <p> + “That you have really made the room look nice,” said Jessie. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said her cousin, ironically. “You see we have as many hands + as other people. Didn’t Aunt Ellen think we had?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course she did,” said Jessie, a pretty, kindly creature, but slow of + apprehension; “only she said she was very sorry for you.” + </p> + <p> + “And why?” cried Janet, leaping up in indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” interposed Allen, “because we are raw cockneys, who go into + raptures over primroses and wild hyacinths, eh, Jessie?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you have set them up very nicely,” said Jessie; “but fancy taking + so much trouble about common flowers.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you think worth setting up?” asked Janet. “A big dahlia, I + suppose, or a great red cactus?” + </p> + <p> + “We have a beautiful garden,” said Jessie: “papa is very particular about + it, and we always get the prize for our flowers. We had the first prizes + for hyacinths and forced roses last week, and we should have had the first + for forced cucumbers if the gardener at Belforest had not had a spite + against Spencer, because he left him for us. Everybody said there was no + comparison between the cucumbers, and Mr. Ellis said—” + </p> + <p> + Janet had found the day before how Jessie could prattle on in an endless + quiet stream without heeding whether any one entered into it or replied to + it; but she was surprised at Allen’s toleration of it, though he changed + the current by saying, “Belforest seems a jolly, place.” + </p> + <p> + “But you’ve only seen the wood, not the gardens,” said Jessie. + </p> + <p> + “I went down to the lake with Mr. Ogilvie,” said Allen, “and saw something + splendiferous looking on the other side.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! they are beautiful!” cried Janet, “all laid out in ribbon gardens and + with the most beautiful terrace, and a fountain—only that doesn’t + play except when you give the gardener half-a-crown, and mamma says, that + is exorbitant—and statues standing all round—real marble + statues.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the groves of Blarney,” muttered Janet: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Heathen goddesses most rare, + Homer, Venus, and Nebuchadnezzar, + All standing naked in the open air.” + </pre> + <p> + Allen, seeing Jessie scandalised, diverted her attention by asking, “Whom + does it belong to?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Barnes,” said Jessie; “but he is hardly ever there. He is an old + miser, you know—what they call a millionaire, or mill-owner; which + is it?” + </p> + <p> + “One is generally the French for the other,” put in Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind her, Jessie,” said Allen, with a look of infinite displeasure + at his sister. “What does he do which keeps him away?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he is a great merchant, and is always in Liverpool,” said + Jessie. “Any way, he is a very cross old man, and won’t let anybody go + into his park and gardens when he comes down here; and he is very cruel + too, for he disinherited his own nephew and niece for marrying. Only think + Mrs. Watson at the grocer’s told our Susan that there’s a little girl, who + is his own great-niece, living down at River Hollow Farm with Mr. and Mrs. + Gould, just brought up by common farmers, you know, and he won’t take any + notice of her, nor give one farthing for bringing her up. Isn’t it + shocking? And even when he is at home, he only has two chops or two + steaks, or just a bit of kidney, and that when he is literally rolling in + gold.” + </p> + <p> + Jessie opened her large brown eyes to mark her horror, and Allen, made a + gesture of exaggerated sympathy, which his sister took for more earnest + than it was, and she said, scornfully, “I should like to see him literally + rolling in gold. It must be like Midas. Do you mean that he sleeps on it, + Jessie? How hard and cold!” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” said Jessie; “you know what I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what literally rolling in gold means, but I don’t know what you + mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t bully her, Janet,” said Allen; “we are not so stupid, are we, + Jessie? Come and show me the walnut-tree you were telling me about.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter, Janet?” said her mother, coming in a moment or two + after, and finding her staring blankly out of the window, where the two + had made their exit. + </p> + <p> + “O mother, Jessie has been talking such gossip, and Allen likes it, and + won’t have it stopped! I can’t think what makes Allen and Bobus both so + foolish whenever she is here.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a very pretty creature,” said Carey, smiling a little. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty!” repeated Janet. “What has that to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “A great deal, as you will have to find out in the course of your life, my + dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought only foolish people cared about beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very convenient for us to think so,” said Carey, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “But mother—surely everybody cares for you just as much or more than + if you were a great handsome, stupid creature! How I hate that word + handsome!” + </p> + <p> + “Except for a cab,” said Carey. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! when shall I see a Hansom again?” said Janet in a slightly + sentimental tone. But she returned to the charge, “Don’t go, mother, I + want you to answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Beauty versus brains! My dear, you had better open your eyes to the + truth. You must make up your mind to it. It is only very exceptional + people who, even in the long run, care most for feminine brains.” + </p> + <p> + “But, mother, every one did.” + </p> + <p> + “Every one in our world, Janet; but your father made our home set of those + exceptional people, and we are cast out of it now!” she added, with a gasp + and a gesture of irrepressible desolateness. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that comes of this horrid move,” said the girl, in quite another + tone. “Well, some day—” and she stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Some day?” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Some day we’ll go back again, and show what we are,” she said, proudly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Janet! and that’s nothing now without <i>him</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, how can you say so, when—?” Jane just checked herself, as + she was coming to the great secret. + </p> + <p> + “When we have his four boys,” said her mother. “Ah! yes, Janet—if—and + when—But that’s a long way off, and, to come back to our former + subject,” she added, recalling herself with a sigh, “it will be wise in us + owlets to make up our minds that owlets we are, and to give the place to + the eaglets.” + </p> + <p> + “But eaglets are very ugly, and owlets very pretty,” quoth Janet. + </p> + <p> + Carey laughed. “That does not seem to have been the opinion of the Beast + Epic,” said she, and the entrance of Babie prevented them from going + further. + </p> + <p> + Janet turned away with one of her grim sighs at the unappreciative world + to which she was banished. She had once or twice been on the point of + mentioning the Magnum Bonum to her mother, but the reserve at first made + it seem as if an avowal would be a confession, and to this she could not + bend her pride, while the secrecy made a strange barrier between her and + her mother. In truth, Janet had never been so devoted to Mother Carey as + to either granny or her father, and now she missed them sorely, and felt + it almost an injury to have no one but her mother to turn to. + </p> + <p> + Her character was not set in the same mould, and though both could meet on + the common ground of intellect, she could neither enter into the recesses + of her mother’s grief, nor understand those flashes of brightness and + playfulness which nothing could destroy. If Carey had chosen to unveil the + truth to herself, she would have owned that Allen, who was always ready, + tender and sympathetic to her, was a much greater comfort than his sister; + nay, that even little Babie gave her more rest and peace than did Janet, + who always rubbed against her whenever they found themselves tete-a-tete + or in consultation. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Babie had been out with her two little cousins, and came home + immensely impressed with the Belforest gardens. The house was shut up, but + the gardens were really kept up to perfection, and the little one could + not declare her full delight in the wonderful blaze she had seen of banks + of red, and flame coloured, and white, flowering trees. “They said they + would show me the Americans,” she said. “Why was it, mother? I thought + Americans were like the gentleman who dined with you one day, and told me + about the snow birds. But there were only these flower-trees, and a pond, + and statues standing round it, and I don’t think they were Americans, for + I know one was Diana, because she had a bow and quiver. I wanted to look + at the rest, but Miss James said they were horrid heathen gods, not fit + for little girls to look at; and, mother, Ellie is so silly, she thought + the people at Belforest worshipped them. Do come and see them, mother. It + is like the Crystal Palace out-of-doors.” + </p> + <p> + “Omitting the Crystal,” laughed some one; but Babie had more to say, + exclaiming, “O mother, Essie says Aunt Ellen says Janet and I are to do + lessons with Miss James, but you won’t let us, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss James!” broke out Janet indignantly; “we might as well learn of old + nurse! Why, mother, she can’t pronounce French, and she never heard of + terminology, and she thinks Edward I. killed the bards!” For the girls had + spent a day or two with their cousins in the course of the move. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” broke in Barbara, “and she won’t let Essie and Ellie teach their + dolls their lessons! She was quite cross when I was showing them how, and + said it was all nonsense when I told her I heard you say that I half + taught myself by teaching Juliet. And so the poor dolls have no + advantages, mother, and are quite stupid for want of education,” pursued + the little girl, indignantly. “They aren’t people, but only dolls, and + Essie and Ellie can’t do anything with them but just dress them and take + them out walking.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what they would wish to make Babie like!” said her elder sister. + </p> + <p> + “But you’ll not let anybody teach me but you, dear, dear Mother Carey,” + entreated the child. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, my little one.” And just then the boys came rushing in to + their evening meal, full of the bird’s nest that they had been visiting in + their uncle’s field, and quite of opinion that Kenminster was “a jolly + place.” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” added Jock, “we got the garden engine, and had such fun, you + don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Bobus, “till you sent a whole cataract against the house, and + that brought out her Serene Highness!” + </p> + <p> + The applicability of the epithet set the whole family off into a laugh, + and Jock further made up a solemn face, and repeated— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Buff says Buff to all his men, + And I say Buff to you again. + Buff neither laughs nor smiles, + But carries his face + With a very good grace.” + </pre> + <p> + It convulsed them all, and the mother, recovering a little, said, “I + wonder whether she ever can laugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Aunt Ellen!” said Babie, in all her gravity; “she is like King Henry + I. and never smiled again.” + </p> + <p> + And with more wit than prudence, Mrs. Buff, her Serene Highness, Sua + Serenita, as Janet made it, became the sobriquets for Aunt Ellen, and were + in continual danger of oozing out publicly. Indeed the younger population + at Kencroft probably soon became aware of them, for on the next + half-holiday Jock crept in with unmistakable tokens of combat about him, + and on interrogation confessed, “It was Johnnie, mother. Because we wanted + you to come out walking with us, and he said ‘twas no good walking with + one’s mother, and I told him he didn’t know what a really jolly mother + was, and that his mother couldn’t laugh, and that you said so, and he said + my mother was no better than a tomboy, and that she said so, and so—” + </p> + <p> + And so, the effects were apparent on Jock’s torn and stained collar and + swelled nose. + </p> + <p> + But the namesake champions remained unconvinced, except that Johnnie may + have come over to the opinion that a mother no better than a tomboy was + not a bad possession, for the three haunted the “Folly” a good deal, and + made no objection to their aunt’s company after the first experiment. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, however, their assurances that their mother could laugh as + well as other people were not so conclusive but that Jock made it his + business to do his utmost to produce a laugh, in which he was apt to be + signally unsuccessful, to his own great surprise, though to that of no one + else. For instance, two or three days later, when his mother and Allen + were eating solemnly a dinner at Kencroft, by way of farewell ere Allen’s + return to Eton, an extraordinarily frightful noise was heard in the + poultry yard, where dwelt various breeds of Uncle Robert’s prize fowls. + </p> + <p> + Thieves—foxes—dogs—what could it be? Even the cheese and + celery were deserted, and out rushed servants, master, mistress, and + guests, being joined by the two girls from the school-room; but even then + Carey was struck by the ominous absence of boys. The poultry house door + was shut—locked—but the noises within were more and more + frightful—of convulsive cocks and hysterical hens, mingled with + human scufflings and hushes and snortings and snigglings that made the + elders call out in various tones of remonstrance and reprobation, “Boys, + have done! Come out! Open the door.” + </p> + <p> + A small hatch door was opened, a flourish on a tin trumpet was heard, and + out darted, in an Elizabethan ruff and cap, a respectable Dorking mother + of the yard, cackling her displeasure, and instantly dashing to the top of + the wall, followed at once by a stately black Spaniard, decorated with a + lace mantilla of cut paper off a French plum box, squawking and + curtseying. Then came a dapper pullet, with a doll’s hat on her unwilling + head, &c., &c. + </p> + <p> + The outsiders were choking with breathless surprise at first, then the one + lady began indignantly to exclaim, “Now, boys! Have done—let the + poor things alone. Come out this minute.” The other fairly reeled against + the wall with laughter, and Janet and Jessie screamed at each fresh + appearance, till they made as much noise as the outraged chickens, though + one shrieked with dismay, the other with diversion. At last the Colonel, + slower of foot than the rest, arrived on the scene, just as the pride of + his heart, the old King Chanticleer of the yard, made his exit, draped in + a royal red paper robe and a species of tinsel crown, out of which his red + face looked most ludicrous as he came halting and stupefied, having + evidently been driven up in a corner and pinched rather hard; but close + behind him, chuckling forth his terror and flapping his wings, came the + pert little white bantam, belted and accoutred as a page. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow’s severe command to open the door was not resisted for + one moment, and forth rushed a cloud of dust and feathers, a quacking + waggling substratum of ducks, and a screaming flapping rabble of chickens, + behind whom, when the mist cleared, were seen, looking as if they had been + tarred and feathered, various black and grey figures, which developed into + Jock, Armine, Robin, Johnny, and Joe. Jock, the foremost, stared straight + up in his aunt’s face, Armine ran to his mother with—“Did you see + the old king, mother, and his little page? Wasn’t it funny—” + </p> + <p> + But he was stopped by the sight of his uncle, who laid hold of his eldest + son with a fierce “How dare you, sir?” and gave him a shake and blow. + Robin stood with a sullen look on his face, and hands in his pockets, and + his brothers followed suit. Armine hid his face in his mother’s dress, and + burst out crying; but Jock stepped forth and, with that impish look of + fearlessness, said, “I did it, Uncle Robert! I wanted to make Aunt Ellen + laugh. Did she laugh, mother?” he asked in so comical and innocent a + manner that, in spite of her full consciousness of the heinousness of the + offence, and its general unluckiness, Mother Carey was almost choked. This + probably added to the gravity with which the other lady decreed with + Juno-like severity, “Robin and John must be flogged. Joe is too young.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” responded the Colonel; but Caroline, instead of, as they + evidently expected of her, at once offering up her victim, sprang forward + with eager, tearful pleadings, declaring it was all Jock’s fault, and he + did not know how naughty it was—but all in vain. “Robert knew. He + ought to have stopped it,” said the Colonel. “Go to the study, you two.” + </p> + <p> + Jock did not act as the generous hero of romance would have done, and + volunteer to share the flogging. He cowered back on his mother, and put + his arm round her waist, while she said, “Jock told the truth, so I shall + not ask you to flog him, Uncle Robert. He shall not do such mischief + again.” + </p> + <p> + “If he does,” said his uncle, with a look as if her consent would not be + asked to what would follow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — THE FOLLY. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There will we sit upon the rocks, + And see the shepherds feed their flocks + By summer rivers, by whose falls + Melodious birds sing madrigals.—Marlowe. +</pre> + <p> + “How does my little schoolfellow get on?” asked Mary Ogilvie, when she had + sat down for her first meal with her brother in her summer holidays. + </p> + <p> + “Much as Ariel did in the split pine, I fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, David! I’m afraid you are teaching her to see Sycorax and + Caliban in her neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I! How should I ever see her! Do you hear from her?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes; and I heard of her from the Actons, who had an immense regard + for her husband, who, they say, was a very superior man.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hardly necessary to be told so.” + </p> + <p> + “They mean to take lodgings somewhere near here this next month, and see + what they can do to cheer her in her present life, which must be the + greatest possible contrast to her former one. Do you wish to set out on + our expedition before August, Davie? I should like you to see them.” + </p> + <p> + “By all means let us wait for them. Indeed I should not be at liberty till + the last week in July.” + </p> + <p> + “And how go the brains of Kenminster? You look enlivened since last time I + saw you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the infusion the brains have received. That one woman has made more + difference to the school than I could have done in ten years.” + </p> + <p> + “You find her boys, at any rate, pupils worth teaching.” + </p> + <p> + “More than that. Of course it is something to have a fellow capable of + ideas before one; but besides that, lads who had gone on contentedly at + their own level have had to bestir themselves not to be taken down by him. + When he refused to have it forced upon him that study was not the thing at + Kenminster, they found the only way to make him know his place was to keep + theirs, and some of them have really found the use of their wits, and + rejoice in them. Even in the lower form, the Colonel’s second boy has + developed an intellect. Then the way those boys bring their work prepared + has raised the standard!” + </p> + <p> + “I heard something of that on my way.” + </p> + <p> + “You did?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; two ladies were in full career of talk when the train stopped at the + Junction, and I heard—‘I am always obliged to spend one hour every + evening seeing that Arthur knows his lessons. So troublesome you know; but + since that Mrs. Joseph Brownlow has come, she helps her boys so with their + home-work that the others have not a chance if one does not look to it + oneself.’ Then it appeared that she told Mr. Ogilvie it wasn’t fair, and + that he would give her no redress.” + </p> + <p> + “Absurd woman! It is not a matter of unfairness, as I told her. They don’t + get help in sums or exercises; they only have grammar to learn and + construing to prepare, and all my concern is that it should be got up + thoroughly. If their mothers help them, so much the better.” + </p> + <p> + “The mothers don’t seem to think so. However, she branched off into + incredulity that Mrs. Joe Brownlow could ever really teach her children + anything, for she was always tramping all over the country with them at + all hours of the day and night. She has met her herself, with all those + boys after her, three miles from home, in a great straw hat, when her + husband hadn’t been dead a year.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure she is always in regulation veils, and all the rest of it, at + Church, if that’s what you ladies want.” + </p> + <p> + “But the crown of the misdoings seemed to be that she had been met at some + old castle, sacred to picnics, alone with her children—no party nor + anything. I could not make out whether the offence consisted in making the + ruin too cheap, or in caring for it for its own sake, and not as a lion + for guests.” + </p> + <p> + “The latter probably. She has the reputation of being very affected!!!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor dear! I heard that she was a great trial to dear Mrs. Brownlow,” + said Mary, in an imitative voice. “Why, do you know, she sometimes is up + and out with her children before six o’clock in the morning; and then + Colonel Brownlow went in one day at twelve o’clock, and found the whole + family fast asleep on different sofas.” + </p> + <p> + “The sensible way, too, to spend such days as these. To go out in the cool + of the morning, and take a siesta, is the only rational plan!” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid one must conform to one’s neighbours’ ways.” + </p> + <p> + “Trust a woman for being conventional.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I did not like the tone in which my poor Carey was spoken of. I + am afraid she can hardly have taken care enough not to be thought + flighty.” + </p> + <p> + “Mary! you are as absurd as the rest of them!” + </p> + <p> + “Why? what have you seen of her?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, I tell you, except once meeting her in the street, and once + calling on her to ask whether her boy should learn German.” And David + Ogilvie spoke with a vehemence that somewhat startled his sister. + </p> + <p> + It was a July evening, and though the walls of the schoolmaster’s house + were thick, it was sultry enough within to lead the brother and sister out + immediately after dinner, looking first into the play-fields, where + cricket was of course going on among the bigger boys, but where Mary + looked in vain for her friend’s sons. + </p> + <p> + “No, they are not much of cricketers,” said her brother; “they are small + for it yet, and only take their turn in watching-out by compulsion. I wish + the senior had more play in him. Shall we walk on by the river?” + </p> + <p> + So they did, along a paved causeway which presently got clear of the + cottages and gables of old factories, and led along, with the brightly + glassy sheet of water on one side, and the steep wooded slope on the + other, loose-strife and meadow-sweet growing thickly on the bank, amid + long weeds with feathery tops, rich brown fingers of sedge, and bur-reeds + like German morgensterns, while above the long wreaths of dog-roses + projected, the sweet honeysuckle twined about, and the white blossoms of + traveller’s joy hung in festoons from the hedge of the bordering + plantation. After a time they came on a kind of glade, opening upwards + though the wood, with one large oak-tree standing alone in the centre, and + behold! on the grass below sat or lay a company—Mrs. Joseph Brownlow + in the midst, under the obnoxious mushroom-hat, reading aloud. Radiating + from her were five boys, the biggest of all on his back, with his hat over + his eyes, fast asleep; another cross-legged, with a basket between his + knees, dividing his attention between it and the book; two more lying + frog-like, with elbows on the ground, feet erected behind them, chin in + hand, devouring the narrative with their eyes; the fifth wriggling + restlessly about, evidently in search of opportunities of mischief or of + tormenting tricks. Just within earshot, but sketching the picturesque + wooden bridge below, sat one girl. The little one, with her youngest + brother, was close at their mother’s feet, threading flowers to make a + garland. It was a pretty sight, and so intent were most of the party on + their occupations that they never saw the pair on the bank till Joe, the + idler, started and rolled round with “Hollo!” when all turned, it may be + feared with muttered growls from some of the boys; but Carey herself gave + a cry of joy, ran down the bank like a girl, and greeted Mary Ogilvie with + an eager embrace. + </p> + <p> + “You are holding a Court here,” said the school-master. + </p> + <p> + “We have had tea out here. It is too hot for indoors, and I am reading + them the ‘Water Babies.’” + </p> + <p> + “To a large audience, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and some of which are not quite sure whether it is fact or fiction. + Come and sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “The boys will hate us for breaking up their reading,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Why should not we listen!” said her brother. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t disturb yourselves, boys; we’ve met before to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus and Jock were, however, on their feet, and Johnny had half risen; + Robin lay still snoring, and Joe had retreated into the wood from the + alarming spectacle of “the schoolmaster abroad.” + </p> + <p> + After a greeting to the two girls, who comported themselves, according to + their ages, as young ladies might be expected to do, the Ogilvies found + accommodation on the roots of the tree, and listened. The “Water Babies” + were then new, and Mr. Ogilvie had never heard them. Luckily the reading + had just come to the history of the “Do as You Likes,” and the interview + between the last of the race and M. Du Chaillu diverted him beyond + measure. He laughed so much over the poor fellow’s abortive attempt to say + “Am I not a man and a brother?” that his three scholars burst out into a + second edition of shouts of laughter at the sight of him, and thus + succeeded in waking Robin, who, after a great contortion, sat up on the + grass, and, rubbing his eyes, demanded in an injured tone what was the + row? + </p> + <p> + “‘The Last of the Do as You Likes,’” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Oh I say—isn’t it jolly,” cried Jock, beating his breast + gorilla-fashion and uttering a wild murmur of “Am I not a man and a + brother?” then tumbling head over heels, half in ecstasy, half in + imitation of the fate of the Do as You Like, setting everybody off into + fits again. + </p> + <p> + “It’s just what Robin is coming to,” observed Bobus, as his namesake + stretched his arms and delivered himself of a waking howl; then suddenly + becoming conscious of Mr. Ogilvie, he remained petrified, with one arm + fully outstretched, the other still lifted to his head. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Brownlow maximus,” said his master; “it was hardly fair to + surprise you in private life, was it?” + </p> + <p> + The boy made no answer, but scrambled up, sheepish and disconcerted; and + indeed the sun was entirely down and the dew almost falling, so that the + mother called to the young ones to gather up their things and come home. + </p> + <p> + Such a collection! Bobus picked up a tin-case and basket full of flowers, + interspersed with bottles of swimming insects. The trio and Armine + shouldered their butterfly-nets, and had a distribution of pill-boxes and + bottles, in some of which were caterpillars intended to live, in others + butterflies dead (or dying, it may be feared) of laurel leaves. Babie had + a mighty nosegay; Janet put up the sketch, which showed a good deal of + power; and the whole troop moved up the slope to go home by the lanes. + </p> + <p> + “What collectors you are!” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “For the museum,” answered Armine, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you seen our museum?” cried Barbara, who had taken his hand. “Oh, + it is such a beauty! We have got an Orobanche major, only it is not dry + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid Babie likes fine words,” said her mother; “but our museum is a + great amusement to us Londoners.” + </p> + <p> + They all walked home together, talking merrily, and Mr. and Miss Ogilvie + came in with them, on special entreaty, to share the supper—milk, + fruit, bread and butter and cheese, and sandwiches, which was laid out on + the round table in the octagon vestibule, which formed the lowest story of + the tower. It was partaken of standing, or sitting at case on the + window-seats, a form or two, an old carved chair, or on the stairs, the + children ascending them after their meal, and after securing in their own + fashion their treasures for the morrow. The two cousins had already bidden + good-night at the gate and gone home, and the Ogilvies followed their + example in ten minutes, Caroline begging Mary to come up to her as soon as + Mr. Ogilvie was disposed of by school hours. + </p> + <p> + “But you will be busy?” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, I am afraid we are not very regular,” said Carey. + </p> + <p> + It was by this time ten o’clock, and the two younger children were still + to be heard shouting to one another up stairs about the leaves for their + chrysalids. So when Mary came up the hill at half-past ten the next + morning, she was the less surprised to find these two only just beginning + breakfast, while their mother was sitting at the end of the table + knitting, and hearing Janet repeat German poetry. The boys had long been + in school. + </p> + <p> + Caroline jumped up and threw her arms round Mary’s neck, declaring that + now they would enjoy themselves. “We are very late,” she added, “but these + late walks make the little people sleep, and I think it is better for them + than tossing about, hot and cross.” + </p> + <p> + Mary was rather entertained at this new code, but said nothing, as Carey + pointed out to the children how they were to occupy themselves under + Janet’s charge, and the work they had to do showed that for their age they + had lost no time. + </p> + <p> + The drawing-room showed indeed a contrast to the chaotic state in which it + had been left. It was wonderfully pleasant-looking. The windows of the + deep bay were all open to the lawn, shaded with blinds projecting out into + the garden, where the parrot sat perched on her pole; pleasant nooks were + arranged in the two sides of the bay window, with light chairs and small + writing-tables, each with its glass of flowers; the piano stood across the + arc, shutting off these windows into almost a separate room; low + book-cases, with chiffonier cupboards and marble tops, ran round the + walls, surmounted with many artistic ornaments. The central table was + crowned with a tall glass of exquisitely-arranged grasses and wild + flowers, and the choice and graceful nicknacks round it were such as might + be traced to a London life in the artist world, and among grateful + patients. + </p> + <p> + Brackets with vases and casts here and there projected from the walls, and + some charming crayons and water-colours hung round them. The plastered + walls had already been marked out in panels, and a growth of frescoes of + bulrushes, ivy, and leaves of all kinds was beginning to overspread them, + while on a nearer inspection the leaves proved to be fast becoming peopled + with living portraits of butterflies and other insects; indeed Mary + started at finding herself in, as she thought, unpleasant proximity to a + pair of cockchafers. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I tell the children that we shall be suspected of putting those + creatures there as a trial to the old ladies’ nerves,” said Caroline, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I confess they are startling to those who don’t like creeping things! + Have you many old ladies, Carey?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very many. I fancy they don’t take to me more than I take to them, so + we are mutually satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “But is that a good thing?” said Mary anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said Carey, indifferently. “At least I do know,” she + added, “that I always used to be told I didn’t try to make small talk, and + I can do it less than ever now that it is the smallest of small, and my + heart faints from it. Oh Mary!” + </p> + <p> + “My poor dear Caroline! But you say that you were told you ought to do + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes. Dear granny wished it; but I think that was rather with a view + to Joe’s popularity, and we haven’t any patients to think of now. I should + think the less arrant gossip the children heard, the better.” + </p> + <p> + “But is it well to let them despise everybody?” + </p> + <p> + “Then the less they see of them, the better!” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Carey!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mary, I dare say I am naughty. I do feel naughtier now than ever I + did in my life; but I can’t help it! It just makes me mad to be worried or + tied down,” and she pushed back her hair so that her unfortunate cap was + only withheld from tumbling entirely off by the pin that held it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that wretched cap!” she cried, jumping up, petulantly, and going to + the glass to set it to rights, but with so hasty a hand that the pin + became entangled in her hair, and it needed Mary’s quiet hand to set it to + rights; “it’s just an emblem of all the rest of it; I wouldn’t wear it + another day, but that I’m afraid of Ellen and Robert, and it perfectly + drives me wild. And I know Joe couldn’t have borne to see me in it.” At + the Irishism of which she burst out laughing, and laughed herself into the + tears that had never come when they were expected of her. + </p> + <p> + Mary caressed and soothed her, and told her she could well guess it was + sadder to her now than even at first. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is,” said Carey, looking up. “If one was sent out to sea in a + boat, it wouldn’t be near so bad as long as one could see the dear old + shore still, as when one had got out—out into the wide open—with + nothing at all.” + </p> + <p> + And she stretched out her hands with a dreary, yearning gesture into the + vacant space, such as it went to her friend’s heart to see. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but there’s a haven at the end.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there is,” said Carey; “but it’s a long way off, and there’s + dying first, and when people want to begin about it, they get so + conventional, and if there’s one thing above another that I can’t stand, + it is being bored.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor child!” + </p> + <p> + “There, don’t be angry with me, because I’m telling you just what I am!” + </p> + <p> + Before any more could be said Janet opened the door, saying, “Mother, Emma + wants to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I forgot,” cried Carey, hurrying off, while Janet came forward to the + guest in her grown-up way, and asked— + </p> + <p> + “Have you been to the Water-Colour Exhibition, Miss Ogilvie?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Mr. Acton took me one Saturday afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then he would be sure to show you Nita Ray’s picture. I want so much + to know how it strikes people.” + </p> + <p> + And Janet had plunged into a regular conversation about exhibitions, + pictures, artists, concerts, lectures, &c., before her mother came + back, talking with all the eagerness of an exile about her native country. + As a governess in her school-room, Miss Ogilvie had had little more than a + key-hole view of all these things; but then what she had seen and heard + had been chiefly through the Actons, and thus coincided with Janet’s own + side of the world, and they were in full discussion when Caroline came + back. + </p> + <p> + “There, I’ve disposed of the butcher and baker!” she said. “Now we can be + comfortable again.” + </p> + <p> + Mary expected Janet to repair to her own lessons, or to listen to those + scales which Babie might be heard from a distance playing; but she only + appealed to her mother about some picture of last year, and sat down to + her drawing, while the conversation on pictures and books continued in + animated style. So far from sending her away, Mary fancied that Carey was + rather glad to keep to surface matters, and to be prevented from another + outbreak of feeling. + </p> + <p> + The next interruption was from the children, each armed with a pile of + open books on the top of a slate. Carey begged Mary to wait, and went + outside the window with them, sitting down under a tree whence the + murmured sounds of repetition could be heard, lasting about twenty minutes + between the two, and then she returned, the little ones jumping on each + side of her, Armine begging that Miss Ogilvie would come and see the + museum, and Barbara saying that Jock wanted to help to show it off. + </p> + <p> + “Well, run now and put your own corners tidy,” suggested their mother. “If + Jock does not stay in the playground, he will come back in a quarter of an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + “And Mr. Ogilvie will come then. I invited him,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + At which Carey laughed incredulously; but Janet, observing that she must + go and see that the children did not do more harm than good, walked off, + and Mary said— + </p> + <p> + “I should not wonder if he did act on the invitation.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope he will. It would have only been civil in me to have asked him, + considering that I have taken possession of you,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “I fully expect to see him on Miss Barbara’s invitation. Do you know, + Carey, he says you have transformed his school.” + </p> + <p> + “Translated it, like Bottom the Weaver.” + </p> + <p> + “In the reverse direction. He says you have made the mothers see to their + boys’ preparation, and wakened up the intellects.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I? I thought I had only kept my own boys up to the mark. Yes, and + there’s Johnny. Do you know, Mary, it is very funny, but that boy Johnny + has adopted me. He comes after me everywhere like a shadow, and there’s + nothing he won’t do for me, even learning his lessons. You see the poor + boy has a good deal of native sense, Brownlow sense, and mind had been + more stifled than wanting in him. Nobody had ever put things to him by the + right end, and when he once let me do it for him, it was quite a + revelation, and he has been so happy and prosperous that he hardly knows + himself. Poor boy, there is something very honest and true about him, and + so affectionate! He is a little like his uncle, and I can’t help being + fond of him. Then Robin is just as devoted to Jock, though I can’t say the + results are so very desirable, for Jock <i>is</i> a monkey, I must + confess, and it is irresistible to a monkey to have a bear that he can + lead to do anything. I hear that Robin used to be the good boy of the + establishment, and I am afraid he is not that now.” + </p> + <p> + “But can’t you stop that?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, nobody could think of Jock’s devices so as to stop them, who had + not his own monkey brain. Who would have thought of his getting the whole + set to dress up as nigger singers, with black faces and banjoes, and + coming to dance and sing in front of the windows?” + </p> + <p> + “There wasn’t much harm in that.” + </p> + <p> + “There wouldn’t have been if it had been only here. And, oh dear, the + irresistible fun of Jock’s capering antics, and Rob moving by mechanism, + as stiff and obedient as the giant porter to Flibberti-gibbet.” Carey + stopped to laugh. “But then I never thought of their going on to present + themselves to Ellen in the middle of a mighty and solemn dinner party! All + the grandees, the county people (this in a deep and awful voice), sitting + up in their chignons of state, in the awful pause during the dishing-up, + when these five little wretches, in finery filched from the rag bag, + appear on the smooth lawn, mown and trimmed to the last extent for the + occasion, and begin to strike up at their shrillest, close to the open + window. Ellen rises with great dignity. I fancy I can see her, sending out + to order them off. And then, oh dear, Jock only hopping more frantically + than ever round the poor man the hired waiter, who, you must know, is the + undertaker’s chief mute, and singing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Leedle, leedle, leedle, + Our cat’s dead. + What did she die wi’? + Wi’ a sair head. + A’ you that kenned her + While she was alive, + Come to her burying + At half-past five.’ +</pre> + <p> + And then the Colonel, bestirring himself to the rescue, with ‘go away + boys, or I’ll send for the police.’ And then the discovery, when in the + height of his wrath, Jock perked up, and said, ‘I thought you would like + to have the ladies amused, Uncle Robert.’ He did box his ears then—small + blame to him, I must say. I could stand that better than the jaw Ellen + gave us afterwards. I beg your pardon, Mary, but it really was one. She + thinks us far gone in the ways of depravity, and doesn’t willingly let her + little girls come near us.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t that a pity?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know; Essie and Ellie have feelings in their clothes, and don’t + like our scrambling walks, and if Ellie does get allured by our wicked + ways, she is sure to be torn, or splashed, or something, and we have + shrieks and lamentations, and accusations of Jock and Joe, amid floods of + tears; and Jessie comes to the rescue, primly shaking her head and coaxing + her little sister, while she brings out a needle and thread. I can’t help + it, Mary. It does aggravate me to look at her!” + </p> + <p> + Mary could only shake her head with a mixture of pity, reproof, and + amusement, and as a safer subject could not help asking— + </p> + <p> + “By the bye, why do you confuse your friends by having all the two + families named in pairs?” + </p> + <p> + “We didn’t know we were going to live close together,” said Carey. “But + the fact is that the Janets were named after their fathers’ only sister, + who seems to have been an equal darling to both. We would have avoided + Robert, but we found that it would have been thought disrespectful not to + call the boy after his grandfather and uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “And Bobus <i>is</i> a thoroughly individual name.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Jock’s name is John Lucas, and we did mean to call him by the + second, but it wouldn’t stick. Names won’t sometimes, and there’s a + formality in Lucas that would never fit that skipjack of a boy. He got + called Jock as a nickname, and now he will abide by it. But Joseph + Armine’s second name does fit him, and so we have kept to it; and Barbara + was dear grandmamma’s own name, and quite our own.” + </p> + <p> + Therewith Babie rushed downstairs with “He’s coming, Mother Carey,” and + darted out at the house door to welcome Mr. Ogilvie at the gate, and lead + him in in triumph, attended by her two brothers. The two ladies laughed, + and Carey said, with a species of proud apology— + </p> + <p> + “Poor children, you see they have been used to be noticed by clever men.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ogilvie is come to see our museum,” cried Babie, in her patronising + tone, jumping and dancing round during his greetings and remarks that he + hoped he might take advantage of her invitation; he had been thinking + whether to begin a school museum would not be a very good thing for the + boys, and serve to open their minds to common things. On which, before any + one else could answer, the parrot, in a low and sententious tone, + observed, “Excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “There, you have the consent of your first acquaintance,” said Carey, + while the bird, excited by one of those mysterious likings that her kind + are apt to take, held her grey head to Mr. Ogilvie to be scratched, + chuckling out, “All Mother Carey’s chickens,” and Janet exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “That’s an adoption.” + </p> + <p> + The troop were climbing the stairs to the third story, where Armine and + Bobus were already within an octagon room, corresponding to the little + hall below, and fitted with presses and shelves, belonging to the + store-room of the former thrifty inhabitant; but now divided between the + six children, Mother Carey, as Babie explained, being “Mine own, and + helping me more specially.” + </p> + <p> + The table was likewise common to all; but one of the laws of the place was + that everything left there after twelve o’clock on Saturday was, as + Babie’s little mouth rolled out the long words, “confiscated by the + inexorable Eumenides.” + </p> + <p> + “And who are they?” asked Mr. Ogilvie, who was always much entertained by + the simplicity with which the little maid uttered the syllables as if they + were her native speech. + </p> + <p> + “Janet, and Nurse, and Emma,” she said; “and they really are inex-o-rable. + They threw away my snail shell that a thrush had been eating, though I + begged and prayed them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and my femur of a rabbit,” said Armine, “and said it was a nasty old + bone, and the baker’s Pincher ate it up; but I did find my turtle-dove’s + egg in the ash-heap, and discovered it over again, and you don’t see it is + broken now; it is stuck down on a card.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said his mother, “it is wonderful how valuable things become + precisely at twelve on Saturday.” + </p> + <p> + Each had some department: Janet’s, which was geology, was the fullest, as + she had inherited some youthful hoards of her father’s; Bobus’s, which was + botany, was the neatest and most systematic. Mary thought at first that it + did not suit him; but she soon saw that with him it was not love of + flowers, but the study of botany. He pronounced Jock’s butterflies to be + perfectly disgraceful. + </p> + <p> + “You said you’d see to them,” returned Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I shall take up insects when I have done with plants,” said Bobus, + coolly. + </p> + <p> + “And say, ‘Solomon, I have surpassed thee’?” asked Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + Bobus looked as if he did not like it; but his mother shook her head at + him as one who well deserved the little rebuke for self-sufficiency. There + was certainly a wonderful winning way about her—there was a + simplicity of manner almost like that of Babie herself, and yet the + cleverness of a highly-educated woman. Mary Ogilvie did not wonder at what + Mr. and Mrs. Acton had said of the charm of that unpretending household, + now broken up. + </p> + <p> + There was, too, the perception that, beneath the surface on which, like + the children, she played so lightly, there were depths of sorrow that + might not be stirred, which added a sweetness and pathos to all she said + and did. + </p> + <p> + Of many a choice curiosity the children said, in lowered tones of + reverence, that “<i>he</i> found it;” and these she would not allow to be + passed over, but showed fondly off in all their best points, telling their + story as if she loved to dwell upon it. + </p> + <p> + Barbara, who had specially fastened herself on Mr. Ogilvie, according to + the modern privileges of small girls, after having much amused him by + doing the honours of her own miscellaneous treasury, insisted on + exhibiting “Mother Carey’s studio.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline tried to declare that this meant nothing deserving of so grand a + name; it was only the family resort for making messes in. She never + touched clay now, and there was nothing worth seeing; but it was in vain; + Babie had her way; and they mounted to the highest stage of the pagoda, + where the eaves and the twisted monsters that supported them were in close + juxtaposition with the four windows. + </p> + <p> + The view was a grand one. Belforest Park on the one side, the town almost + as if in a pit below, with a bird’s-eye prospect of the roofs, the gardens + and the school-yard, the leaden-covered church, lying like a great grey + beetle with outspread wings. Beyond were the ups-and-downs of a wooded, + hilly country, with glimpses of blue river here and there, and village and + town gleaming out white; a large house, “bosomed high in tufted trees;” a + church-tower and spire, nestled on the hill-side, up to the steep grey + hill with the tall land-mark tower, closing in the horizon—altogether, + as Carey said, a thorough “allegro” landscape, even to “the tanned haycock + in the mead.” But the summer sun made the place dazzling and almost + uninhabitable, and the visitors, turning from the glare, could hardly see + the casts and models that filled the shelves; nor was there anything in + hand; so that they let themselves be hurried away to share the midday + meal, after which Mr. Ogilvie and the boys betook themselves to the + school, and Carey and her little ones to the shade of the garden-wall, to + finish their French reading, while Mary wondered the less at the + Kenminster ladies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — FLIGHTS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty, but to gabble like + tinkers at this time of night? Is there no respect of + place, persons, nor time in you?—Twelfth-Night. +</pre> + <p> + The summer holidays not only brought home Allen Brownlow from Eton, but + renewed his mother’s intercourse with several of her friends, who so + contrived their summer outing as to “see how poor little Mrs. Brownlow was + getting on,” and she hailed them as fragments of her dear old former life. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Acton came to a farmhouse at Redford, about a mile and a half + off, where Mr. Acton was to lay up a store of woodland and home sketches, + and there were daily meetings for walks, and often out-of-door meals. Mr. + Ogilvie declared that he was thus much more rested than by a long + expedition in foreign scenery, and he and his sister stayed on, and + usually joined in the excursion, whether it were premeditated or + improvised, on foot, into copse or glade, or by train or waggonette, to + ruined abbey or cathedral town. + </p> + <p> + Then came two sisters, whom old Mrs. Brownlow had befriended when the + elder was struggling, as a daily governess, to provide home and education + for the younger. Now, the one was a worthy, hard-working law-copier, the + other an artist in a small way, who had transmogrified her name of Jane + into Juanita or Nita, wore a crop, short petticoats, and was odd. She + treated Janet on terms of equal friendship, and was thus a much more + charming companion than Jessie. They always came into cheap sea-side + lodgings in the vacation, but this year had settled themselves within ten + minutes walk of the Folly, a title which became more and more applicable, + in Kenminster eyes, to the Pagoda, and above all in those of its proper + owner. Mrs. Robert Brownlow, in the calm dignity of the heiress, in a + small way, of a good family, had a bare toleration for professional + people, had regretted the vocation of her brother-in-law, and classed + governesses and artists as “that kind of people,” so that Caroline’s + association with them seemed to her absolute love of low company. She + would have stirred up her husband to remonstrate, but he had seen more of + the world than she had, and declared that there was no harm in Caroline’s + friends. “He had met Mr. Acton in the reading-room, smoked pipes with him + in the garden, and thought him a very nice fellow; his wife was the + daughter of poor Cartwright of the Artillery, and a sensible ladylike + woman as ever he saw.” + </p> + <p> + With a resigned sigh at the folly of mankind, his wife asked, “How about + the others? That woman with the hair? and that man with the velvet coat? + Jessie says Jock told her that he was a mere play-actor!” + </p> + <p> + “Jock told Jessie! Nonsense, my dear! The man is going out to China in the + tea trade, and is come to take leave. I believe he did sing in public at + one time; but Joe attended him in an illness which damaged his voice, and + then he put him in the way of other work. You need not be afraid. Joe was + one of the most particular men in the world in his own way.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow could do no more. She had found that her little + sister-in-law could be saucy, and personal squabbles, as she justly + thought, had better be avoided. She could only keep Jessie from the + contamination by taking her out in the carriage and to garden parties, + which the young lady infinitely preferred to long walks that tired her and + spoilt her dress; to talk and laughter that she could not understand, and + games that seemed to her stupid, though everybody else seemed to find them + full of fun. True, Allen and Bobus were always ready to push and pull her + through, and to snub Janet for quizzing her; but Jessie was pretty enough + to have plenty of such homage at her command, and not specially to prefer + that of her cousins, so that it cost her little to turn a deaf ear to all + their invitations. + </p> + <p> + Her brothers were not of the same mind, for Rob was never happy out of + sight of Jock. Johnny worshipped his aunt, and Joe was gregarious, so + there was generally an accompanying rabble of six or seven boys, + undistinguishable by outsiders, though very individual indeed in + themselves and adding a considerable element of noise, high spirits, and + mischievous enterprise. The man in the velvet coat, whose proper name was + Orlando Hughes, was as much of a boy as any of them, and so could Mr. + Acton be on occasion, thus giving a certain Bohemian air to their doings. + </p> + <p> + Things came to a crisis on one of the dog-days. Young Dr. Drake had + brought his bride to show to his old friend, and they were staying at the + Folly, while a college friend of Mr. Ogilvie’s, a London curate, had come + to see him in the course of a cathedral tour, and had stayed on, under the + attraction of the place, taking the duty for a few Sundays. + </p> + <p> + The weather was very sultry, forbidding exertion on the part of all save + cricketers; but there was a match at Redford, and Kenminster was eager + about it, so that all the boys, grown up or otherwise, walked over to see + it, accompanied by Nita Ray with her inseparable Janet, meaning to study + village groups and rustic sports. The other ladies walked in the cool to + meet them at the Acton’s farmhouse, chiefly, it was alleged, in deference + to the feelings of the bride, who could not brave the heat, but had never + yet been so long separated from her bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + The little boys, however, were alone to be found at the farm, reporting + that their elders had joined the cricket supper. So Mrs. Acton made them + welcome, and spread her cloth in the greensward, whence could be seen the + evening glow on the harvest fields. Then there was a feast of cherries, + and delicious farmhouse bread and butter, and inexhaustible tea, which was + renewed when the cricketers joined them, and called for their share. + </p> + <p> + Thus they did not set out on their homeward walk, over fragrant heath and + dewy lanes, till just as the stars were coming out, and a magnificent red + moon, scarcely past the full, was rising in the east, and the long rest, + and fresh dewiness after the day’s heat, gave a delightful feeling of + exhilaration. + </p> + <p> + Babie went skipping about in the silvery flood of light, quite wild with + delight as they came out on the heath, and, darting up to Mr. Ogilvie, + asked if now he did not think they might really see a fairy. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I do,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Oh where, where, show me?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you’re the one that can’t see her.” + </p> + <p> + “What, not if I did my eyes with that Euphrasia and Verbena officinalis?” + catching tight hold of his hand, as a bright red light went rapidly moving + in a straight line in the valley beneath their feet. + </p> + <p> + “Robin Goodfellow,” said Mr. Hughes, overhearing her, and immediately + began to sing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I know a bank”— +</pre> + <p> + Then the curate, as he finished, began to sing some other appropriate + song, and Nita Ray and others joined in. It was very pretty, very charming + in the moonlight, very like “Midsummer Night’s Dream;” but Mary Ogilvie, + who was a good way behind, felt a start of dismay as the clear notes + pealed back to her. She longed to suggest a little expediency; but she was + impeded; for poor Miss Ray, entirely unused to long country walks and + nocturnal expeditions, and further tormented by tight boots, was panting + up the hill far in the rear, half-frightened, and a good deal distressed, + and could not, for very humanity’s sake, be left behind. + </p> + <p> + “And after all,” thought Mary, as peals of the boys’ merry laughter came + to her, and then again echoes of “spotted snakes with double tongue” awoke + the night echoes; “this is such a solitary place that it cannot signify, + if they will only have the sense to stop when we get into the roads.” + </p> + <p> + But they hadn’t. Mary heard a chorus from “Der Freischutz,” beginning just + as she was dragging her companion over a stile, which had been formidable + enough by day, but was ten times worse in the confusing shadows. That + brought them into a lane darkened by its high hedges, where there was + nothing for it but to let Miss Ray tightly grapple her arm, while the + songs came further and further on the wind, and Mary felt the conviction + that middle-aged spinsters must reckon on being forgotten, and left behind + alike by brothers, sisters, and friends. + </p> + <p> + Nor did they come up with the party till they found them waiting in the + road, close to the Rays’ lodgings, having evidently just missed them, for + Mr. Ogilvie and the clergyman were turning back to look for them when they + were gladly hailed, half apologised to, half laughed at by a babel of + voices, among which Nita’s was the loudest, informing her sister that she + had lost the best bit of all, for just at the turn of the lane there had + come on them Babie’s fiery-eyed monster, which had “burst on the path,” + when they were in mid song, flashing over them, and revealing, first a + horse, and then a brougham, wherein there sat the august forms of Colonel + and Mrs. Brownlow, going home from a state dinner, the lady’s very + marabouts quivering with horror. + </p> + <p> + Mary stepped up to Nita, and gave her a sharp, severe grasp. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! remember their boys are here,” she whispered; and, with an + exaggerated gesture, Nita looked about her in affected alarm, and, seeing + that none were near, added— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I was just going to say it would be a study for Punch” + </p> + <p> + “O do send it up, they’ll never know it,” cried Janet; but there Caroline + interfered— + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Janet, we ought to be at home. Don’t stand here, Armine is tired to + death! 11.5 at the station to-morrow. Good-night.” + </p> + <p> + They parted, and Mary and her brother turned away to their own home. If it + had not been for the presence of the curate, Mary would have said a good + deal on the way home. As it was, she was so silent as to inspire her + brother with enough compunction for having deserted her, to make him + follow her, when she went to her own room. “Mary, I am sorry we missed + you,” he said; “I ought to have looked about for you more, but I thought—” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, David; of course I do not mind that, if only I could have + stopped all that singing.” + </p> + <p> + “That singing; why it was very pretty, wasn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty indeed! Did it never occur to you what a scrape you may be getting + that poor little thing into with her relations, and yourself, too?” + </p> + <p> + David looked more than half-amused, and she proceeded more resolutely— + </p> + <p> + “Well! what do you think must be Mrs. Brownlow’s opinion of what she saw + and heard to-night? I blame myself exceedingly for not having urged the + setting off sooner; but you must remember that what is all very well for + holiday people, only here for a time, may do infinite mischief to + residents.” + </p> + <p> + David only observed, “I didn’t want all those men, if that’s what you + mean. They made the noise, not I.” + </p> + <p> + “No, nor I; but we swelled the party, and I am much disposed to believe + that the best thing we can do is to take ourselves off, or do anything to + break up this set.” + </p> + <p> + He looked for a moment much disconcerted; but then with a little masculine + superiority, answered— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we’ll think over it, Mary. See how it appears to you + to-morrow when you aren’t tired,” and then, with a smile and a kiss, bade + her good-night. + </p> + <p> + “So that’s what we get,” said Mary, to herself, half amused, half annoyed; + “those men think it is all because one is left behind in the dark! David + is the best boy in the world, but there’s not a man of them all who has a + notion of what gets a woman into trouble! I believe he was rather + gratified than otherwise to be found out on a lark. Well, I’ll talk to + Clara; she will have some sense!” + </p> + <p> + They were all to meet at the station the next morning, to go to an old + castle, about an hour from Kenminster by railway; and they filled the + platform, armed with sketching tools, sandwich baskets, botanical tins, + and all other appliances; but when Mr. Ogilvie accosted Mrs. Joseph + Brownlow, saying, “You have only half your boys,” she looked up, with a + drolly guilty air, saying, “No, there’s an embargo on the other poor + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + They had just taken their seats, and the train was in motion, when a + heated headlong boy came dashing over the platform, and clung to the door + of the carriage, standing on the step. It was Johnny. Orlando Hughes, who + was next the window, grasped his hands, and, in answer to the cries of + dismay and blame that greeted him, he called out, “Yes, here I am; Rob and + Joe couldn’t run so fast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you’ve got leave?” asked his aunt. + </p> + <p> + Johnny’s grin said “No.” + </p> + <p> + She looked up at Mr. Ogilvie in much vexation and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say any more to him now. It might put him in great danger. Wait + till the next station,” he said. + </p> + <p> + It was a stopping train, and ten minutes brought a halt, when the guard + came up in a fury, and Johnny found no sympathy for his bold attempt. + Carey had no notion of fostering flat disobedience, and she told Johnny + that unless he would promise to go home by himself and beg his father’s + pardon, she should stay behind and go back with him, for she could have no + pleasure in an expedition with him when he was behaving so outrageously. + </p> + <p> + The boy looked both surprised and abashed. His affection for his aunt was + very great, as for one who had opened to him the gates of a new world, + both within himself and beyond himself. He would not hear of her giving up + the expedition, and promised her with all his heart to walk home, and + confess, “Though ‘twasn’t papa, but mamma!” were his last words, as they + left him on the platform, crestfallen, but with a twinkle in his eye, and + with the station-master keeping watch over him as a dangerous subject. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ogilvie said it would do the boy good for life; Caroline mourned over + him a little, and wondered how his mother would treat him; and Mary sat + and thought till the arrival at their destination, when they had to walk + to the castle, dragging their appurtenances, and then to rouse their + energies to spread out the luncheon. + </p> + <p> + Then, when there had been the usual amount of mirth, mischief, and mishap, + and the party had dispersed, some to sketch, some to scramble, some to + botanize, the “Duck and Drake to spoon,”—as said the boys, Mary + Ogilvie found a turfy nook where she could hold council with Mrs. Acton + about their poor little friend, for whose welfare she was seriously + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + But Clara did not sympathise as much as she expected, having been much + galled by Mrs. Robert Brownlow’s supercilious manner, and thinking the + attempt to conciliate her both unworthy and useless. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do not mean that poor Carey should truckle to her,” said + Mary, rather nettled at the implication; “but I don’t think these + irregular hours, and all this roaming about the country at all times, can + be well in themselves for her or the children.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Mary, did you never take a party of children into the country in + the spring for the first time? If not, you never saw the prettiest and + most innocent of intoxications. I had once to take the little Pyrtons to + their place in the country one April and May, months that they had always + spent in London; and I assure you they were perfectly mad, only with the + air, the sight of the hawthorns, and all the smells. I was obliged to be + content with what they could do, not what ought to be done, of lessons. + There was no sitting still on a fine morning. I was as bad myself; the + blood seemed to dance in one’s veins, and a room to be a prison.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not spring,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “No, but she began in spring, and habits were formed.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, but they cannot be good. They keep up flightiness and + excitability.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s grief, poor dear!” + </p> + <p> + “We bain’t carousing, we be dissembling grief, as the farmer told the + clergyman who objected to merry-making after a funeral,” said Mary, rather + severely. Then she added, seeing Clara looked annoyed, “You think me hard + on poor dear Carey, but indeed I am not doubting her affection or her + grief.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, a woman with children cannot give herself entirely up to sorrow + without doing them harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Carey, I am sure I do not want to see her given up to sorrow, only + to have her a little more moderate, and perhaps select—so as not to + do herself harm with her relations—who after all must be more + important to her than any outsiders.” + </p> + <p> + The artist’s wife could not but see things a little differently from the + schoolmaster’s sister, who moreover knew nothing of Carey’s former life; + and Clara made answer— + </p> + <p> + “Sending her down to these people was the greatest error of dear good Dr. + Brownlow’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure of that. Blood is thicker than water.” + </p> + <p> + “But between sisters-in-law it is apt to be only ill-blood, and very + turbid.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Clara.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mary, you must allow something for human nature’s reluctance to be + treated as something not quite worthy of a handshake from a little country + town Serene Highness! I may be allowed to doubt whether Dr. Brownlow would + not have done better to leave her unbound to those who can never be + congenial.” + </p> + <p> + “Granting that (not that I do grant it, for the Colonel is worthy), should + not she be persuaded to conform herself.” + </p> + <p> + “To purr and lay eggs? My dear, that did not succeed with the ugly + duckling, even in early life.” + </p> + <p> + “Not after it had been among the swans? You vain Clara!” + </p> + <p> + “I only lay claim to having seen the swans—not to having brought + many specimens down here.” + </p> + <p> + “Such as <i>that</i> Nita, or Mr. Hughes?” + </p> + <p> + “More like the other bird, certainly,” said Clara, smiling; “but Mary, if + you had but seen what that house was. Joe Brownlow was one of those men + who make themselves esteemed and noted above their actual position. He was + much thought of as a lecturer, and would have had a much larger practice + but for his appointment at the hospital. It was in the course of the work + he had taken for a friend gone out of town that he caught the illness that + killed him. His lectures brought men of science about him, and his + practice had made him acquainted with us poor Bohemians, as you seem to + think us. Old Mrs. Brownlow had means of her own, and theirs was quite a + wealthy house among our set. Any of us were welcome to drop into five + o’clock tea, or at nine at night, and the pleasantness and good influence + were wonderful. The motherliness and yet the enthusiasm of Mrs. Brownlow + made her the most delightful old lady I ever saw. I can’t describe how + good she was about my marriage, and many more would say they owed all that + was brightest and best in them to that house. And there was Carey, like a + little sunshiny fairy, the darling of everyone. No, not spoilt—I see + what you are going to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Only as we all spoilt her at school. Nobody but her Serene Highness ever + could help making a pet of her.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s more reasonable, Mary,” said Mrs. Acton, in a more placable voice; + “she did plenty of hard work, and did not spare herself, or have what + would seem indulgences to most women; but nobody could see the light of + her eyes and smile without trying to make it sparkle up; and she was just + the first thought in life to her husband and his mother. I am sure in my + governess days I used to think that house paradise, and her the undoubted + queen of it. And now, that you should turn against her, Mary, when she is + uncrowned, and unappreciated, and brow-beaten.” + </p> + <p> + She had worked herself up, and had tears in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Mary laughed a little. + </p> + <p> + “It is hard, when I only want to keep her from making herself be + unappreciated.” + </p> + <p> + “And I say it is in vain!” cried Clara, “for it is not in the nature of + the people to appreciate her, and nothing will make them get on together.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Mary! she had expected her friend to be more reasonable and less + defensive; but she remembered that even at school Clara had always + protected Caroline whenever she had attempted to lecture her. All she + further tried to say was— + </p> + <p> + “Then you won’t help me to advise her to be more guarded, and not shock + them?” + </p> + <p> + “I will not tease the poor little thing, when she has enough to torment + her already. If you had known her husband, and watched her last winter, + you would be only too thankful to see her a little more like herself.” + </p> + <p> + Mary was silent, finding that she should only argue round and round if + they went on, and feeling that Clara thought her old-maidish, and could + not enter into her sense that, the balance-weight being gone, gusts of + wind ought to be avoided. She sat wondering whether she herself was prim + and old-maidish, or whether she was right in feeling it a duty to + expostulate and deliver her testimony. + </p> + <p> + There was no doing it on this day. Carey was always surrounded by children + and guests, and in an eager state of activity; but though again they all + went home in the cool of the evening, an attempt to sing in the + second-class carriage, which they filled entirely, was quashed immediately—no + one knew how, and nothing worse happened than that a very dusty set, + carrying odd botanical, entomological, and artistic wares, trailed through + the streets of Kenminster, just as Mrs. Coffinkey, escorted by her maid, + was walking primly home from drinking tea at the vicarage. + </p> + <p> + Still Mary’s reflections only strengthened her resolution. On the next + day, which was Sunday, she ascended to the Folly, at about four o’clock in + the afternoon, and found the family, including the parrot, spread out upon + the lawn under the shade of the acacia, the mother reading to them. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, please don’t stop, mother,” cried Babie; while the more courteous + Armine exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Ogilvie, don’t you like to hear about Bevis and Jocelin Joliffe?” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mind waiting while we finish the chapter,” added their mother; + “then we break up our sitting.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray go on with the chapter,” said Mary, rather coolly, for she was a + good deal taken aback at finding them reading “Woodstock” on a Sunday; + “but afterwards, I do want to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! don’t want to speak to me. The Colonel has been speaking to me,” she + said, with a cowering, shuddering sort of action, irresistibly comic. + </p> + <p> + “And he ate up half our day,” bemoaned more than one of the boys. + </p> + <p> + Miss Ogilvie sat down a little way off, not wishing to listen to + “Woodstock” on a Sunday, and trying to work out the difficult Sabbatarian + question in her mind. + </p> + <p> + “There!” said Caroline, closing the book, amid exclamations of “I know who + Lewis Kerneguy was.” “Wasn’t Roger Wildrake jolly?” “O, mother, didn’t he + cut off Trusty Tomkins’ head?” “Do let us have a wee bit more, mother; + Miss Ogilvie won’t mind.” + </p> + <p> + But Carey saw that she did mind, and answered— + </p> + <p> + “Not now; there won’t be time to feed all the creatures, or to get nurse’s + Sunday nosegays, if you don’t begin.” Then, coming up to her guest, she + said, “Now is your time, Mary; we shall have the Rays and Mr. Hughes in + presently; but you see we are too worldly and profane for the Kencroft + boys on Sunday; and so they make experiments in smoking, with company less + desirable, I must say, than Sir Harry Lee’s. Am I very bad to read what + keeps mine round me?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it an old fashion with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no; but then we had what was better than a thousand stories! And + this is only a feeble attempt to keep up a little watery reflection of the + old sunshine.” + </p> + <p> + It was a watery reflection indeed! + </p> + <p> + “And could it not be with something that would be—” + </p> + <p> + “Dull and goody?” put in Carey. “No, no, my dear, that would be utterly + futile. You can’t catch my birds without salt. Can we, Polly?” + </p> + <p> + To which the popinjay responded, “We are all Mother Carey’s chickens.” + </p> + <p> + “I did mean salt—very real salt,” said Mary, rather sadly. + </p> + <p> + “I have not got the recipe;” said Carey. “Indeed I do try to do what must + be done. My boys can hold their own in Bible and Catechism questions! Ask + your brother if they can’t. And Army is a dear little fellow, with a bit + of the angel, or of his father, in him; but when we’ve done our church, I + see no good in decorous boredom; and if I did, what would become of the + boys?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t agree to the necessity of boredom,” said Mary; “but let that + pass. There are things I wanted to say.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew it was coming. The Colonel has been at me already, levelling his + thunders at my devoted head. Won’t that do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if you heed him so little.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, if I heeded, I should be annihilated. When he says ‘My good + little sister,’ I know he means ‘You little idiot;’ so if I did not think + of something else, what might not be the consequence? Why, he said I was + not behaving decently!” + </p> + <p> + “No more you are.” + </p> + <p> + “And that I had no proper feeling,” continued she, laughing almost + hysterically. + </p> + <p> + “No one can wonder at his being pained. It ought never to have happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you gone over to Mrs. Grundy? However, there’s this comfort, you’ll + not mention Mrs. Coffinkey’s sister-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure the Colonel didn’t!” + </p> + <p> + “Ellen does though, with tragic effect.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not like yourself, Carey.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed I’m not! I was a happy creature a little while ago; or was it + a very long, long time ago? Then I had everybody to help me and make much + of me! And now I’ve got into a great dull mist, and am always knocking my + head against something or somebody; and when I try to keep up the old + friendships and kindnesses—poor little fragments as they are—everybody + falls upon me, even you, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, dearest. Some friendships and kindnesses that were once + admirable, may be less suitable to your present circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “As if I didn’t know that!” said Carey, with an angry, hurt little laugh; + “and so I waited to be chaperoned up to the eyes between Clara Acton and + the Duck in the very house with me. Now, Mary, I put it to you. Has one + word passed that could do harm? Isn’t it much more innocent than all the + Coffinkey gossip? I have no doubt Mrs. Coffinkey’s sister-in-law looks up + from her black-bordered pocket-handkerchief to hear how Mrs. Brownlow’s + sister-in-law went to the cricket-match. Do you know, Robert really + thought I had been there? I only wonder how many I scored. I dare say Mrs. + Coffinkey’s sister-in-law knows.” + </p> + <p> + “It just shows how careful you should be.” + </p> + <p> + “And I wonder what would become of the children if I shut myself up with a + pile of pocket-handkerchiefs bordered an inch deep. What right have they + to meddle with my ways, and my friends, and my boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the Coffinkeys, certainly,” said Mary; “but indeed, Carey, I myself + was uncomfortable at that singing in the lanes at eleven at night.” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn’t eleven,” said Carey, perversely. + </p> + <p> + “Only 10.50—eh?” + </p> + <p> + “But what was the possible harm in it?” + </p> + <p> + “None at all in itself, only remember the harm it may do to the children + for you to be heedless of people’s opinion, and to get a reputation for + flightiness and doing odd things.” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t be like the Coffinkey pattern any more than I could be tied + down to a rope walk.” + </p> + <p> + “But you need not do things that your better sense must tell you may be + misconstrued. Surely there was a wish that you should live near the + Colonel and be guided by him.” + </p> + <p> + “Little knowing that his guidance would consist in being set at me by + Ellen and the Coffinkeys!” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” said Mary, vexed enough to resume their old school-girl + manners. “You know I am not set on by anybody, and I tell you that if you + do not pull up in time, and give no foundation for ill-natured comments, + your children will never get over it in people’s estimation. And as for + themselves, a little steadiness and regularity would be much better for + their whole dispositions.” + </p> + <p> + “It is holiday time,” said Carey, in a tone of apology. + </p> + <p> + “If it is only in holiday time—” + </p> + <p> + “The country has always seemed like holiday. You see we used to go—all + of us—to some seaside place, and be quite free there, keeping no + particular hours, and being so intensely happy. I haven’t yet got over the + feeling that it is only for a time, and we shall go back into the dear old + home and its regular ways.” Then clasping her hands over her side as + though to squeeze something back, she broke out, “O Mary, Mary, you + mustn’t scold me! You mustn’t bid me tie myself to regular hours till this + summer is over. If you knew the intolerable stab when I recollect that he + is gone—gone—gone for ever, you would understand that there’s + nothing for it but jumping up and doing the first thing that comes to + hand. Walking it down is best. Oh! what will become of me when the + mornings get dark, and I can’t get up and rush into those woods? Yes”—as + Mary made some affectionate gesture—“I know I have gone on in a wild + way, but who would not be wild who had lost <i>him</i>? And then they goad + me, and think me incapable of proper feeling,” and she laughed that horrid + little laugh. “So I am, I suppose; but feeling won’t go as other people + think <i>proper</i>. Let me alone, Mary, I won’t damage the children. They + are Joe’s children, and I know what he wanted and wished for them better + than Robert or anybody else. But I must go my own way, and do what I can + bear, and as I can, or—or I think my heart would break quite, and + that would be worse for them than anything.” + </p> + <p> + Mary had tears in her eyes, drawn forth by the vehement passion of grief + apparent in the whole tone of her poor little friend. She had no doubts of + Carey’s love, sorrow, or ability, but she did seriously doubt of her + wisdom and judgment, and thought her undisciplined. However, she could say + no more, for Nita Ray and Janet were advancing on them. + </p> + <p> + The next day Caroline was in bed with one of her worst headaches. Mary + felt that she had been a cruel and prim old duenna, and meekly bore + Clara’s reproachful glances. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — ELLEN’S MAGNUM BONUMS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He put in his thumb + And he pulled out a plum, + And cried, “What a good boy am I!” + Jack Horner. +</pre> + <p> + Whether it were from the effects of the warnings, or from that of native + good sense, from that time forward Mrs. Joseph Brownlow sobered down, and + became less distressing to her sister-in-law. Mary carried off her brother + to Wales, and the Acton and Ray party dispersed, while Dr. and Mrs. Lucas + came for a week, giving much relief to Mrs. Brownlow, who could discuss + the family affairs with them in a manner she deemed unbecoming with Mrs. + Acton or Miss Ogilvie. Had Caroline heard the consultation, she would have + acquitted Ellen of malice; and indeed her Serene Highness was much too + good to gossip about so near a connection, and had only confided her + wonder and perplexity at the strange phenomenon to her favourite first + cousin, who unfortunately was not equally discreet. + </p> + <p> + With the end of the holidays finished also the trying series of first + anniversaries, and their first excitements of sorrow, so that it became + possible to be more calm and quiet. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, two correctives came of themselves to Caroline. The first was + Janet’s inordinate correspondence with Nita Ray, and the discovery that + the girl held herself engaged to stay with the sisters in November. + </p> + <p> + “Without asking me!” she exclaimed, aghast. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you heard us talking,” said Janet, so carelessly, that her + mother put on her dignity. + </p> + <p> + “I certainly had no conception of an invitation being given and accepted + without reference to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, now, Mother Carey,” said this modern daughter; “don’t be cross! We + really didn’t know you weren’t attending.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had I should have said it was impossible, as I say now. You can + never have thought over the matter!” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t I? When I am doing no good here, only wasting time?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my fault. We will set to work at once steadily.” + </p> + <p> + “But my classes and my lectures!” + </p> + <p> + “You are not so far on but that our reading together will teach you quite + as much as lectures.” + </p> + <p> + Janet looked both sulky and scornful, and her mother continued— + </p> + <p> + “It is not as if we had not modern books, and I think I know how to read + them so as to be useful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like getting behindhand with the world.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t keep up even with the world without a sound foundation. + Besides, even if it were more desirable, the Rays cannot afford to keep + you, nor I to board you there.” + </p> + <p> + “I am to pay them by helping Miss Ray in her copying.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Miss Ray!” exclaimed Carey, laughing. “Does she know your + handwriting?” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know what I can do,” said Janet, with dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I hope to see it for myself, for you must put this notion of going + to London out of your head. I am sure Miss Ray did not give the invitation—no, + nor second it. Did she, Janet?” + </p> + <p> + Janet blushed a little, and muttered something about Miss Ray being afraid + of stuck-up people. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so! She is a good, sensible person, whom grandmamma esteemed + very much; but she has never been able to keep her sister in order; and as + to trusting you to their care, or letting you live in their set, neither + papa nor grandmamma would ever have thought of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You only say so because her Serene Highness turns up her nose at + everything artistic and original.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet, you forget yourself,” Caroline exclaimed, in a tone which quelled + the girl, who went muttering away; and no more was ever heard of the Ray + proposal, which no doubt the elder sister at least had never regarded as + anything but an airy castle. + </p> + <p> + However, Caroline was convinced that the warnings against the intimacy had + not been so uncalled for as she had believed; for she found, when she + tried to tighten the reins, that her daughter was restive, and had come to + think herself a free agent, as good as grown up. Spirit was not, however, + lacking to Caroline, and when she had roused herself, she made Janet + understand that she was not to be disregarded or disobeyed. Regular hours + were instituted, and the difficulty of getting broken into them again was + sufficient proof to her that she had done wrong in neglecting them. Armine + yawned portentously, and declared that he could not learn except at his + own times; and Babie was absolutely naughty more than once, when her + mother suffered doubly in punishing her from the knowledge of whose fault + it was. However, they were good little things, and it was not hard to + re-establish discipline with them. After a little breaking in, Babie gave + it to her dolls as her deliberate opinion that “Wegulawity settles one’s + mind. One knows when to do what.” + </p> + <p> + Janet could not well complain of the regularity in itself, though she did + cavil at the actual arrangements, and they were altered all round to + please her, and she showed a certain contempt for her teacher in the + studies she resumed with her mother; but after the dictionary, + encyclopaedia and other authorities, including Mr. Ogilvie, proved almost + uniformly to be against her whenever there was a difference of opinion, + she had sense enough to perceive that she could still learn something at + home. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, after one or two of these references, Mr. Ogilvie offered to + look over her Latin and Greek exercises, and hear her construe on his + Saturday half-holidays, declaring that it would be quite a refreshment. + Caroline was shocked at the sacrifice, but she could not bear to affront + her daughter, so she consented; but as she thought Janet was not old + enough to need a chaperon, and as her boys did want her, she was hardly + ever present at the lessons. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, Mr. Ogilvie had a lecturer from London to give weekly lectures + on physical science to his boys, and opened the doors to ladies. This was + a great satisfaction, chiefly for the sake of Bobus and Jock, but also for + Janet’s and her mother’s. The difficulty was to beat up for ladies enough + to keep one another in countenance; but happily two families in the + country, and one bright little bride in the town, were found glad to open + their ears, so that Ellen had no just cause of disapproval of the + attendance of her sister and niece. + </p> + <p> + Ellen had more cause to sigh when Michaelmas came, and for the first time + taught poor Carey what money matters really meant. Throughout her married + life, her only stewardship had concerned her own dress and the children’s; + Mrs. Brownlow’s occasional plans of teaching her housekeeping had always + fallen through, Janet being always her grandmamma’s deputy. + </p> + <p> + Thus Janet and nurse had succeeded to the management when poor Carey was + too ill and wretched to attend to it; and it had gone on in their hands at + the Pagoda. Janet was pleased to be respected accordingly by her aunt, who + always liked her the best, in spite of her much worse behaviour, for were + not her virtues her own, and her vices her mother’s? + </p> + <p> + Caroline had paid the weekly books, and asked no questions, until the + winding up of the executor’s business; and the quarterly settlement of + accounts made startling revelations that the balance at her bankers was + just eleven shillings and fourpence halfpenny, and what was nearly as bad, + the discovery was made in the presence of her fellow executor, who could + not help giving a low whistle. She turned pale, and gasped for breath, in + absolute amazement, for she was quite sure they were living at much less + expense than in London, and there had been no outgoings worth mentioning + for dress or journeys. What were they to do? Surely they could not live + upon less! Was it her fault? + </p> + <p> + She was so much distressed, that the good-natured Colonel pitied her, and + answered kindly— + </p> + <p> + “My good little sister, you were inexperienced. You will do better another + year.” + </p> + <p> + “But there’s nothing to go on upon!” + </p> + <p> + He reminded her of the rent for the London house, and the dividends that + must soon come in. + </p> + <p> + “Then it will be as bad as ever! How can we live more cheaply than we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Ellen is an excellent manager, and you had better consult her on the + scale of your expenditure.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline’s spirit writhed, but before she had time to say anything, or + talk to Janet, the Colonel had heard his excellent housewife’s voice, and + called her into the council. She was as good as possible, too serenely + kind to manifest surprise or elation at the fulfilment of her forebodings. + To be convicted of want of economy would have been so dreadful and + disgraceful, that she deeply felt for poor Caroline, and dealt with her + tenderly and delicately, even when the weekly household books were opened, + and disclosed how much had been spent every week in items, the head and + front of which were oft repeated in old nurse’s self-taught writing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Man...... Glas of beare. 1d. + Creme........... 3d.” + </pre> + <p> + For had not the Colonel’s wife warned against the endless hospitality of + glasses of beer to all messengers; and had not unlimited cream with + strawberries and apple-tarts been treated as a kind of spontaneous luxury + produced at the Belforest farm agent’s? To these, and many other small + matters, Caroline was quite relieved to plead guilty, and to promise to do + her best by personal supervision; and Ellen set herself to devise further + ways of reduction, not realising how hopeless it is to prescribe for + another person’s household difficulties. It is not in the nature of things + that such advice should be palatable, and the proverb about the pinching + of the shoe is sure to be realised. + </p> + <p> + “Too many servants,” said prudence. “If old nurse must be provided for—and + she ought to have saved enough to do without—it would be much better + to pension her off, or get her into an almshouse.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline tried to endure, as she made known that she viewed nurse as a + sacred charge, about whom there must be no question. + </p> + <p> + Ellen quietly said— + </p> + <p> + “Then it is no use to argue, but she must be allowed no more discretion in + the housekeeping.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall do that myself,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “An extravagant cook.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be my fault. I will try to judge of that.” + </p> + <p> + “Irregular hours.” + </p> + <p> + “They shall end with the holidays.” + </p> + <p> + There was still another maid, whom Ellen said was only kept to wait on + nurse, but who, Caroline said, did all their needlework, both making and + mending. + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Ellen, “I should have thought you and Janet could do. I do + nearly all our work with the girls’ help; I am happy to say that Jessie is + an excellent needlewoman, and Essie and Ellie can do something. I only + direct the nursery maid; I never trust anything to servants.” + </p> + <p> + “I could never bear not to trust people,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + Ellen sighed, believing that she would soon be cured of that; and Carey + added— + </p> + <p> + “On true principles of economy, surely it is better that Emma, who knows + how, should mend the clothes, than that I should botch them up in any way, + when I can earn more than she costs me!” + </p> + <p> + “Earn!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I can model, and I can teach. Was I not brought up to it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but now it is impossible! It is not a larger income that you want, + but proper attention to details in the spending of it, as I will show + you.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Mrs. Brownlow, in her neat figures, built up a pretty little + economical scheme, based on a thorough knowledge of the subject. Caroline + tried to follow her calculations, but a dreaminess came over her; she + found herself saying “Yes,” without knowing what she was assenting to; and + while Ellen was discoursing on coals and coke, she was trying to decide + which of her casts she could bear to offer for sale, and going off into + the dear old associations connected with each, so that she was obliged at + the end, instead of giving an unqualified assent, to say she would think + it over; and Ellen, who had marked her wandering eye, left off with a + conviction that she had wasted her breath. + </p> + <p> + Certainly she was not prepared for the proposal with which Mother Carey + almost rushed into the room the next day, just as she was locking up her + wine, and the Colonel lingering over his first glance at the day’s Times. + </p> + <p> + “I know what to do! Miss James is not coming back? And you have not heard + of any one? Then, if you would only let me teach your girls with mine! You + know that is what I really can do. Yes, indeed, I would be regular. I + always was. You know I was, Robert, till I came here, and didn’t quite + know what I was about; and I have been regular ever since the end of the + holidays, and I really can teach.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sister,” edged in the Colonel, as she paused for breath, “no one + questions your ability, only the fitness of—” + </p> + <p> + “I had thought over two things,” broke in Caroline again. “If you don’t + like me to have Jessie, and Essie, and Ellie, I would offer to prepare + little boys. I’ve been more used to them than to girls, and I know Mr. + Ogilvie would be glad. I could have the little Wrights, and Walter Leslie, + and three or four more directly, but I thought you might like the other + way better.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see no occasion for either,” said Ellen. “You need no increase in + income, only to attend to details.” + </p> + <p> + “And I had rather do what I can—than what I can’t,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Every lady should understand how to superintend her own household,” said + her Serene Highness. + </p> + <p> + “Granted; oh, granted, Ellen! I’m going to superintend with all my might + and main, but I don’t want to be my own upper servant, and I know I should + make no hand of it, and I had much rather earn something by my wits. I can + do it best in the way I was trained; and you know it is what I have been + used to ever since my own children were born.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen heaved a sigh at this obtuseness towards what she viewed as the + dignified and ladylike mission of the well-born woman, not to be the + bread-winner, but the preserver and steward, of the household. Here was + poor little Caroline so ignorant as actually to glory in having been + educated for a governess! + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, wanting to finish his Times in peace, looked up and said, + with the gracious tone he always used to his brother’s wife— + </p> + <p> + “My good little sister, it is very praiseworthy in you to wish to exert + yourself, and very kind and proper to desire to begin at home, but you + must allow us a little time to consider.” + </p> + <p> + She took this as a hint to retreat; and her Serene Highness likewise + feeling it a dismissal, tried at once to obviate all ungraciousness by + saying, “We are preserving our magnum bonums, Caroline dear; I will send + you some.” + </p> + <p> + “Magnum bonum!” gasped Caroline, hearing nothing but the name. “Do you + know—?” + </p> + <p> + “I know the recipe of course, and can give you an excellent one. I will + come over by-and-by and explain it to you.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline stood confounded. Had Joe revealed all to his brother? Was it to + be treated as a domestic nostrum? “Then you know what the magnum bonum + is?” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Are you asking as a philosopher,” said the Colonel, amused by her tone + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what you mean, Colonel,” said his wife. “I offered Caroline + a basket of magnum bonums for preserving, and one would think I had said + something very extraordinary.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is my cockney ignorance,” said Caroline, beginning to breathe + freely, and thinking it would have been less oppressive if Sua Serenita + would have either laughed or scolded, instead of gravely leading her past + the red-baize door which shut out the lower regions to the room where + white armies of jam-pots stood marshalled, and in the midst two or three + baskets of big yellow plums, which awoke in her a remembrance of their + name, and set her laughing, thanking, and preparing to carry home the + basket. + </p> + <p> + This, however, as she was instantly reminded, was not country-town + manners. The gardener was to be sent with them, and Ellen herself would + copy out the recipe, and by-and-by bring it, with full directions. + </p> + <p> + Each lady felt herself magnanimously forbearing, as Caroline went home to + the lessons, and Ellen repaired to her husband on his morning inspection + of his hens and chickens. + </p> + <p> + “Poor thing,” she said, “there are great allowances to be made for her. I + believe she wishes to do right.” + </p> + <p> + “She knows how to teach,” rejoined the Colonel. “Bobus is nearly at the + head of the school, and Johnny has improved greatly since he has been so + much with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny was always clever,” said his mother. “For my part, I had rather + see them playing at good honest games than messing about with that museum + nonsense. The boys did not do half so much mischief, nor destroy so many + clothes, before they were always running down to the Pagoda. And as to + this setting up a school, you would never consent to have Joe’s wife doing + that!” + </p> + <p> + “There is no real need.” + </p> + <p> + “None at all, if she only would—if she only knew how to attend to + her proper duties.” + </p> + <p> + “At the same time, I should be very glad of an excuse for making her an + advance, enough to meet the weekly bills, till her rent comes in, so that + she may not begin a debt. Could you not send the girls to her for a few + hours every day?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not so bad as her taking pupils, for nobody need know that she was + paid for it,” said his wife, considering. “I don’t believe it will answer, + or that she will ever keep to it steadily; but it can hardly hurt the + children to try, if Jessie has an eye on Essie and Ellie. I will not have + them brought on too fast, nor taught Latin, and all that poor little Babie + is learning. I am sure it is dreadful to hear that child talk. I am always + expecting that she will have water on the brain.” + </p> + <p> + The decision, which really involved a sacrifice and a certain sense of + risk on the part of these good people, was conveyed in a note, together + with a recipe for the preservation of magnum bonums, and a very liberal + cheque in advance for the first quarter of her three pupils, stipulating + that no others should be admitted, that the terms should be kept secret, + that the hours should be regular, and above all, that the pupils should + not be forced. + </p> + <p> + Caroline was touched and grateful, but could hardly keep a little satire + out of her promise that Essie and Ellie should not be too precocious. She + wrote her note of thanks, despatched it, and then, in the interest of some + arithmetical problems which she was working with Janet, forgot everything + else, till a sort of gigantic buzz was heard near at hand. A sudden + thought struck her, and out she darted into the hall. There stood the + basket in the middle of the table, just where the boys were wont to look + for refections of fruit or cake when they tumbled in from school. Six boys + and Babie hovered round, each in the act of devouring a golden-green, + egg-like plum, and only two or three remained in the leaves at the bottom! + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the magnum bonums!” she cried; and Janet came rushing out in dismay + at the sound, standing aghast, but not exclaiming. + </p> + <p> + “Weren’t they for us?” asked Bobus, the first to get the stone out of his + mouth. + </p> + <p> + “No; oh, no!” answered his mother, as well as laughter would permit; “they + are your aunt’s precious plums, which she gave us as a great favour, and I + was going to be so good and learn to preserve and pickle them! Oh, dear!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Mother Carey,” mumbled her nephew Johnny, with his stone + swelling out his cheek, where it was tucked for convenience of speech; + “I’ll go and get you another jolly lot more.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t,” grunted Robin; “they are all gathered.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we’ll get them off the old tree at the bottom of the orchard, where + they are just as big and yellow, and mamma will never know the + difference.” + </p> + <p> + “But they taste like soap!” + </p> + <p> + “That doesn’t matter. She’d no more taste a magnum bonum, before it is all + titivated up with sugar, than—than—than—” + </p> + <p> + “Babie’s head with brain sauce,” gravely put in Bobus, as his cousin + paused for a comparison. “It’s a wasting of good gifts to make jam of + these, for jam is nothing but a vehicle for sugar.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the grocer’s cart is jam,” promptly retorted Armine, “for I saw a + sugarloaf come in one yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on, then,” cried Jock, ripe for the mischief; “I know the tree! They + are just like long apricots. Aunt Ellen will think her plums have been all + a-growing!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, boys!” cried his mother, “I can’t have it done. To steal your + aunt’s own plums to deceive her with!” + </p> + <p> + “We always may do as we like with that tree,” said Johnny, “because they + are so nasty, and won’t keep.” + </p> + <p> + “How nice for the preserves!” observed Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “They would do just as well to hinder Mother Carey from catching it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, boys; I ought to ‘catch it!’ It was all my fault for not putting + the plums away.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t tell of us,” growled Robin, between lips that he opened wide + enough the next moment to admit one of three surviving plums. + </p> + <p> + “If I tell her I left them about in the boys’ way, she will arrive at the + natural conclusion.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they call those things magnum bonum?” asked Janet, as the boys drifted + away. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said her mother, looking at her rather wonderingly; and adding, as + Janet coloured up to the eyes, “My dear, have you any other association + with the name?” + </p> + <p> + Many a time Janet had longed to tell all she knew; now, when so good an + opportunity had come, all was choked back by the strange leaden weight of + reserve, and shame in that long reserve. + </p> + <p> + She opened her eyes and stared as stupidly at her mother as Robin could + have done, feeling an utter incapacity of making any reply; and Caroline, + who had for a moment thought she understood, was baffled, and durst not + pursue the subject for fear of betraying her own secret, deciding within + herself that Janet might have caught up the word without understanding. + </p> + <p> + They were interrupted the next minute, and Janet ran away, feeling that + she had had an escape, yet wishing she had not. + </p> + <p> + Caroline did effectually shelter her nephews under her general term “the + boys,” and if their mother was not conciliated, their fellow-feeling with + her was strengthened, as well as their sense of honour. Nay, Johnny + actually spent the next half-holiday in walking three miles and back to + his old nurse, whom he beguiled out of a basket of plums—hard, + little blue things, as unlike magnum bonums as could well be, but which + his aunt received as they were meant, as full compensation; nay, she took + the pains to hunt up a recipe, and have them well preserved, in hopes of + amazing his mother. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed one difficulty that the two sisters-in-law had such + different notions of the aim and end of economy. The income at Kencroft + had not increased with the family, which numbered eight, for there were + two little boys in the nursery, and it was only by diligent housewifery + that Mrs. Brownlow kept up the somewhat handsome establishment she had + started with at her marriage. Caroline felt that she neither could nor + would have made herself such a slave to domestic details; yet this was + life and duty and interest to Ellen. Where one sister would be unheeding + of shabby externals, so that all her children might be free and on an + equality, if they did not go beyond her, in all enjoyments, physical, + artistic, or intellectual; the other toiled to keep up appearances, kept + her children under restraint and in the background, and made all sorts of + unseen sacrifices to the supposed duty of always having a handsome dinner + for whomsoever the Colonel might bring in, and keeping the horses, + carriages, and servants that she thought his due. + </p> + <p> + But then Ellen had a husband, and, as Caroline sighed to herself, that + made all the difference! and she was no Serene Highness, and had no + dignity. + </p> + <p> + The three girls from Kencroft did actually become pupils at the Folly, but + the beginnings were not propitious, for, in her new teacher’s eyes, Jessie + knew nothing accurately, but needed to have her foundations looked to—to + practise scales, draw square boxes, and work the four first rules of + arithmetic. + </p> + <p> + “Simple things,” complained Jessie to her mother, “that I used to do when + I was no bigger than Essie, and yet she is always teasing one about how + and why! She wanted me to tell why I carried one.” + </p> + <p> + “Have a little patience for the present, my dear, your papa wants to help + her just at present, and after this autumn we will manage for you to have + some real good music lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “But I don’t like wasting time over old easy things made difficult,” + sighed Jessie. + </p> + <p> + “It is very tiresome, my dear; but your papa wishes it, and you see, poor + thing, she can’t teach you more than she knows herself; and while you are + there, I am sure it is all right with Essie and Ellie.” + </p> + <p> + “She does not teach them a bit like Miss James,” said Jessie. “She makes + their sums into a story, and their spelling lessons too. It is like a + game.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Essie and Ellie were so willing to go off to their lessons every + morning, that their mother often thought it could not be all right, and + that the progress, which they undoubtedly made, must be by some + superficial trick; but as their father had so willed it, she submitted to + the present arrangement, deciding that “poor Caroline was just able to + teach little children.” + </p> + <p> + The presence of Essie and Ellie much assisted in bringing Babie back to + methodical habits; nor was she, in spite of her precocious intelligence, + too forward in the actual drill of education to be able to work with her + little cousins. + </p> + <p> + The incongruous elements were the two elder girls, who could by no means + study together, since they were at the two opposite ends of the scale; but + as Jessie was by no means aggressive, being in fact as sweet and docile a + shallow girl as ever lived, things went on peaceably, except when Janet + could not conceal her displeasure that Bobus would not share her contempt + for Jessie’s intellect. + </p> + <p> + If she told him that Jessie thought that the Odyssey was about a voyage to + Odessa, and was written by Alfred Tennyson, he only declared that anything + was better than being a spiteful cat; and when he came in from school, and + found his cousin in wild despair over the conversion of 2,861 florins into + half-crowns, he stood by, telling her every operation, and leaving her + nothing to do but to write down the figures. He was reckless of Janet, who + tried to wither them both by her scorn; but Jessie looked up with her + honest eyes, saying— + </p> + <p> + “I wish you hadn’t put it into my head, Janet, for now I must rub it out + and do it again, and it won’t be so hard now Bobus has shown me how.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Jessie,” said Bobus; “I wouldn’t be bullied.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Bobus,” said his sister; “how is she to learn anything in that + way?” + </p> + <p> + “And if she doesn’t?” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a disgrace.” + </p> + <p> + “A grace,” said provoking Bobus. “She is much nicer as she is, than you + will ever be.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk such nonsense,” said Janet, with an elder sisterly air. “It is + not kind to encourage Jessie to think anyone can care for an empty-headed + doll.” + </p> + <p> + “Empty-headed dolls are all the go,” said Bobus. “Never mind, Jessie, a + girl’s business is to be pretty and good-humoured, not to stuff herself + with Latin and Greek. You should leave that to us poor beggars!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know, that’s all your envy and jealousy,” retorted Janet. + </p> + <p> + All the time Jessie stood by, plump, gentle, and pretty, though with a + certain cloud of perplexity on her white open brow, and as her aunt + returned into the room, she said— + </p> + <p> + “I think my sum is right now, Aunt Caroline; but Bobus helped me. Must I + do it over again?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall begin with it to-morrow, my dear,” said her aunt; “then I + daresay it will go off easily.” + </p> + <p> + Jessie thanked with an effusion of gratitude which made her prettier than + ever, and then was claimed by Bobus to help him in the making of some + paper bags that he needed for some of his curiosities. + </p> + <p> + Janet liked to fancy that it was beauty versus genius that made Jessie the + greater favourite. She had not taken into account that she was always too + much engrossed with her own concerns to be helpful, while Jessie’s pretty + dexterous hands were always at everyone’s service, and without in the + least entering into the cause of science, she was invaluable in the + museum, whenever her ideas of neatness and symmetry were not in too + absolute opposition to the requirements of system. + </p> + <p> + The two little ones, Essie and Ellie, were equally graceful, or indeed + still more so, as being still in their kittenhood, and their attitudes + were so charming as to revive their aunt’s artistic instincts. + </p> + <p> + All the earlier part of the year, when her time was her own, it had been + mere wretchedness and heart-sickness to think of the art which had given + her husband so much pleasure, and, but for Allen, the studio would never + have been arranged. But no sooner was her time engrossed, than the artist + fever awoke in her, and all the time she could steal by early rising, or + on wet afternoons, and birthday holidays, was devoted to her clay. + </p> + <p> + Before the end of the autumn she had sent up to Mr. Acton some lovely + little groups of children, illustrating Wordsworth’s poems. She had been + taught anatomy enough to make her work superior to that of most women, and + Mr. Acton found no difficulty in disposing of them to a porcelain + manufactory, to be copied in Parian, bringing in a sum that made her feel + rich. + </p> + <p> + Vistas opened before her sanguine eyes of that clay educating her son for + the Magnum Bonum, her great thought. Her boys must be brought up to be + worthy of the quest, high-minded, disinterested, and devoted, as well as + intellectual and religious. So said their father; and thus the Magnum + Bonum had become very nearly a religion to her, giving her a definite aim + and principle. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately there was not much in her present surroundings to lead her + higher. The vicar, Mr. Rigby, was a dull, weak man, of a wornout type, a + careful visitor of the sick and poor, but taking little heed to the + educated, except as subscribers and Sunday-school teachers. Carey had done + little in the first capacity, Janet had refused to act in the latter. + </p> + <p> + His sermons were very sleepy performances, except for a tendency to jumble + up metaphors, that kept the audience from the Folly just awake enough to + watch for them. The hearer was proud who could repeat by heart such + phrases as “let us not, beloved brethren, as gaudy insects, flutter out + life’s little day, bound to the chariot wheels of vanity, whirling in the + vortex of dissipation, until at length we lie moaning over the bitter + dregs of the intoxicating draught.” Some of these became household + proverbs at “the Folly,” under the title of “Rigdum Funnidoses,” and might + well be an extreme distress to the good, reverent, and dutiful Jessie. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Rigby was an inferior woman, a sworn member of the Coffinkey clique, + admiring and looking up to her Serene Highness as the great lady of the + place, and wearing an almost abject manner when receiving good counsels + from her. Neither of them commanded respect, nor were they likely to + change the belief, which prevailed at the Folly, that all ability resided + among the London clergy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — UNDINE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lithest, gaudiest harlequin, + Prettiest tumbler ever seen, + Light of heart and light of limb. + Wordsworth. +</pre> + <p> + Long walks continued to be almost a necessity to Mrs. Joseph Brownlow, + even when comparatively sobered down, and there were few days on which she + was not to be met a mile or two from Kenminster, attended by a train of + boys larger or smaller, according to the demands of the school for work or + play. + </p> + <p> + The winter was of the description least favourable to collective boyish + sports, as there was no snow and very little frost. The Christmas holidays + led to more walking than ever. The gravelled roads of Belforest were never + impassable, even in moist weather; and even the penetralia of the place + had been laid open to the Brownlows, in consequence of a friendship which + the two Johns had established with Alfred Richards, the agent’s son. They + had brought him in to see the museum, and he had proved so nice and + intelligent a lad, that Mother Carey, to the great scandal of her Serene + Highness, allowed Jock to ask him to partake of a birthday feast. + </p> + <p> + When Allen came home at Christmas, he introduced stilt walking, and the + Coffinkey world had the pleasure of communicating to one another that + “Mrs. Folly Brownlow” had been seen with all her boys walking on stilts; + and of course in the next stage, Mrs. “Folly” Brownlow herself was said to + have been walking on stilts with all her boys, a libel, which caused Mrs. + Robert Brownlow much pain and trouble in the contradiction. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Caroline! walking seemed to be necessary to her health, and she was + out a great deal, but always walking along in the lanes on foot with her + little girls—yes, I assure you, always on foot!” + </p> + <p> + It was thus that Caroline, with Babie and Armine, was descending a hill on + the other side of Belforest Park, fully employed in picking the way + through the mud from stone to stone, when a cry of dismay came to them + from a distance, and whilst they were still struggling towards a gate, + which broke the line of the high hedge, the two Johns came back at speed, + crying—“Mother, Mother Carey! come quick, here’s Allen had a spill—came + down on his shoulder—his stilt went into a hole, and he went right + over; they think he must have broken something, he howls so when they + touch him.” + </p> + <p> + Feeling her limbs and breath inadequate to bear her on as fast as her + spirit flew forward, Caroline dashed through the slippery mud far too + swiftly for poor little Babie to keep up with her, leaving one boy to take + care of the little ones, while the other acted as her guide down the long + steep lane. She was unable to see over the hedges till she came through a + gate into a meadow, where Jock looked about, rubbed his eyes, and + exclaimed—“Hallo, where are they?” pointing to the place where Allen + had fallen, but whence he seemed to have been spirited away like Sir + Piercie Shafton. However, Rob and Joe came running out of a farmyard at a + little distance, with tidings that Allen had been taken in there, and + replying to her breathless question, that they could not tell how much he + was hurt. + </p> + <p> + A fine looking white-haired farmer met her next, saying—“Your young + gentleman is not very seriously hurt, ma’am. I think a dislocation of the + shoulder is the extent of the injury. He is feeling rather faint, but you + must not be alarmed.” + </p> + <p> + It was spoken with a kind courtesy that gave her confidence, and the old + man led her to the parlour, where his daughter-in-law, a gentle looking + person, was most kindly attending on Allen, who lay on the sofa, + exceedingly white, and in much pain, but able to smile at his mother, and + assure her that he should soon be all right. + </p> + <p> + “Had they sent for a surgeon?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but they had sent for a bone-setter, who would be there in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + The old farmer explained that it would be two hours at the least before a + surgeon could be fetched from Kenminster, while Higg, the blacksmith, who + lived close at hand, was better for man and beast than any surgeon he had + known, and his son had instantly set out to fetch him. As the mother + doubtfully asked of his fitness, instances were quoted of his success. The + family had a “gift,” inherited and kept up from time immemorial, and the + farmer’s wife declared that he was as tender as possible; she had seen him + operate on a neighbour’s child, and should not be afraid to trust him with + one of her own. + </p> + <p> + The man’s voice was heard; they went out to speak to him, and Caroline was + left with her boy. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think, Ali, my dear,” she said, kneeling by him, “I have + often heard dear papa speak of the wonderful instinct of those + bone-setting families.” + </p> + <p> + “I’d have nothing to do with a humbugging quack,” put in Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “He may humbug as much as he likes, if he’ll only get me out of this + pain,” said poor Allen. + </p> + <p> + “He will only make it ever so much worse, and then you’ll have to have it + done over again,” croaked Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “That is not the way to talk of it, Bobus,” said his mother. “I know a + dislocated shoulder does not require any great skill, and that promptness + is of greater use than knowledge in such a case.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you like to encourage abominable humbug and have Allen lamed for + life, I don’t,” said Bobus. “I shan’t stay in the house with the + blackguard.” + </p> + <p> + He stalked out of the room with great loftiness of demeanour, just as the + operator was being introduced—a tall, sinewy man, with one of those + strong yet meek faces often to be found among the peasantry. He came in + after the old farmer, pulling his forelock to the lady, and waiting for + orders as if he had been sent for to mend the grate; but Caroline saw in a + moment that he was a man to trust in, and that his hands were not only + clean, but were well-formed, and powerful, with a great air of dexterity. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid my boy’s arm is put out,” she said, trembling a good deal. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “And—and,” said she, feeling sick, and more desolate and left to her + own judgment than ever before. “Can you undertake to push it in again.” + </p> + <p> + “Please God, ma’am,” Higg said, gravely, coming nearer for examination. + </p> + <p> + Allen shrank and shuddered. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t it hurt awfully?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, it won’t just be a bed of roses, but it won’t last, not long, + if you sets your will to it.” + </p> + <p> + He asked for various needments, and while he was inspecting them, Allen’s + courage began to fail, and he breathed out whispers that the man was + rougher and more ignorant than he expected, and they had better wait and + send to Kenminster for a doctor; but those who thought Caroline helpless + and childish would have been amazed at the gentle resolution with which + she refused to listen to his falterings, and braced him to endure, knowing + well that her husband had said that skill was hardly needed in such a + case, only resolution. She would not let herself be taken out of the room, + and indeed never thought of herself, only of Allen, whose other hand she + held, and to whom she seemed to give patience and courage. When all was + well over, there was a hospitable invitation to the patient to remain till + he was fit to return, and an extension of the invitation to his mother, + but with promises of every care if she must leave him, and this she was + forced to decide on doing, as such a household as hers could not well + spare her, especially on a Saturday evening; and she also saw that the + inconvenience to her hosts would have been great. + </p> + <p> + Allen was so much relieved, that she had no fear of leaving him to these + kind people, to whom she had taken a great fancy. + </p> + <p> + “I shall learn the habits of the genuine species, British farmer,” said + he, as his mother kissed him, and declared him the best and most + conformable of boys. + </p> + <p> + Old Mr. Gould would not be denied driving her home in his gig, and when + she thought about it, she found she had a strange relaxed aching of the + knees, which made her glad of kindness for herself and the little ones. In + the fine old kitchen she found that Armine had had an overpowering fit of + crying, which had been kindly soothed by motherly Mrs. Gould, and the + whole party were partaking of a luxurious tea, enlivened by mince pies and + rosy-cheeked apples, which had diverted his attention to the problem why + the next year’s prosperity should depend on the number of mince pies + consumed before Christmas. + </p> + <p> + Bobus was not among them, having marched off in his contempt of the + bone-setter, and his mother was not without fears that he might bring a + real surgeon down on her at any moment, so she quickly drank off her cup + of tea, and took her seat in Farmer Gould’s gig with Babie as bodkin in + front, and Joe and Armine in the little seat behind. Robin and the two + Johns were to stilt themselves home, while she was taken so long and + rugged a way, that at every jolt she was ready to renew her thanks for + sparing it to her son’s shoulder; and they were at home before her. + </p> + <p> + The whole family came pouring out to meet her, and the Colonel made warm + acknowledgments of the farmer’s kindness, speaking of him when he was gone + as one of the most estimable men in the neighbourhood, staunch in his + politics, and very ill-used by old Barnes of Belforest. + </p> + <p> + Caroline looked anxiously for Bobus; and Janet, who had stayed at home to + finish some papers for her essay society, said that he had only hurried in + to tell her and take off his stilts, and had then gone down to Dr. + Leslie’s. + </p> + <p> + “Then has Dr. Leslie gone? We did not meet him, but he may have gone + through Belforest,” exclaimed Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “O no, he has not gone; he would not when he heard about that Higg,” said + Janet, with uneasy and much disgusted face. “He couldn’t do any good after + his meddling.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that he said so?” asked Carey, much alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said the Colonel, “you did quite right, Caroline, whatever + the doctor says. Any man of sense, with good strong hands, can manage a + shoulder like that, and I should have thought Leslie had sense to see it; + but those professional men can’t stand outsiders.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is Bobus?” asked Caroline; “I should like to distinguish between + what Dr. Leslie said to him and what he told Janet. He might be more + zealous for Dr. Leslie than Dr. Leslie for himself.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus was unearthed, and by much pumping was made to allow that Dr. Leslie + had told him that there was nothing more to be done, and that his brother + was quite safe in Higg’s hands; but Bobus evidently did not believe it. He + kept silence while his uncle remained, but he had hunted up his father’s + surgical books, and went on about humeral clavicles and ligatures all the + evening, till his mother felt sick, in the nervous contemplation of + possibilities, though her better sense was secure that she had done right, + while Janet was moodily silent and angered with her, in the belief that + she had weakly let Allen be injured for life; and Bobus seemed as if he + had rather it should be so than that he should be wrong, and Higg’s native + endowments turn out a reality. + </p> + <p> + Caroline abstained from looking at the book herself, partly because she + thought she might only alarm herself the more without confuting Bobus, and + partly because she knew that the old law which forbade Janet to meddle + with the medical books, would be considered as abrogated if she touched + them herself. + </p> + <p> + Both she and Janet were much more anxious than they confessed, except by + the looks which betrayed their broken rest the next morning. Each was bent + on walking to River Hollow, and they would fain have done so immediately + after breakfast, but to take the whole tribe was impossible; and to let + them go to Church without her, would infallibly lead to Jock’s getting + into a scrape with his relatives, if not with the whole congregation. Was + it not all her eyes could do to hinder palpable smiles in the sermon, and + her monkey from playing tricks on his bear, who, by some fatality, always + sat in front, with his irresistible broad back, down which, in spite of + all her vigilance, Jock had once thrust a large bluebottle fly. She also + knew that both her husband and his mother would have thought she ought to + go to Church, and that if matters went amiss with her boy, she should + reproach herself with the omission. Her children, too, influenced her, + though very oppositely, for Janet was found preparing to start for River + Hollow, and on being told that she must wait, to go with her mother, till + after Church, declared defiantly that “she saw no sense in staying at home + to hear Rigdum when she did not know how ill Allen might be.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not have said that to grandmamma,” said Carey. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you like to go to Church, you can. I can go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will not have you take that long walk alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will take one of the boys.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Janet, I mean to be obeyed. Go and put on your other hat, and do not + make us late for Church.” + </p> + <p> + Janet was forced to submit, for she never came to the point of actual + disobedience to her mother. Caroline’s ruffled feelings were soothed by + little Armine, who ran in from feeding his rabbits to ask to have the + place in his Prayer-book shown to him where he should pray for poor Allen. + She marked the Litany sentence for him, and meant to have thrown her own + heart into it, but when the moment came, her mind was far astray, building + vague castles about her boys. + </p> + <p> + Still she felt as if her church going had its reward, for Dr. Leslie met + her a little way outside the porch, and, after asking after her boy, said— + </p> + <p> + “I hope his brother explained to you that Higg is quite to be trusted. He + always knows what he can do, and when a case is beyond him. If I had come + there would have been nothing for me to do.” + </p> + <p> + “There!” said Jock, triumphantly to his brother and sister. + </p> + <p> + “Much you know about it,” grunted Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Mother Carey was right. She always is,” persisted Jock. + </p> + <p> + “It would have been just the same if the man had known nothing about it,” + said Janet. “I hate your irregular practitioners, and it was very weak in + mother to encourage them.” Then, as Bobus snarled at the censure of his + mother—“You said so yourself yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t say any such beastly thing of mother. She could tell whether it + was just a simple dislocation, and she was right, having ever so much more + sense than <i>you</i>, Janet.” + </p> + <p> + “You didn’t say so yesterday,” repeated Janet. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like irregular practitioners a bit better than you do, Janet,” + said Bobus with dignity; “and I thought it right to call in a qualified + surgeon, but I never said mother couldn’t judge.” + </p> + <p> + However, Bobus would not countenance the irregular practitioner by + escorting his mother to River Hollow; and as he was in one of the surly + moods in which he was dangerous to any one who meddled with him, + especially Janet, his mother was glad not to have to keep the peace + between them. + </p> + <p> + Janet, though not in the most amiable mood, chose to go with her, and they + set forth by the shorter way, across Belforest park, skirting the gardens + where the statues stood up, looking shivery and forlorn, as if they were + not suited to English winters, and the huge house looked down on them like + a London terrace that had lost its way, with a dreary uninhabited air + about it. Even by this private way they had two miles and a half of park + to traverse, before they reached a heavy miry lane, where the beds of mud, + alternated with rugged masses of stone, intended to choke them. It led up + between high hedges to the brow of one of the many hills of the county, + whence they could look down into the hollow, a perfect cup, scooped out as + it were between the hills that closed it in, except at the outlet of the + river that intersected it, making the meadow on either side emerald green, + even in the winter. Corn lands of rich red soil, pasture fields dotted + with cattle, and broad belts of copse wood between clothed the slopes; and + a picturesque wooden bridge, with a double handrail, crossed the river. + The farm-house, built of creamy stone, stood on the opposite side of the + river, some way above the bank, and the mother and daughter agreed that it + deserved to be sketched next summer. + </p> + <p> + They had to pick their way down a lane that was almost a torrent, and + emerging at the foot of the bridge, they stood still in amazement, for in + the very centre was something vibrating rapidly, surrounded by a perfect + halo of gold and scarlet. It was like a gigantic humming-bird moth at + first, but it presently resolved itself into a little girl, clad in + something dark purple below, and above with a bright scarlet cloaklet, + which flew out and streamed back, beneath the floating locks of glistening + gold that glinted in the sun, as with a hand on each rail of the bridge + she swung herself backwards and forwards with the most bewildering + rapidity. Suddenly becoming aware of the approach of strangers, she stood + for one moment gazing in astonishment, then fled so swiftly that she + almost seemed to fly, and vanished in the farm buildings! + </p> + <p> + They stood laughing and declaring that Babie would be convinced that + fairies came out on Sunday, then crossed the river and were beginning to + ascend the path when a volley of sounds broke on them, a shrill yap giving + the alarm, louder notes joining in, and the bass being supplied by a + formidable deep-mouthed bark, as out of the farmyard-gate dashed little + terrier, curly spaniel, slim greyhounds, surly sheep-dog of the old + tailless sort, and big and mighty Newfoundland, and there they stood in a + row, shouting forth defiance in all gradations of note, so that, though + frightened, Carey and Janet could not help laughing, as the former said— + </p> + <p> + “This comes of gadding about on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “If we went on boldly they would see we are not tramps,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Depend on it they will let no one pass in Church time.” + </p> + <p> + So it proved, for Janet’s attempt to move forward elicited a growl from + the sheep-dog, and a leap forward of the “little dogs and all,” which + daunted even her stout heart. + </p> + <p> + However, calls were heard, and the bright vision of the bridge came + darting among the dogs, scolding and driving them in, and Allen himself + came out to the gate, all bandaged up on one side, but waving his arm as a + signal to his mother and sister to advance. They did so nervously but + safely, while the growls of the sheep-dog sounded like distant thunder, + and the terrier uttered his protest from the door. Allen declared himself + much better, and said he should be quite able to go home to-morrow, only + this was such a jolly place; and then he brought them into the beautiful + old kitchen with a magnificent open hearth, inclosed by two fine dark + walnut-wood settles, making a little carpeted chamber between them. Here + Allen had the farmer’s armchair and a footstool, and with “Foxe’s Martyrs” + open at a flaming illustration on the little round table before him, + appeared to be spending his Sunday as luxuriously as the big tabby cat who + shared the hearth with him. + </p> + <p> + “They have only one service at Woodbridge, morning and afternoon by + turns,” he explained, “and so they are all gone to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that girl?” asked Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Undine,” he coolly replied. + </p> + <p> + “She certainly appeared on the bridge,” said his mother, “but I should + think Undine’s colouring had been less radiant—more of the blue and + white.” + </p> + <p> + “She had not a whiter skin nor bluer eyes,” said Allen, “nor made herself + more ridiculous either. Did you ever see such hair, mother? Hullo, Elfie. + There she is, peeping in at the window, just as Undine did; Come in!” he + cried at the door. “No, not she,” as he returned baffled; “she is off + again!” + </p> + <p> + “But, Allen, who is she? Not Farmer Gould’s daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not. Don’t you know she was fished up in a net, and belonged to + a palace under the ocean full of pearls and diamonds. She took such a + fancy to me that no power on earth would make her go to Church with the + rest. She ran away, and hid, and when they were all gone she came out and + curled herself up at my feet and chattered, till I happened to offend her + majesty, and off she went like a shot. I’m only thankful that she did not + make her pearly teeth meet in my finger in true Undine fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “But who is she, really?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t quite make out. They call her Elfie, and she calls them + grandpapa, and uncle and aunt, but she has been sitting here complaining + of everything being cold and dull, and talking about seas and islands, + palm-trees, and coral caves, and humming birds, yes, and black slaves, and + strings of pearls, so that if she is romancing, like Armine and Babie, she + does it uncommonly naturally.” + </p> + <p> + They saw no more of this mysterious little being, and the family soon + returned from Church. The father was a fine, old-fashioned yeoman, the son + had the style of a modern farmer, and the wife was so quiet, sensible, and + matronly as to be almost ladylike. Her two little girls were dressed as + well as Essie and Ellie, but all were essentially commonplace. They were + very kind and friendly, anxious that Allen should stay as long as was good + for him, as well as pressing in their hospitality to the two ladies. Mr. + Gould was very anxious to drive them home in his gig, though he allowed + that the road was very rough unless you went through Belforest Park, and + that he never did. + </p> + <p> + This was surprising, for Belforest had always seemed as free as the + turnpike-road, and River Hollow was apparently part of the estate, but + there was an air of discouraging questions, so Carey suspected quarrels + and asked none. + </p> + <p> + She was enlightened the next day when Colonel Brownlow brought his phaeton + to fetch Allen home over the smooth park road. He told her that the Goulds + were freeholders who had owned River Hollow from time immemorial, though + each successive lord of Belforest tried to buy them out. The alienation + between them and Mr. Barnes, the present master, had however much stronger + grounds than these. His nephew and intended heir has stolen a match with + the old man’s pretty daughter, and this had never been forgiven. The young + couple had gone out to the West Indian isles, where the early home of her + husband had been, and where he held some government office, and there fell + a victim to the climate. Old Mr. Gould had gone home to fetch his daughter + and her child, but the former had died before he reached her, and he had + only brought back the little girl about two years ago. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Barnes ignored her entirely, and the Goulds, who had a good deal of + pride, did not choose to apply to him. It was very unfortunate, for unless + he had any other relations the child must be heiress to his immense + wealth, though it was as likely as not that he would leave it all to + hospitals out of pure vindictiveness. + </p> + <p> + They found Allen out of doors attended by the three little girls, all + eagerly watching the removal of a sheep-fold. He was a pleasant-mannered + boy, ready to adapt himself to all circumstances and to throw ready + intelligent interest into everything, and he had won the hearts of the + whole River Hollow establishment, from old Mr. Gould down to the smallest + puppy. + </p> + <p> + Elfie, as he called her, stood her ground, and as she looked up under her + brown mushroom hat Caroline was struck with her beauty, fair, but with a + southern richness of bloom and glow—the carnation cheek of a depth + of tint more often found in brunette complexions. The eyes were not merely + blue by courtesy, but of a wonderful deep azure, shaded by very long + lashes, dark except when the sun glinted them with gold, and round her + shoulders hung masses of hair of that exquisite light auburn which cannot + be accused of being red. + </p> + <p> + She let herself be greeted by the strangers with much more ease and grace + than the other two children, but the slow walk of her grandfather and + Colonel Brownlow seemed more than she could brook, and she went off, + flying and spinning round like a little dog. + </p> + <p> + While all the acknowledgments and farewells were being made, and Colonel + Brownlow was taking directions for finding Higg’s house and forge so as to + remunerate him for his services, Elfie came hurrying up to Allen, holding + out a great, gorgeous pink-lined shell, and laid within it two heads of + scarlet geranium on a green leaf. + </p> + <p> + “O Elfie, Elfie! how could you?” exclaimed he, knowing them to be the only + flowers in bloom. + </p> + <p> + “You must have them. There’s nothing else pretty to give you, and I love + you,” said the child, holding up her face to kiss him. + </p> + <p> + “Elvira!” said her aunt in warning, “how can you! What will this lady + think of you?” + </p> + <p> + Elvira’s gesture would in any other child have seemed a sulky thrust of + the elbow, but in her it was more like the flutter of the wing of a + brilliant bird. + </p> + <p> + “You must,” she repeated; and when he hesitated with “If Mrs. Gould,” she + broke away, dashed the flowers, shell and all, into the middle of a clump + of rosemary, and rushed out of sight like a little fury. + </p> + <p> + “You will excuse her, Mrs. Brownlow,” said Mrs. Gould, much annoyed. “She + has been sadly spoilt, living among negro servants and having her own way, + so that she is sometimes quite ungovernable.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, she is a warm-hearted little thing if you don’t cross her,” + said the old farmer; “and the young gentleman has been very kind to her.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Gould looked as if she thought she knew her niece better than + grandpapa did, but she was too wise to speak; and the little girls, having + assisted Allen in the recovery of the shell and the flowers, he tendered + them again to her. + </p> + <p> + “You had better keep them, Mr. Brownlow,” she said. “The shell is her own, + and if you did not take it she is so <i>tenacious</i> that she would be + sure to smash it to atoms.” + </p> + <p> + Allen accepted perforce and proceeded with his farewells, but as he was + stooping down to kiss little five-year-old Kate Gould, something wet, + cold, and sloppy came with great force on them both, almost knocking them + down and bespattering them both with black drops. The missile proved to be + a dripping sod pulled up from the duck-pond in the next field, and a + glimpse might be caught of Elvira’s scarlet legs disappearing over the low + wall between. + </p> + <p> + Over poor Mrs. Gould’s apologies a veil had best be drawn. Mother Carey + pitied her heartily, but it was impossible not to make fun at home over + the black tokens on Allen’s shirt-collar. His brothers and sisters laughed + excessively, and Janet twitted him with his Undine, till he, contrary to + his wont, grew so cross as to make his mother recollect that he was still + a suffering patient, and insist on his lying quiet on the sofa, while she + banished every one, and read Tennyson to him. Poetry, read aloud by her, + was Allen’s greatest delight, but not often enjoyed, as Bobus and Jock + scouted it, and Janet was getting too strong-minded and used to break in + with inopportune, criticisms. + </p> + <p> + So to have Mother Carey to read “Elaine” undisturbed was as great an + indulgence as Allen could well have, but she had not gone far before he + broke out— + </p> + <p> + “Mother, please, I wish you could do something for that girl. She really + is a lady.” + </p> + <p> + “So it appears,” said Carey, much disposed to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Now, mother, don’t be tiresome. You have more sense than Janet. Her + father was Vice-consul at Sant Ildefonso, one of the Antilles.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear, I am afraid that is not quite so grand as it sounds—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, mother. He was nephew to Mr. Barnes, and they lived out of the town + in a perfect paradise of a place, looking out into the bay. Mr. Gould says + he can hardly believe he ever saw anything so gorgeously beautiful, and + there this poor little Elvira de Menella lived like a princess with a + court of black slaves. Just fancy what it must be to her to come to that + farm, an orphan too, with an aunt who can’t understand a creature like + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she can’t get any education. Old Gould is a sensible man, who says + any school he could afford would only turn her out a sham, and he means, + when Mary and Kate are a little older, to get some sort of governess for + the three. But, mother, couldn’t you just let him bring her in on market + days and teach her a little?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, what would your aunt do? We can’t have sods of mud flying + about the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, mother, you know better! You could make anything of her, you know + you could! And what a model she would make! Think what a poor little + desolate thing she is. You always have a fellow feeling for orphans, and + we do owe those people a great deal of gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen, you special pleader, it really will not do! If I had not + undertaken Essie and Ellie, I might think about it, but I promised your + aunt not to have any other pupils.” + </p> + <p> + Allen bothered Essie and Ellie, but was forced to acquiesce, which was + fortunate, for when on the last day of the holidays it was found that he + had walked to River Hollow to take leave of the Goulds, his aunt + administered to his mother a serious warning on the dangers of allowing + him to become intimate there. + </p> + <p> + Caroline tingled all over during the discourse, and at last jumped up, + exclaiming— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Ellen, half the harm in the world is done by making a fuss. + Things don’t die half so hard when they die a natural death.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen knew Carey thought she had said something very clever, but was all + the more unconvinced. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — KING MIDAS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When I did him at this advantage take, + An ass’s nowl I fixed upon his head. + Midsummer Night’s Dream. +</pre> + <p> + In the early spring an unlooked-for obstacle arose to all wanderings in + the Belforest woods. The owner returned and closed the gates. From time + that seemed immemorial, the inhabitants of Kenminster had disported + themselves there as if the grounds had been kept up for their sole behoof, + and their indignation at the monopoly knew no bounds. + </p> + <p> + Nobody saw Mr. Barnes save his doctor, whose carriage was the only one + admitted within the lodge gates, intending visitors being there informed + that Mr. Barnes was too unwell to be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. “Folly” Brownlow’s aberrations lost their interest in the Coffinkey + world beside the mystery of Belforest. Opinions varied as to his being a + miser, or a lunatic, a prey to conscience, disease, or deformity; and + reports were so diverse, that at the “Folly” a journal was kept of them, + with their dates, as a matter of curiosity—their authorities marked:— + </p> + <p> + March 4th.—Mr. Barnes eats nothing but fresh turtle. Brings them + down in tubs alive and flapping. Mrs. Coffinkey’s Jane heard them cooing + at the station. Gives his cook three hundred pounds per annum. + </p> + <p> + 5th.—Mr. Barnes so miserly, that he turned away the housemaid for + burning candles eight to the pound. (H. S. H.) + </p> + <p> + 6th.—Mr. B. keeps a bloodhound trained to hunt Indians, and has six + pounds of prime beef steaks for it every day. (Emma.) + </p> + <p> + 8th.—Mr. B.‘s library is decorated with a string of human ears, the + clippings of his slaves in “the Indies.” (Nurse.) + </p> + <p> + 12th.—Mr. B. whipped a little black boy to death, and is so haunted + by remorse, that he can’t sleep without wax-candles burning all round him. + (Mrs. Coffinkey’s sister-in-law.) + </p> + <p> + 14th.—Mr. Barnes’s income is five hundred thousand pounds, and he + does not live at the rate of two hundred pounds. (Col. Brownlow.) + </p> + <p> + l5th.—He has turned off all his gardeners, and the place will be + desolation. (H. S. H.) + </p> + <p> + 16th.—He did turn off one gardener’s boy for staring at him when he + was being wheeled about in his bath-chair. (Alfred Richards.) + </p> + <p> + 17th.—He threw a stone, which cut the boy’s head open, and he lies + at the hospital in a dangerous state. (Emma.) + </p> + <p> + 18th.—Mr. Barnes was crossed in love when he was a young man by one + Miss Anne Thorpe, and has never been the same man since, but has hated all + society. (Query: Is this a version of being a misanthrope?) + </p> + <p> + 19th.—He is a most unhappy man, who has sacrificed all family + affections and all humanity to gold, and whose conscience will not let him + rest. He is worn to a shadow, and is at war with mankind. In fine, he is a + lesson to weak human nature. (Mrs. Rigby.) + </p> + <p> + 22nd.—All his toilet apparatus is of “virgin gold;” he lets nothing + else touch him. (Jessie.) + </p> + <p> + “Exactly like King Midas.” (Babie.) + </p> + <p> + The exclusion from the grounds was a serious grievance, entailing much + loss of time and hindrance to the many who had profited by the private + roads. The Sunday promenade was a great deprivation; nurses and children + were cut off from grass and shade, and Mother Carey and her brood from all + the delights of the enchanted ground. + </p> + <p> + She could bear the loss better than in that first wild restlessness, which + only free nature could allay. She had made her occupations, and knew of + other haunts, though many a longing eye was cast at the sweet green + wilderness, and many regrets spent on the rambles, the sketches, the + plants, and the creatures that had seemed the certain entertainment of the + summer. + </p> + <p> + To one class of the population the prohibition only gave greater zest—namely, + the boys. Should there be birds’ nests in Belforest unscathed by the youth + of St. Kenelm’s? What were notice-boards, palings, or walls to boys with + arms and legs ready to defy even the celebrated man-traps of Ellangowan, + “which, if a man goes in, they will break a horse’s leg?” The terrific + bloodhound alarmed a few till his existence was denied by Alfred Richards, + the agent’s son; and dodging the keepers was a new and exciting sport. At + first, these men were not solicitous for captures, but their negligence + was so often detected, that they began to believe that their master kept + telescopes that could penetrate through trees, and their vigilance + increased. + </p> + <p> + Bobus, in quest of green hellebore, got off with a warning; but a week + later, Robin and Jock were inspecting the heronry, when they caught sight + of a keeper, and dashed off to find themselves running into the jaws of + another. Swift as lightning, Jock sprung up into an ivied ash; but the + less ready Bob was caught by the leg as he mounted, and pulled down again, + while his captor shouted, “If there’s any more of you young varmint up + yonder, you’d best come down before I fires up into the hoivy.” + </p> + <p> + He made a click and pointed his gun, and Robin shrieked, “Oh, don’t! We + are Colonel Brownlow’s sons; at least, I mean nephews. Don’t! I say. + Skipjack, come down.” + </p> + <p> + “You ass!” muttered Jack, as he crackled down, and was collared by the + keeper. “Hollo! what’s that for?