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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:43:33 -0700 |
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diff --git a/old/14036-h/14036-h.htm b/old/14036-h/14036-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9adf819 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14036-h/14036-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9625 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st July 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> + + <title>LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE, September, 1873.</title> +<style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body { + margin-left : 10%; + margin-right : 10%; + } + p { + text-align : justify; + } + blockquote { + text-align : justify; + } + h1 , h2 , h3 , h4 , h5 , h6 { + text-align : center; + } + h1 { /* Title */ + margin-top : 2em; + margin-bottom : 2em; + } + h2 { /* Article Headings */ + margin-top : 4em; + margin-bottom : 2em; + } + h3 { /* Chapters and subheadings */ + margin-top : 2em; + margin-bottom : 2em; + } + hr { + text-align : center; + width : 50%; + } + hr.short { + text-align : center; + width : 20%; + } + .author { /* text right-justified inside small margin */ + margin-right : 5%; + text-align : right; + } + .center { /* used for author's name after poems */ + text-align : center; + } + .illustrations { + margin : 0.5em 10%; + font-size : 0.9em; + } + div.trans-note { /* Transcriber's note */ + border-style : solid; + border-width : 1px; + margin : 3em 15%; + padding : 1em; + text-align : center; + } + span.pagenum { + position : absolute; + left : 1%; + right : 85%; + font-size : 8pt; + } + .poem { + margin-left : 10%; + margin-right : 10%; + margin-bottom : 1em; + text-align : left; + } + .poem .stanza { + margin : 1em 0; + } + .poem p { + margin : 0; + padding-left : 3em; + text-indent : -3em; + } + .poem p.i2 { + margin-left : 1em; + } + .poem p.i4 { + margin-left : 2em; + } + .poem p.i6 { + margin-left : 3em; + } + .poem p.i8 { + margin-left : 4em; + } + .poem p.i10 { + margin-left : 5em; + } + .poem p.i14 { + margin-left : 9em; + } + .poem p.i16 { + margin-left : 16em; + } + .toc { + margin : 0 10%; + text-align : left; + font-size : 0.9em; + } + .toc p { + margin : 0.5em 0; + } + .toc p.i4 { /* Table of contents indented items */ + margin-left : 2em; + } + .figure , .figcenter { + padding : 1em; + margin : 0; + text-align : center; + } + .figure img , .figcenter img { + border : none; + } + .figcenter { + margin : auto; + } + --> + /*]]>*/ +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature +and Science, Vol. XII. No. 30. September, 1873, by Various + +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: Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. XII. No. 30. September, 1873 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: November 13, 2004 [EBook #14036] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Patricia Bennett and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1>LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE</h1> + + <h3>OF</h3> + + <h2><i>POPULAR LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.</i></h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h4>SEPTEMBER, 1873.<br /> + Vol XII, No. 30.</h4> + <hr class="short" /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <h3>TABLE OF CONTENTS</h3> + + <div class="toc"> + + <a href="#illustrations">ILLUSTRATIONS.</a> + + <p><a href="#hyperion">THE NEW HYPERION</a> + [Illustrated] by EDWARD STRAHAN.</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#feast">III.—The Feast Of Saint + Athanasius.</a> (249)</p> + + <p><a href="#twomoods">TWO MOODS</a> by MARY STEWART + DOUBLEDAY. (261)</p> + + <p><a href="#ride">THE RIDE OF PRINCE GERAINT</a> by + MARTIN I. GRIFFIN. (262)</p> + + <p><a href="#sketches">SKETCHES OF EASTERN TRAVEL.</a> + [Illustrated]</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#count">I.—The Count De Beauvoir In + China.</a> (263)</p> + + <p><a href="#thule">A PRINCESS OF THULE</a> by WILLIAM + BLACK.</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#thulechxiv">Chapter XIV.—Deeper And + Deeper.</a> (275)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#thulechxv">Chapter XV.—A Friend In + Need.</a> (285)</p> + + <p><a href="#english">ENGLISH COURT FESTIVITIES</a> + (294)</p> + + <p><a href="#rambles">RAMBLES AMONG THE FRUITS AND + FLOWERS OF THE TROPICS</a> by FANNIE R. FEUDGE.</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#ramblesconclud">Concluding Paper</a> + (302)</p> + + <p><a href="#lotos">A LOTOS OF THE NILE</a> by + CHRISTIAN REID. (309)</p> + + <p><a href="#echo">ECHO.</a> by A.J. (321)</p> + + <p><a href="#tyrol">OUR HOME IN THE TYROL</a> + [Illustrated] by MARGARET HOWITT.</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#tyrolchix">Chapter IX.</a> (322)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#tyrolchx">Chapter X.</a> (327)</p> + + <p><a href="#colorado">COLORADO AND THE SOUTH PARK</a> + by S.C. CLARKE. (332)</p> + + <p><a href="#patrons">THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY</a> by + MARIE ROWLAND. (338)</p> + + <p><a href="#churchsteps">ON THE CHURCH STEPS</a> by + SARAH C. HALLOWELL.</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#churchstepschvi">Chapter VI.</a> (343)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#churchstepschvii">Chapter VII.</a> + (346)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#churchstepschviii">Chapter VIII.</a> + (348)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#churchstepschix">Chapter IX.</a> (352)</p> + + <p><a href="#turkey">HOW THEY "KEEP A HOTEL" + IN TURKEY</a> by EDWIN DE LEON. (354)</p> + + <p><a href="#gossip">OUR MONTHLY GOSSIP.</a></p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#vienna">The Californian At Vienna</a> by + PRENTICE MULFORD. (357)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#ghostly">Ghostly Warriors.</a> (360)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#warning">A Warning To Lovers.</a> (362)</p> + + <p><a href="#notes">NOTES.</a> (363)</p> + + <p><a href="#literature">LITERATURE OF THE DAY.</a> + (365)</p> + + <p class="i4"><a href="#books">Books Received.</a></p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <a name="illustrations" id="illustrations"></a> + + <h4>ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> + + <p><a href="#image-0001">THE PAULISTS.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0002">THE REWARD OF AN + INVENTOR.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0003">CARDINAL BALUE.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0004">AN UNCIVIL ENGINEER.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0005">LOCOMONIAC POSSESSION.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0006">LE RAINCY: THE + CHATEAU.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0007">CATHEDRAL OF MEAUX.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0008">BOURSAULT, THE RESIDENCE OF + CLIQUOT.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0009">CHURCH-DOOR, ÉPERNAY.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0010">THE BEGGAR WHO DRANK + CHAMPAGNE.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0011">ADMIRATION.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0012">MAC MEURTRIER.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0013">THE BLACK DOMINO.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0014">TAM O'SHANTER'S + RIDE.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0015">THE CROOKED MAN.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0016">THE GRAVITY ROAD.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0017">THE ANIMATED CELLS.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0018">THE TRAVELER'S + REST.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0019">PALACE AT STRASBURG.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0020">THE MANDARIN CHING'S + CART.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0021">HALT OF THE CARAVAN AT + HO-CHI-WOU.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0022">AVENUE OF ANIMALS LEADING TO + THE TOMBS OF THE EMPERORS.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0023">PORTICO TO THE TOMBS OF THE + EMPERORS.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0024">THE GREAT WALL: THE NANG-KAO + PASS.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0025">CHAPEL OF THE SUMMER + PALACE.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0026">VALLEY AND BEEHIVES.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0027">COWS COMING DOWN THE HILLSIDE + BY A MOUNTAIN STREAM.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image-0028">A PROCESSION.</a></p><br /> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum">[pg 249]</span> + </div><a name="hyperion" id="hyperion"></a> + + <h2>THE NEW HYPERION.</h2> + + <h2>FROM PARIS TO MARLY BY WAY OF THE RHINE.</h2> + + <h3><a name="feast" id="feast"></a> III.—THE FEAST OF SAINT + ATHANASIUS.</h3><a name="image-0001" id="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0001_1.jpg"><img width="100%" src= + "images/0001_1.jpg" alt="THE PAULISTS." /></a>THE PAULISTS. + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>As I parted from my stout old friend Joliet, I saw him turn to + empty the last half of our bottle into the glasses of a couple of + tired soldiers who were sucking their pipes on a bench. And again the + old proverb of Aretino came into my head: "Truly all courtesy + and good manners come from taverns." I grasped my botany-box and + pursued my promenade toward Noisy.</p> + + <p>The village of Noisy has made (without a pun) some noise in + history. One of its ancient lords, Enguerrand de Marigny, was the + inventor of the famous gibbet of Montfauçon, and in the poetic + justice which should ever govern such cases he came to be hung on his + own gallows. He was convicted of manifold extortions, and launched by + the common executioner into that eternity whither he could carry none + of his ill-gotten gains with him. Here, at least, we succeed in + meeting a guillotine which catches its maker. By a singular + coincidence another lord of Noisy, Cardinal Balue, underwent a long + detention in an iron-barred cage—one of those famous cages, so + much favored by Louis XI., of which the cardinal, as we learn from + the records of the time, had the patent-right for invention, or at + least improvement. Once firmly engaged in his own torture—while + his friend Haraucourt, bishop of Verdun, experienced alike penalty in + <span class="pagenum">[pg 250]</span> a similar box, and the foxy old + king paced his narrow oratory in the Bastile tower overhead—we + may be sure that Balue gave his inventive mind no more to the task of + fortifying his cages, but rather to that of opening them.</p><a name= + "image-0002" id="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0002_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0002_1.jpg" alt="THE REWARD OF AN INVENTOR." /></a> + + <center> + THE REWARD OF AN INVENTOR. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>These ugly reminiscences were not so much the cause of a prejudice + I took against Noisy, as caused by it. At Noisy I was in the full + domain of my ancient foe the railway, where two lines of the Eastern + road separate—the Ligne de Meaux and the Ligne de Mulhouse. The + sight of the unhappy second-class passengers powdered with dust, and + of the frantic nurses who had mistaken their line, and who madly + endeavored to leap across to the other train, stirred all my bile. It + was on this current of thought that the nobleman who had been hung + and the cardinal who had pined in a cage were borne upon my memory. + "Small choice," said I, "whether the bars are + perpendicular or horizontal. You lose your independence about equally + by either monopoly."</p><a name="image-0003" id="image-0003"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0002_2.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0002_2.jpg" alt="CARDINAL BALUE." /></a> + + <center> + CARDINAL BALUE. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>I crossed the Canal de l'Ourcq, and watched it stretching like + a steel tape to meet the Canal Saint—Denis and the Canal + Saint-Martin in the great basin at La Villette—a construction + which, finished in 1809, was the making of La Villette as a + commercial and industrial entrepôt. I meant to walk to Bondy, and + after a botanic stroll in its beautiful forest to retrace my steps, + gaining Marly next day by Baubigny, Aubervilliers and Nanterre. + "The Aladdins of our time," I said as I leaned over the + soft gray water, "are the engineers. They rub their theodolites, + and there springs up, not a palace, but a town."</p><a name= + "image-0004" id="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0002_3.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0002_3.jpg" alt="AN UNCIVIL ENGINEER." /></a> + + <center> + AN UNCIVIL ENGINEER. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>"Who speaks of engineers?" said a strong baritone voice + as a weighty hand fell on my shoulder. "Are you here to take the + train at Noisy?"</p> + + <p>"Let the train go to Jericho! I am trying, on the contrary, + to get away from it."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean, then, to go on foot to Épernay?"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean, Épernay?"</p> + + <p>"Why, have you forgotten the feast of Saint + Athanasius?"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean, Athanasius?"</p> + + <p>The baritone belonged to one of my <span class="pagenum">[pg + 251]</span> friends, an engineer from Boston. He had an American + commission to inspect the canals of Europe on the part of a company + formed to buy out the Sound line of steamers and dig a ship-canal + from Boston to Providence. The engineer had made his inspection the + excuse for a few years of not disagreeable travel, during which time + the company had exploded, its chief financier having cut his throat + when his peculations came out to the public.</p><a name="image-0005" + id="image-0005"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0003_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0003_1.jpg" alt="LOCOMONIAC POSSESSION." /></a> + + <center> + LOCOMONIAC POSSESSION. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>"Are you trying, then, to escape from one of your greatest + possible duties and one of your greatest possible pleasures? You have + the remarkable fortune to possess a friend named Athanasius; you have + in addition, the strange fate to be his godfather by secondary + baptism; and you would, after these unparalleled chances, be the sole + renegade from the vow which you have extracted from the + others."</p> + + <p>The words were uncivil and rude, the hand was on my shoulder like + a vise; but there floated into my head a recollection of one of the + pleasantest evenings I have ever enjoyed.</p> + + <p>We were dining with James Grandstone, one of my young friends. I + have some friends of whom I might be the father, and doubt not I + could find a support for my practice in Sir Thomas Browne or Jeremy + Taylor if I had time to look up the quotation. We dined in the little + restaurant Ober, near the Odéon, with a small party of medical + students, to which order Grandstone's friends mostly belonged. We + were all young that night; and truly I hold that the affectionate + confusion of two or three different generations adds a charm to + friendship.</p><a name="image-0006" id="image-0006"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0003_2.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0003_2.jpg" alt="LE RAINCY: THE CHATEAU." /></a> + + <center> + LE RAINCY: THE CHATEAU. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>At dessert the conversation happened to strike upon Christian + names. I attacked the cognomens in ordinary use, maintaining that + their historic significance was lost, their religious sentiment + forgotten, their euphony mostly questionable. Alfred, Henry and + William no longer carried the thoughts back to the English + kings—Joseph and Reuben were powerless to remind us of the + mighty family of Israel.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 252]</span> + + <p>"I have no complaint to make of my own name," I + protested, "which has been praised by Dannecker the sculptor. + That was at Würtemberg, gentlemen. 'You are from America,' + the old man said to me, 'but you have a German name: Paul + Flemming was one of our old poets.' The thought has been a + pleasant one to me, though I have not the faintest idea what my + ancient godparent wrote. But in the matter of originality my + Christian name of Paul certainly leaves much to + desire."</p><a name="image-0007" id="image-0007"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0004_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0004_1.jpg" alt="CATHEDRAL OF MEAUX." /></a> + + <center> + CATHEDRAL OF MEAUX. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>I was gay enough that evening, and in the vein for a paradox. I + set up the various Pauls of our acquaintance, and maintained that in + any company of fifty persons, if a feminine voice were to call out + "Paul!" through the doorway, six husbands at least would + start and say, "Coming, dear!" I computed the Pauls + belonging to one of the grand nations, and proved that an army + recruited from them would be large enough to carry on a war against a + power of the second order.</p> + + <p>"If the Jameses were to reinforce the Pauls," I + declared, looking toward my young host, "Russia itself would + tremble.—Are you to make your start in life with no better + name?" I asked him maliciously. "Must you be for ever kept + in mediocrity by an address that is not the designation of an + individual, but of a whole nation? Could you not have been called by + something rather less oecumenical?"</p> + + <p>"You may style me by what title you please, Mr. + Flemming," said Grandstone nonchalantly. "I am to enter a + great New York wine-house after a little examination of the + grape-country here. Doubtless a Grandstone will have, by any other + name, a bouquet as sweet."</p> + + <p>The idea took. An almanac of saints' days, which is often + printed in combination with the <i>menu</i> of a restaurant, was + lying on the table. Beginning at the letter A, the name of Ambrose + was within an ace of being chosen, but Grandstone protested against + it as too short, and Athanasius was the first of five syllables that + presented. Our engineering friend, who was present, had in his pocket + a vial of water from the Dardanelles, which fouls ships' bottoms; + and with that classic liquid the baptism was effected by myself, the + bottle being broken on poor Grandstone's crown as on the prow of + a ship.</p> + + <p>"You are no longer James to us, but Athanasius," I said. + "If you remain moderately virtuous, we will canonize you. + Meantime, let us vow to meet on the next canonical day of Saint + Athanasius and hold a love-feast."</p> + + <p>We drank his health, and glorified him, and laughed, and the next + day I forgot whether Grandstone was called Athanasius or Epaminondas. + And my confusion on the subject had not clarified in the least up to + the rude reminder given by my engineer.</p> + + <p>"I had quite forgotten my engagement," I confessed. + "Besides, Grandstone <span class="pagenum">[pg 253]</span> is + living now, as you remind me, at Épernay—that is to say, at + seventy or eighty miles' distance."</p> + + <p>"Say three hours," he retorted: "on a railway line + we don't count by miles. But are you really not here at Noisy to + satisfy your promise and report yourself for the feast of Saint + Athanasius? If you are not bound for Épernay, where <i>are</i> you + bound?"</p> + + <p>"I am off for Marly."</p> + + <p>"You are going in just the contrary direction, old fellow. + You can be at Épernay sooner."</p> + + <p>"And Hohenfels joins me at Marly to-morrow," I + continued, rather helplessly; "and Josephine my cook is there + this afternoon boiling the mutton-hams."</p> + + <p>"Fine arguments, truly! You shall sleep to-night in Paris, or + even at Marly, if you see fit. I have often heard you argue against + railroads—a fine argument for a geographer to uphold against an + engineer! Now is the instant to bury your prejudice. Do you see that + soft ringlet of smoke off yonder? It is the message of the + locomotive, offering to reconcile your engagements with Grandstone + and Hohenfels. Come, get your ticket!"</p><a name="image-0008" + id="image-0008"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0005_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0005_1.jpg" alt= + "BOURSAULT, THE RESIDENCE OF CLIQUOT." /></a> + + <center> + BOURSAULT, THE RESIDENCE OF CLIQUOT. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>And his hand ceased squeezing my shoulder like a pincer to beat it + like a mallet. A rapid sketch of the situation was mapped out in my + head. I could reach Épernay by five o'clock, returning at eight, + and, notwithstanding this little lasso flung over the + champagne-country, I could resume my promenade and modify in no + respect my original plan; and I could say to Hohenfels, "My boy, + I have popped a few corks with the widow Cliquot."</p> + + <p>Such was my vision. The gnomes of the railway, having once got me + in their grasp, disposed of me as they liked, and quite + unexpectedly.</p> + + <p>From the car-window, as in a panorama of Banvard's, the + landscape spun out before my eyes. Le Raincy, which I had intended to + visit at all events on the same day, but afoot, offered me the roofs + of its ancient château, a pile built in the most pompous spirit of + the Renaissance, and whose alternately round and square pavilions, + tipped with steep mansards, I was fain to people with throngs of gay + visitors in the costume of the <i>grand siècle</i>. Then came the + cathedral of Meaux, before which I reverently took off my cap to + salute the great Bossuet—"Eagle of Meaux," as they + justly called him, and on the whole a noble <span class="pagenum">[pg + 254]</span> bird, notwithstanding that he sang his Te Deum over some + exceedingly questionable battle-grounds. Then there presented itself + a monument at which my engineering friend clapped his hands. It was a + crown of buildings with extinguisher roofs encircling the brow of a + hill, and presenting the antique appearance of some chastel of the + Middle Ages.</p><a name="image-0009" id="image-0009"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0006_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0006_1.jpg" alt="CHURCH-DOOR, ÉPERNAY." /></a> + + <center> + CHURCH-DOOR, ÉPERNAY. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>"Do you see those round, pot-bellied towers, like tuns of + wine stood upon end?" he said—"those donjons at the + corners, tapering at the top, and presenting the very image of noble + bottles? There needs nothing but that palace to convince you that you + have arrived in the champagne region."</p> + + <p>"I do not know the building," I confessed.</p> + + <p>"Can you not guess? Ah, but you should see it in a summer + storm, when the rain foams and spirts down those huge bottles of + mason-work, and the thunder pops among the roofs like the corks of a + whole basket of champagne! That fine castle, Flemming, is the château + of Boursault, apparently built in the era of the Crusades, but really + a marvel of yesterday. It rose into being, not to the sound of a + lyre, like the towers of Troy, but at the bursting of innumerable + bottles, causing to resound all over the world the name of the widow + Cliquot."</p> + + <p>At length we entered the station of Épernay. There I received my + first shock in learning that the only return-train stopping at Noisy + was one which left at midnight, and would land me in the extreme + suburbs of Paris at three o'clock in the morning.</p> + + <p>Our friend Grandstone, whom we found amazing the streets of + Épernay with a light American buggy drawn by a colossal Morman horse, + received us with still more surprise than delight. He had relapsed + into plain James, and had never dreamed that his second baptism would + bear fruit. Besides, he proved to us that we were in error as to the + date. The feast of Saint Athanasius, as he showed from a calendar + shoved beneath a quantity of vintners' cards on his study-table, + fell on the second of May, and could not be celebrated before the + evening of the first. It was now the thirtieth of April. He invited + us, then, for the next day at dinner, warning us at the same time + that the evening of that same morrow would see him on his way to the + Falls of Schaffhausen. This idea of dining with an absentee puzzled + me.</p><a name="image-0010" id="image-0010"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0006_2.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0006_2.jpg" alt="THE BEGGAR WHO DRANK CHAMPAGNE." /></a> + + <center> + THE BEGGAR WHO DRANK CHAMPAGNE. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>We both laughed heartily at the engineer's mistake of + twenty-four hours, and he for his part made me his excuses.</p> + + <p>Athanasius—whose name I obstinately keep, because it gives + him, as I maintain, <span class="pagenum">[pg 255]</span> a more + distinct individuality,—Athanasius happened to be driving out + for the purpose of collecting some friends whom he was about to + accompany to Schaffhausen, and whom he had invited to dinner. He + contrived to stow away two in his buggy, and the rest assembled in + his chambers. We dined gayly and voraciously, and I hardly regretted + even that old hotel-dinner at Interlaken, when the landlord waited on + us in his green coat, and when Mary Ashburton was by my side, and + when I praised hotel-dinners because one can say so much there + without being overheard.</p> + + <p>Dinner over, we went out for a stroll through the town. The city + of Épernay offers little remarkable except its Rue du Commerce, + flanked with enormous buildings, and its church, conspicuous only for + a flourishing portal in the style of Louis XIV., in perfect + contradiction to the general architecture of the old sanctuary. The + environs were little note worthy at the season, for a vineyard-land + has this peculiarity—its veritable spring, its pride of May, + arrives in the autumn.</p><a name="image-0011" id="image-0011"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0007_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0007_1.jpg" alt="ADMIRATION." /></a> + + <center> + ADMIRATION. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>One very vinous trait we found, however, in the person of a + beggar. He was sitting on Grandstone's steps as we emerged. Aged + hardly fourteen, he had turned his young nose toward the rich fumes + coming up from the kitchen with a look of sensuality and indulgence + that amused me. The maid, on a hint of mine, gave him a biscuit and + the remainders of our bottles emptied into a bowl. A smile of extreme + breadth and intelligence spread over his face. Opening his bag, he + laid by the biscuit, and extracted a morsel of iced cake: at the same + time he produced an old-fashioned, long-waisted champagne-glass, + nicked at the rim and quite without a stand. Filling this from his + bowl, he drank to the health of the waitress with the easiest + politeness it was ever my lot to see. Ragged as a beggar of + Murillo's, courteous as a hidalgo by Velasquez, he added a grace + and an epicurism completely French. I thought him the best possible + figure-head for that opulent spot, cradle of the hilarity of the + world. I gave him five francs.</p><a name="image-0012" id= + "image-0012"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0007_2.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0007_2.jpg" alt="MAC MEURTRIER." /></a> + + <center> + MAC MEURTRIER. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>We proceeded to admire the town. The great curiosities of Épernay, + its glory and pomp, are not permitted to see the daylight. They are + subterranean and introverted. They are the cellars. Those rich + colonnades of Commerce street, all those porticoes surmounted with + Greek or Roman triangles in the nature of pediments, of what antique + <span class="pagenum">[pg 256]</span> religion are they the + representations? They are cellar-doors.</p><a name="image-0013" id= + "image-0013"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0007_3.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0007_3.jpg" alt="THE BLACK DOMINO." /></a> + + <center> + THE BLACK DOMINO. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>It was impossible to quit the city without visiting its cellars, + said Grandstone, and we betook ourselves under his guidance to one of + the most renowned.</p> + + <p>I only thought of seeing a battle-field of bottles, but I found + the Eleusinian mysteries.</p><a name="image-0014" id="image-0014"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0008_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0008_1.jpg" alt="TAM O'SHANTER'S RIDE." /></a> + + <center> + TAM O'SHANTER'S RIDE. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>In the temple-porch of Eleusis was fixed a large pale face, in the + middle parts of which a red nose was glowing like a fuse. Several + other personages, in company with this visage, received us on our + approach with a world of solemn and terrifying signals.</p> + + <p>Directly a man in a cloak and slouched hat, and holding in his + hands a wire fencing-mask, extinguished with it the red nose. The + latter met his fate with stolid fortitude. All were perfectly still, + but the twitching cheeks of most of the spectators betrayed a laugh + retained with difficulty. The cloak then advanced, like a less + beautiful Norma, to a bell in the portico, and struck three tragical + strokes. A strong, pealing bass voice came from the interior: + "Who dares knock at this door?"</p> + + <p>"A night-bird," said the man in the cloak, who took the + part of spokesman. "What has the night-bird to do with the + eagle?" replied the strong voice. "What can there be in + common between the heathen in his blindness and the Ancient of the + Mountain throned in power and splendor?"</p> + + <p>"Grand Master, it is in that splendor the new-comer wishes to + plunge." After this imitation of some Masonic mystery the + red-nosed man was quickly taken by the shoulders and hurtled in at + the door, where a flare of red theatrical fire illuminated his sudden + plunge.</p> + + <p>"What nonsense is this?" I said to Athanasius.</p> + + <p>"The man in the iron mask," he explained, "is in + that respect what we shall all be in a minute. Without such a + protector, in passing amongst the first year's bottles we might + receive a few hits in the face."</p> + + <p>"And do you know the new apprentice?"</p> + + <p>"No: some stranger, evidently."</p><a name="image-0015" + id="image-0015"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0008_2.jpg"><img width="40%" src= + "images/0008_2.jpg" alt="THE CROOKED MAN." /></a> + + <center> + THE CROOKED MAN. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>"It is not hard to guess his extraction," <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 257]</span> said one of our dinner-party. "In the + East there are sorcerers with two pupils in each eye. For his part, + he seems to be braced with two pans in each knee. He is long in the + stilts like a heron, square—headed and square-shouldered: I + give you my word he is a Scotchman. For certain," he added, + "I have seen his likeness somewhere—Ah yes, in an + engraving of Hogarth's!"</p> + + <p>The author of this charitable criticism was a little crooked + gentleman, at whose side I had dined—a man of sharpness and + wit, for which his hunch gave him the authority. As we penetrated + finally into the immense crypt, long like a street, provided with + iron railways for handling the stores, and threaded now and then by + heavy wagons and Normandy horses, my interest in the surrounding + wonders was distracted by apprehensions of the fate awaiting the + unfortunate red nose.</p><a name="image-0016" id="image-0016"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0009_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0009_1.jpg" alt="THE GRAVITY ROAD" /></a> + + <center> + THE GRAVITY ROAD. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>The gallop of a steed was heard at length, then a dreadful + exploding noise. I should have thought that a hundred drummers were + marching through the catacombs.</p> + + <p>Relieved of his mask, fixed like a dry forked stick, wrong side + foremost, on a frightened steed which galloped down the avenue, and + pursued by the racket of empty bottles beaten against the + wine-frames, came the Scotchman, like an unwilling Tam O'Shanter. + At a new outburst of resonant noises, which we could not help + offering to the general confusion, the horse stopped, and assumed + twice or thrice the attitude of a gymnast who walks on his hands. The + figure of the man, still rigid, flew up into the air like a stick + that pops out of the water. The Terrible Brothers received him in + their arms.</p> + + <p>Hardly restored to equilibrium, the patient was quickly replaced + in the saddle, but the saddle was this time girded upon a barrel, and + the barrel placed upon a truck, and the truck upon an inclined + tramway. His impassive countenance might be seen to kindle with + indignation and horror, as the hat which had been jammed over his + eyes flew off, and he found himself gliding over an iron road at a + rate of speed continually increasing.</p> + + <p>He was fated to other tests, but at this point a little discussion + arose among ourselves. Grandstone, his fluffy young whiskers quite + disheveled with laughter, said, "Fellows, we had better stop + somewhere. There will be more of this, and it will be tedious to see + in the rôle of uninvited spectators, and it is not certain + <span class="pagenum">[pg 258]</span> we are wanted. I always knew + there was a Society of Pure Illumination at Épernay. It is not a + Masonic order, but it has its signs, its passes, its grips, and in a + word its secret. I have recognized among these gentlemen some active + members of the order—among others, notwithstanding his + disguise, a jolly good fellow we have here, Fortnoye."</p> + + <p>"You cannot have seen Fortnoye," said one of the party: + "he is at Paris."</p> + + <p>"And who is your Fortnoye, pray?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"The best tenor voice in Épernay; but his presence here does + not give <i>me</i> an invitation, you see. The Society of Pure + Illumination has its rites and mysteries more important than + everybody supposes, and probably complicated with board-of-trade + secrets among the wine-merchants. We have hit upon a bad time. Let us + go and visit another cellar."</p> + + <p>There was opposition to this measure: different opinions were + expressed, and I was chosen for moderator.</p> + + <p>"My dear boys," I said, "as the grayest among you I + may be presumed to be the wisest. But I do not feel myself to be + myself. I have received to-day a succession of unaccustomed + influences. I have been dragged about by an impertinent locomotive; I + have been induced to dine heavily; I have absorbed champagne, perhaps + to the limit of my measure. These are not my ordinary ways: I am + naturally thoughtful, studious and pensive. The Past, gentlemen, is + for me an unfaded morning-glory, whose closed cup I can coax open at + pleasure, and read within its tube legends written in dusted gold. + But the Present to the true philosopher is also—In fact, I + never was so much amused in my life. I am dying to see what they will + do with that Scotchman."</p><a name="image-0017" id= + "image-0017"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0010_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0010_1.jpg" alt="THE ANIMATED CELLS" /></a> + + <center> + THE ANIMATED CELLS. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>Athanasius submitted. At the end of one of the cross galleries we + could already see a flickering glimmer of torches. There, evidently, + was held the council. We stole on tiptoe in that direction, and + ensconced ourselves behind a long file of empty bottle-shelves, worn + out after long service and leaning against a wall.</p> + + <p>Through the holes which had fixed the bottles in position we could + see everything without being discovered. The grand dignitaries, + sitting in a semicircle, were about to proceed from physical to moral + tests. Before them, his red nose hanging like a cameo from the white + bandage which covered his eyes, and relieved upon his face, still + perfectly white and calm, stood the Scot. The Grand Master + arose—I should have said the Reverend—his head nodding + with senility, his beard white as a waterfall: he appeared to be + eighty years of age at least. He was truly venerable to look at, and + reminded me of Thor. He wore a sort of dalmatica embroidered with + gold. Calmness and goodness were so plainly marked on the aspect of + this worthy that I felt ashamed of playing the spy, and felt inclined + to return humbly to the good counsel of Athanasius, when the latter, + pushing my elbow behind the shelves, said, referring to the Ancient + of the Mountain, "That's Fortnoye: I knew I couldn't be + mistaken."</p> + + <p>I was greatly mystified at discovering the first tenor voice of + Épernay in an aged man; but the catechism now commencing, I thought + only of listening.</p> + + <p>"The barleycorns of your native North having been partially + cleaned out of your hair by contact with the two enchanted + steeds—the steed you bridled without a head, and the steed that + ran away with you without legs," said the Ancient—"we + have brought you hither for examination. We might have gone much + farther with the physical tests: we might have forced you, at the + present session, to relieve yourself of those envelopes considered + indispensable by all Europeans beneath your own latitude, and in our + presence perform the sword-dance."</p> + + <p>"So be it," said the disciple, executing a galvanic + figure with his legs, his countenance still like marble.</p> + + <p>"If we demanded the head of your best friend, would you bring + it in?"</p> + + <p>"I am the countryman of Lady Macbeth," replied the red + nose. "Give me the daggers."</p> + + <p>"We would fain dispense with that proof, necessarily painful + to a man of such evident sensibility as yours." The red nose + bowed. "What is your name?"</p> + + <p>He pronounced it—apparently MacMurtagh.</p> + + <p>"In future, among us, you are named Meurtrier."</p> + + <p>"MacMeurtrier," muttered the Scotchman in a tone of + abstraction.</p> + + <p>"No! Meurtrier unadulterated. Your business?"</p> + + <p>"I am a homoeopathic doctor."</p> + + <p>"Are you a believer in homoeopathy? Be careful: remember that + the <span class="pagenum">[pg 259]</span> Ancient of the Mountain + hears what you say."</p> + + <p>The Scot held up his hand: "I believe in the learned + Hahnemann, and in Mrs. Hahnemann, no less learned than himself; + but," he added, "homoeopathy is a science still in its + baby-clothes. I have invented a system perfectly novel. In mingling + homoeopathy with vegetable magnetism the most encouraging results are + obtained, as may be observed daily in the villa of Dr. Van Murtagh, + near Edinburgh—"</p> + + <p>"Enough!" cried the Ancient: "circulars are not + allowed here. Forget nothing, Meurtrier! And how were you inspired + with the pious ambition of becoming our brother?"</p> + + <p>"At the hotel table: it was the young clerks from the + wine-houses. I mentioned that I wished to be a Free Mason, and the + lodge of Épernay—"</p> + + <p>"Silence! The words you use, <i>lodge</i> and <i>Free + Mason</i>, are most improper in this temple, which is that of the + Pure Illumination, and nothing less. Will you remember, + Meurtrier?"</p> + + <p>"MacMeurtrier," muttered the novice again. The last + proofs were now tried upon him, called the "five senses." + For that of hearing he was made to listen to a jewsharp, which he + calmly proclaimed to be the bagpipe; for that of touch, he was made + to feel by turns a live fish, a hot iron and a little stuffed + hedgehog. The last he took for a pack of toothpicks, and announced + gravely, "It sticks me." The laughs broke out from all + sides, even from behind the bottle-shelves.</p> + + <p>Alas! on this occasion the laugh was not altogether on my side of + that fatal honeycomb!</p><a name="image-0018" id="image-0018"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0011_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0011_1.jpg" alt="THE TRAVELER'S REST." /></a> + + <center> + THE TRAVELER'S REST. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>They had made him swallow, in a glass, some fearful mixture or + other, and he had imperturbably declared that it was in his opinion + the wine of Moët: after this evidence of taste the proof of sight was + to follow, and the semicircle <span class="pagenum">[pg 260]</span> + of purple faces was quite blackening with bottled laughter, when + Grandstone touched me on the shoulder. My hour for departure was + come, and I had not a minute to spare.</p><a name="image-0019" id= + "image-0019"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0012_1.jpg"><img width="60%" src= + "images/0012_1.jpg" alt="PALACE AT STRASBURG." /></a> + + <center> + PALACE AT STRASBURG. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>Apparently, the last test of the red nose resulted in a triumph: + as we were effecting our covert and hasty retreat we heard all the + voices exclaim in concert, "It is the Pure + Illumination!"</p> + + <p>Gay as we were on entering the great wine-cellar, we were + perfectly Olympian when we came out. The crypts of these vast + establishments, where a soft inspiration perpetually floats upward + from the wine in store, often receive a visitor as a Diogenes and + dismiss him as an Anacreon.</p> + + <p>Our consumption of wine at dinner had been, like Mr. Poe's + conversation with his soul, "serious and sober." In the + cellar no drop had passed our mouths. I was alert as a lark when I + entered: I came out in a species of voluptuous dream.</p> + + <p>All the band conducted me to the railway-station, and I was very + much touched with the attention. It was who should carry my + botany-box, who should set my cap straight, who should give me the + most precise and statistical information about the train which + returned to Paris, with a stop at Noisy; the while, Ophelia-like, I + chanted snatches of old songs, and mingled together in a tender + reverie my recollections of Mary Ashburton, my coming Book and my + theories of Progressive Geography.</p> + + <p>"Take this shawl: the night will be chilly before you get to + the city."</p> + + <p>"Don't let them carry you beyond Noisy."</p> + + <p>"Come back to Épernay every May-day: never forget the feast + of Saint Athanasius."</p> + + <p>"Be sure you get into the right train: here is the car. Come, + man, bundle up! they are closing the barrier."</p> + + <p>I was perfectly melted by so much sympathy. "Adieu," I + said, "my dear champanions—"</p> + + <p>I turned into an excellent car, first class, and fell asleep + directly.</p> + + <p>Next day I awoke—at Strasburg! The convivials of the evening + before, making for the Falls of Schaffhausen on the Rhine, had + traveled beside me in the adjoining car.</p> + + <p>My friends, uncertain how their practical joke would be received, + clustered around me.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 261]</span> + + <p>"Ah, boys," I said, "I have too many griefs + imprisoned in this aching bosom to be much put out by the ordinary + 'Horrid Hoax.' But you have compromised my reputation. I + promised to meet Hohenfels at Marly: children, bankruptcy stares me + in the face."</p> + + <p>Grandstone had the grace to be a little embarrassed: "You + wished to dine with me at the Feast of Saint Athanasius, but you + mistook the day. Your engineer is the true culprit, for he + voluntarily deceived you. The fact is, my dear Flemming, we have + concocted a little conspiracy. You are a good fellow, a joyful spirit + in fact, when you are not in your <i>lubies</i> about the Past and + the Future. We wanted you, we conspired; and, Catiline having stolen + you at Noisy, Cethigus tucked you into a car with the intention of + making use of you at Schaffhausen."</p> + + <p>"Never! I have the strongest vows that ever man uttered not + to revisit the Rhine. It is an affair of early youth, a solemn + promise, a consecration. You have got me at Strasburg, but you will + not carry me to Schaffhausen."</p> + + <p>He was so contrite that I had to console him. Letting him know + that no great harm was done, I saw him depart with his friends for + Bâle. For my part, I remained with the engineer, whose professional + duties, such as they were, kept him for a short time in the capital + of Alsace. In his turn, however, the latter took leave of me: we were + to meet each other shortly.</p> + + <p>It was seven in the morning. This time, to be sure of my enemy the + railroad, I procured a printed Guide. But the Guide was a sorry + counselor for my impatience. The first train, an express, had left: + the next, an accommodation, would start at a quarter to one. I had + five hours and three-quarters to spare.</p> + + <p>One of the greatest pleasures in life, according to my poor + opinion, is to have a recreation forced on one. Some cherub, perhaps, + cleared the cobwebs away from my brain that morning; but, however it + might be, I was glad of everything. I was glad the + "champanions" were departed, glad I had a stolen morning in + Strasburg, glad that Hohenfels and my domestics would be uneasy for + me at Marly.</p> + + <p>In such a mood I applied myself to extract the profit out of my + detention in the city.</p> + + <p class="author">EDWARD STRAHAN.</p> + + <p class="center">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p><a name="twomoods" id= + "twomoods"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>TWO MOODS.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">All yesterday you were so near to me,</p> + + <p class="i4">It seemed as if I hardly moved or spoke</p> + + <p class="i2">But your heart moved with mine. I woke</p> + + <p class="i4">To a new life that found you everywhere,</p> + + <p class="i2">As if your love was as some wide-girt sea,</p> + + <p class="i4">Or as the sunlit air;</p> + + <p class="i2">And so encompassed me,</p> + + <p class="i4">Whether I thought or not, it could not but be + there.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">To-day your words approve me, and your heart</p> + + <p class="i4">Is mine as ever, yet that heavenly sense</p> + + <p class="i4">Of oneness that made every hour intense</p> + + <p class="i4">With Love's full perfectness, is gone from + thence;</p> + + <p class="i2">And, though our hands are clasped, our souls are + two,</p> + + <p class="i2">And in my thoughts I say, "This is + myself—this you!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <center> + MARY STEWART DOUBLEDAY. <span class="pagenum">[pg 262]</span> + </center><a name="ride" id="ride"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>THE RIDE OF PRINCE GERAINT.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6">And Prince Geraint, now thinking that he heard</p> + + <p class="i6">The noble hart at bay, now the far horn,</p> + + <p class="i6">A little vext at losing of the hunt,</p> + + <p class="i6">A little at the vile occasion, rode</p> + + <p class="i6">By ups and downs through many a glassy glade</p> + + <p class="i6">And valley, with fixt eye following the three.</p> + </div> + + <p class="i16"><i>Enid</i>.</p> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Through forest paths his charger strode,</p> + + <p class="i2">His heron plume behind him flowed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Blood-red the west with sunset glowed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Far down the river golden flowed,</p> + + <p class="i4">And in the woods the winds were still:</p> + + <p class="i2">No helm had he, nor lance in rest;</p> + + <p class="i2">His knightly beard flowed down his breast;</p> + + <p class="i2">In silken costume gayly drest,</p> + + <p class="i2">Out from the glory of the west</p> + + <p class="i4">He flashed adown the purple hill.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">His sword hung tasseled at his side,</p> + + <p class="i2">His purple scarf was floating wide,</p> + + <p class="i2">And all his raiment many-dyed,</p> + + <p class="i2">As if he came to seek a bride,</p> + + <p class="i4">And not the combat that he sought;</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet rode he like a prince, and one</p> + + <p class="i2">Native to noble deeds alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who many a valiant tilt had run,</p> + + <p class="i2">And many a prize of tourney won</p> + + <p class="i4">In Arthur's lists at Camelot.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Cool grasses and green mosses made</p> + + <p class="i2">Soft carpet for his charger's tread,</p> + + <p class="i2">As 'neath the oak boughs dark o'erhead,</p> + + <p class="i2">By belts of pasture scant of shade,</p> + + <p class="i4">Into the Castle Town he rode:</p> + + <p class="i2">He heard, as things are heard in dreams,</p> + + <p class="i2">The sound of far-off falling streams,</p> + + <p class="i2">The shriller bird-choir's evening hymns:</p> + + <p class="i2">He saw but only helmet-gleams,</p> + + <p class="i4">The smith that smote, the fire that glowed,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">The sheen of lances, and the cloud</p> + + <p class="i2">From many a field-forge fire, the crowd</p> + + <p class="i2">Of gay-clad squires, and, neighing loud,</p> + + <p class="i2">The war-horse with rich trappings proud,</p> + + <p class="i4">That arched his neck and pawed the ground;</p> + + <p class="i2">Old armorers grave and stern in stall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where low-crowned morions, helmets tall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Shone gilt and burnished on the wall;</p> + + <p class="i2">And, shining brighter than them all,</p> + + <p class="i4">The eyes of maidens sun-embrowned.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="center">MARTIN I. GRIFFIN.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 263]</span> <a name="sketches" id="sketches"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>SKETCHES OF EASTERN TRAVEL.</h2> + + <h3><a name="count" id="count"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> I.—THE + COUNT DE BEAUVOIR IN CHINA.</h3> + + <p>Within the last twenty years the East has opened wide its gates, + and China, Japan and India are as anxious to become acquainted with + the later but more fully developed civilizations of Europe and this + country as we are to examine their social, political and industrial + systems. We have had accounts from English, American, German and + French travelers in the East, each tinged, <span class="pagenum">[pg + 264]</span> in a measure, with the national spirit of their + respective countries. In the case of the traveler, as of the + astronomer, a certain allowance, known as the personal equation, has + to be made in receiving the accounts of his observations.</p><a name= + "image-0020" id="image-0020"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0015_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0015_1.jpg" alt="THE MANDARIN CHING'S CART." /></a> + + <center> + THE MANDARIN CHING'S CART. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>The journey round the world made by the count de Beauvoir in + company with the duke de Penthièvre, son of the prince de Joinville, + is entitled to especial notice, as the attentions shown to the + travelers by the Chinese and Japanese authorities enabled them to + obtain the best conditions for investigating various matters of + interest.</p> + + <p>On landing at Shanghai their hearts were gladdened by seeing + "on the quay a French custom-house official, with his kepi over + his ear, his rattan in his hand, dressed in a dark-green tunic, and + full of the inquisitiveness of the customs inspector—as martial + and as authoritative as in his native land." The appearance of + the population here struck our travelers as different from that of + the native Chinese farther south. Those were yellow, copper-colored, + lean, and slightly clad in garments of cotton cloth; these were rosy + as children and fat as pigs: they were besides wrapped up in four or + five pelisses, worn one over the other, lined with sheepskins, so + that a single man smelt like a whole flock of sheep. Their style of + dress was this: half a dozen waistcoats without sleeves, covered with + a single overcoat with extremely long sleeves, falling down to their + knees. These garments made them resemble balls of wool rather than + men.</p> + + <p>By accident, the party passed first through the quarter of the + town devoted to the restaurants. Here they were for every grade of + fortune, from the millionaire to the ragged poor. The street filled + with these latter was terrible: it swarmed with thousands of beggars, + hardly human in form and almost naked, though there was frozen snow + upon the ground. A group, seeming even joyous, attracted attention. + The cause of their happiness was a dead dog which they had found in + one of the gutters. Even, however, in this degradation the politeness + of these people struck our Frenchmen forcibly. The guests gathered + about this fortuitous repast treated each other with a ceremonious + deference strange enough in such surroundings. In a still lower + stratum, however, among even a more degraded class, whose feasts were + obtained from the live preserves carried upon their own persons, this + politeness, the last quality a Chinaman loses from the degradation of + poverty, was wanting.</p> + + <p>A few miles from Shanghai lies Zi-Ka-Wai, a colony founded by the + Jesuits, of which our traveler gives a most interesting account. The + road to Zi-Ka-Wai lay over a sandy plain intersected with canals. On + both sides of the road were hundreds of coffins resting upon the + surface of the ground. In the northern part of China there are no + grave-yards, and the coffins were arranged sometimes in piles in the + fields. It is said that they thus remain until a change takes place + in the reigning dynasty, when they are all destroyed. As the present + dynasty has reigned about three hundred years, the accumulation may + be imagined. This traditional respect for the inviolability of the + dead is one of the chief obstacles in the way of the introduction of + the telegraph and railroad in China. A commercial house in Shanghai + had built a telegraph to Wo-Soung to announce the arrival of the + mail, but in a few days the wire was cut in more than five hundred + places—at all the points where its shadow from the rising sun + fell upon the coffins lying on the ground.</p> + + <p>At Zi-Ka-Wai the Jesuits have an educational institution, and, + dressed in the Chinese costume, smoking the long native pipes, + received their visitors with great cordiality. Their pupils are + divided into three classes. The first consists of the children of the + neighboring towns who have been deserted by their parents and left to + die of hunger. The majority of them are lepers, and have been more or + less perfectly cured by the Fathers. When brought to the institution + they are thoroughly cleaned, being rubbed with pumice stone. They + receive an industrial as well as a literary education. In one + building they are taught to read and <span class="pagenum">[pg + 265]</span> write, and in another are the schools for shoemaking, + carpentering, printing and other manual arts; so that, being received + at the age of five or six, at twenty to twenty-one they are launched + upon the world with an education and a trade.</p> + + <p>There are about four hundred children in this class, and the + activity, the order and organization of the workshops, and the + exquisite cleanliness of the surroundings, are delightful to see. + Near at hand is a school of a higher grade, to which the most + promising pupils are transferred for the study of Chinese literature. + The system of teaching here is peculiar: all the pupils are required + to study aloud, and the din is in consequence deafening and + incessant. Then there is the highest class, consisting of about two + hundred and fifty youths, the sons of rich mandarins, who pay heavily + for their instruction. These are destined to become rhetoricians, + and, step by step, bachelors, licentiates, doctors, then mandarins + <span class="pagenum">[pg 266]</span> and members of the governing + class of the Middle Kingdom. The studies are Chinese, and the Fathers + have with wonderful patience learned not only the Chinese language, + as well as its written characters, but also the nice critical points + of its idioms, so as to be able to teach with authority the poetry + and legends and the commentaries upon the writings of Confucius. This + they have done for the purpose of having an opportunity to convert + the orphans they have adopted, and thus by degrees introduce into the + government an element which will be essentially Christian. Thus far, + the profession of Christianity is not essentially incompatible with + the office of mandarin, though it is impossible to hold this position + without performing some idolatrous rites.</p><a name="image-0021" id= + "image-0021"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0018_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0018_1.jpg" alt="HALT OF THE CARAVAN AT HO-CHI-WOU." /></a> + + <center> + HALT OF THE CARAVAN AT HO-CHI-WOU. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>On the 13th of March the ice was sufficiently broken to open the + navigation of the Pei-Ho, and the party started upon the steamer + Sze-Chuen for Tien-Tsin and Pekin. They were joined by an English + commissioner of the Chinese custom-house, whose position as a high + functionary of the Celestial government, together with his knowledge + of Chinese, proved of great service. The trip to Pekin was brought to + a sudden temporary close by the Sze-Chuen running aground on the bar + of the Pei-Ho, where she remained nearly two days, but was finally + got off after the removal of a part of her cargo.</p> + + <p>The navigation of the Pei-Ho is difficult on account of the + narrowness of the stream and its exceedingly sinuous course. + Frequently the steamer had to be towed by a line passed on shore and + fastened round a tree. At Tien-Tsin the travelers landed, and + witnessed a review of some imperial cavalry regiments mounted upon + Tartar ponies, with high saddles and short stirrups. The warriors + wore queues and were dressed in long robes. Their moustaches gave + them, however, a fierce martial air, and they were armed with English + sabres and American revolvers.