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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:17:13 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:17:13 -0700 |
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diff --git a/1473-h/1473-h.htm b/1473-h/1473-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..062972a --- /dev/null +++ b/1473-h/1473-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12958 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Absentee, by Maria Edgeworth + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1473 ***</div> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE ABSENTEE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Maria Edgeworth + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> [Footnotes have been inserted in the text in square ("[]")<br /> brackets, close to the point where they were originally.<br /><br /> Characters printed in italics in the original text have been<br /> written in capital letters in this etext.<br /><br /> The British Pound Sterling symbol has been written 'L'.]<br /></pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES ON 'THE ABSENTEE' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <big><b>THE ABSENTEE</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + NOTES ON 'THE ABSENTEE' + </h2> + <p> + In August 1811, we are told, she wrote a little play about landlords and + tenants for the children of her sister, Mrs. Beddoes. Mr. Edgeworth tried + to get the play produced on the London boards. Writing to her aunt, Mrs. + Ruxton, Maria says, 'Sheridan has answered as I foresaw he must, that in + the present state of this country the Lord Chamberlain would not license + THE ABSENTEE; besides there would be a difficulty in finding actors for so + many Irish characters.' The little drama was then turned into a story, by + Mr. Edgeworth's advice. Patronage was laid aside for the moment, and THE + ABSENTEE appeared in its place in the second part of TALES OF FASHIONABLE + LIFE. We all know Lord Macaulay's verdict upon this favourite story of + his, the last scene of which he specially admired and compared to the + ODYSSEY. [Lord Macaulay was not the only notable admirer of THE ABSENTEE. + The present writer remembers hearing Professor Ruskin on one occasion + break out in praise and admiration of the book. 'You can learn more by + reading it of Irish politics,' he said, 'than from a thousand columns out + of blue-books.'] Mrs. Edgeworth tells us that much of it was written while + Maria was suffering a misery of toothache. + </p> + <p> + Miss Edgeworth's own letters all about this time are much more concerned + with sociabilities than with literature. We read of a pleasant dance at + Mrs. Burke's; of philosophers at sport in Connemara; of cribbage, and + company, and country houses, and Lord Longford's merry anecdotes during + her visit to him. Miss Edgeworth, who scarcely mentions her own works, + seems much interested at this time in a book called MARY AND HER CAT, + which she is reading with some of the children. + </p> + <p> + Little scraps of news (I cannot resist quoting one or two of them) come in + oddly mixed with these personal records of work and family talk. 'There is + news of the Empress (Marie Louise), who is liked not at all by the + Parisians; she is too haughty, and sits back in her carriage when she goes + through the streets. 'Of Josephine, who is living very happily, amusing + herself with her gardens and her shrubberies.' This ci-devant Empress and + Kennedy and Co., the seedsmen, are in partnership, says Miss Edgeworth. + And then among the lists of all the grand people Maria meets in London in + 1813 (Madame de Stael is mentioned as expected), she gives an interesting + account of an actual visitor, Peggy Langan, who was grand-daughter to + Thady in CASTLE RACKRENT. Peggy went to England with Mrs. Beddoes, and was + for thirty years in the service of Mrs. Haldimand we are told, and was own + sister to Simple Susan. + </p> + <p> + The story of THE ABSENTEE is a very simple one, and concerns Irish + landlords living in England, who ignore their natural duties and station + in life, and whose chief ambition is to take their place in the English + fashionable world. The grand English ladies are talking of Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + '"If you knew all she endures to look, speak, move, breathe like an + Englishwoman, you would pity her,"' said Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + '"Yes, and you CAWNT conceive the PEENS she TEEKES to talk of the TEEBLES + and CHEERS, and to thank Q, and, with so much TEESTE, to speak pure + English,"' said Mrs. Dareville. + </p> + <p> + '"Pure cockney, you mean," said Lady Langdale.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, the son of the lady in question, here walks across the + room, not wishing to listen to any more strictures upon his mother. He is + the very most charming of walking gentlemen, and when stung by conscience + he goes off to Ireland, disguised in a big cloak, to visit his father's + tenantry and to judge for himself of the state of affairs, all our + sympathies go with him. On his way he stops at Tusculum, scarcely less + well known than its classical namesake. He is entertained by Mrs. + Raffarty, that esthetical lady who is determined to have a little 'taste' + of everything at Tusculum. She leads the way into a little conservatory, + and a little pinery, and a little grapery, and a little aviary, and a + little pheasantry, and a little dairy for show, and a little cottage for + ditto, with a grotto full of shells, and a little hermitage full of + earwigs, and a little ruin full of looking-glass, to enlarge and multiply + the effect of the Gothic.... But you could only put your head in, because + it was just fresh painted, and though there had been a fire ordered in the + ruin all night, it had only smoked. + </p> + <p> + 'As they proceeded and walked through the grounds, from which Mrs. + Raffarty, though she had done her best, could not take that which nature + had given, she pointed out to my lord "a happy moving termination," + consisting of a Chinese bridge, with a fisherman leaning over the rails. + On a sudden, the fisherman was seen to tumble over the bridge into the + water. The gentlemen ran to extricate the poor fellow, while they heard + Mrs. Raffarty bawling to his lordship to beg he would never mind, and not + trouble himself. + </p> + <p> + 'When they arrived at the bridge, they saw the man hanging from part of + the bridge, and apparently struggling in the water; but when they + attempted to pull him up, they found it was only a stuffed figure which + had been pulled into the stream by a real fish, which had seized hold of + the bait.' + </p> + <p> + The dinner-party is too long to quote, but it is written in Miss + Edgeworth's most racy and delightful vein of fun. + </p> + <p> + One more little fact should not be omitted in any mention of THE ABSENTEE. + One of the heroines is Miss Broadhurst, the heiress. The Edgeworth family + were much interested, soon after the book appeared, to hear that a real + living Miss Broadhurst, an heiress, had appeared upon the scenes, and was, + moreover, engaged to be married to Sneyd Edgeworth, one of the eldest sons + of the family. In the story, says Mrs. Edgeworth, Miss Broadhurst selects + from her lovers one who 'unites worth and wit,' and then she goes on to + quote an old epigram of Mr. Edgeworth's on himself, which concluded + with,'There's an Edge to his wit and there's worth in his heart.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edgeworth, who was as usual busy building church spires for himself + and other people, abandoned his engineering for a time to criticise his + daughter's story, and he advised that the conclusion of THE ABSENTEE + should be a letter from Larry the postilion. 'He wrote one, she wrote + another,' says Mrs. Edgeworth. 'He much preferred hers, which is the + admirable finale of THE ABSENTEE.' And just about this time Lord Ross is + applied to, to frank the Edgeworth manuscripts. + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot by any form of words express how delighted I am that you are + none of you angry with me,' writes modest Maria to her cousin, Miss + Ruxton, 'and that my uncle and aunt are pleased with what they have read + of THE ABSENTEE. I long to hear whether their favour continues to the end, + and extends to the catastrophe, that dangerous rock upon which poor + authors are wrecked.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE ABSENTEE + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + 'Are you to be at Lady Clonbrony's gala next week?' said Lady Langdale to + Mrs. Dareville, whilst they were waiting for their carriages in the + crush-room of the opera house. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh yes! everybody's to be there, I hear,' replied Mrs. Dareville. 'Your + ladyship, of course?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, I don't know—if I possibly can. Lady Clonbrony makes it such a + point with me, that I believe I must look in upon her for a few minutes. + They are going to a prodigious expense on this occasion. Soho tells me the + reception rooms are all to be new furnished, and in the most magnificent + style.' + </p> + <p> + 'At what a famous rate those Clonbronies are dashing on,' said Colonel + Heathcock. 'Up to anything.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who are they?—these Clonbronies, that one hears of so much of late' + said her Grace of Torcaster. 'Irish absentees I know. But how do they + support all this enormous expense?' + </p> + <p> + 'The son WILL have a prodigiously fine estate when some Mr. Quin dies,' + said Mrs. Dareville. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, everybody who comes from Ireland WILL have a fine estate when + somebody dies,' said her grace. 'But what have they at present?' + </p> + <p> + 'Twenty thousand a year, they say,' replied Mrs. Dareville. + </p> + <p> + 'Ten thousand, I believe,' cried Lady Langdale. 'Make it a rule, you know, + to believe only half the world says.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ten thousand, have they?—possibly,' said her grace. 'I know nothing + about them—have no acquaintance among the Irish. Torcaster knows + something of Lady Clonbrony; she has fastened herself, by some means, upon + him: but I charge him not to COMMIT me. Positively, I could not for + anybody—and much less for that sort of person—extend the + circle of my acquaintance.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now that is so cruel of your grace,' said Mrs. Dareville, laughing, 'when + poor Lady Clonbrony works so hard, and pays so high, to get into certain + circles.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you knew all she endures, to look, speak, move, breathe like an + Englishwoman, you would pity her,' said Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, and you CAWNT conceive the PEENS she TEEKES to talk of the TEEBLES + and CHEERS, and to thank Q, and, with so much TEESTE, to speak pure + English,' said Mrs. Dareville. + </p> + <p> + 'Pure cockney, you mean,' said Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + 'But why does Lady Clonbrony want to pass for English?' said the duchess. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! because she is not quite Irish. BRED AND BORN—only bred, not + born,' said Mrs. Dareville. 'And she could not be five minutes in your + grace's company before she would tell you, that she was HENGLISH, born in + HOXFORDSHIRE.' + </p> + <p> + 'She must be a vastly amusing personage. I should like to meet her, if one + could see and hear her incog.,' said the duchess. 'And Lord Clonbrony, + what is he?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing, nobody,' said Mrs. Dareville; 'one never even hears of him.' + </p> + <p> + 'A tribe of daughters, too, I suppose?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' said Lady Langdale, 'daughters would be past all endurance.' + </p> + <p> + 'There's a cousin, though, a Grace Nugent,' said Mrs. Dareville, 'that + Lady Clonbrony has with her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Best part of her, too,' said Colonel Heathcock; 'd-d fine girl!—never + saw her look better than at the opera to-night!' + </p> + <p> + 'Fine COMPLEXION! as Lady Clonbrony says, when she means a high colour,' + said Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + 'Grace Nugent is not a lady's beauty,' said Mrs. Dareville. 'Has she any + fortune, colonel?' + </p> + <p> + ''Pon honour, don't know,' said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + 'There's a son, somewhere, is not there?' said Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't know, 'pon honour,' replied the colonel. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes—at Cambridge—not of age yet,' said Mrs. Dareville. 'Bless + me! here is Lady Clonbrony come back. I thought she was gone half an hour + ago!' + </p> + <p> + 'Mamma,' whispered one of Lady Langdale's daughters, leaning between her + mother and Mrs. Dareville, 'who is that gentleman that passed us just + now?' + </p> + <p> + 'Which way?' + </p> + <p> + 'Towards the door. There now, mamma, you can see him. He is speaking to + Lady Clonbrony—to Miss Nugent. Now Lady Clonbrony is introducing him + to Miss Broadhurst.' + </p> + <p> + 'I see him now,' said Lady Langdale, examining him through her glass; 'a + very gentlemanlike-looking young man, indeed.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not an Irishman, I am sure, by his manner,' said her grace. + </p> + <p> + 'Heathcock!' said Lady Langdale, 'who is Miss Broadhurst talking to?' + </p> + <p> + 'Eh! now really—'pon honour—don't know,' replied Heathcock. + </p> + <p> + 'And yet he certainly looks like somebody one certainly should know,' + pursued Lady Langdale, 'though I don't recollect seeing him anywhere + before.' + </p> + <p> + 'Really now!' was all the satisfaction she could gain from the insensible, + immovable colonel. However, her ladyship, after sending a whisper along + the line, gained the desired information, that the young gentleman was + Lord Colambre, son, only son, of Lord and Lady Clonbrony—that he was + just come from Cambridge—that he was not yet of age—that he + would be of age within a year—that he would then, after the death of + somebody, come into possession of a fine estate, by the mother's side 'and + therefore, Cat'rine, my dear,' said she, turning round to the daughter, + who had first pointed him out, 'you understand, we should never talk about + other people's affairs.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, mamma, never. I hope to goodness, mamma, Lord Colambre did not hear + what you and Mrs. Dareville were saying!' + </p> + <p> + 'How could he, child? He was quite at the other end of the world.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, ma'am, he was at my elbow, close behind us; but I + never thought about him till I heard somebody say, "My lord—"' + </p> + <p> + 'Good heavens! I hope he didn't hear.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, for my part, I said nothing,' cried Lady Langdale. + </p> + <p> + 'And for my part, I said nothing but what everybody knows!' cried Mrs. + Dareville. + </p> + <p> + 'And for my part, I am guilty only of hearing,' said the duchess. 'Do, + pray, Colonel Heathcock, have the goodness to see what my people are + about, and what chance we have of getting away to-night.' + </p> + <p> + 'The Duchess of Torcaster's carriage stops the way!'—a joyful sound + to Colonel Heathcock and to her grace, and not less agreeable, at this + instant, to Lady Langdale, who, the moment she was disembarrassed of the + duchess, pressed through the crowd to Lady Clonbrony, and, addressing her + with smiles and complacency, was 'charmed to have a little moment to speak + to her—could NOT sooner get through the crowd—would certainly + do herself the honour to be at her ladyship's gala on Wednesday.' While + Lady Langdale spoke, she never seemed to see or think of anybody but Lady + Clonbrony, though, all the time, she was intent upon every motion of Lord + Colambre, and, whilst she was obliged to listen with a face of sympathy to + a long complaint of Lady Clonbrony's, about Mr. Soho's want of taste in + ottomans, she was vexed to perceive that his lordship showed no desire to + be introduced to her, or to her daughters; but, on the contrary, was + standing talking to Miss Nugent. His mother, at the end of her speech, + looked round for Colambre called him twice before he heard—introduced + him to Lady Langdale, and to Lady Cat'rine, and Lady Anne—, and to + Mrs. Dareville; to all of whom he bowed with an air of proud coldness, + which gave them reason to regret that their remarks upon his mother and + his family had not been made SOTTO VOCE. + </p> + <p> + 'Lady Langdale's carriage stops the way!' Lord Colambre made no offer of + his services, notwithstanding a look from his mother. Incapable of the + meanness of voluntarily listening to a conversation not intended for him + to hear, he had, however, been compelled, by the pressure of the crowd, to + remain a few minutes stationary, where he could not avoid hearing the + remarks of the fashionable friends. Disdaining dissimulation, he made no + attempt to conceal his displeasure. Perhaps his vexation was increased by + his consciousness that there was some mixture of truth in their sarcasms. + He was sensible that his mother, in some points—her manners, for + instance—was oblivious to ridicule and satire. In Lady Clonbrony's + address there was a mixture of constraint, affectation, and indecision, + unusual in a person of her birth, rank, and knowledge of the world. A + natural and unnatural manner seemed struggling in all her gestures, and in + every syllable that she articulated—a naturally free, familiar, + good-natured, precipitate, Irish manner, had been schooled, and schooled + late in life, into a sober, cold, still, stiff deportment, which she + mistook for English. A strong, Hibernian accent, she had, with infinite + difficulty, changed into an English tone. Mistaking reverse of wrong for + right, she caricatured the English pronunciation; and the extraordinary + precision of her London phraseology betrayed her not to be a Londoner, as + the man, who strove to pass for an Athenian, was detected by his Attic + dialect. Not aware of her real danger, Lady Clonbrony was, on the opposite + side, in continual apprehension, every time she opened her lips, lest some + treacherous A or E, some strong R, some puzzling aspirate, or + non-aspirate, some unguarded note, interrogative or expostulatory, should + betray her to be an Irishwoman. Mrs. Dareville had, in her mimickry, + perhaps a little exaggerated as to the TEEBLES and CHEERS, but still the + general likeness of the representation of Lady Clonbrony was strong enough + to strike and vex her son. He had now, for the first time, an opportunity + of judging of the estimation in which his mother and his family were held + by certain leaders of the ton, of whom, in her letters, she had spoken so + much, and into whose society, or rather into whose parties, she had been + admitted. He saw that the renegade cowardice, with which she denied, + abjured, and reviled her own country, gained nothing but ridicule and + contempt. He loved his mother; and, whilst he endeavoured to conceal her + faults and foibles as much as possible from his own heart, he could not + endure those who dragged them to light and ridicule. The next morning the + first thing that occurred to Lord Colambre's remembrance when he awoke was + the sound of the contemptuous emphasis which had been laid on the words + IRISH ABSENTEES! This led to recollections of his native country, to + comparisons of past and present scenes, to future plans of life. Young and + careless as he seemed, Lord Colambre was capable of serious reflection. Of + naturally quick and strong capacity, ardent affections, impetuous temper, + the early years of his childhood passed at his father's castle in Ireland, + where, from the lowest servant to the well-dressed dependant of the + family, everybody had conspired to wait upon, to fondle, to flatter, to + worship, this darling of their lord. Yet he was not spoiled—not + rendered selfish. For, in the midst of this flattery and servility, some + strokes of genuine generous affection had gone home to his little heart; + and, though unqualified submission had increased the natural impetuosity + of his temper, and though visions of his future grandeur had touched his + infant thought, yet, fortunately, before he acquired any fixed habits of + insolence or tyranny, he was carried far away from all that were bound or + willing to submit to his commands, far away from all signs of hereditary + grandeur—plunged into one of our great public schools—into a + new world. Forced to struggle, mind and body, with his equals, his rivals, + the little lord became a spirited schoolboy, and, in time, a man. + Fortunately for him, science and literature happened to be the fashion + among a set of clever young men with whom he was at Cambridge. His + ambition for intellectual superiority was raised, his views were enlarged, + his tastes and his manners formed. The sobriety of English good sense + mixed most advantageously with Irish vivacity; English prudence governed, + but did not extinguish his Irish enthusiasm. But, in fact, English and + Irish had not been invidiously contrasted in his mind: he had been so long + resident in England, and so intimately connected with Englishmen, that he + was not oblivious to any of the commonplace ridicule thrown upon + Hibernians; and he had lived with men who were too well informed and + liberal to misjudge or depreciate a sister country. He had found, from + experience, that, however reserved the English may be in manner, they are + warm at heart; that, however averse they may be from forming new + acquaintance, their esteem and confidence once gained, they make the most + solid friends. He had formed friendships in England; he was fully sensible + of the superior comforts, refinement, and information, of English society; + but his own country was endeared to him by early association, and a sense + of duty and patriotism attached him to Ireland. And shall I too be an + absentee? was a question which resulted from these reflections—a + question which he was not yet prepared to answer decidedly. In the + meantime, the first business of the morning was to execute a commission + for a Cambridge friend. Mr. Berryl had bought from Mr. Mordicai, a famous + London coachmaker, a curricle, WARRANTED SOUND, for which he had paid a + sound price, upon express condition that Mr. Mordicai, BARRING ACCIDENTS, + should be answerable for all repairs of the curricle for six months. In + three, both the carriage and body were found to be good for nothing—the + curricle had been returned to Mr. Mordicai—nothing had since been + heard of it, or from him—and Lord Colambre had undertaken to pay him + and it a visit, and to make all proper inquiries. Accordingly, he went to + the coachmaker's, and, obtaining no satisfaction from the underlings, + desired to see the head of the house. He was answered, that Mr. Mordicai + was not at home. His lordship had never seen Mr. Mordicai; but, just then, + he saw, walking across the yard, a man, who looked something like a Bond + Street coxcomb, but not the least like a gentleman, who called, in the + tone of a master, for 'Mr. Mordicai's barouche!' It appeared; and he was + stepping into it when Lord Colambre took the liberty of stopping him; and, + pointing to the wreck of Mr. Berryl's curricle, now standing in the yard, + began a statement of his friend's grievances, and an appeal to common + justice and conscience, which he, unknowing the nature of the man with + whom he had to deal, imagined must be irresistible. Mr. Mordicai stood + without moving a muscle of his dark wooden face. Indeed, in his face there + appeared to be no muscles, or none which could move; so that, though he + had what are generally called handsome features, there was, all together, + something unnatural and shocking in his countenance. When, at last, his + eyes turned, and his lips opened, this seemed to be done by machinery, and + not by the will of a living creature, or from the impulse of a rational + soul. Lord Colambre was so much struck with this strange physiognomy, that + he actually forgot much he had to say of springs and wheels. But it was no + matter. Whatever he had said, it would have come to the same thing; and + Mordicai would have answered as he now did— + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, it was my partner made that bargain, not myself; and I don't hold + myself bound by it, for he is the sleeping-partner only, and not empowered + to act in the way of business. Had Mr. Berryl bargained with me, I should + have told him that he should have looked to these things before his + carriage went out of our yard.' + </p> + <p> + The indignation of Lord Colambre kindled at these words—but in vain. + To all that indignation could by word or look urge against Mordicai, he + replied— + </p> + <p> + 'Maybe so, sir; the law is open to your friend—the law is open to + all men who can pay for it.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre turned in despair from the callous coach-maker, and listened + to one of his more compassionate-looking workmen, who was reviewing the + disabled curricle; and, whilst he was waiting to know the sum of his + friend's misfortune, a fat, jolly, Falstaff looking personage came into + the yard, accosted Mordicai with a degree of familiarity, which, from a + gentleman, appeared to Lord Colambre to be almost impossible. + </p> + <p> + 'How are you, Mordicai, my good fellow?' cried he, speaking with a strong + Irish accent. + </p> + <p> + 'Who is this?' whispered Lord Colambre to the foreman, who was examining + the curricle. + </p> + <p> + 'Sir Terence O'Fay, sir. There must be entire new wheels.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now tell me, my tight fellow,' continued Sir Terence, holding Mordicai + fast, 'when, in the name of all the saints, good or bad, in the calendar, + do you reckon to let us sport the SUICIDE?' + </p> + <p> + Mordicai forcibly drew his mouth into what he meant for a smile, and + answered, 'As soon as possible, Sir Terence.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence, in a tone of jocose, wheedling expostulation, entreated him + to have the carriage finished OUT OF HAND. 'Ah, now! Mordy, my precious! + let us have it by the birthday, and come and dine with us o' Monday, at + the Hibernian Hotel—there's a rare one—will you?' + </p> + <p> + Mordicai accepted the invitation, and promised faithfully that the SUICIDE + should be finished by the birthday. Sir Terence shook hands upon this + promise, and, after telling a good story, which made one of the workmen in + the yard—an Irishman—grin with delight, walked off. Mordicai, + first waiting till the knight was out of hearing, called aloud— + </p> + <p> + 'You grinning rascal! mind, at your peril, and don't let that there + carriage be touched, d'ye see, till further orders.' + </p> + <p> + One of Mr. Mordicai's clerks, with a huge long-feathered pen behind his + ear, observed that Mr. Mordicai was right in that caution, for that, to + the best of his comprehension, Sir Terence O'Fay and his principal, too, + were over head and ears in debt. + </p> + <p> + Mordicai coolly answered that he was well aware of that; but that the + estate could afford to dip further; that, for his part, he was under no + apprehension; he knew how to look sharp, and to bite before he was bit. + That he knew Sir Terence and his principal were leagued together to give + the creditors THE GO BY, but that, clever as they both were at that work, + he trusted he was their match. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you be so good, sir, to finish making out this estimate for me?' + interrupted Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Immediately, sir. Sixty-nine pound four, and the perch. Let us see—Mr. + Mordicai, ask him, ask Paddy, about Sir Terence,' said the foreman, + pointing back over his shoulder to the Irish workman, who was at this + moment pretending to be wondrous hard at work. However, when Mr. Mordicai + defied him to tell him anything he did not know, Paddy, parting with an + untasted bit of tobacco, began, and recounted some of Sir Terence O'Fay's + exploits in evading duns, replevying cattle, fighting sheriffs, bribing + SUBS, managing cants, tricking CUSTODEES, in language so strange, and with + a countenance and gestures so full of enjoyment of the jest, that, whilst + Mordicai stood for a moment aghast with astonishment, Lord Colambre could + not help laughing, partly at, and partly with, his countryman. All the + yard were in a roar of laughter, though they did not understand half of + what they heard; but their risible muscles were acted upon mechanically, + or maliciously, merely by the sound of the Irish brogue. + </p> + <p> + Mordicai, waiting till the laugh was over, dryly observed that 'the law is + executed in another guess sort of way in England from what it is in + Ireland'; therefore, for his part, he desired nothing better than to set + his wits fairly against such SHARKS. That there was a pleasure in doing up + a debtor which none but a creditor could know. + </p> + <p> + 'In a moment, sir; if you'll have a moment's patience, sir, if you + please,' said the slow foreman to Lord Colambre; 'I must go down the + pounds once more, and then I'll let you have it.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll tell you what, Smithfield,' continued Mr. Mordicai, coming close + beside his foreman, and speaking very low, but with a voice trembling with + anger, for he was piqued by his foreman's doubts of his capacity to cope + with Sir Terence O'Fay; 'I'll tell you what, Smithfield, I'll be cursed, + if I don't get every inch of them into my power. You know how?' + </p> + <p> + 'You are the best judge, sir,' replied the foreman; 'but I would not + undertake Sir Terence; and the question is, whether the estate will answer + the LOT of the debts, and whether you know them all for certain?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do, sir, I tell you. There's Green there's Blancham—there's Gray—there's + Soho—naming several more—and, to my knowledge, Lord Clonbrony—' + </p> + <p> + 'Stop, sir,' cried Lord Colambre in a voice which made Mordicai, and + everybody present, start—'I am his son—' + </p> + <p> + 'The devil!' said Mordicai. + </p> + <p> + 'God bless every bone in his body, then! he's an Irishman,' cried Paddy; + 'and there was the RASON my heart warmed to him from the first minute he + come into the yard, though I did not know it till now.' + </p> + <p> + 'What, sir! are you my Lord Colambre?' said Mr. Mordicai, recovering, but + not clearly recovering, his intellects. 'I beg pardon, but I did not know + you WAS Lord Colambre. I thought you told me you was the friend of Mr. + Berryl.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not see the incompatibility of the assertion, sir,' replied Lord + Colambre, taking from the bewildered foreman's unresisting hand the + account, which he had been so long FURNISHING. + </p> + <p> + 'Give me leave, my lord,' said Mordicai. 'I beg your pardon, my lord, + perhaps we can compromise that business for your friend Mr. Berryl; since + he is your lordship's friend, perhaps we can contrive to COMPROMISE and + SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE.' + </p> + <p> + TO COMPROMISE and SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE, Mordicai thought were favourite + phrases, and approved Hibernian modes of doing business, which would + conciliate this young Irish nobleman, and dissipate the proud tempest + which had gathered and now swelled in his breast. + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir, no!' cried Lord Colambre, holding firm the paper. 'I want no + favour from you. I will accept of none for my friend or for myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Favour! No, my lord, I should not presume to offer—But I should + wish, if you'll allow me, to do your friend justice.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre recollecting that he had no right, in his pride, to ding + away his friend's money, let Mr. Mordicai look at the account; and, his + impetuous temper in a few moments recovered by good sense, he considered + that, as his person was utterly unknown to Mr. Mordicai, no offence could + have been intended to him, and that, perhaps, in what had been said of his + father's debts and distress, there might be more truth than he was aware + of. Prudently, therefore, controlling his feelings, and commanding + himself, he suffered Mr. Mordicai to show him into a parlour, to SETTLE + his friend's business. In a few minutes the account was reduced to a + reasonable form, and, in consideration of the partner's having made the + bargain, by which Mr. Mordicai felt himself influenced in honour, though + not bound in law, he undertook to have the curricle made better than new + again, for Mr. Berryl, for twenty guineas. Then came awkward apologies to + Lord Colambre, which he ill endured. 'Between ourselves, my lord,' + continued Mordicai— + </p> + <p> + But the familiarity of the phrase, 'Between ourselves'—this + implication of equality—Lord Colambre could not admit; he moved + hastily towards the door and departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + Full of what he had heard, and impatient to obtain further information + respecting the state of his father's affairs, Lord Colambre hastened home; + but his father was out, and his mother was engaged with Mr. Soho, + directing, or rather being directed, how her apartments should be fitted + up for her gala. As Lord Colambre entered the room, he saw his mother, + Miss Nugent, and Mr. Soho, standing at a large table, which was covered + with rolls of paper, patterns, and drawings of furniture: Mr. Soho was + speaking in a conceited dictatorial tone, asserting that there was no + 'colour in nature for that room equal to THE BELLY-O'-THE FAWN;' which + BELLY-O'-THE FAWN he so pronounced that Lady Clonbrony understood it to be + LA BELLE UNIFORME, and, under this mistake, repeated and assented to the + assertion till it was set to rights, with condescending superiority, by + the upholsterer. This first architectural upholsterer of the age, as he + styled himself, and was universally admitted to be by all the world of + fashion, then, with full powers given to him, spoke EN MAITRE. The whole + face of things must be changed—there must be new hangings, new + draperies, new cornices, new candelabras, new everything! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> The upholsterer's eye, in a fine frenzy rolling,<br /> Glances from ceiling to floor, from floor to ceiling;<br /> And, as imagination bodies forth<br /> The form of things unknown, th' upholsterer's pencil<br /> Turns to shape and gives to airy nothing<br /> A local habitation and a NAME.<br /> </pre> + <p> + Of the value of a NAME no one could be more sensible than Mr. Soho. + </p> + <p> + 'Your la'ship sees—this is merely a scratch of my pencil—your + la'ship's sensible—just to give you an idea of the shape, the form + of the thing. You fill up your angles here with ECOINIERES—round + your walls with the TURKISH TENT DRAPERY—a fancy of my own—in + apricot cloth, or crimson velvet, suppose, or EN FLUTE, in crimson satin + draperies, fanned and riched with gold fringes, EN SUITE—intermediate + spaces, Apollo's heads with gold rays—and here, ma'am, you place + four CHANCELIERES, with chimeras at the corners, covered with blue silk + and silver fringe, elegantly fanciful—with my STATIRA CANOPY here—light + blue silk draperies—aerial tint, with silver balls—and for + seats here, the SERAGLIO OTTOMANS, superfine scarlet—your paws—griffin—golden—and + golden tripods, here, with antique cranes—and oriental alabaster + tables here and there—quite appropriate, your la'ship feels. + </p> + <p> + 'And—let me reflect. For the next apartment, it strikes me—as + your la'ship don't value expense—THE ALHAMBRA HANGINGS—my own + thought entirely. Now, before I unroll them, Lady Clonbrony, I must beg + you'll not mention I've shown them. I give you my sacred honour, not a + soul has set eye upon the Alhambra hangings, except Mrs. Dareville, who + stole a peep; I refused, absolutely refused, the Duchess of Torcaster—but + I can't refuse your la'ship. So see, ma'am—(unrolling them)—scagliola + porphyry columns supporting the grand dome—entablature, silvered and + decorated with imitative bronze ornaments; under the entablature, A + VALANCE IN PELMETS, of puffed scarlet silk, would have an unparalleled + grand effect, seen through the arches—with the TREBISOND TRELLICE + PAPER, would make a TOUT ENSEMBLE, novel beyond example. On that Trebisond + trellice paper, I confess, ladies, I do pique myself. + </p> + <p> + 'Then, for the little room, I recommend turning it temporarily into a + Chinese pagoda, with this CHINESE PAGODA PAPER, with the PORCELAIN border, + and josses, and jars, and beakers to match; and I can venture to promise + one vase of pre-eminent size and beauty. Oh, indubitably! if your la'ship + prefers it, you can have the EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHIC PAPER, with the IBIS + BORDER to match! The only objection is, one sees it everywhere—quite + antediluvian—gone to the hotels even; but, to be sure, if your + la'ship has a fancy—At all events, I humbly recommend, what her + Grace of Torcaster longs to patronise, my MOON CURTAINS, with candlelight + draperies. A demisaison elegance this—I hit off yesterday—and—true, + your la'ship's quite correct—out of the common, completely. And, of + course, you'd have the SPHYNX CANDELABRAS, and the Phoenix argands. Oh! + nothing else lights now, ma'am! Expense! Expense of the whole! Impossible + to calculate here on the spot!