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, young gents, why will you come larking here to get a poor chap out + of his situation. It’s as much as my place is worth not to summons you, + and yet I don’t half like to do it to young gents like you.” + </p> + <p> + “What could they do to us?” asked Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, may be they’d keep you in the lock-up all night; and what + would your papa and mamma say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “My father is Colonel Brownlow,” growled Robin. + </p> + <p> + “More shame for you, sir, to want to get a poor man out of his place.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, my man,” said Jock with London sharpness and impudence, “if + you want to bully us into tipping you, it’s no go. We’ve only got one + copper between us, and nothing else but our knives; and if we had, we + wouldn’t do such a sneaking thing!” + </p> + <p> + “I never meant no such thing, sir,” said the keeper; “only in case Mr. + Barnes should hear of our good nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along, Robin,” said Jock; “if we are had up, we’ll let ‘em know how + Leggings wanted us to buy off!” + </p> + <p> + Wherewith Jock made a rush, Rob plunged after him into the brambles, and + they never halted till they had tumbled over the park wall, and lay in a + breathless heap on the other side. The adventure was the fruitful cause of + mirth at the Folly, but not a word was breathed of it at Kencroft. + </p> + <p> + A few other lads did actually pay toll to the keepers, and some penniless + ones were brought before the magistrates and fined for trespass, “because + they could not afford it,” as Caroline said, and to the Colonel’s great + disgust she sent two sovereigns by Allen to pay their fines and set them + free. + </p> + <p> + “It was my own money,” she said, in self-defence, “earned by my models of + fungi.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel thought it an unsatisfactory justification, and told her that + she would lay up trouble for herself by thus encouraging insubordination. + He little thought that the laugh in her eyes was at his complacent + ignorance of his own son’s narrow escape. + </p> + <p> + Allen was at home for Easter, when Eton gave longer holidays than did St. + Kenelm, so that his brothers were at work again long before he was. One + afternoon, which had ended in a soaking mist, the two pairs of Roberts and + Johns encountered him at the Folly gate so disguised in mud that they + hardly recognised the dainty Etonian. + </p> + <p> + “That brute Barnes,” he ejaculated; “I had to come miles round through a + disgusting lane. I wish I had gone on. I’d have proved the right of way if + he chose to prosecute me!” + </p> + <p> + “Father says that’s no go,” said Robin. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Allen, what a guy you are,” added Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “And he’s got his swell trousers on,” cried Jock, capering with glee. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” gravely observed Bobus, “he had got himself up regardless of + expense for his Undine, and she has treated him to another dose of her + native element. + </p> + <p> + “She had nothing to do with it,” asseverated Allen, “she was as good as + gold—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I knew he wasn’t figged out for nothing,” put in Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be ashamed, Ali, my boy,” added Bobus. “We all understand her + little tokens.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop that!” cried Allen, catching hold of Jock’s ear so as to end his + war-dance in a howl, bringing the ponderous Rob to the rescue, and there + was a general melee, ending by all the five rolling promiscuously on the + gravel drive. They scrambled up with recovered tempers, and at the sight + of an indignant housemaid rushed in a general stampede to the two large + attics opening into one another, which served as the lair of the Folly + lads. There, while struggling, with Jock’s assistance, to pull off his + boots, Allen explained how he had been waylaid “by a beast in velveteens,” + and walked off to the nearest gate. + </p> + <p> + “Will he summons you, Ali? We’ll all go and see the Grand Turk in the + dock,” cried Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t flatter yourself; he wouldn’t think of it.” + </p> + <p> + “How much did you fork out?” asked Bobus. + </p> + <p> + Allen declaimed in the last refinement of Eton slang (carefully treasured + up by the others for reproduction) against the spite of the keeper, who he + declared had grinned with malice as he turned him out at a little back + gate into a lane with a high stone wall on each side, and two ruts running + like torrents with water, leading in the opposite direction to Kenminster, + and ending in a bottom where he was up to the ankles in red clay. + </p> + <p> + “The Eton boots, oh my!” cried Jock, falling backwards with one of them, + which he had just pulled off. + </p> + <p> + “And then,” added Allen, “as I tried to get along under the wall by the + bank, what should a miserable stone do, but turn round with me and send me + squash into the mud and mire, floundering like a hippopotamus. I should + like to get damages from that villain! I should!” + </p> + <p> + Allen was much more angry than was usual with him, and the others, though + laughing at his Etonian airs, fully sympathised with his wrath. + </p> + <p> + “He ought to be served out.” + </p> + <p> + “We will serve him out!” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Get all our fellows and make a jolly good row under his windows,” said + Robin. + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly low,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “And impracticable besides,” said Bobus. “They’d kick you out before you + could say Jack Robinson.” + </p> + <p> + “There was an old book of father’s,” suggested Jock, “with an old scamp + who starved and licked his apprentices, till one of them dressed himself + up in a bullock’s hide, horns and hoofs, and tail and all, and stood over + his bed at night and shouted— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Old man, old man, for thy cruelty, + Body and soul thou art given to me; + Let me but hear those apprentices’ cries, + And I’ll toss thee, and gore thee, and bore out thine eyes.’ +</pre> + <p> + And he was quite mild to the apprentices ever after.” + </p> + <p> + Jock acted and roared with such effect as to be encored, but Rob objected. + “He ain’t got any apprentices.” + </p> + <p> + “It might be altered,” said Allen. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Old man, old man, thy gates thou must ope,” + </pre> + <p> + Bobus chimed in. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nor force Eton swells in quagmire to grope.” + </pre> + <p> + “Bother you, don’t humbug and put me out. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Old man, old man, if for aught thou wouldst hope, + Thy heart, purse, and gates thou must instantly ope. + Let me but—” + </pre> + <p> + “Get Mother Carey to write it,” suggested his cousin John. + </p> + <p> + “No; she must know nothing about it,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “She’d think it a jolly lark,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “When it’s over,” said Allen. “But it’s one of the things that the old + ones are sure to stick at beforehand, if they are ever so rational and + jolly.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis a horrid pity she is not a fellow,” sighed Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “And who’ll do the verses?” said Rob. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, any fool can do them,” returned Bobus. “The point is to bell the + cat.” + </p> + <p> + “There’d be no getting in to act the midnight ghost,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jock; “but one could hide in the big rhododendron in the + wolf-skin rug, and jump out on him in his chair.” + </p> + <p> + In Allen’s railway rug, Jock rehearsed the scene, and was imitated if not + surpassed by both cousins; but Allen and Bobus declared that it could not + be carried out in the daylight. + </p> + <p> + “I could do it still better,” said Jock, “if I blacked myself all over, + not only my face, but all the rest, and put on nothing but my red flannel + drawers and a turban. They’d take me for the ghost of the little nigger he + flogged to death, and Allen could write something pathetic and stunning.” + </p> + <p> + “You might cut human ears out of rabbit-skins and hang them round your + neck,” added Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “You’d be awfully cold,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “You could mix in a little iodine,” suggested Bobus. “That stings like + fun, and a coppery tinge would be more natural.” + </p> + <p> + There was great acclamation, but the difficulty was that the only time for + effecting an entrance into the garden was between four and five in the + morning, and it would be needful to lurk there in this light costume till + Mr. Barnes went out. No one would be at liberty from school but Allen, and + he declined the oil and lamp-black even though warmed up with iodine. + </p> + <p> + “Could it not be done by deputy?” said Bobus; “we might blacken the little + fat boy riding on a swan, the statue, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “What, and gild the swan, to show how far his golden goose can carry him?” + said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Or,” said Allen, “there’s the statue they say is himself, though that’s + all nonsense. We could make a pair of donkey’s ears in Mother Carey’s + clay, and clap them on him, and gild the thing in his hand.” + </p> + <p> + “What would be the good of that?” asked Robert. + </p> + <p> + However, the fun was irresistible, and the only wonder was that the secret + was kept for the whole day, while Allen moulded in the studio two things + that might pass for ass’s ears, and secreted cement enough to fasten them + on. The performance elicited such a rapture of applause that the door had + to be fast locked against the incursion of the little ones to learn the + cause of the mirth. When Mother Carey asked at tea what they were having + so much fun about they only blushed, sniggled, and wriggled in their + chairs in a way that would have alarmed a more suspicious mother, but only + made her conclude that some delightful surprise was preparing, for which + she must keep her curiosity in abeyance. + </p> + <p> + “Nor was she dismayed by the creaking of boots on the attic stairs before + dawn, and when the boys appeared at breakfast with hellebore, blue + periwinkle, and daffodils, clear indications of where they had been, she + only exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Forbidden sweets! O you naughty boys!” when ecstatic laughter alone + replied. + </p> + <p> + She heard no more till the afternoon, when the return from school was + notified by shouts from Allen, and the boys rushed up to the verandah + where he was reading. + </p> + <p> + “I say! here’s a go. He thinks Richards has done it, and has written to + Ogilvie to have him expelled.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “He told me himself.” + </p> + <p> + “But Ogilvie has too much sense to expel him!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, but there’s worse, for old Barnes means to turn off his + father. Nothing will persuade the old fellow that it wasn’t his work, for + he says that it must be a grammar-school boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Does Dicky Bird guess?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he’s all right, as close as wax. He says he was sure no one but + ourselves could have done it, for nobody else could have thought of such + things or made them either.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he has seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he was fit to kill himself with laughing, though his father and + old Barnes were mad with rage and fury. His father believes him, but old + Barnes believes neither of them, and swears his father shall go.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to split on ourselves,” elegantly observed Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “We had better tell Mother Carey. Hullo! here she is, inside the window.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you know that,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + Therefore the boys, leaning and sprawling round her, half in and half out + of the window, told the story, the triumph overcoming all compunction, as + they described the morning raid, the successful scaling of the park-wall, + the rush across the sward, the silence of the garden, the hoisting up of + Allen to fasten on the ears, and the wonderful charms of the figure when + it wore them and held a golden apple in its hand. “Right of Way,” and “Let + us in,” had been written in black on all the pedestals. + </p> + <p> + “It is a peculiar way of recommending your admission,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “That’s Rob’s doing,” said Allen. “I couldn’t look after him while I was + gilding the apple or I would have stopped him. He half blacked the little + boy on the swan too—” + </p> + <p> + “And broke the swan’s bill off, worse luck,” added Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Allen, “that was altogether low and unlucky! I meant the old + fellow simply to have thought that his statue had grown a pair of ears in + the night.” + </p> + <p> + “And what would have been the use of that?” said Robin. + </p> + <p> + “What was the use of all your scrawling,” said Allen, “except just to show + it was not the natural development of statues.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Bobus, “it all came of you that poor Dickey Bird is suspected + and it is all blown up.” + </p> + <p> + “As if he would have thought it was done by nobody,” said Rob. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” said Jock. “I’m sure I’d never wonder to see ass’s ears growing + on you. I think they are coming.” + </p> + <p> + There was a shout of laughter as Rob hastily put up his hands to feel for + them, adding in his slow, gruff voice—“A statue ain’t alive.” + </p> + <p> + “It made a fool of the whole matter,” proceeded Bobus. “I wish we’d kept a + lout like you out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush, Bobus,” put in his mother, “no matter about that. The + question is what is to be done about poor Mr. Richards and Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “Write a poetical letter,” said Allen, beginning to extemporise in + Hiawatha measure. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O thou mighty man of money, + Barnes, of Belforest, Esquire, + Innocent is Alfred Richards; + Innocent his honest father; + Innocent as unborn baby + Of development of Midas, + Of the smearing of the Cupid, + Of the fracture of the goose-bill, + Of the writing of the mottoes. + All the Brownlows of St. Kenelm’s, + From the Folly and from Kencroft. + Robert, the aspiring soldier, + Robert, too, the sucking chemist, + John, the Skipjack full of mischief, + John, the great originator, + Allen, the—” + </pre> + <p> + “Allen the uncommon gaby,” broke in Bobus. “Come, don’t waste time, + something must be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a rational letter must be written and signed by you all,” said his + mother. “The question is whether it would be better to do it through your + uncle or Mr. Ogilvie.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see why my father should hear of it, or Mr. Ogilvie either,” + growled Rob. “I didn’t do those donkeyfied ears.” + </p> + <p> + “You did the writing, which was five hundred times more donkeyfied,” said + Jock. + </p> + <p> + “It is quite impossible to keep either of them in ignorance,” said + Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” repeated all her own three; Jock adding “Father would have known it + as soon as you, and I don’t see that my uncle is much worse.” + </p> + <p> + “He ain’t so soft,” exclaimed Johnny, roused to loyal defence of his + parent. + </p> + <p> + “Soft!” cried Jock, indignantly; “I can tell you father did pitch into me + when I caught the old lady’s bonnet out at the window with a fishing-rod.” + </p> + <p> + “He never flogged you,” said Johnny contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “He did!” cried Jock, triumphantly. “At least he flogged Bobus, when—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, you little ape,” thundered Bobus, not choosing to be offered up + to the manes of his father’s discipline. + </p> + <p> + “You think you must explain it to my uncle, mother,” said Allen, rather + ruefully. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. He ought to be told first, and Mr. Ogilvie next. Depend upon + it, he will be far less angry if it is freely confessed and put into his + hands and what is more important, Mr. Barnes must attend to him, and + acquit the Richardses.” + </p> + <p> + The general voice agreed, but Rob writhed and muttered, “Can’t you be the + one to tell him, Mother Carey?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s cool,” said Allen, “to ask her to do what you’re afraid of.” + </p> + <p> + “He couldn’t do anything to her,” said Rob. + </p> + <p> + However, public opinion went against Rob, and the party of boys dragged + him off in their train the less reluctantly that Allen would be spokesman, + and he always got on well with his uncle. No one could tell how it was, + but the boy had a frank manner, with a sort of address in the manner of + narration, that always went far to disarm displeasure, and protected his + comrades as well as himself. So it was that, instead of meeting with + unmitigated wrath, the boys found that they were allowed the honours and + graces of voluntary confession. Allen even thought that his uncle showed a + little veiled appreciation of the joke, but this was not deemed possible + by the rest. + </p> + <p> + To exonerate young Richards was the first requisite, and Allen, under his + uncle’s eye, drew up a brief note to this effect:— + </p> + <p> + “SIR,—We beg to apologise for the mischief done in your grounds, and + to assure you on our word and honour that it was suggested by no one, that + no one admitted us, and no one had any share in it except ourselves. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “ALLEN BROWNLOW. + “ROBERT FRIAR BROWNLOW. + “ROBERT OTWAY BROWNLOW. + “JOHN FRIAR BROWNLOW. + “JOHN LUCAS BROWNLOW.” + </pre> + <p> + This letter was taken up the next morning to Belforest by Colonel + Brownlow, and the two eldest delinquents, one, curious, amused, and with + only compunction enough to flavour an apology, the other cross, dogged, + and sheepish, dragged along like a cur in a sling, “just as though he were + going to be hanged,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + The report of the expedition as given by Allen was thus:—“The + servant showed us into a sort of anteroom, and said he would see whether + his master would see us. Uncle Robert sent in his card and my letter, and + we waited with the door open, and a great screen in front, so that we + couldn’t help hearing every word. First there was a great snarl, and then + a deferential voice, ‘This alters the case, sir.’ But the old man swore + down in his throat that he didn’t care for Colonel Brownlow or Colonel + anybody. ‘A gentleman, sir; one of the most respected.’ ‘Then he should + bring up his family better.’ ‘Indeed, sir, it might be better to accept + the apology. This might not be considered actionable damage.’ ‘We’ll see + that!’ ‘Indeed, don’t you agree with me, Mr. Richards, the magistrates + would hardly entertain the case.’ ‘Then I’ll appeal; I’ll send a + representation to the Home Office.’ ‘Is it not to be considered, sir, + whether some of these low papers might not put it in a ludicrous light?’ + Then,” continued Allen, who had been most dramatically mimicking the two + voices, “we heard a crackling as if he were opening my letter, and after + an odd noise or two he sent to call us in to where he was sitting with + Richards, and the attorney he had got to prosecute us. He is a regular old + wizened stick, the perfect image of an old miser; almost hump-backed, and + as yellow as a mummy. He looked just ready to bite off our heads, but he + was amazingly set on finding out which was which among us, and seemed + uncommonly struck with my name and Bobus’s. My uncle told him I was called + after your father, and he made a snarl just like a dog over a bone. He + ended with, ‘So you are Allen Brownlow! You’ll remember this day’s work, + youngster.’ I humbly said I should, and so the matter ended.” + </p> + <p> + “He did not mean any prosecution?” + </p> + <p> + “O no, that was all quashed, even if it was begun. He must have been under + an hallucination that he was a stern parent, cutting me off with a + shilling.” + </p> + <p> + The words had also struck the Colonel, who sought the first opportunity of + asking his sister-in-law whether she knew the names of any of her mother’s + relations. + </p> + <p> + “Only that her name was Otway,” said Caroline. “You know I lived with my + father’s aunt, who knew nothing about her, and I have never been able to + find anything out. Do you know of any connection? Not this old man? Then + you would have known.” + </p> + <p> + “That does not follow, for I was scarcely in Jamaica at all. I had a long + illness immediately after going there, was sent home on leave, and then to + the depot, and only joined again after the regiment had gone to Canada, + when the marriage had taken place. I may have heard the name of Mrs. + Allen’s uncle, but I never bore it in my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any way of finding out?” + </p> + <p> + “I will write to Norton. If he does not remember all about it, his wife + will.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the present lieutenant-colonel, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he was your father’s chief friend. Now that they are at home + again, we must have him here one of these days.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a wonderful thing if this freak were an introduction to a + relation,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “There was no doubt of his being struck by the combination of Allen and + Otway. He chose to understand which were my sons and which my nephews, and + when I said that Allen bore your maiden name he assented as if he knew it + before, and spoke of your boy having cause to remember this; I am afraid + it will not be pleasantly.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Caroline, “it sounded much like a threat. But one would like to + know, only I thought Farmer Gould’s little granddaughter was his niece.” + </p> + <p> + “That might be without preventing your relationship; I will do my best to + ascertain it.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Norton’s letter gave decisive information that Barnes was the name + of the uncle with whom Caroline Otway had been living at the time of her + marriage. She had been treated as a poor relation, and seemed to be + half-slave, half-governess to the children of the favoured sister, little + semi-Spanish tyrants. This had roused Captain Allen’s chivalry, and his + friend remembered his saying that, though he had little or nothing of his + own, he could at least make her happier than she was in such a family. The + uncle was reported to have grown rich in the mahogany trade, and likewise + by steamboat speculations, coupled with judicious stock-jobbing among the + distressed West Indians, after the emancipation. + </p> + <p> + “He was a sinister-looking old fellow,” ended Colonel Norton, “and I + should think not very particular; but I should be glad to hear that he had + done justice to poor Allen’s daughter. He was written to when she was left + an orphan, but vouchsafed no answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Still he may have kept an eye upon you,” added Uncle Robert. “I do not + think it was new to him that you had married into our family.” + </p> + <p> + “If only those unfortunate boys have not ruined everything,” sighed Ellen. + </p> + <p> + “Little Elvira’s father must have been one of those cousins,” said + Caroline. “I wonder what became of the others? She must be—let me + see—my second cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “Not very near,” said Ellen. + </p> + <p> + “I never had a blood relation before since my old aunt died. I am so glad + that brilliant child belongs to me!” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay old Gould could tell you more,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Is it wise to revive the connection?” asked his wife. + </p> + <p> + “The Goulds are not likely to presume,” said the Colonel; “and I think + that if Caroline takes up the one connection, she is bound to take up the + other.” + </p> + <p> + “How am I to make up to this cross old man?” said Carey. “I can’t go and + fawn on him.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said her brother-in-law; “but I think you ought to make + some advance, merely as a relation.” + </p> + <p> + On the family vote, Caroline rather unwillingly wrote a note, explaining + that she had only just discovered her kinship with Mr. Barnes, and + offering to come and see him; but not the smallest notice was taken of her + letter, rather to her relief, though she did not like to hear Ellen augur + ill for the future. + </p> + <p> + Another letter, to old Mr. Gould, begging him to call upon her next market + day, met with a far more ready response. When at his entrance she greeted + him with outstretched hands, and—“I never thought you were a + connection;” the fine old weather-beaten face was strangely moved, as the + rugged hand took hers, and the voice was husky that said— + </p> + <p> + “I thought there was a likeness in the voice, but I never imagined you + were grandchild to poor Carey Barnes; I beg your pardon, to Mrs. Otway.” + </p> + <p> + “You knew her? You must let me see something of my little cousin! I know + nothing of my relations and my brother-in-law said he thought you could + tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to be able, for the family lived at Woodbridge all my young + days,” said the farmer. + </p> + <p> + The history was then given. The present lord of the manor had been the son + of a land surveyor. He was a stunted, sickly, slightly deformed lad, noted + chiefly for skill in cyphering, and therefore had been placed in a + clerkship. Here a successful lottery ticket had been the foundation of his + fortunes; he had invested it in the mahogany trade, and had been one of + those men with whom everything turned up a prize. When a little over + thirty, he had returned to his own neighbourhood, looking any imaginable + age. He had then purchased Belforest, furnished it sumptuously, and laid + out magnificent gardens in preparation for his bride, a charming young + lady of quality. But she had had a young Lochinvar, and even in her + wedding dress, favoured by sympathising servants, had escaped down the + back stairs of a London hotel, and been married at the nearest Church, + leaving poor Mr. Barnes in the case of the poor craven bridegroom, into + whose feelings no one ever inquired. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Barnes had gone back to the West Indies at once, and never appeared in + England again till he came home, a broken and soured old man, to die. + There had been two sisters, and Caroline fancied that the old farmer had + had some tenderness for the elder one, but she had married, before her + brother’s prosperity, a poor struggling builder, and both had died young, + leaving their child dependent on her uncle. His younger sister had been + the favourite; he had taken her back with him to America, and, married her + to a man of Spanish blood, connected with him in business. The only one of + her children who survived childhood was educated in England, treated as + his uncle’s heir, and came to Belforest for shooting. Thus it was that he + had fallen in love with Farmer Gould’s pretty daughter, and as it seemed, + by her mother’s contrivance, though without her father’s consent, had made + her his wife. + </p> + <p> + The wrath of Mr. Barnes was implacable. He cast off the favourite nephew + as entirely as he had cast off the despised niece, and deprived him of all + the means he had been led to look on as his right. The young man had + nothing of his own but an estate in the small island of San Ildefonso, of + very little value, and some of his former friends made interest to obtain + a vice-consulship for him at the Spanish town. Then, after a few years, + both husband and wife died, leaving this little orphan to the care of her + grandfather, who had written to Mr. Barnes on her father’s death, but had + heard nothing from him, and had too much honest pride to make any further + application. + </p> + <p> + “My little cousin,” said Caroline, “the first I ever knew. Pray bring her + to see me, and let her stay with me long enough for me to know her.” + </p> + <p> + The old man began to prepare her for the child’s being shy and wild, + though perhaps her aunt was too particular with her, and expected too + much. Perhaps she would be homesick, he said, so wistfully that it was + plain that he did not know how to exist without his darling; but he was + charmed with the invitation, and Caroline was pleased to see that he did + not regard her as his grandchild’s rival, but as representing the + cherished playmate of his youth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — THE RIVAL HEIRESSES. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You smile, their eager ways to see, + But mark their choice when they + To choose their sportive garb are free, + The moral of their play. + Keble. +</pre> + <p> + One curious part of the reticence of youth is that which relates to its + comprehension of grown-up affairs. There is a smile with which the elders + greet any question on the subject, half of wonder, half of amusement, + which is perfectly intolerable to the young, who remain thinking that they + are regarded as presumptuous and absurd, and thus will do anything rather + than expose themselves to it again. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that Mrs. Brownlow flattered herself that her children never + put two and two together when she let them know of the discovery of their + relationship. Partly she judged by herself. She was never in the habit of + forecasting, and for so clever and spirited a woman, she thought + wonderfully little. She had plenty of intuitive sense, decided rapidly and + clearly, and could easily throw herself in other people’s thoughts, but + she seldom reflected, analysed or moralised, save on the spur of the + moment. She lived chiefly in the present, and the chief events of her life + had all come so suddenly and unexpectedly upon her, that she was all the + less inclined to guess at the future, having always hitherto been taken by + surprise. + </p> + <p> + So, when Jock observed in public—“Mother, they say at Kencroft that + the old miser ought to leave you half his money. Do you think he will?” it + was with perfect truth that she answered, “I don’t think at all about it.” + </p> + <p> + It was taken in the family as an intimation that she would not talk about + it, and while she supposed that the children drew no conclusions, they + thought the more. + </p> + <p> + Allen was gone to Eton, but Janet and Bobus had many discussions over + their chemical experiments, about possibilities and probabilities, odd + compounds of cleverness and ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “Mother must be heir-at-law, for her grandmother was eldest,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “A woman can’t be heir-at-law,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “The Salique law doesn’t come into England.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes it does, for Sir John Gray got Graysnest only last year, instead of + the old man’s daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Then how comes the Queen to be Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,”—Bobus shifted his ground to another possibility—“when + there’s nobody but a lot of women, the thing goes into abeyance among + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Who gets it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Chancery, I suppose, or some of the lawyers. They are all blood-suckers.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure,” said Janet, superior by three years of wisdom, “that abeyance + only happens about Scotch peerages; and if he has not made a will, mother + will be heiress.” + </p> + <p> + “Only halves with that black Undine of Allen’s,” sturdily persisted Bobus. + “Is she coming here, Janet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to-morrow. I did not think we wanted another child about the house; + Essie and Ellie are quite enough.” + </p> + <p> + “If mother gets rich she won’t have all that teaching to bother her,” said + Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “And I can go on with my education,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Girl’s education does not signify,” said Bobus. “Now I shall be able to + get the very best instruction in physical science, and make some great + discovery. If I could only go and study at Halle, instead of going on + droning here.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! boys can always get educated if they choose. You are going to Eton or + Winchester after this term.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if I can get any sense into mother. I don’t want to waste my time on + those stupid classics and athletics. I say, Janet, it’s time to see + whether the precipitation has taken place.” + </p> + <p> + The two used to try experiments together, in Bobus’s end of the attic, to + an extent that might make the presence of a strange child in the house + dangerous to herself as well as to everyone else. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Gould herself brought the little girl, trying to impress on Mrs. + Brownlow that if she was indocile it was not her fault, but her + grandfather could not bear to have her crossed. + </p> + <p> + The elders did not wonder at his weakness, for the creature was + wonderfully lovely and winning, with a fearless imperiousness that subdued + everyone to her service. So brilliant was she, that Essie and Ellie, + though very pretty little girls, looked faded and effaced beside this + small empress, whose air seemed to give her a right to bestow her favours. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to be here!” she observed, graciously, to her hostess, “for you + are my cousin and a lady.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray what are you?” asked Janet. + </p> + <p> + “I am la Senora Dona Elvira Maria de Guadalupe de Menella,” replied the + damsel, with a liquid sonorousness so annihilating, that Janet made a + mocking courtesy; and her mother said it was like asking the head of the + house of Hapsburg if she were a lady! + </p> + <p> + With some disappointment at Allen’s absence, the little Donna motioned + Bobus to sit by her side at dinner-time, and when her grandfather looked + in somewhat later to wish her good-bye, in mingled hope and fear of her + insisting on going home with him, she cared for nothing but his admiration + of her playing at kings and queens with Armine and Barbara, in the cotton + velvet train of the dressing up wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + “No, she did not want to go home. She never wanted to go back to River + Hollow.” + </p> + <p> + Nor would she even kiss him till she had extorted the assurance that he + had been shaved that morning. + </p> + <p> + The old man went away blessing Mrs. Brownlow’s kindness to his child, and + Janet was universally scouted for muttering that it was a heartless little + being. She alone remained unenthralled by Elvira’s chains. The first time + she went to Kencroft, she made Colonel Brownlow hold her up in his arms to + gather a bough off his own favourite double cherry; and when Mother Carey + demurred, she beguiled Aunt Ellen into taking her on her own + responsibility to the dancing lessons at the assembly rooms. + </p> + <p> + There she electrified the dancing-master, and all beholders, seeming to + catch inspiration from the music, and floating along with a wondrous + swimming grace, as her dainty feet twinkled, her arms wreathed themselves, + and her eyes shone with enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + If she could only have always danced, or acted in the garden! Armine’s and + Babie’s perpetual romantic dramas were all turned by her into homage to + one and the same princess. She never knew or cared whether she were + goddess or fairy, Greek or Briton, provided she had the crown and train; + but as Babie much preferred action to magnificence, they got on + wonderfully well without disputes. There was a continual performance, + endless as a Chinese tragedy, of Spenser’s Faery Queene, in which Elfie + was always Gloriana, and Armine and Babie were everybody else in turn, + except the wicked characters, who were represented by the cabbages and a + dummy. + </p> + <p> + “Reading was horrid,” Elvira said, and certainly hers deserved the + epithet. Her attainments fell far behind those of Essie and Ellie, and she + did not mean to improve them. Her hostess let her alone till she had twice + shaken her rich mane at her grandfather, and refused to return with him; + and he had shown himself deeply grateful to Mrs. Brownlow for keeping her + there, and had said he hoped she was good at her lessons. + </p> + <p> + The first trial resulted in Elvira’s going to sleep over her book, the + next in her playing all sorts of ridiculous tricks, and sulking when + stopped, and when she was forbidden to speak or go out till she had + repeated three answers in the multiplication table, she was the next + moment singing and dancing in defiance in the garden. Caroline did not + choose to endure this, and went to fetch her in, thus producing such a + screaming, kicking, rolling fury that Mrs. Coffinkey might have some + colour for the statement that Mrs. Folly Brownlow was murdering all her + children. The cook, as the strongest person in the house, was called, + carried her in and put her to bed, where she fell sound asleep, and woke, + hungry, in high spirits, and without an atom of compunction. + </p> + <p> + When called to lessons she replied—“No, I’m going back to + grandpapa.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” was all Caroline answered, thinking wholesome neglect the + best treatment. + </p> + <p> + In an hour’s time Mr. Gould made his appearance with his grandchild. She + had sought him out among the pigs in the market-place, pulled him by the + coat, and insisted on being taken home. + </p> + <p> + His politeness was great, but he was plainly delighted, and determined to + believe that her demand sprang from affection, and not naughtiness. Elvira + stood caressing him, barely vouchsafing to look at her hostess, and + declaring that she never meant to come back. + </p> + <p> + Not a fortnight had passed, however, before she burst upon them again, + kissing them all round, and reiterating that she hated her aunt, and would + live with Mother Carey. Mr. Gould had waited to be properly ushered in. He + was distressed and apologetic, but he had been forced to do his tyrant’s + behest. There had been more disturbances than ever between her and her + aunt, and Mrs. Gould had declared that she would not manage the child any + longer, while Elvira was still more vehement to return to Mother Carey. + Would Mrs. Brownlow recommend some school or family where the child would + be well cared for? Mrs. Brownlow did more, offering herself to undertake + the charge. + </p> + <p> + Spite of all the naughtiness, she loved the beautiful wild creature, and + could not bear to think of intrusting her to strangers; she knew, too, + that her brother and sister-in-law had no objection, and it was the + obvious plan. Mr. Gould would make some small payment, and the child was + to be made to understand that she must be obedient, learn her lessons, and + cease to expect to find a refuge with her grandfather when she was + offended. + </p> + <p> + She drew herself up with childish pride and grace saying, “I will attend + to Mrs. Brownlow, for she is my cousin and my equal.” + </p> + <p> + To a certain degree the little maiden kept her word. She was the favourite + plaything of the boys, and got on well with Babie, who was too bright and + yielding to quarrel with any one. + </p> + <p> + But Janet’s elder-sisterly authority was never accepted by the newcomer. + “I couldn’t mind her, she looked so ugly,” said she in excuse; and + probably the heavy, brown, dull complexion and large features were + repulsive in themselves to the sensitive fancy of the creature of life and + beauty. At any rate, they were jarring elephants, as said Eleanor, who was + growing ambitious, and sometimes electrified the public with curious + versions of the long words more successfully used by Armine and Babie. + </p> + <p> + Caroline succeeded in modelling a very lovely profile in bas-relief of the + exquisite little head, and then had it photographed. Mary Ogilvie, coming + to Kenminster as usual when her holidays began in June, found the + photograph in the place of honour on her brother’s chimney-piece, and a + little one beside it of the artist herself. + </p> + <p> + So far as Carey herself was concerned, Mary was much better satisfied. She + did not look so worn or so flighty, and had a quieter and more really + cheerful tone and manner, as of one who had settled into her home and + occupations. She had made friends, too—few, but worth having; and + there were those who pronounced the Folly the pleasantest house in + Kenminster, and regarded the five o’clock tea, after the weekly physical + science lecture at the school, as a delightful institution. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the schoolmaster was one of these; and when Mary found how all + his paths tended to the Pagoda, she hated herself for being a suspicious + old duenna. Nevertheless, she could not but be alarmed by finding that her + project of a walking tour through Brittany was not, indeed, refused, but + deferred, with excuses about having work to finish, being in no hurry, and + the like. + </p> + <p> + “I think you ought to go,” said Mary at last. + </p> + <p> + “I see no ought in the case. Last year the work dragged, and was + oppressive; but you see how different it has become.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very reason,” said Mary, the colour flying to her checks. “It + will not do to stay lingering here as we did last summer, and not only on + your own account.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not be afraid,” was the muttered answer, as David bent down his + head over the exercise he was correcting. She made no answer, and ere long + he began again, “I don’t mean that her equal exists, but I am not such a + fool as to delude myself with a spark of hope.” + </p> + <p> + “She is too nice for that,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” he said, glad to relieve himself when the ice had been broken. + “There’s something about her that makes one feel her to be altogether that + doctor’s, as much as if he were present in the flesh.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you hoping to wear that out? For I don’t think you will.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you I had no hope,” he answered, rather petulantly. “Even were it + otherwise, there is another thing that must withhold me. It has got abroad + that she may turn out heiress to the old man at Belforest.” + </p> + <p> + “In such a hopeless case, would it not be wiser to leave this place + altogether?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” he exclaimed; then remembering that vehemence told against + him, he added, “Don’t be uneasy; I am a reasonable man, and she is a woman + to keep one so; but I think I am useful to her, and I am sure she is + useful to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That I allow she has been,” said Mary, looking at her brother’s much + improved appearance; “but—” + </p> + <p> + “Moths and candles to wit,” he returned; “but don’t be afraid, I attract + no notice, and I think she trusts me about her boys.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is it to come to?” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of that. Understand that it is enough for me to live near + her, and be now and then of some little service to her.” + </p> + <p> + They were interrupted by a note, which Mr. Ogilvie read, and handed to his + sister with a smile:— + </p> + <p> + “DEAR MR. OGILVIE,—Could you and Mary make it convenient to look in + this evening? Bobus has horrified his uncle by declining to go up for a + scholarship at Eton or Winchester, and I should be very glad to talk it + over with you. Also, I shall have to ask you to take little Armine into + school after the holidays. + </p> + <p> + “Yours sincerely, + </p> + <p> + “C. O. BROWNLOW.” + </p> + <p> + “What does the boy mean?” asked Mary. “I thought he was the pride of your + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “So he is; but he is ahead of his fellows, and ought to be elsewhere. All + measures have been taken for sending him up to stand at one of the public + schools, but I thought him very passive about it. He is an odd boy—reserved + and self-concentrated—quite beyond his uncle’s comprehension, and + likely to become headstrong at a blind exercise of authority.” + </p> + <p> + “I used to like Allen best,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “He is the pleasantest, but there’s more solid stuff in Bobus. That boy’s + school character is perfect, except for a certain cool opinionativeness, + which seldom comes out with me, but greatly annoys the undermasters.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a prig?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, I’m afraid he is. He’s unpopular, for he does not care for + games; but his brother is popular enough for both.” + </p> + <p> + “Jock?—the monkey!” + </p> + <p> + “His brains run to mischief. I’ve had to set him more impositions than any + boy in the school, and actually to take his form myself, for simply the + undermasters can’t keep up discipline or their own tempers. As to poor M. + le Blanc, I find him dancing and shrieking with fury in the midst of a + circle of snorting, giggling boys; and when he points out ce petit + monstre, Jock coolly owns to having translated ‘Croquons les,’ let us + croquet them; or ‘Je suis blesse,’ I am blest.” + </p> + <p> + “So the infusion of brains produces too much effervescence.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the whole school has profited, and none more so than No. 2 of + the other family, who has quite passed his elder brother, and is above his + namesake whenever it is a case of plodding ability versus idle genius. + But, after all, how little one can know of one’s boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Or one’s girls,” said Mary, thinking of governess experiences. + </p> + <p> + It was a showery summer evening when the brother and sister walked up to + the Folly in a partial clearing, when the evening sun made every bush + twinkle all over with diamond drops. Childish voices were heard near the + gate, and behind a dripping laurel were seen Elvira, Armine, and Barbara + engaged in childhood’s unceasing attempt to explore the centre of the + earth. + </p> + <p> + “What do you expect to find there?” they were asked. + </p> + <p> + “Little kobolds, with pointed caps, playing at ball with rubies and + emeralds, and digging with golden spades,” answered Babie. + </p> + <p> + “And they shall give me an opal ring,” said Elfie, “But Armine does not + want the kobolds.” + </p> + <p> + “He says they are bad,” said Babie. “Now are they, Mr. Ogilvie? I know + elder women are, and erl kings and mist widows, but poor Neck, that sat on + the water and played his harp, wasn’t bad, and the dear little kobolds + were so kind and funny. Now are they bad elves?” + </p> + <p> + Her voice was full of earnest pleading, and Mr. Ogilvie, not being versed + in the spiritual condition of elves could best reply by asking why Armine + thought ill of their kind. + </p> + <p> + “I think they are nasty little things that want to distract and bewilder + one in the real great search.” + </p> + <p> + “What search, my boy?” + </p> + <p> + “For the source of everything,” said Armine, lowering his voice and + looking into his muddy hole. + </p> + <p> + “But that is above, not below,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Armine reverently; “but I think God put life and the beginning + of growing into the earth, and I want to find it.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t it Truth?” said Babie. “Mr. Acton said Truth was at the bottom of a + well. I won’t look at the kobolds if they keep one from seeing Truth.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must get my ring and all my jewels from them,” put in Elfie. + </p> + <p> + “Should you know Truth?” asked Mr. Ogilvie. “What do you think she is + like?” + </p> + <p> + “So beautiful!” said Babie, clasping her fingers with earnestness. “All + white and clear like crystal, with such blue, sweet, open eyes. And she + has an anchor.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s Hope?” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Hope and Truth go hand in hand,” said Babie; “and Hope will be all + robed in green like the young corn-fields in the spring.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Babie, that emerald Hope and crystal Truth are not down in the earth, + earthy,” said Mary again. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, perhaps Armine has got hold of a reality,” said Mr. Ogilvie. “They + are to be found above by working below.” + </p> + <p> + “Talking paradox to Armine?” said the cheerful voice of the young mother. + “My dear sprites, do you know that it is past eight! How wet you are! Good + night, and mind you don’t go upstairs in those boots.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite comfortable to hear anything so commonplace,” said Mary, when + the children had run away, to the sound of its reiteration after full + interchange of good nights. “Those imps make one feel quite eerie.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Armine been talking in that curious fashion of his,” said Carey, as + they began to pace the walks. “I am afraid his thinker is too big—as + the child says in Miss Tytler’s book. This morning over his parsing he + asked me—‘Mother, which is <i>realest</i>, what we touch or what we + feel?’ knitting his brows fearfully when I did not catch his meaning, and + going on—‘I mean is that fly as real as King David?’ and then as I + was more puzzled he went on—‘You see we only need just see that fly + now with our outermost senses, and he will only live a little while, and + nobody cares or will think of him any more, but everybody always does + think, and feel, and care a great deal about King David.’ I told him, as + the best answer I could make on the spur of the moment, that David was + alive in Heaven, but he pondered in and broke out—‘No, that’s not + it! David was a real man, but it is just the same about Perseus and + Siegfried, and lots of people that never were men, only just thoughts. + Ain’t thoughts <i>realer</i> than things, mother?’” + </p> + <p> + “But much worse for him, I should say,” exclaimed Mary. + </p> + <p> + “I thought of Pisistratus Caxton, and wrote to Mr. Ogilvie. It is a great + pity, but I am afraid he ought not to dwell on such things till his body + is grown up to his mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, school is the approved remedy for being too clever,” said Mr. + Ogilvie. “You are wise. It is a pity, but it will be all the better for + him by-and-by.” + </p> + <p> + “And the elder ones will take care the seasoning is not too severe,” said + Caroline, with a resolution she could hardly have shown if this had been + her first launch of a son. “But it was about Bobus that I wanted to + consult you. His uncle thinks him headstrong and conceited, if not lazy.” + </p> + <p> + “Lazy he is certainly not.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would say so, but the Colonel cannot enter into his wish to + have more physical science and less classics, and will not hear of his + going to Germany, which is what he wishes, though I am sure he is too + young.” + </p> + <p> + “He ought not to go there till his character is much more formed.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of his going on here?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a temptation I ought to resist. He will soon have outstripped the + other boys so that I could not give him the attention he needs, and + besides the being with other boys, more his equals, would be invaluable to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is rather bumptious.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is worse for a lad of that sort than being cock of the walk. It + spoils him often for life.” + </p> + <p> + “I know exactly the sort of man you mean, always liking to lay down the + law and talking to women instead of men, because they don’t argue with + him. No, Bobus must not come to that, and he is too young to begin special + training. Will you talk to him, Mr. Ogilvie? You know if my horse is not + convinced I may bring him to the water, but it will be all in vain.” + </p> + <p> + They had reached the outside of the window of the dining-room, where the + school-boys were learning their lessons for the morrow. Bobus was sitting + at the table with a small lamp so shaded as to concentrate the light on + him and to afford it to no one else. On the floor was a servant’s flat + candlestick, mounted on a pile of books, between one John sprawling at + full length preparing his Virgil, the other cross-legged, working a sum + with ink from a doll’s tea-cup placed in the candlestick, and all the time + there was a wonderful mumbling accompaniment, as there always was between + those two. + </p> + <p> + “I say, what does pulsum come from?” + </p> + <p> + “What a brute this is of a fraction! Skipjack, what will go in 639 and + 852?” + </p> + <p> + “Pulsum, a pulse—volat, flies. Eh! Three’ll do it. Or common measure + it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Bother common measure. The threes in—” + </p> + <p> + “Fama, fame; volat, flies; pulsum, the pulse; cecisse, to have ceased; + paternis regnis, in the paternal kingdom. I say wouldn’t that rile Perkins + like fun?” + </p> + <p> + “The threes in seven—two—in eighteen—” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Johnny, is pulsum from pulco?” + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus, is it pulco, pulxi, pulsum?” + </p> + <p> + “Pulco—I make an ass of myself,” muttered Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “O murder,” groaned Johnny, “it has come out 213.” + </p> + <p> + “Not half so much murder as this pulsum. Why it will go in them both. I + can see with half an eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t it pello—pulsum?” + </p> + <p> + “Pello, to drive out. Hurrah! That fits it.” + </p> + <p> + “Look out, Skipjack, there’s a moth.” + </p> + <p> + “Anything worth having?” demanded Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Only a grass eggar. Fama, fame; volat, flies; Idomoeea ducem, that + Idomaeeus the leader; pulsum, expelled. Get out, I say, you foolish + beggar” (to the moth). + </p> + <p> + “Never mind catching him,” said Bobus, “we’ve got dozens.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I don’t want him frizzling alive in my candle.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t kick up such a shindy,” broke out Johnny, as a much stained + handkerchief came flapping about. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve blotted my sum. Thunder and ages!” as the candlestick toppled + over, ink and all. “That is a go!” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Bobus, lend us your Guy Fawkes to pick up the pieces.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if I know it,” said Bobus. “You always smash things.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a specimen of the way we learn our lessons,” said Caroline, in a + low voice, still unseen, as Bobus wiped, sheathed, and pocketed his + favourite pen, then proceeded to turn down the lamp, but allowed the + others to relight their candle at the expiring wick. + </p> + <p> + “The results are fair,” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “I think of your carpet,” said Mary, quaintly. + </p> + <p> + “We always lay down an ancient floorcloth in the bay window before the + boys come home,” said Carey, laughing. “Here, Bobus.” + </p> + <p> + And as he came out headforemost at the window, the two ladies discreetly + drew off to leave the conversation free. + </p> + <p> + “So, Brownlow,” said Mr. Ogilvie, “I hear you don’t want to try your luck + elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you object to telling me why?” + </p> + <p> + “I see no use in it,” said Bobus, never shy, and further aided by the + twilight; “I do quite well enough here.” + </p> + <p> + “Should you not do better in a larger field among a higher stamp of boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Public school boys are such fools!” + </p> + <p> + “And what are the Kenites?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, not much,” said Bobus, with a twitch in the corner of his mouth; + “but I can keep out of their way.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that you have gained your footing, and don’t want to have to do + it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Not only that, sir,” said the boy, “but at a public school you’re fagged, + and forced to go in for cricket and football.” + </p> + <p> + “You would soon get above that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but even then you get no peace, and are nobody unless you go in for + all that stuff of athletics and sports. I hate it all, and don’t want to + waste my time.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you are quite right as to there being no distinction + without athletics.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen says it is so now.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen may be a better judge of the present state of things, but I should + think there was always a studious set who were respectable.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” proceeded Bobus, warming with his subject, “I see no good in + nothing but classics. I don’t care what ridiculous lies some old man who + never existed, or else was a dozen people at once, told about a lot of + ruffians who never lived, killing each other at some place that never was. + I like what you can lay your finger on, and say it’s here, it’s true, and + I can prove it, and explain it, and improve on it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can,” said Mr. Ogilvie, struck by the contrast with the little + brother. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I want to do,” said Bobus; “to deal with real things, not + words and empty fancies. I know languages are necessary; but if one can + read a Latin book, and understand a Greek technical term, that’s all that + is of use. If my uncle won’t let me study physical science in Germany, I + had rather go on here, where I can be let alone to study it for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think you understand what you would throw away. What is the + difference between Higg, the bone-setter, and Dr. Leslie?” + </p> + <p> + “Higg can do that one thing just by instinct. He is uneducated.” + </p> + <p> + “And in a measure it is so with all who throw themselves into some special + pursuit without waiting for the mind and character to have full training + and expansion. If you mean to be a great surgeon—” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mean to be a surgeon.” + </p> + <p> + “A physician then.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. Please don’t let my mother fancy I mean to be in practice, at + everyone’s beck and call. I’ve seen too much of that. I mean to get a + professorship, and have time and apparatus for researches, so as to get to + the bottom of everything,” said the boy, with the vast purposes of his + age. + </p> + <p> + “Your chances will be much better if you go up from a public school, + trained in accuracy by the thorough work of language, and made more + powerful by the very fact of not having followed merely your own bent. + Your contempt for the classics shows how one-sided you are growing. + Besides, I thought you knew that the days are over of unmitigated + classics. You would have many more opportunities, and much better ones, of + studying physical science than I can provide for you here.” + </p> + <p> + This was a new light to Bobus, and when Mr. Ogilvie proved its truth to + him, and described the facilities he would have for the study, he allowed + that it made all the difference. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the two ladies had gone in, Mary asking where Janet was. + </p> + <p> + “Gone with Jessie and her mother to a birthday party at Polesworth Lawn.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a good day for it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the perplexing sort of day that no one knows whether to call it + fine or wet; but Ellen decided on going, as they were to dance in the hall + if it rained. I’m sure her kindness is great, for she takes infinite + trouble to make Janet producible! Poor Janet, you know dressing her is + like hanging clothes on a wooden peg, and a peg that won’t stand still, + and has curious theories of the beautiful, carried out in a still more + curious way. So when, in terror of our aunt, the whole female household + have done their best to turn out Miss Janet respectable, between this + house and Kencroft, she contrives to give herself some twitch, or else is + seized with an idea of the picturesque, which sets every one wondering + that I let her go about such a figure. Then Ellen and Jessie put a tie + here, and a pin there, and reduce the chaotic mass to order.” + </p> + <p> + It was not long before Janet appeared, and Jessie with her, the latter + having been set down to give a message. The two girls were dressed in the + same light black-and-white checked silk of early youth, one with pink + ribbons and the other with blue; but the contrast was the more apparent, + for one was fresh and crisp, while the other was flattened and tumbled; + one said everything had been delightful, the other that it had all been + very stupid, and the expression made even more difference than the + complexion, in one so fair, fresh, and rosy, in the other so sallow and + muddled. Jessie looked so sweet and bright, that when she had gone Miss + Ogilvie could not help exclaiming, “How pretty she is!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and so good-tempered and pleasant. There is something always restful + to me in having her in the room,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Restful?” said Janet, with one of her unamiable sneers. “Yes, she and H. + S. H. sent me off to sleep with their gossip on the way home! O mother, + there’s another item for the Belforest record. Mr. Barnes has sent off all + his servants again, even the confidential man is shipped off to America.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have slept with one ear open,” said her mother. “And oh!” as + Janet took off her gloves, “I hope you did not show those hands!” + </p> + <p> + “I could not eat cake without doing so, and Mr. Glover supposed I had been + photographing.” + </p> + <p> + “And what had you been doing?” inquired Mary, at sight of the brown + stains. + </p> + <p> + “Trying chemical experiments with Bobus,” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” cried Janet, “and I’ve found out why we did not succeed. I thought + it out during the dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “Instead of cultivating the ‘light fantastic toe,’ as the Courier calls + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I danced twice, and a great plague it was. Only with Mr. Glover and with + a stupid little middy. I was thinking all the time how senseless it was.” + </p> + <p> + “How agreeable you must have been!” + </p> + <p> + “One can’t be agreeable to people like that. Oh, Bobus!” as he came into + the room with Mr. Ogilvie, “I’ve found out—” + </p> + <p> + “I thought Jessie was here,” he interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “She’s gone home. I know what was wrong yesterday. We ought to have + isolated the hypo—” + </p> + <p> + “Isolated the grandmother,” said Bobus. “That has nothing to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure of it. I’ll show you how it acts.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll show you just the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to-night,” cried their mother, as Bobus began to relight the lamp. + “You two explosives are quite perilous enough by day without lamps and + candles.” + </p> + <p> + “You endure a great deal,” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not afraid of either of these two doing anything dangerous singly, + for they are both careful, but when they are of different minds, I never + know what the collision may produce.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Bobus, “I’d much sooner have Jessie to help me, for she does + what she is bid, and never thinks.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all you think women good for,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Quite true,” said Bobus, coolly. + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Ogilvie was acknowledged by his sister to have done a good deed + that night, since the Folly might be far more secure when Janet tried her + experiments alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — PUMPING AWAY. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The rude will scuffle through with ease enough, + Great schools best suit the sturdy and the rough. + Soon see your wish fulfilled in either child, + The pert made perter, and the tame made wild. + Cowper. +</pre> + <p> + Robert Otway Brownlow came out fourth on the roll of newly-elected + scholars of S. Mary, Winton, and his master was, as his sister declared, + unwholesomely proud of it, even while he gave all credit to the Folly, and + none to himself. + </p> + <p> + Still Mary had her way and took him to Brittany, and though her present + pupils were to leave the schoolroom at Christmas, she would bind herself + to no fresh engagement, thinking that she had better be free to make a + home for him, whether at Kenminster or elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + When the half-year began again Bobus was a good deal missed, Jock was in a + severe idle fit, and Armine did not come up to the expectations formed of + him, and was found, when “up to Mr. Perkins,” to be as bewildered and + unready as other people. + </p> + <p> + All the work in the school seemed flat and poor, except perhaps Johnny’s, + which steadily improved. Robert, whose father wished him to be pushed on + so as to be fit for examination for Sandhurst, opposed, to all pressure, + the passive resistance of stolidity. He was nearly sixteen, but seemed + incapable of understanding that compulsory studies were for his good and + not a cruel exercise of tyranny. He disdainfully rejected an offer from + his aunt to help him in the French and arithmetic which had become + imminent, while of the first he knew much less than Babie, and of the + latter only as much as would serve to prevent his being daily “kept in.” + </p> + <p> + One chilly autumn afternoon, Armine was seen, even by the unobservant + under-master, to be shivering violently, and his teeth chattering so that + he could not speak plainly. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be at home,” said Mr. Perkins. “Here, you, Brownlow maximus, + just see him home, and tell his mother that he should be seen to.” + </p> + <p> + “I can go alone,” Armine tried to say; but Mr. Perkins thought the + head-master could not say he neglected one who was felt to be a favoured + scholar if he sent his cousin with him. + </p> + <p> + So presently Armine was pushed in at the back door, with these words from + Rob to the cook—“Look here, he’s been and got cold, or something.” + </p> + <p> + Rob then disappeared, and Armine struggled in to the kitchen fire, white, + sobbing and panting, and, as the compassionate maids discovered, drenched + from head to foot, his hair soaked, his boots squishing with water. His + mother and sisters were out, and as cook administered the hottest draught + she could compound, and Emma tugged at his jacket, they indignantly + demanded what he had been doing to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” he said. “I’ll go and take my things off; only please don’t + tell mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said old nurse, who had tottered in, but who was past fully + comprehending emergencies; “go and get into bed, my dear, and Emma shall + come and warm it for him.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” stoutly said the little boy; “there’s nothing the matter, and mother + must not know.” + </p> + <p> + “Take my word for it,” said cook, “that child have a been treated shameful + by those great nasty brutes of big boys.” + </p> + <p> + And when Armine, too cold to sit anywhere but by the only fire in the + house, returned with a book and begged humbly for leave to warm himself, + he was installed on nurse’s footstool, in front of a huge fire, and hot + tea and “lardy-cake” tendered for his refreshment, while the maids by + turns pitied and questioned him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had a haccident, sir,” asked cook. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he wearily said. + </p> + <p> + “Have any one been doing anything to you, then?” And as he did not answer + she continued: “You need not think to blind me, sir; I sees it as if it + was in print. Them big boys have been a-misusing of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, cook, you ain’t to say a word to my mother,” cried Armine, + vehemently. “Promise me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you’ll tell me all about it, sir,” said cook, coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he answered, “I promised!” And he buried his head in nurse’s lap. + </p> + <p> + “I calls that a shame,” put in Emma; “but you could tell <i>we</i>, Master + Armine. It ain’t like telling your ma nor your master.” + </p> + <p> + “I said no one,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + The maids left off tormenting him after a time, letting him fall asleep + with his head on the lap of old nurse, who went on dreamily stroking his + damp hair, not half understanding the matter, or she would have sent him + to bed. + </p> + <p> + Being bound by no promise of secrecy, Emma met her mistress with a + statement of the surmises of the kitchen, and Caroline hurried thither to + find him waking to headache, fiery cheeks, and aching limbs, which were + not simply the consequence of the position in which he had been sleeping + before the fire. She saw him safe in bed before she asked any questions, + but then she began her interrogations, as little successfully as the + maids. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t, mother,” he said, hiding his face on the pillow. + </p> + <p> + “My little boy used to have no secrets from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Men must have secrets sometimes, though they rack their hearts and—their + backs,” sighed poor Armine, rolling over. “Oh, mother, my back is so bad! + Please don’t bother besides.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor darling! Let me rub it. There, you might trust Mother Carey! She + would not tell Mr. Ogilvie, nor get any one into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I promised, mother. Don’t!” And no persuasions could draw anything from + him but tears. Indeed he was so feverish and in so much pain that she + called in Dr. Leslie before the evening was over, and rheumatic fever was + barely staved off by the most anxious vigilance for the next day or two. + It was further decreed that he must be carefully tended all the winter, + and must not go to school again till he had quite got over the shock, + since he was of a delicate frame that would not bear to be trifled with. + </p> + <p> + The boy gave a long sigh of content when he heard that he was not to + return to school at present; but it did not induce him to utter a word on + the cause of the wetting, either to his mother or to Mr. Ogilvie, who came + up in much distress, and examined him as soon as he was well enough to + bear it. Nor would any of his schoolfellows tell. Jock said he had had an + imposition, and was kept in school when “it” happened; John said “he had + nothing to do with it;” and Rob and Joe opposed surly negatives to all + questions on the subject, Rob adding that Armine was a disgusting little + idiot, an expression for which his father took him severely to task. + </p> + <p> + However there were those in Kenminster who never failed to know all about + everything, and the first afternoon after Armine’s disaster that Caroline + came to Kencroft she was received with such sympathetic kindness that her + prophetic soul misgave her, and she dreaded hearing either that she was + letting herself be cheated by some tradesman, or that she was to lose her + pupils. + </p> + <p> + No. After inquiries for Armine, his aunt said she was very sorry, but now + he was better she thought his mother ought to know the truth. + </p> + <p> + “What—?” asked Caroline, startled; and Jessie, the only other person + in the room, put down her work, and listened with a strange air of + determination. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, I am afraid it is very painful.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me at once, Ellen.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t think how he learnt it. But they have been about with all sorts + of odd people.” + </p> + <p> + “Who? What, Ellen? Are you accusing my boy?” said Caroline, her limbs + beginning to tremble and her eyes to flash, though she spoke as quietly as + she could. + </p> + <p> + “Now do compose yourself, my dear. I dare say the poor little fellow knew + no better, and he has had a severe lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “If you would only tell me, Ellen.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems,” said Ellen, with much regret and commiseration, “that all this + was from poor little Armine using such shocking language that Rob, as a + senior boy, you know, put him under the pump at last to put a stop to it.” + </p> + <p> + Before Caroline’s fierce, incredulous indignation had found a word, Jessie + had exclaimed “Mamma!” in a tone of strong remonstrance; then, “Never + mind, Aunt Carey, I know it is only Mrs. Coffinkey, and Johnny promised he + would tell the whole story if any one brought that horrid nonsense to you + about poor little Armine.” + </p> + <p> + Kind, gentle Jessie seemed quite transported out of herself, as she flew + to the door and called Johnny, leaving the two mothers looking at each + other, and Ellen, somewhat startled, saying “I’m sure, if it is not true, + I’m very sorry, Caroline, but it came from—” + </p> + <p> + She broke off, for Johnny was scuffling across the hall, calling out + “Holloa, Jessie, what’s up?” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny, she’s done it!” said Jessie. “You said if the wrong one was + accused you would tell the whole story!” + </p> + <p> + “And what do they say?” asked John, who was by this time in the room. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma has been telling Aunt Carey that Rob put poor little Armine under + the pump for using bad language.” + </p> + <p> + “I say!” exclaimed John; “if that is not a cram!” + </p> + <p> + “You said you knew nothing of it,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “I said I didn’t do it. No more I did,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “No more did Rob, I am sure,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + But Johnny, though using no word of denial, made it evident that she was + mistaken, as he answered in an odd tone of excuse, “Armie was cheeky.” + </p> + <p> + “But he didn’t use bad words!” said Caroline, and she met a look of + comfortable response. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear, John,” said his mother, now the most agitated. “I can’t + believe that Rob would so ill-treat a little fellow like Armie, even if he + did lose his temper for a moment. Was Armine impertinent?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, rather,” said John. “He wouldn’t do Rob’s French exercise.” And + then—as the ladies cried out, he added—“O yes, he knows ever + so much more French than Rob, and now Bobus is gone Rob could not get + anyone else.” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, Bobus would do anybody’s exercises at a penny for Latin, two for + French, and three for Greek,” said John, not aware of the shock he gave. + </p> + <p> + “And Armine would not?” said his mother. “Was that it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not only that,” said John; “but the little beggar must needs up and say + he would not help to act a falsehood, and you know nobody could stand + that.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline understood the gravity of such an offence better than Ellen did, + for that good lady had never had much in common with her boys after they + outgrew the nursery. She answered, “Armine was quite right.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse for him, I fear,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said John, “it would have been all very well to give him a cuff and + tell him to mind his own business.” + </p> + <p> + “All very well!” ejaculated his mother. + </p> + <p> + “But you know,” continued Johnny to his aunt, “the seniors are always mad + at a junior being like that; and there was another fellow who dragged him + to the great school pump, and put him in the trough, and they said they + would duck him till he swore to do whatever Rob ordered.” + </p> + <p> + “Swore!” exclaimed his mother. “You don’t mean that, Johnny?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do, mamma,” said John. “I would tell you the words, only you + wouldn’t like them. And Armine said it would be breaking the Third + Commandment, which was the very way to aggravate them most. So they pumped + on his head, and tried if he would say it. ‘No,’ he said. ‘You may kill me + like the forty martyrs, but I won’t,’ and of course that set them on to + pump the more.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Johnny, did you see it all?” cried Caroline. “How could you?” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t help it, Aunt Carey.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Aunt Carey,” again broke in Jessie, “he was held down. That horrid—well, + I won’t say whom, Johnny—held him, and his arm was so twisted and + grazed that he was obliged to come to me to put some lily-leaves on it, + and if he would but show it, it is all black and yellow still.” + </p> + <p> + Carey, much moved, went over and kissed both her boy’s champions, while + Ellen said, with tears in her eyes, “Oh, Johnny, I’m glad you were at + least not so bad. What ended it?” + </p> + <p> + “The school-bell,” said Johnny. “I say, please don’t let Rob know I told, + or I shall catch it.” + </p> + <p> + “Your father—” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma! You aren’t going to tell him!” cried Jessie and Johnny, both in + horror, interrupting her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, children, I certainly shall. Do you think such wickedness as that + ought to be kept from him? Nearly killing a fatherless child like that, + because he was not as bad as they were, and telling falsehoods about it + too! I never could have believed it of Rob. Oh! what school does to one’s + boys!” She was agitated and overcome to a degree that startled Carey, who + began to try to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps Rob did not understand what he was about, and you see he was led + on. Armine will soon be all right again, and though he is a dear, good + little fellow, maybe the lesson may have been good for him.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you treat it so lightly?” cried poor Ellen, in her agitated + indignation. “It was a mercy that the child did not catch his death; and + as to Rob—! And when Mr. Ogilvie always said the boys were so + improved, and that there was no bullying! It just shows how much he knows + about it! To think what they have made of my poor Rob! His father will be + so grieved! I should not wonder if he had a fit of the gout!” + </p> + <p> + The shock was far greater to her than to one who had never kept her boys + at a distance, and who understood their ways, characters, and code of + honour; and besides Rob was her eldest, and she had credited him with + every sterling virtue. Jessie and Johnny stood aghast. They had only meant + to defend their little cousin, and had never expected either that she + would be so much overcome, or that she would insist on their father + knowing all, as she did with increasing anger and grief at each of their + attempts at persuading her to the contrary. Caroline thought he ought to + know. Her children’s father would have known long ago, but then his wrath + would have been a different thing from what seemed to be apprehended from + his brother; and she understood the distress of Jessie and John, though + her pity for Rob was but small. Whatever she tried to say in the way of + generous mediation or soothing only made it worse; and poor Ellen, far + from being her Serene Highness, was, between scolding and crying, in an + almost hysterical state, so that Caroline durst not leave her or the + frightened Jessie, and was relieved at last to hear the Colonel coming + into the house, when, thinking her presence would do more harm than good, + and longing to return to her little son, she slipped away, and was joined + at the door by her own John, who asked— + </p> + <p> + “What’s up, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you know all about this dreadful business, Jock?” + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards, of course, but I was shut up in school, writing three hundred + disgusting lines of Virgil, or I’d have got the brutes off some way.” + </p> + <p> + “And so little Armie is the brave one of all!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so he is,” said Jock; “but I say, mother, don’t go making him + cockier. You know he’s only fit to be stitched up in one of Jessie’s + little red Sunday books, and he must learn to keep a civil tongue in his + head, and not be an insufferable little donkey.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not have had him give in and do it! Never, Jock!” + </p> + <p> + “Why no, but he could have got off with a little chaff instead of coming + out with his testimony like that, and so I’ve been telling him. So don’t + you set him up again to think himself forty martyrs all in one, or there + will be no living with him.” + </p> + <p> + “If all boys were like him.” + </p> + <p> + Jock made a sound of horror and disgust that made her laugh. + </p> + <p> + “He’s all very well,” added he in excuse; “but to think of all being like + that. The world would be only one big muff.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Jock, what’s this about Bobus being paid for doing people’s + exercises?” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus is a cute one,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “I thought he had more uprightness,” she sighed. “And you, Jock?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think not!” he laughed. “Nobody would trust me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that the only reason?” she said, sadly, and he looked up in her face, + squeezed her hand, and muttered— + </p> + <p> + “One mayn’t like dirt without making such a row.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s like father’s boy,” she said, and he wrung her hand again. + </p> + <p> + They found Armine coiled up before the fire with a book, and Jock greeted + him with— + </p> + <p> + “Well, you little donkey, there’s such a shindy at the Croft as you never + heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, you know!” cried Armine, running into her outstretched arms and + being covered with her kisses. “But who told?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “John and Jessie,” said Jock. “They always said they would if anyone said + anything against you to mother or Uncle Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “Against me?” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Jock. “Didn’t you know it got about through some of the + juniors or their sisters that it was Brownlow maximus gently chastising + you for bad language, and of course Mrs. Coffinkey told Aunt Ellen.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but Jock,” cried Armine, turning round in consternation, “I hope Rob + does not know.” + </p> + <p> + And on further pressing it was extracted that Rob, when sent home with + him, had threatened him with the great black vaulted cellars of Kencroft + if he divulged the truth. When Jock left them the relief of pouring out + the whole history to the mother was evidently great. + </p> + <p> + “You know, mother, I couldn’t,” he cried, as if there had been a physical + impossibility. + </p> + <p> + “Why, dear child. How did you bear their horrid cruelty?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought it could not be so bad as it was for the forty soldiers on the + Lake. Dear grandmamma read us the story out of a little red book one + Sunday evening when you were gone to Church. They froze, you know, and it + was only cold and nasty for me.” + </p> + <p> + “So the thought of them carried you through?” + </p> + <p> + “God carried me through,” said the child reverently. “I asked Him not to + let me break His Commandment.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the Colonel’s heavy tread was heard, and with him came Mr. + Ogilvie, whom he had met on the road and informed. The good man was indeed + terribly grieved, and his first words were, “Caroline, I cannot tell you + how much shocked and concerned I am;” and then he laid his hand on + Armine’s shoulder saying—“My little boy, I am exceedingly sorry for + what you have suffered. One day Robert will be so too. You have been a + noble little fellow, and if anything could console me for the part Robert + has played it would be the seeing one of my dear brother’s sons so like + his father.” + </p> + <p> + He gave the downcast brow a fatherly kiss, so really like those of days + gone by that the boy’s overstrained spirits gushed forth in sobs and + tears, of which he was so much ashamed that he rushed out of the room, + leaving his mother greatly overcome, his uncle distressed and annoyed, and + his master not much less so, at the revelation of so much evil, so hard + either to reach or to understand. + </p> + <p> + “I would have brought Robert to apologise,” said the Colonel, “if he had + been as yet in a mood to do so properly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that would have been dreadful for us all,” ejaculated Caroline, under + her breath. + </p> + <p> + “But I can make nothing of him,” continued he, “He is perfectly stolid and + seems incapable of feeling anything, though I have talked to him as I + never thought to have to speak to any son of mine; but he is deaf to all.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, in his wrath, even while addressing only Caroline and Mr. + Ogilvie, had raised his voice as if he were shouting words of command, so + that both shrank a little, and Carey said— + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think he knew it was so bad.” + </p> + <p> + “What? Cheating his masters and torturing a helpless child for not + yielding to his tyranny?” + </p> + <p> + “People don’t always give things their right names even to themselves,” + said Mr. Ogilvie. “I should try to see it from the boy’s point of view.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no notion of extenuating ill-conduct or making excuses! That’s the + modern way! So principles get lowered! I tell you, sir, there are excuses + for everything. What makes the difference is only the listening to them or + not.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” ventured Caroline, “but is there not a difference between finding + excuses for oneself and for other people?” + </p> + <p> + “All alike, lowering the principle,” said the Colonel, with something of + the same slowness of comprehension as his son. “If excuses are to be made + for everything, I don’t wonder that there is no teaching one’s boys truth + or common honesty and humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Robert,” said Caroline, roused to defence; “do you really mean that + in your time nobody bullied or cribbed?” + </p> + <p> + “There was some shame about it if they did,” said the Colonel. “Now, I + suppose, I am to be told that it is an ordinary custom to be connived at.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not by me,” said Mr. Ogilvie. “I had hoped that the standard of + honour had been raised, but it is very hard to mete the exact level of the + schoolboy code from the outside.” + </p> + <p> + “And your John and mine have never given in to it,” added Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “What do you propose to do, Mr. Ogilvie?” said the Colonel. “I shall do my + part with my boy as a father. What will you do with him and the other + bully, who I find was Cripps.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall see Cripps’s father first. I think it might be well if we both + saw him before deciding on the form of discipline. We have to think not + only of justice but of the effect on their characters.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the modern system,” said the Colonel indignantly. “Fine work it + would make in the army. I know when punishment is deserved. I don’t set up + to be Providence, to know exactly what work it is to do. I leave that to + my Maker and do my duty.” + </p> + <p> + He was cut short by his son Joe rushing in headlong, exclaiming— + </p> + <p> + “Papa, papa, please come! Rob has knocked Johnny down and he doesn’t come + round.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow hurried off, Caroline trying to make him hear her offer + to follow if she could be useful, and sending Jock to see whether there + was any opening for her. Unless the emergency were very great indeed she + knew her absence would be preferred, and so she and Mr. Ogilvie remained, + talking the matter over, with more pity for the delinquent than his own + family would have thought natural. + </p> + <p> + “It really is a terrible thing to be stupid,” she said. “I don’t imagine + that unlucky boy ever entered into his father’s idea of truth and honour, + which really is fine in its way.” + </p> + <p> + “Very fine, and proved to have made many fine fellows in its time. I dare + say the lad will grow up to it, but just now he simply feels cruelly + injured by interference with a senior’s claim to absolute submission.” + </p> + <p> + “Which he sees as singly as his father sees the simple duty of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be comfortable if we poor moderns could deal out our measures + with that straightforward military simplicity. I cannot help seeing in + that unfortunate boy the victim of examinations for commissions. Boys must + be subjected to high pressure before they can thoroughly enter into the + importance of the issues that depend upon it; and when a sluggish, dull + intellect is forced beyond endurance, there is an absolute instinct of + escape, impelling to shifts and underhand ways of eluding work. Of course + the wrong is great, but the responsibility rests with the taskmaster in + the same manner as the thefts of a starved slave might on his owner.” + </p> + <p> + “The taskmaster being the country?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly so. Happy those boys who have available brains, like yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I am very sorry about Bobus; what ought I to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly more than write a few words of warning, since the change may + probably have put an end to the practice.” + </p> + <p> + Jock presently brought back tidings that his namesake was all right, + except for a black eye, and was growling like ten bears at having been + sent to bed. + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Robert was more angry than ever, in a white heat, quiet and + terrible,” said Jock, in an awe-struck voice. “He has locked Rob up in his + study, and here’s Joe, for Aunt Ellen is quite knocked up, and they want + the house to be very quiet.” + </p> + <p> + No tragical consequences, however, ensued. Mother and sons both appeared + the next morning, and were reported as “all right” by the first inquirer + from the Folly; but Jessie came to her lessons with swollen eyelids as if + she had cried half the night; and when her aunt thanked her for defending + Armine, she began to cry again, and Essie imparted to Barbara that Rob was + “just like a downright savage with her.” + </p> + <p> + “No; hush, Essie, it is not that,” said Jessie; “but papa is so dreadfully + angry with him, and he is to be sent away, and it is all my fault.” + </p> + <p> + “But Jessie, dear, surely it is better for Rob to be stopped from those + deceitful ways.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, I know. But that I should have turned against him!” And Jessie was + so thoroughly unhappy that none of her lessons prospered and her German + exercise had three great tear blots on it. + </p> + <p> + Rob’s second misdemeanour had simplified matters by deciding his father on + sending him from home at once into the hands of a professed coach, who + would not let him elude study, and whose pupils were too big to be + bullied. To the last he maintained his sullen dogged air of indifference, + though there might be more truth than the Folly was disposed to allow in + his sister’s allegations that it was because he did feel it so very much, + especially mamma’s looking so ill and worried. + </p> + <p> + Ellen did in truth look thoroughly unhinged, though no one saw her give + way. She felt her boy’s conduct sorely, and grieved at the first parting + in her family. Besides, there was anxiety for the future. Rob’s manner of + conducting his studies was no hopeful augury of his success, and the + expenses of sending him to a tutor fell the more heavily because + unexpectedly. A horse and man were given up, and Jessie had to resign the + hope of her music lessons. These were the first retrenchments, and the + diminution of dignity was felt. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel showed his trouble and anxiety by speaking and tramping louder + than ever, ruling his gardener with severe precision, and thundering at + his boys whenever he saw them idle. Both he and his wife were so + elaborately kind and polite that Caroline believed that it was an act of + magnanimous forgiveness for the ill luck that she and her boys had brought + them. At last the Colonel had the threatened fit of the gout, which + restored his equilibrium, and brought him back to his usual condition of + kindly, if somewhat ponderous, good sense. + </p> + <p> + He had not long recovered before Number Nine made his appearance at + Kencroft, and thus his mother had unusual facilities for inquiries of Dr. + Leslie respecting the master of Belforest. + </p> + <p> + The old man really seemed to be in a dying state. A hospital nurse had + taken charge of him, but there was not a dependent about the place, from + Mr. Richards downwards, who was not under notice to quit, and most were + staying on without his knowledge on the advice of the London solicitor, to + whom the agent had written. There was even more excitement on the + intelligence that Mr. Barnes had sent for Farmer Gould. + </p> + <p> + On this there was no doubt, for Mr. Gould, always delicately honourable + towards Mrs. Brownlow, came himself to tell her about the interview. It + seemed to have been the outcome of a yearning of the dying man towards the + sole survivor of the companions of his early days. He had talked in a + feeble wandering way of old times, but had said nothing about the child, + and was plainly incapable of sustained attention. + </p> + <p> + He had asked Mr. Gould to come again, but on this second visit he was too + far gone for recognition, and had returned to his moody instinctive + aversion to visitors, and in three days more he was dead. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — THE BELFOREST MAGNUM BONUM. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where is his golden heap? + Divine Breathings. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Robert Brownlow was churched with all the expedition possible, in + order that she might not lose the sight of the funeral procession, which + would be fully visible from the studio in the top of the tower. + </p> + <p> + The excitement was increased by invitations to attend the funeral being + sent to the Colonel and to his two eldest nephews, who were just come home + for the holidays, also to their mother to be present at the subsequent + reading of the will. + </p> + <p> + A carriage was sent for her, and she entered it, not knowing or caring to + find out what she wished, and haunted by the line, “Die and endow a + college or a cat.” + </p> + <p> + Allen met her at the front door, whispering—“Did you see, mother, he + has still got his ears?” And the thought crossed her—“Will those + ears cost us dear?” + </p> + <p> + She was the only woman present in the library—a large room, but with + an atmosphere as if the open air had not been admitted for thirty years, + and with an enormous fire, close to which was the arm-chair whither she + was marshalled, being introduced to the two solicitors, Mr. Rowse and Mr. + Wakefield, who, with Farmer Gould, the agent, Richards, the Colonel, and + the two boys, made up the audience. + </p> + <p> + The lawyers explained that the will had been sent home ten years ago from + Yucatan, and had ever since been in their hands. Search had been made for + a later one, but none had been found, nor did they believe that one could + exist. + </p> + <p> + It was very short. The executors were Charles Rowse and Peter Ball, and + the whole property was devised to them, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert + Brownlow, as trustees for the testator’s great-niece, Mrs. Caroline Otway + Brownlow, daughter of John and Caroline Allen, and wife of Joseph + Brownlow, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.S., the income and use thereof to be enjoyed + by her during her lifetime; and the property, after her death, to be + divided among her children in such proportions as she should direct. + </p> + <p> + That was all; there was no legacy, no further directions. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to congratulate—” began the elder lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “No—no—oh, stay a bit,” cried she, in breathless dismay and + bewilderment. “It can’t be! It can’t mean only me. There must be something + about Elvira de Menella.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear there is not,” said Mr. Rowse; “I could wish my late client had + attended more to the claims of justice, and had divided the property, + which could well have borne it; but unfortunately it is not so.” + </p> + <p> + “It is exactly as he led us to expect,” said Mr. Gould. “We have no right + to complain, and very likely the child will be much happier without it. + You have a fine family growing up to enjoy it, Mrs. Brownlow, and I am + sure no one congratulates you more heartily than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t; it can’t be,” cried the heiress, nearly crying, and wringing the + old farmer’s hand. “He must have meant Elvira. You know he sent for you. + Has everything been hunted over? There must be a later will.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Mrs. Brownlow,” said the solicitor, “you may rest assured that + full search has been made. Mr. Richards had the same impression, and we + have been searching every imaginable receptacle.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” added Colonel Brownlow, “if he had made another will there + would have been witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mr. Richards; “but to make matters certain, I wrote to several + of the servants to ask whether they remembered any attestation, but no one + did; and indeed I doubt whether, after his arrival here, poor Mr. Barnes + ever had sustained power enough to have drawn up and executed a will + without my assistance, or that of any legal gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “It is too hard and unjust,” cried Caroline; “it cannot be. I must halve + it with the child, as if there had been no will at all. Robert! you know + that is what your brother would have done.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be just as well as generous, indeed, if it were practicable,” + said Mr. Rowse; “but unfortunately Colonel Brownlow and myself (for Mr. + Ball is dead) are in trust to prevent any such proceeding. All that is in + your power is to divide the property among your own family by will, in + such proportion as you may think fit.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, my dear sister,” said the Colonel, meeting her despairing + appealing look, “as regards the principal, but the ready money at the bank + and the income are entirely at your own disposal, and you can, without + difficulty, secure a very sufficient compensation to the little girl out + of them.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” said Mr. Rowse. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll let me—you’ll let me, Mr. Gould,” implored Caroline; “you’ll + let me keep her, and do all I can to make up to her. You see the Colonel + thinks it is only justice; don’t you, Robert?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Brownlow is quite right,” said the Colonel, seeing that her + vehemence was a little distrusted; “it will be only an act of justice to + make provision for your granddaughter.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure, Colonel Brownlow, nothing can be handsomer than your conduct + and Mrs. Brownlow’s,” said the old man; “but I should not like to take + advantage of what she is good enough to say on the spur of the moment, + till she has had more time to think it over.” + </p> + <p> + Therewith he took leave, while Caroline exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “I always say there is no truer gentleman in the county than old Mr. + Gould. I shall not be satisfied about that will till I have turned + everything over and the partners have been written to.” + </p> + <p> + Again she was assured that she might set her mind at rest, and then the + lawyers began to read a statement of the property which made Allen utter, + under his breath, an emphatic “I say!” but his mother hardly took it in. + The heated room had affected her from the first, and the bewilderment of + the tidings seemed almost to crush her; her heart and temples throbbed, + her head ached violently, and while the final words respecting + arrangements were passing between the Colonel and the lawyers, she was + conscious only of a sickening sense of oppression, and a fear of + committing the absurdity of fainting. + </p> + <p> + However, at last her brother-in-law put her into the brougham, desiring + the boys to walk home, which they did very willingly, and with a wonderful + air of lordship and possession. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Caroline,” said the Colonel, “I congratulate you on being the + richest proprietor in the county.” + </p> + <p> + “O Robert, don’t! If—if,” said a suffocated voice, so miserable that + he turned and took her hand kindly, saying— + </p> + <p> + “My dear sister, this feeling is very—it becomes you well. This is a + fearful responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + She could not answer. She only leant back in the carriage, with closed + eyes, and moaned— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Joe! Joe!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said his brother, greatly touched, “we want him more than ever.” + </p> + <p> + He did not try to talk any more to her, and when they reached the Pagoda, + all she could do was to hurry up stairs, and, throwing off her bonnet, + bury her face in the pillow. + </p> + <p> + Janet and her aunt both followed, the latter with kind and tender + solicitude; but Caroline could bear nothing, and begged only to be left + alone. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Ellen, it is very kind, but nothing does any good to these + headaches. Please don’t—please leave me alone.” + </p> + <p> + They saw it was the only true kindness, and left her, after all attempts + at bathing her forehead, or giving her sal volatile, proved only to molest + her. She lay on her bed, not able to think, and feeling nothing but the + pain of her headache and a general weight and loneliness. + </p> + <p> + The first break was from Allen, who came in tenderly with a cup of coffee, + saying that they thought her time was come for being ready for it. His + manner always did her good, and she sat up, pushed back her hair, smiled, + took the cup, and thanked him lovingly. + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Robert is waiting to hear if you are better,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” she said; “thank him; I am sorry I was so silly.” + </p> + <p> + “He wants me to dine there to-night, mother, to meet Mr. Rowse and Mr. + Wakefield,” said Allen, with a certain importance suited to a lad of + fifteen, who had just become “somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” she said, in weary acquiescence, as she lay down again, just + enough refreshed by the coffee to become sleepy. + </p> + <p> + “And mother,” said Allen, lingering in the dark, “don’t trouble about + Elfie. I shall marry her as soon as I am of age, and that will make all + straight.” + </p> + <p> + Her stunned sleepiness was scarcely alive to this magnanimous + announcement, and she dreamily said— + </p> + <p> + “Time enough to think of such things.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Allen; “but I thought you ought to know this.” + </p> + <p> + He looked wistfully for another word on this great avowal, but she was + really too much stupefied to enter into the purport of the boy’s words, + and soon after he left her she fell sound asleep. She had a curious dream, + which she remembered long after. She seemed to have identified herself + with King Midas, and to be touching all her children, who turned into + hard, cold, solid golden statues fixed on pedestals in the Belforest + gardens, where she wandered about, vainly calling them. Then her husband’s + voice, sad and reproachful, seemed to say, “Magnum Bonum! Magnum Bonum!” + and she fancied it the elixir which alone could restore them, and would + have climbed a mountain in search of it, as in the Arabian tale; but her + feet were cold, heavy, and immovable, and she found that they too had + become gold, and that the chill was creeping upwards. With a scream of + “Save the children, Joe,” she awoke. + </p> + <p> + No wonder she had dreamt of cold golden limbs, for her feet were really + chilly as ice, and the room as dark as at midnight. However it was not yet + seven o’clock; and presently Janet brought a light, and persuaded her to + come downstairs and warm herself. She was not yet capable of going into + the dining-room to the family tea, but crept down to lie on the sofa in + the drawing-room; and there, after taking the small refreshment which was + all she could yet endure, she lay with closed eyes, while the children + came in from the meal. Armine and Babie were the first. She knew they were + looking at her, but was too weary to exert herself to speak to them. + </p> + <p> + “Asleep,” they whispered. “Poor Mother Carey.” + </p> + <p> + “Armie,” said Babie, “is mother unhappy because she has got rich?” + </p> + <p> + Armine hesitated. His brief experience of school had made him less + unsophisticated, and he seldom talked in his own peculiar fashion even to + his little sister, and she added— + </p> + <p> + “Must people get wicked when they are rich?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother is always good,” said faithful little Armine. + </p> + <p> + “The rich people in the Bible were all bad,” pondered Babie. “There was + Dives, and the man with the barns.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Armine; “but there were good ones too—Abraham and + Solomon.” + </p> + <p> + “Solomon was not always good,” said Babie; “and Uncle Robert told Allen it + was a fearful responsibility. What is a responsibility, Armie? I am sure + Ali didn’t like it.” + </p> + <p> + “Something to answer for!” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “To who?” asked the little girl. + </p> + <p> + “To God,” said the boy reverently. “It’s like the talent in the parable. + One has got to do something for God with it, and then it won’t turn to + harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the man’s treasure that changed into slate stones when he made a bad + use of it,” said Babie. “Oh! Armie, what shall we do? Shall we give + plum-puddings to the little thin girls down the lane?” + </p> + <p> + “And I should like to give something good to the little grey workhouse + boys,” said Armine. “I should so hate always walking out along a straight + road as they do.” + </p> + <p> + “And oh! Armie, then don’t you think we may get a nice book to write out + Jotapata in?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a real jolly one. For you know, Babie, it will take lots of room, + even if I write my very smallest.” + </p> + <p> + “Please let it be ruled, Armie. And where shall we begin?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! at the beginning, I think, just when Sir Engelbert first heard about + the Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “It will take lots of books then.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, we can buy them all now. And do you know, Bab, I think + Adelmar and Ermelind might find a nice lot of natural petroleum and + frighten Mustafa ever so much with it!” + </p> + <p> + For be it known that Armine and Barbara’s most cherished delight was in + one continued running invention of a defence of Jotapata by a crusading + family, which went on from generation to generation with unabated energy, + though they were very apt to be reduced to two young children who held out + their fortress against frightful odds of Saracens, and sometimes + conquered, sometimes converted their enemies. Nobody but themselves was + fully kept au courant with this wonderful siege, which had hitherto been + recorded in interlined copy-books, or little paper books pasted together, + and very remarkably illustrated. + </p> + <p> + The door began to creak with an elaborate noisiness intended for perfect + silence, and Jock’s voice was heard. + </p> + <p> + “Bother the door! Did it wake mother? No? That’s right;” and he squatted + down between the little ones while Bobus seated himself at the table with + a book. + </p> + <p> + “Well! what colour shall our ponies be?” began Jock, in an attempt at a + whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! shall we have ponies?” cried the little ones. + </p> + <p> + “Zebras if we like,” said Jock. “We’ll have a team.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t,” growled Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Why not? They can be bought!” + </p> + <p> + “Not tamed. They’ve tried it at the Jardin d’Acclimatisation.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was only Frenchmen. A zebra is too jolly to let himself be tamed + by a Frenchman. I’ll break one in myself and go out with the hounds upon + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Jack-ass on striped-ass—or off him,” muttered Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! don’t, Jock,” implored Babie, “you’ll get thrown.” + </p> + <p> + “No such thing. You’ll come to the meet yourself, Babie, on your Arab.” + </p> + <p> + “Not she,” said Bobus, in his teasing voice. “She’ll be governessed up and + kept to lessons all day.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother always teaches us,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “She’ll have no time, she’ll be a great lady, and you’ll have three + governesses—one for French, and one for German, and one for + deportment, to make you turn out your toes, and hold up your head, and + never sit on the rug.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Babie,” said Jock. “We’ll bother them out of their lives if + they do.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll be at school,” said Bobus, “and they’ll all three go out walking + with Babie, and if she goes out of a straight line one will say ‘Fi donc, + Mademoiselle Barbe,’ and the other will say, ‘Schamen sie sich, Fraulein + Barbara,’ and the third will call for the stocks.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Robert,” cried his mother, hearing something like a sob; “how + can you tease her so!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, must I have three governesses?” asked poor little Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “Not one cross one, my sweet, if I can help it!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! mother, if it might be Miss Ogilvie?” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mother, do let it be Miss Ogilvie,” chimed in Armine. “She tells + such jolly stories!” + </p> + <p> + “She ain’t a very nasty one,” quoted Jock from Newman Noggs, and as Janet + appeared he received her with—“Moved by Barbara, seconded by Armine, + that Miss Ogilvie become bear-leader to lick you all into shape.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of it, Janet?” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + “It will not make much difference to me,” said Janet. “I shall depend on + classes and lectures when we go back to London. I should have thought a + German better for the children, but I suppose the chief point is to find + some one who can manage Elfie if we are still to keep her.” + </p> + <p> + “By the bye, where is she, poor little thing?” asked Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Aunt Ellen took her home,” said Janet. “She said she would send her back + at bed-time, but she thought we should be more comfortable alone + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Real kindness,” said Caroline; “but remember, children, all of you, that + Elfie is altogether one of us, on perfectly equal terms, so don’t let any + difference be made now or ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I have a great many more lessons, mother?” asked Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be as silly as Essie, Babie,” said Janet. “She expects us all to + have velvet frocks and gold-fringed sashes, and Jessie’s first thought was + ‘Now, Janet, you’ll have a ladies’ maid.’” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder she rejoiced to be relieved of trying to make you presentable,” + said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we live at Belforest?” asked Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Part of the year,” said Janet, who was in a wonderfully expansive and + genial state; “but we shall get back to London for the season, and know + what it is to enjoy life and rationality again, and then we must all go + abroad. Mother, how soon can we go abroad?” + </p> + <p> + “It won’t make a bit of difference for a year. We shan’t get it for ever + so long,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Fact. I know a man whose uncle left him a hundred pounds last year, and + the lawyers haven’t let him touch a penny of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is not of age,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” said Jock, “we can have our fun at Belforest.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, Jock, only think,” cried Babie, “all the dear tadpoles belong to + mother!” + </p> + <p> + “And all the dragon-flies,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “And all the herons,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “We can open the gates again,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the flowers!” cried Babie in an ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Janet. “I suppose we shall spend the early spring in the + country, but we must have the best part of the season in London now that + we can get out of banishment, and enjoy rational conversation once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Rational fiddlestick,” muttered Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what any girl who wasn’t such a prig as Janet would look for,” + said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course,” said Janet. “I mean to have my balls like other people; + I shall see life thoroughly. That’s just what I value this for.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus made a scoffing noise. + </p> + <p> + “What’s up, Bobus?” asked Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, only you keep up such a row, one can’t read.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure this is better and more wonderful than any book!” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “It makes no odds to me,” returned Bobus, over his book. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! now!” cried Janet, “if it were only the pleasure of being free from + patronage it would be something.” + </p> + <p> + “Gratitude!” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll show my gratitude,” said Janet; “we’ll give all of them at Kencroft + all the fine clothes and jewels and amusements that ever they care for, + more than ever they gave us; only it is we that shall give and they that + will take, don’t you see?” + </p> + <p> + “Sweet charity,” quoth Bobus. + </p> + <p> + Those two were a great contrast; Janet had never been so radiant, feeling + her sentence of banishment revoked, and realising more vividly than anyone + else was doing, the pleasures of wealth. The cloud under which she had + been ever since the coming to the Pagoda seemed to have rolled away, in + the sense of triumph and anticipation; while Bobus seemed to have fallen + into a mood of sarcastic ill-temper. His mother saw, and it added to her + sense of worry, though her bright sweet nature would scarcely have + fathomed the cause, even had she been in a state to think actively rather + than to feel passively. Bobus, only a year younger than Allen, and endowed + with more force and application, if not with more quickness, had always + been on a level with his brother, and felt superior, despising Allen’s + Eton airs and graces, and other characteristics which most people thought + amiable. And now Allen had become son and heir, and was treated by + everyone as the only person of importance. Bobus did not know what his own + claims might be, but at any rate his brother’s would transcend them, and + his temper was thoroughly upset. + </p> + <p> + Poor Caroline! She did not wholly omit to pray “In all time of our + tribulation, in all time of our wealth, deliver us!” but if she had known + all that was in her children’s hearts, her own would have trembled more. + </p> + <p> + And as to Ellen, the utmost she allowed herself to say was, “Well, I hope + she will make a good use of it!” + </p> + <p> + While the Colonel, as trustee and adviser, had really a very considerable + amount of direct importance and enjoyment before him, which might indeed + be—to use his own useful phrase—“a fearful responsibility,” + but was no small boon to a man with too much time on his hands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — POSSESSION. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Vain glorious Elf, said he, dost thou not weete + That money can thy wants at will supply; + Shields, steeds and armes, and all things for thee meet, + It can purvey in twinkling of an eye. + Spenser. +</pre> + <p> + Bobus’s opinion that it would be long before anything came of this + accession of wealth was for a few days verified in the eyes of the + impatient family, for Christmas interfered with some of the necessary + formalities; and their mother, still thinking that another will might be + discovered, declared that they were not to go within the gates of + Belforest till they were summoned. + </p> + <p> + At last, after Colonel Brownlow had spent a day in London, he made his + appearance with a cheque-book in his hand, and the information that he and + his fellow-trustee had so arranged that the heiress could open an account, + and begin to enter on the fruition of the property. There were other + arrangements to be made, those about the out-door servants and keepers + could be settled with Richards, but she ought to remove her two sons from + the foundation of the two colleges, though of course they would continue + there as pupils. + </p> + <p> + “And Robert,” she said, colouring exceedingly, “if you will let me, there + is a thing I wish very much—to send your John to Eton with mine. He + is my godson, you know, and it would be such a pleasure to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Caroline,” said the Colonel, after a moment’s hesitation, + “Johnny is to stand at the Eton election, and I should prefer his owing + his education to his own exertions rather than to any kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I understand that,” said Caroline; “but I do want you to let me + do anything for any of them. I should be so grateful,” she added, + imploringly, with a good deal of agitation; “please—please think of + it, as if your brother were still here. You would never mind how much he + did for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should,” said the Colonel, decidedly, but pausing to collect his + next sentence. “I should not accept from him what might teach my sons + dependence. You see that, Caroline.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she humbly said. “He would be wise about it! I don’t want to be + disagreeable and oppressive, Robert; I will never try to force things on + you; but please let me do all that is possible to you to allow.” + </p> + <p> + There was something touching in her incoherent earnestness, which made the + Colonel smile, yet wink away some moisture from his eyes, as he again + thanked her without either acceptance or refusal. Then he said he was + going to Belforest, and asked whether she would not like to come and look + over the place. He would go back and call for her with the pony carriage. + </p> + <p> + “But would not Ellen like to go?” she said. “I will walk with the boys.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel demurred a little, but knowing that his wife really longed to + go, and could not well be squeezed into the back seat, he gave a sort of + half assent; and as he left the house, Mother Carey gave a summoning cry + to gather her brood, rushed upstairs, put on what Babie called her “most + every dayest old black hat;” and when Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow, with + Jessie behind, drove into the park, it was to see her careering along by + the short cut over the hoar-frosty grass, in the midst of seven boys, + three girls, and two dogs, all in a most frisky mood of exhilaration. + </p> + <p> + Distressed at appearing to drive up like the lady of the house, her Serene + Highness insisted on stopping at the iron gates of the stately approach. + There she alighted, and waited to make the best setting to rights she + could of the heiress’s wind-tossed hat and cloak, and would have put her + into the carriage, but that no power could persuade her to mount that + triumphal car, and all that could be obtained was that she should walk in + the forefront of the procession with the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + There was nobody to receive them but Richards, for the servants had been + paid off, and only a keeper and his wife were living in the kitchen in + charge. There was a fire in the library, where the Colonel had business to + transact with Richards, while the ladies and children proceeded with their + explorations. It was rather awful at first in the twilight gloom of the + great hall, with a painted mythological ceiling, and cold white pavement, + varied by long perspective lines of black lozenges, on which every + footfall echoed. The first door that they opened led into a vast and + dreary dining-room, with a carpet, forming a crimson roll at one end, and + long ranks of faded leathern chairs sitting in each other’s laps. At one + end hung a huge picture by Snyders, of a bear hugging one dog in his + forepaws and tearing open the ribs of another with his hind ones. Opposite + was a wild boar impaling a hound with his tusk, and the other walls were + occupied by Herodias smiling at the contents of her charger, Judith + dropping the gory head into her bag, a brown St. Sebastian writhing among + the arrows; and Juno extracting the painfully flesh and blood eyes of + Argus to set them in her peacock’s tail. + </p> + <p> + “I object to eating my dinner in a butcher’s shop,” observed Allen. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must get them out of this place,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “They are very valuable paintings,” interposed Ellen. “I know they are in + the county history. They were collected by Sir Francis Bradford, from whom + the place was bought, and he was a great connoisseur.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they are just the horrid things great connoisseurs of the last + century liked, by way of giving themselves an appetite,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Are not fine pictures always horrid?” asked Jessie, in all simplicity. + </p> + <p> + The drawing-rooms, a whole suite—antechamber, saloon, music-room, + and card-room, were all swathed up in brown holland, hanging even from the + picture rods along the wall. Even in the days of the most liberal + housekeeper, Ellen had never done more than peep beneath. So she revelled + in investigations of gilding and yellow satin, ormolu and marble, big + mirrors and Sevres clocks, a three-piled carpet, and a dazzling prismatic + chandelier, though all was pervaded with such a chill of unused dampness + and odour of fustiness, that Caroline’s first impression was that it was a + perilous place for one so lately recovered. However, Ellen believed in no + danger till she came on two monstrous stains of damp on the walls, with a + whole crop of curious fungi in one corner, and discovered that all the + holland was flabby, and all the damask clammy! Then she enforced the + instant lighting of fires, and shivered so decidedly, that Caroline and + Jessie begged her to return to the fire in the library, while Jessie went + in search of Rob to drive her home. + </p> + <p> + All the rest of the younger population had deserted the state apartments, + and were to be heard in the distance, clattering along the passages, + banging doors, bawling and shouting to each other, with freaks of such + laughter as had never awakened those echoes during the Barnes’ tenure, but + Jessie returned not; and her aunt, going in quest of her up a broad flight + of shallow stairs, found herself in a grand gallery, with doors leading to + various corridors and stairs. She called, and the tramp of the boots of + youth began to descend on her, with shouts of “All right!” and downstairs + flowed the troop, beginning with Jock, and ending with Armine and Babie, + each with some breathless exclamation, all jumbled together— + </p> + <p> + Jock. “Oh, mother! Stunning! Lots of bats fast asleep.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny. “Rats! rats!” + </p> + <p> + Rob. “A billiard-table.” + </p> + <p> + Joe. “Mother Carey, may Pincher kill your rats?” + </p> + <p> + Armine. “One wants a clue of thread to find one’s way.” + </p> + <p> + Janet. “I’ve counted five-and-thirty bedrooms already, and that’s not + all.” + </p> + <p> + Babie. “And there’s a little copper tea-kettle in each. May my dolls have + one?” + </p> + <p> + Bobus. “There’s nothing else in most of them; and, my eyes! how musty they + smell.” + </p> + <p> + Elvira. “I will have the room with the big red bed, with a gold crown at + the top.” + </p> + <p> + Allen. “Mother, it will be a magnificent place, but it must have a vast + deal done to it.” + </p> + <p> + But Mother Carey was only looking for Jessie. No one had seen her. Janet + suggested that she had taken a rat for a ghost, and they began to look and + call in all quarters, till at last she appeared, looking rather white and + scared at having lost herself, being bewildered by the voices and steps + echoing here, there, and everywhere. The barrenness and uniformity did + make it very easy to get lost, for even while they were talking, Joe was + heard roaring to know where they were, nor would he stand still till they + came up with him, but confused them and himself by running to meet them by + some deluding stair. + </p> + <p> + “We’ve not got a house, but a Cretan labyrinth,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Or the bewitched castle mother told us of,” said Allen, “where everybody + was always running round after everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ve only to have a grain of sense,” said Bobus, who had at last + recovered Joe, and proceeded to give them a lecture on the two main + arteries, and the passages communicating with them, so that they might + always be able to recover their bearings. + </p> + <p> + They were more sober after that. Rob drove his mother home, and the + Colonel made the round to inspect the dilapidations, and estimate what was + wanting. The great house had never been thoroughly furnished since the + Bradfords had sold it, and it was, besides, in manifest need of repair. + Damp corners, and piles of crumbled plaster told their own tale. A builder + must be sent to survey it, and on the most sanguine computation, it could + hardly be made habitable till the end of the autumn. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Caroline must remain a tenant of the Pagoda, though, as she told + the eager Janet, this did not prevent a stay in London for the sake of the + classes and the society, of whom she was always talking, only there must + be time to see their way. + </p> + <p> + The next proposition gave universal satisfaction, Mother Carey would take + her whole brood to London for a day, to make purchases, the three elder + children each with five pounds, the younger with two pounds a-piece. She + actually wanted to take two-thirds of those from Kencroft also, with the + same bounty in their pockets, but to this their parents absolutely refused + consent. To go about London with a train of seven was bad enough; but that + was her own affair, and they could not prevent it; and they absolutely + would not swell the number to thirteen. It would be ridiculous; she would + want an omnibus to go about in. + </p> + <p> + “I did not mean all to go about together. The elder boys will go their own + way.” + </p> + <p> + But, as the Colonel observed, that was all very well for boys, whose home + had always been in London, but she would find his country lads much in her + way. She then reduced her demand by a third, for she really wished for + Johnny; but the Colonel’s principles would not allow him to accept so + great an indulgence for Rob. + </p> + <p> + That unlucky fellow had, of course, failed in his examination, and this + had renewed the Colonel’s resentment at his laziness and shuffling. He + was, however, improved by contact with strangers, looked and behaved less + bearishly, and had acquired a will to do better. Still, it was not + possible to regret his absence, except because it involved that of his + brother; and, with a great effort, and many assurances of her being really + needed, Jessie’s company was secured. + </p> + <p> + Never was the taste of wealth sweeter than in that over-filled railway + carriage, before it was light on the winter morning, with a vista of + endless possibilities contained in those crackling notes and round gold + pieces, Jessie being, of course, as well off as the rest, and feeling the + novelty and wonder even more. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Acton’s house was to be the place of rendezvous, and she would take + charge of the girls for part of the day, the boys wished to shift for + themselves; and Allen and Bobus had friends of their own with whom they + meant to lunch. + </p> + <p> + Clara met her friend with an agitated manner, half-laughing, half-crying, + as she said— + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mother Carey dear, you haven’t quite soared above us yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Petrels never take high flights,” said Carey; “I hope and trust that it + may prove impossible to make a fine lady of me. I am caught late, you + see.” + </p> + <p> + “Your daughters are not. You won’t like to have them making excuses for + mamma’s friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet’s exclusiveness will not be of that sort, and for warm-hearted + little Babie, trust her. Do you know where the Ogilvies can be written to, + Clara? Are they at Rome, or Florence?” + </p> + <p> + “They were to be at Florence by the 14th. Mary has learnt to be such a + traveller, that she always drags her brother abroad for however short a + time St. Kenelm may give her.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I shall catch her in time. We want her for our governess.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, really, Carey, you are a woman for old friends! But do you think you + will get on? You know she won’t spare you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the very reason I want her.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very generous of you! You always were the best little thing in the + world, with a strong turn for being under the lash; so you’re going to + keep the slave in the back of your triumphal chariot, like the Roman + general.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, you’re afraid she will teach me to be too proper behaved for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely so, after her experience of Russian countesses. I don’t know + whether she will let you be mistress of your own house.” + </p> + <p> + “She will make me mistress all the more,” said Caroline; “for she will + make me all the more ‘queen o’er myself.’” + </p> + <p> + Then began the shopping, such shopping extraordinary as none of the family + had ever enjoyed except in dreams; and when it was the object of everybody + to conceal their purchases from everybody else. Caroline contrived to make + time for a quiet luncheon with Dr. and Mrs. Lucas, to which she took her + two youngest boys, since Jock was the godson of the house, and had + moreover been shaken off by his two elder brothers. Happily he was too + good-tempered to grumble at being thrown over, and his mind was in a + beatific state of contemplation of his newly-purchased treasures, a small + pistol, a fifteen-bladed knife, and a box of miscellaneous sweets, + although his mother had so far succumbed to the weakness of her sex as to + prevent the weapon from being accompanied by any ammunition. + </p> + <p> + As to Armine, she wanted to consult Dr. Lucas about the fragile looks and + liability to cold that had alarmed her ever since Rob’s exploit. Besides, + he was so unlike the others! Had she not seen him quietly make his way + into the drawing-room, where Mrs. Lucas kept a box for the Children’s + Hospital, and drop into it two bright florins, one of which she had seen + Babie hand over to him? + </p> + <p> + “I do think it is not canny,” she said, as if it had been one of his + symptoms. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to prescribe for it?” + </p> + <p> + “I did try one prescription for having too big a soul; I turned my poor + little boy loose into school, and there they half killed him for me, and + made the original complaint worse.” + </p> + <p> + “Happily no prescription, ‘neither life, nor death, nor any other + creature,’ can cure that complaint,” said the good old doctor, “though, + alas! it is only too apt to dry up from within.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I can’t help feeling it rather awful to have to do with a being so + spiritual as that, and it appears to me to increase on him, so that he + never seems quite to belong to me. And precocity is a dangerous sign, is + it not?” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said the doctor, smiling; “you are going to be a treasure to the + faculty, and indulge in anxieties and consultations.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Dr. Lucas, you know that we were always anxious about Armine. You + remember his father said he needed more care than the rest.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Lucas allowed that this was true; but he only recommended flannel, + pale ale, moderation in study, and time to recover the effects of the + pump. + </p> + <p> + Both the good old friends were very kind and full of tender + congratulation, mingled with a little anxiety, though they were pleased + with her good taste and simplicity and absence of all elation. But then + she had hardly realised the new position, and seemed to look neither + behind nor before. Her only scheme seemed to be to take a house in London + for a few months, and then perhaps to go abroad, but of this she could not + talk in those old scenes which vividly brought back that castle in the + air, never fulfilled, of a holiday in Switzerland with Joe. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the Lucases, she sent her boys on before her to the nearest + bazaar, and was soon at her old home. Kind Mrs. Drake effaced herself as + much as possible, and let her roam about the house alone, but furniture + had altered every room, so that no responsive chord was touched till she + came to the study, which was little changed. There she shut herself in and + strove to recall the touch of the hand that was gone, the sound of the + voice that was still. She stood, where she had been wont to stand over her + husband, when he had been busy at his table and she had run down with some + inquiry, and with a yearning ache of heart she clasped her hands, and + almost breathed out the words, “O Joe, Joe, dear father! Oh! for one + moment of you to tell me what to do, and how to keep true to the charge + you gave me—your Magnum Bonum!” + </p> + <p> + So absolutely had she asked the question, that she waited, almost + expecting a reply, but there was no voice and none to answer her; and she + was turning away with a sickening sense of mockery at her own folly in + seeking the empty shrine whence the oracle of her life had departed, when + her eye fell on the engraving over the mantel-piece. It was the one thing + for which Mr. Drake had begged as a memorial of Joe Brownlow, and it still + hung in its old place. It was of the Great Physician, consoling and + healing all around—the sick, the captive, the self-tormenting + genius, the fatherless, the widow. + </p> + <p> + Was this the answer? Something darted through her mind like a pang + followed by a strange throb—“Give yourself up to Him. Seek the true + good first. The other may lie on its way.” + </p> + <p> + But it was only a pang. The only too-natural recoil came the next minute. + Was not she as religious as there was any need to be, or at least as she + could be without alienating her children or affecting more than she felt? + Give herself to Him? How? Did that mean a great deal of church-going, + sermon-reading, cottage visiting, prayers, meditations, and avoidance of + pleasure? That would never do; the boys would not bear it, and Janet would + be alienated; besides, it would be hypocrisy in one who could not sit + still and think, or attend to anything lengthy and wearisome. + </p> + <p> + So, as a kind of compromise, she looked at the photograph which hung + below, and to it she almost spoke out her answer. “Yes, I’ll be very good, + and give away lots of things. Mary Ogilvie shall come and keep me in + order, and she won’t let me be naughty, if I ever want to be naughty when + I get away from Ellen. Then Magnum Bonum shall have its turn too. Don’t be + afraid, dearest. If Allen does not take to it now, I am sure Bobus will be + a great chemical discoverer, able to give all his time and spare no + expense, and then we will fit up this dear old house for a hospital for + very poor people. That’s what you would have done if you had been here! + Oh, if this money had only come in time! But here are these horrid tears! + If I once begin crying I shall be good for nothing. If I don’t go at once, + there’s no saying what Jock mayn’t have bought.” + </p> + <p> + She was just in time to find Jock asking the price of all the animals in + the Pantheon Bazaar, and expecting her to supply the cost of a + vicious-looking monkey. The whole flock collected in due time at the + station, and so did their parcels. Allen brought with him his chief + purchase, the most lovely toy-terrier in the world, whom he presented on + the spot to Elvira, and who divided the journey between licking himself + and devouring the fragments of biscuit with which Jock supplied him. Allen + had also bought a beautiful statuette for himself, and a set of studs. + Janet had set herself up with a case of mathematical instruments and + various books; Bobus’s purchases were divers chemical appliances and a + pocket microscope, also what he thrust into Jessie’s lap and she presently + proclaimed to be a lovely little work-case; Jessie herself was hugging a + parcel, which turned out to contain warm pelisses for the two nursery boys + just above the baby. For the adaptation of their seniors’ last year’s + garments had not proved so successful as not to have much grieved the good + girl and her mother. + </p> + <p> + Elvira’s money had all gone into an accordion, and a necklace of large + blue beads. + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you get anything for your grandfather or your cousins?” said + Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted it all,” said Elfie; “and you only gave me two sovereigns, or I + would have had the bracelets too.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Elfie,” cried Babie, “I’ve got something for Mr. Gould and + for Kate and Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, Babie? So have I,” returned Armine; and the two, who had been + wedged into one seat, began a whispering conversation, by which the + listeners might have learnt that there was a friendly rivalry as to which + had made the two pounds provide the largest possible number of presents. + Neither had bought anything for self, for the chest of drawers, bath, and + broom were for Babie’s precious dolls, not for herself. Mother Carey, + uncle and aunt, brothers, sisters, cousins, servants, Mr. Gould, the + gardener’s grandson, the old apple-woman, “the little thin girls,” had all + been provided for at that wonderful German Bazaar, and the only regret was + that gifts for Mr. Ogilvie and Alfred Richards could not be brought within + the powers of even two pounds. What had Mother Carey bought? Ah! Nobody + was to know till Twelfth-day, and then the first tree cut at Belforest + would be a Christmas-tree. Then came a few regrets that everybody had + proclaimed their purchases, and therewith people began to grow weary and + drop asleep. It was by gaslight that they arrived at home and bundled into + the flys that awaited them, and then in the hall at home came Elvira’s cry— + </p> + <p> + “Where’s my doggie, my Chico?” + </p> + <p> + “Here; I took him out,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not Chico; that’s a nasty, horrid, yellow cur. Chico was black. + You naughty boy, Jock, you’ve been and changed my dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Midas changed him to gold?” cried Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Bobus, meaningly. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve done it then, Bobus! You’ve put something to him.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> haven’t,” said Bobus, “but he’s been licking himself all the way + home. Well, we all know green is the sacred colour of the Grand Turk.” + </p> + <p> + “No! You don’t mean it!” said Allen, catching up the dog and holding him + to the lamp, while Janet observed that he was a sort of chameleon, for his + body, which had been black, was now yellow, and his chops which had been + tan, had become black. + </p> + <p> + Elvira began to cry angrily, still uncomprehending, and fancying Bobus and + Jock had played her a trick and changed her dog; Allen abused the horrid + little brute, and the more horrid man who had deceived him; and Armine + began pitying and caressing him, seriously distressed lest the poor little + beast should have poisoned himself. Caroline herself expected to have + heard that he was dead the next morning, and would have felt more + compassion than regret; but, to her surprise and Allen’s chagrin, Chico + made his appearance, very rhubarb-coloured and perfectly well. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Elvira, “I will give Chico to grandpapa, for a nice London + present.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody burst out laughing at this piece of generosity, and though the + young lady never quite understood what amused them, and Allen heartily + wished Chico among the army of dogs at River Hollow, he did somehow or + other remain at the Folly, and, after the fashion of dogs, adopted Jock as + the special object of his devotion. + </p> + <p> + Ellen came in, expecting to regale her eyes with the newest fashions. Or + were they all coming down from the dressmaker? + </p> + <p> + “I had no time to be worried with dressmakers,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you went there while the girls were going about with Mrs. + Acton.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed no. I had just got my new bonnet for the winter.” + </p> + <p> + “But!” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>indeed</i>, I have not inherited any more heads.” + </p> + <p> + Ellen sighed at the impracticability of her sister-in-law and the + blindness of fortune. But nobody could sigh long in the face of that + Twelfth-day Christmas-tree. What need be said of it but that each member + of the house of Brownlow, and each of its dependents, obtained the very + thing that the bright-eyed fairy of the family had guessed would be most + acceptable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — POPINJAY PARLOUR. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Happiest of all, in that her gentle spirit + Commits itself to yours to be directed. + Merchant of Venice. +</pre> + <p> + “It is our melancholy duty to record the demise of James Barnes, Esq., + which took place at his residence at Belforest Park, near Kenminster, on + the 20th of December. The lamented gentleman had long been in failing + health, and an attack of paralysis, which took place on the 19th, + terminated fatally. The vast property which the deceased had accumulated, + chiefly by steamboat and railway speculations in the West Indies, rendered + him one of the richest proprietors in the county. We understand that the + entire fortune is bequeathed solely to his grand-niece, Mrs. Caroline + Otway Brownlow, widow of the late Joseph Brownlow, Esq., and at present + resident in the Pagoda, Kenminster Hill. Her eldest son, Allen Brownlow, + Esq., is being educated at Eton.” + </p> + <p> + That was the paragraph which David Ogilvie placed before the eyes of his + sister in a newspaper lent to him in the train by a courteous + fellow-traveller. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Caroline!” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + They said no more till the next day, when, after the English service at + Florence, they were strolling together towards San Miniato, and feeling + themselves entirely alone. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether this is true,” began Mary at last. + </p> + <p> + “Why not true?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought Mr. Barnes had threatened the boys that they should remember + the Midas escapade.” + </p> + <p> + “It must have been only a threat. It could only lie between her and the + Spanish child; and, if report be true, even the half would be an enormous + fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it be fortune or misfortune, I wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, it puts an end to my chances of being of any service to her. + Be it the half or the whole, she is equally beyond my reach.” + </p> + <p> + “As she was before.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t misinterpret me, Mary. I mean out of reach of helping her in any + way. I was of little use to her before. I could not save little Armine + from those brutal bullies, and never suspected the abuse that engulphed + Bobus. I am not fit for a schoolmaster.” + </p> + <p> + “To tell the truth, I doubt whether you have enough high spirits or + geniality.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the very thing! I can’t get into the boys, or prevent their + thinking me a Don. I had hoped there was improvement, but the revelations + of the half-year have convinced me that I knew just nothing at all about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought what you will do?” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I get home, I shall send in my notice of resignation at + Midsummer. That will see out her last boy, if he stays even so long.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall go for a year to a theological college, and test my fitness to + offer myself for Holy Orders.” + </p> + <p> + A look of satisfaction on his sister’s part made him add, “Perhaps you + were disappointed that I was not ordained on my fellowship seven years + ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I was; but I was in Russia, and I thought you knew best, so I + said nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “You were right. You would only have heard what would have made you + anxious. Not that there was much to alarm you, but it is not good for any + one to be left so entirely without home influences as I was all the time + you spent abroad. I fell among a set of daring talkers, who thought + themselves daring thinkers; and though the foundations were never + disturbed with me, I was not disposed to bind myself more closely to what + might not bear investigation, and I did not like the aspect of clerical + squabbles on minutiae. There was a tide against the life that carried me + along with it, half from sound, half from unsound, motives, and I shrank + from the restraint, outward and inward.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely it was wise, and the best thing in the end. But what has + brought you to it?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not as the resource of a shelved schoolmaster.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; you are not shelved. See how you have improved the school. Look + at the numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “That is no test of my real influence over the boys. I teach them, I keep + them in external order, but I do not get into them. The religious life is + at a low ebb.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder, with that vicar; but you have done your best.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if my attempts are a layman’s best, they always get quenched by the + cold water of the Rigby element. It is hard for boys to feel the reality + of what is treated with such business-like indifference, and set forth so + feebly, not to say absurdly.” + </p> + <p> + “I know. It is a terrible disadvantage.” + </p> + <p> + “Listening to Rigby, has, I must say, done a good deal to bring about my + present intention.” + </p> + <p> + “By force of contradiction.” + </p> + <p> + “If that means of longing to be in his place and put the thing as it ought + to be put.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a contradiction in which I most sincerely rejoice, David,” she + said; “one of the wishes of my heart fulfilled when I had given it up.