</p> + + <p>Tien-Tsin ("Heaven's Ford") is a city of about four + hundred thousand inhabitants, and lies at the junction of the + Imperial Canal with the Pei-Ho. The country from here to Pekin, about + three days' journey by land, is sandy, and the trip is made a + very disagreeable one by the clouds of dust, which blind the traveler + and effectually prevent any examination of the country passed + through.</p> + + <p>The cavalcade comprised seven of the native carts, each drawn by + two mules. Their construction may be thus described: A sort of barrow + made of blue cloth hangs like a box upon an axletree about a yard + long, furnished with two clumsy wheels. It is impossible to lie down + in them, because they are too short, nor can a bench to sit on be + placed in them, because they are too low. As a compensation, however, + they are so light that they can go anywhere. The driver sits on the + left shaft, where he is conveniently placed for leaping down to beat + the mules. These are harnessed, one in the shafts and the other in + front, with long traces tied upon the axletree near the left wheel. + As they are guided only by the voice, the course of the cart depends + chiefly upon the fancy they may take for following or neglecting the + road; while from the manner in which they are harnessed their draught + is always sideways, and they therefore trot obliquely.</p> + + <p>At Yang-Soun the party was joined by a mandarin with a crystal + button, sent by the governor of the province of Tien-Tsin, + Tchoung-Hao, with a profusion of passports and safe-conducts. During + the rest of the journey this mandarin, Ching, led the way in his cart + drawn by a fine black mule, and on arriving at the villages on the + route displayed his function, as a man of letters, by putting on an + immense pair of spectacles, the glasses of which were about three + inches in diameter. At Ho-Chi-Wou the procession halted during the + middle of the day, and was photographed by one of its members. The + curious crowd of spectators which gathered in every village to + inspect the "foreign devils" scattered when the camera was + posed, and for a few moments our travelers were freed from their + intrusiveness.</p><a name="image-0022" id="image-0022"><!--IMG--></a> + <span class="pagenum">[pg 267]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0021_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0021_1.jpg" alt= + "AVENUE OF ANIMALS LEADING TO THE TOMBS OF THE EMPERORS." /></a> + + <center> + AVENUE OF ANIMALS LEADING TO THE TOMBS OF THE EMPERORS. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>Starting next morning at daylight, at <span class="pagenum">[pg + 268]</span> three in the afternoon the party entered Pekin. The + relief was great to leave the sandy, dusty road for one of the paved + ways which radiate from the city. The first sight of the city struck + the travelers as the most grandiose spectacle of the Celestial + Empire. In front rose a high tower, with a five-storied roof of green + tiles, pierced with five rows of large portholes, from which grinned + the mouths of cannon; while to the right and left, as far as could be + seen, stretched the gigantic wall surrounding the city, built partly + of granite and partly of large gray bricks, with salients, + battlements and loopholes, wearing a decidedly martial air. This + impression was somewhat modified, however, by the discovery that the + grinning cannons were made of wood. The entrance was under a vaulted + archway, through which streamed a converging crowd of Chinese, + Mongols, Tartars, with their various costumes, together with blue + carts, files of mules and caravans of heavily-loaded camels.</p> + + <p>Pekin was built by Kublai-Khan about 1282, near the site of an + important city which dated from the Chow dynasty, or some centuries + before the Christian era. The city covers an enclosed space about + twenty miles in circumference. It is rectangular in form, and divided + into two parts, the Chinese and the Tartar cities. The walls of the + Tartar city are the largest and widest, being forty to fifty feet + high, and, tapering slightly from the base, about forty feet wide at + the top. They are constructed upon a solid foundation of stone + masonry resting upon concrete, while the walls themselves are built + of a solid core of earth, faced with massive brick: the top is paved + with tiles, and defended by a crenelated parapet. Bastions, some of + which are fifty feet square, are built upon the outside at distances + of about one hundred feet. There are sixteen gates, seven of which + are in the Chinese town, six in the Tartar town, and three in the + partition wall between these two. In the centre of the Tartar city is + an enclosure, also walled, called the Imperial City, and within this + another, called the Forbidden City, which contains the imperial + palaces and pleasure-grounds. Broad straight avenues, crossing each + other at right angles, run through the whole city, which in this + respect is very unlike other Chinese towns. A stream entering the + Tartar city near its north-west corner divides into two branches, + which enter the Imperial City and surround the Forbidden City, and + then uniting again pass through the Tartar and Chinese towns, to + empty in the Tung-Chau Canal.</p> + + <p>The foreign legations are in the southern part of the Tartar city, + on the banks of this stream. The top of the walls forms the favorite + promenade of the foreign settlers, and from here a fine view of the + whole city is obtained. M. de Beauvoir, however, from his more minute + examination, comes to the following conclusions: "This immense + city, in which nothing is repaired, and in which it is forbidden + under the severest penalties to demolish anything, is slowly + disintegrating, and every day changing itself into dust. The sight of + this slow decomposition is sad, since it promises death more + certainly than the most violent convulsions. In a century Pekin will + exist no longer; it must then be abandoned: in two centuries it will + be discovered, like a second Pompeii, buried under its own + dust."</p> + + <p>The gates of Virtuous Victory and of Great Purity, the temples to + the Heavens, to Agriculture, to the Spirit of the Winds and of the + Thunder, and to the Brilliant Mirror of the Mind, occupied the + attention of the party. They saw the gilded plough and the sacred + harrow with which the emperor yearly traces a furrow to obtain divine + favor for the crops, as well as the yellow straw hat he wears during + this ceremony; and also the vases made of iron wire in which he every + six months burns the sentences of those who have been condemned to + death in the empire. They visited also the magnificent observatory + built by Father Verbiest, a Jesuit, for the emperor You-Ching, in the + seventeenth century. The instruments are of bronze, and mounted upon + fantastic dragons, and <span class="pagenum">[pg 269]</span> are + still in good condition, though they have been exposed to the open + air all this time. One of them was a celestial sphere eight feet in + diameter, containing all the stars known in 1650 and visible in + Pekin.</p><a name="image-0023" id="image-0023"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0024_1.jpg"><img width="100%" src= + "images/0024_1.jpg" alt= + "PORTICO TO THE TOMBS OF THE EMPERORS." /></a> + + <center> + PORTICO TO THE TOMBS OF THE EMPERORS. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>Visits to the theatres, to the temple of the Moon, that of the + Lamas, that of Confucius, and to others made the days spent in Pekin + pass quickly. Among the wonders shown was the largest suspended bell + in the world—the great bell of Moscow has never been + hung—twenty-five feet high, weighing ninety thousand pounds, + and richly sculptured.</p> + + <p>The private life of the Chinese it is almost impossible for a + stranger to take part in. To do so requires a knowledge of Chinese, + which can be gained only by years of assiduous study, and that the + applicant should, as far as possible in dress and general appearance, + make <span class="pagenum">[pg 270]</span> himself a Chinese. Even + then, complete success is gained only by a fortunate combination of + circumstances. The streets devoted to shops of all kinds afford, + however, to the traveler a never-ending succession of changing and + interesting pictures. Yet the general spirit of the Chinese leads + them also to be sparing of all outward decoration, reserving their + forces for interior display. The Forbidden City even, though + marvelous stories are told of its interior splendors, has outside a + mean appearance. "A pagoda of the thirty-sixth rank has more + effect than the sacred dwelling of the Son of Heaven."</p> + + <p>In the military quarters, and in those inhabited by the nobility, + the party in their wanderings were struck with an expression of + disdain on the countenances of those natives whom they met. Elsewhere + the curiosity to see the foreigners was even greater than the Chinese + themselves ever excited in the capitals of Europe; but at home the + higher classes passed the foreigners without even turning to look at + them, or else glanced at them indifferently or disdainfully. Some of + the noble class walked, but generally they rode in carts similar to + that of the mandarin Ching. The higher the rank of the owner, the + farther behind are the wheels placed. With a prince's cart they + are so far behind that the rider hangs between them and the mule. + Palanquins, carried upon the shoulders of the porters, offer another + and the most convenient means of locomotion used in China: this + method is, however, forbidden except for princes and ministers of + state.</p> + + <p>In the busy streets of trade the scene is most animated. Thousands + of scarlet signs with gilded inscriptions hang from oblique poles + raised in front of the shops. Carts, palanquins, mules, camels, + coolies, soldiers and merchants throng the streets, while to add to + the confusion myriads of children play about your legs, and the old + men carrying their kites toward the walls add to the singularity of + the scene. The kites, representing dragons, eagles, etc., are managed + with a dexterity which comes only from a lifelong practice. They are + sometimes furnished with various aeolian attachments which imitate + the songs of birds or the voices of men. The pigeons also in Pekin + are frequently provided with a very light kind of aeolian harp, which + is secured tightly to the two central feathers of their tails, so + that in flying through the air the harps sound harmoniously. This + curious, indistinct note had excited the count's attention, and + he learned its cause from a pigeon which fell dead at his feet, + having in its flight struck itself against the cord of one of the + kites. Their use was explained by the natives as a protection against + the hawks which are very common in Pekin.</p> + + <p>Passing one day the place of execution, the travelers were shocked + to see that the heads of the executed were exposed to the public + gaze, labeled with the crimes for which they had suffered. Such + sights as this, with the terrible filth of all the Chinese cities, + the squalid suffering of the poor and the want of sympathy with + indigence and disease, suggested to the count, as they too frequently + suggest to European visitors, that the degradation of the Chinese is + hopeless. Yet such sights were common a few generations ago in every + European capital, and the same causes which have led to their + cessation there are at work to-day in China, and bid fair to produce + the same results.</p><a name="image-0024" id="image-0024"> + <!--IMG--></a> <span class="pagenum">[pg 271]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0027_1.jpg"><img width="100%" src= + "images/0027_1.jpg" alt="THE GREAT WALL: THE NANG-KAO PASS." /></a> + + <center> + THE GREAT WALL: THE NANG-KAO PASS. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>The service of the custom-house, which has been put into the hands + of Europeans, and under the management of Mr. Robert Hart has been + thoroughly organized, is having a great influence in civilizing the + government, as well as in diffusing European ideas and methods among + the people. A fixed rate of charges, an honesty of administration + which is beyond question, prompt activity in the transaction of + business, have replaced the depredations and the old methods in use + under mandarin rule. It is the desire of the manager of the + custom-house to inaugurate in China the establishment of a system of + lighthouses, to organize the postal system, to introduce railroads + and telegraphs and to <span class="pagenum">[pg 272]</span> open the + coal-mines of the empire. Success in these reforms means bringing + China into the circle of inter-dependent civilized nations; and so + far all the steps in this direction have been sure and successful + ones.</p> + + <p>On leaving Pekin, our party set out to visit the Great Wall of + China, which lies about three days' journey from that capital, on + the route to Siberia. Mongolian ponies served for the means of + transportation on this trip. These shaggy little animals were as full + of tricks as they were ugly. The cavalcade was followed by two carts + for carrying the money of the expedition. The whole of this capital + amounted to about one hundred and fifty dollars, in the form of + hundreds of thousands of the copper coins of the country, made with + holes in their centres and strung by the thousand upon osier twigs. + This is the only money which circulates in the agricultural portions + of China, and a "barbarian" has to give a pound weight of + them for a couple of eggs. The country soon began to become hilly, + with the mountains of Mongolia visible in the distance. Trains of + camels were passed, or could be seen winding in the plain below.</p> + + <p>The next day the party arrived at the Tombs of the Emperors. These + are the tombs of the Ming emperors, one of the most brilliant + dynasties of Chinese history. They lie in a circular valley which + opens out from a great plain, and is surrounded by limestone peaks + and granite domes, forming a barren and waste amphitheatre. The + grandeur of its dimensions and the awful barrenness of its desolation + make it a fit resting-place for the imperial dead of the last native + dynasty. At the foot of the surrounding heights thirteen gigantic + tombs, encircled with green trees, are arranged in a semicircle. Five + majestic portals, about eight hundred yards apart, form the entrance + to the tombs. From the portico giving entrance to the valley to the + tomb of the first emperor is more than a league, and the long avenue + is marked first by winged columns of white marble, and next by two + rows of animals, carved in gigantic proportions. Of these there are, + on either side, two lions standing, two lions sitting; one camel + standing, one kneeling; one elephant standing, one kneeling; one + dragon standing, one sitting; two horses standing; six warriors, + courtiers, etc. The lions are fifteen feet high, and the others + equally colossal, while each of the figures is carved from a single + block of granite.</p> + + <p>At the end of the avenue are the tombs, with groups of trees about + them. Each tomb is really a temple in which white and pink marble, + porphyry and carved teak-wood are combined, not indeed with harmony + or taste, but, what is rare in China, with lines of great purity and + severity. One of the halls of these tombs is about a hundred feet + long by about eighty wide. The ceiling is from forty to sixty feet + high, and is supported by rows of pillars, each formed of a single + stick of teak timber eleven feet in circumference. These sticks were + brought for this purpose from the south of China. Though they have + been in position over nine hundred years, they appear as sound as + when first posed, nor has the austere splendor of the structure + suffered in any degree.</p> + + <p>The sombre obscurity well befits these sepulchral dwellings, and + the dull sound of the deadened gongs struck by the guardians makes + the vaults reverberate in a singular and impressive way. Behind the + memorial temple rises an artificial mound about fifty feet high, + access to the top of which is given by a rising arched passage built + of white marble. On the top of the mound is an imposing marble + structure consisting of a double arch, beneath which is the imperial + tablet, a large slab, upon which is carved a dragon standing on the + back of a gigantic tortoise. The remains of the emperor are buried + somewhere within this mound, though the exact spot is not known: this + precaution, it is said, was taken to preserve the remains from being + desecrated in a search for the treasures which were buried with him, + while the persons who performed this last office were killed upon the + spot, in order further to preserve the secret.</p><a name= + "image-0025" id="image-0025"><!--IMG--></a> <span class="pagenum">[pg + 273]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0030_1.jpg"><img width="100%" src= + "images/0030_1.jpg" alt="CHAPEL OF THE SUMMER PALACE." /></a> + + <center> + CHAPEL OF THE SUMMER PALACE. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>From this gigantic effort to preserve <span class="pagenum">[pg + 274]</span> the memory of the dead our party hastened to the Great + Wall, an equally immense work to preserve the living from the + incursions of their neighboring enemies. Perhaps nowhere in the world + are to be found in such close proximity two such striking evidences + of the waste of human labor when undirected by scientific knowledge. + The wall is to-day, and was from the first, as worthless for the + purpose it was intended to serve as the temples are for obtaining + immortality for the bodies they enclose.</p> + + <p>Leaving the town of Nang-Kao, the party soon found themselves at + the entrance of the pass of the same name, and during the six leagues + which separated them from the wall the spectacle kept increasing in + grandeur. The gorge at first was savage and sombre, shut in closely + by the steep mountain-sides. Soon the first support of the Great Wall + appeared in a chain of walls, with battlements and towers, built over + the principal mountain-chain, and as far as the eye could reach + following all the peaks. The effect of this wall is most striking. + Like some enormous serpent it stretches away in the distance, + climbing rocks which appear impracticable, and which would be so + without its aid. The count was convinced that it would be as + difficult to climb it for the purpose of defending it as it would be + to do so in order to attack it. This first support of the wall is in + itself a giant work.</p> + + <p>As the party advanced in the valley, in the far distance the + crenelated outlines of two other similar and parallel walls appeared, + situated also upon the crests. The Great Wall was built about 200 + B.C. as a barrier against the Tartar cavalry. It is said to have been + built in twenty-two years. It was everywhere constructed of the + materials at hand. On the plains it was built of a core of earth, + pounded, and faced with tiles, the top being also covered with tiles + and furnished with a parapet. On the mountains of stratified rock the + facing was made of masonry, and the core of earth and cobble-stones. + Where the rock is such as fractures irregularly, the wall is of solid + masonry, tapering to the top, which is sharp. Throughout its whole + length it is defended by towers occurring every few hundred feet. + Every mountain-pass and weak point was defended by a fortified tower. + At present the wall is in various conditions of preservation, + according to the materials used in its construction. In the valleys, + which were the points to defend, it has gradually crumbled to a mere + heap of rubbish, which the plough year by year still further + scatters.</p> + + <p>The Great Wall is, however, a wonderful monument of the labor and + organization of the Chinese nation two thousand years ago. The + illustration is from a photograph taken on the spot by one of the + party. In order to take a view which should be most effective the + camera was placed upon the wall itself.</p> + + <p>On their return to Pekin the party visited the ruins of the famous + Summer Palace, Yuen-Ming-Yuen. The avenues were formerly adorned with + porticoes, monuments and kiosques, which are now masses of ruins. + Only two enormous bronze lions, the largest castings ever made in + China, remain, and these simply because the allies could not carry + them away. To have attempted it would have required the building of a + dozen bridges over the streams between here and Tien-Tsin. The chapel + of the Summer Palace escaped destruction only from the fact that it + was situated upon a rock so high that the flames did not reach it. + Looking at the confused ruins which are all that remain of this + wonderful collection of the most admirable products of fifteen ages + of civilization, of art and of industry, the count de Beauvoir says + truly that no honest man can help shuddering involuntarily. Though + his sentiment of national loyalty is very strong, yet he cannot avoid + exclaiming, "Let us leave this place: let us run from this spot, + where the soil burns us, the very view of which humbles us. We came + to China as the armed champions of civilization and of a religion of + mercy, but the Chinese are right, a thousand times right, in calling + us barbarians."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 275]</span> + <a name="thule" id="thule"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>A PRINCESS OF THULE.</h2> + + <h3>BY WILLIAM BLACK, AUTHOR OF "THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF A + PHAETON."</h3><a name="thulechxiv" id="thulechxiv"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3> + + <h3>DEEPER AND DEEPER.</h3> + + <p>Next morning Sheila was busy with her preparations for departure + when she heard a hansom drive up. She looked out and saw Mr. Ingram + step out; and before he had time to cross the pavement she had run + round and opened the door, and stood at the top of the steps to + receive him. How often had her husband cautioned her not to forget + herself in this monstrous fashion!</p> + + <p>"Did you think I had run away? Have you come to see me?" + she said, with a bright, roseate gladness on her face which reminded + him of many a pleasant morning in Borva.</p> + + <p>"I did not think you had run away, for you see I have brought + you some flowers," he said; but there was a sort of blush in the + sallow face, and perhaps the girl had some quick fancy or suspicion + that he had brought this bouquet to prove that he knew everything was + right, and that he expected to see her. It was only a part of his + universal kindness and thoughtfulness, she considered.</p> + + <p>"Frank is up stairs," she said, "getting ready some + things to go to Brighton. Will you come into the breakfast-room? Have + you had breakfast?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, you were going to Brighton?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," she said; and somehow something moved her to add + quickly, "but not for long, you know. Only a few days. It is + many a time you will have told me of Brighton long ago in the Lewis, + but I cannot understand a large town being beside the sea, and it + will be a great surprise to me, I am sure of that."</p> + + <p>"Ay, Sheila," he said, falling into the old habit quite + naturally, "you will find it different from Borvabost. You will + have no scampering about the rocks with your head bare and your hair + flying about. You will have to dress more correctly there than here + even; and, by the way, you must be busy getting ready, so I will + go."</p> + + <p>"Oh no," she said with a quick look of disappointment, + "you will not go yet. If I had known you were coming—But + it was very late when we will get home this morning: two o'clock + it was."</p> + + <p>"Another ball?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the girl, but not very joyfully.</p> + + <p>"Why, Sheila," he said with a grave smile on his face, + "you are becoming quite a woman of fashion now. And you know I + can't keep up an acquaintance with a fine lady who goes to all + these grand places and knows all sorts of swell people; so you'll + have to cut me, Sheila."</p> + + <p>"I hope I shall be dead before that time ever comes," + said the girl with a sudden flash of indignation in her eyes. Then + she softened: "But it is not kind of you to laugh at + me."</p> + + <p>"Of course I did not laugh at you," he said taking both + her hands in his, "although I used to sometimes when you were a + little girl and talked very wild English. Don't you remember how + vexed you used to be, and how pleased you were when your papa turned + the laugh against me by getting me to say that awful Gaelic sentence + about 'A young calf ate a raw egg'?"</p> + + <p>"Can you say it now?" said Sheila, with her face getting + bright and pleased again. "Try it after me. Now + listen."</p> + + <p>She uttered some half dozen of the most extraordinary sounds that + any language ever contained, but Ingram would not attempt to follow + her. She reproached him with having forgotten all that he had learnt + in Lewis, and said she should no longer look on him as a possible + Highlander.</p> + + <p>"But what are <i>you</i> now?" he asked. "You are + no longer that wild girl who used to run out to sea in the + Maighdean-mhara <span class="pagenum">[pg 276]</span> whenever there + was the excitement of a storm coming on."</p> + + <p>"Many times," she said slowly and wistfully, "I + will wish that I could be that again for a little while."</p> + + <p>"Don't you enjoy, then, all those fine gatherings you go + to?"</p> + + <p>"I try to like them."</p> + + <p>"And you don't succeed?"</p> + + <p>He was looking at her gravely and earnestly, and she turned away + her head and did not answer. At this moment Lavender came down stairs + and entered the room.</p> + + <p>"Hillo, Ingram, my boy! glad to see you! What pretty flowers! + It's a pity we can't take them to Brighton with us."</p> + + <p>"But I intend to take them," said Sheila firmly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, very well, if you don't mind the bother," said + her husband. "I should have thought your hands would have been + full: you know you'll have to take everything with you you would + want in London. You will find that Brighton isn't a dirty little + fishing-village in which you've only to tuck up your dress and + run about anyhow."</p> + + <p>"I never saw a dirty little fishing-village," said + Sheila quietly.</p> + + <p>Her husband laughed: "I meant no offence. I was not thinking + of Borvabost at all. Well, Ingram, can't you run down and see us + while we are at Brighton?"</p> + + <p>"Oh do, Mr. Ingram!" said Sheila with quite a new + interest in her face; and she came forward as though she would have + gone down on her knees and begged this great favor of him. "Do, + Mr. Ingram! We should try to amuse you some way, and the weather is + sure to be fine. Shall we keep a room for you? Can you come on Friday + and stay till the Monday? It is a great difference there will be in + the place if you come down."</p> + + <p>Ingram looked at Sheila, and was on the point of promising, when + Lavender added, "And we shall introduce you to that young + American lady whom you are so anxious to meet."</p> + + <p>"Oh, is she to be there?" he said, looking rather + curiously at Lavender.</p> + + <p>"Yes, she and her mother. We are going down + together."</p> + + <p>"Then I'll see whether I can in a day or two," he + said, but in a tone which pretty nearly convinced Sheila that she + should not have her stay at Brighton made pleasant by the company of + her old friend and associate.</p> + + <p>However, the mere anticipation of seeing the sea was much; and + when they had got into a cab and were going down to Victoria Station, + Sheila's eyes were filled with a joyful anticipation. She had + discarded altogether the descriptions of Brighton that had been given + her. It is one thing to receive information, and another to reproduce + it in an imaginative picture; and in fact her imagination was busy + with its own work while she sat and listened to this person or the + other speaking of the seaside town she was going to. When they spoke + of promenades and drives and miles of hotels and lodging-houses, she + was thinking of the sea-beach and of the boats and of the sky-line + with its distant ships. When they told her of private theatricals and + concerts and fancy-dress balls, she was thinking of being out on the + open sea, with a light breeze filling the sails, and a curl of white + foam rising at the bow and sweeping and hissing down the sides of the + boat. She would go down among the fishermen when her husband and his + friends were not by, and talk to them, and get to know what they sold + their fish for down here in the South. She would find out what their + nets cost, and if there was anybody in authority to whom they could + apply for an advance of a few pounds in case of hard times. Had they + their cuttings of peat free from the nearest moss-land? and did they + dress their fields with the thatch that had got saturated with the + smoke? Perhaps some of them could tell her where the crews hailed + from that had repeatedly shot the sheep of the Flannen Isles. All + these and a hundred other things she would get to know; and she might + procure and send to her father some rare bird or curiosity of the + sea, that might be added to the little museum in which she used to + sing in <span class="pagenum">[pg 277]</span> days gone by, when he + was busy with his pipe and his whisky.</p> + + <p>"You are not much tired, then, by your dissipation of last + night?" said Mrs. Kavanagh to her at the station, as the + slender, fair-haired, grave lady looked admiringly at the girl's + fresh color and bright gray-blue eyes. "It makes one envy you to + see you looking so strong and in such good spirits."</p> + + <p>"How happy you must be always!" said Mrs. Lorraine; and + the younger lady had the same sweet, low and kindly voice as her + mother.</p> + + <p>"I am very well, thank you," said Sheila, blushing + somewhat and not lifting her eyes, while Lavender was impatient that + she had not answered with a laugh and some light retort, such as + would have occurred to almost any woman in the circumstances.</p> + + <p>On the journey down, Lavender and Mrs. Lorraine, seated opposite + each other in two corner seats, kept up a continual cross-fire of + small pleasantries, in which the young American lady had distinctly + the best of it, chiefly by reason of her perfect manner. The keenest + thing she said was said with a look of great innocence and candor in + the large gray eyes; and then directly afterward she would say + something very nice and pleasant in precisely the same voice, as if + she could not understand that there was any effort on the part of + either to assume an advantage. The mother sometimes turned and + listened to this aimless talk with an amused gravity, as of a cat + watching the gambols of a kitten, but generally she devoted herself + to Sheila, who sat opposite her. She did not talk much, and Sheila + was glad of that, but the girl felt that she was being observed with + some little curiosity. She wished that Mrs. Kavanagh would turn those + observant gray eyes of hers away in some other direction. Now and + again Sheila would point out what she considered strange or striking + in the country outside, and for a moment the elderly lady would look + out. But directly afterward the gray eyes would come back to Sheila, + and the girl knew they were upon her. At last she so persistently + stared out of the window that she fell to dreaming, and all the trees + and the meadows and the farm-houses and the distant heights and + hollows went past her as though they were in a sort of mist, while + she replied to Mrs. Kavanagh's chance remarks in a mechanical + fashion, and could only hear as a monotonous murmur the talk of the + two people at the other side of the carriage. How much of the journey + did she remember? She was greatly struck by the amount of open land + in the neighborhood of London—the commons between Wandsworth + and Streatham, and so forth—and she was pleased with the + appearance of the country about Red Hill. For the rest, a succession + of fair green pictures passed by her, all bathed in a calm, + half-misty summer sunlight: then they pierced the chalk-hills (which + Sheila, at first sight, fancied were of granite) and rumbled through + the tunnels. Finally, with just a glimpse of a great mass of gray + houses filling a vast hollow and stretching up the bare green downs + beyond, they found themselves in Brighton.</p> + + <p>"Well, Sheila, what do you think of the place?" her + husband said to her with a laugh as they were driving down the + Queen's road.</p> + + <p>She did not answer.</p> + + <p>"It is not like Borvabost, is it?"</p> + + <p>She was too bewildered to speak. She could only look about her + with a vague wonder and disappointment. But surely this great gray + city was not the place they had come to live in? Would it not + disappear somehow, and they would get away to the sea and the rocks + and the boats?</p> + + <p>They passed into the upper part of West street, and here was + another thoroughfare, down which Sheila glanced with no great + interest. But the next moment there was a quick catching of her + breath, which almost resembled a sob, and a strange glad light sprang + into her eyes. Here at last was the sea! Away beyond the narrow + thoroughfare she could catch a glimpse of a great green + plain—yellow-green it was in the sunlight—that the wind + was whitening <span class="pagenum">[pg 278]</span> here and there + with tumbling waves. She had not noticed that there was any wind + in-land—there everything seemed asleep—but here there was + a fresh breeze from the south, and the sea had been rough the day + before, and now it was of this strange olive color, streaked with the + white curls of foam that shone in the sunlight. Was there not a cold + scent of sea-weed, too, blown up this narrow passage between the + houses? And now the carriage cut round the corner and whirled out + into the glare of the Parade, and before her the great sea stretched + out its leagues of tumbling and shining waves, and she heard the + water roaring along the beach, and far away at the horizon she saw a + phantom ship. She did not even look at the row of splendid hotels and + houses, at the gayly-dressed folks on the pavement, at the brilliant + flags that were flapping and fluttering on the New Pier and about the + beach. It was the great world of shining water beyond that fascinated + her, and awoke in her a strange yearning and longing, so that she did + not know whether it was grief or joy that burned in her heart and + blinded her eyes with tears. Mrs. Kavanagh took her arm as they were + going up the steps of the hotel, and said in a friendly way, "I + suppose you have some sad memories of the sea?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Sheila bravely, "it is always pleasant + to me to think of the sea; but it is a long time + since—since—"</p> + + <p>"Sheila," said her husband abruptly, "do tell me if + all your things are here;" and then the girl turned, calm and + self-collected, to look after rugs and boxes.</p> + + <p>When they were finally established in the hotel Lavender went off + to negotiate for the hire of a carriage for Mrs. Kavanagh during her + stay, and Sheila was left with the two ladies. They had tea in their + sitting-room, and they had it at one of the windows, so that they + could look out on the stream of people and carriages now beginning to + flow by in the clear yellow light of the afternoon. But neither the + people nor the carriages had much interest for Sheila, who, indeed, + sat for the most part silent, intently watching the various boats + that were putting out or coming in, and busy with conjectures which + she knew there was no use placing before her two companions.</p> + + <p>"Brighton seems to surprise you very much," said Mrs. + Lorraine.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Sheila, "I have been told all about it, + but you will forget all that; and this is very different from the sea + at home—at my home."</p> + + <p>"Your home is in London now," said the elder lady with a + smile.</p> + + <p>"Oh no!" said Sheila, most anxiously and earnestly. + "London, that is not our home at all. We live there for a + time—that will be quite necessary—but we shall go back to + the Lewis some day soon—not to stay altogether, but enough to + make it as much our home as London."</p> + + <p>"How do you think Mr. Lavender will enjoy living in the + Hebrides?" said Mrs. Lorraine with a look of innocent and + friendly inquiry in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"It was many a time that he has said he never liked any place + so much," said Sheila with something of a blush; and then she + added with growing courage, "for you must not think he is always + like what he is here. Oh no! When he is in the Highlands there is no + day that is nearly long enough for what has to be done in it; and he + is up very early, and away to the hills or the loch with a gun or a + salmon-rod. He can catch the salmon very well—oh, very well for + one that is not accustomed—and he will shoot as well as any one + that is in the island, except my papa. It is a great deal to do there + will be in the island, and plenty of amusement; and there is not much + chance—not any whatever—of his being lonely or tired when + we go to live in the Lewis."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Kavanagh and her daughter were both amused and pleased by the + earnest and rapid fashion in which Sheila talked. They had generally + considered her to be a trifle shy and silent, not knowing how afraid + she was of using wrong idioms or pronunciations; but here was one + subject on which her heart was set, and she had no more thought as to + whether she said <i>like-a-ness</i> or <i>likeness</i>, or whether + she said <i>gyarden</i> or <i>garden</i>. Indeed, <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 279]</span> she forgot more than that. She was somewhat + excited by the presence of the sea and the well-remembered sound of + the waves; and she was pleased to talk about her life in the North, + and about her husband's stay there, and how they should pass the + time when she returned to Borva. She neglected altogether + Lavender's injunctions that she should not talk about fishing or + cooking or farming to his friends. She incidentally revealed to Mrs. + Kavanagh and her daughter a great deal more about the household at + Borva than he would have wished to be known. For how could they + understand about his wife having her own cousin to serve at table? + and what would they think of a young lady who was proud of making her + father's shirts? Whatever these two ladies may have thought, they + were very obviously interested, and if they were amused, it was in a + far from unfriendly fashion. Mrs. Lorraine professed herself quite + charmed with Sheila's descriptions of her island-life, and wished + she could go up to Lewis to see all these strange things. But when + she spoke of visiting the island when Sheila and her husband were + staying there, Sheila was not nearly so ready to offer her a welcome + as the daughter of a hospitable old Highlandman ought to have + been.</p> + + <p>"And will you go out in a boat now?" said Sheila, + looking down to the beach.</p> + + <p>"In a boat! What sort of boat?" said Mrs. Kavanagh.</p> + + <p>"Any one of those little sailing boats: it is very good boats + they are, as far as I can see."</p> + + <p>"No, thank you," said the elder lady with a smile. + "I am not fond of small boats, and the company of the men who go + with you might be a little objectionable, I should fancy."</p> + + <p>"But you need not take any men," said Sheila: "the + sailing of one of those little boats, it is very simple."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say you could manage the boat by + yourself?"</p> + + <p>"Oh yes! It is very simple. And my husband, he will help + me."</p> + + <p>"And what would you do if you went out?"</p> + + <p>"We might try the fishing. I do not see where the rocks are, + but we would go off the rocks and put down the anchor and try the + lines. You would have some ferry good fish for breakfast in the + morning."</p> + + <p>"My dear child," said Mrs. Kavanagh, "you don't + know what you propose to us. To go and roll about in an open boat in + these waves—we should be ill in five minutes. But I suppose you + don't know what sea-sickness is?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Sheila, "but I will hear my husband + speak of it often. And it is only in crossing the Channel that people + will get sick."</p> + + <p>"Why, this is the Channel."</p> + + <p>Sheila stared. Then she endeavored to recall her geography. Of + course this must be a part of the Channel, but if the people in the + South became ill in this weather, they must be rather feeble + creatures. Her speculations on this point were cut short by the + entrance of her husband, who came to announce that he had not only + secured a carriage for a month, but that it would be round at the + hotel door in half an hour; whereupon the two American ladies said + they would be ready, and left the room.</p> + + <p>"Now go off and get dressed, Sheila," said Lavender.</p> + + <p>She stood for a moment irresolute.</p> + + <p>"If you wouldn't mind," she said after a + moment's hesitation—"if you would allow me to go by + myself—if you would go to the driving, and let me go down to + the shore!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, nonsense!" he said. "You will have people + fancying you are only a school-girl. How can you go down to the beach + by yourself among all those loafing vagabonds, who would pick your + pocket or throw stones at you? You must behave like an ordinary + Christian: now do, like a good girl, get dressed and submit to the + restraints of civilized life. It won't hurt you much."</p> + + <p>So she left, to lay aside with some regret her rough blue dress, + and he went down stairs to see about ordering dinner.</p> + + <p>Had she come down to the sea, then, only to live the life that had + nearly broken her heart in London? It seemed <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 280]</span> so. They drove up and down the Parade for + about an hour and a half, and the roar of carriages drowned the rush + of the waves. Then they dined in the quiet of this still summer + evening, and she could only see the sea as a distant and silent + picture through the windows, while the talk of her companions was + either about the people whom they had seen while driving, or about + matters of which she knew nothing. Then the blinds were drawn and + candles lit, and still their conversation murmured around her + unheeding ears. After dinner her husband went down to the + smoking-room of the hotel to have a cigar, and she was left with Mrs. + Kavanagh and her daughter. She went to the window and looked through + a chink in the Venetian blinds. There was a beautiful clear twilight + abroad, the darkness was still of a soft gray, and up in the pale + yellow-green of the sky a large planet burned and throbbed. Soon the + sea and the sky would darken, the stars would come forth in thousands + and tens of thousands, and the moving water would be struck with a + million trembling spots of silver as the waves came onward to the + beach.</p> + + <p>"Mayn't we go out for a walk till Frank has finished his + cigar?" said Sheila.</p> + + <p>"You couldn't go out walking at this time of night," + said Mrs. Kavanagh in a kindly way: "you would meet the most + unpleasant persons. Besides, going out into the night air would be + most dangerous."</p> + + <p>"It is a beautiful night," said Sheila with a sigh. She + was still standing at the window.</p> + + <p>"Come," said Mrs. Kavanagh, going over to her and + putting her hand in her arm, "we cannot have any moping, you + know. You must be content to be dull with us for one night; and after + to-night we shall see what we can do to amuse you."</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I don't want to be amused!" cried Sheila + almost in terror, for some vision flashed on her mind of a series of + parties. "I would much rather be left alone and allowed to go + about by myself. But it is very kind of you," she hastily added, + fancying that her speech had been somewhat ungracious—"it + is very kind of you indeed."</p> + + <p>"Come, I promised to teach you cribbage, didn't + I?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Sheila with much resignation; and she walked + to the table and sat down.</p> + + <p>Perhaps, after all, she could have spent the rest of the evening + with some little equanimity in patiently trying to learn this game, + in which she had no interest whatever, but her thoughts and fancies + were soon drawn away from cribbage. Her husband returned. Mrs. + Lorraine had been for some little time at the big piano at the other + side of the room, amusing herself by playing snatches of anything she + happened to remember, but when Mr. Lavender returned she seemed to + wake up. He went over to her and sat down by the piano.</p> + + <p>"Here," she said, "I have all the duets and songs + you spoke of, and I am quite delighted with those I have tried. I + wish mamma would sing a second to me: how can one learn without + practicing? And there are some of those duets I really should like to + learn after what you said of them."</p> + + <p>"Shall I become a substitute for your mamma?" he + said.</p> + + <p>"And sing the second, so that I may practice? Your cigar must + have left you in a very amiable mood."</p> + + <p>"Well, suppose we try," he said; and he proceeded to + open out the roll of music which she had brought down.</p> + + <p>"Which shall we take first?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"It does not much matter," she answered indifferently, + and indeed she took up one of the duets by haphazard.</p> + + <p>What was it made Mrs. Kavanagh's companion suddenly lift her + eyes from the cribbage-board and look with surprise to the other end + of the room? She had recognized the little prelude to one of her own + duets, and it was being played by Mrs. Lorraine. And it was Mrs. + Lorraine who began to sing in a sweet, expressive and well-trained + voice of no great power—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">Love in thine eyes for ever plays;</p> + </div><span class="pagenum">[pg 281]</span> + + <p>and it was she to whom the answer was given—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">He in thy snowy bosom strays;</p> + </div> + + <p>and then, Sheila, sitting stupefied and pained and confused, heard + them sing together—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">He makes thy rosy lips his care,</p> + + <p class="i2">And walks the mazes of thy hair.</p> + </div> + + <p>She had not heard the short conversation which had introduced this + music; and she could not tell but that her husband had been + practicing these duets—her duets—with some one else. For + presently they sang "When the rosy morn appearing," and + "I would that my love could silently," and others, all of + them in Sheila's eyes, sacred to the time when she and Lavender + used to sit in the little room at Borva. It was no consolation to her + that Mrs. Lorraine had but an imperfect acquaintance with them; that + oftentimes she stumbled and went back over a bit of the + accompaniment; that her voice was far from being striking. Lavender, + at all events, seemed to heed none of these things. It was not as a + music-master that he sang with her. He put as much expression of love + into his voice as ever he had done in the old days when he sang with + his future bride. And it seemed so cruel that this woman should have + taken Sheila's own duets from her to sing before her with her own + husband.</p> + + <p>Sheila learnt little more cribbage that evening. Mrs. Kavanagh + could not understand how her pupil had become embarrassed, + inattentive, and even sad, and asked her if she was tired. Sheila + said she was very tired and would go. And when she got her candle, + Mrs. Lorraine and Lavender had just discovered another duet which + they felt bound to try together as the last.</p> + + <p>This was not the first time she had been more or less vaguely + pained by her husband's attentions to this young American lady; + and yet she would not admit to herself that he was any way in the + wrong. She would entertain no suspicion of him. She would have no + jealousy in her heart, for how could jealousy exist with a perfect + faith? And so she had repeatedly reasoned herself out of these + tentative feelings, and resolved that she would do neither her + husband nor Mrs. Lorraine the injustice of being vexed with them. So + it was now. What more natural than that Frank should recommend to any + friend the duets of which he was particularly fond? What more natural + than that this young lady should wish to show her appreciation of + those songs by singing them? and who was to sing with her but he? + Sheila would have no suspicion of either; and so she came down next + morning determined to be very friendly with Mrs. Lorraine.</p> + + <p>But that forenoon another thing occurred which nearly broke down + all her resolves.</p> + + <p>"Sheila," said her husband, I don't think I ever + asked you whether you rode."</p> + + <p>"I used to ride many times at home," she said.</p> + + <p>"But I suppose you'd rather not ride here," he said. + "Mrs. Lorraine and I propose to go out presently: you'll be + able to amuse yourself somehow till we come back."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lorraine had, indeed, gone to put on her habit, and her + mother was with her.</p> + + <p>"I suppose I may go out," said Sheila. "It is so + very dull in-doors, and Mrs. Kavanagh is afraid of the east wind, and + she is not going out."</p> + + <p>"Well, there's no harm in your going out," answered + Lavender, "but I should have thought you'd have liked the + comfort of watching the people pass, from the window."</p> + + <p>She said nothing, but went off to her own room and dressed to go + out. Why she knew not, but she felt she would rather not see her + husband and Mrs. Lorraine start from the hotel door. She stole down + stairs without going into the sitting-room, and then, going through + the great hall and down the steps, found herself free and alone in + Brighton.</p> + + <p>It was a beautiful, bright, clear day, though the wind was a + trifle chilly, and all around her there was a sense of space and + light and motion in the shining skies, the far clouds and the heaving + <span class="pagenum">[pg 282]</span> and noisy sea. Yet she had none + of the gladness of heart with which she used to rush out of the house + at Borva to drink in the fresh, salt air and feel the sunlight on her + cheeks. She walked away, with her face wistful and pensive, along the + King's road, scarcely seeing any of the people who passed her; + and the noise of the crowd and of the waves hummed in her ears in a + distant fashion, even as she walked along the wooden railing over the + beach. She stopped and watched some men putting off a heavy + fishing-boat, and she still stood and looked long after the boat was + launched. She would not confess to herself that she felt lonely and + miserable: it was the sight of the sea that was melancholy. It seemed + so different from the sea off Borva, that had always to her a + familiar and friendly look, even when it was raging and rushing + before a south-west wind. Here this sea looked vast and calm and sad, + and the sound of it was not pleasant to her ears, as was the sound of + the waves on the rocks at Borva. She walked on, in a blind and + unthinking fashion, until she had got far up the Parade, and could + see the long line of monotonous white cliff meeting the dull blue + plain of the waves until both disappeared in the horizon.</p> + + <p>She returned to the King's road a trifle tired, and sat down + on one of the benches there. The passing of the people would amuse + her; and now the pavement was thronged with a crowd of gayly-dressed + folks, and the centre of the thoroughfare brisk with the constant + going and coming of riders. She saw strange old women, painted, + powdered and bewigged in hideous imitation of youth, pounding up and + down the level street, and she wondered what wild hallucinations + possessed the brains of these poor creatures. She saw troops of + beautiful young girls, with flowing hair, clear eyes and bright + complexions, riding by, a goodly company, under charge of a + riding-mistress, and the world seemed to grow sweeter when they came + into view. But while she was vaguely gazing and wondering and + speculating her eyes were suddenly caught by two riders whose + appearance sent a throb to her heart. Frank Lavender rode well, so + did Mrs. Lorraine; and, though they were paying no particular + attention to the crowd of passers-by, they doubtless knew that they + could challenge criticism with an easy confidence. They were laughing + and talking to each other as they went rapidly by: neither of them + saw Sheila. The girl did not look after them. She rose and walked in + the other direction, with a greater pain at her heart than had been + there for many a day.</p> + + <p>What was this crowd? Some dozen or so of people were standing + round a small girl, who, accompanied by a man, was playing a violin, + and playing it very well, too. But it was not the music that + attracted Sheila to the child, but partly that there was a look about + the timid, pretty face and the modest and honest eyes that reminded + her of little Ailasa, and partly because, just at this moment, her + heart seemed to be strangely sensitive and sympathetic. She took no + thought of the people looking on. She went forward to the edge of the + pavement, and found that the small girl and her companion were about + to go away. Sheila stopped the man.</p> + + <p>"Will you let your little girl come with me into this + shop?"</p> + + <p>It was a confectioner's shop.</p> + + <p>"We were going home to dinner," said the man, while the + small girl looked up with wondering eyes.</p> + + <p>"Will you let her have dinner with me, and you will come back + in half an hour?"</p> + + <p>The man looked at the little girl: he seemed to be really fond of + her, and saw that she was very willing to go. Sheila took her hand + and led her into the confectioner's shop, putting her violin on + one of the small marble tables while they sat down at another. She + was probably not aware that two or three idlers had followed them, + and were staring with might and main in at the door of the shop.</p> + + <p>What could this child have thought of the beautiful and yet + sad-eyed lady who was so kind to her, who got her all sorts of things + with her own hands, and <span class="pagenum">[pg 283]</span> asked + her all manner of questions in a low, gentle and sweet voice? There + was not much in Sheila's appearance to provoke fear or awe. The + little girl, shy at first, got to be a little more frank, and told + her hostess when she rose in the morning, how she practiced, the + number of hours they were out during the day, and many of the small + incidents of her daily life. She had been photographed too, and her + photograph was sold in one of the shops. She was very well content: + she liked playing, the people were kind to her, and she did not often + get tired.</p> + + <p>"Then I shall see you often if I stay in Brighton?" said + Sheila.</p> + + <p>"We go out every day when it does not rain very + hard."</p> + + <p>Perhaps some wet day you will come and see me, and you will have + some tea with me: would you like that?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, very much," said the small musician, looking up + frankly.</p> + + <p>Just at this moment, the half hour having fully expired, the man + appeared at the door.</p> + + <p>"Don't hurry," said Sheila to the little girl: + "sit still and drink out the lemonade; then I will give you some + little parcels which you must put in your pocket."</p> + + <p>She was about to rise to go to the counter when she suddenly met + the eyes of her husband, who was calmly staring at her. He had come + out, after their ride, with Mrs. Lorraine to have a stroll up and + down the pavements, and had, in looking in at the various shops, + caught sight of Sheila quietly having luncheon with this girl whom + she had picked up in the streets.</p> + + <p>"Did you ever see the like of that?" he said to Mrs. + Lorraine. "In open day, with people staring in, and she has not + even taken the trouble to put the violin out of sight!"</p> + + <p>"The poor child means no harm," said his companion.</p> + + <p>"Well, we must get her out of this somehow," he said; + and so they entered the shop.</p> + + <p>Sheila knew she was guilty the moment she met her husband's + look, though she had never dreamed of it before. She had, indeed, + acted quite thoughtlessly—perhaps chiefly moved by a desire to + speak to some one and to befriend some one in her own loneliness.</p> + + <p>"Hadn't you better let this little girl go?" said + Lavender to Sheila somewhat coldly as soon as he had ordered an ice + for his companion.</p> + + <p>"When she has finished her lemonade she will go," said + Sheila meekly. "But I have to buy some things for her + first."</p> + + <p>"You have got a whole lot of people round the door," he + said.</p> + + <p>"It is very kind of the people to wait for her," + answered Sheila with the same composure. "We have been here half + an hour. I suppose they will like her music very much."</p> + + <p>The little violinist was now taken to the counter, and her pockets + stuffed with packages of sugared fruits and other deadly delicacies: + then she was permitted to go with half a crown in her hand. Mrs. + Lorraine patted her shoulder in passing, and said she was a pretty + little thing.