—but nothing at all worth your + ladyship's consideration!' + </p> + <p> + At another moment, Lord Colambre might have been amused with all this + rhodomontade, and with the airs and voluble conceit of the orator; but, + after what he had heard at Mr. Mordicai's, this whole scene struck him + more with melancholy than with mirth. He was alarmed by the prospect of + new and unbounded expense; provoked, almost past enduring, by the jargon + and impertinence of this upholsterer; mortified and vexed to the heart to + see his mother the dupe, the sport of such a coxcomb. + </p> + <p> + 'Prince of puppies!—insufferable!—My own mother!' Lord + Colambre repeated to himself, as he walked hastily up and down the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre, won't you let us have your judgment—your TEESTE' said his + mother. + </p> + <p> + 'Excuse me, ma'am. I have no taste, no judgment, in these things.' + </p> + <p> + He sometimes paused, and looked at Mr. Soho with a strong inclination to—But + knowing that he should say too much, if he said anything, he was silent + never dared to approach the council table—but continued walking up + and down the room, till he heard a voice, which at once arrested his + attention, and soothed his ire. He approached the table instantly, and + listened, whilst Grace Nugent said everything he wished to have said, and + with all the propriety and delicacy with which he thought he could not + have spoken. He leaned on the table, and fixed his eyes upon her—years + ago, he had seen his cousin—last night, he had thought her handsome, + pleasing, graceful—but now, he saw a new person, or he saw her in a + new light. He marked the superior intelligence, the animation, the + eloquence of her countenance, its variety, whilst alternately, with arch + raillery or grave humour, she played off Mr. Soho, and made him magnify + the ridicule, till it was apparent even to Lady Clonbrony. He observed the + anxiety, lest his mother should expose her own foibles—he was + touched by the respectful, earnest kindness—the soft tones of + persuasion, with which she addressed his mother—the care not to + presume upon her own influence—the good sense, the taste she showed, + yet not displaying her superiority—the address, temper, and + patience, with which she at last accomplished her purpose, and prevented + Lady Clonbrony from doing anything preposterously absurd, or exorbitantly + extravagant. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was actually sorry when the business was ended—when + Mr. Soho departed—for Grace Nugent was then silent; and it was + necessary to remove his eyes from that countenance, on which he had gazed + unobserved. Beautiful and graceful, yet so unconscious was she of her + charms, that the eye of admiration could rest upon her without her + perceiving it—she seemed so intent upon others as totally to forget + herself. The whole train of Lord Colambre's thoughts was so completely + deranged that, although he was sensible there was something of importance + he had to say to his mother, yet, when Mr. Soho's departure left him + opportunity to speak, he stood silent, unable to recollect anything but—Grace + Nugent. + </p> + <p> + When Grace Nugent left the room, after some minutes' silence, and some + effort, Lord Colambre said to his mother, 'Pray, madam, do you know + anything of Sir Terence O'Fay?' + </p> + <p> + 'I!' Said Lady Clonbrony, drawing up her head proudly; 'I know he is a + person I cannot endure. He is no friend of mine, I can assure you—nor + any such sort of person.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thought it was impossible!' cried Colambre, with exultation. + </p> + <p> + 'I only wish your father, Colambre, could say as much,' added Lady + Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre's countenance fell again; and again he was silent for some + time. + </p> + <p> + 'Does my father dine at home, ma'am?' + </p> + <p> + 'I suppose not; he seldom dines at home.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps, ma'am, my father may have some cause to be uneasy about—' + </p> + <p> + 'About?' said Lady Clonbrony, in a tone, and with a look of curiosity + which convinced her son that she knew nothing of his debts or distresses, + if he had any. 'About what?' repeated her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + Here was no receding, and Lord Colambre never had recourse to artifice. + </p> + <p> + 'About his affairs, I was going to say, madam. But, since you know nothing + of any difficulties or embarrassments, I am persuaded that none exist.' + </p> + <p> + Nay, I CAWNT tell you that, Colambre. There are difficulties for ready + money, I confess, when I ask for it, which surprise me often. I know + nothing of affairs—ladies of a certain rank seldom do, you know. + But, considering your father's estate, and the fortune I brought him,' + added her ladyship, proudly, 'I CAWNT conceive it at all. Grace Nugent, + indeed, often talks to me of embarrassments and economy; but that, poor + thing, is very natural for her, because her fortune is not particularly + large, and she has left it all, or almost all, in her uncle and guardian's + hands. I know she's often distressed for odd money to lend me, and that + makes her anxious.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is not Miss Nugent very much admired, ma'am, in London?' + </p> + <p> + 'Of course—in the company she is in, you know, she has every + advantage. And she has a natural family air of fashion—not but what + she would have got on much better, if, when she first appeared in Lon'on, + she had taken my advice, and wrote herself on her cards Miss de Nogent, + which would have taken off the prejudice against the IRICISM of Nugent, + you know; and there is a Count de Nogent.' + </p> + <p> + 'I did not know there was any such prejudice, ma'am. There may be among a + certain set; but, I should think, not among well-informed, well-bred + people.' + </p> + <p> + 'I BIG your PAWDON, Colambre; surely I, that was born in England, an + Henglish-woman BAWN! must be well INFAWMED on this PINT, anyway.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was respectfully silent. + </p> + <p> + 'Mother,' resumed he, 'I wonder that Miss Nugent is not married!' + </p> + <p> + 'That is her own fau't, entirely; she has refused very good offers—establishments + that, I own, I think, as Lady Langdale says, I was to blame to allow her + to let pass; but young LEDIES till they are twenty, always think they can + do better. Mr. Martingale, of Martingale, proposed for her, but she + objected to him on account of he's being on the turf; and Mr. St. Albans' + L7000 a year—because—I REELLY forget what—I believe only + because she did not like him—and something about principles. Now + there is Colonel Heathcock, one of the most fashionable young men you see, + always with the Duchess of Torcaster and that set—Heathcock takes a + vast deal of notice of her, for him; and yet, I'm persuaded, she would not + have him to-morrow, if he came to the PINT, and for no reason, REELLY now, + that she can give me, but because she says he's a coxcomb. Grace has a + tincture of Irish pride. But, for my part, I rejoice that she is so + difficult, for I don't know what I should do without her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Nugent is indeed—very much attached to you, mother, I am + convinced,' said Lord Colambre, beginning his sentence with great + enthusiasm, and ending it with great sobriety. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed then, she's a sweet girl, and I am very partial to her, there's + the truth,' cried Lady Clonbrony, in an undisguised Irish accent, and with + her natural warm manner. But a moment afterwards her features and whole + form resumed their constrained stillness and stiffness, and, in her + English accent, she continued— + </p> + <p> + 'Before you put my IDEES out of my head, Colambre, I had something to say + to you—Oh! I know what it was—we were talking of + embarrassments—and I wished to do your father the justice to mention + to you that he has been UNCOMMON LIBERAL to me about this gala, and has + REELLY given me carte-blanche; and I've a notion—indeed I know—that + it is you, Colambre, I am to thank for this.' + </p> + <p> + 'Me!—ma'am!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes! Did not your father give you any hint?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, ma'am; I have seen my father but for half an hour since I came to + town, and in that time he said nothing to me—of his affairs.' + </p> + <p> + 'But what I allude to is more your affair.' + </p> + <p> + 'He did not speak to me of any affairs, ma'am—he spoke only of my + horses.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I suppose my lord leaves it to me to open the matter to you. I have + the pleasure to tell you, that we have in view for you—and I think I + may say with more than the approbation of all her family—an alliance—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! my dear mother! you cannot be serious,' cried Lord Colambre; 'you + know I am not of years of discretion yet—I shall not think of + marrying these ten years, at least.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why not? Nay, my dear Colambre, don't go, I beg—I am serious, I + assure you—and, to convince you of it, I shall tell you candidly, at + once, all your father told me: that now you've done with Cambridge, and + are come to Lon'on, he agrees with me in wishing that you should make the + figure you ought to make, Colambre, as sole heir-apparent to the Clonbrony + estate, and all that sort of thing. But, on the other hand, living in + Lon'on, and making you the handsome allowance you ought to have, are, both + together, more than your father can afford, without inconvenience, he + tells me.' + </p> + <p> + 'I assure you, mother, I shall be content—' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no; you must not be content, child, and you must hear me. You must + live in a becoming style, and make a proper appearance. I could not + present you to my friends here, nor be happy, if you did not, Colambre. + Now the way is clear before you: you have birth and title, here is fortune + ready made; you will have a noble estate of your own when old Quin dies, + and you will not be any encumbrance or inconvenience to your father or + anybody. Marrying an heiress accomplishes all this at once; and the young + lady is everything we could wish, besides—you will meet again at the + gala. Indeed, between ourselves, she is the grand object of the gala; all + her friends will come EN MASSE, and one should wish that they should see + things in proper style. You have seen the young lady in question, Colambre—Miss + Broadhurst. Don't you recollect the young lady I introduced you to last + night after the opera?' + </p> + <p> + 'The little, plain girl, covered with diamonds, who was standing beside + Miss Nugent?' + </p> + <p> + 'In di'monds, yes. But you won't think her plain when you see more of her—that + wears off; I thought her plain, at first—I hope—' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope,' said Lord Colambre, 'that you will not take it unkindly of me, + my dear mother, if I tell you, at once, that I have no thoughts of + marrying at present—and that I never will marry for money. Marrying + an heiress is not even a new way of paying old debts—at all events, + it is one to which no distress could persuade me to have recourse; and as + I must, if I outlive old Mr. Quin, have an independent fortune, THERE IS + NO occasion to purchase one by marriage.' + </p> + <p> + 'There is no distress, that I know of, in the case,' cried Lady Clonbrony. + 'Where is your imagination running, Colambre? But merely for your + establishment, your independence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Establishment, I want none—independence I do desire, and will + preserve. Assure my father, my DEAR MOTHER, that I will not be an expense + to him. I will live within the allowance he made me at Cambridge—I + will give up half of it—I will do anything for his convenience—but + marry for money, that I cannot do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then, Colambre, you are very disobliging,' said Lady Clonbrony, with an + expression of disappointment and displeasure; 'for your father says, if + you don't marry Miss Broadhurst, we can't live in Lon'on another winter.' + </p> + <p> + This said—which, had she been at the moment mistress of herself, she + would not have let out—Lady Clonbrony abruptly quitted the room. Her + son stood motionless, saying to himself— + </p> + <p> + 'Is this my mother?—How altered!' + </p> + <p> + The next morning he seized an opportunity of speaking to his father, whom + he caught, with difficulty, just when he was going out, as usual, for the + day. Lord Colambre, with all the respect due to his father, and with that + affectionate manner by which he always knew how to soften the strength of + his expressions, made nearly the same declarations of his resolution, by + which his mother had been so much surprised and offended. Lord Clonbrony + seemed more embarrassed, but not so much displeased. When Lord Colambre + adverted, as delicately as he could, to the selfishness of desiring from + him the sacrifice of liberty for life, to say nothing of his affections, + merely to enable his family to make a splendid figure in London, Lord + Clonbrony exclaimed, 'That's all nonsense!—cursed nonsense! That's + the way we are obliged to state the thing to your mother, my dear boy, + because I might talk her deaf before she would understand or listen to + anything else. But, for my own share, I don't care a rush if London was + sunk in the salt sea. Little Dublin for my money, as Sir Terence O'Fay + says.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is Sir Terence O'Fay, may I ask, sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, don't you know Terry? Ay, you've been so long at Cambridge, I + forgot. And did you never see Terry?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have seen him, sir—I met him yesterday at Mr. Mordicai's, the + coachmaker's.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mordicai's!' exclaimed Lord Clonbrony, with a sudden blush, which he + endeavoured to hide by taking snuff. 'He is a damned rascal, that + Mordicai! I hope you didn't believe a word he said—nobody does that + knows him.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad, sir, that you seem to know him so well, and to be upon your + guard against him,' replied Lord Colambre; 'for, from what I heard of his + conversation, when he was not aware who I was, I am convinced he would do + you any injury in his power.' + </p> + <p> + 'He shall never have me in his power, I promise him. We shall take care of + that. But what did he say?' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre repeated the substance of what Mordicai had said, and Lord + Clonbrony reiterated—'Damned rascal!—damned rascal! I'll get + out of his hands; I'll have no more to do with him.' But, as he spoke, he + exhibited evident symptoms of uneasiness, moving continually, and shifting + from leg to leg like a foundered horse. + </p> + <p> + He could not bring himself positively to deny that he had debts and + difficulties; but he would by no means open the state of his affairs to + his son—'No father is called upon to do that,' said he to himself; + 'none but a fool would do it.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, perceiving his father's embarrassment, withdrew his eyes, + respectfully refrained from all further inquiries, and simply repeated the + assurance he had made to his mother, that he would put his family to no + additional expense; and that, if it was necessary, he would willingly give + up half his allowance. + </p> + <p> + 'Not at all—not at all, my dear boy,' said his father; 'I would + rather cramp myself than that you should be cramped, a thousand times + over. But it is all my Lady Clonbrony's nonsense. If people would but, as + they ought, stay in their own country, live on their own estates, and kill + their own mutton, money need never be wanting.' + </p> + <p> + For killing their own mutton, Lord Colambre did not see the indispensable + necessity; but he rejoiced to hear his father assert that people should + reside in their own country. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' cried Lord Clonbrony, to strengthen his assertion, as he always + thought it necessary to do, by quoting some other person's opinion. 'So + Sir Terence O'Fay always says, and that's the reason your mother can't + endure poor Terry. You don't know Terry? No, you have only seen him; but, + indeed, to see him is to know him; for he is the most off-hand, good + fellow in Europe.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't pretend to know him yet,' said Lord Colambre. 'I am not so + presumptuous as to form my opinion at first sight.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, curse your modesty!' interrupted Lord Clonbrony; 'you mean, you don't + pretend to like him yet; but Terry will make you like him. I defy you not. + I'll introduce you to him—him to you, I mean—most + warn-hearted, generous dog upon earth—convivial—jovial—with + wit and humour enough, in his own way, to split you—split me if he + has not. You need not cast down your eyes, Colambre. What's your + objection?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have made none, sir; but, if you urge me, I can only say that, if he + has all these good qualities, it is to be regretted that he does not look + and speak a little more like a gentleman.' + </p> + <p> + 'A gentleman! he is as much a gentleman as any of your formal prigs—not + the exact Cambridge cut, maybe. Curse your English education! 'Twas none + of my advice. I suppose you mean to take after your mother in the notion + that nothing can be good, or genteel, but what's English.' + </p> + <p> + 'Far from it, sir; I assure you, I am as warm a friend to Ireland as your + heart could wish. You will have no reason, in that respect at least, nor, + I hope, in any other, to curse my English education; and, if my gratitude + and affection can avail, you shall never regret the kindness and + liberality with which you have, I fear, distressed yourself to afford me + the means of becoming all that a British nobleman ought to be.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gad! you distress me now!' said Lord Clonbrony, 'and I didn't expect it, + or I wouldn't make a fool of myself this way,' added he, ashamed of his + emotion, and whiffling it off. 'You have an Irish heart, that I see, which + no education can spoil. But you must like Terry. I'll give you time, as he + said to me, when first he taught me to like usquebaugh. Good morning to + you!' + </p> + <p> + Whilst Lady Clonbrony, in consequence of her residence in London, had + become more of a fine lady, Lord Clonbrony, since he left Ireland, had + become less of a gentleman. Lady Clonbrony, born an Englishwoman, + disclaiming and disencumbering herself of all the Irish in town, had, by + giving splendid entertainments, at an enormous expense, made her way into + a certain set of fashionable company. But Lord Clonbrony, who was somebody + in Ireland, who was a great person in Dublin, found himself nobody in + England, a mere cipher in London, Looked down upon by the fine people with + whom his lady associated, and heartily weary of them, he retreated from + them altogether, and sought entertainment and self-complacency in society + beneath him—indeed, both in rank and education, but in which he had + the satisfaction of feeling himself the first person in company. Of these + associates, the first in talents, and in jovial profligacy, was Sir + Terence O'Fay—a man of low extraction, who had been knighted by an + Irish lord-lieutenant in some convivial frolic. No one could tell a good + story, or sing a good song better than Sir Terence; he exaggerated his + native brogue, and his natural propensity to blunder, caring little + whether the company laughed at him or with him, provided they laughed. + 'Live and laugh—laugh and live,' was his motto; and certainly he + lived on laughing, as well as many better men can contrive to live on a + thousand a year. + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony brought Sir Terence home with him next day to introduce him + to Lord Colambre; and it happened that on this occasion Terence appeared + to peculiar disadvantage, because, like many other people, 'Il gatoit + l'esprit qu'il avoit en voulant avoir celui qu'il n'avoit pas.' + </p> + <p> + Having been apprised that Lord Colambre was a fine scholar, fresh from + Cambridge, and being conscious of his own deficiencies of literature, + instead of trusting to his natural talents, he summoned to his aid, with + no small effort, all the scraps of learning he had acquired in early days, + and even brought before the company all the gods and goddesses with whom + he had formed an acquaintance at school. Though embarrassed by this + unusual encumbrance of learning, he endeavoured to make all subservient to + his immediate design, of paying his court to Lady Clonbrony, by forwarding + the object she had most anxiously in view—the match between her son + and Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + 'And so, Miss Nugent,' said he, not daring, with all his assurance, to + address himself directly to Lady Clonbrony—'and so, Miss Nugent, you + are going to have great doings, I'm told, and a wonderful grand gala. + There's nothing in the wide world equal to being in a good, handsome + crowd. No later now than the last ball at the Castle that was before I + left Dublin, Miss Nugent—the apartments, owing to the popularity of + my lady-lieutenant, was so throng—so throng—that I remember + very well, in the doorway, a lady—and a very genteel woman she was + too, though a stranger to me—saying to me, "Sir, your finger's in my + ear." "I know it, madam," says I, "but I can't take it out till the crowd + give me elbow room." + </p> + <p> + 'But it's gala I'm thinking of now. I hear you are to have the golden + Venus, my Lady Clonbrony, won't you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir!' + </p> + <p> + This freezing monosyllable notwithstanding, Sir Terence pursued his course + fluently. 'The golden Venus!—Sure, Miss Nugent, you, that are so + quick, can't but know I would apostrophise Miss Broadhurst that is, but + that won't be long so, I hope. My Lord Colambre, have you seen much yet of + that young lady?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I hope you won't be long so. I hear great talk now of the Venus of + Medicis, and the Venus of this and that, with the Florence Venus, and the + sable Venus, and that other Venus, that's washing of her hair, and a + hundred other Venuses, some good, some bad. But, be that as it will, my + lord, trust a fool—ye may, when he tells you truth—the golden + Venus is the only one on earth that can stand, or that will stand, through + all ages and temperatures; for gold rules the court, gold rules the camp, + and men below, and heaven above.' + </p> + <p> + 'Heaven above! Take care, Terry! Do you know what you're saying?' + interrupted Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Do I? Don't I?' replied Terry. 'Deny, if you please, my lord, that it was + for a golden pippin that the three goddesses FIT—and that the + HIPPOMENES was about golden apples—and did not Hercules rob a garden + for golden apples?—and did not the pious Eneas himself take a golden + branch with him, to make himself welcome to his father in hell?' said Sir + Terence, winking at Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Terry, you know more about books than I should have suspected,' said + Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Nor you would not have suspected me to have such a great acquaintance + among the goddesses neither, would you, my lord? But, apropos, before we + quit, of what material, think ye, was that same Venus's famous girdle, + now, that made roses and lilies so quickly appear? Why, what was it, but a + girdle of sterling gold, I'll engage?—for gold is the only true + thing for a young man to look after in a wife.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence paused, but no applause ensued. + </p> + <p> + 'Let them talk of Cupids and darts, and the mother of the Loves and + Graces. Minerva may sing odes and DYTHAMBRICS, or whatsoever her + wisdomship pleases. Let her sing, or let her say she'll never get a + husband in this world or the other, without she had a good thumping + FORTIN, and then she'd go off like wildfire.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, Terry, there you're out; Minerva has too bad a character for + learning to be a favourite with gentlemen,' said Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Tut—Don't tell me!—I'd get her off before you could say Jack + Robinson, and thank you too, if she had fifty thousand down, or a thousand + a year in land. Would you have a man so d-d nice as to balk when house and + land is a-going—a-going—a-going!—because of the + encumbrance of a little learning? I never heard that Miss Broadhurst was + anything of a learned lady.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Broadhurst!' said Grace Nugent; 'how did you get round to Miss + Broadhurst?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! by the way of Tipperary,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, my lord, it was apropos to a good fortune, which, I + hope, will not be out of your way, even if you went by Tipperary. She has, + besides L100,000 in the funds, a clear landed property of L10,000 per + annum. WELL! SOME PEOPLE TALK OF MORALITY, AND SOME OF RELIGION, BUT GIVE + ME A LITTLE SNUG PROPERTY. But, my lord, I've a little business to + transact this morning, and must not be idling and indulging myself here.' + So, bowing to the ladies, he departed. + </p> + <p> + 'Really, I am glad that man is gone,' said Lady Clonbrony. 'What a relief + to one's ears! I am sure I wonder, my lord, how you can bear to carry that + strange creature always about with you—so vulgar as he is.' + </p> + <p> + 'He diverts me,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'while many of your correct-mannered + fine ladies or gentlemen put me to sleep. What signifies what accent + people speak in that have nothing to say—hey, Colambre?' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, from respect to his father, did not express his opinion, + but his aversion to Sir Terence O'Fay was stronger even than his mother's; + though Lady Clonbrony's detestation of him was much increased by + perceiving that his coarse hints about Miss Broadhurst had operated + against her favourite scheme. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, at breakfast, Lord Clonbrony talked of bringing Sir + Terence with him that night to her gala. She absolutely grew pale with + horror. + </p> + <p> + 'Good heavens! Lady Langdale, Mrs. Dareville, Lady Pococke, Lady + Chatterton, Lady D—, Lady G—, his Grace of V—; what + would they think of him? And Miss Broadhurst to see him going about with + my Lord Clonbrony!'—It could not be. No; her ladyship made the most + solemn and desperate protestation, that she would sooner give up her gala + altogether—tie up the knocker—say she was sick—rather be + sick, or be dead, than be obliged to have such a creature as Sir Terence + O'Fay at her gala. + </p> + <p> + 'Have it your own way, my dear, as you have everything else!' cried Lord + Clonbrony, taking up his hat, and preparing to decamp; 'but, take notice, + if you won't receive him you need not expect me. So a good morning to you, + my Lady Clonbrony. You may find a worse friend in need, yet, than that + same Sir Terence O'Fay.' + </p> + <p> + 'I trust I shall never be in need, my lord,' replied her ladyship. 'It + would be strange, indeed, if I were, with the fortune I brought.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! that fortune of hers!' cried Lord Clonbrony, stopping both his ears + as he ran out of the room; 'shall I never hear the end of that fortune, + when I've seen the end of it long ago?' + </p> + <p> + During this matrimonial dialogue, Grace Nugent and Lord Colambre never + once looked at each other. Grace was very diligently trying the changes + that could be made in the positions of a china-mouse, a cat, a dog, a cup, + and a Brahmin, on the mantelpiece; Lord Colambre as diligently reading the + newspaper. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, my dear Colambre,' said Lady Clonbrony, 'put down the paper, and + listen to me. Let me entreat you not to neglect Miss Broadhurst to-night, + as I know that the family come here chiefly on your account.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear mother, I never can neglect any deserving young lady, and + particularly one of your guests; but I shall be careful not to do more + than not to neglect, for I never will pretend what I do not feel.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, my dear Colambre, Miss Broadhurst is everything you could wish, + except being a beauty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps, madam,' said Lord Colambre, fixing his eyes on Grace Nugent, + 'you think that I can see no farther than a handsome face?' + </p> + <p> + The unconscious Grace Nugent now made a warm eulogium of Miss Broadhurst's + sense, and wit, and independence of character. + </p> + <p> + 'I did not know that Miss Broadhurst was a friend of yours, Miss Nugent?' + </p> + <p> + 'She is, I assure you, a friend of mine; and, as a proof, I will not + praise her at this moment. I will go farther still—I will promise + that I never will praise her to you till you begin to praise her to me.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre smiled, and now listened, as if he wished that Grace should + go on speaking, even of Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + 'That's my sweet Grace!' cried Lady Clonbrony. 'Oh! she knows how to + manage these men—not one of them can resist her!' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, for his part, did not deny the truth of this assertion. + </p> + <p> + 'Grace,' added Lady Clonbrony, 'make him promise to do as we would have + him.' + </p> + <p> + 'No; promises are dangerous things to ask or to give,' said Grace. 'Men + and naughty children never make promises, especially promises to be good, + without longing to break them the next minute.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, at least, child, persuade him, I charge you, to make my gala go off + well. That's the first thing we ought to think of now. Ring the bell! And + all heads and hands I put in requisition for the gala.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + The opening of her gala, the display of her splendid reception-rooms, the + Turkish tent, the Alhambra, the pagoda, formed a proud moment to Lady + Clonbrony. Much did she enjoy, and much too naturally, notwithstanding all + her efforts to be stiff and stately, much too naturally did she show her + enjoyment of the surprise excited in some and affected by others on their + first entrance. + </p> + <p> + One young, very young lady expressed her astonishment so audibly as to + attract the notice of all the bystanders. Lady Clonbrony, delighted, + seized both her hands, shook them, and laughed heartily; then, as the + young lady with her party passed on, her ladyship recovered herself, drew + up her head, and said to the company near her— + </p> + <p> + 'Poor thing! I hope I covered her little NAIVETE properly? How NEW she + must be!' + </p> + <p> + Then, with well-practised dignity, and half-subdued self-complacency of + aspect, her ladyship went gliding about—most importantly busy, + introducing my lady THIS to the sphynx candelabra, and my lady THAT to the + Trebisond trellice; placing some delightfully for the perspective of the + Alhambra; establishing others quite to her satisfaction on seraglio + ottomans; and honouring others with a seat under the statira canopy. + Receiving and answering compliments from successive crowds of select + friends, imagining herself the mirror of fashion, and the admiration of + the whole world, Lady Clonbrony was, for her hour, as happy certainly as + ever woman was in similar circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Her son looked at her, and wished that this happiness could last. + Naturally inclined to sympathy, Lord Colambre reproached himself for not + feeling as gay at this instant as the occasion required. But the festive + scene, the blazing lights, the 'universal hubbub,' failed to raise his + spirits. As a dead weight upon them hung the remembrance of Mordicai's + denunciations; and, through the midst of this Eastern magnificence, this + unbounded profusion, he thought he saw future domestic misery and ruin to + those he loved best in the world. + </p> + <p> + The only object present on which his eye rested with pleasure was Grace + Nugent. Beautiful—in elegant and dignified simplicity—thoughtless + of herself—yet with a look of thought, and with an air of + melancholy, which accorded exactly with his own feelings, and which he + believed to arise from the same reflections that had passed in his own + mind. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Broadhurst, Colambre! all the Broadhursts!' said his mother, + wakening him, as she passed by, to receive them as they entered. Miss + Broadhurst appeared, plainly dressed—plainly, even to singularity—without + any diamonds or ornament. + </p> + <p> + 'Brought Philippa to you, my dear Lady Clonbrony, this figure, rather than + not bring her at all,' said puffing Mrs. Broadhurst; 'and had all the + difficulty in the world to get her out at all, and now I've promised she + shall stay but half an hour. Sore throat—terrible cold she took in + the morning. I'll swear for her, she'd not have come for any one but you.' + </p> + <p> + The young lady did not seem inclined to swear, or even to say this for + herself; she stood wonderfully unconcerned and passive, with an expression + of humour lurking in her eyes, and about the corners of her mouth; whilst + Lady Clonbrony was 'shocked,' and 'gratified,' and 'concerned' and + 'flattered' and whilst everybody was hoping, and fearing, and busying + themselves about her—'Miss Broadhurst, you'd better sit here!'—'Oh, + for Heaven's sake! Miss Broadhurst, not there!' 'Miss Broadhurst, if + you'll take my opinion;' and 'Miss Broadhurst, if I may advise—' + </p> + <p> + 'Grace Nugent!' cried Lady Clonbrony—'Miss Broadhurst always listens + to you. Do, my dear, persuade Miss Broadhurst to take care of herself, and + let us take her to the inner little pagoda, where she can be so warm and + so retired—the very thing for an invalid. Colambre! pioneer the way + for us, for the crowd's immense.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Anne and Lady Catharine H—, Lady Langdale's daughters, were at + this time leaning on Miss Nugent's arm, and moved along with this party to + the inner pagoda. There was to be cards in one room, music in another, + dancing in a third, and, in this little room, there were prints and + chess-boards, etc. + </p> + <p> + 'Here you will be quite to yourselves,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'let me + establish you comfortably in this, which I call my sanctuary—my + SNUGGERY—Colambre, that little table!—Miss Broadhurst, you + play chess? Colambre, you'll play with Miss Broadhurst—' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank your ladyship,' said Miss Broadhurst, 'but I know nothing of + chess, but the moves. Lady Catharine, you will play, and I will look on.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Broadhurst drew her seat to the fire; Lady Catharine sat down to play + with Lord Colambre; Lady Clonbrony withdrew, again recommending Miss + Broadhurst to Grace Nugent's care. After some commonplace conversation, + Lady Anne H—-, looking at the company in the adjoining apartment, + asked her sister how old Miss Somebody was, who passed by. This led to + reflections upon the comparative age and youthful appearance of several of + their acquaintance, and upon the care with which mothers concealed the age + of their daughters. Glances passed between Lady Catharine and Lady Anne. + </p> + <p> + 'For my part,' said Miss Broadhurst, 'my mother would 'labour that point + of secrecy in vain for me; for I am willing to tell my age, even if my + face did not tell it for me, to all whom it may concern. I am past + three-and-twenty—shall be four-and-twenty the 5th of next July.' + </p> + <p> + 'Three-and-twenty! Bless me! I thought you were not twenty!' cried Lady + Anne. + </p> + <p> + 'Four-and-twenty next July!—impossible!' cried Lady Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'Very possible,' said Miss Broadhurst, quite unconcerned. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, Lord Colambre, would you believe it? Can you believe it?' asked Lady + Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, he can,' said Miss Broadhurst. 'Don't you see that he believes it as + firmly as you and I do? Why should you force his lordship to pay a + compliment contrary to his better judgment, or to extort a smile from him + under false pretences? I am sure he sees that you, ladies, and I trust he + perceives that I, do not think the worse of him for this.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre smiled now without any false pretence; and, relieved at once + from all apprehension of her joining in his mother's views, or of her + expecting particular attention from him, he became at ease with Miss + Broadhurst, shelved a desire to converse with her, and listened eagerly to + what she said. He recollected that Grace Nugent had told him that this + young lady had no common character; and, neglecting his move at chess, he + looked up at Grace as much as to say, 'DRAW HER OUT, pray.' + </p> + <p> + But Grace was too good a friend to comply with that request; she left Miss + Broadhurst to unfold her own character. + </p> + <p> + 'It is your move, my lord,' said Lady Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your ladyship's pardon—' + </p> + <p> + 'Are not these rooms beautiful, Miss Broadhurst?' said Lady Catharine, + determined, if possible, to turn the conversation into a commonplace, safe + channel; for she had just felt, what most of Miss Broadhurst's + acquaintance had in their turn felt, that she had an odd way of startling + people, by setting their own secret little motives suddenly before them, + 'Are not these rooms beautiful?' + </p> + <p> + 'Beautiful!