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know that it will be fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it will, though you are right to take time, in case the decision + should be partly due to disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “If there can be disappointment where hope has never existed. But if a man + finds he can’t have his great good, it may make him look for the greater.” + </p> + <p> + Mary sighed a mute and thankful acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + “The worst of it is about you, Mary. It is throwing you over just as you + were coming to make me a home.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Davie. It is only deferred, and at any rate we can keep + together till Midsummer. Then I can go out again for a year or two, and + perhaps you will settle somewhere where the curate’s sister could get a + daily engagement.” + </p> + <p> + The next day they found the following letter at the post office:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The Folly, Jan. 3rd. +</pre> + <p> + “My Dear Mary,—I suppose you may have attained the blessed realms + that lie beyond the borders of Gossip, and may not have heard the nine + days’ wonder that Belforest had descended on the Folly, and that poor old + Mr. Barnes has left his whole property to me. My dear, it would be + something awful even if he had done his duty and halved it between Elvira + and me, and he has ingeniously tied it up with trustees so as to make + restitution impossible. As it is, my income will be not less than forty + thousand pounds a year, and when divided among the children they will all + be richer than perhaps is good for them. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my dear old dragon, will you come and keep me in order under the + title of governess to Barbara and Elvira? For, of course, the child will + go on living with us, and will have it made up to her as far as possible. + You know that I shall do all manner of foolish things, but I think they + will be rather fewer if you will only come and take me in hand. My + trustees are the Colonel and an old solicitor, and will both look after + the estate; but as for the rest, all that the Colonel can say is, that it + is a frightful responsibility, and her Serene Highness is awe-struck. I + could not have conceived that such a thing could have made so much + difference in so really good a woman. Now I don’t think you will be + subject to gold dust in the eyes, and, I believe, you will still see the + same little wild goose, or stormy petrel, that you used to bully at Bath, + and will be even more willing to perform the process. As I should have + begun by saying, on the very first evening Babie showed her sense by + proposing you as governess, and you were unanimously elected in full and + free parliament. It really was the child’s own thought and proposal, and + what I want is to have those two children made wiser and better than I can + make them, as well as that you should be the dear comrade and friend I + need more than ever. You will see more of your brother than you could + otherwise, for Belforest will be our chief home, and I need not say how + welcome he will always be there. It is not habitable at present, so I mean + to stay on in the Folly till Easter, and then give Janet the London + lectures and classes she has been raving for these two years, and take + Jessie also for music lessons, if she can be spared. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid it is a come down for a finisher like you to condescend to my + little Babie, but she is really worth teaching, and I would say, make your + own terms, but that I am afraid you would not ask enough. Please let it be + one hundred and fifty pounds, there’s a good Mary! I think you would come + if you knew what a relief it would be. Ever since that terrible August, + two years and a half ago, I have felt as if I were drifting in an endless + mist, with all the children depending on me, and nobody to take my hand + and lead me. You are one of the straws I grasp at. Not very complimentary + after all, but when I thought of the strong, warm, guiding hands that are + gone, I could not put it otherwise. Do, Mary, come, I do need you so. + </p> + <p> + “Your affectionate + </p> + <p> + “C. O. BROWNLOW.” + </p> + <p> + “May I see it?” asked David. + </p> + <p> + “If you will; but I don’t think it will do you any good. My poor Carey!” + </p> + <p> + “Few women would have written such a letter in all the first flush of + wealth.” + </p> + <p> + “No; there’s great sweetness and humility and generosity in it, dear + child.” + </p> + <p> + “It changes the face of affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m engaged to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! As if that would stand in the way. Besides, she will be at + Kenminster till Easter. You are not hesitating, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I am, and yet I believe I ought to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not imagining that I—” + </p> + <p> + “I was not thinking of you; but I am not certain that it would not be + better for our old friendship if I did not accept the part poor Carey + proposes to me. I might make myself more disagreeable than could be + endured by forty thousand a year.” + </p> + <p> + “You do yourself and her equal injustice.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall settle nothing till I have seen her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will be fixed,” he said, in a tone of conviction. + </p> + <p> + So she expected, though believing that it would be the ruin of her + pleasant old friendship. Her nineteen years of governess-ship had shown + her more of the shady side of high life than was known to her brother or + her friend. She knew that, whatever the owner may be at the outset, it is + the tendency of wealth and power to lead to arbitrariness and impatience + of contradiction and censure, and to exact approval and adulation. Even if + Caroline Brownlow’s own nature should, at five-and-thirty, be too much + confirmed in sweetness and generosity to succumb to such temptation, her + children would only too probably resent any counter-influence, and set + themselves against their mother’s friend, and guide, under the title of + governess. Moreover, Mary was too clear-sighted not to feel that there was + a lack in the Brownlow household of what alone could give her confidence + in the charming qualities of its mistress. Yet she knew that her brother + would never forgive her for refusing, and that she should hardly forgive + herself for following—not so much her better, as her more prudent, + judgment. For she was infinitely touched and attracted by that warmhearted + letter, and could not bear to meet it with a refusal. She hoped, for a + time at least, to be a comfort, and to make suggestions, with some chance + of being attended to. Such aid seemed due from the old friendship at + whatever peril thereto, and she would leave her final answer till she + should see whether her friend’s letter had been written only on the + impulse of the moment, and half retracted immediately after. + </p> + <p> + The brother and sister crossed the Channel at night, and arrived at + Kenminster at noon, on a miserably wet day. At the station they were met + by Jock and a little yellow dog. His salutation, as he capped his master, + was— + </p> + <p> + “Please, mother sent me up to see if you were come by this train, because + if you’d come to early dinner, she would be glad, because there’s a + builder or somebody coming with Uncle Robert about the repairs afterwards. + Mother sent the carriage because of the rain. I say, isn’t it jolly cats + and dogs?” + </p> + <p> + Mary was an old traveller, who could sleep anywhere, and had made her + toilet on landing, so as to be fresh and ready; but David was yellow and + languid enough to add force to his virtuous resolution to take no + advantage of the invitation, but leave his sister to settle her affairs + her own way, thinking perhaps she might trust his future discretion the + more for his present abstinence, so he went off in the omnibus. Jock, with + the unfailing courtesy of the Brood, handed Miss Ogilvie into a large + closed waggonette, explaining, “We have this for the present, and a couple + of job horses; but Uncle Robert is looking out for some real good ones, + and ponies for all of us. I am going over with him to Woolmarston + to-morrow to try some.” + </p> + <p> + It was said rather magnificently, and Mary answered, “You must be glad to + get back into the Belforest grounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Ain’t we? It was just in time for the skating,” said Jock. “Only the + worst of it is, everybody will come to the lake, and so mother won’t learn + to skate. We thought we had found a jolly little place in the wood, where + we could have had some fun with her, but they found it out, though we + halloed as loud as ever we could to keep them off.” + </p> + <p> + “Can your mother skate?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you see she never had a chance at home. Father was so busy, and we + were so little; but she’d learn. Mother Carey can learn anything, if one + could hinder her Serene Highness from pitching into her. I say, Miss + Ogilvie, you’ll give her leave to skate, won’t you?” he asked in an + insinuating tone. + </p> + <p> + “I give her leave!” + </p> + <p> + “She always says she’ll ask you when we want her to be jolly and not mind + her Serene Highness.” + </p> + <p> + Mary avoided pledging herself, and Jock’s attention was diverted to the + dog, who was rising on his hind legs, vainly trying to look out of the + window; and his history, told with great gusto by Jock, lasted till they + reached home. + </p> + <p> + The drawing-room was full of girls about their lessons as usual—sums, + exercises, music, and grammar all going on at once! but Caroline put an + end to them, and sent the Kencroft party home at once in the carriage. + </p> + <p> + “So you have not dropped the old trade?” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t. Ellen is not strong enough yet to have the children on her + hands all day. I said I’d be responsible for them till Easter, and I dare + say you won’t mind helping me through it as the beginning of everything. + Will you condescend? You know I want to be your pupil too.” + </p> + <p> + “You can be no one’s pupil but your own, my dear! no one’s on earth, I + mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t! I know that, Mary. I’m trying and trying to be their pupil + still. Indeed I am! It makes me patient of Robert, and his fearful + responsibility, and his good little sister, to know that my husband always + thought him right, and meant him to look after me. But as one lives on, + those dear voices seem to get farther and farther away, as if one was + drifting more out of reach in the fog. I do hate myself for it, but I + can’t help it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there not a voice that can never go out of reach, and that brings you + nearer to them?” + </p> + <p> + “You dear old Piety, Prudence, and Charity all in one! That is if you have + the charity to come and infuse a little of your piety and prudence into + me. You know you could always make me mind you, and you’ll make me—what + is it that Mrs. Coffinkey says?—a credit to my position before + you’ve done. I’ve had your room got ready; won’t you come and take off + your things?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, if you don’t object, I had better sleep at the schoolhouse, and + come up here after David’s breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I won’t try to rob him of you more than can be helped. Though + you know he would be welcome here every evening if he liked.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much, I can help him more at home; but I’ll come for the + whole day, for I am sure you must have a great deal on your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! I’ve almost as many classes as pupils, and then there are so many + interruptions. The Colonel is always bringing something to be signed, and + then people will come and offer themselves, though I’m sure I never asked + them. Yesterday there was a stupendous butler and house-steward who could + also act as courier, and would do himself the honour of arranging my + household in a truly ducal style. Just as I got rid of him, came a man + with a future history of the landed gentry in quest of my coat of arms and + genealogy, also three wine merchants, a landscape gardener, and a woman + with a pitcher of goldfish. Emma is so soft she thinks everybody is a + gentleman. I am trying to get the good old man-servant we had in our old + home to come and defend me; not that he is old, for he was a boy whom Joe + trained. Oh Mary, the bewilderment of it!” and she pushed back the little + stray curly rings of hair on her forehead, while a peal at the bell was + heard and a card was brought in. “Oh! Emma! don’t bring me any more! Is it + a gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “Y—es, ma’am. Leastways it is a clergyman.” + </p> + <p> + The clergyman turned out to be a Dissenting minister seeking + subscriptions, and he was sent off with a sovereign. + </p> + <p> + “I know it was very weak,” she said; “but it was the only way to stop his + mouth, and I must have time to talk to you, so don’t begin your mission by + scolding me.” + </p> + <p> + Terms were settled; Mary would remain at the schoolhouse, but daily come + to the Pagoda till the removal to London, when her residence was to begin + in earnest. + </p> + <p> + She took up her line from the first as governess, dropping her friend’s + Christian name, and causing her pupils to address herself as Miss Ogilvie, + a formality which was evidently approved by Mrs. Robert Brownlow, and + likewise by Janet. + </p> + <p> + That young lady was wonderfully improved by prosperity. She had lost her + caustic manner and air of defiance, so that her cleverness and originality + made her amusing instead of disagreeable. She piqued herself on taking her + good fortune sensibly, and, though fully seventeen, professed not to know + or care whether she was out or not, but threw herself into hard study, + with a view to her classes, and gladly availed herself of Miss Ogilvie’s + knowledge of foreign languages. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Coffinkey supposed that she would be presented at court with her dear + mamma; but she laughed at courts and ceremonies, and her mother said that + the first presentation in the family would be of Allen’s wife when he was + a member of parliament. But Janet was no longer at war with Kenminster. + She laughed good-humouredly, and was not always struggling for + self-assertion, since the humiliations of going about as the poor, plain + cousin of the pretty Miss Brownlow were over. Now that she was the rich + Miss Brownlow, she was not likely to feel that she was the plain one. + </p> + <p> + The sense of exile was over when the house in London was taken, and so + Janet could afford to be kind to Kenminster; and she was like the Janet of + old times, without her slough of captious disdain. Even then there was a + sense that the girl was not fathomed; she never seemed to pour out her + inner self, but only to talk from the surface, and certainly not to have + any full confidence with her mother—nay, rather to hold her cheap. + </p> + <p> + Mary Ogilvie detected this disloyal spirit, and was at a loss whether to + ascribe it to modern hatred of control, to the fact that Caroline had been + in her old home more like the favourite child than the mother, or to her + own eager naturalness of demeanour, and total lack of assumption. She was + anything but weak, yet she could not be dignified, and was quite ready to + laugh at herself with her children. Janet could hardly be overawed by a + mother who had been challenged by her own gamekeeper creeping down a + ditch, with the two Johns, to see a wild duck on her nest, and with her + hat half off, and her hair disordered by the bushes. + </p> + <p> + The “Folly” laughed till its sides ached at the adventure, and Caroline + asked Mary if she were not longing to scold her. + </p> + <p> + “No, I think you will soon grow more cautious about getting into + ridiculous positions.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t laughing a wholesome pastime?” + </p> + <p> + “Not when it is at those who ought to be looked up to.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I’m not made to be looked up to. I’m not going to be a hero to my + valet de chambre, or to anybody else, my dear, if that’s what you want of + me!” + </p> + <p> + Mary secretly hoped that a little more dignity would come in the London + life, and was relieved when the time came for the move. The new abode was + a charming house, with the park behind it, and the space between nearly + all glass. Great ferns, tall citrons, fragrant shrubs, brilliant flowers, + grew there; a stone-lined pool, with water-lilies above, gold-fish below, + and a cool, sparkling, babbling fountain in the middle. There was an open + space round it, with low chairs and tables, and the parrot on her perch. + Indeed, Popinjay Parlour was the family title of this delightful abode; + but it might almost as well have been called Mother Carey’s bower. Here, + after an audience with the housekeeper, who was even more overpowering + than her Serene Highness, would Caroline retreat to write notes, keep + accounts, and hear Armine’s lessons, secure before luncheon from all + unnecessary interruption; and here was her special afternoon and evening + court. + </p> + <p> + This first summer she was free to take her own course as to society, for + Janet cared for the Cambridge examination far more than for gaiety, and + thus she had no call, and no heart for “going out,” even if she had as yet + been more known. Some morning calls were exchanged, but she sent refusals + on mourning cards to invitations to evening parties, though she took her + young people to plays, concerts, and operas, and all that was pleasant. + Her young people included Jessie. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow made her a + visit as soon as she was settled, and were so much edified by the absence + of display and extravagance, that they did not scruple to trust their + daughter to her for the long-desired music-lessons. + </p> + <p> + Caroline had indeed made no attempt to win her way into the great world; + but she had brought together as much as possible of the old society of her + former home. On two evenings in the week, the habitues of Joe Brownlow’s + house were secure of finding her either in the drawing-room or + conservatory; beautiful things, and new books and papers on the tables, + good music on the piano, sometimes acted charades, or paper games, + according to the humour or taste of the party. If she had been a beautiful + duchess, Popinjay Parlour would have been a sort of salon bleu; but it was + really a kind of paradise to a good many clever, hardworked men and women. + Those of the upper world, such as Kenminster county folks, old + acquaintances of her husband, or natural adherents of Midas, who found + their way to these receptions, either thought them odd but charming, or + else regretted that Mrs. Brownlow should get such queer people together, + and turn Hyde Corner House into another Folly. + </p> + <p> + Mary Ogilvie enjoyed, but not without misgivings. It was delightful, and + yet, what with Joe Brownlow and his mother had been guarded, might become + less safe with no leader older or of more weight than Carey, who could + easily be carried along by what they would have checked. The older and + more intimate friends always acted as a wholesome restraint; but when they + were not present there was sometimes a tone that jarred on the reverent + ear, or dealt with life and its mysteries in a sneering, mocking style. + This was chiefly among new-comers, introduced by former acquaintances, and + it never went far; but Mary was distressed by seeing Janet’s relish for + such conversation. Nita Ray was the chief female offender in this way, and + this was the more unfortunate as Sunday was her only free day. + </p> + <p> + Those Sundays vexed Mary’s secret soul. No one interfered with her way of + spending them; but that was the very cause of misgiving. Everybody went to + Church in the morning, but just where, and as, they pleased, meeting at + luncheon, with odd anecdotes of their adventures, and criticisms of music + or of sermons. It was an easy-going meal, lasting long, and haunted by + many acquaintances, for whose sake the table was always at its full + length, and spread with varieties of delicacies that would endure waiting. + </p> + <p> + People dropped in, helped themselves, ate and drank, and then adjourned to + Popinjay Parlour, where the afternoon was spent in an easy-going, + loitering way, more like a foreign than an English Sunday. Miss Ogilvie + used to go to the Litany at one of the Churches near; Armine always came + with her, and often brought Babie, and Jessie came too, as soon as that + good girl had swallowed the fact that the Litany could stand alone. + </p> + <p> + Janet was apt to be walking with Nita, or else in some eager and amusing + conversation in the conservatory; and as to Elvira, she was the prettiest, + most amusing plaything that Mrs. Brownlow’s house afforded, a great + favourite, and a continual study to the artist friends. Mary used to find + her chattering, coquetting, and romping on coming in to the afternoon tea, + which she would fain have herself missed; but that her absence gave pain, + and as much offence as one so kind as Mrs. Brownlow could take. + </p> + <p> + Carey argued that most of her guests were people who seldom had leisure to + enjoy rest, conversation, and variety of pretty things, and that it would + be mere Puritan crabbedness to deny them the pleasures of Popinjay Parlour + on the only day they could be happy there. It was not easy to answer the + argument, though the strong feeling remained that it was not keeping + Sunday as the true Lord’s Day. While abstinence from such enjoyments + created mere negative dulness, there must be something wrong. + </p> + <p> + Otherwise, Mary was on the happiest terms, made her own laws and duties, + and was treated like a sister by Caroline, while the children were + heartily fond of her, all except Elvira, who made a fierce struggle + against her authority, and then, finding that it was all in vain, + conformed as far as her innate idleness and excitability permitted. + </p> + <p> + She behaved better to Miss Ogilvie than to Janet, with whom she kept up a + perpetual petty warfare, sometimes, Mary thought, with the pertinacity of + a spiteful elf, making a noise when Janet wanted quiet, losing no + opportunity of upsetting her books or papers, and laughing boisterously at + any little mishap that befell her. The only reason she ever gave when + pushed hard, was that “Janet was so ugly, she could not help it,” a reason + so utterly ridiculous, that there was no going any further. + </p> + <p> + Janet, on the whole, behaved much better under the annoyance than could + have been expected. She entered enough into the state of affairs to see + that the troublesome child could hardly be expelled, and she was too happy + and too much amused to care much about the annoyance. There was + magnanimity enough about her not to mind midge bites, and certainly this + summer was exceptionally delightful with all the pleasures of wealth, and + very few of its drawbacks. + </p> + <p> + By the time the holidays were coming round, Belforest was not half + habitable, and they had to return to the Pagoda. A tenant had been found + for it, and such of the old furniture as was too precious to be parted + with was to be removed to Belforest. Things were sufficiently advanced + there for the rooms to be chosen, and orders given as to the decoration + and furniture, and then, gathering up her sons, Caroline meant to start + for the Rhine, Switzerland, and Italy. Old nurse was settled in a small + pair of rooms, with Emma to wait on her, and promises from Jessie to + attend to her comforts; but the old woman had failed so much in their + absence, and had fretted so much after “Mrs. Joseph” and the children, + that it was hard to leave her again. + </p> + <p> + Everything that good taste and wealth could do to make a place delightful + was at work. The “butcher’s shop” was relegated to a dim corner of the + gallery, and its place supplied from the brushes of the artists whom + Caroline viewed with loving respect; the drawing-room was renovated, a + forlorn old library resuscitated into vigorous life, a museum fitted with + shelves, drawers, and glass cases which Caroline said would be as + dangerous to the vigorous spirit of natural history as new clothes to a + Brownie, and a billiard and gun room were ceded to the representations of + Allen, who comported himself as befitted the son and heir. + </p> + <p> + Caroline would not part with her room-mate, little Barbara, and was to + have for herself a charming bedroom and dressing-room, with a balcony and + parapet overlooking the garden and park, and a tiny room besides, for + Babie to call her own. + </p> + <p> + Janet chose the apartments which had been Mr. Barnes’, and which being in + the oldest part of the house, and wainscoted with dark oak, she could take + possession of at once. There was one room down stairs with very ugly + caryatides, supporting the wooden mantelpiece, and dividing the panels, + one of which had a secret door leading by an odd little stair to the + bedroom above—that in which Mr. Barnes had died. + </p> + <p> + It had of course another door opening into the corridor, and it was on + these rooms that Janet set her affections. To the general surprise, Elvira + declared that this was the very room she had chosen, with the red velvet + curtains and gold crown, the day they went over the house, and that Mother + Carey had promised it to her, and she would have it. + </p> + <p> + No one could remember any such promise, and the curtains of crimson moreen + did not answer Elfie’s description; but she would not be denied, and + actually put all her possessions into the room. + </p> + <p> + Janet, without a word, quietly turned them out into the passage, and Elfie + flew into one of those furious kicking and screaming passions which always + ended in her being sent to bed. Caroline felt quite shaken by it, but + stood firm, though, as she said, it went to her heart to deny the child + who ought to have had equal shares with herself, and she would have been + thankful if Janet would have given way. + </p> + <p> + Of this, however, Janet had no thoughts, strong in the conviction that the + child could not make the same reasonable use of the fittings of the room + as she could herself, and by no means disposed not “to seek her own.” + </p> + <p> + She had numerous papers, notes of lectures, returned essays from her + society, and the like to dispose of, and she rejoiced in placing them in + the compartments of the great bureau, in the lower room. The lawyers had + cleared all before her, and the space was delightful. All personals must + have been carried off by the servants as perquisites, for she found no + traces of the former occupant till she came to a little bed-side table. + The drawer was not locked, but did not open without difficulty, being + choked with notes and letters in envelopes, directed to J. Barnes, + Esquire. This perhaps accounted for the drawer not having been observed + and emptied. Janet shook the contents out into a basket, and was going to + take them to her uncle, but thought it could do no harm first to see + whether there were anything curious or interesting in them. + </p> + <p> + Several were receipted bills; but then she came to her mother’s + handwriting, and read her conciliatory note, which whetted her curiosity; + and looking further she got some amusement out of the polite notes and + offers of service, claims to old family friendship, and congratulations + which had greeted Mr. Barnes, and he had treated with grim disregard. + </p> + <p> + Presently, thrust into an envelope with another letter, and written on a + piece of note-paper, was something that made her start as if at the sting + of a viper. No! it could not be a will! She knew what wills were like. + They were sheets of foolscap, written by lawyers, while this was only an + old man’s cramped and crooked writing. Perhaps, when he was in a rage, he + had so far carried out his threat, that Allen should remember King Midas + as to make a rough draft of a will, leaving everything to Elvira de + Menella, for there at the top was the date, plainly visible, the very + April when the confession had been made. But no doubt he had never carried + out his purpose so far as to get it legally drawn out and attested. As Mr. + Richards had said, he had never been in health to take any active + measures, and probably he had rested satisfied with this relief to his + feelings. + </p> + <p> + Should she show it to her mother and uncle, and let them know their narrow + escape? No. Mother Carey and Allen made quite fuss enough already about + that little vixen, and if they discovered how nearly she had been the sole + heiress, they would be far worse. Besides, her mother might have + misgivings, as to this unhappy document being morally though not legally, + binding. Suppose she were seized with a fit of generosity, and gave all + up! or even half. Elfie, the little shrew, to have equal rights! The + sweets of wealth only just tasted to be resigned, and the child, + overweening enough already, to be set in their newly-gained place! + </p> + <p> + The sagacity of seventeen decided that mother had better not be worried + about it for her own sake, and that of everyone else. So what was to be + done. No means of burning it were at hand, and to ask for them might + excite suspicion. The safest way was to place it in one of the drawers of + the bureau, lock it up, and keep the key. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — AN OFFER FOR MAGNUM BONUM. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + They had gold and gold and gold without end, + Gold to lay by and gold to spend, + Gold to give and gold to lend, + And reversions of gold in futuro. + In gold his family revelled and rolled, + Himself and his wife and his sons so bold, + And his daughters who sang to their harps of gold + O bella eta dell’ oro. +</pre> + <p> + Four years of wealth had not made much external alteration in Mrs. Joseph + Brownlow. As she descended the staircase of her beautiful London house, + one Monday morning, late in April, between flower-stands filled with + lovely ferns and graceful statues, she had still the same eager girlish + look. It was true that her little cap was of the most costly lace, her + hair manipulated by skilful hands, and her thin black summer dress was of + material and make such as a scientific eye alone could have valued in + their simplicity. But dignity still was wanting. Silks and brocades that + would stand alone, and velvets richly piled only crushed and suffocated + the little light swift figure, and the crisp curly hair was so much too + wilful for the maid, that she had been even told that madame’s style would + be to cut it short, and wear it a l’ingenue, which she viewed as + insulting; and altogether her general air was precisely what it had been + when her dress cost a twentieth part of what it did at present. + </p> + <p> + Her face looked no older. It was thin, eager, bright, and sunny, yet with + an indescribable wistfulness in the sparkling eyes, and something worn in + the expression, and, as usual, she moved with a quiet nimbleness peculiar + to herself. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast-table, sparkling with silver and glass, around a magnificent + orchid in the centre, and a rose by every plate, was spread in the + dining-room, sweet sounds and scents coming in through the widely-opened + glass doors of the conservatory, while a bright wood fire, still pleasant + to look at, shone in the grate. + </p> + <p> + As she rang the bell, Bobus came in from the conservatory, book in hand, + to receive the morning kiss, for which he had to bend to his little + mother. He was not tall, but he had attained his full height, and had a + well-knit sturdy figure which, together with his heavy brow and deep-set + eyes, made him appear older than his real age—nineteen. His hair and + upper lip were dark, and his eyes keen with a sense of ready power and + strong will. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Bobus; I didn’t see you all day yesterday,” said his + mother. + </p> + <p> + “No, I couldn’t find you before you went out on Saturday night, to tell + you I was going to run down to Belforest with Bauerson. I wanted to + enlighten his mind as to wild hyacinths. They are in splendid bloom all + over the copses, and I thought he would have gone down on his knees to + them, like Linnaeus to the gorse.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid he didn’t go on his knees to anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is not much in his line.” + </p> + <p> + “Then can he be a nice Sunday companion?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, mother, I expected credit for not scandalising the natives. We got + out at Woodgate, and walked over, quite ‘unknownst,’ to Kenminster.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not thinking of the natives, but of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “As you are a sensible woman, Mother Carey, wasn’t it a more goodly and + edifying thing to put a man like Bauerson in a trance over the bluebells, + than to sit cramped up in foul air listening to the glorification of a + wholesale massacre.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Bobus; you know I never allow you to say such things.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you should not drag me to Church. Was it last Sunday that I was + comparing the Prussians at Bazeille with—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my dear boy, you frighten me; you know it is all explained. Fancy, + if we had to deal with a nation of Thugs, and no means of guarding them—a + different dispensation and all. But here come the children, so hush.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus gave a nod and smile, which his mother understood only too well as + intimating acquiescence with wishes which he deemed feminine and + conventional. + </p> + <p> + “My poor boy,” she said to herself, with vague alarm and terror, “what has + he not picked up? I must read up these things, and be able to talk it over + with him by the time he comes back from Norway.” + </p> + <p> + There, however, came the morning greeting of Elvira and Barbara, girls of + fourteen and eleven, with floating hair and short dresses, the one growing + up into all the splendid beauty of her early promise, the other thin and + brown, but with a speaking face and lovely eyes. They were followed by + Miss Ogilvie, as trim and self-possessed as ever, but with more ease and + expansiveness of manner. + </p> + <p> + “So Babie,” said her brother, “you’ve earned your breakfast; I heard you + hammering away.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a nuthatch,” was the merry answer. + </p> + <p> + “And Elfie?” asked Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so late as Janet,” she answered; and the others laughed at the + self-defence before the attack. + </p> + <p> + “It is a lazy little Elf in town,” said Miss Ogilvie; “in the country she + is up and out at impossible hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Janet,” said Bobus, at that moment, “or rather, ‘Marry come + up, mistress mine, good lack, nothing is lacking to thee save a pointed + hood graceless.’” + </p> + <p> + For Janet was arrayed in a close-fitting pale blue dress, cut in semblance + of an ancient kirtle, and with a huge chatelaine, from which massive + chains dangled, not to say clattered—not merely the ordinary + appendages of a young lady, but a pair of compasses, a safety inkstand, + and a microscope. Her dark hair was strained back from a face not + calculated to bear exposure, and was wound round a silver arrow. + </p> + <p> + Elfie shook with laughter, murmuring— + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear! what a fright!” in accents which Miss Ogilvie tried to hush; + while Babie observed, as a sort of excuse, “Janet always is a figure of + fun when she is picturesque.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, I hope you are not going to show yourself to any one in that + dress,” added her mother. + </p> + <p> + “It is perfectly correct,” said Janet, “studied from an old Italian + costume.” + </p> + <p> + “The Marchioness of Carabbas, in my old fairy-tale book. Oh, yes, I see!” + and Babie went off again in an ecstatic fit of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you’ve got boots and a tail ready for George,” added Bobus. “Being + a tiger already, he may serve as cat.” + </p> + <p> + Therewith the post came in, and broke up the discourse; for Babie had a + letter from Eton, from Armine who was shut up with a sore throat. + </p> + <p> + Her mother was less happy. She had asked a holiday for the next day for + her two Eton boys and their cousin John, and the reply had been that + though for two of the party there could be no objection, her elder boy was + under punishment for one of the wild escapades to which he was too apt to + pervert his excellent abilities. + </p> + <p> + “Are not they coming, mother?” asked Babie. “Armie does not say.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately Jock has got kept in again.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Jock!” said Bobus; “sixpence a day, and no expectations, would have + been better pasture for his brains.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said his mother with a sigh, “I doubt if we are any of us much the + better or the wiser for Belforest.” + </p> + <p> + “The wiser, I’m sure, because we’ve got Miss Ogilvie,” cried Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Do I hear babes uttering the words of wisdom?” asked Allen, coming into + the room, and pretending to pull her hair, as the school-room party rose + from the breakfast-table, and he met them with outstretched hands. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to despise Lag-last,” said Elvira, darting out of his reach, and + tossing her dark locks at him as she hid behind a fern plant in the + window; and there was a laughing scuffle, ended by Miss Ogilvie, who swept + the children away to the school-room, while Allen came to the table, where + his mother had poured out his coffee, and still waited to preside over his + breakfast, though she had long finished her own. + </p> + <p> + Allen Brownlow, at twenty, was emphatically the Eton and Christchurch + production, just well made and good-looking enough to do full justice to + his training and general getting up, without too much individual + personality of his own. He looked only so much of a man as was needful for + looking a perfect gentleman, and his dress and equipments were in the most + perfect quietly exquisite style, as costly as possible, yet with no + display, and nothing to catch the eye. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Bobus,” he said, “you made out your expedition. How did the place + look?” + </p> + <p> + “Wasting its sweetness,” said his mother; “it is tantalising to think of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “It could hardly be said to be wasted,” said Bobus; “the natives were + disporting themselves all over it.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked Allen, with displeased animation. + </p> + <p> + “O, Essie and Ellie were promenading a select party about the gardens. I + could almost hear Mackintyre gnashing his teeth at their inroads on the + forced strawberries, and the park and Elmwood Spinney were dotted so thick + with people, that we had to look sharp not to fall in with any one.” + </p> + <p> + “Elmwood Spinney!” exclaimed Allen; “you don’t mean that they were running + riot over the preserves?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think there were more than half-a-dozen there. Bauerson was quite + edified. He said, ‘So! they had on your English Sunday quite falsely me + informed.’ There were a couple of lovers spooning and some children + gathering flowers, and it had just the Arcadian look dear to the German + eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Children,” cried Allen, as if they were vipers. “That’s just what I told + you, mother. If you will persist in throwing open the park, we shall not + have a pheasant on the place.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, I have seen them running about like chickens in a farmyard.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but what’s the use, if all the little beggars in Kenminster are to + be let in to make them wild! And when you knew I particularly wished to + have something worth asking Prince Siegfried down to.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Allen,” put in Janet; “you can ask him to shoot into the + poultry yard. The poor things are just as thick there, and rather tamer, + so the sport will be the more noble.” + </p> + <p> + “You know nothing about it, Janet,” said Allen, in displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “But Allen,” said his mother, apologetically, though she felt with Janet, + “the woods are locked up.” + </p> + <p> + “Locked! As if that was any use when you let a lot of boys come marauding + all over the place!” + </p> + <p> + “Really, Allen,” said his mother, “when I remember what we used to say + about old Mr. Barnes, I cannot find it in my heart to play the same game!” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite a different thing.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “He did it out of mere surliness.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t suppose it makes much difference to the excluded whether it is + done out of mere surliness, or for the sake of the preserves.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” Allen spoke as if the absurdity of the argument were quite too + much for him; but his brother and sister both laughed, which nettled him + into adding— + </p> + <p> + “Well! All I have to say is, that if Belforest is to be nothing but a + people’s park for all the ragamuffins in Kenminster, there will soon not + be a head of game in the place, and I shall be obliged to shoot + elsewhere!” + </p> + <p> + Poor Caroline! If there was a thing she specially hated, it was a battue, + both for the thing itself, and all the previous preparation of preserving, + and of prosecuting poachers; and yet sons have their mothers so much in + their power by that threat of staying away from home, that she could not + help faltering, “Oh, Allen, I’ll do my best, and tell the keepers to be + very careful, and lock the gates of all the preserves.” + </p> + <p> + Allen saw she was vexed, and spoke more kindly, “There, never mind, + mother. It is more than can be expected that ladies should see things in a + reasonable light.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the reasonable light?” asked Bobus. + </p> + <p> + Allen did not choose to hear, regarding Bobus not indeed as a woman, but + as something as little capable of appreciating his reason. It was Janet + who took up the word. “The reasonable light is that the enjoyment of the + many should be sacrificed to the vanity of the few, viz., that all + Kenminster should be confined to dusty roads all the year round in order + that Allen may bring down the youngest son of the youngest son of a German + prince for one day to fire amongst some hundreds of tame pheasants who + come up expecting to be fed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” said Allen, “we all know that you are a regular out-and-out + democrat, Janet.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess, without being a democrat,” said his mother, “that I do wonder + that you gentlemen, who wish the game laws to continue, should so work + them as to be more aggravating than ever.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a simple question of the rights of property,” said Allen. “If I do + a thing, I like it to be well done, and not half-and-half.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline rose from the table, dreading, like many a mother, a regular + skirmish about game-preserving, between those who cared to shoot, and + those who did not. Like other ladies, she could never understand + exaggerated preserving, nor why men who loved sport should care to have + game multiplied and tamed so as apparently to spoil all the zest of the + chase; but she had let Allen and his uncle do what ever they told her was + right by the preserves, except shutting up the park and all the footpaths. + Colonel Brownlow, whose sporting instincts were those of a former + generation, was quite satisfied; Allen never would be so; and it was one + of the few bones of contention in the family. + </p> + <p> + For Allen was walking through Oxford in a quiet, amiable way, not + troubling himself more about study than to secure himself from an + ignominious pluck, and doing whatever was supposed to be “good form.” + </p> + <p> + His brother accused him of carrying his idolatry of “good form” to a + snobbish extent, but Allen could carry it out so naturally that no one + could have suspected that he had not been to the manner born. If he did + appreciate the society of people with handles to their names, he comported + himself among them as their easy equal; and he was so lavish as to be a + very popular man. He had no vicious tastes or tendencies, and was too + gentlemanly and quiet ever to come into collision with the authorities. At + home, except when his notions of “good form” were at variance with strong + opinions of his mother’s, nothing could be more chivalrously deferential + than his whole demeanour to her; and the worst that could be said of him + was that he managed to waste a large amount of time and money with very + little to show for it. His profession was to be son and heir to a large + fortune, and he took to the show part of the affair very kindly. + </p> + <p> + But was this being the man his father had expected him to be? The thought + would come across Caroline at times, but not very often, as she floated + along easily in the stream of life. Most of the business troubles of her + property were spared her by her trustees, and her income was so large that + even Allen’s expenditure had not yet been felt as an inconvenience. As to + the responsibilities, she contributed largely to county subscriptions, + gave her clergyman whatever he asked, provided Christmas treats and summer + teas for their school-children, and permitted Miss Ogilvie and Babie to do + whatever they pleased among the poor when they were at home. But she was + not very much at Belforest. She generally came there at Midsummer and at + Christmas, and filled the house with friends. All kinds of amusements + astonished the neighbourhood, and parties of the newest kinds, private + theatricals, tableaux, charades, all that taste or ingenuity could devise + were in vogue. + </p> + <p> + But before the spring east winds the party were generally gone to some + more genial climate, and the early autumn was often spent in Switzerland. + Pictures, art, and scenery were growing to be necessaries of life, and to + stay at home with no special diversion in view seemed unthought of. The + season was spent in London, not dropping the artist society on the one + hand, but adding to it the amount of intercourse into which she was drawn + by the fact of her being a rich and charming woman, having a delightful + house, and a son and daughter who might be “grands partis.” Allen liked + high life for her, so she did not refuse it; but probably her social + success was all the greater from her entire indifference, and that of her + daughter, to all the questions of exclusiveness and fashion. If they had + been born duchesses they could not have been less concerned about + obtaining invitations to what their maid called “the first circles,” and + they would sometimes reduce Allen to despair by giving the preference to a + lively literary soiree, when he wanted them to show themselves among the + aristocracy at a drum. + </p> + <p> + Engagements of all kinds grew on them with every season, and in this one + especially, Caroline had grown somewhat weary of the endeavour to satisfy + both him and Janet, and was not sorry that her two eldest sons were + starting on a yacht voyage to Norway, where Allen meant to fish, and Bobus + to study natural history. She had her interview with the housekeeper, and + proceeded to her own place in Popinjay Parlour, a quiet place at this time + of day, save for the tinkling of the fountain and the twitterings of the + many little songsters in the aviary, whom the original parrot used + patronisingly to address as “Pretty little birds.” + </p> + <p> + Janet was wandering about among the flowers, evidently waiting for her, + and began, as she came in— + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to speak to you, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Janet,” said Caroline, reviewing in one moment every unmarried man, + likely or unlikely, who had approached the girl, and with a despairing + conviction that it would be some one very unlikely indeed! + </p> + <p> + “You know I am of age, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. We drank your health last Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “I made up my mind that till I was of age I would go on studying, and at + the same time see something of the world and of society.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Caroline, wondering what her inscrutable daughter was + coming to. + </p> + <p> + “And having done this, I wish to devote myself to the study of medicine.” + </p> + <p> + “Be a lady doctor, Janet!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, you are surely above all the commonplace, old world nonsense!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I am, Janet. I don’t think your father would have wished + it.” + </p> + <p> + “He would have gone on with the spirit of the times, mother; men do, while + women stand still.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think he would in this.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he would, if he knew me, and the issues and stake, and how his + other children are failing him.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet!”—and the colour flushed into her mother’s face—“I + don’t quite know what you mean; but it is time we came to an + understanding.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” returned Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Then you know—” + </p> + <p> + “I heard what papa said to you. I kept the white slate till you thought of + it,” said Janet, in a tone that sounded soft from her. + </p> + <p> + “And why did you never say so, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly tell. I was shy at first; and then reserve grows on a + person; but I never ceased from thinking about it through all these years. + Mother, you do not think there is any chance of the boys taking it up as + my father wished?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not Allen,” said Caroline with a sigh. “And as to Bobus, he + would have full capacity; but a great change must come over him, poor + fellow, before he would fulfil your father’s conditions.” + </p> + <p> + “He has no notion of the drudgery of the medical profession,” said Janet; + “he means to read law, get up social and sanitary questions, and go into + parliament.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said her mother, “I have always lived in hopes that sanitary + theories would give him his father’s heart for the sufferers, and that + search into the secrets of nature would lead him higher; but as long as he + does not turn that way of himself it would be contrary to your father’s + charge to hold this discovery out to him as an inducement.” + </p> + <p> + “And Jock?” said Janet, smiling. “You don’t expect it of the born soldier—nor + of Armine?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure about Armine, though he may not be strong enough to bear + the application.” + </p> + <p> + “Armine will walk through life like Allen,” scornfully said Janet; + “besides he is but fourteen. Now, mother, why should not I be worthy?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Janet, it is not a question of worthiness; it is not a thing a + woman could work out.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not ask you to give it to me now, nor even to promise it to me,” + said Janet, with a light in those dark wells, her eyes; “but only to let + me have the hope, that when in three years’ time I am qualified, and have + passed the examinations, if Bobus does not take it up, you will let me + claim that best inheritance my father left, but which his sons do not + heed.” + </p> + <p> + “My child, you do not know what you ask. Remember, I know more about it + than only what you picked up on that morning. It is a matter he could not + have made sure of without a succession of experiments very hard even for + him, and certainly quite impossible for any woman. The exceeding + difficulty and danger of the proof was one reason of his guarding it so + much, and desiring it should only be told to one good as well as clever—clever + as well as good.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you give me no hint of the kind of thing,” said Janet, wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “That would be a betrayal of his trust.” + </p> + <p> + Janet looked terribly disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said she, “let me put it to you. Is it fair to shut up a + discovery that might benefit so many people.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not his fault, Janet, that it is shut up. He talked of it to + several of the most able men he was connected with, and they thought it a + chimera. He could not carry it on far enough to convince them. I do not + know what he would have done if his illness had been longer, or he could + have talked it out with any one, but I know the proof could only be made + out by a course of experiments which he could not commit to any one not + highly qualified, or whom he could not entirely trust. It is not a thing + to be set forth broadcast, while it might yet prove a fallacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it to be lost for ever, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall try to find light as to the right thing to be done about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Janet, drawing a long breath, “three years of study must + come, any way, and by that time I may be able to triumph over prejudice.” + </p> + <p> + There was no time to reply, for at that moment the letters of the second + delivery were brought in; and the first that Caroline opened told her that + the cold which Armine had mentioned on Saturday seemed to be developing + into an attack of a rather severe hybrid kind of illness, between measles + and scarlatina, from which many persons had lately been suffering. + </p> + <p> + Armine was never strong, and his illnesses were always a greater anxiety + than those of other people, so that his mother came to the immediate + decision of going to Eton that same afternoon and remaining there, unless + she found that it had been a false alarm. + </p> + <p> + She did not find it so; and as she remained with her boy, Janet’s + conversation with her could not be resumed. There was so much chance of + infection that she could not see any of the family again. Both the Johns + sickened as soon as Armine began to improve, and Miss Ogilvie took the + three girls down to Belforest. After the first few days it was rather a + pleasant nursing. There was never any real alarm; indeed, Armine was the + least ill of the three, and Johnny the most, and each boy was perfectly + delighted to have her to attend to him, her nephew almost touchingly + grateful. The only other victim was Jock’s most intimate friend, Cecil + Evelyn, whose fag Armine was. He became a sharer of her attentions and the + amusements she provided. She received letters of grateful thanks from his + mother, who was, like herself, a widow, but was prevented from coming to + him by close attendance on her mother-in-law, who was in a lingering state + of decay when every day might be the last. + </p> + <p> + The eldest son, Lord Fordham, was so delicate that he was on no account to + be exposed to the infection, and the boys were exceedingly anxious that + Cecil should join them in the expedition that their mother projected + making with them, to air them in Switzerland before returning to the rest + of the family. But Mrs. Evelyn (her husband had not lived to come to the + title) declined this. Fordham was in the country with his tutor, and she + wished Cecil to come and spend his quarantine with her in London before + joining him. The boys grumbled very much, but Caroline could hardly wonder + when she talked with their tutor. + </p> + <p> + He, like every one else, liked, and even loved personally that perplexing + subject, John Lucas Brownlow, alias Jock. The boy was too generous, + honourable, truthful, and kindly to be exposed to the stigma of removal; + but he was the perplexity of everybody. He could not be convinced of any + necessity for application, and considered a flogging as a slight risk + quite worth encountering for the sake of diversion. He would execute the + most audacious pranks, and if he was caught, would take it as a trial of + skill between the masters and himself, and accept punishment as amends, + with the most good humoured grace in the world. Fun seemed to be his only + moving spring, and he led everybody along with him, so as to be a much + more mischievous person than many a worse lad. + </p> + <p> + The only exceptions in the house to his influence seemed to be his brother + and cousin. Both were far above the average boy. Armine, for talent, John + Friar Brownlow at once for industry and steadiness. They had stood out + resolutely against more than one of his pranks, and had been the only boys + in the house not present on the occasion of his last freak—a + champagne supper, when parodies had been sung, caricaturing all the + authorities; and when the company had become uproarious enough to rouse + the whole family, the boys were discovered in the midst of the most + audacious but droll mimicry of the masters. + </p> + <p> + As to work, Jock was developing the utmost faculties for leaving it + undone, trusting to his native facility for putting on the steam at any + crisis; and not believing in the warnings that he would fail in passing + for the army. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done with him? Was he to be taken away and sent to a tutor? + His mother consulted himself as he sat in his arm-chair. + </p> + <p> + “Like Rob!” he said, and made up a face. + </p> + <p> + “Rob is doing very well in the militia.” + </p> + <p> + “No; don’t do that, mother! Never fear, I’ll put on a spurt when the time + comes!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe a spurt will do. Now, seriously, Jock—” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say, seriously, mother: it’s like H.S.H.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps if I had been like her, you would not be vexing me so much now.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, mother, it’s nothing to be vexed about. My tutor needn’t have + bothered you. I’ve done nothing sneaking nor ungentlemanly.” + </p> + <p> + “There is plenty of wrong without that, Jock. While you never heed + anything but fun and amusement I do not see how you are to come to + anything worth having; and you will soon get betrayed into something + unworthy. Don’t let me have to take you away in disgrace, my boy; it would + break my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “You shan’t have to do that, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “But don’t you think it would be wiser to be somewhere with fewer + inducements to idleness?” + </p> + <p> + “Leave Eton? O no, mother! I can’t do that till the last day possible. I + shall be in the eight another year.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not be here another year unless you go on very differently. Your + tutor will not allow it, if I would.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he said so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and the next half is to be the trial.” + </p> + <p> + Jock applied himself to extracting a horsehair from the stuffing of the + elbow of his chair; and there was a look over his face as near sullenness + as ever came to his gay, careless nature. + </p> + <p> + Would he attend? or even could he? + </p> + <p> + When his bills came in Caroline feared, as before, that he was the one of + all her children whom Belforest was most damaging. Allen was expensive, + but in an elegant, exquisite kind of way; but Jock was simply reckless; + and his pleasures were questionable enough to be on the borders of vices, + which might change the frank, sweet, merry face that now looked up to her + into a countenance stained by dissipation and licence! + </p> + <p> + A flash of horror and dismay followed the thought! But what could she do + for him, or for any of her children? Censure only alienated them and made + them worse, and their love for her was at least one blessing. Why had this + gold come to take away the wholesome necessity for industry? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — THE SNOWY WINDING-SHEET. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cold, cold, ‘tis a chilly clime + That the youth in his journey hath reached; + And he is aweary now, + And faint for lack of food. + Cold! cold! there is no sun in heaven. + Southey. +</pre> + <p> + Very merry was the party which arrived at the roughly-built hotel of + Schwarenbach which serves as a half-way house to the Altels. + </p> + <p> + Never had expedition been more enjoyed than that of Mrs. Brownlow and her + three boys. They had taken a week by the sea to recruit their forces, and + then began their journey in earnest, since it was too late for a return to + Eton, although so early in the season that to the Swiss they were like the + first swallows of the spring, and they came in for some of the wondrous + glory of the spring flowers, so often missed by tourists. + </p> + <p> + In her mountain dress, all state and ceremony cast aside, Caroline rode, + walked, and climbed like the jolly Mother Carey she was, to use her son’s + favourite expression, and the boys, full of health and recovery, gambolled + about her, feeling her companionship the very crown of their enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Johnny, to whom all was more absolutely new than to the others, was the + quietest of the three. He was a year older than Lucas, as Jock was now + called to formal outsiders, while Friar John, a reversal of his cousin’s + two Christian names, was a school title that sometimes passed into home + use. Friar John then had reached an age open to the influences of + beautiful and sublime scenery, and when the younger ones only felt the + exhilaration of mountain air, and longings to get as high as possible, his + soul began to expand, and fresh revelations of glory and majesty to take + possession of him. He was a very different person from the rough, awkward + lad of eight years back. He still had the somewhat loutish figure which, + in his mother’s family, was the shell of fine-looking men, and he was shy + and bashful, but Eton polish had taken away the rude gruffness, and made + his manners and bearing gentlemanly. His face was honest and intelligent, + and he had a thoroughly good, conscientious disposition; his character + stood high, and he was the only Brownlow of them all who knew the sweets + of being “sent up for good.” His aunt could almost watch expression + deepening on his open face, and he was enjoying with soul and mind even + more than with body. Having had the illness later and more severely than + the other two, his strength had not so fully returned, and he was often + glad to rest, admire, and study the subject with his aunt, to whose + service he was specially devoted, while the other two climbed and + explored. For even Armine had been invigorated with a sudden overflow of + animal health and energy, which made him far more enterprising and less + contemplative than he had ever been before. + </p> + <p> + They four had walked up the mountain after breakfast from Kandersteg, + bringing their bags for a couple of nights, the boys being anxious to go + up the Altels the next day, as their time was nearly over and they were to + be in school in ten days’ time again. After luncheon and a good rest on + the wooden bench outside the door, they began to stroll towards the + Daubensee, along a path between desolate boulders, without vegetation, + except a small kind of monkshood. + </p> + <p> + “I call this dreary,” said the mother. “We don’t seem to get a bit nearer + the lake. I shall go home and write to Babie.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll come back with you,” said Johnny. “My mother will be looking for a + letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Not giving in already, Johnny,” said Armine. “I can tell you I mean to + get to the lake.” + </p> + <p> + “The Friar is the slave of his note-book,” said Jock. “When are we to have + it—‘Crags and Cousins,’ or ‘From Measles to Mountains’?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to forget everything,” said Johnny, with true Kencroft + doggedness. + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect ever to look at that precious diurnal again?” + </p> + <p> + “He will leave it as an heirloom to his grandchildren!” + </p> + <p> + “And they will say how slow people were in the nineteenth century.” + </p> + <p> + “There will have been a reaction by that time, and they will only wonder + how anybody cared to go up into such dreary places.” + </p> + <p> + “Or perhaps they will have stripped them all, and eaten the glaciers up as + ices and ice-creams!” + </p> + <p> + “I think I’ll set up that as my pet anxiety,” said their mother, laughing; + “just as some people suffer from perplexity as to what is to become of the + world when all the coal is used up! You are not turning on my account, are + you, Johnny? I am quite happy to go back alone.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed. I want to write my letter, and I have had enough,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “Tired!” said Armine. “Poor old monk! Swiss air always makes me feel like + a balloon full of gas. I could go on, up and up, for ever!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, keep to the path, and don’t do anything imprudent,” she said, + turning back, the boys saying, “We’ll only have a look down the pass! + Here, Chico! Chico! Chick! Chick!” + </p> + <p> + Chico, the little dog so disdainfully rejected by Elvira, had attached + himself from the first to Jock. He had been in the London house when they + spent a day there, and in rapture at the meeting had smuggled himself, not + without his master’s connivance, among the rugs and wrappers, and had + already been the cause of numerous scrapes with officials and travellers, + whence sometimes money, sometimes politeness, sometimes audacity, bought + off his friends as best they could. + </p> + <p> + There was a sort of grave fascination in the exceeding sternness of the + scene—the grey heaps of stone, the mountains raising their shining + white summits against the blue, the dark, fathomless, lifeless lake, and + the utter absence of all forms of life. Armine’s spirit fell under the + spell, and he moved dreamily on, hardly attending to Jock, who was running + on with Chico, and alarming him by feints of catching him and throwing him + into the water. + </p> + <p> + They came to the gap where they expected to look over the pass, but it was + blotted out by a mist, not in itself visible though hiding everything, and + they were turning to go home when, in the ravine near at hand, the white + ruggedness of the Wildstrube glacier gleamed on their eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t know it was so near,” said Jock. “Come and have a look at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not on it,” said Armine, who had somewhat more Swiss experience than his + brother. “There’s no going there without a guide.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no reason we should not get on the moraine,” said Jock; and they + presently began to scramble about among the rocks and boulders, trying to + mount some larger one whence they might get a more general view of the + form of the glacier. Chico ran on before them, stimulated by some + reminiscence of the rabbit-holes of Belforest, and they were looking after + him and whistling him back; Armine heard a sudden cry and fall—Jock + had disappeared. “Never mind!” he called up the next instant. “I’m all + right. Only, come down here! I’ve twisted my foot somehow.” + </p> + <p> + Armine scrambled round the rock over which he had fallen, a loose stone + having turned with him. He had pulled himself up, but even with an arm + round Armine’s neck, he could not have walked a step on even ground, far + less on these rough debris, which were painful walking even for the + lightest, most springy tread. + </p> + <p> + “You must get to the inn and bring help,” he said, sinking down with a + sigh. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there’s nothing else to be done,” said Armine, unwillingly. + “You’ll have a terrible time to wait, unless I meet some one first. I’ll + be as quick as I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Not too quick till you get off this place,” said Jock, “or you’ll be down + too, and here, help me off with this boot first.” + </p> + <p> + This was not done quickly or easily. Jock was almost sick with the pain of + the effort, and the bruise looked serious. Armine tried to make him + comfortable, and set out, as he thought, in the right direction, but he + had hardly gone twenty steps before he came to a sudden standstill with an + emphatic “I say!” then came back repeating “I say, Jock, we are close upon + the glacier; I was as near as possible going down into an awful blue + crack!” + </p> + <p> + “That’s why it’s getting so cold,” said Jock. “Here, Chick, come and warm + me. Well, Armie, why ain’t you off?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Armine, with a quiver in his voice, “if I keep down by the + side of the glacier, I suppose I must come to the Daubensee in time.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Have we lost the way?” said Jock, beginning to look alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no doubt of that,” said Armine, “and what’s worse, that fog is + coming up; but I’ve got my little compass here, and if I keep to the + south-west, and down, I must strike the lake somewhere. Goodbye, Jock.” + </p> + <p> + He looked white and braced up for the effort. Jock caught hold of him. + “Don’t leave me, Armie,” he said; “you can’t—you’ll fall into one of + those crevasses.” + </p> + <p> + “You’d better let me go before the fog gets worse,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “I say you can’t; it’s not fit for a little chap like you. If you fell it + would be ever so much worse for us both.” + </p> + <p> + “I know! But it is the less risk,” said Armine, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Armie, I can’t have you go. Mother will send out for us, and + we can make no end of a row together. There’s a much better chance that + way than alone. Don’t go, I say—” + </p> + <p> + “I was only looking out beyond the rock. I don’t think it would be + possible to get on now. I can’t see even the ridge of stones we climbed + over.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it was I,” said Jock, “I’ll be bound I could manage it!” Then + impatiently—“Something must be done, you know, Armie. We can’t stay + here all night.” + </p> + <p> + Yet when Armine went a step or two to see whether there was any + practicability of moving, he instantly called out against his attempting + to go away. He was in a good deal of pain, and high-spirited boy as he + was, was thoroughly unnerved and appalled, and much less able to consider + than the usually quieter and more timid Armine. Suddenly there was a + frightful thunderous roar and crash, and with a cry of “An avalanche,” the + brothers clasped one another fast and shut their eyes, but ere the words + “Have mercy” were uttered all was still again, and they found themselves + alive! + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think it was an avalanche,” said Armine, recovering first. “It + was most likely to be a great mass of ice tumbling off the arch at the + bottom of the glacier. They do make a most awful row. I’ve heard one + before, only not so near. Anyway we can’t be far from the bottom of the + glacier, if I only could crawl there.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no;” cried Jock, holding him tight; “I tell you, you can’t do it.” + </p> + <p> + Jock could not have defined whether he was most actuated by fears for his + brother’s safety or by actual terror at being left alone and helpless. At + any rate Armine much preferred remaining, in all the certain misery and + danger, to losing sight of his brother, with the great probability of only + being further lost himself. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether Chico would find mother,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Jock brightened; Armine found an envelope in his pocket, and scribbled— + </p> + <p> + “On the moraine. Jock’s ankle sprained—Come.” + </p> + <p> + Then Jock produced a bit of string, wherewith it was fastened to the dog’s + collar, and then authoritatively bade Chico go to mother. + </p> + <p> + Alas! cleverness had never been Chico’s strong point, and the present + extremity did not inspire him with sagacity. He knew the way as little as + his masters did, and would only dance about in an unmeaning way, and when + ordered home crouch in abject entreaty. Jock grew impatient and threatened + him, but this only made him creep behind Armine, put his tail between his + legs, hold up his little paw, and look piteously imploring. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no use in the little brute,” sighed Jock at last, but the attempt + had done him good and recalled his nerve and good sense. + </p> + <p> + “We are in for a night of it,” he said, “unless they find us; and how are + they ever to do that in this beastly fog?” + </p> + <p> + “We must halloo,” said Armine, attempting it. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and we don’t know when to begin! We can’t go on all night, you + know,” said Jock; “and if we begin too soon, we may have no voice left + just at the right time.” + </p> + <p> + “It is half-past seven now,” said Armine, looking at his watch. “The food + was to be at seven, so they must have missed us by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “They won’t think anything of it till it gets dark.” + </p> + <p> + “No. Give them till half-past eight. Somewhere about nine or half-past it + may be worth while to yodel.” + </p> + <p> + “And how awfully cold it will be by that time. And my foot is aching like + fun!” + </p> + <p> + Armine offered to rub it, and there was some occupation in this and in + watching the darkening of the evening, which was very gradual in the dense + white fog that shut them in with a damp, cold, moist curtain of + undeveloped snow. + </p> + <p> + The poor lads were thinly clad for a summer walk, Jock had left his plaid + behind him, and they were beginning to feel only too vividly that it was + past supper-time, when they could dimly see that it was past nine, and + began to shout, but they soon found this severe and exhausting. + </p> + <p> + Armine suggested counting ten between each cry, which would husband their + powers and give them time to listen for an answer. Yet even thus there was + an empty, feeble sound about their cries, so that Jock observed— + </p> + <p> + “It’s very odd that when there’s no good in making a row, one can make it + fast enough, and now when it would be of some use, one seems to have no + more voice than a little sick mouse.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so much, I think,” said Armine. “It is hunger partly.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark! That sounded like something.” + </p> + <p> + Invigorated by hope they shouted again, but though several times they did + hear a distant yodel, the hope that it was in answer to themselves soon + faded, as the sound became more distant, and their own exertions ended + soon in an utter breakdown—into a hoarse squeak on Jock’s part and a + weak, hungry cry on Armine’s. Jock’s face was covered with tears, as much + from the strain as from despair. + </p> + <p> + “There!” he sighed, “there’s our last chance gone! We are in for a night + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be a very long night,” Armine said, through chattering teeth. + “It’s only a week to the longest day.” + </p> + <p> + “Much that will matter to us,” said Jock, impatiently. “We shall be frozen + long before morning.” + </p> + <p> + “We must keep ourselves awake.” + </p> + <p> + “You little ass,” said poor Jock, in the petulant inconsistency of his + distress; “it is not come to that yet.” + </p> + <p> + Armine did not answer at once. He was kneeling against the rock, and a + strange thrill came over Jock, forbidding him again to say—“It was + not come to that,” but a shoot of aching pain in his ankle presently drew + forth an exclamation. + </p> + <p> + Armine again offered to rub it for him, and the two arranged themselves + for this purpose, the curtain of damp woolliness seeming to thicken on + them. There was a moon somewhere, and the darkness was not total, but the + dreariness and isolation were the more felt from the absence of all + outlines being manifest. They even lost sight of their own hands if they + stretched out their arms, and their light summer garments were already + saturated with damp and would soon freeze. No part of their bodies was + free from that deadly chill save where they could press against one + another. + </p> + <p> + They were brave boys. Jock had collected himself again, and for some time + they kept up a show of mirth in the shakings and buffetings they bestowed + on one another, but they began to grow too stiff and spent to pursue this + discipline. Armine thought that the night must be nearly over, and Jock + tried to see his watch, but decided that he could not, because he could + not bear to believe how far it was from day. + </p> + <p> + Armine was drowsily rubbing the ankle, mechanically murmuring something to + himself. Jock shook him, saying— + </p> + <p> + “Take care, don’t doze off. What are you mumbling about leisure?” + </p> + <p> + “O tarry thou the Lord’s leisure. Be strong and—Was I saying it + aloud?” he broke off with a start. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; go on.” + </p> + <p> + Armine finished the verse, and Jock commented— + </p> + <p> + “Comfort thine heart. Does the little chap mean it in a fix like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Jock,” said Armine, now fully awake, “I do want to say something.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut on.” + </p> + <p> + “If you get out of this and I don’t—” + </p> + <p> + “Stop that! We’ve got heat enough to last till morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Will they find us then? These fogs last for days and turn to snow.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t croak, I say. I can’t face mother without you.” + </p> + <p> + “She’ll be glad enough to get you. Please listen, Jock, while I’m awake. I + want you to give her and all of them my love, and say I’m sorry for all + the times I’ve vexed them.” + </p> + <p> + “As if you had ever—” + </p> + <p> + “And please Jock, if I was nasty and conceited about the champagne—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, I can’t stand this,” cried Jock, chiefly from force of habit, + for it was a tacit agreement among the elder brothers that Armine must not + be suffered to “be cocky and humbug,” by which they meant no implication + on his sincerity, but that they did not choose to hear remonstrances or + appeals to higher motives, and this had made him very reticent with all + except his sister Barbara and Miss Ogilvie, but he now persisted. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I want you to forgive me, Jock. You don’t know how often I’ve + thought all sorts of horridness about you.” + </p> + <p> + Jock laughed, “Not more than I deserved, I’ll be bound. How can you be so + absurd! If anyone wants forgiveness, it is I. I say, Armie, this is all + nonsense. You don’t really think you are done for, or you would not take + it so coolly.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I know Who can bring us through if He will,” said Armine. + “There’s the Rock. I’ve been asking Him all this time—every moment—only + I get so sleepy.” + </p> + <p> + “If He will; but if He won’t?” + </p> + <p> + “Then there’s Paradise. And Himself and father,” said Armine, still in a + dreamy tone. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; that’s for you! But how about a mad fellow like me? It’s so + sneaking just to take to one’s prayers because one’s in a bad case.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jock! He is always ready to hear! More ready than we to pray!” + </p> + <p> + “Now don’t begin to improve the occasion,” broke out Jock. “By all the + stories that ever were written, I’m the one to come to a bad end, not + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t,” said Armine, with an accent of pain that made Jock cry, hugging + him tighter. “There, never mind, Armie; I’ll let you say all you like. I + don’t know what made me stop you, except that I’m a beast, and always have + been one. I’d give anything not to have gone on playing the fool all my + life, so as to be able to mind this as little as you do.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t seem awake enough to mind anything much,” said the little boy, + “or I should trouble more about Mother and Babie; but somehow I can’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” wailed Jock, “you must! You must get out of it, Armie. Come closer. + Shove in between me and the rock. Here, Chico, lie down on the top of us! + Mother must have you back any way, Armie.” + </p> + <p> + The little fellow was half-dozing, but words of prayer and faith kept + dropping from his tongue. Pain, and a stronger vitality alike, kept Jock + free from the torpor, and he used his utmost efforts to rouse his brother; + but every now and then a horrible conviction of the hopelessness of their + condition came over him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he groaned out, “how is it to be if this is the end of it? What is + to become of a fellow that has been like me?” + </p> + <p> + Armine only spoke one word; the Name that is above every name. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you always cared! But I never cared for anything but fun! Never went + to Communion at Easter. It is too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no!” cried Armine, rousing up, “not too late! Never! You are His! + You belong to Him! He cares for you!” + </p> + <p> + “If He does, it makes it all the worse. I never heeded; I thought it all a + bore. I never let myself think what it all meant. I’ve thrown it all + away.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I wish I wasn’t so stupid,” cried Armine, with a violent effort + against his exhaustion. “Mother loves us, however horrid we are! He is + like that; only let us tell Him all the bad we’ve done, and ask Him to + blot it out. I’ve been trying—trying—only I’m so dull; and let + us give ourselves more and more out and out to Him, whether it is here or + there.” + </p> + <p> + “That I must,” said Jock; “it would be shabby and sneaking not.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jock,” cried Armine, joyfully, “then it will all be right any way;” + and he raised his face and kissed his brother. “You promise, Jock. Please + promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Promise what? That if He will save us out of this, I’ll take a new line, + and be as good as I know how, and—” + </p> + <p> + Armine took the word, whether consciously or not: “And manfully to fight + under His banner, and continue Christ’s faithful soldiers and servants + unto our lives’ end. Amen!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” Jock said, after him. + </p> + <p> + After that, Jock found that the child was repeating the Creed, and said it + after him, the meanings thrilling through him as they had never done + before. Next followed lines of “Rock of Ages,” and for some time longer + there was a drowsy murmur of sacred words, but there was no eliciting a + direct reply any more; and with dull consternation, Jock knew that the + fatal torpor could no longer be broken, and was almost irritated that all + the words he caught were such happy, peaceful ones. The very last were, + “Inside angels’ wings, all white down.” + </p> + <p> + The child seemed almost comfortable—certainly not suffering like + himself, bruised and strained, with sharp twinges rending his damaged + foot; his limbs cramped, and sensible of the acute misery of the cold, and + the full horror of their position; but as long as he could shake even an + unconscious murmur from his brother, it seemed like happiness compared + with the utter desolation after the last whisper had died away, and he was + left intolerably alone under the solid impenetrable shroud that enveloped + him, and the senseless form he held on his breast. And if he tried to + follow on by that clue which Armine had left him, whirlwinds of dismay + seemed to sweep away all hope and trust, while he thought of wilfulness, + recklessness, defiance, irreverence, and all the yet darker shades of a + self-indulgent and audacious school-boy life! + </p> + <p> + It was a little lighter, as if dawn might be coming, but the cold was + bitterer, and benumbing more than paining him. His clothes were stiff, his + eyelashes white with frost, he did not feel equal to looking at his watch, + he <i>would</i> not see Armine’s face, he found the fog depositing itself + in snow, but he heeded it no longer. Fear and hope had alike faded out of + his mind, his ankle seemed to belong to some one else far away, he had + left off wishing to see his mother, he wanted nothing but to be let alone! + </p> + <p> + He did not hear when Chico, finding no comfort, no sign of life in his + masters, stood upon them as they lay clasped together in the drift of fine + small snow, and in the climax of misery he lifted up the long and wretched + wailing howlings of utter dog-wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — A RACE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Speed, Melise, speed! such cause of haste + Thine active sinews never braced, + Bend ‘gainst the steepy hill thy breast, + Burst down like torrent from its crest. + Scott. +</pre> + <p> + “Hark!” + </p> + <p> + The guides and the one other traveller, a Mr. Graham, who had been at the + inn, were gathered at the border of the Daubensee, entreating, almost + ready to use force to get the poor mother home before the snow should + efface the tracks, and render the return to Schwarenbach dangerous. + </p> + <p> + Ever since the alarm had been given there had been a going about with + lights, a shouting and seeking, all along the road where she had parted + with her sons. It was impossible in the fog to leave the beaten track, and + the traveller told her that rewards would be but temptations to suicide. + </p> + <p> + Johnny had fortunately been so tired out that he had gone to bed soon + after coming in, and had not been wakened by the alarm till eleven + o’clock. Then, startled by the noises and lights, he had risen and made + his way to his aunt. Substantial help he could not give—even his + German was halting, but he was her stay and help, and she would—as + she knew afterwards—have been infinitely more desolate without him. + And now, when all were persuading her to wait, as they said, till more aid + could be sent for to Kandersteg, he knew as well as she did that it was + but a kindly ruse to cover their despair, and was striving to insist that + another effort in daylight should be made. + </p> + <p> + He it was who uttered the “Hark,” and added, “That is Chico!” + </p> + <p> + At first the tired, despairing guides did not hear, but going along the + road by the lake in the direction from which the sound came, the prolonged + wail became more audible. + </p> + <p> + “It is on the moraine,” the men said, with awe-struck looks at one + another. + </p> + <p> + They would fain not even have taken John with them, but with a resolute + look he uttered “Ich komm.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Graham, an elderly man, not equal to a moraine in the snow, stayed + with the mother. He wanted to take her back to prepare for them, as he + said—in reality to lesson any horrors there might be to see. + </p> + <p> + But she stood like a statue, with clasped hands and white face, the small + feathery snow climbing round her feet and on her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “O God, spare my boys! Though I don’t deserve it—spare them!” had + been her one inarticulate prayer all night. + </p> + <p> + And now—shouts and yodels reach her ears. They are found! But how + found! The cries are soon hushed. There is long waiting—then, + through the snow, John flashes forward and takes her hand. He does not + speak—only as their eyes meet, his pale lips tremble, and he says, + “Don’t fear; they will revive in the inn. Jock is safe, they are sure.” + </p> + <p> + Safe? What? that stiff, white-faced form, carried between two men, with + the arm hanging lifelessly down? One man held the smaller figure of + Armine, and kept his face pressed inwards. Kind words of “Liebe Frau,” and + assurances that were meant to be cheering passed around her, but she heard + them not. Some brandy had, it seemed, been poured into their mouths. They + thought Jock had swallowed, Armine had not. + </p> + <p> + At intervals on the way back a little more was administered, and the + experienced guides had no doubt that life was yet in him. When they + reached the hotel the guides would not take them near the stove, but + carried them up at once by the rough stair to the little wood-partitioned + bedrooms. There were two beds in each room, and their mother would have + had them both together; but the traveller, and the kindly, helpful young + landlady, Fraulein Rosalie, quietly managed otherwise, and when Johnny + tried to enforce his aunt’s orders, Mr. Graham, by a sign, made him + comprehend why they had thus arranged, filling him with blank dismay. + </p> + <p> + A doctor? The guides shook their heads. They could hardly make their way + to Leukerbad while it was snowing as at present, and if they had done so, + no doctor could come back with them. Moreover the restoratives were known + to the mountaineers as well as to the doctors themselves, and these were + vigorously applied. All the resources of the little way-side house were + put in requisition. Mr. Graham and Johnny did their best for Jock, his + mother seemed to see and think of nothing but Armine, who lay senseless + and cold in spite of all their efforts. + </p> + <p> + It was soon that Jock began to moan and turn and struggle painfully back + to life. When he opened his eyes with a dazed half-consciousness, and + something like a word came from between his lips, Mr. Graham sent John to + call the mother, saying very low, “Get her away. She will bear it better + when she sees this one coming round.” + </p> + <p> + John had deep and reverent memories connected with Armine. He knew—as + few did know—how steadfastly that little gentle fellow could hold + the right, and more than once the two had been almost alone against their + world. Besides, he was Mother Carey’s darling! Johnny felt as if his heart + would break, as with trembling lips he tried to speak, as if in glad hope, + as he told his aunt that Jock was speaking and wanted her, while he looked + all the time at the still, white, inanimate face. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him half in distrust. + </p> + <p> + “Yes! Indeed, indeed,” he said, “Jock wants you.” + </p> + <p> + She went; Johnny took her place. The efforts at restoration were + slackening. The attendants were shaking their heads and saying, “der + Arme.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Graham came up to him, saying in his ear, “She is engrossed with the + other. He will not let her go. Let them do what is to be done for this + poor little fellow. So it will be best for her.” + </p> + <p> + There was a frantic longing to do something for Armine, a wild wonder that + the prayers of a whole night had not been more fully answered in John’s + mind, as he threw himself once more over the senseless form, propped with + pillows, and kissed either cheek and the lips. Then suddenly he uttered a + low cry, “He breathed. I’m sure he did; I felt it! The spoon! O quick!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Graham and the Fraulein looked pitifully at one another at the + delusion; but they let the lad have the spoon with the drops of brandy. He + had already gained experience in giving it, and when they looked for + disappointment, his eyes were raised in joy. + </p> + <p> + “It’s gone down,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Graham put his hand on the pulse and nodded. + </p> + <p> + Another drop or two, and renewed rubbing of hands and feet. The icy cold, + the deadly white, were certainly giving way, the lips began to quiver, + contract, and gasp. + </p> + <p> + Was it for death or life? They would not call his mother for that + terrible, doubtful minute; but she could not long stay away. When Jock’s + fingers first relaxed on hers, she crept to the door of the other room, to + see Armine upheld on Johnny’s breast, with heaving chest and working + features, but with eyes opening: yes, and meeting hers. + </p> + <p> + Johnny always held that he never had so glad a moment in all his life as + that when he saw her countenance light up. + </p> + <p> + The first word was “Jock!” + </p> + <p> + Armine’s full perceptions were come back, unlike those of Jock, who was + moaning and wandering in his talk, fancying himself still in the + desolation of the moraine, with Armine dead in his arms, and all the + miseries, bodily, mental and spiritual, from which he had suffered were + evidently still working in his brain, though the words that revealed them + were weak and disjointed. Besides, he screamed and moaned with absolute + and acute pain, which alarmed them much, though Armine was sufficiently + himself to be able to assure them that there had been no hurt beyond the + strain. + </p> + <p> + It was well that Armine was both rational and unselfish, for nothing + seemed to soothe Jock for a moment but his mother’s hand and his mother’s + voice. It was plain that fever and rheumatism had a hold upon him, and + what or who was there to contend with them in this wayside inn? The rooms, + though clean, were bare of all but the merest necessaries, and though the + young hostess was kind and anxious, her maids were the roughest and most + ignorant of girls, and there were no appliances for comfort—nothing + even to drink but milk, bottled lemonade, and a tisane made of yellow + flowers, horrible to the English taste. + </p> + <p> + And Jock, ill as he was, did not fill his mother with such dread for the + future as did Armine, when she found him, quiet indeed, but unable to lie + down, except when supported on John’s breast and in his arms—with a + fearful oppression and pain in his chest, and every token that the lungs + were suffering. He had not let them call her. Jock’s murmurs and cries + were to be heard plainly through the wooden partition, and the little + fellow knew she could not be spared, and only tried to prevent John and + Mr. Graham from alarming her. “She—can’t—do—any—good,” + he gasped out in John’s ear. + </p> + <p> + No, nobody could, without medical skill and appliances. The utmost that + the house could do was to produce enough mustard to make two plasters, and + to fill bottles with hot water, to warm stones, and to wrap them in + blankets. And what was this, in such cold as penetrated the wooden + building, too high up in the mountains for the June sun as yet to have + full power? The snow kept blinding and drifting on, and though everyone + said it could not last long at that time in the summer, it might easily + last too long for Armine’s fragile life. Here was evening drawing on and + no change outside, so that no offer of reward could make it possible for + any messenger to attempt the Gemmi to fetch advice from Leukerbad. + </p> + <p> + Caroline could not think. She was in a dull, dreary state of + consternation, and all she could dwell on was the immediate need of the + moment, soothing Jock’s terrors, and, what was almost worse, his irritable + rejection of the beverages she could offer him, and trying to relieve him + by rubbing and hot applications. If ever she could look into Armine’s + room, she was filled with still greater dismay, even though a sweet, + patient smile always met her, and a resolute endeavour to make the best of + it. + </p> + <p> + “It—does—not—make—much—difference,” gasped + Armine. “One would not like anything.” + </p> + <p> + John came out in a character no one could have expected. He showed himself + a much better nurse, and far more full of resource than the traveller. It + was he who bethought him of keeping a kettle in the room over the + inevitable charcoal, so as slightly to mitigate the chill of the air, or + the fumes of the charcoal, which were equally perilous and distressing to + the labouring lungs. He was tender and handy in lifting, tall and strong, + so as to be efficient in supporting, and then Armine and he understood one + another. They had never been special companions; John had too much of the + Kencroft muscularity about him to accord with a delicate, imaginative + being like Armine, but they respected one another, and made common cause, + and John had more than once been his little cousin’s protector. So when + they were so much alone that all reserves were overcome, Armine had + comfort in his cousin that no one else in the place could have afforded + him. The little boy perfectly knew how ill he was, and as he lay in John’s + arms, breathed out his messages to Babie as well as he could utter them. + </p> + <p> + “And please, you’ll be always mother’s other son,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t I? She’s been the making of me every way,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “If ever—she does want anybody—” said Armine, feeling, but not + uttering, a vague sense of want of trust in others around her. + </p> + <p> + “I will, I will. Why, Armie, I shall never care for any one so much.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right.” + </p> + <p> + And again, after an interval, Armine spoke of Jock, saying, “You’ll help + him, Johnny. You know sometimes he can be put in mind—” + </p> + <p> + John promised again, perhaps less hopefully, but he saw that Armine hoped. + </p> + <p> + “Would you mind reading me a Psalm,” came, after a great struggle for + breath. “It was so nice to know Babie was saying her Psalms at night, and + thinking of us.” + </p> + <p> + So the evening wore away and night came on, and John, after full + six-and-twenty hours’ wakeful exertion and anxiety, began to grow sleepy, + and dozed even as he held his cousin whenever the cough did not shake the + poor little fellow. At last, with Armine’s consent, or rather, at his + entreaty, Mr. Graham, though knowing himself a bad substitute, took him + from the arms of the outwearied lad, who, in five minutes more, was lying, + dressed as he was, in the soundest of dreamless slumbers. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke, the sun was up, an almost midsummer sun, streaming on the + fast-melting snow with a dazzling brilliancy. Armine was panting under the + same deadly oppression on his pillows, and Mother Carey was standing by + him, talking to Mr. Graham about despatching a messenger to Leukerbad in + search of one of the doctors, who were sure to be found at the baths. How + haggard her face looked, and Armine gasped out— + </p> + <p> + “Mother, your hair.” + </p> + <p> + The snow had been there; the crisp black waves on her brow were quite + white. Jock had fallen into a sort of doze from exhaustion, but moaning + all the time. She could call him no better, and Armine’s sunken face told + that he was worse. + </p> + <p> + John went in search of more hot water, and on the way heard voices which + made him call Mr. Graham, who knew more of the vernacular German patois + than himself, to understand it. He thought he had caught something about + English, and a doctor at Kandersteg. It was true. A guide belonging to the + other side of the pass, who had been weather-bound at Kandersteg, had just + come up with tidings that an English party were there, who had meant to + cross the Gemmi but had given it up, finding it too early in the season + for the kranklicher Milord who was accompanied by his doctor. + </p> + <p> + “An English doctor! Oh!” cried John, “there’s some good in that. Some one + must take a note down to him at once.” + </p> + <p> + But after some guttural conversation of which he understood only a word or + two, Mr. Graham said— + </p> + <p> + “They declare it is of no use. The carriage was ordered at nine. It is + past seven now.” + </p> + <p> + “But it need not take two hours to go that distance downhill, the lazy + blackguards!” exclaimed John. + </p> + <p> + “In the present state of the path, they say that it will,” said Mr. + Graham. “In fact, I suspect a little unwillingness to deprive their + countrymen of the job.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go,” said John, “then there will be no loss of time about writing. + You’ll look after Armine, sir, and tell my aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my boy; but you’ll find it a stiffish pull.” + </p> + <p> + “I came in second for the mile race last summer at Eton,” said Johnny. + “I’m not in training now; but if a will can do it—” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are right. If you don’t catch him, we shall hardly have + lost time, for they say we must wait an hour or two for the Gemmi road to + get clear of snow. Stay; don’t go without eating. You won’t keep it up on + an empty stomach. Remember the proverb.” + </p> + <p> + Prayer had been with him all night, and he listened to the remonstrance as + to provender enough to devour a bit of bread, put another into his pocket, + and swallow a long draught of new milk. Mr. Graham further insisted on his + taking a lad to show him the right path through the fir woods; and though + Johnny looked more formed for strength than speed, and was pale-cheeked + and purple-eyed with broken rest, the manner in which he set forth had a + purpose-like air that was satisfactory—not over swift at the outset + over the difficult ground, but with a steadfast resolution, and with a + balance and knowledge of the management of his limbs due to Eton + athletics. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Graham went up to encourage Mrs. Brownlow. She clasped her hands + together with joy and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “That dear, dear boy,” she said, “I shall owe him everything.” + </p> + <p> + Jock had wakened rational, though only to be conscious of severe + suffering. He would hardly believe that Armine was really alive till Mr. + Graham actually carried in the boy, and let them hold each other’s hands + for a moment before placing Armine on the other bed. + </p> + <p> + Indeed it seemed that this might be the poor boys’ last meeting. Armine + could only look at his brother, since the least attempt to speak increased + the agonised struggle for breath, which, doctor or no doctor, gave Mr. + Graham small expectation that he could survive another of these cold + mountain nights. + </p> + <p> + Their mother was so far relieved to have them together that it was easier + to attend to them; and Armine’s patient eyes certainly acted as a gentle + restraint upon Jock’s moans, lamentations, and requisitions for her + services. It was one of those times that she only passed through by her + faculty of attending only to present needs, and the physical strength and + activity that seemed inexhaustible as long as she had anything to do, and + which alone alleviated the despair within her heart. + </p> + <p> + Meantime John found the rock slippery, the path heavy, and his young guide + a drag on him. The path through the fir woods which had been so delightful + two days (could it be only two days?) ago, was now a baffling, wearisome + zigzag; yet when he tried to cut across, regardless of the voice of his + guide, he found he lost time, for he had to clamber, once fell and rolled + some distance, happily with no damage as he found when he picked himself + up, and plodded on again, without even stopping to shake himself. + </p> + <p> + At last came an opening where he could see down into the Kandersteg + valley. There was the hotel in clear sunshine, looking only too like a + house in a German box of toys, and alas! there was also a toy carriage + coming round to the front! + </p> + <p> + Like the little foot-page of old ballads, John “let down his feet and + ran,” ran determinately on, down the now less precipitous slope—ran + till he was beyond the trees, with the summer sun beating down on him, and + in sight of figures coming out from the hotel to the carriage. + </p> + <p> + Johnny scarce ventured to give one sigh. He waved his hat in a desperate + hope of being seen. No, they were in the carriage. The horses were moving! + </p> + <p> + But he remembered a slight steep on the further road where they must go + slower. Moreover, there were a few curves in the horse-road. He set his + teeth with the desperate resolution of a moment, clenched his hands, + intensified his mental cry to Heaven, and with the dogged determination of + Kencroft dashed on, not daring to look at the carriage, intent only on the + way. + </p> + <p> + He was past the inn, but his breath was short and quick; his knees were + failing, an invisible hand seemed to be on his chest making him go slower + and slower; yet still he struggled on, till the mountain tops danced + before his eyes, cascades rushed into his ears, the earth seemed to rise + up and stop him; but through it all he heard a voice say, “Hullo, it’s the + Monk! What is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + Then he knew he was on the ground on his face, with kind but tormenting + hands busy about him, and his heart going so like a sledge hammer, that + the word he would have given his life to utter, would not come out of his + lips, and all he could do was to grasp convulsively at something that he + believed to be a garment of the departing travellers. + </p> + <p> + “Here, the flask! Don’t speak yet,” said a man’s voice, and a choking + stimulant was poured into his mouth. When the choking spasm it cost him + was over, his eyes cleared, and he could at least gasp. Then he saw that + it was his housemate, Evelyn, at whom he was clutching, and who asked + again in amaze— + </p> + <p> + “What is up, old fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, not yet,” said the other voice; “let him alone till he gets his + breath. Don’t hurry, my boy,” he added, “we will wait.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny, however, felt altogether absorbed in getting out one panting + whisper, “A doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, he is,” cried Evelyn. “What’s the matter? Not Brownlow!” + </p> + <p> + “Both—oh,” sobbed John in the agony of contending with the bumping, + fluttering heart which <i>would</i> not let him fetch breath enough to + speak. + </p> + <p> + “You will tell us presently. Don’t be afraid. We will wait,” said the + voice of the man who, as John now felt, was supporting him. “Hush, Cecil, + another minute, and he will be able to tell us.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed the rushing of every pulse was again making it vain for Johnny to + try to utter anything, and he shut his eyes in the realisation that he had + succeeded and found help. If his heart would have not bumped and fluttered + so fearfully, it would have been almost rest, as he was helped up by those + kind, strong arms. It was really for little more than five seconds before + he gathered his powers to say, still between gasps— + </p> + <p> + “Out all night—the moraine—fog—snow—Jock—very + bad—Armine—worse—up there.” + </p> + <p> + “At Schwarenbach?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Oh, come! They are so ill.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure Dr. Medlicott will do all he can for them,” said another voice, + which John saw proceeded from a very tall, slight youth, with a fair, + delicate, girlish face. “Had he not better get into the carriage and + return to the hotel?” + </p> + <p> + “By all means.” + </p> + <p> + And John found himself without much volition lifted and helped into the + carriage, where Cecil Evelyn scrambled up beside him, and put an arm round + him. + </p> + <p> + “Poor old Monk, you are dead beat,” he said, as the carriage turned, the + other two walking beside it. “Did you come that pace all the way down?” + </p> + <p> + “Only after the wood.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ‘twas as plucky a thing as I ever saw. But is Skipjack so bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Dreadful! Light-headed all yesterday—horrid pain! But not so bad as + Armine. If something ain’t done soon—he’ll die.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor little Brownlow! You’ve come to the right shop. Medlicott is first + rate. Did you know it was we?” + </p> + <p> + “No—only—an English doctor,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “Mother sent us abroad with him, because they said Fordham must have Swiss + air; and poor old Granny still goes on in the same state,” said Cecil. “We + got here on Tuesday evening, and saw your names; but then the fog came, + and it snowed all yesterday, and the doctor said it would not do for + Fordham to go so high. And the more I wanted them to come up with you, the + more they would not. Were they out in that snow?” + </p> + <p> + Here came an order from the doctor not to make his friend talk, and Johnny + was glad to obey, and reserve his breath for the explanation. He did not + hear what passed between the other two, as they walked behind the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + “A fine fellow that! Is he Cecil’s friend?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I wish he were. However, it can’t be helped now, in common humanity; + and my mother will understand.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that it was her wish that we should avoid them.” + </p> + <p> + “She thinks the influence has not been good for Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + “That was the reason you gave up the Gemmi so easily.” + </p> + <p> + “It was. But, as I say, it can’t be helped now, and no harm can be done by + going to see whether they are really so ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Brownlow is the name. I wonder if they are any relation to a man I once + knew—a lecturer at one of the hospitals?” + </p> + <p> + “Not likely. These are very rich people, with a great house in Hyde Park + regions, and a place in the country. They are always asking Cecil there; + only my mother does not fancy it. It is not a matter of charity after the + first stress. They can easily have advice from England, or anywhere they + like.” + </p> + <p> + By this time they reached the hotel, and John alighted briskly enough, and + explained the state of affairs in a few words. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy,” said Dr. Medlicott, “I’ll go up at once, as soon as I can + get at our travelling medicine-chest. Luckily we have what is most likely + to be useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Johnny, and therewith he turned dizzy, and reeled + against the wall. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing—nothing,” he said, as the doctor having helped him + into a sitting-room, laid his hand on his pulse. “Don’t delay about me! I + shall be all right in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “They are getting down the boxes. No time is lost,” said the doctor, + quietly. “See whether they can let us have some soup, Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t swallow anything,” said Johnny, imploringly. + </p> + <p> + “Have you had any breakfast this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a bit of bread and a drink of milk. There was not time for more.” + </p> + <p> + “And you had been searching all one night, and nursing the next?” + </p> + <p> + “Most of it,” was the confession. “But I shall be all right—if there + is any pony I could ride upon.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall by-and-by; but first, Reeves,” as a servant with grizzled hair + and moustache brought in a neatly-fitted medicine-chest, “I give this + young gentleman into your care. He is to lie down on my bed for half an + hour, and Mr. Evelyn is not to go near him. Then, if he is awake—” + </p> + <p> + “If—” ejaculated John. + </p> + <p> + “Give him a basin of soup—Liebig, if you can’t get anything here.” + </p> + <p> + “Liebig!” broke out John. “Oh, please take some. There’s nothing up there + but old goat, and nothing to drink but milk and lemonade, like beastly + hair-oil; and Jock hates milk.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear,” said Dr. Medlicott; “Liebig is going, and a packet of tea. + Mrs. Evelyn does not send us out unprovided. If you eat your soup like a + good boy, you may then ride up—not walk—unless you wish to be + on your mother’s hands too.” + </p> + <p> + “She’s my aunt; but it is all the same. Tell her I’m coming.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall go with you, doctor,” said Cecil. “I must know about Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “Much good you’ll do him! But I’d rather leave this fellow in Fordham’s + charge than yours.” + </p> + <p> + So Johnny had no choice but to obey, growling a little that it was all + nonsense, and he should be all right in five minutes, but that expectation + continued, without being realised, for longer than Johnny knew. He awoke + with a start to find the Liebig awaiting him; and Lord Fordham’s eyes + fixed on him, with (though neither understood it) the generous, though + melancholy envy of an invalid youth for a young athlete. + </p> + <p> + “Have I been asleep?” he asked, looking at his watch. “Only ten minutes + since I looked last? Well, now I am all right.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be when you have eaten this,” said Lord Fordham. + </p> + <p> + Johnny obeyed, and ate with relish. + </p> + <p> + “There!” said he; “now I am ready for anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get up yet. I’ll go and order a horse for you.” + </p> + <p> + When Lord Fordham came back from doing so, he found his patient really + fast asleep, and with a little colour coming into the pale cheeks. He + stole back, bade that the pony should wait, went on writing his letter, + and waited till one hour, two, three hours had passed, and at last the + sleeper woke, greatly disgusted, willing to accept the bath which Lord + Fordham advised him to take, and which made him quite himself again. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll let me go now,” he said. “I can walk as well as ever.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be of more use now, if you ride,” said Lord Fordham. “There, I + hear our luncheon coming in. You must eat while the pony is coming round.” + </p> + <p> + “If it won’t lose time—thank you,” said Johnny, recovered enough now + to know how hungry he was, “But I ought not to have stayed away. My aunt + has no one but me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can really help her?” said Lord Fordham, with some experience of + his brother’s uselessness. + </p> + <p> + “Not well, of course,” said Johnny; “but it is better than nobody; and + Armine is so patient and so good, that I’m the more afraid. Is not it a + very bad sign,” he added, confidentially; for he was quite won by the + youth’s kind, considerate way, and evident liking and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” faltered Lord Fordham. “My brother Walter was like that! + Is this the little fellow who is Cecil’s fag?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Jock asked him to take him, because he was sure never to bully him + or lick him when he wouldn’t do things.” + </p> + <p> + This not very lucid description rejoiced Lord Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad of that,” he said. “But I hope the little boy will get over + this. My mother had a very excellent account of Dr. Medlicott’s skill; and + you know an illness from a misadventure is not like anything + constitutional.” + </p> + <p> + “No; but Armine is always delicate, and my aunt has had to take care of + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you live with them?” + </p> + <p> + “O no; I have lots of people at home. I only came with them because I had + had these measles at Eton; and my aunt is—well, the very jolliest + woman that ever was.” + </p> + <p> + Lord Fordham smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed she is. I don’t mean only kind and good-natured. But if you + just knew her! The whole world and everything else have just been + something new and glorious ever since I knew her. I seem to myself to have + lived in a dark hole till she made it all light.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I understand that you would do anything for her.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>That</i> I would, if there was anything I could do,” said Johnny, + hastily finishing his meal. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you’ve done something to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “That—oh, that was nothing. I shouldn’t have made such a fool of + myself if I hadn’t been seedy before. I hear the pony,” he added. “Excuse + me.” And, with a murmured grace, he rose. Then, recollecting himself, “No + end of thanks. I don’t know how to thank you enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t; I’ve done nothing,” said Lord Fordham, wringing his hand. “I only + hope—” + </p> + <p> + The words stuck in his throat, and with a sigh he watched the lad ride + off. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Soldier now and servant true; + Earth behind and heaven in view. + Isaac Williams. +</pre> + <p> + Marmaduke Alwyn Evelyn, Viscount Fordham, was the fourth bearer of that + title within ten years. His father had not lived to wear it, and his two + elder brothers had both died in early youth. His precarious existence + seemed to be only held on a tenure of constant precaution, and if his + mother ventured to hope that it might be otherwise with the two youngest + of the family, it was because they were of a shorter, sturdier, more + compact form and less transparent complexion than their elders, and + altogether seemed of a different constitution. + </p> + <p> + More delicate from the first than the two brothers who had gone before + him, Lord Fordham had never been at school, had studied irregularly, and + had never been from under his mother’s wing till this summer, when she was + detained by the slow decay of his grandmother. Languor and listlessness + had beset the youth, and he had been ordered mountain air, and thus it was + that Mrs. Evelyn had despatched both her sons to Switzerland, under the + attendance of a highly recommended physician, a young man bright and + attractive, who had over-worked himself at an hospital, and needed + thorough relaxation. Rightly considering Lucas Brownlow as the cause of + most of Cecil’s Eton follies, she had given her eldest son a private hint + to elude joining forces with the family, and he was the most docile and + obedient of sons. Yet was it the perversity of human nature that made him + infinitely more animated and interested in John Brownlow’s race and the + distressed travellers on the Schwarenbach than he had been since—no + one could tell when? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was the novelty of being left alone and comparatively + unwatched. Certain it was that he ate enough to rejoice the heart of his + devoted and tyrannical attendant Reeves; and that he walked about in much + anxiety all the afternoon, continually using his telescope to look up the + mountain wherever a bit of the track was visible through the pine woods. + </p> + <p> + In due time Cecil rode back the pony which John had taken up. The alacrity + with which the long lank bending figure stepped to meet him was something + unwonted, but the boy himself was downcast and depressed. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid you’ve nothing good to tell.” + </p> + <p> + Cecil shook his head, and after some more seconds broke out— + </p> + <p> + “It’s awful!” + </p> + <p> + “What is?” + </p> + <p> + “Brownlow’s pain. I never saw anything like it!” + </p> + <p> + “Rheumatism? If that is from the exposure, I hope it will not last long.” + </p> + <p> + “No. They’ve sent for some opiates to Leukerbad, and the doctor says that + is sure to put him to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Medlicott stays there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. He says if little Armine is any way fit, he must move him away + to-morrow at all risks from the night-cold up there, and he wants Reeves + to see about men to carry him, that is if—if to-night does not—” + </p> + <p> + Cecil could not finish. + </p> + <p> + “Then it is as bad as we heard?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite,” said Cecil, “or worse. That dear little chap, just fancy!” and + his eyes filled with tears. “He tried to thank me for having been good to + him—as if I had.” + </p> + <p> + “He was your fag?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Skipjack asked me to choose him because he’s that sort of little + fellow that won’t give into anything that goes against his conscience, and + if one of those fellows had him that say lower boys have no business with + consciences, he might be licked within an inch of his life and he’d never + give in. He did let himself be put under a pump once at some beastly hole + in the country, for not choosing to use bad language, and he has never + been so strong since.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother would be glad that at least you allowed him the use of his + conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad I did now,” said Cecil, with a sigh, “though it was a great + nuisance sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the Monk, as you call him, one of that set?” + </p> + <p> + “Bless you, no, he’s a regular sap, as steady as old time.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if he is the son of the doctor whom Medlicott talks of.” + </p> + <p> + “No; his father is alive. He is a colonel, living near their place. The + other two are the doctor’s sons; their mother came into the property after + his death. Their Maximus was in college at first, and between ourselves, + he was a bit of a snob, who couldn’t bear to recollect it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed. The eldest one, who has left these two years, and is at + Christchurch.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure the one who came down here was a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “So they are, all three of them,” said Cecil, who had never found his + brother so ready to hear anything about his Eton life, since in general + accounts of the world, from which he was debarred, so jarred on his + feelings that he silenced it with apparent indifference, contempt, or + petulance. Now, however, Cecil, with his heart full of the Brownlows, + could not say more of them than Fordham was willing to hear; nay, he even + found an amused listener to some of his good stories of courageous pranks. + </p> + <p> + Fordham was not yet up the next morning when there was a knock at his + door, and the doctor came in, answering his eager question with— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has got through this night, but another up in that place would be + fatal. We must get them down to Leukerbad.” + </p> + <p> + “Over that long precipitous path?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the only chance. I came down to look up bearers, and rig up a + couple of hammocks, as well as to see how you are getting on.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I’m very well,” said Lord Fordham, in a tone that meant it, sitting + up in bed. “We might ride on to Leukerbad with Reeves, and get rooms + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “The best thing you could do,” said Dr. Medlicott, joyfully. “When we are + there we can consider what can be done next; and if you wish to go on, I + could look up some one there in whose charge to leave them till they could + get advice from home; but it is touch and go with that little fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m in no particular hurry,” said Lord Fordham, answering the doctor’s + tone rather than his words. “I would not do anything hasty or that might + add to their distress. Are there likely to be good doctors at this place?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a great watering-place, chiefly for rheumatic complaints, and that + is all very well for the elder boy. As to the little one, he is in as + critical a state as I ever saw, and—His mother is an excellent + linguist, that is one good thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it would be very trying for her to have a foreigner to attend the + boy in such a state, however skilled he might be,” said Lord Fordham. “I + think we might make up our minds to stay with them till they can get some + one from England.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Medlicott caught at the words. + </p> + <p> + “It rests with you,” he said. “Of course I am your property and Mrs. + Evelyn’s, but I should like to tell you why this is more to me than a + matter of common humanity. I went up to study in London, a simple, foolish + lad, bred up by three good old aunts, more ignorant of the world than + their own tabby cat. Of course I instantly fell in with the worst stamp of + fellows, and was in a fair way of being done for, body and soul, if one of + the lecturers, after taking us to task for some heartless, disgusting + piece of levity, seeing perhaps that it was more than half bravado on my + part and nearly made me sick, managed to get me alone. He talked it out + with me, found out the innocent-hearted fool I was, cured me of my false + shame at what the good old souls at home had taught me, showed me what + manhood was, found a good friend and a better lodging for me, in short, + was the saving of me. He died three months after I first knew him, but + whatever is worth having in me is owing to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he the father of these boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I saw a likeness in the nephew who came down yesterday, and I see it + in both the others.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you would wish to do all that is possible for them?” + </p> + <p> + “I should feel it the greatest honour. Still my first duty is to you, and + you have told me that your mother wished you to keep your brother out of + the way of his schoolfellow.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother would not wish to deprive her worst enemy of your care in such + need as this,” said Lord Fordham, smiling. “Besides if this friend of + Cecil’s were ever so bad, he couldn’t do him much harm while he is ill, + poor boy. We will at any rate stay to get them through the next few days, + and then we can judge. I will settle it with my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would say so,” rejoined the doctor. “Thank you. Then it seems + to me that the right course will be to write to Mrs. Evelyn, inclosing a + note to Dr. Lucas—who it seems is Mrs. Brownlow’s chief reliance—asking + him to find someone to send out. She, can send it on to him if she + disapproves of our remaining together longer than is absolutely necessary, + or if Leukerbad disagrees with you. Meantime, I’ll go and see whether + Reeves has found any men to carry the poor boys.” + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately it was too early in the season for the hotels to have + marshalled their full establishment, and such careful and surefooted + bearers as the sufferers needed could not be had in sufficient numbers, so + that Dr. Medlicott was forced to decide on leaving the elder patient for a + night at Schwarenbach. The move might be matter of life or death to + Armine; but Jock was better, the pain could be somewhat allayed by + anodynes, the fever was abating, and he would rather gain than lose by + another day of rest, provided he would only accept his fate patiently, and + also if he could be properly attended to. If Mr. Graham would stay with + him— + </p> + <p> + So breakfast was eaten, bills were paid, horses hired, and the whole + cavalcade started from Kandersteg in time to secure the best part of a + bright hot day for the transit. + </p> + <p> + They met Mr. Graham, who had been glad to escape as soon as Mrs. Brownlow + had found other assistance, so that the doctor was disappointed in his + hope of a guardian for Jock. Lord Fordham offered to lend Reeves, but that + functionary absolutely refused to separate himself from his charge, + observing— + </p> + <p> + “I am responsible for your lordship to your mamma, and it does not lie + within my province to leave you on any account.” + </p> + <p> + Reeves always called Mrs. Evelyn “your mamma” when he wished to be + particularly authoritative with his young gentlemen. If they were + especially troublesome he called her “your ma.” + </p> + <p> + “And after all,” said the doctor, “I don’t know what sort of preparations + the young gentlemen would make if we let them go by themselves. A bare + room, perhaps—with no bed-clothes, and nothing to eat till the table + d’hote” + </p> + <p> + Reeves smiled. He had found the doctor much less of a rival than he had + expected, and he was a kind-hearted man, so long as his young lord was + made the first object; so he declared his willingness to do anything that + lay in his power for the assistance of the poor lady and her sons. He + would gladly sit up with them, if it were in the same house with his + lordship. + </p> + <p> + No one came out to meet the party. John was found with Armine, who had + been taken back at night to his own room; Mrs. Brownlow, as usual, with + Jock, who would endure no presence but hers, and looked exceedingly + injured when, sending Cecil in to sit with him, the doctor called her out + of the room. + </p> + <p> + It was a sore stroke on her to hear that her charges must be separated; + and there was the harrowing question whether she should stay with one or + go with the other. + </p> + <p> + “Please, decide,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I think you should be with the most serious case.” + </p> + <p> + “And that, I fear, means my little Armine. Yes, I will do as you tell me. + But what can be done for Jock?—poor Jock who thinks he needs me + most. And perhaps he does. You know best, though, Dr. Medlicott, and you + shall settle it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a wise nurse,” said he, kindly; “I wish I could take your place + myself, but I must be with the little fellow myself; and I am afraid we + can only leave his brother to your nephew for this one night. Should you + be afraid to be sole nurse?” he added, as Johnny came to Armine’s door. + </p> + <p> + “I think I know what to do, if Jock can stand having me,” said Johnny, + stoutly, as soon as he understood the question. + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” just then shouted Jock, and as Johnny obeyed the call, he began—“I + want my head higher—no—I say not you—Mother Carey!” + </p> + <p> + “She is busy with the doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t she come and do this? No, I say,” and he threw the nearest thing at + hand at him. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said Cecil, “I’m glad you can do such things as that.” + </p> + <p> + But Jock gave a cry of pain, and protested that it was all John’s fault + for making him hurt himself instead of fetching mother. + </p> + <p> + “You had better let me lift you,” said John, “you know she is tired, and I + <i>really</i> am stronger.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you shan’t touch me—a great clumsy lout.” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these amenities, the doctor appeared, and Jock looked + slightly ashamed, especially when the doctor, instead of doing what was + wanted, directed John where to put an arm, and how to give support, while + moving the pillow, adding that he was a handy fellow, more so than many a + pupil after half a year’s training at the hospital, and smiling down + Jock’s growls and groans, which were as much from displeasure as from + pain. They were followed by some despairing sighs at the horrors of the + prospect of being moved. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what will you give me for letting you off?” said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + Jock uttered a sound of relief, then, rather distrustfully, asked—“Why?” + </p> + <p> + “We can only get bearers enough for one; and as it is most important to + move your brother, while you will gain by a night’s rest, he must have the + first turn.” + </p> + <p> + “And welcome,” said Jock; “my mother will stay with me.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the very point,” said Dr. Medlicott. “I want you not only to give + her up, but to do so cheerfully.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure mother wants to stay with me. Armine does not need her half so + much.” + </p> + <p> + “He does not require the same kind of attention; but he is in so critical + a state that I do not think I ought to separate her from him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what is the matter with him?” asked Jock, startled. + </p> + <p> + “Congestion of the right lung,” said the doctor, seeing that he was strong + enough to bear the information, and feeling the need of rousing him from + his monopolising self-absorption. + </p> + <p> + “People get over that, don’t they?” said Jock, with an awestruck + interrogation in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “They <i>do</i>; and I hope much from getting him into a warmer + atmosphere, but the child is so much reduced that the risk is great, and I + should not dare not to have his mother with him.” Then, as Jock was + silent, “I have told you because you can make a great difference to their + comfort by not showing how much it costs you to let her go.” + </p> + <p> + Jock drew the bed clothes over his face, and an odd stifled sound was + heard from under them. He remained thus perdu, while directions were being + given to John for the night, but as the doctor was leaving the room, + emerged and said— + </p> + <p> + “Bring him in before he goes.” + </p> + <p> + In a short time, for it was most important not to lose the fine weather, + the doctor carried Armine in swathed in rugs and blankets, a pale, sunken, + worn face, and great hollow eyes looking out at the top. + </p> + <p> + The mother said something cheerful about a live mummy, but the two poor + boys gazed at one another with sad, earnest, wistful eyes, and wrung one + another’s hands. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t forget,” gasped Armine, labouring for breath. + </p> + <p> + And Jock answered— + </p> + <p> + “All right, Armie; good-bye. I’m coming to morrow,” with a choking, + quivering attempt at bravery. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to-morrow,” said poor Mother Carey, bending over him. “My boy—my + poor good boy, if I could but cut myself in two! I can’t tell you how + thankful I am to you for being so good about it. That dear good Johnny + will do all he can, and it is only till tomorrow. You’ll sleep most of the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, mother,” was again all that Jock could manage to utter, and + the kisses that followed seemed to him the most precious he had known. He + hid his face again, bearing his trouble the better because the lull of + violent pain quelled by opiates, so that his senses were all as in a dream + bound up. When he looked up again at the clink of glass, it was Cecil whom + he saw measuring off his draught. + </p> + <p> + “You!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Medlicott said I might stay till four, and give the Monk a chance of + a sleep. That fellow can always snooze away off hand, and he is as sound + as a top in the next room; but I was to give you this at two.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re sure it’s the right stuff?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so. We’ve practice enough in the family to know how to + measure off a dose by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it you are out here still? This is Thursday, isn’t it? We meant to + have been half way home, to be in time for the matches.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not going back this half, worse luck. They were mortally afraid these + measles would make me get tender in the chest, like all the rest of us, so + I’ve got nothing to do but be dragged about with Fordham after churches + and picture galleries and mountains,” said Cecil, in a tone of infinite + disgust. “I declare it made me half mad to look at the Lake of Lucerne, + and recollect that we might have been in the eight.” + </p> + <p> + “Not this year.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but next.” + </p> + <p> + In this contemplation Cecil was silent, only fondling Chico, until Jock, + instead of falling asleep again, said, “Evelyn, what does your doctor + really think of the little chap?” + </p> + <p> + Cecil screwed up his face as if he had rather not be asked. + </p> + <p> + “Never you think about it,” he said. “Doctors always croak. He’ll be all + right again soon.” + </p> + <p> + “If I was sure,” sighed Jock; “but you know he has always been such a + religious little beggar. It’s a horrid bad sign.” + </p> + <p> + “Like my brother Walter,” said Cecil gravely. “Now, Duke can be ever so + snappish and peevish; I’m not half so much afraid for him.” + </p> + <p> + “You never heard anything like the little fellow that night,” said Jock, + and therewith he gave his friend by far the most connected account of the + adventure that had yet been arrived at. He even spoke of the resolution to + which he had been brought, and in a tone of awe described how he had + pledged himself for the future. + </p> + <p> + “So you see I’m in for it,” he concluded; “I must give up all our jolly + larks.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shan’t get into so many rows with my mother and uncle,” said + Cecil, by no means with the opposition his friend had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + “Then you’ll stand by me?” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Gladly. My mother was at me all last Easter, telling me my goings on were + worse to her than losing George or Walter, and talking about my + Confirmation and all. She only let me be a communicant on Easter Day, + because I did mean to make a fresh start—and I did mean it with all + my heart; only when that supper was talked of, I didn’t like to stick out + against you, Brownlow; I never could, you know, and I didn’t know what it + was coming to.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I,” said Jock; “that’s the worst of it. When a lark begins one + doesn’t know how far one will get carried on. But that night I thought + about the Confirmation, and how I had made the promise without really + thinking about it, and never had been to Holy Communion.” + </p> + <p> + “I meant it all,” said Cecil, “and broke it, so I’m worst.” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said Jock, “if I go back from the promise little Armie made me + make about being Christ’s faithful soldier and servant I could never face + him again—no, nor death either! You can’t think what it was like, + Evelyn, sitting in the dead stillness—except for an awful crack and + rumbling in the ice, and the solid snow fog shutting one in. How ugly, and + brutish, and horrid all those things did look; and how it made me long to + have been like the little fellow in my arms, or even this poor little dog, + who knew no better. Then somehow came now and then a wonderful sense that + God was all round us, and that our Lord had done all that for my + forgiveness, if I only meant to do right in earnest. Oh! how to go on + meaning it!” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the thing,” said Cecil. “I mean it fast enough at home, and when + my mother talks to me and I look at my brothers’ graves, but it all gets + swept away at Eton. It won’t now, though, if you are different, Brownlow. + I never liked any fellow like you I knew you were best, even when you were + worst. So if you go in for doing right, I shan’t care for anyone else—not + even Cressham and Bulford.” + </p> + <p> + “If they choose to make asses of themselves they must,” said Jock. “It + will be a bore, but one mustn’t mind things. I say, Evelyn, suppose we + make that promise of Armine’s over again together now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is only the engagement we made when we were sworn into Christ’s army + at our baptism,” said the much more fully instructed Cecil. “We always + were bound by it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we knew nothing about it then, and we really mean it now,” said + Jock. “If we do it for ourselves together, it will put us on our honour to + each other, and to Christ our Captain, and that’s what we want. Lay hold + of my hand.” + </p> + <p> + The two boys, with clasped hands, and grave, steadfast eyes, with one + voice, repeated together— + </p> + <p> + “We, John Lucas Brownlow and Cecil Fitzroy Evelyn, promise with all our + hearts manfully to fight under Christ’s banner, and continue His faithful + soldiers and servants to our lives’ end. Amen.” + </p> + <p> + Then Cecil touched Lucas’s brow with his lips, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Fellow-soldiers, Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “Brothers in arms,” responded Jock. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those accesses of deep enthusiasm, and even of sentiment, + which modern cynicism and false shame have not entirely driven out of + youth. Their hearts were full; and Jock, the stronger, abler, and more + enterprising had always exercised a fascination over his friend, who was + absolutely enchanted to find him become an ally instead of a tempter, and + to be no longer pulled two opposite ways. + </p> + <p> + “Ought we not to say a prayer to make it really firm? We can’t stand + alone, you know,” he said, diffidently. + </p> + <p> + “If you like; if you know one,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + Cecil knelt down and said the Lord’s Prayer and the collect for the Fourth + Epiphany Sunday. + </p> + <p> + “That’s nice,” was Jock’s comment. “How did you know it?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother made us learn the collects every Sunday, and she wrote that in my + little book. I always begin the half with it, but afterwards I can’t go + on.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it doesn’t do you much good,” was the not unnatural remark. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said Cecil, hesitating; “may be all this—your + getting right, I mean, is the coming round of prayers—my mother’s, I + mean, for if you take this turn, it will be much easier for me! Poor + mother! it’s not for want of her caring and teaching.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother doesn’t bother about it.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish she did,” said Cecil. “If she had gone on like mine, you would + have been ever so much better than I.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I should have been bored and bothered into being regularly + good-for-nothing. You don’t know what she’s really like. She’s nicer than + anyone—as jolly as any fellow, and yet a lady all over.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that,” said Cecil; “she was uncommonly jolly to me at Eton, and I + know my mother and she will get on like a house on fire. We’re too old to + have a scrimmage about them like disgusting little lower boys,” he added, + seeing Jock still bristling in defence of Mother Carey. + </p> + <p> + This produced a smile, and he went on— + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Skipjack, we will be fellow-soldiers every way. My Uncle James + can do anything at the Horse Guards, and he shall have us set down for the + same regiment. I’ll tell him you are my good influence.” + </p> + <p> + “But I’ve been just the other way.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but you will be—a year or two will show it. Which shall it be? + Do you go in for cavalry or infantry? I like cavalry, but he’s all for the + other.” + </p> + <p> + Jock was wearied enough not to have much contribution to make to the + conversation, and he thus left Cecil such a fair field as he seldom + enjoyed for Uncle James’s Indian and Crimean campaigns, and for the + comparative merits of the regiments his nephew had beheld at reviews. + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by a message from the guide that there was a cloud in + the distance, and the young Herr had better set off quickly unless he + wished to be weather-bound. + </p> + <p> + Johnny was on his feet as soon as there was a step on the stairs, and was + congratulated on his ready powers of sleeping. + </p> + <p> + “It’s in the family,” said Jock. “His brother Rob went to sleep in the + middle of the examination for his commission.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I should think he could sleep on the rack,” said Cecil. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure I wish I could,” rejoined Jock. + </p> + <p> + “What a sell for the torturers, to get some chloroform!” said John. And so + Cecil departed amid laughter, which gave John little idea how serious the + talk had been in his absence. + </p> + <p> + The rain came on even more rapidly than the guide had foretold, and it was + a drenched and dripping object that rode into the court of the tall hotel + at Leukerbad, and immediately fell into the hands of Dr. Medlicott and + Reeves, who deposited him ignominiously in bed, in spite of all his + protestations and murmurs. However, he had the comfort of hearing that his + little fag was recovering from the exhaustion of the journey. He had at + first been so faint that the doctor had watched, fearing that he would + never revive again, and he had not yet attempted to speak; but his + breathing was certainly already less laboured, and the choking, struggling + cough less frequent. “He really seems likely to have a little natural + sleep,” was Lord Fordham’s report somewhat later, on coming in to find + Cecil sitting up in bed to discuss a very substantial supper. “I hope that + with Reeves and the doctor to look to him, his mother may get a little + rest to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen her?” + </p> + <p> + “Only for a moment or two, poor thing; but I never did see such eyes or + such a wonderful sad smile as she tried to thank us with. Medlicott is + ready to do anything for her husband’s sake; I am sure anyone would do the + same for hers. To get such a look is something to remember!” + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Duke!” ejaculated Cecil under his breath, for he had never + seen his senior so animated or so enthusiastic. “Then you mean to stay, + and let Medlicott look after them?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” said Fordham, in a much more decided tone than he had + used in the morning. “I’m not going to do anything so barbarous as to + leave them to some German practitioner; and when we are here, I don’t see + why they should have advice out from home—not half so good + probably.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re a brick, Duke,” uttered Cecil; and though Fordham hated slang, he + smiled at the praise. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Duke, be a good fellow, and give me some clothes. That brute + Reeves has not brought me in one rag.” + </p> + <p> + “Really it is hardly worth while. It is nearly eight o’clock, and I don’t + know where your portmanteau was put. Shall I get you a book?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but if you’d get me a pen and ink, I want to write to mother.” + </p> + <p> + Such a desire was not too frequent in Cecil, and Fordham was glad enough + to promote it, bringing in his own neat apparatus, with only a mild + entreaty that his favourite pen might be well treated, and the sheets + respected. He had written his own letter of explanation of his first act + of independence, and he looked with some wonder at his brother’s rapid + writing, not without fear that some sudden pressure for a foolish debt + might have been the result of his tete-a-tete with his dangerous friend. + Cecil’s letters were too apt to be requests for money or confessions of + debts, and if this were the case, what would be Mrs. Evelyn’s view of the + conduct of the whole party in disregarding her wishes? + </p> + <p> + Had he been with his mother, he would have probably been called into + consultation over the letter, but he was forced to remain without the + privilege here offered to the reader:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Baden Hotel, Leukerbad, June 14. +</pre> + <p> + “Dearest Mother,—Duke has written about our falling in with the + Brownlows, and how pluckily Friar caught us up. It was a regular mercy, + for the little one couldn’t have lived without Dr. Medlicott, and most + likely Lucas is in for a rheumatic fever. He has been telling me all about + it, and how frightful it was to be all night out on the edge of the + glacier in a thick fog with his ankle strained, and how little Armine went + on with his texts and hymns and wasn’t a bit afraid, but quite happy. You + never would believe what a fellow Brownlow is. We have had a great talk, + and you will never have to say again that he does me harm. + </p> + <p> + “Mammy, darling, I want to tell you that I was a horrible donkey last + half, worse than you guessed, and I am sorrier than ever I was before, and + this is a real true resolution not to do it again. Brownlow and I have + promised to stand by one another about right and wrong to our lives’ end. + He means it, and what Brownlow means he does, and so do I. We said your + collect, and somehow I do feel as if God would help us now. + </p> + <p> + “Please, dearest mother, forgive me for all I have not told you. + </p> + <p> + “Duke is very well and jolly. He is quite smitten with Mrs. Brownlow, and, + what is more, so is Reeves, who says she is ‘such a lady that it is a + pleasure to do anything for her.’ + </p> + <p> + “Your loving son, + </p> + <p> + “C. F. E.” + </p> + <p> + Cecil’s letter went off with his brother’s in early morning; but it was + such a day as only mails and postmen encounter. Mountains, pine-woods, + nay, even the opposite houses, were blotted out by sheets of driving rain, + and it was impossible to think of bringing Jock down! Dr. Medlicott heard + and saw with dismay. What would the mother say to him—nay, what + ought he to have done? He could hardly expect her not to reproach him, and + he fairly dreaded meeting her eyes when they turned from the streaming + window. + </p> + <p> + But all she said was, “We did not reckon on this.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had—” began the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Please don’t vex yourself,” said she; “you could not have done otherwise, + and perhaps the move would have hurt him more than staying there. You have + been so very kind. See what you have done here!” + </p> + <p> + For Armine, after some hours that had been very distressing, had sunk into + a calm sleep, and there was a far less oppressed look on his wan little + face. + </p> + <p> + The doctor would have had her take some rest, but she shook her head. The + only means of allaying the gnawing anxiety for Jock, and the despairing + fancies about his suffering and Johnny’s helplessness, was the attending + constantly to Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Anyway, I will see him to-day,” said Dr. Medlicott, impelled far more by + the patient silence with which she sat, one hand against her beating + heart, than he would have been by any entreaty. But how she thanked him + when she found him really setting forth! She insisted on his taking a + guide, as much for his own security as to carry some additional comforts + to the prisoners, and she committed to him two little notes, one to each + boy, written through a mist of tears. Yes; tears, unusual as they were + with her, were called forth as much by the kindness she met with as by her + sick yearning after the two lonely boys. And when she knew the doctor was + on his way, she could yield to Armine’s signs of entreaty, lie back in her + chair and sleep, while Reeves watched over him. + </p> + <p> + When the doctor, by a strong man’s determination, had made his way up the + pass, he found matters better than he had dared to expect. The patient was + certainly not worse, and the medicine had kept him in a sleepy, tranquil + state, in which he hardly realised the situation. His young attendant was + just considering how to husband the last draught, when the welcome, + dripping visitor appeared. The patient was not in bad spirits considering, + and could not but feel himself reprieved by the weather. He was too sleepy + to feel the dulness of his present position, and even allowed that his + impromptu nurse had done tolerably well. Johnny had been ready at every + call, had rubbed away an attack of pain, hurt wonderfully little in + lifting him, and was “not half a bad lot altogether”—an admission of + which doctor and nurse knew the full worth. + </p> + <p> + Johnny himself was pleased and grateful, and had that sort of satisfaction + which belongs to the finding out of one’s own available talent. He had + done what was pronounced the right thing; and not only that, but he had + liked the doing it, and he declared himself not afraid to encounter + another night alone with his cousin. He had picked up enough vernacular + German to make himself understood, and indeed was a decided favourite with + Fraulein Rosalie, who would do anything for her dear young Herr. It was + possible to get a fair amount of sleep, and Dr. Medlicott felt satisfied + that the charge was not too much for him, and indeed there was no other + alternative. The doctor stayed as long as he could, and did his best to + enliven the dulness by producing a pocketful of Tauchnitzes, and sitting + talking while the patient dozed. Johnny showed such intelligent curiosity + as to the how and why of the symptoms and their counteraction, that after + some explanation the doctor said, “You ought to be one of us, my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I have sometimes thought about it,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” cried the doctor, like an enthusiast in his profession; and + John, though not a ready speaker, was drawn on by his notes of interest to + say, “I don’t really like anything so much as making out about man and + what one is made of.” + </p> + <p> + “Physiology?