</p> + + <p>They went home to luncheon. Nothing was said about the incident of + the forenoon, except that Lavender complained to Mrs. Kavanagh, in a + humorous way, that his wife had a most extraordinary fondness for + beggars, and that he never went home of an evening without expecting + to find her dining with the nearest scavenger and his family. + Lavender, indeed, was in an amiable frame of mind at this meal + (during the progress of which Sheila sat by the window, of course, + for she had already lunched in company with the tiny violinist), and + was bent on making himself as agreeable as possible to his two + companions. Their talk had drifted toward the wanderings of the two + ladies on the Continent; from that to the Niebelungen frescoes in + Munich; from that to the Niebelungen itself, and then, by easy + transition, to the ballads of Uhland and Heine. Lavender was in one + of his most impulsive and brilliant moods—gay and jocular, + tender and sympathetic by turns, and so obviously sincere in all + <span class="pagenum">[pg 284]</span> that his listeners were + delighted with his speeches and assertions and stories, and believed + them as implicitly as he did himself. Sheila, sitting at a distance, + saw and heard, and could not help recalling many an evening in the + far North when Lavender used to fascinate every one around him by the + infection of his warm and poetic enthusiasm. How he talked, + too—telling the stones of these quaint and pathetic ballads in + his own rough—and—ready translations—while there + was no self-consciousness in his face, but a thorough warmth of + earnestness; and sometimes, too, she would notice a quiver of the + under lip that she knew of old, when some pathetic point or phrase + had to be indicated rather than described. He was drawing pictures + for them as well as telling stories—of the three students + entering the room in which the landlady's daughter lay + dead—of Barbarossa in his cave—of the child who used to + look up at Heine as he passed her in the street, awestricken by his + pale and strange face—of the last of the band of companions who + sat in the solitary room in which they had sat, and drank to their + memory—of the king of Thule, and the deserter from Strasburg, + and a thousand others.</p> + + <p>"But is there any of them—is there anything in the + world—more pitiable than that pilgrimage to Kevlaar?" he + said. "You know it, of course. No? Oh, you must, surely. + Don't you remember the mother who stood by the bedside of her + sick son, and asked him whether he would not rise to see the great + procession go by the window; and he tells her that he cannot, he is + so ill: his heart is breaking for thinking of his dead Gretchen? + <i>You</i> know the story, Sheila. The mother begs him to rise and + come with her, and they will join the band of pilgrims going to + Kevlaar, to be healed there of their wounds by the Mother of God. + Then you find them at Kevlaar, and all the maimed and the lame people + have come to the shrine; and whichever limb is diseased, they make a + waxen image of that and lay it on the altar, and then they are + healed. Well, the mother of this poor lad takes wax and forms a heart + out of it, and says to her son, 'Take that to the Mother of God, + and she will heal your pain.' Sighing, he takes the wax heart in + his hand, and, sighing, he goes to the shrine; and there, with tears + running down his face, he says, 'O beautiful Queen of Heaven, I + am come to tell you my grief. I lived with my mother in Cologne: near + us lived Gretchen, who is dead now. Blessed Mary, I bring you this + wax heart: heal the wound in my heart.' And then—and + then—"</p> + + <p>Sheila saw his lip tremble. But he frowned, and said impatiently, + "What a shame it is to destroy such a beautiful story! You can + have no idea of it—of its simplicity and + tenderness—"</p> + + <p>"But pray let us hear the rest of it," said Mrs. + Lorraine gently.</p> + + <p>"Well, the last scene, you know, is a small chamber, and the + mother and her sick son are asleep. The Blessed Mary glides into the + chamber and bends over the young man, and puts her hand lightly on + his heart. Then she smiles and disappears. The unhappy mother has + seen all this in a dream, and now she awakes, for the dogs are + barking loudly. The mother goes over to the bed of her son, and he is + dead, and the morning light touches his pale face. And then the + mother folds her hands, and says—"</p> + + <p>He rose hastily with a gesture of fretfulness, and walked over to + the window at which Sheila sat and looked out. She put her hand up to + his: he took it.</p> + + <p>"The next time I try to translate Heine," he said, + making it appear that he had broken off through vexation, + "something strange will happen."</p> + + <p>"It is a beautiful story," said Mrs. Lorraine, who had + herself been crying a little bit in a covert way: "I wonder I + have not seen a translation of it. Come, mamma, Lady Leveret said we + were not to be after four."</p> + + <p>So they rose and left, and Sheila was alone with her husband, and + still holding his hand. She looked up at him timidly, wondering, + perhaps, in her simple <span class="pagenum">[pg 285]</span> way, as + to whether she should not now pour out her heart to him, and tell him + all her griefs and fears and yearnings. He had obviously been deeply + moved by the story he had told so roughly: surely now was a good + opportunity of appealing to him, and begging for sympathy and + compassion.</p> + + <p>"Frank," she said, and she rose and came close, and bent + down her head to hide the color in her face.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he answered a trifle coldly.</p> + + <p>"You won't be vexed with me," she said in a low + voice, and with her heart beginning to beat rapidly.</p> + + <p>"Vexed with you about what?" he said abruptly.</p> + + <p>Alas! all her hopes had fled. She shrank from the cold stare with + which she knew he was regarding her. She felt it to be impossible + that she should place before him those confidences with which she had + approached him; and so, with a great effort, she merely said, + "Are we to go to Lady Leveret's?"</p> + + <p>"Of course we are," he said, "unless you would + rather go and see some blind fiddler or beggar. It is really too bad + of you, Sheila, to be so forgetful: what if Lady Leveret, for + example, had come into that shop? It seems to me you are never + satisfied with meeting the people you ought to meet, but that you + must go and associate with all the wretched cripples and beggars you + can find. You should remember you are a woman, and not a + child—that people will talk about what you do if you go on in + this mad way. Do you ever see Mrs. Kavanagh or her daughter do any of + these things?"</p> + + <p>Sheila had let go his hand: her eyes were still turned toward the + ground. She had fancied that a little of that emotion that had been + awakened in him by the story of the German mother and her son might + warm his heart toward herself, and render it possible for her to talk + to him frankly about all that she had been dimly thinking, and more + definitely suffering. She was mistaken: that was all.</p> + + <p>"I will try to do better, and please you," she said; and + then she went away.</p><a name="thulechxv" id="thulechxv"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER XV.</h3> + + <h3>A FRIEND IN NEED.</h3> + + <p>Was it a delusion that had grown up in the girl's mind, and + now held full possession of it—that she was in a world with + which she had no sympathy, that she should never be able to find a + home there, that the influences of it were gradually and surely + stealing from her her husband's love and confidence? Or was this + longing to get away from the people and the circumstances that + surrounded her but the unconscious promptings of an incipient + jealousy? She did not question her own mind closely on these points. + She only vaguely knew that she was miserable, and that she could not + tell her husband of the weight that pressed on her heart.</p> + + <p>Here, too, as they drove along to have tea with a certain Lady + Leveret, who was one of Lavender's especial patrons, and to whom + he had introduced Mrs. Kavanagh and her daughter, Sheila felt that + she was a stranger, an interloper, a "third wheel to the + cart." She scarcely spoke a word. She looked at the sea, but she + had almost grown to regard that great plain of smooth water as a + melancholy and monotonous thing—not the bright and boisterous + sea of her youth, with its winding channels, its secret bays and + rocks, its salt winds and rushing waves. She was disappointed with + the perpetual wall of white cliff, where she had expected to see + something of the black and rugged shore of the North. She had as yet + made no acquaintance with the sea-life of the place: she did not know + where the curers lived; whether they gave the fishermen credit and + cheated them; whether the people about here made any use of the back + of the dog-fish, or could, in hard seasons, cook any of the + wild-fowl; what the ling and the cod and the skate fetched; where the + wives and daughters sat and spun and carded their wool; whether they + knew how to make a good dish of cockles boiled in milk. She smiled to + herself when she thought of asking Mrs. Lorraine about any such + things; but she still cherished some vague hope that before she left + Brighton she would have <span class="pagenum">[pg 286]</span> some + little chance of getting near to the sea and learning a little of the + sea-life down in the South.</p> + + <p>And as they drove along the King's road on this afternoon she + suddenly called out, "Look, Frank!"</p> + + <p>On the steps of the Old Ship Hotel stood a small man with a brown + face, a brown beard and a beaver hat, who was calmly smoking a wooden + pipe, and looking at an old woman selling oranges in front of + him.</p> + + <p>"It is Mr. Ingram," said Sheila.</p> + + <p>"Which is Mr. Ingram?" asked Mrs. Lorraine with + considerable interest, for she had often heard Lavender speak of his + friend. "Not that little man?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Lavender coldly: he could have wished that + Ingram had had some little more regard for appearances in so public a + place as the main thoroughfare of Brighton.</p> + + <p>"Won't you stop and speak to him?" said Sheila with + great surprise.</p> + + <p>"We are late already," said her husband. "But if + you would rather go back and speak to him than go on with us, you + may."</p> + + <p>Sheila said nothing more; and so they drove on to the end of the + Parade, where Lady Leveret held possession of a big white house with + pillars overlooking the broad street and the sea.</p> + + <p>But next morning she said to him, "I suppose you will be + riding with Mrs. Lorraine this morning?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose so."</p> + + <p>"I should like to go and see Mr. Ingram, if he is still + there," she said.</p> + + <p>"Ladies don't generally call at hotels and ask to see + gentlemen; but of course you don't care for that."</p> + + <p>"I shall not go if you do not wish me."</p> + + <p>"Oh, nonsense! You may as well go. What is the use of + professing to keep observances that you don't understand? And it + will be some amusement for you, for I dare say both of you will + immediately go and ask some old cab-driver to have luncheon with you, + or buy a nosegay of flowers for his horse."</p> + + <p>The permission was not very gracious, but Sheila accepted it, and + very shortly after breakfast she changed her dress and went out. How + pleasant it was to know that she was going to see her old friend to + whom she could talk freely! The morning seemed to know of her + gladness, and to share in it, for there was a brisk southerly breeze + blowing fresh in from the sea, and the waves were leaping white in + the sunlight. There was no more sluggishness in the air or the gray + sky or the leaden plain of the sea. Sheila knew that the blood was + mantling in her cheeks; that her heart was full of joy; that her + whole frame so tingled with life and spirit that, had she been in + Borva, she would have challenged her deer-hound to a race, and fled + down the side of the hill with him to the small bay of white sand + below the house. She did not pause for a minute when she reached the + hotel. She went up the steps, opened the door and entered the square + hall. There was an odor of tobacco in the place, and several + gentlemen standing about rather confused her, for she had to glance + at them in looking for a waiter. Another minute would probably have + found her a trifle embarrassed, but that, just at this crisis, she + saw Ingram himself come out of a room with a cigarette in his hand. + He threw away the cigarette, and came forward to her with amazement + in his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Where is Mr. Lavender? Has he gone into the smoking-room for + me?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"He is not here," said Sheila. "I have come for you + by myself."</p> + + <p>For a moment, too, Ingram felt the eyes of the men on him, but + directly he said with a fine air of carelessness, "Well, that is + very good of you. Shall we go out for a stroll until your husband + comes?"</p> + + <p>So he opened the door and followed her outside into the fresh air + and the roar of the waves.</p> + + <p>"Well, Sheila," he said, "this is very good of you, + really: where is Mr. Lavender?"</p> + + <p>"He generally rides with Mrs. Lorraine in the + morning."</p> + + <p>"And what do you do?"</p> + + <p>"I sit at the window."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 287]</span> + + <p>"Don't you go boating?"</p> + + <p>"No, I have not been in a boat. They do not care for it. And + yesterday it was a letter to papa I was writing, and I could tell him + nothing about the people here or the fishing."</p> + + <p>"But you could not in any case, Sheila. I suppose you would + like to know what they pay for their lines, and how they dye their + wool, and so on; but you would find the fishermen here don't live + in that way at all. They are all civilized, you know. They buy their + clothing in the shops. They never eat any sort of sea-weed, or dye + with it, either. However, I will tell you all about it by and by. At + present I suppose you are returning to your hotel."</p> + + <p>A quick look of pain and disappointment passed over her face as + she turned to him for a moment with something of entreaty in her + eyes.</p> + + <p>"I came to see you," she said. "But perhaps you + have an engagement. I do not wish to take up any of your time: if you + please I will go back alone to—"</p> + + <p>"Now, Sheila," he said with a smile, and with the old + friendly look she knew so well, "you must not talk like that to + me. I won't have it. You know I came down to Brighton because you + asked me to come; and my time is altogether at your + service."</p> + + <p>"And you have no engagement just now?" said Sheila with + her face brightening.</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"And you will take me down to the shore to see the boats and + the nets? Or could we go out and run along the coast for a few miles? + It is a very good wind."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I should be very glad," said Ingram slowly. "I + should be delighted. But, you see, wouldn't your husband think + it—wouldn't he, you know—wouldn't it seem just a + little odd to him if you were to go away like that?"</p> + + <p>"He is to go riding with Mrs. Lorraine," said Sheila + quite simply. "He does not want me."</p> + + <p>"Of course you told him you were coming to see—you were + going to call at the Old Ship?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. And I am sure he would not be surprised if I did not + return for a long time."</p> + + <p>"Are you quite sure, Sheila?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I am quite sure."</p> + + <p>"Very well. Now I shall tell you what I am going to do with + you. I shall first go and bribe some mercenary boatman to let us have + one of those small sailing boats committed to our own exclusive + charge. I shall constitute you skipper and pilot of the craft, and + hold you responsible for my safety. I shall smoke a pipe to prepare + me for whatever may befall."</p> + + <p>"Oh no," said Sheila. "You must work very hard, and + I will see if you remember all that I taught you in the Lewis. And if + we can have some long lines, we might get some fish. Will they pay + more than thirty shillings for their long lines in this + country?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," said Ingram. "I believe most of + the fishermen here live upon the shillings they get from passers-by + after a little conversation about the weather and their hard lot in + life; so that one doesn't talk to them more than one can + help."</p> + + <p>"But why do they need the money? Are there no fish?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know that, either. I suppose there is some good + fishing in the winter, and sometimes in the summer they get some big + shoals of mackerel."</p> + + <p>"It was a letter I had last week from the sister of one of + the men of the Nighean-dubh, and she will tell me that they have been + very lucky all through the last season, and it was near six thousand + ling they got."</p> + + <p>"But I suppose they are hopelessly in debt to some curer or + other up about Habost?"</p> + + <p>"Oh no, not at all. It is their own boat: it is not hired to + them. And it is a very good boat whatever."</p> + + <p>That unlucky "whatever" had slipped out inadvertently: + the moment she had uttered it she blushed and looked timidly toward + her companion, fearing that he had noticed it. He had not. How could + she have made such a blunder? she asked herself. She had been most + particular about the avoidance of <span class="pagenum">[pg + 288]</span> this word, even in the Lewis. The girl did not know that + from the moment she had left the steps of the Old Ship in company + with that good friend of hers she had unconsciously fallen into much + of her old pronunciation and her old habit of speech; while Ingram, + much more familiar with the Sheila of Borvabost and Loch Roag than + with the Sheila of Netting Hill and Kensington Gardens, did not + perceive the difference, but was mightily pleased to hear her talk in + any fashion whatsoever.</p> + + <p>By fair means or foul, Ingram managed to secure a pretty little + sailing vessel which lay at anchor out near the New Pier, and when + the pecuniary negotiations were over Sheila was invited to walk down + over the loose stones of the beach and take command of the craft. The + boatman was still very doubtful. When he had pulled them out to the + boat, however, and put them on board, he speedily perceived that this + handsome young lady not only knew everything that had to be done in + the way of getting the small vessel ready, but had a very smart and + business-like way of doing it. It was very obvious that her companion + did not know half as much about the matter as she did; but he was + obedient and watchful, and presently they were ready to start. The + man put off in his boat to shore again much relieved in mind, but not + a little puzzled to understand where the young lady had picked up not + merely her knowledge of boats, but the ready way in which she put her + delicate hands to hard work, and the prompt and effectual fashion in + which she accomplished it.</p> + + <p>"Shall I belay away the jib or reef the upper + hatchways?" Ingram called out to Sheila when they had fairly got + under way.</p> + + <p>She did not answer for a moment: she was still watching with a + critical eye the manner in which the boat answered to her wishes; and + then, when everything promised well and she was quite satisfied, she + said, "If you will take my place for a moment and keep a good + lookout, I will put on my gloves."</p> + + <p>She surrendered the tiller and the mainsail sheets into his care, + and, with another glance ahead, pulled out her gloves.</p> + + <p>"You did not use to fear the salt water or the sun on your + hands, Sheila," said her companion.</p> + + <p>"I do not now," she said, "but Frank would be + displeased to see my hands brown. He has himself such pretty + hands."</p> + + <p>What Ingram thought about Frank Lavender's delicate hands he + was not going to say to his wife; and indeed he was called upon at + this moment to let Sheila resume her post, which she did with an air + of great satisfaction and content.</p> + + <p>And so they ran lightly through the curling and dashing water on + this brilliant day, caring little indeed for the great town that lay + away to leeward, with its shining terraces surmounted by a faint + cloud of smoke. Here all the roar of carriages and people was + unheard: the only sound that accompanied their talk was the splashing + of the waves at the prow and the hissing and gurgling of the water + along the boat. The south wind blew fresh and sweet around them, + filling the broad white sails and fluttering the small pennon up + there in the blue. It seemed strange to Sheila that she should be so + much alone with so great a town close by—that under the boom + she could catch a glimpse of the noisy Parade without hearing any of + its noise. And there, away to windward, there was no more trace of + city life—only the great blue sea, with its waves flowing on + toward them from out of the far horizon, and with here and there a + pale ship just appearing on the line where the sky and ocean met.</p> + + <p>"Well, Sheila, how do you like being on the sea again?" + said Ingram, getting out his pipe.</p> + + <p>"Oh, very well. But you must not smoke, Mr. Ingram: you must + attend to the boat."</p> + + <p>"Don't you feel at home in her yet?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I am not afraid of her," said Sheila, regarding the + lines of the small craft with the eye of a shipbuilder, "but she + <span class="pagenum">[pg 289]</span> is very narrow in the beam, and + she carries too much sail for so small a thing I suppose they have + not any squalls on this coast, where you have no hills and no narrows + to go through."</p> + + <p>"It doesn't remind you of Lewis, does it?" he said, + filling his pipe all the same.</p> + + <p>"A little—out there it does," she said, turning to + the broad plain of the sea, "but it is not much that is in this + country that is like the Lewis: sometimes I think I shall be a + stranger when I go back to the Lewis, and the people will scarcely + know me, and everything will be changed."</p> + + <p>He looked at her for a second or two. Then he laid down his pipe, + which had not been lit, and said to her gravely, "I want you to + tell me, Sheila, why you have got into a habit lately of talking + about many things, and especially about your home in the North, in + that sad way. You did not do that when you came to London first; and + yet it was then that you might have been struck and shocked by the + difference. You had no home-sickness for a long time—But is it + home-sickness, Sheila?"</p> + + <p>How was she to tell him? For an instant she was on the point of + giving him all her confidence; and then, somehow or other, it + occurred to her that she would be wronging her husband in seeking + such sympathy from a friend as she had been expecting, and expecting + in vain, from him.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it is home-sickness," she said in a low voice, + while she pretended to be busy tightening up the mainsail sheet. + "I should like to see Borva again."</p> + + <p>"But you don't want to live there all your life?" he + said. "You know that would be unreasonable, Sheila, even if your + husband could manage it; and I don't suppose he can. Surely your + papa does not expect you to go and live in Lewis always?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no," she said eagerly. "You must not think my + papa wishes anything like that. It will be much less than that he was + thinking of when he used to speak to Mr. Lavender about it. And I do + not wish to live in the Lewis always: I have no dislike to + London—none at all—only that—that—" And + here she paused.</p> + + <p>"Come, Sheila," he said in the old paternal way to which + she had been accustomed to yield up all her own wishes in the old + days of their friendship, "I want you to be frank with me, and + tell me what is the matter. I know there is something wrong: I have + seen it for some time back. Now, you know I took the responsibility + of your marriage on my shoulders, and I am responsible to you, and to + your papa and to myself, for your comfort and happiness. Do you + understand?"</p> + + <p>She still hesitated, grateful in her in-most heart, but still + doubtful as to what she should do.</p> + + <p>"You look on me as an intermeddler," he said with a + smile.</p> + + <p>"No, no," she said: "you have always been our best + friend."</p> + + <p>"But I have intermeddled none the less. Don't you + remember when I told you I was prepared to accept the + consequences?"</p> + + <p>It seemed so long a time since then!</p> + + <p>"And once having begun to intermeddle, I can't stop, + don't you see? Now, Sheila, you'll be a good little girl and + do what I tell you. You'll take the boat a long way out: + we'll put her head round, take down the sails, and let her tumble + about and drift for a time, till you tell me all about your troubles, + and then we'll see what can be done."</p> + + <p>She obeyed in silence, with her face grown grave enough in + anticipation of the coming disclosures. She knew that the first + plunge into them would be keenly painful to her, but there was a + feeling at her heart that, this penance over, a great relief would be + at hand. She trusted this man as she would have trusted her own + father. She knew that there was nothing on earth he would not attempt + if he fancied it would help her. And she knew, too, that having + experienced so much of his great unselfishness and kindness and + thoughtfulness, she was ready to obey him implicitly in anything that + he could assure her was right for her to do.</p><span class= + "pagenum">[pg 290]</span> + + <p>How far away seemed the white cliffs now, and the faint green + downs above them! Brighton, lying farther to the west, had become dim + and yellow, and over it a cloud of smoke lay thick and brown in the + sunlight. A mere streak showed the line of the King's road and + all its carriages and people; the beach beneath could just be made + out by the white dots of the bathing-machines; the brown + fishing-boats seemed to be close in shore; the two piers were + fore-shortened into small dusky masses marking the beginning of the + sea. And then from these distant and faintly-defined objects out here + to the side of the small white-and-pink boat, that lay lightly in the + lapping water, stretched that great and moving network of waves, with + here and there a sharp gleam of white foam curling over amid the dark + blue-green.</p> + + <p>Ingram took his seat by Sheila's side, so that he should not + have to look in her downcast face; and then, with some little + preliminary nervousness and hesitation, the girl told her story. She + told it to sympathetic ears, and yet Ingram, having partly guessed + how matters stood, and anxious, perhaps, to know whether much of her + trouble might not be merely the result of fancies which could be + reasoned and explained away, was careful to avoid anything like + corroboration. He let her talk in her own simple and artless way; and + the girl spoke to him, after a little while, with an earnestness + which showed how deeply she felt her position. At the very outset she + told him that her love for her husband had never altered for a + moment—that all the prayer and desire of her heart was that + they two might be to each other as she had at one time hoped they + would be, when he got to know her better. She went over all the story + of her coming to London, of her first experiences there, of the + conviction that grew upon her that her husband was somehow + disappointed with her, and only anxious now that she should conform + to the ways and habits of the people with whom he associated. She + spoke of her efforts to obey his wishes, and how heartsick she was + with her failures, and of the dissatisfaction which he showed. She + spoke of the people to whom he devoted his life, of the way in which + he passed his time, and of the impossibility of her showing him, so + long as he thus remained apart from her, the love she had in her + heart for him, and the longing for sympathy which that love involved. + And then she came to the question of Mrs. Lorraine; and here it + seemed to Ingram she was trying at once to put her husband's + conduct in the most favorable light, and to blame herself for her + unreasonableness. Mrs. Lorraine was a pleasant companion to him, she + could talk cleverly and brightly, she was pretty, and she knew a + large number of his friends. Sheila was anxious to show that it was + the most natural thing in the world that her husband, finding her so + out of communion with his ordinary surroundings, should make an + especial friend of this graceful and fascinating woman. And if at + times it hurt her to be left alone—But here the girl broke down + somewhat, and Ingram pretended not to know that she was crying.</p> + + <p>These were strange things to be told to a man, and they were + difficult to answer. But out of these revelations—which rather + took the form of a cry than of any distinct statement—he formed + a notion of Sheila's position sufficiently exact; and the more he + looked at it the more alarmed and pained he grew, for he knew more of + her than her husband did. He knew the latent force of character that + underlay all her submissive gentleness. He knew the keen sense of + pride her Highland birth had given her; and he feared what might + happen if this sensitive and proud heart of hers were driven into + rebellion by some—possibly unintentional—wrong. And this + high-spirited, fearless, honor-loving girl—who was gentle and + obedient, not through any timidity or limpness of character, but + because she considered it her duty to be gentle and + obedient—was to be cast aside and have her tenderest feelings + outraged and wounded for the sake of an unscrupulous, shallow-brained + woman of fashion, who was not fit to be Sheila's waiting-maid. + Ingram <span class="pagenum">[pg 291]</span> had never seen Mrs. + Lorraine, but he had formed his own opinion of her. The opinion, + based upon nothing, was wholly wrong, but it served to increase, if + that were possible, his sympathy with Sheila, and his resolve to + interfere on her behalf at whatever cost.</p> + + <p>"Sheila," he said, gravely putting his hand on her + shoulder as if she were still the little girl who used to run wild + with him about the Borva rocks, "you are a good woman."</p> + + <p>He added to himself that Lavender knew little of the value of the + wife he had got, but he dared not say that to Sheila, who would + suffer no imputation against her husband to be uttered in her + presence, however true it might be, or however much she had cause to + know it to be true.</p> + + <p>"And, after all," he said in a lighter voice, "I + think I can do something to mend all this. I will say for Frank + Lavender that he is a thoroughly good fellow at heart, and that when + you appeal to him, and put things fairly before him, and show him + what he ought to do, there is not a more honorable and + straightforward man in the world. He has been forgetful, Sheila. He + has been led away by these people, you know, and has not been aware + of what you were suffering. When I put the matter before him, you + will see it will be all right; and I hope to persuade him to give up + this constant idling and take to his work, and have something to live + for. I wish you and I together could get him to go away from London + altogether—get him to take to serious landscape painting on + some wild coast—the Galway coast, for example."</p> + + <p>"Why not the Lewis?" said Sheila, her heart turning to + the North as naturally as the needle.</p> + + <p>"Or the Lewis. And I should like you and him to live away + from hotels and luxuries, and all such things; and he would work all + day, and you would do the cooking in some small cottage you could + rent, you know."</p> + + <p>"You make me so happy in thinking of that," she said, + with her eyes growing wet again.</p> + + <p>"And why should he not do so? There is nothing romantic or + idyllic about it, but a good, wholesome, plain sort of life, that is + likely to make an honest painter of him, and bring both of you some + well-earned money. And you might have a boat like this."</p> + + <p>"We are drifting too far in," said Sheila, suddenly + rising. "Shall we go back now?"</p> + + <p>"By all means," he said; and so the small boat was put + under canvas again, and was soon making way through the breezy + water.</p> + + <p>"Well, all this seems simple enough, doesn't it?" + said Ingram.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the girl, with her face full of hope.</p> + + <p>"And then, of course, when you are quite comfortable + together, and making heaps of money, you can turn round and abuse me, + and say I made all the mischief to begin with."</p> + + <p>"Did we do so before when you were very kind to us?" she + said in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but that was different. To interfere on behalf of two + young folks who are in love with each other is dangerous, but to + interfere between two people who are married—that is a certain + quarrel. I wonder what you will say when you are scolding me, Sheila, + and bidding me get out of the house? I have never heard you scold. Is + it Gaelic or English you prefer?"</p> + + <p>"I prefer whichever can say the nicest things to my very good + friends, and tell them how grateful I am for their kindness to + me."</p> + + <p>"Ah, well, we'll see."</p> + + <p>When they got back to shore it was half-past one.</p> + + <p>"You will come and have some luncheon with us?" said + Sheila when they had gone up the steps and into the King's + road.</p> + + <p>"Will that lady be there?"</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Lorraine? Yes."</p> + + <p>"Then I'll come some other time."</p> + + <p>"But why not now?" said Sheila. "It is not + necessary that you will see us only to speak about those things we + have been talking over?"</p> + + <p>"Oh no, not at all. If you and Mr. <span class="pagenum">[pg + 292]</span> Lavender were by yourselves, I should come at + once."</p> + + <p>"And are you afraid of Mrs. Lorraine?" said Sheila with + a smile. "She is a very nice lady, indeed: you have no cause to + dislike her."</p> + + <p>"But I don't want to meet her, Sheila, that is all," + he said; and she knew well, by the precision of his manner, that + there was no use trying to persuade him further.</p> + + <p>He walked along to the hotel with her, meeting a considerable + stream of fashionably-dressed folks on the way; and neither he nor + she seemed to remember that his costume—a blue pilot-jacket, + not a little worn and soiled with the salt water, and a beaver hat + that had seen a good deal of rough weather in the Highlands—was + a good deal more comfortable than elegant. He said to her, as he left + her at the hotel, "Would you mind telling Lavender I shall drop + in at half-past three, and that I expect to see him in the + coffee-room? I sha'n't keep him five minutes."</p> + + <p>She looked at him for a moment, and he saw that she knew what this + appointment meant, for her eyes were full of gladness and gratitude. + He went away pleased at heart that she put so much trust in him. And + in this case he should be able to reward that confidence, for + Lavender was really a good sort of fellow, and would at once be sorry + for the wrong he had unintentionally done, and be only too anxious to + set it right. He ought to leave Brighton at once, and London too. He + ought to go away into the country or by the seaside, and begin + working hard, to earn money and self-respect at the same time; and + then, in this friendly solitude, he would get to know something about + Sheila's character, and begin to perceive how much more valuable + were these genuine qualities of heart and mind than any social graces + such as might lighten up a dull drawing-room. Had Lavender yet learnt + to know the worth of an honest woman's perfect love and + unquestioning devotion? Let these things be put before him, and he + would go and do the right thing, as he had many a time done before, + in obedience to the lecturing of his friend.</p> + + <p>Ingram called at half-past three, and went into the coffee-room. + There was no one in the long, large room, and he sat down at one of + the small tables by the windows, from which a bit of lawn, the + King's road and the sea beyond were visible. He had scarcely + taken his seat when Lavender came in.</p> + + <p>"Hallo, Ingram! how are you?" he said in his freest and + friendliest way. "Won't you come up stairs? Have you had + lunch? Why did you go to the Ship?"</p> + + <p>"I always go to the Ship," he said. "No, thank you, + I won't go up stairs."</p> + + <p>"You are a most unsociable sort of brute?" said Lavender + frankly. "Will you take a glass of sherry?"</p> + + <p>"No, thank you."</p> + + <p>"Will you have a game of billiards?"</p> + + <p>"No, thank you. You don't mean to say you would play + billiards on such a day as this?"</p> + + <p>"It <i>is</i> a fine day, isn't it?" said Lavender, + turning carelessly to look at the sunlit road and the blue sea. + "By the way, Sheila tells me you and she were out sailing this + morning. It must have been very pleasant, especially for her, for she + is mad about such things. What a curious girl she is, to be sure! + Don't you think so?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know what you mean by curious," said Ingram + coldly.</p> + + <p>"Well, you know, strange—odd—unlike other people + in her ways and her fancies. Did I tell you about my aunt taking her + to see some friends of hers at Norwood? No? Well, Sheila had got out + of the house somehow (I suppose their talking did not interest her), + and when they went in search of her they found her in the cemetery + crying like a child."</p> + + <p>"What about?"</p> + + <p>"Why," said Lavender with a smile, "merely because + so many people had died. She had never seen anything like that + before: you know the small church-yards up in Lewis, with their + inscriptions in Norwegian and Danish and German. I suppose the first + sight of all the white stones at Norwood was too much for + her."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 293]</span> + + <p>"Well, I don't see much of a joke in that," said + Ingram.</p> + + <p>"Who said there was any joke in it?" cried Lavender + impatiently. "I never knew such a cantankerous fellow as you + are. You are always fancying I am finding fault with Sheila; and I + never do anything of the kind. She is a very good girl indeed. I have + every reason to be satisfied with the way our marriage has turned + out."</p> + + <p>"<i>Has she</i>?"</p> + + <p>The words were not important, but there was something in the tone + in which they were spoken that suddenly checked Frank Lavender's + careless flow of speech. He looked at Ingram for a moment with some + surprise, and then he said, "What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I will tell you what I mean," said Ingram slowly. + "It is an awkward thing for a man to interfere between husband + and wife, I am aware—he gets something else than thanks for his + pains ordinarily—but sometimes it has to be done, thanks or + kicks. Now, you know, Lavender, I had a good deal to do with helping + forward your marriage in the North; and I don't remind you of + that to claim anything in the way of consideration, but to explain + why I think I am called on to speak to you now."</p> + + <p>Lavender was at once a little frightened and a little irritated. + He half guessed what might be coming from the slow and precise manner + in which Ingram talked. That form of speech had vexed him many a time + before, for he would rather have had any amount of wild contention + and bandying about of reproaches than the calm, unimpassioned and + sententious setting forth of his shortcomings to which this sallow + little man was perhaps too much addicted.</p> + + <p>"I suppose Sheila has been complaining to you, then?" + said Lavender hotly.</p> + + <p>"You may suppose what absurdities you like," said Ingram + quietly; "but it would be a good deal better if you would listen + to me patiently, and deal in a common-sense fashion with what I have + got to say. It is nothing very desperate. Nothing has happened that + is not of easy remedy, while the remedy would leave you and her in a + much better position, both as regards your own estimation of + yourselves and the opinion of your friends."</p> + + <p>"You are a little roundabout, Ingram," said Lavender, + "and ornate. But I suppose all lectures begin so. Go + on."</p> + + <p>Ingram laughed: "If I am too formal, it is because I + don't want to make mischief by any exaggeration. Look here! A + long time before you were married I warned you that Sheila had very + keen and sensitive notions about the duties that people ought to + perform, about the dignity of labor, about the proper occupations of + a man, and so forth. These notions you may regard as romantic and + absurd, if you like, but you might as well try to change the color of + her eyes as attempt to alter any of her beliefs in that + direction."</p> + + <p>"And she thinks that I am idle and indolent because I + don't care what a washerwoman pays for her candles?" said + Lavender with impetuous contempt. "Well, be it so. She is + welcome to her opinion. But if she is grieved at heart because I + can't make hobnailed boots, it seems to me that she might as well + come and complain to myself, instead of going and detailing her + wrongs to a third person, and calling for his sympathy in the + character of an injured wife."</p> + + <p>For an instant the dark eyes of the man opposite him blazed with a + quick fire, for a sneer at Sheila was worse than an insult to + himself; but he kept quite calm, and said, "That, unfortunately, + is not what is troubling her."</p> + + <p>Lavender rose abruptly, took a turn up and down the empty room, + and said, "If there is anything the matter, I prefer to hear it + from herself. It is not respectful to me that she should call in a + third person to humor her whims and fancies."</p> + + <p>"Whims and fancies!" said Ingram, with that dark light + returning to his eyes. "Do you know what you are talking about? + Do you know that, while you are living on the charity of a woman you + despise, and dawdling about the skirts of a woman who laughs at you, + you are breaking the heart of a girl who has not her equal in + England? Whims <span class="pagenum">[pg 294]</span> and fancies! + Good God, I wonder how she ever could have—"</p> + + <p>He stopped, but the mischief was done. These were not prudent + words to come from a man who wished to step in as a mediator between + husband and wife; but Ingram's blaze of wrath, kindled by what he + considered the insufferable insolence of Lavender in thus speaking of + Sheila, had swept all notions of prudence before it. Lavender, + indeed, was much cooler than he was, and said, with an affectation of + carelessness, "I am sorry you should vex yourself so much about + Sheila. One would think you had had the ambition yourself, at some + time or other, to play the part of husband to her; and doubtless then + you would have made sure that all her idle fancies were gratified. As + it is, I was about to relieve you from the trouble of further + explanation by saying that I am quite competent to manage my own + affairs, and that if Sheila has any complaint to make she must make + it to me."</p> + + <p>Ingram rose, and was silent for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Lavender," he said, "it does not matter much + whether you and I quarrel—I was prepared for that, in any + case—but I ask you to give Sheila a chance of telling you what + I had intended to tell you."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, I shall do nothing of the sort. I never invite + confidences. When she wishes to tell me anything she knows I am ready + to listen. But I am quite satisfied with the position of affairs as + they are at present."</p> + + <p>"God help you, then!" said his friend, and went away, + scarcely daring to confess to himself how dark the future looked.</p> + + <p class="center">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p><a name="english" id= + "english"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>ENGLISH COURT FESTIVITIES</h2> + + <p>Americans have an impression that the English think it a + considerable distinction to be presented at court. But the ceremony + of presentation has entirely ceased to have any social significance + in England. Any young gentleman who imagines that the door of English + society will be thrown open to him on the publication of his + appearance at a drawing-room had better save the expense of a dress + and carriage and stay at home. If a lady be ambitious of a social + success, the money which a robe will cost might be expended to equal + advantage anywhere else in London. However, a lady's dress may be + worn again, and men may hire a court-suit for the day at a very small + cost. Your tailor, if you get a good deal of him, will patch you up + something tolerable for very little; so that sartorial expenses are + comparatively light. One can get for the afternoon a two-horse + brougham, with a coachman and footman, for a sum less than ten + dollars. Still, going to court costs something, and its only possible + advantage is that the spectacle is a fine and an interesting one. One + has therefore to consider whether the sight is worth the fee.</p> + + <p>A presentation at court is of quite as little advantage to an + Englishman as to a foreigner coming to England. Almost anybody can be + presented, and of those who are precluded from presentation, a great + many occupy higher positions than many of those who have the + privilege of going to court. Any graduate of a university, any + clergyman, any officer in the army, is entitled to go. A merchant, an + attorney, even a barrister, cannot; and yet in England a barrister, + or, for that matter, a successful merchant, is apt to be a person of + more consequence than a curate or a poor <span class="pagenum">[pg + 295]</span> soldier. The court has scarcely any social significance + in England. I once asked a young barrister if presentation would help + him in the least in making his way in society. He said, "Not a + bit."</p> + + <p>In England the position of everybody is so well fixed that people + cannot well change it by wishing it to be changed. Thus, for a poor + East London curate to go to court would simply make him ridiculous. + The parsons in the West End do present themselves, but there is no + part of the British empire where clergymen are of such slight + consequence as in the West End of London. The clergymen, as they file + in along with the gayly-accoutred young guards-men, have a meek and + gentle air which makes one feel that they had better have stayed + away. They do not look half defiant enough. No person who is not + already in such a position as to need no pushing could becomingly + make his appearance at court. I remember in Shropshire to have heard + a family who went down to London to be presented made the target for + the ridicule of the whole neighborhood.</p> + + <p>On a visit to London some years ago the writer was presented in + the diplomatic circle, went to several of the drawing-rooms and + levees at Buckingham and St. James's Palaces, and was invited to + the court balls and concerts. Invitations to the court festivities + are given only to those persons presented in the diplomatic circle. + It must be understood that there is at every court in Europe a select + and elegant and exclusive entrance, by which the diplomatists come + in. Along with them enter also the ministers of state and the + household officers of the Crown. The general circle, as it is called, + includes everybody else. Another entrance and staircase are provided + for it, and in that way all of British society, from a duke to a + half-pay captain, gains admittance to the sovereign. When one is in + the inside of Buckingham or St. James's Palace the same + distinction exists. The room in which the members of the royal family + receive the public is occupied during the entire ceremony by the + diplomatic circle. Other persons, after bowing to the queen, pass + into an antechamber.</p> + + <p>Though I say it is of but small social advantage to an Englishman + to be presented, yet undoubtedly the greatest people in the empire + attend court, and are to be seen at the ceremonials and festivities + at Buckingham and St. James's Palaces. At present the queen holds + drawing-rooms and levees at Buckingham Palace, and the prince of + Wales at St. James's Palace. The latter are attended only by + gentlemen, and, though not so grand as the queen's, are + pleasanter. Trousers are allowed, instead of the knee-breeches and + stockings which must be worn at all court ceremonials where there are + ladies. At two o'clock—for the prince is very + punctual—the doors of the reception-room are thrown open, and + the diplomatists begin to file in. First come the ambassadors. It + must be remembered that there is a wide difference between an + ambassador and an envoy or minister plenipotentiary. The original + difference was that the ambassador was supposed, by a sort of + transubstantiation, to represent the person of his sovereign. He had + a right at any time to demand an audience with the king. An envoy + must see the foreign secretary. This, of course, has ceased to have + any practical significance in countries which have constitutions; and + no doubt a minister can at any time demand an interview of the + sovereign. It is still true, however, that an ambassador is + accredited to the king, while an envoy is accredited to the foreign + secretary. Practically, the difference is that an ambassador + represents a bigger country, has better pay, lives in a finer house, + and gives more parties and grander dinners. An ambassador has + precedence of everybody in the country in which he resides, except + the royal family.</p> + + <p>There are five countries which send ambassadors to + England—Russia, France, Germany, Austria and Turkey. These + ambassadors enter the reception-room at the prince's levee in the + order of seniority of residence. The Turkish <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 296]</span> ambassador, Musurus, who had been twenty + years in London, came first on the occasions I speak of, the others + following, I forget in what order. They were all persons of + distinguished appearance. One, in particular, was singularly wise and + dignified-looking, with an aspect which was either bland or severe, + one could scarcely say which. Another resembled strikingly the + typical diplomatist of romance, having a manner suave and infinitely + deferential, but oh! so under-handed and insidious and diabolical! + The duc de Broglie was the French ambassador in London at the time of + my visit, and of all the corps his person and countenance possessed + much the most distinction. His was a distinction of spirit and + intellect: the distinction of the other continental + "swells" was usually one of stomach and whiskers.</p> + + <p>Behind each ambassador march the secretaries of the embassy. After + the ambassadors come the ministers. The whole diplomatic corps moves + from an anteroom into an apartment in which the prince of Wales + awaits them. The prince and several of his brothers, his cousins, the + duke of Cambridge and the prince of Teck, stand up in a row like an + old-fashioned spelling class. Next to the prince, on his right, + stands Viscount Sidney, the lord chamberlain, who calls off each + detachment as it approaches—"Austrian ambassador," + "the Spanish minister," "the United States + minister," etc. The prince shakes hands with the head of the + embassy or mission, and bows to the secretaries. When the + diplomatists, cabinet ministers and household officers have all made + their bow, it is the turn of British society. The diplomatic circle, + and such as have the <i>entree</i> to it, remain in the room: the + Englishmen pass out. The lord chamberlain in a loud voice calls off + the name of each person as he appears, so that each comer is, as it + were, labeled and ticketed. The observer learns quite as much as if + the lord chamberlain was the verger and was showing off his + collection.</p> + + <p>One may often guess the rank or importance of the courtier by the + manner of his reception. If he shakes hands with the prince, you may + know he is somebody—if he shakes hands with all five or six of + the princes, you may know he is a very great person. But if he gives + the princes a wide berth, bows hastily and glances furtively at them, + and runs by skittishly, then you may know that he is some half-pay + colonel or insignificant civil servant. Something, too, may be + inferred from the length of time the lord chamberlain takes to + decipher the name of the comer on the slip of paper which is handed + him. If he scans it long and hard, and holds it a good way from him + and says "Major Te—e—e—bosh—bow," + then in a loud voice, "Major Tebow," you will be safe in + thinking that Major Tebow is not one of the greatest of warriors or + largest of landed proprietors.</p> + + <p>The ceremony lasts an hour and a half or two hours, and during the + whole of it the talk and hand-shaking among the diplomatists go on + very pleasantly. There is a great deal of <i>esprit de corps</i> + among them, and perfect equality. Attachés, secretaries and ministers + walk about through the room and exchange greetings. The ambassadors + are rather statelier: these do not mix themselves with the crowd of + diplomatists, but stand up apart, all five in a row, leaning against + the wall, chatting easily, looking quite like another row of princes, + a sort of after-glow of the royalties.</p> + + <p>At all other court entertainments ladies are present. Of course + there are a great many very pretty ones, and their brilliant toilets + increase the magnificence of the spectacle. The queen's levees + are very much longer than those of the prince of Wales. Then, at all + ceremonials where there are ladies, men are compelled to wear, as I + have said, silk stockings and knee-breeches, slippers and + shoe-buckles. One can support this costume in tolerable comfort in a + warm room, but in getting from the carriage to the door it is often + like walking knee-deep in a tub of cold water. A cold hall or a + draught from an open door will give very unpleasant sensations. In + many of the large rooms of the palaces <span class="pagenum">[pg + 297]</span> huge fireplaces, with great logs of wood, roar behind + tall brass fenders. Once in front of one of these, the courtier who + isn't a Scotchman feels as if he would never care to go away. + Fortunately, most of these ceremonials are in summer, but the first + of them come in February, and London is often cool well up into + June.</p> + + <p>The ceremony of a presentation to the queen is quite the same as + that at a prince of Wales's levee. The spelling-class of royal + ladies stand up in a rigid row. On the queen's right is the lord + chamberlain, who reads off the names. Next to the queen, on her left, + is Alexandra, then the queen's daughters and the Princess Mary of + Cambridge. Next to them stand the princes, and the whole is a phalanx + which stretches entirely across the room. Behind this line, drawn up + in battle array, stand three or four ranks of court ladies.</p> + + <p>The act of presentation is very easy and simple. + Formerly—indeed, until within a few years—it must have + been a very perilous and important feat. The courtier (the term is + used inaccurately, but there is no noun to describe a person who goes + to court for a single time) was compelled to walk up a long room, and + to back, bowing, out of the queen's presence. For ladies who had + trails to manage the ordeal must have been a trying one. Now it has + been made quite easy. There is but one point in which a presentation + to the queen differs from that already described at the prince of + Wales's levee. You may turn your back to the prince, but after + bowing to the queen you step off into the crowd, still facing her. + There (if you have had the good luck to be presented in the + diplomatic circle) you may stand and watch a most interesting + pageant. To the young royalties, perhaps, it is not very amusing, + though they evidently have their little joke afterward over anything + unusual that occurs. It is natural enough that they should, of + course, and the fatigue which they sustain entitles them to all the + amusement they can get out of what must be to them a very monotonous + and familiar spectacle. There is plenty in it to occupy and interest + the man who sees it for the first or second time. You do not have to + ask "Who is this?" and "Who is that?" The lord + chamberlain announces each person as he or she appears. You hear the + most heroic and romantic names in English history as some + insignificant boy or wizened old woman appears to represent them. + They are not all, by any means, insignificant boys and wizened old + women. Many of the ladies are handsome enough to be well worth + looking at, whether their names be Percy or Stanhope or Brown or + Smith. The young slips of girls who come to be presented for the + first time, frightened and pale or flushed, one admires and feels a + sense of instinctive loyalty to.</p> + + <p>The name of each is called out loudly by the lord chamberlain: + "The duchess of Fincastle," "The countess of + Dorchester," "Lady Arabella Darling on her marriage," + etc. The ladies bow very low, and those to whom the queen gives her + hand to kiss nearly or quite touch their knee to the carpet. No act + of homage to the queen ever seems exaggerated, her behavior being so + modest and the sympathy with her so wide and sincere; but ladies very + nearly kneel in shaking hands with any member of the royal family, + not only at court, but elsewhere. It is not so strange-looking, the + kneeling to a royal lady, but to see a stately mother or some soft + maiden rendering such an act of homage to a chit of a boy or a gross + young gentleman impresses one unpleasantly. The curtsy of a lady to a + prince or princess is something between kneeling and that queer + genuflection one meets in the English agricultural districts: the + props of the boys and girls seem momentarily to be knocked away, and + they suddenly catch themselves in descending. It astonished me, I + remember, at a court party, to see one patrician young + woman—"divinely tall" I should describe her if her + decided chin and the evidently Roman turn of her nose and of her + character had not put divinity out of the question—shake hands + with a not very imposing young prince, and bend <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 298]</span> her regal knees into this curious and + sudden little cramp. I saw her, this adventurous maid, some days + afterward in a hansom cab (shade of her grandmother, think of it!), + directing with her imperious parasol the cabby to this and that shop. + It struck me she should have been a Roman damsel, and have driven a + chariot with three steeds abreast.