—Certainly.' + </p> + <p> + The beauty of the rooms would have answered Lady Catharine's purpose for + some time, had not Lady Anne imprudently brought the conversation back + again to Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know, Miss Broadhurst,' said she, 'that if I had fifty sore + throats, I could not have refrained from my diamonds on this GALA night; + and such diamonds as you have! Now, really, I could not believe you to be + the same person we saw blazing at the opera the other night!' + </p> + <p> + 'Really! could not you, Lady Anne? That is the very thing that entertains + me. I only wish that I could lay aside my fortune sometimes, as well as my + diamonds, and see how few people would know me then. Might not I, Grace, + by the golden rule, which, next to practice, is the best rule in the + world, calculate and answer that question?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am persuaded,' said Lord Colambre, 'that Miss Broadhurst has friends on + whom the experiment would make no difference.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am convinced of it,' said Miss Broadhurst; 'and that is what makes me + tolerably happy, though I have the misfortune to be an heiress.' + </p> + <p> + 'That is the oddest speech,' said Lady Anne. 'Now I should so like to be a + great heiress, and to have, like you, such thousands and thousands at + command.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what can the thousands upon thousands do for me? Hearts, you know, + Lady Anne, are to be won only by radiant eyes. Bought hearts your ladyship + certainly would not recommend. They're such poor things—no wear at + all. Turn them which way you will, you can make nothing of them.' + </p> + <p> + 'You've tried then, have you?' said Lady Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'To my cost. Very nearly taken in by them half a dozen times; for they are + brought to me by dozens; and they are so made up for sale, and the people + do so swear to you that it's real, real love, and it looks so like it; + and, if you stoop to examine it, you hear it pressed upon you by such + elegant oaths—By all that's lovely!—By all my hopes of + happiness!—By your own charming self! Why, what can one do but look + like a fool, and believe; for these men, at the time, all look so like + gentlemen, that one cannot bring oneself flatly to tell them that they are + cheats and swindlers, that they are perjuring their precious souls. + Besides, to call a lover a perjured creature is to encourage him. He would + have a right to complain if you went back after that.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh dear! what a move was there!' cried Lady Catharine. 'Miss Broadhurst + is so entertaining to-night, notwithstanding her sore throat, that one can + positively attend to nothing else. And she talks of love and lovers too + with such CONNAISSANCE DE FAIT—counts her lovers by dozens, tied up + in true-lovers' knots!' + </p> + <p> + 'Lovers!—no, no! Did I say lovers?—suitors I should have said. + There's nothing less like a lover, a true lover, than a suitor, as all the + world knows, ever since the days of Penelope. Dozens!—never had a + lover in my life! And fear, with much reason, I never shall have one to my + mind.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, you've given up the game,' cried Lady Catharine; 'but you make + no battle.' + </p> + <p> + 'It would be so vain to combat against your ladyship,' said Lord Colambre, + rising, and bowing politely to Lady Catharine, but turning the next + instant to converse with Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + But when I talked of liking to be an heiress,' said Lady Anne, 'I was not + thinking of lovers.' + </p> + <p> + 'Certainly. One is not always thinking of lovers, you know,' added Lady + Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'Not always,' replied Miss Broadhurst. 'Well, lovers out of the question + on all sides, what would your ladyship buy with the thousands upon + thousands?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, everything, if I were you,' said Lady Anne. + </p> + <p> + 'Rank, to begin with,' said Lady Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'Still my old objection—bought rank is but a shabby thing.' + </p> + <p> + 'But there is so little difference made between bought and hereditary rank + in these days,' said Lady Catharine. + </p> + <p> + 'I see a great deal still,' said Miss Broadhurst; 'so much, that I would + never buy a title.' + </p> + <p> + 'A title without birth, to be sure,' said Lady Anne, 'would not be so well + worth buying; and as birth certainly is not to be bought—' + </p> + <p> + 'And even birth, were it to be bought, I would not buy,' said Miss + Broadhurst, 'unless I could be sure to have with it all the politeness, + all the noble sentiments, all the magnanimity—in short, all that + should grace and dignify high birth.' + </p> + <p> + 'Admirable!' said Lord Colambre. Grace Nugent smiled. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre, will you have the goodness to put my mother in mind I must + go away?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am bound to obey, but I am very sorry for it,' said his lordship. + </p> + <p> + 'Are we to have any dancing to-night, I wonder?' said Lady Catharine. + 'Miss Nugent, I am afraid we have made Miss Broadhurst talk so much, in + spite of her hoarseness, that Lady Clonbrony will be quite angry with us. + And here she comes!' + </p> + <p> + My Lady Clonbrony came to hope, to beg, that Miss Broadhurst would not + think of running away; but Miss Broadhurst could not be prevailed upon to + stay. Lady Clonbrony was delighted to see that her son assisted Grace + Nugent most carefully in SHAWLING Miss Broadhurst; his lordship conducted + her to her carriage, and his mother drew many happy auguries from the + gallantry of his manner, and from the young lady's having stayed + three-quarters, instead of half an hour—a circumstance which Lady + Catharine did not fail to remark. + </p> + <p> + The dancing, which, under various pretences, Lady Clonbrony had delayed + till Lord Colambre was at liberty, began immediately after Miss + Broadhurst's departure; and the chalked mosaic pavement of the Alhambra + was, in a few minutes, effaced by the dancers' feet. How transient are all + human joys, especially those of vanity! Even on this long meditated, this + long desired, this gala night, Lady Clonbrony found her triumph incomplete—inadequate + to her expectations. For the first hour all had been compliment, success, + and smiles; presently came the BUTS, and the hesitated objections, and the + 'damning with faint praise.' All THAT could be borne. Everybody has his + taste—and one person's taste is as good as another's; and while she + had Mr. Soho to cite, Lady Clonbrony thought she might be well satisfied. + But she could not be satisfied with Colonel Heathcock, who, dressed in + black, had stretched his 'fashionable length of limb' under the statira + canopy upon the snow-white swan-down couch. When, after having monopolised + attention, and been the subject of much bad wit, about black swans and + rare birds, and swans being geese and geese being swans, the colonel + condescended to rise, and, as Mrs. Dareville said, to vacate his couch, + that couch was no longer white—the black impression of the colonel + remained on the sullied snow. + </p> + <p> + 'Eh, now! really didn't recollect I was in black,' was all the apology he + made. Lady Clonbrony was particularly vexed that the appearance of the + statira, canopy should be spoiled before the effect had been seen by Lady + Pococke, and Lady Chatterton, and Lady G—, Lady P—, and the + Duke of V—, and a party of superlative fashionables, who had + promised TO LOOK IN UPON HER, but who, late as it was, had not yet + arrived. They came in at last. But Lady Clonbrony had no reason to regret + for their sake the statira couch. It would have been lost upon them, as + was everything else which she had prepared with so much pains and cost to + excite their admiration, They came resolute not to admire. Skilled in the + art of making others unhappy, they just looked round with an air of + apathy. 'Ah! you've had Soho!—Soho has done wonders for you here! + Vastly well!—Vastly well!—Soho's very clever in his way!' + </p> + <p> + Others of great importance came in, full of some slight accident that had + happened to themselves, or their horses, or their carriages; and, with + privileged selfishness, engrossed the attention of all within their sphere + of conversation. Well, Lady Clonbrony got over all this, and got over the + history of a letter about a chimney that was on fire, a week ago, at the + Duke of V's old house, in Brecknockshire. In gratitude for the smiling + patience with which she listened to him, his Grace of V—fixed his + glass to look at the Alhambra, and had just pronounced it to be 'Well!—very + well!' when the Dowager Lady Chatterton made a terrible discovery—a + discovery that filled Lady Clonbrony with astonishment and indignation—Mr. + Soho had played her false! What was her mortification when the dowager + assured her that these identical Alhambra hangings had not only been shown + by Mr. Soho to the Duchess of Torcaster, but that her grace had had the + refusal of them, and had actually rejected them, in consequence of Sir + Horace Grant the great traveller's objecting to some of the proportions of + the pillars. Soho had engaged to make a new set, vastly improved, by Sir + Horace's suggestions, for her Grace of Torcaster. + </p> + <p> + Now Lady Chatterton was the greatest talker extant; and she went about the + rooms telling everybody of her acquaintance—and she was acquainted + with everybody—how shamefully Soho had imposed upon poor Lady + Clonbrony, protesting she could not forgive the man. 'For,' said she,' + though the Duchess of Torcaster has been his constant customer for ages, + and his patroness, and all that, yet this does not excuse him and Lady + Clonbrony's being a stranger, and from Ireland, makes the thing worse.' + From Ireland!—that was the unkindest cut of all but there was no + remedy. + </p> + <p> + In vain poor Lady Clonbrony followed the dowager about the rooms, to + correct this mistake, and to represent, in justice to Mr. Soho, though he + had used her so ill, that he knew she was an Englishwoman, The dowager was + deaf, and no whisper could reach her ear. And when Lady Clonbrony was + obliged to bawl an explanation in her car, the dowager only repeated— + </p> + <p> + 'In justice to Mr. Soho!—No, no; he has not done you justice, my + dear Lady Clonbrony! and I'll expose him to everybody. Englishwoman—no, + no, no!—Soho could not take you for an Englishwoman!' + </p> + <p> + All who secretly envied or ridiculed Lady Clonbrony enjoyed this scene. + The Alhambra hangings, which had been, in one short hour before, the + admiration of the world, were now regarded by every eye with contempt, as + CAST hangings, and every tongue was busy declaiming against Mr. Soho; + everybody declared that, from the first, the want of proportion had + 'struck them, but that they would not mention it till others found it + out.' + </p> + <p> + People usually revenge themselves for having admired too much, by + afterwards despising and depreciating without mercy—in all great + assemblies the perception of ridicule is quickly caught, and quickly too + revealed. Lady Clonbrony, even in her own house, on her gala night, became + an object of ridicule—decently masked, indeed, under the appearance + of condolence with her ladyship, and of indignation against 'that + abominable Mr. Soho!' + </p> + <p> + Lady Langdale, who was now, for reasons of her own, upon her good + behaviour, did penance, as she said, for her former imprudence, by + abstaining even from whispered sarcasms. She looked on with penitential + gravity, said nothing herself, and endeavoured to keep Mrs. Dareville in + order; but that was no easy task. Mrs. Dareville had no daughters, had + nothing to gain from the acquaintance of my Lady Clonbrony; and, conscious + that her ladyship would bear a vast deal from her presence, rather than + forego the honour of her sanction, Mrs. Dareville, without any motives of + interest, or good-nature of sufficient power to restrain her talent and + habit of ridicule, free from hope or fear, gave full scope to all the + malice of mockery, and all the insolence of fashion. Her slings and + arrows, numerous as they were and outrageous, were directed against such + petty objects, and the mischief was so quick, in its aim and its + operation, that, felt but not seen, it is scarcely possible to register + the hits, or to describe the nature of the wounds. + </p> + <p> + Some hits sufficiently palpable, however, were recorded for the advantage + of posterity. When Lady Clonbrony led her to look at the Chinese pagoda, + the lady paused, with her foot on the threshold, as if afraid to enter + this porcelain Elysium, as she called it—Fool's Paradise, she would + have said; and, by her hesitation, and by the half-pronounced word, + suggested the idea—'None but belles without petticoats can enter + here,' said she, drawing her clothes tight round her; 'fortunately, I have + but two, and Lady Langdale has but one.' Prevailed upon to venture in, she + walked on with prodigious care and trepidation, affecting to be alarmed at + the crowd of strange forms and monsters by which she was surrounded. + </p> + <p> + 'Not a creature here that I ever saw before in nature! Well, now I may + boast I've been in a real Chinese pagoda!' + </p> + <p> + 'Why yes, everything is appropriate here, I flatter myself,' said Lady + Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'And how good of you, my dear Lady Clonbrony, in defiance of bulls and + blunders, to allow us a comfortable English fireplace and plenty of + Newcastle coal, in China!—And a white marble—no! white velvet + hearthrug, painted with beautiful flowers—oh, the delicate, the + USEFUL thing!' + </p> + <p> + Vexed by the emphasis on the word USEFUL, Lady Clonbrony endeavoured to + turn off the attention of the company. 'Lady Langdale, your ladyship's a + judge of china—this vase is an unique, I am told.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am told,' interrupted Mrs. Dareville, 'this is the very vase in which B—, + the nabob's father, who was, you know, a China captain, smuggled his dear + little Chinese wife and all her fortune out of Canton—positively, + actually put the lid on, packed her up, and sent her off on shipboard!—True! + true! upon my veracity! I'll tell you my authority!' + </p> + <p> + With this story Mrs. Dareville drew all attention from the jar, to Lady + Clonbrony's infinite mortification. + </p> + <p> + Lady Langdale at length turned to look at a vast range of china jars. + </p> + <p> + 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves!' exclaimed Mrs. Dareville; 'I hope you + have boiling oil ready!' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony was obliged to laugh, and to vow that Mrs. Dareville was + uncommon pleasant to-night. 'But now,' said her ladyship, 'let me take you + on to the Turkish tent.' + </p> + <p> + Having with great difficulty got the malicious wit out of the pagoda and + into the Turkish tent, Lady Clonbrony began to breathe more freely; for + here she thought she was upon safe ground: 'Everything, I flatter myself' + said she, 'is correct and appropriate, and quite picturesque.' The + company, dispersed in happy groups, or reposing on seraglio ottomans, + drinking lemonade and sherbet, beautiful Fatimas admiring, or being + admired—'Everything here quite correct, appropriate, and + picturesque,' repeated Mrs. Dareville. + </p> + <p> + This lady's powers as a mimic were extraordinary, and she found them + irresistible. Hitherto she had imitated Lady Clonbrony's air and accent + only behind her back; but, bolder grown, she now ventured, in spite of + Lady Langdale's warning pinches, to mimic her kind hostess before her + face, and to her face. Now, whenever Lady Clonbrony saw anything that + struck her fancy in the dress of her fashionable friends, she had a way of + hanging her head aside, and saying, with a peculiar sentimental drawl— + </p> + <p> + 'How pretty!—how elegant! Now that quite suits my TEESTE! This + phrase, precisely in the same accent, and with the head set to the same + angle of affectation, Mrs. Dareville had the assurance to address to her + ladyship, apropos to something which she pretended to admire in Lady + Clonbrony's COSTUME—a costume which, excessively fashionable in each + of its parts, was, all together, so extraordinarily unbecoming as to be + fit for a print-shop. The perception of this, added to the effect of Mrs. + Dareville's mimicry, was almost too much for Lady Langdale; she could not + possibly have stood it, but for the appearance of Miss Nugent at this + instant behind Lady Clonbrony. Grace gave one glance of indignation which + seemed suddenly to strike Mrs. Dareville. Silence for a moment ensued, and + afterwards the tone of the conversation was changed. + </p> + <p> + 'Salisbury!—explain this to me,' said a lady, drawing Mr. Salisbury + aside. 'If you are in the secret, do explain this to me; for unless I had + seen it, I could not have believed it. Nay, though I have seen it, I do + not believe it. How was that daring spirit laid? By what spell?' + </p> + <p> + 'By the spell which superior minds always cast on inferior spirits.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very fine,' said the lady, laughing, 'but as old as the days of Leonora + de Galigai, quoted a million times. Now tell me something new and to the + purpose, and better suited to modern days.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, then, since you will not allow me to talk of superior minds in the + present days, let me ask you if you have never observed that a wit, once + conquered in company by a wit of a higher order, is thenceforward in + complete subjection to the conqueror, whenever and wherever they meet.' + </p> + <p> + 'You would not persuade me that yonder gentle-looking girl could ever be a + match for the veteran Mrs. Dareville? She may have the wit, but has she + the courage?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes; no one has more courage, more civil courage, where her own dignity, + or the interests of her friends are concerned. I will tell you an instance + or two to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + 'To-morrow!—To-night!—tell it me now.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not a safe place.' + </p> + <p> + 'The safest in the world, in such a crowd as this. Follow my example. Take + a glass of orgeat—sip from time to time, thus—speak low, + looking innocent all the while straight forward, or now and then up at the + lamps—keep on in an even tone—use no names—and you may + tell anything.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, then, when Miss Nugent first came to London, Lady Langdale—' + </p> + <p> + 'Two names already—did not I warn ye?' + </p> + <p> + 'But how can I make myself intelligible?' + </p> + <p> + 'Initials—can't you use—or genealogy? What stops you? + </p> + <p> + 'It is only Lord Colambre, a very safe person, I have a notion, when the + eulogium is of Grace Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, who had now performed his arduous duties as a dancer, and + had disembarrassed himself of all his partners, came into the Turkish tent + just at this moment to refresh himself, and just in time to hear Mr. + Salisbury's anecdotes. + </p> + <p> + 'Now go on.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lady Langdale, you know, sets an inordinate value upon her curtsies in + public, and she used to treat Miss Nugent, as her ladyship treats many + other people, sometimes noticing, and sometimes pretending not to know + her, according to the company she happened to be with. One day they met in + some fine company—Lady Langdale looked as if she was afraid of + committing herself by a curtsy. Miss Nugent waited for a good opportunity; + and, when all the world was silent, leant forward, and called to Lady + Langdale, as if she had something to communicate of the greatest + consequence, skreening her whisper with her hand, as in an aside on the + stage,—'Lady Langdale, you may curtsy to me now—nobody is + looking.' + </p> + <p> + 'The retort courteous!' said Lord Colambre—'the only retort for a + woman.' + </p> + <p> + 'And her ladyship deserved it so well. But Mrs. Dareville, what happened + about her?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs. Dareville, you remember, some years ago, went to Ireland with some + lady-lieutenant to whom she was related. There she was most hospitably + received by Lord and Lady Clonbrony—went to their country house—was + as intimate with Lady Clonbrony and with Miss Nugent as possible—stayed + at Clonbrony Castle for a month; and yet, when Lady Clonbrony came to + London, never took the least notice of her. At last, meeting at the house + of a common friend, Mrs. Dareville could not avoid recognising her + ladyship; but, even then, did it in the least civil manner and most + cursory style possible. 'Ho! Lady Clonbrony!—didn't know you were in + England!—When did you come?—How long shall you stay in town!—Hope, + before you leave England, your Ladyship and Miss Nugent will give us a + day?' A DAY!—Lady Clonbrony was so astonished by this impudence of + ingratitude, that she hesitated how to TAKE IT; but Miss Nugent, quite + coolly, and with a smile, answered, 'A DAY!—certainly—to you, + who gave us a month!' + </p> + <p> + 'Admirable! Now comprehend perfectly why Mrs. Dareville declines insulting + Miss Nugent's friends in her presence.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre said nothing, but thought much. 'How I wish my mother,' + thought he, 'had some of Grace Nugent's proper pride! She would not then + waste her fortune, spirits, health, and life, in courting such people as + these.' + </p> + <p> + He had not seen—he could not have borne to have beheld—the + manner in which his mother had been treated by some of her guests; but he + observed that she now looked harassed and vexed; and he was provoked and + mortified by hearing her begging and beseeching some of these saucy + leaders of the ton to oblige her, to do her the favour, to do her the + honour, to stay to supper. It was just ready—actually announced. + 'No, they would not—they could not; they were obliged to run away—engaged + to the Duchess of Torcaster.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre, what is the matter?' said Miss Nugent, going up to him, as + he stood aloof and indignant: 'Don't look so like a chafed lion; others + may perhaps read your countenance as well as I do.' + </p> + <p> + 'None can read my mind so well,' replied he. 'Oh, my dear Grace!' + </p> + <p> + 'Supper!—supper!' cried she; 'your duty to your neighbour, your hand + to your partner.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Catharine, as they went downstairs to supper, observed that Miss + Nugent had not been dancing, that she had kept quite in the background all + night—quite in the shade. + </p> + <p> + 'Those,' said Lord Colambre, 'who are contented in the shade are the best + able to bear the light; and I am not surprised that one so interesting in + the background should not desire to be the foremost figure in a piece.' + </p> + <p> + The supper room, fitted up at great expense, with scenery to imitate + Vauxhall, opened into a superb greenhouse, lighted with coloured lamps, a + band of music at a distance—every delicacy, every luxury that could + gratify the senses, appeared in profusion. The company ate and drank—enjoyed + themselves—went away—and laughed at their hostess. Some, + indeed, who thought they had been neglected, were in too bad humour to + laugh, but abused her in sober earnest; for Lady Clonbrony had offended + half, nay, three-quarters of her guests, by what they termed her exclusive + attention to those very leaders of the ton, from whom she had suffered so + much, and who had made it obvious to all that they thought they did her + too much honour in appearing at her gala. So ended the gala for which she + had lavished such sums; for which she had laboured so indefatigably; and + from which she had expected such triumph. + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre, bid the musicians stop; they are playing to empty benches,' + said Lady Clonbrony. 'Grace, my dear, will you see that these lamps are + safely put out? I am so tired, so WORN OUT, I must go to bed; and I am + sure I have caught cold too! What a NERVOUS BUSINESS it is to manage these + things! I wonder how one gets through it, or WHY one does it!' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony was taken ill the day after her gala; she had caught cold + by standing, when much overheated, in a violent draught of wind, paying + her parting compliments to the Duke of V—, who thought her a bore, + and wished her in heaven all the time for keeping his horses standing. Her + ladyship's illness was severe and long; she was confined to her room for + some weeks by a rheumatic fever, and an inflammation in her eyes. Every + day, when Lord Colambre went to see his mother, he found Miss Nugent in + her apartment, and every hour he found fresh reason to admire this + charming girl. The affectionate tenderness, the indefatigable patience, + the strong attachment she showed for her aunt, actually raised Lady + Clonbrony in her son's opinion. He was persuaded she must surely have some + good or great qualities, or she could not have excited such strong + affection. A few foibles out of the question, such as her love of fine + people, her affectation of being English, and other affectations too + tedious to mention, Lady Clonbrony was really a good woman, had good + principles, moral and religious, and, selfishness not immediately + interfering, she was good-natured; and though her soul and attention were + so completely absorbed in the duties of acquaintanceship that she did not + know it, she really had affections—they were concentrated upon a few + near relations. She was extremely fond and extremely proud of her son. + Next to her son, she was fonder of her niece than of any other creature. + She had received Grace Nugent into her family when she was left an orphan, + and deserted by some of her other relations. She had bred her up, and had + treated her with constant kindness. This kindness and these obligations + had raised the warmest gratitude in Miss Nugent's heart; and it was the + strong principle of gratitude which rendered her capable of endurance and + exertions seemingly far above her strength. This young lady was not of a + robust appearance, though she now underwent extraordinary fatigue. Her + aunt could scarcely bear that she should leave her for a moment: she could + not close her eyes unless Grace sat up with her many hours every night. + Night after night she bore this fatigue; and yet, with little sleep or + rest, she preserved her health, at least supported her spirits; and every + morning, when Lord Colambre came into his mother's room, he saw Miss + Nugent look as blooming as if she had enjoyed the most refreshing sleep. + The bloom was, as he observed, not permanent; it came and went, with every + emotion of her feeling heart; and he soon learned to fancy her almost as + handsome when she was pale as when she had a colour. He had thought her + beautiful when he beheld her in all the radiance of light, and with all + the advantages of dress at the gala, but he found her infinitely more + lovely and interesting now, when he saw her in a sick-room—a + half-darkened chamber—where often he could but just discern her + form, or distinguish her, except by her graceful motion as she passed, or + when, but for a moment, a window-curtain drawn aside let the sun shine + upon her face, or on the unadorned ringlets of her hair. + </p> + <p> + Much must be allowed for an inflammation in the eyes, and something for a + rheumatic fever; yet it may seem strange that Lady Clonbrony should be so + blind and deaf as neither to see nor hear all this time; that, having + lived so long in the world, it should never occur to her that it was + rather imprudent to have a young lady, not eighteen, nursing her—and + such a young lady!—when her son, not one-and-twenty—and such a + son!—came to visit her daily. But, so it was. Lady Clonbrony knew + nothing of love—she had read of it, indeed, in novels, which + sometimes for fashion's sake she had looked at, and over which she had + been obliged to doze; but this was only love in books—love in real + life she had never met with—in the life she led, how should she? She + had heard of its making young people, and old people even, do foolish + things; but those were foolish people; and if they were worse than + foolish, why it was shocking, and nobody visited them. But Lady Clonbrony + had not, for her own part, the slightest, notion how people could be + brought to this pass, nor how anybody out of Bedlam could prefer to a good + house, a decent equipage, and a proper establishment, what is called love + in a cottage. As to Colambre, she had too good an opinion of his + understanding—to say nothing of his duty to his family, his pride, + his rank, and his being her son—to let such an idea cross her + imagination. As to her niece; in the first place, she was her niece, and + first cousins should never marry, because they form no new connexions to + strengthen the family interest, or raise its consequence. This doctrine + her ladyship had repeated for years so often and so dogmatically, that she + conceived it to be incontrovertible, and of as full force as any law of + the land, or as any moral or religious obligation. She would as soon have + suspected her niece of an intention of stealing her diamond necklace as of + purloining Colambre's heart, or marrying this heir of the house of + Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent was so well apprised, and so thoroughly convinced of all this, + that she never for one moment allowed herself to think of Lord Colambre as + a lover. Duty, honour, and gratitude—gratitude, the strong feeling + and principle of her mind—forbade it; she had so prepared and + habituated herself to consider him as a person with whom she could not + possibly be united that, with perfect ease and simplicity, she behaved + towards him exactly as if he was her brother—not in the equivocating + sentimental romance style in which ladies talk of treating men as their + brothers, whom they are all the time secretly thinking of and endeavouring + to please as lovers—not using this phrase as a convenient pretence, + a safe mode of securing herself from suspicion or scandal, and of enjoying + the advantages of confidence and the intimacy of friendship, till the + propitious moment, when it should be time to declare or avow THE SECRET OF + THE HEART. No; this young lady was quite above all double-dealing; she had + no mental reservation—no metaphysical subtleties—but, with + plain, unsophisticated morality, in good faith and simple truth, acted as + she professed, thought what she said, and was that which she seemed to be. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Lady Clonbrony was able to see anybody, her niece sent to Mrs. + Broadhurst, who was very intimate with the family; she used to come + frequently, almost every evening, to sit with the invalid. Miss Broadhurst + accompanied her mother, for she did not like to go out with any other + chaperon—it was disagreeable to spend her time alone at home, and + most agreeable to spend it with her friend Miss Nugent. In this she had no + design, no coquetry; Miss Broadhurst had too lofty and independent a + spirit to stoop to coquetry: she thought that, in their interview at the + gala, she understood Lord Colambre, and that he understood her—that + he was not inclined to court her for her fortune—that she would not + be content with any suitor who was not a lover. She was two or three years + older than Lord Colambre, perfectly aware of her want of beauty, yet with + a just sense of her own merit, and of what was becoming and due to the + dignity of her sex. This, she trusted, was visible in her manners, and + established in Lord Colambre's mind; so that she ran no risk of being + misunderstood by him; and as to what the rest of the world thought, she + was so well used to hear weekly and daily reports of her going to be + married to fifty different people, that she cared little for what was said + on this subject. Indeed, conscious of rectitude, and with an utter + contempt for mean and commonplace gossiping, she was, for a woman, and a + young woman, rather too disdainful of the opinion of the world. Mrs. + Broadhurst, though her daughter had fully explained herself respecting + Lord Colambre, before she began this course of visiting, yet rejoiced + that, even on this footing, there should be constant intercourse between + them. It was Mrs. Broadhurst's warmest wish that her daughter should + obtain rank, and connect herself with an ancient family: she was sensible + that the young lady's being older than the gentleman might be an obstacle; + and very sorry she was to find that her daughter had so imprudently, so + unnecessarily, declared her age; but still this little obstacle might be + overcome; much greater difficulties in the marriage of inferior heiresses + were every day got over, and thought nothing of. Then, as to the young + lady's own sentiments, her mother knew them better than she did herself; + she understood her daughter's pride, that she dreaded to be made an object + of bargain and sale; but Mrs. Broadhurst, who, with all her coarseness of + mind, had rather a better notion of love matters than Lady Clonbrony, + perceived, through her daughter's horror of being offered to Lord + Colambre, through her anxiety that nothing approaching to an advance on + the part of her family should be made, that if Lord Colambre should + himself advance, he would stand a better chance of being accepted than any + other of the numerous persons who had yet aspired to the favour of this + heiress. The very circumstance of his having paid no court to her at + first, operated in his favour; for it proved that he was not mercenary, + and that, whatever attention he might afterwards show, she must be sure + would be sincere and disinterested. + </p> + <p> + 'And now, let them but see one another in this easy, intimate kind of way, + and you will find, my dear Lady Clonbrony, things will go on of their own + accord, all the better for our—minding our cards—and never + minding anything else. I remember, when I was young—but let that + pass—let the young people see one another, and manage their own + affairs their own way—let them be together—that's all I say. + Ask half the men you are acquainted with why they married, and their + answer, if they speak truth, will be: "Because I met Miss such-a-one at + such a place, and we were continually together." Propinquity! propinquity!—as + my father used to say—and he was married five times, and twice to + heiresses.' + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this plan of leaving things to themselves, every evening + Lady Clonbrony made out her own little card-table with Mrs. Broadhurst, + and a Mr. and Miss Pratt, a brother and sister, who were the most + obliging, convenient neighbours imaginable. From time to time, as Lady + Clonbrony gathered up her cards, she would direct an inquiring glance to + the group of young people at the other table; whilst the more prudent Mrs. + Broadhurst sat plump with her back to them, pursing up her lips, and + contracting her brows in token of deep calculation, looking down + impenetrable at her cards, never even noticing Lady Clonbrony's glances, + but inquiring from her partner, 'How many they were by honours?' + </p> + <p> + The young party generally consisted of Miss Broadhurst, Lord Colambre, + Miss Nugent, and her admirer, Mr. Salisbury. Mr. Salisbury was a + middle-aged gentleman, very agreeable, and well informed; he had + travelled; had seen a great deal of the world; had lived in the best + company; had acquired what is called good TACT; was full of anecdote, not + mere gossiping anecdotes that lead to nothing, but anecdotes + characteristic of national manners, of human nature in general, or of + those illustrious individuals who excite public curiosity and interest. + Miss Nugent had seen him always in large companies, where he was admired + for his SCAVOIR-VIVRE, and for his entertaining anecdotes, but where he + had no opportunity of producing any of the higher powers of his + understanding, or showing character. She found that Mr. Salisbury appeared + to her quite a different person when conversing with Lord Colambre. Lord + Colambre, with that ardent thirst for knowledge which it is always + agreeable to gratify, had an air of openness and generosity, a frankness, + a warmth of manner, which, with good breeding, but with something beyond + it and superior to its established forms, irresistibly won the confidence + and attracted the affection of those with whom he conversed. His manners + were peculiarly agreeable to a person like Mr. Salisbury, tired of the + sameness and egotism of men of the world. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent had seldom till now had the advantage of hearing much + conversation on literary subjects. In the life she had been compelled to + lead she had acquired accomplishments, had exercised her understanding + upon everything that passed before her, and from circumstances had formed + her judgment and her taste by observations on real life; but the ample + page of knowledge had never been unrolled to her eyes. She had never had + opportunities of acquiring literature herself, but she admired it in + others, particularly in her friend Miss Broadhurst. Miss Broadhurst had + received all the advantages of education which money could procure, and + had profited by them in a manner uncommon among those for whom they are + purchased in such abundance; she not only had had many masters, and read + many books, but had thought of what she read, and had supplied, by the + strength and energy of her own mind, what cannot be acquired by the + assistance of masters. Miss Nugent, perhaps overvaluing the information + that she did not possess, and free from all idea of envy, looked up to her + friend as to a superior being, with a sort of enthusiastic admiration; and + now, with 'charmed attention,' listened, by turns, to her, to Mr. + Salisbury, and to Lord Colambre, whilst they conversed on literary + subjects—listened, with a countenance so full of intelligence, of + animation so expressive of every good and kind affection, that the + gentlemen did not always know what they were saying. + </p> + <p> + 'Pray go on,' said she, once, to Mr. Salisbury; 'you stop, perhaps, from + politeness to me—from compassion to my ignorance; but, though I am + ignorant, you do not tire me, I assure you. Did you ever condescend to + read the Arabian tales? Like him whose eyes were touched by the magical + application from the dervise, I am enabled at once to see the riches of a + new world—Oh! how unlike, how superior to that in which I have + lived!—the GREAT world, as it is called.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre brought down a beautiful edition of the Arabian tales, + looked for the story to which Miss Nugent had alluded, and showed it to + Miss Broadhurst, who was also searching for it in another volume. + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony, from her card-table, saw the young people thus engaged. + </p> + <p> + 'I profess not to understand these things so well as you say you do, my + dear Mrs. Broadhurst,' whispered she; 'but look there now; they are at + their books! What do you expect can come of that sort of thing? So + ill-bred, and downright rude of Colambre, I must give him a hint.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, for mercy's sake! my dear Lady Clonbrony, no hints, no hints, no + remarks! What would you have!—she reading, and my lord at the back + of her chair, leaning over—and allowed, mind, to lean over to read + the same thing. Can't be better! Never saw any man yet allowed to come so + near her! Now, Lady Clonbrony, not a word, not a look, I beseech.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well!—but if they had a little music.' + </p> + <p> + 'My daughter's tired of music. How much do I owe your ladyship now?—three + rubbers, I think. Now, though you would not believe it of a young girl,' + continued Mrs. Broadhurst, 'I can assure your ladyship, my daughter would + often rather go to a book than a ball.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, now, that's very extraordinary, in the style in which she has been + brought up; yet books and all that are so fashionable now, that it's very + natural,' said Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + About this time, Mr. Berryl, Lord Colambre's Cambridge friend, for whom + his lordship had fought the battle of the curricle with Mordicai, came to + town. Lord Colambre introduced him to his mother, by whom he was + graciously received; for Mr. Berryl was a young gentleman of good figure, + good address, good family, heir to a good fortune, and in every respect a + fit match for Miss Nugent. Lady Clonbrony thought that it would be wise to + secure him for her niece before he should make his appearance in the + London world, where mothers and daughters would soon make him feel his own + consequence. Mr. Berryl, as Lord Colambre's intimate friend, was admitted + to the private evening parties at Lady Clonbrony's, and he contributed to + render them still more agreeable. His information, his habits of thinking, + and his views, were all totally different from Mr. Salisbury's; and their + collision continually struck out that sparkling novelty which pleases + peculiarly in conversation. Mr. Berryl's education, disposition, and + tastes, fitted him exactly for the station which he was destined to fill + in society—that of a COUNTRY GENTLEMAN; not meaning by that + expression a mere eating, drinking, hunting, shooting, ignorant country + squire of the old race, which is now nearly extinct; but a cultivated, + enlightened, independent English country gentleman—the happiest, + perhaps, of human beings. On the comparative felicity of the town and + country life; on the dignity, utility, elegance, and interesting nature of + their different occupations, and general scheme of passing their time, Mr. + Berryl and Mr. Salisbury had one evening a playful, entertaining, and, + perhaps, instructive conversation; each party, at the end, remaining, as + frequently happens, of their own opinion. It was observed that Miss + Broadhurst ably and warmly defended Mr. Berryl's side of the question; and + in their views, plans, and estimates of life, there appeared a remarkable, + and as Lord Colambre thought, a happy coincidence. When she was at last + called upon to give her decisive judgment between a town and a country + life, she declared that 'if she were condemned to the extremes of either, + she should prefer a country life, as much as she should prefer Robinson + Crusoe's diary to the journal of the idle man in the SPECTATOR.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord bless me! Mrs. Broadhurst, do you hear what your daughter is + saying?' cried Lady Clonbrony, who, from the card-table, lent an attentive + ear to all that was going forward. 'Is it possible that Miss Broadhurst, + with her fortune, and pretensions, and sense, can really be serious in + saying she would be content to live in the country?' + </p> + <p> + 'What's that you say, child, about living in the country?' said Mrs. + Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + Miss Broadhurst repeated what she had said. + </p> + <p> + 'Girls always think so who have lived in town,' said Mrs. Broadhurst. + 'They are always dreaming of sheep and sheephooks; but the first winter + the country cures them; a shepherdess, in winter, is a sad and sorry sort + of personage, except at a masquerade.' + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre,' said Lady Clonbrony, 'I am sure Miss Broadhurst's sentiments + about town life, and all that, must delight you; for do you know, ma'am, + he is always trying to persuade me to give up living in town? Colambre and + Miss Broadhurst perfectly agree.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mind your cards, my dear Lady Clonbrony,' interrupted Mrs. Broadhurst, + 'in pity to your partner. Mr. Pratt has certainly the patience of Job—your + ladyship has revoked twice this hand.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony begged a thousand pardons, fixed her eyes and endeavoured + to fix her mind on the cards; but there was something said at the other + end of the room, about an estate in Cambridgeshire, which soon distracted + her attention again. Mr. Pratt certainly had the patience of Job. She + revoked, and lost the game, though they had four by honours. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she rose from the card-table, and could speak to Mrs. + Broadhurst apart, she communicated her apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + 'Seriously, my dear madam,' said she, 'I believe I have done very wrong to + admit Mr. Berryl just now, though it was on Grace's account I did it. But, + ma'am, I did not know Miss Broadhurst had an estate in Cambridgeshire; + their two estates just close to one another, I heard them say. Lord bless + me, ma'am! there's the danger of propinquity indeed!' + </p> + <p> + 'No danger, no danger,' persisted Mrs. Broadhurst. 'I know my girl better + than you do, begging your ladyship's pardon. No one thinks less of estates + than she does.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I only know I heard her talking of them, and earnestly too.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, very likely; but don't you know that girls never think of what they + are talking about, or rather never talk of what they are thinking about? + And they have always ten times more to say to the man they don't care for, + than to him they do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very extraordinary!' said Lady Clonbrony. 'I only hope you are right.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure of it,' said Mrs. Broadhurst. 'Only let things go on, and mind + your cards, I beseech you, to-morrow night better than you did to-night; + and you will see that things will turn out just as I prophesied. Lord + Colambre will come to a point-blank proposal before the end of the week, + and will be accepted, or my name's not Broadhurst. Why, in plain English, + I am clear my girl likes him; and when that's the case, you know, can you + doubt how the thing will end?' + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Broadhurst was perfectly right in every point of her reasoning but + one. From long habit of seeing and considering that such an heiress as her + daughter might marry whom she pleased—from constantly seeing that + she was the person to decide and to reject—Mrs. Broadhurst had + literally taken it for granted that everything was to depend upon her + daughter's inclinations: she was not mistaken, in the present case, in + opining that the young lady would not be averse to Lord Colambre, if he + came to what she called a point-blank proposal. It really never occurred + to Mrs. Broadhurst that any man, whom her daughter was the least inclined + to favour, could think of anybody else. Quick-sighted in these affairs as + the matron thought herself, she saw but one side of the question: blind + and dull of comprehension as she thought Lady Clonbrony on this subject, + she was herself so completely blinded by her own prejudices, as to be + incapable of discerning the plain thing that was before her eyes; + VIDELICET, that Lord Colambre preferred Grace Nugent. Lord Colambre made + no proposal before the end of the week, but this Mrs. Broadhurst + attributed to an unexpected occurrence, which prevented things from going + on in the train in which they had been proceeding so smoothly. Sir John + Berryl, Mr. Berryl's father, was suddenly seized with a dangerous illness. + The news was brought to Mr. Berryl one evening whilst he was at Lady + Clonbrony's. The circumstances of domestic distress, which afterwards + occurred in the family of his friend, entirely occupied Lord Colambre's + time and attention. All thoughts of love were suspended, and his whole + mind was given up to the active services of friendship. The sudden illness + of Sir John Berryl spread an alarm among his creditors which brought to + light at once the disorder of his affairs, of which his son had no + knowledge or suspicion. Lady Berryl had been a very expensive woman, + especially in equipages; and Mordicai, the coachmaker, appeared at this + time the foremost and the most inexorable of their creditors. Conscious + that the charges in his account were exorbitant, and that they would not + be allowed if examined by a court of justice; that it was a debt which + only ignorance and extravagance could have in the first instance incurred, + swelled afterwards to an amazing amount by interest, and interest upon + interest; Mordicai was impatient to obtain payment whilst Sir John yet + lived, or at least to obtain legal security for the whole sum from the + heir. Mr. Berryl offered his bond for the amount of the reasonable charges + in his account; but this Mordicai absolutely refused, declaring that now + he had the power in his own hands, he would use it to obtain the utmost + penny of his debt; that he would not let the thing slip through his + fingers; that a debtor never yet escaped him, and never should; that a + man's lying upon his deathbed was no excuse to a creditor; that he was not + a whiffler, to stand upon ceremony about disturbing a gentleman in his + last moments; that he was not to be cheated out of his due by such + niceties; that he was prepared to go all lengths the law would allow; for + that, as to what people said of him, he did not care a doit—'Cover + your face with your hands, if you like it, Mr. Berryl; you may be ashamed + for me, but I feel no shame for myself—I am not so weak.' Mordicai's + countenance said more than his words; livid with malice, and with + atrocious determination in his eyes, he stood. 'Yes, sir,' said he, 'you + may look at me as you please—it is possible I am in earnest. Consult + what you'll do now, behind my back or before my face, it comes to the same + thing; for nothing will do but my money or your bond, Mr. Berryl. The + arrest is made on the person of your father, luckily made while the breath + is still in the body. Yes—start forward to strike me, if you dare—your + father, Sir John Berryl, sick or well, is my prisoner.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Berryl and Mr. Berryl's sisters, in an agony of grief, rushed into + the room. + </p> + <p> + 'It's all useless,' cried Mordicai, turning his back upon the ladies; + 'these tricks upon creditors won't do with me; I'm used to these scenes; + I'm not made of such stuff as you think. Leave a gentleman in peace in his + last moments. No! he ought not, nor shan't die in peace, if he don't pay + his debts; and if you are all so mighty sorry, ladies, there's the + gentleman you may kneel to; if tenderness is the order of the day, it's + for the son to show it, not me. Ay, now, Mr. Berryl,' cried he, as Mr. + Berryl took up the bond to sign it, 'you're beginning to know I'm not a + fool to be trifled with. Stop your hand, if you choose it, sir—it's + all the same to me; the person, or the money, I'll carry with me out of + this house.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Beryl signed the bond, and threw it to him. + </p> + <p> + 'There, monster!—quit the house!' + </p> + <p> + 'Monster is not actionable—I wish you had called me rascal,' said + Mordicai, grinning a horrible smile; and taking up the bond deliberately, + returned it to Mr. Berryl. 'This paper is worth nothing to me, sir—it + is not witnessed.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Berryl hastily left the room, and returned with Lord Colambre. + Mordicai changed countenance and grew pale, for a moment, at sight of Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my lord, since it so happens, I am not sorry that you should be + witness to this paper,' said, he; 'and indeed not sorry that you should + witness the whole proceeding; for I trust I shall be able to explain to + you my conduct.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not come here, sir,' interrupted Lord Colambre, 'to listen to any + explanations of your conduct, which I perfectly understand;—I come + to witness a bond for my friend Mr. Berryl, if you think proper to extort + from him such a bond.' + </p> + <p> + 'I extort nothing, my lord. Mr. Berryl, it is quite a voluntary act, take + notice, on your part; sign or not, witness or not, as you please, + gentlemen,' said Mordicai, sticking his hands in his pockets, and + recovering his look of black and fixed determination. + </p> + <p> + 'Witness it, witness it, my dear lord,' said Mr. Berryl, looking at his + mother and weeping sisters; 'witness it, quick!' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Berryl must just run over his name again in your presence, my lord, + with a dry pen,' said Mordicai, putting the pen into Mr. Berryl's hand. + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir,' said Lord Colambre, 'my friend shall never sign it.' + </p> + <p> + 'As you please, my lord—the bond or the body, before I quit this + house,' said Mordicai. + </p> + <p> + 'Neither, sir, shall you have; and you quit this house directly.' + </p> + <p> + 'How! how!—my lord, how's this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, the arrest you have made is as illegal as it is inhuman.' + </p> + <p> + 'Illegal, my lord!' said Mordicai, startled. + </p> + <p> + 'Illegal, sir. I came into this house at the moment when your bailiff + asked and was refused admittance. Afterwards, in the confusion of the + family above stairs, he forced open the house door with an iron bar—I + saw him—I am ready to give evidence of the fact. Now proceed at your + peril.' + </p> + <p> + Mordicai, without reply snatched up his hat, and walked towards the door; + but Lord Colambre held the door open—the door was immediately at the + head of the stairs—and Mordicai, seeing his indignant look and proud + form, hesitated to pass; for he had always heard that Irishmen are 'quick + in the executive part of justice.' + </p> + <p> + 'Pass on, sir,' repeated Lord Colambre, with an air of ineffable contempt; + 'I am a gentleman—you have nothing to fear.' + </p> + <p> + Mordicai ran downstairs; Lord Colambre, before he went back into the room, + waited to see Mordicai and his bailiff out of the house. When Mordicai was + fairly at the bottom of the stairs, he turned, and, white with rage, + looked up at Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Charity begins at home, my lord,' said he. 'Look at home—you shall + pay for this,' added he, standing half-shielded by the house door, for + Lord Colambre moved forward as he spoke the last words; 'and I give you + this warning, because I know it will be of no use to you—Your most + obedient, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + The house door closed after Mordicai. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank Heaven!' thought Lord Colambre, 'that I did not horsewhip that mean + wretch! This warning shall be of use to me. But it is not time to think of + that yet.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre turned from his own affairs to those of his friend, to offer + all the assistance and consolation in his power. Sir John Berryl died that + night. His daughters, who had lived in the highest style in London, were + left totally unprovided for. His widow had mortgaged her jointure. Mr. + Berryl had an estate now left to him, but without any income. He could not + be so dishonest as to refuse to pay his father's just debts; he could not + let his mother and sisters starve. The scene of distress to which Lord + Colambre was witness in this family made a still greater impression upon + him than had been made by the warning or the threats of Mordicai. The + similarity between the circumstances of his friend's family and of his own + struck him forcibly. + </p> + <p> + All this evil had arisen from Lady Berryl's passion for living in London + and at watering-places. She had made her husband an ABSENTEE—an + absentee from his home, his affairs, his duties, and his estate. The sea, + the Irish Channel, did not, indeed, flow between him and his estate; but + it was of little importance whether the separation was effected by land or + water—the consequences, the negligence, the extravagance, were the + same. + </p> + <p> + Of the few people of his age who are capable of profiting by the + experience of others, Lord Colambre was one. 'Experience,' as an elegant + writer has observed, 'is an article that may be borrowed with safety, and + is often dearly bought.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + In the meantime, Lady Clonbrony had been occupied with thoughts very + different from those which passed in the mind of her son. Though she had + never completely recovered from her rheumatic pains, she had become + inordinately impatient of confinement to her own house, and weary of those + dull evenings at home, which had, in her son's absence, become + insupportable. She told over her visiting tickets regularly twice a day, + and gave to every card of invitation a heartfelt sigh. Miss Pratt alarmed + her ladyship, by bringing intelligence of some parties given by persons of + consequence, to which she was not invited. She feared that she should be + forgotten in the world, well knowing how soon the world forgets those they + do not see every day and everywhere. How miserable is the fine lady's lot + who cannot forget the world, and who is forgot by the world in a moment! + How much more miserable still is the condition of a would-be fine lady, + working her way up in the world with care and pains! By her, every the + slightest failure of attention, from persons of rank and fashion, is + marked and felt with jealous anxiety, and with a sense of mortification + the most acute—an invitation omitted is a matter of the most serious + consequence, not only as it regards the present, but the future; for if + she be not invited by Lady A, it will lower her in the eyes of Lady B, and + of all the ladies of the alphabet. It will form a precedent of the most + dangerous and inevitable application. If she has nine invitations, and the + tenth be wanting, the nine have no power to make her happy. This was + precisely Lady Clonbrony's case—there was to be a party at Lady St. + James's, for which Lady Clonbrony had no card. + </p> + <p> + 'So ungrateful, so monstrous, of Lady St. James!—What! was the gala + so soon forgotten, and all the marked attentions paid that night to Lady + St. James!—attentions, you know, Pratt, which were looked upon with + a jealous eye, and made me enemies enough, I am told, in another quarter! + Of all people, I did not expect to be slighted by Lady St. James!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Pratt, who was ever ready to undertake the defence of any person who + had a title, pleaded, in mitigation of censure, that perhaps Lady St. + James might not be aware that her ladyship was yet well enough to venture + out. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear Miss Pratt, that cannot be the thing; for, in spite of my + rheumatism, which really was bad enough last Sunday, I went on purpose to + the Royal Chapel, to show myself in the closet, and knelt close to her + ladyship. And, my dear, we curtsied, and she congratulated me, after + church, upon my being abroad again, and was so happy to see me look so + well, and all that—Oh! it is something very extraordinary and + unaccountable!' + </p> + <p> + 'But, I daresay, a card will come yet,' said Miss Pratt. + </p> + <p> + Upon this hint, Lady Clonbrony's hope revived; and, staying her anger, she + began to consider how she could manage to get herself invited. Refreshing + tickets were left next morning at Lady St. James's with their corners + properly turned up; to do the thing better, separate tickets for herself + and for Miss Nugent were left for each member of the family; and her civil + messages, left with the footman, extended to the utmost possibility of + remainder. It had occurred to her ladyship that for Miss Somebody, THE + COMPANION, of whom she had never in her life thought before, she had + omitted to leave a card last time, and she now left a note of explanation; + she further, with her rheumatic head and arm out of the coach-window, sat, + the wind blowing keen upon her, explaining to the porter and the footman, + to discover whether her former tickets had gone safely up to Lady St. + James; and on the present occasion, to make assurance doubly sure, she + slid handsome expedition money into the servant's hand—'Sir, you + will be sure to remember.'—'Oh certainly, your ladyship!' + </p> + <p> + She well knew what dire offence has frequently been taken, what sad + disasters have occurred, in the fashionable world, from the neglect of a + porter in delivering, or of a footman in carrying up one of those + talismanic cards. But, in spite of all her manoeuvres, no invitation to + the party arrived next day. Pratt was next set to work. Miss Pratt was a + most convenient go-between, who, in consequence of doing a thousand little + services, to which few others of her rank in life would stoop, had + obtained the ENTREE to a number of great houses, and was behind the scenes + in many fashionable families. Pratt could find out, and Pratt could hint, + and Pratt could manage to get things done cleverly—and hints were + given, in all directions, to WORK ROUND to Lady St. James. But still they + did not take effect. At last Pratt suggested that, perhaps, though + everything else had failed, dried salmon might be tried with success. Lord + Clonbrony had just had some uncommonly good from Ireland, which Pratt knew + Lady St. James would like to have at her supper, because a certain + personage, whom she would not name, was particularly fond of it.—Wheel + within wheel in the fine world, as well as in the political world!—Bribes + for all occasions, and for all ranks! The timely present was sent, + accepted with many thanks, and understood as it was meant. Per favour of + this propitiatory offering, and of a promise of half a dozen pair of real + Limerick gloves to Miss Pratt—a promise which Pratt clearly + comprehended to be a conditional promise—the grand object was at + length accomplished. The very day before the party was to take place came + cards of invitation to Lady Clonbrony and to Miss Nugent, with Lady St. + James's apologies; her ladyship was concerned to find that, by some + negligence of her servants, these cards were not sent in proper time. 'How + slight an apology will do from some people!' thought Miss Nugent; 'how + eager to forgive, when it is for our interest or our pleasure; how well + people act the being deceived, even when all parties know that they see + the whole truth; and how low pride will stoop to gain its object!' + </p> + <p> + Ashamed of the whole transaction, Miss Nugent earnestly wished that a + refusal should be sent, and reminded her aunt of her rheumatism; but + rheumatism and all other objections were overruled—Lady Clonbrony + would go. It was just when this affair was thus, in her opinion, + successfully settled, that Lord Colambre came in, with a countenance of + unusual seriousness, his mind full of the melancholy scenes he had + witnessed in his friend's family. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter; Colambre?' + </p> + <p> + He related what had passed; he described the brutal conduct of Mordicai; + the anguish of the mother and sisters; the distress of Mr. Berryl. Tears + rolled down Miss Nugent's cheeks. Lady Clonbrony declared it was very + shocking; listened with attention to all the particulars; but never failed + to correct her son, whenever he said Mr. Berryl. + </p> + <p> + 'Sir ARTHUR Berryl, you mean.' + </p> + <p> + She was, however, really touched with compassion when he spoke of Lady + Berryl's destitute condition; and her son was going on to repeat what + Mordicai had said to him, but Lady Clonbrony interrupted— + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear Colambre! don't repeat that detestable man's impertinent + speeches to me. If there is anything really about business, speak to your + father. At any rate, don't tell us of it now, because I've a hundred + things to do,' said her ladyship, hurrying out of the room, 'Grace—Grace + Nugent! I want you!' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre sighed deeply. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't despair,' said Miss Nugent, as she followed to obey her aunt's + summons. 'Don't despair; don't attempt to speak to her again till + to-morrow morning. Her head is now full of Lady St. James's party. When it + is emptied of that, you will have a better chance. Never despair.' + </p> + <p> + 'Never, while you encourage me to hope—that any good can be done.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony was particularly glad that she had carried her point about + this party at Lady St. James's; because, from the first private intimation + that the Duchess of Torcaster was to be there, her ladyship flattered + herself that the long-desired introduction might then be accomplished. But + of this hope Lady St. James had likewise received intimation from the + double-dealing Miss Pratt; and a warning note was despatched to the + duchess to let her grace know that circumstances had occurred which had + rendered it impossible not to ask THE CLONBRONIES. An excuse, of course, + for not going to this party was sent by the duchess—her grace did + not like large parties—she would have the pleasure of accepting Lady + St. James's invitation for her select party on Wednesday the 10th. Into + these select parties Lady Clonbrony had never been admitted. In return for + her great entertainments she was invited to great entertainments, to large + parties; but farther she could never penetrate. + </p> + <p> + At Lady St, James's, and with her set, Lady Clonbrony suffered a different + kind of mortification from that which Lady Langdale and Mrs. Dareville + made her endure. She was safe from the witty raillery, the sly innuendo, + the insolent mimicry; but she was kept at a cold, impassable distance, by + ceremony—'So far shalt thou go, and no farther' was expressed in + every look, in every word, and in a thousand different ways. + </p> + <p> + By the most punctilious respect and nice regard to precedency, even by + words of courtesy—'Your ladyship does me honour,' etc.—Lady + St. James contrived to mortify and to mark the difference between those + with whom she was, and with whom she was not, upon terms of intimacy and + equality. Thus the ancient grandees of Spain drew a line of demarcation + between themselves and the newly-created nobility. Whenever or wherever + they met, they treated the new nobles with the utmost respect, never + addressed them but with all their titles, with low bows, and with all the + appearance of being, with the most perfect consideration, anything but + their equals; whilst towards one another the grandees laid aside their + state, and omitting their titles, it was, + 'Alcala-Medina-Sidonia-Infantado,' and a freedom and familiarity which + marked equality. Entrenched in etiquette in this manner, and mocked with + marks of respect, it was impossible either to intrude or to complain of + being excluded. + </p> + <p> + At supper at Lady St. James's, Lady Clonbrony's present was pronounced by + some gentleman to be remarkably high flavoured. This observation turned + the conversation to Irish commodities and Ireland. Lady Clonbrony, + possessed by the idea that it was disadvantageous to appear as an + Irishwoman, or as a favourer of Ireland, began to be embarrassed by Lady + St. James's repeated thanks. Had it been in her power to offer anything + else with propriety, she would not have thought of sending her ladyship + anything from Ireland. Vexed by the questions that were asked her about + HER COUNTRY, Lady Clonbrony, as usual, denied it to be her country, and + went on to depreciate and abuse everything Irish; to declare that there + was no possibility of living in Ireland; and that, for her own part, she + was resolved never to return thither. Lady St. James, preserving perfect + silence, let her go on. Lady Clonbrony, imagining that this silence arose + from coincidence of opinion, proceeded with all the eloquence she + possessed, which was very little, repeating the same exclamations, and + reiterating her vow of perpetual expatriation; till at last an elderly + lady, who was a stranger to her, and whom she had till this moment + scarcely noticed, took up the defence of Ireland with much warmth and + energy: the eloquence with which she spoke, and the respect with which she + was heard, astonished Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Who is she?' whispered her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + 'Does not your ladyship know Lady Oranmore—the Irish Lady Oranmore?' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord bless me!—what have I said!—what have I done! Oh! why + did not you give me a hint, Lady St. James?' + </p> + <p> + 'I was not aware that your ladyship was not acquainted with Lady + Oranmore,' replied Lady St. James, unmoved by her distress. + </p> + <p> + Everybody sympathised with Lady Oranmore, and admired the honest zeal with + which she abided by her country, and defended it against unjust aspersions + and affected execrations. Every one present enjoyed Lady Clonbrony's + confusion, except Miss Nugent, who sat with her eyes bowed down by + penetrative shame during the whole of this scene; she was glad that Lord + Colambre was not witness to it; and comforted herself with the hope that, + upon the whole, Lady Clonbrony would be benefited by the pain she had + felt. This instance might convince her that it was not necessary to deny + her country to be received in any company in England; and that those who + have the courage and steadiness to be themselves, and to support what they + feel and believe to be the truth, must command respect. Miss Nugent hoped + that in consequence of this conviction Lady Clonbrony would lay aside the + little affectations by which her manners were painfully constrained and + ridiculous; and, above all, she hoped that what Lady Oranmore had said of + Ireland might dispose her aunt to listen with patience to all Lord + Colambre might urge in favour of returning to her home. But Miss Nugent + hoped in vain. Lady Clonbrony never in her life generalised any + observations, or drew any but a partial conclusion from the most striking + facts. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord! my dear Grace!' said she, as soon as they were seated in their + carriage, 'what a scrape I got into to-night at supper, and what disgrace + I came to!—and all this because I did not know Lady Oranmore. Now + you see the inconceivable disadvantage of not knowing everybody—everybody + of a certain rank, of course, I mean.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent endeavoured to slide in her own moral on the occasion, but it + would not do. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my dear, Lady Oranmore may talk in that kind of style of Ireland, + because, on the other hand, she is so highly connected in England; and, + besides, she is an old lady, and may take liberties; in short, she is Lady + Oranmore, and that's enough.' + </p> + <p> + The next morning, when they all met at breakfast, Lady Clonbrony + complained bitterly of her increased rheumatism, of the disagreeable, + stupid party they had had the preceding night, and of the necessity of + going to another formal party that night, the next, and the next, and, in + the true fine lady style, deplored her situation, and the impossibility of + avoiding those things, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> Which felt they curse, yet covet still to feel.<br /></pre> + <p> + Miss Nugent determined to retire as soon as she could from the + breakfast-room, to leave Lord Colambre an opportunity of talking over his + family affairs at full liberty. She knew by the seriousness of his + countenance that his mind was intent upon doing so, and she hoped that his + influence with his father and mother would not be exerted in vain. But + just as she was rising from the breakfast-table, in came Sir Terence + O'Fay, and, seating himself quite at his ease, in spite of Lady + Clonbrony's repulsive looks, his awe of Lord Colambre having now worn off— + </p> + <p> + 'I'm tired,' said he, 'and have a right to be tired; for it's no small + walk I've taken for the good of this noble family this morning. And, Miss + Nugent, before I say more, I'll take a cup of TA from you, if you please.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony rose, with great stateliness, and walked to the farthest + end of the room, where she established herself at her writing-table, and + began to write notes. + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence wiped his forehead deliberately. + </p> + <p> + 'Then I've had a fine run—Miss Nugent, I believe you never saw me + run; but I can run, I promise you, when it's to serve a friend. And, my + lord (turning to Lord Clonbrony), what do you think I run for this morning—to + buy a bargain—and of what!—a bargain of a bad debt—a + debt of yours, which I bargained for, and up just in time—and + Mordicai's ready to hang himself this minute. For what do you think but + that rascal was bringing upon you—but an execution?—he was.' + </p> + <p> + 'An execution!' repeated everybody present, except Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'And how has this been prevented, sir?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! let me alone for that,' said Sir Terence. 'I got a hint from my + little friend, Paddy Brady, who would not be paid for it either, though + he's as poor as a rat. Well! as soon as I got the hint, I dropped the + thing I had in my hand, which was the DUBLIN EVENING, and ran for the bare + life—for there wasn't a coach—in my slippers, as I was, to get + into the prior creditor's shoes, who is the little solicitor that lives in + Crutched Friars, which Mordicai never dreamt of, luckily; so he was very + genteel, though he was taken on a sudden, and from his breakfast, which an + Englishman don't like particularly—I popped him a douceur of a + draught, at thirty-one days, on Garraghty, the agent; of which he must get + notice; but I won't descant on the law before the ladies—he handed + me over his debt and execution, and he made me prior creditor in a trice. + Then I took coach in state, the first I met, and away with me to Long Acre—saw + Mordicai. "Sir," says I, "I hear you're meditating an execution on a + friend of mine." "Am I?" said the rascal; "who told you so?" "No matter," + said I; "but I just called in to let you know there's no use in life of + your execution; for there's a prior creditor with his execution to be + satisfied first." So he made a great many black faces, and said a great + deal, which I never listened to, but came off here clean to tell you all + the story.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not one word of which do I understand,' said Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Then, my dear, you are very ungrateful,' said Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre said nothing, for he wished to learn more of Sir Terence + O'Fay's character, of the state of his father's affairs, and of the family + methods of proceeding in matters of business. + </p> + <p> + 'Faith! Terry, I know I'm very thankful to you—but an execution's an + ugly thing—and I hope there's no danger—' + </p> + <p> + 'Never fear!' said Sir Terence: 'Haven't I been at my wits' ends for + myself or my friends ever since I come to man's estate—to years of + discretion, I should say, for the deuce a foot of estate have I! But use + has sharpened my wits pretty well for your service; so never be in dread, + my good lord for look ye!' cried the reckless knight, sticking his arms + akimbo 'look ye here! in Sir Terence O'Fay stands a host that desires no + better than to encounter, single witted, all the duns in the united + kingdoms, Mordicai the Jew inclusive.