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the boy, who had been shy of uttering the scientific term. + “There’s nothing like it for interest, it seems to me. Besides, one is + more sure of being of use that way than in any other.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital! Then what withholds you? Isn’t it <i>swell</i> enough?” + </p> + <p> + Johnny laughed and coloured. “I’m not such a fool, but I am not sure about + my people.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought your uncle was Joseph Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt would be delighted, but it is my own people. They would say my + education—Eton and all that—was not intended for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You may tell them that whatever tends to make you more thoroughly a man + and gentleman, and less of a mere professional, is a benefit to your work. + The more you are in yourself, the higher your work will be. I hope you + will go to the university.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to go up for a scholarship next year; but I’ve lost a great deal + of time now, and I don’t know how far that will tell.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you will find that what you may have lost in time, you will have + gained in power.” + </p> + <p> + “I do want to go in for physical science, but there’s another difficulty. + One of my cousins does so, but the effect on him has not made my father + like it the better—and—and to tell the truth—” he half + mumbled, “it makes me doubt—” + </p> + <p> + “The effect on his faith?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “If faith is unsettled by looking deeper into the mysteries of God’s works + it cannot have been substantial faith, but merely outward, thoughtless + reception,” said the doctor, as he met two thoughtful dark eyes fixed on + him in inquiry and consideration. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Had this troubled you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said John; “I couldn’t stand doubt there. I would rather break + stones on the road than set myself doubting!” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you think that there is danger?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be so with others.” + </p> + <p> + “Depend upon it, Doubting Castle never lay on the straight road. If men + run into it, it is not simple study of the works of creation that leads + them there; but either they have only acquiesced, and never made their + faith a living reality, or else they are led away by fashion and pride of + intellect. One who begins and goes on in active love of God and man, will + find faith and reverence not diminished but increased.” + </p> + <p> + “But aren’t there speculations and difficulties?” + </p> + <p> + “None which real active religion, and love cannot regard as the mere + effects of half-knowledge—the distortions of a partial view. I speak + with all my heart, as one who has seen how it has been with many of my own + generation, as well as with myself.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny bent his head, and the young physician, somewhat surprised at + finding himself saying so much on such points, left that branch of the + subject, and began to talk to him about his uncle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — SHUTTING THE STABLE DOOR. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Presumptuous maid, with looks intent, + Again she gazed, again she bent, + Nor knew the gulf between. + Grey. +</pre> + <p> + “Hurrah! It’s Johnny!” + </p> + <p> + “Georgie. Recollect yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But, mamma, it was Johnny.” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny does not come till evening. Sit still, children, or I shall have + to send you to dine in the nursery.” + </p> + <p> + “Somebody did pass the window, mamma, but I thought it was Rob,” said + Jessie, now grown into a very fine-looking, tall, handsome maiden, with a + grandly-formed head and shoulders, and pleasant soft brown eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It was Johnny,” reiterated little George; and at that moment the + dining-room door opened, and the decorum of the luncheon dinner entirely + giving way, the three little ones all precipitated themselves towards the + entering figure, while Jessie and her mother rose at their two ends of the + table, and the Colonel, no luncheon eater, came in from the study. + </p> + <p> + “What, Johnny, already!” + </p> + <p> + “The tidal train was earlier than I expected, so I have another half-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! are you all well?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite well. Why—how you are grown! I thought it was Rob when you + passed my window,” said his father. + </p> + <p> + “So did I at first,” added Jessie, “but Rob is much broader.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said his mother. “I am glad you are come back, Johnny; you look + thin and pale. Sit down. Some mutton or some rabbit-pie? No, no, let + Jessie help you; you shan’t have all the carving; I’m sure you are tired; + you don’t look at all well.” + </p> + <p> + “I was crossing all night, you know,” said Johnny laughing, “and am as + hungry as a hunter, that’s all. What a blessing to see a nice clean + English potato again without any flummery!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I thought so,” said his mother; “they didn’t know how to feed you. It + was an unfortunate business altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you leave those poor boys, Johnny?” asked his father. + </p> + <p> + “Better,” said Johnny. “Jock is nearly well,—will be quite so after + the baths; and Armine is getting better. He sat up for an hour the day + before I came away.” + </p> + <p> + “And your aunt?” said his father. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful,” said John, with a quiver of feeling on his face. “You never + saw anything like her. She keeps up, but she looks awfully thin and worn. + I couldn’t have left her, if Dr. Medlicott and Lord Fordham and his man + had not all been bent on saving her whatever they could.” + </p> + <p> + Her Serene Highness virtuously forbore a sigh. She never could believe + those chains with which Caroline bound all men to her service to be either + unconscious or strictly proper. However, she only said— + </p> + <p> + “It was high time that you came away; you were quite knocked up with being + left a week alone with Lucas in that horrid place. I can’t think how your + aunt came to think of it.” + </p> + <p> + “She didn’t think,” said John, bluntly. “It was only a week, and it + couldn’t be helped. Besides it was rather jolly.” + </p> + <p> + “But it knocked you up.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that was only a notion of the doctor and my aunt. They said I was + done up first because I caught cold, and I was glad to wait a day or two + longer at Leukerbad, in hopes Allen and Bobus would have come out before I + went.” + </p> + <p> + “They come out! Not they!” said the Colonel. “‘Tis not the way of young + men nowadays to give up anything for their fathers and mothers. No, no, + Bobus can’t spare a week from his reading-party, but must leave his mother + to a set of chance acquaintance, and Allen—whom poor Caroline always + thinks the affectionate one, if he is nothing else—can’t give up + going to gape at the sun at midnight, and Rob was wanting to make one of + their freight of fools, but I told him it was quite enough to have one son + wandering abroad at other people’s expense, when it couldn’t be helped; + and that I wouldn’t have another unless he was prepared to lay down his + share in the yacht, out of his pay and allowance. I’m glad you are come + home, Johnny; it was quite right to come as soon as your aunt could spare + you, poor thing! She writes warmly about you; I am glad you were able to + be of use to her, but you ought not to waste any more time.” + </p> + <p> + “No. I wrote to my tutor that I would be at Eton to-morrow night, in time + to begin the week’s work.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa!” cried out Mrs. Brownlow, “you will never let him start so soon? He + is so pulled down, I must have him at home to get him right again; and + there are all his clothes to look over!” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow gave the odd little chuckling noise that meant to all the + family that he did not see the force of mamma’s objections, and John + asseverated that he was perfectly well, and that his Eton garments were + all at Hyde Corner, where he should take them up. Meantime, he thought he + ought to walk to Belforest to report to his cousins, and carry a key which + his aunt had sent by him to Janet. + </p> + <p> + “They will be coming in this evening,” said his mother; “you had better + stay and rest.” + </p> + <p> + “I must go over, thank you,” said John. “There is a book Armine wants to + have sent out to him. Jessie, will you walk with me?” + </p> + <p> + “And me!” cried George. + </p> + <p> + “And me!” cried Edmund. + </p> + <p> + “And me, Lina go!” cried the smallest voice. + </p> + <p> + But the Colonel disconcerted the petitioners by announcing that he had + business at Belforest, and would drive Johnny over in the dogcart. So + Jessie had to console herself by agreeing with her mother that Johnny + looked much more manly, yes, and had an air and style about him which both + admired very much, though, while Mrs. Brownlow deemed it the true outcome + of the admixture of Friar and Brownlow, Jessie gave more credit to Eton + and Belforest, for Jessie was really fond of her aunt, to whom she had + owed most of her extra gaieties. Moreover, Mrs. Brownlow, though often + chafing secretly, had the power of reticence, and would not set the minds + of her children against one who was always doing them kindnesses. True, + these favours were more than she could easily brook, since her pride and + independence were not, like her husband’s, tempered by warm affection. It + was his doing that the expenses of Johnny’s education had been accepted, + and that Esther and Ellen had been sent by their aunt to a good school; + thus gratitude, unpalatable though it were, prevented unguarded censure. + She abstained from much; and as there was no quick intuition in the + family, even Jessie, the most in her confidence, only vaguely knew that + mamma thought Aunt Caroline too clever and fly-away; but mamma was grave + and wise, and it was very nice to have an aunt who was young and lively, + and always had pleasant things going on in her house. Jessie always had + her full share, not indeed appreciating the intellect, but possessing + beauty and charm enough to be always appreciated there. “Sweetly pretty,” + as Mrs. Coffinkey called her, was exactly what she was, for she was + thoroughly good and unselfish, and a happy, simple nature looked out + through her brown smiling eyes. She was very fond of her cousins, had + shared all the anxieties of the last fortnight to the utmost, and was a + good deal disappointed at being baulked of the walk with her brother, in + which she would have heard so much more about Armine, Jock, and Aunt + Caroline, than would be communicated in public. + </p> + <p> + Johnny, however, was glad of the invitation, even though a little shy of + it. The tete-a-tete drive was an approach to the serious business of life, + since it was evidently designed to give opportunity for answering a letter + which he had thought out and written while laid up at Leukerbad by a bad + cold and the reaction from his exertions at Schwarenbach. + </p> + <p> + Still his father did not speak till they had driven up the hill, and were + near the gates of Belforest. Then he said— + </p> + <p> + “That was not a bad letter that you wrote me, Johnny.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny flushed with pleasure. The letter had cost him much thought and + pains, and commendation from his father was rare. + </p> + <p> + “But it will take a great deal of consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Johnny. “You don’t disapprove, do you, papa?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the Colonel, in his ponderous way, “you have advantages, you + know, and you might do better for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + There was a quivering impulse on Johnny’s lips to say that it was not to + himself that he wanted to do good; but when his father was speaking in + that deliberate manner, he was not to be interrupted, and there was + nothing for it but to hear him out. + </p> + <p> + “Your aunt is providing you with the best of educations, you have good + abilities and industry, and you will be a well-looking fellow besides,” + added the Colonel, glancing over him with an approving eye of fatherly + satisfaction; “and it seems to me that you could succeed in some superior + line. Your mother and I had always hoped to see you at the bar. Every + opportunity for distinction is given you, and I do not understand this + sudden desire to throw them up for a profession of much greater drudgery + and fewer chances of rising, unless it were from some influence of your + aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “She never spoke of it. She does not know that I have thought of it, nor + of my letter to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is simply from enthusiasm for this young doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly,” said John, “but I always wished I could be like my uncle. I + remember hearing mamma read a bit of one of the letters of condolence + which said ‘His was one of the most beautiful lives I have ever known,’ + and I never forgot it. It stayed in my mind like a riddle, till I + gradually found out that the beauty was in the good he was always doing—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the Colonel, in a tone betokening that he was touched, and + which encouraged John to continue,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, I really do like and enter into scientific subjects better than + any others; I believe it is my turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps—you do sometimes put me in mind of your uncle. But why have + you only spoken of it now?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I really considered what I should be,” said John. “There + was quite enough to think of with work, and cricket, and all the rest, + till this spring, when I have been off it all, and then when I talked it + over with Dr. Medlicott, he settled my mind about various things that I + wanted to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he persuade you?” + </p> + <p> + “No more than saying that I managed well for Jock when I was left alone + with him, and that he thought I had the makings of a doctor in me. He + loves his profession of course, and thinks it a grand one. Yes, papa, + indeed I think it is. To be always learning the ways of God’s working, for + the sake of lessening all the pain and grief in the world—” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny! That’s almost what my brother said to me thirty years ago, and + what did it come to? Being at the beck and call night and day of every + beggar in London, and dying at last in his prime, of disease caught in + their service.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said John, with a low, gruff sound in his voice, “but is not that + like being killed in battle?” + </p> + <p> + “The world doesn’t think it so, my boy,” said the soldier. “Well! what is + it you propose to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t suppose it will make much difference yet,” said John, “except + that at Oxford I should go in more for physical science.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t want to give up the university?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! Dr. Medlicott said a degree there is a great help, besides that, + all the general study one can get is the more advantage, lifting one above + the mere practitioner.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” said the Colonel. “If you are to go to the university, + there is no need to dwell further on the matter at present. You will have + had time to see more of the world, and you will know whether this wish + only comes from enthusiasm for a pleasant young man who has been kind to + you, or if it be your real deliberate choice, and if so, your mother will + have had time to reconcile herself to the notion. At any rate we will say + no more about it for the present. Though I must say, Johnny,” he added, as + he turned his horse’s head between the ribbon borders of the approach, + “you have thought and spoken like a sensible lad, and so like my dear + brother, that I could not deny you.” + </p> + <p> + If Johnny could hardly believe in the unwonted commendation which made his + heart throb, and sent a flood of colour into his cheeks. Colonel Brownlow + was equally amazed at the boy’s attainment of a manly and earnest thought + and purpose, so utterly unlike anything he had hitherto seen in the stolid + Rob, or the easy-going Allen, or even in Bobus, who—whatever there + might be in him—never thought it worth while to show it to his + uncle. + </p> + <p> + However, discussion was cut short by a little flying figure which came + rushing across the garden, and Babie with streaming hair clung to her + cousin, gasping— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Johnny, Johnny, tell me about Armie and Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “They are ever so much better, Babie,” said Johnny, lifting the slim + little thing up in his arms, as he had lifted his own five-year-old + brother; “I’ve got a thick parcel of acrostics for you, Armie makes them + in bed, and Lord Fordham writes them out.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you come to the rosary, Uncle Robert?” said Babie, recovering her + manners, as Johnny set her down. “It is the coolest place, and they are + sitting there.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Babie, what a sprite you look,” said Johnny. “You look as if you + were just off the sick-list too!” + </p> + <p> + “I’m all right,” said Babie, shaking her hair at him, and bounding on + before with the tidings of their coming, while her uncle observed in a low + voice— + </p> + <p> + “Poor little thing! I believe she has been a good deal knocked up between + the heat and the anxiety; there was no making her eat or sleep. Ah! Miss + Elfie, are you acting queen of roses?” as Babie returned together with + Elvira, who with a rich dark red rose over one ear, and a large bouquet at + her bosom, justified the epithet at which she bridled, and half curtsied + in her graceful stately archness, as she gave her hand in greeting, and + exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Johnny! are you come? When is Mother Carey going to send for us?” + </p> + <p> + “When they leave Leukerbad I fancy,” said John. “That’s a tiresome place + for anyone who does not need to lead the life of a hippopotamus.” + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be more tiresome than this is,” said Elvira, with a yawn. + “Lessons all day, and nobody to come near us.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t this a dreadful place?” said John, merrily, as he looked into the + rosary, a charming bowery circle of fragrance, inclosed by arches of + trellis-work on which roses were trained, their wreaths now bearing a + profusion of blossoms of every exquisite tint, from deep crimson or + golden-yellow, to purest white, while their more splendid standard sisters + bloomed out in fragrant and gorgeous magnificence under their protection. + </p> + <p> + At the shady end there was a little grass plat round a tiny fountain, + whose feather of spray rose and plashed coolness. Near it were seats where + Miss Ogilvie and Janet were discovered with books and work. They came + forward with greetings and inquiries, which Johnny answered in detail. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they are both better. Armine sat by the window for an hour the day + before I came away.” + </p> + <p> + “Will they be able to come back to Eton after the holidays?” asked his + father. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not Armine, but Jock seems to be getting all right. If he was + to catch rheumatism he did it at the right place, for that’s what + Leukerbad is good for. Oh, Babie, you never saw such a lark! Fancy a great + room, and where the floor ought to be, nothing but muddy water or liquid + mud, with steps going down, and a lot of heads looking out of it, some + with curly heads, some in smoking-caps, some in fine caps of lace and + ribbons.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Johnny; like women!” + </p> + <p> + “Like women! They are women.” + </p> + <p> + “Not both together.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I tell you, the whole boiling of them, male and female. There’s a + fat German Countess, who always calls Jock her liebes Kind, and comes + floundering after him, to his very great disgust. The only things they + have to show they are human still, and not frogs, are little boards + floating before them with their pocket-handkerchiefs and coffee-cups and + newspapers.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! like the little blacks in the dear bright bays at San Ildefonso,” + cried Elvira. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that they have no clothes on?” said Babie, with shocked + downrightness of speech that made everybody laugh; and Johnny satisfied + her on that score, adding that Dr. Medlicott had made a parody of + Tennyson’s “Merman,” for Jock’s benefit, on giving him up to a Leukerbad + doctor, who was to conduct his month’s Kur. It was to go into the + “Traveller’s Joy,” a manuscript magazine, the “first number of which was + being concocted and illustrated amongst the Leukerbad party, for the + benefit of Babie and Sydney Evelyn. As a foretaste, Johnny produced from + the bag he still carried strapped on his shoulder, a packet of acrostics + addressed to Miss Barbara Brownlow, and a smaller envelope for Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Is it the key?” asked Colonel Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Janet, “the key of her davenport, and directions in which + drawer to find the letters you want. Do you like to have them at once, + Uncle Robert?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you—yes, for then I can go round and settle with that fellow + Martin, which I can’t do without knowing exactly what passed between him + and your mother.” + </p> + <p> + Janet went off, observing—“I wonder whether that is a possibility;” + while Miss Ogilvie put in an anxious inquiry for Mrs. Brownlow’s health + and spirits, and a good many more details were elicited than Johnny had + given at home. She had never broken down, and now that she was hopeful, + was, in spite of her fatigue, as bright and merry as ever, and was + contributing comic pictures to the “Traveller’s Joy,” while Lord Fordham + did the sketches. Those kind people were as careful of her as any could + be. + </p> + <p> + “And what are her further plans?” asked Miss Ogilvie. “Has she been able + to form any?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly,” said Johnny. “They must stay at Leukerbad for a month for Jock + to have the course of waters rightly, and indeed Armine could hardly be + moved sooner. I think Dr. Medlicott wants them to keep in Switzerland till + the heat of the weather is over, and then winter in the south.” + </p> + <p> + “And when may I go to Armine?” + </p> + <p> + “When shall we get away from here?” asked Babie and Elfie in a breath. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t quite know,” said John. “There is not much room to spare in the + hotel where they are at Leukerbad, and it is a dreadfully slow place. + Evelyn is growling like a dozen polar bears at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why isn’t he gone back with you to Eton?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it was settled that he was not to go back this half, for fear + of his lungs, and you see he is a swell who takes it easily. He would have + been glad enough to return with me though, and would scarcely have endured + staying, but that he is so fond of Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “What is there to be done there?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, except to wade in tepid mud. Fordham has routed out a German to + read Faust with, and that puts Evelyn into a sweet temper. They go on + expeditions, and do sketching and botany, which amuses Armine; but they + get up some fun over the queer people, and <i>do</i> them for the mag., + but it is all deadly lively, not that I saw much of it, for we only got + down from Schwarenbach on Monday, and they kept me in bed all the two next + days; but Jock and Evelyn hate it awfully. Indeed Jock is so down in the + mouth altogether I don’t know what to make of him, and just when the + German doctors say the treatment makes people particularly brisk and + lively.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps what makes a German lively makes an Englishman grave,” sagely + observed Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Jock grave must be a strange sight,” said the Colonel; “I am afraid he + can’t be recovering properly.” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor thinks he is,” said John; “but then he doesn’t know the nature + of the Skipjack. But,” he added, in a low voice, “that night was enough to + make any one grave, and it was much the worst to Jock, because he kept his + senses almost all the time, and was a good deal hurt besides to begin + with. His sprain is still so bad that he has to be carried upstairs and to + go to the baths in a chair.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think,” said the Colonel, “that this young lord is going to + stay on all this time in this dull place for the sake of an utter + stranger?”. + </p> + <p> + “Jock and Evelyn were always great friends at Eton,” said John. “Then my + uncle did something, I don’t know what, that Medlicott is grateful for, + and they have promised to see Armine through this illness. The place + agrees with Fordham; they say he has never been so well or active since he + came out.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he like?” inquired Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Like, Babie? Like anything long and limp you can think of. He sits all in + a coil and twist, and you don’t think there’s much of him; but when he + gets up and pulls himself upright, you go looking and looking till you + don’t know where’s the top of him, till you see a thin white face in + washed-out hair. He is a good fellow, awfully kind, and I suppose he can’t + help being such a tremendous—” John hesitated, in deference to his + father, for a word that was not slang, and finally chose “don.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” sighed Babie, “Armie said in his note he was jolly beyond + description.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so he is,” said John; “he plays chess with Armie, and brings him + flowers and books, and waits on him as you used to do on a sick doll. And + that’s just what he is; he ought to have been a woman, and he would have + been much happier too, poor fellow. I’d rather be dead at once than drag + about such a life of coddling as he does.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor lad!” said his father. “Did Janet understand that I was waiting for + those letters, I wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “You had better go and see, Babie,” said Miss Ogilvie. “Perhaps she cannot + find them.” + </p> + <p> + Babie set off, and John proceeded to explain that Mrs. Evelyn was still + detained in London by old Lady Fordham, who continued to be kept between + life and death by her doctors. Meantime, the sons could dispose of + themselves as they pleased, while under the care of Dr. Medlicott, and + were not wanted at home, so that there was little doubt but that they + would remain with Armine as long as he needed their physician’s care. + </p> + <p> + All the while Elfie was flitting about, pelting Johnny with handfuls + snatched from over-blown roses, and though he returned the assault at + every pause, his grey travelling suit was bestrewn with crimson, pink, + cream, and white petals. + </p> + <p> + At last the debris of a huge Eugenie Grandet hit him full on the bridge of + his nose, and caused him to exclaim— + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Elfie, you little wretch; that was quite a good rose—not fair + game,” and leaping up to give her chase in and out among the beds, they + nearly ran against Janet returning with the letters, and saying “she was + sorry to have been so long, but mother’s hoards were never easy places of + research.” + </p> + <p> + Barbara came more slowly back, and looked somewhat as if she had had a + sharper rebuke than she understood or relished. + </p> + <p> + Poor child! she had suffered much in this her first real trouble, and a + little thing was enough to overset her. She had not readily recovered from + the petulant tone of anger with which Janet told her not to come peeping + and worrying. + </p> + <p> + Janet had given a most violent start when she opened the door of her + mother’s bedroom where the davenport stood; and Janet much resented being + startled; no doubt that was the reason she was so cross, thought Barbara, + but still it was very disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + That room was the child’s also. She had been her mother’s bed-fellow ever + since her father’s death, and she felt her present solitude. The nights + were sultry, and her sleep had been broken of late. + </p> + <p> + That night she was in a slumber as cool as a widely-opened window would + make it, but not so sound that she was not haunted all the time by dread + for Armine. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she was awakened to full consciousness by seeing a light in the + room. No, it was not the maid putting away her dresses. It was Janet, + bending over her mother’s davenport. + </p> + <p> + Babie started up. + </p> + <p> + “Janet! Is anything the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! Nonsense! go to sleep, child.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you about?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind. Only mother keeps her things in such a mess; I was setting + them to rights after disturbing them to find the book.” + </p> + <p> + There was something in the tone like an apology. + </p> + <p> + Babie did not like it, but she well knew that she should be contemptuously + put down if she attempted an inquiry, far less a remonstrance, with Janet. + Only, with a puzzled sort of watch-dog sense, she sat up in bed and + stared. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you lie down?” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + Babie did lie down, but on her back, her head high up on the pillow, and + her eyes well open still. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Janet did not like it, for she gave an impatient shuffle to the + papers, shut the drawer with a jerk, locked it, took up her candle, and + went away without vouchsafing a “good-night.” + </p> + <p> + Babie lay wondering. She knew that the davenport contained all that was + most sacred and precious to her mother, as relics of her old life, and + that only dire necessity would have made her let anyone touch it. What + could Janet mean? To speak would be of no use. One-and-twenty was not + likely to listen to thirteen, though Babie, in her dreamy wakefulness, + found herself composing conversations in which she made eloquent appeals + to Janet, which she was never likely to utter. + </p> + <p> + At last the morning twitterings began outside, doves cooed, peacocks + miawed, light dawned, and Babie’s perceptions cleared themselves. In the + wainscoted room was a large closet, used for hanging up cloaks and + dresses, and fortunately empty. No sooner did the light begin to reflect + itself in its polished oak-panelled door, than an idea struck Babie, and + bounding from her bed, she opened the door, wheeled in the davenport, shut + it in, turned the big rusty key with both hands and a desperate effort, + then repairing to her own little inner room, disturbed the honourable + retirement of the last and best-beloved of her dolls in a pink-lined + cradle in a disused doll’s house, and laying the key beneath the mattress, + felt heroically ready for the thumbscrew rather than yield it up. She knew + Armine would say she was right, and be indignant that Janet should meddle + with mother’s private stores. So she turned over on the pillow, cooled by + the morning breeze, and fell into a sound sleep, whence she was only + roused by the third “Miss Barbara,” from her maid. + </p> + <p> + She heard no more of the matter, and but for the absence of the davenport + could really have thought it all a dream. + </p> + <p> + She was driving her two little fairy ponies to Kenminster with Elvira, to + get the afternoon post, when a quiet, light step came into the bedroom, + and Janet stood within it, looking for the davenport, as if she did not + quite believe her senses. However, remembering Babie’s eyes, she had her + suspicions. She looked into the little girl’s room and saw nothing, then + tried the closet door, and finding it locked, came to a tolerably correct + guess as to what had become of it, and felt hotly angry at “that conceited + child’s meddling folly.” + </p> + <p> + For the awkward thing was that the clasped memorandum-book, containing + “Magnum Bonum,” was in her hand, locked out of, instead of into, its + drawer. + </p> + <p> + When searching for the account-book for her uncle, it had, as it were, + offered itself to her; and though so far from being green, with “Garden” + marked on it, it was Russia leather, and had J. B. upon it. She had peeped + in and read “Magnum Bonum” within the lid. All day the idea had haunted + her, that there lay the secret, in the charge of her little thoughtless + mother, who, ignorant of its true value, and deterred by uncomprehended + words and weak scruples, was withholding it from the world, and depriving + her own family, and what was worst of all, her daughter, of the chances of + becoming illustrious. + </p> + <p> + “I am his daughter as much as hers,” thought she. “Why should she deprive + me of my inheritance?” + </p> + <p> + Certainly Janet had been told that the great arcanum could not be dealt + with by a woman; but this she did not implicitly believe, and she was in + consequence the more curious to discover what it really was, and whether + it was reasonable to sacrifice the best years of her life to preparing for + it. The supposed unfairness of her exclusion seemed to her to justify the + act, and thus it was that she had stolen to the davenport when she + supposed that her little sister would be asleep, and finding it impossible + to attend or understand with Babie’s great brown eyes lamping on her, she + had carried off the book. + </p> + <p> + She had been reading it even till the morning light had surprised her, and + had been able to perceive the general drift, though she had leaped over + the intermediate steps. She had just sufficient comprehension of the + subject for unlimited confidence that the achievement was practicable, + without having knowledge enough to understand a tithe of the difficulties, + though she did see that they could hardly be surmounted by a woman + unassisted. However, she might see her way by the time her studies were + completed, and in the meantime her mother might keep the shell while she + had the essence. + </p> + <p> + However, to find the shell thus left on her hands was no slight + perplexity. Should she, as eldest daughter left in charge, demand the + desk, Barbara would produce her reasons for its abstraction, and for this + Janet was not prepared. Unless something else was wanted from it, so as to + put Babie in the wrong, Janet saw no alternative but to secure the book in + her own bureau, and watch for a chance of smuggling it back. + </p> + <p> + Thus Babie escaped all interrogation, but she did not release the captive + davenport, and indeed she soon forgot all about it in her absorption in + Swiss letters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — THE LOST TREASURE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But solemn sound, or sober thought + The Fairies cannot bear; + They sing, inspired with love and joy, + Like skylarks in the air. + Of solid sense, or thought that’s grave, + You find no traces there. + Young Tamlane. +</pre> + <p> + When old Lady Fordham’s long decay ended in death, Mrs. Evelyn would not + recall her sons to the funeral, but meant to go out herself to join them, + and offered to escort Mrs. Brownlow’s daughters to the meeting-place. This + was to be Engelberg, for Dr. Medlicott had decided that after the month at + Leukerbad all his patients would be much the better for a breath of the + pine-woods on the Alpine height, and undertook to see them conveyed + thither in time to meet the ladies. + </p> + <p> + This proposal set Miss Ogilvie free to join her brother, who had a curacy + in a seaside place where the season began just when the London season + ended. Her holiday was then to begin, and Janet was to write to Mrs. + Evelyn and declare herself ready to meet her in London at the time + appointed. + </p> + <p> + The arrangement was not to Janet’s taste. She thought herself perfectly + capable of escorting the younger ones, especially as they were to take + their maid, a capable person named Delrio, daughter of an Englishwoman and + a German waiter, and widow of an Italian courier, who was equal to all + land emergencies, and could speak any language. She belonged to the young + ladies. Their mother, not liking strangers about her, had, on old nurse’s + death, caused Emma to learn enough of the lady’s maid’s art for her own + needs at home, and took care of herself abroad. + </p> + <p> + Babie was enraptured to be going to Mother Carey and Armine, and Elvira + was enchanted to leave the schoolroom behind her, being fully aware that + she always had more notice and indulgence from outsiders than at home, or + indeed from anyone who had been disappointed at her want of all real + affection. + </p> + <p> + “You are just like a dragon fly,” said Babie to her; “all brightness + outside and nothing within.” + </p> + <p> + This unusually severe remark came from Babie’s indignation at Elvira’s + rebellion against going to River Hollow to take leave. It would be a + melancholy visit, for her grandfather had become nearly imbecile since he + had had a paralytic stroke, in the course of the winter, and good sensible + Mrs. Gould had died of fever in the previous autumn. + </p> + <p> + Elvira, who had never liked the place, now loathed it, and did not seem + capable of understanding Babie’s outburst. + </p> + <p> + “Not like to go and see them when they are ill and unhappy! Elfie, how can + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I don’t! Grandpapa kisses me and makes me half sick.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is so fond of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish he wasn’t then. Why, Babie, are you going to cry? What’s the + matter?” + </p> + <p> + “It is very silly,” said Babie, winking hard to get rid of her tears; “but + it does hurt me so to think of the good old gentleman caring more for you + than anybody, and you not liking to go near him.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t see what it matters to you,” said Elvira; “I wish you would go + instead of me, if you are so fond of him.” + </p> + <p> + “He wouldn’t care for me,” said Babie; “I’m not his ain lassie.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>His</i> lassie! I’m a lady,” exclaimed the senorita, with the haughty + Spanish turn of the neck peculiar to herself. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not what I mean by a lady,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by it?” said Elvira, with a superior air. + </p> + <p> + “One who never looks down on anybody,” said Babie, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “What nonsense!” rejoined the Elf; “as if any lady could like to hear + grandpapa maunder, and Mary scold and scream at the farm people, just like + the old peahen.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Ogilvie said poor Mary was overstrained with having more to attend + to than she could properly manage, and that made her shrill.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it makes her very disagreeable; and so they all are. I hate the + place, and I don’t see why I should go,” grumbled Elvira. + </p> + <p> + “You will when you are older, and know what proper feeling is,” said Miss + Ogilvie, who had come within earshot of the last words. “Go and put on + your hat; I have ordered the pony carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I go, Miss Ogilvie?” asked Babie, as Elfie marched off sullenly, + since her governess never allowed herself to be disobeyed. + </p> + <p> + “I think I had better go, my dear; Elfie may be under more restraint with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Please give old Mr. Gould and Mary and Kate my love, and I will run and + ask for some fruit for you to take to them,” said Babie, her tender heart + longing to make compensation. + </p> + <p> + Miss Ogilvie and her pouting companion were received by a fashionable—nay, + extra fashionable—looking person, whom Mary and Kate Gould called + Cousin Lisette, and the old farmer, Eliza Gould. While the old man in his + chair in the sun in the hot little parlour caressed, and asked feeble + repetitions of questions of his impatient granddaughter, the lady + explained that she had thrown up an excellent situation as instructress in + a very high family to act in the same capacity to her motherless little + cousins. She professed to be enchanted to meet Miss Ogilvie, and almost + patronised. + </p> + <p> + “I know what the life is, Miss Ogilvie, and how one needs companionship to + keep up one’s spirits. Whenever you are left alone, and would drop me a + line, I should be quite delighted to come and enliven you; or whenever you + would like to come over here, there’s no interruption by uncle; and he, + poor old gentleman, is quite—quite passe. The children I can always + dismiss. Regularity is my motto, of course, but I consider that an + exception in favour of my own friends does no harm, and indeed it is no + more than I have a right to expect, considering the sacrifices that I have + made for them. Mary, child, don’t cross your ankles; you don’t see your + cousin do that. Kate, you go and see what makes Betsy so long in bringing + the tea. I rang long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go and fetch it,” said Mary, an honest, but harassed-looking girl. + </p> + <p> + “Always in haste,” said Miss Gould, with an effort at good humour, which + Miss Ogilvie direfully mistrusted. “No, Mary, you must remain to entertain + your cousin. What are servants for but to wait on us? She thinks nothing + can be done without her, Miss Ogilvie, and I am forced to act repression + sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed we do not wish for any tea,” said Miss Ogilvie, seeing Elvira look + as black as thunder; “we have only just dined.” + </p> + <p> + “But Elfie will have some sweet-cake; Elfie likes auntie’s sweet-cake, + eh?” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Elfie, glumly, though in fact she did care + considerably for sweets, and was always buying bonbons. + </p> + <p> + “No cake! Or some strawberries—strawberries and cream,” said her + grandfather. “Mr. Allen always liked them. And where is Mr. Allen now, my + dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone to Norway. It’s the fifth time I’ve told him so,” muttered Elvira. + </p> + <p> + “And where is Mr. Robert? And Mr. Lucas?” he went on. “Fine young + gentlemen all of them; but Mr. Allen is the pleasant-spoken one. Ain’t he + coming down soon? He always looks in and says, ‘I don’t forget your good + cider, Mr. Gould,’” and there was a feeble chuckling laugh and old man’s + cough. + </p> + <p> + “Do let me go into the garden; I’m quite faint,” cried Elvira, jumping up. + </p> + <p> + It was true that the room was very close, rather medicinal, and not + improved by Miss Gould’s perfumes; but there was an alacrity about Elfie’s + movements, and a vehemence in the manner of her rejection of the said + essences, which made her governess not think her case alarming, and she + left her to the care of the young cousins, while trying to make up for her + incivility by courteously listening to and answering her grandfather, and + consuming the tea and sweet-cake. + </p> + <p> + When she went out to fetch her pupil to say goodbye, Miss Gould detained + her on the way to obtain condolence on the “dreadful trial that old uncle + was,” and speak of her own great devotion to him and the children, and the + sacrifices she had made. She said she had been at school with Elvira’s + poor mamma, “a sweetly pretty girl, poor dear, but so indulged.” + </p> + <p> + And then she tried to extract confidences as to Mrs. Brownlow’s intentions + towards the child, in which of course she was baffled. + </p> + <p> + Elvira was found ranging among the strawberries, with Mary and Kate + looking on somewhat dissatisfied. + </p> + <p> + Both the poor girls looked constrained and unhappy, and Miss Ogilvie + wondered whether “Cousin Lisette’s” evident intentions of becoming a + fixture would be for their good or the reverse. + </p> + <p> + “Are you better, my dear?” asked she, affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was only the room,” said Elvira. + </p> + <p> + “You are a good deal there, are not you?” said Miss Ogilvie to Mary, who + had the white flabby look of being kept in an unwholesome atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mary, wistfully, “but grandpapa does not like having me half + so much as Elvira. He is always talking about her.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better come back to him now, Elfie,” said Miss Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “It makes me ill,” said Elvira, with her crossest look. + </p> + <p> + Her governess laid her hand on her shoulder, and told her in a few decided + words, in the lowest possible voice, that she was not going away till she + had taken a properly respectful and affectionate leave of her grandfather. + Whereupon she knew further resistance was of no use, and going hastily to + the door of the room, called out— + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, then, grandpapa.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my little beauty, are you there?” he asked, in a tone of bewildered + pleasure, holding out the one hand he could use. + </p> + <p> + Elvira was forced to let herself be held by it. She hoped to kiss his + brow, and escape; but the poor knotted fingers which had once been so + strong, would not let her go, and she had to endure many more kisses and + caresses and blessings than her proud thoughtless nature could endure + before she made her escape. And then “Cousin Lisette” insisted on a kiss + for the sake of her dear mamma; and Elfie could only exhale her + exasperation by rushing to the pony-carriage, avoiding all kisses to her + young cousins, taking the driving seat, and whipping up the ponies more + than their tender-hearted mistress would by any means have approved. + </p> + <p> + Miss Ogilvie abstained from either blame or argument, knowing that it + would only make her worse; and recollecting the old Undine theory, + wondered whether the Elf would ever find her soul, and think with tender + regret of the affection she was spurning. + </p> + <p> + The next day the travellers started, sleeping a couple of nights in Hyde + Corner, for convenience of purchases and preparations. + </p> + <p> + They were to meet Mrs. Evelyn at the station; but Janet, who foretold that + she would be another Serene Highness, soured by having missed the family + title, retarded their start till so late that there could be no + introduction on the platform; but seats had to be rushed for, while a + servant took the tickets. + </p> + <p> + However, a tall, elderly, military-looking gentleman with a great white + moustache, was standing by the open door of a carriage. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Brownlow,” said he, handing them in—Babie first, next Janet, + and then Elvira. + </p> + <p> + He then bowed to Miss Ogilvie, took his seat, handed in the appurtenances, + received, showed, and pocketed the tickets, negotiated Janet’s purchase of + newspapers, and constituted himself altogether cavalier to the party. + </p> + <p> + Sir James Evelyn! Janet had no turn for soldiers, and was not gratified; + but Elvira saw that her blue eyes and golden hair were producing the + effect she knew how to trace; so she was graciously pleased to accept + Punch, and to smile a bewitching acceptance of the seat assigned to her + opposite to the old general. + </p> + <p> + Barbara was opposite to Mrs. Evelyn, and next to Sydney, a girl a few + months older than herself, but considerably taller and larger. Mother and + daughter were a good deal alike, save that the girl was fresh plump, and + rosy, and the mother worn, with the red colouring burnt as it were into + her thin cheeks. Yet both looked as if smiles were no strangers to their + lips, though there were lines of anxiety and sorrow traced round Mrs. + Evelyn’s temples. Their voices were sweet and full, and the elder lady + spoke with a tender intonation that inspired Babie with trustful content + and affection, but caused Janet to pass a mental verdict of “Sugared milk + and water.” + </p> + <p> + She immersed herself in her Pall Mall, and left Babie to exchange scraps + of intelligence from the brother’s letters, and compare notes on the + journey. + </p> + <p> + By-and-by Mrs. Evelyn retired into her book, and the two little girls put + their heads together over a newly-arrived acrostic, calling on Elfie to + assist them. + </p> + <p> + “Do you like acrostics?” she said, peeping up through her long eyelashes + at the old general. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t tease Uncle James,” hastily interposed Sydney, as yet + inexperienced in the difference between the importunities of a merely + nice-looking niece, and the blandishments of a brilliant stranger. Sir + James said kindly— + </p> + <p> + “What, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + And when Elvira replied— + </p> + <p> + “Do help us to guess this. What does man love most below?” he put on a + droll face, and answered— + </p> + <p> + “His pipe.” + </p> + <p> + “O Uncle James, that’s too bad,” cried Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “If Jock had made this acrostic, it might be pipe,” said Babie; “but this + is Armine’s.” + </p> + <p> + It was thereupon handed to the elders, who read, in a boyish handwriting— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Twins, parted from their rocky nest, + We run our wondrous race, + And now in tumult, now at rest, + Flash back heaven’s radiant face. + + 1. While both alike <i>this</i> name we bear, + And both like life we flow, + 2. And near us nestle sweet and fair + What man most loves below. + + Alike it is our boasted claim + To nurse the precious juice + 3. That maddened erst the Theban dame, + With streaming tresses loose. + + 4. The evening land is sought by one, + One rushes towards midday, + One to a vigil song has run, + One heard Red Freedom’s lay. + + Tall castles, glorious battlefields + Graced this in ages past, + But now its mighty power that yields + 5. To work my busy last. +</pre> + <p> + “Is that your brother Armine’s own?” asked Sir James, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “O yes,” said Janet with impressive carelessness, “all my brothers have a + facility in stringing rhymes.” + </p> + <p> + “Not Bobus,” said Elvira. + </p> + <p> + “He does not think it worth while,” said Janet, again absorbing herself in + her paper, while the public united in guessing the acrostic; and the only + objection was raised by the exact General, who would not allow that the + “Marseillaise” was sung at the mouth of the Rhone, and defended Ino’s + sobriety. + </p> + <p> + Barbara and Sydney lived upon those acrostics in their travelling bags + till they reached Folkestone, and had grown intimate over them. Sir James + looked after the luggage, putting gently aside Janet’s strong-minded + attempt to watch over it, and she only retained her own leathern + travelling case, where she carried her personals, and which, heavy as it + was, she never let out of her immediate charge. + </p> + <p> + They all sat on deck, for there was a fine smooth summer sea, and no one + was deranged except the two maids, whom every one knew to be always + disabled on a voyage. + </p> + <p> + Janet had not long been seated, and was only just getting immersed in her + Contemporary, when she received a greeting which gratified her. It was + from somewhat of a lion, the author of some startling poems and more + startling essays much admired by Bobus, who had brought him to some + evening parties of his mother’s, not much to her delectation, since there + were ugly stories as to his private character. These were ascribed by + Bobus to pious malevolence, and Janet had accepted the explanation, and + cultivated a bowing acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Hyde Corner was too agreeable a haunt to be despised, and Janet owed her + social successes more to her mother’s attractions than her own. + Conversation began by an inquiry after her brothers, whose adventures had + figured in the papers, and it went on to Janet’s own journey and + prospects. Her companion was able to tell her much that she wanted to know + about the university of Zurich, and its facilities for female study. He + was a well-known advocate of woman’s rights, and she scrupled not to tell + him that she was inquiring on her own account. Many men would have been + bored, and have only sought to free themselves from this learned lady, but + the present lion was of the species that prefer roaring to an intelligent + female audience, without the rough male argumentative interruption, and + Janet thus made the voyage with the utmost satisfaction to herself. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn asked Babie who her sister’s friend was. The answer was, “Do + you know, Elfie? You know so many more gentlemen than I do.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Elvira, “I don’t. He looks like the stupid sort of man.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the stupid sort of man?” asked the General, as she intended. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that talks to Janet.” + </p> + <p> + “Is everyone that talks to Janet stupid?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Elvira. “They only go on about stupid things no better + than lessons.” + </p> + <p> + Sir James laughed at her arch look, and shook his head at her, but then + made a tour among the other passengers, leaving her pouting a little at + his desertion. On his return, he sat down by his sister-in-law and + mentioned a name, which made her start and glance an inquiry whether she + heard aright. Then as he bent his head in affirmation, she asked, “Is + there anything to be done?” + </p> + <p> + “It is only for the crossing, and she is quite old enough to take care of + herself.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is evidently an established acquaintance, for which I am not + responsible,” murmured Mrs. Evelyn to herself. + </p> + <p> + She was in perplexity about these friends of her son’s. Ever since Cecil + had been at Eton, his beloved Brownlow had seemed to be his evil genius, + whose influence none of his resolutions or promises could for a moment + withstand. If she had acted on her own judgment, Cecil would never have + returned to Eton, but his uncle disapproved of his removal, especially + with the disgrace of the champagne supper unretrieved; and his penitent + letter had moved her greatly. Trusting much to her elder son and to Dr. + Medlicott, she had permitted the party to continue together, feeling that + it might be life or death to that other fatherless boy in whom Duke was so + much interested; and now she was going out to judge for herself, and Sir + James had undertaken to escort her, that they might together come to a + decision whether the two friends were likely to be doing one another good + or harm. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn had lived chiefly in the country since her husband’s death, + and knew nothing of Mrs. Joseph Brownlow. So she looked with anxiety for + indications of the tone of the family who had captivated not only Cecil, + but Fordham, and seemed in a fair way of doing the same by Sydney. The two + hats, brown and black, were almost locked together all the voyage, and + indeed the feather of one once became entangled with the crape of the + other, so that they had to be extricated from above. There was perhaps a + little maternal anxiety at this absorption; but as Sydney was sure to pour + out everything at night, her mother could let things take their course, + and watch her delight in expanding, after being long shut up in a + melancholy house without young companions. + </p> + <p> + Elvira had a tone of arch simplicity which, in such a pretty creature, was + most engaging, and she was in high spirits with the pleasure of being with + new people, away from her schoolroom and from England, neither of which + she loved, so she chattered amiably and amusingly, entertained Mrs. + Evelyn, and fascinated Sir James. + </p> + <p> + Janet and her companion were less complacently regarded. Certainly the + girl (though less ancient-looking at twenty-one than at fourteen) had the + air of one well used to independence, so that she was no great subject for + responsibility; but she gave no favourable impression, and was at no pains + to do so. When she rejoined the party, Mrs. Evelyn asked whether she had + known that gentleman long. + </p> + <p> + “He is a friend of my brother Robert,” she answered. “Shall I introduce + you?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn declined in a quiet civil tone, that provoked a mental + denunciation of her as strait-laced and uncharitable, and as soon as the + gentleman returned to the neighbourhood, Janet again sought his company, + let him escort her ashore, and only came back to the others in the + refreshment-room, whither she brought a copy of a German periodical which + he had lent her. With much satisfaction Mrs. Evelyn filled the railway + carriage with her own party, so that there was no room for any addition to + their number. Nor indeed did they see any more of their unwelcome + fellow-traveller, since he was bound for the Hotel du Louvre, and, to + Janet’s undisguised chagrin, rooms were already engaged at the Hotel + Castiglione. + </p> + <p> + They came too late for the table d’hote, and partook of an extemporised + meal in their sitting-room immediately on their arrival, as the start was + to be early. Then it was that Janet missed her bag, her precious bag! + Delrio was sent all over the house to make inquiries whether it had been + taken to any other person’s room, but in vain. Mrs. Evelyn said she had + last seen it when they took their seats on board the steamer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Elvira, “you left it there when you went to walk up and down + with that gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did not you take care of it? I don’t mean Elfie—nobody + expects her to be of any use; but you, Babie?” + </p> + <p> + “You never told me!” gasped Babie, aghast. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have seen; but you never think of anything but your own + chatter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a very inconvenient loss,” said Mrs. Evelyn, kindly. “Have you sent + to the station?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall, as soon as I am satisfied that it is not here. I can send out + for the things I want for use; but there are books and papers of + importance, and my keys.” + </p> + <p> + “The key of mother’s davenport?” cried Babie. “Was it there? O Janet, + Janet!” + </p> + <p> + “You should have attended to it, then,” said Janet sharply. + </p> + <p> + Delrio knocked at the door with an account of her unsuccessful mission, + and Sir James, little as the young lady deserved it, concerned himself + about sending to the station, and if the bag were not forthcoming there, + telegraphing to Boulogne the first thing in the morning. + </p> + <p> + While Janet was writing particulars and volubly instructing the + commissionaire, Mrs. Evelyn saw Babie’s eyes full of tears, and her throat + swelling with suppressed sobs. She held out an arm and drew the child to + her, saying kindly, “I am sure you would have taken care of the bag if you + had been asked, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not that, thank you,” said Babie, laying her head on the kind + shoulder, “for I don’t think it was my fault; but mother will be so sorry + for her key. It is the key of her davenport, and father’s picture is + there, and grandmamma’s, and the card with all our hairs, and she will be + so sorry.” + </p> + <p> + And Babie cried the natural tears of a tired child, whom anything would + overcome after her long absence from her mother. Mrs. Evelyn saw how it + was, and, as Delrio was entirely occupied with the hue and cry, she + herself took the little girl away, and helped her to bed, tenderly + soothing and comforting her, and finding her various needments. Among them + were her “little books,” but they could not be found, and her eyes looked + much too tired to use them, especially as the loss again brought the ready + moisture. “My head feels so funny, I can’t think of anything,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I do as I used when Sydney was little?” and Mrs. Evelyn knelt down + with her, and said one or two short prayers. + </p> + <p> + Babie murmured her thanks, nestled up to her and kissed her, but added + imploringly, “My Psalm. Armie and I always say our Psalm at bed-time, and + think of each other. He did it out on the moraine.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it do if you lie down and I say it to you?” + </p> + <p> + There was another fond, grateful nestling kiss, and some of the Psalms + were gone through in the soft, full cadences of a voice that had gained + unconscious pathos by having many times used them as a trustful lullaby to + a weary sufferer. + </p> + <p> + If Babie heard the end, it was in the sweetness of sleep, and when Mrs. + Evelyn left her, it was with far less judicial desire to inquire into the + subject of that endless conversation which had lasted, with slight + intermission, from London to Paris. She was not long left in ignorance, + for no sooner had Sydney been assured that nothing ailed Barbara but + fatigue, than she burst out, “Mamma, she is the nicest girl I ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you like her better than Elvira?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” most emphatically. “Mamma, she loves Sir Kenneth of the + Leopard as much as I do.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn was satisfied. While Sir Kenneth of the Leopard remained the + object of the young ladies’ passion, there was not much fear of any + nonsense that was not innocent and happy. + </p> + <p> + No news of the bag. Janet was disposed to go back herself or send Delrio, + but Sir James declared this impossible; nor would the Evelyns consent to + disturb the plan of the journey, and disappoint those who expected them at + Engelberg on Saturday by waiting at Paris for tidings. Janet in vain told + herself that she was not under their control, and tried to remain behind + by herself with her maid. They had a quiet, high-bred decisive way of + taking things for granted, and arranging for her and she found herself + unable to resist; but whenever, in after times, she was unpleasantly + reminded of her loss, she always charged it upon them. + </p> + <p> + Otherwise the journey was prosperous. Elfie was on the terms of a saucy + pet with the General, and Babie’s bright, gentle courtesy and + unselfishness won Mrs. Evelyn’s heart, while she and Sydney were as + inseparable as ever. + </p> + <p> + In fact Sydney had been made free of Jotapata. That celebrated romance had + been going on all these years with the elision of several generations; + because though few members of the family were allowed to see their + twenty-fifth year, it was impossible to squeeze them all into the + crusading times; and besides the reigning favourites must be treated to an + adventure with Coeur de Lion. + </p> + <p> + Even thus abridged, it bade fair to last throughout the journey, both the + little maidens being sufficiently experienced travellers to care little + for the sights from the French railway, and being only stimulated to talk + and listen the more eagerly when interrupted by such trifles as meals, + companions, and calls to look at objects far less interesting. + </p> + <p> + “Look, my dears; we are coming to the mountains. There is the first snowy + head.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mamma,” but the hats were together again in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Sydney, don’t lose this wonderful winding valley.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, Uncle James. Beautiful!” popping back instantly with, “Go on, + Babie, dear. How did Sir Gilbert get them out of that horrid defile full + of Turks? It is true, you said.” + </p> + <p> + “True that Louis VII. and Queen Eleanor got into that dreadful mess. + Armine found it in Sismondi, but nobody knew who Sir Gilbert was except + ourselves; and we are quite sure he was Sir Gilbert of the Ermine, the son + of the brother who thought it his duty to stay at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Philibert? Oh, yes! I know.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some verses about the Iconium Pass, written out in our spotted + book, but I can say some of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘The rock is steep, the gorge is deep, + Mount Joye St. Denys; + But King Louis bold his way doth hold, + Mount Joye St. Denys. + + Ho ho, the ravine is ‘narrow I ween, + Lah billah el billah, hurrah. + The hills near and far the Frank’s way do bar, + Lah billah el billah, hurrah.” + </pre> + <p> + “It ought to be ‘Allah el Allah,’ but you know that really does mean a + holy name, and Armine thought we ought not to have it. It was delightful + making the ballad, for all the Christian verses have ‘Mount Joye St. + Denys’ in the different lines, and all the Turkish ones ‘Lah billah,’ till + Sir Gilbert comes in, and then his war-cry goes instead— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘On, on, ye Franks, hew down their ranks, + Up, merry men, for the Ermine! + For Christian right ‘gainst Pagan might, + Up, merry men, for the Ermine!’ +</pre> + <p> + but one day Jock got hold of it, and wrote a parody on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh what a shame! Weren’t you very angry?” + </p> + <p> + “It was so funny, one could not help laughing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Come on, old Turk, you’ll find hot work— + Pop goes the weasel! + They cut and run; my eyes, what fun!— + Pop goes the weasel!’” + </pre> + <p> + “How could you bear it? I won’t hear a bit more. It is dreadful.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Ogilvie says if one likes a thing very much, parodies don’t hurt + one’s love,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “But what did Sir Gilbert do?” + </p> + <p> + “He rode up to where Louis was standing with his back against a rock, and + dismounted saying ‘My liege—‘” + </p> + <p> + “I thought he was an Englishman?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but you always called a king ‘my liege,’ whoever you were. ‘My + liege,’ he said—” + </p> + <p> + “Look at that charming little church tower.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, Uncle James. No, thank you, I don’t want to look out any more. I + saw it. Well, Babie, ‘My liege—‘” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, James,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “one can’t be more than in + Elysium.” + </p> + <p> + There were fewer conveniences for the siege on the last day of the + journey, when railroads were no more; but something could be done on board + the steamer in spite of importunities from those who thought it a duty to + look at the shores of the Lake of Lucerne, and when arrival became + imminent, happy anticipation inclined Barbara to a blissful silence. Mrs. + Evelyn saw her great hazel eyes shining like stars, and began to prefer + the transparent mask of that ardent little soul to the external beauty + which made Elvira a continual study for an artist. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — THE ANGEL MOUNTAIN. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To your eager prayer, the Voice + Makes awful answer, “Come to Me.” + Once for all now seal your choice + With Christ to tread the boisterous sea. + Keble. +</pre> + <p> + The Leukerbad section of the party had only three days’ start of the + others, for Jock was not released till after a whole month’s course of the + baths, and Armine’s state fluctuated so much that the journey would not + have been sooner possible. + </p> + <p> + It had been a trying time. While Dr. Medlicott thought he could not rouse + Mrs. Brownlow to the sense of the little fellow’s precarious condition, + deadly alarm lay couched in the bottom of her heart, only kept at bay by + defiantly cheerful plans and sanguine talk. + </p> + <p> + Then Jock was depressed, and at his age (and, alas! at many others) being + depressed means being cross, and very cross he was to his mother and his + friend, and occasionally to his brother, who, in some moods, seemed to him + merely a rival invalid and candidate for attention, and whom he now and + then threatened with becoming as frightful a muff as Fordham. He missed + Johnny, too, and perhaps longed after Eton. He was more savage to Cecil + than to any one else, treating his best attentions with growls, railings, + and occasionally showers of slippers, books, and cushions, but, strange as + it sounds, the friendship only seemed cemented by this treatment, and this + devoted slave evidently preferred being abused by Jock to being made much + of by any one else. + </p> + <p> + The regimen was very disagreeable to his English habits, and the tedium of + the place was great. His mother thought it quite enough to account for his + captiousness, and the doctor said it was recovery, but no one guessed how + much was due to the good resolutions he had made on the moraine and + ratified with Cecil. To no one else had he spoken, but all the more for + his reserve did he feel himself bound by the sense of the shame and + dishonour of falling back from vows made in the time of danger. No one + else was aware of it, but John Lucas Brownlow was not of a character to + treat a promise or a resolution lightly. If he could have got out of his + head the continual echo of the two lines about the monastic intentions of + a certain personage when sick, he would have been infinitely better + tempered. + </p> + <p> + For to poor Jock steadiness appeared renunciation of all “jest and + youthful jollity,” and religion seemed tedious endurance of what might be + important, but, like everything important, was to him very wearisome and + uninteresting. To him all zest and pleasure in life seemed extinguished, + and he would have preferred leaving Eton, where he must change his habits + and amaze his associates. Indeed, he was between hoping and fearing that + all this would there seem folly. But then he would break his word, the one + thing that poor half-heathen Jock truly cared about. + </p> + <p> + Meantime he was keeping it as best he knew how under the circumstances, by + minding his prayers more than he had ever done before, trying to attend + when part of the service was read on Sundays, and endeavouring to follow + the Evelyn sabbatical code, but only succeeding in making himself more + dreary and savage on Sunday than on any other day. + </p> + <p> + By easy journeys they arrived at Engelberg early on a Friday afternoon, + and found pleasant rooms in the large hotel, looking out in front on the + grand old monastery, once the lord of half the Canton, and in the rear + upon pine-woods, leading up to a snow-crowned summit. The delicious scent + seemed to bring invigoration in at the windows. + </p> + <p> + However, Jock and Armine were both tired enough to be sent to bed, if not + to sleep, immediately after the—as yet, scantily filled table + d’hote. The former was lying dreamily listening to the evening bells of + the monastery, when Cecil came in, looking diffident and hesitating. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Jock,” he began, “did you see that old clergyman at the table + d’hote?” + </p> + <p> + “Was there one?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and there is to be a Celebration on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “O! Then Armine can have his wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Fordham has been getting the old cleric to talk to your mother about it.” + </p> + <p> + Armine was unconfirmed. The other two had been confirmed just before + Easter, but on the great Sunday Jock had followed his brother Robert’s + example and turned away. He had recollected the omission on that terrible + night, and when after a pause Cecil said, “Do you mean to stay?” he + answered rather snappishly, “I suppose so.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancied,” said Cecil, with wistful hesitation, “that if we were + together it would be a kind of seal to—” + </p> + <p> + Jock actually forced back the words, “Don’t humbug,” which were not his + own, but his ill-temper’s, and managed to reply— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what?” + </p> + <p> + “Being brothers in arms,” replied Cecil, with shy earnestness that touched + the better part of Jock, and he made a sound of full assent, letting + Cecil, who had a turn for sentiment, squeeze his hand. + </p> + <p> + He lay with a thoughtful eye, trying to recall some of the good seed his + tutor had tried to sow on a much-trodden way-side, very ready for the + birds of the air. The outcome was— + </p> + <p> + “I say, Evelyn, have you any book of preparation? Mine is—I don’t + know where.” + </p> + <p> + Neither his mother, nor Reeves, nor, to do him justice, Cecil himself, + would have made such an omission in his packing, and he was heartily glad + to fetch his manual, feeling Jock’s reformation his own security in the + ways which he really preferred. + </p> + <p> + Poor Jock, who, whatever he was, was real in all his ways, and could not + lead a double life, as his friend too often did, read and tried to fulfil + the injunctions of the book, but only became more confused and unhappy + than ever. Yet still he held on, in a blind sort of way, to his + resolution. He had undertaken to be good, he meant therefore to + communicate, and he believed he repented, and would lead a new life—if—if + he could bear it. + </p> + <p> + His next confidence was— + </p> + <p> + “I say, Cecil, can you get me some writing things? We—at least I—ought + to write and tell my tutor that I am sorry about that supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he was rather a beast.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Jock, who had the most capacity for seeing things from + other people’s point of view, “we did enough to put him in a wax. It was + more through me than any one else, and I shall write at once, and get it + off my mind before to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. If you’ll write, I’ll sign,” said Cecil. “Mother said I ought + when I saw her in London, but she didn’t order me. She said she left it to + my proper feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “And you hadn’t any?” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to stick by you,” said Cecil, rather sulkily; on which Jock + rewarded him with something sounding like— + </p> + <p> + “What a donkey you can be!” + </p> + <p> + However, with many writhings and gruntings the letter was indited, and + Jock was as much wearied out as if he had taken a long walk, so that his + mother feared that Engelberg was going to disagree with him. He had not + energy enough to go out in the evening of Saturday to meet the new + arrivals, but stayed with Armine, who was in a state of restless joy and + excitement, marvelling at him, and provoking him by this surprise as if it + were censure. + </p> + <p> + With his forehead against the window, Armine watched and did his utmost to + repress the eagerness that seemed to irritate his brother, and at last + gave vent to an irrepressible hurrah. + </p> + <p> + “There they are! Cecil has got his sister! Oh! and there she is! Babie—holding + on to mother, and that must be Mrs. Evelyn with Fordham—and there’s + Elf making up already to the Doctor! Aren’t you coming down, Jock?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I! I don’t want to see you make a fool of yourself before everybody!—I + say—you’ll have to come up stairs again, you know! Shut the door I + say!”—shouted Jock, as he found Armine deaf to all his + expostulations, and then getting up, he banged it himself, and then + shuffling back to the sofa, put his hands over his face and exclaimed, + “There! What an eternal brute I am!” + </p> + <p> + A few moments more and the door was open again, and Cecil, with his arm + round his sister, thrust her forwards, exclaiming—“Here he is, Syd.” + </p> + <p> + Jock had recovered his gentlemanly manners enough to shake hands + courteously, as well as to receive and return Babie’s kiss, when she and + Armine staggered in together, reeling under their weight of delight. Janet + kissed him too, and then, scanning both brothers, observed to her mother— + </p> + <p> + “I think Lucas is the more altered of the two.” In which sentiment Elvira + seemed to agree, for she put her hands behind her and exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “O Jock, you do look such a fright; I never knew how like Janet you were!” + </p> + <p> + “You are letting every one know what a spiteful little Elf you can be,” + returned Janet, indignantly. “Can’t you give poor Jock a kinder greeting?” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the Elf put on a cunning look of innocence and said— + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t know it was unkind to say he was like you, Janet.” + </p> + <p> + The Evelyn pair had gone—after this introduction of Jock and Sydney—to + their own sitting-room, which opened out of that of the Brownlows, and the + door was soon unclosed, for the two families meant to make up only one + party. The two mothers seemed as if they had been friends of old standing, + and Mrs. Evelyn was looking with delighted wonder at her eldest son, who + had gained much in flesh and in vigour ever since Dr. Medlicott’s last and + most successful prescription of a more pressing subject of interest than + his own cough. + </p> + <p> + She had an influence about her that repressed all discords in her + presence, and the evening was a cheerful and happy one, leaving a soothing + sense upon all. + </p> + <p> + Then came the awakening to the sounds of the monastery bells, and in due + time the small English congregation assembled, and one at least was trying + to force an attention that had freely wandered ever before. + </p> + <p> + The preacher was the chance visitor, an elderly clergyman with silvery + hair. He spoke extempore from Job xxviii. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where shall wisdom be found? + And where is the place of understanding? + Man knoweth not the price thereof; + Neither is it found in the land of the living. + The depth saith, “It is not in me:” + And the sea saith, “It is not with me.” + It cannot be gotten for gold. + Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. +</pre> + <p> + What he said was unlike any sermon the young people had heard before. It + began with a description of the alchemist’s labours, seeking for ever for + the one great arcanum, falling by the way upon numerous precious + discoveries, yet never finding the one secret which would have rendered + all common things capable of being made of priceless value. He drew this + quest into a parable of man’s search for the One Great Good, the wisdom + that is the one thing necessary to give weight, worth, and value to the + life which, without it, is vanity of vanities. Many a choice gift of + thought, of science, of philosophy, of beauty, of poetry, has been brought + to light in its time by the seekers, but in vain. All rang empty, hollow, + and heartless, like sounding brass or tinkling cymbal, till the secret + should be won. And it is no unattainable secret. It is the love of Christ + that truly turneth all things into fine gold. One who has attained that + love has the true transmuting and transforming power of making life + golden, golden in brightness, in purity, in value, so as to be “a present + for a mighty King.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed a description of the glory and worth of the true, noble, + faithful manhood of a “happy warrior,” ever going forward and carrying + through achievements for the love of the Great Captain. Each in turn, the + protector of the weak, the redresser of wrong, the patriot, the warrior, + the scholar, the philosopher, the parent, the wife, the sister, or the + child, the healthful or the sick, whoever has that one constraining + secret, the love of Christ, has his service even here, whether active or + passive, veritably golden, the fruit unto holiness, the end everlasting + life. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was the cluster of young faces that led the preacher thus to + speak, and as he went on, he must have met the earnest and responsive eyes + that are sure to animate a speaker, and the power and beauty of his words + struck every one. To the Evelyns it was a new and beautiful allegory on a + familiar idea. Janet was divided between discomfort at allusions reminding + her of her secret, and on criticisms of the description of alchemy. Her + mother’s heart beat as if she were hearing an echo of her husband’s + thoughts about his Magnum Bonum. Little Armine was thrilled as, in the awe + of drawing near to his first Communion, this golden thread of life was put + into his hand. But it was Jock to whom that discourse came like a beam of + light into a dark place. When upon the dreary vista of dull abnegation on + which he had been dwelling for a month past, came this vision of the + beauty, activity, victory, and glory of true manhood, as something + attainable, his whole soul swelled and expanded with joyful enthusiasm. + The future that he had embraced as lead had become changed to gold! Thus + the whole ensuing service was to him a continuation of that blessed + hopeful dedication of himself and all his powers. It was as if from being + a monk, he had become a Red Cross Knight of the Hospital. Yet, after his + soiled, spoiled, reckless boyhood, how could that grand manhood be + attained? + </p> + <p> + Later in the afternoon, when the denizens of the hotel had gone their + several ways, some to look and listen at Benediction in the Convent + church, some to climb through the pine-woods to the Alp, some to saunter + and rest among the nearer trees, the clergyman, with his Greek Testament + in his hand, was sitting on a seat under one of the trees, enjoying the + calm of one of his few restful Sundays; when he heard a movement, and + beheld the pale thin lad, who still walked so lame, who had been so silent + at the table d’hote, and whose dark eyes had looked up with such intensity + of interest, that he had more than once spoken to them. + </p> + <p> + “You are tired,” said the clergyman, kindly making room for him. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” said the boy, mechanically moving forward, but then pausing as + he leant on his stick, and his eyes suddenly dimmed with tears as he said, + “Oh, sir, if you would only tell me how to begin—” + </p> + <p> + “Begin what?” said the old man, holding out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “To turn it to gold,” said Jock. “Can I, after being the mad fool I’ve + been?” + </p> + <p> + They talked for more than an hour; even till Dr. Medlicott, coming down + from the Alp, laid his hand on Jock’s shoulder, and told him the evening + chill was coming, and he must sit still no longer. And when the boy looked + up, the restless weary distress of his face was gone. + </p> + <p> + Jock never saw that old clergyman again, nor heard of him, unless it were + his death that he read of in the paper six months later. But he never + heard the name of Engelberg without an echo of the parting benediction, + and feeling that to him it had indeed been an Angel mountain. + </p> + <p> + This had been a happy day to several others. Cecil, after ten minutes with + his mother, which filled her with hope and thankfulness, had gone to show + his sister the charms of the place, and Armine and Babie, on a sheltered + seat, were free to pour out their hearts to one another, ranging from the + heights of pure childish wisdom to its depths of blissful ignorance and + playful folly, as they talked over the past and the future. + </p> + <p> + Armine knew there was no chance of an immediate and entire recovery for + him, and this was a severe stroke to Babie, who was quite unprepared. And, + as her face began to draw up with tears near the surface, he hugged her + close, and consolingly whispered that now they would be together always, + he should not have to go away from his own dear Babie Bunting, and there + was a little kissing match, ending by Babie saying, disconsolately, “But + you did like Eton so, and you were going to get the Newcastle and the + Prince Consort’s prize, and to be in the eleven and all—and you were + so sure of a high remove! Oh, dear!” and she let her head drop on his + shoulder, and was almost crying again. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, don’t, Babie! or you’ll make me as bad again,” said Armine. “It + does come over me now and then, and I wish I had never known what it was + to be strong and jolly, and to expect to do all sorts of things.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall always be wishing it,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “No, you are not to cry! You would be more sorry if I was dead, and not + here at all, Babie; and you have got to thank God for that.” + </p> + <p> + “I do—I have! I’ve done it ever since we got Johnny’s dreadful + letter. Oh, yes, Armine, I’ll try not to mind, for perhaps if we aren’t + thankful, I mayn’t keep you at all,” said poor Babie, with her arms round + her treasure. “But are you quite sure, Armine? Couldn’t Dr. Lucas get you + quite well? You see this Dr. Medlicott is very young,” added the small + maiden sapiently. + </p> + <p> + “Young doctors are all the go. Dr. Lucas said so when mother wrote to ask + if she had better bring me home for advice,” said Armine. “He knows all + about Dr. Medlicott, and said he was first-rate, and they’ve been writing + to each other about me. The doctor stethoscoped me all over, and then he + did a map of my lungs, Cecil said, to send in his letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” gasped Babie, “didn’t it frighten you?” + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to know, for I saw mother was in a way. She did talk and whisk + about so fast, and made such a fuss, that I thought I must be much worse + than I knew. So I told Dr. Medlicott I wished he would tell me right out + if I was going to die, in time to see you, and then I shouldn’t mind. So + he said not now, and he thought I should get over it in the end, but that + most likely I should have a long time, years perhaps, of being very + careful. And when I asked if I should be able to go back to Eton, he said + he hardly expected it; and that he believed it was kinder to let me know + at once than let me be straining and hoping on.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it?” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “I thought not,” said Armine, “when I shut my eyes and the playing-fields + and the trees and the river stood up before me. I thought if I could have + hoped ever so little, it would have been nice. And then to think of never + being able to run, or row, or stay out late, and always to be bothering + about one’s stockings and wraps, and making a miserable muff of oneself + just to keep in a bit of uncomfortable life, and being a nuisance to + everybody.” + </p> + <p> + Babie fairly shrieked and sobbed her protest that he could never be a + nuisance to her or mother. + </p> + <p> + “You are Babie, and mother is mother, I know that; but it did seem such a + long burthen and bore, and when—oh, Babie—don’t you know—” + </p> + <p> + “How we always thought you would go on and be something great, and do + something great, like Bishop Selwyn, or like that Mr. Denison that Miss + Ogilvie has a book about,” said Babie. “But you will get well and do it + when you are a man, Armie! Didn’t you think about it when you heard all + about the golden life in the sermon to-day?” I thought, “That’s going to + be Armie’s life,” and I looked at you, but you were looking down. Were you + thinking how it was all spoilt, Armie, poor dear Armie. For perhaps it + isn’t.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I know nobody can spoil it but myself,” said Armine. “And you know he + said that one might make weakliness and sickness just as golden, by that + great Love, as being up and doing. I was going to tell you, Babie, I was + horridly wretched and dismal one day at Leukerbad when I thought mother + and all were out of the way—gone out driving, I believe—and + then Fordham came in. He had stayed in, I do believe, on purpose—” + </p> + <p> + “But, but,” said Babie, not so much impressed as her brother wished; + “isn’t he rather a spoon? Johnny said he ought to have been a girl.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t think Johnny was such a stupid,” said Armine, “I only know he + has been no end of a comfort to me, though he says he only wants to hinder + me from getting like him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t then,” said Babie, “though I don’t understand. I thought you were + so fond of him.” + </p> + <p> + “So must you be,” said Armine; “I never got on with anybody so well. He + knows just how it is! He says if God gives one such a life, He will help + one to find out the way to make the best of it for oneself and other + people, and to bear to see other people doing what one can’t, and we are + to help one another. Oh, Babie! you must like Fordham!” + </p> + <p> + “I must if you do!” said Babie. “But he is awfully old for a friend for + you, Armie.” + </p> + <p> + “He is nineteen,” said Armine, “but people get more and more of the same + age as they grow older. And he likes all our books, and more too, Babie. + He had such a delicious book of French letters, that he lent me, with + things in them that were just what I wanted. If we are to be abroad all + the winter, he will get his mother to go wherever we do. Suppose we went + to the Holy Land, Babie!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then we could find Jotapata! Oh, no,” she added, humbly, “I promised + Miss Ogilvie not to talk of Jotapata on a Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “And going to the Holy Land only to look for it would be much the same + thing,” said Armine. “Besides, I expect it is up among the Druses, where + one can’t go.” + </p> + <p> + “Armie,” in the tone of a great confession, “I’ve told Sydney all about + it. Have you told Lord Fordham?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Armine, who was less exclusively devoted to the great romance. + “I wonder whether he would read it?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve brought it. Nineteen copybooks and a dozen blank ones, though it was + so hard to make Delrio pack them up.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah for the new ones! We did so want some for the ‘Traveller’s Joy,’ + the paper at Leukerbad was so bad. You should hear the verses the Doctor + wrote on the mud baths. They are as stunning as ‘Fly Leaves.’ Mr. Editor, + I say,” as Lord Fordham’s tall figure strode towards them, “she has + brought out a dozen clean copybooks. Isn’t that a joy for the ‘Joy’?” + </p> + <p> + “Had you no other intentions for them?” said Fordham, detecting something + of disappointment in Babie’s face. “You surely were not going to write + exercises in them?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” said Babie, “only—” + </p> + <p> + “She can’t mention it on Sunday,” said Armine, a little wickedly. “It’s a + wonderful long story about the Crusaders.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” explained Babie, “our governess said we—that is I—thought + of nothing else, and made the Lessons at Church and everything else apply + to it, so she made me resolve to say nothing about it on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has brought out nineteen copybooks full of it,” added Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Babie, “but the little speckled ones are very small, and have + half the leaves torn out, and we used to write larger when we began. I + think,” she added, with the humility of an aspirant contributor towards + the editor of a popular magazine, “if Lord Fordham would be so kind as to + look at it, Armie thought it might do what people call, I believe, + supplying the serial element of fiction, and I should be happy to copy it + out for each number, if I write well enough.” + </p> + <p> + The word “happy,” was so genuine, and the speech so comical, that the + Editor had much ado to keep his countenance as he gave considerable hopes + that the serial element should be thus supplied in the MS. magazine. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the two mothers were walking about and resting together, keeping + their young people in some degree in view, and discussing at first the + subject most on their minds, their sons’ bodily health, and the past + danger, for which Caroline found a deeply sympathetic listener, and one + who took a hopeful view of Armine. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn was indeed naturally disposed to augur well whenever the + complaint was not hereditary, and she was besides in excellent spirits at + the very visible progress of both her sons, the one in physical, the other + in moral health, and she could not but attribute both to the companionship + that she had been so anxious to prevent. She had never seen Duke look so + well, nor seem so free from languor and indifference since he was a mere + child, and all seemed due to his devotion to Armine; while as to Cecil, he + seemed to have a new spring of improvement, which he ascribed altogether + to his friend. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange to me to hear this of my poor Jock,” said Caroline, “always + my pickle and scapegrace, though he is a dear good-hearted boy. His uncle + says it is that he wants a strong hand, but don’t you think an uncle’s + strong hand is much worse than any mother’s weakness?” + </p> + <p> + “Not than her weakness,” said Mrs. Evelyn. “It is her love, I think, that + you mean. There are some boys with whom strong hands are vain, but who + will guide themselves for love, and that we mothers are surely the ones to + infuse.” + </p> + <p> + “My boys are affectionate enough, dear fellows,” said Caroline proudly, + forgetting her sore disappointment that neither Allen nor Robert had + chosen to come to her help. + </p> + <p> + “I did not only mean love of oneself,” said Mrs. Evelyn, gently. “I was + thinking of the fine gold we heard of this morning. When our boys once + have found that secret, the chief of our work is done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and I never understood how to give them that,” said Caroline. “We + have been all astray ever since their father left us.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said Mrs. Evelyn, with a certain sweet shyness, “I can’t + help thinking that your dear Lucas found that gold among the stones of the + moraine, and will help my poor weak Cecil to keep a fast hold of it.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn’s opinion was confirmed, when a few days later came the answer + to Jock’s letter to his tutor, pleasing and touching both friends so much + that each showed it to his mother. Another important piece of intelligence + came in a letter from John to his cousin, namely that the present Captain + of the house, with two or three more “fellows,” were leaving Eton at the + Midsummer holidays, and that his tutor had been talking to him about + becoming Captain. + </p> + <p> + Jock and Cecil greatly rejoiced, for the departing Captain had been a + youth whose incapacity for government had been much better known to his + subordinates than to his master, and the other two had been the special + tempters and evil geniuses of the house, those who above all had set + themselves to make obedience and religion seem contemptible, and vice + daring and manly. + </p> + <p> + “I should have hated the notion of being Captain,” wrote John, “if those + impracticable fellows had stayed on, and if I did not feel sure of you and + Evelyn. You are such a fellow for getting hold of the others, but with you + two at my back, I really think the house may get a different tone into + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And every one told us what an excellent character it had,” said Mrs. + Evelyn, when the letter, through a chain of strict confidence, came round + to her, the boys little knowing how much it did to decide their + continuance together, and at Eton. Sir James had never been willing that + Cecil should be taken away, and he had become as sensible as any of the + rest to the Brownlow charm. + </p> + <p> + That was a very happy time in the pine-woods and the Alp. The whole of the + nineteen copy books were actually read by Babie to Sydney and Armine; and + Lord Fordham, over his sketches, submitted to hear a good deal. He told + his mother that the story was the most diverting thing he had ever heard, + with its queer mixture of childish simplicity and borrowed romance, of + natural poetry and of infantine absurdity, of extraordinary knowledge and + equally comical ignorance, of originality and imitation, so that his great + difficulty had been not to laugh in the wrong place, when Babie had tears + in her eyes at the heights of pathos and sublimity, and Sydney was + shedding them for company. It was funny to come to places where Armine’s + slightly superior age and knowledge of the world began to tell, and when + he corrected and criticised, or laughed, with appeals to his elder friend. + Babie was so perfectly good-humoured about the sacrifice of her pet + passages, and even of her dozen copybooks, that the editor of the + “Traveller’s Joy” could not help encouraging the admission of “Jotapata” + into the magazine, in spite of the remonstrances of the rest of his + public, who declared it was merely making the numbers a great deal heavier + for postage, and all for nothing. + </p> + <p> + The magazine was well named, for it was a great resource. There were + illustrations of all kinds, from Lord Fordham’s careful watercolours, and + Mrs. Brownlow’s graceful figures or etchings, to the doctor’s clever + caricatures and grotesque outlines, and the contributions were equally + miscellaneous. There were descriptions of scenery, fragmentary notes of + history and science, records more or less veracious or absurd of personal + adventures, and conversations, and advertisements, such as— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Stolen or strayed.—A parasol, white above, black + below, minus a ring, with an ivory loop handle, + and one broken whalebone. Whoever will bring + the same to the Senora Donna Elvira de Menella, + will he handsomely rewarded with a smile or a + scowl, according to her mood. + + Lost.—On the walk from the Alp, of inestimable + value to the owner, and none to any one else, + an Idea, one of the very few originated by the + Honble. C. F. Evelyn. +</pre> + <p> + Small wit went a good way, and personalities were by no means prohibited, + since the editor could be trusted to exercise a safe discretion in the + riddles, acrostics, and anagrams deposited in the bag at his door; and + immense was the excitement when the numbers were produced, with a pleasing + irregularity as to time, depending on when they became bulky enough to + look respectable, and not too thick to be sewn up comfortably by the great + Reeves, who did not mind turning his hand to anything when he saw his + lordship so merry. + </p> + <p> + The only person who took no interest in the “Traveller’s Joy” was Janet, + who could not think how reasonable people could endure such nonsense. Her + first affront had been taken at a most absurd description which Jock had + illustrated by a fancy caricature of “The Fox and the Crow,” “Woman’s + Progress,” in which “Mr. Hermann Dowsterswivel” was represented as + haranguing by turns with her on the steamer, and, during her discourse, + quietly secreting her bag. It was such wild fun that Lord Fordham never + dreamt of its being an affront, nor perhaps would it have been, if Dr. + Medlicott would have chopped logic, science, and philosophy with her in + the way she thought her due from the only man who could be supposed to + approach her in intellect. He however took to chaff. He would defend every + popular error that she attacked, and with an acumen and ease that baffled + her, even when she knew he was not in earnest, and made her feel like + Thor, when the giant affected to take three blows with Miolner for three + flaps of a rat’s tail. + </p> + <p> + The magazine contained a series of notes on the nursery rhymes, where the + “Song of Sixpence” was proved to be a solar myth. The pocketful of rye was + the yield of the earth, and the twenty-four blackbirds sang at sunrise + while the king counted out the golden drops of the rain, and the queen ate + the produce while the maid’s performance in the garden was, beyond all + doubt, symbolic of the clouds suddenly broken in upon by the lightning! + </p> + <p> + Moreover the man of Thessaly was beautifully illustrated, blinding himself + by jumping into the prickly bush of science, where each gooseberry was + labelled with some pseudo study. When he saw his eyes were out, he stood + wondrously gazing after them with his sockets while they returned a + ludicrous stare from the points of thorns, like lobsters. In his final + leap deeper into truth, he scratched them in again, and walked off, in a + crown of laurels, triumphant. + </p> + <p> + Janet was none the less disposed to leap into her special gooseberry-bush; + and her importunity prevailed, so that before Dr. Medlicott returned to + England he escorted her and her mother to Zurich. Then after full + inquiries it was decided that she should have her will, and follow out her + medical course of study, provided she could find a satisfactory person to + board with. + </p> + <p> + She proposed, and her mother consented, that the two Miss Rays should be + her chaperons, of course with liberal payment. Nita could carry on her + studies in art, and made the plan agreeable to Janet, while old Miss Ray’s + eyes, which had begun to suffer from the copying, would have a rest, and + Mrs. Brownlow had as much confidence in her as in any one Janet would + endure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — THE LAND OF AFTERNOON. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And all at once they sang, “Our island home + Is far beyond the wave, we will no longer roam.” + Tennyson. +</pre> + <p> + We must pass over three more years and a half, and take up the scene in + the cloistered court of a Moorish house in Algeria, adapted to European + habits. The slender columns supporting the horse-shoe arches were trained + with crimson passion-flower and bougainvillia, while orange and gardenia + blossom scented the air, and in the midst of a pavement of mosaic marbles + was a fountain, tinkling coolness to the air which was already heated + enough to make it impossible to cross the court without protection from + the sunshine even at nine o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow had a black lace veil thrown over her head; and both she and + the clergyman with her, in muslin-veiled hat, had large white sunshades. + </p> + <p> + “Little did we think where we should meet again, and why, Mr. Ogilvie. Do + you feel as if you had got into ‘Tales of the Alhambra,’ or into the + ‘Tempest’?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not to continue in the ‘Tempest,’ at any rate, after this Algier + wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “Though no doubt you feel, as I do, that the world goes very like a game + at consequences. Who would ever have put together The Vicar of Benneton + and Mary Ogilvie in the amphitheatre at Constantina, eating lion-steaks. + Consequence was, an engaged ring. What the world said, ‘Who would have + thought it?’” + </p> + <p> + “The world in my person should say you have been Mary’s kindest friend, + Mrs. Brownlow. Little did I think, when I persuaded Charles Morgan to give + himself six months’ rest from his parish by reading with Armine, that this + was to be the end of it, though I am sure there is not a man in the world + to whom I am so glad to give my sister.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it not delightful to see dear old Mary? She looks younger now than + ever she did in her whole life, and has broken out of all her primmy + governessy crust. Oh! it has been such fun to watch it, so entirely + unconscious as both of them were. Mrs. Evelyn and I gloated over it + together, all the more that the children had not a suspicion. I don’t + think Babie and Sydney realise any one being in love nearer our own times + than ‘Waverley’ at the very latest. They received the intelligence quite + as a shock. Allen said, as if they had heard that the Greek lexicon was + engaged to the French grammar! It will be their first bridesmaid + experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they miss the wedding at Kenminster?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Jessie’s old General chose to marry her in the depth of winter, when + we could not think of going home. You know I have not been at Belforest + for four years.” + </p> + <p> + “Four years! I suppose I knew, but I did not realise it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. You know there was the first summer, when, just as we got back to + London after our Italian winter, poor Armie had such a dreadful attack on + the lungs, that Dr. Medlicott said he was in more danger than when he was + at Schwarenbach; and, as soon as he could move, we had to take him to + Bournemouth, to get strength for going to the Riviera. I can say now that + I never did expect to bring him back again! But I am thankful to say he + has been getting stronger ever since, and has scarcely had a real + drawback.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was astonished to see him looking so well. He would scarcely give + a stranger the impression of being delicate.” + </p> + <p> + “They told me last summer in London that the damage to the lungs had been + quite outgrown, and that he would only need moderate care for the future. + Indeed, we should have stayed at home this year, but last summer + twelvemonth there was a fever, and that set on foot a perquisition into + our drains at Belforest, and it was satisfactorily proved that we ought by + good rights to have been all dead of typhoid long ago. So we turned the + workmen in, and they could not of course be got out again. And then Allen + fell in love with parquet and tiles, and I was weak enough to think it a + good opportunity when all the floors were up. But when a man of taste + takes to originality, there’s no end of it. Everything has had to be made + on purpose, and certain little tiles five times over; for when they did + come out the right shape, they were of a colour that Allen pronounced + utter demoralisation. However, we are quite determined to get home this + summer, and you and Mary must meet there, and show old Kenminster to Mr. + Morgan. Ah! here she comes, and I shall leave you to enjoy this lucid + interval of her while Mr. Morgan is doing his last lessons with the + children.” + </p> + <p> + “How exactly like herself!” exclaimed Mr. Ogilvie, as Mrs. Brownlow + vanished under one of the arches. + </p> + <p> + “Like! yes; but much more, much better,” said Mary, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, do you remember when you told me coming to her was an experiment, and + you thought it might be better for the old friendship if you did not + accept the situation?” + </p> + <p> + “You triumph at last, David; but I can confess now that for the first four + years I held to that opinion, and felt that my poor Carey and I could have + loved each other better if our relative situations had been different, and + we had not seen so much of one another. My life used to seem to me + half-unspoken remonstrance, half-truckling compliance, and nothing but our + mutual loyalty to old times, and dear little Babie’s affection, could have + borne us through.” + </p> + <p> + “And her extraordinary sweetness and humility, Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I allow that. Very few employers would have treated me as she did, + knowing how I regretted much that went on in her household. However, when + I met her at Pontresina, after the boys’ terrible adventure in + Switzerland, there was an indefinable change. I cannot tell whether it is + owing to the constant being with such a boy as Armine, while he was for + more than a year between life and death, or whether it was from the + influence of living with Mrs. Evelyn; but she has certainly ever since had + the one thing that was wanting to all her sweetness and charm.” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought so!” + </p> + <p> + “No; but you were never a fair judge. I think she has owed unspeakably + much to Mrs. Evelyn, who, so far as I can see, is the first person who, at + any rate since the break-up of the original home, made conscientiousness, + or indeed religion, appear winning to her, neither stiff, nor censorious, + nor goody.” + </p> + <p> + “Is not this close combination of the two families rather odd?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think it is. Poor Lord Fordham is very fond of Armine, and he + hates the being driven abroad every winter so much, that the meeting + Armine is the only pleasant ingredient. And it has been convenient for + Sydney to join our school-room party. I was very glad also, that these + last two summers, there have been visits at Fordham. Staying there has + given Mrs. Brownlow and the younger ones some insight into what the life + at Belforest might be, but never has been; and they will not be kept out + of it any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they are going home!” + </p> + <p> + “After the London season.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, little Barbara is surely not coming out yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but Elvira is.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! by the bye, was I not told that I was to have two weddings?” + </p> + <p> + “Allen wished it, but the Elf won’t hear of it. She says she had no notion + of turning into a stupid old married woman before she has had any fun.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she care for him?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think she is capable of caring for any one much. I don’t know + whether she may ever soften with age; but—” + </p> + <p> + “Say it, Mary—out with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw such a heartless little butterfly! She did not care a rush + when her good old grandfather died, and I don’t believe she has one + fraction more love for Mrs. Brownlow, or Allen, or anybody else. The best + thing I can see is that she is too young to perceive the prudence of + securing Allen; but perhaps that is only frivolity, and he, poor fellow, + is so devoted to her, that it is quite provoking to see how she trifles + with and torments him.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t it rather good for the great Mr. Brownlow? Not much besides has + contradicted him, I should imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “His mother thinks that it is the perpetual restlessness in which Elvira + keeps him that renders him so unsettled, and that if they were once + married he would have some peace of mind, and be able to begin life in + earnest. But to hurry on the marriage is such a fearful risk, with such a + creature as that sprite, that she has persuaded him to wait, and let the + child be satisfied by this season in London, that she may not think they + are cheating her of her young lady life.” + </p> + <p> + “It is on the cards, I suppose, that she might see some one whom she + preferred to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Which might, in some aspects of the matter, be the best thing possible; + but Mrs. Brownlow would have many conscientious scruples about the + property, and Allen would be in utter despair.” + </p> + <p> + “Though, of course, all this would be far better than exposing that + tropical-natured Spanish butterfly to meeting the subject of a grand + passion too late,” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; of course that must be in his mother’s mind, though I don’t suppose + she expresses it even to herself. Miss Evelyn is coming out too, and is to + be presented, which reconciles the younger ones to putting off all their + schemes for working at Belforest, after the true Fordham and story-book + fashion. Besides, Mrs. Brownlow always feels that she has a duty towards + Elvira, even apart from Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of Allen? He seems very pleasant and gentlemanly.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what he is! He has always been as agreeable and nice as + possible all these eight years that I have been with them, and has treated + me entirely as his mother’s old friend. I can’t help liking Allen very + much, and wondering what he would have been if—if he had had to work + for his living—or if Elvira had not been such a little tormenting + goose—or if, all manner of ifs—indeed; but they all resolve + themselves into one question if there be much stuff in him!” + </p> + <p> + “If not, he is the only one of the family without, except, perhaps, Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if you saw Jock now, you would not doubt that there’s plenty of + substance in him! He has been a very different person ever since his + illness in Switzerland, as full of life and fun as ever, but thoroughly in + earnest about doing right. He had an immense number of marks for the army + examination, and seems by all accounts to be keeping up to regular work, + now that it is more voluntary.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he not rather wasted on the Guards!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that was Sir James Evelyn’s doing. They are glad enough to have him + there to look after his friend, Mr. Evelyn, and it was one of the cases + where the decision for life has to be made before the youth is old enough + to understand his full capabilities. I expect Lucas, to give him his right + name, will do something distinguished yet, perhaps be a great General; and + I hope Sir James has interest enough to get him employment before he has + eaten his heart out on drill and parade. Now that Armine’s health is + coming round, I do leave Caroline very happy about the younger half of her + family.” + </p> + <p> + “And the elder half?” + </p> + <p> + “Well! I sometimes think that there must have been something defective in + the management of that excellent doctor and his mother, as if they had + never taught the children proper loyal respect for her! The three younger + ones have it all right, and the two elder sons are as fond of her as + possible; but she never had any authority over those three from the first. + Only Allen is too gentle and has too much good taste to show it; while as + to the other two, Bobus’s contempt is of a kindly, filial, petting + description; Janet’s, a nasty, defiant, overt disregard.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! They could not dare to despise her.” + </p> + <p> + “They do, for the very things that are best in her; and so far I think the + Evelyn intercourse has been unlucky, since they ascribe her greater + religiousness to what it suits their democratic notions to scorn. Not that + there is much to complain of in Bobus’s manner when we do see him. He only + uses little stings of satire, chiefly about Lord Fordham. I don’t think he + would knowingly pain his mother if he could help it; and for that reason + there is a reserve between them.” + </p> + <p> + “He is eating his terms in the Temple, is he not? And Janet? Is she + studying medicine still? Does she mean to practise?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t make out. She has only been with us twice in these four years, + once at Sorrento and once in London; but she has a very active dislike to + Mrs. Evelyn, and vexes her mother by making no secret of it. I believe she + is to take her degree at Zurich this spring, but I don’t think she means + to practise. She is too well off for the drudgery, but she is bent on + making researches of some kind, and I think I heard of some plan of her + going to attend lectures, to which her degree may admit her, but I am not + sure where. The two Miss Rays seem to be happy to escort her anywhere, and + that is a sort of comfort to Mrs. Brownlow. Miss Ray keeps us informed of + their comings and goings, for Janet seldom deigns to write.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very strange that there should be such alienation, and from such a + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “The two characters are as unlike as can be, but I have always thought + there must be some cause that no one but Janet herself could perhaps + explain. I cannot help thinking that she has some definite purpose in this + study of medicine; for I do not think it is for the sake either of the + emancipation of women or of general philanthropy. They must be an odd + party. Miss Ray attends to the household matters, mends the clothes, and + pays the bills. Nita sketches, reads at the libraries, and talks at the + table d’hote, like a strong-minded woman, as she is; and Janet goes her + own way. Bobus looked in on them once and described them to us with great + gusto.” + </p> + <p> + There Mary’s face became illuminated as a step approached, and a gentleman + with grizzled hair, and a thoughtful, gentle face came out, and sat down + on her other side. + </p> + <p> + He had been college tutor to her brother, though not much older, and had + stayed on at Oxford, till two years back he had taken a much neglected + living. His health had broken down under the severe work of organising, + and he had accepted the easy task of reading with Armine Brownlow for the + winter in a perfect climate, as a welcome mode of recruiting his strength. + He had truly recruited it in an unexpected manner, and was about to take + home with him one who would prove such a helpmeet as would lighten all the + troubles and difficulties that had weighed so heavily on him, and remove + some of them entirely. + </p> + <p> + So he came out and testified to the remarkable ability and zeal he had + found in his pupil, and likewise to the spirit of industry which had + prevented the desultory life of travelling and ill-health from having made + him nearly so much behindhand as might have been expected. If he only had + health to work steadily for the next two years, he would be quite as well + prepared to matriculate at the university as all but the very foremost + scholars from the public schools. Mr. Morgan thought his intellect equal + to that of his brother Robert, who had taken a double first-class, but of + a finer order, being open to those poetical instincts which went for + nothing with the materialistic Bobus. + </p> + <p> + Wherewith the friends fell into conversation more immediately interesting + to themselves, while at the other end of the court, sheltered by a great + orange-tree, a committee of the “Traveller’s Joy” was held. + </p> + <p> + For that serial still survived, though it could never be called a + periodical, since it was an intermittent, and sometimes came out very + rapidly, sometimes with intervals of many months; but it was always sent + to, and greatly relished by, the absent members of the original party, at + first at Eton, and later, two in their barracks, and one at his college at + Oxford, whither, to his great satisfaction, he had gone by means of a + well-won scholarship, not at his aunt’s expense. + </p> + <p> + Jotapata’s lengthy romance had died a natural death in the winter that had + been spent between Egypt and Palestine. So far from picking up ideas from + it there, Babie, in the actual sight of Mount Hermon’s white crown, had + begged not to be put in mind of such nonsense, and had never recurred to + it; but the wells of fancy had never been dried, and the young people were + happily putting together their bits of journal, their bits of history, the + description of the great amphitheatre, a poem of Babie’s on St. Louis’s + death, a spirited translation in Scott-like metre of Armine’s of the + opening of the AEneid, also one from the French, by Sydney, on Arab + customs, and all Lord Fordham had been able to collect about Hippo, also + “The Single Eye,” by Allen, and “Marco’s Felucca,” by Armine and Babie in + partnership, and a fair proportion of drollery. + </p> + <p> + “There was a space left for the wedding, the greatest event the + ‘Traveller’s Joy’ had ever had on record,” said Sydney, as she touched up + the etching at the top of her paper, sitting on a low stool by a low + mother-of-pearl inlaid Eastern table. + </p> + <p> + “The greatest and the last,” chimed in Babie, as she worked away at the + lace she was finishing for the bride. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see why it should be the last of the poor old ‘Joy,’” said Lord + Fordham, sorting the MSS. which were scattered round him on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Well, somehow I feel as if we had come to the end of a division of our + lives,” returned Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Having done with swaddling bands, eh, Infanta?” said Lord Fordham, while + Armine hastily sketched in pen and ink, Babie, with her hair flying and + swaddling bands off, executing a war-dance. She did not like it. + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Armine! Don’t you know how dreadful it is to lose dear Miss + Ogilvie?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Babie,” said her brother, “I didn’t think you were such a + Babie as not to know that things go by contraries.” + </p> + <p> + “It is too tender a spot for irony, Armie,” said Lord Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Armine, “I shall be obliged to do something outrageous + presently, so look out!” + </p> + <p> + “Not really!” said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, really,” said Babie, recovering; “I see what he means. He would like + to do anything rather than sit and think that this is the last time we + shall all be together again in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure I don’t see why we should not,” said Sydney. “To say nothing of + meetings in England; Duke and Armine have only to cough three times in + October, and we should all go off together again, and be as jolly as + ever.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mean to cough,” said Armine, gravely, “I’ve wasted enough of my + life already.” + </p> + <p> + “In our company, eh?” said Sydney, “or are you to be taken by contraries?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Armine. “One has duties, and lotus-eating is uncommonly nice, + but it won’t do to go on for ever. I wouldn’t have given in to it this + winter if Allen hadn’t <i>floored</i> us.” + </p> + <p> + “And then when you thought I had got a tutor, and should do some good with + him,” chimed in Babie, “he must needs go and fall in love and spoil our + Miss Ogilvie.” + </p> + <p> + The disgust with which she uttered the words was so comic, that all the + others burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + And Fordham said— + </p> + <p> + “The Land of Afternoon was too strong for him. Shall you really pine much + for Miss Ogilvie, Infanta?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall miss her dreadfully,” said Babie, “and I think it is very stupid + of her to leave mother, whom she has known all her life, and all of us, + for a strange man she never saw till four months ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Babie, you to be the author of a chivalrous romance!” said Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “I was young and silly then,” said the young lady, who was within a month + of sixteen. + </p> + <p> + “And all your romances are to be henceforth without love,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “I think they would be much more sensible,” said Babie. “Why do you all + laugh so? Don’t you see how stupid poor Allen always is? And it can even + spoil Miss Ogilvie, and make her inattentive.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Allen,” echoed one or two voices, in the same low tone, for as they + peeped out beyond the orange-tree, Allen might be seen, extended on a + many-coloured rug, in an exceedingly deplorable attitude. + </p> + <p> + “O yes,” said Sydney; “but if one has such a—such a—such an + object as that, one must expect to be stupid and miserable sometimes!” + </p> + <p> + “She must have been worrying him again,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “O yes, didn’t you see?” said Armine. “No, I remember you didn’t go out + riding early to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I was finishing Miss Ogilvie’s wedding lace.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that French captain, that Elfie went on with at the commandant’s + ball, came riding up in full splendour, and trotted alongside of her, + chattering away, she bowing and smiling, and playing off all her airs, and + at last letting him give her a great white flower. Didn’t you see it in + her breast at breakfast? Poor Allen was looking as if he had eaten + wormwood all the time when he was forced to fall back upon me, and I + suppose he has been having it out with her and has got the worst of it.” + </p> + <p> + “O, it is that, is it?” said Lord Fordham; “I thought she wanted to pique + Allen, she was so empressee with me.” + </p> + <p> + “If people will be so foolish as to care for a pretty face,” sagely said + Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “You know it is not only that,” said Babie; “Allen is bound in honour to + marry Elvira, to repair the great injustice. It is a great pity she will + not marry him now at once, but I think she is afraid, because then, you + know, she would get to have a soul, like Undine, and she doesn’t want one + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a new view of the case,” said Lord Fordham in his peculiar lazy + manner, “and taken allegorically it may be the true one.” + </p> + <p> + “But one would like to have a soul,” said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not sure,” said Babie, with a great look of awe. “One would know it + was best, but it would be very tremendous to feel all sorts of thoughts + and perceptions swelling up in one.” + </p> + <p> + “If that is the soul,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Which is the soul?” said Babie, “our understanding, or our feelings, or + both?” + </p> + <p> + “Both,” said Sydney, undoubtingly. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said Babie. “Poor little Chico has double the heart of his + mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite true,” said Fordham. “We may share intellect with demons, but + we do share what is called heart with animals.” + </p> + <p> + “I think good animals have a sort of soul,” observed Armine. + </p> + <p> + “And of course, Elvira has a soul,” said Sydney, who was getting + bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Theologically speaking—yes,” said Armine, making them all laugh, + “and I suppose Undine hadn’t. But it was sense and heart that was + wanting.” + </p> + <p> + “The heart would bring the sense,” said Lord Fordham, “and so we have come + round to the Infanta’s first assertion that the young lady shrinks from + the awakening.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you what she really does care for,” said Babie, “and what I + believe would waken up her soul much better than marrying poor Allen.” + </p> + <p> + The announcement was so extraordinary that they all turned their heads to + listen. + </p> + <p> + “Her old black nurse at San Ildefonso,” said Babie. “I believe going back + there would do her all the good in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s something in that notion,” said Armine. “She is always + better-tempered in a hot country.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” added Babie, “and you didn’t see her when somebody advised our + trying the West Indies for the winter. Her eyes gleamed, and she panted, + and I didn’t know what she was going to do. I told mother at night, but + she said she was afraid of going there, because of the yellow fever, and + that San Ildefonso had been made a coaling-station by the Americans, so it + would only disappoint her. But Elfie looked—I never saw any one look + as she did—fit to kill some one when she found it was given up, and + she did not get over it for ever so long.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care; here’s an apparition,” said Armine, as a brilliant figure + darted out in a Moorish dress, rich jacket, short full white tunic, full + trousers tied at the ankles, coins pendulous on the brow, bracelets, + anklets, and rows of pearls. It was a dress on which Elvira had set her + heart in readiness for fancy balls; it had been procured with great + difficulty and expense, and had just come home from the French modiste who + had adapted it to European wear. + </p> + <p> + Allen started up in admiration and delight. Even Mr. Morgan was roused to + make an admiring inspection of the curious ornaments and devices; and + Elvira, with her perfect features, rich complexion, dark blue eyes, Titian + coloured hair, fine figure, and Oriental air, formed a splendid study. + </p> + <p> + Lord Fordham begged her to stand while he sketched her; and Babie, with + Sydney, was summoned to try on the bridesmaids’ apparel. + </p> + <p> + The three girls, Elvira, Sydney, and Barbara acted as bridesmaids the next + day, when, in the English chapel, Mr. Ogilvie gave his sister to his old + friend, to begin her new life as a clergyman’s wife. + </p> + <p> + What could be called Elvira de Menella’s character? Those who knew her + best, such as Barbara Brownlow, would almost have soon have thought of + ascribing a personal character to a cloud as to her. She smiled into + glorious loveliness when the sun shone; she was gloomy and thunderous when + displeased, and though she had a passionate temper, and could be violent, + she had no fixed purpose, but drifted with the external impulse of the + moment. She had not much mind or power of learning, and was entirely + inattentive to anything intellectual, so that education had not been able + at the utmost to do more than fit her to pass in the crowd, and could get + no deeper; and what principles she had it was not easy to tell. Not that + she did or said objectionable things, since she had outgrown her childish + outbreaks; but she seemed to have no substance, and to be kept right by + force of circumstances. She had the selfishness of any little child, and + though she had never been known to be untruthful, this might be because + there was not the slightest temptation to deceive. She was just as much + the spoilt child, to all intents and purposes, as if she had been the + heiress; perhaps more so, for Mrs. Brownlow had always been so remorseful + for the usurpation as to be extra indulgent—lenient to her foibles, + and lavish in gifts and pleasures, even inconveniencing herself for her + fancies; whilst Allen had, from the first, treated her with the devotion + of a lover. No stranger had ever supposed that she was not the equal in + all respects of the rest of the family, nor had she realised it herself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. MOONSHINE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But still the lady shook her head, + And swore by yea and nay + My whole was all that he had said, + And all that he could say. + W. M. Praed. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow had intended to go at once to London on her return to + England, but the joint entreaties of Armine and Barbara prevailed on her + to give them one week at Belforest, now in that early spring beauty in + which they had first seen it. + </p> + <p> + How delightful the arrival was! Easter had been very late, so it was the + last week of the vacation, and dear old Friar John’s handsome face was the + first thing they saw at the station, and then his father’s portly form, + with a tall pretty creature on each side of him, causing Babie to fall + back with a cry of glad amazement, “Oh! Essie and Ellie! Such women!” + </p> + <p> + Then the train stopped, and there was a tumult of embracings and welcomes, + in the midst of which Jock appeared, having just come by the down train. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll all come to dinner this evening?” entreated Caroline. “My love to + Ellen. Tell her you must all of you come.” + </p> + <p> + It was a most delightsome barouche full that drove from the station. Jock + took the reins, and turned over coachman and footman to the break, and in + defiance of dignity, his mother herself sprang up beside him. The sky was + blue, the hedges were budding with pure light-green above, and resplendent + with rosy campion and white spangles of stitchwort below. Stars of + anemone, smiling bunches of primrose, and azure clouds of bluebell made + the young hearts leap as at that first memorable sight. Armine said he was + ready to hurrah and throw up his hat, and though Elvira declared that she + saw nothing to be so delighted about, they only laughed at her. + </p> + <p> + Gorgeous rhododendrons and gay azaleas rose in brilliant masses nearer the + house, beds of hyacinths and jonquils perfumed the air, judiciously + arranged parterres of gay little Van Thol tulips and white daisies flashed + on the eyes of the arriving party, while the exquisite fresh green + provoked comparisons with parched Africa. + </p> + <p> + Bobus was standing on the steps to receive them, and when they had crossed + the hall, with due respect to its Roman mosaic pavement, they found the + Popinjay bowing, dancing, and chattering for joy, and tea and coffee for + parched throats in the favourite Dresden set in the morning room, the + prettiest and cosiest in the house. + </p> + <p> + “How nice it is! We are all together except Janet,’ exclaimed Babie. + </p> + <p> + “And Janet is coming to us in London,” said her mother. “Did you see her + on her way to Edinburgh boys?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jock. “She never let us know she was there.” + </p> + <p> + “But I’ll tell you an odd thing I have just found out,” said Bobus. “It + seems she came down here on her way, unknown to anyone, got out at the + Woodside station, and walked across here. She told Brock that she wanted + something out of the drawers of her library-table, of which the key had + been lost, and desired him to send for Higg to break it open; but Brock + wouldn’t hear of it. He said his Missus had left him in charge, and he + could not be answerable to her for having locks picked without her + authority—or leastways the Colonel’s. He said Miss Brownlow was in a + way about it, and said as how it was her own private drawer that no one + had a right to keep her out of, but he stood to his colours; he said the + house was Mrs. Brownlow’s, and under his care, and he would have no + tampering with locks, except by her authority or the Colonel’s. He even + offered to send to Kenminster if she would write a note to my uncle, but + she said she had not time, and walked off again, forbidding him to mention + that she had been here.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet always was a queer fish!” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Janet, I suppose she wanted some of her notes of lectures,” said her + mother. “Brock’s sound old house-dog instinct must have been very + inconvenient to her. I must write and ask what she wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “But she forbade him to mention it,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Of course that was only to avoid the fuss there would have been if it had + been known that she had been here without coming to Kencroft. By the bye, + I didn’t tell Brock those good people were coming to dinner. How well the + dear old Monk looks, and how charming Essie and Ellie! But I shall never + know them apart, now they are both the same size.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t feel that difficulty long,” said Bobus. “There really is no + comparison between them.” + </p> + <p> + “Just the insipid English Mees,” said Elvira. “You should hear what the + French think of the ordinary English girl!” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” said Bobus. “No respectable English girl would wish + for a foreigner’s insulting admiration.” + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Bobus! I never heard such an old-fashioned insular sentiment + from you. One would think it was your namesake. By the bye, where is the + great Rob?” + </p> + <p> + “At Aldershot,” said Jock. “I assure you he improves as he grows older. I + had him to dine the other day at our mess, and he cut a capital figure by + judiciously holding his tongue and looking such a fine fellow, that people + were struck with him.” + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Armine, slyly, “he has the seal of the Guards’ approval.” + </p> + <p> + Jock could afford to laugh at himself, for he was entirely devoid of + conceit, but he added, good humouredly— + </p> + <p> + “Well, youngster, I can tell you it goes for something. I wasn’t at all + sure whether the ass mightn’t get his head out of the lion-skin.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! they are all lions and no asses in the Guards,” said Babie; + whereupon Jock fell on her, and they had a playful skirmish. + </p> + <p> + Nobody came to dinner but John and his two sisters. It had turned out that + the horse had been too much worked to be used again, and there was a fine + moon, so that the three had walked over together. Esther and Eleanor + Brownlow had always been like twins, and were more than ever so now, when + both were at the same height of five feet eight, both had the same thick + glossy dark-brown hair, done in the very same rich coils, the same + clearly-cut regular profiles, oval faces, and soft carnation cheeks, with + liquid brown eyes, under pencilled arches. Caroline was in confusion how + to distinguish them, and trusted at first solely to the little coral + charms which formed Esther’s ear-rings, but gradually she perceived that + Esther was less plump and more mobile than her sister—her colour was + more variable, and she seemed as timid as ever, while Eleanor was + developing the sturdy Friar texture. Their aunt had been the means of + sending them to a good school, and they had a much more trained and less + homely appearance than Jessie at the same age, and seemed able to take + their part in conversation with their cousins, though Essie was manifestly + afraid of her aunt. They had always been fond of Barbara, and took eager + possession of her, while John’s Oxford talk was welcome to all,—and + it was a joyous evening of interchange of travellers’ anecdotes and local + and family news, but without any remarkable feature till the time came for + the cousins to return. They had absolutely implored not to be sent home in + the carriage, but to walk across the park in the moonlight; and it was + such a lovely night that when Bobus and Jock took up their hats to come + with them, Babie begged to go too, and the same desire strongly possessed + her mother, above all when John said, “Do come, Mother Carey;” and “rowed + her in a plaidie.” + </p> + <p> + That youthful inclination to frolic had come on her, and she only waited + to assure herself that Armine did not partake of her madness, but was + wisely going to bed. Allen was holding out a scarf to Elvira, but she + protested that she hated moonlight, and that it was a sharp frost, and she + went back to the fire. + </p> + <p> + As they went down the steps in the dark shadow of the house, John gave his + aunt his arm, and she felt that he liked to have her leaning on him, as + they walked in the strong contrasts of white light and dark shade in the + moonshine, and pausing to look at the wonderful snowy appearance of the + white azaleas, the sparkling of the fountain, and the stars struggling out + in the pearly sky; but John soon grew silent, and after they had passed + the garden, said— + </p> + <p> + “Aunt Caroline, if you don’t mind coming on a little way, I want to ask + you something.” + </p> + <p> + The name, Aunt Caroline, alarmed her, but she professed her readiness to + hear. + </p> + <p> + “You have always been so kind to me” (still more alarming, thought she); + “indeed,” he added, “I may say I owe everything to you, and I should like + to know that you would not object to my making medicine my profession.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Johnny!” in an odd, muffled voice. + </p> + <p> + “Had you rather not?” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! Oh, no, no! It is the very thing. Only when you began I was so + afraid you wanted to marry some dreadful person!” + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t be afraid of that. Ars Medico, will be bride enough for me + till I meet another Mother Carey, and that I shan’t do in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “You silly fellow, you aren’t practising the smoothness of tongue of the + popular physician.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think I mean it?” said John, rather hurt. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy, you must excuse me. It is not often one gets so many + compliments in a breath, besides having one of the first wishes of one’s + heart granted.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that you really wished this?” + </p> + <p> + “So much that I am saying, ‘Thank God!’ in my heart all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my father and mother thought you might be wishing me to be a + barrister, or something swell.” + </p> + <p> + “As if I could—as if I ever could be so glad of anything,” said she + with rejoicing that surprised him. “It is the only thing that could make + up for none of my own boys taking that line. I can’t tell you now how much + depends on it, John, you will know some day. Tell me what put it into your + head—” + </p> + <p> + He told her, as he had told his father nearly four years before, how the + dim memory of his uncle had affected him, and how the bent had been + decidedly given by his attendance on Jock, and his intercourse with Dr. + Medlicott. At Oxford, he had availed himself of all opportunities, and had + come out honourably in all examinations, including physical science, and + he was now reading for his degree, meaning to go up for honours. His + father, finding him steady to his purpose, had consented, and his mother + endured, but still hoped his aunt would persuade him out of it. She was so + far from any such intention, that a hint of the Magnum Bonum had very + nearly been surprised out of her. For the first time since Belforest had + come to her, did she feel in the course of carrying out her husband’s + injunctions; and she felt strengthened against that attack from Janet to + which she looked forward with dread. She talked with John of his plans + till they actually reached the lodge gate, and there found Jock, Babie, + and Eleanor chattering merrily about fireflies and glowworms a little way + behind, and Bobus and Esther paired together much further back. When all + had met at the gate and the parting good-nights had been spoken, Bobus + became his mother’s companion, and talked all the way home of his great + satisfaction at her wandering time being apparently over, of his delight + in her coming to settle at home at last, his warm attachment to the place, + and his desire to cultivate the neighbouring borough with a view to + representing it in Parliament, since Allen seemed to be devoid of + ambition, and so much to hate the mud and dust of public life, that he was + not likely to plunge into it, unless Elvira should wish for distinction. + Then Bobus expatiated on the awkward connection the Goulds would be for + Allen, stigmatising the amiable Lisette, who of course by this time had + married poor George Gould, as an obnoxious, presuming woman, whom it would + be very difficult to keep in her right position. It was not a bad thing + that Elvira should have a taste of London society, to make her less likely + to fall under her influence. + </p> + <p> + “That is not a danger I should have apprehended,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “The woman can fawn, and that is exactly what a haughty being like Elvira + likes. She is always pining for a homage she does not get in the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Except from poor Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “Except from Allen, but that is a matter of course. He is a slave to be + flouted! Did you ever see a greater contrast than that between her and our + evening guests?” + </p> + <p> + “Esther and Eleanor? They have grown up into very sweet-looking girls.” + </p> + <p> + “Not that there can be any comparison between them. Essie has none of the + ponderous Highness in her—only the Serenity.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is a very pleasant air of innocent candour about their faces—” + </p> + <p> + “Just what it does a man good to look at. It is like going out into the + country on a spring morning. And there is very real beauty too—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Kencroft monopolises all the good looks of the family. What a fine + fellow the dear old Friar has grown.” + </p> + <p> + “If you bring out those two girls this year, you will take the shine out + of all the other chaperons!” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether your aunt would like it.” + </p> + <p> + “She never made any objection to Jessie’s going out with you.” + </p> + <p> + “No. I should like it very much; I wonder I had not thought of it before, + but I had hardly realised that Essie and Ellie were older than Babie, but + I remember now, they are eighteen and seventeen.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be so good for you to have something human and capable of a + little consideration to go out with,” added Bobus, “not to be tied to the + tail of a will-of-the-wisp like that Elf—I should not like that for + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not much afraid,” said Caroline. “You know I don’t stand in such awe + of the little donna, and I shall have my Guardsman to take care of me when + we are too frivolous for you. But it would be very nice to have those two + girls, and make it pleasanter for my Infanta, who will miss Sydney a good + deal.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the Evelyns were to be in town.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but their house is at the other end of the park. What are Jock and + the Infanta looking at?” + </p> + <p> + Jock and Babie, who were on a good way in advance in very happy and eager + conversation, had come to a sudden stop, and now turned round, exclaiming + “Look, mother! Here’s the original Robin Goodfellow.” + </p> + <p> + And on the walk there was a most ludicrous shadow in the moonlight, a + grotesque, dancing figure, with one long ear, and a hand held up in + warning. It was of course the shadow of the Midas statue, which the boys + had never permitted to be restored to its pristine state. One ear had + however crumbled away, but in the shadow this gave the figure the air of + cocking the other, in the most indescribably comical manner, and the whole + four stood gazing and laughing at it. There was a certain threatening + attitude about its hand, which, Jock said, looked as if the ghost of old + Barnes had come to threaten them for the wasteful expenditure of his + hoards. Or, as Babie said, it was more like the ghastly notion of Bertram + Risingham in Rokeby, of some phantom of a murdered slave protecting those + hoards. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wonder he threatens,” said Caroline. “I always thought he meant + that audacious trick to have forfeited the hoards.” + </p> + <p> + “Very lucky he was balked,” said Bobus, “not only for us, but for human + nature in general. Fancy how insufferable that Elf would have been if she + had been dancing on gold and silver.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care!” muttered Jock, under his breath. “There’s her swain coming; I + see his cigar.” + </p> + <p> + “And we really shall have it Sunday morning presently,” said his mother, + “and I shall get into as great a scrape as I did in the old days of the + Folly.” + </p> + <p> + It was a happy Sunday morning. The Vicar of Woodside had much improved the + Church and services with as much assistance in the way of money as he + chose to ask for from the lady of Belforest, though hitherto he had had + nothing more; but he and his sister augured better things when the lady + herself with her daughter and her two youngest sons came across the park + in the freshness of the morning to the early Celebration. The sister came + out with them and asked them to breakfast. Mrs. Brownlow would not desert + Allen and Bobus, but she wished Armine to spare himself more walking. + Moreover, Babie discovered that some desertion of teachers would render + their aid at the Sunday School desirable on that morning. + </p> + <p> + This was at present her ideal of Sunday occupation, and she had gained a + little fragmentary experience under Sydney’s guidance at Fordham. So she + was in a most engaging glow of shy delight, and the tidy little + well-trained girls who were allotted to her did not diminish her + satisfaction. To say that Armine’s positive enjoyment was equal to hers + would not be true, but he had intended all his life to be a clergyman, and + he was resolved not to shrink from his first experience of the kind. The + boys were too much impressed, by the apparition of one of the young + gentlemen from Belforest, to comport themselves ill, but they would + probably not have answered his questions even had they been in their own + language, and they stared at him in a stolid way, while he + disadvantageously contrasted them with the little ready-tongued peasant + boys of Italy. However, he had just found the touch of nature which made + the world kin, and had made their eyes light up by telling them of a scene + he had beheld in Palestine, illustrating the parable they had been + repeating, when the change in the Church bells was a signal for leaving + off. + </p> + <p> + Very happy and full of plans were the two young things, much pleased with + the clergyman and his sister, who were no less charmed with the little, + bright, brown-faced, lustrous-eyed girl, with her eager yet diffident + manner and winning vivacity, and with the slender, delicate, thoughtful + lad, whose grave courtesy of demeanour sat so prettily upon him. + </p> + <p> + Though not to compare in numbers, size, or beauty with the Kencroft flock, + the Belforest party ranged well in their seat at Church, for Robert never + failed to accompany his mother once a day, as a concession due from son to + mother. It was far from satisfying her. Indeed there was a dull, heavy + ache at her heart whenever she looked at him, for however he might + endeavour to conform, like Marcus Aurelius sacrificing to the gods, there + was always a certain half-patronising, half-criticising superciliousness + about his countenance. Yet, if he came for love of her, still something + might yet strike him and win his heart? + </p> + <p> + Had her years of levity and indifference been fatal to him? was ever her + question to herself as she knelt and prayed for him. + </p> + <p> + She felt encouraged when, at luncheon, she asked Jock to walk with her to + Kenminster for the evening service, after looking in at Kencroft, Robert + volunteered to be of the party. + </p> + <p> + Caroline, however, did not think that he was made quite so welcome at + Kencroft as his exertion deserved. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow were sitting + in the drawing-room with the blinds down, presumably indulging in a Sunday + nap in the heat of the afternoon, for the Colonel shook himself in haste, + and his wife’s cap was a little less straight than suited her serene + dignity, and though they kissed and welcomed the mother, they were rather + short and dry towards Bobus. They said the children had gone out walking, + whereupon the two lads said they would try to meet them, and strolled out + again. + </p> + <p> + This left the field free for Caroline to propose the taking the two girls + to London with her. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” said Ellen, “you have always been very kind to the children. + But indeed, Caroline, I did not think you would have encouraged it.” + </p> + <p> + “It?—I don’t quite understand,” said Caroline, wondering whether + Ellen had suddenly taken an evangelically serious turn. + </p> + <p> + “There!” said the Colonel, “I told you she was not aware of it,” and on + her imploring cry of inquiry, Ellen answered, “Of this folly of Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus, do you mean,” she cried. “Oh!” as conviction flashed on her, “I + never thought of <i>that</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you did not,” said the Colonel kindly. + </p> + <p> + “But—but,” she said, bewildered, “if—if you mean Esther—why + did you send her over last night, and let him go out to find her now.” + </p> + <p> + “She is safe, reading to Mrs. Coffinkey,” said Ellen. “I did not know + Robert was at home, or I should not have let her come without me.” + </p> + <p> + “Esther is a very dear, sweet-looking girl,” said Caroline. “If only she + were any one else’s daughter! Though that does not sound civil! But I know + my dear husband had the strongest feeling about first cousins marrying.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I trusted to your knowing that,” said the Colonel. “And I rely on + you not to be weak nor to make the task harder to us. Remembering, too,” + he added in a voice of sorrow and pity that made the words sound not + unkind, “that even without the relationship, we should feel that there + were strong objections.” + </p> + <p> + “I know! My poor Bobus!” said Caroline, sadly. “That makes it such a pity + she is his cousin. Otherwise she might do him so much good.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not much faith in good done in that manner,” said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + Caroline thought him mistaken, but could not argue an abstract question, + and came to the personal one. “But how far has it gone? How do you know + about it? I see now that I might have detected it in his tone, but one + never knows, when one’s children grow up.” + </p> + <p> + “The Colonel was obliged to tell him in the autumn that we did not approve + of flirtations between cousins,” said Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “And he answered—?” + </p> + <p> + “That flirtation was the last thing he intended,” said the Colonel. “On + which I told him that I would have no nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “Was that all?” + </p> + <p> + “Except that at Christmas he sent her, by way of card, a drawing that must + have cost a large sum,” said the Colonel. “We thought it better to let the + child keep it without remark, for fear of putting things into her head; + though I wrote and told him such expensive trumpery was folly that I was + much tempted to forbid. So what does he do on Valentine’s Day but send her + a complete set of ornaments like little birds, in Genoa silver—exquisite + things. Well, she was very good, dear child. We told her it was not nice + or maidenly to take such valuable presents; and she was quite contented + and happy when her mother gave her a ring of her own, and we have written + to Jessie to send her some pretty things from India.” + </p> + <p> + “She said she did not care for anything that Ellie did not have too,” + added her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Then you returned them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and my young gentleman patronisingly replies that he ‘appreciates my + reluctance, and reserves them for a future time.’” + </p> + <p> + “Just like Bobus!” said Caroline. “He never gives up his purpose! But how + about dear little Esther? Is she really untouched?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” replied her mother. “So far it has all been put upon + propriety, and so on. I told her, now she was grown up and come home from + school she must not run after her cousins as she used to do, and I have + called her away sometimes when he has tried to get her alone. Last + evening, she told me in a very simple way—like the child she is—that + Robert would walk home with her in the moonlight, and hindered her when + she tried to join the others, telling me she hoped I should not be angry + with her. He seems to have talked to her about this London plan; but I + told her on the spot it was impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it is!” sighed Caroline. “Dear Essie! I will do my best to + keep her peace from being ruffled, for I know you are quite right; but I + can’t help being sorry for my boy, and he is so determined that I don’t + think he will give up easily.” + </p> + <p> + “You may let him understand that nothing will ever make me consent,” + returned the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “I will, if he enters on it with me,” said Caroline; “but I think it is + advisable as long as possible to prevent it from taking a definite shape.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline was much better able now to hold her own with her brother and + sister-in-law. Not only did her position and the obligations they were + under give her weight, but her character had consolidated itself in these + years, and she had much more force, and appearance of good sense. Besides, + John was a weight in the family now, and his feeling for his aunt was not + without effect. They talked of his prospects and of Jessie’s marriage, + over their early tea. The elders of the walking party came in with hands + full of flowers, namely, the two Johns and Eleanor, but ominously enough, + Bobus was not there. He had been lost sight of soon after they had met. + </p> + <p> + Yes, and at that moment he was loitering at a safe distance from the door + of the now invalid and half-blind Mrs. Coffinkey, to whom the Brownlow + girls read by turns. She lived conveniently up a lane not much frequented. + This was the colloquy which ensued when the tall, well-proportioned + maiden, with her fresh, modest, happy face, tripped down the steps:— + </p> + <p> + “So the Coffinkey is unlocked at last! Stern Proserpine relented!” + </p> + <p> + “Robert! You here?” + </p> + <p> + “You never used to call me Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma says it is time to leave off the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she would like you to call me Mr. Robert Otway Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk of mamma in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “I would do anything my queen tells me except command my tones when there + is an attempt to stiffen her. She is not to be made into buckram.” + </p> + <p> + “Please, Robert,” as some one met and looked at them, “let me walk on by + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What? Shall I be the means of getting you into trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I ought not—” + </p> + <p> + “The road is clear now, never mind. In town there are no gossips, that’s + one comfort. Mother Carey is propounding the plan now.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but we shall not go. Mamma told me so last night.” + </p> + <p> + “That was before Mother Carey had talked her over.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think she will?” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain of it! You are a sort of child of Mother Carey’s own, you + know, and we can’t do without you.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother would miss us so, just as we are getting useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but Ellie might stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! we have never been parted. We <i>couldn’t</i> be.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Is there no one that could make up to you for Ellie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Essie, you are too much of a child yet to understand the force of the + love that—” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t,” broke in Esther, “that is just like people in novels; and mamma + would not like it.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I feel ten times far more for you than ‘the people in novels’ + attempt to express?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t,” again cried Esther. “It is Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “And what of that, my most scriptural little queen?” + </p> + <p> + “It isn’t a time to talk out of novels,” said Esther, quickening her pace, + to reach the frequented road and throng of church-goers.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not talking out of any novel that ever was written,” said Bobus + seriously; but she was speeding on too fast to heed him, and started as he + laid a hand on her arm. + </p> + <p> + “Stay, Essie; you must not rush on like a frightened fawn, or people will + stare,” he said; and she slackened her pace, though she shook him off and + went on through the numerous passengers on the footpath, with her pretty + head held aloft with the stately grace of the startled pheasant, not + choosing to seem to hear his attempts at addressing her, and taking refuge + at last in the innermost recesses of the family seat at Church, though it + was full a quarter to five. + </p> + <p> + There the rest of the party found her, and as they did not find Bobus, + they concluded that all was safe. However, when the two Johns were walking + home with Mother Carey, Bobus joined them, and soon made his mother fall + behind with him, asking her, “I hope your eloquence prevailed.” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it, Bobus,” she said. “In fact you have alarmed them.” + </p> + <p> + “H. S. H. doesn’t improve with age,” he replied carelessly. “She never + troubled herself about Jessie.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps no one gave her cause. My dear boy, I am very sorry for you,” and + she laid her hand within his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Have they been baiting you? Poor little Mother Carey!” he said. “Force of + habit, you know, that’s all. Never mind them.” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus, my dear, I must speak, and in earnest. I am afraid you may be + going on so as to make yourself and—some one else unhappy, and you + ought to know that your father was quite as determined as your uncle + against marriages between first cousins.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear mother, it will be quite time to argue that point when the matter + becomes imminent. I am not asking to marry any one before I am called to + the bar, and it is very hard if we cannot, in the meantime, live as + cousins.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but there must be no attempt to be ‘a little more than kin.’” + </p> + <p> + “Less than kind comes in on the other side!” said Bobus, in his throat. “I + tell you the child <i>is</i> a child who has no soul apart from her + sister, and there’s no use in disturbing her till she has grown up to have + a heart and a will of her own.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you promise to let her alone?” + </p> + <p> + “I pledge myself to nothing,” said Bobus, in an impracticable voice. “I + only give warning that a commotion will do nobody any good.” + </p> + <p> + She knew he had not abandoned his intention, and she also knew she had no + power to make him abandon it, so that all she could say was, “As long as + you make no move there will be no commotion, but I only repeat my + assurance that neither your uncle nor I, acting in the person, of your + dear father, will ever consent.” + </p> + <p> + “To which I might reply, that most people end by doing that against which + they have most protested. However, I am not going to stir in the matter + for some time to come, and I advise no one else to do so.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — BLUEBEARD’S CLOSET. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A moment then the volume spread, + And one short spell therein he read. + Scott. +</pre> + <p> + The reality of John’s intention to devote himself to medicine made + Caroline anxious to look again at the terms of the trust on which she held + the Magnum Bonum secret. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, she wanted some papers and accounts, and therefore on Monday + morning, while getting up, she glanced towards the place where her + davenport usually stood, and to her great surprise missed it. She asked + Emma, who was dressing her, whether it had been moved, and found that her + maid had been as much surprised as herself at its absence, and that the + housekeeper had denied all knowledge of it. + </p> + <p> + “Other things is missing, ma’am,” said Emma; “there’s the key of the + closet where your dresses hangs. I’ve hunted high and low for it, and + nobody hasn’t seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Keys are easily lost,” said Caroline, “but my davenport is very + important. Perhaps in some cleaning it has been moved into one of the + other rooms and forgotten there. I wish you would look. You know I had it + before I came here.” + </p> + <p> + Not only did Emma look, but as soon as her mistress was ready to leave the + room she went herself on a voyage of discovery, peeping first into the + little dressing-room, where seeing Babie at her morning prayers, she said + nothing to disturb her, and then going on to look into some spare rooms + beyond, where she thought it might have been disposed of, as being not + smart enough for my lady’s chamber. Coming back to her room she found, to + her extreme amazement, the closet open, and Babie pushing the davenport + out of it, with her cheeks crimson and a look of consternation at being + detected. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child! The davenport there! Did you know it? How did it get + there?” + </p> + <p> + “I put it,” said Barbara, evidently only forced to reply by sheer + sincerity. + </p> + <p> + “You! And why?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought it safer,” mumbled Babie. + </p> + <p> + “And you knew where the key of the closet was?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “In my doll’s bed, locked up in the baby-house.” + </p> + <p> + “This is most extraordinary. When did you do this?” + </p> + <p> + “Just before we came out to you at Leukerbad,” said Babie, each reply + pumped out with great difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Four years ago! It is a very odd thing. I suppose you had a panic, for + you were too old then for playing monkey tricks.” + </p> + <p> + To which Babie made no answer, and the next minute her mother, who had + become intent on the davenport, exclaimed, “I suppose you haven’t got the + key of this in your doll’s bed?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you remember, mother,” said Barbara, “you sent it home to Janet, + and it was lost in her bag on the crossing?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I remember! And it is a Bramah lock, more’s the pity. We must + have the locksmith over from Kenminster to open it.” + </p> + <p> + The man was sent for, the davenport was opened, desk, drawers, and all. + Caroline was once more in possession of her papers. She turned them over + in haste, and saw no book of Magnum Bonum. Again, more carefully she + looked. The white slate, where those precious last words had been written, + was there, proving to her that her memory had not deceived her, but that + she had really kept her treasure in that davenport. + </p> + <p> + Then, in her distress, she thought of Barbara’s strange behaviour, went in + quest of her, and calling her aside, asked her to tell her the real reason + why she had thought fit to secure the davenport in the closet. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” asked Babie, her eyes growing large and shining, “is anything + missing?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me first,” said Caroline, trembling. + </p> + <p> + Then Babie told how she had wakened and seen Janet with the desk part + raised up, reading something, and how, when she lay watching and + wondering, Janet had shut it up and gone away. “And I did not feel + comfortable about it, mother,” said Babie, “so I thought I would lock up + the davenport, so that nobody could get at it.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not see her take anything away?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can’t at all tell,” said Babie. “Is anything gone?” + </p> + <p> + “A book I valued very much. Some memoranda of your father were in that + desk, and I cannot find them now. You cannot tell, I suppose, whether she + was reading letters or a book?” + </p> + <p> + “It was not letters,” said Babie, “but I could not see whether it was + print or manuscript. Mother, I think she must have taken it to read and + could not put it back again because I had hidden the davenport. Oh! I wish + I hadn’t, but I couldn’t ask any one, it seemed such a wicked, dreadful + fancy that she could meddle with your papers.” + </p> + <p> + “You acted to the best of your judgment, my dear,” said Caroline. “I ought + never to have let it out of my own keeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it was lost in the bag, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not. That would be worst of all!” said Caroline. “I must ask + Janet. Don’t say anything about it, my dear. Let me think it over.” + </p> + <p> + When Caroline recollected Janet’s attempt, as related by Robert, to break + open her bureau, she had very little doubt that the book was there. It + could not have been lost in the bag, for, as she remembered, reference had + been made to it when Janet had extorted permission to go to Zurich, and + she had warned her that even these studies would not be a qualification + for the possession of the secret. Janet had then smiled triumphantly, and + said she would make her change her mind yet; had looked, in fact, very + much as Bobus did when he put aside her remonstrances. It was not the air + of a person who had lost the records of the secret and was afraid to + confess, though it was possible she might have them in her own keeping. + Caroline longed to search the bureau, but however dishonourably Janet + might have acted towards herself, she could not break into her private + receptacles without warning. So after some consideration, she made Barbara + drive her to the station, and send the following telegraphic message to + Janet’s address at Edinburgh:— + </p> + <p> + “Come home at once. Father’s memorandum book missing. Must be searched + for.” + </p> + <p> + All that day and the next the sons wondered what was amiss with their + mother, she was so pensive, with starts of flightiness. Allen thought she + was going to have an illness, and Bobus that it was a very strange and + foolish way of taking his resistance, but all the time Armine was going + about quite unperceiving, in a blissful state. The vicar’s sister, a + spirited, active, and very winning woman of thirty-five, had captivated + him, as she did all the lads of the parish. He had been walking about with + her, being introduced to all the needs of the parish, and his enthusiastic + nature throwing itself into the cause of religion and beneficence, which + was in truth his congenial element; he was ready to undertake for himself + and his mother whatever was wanted, without a word of solicitation, nay + rather, the vicar, who thought it all far too good to be true, held him + back. + </p> + <p> + And when he came in and poured out his narrative, he was, for the first + time in his life, even petulant that his mother was too much preoccupied + to confirm his promises, and angry when Allen laughed at his vehemence, + and said he should beware of model parishes. + </p> + <p> + By dinner-time the next day Janet had actually arrived. She looked thin + and sharp, her keen black eyes roamed about uneasily, and some + indescribable change had passed over her. Her brothers told her study had + not agreed with her, and she did not, as of old, answer tartly, but gave a + stiff, mechanical smile, and all the evening talked in a + woman-of-the-world manner, cleverly, agreeably, not putting out her + prickles, but like a stranger, and as if on her guard. + </p> + <p> + Of course there was no speaking to her till bedtime, and Caroline at first + felt as if she ought to let one night pass in peace under the home roof; + but she soon felt that to sleep would be impossible to herself, and she + thought it would be equally so to her daughter without coming to an + understanding. She yearned for some interchange of tenderness from that + first-born child from whom she had been so long separated, and watched and + listened for a step approaching her door; till at last, when the maid was + gone and no one came, she yielded to her impulse; and in her white + dressing-gown, with softly-slippered feet, she glided along the passage + with a strange mixed feeling of maternal gladness that Janet was at home + again, and of painful impatience to have the interview over. + </p> + <p> + She knocked at the door. There was no answer. She opened it. There was no + one there, but the light on the terrace below, thrown from the windows of + the lower room, was proof to her that Janet was in her sitting-room, and + she began to descend the private stairs that led down to it. She was as + light in figure and in step as ever, and her soft slippers made no noise + as she went down. The door in the wainscot was open, and from the foot of + the stairs she had a strange view. Janet’s candle was on the chair behind + her, in front of it lay half-a-dozen different keys, and she herself was + kneeling before the bureau, trying one of the keys into the lock. It would + not fit, and in turning to try another, she first saw the white figure, + and started violently at the first moment, then, as the trembling, + pleading voice said, “Janet,” she started to her feet, and cried out + angrily— + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be always spied and dogged?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Janet,” said her mother, in a voice of grave reproof, “I simply + came to speak to you about the distressing loss of what your father put in + my charge.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should I know anything about it?” demanded Janet. + </p> + <p> + “You were the last person who had access to the davenport,” said her + mother. + </p> + <p> + “This is that child Barbara’s foolish nonsense,” muttered Janet to + herself. + </p> + <p> + “Barbara has nothing to do with the fact that I sent you the key of the + davenport where the book was. It is now missing. Janet, it is bitterly + painful to me to say so, but your endeavours to open that bureau privately + have brought suspicion upon you, and I must have it opened in my + presence.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a full right to my own bureau.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you have; but I had these notes left in my trust. It is my duty + towards your father to use every means for their recovery.” + </p> + <p> + “You call it a duty to my father to shut up his discovery and keep it + useless for the sake of a lot of boys who will never turn it to profit.” + </p> + <p> + “Of that I am judge. My present duty is to recover it. Your conduct is + such as to excite suspicion, and I therefore cannot allow you to take + anything out of that bureau except in my presence, till I have satisfied + myself that his memoranda are not there. I would not search your drawers + in your absence, and therefore telegraphed for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. Since you like to treat your daughter like a maidservant, you + may go on and search my boxes,” said Janet, sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, my poor child, if I am unjustly causing you this + humiliation,” said Caroline humbly, as Janet sullenly flumped down into a + chair without answering. She took up the keys that Janet had brought with + her, and tried them one by one, where Janet had been using them. The + fourth turned in the lock, and the drawer was open! + </p> + <p> + “I will disarrange nothing unnecessarily,” said Caroline. “Look for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Janet would not, however, move hand, foot, or eye, while her mother put in + her hand and took out what lay on the top. It was the Magnum Bonum. She + held it to the light and was sure of it; but she had taken up an envelope + at the same time, and her eye fell on the address as she was laying it + down. It was to—“James Barnes, Esq.” And as her eye caught the + pencilled words “My Will,” a strange electric thrill went through her, as + she exclaimed, “What is this, Janet? How came it here?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! take it if you like,” said Janet. “I put it there to spare you worry; + but if you will pursue your researches, you must take the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline, thus defied, still instinctively holding Magnum Bonum close to + her, drew out the contents of the envelope, and caught in the broken + handwriting of the old man, the words—“Will and Testament—George + Gould—Wakefield—Elvira de Menella—whole estate.” Then + she saw signature, seal, witnesses—date, “April 24th, 1862.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this? Where did it come from?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I found it—in his table drawer; I saw it was not valid, so I kept + it out of the way from consideration for you,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know it was not valid?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh—why—I didn’t look much, or know much about it either,” + said Janet, in an alarmed voice. “I was a mere child then, you know. I saw + it was only scrawled on letter-paper, and I thought it was only a rough + draft, which would just make you uncomfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you did, Janet. I hope you did not know what you were doing!” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that it has been executed?” + </p> + <p> + “Here are witnesses,” said Caroline—her eyes swam too much to see + their names. “It must be for better heads than ours to decide whether this + is of force; but, oh, Janet! if we have been robbing the orphan all these + years!” + </p> + <p> + “The orphan has been quite as well off as if it had been all hers,” said + Janet. “Mother, just listen! Give me the keeping of my father’s secret, + and—even if we lose this place—it shall make up for all—” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know what you are talking of, Janet,” said Caroline, pushing + back those ripples of white hair that crowned her brow, “nor indeed I + either! I only know you have spoken more kindly to me, and that you are + under my own roof again. Kiss me, my child, and forgive me if I have + pained you. You did not know what you did about the will, and as to this + book, I know you meant to put it back again.” + </p> + <p> + “I did—I did, mother—if Barbara had not hidden the desk,” + cried Janet. And as her mother kissed her, she laid her head on her + shoulder, and wept and sobbed in an hysterical manner, such as Caroline + had never seen in her before. Of course she was tired out by the long + journey, and the subsequent agitation; and Caroline soothed and caressed + her, with the sole effect of making her cry more piteously; but she would + not hear of her mother staying to undress and put her to bed, gathered + herself up again as soon as she could, and when another kiss had been + exchanged at her bedroom door, Caroline heard it locked after her. + </p> + <p> + Very little did Caroline sleep that night. If she lost consciousness at + all, it was only to know that something strange and wonderful was hanging + over her. Sometimes she had a sense that her trust and mission as a rich + woman had been ill-fulfilled, and therefore the opportunity was to be + taken away; but more often there was a strange sense of relief from what + she was unfit for. She remembered that strange dream of her children + turning into statues of gold, and the Magnum Bonum disenchanting them, and + a fancy came over her that this might yet be realised, a fancy to whose + lulling effect she was indebted for the sleep she enjoyed in the morning, + which made her unusually late, but prevented her from looking as haggard + as Janet did, with eyelids swollen, as if she had cried a good deal longer + last night. + </p> + <p> + The postbag was lying on the table, and directly after family prayers + (which she had for some years begun when at home), Mrs. Brownlow beguiled + her nervousness by opening it, and distributing the letters. + </p> + <p> + The first she opened was such a startling one, that her head seemed to + reel, and she doubted whether the shock of last night was confusing her + senses. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR MRS. BROWNLOW,—What will you think of us now that the full + truth has burst on you? Of me especially, to whom you entrusted your dear + daughter. I never could have thought that Nita would have lent herself to + the transaction, and alas! I let the two girls take care of themselves + more than was right. However, I can at least give you the comfort of + knowing that it was a perfectly legal marriage, for Nita was one of the + witnesses, and looked to all that—” + </p> + <p> + Here Caroline could read no more. Sick and stunned, she began to dispense + her teacups, and even helped herself to some of the food that was handed + round, but her hand trembled so, and she looked so white and bewildered, + that Allen exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Mother, you are really ill. You should not have come down.” + </p> + <p> + She could not bear the crowd and buzz of voices and all the anxious eyes + any longer. She pushed back her chair, and as sons came hurrying round + with offered arms, she took the nearest, which was Jock’s, let him take + her to the morning-room, and there assured him she was not ill, only she + had had a letter. She wanted nothing, only that he should go back, and + send her Janet. She tried once more to master the contents of Miss Ray’s + letter, but she was too dizzy; and when Janet came in, she could only hold + it out to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Janet, “poor old Maria has forestalled me. Yes, mother, it is + what I meant to tell you, only I thought you could not bear a fresh shock + last night.” + </p> + <p> + “Married! Oh, Janet; why thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we wished to avoid the gossip and conventionality. My uncle and + aunt were to be avoided.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me hear at once who it is,” said Caroline, with the sharpness of + misery. + </p> + <p> + “It is Professor Demetrius Hermann, a most able lecturer, whose course we + have been following. I met him a year ago, at the table d’hote, at Zurich, + where he delivered a series of lectures on physiology on a new and + original system. He is now going on with them in Scotland, where his + wonderful acuteness and originality have produced an immense sensation, + and I have no doubt that in his hands this discovery of my father’s will + receive its full development.” + </p> + <p> + There was no apology in her tone; it was rather that of one who was + defying censure; and her mother could only gasp out— + </p> + <p> + “How long?” + </p> + <p> + “Three weeks. When we heard you were returning, we thought it would save + much trouble and difficulty to secure ourselves against contingencies, and + profit by Scottish facilities.” Wherewith Janet handed her mother a + certificate of her marriage, at Glasgow, before Jane Ray and another + witness, and taking her wedding-ring from her purse, put it on, adding, + “When you see him, mother, you will be more than satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?” interrupted Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “At the Railway Hotel, waiting till you are prepared to see him. He + brought me down, but he is to give a lecture at Glasgow the day after + tomorrow, so we can only remain one night.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Janet—Janet, this is very fearful!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment, Johnny strolled up to the window from the outside, and, as + he greeted Janet with some surprise, he observed— + </p> + <p> + “There’s a most extraordinary looking foreign fellow loitering about out + here. I warned him he was on private ground, and he made me a bow, as if + I, not he, were the trespasser.” + </p> + <p> + On this Janet darted out at the window without another word, and John + exclaiming, in dismay— + </p> + <p> + “Mother Carey! what is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + She gasped out, “Oh, Johnny! she’s married to him! And the children don’t + know it. Send them in—Allen and Bobus I mean—make haste; I + must prepare them. Take that letter, and let the others know.” + </p> + <p> + John saw the truest kindness was implicit obedience; and Allen and Bobus + instantly joined her, the latter asking what new tomfoolery Janet had + brought home, Allen following with a cup of coffee. + </p> + <p> + Caroline’s lips felt too dry to speak, and she held out the certificate. + </p> + <p> + It was received by Allen, with the exclamation— + </p> + <p> + “By Jove!” + </p> + <p> + And by Bobus, with an odd, harsh laugh—“I thought she would do + something monstrous one of these days.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear of him, Bobus?” she found voice to say, after + swallowing a mouthful of coffee. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy I have. Yes, I remember now; he was lecturing and vapouring about + at Zurich; he is half Greek, I believe, and all charlatan. Well, Janet <i>has</i> + been and gone and done for herself now, and no mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is a professor,” pleaded Caroline. “He must be of some + university.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t make too sure,” said Allen, “A professor may mean a writing master. + Good heavens! what a connection.” + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be so bad as that,” said Caroline. “Remember, your sister is not + foolish.” + </p> + <p> + “Flatter an ugly woman,” said Bobus, “and it’s a regular case of fox and + crow.” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy! here they come!” cried Allen. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, do you go away! This is not work for you. Leave us to settle the + rascal,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “No, Bobus,” she said; “this ought to be settled by me. Remember that, + whatever the man may be, he is Janet’s husband, and she is your sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Worse luck!” sighed Allen. + </p> + <p> + “And,” she added, “he has to go away to-morrow, at latest,” a sentence + which she knew would serve to pacify Allen. + </p> + <p> + They had crossed the parterre by this time, and were almost at the window. + </p> + <p> + It was Bobus who took the initiative, bowing formally as he spoke, in + German— + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Herr Professor. You seem to have a turn for entering houses + by irregular methods.” + </p> + <p> + The new-comer bowed with suavity, saying, in excellent English— + </p> + <p> + “It is to your sister that in both senses I owe my entrance, and to the + lady, your mother, that I owe my apology.” + </p> + <p> + And before Caroline well knew what was going on, he had one knee to the + ground, and was kissing her hand. + </p> + <p> + “The tableau is incomplete, Janet,” said Bobus, whom Caroline heartily + wished away. “You ought to be on your knees beside him.” + </p> + <p> + “I have settled it with my mother already,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + Both Caroline and her eldest son were relieved by the first glance at the + man. He was small, and had much more of the Greek than of the German in + his aspect, with neat little features, keen dark eyes, and no vulgarity in + tone or appearance. His hands were delicate; there was nothing of the + “greasy foreigner” about him, but rather an air of finesse, especially in + his exquisitely trimmed little moustache and pointed beard, and his voice + and language were persuasive and fluent. It might have been worse, was the + prominent feeling, as she hastily said— + </p> + <p> + “Stand up, Mr. Hermann; I am not used to be spoken to in that manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor is it an ordinary occasion on which I address madame,” said her new + son-in-law, rising. “I am aware that I have transgressed many codes, but + my anxiety to secure my treasure must plead for me; and she assured me + that she might trust to the goodness of the best of mothers.” + </p> + <p> + “There is such a thing as abusing such goodness,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Hermann, “I understand that you have rights as eldest son, but + I await my sentence from the lips of madame herself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he is not the eldest,” interrupted Janet. “This is Allen—Allen, + you were always good-natured. Cannot you say one friendly word?” + </p> + <p> + Something in the more childish, eager tone of Janet’s address softened + Allen, and he answered— + </p> + <p> + “It is for mother to decide on what terms we are to stand, Janet, and + strange as all this has been, I have no desire to be at enmity.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline had by this time been able to recover herself and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hermann can hardly expect a welcome in the family into which he has + entered so unexpectedly, and—and without any knowledge of his + antecedents. But what is done cannot be undone; I don’t want to be harsh + and unforgiving. I should like to understand all about everything, and of + course to be friends; as to the rest, it must depend on how they go on, + and a great deal besides.” + </p> + <p> + It was a lame and impotent conclusion, but it seemed to satisfy the + gentleman, who clasped her hand and kissed it with fervour, wrung that of + Allen, which was readily yielded, and would have done the same by that of + Bobus, if that youth had done more than accord very stiff cold tips. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after, John said at the door— + </p> + <p> + “Aunt Caroline, my father is here. Will you see him?” + </p> + <p> + That was something to be got over at once, and she went to the Colonel, + who was very kind and pitiful to her, and spared her the “I told you so.” + He did not even reproach her with being too lenient, in not having turned + the pair at once out of her house; indeed, he was wise enough to think the + extremity of a quarrel ought to be avoided, but he undertook to make every + inquiry into Mr. Demetrius Hermann’s history, and observed that she should + be very cautious in pledging herself as to what she would do for him, + since she had, as he expressed it, the whip-hand of him, since Janet was + totally dependent upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! but Robert, I forgot; I don’t know if there is anything for anybody,” + she said, putting her hand to her forehead; “there’s that other will! Ah! + I see you think I don’t know what I am saying, and my head is getting past + understanding much, but I really did find the other will last night.” + </p> + <p> + “What other will?” + </p> + <p> + “The one we always knew there must be, in favour of Elvira. This dreadful + business put it out of my head; the children don’t know it yet, and I + don’t seem able to think or care.” + </p> + <p> + It was true; severe nervous headache had brought her to the state in which + she could do nothing but lie passively on her bed. The Colonel saw this, + and bade her think of nothing for the present, and sent Barbara to take + care of her. + </p> + <p> + She spent the rest of the day in the sort of aniantissement which that + sort of headache often produces, and in the meantime everybody held + tete-a-tetes. The Colonel held his peace about the will, not half + crediting such a catastrophe, and thinking one matter at a time quite + enough for his brain; but he talked to the Professor, to Janet, to Allen, + and to Bobus, and tried to come to a knowledge of the bridegroom’s + history, and to decide what course ought to be pursued, feeling as the + good man always did and always would do, that he was, or ought to be, the + supreme authority for his brother’s widow and children. + </p> + <p> + Allen was quite placable, and ready to condone everything. He thought the + Athenian Professor a very superior man, with excellent classical taste, by + which it was plain that his mosaic pavement, his old china, and his + pictures had met with rare appreciation. Moreover, the Professor knew how + to converse, and could be brilliantly entertaining; there was nothing to + find fault with in his appearance; and if Janet was satisfied, Allen was. + He knew his uncle hated foreigners, but for his own part, he thought + nothing so dull as English respectability. + </p> + <p> + For once the Colonel declared that Bobus had more sense! Bobus had come to + a tolerably clear comprehension of the matter, and his first impressions + were confirmed by subsequent inquiries. Demetrius Hermann was the son of + some lawyer of King Otho’s court who had married a Greek lady. He had + studied partly at Athens, partly at so many other universities, that Bobus + thought it rather suspicious; while his uncle, who held that a respectable + degree must be either of Oxford or Cambridge, thought this fatal to his + reputation. He had studied medicine at one time, but had broached some + theory which the German faculty were too narrow to appreciate; “Which + means,” quoth Bobus, “either that he could not get a licence to practise, + or else had it revoked.” + </p> + <p> + Then he had taken to lecturing. The professorship was obscure; he said it + was Athenian, and Bobus had no immediate means of finding out whether it + were so or not, nor of analysing the alphabet of letters that followed his + name upon the advertisement of his lectures. + </p> + <p> + Apparently he was a clever lecturer, fluent and full of illustration, with + an air of original theory that caught people’s attention. He knew his + ground, and where critically scientific men were near to bring him to + book, was cautious to keep within the required bounds, but in the freer + and less regulated places, he discoursed on new theories and strange + systems connected with the mysteries of magnetism, and producing + extraordinary and unexplained effects. + </p> + <p> + Robert and Jock were inclined to ascribe to some of these arts the + captivation of so clever a person as their sister, by one whom they both + viewed with repulsion as a mere adventurer. + </p> + <p> + They had not the clue which their mother had to the history of the matter, + when the next day, though still far from well, she had an interview with + her daughter and the Athenian Professor before their return to Scotland. + </p> + <p> + He knew of the Magnum Bonum matter. It seemed that Janet, as her knowledge + increased, had become more sensible of the difficulties in the pursuit, + and being much attracted by his graces and ability, had so put questions + for her own enlightenment as to reveal to him that she possessed a secret. + To cajole it from her, so far as she knew it, had been no greater + difficulty than it was to the fox to get the cheese from the crow: and + while to him she was the errant unprotected young lady of large and + tempting fortune, he could easily make himself appear to her the missing + link in the pursuit. He could do what as a woman she could not accomplish, + and what her brothers were not attempting. + </p> + <p> + In that conviction, nay, even expecting her mother to be satisfied with + his charms and his qualifications, she claimed that he might at least read + the MS. of the book, assuring her mother that all she had intended the + night before was to copy out the essentials for him. + </p> + <p> + “To take the spirit and leave me the letter?” said Caroline. “O Janet, + would not that have been worse than carrying off the book?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother, I maintain that I have a right to it,” said Janet, “and + that there is no justice in withholding it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you or your husband fulfil these conditions Janet?” and Caroline read + from the white slate those words about the one to whom the pursuit was + intrusted being a sound, religious man, who would not seek it for his own + advancement but for the good of others. + </p> + <p> + Janet exultantly said that was just what Demetrius would do. As to the + being a sound religious man, her mother might seek in vain for a man of + real ability who held those old-fashioned notions. They were very well in + her father’s time, but what would Bobus say to them? + </p> + <p> + She evidently thought Demetrius would triumph in his private interview + with her mother, but if Caroline had had any doubt before, that would have + removed it. Janet honestly had a certain enthusiasm for science, + beneficence, and the honour of the family, but the Professor besieged Mrs. + Brownlow with his entreaties and promises just as if—she said to + herself—she had been the widow of some quack doctor for whose secret + he was bidding. + </p> + <p> + If she would only grant it to him and continue her allowance to Janet + while he was pursuing it, then, there would be no limit to the share he + would give her when the returns came in. It was exceedingly hard to answer + without absolutely insulting him, but she entrenched herself in the + declaration that her husband’s conditions required a full diploma and + degree, and that till all her sons were grown up she had been forbidden to + dispose of it otherwise. Very thankful she was that Armine was not + seventeen, when a whole portfolio of testimonials in all sorts of + languages were unfolded before her! Whatever she had ever said of Ellen’s + insular prejudices, she felt that she herself might deserve, for she + viewed them all as utterly worthless compared with an honest English or + Scottish degree. At any rate, she could not judge of their value, and they + did not fulfil her conditions. She made him understand at last that she + was absolutely impracticable, and that the only distant hope she would + allow to be wrung from her by his coaxing, wheedling tones, soft as the + honey of Hybla, was, that if none of her sons or nephews were in the way + of fulfilling the conditions, and he could bring her satisfactory English + certificates, she might consider the matter, but she made no promises. + </p> + <p> + Then he most politely represented the need of a maintenance while he was + thus qualifying himself. Janet had evidently not told him about the will, + and Caroline only said that from a recent discovery she thought her own + tenure of the property very insecure, and she could undertake nothing for + the future. She would let him know. However, she gave him a cheque for 100 + pounds for the present, knowing that she could make it up from the money + of her own which she had been accumulating for Elvira’s portion. + </p> + <p> + Then Janet came in to take leave. Mr. Hermann described what the excellent + and gracious lady had granted to him, and he made it sound so well, and + his wife seemed so confident and triumphant, that her mother feared she + had allowed more to be inferred than she intended, and tried to explain + that all depended on the fulfilment of the conditions of which Janet at + least was perfectly aware. She was overwhelmed, however, with his + gratitude and Janet’s assurances, and they went away, leaving her with a + hand much kissed by him, and the fondest, most lingering embrace she had + ever had from Janet. Then she was free to lie still, abandoned to fears + for her daughter’s future and repentance for her own careless past, and, + above all crushed by the ache that would let her really feel little but + pain and oppression. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE TURN OF THE WHEEL. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Is there, for honest poverty, + That hangs his head and a’ that, + The coward slave, we pass him by, + A man’s a man for a’ that. + Burns. +</pre> + <p> + Thinking and acting were alike impossible to Caroline for the remainder of + the day when her daughter left her, but night brought power of reflection, + as she began to look forward to the new day, and its burthen. + </p> + <p> + Her headache was better, but she let Barbara again go down to breakfast + without her, feeling that she could not face her sons at once, and that + she needed another study of the document before she could trust herself + with the communication. She felt herself too in need of time to pray for + right judgment and steadfast purpose, and that the change might so work + with her sons that it might be a blessing, not a curse. Could it be for + nothing that the finding of Magnum Bonum had wrought the undoing of this + wrong? That thought, and the impulse of self-bracing, made her breakfast + well on the dainty little meal sent up to her by the Infanta, and look so + much refreshed, that the damsel exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “You are much better, mother! You will be able to see Jock before he goes—” + </p> + <p> + “Fetch them all, Babie; I have something to tell you—” + </p> + <p> + “Writs issued for a domestic parliament,” said Allen, presently entering. + “To vote for the grant to the Princess Royal on her marriage? Do it + handsomely, I say, the Athenian is better than might be expected, and will + become prosperity better than adversity.” + </p> + <p> + “Being capable of taking others in besides Janet,” said the opposition in + the person of Bobus. “He seemed so well satisfied with the Gracious Lady + house-mother that I am afraid she has been making him too many promises.” + </p> + <p> + “That was impossible. It was not about Janet that I sent for you, boys. It + was to think what we are to do ourselves. You know I always thought there + must be another will. Look there!” + </p> + <p> + She laid it on the table, and the young men stood gazing as if it were a + venomous reptile which each hesitated to touch. + </p> + <p> + “Is it legal, Bobus?” she presently asked. + </p> + <p> + “It looks—rather so—” he said in an odd, stunned voice. + </p> + <p> + “Elvira, by all that’s lucky!” exclaimed Jock. “Well done, Allen, you are + still the Lady Clare!” + </p> + <p> + “Not till she is of age,” said Allen, rather gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Pity you didn’t marry her at Algiers,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Where did this come from?” said Bobus, who had been examining it + intently. + </p> + <p> + “Out of the old bureau.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” cried out Barbara, in a tone of horror, which perhaps was a + revelation to Bobus, for he exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that Janet had had it, and brought it out to threaten + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no! it was not so dreadful. She found it long ago, but did not + think it valid, and only kept it out of sight because she thought it would + make me unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity she did not go a step further,” observed Bobus. “Why did she + produce it now?” + </p> + <p> + “I found it. Boys, you must know the whole truth, and consider how best to + screen your sister. Remember she was very young, and fancied a thing on a + common sheet of paper, and shut up in an unfastened table drawer could not + be of force, and that she was doing no harm.” Then she told of her loss + and recovery of what she called some medical memoranda of their father, + which she knew Janet wanted, concluding—“It will surely be enough to + say I found it in his old bureau.” + </p> + <p> + “That will hardly go down with Wakefield,” said Bobus; “but as I see he + stands here as trustee for that wretched child, as well as being yours, + there is no fear but that he will be conformable. Shall I take it up and + show it to him at once, so that if by any happy chance this should turn + out waste paper, no one may get on the scent?” + </p> + <p> + “Your uncle! I was so amazed and stupefied yesterday that I don’t know + whether I told him, and if I did, I don’t think he believed me.” + </p> + <p> + “Here he comes,” said Barbara, as the wheels of his dog-cart were heard + below the window. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him to come up. It will be a terrible blow to him. This place has + been as much to him as to any of us, if not more.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, how brave you are!” cried Jock. + </p> + <p> + “I have known it longer than you have, my dear. Besides, the mere loss is + nothing compared with that which led to it. The worst of it is the + overthrow of all your prospects, my dear fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Jock, brightly, “it only means that we have something and + somebody to work for now;” and he threw his arms round her waist and + kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear, dear boy, don’t! Don’t upset me, or your uncle will think it + is about this.” + </p> + <p> + “And don’t, for Heaven’s sake, talk as if it were all up with us,” cried + Bobus. + </p> + <p> + By this time the Colonel’s ponderous tread was near, and Caroline met him + with an apology for giving him the trouble of the ascent, but said that + she had wanted to see him in private. + </p> + <p> + “Is this in private?” asked the Colonel, looking at the five young people. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. They have a right to know all. Here it is, Robert.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down, deliberately put on his spectacles, took the will, read it + once, and groaned, read it twice, and groaned more deeply, and then said— + </p> + <p> + “My poor dear sister! This is a bad business! a severe reverse! a very + severe reverse!” + </p> + <p> + “He has hit on his catch-word,” thought Caroline, and Jock’s arm still + round her gave a little pressure, as if the thought had occurred to him. + The moment of amusement gave a cheerfulness to her voice as she said— + </p> + <p> + “We have been doing sad injustice all this time; that is the worst of it. + For the rest, we shall be no worse off than we were before.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be in Allen’s power to make up to you a good deal. That is a + fortunate arrangement, but I am afraid it cannot take place till the girl + is of age.” + </p> + <p> + “You are all in such haste,” said Bobus. “It would take a good deal to + make me accept such an informal scrap as this. No doubt one could drive a + coach and horses through it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would not lessen the injustice,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Could there not be a compromise?” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “That is nonsense,” said his uncle. “Either <i>this</i> will stand, or <i>that</i>, + and I am afraid this is the later. April 18th. Was that the time of that + absurd practical joke of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Too true,” said Allen. “You recollect the old brute said I should + remember it.” + </p> + <p> + “Witnesses—? There’s Gomez, the servant who was drowned on his way + out after his dismissal—Elizabeth Brook—is it—servant.—Who + is to find her out?” + </p> + <p> + “Richards may know.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not our business to hunt up the witnesses. That’s the lookout of + the other party,” said Bobus impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t suppose I mean to contest it?” said his mother. “It is bad + enough to go on as we have been doing these eight years. I only want to + know what is right and truth, and if this be a real will.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did it come from?” asked the Colonel, coming to the critical + question. “Did you say you found it yourself, Caroline?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “In the old bureau.” + </p> + <p> + “What! the one that stood in his study? You don’t say so! I saw Wakefield + turn the whole thing out, and look for any secret drawer before I would + take any steps; I could have sworn that not the thickness of that sheet of + paper escaped us. I should like, if only out of curiosity, to see where it + was.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as I said, mother,” said Bobus; “there’s no use in trying to blink + it to any one who knows the circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not insinuate that there was any foul play!” said his uncle hotly. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what else it can be called,” said Caroline, faintly; “but + please, Robert, and all the rest, don’t expose her. Poor Janet found the + thing in the back of the bedside table-drawer, fancied it a mere rough + draft, and childlike, put it out of sight in the bureau, where I lighted + on it in looking for something else. Surely there is no need to mention + her?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if you do not contest the will,” replied the Colonel, who looked + thunderstruck; “but if you did, it must all come out to exonerate us, the + executors, from shameful carelessness. Well, we shall see what Wakefield + says! A severe reverse! a very severe reverse!” + </p> + <p> + When he found that Bobus meant to go in search of the lawyer that + afternoon, he decided on accompanying him. And with a truly amazing burst + of intuition, he even suggested carrying off Elvira to spend the day with + Essie and Ellie, and even that an invitation might arise to stay all + night, or as long as the first suspense lasted. Then muttering to himself, + “A severe reverse—a most severe reverse!” he took his leave. + Caroline went down stairs with him, as thinking she could the most + naturally administer the invitation to Elvira, and the two eldest sons + proceeded to make arrangements for the time of meeting and the journey. + </p> + <p> + “A severe reverse!” said Jock, finding himself alone with the younger + ones. “When one has a bitter draught, it is at least a consolation to have + labelled it right.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we be very poor, Jock?” asked Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what we were called before,” he said; “but from what I + remember, I fancy we had about what I have been using for my private + delectation. Just enough for my mother and you to be jolly upon.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all you think of!” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “All that a man need think of,” said Jock; “as long as mother and Babie + are comfortable, we can do for ourselves very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Ourselves!” said Armine, bitterly. “And how about this wretched place + that we have neglected shamefully all these years!” + </p> + <p> + “Armine!” cried Jock, indignantly. “Why, you are talking of mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother says so herself.” + </p> + <p> + “You went on raging about it; and, just like her, she did not defend + herself. I am sure she has given away loads of money.” + </p> + <p> + “But see what is wanting! The curate, and the school chapel, and the + cottages; and if the school is not enlarged, they will have a school + board. And what am I to say to Miss Parsons? I promised to bring mother’s + answer about the curate this afternoon at latest.” + </p> + <p> + “If she has the sense of a wren, she must know that a cataclysm like + Janet’s may account for a few trifling omissions.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said Babie! “She can’t expect it. Do you know, I am rather + sorry we are not poorer? I hoped we should have to live in a very small + way, and that I should have to work like you—for mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Not like us, for pity’s sake, Infanta!” cried Jock. “We have had enough + of that. The great use of you is to look after mother; and keep her from + galloping the life out of herself, and this chap from worrying it out of + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Jock!” cried Armine, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you will, if you go on moaning about these fads, and making her + blame herself for them. I don’t say we have all done the right thing with + this money, I’m sure I have not, and most likely it serves us right to + lose it, but to have mother teased about what, after all, was chiefly + owing to her absence, is more than I will stand. The one duty in hand is + to make the best of it for her. I shall run down again as soon as I hear + how this is likely to turn out—for Sunday, perhaps. Keep up a good + heart, Babie Bunting, and whatever you do, don’t let him worry mother. + Good-bye, Armie! What’s the use of being good, if you can’t hold up + against a thing like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Jock doesn’t know,” said Armine, as the door closed. “Fads indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Jock didn’t mean that,” pleaded Babie. “You know he did not; dear, good + Jock, he could not!” + </p> + <p> + “Jock is a good fellow, but he lives a frivolous, self-indulgent life, and + has got infected with the spirit and the language,” said Armine, “or he + would understand that myself or my own loss is the very last thing I am + troubled about. No, indeed, I should never think of that! It is the ruin + of these poor people and all I meant to have done for them. It is very + strange that we should only be allowed to waken to a sense of our + opportunities to have them taken away from us!” + </p> + <p> + No one would have expected Armine, always regarded as the most religious + of the family, to be the most dismayed, and neither he nor Barbara could + detect how much of the spoilt child lay at the bottom of his regrets; but + his little sister’s sympathy enabled him to keep from troubling his mother + with his lamentations. + </p> + <p> + Indeed Allen was usually in presence, and nobody ever ventured on what + might bore Allen. He was in good spirits, believing that the discovery + would put an end to all trifling on Elvira’s part, and that he and she + would thus together be able to act the beneficent genii of the whole + family. Even their mother had a sense of relief. She was very quiet, and + moved about softly, like one severely shaken and bruised; but there was a + calm in knowing the worst, instead of living in continual vague suspicion. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel returned with tidings that Mr. Wakefield had no doubt of the + validity of the will, though it might be possible to contest it if + Elizabeth Brook, the witness, could not be found; but that would involve + an investigation as to the manner of the loss, and the discovery. It was, + in truth, only a matter of time; and on Monday Mr. Wakefield would come + down and begin to take steps. That was the day on which the family were to + have gone to London, but Caroline’s heart failed her, and she was much + relieved when a kind letter arrived from Mrs. Evelyn, who was sure she + could not wish to go into society immediately after Janet’s affair, and + offered to receive Elvira for as long as might be convenient, and herself—as + indeed had been already arranged—to present her at court with + Sydney. It was a great comfort to place her in such hands during the + present crisis, all the more that Ellen was not at all delighted with her + company for Essie and Ellie. She rushed home on Saturday evening to secure + Delrio, and superintend her packing up, with her head a great deal too + full of court dresses and ball dresses, fancy costumes, and Parisian hats, + to detect any of the tokens of a coming revolution, even in her own + favour. + </p> + <p> + Jock too came home that same evening, as gay and merry apparently as ever, + and after dinner, claimed his mother for a turn in the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Has Drake written to you, mother?” he asked. “I met him the other day at + Mrs. Lucas’s, and it seems his soul is expanding. He wants to give up the + old house—you know the lease is nearly out—and to hang out in + a more fashionable quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear old house!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, mother, here’s my notion. Why should not we hide our diminished + heads there? You could keep house while the Monk and I go through the + lectures and hospitals, and King’s College might not be too far off for + Armine.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Jock, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, it is a raving impossibility for me to stay where I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid so; but you might exchange into the line.” + </p> + <p> + “There would be no great good in that. I should have stuck to the Guards + because there I am, and I have no opinion of fellows changing about for + nothing—and because of Evelyn and some capital fellows besides. But + I found out long ago that it had been a stupid thing to go in for. When + one has mastered the routine, it is awfully monotonous; and one has + nothing to do with one’s time or one’s brains. I have felt many a time + that I could keep straight better if I had something tougher to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, just to satisfy my mind, my dear, you have no debts.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t owe forty pounds in the world, mother; and I shall not owe that, + when I can get my tailor to send in his bill. You have given me as jolly + an allowance as any man in the corps, and I’ve always paid my way. I’ve + got no end of things about my rooms, and my horses and cab, but they will + turn into money. You see, having done the thing first figure, I should + hate to begin in the cheap and nasty style, and I had much rather come + home to you, Mother Carey. I’m not too old, you know—not + one-and-twenty till August. I shall not come primed like the Monk, but + I’ll try to grind up to him, if you’ll let me, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jock, dear Jock!” she cried, “you little know the strength and life + it gives me to have you taking it so like a young hero.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I’m sick of drill and parade,” said Jock, “and heartily glad + of an excuse to turn to something where one can stretch one’s wits without + being thought a disgrace to humanity. Now, don’t you think we might be + very jolly together?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to think of being there again! And we can have the dear old furniture + and make it like home. It is the first definite notion any one has had. My + dear, you have given me something to look forward to. You can’t guess what + good you have done me! It is just as if you had shown me light at the end + of the thicket; ay, and made yourself the good stout staff to lead me + through!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, that’s the best thing that ever was said to me yet; worth ever so + much more than all old Barnes’s money-bags.” + </p> + <p> + “If the others will approve! But any way it is a nest egg for my own + selfish pleasure to carry me through. Why, Jock, to have your name on the + old door would be bringing back the golden age!” + </p> + <p> + Nobody but Jock knew what made this such a cheerful Sunday with his + mother. She was even heard making fun, and declaring that no one knew what + a relief it would be not to have to take drives when all the roads were + beset with traction engines. She had so far helped Armine out of the + difficulties his lavish assurances had brought him into, that she had + written a note to the Vicar, Mr. Parsons, telling him that she should be + better able to reply in a little while; but Armine, knowing that he must + not speak, and afraid of betraying the cause of his unhappiness and of the + delay, was afraid to stir out of reach of the others lest Miss Parsons + should begin an inquiry. + </p> + <p> + The Vicar of Woodside was, in fact, as some people mischievously called + her, the Reverend Petronella Parsons. Whether she wrote her brother’s + sermons was a disputed question. She certainly did other things in his + name which she had better have let alone. He was three or four years her + junior, and had always so entirely followed her lead, that he seemed to + have no personal identity; but to be only her male complement. That Armine + should have set up a lady of this calibre for the first goddess of his + fancy was one of the comical chances of life, but she was a fine, + handsome, fresh-looking woman of five-and-thirty, with a strong vein of + sentiment—ecclesiastical and poetic—just ignorant enough to + gush freely, and too genuine to be <i>always</i> offensive. She had been + infinitely struck with Armine, had hung a perfect romance of renovation on + him, sympathised with his every word, and lavished on him what perhaps was + not quite flattery, because she was entirely in earnest, but which was + therefore all the worse for him. + </p> + <p> + Barbara had a natural repulsion from her, and could not understand + Armine’s being attracted, and for the first time in their lives this was + creating a little difference between the brother and sister. Babie had + said, in rather an uncalled-for way, that Miss Parsons would draw back + when she knew the truth, and Armine had been deeply offended at such an + ungenerous hint, and had reduced her to a tearful declaration that she was + very sorry she had said anything so uncalled for. + </p> + <p> + Petronella herself had been much vexed at Armine’s three days’ defection, + which was ascribed to the worldly and anti-ecclesiastical influences of + the rest of the family. She wanted her brother to preach a sermon about + Lot’s wife; but Jemmie, as she called him, had on certain occasions a + passive force of his own, and she could not prevail. She regretted it the + less when Armine and Babie duly did the work they had undertaken in the + Sunday-school, though they would not come in for any intermediate meals. + </p> + <p> + “What did Mrs. Brownlow tell you in her note?” she asked of her brother + while giving him his tea before the last service. + </p> + <p> + “That in a few days she shall be able to answer me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well! Do you know there is a belief in the parish that something has + happened—that a claim is to be set up to the whole property, and + that the whole family will be reduced to beggary?” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of an estate to which there was not some claimant in + obscurity.” + </p> + <p> + “But this comes from undoubted authority.” Mr. Parsons smiled a little. + “One can’t help it if servants <i>will</i> hear things. Well! any way it + will be overruled for good to that dear boy—though it would be a + cruel stroke on the parish.” + </p> + <p> + It was the twilight of a late spring evening when the congregation + streamed out of Church, and Elvira, who had managed hitherto to avoid all + intercourse with the River Hollow party, found herself grappled by Lisette + without hope of rescue. “My dear, this is a pleasure at last; I have so + much to say to you. Can’t you give us a day?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to town to-morrow,” said Elvira, never gracious to any Gould. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow! I heard the family had put off their migration.” + </p> + <p> + “I go with Lucas. I am to stay with Mrs. Evelyn, Lord Fordham’s mother, + you know, who is to present me at the Drawing-room,” said Elvira, + magnificently. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if I could only see you in your court dress it would be memorable,” + cried Mrs. Gould. “A little longer, my dear, our paths lie together.” + </p> + <p> + “I must get home. My packing—” + </p> + <p> + “And may I ask what you wear, my dear? Is your dress ordered?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, I had it made at Paris. It is white satin, with lilies—a + kind of lily one gets in Algiers.” And she expatiated on the fashion till + Mrs. Gould said— + </p> + <p> + “Well, my love, I hope you will enjoy yourself at the Honourable Mrs. + Evelyn’s. What is the address, in case I should have occasion to write?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have no time for doing commissions.” + </p> + <p> + “That was not my meaning,” was the gentle answer; “only if there be + anything you ought to be informed of—” + </p> + <p> + “They would write to me from home. Why, what do you mean?” asked the girl, + her attention gained at last. + </p> + <p> + “Did it never strike you why you are sent up alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Only that Mrs. Brownlow is so cut up about Janet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! youth is so sweetly unconscious. It is well that there are those who + are bound to watch for your interests, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t think what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not disturb your happy innocence, my love. It is enough for your + uncle and me to be awake, to counteract any machinations. Ah! I see your + astonishment! You are so simple, my dear child, and you have been + studiously kept in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t think what you are driving at,” said Elvira, impatiently. “Mrs. + Brownlow would never let any harm happen to me, nor Allen either. Do let + me go.” + </p> + <p> + “One moment, my darling. I must love you through all, and you will know + your true friends one day. Are you—let me ask the question out of my + deep, almost maternal, solicitude—are you engaged to Mr. Brownlow?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, as you say. Most ingenuous! Ah? well, may it not be too late!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be so horrid, Lisette! Allen is not half a bad fellow, and + frightfully in love with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly, my dear unsuspicious dove. There! I see you are impatient. You + will know the truth soon enough. One kiss, for your mother’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + But Elvira broke from her, and rejoined Allen. + </p> + <p> + “I have sounded the child,” said Lisette to her husband that evening, “and + she is quite in the dark, though the very servants in the house are better + informed.” + </p> + <p> + “Better informed than the fact, may be,” said Mr. Gould (for a man always + scouts a woman’s gossip). + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed. Poor dear child, she is blinded purposely. She never guessed + why she was sent to Kencroft while the old Colonel was called in, and they + all agreed that the will should be kept back till the wedding with Mr. + Allen should be over, and he could make up the rest. So now the child is + to be sent to town, and surrounded with Mrs. Brownlow’s creatures to prey + upon her innocence. But you have no care for your own niece—none!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — FRIENDS AND UNFRIENDS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ay, and, I think, + One business doth command us all; for mine + Is money. + Timon of Athens. +</pre> + <p> + Before the door of one of the supremely respectable and aristocratic but + somewhat gloomy-looking houses in Cavendish Square, whose mauve + plate-glass windows and link-extinguishers are like fossils of a past era + of civilisation, three riding horses were being walked up and down, two + with side-saddles and one for a gentleman. They were taken aside as a + four-wheel drove up, while a female voice exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! we are just it time!” + </p> + <p> + Cards and a note were sent in with a request to see Miss Menella. + </p> + <p> + Word came back that Miss Menella was just going out riding; but on the + return of a message that the visitors came from Mrs. Brownlow on important + business, they were taken up-stairs to an ante-room. + </p> + <p> + They were three—Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Gould, and, to the great + discontentment of the former, Mrs. Gould likewise. Fain would he have + shaken her off; but as she truly said, who could deprive her of her rights + as kinswoman, and wife to the young lady’s guardian? + </p> + <p> + After they had waited a few moments in the somewhat dingy surroundings of + a house seldom used by its proper owners, Elvira entered in plumed hat and + habit, a slender and exquisite little figure, but with a haughty twitch in + her slim waist, superb indifference in the air of her little head, and a + grasp of her coral-handled whip as if it were a defensive weapon, when + Lisette flew up to offer an embrace with— + </p> + <p> + “Joy, joy, my dear child! Remember, I was the first to give you a hint.” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” said Elvira, with a little bend of her head, presenting to + each the shapely tip of a gauntleted hand, but ignoring her uncle and aunt + as far as was possible. “Is there anything that need detain me, Mr. + Wakefield? I am just going out with Miss Evelyn and Lord Fordham, and I + cannot keep them waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it is you that will have to be waited for now, my sweet one,” began + Mrs. Gould. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a note from Mrs. Brownlow,” said Mr. Wakefield, holding it to + Elvira, who looked like anything but a sweet one. “I imagine it is to + prepare you for the important disclosure I have to make.” + </p> + <p> + A hot colour mounted in the fair cheek. Elvira tore open the letter and + read— + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR CHILD,—I can only ask your pardon for the unconscious wrong + which I have so long been doing to you, and which shall be repaired as + soon as the processes of the law render it possible for us to change + places. + </p> + <p> + “Your ever loving, + </p> + <p> + “MOTHER CAREY.” + </p> + <p> + “What does it all mean?” cried the bewildered girl. + </p> + <p> + “It means,” said the lawyer, “that Mrs. Brownlow has discovered a will of + the late Mr. Barnes more recent than that under which she inherited, + naming you, Miss Elvira Menella, as the sole inheritrix.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear child, let me be the first to congratulate you on your recovery + of your rights,” said Mrs. Gould, again proffering an embrace, but again + the whip was interposed, while Elvira, with her eyes fixed on Mr. + Wakefield, asked “What?” so that he had to repeat the explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Then does it all belong to me?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Eventually it will, Miss Menella. You are sole heiress to your great + uncle, though you cannot enter into possession till certain needful forms + of law are gone through. Mrs. Brownlow offers no obstruction, but they + cannot be rapid.” + </p> + <p> + “All mine!” repeated Elvira, with childish exultation. “What fun! I must + go and tell Sydney Evelyn.” + </p> + <p> + “A few minutes more, Miss Menella,” said Mr. Wakefield. “You ought to hear + the terms of the will.” + </p> + <p> + And he read it to her. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you told me it was to be mine. This is all you and uncle + George.” + </p> + <p> + “As your trustees.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to manage as the Colonel does. You will give me all the money I ask + you for. I want some pearls, and I must have that duck of a little Arab. + Uncle George, how soon can I have it?” + </p> + <p> + “We must go through the Probate Court,” he began, but his wife interrupted— + </p> + <p> + “Ways and means will be forthcoming, my dear, though for my part I think + it would be much better taste in Mrs. Brownlow to put you in possession at + once.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Wakefield explained, my dear,” said her husband, “that, much as Mrs. + Brownlow wishes to do so, she cannot; she has no power. It is her + trustees.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I know every excuse will be found for retaining the property as + long as possible,” said the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall have to wait ever so long,” said the young lady. “And I do + so want the Arab. It is a real love, and Allen would say so.” + </p> + <p> + “I have another letter for you,” said Mr. Wakefield, on hearing that name. + “We will leave it with you. If you wish for further information, I would + call immediately on receiving a line at my office.” + </p> + <p> + Just then a message was brought from Mrs. Evelyn inviting Miss Menella’s + friends to stay to luncheon. It incited Elvira, who knew neither awe nor + manners, to run across the great drawing-room, leaving the doors open + behind her, to the little morning-room, where sat Mrs. Evelyn, with + Sydney, in her habit standing by the mantelpiece. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mrs. Evelyn,” Elvira began, “it is Mr. Wakefield and my uncle and his + wife. They have come to say it is all mine; Uncle Barnes left it all to + me.” + </p> + <p> + “So I hear from Mrs. Brownlow,” said Mrs. Evelyn gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Elfie, I am so sorry for you. Don’t you hate it?” cried Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but it is such fun! I can do everything I please,” said the heiress. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s the best part,” said Sydney. “I do envy you the day when you + give it all back to Allen.” + </p> + <p> + That reminded Elvira to open the note, and as she read it her great eyes + grew round. + </p> + <p> + “SWEETEST AND DEAREST,—How I have always loved, and always shall + love you, you know full well. But these altered circumstances bring about + what you have so often playfully wished. Say the word and you are free, no + longer bound to me by anything that has passed between us, though the very + fibres of my heart and life are as much as ever entwined about you. Honour + bids my dissolution of our engagement, and I await your answer, though + nothing can ever make me other than + </p> + <p> + “Your wholly devoted, + </p> + <p> + “ALLEN.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn had been prepared by a letter from her friend for what was now + taking place; Mr. Wakefield had likewise known the main purport of Allen’s + note, and had allowed that Mr. Brownlow could not as a gentleman do + otherwise than release the young lady; though he fully believed that it + would be only as a matter of form, and that Elvira would not hear of + breaking off. He had in fact spent much eloquence in persuading Mrs. + Brownlow to continue to take the charge of the heiress during the three + years before her majority. Begun in generous affection by Allen long ago, + the engagement seemed to the lawyer, as well as to others, an almost + providential means of at least partial restitution. + </p> + <p> + He had meant Elvira to read her letter alone, but she had opened it before + the two ladies, and her first exclamation was a startled, incredulous— + </p> + <p> + “Ha! What’s this? He says our engagement is dissolved.” + </p> + <p> + “He is of course bound to set you free, my dear,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “but + it only depends on yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! and I shall tease him well first,” cried Elvira, her face lighting up + with fun and mischief. “He was so tiresome and did bother so! Now I shall + have my swing! Oh, what fun! I won’t let him worry me again just yet, I + can tell him!” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t seem to consider,” began Sydney,—but Mrs. Gould took this + moment for advancing. + </p> + <p> + From the whole length of the large drawing-room the trio had been + spectators, not quite auditors, though perhaps enough to perceive what + line the Evelyns were taking. + </p> + <p> + So Mrs. Gould advanced into the drawing-room; Mrs. Evelyn came forward to + assume the duties of hostess; and Sydney turned and ran away so + precipitately that she shut the door on the trailing skirt of her habit + and had to open it again to release herself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wakefield hoped the young ladies would pardon him for having spoilt + their ride, and Elvira was going off to change her dress, when, to his + dismay, Mrs. Evelyn desired her to take her aunt to her room to prepare + for luncheon. He had seen enough of Mrs. Gould to know that this was a + most unlucky measure of courtesy on good simple Mrs. Evelyn’s part, but of + course he could do nothing to prevent it, and had to remain with Mr. + Gould, both speaking in the strongest manner of Mrs. Brownlow’s + uprightness and bravery in meeting this sudden change. Mr. Wakefield said + he hoped to prevail on her to retain the charge of the young lady for the + present, and Mr. Gould assented that she could not be in better hands. + Then Mrs. Evelyn (by way of doing anything for her friend) undertook to + make Elvira welcome as long as it might be convenient, and was warmly + thanked. She further ascertained that the missing witness had been traced; + and that the most probable course of action would be that there would be + an amicable suit in the Probate Court and then another of ejectment. Until + these were over, things would remain in their present state for how many + weeks or months would depend upon the Law Courts, since Mrs. Brownlow’s + trustees would be legally holders of the property until the decision was + given against them, and Miss Menella would be as entirely dependent on her + bounty as she had been all these years. Meanwhile, as Mrs. Brownlow had no + inclination to come to London and exhibit herself as a disinherited + heroine, Mr. Wakefield and the Colonel strongly advised her remaining on + at Belforest. + </p> + <p> + All this, Mrs. Evelyn had been anxious to understand, and thus was more + glad of the delay of Elvira and her aunt up-stairs than she would have + been, if she could ever have guessed what work a designing, flattering + tongue could make with a vain, frivolous, selfish brain, with the same + essential strain of vulgarity and worldliness. + </p> + <p> + Still, Elvira was chiefly shallow and selfish, and all her affection and + confidence naturally belonged to her home of the last eight years. She was + bewildered, perhaps a little intoxicated at the sense of riches, but was + really quite ready to lean as much as ever upon her natural friends and + protectors. + </p> + <p> + However, Lisette’s congratulations and exultation rang pleasantly upon her + ear, and she listened and talked freely, asking questions and rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + Now Mrs. Gould, to do her justice, measured others by herself, and really + and truly believed that only accident had disconcerted a plan for + concealing the will till Elvira should have been safely married to Allen + Brownlow, and that thus it was the fixed purpose of the family to keep her + and her fortune in their hands, a purpose which every instinct bade Mrs. + Lisette Gould to traverse and overthrow, if only because she hated such + artfulness and meanness. Unfortunately, too, as she had been a governess, + and her father had been a Union doctor, she could put herself forward as + something above a farmer’s wife, indeed “quite as good as Mrs. Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + All Mrs. Evelyn’s civility had not redeemed her from the imputation of + being “high,” and Elvira was quite ready to call hers a very dull house. + In truth, there was only moderate gaiety, and no fastness. The ruling + interests were religious and political questions, as befitted Fordham’s + maiden session, the society was quietly high-bred, and intelligent, and + there was much attention to health; for, strong as Sydney was, her mother + would have dreaded the full whirl of the season as much for her body as + for her mind. + </p> + <p> + At all this the frivolous, idle little soul chafed and fretted, aware that + the circle was not a fashionable one, eager for far more diversion and + less restraint, and longing to join the party in Hyde Corner, where she + could always make Allen do what she pleased. + </p> + <p> + With the obtuseness of an unobservant, self-occupied mind, she was taken + by surprise when Mrs. Gould said that Mrs. Brownlow was not coming to + town, adding, “It would be very unbecoming in her, though of course she + will hold on at Belforest as long as there is any quibble of the law.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don’t want to lose the season; she promised me!” + </p> + <p> + Then Mrs. Gould made a great stroke. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, you could not return to her. Not when the young man has just + broken with you. You would have more proper pride.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Allen!” said Elvira. “If he would only let me alone, to have my fun + like other girls.” + </p> + <p> + “You see he could not afford to let you gratify your youthful spirits. Too + much was at stake, and it is most providential that things had gone no + further, and that your own good sense has preserved you to adorn a much + higher sphere.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen could be made something,” said Elvira, “I know, for he told me he + could get himself made a baronet. He always does as I tell him. Will they + be very poor, Lisette?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, my dear, generous child, Mrs. Brownlow was quite as well provided + for as she had any right to expect. You need have no anxieties on that + score.” + </p> + <p> + To Elvira, the change from River Hollow to the Pagoda had been from rustic + to gentle life, and thus this reply sounded plausible enough to silence a + not much awakened compassion, but she still said, “Why can’t I go home? + I’ve nowhere else to go. I could not stay at the Farm,” she added in her + usual uncomplimentary style. + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, I should not think of it. An establishment must be formed, + but in the meantime, it would be quite beneath you to return to Mrs. + Brownlow, again to become the prey of underground machinations. Besides, + how awkward it would be while the lawsuits are going on. Impossible! No my + dear, you must only return to Belforest in a triumphal procession. Surely + there must be a competition for my lovely child among more congenial + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Elvira, “there were the Folliots. We met them at Nice, and + Lady Flora did ask me the other day, but Mrs. Brownlow does not like them, + and Allen says they are not good form.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I knew you could not want for friends. You are not bound by those who + want to keep you to themselves for reasons of their own.” + </p> + <p> + Thus before Elvira brought her aunt down stairs, enough had been done to + make her eager to be with one who would discuss her future splendour + rather than deplore the change to her benefactor, and thus she readily + accepted a proposal she would naturally have scouted, to go out driving + with Mrs. Gould. She came back in a mood of exulting folly, and being far + too shallow and loquacious to conceal anything, she related in full all + Mrs. Gould’s insinuations, which, to do her justice, the poor child did + not really understand. But Sydney did, and was furious at the ingratitude + which could seem almost flattered. Mrs. Evelyn found the two girls in a + state of hot reproach and recrimination, and cut the matter short by + treating them as if they were little children, and ordering them both off + to their rooms to dress for dinner. + </p> + <p> + Elvira went away sobbing, and saying that nobody cared for her; everybody + was wrapped up in the Brownlows, who had been enjoying what was hers ever + so long. + </p> + <p> + And Sydney presently burst into her mother’s room to pour out her disgust + and indignation against the heartless, ungrateful, intolerable— + </p> + <p> + “Only foolish, my dear, and left all day in the hands of a flattering, + designing woman.” + </p> + <p> + “To let such things be said. Mamma, did you hear—?” + </p> + <p> + “I had rather not hear, Sydney; and I desire you will not repeat them to + any one. Be careful, if you talk to Jock to-night. To repeat words spoken + in her present mood might do exceeding mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “She speaks as if she meant to cast them all off—Allen and all.” + </p> + <p> + “Very possibly she may see things differently when she wakes to-morrow. + But Sydney, while she is here, the whole subject must be avoided. It would + not be acting fairly to use any influence in favour of our friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you mean to speak to her, mamma?” + </p> + <p> + “If she consults me, of course I shall tell her what I think of the + matter, but I shall not force my advice on her, or give these Goulds + occasion to say that I am playing into Mrs. Brownlow’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + They were going to an evening party, and Lucas and Cecil came to dinner to + go with them. Cecil looked grave and gloomy, but Jock rattled away so + merrily that Sydney began to wonder whether all this were a dream, or + whether he were still unaware of the impending misfortune. + </p> + <p> + But Jock only waited for the friendly cover of a grand piece of + instrumental music to ask Mrs. Evelyn if she had heard from his mother, + and she was very glad to go into details with him, while he was infinitely + relieved that the silence was over, and he could discuss the matter with + his friends. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me truly, Jock, will she be comfortably off?” + </p> + <p> + “Very fairly. Yes, indeed. My father’s savings were absolutely left to + her, and have been accumulating all this time, and they will be a very + fair maintenance for her and Babie.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger of her having to pay the mesne profits?” + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly not, as it stands. Mr. Wakefield says that cannot happen. + Then the old house in Bloomsbury, where we were all born, is our own, and + she likes the notion of returning thither. Mrs. Evelyn, after all you and + Sir James have done for me, what should you think of my giving it up, and + taking to the pestle and mortar?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Lucas!” Then after a moment’s reflection, “I suppose it would be + folly to think of going on as you are?” + </p> + <p> + “Raving insanity,” said Jock, “and this notion really does seem to please + my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not just intolerable to hear him?” said Cecil, who had made his way + to them. + </p> + <p> + “‘What is bred in the bone—‘” said Jock. “What’s that? Chopin? + Sydney, will you condescend to the apothecary’s boy?” + </p> + <p> + As he led her to the dancing-room, she asked, “You can’t really mean this, + Jock. Cecil is breaking his heart about it.” + </p> + <p> + “There are worse trades.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is such a cruel pity!” + </p> + <p> + “What? The execution I shall make,” he said lightly. + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Jock!” + </p> + <p> + But he went on teasing her, because their hearts were so very full. “‘Tis + just the choice between various means of slaughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t!” she exclaimed. “Something can be done to prevent your throwing + yourself away. Why can’t you exchange?” + </p> + <p> + “It is too late to get into any corps where I should not be an expense to + my mother,” said Jock, regretting his decision a good deal more when he + found how she regarded it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sacrifice is something!” sighed Sydney. + </p> + <p> + Jock defied strange feelings by a laugh and the reply, “Equal to the + finest thing in the ‘Traveller’s Joy,’ and that was the knight who let the + hyena eat up his hand that his lady might finish her rosary undisturbed.” + </p> + <p> + “It is as bad—or as good—to let the hyena eat up your sword + hand as to cut yourself off from all that is great and noble—all we + used to think you would do.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Sydney Evelyn in her girlish prejudice, and the prospects that + had recently seemed to Lucas so fair and kindly, suddenly clouded over and + became dull, gloomy, and despicable. She felt as if she were saving him + from becoming a deserter as she went on— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure Babie must be shocked!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know whether Babie has heard. She has serious thoughts of coming + out as a lady-help, editing the ‘Traveller’s Joy’ as a popular magazine, + giving lessons in Greek, or painting the crack picture in the Royal + Academy. In fact, she would rather prefer to have the whole family on her + hands.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all the spirit of self-sacrifice,” said Sydney; “but oh, Lucas, let + it be any sacrifice but that of your sword! Think how we should all feel + if there was a great glorious war, and you only a poor creature of a + civilian, instead of getting—as I know you would—lots of + medals and Victoria Crosses, and knighthood—real knighthood! Oh, + Jock, think of that! When your mother thinks of that, she can’t want you + to make any such mistaken sacrifice to her. Live on a crust if you like, + but don’t—don’t give up your sword.” + </p> + <p> + “This is coming it strong,” muttered Jock. “I did not think anyone cared + so much.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I care.” + </p> + <p> + The words were swept off as they whirled together into the dance, where + the clasping hands and flying feet had in them a strange impulse, half + tenderness, half exultation, as each felt an importance to the other + unknown before. Childishness was not exactly left behind in it, but a + different stage was reached. Sydney felt herself to have done a noble + work, and gloried in watching till her hero should have achieved greatness + on a crust a day, and Jock was equally touched and elated at the + intimation that his doings were so much to her. + </p> + <p> + Friendship sang the same note. Cecil, honest lad, had never more than the + average amount either of brains or industry, and despised medicines to the + full as much as did his sister. Abhorring equally the toil and the + degradation, he deemed it a duty to prevent such a fall, and put his hope + in his uncle. Nay, if his mother had not assured him that it was too late, + he would have gone off at once to seek Sir James at his club. + </p> + <p> + Lord Fordham had been in bed long before the others returned, but in the + morning a twisted note was handed to his mother, briefly saying he was + running down to see how it was with them at Belforest. + </p> + <p> + When a station fly was seen drawing to the door, Allen, who was drearily + leaning over the stone wall of the terrace, much disorganised by having + received no answer to his letter, instantly jumped to the conclusion that + Elvira had come home, sprang to the door, and when he only saw the tall + figure emerge, he concluded that something dreadful had happened, grasped + Fordham’s hand, and demanded what it was. + </p> + <p> + It fell flat that she had last been seen full-dressed going off to a + party. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if there’s nothing, what brought you here? I mean,” said poor + Allen, catching up his courtesy, “I’m afraid there’s nothing you or any + one else can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I see your mother?” + </p> + <p> + Allen turned him into the library and went off to find his mother, and + instruct her to discover from “that stupid fellow” how Elvira was feeling + it. When, after putting away the papers she was trying to arrange, + Caroline went downstairs, she had no sooner opened the door than Barbara + flew up to her, crying out— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother, tell him not!” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him what, my dear?” as the girl hung on her, and dragged her into + the ante-room. “What is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “If it is nonsense, he ought not to have made it so like earnest,” said + Babie, all crimson, but quite gravely. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “How could he?” cried Caroline, in her first annoyance at such things + beginning with her Babie. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll tell him, mother. You’ll not let him do it again?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me go, my child. I must speak to him and find out what it all means.” + </p> + <p> + Within the library she was met by Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “Have I done very wrong, Mrs. Brownlow? I could not help it.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you had not.” + </p> + <p> + “I always meant to wait till she was older, and I grew stronger, but when + all this came, I thought if we all belonged to one another it might be a + help—” + </p> + <p> + “Very, very kind, but—” + </p> + <p> + “I know I was sudden and frightened her,” he continued; “but if she could—” + </p> + <p> + “You forget how young she is.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t. I would not take her from you. We could all go on together.” + </p> + <p> + “All one family? Oh, you unpractised boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Have we not done so many winters? But I would wait, I meant to have + waited, only I am afraid of dying without being able to provide for her. + If she would have me, she would be left better off than my mother, and + then it would be all right for you and Armie. What are you smiling at?” + </p> + <p> + “At your notions of rightness, my dear, kind Duke. I see how you mean it, + but it will not do. Even if she had grown to care for you, it would not be + right for me to give her to you for years to come.” + </p> + <p> + “May not I hope till then?” + </p> + <p> + She could not tell how sorry she should be to see in her little daughter + any dawnings of an affection which would be a virtual condemnation to such + a life as his mother’s had been. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t guess how I love her! She has been the bright light of my life + ever since the Engelberg,—the one hope I have lived for!” + </p> + <p> + “My poor Duke!” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you quite mean to deny me all hope?” + </p> + <p> + “Hope must be according to your own impressions, my dear Fordham. Of + course, if you are well, and still wishing it four or five years hence, it + would be free to you to try again. More, I cannot say. No, don’t thank me, + for I trust to your honour to make no demonstrations in the meantime, and + not to consider yourself as bound.” + </p> + <p> + It was a relief that Armine here came in, attracted by a report of his + friend’s arrival, and Mrs. Brownlow went in search of her daughter, to + whom she was guided by a sonata played with very unnecessary violence. + </p> + <p> + “You need not murder Haydn any more, you little barbarian,” she said, with + a hand on the child’s shoulder, and looking anxiously into the gloomy + face. “I have settled him.” + </p> + <p> + Babie drew a long breath, and said— + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad! It was so horrid! You’ll not let him do it any more?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you decidedly would not like it?” returned her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Like it? Poor Duke! Mother! As if I could ever! A man that can’t sit in a + draught, or get wet in his feet!” cried Babie, with the utmost scorn; and + reading reproof as well as amused pity in her mother’s eyes, she added, + “Of course, I am very sorry for him; but fancy being very <i>sorry</i> for + one’s love!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you liked wounded knights?” + </p> + <p> + “Wounded! Yes, but they’ve done something, and had glorious wounds. Now + Duke—he is very good, and it is not his fault but his misfortune; + but he is such a—such a muff!” + </p> + <p> + “That’s enough, my dear; I am quite content that my Infanta should wait + for her hero. Though,” she added, almost to herself, “she is too childish + to know the true worth of what she condemns.” + </p> + <p> + She felt this the more when Babie, who had coaxed the housekeeper into + letting her begin a private school of cookery, started up, crying— + </p> + <p> + “I must go and see my orange biscuits taken out of the oven! I should like + to send a taste to Sydney!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, Barbara was childish for nearly sixteen, and, as it struck her mother + at the moment, rather wonderfully so considering her cleverness and + romance. It was better for her that the softening should not come yet, + but, mother as she was, Caroline’s sympathies could not but be at the + moment with the warm-hearted, impulsive, generous young man, moved out of + all his habitual valetudinarian habits by his affection, rather than with + the light-hearted child, who spurned the love she did not comprehend, and + despised his ill-health. Had the young generation no hearts? Oh no—no—it + could not be so with her loving Barbara, and she ought to be thankful for + the saving of pain and perplexity. + </p> + <p> + Poor Armine was not getting much comfort out of his friend, who was too + much preoccupied to attend to what he was saying, and only mechanically + assented at intervals to the proposition that it was an inscrutable + dispensation that the will and the power should so seldom go together. He + heard all Armine’s fallen castles about chapels, schools, curates, and + sisters, as in a dream, really not knowing whether they were or were not + to be. And with all his desire to be useful, he never perceived the one + offer that would have been really valuable, namely, to carry off the boy + out of sight of the scene of his disappointment. + </p> + <p> + Fordham was compelled to stay for an uncomfortable luncheon, when there + were spasmodic jerks of talk about subjects of the day to keep up + appearances before the servants, who flitted about in such an exasperating + way that their mistress secretly rejoiced to think how soon she should be + rid of the fine courier butler. + </p> + <p> + Just as the pony-carriage came round for Armine to drive his friend back + to the station, the Colonel came in, and was an astonished spectator of + the farewells. + </p> + <p> + “So that’s your young lord,” he said. “Poor lad! if our nobility is made + of no tougher stuff, I would not give much for it. What brought him here?” + </p> + <p> + “Kindness—sympathy—” said Caroline, a little awkwardly. + </p> + <p> + “Much of that he showed,” said Allen, “just knowing nothing at all about + anybody! No! If it were not so utterly ridiculous I should think he had + come to make an offer to Babie:” and as his sister flew out of the room, + “You don’t mean that he has, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, don’t speak of it to any one!” said Caroline. “I would not have it + known for the world. It was a generous impulse, poor dear fellow; and + Babie has no feeling for him at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Very lucky,” said the uncle. “He looks as if his life was not worth a + year’s purchase. So you refused him? Quite right too. You are a sensible + woman, Caroline, in the midst of this severe reverse!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — AS WEEL OFF AS AYE WAGGING + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Lesbia hath a beaming eye, + But no one knows for whom it beameth, + Right and left its arrows fly, + But what they aim at, no one dreameth.’ +</pre> + <p> + By the advice, or rather by the express desire, of her trustees, Mrs. + Brownlow remained at Belforest, while they accepted an offer of renting + the London house for the season. Mr. Wakefield declared that there was no + reason that she should contract her expenditure; but she felt as if + everything she spent beyond her original income, except of course the + needful outlay on keeping up the house and gardens, were robbery of + Elvira, and she therefore did not fill up the establishment of servants, + nor of horses, using only for herself the little pair of ponies which had + been turned out in the park. + </p> + <p> + No one had perhaps realised the amount of worry that this arrangement + entailed. As Barbara said, if they could have gone away at once and worked + for their living like sensible people in a book, it would have been all + very well—but this half-and-half state was dreadful. Personally it + did not affect Babie much, but she was growing up to the part of general + sympathiser, and for the first time in their lives there was a pull in + contrary directions by her mother, and Armine. + </p> + <p> + Every expenditure was weighed before it was granted. Did it belong rightly + to Belforest estate or to Caroline Brownlow? And the claims of the church + and parish at Woodside were doubtful. Armine, under the influence of Miss + Parsons, took a wide view of the dues of the parish, thought there was a + long arrear to be paid off, and that whatever could be given was so much + out of the wolf’s mouth. + </p> + <p> + His mother, with ‘Be just before you are generous’ ringing in her ears, + referred all to the Colonel, and he had long had a fixed scale of the + duties of the property as a property, and was only rendered the more + resolute in it by that vehemence of Armine’s which enhanced his dislike + and distrust of the family at the vicarage. + </p> + <p> + “Bent on getting all they could while they could,” he said, quite unjustly + as to the vicar, and hardly fairly by the sister, whose demands were far + exceeded by those of her champion. + </p> + <p> + The claims of the cottages for repair, and of the school for sufficient + enlargement and maintenance to obviate a School Board, were acknowledged; + but for the rest, the Colonel said, “his sister was perfectly at liberty. + No one could blame her if she threw her balance at the bank into the sea. + She would never be called to account; but since she asked him whether the + estate was bound to assist in pulling the church to pieces, and setting up + a fresh curate to bring in more absurdities, he could only say what he + thought,” etc. + </p> + <p> + These thoughts of his were of course most offensive to Armine, who set all + down to sordid Puritan prejudice, could not think how his mother could + listen, and, when Babie stood up for her mother, went off to blend his + lamentations with those of Miss Parsons, whose resignation struck him as + heroic. “Never mind, Armine, it will all come in time. Perhaps we are not + fit for it yet. We cannot expect the world’s justice to understand the + outpouring of the saints’ liberality.” + </p> + <p> + Armine repeated this interesting aphorism to Barbara, and was much + disappointed that the shrewd little woman did not understand it, or only + so far as to say, “But I did not know that it was saintly to be liberal + with other people’s money.” + </p> + <p> + He said Babie had a prejudice against Miss Parsons; and he was so far + right that the Infanta did not like her, thought her a humbug, and sorely + felt that for the first time something had come between herself and + Armine. + </p> + <p> + Allen was another trouble. He did not agree to the retrenchments, in which + he saw no sense, and retained his horse and groom. Luckily he had retained + only one when going abroad, and at this early season he needed no more. + But his grievous anxiety and restlessness about Elvira did not make him by + any means insensible to the effects of a reduced establishment in a large + house, and especially to the handiwork of the good woman who had been left + in charge, when compared with that of the 80L cooks who had been the + plague of his mother’s life. + </p> + <p> + No one, however, could wonder at his wretchedness, as day after day passed + without hearing from Elvira, and all that was known was that she had left + Mrs. Evelyn and gone to stay with Lady Flora Folliott, a flighty young + matron, who had been enraptured with her beauty at a table d’hote a year + ago, and had made advances not much relished by the rest of the party. + </p> + <p> + No more was to be learnt till Lucas found a Saturday to come down. Before + he could say three words, he was cross-examined. Had he seen Elvira? + </p> + <p> + “Several times.” + </p> + <p> + “Spoken to her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “What had she said?” + </p> + <p> + “Asked him to look at a horse.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she know he was coming home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Had she sent any message?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—yes. To desire that her Algerine costume should be sent up. + Whew!” as Allen flung himself out of the room. “How have I put my foot in + it, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that that was all?” + </p> + <p> + “Every jot! What, has she not written? The abominable little elf! I’m + coming.” And he shrugged his shoulders as Allen, who had come round to the + open window, beckoned to him. + </p> + <p> + “He was absolutely grappled by a trembling hand, and a husky voice + demanded, ‘What message did she really send? I can’t stand foolery’.” + </p> + <p> + “Just that, Allen—to Emma. Really just that. You can’t shake more + out of me. You might as well expect anything from that Chinese lantern. + Hold hard. ‘Tis not I—” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t speak! You don’t know her! I was a fool to think she would confide + to a mere buffoon,” cried poor Allen, in his misery. “Yet if they were + intercepting her letters—” + </p> + <p> + Wherewith he buried himself in the depths of the shrubbery, while Jock, + with a long whistle, came back through the library window to his mother, + observing— + </p> + <p> + “Intercepted! Poor fellow! Hardly necessary, if possible, though Lady + Flora might wish to catch her for Clanmacnalty. Has the miserable imp + really vouchsafed no notice of any of you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the slightest; and it is breaking Allen’s heart.” + </p> + <p> + “As if a painted little marmoset were worth a man’s heart! But Allen has + always been infatuated about her, and there’s a good deal at stake, + though, if he could only see it in the right fight, he is well quit of + such a bubble of a creature. I wouldn’t be saddled with it for all + Belforest.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t call her any more names, my dear! I only wish any one would + represent to her the predicament she keeps Allen in. He can’t press for an + answer, of course; but it is cruel to keep him in this suspense. I wonder + Mrs. Evelyn did not make her write. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t suppose it entered her mind that the little wretch (beg your + pardon) had not done it of her own accord, and with those Folliotts + there’s no chance. They live in a perpetual whirl, enough to distract an + Archbishop. Twenty-four parties a week at a moderate computation.” + </p> + <p> + “Unlucky child!” + </p> + <p> + “Wakefield is heartily vexed at her having run into such hands,” said + Jock; “but there is no hindering it, no one has any power, and even if he + had, George Gould is a mere tool in his wife’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, Mr. Wakefield might insist on her answering Allen one way or the + other. Poor fellow! I don’t think it would cost her much, for she was too + childish ever to be touched by that devotion of his. I always thought it a + most dangerous experiment, and all I wish for now is that she would send + him a proper dismissal, so that his mind might be settled. It would be bad + enough, but better than going on in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see him,” said Jock, “or may be I can do the business myself, for, + strange to say, the creature doesn’t avoid me, but rather runs after me.” + </p> + <p> + “You meet her in society?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ve not come to the end of my white kids yet, you see. And mother, + I came to tell you of something that has turned up. You know the Evelyns + are all dead against my selling out. I dined with Sir James on Tuesday, + and found next day it was for the sake of walking me out before Sir Philip + Cameron, the Cutteejung man, you know. He is sure to be sent out again in + the autumn, and he has promised Sir James that if I can get exchanged into + some corps out there, he will put me on his staff at once. Mother!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped short, astounded at the change of countenance, that for a + moment she could neither control nor conceal, as she exclaimed “India!” + but rallying at once she went on “Sir Philip Cameron! My dear boy, that’s + a great compliment. How delighted your uncle will be!” + </p> + <p> + “But you, mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, my dear, I shall, I will, like it. Of course I am glad and proud + for my Jock! How very kind of Sir James!” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t it? He talked it over with me as if I had been Cecil, and said I + was quite right not to stay in the Guards; and that in India, if a man has + any brains at all and reasonable luck, he can’t help getting on. So I + shall be quite and clean off your hands, and in the way of working + forward, and perhaps of doing something worth hearing of. Mother, you will + be pleased then?” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I not, my dear, dear Jockey! I don’t think you could have a better + chief. I have always heard that Sir Philip was such a good man.” + </p> + <p> + “So Mrs. Evelyn said. She was sure you would be satisfied. You can’t think + how kind they were, making the affair quite their own,” said Jock, with a + little colour in his face. “They absolutely think it would be wrong to + give up the service.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; Mrs. Evelyn wrote to me that you ought not to be thrown away. It was + very kind and dear, but with a little of the aristocratic notion that the + army is the only profession in the world. I can’t help it; I can’t think + your father’s profession unworthy of his son.” + </p> + <p> + “She didn’t say so!” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I understood it. Perhaps I am touchy; I don’t think I am + ungrateful. They have always made you like one of themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so much that I don’t like to run counter to their wishes when they + have taken such pains. Besides, there are things that can be thought of, + even by a poor man, as a soldier, which can’t in the other line.” + </p> + <p> + This speech, made with bent head, rising colour, and hand playing with his + mother’s fan, gave her, all unwittingly on his part, a keen sense that her + Jock was indeed passing from her, but she said nothing to damp his + spirits, and threw herself heartily into his plans, announcing them to his + uncle with genuine exultation. To this the Colonel fully responded, + telling Jock that he would have given the world thirty years ago for such + a chance, and commending him for thus getting off his mother’s hands. + </p> + <p> + “I only wish the rest of you were doing the same,” he said, “but each one + seems to think himself the first person to be thought of, and her the + last.” + </p> + <p> + “The Colonel’s wish seemed in course of fulfilment, for when Lucas went a + few days later to his brother Robert’s rooms, he found him collecting + testimonials for his fitness to act as Vice-principal to a European + college at Yokohama for the higher education of the Japanese. + </p> + <p> + “Mother has not heard of it,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “She need not till it is settled,” answered Bobus. “It will save her + trouble with her clerical friends if she only knows too late for a + protest.” + </p> + <p> + Jock understood when he saw the stipulations against religious teaching, + and recognised in the Principal’s name an essayist whose negations of + faith had made some stir. However, he only said, “It will be rather a + blow.” + </p> + <p> + “There are limits to all things,” replied Bobus. “The truest kindness to + her is to get afloat away from the family raft as speedily as possible. + She has quite enough to drag her down.” + </p> + <p> + “I should hope to act the other way,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Get your own head above water first,” said Bobus. “Here’s some good + advice gratis, though I’ve no expectation of your taking it. Don’t go in + for study in the old quarters! Go to Edinburgh or Paris or anywhere you + please, but cut the connection, or you’ll never be rid of loafers for + life. Wherever mother is, all the rest will gravitate. Mark me, Allen is + spoilt for anything but a walking gentleman, Armine will never be good for + work, and how many years do you give Janet’s Athenian to come to grief in? + Then will they return to the domestic hearth with a band of small + Grecians, while Dr. Lucas Brownlow is reduced to a rotifer or wheel + animal, circulating in a trap collecting supplies, with ‘sic vos non + vobis’ for his motto.” + </p> + <p> + Jock looked startled. “How if there be no such rotifer?” he said. “You + don’t really think there will be nothing to depend when we are both gone?” + </p> + <p> + “When?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ve a chance of getting on Cameron’s staff in India.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s all right, old fellow! Why, you’ll be my next neighbour.” + </p> + <p> + “But about mother? You don’t seriously think Ali and Armie will be nothing + but dead weights on her?” + </p> + <p> + “Only as long as there’s anybody to hold them up”, said Bobus, perceiving + that his picture had taken an effect the reverse of what he intended. + “They have no lack of brains, and are quite able to shift for themselves + and mother too, if only they have to do it, even if she were a pauper, + which she isn’t.” + </p> + <p> + But it was with a less lightsome heart that Jock went to his quarters to + prepare for a fancy ball, where he expected to meet Elvira, though whether + he should approach her or not would depend on her own caprice. + </p> + <p> + It was a very splendid affair. A whole back garden, had been transformed + into a vast pavilion, containing an Armida’s garden, whose masses of ferns + and piles of gorgeous flowers made delightful nooks for strangers who left + the glare of the dancing-room, and the quaint dresses harmonised with the + magic of the gaslight and the strange forms of the exotics. + </p> + <p> + The simple scarlet of the young Guardsman was undistinguished among the + brilliant character-groups which represented old fairy tales and nursery + rhymes. There were ‘The White Cat and her Prince,’ ‘Puss-in-Boots and the + Princess,’ ‘Little Snowflake and her Bear,’ and, behold, here was the + loveliest Fatima ever seen, in the well-known Algerine dress, mated with a + richly robed and turbaned hero, whose beard was blue, though in ordinary + life red, inasmuch as he was Lady Flora’s impecunious and not very + reputable Scottish peer of a brother. That lady herself, in a pronounced + bloomer, represented the little old woman of doubtful identity, and her + husband the pedlar, whose ‘name it was Stout’; while not far off the + Spanish lady, in garments gay, as rich as may be, wooed her big Englishman + in a dress that rivalled Sir Nicolas Blount’s. + </p> + <p> + There was a pretty character quadrille, and then a general melee, in which + Jock danced successively with Cinderella and the fair equestrian of + Banbury Cross, and lost sight of Fatima, till, just as he was considering + of offering himself to little Bo-peep, he saw her looking a good deal + bored by the Spanish lady’s Englishman. + </p> + <p> + Tossing her head till the coins danced on her forehead, she exclaimed, + “Oh, there’s my cousin; I must speak to him!” and sprang to her old + companion as if for protection. “Take me to a cool corner, Jock,” she + said, “I am suffocating.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder, after waltzing with a mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “He can no more waltz than fly! And he thinks himself irresistible! He + says his dress is from a portrait of his ancestor, Sir Somebody; and Flora + declares his only ancestor must have been the Fat Boy! And he thought I + was a Turkish Sultana! Wasn’t it ridiculous! You know he never says + anything but ‘Exactly.’” + </p> + <p> + “Did he intone it so as to convey all this?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a little inspired by his ruff and diamonds. Flora says he wants to + dazzle me, and will have them changed into paste before he makes them over + to his young woman. He has just tin enough to want more, and she says I + must be on my guard.” + </p> + <p> + “You want no guard, I should think, but your engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you bringing that up for? I suppose you know how Allen wrote to + me?” she pouted. + </p> + <p> + “I know that he thought it due to you to release you from your promise, + and that he is waiting anxiously for your reply. Have you written?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t bore so, Jock,” said Elvira pettishly. “It was no doing of mine, + and I don’t see why I should be teased.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you wish me to tell him that he is to take your silence as a release + from you.” + </p> + <p> + “I authorise nothing,” she said. “I hate it all.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Elvira,” said Jock, “do you know your own mind? Nobody wants + you to take Allen. In fact, I think he is much better quit of you; but it + is due to him, and still more to yourself, to cancel the old affair before + beginning a new one.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you I was beginning a new one?” asked she pertly. + </p> + <p> + “No one can blame you, provided you let him loose first. It is considered + respectable, you know, to be off with the old love before you are on with + the new. Nay, it may be only a superstition.” + </p> + <p> + “Superstition!” she repeated in an awed voice that gave him his cue, and + he went on—“Oh yes, a lady has been even known to come and shake + hands with the other party after he had been hanged to give back her + troth, lest he should haunt her.” + </p> + <p> + “Allen isn’t hanged,” said Elvira, half frightened, half cross. “Why + doesn’t he come himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Shall he?” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child, I’ve been running madly up and down for you!” cried Lady + Flora, suddenly descending on them, and carrying off her charge with a + cursory nod to the Guardsman, marking the difference between a detrimental + and even the third son of a millionaire. + </p> + <p> + He saw Elvira no more that night, and the next post carried a note to + Belforest. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 31st May. +</pre> + <p> + DEAR ALLEN—I don’t know whether you will thank me, but I tried to + get a something definite out of your tricksy Elf, and the chief result, so + far as I can understand the elfish tongue, is, that she sought no change, + and the final sentence was, ‘Why doesn’t he come himself?’ I believe it is + her honest wish to go on, when she is left to her proper senses; but that + is seldom. You must take this for what it is worth from the buffoon, J. L. + B. + </p> + <p> + Allen came full of hope, and called the next morning. Miss Menella was out + riding. He got a card for a party where she was sure to be present, and + watched the door, only to see her going away on the arm of Lord + Clanmacnalty to some other entertainment. He went to Mr. Folliott’s door, + armed with a note, and heard that Lady Flora and Miss Menella were gone + out of town for a few days. So it went on, and he turned upon Jock with + indignation at having been summoned to be thus deluded. The undignified + position added venom to the smart of the disregarded affection and the + suspense as to the future, and Jock had much to endure after every + disappointment, though Allen clung to him rather than to any one else + because of his impression that Elvira’s real preference was unchanged + (such as it was), and that these failures were rather due to her friend + than to herself. + </p> + <p> + This became more clear through Mrs. Evelyn. Her family had connections in + common with the Dowager Lady Clanmacnalty, and the two ladies met at the + house of their relation. Listening in the way of duty to the old Scottish + Countess’s profuse communications, she heard what explained a good deal. + </p> + <p> + Did she know the Spanish girl who was with Flora—a handsome creature + and a great heiress? Oh yes; she had presented her. Strange affair! Flora + understood that there was a deep plot for appropriating the young lady and + her fortune. + </p> + <p> + “She had been engaged to Mr. Brownlow long before claims were known,” + began Mrs. Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes! It was very ingeniously arranged, only the discovery was made too + soon. I have it on the best authority. When the girl came to stay with + Flora, her aunt asked for an interview—such a nice sensible woman—so + completely understanding her position. She said it was such a distress to + her not to be qualified to take her niece into society, yet she could not + take her home, living so near, to be harassed by this young man’s + pursuit.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw Mrs. Gould myself,” said Mrs. Evelyn. “I cannot say I was + favourably impressed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we all know she is not a lady; never professes it poor thing. She is + quite aware that her niece must move in a different sphere, and all she + wants is to have her guarded from that young Brownlow. He follows them + everywhere. It is quite the business of Flora’s life to avoid him.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you don’t know that Mrs. Brownlow took that girl out of a + farmhouse, and treated her like a daughter, merely because they were + second or third cousins. The engagement to Allen Brownlow was made when + the fortune was entirely on his side.” + </p> + <p> + “Precaution or conscience, eh?” said the old lady, laughing. “By the by, + you were intimate with Mrs. Brownlow abroad. How fortunate for you that + nothing took place while they had such expectations! Of no family, I hear, + of quite low extraction. A parish doctor he was, wasn’t he?” + </p> + <p> + “A distinguished surgeon.” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>she</i> came out of some asylum or foundling hospital?” + </p> + <p> + “Only the home for officers’ daughters,” said Mrs. Evelyn, not able to + help laughing. “Her father, Captain Allen, was in the same regiment with + Colonel Brownlow, her husband’s brother. I assure you the Menellas and + Goulds have no reason to boast.” + </p> + <p> + “A noble Spanish family,” said the dowager. “One can see it every gesture + of the child.” + </p> + <p> + It was plain that the old lady intended Mr. Barnes’s hoards to repair the + ravages of dissipation on the never very productive estates of + Clanmacnalty, and that while Elvira continued in Lady Flora’s custody, + there was little chance of a meeting between her and Allen. The girl + seemed to be submitting passively, and no doubt her new friends could + employ tact and flattery enough to avoid exciting her perverseness. No + doubt she had been harassed by Allen’s exaction of response to his ardent + affection, and wearied of his monopoly of her. Maiden coyness and love of + liberty might make her as willing to elude his approach as her friends + could wish. + </p> + <p> + Once only, at a garden party, did he touch the tips of her fingers, but no + more. She never met his eye, but threw herself into eager flirtation with + the men he most disliked, while the lovely carnation was mounting in her + cheek, and betraying unusual excitement. It became known that she was + going early in July into the country with some gay people who were going + to give a series of fetes on some public occasion, and then that she was + to go with Lady Clanmacnalty and her unmarried daughter to Scotland, to + help them entertain the grouse-shoot-party. + </p> + <p> + Allen’s stay in London was clearly of no further use, as Jock perceived + with a sensation of relief, for all his pity could not hinder him from + being bored with Allen’s continual dejection, and his sighs over each + unsuccessful pursuit. He was heartily tired of the part of confidant, + which was the more severe, because, whenever Allen had a fit of shame at + his own undignified position, he vented it in reproaches to Jock for + having called him up to London; and yet as long as there was a chance of + seeing Elvira, he could not tear himself away, was wild to get invitations + to meet her, and lived at his club in the old style and expense. + </p> + <p> + Bobus was brief with Allen, and ironical on Jock’s folly in having given + the summons. For his own part he was much engrossed with his appointment, + going backwards and forwards between Oxford and London, with little time + for the concerns of any one else; but the evening after this unfortunate + garden party, when Jock had accompanied his eldest brother back to his + rooms, and was endeavouring, by the help of a pipe, to endure the + reiteration of mournful vituperations of destiny in the shape of Lady + Flora and Mrs. Gould, the door suddenly opened and Bobus stood before them + with his peculiarly brisk, self-satisfied air, in itself an aggravation to + any one out of spirits. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” he said, “I didn’t expect to find you in, but I thought I + would leave a note for the chance. I’ve heard of the very identical thing + to suit you, Ali, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said Allen, not prepared with gratitude for his younger + brother’s patronage. + </p> + <p> + “I met Bulstrode at Balliol last night, and he asked if I knew of any one + (a perfect gentleman he must be, that matters more than scholarship) who + would take a tutorship in a Hungarian count’s family. Two little boys, who + live like princes, tutor the same, salary anything you like to ask. It is + somewhere in the mountains, a feudal castle, with capital sport.” + </p> + <p> + “Wolves and bears,” cried Jock, starting up with his old boyish animation. + “If I wasn’t going pig-sticking in India, what wouldn’t I give for such a + chance. The tutor will teach the young ideas how to shoot, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Bobus. “The Count is a diplomate, and there’s not a bad + chance of making oneself useful, and getting on in that line. I should + have jumped at it, if I hadn’t got the Japs on my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you,” said Allen languidly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can do quite as well for a thing like this,” said Bobus, “or + better, as far as looking the gentleman goes. In fact, I suspect as much + classics as Mother Carey taught us at home would serve their countships’ + turn. Here’s the address. You had better write by the first post + to-morrow, for one or two others are rising at it; but Bulstrode said he + would wait to hear from you. Here’s the letter with all the details.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. You seem to take a good deal for granted,” said Allen, not + moving a finger towards the letter. + </p> + <p> + “You won’t have it?” + </p> + <p> + “I have neither spirits nor inclination for turning bear-leader, and it is + not a position I wish to undertake.” + </p> + <p> + “What position would you like?” cried Jock. “You could take that rifle you + got for Algeria, and make the Magyars open their eyes. Seriously, Allen, + it is the right thing at the right time. You know Miss Ogilvie always said + the position was quite different for an English person among these + foreigners.” + </p> + <p> + “Who, like natives, are all the same nation,” quietly observed Allen. + </p> + <p> + “For that matter,” said Jock, “wasn’t it in Hungarie that the beggar of + low degree married the king’s daughter? There’s precedent for you, Ali!” + </p> + <p> + Allen had taken up the letter, and after glancing it slightly over, said— + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Vice-principal, but I won’t stand in the light of your other + aspirants.” + </p> + <p> + “What can you want better than this?” cried Jock. “By the time the law + business is over, one may look in vain for such a chance. It is a new + country too, and you always said you wanted to know how those fellows with + long-tailed names lived in private life.” + </p> + <p> + Both brothers talked for an hour, till they hoped they had persuaded him + that even for the most miserable and disappointed being on earth the + Hungarian castle might prove an interesting variety, and they left him at + last with the letter before him, undertaking to write and make further + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + The next day, however, just as Jock was about to set forth, intending, as + far as might be, to keep him up to the point, Bobus made his appearance, + and scornfully held out an envelope. There was the letter, and therewith + these words:— + </p> + <p> + “On consideration, I recur to my first conclusion, that this situation is + out of the question. To say nothing of the injury to my health and nerves + from agitation and suspense, rendering me totally unfit for drudgery and + annoyance, I cannot feel it right to place myself in a situation + equivalent to the abandonment of all hope. It is absurd to act as if we + were reduced to abject poverty, and I will never place myself in the + condition of a dependent. This season has so entirely knocked me up that I + must at once have sea air, and by the time you receive this I shall be on + my way to Ryde for a cruise in the Petrel.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>His</i> health!” cried Bobus, his tone implying three notes, scarcely + of admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Well, poor old Turk, he is rather seedy,” said Jock. “Can’t sleep, and + has headaches! But ‘tis a regular case of having put him to flight!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ve done with him,” said Bobus, “since there’s a popular prejudice + against flogging, especially one’s elder brother. This is a delicate form + of intimation that he intends doing the dolce at mother’s expense.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor old chap has been an ornamental appendage so long that he can’t + make up his mind to anything else,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “He is no worse off than the rest of us,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “In age, if in nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + “The more reason against throwing away a chance. The yacht, too! I thought + there was a Quixotic notion of not dipping into that Elf’s money. I’m sure + poor mother is pinching herself enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think Ali knows when he spends money more than when he spends + air,” returned Jock. “The Petrel can hardly cost as much in a month as I + have seen him get through in a week, protesting all the while that he was + living on absolutely nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “I know. You may be proud to get him down Oxford Street under thirty + shillings, and he never goes out in the evening much under half that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he told me selling my horses was shocking bad economy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was your own doing, having him up here,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder how he will go on when the money is really not there.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely the same,” said Bobus; “there’s no cure for that sort of + complaint. The only satisfaction is that we shall be out of sight of it.” + </p> + <p> + “And a very poor one,” sighed Jock, “when mother is left to bear the + brunt.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother can manage him much better than we can,” said Bobus; “besides, she + is still a youngish woman, neither helpless nor destitute; and as I always + tell you, the greatest kindness we can do her is to look out for + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus himself had done so effectually, for he was secure of a handsome + salary, and his travelling expenses were to be paid, when, early in the + next year, he was to go out with his Principal to confer on the Japanese + the highest possible culture in science and literature without any bias in + favour of Christianity, Buddhism, or any other sublime religion. + </p> + <p> + Meantime he was going home to make his preparations, and pack such + portions of his museum as he thought would be unexampled in Japan. He had + fulfilled his intention of only informing his mother after his application + had been accepted; and as it had been done by letter, he had avoided the + sight of the pain it gave her and the hearing of her remonstrances, all of + which he had referred to her maternal dislike of his absence, rather than + to his association with the Principal, a writer whose articles she kept + out of reach of Armine and Barbara. + </p> + <p> + The matter had become irrevocable and beyond discussion, as he intended, + before his return to Belforest, which he only notified by the post of the + morning before he walked into luncheon. By that time it was a fait + accompli, and there was nothing to be done but to enter on a lively + discussion on the polite manners and customs of the two-sworded nation and + the wonderful volcanoes he hoped to explore. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps one reason that his notice was so short was that there might be + the less time for Kencroft to be put on its guard. Thus, when, by accident + of course, he strolled towards the lodge, he found his cousin Esther in + the wood, with no guardians but the three youngest children, who had + coaxed her, in spite of the heat, to bring them to the slopes of wood + strawberries on their weekly half-holiday. + </p> + <p> + He had seen nothing, but had only been guided by the sound of voices to + the top of the sloping wooded bank, where, under the shade of the + oak-trees, looking over the tall spreading brackens, he beheld Essie in + her pretty gipsy hat and holland dress, with all her bird-like daintiness, + kneeling on the moss far below him, threading the scarlet beads on bents + of grass, with the little ones round her. + </p> + <p> + “I heard a chattering,” he said, as, descending through the fern, he met + her dark eyes looking up like those of a startled fawn; “so I came to see + whether the rabbits had found tongues. How many more are there? No, thank + you,” as Edmund and Lina answered his greeting with an offer of very + moist-looking fruit, and an ungrammatical “Only us.” + </p> + <p> + “Then <i>us</i> run away. They grow thick up that bank, and I’ve got a + prize here for whoever keeps away longest. No, you shan’t see what it is. + Any one who comes asking questions will lose it. Run away, Lina, you’ll + miss your chance. No, no, Essie, you are not a competitor.” + </p> + <p> + “I must, Robert; indeed I must.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t you spare me a moment when I am come down for my last farewell + visit?” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not going for a good while yet.” + </p> + <p> + “So you call it, but it will seem short enough. Did you ever hear of + minutes seeming like diamond drops meted out, Essie?” + </p> + <p> + “But, you know, it is your own doing,” said Essie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and why, Essie? Because misfortune has made such an exile as this + the readiest mode of ceasing to be a burden to my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa said he was glad of it,” said Esther, “and that you were quite + right. But it is a terrible way off!” + </p> + <p> + “True! but there is one consideration that will make up to me for + everything.” + </p> + <p> + “That it is for Aunt Caroline!” + </p> + <p> + “Partly, but do you not know the hope which makes all work sweet to me?” + And the look of his eyes, and his hand seeking hers, made her say, + </p> + <p> + “Oh don’t, Robert, I mustn’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my queen, you were too duteous to hearken to me when I was rich and + prosperous. I would not torment you then, I meant to be patient; but now I + am poor and going into banishment, you will be generous and compassionate, + and let me hear the one word that will make my exile sweet.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I ought,” said the poor child under her breath. “O, Robert, + don’t you know I ought not.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you if that ugly cypher of an ought did not stand in the way?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh don’t ask me, Robert; I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + “But I do know, my queen,” said he. “I know my little Essie better than + she knows herself. I know her true heart is mine, only she dares not avow + it to herself; and when hearts have so met, Esther, they owe one another a + higher duty than the filial tie can impose.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard that before,” she said, puzzled, but not angered. + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not a doctrine taught in schoolrooms, but it is true and + universal for all that, and our fathers and mothers acted on it in their + day, and will give way to it now.” + </p> + <p> + Esther had never been told all her father’s objections to her cousin. + Simple prohibition had seemed to her parents sufficient for the gentle, + dutiful child. Bobus had always been very kind to her, and her heart went + out enough to him in his trouble to make coldness impossible to her. Tears + welled into her eyes with perplexity at the new theory, and she could only + falter out— + </p> + <p> + “That doesn’t seem right for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Say one word and trust to me, and it shall be right. Yes, Esther, say the + word, and in it I shall be strong to overcome everything, and win the + consent you desire. Say only that, with it, you would love me.” + </p> + <p> + “If?” said Esther. + </p> + <p> + It was an interrogative <i>if,</i> and she did not mean it for “the one + word,” but Bobus caught at it as all he wanted. He meant it for the + fulcrum on which to rest the strong lever of his will, and before Esther + could add any qualification, he was overwhelming her with thanks and + assurances so fervent that she could interpose no more doubts, and yielded + to the sweetness of being able to make any one so happy, above all the + cousin whom most people thought so formidably clever. + </p> + <p> + Edmund interrupted them by rushing up, thus losing the prize, which was + won by the last comer, and proved to be a splendid bonbon; but there was + consolation for the others, since Bobus had laid in a supply as a means of + securing peace. + </p> + <p> + He would fain have waited to rivet his chains before manifesting them, but + he knew Essie too well to expect her to keep the interview a secret; and + he had no time to lose if, as he intended, though he had not told her so, + he was to take her to Japan with him. + </p> + <p> + So he stormed the castle without delay, walked to Kencroft with the + strawberry gatherers, found the Colonel superintending the watering of his + garden, and, with effrontery of which Essie was unconscious, led her up, + and announced their mutual love, as though secure of an ardent welcome. + </p> + <p> + He did, mayhap, expect to surprise something of the kind out of his + slowly-moving uncle, but the only answer was a strongly accentuated + “Indeed! I thought I had told you both that I would have none of this + foolery. Esther, I am ashamed of you. Go in directly.” + </p> + <p> + The girl repaired to her own room to weep floods of tears over her + father’s anger, and the disobedience that made itself apparent as soon as + she was beyond the spell of that specious tongue. There were a few fears + too for his disappointment; but when her mother came up in great + displeasure, the first words were— + </p> + <p> + “O, mamma, I could not help it!” + </p> + <p> + “You could not prevent his accosting you, but you might have prevented his + giving all this trouble to papa. You know we should never allow it.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I only said if!” + </p> + <p> + “You had no right to say anything. When a young lady knows a man is not to + be encouraged, she should say nothing to give him an advantage. You could + never expect us to let you go to a barbarous place at the other end of the + world with a man of as good as no religion at all.” + </p> + <p> + “He goes to church,” said Essie, too simple to look beyond. + </p> + <p> + “Only here, to please his mother. My dear, you must put this out of your + head. Even if he were very different, we should never let you marry a + first cousin, and he knows it. It was very wrong in him to have spoken to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Please don’t let him do it again,” said Esther, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, my dear,” with a kiss of forgiveness. “I am sure you are + too good a girl really to care for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish he would not care for me,” sighed poor Essie, wearily. “He always + was so kind, and now they are in trouble I couldn’t vex him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear, young men get over things of this sort half a dozen times in + their lives.” + </p> + <p> + Essie was not delighted with this mode of consolation, and when her mother + tenderly smoothed back her hair, and bade her bathe her face and dress for + dinner, she clung to her and said— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let me see him again.” + </p> + <p> + It was a wholesome dread, which Mrs. Brownlow encouraged, for both she and + her husband were annoyed and perplexed by Robert’s cool reception of their + refusal. He quietly declared that he could allow for their prejudices, and + that it was merely a matter of time, and he was provokingly calm and + secure, showing neither anger nor disappointment. He did not argue, but + having once shown that his salary warranted his offer, that the climate + was excellent, and that European civilisation prevailed, he treated his + uncle and aunt as unreasonably prejudiced mortals, who would in time yield + to his patient determination. + </p> + <p> + His mother was as much annoyed as they were, all the more because her + sister-in-law could hardly credit her perfect innocence of Robert’s + intentions, and was vexed at her wish to ascertain Esther’s feelings. This + was not easy! the poor child was so unhappy and shamefaced, so shocked at + her involuntary disobedience, and so grieved at the pain she had given. If + Robert had been set before her with full consent of friends, she would + have let her whole heart go out to him, loved him, and trusted him for + ever, treating whatever opinions were unlike hers as manly idiosyncrasies + beyond her power to fathom. But she was no Lydia Languish to need + opposition as a stimulus. It rather gave her tender and dutiful spirit a + sense of shame, terror, and disobedience; and she thankfully accepted the + mandate that sent her on a visit to her married sister for as long as + Bobus should remain at Belforest. + </p> + <p> + He did not show himself downcast, but was quietly assured that he should + win her at last, only smiling at the useless precaution, and declaring + himself willing to wait, and make a home for her. + </p> + <p> + But this matter had not tended to make his mother more at ease in her + enforced stay at Belforest, which was becoming a kind of gilded prison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — SLACK TIDE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + If... + Thou hide thine eyes and make thy peevish moan + Over some broken reed of earth beneath, + Some darling of blind fancy dead and gone. + Keble. +</pre> + <p> + There is such a thing as slack tide in the affairs of men, when a crisis + seems as if it would never come, and all things stagnate. The Law Courts + had as yet not concerned themselves about the will, vacation time had come + and all was at a standstill, nor could any steps be taken for Lucas’s + exchange till it was certain into what part of India Sir Philip Cameron + was going. In the meantime his regiment had gone into camp, and he could + not get away until the middle of September, and then only for a few days. + Arriving very late on a Friday night, he saw nobody but his mother over + his supper, and thought her looking very tired. When he met her in the + morning, there was the same weary, harassed countenance, there were worn + marks round the dark wistful eyes, and the hair, whitened at Schwarenbach, + did not look as incongruous with the face as hitherto. + </p> + <p> + No one else except Barbara had come down to prayers, so Jock’s first + inquiry was for Armine. + </p> + <p> + “He is pretty well,” said his mother; “but he is apt to be late. He gets + overtired between his beloved parish work and his reading with Bobus.” + </p> + <p> + “He is lucky to get such a coach,” said Jock. “Bob taught me more + mathematics in a week than I had learnt in seven years before.” + </p> + <p> + “He is terribly accurate,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Which Armie does not appreciate?” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid not,” said his mother. “They do worry each other a good deal, + and this Infanta most of all, I’m afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “O no, mother,” said Babie. “Only it is hard for poor Armie to have two + taskmasters.” + </p> + <p> + “What! the Reverend Petronella continues in the ascendant?” + </p> + <p> + Bobus here entered, with a face that lightened, as did everyone’s, at + sight of Lucas. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning. Ah! Jock! I didn’t sit up, for I had had a long day out on + the moors; we kept the birds nearer home for you. There are plenty, but + Grimes says he has heard shots towards River Hollow, and thinks some one + must have been trespassing there.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard anything of Elvira? apropos to River Hollow,” said his + mother. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Jock. “One of our fellows has been on a moor not far from + where she was astonishing the natives, conjointly with Lady Anne Macnalty. + There were bets which of three men she may be engaged to.” + </p> + <p> + “Pending which,” said his mother, “I suppose poor Allen will continue to + hover on the wings of the Petrel?” + </p> + <p> + “And send home mournful madrigals by the ream,” said Bobus. “Never was + petrel so tuneful a bird!” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Bobus; I never meant you to see them!” + </p> + <p> + “‘Twas quite involuntary! I have trouble enough with my own pupil’s + effusions. I leave him a bit of Latin composition, and what do I find but + an endless doggerel ballad on What’s his name?—who hid under his + father’s staircase as a beggar, eating the dogs’ meat, while his afflicted + family were searching for him in vain;—his favourite example.” + </p> + <p> + “St. Alexis,” said Babie; “he was asked to versify it.” + </p> + <p> + “As a wholesome incentive to filial duty and industry,” said Bobus. “Does + the Parsoness mean to have it sung in the school?” + </p> + <p> + “It might be less dangerous than ‘the fox went out one moonshiny night,’” + said their mother, anxious to turn the conversation. “Mr. Parsons brought + Mr. Todd of Wrexham in to see the school just as the children were singing + the final catastrophe when the old farmer ‘shot the old fox right through + the head.’ He was so horrified that he declared the schools should never + have a penny of his while they taught such murder and heresy.” + </p> + <p> + “Served them right,” said Jock, “for spoiling that picture of domestic + felicity when ‘the little ones picked the bones, oh!’ How many guns shall + we be, Bobus?” + </p> + <p> + “Only three. My uncle has a touch of gout, the Monk has got a tutorship, + Joe has gone back to his ship, but the mighty Bob has a week’s leave, and + does not mean a bird to survive the change of owners.” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t Armine come?” + </p> + <p> + “Not he!” said Bobus. “Says he doesn’t want to acquire the taste, and he + would knock up with half a day.” + </p> + <p> + “But you’ll all come and bring us luncheon?” entreated Jock. “You will, + mother! Now, won’t you? We’ll eat it on a bank like old times when we + lived at the Folly, and all were jolly. I beg your pardon, Bob; I didn’t + mean to turn into another poetical brother on your hands, but enthusiasm + was too strong for me! Come, Mother Carey, <i>do</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it to be?” she asked, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Out by the Long Hanger would be a good place,” said Bobus, “where we + found the Epipactis grandiflora.” + </p> + <p> + “Or the heathery knoll where poor little mother got into a scrape for + singing profane songs by moonlight,” laughed Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that was when hearts were light,” she said; “but at any rate we’ll + make a holiday of it, for Jock’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! what do I see?” exclaimed Jock, who was opposite the open window. “Is + that Armine, or a Jack-in-the-Green?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” half sighed Barbara. “It’s that harvest decoration!” And Armine, + casting down armfuls of great ferns, and beautiful trailing plants, made + his entrance through the open window, exchanging greetings, and making a + semi-apology for his late appearance as he said— + </p> + <p> + “Mother, please desire Macrae to cut me the great white orchids. He won’t + do it unless you tell him, and I promised them for the Altar vases.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, Armie, he said cutting them would be the ruin of the plant, and + I don’t feel justified in destroying it.” + </p> + <p> + “Macrae’s fancy,” muttered Armine. “It is only that he hates the whole + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy Macrae! I go and condole with him sometimes,” said Bobus. “I + don’t know which are most outraged—his Freekirk or his horticultural + feelings!” + </p> + <p> + “Babie,” ordered Armine, who was devouring his breakfast at double speed, + “if you’ll put on your things, I’ve the garden donkey-cart ready to take + down the flowers. You won’t expect us to luncheon, mother?” + </p> + <p> + Barbara, though obedient, looked blank, and her mother said— + </p> + <p> + “My dear, if I went down and helped at the Church till half past twelve, + could not we all be set free? Your brothers want us to bring their + luncheon to them at the Hanger.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, mother,” cried Jock; “I’ve half a mind to come and expedite + matters.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Skipjack!” cried Bobus; “I had that twenty stone of solid flesh + whom I see walking up to the house to myself all yesterday, and I can’t + stand another day of it unmitigated!” + </p> + <p> + Entered the tall heavy figure of Rob. He reported his father as much the + same and not yet up, delivered a note to his aunt, and made no objection + to devouring several slices of tongue and a cup of cocoa to recruit nature + after his walk; while Bobus reclaimed the reluctant Armine from cutting + scarlet geraniums in the ribbon beds to show him the scene in the Greek + play which he was to prepare, and Babie tried to store up all the + directions, perceiving from the pupil’s roving eye that she should have to + be his memory. + </p> + <p> + Jock saw that the note had brought an additional line of care to his + mother’s brow, and therefore still more gaily and eagerly adjured her not + to fail in the Long Hanger, and as the shooting party started, he turned + back to wave his cap, and shout, “Sharp two!” + </p> + <p> + Two o’clock found three hungry youths and numerous dead birds on the + pleasant thymy bank beneath the edge of the beach wood, but gaze as they + might through the clear September air, neither mother, brother, nor sister + was visible. Presently, however, the pony-carriage appeared, and in it a + hamper, but driven only by the stable-boy. He said a gentleman was at the + house, and Mrs. Brownlow was very sorry that she could not come, but had + sent him with the luncheon. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go and see after her,” said Jock; and in spite of all + remonstrance, and assurance that it was only a form of Parsonic tyranny, + he took a draught of ale and a handful of sandwiches, sprang into the + carriage, and drove off, hardly knowing why, but with a yearning towards + his mother, and a sense that all that was unexpected boded evil. Leaving + the pony at the stables, and walking up to the house, he heard sounds that + caused him to look in at the open library window. + </p> + <p> + On one side of the table stood his mother, on the other Dr. Demetrius + Hermann, with insinuating face, but arm upraised as if in threatening. + </p> + <p> + “Scoundrel!” burst forth Jock. Both turned, and his mother’s look of + relief and joy met him as he sprang to her side, exclaiming, “What does + this mean? How dare you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” she cried breathlessly, clinging to his arm. “He did not mean—it + was only a gesture!” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll have no such gestures to my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, the honoured lady only does me justice. I meant nothing violent. Zat + is for you English military, whose veapon is zie horsewhip.” + </p> + <p> + “As you will soon feel,” said Jock, “if you attempt to bully my mother. + What does it mean, mother dear?” + </p> + <p> + “He made a mistake,” she said, in a quick, tremulous tone, showing how + much she was shaken. “He thinks me a quack doctor’s widow, whose secret is + matter of bargain and sale.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame! I offered most honourable terms.” + </p> + <p> + “Terms, indeed! I told you the affair is no empirical secret to be + bought.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet madame knows that I am in possession of a portion of zie discovery, + and that it is in my power to pursue it further, though, for family + considerations, I offer her to take me into confidence, so that all may + profit in unison,” said the Greek, in his blandest manner. + </p> + <p> + “The very word profit shows your utter want of appreciation,” said Mrs. + Brownlow, with dignity. “Such discoveries are the property of the entire + faculty, to be used for the general benefit, not for private selfish + profit. I do not know how much information may have been obtained, but if + any attempt be made to use it in the charlatan fashion you propose, I + shall at once expose the whole transaction, and send my husband’s papers + to the Lancet.” + </p> + <p> + Hermann shrugged his shoulders and looked at Lucas, as if considering + whether more or less reason could be expected from a soldier than from a + woman. It was to him that he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Madame cannot see zie matter in zie light of business. I have offered + freely to share all that I shall gain, if I may only obtain the data + needful to perfect zie discovery of zie learned and venerated father. I am + met wit anger I cannot comprehend.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor ever will,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “And,” pursued Dr. Hermann, “when, on zie oder hand, I explain that my + wife has imparted to me sufficient to enable me to perfectionate the + discovery, and if the reserve be continued, it is just to demand + compensation, I am met with indignation even greater. I appeal to zie + captain. Is this treatment such as my proposals merit?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite,” said Jock. “That is to be kicked out of the house, as you + shortly will be, if you do not take yourself off.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, your amiable affection for madame leads you to forget, as she does, + zie claim of your sister.” + </p> + <p> + “No one has any claim on my mother,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Zie moral claim—zie claim of affection,” began the Greek; but + Caroline interrupted him— + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Hermann is not the person fitly to remind me of these. They have not + been much thought of in Janet’s case. I mean to act as justly as I can by + my daughter, but I have absolutely nothing to give her at present. Till I + know what my own means may prove to be I can do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “But madame holds out zie hope of some endowment. I shall be in a + condition to be independent of it, but it would be sweet to my wife as a + token of pardon. I could bear away a promise.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise nothing,” was the reply. “If I have anything to give—even + then, all would depend on your conduct and the line you may take. And + above all, remember, it is in my power to frustrate and expose any attempt + to misuse any hints that may have been stolen from my husband’s memoranda. + In my power, and my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame might have spared me this,” sighed the Athenian. “My poor Janette! + She will not believe how her husband has been received.” + </p> + <p> + He was gone. Caroline dropped into a chair, but the next moment she almost + screamed— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we must not let him go thus! He may revenge it on her! Go after him, + get his address, tell him she shall have her share if he will behave well + to her.” + </p> + <p> + Jock fulfilled his mission according to his own judgment, and as he + returned his mother started up. + </p> + <p> + “You have not brought him back!” + </p> + <p> + “I should rather think not!” + </p> + <p> + “Janet’s husband! Oh, Jock, it is very dreadful! My poor child!” + </p> + <p> + She had been a little lioness in face of the enemy, but she was trembling + so hopelessly that Jock put her on a couch and knelt with his arm round + her while she laid her head on his strong young shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Let me fetch you some wine, mother darling,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “No, no—to feel you is better than anything,” putting his arm closer— + </p> + <p> + “What was it all about, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you don’t know, yet you went straight to the point, my dear + champion.” + </p> + <p> + “He was bullying you, that was enough. I thought for a moment the brute + was going to strike you.” + </p> + <p> + “That was only gesticulation. I’m glad you didn’t knock him down when you + made in to the rescue.” + </p> + <p> + She could laugh a little now. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to have done it. What did he want? Money, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Not solely. I can’t tell you all about it; but Janet saw some memoranda + of your father’s, and he wants to get hold of them.” + </p> + <p> + “To pervert them to some quackery?” + </p> + <p> + “If not, I do him great injustice.” + </p> + <p> + “Give them up to a rogue like that! I should guess not! It will be some + little time before he tries again. Well done, little mother!” + </p> + <p> + “If he will not turn upon her.” + </p> + <p> + “What a speculation he must have thought her.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk of it, Jock; I can’t bear to think of her in such hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet has a spirit of her own. I should think she could get her way with + her subtle Athenian. Where did he drop from?” + </p> + <p> + “He overtook me on my way back from the Church, for indeed I did not mean + to break my appointment. I don’t think the servants knew who was here. And + Jock, if you mention it to the others, don’t speak of this matter of the + papers. Call it, as you may with truth, an attempt to extort money.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” he gravely said. + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” she continued, “that I have valuable memoranda of your + father’s in my charge; but you must trust me when I say that I am not at + liberty to tell you more.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do. So the mother was really coming, like a good little + Red-riding-hood, to bring her son’s dinner into the forest, when she met + with the wolf! Pray, has he eaten up the two kids at a mouthful?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Parsons had done that already. They are making the Church so + beautiful, and it did not seem possible to spare them, though I hope + Armine may get home in time to get his work done for Bobus.” + </p> + <p> + “Is not he worked rather hard between the two? He does not seem to thrive + on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Jock, I can say it to you. I don’t know what to do. The poor boy’s heart + is in these Church matters, and he is so bitterly grieved at the failure + of all his plans that I cannot bear to check him in doing all he can. It + is just what I ought to have been doing all these years; I only saw my + duties as they were being taken away from me, and so I deserve the way + Miss Parsons treats me.” + </p> + <p> + “What way?” + </p> + <p> + “You need not bristle up. She is very civil; but when I hint that Armine + has study and health to consider, I see that in her eyes I am the worldly + obstructive mother who serves as a trial to the hero.” + </p> + <p> + “If she makes Armine think so—” + </p> + <p> + “Armie is too loyal for that. Yet it may be only too true, and only my + worldliness that wishes for a little discretion. Still, I don’t think a + sensible woman, if she were ever so good and devoted, would encourage his + fretting over the disappointment, or lead him to waste his time when so + much depends on his diligence. I am sure the focus of her mind must be + distorted, and she is twisting his the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “And her brother follows suit?” + </p> + <p> + “I think they go in parallel grooves, and he lets her alone. It is very + unlucky, for they are a constant irritation to Bobus, and he fancies them + average specimens of good people. He sneers, and I can’t say but that much + of what he says is true, but there is the envenomed drop in it which makes + his good sense shocking to Armine, and I fear Babie relishes it more than + is good for her. So they make one another worse, and so they will as long + as we are here. It was a great mistake to stay on, and your uncle must + feel it so.” + </p> + <p> + “Could you not go to Dieppe, or some cheap place?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t feel justified in any more expense. Here the house costs nothing, + and our personal expenditure does not go beyond our proper means; but to + pay for lodging elsewhere would soon bring me in excess of it, at least as + long as Allen keeps up the yacht. Then poor Janet must have something, and + I don’t know what bills may be in store for me, and there’s your outfit, + and Bobus’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind mine.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, that’s fine talking, but you can’t go like Sir Charles Napier, + with one shirt and a bit of soap.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I shall get something for the exchange. Besides, my kit was + costly even for the Guards, and will amply cover all that.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have sold your horses?” + </p> + <p> + “And have been living on them ever since! Come, won’t that encourage you + to make a little jaunt, just to break the spell?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it could, my dear, but it does not seem possible while those bills + are such a dreadful uncertainty. I never know what Allen may have been + ordering.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely the Evelyns would be glad to have you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jock, that can’t be. Promise me that you will do nothing to lead to + an invitation. You are to meet some of them, are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, on Thursday week, at Roland Hampton’s wedding. Cecil and I and a + whole lot of us go down in the morning to it, and Sydney is to be a + bridesmaid. What are you going to do now, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t quite know. I feel regularly foolish. I shall have a headache if + I don’t keep quiet, but I can’t persuade myself to stay in the house lest + that man should come back.” + </p> + <p> + “What! not with me for garrison?” + </p> + <p> + “O nonsense, my dear. You must go and catch up the sportsmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Not when I can get my Mother Carey all to myself. You go and lie down in + the dressing-room, and I’ll come as soon as I have taken off my boots and + ordered some coffee for you.” + </p> + <p> + He returned with the step of one treading on eggs, expecting to find her + half asleep; but her eyes were glittering, and there were red spots on her + cheeks, for her nerves were excited, and when he came in she began to + talk. She told him, not of present troubles, but of the letters between + his father and grandmother, which, in her busy, restless life, she had + never before looked at, but which had come before her in her preparations + for vacating Belforest. Perhaps it was only now that she had grown into + appreciation of the relations between that mother and son, as she read the + letters, preserved on each side, and revealing the full beauty and + greatness of her husband’s nature, his perfect confidence in his mother, + and a guiding influence from her, which she herself had never thought of + exerting. Does not many an old correspondence thus put the present + generation to shame? + </p> + <p> + Jock was the first person with whom she had shared these letters, and it + was good to watch his face as he read the words of the father whom he + remembered chiefly as the best of playfellows. He was of an age and in a + mood to enter into them with all his heart, though he uttered little more + than an occasional question, or some murmured remark when anything struck + him. Both he and his mother were so occupied that they never observed that + the sky clouded over and rain began to fall, nor did they think of any + other object till Bobus opened the door in search of them. + </p> + <p> + “Halloo, you deserter!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! Mother has a headache.” + </p> + <p> + “Not now, you have cured it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you’ve missed an encounter with the most impudent rascal I ever + came across.” + </p> + <p> + “You didn’t meet Hermann?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I have found his match; but you shall hear. Grimes said he + heard guns, and we came upon the scoundrel in Lewis Acre, two brace on his + shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + “The vultures are gathering to the prey,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not arrived at lying still to be devoured!” said Bobus. “I gave him + the benefit of a doubt, and sent Grimes to warn him off; but the fellow + sent his card—<i>his</i> card forsooth, ‘Mr. Gilbert Gould, R.N.,’—and + information that he had Miss Menella’s permission.” + </p> + <p> + “Not credible,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Lisette’s more likely,” said his mother. “I think he is her + brother.” + </p> + <p> + “I sent Grimes back to tell him that Miss Menella had as much power to + give leave as my old pointer, and if he did not retire at once, we should + gently remove his gun and send out a summons.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not do so at once?” cried Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Because I have brains enough not to complicate matters by a personal row + with the Goulds,” said Bobus, “though I could wish not to have been there, + when the keepers would infallibly have done so. Shall I write to George + Gould, or will you, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear,” sighed Caroline, “I think Mr. Wakefield is the fittest person, + if it signifies enough to have it done at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Signifies!” cried Jock. “To have that rascal loafing about! I wouldn’t be + trampled upon while the life is in me!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like worrying Mr. Gould. It is not his fault, except for having + married such a wife, poor man.” + </p> + <p> + “Having been married by her, you mean,” said Bobus. “Mark me, she means to + get that fellow married to that poor child, as sure as fate.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, Bobus! His age!” + </p> + <p> + “He is a good deal younger than his sister, and a prodigious swell.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, he is her uncle,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, only her uncle’s wife’s brother.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just the same.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were!” But Jock would not be satisfied without getting a + Prayer-book, to look at the table of degrees. + </p> + <p> + “He is really her third cousin, I believe,” said his mother, “and I’m + afraid that is not prohibited.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a ship’s steward?” said Jock, looking at the card with infinite + disgust. + </p> + <p> + “A paymaster’s assistant, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be too much. Besides, there’s the Scot!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think much of that,” said Jock. “The mother and sister are keen + for it, but Clanmacnalty is in no haste to marry, and by all accounts the + Elf carries on promiscuously with three or four at once.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has no fine instinct for a gentleman,” added Bobus. “It is who + will spread the butter thickest!” + </p> + <p> + “A bad look out for Belforest,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be much worse than it has been with me,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what that little ass, Armine, has been presuming to din into your + ears,” said Bobus; “as if the old women didn’t prefer beef and blankets to + your coming poking piety at the poor old parties.” + </p> + <p> + “By the bye,” cried Caroline, starting, “those children have never come + home, and see how it rains!” + </p> + <p> + Jock volunteered to take the pony carriage and fetch them, but he had not + long emerged from the park in the gathering twilight before he overtook + two figures under one umbrella, and would have passed them had he not been + hailed. + </p> + <p> + “You demented children! Jump in this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t turn!” called Armine. “We must take this,” showing a parcel which + he had been sheltering more carefully than himself or his sister. “It is + cord and tassels for the banner. They sent wrong ones,” said Barbara, “and + we had to go and match it. They would not let me go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Get in, I say,” cried Jock, who was making demonstrations with the + “national weapon” much as if he would have liked to lay it about their + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Then we must drive onto the Parsonage,” stipulated Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it, you drenched and foolish morsel of humanity. You are + going straight home to bed. Hand us the parcel. What will you give me not + to tie this cord round the Reverend Petronella’s neck?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Jock, I’m so glad,” said Babie, referring probably to the + earlier part of his speech. “We would have come home for the pony + carriage, but we thought it would be out.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care of the drip,” was Armine’s parting cry, as Babie turned the + pony’s head, and Jock strode down the lane. He meant merely to have given + in the parcel at the door, but Miss Parsons darted out, and not + distinguishing him in the dark began, “Thank you, dear Armine; I’m so + sorry, but it is in the good cause and you won’t regret it. Where’s your + sister? Gone home? But you’ll come and have a cup of tea and stay to + evensong?” + </p> + <p> + “My brother and sister are gone home, thank you,” said Jock, with + impressive formality, and a manly voice that made her start. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed. Thank you, Mr. Brownlow. I was so sorry to let them go; but + it had not begun to rain, and it is such a joy to dear Armine to be + employed in the service.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is mad enough to run any risk,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Brownlow, if I could only persuade you to enter into the joy of + self-devotion, you would see that I could not forbid him! Won’t you come + in and have a cup of tea?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no. Good night.” And Miss Parsons was left rejoicing at having + said a few words of reproof to that cynical Mr. Robert Brownlow, while + Jock tramped away, grinning a sardonic smile at the lady’s notions of the + joys of self-sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + He came home only just in time for dinner, and found Armine enduring, with + a touching resignation learnt in Miss Parsons’s school, the sarcasm of + Bobus for having omitted to prepare his studies. The boy could neither eat + nor entirely conceal the chills that were running over him; and though he + tried to silence his brother’s objurgations by bringing out his books + afterwards, his cheeks burnt, he emitted little grunting coughs, and at + last his head went down on the lexicon, and his breath came quick and + short. + </p> + <p> + The Harvest Festival day was perforce kept by him in bed, blistered and + watched from hour to hour to arrest the autumn cold, which was the one + thing dreaded as imperilling him in the English winter which he must face + for the first time for four years. + </p> + <p> + And Miss Parsons, when impressively told, evidently thought it was the + family fashion to make a great fuss about him. + </p> + <p> + Alas! why are people so one-sided and absorbed in their own concerns as + never to guess what stumbling-blocks they raise in other people’s paths, + nor how they make their good be evil spoken of? + </p> + <p> + Babie confided her feelings to Jock when he escorted her to Church in the + evening, and had detected a melancholy sound in her voice which made him + ask if she thought Armine’s attack of the worst sort. + </p> + <p> + “Not particularly, except that he talks so beautifully.” + </p> + <p> + Jock gave a small sympathetic whistle at this dreadful symptom, and + wondered to hear that he had been able to talk. + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t mean only to-day, but this is only what he had made up his mind + to. He never expects to leave Belforest, and he thinks—oh, Jock!—he + thinks it is meant to do Bobus good.” + </p> + <p> + “He doesn’t go the way to edify Bobus.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but don’t you see? That is what is so dreadful. He only just reads + with Bobus because mother ordered him; and he hates it because he thinks + it is of no use, for he will never be well enough to go to college. Why, + he had this cold coming yesterday, and I believe he is glad, for it would + be like a book for him to be very bad indeed, bad enough to be able to + speak out to Bobus without being laughed at.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he always go on in this way?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to mother; but to hear him and Miss Parsons is enough to drive one + wild. They went on such a dreadful way yesterday that I was furious, and + so glad to get away to Kenminster; only after I had set off, he came + running after me, and I knew what that would be.” + </p> + <p> + “What does she do? Does she blarney him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so. She means it, I believe; but she does natter him so + that it would make me sick, if it didn’t make me so wretched! You see he + likes it, because he fancies her goodness itself; and so I suppose she is, + only there is such a lot of clerical shop”—then, as Jock made a + sound as if he did not like the slang in her mouth—“Ay, it sounds + like Bobus; but if this goes on much longer, I shall turn to Bobus’s way. + He has all the sense on his side!” + </p> + <p> + “No, Babie,” said Jock very gravely. “That’s a much worse sort of folly!” + </p> + <p> + “And he will be gone before long,” said Barbara, much struck by a tone + entirely unwonted from her brother. “O Jock, I thought reverses would be + rather nice and help one to be heroic, and perhaps they would, if they + would only come faster, and Armine could be out of Miss Parsons’s way; but + I don’t believe he will ever be better while he is here. I think!—I + think!” and she began to sob, “that Miss Parsons will really be the death + of him if she is not hindered!” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t he go on board the Petrel with Allen?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother did think of that,” said Babie, “but Allen said he wasn’t in + spirits for the charge, and that cabin No. 2 wasn’t comfortable enough.” + </p> + <p> + Jock was not the least surprised at this selfishness, but he said— + </p> + <p> + “We <i>will</i> get him away somehow, Infanta, never fear! And when you + have left this place, you’ll be all right. You’ll have the Friar, and he + is a host in himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Babie, ruefully, “but he is not a brother after all. Oh, Jock! + mother says it is very wrong in me, but I can’t help it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is wrong, little one?” + </p> + <p> + “To feel it so dreadful that you and Bobus are going! I know it is honour + and glory, and promotion, and chivalry, and Victoria crosses, and all that + Sydney and I used to care for; but, oh! we never thought of those that + stayed at home.” + </p> + <p> + “You were a famous Spartan till the time came,” said Jock, in an odd husky + voice. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn’t mind so much but for mother,” said poor Barbara, in an + apologetic tone; “nor if there were any stuff in Allen; nor if dear Armie + were well and like himself; but, oh dear! I feel as if all the manhood and + comfort of the family would be gone to the other end of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you say about mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Jock, I didn’t mean to worry you. I know it is a grand + thing for you. But mother was so merry and happy when we thought we should + all be snug with you in the old house, and she made such nice plans. But + now she is so fagged and worn, and she can’t sleep. She began to read as + soon as it was light all those long summer mornings to keep from thinking; + and she is teasing herself over her accounts. There were shoals of great + horrid bills of things Allen ordered coming in at Midsummer, just as she + thought she saw her way! Do you know, she thinks she may have to let our + own house and go into lodgings.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Barbara?” said a voice at the Parsonage wicket. “How is our + dear patient?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather better to-night, we think.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him I hope to come and see him to-morrow. And say the vases are + come. I thought your mother would wish us to have the large ones, so I put + them in the Church. They are £3.” + </p> + <p> + Babie thought Jock’s face was dazed when he came among the lights in + Church, and that he moved and responded like an automaton, and she could + hardly get a word out of him all the way home. There, they were sent for + to Armine, who was sufficiently better to want to hear all about the + services, the procession, the wheat-sheaf, the hymns, and the sermons. + Jock stood the examination well till it came to evensong, when, as his + sister had conjectured, he knew nothing, except one sentence, which he + said had come over and over again in the sermon, and he wanted to know + whence it came. It was, “Seekest thou great things for thyself.” + </p> + <p> + Even Armine only knew that it was in a note in the “Christian Year,” and + Babie looked out the reference, and found that it was Jeremiah’s rebuke to + Baruch for self-seeking amid the general ruin. + </p> + <p> + “I liked Baruch,” she said. “I am sorry he was selfish.” + </p> + <p> + “Noble selfishness, perhaps,” said Armine. “He may have aimed at saving + his country and coming out a glorious hero, like Gideon or Jephthah.” + </p> + <p> + “And would that have been self-seeking too, as well as the commoner + thing?” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “It is like a bit of New Testament in the midst of the Old,” said Armine. + “They that are great are called Benefactors—a good sort of + greatness, but still not the true Christian greatness.” + </p> + <p> + “And that?” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “To be content to be faithful servant as well as faithful soldier,” said + Armine, thoughtfully. “But what had it to do with the harvest?” + </p> + <p> + He got no satisfaction, Babie could remember nothing but Jock’s face, and + Jock had taken the Bible, and was looking at the passages referred to He + sat for a long time resting his head on his hand, and when at last he was + roused to bid Armine goodnight, he bent over him, kissed him, and said, + “In spite of all, you’re the wise one of us, Armie boy. Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — THE COST. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O well for him who breaks his dream + With the blow that ends the strife, + And waking knows the peace that flows + Around the noise of life. + G. MacDonald. +</pre> + <p> + “Jock! say this is not true!” + </p> + <p> + The wedding had been celebrated with all the splendour befitting a + marriage in high life. Bridesmaids and bridesmen were wandering about the + gardens waiting for the summons to the breakfast, when one of the former + thus addressed one of the latter, who was standing, gazing without much + speculation in his eyes, at the gold fish disporting themselves round a + fountain. + </p> + <p> + “Sydney!” he exclaimed, “are not your mother and Fordham here? I can’t + find them.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not hear, Duke has one of his bad colds, and mamma could not + leave him? But, Jock, while we have time, set my mind at rest.” + </p> + <p> + “What is affecting your mind?” said Jock, knowing only too well. + </p> + <p> + “What Cecil says, that you mean to disappoint all our best hopes.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no help for it, Sydney,” said Jock, too heavy-hearted for + fencing. + </p> + <p> + “No help. I don’t understand. Why, there’s going to be war, real war, out + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Frontier tribes!” + </p> + <p> + “What of that? It would lead to something. Besides, no one leaves a corps + on active service.” + </p> + <p> + “Is mine?” + </p> + <p> + “It is all the same. You were going to get into one that is.” + </p> + <p> + “Curious reasoning, Sydney. I am afraid my duty lies the other way.” + </p> + <p> + “Duty to one’s country comes first. I can’t believe Mrs. Brownlow wants to + hold you back; she—a soldier’s daughter!” + </p> + <p> + “It is no doing of hers,” said Jock; “but I see that I must not put myself + out of reach of her.” + </p> + <p> + “When she has all the others! That is a mere excuse! If you were an only + son, it would be bad enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Come this way, and I’ll tell you what convinced me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t see how any argument can prevail on you to swerve from the path + of honour, the only career any one can care about,” cried Sydney, the + romance of her nature on fire. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Sydney,” he said, partly from the exquisite pain she inflicted, + partly because her vehemence was attracting attention. + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you say Hush,” said the maiden, with what she meant for noble + severity, “No wonder you don’t want to be reminded of all we talked of and + planned. Does not it break Babie’s heart?” + </p> + <p> + “She does not know.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is not too late.” + </p> + <p> + But at that moment the bride’s aunt, who felt herself in charge of Miss + Evelyn, swooped down on them, and paired her off with an equally + honourable best man, so that she found herself seated between two + comparative strangers; while it seemed to her that Lucas Brownlow was + keeping up an insane whirl of merriment with his neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Poor child, her hero was fallen, her influence had failed, and nothing was + left her but the miserable shame of having trusted in the power of an + attraction which she now felt to have been a delusion. Meanwhile the aunt, + by way of being on the safe side, effectually prevented Jock from speaking + to her again before the party broke up; and he could only see that she was + hotly angered, and not that she was keenly hurt. + </p> + <p> + She arrived at home the next day with white cheeks and red eyes, and most + indistinct accounts of the wedding. A few monosyllables were extracted + with difficulty, among them a “Yes” when Fordham asked whether she had + seen Lucas Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “Did he talk of his plans?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much.” + </p> + <p> + “One cannot but be sorry,” said her mother; “but, as your uncle says, his + motives are to be much respected.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” cried Sydney, horrified, “you wouldn’t encourage him in turning + back from the defence of his country in time of war?” + </p> + <p> + “His country!” ejaculated Fordham. “Up among the hill tribes!” + </p> + <p> + “You palliating it too, Duke! Is there no sense of honour or glory left? + What are you laughing at? I don’t think it a laughing matter, nor Cecil + either, that he should have been led to turn his back upon all that is + great and glorious!” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very fine,” said Fordham, who was in a teasing mood. “Had you not + better put it into the ‘Traveller’s Joy?’” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never touch the ‘Traveller’s Joy’ again!” and Sydney’s high horse + suddenly breaking down, she flew away in a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + Her mother and brother looked at one another rather aghast, and Fordham + said— + </p> + <p> + “Had you any suspicion of this?” + </p> + <p> + “Not definitely. Pray don’t say a word that can develop it now.” + </p> + <p> + “He is all the worthier.” + </p> + <p> + “Most true; but we do not know that there is any feeling on his side, and + if there were, Sydney is much too young for it to be safe to interfere + with conventionalities. An expressed attachment would be very bad for both + of them at present.” + </p> + <p> + “Should you have objected if he had still been going to India?” + </p> + <p> + “I would have prevented an engagement, and should have regretted her + knowing anything about it. The wear of such waiting might be too great a + strain on her.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly,” said Fordham. “And should you consider this other profession + an insuperable objection?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, if he goes on as I think he will; but such success cannot + come to him for many years, and a good deal may happen in that time.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Lucas! He would have been much cheered could he have heard the above + conversation instead of Cecil’s wrath, which, like his sister’s, worked a + good deal like madness on the brain. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Evelyn chose to resent the slight to his family, and the ingratitude + to his uncle, in thus running counter to their wishes, and plunging into + what the young aristocrat termed low life. He did not spare the warning + that it would be impossible to keep up an intimacy with one who chose to + “grub his nose in hospitals and dissecting rooms.” + </p> + <p> + Naturally Lucas took these as the sentiments of the whole family, and + found that he was sacrificing both love and friendship. Sir James Evelyn + indeed allowed that he was acting rightly according to his lights. Sir + Philip Cameron told him that his duty to a widowed mother ought to come + first, and his own Colonel, a good and wise man, commended his decision, + and said he hoped not to lose sight of him. The opinions of these + veterans, though intrinsically worth more than those of the two young + Evelyns, were by no means an equivalent to poor Lucas. The “great things” + he had resolved not to seek, involved what was far dearer. It was more + than he had reckoned on when he made his resolution, but he had committed + himself, and there was no drawing back. He was just of age, and had acted + for himself, knowing that his mother would withhold her consent if she + were asked for it; but he was considering how to convey the tidings to + her, when he found that a card had been left for him by the Reverend David + Ogilvie, with a pencilled invitation to dine with him that evening at an + hotel. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ogilvie, after several years of good service as curate at a district + Church at a fashionable south coast watering place, sometimes known as the + English Sorrento, had been presented to the parent Church. He had been + taking his summer holiday, and on his way back had undertaken to relieve a + London friend of his Sunday services. His sister’s letters had made him + very anxious for tidings of Mrs. Brownlow, and he had accordingly gone in + quest of her son. + </p> + <p> + He ordered dinner with a half humorous respect for the supposed epicurism + of a young Guardsman, backed by the desire to be doubly correct because of + the fallen fortunes of the family, and he awaited with some curiosity the + pupil, best known to him as a pickle. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + There stood, a young man, a soldier from head to foot, slight, active, + neatly limbed, and of middle height, with a clear brown cheek, dark hair + and moustache, and the well-remembered frank hazel eyes, though their + frolic and mischief were dimmed, and they had grown grave and steadfast, + and together with the firm-set lip gave the impression of a mind + resolutely bent on going through some great ordeal without flinching or + murmuring. With a warm grasp of the hand Mr. Ogilvie said— + </p> + <p> + “Why, Brownlow, I should not have known you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have known you, sir, anywhere,” said Jock, amazed to find the + Ogre of old times no venerable seignior, but a man scarce yet middle-aged. + </p> + <p> + They talked of Mr. Ogilvie’s late tour, in scenes well known to Jock, and + thence they came to the whereabouts of all the family, Armine’s health and + Robert’s appointment, till they felt intimate; and the unobtrusive + sympathy of the old friend opened the youth’s heart, and he made much + plain that had been only half understood from Mrs. Morgan’s letters. Of + his eldest brother and sister, Jock said little; but there was no need to + explain why his mother was straitening herself, and remaining at Belforest + when it had become so irksome to her. + </p> + <p> + “And you are going out to India?” said Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not coming off, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I thought you were to have a staff appointment.” + </p> + <p> + “It would not pay, sir; and that is a consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “Then have you anything else in view?” + </p> + <p> + “The hospitals,” said Jock, with a poor effort to seem diverted; “the + other form of slaughter.” Then as his friend looked at him with concerned + and startled eyes, he added, “Unless there were some extraordinary chance + of loot. You see the pagoda tree is shaken bare, and I could do no more + than keep myself and have nothing for my mother, and I am afraid she will + need it. It is a chance whether Allen, at his age, or Armine, with his + health, can do much, and some one must stay and get remunerative work.” + </p> + <p> + “Is not the training costly?” + </p> + <p> + “Her Majesty owes me something. Luckily I got my commission by purchase + just in time, and I shall receive compensation enough to carry me through + my studies. We shall be all together with Friar Brownlow, who takes the + same line in the old house in Bloomsbury, where we were all born. That she + really does look forward to.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so, with you to look after her,” said Mr. Ogilvie + heartily. + </p> + <p> + “Only she can’t get into it till Lady Day. And I wanted to ask you, Mr. + Ogilvie, do you know anything about expenses down at your place? What + would tolerable lodgings be likely to come to, rent of rooms, I mean, for + my mother and the two young ones. Armie has not wintered in England since + that Swiss adventure of ours, and I suppose St. Cradocke’s would be as + good a place for him as any.” + </p> + <p> + “I had a proposition to make, Brownlow. My sister and I invested in a + house at St. Cradocke’s when I was curate there, and she meant to retire + to me when she had finished Barbara. My married curate is leaving it next + week, when I go home. The single ones live in the rectory with me, and I + think of making it a convalescent home; but this can’t be begun for some + months, as the lady who is to be at the head will not be at liberty. Do + you think your mother would do me the favour to occupy it? It is + furnished, and my housekeeper would see it made comfortable for her. Do + you think you could make the notion acceptable to her?” he said, colouring + like a lad, and stuttering in his eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “It would be a huge relief,” exclaimed Jock. “Thank you, Mr. Ogilvie. + Belforest has come to be like a prison to her, and it will be everything + to have Armine in a warm place among reasonable people.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Kenminster more unreasonable than formerly?” + </p> + <p> + “Not Kenminster, but Woodside. I say, Mr. Ogilvie, you haven’t any one at + St. Cradocke’s who will send Armine and Babie to walk three miles and back + in the rain for a bit of crimson cord and tassels?” + </p> + <p> + “I trust not,” said Mr. Ogilvie, smiling. “That is the way in which good + people manage to do so much harm.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad you say so,” cried Jock. “That woman is worse for him than six + months of east wind. I declare I had a hard matter to get myself to go to + Church there the next day.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is <i>she</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “The sister of the Vicar of Woodside, who is making him the edifying + martyr of a goody book. Ah, you know her, I see,” as Mr. Ogilvie looked + amused. + </p> + <p> + “A gushing lady of a certain age? Oh yes, she has been at St. Cradocke’s.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not coming again, I hope!” in horror. + </p> + <p> + “Not likely. They were there for a few months before her brother had the + living, and I could quite fancy her influence bringing on a morbid state + of mind. There is something exaggerated about her.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ve hit her off exactly!” cried Jock, “and you’ll unbewitch our poor + boy before she has quite done for him! Can’t you come down with me on + Saturday, and propose the plan?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I am pledged to Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “I forgot. But come on Monday then?” + </p> + <p> + “I had better go and prepare. I had rather you spoke for me. Somehow,” and + a strange dew came in David Ogilvie’s eyes, “I could not bear to see <i>her</i> + there, where we saw her installed in triumph, now that all is so changed.” + </p> + <p> + “You would see her the brightest and bravest of all. Neither she nor Babie + would mind the loss of fortune a bit if it were not, as Babie says, for + ‘other things.’ But those other things are wearing her to a mere shadow. + No, not a shadow—that is dark—but a mere sparkle! But to + escape from Belforest will cure a great deal.” + </p> + <p> + So Jock went away with the load on his heart somewhat lightened. He could + not get home on Saturday till very late, when dinner had long been over. + Coming softly in, through the dimly lighted drawing-rooms, over the deeply + piled carpets, he heard Babie’s voice reading aloud in the innermost + library, and paused for a moment, looking through the heavy velvet + curtains over the doorway before withdrawing one and entering. His + mother’s face was in full light, as she sat helping Armine to illuminate + texts. She did indeed look worn and thin, and there were absolute lines on + it, but they were curves such as follow smiles, rather than furrows of + care; feet rather of larks than of crows, and her whole air was far more + cheerful and animated than that of her youngest son. He was thin and wan, + his white cheeks contrasting with his dark hair and brown eyes, which + looked enormous in their weary pensiveness, as he lent back languidly, + holding a brush across his lips in a long pause, while she was doing his + work. Barbara’s bright keen little features were something quite different + as, wholly wrapped up in her book, she read— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh! then Ladurlad started, + As one who, in his grave, + Has heard an angel’s call, + Yea, Mariately, thou must deign to save, + Yea, goddess, it is she, + Kailyal—” + </pre> + <p> + “Are you learning Japanese?” asked Jock, advancing, so that Armine started + like Ladurlad himself. + </p> + <p> + “Dear old Skipjack! Skipped here again!” and they were all about him. + “Have you had any dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “A mouthful at the station. If there is any coffee and a bit of something + cold, I’d rather eat it promiscuously here. No dining-room spread, pray. + It is too jolly here,” said Jock, dropping into an armchair. “Where’s + Bob?” + </p> + <p> + “Dining at the school-house.” + </p> + <p> + “And what’s that Mariolatry?” + </p> + <p> + “Mariately,” said Babie. “An Indian goddess. It is the ‘Curse of Kehama,’ + and wonderfully noble.” + </p> + <p> + “Moore or Browning?” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Jock!” cried the girl. “I thought you did know more than + examination cram.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the advantage of having no Mudie boxes,” said his mother. “We are + taking up our Southey.” + </p> + <p> + “And, Armie, how are you?” + </p> + <p> + “My cough is better, thank you,” was the languid answer. “Only they won’t + let me go beyond the terrace.” + </p> + <p> + “For don’t I know,” said his mother, “that if once I let you out, I should + find you croaking at a choir practice at Woodside?” + </p> + <p> + Then, after ordering a refection for the traveller, came the question what + he had been doing. + </p> + <p> + “Dining with Mr. Ogilvie. It is quite a new sensation to find oneself on a + level with the Ogre of one’s youth, and prove him a human mortal after + all.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a sentiment worthy of Joe,” said Babie. “You used to know him in + private life.” + </p> + <p> + “Always with a smack of the dominie. Moreover, he is so young. I thought + him as ancient as Dr. Lucas, and, behold, he is a brisk youth, without a + grey hair.” + </p> + <p> + “He always was young-looking,” said his mother. “I am glad you saw him. I + wish he were not so far off.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, mother, here’s an invitation from Mahomet to the mountain, + which Mahomet is too shy to make in person. That house which he and his + sister bought at his English Sorrento has just been vacated by his married + curate, and he wants you to come and keep it warm till he begins a + convalescent home there next spring.” + </p> + <p> + “How very kind!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! mother, you couldn’t,” burst out Armine in consternation. + </p> + <p> + “Would it be an expense or loss to him, Jock?” said his mother, + considering. + </p> + <p> + “I should say not, unless he be an extremely accomplished dissembler. If + it eased your mind, no doubt he would consent to your paying the rates and + taxes.” + </p> + <p> + “But, mother,” again implored Armine, “you said you would not force me to + go to Madeira, with the Evelyns!” + </p> + <p> + “Are they going to Madeira?” exclaimed Jock, thunderstruck. + </p> + <p> + “Did you not hear it from Cecil?” + </p> + <p> + “He has been away on leave for the last week. This is a sudden + resolution.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Fordham goes on coughing, and Sydney has a bad cold, caught at the + wedding. Did you see her?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I saw her,” he mechanically answered, while his mother continued— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Evelyn has been pressing me most kindly to let Armine go with them; + but as Dr. Leslie assures me it is not essential, and he seems so much + averse to it himself—” + </p> + <p> + “You know, mother, how I wish to hold my poor neglected Woodside to the + last,” cried Armine. “Why is my health always to be made the excuse for + deserting it?” + </p> + <p> + “You are not the only reason,” said his mother. “It is hard to keep Esther + in banishment all this time, and I am in constant fear of a row about the + shooting with that Gilbert Gould.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he been at it again!” exclaimed Jock, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “You are as bad as Rob,” she said. “I fully expect a disturbance between + them, and I had rather be no party to it. Oh, I shall be very thankful to + get away, I feel like a prisoner on parole.” + </p> + <p> + “And I feel,” said Armine, “as if all we could do here was too little to + expiate past carelessness.” + </p> + <p> + “Mind, you are talking of mother!” said Jock, firing up. + </p> + <p> + “I thought she felt with me,” said Armine, meekly. + </p> + <p> + “So I do, my dear; I ought to have done much better for the place, but our + staying on now does no good, and only leads to perplexity and distress.” + </p> + <p> + “And when can you come, mother?” said Jock. “The house is at your service + instanter.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to go to-night, without telling any one or wishing any one + good-bye. No, you need not be afraid, Armie. The time must depend on your + brother’s plans. St. Cradocke’s is too far off for much running backwards + and forwards. Have you any notion when you may have to leave us, Jock? You + don’t go with Sir Philip?” + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly not,” said Jock. Then, with a little hesitation, “In fact, + that’s all up.” + </p> + <p> + “He has not thrown you over?” said his mother; “or is there any difficulty + about your exchange?” + </p> + <p> + Here Babie broke in, “Oh, that’s it! That’s what Sydney meant! Oh, Jock! + you don’t mean that you let it prey upon you—the nonsense I talked? + Oh, I will never, never say anything again!” + </p> + <p> + “What did she say?” demanded Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Sydney? Oh, that it would break her heart and Cecil’s if you persisted, + and that she could not prevent you, and it was my duty. Mother, that was + the letter I didn’t show you. I could not understand it, and I thought you + had enough to worry you.” + </p> + <p> + “But what does it all mean?” asked their mother. “What have you been doing + to the Evelyns?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I have gone back to our old programme,” said Jock. “I have sent + in my papers; I said nothing to you, for I thought you would only vex + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jock!” she said, overpowered; “I should never have let you!” + </p> + <p> + “No, mother, dear, I knew that, so I didn’t ask you.” + </p> + <p> + “You undutiful person!” but she held out her arm, and as he came to her, + she leant her head against him, sobbing a little sob of infinite relief, + as though fortitude found it much pleasanter to have a living column. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve done it?” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “You will see it gazetted in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is all over,” cried Babie, again in tears; “all our dreams of + honour, and knighthood, and wounds, and glorious things!” + </p> + <p> + “You can always have the satisfaction of believing I should have got + them,” said Jock, but there was a quiver in his voice, and a thrill + through his whole frame that showed his mother that it was very sore with + him, and she hastened to let him subside into a chair while she asked if + it was far to the end of the canto, and as Babie was past reading, she + took the book and finished it herself. Nobody had much notion of the + sense, but the cadence was soothing, and all were composed by the time the + prayer-bell rang. + </p> + <p> + “Come to my dressing-room presently,” she said to Lucas, as he lighted her + candle for her. + </p> + <p> + Just as she had gone up stairs, the front door opened to admit Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are here!” was his salutation. “So you have done for yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Your colonel wrote to my uncle. He was at the dinner, and made me come + back with him to ask if I knew about it.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he take it?” + </p> + <p> + “He will probably fall on you, as he did on me to-night, calling it all my + fault.” + </p> + <p> + “As how?” + </p> + <p> + “For looking out for myself. For my part, I had thought it praiseworthy, + but he says none of the rest of us care a rush for my mother, and so the + only one of us good for anything has to be the victim. But don’t plume + yourself. You’ll be the scum of the earth when he has you before him. Poor + old boy, it is a sore business to him, and it doesn’t improve his temper. + I believe this place is a greater loss to him than to my mother. What are + your plans?” + </p> + <p> + “Rotifer, as before.” + </p> + <p> + “Chacun a son gout,” said Bobus, shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought you would respect curing more than killing.” + </p> + <p> + “If there were not a whole bag of stones about your neck.” + </p> + <p> + “Magnets,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “That’s just it. All the heavier.” + </p> + <p> + The brothers went upstairs together, and Jock was kept waiting a little + while in the dressing-room, till his mother came out, shutting the door on + Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “The poor Infanta!” she said. “She is breaking her foolish little heart + over something she said to you. ‘As bad as the woman in the “Black + Brunswicker,”’ she says, only she didn’t mean it. Was it so, Jock?” + </p> + <p> + “I had pretty well made up my mind before. Mother, are you vexed that I + did not tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “You spared me much. Your uncle would never have consented. But oh, Jock! + I’m not a Spartan mother. My heart <i>will</i> bound.” + </p> + <p> + “My colonel said it was right,” said Jock; “so did Cameron, and even Sir + James, though he did not like it.” + </p> + <p> + “With such an array of old soldiers on our side we may let the young + ladies rage,” said his mother, but she checked her mirth on seeing how far + from a joke their indignation was to her son. + </p> + <p> + He turned and looked into the fire as he said— + </p> + <p> + “When did Sydney write that letter, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Before meeting you at the wedding. She has not written since.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought not,” muttered Jock, his brow against the mantel-piece. + </p> + <p> + “No, but Mrs. Evelyn has written such a nice letter, just like herself, + though I did not understand it then. I think she was doubtful how much I + knew, for she only said how thankworthy it must be to have such a + self-sacrificing spirit among my sons, moral courage, in fact, of the + highest kind, and how those who were lavish of strong words in their first + disappointment would be wiser by-and-by. I was puzzled then. But oh, my + dear, this must have been very grievous to you!” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t go back, but I did not know how it would be,” said Jock, in a + choked voice, collapsing at last, and hiding his face on his mother’s lap. + </p> + <p> + “My Jock, I am so sorry! I wish it were not too late. I could not have let + you give up so much,” and she fondled his head. “I did not think I had + been so weak as to let you see.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mother. It was not that you were so weak, but that you were so brave. + Besides, I ought to take the brunt of it. I ruined you all by being the + prime mover with that assification, and I was the cause of Armie’s illness + too. I ought to take my share. If ever I can be any good to any one + again,” he added, in a dejected tone. + </p> + <p> + “Good!—unspeakably good! This is my first bright spot of light + through the wood. If it were but bright to you! I am afraid they have been + very unkind.” + </p> + <p> + “Not unkind. <i>She</i> couldn’t be that, but I’ve shocked and + disappointed her,” and his head dropped again. + </p> + <p> + “What, in not being a hero? My dear, you are a true hero in the eyes of us + old mothers; but I am afraid that is poor comfort. My Jock, does it go so + deep as that? Giving up <i>all</i> that for me! O my boy!” + </p> + <p> + “It is nonsense to talk of giving up,” said Jock, rousing himself to a + common-sense view. “What chance had I of her if I had gone to India ten + times over?” but the wave of grief broke over him again. “She would have + believed in me, and, may be, have waited.” + </p> + <p> + “She will believe in you again.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I’m below her.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor boy, I didn’t know it had come to this. Do you mean that anything + had ever passed between you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it was all the same. Even Evelyn implied it, when he said they + must give me up, if we took such different lines.” + </p> + <p> + “Cecil too! Foolish fellow! Jock, don’t care about such absurdity. They + are not worth it.” + </p> + <p> + “They’ve been the best of my life,” said poor Jock, but he stood up, shook + himself, and said, “A nice way this of helping you! I didn’t think I was + such a fool. But it is over now. I’ll buckle to, and do my best.” + </p> + <p> + “My brave boy!” and as the thought of the Magnum Bonum darted into her + mind, she said, “You may have greater achievements than are marked by + Victoria Crosses, and Sydney herself may own it.” + </p> + <p> + And Jock went to bed, cheered in spite of himself by his mother’s + pleasure, and by Mrs. Evelyn’s letter, which she allowed him to take away + with him. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brownlow was not so much distressed by Lucas’s retirement as had + been apprehended. He knew the life of a soldier with small means too well + to recommend it. The staff appointment, he said, might mean anything or + nothing, and could only last a short time unless Lucas had extraordinary + opportunities. It might be as well, he was very like his grandfather, poor + John Allen, and might have had his history over again. + </p> + <p> + The likeness was a new idea to Caroline and a great pleasure to her. + Indeed, she seemed to Armine unfeelingly joyous, as she accepted Mr. + Ogilvie’s invitation, and hurried her preparations. There was a bare + possibility of a return in the spring, which prevented final farewells, + and softened partings a little. The person who showed most grief of all + was Mrs. Robert Brownlow, who, glad as she must have been to be free of + Bobus and able to recall her daughter, wept over her sister-in-law as if + she had been going into the workhouse, with tears partly penitent for the + involuntary ingratitude with which past kindness had been received. She + was, as Babie said, much more sorry for Mother Carey than Mother Carey for + herself. + </p> + <p> + Yet the relief was all the greater that it was plain that Esther was not + happy in her banishment; and that General Hood thought her visit had + lasted long enough, while the matter was complicated at home by her sister + Eleanor’s undisguised sympathy with her cousin Bobus, for whom she would + have sent messages if her mother had not, with some difficulty exacted a + promise never to allude to him in her letters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — BITTER FAREWELLS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But he who lets his feelings run + In soft luxurious flow + Shrinks when hard service must be done + And faints at every woe. + J. H. Newman. +</pre> + <p> + Welcome shone in Mr. Ogilvie’s face in the gaslight on the platform as the + train drew up, and the Popinjay in her cage was handed out, uttering, + “Hic, haec, hoc. We’re all Mother Carey’s chicks.” + </p> + <p> + Therewith the mother and the two youngest of her chicks were handed to + their fly, and driven, through raindrops and splashes flashing in the gas, + to a door where the faithful Emma awaited them, and conveyed them to a + room so bright and comfortable that Babie piteously exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Emma, you have left me nothing to do!” + </p> + <p> + Presently came Mr. Ogilvie to make sure that the party needed nothing. He + was like a child hovering near, and constantly looking to assure himself + of the reality of some precious acquisition. + </p> + <p> + Later in the evening, on his way from the night-school, he was at the door + again to leave a parish magazine with a list of services that ought to + have rejoiced Armine’s heart, if he had felt capable of enjoying anything + at St. Cradocke’s, and at which Babie looked with some dismay, as if + fearing that they would all be inflicted on her. He was in a placid, + martyr-like state. He had made up his mind that the air was of the + relaxing sort that disagreed with him, and no doubt would be fatal, though + as he coughed rather less than more, he could hardly hope to edify Bobus + by his death-bed, unless he could expedite matters by breaking a + blood-vessel in saving someone’s life. On the whole, however, it was + pleasanter to pity himself for vague possibilities than to apprehend the + crisis as immediate. It was true that he was very forlorn. He missed the + admiring petting by which Miss Parsons had fostered his morbid state; he + missed the occupations she had given him, and he missed the luxurious + habits of wealth far more than he knew. After his winters under genial + skies, close to blue Mediterranean waves, English weather was trying; and, + in contrast with southern scenery, people, and art, everything seemed + ugly, homely, and vulgar in his eyes. Gorgeous Cathedrals with their High + Masses and sweet Benedictions, their bannered processions and kneeling + peasantry, rose in his memory as he beheld the half restored Church, the + stiff, open seats, and the Philistine precision of the St. Cradocke’s Old + Church congregation; and Anglicanism shared his distaste, in spite of the + fascinations of the district Church. + </p> + <p> + He was languid and inert, partly from being confined to the house on days + of doubtful character. He would not prepare any work for Bobus, who, with + Jock, was to follow in ten days, he would not second Babie’s wish to get + up a St. Cradocke’s number of the ‘Traveller’s Joy,’ to challenge a + Madeira one; he did little but turn over a few books, say there was + nothing to read, and exchange long letters with Miss Parsons. + </p> + <p> + “Armine,” said Mr. Ogilvie, “I never let my friends come into my parish + without getting work out of them. I have a request to make you.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid I am not equal to much,” said Armine, not graciously. + </p> + <p> + “This is not much. We have a lame boy here for the winter, son to a + cabinet maker in London. His mind is set on being a pupil-teacher, and he + is a clever, bright fellow, but his chance depends on his keeping up his + work. I have been looking over his Latin and French, but I have not time + to do so properly, and it would be a great kindness if you would undertake + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t he go to school?” said Armine, not graciously. + </p> + <p> + “It is much too far off. Now he is only round the corner here.” + </p> + <p> + “My going out is so irregular,” said Armine, not by any means as he would + have accepted a behest of Petronella’s. + </p> + <p> + “He could often come here. Or perhaps the Infanta would fetch and carry. + He is with an uncle, a fisherman, and the wife keeps a little shop. Stagg + is the name. They are very respectable people, but of a lower stamp than + this lad, and he is rather lost for want of companionship. The London + doctors say his recovery depends on sea air for the winter, so here he is, + and whatever you can do for him will be a real good work.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the name?” asked Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “Stagg. It is over a little grocery shop. You must ask for Percy Stagg.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Armine suspected the motive to be his own good, for he took a + dislike to the idea at once. + </p> + <p> + “Percy Stagg!” he began, as soon as Mr. Ogilvie was gone. “What a + detestable conjunction, just showing what the fellow must be. And to have + him on my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you liked teaching?” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “As if this would be like a Woodside boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Babie; “I don’t suppose he will carry onions and lollipops in + his pockets, nor put cockchafers down on one’s book.” + </p> + <p> + “Babie, that was only Ted Stokes!” + </p> + <p> + “And I should <i>think</i> he might have rather cleaner hands, and not + leave their traces on every book.” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll do worse!” said Armine. “He will be vulgarly stuck up, and + excruciate me with every French word he attempts to pronounce.” + </p> + <p> + “But you’ll do it, Armie?” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I will try if it be possible to make anything of him, when I am + up to it.” + </p> + <p> + Armine was not “up to it” the next day, nor the next. The third was very + fine, and with great resignation, he sauntered down to Mrs. Stagg’s. + </p> + <p> + Percy turned out to be a quiet, gentle, pale lad of fourteen, without + cockney vivacity, and so shy that Armine grew shyer, did little but mark + the errors in his French exercise, hear a bit of reading, and retreat, + bemoaning the hopeless stupidity of his pupil. + </p> + <p> + A few days later Mr. Ogilvie asked the lame boy how he was getting on. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir,” brightening, “the lady is so kind. She does make it so plain in + me.” + </p> + <p> + “The lady? Not the young gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “The young gentleman has been here once, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And his sister comes when he is not well?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, it is his mother, I think. A lady with white hair—the + nicest lady I ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + “And she teaches you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, sir! I am preparing a fable in the Latin Delectus for her, and + she gave me this French book. She does tell me such interesting facts + about words, and about what she has seen abroad, sir! And she brought me + this cushion for my knee.” + </p> + <p> + “Percy thinks there never was such a lady,” chimed in his aunt. “She is + very good to him, and he is ever so much better in his spirits and his + appetite since she has been coming to him. The young gentleman was haughty + like, and couldn’t make nothing of him; but the lady—she’s so + affable! She is one of a thousand!” + </p> + <p> + “I did not mean to impose a task on you,” said Mr. Ogilvie, next time he + could speak to Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I am only acting stop-gap till Armine rallies and takes to it,” she + said. “The boy is delightful. It is very amusing to teach French to a mind + of that age so thoroughly drilled in grammar.” + </p> + <p> + “A capital thing for Percy, but I thought at least you would have deputed + the Infanta.” + </p> + <p> + “The Infanta was a little overdone with the style of thing at Woodside. + She and Sydney Evelyn had a romance about good works, of which Miss + Parsons completely disenchanted her—rather too much so, I fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her alone; she will recover,” said Mr. Ogilvie, “if only by seeing + you do what I never intended.” + </p> + <p> + “I like it, teacher as I am by trade.” + </p> + <p> + So each day Armine imagined himself bound to the infliction of Percy + Stagg, and compelled by headache, cough, or weather, to let his mother be + his substitute. + </p> + <p> + “She is keeping him going on days when I am not equal to it,” he said to + Mr. Ogilvie. + </p> + <p> + “Having thus given you one of my tasks,” said that gentleman, “let me ask + whether I can help you in any of your studies?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been reading with Bobus, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “And now?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not begun again, though, if my mother desires it, I shall.” + </p> + <p> + “So I should suppose; but I am sorry you do not take more interest in the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if I live,” said Armine, “the hopes with which I once studied are + over.” + </p> + <p> + “What hopes?” + </p> + <p> + The boy was drawn on by his sympathy to explain his plans for the + perfection of church and charities at Woodside, where he would have worked + as curate, and lavished all that wealth could supply in all institutions + for its good and that of Kenminster. It was the vanished castle over which + he and Miss Parsons had spent so many moans, and yet at the end of it all, + Armine saw a sort of incredulous smile on his friend’s face. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think it was impossible or unreasonable,” he said. “I could have + been ordained as curate there, and my mother would have gladly given land, + and means, and all.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not thinking of that, my boy. What struck me was how people put + their trust in riches without knowing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I should have given up all wealth and luxury. I am not regretting + that!” exclaimed Armine, in unconscious blindness. + </p> + <p> + “I did not say you were.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Armine, thinking he had not caught the words. + </p> + <p> + “I said people did not know how they put their trust in riches.” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought I did.” + </p> + <p> + “Only that you think nothing can be done without them.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see how it can.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you? Well, the longer I live the more cause I see to dread and + distrust what is done easily by force of wealth. Of course when the money + is there, and is given along with one’s self (as I know you intended), it + is providential, but I verily believe it intensifies difficulties and + temptations. Poverty is almost as beneficial a sieve of motives and + stimulus to energy as persecution itself.” + </p> + <p> + “There are so many things one can’t do.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the fit time is not come for their being done. Or you want more + training for doing them. Remember that to bring one’s good desires to good + effect, there is a <i>how</i> to be taken into account. I know of a place + where the mere knowledge that there are unlimited means to bestow seems to + produce ingratitude and captiousness for whatever is done. On the other + hand, I have seen a far smaller gift, that has cost an effort, most warmly + and touchingly received. Again, the power of at once acting leads to + over-haste, want of consideration, domineering, expectation of adulation, + impatience of counsel or criticism.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose one does not know till one has tried,” said Armine, “but I + should mind nothing from Mr. or Miss Parsons.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not allude to any special case, I only wanted to show you that + riches do not by any means make doing good a simpler affair, but rather + render it more difficult not to do an equal amount of harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Armine, “as this misfortune has happened, it is plain + that we must submit, and I hope I am bowing to the disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “By endeavouring to do your best for God with what is left you?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, but with my health there seems nothing left for me but + unmurmuring resignation.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ogilvie was amused at Armine’s notion of unmurmuring resignation, but + he added only, “Which would be much assisted by a little exertion.” + </p> + <p> + “I did exert myself at home, but it is all aimless now.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought you still equally bound to learn and labour to do + your duty in Him and for Him. Will you think about what I have said?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Ogilvie, thank you. I know you mean it kindly, and no one can be + expected to enter into my feeling of the uselessness of wasting my time + over classical studies when I know I shall never be able to be ordained.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure you are not wasting it now?” + </p> + <p> + It was not possible to continue the subject. Mr. Ogilvie had failed in + both his attempts to rouse Armine, and had to tell his mother, who had + hoped much from this new influence. “I think,” he said, “that Armine is + partly feeling the change from invalidism to ordinary health. He does not + know it, poor fellow; but it is rather hard to give up being interesting.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline saw the truth of this when Armine showed himself absolutely + nettled at his brothers, on their arrival, pronouncing that he looked much + better—in fact quite jolly, an insult which he treated with + Christian forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + Bobus had visited Belforest. His mother had never intended this, and still + less that he should walk direct from the station to Kencroft, surprising + the whole family at luncheon, and taking his seat among them quite + naturally. Thereby he obtained all he had expected or hoped, for when the + meal was over, he was able, though in the presence of all the family, to + take Esther by both hands, and say in his resolute earnest voice, + “Good-bye, my sweet and only love. You will wait for me, and by-and-by, + when I have made you a home, and people see things differently, I shall + come for you,” and therewith he pressed on her burning, blushing, drooping + brow four kisses that felt like fire. + </p> + <p> + Her mother might fret and her father might fume, but they were as + powerless as the parents of young Lochinvar’s bride, and the words of + their protest were scarcely begun when he loosed the girl’s hands, and, + turning to her mother, said, “Good-bye, Aunt Ellen. When we meet again, + you will see things otherwise. I ask nothing till that time comes.” + </p> + <p> + This was not the part of his visit of which he told his mother, he only + dwelt on a circumstance so opportune that he had almost been forgiven even + by the Colonel. He had encountered Dr. Hermann, who had come down to make + another attempt on the Gracious Lady, and had thus found himself in the + presence of a very different person. An opening had offered itself in + America, and he had come to try to obtain his wife’s fortune to take them + out. The opportunity of making stringent terms had seemed to Bobus so + excellent that he civilly invited Demetrius to dine and sleep, and sent + off a note to beg his uncle to come and assist in a family compact. + Colonel Brownlow, having happily resisted his impulse to burn the letter + unread as an impertinent proposal for his daughter, found that it + contained so sensible a scheme that he immediately conceived a higher + opinion of his namesake than he had ever had before. + </p> + <p> + Thus Dr. Hermann found himself face to face with the very last members of + the family he desired to meet, and had to make the best of the situation. + Of secrets of the late Joseph Brownlow he said nothing, but based his + application on the offer of a practice and lectureship he said he had + received from New Orleans. He had evidently never credited that Mrs. + Brownlow meant to resign the whole property without giving away among her + children the accumulation of ready money in hand, and as he knew himself + to be worth buying off, he reckoned upon Janet’s full share. He had taken + Mrs. Brownlow’s own statements as polite refusals, and a lady’s romance + until he found the uncle and nephew viewing the resignation of the whole + as common honesty, and that she was actually gone. They would not give him + her address, and prevented his coming in contact with the housekeeper, so + that no more molestation might be possible, and meantime they offered him + terms such as they thought she would ratify. + </p> + <p> + All that Joseph Brownlow had left was entirely in her power, and the + amount was such that if she had died intestate, each of her six children + would have been entitled to about £l600, exclusive of the house in London. + Janet had no right to claim anything now or at her mother’s death, but the + uncle and nephew knew that Mrs. Brownlow would not endure to leave her + destitute, and they thought the deportation to America worth a + considerable sacrifice. Therefore they proposed that on the actual bona + fide departure, £500 should be paid down, the interest of the £1100 should + be secured to her, and paid half-yearly through Mr. Wakefield, who was to + draw up the agreement; but the final disposal of the sum was not to be + promised, but to depend on Mrs. Brownlow’s will. + </p> + <p> + Such a present boon as £500 had made Hermann willing to agree to anything. + Bobus had seen the lawyer in London, and with him concocted the agreement + for signature, making the payments pass through the Wakefield office, the + receipts being signed by Janet Hermann herself. + </p> + <p> + “Why must all payments go through the office?” asked Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “Because there’s no trusting that slippery Greek,” said Bobus. + </p> + <p> + “I should have liked my poor Janet to have been forced to communicate with + me every half-year,” she sighed. + </p> + <p> + “What, when she has never chosen to write all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. It is very weak, but I can’t help it. It would be something only to + see her name. I have never known where to write to her, or I would have + done so.” + </p> + <p> + “O, very well,” said Bobus, “you had better invite them both to share the + menage in Collingwood Street.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Bobus,” said Jock. “You have no right to say such things.” + </p> + <p> + “Only that all this might as well have been left undone if my mother is to + rush on them to ask their pardon and beg them to receive her with open + arms. I mean, mother,” he added with a different manner, “if you give one + inch to that Greek, he will make it a mile, and as to Janet, if she can’t + bring down her pride to write to you like a daughter, I wouldn’t give a + rap for her receipt, and it might lead to intolerable pestering. Now you + know she can’t starve on £50 a year besides her medical education. + Wakefield will always know where she is, and you may be quite easy about + her.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline gave way to her son’s reasoning, as he thought, but no sooner was + she alone with Jock than she told him that he must take her to London to + see Janet in her lodgings before the departure for the States. + </p> + <p> + He was at her service, and as they did not mean to sleep in town, they + started at a preposterously early hour, with a certain mirth and gaiety at + thus eloping together, as the mother’s spirits rose at the bare idea of + seeing the first-born child for whom she had famished so long. Jock was + such a perfect squire of dames, and so chivalrously charmed to be her + escort, that her journey was delightful, nor did she grow sad till it was + over. Then, she could not eat the food he would have had her take at the + station, and he saw tears standing in her eyes as he sat beside her in the + omnibus. When they were set down they walked swiftly and without a word to + the lodgings. + </p> + <p> + Dr. and Mrs. Hermann had “left two days ago,” said the untidy girl, whose + aspect, like that of the street and house, betokened that Janet was + drinking of her bitter brewst. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do, mother?” asked Jock. “You ought to rest. Will you go to + Mrs. Acton or Mrs. Lucas, while I run down to Wakefield’s office and find + out about them?” + </p> + <p> + “To Miss Ray’s, I think,” she said faintly. “Nita may know their plans. + Here’s the address,” taking a little book from her pocket, and ruffling + over the leaves, “you must find it. I can’t see. O, but I can walk!” as he + hailed a cab, and helped her into it, finding the address and jumping + after her, while she sank back in the corner. + </p> + <p> + Very small and shrunken did she look when he took her out at the door + leading to rooms over a stationer’s shop. The sisters were somewhat better + off than formerly, though good old Miss Ray was half ashamed of it, since + it was chiefly owing to the liberal allowance from Mrs. Brownlow for the + chaperonage in which she felt herself to have so sadly failed. + </p> + <p> + Jock saw his mother safe in the hands of the kind old lady, heard that the + pair were really gone, and departed for his interview with Mr. Wakefield. + No sooner had the papers been signed, and the £500 made over to them, than + the Hermanns had hurried away a fortnight earlier than they had spoken of + going. It was much like an escape from creditors, but the reason assigned + was an invitation to lecture in New York. + </p> + <p> + So there was nothing for it but to put up with Miss Ray’s account of + Janet, and even that was second-hand, for the gentle spirit of the good + old lady had been so roused at the treachery of the stolen marriage that + she had refused to see the couple, and when Nita had once brought them in, + she had retired to her bedroom. + </p> + <p> + Nita was gone on a professional engagement into the country for a week. + According to what she had told her sister, Demetrius and Janet were + passionately attached, and his manner was only too endearing; but Miss Ray + had disliked the subject so much that she had avoided it in a way she now + regretted. + </p> + <p> + “Everything I have done has turned out wrong,” she said with tears running + down her cheeks. “Even this! I would give anything to be able to tell you + of poor Janet, and yet I thought my silence was for the best, for Nita and + I could not mention her without quarrelling as we had never done before. + O, Mrs. Brownlow, I can’t think how you have ever forgiven me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can forgive every one but myself,” said Caroline sadly. “If I had + understood how to be a better mother, this would never have been.” + </p> + <p> + “You! the most affectionate and devoted.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but I see now it was only human love without the true moving spring, + and so my poor child grew up without it, and these are the fruits.” + </p> + <p> + “But my dear, my dear, one can’t <i>give</i> these things. Poor Janet + always was a headstrong girl, like my poor Nita. I know what you mean, and + how one feels that if one had been better oneself,” said poor Miss Ray, + ending in utter entanglement, but tender sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “She might have been a child of many prayers,” said the poor mother. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but that she can still be,” said the old lady. “She will turn back + again, my dear. Never fear. I don’t think I could die easy if I did not + believe she would!” + </p> + <p> + Jock brought back word that the lawyer had been entirely unaware of the + Hermanns’ departure, and thought it looked bad. He had seen them both, and + his report was less brilliant than Nita’s. Indeed Jock kept back the + details, for Mr. Wakefield had described Mrs. Hermann as much altered, + thin, haggard, shabby, and anxious, and though her husband fawned upon her + demonstratively before spectators, something in her eyes betokened a + certain fear of him. He had also heard that Elvira was still making + visits. There was a romance about her, which, in addition to her beauty + and future wealth, made people think her a desirable guest. She was always + more agreeable with strangers than in her own family; and as to the + needful funds, she had her ample allowance; and no doubt her expectations + secured her unlimited credit. Her conduct was another pang, but it was + lost in the keener pain Janet had given. + </p> + <p> + As his mother could not bear to face any one else, Jock thought the sooner + he could get her home the better, and all they did was to buy some of + Armine’s favourite biscuits, and likewise to stop at Rivington’s, where + she chose the two smallest and neatest Greek Testaments she could find. + </p> + <p> + They reached home three hours before they were expected, and she went up + at once to her room and her bed, leaving Jock to make the explanations, + and receive all Bobus’s indignation at having allowed her to knock herself + up by such a foolish expedition. + </p> + <p> + Chill, fatigue, and, far more, grief after her long course of worry really + did bring on a feverish attack, so unprecedented in her that it upset the + whole family, and if Mr. Ogilvie had not been almost equally wretched + himself, he would have been amused to see these three great sons wandering + forlorn about the house like stray chicks who had lost their parent hen, + and imagining her ten times worse than she really was. + </p> + <p> + Babie was really useful as a nurse, and had very little time to comfort + them. And indeed they treated her as childish and trifling for assuring + them that neither patient, maid, nor doctor thought the ailment at all + serious. Bobus found some relief in laying the blame on Jock, but when + Armine heard the illness ascribed to a long course of anxiety and harass, + he was conscience-stricken, as he thought how often his perverse form of + resignation had baffled her pleadings and added to her vexations. Words, + impatiently heard at the moment, returned upon him, and compunction took + its outward effect in crossness. It was all that Jock could do by his + good-humoured banter and repartee to keep the peace between the other two + who, when unchecked by regard to their mother and Babie, seemed bent on + discussing everything on which they most disagreed. + </p> + <p> + Babie was a welcome messenger to Jock at least, when she brought word that + mother hoped Armine would attend to Percy Stagg, and would take him the + book she sent down for him. Her will was law in the present state of + things, and Armine set forth in dutiful disgust; but he found the lad so + really anxious about the lady, and so much brightened and improved, that + he began to take an interest in him and promised a fresh lesson with + alacrity. + </p> + <p> + His next step in obedience was to take out his books; but Bobus had no + mind for them, and said it was too late. If Armine had really worked + diligently all the autumn, he might have easily entered King’s College, + London; but now he had thrown away his chance. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ogilvie found him with his books on the table, plunged in utter + despondency. “Your mother is not worse?” he asked in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no; she is very comfortable, and the doctor says she may get up + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Then is it the Greek?” said Mr. Ogilvie, much relieved. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Bobus says my rendering is perfectly ridiculous.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you preparing for him?” + </p> + <p> + “No. He is sick of me, and has no time to attend to me now.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mr. Ogilvie,” said Armine, looking up with his ingenuous eyes. “I + don’t deserve it. Besides, Bobus says it is of no use now. I’ve wasted too + much time ever to get into King’s.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to judge of that. Suppose I examined you—not now, but + to-morrow morning. Meantime, how do you construe this chorus? It is a + tough one.” + </p> + <p> + Armine winked out of his eyes the tears that had risen at the belief that + he had really in his wilfulness lost the hope of fulfilling the higher + aims of his life, and with a trembling voice translated the passage he had + been hammering over. A word from Mr. Ogilvie gave him the clue, and when + that stumbling-block was past, he acquitted himself well enough to warrant + a little encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Armine. We shall make a fair scholar of you, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t deserve you should be so kind. I see now what a fool I have + been,” said Armine, his eyes filling again, with tears. + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to talk of that now,” said Mr. Ogilvie. “I only looked in + to hear how your mother was. Bring down whatever books you have been + getting up at twelve to-morrow; or if it is a wet day, I will come to + you.” + </p> + <p> + Armine worked for this examination as eagerly as he had decorated for Miss + Parsons, and in the face of the like sneers; for Bobus really believed it + was all waste of time, and did not scruple to tell him so, and to laugh + when he consulted Jock, whose acquirements lay more in the way of military + mathematics and modern languages than of university requirements. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the report that Armine was reading Livy with all his might was one + of his mother’s best restoratives,—and still more that when he came + to wish her good-night, he said, “Mother, I’ve been a wretched, + self-sufficient brute all this time; I’m very sorry, and I’ll try to go on + better.” + </p> + <p> + And when she came downstairs to be petted and made much of by all the + four, she found that the true and original Armine had come back, instead + of Petronella’s changeling. Indeed, the danger now was that he would + overwork himself in his fervour, for Bobus’s continued ill-auguries only + acted as a stimulus; nor were they silenced till she begged as a personal + favour that he would not torment the boy. + </p> + <p> + Indeed her presence made life smooth and cheerful again to the young + people; there were no more rubs of temper, and Bobus, whose departure was + very near, showed himself softened. He was very fond of his mother, and + greatly felt the leaving her. He assured her that it was all for her sake, + and that he trusted to be able to lighten some of her burdens when his + first expenses were over. + </p> + <p> + “And mother,” he said, on his last evening, “you will let me sometimes + hear of my Esther?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Bobus, if you could only forget her!” + </p> + <p> + “Would you rob me of my great incentive—my sweet image of purity, + who rouses and guards all that is best in me? My ‘loyalty to my future + wife’ is your best hope for me, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if she were but any one else! How can I encourage you in disobedience + to your father and to hers?” + </p> + <p> + “You know what I think about that. When my Esther ventures to judge for + herself, these prejudices will give way. She shall not be disobedient, but + you will all perceive the uselessness of withholding my darling. + Meanwhile, I only ask you to let me see her name from time to time. You + won’t deny me that?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, I cannot refuse you that, but you must not assume more than + that I am sorry for you that your heart is set so hopelessly. Indeed, I + see no sign of her caring for you. Do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Her heart is not opened yet, but it will.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose it should do so to any one else?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a mere child; she has few opportunities; and if she had—well, + I think it would recall to her what she only half understood. I am content + to be patient—and, mother, you little know the good it does me to + think of her and think of you. It is well for us men that all women are + not like Janet.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet if you took away our faith, what would there be to hinder us from + being like my poor Janet?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid that I should take away any one’s honest faith; above all, + yours or Essie’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Except by showing that you think it just good enough for us.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I help it, any more than I can help that Belforest was left to + Elvira? Wishes and belief are two different things.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you help it if you could?” she earnestly asked. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated. “I might wish to satisfy you, mother, and other good folks, + but not to put myself in bondage to what has led blindfold to half the + dastardly and cruel acts on this earth, beautiful dream though it be.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my boy, it is my shame and grief that it is not a beautiful reality + to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You were too wise to bore us. You have only fancied that since you fell + in with the Evelyns.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, if I had only bred you up in the same spirit as the Evelyns!” + </p> + <p> + “It would not have answered. We are of different stuff. And after all, + Janet and I are your only black sheep. Jock has his convictions in a + strong, practical working order, as real to him as ever his drill and + order-book were. Good old fellow, he strikes me a good deal more than all + Ogilvie’s discussions.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ogilvie has talked to you?” + </p> + <p> + “He has done his part both as cleric and your devoted servant, mother, + and, I confess, made the best of his case, as an able man heartily + convinced can do. Good night, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “One moment, Bobus, my dear; I want one promise from you, to your old + Mother Carey. Call it a superstition and a charm if you will, but promise. + Take this Greek Testament, keep it with you, and read a few verses every + night. Promise me.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear mother, I am ready to promise. I have read those poems and letters + several times in the original.” + </p> + <p> + “But you will do this for me, beginning again when you have finished? + Promise.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, mother, since it comforts you,” said Bobus, in a tone that she + knew might be trusted. + </p> + <p> + The other little book, with the like request, in urgent and tender + entreaty, was made up into a parcel to be forwarded as soon as Mr. + Wakefield should learn Janet Hermann’s address. It was all that the mother + could do, except to pray that this living Sword of the Spirit might yet + pierce its way to those closed hearts. + </p> + <p> + Nor was she quite happy about Barbara. Hitherto the girl had seemed, as it + were, one with Armine, and had been led by his precocious piety into + similar habits and aspirations, which had been fostered by her intercourse + with Sydney and the sharing with her of many a blissful and romantic + dream. + </p> + <p> + All this, however, was altered. Petronella had drawn Armine aside one way, + and now that he was come back again, he did not find the same perfectly + sympathetic sister as before. Bobus had not been without effect upon her, + as the impersonation of common sense and antagonism to Miss Parsons. It + had not shown at the time, for his domineering tone and his sneers always + impelled her to stand up for her darling; but when he was “poor Bobus” + gone into exile and bereft of his love, certain poisonous germs attached + to his words began to grow. There was no absolute doubt—far from it—but + there was an impatience of the weariness and solemnity of religion. + </p> + <p> + To enjoy Church privileges to the full, and do good works under Church + direction, had in their wandering life been a dream of modern chivalry + which she had shared with Sydney, much as they had talked of going on a + crusade. And now she found these privileges very tedious, the good works + onerous, and she viewed them somewhat as she might have regarded Coeur de + Lion’s camp had she been set down in it. Armine would have gone on hearing + nothing but “Remember the Holy Sepulchre,” but Barbara would soon have + seen every folly and failure that spoiled the glory of the army—even + though she might not question its destination—and would have been + unfeignedly weary of its discipline. + </p> + <p> + So she hung back from the frequent Church ordinances of St. Cradocke’s, + being allowed to do as she pleased about everything extra; she made fun of + the peculiarities of the varieties of the genus Petronella who naturally + hung about it, and adopted the popular tone about the curates, till Jock + told her “not to be so commonplace.” Indeed both he and Armine had made + friends with them, as he did with every one; and Armine’s enjoyment of the + society of a new, young, bright deacon, who came at Christmas, perhaps + accounted for a little of her soreness, and made Armine himself less + observant that the two were growing apart. + </p> + <p> + Her mother saw it though, and being seconded by Jock, found it easier than + of old to keep the tables free from sceptical and semi-sceptical + literature; but this involved the loss of much that was clever, and there + was no avoiding those envenomed shafts that people love to strew about, + and which, for their seeming wit and sense, Babie always relished. She did + not think—that was the chief charge; and she was still a joyous + creature, even though chafing at the dulness of St. Cradocke’s. + </p> + <p> + “Gould and another versus Brownlow and another, to be heard on the 18th,” + Mr. Wakefield writes. “So we must leave our peaceful harbour to face the + world again!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m so glad!” cried Barbara. “I am fairly tingling to be in the thick + of it again!” + </p> + <p> + “You ungrateful infant,” said Armine, “when this place has done every one + so much good!” + </p> + <p> + “So does bed; but I feel as if it were six in the morning and I couldn’t + get the shutters open!” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if Mr. Ogilvie will think me fit to go in for matriculation for + the next term?” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “And I ought to go up for lectures,” said Jock, who had been reading hard + all this time under directions from Dr. Medlicott. “I might go on before, + and see that the house is put in order before you come home, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Home! It sounds more like going home than ever going back to Belforest + did!” + </p> + <p> + “And we’ll make it the very moral of the old times. We’ve got all the old + things!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know about the old times—baby that you are and were?” + said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “The Drakes move to-morrow,” said his mother. “I must write to your aunt + and Richards about sending the things from Belforest. We must have it at + its best before Ali comes home.” + </p> + <p> + “All right!” said Babie. “You know our own things have only to go back + into their places, and the Drake carpets go on. It will be such fun; as + nice as the getting into the Folly!” + </p> + <p> + “Nice you call that?” said her mother. “All I remember is the disgrace we + got into and the fright I was in! I wonder what the old home will bring + us?” + </p> + <p> + “Life and spirit and action,” cried Babie. “Oh, I’m wearying for the sound + of the wheels and the flow of people!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you little Cockney!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. I was born one, and I am thankful for it! There’s nothing to + do here.” + </p> + <p> + “Babie!” cried Armine, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you and Jock have read a great deal, and he has plunged into + night-schools.” + </p> + <p> + “And become a popular lecturer,” added Armine. + </p> + <p> + “And you and mother have cultivated Percy Stagg, and gone to Church a + great deal—pour passer le temps.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you discontented mortal!” said her mother, rising to write her + letters. “You have yet to learn that what is stagnation to some is rest to + others.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, mother, I know it was very good for you, but I’m heartily glad it + is over. Sea and Ogre are all very well for once in a way, but they pall, + especially in an east wind English fog!” + </p> + <p> + “My Babie, I hope you are not spoilt by all the excitements of our last + few years,” said the mother. “You won’t find life in Collingwood Street + much like life in Hyde Corner.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it will be <i>life</i>, and that’s what I care for!” + </p> + <p> + No, Barbara, used to constant change, and eager for her schemes of + helpfulness, could not be expected to enjoy the peacefulness of St. + Cradocke’s as the others had done. To Armine, indeed, it had been the + beginning of a new life of hope and vigour, and a casting off of the + slough of morbid self-contemplation, induced by his invalid life, and + fostered at Woodside. He had left off the romance of being early doomed, + since his health had stood the trial of the English winter, and under Mr. + Ogilvie’s bracing management, seconded by Jock’s energetic companionship, + he had learnt to look to active service, and be ready to strive for it. + </p> + <p> + To Jock, the time had been a rest from the victory which had cost him so + dear, and though the wounds still smarted, there had been nothing to call + them into action; and he had fortified himself against the inevitable + reminders he should meet with in London. He had been studying with all his + might for the preliminary examination, and eagerness in so congenial a + pursuit was rapidly growing on him, while conversations with Mr. Ogilvie + had been equally pleasant to both, for the ex-schoolmaster thoroughly + enjoyed hearing of the scientific world, and the young man was heartily + glad of the higher light he was able to shed on his studies, and for being + shown how to prevent the spiritual world from being obscured by the + physical, and to deal with the difficulties that his brother’s materialism + had raised for him. He had never lost, and trusted never to lose, hold of + his anchor in the Rock; but he had not always known how to answer when + called on to prove its existence and trace the cable. Thus the winter at + St. Cradocke’s had been very valuable to him personally, and he had been + willing to make return for the kindness for which he felt so grateful, by + letting the Vicar employ him in the night-schools, lectures, and parish + diversions—all in short for which a genial and sensible young layman + is invaluable, when he can be caught. + </p> + <p> + And for their mother herself, she had been sheltered from agitation, and + had gathered strength and calmness, though with her habitual want of + self-consciousness she hardly knew it, and what she thanked her old friend + for was what he had done for her sons, especially Armine. “He and I shall + be grateful to you all the rest of our lives,” she said, with her bright + eyes glistening. + </p> + <p> + David Ogilvie, in his deep, silent, life-long romance, felt that precious + guerdons sometimes are won at an age which the young suppose to be past + all feeling—guerdons the more precious and pure because unconnected + with personal hopes or schemes. He still knew Caroline to be as entirely + Joseph Brownlow’s own as when he had first perceived it, ten years ago, + but all that was regretful jealousy was gone. His idealisation of her had + raised and moulded his life, and now that she had grown into the reality + of that ideal, he was content with the sunshine she had brought, and the + joy of having done her a real service, little as she guessed at the + devoted homage that prompted it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — BLIGHTED BEINGS. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Allen-a-Dale has no faggot for burning, + Allen-a-Dale has no farrow for turning, + Allen-a-Dale has no fleece for the spinning, + Yet Allen-a-Dale has red gold for the winning. + Scott. +</pre> + <p> + The little family raft put forth from the haven of shelter into the stormy + waves. The first experience was, as Jock said, that large rooms and + country clearness had been demoralising, or, as Babie averred, the bad + taste and griminess of the Drake remains were invincible, for when the old + furniture and pictures were all restored to the old places, the tout + ensemble was so terribly dingy and confined that the mother could hardly + believe that it was the same place that had risen in her schoolgirl eyes + as a vision of home brightness. Armine was magnanimously silent, but what + would be the effect on Allen, who had been heard of at Gibraltar, and was + sure to return before the case was heard in court? + </p> + <p> + “We must give up old associations, and try what a revolution will do,” + Mother Carey said. + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah!” cried Babie; “I was feeling totally overpowered by that awful + round table, but I thought it was the very core of mother’s heart.” + </p> + <p> + “So did I,” said the mother herself, “when I remember how we used to sit + round with the lamp in the middle, and spin the whole table when we wanted + a drawer on the further side. But it won’t bring back those who sat there! + and now the light falls anywhere but where it is wanted, and our goods get + into each other’s way! Yes, Babie, you may dispose of it in the back + drawing-room and bring in your whole generation of little tables.” + </p> + <p> + There was opportunity for choice, for the house was somewhat overfull of + furniture, since besides the original plenishing of the Pagoda, all that + was individual property had been sent from Belforest, and this included a + great many choice and curious articles, small and great, all indeed that + any one cared much about, except the more intrinsically valuable gems of + art. It had been all done between Messrs. Wakefield, Gould, and Richards, + who had sent up far more than Mrs. Brownlow had marked, assuring her that + she need not scruple to keep it. + </p> + <p> + So by the time twilight came on the second evening, when the whole family + were feeling exceedingly bruised, weary, and dusty, such a transformation + had been effected that each of the four, on returning from the much needed + toilet, stood at the door exclaiming—“This is something like;” and + when John arrived, a little later, he looked round with— + </p> + <p> + “This is almost as nice as the Folly. How does Mother Carey manage to make + things like herself and nobody else?” + </p> + <p> + Allen’s comment a few days later was—“What’s the use of taking so + much trouble about a dingy hole which you can’t make tolerable even if you + were to stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean it to be my home till my M.D. son takes a wife and turns me out.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother, you don’t suppose that ridiculous will can hold water?” + </p> + <p> + “You know I don’t contest it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, but they will not look at it for a moment in the Probate Court.” + </p> + <p> + Some chance friend whom he had met abroad had suggested this to Allen, and + he had gradually let his wish become hope, and his hope expectation, till + he had come home almost secure of a triumph, which would reinstate his + mother, and bring Elvira back to him, having learnt the difference between + true friends and false. + </p> + <p> + It was a proportionate blow when no difficulty was made about proving the + will. As the trustees acted, Mrs. Brownlow had not to appear, but Allen + haunted the Law Courts with his uncle and saw the will accepted as legal. + Nothing remained but another amicable action to put Elvira de Menella in + possession. + </p> + <p> + He was in a state of nervous excitement at every postman’s knock, making + sure, poor fellow, that Elvira’s first use of her victory would be to + return to him. But all that was heard of was a grand reception at + Belforest, bands, banners, horsemen, triumphal arches, banquet, speeches, + toasts, and ball, all, no doubt, in “Gould taste.” The penny-a-liner of + the Kenminster paper outdid himself in the polysyllables of his + description, while Colonel Brownlow briefly wrote that “all was as + insolent as might be expected, and he was happy to say that most of the + county people and some of the tenants showed their good feeling by their + absence.” + </p> + <p> + Over this Mrs. Brownlow would not rejoice. She did not like the poor girl + to be left to such society as her aunt would pick up, and she wrote on her + behalf to various county neighbours; but the heiress had already come to + the house in Hyde Corner, chaperoned by her aunt, who, fortified by the + trust that she was “as good as Mrs. Joseph Brownlow,” had come to fight + the battle of fashion, with Lady Flora Folliott for an ally. + </p> + <p> + The name of George Gould, Esquire, was used on occasion, but he was + usually left in peace at his farm with his daughter Mary, with whom her + step-mother had decided that nothing could be done. Kate was made + presentable by dress and lessons in deportment, and promoted to be white + slave, at least so Armine and Barbara inferred, from her constrained and + frightened manner when they met her in a shop, though she was evidently + trying to believe herself very happy. + </p> + <p> + Allen was convinced at last that he was designedly given up, and so far + from trying to meet his faithless lady, dejectedly refused all society + where he could fall in with her, and only wandered about the parks to feed + his melancholy with distant glimpses of her on horseback, while Armine and + Barbara, who held Elvira very cheap, were wicked enough to laugh at him + between themselves and term him the forsaken merman. + </p> + <p> + Jock had likewise given up his old connections with fashionable life. + Several times, if anything were going on, or if he met a former brother + officer in the street, he would be warmly invited to come and take his + share, or to dine with the mess; he might have played in cricket matches + and would have been welcome as a frequent guest; but he had made up his + mind that this would only lead to waste of time and money, and steadily + declined, till the invitations ceased. It would have cost him more had any + come from Cecil Evelyn, but all that had been seen of him was a couple of + visiting-cards. The rest of the family had not come to town for the + season, and though the two mothers corresponded as warmly as ever, and + Fordham and Armine exchanged letters, there was a sort of check and chill + upon the friendship between the two young girls, of which each understood + only her own half. + </p> + <p> + Jock said nothing, but he seemed to have grown mother-sick, spent all his + leisure moments in haunting his mother’s steps, helping her in whatever + she was about, and telling her everything about his studies and + companions, as if she were the great solace of the life that had become so + much less bright to him. + </p> + <p> + In general he showed himself as droll as ever, but there were days when, + as John said, “all the skip was gone out of the Jack.” The good Monk was + puzzled by the change, which he did not think quite worthy of his cousin, + having—though the son of a military man—a contempt for the + pomp and circumstance of war. He marvelled to see Jock affectionately hook + up his sword over the photograph of Engelberg above his mantelshelf; and + he hesitated to join the volunteers, as his aunt wished, by way of + compelling variety and exercise. Jock, however, decided on so doing, that + Sydney might own at least that he was ready for a call to arms for his + country. He did not like to think that she was reading a report of Sir + Philip Cameron’s campaign, in which the aide-de-camp happened to receive + honourable mention for a dashing and hazardous ride. + </p> + <p> + “Why, old fellow, what makes you so down in the mouth?” said John, on that + very day as the two cousins were walking home from a lecture. They had had + to get into a door-way to avoid the rush of rabble escorting a regiment of + household troops on their way to the station, and Lucas had afterwards + walked the length of two streets without a word. “You don’t mean that you + are hankering after all this style of thing—row and all the rest of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a good deal more going to it than row,” said Jock, rather + heavily. + </p> + <p> + “What, that donkey, Evelyn, having cut you? I should not trouble myself + much on that score, though I did think better of him at Eton.” + </p> + <p> + “He hasn’t cut me,” Jock made sharp return. + </p> + <p> + “One pasteboard among all the family,” grunted the Friar. “I reserve to + myself the satisfaction of cutting him dead the next opportunity,” he + added magniloquently. + </p> + <p> + Jock laughed, as he was of course intended to do, but there was such a + painful ring in the laugh that John paused and said— + </p> + <p> + “That’s not all, old fellow! Come, make a clean breast of it, my fair son. + Thou dost weary of thy vocation.” + </p> + <p> + “No such thing,” exclaimed Jock, with an inaudible growl between his + teeth. “Trust Kencroft for boring on!” and aloud, with some impatience, + “It is just what I would have chosen for its own sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said John, still keeping up the grand philosophical air and + demeanour, though with real kindness and desire to show sympathy, “thou + art either entangled by worldly scruples, leading thee to disdain the + wholesome art of healing, or thou art, like thy brother, the victim of the + fickle sex.” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” said Jock, pushed beyond endurance; “can’t you understand that + some things can’t be talked of?” + </p> + <p> + “Whew!” John whistled, and surveyed him rather curiously from head to + foot. “It is another case of deluded souls not knowing what an escape + they’ve had. What! she thought you a catch in the old days.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all you know about it!” said Jock. “She is not that sort. The + poverty is nothing, but there’s a fitness in things. Women, the best of + them, think much of what I suppose you call the row. It fits in with all + their chivalry and romance.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she’s a fool,” said John, shortly. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t stand any more of this, Monk, I tell you. You know just nothing + at all about it, and I’ve no right to complain, nor any one to bait me + with questions.” + </p> + <p> + The Monk took the hint, and when they reached their own street Jock said— + </p> + <p> + “You meant it all kindly, Reverend Friar, but there are things that won’t + stand probing, as you’ll know some day.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor old chap,” said John, with his hand on his shoulder, “I’ll not + bother you any more. The veil shall be sacred. If this has been going on + all the time, I wonder you have carried it off so well!” + </p> + <p> + “Ali is a caution,” said Jock, who had shaken himself into his ordinary + manner. “What would become of Babie with two blighted beings on her hands? + Besides, he has some excuse, and I have not.” + </p> + <p> + After this at every carriage to which Lucas bowed, John frowned, and + scanned the inmates in search of the fair deceiver, never making a guess + in the right direction. + </p> + <p> + John had enough of the Kencroft character not to be original. Set him to + work, and he had plenty of intelligence and energy, perhaps more absolute + force and power than his cousin Lucas; but he would never devise things + for himself, and was not discursive, pausing at novelties, because his + nature was so thorough that he could not take up anything without spending + his very utmost force upon it. + </p> + <p> + His University training made him an excellent aid to Armine, who went up + for his examination at King’s College and acquitted himself so well as to + be admitted to begin his terms after the long vacation. + </p> + <p> + Indeed he and Barbara had drawn together again more. She had her home + tasks and her classes at King’s College, and did not fret as at St. + Cradocke’s for want of work; she enjoyed the full tide of life, and had + plenty of sympathy for whatever did not come before her in a “goody” + aspect, and, though there might be little depth of serious reflection in + her, she was a very charming member of the household. Then her enjoyment + of society was gratified, for society of her own kind had by no means + forgotten one so agreeable as Mrs. Brownlow, and whereas, in her + prosperity, she had never dropped old friends, they welcomed her back as + one of themselves, resuming the homely inexpensive gatherings where the + brains were more consulted than the palate, aesthetics more than fashion. + She was glad of it for the young people’s sake as well as her own, and + returned to her old habit of keeping open house one evening in the week + between eight and ten, with cups of coffee and varieties of cheap foreign + drinks, and slight but dainty cakes made by herself and Babie according to + lessons taken together at the school of cookery. + </p> + <p> + As Allen declared these evenings a grievance, and often thought himself + unable to bear family chatter, she had made the old consulting room as + like his luxurious apartment at home as furniture and fittings could do, + and he was always free to retire thither. Indeed the toleration and + tenderness with which his mother treated him were a continual wonder and + annoyance to Barbara, the active little busy bee, who not unjustly + considered him the drone of the family, and longed to sting him, not to + death but to exertion. + </p> + <p> + It was provoking that when all the other youths had long finished + breakfast and gone forth, Mother Carey should wait lingering in the + dining-room to cherish some delicate hot morceau and cup of coffee, till + the tardy, soft-falling feet came down the stairs, and then sit patiently + as long as he chose to dally with his meal, telling how little he had + slept. Babie had tried her tongue on both, but Allen, when she shouted at + his door that breakfast was ready, came forth no sooner, and when he did + so, told his mother that he could not have children screaming at his door + at all hours of the morning. Mother Carey replied to her impatient + champion that while waiting for Allen was her time for writing letters and + reading amusing books, and that the day was only too long for him already, + poor fellow, without urging him to make it longer. + </p> + <p> + “More shame for him,” muttered pitiless sixteen. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast Allen generally strolled out to see the papers or to + bestow his time somewhere—in the picture galleries or in the British + Museum, where he had a reading order; but it was always uncertain whether + he would disappear for the whole day, shut himself up in his own room, or + hang about the drawing-room, very much injured if his mother could not + devote herself to him. Indeed she always did so, except when she was bound + to take Barbara to some of her classes (including cookery), or when she + had promised herself to Dr. and Mrs. Lucas, who were now both very infirm, + and knew not how to be thankful enough for the return of one who became + like a daughter to them; while Jock, their godson, at once made himself + like the best of grandsons, and never failed to give them a brightening, + cheering hour every Sunday. + </p> + <p> + The science of cookery was by no means a needless task, for the cook was + very plain, and Allen’s appetite was dainty, and comfort at dinner could + only be hoped for by much thought and contrivance. Allen was never + discourteous to his mother herself, but he would look at her in piteous + reproach, and affect to charge all failures on the cook, or on “children + being allowed to meddle,” the most cutting thing to Babie he could say. + Then the two Johns always took up the cudgels, and praised the food with + all their might. Indeed the Friar was often sensible of a strong desire to + flog the dawdling melancholy out of his cousin, and force him no longer to + hang a dead weight on his mother; and even Jock began to be annoyed at her + unfailing patience and pity, though he understood her compassion better + than did those who had never felt a wound. + </p> + <p> + She did in truth blame herself for having given him no profession, and + having acquiesced in the indolent dilettante habits which made all harder + to him now; and she was not certain how far it was only his fancy that his + health and nerves were perilously affected, though Dr. Medlicott, whom she + secretly consulted, assured her that the only remedies needed were good + sense and something to do. + </p> + <p> + At last, at Midsummer, the crisis came in a heavy discharge of bills, the + consequence of Allen’s incredulity as to their poverty and incapability of + economising. He said “the rascals could wait,” and “his mother need not + trouble herself.” She said they must be paid, and she found it could be + done at the cost of giving up spending August at St. Cradocke’s, as well + as of breaking into her small reserve for emergencies. + </p> + <p> + But she told Allen that she insisted on his making some exertion for his + own maintenance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Allen in languid assent. + </p> + <p> + “I know it is harder at your age to find occupation.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the point. I can easily find something to do. There’s + literature. Or I could take up art. And last year there was a Hungarian + Count who would have given anything to get me for a tutor.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why didn’t you go?” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, you ask me why!” + </p> + <p> + “I know you had not made up your mind to the worst, but it is a pity you + missed the opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be more,” said Allen loftily. “I never meant to be a burden, + but ladies are so impatient, I suppose you do not wish to turn me out + instantly to seek my fortune. No, mother, I do not mean to blame you. You + have been sadly harassed, and no woman can ever enter into what I have + suffered. Put aside those bills. Long before Christmas, I shall be able to + discharge them myself.” + </p> + <p> + So Allen wrote to Bobus’s friend at Oxford, but he of course did not keep + a pocketful of Hungarian Counts. He answered one or two advertisements for + a travelling tutor, and had one personal interview, the result of which + was that he could have nothing to do with such insufferable snobs. He also + concocted an advertisement beginning with “M.A., Oxford, accustomed to the + best society and familiar with European languages,” but though the + newspapers charged highly for it, he only received one answer, except + those from agents, and that, he said with illimitable disgust, was from a + Yankee. + </p> + <p> + Meantime he turned over his poems, and made Barbara copy out a ballad he + had written for the “Traveller’s Joy” on some local tradition in the + Tyrol. He offered this to a magazine, whose editor, a lady, was an + occasional frequenter of Mrs. Brownlow’s evenings. The next time she came, + she showed herself so much interested in the legend that Allen said he + should like to show her another story, which he had written for the same + domestic periodical. + </p> + <p> + “Would it serve for our Christmas number?” + </p> + <p> + “I will have it copied out and send it for you to look at,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “If it is at hand, I had better cast my eye over it, to judge whether it + be worth while to copy it. I shall set forth on my holiday journey the day + after to-morrow, and I should like to have my mind at rest about my + Christmas number.” + </p> + <p> + So she carried off with her the Algerine number of the “Joy,” and in a + couple of days returned it with a hasty note— + </p> + <p> + “A capital little story, just young and sentimental enough to make it + taking, and not overdone. Please let me have it, with a few verbal + corrections, ready for the press when I come home at the end of September. + It will bring you in about £15.” + </p> + <p> + Allen was modestly elated, and only wished he had gone to one of the + periodicals more widely circulated. It was plain that literature was his + vocation, and he was going to write a novel to be published in a serial, + the instalments paying his expenses for the trial. The only doubt was what + it should be about, whether a sporting tale of modern life, or a + historical story in which his familiarity with Italian art and scenery + would be available. Jock advised the former, Armine inclined to the + latter, for each had tried his hand in his own particular line in the + “Traveller’s Joy,” and wanted to see his germ developed. + </p> + <p> + To write in the heat and glare of London was, however, manifestly + impossible in Allen’s eyes, and he must recruit himself by a yachting + expedition to which an old acquaintance had invited him half + compassionately. Jock shrugged his shoulders on hearing of it, and + observed that a tuft always expected to be paid in service, if in no other + way, and he doubted Allen’s liking it, but that was his affair. Jock + himself with his usual facility of making friends, had picked up a big + north-country student, twice as large as himself, with whom he meant to + walk through the scenery of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, as far as the modest + sum they allowed themselves would permit, after which he was to make a + brief stay in his friend’s paternal Cumberland farm. He had succeeded in + gaining a scholarship at the Medical School of his father’s former + hospital, and this, with the remains of the price of his commission, still + made him the rich man of the family. John was of course going home, and + Mrs. Brownlow and the two younger ones had a warm invitation from their + friends at Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “I should like Armie to go,” said the mother in conference with Babie, her + cabinet councillor. + </p> + <p> + “O yes, Armie must go,” said Babie, “but—” + </p> + <p> + “Then it will not disappoint you to stay at home, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “I had much rather not go, if Sydney will not mind very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Babie, I had resolved to stay here this summer, and I thought you + would not wish to go without me.” + </p> + <p> + “O no, no, NO, NO, mother,” and her face and neck burnt with blushes. + </p> + <p> + “Then my Infanta and I will be thoroughly cosy together, and get some + surprises ready for the others.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah! We’ll do the painting of the doors. What fun it will be to see + London empty.” + </p> + <p> + The male population were horribly scandalised at the decision. Jock and + Armine wanted to give up their journey, and John implored his aunt to come + to Kencroft; but she only promised to send Babie there if she saw signs of + flagging, and the Infanta laughed at the notion, and said she had had an + overdose of country enough to last her for years. Allen said ladies + overdid everything, and that Mother Carey could not help being one of the + sex, and then he asked her for £10, and said Babie would have plenty of + time to copy out “The Single Eye.” She pouted “I thought you were going to + put the finishing touches.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve marked them for you. Why, Barbara, I am surprised,” he added in an + elder brotherly tone; “you ought to be thankful to be able to be useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Useful! I’ve lots of things to do! And you?” + </p> + <p> + “As if I could lug that great MS. of yours about with me on board + Apthorpe’s yacht.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Allen,” said his mother, who had not been intended to hear + all this. “I will do it for you; but Miss Editor must not laugh at my + peaked governessy hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not mean that, mother, only Babie ought not to be disobliging.” + </p> + <p> + “Babie has a good deal to do. She has an essay to write for her professor, + you know, and her hands are pretty full.” + </p> + <p> + Babie too said, “Mother, I never meant you to undertake it. Please let me + have it now. Only Allen will never do anything for himself that he can get + any one else to do.” + </p> + <p> + “He could not well do it on board the yacht, my dear. And I don’t want you + to have so much writing on your hands.’ + </p> + <p> + “And so you punish me,” sighed Barbara, more annoyed than penitent. + </p> + <p> + However, nothing could be more snug and merry than the mother and daughter + when left together, for they were like two sisters and suited one another + perfectly. Babie was disappointed that London would not look emptier even + in the fashionable squares, which she insisted on exploring in search of + solitude. They made little gay outings in a joyous spirit of adventure, + getting up early and going by train to some little station, with an + adjacent expanse of wood or heather, whence they came home with their + luncheon basket full of flowers, wherewith to gladden Mrs. Lucas’s eyes, + and those of Mother Carey’s district. They prepared their surprises too. + Several hopelessly dingy panels were painted black and adorned with + stately lilies and irises, with proud reed-maces, and twining honeysuckle, + and bryony, fluttered over by dragon-flies and butterflies, from the brush + of mother and daughter. The stores from Belforest further supplied + hangings for brackets, and coverings for cushions, under the dainty + fingers of the Infanta, who had far more of the household fairy about her + than had her mother, perhaps from having grown up in a home instead of a + school, and besides, from being bent on having the old house a delightsome + place. + </p> + <p> + Indeed her mother was really happier than for many years, for the sense of + failing in her husband’s charge had left her since she had seen Jock by + his own free will on the road to the quest, and likely also to fulfil the + moral, as well as the scientific, conditions attached to it. She did feel + as if her dream was being realised and the golden statues becoming warmed + into life, and though her heart ached for Janet, she still hoped for her. + So, with a mother’s unfailing faith, she believed in Allen’s dawning + future even while another sense within her marvelled, as she copied, at + the acceptance of “The Single Eye.” But then, was it not well-known that + loving eyes see the most faults, and was not an editor the best judge of + popularity? + </p> + <p> + She had her scheme too. She had taken lessons some years ago at Rome in + her old art of modelling, and knew her eye and taste had improved in the + galleries. She had once or twice amused the household by figures executed + by her dexterous fingers in pastry or in butter; and in the empty house, + in her old studio, amid remnants of Bobus’s museum, she set to work on a + design that had long been in her mind asking her to bring it into being. + </p> + <p> + Thus the tete-a-tete was so successful that people’s pity was highly + diverting, and the vacation was almost too brief, though when the young + men began to return, it was a wonder how existence could have been so + agreeable without them. + </p> + <p> + Jock was first, having come home ten days sooner than his friends were + willing to part with him, determined if he found his ladies looking pale + to drag them out of town, if only to Ramsgate. + </p> + <p> + They met him in a glow of animation, and Babie hardly gave him time to lay + down his basket of ferns from the dale, and flowers from the garden, + before she threw open the folding doors to the back drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother, who sent you that group? Why do you laugh? Did Grinstead + lend it to Babie to copy? Young Astyanax, isn’t it? And, I say! Andromache + is just like Jessie. I say! Mother Carey didn’t do it. Well! She is an + astonishing little mother and no mistake. The moulding of it! Our + anatomical professor might lecture on Hector’s arm.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I, haven’t been a surgeon’s wife for nothing. Your father put me + through a course of arms and legs.” + </p> + <p> + “And we borrowed a baby,” said Babie. “Mrs. Jones, our old groom’s wife, + who lives in the Mews, was only too happy to bring it, and when it was + shy, it clung beautifully.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the helmet.” + </p> + <p> + “That was out of the British Museum.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Grinstead seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I kept it for my own public first.” + </p> + <p> + “What will you do with it? Put it into the Royal Academy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not big enough. I thought of offering it to the Works that used + to take my things in the old Folly days. They might do it in terra cotta, + or Parian.” + </p> + <p> + “Too good for a toy material like that,” said Jock. “Get some good opinion + before you part with it, mother. I wish we could keep it. I’m proud of my + Mother Carey.” + </p> + <p> + Allen, who came home next, only sighed at the cruel necessity of selling + such a work. He was in deplorable spirits, for Gilbert Gould was + superintending the refitting of a beautiful steam yacht, in which Miss + Menella meant to sail to the West Indies, with her uncle and aunt. + </p> + <p> + “I knew she would! I knew she would,” softly said Babie. + </p> + <p> + That did not console Allen, and his silence and cynicism about his hosts + gave the impression that he had outstayed his welcome, since he had + neither wealth, nor the social brilliance or subservience that might have + supplied its place. He had scarcely energy to thank his mother for her + faultless transcription of “The Single Eye,” and only just exerted himself + to direct the neat roll of MS. to the Editor. + </p> + <p> + The next day a note came for him. + </p> + <p> + “Mother what <i>have</i> you done?” he exclaimed. “What <i>did</i> you + send to the ‘Weathercock’?” + </p> + <p> + “‘The Single Eye.’ What? Not rejected?” + </p> + <p> + “See there!” + </p> + <p> + “DEAR MR. BROWNLOW,—I am afraid there has been some mistake. The + story I wished for is not this one, but another in the same MS. Magazine; + a charming little history of a boy’s capture by, and escape from, the + Moorish corsairs. Can you let me have it by Tuesday? I am very sorry to + have given so much trouble, but ‘The Single Eye’ will not suit my purpose + at all.” + </p> + <p> + “What does she mean?” demanded Allen. + </p> + <p> + “I see! It is a story of the children’s! ‘Marco’s Felucca.’ I looked at it + while I was copying, and thought how pretty it was. And now I remember + there were some pencil-marks!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it will please the children,” graciously said Allen. “I am not + sorry; I did not wish to make my debut in a second-rate serial like that, + and now I am quit of it. She is quite right. It is not her style of + thing.” + </p> + <p> + But Allen did not remember that he had spent the £15 beforehand, so as to + make it £25, and this made it fortunate that his mother’s group had been + purchased by the porcelain works, and another pair ordered. + </p> + <p> + Thus she could freely leave their gains to Armine and Babie, for the + latter declared the sum was alike due to both, since if she had the + readiest wit, her brother had the most discrimination, and the best choice + of language. The story was only signed A. B., and their mother made a + point of the authorship being kept a secret; but little notices of the + story in the papers highly gratified the young authors. + </p> + <p> + Armine, who had returned from a round of visits to St. Cradocke’s, + Fordham, Kenminster, and Woodside, confirmed the report of Elvira’s + intended voyage; but till the yacht was ready, the party had gone abroad, + leaving the management of the farm, and agency of the estate, to a very + worthy man named Whiteside, who had long been a suitor to Mary Gould, and + whom she was at last allowed to marry. He had at once made the Kencroft + party free of the park and gardens, and indeed John and Armine came laden + with gifts in poultry, fruit, and flowers from the dependants on the + estate to Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + Armine really looked quite healthy, nothing remaining of his former + ethereal air, but a certain expansiveness of brow and dreaminess of eye. + </p> + <p> + He greatly scrupled at halving the £15 when it was paid, but Barbara + insisted that he must take his share, and he then said— + </p> + <p> + “After all it does not signify, for we can do things together with it, as + we have always done.” + </p> + <p> + “What things?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am afraid I do want a few books.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I, terribly.” + </p> + <p> + “And there are some Christmas gifts I want to send to Woodside.” + </p> + <p> + “Woodside! oh!” + </p> + <p> + “And wouldn’t it be pleasant to put the choir at the iron Church into + surplices and cassocks for Christmas?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Armie, I do think we might have a little fun out of our own money.” + </p> + <p> + “What fun do you mean?” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “I want to subscribe to Rolandi’s, and to take in the ‘Contemporary,’ and + to have one real good Christmas party with tableaux vivants, and charades. + Mother says we can’t make it a mere surprise party, for people must have + real food, and I think it would be more pleasure to all of us than + presents and knicknacks.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you can do it,” said Armine, rather disappointed. “And if we + had in Percy Stagg, and the pupil teachers, and the mission people—” + </p> + <p> + “It would be awfully edifying and good-booky! Oh yes, to be sure, nearly + as good as hiding your little sooty shoe-blacks in surplices! But, my dear + Armie, I am so tired of edifying! Why should I never have any fun? Come, + don’t look so dismal. I’ll spare five shillings for a gown for old Betty + Grey, and if there’s anything left out after the party, you shall have it + for the surplices, and you’ll be Roland Graeme in my tableau?” + </p> + <p> + The next day Mother Carey found Armine with an elbow on each side of his + book and his hands in his hair, looking so dreamily mournful that she + apprehended a fresh attack of Petronella, but made her approaches warily. + </p> + <p> + “What have you there?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Dean Church’s lectures,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I want to make time to read them! But why have they sent you into + doleful dumps?” + </p> + <p> + “Not they,” said Armine; “but I wanted to read Babie a passage just now, + and she said she had no notion of making Sundays of week days, and ran + away. It is not only that, mother, but what is the matter with Babie? She + is quite different.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you only just seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have felt something indefinable between us, though I never could + bear to speak of it, ever since Bobus went. Do you think he did her any + harm?” + </p> + <p> + “A little, but not much. Shall I tell you the truth, Armine; can you bear + it?” + </p> + <p> + “What! did I disgust her when I was so selfish and discontented?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so much you, my boy, as the overdoing at Woodside! I can venture to + speak of it now, for I fancy you have got over the trance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother,” said Armine, smiling back to her in spite of himself, “I + have not liked to say so, it seemed a shame; but staying at the Vicarage + made me wonder at my being such an egregious ass last year! Do you know, I + couldn’t help it; but that good lady would seem to me quite mawkish in her + flattery! And how she does domineer over that poor brother of hers! Then + the fuss she makes about details, never seeming to know which are + accessories and which are principles. I don’t wonder that I was an + absurdity in the eyes of all beholders. But it is very sad if it has + really alienated my dear Infanta from all deeper and higher things!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so bad as that, my dear; my Babie is a good little girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, mother, I did not mean—” + </p> + <p> + “But it did break that unity between you, and prevent your leading her + insensibly. I fancy your two characters would have grown apart anyhow, but + this was the moving cause. Now I fancy, so far as I can see, that she is + more afraid of being wearied and restrained than of anything else. It is + just what I felt for many years of my life.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my boy; till the time of your illness, serious thought, religion and + all the rest, seemed to me a tedious tax; and though I always, I believe, + made it a rule to my conscience in practical matters, it has only very, + very lately been anything like the real joy I believe it has always been + to you. Believe that, and be patient with your little sister, for indeed + she is an unselfish, true, faithful little being, and some day she will go + deeper.” + </p> + <p> + Armine looked up to his mother, and his eyes were full of tears, as she + kissed him, and said— + </p> + <p> + “You will do her much more good if you sympathise with her in her innocent + pleasures than if you insist on dragging her into what she feels like + privations.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, mother,” he said. “It is due to her.” + </p> + <p> + And so, though the choir did have at least half Armine’s share of the + price of “Marco’s Felucca,” he threw himself most heartily into the + Christmas party, was the poet of the versified charade, acted the + strong-minded woman who was the chief character in “Blue Bell;” and he and + Jock gained universal applause. + </p> + <p> + Allen hardly appeared at the party. He had a fresh attack of sleepless + headache and palpitation, brought on by the departure of Miss Menella for + the Continent, and perhaps by the failure of “A Single Eye” with some of + the magazines. He dabbled a little with his mother’s clay, and produced a + nymph, who, as he persuaded her and himself, was a much nobler performance + than Andromache, but unfortunately she did not prove equally marketable. + And he said it was quite plain that he could not succeed in anything + imaginative till his health and spirits had recovered from the blow; but + he was ready to do anything. + </p> + <p> + So Dr. Medlicott brought in one day a medical lecture that he wanted to + have translated from the German, and told Allen that it would be well paid + for. He began, but it made his head ache; it was not a subject that he + could well turn over to Babie; and when Jock brought a message to say the + translation must be ready the next day, only a quarter had been attempted. + Jock sat up till three o’clock in the morning and finished it, but he + could not pain his mother by letting her know that her son had again + failed, so Allen had the money, and really believed, as he said, that all + Jock had done was to put the extreme end to it, and correct the medical + lingo of which he could not be expected to know anything. Allen was always + so gentle, courteous, and melancholy, that every one was getting out of + the habit of expecting him to do anything but bring home news, discover + anything worth going to see, sit at the foot of the table, and give his + verdict on the cookery. Babie indeed was sometimes provoked into snapping + at him, but he bore it with the amiable magnanimity of one who could + forgive a petulant child, ignorant of what he suffered. + </p> + <p> + Jock was borne up by a great pleasure that winter. One day at dinner, his + mother watched his eyes dancing, and heard the old boyish ring of mirth in + his laugh, and as she went up stairs at night, he came after and said— + </p> + <p> + “Fancy, I met Evelyn on the ice to-day. He wants to know if he may call.” + </p> + <p> + “What prevents him?