</p> + + <p>The levees and the drawing-rooms may be called the court + ceremonials. There are besides the court festivities, the balls and + concerts at Buckingham Palace. There are four or five of these given + in a season—two balls and two concerts. The balls are the + larger and less select, but much the more amusing. The ball-room of + the palace is a large rectangular apartment. At one end is the + orchestra—at the other a raised dais on which the royalties + sit. On each side, running the length of the hall, are three tiers of + benches, which are for ladies and such gentlemen as can get a seat. + The tiers on the left of the dais are for diplomatists. English + society has the tiers upon the other side. By ten the ball-room is + usually filled with people waiting for the appearance of the + royalties. The band strikes up, and the line of princes and + princesses advances down the long hall leading to the ball-room. The + queen and Prince Albert used formerly to preside at these balls. The + queen does not come now: the prince and princess of Wales take her + place.</p> + + <p>First enters a line of gentlemen bearing long sticks. Behind them + come the princesses, bowing on each hand. The princess of Wales + advances first, with a naïve, faltering, hesitating step, a strange + and quite delicious blending of timidity and child-like confidence in + her manner. Then come, walking by twos, some daughters of the queen. + Then approaches the princess of Teck (Mary of Cambridge), a large and + very jolly-looking person, with vast good-nature and a profuse smile, + which she seems to throw all over everybody. A German duchess or two + follow her. The curtsies of these German princesses are indeed quite + wonderful. After entering the hall one of them will espy (such, I + suppose, is the fiction) some persons to whom she wishes to bow, and + she then proceeds to execute a performance of some minutes' + duration. Before curtsying, she stops and seems to "shy," + and looks at the ladies as a frightened horse examines intently the + object which alarms him: she then sinks slowly backward almost to the + ground, and recovers herself with the same slowness. It would seem + that such a genuflection must be, of necessity, ridiculous. But it is + not so in the least: it is quite successful, and rather pleasing. + After the ladies come the prince of Wales and his suite. The + royalties then all go upon the stage, and after music the ball + begins.</p> + + <p>There are two sets of dancers. The princes and princesses open the + ball with the diplomatists and some of the highest nobility on the + space just in front of the dais. The rest of the hall is occupied by + the other dancers, who later in the evening find their way into the + diplomatic set. The dancing in the quadrilles and Lancers is of a + rather stately and ceremonious sort. In waltz or galop the English + always dance the same step, the <i>deux temps</i>, and the aim of the + dancing couple is to go as much like a spinning-top as possible. They + make occasional efforts to introduce puzzling novelties like the + <i>trois temps</i>, the Boston dip, etc., but, I am glad to say, + without any success. The result is, that once having learned to dance + in England, you are safe.</p> + + <p>The great hall during the waltz is a brilliant spectacle. There + are many beautiful women, the toilets are dazzling, and all the men + are "flaming in purple and gold." There is every variety of + magnificent dress. Officers of a Russian body-guard are gold from + head to foot. Hungarians wear purple and fur-trimmed robes of dark + crimson of the utmost splendor. The young men of the Guards' + clubs in gold and scarlet coats, and in spurred boots which reach + above their knees, clank through the halls. Scotch lords sit about, + and exhibit legs of which they are justly proud. Here, with swinging + gait, wanders the queen's piper, a sort of <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 299]</span> poet-laureate of the bagpipes, arrayed in + plaid and carrying upon his arm the soft, enchanting instrument to + the music of which, no doubt, the queen herself dances. The music of + the orchestra is perfect, and he must be a dull man who does not feel + the festivity, the buoyancy and the elation of the scene.</p> + + <p>Besides the ball-room, many handsome apartments are thrown open, + through which people promenade; and if you will but push aside the + curtains there are balconies where one can look down, by moonlight, + on the lakes and fountains of the gardens, "the watery ways of + palaces." I do not think the balconies are much occupied: they + are a trifle too romantic for British mammas. But there is plenty of + flirting in the halls and alcoves. One room I remember very + pleasantly, the refreshment-room, which was kept open during the + evening till supper-time. There one could get sandwiches, cold + coffee, champagne, sherry, etc., without having to hurry or be greedy + in the least. I can't say so much for the supper, though by + waiting a little one could always get something. The princes went + first, then the diplomatists, and then everybody else. The jostling + was such that when young ladies asked for a plate of soup you wished + they had wanted ham and chicken. A young American, I think, would + very much dislike to go up to a table and eat a solitary supper with + ladies looking on, and young and pretty ones, too. But I have seen a + young guardsman, with an enormous helmet and boots as big as himself, + stand up at the table and "solitary and alone" work his + jaws with such effect as to shake and set trembling the whole of his + paraphernalia. Behind him pressed other hungry courtiers, whom his + gigantic helmet shut out from even the possibility of supper, and who + revenged themselves by sarcastic congratulations aside upon the + length and heartiness of his meal.</p> + + <p>"Concert" is an expression which to a hungry man has a + strong suggestion of tea and maccaroons. But a court concert gives + you such a supper as only a night's dancing is ordinarily + supposed to entitle you to. The concerts are given in the ball-room + of the palace, and are much more select than the balls. The royalties + occupy very slight gilt chairs placed just before the orchestra. + There they sit with grace and an appearance of comfort through the + whole of it, while happier and humbler mortals may walk about and + whisper, or seek the refreshment-room, or look at the pictures. They + have very good music, the best singers are provided, and some pretty + familiar songs, like "Home, sweet home," are sung.</p> + + <p>Before the royalties lead the way to supper they step forward to + the bar which divides the orchestra from the audience and say a few + civil things to each of the prominent artists, who in their turn bow + and look very much delighted. I wonder that singers who are almost + queens when they come to American cities, who have here any amount of + praise and attention entirely free from patronage, and who even in + European capitals may have excellent society, should be willing to + put themselves in such a position. While the social status of musical + artists has not been raised relatively in the last quarter of a + century, and while that of the theatrical profession has been indeed, + in London at least, relatively lowered, reason is gradually curing + the old societies of Europe of many of their savage and silly + notions. The cord stretched between the guests and the performers + used to be a feature of musical entertainments at private houses. + Grisi went once to sing at a concert given by the duke of Wellington + at his country-seat. The old man asked her when she would dine. + "Oh, when you do," she said. He saw her mistake and did not + correct it; so it happened that she dined at the same table with the + guests, and the incident, it is said, excited considerable horror + among people of the old sort. Think how barbarous, how savage, how + utterly uncivilized, is such an instinct! Women, of course, persecute + each other, but it seems inconceivable that a man and a gentleman + could have entertained such a sentiment.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 300]</span> + + <p>Of course, a supper at a concert is just the same as at a ball, + only there are fewer people and more leisure. The prince of Wales, + and to a less degree the other royalties, move among the throng and + make a point of speaking to any one to whom they wish to be civil. + "The Prince," as he is commonly called, takes advantage of + the suppers at balls and parties to make himself agreeable. The rule + is, let me remind the reader, to wait until the prince addresses you + before speaking, and to wait also for him, when in conversation, to + turn away: it would be considered very rude to terminate the + interview yourself. A subject in talking with the prince is always + expected to call him "Sir." The queen is addressed as + "Ma'am." It is not understood in this country that to + call a man "sir" is a confession of your inferiority to + him. But it is so in England, and the fact illustrates the strong + hold these absurd and uncomfortable egotisms have upon the British + mind. No gentleman in England says "sir" to another, unless + it be a very young person to an old one. [A] A subordinate in an + office might "sir" a superior, but he would not + "sir" a man of the same rank as his superior with whom he + had no connection. "Sir" is the term applied by any + Englishman of whatever rank to a member of the royal family. Our + committees, when princes visit America, usually address them in notes + as "Your Royal Highness." But "Your Royal + Highness" is not a vocative: it can be used only in the third + person. However, the princes are then in America, and perhaps we are + under no obligation to know everything of their ways at home. Should + the reader ever meet a prince in that prince's country, I should + advise him to do just as other people do there. He will probably + question, and not unreasonably, if he should accept the implied + inferiority; but the best of all principles for extempore action is + to do what seems the usual thing, unless we have previously decided + from mature consideration to do the unusual thing. It is not the + prince's fault that he is a prince: he means to be civil to you, + and you can do no good by making him and yourself uncomfortable. + Indeed, a truculent person does not succeed in asserting his + equality. The prince has been so long in that kind of life that he + probably has thought through the mistake under which the republican + stranger is laboring, and considers him a goose. Moreover, an + American may reflect that he will probably have very little in life + to do with princes, and that his interview with a prince has been an + "experience." It would be about as foolish to assert + one's dignity with the Mammoth Cave or the Matterhorn.<a id= + "footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a> <a href= + "#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + <p>Besides these balls and concerts there are yet the queen's and + prince of Wales's breakfasts or garden-parties, which come off + about 3 P.M. These are the most exclusive and unattainable of all the + court entertainments. There are two or three of these in a season, + and out of all London society only a couple of hundred are invited. + There are certain persons who are always invited, and others who are + eligible and are invited occasionally. A large part of the diplomatic + corps are always present. Each ambassador or minister, with one or + two secretaries of legation, is invariably among the guests; but a + queen's breakfast is the highest point which a secretary of + legation can touch. No secretary ever dines with the queen: the + minister himself only goes once a year, and he "not without + shedding of blood."</p> + + <p>The dress worn by gentlemen at these breakfasts is a curious one, + and anything but pretty: it consists of a dress-coat and light + trousers. The dress which our diplomatic representatives are now + compelled to wear at the other court ceremonies and festivities needs + a word of mention. Our people in America are somewhat conceited, + somewhat prone to be confident, upon questions of which they know + very little. Congress, at a <span class="pagenum">[pg 301]</span> + distance of many thousand miles from courts, thought itself competent + to decide what sort of court dress an American diplomatist should + wear. An able though crotchety man brought forward a measure, and, + once proposed, it was certain to go through, because to oppose its + passage would have been to be aristocratic and un-American. Mr. + Sumner's bill required Americans to go in the "ordinary + dress of an American citizen." There was no attempt to indicate + what that should be. Up to that time our diplomatists had worn the + uniform used by the non-military diplomatists of other countries. + This consists of a blue coat with more or less gold upon it, white + breeches, silk stockings, sword and chapeau.</p> + + <p>An attempt or two had been made before by the State Department to + interfere with the trappings of its servants abroad. Marcy issued a + circular requesting American diplomatists to go to court without + uniform. This afforded James Buchanan an opportunity of making one of + the best speeches attributed to him. The circular of Mr. Marcy threw + consternation into the breasts of certain ancient functionaries of + the European courts, for shortly after its appearance the lord high + fiddlestick in waiting called upon Mr. Buchanan, who was then the + United States minister in London, and said that a certain very + distinguished person had heard of the recent wish which the American + government had expressed with regard to the costume of its agents, + and that while she would be happy to see Mr. Buchanan in any dress in + which he might choose to present himself, she yet hoped he would so + far consult her wishes as to consent to carry a sword. "Tell + that very distinguished personage," said Mr. Buchanan, + "that not only will I wear a sword, as she requests, but, should + occasion require it, will hold myself ready to draw it in her + defence." This strikes me as in just that tone of respectful + exaggeration and playful acquiescence which a gentleman in this + country may very becomingly take toward the whole question. Neither + Mr. Buchanan nor any one else, I believe, heeded the request of the + Department, and Mr. Marcy himself, it is said, subsequently + repudiated it.</p> + + <p>But what was only a request of the State Department in Mr. + Marcy's time is now a law. I had good opportunities to observe + how very uncomfortable our poor diplomatists were made by this piece + of legislation. Its object was, of course, to give them a very + unpretending and subdued appearance. The result is, that with the + exception of Bengalese nabobs, the son of the mikado of Japan, and + the khan of Khiva, the American legations are the most noticeable + people at any court ceremony or festivity in Europe. When everybody + else is flaming in purple and gold the ordinary diplomatic uniform is + exceedingly simple and modest; but the Yankee diplomats are the most + scrutinized and conspicuous persons to be seen. One of the + secretaries said to me: "I am afraid to wander off by myself + among these ladies: they inspect me as the maids of honor in the + palace of Brobdingnag did Gulliver. I feel toward Columbia as a cruel + mother who won't dress me like these other little boys." It + would require more than ordinary courage to attempt to dance in this + rig. I should think that our representatives would huddle together in + the most unconspicuous portion of a room, and never leave it. Said + the secretary above quoted: "I always feel here that I am of + some use to my chief: I am one more pair of legs with which to divide + the gaze of British society."</p> + + <p>The dress in which our diplomats attend court at present is a + plain dress-coat and vest, with knee-breeches, black silk stockings, + slippers, etc. It is difficult to see in what sense this is the + "ordinary dress of an American citizen." The dress is not + so ugly as it would seem to be; indeed, with the help of a white vest + and liberal watch-chain, it might be made quite becoming were it not + so excessively conspicuous. An English cabinet minister at a party + given in his own house usually wears it, and all persons invited to + the Empress Eugenie's private parties came got up in <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 302]</span> that manner. But in London it was not till + recently that American diplomatists were allowed to go to court even + thus attired. Everywhere else in Europe the legations were admitted + in evening dress, the concession of knee-breeches not having been + required. But at Buckingham Palace there are two or three very old + men who were courtiers when Queen Victoria was a baby, and who still + control the court etiquette. These aged functionaries, who can very + well remember Waterloo, and whose fathers remembered the American + Revolution, put down their foot, and would admit no Americans without + the proper garments. The consequence was, that our legation was + compelled to stay at home. This state of things continued until + Reverdy Johnson came out, who arranged what was called "the + Breeches Protocol." Owing to the unreasonable state of the + public mind during his term of office, this was the only measure + which that good and able man succeeded in accomplishing. The + compromise which Mr. Johnson's good-humor and the friendly + impulse of the British public toward us at that time wrung from these + ancient chamberlains and gold-sticks (for you may say what you will, + public opinion is irresistible), was to allow the minister and the + two secretaries of legation to appear in the breeches above + described. Americans who are presented at court, and who get + invitations to the festivities, are all required to wear a court + dress. Of what good compelling the poor diplomatists to make + scarecrows of themselves may be I do not know. Mr. Sumner's + proposition was just one of those absurdities to which men are liable + who have considerable conscience and no sense of humor. Senators and + Congressmen fell in with it because they feared to be un-American, + and because it is not their wont to be very dignified or (in matters + of this sort) very scrupulous.</p> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> <a href= + "#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <p>[The rule, more correctly stated, is, that "sir" is + never used except to indicate a difference of age or position so + great as to forbid familiarity or to be incompatible with social + equality. It may be employed by the elder in addressing the + younger, and by the superior in addressing the inferior, as well as + <i>vice versa</i>. Hence the saying, in English society, that only + princes and servants are spoken to as "sir."]</p> + </blockquote> + + <h2><a name="rambles" id="rambles"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> RAMBLES + AMONG THE FRUITS AND FLOWERS OF THE TROPICS.</h2><a name= + "ramblesconclud" id="ramblesconclud"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CONCLUDING PAPER.</h3> + + <p>An Arab vessel from Bombay, touching at Singapore on her way to + Bangkok, afforded us an opportunity we had been longing for to visit + the most splendid of Oriental cities.</p> + + <p>Dining at the house of the Malayan rajah, we chanced to meet the + <i>nárcodah</i> (supercargo), who was also the owner, of the Futtel + Barrie. He was a handsome, courtly, and intelligent Arab, glad always + to mingle with Europeans; and in response to our inquiry whether he + had room for passengers, he proffered us a free ticket to and from + Bangkok, with the use of his own cabin. We must be on board the next + day at noon, he said, and it was already verging toward sunset; so we + had small time for preparation. But with the migratory habits of + Oriental tourists it was easy to throw together a few indispensables; + and we were set down on the Barrie's quarterdeck, portmanteaus, + sketch-books, specimen-baskets and all, before the anchor was + weighed.</p> + + <p>The monsoon was favorable, and seven days' sail brought us to + the river's mouth, and a pull thence of thirty miles in the + nárcodah's boat to the "city of kings."</p> + + <p>Siam is verily the queen of the tropics in regard to the + abundance, variety and unequaled lusciousness of her fruits. Here are + found those of China, greatly enriched in tint and flavor by being + transplanted to this warmer climate; and those of Western Asia, in + this fruitful soil far more productive than in the <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 303]</span> sterile regions of Persia and Arabia; while + numberless varieties from the Malayan and Indian archipelagoes, + united with the host of those indigenous to the country, complete a + list of some two hundred or more species of edible fruits. In this + clime of perennial freshness trees bear nearly the year round, and so + productive is the soil that the annual produce is almost incredible. + The tax on orchards alone yields to the Crown a revenue of some five + millions of dollars per annum, as I was informed by the late + "second king" of Siam. It is not unusual to find on a + single branch the bud and blossom, together with fruit in several + different stages. Thus, at the merest trifle of expense a table may + be supplied during the entire year with forty or fifty specimens of + fresh, ripe fruit. Among these are many varieties of oranges and + pineapples, pumeloes, shaddocks, pawpaws, guavas, bananas, plantains, + durians, jack-fruit, melons, grapes, mangoes, cocoa-nuts, + pomegranates, soursaps, linchies, custard-apples, breadfruit, + cassew-nuts, plums, tamarinds, mangosteens, rambustans, and scores of + others for which we have no names in our language. Tropical fruits + are generally juicy, sweet with a slight admixture of acid, luscious, + and peculiarly agreeable in a warm climate; and when partaken of with + temperance and due regard to quality they are highly promotive of + health. For this reason Booddhists regard the destruction of a fruit + tree as quite an act of sacrilege, and their sacred books pronounce a + heavy malediction on those who wantonly commit so great a crime. One + who has tasted the fruits of the tropics only at a distance from the + soil that produces them can form no conception of the real flavor of + plums and grapes that never felt the frosty atmosphere of our + northern clime; of oranges plucked ripe from the fragrant stem and + eaten fresh while the morning dew still glitters on their + golden-tinted cheeks; of the rare, rosy pomegranate juice, luscious + as nectar.</p> + + <p>After eating the fruits of all climes, I place the mangosteen at + the head of the list as absolutely perfect in flavor and fragrance. + The fruit is spherical in form, about the size of a small orange, of + a rich crimson-purple hue without, and filled with a succulent, + half-transparent pulp that melts in the mouth. There are three + species of the mangosteen tree, but of only one, the <i>Garania + mangostina</i>, is the fruit edible. The others are valuable for + timber, and the bark for the manufacture of a dye that resists the + attacks of every sort of insect.</p> + + <p>Next to the mangosteen I should name the custard-apple (<i>Anona + squamosa</i>), a rich and delicate fruit of the form and dimensions + of a medium-sized quince, but made up of lesser cones, each with its + apex directed toward the centre, and each containing a smooth black + seed. The pulp is pure white, about the consistency of a baked + custard, and in flavor very like strawberries and cream.</p> + + <p>The delicious soursap is very similar to the custard-apple, but of + larger size and slightly acid in taste. The bearded, rosy rambustan + (<i>Nephelium lappaceum</i>) looks like a mammoth strawberry, but + when the outer hairy covering has been removed a semi-transparent + pulp is revealed, in taste so similar to our best Malaga grapes that + a blind man would be unable to distinguish them.</p> + + <p>Pineapples are good and abundant all over South-eastern Asia, but + are in their perfection at Singapore and Malacca, weighing frequently + four pounds or more. Passing, one warm afternoon, along the Singapore + bazaar, I noticed a Chinese fruit-dealer who had among other + delicacies outspread before him the largest and finest pineapples I + had ever seen. As I inquired the price, the Celestial, after a long + harangue on the extraordinary excellence of his wares, and the + trouble he had taken to obtain them, expressed a hope that he should + not be considered extortionate in selling them so very high, the + price demanded for a whole four-pound pineapple, peeled, sliced, and + ready for eating, being the equivalent of half a cent! The ordinary, + medium-sized fruit could be purchased, he knew, at one-fifth of that + sum, and his conscience, no doubt, was chiding him for + extortion.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 304]</span> + + <p>One of the most singular-looking fruits is the jack-fruit + (<i>Artocarpus integrifolia</i>), growing in all its immensity of + thirty or forty pounds weight directly out of the largest branches or + on the stem of the huge tree. Externally, it has a rough, pale-green + coat: internally, it has a luscious, golden-hued pulp, in which are + embedded a dozen or more smooth, oval seeds about the size of large + chestnuts, which they strikingly resemble in flavor.</p> + + <p>The mango (<i>Mangifera Indica</i>) is a drupe of the plum kind, + four or five inches long, and three at least in diameter. + Greenish-colored outside, and not very inviting, you are most + agreeably surprised at the rare, rich flavor of the bright yellow + pulp that adheres like the clinging peach to a large flat seed.</p> + + <p>The gamboge tree (<i>Stalagmitis Cambogioides</i>) grows + luxuriantly in Siam, and also in Ceylon. It has small narrow, pointed + leaves, a yellow flower, and an oblong, golden-colored fruit. Even + the stem has a yellow bark, like the gamboge it produces. The drug is + obtained by wounding the bark of the tree, and also from the leaves + and young shoots. The natives say that they have sold it to white + foreigners for hundreds of years past; and we know it was introduced + into Europe early in the seventeenth century.</p> + + <p>The plantain (<i>Musa paradisaica</i>) is one of the best gifts of + Providence to the teeming multitudes of tropical lands, living, as + many of them do, without stated homes, and gathering food and drink + as they find them on the roadside and in the jungle. Under a friendly + palm the simple peasants find needed shelter from the sun by day and + the dews by night, while a bunch of plantains or bananas plucked + fresh from the tree will furnish an abundant meal, and the water of a + green cocoa-nut all the drink they desire. The plantain tree grows to + about twenty feet in height, its round, soft stem being composed of + the elongated foot-stalks of the leaves, and its cone of a nodding + flower-spike or cluster of purple blossoms that are very graceful and + beautiful. Like the palms, this tree has no branches, but its smooth, + glossy leaves are from six to eight feet in length and two or more in + breadth. At the root of a leaf a double row of fruit comes out half + around the stalk; the stem then elongates a few inches, and another + leaf is deflected, revealing another double row; and so on, till + there come to be some thirty rows containing about two hundred + plantains, weighing in all sixty or seventy pounds. This mammoth + bunch is the sole product of the tree for the time: after the fruit + is plucked the stalk is cut down, and another shoots up from the same + root; and it is thus constantly renewed for many successive years. + The incalculable blessing of such a tree in regions where the + intolerable heat renders all labor oppressive may be conceived from + the estimate of Humboldt, who reckons the surface of ground needed to + the production of four thousand pounds of ripe plantains to suffice + for the raising of only thirty-three pounds of wheat or ninety-nine + pounds of potatoes. What would induce the indolent East Indian to + make the exchange of crops?</p> + + <p>The cassew-nut (<i>Anacardium occidentale</i>) is remarkable as + the only known fruit of which the seed grows on the outside. A + full-grown tree is twenty feet high, with graceful form and + widespread branches. The leaves are oval, and the beautiful crimson + flowers grow in clusters. The fruit is pear-shaped, of a purplish + color outside and bright yellow within; and the seed, which is in the + form of a crescent, looks just as if it had been stuck on the bur + end, instead of growing there. When roasted the kernels are not + unlike a very fine chestnut.</p> + + <p>The guava (<i>Psidium pomiferum</i>), of which the noted Indian + jelly is made, is about the size and shape of our sugar + pears—pale, yellowish-green externally, and revealing, when + opened, a soft, rose-colored pulp studded with tiny seeds. Both taste + and odor are very peculiar, and are seldom liked by foreigners till + after long use.</p> + + <p>The tamarind tree (<i>Tamarindus Indicus</i>), <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 305]</span> a huge growth, with trunk a hundred feet + tall and fifteen or more in circumference, has branches extending + widely, and a dense foliage of bright green composite leaves, very + nearly resembling those of the sensitive plant. The flowers, growing + in clusters, are exquisite, of a rich golden tint veined with red; + while the fruit hangs pendent, like bean-pods strung all over the + branches of the mammoth tree. The diminutive leaves, blossoms and + fruit are so singularly opposed to the stately growth as to appear + almost ludicrous, yet the <i>tout ensemble</i> is "a thing of + beauty" never to be forgotten.</p> + + <p>It remained for us, on our return to Singapore, to see the spice + plantations, with the beautiful clove and nutmeg trees, about which + every new-comer goes into ecstasies. Mr. Princeps' estate, one of + the largest and finest on the island, occupies two hundred and fifty + acres, including three picturesque hills—Mount Sophia, Mount + Emily and Mount Caroline, each surmounted by a pretty + bungalow—and from these avenues radiate, intersecting every + portion of the plantation. Here were planted some five thousand + nutmeg trees, and perhaps a thousand of the clove, besides coffee + trees, palms, etc. The nutmeg is an evergreen of great beauty, + conical in shape, and from twenty to twenty-five feet in height, the + branches thickly decorated with polished, deep-green foliage rising + from the ground to the summit. Almost hidden among these emerald + leaves grows the pear-shaped fruit. As it ripens the yellow external + tegument opens, revealing the dark-red mace, that is closely + enwrapped about a thin black shell. This, in turn, encloses a + fragrant kernel, the nutmeg of commerce. Both leaf and blossom are + marked by the same aromatic perfume that distinguishes the fruit.</p> + + <p>The clove tree, though somewhat smaller than the nutmeg, is quite + similar in appearance, and, if possible, even more graceful and + beautiful. The leaves are shaped like a lance, the blossoms pure + white and deliciously fragrant, and they cluster thickly on every + branch and twig almost to the summit of the tree. The + cloves—"spice nails," as they are often + called—are not a fruit, but undeveloped buds, the stem being + the calyx, and the head the folded petals. Their dark color, as we + see them, is due to the smoking process through which they pass in + curing. The clove is a native of the Moluccas, and has been + transplanted to many parts of the East Indies; but nowhere, not even + in its picturesque Faderland, does it thrive better than in + Singapore, Pulo Penang and other islands of the Malayan + Archipelago.</p> + + <p>One singular-looking fruit that I saw in China I must not forget + to mention—the flat peach, called by the Chinese <i>ping + taou</i>, or "peach cake." It has the appearance of having + been flattened by pressure at the head and stalk, being something + less than three-fourths of an inch through the centre from eye to + stem, and consisting wholly of the stone and skin; while the sides, + which swell around the centre, are only an eighth of an inch in + thickness. Its transverse diameter is about two and a half + inches.</p> + + <p>The camphor tree (<i>Laurus camphora</i>) grows abundantly in + China and Japan, producing a very large proportion of the gum that + supplies the markets of Europe and our own country, as well as the + trunks and chests so universally esteemed as protectives against the + ravages of moths and the still more destructive white ant of the + tropics. This tree grows to the height of twenty feet, with a + circumference of about eighteen, and has luxuriant branches from + seven to nine feet in girth. In obtaining the gum, freshly-gathered + branches are cut in small pieces, and steeped in water for several + days, after which they are boiled, the liquid being constantly + stirred until the gum, in the form of a white jelly, begins to + appear, when the whole is poured into a glazed vessel, and becomes + concreted in cooling. It is afterward purified by means of + sublimation, the gum attaching itself to a conical cover placed over + the boiling liquid while at its greatest heat. There is another + species of camphor tree (<i>Dryobalanops camphora</i>) growing in + Borneo; and a single tree is found on the island of <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 306]</span> Sumatra, a very giant in dimensions, even + amid the huge growth of those dense forests. The gum yielded by this + species is found occupying portions of about a foot or a foot and a + half in the heart of the tree. The Malays and Bugis make a deep + incision in the trunk about fifteen inches from the ground with a + <i>b'ling</i> or Malayan axe, in order to ascertain whether the + gum is there; and when it is found the tree is felled and the + impregnated portion carefully extracted. The same tree, while young, + yields a liquid oily matter that has nearly the same properties as + the camphor, and is supposed to be the first stage of its formation. + Some eight China catties (eleven pounds) of this oil may be obtained + from a medium-sized tree, which, after having been cut off for the + purpose of abstracting the oil, will, if left standing for a few + years, produce abundantly an inferior article of camphor.</p> + + <p>In British India we saw whole fields of the opium poppy, stately, + beautiful plants four or five feet high, the stem of a sea-green + color, round, erect and smooth, and the gay blooms of ripe crimson + hue. The plant is an annual, the seed being sown in autumn and the + crop gathered in August. After the flowers have fallen circular + incisions are made close around the capsules of the plant, and from + these wounds exudes a white, milky juice, that is afterward concreted + by the heat of the sun into dark-brown masses. These constitute the + opium of commerce in its crude state; but to prepare it for smoking + the Chinese take it through quite a complicated process, boiling, + purifying and condensing till it assumes the appearance of a thick + gelatinous paste of a purplish-black color.</p> + + <p>The habit of opium-smoking is unquestionably the direst curse + under which vast, populous China groans. One who has never visited an + opium shop can have no conception of the fatal fascination that holds + its victims fast bound—mind, heart, soul and conscience, all + absolutely dead to every impulse but the insatiable, ever-increasing + thirst for the damning poison. I entered one of these dens but once, + but I can never forget the terrible sights and sounds of that + "place of torment." The apartment was spacious, and might + have been pleasant but for its foul odors and still fouler scenes of + unutterable woe—the footprints of sin trodden deep in the + furrows of those haggard faces and emaciated forms. On all four sides + of the room were couches placed thickly against the walls, and others + were scattered over the apartment wherever there was room for them. + On each of these lay extended the wreck of what was once a man. Some + few were old—all were hollow-eyed, with sunken cheeks and + cadaverous countenances; many were clothed in rags, having probably + smoked away their last dollar; while others were offering to pawn + their only decent garment for an additional dose of the deadly drug. + A decrepit old man raised himself as we entered, drew a long sigh, + and then with a half-uttered imprecation on his own folly proceeded + to refill his pipe. This he did by scraping off, with a five-inch + steel needle, some opium from the lid of a tiny shell box, rolling + the paste into a pill, and then, after heating it in the blaze of a + lamp, depositing it within the small aperture of his pipe. Several + short whiffs followed; then the smoker would remove the pipe from his + mouth and lie back motionless; then replace the pipe, and with + fast-glazing eyes blow the smoke slowly through his pallid nostrils. + As the narcotic effects of the opium began to work he fell back on + the couch in a state of silly stupefaction that was alike pitiable + and disgusting. Another smoker, a mere youth, lay with face buried in + his hands, and as he lifted his head there was a look of despair such + as I have seldom seen. Though so young, he was a complete wreck, with + hollow eyes, sunken chest and a nervous twitching in every muscle. I + spoke to him, and learned that six months before he had lost his + whole patrimony by gambling, and came hither to quaff forgetfulness + from these Lethean cups; hoping, he said, to find death as well as + oblivion. By far the larger proportion of the smokers were so + entirely under the <span class="pagenum">[pg 307]</span> influence of + the stupefying poison as to preclude any attempt at conversation, and + we passed out from this moral pest-house sick at heart as we thought + of these infatuated victims of self-indulgence and their starving + families at home. This baneful habit, once formed, is seldom given + up, and from three to five years' indulgence will utterly wreck + the firmest constitution, the frame becoming daily more emaciated, + the eyes more sunken and the countenance more cadaverous, till the + brain ceases to perform its functions, and death places its seal on + the wasted life.</p> + + <p>On "Araby's plains" I saw for the first time the + beautiful wild palm, the "lighthouse of the desert," always + an object of intense desire to the weary traveler as he traverses + those sterile regions, for as it looms up in the distance, sometimes + in groups, but more generally standing in solitary grandeur near a + tiny bubbling spring, its waving plumes tell him not only of shelter + and needed rest, but of water also to bathe his tired limbs and + quench the burning thirst that oppresses him almost to death. Should + the friendly tree prove a date-palm, he will find food also—a + dainty repast of ripe, golden fruit, wholesome and + nourishing—ready prepared to his hand. But, after all, to a + traveler over those sterile regions water is the grand desideratum, + and this he is sure to find in the vicinity of the wild palm. The + Bedouins, who consider it beneath their dignity to sow or reap, + gather the date where they can find it growing wild; but the Arabs of + the plains cultivate the tree with great care and skill, thus + improving the size and flavor of the fruit, and producing some twenty + or more varieties. In some they have succeeded in doing away with the + seed altogether; and the seedless dates, being very large and + delicately-flavored, bring always the highest price in the market. + Date-honey is made by expressing the juice of the fresh fruit, and + the luxury of fresh dates may be enjoyed through the entire year by + keeping them in tight vessels, covered over with this honey. + Date-flour, made by exposing the ripe fruit to the heat of the sun + until sufficiently dry to be ground into fine powder, furnishes the + ordinary sustenance of the Arabs in their frequent journeys across + the deserts. This is food in its most condensed form, easily carried + and needing no cooking. It is simply moistened with a little water, + and so eaten. But the value of the date tree is by no means confined + to the fruit. An agreeable beverage, known as palm wine, is drawn + from the trunk by tapping; the trunks of the old trees make excellent + timber; the leaves are used for hats and baskets; and the fibrous + part, when stripped out, makes twine and ropes. Even the stones are + of use—the fresh ones for planting, and the dried are turned to + account—in Egypt for cattle-feed, in China for the manufacture + of Indian ink, and in Spain for making the tooth-powder known as + "ivory black." The date is indigenous to both Asia and + Africa: it was introduced into Spain by the Moors, and some few trees + are still found even in the south of France. But the most extensive + forests are those of the Barbary states, where they are sometimes + miles in length. When growing thus in groves the palms are very + beautiful, their towering crests waving in unison as they seem to + form an immense natural temple, about which vines and creepers wreath + their graceful tendrils, while birds of varied plumage sing their + matin and vesper songs, plucking meanwhile the golden fruit that + grows in clusters at the very summit of the tree. The Arabs' mode + of gathering this fruit is odd enough. The trunk, sixty feet high, + has not, it must be remembered, a single branch to hold on by or + furnish a foothold; and, besides, the whole stem is rough with thick + scales or horny protuberances, not very pleasant to the touch of + fingers or palms. So a strong rope is passed across the climber's + back and under his armpits, and then, after being passed around the + tree, the two ends are knotted firmly together. The rope is next + placed over one of the notches left by the footstalk of an old leaf, + while the man slips the portion that is under his armpits toward the + middle of his back, so as to allow the lower part of <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 308]</span> the shoulder-blades to rest upon it. Then + with hands and knees he firmly grasps the trunk, and raises himself a + few inches higher; when, still holding fast by knees and feet and one + hand, he with the other slips the rope a little higher up the tree, + letting it rest on another of these horny protuberances, and so on + till the summit is gained. When the fruit is reached it is easily + plucked with one hand, while the gatherer maintains his position with + the other, and the clusters are thrown down into a large cloth held + at the corners by four persons.</p> + + <p>The far-famed banian or Indian fig (<i>Ficus Indica</i>) is + perhaps the grandest of tropical trees—the most beautiful of + Nature's products, even in that fertile soil kissed ever by the + sun's rays, where she sports with such profusion and variety, + clothing the earth in gorgeous flowers, variegated mosses and + feathery ferns, till it seems to groan beneath the manifold treasures + of beauty and fragrance lavished thereon. This noble tree grows wild + in many Eastern countries and islands, and sometimes attains to a + size and an extent that are marvelous to contemplate. Shoots are + everywhere thrown out toward the ground from the horizontal branches, + increasing in size as they tend downward, till at last they strike + into the ground and become stems. From these shoot new branches, + which in their turn extend and form roots and new stems, till at + length a solitary tree becomes the parent of an extensive grove, + appropriately characterized by the bard as "a pillared shade + high overarched." And as they are thus continually increasing, + seeming meanwhile almost exempt from the general law of decay, a tiny + sapling borne to the spot in an infant's hand may come in time to + cover thousands of feet of soil. Such a specimen is the noted Cubber + Burr, growing on a picturesque little island in the river Nerbudda, + near Baroach, in the province of Guzerat. This wonderful tree, named + after a venerated Hindoo saint, occupies a space that exceeds two + thousand feet in circumference. The principal stems number three or + four hundred, and the smaller ones more than three thousand, though + some have been destroyed by high floods, that have carried away not + only portions of the giant tree, but of the banks of the island + itself. The beauty and magnitude of the Cubber Burr are famous all + over the East. Indian armies have encamped beneath its sheltering + branches, and Hindoo festivals, to which thousands of votaries + repair, are often held under its leafy shadow. I was told that + <i>seven thousand</i> people could find ample shelter under its + widespread branches; and we often knew of English gentlemen forming + hunting or shooting excursions to the island, and encamping for weeks + together beneath this delightful pavilion. Their only hosts were + frolicsome monkeys and whole colonies of doves, peacocks, + wood-pigeons and singing birds, that find a permanent abode among the + thick foliage, and plentiful sustenance from the small, + scarlet-colored figs that hang pendent from every branch. The banian + tree may be regarded as a natural temple in Oriental regions, and the + Hindoos especially look upon it with profound veneration. Tiny, + fancifully-adorned temples and pagodas are erected beneath its + shadowy boughs, where are pleasant walks and long vistas of + umbrageous canopy, effectually shielded from the fierce rays of the + tropical sun. Many Brahmins spend their entire lives within these + quiet retreats, and all ranks and classes seek them for rest and + recreation. The banian is styled also "the tree of + councils," from the prevalent custom of assembling legislators, + magistrates and savants under its protecting canopy to deliberate on + civil affairs; while all around, ensconced in every niche, are the + tutelary gods and goddesses that make up the Hindoo mythology. It is + indeed a quaint, weird spot, full of the witchery of romance and + legendary lore; and though years have passed since I last sat under + the Cubber Burr's sheltering boughs with a merry party of + picnicking maidens, now grown to womanhood, imagination still loves + to roam among its shadows, and build fairy castles within the mazy + windings of the hoary banian of Nerbudda's isle.</p> + + <p class="author">FANNIE R. FEUDGE.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 309]</span> <a name="lotos" id="lotos"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>A LOTOS OF THE NILE.</h2> + + <p>It was nine o'clock on a night of clear July starlight. The + heat of the day had been intense, and all the guests of The Willows + were assembled on the lawn, intent upon the effort of keeping cool, + if such a thing were at all possible. A hopeless effort it seemed, + however, for the heavy foliage of the trees hung quite motionless, + and the fans which were plied unceasingly made the only possible + approach to a breeze. Everything was so still that the voice of the + river was distinctly audible as it fretted and surged along its rocky + bed, distant at least a mile. The scene was full of the dim, + mysterious look which makes summer starlight so fascinating. White + dresses, shadowy faces, suggestive outlines of form and head, now and + then the glimmer of an ornament: after one had looked long enough it + was even possible to tell who was who, but at first the voices were + the only clue to recognition. Behind the group rose the house, with + light streaming from its lace-draped windows, the pictures and + globe-like lamps of the deserted drawing-room making a charming + effect.</p> + + <p>Everybody had been silent for some time—that is, for half a + minute, which seems a long time under such circumstances—when + Mrs. Lancaster's voice broke the stillness. "Oh for a whiff + of mountain-air or a sea-breeze!" she said. "I came to + spend two weeks with you, dear Mrs. Brantley, and I have spent a + month—who ever <i>did</i> leave The Willows when they meant to + do so?—but I really must be thinking of taking flight. Suppose + we get up a party for the White Sulphur?—it is always so + tiresome to go away by one's self. Who will join it? Eleanor, + will you?"</p> + + <p>"I am not going to the White Sulphur this year," + answered Eleanor Milbourne.</p> + + <p>"Not going to the White Sulphur!" repeated Mrs. + Lancaster in a tone of surprise. Then she laughed. "How stupid I + am!" she said. "Of course I might have known that the + temptation to break the pledge of total abstinence from flirtation + would be too great in that paradise of flirtation. Besides, Mr. + Brent's yacht is homeward bound, is it not?"</p> + + <p>"I am not aware that there is any connection between Mr. + Brent's yacht and my decision about the White Sulphur," + answered Miss Milbourne haughtily. Then she turned to the person next + her, a recumbent figure lying at full length on the grass. "I + don't know anything of which one grows so weary as of + watering-place life when one has seen much of it," she said. + "Its pettiness, its routine, its vapidity, its gossip, all + oppress one like a hideous nightmare. I don't think I shall ever + go to a watering-place again."</p> + + <p>"Take care!" said the recumbent. "Don't make an + abstinence pledge of that kind: you will only be tempted to break it, + for what will you do with yourself in summer?"</p> + + <p>"I should like to travel. I am possessed with an intense + desire to see the world and the wonders thereof."</p> + + <p>"With a yacht such a desire would be easily + gratified."</p> + + <p>"But I have no yacht," said she with a sharp chord in + her voice. It was an expressive voice at all times, and doubly + expressive in this dim, mysterious starlight.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brent has, however, and I am sure he will be happy to + place it at your service."</p> + + <p>"You are very kind to answer for Mr. Brent."</p> + + <p>"I answer for him because I judge him by myself. If I had a + fleet it should be subject to your command."</p> + + <p>"You are very generous," said she; and now there was a + little ripple as of pleasure in her tone.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, Mrs. Lancaster was calling over the roll of the company + like an orderly sergeant, intent upon beating up <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 310]</span> recruits for the White Sulphur. "Major + Clare!" she said at last: "where is Major Clare?" + Then, when the gentleman who had just offered Miss Milbourne his airy + fleet responded lazily, "Here!" she added, "<i>You</i> + will go, will you not?"</p> + + <p>"I regret to say that it is impossible," he answered. + "I have danced my last <i>galop</i> at the White Sulphur. This + time next month I shall probably be <i>en route</i> for + Egypt."</p> + + <p>"For Egypt!" she repeated; and a chorus of voices + instantly echoed the exclamation. "For Egypt! Nonsense! You are + jesting."</p> + + <p>"No, I am not jesting," said Victor Clare, lifting + himself on one elbow: "I am in earnest. I received a letter from + ——" (naming a distinguished officer) "to-day, + offering me a position if I would join him in Cairo. I say nothing + about what the position is, because my mind is not yet made up to + accept it; and even if it were, such things should not be published + on the house-tops. But if anybody here has a fancy for joining the + army of the khedive, I may be able to give him a few important + particulars."</p> + + <p>Nobody responded. The gentlemen seemed to prefer enlisting under + Mrs. Lancaster's banner for the White Sulphur. The ladies + shrugged their shoulders and said the idea was dreadful, Victor Clare + sank back in the grass and addressed himself to Miss Milbourne.</p> + + <p>"There is nothing else for me to do," he said in an + argumentative tone. "I only waste money on the impoverished + acres of that old place of mine. The house itself is falling down + over my head. What remains, then, but to go forth and tempt Fortune + to do her best—or worst? At least the profession of arms has + been in all ages the calling of a gentleman."</p> + + <p>For a minute Eleanor Milbourne did not speak. She sat in the + starlight a graceful, shadowy figure, furling and unfurling her fan + with a slightly nervous motion. Perhaps she was uncertain what to + answer. But at last she spoke in a very low tone: "Yet you said + you had not decided."</p> + + <p>"No, I have not decided. In truth, I have been rooted in + idleness and indifference so long that I scarcely feel as if I cared + enough about myself to take advantage of the offer. Then I cannot + bring myself to think of selling Claremont, though I know that a + penniless man has no right to the luxury of sentimental attachments. + If I were in Egypt it would not matter to me that some upstart + speculator owned the old place."</p> + + <p>"I think it would," said Miss Milbourne.</p> + + <p>"No, it would <i>not</i>" was the obstinate reply. + "I should take care to find a lotos as soon as I reached the + Nile. Whoever eats of that forgets his past life, you know. I have + scant reason for wishing to remember mine," he added a little + bitterly.</p> + + <p>"Memory is certainly more often a sting than a + pleasure," said Miss Milbourne. "It is strange," she + added, "that we should both have thought of obtaining + forgetfulness through the same means. When Mr. Brent asked me what he + should bring me from Egypt, I said a lotos of the Nile. If he + fulfills his promise I will share it with you."</p> + + <p>"I am not sure that I care to be indebted even for + forgetfulness to Mr. Brent," said Victor Clare ungratefully.</p> + + <p>He was sorry the moment after for having spoken so curtly, and + would have made amends by promising to accept a dozen lotoses if she + desired to bestow so many upon him; but Miss Milbourne had already + turned to her neighbor on the other side and plunged into + conversation. "Is it not strange that Egypt should be waking + from her sleep of centuries?" she said; and—while the + gentleman whom she addressed took up the theme readily—Mrs. + Lancaster rose and sauntered round the group to where Victor Clare + was lying.</p> + + <p>"Come, Monsieur Indolence, and take a walk," she said. + "I think the policeman's motto is right—'Keep + moving.' When one stops to think about anything, even about the + heat, it makes it worse."</p> + + <p>Now, however comfortable a man may be, if he is bidden to rise by + a <span class="pagenum">[pg 311]</span> pretty woman who stands + imperiously over him, the chances are that he obeys. So it was with + Clare. He most assuredly did not want to go with Mrs. Lancaster, and + quite as assuredly he <i>did</i> want to stay just where he was, with + the hem of Eleanor Milbourne's dress touching him and a pervading + sense of her presence near, even when she encouraged stupid people to + expose their ignorance on the Egyptian question. Yet he found himself + walking away with the pretty widow before five minutes had + passed.</p> + + <p>"I know you are not obliged to me," she said when they + had gone some distance. "But your divinity is talking + commonplaces, or listening to them, which amounts to the same thing; + so I fancied you might spare me ten minutes. I want to know if that + was a mere assertion for effect a minute ago, or if you are in + earnest in thinking of going to Egypt?"</p> + + <p>"I never talk for effect," said Victor with a hauteur + that was spoilt by a slight touch of petulance. "I always mean + what I say, and I certainly am in earnest in thinking of going to + Egypt."</p> + + <p>"May I ask why?"</p> + + <p>"I am surprised that you should need to ask. One's + friends usually know one's affairs at least as well as one's + self—sometimes much better. Everybody who knows me knows that I + am a poor man."</p> + + <p>"Not so poor that you need go to Egypt in search of a + fortune, however," said she, stopping short and looking at him + keenly. "Confess," she added, "that you are about to + expatriate yourself in this absurd fashion because Eleanor Milbourne + means to marry Marston Brent."</p> + + <p>"Your acuteness has carried you too far," said he + laughing, but not quite naturally. "Miss Milbourne's + matrimonial choice is nothing to me. I have thought of this step for + some time. General ——'s letter is a reply to my + application forwarded months ago. Yet now that the answer has + come," he went on, "I scarcely care to grasp the advantage + it offers. Indifference has infected me like a poison. I feel more + inclined to rust out on the old place than to sound 'Boots and + saddle' again."</p> + + <p>"But why rust out?" she asked impetuously. "Are + there not careers enough open to you?" Then, after a minute, + "Are there not other women in the world besides Eleanor + Milbourne?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps so," a little doggedly. "There are other + stars in the heavens besides Venus, but who sees them when she is + above the horizon?"</p> + + <p>"How kind and complimentary you are!" said Mrs. + Lancaster with a slight tone of bitterness in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me," said he after a minute. "I am a fool + on this subject, and, like a fool, I always say more than I mean. No + doubt there are other women in the world even more beautiful and more + charming than Eleanor Milbourne, but they are nothing to + me."</p> + + <p>"In other words, you are determined to believe that the + grapes above your reach, instead of being sour, are the sweetest in + existence."</p> + + <p>"At least I harm only myself by such an hallucination, if it + is an hallucination."</p> + + <p>"But you may harm yourself more than you imagine," said + she with a nervous cadence, in her voice. "For the sake of a + hopeless passion for a woman who has no more heart than my fan you + will sacrifice more than you are aware of—more, perhaps, than + you can ever regain."</p> + + <p>She laid her hand—a pretty, white hand, gleaming with + jewels—on his arm at the last words, and it was fortunate, + perhaps, that she could not tell with what an effort he restrained + himself from shaking it impatiently off. A quick feeling of repulsion + came over him like an electric shock. Hitherto he had been somewhat + flattered, somewhat amused, and only occasionally a little bored, by + the favor which the beautiful and wealthy young widow had so openly + accorded him; but now in a second he felt that thrill of disgust + which always comes to a sensitive man when he sees a woman step + beyond the pale of delicate womanhood. If he had been one shade less + of a gentleman, he would have said <span class="pagenum">[pg + 312]</span> something which Mrs. Lancaster could never have + forgotten. As it was, he had sufficient command of himself to speak + carelessly. "I was never quick at reading riddles," he + said. "I am unable to imagine what sacrifice I should make by + indulging the 'hopeless passion' for Miss Milbourne with + which you are kind enough to credit me."