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah! that's the devil, that Mordicai,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'that's the + only man an earth I dread.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, he is only a coachmaker, is not he!' said Lady Clonbrony: 'I can't + think how you can talk, my lord, of dreading such a low man. Tell him, if + he's troublesome, we won't bespeak any more carriages; and, I'm sure, I + wish you would not be so silly, my lord, to employ him any more, when you + know he disappointed me the last birthday about the landau, which I have + not got yet.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense, my dear,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'you don't know what you are + talking of. Terry, I say, even a friendly execution is an ugly thing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Phoo! phoo!—an ugly thing! So is a fit of the gout—but one's + all the better for it after. 'Tis just a renewal of life, my lord, for + which one must pay a bit of a fine, you know. Take patience, and leave me + to manage all properly—you know I'm used to these things, Only you + recollect, if you please, how I managed my friend Lord —; it's bad + to be mentioning names—but Lord EVERYBODY-KNOWS-WHO—didn't I + bring him through cleverly, when there was that rascally attempt to seize + the family plate? I had notice, and what did I do, but broke open a + partition between that lord's house and my lodgings, which I had taken + next door; and so, when the sheriff's officers were searching below on the + ground floor, I just shoved the plate easy through to my bedchamber at a + moment's warning, and then bid the gentlemen walk in, for they couldn't + set a foot in my paradise, the devils! So they stood looking at it through + the wall, and cursing me and I holding both my sides with laughter at + their fallen faces.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence and Lord Clonbrony laughed in concert. + </p> + <p> + 'This is a good story,' said Miss Nugent, smiling; 'but surely, Sir + Terence, such things are never done in real life?' + </p> + <p> + 'Done! ay, are they; and I could tell you a hundred better strokes, my + dear Miss Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'Grace!' cried Lady Clonbrony, 'do pray have the goodness to seal and send + these notes; for really,' whispered she, as her niece came to the table,'I + CAWNT STEE, I cawnt bear that man's VICE, his accent grows horrider and + horrider!' + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship rose, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, then,' continued Sir Terence, following up Miss Nugent to the table, + where she was sealing letters, 'I must tell you how I sarved that same man + on another occasion, and got the victory too.' + </p> + <p> + No general officer could talk of his victories, or fight his battles o'er + again, with more complacency than Sir Terence O'Fay recounted his CIVIL + exploits. + </p> + <p> + 'Now I'll tell Miss Nugent. There was a footman in the family, not an + Irishman, but one of your powdered English scoundrels that ladies are so + fond of having hanging to the backs of their carriages; one Fleming he + was, that turned spy, and traitor, and informer, went privately and gave + notice to the creditors where the plate was hid in the thickness of the + chimney; but if he did, what happened! Why, I had my counter-spy, an + honest little Irish boy, in the creditor's shop, that I had secured with a + little douceur of usquebaugh; and he outwitted, as was natural, the + English lying valet, and gave us notice just in the nick, and I got ready + for their reception; and, Miss Nugent, I only wish you'd seen the + excellent sport we had, letting them follow the scent they got; and when + they were sure of their game, what did they find?—Ha! ha! ha!—dragged + out, after a world of labour, a heavy box of—a load of brickbats; + not an item of my friend's plate—that was all snug in the coal-hole, + where them dunces never thought of looking for it. Ha! ha! ha!' + </p> + <p> + 'But come, Terry,' cried Lord Clonbrony, 'I'll pull down your pride. How + finely, another time, your job of the false ceiling answered in the hall. + I've heard that story, and have been told how the sheriffs fellow thrust + his bayonet up through your false plaster, and down came tumbling the + family plate hey, Terry? That hit cost your friend, Lord + everybody-knows-who, more than your head's worth, Terry.' + </p> + <p> + 'I ask your pardon, my lord, it never cost him a farthing.' + </p> + <p> + 'When he paid L7000 for the plate, to redeem it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well! and did not I make up for that at the races of —? The + creditors learned that my lord's horse, Naboclish, was to run at—races; + and, as the sheriff's officer knew he dare not touch him on the + race-ground, what does he do, but he comes down early in the morning on + the mail-coach, and walks straight down to the livery stables. He had an + exact description of the stables, and the stall, and the horse's + body-clothes. + </p> + <p> + 'I was there, seeing the horse taken care of; and, knowing the cut of the + fellow's jib, what does I do, but whips the body-clothes off Naboclish, + and claps them upon a garrone that the priest would not ride. + </p> + <p> + 'In comes the bailiff—"Good morrow to you, sir," says I, leading out + of the stable my lord's horse, with an OULD saddle and bridle on. + </p> + <p> + '"Tim Neal," says I to the groom, who was rubbing down the garrone's + heels, "mind your hits to-day, and WEE'L wet the plate to-night." + </p> + <p> + '"Not so fast, neither," says the bailiff—"here's my writ for + seizing the horse." + </p> + <p> + '"Och," says I, "you wouldn't be so cruel."' + </p> + <p> + "That's all my eye," says he, seizing the garrone, while I mounted + Naboclish, and rode him off deliberately to —' + </p> + <p> + 'Ha! ha! ha!—That was neat, I grant you, Terry,' said Lord + Clonbrony. 'But what a dolt of a born ignoramus must that sheriffs fellow + have been, not to know Naboclish when he saw him!' + </p> + <p> + 'But stay, my lord—stay, Miss Nugent—I have more for you,' + following her wherever she moved. 'I did not let him off so, even. At the + cant, I bid and bid against them for the pretended Naboclish, till I, left + him on their hands for 500 guineas. Ha! ha! ha!—was not that + famous?' + </p> + <p> + 'But,' said Miss Nugent, 'I cannot believe you are in earnest, Sir + Terence. Surely this would be—' + </p> + <p> + 'What?—out with it, my dear Miss Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am afraid of offending you.' + </p> + <p> + 'You can't, my dear, I defy you—say the word that came to the + tongue's end; it's always the best.' + </p> + <p> + 'I was going to say, swindling,' said the young lady, colouring deeply. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! you was going to say wrong, then! It's not called swindling amongst + gentlemen who know the world—it's only jockeying—fine sport—and + very honourable to help a friend at a dead lift. Anything to get a friend + out of a present pressing difficulty.' + </p> + <p> + 'And when the present difficulty is over, do your friends never think of + the future?' + </p> + <p> + 'The future! leave the future to posterity,' said Sir Terence; 'I'm + counsel only for the present; and when the evil comes, it's time enough to + think of it. I can't bring the guns of my wits to bear till the enemy's + alongside of me, or within sight of me at the least. And besides, there + never was a good commander yet, by sea or land, that would tell his little + expedients beforehand, or before the very day of battle.' + </p> + <p> + 'It must be a sad thing,' said Miss Nugent, sighing deeply, 'to be reduced + to live by little expedients—daily expedients.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre struck his forehead, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + 'But if you are beating your brains about your own affairs, my Lord + Colambre, my dear,' said Sir Terence, 'there's an easy way of settling + your family affairs at once; and, since you don't like little daily + expedients, Miss Nugent, there's one great expedient, and an expedient for + life, that will settle it all to your satisfaction—and ours. I + hinted it delicately to you before, but, between friends, delicacy is + impertinent; so I tell you, in plain English, you've nothing to do but go + and propose yourself, just as you stand, to the heiress Miss B—, + that desires no better—' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir!' cried Lord Colambre, stepping forward, red with sudden anger. Miss + Nugent laid her hand upon his arm— + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my lord!' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir Terence O'Fay,' continued Lord Colambre, in a moderated tone, 'you + are wrong to mention that young lady's name in such a manner.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, then, I said only Miss B—, and there are a whole hive of BEES. + But I'll engage she'd thank me for what I suggested, and think herself the + queen bee if my expedient was adopted by you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir Terence,' said his lordship, smiling, 'if my father thinks proper + that you should manage his affairs, and devise expedients for him, I have + nothing to say on that point; but I must beg you will not trouble yourself + to suggest expedients for me, and that you will have the goodness to leave + me to settle my own affairs.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence made a low bow, and was silent for five seconds; then turning + to Lord Clonbrony, who looked much more abashed than he did— + </p> + <p> + 'By the wise one, my good lord, I believe there are some men—noblemen, + too—that don't know their friends from their enemies. It's my firm + persuasion, now, that if I had served you as I served my friend I was + talking of, your son there would, ten to one, think I had done him an + injury by saving the family plate.' + </p> + <p> + 'I certainly should, sir. The family plate, sir, is not the first object + in my mind,' replied Lord Colambre; 'family honour—Nay, Miss Nugent, + I must speak,' continued his lordship, perceiving; by her countenance, + that she was alarmed. + </p> + <p> + 'Never fear, Miss Nugent dear,' said Sir Terence; 'I'm as cool as a + cucumber. Faith! then, my Lord Colambre, I agree with you, that family + honour's a mighty fine thing, only troublesome to one's self and one's + friends, and expensive to keep up with all the other expenses and debts a + gentleman has nowadays. So I, that am under no natural obligations to it + by birth or otherwise, have just stood by through life, and asked myself, + before I would volunteer being bound to it, what could this same family + honour do for a man in this world? And, first and foremost, I never + remember to see family honour stand a man in much stead in a court of law—never + saw family honour stand against an execution, or a custodiam, or an + injunction even. 'Tis a rare thing, this same family honour, and a very + fine thing; but I never knew it yet, at a pinch, pay for a pair of boots + even,' added Sir Terence, drawing up his own with much complacency. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Sir Terence was called out of the room by one who wanted to + speak to him on particular business. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear father,' cried Lord Colambre, 'do not follow him; stay for one + moment, and hear your son—your true friend.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent went out of the room, that she might leave the father and son + at liberty. + </p> + <p> + 'Hear your natural friend for one moment,' cried Lord Colambre. 'Let me + beseech you, father, not to have recourse to any of these paltry + expedients, but trust your son with the state of your affairs, and we + shall find some honourable means—' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, yes, yes, very true; when you're of age, Colambre, we'll talk of it; + but nothing can be done till then. We shall get on, we shall get through, + very well, till then, with Terry's assistance. And I must beg you will not + say a word more against Terry—I can't bear it—I can't hear it—I + can't do without him. Pray don't detain me—I can say no more—except,' + added he, returning to his usual concluding sentence, 'that there need, at + all events, be none of this, if people would but live upon their own + estates, and kill their own mutton.' He stole out of the room, glad to + escape, however shabbily, from present explanation and present pain. There + are persons without resource who in difficulties return always to the same + point, and usually to the same words. + </p> + <p> + While Lord Colambre was walking up and down the room, much vexed and + disappointed at finding that he could make no impression on his father's + mind, nor obtain his confidence as to his family affairs, Lady Clonbrony's + woman, Mrs. Petito, knocked at the door, with a message from her lady, to + beg, if Lord Colambre was BY HIMSELF; he would go to her dressing-room, as + she wished to have a conference with him. He obeyed her summons. + </p> + <p> + 'Sit down, my dear Colambre—' And she began precisely with her old + sentence— + </p> + <p> + 'With the fortune I brought your father, and with my lord's estate, I + CAWNT understand the meaning of all these pecuniary difficulties; and all + that strange creature Sir Terence says is algebra to me, who speak + English. And I am particularly sorry he was let in this morning—but + he's such a brute that he does not think anything of forcing one's door, + and he tells my footman he does not mind NOT AT HOME a pinch of snuff. Now + what can you do with a man who could say that sort of thing, you know—the + world's at an end.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish my father had nothing to do with him, ma'am, as much as you can + wish it,' said Lord Colambre; 'but I have said all that a son can with + propriety say, and without effect.' + </p> + <p> + 'What particularly provokes me against him,' continued Lady Clonbrony, 'is + what I have just heard from Grace, who was really hurt by it, too, for she + is the warmest friend in the world: I allude to the creature's indelicate + way of touching upon a tender PINT, and mentioning an amiable young + heiress's name. My dear Colambre, I trust you have given me credit for my + inviolable silence all this time upon the PINT nearest my heart. I am + rejoiced to hear you was so warm when she was mentioned inadvertently by + that brute, and I trust you now see the advantages of the projected union + in as strong and agreeable a PINT of view as I do, my own Colambre; and I + should leave things to themselves, and let you prolong the DEES of + courtship as you please, only for what I now hear incidentally from my + lord and the brute, about pecuniary embarrassments, and the necessity of + something being done before next winter. And indeed I think now, in + propriety, the proposal cannot be delayed much longer; for the world + begins to talk of the thing as done; and even Mrs. Broadhurst, I know, had + no doubt that, if this CONTRETEMPS about the poor Berryls had not + occurred, your proposal would have been made before the end of last week.' + </p> + <p> + Our hero was not a man to make a proposal because Mrs. Broadhurst expected + it, or to marry because the world said he was going to be married. He + steadily said that, from the first moment the subject had been mentioned, + he had explained himself distinctly; that the young lady's friends could + not, therefore, be under any doubt as to his intentions; that, if they had + voluntarily deceived themselves, or exposed the lady in situations from + which the world was led to make false conclusions, he was not answerable: + he felt his conscience at ease—entirely so, as he was convinced that + the young lady herself, for whose merit, talents, independence, and + generosity of character he professed high respect, esteem, and admiration, + had no doubts either of the extent or the nature of his regard. + </p> + <p> + 'Regard, respect, esteem, admiration!—Why, my dearest Colambre! this + is saying all I want; satisfies me, and I am sure would satisfy Mrs + Broadhurst and Miss Broadhurst too.' + </p> + <p> + 'No doubt it will, ma'am; but not if I aspired to the honour of Miss + Broadhurst's hand, or professed myself her lover.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear, you are mistaken; Miss Broadhurst is too sensible a girl, a vast + deal, to look for love, and a dying lover, and all that sort of stuff; I + am persuaded—indeed I have it from good, from the best authority—that + the young lady—you know one must be delicate in these cases, where a + young lady of such fortune, and no despicable family too is concerned; + therefore I cannot speak quite plainly—but I say I have it from the + best authority, that you would be preferred to any other suitor, and, in + short, that—' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, madam, for interrupting you,' cried Lord Colambre, + colouring a good deal; 'but you must excuse me if I say, that the only + authority on which I could believe this is one from which I am morally + certain I shall never hear it from Miss Broadhurst herself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord, child! if you would only ask her the question, she would tell you + it is truth, I daresay.' + </p> + <p> + 'But as I have no curiosity on the subject, ma'am—' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord bless me! I thought everybody had curiosity. But still, without + curiosity, I am sure it would gratify you when you did hear it; and can't + you just put the simple question?' + </p> + <p> + 'Impossible!' + </p> + <p> + 'Impossible!—now that is so very provoking when the thing is all but + done. Well, take your own time; all I will ask of you then is, to let + things go on as they are going—smoothly and pleasantly; and I'll not + press you farther on the subject at present, Let things go on smoothly, + that's all I ask, and say nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish I could oblige you, mother; but I cannot do this. Since you tell + me that the world and Miss Broadhurst's friends have already misunderstood + my intentions, it becomes necessary, in justice to the young lady and to + myself, that I should make all further doubt impossible. I shall, + therefore, put an end to it at once, by leaving town to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony, breathless for a moment with surprise, exclaimed, 'Bless + me! leave town to-morrow! Just at the beginning of the season! Impossible!—I + never saw such a precipitate, rash young man. But stay only a few weeks, + Colambre; the physicians advise Buxton for my rheumatism, and you shall + take us to Buxton early in the season—you cannot refuse me that. + Why, if Miss Broadhurst was a dragon, you could not be in a greater hurry + to run away from her. What are you afraid of?' + </p> + <p> + 'Of doing what is wrong—the only thing, I trust, of which I shall + ever be afraid.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony tried persuasion and argument—such argument as she + could use—but all in vain—Lord Colambre was firm in his + resolution; at last, she came to tears; and her son, in much agitation, + said— + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot bear this, mother! I would do anything you ask, that I could do + with honour; but this is impossible.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why impossible? I will take all blame upon myself; and you are sure that + Miss Broadhurst does not misunderstand you, and you esteem her, and admire + her, and all that; and all I ask is, that you'll go on as you are, and see + more of her; and how do you know but you may fall in love with her, as you + call it, to-morrow?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because, madam, since you press me so far, my affections are engaged to + another person. Do not look so dreadfully shocked, my dear mother—I + have told you truly, that I think myself too young, much too young, yet to + marry. In the circumstances in which I know my family are, it is probable + that I shall not for some years be able to marry as I wish. You may depend + upon it that I shall not take any step, I shall not even declare my + attachment to the object of my affection, without your knowledge; and, far + from being inclined to follow headlong my own passions—strong as + they are—be assured that the honour of my family, your happiness, my + mother, my father's, are my first objects: I shall never think of my own + till these are secured.' + </p> + <p> + Of the conclusion of this speech, Lady Clonbrony heard only the sound of + the words; from the moment her son had pronounced that his affections were + engaged, she had been running over in her head every probable and + improbable person she could think of; at last, suddenly starting up, she + opened one of the folding-doors into the next apartment, and called— + </p> + <p> + 'Grace!—Grace Nugent!—put down your pencil, Grace, this + minute, and come here!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent obeyed with her usual alacrity; and the moment she entered the + room, Lady Clonbrony, fixing her eyes full upon her, said— + </p> + <p> + 'There's your cousin Colambre tells me his affections are engaged.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, to Miss Broadhurst, no doubt,' said Miss Nugent, smiling, with a + simplicity and openness of countenance which assured Lady Clonbrony that + all was safe in that quarter: a suspicion which had darted into her mind + was dispelled. + </p> + <p> + 'No doubt. Ay, do you hear that NO DOUBT, Colambre?—Grace, you see, + has no doubt; nobody has any doubt but yourself, Colambre.' + </p> + <p> + 'And are your affections engaged, and not to Miss Broadhurst?' said Miss + Nugent, approaching Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'There now! you see how you surprise and disappoint everybody, Colambre.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sorry that Miss Nugent should be disappointed,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'But because I am disappointed, pray do not call me Miss Nugent, or turn + away from me, as if you were displeased.' + </p> + <p> + 'It must, then, be some Cambridgeshire lady,' said Lady Clonbrony. 'I am + sure I am very sorry he ever went to Cambridge,—Oxford I advised: + one of the Miss Berryls, I presume, who have nothing. I'll have nothing + more to do with those Berryls—there was the reason of the son's vast + intimacy. Grace, you may give up all thoughts of Sir Arthur.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have no thoughts to give up, ma'am,' said Miss Nugent, smiling. 'Miss + Broadhurst,' continued she, going on eagerly with what she was saying to + Lord Colambre—'Miss Broadhurst is my friend, a friend I love and + admire; but you will allow that I strictly kept my promise, never to + praise her to you, till you should begin to praise her to me. Now + recollect, last night, you did praise her to me, so justly, that I thought + you liked her, I confess; so that it is natural I should feel a little + disappointed. Now you know the whole of my mind; I have no intention to + encroach on your confidence; therefore, there is no occasion to look so + embarrassed. I give you my word, I will never speak to you again upon the + subject,' said she, holding out her hand to him, 'provided you will never + again call me Miss Nugent. Am I not your own cousin Grace—Do not be + displeased with her.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are my own dear cousin Grace; and nothing can be farther from my mind + than any thought of being displeased with her; especially just at this + moment, when I am going away, probably for a considerable time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Away!—when?—where?' + </p> + <p> + 'To-morrow morning, for Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ireland! of all places,' cried Lady Clonbrony. 'What upon earth puts it + into your head to go to Ireland? You do very well to go out of the way of + falling in love ridiculously, since that is the reason of your going; but + what put Ireland into your head, child?' + </p> + <p> + 'I will not presume to ask my mother what put Ireland out of her head,' + said Lord Colambre, smiling; 'but she will recollect that it is my native + country.' + </p> + <p> + 'That was your father's fault, not mine,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'for I + wished to have been confined in England; but he would have it to say that + his son and heir was born at Clonbrony Castle—and there was a great + argument between him and my uncle, and something about the Prince of Wales + and Caernarvon Castle was thrown in, and that turned the scale, much + against my will; for it was my wish that my son should be an Englishman + born—like myself. But, after all, I don't see that having the + misfortune to be born in a country should tie one to it in any sort of + way; and I should have hoped your English EDICATION, Colambre, would have + given you too liberal IDEARS for that—so I REELLY don't see why you + should go to Ireland merely because it's your native country.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not merely because it is my native country; but I wish to go thither—I + desire to become acquainted with it—because it is the country in + which my father's property lies, and from which we draw our subsistence.' + </p> + <p> + 'Subsistence! Lord bless me, what a word! fitter for a pauper than a + nobleman—subsistence! Then, if you are going to look after your + father's property, I hope you will make the agents do their duty, and send + us remittances. And pray how long do you mean to stay?' + </p> + <p> + 'Till I am of age, madam, if you have no objection. I will spend the + ensuing months in travelling in Ireland; and I will return here by the + time I am of age, unless you and my father should, before that time, be in + Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not the least chance of that, if I can prevent it, I promise you,' said + Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre and Miss Nugent sighed. + </p> + <p> + 'And I am sure I shall take it very unkindly of you, Colambre, if you go + and turn out a partisan for Ireland, after all, like Grace Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'A partisan! no;—I hope not a partisan, but a friend,' said Miss + Nugent. + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense, child!—I hate to hear people, women especially, and young + ladies particularly, talk of being friends to this country or that + country. What can they know about countries? Better think of being friends + to themselves, and friends to their friends.' + </p> + <p> + 'I was wrong,' said Miss Nugent, 'to call myself a friend to Ireland; I + meant to say, that Ireland had been a friend to me; that I found Irish + friends, when I had no other; an Irish home, when I had no other; that my + earliest and happiest years, under your kind care, had been spent there; + and that I can never forget THAT my dear aunt—I hope you do not wish + that I should.' + </p> + <p> + 'Heaven forbid, my sweet Grace!' said Lady Clonbrony, touched by her voice + and manner—'Heaven forbid! I don't wish you to do or be anything but + what you are; for I am convinced there's nothing I could ask you would not + do for me; and, I can tell you, there's few things you could ask, love, I + would not do for you.' + </p> + <p> + A wish was instantly expressed in the eyes of her niece. + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony, though not usually quick at interpreting the wishes of + others, understood and answered, before she ventured to make her request + in words. + </p> + <p> + 'Ask anything but THAT, Grace. Return to Clonbrony, while I am able to + live in London? That I never can or will do for you or anybody!' looking + at her son in all the pride of obstinacy; 'so there is an end of the + matter. Go you where you please, Colambre; and I shall stay where I + please:—I suppose, as your mother, I have a right to say this much?' + </p> + <p> + Her son, with the utmost respect, assured her that he had no design to + infringe upon her undoubted liberty of judging for herself; that he had + never interfered, except so far as to tell her circumstances of her + affairs, with which she seemed to be totally unacquainted, and of which it + might be dangerous to her to continue in ignorance. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't talk to me about affairs,' cried she, drawing her hand away from + her son. 'Talk to my lord, or my lord's agents, since you are going to + Ireland, about business—I know nothing about business; but this I + know, I shall stay in England, and be in London, every season, as long as + I can afford it; and when I cannot afford to live here, I hope I shall not + live anywhere. That's my notion of life; and that's my determination, once + for all; for, if none of the rest of the Clonbrony family have any, I + thank Heaven I have some spirit.' Saying this, with her most stately + manner she walked out of the room. Lord Colambre instantly followed her; + for, after the resolution and the promise he had made, he did not dare to + trust himself at this moment with Miss Nugent. + </p> + <p> + There was to be a concert this night at Lady Clonbrony's, at which Mrs. + and Miss Broadhurst were, of course, expected. That they might not be + quite unprepared for the event of her son's going to Ireland, Lady + Clonbrony wrote a note to Mrs. Broadhurst, begging her to come half an + hour earlier than the time mentioned in the cards, 'that she might talk + over something PARTICULAR that had just occurred.' + </p> + <p> + What passed at this cabinet council, as it seems to have had no immediate + influence on affairs, we need not record. Suffice it to observe, that a + great deal was said, and nothing done. Miss Broadhurst, however, was not a + young lady who could be easily deceived, even where her passions were + concerned. The moment her mother told her of Lord Colambre's intended + departure, she saw the whole truth. She had a strong mind—was + capable of drawing aside, at once, the curtain of self-delusion, and + looking steadily at the skeleton of truth—she had a generous, + perhaps because a strong mind; for, surrounded, as she had been from her + childhood, by every means of self-indulgence which wealth and flattery + could bestow, she had discovered early, what few persons in her situation + discover till late in life, that selfish gratifications may render us + incapable of other happiness, but can never, of themselves, make us happy. + Despising flatterers, she had determined to make herself friends to make + them in the only possible way—by deserving them. Her father made his + immense fortune by the power and habit of constant, bold, and just + calculation. The power and habit which she had learned from him she + applied on a far larger scale; with him, it was confined to speculations + for the acquisition of money; with her, it extended to the attainment of + happiness. He was calculating and mercenary: she was estimative and + generous. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent was dressing for the concert, or, rather, was sitting + half-dressed before her glass, reflecting, when Miss Broadhurst came into + her room. Miss Nugent immediately sent her maid out of the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Grace,' said Miss Broadhurst, looking at Grace with an air of open, + deliberate composure, 'you and I are thinking of the same thing—of + the same person.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, of Lord Colambre,' said Miss Nugent, ingenuously and sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + 'Then I can put your mind at ease, at once, my dear friend, by assuring + you that I shall think of him no more. That I have thought of him, I do + not deny—I have thought, that if, notwithstanding the difference in + our ages, and other differences, he had preferred me, I should have + preferred him to any person who has ever yet addressed me. On our first + acquaintance, I clearly saw that he was not disposed to pay court to my + fortune; and I had also then coolness of judgment sufficient to perceive + that it was not probable he should fall in love with my person. But I was + too proud in my humility, too strong in my honesty, too brave, too + ignorant; in short, I knew nothing of the matter. We are all of us, more + or less, subject to the delusions of vanity, or hope, or love—I—even + I!—who thought myself so clear-sighted, did not know how, with one + flutter of his wings, Cupid can set the whole atmosphere in motion; change + the proportions, size, colour, value, of every object; lead us into a + mirage, and leave us in a dismal desert.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest friend!' said Miss Nugent, in a tone of true sympathy. + </p> + <p> + 'But none but a coward, or a fool would sit down in the desert and weep, + instead of trying to make his way back before the storm rises, obliterates + the track, and overwhelms everything. Poetry apart, my dear Grace, you may + be assured that I shall think no more of Lord Colambre.' + </p> + <p> + 'I believe you are right. But I am sorry, very sorry, it must be so.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, spare me your sorrow!' + </p> + <p> + 'My sorrow is for Lord Colambre,' said Miss Nugent. 'Where will he find + such a wife?—Not in Miss Berryl, I am sure—pretty as she is; a + mere fine lady! Is it possible that Lord Colambre! Lord Colambre! should + prefer such a girl—Lord Colambre!' + </p> + <p> + Miss Broadhurst looked at her friend as she spoke, and saw truth in her + eyes; saw that she had no suspicion that she was herself the person + beloved. + </p> + <p> + 'Tell me, Grace, are you sorry that Lord Colambre is going away?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, I am glad. I was sorry when I first heard it; but now I am glad, very + glad; it may save him from a marriage unworthy of him, restore him to + himself, and reserve him for—the only woman I ever saw who is suited + to him, who is equal to him, who would value and love him, as he deserves + to be valued and loved.' + </p> + <p> + 'Stop, my dear; if you mean me, I am not, and I never can be, that woman. + Therefore, as you are my friend, and wish my happiness, as I sincerely + believe you do, never, I conjure you, present such an idea before my mind + again—it is out of my mind, I hope, for ever. It is important to me + that you should know and believe this. At least I will preserve my + friends. Now let this subject never be mentioned or alluded to again + between us, my dear. We have subjects enough of conversation; we need not + have recourse to pernicious sentimental gossipings. There is a great + difference between wanting a CONFIDANTE, and treating a friend with + confidence. My confidence you possess; all that ought, all that is to be + known of my mind, you know, and—Now I will leave you in peace to + dress for the concert.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, don't go! you don't interrupt me. I shall be dressed in a few + minutes; stay with me, and you may be assured, that neither now, nor at + any other time, shall I ever speak to you on the subject you desire me to + avoid. I entirely agree with you about CONFIDANTES and sentimental + gossipings. I love you for not loving them.' + </p> + <p> + A thundering knock at the door announced the arrival of company. + </p> + <p> + 'Think no more of love, but as much as you please of friendship—dress + yourself as fast as you can,' said Miss Broadhurst. 'Dress, dress is the + order of the day.' + </p> + <p> + Order of the day and order of the night, and all for people I don't care + for in the least,' said Grace. 'So life passes!' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear me, Miss Nugent,' cried Petito, Lady Clonbrony's woman, coming in + with a face of alarm, 'not dressed yet! My lady is gone down, and Mrs. + Broadhurst and my Lady Pococke's come, and the Honourable Mrs. Trembleham; + and signor, the Italian singing gentleman, has been walking up and down + the apartments there by himself, disconsolate, this half-hour, and I + wondering all the time nobody rang for me—but my lady dressed, Lord + knows how! without anybody. Oh, merciful! Miss Nugent, if you could stand + still for one single particle of a second. So then I thought of stepping + in to Miss Nugent; for the young ladies are talking so fast, says I to + myself, at the door, they will never know how time goes, unless I give 'em + a hint. But now my lady is below, there's no need, to be sure, to be + nervous, so we may take the thing quietly, without being in a flustrum. + Dear ladies, is not this now a very sudden motion of our young lord's for + Ireland?—Lud a mercy! Miss Nugent, I'm sure your motions is sudden + enough; and your dress behind is all, I'm sure, I can't tell how.'—'Oh, + never mind,' said the young lady, escaping from her; 'it will do very + well, thank you, Petito.' + </p> + <p> + 'It will do very well, never mind,' repeated Petito muttering to herself, + as she looked after the ladies, whilst they ran downstairs. 'I can't abide + to dress any young lady who says never mind, and it will do very well. + That, and her never talking to one confiDANtially, or trusting one with + the least bit of her secrets, is the thing I can't put up with from Miss + Nugent; and Miss Broadhurst holding the pins to me, as much as to say, Do + your business, Petito, and don't talk.