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I believe the poor old chap is heartily ashamed of his airs. Indeed + he as good as said so. He has been longing to make a fresh start, only he + didn’t know how.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he used you very ill, Jock; but if you wish to be on the old + terms, I will do as you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Jock, in an odd apologetic voice, “you see the old beggar had + got into a pig-headed sort of pet last year. He said he would cut me if I + left the service, and so he felt bound to be as good as his word; but he + seems to have felt lost without us, and to have been looking out for a + chance of meeting. He was horribly humiliated by the Friar looking over + his head last week.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. If he chooses to call, here we are.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and don’t put on your cold shell, mother mine. After all, Evelyn is + Evelyn. There are wiser fellows, but I shall never warm to any one again + like him. Why, he was the first fellow who came into my room at Eton! I am + to meet him to-morrow after the lecture. May I bring him home?” + </p> + <p> + “If he likes. His mother’s son must have a welcome.” + </p> + <p> + She could not feel cordial, and she so much expected that the young + gentleman might be seized with a fresh fit of exclusive disdain, that she + would not mention the possibility, and it was an amazement to all save + herself when Jock appeared with the familiar figure in his wake. Guardsman + as he was, Cecil had the grace to look bashful, not to say shamefaced, and + more so at Mrs. Brownlow’s kindly reception, than at Barbara’s freezing + dignity. The young lady was hotly resentful on Jock’s behalf, and showed + it by a stiff courtesy, elevated eyebrows, and the merest tips of her + fingers. + </p> + <p> + Allen took it easily. He had been too much occupied with his own troubles + to have entered into all the complications with the Evelyn family; and + though he had never greatly cared for them, and had viewed Cecil chiefly + as an obnoxious boy, he was, in his mournful way, gratified by any + reminder of his former surroundings. So without malice prepense he stung + poor Cecil by observing that it was long since they had met; but no one + could be expected to find the way to the other end of nowhere. Cecil + blushed and stammered something about Hounslow, but Allen, who prided + himself on being the conversational man of the world, carried off the talk + into safe channels. + </p> + <p> + As Cecil was handing Mrs. Brownlow down to the dining-room, wicked Barbara + whispered to her cousin John— + </p> + <p> + “We’ve such a nice vulgar dinner. It couldn’t have been better if I’d + known it!” + </p> + <p> + John, whose wrath had evaporated in his “cut,” shook his head at her, but + partook of her diversion at her brother’s resignation at sight of a large + dish of boiled beef, with a suet pudding opposite to it, Allen was too + well bred to apologise, but he carved in the dainty and delicate style + befitting the single slice of meat interspersed between countless entrees. + </p> + <p> + Barbara began to relent as soon as Cecil, after making four mouthfuls of + Allen’s help, sent his plate with a request for something more + substantial. And before the meal was over, his evident sense of bien-etre + and happiness had won back her kindness; she remembered that he was + Sydney’s brother, and took no more trouble to show her indignation. + </p> + <p> + Thenceforth, Cecil was as much as ever Jock’s friend, and a frequenter of + the family, finding that the loss of their wealth and place in the great + world made wonderfully little difference to them, and rather enhanced the + pleasant freedom and life of their house. The rest of the family were seen + once or twice, when passing through London, but only in calls, which, as + Babie said, were as good as nothing, except, as she forgot to add, that + they broke through the constraint on her correspondence with Sydney. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. THE PHANTOM BLACKCOCK OF KILNAUGHT. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And we alike must shun regard + From painter, player, sportsman, bard, + Wasp, blue-bottle, or butterfly, + Insects that swim in fashion’s sky. + Scott. +</pre> + <p> + “At home? Then take these. There’s a lot more. I’ll run up,” said Cecil + Evelyn one October evening nearly two years later, as he thrust into the + arms of the parlour-maid a whole bouquet of game, while his servant + extracted a hamper from his cab, and he himself dashed up stairs with a + great basket of hot-house flowers. + </p> + <p> + But in the drawing-room he stood aghast, glancing round in the firelit + dusk to ascertain that he had not mistaken the number, for though the maid + at the door had a well-known face, and though tables, chairs, and pictures + were familiar, the two occupants of the room were utter strangers, and at + least as much startled as himself. + </p> + <p> + A little pale child was hurriedly put down from the lap of a tall maiden + who rose from a low chair by the fire, and stood uncertain. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” he said; “I came to see Mrs. Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt. She will be here in a moment. Will you run and call her, Lina?” + </p> + <p> + “You may tell her Cecil Evelyn is here,” said he; “but there is no hurry,” + he added, seeing that the child clung to her protector, too shy even to + move. “You are John Brownlow’s little sister, eh?” he added, bending + towards her; but as she crept round in terror, still clinging, he + addressed the elder one: “I am so glad; I thought I had rushed into a + strange house, and should have to beat a retreat.” + </p> + <p> + The young lady gave a little shy laugh which made her sweet oval glowing + face and soft brown eyes light up charmingly, and there was a fresh + graceful roundness of outline about her tall slender figure, as she stood + holding the shy child, which made her a wondrously pleasant sight. “Are + you staying here?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; we came for advice for my little sister, who is not strong.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m so glad. I mean I hope there is only enough amiss to make you stay a + long time. Were you ever in town before?” + </p> + <p> + “Only for a few hours on our way to school.” + </p> + <p> + Here a voice reached them— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Fee, fa, fum, + I smell the breath of geranium.” + </pre> + <p> + And through the back drawing-room door came Babie, in walking attire, + declaiming— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Tis Cecil, by the jingling steel, + ‘Tis Cecil, by the pawing bay, + ‘Tis Cecil, by the tall two-wheel, + ‘Tis Cecil, by the fragrant spray.” + </pre> + <p> + “O Cecil, how lovely! Oh, the maiden-hair. You’ve been making acquaintance + with Essie and Lina?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know you were out, Babie,” said Essie. “Was my aunt with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. We just ran over to see Mrs. Lucas, and as we were coming home, a + poor woman besought us to buy two toasting-forks and a mousetrap, by way + of ornament to brandish in the streets. She looked so frightfully + wretched, that mother let her follow, and is having it out with her at the + door. So you are from Fordham, Cecil; I see and I smell. How are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Duke is rather brisk. I actually got him out shooting yesterday, but he + didn’t half like it, and was thankful when I let him go home again. See, + Sydney said I was to tell you that passion-flower came from the plant she + brought from Algiers.” + </p> + <p> + “The beauty! It must go into Mrs. Evelyn’s Venice glass,” said Babie, + bustling about to collect her vases. + </p> + <p> + Lina, with a cry of delight, clutched at a spray of butterfly-like mauve + and white orchids, in spite of her sister’s gentle “No, no, Lina, you must + not touch.” + </p> + <p> + Babie offered some China asters in its stead, Cecil muttered “Let her have + it;” but Esther was firm in making her relinquish it, and when she began + to cry, led her away with pretty tender gestures of mingled comfort and + reproof. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little thing,” said Babie, “she is sadly fretful. Nobody but Essie + can manage her.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think not!” said Cecil, looking after the vision, as if he did + not know what he was saying. “You never told me you had any one like <i>that</i> + in the family?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes; there are two of them, as much alike as two peas.” + </p> + <p> + “What! the Monk’s sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. They are a comely family; all but poor little Lina.” + </p> + <p> + “Will they be long here?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends. That poor little mite is the youngest but one, and the + nurse likes boys best. So she peaked and pined, and was bullied by Edmund + above and Harry below, and was always in trouble. Nobody but Johnny and + Essie ever had a good word for her. This autumn it came to a crisis. You + know we had a great meeting of the two families at Walmer, and there, the + shock of bathing nearly took out of her all the little life there was. I + believe she would have gone into fits if mother had not heard her screams, + and dashed on the nurse like a vindictive mermaid, and then made uncle + Robert believe her. My aunt trusts the nurse, you must know, and lets her + ride rough-shod over every one in the nursery. The poor little thing was + always whining and fretting whenever she was not in Essie’s arms or the + Monk’s, till the Monk declared she had a spine, and he and mother gave + uncle and aunt no peace till they brought her here for advice, and sure + enough her poor little spine is all wrong, and will never be good for + anything without a regular course of watching and treatment. So we have + her here with Essie to look after her for as long as Sir Edward Fane wants + to keep her under him, and you can’t think what a nice little mortal she + turns out to be now she is rescued from nurse and those little ruffians of + brothers.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s first-rate,” remarked Cecil. + </p> + <p> + “The eucharis and maiden-hair, is it not? I must keep some sprays for our + hairs to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Is any one coming to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “The promiscuous herd. Oh, didn’t you know? Our Johns told mother it would + be no end of kindness to let them bring in a sprinkling of their + fellow-students—poor lads that live poked up in lodgings, and never + see a lady or any civilisation all through the term. So she took to having + them on Thursday once a fortnight, and Dr. Medlicott was perfectly + delighted, and said she could not do a better work; and it is such fun! We + don’t have them unmitigated, we get other people to enliven them. The + Actons are coming, and I hope Mr. Esdale is coming to-night to show us his + photographs of the lost cities in Central America. You’ll stay, won’t + you?” + </p> + <p> + “If Mrs. Brownlow will let me. I hope your toasting-fork woman has not + spirited her away?” + </p> + <p> + “Under the eyes of your horse and man.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you all at home? And has Allen finished his novel?” + </p> + <p> + Babie laughed, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Poor Ali! You see there comes a fresh blight whenever it begins to bud.” + </p> + <p> + “What has that wretched girl been doing now?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t you know? The yacht had to be overhauled, so they went to + Florence instead, and have been wandering about in all the resorts of + rather shady people, where Lisette can cut a figure. Mr. Wakefield is + terribly afraid that even poor Mr. Gould himself is taking to gambling for + want of something to do. There are always reports coming of Elfie taking + up with some count or baron. It was a Russian prince last time, and then + Ali goes down into the very lowest depths, and can’t do anything but + smoke. You know that’s good for blighted beings. I cure my plants by + putting them into his room surreptitiously.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a hard-hearted little mortal, Babie. Ah, there’s the bell!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow came in with the two Johns, who had joined her just as she + had finished talking to the poor woman; Jock carried off his friend to + dress, and Babie, after finishing her arrangements and making the most of + every fragment of flower or leaf, repaired with a selection of delicate + sprays, to the room where Esther, having put her little sister to bed, was + dressing for dinner. She was eager to tell of her alarm at the invasion, + and of Captain Evelyn’s good nature when she had expected him to be proud + and disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + “He wanted to be,” said Babie, “but honest nature was too strong for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny was so angry at the way he treated Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “O, we quite forget all that. Poor fellow! it was a mistaken reading of + noblesse oblige, and he is very much ashamed of it. There, let me put this + fern and fuchsia into your hair. I’ll try to do it as well as Ellie + would.” + </p> + <p> + She did so, and better, being more dainty-fingered, and having more taste. + It really was an artistic pleasure to deal with such beautiful hair, and + such a lovely lay figure as Esther’s. With all her queenly beauty and + grace, the girl had that simplicity and sedateness which often goes with + regularity of feature, and was hardly conscious of the admiration she + excited. Her good looks were those of the family, and Kenminster was used + to them. This was her first evening of company, for on the only previous + occasion her little sister had been unwell, sleepless and miserable in the + strange house, and she had begged off. She was very shy now, and could not + go down without Barbara’s protection, so, at the last moment before + dinner, the little brown fairy led in the tall, stately maiden, all in + white, with the bright fuchsias and delicate fern in her dark hair, and a + creamy rose, set off by a few more in her bosom. + </p> + <p> + Babie exulted in her work, and as her mother beheld Cecil’s raptured + glance and the incarnadine glow it called up, she guessed all that would + follow in one rapid prevision, accompanied by a sharp pang for her son in + Japan. It was not in her maternal heart not to hope almost against her + will that some fibre had been touched by Bobus that would be irresponsive + to others, but duty and loyalty alike forbade the slightest attempt to + revive the thought of the poor absentee, and she must steel herself to see + things take their course, and own it for the best. + </p> + <p> + Esther was a silent damsel. The clash of keen wits and exchange of family + repartee were quite beyond her. She had often wondered whether her cousins + were quarrelling, and had been only reassured by seeing them so merry and + friendly, and her own brother bearing his part as naturally as the rest. + She was more scandalised than ever to-day, for it absolutely seemed to her + that they were all treating Captain Evelyn, long moustache and all, like a + mere family butt, certainly worse than they would have treated one of her + own brothers, for Rob would have sulked, and Joe, or any of the younger + ones, might have been dangerous, whereas this distinguished-looking + personage bore all as angelically as befitted one called by such a + charming appellation as the Honourable Cecil Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + “How about the shooting, Cecil? Sydney said you had not very good sport.” + </p> + <p> + “Why—no, not till I joined Rainsforth’s party.” + </p> + <p> + “Where was your moor?” + </p> + <p> + “In Lanarkshire,” rather unwillingly. + </p> + <p> + “Eh,” said Allen, in a peculiar soft languid tone, that meant diversion. + “Near L—-?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Then Jock burst out into laughter inexplicable at first, but Allen made + his voice gentler and graver, as he said, “You don’t mean Kilnaught?” and + then he too joined Jock in laughter, as the latter cried— + </p> + <p> + “Another victim to McNab of Kilnaught! He certainly is the canniest of + Scots.” + </p> + <p> + “He revenges the wrongs of Scotland on innocent young Guardsmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m sure there could not be a more promising advertisement.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just it!” said Jock. “Moor and moss. How many acres of heather?” + </p> + <p> + “How was I to expect a man of family to be a regular swindler?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush, my dear fellow! Roderick Dhu was a man of family. It is the + modern form.” + </p> + <p> + “But I saw his keeper.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Allen. “I know! Old Rory! Tells you a long story in broad + Scotch, of which you understand one word here and there about his Grace + the Deuke, and how many miles—miles Scots—he walked.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see Evelyn listening, and saying ‘yes,’ at polite intervals!” + </p> + <p> + “How many birds did you actually see?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I killed two brace and a half the first day.” + </p> + <p> + “Hatched under a hen, and let out for a foretaste.” + </p> + <p> + “And there was one old blackcock.” + </p> + <p> + “That blackcock! There are serious doubts whether it is a phantom bird, or + whether Rory keeps it tame as a decoy. You didn’t kill it?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “If you had, you might have boasted of an achievement,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “The spell would have been destroyed,” added Jock. “But you did not let + him finish. Did you say you saw the blackcock?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure; I think I heard it rise once, but the keeper was always + seeing it.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody but Essie was in fits of laughing at Cecil’s frank air of + good-humoured, self-defensive simplicity, and Armine observed— + </p> + <p> + “There’s a fine subject for a ballad for the ‘Traveller’s Joy,’ Babie. + ‘The Phantom Blackcock of Kilnaught!’” + </p> + <p> + Babie extemporised at once, amid great applause— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The hills are high, the laird’s purse dry, + Come out in the morning early; + McNabs are keen, the Guards are green, + The blackcock’s tail is curly. + + “The Southron’s spoil ‘tis worthy toil, + Come out in the morning early; + Come take my house and kill my grouse, + The blackcock’s tail is curly. + + “Come out, come out, quoth Rory stout, + Come out in the morning early, + Sir Captain mark, he rises! hark, + The blackcock’s tail is curly.” + </pre> + <p> + “Repetition, Babie,” said her mother; “too like the Montjoie S. Denis + poem.” + </p> + <p> + “It saves so much trouble, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “And a recall to the freshness and innocence of childhood is so pleasing,” + added Jock. + </p> + <p> + “How much did the man of family let his moor for?” asked Allen. + </p> + <p> + There Cecil saw the pitiful and indignant face opposite to him, would have + sulked, and began looking at her for sympathy, exclaiming at last— + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you a word to say for me, Miss Brownlow?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like it at all. I don’t think it is fair,” broke from Essie, as + she coloured crimson at the laugh. + </p> + <p> + “He likes it, my dear,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “It is a gentle titillation,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “He can’t get on without it,” said the Friar. + </p> + <p> + “And comes for it like the cattle to the scrubbing-stones,” said the + Skipjack. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Armine; “but he tries to get pitied, like Chico walking on + three legs when some one is looking at him.” + </p> + <p> + “You deal in most elegant comparisons,” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + “Only to get him a little more pitied,” said Jock. “He is as grateful as + possible for being made so interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark, there’s a knock!” cried Allen. “Can’t you instruct your cubs not to + punish the door so severely, Jock? I believe they think that the more row + they make, the more they proclaim their nobility!” + </p> + <p> + “The obvious derivation of the word stunning,” said Mother Carey, as she + rose to meet her guests in the drawing-room, and Cecil to hold the door + for her. + </p> + <p> + “Stay, Evelyn,” said Allen. “This is the night when unlicked cubs do + disport themselves in our precincts. A mistaken sense of philanthropy has + led my mother to make this house the fortnightly salon bleu of St. + Thomas’s. But there’s a pipe at your service in my room.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Medlicott is coming,” said Babie, who had tarried behind the Johns, + “and perhaps Mr. Grinstead, and we are sure to have Mr. Esdale’s + photographs. It is never all students, medical or otherwise. Much better + than Allen’s smoke, Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + “I am coming of course,” he said. “I was only waiting for the Infanta.” + </p> + <p> + It may be doubted whether the photographs, Dr. Medlicott, or even Jock + were the attraction. He was much more fond of using his privilege of + dropping in when the family were alone, than of finding himself in the + midst of what an American guest had called Mrs. Brownlow’s surprise + parties. They were on regular evenings, but no one knew who was coming, + from scientific peers to daily governesses, from royal academicians to + medical students, from a philanthropic countess to a city missionary. To + listen to an exposition of the microphone, to share in a Shakespeare + reading, or worse still, in a paper game, was, in the Captain’s eyes, such + a bore that he generally had only haunted Collingwood Street on home days + and on Sundays, when, for his mother’s sake and his own, an exception was + made in his favour. + </p> + <p> + He followed Babie with unusual alacrity, and found Mrs. Brownlow shaking + hands with a youth whom Jock upheld as a genius, but who laboured under + the double misfortune of always coming too soon, and never knowing what to + do with his arms and legs. He at once perceived Captain Evelyn to be an + “awful swell,” and became trebly wretched—in contrast to Jock’s + open-hearted, genial young dalesman, who stood towering over every one + with his broad shoulders and hearty face, perfectly at his ease (as he + would have been in Buckingham Palace), and only wondering a little that + Brownlow could stand an empty-headed military fop like that; while Cecil + himself, after gazing about vaguely, muttered to Babie something about her + cousin. + </p> + <p> + “She is gone to see whether Lina is asleep, and will be too shy to come + down again if I don’t drag her.” + </p> + <p> + So away flew Babie, and more eyes than Cecil Evelyn’s were struck when in + ten minutes’ time she again led in her cousin. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Acton, who was talking to Mrs. Brownlow, said in an undertone— + </p> + <p> + “Your model? Another niece?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; you remember Jessie?” + </p> + <p> + “This is a more ideal face.” + </p> + <p> + It was true. Esther had lived much less than her elder sister in the + Coffinkey atmosphere, and there was nothing to mar the peculiar dignified + innocence and perfect unconsciousness of her sweet maidenly bloom. She + never guessed that every man, and every woman too, was admiring her, + except the strong-minded one who saw in her the true inane Raffaelesque + Madonna on whom George Eliot is so severe. + </p> + <p> + Nor did the lady alter her opinion when, at the end of a very curious + speculation about primeval American civilisation, Captain Evelyn and Miss + Brownlow were discovered studying family photographs in a corner, + apparently much more interested whether a hideous half-faded brown shadow + had resembled John at fourteen, than to what century and what nation those + odd curly-whirleys on stone belonged, and what they were meant to express. + </p> + <p> + Babie was scandalised. + </p> + <p> + “You didn’t listen! It was most wonderful! Why Armie went down and fetched + up Allen to hear about those wonderful walled towns!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t go in for improving my mind,” said Cecil. + </p> + <p> + “Then you should not hinder Essie from improving hers! Think of letting + her go home having seen nothing but all the repeated photographs of her + brothers and sisters!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what should she like to see?” cried Cecil. “I’m good for anything + you want to go to before the others are free.” + </p> + <p> + “The Ethiopian serenaders, or, may be, Punch,” said Jock. “Madame Tussaud + would be too intellectual.” + </p> + <p> + “When Lina is strong enough she is to see Madame Tussaud,” said Essie + gravely. “Georgie once went, and she has wished for it ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we’ll get up Madame Tussaud for her at home, free gratis, for nothing + at all!” cried Armine, whose hard work inspirited him to fun and frolic. + </p> + <p> + So in the twilight hour two days later there was a grand exhibition of + human waxworks, in which Babie explained tableaux represented by the two + Johns, Armine, and Cecil, supposed to be adapted to Lina’s capacity. With + the timid child it was not a success, the disguises frightened her, and + gave her an uncanny feeling that her friends were transformed; she sat + most of the time on her aunt’s lap, with her face hidden, and barely + hindered from crying by the false assurance that it was all for her + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + But there was no doubt that Esther was a pleased spectator of the show, + and her gratitude far more than sufficient to cover the little one’s + ingratitude. + </p> + <p> + Those two drifted together. In every gathering, when strangers had + departed they were found tete-a-tete. Cecil’s horses knew the way to + Collingwood Street better than anywhere else, and he took to appearing + there at times when he was fully aware Jock would be at the night-school + or Mutual Improvement Society. + </p> + <p> + Though strongly wishing, on poor Bobus’s account, that it should not go + much farther under her own auspices; day after day it was more borne in + upon Mrs. Brownlow that her house held an irresistible attraction to the + young officer, and she wondered over her duty to the parents who had + trusted her. Acting on impulse at last, she took council with John, + securing him as her companion in the gaslit walk from a concert. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see what is going on there?” she asked, indicating the pair before + them. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Oh, I never thought of that!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think! I have seen. Ever since the night of the Phantom Blackcock + of Kilnaught. He did his work on Essie.” + </p> + <p> + “Essie rather thinks he is after the Infanta.” + </p> + <p> + “It looks like it! What could have put it into her head? It did not + originate there!” + </p> + <p> + “Something my mother said about Babie being a viscountess.” + </p> + <p> + “You know better, Friar!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so; but I only told her it was no such thing, and I believe the + child thought I meant to rebuke her for mentioning such frivolities, for + she turned scarlet and held her peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the delusion has kept her unconscious, and made her the sweeter. + But the question is, whether this ought to go on without letting your + people know?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose they would have no objection?” said John. “There’s no harm in + Evelyn, and he shows his sense by running after Jock. He hasn’t got the + family health either. I’d rather have him than an old stick like Jessie’s + General.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if all were settled, I believe your mother would be very well + pleased. The question is, whether it is using her fairly not to let her + know in the meantime?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is the code among you parents and guardians?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know that there is any, but I think that though the crisis might + be pleasing enough, yet if your mother found out what was going on, she + might be vexed at not having been informed.” + </p> + <p> + John considered a moment, and then proposed that if things looked “like + it” at the end of the week, he should go down on Saturday and give a hint + of preparation to his father, letting him understand the merits of the + case. However, in the existing state of affairs, a week was a long time, + and that very Sunday brought the crisis. + </p> + <p> + The recollection of former London Sundays, of Mary Ogilvie’s quiet + protests, and of the effect on her two eldest children, had strengthened + Mrs. Brownlow’s resolution to make it impossible to fill the afternoon + with aimless visiting and gossiping; and plenty of other occupations had + sprung up. + </p> + <p> + Thus on this particular afternoon she and Barbara were with their Girls’ + Friendly Society Classes, of which Babie took the clever one, and she the + stupid. Armine was reading with Percy Stagg, and a party of School Board + pupil-teachers, whom that youth had brought him, as very anxious for the + religious instruction they knew not how to obtain. Jock had taken the + Friar’s Bible Class of young men, and Allen had, as a great favour, + undertaken to sit with Dr. and Mrs. Lucas till he could look in on them. + So that Esther and Lina were the sole occupants of the drawing-room when + Captain Evelyn rang at the door, knowing very well that he was only + permitted up stairs an hour later in time for a cup of tea before + evensong. He did look into Allen’s sitting-room as a matter of form, but + finding it empty, and hearing a buzz of voices elsewhere, he took licence + to go upstairs, and there he found Esther telling her little sister such + histories of Arundel Society engravings as she could comprehend. + </p> + <p> + Lina sprang to him at once; Esther coloured, and began to account for the + rest of the family. “I hear,” said Cecil, as low tones came through the + closed doors of the back drawing-room, “they work as hard here as my + sister does!” + </p> + <p> + “I think my aunt has almost done,” said Essie, with a shy doubt whether + she ought to stay. “Come, Lina, I must get you ready for tea.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Cecil, “don’t go! You need not be as much afraid of me as + that first time I walked in, and thought I had got into a strange house.” + </p> + <p> + Essie laughed a little, and said, “A month ago! Sometimes it seems a very + long time, and sometimes a very short one.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it seems a very long time that you have known me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Johnny and all the rest had known you ever so long,” answered she, + with a confusion of manner that expressed a good deal more than the words. + “I really must go—” + </p> + <p> + “Not till you have told me more than that,” cried Cecil, seizing his + opportunity with a sudden rush of audacity. “If you know me, can you—can + you like me? Can’t you? Oh, Essie, stay! Could you ever love me, you + peerless, sweetest, loveliest—” + </p> + <p> + By this time Mrs. Brownlow, who had heard Cecil’s boots on the stairs, and + particularly wished to stave matters off till after the Friar’s mission, + had made a hasty conclusion of her lesson, and letting her girls depart, + opened the door. She saw at once that she was too late; but there was no + retreat, for Esther flew past her in shy terror, and Cecil advanced with + the earnest, innocent entreaty, “Oh, Mrs. Brownlow, make her hear me! I + must have it out, or I can’t bear it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said she, “it has come to this, has it?” speaking half-quaintly, + half-sadly, and holding Lina kindly back. + </p> + <p> + “I could not help it!” he went on. “She did look so lovely, and she is so + dear! Do get her down, that I may see her again. I shall not have a happy + moment till she answers me.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure you will have a happy moment then?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. That’s the thing! Won’t you help a fellow a bit, Mrs. + Brownlow? I’m quite done for. There never was any one so nice, or so + sweet, or so lovely, or so unlike all the horrid girls in society! Oh, + make her say a kind word to me!” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll make her,” said little Lina, looking up from her aunt’s side. “I + like you very much, Captain Evelyn, and I’ll run and make Essie tell you + she does.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite so fast, my dear,” said her aunt, as both laughed, and Cecil, + solacing himself with a caress, and holding the little one very close to + him on his knee, where her intentions were deferred by his watch and + appendages. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you don’t know what your mother would say?” began Mrs. + Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “I have not told her, but you know yourself she would be all right. Now, + aren’t you sure, Mrs. Brownlow? She isn’t up to any nonsense?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Cecil, I don’t think she would oppose it. Indeed, my dear boy, I wish + you happiness, but Esther is a shy, startled little being, and away from + her mother; and perhaps you will have to be patient.” + </p> + <p> + “But will you fetch her—or at least speak to her?” said he, in a + tone not very like patience; and she had to yield, and be the messenger. + </p> + <p> + She found Esther fluttering up and down her room like a newly-caught bird. + “Oh, Aunt Carey, I must go home! Please let me!” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my dear, can’t I help you for once?” and Esther sprang into her arms + for comfort; but even then it was plain to a motherly eye that this was + not the distress that poor Bobus had caused, but rather the agitation of a + newly-awakened heart, terrified at its own sensations. “He wants you to + come and hear him out,” she said, when she had kissed and petted the girl + into more composure. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, must I? I don’t want. Oh, if I could go home! They were so angry + before. And I only said ‘if,’ and never meant—” + </p> + <p> + “That was the very thing, my dear,” said her aunt with a great throb of + pain. “You were quite right not to encourage my poor Bobus; but this is a + very different case, and I am sure they would wish you to act according as + you feel.” + </p> + <p> + Esther drew a great gasp; “You are sure they would not think me wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite sure,” was the reply, in full security that her mother would be + rapturous at the nearly certain prospect of a coronet. “Indeed, my dear, + no one can find any fault with you. You need not be afraid. He is good and + worthy, and they will be glad if you wish it.” + </p> + <p> + Wish was far too strong a word for poor frightened Esther; she could only + cling and quiver. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I tell him to go and see them at Kencroft?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do, do, dear Aunt Carey! Please tell him to go to papa, and not want + to see me till—” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my dear child; that will be the best way. Now I will send you + up some tea, and then you shall put Lina to bed; and you and I will slip + off quietly together, and go to St. Andrew’s in peace, quite in a + different direction from the others, before they set out.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime Cecil had been found by Babie tumbling about the music and + newspapers on the ottoman, and on her observation— + </p> + <p> + “Too soon, sir! And pray what mischief still have your idle hands found to + do?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t!” he burst out; “I’m on the verge of distraction already! I can’t + bear it!” + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything the matter? You’re not in a scrape? You don’t want + Jock?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “No, no—only I’ve done it. Babie, I shall go mad, if I don’t get an + answer soon.” + </p> + <p> + Babie was much too sharp not to see what he meant. She knew in a kind of + intuitive, undeveloped way how things stood with Bobus, and this gave a + certain seriousness to her manner of saying— + </p> + <p> + “Essie?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, the darling! If your mother would only come and tell me,—but + she was frightened, and won’t say anything. If she won’t, I’m the most + miserable fellow in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “How stupid you must have been!” said Babie. “That comes of you, neither + of you, ever reading. You couldn’t have done it right, Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think so?” he asked, in such piteous, earnest tones that he + touched her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Cecil,” she said, “it will be all right. I know Essie likes you + better than any one else.” + </p> + <p> + She had almost added “though she is an ungrateful little puss for doing + so,” but before the words had time to come out of her mouth, Cecil had + flown at her in a transport, thrown his arms round her and kissed her, + just as her mother opened the door, and uttered an odd incoherent cry of + amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mother Carey,” cried Cecil, colouring all over, “I didn’t know what I + was doing! She gave me hope!” + </p> + <p> + “I give you hope too,” said Caroline, “though I don’t know how it might + have been if she had come down just now!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t!” entreated Cecil. “Babie is as good as my sister. Why, where is + she?” + </p> + <p> + “Fled, and no wonder!” + </p> + <p> + “And won’t she, Esther, come?” + </p> + <p> + “She is far too much frightened and overcome. She says you may go to her + father, and I think that is all you can expect her to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it? Won’t she see me? I don’t want it to be obedience.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you need have any fears on that score.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t? Really now? You think she likes me just a little? How soon can + I get down? Have you a train-bill?” + </p> + <p> + Then during the quest into trains came a fit of humility. “Do you think + they will listen to me? You are not the sort who would think me a catch, + and I know I am a very poor stick compared with any of you, and should + have gone to the dogs long ago but for Jock, ungrateful ass as I was to + him last year. But if I had such a creature as that to take care of, why + it would be like having an angel about one. I would—indeed I would—reverence, + yes, and worship her all my life long.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you would. I think it would be a very happy and blessed thing + for you both, and I have no doubt that her father will think so too. Now, + here are the others coming home, and you must behave like a rational + being, even though you don’t see Essie at tea.” + </p> + <p> + Mother Carey managed to catch Jock, give a hint of the situation, and bid + him take care of his friend. He looked grave. “I thought it was coming,” + he said. “I wish they would have done it out of our way.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I, but I didn’t take measures in time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is all right as regards them both, but poor Bobus will hardly + get over it.” + </p> + <p> + “We must do our best to soften the shock, and, as it can’t be helped, we + must put our feelings in our pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “As one has to do most times,” said Jock. “Well, I suppose it is better + for one in the end than having it all one’s own way. And Evelyn is a + generous fellow, who deserves anything!” + </p> + <p> + “So, Jock, as we can do Bobus no good, and know besides that nothing could + make it right for his hopes to be fulfilled, we must throw ourselves into + this present affair as Cecil and Essie deserve.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, mother,” he said. “There’s not stuff in her to be of much use + to Bobus if he had her, besides the other objection. It is the hope that + he will sorely miss, poor old fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if he had a better hope lighted as his guiding star! But we must not + stand talking now, Jock; I must take her to Church quietly with me.” + </p> + <p> + To Cecil’s consternation, his military duties would detain him all the + forenoon of the next day; and before he could have started, the train that + brought John back also brought his father and mother, the latter far more + eager and effusive than her sister-in-law had ever seen her. “My dear + Caroline, I thought you’d excuse my coming, I was so anxious to see about + my little girl, and we’ll go to an hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll leave you with her,” said Caroline, rushing off in haste, to let + Esther utter her own story as best she might, poor child! Allen was + fortunately in his room, and his mother sprang down to him to warn him to + telegraph to Cecil that Colonel Brownlow was in Collingwood Street; the + fates being evidently determined to spare her nothing. + </p> + <p> + Allen’s feelings were far less keen as to Bobus than were Jock’s, and he + liked the connection; so he let himself be infected with the excitement, + and roused himself not only to telegraph, but go himself to Cecil’s + quarters to make sure of him. It was well that he did so, for just as he + got into Oxford Street, he beheld the well-known bay fortunately caught in + a block of omnibuses and carts round a tumble-down cab-horse, and some + gas-fitting. Such was the impatience of the driver of the hansom, that + Allen absolutely had to rush desperately across the noses of half-a-dozen + horses, making wild gestures, before he was seen and taken up by Cecil’s + side. + </p> + <p> + “The most wonderful thing of all,” said Cecil afterwards, “was to see + Allen going on like that!” + </p> + <p> + In consequence of his speed, Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow had hardly arrived + at Esther’s faltered story, and come to a perception which way her heart + lay, when she started and cried, “Oh, that’s his hansom!” for she + perfectly well knew the wheels. + </p> + <p> + So did her aunt and Babie, who had taken refuge in the studio, but came + out at Allen’s call to hear his adventures, and thenceforth had to remain + easily accessible, Babie to take charge of Lina, who was much aggrieved at + her banishment, and Mother Carey to be the recipient of all kinds of + effusions from the different persons concerned. There was the mother: + “Such a nice young man! So superior! Everything we could have wished! And + so much attached! Speaks so nicely! You are sure there will be no trouble + with his mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I see no danger of it. I am sure she must love dear little Esther, and + that she would like to see Cecil married.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know her! but you know she might look much higher for him, + though the Brownlows are a good old family. Oh, my dear Caroline, I shall + never forget what you have done for us all.” + </p> + <p> + Her Serenity in a flutter was an amusing sight. She was so full of + exultation, and yet had too much propriety to utter the main point of her + hopes, fears, doubts, and gratitude; and she durst not so much as hazard + an inquiry after poor Lord Fordham, lest she should be suspected of the + thought that came uppermost. + </p> + <p> + However, the Colonel, with whom that possibility was a very secondary + matter, could speak out: “I like the lad; he is a good, simple, honest + fellow, well-principled, and all one could wish. I don’t mind trusting + little Essie with him, and he says his brother is sure to give him quite + enough to marry upon, so they’ll do very well, even, if—How about + that affair which was hinted of at Belforest, Caroline? Will it ever come + off?” + </p> + <p> + “Probably not. Poor Lord Fordham’s health does not improve, and so I am + very thankful that he does not fulfil Babie’s ideal.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor young man!” said Ellen, with sincere compassion but great relief. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the worst of it,” said the father, gravely. “I am afraid it is a + consumptive family, though this young fellow looks hearty and strong.” + </p> + <p> + “He has always been so,” said Caroline. “He and his sister are quite + different in looks and constitution from poor Fordham, and I believe from + the elder ones. They are shorter and sturdier, and take after their + mother’s family.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you so, papa,” said Ellen. “I was sure nothing could be amiss with + him. You can’t expect everybody to look like our boys. Well, Caroline, you + have always been a good sister; and to think of your having done this for + little Essie! Tell me how it was? Had you suspected it?” + </p> + <p> + It was all very commonplace and happy. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow were + squeezed into the house to await Mrs. Evelyn’s reply, and Cecil and Esther + sat hand-in-hand all the evening, looking, as Allen and Babie agreed, like + such a couple of idiots, that the intimate connection between selig and + silly was explained. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Robert Brownlow whiled away the next day by a grand shopping + expedition, followed by the lovers, who seemed to find pillars of + floor-cloth and tracery of iron-work as blissful as ever could be pleached + alley. Nay, one shopman flattered Cecil and shocked Esther by directing + his exhibition of wares to them, and the former was thus excited to think + how soon they might be actually shopping on their own account, and to fix + his affections on an utterly impracticable fender as his domestic hearth. + Meanwhile Caroline had only just come in from amusing Mrs. Lucas with the + story, when a cab drove up, and Mrs. Evelyn was with her, with an eager, + “Where are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Somewhere in the depths of the city, with her mother, shopping. Ought I + to have told you?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I trust you. She must be nice—your Friar’s sister; but I + could not stay at home, and Duke wished me to come—” + </p> + <p> + “How is he?” + </p> + <p> + “So very happy about this—the connection especially. I don’t think + he could have borne it if it had been the Infanta. How is that dear + Babie?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite well. I left her walking with Lina in the Square gardens.” + </p> + <p> + “As simple and untouched as ever?” + </p> + <p> + “As much as ever a light-hearted baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well, so much the better. And let me say, once for all, that you need + not fear any closer intercourse with us. My poor Duke has made up his mind + that such things are not for him, and wishes all to be arranged for Cecil + as his heir. Not that he is any worse. With care he may survive us all, + the doctors say; but he has made up his mind, and will never ask Babie + again. He says it would be cruel; but he does long for a sight of her + bright face!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we shall be brought into meeting in a simple natural way.” + </p> + <p> + “And Babie? How does she look? I am ashamed of it; but I can’t help + thinking more about seeing her than this new cousin. I can fancy her—handsome, + composed, and serene.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be so ten or twenty years hence! but now she is the tenderest + little clinging thing you ever saw.” + </p> + <p> + “And my ideal would have been that Cecil should have chosen some one + superior; but after all, I believe he is really more likely to be raised + by being looked up to. He has been our boy too long.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true; I have watched him content with the level my impertinent + children assign him here, but now trying to be manly for Essie’s sake. You + have not told me of Sydney.” + </p> + <p> + “So angry at the folly of passing over Babie, that I was forced to give + her a hint to be silent before Duke. She collapsed, much impressed. + Forgive me, if it was a betrayal; but she is two years older now, and + would not have been a safe companion unless warned. Hark! Is that the + door-bell?” + </p> + <p> + Therewith the private interview period set in, and Babie made such use of + her share of it, that when Lina was produced in the drawing-room before + dinner she sat on Cecil’s knee, and gravely observed that she had a verse + to repeat to him— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The phantom blackcock of Kilnaught + Is a marvellous bird yet uncaught; + Go out in all weather, + You see not a feather, + Yet a marvellous work it has wrought, + That phantom blackcock of Kilnaught.” + </pre> + <p> + “What is that verse you are saying, Lina?” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + Lina trotted across and repeated it, while Cecil shook his head at wicked + Babie. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you don’t learn nursery rhymes, about phantoms and ghosts, Lina?” + said Mrs. Robert Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + “This is an original poem, Aunt Ellen,” replied Babie, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “More original than practical,” said John. “You haven’t accounted for the + pronoun?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind that. Great poets are above rules. I want Essie to promise + us bridesmaids blackcock tails in our hats.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear!” said her aunt, in serious reproof, shocked at the rapidity of + the young lady’s ideas. + </p> + <p> + “Or, at least,” added Babie, “if she won’t, you’ll give us blackcock + lockets, Cecil. They would be lovely—you know—enamelled!” + </p> + <p> + “That I will!” he cried. “And, Mother Carey, will you model me a group of + the birds? That would be a jolly present!” + </p> + <p> + “Better than Esther’s head, eh? I have done that three times, and you + shall choose one, Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing would serve Cecil but an immediate expedition to the studio, to + choose as well as they could by lamp-light. + </p> + <p> + And during the examination, Mrs. Evelyn managed to say to Caroline, “I’m + quite satisfied. She is as bright and childish as you told me.” + </p> + <p> + “Essie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, the Infanta.” + </p> + <p> + “If she is not a little too much so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, don’t wish any difference in those high spirits!” + </p> + <p> + “She makes it a cheerful house, dear child; and even Allen has brightened + lately.” + </p> + <p> + “And, Jock? He looks hard-worked, but brisk as ever.” + </p> + <p> + “He does work very hard in all ways; but he thoroughly enjoys his work, + and is as much my sunshine as Babie. There are golden opinions of him in + the Medical School; indeed there are of both my Johns.” + </p> + <p> + “They are quite the foremost of the young men of their year, and carry off + most of the distinctions, besides being leaders in influence. So Dr. + Medlicott told us,” said Mrs. Evelyn; “and yet he said it was delightful + to see how they avoided direct rivalry, or else were perfectly friendly + over it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they avoid, when it is possible, going in for the same things, and + indeed I think Jock has more turn for the scientific side of the study, + and the Friar for the practical. There is room for them both!” + </p> + <p> + “And what a contrast they are! What a very handsome fellow John has grown! + So tall, and broad, and strong, with that fine colour, and dark eyes as + beautiful as his sister’s!” + </p> + <p> + “More beautiful, I should say,” returned Caroline; “there is so much more + intellect in them—raising them out of the regular Kencroft + comeliness. True, the great charm of the stalwart Friar, as we call him, + is—what his father has in some degree—that quiet composed way + that gives one a sense of protection. I think his patients will feel + entire trust in his hands. They say at the hospital the poor people always + are happy when they see one of the Mr. Brownlows coming, whether it be the + big or the little one.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so very little, except by comparison; and I am glad Jock keeps his + soldierly bearing.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a Volunteer, you know, and very valuable there.” + </p> + <p> + “But he has not an ounce of superfluous flesh. He puts me in mind of a + perfectly polished, finished instrument!” + </p> + <p> + “That is just what used to be said of his father. Colonel Brownlow says he + is the most like my poor young father of all the children.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the most like you.” + </p> + <p> + “But he puts me most of all in mind of my husband, in all his ways, and + manner; and our old friends tell me that he sets about things exactly like + his father, as if it were by imitation. I like to know it is so.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. — OF NO CONSEQUENCE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Fell not, but dangled in mid air, + For from a fissure in the stone + Which lined its sides, a bush had grown, + To this he clung with all his might. + Archbishop Trench. +</pre> + <p> + Lord Fordham made it his most especial and urgent desire that his + brother’s wedding, which was to take place before Lent, should be at his + home instead of at the lady’s. Otherwise he could not be present, for + Kenminster had a character for bleakness, and he was never allowed to + travel in an English winter. Besides, he had set his heart on giving one + grand festal day to his tenantry, who had never had a day of rejoicing + since his great-uncle came of age, forty years ago. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Robert Brownlow did not like it at all, either as an anomaly or as a + disappointment to the Kenminster world, but her husband was won over, and + she was obliged to consent. Mother Carey, with her brood, were of course + to be guests, but her difficulty was the leaving Dr. and Mrs. Lucas. The + good old physician was failing fast, and they had no kindred near at hand, + or capable of being of much comfort to them, and she was considering how + to steer between the two calls, when Jock settled it for her, by saying + that he did not mean to go to Fordham, and if Mrs. Lucas liked, would + sleep in the house. There was much amazement and vexation. He had of + course been the first best man thought of, but he fought off, declaring + that he could not afford to miss a single lecture or demonstration. Friar + John’s University studies had given him such a start that he had to work + less hard than his cousin, and could afford himself the week for which he + was invited; but Jock declared that he could not even lose the thirty-six + hours that Armine was to take for the journey to Fordham and back. Every + one declared this nonsense, and even Mrs. Lucas could not bear that he + should remain, as she thought, on her account; but his mother did not join + in the public outcry, and therefore was admitted to fuller insight, as he + was walking back with her, after listening to the old lady’s persuasions. + </p> + <p> + “I think she would really be better pleased to spare you for that one + day,” said Caroline. + </p> + <p> + “May be, good old soul,” said Jock; “but as you know, mother, that’s not + all.” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed not. It may be wiser.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! There’s no use in stirring it all up again, after having settled + down after a fashion,” said Jock. “I see clearer than ever how hopeless it + is to have anything fit to offer a girl in her position for the next ten + years, and I must not get myself betrayed into drawing her in to wait for + me. I am such an impulsive fool, I don’t know what I might be saying to + her, and it would not be a right return for all they have been to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You will have to meet her in town?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps; but not as if I were in the house and at the wedding. It would + just bring back the time when she bade me never give up my sword.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she is wiser now.” + </p> + <p> + “That would make it even more likely that I should say what would be + better left alone. No, mother! Ten years hence, if—” + </p> + <p> + She thought of Magnum Bonum, and said, “Sooner, perhaps!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, laughing. “It is only in the ‘Traveller’s Joy’ that all the + bigwigs are out of sight, and the apothecary’s boy saved the Lord Mayor’s + life.” + </p> + <p> + With that laugh, rather a sad one, he inserted the latch-key and ended the + discussion. + </p> + <p> + Whether Barbara were really unwilling to go was not clear, for she had no + such excuse as her brother; but she grumbled almost as much as her aunt at + the solecism of a wedding in the gentleman’s home; and for the only time + in her life showed ill-humour. She was vexed with Esther for her taste in + bridesmaid’s attire (hers was given by her uncle); sarcastic to Cecil for + his choice of gifts; cross to her mother about every little arrangement as + to dress; satirical on Allen’s revival of spirits in prospect of a visit + to a great house; annoyed at whatever was done or not done; and so much + less tolerant of having little Lina left on her hands, that Aunt Carey + became the child’s best reliance. + </p> + <p> + Some of this temper might be put to the score of that pity for Bobus, + which Babie in her caprice had begun to dwell on, most inconsistently with + her former gaiety; but her mother attributed it to an unconfessed + reluctance to meet Lord Fordham again, and a sense that the light + thoughtlessness to which she had clung so long might perforce be at an + end. + </p> + <p> + So sharp-edged was her tongue, even to the moment of embarkation in the + train, that her mother began to fear how she might behave, and dreaded + lest she should wound Fordham; but she grew more silent all the way down, + and when the carriage came to the station, and they drove past banks + starred by primroses, and with the blue eyes of periwinkles looking out + among the evergreen trailers, she spoke no word. Even Allen brightened to + enjoy that lamb-like March day; and John, with his little sister on his + knee, was most joyously felicitous. Indeed, the tall, athletic, handsome + fellow looked as if it were indeed spring with him, all the more from the + contrast with Allen’s languid, sallow looks, savouring of the fumes in + which he lived. + </p> + <p> + Out on the steps were Fordham, wrapped up to the ears; Sydney ready to + devour Babie, who passively submitted; and Mrs. Evelyn, as usual, giving + her friend a sense of rest and reliance. + </p> + <p> + The last visit, though only five years previous to this one, had seemed in + past ages, till the familiar polished oak floor was under foot, and the + low tea-table in the wainscoted hall, before the great wood fire, looked + so homelike and natural, that the newcomers felt as if they had only left + it yesterday. Fordham, having thrown off his wraps, waited on his guests, + looking exceedingly happy in his quiet way, but more fragile than ever. He + had a good deal of fair beard, but it could not conceal the hollowness of + his cheeks, and there were great caves round his eyes, which were very + bright and blue. Yet he was called well, waited assiduously on little + Lina, and talked with animation. + </p> + <p> + “We have nailed the weathercock,” he said, “and telegraphed to the clerk + of the weather-office not to let the wind change for a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Meantime we have three delicious days to ourselves,” said Sydney, “before + any of the nonsense and preparation begins.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! As if Sydney were not continually drilling her unfortunate + children!” + </p> + <p> + “If you call the Psalms and hymns nonsense, Duke—” + </p> + <p> + “No! no! But isn’t there a course of instruction going on, how to strew + the flowers gracefully before the bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t want them thrown at her head, as the children did at the + last wedding, when a great cowslip ball hit the bride in the eye. So I + told the mistress to show them how, and the other day we found them in two + lines, singing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘This is the way the flowers we strew!’” + </pre> + <p> + “I suppose Cecil is keeping his residence?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Did you not know that this little Church of ours is not licensed for + weddings? The parish Church is three miles off and a temple of the winds. + This is only a chapelry, there is a special licence, and Cecil is hunting + with the Hamptons, and comes with them on Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “Special licence! Happy Mrs. Coffinkey!” ejaculated Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Everybody comes then,” said Sydney; “not that it is a very large + everybody after all, and we have not asked more neighbours than we can + help, because it is to be a feast for all the chief tenants—here in + this hall—then the poor people dine in the great barn, and the + children drink tea later in the school. Come, little Caroline, you’ve done + tea, and I have my old baby-house to show you. Come, Babie! Oh! isn’t it + delicious to have you?” + </p> + <p> + When Sydney had carried off Babie, and the two mothers stood over the fire + in the bedroom, Mrs. Evelyn said— + </p> + <p> + “So Lucas stays with his good old godfather. I honour him more than I can + show.” + </p> + <p> + “We did not like to leave the old people alone. They were my kindest + friends in my day of trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not let me press him to run down for the one day, if he cannot + leave them for more? Would he, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he would, if you did it,” said Caroline, slowly; “but I ought + not let you do so, without knowing his full reason for staying away.” + </p> + <p> + They both coloured as if they had been their own daughters, and Mrs. + Evelyn smiled as she said— + </p> + <p> + “We have outgrown some of our folly about choice of profession.” + </p> + <p> + “But does that make it safer? My poor boy has talked it over with me. He + says he is afraid of his own impulses, leading him to say what would not + be an honourable requital for all your kindness to him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is very good. I think he is right—quite right,” said Mrs. + Evelyn. “I am afraid I must say so. For anything to begin afresh between + them might lead to suspense that my child’s constitution might not stand, + and I am very grateful to him for sparing her.” + </p> + <p> + “Afresh? Do you think there ever was anything?” + </p> + <p> + “Never anything avowed, but a good deal of sympathy. Indeed, so far as I + can guess, my foolish girl was first much offended and disquieted with + Jock for not listening to her persuasions, and then equally so with + herself for having made them, and now I confess I think shame and + confusion are predominant with her when she hears of him.” + </p> + <p> + “So that she is relieved at his absence.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so, and it is better so to leave it; I should be only too happy to + keep her with me waiting for him, only I had rather she did not know it.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend!” And again Caroline thought of Magnum Bonum. All the + evening she said to herself that Sydney showed no objection to medical + students, when she was looking over the Engelberg photographs with John, + who had been far more her companion in the mountain rambles they recalled + than had Jock in his half-recovered state. + </p> + <p> + The mother could not help feeling a little pang of jealousy as she owned + to herself that the Friar was a very fine-looking youth, with the air of a + university man, and of one used to good society, and that he did look most + perilously happy. He was the next thing to her own son, but not quite the + same, and she half repented of her candour to Mrs. Evelyn, and wished that + the keen, sensitive face and soldierly figure could be there to reassert + their influence. + </p> + <p> + There ensued a cheerful, pleasant Saturday, which did much to restore the + ordinary tone between the old friends and to take off the sense of + strangeness. It was evident that Lord Fordham had insensibly become much + more the real head and master of the house than at the time when the + Brownlow party had last been there, and that he had taken on him much more + of the duties of his position than he had then seemed capable of + fulfilling. It might cost much effort, but he had ceased to be the mere + invalid, and had come to take his part thoroughly and effectively, and to + win trust and confidence. It was strange to think how Babie could ever + have called him a muff merely to be pitied. + </p> + <p> + The Sundays at Fordham were always delightful. The little Church was as + near perfection as might be. It was satisfactory to see that Fordham’s + gentleness and courtesy had dispelled all the clouds, and Barbara had + returned to her ordinary manner; perhaps a little more sedate and gentle + than usual, and towards him she was curiously submissive, as if she had a + certain awe of the tenderness she had rejected. + </p> + <p> + After the short afternoon service, Sydney waited to exercise her choir + once more in their musical duties; but Babie, hearing there was to be no + rehearsal of the flower-strewing, declared she had enough of classes at + home, and should take Lina for a stroll on the sunny terrace among the + crocuses, where Fordham joined them till warned that the sun was getting + low. + </p> + <p> + One there was who would have been glad of an invitation to join in the + practice, but who did not receive one. John lingered with Allen about the + gardens till the latter disposed of himself on a seat with a cigar beyond + the public gaze. Then saying something about seeing whether the stream + promised well for fishing, John betook himself to the bank of the river, + one of the many Avons, probably with a notion that by the merest accident + he might be within distance at the break-up of the choir practice. + </p> + <p> + He was sauntering with would-be indifference towards the foot-bridge that + shortened the walk to the Church, but he was still more than one hundred + yards from it, when on the opposite side he beheld Sydney herself. She was + on the very verge of the stream, below the steep, slippery clay bank, + clinging hard with one hand to the bared root of a willow stump, and with + the other striving to uphold the head and shoulder of a child, the rest of + whose person was in the water. + </p> + <p> + One cry, one shout passed, then John had torn off coat, boots, and + waistcoat, and plunged in to swim across, perceiving to his horror that + not only was there imminent danger of the boy’s weight overpowering her, + but that the bank, undermined by recent floods, was crumbling under her + feet, and the willow-stump fast yielding to the strain on its roots. And + while each moment was life or death to her, he found the current + unexpectedly strong, and he had to use his utmost efforts to avoid being + carried down far below where she stood watching with cramped, strained + failing limbs, and eyes of appealing, agonising hope. + </p> + <p> + One shout of encouragement as he was carried past her, but stemming the + current all the time, and at last he paddled back towards her, and came + close enough to lay hold of the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Let go,” he said, “I have him.” + </p> + <p> + But just as Sydney relaxed her hold on the boy the willow stump gave way + and toppled over with an avalanche of clay and stones. Happily Sydney had + already unfastened her grasp, and so fell, or threw herself backwards on + the bank, scratched, battered, bruised, and feeling half buried for an + instant, but struggling up immediately, and shrieking with horror as she + missed John and the boy, who had both been swept in by the tree. The next + moment she heard a call, and scrambling up the bank, saw John among the + reedy pools a little way down, dragging the boy after him. + </p> + <p> + She dashed and splashed to the spot and helped to drag the child to a + drier place, where they all three sank on the grass, the boy, a sturdy + fellow of seven years old, lying unconscious, and the other two sitting + not a little exhausted, Sydney scarcely less drenched than the child. She + was the first to gasp— + </p> + <p> + “The boy?” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll soon be all right,” said John, bending over him. “How came—” + </p> + <p> + “I came suddenly on them—him and his brother—birds’-nesting. + In his fright he slipped in. I just caught him, but the other ran away, + and I could not pull him up. Oh! if you had not come.” + </p> + <p> + John hid his face in his hands with a murmur of intense thanksgiving. + </p> + <p> + “You should get home,” he said. “Can you? I’ll see to the boy.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the keeper came up full of wrath and consternation, as soon + as he understood what had happened. He was barely withheld from shaking + the truant violently back to life, and averred that he would teach him to + come birds’-nesting in the park on Sunday. + </p> + <p> + And when, after he had fetched John’s coat and boots, Sydney bade him take + the child, now crying and shivering, back to his mother, and tell her to + put him to bed and give him something hot he replied— + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ma’am, I warrant a good warming would do him no harm. Come on, then, + you young rascal; you won’t always find a young lady to pull you out, nor + a gentleman to swim across that there Avon. Upon my honour, sir, there + ain’t many could have done that when it is in flood.” + </p> + <p> + He would gladly have escorted them home, but as the boy could not yet + stand, he was forced to carry him. + </p> + <p> + “You should walk fast,” said John, as he and Sydney addressed themselves + to the ascent of the steep sloping ground above the river. + </p> + <p> + She assented, but she was a good deal strained, bruised, and spent, and + her heavy winter dress, muddied and soaked, clung to her and held her + back, and both laboured breathlessly without making much speed. + </p> + <p> + “I never guessed that a river was so strong,” she said. “It was like a + live thing fighting to tear him away.” + </p> + <p> + “How long had you stood there?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t guess. It felt endless! The boy could not help himself, and I was + getting so cramped that I must have let go if your call had not given me + just strength enough! And the tree would have come down upon us!” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it would,” muttered John. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma must thank you,” whispered Sydney, holding out her hand. + </p> + <p> + He clasped it, saying almost inwardly— + </p> + <p> + “God and His Angels were with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Sydney softly. + </p> + <p> + They still held one another’s hands, seeming to need the support in the + steep, grassy ascent, and there came a catch in John’s breath that made + Sydney cry, + </p> + <p> + “You are not hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “That snag gave me a dig in the side, but it is nothing.” + </p> + <p> + As they gained the level ground, Sydney said— + </p> + <p> + “We will go in by the servants’ entrance, it will make less fuss.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you;” and with a final pressure she loosed his hand, and led the + way through the long, flagged, bell-hung passage, and pointed to a stair. + </p> + <p> + “That leads to the end of the gallery; you will see a red baize door, and + then you know your way.” + </p> + <p> + Sydney knew that at this hour on Sunday, servants were not plentiful, but + she looked into the housekeeper’s room where the select grandees were at + tea, and was received with an astounded “Miss Evelyn!” from the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Saunders; I should have been drowned, and little Peter Hollis too, + if it hadn’t been for Mr. Friar Brownlow. He swam across Avon, and has + been knocked by a tree; and Reeves, would you be so very kind as to go and + see about him?” + </p> + <p> + Reeves, who had approved of Mr. Friar Brownlow ever since his race at + Schwarenbach, did not need twice bidding, but snatched up the kettle and + one of Mrs. Saunders’s flasks, while that good lady administered the like + potion to Sydney and carried her off to be undressed. Mrs. Evelyn was met + upon the way, and while she was hearing her daughter’s story, in the midst + of the difficulties of unfastening soaked garments, there was a knock at + the door. Mrs. Saunders went to it, and a young housemaid said— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if you please, ma’am, Mr. Friar Brownlow says its of no consequence, + but he has broken two of his ribs, and Mr. Reeves thinks Mrs. Evelyn ought + to be informed.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke so exactly as if he had broken a window, that at first the sense + hardly reached the two ladies. + </p> + <p> + “Broken what?” + </p> + <p> + “His ribs, ma’am.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I was sure he was hurt!” cried Sydney. “Oh, mamma! go and see.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn went, but finding that Reeves and Fordham were with John, and + that the village doctor, who lived close by the park gates, had been sent + for, she went no farther than the door of the patient’s room, and there + exchanged a few words with her son. Sydney thought her very hard-hearted, + and having been deposited in bed, lay there starting, trembling, and + listening, till her brother, according to promise, came down. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sydney, what a brave little woman you have shown yourself! John has + no words to tell how well you behaved.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind that! Tell me about him? Is he not dreadfully hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “He declares these particular ribs are nothing,” said Fordham, indicating + their situation on himself, “and says they laugh at them at the hospital. + He wanted Reeves to have sent for Oswald privately, and then meant to have + come down to dinner as if nothing had happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Oswald does not mean to allow that,” said Miss Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; I told him that if he did anything so foolish I should + certainly never call him in. Now let me hear about it, Sydney, for he was + in rather too much pain to be questioned, and I only heard that you had + shown courage and presence of mind.” + </p> + <p> + The mother and brother might well shudder as they heard how nearly their + joy had been turned into mourning. The river was a dangerous one, and to + stem the current in full flood had been no slight exploit; still more the + recovery of the boy after receiving such a blow from the tree. + </p> + <p> + “Very nobly done by both,” said Fordham, bending to kiss his sister as she + finished. + </p> + <p> + “Most thankworthy,” said Mrs. Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + There was a brief space spent silently by both Mrs. Evelyn and her son on + their knees, and then the former went up to the little bachelor-room where + in the throng of guests John had been bestowed, and where she found him + lying, rather pale, but very content, and her eyes filled with tears as + she took his hand, saying— + </p> + <p> + “You know what I have come for?” + </p> + <p> + “How is she?” he said, looking eagerly in her face. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think, but rather strained and very much tired, so I shall keep + her in her room for precaution’s sake, as to-morrow will be a bustling + day. I trust you will be equally wise.” + </p> + <p> + “I have submitted, but I did not think it requisite. Pray don’t trouble + about me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, when I think how it would have been without you? No, I will not + tease you by talking about it, but you know how we shall always feel for + you. Are you in much pain now?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing to signify, now it has been bandaged, thank you. I shall soon be + all right. Did she make you understand her wonderful courage and + resolution in holding up that heavy boy all that time?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn let John expatiate on her daughter’s heroism till steps were + heard approaching, and his aunt knocked at the door. Perhaps she was the + person most tried when she looked into his bright, dark eyes, and + understood the thrill in his voice as he told of Sydney’s bravery and + resolution. She guessed what emotion gave sweetness to his thankfulness, + and feared if he did not yet understand it he soon would, and then what + pain would be in store for one or other of the cousins. When Mrs. Evelyn + asked him if he had really sent the message that his fractured ribs were + of no consequence, his aunt’s foreboding spirit feared they might prove of + only too much consequence; but at least, if he were a supplanter, it would + be quite unconsciously. + </p> + <p> + As Barbara said, when she came up from the diminished dinner-party to + spend the evening with her friend— + </p> + <p> + “Those delightful things always do happen to other people!” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn’t very delightful!” said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “Not at the time, but you dear old thing, you have really saved a life! + That was always our dream!” + </p> + <p> + “The boy is not at all like our dream!” said Sydney. “He is a horrid + little fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he will come right now!” + </p> + <p> + “If you knew the family, you would very much doubt it.” + </p> + <p> + “Sydney, why will you go on disenchanting me? I thought <i>the real thing</i> + had happened to you at last as a reward for having been truer to our old + woman than I.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you would have thought hanging on that bank much reward,” + said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “Adventures aren’t nice when they are going on. It is only ‘meminisse + juvat’, you know. You must have felt like the man in Ruckert’s Apologue, + with the dragon below, and the mice gnawing the root above.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, that story kept running in my head, and whenever I looked at the + river it seemed to be carrying me away, bank, and stump, and all. I’m + afraid it will do so all night. It did, when some hot wine and water they + made me have with my dinner sent me to sleep. Then I thought of— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Time, with its ever rolling stream, + Is bearing them away.” + </pre> + <p> + and I didn’t know which was Time and which was Avon.” + </p> + <p> + “In your sleep, or by the river?” + </p> + <p> + “Both, I think! I seem to have thought of thousands of things, and yet my + whole soul was one scream of despairing prayer, though I don’t believe I + said anything except to bid the boy hold still, till I heard that welcome + shout.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the excellent Monk! He is the family hero. I wonder if he enjoys it + more than you? Did he really never let you guess how much he was hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “I asked him once; but he said it was only a dig in the side, and would go + off.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well! Allen says it is accident that makes the hero. Now the Monk has + been as good as the hyena knight of the Jotapata, who was a mixture of + Tyr, with his hand in the wolf’s mouth, and of Kunimund, when he persuaded + Amala that his blood running into the river was only the sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t,” said Sydney. “I won’t have it made nonsense of!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said Babie, almost piteously, “I meant it for the most glorious + possible praise; but somehow people always seem to take me for a little + hard bit of spar, a barbarian, or a baby; I wish I had a more sensible + name!” + </p> + <p> + “Infanta, his princess, is what Duke always calls you,” said Sydney, + drawing her fondly to nestle close to her on the bed in her fire-lit room. + “Do you know one of the thoughts I had time for in that dreadful eternity + by the river, was how I wished it were you that were going to be a + daughter to poor mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “Esther will make a very kind, gentle, tender one.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; but she won’t be quite what you are. We have all been children + together, and you have fitted in with us ever since that journey when we + talked incessantly about Jotapata.” Then, as Babie made no answer, Sydney + gave her a squeeze, and whispered, “I know!” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you?” asked Babie, with eyes on the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, when I was crazy with Cecil for caring for a pretty face instead + of real stuff. She thought it would hurt Duke if I went on.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he care still?” said Babie, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Babie, don’t you feel how much?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Sydney, sometimes I can’t believe it. I’m sure I have no + right to complain of being thought a childish, unfeeling little wretch, + when I recollect how hard, and cold, and impertinent I was to him three + years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “It was three years ago, and we were very foolish then,” consolingly + murmured the wisdom of twenty, not without recollections of her own. + </p> + <p> + “I hope it was only foolishness,” said Barbara; “but I have only now begun + to understand the rights of it, only I could not bear the thoughts of + seeing him again. And now he is so kind!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish you had?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that. I don’t think anything but fuss and worry would have come of it + then. I was only fifteen, and my mother could never have let it go on, and + even if—; but what I am so grieved and ashamed at is my fancying him + not enough of a man for such a self-sufficient ape as I was. And now I + have seen more of the world, and know what men are, I see his generosity, + and that his patient fight with ill-health to do his best and his duty, is + really very great and good.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you could tell him so. No, I know you can’t; but you might let him + feel it, for you need not be afraid of his ever asking you again. They + have had a great examination of his lungs, and there’s only part of one in + any sort of order. They say he may go on with great care unless he catches + cold, or sets the disease off again, and upon that he made up his mind + that it was a very good thing he had not disturbed your peace.” + </p> + <p> + “As if I should not be just as sorry!” said Babie. “Oh, Sydney, what a sad + world it is! And there is he going about as manful, and pleased, and merry + about this wedding as if it were his own. And the worst of it is, though I + do admire him so, it can’t be real, proper, lover’s love, for I felt quite + glad when you said he would never ask me, so it is all wasted.” + </p> + <p> + The mothers would hardly have liked the subject of the maidens’ talk in + their bower, and Barbara bade good-night, feeling as if she should never + look at Fordham with the same eyes again; but the light of day restored + commonplace thoughts of the busy Monday. + </p> + <p> + Reeves, having been sent up by his lord with inquiries, found the + patient’s toilet so far advanced, that under protest he could only assist + in the remainder. So the hero and heroine met on the stairs, and clasped + hands in haste to the sound of the bell for morning prayers in the + household chapel, to which they carried their thankful hearts. + </p> + <p> + The Fordham household was not on such a scale that the heads of the family + could sit still in dignified ease on the eve of such a spectacle. Every + one was busy adorning the hall or the tables, and John would not be denied + his share, though as he could neither stoop, lift, nor use his right arm, + he was reduced to making up wreaths and bouquets, with Lina to supply him + with flowers, since he was the one person with whom she never failed to be + happy or good. Fordham was entreated to sit still and share the + employment, but his long, thin hands proved utterly wanting in the + dexterity that the Monk displayed. He was, moreover, the man in authority + constantly called to give orders, and in his leisure moments much more + inclined to haunt his Infanta’s winged steps, and erect his tall person + where she could not reach. Artistic taste rendered her, her mother, and + Allen most valuable decorators, and it might be doubted whether Allen had + ever toiled so hard in his life. In pity to the busy servants, luncheon + was served up cold on a side table, when Barbara, who had rallied her + spirits to nonsense pitch, declared that metaphorically, Fordham and the + agent carved the meal with gloves of steel, and that the workers drank the + red wine through the helmet barred. In the midst, however, in marched + Reeves, with a tray and a napkin, and a regular basin of invalid soup, + which he set down before John in his easy chair. There was something so + exceedingly ludicrous in the poor Friar’s endeavour to be gratified, and + his look of dismay and disgust, that the public fairly shrieked with + laughter, in which he would fain have joined, but had to beg pardon for + only looking solemn; laughter was a painful matter. + </p> + <p> + However, later in the afternoon, when he was looking white and tired, his + host came and said— + </p> + <p> + “Your object is to be about, and not make a sensation when people arrive. + Come and rest then;” then landed him on his own sofa in his sitting-room, + which was kept sacred from all confusion. + </p> + <p> + About half an hour later Mrs. Evelyn said— + </p> + <p> + “Sydney, my dear, Willis is come for the tickets. Are they ready?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother, I meant to have done them yesterday evening!” + </p> + <p> + “You had better take them to Duke’s room, it is the only quiet place. He + is not there, I wish he were. Willis can wait while you fill them up,” + said Mrs. Evelyn, not at all sorry to pin her daughter down for an hour’s + quiet, and unaware that the room was occupied. + </p> + <p> + So Sydney, with a list of names and packet of cards, betook herself to her + brother’s writing-table, never perceiving that there was anybody under the + Algerine rug, till there was a movement, suddenly checked, and a voice + said— + </p> + <p> + “Can I help?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! don’t move. I’m so sorry, I hope—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I beg your pardon,” he said, with equal incoherency, and raising + himself more deliberately. “Your brother put me here to rest, and I fell + asleep, and did not hear you come in.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t! Pray, don’t! I am so sorry I disturbed you. I did not know any + one was here—” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, don’t go! Can’t I help you?” + </p> + <p> + Sydney recollected that in the general disorganisation pen, ink, and table + were not easy to secure, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “It is the people in the village who are to dine here to-morrow. They must + have tickets, or we shall have all manner of strangers. The stupid printer + only sent the tickets yesterday, and the keeper is waiting for them. It + would save time if you would read out the names while I mark the cards; + but, please, lie still, or I shall go.” And she came and arranged the + cushions, which his movements had displaced, till he pronounced himself + quite comfortable. + </p> + <p> + Hardly a word passed but “Smith James, two; Sennet Widow, one; Hacklebury + Nicholas, three;” with a “yes” after each, till they came to “Hollis + Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the boy’s father,” then said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard anything of him?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! his mother dragged him up to beg pardon, and return thanks, but + mamma thought you would rather be spared the infliction.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides that, they were not my due,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “I never thought of the boy.” + </p> + <p> + “If you did not, you saved him—twice!” + </p> + <p> + “A Newfoundland-dog instinct. But I am glad the little scamp is not the + worse. I suppose he is to appear to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! and the vicar begs no notice may be taken of him. He is really a + very naughty little fellow, and if he is made a hero for getting himself + and us so nearly drowned by birds’-nesting on a Sunday in the park, it + will be perfectly demoralising!” + </p> + <p> + “You are as bad as your keeper!” + </p> + <p> + “I am only repeating the general voice,” said Sydney, with a gleam upon + her face, half-droll, half-tender. “Poor little man! I got him alone this + morning, while his mother was pouring forth to mine, and I think he has a + little more notion where thanks are due.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see him,” said John. “I’ll try not to demoralise him; + but he has given me some happy moments.” + </p> + <p> + The voice was low, and Sydney blushed as she laughed and said— + </p> + <p> + “That’s like Babie, saying it was delightful.” + </p> + <p> + “She is quite right as far as I am concerned.” + </p> + <p> + The hue on Sydney’s cheek deepened excessively, as she said— + </p> + <p> + “Is George Hollis next?” + </p> + <p> + They went on steadily after that, and Willis was not kept long waiting. + Then came the whirl of arrivals, Cecil with his Hampton cousins, Sir James + Evelyn and Armine, Jessie and her General, and the Kenminster party. + Caroline found herself in great request as general confidante, adviser, + and medium as being familiar with all parties, and it was evidently a + great comfort to her sister-in-law to find some one there to answer + questions and give her the carte-du-pays. Outwardly, she was all the + Serene Highness, a majestic matron, overshadowing everybody, not + talkative, but doing her part with dignity, in great part the outcome of + shyness, but rather formidable to simple-minded Mrs. Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + She heard of John’s accident with equanimity amazing to her hostess, but + befitting the parent of six sons who were always knocking themselves + about. Indeed, John was too well launched ever to occupy much of her + thoughts. Her pride was in her big Robert, and her joy in her little + Harry, and her care for whichever intermediate one needed it most. This + one at the moment was of course pretty, frightened, blushing Esther, who + was moving about in one maze and dazzle of shyness and strangeness, hardly + daring to raise her eyes, but fortunately graceful enough to look her part + well in the midst of her terrors. Such continual mistakes between her and + Eleanor were made, that Cecil was advised to take care that he had the + right bride; but Ellie, though so like her sister outwardly, was of a very + different nature, neither shy nor timid, but of the sturdy Friar texture. + </p> + <p> + She was very unhappy at the loss of her sister, and had an odd little + conversation with Babie, who showed her to her room, while the rest of the + world made much of the bride. + </p> + <p> + “Ellie, the finery and flummery is to be done in Aunt Ellen’s + dressing-room,” explained Babie; “but Essie is to sleep here with you + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Ellie! her lip quivered at the thought that it was for the last time, + and she said, bluntly— + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t want to have come! I hate it all!” + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be helped,” said Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t think how you and Aunt Carey could give in to it!” + </p> + <p> + “It was the real article, and no mistake,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; she is as silly about him as possible. A mere fine gentleman! Poor + Bobus has more stuff in him than a dozen of him!” + </p> + <p> + “He is a real, honest, good fellow,” said Babie. “I’m sorry for Bobus, but + I’ve known Cecil almost all my life, and I can’t have him abused. I do + really believe that Essie will be happier with a simple-hearted fellow + like him, than with a clever man like Bobus, who has places in his mind + she could never reach up to, and lucky for her too,” half whispered Babie + at the end. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would have cared more for your own brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, they all said it would have been wrong. Besides, Cecil has been + always like my brother. You will like him when you know him.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t bear fine folks.” + </p> + <p> + “They are anything but fine!” cried Babie indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “They can’t help it. That way of Lord Fordham’s, high-breeding I suppose + you call it, just makes me wild. I hate it!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Ellie. You’ll have to get over it, for Essie’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I shan’t. It is really losing her, as much as Jessie—” + </p> + <p> + “Jessie looks worn.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder. Jessie was a goose. Mamma told her to marry that old man, and + she just did it because she was told, and now he is always ordering her + about, and worries and fidgets about everything in the house. I wish one’s + sisters would have more sense and not marry.” + </p> + <p> + Which sentiment poor Ellie uttered just as Sydney was entering by an + unexpected open door into the next room, and she observed, “Exactly! It is + the only consolation for not having a sister that she can’t go and marry! + O Ellie, I am so sorry for you.” + </p> + <p> + This somewhat softened Ellie, and she was restored to a pitch of endurance + by the time Essie was escorted into the room by both the mothers. + </p> + <p> + That polished courtesy of Fordham’s which Ellie so much disliked had quite + won the heart of her mother, who, having viewed him from a distance as an + obstacle in Esther’s way, now underwent a revulsion of feeling, and when + he treated her with marked distinction, and her daughter with brotherly + kindness, was filled with mingled gratitude, admiration and compunction. + </p> + <p> + When, after dinner, Fordham had succeeded in rousing his uncle and the + other two old soldiers out of a discussion on promotion in the army, and + getting them into the drawing-room, the Colonel came and sat down by his + “good little sister” to confide to her, under cover of Sydney’s music, + that he was very glad his pretty Essie had chosen a younger man than her + elder sister’s husband. + </p> + <p> + “Very opinionated is Hood!” he said, shaking his head. “Stuck out against + Sir James and me in a perfectly preposterous way.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline was not prepossessed in favour of General Hood, either by his + conversation with herself at dinner, or by the startled way in which + Jessie sat upright and put on her gloves as soon as he came in; but she + did not wish to discuss him with the Colonel, and asked whether John had + gone to bed. + </p> + <p> + “Is he not here? I thought he had come in with the young ones? No? then he + must have gone to bed. Could Armine or any of them show me the way to his + room?—for I should like to know how the boy really is.” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt if Armine knows which is his room. I had better show you, for he + is not unlikely to be lying down in Fordham’s sitting-room. Otherwise you + must prepare for many stairs. I suppose you know how gallantly he + behaved,” she added, as they left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mrs. Evelyn told me. I am glad he has not lost his athletics in his + London life. I always tell his mother that John is the flower of the + flock.” + </p> + <p> + “A dear good brave fellow he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you have been the making of him, Caroline. If we don’t say much + about it, we are none the less sensible of all you have been to our + children. Most generous and disinterested!” + </p> + <p> + This was a speech to make Caroline tingle all over, and be glad both that + she was a little in advance, and at the door of Fordham’s room, where John + was not. Indeed, he proved to be lying on his bed, waiting for some one to + help him off with his coat, and he was gratified and surprised to the + utmost by his father’s visit, for in truth John was the one of all the + sons who most loved and honoured his father. + </p> + <p> + If that evening were a whirl, what was the ensuing day, when all who stood + in the position of hosts or their assistants were constantly on the + stretch, receiving, entertaining, arranging, presiding over toilettes, + getting people into their right places, saving one another trouble. If + Mrs. Joseph Brownlow was an invaluable aid to Mrs. Evelyn, Allen was an + admirable one to Lord Fordham, for his real talent was for society, and he + had shaken himself up enough to exert it. There might have been an element + of tuft-hunting in it, but there was no doubt that he was doing a useful + part. For Robert was of no use at all, Armine was too much of a mere boy + to take the same part, and John was feeling his injury a good deal more, + could only manage to do his part as bridegroom’s man, and then had to go + away and lie down, while the wedding-breakfast went on. In consequence he + was spared the many repetitions of hearing how he had saved Miss Evelyn + from a watery grave, and Allen made a much longer speech than he would + have done for himself when undertaking, on Rob’s strenuous refusal, to + return thanks for the bridesmaids. + </p> + <p> + That which made this unlike other such banquets, was that no one could + help perceiving how much less the bridegroom was the hero of the day to + the tenants than was the hectic young man who presided over the feast, and + how all the speeches, however they began in honour of Captain Evelyn, + always turned into wistful good auguries for the elder brother. + </p> + <p> + There was no worship of the rising sun there, for when Lord Fordham, in + proposing the health of the bride and bridegroom, spoke of them as future + possessors, in the tone of a father speaking of his heir apparent, there + was a sub-audible “No, no,” and poor Cecil fairly and flagrantly broke + down in returning thanks. + </p> + <p> + Fordham’s own health had been coupled with his mother’s, and committed to + a gentleman who knew it was to be treated briefly; but this did not + satisfy the farmers, and the chief tenant rose, saying he knew it was out + of course to second a toast, but he must take the opportunity on this + occasion. And there followed some of that genuine native heartfelt + eloquence that goes so deep, as the praise of the young landlord was + spoken, the strong attachment to him found expression, and there were most + earnest wishes for his long life, and happiness like his brother’s. + </p> + <p> + Poor Fordham, it was very trying for him, and he could only command + himself with difficulty and speak briefly. He thanked his friends with all + his heart for their kindness and good wishes. Whatever might be the will + of God concerning himself, they had given him one of the most precious + recollections of his life, and he trusted that when sooner or later he + should leave them, they would convey the same warm and friendly feelings + to his successor. + </p> + <p> + There were so many tears by that time, and Mrs. Evelyn felt so much + shaken, that she made the signal for breaking up. No one was more relieved + than Barbara. She must go to her room to compose herself before she could + bear a word from any one, and as soon as she could gain the back stair, + she gathered up her heavy white silk and dashed up, rushing along the + gallery so blinded by tears under her veil that she would have had a + collision if a hand had not been put out as some one drew aside to let her + fly past if she wished; but as the mechanical “beg pardon” was exchanged, + she knew Fordham’s voice and paused. “I was going to look after the + wounded Friar,” he said, and then he saw her tearful eyes, and she + exclaimed, “I could not help it! I could not stay. You would say such + things. O, Duke! Duke!” + </p> + <p> + It was the first time she had used the familiar old name, but she did not + know what she said. He put her into a great carved chair, and knelt on one + knee by her, saying, “Poor Rogers, I wish he had let it alone. It was hard + for my mother and Cecil.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how could you go on and break all our hearts!” sobbed Babie. + </p> + <p> + “It will make a better beginning for Cecil. I want them to learn to look + to him. I thought every one knew that each month I am here is like an + extra time granted after notice, and that it was no shock to any one to + look forward to that fine young couple.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t! I can’t bear it,” she exclaimed, weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t grieve, dearest. I have tried hard, but I find I cannot do my work + as it ought to be done. People are very kind, but I am content, when the + time comes, to leave it to one to whom it will not be such effort and + weariness. This is really one of the most gladsome days of my life. Won’t + you believe it?” + </p> + <p> + “I know unselfish people are happy.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you know that you are giving me the sweetest drop of all, today?” + said Fordham, giving one shy, fervent kiss to the hand that clasped the + arm of the chair just as sounds of ascending steps caused them to start + asunder and go their separate ways. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. — THE TRAVELLER’S JOY. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tis true bright hours together told, + And blissful dreams in secret shared, + Serene or solemn, gay or bold, + Still last in fancy unimpaired. + Keble. +</pre> + <p> + To his mother’s surprise, Lucas did not betray any discomfiture at + Sydney’s adventure, nor even at John’s having, of necessity, been left + behind for a week at Fordham after all the other guests were gone. All he + said was that the Friar was in luck. + </p> + <p> + He himself was much annoyed at the despatch he had received from Japan. Of + course there had been much anxiety as to the way in which Bobus would + receive the tidings of Esther’s engagement; and his mother had written it + to him with much tenderness and sympathy. But instead of replying to her + letter, he had written only to Lucas, so entirely ignoring the whole + matter that except for some casual allusion to some other subject, it + would have been supposed that he had not received it. He desired his + brother to send him out the rest of his books and other possessions which + he had left provisionally in England; and he likewise sent a manuscript + with orders to him to get it published and revise the proofs. It proved to + be a dissertation on Buddhism, containing such a bitter attack upon + Christianity that Jock was strongly tempted to put it in the fire at once, + and had written to Bobus to refuse all assistance in its publication, and + to entreat him to reconsider it. He would not telegraph, in order that + there might be more time to cool down, for he felt convinced that this + demonstration was a species of revenge, at least so far that there was a + certain satisfaction in showing what lengths the baffled lover might go + to, when no longer withheld by the hope of Esther or by consideration for + his mother. + </p> + <p> + Jock would have kept back the knowledge from her, but she was too uneasy + about Bobus for him not to tell her. She saw it in the same light, feared + that her son would never entirely forgive her, but went on writing + affectionate letters to him all the same, whether he answered them or not. + Oh, what a pang it was that she had never tried to make the boy religious + in his childhood. + </p> + <p> + Then she looked at Jock, and wondered whether he would harbour any such + resentment against her when he came to perceive what she had seen + beginning at Fordham. + </p> + <p> + John came back most ominously radiant. It had been very bad weather, and + he and Sydney seemed to have been doing a great quantity of fretwork + together, and to have had much music, only chaperoned by old Sir James, + for Fordham had been paying for his exertions at the wedding by being + confined to his room. + </p> + <p> + He had sent Babie a book, namely, Vaughan’s beautiful “Silex Scintillans,” + full of marked passages, which went to her heart. She asked leave to write + and thank him, and in return his mother wrote to hers, “Duke is much + gratified by the dear Infanta’s note. He would like to write to her unless + he knows you would not object.” + </p> + <p> + To which Caroline replied, “Let him write whatever he pleases to Barbara. + I am sure it will only be what is good for her.” Indeed Babie had been by + many degrees quieter since her return. + </p> + <p> + So a correspondence began, and was carried on till after Easter, when the + whole party came to London for the season. Mrs. Evelyn wished Fordham to + be under Dr. Medlicott’s eye; also to give Sydney another sight of the + world, and to superintend Mrs. Cecil Evelyn’s very inexperienced debut. + </p> + <p> + The young people had made a most exquisitely felicitous tour in the South + of France and North of Spain, and had come back to a pleasant little + house, which had been taken for them near the Park. There Cecil was bent + on giving a great house-warming, a full family party. He would have + everybody, for he had prevailed to have Fordham sleeping there while his + room in his own house received its final arrangements; and Caroline had + added to Ellen’s load of obligation by asking her and the Colonel to come + for a couple of nights to behold their daughter dressed for the + Drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + That would no doubt be a pretty sight, but to others her young matronly + dignity was a prettier sight still, as she stood in her soft dainty white, + receiving her guests, the rosy colour a little deepened, though she knew + and loved them all, and Cecil by her side, already having made a step out + of his boyhood by force of adoration and protection. + </p> + <p> + But their lot was fixed, and they could not be half so interesting to + Caroline as the far less beautiful young sister, who could only lay claim + to an honest, pleasant, fresh-coloured intelligent face, only prevented by + an air of high-breeding from being milkmaid-like. It was one of those + parties when the ingenuity of piercing a puzzle is required to hinder more + brothers and sisters from sitting together than could be helped. + </p> + <p> + So fate or contrivance placed Sydney between the two Johns at the + dinner-table, and Mother Carey, on the other side, felt that some + indication must surely follow. Yet Sydney was apparently quite + unconscious, and she was like the description in “Rokeby:”— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Two lovers by the maiden sate + Without a glance of jealous hate; + The maid her lovers sat between + With open brow and equal mien; + It is a sight but rarely spied, + Thanks to man’s wrath and woman’s pride.” + </pre> + <p> + Were these to awaken? They seemed to be all three talking together in the + most eager and amiable manner, quite like old times, and Jock’s bright + face was full of animation. She had plenty of time for observation, for + the Colonel liked a good London dinner, and knew he need not disturb his + enjoyment to make talk for “his good little sister.” Presently, however, + he began to tell her that the Goulds and Elvira had really set out for + America, and when her attention was free again, she found that Jock had + been called in by Fordham to explain to Essie whether she had, or had not, + seen Roncesvalles, while Sydney and John were as much engrossed as ever. + </p> + <p> + So it continued all the rest of the dinner-time. Jock was talked to by + Fordham, but John never once turned to his other neighbour. In the + evening, the party divided, for it was very warm, and rather than + inconvenience the lovers of fresh air, Fordham retreated into the inner + drawing-room, where there was a fire. He had asked Babie to bring the old + numbers of the “Traveller’s Joy,” as he had a fancy for making a selection + of the more memorable portions, and having them privately printed as a + memorial of those bright days. Babie and Armine were there looking them + over with him, and the former would fain have referred to Sydney, but on + looking for her, saw she was out among the flowers in the glass-covered + balcony, too much absorbed even to notice her summons. Only Jock came back + with her, and sat turning over the numbers in rather a dreamy way. + </p> + <p> + The ladies and the Colonel were sent home in Mrs. Evelyn’s carriage, where + Ellen purred about Esther’s happiness and good fortune all the way back. + Caroline lingered, somewhat purposely, writing a note that she might see + the young men when they came back. + </p> + <p> + They wished her good-night in their several fashions. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, mother. Well, some people are born with silver spoons!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, mother dear. Don’t you think Fordham looks dreadful?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, Armie; much better than when I came up to town.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Mother Carey. If those young folks make all their parties so + jolly, it will be the pleasantest house in London! Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said Jock, as the cousin, softly humming a tune, sprang up the + stairs, “does the wind sit in that quarter?” + </p> + <p> + “I am grievously afraid that it does,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “It is no wonder,” he said, doctoring the wick of his candle with her + knitting-needle. “Did you know it before?” + </p> + <p> + “I began to suspect it after the accident, but I was not sure; nor am I + now.” + </p> + <p> + “I am,” said Jock, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “She is a stupid girl!” burst out his mother. + </p> + <p> + “No! there’s no blame to either of them. That’s one comfort. She gave me + full warning, and he knew nothing about it, nor ever shall.” + </p> + <p> + “He is just as much a medical student as you! That vexes me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he did not give up the service for it, when she implored him.” + </p> + <p> + “A silly girl! O Jock, if you had but come down to Fordham.” + </p> + <p> + “It might have made no odds. Friar was so aggressively jolly after his + Christmas visit, that I fancy it was done then. Besides, just look at us + together!” + </p> + <p> + “He will never get your air of the Guards.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is preposterously ridiculous in the hospital,” said Jock, + endeavouring to smile. “Never mind, mother. It was all up with me two + years ago, as I very well knew. Good-night. You’ve only got me the more + whole and undivided, for the extinction of my will-of-the-wisp.” + </p> + <p> + She saw he had rather say no more, and only returned his fervent embrace + with interest; but Babie knew she was restless and unhappy all night, and + would not ask why, being afraid to hear that it was about Fordham, who + coughed more, and looked frailer. + </p> + <p> + He never went out in the evening now, and only twice to the House, when + his vote was more than usually important; but Mrs. Evelyn was taking + Sydney into society, and the shrinking Esther needed a chaperon much more, + being so little aware of her own beauty, that she was wont to think + something amiss with her hair or her dress when she saw people looking at + her. + </p> + <p> + Sydney had no love for the gaieties, and especially tried to avoid their + own county member, who showed signs of pursuing her. Her real delight and + enthusiasm were for the surprise parties, to which she always inveigled + her mother when it was possible. Mrs. Evelyn was not by any means + unwilling, but Cecil and Esther loved them not, and much preferred seeing + the Collingwood Street cousins without the throng of clever people, who + were formidable to Esther, and wearisome to Cecil. + </p> + <p> + Jock seldom appeared on these evenings. He was working harder than ever. + He was studying a new branch of his profession, which he had meant to + delay for another year, and had an appointment at the hospital which + occupied him a great deal. He had offered himself for another night-school + class, and spent his remaining leisure on Dr. and Mrs. Lucas, who needed + his attention greatly, though Mrs. Lucas had her scruples, feared that he + was overdoing himself, and begged his mother to prohibit some of his + exertions. Dr. Medlicott himself said something of the same kind to Mrs. + Brownlow. “Young men will get into a rush, and suffer for it afterwards,” + he said, “and Jock is looking ill and overstrained. I want him to remember + that such an illness as he had in Switzerland does not leave a man’s heart + quite as sound as before, and he must not overwork himself.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet I don’t know how to interfere,” said his mother. “There are + hearts and hearts, you know,” she added. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Work may sometimes be the least of two evils,” and the doctor said no + more. + </p> + <p> + “So Jock will not come,” said Mrs. Evelyn, opening a note declining a + dinner in Cavendish Square. + </p> + <p> + “His time is very much taken up,” said his mother. “It is one of his + class-nights.” + </p> + <p> + “So he says. It is a strange question to ask, but I cannot help it. Do you + think he fully enters into the situation?” + </p> + <p> + “I say in return, Do you remember my telling you that the two cousins + always avoided rivalry?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he acts deliberately. Forgive me; I felt that unless I was certain + of this virtual resignation of the unspoken hope, I was not acting fairly + in allowing—I cannot say encouraging—what I cannot help + seeing.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Mrs. Evelyn! you understand that it is no slight to Sydney, but you + know why he held back; and now he sees that his absence has made room for + John, he felt that there was no chance for him, and that the more he can + keep out of the way the better it is for all parties. Honest John has + never had the least notion that he has come between Jock and his hopes, + and it is our great desire that he should not guess it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! what can I say? You are generous people, you and your son; but + young folks’ hearts will go their own way. I had made up my mind to a + struggle with the prejudices of all the family, and I had rather it had + been for Jock; but it can’t be helped, and there is not a shadow of + objection to the other John.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed! He is only not Jock—” + </p> + <p> + “And I do not think my Sydney was knowingly fickle, but she thought she + had utterly disgusted and offended Jock by her folly about the selling + out, and that it was a failure of influence. Poor child! it was all a + cloud of shame and grief to her. I think he would have dispelled it if he + had come to the wedding, but as he did not—” + </p> + <p> + “The Adriatic was free,” said Caroline, trying to smile. “I see it all, + dear Mrs. Evelyn. I neither blame you nor Sydney; and I trust all will + turn out right for my poor boy.” + </p> + <p> + “He deserves it!” said Mrs. Evelyn with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + There was a good deal more intercourse between Cavendish Square and + Collingwood Street than Mother Carey had expected. Mrs. Evelyn and her son + and daughter fell into the habit of coming, when they went out for a + drive, to see whether Mrs. Brownlow or Barbara would come with them; and + as it was almost avowed that Babie was the object, she almost always went, + and kept Fordham company in the carriage, whilst his mother and sister + were shopping or making calls. He had certainly lost much ground in these + few weeks; he had ceased to ride, and never went out in the evening; but + the doctors still said he might live for months or years if he avoided + another English winter. His mother was taking Sydney into society, and + Esther was always happier when under their wing, being rather frightened + by the admiration of which Cecil was so proud. When they went out much + before Fordham’s bed time, he was thankful for the companionship of Allen + or Armine, generally the former, for Armine was reading hard, and working + after lectures for a tutor; while Allen, unfortunately, had nothing to + prevent him from looking in whenever Mrs. Evelyn was out, to play chess, + read aloud, or assist in that re-editing of the cream of the “Traveller’s + Joy,” which seemed the invalid’s great amusement. Fordham had a few + scruples at first, and when Allen had undertaken to come to him for the + whole afternoon of a garden-party, he consulted Barbara whether it was not + permitting too great a sacrifice of valuable time. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that for irony?” said Babie. “It is only so much time + subtracted from tobacco.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me say something to you, Infanta?” returned Fordham, with + all his gentleness. “It seems to me that you are not always quite kind in + your way of speaking of Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “If you knew how provoking he is!” + </p> + <p> + “I have a great fellow-feeling for him, having grown up the same sort of + helpless being as he has been. I should be much worse in his place.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” cried Babie. “You would never hang about the house, worrying + mother about eating and fiddle-faddles, instead of doing any one useful + thing!” + </p> + <p> + “But if one can’t?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe in can’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy person!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Duke, you know I never meant health; you know I did not,” and then a + pang shot across her as she remembered her past contempt of him whom she + now reverenced. + </p> + <p> + “There are other incapacities,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Babie, half-pleading, half-meditating, “Allen is not stupid. + He used to be considered just as clever as Bobus; and he is so now to talk + to. Can there be any reason but laziness, and want of application, that + makes him never succeed in anything, except in answering riddles and + acrostics in the papers? He generally just begins things, and makes mother + or Armie finish them for him. He really did set to work and finish up an + article on Count Ugolino since we came home from Fordham, and he has tried + all the periodicals round, and they won’t have it, not even the editors + that know mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow! And you have no pity!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think it is his own fault?” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite possible that he would have done much better if he had always + had to work for his livelihood. I grant you that even as a rich man he + ought to have avoided the desultory ways, which, as you say, are more + likely to have caused his failures than want of native ability. But I + don’t like to see you hard upon him. You hardly realise how cruelly he has + been treated in return for a very deep and generous attachment, or how + such a grief must make it more difficult for him to exert his powers.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like you to think me hard and unkind,” said Babie, sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Only a little over just,” said Fordham. “I am sure you could do a great + deal to help and brighten Allen; and,” he added, smiling, “in the name of + spoilt and shiftless heirs, I hope you will try.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I will,” said Babie earnestly, as the footman at the shop door + signalled to the coachman that his ladies were ready. + </p> + <p> + She found it the less difficult to remember what he had said, because + Allen himself was much less provoking to her. Something was due to the + influence and example of the strenuous endeavour that Fordham made to keep + up to such duties as he had undertaken, not indeed onerous in themselves, + but a severe labour to a man in his state. It had been intimated to him + also that his saturation with tobacco was distressing to his friend, and + he was fond enough of him to abstain from his solace, except when walking + home at night. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this had cleared his senses to perceive habits of consideration + for the family, which he had never thought incumbent on himself, whatever + they might be in his brothers; and his eyes were open, as they had never + yet been, to his mother’s straits. It was chiefly indeed through his + fastidiousness. His mother and Babie had existed most of this time upon + their Belforest wardrobe; indeed, the former, always wearing black, was + still fairly provided; but Babie, who had not in those days been out, was + less extensively or permanently provided; and Allen objected to the style + in which she appeared in the enamelled carriage, “like a nursery governess + out for an airing.” + </p> + <p> + “Or not so smart,” said Babie, merrily putting on her little black hat + with the heron’s plume, and running down stairs. + </p> + <p> + “She does not care,” said Allen; “but mother, how can you let her?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t help it, Allen. We turned out all the old feathers and flowers, + to see if I could find anything more respectable; but things don’t last in + Bloomsbury, and they only looked fit to point a moral, and not at all to + adorn a tail or a head.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think not. But can’t the poor child have something fresh, and + like other people?” + </p> + <p> + No; her uncle had given her bridesmaid’s dress, but there had been + expenses enough connected with the journey to Fordham to drain the dress + purse, and the sealskin cap that had been then available could not be worn + in the sun of June. There had been sundry incidental calls for money. + Mother Carey had been disappointed in the sale of a somewhat ambitious set + of groups from Fouque’s “Seasons,” which were declared abstruse and + uninteresting to the public. She had accepted an order for some very + humble work, not much better than chimney ornaments, for which she rose + early, and toiled while Babie was out driving with her friends. When she + had the money for this she would be more at ease, and if it came to a + little more than she durst reckon upon, she could venture on some extras. + </p> + <p> + “Babie might earn it for herself; she is full of inventions.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing more strongly impressed on me than that those children + are not to begin being made literary hacks before they are come to + maturity. One Christmas tale a year is the utmost I ought to allow.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could be a literary hack, or anything else,” sighed poor Allen. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time he really let himself understand what a burden he + was, and as Fordham was one of those people who involuntarily almost draw + out confidence, he talked it over with him. Allen himself was convinced, + by having really tried, that he was not as availably clever as others of + his family. Whether nature or dawdling was to blame, he had neither + originality nor fire. He could not get his plots or his characters to + work, even when his mother or Babie jogged them on by remarks: his essays + were heavy and unreadable, his jokes hung fire, and he had so exhausted + every one’s patience, that the translations and small reviewing work which + he could have done were now unattainable. He was now ready to do anything, + and he actually meant it, but there seemed nothing for him to do. Mrs. + Evelyn succeeded in getting him two pupils, little pickles whom their + sister’s governess could not manage, and whom he was to teach for two + hours every morning in preparation for their going to school. + </p> + <p> + He attended faithfully, but he was not the man to deal with pickles. The + mutual aversion with which the connection began, increased upon further + acquaintance. The boys found out his weak points, and played tricks, + learnt nothing, and made his life a burden to him; and though the lady + mother liked him extremely, and could not think why her sons were so + naughty with him, it would not be easy to say which of the parties + concerned looked with the strongest sense of relief to the close of the + engagement. + </p> + <p> + The time spent with Fordham was, however, the compensation. There was + sincere liking on both sides, and such helpfulness that Fordham more than + once wished he had some excuse for making Allen his secretary; and perhaps + would have done so if he had really believed such a post would be + permanent. + </p> + <p> + Armine’s term likewise ended, and his examination being over with much + credit, he wished for nothing better than to resume the pursuits he had + long shared with Fordham. He had not Jock’s facility in forming intimacies + with youths of his own age. His development was too exclusively on the + spiritual and intellectual side to attract ordinary lads, and his home + gave him sufficient interests outside his studies; and thus Fordham was + still his sole, as well as his earliest, friend outside the family. Their + intercourse had never received the check that circumstances had interposed + between others of the two families, Armine had spent part of almost all + his vacations with the Evelyns, the correspondence had been a great solace + to the invalid, and the friendship grew yearly more equal. + </p> + <p> + Armine was to join the Evelyn party when they went to the seaside, as they + intended to do on leaving London. It was the fashion to say he looked pale + and overworked, but he had really attained to very fair health, and was + venturing at last to look forward in earnest to a clerical life; a thought + that began to colour and deepen all his more intimate conversations with + his friend, who could share with him many of the reflections matured in + the seclusion of ill-health. For they were truly congenial spirits, and + poor Fordham was more experienced in the lore of suffering and resignation + than his twenty-seven years seemed to imply. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the work of editing the “Traveller’s Joy” was carried on. Some + five-and-twenty copies were printed, containing all the favourite papers—a + specimen from each contributor, from a shocking bad riddle of Cecil’s to + Dr. Medlicott’s commentary upon the myths of the nursery; from Armine’s + original acrostic on the “Rhine and Rhone,” down to the “Phantom Blackcock + of Kilnaught;” the best illustrations from Mrs. Brownlow’s sketches, and + Dr. Medlicott’s clever pen-and-ink outlines were reproduced; and, with + much pains and expense, Fordham had procured photographs of all the marked + spots, from Schwarenbach even to Fordham Church, so that Cecil and Esther + considered it a graceful memorial of their courtship. + </p> + <p> + “So very kind of Duke,” they said. + </p> + <p> + Esther had quite forgotten all her dread of him, and never was happier + than when he was listening to all that had amused her in the gaieties + which she liked much better in the past than in the present. + </p> + <p> + The whole was finished at last, after many a pleasant discussion and + reunion scene, and the books were sent to the binder. Fordham was eager + for them to come home, and rather annoyed at some delays which made it + doubtful whether they would be received before he, with his mother and + sister, were to leave town. It was late, and June had come in, and the + weight of London air was oppressing him and making him weaker, and his + mother, anxious to get him into sea air, had made no fresh engagements. It + was a surprise to meet him at All Saints on St. Peter’s day. + </p> + <p> + “Come with us, Infanta,” he said, pausing at the door of the carriage. “I + am to have my drive early to-day, as the ladies are going to this great + garden-party.” + </p> + <p> + Sydney said she would walk home with Mrs. Brownlow, and be taken up when + Babie was set down. + </p> + <p> + Fordham gave the word to go to the binder’s. + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought you had better have gone into some clearer air,” + said his mother, for he looked very languid. + </p> + <p> + “There will be time for a turn in the park afterwards,” he said; “and the + books were to be ready yesterday, if there is any faith in binders.” + </p> + <p> + The books were ready, and Fordham insisted on having them deposited on the + seat beside him, in spite of all offers of sending them; and a smiling— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Duke, your name should have been Babie,” from his mother. + </p> + <p> + They then drove to Cecil’s house, where Mrs. Evelyn went in to let Esther + know her hour of starting; but where Cecil came running down, and putting + his head into the carriage, said— + </p> + <p> + “Come in, mamma; here’s the housemaid been bullying Essie, and she wants + you to help her. These two can go round the park by themselves, can’t + they?” + </p> + <p> + “Those are the most comical pair of children,” said Fordham, laughing, as + the carriage moved on. “Will Esther ever make a serene highness?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not in her,” said Babie. “It might have been in Jessie, if her + General was not such a horrid old martinet as to hinder the development; + but Essie is much nicer as she is.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Fordham’s fingers were on the knot of the string of his parcel. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are going to peep in? I am so glad.” + </p> + <p> + “Since mamma is not here to laugh at me.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll tell her you did it to please the Babie!” + </p> + <p> + “There, it is you that are doing it now,” as her vigorous little fingers + plucked far more effectively at the cord than his thin weak ones. + </p> + <p> + Out came at last one of the choice dark green books, with a clematis + wreath stamped on the cover, and it was put into Barbara’s lap. + </p> + <p> + “How pretty! This is mother’s own design for the title-page! And oh—how + capital! Dr. Medlicott’s sketch of the mud baths, with Jock shrinking into + a corner out of the way of the fat Grafin! You have everything. Here is + Armine’s Easter hymn!” + </p> + <p> + “I wished to commemorate the whole range of feeling,” said Fordham. + </p> + <p> + “I see; you have even picked out the least ridiculous chapter of Jotapata. + I wish some one had sketched you patiently listening to the nineteen + copy-books. It would have been a monument of good nature. And here is + actually Sydney’s poem about wishing to have been born in the twelfth + century:—” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Would that I lived in time of faith, + When parable was life, + When the red cross in Holy Land + Led on the glorious strife. + Oh! for the days of golden spurs, + Of tournament and tilt, + Of pilgrim vow, and prowess high, + When minsters fair were built; + When holy priest the tonsure wore, + The friar had his cord, + And honour, truth, and loyalty + Edged each bold warrior’s sword.” + </pre> + <p> + “The solitary poetical composition of our family,” said Fordham, “chiefly + memorable, I fear, for the continuation it elicited.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Would that I lived in days of yore, + When outlaws bold were rife, + The days of dagger and of bowl, + Of dungeon and of strife. + Oh! for the days when forks were not, + On skewers came the meat; + When from one trencher ate three foes: + Oh! but those times were sweet! + When hooded hawks sat overhead, + And underfoot was straw + Where hounds and beggars fought for bones + Alternately to gnaw.” + </pre> + <p> + “That was Jock’s, I believe. How furious it did make us. Good old Sydney, + she has lived in her romance ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “Wisely or unwisely.” + </p> + <p> + “Can it be unwisely, when it is so pure and bright as hers, and gives such + a zest to common things?” + </p> + <p> + “Glamour sometimes is perplexing.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Duke, I would sometimes give worlds to think of things as I + used in those old times.” + </p> + <p> + “You a world-wearied veteran!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t laugh at me. It was when Bobus was at home. His common sense made + all we used to care for seem so silly, that I have never been able to get + back my old way of looking at things.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid glamour once dispelled does not return. Yet, after all, truth + is the greater. And I am sure that poor Bobus never loosened my Infanta’s + hold on the real truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” she said, looking down; “he or his books made me afraid to + think about it, and like to laugh at some things—no, I never did + before you. You hushed me on the very borders of that kind of flippancy, + and so you don’t guess how horrid I am, or have been, for you have made + things true and real to me again.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Fancy may die, but Faith is there,’” said Fordham. “I think you will + never shut your eyes to those realities again,” he added, gently. “It is + there that we shall still meet. And my Infanta will make me one promise.” + </p> + <p> + “I would promise you any thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Never knowingly to read those sneering books,” he said, laying his hand + on hers. “Current literature is so full of poisoned shafts that it may not + be possible entirely to avoid them; and there may sometimes be need to + face out a serious argument, but you will promise me never to take up that + scoffing style of literature for mere amusement?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, Duke, I promise,” she said. “I shall always see your face, and + feel your hand forbidding me.” + </p> + <p> + Then as he leant back, half in thankfulness, half in weariness, she went + on looking over the book, and read a preface, new to her. + </p> + <p> + “I have put these selections together, thinking that to the original + ‘Travellers’ it may be a joy to have a memorial of happy days full of much + innocent pleasure and wholesome intercourse. Let me here express my warm + gratitude for all the refreshments afforded by the friendships it + commemorates, and which makes the name most truly appropriate. As a + stranger and pilgrim whose journey may be near its close, let me be + allowed thus to weave a parting garland of some of the brightest flowers + that have bloomed on the wayside, and in dedicating the collection to my + dear companions and fellow-wanderers in the scenes it records, let me wish + that on the highway of life that stretches before them, they may meet with + many a ‘Traveller’s Joy,’ as true as they have been to the Editor. + </p> + <p> + “F——” + </p> + <p> + Babie, with eyes full of tears, was looking up to speak, when the + carriage, having completed the round, again stopped, and Mrs. Evelyn came + down, escorted by Cecil, with hearty thanks. + </p> + <p> + “Essie’s nice clean, fresh, country notions were scouted by the London + housemaid,” she said. “I am happy to say the child held her own, though + the woman presumed outrageously on her gentleness, and neither of the two + had any notion how to get rid of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Arcadia had no housemaids,” said Fordham, rallying. + </p> + <p> + “If not, it must have been nearly as bad as Jock’s twelfth century,” said + Babie, in the same tone. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see!” said Mrs. Evelyn, laughing. + </p> + <p> + And there was a little playful banter as to which had been the impatient + one to open the parcel, each pretending to persuade her that it had been a + mere yielding to the other. Thus they came to Collingwood Street, where + Babie would have taken out her book. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, wait,” said Fordham. “I want to write your name in it first. I’ll + send it this evening. Ali and Armie are coming to me while these good + people are at their Duchess’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Our last gaiety, I am thankful to say,” returned his mother, as Barbara + felt a fervent squeeze of the hand, which she knew was meant to remind her + of the deeper tone of their conversation. + </p> + <p> + It was a very hot day, and in the cool of the evening the two Johns + beguiled Mrs. Brownlow and Babie into a walk. They had only just come home + when there was a hurried peal at the bell, and Armine, quite pale, dashed + up stairs after them. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, come directly! I’ve got a hansom.” + </p> + <p> + “Fordham?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + Armine sighed an affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “Allen sent me for mother. He said one of you had better come. It’s a + blood-vessel. We have sent for Medlicott, and telegraphed for the others. + But oh! they are so far off!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow gave Barbara one kiss, and put her into Jock’s arms, then + sprang into the cab, followed by John, and was driven off. The other three + walked in the same direction, almost unconsciously, as Armine explained + more fully. + </p> + <p> + Fordham had seemed tired at first, but as it became cooler, had roused + himself, seated himself at his writing-table, and made one by one the + inscriptions in the volumes, including all their party of travellers, even + Janet and Bobus; Reeves, who had been their binder, Mrs. Evelyn’s maid, + and one or two intimate friends—such as Mr. Ogilvie and his sister—and + almost all had some kind little motto or special allusion written below + the name, and the date. It had thus taken a long time, and Fordham leant + back so weary that Allen wanted him to leave the addressing of the books, + when wrapped up, to him and Armine; but he said there were some he wished + to direct himself, and he was in the act of asking Bobus’ right address, + when a cough seized him, and Allen instantly saw cause to ring for Reeves. + The last thing that Armine had seen was a wave of the hand to hasten his + own departure, as Allen despatched him for his mother, and gave orders for + the summoning of others more needed, but who might not be fetched so + promptly. + </p> + <p> + Then Jock had time to question whether Barbara ought to go on with him and + Armine to the door, but there was a sound in her “Let me! I must!” that + they could not withstand; and they walked on in absolute silence, except + that Jock said Reeves knew exactly what to do. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Medlicott’s carriage was at the door, and on their ringing, they were + silently beckoned into the dining-room, where their mother came to them. + She could not speak at first, but the way in which she kissed Barbara told + them how it was. All had been over before she reached the house. Dr. + Medlicott had come, but could do nothing more than direct Allen how to + support the sufferer as he sank, with but little struggle, while a sudden + beam of joy and gladness lit up his face at the last. There had been no + word from the first. By the time the flow of blood ceased, the power of + speech was gone, and there was thus less reason to regret the absence of + the nearest and dearest. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow said she must await their return with Allen, who was + terribly shocked and overcome by this his first and sudden contact with + death. John, too, had better remain for his sister’s sake, but the others + had better go home. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my child, you must go,” she said, laying her hand on the cold ones + of Barbara, who stood white, silent, and stunned by the shock. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t make me,” said a dull, dreamy, piteous voice. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you must, my dear. It would only add to the pain and confusion to + have you here now. They may like to have you to-morrow. Remember, he is + not here. Take her, Jock. Take care of her.” + </p> + <p> + The coming of Sir James Evelyn at that moment gave Babie the impulse of + movement, and Dr. Medlicott hurrying out to offer the use of his carriage, + made her cling to Jock, and then to sign rather than speak her desire to + walk with her brothers. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly and silently they went along the streets on that June night in the + throng of carriages carrying people to places of amusement, the wheels + surging in their ears with the tramp and scuffle of feet on the pavement + like echoes from some far-off world. Now and then there was a muffled + sound from Armine, but no word was spoken till they were within their own + door. + </p> + <p> + Then Jock saw for one moment Armine’s face perfectly writhen with + suppressed grief; but the boy gave no time for a word, hurrying up the + stairs as rapidly as possible to his own room. + </p> + <p> + “Will not you go to bed? Mother will come to you there,” said Jock to his + sister, who was still quite white and tearless. + </p> + <p> + “Please not,” was her entreaty. “Suppose they sent for me!” + </p> + <p> + He did not think they would, but he let her sit in the dark by the open + window, listening; and he put his arm round her, and said, gently— + </p> + <p> + “You are much honoured, Babie. It is a great thing to have held so pure + and true a heart, not for time, but eternity.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, Jock. Not yet! I can’t bear it,” she moaned; but she laid her head + on his shoulder, and so rested till he said— + </p> + <p> + “If you can spare me, Babie, I think I must see to Armie. He seemed to me + terribly overcome.” + </p> + <p> + “Armine has lost his very best and dearest friend,” she said, pressing her + hands together. “Oh yes, go to him! Armie can feel, and I can’t! I can + only choke!” + </p> + <p> + Jock apprehended a hysterical struggle, but there only came one long sob + like strangulation, and he thought the pent up feeling might better find + its course if she were left alone, and he was really anxious about Armine, + remembering what the loss was to him, that it was his first real grief, + and that he had had a considerable share of the first shock of the alarm. + </p> + <p> + His soft knock was unheard, and as he gently pushed open the door, he saw + Armine kneeling in the dark with his head bowed over his prayer-desk, and + would have retreated, but he had been heard, and Armine rose and came + forward. + </p> + <p> + The light on the stairs showed a pale, tear-stained face, but calm and + composed; and it was in a steady, though hushed, voice that he said— + </p> + <p> + “Can I be of any use?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to have disturbed you. I only came to see after you. This is a + sore stroke on you, Armie.” + </p> + <p> + “I can stand it better, now. I have given him up to God as he bade me,” + said Armine. “It had been a weary, disappointed, struggling life, and he + never wished it to last.” The tears were choking him, but they were gentle + ones. “He thought it might be like this—and soon—only he hoped + to get home first. And I can give thanks for him, what he has been to me, + and what he will be to me all my life.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, Armie. John did great things for us all when he caught the + carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “And how is Babie?” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child, she seems as if she could neither speak nor cry. It is half + hysterical, and I was going to get something for her to take. Perhaps + seeing you may be good for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor little thing, she is almost his widow, though she scarcely knows + it,” said Armine, coming down with his brother. + </p> + <p> + They found Babie still in the same intent, transfixed, watching state; but + she let Armine draw her close to him, and listened as he told her, in a + low tender voice of the talks he had had with Fordham, who had expressed + to his young friend, as to no one else, his own feelings as to his state, + and said much that he had spared others, who could not listen with that + unrealising calmness that comes when sorrow, never yet experienced, is + almost like a mere vision. And as Babie listened, the large soft tears + began to fall, drop by drop, and the elder brother’s anxiety was lessened. + He made them eat and drink for one another’s sake, and watched over them + with a care that was almost parental, till at nearly half-past twelve + o’clock the other three came home. + </p> + <p> + They said Mrs. Evelyn had come fully prepared by the telegram, and under + an inexplicable certitude which made it needless to speak the word to her. + She was thankful that Marmaduke had been spared the protracted weeks of + struggle in which his elder brothers’ lives had closed, and she said— + </p> + <p> + “We knew each other too well to need last words.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed she was in the exalted state that often makes the earlier hours and + days of bereavement the least distressing, and Sydney was absorbed in the + care of her. Neither had been nearly so much overcome as Cecil and Esther, + who had been hunted up with difficulty. He seemed to be as much shocked + and horrified as if his brother had been in the strongest possible health; + and poor Esther felt it wicked and unfeeling to have been dancing, and + cried so bitterly that the united efforts of her aunt and brother could + not persuade her that what was done in simple duty and obedience need give + no pang, and that Mrs. Evelyn never thought of the incongruity. + </p> + <p> + It was only her husband’s prostration with grief and desolation that drew + her off, to do her best with her pretty childish caresses and soothings; + and when the two had been sent to their own home, Mrs. Evelyn was so calm + that her friend felt she might be left with her daughter for the night, + and returned, bringing her tender love to “Our Babie,” as she called the + girl. + </p> + <p> + She clung very much to Barbara in the ensuing days. The presence of every + one seemed to oppress her except that of her own children, and the two + youngest Brownlows, for had not Armine been the depository of all + Fordham’s last messages? What she really seemed to return to as a + refreshment after each needful consultation with Sir James on the dreary + tasks of the mourners, was to finish the packing of those “Traveller’s + Joys” which lay strewn about Fordham’s sitting-room, open at the fly + leaves, that the ink might dry. + </p> + <p> + Esther was very gentle and sweet, taking it quite naturally that Babie + should be a greater comfort to her mother-in-law than herself; and content + to be a very valuable assistant herself, for the stimulus made her far + more capable than she had been thought to be. She managed almost all the + feminine details, while Sir James attended to the rest. She answered all + the notes, and wrote all the letters that did not necessarily fall on her + husband and his mother; and her unobtrusive helpfulness made her a + daughter indeed. + </p> + <p> + All the young men went to the funeral; but Mrs. Brownlow felt that it was + a time for friends to hold back till they were needed, when relations had + retreated; so she only sent Babie, whom Mrs. Evelyn and Sydney could not + spare, and she followed after three weeks, when Allen was released from + his unwelcome work. + </p> + <p> + She found Mrs. Evelyn feeling it much more difficult to keep up than it + had been at first, now that she sorely missed the occupation of her life. + For full twenty years she had had an invalid on her mind, and Cecil’s + marriage had made further changes in her life. It was not the fault of the + young couple. They did not love their new honours at all. Apart from their + affection, Cecil hated trouble and responsibility, and could not bear to + shake himself out of his groove, and Esther was frightened at the charge + of a large household. Their little home was still a small paradise to + them, and they implored their mother to allow things to go on as they + were, and Cecil continue in the Guards, while she reigned as before at + Fordham; letting the Cavendish Square house, which Essie viewed with a + certain nervous horror. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn had so far consented that the change need not be made for at + least a year. Her dower house was let, and she would remain as mistress of + Fordham till the term was over, by which time the young Lady Fordham might + have risen to her position, and her Lord be less unwilling to face his new + cares. + </p> + <p> + “And they will be always wanting me to take the chair,” said he, in a + deplorable voice that made the others laugh in spite of themselves; and he + was so grateful to his mother for staying in his house, and letting him + remain in his regiment, that he seemed to have quite forgotten that the + power was in his own hands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. — THE TRUST FULFILLED. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You know, my father left me some prescriptions + Of rare and prov’d effects, such as his reading, + And manifest experience, had collected + For general sovereignty; and that he will’d me + In heedfullest reservation to bestow them, + As notes, whose faculties inclusive were, + More than they were in note. + All’s Well that Ends Well. +</pre> + <p> + Another year had come and gone, with its various changes, and the mother + of the Collingwood Street household felt each day that the short life of + Marmaduke Viscount Fordham had not been an unimportant one to her + children. + </p> + <p> + It had of course told the most on Barbara. Her first great grief seemed to + have smoothed out the harsher lines of her character, and made her gentle + and tolerant as she had never been; or more truly, she had learnt charity + at a deeper source. That last summer had lifted her into a different + atmosphere. What she had shared with Fordham she loved. She had felt the + reality of the invisible world to him, and knew he trusted to her meeting + his spirit there even in this life, and the strong faith of his mother had + strengthened the impression. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Heavenly things had seemed more true, + And came down closer to her view, +</pre> + <p> + now that his presence was among them. She had by no means lost her + vivacity. There would always be a certain crispness, drollery, and + keenness about her, and she had too much of her mother’s elasticity to be + long depressed; but instead of looking on with impatient criticism at good + works, she had learnt to be ardent in the cause, and she was a most + effective helper. To Armine, it was as if Fordham had given him back the + sister of his childhood to be as thoroughly one in aims and sympathies as + ever, but with a certain clearness of eye, brisk alacrity of execution, + and quickness of judgment that made her a valuable assistant, the + complement, as it were, of his more contemplative nature. + </p> + <p> + He had just finished his course at King’s College, and taken a fair + degree, and he was examining advertisements, with a view to obtaining some + employment in teaching that would put a sufficient sum in his hands to + enable him to spend a year at one of the theological colleges, in + preparation for Ordination. His mother was not happy about it, she never + would be quite easy as to Armine’s roughing it at any chance school, and + she had much rather he had spent the intervening year in working as a lay + assistant to Mr. Ogilvie, who had promised to give him a title for Orders, + and would direct his reading. + </p> + <p> + Armine, however, said he could neither make himself Mr. Ogilvie’s guest + for a year, nor let his mother pay his expenses; also that he wished to do + something for himself, and that he felt the need of definite training. All + he would do, was to promise that if he should find himself likely to break + down in his intended employment of tuition, he would give up in time and + submit to her plan of boarding him at St. Cradocke’s. + </p> + <p> + “But,” as he said to Babie, “I don’t think it is self-will to feel bound + to try to exert myself for the one great purpose of my life. I am too old + to live upon mother any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “How I do wish I could do anything to help you to the year at C——. + Mother has always said that she will let me try to publish ‘Hart’s-tongue + Well’ when I am twenty-one!” + </p> + <p> + “Living on you instead of mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, Armie, you know we are one. Though perhaps a mere story like that + is not worthy to do such work. Yet I think there must be something in it, + as Duke cared for it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be proof positive but for the author,” said Armine, smiling; + “but poor Allen’s attempts have rather daunted my literary hopes.” + </p> + <p> + “I really believe Allen would write better sense now, if he tried,” said + Babie. “I believe Lady Grose is making something of him!” + </p> + <p> + “Without intending it,” said Armine, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “No; but you see snubbing is wholesome diet, if it is taken with a few + grains of resolution, and he has come to that now!” + </p> + <p> + For Allen had continued not only to profess to be, but to be willing to do + anything to relieve his mother, and Dr. Medlicott had, with much + hesitation and doubt, recommended him for what was called a secretaryship + to a paralytic old gentleman, who had been, in his own estimation, eminent + both in the scientific and charitable worlds, and still carried on his old + habits, though quite incapable. It really was, as the Doctor honestly told + Allen, very little better than being a male humble companion, for though + old Sir Samuel Grose was fussy and exacting from infirmity, he was a + gentleman; but he had married late in life a vulgar, overbearing woman, + who was sure to show insolent want of consideration to anyone she + considered her inferior. To his surprise, Allen accepted the situation, + and to his still greater surprise, endured it, walking to Kensington every + day by eleven o’clock, and coming home whenever he was released, at an + hour varying from three to eleven, according to my Lady’s will. He became + attached to the old man, pitied him, and did his best to satisfy his many + caprices and to deal with his infirmities of brain and memory; but my Lady + certainly was his bete noire, though she behaved a good deal better to him + after she had seen him picked up in the park by Lady Fordham’s carriage. + However, he made light of all he underwent from her, and did not break + down even when it was known that though poor George Gould had died at New + York, his widow showed no intention of coming home, and wrote confidently + to her step-daughters of Elvira marrying her brother Gilbert. She was of + age now, there was nothing to prevent her, and they seemed to be only + waiting for a decent interval after her uncle’s death. Allen, a couple of + years ago, would have made his mother and all the family as wretched as he + could, and would have dropped all semblance of occupation but smoking. Now + Lady Grose would not let him smoke, and Sir Samuel required him to be + entertaining; but the continual worry he was bearing was making him look + so ill that his mother was very anxious about him. She had other troubles. + It was eighteen months since Janet Hermann had drawn her allowance. Her + husband once had written in her name, saying that she was ill, but Mr. + Wakefield had sent an order payable only on her signature, and it had + never been acknowledged or presented! Could Janet be living? Or could she + be in some such fitful state of prosperity as to be able to disregard £25? + </p> + <p> + Her mother spent many anxious thoughts and prayers on her, though the + younger ones seemed to have almost forgotten her, so long it was since she + had been a part of their family life. Nor did Bobus answer his mother’s + letters, though he continued to write fully and warmly to Jock. As to the + MS., he said he had improved upon it, and had sent a fresh one to a friend + who would have none of the scruples of which physical science ought to + have cured Jock. It came out in a review, but without his name, and though + it was painful enough to all who cared for him, it had been shorn of + several of the worst and most virulent passages; so that Jock’s + remonstrance had done some good. + </p> + <p> + Jock himself had come into possession of £200, and the like sum had been + left to his mother by their good old friends the Lucases, who had died, as + it is given to some happy old couples to leave this world, within three + days of one another. + </p> + <p> + The other John, in the last autumn, had taken both his degrees at Oxford + and in London with high credit, and had immediately after obtained one of + those annual appointments in his hospital which are bestowed upon the most + distinguished of the students, to enable them to gain more experience; but + as it did not involve residence, he continued to be one of the family in + Collingwood Street. However, in the early spring, a slight hurt to his + hand festered so as to make the doctors uneasy, and his sister set her + heart on taking him to Fordham for Easter, for a more thorough rest than + could be had at Kencroft, while the younger ones were having measles. + </p> + <p> + John, however, had by this time learnt enough of his own feelings to delay + consent till he had written to ask Mrs. Evelyn whether she absolutely + objected to his entertaining any future hopes of Sydney, when he should + have worked his way upward, as his recent success gave him hopes of doing + in time. + </p> + <p> + Sydney’s fortune was not overpowering. £10,000 was settled on each of the + younger children, and it had only been Fordham’s liberality in treating + Cecil as his eldest son, that had brought about his early marriage. Thus + she was no such heiress that her husband would be obliged to feel as if he + were living on her means, or that exertion could be dispensed with, and + thus, though he must make his way before he could marry, there was no + utter inequality for one who brought a high amount of trained ability and + industry. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn could only answer as she would once have answered Jock, and on + these terms he went. In the meantime Sydney had rejected the honourable + young rector of the next parish, and was in the course of administering + rebuffs to the county member, who was so persuaded that he and Miss Evelyn + were the only fit match for one another, that no implied negative was + accepted by him. Her brother, whom he was coaching in his county duties, + was far too much inclined to bring him home to luncheon; and in the clash + and crisis, without any one’s quite knowing how it happened, it turned out + that Mrs. Evelyn had been so imprudent as to sanction an attachment + between her daughter and that great lout of a young doctor, Lady Fordham’s + brother! Not only the M.P., but all the family shook the head and bemoaned + the connection, for though it was to be a long engagement and a great + secret, everybody found it out. Lucas had long made up his mind that so it + would end, and told his mother that it was a relief the crisis had come. + He put a good face on it, wrung his cousin’s hand with the grasp of a + Hercules, observed “Well done, old Monk,” and then made the work for his + final examination a plea for being so incessantly occupied as to avoid all + private outpourings. And if he had very little flesh on his bones, it was + hard work and anxiety about his examination. + </p> + <p> + That final ordeal was gone through at last; John Lucas Brownlow was, like + his cousin, possessor of a certificate of honour and a medal, and had won + both his degrees most brilliantly. He had worked the hardest and had the + most talent, and his achievement was perhaps the most esteemed because of + his lack of the previous training that Friar had brought from Oxford. + Professors and physicians wrote his mother notes to express their + satisfaction at the career of their old friend’s son, and Dr. Medlicott + came to bring her a whole bouquet of gratifying praise and admiration from + all concerned with him, ranging from the ability of his prize essay to the + firm delicacy of his hand; and backed up by the doctor’s own opinion of + the blameless conduct and excellent influence of both the cousins. And now + Dr. Medlicott declared he must have a good rest and holiday, after the + long strain of hard toil and study. + </p> + <p> + It came like a dream to Caroline that the conditions imposed by her + husband fifteen years before, when Lucas was a mischievous imp of a + Skipjack, had been thus completely worked out, not only the intellectual, + but the moral and religious terms being thus fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + The two cousins had come home to dinner in high spirits at the various + kind things that had been said to, and of, Jock, and discussing the + various suggestions for the future that had been made to them. They + thought Mother Carey strangely silent, but when they rose she called her + son into the consulting room, as she still termed it. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” she said, “this slate will tell you why this is the moment I + have looked forward to from the time your dear father was taken from us + with his work half done. He had been working out a discovery. He was sure + of it himself, but none of the faculty would believe in it or take it up. + Even Dr. Lucas thought it was a craze, and I believe it can only be tested + by risky experiments. All that he had made out is in this book. You know + he could not speak for that dreadful throat. This is what he wrote. I + copied it again, putting in my answers lest it should fade, but these are + his very words, and that is my pledge. Magnum Bonum was our playful pet + name for it between ourselves. + </p> + <p> + “‘I promise to keep the Magnum Bonum a secret, till the boys are grown up, + and then only to confide it to the one that seems fittest, when he has + taken his degree, and is a good, religious, wise, able man, with brains + and balance, fit to be trusted to work out and apply such an invention, + and not make it serve his own advancement, but be a real good and blessing + to all.’ And oh, Jock,” she added, “am I not thankful that after all it + should have come about that you should fulfil those conditions.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not once mean it for John?” said Jock, hastily looking up. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, when I thought that hateful money had turned you all aside.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I think he ought to share this knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would say so, but it is your first right.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Jock. “But he is superior in his own line to me. He gave + himself up to this line of his own free will, not like me, as a resource. + And moreover, if it should bring any personal benefit, as an accident, it + would be more important to him than to me. And these other conditions he + fulfils to the letter. Mother, let me fetch him.” + </p> + <p> + She kissed his brow by way of answer, and a call brought John into the + room. The explanation was made, and John said, “If you think it right, + Aunt Caroline. No one can quite fulfil the conditions, but two may be + better than one.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will leave you to read it together,” she said, after pointing them + to the solemn words in the first page. “Oh, you cannot think how glad I am + to give up my trust.” + </p> + <p> + She went upstairs to the drawing-room, and about half an hour had passed + in this way, when Jock came to the door, and said, “Mother, would you + please to come down.” + </p> + <p> + It was a strange, grave voice in which he spoke, and when she reached the + room, they set Allen’s most luxurious chair for her, but she stood + trembling, reading in their faces that there was something they hesitated + to tell her. They looked at one another as if to ask which should do it, + and a certain indignation and alarm seized on her. “You believe in it!” + she cried, as if she suspected them of disloyalty. + </p> + <p> + “Most entirely!” they both exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “It is a great discovery,” added Jock, “but—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said John, as he hesitated, “it has been worked out within the last + two years.” + </p> + <p> + “Not Dr. Hermann!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” said Jock. “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because poor Janet overheard our conversation, and obtained a sight of + the book. It was her ambition. I believe it was fatal to her. She may have + caught up enough of the outline to betray it. Jock, you remember that + scene at Belforest?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” said Jock; “but this is not that scoundrel. It is Ruthven, who has + worked it out in a full and regular way. It is making a considerable + sensation though it has scarcely yet come into use as a mode of treatment. + Mother, do not be disappointed. It will be the blessing that my father + intended, all the sooner for not being in the hands of two lads like us, + whom all the bigwigs would scout!” + </p> + <p> + “And what I never thought of before,” said John. “You know we are so often + asked whether we belong to Joseph Brownlow, that one forgets to mention it + every time; but that day, when Dr. Medlicott took me to the Westminster + hospital, we fell in with Dr. Ruthven, and after the usual disappointment + on finding I was only the nephew and not the son, he said, ‘Joseph + Brownlow would have been a great man if he had lived. I owe a great deal + to a hint he once gave me?’” + </p> + <p> + “He ought to see these notes,” said Jock. “It strikes me that there is a + clue here to that difficulty he mentions in that published paper of his.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to show it to him,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “You ought,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know much about him?” asked Mother Carey. “I don’t think I ever + saw him, though I know his name. A fashionable physician, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “A very good man,” said John. “A great West-end swell just come to be the + acknowledged head in his own line. I suppose it is just what my uncle + would have been ten years ago, if he had been spared.” + </p> + <p> + “May we show it to him, mother?” said Jock. “I should think he was quite + to be trusted with it. I see! I was reading an account of this method of + his to Dr. Lucas one day, and he was much interested and tried to tell me + something about my father; but it was after his speech grew so imperfect, + and he was so much excited and distressed that I had to lead him away from + the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Dr. Lucas’s incredulity made all the difference. How old is Dr. + Ruthven, John?” + </p> + <p> + “A little over forty, I should say. He may have been a pupil of my + uncle’s.” + </p> + <p> + After a little more consultation, it was decided that John should write to + Dr. Ruthven that his cousin had some papers of his father’s which he + thought the Doctor might like to see, and that they would bring them if he + would make an appointment. + </p> + <p> + And so the Magnum Bonum was no longer a secret, a burden, and a charge! + </p> + <p> + It was not easy to tell whether she who had so long been its depositary + felt the more lightened or disappointed. She had reckoned more than she + knew upon the honour of the discovery being connected with the name of + Brownlow, and she could not quite surmount the feeling that Dr. Ruthven + had somehow robbed her husband, though her better sense accepted and + admired the young men’s argument that such discoveries were common + property, and that the benefit to the world was the same. + </p> + <p> + Allen was a good deal struck when he understood the matter. He said it + explained a good deal to him which the others had been too young to + observe or remember both in the old home and afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “One wonderful part of it is how you kept the secret, and Janet too!” he + said. “And you must often have been sorely tempted. I remember being + amused at your disappointment and her indignation when I said I didn’t see + why a man was bound to be a doctor because his father was before him; and + I suppose if Bobus or I had taken to it, this Ruthven need not have been + beforehand with us!” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been transgressing the conditions to hold it out to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t imagine I could have done it any way,” said Allen, sighing. “I + never can enter into the taste the others have for that style of thing; + but Bobus might have succeeded. You must have expected it of him, at the + time when he and I used to laugh at what we thought was a monomania on + your part for our taking up medical science as a tribute to our father, + when we did not need it as a provision.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, if any of you had taken up the study from pure philanthropy, as + some people do—well, at any rate in George Macdonald’s novels—it + would have been the very qualification. But I had little hope from the + time that the fortune came. I dreamt the first night that Midas had turned + the whole of you to gold statues, and that I was wandering about like the + Princess Paribanou to find the Magnum Bonum to disenchant you.” + </p> + <p> + “It has come pretty true,” said Allen thoughtfully, “that inheritance did + us all a great deal of mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “And it took a greater magnum bonum, a maximum bonum, to disenchant us,” + said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Which I fear did not come from me,” said his mother, “and I am most + grateful to the dear people who applied it to you. I wish I saw my way to + the disenchantment of the other two!” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you quite despaired till John took his turn in that direction,” + said Allen. “Bobus could really have done better than any of us, I fancy, + but he would not have fulfilled the religious condition, as sine qua non.” + </p> + <p> + “Bobus is not really cleverer than Jock,” said Armine. + </p> + <p> + “Yet the Skipjack seemed the most improbable one of all,” said his mother. + “I wish he were not deprived of it, after all!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is not,” said Armine. “He told me he had been comparing the + MS. notes with Dr. Ruthven’s published paper, and he thought my father saw + farther into the capabilities.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he will do right with it. I am thankful to leave it in such hands + as his and the Monk’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it was this,” continued Allen, “that was the key to poor Janet’s + history. I suppose she hoped to qualify herself when she was madly set on + going to Zurich.” + </p> + <p> + “Though I told her I could never commit it to her; but she knew just + enough to make that wretched man fancy it a sort of quack secret, and he + managed to persuade her that he had real ability to pursue the discovery + for her. Poor Janet! it has been no magnum bonum to her, I fear. If I + could only know where she is.” + </p> + <p> + A civil, but not a very eager note came in reply to John from Dr. Ruthven, + making the appointment, but so dispassionately that he might fairly be + supposed to expect little from the interview. + </p> + <p> + However, they came home more than satisfied. Perhaps in the interim Dr. + Ruthven had learnt what manner of young men they were, and the honours + they had won, for he had received them very kindly, and had told them how + a conversation with Joseph Brownlow had put him on the scent of what he + had since gradually and experimentally worked out, and so fully proved to + himself, that he had begun treatment on that basis, and with success, + though he had only as yet brought a portion of his fellow physicians to + accept his system. + </p> + <p> + Lucas had then explained as much as was needful, and shown him the notes. + He read with increasing eagerness, and presently they saw his face light + up, and with his finger on the passage they had expected, he said, “This + is just what I wanted. Why did I not think of it before?” and asked + permission to copy the passage. + </p> + <p> + Then he urged the publication of the notes in some medical journal, + showing true and generous anxiety that honour should be given where honour + was due, and that his system should have the support of a name not yet + forgotten. Further, he told his visitors that they would hear from him + soon, and altogether they came home so much gratified that the mother + began to lose her sense of being forestalled. She was hard at work in her + own way on a set of models for dinner-table ornaments which had been + ordered. “Pot-boilers” had unfortunately much more success than the + imaginary groups she enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + Therefore she stayed at home and only sent her young people on a + commission to bring her as many varieties of foliage and seed-vessels as + they could, when Jock and Armine spent this first holiday of waiting in + setting forth with Babie to get a regular good country walk, grumbling + horribly that she would not accompany them. + </p> + <p> + She was deep in the moulding of a branch of chestnut, which carried her + back to the first time she saw those prickly clusters, on that day of + opening Paradise at Richmond, with Joe by her side, then still Mr. + Brownlow to her, Joe, who had seemed so much closer to her side in these + last few days. The Colonel might call Armine the most like Joe, and say + that Jock almost absurdly recalled her own soldier-father, Captain Allen, + but to her, Jock always the most brought back her husband’s words and + ways, in a hundred little gestures and predilections, and she had still to + struggle with her sense of injury that he should not be the foremost. + </p> + <p> + The maid came up with two cards: Dr. and Mrs. Ruthven. This was speedy, + and Caroline had to take off her brown holland apron, and wash her hands, + while Emma composed her cap, in haste and not very good will, for she + could not but think them her natural enemies, though she was ready to beat + herself for being so small and nasty “when they could not help it, poor + things.” + </p> + <p> + However, Mrs. Ruthven turned out to be a pleasant lively table d’hote + acquaintance of six or seven years ago in her maiden days, and her doctor + an agreeable Scotsman, who told Mrs. Brownlow that he had been here on + several evenings in former days, and did not seem at all hurt that she did + not remember him. He seemed disappointed that neither of the young men was + at home, and inquired whether they had anything in view. “Not definitely,” + she said, and she spoke of some of the various counsels Dr. Medlicott and + others had given them. + </p> + <p> + In the midst she heard that peculiar dash with which the Fordham carriage + always announced itself. Little Esther might be ever so much a + Viscountess, but could she ever cease to be shy? In spite of her + increasing beauty and grace, she was not a success in society, for the + ladies said she was slow; she had no conversation, and no dash or rattle + to make up for it, and nothing would ever teach her to like strangers. + They were only so many disturbances in the way of her enjoyment of her + husband and her baby; and when she could not have the former to go out + driving with her, she always came and besought for the company of Aunt + Caroline and Babie; above all, when she had any shopping to do. She knew + it was very foolish, but she could never be happy in encountering shop + people, and she wanted strong support and protection to prevent herself + from being made a lay figure by urgent dressmakers. Her home only gave her + help and company on great occasions, for Eleanor persisted in objecting to + fine people, was determined against attracting another guardsman, and + privately desired her sister to abstain from inviting her. Essie was aware + that this was all for the sake of a certain curate at St. Kenelm’s, and + left Ellie to carry out her plan of passive resistance, becoming thus the + more dependent on her aunt’s family. + </p> + <p> + In she came, too graceful and courteous for strangers to detect the shock + their presence gave her, but much relieved to see them depart. Her husband + was on guard, and she had a whole list of commissions for mamma, which + would be much better executed without him. Moreover, baby must have a new + pelisse and hat for the country, and might not she have little stockings + and shoes, in case she should want to walk before the return to London? + </p> + <p> + As little Alice was but four months old, and her father’s leave was only + for three months, this did not seem a very probable contingency, but + Mother Carey was always ready for shopping. She had never quite outgrown + the delight of the change from being a penniless school girl, casting + wistful fleeting glances at the windows where happier maidens might enter + and purchase. + </p> + <p> + Then there was to be a great review in two days’ time, Cecil would be with + his regiment, and Esther wanted the whole family to go with her, lunch + with the officers, and have a thorough holiday. Cecil had sent a message + that Jock must come to have the cobwebs swept out of his brain, and see + his old friends before he got into harness again. It was a well-earned + holiday, as Mother Carey felt, accepting it with eager pleasure, for all + who could come, though John’s power of so doing must be doubtful, and + there was little chance of a day being granted to Allen. + </p> + <p> + In going out with her niece, Caroline’s eye had fallen on an envelope + among the cards on the hall table, ambiguously addressed to “J. Brownlow, + Esq., M.B.,” and on her return home she was met at the door by Jock with a + letter in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “So Dr. Ruthven has been here,” he said, drawing her into the + consulting-room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I like him rather. He seems to wish to make any amends in his + power.” + </p> + <p> + “Amends! you dear old ridiculous mother! Do you call this amends?” holding + up the letter. “He says now this discovery is getting known and he has a + name for the sort of case, his practice is outgrowing him, and he wants + some one to work with him who may be up to this particular matter, and all + he has heard of us convinces him that he cannot do better than propose it + to whichever of us has no other designs.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right and proper of him. It is the only thing he can do. I suppose + it would be the making of one of you. Ah!” as she glanced over the letter. + “He gives the preference to you.” + </p> + <p> + “He was bound to do that, but I think he would prefer the Monk. I wonder + whether you care very much about my accepting the offer.” + </p> + <p> + “Would this house be too far off?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know his plans enough to tell. That was not what I was thinking + of, but of what it would save her. Essie said she was not looking well; + and no doubt waiting is telling on her, just as her mother always feared + it would.” + </p> + <p> + “John has just not had the forbearance you have shown!” + </p> + <p> + “That is all circumstance. There was the saving her life, and afterwards + the being on the spot when she was tormented about the other affair. He + has no notion of having cut me out, and I trust he never will.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do him that justice.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he has the advantage of me every way, out and out in looks and + University training; and it was to him that Ruthven first took a fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “You surpassed him in your essay, and in—. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, yes,” interrupted Jock hastily, “but you see work was my refuge. + I had nothing to call me off. Besides, I have my share of your brains, + instead of her Serenity’s; but that’s all the more reason, if you would + listen to me. Depend upon it, Ruthven, if he knew all, would much prefer + the connection John would have, and she would bring means to set up + directly.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will have it so,” replied she, looking up to him + affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “I should like it,” he said. “It is the one thing for them, and waiting + might do her infinite harm; the dear old Monk deserves it every way. + Remember how it all turned on his desperate race. If your comfort depended + on my taking it, that would come first.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is sure to turn up plenty of other work without leaving you,” + he continued. “I don’t fancy getting involved in West-end practice among + swells, and not being independent. I had rather see whether I can’t work + out this principle further, devoting myself to reading up for it, and + getting more hospital experience to go upon.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say that is quite right. I know it is like your father, and indeed + I shall be quite content however you decide. Only might it not be well to + see how it strikes John, before you absolutely make it over to him?” + </p> + <p> + “You are trying to be prudent against the grain, Mother Carey.” + </p> + <p> + “Trying to see it like your uncle. Yes, exactly as if I were trying to + forestall his calling me his good little sister.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what he would call me,” said Jock, “for at the bottom is a + feeling that, after reading my father’s words, I had rather not, if I can + help it, begin immediately to make all that material advantage out of + ‘Magnum Bonum’ as you call it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear, do as you think right; I trust it all to you. It is sure + to turn out the right sort of ‘Magnum Bonum’ to you—” + </p> + <p> + The Monk’s characteristic ring at the bell was heard, and the letter was, + without loss of time, committed to him, while both mother and son watched + him as he gathered up the sense. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is jolly!” was his first observation. “Downright handsome of + Ruthven!” and then as the colour rose a little in his face, “Just the + thing for you, Jock, home work, which is exactly what you, want.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not sure about that,” said Jock; “I don’t want to get into that kind + of practice just yet. It is fitter for a family man.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is a family man if you are not?” said John. “Wasn’t it the very + cause of your taking this line?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a popular prejudice in favour of wives, rather than mothers,” + said Jock. “I should have said you were more likely to fulfil the + conditions.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” and there was a sound in that exclamation that belied the sequel, + “that’s just nonsense! The offer is to you primarily, and it is your duty + to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “I had much rather you did, and so had Dr. Ruthven. I want more time for + study and experience, and have set my heart on some scientific appointment—” + </p> + <p> + “Come now, my good fellow—why, what are you laughing at?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are such a good imitation of your father, my dear Johnny,” + said his aunt. + </p> + <p> + “It is just what my father would say,” returned John, taking this as a + high compliment; “it would be very foolish of Lucas to give up a certainty + for this just because of his Skipjack element, which doesn’t want to get + into routine harness. Now, don’t you think so, Mother Carey?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>If</i> I thought it <i>was</i> the Skipjack element,” she said, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “If it is not,” he said, the colour now spreading all over his face, “I am + all the more bound not to let him give up all his prospects in life.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>All</i> my prospects! My dear Monk, do you think they don’t go beyond + a brougham, and unlimited staircases?” + </p> + <p> + “I only know,” cried John, nettled into being a little off his guard, + “that what you despise would be all the world to me!” + </p> + <p> + The admission was hailed triumphantly, but the Kencroft nature was too + resolute, and the individual conscience too generous, to be brought round + to accept the sacrifice, which John estimated at the value of the + importance it was to himself, viewing what was real in Lucas’s distaste, + as mere erratic folly, which ought to be argued down. Finally, when the + argument had gone round into at least its fiftieth circle, Mother Carey + declared that she would have no more of it. Lucas should write a note to + Dr. Ruthven, accepting his proposal for one or other of them, and + promising that he should know which, in the course of a few days; so that + John, if he chose, could write to his father or <i>anyone</i> else. + Meantime there was to be no allusion to “the raid of Ruthven” till the day + of the review was over. It was to be put entirely off the tongue, if not + out of the head! + </p> + <p> + And the two young doctors were weary enough of the subject to rejoice in + obedience to her. + </p> + <p> + The day was perfect except that poor Allen was pinned fast by his tyrant, + all the others gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the moment. They + understood the sham fight, and recognised all the corps, with Jock as + their cicerone, they had a good place at the marching past, and Esther had + the crowning delight of an excellent view of Captain Viscount Fordham with + his company, and at the luncheon. Jock received an absolutely affectionate + welcome from his old friends, who made as much of his mother and sister + for his sake, as they did of the lovely Lady Fordham for her husband’s, + finding them, moreover, much more easy to get on with. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. — THE TRUANT. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The bird was sitting in his cage + And heard what he did say; + He jumped upon the window sill, + “‘Tis time I was away.” + Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + “There is a young lady in the drawing-room, ma’am,” said the maid, looking + rather puzzled and uncertain, on the return of the party from the review. + </p> + <p> + “A stranger? How could you let her in?” said John. + </p> + <p> + At that moment a face appeared at the top of the stairs, a face set in the + rich golden auburn that all knew so well, and half way up, Mrs. Brownlow + was clasped by a pair of arms, and there was a cry, “Mother Carey, Mother + Carey, I’m come home!” + </p> + <p> + “Elvira! my dear child! When—how did you come?” + </p> + <p> + “From the station, in a cab. I made her let me in, but I thought you were + never coming back. Where’s Allen?” + </p> + <p> + “Allen will come in by-and-by,” said the astonished Mother Carey, who had + been dragged into the drawing-room, where Elvira embraced Babie, and + grasped the hands of the others. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is so nice,” she cried, then nestling back to Mother Carey. + </p> + <p> + “But where did you come from? Are you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, quite alone, Janet would not come with me after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet, my dear! Where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not here—at Saratoga, or at New York. I thought she was coming + with me, but when the steamer sailed she was not there, only there was a + note pinned to my berth. I meant to have brought it, but it got lost + somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you see her?” + </p> + <p> + “At the photographer’s at Saratoga. I should never have come if she had + not helped me, but she said she knew you would take me home, and she wrote + and took my passage and all. She said if I did not find you, Mr. Wakefield + would know where you were, but I did so want to get home to you! Please, + may I take off my things; I don’t want to be such a fright when Allen + comes in.” + </p> + <p> + It was all very mysterious, but Elvira must be much altered indeed if her + narrative did not come out in an utterly complicated and detached manner. + She was altered certainly, for she clung most affectionately to Mother + Carey and Barbara, when they took her upstairs. She had a little + travelling-bag with her; the rest of her luggage would be sent from the + station, she supposed, for she had taken no heed to it. She did so want to + get home. + </p> + <p> + “I did feel so hungry for you, Mother Carey. Mother, Janet said you would + forgive me, and I thought if you were ever so angry, it would be true, and + that would be nicer than Lisette, and, indeed, it was not so much my doing + as Lisette’s.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever “it” was, Mother Carey had no hesitation in replying that she had + no doubt it was Lisette’s fault. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” continued Elvira, “I never meant anything but to plague Allen a + little at first. You know he had always been so tiresome and jealous, and + always teased me when I wanted any fun—at least I thought so, and I + did want to have my swing before he called me engaged to him again. I told + Jock so, but then Lisette and Lady Flora, and old Lady Clanmacnalty went + on telling me that you knew the money was mine all the time, and that it + was only an accident that it came out before I was married.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Elvira, you could not have thought anything so wicked,” cried Babie. + </p> + <p> + “They all went on so, and made so sure,” said Elvira, hanging her head, + “and I never did know the real way the will was found till Janet told me. + Babie, if you had heard Lady Clanmacnalty clear her throat when people + talked about the will being found, you would have believed she knew better + than anyone.” + </p> + <p> + So it was. The girl, weak in character, and far from sensible, full of + self-importance, and puffed up with her inheritance, had been easily + blinded and involved in the web that the artful Lisette had managed to + draw round her. She had been totally alienated from her old friends, and + by force of reiteration had been brought to think them guilty of + defrauding her. In truth, she was kept in a whirl of gaiety and amusement, + with little power of realizing her situation, till the breach had grown + too wide for the feeble will of a helpless being like her to cross it. + Though she had flirted extensively, she had never felt capable of + accepting any one of her suitors, and in these refusals she had been + assisted by Lisette, who wanted to secure her for her brother, but thanks + to warnings from Mr. Wakefield, and her husband’s sense of duty, durst not + do so before she was of age. + </p> + <p> + Elvira’s one wish had been to visit San Ildefonso again. She had a strong + yearning towards the lovely island home which she gilded in recollection + with all the trails of glory that shine round the objects of our childish + affections. Lisette always promised to take her, but found excuses for + delay in the refitting of the yacht, while she kept the party wandering + over Europe in the resorts of second-rate English residents. No doubt she + wished to make the most of the enjoyments she could obtain, as Elvira’s + chaperon and guardian, before resigning her even to her brother. At last + the gambling habits into which her husband fell, for lack, poor man, of + any other employment, had alarmed her, and she permitted her party to + embark in the yacht where Gilbert Gould acted as captain. + </p> + <p> + They reached the island. It had become a coaling station. The bay where + she remembered exquisite groves coming down to the white beach, was a + wharf, ringing with the discordant shouts of negroes and cries of sailors. + The old nurse was dead, and fictitious foster brothers and sisters were + constantly turning up with extravagant claims. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I longed never to have come,” said Elvira; “and then I began to get + homesick, but they would not let me come!” + </p> + <p> + No doubt Lisette had feared the revival of the Brownlow influence if her + charge were once in England, for she had raised every obstacle to a + return. Poor Gould and his niece had both looked forward to Elvira’s + coming of age as necessarily bringing them to England, but her uncle’s + health had suffered from the dissipation he had found his only resource. + Liquor had become his consolation in the life to which he was condemned, + and in the hotel life of America was only too easily attainable. + </p> + <p> + His death deprived Elvira of the last barrier to the attempts of an + unscrupulous woman, who was determined not to let her escape. Elvira’s + longing to return home made her spread her toils closer. She kept her + moving from one fashionable resort to another, still attended by Gilbert, + who was beginning to grow impatient to secure his prize. + </p> + <p> + “How I hated it,” said Elvira. “I knew she was false and cruel by that + time, but it was just like being in a trap between them. I loathed them + more and more, but I couldn’t get away.” + </p> + <p> + Nurtured as she had been, she was helpless and ignorant about the + commonest affairs of life, and the sight of American independence never + inspired her with the idea of breaking the bondage in which she was + spellbound. Still, she shrank back with instinctive horror from every + advance of Gilbert’s, and at last, to pique her, Lisette brought forward + the intelligence that Allen Brownlow was married. + </p> + <p> + The effect must have surprised them, for Elvira turned on her aunt in one + of those fits of passion which sometimes seized her, accused her + vehemently of having poisoned the happiness of her life, and taken her + from the only man she could ever love. She said and threatened all sorts + of desperate things; and then the poor child, exhausted by her own + violence, collapsed, and let herself be cowed and terrified in her turn by + her aunt’s vulgar sneers and cold determination. + </p> + <p> + Yet still she held out against the marriage. “I told them it would be + wicked,” she said. “And when I went to Church, all the Psalms and + everything said it would be wicked. Then Lisette said it was wicked to + love a married man, and I said I didn’t know, I couldn’t help it, but it + would be more wicked to vow I would love a man whom I hated, and should + hate more every day of my life. Then they said I might have a civil + marriage, and not vow anything at all, and I told them that would seem to + me no better than not being married at all. Oh! I was very very + miserable!” + </p> + <p> + “Had you no one to consult or help you, my poor child?” + </p> + <p> + “They watched me so, and whenever I was making friends with any nice + American girl, they always rattled me off somewhere else. I never did + understand before what people meant when they talked about God being their + only Friend, but I knew it then, for I had none at all, none else. And I + did not think He would help me, for now I knew I had been hard, and horrid + and nasty, and cruel to you and Allen, the only people who ever cared for + me for myself, and not for my horrid, horrid money, though I was the + nastiest little wretch. Oh! Mother Carey, I did know it then, and I got + quite sick with longing for one honest kiss—or even one honest + scolding of yours. I used to cry all Church-time, and they used to try not + to let me go—and I felt just like the children of Israel in Egypt, + as if I had got into heavy bondage, and the land of captivity. O do speak, + and let me hear your voice once more! Your arm is so comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + Still it seemed that Elvira had resisted till another attempt was made. + While she was at a boarding-house on the Hudson a large picnic party was + arranged, in which, after American fashion, gentlemen took ladies “to + ride” in their traps to and from the place of rendezvous. In returning, of + course it had been as easy as possible for her chaperon to contrive that + she should be left alone with no cavalier but Gilbert Gould, and he of + course pretended to lose his way, drove on till night-fall, and then + judgmatically met with an accident, which hurt nobody; but which he + declared made the carriage incapable of proceeding. + </p> + <p> + After walking what Elvira fancied half the night, shelter was found in a + hospitable farmhouse, where the people were wakened with difficulty. They + took care of the benighted wanderers, and the farmer drove them back to + the hotel the next morning in his own waggon. They were received by Mrs. + Gould with great demonstrations both of affection, pity and dismay, and + she declared that the affair had been so shocking and compromising that it + was impossible to stay where they were. She made Elvira take her meals in + her room rather than face the boarding-house company, paid the bills (all + of course with Elvira’s money) and carried her off to the Saratoga + Springs, having taken good care not to allow her a minute’s conversation + with anyone who would have told her that the freedom of American manners + would make an adventure like hers be thought of no consequence at all. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl herself was assured by Mrs. Gould that this “unhappy + escapade” left her no alternative but a marriage with Gilbert. She would + otherwise never be able to show her face again, for even if the affair + were hushed up, reports would fly, and Mrs. Lisette took care they should + fly, by ominous shakes of the head, and whispered confidences such as made + the steadier portion of the Saratoga community avoid her, and brought her + insolent attention from fast young men. It was this, and a cold “What can + you expect?’” from Lisette that finally broke down her defences, and made + her permit the Goulds to make known that she was engaged to Gilbert. + </p> + <p> + Had they seized their prey at that moment of shame and despair, they would + have secured it, but their vanity or their self-esteem made them wish to + wash off the mire they had cast, or to conceal it by such magnificence at + the wedding as should outdo Fifth Avenue. The English heiress must have a + wedding-dress that would figure in the papers, and, even in the States, be + fabulously splendid. It must come from Paris, and it must be waited for. + All the bridesmaids were to have splendid pearl lockets containing + coloured miniature photograph portraits of the beautiful bride, who for + her part was utterly broken-hearted. “I thought God had forgotten me, + because I deserved it; and I only hoped I might die, for I knew what the + sailors said of Gilbert.” + </p> + <p> + Listless and indifferent, she let her tyrants do what they would with her, + and it was in Gilbert’s company that she first saw Janet at the + photographer’s. Fortunately he had never seen Miss Brownlow, and Elvira + had grown much too cautious to betray recognition; but the vigilance had + been relaxed since the avowal of the engagement, and the colouring of the + photographs from the life, was a process so wearisome, that no one cared + to attend the sitter, and Elvira could go and come, alone and + unquestioned. + </p> + <p> + So it was that she threw herself upon Janet. Whatever had been their + relations in their girlhood, each was to the other the remnant of the old + home and of better days, and in their stolen interviews they met like + sisters. Janet knew as little as Elvira did of her own family, rather less + indeed, but she declared Mrs. Gould’s horror about the expedition with + Gilbert to have been pure dissimulation, and soon enabled Elvira to prove + to herself that it had been a concerted trick. In America it would go for + nothing. Even in England, so mere an accident (even if it had really been + an accident) would not tell against her. But then, Elvira hopelessly said + Allen was married! + </p> + <p> + Again Janet was incredulous, and when she found that Elvira had never seen + the letter in which Kate Gould was supposed to have sent the information, + and knew it only upon Lisette’s assertion, she declared it to be probably + a fabrication. Why not telegraph? So in Elvira’s name and at her expense, + but with the address given to Janet’s abode, the telegram was sent to Mr. + Wakefield’s office, and in a few hours the reply had come back: “Allen + Brownlow not married, nor likely to be.” + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt now of the web of falsehood that had entangled the poor + girl; but she would probably have been too inert and helpless to break + through it, save for her energetic cousin, who nerved her to escape from + the life of utter misery that lay before her. What was to hinder her from + setting off by the train, and going at once home to England by the + steamer? There was no doubt that Mrs. Brownlow would forgive and welcome + her, or even if that hope failed her, Mr. Wakefield was bound to take care + of her. She had a house of her own standing empty for her, and the owner + of £40,000 a year need never be at a loss. + </p> + <p> + Had she enough money accessible to pay for a first-class passage? Yes, + amply even for two. She had always been so passive and incapable of all + matters of arrangement, that Mrs. Gould had never thought it worth while + to keep watch over her possession of “the nerves and sinews of war,” being + indeed unwilling to rouse her attention to the fact that she was paying + the by no means moderate expenses of both her tyrants. + </p> + <p> + Janet found out all about the hours, secured—as Elvira thought—two + first-class berths, met her when she crept like a guilty thing out of the + hotel at New York, took her to the station, went with her to an outfitter + to be supplied with necessaries for the voyage, for she had been obliged + to abandon everything but a few valuables in her handbag, and saw her + safely on board, introduced her to some kind friendly English people, then + on some excuse of seeing the steward, left her, as Elvira found, to make + the voyage alone! + </p> + <p> + It turned out that Janet had spoken to the gentleman of this party, and + explained that her young cousin was going home alone, asking him to + protect her on landing; and that she had come to London with them and been + there put into a cab, giving the old address to Collingwood Street, where + with much difficulty she had prevailed on the maid to let her in to await + the return of the family. + </p> + <p> + Nothing so connected as this history came to the ears of Mrs. Brownlow or + her children. That evening they only heard fragments, much more that was + utterly irrelevant, and much that was inexplicable, all interspersed with + inquiries and caresses and intent listening for Allen. Elvira might not + have acquired brains, but she had gained in sweetness and affection. The + face had lost its soulless, painted-doll expression, and she was evidently + happy beyond all measure to be among those she could love and trust, + sitting on a footstool by Mrs. Brownlow’s knee, leaning against her, and + now and then murmuring: “O Mother Carey, how I have longed for you!” + </p> + <p> + She was not free from the fear that Lisette and Gilbert could still “do + something to her,” but the Johns made large assurances of defence, and Mr. + Wakefield was to be called in the next day. It must be confessed that + everybody rather enjoyed the notion of the pair left at Saratoga with all + their hotel bills to pay, and the wedding-dress on their hands, but Elvira + knew they had enough to clear them for the week, and only hoped it was not + enough to enable them to follow her. + </p> + <p> + Fragments of all this came out in the course of the evening. Allen did not + come home to dinner, and the other young men left the coast clear for + confidences, which were uttered in the intervals of listening, till after + all her excitement, her landing and her journey, Elvira was so tired out + that she had actually dropped asleep, with her head on Mother Carey’s + knee, when his soft weary step came up the stairs, and perceiving, as he + entered, that there was a hush over the room, he did not speak. Babie + looked up from her work with an amused smile of infinite congratulation. + There was a glance from his mother. Then, as Babie put it, the Prince saw + the Sleeping Beauty, and, with a strange long half-strangled gasp and + clasped hands, went down on one knee. At that very moment Elvira stirred, + opened her eyes, put her hand over them, bewildered, as if thinking + herself dreaming, then with a sort of shriek of joy, flung herself towards + him, as he held out his arms with “My darling.” + </p> + <p> + “O Allen, can you forgive me? And oh! do marry me before they can come + after me!” + </p> + <p> + So much Mother Carey and Babie heard before they could remove themselves + from the scene, which they felt ought to be a tete-a-tete. They shut the + lovers in. Babie said, “Undine has found a heart, at least,” and then they + began to piece out the story by conjecture, and they then discovered how + little they had really learnt about Janet. They supposed that the Hermanns + must be living and practising at Saratoga, and in that case it was no + wonder she could not come home, the only strange thing was Elvira’s + expecting it. Besides, why had not Mrs. Gould taken alarm at the name, and + why was her husband never mentioned? Was there no message from her? Most + likely there was, in the note that was lost, and moreover, Elvira might be + improved, but she was Elvira still, and had room for very little besides + herself in her mind’s eye. + </p> + <p> + They must wait to examine her till these first raptures had subsided, and + in the mean time Caroline wrote a telegram to go as early as possible to + Mr. Wakefield. It showed a guilty conscience that Mrs. Gould should not + have telegraphed to him Elvira’s flight. + </p> + <p> + When at last Mrs. Brownlow held that the interview must come to an end, + and with preliminary warning opened the door, there they were, with + clasped hands, such as Elvira had never endured since she was a mere + child! Allen looking almost too blissful for this world, and Elvira with + eyes glistening with tears as she cried, “O Mother Carey, you never told + me how altered he was, I never knew how horrible I had been till I saw how + ill he looks! What can we do for him?” + </p> + <p> + “You are doing everything, my darling,” said Allen. + </p> + <p> + “He of course thinks her as irresponsible as if she had been hanging up by + the hair all this time in a giant’s larder,” whispered Babie to Armine. + </p> + <p> + But Elvira was really unhappy about the worn, faded air that made Allen + look much older than his twenty-nine years warranted. The poor girl’s + nerves proved to have been much disturbed; she besought Barbara to sleep + with her, and was haunted by fears of pursuit and capture, and Gilbert + claiming her after all. She kept on starting, clutching at Babie, and + requiring to be soothed till far on into the night, and then she slept so + soundly that no one had the heart to wake her. Indeed it was her first + real peaceful repose since her flight had been planned, nor did she come + down till half-past ten, just when Mr. Wakefield drove up to the door, and + Jock had taken pity on Allen, and set forth to undertake Sir Samuel for + the day. Mr. Wakefield was the less surprised at the sight of the young + lady, having been somewhat prepared by her telegraphic inquiry about + Allen, which he had not communicated to the Brownlows for fear of raising + false expectations. + </p> + <p> + There was a great consultation. Elvira was not in the least shy, and only + wanted to be safely Mrs. Allen Brownlow before the Goulds should arrive, + as she expected, in the next steamer to pursue her vi et armis. If it had + depended on her, she would have sent Allen for a special licence, and been + married in her travelling dress that very day. Mr. Wakefield, solicitor as + he was, was quite ready for speed. He had always viewed the marriage with + Allen Brownlow as a simple act of restitution, and the trust made + settlements needless. Still he did not apprehend any danger from the + Goulds, when he found that Elvira had never written a note to Gilbert in + her life. Nay, he thought that if they even threatened any annoyance, they + had given cause enough to have a prosecution for conspiracy held over them + in wholesome terror. + </p> + <p> + And considering all the circumstances, Mrs. Brownlow and Allen were alike + determined against undignified haste. Miss Menella ought to be married + from among her own kindred, and from her own house; but this was not easy + to manage; for poor Mary Whiteside and her husband, though very worthy, + were not exactly the people to enact parents in such a house as Belforest; + and Mrs. Brownlow could see why she herself should not, though Elvira + could not think why she objected. At last the idea was started that the + fittest persons were Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield. The latter was a thorough + lady, pleasant and sensible. The only doubt was whether so very quiet a + person could be asked to undertake such an affair, and her husband took + leave, that he might consult her and see whether she could bring herself + to be mother for the nonce to the wild heiress, of whom his family were + wont to talk with horrified compassion. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone, it was possible to come to the examination upon Janet + for which Mother Carey had been so anxious. How was she looking? + </p> + <p> + “Oh! so old, and worn and thin. I never should have guessed it was Janet, + if I had not caught her eye, and then I knew her eyebrows and nose, + because they are just like Allen’s,—and her voice sounded so like + home that I was ready to cry, only I did not dare, as Gilbert was there.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder they did not take alarm at her name.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t imagine they ever heard it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not when she was living there? Was not her husband practising?” + </p> + <p> + “Her husband! Oh no, I never heard any thing about him. I thought you knew + I found her at the photographer’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Met her as a sitter?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no! I thought you understood. It was she that was doing my + picture. She finishes up all his miniature photographs.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Elvira, do you really mean that my poor Janet is supporting + herself in that way?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed I do; that was why I made sure she would have come home with + me. I was so dreadfully disappointed when I found only her note.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you sure you have quite lost it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I turned out every corner of my bag this morning to look for it. I + am so sorry, but I was so ill and so wretched, that I could not take care + of anything. I just wonder how I lived through the voyage, all alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there no message? Nothing for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have recollected it now, or some of it. She said she durst not go + home, or ask anything of you, after the way she had offended. Oh! I wonder + how she could send me, for I know I was worse.” + </p> + <p> + “But what did she say?” said Caroline, too anxious to listen to Elvira’s + own confessions. “Was there nothing for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” She said, “Tell her that I have learnt by the bitterest of all + experience the pain I have given her, and the wrong I have done!” Then + there was something about being so utterly past forgiveness that she could + not come to ask it. “Oh, don’t cry so, Mother Carey, we can write and get + her back, and I will send her the passage money.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes, write!” cried out the mother, starting up. “‘When he was yet a + great way off.’ Ah! why could she not remember that?” But as she sat down + to her table, “You know her address?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly, I went to her lodgings once or twice; such a little bit + of a room up so many stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “And you did not hear how that man, her husband, died?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know whether he is dead,” said this most unsatisfactory + informant. “She does not wear black, nor a cap, and I am almost sure that + he has run away from her, and that is the reason she cannot use her own + name.” + </p> + <p> + “Elfie!” + </p> + <p> + “O, I thought you knew! She calls herself Mrs. Harte. She took my passage + in that name, and that must be why my things have never come. Yes, I asked + her why she did not set up for a lady doctor, and she said it was + impossible that she could venture on showing her certificates or using her + name—either his or hers.” + </p> + <p> + That was in the main all that could be extracted from Elvira, though it + was brought out again and again in all sorts of forms. It was plain that + Janet had been very reticent in all that regarded herself, and Elvira had + only had stolen interviews, very full of her own affairs, and, besides, + had supposed Janet to intend to return with her. Both wrote; Elfie, to + announce her safety, and Caroline, an incoherent, imploring, forgiving + letter, such as only a mother could write, before they went out to supply + Elvira’s lack of garments, and to procure the order for the sum needed for + her passage. Caroline was glad they had gone independently, for, on their + return, Babie reported to her that her little Ladyship was so wroth with + Elfie as to wonder at them for receiving her so affectionately. It was + very forgiving of them, but she should never forget the way in which poor + Allen had been treated. + </p> + <p> + “I told her,” said Babie, “that was the way she talked about Cecil, and + you should have seen her face. She wonders that Allen has not more spirit, + and indeed, mother, I do rather wish Elfie could have come back with + nothing but her little bag, so that he could have shown it would have been + all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “A comfortable life they would have had, poor things, in that case,” + laughed her mother, “though I agree that it would have been prettier. But + I don’t trouble myself about that, my dear. You know, in all equity, Allen + ought to have a share in that property. It was only the old man’s caprice + that made it all or none; and Elvira is only doing what is right and + just.” + </p> + <p> + “And Allen’s love was a real thing, when he was the rich one. So I told + Essie; and besides, Allen would never make any hand of poverty, poor + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I think and hope he will make a much better hand of riches than he would + have done without all he has gone through,” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + Allen showed the same feeling when he could talk his prospects over + quietly with his mother. These four years had altered him at least as much + for the better as Elfie. He would not now begin in thoughtless + self-indulgence, refined indeed and never vicious, but selfish, + extravagant, and heedless of all but ease, pleasure, and culture. Some of + the enervation of his youth had really worn off, though it had so long + made him morbid, and he had learnt humility by his failures. Above all, + however, his intercourse with Fordham had opened his eyes to a sense of + the duties of wealth and position, such as he had never before acquired, + and the religious habits that had insensibly grown upon him were + tincturing his views of life and responsibility. + </p> + <p> + It was painful to him to realise that he was returning to wealth and + luxury, indeed, monopolising it,—he the helpless, undeserving, + indolent son, while all the others, and especially his mother, were left + to poverty. + </p> + <p> + Elfie wanted Mother Carey and all to make their home at Belforest, and + still be one family as of old. Indeed, she hung on Mother Carey even more + than upon Allen, after her long famine from the motherly tenderness that + she had once so little appreciated. + </p> + <p> + Of such an amalgamation, however, Mrs. Brownlow would not hear, nor would + she listen to a proposal of settling on her a yearly income, such as would + dispense with economy, and with the manufacture of “pot-boilers.” + </p> + <p> + No, she said, she was a perverse woman, and she had never been so happy as + when living on her husband’s earnings. The period of education being over, + she had a full sufficiency, and should only meddle with clay again for her + own pleasure. She was beginning already a set of dining-table ornaments + for a wedding-present, representing the early part of the story of Undine. + Babie knew why, if nobody else did. Perhaps she should one of these days + mould a similar set for Sydney of the crusaders of Jotapata! Then Allen + bethought him of putting into Elvira’s head to beg, at least, to undertake + Armine’s expenses at the theological college for a year, and to this she + consented thankfully. Armine had been thinking of offering himself as + Allen’s successor for a year with Sir Samuel; but two days’ experience as + substitute convinced him that Allen was right in declaring that my Lady + would be the death of him. Lucas could manage her, and kept her + well-behaved and even polite, but Armine was so young and so deferential + that she treated him even worse than she did her first victim! She had + begun by insisting on a quarter’s notice or the forfeiture of the salary, + as long as she thought £25 was of vital importance to Allen, but as soon + as she discovered that the young lady was a great heiress, she became most + unedifyingly civil, called in great state in Collingwood Street, and went + about boasting of having patronised a sort of prince in disguise. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Dr. Ruthven’s offer seemed left in abeyance. Colonel Brownlow had + all his son’s scruples, and more than his indignation at Lucas’s folly in + hesitating; and John was so sure that he ought not to accept the proposal, + that he would not stir in the matter, nor mention it to Sydney. At last + Lucas acted on his own responsibility, and had an interview with Dr. + Ruthven, in which he declined the offer for himself, but made it known + that his cousin was not only brother to the beautiful Lady Fordham who had + been met in Collingwood Street, but was engaged to Lord Fordham’s sister. + At which connection the fashionable physician rubbed his hands with so + much glee, that Jock was the more glad not to have to hunt in couples with + him. + </p> + <p> + The magnificent wedding-dress had been stopped by telegram, just as it was + packed for New York, and was despatched to Belforest. Mrs. Wakefield + undertook the task imposed upon her, and the wedding was to be grand + enough to challenge attention, and not be liable to the accusation of + being done in a corner. It might be called hasty, for only a month would + have passed since Elvira’s arrival, before her wedding-day; but this was + by her own earnest wish. She made it no secret that she should never cease + to be nervous till she was Allen Brownlow’s wife, even though a letter to + her cousins at River Hollow had removed all fear of pursuit by Mrs. Gould; + she seemed bent on remaining at New York, and complained loudly of “the + ungrateful girl,” whose personal belongings she retained by way of + compensation. + </p> + <p> + It would have been too much to expect that Elvira should be a wise and + clever woman, but she had really learnt to be an affectionate one, and in + the school of adversity had parted with much of her selfish petulance and + arrogance. Allen, whose love had always been blindly tender, more like a + woman’s or a parent’s love than that of an ordinary lover, was rapturous + at the response he at last received. At the same time, he knew her too + well to expect from her intellectual companionship, and would be quite + content with what she could give. + </p> + <p> + They were both of them chastened and elevated in tone by their five years’ + discipline. + </p> + <p> + The night before the party went down to Belforest, where they were to meet + the Evelyns, Allen lingered with his mother after all the rest had gone + upstairs. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” he said, “I have thought a great deal of that dream of yours. I + hope that the touch of Midas may not be baneful this time.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust not, my dear; you have had a taste of the stern, rugged nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “And, mother, I know I failed egregiously where the others rose.” + </p> + <p> + “But you were rising.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will let me do nothing for you, and I feel myself sneaking into + your inheritance, to the exclusion of all the rest, in a backdoor sort of + way.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Allen, it can’t be helped, you have honestly loved your Elf from + her infancy, when she had nothing, and she really loved you at the very + worst. Love is so much more than gold, that it really signifies very + little which of you has the money. You and she have both gone through a + good deal, and it depends upon you now whether the possession becomes a + blessing to yourselves and others. Don’t vex about our not having a share, + you know yourself how much happier we all are without the load, and there + will never be any anxiety now. I shall always fall back on you, if I want + anything.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right,” said Allen, clearing up a good deal as she looked up + brightly in his face. “You promise me.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” she said smiling. “I’m not proud.” + </p> + <p> + “And you did make Armine consent to our paying those expenses of his. That + was good of you, but the boy only does it out of obedience.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he would like a little bit of self-willed penance, but it is much + better for him to submit, bodily and mentally.” + </p> + <p> + “Elvira has asked me whether we can’t, after all, build the Church and all + the rest which he wanted so much, and give it to him.” + </p> + <p> + Caroline smiled, she would not vex Allen by saying how this was merely in + the spirit of the story book, endowing everybody with what they wanted, + but she said, “Build by all means, and endow, when you have had time to + see what is needed, and what is good for the people, but not for Armine’s + sake, you know. He had much better serve his apprenticeship and learn his + work somewhere else. He would tell you so himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay. He would talk of the touch of Midas again. Elvira will be + sadly disappointed. She had some fancy of presenting him to it as soon as + he was ordained!” + </p> + <p> + “Getting the fairies meantime to build the whole concern in secret? Dear + Elfie, her plans are generous and kind. Tell her, with my love, that her + Church must not be a shrine for Armine, but that perhaps he and it will be + fit for each other in some five years’ time. Meantime, if she wants to + make somebody happy, there’s that excellent hardworking curate of + Eleanor’s, who has done more good in Kenminster than I ever saw done there + before.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see why Kencroft should get all the advantages!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You ungrateful boy! Now if Rob had carried off Elfie, you might + complain!” + </p> + <p> + At which Allen could not but laugh. + </p> + <p> + “And now, good night, Mr. Bridegroom; you want your beauty sleep, though I + must say you look considerably younger than you did two months ago.” + </p> + <p> + The wedding was a bright one, involving no partings, only joy and + gladness, and the sole drawback to the general rejoicings seemed to be + that it was not Mrs. Brownlow herself who was returning to take + possession. + </p> + <p> + But on that very afternoon came a chill on her heart. Her own letter and + Elvira’s to Janet were returned from America! It was quite probable that + the right address might have been in Elvira’s lost note, and that Janet + might be easily found through the photographer. “But,” said her mother, “I + do not believe she will ever come home unless I go to fetch her.” + </p> + <p> + “The very thing I was thinking of doing,” said Jock. “Letters will hardly + find her now, and I have not settled to anything. The dear old Doctor’s + legacy will find the means.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am sure you want the rest of the voyage. I don’t like the looks of + you, my Jockey.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be all right when this is over,” said Jock, with an endeavour at + laughing; “but I find I am a greater fool than I thought I was, and I had + much better be out of the way of it all till it is a fait accompli.” + </p> + <p> + “It” was of course John’s marriage. This was the first time Jock had seen + the lovers together. In spite of vehement talking and laughing, warm + greetings to everyone, and playing at every interval with the little + cousins, Jock could not hide from either of the mothers that the sight + cost him a good deal, all the more because the showing the Belforest + haunts to Sydney had always been a favourite scheme, hitherto unfulfilled; + nor was there any avoiding family consultations, which resulted in the + fixing of the wedding for the middle of September, so that there might be + time for a short tour before they settled down to John’s work in London. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Evelyn begged that Barbara would come to her whilst her mother and + brother were away, Armine would be at his theological college, and there + was nothing to detain Mrs. Brownlow and her son from the journey, to which + both looked forward with absolute pleasure, not only in the hope of the + meeting, but in the being together, and throwing off for a time the cares + of home and gratifying the spirit of enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Jock had one secret. He had reason to think that Bobus would have a kind + of vacation at the time, and he telegraphed to Japan what their intended + voyage was to be, with a hope he durst not tell, that his favourite + brother would not throw away the opportunity of meeting them in America. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. — EVIL OUT OF GOOD. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And all too little to atone + For knowing what should ne’er be known. + Scott. +</pre> + <p> + The season at Saratoga was not yet over, the travellers were told at New + York, though people were fast thronging back into “the city.” Should they + go on thither at once, or try to find the photographer nearer at hand? It + was on a Friday that they landed, and they resolved to wait till Monday, + Jock thinking that a rest would be better for his mother. + </p> + <p> + The early autumn sun glowed on the broad streets as they walked slowly + through them, halting to examine narrowly every display of portraits at a + photographer’s door. + </p> + <p> + It was a right course; they came upon some exquisitely-finished ones, + among which they detected unmistakably the coloured likeness of Elvira de + Menella. They went into the studio and asked to look at it. “Ah, many ask + that,” they were told, “though the sensation was a little gone by.” + </p> + <p> + “What sensation?” Jock asked, while his mother trembled so much that she + had to sit down on one of the velvet chairs. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you are a stranger, sir, from England? Then no doubt you have not + heard of the great event of the season at Saratoga, the sudden elopement + of this young lady, a beautiful English heiress, on the eve of marriage, + these very portraits ordered for the bridesmaids’ lockets.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom did she elope with?” asked Jock. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the remarkable part of it, sir. Some say that she was claimed in + secret by a lover to whom she had been long much attached; but we are + better informed. I can state to a certainty that she only fled to escape + the tyranny of an aunt. She need only have appealed to the institutions of + the country.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true,” said Jock. “Let me ask if your informant was not the lady who + coloured this photograph, Mrs. Harte?” “Yes.” “And is she here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” with some hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “Can you give me her address? I am her brother. This lady is her mother, + and we are very anxious to find her.” + </p> + <p> + The photographer was gained by the frank address and manner. “I am sorry,” + he said, “but the truth is that there was a monster excitement about the + disappearance of the girl, and as Mrs. Harte was said to have been + concerned, there was constant resort to the studio to interview her; and I + cannot but think she treated me ill, sir, for she quitted me at an hour’s + notice.” + </p> + <p> + “And left no address?” exclaimed her mother, grievously disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “Not with me, madam; but she was intimate with a young lady employed in + our establishment, and she may know where to find her.” + </p> + <p> + And, through a tube, the photographer issued a summons, which resulted in + the appearance of a pleasant-looking girl, who, on hearing that Mrs. + Harte’s mother and brother were in search of her, readily responded that + Mrs. Harte had written to her a month ago from Philadelphia, asking her to + forward to her any letters that might come to the room she usually + occupied at New York. She had found employment, and there could be no + doubt that she would be heard of there. + </p> + <p> + It was very near now. There was something very soothing in the services of + that Sunday of waiting, when the Church seemed a home on the other side + the sea, and on the Monday they were on their way, hearing, but scarcely + heeding, the talk in the cars of the terrible yellow-fever visitation then + beginning at New Orleans. + </p> + <p> + They arrived too late to do anything, but in early morning they were on + foot, breakfasting with the first relay of guests at the hotel, and + inquiring their way along the broad tree-planted streets of the old Quaker + city. + </p> + <p> + It was again at a photograph shop that they paused, but as they were + looking for the number, the private door opened, and there issued from it + a grey figure, with a black hat, and a bag in her hand. She stood on the + step, they on the side-walk. She had a thin, worn, haggard face, a + strange, grey look about it, but when the eyes met on either side there + was not a moment’s doubt. + </p> + <p> + There was not much demonstration. Caroline held out her hand, and Janet + let hers be locked tight into it. Jock took her bag from her, and they + went two or three paces together as in a dream, till Jock spoke first. + </p> + <p> + “Where are we going? Can we come back with you, Janet, or will you come to + the hotel with us?” + </p> + <p> + “I was just leaving my rooms,” she said. “I was on my way to the station.” + </p> + <p> + “You will come with me,” said Caroline under her breath; and Janet + passively let herself be led along, her mother unconsciously holding her + painfully fast. + </p> + <p> + So they reached the hotel, and then Jock said, “I shall go and read the + papers; send a message for me if you want me. You had rather be left to + yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + The mother knew not how she reached her bedroom, but once there, and with + the door locked, she turned with open arms. “Oh! Janet, one kiss!” and + Janet slid down on the floor before her, hiding her face in her dress and + sobbing, “Oh! mother, mother, I am not worthy of this!” + </p> + <p> + Then Caroline flung herself down by her, and gathered her into her arms, + and Janet rested her head on her shoulder for some seconds, each sensible + of little save absolute content. + </p> + <p> + “And you have come all this way for me?” whispered Janet, at last raising + her head to gaze at the face. + </p> + <p> + “I did so long after you! My poor, poor child, how you have suffered,” + said Caroline, drawing through her fingers the thin, worn, bony, + hard-worked hand. + </p> + <p> + “I deserved a thousand times more,” said Janet. “But it seems all gone + since I see you, mother. And if you forgive, I can hope God forgives too.” + </p> + <p> + “My child, my child,” and as the strong embrace, and the kiss was on her + brow, Janet lay still once more in the strange rest and relief. “It is + very strange,” she said. “I thought the sight of you would wither me with + shame, but somehow there’s no room for anything but happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Renewed caresses, for her mother was past speaking. + </p> + <p> + “And Lucas is with you? Not Babie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Babie is left with Mrs. Evelyn.” + </p> + <p> + “So poor little Elvira came safe home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and is Mrs. Allen Brownlow. Poor child, you rescued her from a sad + fate. She believed to the last you were coming with her, and she lost your + note, or you would have heard from us sooner.” + </p> + <p> + Janet went on asking questions about the others. Her mother dreaded to put + any, and only replied. Janet asked where they had been living, and she + answered: + </p> + <p> + “In the old house, while the two Johns have been studying medicine.” + </p> + <p> + “Not Lucas?” cried Janet, sitting upright in her surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Lucas. The dear fellow gave up all his prospects in the army, + because he thought it would be more helpful to me for him to take this + line, and he has passed so well, Janet. He has got the silver medal, and + his essay was the prize one.” + </p> + <p> + “And—” Janet stood up and walked to the window, as she said “and you + have told him—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But, Janet, it was too late. Some hints of your father’s had been + followed up, and the main discovery worked out, though not perfected.” + </p> + <p> + Janet’s eyes glistened for a moment as they used to do in angry + excitement, and she asked, “Could he bear it?” + </p> + <p> + “He was chiefly concerned lest I should be disappointed. Then he reminded + me that the benefit to mankind had come all the sooner.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Janet with a gasp, “there’s the difference!” She did not + explain further, but said, “It has not poisoned his life!” + </p> + <p> + Then seeking in her bag, she took out a packet. “I wish you to know all + about it, mother,” she said. “I wrote this to send home by Elvira, but + then my heart failed me. It was well, since she lost my note. I kept it, + and when I did not hear from you, I thought I would leave it to be posted + when all was over with me. I should like you to read it, and I will tell + you anything else you like to know.” + </p> + <p> + There came the interruption of the hotel luncheon, after which a room was + engaged for Janet, and the use of a private parlour secured for the + afternoon and evening. Jock came and went. He was very much excited about + the frightful reports he heard of the ravages of yellow fever in the + south, and went in search of medical papers and reports. Janet directed + him where to seek them. “I was just starting to offer myself as an + attendant,” she said. “I shall still go, to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You? Oh, Janet, not now!” was her mother’s first exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “You will understand when you have read,” quietly said Janet. + </p> + <p> + All that afternoon, according to her manifest wish, her mother was reading + that confession of hers, while she sat by replying to each question or + comment, in the repose of a confidence such as had not existed for fifteen + years. + </p> + <p> + “Magnum Bonum,” wrote Janet. “So my father named it. Alas! it has been + Magnum Malum to me. I have thought over how the evil began. I think it + must have been when I brooded over the words I caught at my father’s + death-bed, instead of confessing to my mother that I had overheard them. + It might be reserve and dread of her grief, but it was not wholly so. I + did not respect her as I ought in my childish conceit. I was an + old-fashioned girl. Grandmamma treated her like a petted eldest child, and + I had not learnt to look up to her with any loyalty. My uncle and aunt + too, even while seeming to uphold her authority, betrayed how cheaply they + held her.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder,” said Caroline. “I was a very foolish creature then.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw you differently too late,” said Janet. “Thus unchecked by any sober + word, my imagination went on dwelling on those words, which represented to + me an arcanum as wonderful as any elixir of life that alchemists dream of, + and I was always figuring to myself the honour and glory of the discovery, + and fretting that it was destined to one of my brothers rather than + myself. Even then, I had some notion of excelling them, and fretted at our + residence at Kenminster because I was cut off from classes and lectures. + Then came the fortune, and I saw at the first glance that wealth would + hinder all the others, even Robert, from attempting to fulfil the + conditions, and I imagined myself persevering and winning the day. As to + the concealment of the will, I can honestly say that, to my inexperienced + fancy, it appeared utterly unlike my father’s and grandmother’s, and at + the moment I hid it, I only thought of the disturbance and discomfort, + which scruples of my mother’s would create, and the unpleasantness it + would make with Elvira, with whom I had just been quarrelling. When as I + grew older, and found the validity of wills did not depend on the paper + they were written upon, I had qualms which I lulled by thinking that when + my education was safe, and Elvira safely married to Allen, I would look + again and then bring it to light, if needful. My mother’s refusal to + commit the secret to me on any terms entirely alienated me, I am grieved + to say. I have learnt since that she was quite right, and that she could + not help it. It was only my ignorance that rebelled; but I was enraged + enough to have produced the will, and perhaps should have done so, if I + had not been afraid both of losing my own medical training, and of causing + Robert to take up that line, in which I knew he could succeed better than + anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Janet, this must be fancy!” + </p> + <p> + “No, mother. There’s no poison like a blessing turned into a curse. This + is the secret history of what made me such a disagreeable, morose girl. + </p> + <p> + “Then came the opportunity that enabled me to glance at the book of my + father’s notes. Barbara’s eyes made me lock the desk in haste and + confusion. It was really and truly accident that I locked the book out + instead of in. As you know, Barbara hid away the davenport, and I could + not restore the book, when I had pored over it half the night, and found + myself quite incompetent to understand the details, though I perceived the + main drift. I durst not take the book out of the house, and the loss of my + keys cut me off from access to it. Meantime I studied, and came to the + perception that a woman alone could never carry out the needful + experiments, I must have a man to help me, but I was too much warped by + this time to see how my mother was thus justified. I still looked on her + as insanely depriving me of my glory, the world of the benefit for a mere + narrow scruple. Then I fell in with Demetrius Hermann. How can I tell the + story? How he seemed to me the wisest and acutest of human beings, the + very man to assist in the discovery, and how I betrayed to him enough by + my questions to make him think me a prize, both for my secret and my + fortune. He says I deceived him. Perhaps I did. Any way, we are quits. No, + not quite, for I loved him as I should not have thought it in me to love + anyone, and the very joy and gladness of the sensation made me see with + his eyes, or else be preposterously blind. I think his southern + imagination made his expectations of the secret unreasonable, and I + followed his bidding blindly and implicitly in my two attempts to bring + off Magnum Bonum, which I had come to believe my right, unjustly withheld + from me. The second attempt, as you know, ended in the general crash. + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards, all the overtures were made by my husband. I would not share + in them. I was too proud and would not come as a beggar, or see him + threaten and cringe as unhappily I knew he could do, nor would I be seen + by my mother or brothers. I knew they would begin to pity me, and I could + not brook that. My mother’s assurance of exposure, if he made any use of + the stolen secret, made Demetrius choose to go to America. + </p> + <p> + “He said it all came out before my military brother. Did that change + Lucas’s destination?” said Janet, looking up. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed,” said Jock, when he understood. “I turned doctor as the + readiest way of looking after mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you understand nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Only that she had some memoranda of my father’s, that the sc—— + that Hermann wanted. I never thought of them again till she told me.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow started at the next few words. + </p> + <p> + “My child was born only two days after we landed at New York.” + </p> + <p> + But a quick interrogative glance kept her silent. “She was very small and + delicate, and her father was impatient both of her weakness and mine. I + think that was when I began to long for my mother. He made me call her + Glykera, after his mother. I had taught him to be bitter against mine.” + </p> + <p> + “O mother, if you could have seen her,” suddenly exclaimed Janet, “she was + the dearest little thing,” and she drew from her bosom a locket with a + baby face on one side, and some soft hair on the other, put it into her + mother’s hand and hid her face on her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my poor Janet, you have suffered indeed! How long did you keep the + little darling?” + </p> + <p> + “Two years. You will hear! I was not quite wretched while I had her. Go + on, mother. There’s no talking of it.” + </p> + <p> + “We tried both practising and lecturing, feeling our way meantime towards + the Magnum Bonum. We found, however, in the larger cities that people were + quite as careful about qualifications as at home, and that we wanted + recommendations. I could have got some practice among women if Demetrius + would have rested long enough anywhere, but he liked lecturing best. I had + been obliged to perceive that he had very little real science, and indeed + I had to give him the facts and he put them in his flowery language. While + as to Magnum Bonum, he had gained enough to use it in a kind of haphazard + way, for everything. I trembled at what he began doing with it, when in + the course of our wanderings we got out of the more established regions + into the south-west. In Texas we found a new township, called Burkeville, + without a resident medical man, and the fame of his lectures had gone far + enough for him to be accepted. There we set up our staff, and Demetrius—it + makes me sick to say so—tried to establish himself as the possessor + of a new and certain cure. I was persuaded that he did not know how to + manage it, I tried to make him understand that under certain conditions it + might be fatal, but he thought I was jealous. He had had one or two + remarkable successes, his fame was spreading, he was getting reckless, and + I could not watch as carefully as I sometimes did, for my child was ill, + and needed all my care. The favourite of all the parish was the minister’s + daughter, a beautiful, lively, delicate girl, loved and followed like a + sort of queen by the young men, of whom there were many, while there were + hardly any other young women, none to compare with her. Demetrius had lost + some patients, it was a sickly season, and I fancy there was some mistrust + and exasperation against him already, for he was incompetent, and grew + more averse to consulting me when his knowledge was at fault. I need not + blame him. Everyone at home knows that I do not always make myself + agreeable, and I had enough to exacerbate me, with my child pining in the + unhealthy climate, and my father’s precious secret used with the rough + ignorance of an empiric. I knew enough of the case of this Annie Field to + be sure that there were features in it which would make that form of + treatment dangerous. I tried to make him understand. He thought me jealous + of his being called in rather than myself. Well—she died, and such a + storm of vengeance arose as is possible in those lawless parts. I knew and + heeded nothing of it, for my little Glykera was worse every day, and I + thought of nothing else, but it seems that reports unfavourable to us had + come from some one of the cities where we had tried to settle, and thus + grief and rage had almost maddened one of Annie’s lovers, a young man of + Irish blood, a leader among the rest. On the day of her funeral all the + ruffianism in the place was up in arms against us. My husband had warning, + I suppose, for I never saw or heard of him since he went out that morning, + leaving me with my little one moaning on my lap. She was growing worse + every hour, and I knew nothing else, till my door was burst open by a + little boy of eight or ten years old, crying out, ‘Mrs. Hermann, Mrs. + Hermann, quick, they are coming to lynch you! come away, bring the baby. + If father can’t stop them, there’s no place safe but our house.’ + </p> + <p> + “And indeed upon the air came the sound of a great, horrible, yelling roar + unspeakably dreadful. It seems never to have been out of my ears since. I + do not know whether an American mob would have proceeded to extremities + with a lonely woman and dying child, but there was an Irish and Spanish + element of ferocity at Burkeville, and the cold, hard Englishwoman was + unpopular, besides that, I was supposed to share in the irregular practice + that had had such fatal effects. But with that horrible sound, one did not + stop to weigh probabilities. I gathered up my child in her bed-clothes, + and followed the boy out at the back door, blindly. And where do you think + I found myself? where but in the minister’s house? His wife, whose + daughter had just been carried out to her grave, rose up from weeping and + praying, to take me into the innermost chamber, where none could see me, + and when she saw my darling’s state, to give me all the help and sympathy + a good woman could. Oh! that was my first true knowledge of Christian + charity. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Field himself was striving at the very grave itself to turn away the + rage of these men against those whom they held his daughter’s murderers, + but he was as nothing against some fifty or sixty gathered, I suppose, + some by real or fancied wrongs, some from mere love of violence. Any way, + when he found himself powerless against the infuriated speeches of the + young Irish lover, he put his little boy over the graveyard wall, and sent + him off to take me to the last place where the mob would look for me, the + very room where Annie died. Those howls and yells round the empty house, + perhaps, too, the shaking of my rapid run, hastened the end with my + precious child. I do not believe she could have lived many hours, but the + fright brought on shudderings and convulsions, and she was gone from me by + nine that evening. They might have torn me to pieces then, and I would + have thanked them! I cannot tell you the goodness of the Fields. It could + not comfort me then, but I have wondered over it often since.” (There were + blistered, blotted tear marks here.) “They knew it was not safe for me to + remain, for there had been wild talk of a warrant out against us for + manslaughter. They would have had me leave my little darling’s form to + their care, but they saw I dreaded (unreasonably I now think) some insult + from those ruffians for her father’s sake. Mr. Field said I should lay my + little one to her rest myself. They found a long basket like a cradle. We + laid her there in her own night-dress, looking so sweet and lovely. Mr. + Field himself went out and dug the little grave, close to Annie’s, and + there by moonlight we laid her, and the good man put one of the many + wreaths from Annie’s grave upon hers, and there we knelt and he prayed. I + don’t know what denomination his may be, but a Christian I know he is. + Cruel as the very sight of me must have been, they kept me in bed all the + next day; and the minister went to see what he could save for me. Finding + no one, the mob had wreaked their vengeance on our medicine bottles and + glasses, smashed everything, and made terrible havoc of all our books, + clothes and furniture. Almost the only thing Mr. Field had found unhurt + was mother’s little Greek Testament, which I had carried about, but + utterly neglected till then. Mr. Field saw my name in it, brought it to + me, and kindly said he was glad to restore it; none could be utterly + desolate whose study lay there. I was obliged to tell him how you had sent + it after me with that entreaty, which I had utterly neglected, and you can + guess how he urged it on me.” + </p> + <p> + “You have gone on now,” said her mother, looking up at her. + </p> + <p> + Janet’s reply was to produce the little book from her handbag, showing + marks of service, and then to open it at the fly leaf. There Caroline + herself had written “Janet Hermann,” with the reference to St. Luke xv. + 20. She had not dared to write more fully, but the good minister of + Burkeville had, at Janet’s desire, put his own initials, and likewise + written in full: + </p> + <p> + “Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy work + shall be rewarded, saith the Lord, and they shall come again from the land + of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy + children shall come again to their own border.” + </p> + <p> + “He might have written it for me,” said Caroline. “My child—one at + least is come to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Or you have gone into her far country to seek her,” said Janet. + </p> + <p> + “Can I write to this good man?” asked Caroline. “I do long to thank him.” + </p> + <p> + “O yes. I wrote to him only the day before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + There was but little more of the narrative. “At night he borrowed a + waggon, and drove me to a station in time to take the early train for the + north-east, supplying me with means for the journey, and giving me a + letter to a family relation of his, in New York State. I was most kindly + sheltered there for a few days while I looked out for advertisements. I + found, however, that I must change my name, for the history of the + Burkeville affair was copied into all the papers, and there were warnings + against the two impostors, giving my maiden name likewise, as that in + which my Zurich diploma had been made out. This cut me off from all + medical employment, and I had to think what else I could do, not that I + cared much what became of me. Seeing a notice that an assistant was wanted + to colour and finish photographs, I thought my drawing, though only + schoolroom work, might serve. I applied, showed specimens, and was thought + satisfactory. I sent my address to Mr. Field, who had promised to let me + know in case my husband made any attempt to trace me, or if I could find + my way back to him, but up to this time I have heard absolutely nothing. + The few white days in my life are, however, when I get a cheering, + comforting letter from him. How I should once have laughed their + phraseology to scorn, but then I did not know what reality meant, and they + are the only balm of my life now, except mother’s little book, and what + they have led me to. + </p> + <p> + “But you see why I cannot come with Elvira. Not only do I not dare to meet + my mother, but it might bring down upon her one whom she could not + welcome. Besides, it is clearly fit that I should strive to meet him + again; I would try to be less provoking to him now.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, my dear,” said Caroline. “But why did you never draw on Mr. + Wakefield all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought we ought to take that money,” said Janet. “I could + maintain myself, and that was all I wanted. Besides I was ashamed to bid + him use a false name, and I durst not receive a letter under my own, nor + did I know whether Demetrius might go on applying.” + </p> + <p> + “He did once, saying that you were unwell, but Mr. Wakefield declined to + let him be supplied with out your signature.” + </p> + <p> + Janet eagerly asked the when and the where. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” said her mother, “to find that you change of name was not in + order to elude him, as feared at first.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Janet, “he never knew he was cruel, but he had made a mistake + altogether in me. I was a disappointment to begin with, owing to my own + bad management, you see, for if I had brought off the book, and destroyed + the will, his speculation would have succeeded. And then, for his comfort, + he should have married a passive, ignorant, senseless, obedient oriental, + and he did not know what to do with a cold, proud thing, who looked most + hard when most wretched, who had understanding enough to see his blunders, + and remains of conscience enough to make her sour. Poor Demetrius! He had + the worst of the bargain! And now—” She turned the leaf of the + manuscript, and showed, with a date three days back: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Field has written to me, sending a cutting of an advertisement of a + month back of a spiritualist from Abville, which he thinks may be my + husband’s. I am sure it is, I know the Greek idiom put into English. It + decides me on what I had thought of before. I shall offer my services as + nurse or physician, or whatever they will let me be in that stress of + need. I may find him, or if he have fled, I may, if I live, trace him. At + any rate, by God’s grace, I may thus endeavour to make a better use of + what has never yet been used for His service. + </p> + <p> + “And in case I should add no further words to this, let me conclude by + telling my dear, dear mother that my whole soul and spirit are asking her + forgiveness, and by sending my love to my brothers, and sister, whom I + love far better now than ever I did when I was with them. And to Elvira + too—perhaps she is my sister by this time. + </p> + <p> + “Let them try henceforth to think not unkindly of + </p> + <p> + “JANET HERMANN.” + </p> + <p> + This had been enclosed in an envelope addressed to Mrs. Joseph Brownlow, + to the care of Wakefield and Co., solicitors. + </p> + <p> + “You see I cannot go back with you, mother dear,” she said, “though you + have come to seek me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” said Caroline, handing the last page to Jock, who had come back + again from one of his excursions. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Janet,” said Jock, “mother will not forbid it, I know. If you + will wait another day for me to arrange for her, I will go with you. This + is a place specially mentioned as in frightful need of medical attendance, + and I already doubted whether I ought not to volunteer, but if you have an + absolute call of duty there, that settles it. Mother, do you remember that + American clergyman who dined with us? I met him just now. He begged me + with all his heart to persuade you to come and stay with his family. I + believe he is going to bring his wife to call. I am sure they would take + care of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want care. Jock, Jock, why should I not go and help? Do you think + I can send my children into the furnace without me?” + </p> + <p> + Jock came and sat down by her with his specially consoling caress. “Mother + dear, I don’t think you ought. We are trained to it, you see, and it is + part of our vocation, besides, Janet has a call. But your nursing would + not make much difference, and besides, you don’t belong only to us—Armine + and Babie need their home. And suppose poor Bobus came back. No, I am + accountable to them all. They didn’t send me out in charge of my Mother + Carey that I should run her into the jaws of Yellow Jack. I can’t do it, + mother. I should mind my own business far less if I were thinking about + you. It would be just like your coming after me into a general + engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucas is quite right,” said Janet. “You know, mother, this is a special + kind of nursing, that one does not understand by the light of nature, and + you are not strong enough or tough enough for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I flattered myself I was pretty tough,” said her mother, with trembling + lip. “What sort of a place is it? Could not I—even if you won’t let + me nurse—be near enough to rest you, and feed you, and disinfect + you? That is my trade, Jock will allow, as a doctor’s wife and mother. And + I could collect things and send them to the sick. Would not that be + possible, my dears?” + </p> + <p> + Jock said he would find out. And then he told them he had found a Church + with a daily service, to which they went. + </p> + <p> + And then those three had a wonderfully happy evening together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. — GOOD OUT OF EVIL. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + How the field of combat lay + By the tomb’s self; how he sprang from ambuscade— + Captured Death, caught him in that pair of hands. + Browning. +</pre> + <p> + “John,” said Sydney, as they were taking their last walk together as + engaged people on the banks of their Avon, “There’s something I think I + ought to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dearest.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t they say that there ought not to be any shadow of concealment of + the least little liking for any one else, when one is going to be + married,” quoth Sydney, not over lucidly. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure I can safely acquit myself of any such shadow,” said John, + laughing. “I never had the least little liking for anybody but Mother + Carey, and that wasn’t a least little one at all!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, I’m very much ashamed of it, because he didn’t care for me, + as it turned out; but if he had, as I once thought, I should have liked + him,” said Sydney, looking down, and speaking with great confusion out of + the depths of her conscience, stirred up by much ‘Advice to Brides,’ and + Sunday novels, all turning on the lady’s error in hiding her first love; + and then perhaps because the effect on John was less startling than she + had expected, she added with another effort, “It was Lucas Brownlow.” + </p> + <p> + “Jock!” cried John. “The dear fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—I did think it, when he was in the Guards, and always about + with Cecil. It was very silly of me, for he did not care one fraction.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think so?” said John hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I know better now, but when he made up his mind to leave the army, + I fancied it was no better than being a recreant knight, and I begged and + prayed him to go out with Sir Philip Cameron, and as near as I dared told + him it was for my sake. But he went on all the same, and then I was quite + sure he did not care, and saw what a goose I had made of myself. Oh! + Johnny, it has been very hard to tell you, but I thought I ought, and I + hope you’ll never think of it more, for Lucas just despised my foolish + forwardness, and you know you have every bit of my heart and soul. What is + the matter, John? Oh! have I done harm, when I meant to do right?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my darling, don’t be startled. But do you mean that you really + thought Jock’s disregard of your entreaties came from indifference?” + </p> + <p> + “It was all one mixture of pain and anger,” said Sydney. “I can’t define + it. I thought it was one’s duty to lead a man to be courageous and defend + his country, and of course he thought me such a fool. Why, he has never + really talked to me since!” + </p> + <p> + “And you thought it was indifference,” again repeated John, with an + iteration worthy of his father. + </p> + <p> + “O John, you frighten me. Wasn’t it? Did you know this before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, most certainly not. I did know thus much, that in giving up the army + Jock had given up his dearest hopes; but I thought it was some fine + fashionable lady, whom he was well rid of, though he didn’t know it. And + he never said a word to betray it, even when I came home brimful and + overflowing with happiness. And you know it was his doing that my way has + been smoothed. Oh! Sydney, I don’t know how to look at it!” + </p> + <p> + “But indeed, John dear, I couldn’t help loving you best. You saved me, you + know, and I feel to fit in, and understand you best. I can’t be sorry as + it has turned out.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very well,” said John, trying to laugh, “for you couldn’t be + transferred back to him, like a bale of goods. And I could not have helped + loving you; but that I should have been a robber, Jock’s worst enemy!” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t be sorry you did not guess it,” said Sydney. “Then I never should + have had you, and somehow—” + </p> + <p> + “And you thought him wanting in courage,” recurred John. + </p> + <p> + “Only when I was wild and silly, talking out of the ‘Traveller’s Joy.’ It + was hearing about his going into that dreadful place that stirred it all + up in my mind, because I saw what a hero he is.” + </p> + <p> + “God grant he may come safe out of it!” said John. “I’ll tell you what, + Sydney, though, it is a shame, when I am the gainer: I think your romance + went astray; more faith and patience would have waited to see the real + hero come out, and so you have missed him and got the ordinary, jog-trot, + commonplace fellow instead.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but love must be at the bottom of faith and patience,” said Sydney, + “and that was scared away by shame at my own forwardness and foolishness. + And now it is all gone to the jog-trot! I want no better hero!” + </p> + <p> + “What a confession for the maiden of the twelfth century!” + </p> + <p> + “I’m very glad you don’t feel moved to start off to the yellow fever.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Sydney, I do not know what I don’t feel moved to sometimes, + I cannot understand this silence!” + </p> + <p> + “But you said the telegram that he was mending was almost better than if + he had never been ill at all.” + </p> + <p> + “So I thought then; but why do we not hear, if all is well with them?” + </p> + <p> + Three weeks since, a telegram had been received by Allen, containing the + words, “Janet died at 2.30 A.M. Lucas mending.” + </p> + <p> + It had been resolved not to put off the wedding, as much inconvenience + would have been caused, and poor Janet was only cousin to John, and had + been removed from all family interests so long, even Mrs. Robert Brownlow + saw no impropriety, since Barbara went to Belforest for a fortnight, + returning to Mrs. Evelyn on the afternoon of the wedding-day itself to + assist in her move to the Dower House. Esther, who had never professed to + wish for a hero, had been so much disturbed by the recent alarms of war, + that she was only anxious that her guardsman should safely sell out in the + interval of peace; and he had begun to care enough about the occupations + at Fordham to wish to be free to make it his chief dwelling-place. + </p> + <p> + The wedding was as quiet as possible. Sydney was disappointed of the only + bridesmaid she cared much about, and Barbara felt a kind of relief in not + having a second time to assist at the destruction of a brother’s hopes. + She was very glad to get back to Fordham, reporting that Allen and Elvira + were so devotedly in love that a third person was very much de trop; + though they had been very kind, and Elvira had mourned poor Janet with + real gratitude and affection. Still they did not take half so much alarm + at the silence as she did, and she was relieved to be with the Evelyns, + who were becoming very anxious. The bridegroom and bride could not bear to + go out of reach of intelligence, and had limited their tour to the nearest + place on the coast, where they could hear by half a day’s post. + </p> + <p> + No news had come except that seven American papers had been forwarded to + Barbara, giving brief accounts of the pestilence in the southern cities. + The numbers of deaths in Abville were sensibly decreased, one of these + papers said. The arrival of an English physician, Dr. Lucas Brownlow, and + his sister had been noticed, and also that the sister had succumbed to the + disease, but that he was recovering. These were all, however, only up to + the date of the telegram, and the sole shadow of encouragement was in the + assurances that any really fatal news would have been telegraphed. Mrs. + Evelyn and Barbara were very loving companions during this time. Together + they looked over those personal properties of Duke’s which rather belonged + to his mother than his heir. Mrs. Evelyn gave Barbara several which had + special associations for her, and together they read over his papers and + letters, laughing tenderly over those that awoke droll remembrances, and + perfectly entering into one another’s sympathies. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, my dear,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “I do not know whether I ought to let + you dwell on this: you are too young to be looking back on a grave when + all life is before you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Babie, “it was he that showed me how to look right on through + life! You cannot tell how delightful it is to me to be brought near to him + again, now I can understand him so much better than ever I did when he was + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it was always his fear that he might sadden your life.” + </p> + <p> + “Sadden? oh no! It was he who put life into my hands, as something worth + using,” said Babie. “Don’t you know it is the great glory and quiet secret + treasure of my heart, that, as Jock said that first night, I have that + love not for time but eternity.” + </p> + <p> + And their thoughts could not but go back to the travellers in America, and + all the possibilities, for were not whole families swept off by the + disease, without power of communication? + </p> + <p> + However, at last, four days after the wedding, Barbara received a letter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ashton Vineyard, Virginia. + September 30th. +</pre> + <p> + “MY DEAREST BABIE,—I have left you too long without tidings, but I + have had little time, and no heart to write, and I could not bear to send + such news without details. Of the ten terrible days at Abville I may, if I + can, tell you when we meet. I was in a sort of country house a little + above the valley of the shadow of death, preparing supplies, and keeping + beds ready for any of the exhausted workers who could snatch a rest in the + air of the hill. I scarcely saw my poor Janet. She had made out that her + husband had been one of the first victims, before she even guessed at his + being there. She only came once to tell me this, and they would not even + allow me to come down to the Church, where all the clergy, doctors and + sisters who could, used to meet, every morning and evening. + </p> + <p> + “On the tenth day she brought home Jock, smitten down after incessant + exertion. Everyone allows that he saved more cases than anyone, though he + says it was the abatement of the disease. Janet declares that his was a + slight attack. If that was slight! She attended to him for two days, then + told me the crisis was past and that he would live, and almost at the same + time her strength failed her. The last thing she said consciously to me + was, ‘Don’t waste time on me. I know these symptoms. Attend to Jock. That + is of use. Only forgive and pray for me.’ Very soon she was insensible, + and was gone before twenty-four hours were over. The sister whom they + spared to help me, said she was too much worn out to struggle and suffer + like most, indeed as Jock had done. + </p> + <p> + “That Sister Dorothea, a true divine gift, a sweet and fair vision of + peace, is a Miss Ashton, a Virginian. She broke down, not with the + disease, only fatigue, and I gave her such care as I could spare from my + dear boy. When her father, General Ashton, came to take her home, he + kindly insisted on likewise carrying us off to his beautiful home, on a + lovely hillside, where we trusted Jock’s strength would be restored + quickly. But perhaps we were too impatient, for the journey was far too + much for him. He fainted several times, and the last miles were passed in + an unconscious state. There has come back on him the intermittent fever + which often succeeds the disease; and what is more alarming is the + faintness, oppression, and difficulty of breathing, which he believes to + be connected with the slight affection of heart remaining from his + rheumatic fever at Schwarenbach. Then it is very difficult to give him + nourishment except disguised with ice, and he is altogether fearfully ill. + I send such an account of the case as I can get for John or Dr. Medlicott + to see. How I long for our kind home friends. This place is unhappily very + far from everywhere, a lone village in the hills; the nearest doctor + twelve miles off. The Ashtons think highly of him; but he is old, and I + can’t say that I have any confidence in his treatment. Jock allows that he + should do otherwise, but he says he has no vigour or connection of ideas + to be fit to treat himself consistently, and that he should only do harm + by interfering with Dr. Vanbro; indeed I fear he thinks that it does not + make much difference. If patience and calmness can bring him through, he + would live, but my dear Babie, I greatly dread that I shall not bring him + back to the home he made so bright. He seldom rouses into talking much, + but lies passive and half dozing when the feverish restlessness is not on + him. He told me just now to send his love to you all, especially to the + Monk and Sydney, with all dear good wishes to them both. No one can be + kinder than the Ashtons; they are always trying to help in the nursing, + and sending for everything that can be thought of for Jock. Sister + Dorothea and Primrose are as good and loving as Sydney herself could be, + and there is an excellent clergyman who comes in every day, and prays for + my boy in Church. Ask them to do the same at Fordham, and at our own + Churches. As long as I do not telegraph, remember that while there is life + there is hope. + </p> + <p> + “Your loving Mother C.” + </p> + <p> + This letter was sent on to John. Two days later a fly drove up to the + Dower House, and Sydney walked into the drawing-room alone. + </p> + <p> + Where did she come from? + </p> + <p> + From Liverpool. John was gone to America. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to go too,” she said, tears coming into her eyes; “but he said + he could go faster without me, and he could not take me to these Ashtons, + or leave me alone in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “It was very noble and good in you to let him go, Sydney,” cried Babie. + </p> + <p> + “It would have broken his heart for ever,” said Sydney, “if he had not + tried to do his utmost for Jock. He says Jock has been more than a brother + to him, and that he owes all that he is, and all that he has, to him and + Mother Carey, and that even—if—if he were too late, he should + save her from coming home alone. You think he was right, mamma?” + </p> + <p> + “Right indeed, and I am thankful that my Sydney was unselfish, and did not + try to keep him back.” + </p> + <p> + “O mamma, I could never have looked him in the face again if I had + hindered him! And so we went up to London, and luckily Dr. Medlicott was + at home, and he was very eager that John should go. He says he does not + think it will be too late, and they talked it over, and got some + medicines, and then John let me come down to Liverpool with him and see + him on board, and we telegraphed the last thing to Mrs. Brownlow, so that + it might be too late for her to stop him.” + </p> + <p> + While that message was rushing on its way beneath the Atlantic it was the + early morning of the ebb tide of the fever, and the patient was resting + almost doubled over with his head on pillows before him, either slumber or + exhaustion, so still, that his mother had yielded to urgent persuasion, + and lain down in the next room to sleep in the dreamless repose of the + overworn watcher. + </p> + <p> + For over him leant a sturdy, dark-browed, dark-bearded figure, to whom she + had ventured to entrust him. Some fourteen hours before, Robert had with + some difficulty found them out at Ashton Vineyard, having been + irresistibly drawn by Jock’s telegram to spend in the States an interval + of leisure in his work, caused by his appointment as principal to another + Japanese college. He had gone to the bank where Jock had given an address, + and his consternation had been great on hearing the state of things. All + this, however, he had left unexplained, and his mother had hardly even + thought of asking where he had dropped from. For Jock was in the midst of + one of his cruellest attacks of the fever, and all she had been conscious + of was a knock and summons to the door, where Primrose Ashton gently + whispered, “Here is some one you will be glad to see,” and Robert’s low + deep voice, almost inaudible with emotion, asked, “May I see him?” + </p> + <p> + “He will not know you,” she said, with the sad composure of one who has no + time to grieve. But even in the midst of the babbling moan of fevered + weakness, there was half a smile as of pleased surprise, and an evident + craving for the strong support of his brother’s arm, and by-and-by Jock + looked up with meaning and recognition in his eyes, though quite unable to + speak, in that faint and exhausted state indeed that verged nearer to + death after every attack. + </p> + <p> + This had passed enough for her to know there would be a respite for + perhaps a good many hours, and she had yielded to the entreaty or command + of Bobus, that she would lie down and sleep, trusting to him to call her + at any moment. + </p> + <p> + Presently, as morning light stole in, Jock’s eyes were open, gazing at him + fondly, and he whispered, “Dear old Bob,” then presently, “Open the + window.” + </p> + <p> + The sun was rising, and the wooded hillside opposite was all one gorgeous + mass of autumn colouring, of every shade from purple to golden yellow, so + glorious that it arrested Bobus’s attention even at that instant. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful, isn’t it?” asked the feeble voice. + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful, as we always heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Lift me a little. I like to see it. Not fast—or high—so.” + </p> + <p> + Bobus raised the white wasted form, and rested the head against his square + firm shoulder. “Dear old Bob! This is jolly! I’m not cramping you?” + </p> + <p> + “O no, but should not you have something?” + </p> + <p> + “What time is it?” + </p> + <p> + “6.30.” + </p> + <p> + “Too soon yet for that misery;” then, after some silence, “I’m so glad you + are come. Can you take mother home?” + </p> + <p> + “I would; but you will.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jock, you are not getting into Armine’s state of mind, giving + yourself up and wishing to die?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. There are hosts of things I want to do first. There’s that + discovery of father’s. With what poor Janet told me of Hermann’s doings, + and what I saw at Abville, if I could only get an hour of my proper wits, + I could put the others up to a wrinkle that would make the whole thing + comparatively plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Should not you be better if you dictated it, and got it off your mind?” + </p> + <p> + “So I thought and tried, but presently I saw mother looking queer, and she + said I was tired, and had gone on enough. I made her read it to me + afterwards, and I had gone off into a muddle, and said something that + would have been sheer murder. So I had better leave it alone. Old Vanbro + mistrusts every word I say because of the Hermann connection, and indeed I + may not always have talked sense to him. Those things work out in God’s + own time, and the Monk is on the track. I’d like to have seen him, but + I’ve got you.” + </p> + <p> + This had been said in faint slow utterances, so low that Bobus could + hardly have heard a couple of feet further off, and with intervals + between, and there was a gesture of tender perfect content in the contact + with him that went to his heart, and, before he was aware, a great hot + tear came dropping down on Jock’s forehead and caused an exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Bobus. “Oh! Jock, you don’t know what it is to + find you like this. I came with so much to ask and talk of to you.” + </p> + <p> + Jock looked up inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “You were right to suppress that paper of mine,” continued Bobus, “I + wouldn’t have written it now. I have seen better what a people are without + Christianity, be the code what it may, and the civilisation, it can’t + produce such women as my mother, no, nor such men as you, Jockey, my boy,” + he muttered much lower. + </p> + <p> + “Are you coming back, dear old man?” said Jock, with eyes fixed on him. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. Tell me one thing, old man: I always thought, when you took + to using your brains and getting up physical science, that you must get + beyond what satisfied you as a soldier. Now, have the two, science and + religion, never clashed, or have you kept them apart?” + </p> + <p> + “They’ve worked in together,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say so because you ought, and think it good for me?” + </p> + <p> + “As if I could, lying here. ‘All Thy works praise Thee, O God, and Thy + saints do magnify Thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Bobus was not sure whether this were a conscious reply, or only wandering, + and his mother here came in, wakened by the murmur of voices. + </p> + <p> + The brothers could not bear to lose sight of one another, though Jock was + too much exhausted by this conversation, and, by the sickness that + followed any endeavour to take food, to speak much again. Thus, when the + Rector came, Bobus asked whether he must be sent out of the room, Jock + made an earnest sign to the contrary, and he stayed. + </p> + <p> + There was of course nothing to concern him, especially in the brief + reading and prayer; but his mother, looking up, saw that he was finding + out the passage in the little Greek Testament. + </p> + <p> + Janet’s lay on a little table close by the bedside. The two copies had met + again. The work of one was done. Was the work of the other doing at last? + </p> + <p> + However that might be, nothing could be gentler, tenderer, or more + considerate towards his mother than was Bobus, and her kind friends felt + much relieved of their fears for her, since she had such a son to take + care of her. + </p> + <p> + Towards the evening, the negro servant knocked at the door, and Bobus took + from him a telegram envelope. His mother opened it and read: + </p> + <p> + “Friar Brownlow to Mrs. Brownlow. I embark to-day.” + </p> + <p> + A smile shone out on Jock’s white weary face, and he said, “Good old Monk! + If I can but hold out till he comes, I shall get home again yet. I should + like to do him credit.” + </p> + <p> + “Ashton Vineyard, October l2th. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAREST CHILD,—You know the main fact by telegram, and now I can + write, I must tell you all in more order. We thought our darkest hour was + over when the dear John’s telegram came, and the hope helped us up a + little while. To Jock himself it was like a drowning man clinging to a + rope with the more exertion because he knew that a boat was putting off. + At least so it was at first, but as his strength faded, his brain could + not grasp the notion any longer, and he generally seemed to be fancying + himself on the snow with Armine, still however looking for John to come + and save them, and sometimes, too, talking about Cecil, and being a true + brother in arms, a faithful servant and soldier. The long severe strain of + study, work, and all the rest which he has gone through, body and mind, + coming on a heart already not quite sound, throughout the past year, was, + John thinks, the real reason of his being unable to rally when the fever + had brought him down, after the dreadful exertion at Abville. Dear fellow, + he never let us guess how much his patience cost him. I think we had + looked to John’s arrival as if it would act like magic, and it was very + sore disappointment when his treatment was producing no change for the + better, but the prostration went on day after day. Poor Bobus was in utter + despair, and went raging about, declaring that he had been a fool ever to + expect anything from Kencroft, and at last he had to be turned out of the + sick-room. For I should tell you that the one thing that kept me up was + the entire calm grave composure that John preserved throughout, and which + gave him the entire command. He never showed any consternation or dismay, + nor uttered an augury, but he went quietly and vigilantly on, in a manner + that all along gave me a strange sense of confidence and trust, that all + that could be done was being done, and the issue was in higher hands. He + would not let anyone really help him but Sister Dorothea, with her trained + skill as a nurse. I don’t think even I should have been suffered in the + room, if he had not thought Jock might be more conscious than was + apparent, for he had not himself received one token of recognition all + those three days. Poor Bobus! the little gleam of light that Jock had let + in on him seemed all gone. I do not know what would have become of him but + for the good Ashtons. He had been persuaded for a time that what was so + real to Jock must be true; but when Jock was no longer conscious, he had + nothing to help him, and I am afraid he spoke terrible words when Primrose + talked of prayer and faith. I believe he declared that to see one like his + brother snatched away when just come to the perfection of his early + manhood, with all his capacity and all his knowledge in vain, convinced + him either that this universe was one grim, pitiless machine, grinding + down humanity by mere law of necessity, or if they would have it that + there was supernatural power, it could only be malevolent; and then + Primrose, so strong in faith as to venture what I should have shrunk from + as dangerous presumption, dared him to go on in his disbelief, if his + brother were given back to prayer. + </p> + <p> + “She pitied him so much, the sweet bright girl, she had so pitied him all + along, that I believe she prayed as much for him as for Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I did not know all this till afterwards, for all was stillness + in that room, except when at times the clergyman came in and prayed. + </p> + <p> + “The next thing I am sure of, was John’s leaning over me, and his low + steady voice saying, ‘The pulse is better, the symptoms are mitigating.’ + Sister Dorothea says they had both seen it for some hours, but he made her + a sign not to agitate me till he was secure that the improvement was real. + Indeed there was something in that equable firm gentleness of John’s that + sustained me, and prevented my breaking down. Even then it was another + whole day before my darling smiled at me again, and said, ‘Thanks’ to + John, but oh! with such a look. + </p> + <p> + “When Bobus heard his brother was better, he gave a sob, such as I shall + never forget, and rushed away into the pine-wood on the hillside, all + alone. The next time I saw him he was walking in the garden with Primrose, + and with such a quieted, subdued, gentle look upon his face, it put me in + mind of the fields when a great storm has swept over them, and they are + lying still in the sunshine afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Since that day, when John said we might send off that thankworthy + telegram, there has been daily progress. I have had one of my headaches. + That monarch John found it out, and turned me out. I could bear to go, for + I knew my boy was safe with him. He made me over to Primrose, who nursed + me as tenderly as my Babie could have done, and indeed, I begin to think + she will soon be as near and dear to me as my Sydney or Elvira. She has a + power over Bobus that no one else ever had, and she is very lovely in + expression as well as features, but how will so ardent a Christian as she + is receive one still so far off as my poor Robert, though indeed I think + he has at least come so far as the cry, ‘Help Thou mine unbelief.’ + </p> + <p> + “So now they have let me come back to my Jock, and I see visibly his + improvement. He holds out his hand, and he smiles, and he speaks now and + then, the dreadful oppression is gone, and all the dangerous symptoms are + abating, and I cannot tell how happy and thankful we are. ‘Send my love, + and tell Sydney she has a blessed Monk,’ he says, as he wakes, and sees me + writing. + </p> + <p> + “That dear Monk says he will not go home till he can carry home his + patient. When that will be I cannot tell, for he cannot sit up in bed yet. + Dear Sydney, how I thank her! John says it was not his treatment, but, + under Divine Providence, youthful nature that had had her rest, and begun + to rally her strength. But under that blessing, it was John’s steady, + faithful strength and care that enabled the restoration to take place. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child’s loving + </p> + <p> + “MOTHER CAREY.” <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. — DISENCHANTED. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Whatever page we turn, + However much we learn, + Let there be something left to dream of still. + Longfellow. +</pre> + <p> + It was on a very cold day of the cold spring of 1879 that three ladies + descended at the Liverpool station, escorted by a military-looking + gentleman. He left them standing while he made inquiries, but his servant + had anticipated him. “The steamer has been signalled, my Lord. It will be + in about four o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be time to go to the hotel and secure rooms,” said one lady. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Reeves can do that. Pray let us come down to the docks and see them + come in.” + </p> + <p> + No answer till all four were seated in a fly, rattling through the street, + but on the repetition of “Are we going to the docks?” his Lordship, with a + resolute twirl of his long, light moustache, replied, “No, Sydney. If you + think I am going to have you making a scene on deck, falling on your + husband’s breast, and all that sort of thing, you are much mistaken! I + shall lodge you all quietly in the hotel, and you may wait there, while I + go down with Reeves, and receive them like a rational being.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, Cecil, that’s too bad. He let me come on board!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I should have brought you here if I had thought you meant to + make yourself ridiculous?” + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use, Sydney,” said Babie; “there’s no dealing with the stern + and staid pere de famille. I wonder what he would have liked Essie to do, + if he had had to go and leave her for nearly two months when he had only + been married a week?” + </p> + <p> + “Essie is quite a different thing—I mean she has sense and + self-possession.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, won’t you speak for us?” implored Sydney. “I did behave so well + when he went! Nobody would have guessed we hadn’t been married fifty + years.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I think Cecil is quite right, and that it may be better for them + all to manage the landing quietly.” + </p> + <p> + “Without a pack of women,” said Cecil. “Here we are! I hope you will find + a tolerable room for him and no stairs.” + </p> + <p> + As if poor Mrs. Evelyn were not well enough used to choosing rooms for + invalids! + </p> + <p> + Twilight had come, the gas had been turned on, and the three anxious + ladies stood in the window gazing vainly at endless vehicles, when the + door opened and they beheld sundry figures entering. + </p> + <p> + Sydney and Barbara flew, the one to her husband, the other to her mother, + and presently all stood round the fire looking at one another. Mrs. Evelyn + made a gesture to a very slender and somewhat pale figure to sit down in a + large easy chair. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I’m not tired,” he briskly said, standing with a caressing + hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Here’s Cecil can’t quite believe yet that + I have the use of my limbs.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said John, “no sooner did he come on board, than he made a rush at + the poor sailor who had broken his leg, and was going to be carried ashore + on a hammock. He was on the point of embracing him, red beard and all, + when he was forcibly dragged off by Jock himself whom he nearly knocked + down.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cecil, as Sydney fairly danced round him in revengeful glee, + “there was the Monk solicitously lifting him on one side, and Mother Carey + assisting with a smelling-bottle on the other, so what could I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “All for want of us,” said Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “And think of the cunning of him,” added Babie; “shutting us up here that + he might give way to his feelings undisturbed!” + </p> + <p> + “I promised to go and speak about that poor fellow at the hospital,” cried + John, with sudden recollection. + </p> + <p> + “You had better let me,” said Jock. + </p> + <p> + “You will stay where you are.” + </p> + <p> + “I consider him my patient.” + </p> + <p> + “If that’s the way you two fought over your solitary case all the way + home,” said Babie, “I wonder there’s a fragment left of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It was only three days ago,” said John, “and Jock has been a new man ever + since he picked the poor fellow up on deck, but I’m not going to let him + stir to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me come with you, Johnny,” entreated Sydney; “it will be so nice! Oh, + no, I don’t mind the cold!” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” added her brother, “take the poor fellow a sovereign.” + </p> + <p> + “In compensation for the sudden cooling of your affection,” said Jock. + “Well, if it is an excuse for an excursion with Sydney I’ll not interfere, + but ask him for his sister’s address in London, for I promised to tell her + about him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” cried Babie, at the word ‘London,’ “then you have heard from Dr. + Medlicott?” + </p> + <p> + “I did once,” said John, “with some very useful suggestions, but that was + a month ago or more.” + </p> + <p> + “I meant,” said Babie, “a letter he wrote for the chance of Jock’s getting + it before he sailed. There’s the assistant lectureship vacant, and the + Professor would not like anyone so much. It is his own appointment, not an + election matter, and he meant to keep it open till he could get an answer + from Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “When was this?” asked Jock, flushing with eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “The 20th. Dr. Medlicott came down to Fordham for Sunday, to ask if it was + worth while to telegraph, or if I thought you would be well enough. It is + not much of a salary, but it is a step, and Dr. Medlicott knows they would + put you on the staff of the hospital, and then you are open to anything.” + </p> + <p> + Jock drew a long breath and looked at his mother. “The very thing I’ve + wished,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. Must he answer at once?” + </p> + <p> + “The Professor would like a telegram, yes or no, at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, you wedded Monk, will you add to your favours by telegraphing for + me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Of course it is ‘Yes’. How soon should you have to begin, I wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m quite cheeky enough for that sort of work. If you’ll telegraph, + I’ll write by to-night’s post.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go and do the telegraphing,” said Cecil; “I don’t trust those two.” + </p> + <p> + “As if John ever made mistakes,” cried Sydney. + </p> + <p> + “In fact, I want to send a telegram home.” + </p> + <p> + “To frighten Essie. She will get a yellow envelope saying you accept a + lectureship, and the Professor urgent inquiries after his baby.” + </p> + <p> + “Sydney is getting too obstreperous, Monk,” said Cecil. “You had better + carry her off. I shall come back by the time you have written your + letters, Jock.” + </p> + <p> + “Those two are too happy to do anything but tease one another,” said Mrs. + Evelyn, as the door shut on the three. “My rival grandmother, as Babie + calls her, was really quite glad to get rid of Cecil; she declared he + would excite Esther into a fever.” + </p> + <p> + “He did alarm Her Serenity herself,” said Babie, laughing. “When she would + go on about grand sponsors and ancestral names, he told her that he should + carry the baby off to Church and have him christened Jock out of hand, and + what a dreadful thing that would be for the peerage. I believe she thought + he meant it.” + </p> + <p> + “The name is to be John,” said Mrs. Evelyn—“John Marmaduke. He has + secured his godmother”—laying a hand affectionately on Babie—“but + I must not forestall his request to his two earliest and best friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear old fellow!” murmured Jock. + </p> + <p> + “Everybody is somewhat frantic,” said Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “Jock’s varieties of classes were almost distracted and besieged the door, + till Susan was fain to stick the last bulletins in the window to save + answering the bell; then no sooner did they hear he was better than they + began getting up a testimonial. Percy Stagg wrote to me, to ask for his + crest for some piece of plate, and I wrote back that I was sure Dr. Lucas + Brownlow would like it best to go in something for the Mission Church; and + if they wanted to give him something for his very own, suppose they got + him a brass plate for the door?” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, Infanta; that was an inspiration!” + </p> + <p> + “So they are to give an alms-dish, and Ali and Elfie give the rest of the + plate. Dr. Medlicott says he never saw anything like the feeling at the + hospital, or does not know what the nurses don’t mean to get up by way of + welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Babie, you must let Jock write his letters,” interposed her + mother, who had tears in her eyes and saw him struggling with emotion. “In + spite of your magnificent demonstrations, Jock, you must repair your + charms by lying down.” + </p> + <p> + She followed him into his room, which opened from the sitting-room, and he + turned to her, speaking from a full heart. “Oh, mother! It seems all given + to me, the old home, the very post I wished for, and all this kindness, + just when I thought I had taken leave of it all.” He sobbed once or twice + for very joy. + </p> + <p> + “You are sure it suits you?” + </p> + <p> + “If I only can suit it equally well! Oh, I see what you mean. That is over + now. I suppose the fever burnt it out of me, for it does not hurt me now + to see the dear old Monk beaming on her. I am glad she came, for I can + feel sure of myself now. So there’s nothing at present to come between me + and my Mother Carey. Thanks, mother, I’ll just fire off my two notes; and + establish myself luxuriously before Cecil comes back! I say, this is the + best inn’s best room. Poor Mrs. Evelyn must have thought herself providing + for Fordham. Oh yes, I shall gladly lie down when these notes are done, + but this is not a chance to be neglected. Now, Deo gratias, it will be my + own fault if Magnum Bonum is not worked out to the utmost; yes, much + better than if we had never gone to America. Even Bobus owns that all + things <i>have</i> worked together for good!” + </p> + <p> + His mother, with another look at the face, so joyous though still so + wasted and white, went back to the other room, with an equally happy + though scarcely less worn countenance. + </p> + <p> + “I hope he is resting,” said Mrs. Evelyn. “Are you quite satisfied about + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Fully. He may not be strong for a year or two, and must be careful not to + overtask himself, but John made him see one of the greatest physicians in + New York, to whom Dr. Medlicott had sent letters of introduction—as + if they were needed, he said, after Jock’s work at Abville. He said, as + John did, there was no lasting damage to the heart, and that the attack + was the consequence of having been brought so low; but he will be as + strong and healthy as ever, if he will only be careful as to exertion for + a year or so. This appointment is the very thing to save him. I know his + friends will look after him and keep him from doing too much. Dr. —— + was quite grieved that he had no notion how ill Jock had been, or he would + have come to Ashton. Any of the faculty would, he said, for one of the + ‘true chivalry of 1878.’ And he was so excited about the Magnum Bonum.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you and he can bear to crown our great thanksgiving feast?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, my heart is all one thanksgiving!” + </p> + <p> + “Cecil’s rejoicing is quite as much for Jock’s sake as over his boy. He + told me how they had been pledged as brothers in arms, and traces all that + is best in himself to those days at Engelberg.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that night on the mountain was the great starting-point, thanks to + dear little Armine.” + </p> + <p> + “I am writing to him and to Allen,” said Barbara from a corner. + </p> + <p> + “My love a thousand times, and we will meet at home!” + </p> + <p> + “Then our joy will not feel incongruous to you?” said Mrs. Evelyn. + </p> + <p> + “No, I am too thankful for what I know of my poor Janet. She is mine now + as she never was since she was a baby in my arms. I scarcely grieve, for + happiness was over for her, and hers was a noble death. They have placed + her name in the memorial tablet in Abville Church, to those who laid down + their lives for their brethren there. I begged it might be, ‘Janet + Hermann, daughter of Joseph Brownlow’—for I thank God she died + worthy of her father. In all ways I can say of this journey, my children + were dead and are alive again, were lost and are found.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I was sure it must be so, if such a girl as Miss Ashton could accept + Robert.” + </p> + <p> + “I am happier about him than I ever thought to be. I do not say that his + faith is like John’s or Armine’s, but he is striving back through the + mists, and wishing to believe, rather than being proud of disbelieving, + and Primrose knows what she is doing, and is aiding him with all her + power.” + </p> + <p> + “As our Esther never could have done,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “except by her + gentle innocence.” + </p> + <p> + “No. She could only have been to him a pretty white idol of his own + setting up,” said Babie. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” added her mother, “Primrose is fairly on equal grounds as to force + and intellect. She has been all over Europe, read and thought much, and + can discuss deep matters, while the depth of her religious principle + impresses him. They fought themselves into love, and then she was sorry + for him, and so touched by his wretchedness and longing to take hold of + the comfort his reason could not accept. I wish you could have seen her. + This photograph shows you her fine head; but not the beautiful clear + complexion, and the sweetness of those dark grey eyes!” + </p> + <p> + “I liked her letter,” said Babie, “and I am glad she was such a daughter + to you, mother. Allen says he is thankful she is not a Japanese with black + teeth.” + </p> + <p> + “He wrote very nicely to her, and so did Elfie,” said her mother. “And + Armine wrote a charming little note, which pleased Primrose best of all.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Armine has felt all most deeply,” said Babie. “Do you remember when + he thought it his mission to die and do good to Bobus? Well, he was sure + that, though, as he said, his own life then was too shallow and unreal for + his death to have done any good, Jock was meant to produce the effect.” + </p> + <p> + “And he has—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but by life, not death! Armie could hardly believe it. You know he + was with us at Christmas; and when he found that Bobus was to be led not + by sorrow, but by this Primrose path, it was quite funny to see how + surprised he was.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “he went about moralising on the various remedies + that are applied to the needs of human nature.” + </p> + <p> + “It made into a poem at last, such a pretty one,” said Babie. “And he says + he will be wiser all his life for finding things turn out so unlike all + his expectations.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a strange feeling of peace about all my children,” said Caroline. + “I do feel as if my dream had come true, and life, true life, had wakened + them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs. Evelyn, “I think they all, in their degree, may be said + to have learnt or be learning the way to true Magnum Bonum.” + </p> + <p> + “And oh! how precious it has been to me,” said the mother. “How the + guarding of that secret aided me through the worst of times!” + </p> + <p> + THE END. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Magnum Bonum, by Charlotte M. 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