</p> + + <p>"With which I credit you?" she repeated eagerly. + "Am I wrong, then? If you can tell me <i>that</i>, + Victor—"</p> + + <p>But he interrupted her quickly: "You ought to know, Mrs. + Lancaster, that this is a thing which a sensible man only tells to + one woman; but, since you seem to take an interest in the subject, + there is nothing which I need hesitate to acknowledge in the fact + that, however hopeless my passion for Eleanor Milbourne may be, it is + the very essence of my life, and can only end with my life."</p> + + <p>"We all think that when we are young and foolish, and very + much in love," said Mrs. Lancaster coolly—whatever stab + his words gave the kindly darkness hid—"but I think you + are more than usually mad. If she is not already engaged to Marston + Brent, she will be as soon as he returns. I know that her family + confidently expect the match, and in any case" (emphatically) + "Eleanor Milbourne is the last woman in the world whom a + penniless man need hope to win."</p> + + <p>"I know that as well as you do," said Clare. "I + have no hope of winning her, and I am going to Egypt next + month."</p> + + <p>He uttered the last words as if he meant them to end the subject, + but it is doubtful whether they would have done so if they had not at + that moment found themselves close upon the house, having paid little + attention to the path which they were following. As they emerged from + the shrubbery they were both a little surprised to see a carriage + standing in the full glow of the light from the open hall door.</p> + + <p>"Who can have arrived?" said Mrs. Lancaster, not sorry, + perhaps, for a diversion. "I did not know that Mrs. Brantley was + expecting any one."</p> + + <p>"Who has come, Ellis?" Victor said carelessly to a young + man who emerged from the house as they approached.</p> + + <p>"Marston Brent," was the answer. "It seems the + Clytie made a very quick trip, and came into port yesterday; so of + course her owner has come at once to report his safe arrival at + head-quarters."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lancaster, whose hand was still on Clare's arm, felt the + quick start which he gave at this information, but she was a discreet + woman, and she said nothing until they were standing on the verandah + steps and he had bidden her good-night, saying that he must ride back + to Claremont.</p> + + <p>"I understand why you will not remain," she said; + "but do not make any rash resolution about Egypt—above + all, do not <i>commit</i> yourself to anything." Then she bent + forward and touched his hand lightly. "Tell me when you come + again that you will join my party for the White Sulphur," she + said softly. "It will be the wisest thing you can do."</p> + + <p>The result of this disinterested advice was, that as soon as he + reached home, after a lonely, starlit ride of six miles, Clare sat + down and wrote to General ——, accepting the position he + had offered, and promising to report in Cairo as soon as + possible.</p> + + <p>After this it was several days before the future Egyptian soldier + was seen again at The Willows. What went on in that gay abode during + this interval he neither knew nor sought to know. He endeavored to + banish all memory of the place and the people whom it contained from + his mind. They were nothing to him, he told himself. It was + impossible to say whether he shrank most from the pain of meeting + Eleanor Milbourne with her accepted lover by her side, or from the + thrill of disgust with which the mere thought of Mrs. Lancaster + inspired him. He buried himself in listless idleness at Claremont for + some time: then ordered his horse one day, rode to a neighboring town + and made arrangements for the sale of his property with much the same + feeling as if he had ordered the execution of his mother. It was when + he returned weary and depressed from this <span class="pagenum">[pg + 313]</span> excursion that he found a note from Mrs. Brantley + awaiting him.</p> + + <p>"DEAR MAJOR CLARE" (it ran), "why have you forsaken + us? We have looked for you, wished for you and talked of you for + days, but you seem to have determined that we shall learn the full + meaning of the verb 'to disappoint.' Will you not come over + to dinner to-day? I think you have played hermit quite long + enough.</p> + + <p>"Truly yours, L.M.B."</p> + + <p>To say that Clare declined this invitation would be equivalent to + saying that a moth of its own accord kept at a safe distance from the + glowing flame which enticed it. As he read the note his heart gave a + leap. He began to wonder and ask himself why he had remained away so + long. Was it not the sheerest folly and absurdity? What was Eleanor + Milbourne to him that he should banish himself on her account from + the only pleasant house within a radius of twenty miles? A man should + have some self-respect, he thought. He should not let every + inquisitive fool see when and how and where a shaft has wounded him. + Why should he not go? A heartache or two additional would not matter + in Egypt. As for Mrs. Lancaster, he could certainly keep at a safe + distance from <i>her</i>, even if she had not gone to the White + Sulphur, as he hoped to heaven she had.</p> + + <p>This devout hope was destined to disappointment. The first person + whom he saw when he entered the well-filled drawing-room of The + Willows was the pretty widow, in radiant looks and radiant spirits, + not to mention a radiant toilette of the lightest possible and most + becoming mourning. Despite his previous resolutions, Clare found + himself gravitating to her side as soon as his respects had been paid + to Mrs. Brantley—a fact which may serve as a small proof of the + weakness of man's resolve, and his general inability to fight + against fate, especially when it is embodied in a woman's bright + eyes.</p> + + <p>"What have you been doing with yourself?" she asked + after the first salutations were over. "Have you been taking + counsel with solitude on the Egyptian question? Or have you decided + like a sensible man to go to the White Sulphur? Whatever has been the + cause of your absence, you have at least been charitable in + furnishing us with a topic of conversation. I scarcely know what we + should have done without the 'Victor Clare disappearance,' as + Mr. Ellis has called it, during the last week."</p> + + <p>"I am sure you ought to be obliged to me, then," Clare + said, flushing and laughing. "Assuredly I could not have + furnished you with a topic of conversation for a whole week if I had + been present."</p> + + <p>"Opinion has been divided concerning the mystery of your + fate," she went on. "One party has maintained that, rushing + away in desperation when you heard of Mr. Brent's arrival, you + started the next day for Suez; the other, that you were hanging about + the grounds, armed to the teeth, and only waiting an opportunity to + dare your rival to deadly combat."</p> + + <p>"How kind one's friends are, to be sure, especially when + they are in the country, and have nothing in particular with which to + amuse themselves!"</p> + + <p>"But what <i>have</i> you been doing? I should like to know, + if you do not object to telling me."</p> + + <p>"I have been very busy making my final arrangements for + leaving the country," answered he, stretching a point, it must + be owned.</p> + + <p>"You are really going, then?" she asked after a + minute's silence—a minute during which she was horribly + conscious that her changing countenance might readily have betrayed + to any looker-on how deeply she felt this unexpected blow.</p> + + <p>"I wrote to General —— on the night I saw you + last, accepting his offer," Clare answered. "Of course I am + in duty bound, therefore, to report in Cairo as soon as + possible."</p> + + <p>"And you will sell Claremont?"</p> + + <p>"I have no alternative."</p> + + <p>She said nothing more, but he saw <span class="pagenum">[pg + 314]</span> her hand—the same white jeweled hand that had + gleamed on his arm in the starlight—go to her throat with a + quick, convulsive movement. Instead of the thrill of repulsion which + he had felt before, a sudden sense of pity and regret came over him + now. He was not enough of a puppy to feel a certain keen enjoyment + and gratified vanity in the realization of this woman's folly. He + appreciated, on the contrary, how entirely she had been a spoiled + child of fortune all her life—a queen-regnant, to whom all + things must submit themselves—and he felt how bitter must be + this first sharp proof of her own impotence to secure the toy on + which she had set her heart. It was these thoughts which made his + voice almost gentle when he spoke again: "You must not think + that I am ungrateful for your kind interest in my behalf. You can + imagine, perhaps, how much I hate to part with Claremont, which has + been the seat of my family for generations; but when a thing must be + done there is no use in making a moan over it. I cannot sacrifice my + life to a tradition of the past; and that would be what I should do + if I clung to the old place, instead of cutting loose with one sharp + stroke and swimming boldly out to sea."</p> + + <p>"But you might stay if you would," said she with that + tremulous accent which the French call "tears in the + voice."</p> + + <p>"No, I could <i>not</i> stay," said Clare resolutely. + "I have no money, nor any means of making any in + America."</p> + + <p>This ended the discussion. Even Mrs. Lancaster, fast and daring + and willful as she was, could not say, "<i>I</i> have + money—more than I know what to do with: take it." Her eyes + said as much, but Clare did not look at her eyes. A minute longer + passed in embarrassed silence. Then somebody came up, and Victor was + able to walk away. As he crossed the room he saw Eleanor Milbourne + for the first time since his arrival. He had not even inquired if she + was still at The Willows, and her unexpected appearance, for he had + begun to fear that she was gone, filled him with a rush of feelings + of which the first and most prominent was delight. After all, did it + matter whether or not she was engaged to Marston Brent? Simply to + look at her was enough to fill a man's soul with pleasure, to + steep him in that "dewlight of repose" which only a few + rare things on this earth of ours are capable of inspiring. Did any + sane person ever fly from the sight of Venus when she held her court + all alone in the lovely summer heaven, because he could not possess + her magic lustre for his own? The comparison was not at all highflown + to Clare, whatever it may seem to anybody else. He had always + entertained as much hope of winning the star as of winning the woman; + and as for an abstract question of beauty, he would have held that + Venus herself could not have surpassed Eleanor Milbourne. She was an + adorable goddess whom any man might be content to worship from a + distance, he thought; and he was preparing to go and sun himself in + the glance of her eyes, which seemed like bits of heaven in their + blueness and their fairness, when Mrs. Brantley touched his arm and + bade him take a newly-arrived piece of white muslin in to dinner. + Clare looked a little crestfallen, but against the decision of his + hostess on this important subject what civilized man was ever known + to revolt? He took the white muslin in to dinner, and had the + satisfaction of finding himself separated by the length of the table + from Miss Milbourne.</p> + + <p>After dinner Mrs. Brantley claimed his attention. It seemed that + there was a plan under discussion for showing the sole lion of the + neighborhood—a hill of considerable eminence known as + Farley's Mount—to the guests of The Willows. But it was + distant twelve miles, What did Major Clare think of their starting + early, breaking the ride by rest and luncheon at Claremont, then + going on to the mountain, making the ascent, and returning by + moonlight?</p> + + <p>"It will not do at all," said Victor. "Twenty-four + miles is too much to be undertaken on a July day by a mere party of + pleasure. You would break yourselves down and see nothing. I + <span class="pagenum">[pg 315]</span> propose an amendment: Take two + days instead of one, and spend a night on the mountain. If you have + never camped on a mountain, the novelty is well worth experiencing, + and these midsummer nights have scarcely any length, you know. Then + the sunrise is magnificent."</p> + + <p>"That is exactly what we will do," cried Mrs. Brantley, + clapping her hands with childish glee. And the proposal, being + submitted to the company, was unanimously carried.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, Eleanor Milbourne was walking with Mr. Brent in the + soft summer twilight on the lawn.</p> + + <p>"You should not press me so hard," she said as they + paced slowly to and fro. "I fear I can never give you what you + desire, but I cannot tell yet. Grant me a little time."</p> + + <p>"A little time! But think how much time you have had!" + the gentleman urged, not without reason. "You said when I went + abroad that you were not sure enough of your heart to accept me then, + but that you would give me a final answer when I returned. You had + all the months of my absence to consider what this answer should be, + and when I came for it, spending not so much as an hour in tarrying + on the road, I found that it was not ready for me—that I had + yet longer to wait. Eleanor, is this kind? is it even just?"</p> + + <p>"It is neither," said Eleanor, turning to him with a + strange deprecation on her fair proud face. "I know that you + have been everything that is patient and generous, and I am + sorry—oh I am more than sorry—to have seemed to trifle + with you; but what can I do? Remember that when I decide, it is for + my whole life. You cannot doubt that I will hold fast to my promise + when it is once given."</p> + + <p>"I do not doubt it, and therefore I desire that promise above + all things."</p> + + <p>"But you would not desire the letter without the + spirit?" said she eagerly. "I dare not bind myself—I + <i>dare</i> not—until I am certain of myself."</p> + + <p>"But, good Heavens!" said Marston Brent, who, although + usually the most quiet and dignified of human beings, was now fairly + driven to vehemence, "when do you mean to be certain of + yourself? Surely you have had time enough. Can you not love me, + Eleanor?" he asked a little wistfully. "If that is + it—if that is the doubt that holds you back—say so, and + let me go. Anything is better than suspense like this."</p> + + <p>But Eleanor was plainly not ready to say that. She stood still for + a moment, then turned to him with a sudden light of resolve in her + eyes. "You are right," she said. "This must end. I may + be weak and foolish, but I have no right to make you suffer for my + weakness and my folly. I pledge myself to tell you to-morrow night + whether or not I can be your wife. You will give me till then, will + you not? It is the last delay I shall ask."</p> + + <p>"I wish you would understand that you could not ask anything + which I should not be glad to grant," said he, a little sadly. + "For Heaven's sake, do not think of me as your + persecutor—do not force yourself to answer me at any given + time. I can wait."</p> + + <p>"You <i>have</i> waited," said she + gratefully—"waited too long already. Do not encourage me + in my weakness. Believe that I will tell you to-morrow night my final + decision."</p> + + <p>Later in the evening, Victor Clare was leaving the drawing-room as + Miss Milbourne entered it. They came face to face rather + unexpectedly, and while the gentleman fell back, the lady extended + her hand.</p> + + <p>"Have you stayed away so long that you have forgotten your + friends, Major Clare?" she said with a smile which was bright + but rather tremulous, like a gleam of sunshine on rippling water. + "You have not even said good-evening to me, and yet you have an + air as if you had said good-night to the rest of the + company."</p> + + <p>"So I have," answered Victor, smiling in turn, partly + from the pleasure of meeting her, partly from the sheer magnetism of + her glance, "but it is no fault of mine that I have not been + able to speak to you: I have found no + opportunity."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 316]</span> + + <p>"But I thought you always said that; people made + opportunities when they desired to do so?"</p> + + <p>"Then the time has come for me to retract my assertion. As a + general rule, a man cannot make opportunities: he can only take + advantage of them when they come, as I hope to take advantage of the + present," he added smiling.</p> + + <p>"But I thought you were going home?"</p> + + <p>"I <i>was</i> going home a minute ago, but so long as you + will let me talk to you I shall stay."</p> + + <p>"It is a very small favor to grant," said Eleanor, + blushing a little. "But why were you leaving so early?"</p> + + <p>"Partly because I had no hope of seeing you; partly because I + am not a 'young duke' to pencil a line to my steward and know + that a princely collation will be served at noon to-morrow for half a + hundred, or even for a dozen or two people."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" she asked, for though she caught the + allusion to Disraeli's rose-colored romance, the application + puzzled her.</p> + + <p>"I see you have not heard of our gypsy plan," he + answered, and at once proceeded to detail it.</p> + + <p>She was not so much delighted as he expected, but a pretty, lucid + gleam came into her eyes at the mention of Claremont.</p> + + <p>"I shall be glad to see your home," she said quietly. + "I have heard so much of its beauty and its antiquity."</p> + + <p>"It is pretty, and it is old," said he, "but it + will not be mine much longer. I am negotiating its sale + now."</p> + + <p>She started: "What! you were in earnest, then? You are really + going to Egypt?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I am going to Egypt. Why should I stay? What has life + to offer me here save vegetation? There, at least, I can find + action."</p> + + <p>She looked at him with a strange, wistful expression which struck + and startled him. He felt as if a prisoned soul suddenly sprang up + and gazed at him out of the clear blue depths of her eyes. "Oh + what a good thing it is to be a man!" she said. "How free + you are! how able to do what you please and go where you + please—to seek action and to find it! Oh, Major Clare, you + ought to thank God night and day that He did not make you a + woman!"</p> + + <p>"I am glad, certainly, that I am a man," said Victor + honestly. "But you are the last woman in the world from whom I + should have expected to hear such rebellious sentiments."</p> + + <p>"I am not rebellious," said Eleanor more quietly. + "What is the good of it? All the rebellion in the world could + not make me a man; and I have no fancy to be an unsexed woman. But + nobody was ever more weary of conventional routine, nobody ever + longed more for freedom and action than I do."</p> + + <p>It was on the end of Victor's tongue to say, "Then come + with me to Egypt," but he caught himself in time. Was he mad to + imagine that "the beautiful Miss Milbourne"—a woman + at whose feet the most desirable matches of "society" had + been laid—would end her brilliant career by marrying a soldier + of fortune, and expatriating herself from her country and her + kindred? He gave a grim sort of smile which Eleanor did not quite + understand, as he said: "Where is your lotos? It ought to make + you more content with the things that be."</p> + + <p>"I have it," Eleanor said with child-like simplicity. + "Mr. Brent remembered and brought it to me. I have not forgotten + my promise to share it with you."</p> + + <p>"Take it to the mountain to-morrow night, then," said he + quickly. "Let us eat it together there. I should like to link + <i>you</i> even with my farewell to the past."</p> + + <p>And, since an interruption came just then, they parted with this + understanding.</p> + + <p>The next day Major Clare was standing on the terrace of + Claremont—a stately, solidly-built old house, bearing itself + with an air of conscious pride and disdain of modern frippery, + despite certain significant signs of decay—when his guests + arrived in formidable procession. There was something of the + "old school" in his manner of welcoming them—a grace + and courtesy which struck more <span class="pagenum">[pg 317]</span> + than one of them as at once very perfect and very charming.</p> + + <p>"The man suits the house, does he not?" said Mrs. + Brantley to Mrs. Lancaster. "It is like a vintage of rare old + wine in an old bottle. We fancy that it has an aroma which it would + lose in a new cut-glass decanter."</p> + + <p>"I always thought Major Clare had delightful manners," + said Mrs. Lancaster, who could not trust herself to say anything + more. She felt with a pang how much she would have liked to bring + wealth and prosperity and elegant hospitality back again to the old + house, if its owner had not been so madly blind to his own interest, + so absurdly in love with Eleanor Milbourne's statue-like face, so + insanely intent upon periling life and limb in the service of the + viceroy of Egypt. The pretty widow gave a sigh as she arranged her + hair before the quaint, old-fashioned mirror in the chamber to which + the ladies had been conducted. If he had only been reasonable, how + different things might be! She walked to a window which overlooked + the garden with its formal walks and terraces, its borders of box and + summer-houses of cedar. "He will change his mind before the + month is out," she thought. "A man cannot surrender all the + associations of his past and the home of his fathers without a + struggle."</p> + + <p>This consideration lost some of its consoling force, however, + when, a few minutes later, two people, walking slowly and evidently + talking earnestly, passed down the vista of one of the garden alleys, + and were lost to sight behind a tall, clipped hedge. Even at that + distance there was no mistaking the figure and bearing of Clare; + neither was there another woman who walked with that free, stately + grace in a riding-habit which Eleanor Milbourne possessed. "If + she is engaged to Marston Brent, he might certainly put an end to + such open flirtation as this," Mrs. Lancaster said between her + teeth. "If he were not blind or mad, he might see that she is so + much in love with Victor that she would go with him to Egypt + to-morrow if he asked her to do so."</p> + + <p>An old and sensible proverb with which we are all acquainted says + that it is never well to judge others by ourselves; and if Mrs. + Lancaster had possessed the invisible cap of the prince in the + fairy-tale, and had followed the pair who had just passed out of + sight, she would have received an immediate proof of the truth of + this aphorism. They had paused in a square near the heart of the + garden—a green, shaded spot, in the centre of which an empty + basin bore witness to a departed fountain, though no pleasant murmur + of water had broken the stillness for many a long day. Round the + margin of this still ran a seat on which Eleanor sat down. Victor + remained standing before her. A lime tree near by cast a soft, + flickering shadow over them, and the tall hedges of evergreen which + enclosed the square made a sombre but effective background.</p> + + <p>"You see that ruin and decay are all that I have to offer you + here," Victor was saying with a cadence of bitterness in his + voice. "But if you had courage enough to end the life which you + despise, to cut loose from all the ties which bind you in America, + and go with me to Egypt, <i>there</i> I might have a future and a + career for you to share—<i>there</i> at least, you would find + freedom and action and life."</p> + + <p>A flush came to Eleanor's cheek, and a light gleamed suddenly + in her eyes, as if the very wildness of this proposal lent it + fascination; but she shook her head, smiling a little sadly. + "You are of my world," she said: "you ought to know + better than that. I am not so brave as you think. I must do what is + expected of me, and I am expected to marry Marston Brent."</p> + + <p>"Forget the world and come with me."</p> + + <p>"That is impossible. If I had only myself to care for, I + would; but there are others of whom I must think." She was + silent for a moment, then looked up at him piteously. "They have + sacrificed so much for me at home," she said, "and they are + so proud of me. They hope, desire, count on this marriage: I cannot + disappoint them. Mr. Brent himself has been most kind and patient, + and he does <span class="pagenum">[pg 318]</span> not expect very + much. I am a coward, perhaps, but what can I do?"</p> + + <p>Again he said, "You can come with me."</p> + + <p>Again she answered, "It is impossible. Do you not see that it + is impossible? Starting forth on a new career, it would be insane for + you to burden yourself with a wife. As for me, I am no more fit to + marry a poor man than to be a housemaid. Victor, it is hopeless. For + Heaven's sake, let us talk of it no longer! The only thing we can + do is to forget that we have ever talked of it at all."</p> + + <p>"Will that be easy for you? I confess that nothing on earth + could be harder for me."</p> + + <p>"No, it will not be easy, but I shall try with all my + strength to do it. God only knows," putting her hand suddenly to + her face, "how I shall live if I am <i>not</i> able to do + it." Then passionately, "Why did you speak? Why did you + make the misery greater by dragging it to the light, so that we could + face it, talk of it, discuss it? Oh why did you do it?"</p> + + <p>"Because I wanted to see if you were not made of braver stuff + than other women," said he almost sternly. "In my maddest + hours I never dreamed of speaking, until—what you said last + night. Thinking of that after I came home, I resolved to give you one + opportunity to break through the artificial trammels of your life, + and find the freedom you professed to desire. It was better to do + this, I thought, than to be tormented all my life by a regret, a + doubt, lest I had lost happiness where one bold stroke might have + gained it."</p> + + <p>"And now that you have found that I am <i>not</i> brave, that + I am like all the other conventional women of my class, are you not + sorry that you have inflicted useless pain upon yourself?"</p> + + <p>"Of myself I do not think at all, and even when I think of + you I cannot regret having spoken. Let the misery be what it will, it + is something to have faced it together—it is everything to know + that you love me, though you refuse to share my life."</p> + + <p>"You must not say that," said she, starting and + shrinking as if from a blow. "How can I venture to acknowledge + that I love you when I am going to marry Marston Brent?"</p> + + <p>"<i>Are</i> you going to marry him?"</p> + + <p>"Have I not told you so?"</p> + + <p>He turned from her and took one short, quick turn across the + square. Like every man in his position, he felt outraged and + indignant, without pausing to consider how infinitely more inexorable + the laws of society are with regard to women than to men. <i>He</i> + could put Mrs. Lancaster's fortune aside and go his way—to + Egypt or to the dogs—without anybody crying out against his + criminal folly, his criminal disregard of the duties and traditions + of his class. But if Eleanor Milbourne put Marston Brent's + princely fortune aside and disappointed all her friends, what + remained to her but the bitter condemnation of those friends in + particular and of society in general?</p> + + <p>When he came back she rose to meet him, making a picture worth + remembering as she stood in her graceful youth and picturesque habit + by the broken fountain, with the sombre cedar hedge behind and the + intense azure of the summer sky above.</p> + + <p>"Let us go," she said. "By prolonging this we only + give ourselves useless pain. All is said that can be said. Nothing + remains now but to forget; and that can best be done in silence. + Victor, let us go."</p> + + <p>There was a tone of pathos, a tone as if she was not quite sure of + herself, in those last words, which made Clare refrain from answering + her. He turned silently, and they entered a green alley which led to + the foot of the terrace surrounding the house. As they walked along, + Marston Brent's figure appeared at the end of the vista, + advancing toward them, and it was this apparition which first made + Clare speak: "If you will not think me fanciful—I am sure + you will not think me presumptuous—promise me that before you + give that man his answer you will share the lotos with me of which + you have spoken. I may be superstitious, but I feel as if we + <span class="pagenum">[pg 319]</span> shall gain new strength with + which to face the future after we have together renounced the + past."</p> + + <p>She shook her head. "I am not superstitious enough to think + that it will enable us to forget one pang," she said. "But + if you desire it, I promise."</p> + + <p>When the afternoon shadows were lengthening the party from The + Willows set forth again, and reached the foot of the mountain a + little before sunset, making the ascent in time to see the + day-god's last radiance streaming over the fair, broad expanse of + country beneath them. There was a small cabin on the summit which was + to be devoted to the ladies, and round the camp-fire which was soon + sparkling brightly the gentlemen proposed to spend the night on the + blankets with which they were all plentifully provided. Meanwhile, + the party, dividing into groups and pairs, were soon scattered here + and there, perched on the highest points of rock, enjoying the cool, + fresh air which came as a message of love from the glowing west, and + chattering like a chorus of magpies.</p> + + <p>When the evening collation was over—a gypsy-like repast for + which every one seemed to have an excellent appetite—Mr. Brent + asked Eleanor if she would not accompany him to the eastern side of + the mountain to see the moon rise. While she hesitated, uncertain + what to say, Clare's voice spoke quietly at her side. "Miss + Milbourne has an engagement with <i>me</i>," he said. "I + fear you must defer the pleasure of admiring the moon in her society + for a little while, Mr. Brent." Then to Eleanor, "Shall we + go now?"</p> + + <p>She assented, and they walked away. Mr. Brent, thus left behind, + naturally felt aggrieved, and turned to Mrs. Brantley with some + slight irritation stirring his usually courteous repose.</p> + + <p>"It strikes me that Major Clare's manners decidedly lack + polish," he said with an air of grave reprehension. "Is it + true, as I am told, that he is going to sell that fine old place + where we spent the day, and emigrate to Egypt?"</p> + + <p>"He is quite ready for a lunatic asylum," said Mrs. + Lancaster, who was standing near. "But, whatever his folly may + be, I certainly do not agree with you, Mr. Brent, in thinking that + his manners need any improvement."</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, Eleanor was saying, "You should not have spoken so + curtly to Mr. Brent."</p> + + <p>"If I can avoid it, I shall never speak to him again," + Clare answered. "Don't let us talk of him. I did not bring + you away to discuss anybody we have left behind, or anything of which + we have talked before. We are to be like immortals—to forget + the past and live only in the present."</p> + + <p>"Where are we going?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"Round to a point from whence we can overlook + Claremont."</p> + + <p>She said nothing more, and he led her to the eastern side of the + mountain, where, near the verge of an almost precipitous descent, + they sat down together under the shadow of a great gray rock. From + this point the view was more extensive than any they had commanded + before. The rolling country, with the sunset glory fading from it, + lay like a panorama at their feet—shadowy woods melting into + blue distance, streams glancing here and there into sight, fields + rich with cultivation bounded by fences that looked like a + spider's thread. To the left Claremont, seated above its + terraces, made an imposing landmark. Behind it the moon was rising + majestically in a cloudless sky. After they had been silent for some + time, Clare turned and looked at his companion. "How beautiful + you are!" he said abruptly. "I wish I had a picture of you + as you sit there now. It would be worth everything else in the world + to me. But perhaps, after all, the best pictures are those which are + taken on the heart."</p> + + <p>"You have forgotten," said Eleanor, trying to smile, + "that we are going to eat the lotos in order to efface all + pictures."</p> + + <p>"Nay," said he. "I thought it was to enable us to + forget everything but the present, and this <i>is</i> the + present."</p> + + <p>"But it will be the past in a little while," said she, + "and we must forget it, like all the rest. Victor, we + <i>must</i> forget! <span class="pagenum">[pg 320]</span> They say + that all things are possible to resolution: let us resolve to do + that."</p> + + <p>For some time longer they sat silent. Then Clare said, with + something like a groan, "Would to God I could die here and now, + or else that there <i>was</i> some spell by which one could make + memory a blank!"</p> + + <p>"Let us try the lotos," said Eleanor. "See, I + brought it as you told me."</p> + + <p>From her pocket she drew a paper which, being opened, proved to + contain the dried petals of a flower, evidently an aquatic plant. + Yellow and lifeless as it was, Eleanor looked at it with wistful + reverence. "It came from Egypt," she said: then she added, + "where you are going."</p> + + <p>"We will see if there is any magic in it," said + Clare.</p> + + <p>So, together they took the dried petals and began to eat them, + smiling a little sadly at each other as they did so.</p> + + <p>"Herodotus says that when the Nile is full, 'and all the + grounds round it are a perfect sea, there grows a vast quantity of + lilies which the Egyptians call lotos, in the water,'" said + Clare. "He adds that this flower, especially the root of it, is + very sweet. If this is the same, it has certainly changed its flavor + since that time."</p> + + <p>"It is not disagreeable," said Eleanor. "But I fear + we shall not find the effect for which we have hoped. It is of the + lotos fruit that Homer and Tennyson have written."</p> + + <p>"And the lotos flower of mythology is an East Indian, not an + Egyptian, aquatic; but since we desire to link <i>our</i> fancy with + the flower of the Nile, we will ignore the poets and the Brahmins. + After all, we only desire it as a symbol of the renunciation of the + past on which we have agreed. Eleanor, what if we should indeed + resolve to leave the past behind us from this hour, and face our + future together?"</p> + + <p>He looked at her imploringly and passionately, but instead of + replying she put her hand to her head. "How strangely dizzy I + am!" she said. "Can it—do you think it can be the + lotos?"</p> + + <p>"Dizzy!" he repeated. "Then I must take you from + the edge of this precipice. Perhaps it is that which affects you. It + could not have been the lotos, or I should feel it too. Come, let me + lead you round the rock."</p> + + <p>But when he attempted to rise he found that to him, too, a sudden + strange dizziness came. A constriction seemed gathering about his + heart, a mist seemed rising before his eyes. Before he had half risen + he sank back against the rock.</p> + + <p>"Do you feel it too?" she asked quickly.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he said slowly, putting his hand also to his + head. "What can it mean? Could there have been anything wrong in + that plant? The lotos itself is harmless, either flower or fruit. + Eleanor, my darling!" he cried with sudden alarm. "Good + Heavens! what is the matter? How pale you look!"</p> + + <p>"I—I do not think it could have been the lotos. It must + have been some poisonous plant," said she faintly. "This + giddiness and numbness increase." Then she held out her hands + tremulously. "Hold me," she said. "The earth seems + slipping away from me. Oh, Victor, what if it should be + fatal?"</p> + + <p>"Do not imagine such a thing," he said. "It is + impossible! The plant has probably some narcotic property which + affects you temporarily. Lean on me until it is over. My God! how mad + I was to have suffered you to eat it!"</p> + + <p>"Do not blame yourself," she said, clinging to him, her + fair head drooping heavily on his breast. "It was I who spoke of + it—who sent for it—"</p> + + <p>She stopped, gasping a little, and pressing her hand to her heart, + where an iron clutch seemed arresting the circulation. A glance at + her face filled Clare with a terror which he had not felt before. + Partly this, partly his own sensations, told him that the poison of + the plant which they had shared between them <i>was</i> + fatal—one of the swift and terrible agents of death which + abound in the East—and a sense too horrible to be dwelt upon + came to him, warning him that aid, to avail at all, must be summoned + quickly.</p> + + <p>But how? The summit of the mountain was large, the rest of the + party were <span class="pagenum">[pg 321]</span> far from them. He + had purposely led his companion to this remote spot, where, even if + he had been able to raise his voice, there was none to hear. As for + leaving her, he doubted his own ability to walk ten steps. He felt + sure that if he succeeded in gaining his feet he should reel and fall + like a drunken man.</p> + + <p>Still, the attempt must be made, and that instantly. Every second + lessened the hope of its success—with every pulse-beat he felt + the awful, reeling numbness increase. How much longer he could retain + his consciousness he could not tell. He saw plainly that Eleanor was + losing hers.</p> + + <p>"My darling," he said, striving vainly to unclasp the + arms that clung to him, "I must go—I must call assistance: + this may be more serious than I thought. Try to rouse yourself, + Eleanor: I must go!"</p> + + <p>Alas! it was easy to say—it was awfully impossible to do. + Even when Eleanor relaxed her already half-unconscious embrace, and + he strove to rise, he found that not even desperation could give the + requisite power. He literally could not gain his feet. Every effort + failed: he sank back hopelessly.</p> + + <p>Then he tried to raise his voice in a cry for help, but it refused + to obey his bidding. He was not able to speak above a broken whisper. + Finding this to be the case, he turned in an agony of despair to the + girl beside him—the girl whom, with a last effort, he drew to + his breast.</p> + + <p>"Eleanor," he said, "it is hopeless. If this + <i>is</i> poison we must die! Oh, my darling, can you forgive me? O + my God, send us help! Eleanor, can you hear me? Eleanor, will you not + speak to me?"</p> + + <p>For a minute all was silence. Then the fair head raised itself, + and the lids slowly and heavily lifted from the blue, flower-like + eyes. The moon, which had now risen high in the cloudless July + heaven, shone full on her face as she said, "Kiss me."</p> + + <p>For the first time their lips met: when they parted both were + cold.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Still clinging together, they were found. At their feet lay a + fragment of the deadly-poisonous Egyptian river-plant which Marston + Brent had ignorantly plucked for a lotos.</p> + + <p class="author">CHRISTIAN REID.</p><a name="echo" id="echo"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>ECHO.</h2> + + <h3>FROM THE RUSSIAN OF PUSCHKTN.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">Roars there ever a beast in his forest den,</p> + + <p class="i4">Hear we thunder in heaven, a horn among men,</p> + + <p class="i2">On the hill sings a maiden now and then,—</p> + + <p class="i8">Sound what may,</p> + + <p class="i2">Answer through space thou mak'st again</p> + + <p class="i8">With small delay.</p> + + <p class="i2">Aware of the thunder's rattling roll,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the winds and the waves when without control,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the cries where the village shepherds stroll,</p> + + <p class="i8">Reply thou giv'st;</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet thou thyself, without one answering soul,</p> + + <p class="i8">A poet liv'st.</p> + </div> + + <center> + A.J. + </center><span class="pagenum">[pg 322]</span> <a name="tyrol" id= + "tyrol"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>OUR HOME IN THE TYROL.</h2><a name="tyrolchix" id="tyrolchix"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3> + + <p>Sometimes it was our simple hosts who led the conversation, which + then, especially as they became at ease with us, always drifted more + or less into the supernatural. Nor was this surprising, as the tales, + legends, old manners and customs amongst the Tyrolese are thoroughly + interwoven with threads of heathen mythology and with the occult + belief of the Middle Ages.</p><a name="image-0026" id="image-0026"> + <!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0124_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0124_1.jpg" alt="VALLEY AND BEEHIVES." /></a> + + <center> + VALLEY AND BEEHIVES. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>Franz had a wonderful credence in lucky and unlucky days. Tuesday + and Thursday were witches' days, and Wednesday was also evil, + seeing Judas hanged himself on a Wednesday; therefore never drive + cattle to the Olm on that day. Moreover, he believed that when two + persons sneezed together a soul was loosed from purgatory. As for + witches and ghosts, he knew enough about them too. Did not the + witches still dance every night at eight o'clock on their + meeting-place by Bad Scharst? His brother Jörgel could have told us + about that if he would. The pächter Josef had likewise experiences + which he might relate were he not so shy. "Josef was returning + through the Reinwald one Thursday night, and had just crossed over + the Giessbach when he met a black figure, whom he greeted in + God's name; but the figure moved on, making no answer as a + Christian would have done. He had not gone much farther up the wood + when he met a second black form. Crossing himself, Josef spoke out + boldly a 'God greet you!' but again silence. The figure had + vanished. Josef crossed himself and prayed. Nevertheless, he met a + third, and, waxing bold, not only greeted him, but turning round + looked fixedly at the black figure to see whether it were sorcerer, + gypsy, ghost or witch. And there, behold! it stood, grown as tall as + a tree, grinning at Josef until he thought it best to escape. Next + day the black cow went dry: otherwise you might say that Josef's + hobgoblins were fir trees."</p> + + <p>Whilst Jakob laughed at Josef's phantoms, he could not help + telling us in his turn a tale which he considered much more + noteworthy: "There was no denying that one winter's night a + huntsman, <span class="pagenum">[pg 323]</span> losing himself in the + deep snow, took refuge in a forsaken senner-hut. Content to suffer + hunger if only thus sheltered for the night, he was shortly surprised + by the entrance of a black man, who not only welcomed him to the hut, + but proposed cooking him some supper; an offer most thankfully + accepted. Upon this, the black man lighted a fire, suddenly produced + a frying-pan, which had been invisible before, and began cooking + strauben and cream pancakes from equally hidden stores. When supper + was ready the huntsman begged the good-natured black cook to sit down + and eat with him; and a very hearty meal he seemed to make, although, + to the surprise of the huntsman, the food turned as black as a cinder + before it entered his mouth. Both men lay down to rest; and after a + comfortable sleep the hunter, rising up to go, thanked the black man + for his kind hospitality, adding, 'May God reward you!' + 'Oh,' replied the other, uttering a great sigh of relief, + 'may God in His mercy equally reward you for those words! When I + walked on the earth I laughed at religion: I was therefore sent back + in the spirit to toil until some mortal should thank me in God's + name for what I had done for him. This you have done, and now I am + free;' and so saying he vanished."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Moidel, "these tales are as true as the + gospel. You know Nanni, the maid who sings so sweetly? Her father + some years since went on a pilgrimage with two other peasants to + Maria Zell. Arriving late one night at a solitary farm-house, they + rapped at the door, requesting a lodging. The bauer, however, excused + himself: it was from no evil intention, he said, but he could not + take strangers in. The three wanderers pleaded how ill would be their + condition if left in the fields all night. Still the bauer made no + other reply, until, on their pressing him, he finally declared, half + in anger, that they must themselves be responsible for their + night's rest. He wished to treat them well, but could offer them + no better bed than the top of the oven in the stube. This offer they + willingly accepted, but hardly had they lain down when a + peasant-woman entered with a pail of water and brushes. In spite of + their entreaties, she scrubbed and scrubbed away all night, and + hardly had she finished when, the work not pleasing her, she began + scrubbing the floor and woodwork over again. Thus the cleaning lasted + the livelong night, until in the early morning the maid-servant + entered and the woman disappeared; the floor and walls being, to + their astonishment, as dry and dusty as the evening before. Whereupon + they spoke to the bauer of their troublesome visitor. 'Do not + accuse me,' he replied 'of inhospitality: this is a strange + matter, from which I would fain have kept you. Intolerable as it has + been to you, it is still worse for me, knowing that the woman who + thus scrubs, and with so much din, is my poor dead wife. Her brain, + when she was alive, was quite turned about cleaning. She could not + even go to church with me and the neighbors, but must stay at home + and clean. So, being a bad manager, and not washing her soul white, + she seems unfit for heaven, and must needs come here every night to + continue her work. Even masses don't seem to help + her.'"</p> + + <p>Such tales were either related by the hut-fire on airy mountain or + in the fir woods. Moidel might have told us ghost-stories in the barn + at night, but there, in the solitary darkness, they appeared to her + too horribly real, especially with sleepy auditors, who might any + moment drop into unconsciousness, leaving her in a dismal fright over + her own tale.</p> + + <p>One afternoon, accompanied by this faithful companion, we + determined to attack the summit of the mountain, which in a mantle of + fir wood rose immediately behind the huts. We were anxious to see + what lay on the other side, but after a hard though exhilarating + climb we learned that the mountain was but a huge overhanging + shoulder, the rocky head of the giant rising up in the midst of wide + sweeping moors some six miles distant. We changed, therefore, the + object of our excursion, determining to visit the highest Olm of the + district, <span class="pagenum">[pg 324]</span> Ober Kofel. Turning + to the left, we pursued the moorland plateau until in half an hour we + had reached a solitary white cabin. The door was firmly closed, but a + pile of fire-wood and a rake, evidently flung recently down, were + sufficient signs of habitation. A more lonely scene could not well be + conceived. No trees nor flowers, only some yellow thistles growing by + the side of a murmuring brook, which had persistently gone rushing on + until it had worn the pebbles in its bed flat and thin. Tawny, + dun-colored mountains rose behind, but before the hut the <i>trät</i> + or open space, covered with the greenest turf, extended to a platform + of rocks, where the glossy shrubs of the mountain rhododendron grew, + presenting a scene well worth the climb. The view outward embraced + the deep wooded gorge of the Giessbach, revealing far beyond the + black, sinuous lines of distant mountains, cutting across the evening + horizon. Black-brown crags some eight thousand feet high, peaked with + snow, rose to the right; but the great snow spectacle was to the + left. There the proud crests of the Hoch Gall, Wild Gall and + Schnebige Nock rose out of a vast white glittering amphitheatre, a + peculiar, bare, conical rock standing like an Alpine sphinx strangely + forth from this desert of snow.</p> + + <p>We sat on our verdant patch enjoying the wild, grand scenery, the + wind playing around us in concert with a little calf which had just + been promoted to a bell. At length the figure of a tall young man + flitted in front of a distant cross, and advancing toward us proved + to be the solitary senner of Ober Kofel. As he was the lord of the + domain, and moreover acquainted with Moidel, it was not many minutes + ere he sat on the grass before us. After giving us a welcome, he + began talking to Moidel about the military exercises which were to + begin again this week.</p> + + <p>"The Ausserkofers," he said, "went down for the + drilling immediately after their ascent of the Wild Gall: I am glad I + was not drawn."</p> + + <p>Then Moidel communicated to him that Jakob must leave on the + morrow for drill, and that Tilemaker Martin, Carpenter Barthel's + son, would arrive in the morning to take his place as herdsman.</p> + + <p>The party now dropped into a dignified silence, which might have + lasted as long as we had remained had it not appeared pleasanter to + keep the senner intent on a story, rather than on each feature of our + several faces.</p> + + <p>Speaking proper German, also proving to be understood by him, one + of the group began: "Of course you have heard of the clever + Tyrolese peasant, still living, Hans Jakob Fetz?"</p> + + <p>Neither he nor Moidel had ever heard of him, and as they both + pricked up their ears, they learned the following: Fetz possesses a + little farm called the Pines. It has, however, the disadvantage of + lying on both sides of a wild rushing torrent, the Ache, a river + given to inundations in the spring, and over which there is no bridge + in his neighborhood. Thus, though Hans Jakob could sit at his door, + and almost count the ears of corn in his fields across the river, he + must make a circuit of five miles to reach them. Such an immense loss + of time and labor troubled him no little, and, as he had no desire to + sell his property, he determined by hook or by crook to remedy the + evil. Day and night he turned the perplexing problem over in his + mind. He might, to be sure, swim across, but then there were his + tools to be carried. At last it flashed upon him: Why not make an + aërial car? He bought for this purpose some very thick iron wire, + stretched it in two parallel lines across the river, fastening the + four ends very firmly; constructed a bench on iron rollers, which, + sustained by the wire, ran across the river in a trice, and his + aërial car was a reality. Here, indeed, was a triumph. It worked + admirably, and the whole neighborhood became excited and astonished + about the air-railway, as they called it. The news spreading, it + brought finally some gentlemen from the town of Dornbirn, who were + wild to have a ride across the river. Hans Jakob refused it: he + doubted the strength being sufficient for more than one passenger; + but they <span class="pagenum">[pg 325]</span> persisting in their + urgent demand, he at last reluctantly consented. They would not, or + else they could not, go without him. So, the party being seated on + the bench, he unfastened the hook, when they should have been + instantly whirled across. But, alas! his fears proved true: the wire + gave way, and down they all went, plump into the wild rushing river. + A great fright and wetting—that was all, for the time being, + until the gentlemen, although they had promised not to say a word on + the subject, having whispered it to this friend and that, leaving no + part uncolored, the town of Dornbirn grew scandalized at a mad + peasant's audacity. The authorities took it in hand, and a solemn + gendarme visited Hans Jakob with strict orders from government to + desist from such perilous, hairbreadth inventions for the future. + Poor Hans! he now regarded himself not only as the laughing-stock of + the whole country, but as a ruined man. He had spent all his savings + on his first venture; but neither official reprimand nor loss of his + money could keep his busy, active brain from puzzling out an improved + plan, which, having perfected it in his mind, he boldly carried out. + Instead of two simple iron wires, he employed two double coils, with + a single wire in the centre and six feet higher. He stretched across + two other strong parallel wires. He then contrived a little car with + two seats and a cover against sun and rain. To the benches and the + awning he fastened rollers, so that the car was propelled across both + above and below. The weight which it would bear he proved to be + fifteen hundredweight, and unfastened from the iron hooks which kept + it to the bank, the car ran across in a few seconds with an easy, + agreeable motion. Practice and a close investigation proved it now a + perfect success. All the censures and ridicule were forgotten, and it + proves at the present time both convenient and amusing to the + gentlemen, ladies and children of the neighborhood. Hans Jakob + willingly conveys them across the river in his flying car. He will, + however, receive no fixed payment. He constructed it simply for his + own use: were he to make a trade of it, he must either take out a + patent, or else make some concessions to government, neither of which + he has any inclination to do.</p> + + <p>The senner and Moidel listened in astonishment. They had + understood every word. Although they had never heard of Hans Jakob + before, there was a full account of him in the Brixen calendar, an + almanac which the senner owned to having had by him for the last + eight months—another noticeable instance how tales and good + advice in print are lost upon a people who, hitherto quietly + slumbering, find for their hearts and minds enough to do in carrying + on their slow agriculture and pattering their prayers. I believe that + popular lecturers conversant with the dialect would be of infinite + service in the rural districts of the Tyrol.</p> + + <p>The senner, after this entertainment, offered us the hospitality + of his hut. A lordly bowl of intensely rich cream was placed before + us in the sleeping-room, with the sole option of lapping like the men + of Gideon, seeing we were not sufficiently naturalized for each to + carry a horn spoon in her pocket, had not a little tin drinking mug + been fortunately remembered.</p> + + <p>The next day the young tilemaker Martin, carrying his bundle, + arrived at about nine. He had left the Hof at three that morning, + making the whole journey of twenty-four miles on foot without a stop. + Franz therefore seized hold of the frying-pan, and we dined an hour + earlier than the usual time of ten. After coffee, Jakob had to + initiate his successor into the various advantages of the several + Alpine pastures, to point out the cattle and goat paths, and to + introduce Martin to Kohli, Kraunsi, Blasi, Zottel, Nageli and all the + other cows, as well as to Tiger, Schweiz and their fellow-oxen. We + set out to accompany them, but the cattle were too far away on + distant heights for us to continue long in the scramble. We therefore + sat on a breezy mountain platform watching the athletic young men + grow ever smaller, more indistinct, whilst Jakob's voice was + borne to us on the <span class="pagenum">[pg 326]</span> rarefied air + as he called lovingly, "Krudeli, Krudeli" to the calves, + and "Köss, Köss" to the cows.</p> + + <p>"It is a miracle," said Moidel, "how Martin, who + was so weak and consumed away by his accident, should thus have + recovered."</p> + + <p>"What accident?" asked we.</p> + + <p>"Why, does not the Herrschaft know how last November, on his + very name-day, Martin was nearly killed? Young Niederberg—he + who wears the finest carnations on his hat, but who then, it being + cold weather, wore three cock's feathers gained in + wrestling-matches—strutted down the Edelsheim street, arm in + arm with his great friend, the fair-haired Hansel of Heinwiese, a + rude young churl, praising each other for their strength of limb and + good looks. Martin at the time was leaning against his father's + door. 'The devil!' said Niederberg: 'why do you stay at + your father's, when there is better wine and company at the + Blauen Bock?' Martin, however, replied that he was a hard-working + man, who could only spare time to see his old father and sick sister + on a festival. 'No,' said Heinwiese in anger, 'thou art + nothing but a miserable milk-sop, never at a wrestling-match, never + at a dance.' 'But,' put in Niederberg, 'we'll + teach thee to dance and sing;' and so saying, he suddenly plunged + the blade of his big pocket-knife below Martin's ribs.</p> + + <p>"Why he had become their prey none could tell, unless they + were lost in drink. Great was the clamor in the usually quiet + village. A doctor was sent for, who at first declared Martin's + wound to be mortal. Then his young wife and little children were + fetched with many tears from the tileyard, and the priest came with + the Holy Death Sacrament. But the prayers and viaticum saved Martin. + Still, for many months he had a frightful illness, and even in March + he was so weak you could have knocked him down with a feather. + Niederberg was immediately taken into custody, and was sentenced to + sit in Bruneck Castle till St. John the Baptist's Day, fully six + months, to pay the doctor's bill, and two hundred gulden to + Martin; but the latter sum, being an evil-minded youth, though rich, + he has never paid. He will leave that to Heinwiese, he says, who put + him up to the deed: besides, why pay a man who had recovered? He + would have stood the funeral and settled with the widow. However, + father talks of dealing with Niederberg, for he must not thus despoil + patient Martin."