—Now, that's so impertinent, + as if one wasn't the same flesh and blood, and had not as good a right to + talk of everything, and hear of everything, as themselves. And Mrs. + Broadhurst, too, cabinet-councilling with my lady, and pursing up her city + mouth when I come in, and turning off the discourse to snuff, forsooth; as + if I was an ignoramus, to think they closeted themselves to talk of snuff. + Now, I think a lady of quality's woman has as good a right to be trusted + with her lady's secrets as with her jewels; and if my Lady Clonbrony was a + real lady of quality, she'd know that, and consider the one as much my + paraphernalia as the other. So I shall tell my lady to-night, as I always + do when she vexes me, that I never lived in an Irish family before, and + don't know the ways of it—then she'll tell me she was born in + Hoxfordshire—then I shall say, with my saucy look, "Oh, was you, my + lady?—I always forget that you was an Englishwoman:" then maybe + she'll say, "Forget!—you forget yourself strangely, Petito." Then I + shall say, with a great deal of dignity, "If your ladyship thinks so, my + lady, I'd better go." And I'd desire no better than that she would take me + at my word; for my Lady Dashfort's is a much better place, I'm told, and + she's dying to have me, I know.' + </p> + <p> + And having formed this resolution, Petito concluded her apparently + interminable soliloquy, and went with my lord's gentleman into the + antechamber, to hear the concert, and give her judgment on everything; as + she peeped in through the vista of heads into the Apollo saloon—for + to-night the Alhambra was transformed into the Apollo saloon—she saw + that whilst the company, rank behind rank, in close semicircles, had + crowded round the performers to hear a favourite singer, Miss Broadhurst + and Lord Colambre were standing in the outer semicircle, talking to one + another earnestly. Now would Petito have given up her reversionary chance + of the three nearly new gowns she expected from Lady Clonbrony, in case + she stayed; or, in case she went, the reversionary chance of any dress of + Lady Dashfort's except her scarlet velvet, merely to hear what Miss + Broadhurst and Lord Colambre were saying. Alas! she could only see their + lips move; and of what they were talking, whether of music or love, and + whether the match was to be on or off; she could only conjecture. But the + diplomatic style having now descended to waiting-maids, Mrs. Petito talked + to her friends in the antechamber with as mysterious and consequential an + air and tone, as a CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, or as the lady of a CHARGE + D'AFFAIRES, could have assumed. She spoke of HER PRIVATE BELIEF; of THE + IMPRESSION LEFT UPON HER MIND; and her CONFIDANTIAL reasons for thinking + as she did; of her 'having had it from the FOUNTAIN'S head;' and of 'her + fear of any COMMITTAL of her authorities.' + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all these authorities, Lord Colambre left London next day, + and pursued his way to Ireland, determined that he would see and judge of + that country for himself, and decide whether his mother's dislike to + residing there was founded on caprice or reasonable causes. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, it was reported in London that his lordship was gone to + Ireland to make out the title to some estate, which would be necessary for + his marriage settlement with the great heiress, Miss Broadhurst. Whether + Mrs. Petito or Sir Terence O'Fay had the greater share in raising and + spreading this report, it would be difficult to determine; but it is + certain, however or by whomsoever raised, it was most useful to Lord + Clonbrony, by keeping his creditors quiet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + The tide did not permit the packet to reach the Pigeon-house, and the + impatient Lord Colambre stepped into a boat, and was rowed across the bay + of Dublin. It was a fine summer morning. The sun shone bright on the + Wicklow mountains. He admired, he exulted in the beauty of the prospect; + and all the early associations of his childhood, and the patriotic hopes + of his riper years, swelled his heart as he approached the shores of his + native land. But scarcely had he touched his mother earth, when the whole + course of his ideas was changed; and if his heart swelled, it swelled no + more with pleasurable sensations, for instantly he found himself + surrounded and attacked by a swarm of beggars and harpies, with strange + figures and stranger tones: some craving his charity, some snatching away + his luggage, and at the same time bidding him 'never trouble himself,' and + 'never fear.' A scramble in the boat and on shore for bags and parcels + began, and an amphibious fight betwixt men, who had one foot on sea and + one on land, was seen; and long and loud the battle of trunks and + portmanteaus raged! The vanquished departed, clinching their empty hands + at their opponents, and swearing inextinguishable hatred; while the + smiling victors stood at ease, each grasping his booty—bag, basket, + parcel, or portmanteau: 'And, your honour, where WILL these go?—Where + WILL we carry 'em all to, for your honour?' was now the question. Without + waiting for an answer, most of the goods were carried at the discretion of + the porters to the custom-house, where, to his lordship's astonishment, + after this scene of confusion, he found that he had lost nothing but his + patience; all his goods were safe, and a few TINPENNIES made his officious + porters happy men and boys; blessings were showered upon his honour, and + he was left in peace at an excellent hotel in —Street, Dublin. He + rested, refreshed himself, recovered his good-humour, and walked into the + coffee-house, where he found several officers—English, Irish, and + Scotch. One English officer, a very gentleman-like, sensible-looking man, + of middle age, was sitting reading a little pamphlet, when Lord Colambre + entered; he looked up from time to time, and in a few minutes rose and + joined the conversation; it turned upon the beauties and defects of the + city of Dublin. Sir James Brooke, for that was the name of the gentleman, + showed one of his brother officers the book which he had been reading, + observing that, in his opinion, it contained one of the best views of + Dublin which he had ever seen, evidently drawn by the hand of a master, + though in a slight, playful, and ironical style: it was 'AN INTERCEPTED + LETTER FROM CHINA.' The conversation extended from Dublin to various parts + of Ireland, with all which Sir James Brooke showed that he was well + acquainted. Observing that this conversation was particularly interesting + to Lord Colambre, and quickly perceiving that he was speaking to one not + ignorant of books, Sir James spoke of different representations and + misrepresentations of Ireland. In answer to Lord Colambre's inquiries, he + named the works which had afforded him most satisfaction; and with + discriminative, not superficial celerity, touched on all ancient and + modern authors, from Spenser and Davies to Young and Beaufort. Lord + Colambre became anxious to cultivate the acquaintance of a gentleman who + appeared so able and willing to afford him information. Sir James Brooke, + on his part, was flattered by this eagerness of attention, and pleased by + our hero's manners and conversation; so that, to their mutual + satisfaction, they spent much of their time together whilst they were at + this hotel; and, meeting frequently in society in Dublin, their + acquaintance every day increased and grew into intimacy—an intimacy + which was highly advantageous to Lord Colambre's views of obtaining a just + idea of the state of manners in Ireland. Sir James Brooke had at different + periods been quartered in various parts of the country—had resided + long enough in each to become familiar with the people, and had varied his + residence sufficiently to form comparisons between different counties, + their habits, and characteristics. Hence he had it in his power to direct + the attention of our young observer at once to the points most worthy of + his examination, and to save him from the common error of travellers—the + deducing general conclusions from a few particular cases, or arguing from + exceptions as if they were rules. Lord Colambre, from his family + connexions, had of course immediate introduction into the best society in + Dublin, or rather into all the good society of Dublin. In Dublin there is + positively good company, and positively bad; but not, as in London, many + degrees of comparison: not innumerable luminaries of the polite world, + moving in different orbits of fashion, but all the bright planets of note + and name move and revolve in the same narrow limits. Lord Colambre did not + find that either his father's or his mother's representations of society + in Dublin resembled the reality, which he now beheld. Lady Clonbrony had, + in terms of detestation, described Dublin such as it appeared to her soon + after the Union; Lord Clonbrony had painted it with convivial enthusiasm, + such as he saw it long and long before the Union, when FIRST he drank + claret at the fashionable clubs. This picture, unchanged in his memory, + and unchangeable by his imagination, had remained, and ever would remain, + the same. The hospitality of which the father boasted, the son found in + all its warmth, but meliorated and refined; less convivial, more social; + the fashion of hospitality had improved. To make the stranger eat or drink + to excess, to set before him old wine and old plate, was no longer the sum + of good breeding. The guest now escaped the pomp of grand entertainments; + was allowed to enjoy ease and conversation, and to taste some of that + feast of reason and that flow of soul so often talked of, and so seldom + enjoyed. Lord Colambre found a spirit of improvement, a desire for + knowledge, and a taste for science and literature, in most companies, + particularly among gentlemen belonging to the Irish bar; nor did he in + Dublin society see any of that confusion of ranks or predominance of + vulgarity of which his mother had complained. Lady Clonbrony had assured + him that, the last time she had been at the drawing-room at the Castle, a + lady, whom she afterwards found to be a grocer's wife, had turned angrily + when her ladyship had accidentally trodden on her train, and had exclaimed + with a strong brogue, 'I'll thank you, ma'am, for the rest of my tail.' + </p> + <p> + Sir James Brooke, to whom Lord Colambre, without GIVING UP HIS AUTHORITY, + mentioned the fact, declared that he had no doubt the thing had happened + precisely as it was stated; but that this was one of the extraordinary + cases which ought not to pass into a general rule—that it was a + slight instance of that influence of temporary causes, from which no + conclusions, as to national manners, should be drawn. + </p> + <p> + 'I happened,' continued Sir James, 'to be quartered in Dublin soon after + the Union took place; and I remember the great but transient change that + appeared. From the removal of both Houses of Parliament, most of the + nobility, and many of the principal families among the Irish commoners, + either hurried in high hopes to London, or retired disgusted and in + despair to their houses in the country. Immediately, in Dublin, commerce + rose into the vacated seats of rank; wealth rose into the place of birth. + New faces and new equipages appeared; people, who had never been heard of + before, started into notice, pushed themselves forward, not scrupling to + elbow their way even at the Castle; and they were presented to my + lord-lieutenant and to my lady-lieutenant; for their excellencies, for the + time being, might have played their vice-regal parts to empty benches, had + they not admitted such persons for the moment to fill their court. Those + of former times, of hereditary pretensions and high-bred minds and + manners, were scandalised at all this; and they complained, with justice, + that the whole TONE of society was altered; that the decorum, elegance, + polish, and charm of society was gone; and I among the rest (said Sir + James) felt and deplored their change. But, now it is all over, we may + acknowledge that, perhaps, even those things which we felt most + disagreeable at the time were productive of eventual benefit. + </p> + <p> + 'Formerly, a few families had set the fashion. From time immemorial + everything had, in Dublin, been submitted to their hereditary authority; + and conversation, though it had been rendered polite by their example, + was, at the same time, limited within narrow bounds. Young people, + educated upon a more enlarged plan, in time grew up; and, no authority or + fashion forbidding it, necessarily rose to their just place, and enjoyed + their due influence in society. The want of manners, joined to the want of + knowledge in the new set, created universal disgust: they were compelled, + some by ridicule, some by bankruptcies, to fall back into their former + places, from which they could never more emerge. In the meantime, some of + the Irish nobility and gentry who had been living at an unusual expense in + London—an expense beyond their incomes—were glad to return + home to refit; and they brought with them a new stock of ideas, and some + taste for science and literature, which, within these latter years, have + become fashionable, indeed indispensable, in London. That part of the + Irish aristocracy, who, immediately upon the first incursions of the + vulgarians, had fled in despair to their fastnesses in the country, + hearing of the improvements which had gradually taken place in society, + and assured of the final expulsion of the barbarians, ventured from their + retreats, and returned to their posts in town. So that now,' concluded Sir + James, 'you find a society in Dublin composed of a most agreeable and + salutary mixture of birth and education, gentility and knowledge, manner + and matter; and you see pervading the whole new life and energy, new + talent, new ambition, a desire and a determination to improve and be + improved—a perception that higher distinction can now be obtained in + almost all company, by genius and merit, than by airs and dress.... So + much for the higher order. Now, among the class of tradesmen and + shopkeepers, you may amuse yourself, my lord, with marking the difference + between them and persons of the same rank in London.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre had several commissions to execute for his English friends, + and he made it his amusement in every shop to observe the manners and + habits of the people. He remarked that there are in Dublin two classes of + tradespeople: one, who go into business with intent to make it their + occupation for life, and as a slow but sure means of providing for + themselves and their families; another class, who take up trade merely as + a temporary resource, to which they condescend for a few years, trusting + that they shall, in that time, make a fortune, retire, and commence or + recommence gentlemen. The Irish regular men of business are like all other + men of business—punctual, frugal, careful, and so forth; with the + addition of more intelligence, invention, and enterprise than are usually + found in Englishmen of the same rank. But the Dublin tradesmen PRO TEMPORE + are a class by themselves; they begin without capital, buy stock upon + credit in hopes of making large profits, and, in the same hopes, sell upon + credit. Now, if the credit they can obtain is longer than that which they + are forced to give, they go on and prosper; if not, they break, turn + bankrupts, and sometimes, as bankrupts, thrive. By such men, of course, + every SHORT CUT to fortune is followed; whilst every habit, which requires + time to prove its advantage, is disregarded; nor with such views can a + character for PUNCTUALITY have its just value. In the head of a man who + intends to be a tradesman to-day, and a gentleman to-morrow, the ideas of + the honesty and the duties of a tradesman, and of the honour and the + accomplishments of a gentleman, are oddly jumbled together, and the + characteristics of both are lost in the compound. + </p> + <p> + He will OBLIGE you, but he will not obey you; he will do you a favour, but + he will not do you JUSTICE; he will do ANYTHING TO SERVE YOU, but the + particular thing you order he neglects; he asks your pardon, for he would + not, for all the goods in his warehouse, DISOBLIGE you; not for the sake + of your custom, but he has a particular regard for your family. Economy, + in the eyes of such a tradesman, is, if not a mean vice, at least a shabby + virtue, which he is too polite to suspect his customers of, and + particularly proud to prove himself superior to. Many London tradesmen, + after making their thousands and their tens of thousands, feel pride in + still continuing to live like plain men of business; but from the moment a + Dublin tradesman of this style has made a few hundreds, he sets up his + gig, and then his head is in his carriage, and not in his business; and + when he has made a few thousands, he buys or builds a country-house—and + then, and thenceforward, his head, heart, and soul are in his + country-house, and only his body in the shop with his customers. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he is making money, his wife, or rather his lady, is spending twice + as much out of town as he makes in it. At the word country-house, let no + one figure to himself a snug little box, like that in which a WARM London + citizen, after long years of toil, indulges himself, one day out of seven, + in repose—enjoying from his gazabo the smell of the dust, and the + view of passing coaches on the London road. No: these Hibernian villas are + on a much more magnificent scale; some of them formerly belonged to Irish + members of Parliament, who are at a distance from their country-seats. + After the Union these were bought by citizens and tradesmen, who spoiled, + by the mixture of their own fancies, what had originally been designed by + men of good taste. + </p> + <p> + Some time after Lord Colambre's arrival in Dublin, he had an opportunity + of seeing one of these villas, which belonged to Mrs. Raffarty, a grocer's + lady, and sister to one of Lord Clonbrony's agents, Mr. Nicholas + Garraghty. Lord Colambre was surprised to find that his father's agent + resided in Dublin: he had been used to see agents, or stewards, as they + are called in England, live in the country, and usually on the estate of + which they have the management. Mr. Nicholas Garraghty, however, had a + handsome house in a fashionable part of Dublin. Lord Colambre called + several times to see him, but he was out of town, receiving rents for some + other gentlemen, as he was agent for more than one property. + </p> + <p> + Though our hero had not the honour of seeing Mr. Garraghty, he had the + pleasure of finding Mrs. Raffarty one day at her brother's house. Just as + his lordship came to the door, she was going, on her jaunting-car, to her + villa, called Tusculum, situate near Bray. She spoke much of the beauties + of the vicinity of Dublin; found his lordship was going with Sir James + Brooke and a party of gentlemen to see the county of Wicklow; and his + lordship and party were entreated to do her the honour of taking in his + way a little collation at Tusculum. + </p> + <p> + Our hero was glad to have an opportunity of seeing more of a species of + fine lady with which he was unacquainted. + </p> + <p> + The invitation was verbally made, and verbally accepted; but the lady + afterwards thought it necessary to send a written invitation in due form, + and the note she sent directed to the MOST RIGHT HONOURABLE the Lord + Viscount Colambre. On opening it he perceived that it could not have been + intended for him. It ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR JULIANA O'LEARY, I have got a promise from Colambre, that he will + be with us at Tusculum on Friday the 20th, in his way from the county of + Wicklow, for the collation I mentioned; and expect a large party of + officers; so pray come early, with your house, or as many as the + jaunting-car can bring. And pray, my dear, be ELEGANT. You need not let it + transpire to Mrs. O'G—; but make my apologies to Miss O'G—, if + she says anything, and tell her I'm quite concerned I can't ask her for + that day; because, tell her, I'm so crowded, and am to have none that day + but REAL QUALITY.—Yours ever and ever, ANASTASIA RAFFARTY. P.S.—And + I hope to make the gentlemen stop the night with me; so will not have + beds. Excuse haste, and compliments, etc. TUSCULUM, Sunday 15. + </p> + <p> + After a charming tour in the county of Wicklow, where the beauty of the + natural scenery, and the taste with which those natural beauties had been + cultivated, far surpassed the sanguine expectations Lord Colambre had + formed, his lordship and his companions arrived at Tusculum, where he + found Mrs. Raffarty, and Miss Juliana O'Leary, very elegant, with a large + party of the ladies and gentlemen of Bray, assembled in a drawing-room, + fine with bad pictures and gaudy gilding; the windows were all shut, and + the company were playing cards with all their might. This was the fashion + of the neighbourhood. In compliment to Lord Colambre and the officers, the + ladies left the card-tables; and Mrs. Raffarty, observing that his + lordship seemed PARTIAL to walking, took him out, as she said, 'to do the + honours of nature and art.' + </p> + <p> + His lordship was much amused by the mixture, which was now exhibited to + him, of taste and incongruity, ingenuity and absurdity, genius and + blunder; by the contrast between the finery and vulgarity, the affectation + and ignorance of the lady of the villa. We should be obliged to STOP too + long at Tusculum were we to attempt to detail all the odd circumstances of + this visit; but we may record an example or two which may give a + sufficient idea of the whole. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, before they left the drawing-room, Miss Juliana + O'Leary pointed out to his lordship's attention a picture over the + drawing-room chimney-piece. 'Is not it a fine piece, my lord?' said she, + naming the price Mrs. Raffarty had lately paid for it at an auction.—'It + has a right to be a fine piece, indeed; for it cost a fine price!' + Nevertheless this FINE piece was a vile daub; and our hero could only + avoid the sin of flattery, or the danger of offending the lady, by + protesting that he had no judgment in pictures. + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, I don't pretend to be a connoisseur or conoscenti myself; but I'm + told the style is undeniably modern. And was not I lucky, Juliana, not to + let that MEDONA be knocked down to me? I was just going to bid, when I + heard such smart bidding; but fortunately the auctioneer let out that it + was done by a very old master—a hundred years old. Oh! your most + obedient, thinks I!—if that's the case, it's not for my money; so I + bought this, in lieu of the smoke-dried thing, and had it a bargain.' + </p> + <p> + In architecture, Mrs. Rafferty had as good a taste and as much skill as in + painting. There had been a handsome portico in front of the house; but + this interfering with the lady's desire to have a veranda, which she said + could not be dispensed with, she had raised the whole portico to the + second story, where it stood, or seemed to stand, upon a tarpaulin roof. + But Mrs. Raffarty explained that the pillars, though they looked so + properly substantial, were really hollow and as light as feathers, and + were supported with cramps, without DISOBLIGING the front wall of the + house at all to signify. + </p> + <p> + 'Before she showed the company any farther,' she said, 'she must premise + to his lordship, that she had been originally stinted in room for her + improvements, so that she could not follow her genius liberally; she had + been reduced to have some things on a confined scale, and occasionally to + consult her pocket-compass; but she prided herself upon having put as much + into a light pattern as could well be; that had been her whole ambition, + study, and problem, for she was determined to have at least the honour of + having a little TASTE of everything at Tusculum.' + </p> + <p> + So she led the way to a little conservatory, and a little pinery, and a + little grapery, and a little aviary, and a little pheasantry, and a little + dairy for show, and a little cottage for ditto, with a grotto full of + shells, and a little hermitage full of earwigs, and a little ruin full of + looking-glass, 'to enlarge and multiply the effect of the Gothic.' 'But + you could only put your head in, because it was just fresh painted, and + though there had been a fire ordered in the ruin all night, it had only + smoked.' + </p> + <p> + In all Mrs. Raffarty's buildings, whether ancient or modern, there was a + studied crookedness. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' she said, 'she hated everything straight, it was so formal and + UNPICTURESQUE. Uniformity and conformity, she observed, had their day; but + now, thank the stars of the present day, irregularity and deformity bear + the bell, and have the majority.' + </p> + <p> + As they proceeded and walked through the grounds, from which Mrs. + Raffarty, though she had done her best, could not take that which nature + had given, she pointed out to my lord 'a happy moving termination,' + consisting of a Chinese bridge, with a fisherman leaning over the rails. + On a sudden, the fisherman was seen to tumble over the bridge into the + water. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen ran to extricate the poor fellow, while they heard Mrs. + Raffarty bawling to his lordship, to beg he would never mind, and not + trouble himself. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the bridge, they saw the man hanging from part of the + bridge, and apparently struggling in the water; but when they attempted to + pull him up, they found it was only a stuffed figure which had been pulled + into the stream by a real fish, which had seized hold of the bait. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Raffarty, vexed by the fisherman's fall, and by the laughter it + occasioned, did not recover herself sufficiently to be happily ridiculous + during the remainder of the walk, nor till dinner was announced, when she + apologised for 'having changed the collation, at first intended, into a + dinner, which she hoped would be found no bad substitute, and which she + flattered herself might prevail on my lord and the gentlemen to sleep, as + there was no moon.' + </p> + <p> + The dinner had two great faults—profusion and pretension. There was, + in fact, ten times more on the table than was necessary; and the + entertainment was far above the circumstances of the person by whom it was + given; for instance, the dish of fish at the head of the table had been + brought across the island from Sligo, and had cost five guineas; as the + lady of the house failed not to make known. But, after all, things were + not of a piece; there was a disparity between the entertainment and the + attendants; there was no proportion or fitness of things—a painful + endeavour at what could not be attained, and a toiling in vain to conceal + and repair deficiencies and blunders. Had the mistress of the house been + quiet; had she, as Mrs. Broadhurst would say, but let things alone, let + things take their course, all would have passed off with well-bred people; + but she was incessantly apologising, and fussing, and fretting inwardly + and outwardly, and directing and calling to her servants—striving to + make a butler who was deaf, a boy who was hare-brained, do the business of + five accomplished footmen of PARTS and FIGURE. The mistress of the house + called for 'plates, clean plates!-hot plates!' + </p> + <p> + 'But none did come, when she did call for them.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Raffarty called 'Larry! Larry! My lord's plate, there!—James! + bread to Captain Bowles!—James! port wine to the major!—James! + James Kenny! James!' + </p> + <p> + 'And panting James toiled after her in vain.' + </p> + <p> + At length one course was fairly got through, and after a torturing + half-hour, the second course appeared, and James Kenny was intent upon one + thing, and Larry upon another, so that the wine-sauce for the hare was + spilt by their collision; but, what was worse, there seemed little chance + that the whole of this second course should ever be placed altogether + rightly upon the table. Mrs. Raffarty cleared her throat, and nodded, and + pointed, and sighed, and set Larry after Kenny, and Kenny after Larry; for + what one did, the other undid; and at last the lady's anger kindled, and + she spoke: + </p> + <p> + 'Kenny! James Kenny! set the sea-cale at this corner, and put down the + grass cross-corners; and match your macaroni yonder with THEM puddens, set—Ogh! + James! the pyramid in the middle, can't ye?' + </p> + <p> + The pyramid, in changing places, was overturned. Then it was that the + mistress of the feast, falling back in her seat, and lifting up her hands + and eyes in despair, ejaculated, 'Oh, James! James!' + </p> + <p> + The pyramid was raised by the assistance of the military engineers, and + stood trembling again on its base; but the lady's temper could not be so + easily restored to its equilibrium. + </p> + <p> + The comedy of errors, which this day's visit exhibited, amused all the + spectators. But Lord Colambre, after he had smiled, sometimes sighed.—Similar + foibles and follies in persons of different rank, fortune, and manner, + appear to common observers so unlike, that they laugh without scruples of + conscience in one case, at what in another ought to touch themselves most + nearly. It was the same desire to appear what they were not, the same vain + ambition to vie with superior rank and fortune, or fashion, which actuated + Lady Clonbrony and Mrs. Raffarty; and whilst this ridiculous grocer's wife + made herself the sport of some of her guests, Lord Colambre sighed, from + the reflection that what she was to them, his mother was to persons in a + higher rank of fashion.—He sighed still more deeply, when he + considered, that, in whatever station or with whatever fortune, + extravagance, that is the living beyond our income, must lead to distress + and meanness, and end in shame and ruin. In the morning, as they were + riding away from Tusculum and talking over their visit, the officers + laughed heartily, and rallying Lord Colambre upon his seriousness, accused + him of having fallen in love with Mrs. Raffarty, or with the ELEGANT Miss + Juliana. Our hero, who wished never to be nice overmuch, or serious out of + season, laughed with those that laughed, and endeavoured to catch the + spirit of the jest. But Sir James Brooke, who now was well acquainted with + his countenance, and who knew something of the history of his family, + understood his real feelings, and, sympathising in them, endeavoured to + give the conversation a new turn. + </p> + <p> + 'Look there, Bowles,' said he, as they were just riding into the town of + Bray; 'look at the barouche, standing at that green door, at the farthest + end of the town. Is not that Lady Dashfort's barouche?' + </p> + <p> + 'It looks like what she sported in Dublin last year,' said Bowles; 'but + you don't think she'd give us the same two seasons? Besides, she is not in + Ireland, is she? I did not hear of her intending to come over again.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' said another officer; 'she will come again to so good + a market, to marry her other daughter. I hear she said, or swore, that she + will marry the young widow, Lady Isabel, to an Irish nobleman.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whatever she says, she swears, and whatever she swears, she'll do,' + replied Bowles. 'Have a care, my Lord Colambre; if she sets her heart upon + you for Lady Isabel, she has you. Nothing can save you. Heart she has + none, so there you're safe, my lord,' said the other officer; 'but if Lady + Isabel sets her eye upon you, no basilisk's is surer.' + </p> + <p> + 'But if Lady Dashfort had landed I am sure we should have heard of it, for + she makes noise enough wherever she goes; especially in Dublin, where all + she said and did was echoed and magnified, till one could hear of nothing + else. I don't think she has landed.' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope to Heaven they may never land again in Ireland!' cried Sir James + Brooke; 'one worthless woman, especially one worthless Englishwoman of + rank, does incalculable mischief in a country like this, which looks up to + the sister country for fashion. For my own part, as a warm friend to + Ireland, I would rather see all the toads and serpents, and venomous + reptiles, that St. Patrick carried off in his bag, come back to this + island, than these two DASHERS. Why, they would bite half the women and + girls in the kingdom with the rage for mischief, before half the husbands + and fathers could turn their heads about. And, once bit, there's no cure + in nature or art.' + </p> + <p> + 'No horses to this barouche!' cried Captain Bowles.—'Pray, sir, + whose carriage is this?' said the captain to a servant who was standing + beside it. + </p> + <p> + 'My Lady Dashfort, sir, it belongs to,' answered the servant, in rather a + surly English tone; and turning to a boy who was lounging at the door—'Pat, + bid them bring out the horses, for my ladies is in a hurry to get home.' + </p> + <p> + Captain Bowles stopped to make his servant alter the girths of his horse, + and to satisfy his curiosity; and the whole party halted. Captain Bowles + beckoned to the landlord of the inn, who was standing at his door. + </p> + <p> + 'So, Lady Dashfort is here again?—This is her barouche, is not it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, sir, she is—it is.' + </p> + <p> + 'And has she sold her fine horses?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, sir—this is not her carriage at all—she is not here. + That is, she is here, in Ireland; but down in the county of Wicklow, on a + visit. And this is not her own carriage at all;—that is to say, not + that which she has with herself, driving; but only just the cast barouche + like, as she keeps for the lady's maids.' + </p> + <p> + 'For the lady's maids! that is good! that is new, faith! Sir James, do you + hear that?' + </p> + <p> + 'Indeed, then, and it's true, and not a word of a lie!' said the honest + landlord. 'And this minute, we've got a directory of five of them + abigails, sitting within in our house; as fine ladies, as great dashers, + too, every bit as their principals; and kicking up as much dust on the + road, every grain!—Think of them, now! The likes of them, that must + have four horses, and would not stir a foot with one less!—As the + gentleman's gentleman there was telling and boasting to me about now, when + the barouche was ordered for them, there at the lady's house, where Lady + Dashfort is on a visit—they said they would not get in till they'd + get four horses; and their ladies backed them; and so the four horses was + got; and they just drove out here, to see the points of view for fashion's + sake, like their betters; and up with their glasses, like their ladies; + and then out with their watches, and "Isn't it time to lunch?" So there + they have been lunching within on what they brought with them; for nothing + in our house could they touch, of course! They brought themselves a + PICKNICK lunch, with Madeira and Champagne to wash it down. Why, + gentlemen, what do you think, but a set of them, as they were bragging to + me, turned out of a boarding-house at Cheltenham, last year, because they + had not peach-pies to their lunch!—But here they come! shawls, and + veils, and all!—streamers flying! But mum is my cue!—Captain, + are these girths to your fancy now?' said the landlord, aloud; then, as he + stooped to alter a buckle, he said, in a voice meant to be heard only by + Captain Bowles, 'If there's a tongue, male or female, in the three + kingdoms, it's in that foremost woman, Mrs. Petito.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs. Petito!' repeated Lord Colambre, as the name caught his ear; and, + approaching the barouche in which the five abigails were now seated, he + saw the identical Mrs. Petito, who, when he left London, had been in his + mother's service. + </p> + <p> + She recognised his lordship with very gracious intimacy; and, before he + had time to ask any questions, she answered all she conceived he was going + to ask, and with a volubility which justified the landlord's eulogium of + her tongue. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my lord! I left my Lady Clonbrony some time back—the day after + you left town; and both her ladyship and Miss Nugent was charmingly, and + would have sent their loves to your lordship, I'm sure, if they'd any + notion I should have met you, my lord, so soon. And I was very sorry to + part with them; but the fact was, my lord,' said Mrs. Petito, laying a + detaining hand upon Lord Colambre's whip, one end of which he unwittingly + trusted within her reach,—'I and my lady had a little difference, + which the best friends, you know, sometimes have; so my Lady Clonbrony was + so condescending to give me up to my Lady Dashfort—and I knew no + more than the child unborn that her ladyship had it in contemplation to + cross the seas. But, to oblige my lady, and as Colonel Heathcock, with his + regiment of militia, was coming for purtection in the packet at the same + time, and we to have the government-yacht, I waived my objections to + Ireland. And, indeed, though I was greatly frighted at first, having heard + all we've heard, you know, my lord, from Lady Clonbrony, of there being no + living in Ireland, and expecting to see no trees nor accommodation, nor + anything but bogs all along; yet I declare, I was very agreeably + surprised; for, as far as I've seen at Dublin and in the vicinity, the + accommodations, and everything of that nature, now is vastly put-up-able + with!'—'My lord,' said Sir James Brooke, 'we shall be late.' Lord + Colambre, shortly withdrawing his whip from Mrs. Petito, turned his horse + away. She, stretching over the back of the barouche as he rode off, bawled + to him— + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, we're at Stephen's Green, when we're at Dublin.' But as he did + not choose to hear, she raised her voice to its highest pitch, adding— + </p> + <p> + 'And where are you, my lord, to be found!—as I have a parcel of Miss + Nugent's for you.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre instantly turned back, and gave his direction. + </p> + <p> + 'Cleverly done, faith!' said the major. 'I did not hear her say when Lady + Dashfort is to be in town,' said Captain Bowles. + </p> + <p> + 'What, Bowles! have you a mind to lose more of your guineas to Lady + Dashfort, and to be jockied out of another horse by Lady Isabel?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! confound it—no! I'll keep out of the way of that—I have + had enough,' said Captain Bowles; 'it is my Lord Colambre's turn now; you + hear that Lady Dashfort would be very PROUD to see him. His lordship is in + for it, and with such an auxiliary as Mrs. Petito, Lady Dashfort has him + for Lady Isabel, as sure as he has a heart or hand.' + </p> + <p> + 'My compliments to the ladies, but my heart is engaged,' said Lord + Colambre; 'and my hand shall go with my heart, or not at all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Engaged! engaged to a very amiable, charming woman, no doubt,' said Sir + James Brooke. 'I have an excellent opinion of your taste; and if you can + return the compliment to my judgment, take my advice: don't trust to your + heart's being engaged, much less plead that engagement; for it would be + Lady Dashfort's sport, and Lady Isabel's joy, to make you break your + engagement, and break your mistress's heart; the fairer, the more amiable, + the more beloved, the greater the triumph, the greater the delight in + giving pain. All the time love would be out of the question; neither + mother nor daughter would care if you were hanged, or, as Lady Dashfort + would herself have expressed it, if you were d-d.' + </p> + <p> + 'With such women, I should think a man's heart could be in no great + danger,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'There you might be mistaken, my lord; there's a way to every man's heart, + which no man in his own case is aware of, but which every woman knows + right well, and none better than these ladies—by his vanity.' + </p> + <p> + 'True,' said Captain Bowles. + </p> + <p> + 'I am not so vain as to think myself without vanity,' said Lord Colambre; + 'but love, I should imagine, is a stronger passion than vanity.' + </p> + <p> + 'You should imagine! Stay till you are tried, my lord. Excuse me,' said + Captain Bowles, laughing. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre felt the good sense of this, and determined to have nothing + to do with these dangerous ladies; indeed, though he had talked, he had + scarcely yet thought of them; for his imagination was intent upon that + packet from Miss Nugent, which Mrs. Petito said she had for him. He heard + nothing of it, or of her, for some days. He sent his servant every day to + Stephen's Green to inquire if Lady Dashfort had returned to town. Her + ladyship at last returned; but Mrs. Petito could not deliver the parcel to + any hand but Lord Colambre's own, and she would not stir out, because her + lady was indisposed. No longer able to restrain his impatience, Lord + Colambre went himself—knocked at Lady Dashfort's door—inquired + for Mrs. Petito—was shown into her parlour. The parcel was delivered + to him; but to his utter disappointment, it was a parcel FOR, not FROM + Miss Nugent. It contained merely an odd volume of some book of Miss + Nugent's which Mrs. Petito said she had put up along with her things IN A + MISTAKE, and she thought it her duty to return it by the next opportunity + of a safe conveyance. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Lord Colambre, to comfort himself for his disappointment, was + fixing his eyes upon Miss Nugent's name, written by her own hand, in the + first leaf of the book, the door opened, and the figure of an + interesting-looking woman, in deep mourning, appeared—appeared for + one moment, and retired. + </p> + <p> + 'Only my Lord Colambre, about a parcel I was bringing for him from + England, my lady—my Lady Isabel, my lord,' said Mrs. Petito. Whilst + Mrs. Petito was saying this, the entrance and retreat had been made, and + made with such dignity, grace, and modesty; with such innocence, dove-like + eyes had been raised upon him, fixed and withdrawn; with such a gracious + bend the Lady Isabel had bowed to him as she retired; with such a smile, + and with so soft a voice, had repeated 'Lord Colambre!' that his lordship, + though well aware that all this was mere acting, could not help saying to + himself as he left the house: + </p> + <p> + 'It is a pity it is only acting. There is certainly something very + engaging in this woman. It is a pity she is an actress. And so young! A + much younger woman than I expected. A widow before most women are wives. + So young, surely she cannot be such a fiend as they described her to be!' + A few nights afterwards Lord Colambre was with some of his acquaintance at + the theatre, when Lady Isabel and her mother came into the box, where + seats had been reserved for them, and where their appearance instantly + made that sensation which is usually created by the entrance of persons of + the first notoriety in the fashionable world. Lord Colambre was not a man + to be dazzled by fashion, or to mistake notoriety for deference paid to + merit, and for the admiration commanded by beauty or talents. Lady + Dashfort's coarse person, loud voice, daring manners, and indelicate wit, + disgusted him almost past endurance, He saw Sir James Brooke in the box + opposite to him; and twice determined to go round to him. His lordship had + crossed the benches, and once his hand was upon the lock of the door; but + attracted as much by the daughter as repelled by the mother, he could move + no farther. The mother's masculine boldness heightened, by contrast, the + charms of the daughter's soft sentimentality. The Lady Isabel seemed to + shrink from the indelicacy of her mother's manners, and seemed peculiarly + distressed by the strange efforts Lady Dashfort made, from time to time, + to drag her forward, and to fix upon her the attention of gentlemen. + Colonel Heathcock, who, as Mrs. Petito had informed Lord Colambre, had + come over with his regiment to Ireland, was beckoned into their box by + Lady Dashfort, by her squeezed into a seat next to Lady Isabel; but Lady + Isabel seemed to feel sovereign contempt, properly repressed by + politeness, for what, in a low whisper to a female friend on the other + side of her, she called, 'the self-sufficient inanity of this sad + coxcomb.' Other coxcombs, of a more vivacious style, who stationed + themselves round her mother, or to whom her mother stretched from box to + box to talk, seemed to engage no more of Lady Isabel's attention than just + what she was compelled to give by Lady Dashfort's repeated calls of— + </p> + <p> + 'Isabel! Isabel! Colonel G— Isabel! Lord D— bowing to you, + Belie! Belie! Sir Harry B— Isabel, child, with your eyes on the + stage? Did you never see a play before? Novice! Major P—waiting to + catch your eye this quarter of an hour; and now her eyes gone down to her + play-bill! Sir Harry, do take it from her. + </p> + <p> + 'Were eyes so radiant only made to read?' + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel appeared to suffer so exquisitely and so naturally from this + persecution, that Lord Colambre said to himself— + </p> + <p> + 'If this be acting, it is the best acting I ever saw. If this be art, it + deserves to be nature.' + </p> + <p> + And with this sentiment he did himself the honour of handing Lady Isabel + to her carriage this night, and with this sentiment he awoke next morning; + and by the time he had dressed and breakfasted he determined that it was + impossible all that he had seen could be acting. 'No woman, no young + woman, could have such art. Sir James Brooke had been unwarrantably + severe; he would go and tell him so.' + </p> + <p> + But Sir James Brooke this day received orders for his regiment to march to + quarters in a distant part of Ireland. His head was full of arms, and + ammunition, and knapsacks, and billets, and routes; and there was no + possibility, even in the present chivalrous disposition of our hero, to + enter upon the defence of the Lady Isabel. Indeed, in the regret he felt + for the approaching and unexpected departure of his friend, Lord Colambre + forgot the fair lady. But just when Sir James had his foot in the stirrup, + he stopped. + </p> + <p> + 'By the bye, my dear lord, I saw you at the play last night. You seemed to + be much interested. Don't think me impertinent, if I remind you of our + conversation when we were riding home from Tusculum; and if I warn you,' + said he, mounting his horse, 'to beware of counterfeits—for such are + abroad.' Reining in his impatient steed, Sir James turned again and added, + 'DEEDS NOT WORDS, is my motto. Remember, we can judge better by the + conduct of people towards others than by their manner towards ourselves.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + Our hero was quite convinced of the good sense of his friend's last + remark, that it is safer to judge of people by their conduct to others + than by their manners towards ourselves; but as yet, he felt scarcely any + interest on the subject of Lady Dashfort or Lady Isabel's characters; + however, he inquired and listened to all the evidence he could obtain + respecting this mother and daughter. + </p> + <p> + He heard terrible reports of the mischief they had done in families; the + extravagance into which they had led men; the imprudence, to say no worse, + into which they had betrayed women. Matches broken off, reputations + ruined, husbands alienated from their wives, and wives made jealous of + their husbands. But in some of these stories he discovered exaggeration so + flagrant as to make him doubt the whole; in others, it could not be + positively determined whether the mother or daughter had been the person + most to blame. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre always followed the charitable rule of believing only half + what the world says, and here he thought it fair to believe which half he + pleased. He further observed, that, though all joined in abusing these + ladies in their absence, when present they seemed universally admired. + Though everybody cried 'Shame!' and 'shocking!' yet everybody visited + them. No parties so crowded as Lady Dashfort's; no party deemed pleasant + or fashionable where Lady Dashfort or Lady Isabel was not. The bon-mots of + the mother were everywhere repeated; the dress and air of the daughter + everywhere imitated. Yet Lord Colambre could not help being surprised at + their popularity in Dublin, because, independently of all moral + objections, there were causes of a different sort, sufficient, he thought, + to prevent Lady Dashfort from being liked by the Irish; indeed by any + society. She in general affected to be ill-bred, and inattentive to the + feelings and opinions of others; careless whom she offended by her wit or + by her decided tone. There are some persons in so high a region of + fashion, that they imagine themselves above the thunder of vulgar censure. + Lady Dashfort felt herself in this exalted situation, and fancied she + might 'hear the innocuous thunder roll below.' Her rank was so high that + none could dare to call her vulgar; what would have been gross in any one + of meaner note, in her was freedom, or originality, or Lady Dashfort's + way. It was Lady Dashfort's pleasure and pride to show her power in + perverting the public taste. She often said to those English companions + with whom she was intimate, 'Now see what follies I can lead these fools + into. Hear the nonsense I can make them repeat as wit.' Upon some + occasion, one of her friends VENTURED to fear that something she had said + was TOO STRONG. 'Too strong, was it? Well, I like to be strong—woe + be to the weak.' On another occasion she was told that certain visitors + had seen her ladyship yawning. 'Yawn, did I?—glad of it—the + yawn sent them away, or I should have snored;—rude, was I? they + won't complain. To say I was rude to them would be to say, that I did not + think it worth my while to be otherwise. Barbarians! are not we the + civilised English, come to teach them manners and fashions? Whoever does + not conform, and swear allegiance too, we shall keep out of the English + pale.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Dashfort forced her way, and she set the fashion: fashion, which + converts the ugliest dress into what is beautiful and charming, governs + the public mode in morals and in manners; and thus, when great talents and + high rank combine, they can debase or elevate the public taste. + </p> + <p> + With Lord Colambre she played more artfully; she drew him out in defence + of his beloved country, and gave him opportunities of appearing to + advantage; this he could not help feeling, especially when the Lady Isabel + was present. Lady Dashfort had dealt long enough with human nature to + know, that to make any man pleased with her, she should begin by making + him pleased with himself. + </p> + <p> + Insensibly the antipathy that Lord Colambre had originally felt to Lady + Dashfort wore off; her faults, he began to think, were assumed; he + pardoned her defiance of good breeding, when he observed that she could, + when she chose it, be most engagingly polite. It was not that she did not + know what was right, but that she did not think it always for her interest + to practise it. + </p> + <p> + The party opposed to Lady Dashfort affirmed that her wit depended merely + on unexpectedness; a characteristic which may be applied to any + impropriety of speech, manner, or conduct. In some of her ladyship's + repartees, however, Lord Colambre now acknowledged there was more than + unexpectedness; there was real wit; but it was of a sort utterly unfit for + a woman, and he was sorry that Lady Isabel should hear it. In short, + exceptionable as it was altogether, Lady Dashfort's conversation had + become entertaining to him; and though he could never esteem or feel in + the least interested about her, he began to allow that she could be + agreeable. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, I knew how it would be,' said she, when some of her friends told her + this. 'He began by detesting me, and did I not tell you that, if I thought + it worth my while to make him like me, he must, sooner or later. I delight + in seeing people begin with me as they do with olives, making all manner + of horrid faces and silly protestations that they will never touch an + olive again as long as they live; but, after a little time, these very + folk grow so desperately fond of olives, that there is no dessert without + them. Isabel, child, you are in the sweet line—but sweets cloy. You + never heard of anybody living on marmalade, did ye?'—Lady Isabel + answered by a sweet smile.—'To do you justice, you play Lydia + Languish vastly well,' pursued the mother; 'but Lydia, by herself, would + soon tire; somebody must keep up the spirit and bustle, and carry on the + plot of the piece; and I am that somebody—as you shall see. Is not + that our hero's voice, which I hear on the stairs?' + </p> + <p> + It was Lord Colambre. His lordship had by this time become a constant + visitor at Lady Dashfort's. Not that he had forgotten, or that he meant to + disregard his friend Sir James Brooke's parting words. He promised himself + faithfully, that if anything should occur to give him reason to suspect + designs, such as those to which the warning pointed, he would be on his + guard, and would prove his generalship by an able retreat. But to imagine + attacks where none were attempted, to suspect ambuscades in the open + country, would be ridiculous and cowardly. + </p> + <p> + 'No,' thought our hero; 'Heaven forfend I should be such a coxcomb as to + fancy every woman who speaks to me has designs upon my precious heart, or + on my more precious estate!' As he walked from his hotel to Lady + Dashfort's house, ingeniously wrong, he came to this conclusion, just as + he ascended the stairs, and just as her ladyship had settled her future + plan of operations. + </p> + <p> + After talking over the nothings of the day, and after having given two or + three CUTS at the society of Dublin, with two or three compliments to + individuals, who, she knew, were favourites with his lordship, she + suddenly turned to him— + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, I think you told me, or my own sagacity discovered, that you + want to see something of Ireland, and that you don't intend, like most + travellers, to turn round, see nothing, and go home content.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre assured her ladyship that she had judged him rightly, for, + that nothing would content him but seeing all that was possible to be seen + of his native country. It was for this special purpose he came to Ireland. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!—well—very good purpose—can't be better; but now, + how to accomplish it. You know the Portuguese proverb says, "You go to + hell for the good things you intend to do, and to heaven for those you + do." Now let us see what you will do. Dublin, I suppose, you've seen + enough of by this time; through and through—round and round this + makes me first giddy and then sick. Let me show you the country—not + the face of it, but the body of it—the people. Not Castle this, or + Newtown that, but their inhabitants. I know them; I have the key, or the + picklock to their minds. An Irishman is as different an animal on his + guard, and off his guard, as a miss in school from a miss out of school. A + fine country for game, I'll show you; and, if you are a good marksman, you + may have plenty of shots "at folly as it flies."' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre smiled. 'As to Isabel,' pursued her ladyship, 'I shall put + her in charge of Heathcock, who is going with us. She won't thank me for + that, but you will. Nay, no fibs, man; you know, I know, as who does not + that has seen the world, that though a pretty woman is a mighty pretty + thing, yet she is confoundedly in one's way, when anything else is to be + seen, heard—or understood.' + </p> + <p> + Every objection anticipated and removed, and so far a prospect held out of + attaining all the information he desired, with more than all the amusement + he could have expected, Lord Colambre seemed much tempted to accept the + invitation; but he hesitated, because, as he said, her ladyship might be + going to pay visits where he was not acquainted. + </p> + <p> + 'Bless you! don't let that be a stumbling-block in the way of your tender + conscience. I am going to Killpatrickstown, where you'll be as welcome as + light. You know them, they know you; at least you shall have a proper + letter of invitation from my Lord and my Lady Killpatrick, and all that. + And as to the rest, you know a young man is always welcome every-where, a + young nobleman kindly welcome,—I won't say such a young man, and + such a young nobleman, for that might put you to pour bows or your blushes—but + NOBILITAS by itself, nobility is enough in all parties, in all families, + where there are girls, and of course balls, as there are always at + Killpatrickstown. Don't be alarmed; you shall not be forced to dance, or + asked to marry. I'll be your security. You shall be at full liberty; and + it is a house where you can do just what you will. Indeed, I go to no + others. These Killpatricks are the best creatures in the world; they think + nothing good or grand enough for me. If I'd let them, they would lay down + cloth of gold over their bogs for me to walk upon.—Good-hearted + beings!' added Lady Dashfort, marking a cloud gathering on Lord Colambre's + countenance. 'I laugh at them, because I love them. I could not love + anything I might not laugh at—your lordship excepted. So you'll come—that's + settled.' + </p> + <p> + And so it was settled. Our hero went to Killpatrickstown. + </p> + <p> + 'Everything here sumptuous and unfinished, you see,' said Lady Dashfort to + Lord Colambre, the day after their arrival. 'All begun as if the + projectors thought they had the command of the mines of Peru, and ended as + if the possessors had not sixpence; DES ARRANGEMENS PROVISATOIRES, + temporary expedients; in plain English, MAKE-SHIFTS. Luxuries, enough for + an English prince of the blood; comforts, not enough for an English woman. + And you may be sure that great repairs and alterations have gone on to fit + this house for our reception, and for our English eyes!—Poor people!—English + visitors, in this point of view, are horribly expensive to the Irish. Did + you ever hear that, in the last century, or in the century before the + last, to put my story far enough back, so that it shall not touch anybody + living; when a certain English nobleman, Lord Blank A—, sent to let + his Irish friend, Lord Blank B—, know that he and all his train were + coming over to pay him a visit; the Irish nobleman, Blank B—, + knowing the deplorable condition of his castle, sat down fairly to + calculate whether it would cost him most to put the building in good and + sufficient repair, fit to receive these English visitors, or to burn it to + the ground. He found the balance to be in favour of burning, which was + wisely accomplished next day. Perhaps Killpatrick would have done well to + follow this example. Resolve me which is worst, to be burnt out of house + and home, or to be eaten out of house and home. In this house, above and + below stairs, including first and second table, housekeeper's room, lady's + maids' room, butler's room, and gentleman's, one hundred and four people + sit down to dinner every day, as Petito informs me, beside kitchen boys, + and what they call CHAR-women who never sit down, but who do not eat or + waste the less for that; and retainers and friends, friends to the fifth + and sixth generation, who "must get their bit and their sup;" for, "sure, + it's only Biddy," they say,' continued Lady Dashfort, imitating their + Irish brogue, 'find, "sure, 'tis nothing at all, out of all his honour, my + lord, has. How could he FEEL it! [Feel it: become sensible of it, know + it.] Long life to him! He's not that way: not a couple in all Ireland, and + that's saying a great dale, looks less after their own, nor is more + off-handeder, or open-hearteder, or greater open-house-keepers, NOR [than] + my Lord and my Lady Killpatrick." Now there's encouragement for a lord and + a lady to ruin themselves.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Dashfort imitated the Irish brogue in perfection; boasted that 'she + was mistress of fourteen different brogues, and had brogues for all + occasions.' By her mixture of mimickry, sarcasm, exaggeration, and truth, + she succeeded continually in making Lord Colambre laugh at everything at + which she wished to make him laugh; at every THING, but not every BODY + whenever she became personal, he became serious, or at least endeavoured + to become serious; and if he could not instantly resume the command of his + risible muscles, he reproached himself. + </p> + <p> + 'It is shameful to laugh at these people, indeed, Lady Dashfort, in their + own house—these hospitable people, who are entertaining us.' + </p> + <p> + 'Entertaining us! true, and if we are ENTERTAINED, how can we help + laughing?' + </p> + <p> + All expostulation was thus turned off by a jest, as it was her pride to + make Lord Colambre laugh in spite of his better feelings and principles. + This he saw, and this seemed to him to be her sole object; but there he + was mistaken. OFF-HANDED as she pretended to be, none dealt more in the + IMPROMPTU FAIT A LOISIR; and mentally short-sighted as she affected to be, + none had more LONGANIMITY for their own interest. + </p> + <p> + It was her settled purpose to make the Irish and Ireland ridiculous and + contemptible to Lord Colambre; to disgust him with his native country; to + make him abandon the wish of residing on his own estate. To confirm him an + absentee was her object previously to her ultimate plan of marrying him to + her daughter. Her daughter was poor, she would therefore be glad to GET an + Irish peer for her; but would be very sorry, she said, to see Isabel + banished to Ireland; and the young widow declared she could never bring + herself to be buried alive in Clonbrony Castle. + </p> + <p> + In addition to these considerations, Lady Dashfort received certain hints + from Mrs. Petito, which worked all to the same point. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, yes, my lady; I heard a great deal about all that when I was at Lady + Clonbrony's,' said Petito, one day, as she was attending at her lady's + toilette, and encouraged to begin chattering. 'And I own I was originally + under the universal error, that my Lord Colambre was to be married to the + great heiress, Miss Broadhurst; but I have been converted and reformed on + that score, and am at present quite in another way and style of thinking.' + </p> + <p> + Petito paused, in hopes that her lady would ask, what was her present way + of thinking? But Lady Dashfort, certain that she would tell her without + being asked, did not take the trouble to speak, particularly as she did + not choose to appear violently interested on the subject.—'My + present way of thinking,' resumed Petito, 'is in consequence of my having, + with my own eyes and ears, witnessed and overheard his lordship's + behaviour and words, the morning he was coming away from LUNNUN for + Ireland; when he was morally certain nobody was up, nor overhearing, nor + overseeing him, there did I notice him, my lady, stopping in the + antechamber, ejaculating over one of Miss Nugent's gloves, which he had + picked up. "Limerick!" said he, quite loud to himself; for it was a + Limerick glove, my lady,—"Limerick!—dear Ireland! she loves + you as well as I do!"—or words to that effect; and then a sigh, and + downstairs and off: So, thinks I, now the cat's out of the bag. And I + wouldn't give much myself for Miss Broadhurst's chance of that young lord, + with all her bank stock, scrip, and OMNUM. Now, I see how the land lies, + and I'm sorry for it; for she's no FORTIN; and she's so proud, she never + said a hint to me of the matter; but my Lord Colambre is a sweet + gentleman; and—' + </p> + <p> + 'Petito! don't run on so; you must not meddle with what you don't + understand: the Miss Killpatricks, to be sure, are sweet girls, + particularly the youngest.'—Her ladyship's toilette was finished; + and she left Petito to go down to my Lady Killpatrick's woman, to tell, as + a very great secret, the schemes that were in contemplation among the + higher powers, in favour of the youngest of the Miss Killpatricks. + </p> + <p> + 'So Ireland is at the bottom of his heart, is it?' repeated Lady Dashfort + to herself; 'it shall not be long so.' From this time forward, not a day, + scarcely an hour passed, but her ladyship did or said something to + depreciate the country, or its inhabitants, in our hero's estimation. With + treacherous ability, she knew and followed all the arts of + misrepresentation; all those injurious arts which his friend, Sir James + Brooke, had, with such honest indignation, reprobated. She knew how, not + only to seize the ridiculous points, to make the most respectable people + ridiculous, but she knew how to select the worst instances, the worst + exceptions; and to produce them as examples, as precedents, from which to + condemn whole classes, and establish general false conclusions respecting + a nation. + </p> + <p> + In the neighbourhood of Killpatrickstown, Lady Dashfort said, there were + several SQUIREENS, or little squires; a race of men who have succeeded to + the BUCKEENS, described by Young and Crumpe. SQUIREENS are persons who, + with good long leases, or valuable farms, possess incomes from three to + eight hundred a year; who keep a pack of hounds; TAKE OUT a commission of + the peace, sometimes before they can spell (as her ladyship said), and + almost always before they know anything of law or justice! Busy and loud + about small matters; JOBBERS AT ASSIZES, combining with one another, and + trying upon every occasion, public or private, to push themselves forward, + to the annoyance of their superiors, and the terror of those below them. + </p> + <p> + In the usual course of things, these men are not often to be found in the + society of gentry; except, perhaps, among those gentlemen or noblemen who + like to see hangers-on at their tables; or who find it for their + convenience to have underling magistrates, to protect their favourites, or + to propose and CARRY jobs for them on grand juries. At election times, + however, these persons rise into sudden importance with all who have views + upon the county. Lady Dashfort hinted to Lord Killpatrick, that her + private letters from England spoke of an approaching dissolution of + Parliament; she knew that, upon this hint, a round of invitations would be + sent to the squireens; and she was morally certain that they would be more + disagreeable to Lord Colambre, and give him a worse idea of the country, + than any other people who could be produced. Day after day some of these + personages made their appearance; and Lady Dashfort took care to draw them + out upon the subjects on which she knew that they would show the most + self-sufficient ignorance, and the most illiberal spirit. This succeeded + beyond her most sanguine expectations. 'Lord Colambre! how I pity you, for + being compelled to these permanent sittings after dinner!' said Lady + Isabel to him one night, when he came late to the ladies from the + dining-room. 'Lord Killpatrick insisted upon my staying to help him to + push about that never-ending, still-beginning electioneering bottle,' said + Lord Colambre. 'Oh! if that were all; if these gentlemen would only drink;—but + their conversation! I don't wonder my mother dreads returning to Clonbrony + Castle, if my father must have such company as this. But, surely, it + cannot be necessary. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, indispensable! Positively indispensable!' cried Lady Dashfort; 'no + living in Ireland without it. You know, in every country in the world, you + must live with the people of the country, or be torn to pieces; for my + part, I should prefer being torn to pieces.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Dashfort and Lady Isabel knew how to take advantage of the contrast + between their own conversation, and that of the persons by whom Lord + Colambre was so justly disgusted; they happily relieved his fatigue with + wit, satire, poetry, and sentiment; so that he every day became more + exclusively fond of their company; for Lady Killpatrick and the Miss + Killpatricks were mere commonplace people. In the mornings, he rode or + walked with Lady Dashfort and Lady Isabel: Lady Dashfort, by way of + fulfilling her promise of showing him the people, used frequently to take + him into the cabins, and talk to their inhabitants. Lord and Lady + Killpatrick, who had lived always for the fashionable world, had taken + little pains to improve the condition of their tenants; the few attempts + they had made were injudicious. They had built ornamented, picturesque + cottages, within view of their demesne; and favourite followers of the + family, people with half a century's habit of indolence and dirt, were + PROMOTED to these fine dwellings. The consequences were such as Lady + Dashfort delighted to point out; everything let to go to ruin for the want + of a moment's care, or pulled to pieces for the sake of the most trifling + surreptitious profit; the people most assisted always appearing + proportionally wretched and discontented. No one could, with more ease and + more knowledge of her ground, than Lady Dashfort, do the DISHONOUR of a + country. In every cabin that she entered, by the first glance of her eye + at the head, kerchiefed in no comely guise, or by the drawn-down corners + of the mouth, or by the bit of a broken pipe, which in Ireland never + characterises STOUT LABOUR, or by the first sound of the voice, the + drawling accent on 'your honour,' or, 'my lady,' she could distinguish the + proper objects of her charitable designs, that is to say, those of the old + uneducated race, whom no one can help, because they will never help + themselves. To these she constantly addressed herself, making them give, + in all their despairing tones, a history of their complaints and + grievances; then asking them questions, aptly contrived to expose their + habits of self-contradiction, their servility and flattery one moment, and + their litigious and encroaching spirit the next: thus giving Lord Colambre + the most unfavourable idea of the disposition and character of the lower + class of the Irish people. + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel the while standing by, with the most amiable air of pity, with + expressions of the finest moral sensibility, softening all her mother + said, finding ever some excuse for the poor creatures, and following with + angelic sweetness to heal the wounds her mother inflicted. + </p> + <p> + When Lady Dashfort thought she had sufficiently worked upon Lord + Colambre's mind to weaken his enthusiasm for his native country, and when + Lady Isabel had, by the appearance of every virtue, added to a delicate + preference, if not partiality, for our hero, ingratiated herself into his + good opinion and obtained an interest in his mind, the wily mother + ventured an attack of a more decisive nature; and so contrived it was, + that, if it failed, it should appear to have been made without design to + injure, and in total ignorance. + </p> + <p> + One day, Lady Dashfort, who in fact was not proud of her family, though + she pretended to be so, had herself prevailed on, though with much + difficulty, by Lady Killpatrick, to do the very thing she wanted to do, to + show her genealogy, which had been beautifully blazoned, and which was to + be produced as evidence in the lawsuit that brought her to Ireland. Lord + Colambre stood politely looking on and listening, while her ladyship + explained the splendid inter-marriages of her family, pointing to each + medallion that was filled gloriously with noble, and even with royal + names, till at last she stopped short, and covering one medallion with her + finger, she said— + </p> + <p> + 'Pass over that, dear Lady Killpatrick. You are not to see that, Lord + Colambre—that's a little blot in our scutcheon. You know, Isabel, we + never talk of that prudent match of great-uncle John's; what could he + expect by marrying into THAT family, where you know all the men were not + SANS PEUR, and none of the women SANS REPROCHE.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh mamma!' cried Lady Isabel, 'not one exception?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not one, Isabel,' persisted Lady Dashfort; 'there was Lady —, and + the other sister, that married the man with the long nose; and the + daughter again, of whom they contrived to make an honest woman, by getting + her married in time to a BLUE-RIBBAND, and who contrived to get herself + into Doctors' Commons the very next year.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, dear mamma, that is enough, and too much. Oh! pray don't go on,' + cried Lady Isabel, who had appeared very much distressed during her + mother's speech. 'You don't know what you are saying; indeed, ma'am, you + don't.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very likely, child; but that compliment I can return to you on the spot, + and with interest; for you seem to me, at this instant, not to know either + what you are saying or what you are doing. Come, come, explain.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, ma'am—Pray say so no more; I will explain myself another + time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nay, there you are wrong, Isabel; in point of good-breeding, anything is + better than hints and mystery. Since I have been so unlucky as to touch + upon the subject, better go through with it, and, with all the boldness of + innocence ask the question, Are you, my Lord Colambre, or are you not, + related or connected with any of the St. Omars?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not that I know of,' said Lord Colambre; 'but I really am so bad a + genealogist, that I cannot answer positively.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I must put the substance of my question into a new form. Have you, + or have you not, a cousin of the name of Nugent?' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Nugent!—Grace Nugent!—Yes,' said Lord Colambre, with as + much firmness of voice as he could command, and with as little change of + countenance as possible; but, as the question came upon him so + unexpectedly, it was not in his power to answer with an air of absolute + indifference and composure. + </p> + <p> + 'And her mother was—' said Lady Dashfort. + </p> + <p> + 'My aunt, by marriage; her maiden name was Reynolds, I think. But she died + when I was quite a child. I know very little about her. I never saw her in + my life; but I am certain she was a Reynolds.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear lord,' continued Lady Dashfort; 'I am perfectly aware that + she did take and bear the name of Reynolds; but that was not her maiden + name—her maiden name was; but perhaps it is a family secret that has + been kept, for some good reason from you, and from the poor girl herself; + the maiden name was St. Omar, depend upon it. Nay, I would not have told + this to you, my lord, if I could have conceived that it would affect you + so violently,' pursued Lady Dashfort, in a tone of raillery; 'you see you + are no worse off than we are. We have an intermarriage with the St. Omars. + I did not think you would be so much shocked at a discovery, which proves + that our family and yours have some little connexion.