</p> + + <p>Here, indeed, was a stabbing worthy of hot Italy, rather than + cooler, quieter Tyrol. It proved, too, that the serpent and old Adam + still moved in that garden of Eden, Edelsheim.</p> + + <p>Jakob and the hero of the tragedy now returned, bright and brisk, + bearing armfuls of edelweiss, long sprays of stag-horn's moss, + and showing us with genuine pleasure roots of the edelraute, which + they had gathered on the high ledges for us. This is a little + insignificant plant, but called by the Tyrolese the noble rue, and + prized by them far more than the edelweiss; perhaps one reason being + that when dried it is said to emit a delicious scent, for which + reason the housewives place it amongst linen. Jakob looked like a + mountain dryad, his broad-brimmed beaver being completely covered + with purple Michaelmas daisies, glowing amongst sheaves of silvery + edelweiss, falling round in a soft gray woolen fringe. Aided by Jakob + and Martin, we had the gratification of gathering edelweiss + ourselves, always a notable feat. Martin really had most miraculously + recovered. After those twenty-four miles of hard walking, followed by + a climb of several thousand feet, we left him felling a pine tree as + we bade Jakob adieu, for he was to leave very early in the + morning.</p> + + <p>A comical scene ensued after our return to the barn. Visitors of + course we had none: Martin's arrival had been an immense event. + Thus, as we sat in the barn partaking of hot wine and cake, great + masses of shadow all around, with light breaking in only from the + lantern, forming altogether a perfect Rembrandt effect, we heard a + cheerful voice wishing us "Good-night and sweet repose" + through the door. Immediately, believing <span class="pagenum">[pg + 327]</span> it to be the pächter's moidel, a young lady usually + engaged in cutting hay, one of the party rashly invited the voice to + enter—an invitation instantly accepted in the most perfect good + faith by either a mad woman or a tramp in a big, flapping straw hat, + who seated herself in the golden light of the lantern, adding perhaps + to the breadth and freedom of this Rembrandt picture, but certainly + not to its ease. Ravenously consuming some cake, she attacked us with + a continuous battery of God bless yous! Moidel, however, was up to + the occasion, and it was not long ere she managed to get the + unacceptable visitor outside the door, we begging her to bolt and bar + it well, for after this call we were afraid of more lurking + intruders. Moidel, however, bade us have no fears. The woman was + neither cracked nor a Welscher: she was only a very poor + <i>Bachernthalerin</i>, whose hut was generally under water. It was + accessible now, however, and the poor soul had been round begging + milk at the senner-huts.</p><a name="tyrolchx" id="tyrolchx"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER X.</h3> + + <p>Life in the mountains was not half so ideal as we once foolishly + might have imagined. Still, the visit thither had surpassed our + expectations, and it was with no little regret that we bade farewell + to the familiar barn the following morning. We settled a bill with + the pachter at parting, including the dinner given to the knowing + Ignaz. It amounted to the sum of one gulden. Who would not stay up at + an Olm?</p> + + <p>Again we gave the day to the ten-mile walk, now a steep but + pleasant descent, choosing the village of Rein as our first + halting-place. It was still early, a lovely autumn morning, the + mountains rising in all their impressive majesty, but for a time all + our powers of admiration and enjoyment were suddenly marred by the + sight of meek sheep led to the shambles at the very window.</p> + + <p>We would have hurried on, if we could, without stopping, but we + had rashly promised to write our names in the important visitors' + book, besides paying a small bill for wine. The landlord could not at + all perceive why, as meat had to be eaten, any one could object to a + preliminary exhibition, especially when the butcher could only make + his rounds at stated times, and it was so convenient by the kitchen + door. Indeed, so deadened in delicate perceptions were these people + that the landlord observing a rare plant in one of our hands, he + actually called the butcher in to tell us its name. The man, having + at that moment ended his first stroke of business, came in + red-handed, and proved a botanist. It was a <i>Woodsia + hyperborea</i>—that was the Latin name—and was rare in + those parts, he said; but the Herrschaft should come earlier for + flowers. July was the month. Then there was geum, and pale + blue-fringed campanulas, and rich lilac asters, yellow violets, the + white scented wax-flower, arnica and yellow aconite, both excellent + medicines; there were thunder-flowers, and blood-drops, and grass of + Parnassus, and hundreds more, all cut down by the scythes. There were + four thousand plants and upward in the Tyrol; only, alas! like the + gentians, many species were being perfectly exterminated.</p> + + <p>His energy interested us, and his hands were under the table. Frau + Anna expressed great disappointment at the various beautiful + gentians, common in Switzerland, being rare in the Tyrol.</p> + + <p>"Ladies," replied the botanist with emphasis, "you + know not the reason? Why, there is hardly a species of gentian which + is not torn up by the roots for the making of schnapps. Schnapps is + good when rheumatism works in the bones: there is then no better + lotion; and a thimbleful of cheerfulness in the morning, and another + of sleep at night, are what I wish for our wirth, myself and every + peasant daily; but why need they pull up all the gentians, which were + bits of heaven scattered over the mountain-sides? I know that their + roots are better for schnapps distilling than those of other plants, + or even than bilberries or cranberries; but oh for a little + moderation, cutting the roots gently! for whilst a bit is left in the + ground the plant springs up again. 'Poor as a root-grubber' + is the proverb. I'm glad it is. For if they were not so wanton, + they would not be so poor. They mostly come from the Zillerthal. + It's a special trade. The men climb the mountains as soon as the + snow melts. They build themselves rude huts, and spend the summer + searching for and digging up roots. Now, however, as they have cut + their own throats, so to speak, they must climb often to high + mountain-ledges, letting themselves down by ropes, to gather fine + roots, which they still sometimes find of the thickness of my wrist. + In the late autumn they collect their bundles of dried gentian roots, + which they carry to the distilling vats, where the <i>Enzian</i>, so + dear to the Tyroler, is made."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 328]</span> <a name="image-0027" id="image-0027"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0135_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0135_1.jpg" alt= + "COWS COMING DOWN THE HILLSIDE BY A MOUNTAIN STREAM." /></a> + + <center> + COWS COMING DOWN THE HILLSIDE BY A MOUNTAIN STREAM. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>And the butcher, who had grown quite pathetic over the + <span class="pagenum">[pg 329]</span> gentians, rose to return to his + occupation. It was curious to observe the honorable position which he + held with landlord, landlady and Moidel. What a surgeon or soldier + would be in a higher class, that the butcher was to them. In this + case, too, we joined in respect—a feeling we might entertain + for many more of his trade, perhaps, had we the opportunity of + judging. But we must onward.</p> + + <p>Ere long a young woman wearing a pointed black felt hat, + ornamented with yellow everlastings, overtook us and joined company + with Moidel, giving us, however, equally the benefit of her + conversation, whilst she insisted upon carrying a bag. She lived in + Rein, she told us, and had now to consult the doctor in Taufers a + second time about perpetual stitching pains in her throat. The doctor + said it was quinsy, and arose from cold. Perhaps, she said, if she + could bring herself to smoke a meerschaum, like other women in Rein, + she might keep the mischief out; but it struck her as a disgrace to a + female, and it made a great hole in the pocket. Those who were born + in such a village as Rein were in an evil plight. The cottages were + badly built, the kitchens reeked with smoke, and were so bitterly + cold in winter, though the fowls had to roost there, that water froze + in them. In fact, no one could stay in the kitchen in winter. Then + all the family must crowd into the stube, living and sleeping there. + When Nanni Muckhaus had the typhus she and her children and + grandchildren must lie down together; and then all the neighbors had + to visit her, unless they chose to pass as brutes; and so that was + how the typhus spread. Fortunately, her husband and she were alone: + they had no burdens. Still, life was hard—a vale of tears or a + vale of snow. If the gentry could see the Reinthal in the winter, + choked up with avalanches, they would say so. Her man had, however, + enough to keep them. He had a license for the shooting of gemsen and + other game, which he might use from holy Jakobi's Day to + Candlemas. He had this year killed only five gemsen so far. The Post + at Taufers was greedy for gemsen now, and bought up every ounce of + the flesh at nineteen kreuzers the pound—bought snow-hens, too, + at forty kreuzers each, and would never let her husband's gun be + idle. When Candlemas came, and he could no longer shoot, then he + worked in their fields; for we might not think it, but he, being a + thrifty soul, had saved fifty gulden and bought some land. But oh the + labors, the toils to which a Reinthaler was subjected! If his land + lay on the mountain-side, he and his woman must slave and toil like + beasts of burden, for what would be the help of horse or cow for + riding, driving or ploughing on such steep, upright land? "The + holy watch-angels help us!" she said. "Look up there and + you will see, ladies, the truth of what I tell you."</p> + + <p>Pointing with her finger, she drew our attention to the small + figure of a man working upon a dizzy height some three thousand feet + above us, his legs, like a pair of compasses, comically revealing a + triangle of blue sky between them, whilst we with difficulty made out + the figures of two women helping him.</p> + + <p>"That's Seppl Mahlgruben and his daughters cutting down + their green oats, too tardy to ripen. Some years since Moidel, the + eldest girl, working on that precise point, knelt one inch too far + over the precipice and was hurled into eternity, where a better + fortune, I pray God, awaited her than the cruel trials of + Reinthal."</p> + + <p>Moidel told us afterward that she thought our informant took too + gloomy a view, probably occasioned by "her stitching + pains." Still, she owned to its being a toilsome, perilous life + in every season of the year save summer.</p> + + <p>In a broad sylvan meadow at the end of the narrow defile, within + sound of the chief waterfall, we had the joy of seeing again the rest + of our party, who had made an afternoon excursion thither to meet us. + At a quiet, rural little inn just below, with an outside gallery + possessing a view of the still, deep gorge in front and softer + meadows beyond, kind hearts had already ordered coffee and rolls for + nine. All were unanimous, however, <span class="pagenum">[pg + 330]</span> that the ample supply was sufficient for ten, and the + good woman of Rein was pressed to enter and partake. This she + gratefully declined, adding, however, that it would be friendly and + helpful of us to allow her to drink a cup of coffee there at six in + morning on her return journey to Rein. Not that she had expected the + least attention to be offered her, and hoped that it was not intended + as a different mode of payment for her carrying a lady's handbag. + Although we had felt that one good turn deserved another, we made her + mind easy on that score, and she went tripping forward.</p> + + <p>For us there was still no hurry. The evening sky was brilliantly + clear, the mountain-summits and dark fir woods shone forth a + burnished gold, so that it seemed almost a sin to dive into the deep + shadows of the valley below. Besides, the inn possessed some beehive + sheds, and a view beyond which must not escape the pencil of the + artists, who busily sketched whilst the others rested, enjoying the + great crimson bars of sunset drawn across the dewy valley to the + rippling sound of a mad, merry little mill-brook.</p> + + <p>How much sympathy and respect has been afforded in all ages and + climes to those serviceable creatures, bees!</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">The little citizens create,</p> + + <p class="i2">And waxen cities build.</p> + </div> + + <p>Unlike Virgil, the good Tyrolese, however, would call them monks + and nuns dwelling in cells, rather than "citizens." + Formerly they delighted in erecting the most ornamental dwellings + which they could devise for them, helping them in their constant toil + by planting balmy thyme and other sweet honey-yielding flowers around + the hives. These were constructed of wood, gayly painted with holy + monograms and devices to add a blessing and security to the provident + labors of the little inmates. They were, in fact, <i>beatified + bees</i>, who had to be solemnly invited to attend the death mass + when the owner died, else they would fly away, refusing to stay. If a + swarm of bees hung to a house, it was simply as a warning that fire + would break out there.</p> + + <p>The beehives at this little inn still stood fresh, compact, with + flowers blooming around them, the kindly woman evidently taking great + pride in her bees. This, however, is not always the case. The grand + beehives, like the grand old halls and castles of the Tyrol, are + falling into decay: in both instances the paintings on the walls are + peeling off or growing indistinct; the present generation has either + lost its love for honey or much of its reverence for the bees—a + fact difficult to define amongst a people with almost credulous + veneration and intense belief in old customs. Still, much of the + freshness and simplicity of the peasants is passing away with the + discarding of their picturesque costumes.</p> + + <p>As a certain endurable routine had been arrived at within the + walls of the Elephant, we agreed, before retiring to rest, to remain + still several days there, availing ourselves of the splendid weather + to explore more thoroughly the beautiful, varied neighborhood of + Taufers.</p> + + <p>But, alas! the clear brilliant air and the deep rosy sunset had + deceived us. The next morning mists and clouds obstructed the view, + finally dissolving into a pitiless downfall, that detained us + prisoners in the house, which was silent as the grave but for the + rain steadily pattering against the casements.</p> + + <p>Weary of the wet and without occupation, our disengaged minds, + wandering out into the mist and rain, dreamily contemplated a slow + band of pilgrims defiling along the distant hillside. Had the day + been bright and clear, we should have seen them as sheaves of corn or + clover stuck to dry upon light stakes with branching arms, the upper + bundle being placed aslant to act as shelter to the rest. As it was, + however, in the plashing rain it required no effort to believe them + tired, defenceless pilgrims ever wandering on. Some despondingly beat + their arms upon their breasts, others, heavy and exhausted, fell upon + their knees; here a woman defended her infant from the biting blast, + there an old man with rugged hair looked mournfully backward; but + these were only a few amongst the endless figures <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 331]</span> of the tragic band, on a long, unceasing + march.</p> + + <p>Everywhere in the Tyrol, especially in the gloaming, whether in + Alpine meadow or arable land of the valley, such weird companies may + be seen. Bands of Indians, societies of cowled monks, ancient + Italians fleeing from a buried city, wandering Israelites,—such + and many others are the shapes which these drying sheaves of corn, + hay or clover assume, all combining to act as one vast funeral + procession of the summer that is no more.</p><a name="image-0028" id= + "image-0028"><!--IMG--></a> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/0140_1.jpg"><img width="80%" src= + "images/0140_1.jpg" alt="A PROCESSION." /></a> + + <center> + A PROCESSION. + </center> + </div><!--IMAGE END--> + + <p>In the afternoon a different company from these natural objects in + the distance came to occupy our minds for the time being. Gradually + the up stairs sitting-room, which we had foolishly perhaps imagined + reserved for our party of nine, became invaded by priests in long + coats down to their heels and muddy top-boots. We, the new-comers + from the mountains, now learnt that this was the daily occurrence, + and really the most unpleasant feature of the house, where the + landlord and landlady remained as sleepy and unimpressionable as + ever. We were soon, in fact, obliged to vacate the room, driven out + not only by the fumes of bad tobacco, but by the unsatisfactory stare + which was leveled at each intruder. The kellnerin, generally a slow, + incommunicative mortal, now passed, from cellar to sitting-room in a + flutter of excitement, her tongue, otherwise dormant, moving like a + mill-clapper in the enlivening society of her spiritual fathers. + These were the shepherds of the different adjoining parishes, whose + custom it was to derive mental and corporeal comfort in sipping their + acid wine and smoking their cheap tobacco in company. There might not + have been any great harm in it, but nevertheless it seemed an + apparent falling away from the singularly bright example which a good + man, born only ten minutes from the Elephant, in the village of + Mühlen, had once set them.</p> + + <p>The priest Michael Feichter, at his death in 1832 the head of the + clerical seminary at Brixen, became for a time, through his extreme + goodness and grace, the unseen regenerator of the Church in the + Tyrol. A simple, guileless man, with intense love and cheerfulness, + he acted as if God his friend were ever by his side. The entire + Bible, which he had chiefly studied on his knees, he knew literally + by heart. Birds, flowers and stones gave him subjects for stirring + sermons, and his evening conversations with his pupils were fraught + with the most beneficent consequences through his intense sympathy + and the power he unwittingly possessed of diving deep into the + conscience. Sorrows were met invariably by him with a cheerful + "Dominus providebit" or "parcat Deus." Cheating + and deceit pained him greatly, and he therefore rejoiced to become + acquainted with honest Jews, conscientious officials and religious + soldiers. Thoughts of wealth and station never troubled him. He + walked like a child through the world. When unable to wear his + scholastic gown he moved about, his serene face beaming with cheerful + urbanity from under the shadow of a broad-brimmed cocked hat, his + pride and delight, as it spared him both sunshade and umbrella. His + old coat of <span class="pagenum">[pg 332]</span> an antique cut + still bore on the under side of a flap the dyer's mark. His + waistcoat and stockings were of black knitted wool. On festive + occasions, however, he fastened to the back of his coat collar a + fluttering band denoting his doctorate. There was something humorous + in his appearance: he knew it and laughed at it, and yet, says one of + his pupils, "though we joined in the laugh, his whole person and + demeanor touched us deeply: we knew that he was not of this + world."</p> + + <p>Was it strange that we felt a great discrepancy between the memory + of this guileless man and some of the self-indulgent priests, once + his pupils, in the upper stube?</p> + + <p>The next day, the rain promising still to detain us prisoners, + Moidel, fearing that her important services must be missed at the + Hof, bravely defied wet and mud and tramped resolutely home. In the + afternoon, utterly tired out, we too determined to shift our quarters + to Edelsheim, and, engaging a large jolting vehicle, were borne + through mire, rain and mist from the Elephant to the Hof.</p> + + <p>Long before we reached the door we saw cheerful lights gleaming + from the long rows of windows. Anton, Moidel, the aunt, Uncle Johann + were at the door to receive us and our belongings. They felt sure, + somehow, that we should come.</p> + + <p>The floors of our rooms had been scrubbed white as snow in our + absence, but we must not hesitate to enter with our damp shoes. Were + not the rooms our own? Letters and newspapers were carefully laid + according to their various directions, and with flowers and dainty + dishes covered the supper-table. Moro, the good house-dog, stood by + our chairs or caressed the hand of his favorite, E——. We + felt that we had come home—to our home in the Tyrol.</p> + + <p class="author">MARGARET HOWITT.</p> + + <p class="center">[TO BE CONTINUED]</p><a name="colorado" id= + "colorado"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>COLORADO AND THE SOUTH PARK.</h2> + + <p>On the 15th of August, 1871, two brothers and a + sister—Sepia, an artist, Levell, an engineer, and Scribe, who + is the narrator—left Chicago by the North-western Railroad, + bound for Denver in Colorado, about eleven hundred miles west. The + first day we were climbing the gradual ascent from the Lakes to the + Mississippi, which we crossed at 4.30 P.M., at Clinton. The thirty + years which had elapsed since I first traversed this region had + changed it from wild, unbroken prairie to a well-cultivated country, + full of corn-fields, cattle and flourishing towns. Then I traveled in + a wagon four miles an hour, and had to find my own meat in the shape + of a deer from the grove, a grouse from the prairie or a duck from + the river. Now we rushed across the State in six hours, stopping + fifteen minutes for dinner in a fine brick hotel, metropolitan in + charges, if not in fare. In 1840, when we arrived at the great river, + we waited two or three hours for the ferry-boat, and finally had to + cross in a "dug-out," which seemed but a frail vessel to + stem the rapid currents and whirling eddies of the Mississippi. Now + we crossed upon a railroad bridge of iron, which cost more money than + all Iowa contained in 1840. Still, I fancy that the first method of + traveling was the more interesting.</p> + + <p>Through the still summer afternoon we rushed on over the rolling + prairies of Iowa, dotted with towns and villages and covered with + great corn- and wheat-farms. Here in 1840 was absolute wilderness: we + made our hunting-camp seventy-five miles west of the river, and we + were twenty miles away from any white settler. Wolves howled and + <span class="pagenum">[pg 333]</span> panthers screamed around our + camp, we lived upon elk and deer meat, and our only visitors in two + weeks were some Sac and Fox Indians, who disapproved of our intrusion + upon their hunting-grounds.</p> + + <p>At 9 A.M. on the 16th we arrived at Council Bluffs, and crossed + the turbid and furious Missouri in a steam ferry-boat to Omaha in + Nebraska. For many years Council Bluffs was one of the remotest + military posts: to go there was to be banished from the world. Now it + is a town of ten thousand inhabitants, struggling to overtake its + rival on the other bank, Omaha, which has sixteen thousand.</p> + + <p>Here our baggage was rechecked for Denver, for at Omaha begins the + Union Pacific Railroad. A great road it is, and great are its + charges. On the North-western, as on most others, the charge is about + four cents per mile, but the Union Pacific, to which corporation + Congress gave the usual land-grant, and more than enough money to + build the road, cannot afford to carry you for less than ten. This + may arise from the custom which has prevailed of giving free passes + to all Congressmen, governors, editors and other privileged classes, + so that, half the passengers paying nothing, the others have to pay + double. Not only are the fares high, but you are charged for extra + baggage. Like the elephant, who can drag a cannon or pick up a pin, + this great corporation is able to give free passes to a whole + legislature or to charge me twenty-five cents for five pounds of + extra baggage.</p> + + <p>From Nebraska into Wyoming, and we are nearly out of the United + States, though the old flag still flies over us. The people here talk + about going to the "States." All the region hereabouts, + from the middle of Nebraska, lies in what used to be called by the + French <i>Les Mauvaises Terres</i>, or "Bad Lands," and was + eloquently described by Irving in <i>Astoria</i> as the Great + American Desert. "This region," he writes, "resembles + one of the immeasurable steppes of Asia, and spreads forth into + undulating and treeless plains and desolate sandy wastes, which are + supposed by geologists to have formed the ancient floor of the ocean + countless ages ago, when its primeval waves beat against the granite + bases of the Rocky Mountains. It is a land where no man permanently + abides, for in certain seasons of the year there is no food either + for the hunter or his steed. The herbage is parched and withered, the + streams are dried up, the buffalo, the elk and the deer have wandered + to distant parts, leaving behind them a vast, uninhabited + solitude."</p> + + <p>But this "land where no man permanently abides" is + rapidly being settled, and is found to be rendered very fertile by + the simple process of irrigation, which costs less than the manuring + of Eastern farms. So the Great American Desert recedes before the + immigrant, and, like the noble savage, is found to be a myth.</p> + + <p>On the railroad midway between Cheyenne and Denver lies the new + town of Greeley. Although not on the maps in 1870, it now contains + fifteen hundred inhabitants, forty or fifty stores, six hotels, + churches, schools, and all the apparatus of civilization. This + aspiring town, 4779 feet above the sea-level, is an example of those + colony towns so successful in the West, and on which we must depend + for rebuilding society in the South. Greeley is surrounded by fertile + farms, and every city lot looks fresh and green: all this is effected + by irrigation. Two canals have been dug from the head-waters of the + Platte—one twenty-six miles long, which will water fifty + thousand acres; the other ten miles long, to furnish water for the + town and five thousand acres. The prairie where it is not irrigated + now, in midsummer, looks burned up and covered with a parched + herbage, which, however unpromising to the eye, is really good sweet + hay, dried and preserved by the hand of Nature for the buffalo and + antelope, and now cropped by the flocks and herds of the white + man.</p> + + <p>Denver, the capital of the Territory, contains about eight + thousand inhabitants. It is a true specimen of a Western town which + fully believes in itself, and blows a loud trumpet from its elevation + of five thousand feet. It was said <span class="pagenum">[pg + 334]</span> of old "that the meek shall inherit the earth," + but it was not by <i>that</i> quality that the Denverites obtained + their location. Here are plenty of hotels, three banks and a mint: + five railroads centre here, bringing in ten thousand tons of freight + per month. Denver has schools and churches in satisfactory numbers, + and her merchants sell ten millions of dollars' worth of goods + per annum. Considering that the place was only settled in 1858, and + has in these fifteen years been destroyed both by fire and water, and + almost starved by an Indian blockade, it must be admitted to be a + pretty smart specimen of a Western city.</p> + + <p>We ride in a 'bus, city fashion, to the Broadwell House, a + fatigued-looking structure of the earlier period, but probably no + worse than the others. Directly we begin to plan an excursion to the + South Park, seventy-five miles distant, and going out to look for + wagon and horses, we catch our first sight of the Rocky Mountains, a + line of dim, misty heights, with the more pronounced outline of the + foot-hills beneath. We engage a strong covered wagon, with a good + pair of horses and a driver, the latter only seventeen years old, but + owner of the team, and carrying himself man-fashion, with the + precocity of the Western youth. The wagon is brought to the hotel and + loaded, so as to be ready for an early start in the morning: we have + a tent and camp-equipage, with gun and fishing-rods for Levell and + Scribe, and the sketching-gear belonging to Sepia.</p> + + <p>So on the 18th, at 8 A.M., we drive over the bridge which crosses + Cherry Creek, and then cross six miles of uninhabited prairie, seamed + with gulches, and brown with withered herbage and cactus—no + verdure except along the canals, where several species of + <i>Artemisia</i> and a prickly poppy with a large white flower grow + profusely. We then begin to mount the bare foot-hills, among which + are curious masses of red rock as large as city churches, and washed + by the storms of ages into various fantastic forms. We then enter a + ravine or cañon through which flows Bear Creek, a tributary of the + Platte.</p> + + <p>Along Bear Creek are ranches where good crops of wheat are raised, + and butter and milk made for the Denver market. The grass in this + region makes the most delicious butter; indeed, I may say that I + never tasted poor butter in Colorado. In the month of August it is as + sweet and fragrant as the very best of our June butter in the States. + The time will come when the butter of Colorado will be sent to the + Atlantic cities: at present there is no surplus made.</p> + + <p>We now began to ascend Bear Mountain by a road cut along its side: + it was smooth and easy of ascent, but only wide enough for one + carriage, with a precipice of several hundred feet on either side, so + that we shuddered to think of the consequences of our meeting a + wagon. Happily, we met with none, although we overtook one, and had + to keep behind it till we reached the summit. Then down the other + side to a strip of bottom-land on a creek, where we camped for the + night, having come twenty miles from Denver.</p> + + <p><i>August</i> 19. Rose at five and breakfasted on fried pork, corn + bread and coffee. Started at ten, and drove fourteen miles to Omaha + Ranch; then to St. Louis Ranch, six miles, Roland's Ranch, five + miles, and Bailey's, five miles, on the North Fork of the South + Fork of the Platte. The weather was fine, and the air beautifully + clear and bracing. The road wound among the mountains, up a rocky + ravine, down a wooded cañon, then through little parks, surrounded by + high hills and set with magnificent sugar pines, and carpeted with + fresh grass and abundant flowers. In the ravines and on the + mountain-sides the road was narrow, but we were lucky and met + nothing, although we frequently overtook the immense wagons drawn by + five or six yoke of oxen, and driven by the most ferocious-looking + teamsters whom I have ever seen, brandishing enormous whips, which + crack like rifle-shots in the woods. We found, however, that, being + civilly entreated, they would always turn out of the road to let us + pass. We were now at an elevation of probably six thousand feet, + <span class="pagenum">[pg 335]</span> having been constantly + ascending since we left Denver; and this evening we rose still + higher, having climbed a long mountain which overlooked the + head-waters of the Platte.</p> + + <p>Our last descent of fifteen hundred feet in three miles brought us + to the neat log tavern kept by W.L. Bailey, where we found a supper + of trout just from the river, together with mountain-raspberries and + delicious cream, and clean, comfortable beds. When we looked out next + morning everything appeared so pleasant in this sheltered valley, and + the house was so comfortable, that we determined to stay here a day + and enjoy some sketching and fishing. Sepia took her pencils and + ascended the hill behind the house, and we others got out our rods + and followed the example set us by Simon Peter.</p> + + <p>The Platte, which ran through the meadow about a quarter of a mile + away, was a brown, shallow stream, twenty feet wide, fretting over a + rocky bed, with little pools and rapids which had a promising look; + so we looped on a red and a brown hackle and began to cast. Levell + walked down stream about a quarter of a mile before he began, so as + to leave a piece of water for the Scribe. The sun shone very bright + and hot, and only a few small trout answered my invitations. They + were darker and less brilliant in color than our <i>Salmo + fontinalis</i>, and were, I think, <i>Salmo Lewisii</i>, which + inhabits these waters. The valley was about half a mile wide, and + shut in on each side by mountains of red granite, crowned with pines. + Bailey's people were making hay in the valley, and I sat down on + a fragrant haycock to await the return of my companion. Presently I + observed a horseman coming up the valley: he was a hunter, followed + by a couple of hounds, with the carcass of a mountain-sheep, or + bighorn (<i>Ovis montana</i>), on the saddle in front of him. He told + me he had killed it on the mountain behind us, and was taking it to + Bailey's for sale. It was an animal something in color like a + deer, and about as heavy, though shorter in the leg, with very large + curved horns, like those of a ram. He said they were numerous in + these mountains, and he had killed six of them in a day, but had to + lower them down the precipices with a lariat, which was hard work. I + asked if the story was true that these creatures would throw + themselves from high rocks, and, turning over in the air, pitch upon + their horns with safety. He said he had hunted them many years, but + never saw that performance. Being asked if he thought they could do + it, he replied that he reckoned they <i>could</i>, but would be + smashed if they did. Being interrogated on the subject of grizzly + bears, he replied that there <i>were</i> grizzlies hereabouts, but + that he never hunted them: he had no use for grizzlies.</p> + + <p>In a couple of hours Levell returned, having fished the stream for + a mile or more: he had got about twenty small trout. We found that + Sepia had been more successful than ourselves, for she had made some + effective water-color sketches of the scenery.</p> + + <p><i>Aug</i>. 21. We started this morning at seven, and drove up the + Platte Valley five miles to Slaight's, through a very picturesque + region. Passed some heavy wagons bound to the mines, and met the + mail-stage coming down the valley from Fairplay, with four horses at + a gallop: we were luckily able to draw off and let them pass, which + they did in a cloud of dust, through which could be dimly seen the + long-bearded, red-shirted miners. A saw-mill at Slaight's, with + two houses and some fields of oats. Then eight miles to + Heffron's, at the forks of the river, where there are a + post-office and one house. Two miles beyond we stopped to feed our + horses in a lovely park-like bit of open forest of sugar pines. This + species resembles the yellow pine of the Southern States, with the + same rich purple trunk and widespreading branches. Many of them had + been girdled by the Indians to obtain the sweet inner bark, which is + a favorite luxury of the Utes. We see very few birds in these + mountains, which are too wild for the warblers and insect-eating + birds. We met with the mountain-grouse, a bird of about the size and + color of <i>Tetrao</i> <span class="pagenum">[pg 336]</span> + <i>cupido</i>, and one or two hawks. We also saw in the bushes at the + roadside the mountain-rabbit (<i>Lepus artemisia</i>), which from its + large size we at first mistook for a fawn. From Heffron's we + continue to ascend for six miles, till just beyond a small lake we + got the first view of the Park: it lay before us like a vast basin, + some hundreds of feet below, surrounded with a rim of high + mountains.</p> + + <p>The Park itself is 9842 feet above the sea-level, or half as high + again as Mount Washington. The surrounding rim is some two thousand + feet higher, while in the distance, north, south and west, may be + seen the snowy summits, fourteen thousand feet high, of Gray's + Peak, Pike's Peak, Mount Lincoln, and</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">Other Titans, without muse or name.</p> + </div> + + <p>The South Park is sixty miles long and thirty wide, with a surface + like a rolling prairie, and contains hills, groves, lakes and streams + in beautiful variety. It formerly abounded with buffalo and other + game, and was a favorite winter hunting-ground of the Indians and the + white trappers, but since the great influx of miners the buffaloes + have mostly disappeared. Such, however, is the excellence of the + pasture that great herds of cattle are driven up here to feed during + the summer. Several towns and villages have sprung up around the + mines in this vicinity, such as Hamilton, Fairplay and Tarryall, to + which a stage-coach runs three times a week from Denver.</p> + + <p>In our old atlases, forty years ago, we used to see the Rocky + Mountains laid down as a great central chain or back-bone of the + continent; but they are rather a congeries of groups scattered over + an area of six hundred miles in width and a thousand miles long: + among them are hundreds of these parks, from a few acres in extent to + the size of the State of Massachusetts. These mountains differ so + entirely from those usually visited and described by travelers, the + Alps, the Scottish Highlands and the White Mountains, that one can + scarcely believe that this warm air and rich vegetation exist ten + thousand feet above the sea. In climate the Colorado mountains + approach more nearly to the Andes, where the snow-line varies from + fourteen thousand to seventeen thousand feet. Here snow begins at + twelve thousand feet, and increases in quantity to the extreme height + of the tallest peaks, about fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty + feet, though even these are often bare in August. In these parks the + cattle live without shelter in winter, and the timber is large and + plentiful at eleven thousand feet elevation. Glaciers are wanting, + but instead we have the rich vegetation, the wide range of mountains, + the pure, dry and balmy atmosphere, and a variety, a depth and a + softness of color which can hardly be equaled on earth.</p> + + <p>Having stopped an hour to enjoy the view from the brow of the + mountain which forms the rim of the Park, we were overtaken by one of + the sudden rains which occur here, and had to drive six miles along + the level bottom, till, crossing a brook, we found ourselves at + sunset near a large log cabin, where we were glad to be allowed to + lie down on the floor under shelter.</p> + + <p>It was occupied by some young people named McLaughlin, two sisters + and a brother, who had come up from the Plains, where their family + lived, with a herd of cattle, from the milk of which the girls made + one hundred pounds of butter per week, for which they got fifty cents + a pound in the mines. In the fall they returned home, leaving the + cattle for the winter in certain sheltered regions called "the + range." They were stout, healthy young women, who did not fear + to stay here all alone for days at a time while their brother was + galloping about the Park on his broncho after his cattle. They did + not keep tavern, but were often obliged to take in benighted + travelers like ourselves, to whom they gave the shelter of their roof + and the privilege of cooking at their stove. The house was about + forty by twenty feet, all in one room, though one end was parted off + by blankets, behind which they admitted the lady of our party. + Sometimes they were visited by Utes, who are not unfriendly, though, + like most Indians, they <span class="pagenum">[pg 337]</span> are + audacious beggars. "They try to scare us sometimes," said + Jane: "they tell us, 'Bimeby Utes get all this + country—then you my squaw,' but we don't scare worth a + cent." Their nearest neighbor is a sister four miles away, who + is the wife of Squire Lechner, innkeeper and justice of the + peace.</p> + + <p><i>Aug</i>. 23. Started this morning at eleven for Lechner's. + Passed some deserted mining-camps, where the surface had been seamed + and scarred by the diggers; then across a creek, where we saw ducks + and a red-tailed hawk. Squire Lechner has a large log tavern on the + brow of a hill: he was absent, but his wife took us in. Sepia went on + the hill to sketch, and we others drove off in search of a + trout-brook of which we heard flattering accounts. It was a very + pretty stream, winding through the prairie with the gentle murmur so + loved by the angler and poet, and lacked nothing but fish to make it + perfect. It was rendered somewhat turbid by the late rains, so that + if the trout were there they could not see our flies. We are told + that trout are plenty on the other side of the mountains. "Go to + the Arkansas," they say, "and you will find big + ones."</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">Man never is, but always to be, blest.</p> + </div> + + <p>We found Mrs. Lechner a friendly person, like her sisters. She + told us that before her marriage her father kept this tavern. In + 1864, most of the men being away in the Union army, they found the + house one morning surrounded by a band of mounted rebels, who had + come up from Texas through New Mexico to make a raid on the mines. + They were a savage-looking band, about fifty in number, and were led + by a man who had formerly worked for her father, and whom she + recognized. They took what money and gold-dust was in the house, and + seized all the best horses about the place; but when she saw them + taking away her saddle-pony, she cried out, "Oh, Tom Smith! I + didn't think you was that mean, to rob me of my pony! Wasn't + you always well treated here?" He seemed to relent at this + appeal, and not only restored her horse, but two of her father's + also. The people collected and pursued the robbers, most of whom were + captured or killed, but the leader escaped. Mrs. Lechner said she was + glad he got away. "Tom must have had some good in him or he + wouldn't have given me back my pony."</p> + + <p><i>Aug</i>. 24. Rose this morning at daybreak, and enjoyed the + sight of a sunrise among these snowy peaks. Nothing can surpass the + delicate tints of rose-color, silver gray, gold and purple which + suffuse these summits in early morning. I called Sepia to sketch + them, but what human colors can reproduce such glories? We left at + seven, and drove to Bailey's, thirty-five miles, before sunset, + stopping an hour at noon. On the top of a mountain, about 4 P.M., we + were caught in a furious squall, attended with rain, snow and hail, + with terrific thunder and lightning, which struck a tree close by. + And here I must pay my tribute to the admirable qualities of our + horses—steady, prompt and courageous; no mountain too steep for + them to climb, no precipice too abrupt to descend; and they stood the + pelting of that pitiless storm like four-legged philosophers. We + found Bailey's house apparently full, but they made room for us. + A handsome buggy and pair arrived soon after, from which descended a + well-dressed gentleman and lady, whom we found to be the + superintendent of a silver-mine at Hamilton and his wife. They told + us that there was a very good boarding-house at that place, with fine + scenery all around, which we ought to have seen. But in truth we had + as much fine scenery as we could contain: we were saturated with it, + and a few mountains more would have been wasted.</p> + + <p><i>Aug</i>. 25. A fine clear morning, and we started early, hoping + to drive through to Denver, forty-five miles, but in about fifteen + miles one of the horses lost a shoe, which it was thought necessary + to replace, the road being rocky; so we went slowly to the junction, + where was a blacksmith. He proved to be a mixture of tavern-keeper, + farmer and blacksmith, and it was considered a favor to be shod by a + man of such various talents. <span class="pagenum">[pg 338]</span> + Deliberately he searched for a shoe: that found, he looked for the + hammer. Who had seen the hammer? It was remembered that little Johnny + had been playing with it. Johnny was looked for, and finally brought, + but was unable or unwilling to find the tool so essential to our + progress. "Look for it, Johnny," said the blacksmith; and + he looked, but to no purpose. After waiting an hour for reason to + dawn upon the mind of this infant, the blacksmith put on the shoe + with the help of a hatchet, and we proceeded; but so much time had + been lost night overtook us twelve miles from Denver. We tried at two + taverns, which were full of teamsters, and we were obliged to diverge + three miles down Bear's Creek Cañon to the house of Strauss. The + good woman, after a mild protest, admitted us and gave us a supper of + venison, with good beds. Strauss has a fine ranch along the creek, + where he raises forty bushels of wheat to the acre, and his wife + milks thirty-six cows and makes two hundred pounds of butter at a + churning. Besides this, she cultivates a flower-garden, with many + varieties of bloom, irrigated by a ditch from the creek.</p> + + <p>Arrived at Denver at noon of the 26th, and found the mercury at + 90°, and were glad to leave the crowded hotel next morning for + Chicago.</p> + + <p>I have only described what we actually saw, which was but a small + part of the wonders and delights of Colorado. We were humble + travelers, unattached to any party of Congressmen or of railroad + potentates: we were not ushered into the Garden of the Gods, assisted + up Gray's Park, or introduced to the Petrified Forest; but we saw + enough of the new and beautiful to give us lasting recollections of + Colorado and the South Park.</p> + + <p class="author">S.C. CLARKE.</p><a name="patrons" id="patrons"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.</h2> + + <p>"Do you know anything about this 'grange' + business?" asked a lady from the city the other day; and she + added, "I can hardly take up a magazine or newspaper without + falling on the words 'grange,' 'Patrons of + Husbandry,' 'farmers' movement,' and all + that."</p> + + <p>"Why, I am a Patron myself," I replied.</p> + + <p>"What! you have a <i>grange</i> here in this little New + Jersey sandbank?" she exclaimed incredulously, and plied me with + a storm of questions.</p> + + <p>It was a quiet, rainy evening, and I devoted the whole of it to + answering her queries, reading documents from our head-quarters, and + quoting Mr. Adams's treatise on the <i>Railroad Systems</i> and + other authorities to explain the present war between producers and + carriers; and, believing that there are many others who, like my + friend, are disposed to look into this "grange business," I + will give them the substance of our conversation. A great deal of + that which has found its way into the press touching our order is + more characterized by confidence than correctness of statement. In a + late magazine article it is stated that the organization known as the + <i>Patrons of Husbandry</i> "was originally borrowed from an + association which for many years had maintained a feeble existence in + a community of Scotch farmers in North Carolina." This statement + has no foundation in fact. The order is not the out-growth directly, + or even indirectly, of any pre-existing organization. It is the + result, so far as it is possible to trace impulses to their source, + of the suggestion of a lady, communicated some years ago to Mr. O.H. + Kelley, the present secretary of the National Grange, and the person + who has done more than any other to establish <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 339]</span> the order as it exists to-day. The + suggestion was in substance this: Why cannot the farmers protect + themselves by a national organization, as do other trades and + professions? Mr. Kelley seized the idea with enthusiasm, worked out + the plan of a secret society, and traveled over the country seeking + to arouse the farmers to organize for their mutual advantage. He met + with constant disappointment at first, and his family and friends + implored him to abandon a project which threatened to absorb every + cent he possessed, as it did all his time and energy. But he + persevered against every discouragement, and to-day he may well be + proud of the results of his devotion.</p> + + <p>The first grange was organized in St. Paul, Minnesota, and called + the "North Star Grange," and it is one of the most + efficient subordinate granges in the country to this day. Another was + organized in Washington, one in Fredonia, New York, one in Ohio, + another in Illinois, and a few others during the same year in + different places. This was very nearly six years ago. Since that time + they have been constantly increasing—at first slowly, then with + a rapidity unheard of in the history of secret or any other + organizations in this country or the world. We can hardly count three + years since the order fairly began to grow, and now the granges are + numbered by the thousand. Ten States on the twenty-fifth of June last + had over a hundred granges, and seven of these between two and five + hundred. Iowa to-day has seventeen hundred and ten, and others in + process of organization. Thirty-one of the States and Territories had + subordinate or both subordinate and State granges, according to the + June returns. There were eight at that date in Canada, twenty-three + in Vermont, five in New York State, three in New Jersey, two in + Pennsylvania, and one in Massachusetts. Up to this time there has + been little effort made to extend the organization into the Eastern + and Middle States, but at present deputies from the National Grange + are being sent to these "benighted regions," and the leaven + is working finely. To show how rapidly the order is extending it will + be only necessary to add that seven hundred and one charters for new + granges were issued during the single month of May.</p> + + <p>The discussion of party politics is excluded from the order by + common consent, as well as by the terms of its constitution. How much + this one wise provision tends to preserve harmony among those of + different sects and political parties needs no comment. We know that + on one or both of these rocks most great popular organizations have + been wrecked. So far, the Patrons of Husbandry have worked together + with great harmony, and the slight discords have been nothing more + than the surface ripples on a great onward-setting current. Men and + women are received on terms of absolute equality throughout all the + seven degrees. Four are degrees conferred in subordinate granges, and + the higher in the State granges or in the National Grange—the + seventh in the latter only, constituting a national senate and court + of impeachment, and having charge also of the secret work of the + order. All officers are chosen by ballot—those of the National + Grange for three years, of State granges for two years, and of + subordinate granges for one year. The names of the first four degrees + are respectively, for men and women, Laborer and Maid, Cultivator and + Shepherdess, Harvester and Gleaner, Husbandman and Matron; and the + initiations are not only exceedingly impressive and beautiful, but + really instructive. It may also be added that they are never tedious, + which will be agreeable information to those who, in entering secret + societies, have been dragged through long, meaningless rigmaroles, + conscious of being made a spectacle of, and preserving their temper + only by the most strenuous efforts.</p> + + <p>Into the initiations of the order of the Patrons there enter as + machinery or symbols music and song, the expression of exalted + sentiments, ceremonies replete, without exception, with significance + and instruction, together with fruits and grains and flowers and + simple feasts. <span class="pagenum">[pg 340]</span> Two fundamental + objects of the organization are social and intellectual culture. The + widespread realization of the importance of these among the people is + the first great step toward securing them, and the first unmistakable + sign that such step has already been taken is the rebelling against + pure drudgery. Said the Master of the National Grange, Mr. Dudley W. + Adams, in a late address: "It will doubtless be a matter of + surprise to them" (editors, lawyers, politicians, etc.) "to + learn that farmers may possibly entertain some wish to enjoy life, + and have some other object in living besides everlasting hard work + and accumulating a few paltry dollars by coining them from their own + life-blood and stamping them with the sighs of weary children and + worn wives. What we want in agriculture is a new Declaration of + Independence. We must do something to dispel old prejudices and beat + down old notions. That the farmer is a mere animal to labor from + morning till eve, and into the night, is an ancient but abominable + heresy."... "We have heard enough, ten times enough, about + the 'hardened hand of honest toil,' the supreme glory of + 'the sweating brow,' and how magnificent the suit of coarse + homespun which covers a form bent with overwork."... "I + tell you, my brother-workers of the soil, there is something worth + living for besides hard work. We have heard enough of this + professional blarney. Toil in itself is not necessarily glorious. To + toil like slaves, raise fat steers, cultivate broad acres, pile up + treasures of bonds and lands and herds, and at the same time bow and + starve the god-like form, harden the hands, dwarf the immortal mind + and alienate the children from the homestead, is a damning disgrace + to any man, and should stamp him as worse than a brute."</p> + + <p>Thus the farmers have joined the great strike of labor against + drudgery, and it will never end until it is fully recognized that, + while every unproductive life is a dishonorable life, drudgery is no + less degrading than pure idleness. To be sure, the sages in all times + have taught that there was a time to sing and dance as well as a time + to labor, but it is not fifty years since it was generally accepted + by the masses that a person might spend every day of his adult life + in monotonous manual labor, and yet, other things being favorable, be + just as intelligent, just as polished in manner, and graceful in + bearing as if his occupation was varied and the more laborious + portions of it never continued long at a time. To-day this fallacy is + beginning to be generally recognized. Go into any farming district, + and you will find that the farmer's sons who are regularly + engaged in one kind of labor all day, as ploughing, planting, mowing, + are great, awkward, heavy-mannered youths, while his daughters are, + in comparison, easy in their movements and agreeable in their + address; and simply because, though their labor has been as + unremitting, it has been far less monotonous. As a general rule, they + go from one thing to another, and through a great variety of muscular + exercises from hour to hour.</p> + + <p>It is no wonder, then, that the farmers' sons, to get rid of + the terrible monotony of farm-labor as now organized, find peddling + tin kettles an acceptable substitute, or turning somersets in a + third-class circus a fortunate escape. The reason why our country + youths are so impatient of farm-labor is not that they are less + virtuous than formerly, but that they are wiser; and the railroad has + opened a thousand fields for their ambitious daring undreamed of as + possibilities in the olden time. Not even the combination of + attractions afforded by the granges, with their libraries and + reading-rooms, their processions and picnics, the decoration of + grange halls in company with the ladies of the order, the working of + degrees, the music, social reunions, balls and concerts, can keep + young men on the farm unless something is done to render the labor + less monotonous and disagreeable.</p> + + <p>One of the Patrons during a late discussion of these questions + predicted, from the growing intelligence of the people, and their + better understanding of the possibilities of organization, that + within a few years we shall see magnificent <span class="pagenum">[pg + 341]</span> social palaces, something like the famous one at Guise, + in many places in this country; and he went on to show how social and + industrial life might be organized so as to secure the most complete + liberty of the individual or family, magnificent educational + advantanges, remunerative occupation and varied amusements for all, + with perfect insurance against want for orphans, for the sick and the + aged. Each palace was to be the centre of a great agricultural + district exploited in the most scientific manner, and through the + varied economies resulting from combination all the luxuries of + industry and all the conditions for high culture were to be secured + to all who were willing to labor even one-half the hours that the + farmer now does. It was a glowing picture, and certainly very + entertaining, whether a possibility of this, or, as one of the + company suggested, of some happier planet than ours.</p> + + <p>But whatever dreams for the future may be entertained by some of + the Patrons, it is certain that they have work directly at hand, and + that they are grappling it with a will. The Iowa granges, through + agents appointed from among their members, now purchase their + machinery and farming implements direct from the manufacturer and by + wholesale. That State saved half a million during 1872 in this way, + and Missouri, through the executive committee of her State grange, + has just completed a contract in St. Louis for the same purpose. All + members of the granges are thus enabled to secure these articles at + greatly reduced prices; and as there are over three hundred and fifty + granges, with a larger membership than in many other States, this is + a very important item.</p> + + <p>Now, in regard to the railroads, with which it is generally + supposed the Patrons of Husbandry are in fierce conflict. Certainly, + to the outside observer, the agriculturists of the South and West + seem to have most grievous burdens to bear. It costs the price of + three bushels of corn to carry one to the grain-marts by rail, and + the whole world knows that they have been burning their three-year + old crops as fuel in nearly all the Western States. Meanwhile, it + seems clear that there is not too much corn raised, since a great + famine has just swept over Persia, and others are threatening in + different parts of the world.</p> + + <p>The present high rates of transportation were never anticipated by + the farmer. If in the beginning some great route charged high rates + for carrying, his dissatisfaction was soothed by the assurance that + the road had cost an enormous outlay of capital, and that as soon as + the company was partially reimbursed the rates would be lowered. The + sequel generally proved that the rates went up instead of down, and + the still angrier mood of the farmer was again quieted by a new hope: + a great competing railroad line was projected, and finally finished. + Competition would certainly bring down the prices. This was the + reasonable way to expect relief. Competition always had that effect. + Alas for the simple producer! He had borne his burdens long and + patiently only to learn the truth of George Stevenson's pithy + apothegm, that "where combination is possible competition is + impossible." The two great companies combined, became + consolidated into one, and, having their victim completely in their + power, swindled him without pity and divided the spoils between + them.</p> + + <p>The characteristic of the day is the tendency to consolidation. + But nothing can prevent the people from fearing the results of great + monopolies and "rings," or from organizing to circumvent + their schemes. Those who make no calculation for the growing + intelligence of industry are walking blindly. Never were the people + so conscious of their power—never so fully aware that in this + country the machinery for correcting abuses lies in the degree of + concentration with which public opinion can be brought to bear in a + given direction. Once let the people become fully aroused to the + existence of an evil or abuse, and there is no interest nor + combination of interests that can long hold out against them. The + trouble heretofore has been the multiplicity of conflicting opinions + everywhere disseminated, <span class="pagenum">[pg 342]</span> and + the consequent difficulty of agreeing upon measures, and uniting a + great number of people in their adoption for the accomplishment of + certain ends. If we may rely upon the promise of the order of the + Patrons of Husbandry, now slowly and surely sweeping toward the + eastern shores of the country, and yet still widening and extending + in the West, where it rose, we may hope that this is the great moving + army of the people so long waited for, which is to work out the vexed + problems of labor and capital by a sudden but peaceful + revolution.</p> + + <p>The record of the vast work that the order of the Patrons has + accomplished for its members exists at present in a detached and + scattered form among the different granges, and in piles of yet + unused documents at the national head-quarters. The full history of + the movement is promised, and in good time will doubtless appear.</p> + + <p>Since the first part of this paper was written the Iowa granges + have increased to over one thousand seven hundred and fifty. + Twenty-nine new ones were organized during the week ending July 24. + Over one-third of all the grain-elevators of the State are owned or + controlled by the granges, which had, up to December last, shipped + over five million bushels of grain to Chicago, besides cattle and + hogs in vast quantities; and the reports received from these + shipments show an increased profit to the producers of from ten to + forty per cent. over that of the old "middlemen" system; + and by the complete buying arrangements which the Western granges + have effected it is calculated that the members save on an average + one hundred dollars a year each. Large families find their expenses + reduced by three or four hundred dollars annually, aside from amounts + saved on sewing-machines, pianos, organs, reapers, mowers, + corn-shellers and a hundred other costly articles; all of which any + member of any grange can obtain to-day at a saving of from + twenty-five to forty per cent. They are ordered in quantity from the + manufacturers by the agents of the State granges of the West, and a + single order even from a member of a new-formed grange in Vermont + will be incorporated in the general State order. The granges of the + Eastern and Middle States are as yet mostly engaged in the work of + organizing, and have not yet realized the pecuniary advantages + accruing to older granges. By this vast co-operative and entirely + cash system all parties are well satisfied except certain unfortunate + middlemen, who find their "occupation gone," and themselves + obliged to become producers or to enter into the sale of the numerous + small and low-priced articles not yet affected by the movement.</p> + + <p class="author">MARIE ROWLAND.</p> + + <p>[It is desirable that an organization which is assuming such + proportions and promising such results should be examined from every + point of view, and the foregoing article, written from that of an + enthusiastic member of the order, will, we may hope, assist in + throwing light upon the subject. If there is some degree of vagueness + in its statement of the aims and purposes with which the movement has + been set on foot, it is probable that this exactly represents the + state of mind of the great majority of those who are engaged in it. + The one tangible thing which it would seem to be accomplishing, a + combination of the farmers for the purchase of pianos and + agricultural implements at wholesale prices, is not of a very + startling character; and if this can be attained at no greater cost + or trouble to the individual "Patrons" than that of + "decorating the granges" and taking part in the singing and + the symbolical rites, a considerable advantage will no doubt have + been gained. How the cost of transportation is to be reduced, or why + the railroads, by facilitating the exchange of productions, should + have become the <i>bête noire</i> of the producers, are points on + which more definite information would seem to be required. But + "the people" being now "aroused," and the + revolution in progress, we have only to await events in that hopeful + state of mind which such announcements are calculated to + inspire.—ED.]</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 343]</span> <a name= + "churchsteps" id="churchsteps"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>ON THE CHURCH STEPS.</h2><a name="churchstepschvi" id= + "churchstepschvi"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3> + + <p>I had a busy week of it in New York—copying out + instructions, taking notes of marriages and intermarriages in 1690, + and writing each day a long, pleading letter to Bessie. There was a + double strain upon me: all the arrangements for my client's + claims, and in an undercurrent the arguments to overcome Bessie's + decision, went on in my brain side by side.</p> + + <p>I could not, I wrote to her, make the voyage without her. It would + be the shipwreck of all my new hopes. It was cruel in her to have + raised such hopes unless she was willing to fulfill them: it made the + separation all the harder. I could not and would not give up the + plan. "I have engaged our passage in the Wednesday's + steamer: say yes, dear child, and I will write to Dr. Wilder from + here."</p> + + <p>I could not leave for Lenox before Saturday morning, and I hoped + to be married on the evening of that day. But to all my pleading came + "No," simply written across a sheet of note-paper in my + darling's graceful hand.</p> + + <p>Well, I would go up on the Saturday, nevertheless. She would + surely yield when she saw me faithful to my word.</p> + + <p>"I shall be a sorry-looking bride-groom," I thought as I + surveyed myself in the little mirror at the office. It was Friday + night, and we were shutting up. We had worked late by gaslight, all + the clerks had gone home long ago, and only the porter remained, half + asleep on a chair in the hall.</p> + + <p>It was striking nine as I gathered up my bundle of papers and + thrust them into a bag. I was rid of them for three days at least. + "Bill, you may lock up now," I said, tapping the sleepy + porter on the shoulder.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mr. Munro, shure here's a card for yees," + handing me a lady's card.</p> + + <p>"Who left it, Bill?" I hurriedly asked, taking it to the + flaring gaslight on the stairway.</p> + + <p>"Two ladies in a carriage—an old 'un and a pretty + young lady, shure. They charged me giv' it yees, and druv' + off."</p> + + <p>"And why didn't you bring it in, you blockhead?" I + shouted, for it was Bessie Stewart's card. On it was written in + pencil: "Westminster Hotel. On our way through New York. Leave + on the 8 train for the South to-night. Come up to dinner."</p> + + <p>The eight-o'clock train, and it was now striking nine!</p> + + <p>"Shure, Mr. Charles, you had said you was not to be disturbed + on no account, and that I was to bring in no messages."</p> + + <p>"Did you tell those ladies that? What time were they + here?"</p> + + <p>"About five o'clock—just after you had shut the + dure, and the clerks was gone. Indeed, and they didn't wait for + no reply, but hearin' you were in there, they druv' off the + minute they give me the card. The pretty young lady didn't like + the looks of our office, I reckon."</p> + + <p>It was of no use to storm at Bill. He had simply obeyed orders + like a faithful machine. So, after a hot five minutes, I rushed up to + the Westminster. Perhaps they had not gone. Bessie would know there + was a mistake, and would wait for me.</p> + + <p>But they were gone. On the books of the hotel were registered in a + clear hand, Bessie's hand, "Mrs. M. Antoinette Sloman and + maid; Miss Bessie Stewart." They had arrived that afternoon, + must have driven directly from the train to the office, and had + dined, after waiting a little time for some one who did not come.</p> + + <p>"And where were they going?" I asked of the sympathetic + clerk, who seemed interested.</p> + + <p>"Going South—I don't know where. The elder lady + seemed delicate, and the <span class="pagenum">[pg 344]</span> young + lady quite anxious that she should stay here to-night and go on in + the morning. But no, she would go on to-night."</p> + + <p>I took the midnight train for Philadelphia. They would surely not + go farther to-night if Mrs. Sloman seemed such an invalid.</p> + + <p>I scanned every hotel-book in vain. I walked the streets of the + city, and all the long Sunday I haunted one or two churches that my + memory suggested to me were among the probabilities for that day. + They were either not in the city or most securely hid.</p> + + <p>And all this time there was a letter in the New York post-office + waiting for me. I found it at my room when I went back to it on + Monday noon.</p> + + <p>It ran as follows:</p> + + <blockquote> + "WESTMINSTER HOTEL. "Very sorry not to see you—Aunt + Sloman especially sorry; but she has set her heart on going to + Philadelphia to-night. We shall stay at a private house, a quiet + boarding-house; for aunt goes to consult Dr. R—— there, + and wishes to be very retired. I shall not give you our address: as + you sail so soon, it would not be worth while to come over. I will + write you on the other side. B.S." + </blockquote> + + <p>Where's a Philadelphia directory? Where is this Dr. + R——? I find him, sure enough—such a number Walnut + street. Time is precious—Monday noon!</p> + + <p>"I'll transfer my berth to the Saturday steamer: that + will do as well. Can't help it if they do scold at the + office."</p> + + <p>To drive to the Cunard company's office and make the transfer + took some little time, but was not this my wedding holiday? I sighed + as I again took my seat in the car at Jersey City. On this golden + Monday afternoon I should have been slowly coming down the Housatonic + Valley, with my dear little wife beside me. Instead, the unfamiliar + train, and the fat man at my side reading a campaign newspaper, and + shaking his huge sides over some broad burlesque.</p> + + <p>The celebrated surgeon, Dr. R——, was not at home in + answer to my ring on Monday evening.</p> + + <p>"How soon will he be in? I will wait."</p> + + <p>"He can see no patients to-night sir," said the man; + "and he may not be home until midnight."</p> + + <p>"But I am an <i>im</i>patient," I might have urged, when + a carriage dashed up to the door. A slight little man descended, and + came slowly up the steps.</p> + + <p>"Dr. R——?" I said inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"Just one minute, doctor, if you please. I only want to get + an address from you."</p> + + <p>He scanned me from head to foot: "Walk into my office, young + man."</p> + + <p>I might have wondered at the brusqueness of his manner had I not + caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror over the mantelshelf. Dusty + and worn, and with a keen look of anxiety showing out of every + feature, I should scarcely have recognized myself.</p> + + <p>I explained as collectedly as possible that I wanted the address + of one of his patients, a dear old friend of mine, whom I had missed + as she passed through New York, and that, as I was about to sail for + Europe in a few days, I had rushed over to bid her good-bye. + "Mrs. Antoinette Sloman, it is, doctor."</p> + + <p>The doctor eyed me keenly: he put out his hand to the little + silver bell that stood on the table and tapped it sharply. The + servant appeared at the door: "Let the carriage wait, + James."</p> + + <p>Again the watchful, keen expression. Did he think me an escaped + lunatic, or that I had an intent to rob the old lady? Apparently the + scrutiny was satisfactory, for he took out a little black book from + his pocket, and turning over the leaves, said, "Certainly, here + it is—No. 30 Elm street, West Philadelphia."</p> + + <p>Over the river, then, again: no wonder I had not seen them in the + Sunday's search.</p> + + <p>"I will take you over," said Dr. R——, + replacing the book in his pocket again. "Mrs. Sloman is on my + list. Wait till I eat a biscuit, and I'll drive you over in my + carriage."</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 345]</span> + + <p>Shrewd little man! thought I: if I am a convict or a lunatic with + designs on Mrs. Sloman, he is going to be there to see.</p> + + <p>"Till he ate a biscuit?" I should think so. To his + invitation, most courteously urged, that I should come and share his + supper—"You've just come from the train, and you + won't get back to your hotel for two hours, at + least"—I yielded a ready acceptance, for I was really very + hungry: I forget whether I had eaten anything all day.</p> + + <p>But the biscuit proved to be an elegant little supper served in + glittering plate, and the doctor lounged over the tempting bivalves + until I could scarce conceal my impatience.</p> + + <p>"Do you chance to know," he said carelessly, as at last + we rose from the table and he flung his napkin down, "Mrs. + Sloman's niece, Miss Stewart?"</p> + + <p>"Excellently well," I said smiling: "in fact, I + believe I am engaged to be married to her."</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow," said the doctor, bursting out + laughing, "I am delighted to hear it! Take my carriage and go. I + saw you were a lawyer, and you looked anxious and hurried; and I made + up my mind that you had come over to badger the old lady into making + her will. I congratulate you with all my soul—and myself, + too," he added, shaking my hand. "Only think! Had it not + been for your frankness, I should have taken a five-mile ride to + watch you and keep you from doing my patient an injury."</p> + + <p>The good doctor quite hurried me into the carriage in the effusion + of his discovery; and I was soon rolling away in that luxurious + vehicle over the bridge, and toward Bessie at last.</p> + + <p>I cannot record that interview in words, nor can I now set down + any but the mere outline of our talk. My darling came down to meet me + with a quick flush of joy that she did not try to conceal. She was + natural, was herself, and only too glad, after the <i>contretemps</i> + in New York, to see me again. She pitied me as though I had been a + tired child when I told her pathetically of my two journeys to + Philadelphia, and laughed outright at my interview with Dr. + R——.</p> + + <p>I was so sure of my ground. When I came to speak of the + journey—<i>our</i> journey—I knew I should prevail. It + was a deep wound, and she shrank from any talk about it. I had to be + very gentle and tender before she would listen to me at all.</p> + + <p>But there was something else at work against me—what was + it?—something that I could neither see nor divine. And it was + not altogether made up of Aunt Sloman, I was sure.</p> + + <p>"I cannot leave her now, Charlie. Dr. R—— wishes + her to remain in Philadelphia, so that he can watch her case. That + settles it, Charlie: I must stay with her."</p> + + <p>What was there to be said? "Is there no one else, no one to + take your place?"</p> + + <p>"Nobody; and I would not leave her even if there + were."</p> + + <p>Still, I was unsatisfied. A feeling of uneasiness took possession + of me. I seemed to read in Bessie's eyes that there was a thought + between us hidden out of sight. There is no clairvoyant like a lover. + I could see the shadow clearly enough, but whence, in her outer life, + had the shadow come? <i>Between</i> us, surely, it could not be. Even + her anxiety for her aunt could not explain it: it was something + concealed.</p> + + <p>When at last I had to leave her, "So to-morrow is your last + day?" she said.</p> + + <p>"No, not the last. I have changed my passage to the Saturday + steamer."</p> + + <p>The strange look came into her face again. Never before did blue + eyes wear such a look of scrutiny.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it?" I asked laughingly as I looked + straight into her eyes.</p> + + <p>"The Saturday steamer," she said + musingly—"the Algeria, isn't it? I thought you were in + a hurry?"</p> + + <p>"It was my only chance to have you," I explained, and + apparently the argument was satisfactory enough.</p> + + <p>With the saucy little upward toss with which she always dismissed + a subject, "Then it isn't good-bye to-night?" she + said.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 346]</span> + + <p>"Yes, for two days. I shall run over again on + Thursday."</p><a name="churchstepschvii" id="churchstepschvii"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3> + + <p>The two days passed, and the Thursday, and the Friday's + parting, harder for Bessie, as it seemed, than she had thought for. + It was hard to raise her dear little head from my shoulder when the + last moment came, and to rush down stairs to the cab, whose shivering + horse and implacable driver seemed no bad emblem of destiny on that + raw October morning.</p> + + <p>I was glad of the lowering sky as I stepped up the gangway to the + ship's deck. "What might have been" went down the cabin + stairs with me; and as I threw my wraps and knapsack into the double + state-room I had chosen I felt like a widower.</p> + + <p>It was wonderful to me then, as I sat down on the side of the + berth and looked around me, how the last two weeks had filled all the + future with dreams. "I must have a genius for + castle-building," I laughed. "Well, the reality is cold and + empty enough. I'll go up on deck."</p> + + <p>On deck, among the piles of luggage, were various metal-covered + trunks marked M——. I remember now watching them as they + were stowed away.</p> + + <p>But it was with a curious shock, an hour after we had left the + dock, that a turn in my solitary walk on deck brought me face to face + with Fanny Meyrick.</p> + + <p>"You here?" she said. "I thought you had sailed in + the Russia! Bessie told me you were to go then."</p> + + <p>"Did she know," I asked, "that <i>you</i> were + going by this steamer?"</p> + + <p>On my life, never was gallantry farther from my thoughts: my + question concerned Bessie alone, but Fanny apparently took it as a + compliment, and looked up gayly: "Oh yes: that was fixed months + ago. I told her about it at Lenox."</p> + + <p>"And did she tell you something else?" I asked + sharply.</p> + + <p>"Oh yes. I was very glad to hear of your good prospect. Do be + congratulated, won't you?"</p> + + <p>Rather an odd way to put it, thought I, but it is Fanny + Meyrick's way. "Good prospect!" Heavens! was that the + term to apply to my engagement with Bessie?</p> + + <p>I should have insisted on a distincter utterance and a more + flattering expression of the situation had it been any other woman. + But a lingering suspicion that perhaps the subject was a distasteful + one to Fanny Meyrick made me pause, and a few moments after, as some + one else joined her, I left her and went to the smokestack for my + cigar.</p> + + <p>It was impossible, in the daily monotony of ship-life, to avoid + altogether the young lady whom Fate had thrown in my way. She was a + most provokingly good sailor, too. Other women stayed below or were + carried in limp bundles to the deck at noon; but Fanny, perfectly + poised, with the steady glow in her cheek, was always ready to amuse + or be amused.</p> + + <p>I tried, at first, keeping out of her way, with the <i>Trois + Mousquetaires</i> for company. But it seemed to me, as she knew of my + engagement, such avoidance was anything but complimentary to her. + Loyalty to her sex would forbid me to show that I had read her + secret. Why not meet her on the frank, breezy ground of + friendship?</p> + + <p>Perhaps, after all, there was no secret. Perhaps her feeling was + only one of girlish gratitude, however needless, for pulling her out + of the Hudson River. I did not know.</p> + + <p>Nor was I particularly pleased with the companion to whom she + introduced me on our third day out—Father Shamrock, an Irish + priest, long resident in America, and bound now for Maynooth. How he + had obtained an introduction to her I do not know, except in the + easy, fatherly way he seemed to have with every one on board.</p> + + <p>"Pshaw!" thought I, "what a nuisance!" for I + shared the common antipathy to his country and his creed. Nor was his + appearance prepossessing—one of Froude's "tonsured + peasants," as I looked down at the square shoulders, + <span class="pagenum">[pg 347]</span> the stout, short figure and the + broad beardlessness of the face of the padre. But his voice, rich and + mellow, attracted me in spite of myself. His eyes were sparkling with + kindly humor, and his laugh was irresistible.</p> + + <p>A perfect man of the world, with no priestly austerity about him, + he seemed a perpetual anxiety to the two young priests at his heels. + They were on their dignity always, and, though bound to hold him in + reverence as their superior in age and rank, his songs and his gay + jests were evidently as thorns in their new cassocks.</p> + + <p>Father Shamrock was soon the star of the ship's company. + Perfectly suave, his gayety had rather the French sparkle about it + than the distinguishing Italian trait, and his easy manner had a dash + of manliness which I had not thought to find. Accomplished in various + tongues, rattling off a gay little <i>chanson</i> or an Irish song, + it was a sight to see the young priests looking in from time to time + at the cabin door in despair as the clock pointed to nine, and Father + Shamrock still sat the centre of a gay and laughing circle.</p> + + <p>He had rare tact, too, in talking to women. Of all the ladies on + the Algeria, I question if there were any but the staunchest + Protestants. Some few held themselves aloof at first and declined an + introduction. "Father Shamrock! An Irish priest! How <i>can</i> + Miss Meyrick walk with him and present him as she does?" But the + party of recalcitrants grew less and less, and Fanny Meyrick was very + frank in her admiration. "Convert you?" she laughed over + her shoulder to me. "He wouldn't take the trouble to + try."</p> + + <p>And I believe, indeed, he would not. His strong social nature was + evidently superior to any ambition of his cloth. He would have made a + famous diplomat but for the one quality of devotion that was lacking. + I use the word in its essential, not in its religious + sense—devotion to an idea, the faith in a high purpose.</p> + + <p>We had one anxious day of it, and only one. A gale had driven most + of the passengers to the seclusion of their state-rooms, and left the + dinner-table a desert. Alone in the cabin, Father Shamrock, Fanny + Meyrick, a young Russian and myself: I forget a vigilant duenna, the + only woman on board unreconciled to Father Shamrock. She lay prone on + one of the seats, her face rigid and hands clasped in an agony of + terror. She was afraid, she afterward confessed to me, to go to her + state-room: nearness and voices seemed a necessity to her.</p> + + <p>When I joined the party, Father Shamrock, as usual, was the + narrator. But he had dropped out of his voice all the gay humor, and + was talking very soberly. Some story he was telling, of which I + gathered, as he went on, that it was of a young lady, a rich and + brilliant society woman. "Shot right through the heart at + Chancellorsville, and he the only brother. They two, orphans, were + all that were left of the family. He was her darling, just two years + younger than she.</p> + + <p>"I went to see her, and found her in an agony. She had not + kissed him when he left her: some little laughing tiff between them, + and she had expected to see him again before his regiment marched. + She threw herself on her knees and made confession; and then she took + a holy vow: if the saints would grant her once more to behold his + body, she would devote herself hereafter to God's holy + Church.</p> + + <p>"She gathered all her jewels together in a heap and cast them + at my feet. 'Take them, Father, for the Church: if I find him I + shall not wear them again—or if I do not find him.'</p> + + <p>"I went with her to the front of battle, and we found him + after a time. It was a search, but we found his grave, and we brought + him home with us. Poor boy! beyond recognition, except for the ring + he wore; but she gave him the last kiss, and then she was ready to + leave the world. She took the vows as Sister Clara, the holy vows of + poverty and charity."</p> + + <p>"But, Father," said Fanny, with a new depth in her eyes, + "did she not die <span class="pagenum">[pg 348]</span> behind + the bars? To be shut up in a convent with that grief at her + heart!"</p> + + <p>"Bars there were none," said the Father gently. + "She left her vocation to me, and I decided for her to become a + Sister of Mercy. I have little sympathy," with a shrug half + argumentative, half deprecatory—"but little sympathy with + the conventual system for spirits like hers. She would have wasted + and worn away in the offices of prayer. She needed <i>action</i>. And + she had the full of it in her calling. She went from bedside to + bedside of the sick and dying—here a child in a fever; there a + widow-woman in the last stages of consumption—night after + night, and day after day, with no rest, no thought of + herself."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I have seen her," I could not help interposing, + "in a city car. A shrouded figure that was conspicuous even in + her serge dress. She read a book of <i>Hours</i> all the time, but I + caught one glimpse of her eyes: they were very brilliant."</p> + + <p>"Yes," sighed the Father, "it was an unnatural + brightness. I was called away to Montreal, or I should never have + permitted the sacrifice. She went where-ever the worst cases were of + contagion and poverty, and she would have none to relieve her at her + post. So, when I returned after three months' absence, I was + shocked at the change: she was dying of their family disease. 'It + is better, so,' she said, 'dear Father. It was only the + bullet that saved Harry from it, and it would have been sure to come + to me at last, after some opera or ball.' She died last + winter—so patient and pure, and such a saintly + sufferer!"</p> + + <p>The Father wiped his eyes. Why should I think of Bessie? Why + should the Sister's veiled figure and pale ardent face rise + before me as if in warning?</p> + + <p>Of just such overwhelming sacrifice was my darling capable were + her life's purpose wrecked. Something there was in the portrait + of the sweet singleness, the noble scorn of self, the devotion + unthinking, uncalculating, which I knew lay hidden in her soul.</p> + + <p>The Father warmed into other themes, all in the same key of mother + Church. I listened dreamily, and to my own thoughts as well.</p> + + <p>He pictured the priest's life of poverty, renunciation, + leaving the world of men, the polish and refinement of scholars, to + take the confidences and bear the burdens of grimy poverty and + ignorance. Surely, I thought, we do wrong to shut such men out of our + sympathies, to label them "Dangerous." Why should we turn + the cold shoulder? are we so true to our ideals? But one glance at + the young priests as they sat crouching in the outer cabin, telling + their beads and crossing themselves with the vehemence of a + frightened faith, was enough. Father Shamrock was no type. Very + possibly his own life would show but coarse and poor against the + chaste, heroic portraits he had drawn. He had the dramatic faculty: + for the moment he was what he related—that was all.</p> + + <p>Our vigilant duenna had gradually risen to a sitting posture, and + drawn nearer and nearer, and as the narrator's voice sank into + silence she said with effusion, "Well, <i>you</i> are a good + man, I guess."</p> + + <p>But Fanny Meyrick sat as if entranced. The gale had died away, + and, to break the spell, I asked her if she wanted to take one peep + on deck, to see if there was a star in the heavens.</p> + + <p>There was no star, but a light rising and falling with the + ship's motion, which was pronounced by a sailor to be Queenstown + light, shone in the distance.</p> + + <p>The Father was to leave us there. "We shall not make it + to-night," said the sailor. "It is too rough. Early in the + morning the passengers will land."</p> + + <p>"I wish," said Fanny with a deep sigh, as if wakening + from a dream, "that the Church of Rome was at the bottom of the + sea!"</p><a name="churchstepschviii" id="churchstepschviii"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + + <p>Arrived at our dock, I hurried off to catch the train for London. + The Meyricks lingered for a few weeks in Wales before coming to + settle down for the winter. I was glad of it, for I could make my + arrangements unhampered. <span class="pagenum">[pg 349]</span> So I + carefully eliminated Clarges street from my list of lodging-houses, + and finally "ranged" myself with a neat landlady in + Sackville street.</p> + + <p>How anxiously I awaited the first letter from Bessie! As the + banker's clerk handed it over the counter to me, instead of the + heavy envelope I had hoped for, it was a thin slip of an affair that + fluttered away from my hand. It was so very slim and light that I + feared to open it there, lest it should be but a mocking envelope, + nothing more.</p> + + <p>So I hastened back to my cab, and, ordering the man to drive to + the law-offices, tore it open as I jumped in. It enclosed simply a + printed slip, cut from some New York paper—a list of the + Algeria's passengers.</p> + + <p>"What joke is this?" I said as I scanned it more + closely.</p> + + <p>By some spite of fortune my name was printed directly after the + Meyrick party. Was it for this, this paltry thing, that Bessie has + denied me a word? I turned over the envelope, turned it inside + out—not a penciled word even!</p> + + <p>The shadow that I had seen on that good-bye visit to Philadelphia + was clear to me now. I had said at Lenox, repeating the words after + Bessie with fatal emphasis, "I am glad, very glad, that Fanny + Meyrick is to sail in October. I would not have her stay on this side + for worlds!" Then the next day, twenty-four hours after, I told + her that I too was going abroad. Coward that I was, not to tell her + at first! She might have been sorry, vexed, but not + <i>suspicious</i>.</p> + + <p>Yes, that was the ugly word I had to admit, and to admit that I + had given it room to grow.</p> + + <p>My first hesitancy about taking her with me, my transfer from the + Russia to the later steamer, and, to crown all, that leaf from + Fanny's pocket-book: "I shall love him for ever and + ever"!</p> + + <p>And yet she <i>had</i> faith in me. She had told Fanny Meyrick we + were engaged. <i>Had she not</i>?</p> + + <p>My work in London was more tedious and engrossing than I had + expected. Even a New York lawyer has much to learn of the law's + delay in those pompous old offices amid the fog. Had I been working + for myself, I should have thrown up the case in despair, but advices + from our office said "Stick to it," and I stayed.</p> + + <p>Eating out my own heart with anxiety whenever I thought of my home + affair, perhaps it was well for me that I had the monotonous, musty + work that required little thought, but only a persistent plodding and + a patient holding of my end of the clue.</p> + + <p>In all these weeks I had nothing from Bessie save that first cruel + envelope. Letter after letter went to her, but no response came. I + wrote to Mrs. Sloman too, but no answer. Then I bethought me of Judge + Hubbard, but received in reply a note from one of his sons, stating + that his father was in Florida—that he had communicated with + him, but regretted that he was unable to give me Miss Stewart's + present address.</p> + + <p>Why did I not seek Fanny Meyrick? She must have come to London + long since, and surely the girls were in correspondence. I was too + proud. She knew of our relations: Bessie had told her. I could not + bring myself to reveal to her how tangled and gloomy a mystery was + between us. I could explain nothing without letting her see that she + was the unconscious cause.</p> + + <p>At last, when one wretched week after another had gone by, and we + were in the new year, I could bear it no longer. "Come what + will, I must know if Bessie writes to her."</p> + + <p>I went to Clarges street. My card was carried into the + Meyricks' parlor, and I followed close upon it. Fanny was sitting + alone, reading by a table. She looked up in surprise as I stood in + the doorway. A little coldly, I thought, she came forward to meet me, + but her manner changed as she took my hand.</p> + + <p>"I was going to scold you, Charlie, for avoiding us, for + staying away so long, but that is accounted for now. Why didn't + you send us word that you were ill? Papa is a capital + nurse."</p> + + <p>"But I have not been ill," I said, bewildered, + "only very busy and very anxious."</p><span class= + "pagenum">[pg 350]</span> + + <p>"I should think so," still holding my hand, and looking + into my face with an expression of deep concern. "Poor fellow! + You do look worn. Come right here to this chair by the fire, and let + me take care of you. You need rest."</p> + + <p>And she rang the bell. I suffered myself to be installed in the + soft crimson chair by the fire. It was such a comfort to hear a + friendly voice after all those lonely weeks! When the servant entered + with a tray, I watched her movements over the tea-cups with a + delicious sense of the womanly presence and the home-feeling stealing + over me.</p> + + <p>"I can't imagine what keeps papa," she said, + chatting away with woman's tact: "he always smokes after + dinner, and comes up to me for his cup of tea afterward."</p> + + <p>Then, as she handed me a tiny porcelain cup, steaming and + fragrant, "I should never have congratulated you, Charlie, on + board the steamer if I had known it was going to end in this + way."</p> + + <p><i>This way</i>! Then Bessie must have told her.</p> + + <p>"End?" I said stammering: "what—what + end?"</p> + + <p>"In wearing you out. Bessie told me at Lenox, the day we took + that long walk, that you had this important case, and it was a great + thing for a young lawyer to have such responsibility."</p> + + <p>Poor little porcelain cup! It fell in fragments on the floor as I + jumped to my feet: "Was that <i>all</i> she told you? Didn't + she tell you that we were engaged?"</p> + + <p>For a moment Fanny did not speak. The scarlet glow on her cheek, + the steady glow that was always there, died away suddenly and left + her pale as ashes. Mechanically she opened and shut the silver + sugar-tongs that lay on the table under her hand, and her eyes were + fixed on me with a wild, beseeching expression.</p> + + <p>"Did you not know," I said in softer tones, still + standing by the table and looking down on her, "that day at + Lenox that we were engaged? Was it not for <i>that</i> you + congratulated me on board the steamer?"</p> + + <p>A deep-drawn sigh as she whispered, "Indeed, no! Oh dear! + what have I done?"</p> + + <p>"You?—nothing!" I said with a sickly smile; + "but there is some mistake, some mystery. I have never had one + line from Bessie since I reached London, and when I left her she was + my own darling little wife that was to be."</p> + + <p>Still Fanny sat pale as ashes, looking into the fire and muttering + to herself. "Heavens! To think—Oh, Charlie," with a + sudden burst, "it's all my doing! How can I ever tell + you?"</p> + + <p>"You hear from Bessie, then? Is she—is she well? Where + is she? What is all this?" And I seated myself again and tried + to speak calmly, for I saw that something very painful was to be + said—something that she could hardly say; and I wanted to help + her, though how I knew not.</p> + + <p>At this moment the door opened and "papa" came in. He + evidently saw that he had entered upon a scene as his quick eye took + in the situation, but whether I was accepted or rejected as the + future son-in-law even his penetration was at fault to discover.</p> + + <p>"Oh, papa," said Fanny, rising with evident relief, + "just come and talk to Mr. Munro while I get him a package he + wants to take with him."</p> + + <p>It took a long time to prepare that package. Mr. Meyrick, a cool, + shrewd man of the world, was taking a mental inventory of me, I felt + all the time. I was conscious that I talked incoherently and like a + school-boy of the treaty. Every American in London was bound to have + his special opinion thereupon, and Meyrick, I found, was of the + English party. Then we discussed the special business which had + brought me to England.</p> + + <p>"A very unpresentable son-in-law," I read in his eye, + while he was evidently astonished at his daughter's prolonged + absence.</p> + + <p>Our talk flagged and the fire grew gray in its flaky ashes before + Fanny again appeared.</p> + + <p>"I know, papa, you think me very rude to keep Mr. Munro so + long waiting, <span class="pagenum">[pg 351]</span> but there were + some special directions to go with the packet, and it took me a long + time to get them right. It is for Bessie, papa—Bessie Stewart, + Mr. Munro's dear little <i>fiancée</i>"</p> + + <p>Escaping as quickly as possible from Mr. Meyrick's neatly + turned felicitations—and that the satisfaction he expressed was + genuine I was prepared to believe—hurried home to Sackville + street.</p> + + <p>My bedroom was always smothering in its effect on me—close + draperies to the windows, heavy curtains around the bed—and I + closed the door and lighted my candle with a sinking heart.</p> + + <p>The packet was simply a long letter, folded thickly in several + wrappers and tied with a string. The letter opened abruptly:</p> + + <p>"What I am going to do I am sure no woman on earth ever did + before me, nor would I save to undo the trouble I have most + innocently made. What must you have thought of me that day at Lenox, + staying close all day to two engaged people, who must have wished me + away a thousand times? But I did not dream you were engaged.</p> + + <p>"Remember, I had just come over from Saratoga, and knew + nothing of Lenox gossip, then or afterward. Something in your manner + once or twice made me look at you and think that perhaps you were + <i>interested</i> in Bessie, but hers to you was so cold, so distant, + that I thought it was only a notion of my jealous self.</p> + + <p>"Was I foolish to lay so much stress on that anniversary + time? Do you know that the year before we had spent it together, + too?—September 28th. True, that year it was at Bertie Cox's + funeral, but we had walked together, and I was happy in being near + you.</p> + + <p>"For, you see, it was from something more than the Hudson + River that you had brought me out. You had rescued me from the stupid + gayety of my first winter—from the flats of fashionable life. + You had given me an ideal—something to live up to and grow + worthy of.</p> + + <p>"Let that pass. For myself, it is nothing, but for the deeper + harm I have done, I fear, to Bessie and to you.</p> + + <p>"Again, on that day at Lenox, when Bessie and I drove + together in the afternoon, I tried to make her talk about you, to + find out what you were to her. But she was so distant, so repellant, + that I fancied there was nothing at all between you; or, rather, if + you had cared for her at all, that she had been indifferent to + you.</p> + + <p>"Indeed, she quite forbade the subject by her manner; and + when she told me you were going abroad, I could not help being very + happy, for I thought then that I should have you all to myself.</p> + + <p>"When I saw you on shipboard, I fancied, somehow, that you + had changed your passage to be with us. It was very foolish; and I + write it, thankful that you are not here to see me. So I scribbled a + little note to Bessie, and sent it off by the pilot: I don't know + where you were when the pilot went. This is, as nearly as I remember + it, what I wrote:</p> + + <blockquote> + "'DEAR BESSIE: Charlie Munro is on board. He must have + changed his passage to be with us. I know from something that he + has just told <i>me</i> that this is so, and that he consoles + himself already for your coldness. You remember what I told you + when we talked about him. I shall <i>try</i> now. F.M.' + </blockquote> + + <p>"Bessie would know what that meant. Oh, must I tell you what + a weak, weak girl I was? When I found out at Lenox, as I thought, + that Bessie did not care for you, I said to her that once I thought + you <i>had</i> cared for me, but that papa had offended you by his + manner—you weren't of an old Knickerbocker family, you + know—and had given you to understand that your visits were not + acceptable.</p> + + <p>"I am sure now that it was because I wanted to think so that + I put that explanation upon your ceasing to visit me, and because + papa always looked so decidedly <i>queer</i> whenever your name was + mentioned.</p> + + <p>"I had always had everything in life that I wanted, and I + believed that in due time you would come back to me.</p> + + <p>"Bessie knew well enough what that <span class="pagenum">[pg + 352]</span> pilot-letter meant, for here is her answer."</p> + + <p>Pinned fast to the end of Fanny's letter, so that by no chance + should I read it first, were these words in my darling's + hand:</p> + + <p>"Got your pilot-letter. Aunt is much better. We shall be + traveling about so much that you need not write me the progress of + your romance, but believe me I shall be most interested in its + conclusion. BESSIE S."</p> + + <p>It was all explained now. My darling, so sensitive and spirited, + had given her leave "to try."</p><a name="churchstepschix" + id="churchstepschix"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3> + + <p>But was that all? Was she wearing away the slow months in + passionate unbelief of me? I could not tell. But before I slept that + night I had taken my resolve. I would sail for home by the next + steamer. The case would suffer, perhaps, by the delay and the change + of hands: D—— must come out to attend to it himself, + then, but I would suffer no longer.</p> + + <p>No use to write to Bessie. I had exhausted every means to reach + her save that of the detectives. "I'll go to the office, + file my papers till the next man comes over, see Fanny Meyrick, and + be off."</p> + + <p>But what to say to Fanny? Good, generous girl! She had indeed done + what few women in the world would have had the courage to + do—shown her whole heart to a man who loved another. It would + be an embarrassing interview; and I was not sorry when I started out + that morning that it was too early yet to call.</p> + + <p>To the office first, then, I directed my steps. But here Fate lay + <i>perdu</i> and in wait for me.</p> + + <p>"A letter, Mr. Munro, from D—— & Co.," + said the brisk young clerk. They had treated me with great respect of + late, for, indeed, our claim was steadily growing in weight, and was + sure to come right before long. I opened and read:</p> + + <p>"The missing paper is found on this side of the + Atlantic—what you have been rummaging for all winter on the + other. A trusty messenger sails at once, and will report himself to + you."</p> + + <p>"At once!" Well, there's only a few days' delay, + at most. Perhaps it's young Bunker. He can take the case and end + it: anybody can end it now.</p> + + <p>And my heart was light. "A few days," I said to myself + as I ran up the steps in Clarges street.</p> + + <p>"Miss Fanny at home?" to the man, or rather to the + member of Parliament, who opened the door—"Miss Meyrick, I + mean."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir—in the drawing-room, sir;" and he + announced me with a flourish.</p> + + <p>Fanny sat in the window. She might have been looking out for me, + for on my entrance she parted the crimson curtains and came + forward.</p> + + <p>Again the clear glow in her cheek, the self-possessed Fanny of + old.</p> + + <p>"Charlie," she began impetuously, "I have been + thinking over shipboard and Father Shamrock, and all. You didn't + think then—did you?—that I cared so very much for you? I + am so glad that the Father bewitched me as he did, for I can remember + no foolishness on my part to you, sir—none at all. Can + you?"</p> + + <p>Stammering, confused, I seemed to have lost my tongue and my head + together. I had expected tears, pale cheeks, a burst of + self-reproach, and that I should have to comfort and be very gentle + and sympathetic. I had dreaded the <i>rôle</i>; but here was a new + turn of affairs; and, I own it, my self-love was not a little + wounded. The play was played out, that was evident. The curtain had + fallen, and here was I, a late-arrived hero of romance, the chivalric + elder brother, with all my little stock of + property-phrases—friendship of a life, esteem, etc.—of no + more account than a week-old playbill.</p> + + <p>For, I must confess it, I had rehearsed some little forgiveness + scene, in which I should magnanimously kiss her hand, and tell her + that I should honor her above all women for her courage and her + truth; and in which she would cry <span class="pagenum">[pg + 353]</span> until her poor little heart was soothed and calmed; and + that I should have the sweet consciousness of being beloved, however + hopelessly, by such a brilliant, ardent soul.</p> + + <p>But Mistress Fanny had quietly turned the tables on me, and I + believe I was angry enough for the moment to wish it had not been + so.</p> + + <p>But only for a moment. It began to dawn upon me soon, the rare + tact which had made easy the most embarrassing situation in, the + world—the <i>bravura</i> style, if I may call it so, that had + carried us over such a difficult bar.</p> + + <p>It <i>was</i> delicacy, this careless reminder of the fascinating + Father, and perhaps there was a modicum of truth in that + acknowledgment too.</p> + + <p>I took my leave of Fanny Meyrick, and walked home a wiser man.</p> + + <p>But the trusty messenger, who arrived three days later, was not, + as I had hoped, young Bunker or young Anybody. It was simply Mrs. + D——, with a large traveling party. They came straight to + London, and summoned me at once to the Langham Hotel.</p> + + <p>I suppose I looked somewhat amazed at sight of the portly lady, + whom I had last seen driving round Central Park. But the twin Skye + terriers who tumbled in after her assured me of her identity soon + enough.</p> + + <p>"Mr. D—— charged me, Mr. Munro," she began + after our first ceremonious greeting, "to give this into no + hands but yours. I have kept it securely with my diamonds, and those + I always carry about me."</p> + + <p>From what well-stitched diamond receptacle she had extracted the + paper I did not suffer myself to conjecture, but the document was + strongly perfumed with violet powder.</p> + + <p>"You see, I was coming over," she proceeded to explain, + "in any event, and when Mr. D—— talked of sending + Bunker—I think it was Bunker—with us, I persuaded him to + let me be messenger instead. It wasn't worth while, you know, to + have any more people leave the office, you being away, and—Oh, + Ada, my dear, here is Mr. Munro!"</p> + + <p>As Ada, a slim, willowy creature, with the <i>surprised</i> look + in her eyes that has become the fashion of late, came gliding up to + me, I thought that the reason for young Bunker's omission from + the party was possibly before me.</p> + + <p>Bother on her matrimonial, or rather anti-matrimonial, devices! + Her maternal solicitude lest Ada should be charmed with the poor + young clerk on the passage over had cost me weeks of longer stay. For + at this stage a request for any further transfer would have been + ridiculous and wrong. As easy to settle it now as to arrange for any + one else; so the first of April found me still in London, but leaving + it on the morrow for home.</p> + + <p>"Bessie is in Lenox, I think," Fanny Meyrick had said to + me as I bade her good-bye.</p> + + <p>"What! You have heard from her?"</p> + + <p>"No, but I heard incidentally from one of my Boston friends + this morning that he had seen her there, standing on the church + steps."</p> + + <p>I winced, and a deeper glow came into Fanny's cheek.</p> + + <p>"You will give her my letter? I would have written to her + also, but it was indeed only this morning that I heard. You will give + her that?"</p> + + <p>"I have kept it for her," I said quietly; and the adieus + were over.</p> + + <p class="author">SARAH C. HALLOWELL.</p> + + <p class="center">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 354]</span> <a name="turkey" id="turkey"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>HOW THEY "KEEP A HOTEL" IN TURKEY.</h2> + + <p>The charity of Islam is an article of practice as well as of + faith, and manifests itself in ways astonishing to visitors from + Christian lands. Thus, the impunity—nay, the protection and + sympathy—afforded to the street-beggar, and the way in which + the very poor divide their crust with those still more + poverty-stricken than themselves, surprise the stranger who observes + the scene in the open streets. Then, too, the public fountains, which + are charitable offerings from pious persons, are more numerous in + Constantinople than in any other city in the world. Nor does the law + of kindness restrict itself to man. Islam has anticipated Mr. Bergh, + and "The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" + had as its founder in the Orient no less a personage than Mohammed, + whom "the faithful" revere as the Messenger (Résoul) of + God, and whom we improperly term Prophet. The Koran specially + inculcates kindness to the brute creation, and so thoroughly does the + Mussulman obey the mandate that the streets are filled with homeless, + masterless dogs, whose melancholy lives Moslem piety will not abridge + by water-cure, as in Western lands. This is the more curious because + the dog is an unclean animal, whose touch defiles the true believer. + Therefore no one keeps a dog, or harbors him, or does more than throw + him a bone or scraps of food.</p> + + <p>Should a camel fall sick in the desert, or break a limb, his + master does not mercifully put him out of his pain, but leaves him + there to die "when it pleases Allah." The same sentiment + runs through the whole of Eastern life, and it is notably manifested + in religious foundations, which also serve as schools, and in khans + or caravansaries, which are the Eastern substitutes for hotels. The + khans had their origin in charity in the good old times of primitive + Mohammedanism, before its simplicity was lost by contact with other + creeds. They were wayside buildings intended for the use of + commercial travelers or pilgrims, affording shelter from storms and + protection from wild beasts, but no further accommodation. The + hospitable doors were ever open, but the apparition of "mine + host," ready to offer you board and lodging for a reasonable + compensation, was undreamt of in the early Turkish philosophy. Every + traveler literally "took up his bed and walked "—or + rode—away in the morning, leaving the room he had tenanted as + bare as he found it. Everybody had to bring his own cooking utensils, + provender and materials for making a fire.</p> + + <p>What in other countries is left for commercial enterprise to + effect for the sake of profit is accomplished here by pious people, + who leave legacies for the purpose, and never figure in newspapers, + before or after death, as the reward of their munificence or charity. + Many a wayworn traveler has blessed the memory of those truly + religious men or women on reaching the rugged walls of a khan after a + long day's ride under a Syrian sun or the pitiless down-pours of + rain characteristic of the same region.</p> + + <p>Some of these khans on the road to Damascus or other large Eastern + cities are spacious buildings, and the scene presented within them + when some caravan stops overnight, or several parties of travelers + meet there, is picturesque in the extreme. Everybody wears + bright-colored garments and everybody is armed, and the grunt of the + camel and bray of the donkey make night, if not musical, certainly + most melancholy to the untrained ear.</p> + + <p>But innovation has crept in, and the city khan is now a kind of + bastard hotel, with a rude host, who makes you pay for your own + lodging and the provender of your animal; and as part and parcel of + the establishment you also find a coffee-shop, coffee being the + primal necessity of Oriental well—being, taking precedence even + of tobacco, which, however, always accompanies it. There is + <span class="pagenum">[pg 355]</span> always a bazaar close by, at + which you can purchase savory <i>kibabs</i> of mutton and other + cooked food. Men are no more ashamed to eat in the street than they + are to pray there; so you may see multitudes taking their meals <i>al + fresco</i> at the hours of morning, midday or sunset, after + prayers.</p> + + <p>Neither does the Mussulman need elaborate bed and bedding for his + repose. He does not undress as we do, but only loosens his garments, + without taking them off, and stretches himself on top of his bed or + rug, as the case may be. When the weather is cold, he takes off his + shoes, but wraps his head and the upper part of his person tightly in + his blanket or shawl, at apparent risk of suffocation. Keeping the + feet warm and the head cool, which is our great sanitary law, is + reversed by the Turk, for he keeps his head covered and his feet + uncovered as much as he possibly can. In the morning he gets up, + shakes himself, tightens his garments, performs his matutinal + ablutions, and his toilet is made for the day. Under these + circumstances it will be seen that many things which we should regard + as essential necessaries in our hostelry, would be pure superfluities + to our Turkish or Arab brother.</p> + + <p>Of course, in these places you meet a great mixture of + nationalities and all classes and conditions, for the rich, in the + absence of other hotel accommodations, must use them as well as the + poor; only, as every man brings his own things with him, you find + more luxury and comfort in some of the arrangements than in others. + You may see rich merchants from Bagdad or Damascus sitting on piles + of costly cushions, attended by obsequious slaves, and smoking + perfumed Shiraz out of silver narghiles, whose long, snake-like tubes + are tipped with precious amber and encircled by rows of precious + stones worth a prince's ransom. Huddled together, in striking + contrast to this picture, you may see, crouched on their old rugs and + smoking the common clay chibouque, a bevy of street-beggars, also + enjoying themselves after their fashion.</p> + + <p>These khans serve also as shops or bazaars for the traveling + merchant, Persian or Turk, who is ever ready to show you his wares, + without seeming to care much whether you buy or not.</p> + + <p>The city khans are very simply built in a quadrangle, with small + rooms, like convent cells, running all round it. These are used both + as sleeping-rooms and shops. The stables for the animals and the + store-rooms are in a covered corridor beneath. As there are permanent + residents here, and valuable merchandise and other articles stored + away, there is a gate strongly bolted and barred, and often sheathed + in iron, and a gate-keeper, generally to be seen sleeping or smoking, + whose sole business is to prevent the entrance of improper or + suspicious persons.</p> + + <p>The evenings at the khan used to be, and sometimes still are, + enlivened by the presence of the almés or dancing-girls, whose + ancestors may have danced the same wild and wanton dances before + Cleopatra. The singing-girls, monotonously chanting the same dolorous + and drowsy tunes, with imitation guitar accompaniment on the + <i>sââb</i> were also wont to wound the drowsy ear of night for the + diversion of the guests. Drowsier and more sleep-compelling still + were the interminable tales spun out by the professional + story-teller, giving ragged versions of the <i>Arabian Nights' + Entertainments</i> for the delectation of the tireless native + listeners.</p> + + <p>In those old days, too, the khans used to be the resort of the + slave-merchants, who kept stowed safely away, for inspection and + purchase, Circassian, Georgian or more dingy beauties, to suit all + tastes. But civilization, in its encroachments on Turkey, has + compelled the cessation of open sales of either white or black slaves + in public places, though so long as the social and domestic system of + the East remains unchanged, the sale of women for the house or harem + will continue. It is conducted, however, with more privacy, and + Christians are not permitted the privilege of viewing the + proceedings. This restriction has taken away from the khans one of + their former great attractions.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg + 356]</span> + + <p>To European or American travelers accustomed to the ease, luxury + and profusion of our modern hotels, where the guests enjoy more + comforts than most of them get at home, this kind of entertainment + for man and beast certainly does not seem attractive. Yet there is + enjoyment in it when the khan is tolerably free from fleas and + "such small deer," and one is accustomed "to roughing + it," and blessed with a good appetite and digestion.</p> + + <p>Yet, truth to tell, it is more picturesque than pleasant at the + best—more gratifying to the eye than to the other senses, + especially to those of smell and hearing. For the odors arising from + Turkish or Arab cooking are not those of Araby the Blest; and the + close contiguity of the beasts of burden assails both the senses + named more pungently than pleasantly. Besides, the Oriental, + generally making it a rule to wrap up his head carefully in the + covering, snores stertorously throughout the night; so that silence, + which we regard as necessary for repose, does not rule over the khan; + and when daybreak comes, the startled traveler may imagine Babel has + broken loose again, since both men and animals rise with the dawn, + and make most diabolical noises to indicate that they have risen.</p> + + <p>Enterprising Europeans have set up many hotels in Eastern cities, + but they are almost exclusively resorted to by strangers or Europeans + resident in the country. Even the high Turks, lapped in luxury and + sybaritic in their habits of personal ease, prefer their own hotel + system to ours, carrying all their comforts along with them, and a + retinue of servants to take charge of them. You will very rarely see + a Turkish gentleman, even if educated in Europe, stopping at + Messeir's or any of the great Eastern hotels on the European + plan.</p> + + <p>At Messeir's in Constantinople, or at Shepheard's hotel in + Cairo—places of historic interest almost, through the vivid + descriptions of travelers like the authors of <i>Eothen</i> and + <i>The Crescent and the Cross</i>—a most motley medley of + Western nationalities may be encountered, the adventurers, tourists + and wanderers of the world congregated there during the winter + months, and presenting a panoramic view of all the peculiar phases + and contrasts of European civilization, more antagonistic there than + elsewhere. There you see the German savant with his round spectacles, + round face and round figure; the lean and restless Frenchman; the + imperturbable Englishman, drinking his bottled beer under the shadow + of the Pyramids; and the angular American, more curious, but more + cosmopolite, than any of them. The returning Englishman or + Englishwoman who has spent twenty years in India also presents an + anomalous type, proving how climate and mode of life may alter the + original; for it is curious to contrast the round, rosy faces of the + fresh English girls outward bound with the sharp, sallow faces and + flashing, restless eyes which characterize those who are returning. + The babel of tongues at these <i>tables-d'hôte</i>, where + conversations are being carried on in every European language, is + most perplexing at first, though French and English predominate. + Altogether, for the student of character there is no better field + than one of these European hotels in the East—none where the + lines of difference can be found more sharply defined; for travel and + contact with strangers appear only to bring out the contrasts more + clearly, and produce a more direct antagonism, instead of softening + down or assimilating them, as one might expect.</p> + + <p>Very few travelers see the city khans—fewer still ever + venture to pass a night within their walls. Even on the routes of + desert-travel the pilgrims for pleasure avoid them, substituting + their own tents for the stone walls, and confiding in the + arrangements made by their dragomen or guides, who contract to make + the necessary provision for all their wants for a stipulated + sum—one-half usually in advance, the balance payable at the + expiration of the trip. To do these men justice, as a rule they + provide liberally and well in all respects, their reputation and + recommendations being their capital and stock in trade for securing + <span class="pagenum">[pg 357]</span> subsequent tourists. Yet it + cannot be doubted that this system has robbed the Eastern tour of + some of its most salient and striking peculiarities, and has deprived + the traveler of much opportunity for insight into the real life of + the Oriental, only to be seen while he is journeying from place to + place, since his own house is generally closed against the stranger, + and it is only in the khan that a glimpse of his mode of life can be + obtained.</p> + + <p>The khan, like the harem, is one of the peculiar institutions of + the East, and will probably so continue, in spite of the advancing + tide of European civilization; which, however it may affect the outer + aspects of that life, has as yet made little impression on its more + essential features. The men may wear the Frank dress (all but the + hat, which they will not accept), may smoke cigars instead of + chibouques, and drink "gaseous lemonade" (champagne), in + defiance of the Prophet's prohibition; the women may send from + the high harems for French fashions, and "fearfully and + wonderfully" array themselves therein; but in other respects the + people will stubbornly adhere to their own social system and habits + of life.</p> + + <p>It follows that the traveler who goes to the East to study the + manners and customs of its people will get only an imperfect and + outside view if he makes himself comfortable in one of the hybrid + European hotels we have described, instead of braving the picturesque + discomforts of the Oriental hotel or khan, which he will find + endurable by taking a few preliminary precautions easily suggested to + him on the spot.</p> + + <p class="author">EDWIN DE LEON.</p><a name="gossip" id="gossip"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>OUR MONTHLY GOSSIP.</h2> + + <h3><a name="vienna" id="vienna"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> THE + CALIFORNIAN AT VIENNA.</h3> + + <p>I am in bonds and fetters through not understanding the German + tongue. It is a weary torture to be a stupid, uncomprehended + foreigner. I am lost in a linguistic swamp. It is necessary to employ + one man to talk to another. The <i>commisionnaire</i> does not + understand more than half I say. What might he not be interpreting to + the other fellow? The most trivial want costs me a world of anxiety + and trouble. I desired some blotting-paper. I went to a little + stationery shop. I said, "Paper! paper! für die blot, you know. + Ich bin Englisher—er: ink no dry; what you call um? Vas? vas? + Hang it!" They took down all sorts of paper—letter-paper, + wrapping-paper, foolscap, foreign post. I tried to make my want known + by signs. I made myself simply ridiculous. The shopkeeper stared at + me in perplexity, disgust and despair. Then he discussed the matter + with his wife. I fretted, perspiring vigorously. I went away. I went + to a commissionnaire at my hotel. It required five minutes to explain + the matter to him. He discussed the matter with the <i>portier</i>. + The portier is quite buried under gold lace and brass buttons. The + commissionnaire returns to me. He thinks he knows what I require, but + is not quite certain. All this trouble for a bit of blotting-paper! + It is so with everything. Every little matter of every-day life, + which at home to think of and do are almost identical, here costs so + much time, labor and anxiety! My strength is all gone when I have + purchased a paper of pins and a bottle of ink. Breakfast and dinner + task me to the utmost. The slightest deviation from established + custom seems to act on the people at the restaurant like a wrong + figure in a table of logarithms. It required three days to convince a + stunted boy in a long-tailed coat that I did not wish beer for + dinner. He would bring <span class="pagenum">[pg 358]</span> beer. I + would say, "I don't want beer! I want my—some + dinner." He would depart and take counsel with the head-waiter, + and I would feel as if I had been doing something for which I ought + to be corrected. The latter functionary approaches and exclaims with + domineering voice, "Vat you vants?" I reply with meekness, + "Dinner, sir, if you please." He brings me an elegantly + bound book containing the bill of fare. But it is in German: I look + at it knowingly: Sanscrit would be quite as intelligible. I put my + finger on a word which I suppose means soup. I look up meekly at the + functionary. He glowers contemptuously upon me. He recommends me to + an underling, and bustles off to guests more important. There are in + the dining-hall French, German, Italian, English and Japanese. + Tongues, plates, knives and forks clatter inside—wheels roll, + rumble and clatter over the stony pavement outside. I wait for my + soup. Hours seem to lag by. I appeal in vain to other waiters. Life + is too busy and important a matter with them to pay any attention to + me.</p> + + <p>The aristocratic German waiter is cool and indifferent. It is + beneath his dignity to approach you within half an hour after you sit + down. He knows you are hungry, and enjoys your pangs. He is sensible + of every signal, every expression of the eye with which you regard + him. To appear not to know is the chief business of his life. He will + with the minutest care arrange a napkin while a half dozen hungry men + at different tables are trying to arrest his attention. Before I met + this man my temper was mild and amiable: I believed in doing by my + fellows as I would be done by. Now I am changed. I never visit the + Vienna restaurant but I dwell in thought on battle, murder, pistols, + bowie-knives, blood, bullets and sudden death. After eating a meal it + requires another hour to pay for it. A nobleman, dressed <i>de + rigueur</i>, condescends to take my money after he has made me wait + long enough. There are two of these officials at the hotel. One in + general manner resembles a heavy dealer in bonds and government + securities—the other a modest, charming young clergyman of the + Church of England. One morning, when the atmosphere was very sultry, + I ventured to open a window. The dealer in government securities shut + it immediately, and gave me a look which humiliated me for the day. I + said I wanted, if possible, air enough to support life while eating + my breakfast. He said that was against the rules of the house: the + windows must not be opened. There was too much dust blowing in the + street. What were a few common lives compared to the advent of dust + in that dining-room?</p> + + <p>You must live here by rule. Novelty is treason. It is the + unalterable rule of life that because things have been done in a + certain manner, so must they ever be done. It requires almost a + revolution to have an egg boiled hard in Vienna. I said at my first + meal, "Ein caffee und egg mit hard." It may be seen that I + speak German with the English accent. The eggs came soft-boiled. I + suppose that the nobleman who attended on my table went to the prince + in disguise who governed the culinary department, and informed him of + this new demand in the matter of eggs. It is presumable that the + prince pronounced against me, for next morning my eggs were still + soft-boiled. Then I braced myself up and said, "See here! I want + mine zwei eggs, you know, hard, hard! You understand?" The + nobleman looked at me with contempt. The eggs came about one-tenth of + a degree harder than the previous morning. I resolved to gain my + point. I saw how necessary it was to put more force, vigor, spirit + and savagery into my culinary instructions to the nobleman. This + despotism should not prevail against me. When the free, easy and + enlightened American among the effete and crumbling monarchies of + Europe shrieks for hard-boiled eggs, they must be produced, though + the House of Hapsburg should reel, stumble and totter.</p> + + <p>I said on the third morning, "Haben Sie ein hot Feuer in your + kitchen?" Ja. "And hot Wasser?" Ja. "And will you + put this hot Feuer under the said hot <span class="pagenum">[pg + 359]</span> Wasser, and in that hot Wasser put the eggs and keep them + there zehn Minuten, zwanzig Minuten, or a day or a week—any + length of time, so that they are only boiled hard, just like stones, + brickbats, rocks, boulders or the gray granite crest of Yosemite? I + want mine eggs hard." Then I ground my teeth and looked wicked + and savage, and squirmed viciously in my chair. There was some + improvement in the eggs that morning, but they were not hard + boiled.</p> + + <p>The Viennese spend most of their time in the open air, drinking + beer and coffee, reading light newspapers, eating and smoking. In the + English and American sense they have neither politics nor religion. + The government and the Church provide these articles, leaving the + people little to do save enjoy themselves, float lazily down + life's stream, and die when their souls become too spiritualized + to remain longer in their bodies.</p> + + <p>I am fast becoming German. I have my coffee at nine: it requires + two hours to drink it. Then I dream a little, smoke a cigar and drink + a glass of beer. At twelve comes dinner. This I eat at a café table + on the sidewalk, with more beer. At two I take a nap. At five I + awake, drink another glass of beer, and dream. From that time until + nine is occupied in getting hungry for supper. This occupies two + hours. Then more beer and tobacco. Some time in the night I retire. + Sometimes I am aware of the operation of disrobing, sometimes not. + This is Viennese life. One day merges into another in a vague, misty + sort of way. Time is not checked off into short, sharp divisions as + in busy, bustling America. From the windows opposite mine, on the + other side of the street, protrude Germans with long pipes. They sit + there hour after hour, those pipes hanging down a foot below the + window-sill. Occasionally they emit a puff of smoke. This is the only + sign of life about them.</p> + + <p>The window-sills are furnished with cushions to lean on when you + gaze forth. The one in mine is continually dropping down into the + street below, and a man in a brass-mounted cap, who calls himself a + "Dienstmann," does a good business in picking it up and + bringing it up stairs at ten kreutzers a trip. The kreutzer is a + copper coin equivalent to an English farthing. Every day here seems a + sort of holiday, and in this respect Sunday stands pre-eminent.</p> + + <p>The ladies, as a rule, are fine-looking, shapely, well-dressed and + particular as to the fit of their gaiters and hose—a most + refreshing sight to one for a year accustomed to the general + dowdiness which in this respect prevails in England. Most of the + English girls seem to have no idea that their feet should be dressed. + The Viennese lady is very tasteful. She is neither slipshod nor + gaudy. I never beheld more dainty toilettes. Everything about them, + as a sailor would say, is cut "by the lifts and + braces."</p> + + <p>Vienna abounds in great bath-houses. I have tested one. I wandered + about the establishment asking every one I met for a warm bath. Some + pointed in one direction, some in another, and after blundering back + and forth for a while, I found myself before a woman. For fifty + kreutzers she gave me a ticket. Then she called for Marie. Marie, a + black-eyed, bright German girl, came. She went to a shelf and + burdened herself with a quantity of linen. Then she signed for me to + follow. I did so in an expectant, wondering and rather anxious frame + of mind. Marie showed me into a neatly-furnished bath-room. She + spread a linen sheet in the tub, and turned on the water. I waited + for the tub to fill and Marie to depart. Marie seemed in no hurry. I + pondered over the possibilities involved in a German + "Warm-bad." Perhaps Marie will attempt to scrub me! Never! + At last she goes. I remove my collar. Suddenly Marie returns: it is + to bring another towel. There is no lock on the door—nothing + with which to defend one's self. I bathe in peace, however. On + emerging I examine the pile of linen Marie has left. There is a small + towel, and two large aprons without strings, long enough to reach + from the shoulders <span class="pagenum">[pg 360]</span> to the + knees. I study over their possible use. I conclude they are to dry + the anatomy with. On subsequent inquiry I ascertained that they were + to be worn while I rang the bell and Marie came in to substitute hot + water for cold.</p> + + <p>The American commission to the exhibition occupies a bare, + disconsolate, shabby suite of rooms. They resemble much the editorial + offices of those ephemeral daily papers which, commencing with very + small capital, after a spasmodic career of a few months fall + despairingly into the arms of the sheriff. I had once occasion to + visit the commission on a little matter of business. What that was I + have forgotten: I recollect only the multiplicity of doors in those + apartments. When I turned to depart, I opened every door but the + proper one. I went into closets, private apartments and intricate + passages, and after making the entire round without discovering + egress, I made another tour of them, but still could not find where I + had entered. A solitary American was seated in the reading-room + looking weary and homesick, and I asked him if he could tell me the + right road out of the American commission. He said he hardly knew: + this was his first visit, but he'd try. So both of us went + prospecting around and opening all the doors we met, while a + deaconish old gentleman behind a desk looked on apparently + interested, yet offering nothing in the way of information or + suggestion. I presume, however, this is the only amusement the man + has in this forlorn place. I was beginning to think of descending by + way of the windows when the strange American at last found a door + which led into the main entry, and we both left at the same time, + glad to escape.</p> + + <p>I will do one side of the American department in the exhibition + stern justice. It commences with a long picture placed there by the + Pork Packers' Association of Cincinnati, descriptive of the + processes which millions of American hogs are subjected to while + being converted into pork. There are hogs going in long procession to + be killed, and going, too, in a determined sort of way, as if they + knew it was their business to be killed. Then come hogs killed, hogs + scalded, hogs scraped, hogs cut up into shoulders, hams, sides, + jowls; hogs salted, hogs smoked. Underneath this sketch are a number + of unpainted buggy and carriage wheels; next, a pile of pick-handles; + not far off, a little mound of grindstones; after the grindstones, a + platoon of clothes-wringers; next, a solitary iron wheel-barrow + communing with a patent fire-extinguisher; following these a crowd of + green iron pumps, with sewing-machines in full force. Such is a bit + of the American department.</p> + + <p>It is the fashion here that every one should have a growl at the + general slimness and slovenliness of our department. Every one gives + our drooping eagle a kick. This is all wrong. We can't send our + greatest wonders and triumphs to Europe. There is neither room nor + opportunity in the building for showing off one of our political + torchlight processions, or a vigilance-committee hanging, or a + Chicago or Boston fire, or a steamboat blow-up, or a railway + smash-up. Were the present chief of the commission a man of + originality and talent, he might even now save the national + reputation by bundling all the pumps, churns, patent clothes-washers, + wheel-barrows and pick-handles out of doors, and converting one of + the United States rooms into a reservation for the Modocs, and the + other into a corral for buffaloes and grizzly bears. These, with a + mustang poet or two from Oregon, a few Hard-Shell Democrats, a live + American daily paper, with a corps of reporters trained to squeeze + themselves through door-cracks and key-holes, might retrieve the + national honor, if shown up realistically and artistically.</p> + + <p class="author">PRENTICE MULFORD.</p><a name="ghostly" id= + "ghostly"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3>GHOSTLY WARRIORS.</h3> + + <p>So strong a resemblance exists between a battle-scene of a + mediaeval Spanish poet and the culminating incidents of Lord + Macaulay's <i>Battle of the Lake Regillus</i>, as to justify + somewhat extended citations. Of the Spanish writer, <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 361]</span> Professor Longfellow says, in his note upon + the extract from the <i>Vida de San Millan</i> given in the <i>Poets + and Poetry of Europe</i>, "Gonzalo de Berceo, the oldest of the + Castilian poets whose name has reached us, was born in 1198. He was a + monk in the monastery of Saint Millan, in Calahorra, and wrote poems + on sacred subjects in Castilian Alexandrines." According to the + poem, the Spaniards, while combating the Moors, were overcome by + "a terror of their foes," since "these were a numerous + army, a little handful those."</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">And whilst the Christian people stood in this + uncertainty,</p> + + <p class="i2">Upward toward heaven they turned their eyes and + fixed their thoughts on high;</p> + + <p class="i2">And there two persons they beheld, all beautiful + and bright,—</p> + + <p class="i2">Even than the pure new-fallen snow their garments + were more white.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">They rode upon two horses more white than crystal + sheen,</p> + + <p class="i2">And arms they bore such as before no mortal man had + seen.</p> + </div> + <hr style="text-align:left" /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Their faces were angelical, celestial forms had + they,—</p> + + <p class="i2">And downward through the fields of air they urged + their rapid way;</p> + + <p class="i2">They looked upon the Moorish host with fierce and + angry look,</p> + + <p class="i2">And in their hands, with dire portent, their naked + sabres shook.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">The Christian host, beholding this, straightway + take heart again;</p> + + <p class="i2">They fall upon their bended knees, all resting on + the plain,</p> + + <p class="i2">And each one with his clenched fist to smite his + breast begins,</p> + + <p class="i2">And promises to God on high he will forsake his + sins.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">And when the heavenly knights drew near unto the + battle-ground,</p> + + <p class="i2">They dashed among the Moors and dealt unerring + blows around;</p> + + <p class="i2">Such deadly havoc there they made the foremost + ranks among,</p> + + <p class="i2">A panic terror spread unto the hindmost of the + throng.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Together with these two good knights, the champions + of the sky,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Christians rallied and began to smite full sore + and high.</p> + </div> + <hr style="text-align:left" /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Down went the misbelievers; fast sped the bloody + fight;</p> + + <p class="i2">Some ghastly and dismembered lay, and some + half-dead with fright:</p> + + <p class="i2">Full sorely they repented that to the field they + came,</p> + + <p class="i2">For they saw that from the battle they should + retreat with shame.</p> + </div> + <hr style="text-align:left" /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Now he that bore the crosier, and the papal crown + had on,</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the glorified Apostle, the brother of Saint + John;</p> + + <p class="i2">And he that held the crucifix, and wore the monkish + hood,</p> + + <p class="i2">Was the holy San Millan of Cogolla's + neighborhood.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Turn now to the <i>Battle of the Lake Regillus</i>. In a series of + desperate hand-to-hand conflicts the Romans have on the whole been + worsted by the allied Thirty Cities, armed to reinstate the Tarquins + upon their lost throne. Their most vaunted champion, + Herminius—"who kept the bridge so well"—has + been slain, and his war-horse, black Auster, has barely been rescued + by the dictator Aulus from the hands of Titus, the youngest of the + Tarquins.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">And Aulus the Dictator</p> + + <p class="i4">Stroked Auster's raven mane;</p> + + <p class="i2">With heed he looked unto the girths,</p> + + <p class="i4">With heed unto the rein.</p> + + <p class="i2">"Now bear me well, black Auster,</p> + + <p class="i4">Into yon thick array;</p> + + <p class="i2">And thou and I will have revenge</p> + + <p class="i4">For thy good lord this day."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">So spake he; and was buckling</p> + + <p class="i4">Tighter black Auster's band,</p> + + <p class="i2">When he was aware of a princely pair</p> + + <p class="i4">That rode at his right hand.</p> + + <p class="i2">So like they were, no mortal</p> + + <p class="i4">Might one from other know:</p> + + <p class="i2">White as snow their armor was:</p> + + <p class="i4">Their steeds were white as snow.</p> + + <p class="i2">Never on earthly anvil</p> + + <p class="i4">Did such rare armor gleam;</p> + + <p class="i2">And never did such gallant steeds</p> + + <p class="i4">Drink of an earthly stream.</p> + </div> + <hr style="text-align:left" /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">So answered those strange horsemen,</p> + + <p class="i4">And each couched low his spear;</p> + + <p class="i2">And forthwith all the ranks of Rome</p> + + <p class="i4">Were bold and of good cheer:</p> + + <p class="i2">And on the thirty armies</p> + + <p class="i4">Came wonder and affright,</p> + + <p class="i2">And Ardea wavered on the left,</p> + + <p class="i4">And Cora on the right.</p> + + <p class="i2">"Rome to the charge!" cried Aulus;</p> + + <p class="i4">"The foe begins to yield!</p> + + <p class="i2">Charge for the hearth of Vesta!</p> + + <p class="i4">Charge for the Golden Shield!</p> + + <p class="i2">Let no man stop to plunder,</p> + + <p class="i4">But slay, and slay, and slay;</p> + + <p class="i2">The gods who live for ever</p> + + <p class="i4">Are on our side to-day."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">Then the fierce trumpet-flourish</p> + + <p class="i4">From earth to heaven arose;</p> + + <p class="i2">The kites know well the long stern swell</p> + + <p class="i4">That bids the Romans close.</p> + </div> + <hr style="text-align:left" /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">And fliers and pursuers</p> + + <p class="i4">Were mingled in a mass:</p> + + <p class="i2">And far away the battle</p> + + <p class="i4">Went roaring through the pass.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The scene of the following stanza is <span class="pagenum">[pg + 362]</span> at Rome, where the watchers at the gates have learned + from the Great Twin Brethren the issue of the day:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2">And all the people trembled,</p> + + <p class="i4">And pale grew every cheek;</p> + + <p class="i2">And Sergius, the High Pontiff,</p> + + <p class="i4">Alone found voice to speak:</p> + + <p class="i2">"The gods who live for ever</p> + + <p class="i4">Have fought for Rome to-day!</p> + + <p class="i2">These be the Great Twin Brethren</p> + + <p class="i4">To whom the Dorians pray!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Of course, we are not to be understood as intimating that Macaulay + was consciously or otherwise guilty of a plagiarism. Indeed, he was + at the pains, in his preface to the poem in question, to point out + how certain of its features were designedly taken, and others might + fairly be conceived to have been taken, from ballads of an age long + before Livy, whom he cites in the matter of the Great Twin Brethren. + He has even detailed a circumstance, in reference to the legendary + appearance of the divine warriors, curiously relevant to the + resemblance just pointed out. "In modern times," he wrote, + "a very similar story actually found credence among a people + much more civilized than the Romans of the fifth century before + Christ. A chaplain of Cortez, writing about thirty years after the + conquest of Mexico,...had the face to assert that, in an engagement + against the Indians, Saint James had appeared on a gray horse at the + head of the Castilian adventurers. Many of those adventurers were + living when this lie was printed. One of them, honest Bernal Diaz, + wrote an account of the expedition.... He says that he was in the + battle, and that he saw a gray horse with a man on his back, but that + the man was, to his thinking, Francesco de Morla, and not the + ever-blessed apostle Saint James. 'Nevertheless,' Bernal + adds, 'it may be that the person on the gray horse was the + glorious apostle Saint James, and that I, sinner that I am, was + unworthy to see him.'" Other striking instances of identity + between classical, Castilian and Saxon legends are detailed by Lord + Macaulay in the learned and interesting general preface to his + <i>Lays of Ancient Rome</i>. But the reappearance of this particular + story in such remote times and places, and with such marked + similarities and variations, would entitle it to a place among the + indestructible popular legends collated by Mr. Baring-Gould in his + <i>Curious Myths of the Middle Ages</i>.</p><a name="warning" id= + "warning"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>A WARNING TO LOVERS.</h2> + + <p>"Metildy, you are the most good-for-nothin', + triflin', owdacious, contrary piece that ever lived."</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma!" sobbed Matilda, "I couldn' help + myself—'deed I couldn'."</p> + + <p>"Couldn' help yourself? That's a pretty way to talk! + Ain't he a nice young man?"</p> + + <p>"Yes'm."</p> + + <p>"Got money?"</p> + + <p>"Yes'm."</p> + + <p>"And good kinfolks?"</p> + + <p>"Yes'm."</p> + + <p>"And loves you to destrackshun?"</p> + + <p>"Yes'm."</p> + + <p>"Well, in the name o' common sense, what did you send him + home for?"</p> + + <p>"Well, ma, if I must tell the truth, I must, I s'pose, + though I'd ruther die. You see, ma, when he fetcht his cheer + clost to mine, and ketcht holt of my hand, and squez it, and dropt on + his knees, then it was that his eyes rolled and he began + breathin' hard, and <i>his gallowses kept a creakin and a + creakin'</i>, I till I thought in my soul somethin' terrible + was the matter with his in'ards, his vitals; and that flustered + and skeered me so that I bust out a-cryin'. Seein' me do + that, he creaked worse'n ever, and that made me cry harder; and + the harder I cried the harder he creaked, till all of a sudden it + came to me that it wasn't nothin' but his gallowses; and then + I bust out a laughin' fit to kill myself, right in his face. And + then he jumpt up and run out of the house mad as fire; and he + ain't comin' back no more. Boo-hoo, ahoo, boo-hoo!"</p> + + <p>"Metildy," said the old woman sternly, "stop + sniv'lin'. You've made an everlastin' fool of + yourself, but your cake ain't all dough yet. It all comes of them + no 'count, fashionable sto' gallowses—' + 'spenders' I believe they calls 'em. Never mind, honey! + I'll send <span class="pagenum">[pg 363]</span> for Johnny, tell + him how it happened, 'pologize to him, and knit him a real nice + pair of yarn gallowses, jest like your pa's; and they never do + creak."</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma," said Matilda, brightening up; "but let + <i>me</i> knit 'em."</p> + + <p>"So you shall, honey: he'll vally them a heap more than + if I knit 'em. Cheer up, Tildy: it'll all be right—you + mind if it won't."</p> + + <p>Sure enough, it proved to be all right. Tildy and Johnny were + married, and Johnny's gallowses never creaked any + more.</p><a name="notes" id="notes"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>NOTES.</h2> + + <p>Milton, in his famous description of the woman Delilah, sailing + like a stately ship of Tarsus "with all her bravery on, and + tackle trim," is particular to note "an amber scent of + odorous perfume, her harbinger." Perfume as an adjunct of + feminine dress has been celebrated from the days of the earliest + poet, and probably will be to the latest; but it was reserved for the + modern toilet to project a regular theory of harmony between odors + and colors—a theory which might never have been dreamed of in + the studio of the painter, but is not unworthy of the boudoir of the + belle. It is the young Englishwomen at Vienna who, if we may believe + Eugène Chapus, have taken the initiative in this new refinement of + coquetry, which employs not only a greater variety and quantity of + perfume than in previous years, but employs it according to a certain + scientific system. At balls, perfumes are especially <i>de + rigueur</i>, and it is in her ball-dress that Araminta aims to + establish a species of relation between the nature of the perfume she + carries and the general character of the toilette she wears. That is + to say, gravely proceeds Monsieur Chapus, if pink predominates in the + stuff of her gown, the proper perfume will be essence of roses; if + light yellow, it will be Portugal water; if the color be réséda + (which has such a run at present for ladies' costumes), the + chosen perfume will be an essence of mignonette; and so on with the + other flowers corresponding to the shades commonly used in fresh + ball-toilettes. Undoubtedly to a Rimmel the relation between + different odors and different styles of personal beauty or personal + traits would be as obvious as is this newly-discovered harmony + between perfume and costume; but we fear that the new fashion is due + to coquettish art rather than aesthetic taste, and that, like many + another whim of the drawing-room, it will die out before the science + is fairly established.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>The <i>enfant terrible</i> plays an important rôle in literature + as in society during these modern days, and although a little of him + goes a good way, yet it must be owned that his sayings are sometimes + spicy.</p> + + <p>A grandfather was holding Master Tom, a youth of five, on his + knees, when the youngster suddenly asked him why his hair was white. + "Oh," says grandpapa, "that's because I'm so + old. Why, don't you know that I was in the ark?"</p> + + <p>"In the ark?" cries Tommy: "why you aren't + Noah, are you, grandpapa?"</p> + + <p>"Oh no, I'm not Noah."</p> + + <p>"Ah, then you're Shem."</p> + + <p>"No, not Shem, either."</p> + + <p>"Oh, then I suppose you're Japhet."</p> + + <p>"No, you haven't guessed right: I'm not + Japhet."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, grandpapa," said the child, driven to the + extremity of his biblical knowledge, "you must be one of the + beasts."</p> + + <p>Not less critical was the comment of a lad who was taken to church + one Sunday for the first time.</p> + + <p>"You see, Augustus," said his fond mamma, anxious to + impress his tender mind at such a moment with lasting remembrances, + "how many people come here to pray to God?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, but not so many as go to the circus," says the + practical lad.</p> + + <p>Quite natural, also, was the reply of a little lady who was found + crying by her mother because one of her companions had given her a + slap.</p> + + <p>"Well, I hope you paid her back?" cried the angry + mother, her indignation getting the better of her + judgment.</p><span class="pagenum">[pg 364]</span> + + <p>"Oh yes, I paid her back <i>before-hand</i>!"</p> + + <p>Another little girl, after attending the funeral of one of her + schoolmates, which ceremony had been conducted at the school, was + giving an animated account of the exercises on her return home.</p> + + <p>"And I suppose you were all sobbing as if your hearts would + break, poor things!" says papa.</p> + + <p>"Oh no," replies the child: "only the front row + cried."</p> + <hr /> + + <p>It was one of the features of the shah-mania that British + journalism was overrun and surfeited with Persian topics, Persian + allusions and fragments of the Persian language and literature. Every + pedant of the press displayed an unexpected and astonishing + acquaintance with Persian history, Persian geography, Persian manners + and customs. Desperate cramming was done to get up Persian quotations + for leading articles, or at least a saying or two from Hafiz or Saadi + of the sort commonly found at the end of a lexicon or in some popular + book of maxims. Ludicrous disputes arose between morning papers as to + the comparative profundity of each other's researches into + Persian lore; but the climax was capped, we think, by one London + journal, which politely offered advice to Nasr-ed-Dîn about his + conduct and his reading. "Should Nasr-ed-Dîn be impressed by + English flattery," said this editor gravely, "with an + exaggerated sense of his own importance, His Majesty, as a + corrective, may recall to mind the Persian fable of 'Ushter wa + Dirâz-kush,' from the 'Baharistân' of Jaumy." In + ordinary times an explanation might be vouchsafed of what the said + fable is, but none was given in the present instance, it being taken + for granted, during the shah's visit, that the Baharistân of + Jaumy was as familiar to the average Englishman as Mother Goose. Upon + the whole, our country has not been wholly unfortunate in not seeing + the shah. Horace's famous "Persicos odi, puer, + apparatus," has a very close application in the "Persian + stuff" with which British journalism has lately been + flooded.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i2">How various his employments whom the world</p> + + <p class="i2">Calls idle!</p> + </div> + + <p>says Cowper. To describe the holiday amusement provided for the + shah in England as having been a grand "variety + entertainment" would feebly represent the mixture actually + furnished him. One day, for example (a Monday), His Majesty began by + reviewing the Fire Brigade; and then Captain Shaw was presented to + the shah—likewise Colonel Hogg; and then, according to the + <i>Morning Advertiser</i>, "Joe Goss, Ned Donelly, Alex. Lawson, + and young Horn had the honor of appearing and boxing before the shah + and a small company, at which His Majesty seemed highly + delighted;" and next came deputations successively from the + Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, the Society for the + Promotion of Christian Knowledge, the Bible Society, the Church + Missionary Society, and the Evangelical Alliance; then a deputation + from the Mohammedans residing in London was presented, and Sir Moses + Montefiore had a private interview with His Majesty; and finally, to + wind up the day's programme, the shah, attended by many princes + and princesses, and an audience of 34,000 people, witnessed a + performance at the Crystal Palace expressly selected to suit his + taste—namely, gymnastic feats by Germans and Japanese, followed + by "Signor Romah" on the trapeze. All this was done before + dinner; and the curious combination of piety and pugilism, + missionaries and acrobats, may be supposed to have had the effect of + duly "impressing" the illustrious guest.</p> + + <p>A French writer some time since informed his countrymen that in + America wooden hams were a regular article of manufacture. This is a + fact not generally known; but at any rate, according to Pierre Véron, + we have not yet quite outdone the Old World in the arts of commercial + fraud. Worthy Johnny Crapaud used to flatter himself that he + outwitted the grocers in buying his coffee unground, but now rogues + make artificial coffee-kernels in a mould, and the Paris police court + (which does not appreciate <span class="pagenum">[pg 365]</span> + ingenuity of that sort) lately gave six months in prison to some + makers of sham coffee-grains, thus interfering with a business which + was earning twenty thousand dollars a year. Some of the Paris + pastry-cooks make balls for <i>vol-au-vent</i> with a hash of rags + allowed to soak in gravy; sham larks and partridges for pâtés are + constructed out of chopped-up meat, neatly shaped to represent those + birds; peddlers of sweet-meats sell marshmallow paste made out of + Spanish white; the fish-merchant inserts the eyes of a fresh mackerel + in a stale turbot, to trick his sharp customers; and as to drinks, + one dyer boldly puts over his door "Burgundy Vintages!" + They make marble of pasteboard and diamonds of glass. Adulteration on + adulteration, moans M. Véron, all is adulteration!</p> + <hr /> + + <p>The problem of aërial navigation seems at present to be agitating + as many pseudo-scientific minds as did that of perpetual motion not + many years ago, or the philosopher's stone at a more remote + period. It possesses perhaps a still stronger attraction in the + danger connected with the experiments—the source, we suppose, + of the eagerness shown by Professor Wise and his associates to + <i>fly</i> to evils that they know not of. Perpetual motion received + its quietus from the blasts of ridicule. Air-voyaging has a worse foe + to encounter. It may survive the attacks of gayety, but it will + succumb, we fancy, to the resistless force of + <i>gravity</i>.</p><a name="literature" id="literature"> + <!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h2>LITERATURE OF THE DAY.</h2> + + <blockquote> + Scintillations from the Prose Works of Heinrich Heine. New York: + Holt & Williams. + </blockquote> + + <p>The task formerly undertaken by Mr. Charles Godfrey Leland, in + adapting to our language the songs of Heine, is now well supplemented + with some versions from among his prose works by another + Philadelphian translator, Mr. Simon Adler Stern. Heine's prose, + delicate in its pellucid brightness as any of his poetry, cannot be + held too precious by the interpreter. The latter must have all his + wits about him, or he will not find English at once simple enough and + distinguished enough to stand for the original. To get at Heine's + prose exactly in another language must be almost as hard as to get at + his poetry. The principal selection made by Mr. Stern is a long + rambling rhapsody called "Florentine Nights," in which the + author professes to pour into the ears of a dying mistress the + history of some of his former amours and exaltations, the natural + jealousy of the listener going for a stimulus in the recital. His + first love, however, is an idealization—a Greek statue which he + visits by moonlight, as Sordello in Browning's poem does the</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i14">Shrinking Caryatides</p> + + <p class="i2">Of just-tinged marble, like Eve's lilied + flesh.</p> + </div> + + <p>This weird love-ballad in prose must have taxed the translator + almost as much as if it had been in rhyme; for although an + interpreter of poetry undeniably has the difficulties of form to + struggle with, yet there is, on the other hand, an inspiration and + waft of feeling in the metre which lends him wings and helps him on. + If Mr. Stern does not encumber his style with a betrayal of the + difficulties he has got over—if he does not give us pedantry + and double-epithets, so common in vulgar renderings from the + German—he certainly shows no timidity in turning the polished + familiarity of Heine's prose into our commonest vernacular. + "What lots of pleasure I found on my arrival;" "for + the men, lots of patience:" trivialities of expression like + these are not rare in his version. If they are not quite what Heine + would have written if he had been writing in English, at least the + fault of familiarity is <span class="pagenum">[pg 366]</span> better + than the fault of hardness; and these translations are never at all + hard or uncomfortable. When we add that Mr. Stern gives us an index + without showing what works the extracts are taken from, and that he + gives us an article on Heine without any mention that we can discover + of Heine's wife, we have vented about all the objections we can + make to this welcome publication; and they are very few to find in a + collection of hundreds of "scintillations."</p> + + <p>The pleasures that remain for the reader are manifold: so + liberally and judiciously are the extracts chosen that we get a + complete exhibit of Heine's mind on nearly all the topics he + occupied himself about. We have his views on French and German + politicians; on French, German and English authors; on art and + poetry; on his own soul and character; on religion; besides a great + deal of that persiflage, the most exquisite persiflage surely that + ever was heard, which flutters clear away from the regions of sense + and information, yet which only a man of sense and information could + have uttered.</p> + + <p>Heine came to Paris in 1831, and saw all the sights and found + everything "charming." His wit is a little cheap, perhaps, + when he calls the Senate Chamber at the Luxembourg "the + necropolis in which the mummies of perjury are embalmed;" at + least it becomes tiresome to hear his constant disparagement of the + politics which he chose to live under, and which protected him so + agreeably; but he is his own keen self where he observes that the + signs of the revolution of 1830, what he calls the legend of + <i>liberté, egalité, fraternité</i> at the street-corners, had + "already been wiped away." Victor Hugo, for his part, did + not find it so: he says that the years 1831 and 1832 have, in + relation to the revolution of July, the aspect of two mountains, + where you can distinguish precipices, and that they embody "la + grandeur révolutionnaire." The cooler spectator from Hamburg + inspects at Paris "the giraffe, the three-legged goat, the + kangaroos," without much of the vertigo of precipices, and he + sees "M. de La Fayette and his white locks—at different + places, however," for the latter were in a locket and the hero + was in his brown wig. Elsewhere he associates "the virtuous La + Fayette and James Watt the cotton-spinner." The age of industry, + commerce and the Citizen-King, in fact, was not quite suited to the + poet who celebrated Napoleon; yet was Heine's admiration of + Napoleon not such as an epic hero would be comfortable under: + "Cromwell never sank so low as to suffer a priest to anoint him + emperor," he says in allusion to the coronation. He respects + Napoleon as the last great aristocrat, and says the combined powers + ought to have supported instead of overturned him, for his defeat + precipitated the coming in of modern ideas. The prospect for the + world after his death was "at the best to be bored to death by + the monotony of a republic." Ardent patriots in this country + need not go for sympathy to the king-scorner Heine. For the theory of + a commonwealth he had small love: "That which oppresses me is + the artist's and the scholar's secret dread, lest our modern + civilization, the laboriously achieved result of so many centuries of + effort, will be endangered I by the triumph of Communism." We + have drifted into the citation of these sentiments because many + conservatives think of Heine only as an irreconcilable destroyer and + revolutionist, and do not care to welcome in him the basis of + attachment to order which must underlie every artist's or + author's love of freedom. "Soldier in the liberation of + humanity" as he was, that liberation was to be the result of + growth, not of destruction. As for Communism, it talks but + "hunger, <i>envy</i> and death." It has but one faith, + happiness on this earth; and the millennium it foresees is "a + single shepherd and a single flock, all shorn after the same pattern, + and bleating alike." Such passages are the true reflection of + Heine's keen but not great mind, miserably bandied between the + hopes of a republican future, that was to be the death of art and + literature, and the rags of a feudal present, whose conditions + sustained him while they disgusted him. If Heine fought, scratched + and bit with all his might among the convulsions of the politics he + was helpless to rearrange, he was equally mordant when he turned his + attention to society, and perhaps more frightfully impartial. He + hated the English for "their idle curiosity, bedizened + awkwardness, impudent bashfulness, angular egotism, and vacant + delight in all melancholy objects." As for the French, they are + "les comédiens ordinaires du bon Dieu;" yet "a + blaspheming Frenchman is a spectacle more pleasing to the Lord than a + praying Englishman." And Germany: "Germany alone possesses + those colossal fools whose caps reach unto the heavens, <span class= + "pagenum">[pg 367]</span> and delight the stars with the ringing of + their bells." Thus shooting forth his tongue on every side, + Heine is shown "in action" by this little cluster of + "scintillations," and the whole book is the shortest + definition of him possible, for it makes the saliencies of his + character jut out within a close compass. It can be read in a couple + of hours, and no reading of the same length in any of his complete + writings would give such a notion of the most witty, perverse, + tender, savage, pitiable and inexcusable of men.</p> + + <blockquote> + Monographs, Personal and Social. By Lord Houghton. New York: Holt + & Williams. + </blockquote> + + <p>Lord Houghton is one of those fortunate persons who seem to find + without trouble the exact niches in life which Nature has designed + them to fill. There probably never entered the world a man more + eminently made to appreciate the best kind of "high life" + which London has offered in the present century; and he has been able + to avail himself of it to his heart's content. The son of a + Yorkshire squire in affluent circumstances and of high character, + Monckton Milnes was not spoilt by finding, as he might have done had + he been the heir to a dukedom, the world at his feet; whilst at the + same time all the good things were within his reach by a little of + that exertion which does so much toward enhancing the enjoyment of + them. From the period of his entry upon London life he displayed that + anxiety to know celebrities which, though in a somewhat different + way, was a marked feature of his contemporary and acquaintance, Crabb + Robinson; and the story illustrative of this tendency which gained + him the <i>sobriquet</i> of "the cool of the evening" will + be always associated with the name he has since merged in a less + familiar title.</p> + + <p>Lord Houghton has now passed through some sixty London seasons, + during which he has been more or less acquainted with nearly every + social and literary celebrity in the English metropolis. Having + regard to this circumstance, and the fact of his possessing a + polished and graceful style of expressing himself, one would + naturally expect a great deal from this volume of reminiscences. Nor + will such expectations be entirely disappointed. The monographs are + eight in number, and will be read with varying degrees of interest, + according to the taste of the reader, as well as the subjects and + quality of the papers. The portrait which will perhaps be the newest + to American readers is that of Harriet, Lady Ashburton, wife of the + second Baring who bore that title. Lady Ashburton was daughter of the + earl of Sandwich, and Lord Houghton says of her: "She was an + instance in which aristocracy gave of its best and showed at its + best, although she may have owed little to the qualities she + inherited from an irascible race and to an unaffectionate + education"—a sentence reminding us of a remark in the + London <i>Times</i>, that "with certain noble houses people are + apt to associate certain qualities—with the Berkeleys, for + instance, a series of disgraceful family quarrels." Lady + Ashburton appears to us from this account to have been a brilliant + spoilt child of fortune, who availed herself of her great social + position to do and say what, had she remained Lady Harriet Montagu + with the pittance of a poor nobleman's daughter, she would hardly + have dared to do or say. It is one of the weak points of society in + England that a woman who has rank, wealth, and ability, and contrives + to surround herself with men of wit to whom she renders her house + delightful, can be as hard and rude as she pleases to the world in + general. Fortunately, in most cases native kindness of heart usually + hurries to heal the wound that "wicked wit" may have made. + This would scarcely seem to have been so with Lady Ashburton, for + Lord Houghton tells us that "many who would not have cared for a + quiet defeat shrank from the merriment of her victory," one of + them saying, "I do not mind being knocked down, but I can't + stand being danced upon afterward." Lord Houghton, however, + defines this "jumping" as "a joyous sincerity that no + conventionalities, high or low, could restrain—a festive nature + flowing through the artificial soil of elevated life." And it + must be owned that there was at least nothing petty or rancorous in a + nature which showed so rare an appreciation of genius, and an equal + capacity for warm and disinterested friendship.</p> + + <p>In contrast with this chapter is the one on the Berrys, which is + full of interesting details in regard to those remarkable women, and + reveals a pathetic history hardly to have been expected in connection + with the amusing gossip that has hitherto clustered around their + names.</p> + + <p>But by far the most interesting paper is that on Heinrich Heine. A + letter from an <span class="pagenum">[pg 368]</span> English lady + whom Heine had known and petted in her childhood, and who visited the + poet in his last days, when he himself, wasted by disease, + "seemed no bigger than a child under the sheet that covered + him," gives what is perhaps the most lifelike picture we have + ever had of a nature that seems equally to court and to baffle + comprehension. Lord Houghton has little to add, on this subject, from + his personal recollections; but his comments upon it evince perhaps + as close a study and sagacious criticism, if not as much subtlety of + thought, as Matthew Arnold's famous essay. The following passage, + for example, sums up very felicitously the social aspect of Germany, + and its influence on Heine: "The poem of 'Deutschland' + is the one of his works where his humor runs over into the coarsest + satire, and the malice can only be excused by the remembrance that he + too had been exposed to some of the evil influences of a servile + condition. Among these may no doubt be reckoned the position of a man + of commercial origin and literary occupation in his relation to the + upper order of society in the northern parts of Germany. ...Here + there remained, and after all the events of the last year there still + remains, sufficient element of discontent to justify the recorded + expression of a philosophic German statesman, that 'in Prussia + the war of classes had still to be fought out.'"</p> + + <p>Of the other papers in the volume, those on Humboldt, Landor and + Sydney Smith, though readable, contain little to supplement the + biographies and correspondence that have long been before the world; + while the one on "Suleiman Pasha" (Colonel Selves) suggests + a doubt whether Lord Houghton has always taken pains to sift the + information he has so eagerly accumulated. When we find him stating + that the siege of Lyons occurred under the + <i>Directory</i>—which it preceded by a year or two; that his + hero, then seven years old, "grew up," entered the navy, + was present at the battle of Trafalgar (1805), and, + <i>subsequently</i> enlisted "in the Army of Italy, then flushed + with triumph, but glad to receive young and vigorous + recruits"—language indicating the campaign of 1796-97; + that "soon after his enrollment in the regiment it became + necessary to instruct the cavalry soldiers in infantry practice, and + young Selves' knowledge of the exercise [acquired apparently on + shipboard] was of the greatest use and <i>brought him into general + notice</i>"—making him, we may infer, a special favorite + of Bonaparte;—we can easily believe that these things were + related, as he tells us they were, "with epic simplicity," + and may even conclude that some other qualities of the epic would to + more cautious ears have been equally perceptible in the narration. Of + a like character, we suspect, is the statement that Selves, being on + the staff of Grouchy on the day of Waterloo, "urgently + represented to that general the propriety of joining the main body of + the army as soon as the Prussians, whom he had been sent to + intercept, were out of sight." Lord Houghton has evidently not + read the best and most recent criticisms on the Waterloo campaign, + but he should at least have known that Grouchy was sent, not to + intercept, but to follow the Prussians in their retreat from Ligny, + and that, if he lost sight of them, it was because, instead of + falling back on their own line of communication, as Napoleon had + expected them to do, they turned off to effect a junction with the + English army.</p><a name="books" id="books"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + + <h3><i>Books Received</i>.</h3> + + <p>Key to North American Birds: containing a concise account of every + species of living and fossil bird at present known from the continent + north of the Mexican and United States boundary. Illustrated by six + steel plates and upward of two hundred and fifty wood-cuts. By + Elliott Coues, Assistant Surgeon United States Army. Salem: + Naturalists' Agency.</p> + + <p>Modern Diabolism, commonly called Modern Spiritualism, with New + Theories of Light, Heat, Electricity and Sound. By M.J. Williamson. + New York: James Miller.</p> + + <p>The True Method of Representation in Large Constituencies. By + C.C.P. Clarke of Oswego, N.Y. New York: Baker & Godwin.</p> + + <p>On the Eve: A Tale. By Ivan S. Turgénieff. Translated from the + Russian by C.E. Turner. New York: Holt & Williams.</p> + + <p>The Prophecies of Isaiah: A New and Critical Translation. By Franz + Delitzsch, D.D. Philadelphia: The Lutheran Bookstore.</p> + + <p>Harry Coverdale's Courtship and Marriage. By Frank E. Smedley. + Illustrated. Philadelphia: T.B. Peterson & Brothers.</p> + + <p>Afoot and Alone: A Walk from Sea to Sea by the Southern Route. + Illustrated. Hartford: Columbian Book Company. Illustrated. Hartford: + Columbian Book Company.</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Lippincott's Magazine of Popular +Literature and Science, Vol. XII. No. 30. September, 1873, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE *** + +***** This file should be named 14036-h.htm or 14036-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/0/3/14036/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Patricia Bennett and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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