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre endeavoured to answer, and mechanically said something + about, 'happy to have the honour.' Lady Dashfort, truly happy to see that + her blow had hit the mark so well, turned from his lordship without + seeming to observe how seriously he was affected; and Lady Isabel sighed, + and looked with compassion on Lord Colambre, and then reproachfully at her + mother. But Lord Colambre heeded not her looks, and heard not of her + sighs; he heard nothing, saw nothing, though his eyes were intently fixed + on the genealogy, on which Lady Dashfort was still descanting to Lady + Killpatrick. He took the first opportunity he could of quitting the room, + and went out to take a solitary walk. + </p> + <p> + 'There he is, departed, but not in peace, to reflect upon what has been + said,' whispered Lady Dashfort to her daughter. 'I hope it will do him a + vast deal of good.' + </p> + <p> + 'None of the women SANS REPROCHE! None!—without one exception,' said + Lord Colambre to himself; 'and Grace Nugent's mother a St. Omar!—Is + it possible? Lady Dashfort seems certain. She could not assert a positive + falsehood—no motive. She does not know that Miss Nugent is the + person to whom I am attached she spoke at random. And I have heard it + first from a stranger—not from my mother. Why was it kept secret + from me? Now I understand the reason why my mother evidently never wished + that I should think of Miss Nugent—why she always spoke so + vehemently against the marriages of relations, of cousins. Why not tell me + the truth? It would have had the strongest effect, had she known my mind.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre had the greatest dread of marrying any woman whose mother + had conducted herself ill. His reason, his prejudices, his pride, his + delicacy, and even his limited experience, were all against it. All his + hopes, his plans of future happiness, were shaken to their very + foundation; he felt as if he had received a blow that stunned his mind, + and from which he could not recover his faculties. The whole of that day + he was like one in a dream. At night the painful idea continually recurred + to him; and whenever he was falling asleep, the sound of Lady Dashfort's + voice returned upon his ear, saying the words, 'What could he expect when + he married one of the St. Omars? None of the women SANS REPROCHE.' + </p> + <p> + In the morning he rose early; and the first thing he did was to write a + letter to his mother, requesting (unless there was some important reason + for her declining to answer the question) that she would immediately + relieve his mind from a great UNEASINESS (he altered the word four times, + but at last left it UNEASINESS). He stated what he had heard, and besought + his mother to tell him the whole truth, without reserve. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + One morning Lady Dashfort had formed an ingenious scheme for leaving Lady + Isabel and Lord Colambre TETE-A-TETE; but the sudden entrance of Heathcock + disconcerted her intentions. He came to beg Lady Dashfort's interest with + Count O'Halloran, for permission to hunt and shoot on his grounds.—'Not + for myself, 'pon honour, but for two officers who are quartered at the + next town here, who will indubitably hang or drown themselves if they are + debarred from sporting.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is this Count O'Halloran?' said Lord Colambre. Miss White, Lady + Killpatrick's companion, said 'he was a great oddity;' Lady Dashfort, + 'that he was singular;' and the clergyman of the parish, who was at + breakfast, declared 'that he was a man of uncommon knowledge, merit, and + politeness.' + </p> + <p> + 'All I know of him,' said Heathcock, 'is, that he is a great sportsman, + with a long queue, a gold-laced hat, and long skirts to a laced + waistcoat.' Lord Colambre expressed a wish to see this extraordinary + personage; and Lady Dashfort, to cover her former design, and, perhaps, + thinking absence might be as effectual as too much propinquity, + immediately offered to call upon the officers in their way, and carry them + with Heathcock and Lord Colambre to Halloran Castle. + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel retired with much mortification, but with becoming grace; and + Captain Benson and Captain Williamson were taken to the count's. Captain + Benson, who was a famous WHIP, took his seat on the box of the barouche, + and the rest of the party had the pleasure of her ladyship's conversation + for three or four miles: of her ladyship's conversation—for Lord + Colambre's thoughts were far distant; Captain Williamson had not anything + to say; and Heathcock nothing but, 'Eh! re'lly now!—'pon honour!' + </p> + <p> + They arrived at Halloran Castle—a fine old building, part of it in + ruins, and part repaired with great judgment and taste. When the carriage + stopped, a respectable-looking man-servant appeared on the steps, at the + open hall-door. + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran was out a-hunting; but his servant said 'that he would be + at home immediately, if Lady Dashfort and the gentlemen would be pleased + to walk in.' + </p> + <p> + On one side of the lofty and spacious hall stood the skeleton of an elk; + on the other side, the perfect skeleton of a moose-deer, which, as the + servant said, his master had made out, with great care, from the different + bones of many of this curious species of deer, found in the lakes in the + neighbourhood. The brace of officers witnessed their wonder with sundry + strange oaths and exclamations.—'Eh! 'pon honour—re'lly now!' + said Heathcock; and, too genteel to wonder at or admire anything in the + creation, dragged out his watch with some difficulty, saying, 'I wonder + now whether they are likely to think of giving us anything to eat in this + place?' And, turning his back upon the moose-deer, he straight walked out + again upon the steps, called to his groom, and began to make some inquiry + about his led horse. Lord Colambre surveyed the prodigious skeletons with + rational curiosity, and with that sense of awe and admiration, by which a + superior mind is always struck on beholding any of the great works of + Providence. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, my dear lord!' said Lady Dashfort; 'with our sublime sensations, we + are keeping my old friend, Mr. Alick Brady, this venerable person, + waiting, to show us into the reception-room.' + </p> + <p> + The servant bowed respectfully—more respectfully than servants of + modern date. + </p> + <p> + 'My lady, the reception-room has been lately painted—the smell of + paint may be disagreeable; with your leave, I will take the liberty of + showing you into my master's study.' + </p> + <p> + He opened the door, went in before her, and stood holding up his finger, + as if making a signal of silence to some one within. Her ladyship entered, + and found herself in the midst of an odd assembly: an eagle, a goat, a + dog, an otter, several gold and silver fish in a glass globe, and a white + mouse in a cage. The eagle, quick of eye but quiet of demeanour, was + perched upon his stand; the otter lay under the table, perfectly harmless; + the Angora goat, a beautiful and remarkably little creature of its kind, + with long, curling, silky hair, was walking about the room with the air of + a beauty and a favourite; the dog, a tall Irish greyhound—one of the + few of that fine race which is now almost extinct—had been given to + Count O'Halloran by an Irish nobleman, a relation of Lady Dashfort's. This + dog, who had formerly known her ladyship, looked at her with ears erect, + recognised her, and went to meet her the moment she entered. The servant + answered for the peaceable behaviour of all the rest of the company of + animals, and retired. Lady Dashfort began to feed the eagle from a silver + plate on his stand; Lord Colambre examined the inscription on his collar; + the other men stood in amaze. Heathcock, who came in last, astonished out + of his constant 'Eh! re'lly now!' the moment he put himself in at the + door, exclaimed, 'Zounds! what's all this live lumber?' and he stumbled + over the goat, who was at that moment crossing the way. The colonel's spur + caught in the goat's curly beard; the colonel shook his foot, and + entangled the spur worse and worse; the goat struggled and butted; the + colonel skated forward on the polished oak floor, balancing himself with + outstretched arms. + </p> + <p> + The indignant eagle screamed, and, passing by, perched on Heathcock's + shoulders. Too well-bred to have recourse to the terrors of his beak, he + scrupled not to scream, and flap his wings about the colonel's ears. Lady + Dashfort, the while, threw herself back in her chair, laughing, and + begging Heathcock's pardon. 'Oh, take care of the dog, my dear colonel!' + cried she; 'for this kind of dog seizes his enemy by the back, and shakes + him to death.' The officers, holding their sides, laughed, and begged—no + pardon; while Lord Colambre, the only person who was not absolutely + incapacitated, tried to disentangle the spur, and to liberate the colonel + from the goat, and the goat from the colonel; an attempt in which he at + last succeeded, at the expense of a considerable portion of the goat's + beard. The eagle, however, still kept his place; and, yet mindful of the + wrongs of his insulted friend the goat, had stretched his wings to give + another buffet. Count O'Halloran entered; and the bird, quitting his prey, + flew down to greet his master. The count was a fine old military-looking + gentleman, fresh from the chace: his hunting accoutrements hanging + carelessly about him, he advanced, unembarrassed, to the lady; and + received his other guests with a mixture of military ease and + gentleman-like dignity. + </p> + <p> + Without adverting to the awkward and ridiculous situation in which he had + found poor Heathcock, he apologised in general for his troublesome + favourites. 'For one of them,' said he, patting the head of the dog, which + lay quiet at Lady Dashfort's feet, 'I see I have no need to apologise; he + is where he ought to be. Poor fellow! he has never lost his taste for the + good company to which he was early accustomed. As to the rest,' said he, + turning to Lady Dashfort, 'a mouse, a bird, and a fish, are, you know, + tribute from earth, air, and water, for my conqueror—' + </p> + <p> + 'But from no barbarous Scythian!' said Lord Colambre, smiling. The count + looked at Lord Colambre, as at a person worthy his attention; but his + first care was to keep the peace between his loving subjects and his + foreign visitors. It was difficult to dislodge the old settlers, to make + room for the newcomers; but he adjusted these things with admirable + facility; and, with a master's hand and master's eye, compelled each + favourite to retreat into the back settlements. With becoming attention, + he stroked and kept quiet old Victory, his eagle, who eyed Colonel + Heathcock still, as if he did not like him; and whom the colonel eyed, as + if he wished his neck fairly wrung off. The little goat had nestled + himself close up to his liberator, Lord Colambre, and lay perfectly quiet, + with his eyes closed, going very wisely to sleep, and submitting + philosophically to the loss of one half of his beard. Conversation now + commenced, and was carried on by Count O'Halloran with much ability and + spirit, and with such quickness of discrimination and delicacy of taste, + as quite surprised and delighted our hero. To the lady, the count's + attention was first directed: he listened to her as she spoke, bending + with an air of deference and devotion. She made her request for permission + for Major Benson and Captain Williamson to hunt and shoot in his grounds; + this was instantly granted. + </p> + <p> + 'Her ladyship's requests were to him commands,' the count said. 'His + gamekeeper should be instructed to give the gentlemen, her friends, every + liberty, and all possible assistance.' + </p> + <p> + Then turning to the officers, he said he had just heard that several + regiments of English militia had lately landed in Ireland; that one + regiment was arrived at Killpatrickstown. He rejoiced in the advantages + Ireland, and he hoped he might be permitted to add, England, would + probably derive from the exchange of the militia of both countries; habits + would be improved, ideas enlarged. The two countries have the same + interest; and, from the inhabitants discovering more of each other's good + qualities, and interchanging little good offices in common life, their + esteem and affection for each other would increase, and rest upon the firm + basis of mutual utility.' + </p> + <p> + To all this Major Benson and Captain Williamson made no reply. + </p> + <p> + 'The major looks so like a stuffed man of straw,' whispered Lady Dashfort + to Lord Colambre; 'and the captain so like the knave of clubs, putting + forth one manly leg.' + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran now turned the conversation to field sports, and then the + captain and major opened at once. + </p> + <p> + 'Pray now, sir?' said the major, 'you fox-hunt in this country, I suppose; + and now do you manage the thing here as we do? Over night, you know, + before the hunt, when the fox is out, stopping up the earths of the cover + we mean to draw, and all the rest for four miles round. Next morning we + assemble at the cover's side, and the huntsman throws in the hounds. The + gossip here is no small part of the entertainment; but as soon as we hear + the hounds give tongue—' + </p> + <p> + 'The favourite hounds,' interposed Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'The favourite hounds, to be sure,' continued Benson; 'there is a dead + silence, till pug is well out of cover, and the whole pack well in; then + cheer the hounds with tally-ho! till your lungs crack. Away he goes in + gallant style, and the whole field is hard up, till pug takes a stiff + country; then they who haven't pluck lag, see no more of him, and, with a + fine blazing scent, there are but few of us in at the death.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, we are fairly in at the death, I hope,' said Lady Dashfort; 'I was + thrown out sadly at one time in the chace.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, with the count's permission, took up a book in which the + count's pencil lay, PASLEY ON THE MILITARY POLICY OF GREAT BRITAIN; it was + marked with many notes of admiration, and with hands pointing to + remarkable passages. + </p> + <p> + 'That is a book that leaves a strong impression on the mind,' said the + count. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre read one of the marked passages, beginning with, 'All that + distinguishes a soldier in outward appearance from a citizen is so + trifling—' but at this instant our hero's attention was distracted + by seeing in a black-letter book this title of a chapter: + </p> + <p> + 'Burial-place of the Nugents.' 'Pray now, sir,' said Captain Williamson, + 'if I don't interrupt you, as you are such a famous fox-hunter, maybe, you + may be a fisherman too; and now in Ireland do you, MR.—' + </p> + <p> + A smart pinch on his elbow from his major, who stood behind him, stopped + the captain short, as he pronounced the word MR. Like all awkward people, + he turned directly to ask, by his looks, what was the matter? + </p> + <p> + The major took advantage of his discomfiture, and, stepping before him, + determined to have the fishing to himself, and went on with— + </p> + <p> + 'Count O'Halloran, I presume you understand fishing too, as well as + hunting?' + </p> + <p> + The count bowed: 'I do not presume to say that, sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'But pray, count, in this country, do you arm your hook this ways? Give me + leave;' taking the whip from Williamson's reluctant hand, 'this ways, + laying the outermost part of your feather this fashion next to your hook, + and the point next to your shank, this wise, and that wise; and then, sir,—count, + you take the hackle of a cock's neck——' + </p> + <p> + 'A plover's topping's better,' said Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'And work your gold and silver thread,' pursued Benson, 'up to your wings, + and when your head's made, you fasten all.' + </p> + <p> + 'But you never showed how your head's made,' interrupted Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'The gentleman knows how a head's made; any man can make a head, I + suppose; so, sir, you fasten all.' + </p> + <p> + 'You'll never get your head fast on that way, while the world stands,' + cried Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'Fast enough for all purposes; I'll bet you a rump and dozen, captain; and + then, sir,—count, you divide your wings with a needle.' + </p> + <p> + 'A pin's point will do,' said Williamson. + </p> + <p> + The count, to reconcile matters, produced from an Indian cabinet, which he + had opened for the lady's inspection, a little basket containing a variety + of artificial flies of curious construction, which, as he spread them on + the table, made Williamson and Benson's eyes almost sparkle with delight. + There was the DUN-FLY, for the month of March; and the STONE-FLY, much in + vogue for April; and the RUDDY-FLY, of red wool, black silk, and red + capon's feathers. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, whose head was in the burial-place of the Nugents, wished + them all at the bottom of the sea. + </p> + <p> + 'And the GREEN-FLY, and the MOORISH-FLY!' cried Benson, snatching them up + with transport; 'and, chief, the SAD-YELLOW-FLY, in which the fish delight + in June; the SAD-YELLOW-FLY, made with the buzzard's wings, bound with + black braked hemp, and the SHELL-FLY for the middle of July, made of + greenish wool, wrapped about with the herle of a peacock's tail, famous + for creating excellent sport.' All these and more were spread upon the + table before the sportsmen's wondering eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'Capital flies! capital, faith!' cried Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'Treasures, faith, real treasures, by G—!' cried Benson. + </p> + <p> + 'Eh! 'pon honour! re'lly now,' were the first words which Heathcock had + uttered since his battle with the goat. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Heathcock, are you alive still?' said Lady Dashfort; 'I had + really forgotten your existence.' + </p> + <p> + So had Count O'Halloran, but he did not say so. + </p> + <p> + 'Your ladyship has the advantage of me there,' said Heathcock, stretching + himself; 'I wish I could forget my existence, for, in my mind, existence + is a horrible BORE.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thought you WAS a sportsman,' said Williamson. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'And a fisherman?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, look you there, sir,' pointing to the flies, 'and tell a body life's + a bore.' + </p> + <p> + 'One can't ALWAYS fish, or shoot, I apprehend, sir,' said Heathcock. + </p> + <p> + 'Not always—but sometimes,' said Williamson, laughing; 'for I + suspect shrewdly you've forgot some of your sporting in Bond Street.' + </p> + <p> + 'Eh! 'pon honour! re'lly now!' said the colonel, retreating again to his + safe entrenchment of affectation, from which he never could venture + without imminent danger. + </p> + <p> + ''Pon honour,' cried Lady Dashfort, 'I can swear for Heathcock, that I + have eaten excellent hares and ducks of his shooting, which, to my + knowledge,' added she, in a loud whisper, 'he bought in the market.' + </p> + <p> + EMPTUM APRUM!' said Lord Colambre to the count, without danger of being + understood by those whom it concerned. + </p> + <p> + The count smiled a second time; but politely turning the attention of the + company from the unfortunate colonel by addressing himself to the laughing + sportsmen, 'Gentlemen, you seem to value these,' said he, sweeping the + artificial flies from the table into the little basket from which they had + been taken; 'would you do me the honour to accept of them? They are all of + my own making, and consequently of Irish manufacture.' Then, ringing the + bell, he asked Lady Dashfort's permission to have the basket put into her + carriage. + </p> + <p> + Benson and Williamson followed the servant, to prevent them from being + tossed into the boot. Heathcock stood still in the middle of the room + taking snuff. + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran turned from him to Lord Colambre, who had just got + happily to THE BURIAL-PLACE OF THE NUGENTS, when Lady Dashfort, coming + between them, and spying the title of the chapter, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + 'What have you there?—Antiquities! my delight!—but I never + look at engravings when I can see realities.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was then compelled to follow, as she led the way into the + hall, where the count took down golden ornaments, and brass-headed spears, + and jointed horns of curious workmanship, that had been found on his + estate; and he told of spermaceti wrapped in carpets, and he showed small + urns, enclosing ashes; and from among these urns he selected one, which he + put into the hands of Lord Colambre, telling him that it had been lately + found in an old abbey-ground in his neighbourhood, which had been the + burial-place of some of the Nugent family. + </p> + <p> + 'I was just looking at the account of it, in the book which you saw open + on my table.—And as you seem to take an interest in that family, my + lord, perhaps,' said the count, 'you may think this urn worth your + acceptance.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre said, 'It would be highly valuable to him—as the + Nugents were his near relations.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Dashfort little expected this blow; she, however, carried him off to + the moose-deer, and from moose-deer to round-towers, to various + architectural antiquities, and to the real and fabulous history of + Ireland, on all which the count spoke with learning and enthusiasm. But + now, to Colonel Heathcock's great joy and relief, a handsome collation + appeared in the dining-room, of which Ulick opened the folding-doors. + </p> + <p> + 'Count, you have made an excellent house of your castle,' said Lady + Dashfort. + </p> + <p> + 'It will be, when it is finished,' said the count. 'I am afraid,' added + he, smiling, 'I live like many other Irish gentlemen, who never are, but + always to be, blest with a good house. I began on too large a scale, and + can never hope to live to finish it.' + </p> + <p> + ''Pon honour! here's a good thing, which I hope we shall live to finish,' + said Heathcock, sitting down before the collation; and heartily did he eat + of grouse pie, and of Irish ortolans, which, as Lady Dashfort observed, + 'afforded him indemnity for the past, and security for the future.' + </p> + <p> + 'Eh! re'lly now! your Irish ortolans are famous good eating,' said + Heathcock. + </p> + <p> + 'Worth being quartered in Ireland, faith! to taste 'em,' said Benson. + </p> + <p> + The count recommended to Lady Dashfort some of 'that delicate sweetmeat, + the Irish plum.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bless me, sir—count!' cried Williamson, 'it's by far the best thing + of the kind I ever tasted in all my life: where could you get this?' + </p> + <p> + 'In Dublin, at my dear Mrs. Godey's; where ONLY, in his Majesty's + dominions, it is to be had,' said the count. The whole dish vanished in a + few seconds. ''Pon honour! I do believe this is the thing the queen's so + fond of,' said Heathcock. + </p> + <p> + Then heartily did he drink of the count's excellent Hungarian wines; and, + by the common bond of sympathy between those who have no other tastes but + eating and drinking, the colonel, the major, and the captain were now all + the best companions possible for one another. + </p> + <p> + Whilst 'they prolonged the rich repast,' Lady Dashfort and Lord Colambre + went to the window to admire the prospect; Lady Dashfort asked the count + the name of some distant hill. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' said the count, 'that hill was once covered with fine wood; but it + was all cut down two years ago.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who could have been so cruel?' said her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + 'I forget the present proprietor's name,' said the count; 'but he is one + of those who, according to THE CLAUSE OF DISTRESS in their leases, LEAD, + DRIVE, AND CARRY AWAY, but never ENTER their lands; one of those enemies + to Ireland—these cruel absentees!' Lady Dashfort looked through her + glass at the mountain; Lord Colambre sighed, and, endeavouring to pass it + off with a smile, said frankly to the count— + </p> + <p> + 'You are not aware, I am sure, count, that you are speaking to the son of + an Irish absentee family.—Nay, do not be shocked, my dear sir; I + tell you only, because I thought it fair to do so; but let me assure you, + that nothing you could say on that subject could hurt me personally, + because I feel that I am not, that I never can be, an enemy to Ireland. An + absentee, voluntarily, I never yet have been; and as to the future, I + declare—' + </p> + <p> + 'I declare you know nothing of the future,' interrupted Lady Dashfort, in + a half-peremptory, half-playful tone—'you know nothing; make no rash + vows, and you will break none.' + </p> + <p> + The undaunted assurance of Lady Dashfort's genius for intrigue gave her an + air of frank imprudence, which prevented Lord Colambre from suspecting + that more was meant than met the ear. The count and he took leave of one + another with mutual regard; and Lady Dashfort rejoiced to have got our + hero out of Halloran Castle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + Lord Colambre had waited with great impatience for an answer to the letter + of inquiry which he had written about Miss Nugent's mother. A letter from + Lady Clonbrony arrived; he opened it with the greatest eagerness—passed + over 'Rheumatism warm weather—warm bath—Buxton balls—Miss + Broadhurst—your FRIEND, Sir Arthur Berryl, very assiduous!' The name + of Grace Nugent he found at last, and read as follows: + </p> + <p> + Her mother's maiden name was ST. OMAR; and there was a FAUX PAS, + certainly. She was, I am told (for it was before my time), educated at a + convent abroad; and there was an affair with a Captain Reynolds, a young + officer, which her friends were obliged to hush up. She brought an infant + to England with her, and took the name of Reynolds—but none of that + family would acknowledge her; and she lived in great obscurity, till your + uncle Nugent saw, fell in love with her, and (knowing her whole history) + married her. He adopted the child, gave her his name, and, after some + years, the whole story was forgotten. Nothing could be more + disadvantageous to Grace than to have it revived: this is the reason we + kept it secret. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre tore the letter to bits. + </p> + <p> + From the perturbation which Lady Dashfort saw in his countenance, she + guessed the nature of the letter which he had been reading, and for the + arrival of which he had been so impatient. + </p> + <p> + 'It has worked!' said she to herself. 'POUR LE COUP PHILIPPE JE TE TIENS!' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre appeared this day more sensible, than he had ever yet + seemed, to the charms of the fair Isabel. + </p> + <p> + 'Many a tennis-ball, and many a heart is caught at the rebound,' said Lady + Dashfort. 'Isabel! now is your time!' + </p> + <p> + And so it was—or so, perhaps, it would have been, but for a + circumstance which her ladyship, with all her genius for intrigue, had + never taken into her consideration. Count O'Halloran came to return the + visit which had been paid to him; and, in the course of conversation, he + spoke of the officers who had been introduced to him, and told Lady + Dashfort that he had heard a report which shocked him much—he hoped + it could not be true—that one of these officers had introduced his + mistress as his wife to Lady Oranmore, who lived in the neighbourhood. + This officer, it was said, had let Lady Oranmore send her carriage for + this woman; and that she had dined at Oranmore with her ladyship and her + daughters. [Fact.] 'But I cannot believe it! I cannot believe it to be + possible, that any gentleman, that any officer, could do such a thing!' + said the count. + </p> + <p> + 'And is this all?' exclaimed Lady Dashfort. 'Is this all the terrible + affair, my good count, which has brought your face to this prodigious + length?' + </p> + <p> + The count looked at Lady Dashfort with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Such a look of virtuous indignation,' continued she, 'did I never behold, + on or off the stage. Forgive me for laughing, count; but, believe me, + comedy goes through the world better than tragedy, and, take it all in + all, does rather less mischief. As to the thing in question, I know + nothing about it: I dare say, it is not true; but, now, suppose it was—it + is only a silly QUIZ, of a raw young officer, upon a prudish old dowager. + I know nothing about it, for my part; but, after all, what irreparable + mischief has been done? Laugh at the thing, and then it is a jest—a + bad one, perhaps, but still only a jest—and there's an end of it; + but take it seriously, and there is no knowing where it might end—in + half a dozen duels, maybe.' + </p> + <p> + 'Of that, madam,' said the count, 'Lady Oranmore's prudence and presence + of mind have prevented all danger. Her ladyship WOULD not understand the + insult. She said, or she acted as if she said, "JE NE VEUX RIEN VOIR, RIEN + ECOUTER, RIEN SAVOIR." Lady Oranmore is one of the most respectable—' + </p> + <p> + 'Count, I beg your pardon!' interrupted Lady Dashfort; 'but I must tell + you that your favourite, Lady Oranmore, has behaved very ill to me; + purposely omitted to invite Isabel to her ball; offended and insulted me:—her + praises, therefore, cannot be the most agreeable subject of conversation + you can choose for my amusement; and as to the rest, you, who have such + variety and so much politeness, will, I am sure, have the goodness to + indulge my caprice in this instance.' + </p> + <p> + I shall obey your ladyship, and be silent, whatever pleasure it might give + me to speak on that subject,' said the count; 'and I trust Lady Dashfort + will reward me by the assurance that, however playfully she may have just + now spoken, she seriously disapproves and is shocked.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, shocked! shocked to death! if that will satisfy you, my dear count.' + </p> + <p> + The count, obviously, was not satisfied; he had civil, as well as military + courage, and his sense of right and wrong could stand against the raillery + and ridicule of a fine lady. + </p> + <p> + The conversation ended: Lady Dashfort thought it would have no further + consequences; and she did not regret the loss of a man like Count + O'Halloran, who lived retired in his castle, and who could not have any + influence upon the opinion of the fashionable world. However, upon turning + from the count to Lord Colambre, who she thought had been occupied with + Lady Isabel, and to whom she imagined all this dispute was uninteresting, + she perceived, by his countenance, that she had made a great mistake. + Still she trusted that her power over Lord Colambre was sufficient easily + to efface whatever unfavourable impression this conversation had made upon + his mind. He had no personal interest in the affair; and she had generally + found that people are easily satisfied about any wrong or insult, public + or private, in which they have no immediate concern. But all the charms of + her conversation were now tried in vain to reclaim him from the reverie + into which he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + His friend Sir James Brooke's parting advice occurred to our hero; his + eyes began to open to Lady Dashfort's character; and he was, from this + moment, freed from her power. Lady Isabel, however, had taken no part in + all this—she was blameless; and, independently of her mother, and in + pretended opposition of sentiment, she might have continued to retain the + influence she had gained over Lord Colambre, but that a slight accident + revealed to him her real disposition. + </p> + <p> + It happened, on the evening of this day, that Lady Isabel came into the + library with one of the young ladies of the house, talking very eagerly, + without perceiving Lord Colambre, who was sitting in one of the recesses + reading. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear creature, you are quite mistaken,' said Lady Isabel, 'he was + never a favourite of mine; I always detested him; I only flirted with him + to plague his wife. Oh that wife, my dear Elizabeth, I do hate!' cried + she, clasping her hands, and expressing hatred with all her soul and with + all her strength. 'I detest that Lady de Cresey to such a degree, that, to + purchase the pleasure of making her feel the pangs of jealousy for one + hour, look, I would this moment lay down this finger and let it be cut + off.' + </p> + <p> + The face, the whole figure of Lady Isabel at this moment appeared to Lord + Colambre suddenly metamorphosed; instead of the soft, gentle, amiable + female, all sweet charity and tender sympathy, formed to love and to be + loved, he beheld one possessed and convulsed by an evil spirit—her + beauty, if beauty it could be called, the beauty of a fiend. Some + ejaculation, which he unconsciously uttered, made Lady Isabel start. She + saw him—saw the expression of his countenance, and knew that all was + over. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, to the utter astonishment and disappointment of Lady + Dashfort, and to the still greater mortification of Lady Isabel, announced + this night that it was necessary he should immediately pursue his tour in + Ireland. We pass over all the castles in the air which the young ladies of + the family had built, and which now fell to the ground. We pass all the + civil speeches of Lord and Lady Killpatrick; all the vehement + remonstrances of Lady Dashfort; and the vain sighs of Lady Isabel, To the + last moment Lady Dashfort said— + </p> + <p> + 'He will not go.' + </p> + <p> + But he went; and, when he was gone, Lady Dashfort exclaimed, 'That man has + escaped from me.' And after a pause, turning to her daughter, she, in the + most taunting and contemptuous terms, reproached her as the cause of this + failure, concluding by a declaration that she must in future manage her + own affairs, and had best settle her mind to marry Heathcock, since every + one else was too wise to think of her. + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel of course retorted. But we leave this amiable mother and + daughter to recriminate in appropriate terms, and we follow our hero, + rejoiced that he has been disentangled from their snares. Those who have + never been in similar peril will wonder much that he did not escape + sooner; those who have ever been in like danger will wonder more that he + escaped at all. Those who are best acquainted with the heart or + imagination of man will be most ready to acknowledge that the combined + charms of wit, beauty, and flattery, may, for a time, suspend the action + of right reason in the mind of the greatest philosopher, or operate + against the resolutions of the greatest of heroes. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre pursued his way to Castle Halloran, desirous, before he + quitted this part of the country, to take leave of the count, who had + shown him much civility, and for whose honourable conduct, and generous + character, he had conceived a high esteem, which no little peculiarities + of antiquated dress or manner could diminish. Indeed, the old-fashioned + politeness of what was formerly called a well-bred gentleman pleased him + better than the indolent or insolent selfishness of modern men of the ton. + Perhaps, notwithstanding our hero's determination to turn his mind from + everything connected with the idea of Miss Nugent, some latent curiosity + about the burial-place of the Nugents might have operated to make him call + upon the count. In this hope he was disappointed; for a cross miller to + whom the abbey-ground was set, on which the burial-place was found, had + taken it into his head to refuse admittance, and none could enter his + ground. + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran was much pleased by Lord Colambre's visit. The very day + of Lord Colambre's arrival at Halloran Castle, the count was going to + Oranmore; he was dressed, and his carriage was waiting; therefore Lord + Colambre begged that he might not detain him, and the count requested his + lordship to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + 'Let me have the honour of introducing you, my lord, to a family, with + whom, I am persuaded, you will be pleased; by whom you will be + appreciated; and at whose house you will have an opportunity of seeing the + best manner of living of the Irish nobility.' Lord Colambre accepted the + invitation, and was introduced at Oranmore. The dignified appearance and + respectable character of Lady Oranmore; the charming unaffected manners of + her daughters; the air of domestic happiness and comfort in her family; + the becoming magnificence, free from ostentation, in her whole + establishment; the respect and affection with which she was treated by all + who approached her, delighted and touched Lord Colambre; the more, + perhaps, because he had heard this family so unjustly abused; and because + he saw Lady Oranmore and her daughter, in immediate contrast to Lady + Dashfort and Lady Isabel. + </p> + <p> + A little circumstance which occurred during this visit increased his + interest for the family. When Lady de Cresey's little boys came in after + dinner, one of them was playing with a seal, which had just been torn from + a letter. The child showed it to Lord Colambre, and asked him to read the + motto. The motto was, 'Deeds, not words'—his friend Sir James + Brooke's motto, and his arms. Lord Colambre eagerly inquired if this + family was acquainted with Sir James, and he soon perceived that they were + not only acquainted with him, but that they were particularly interested + about him. + </p> + <p> + Lady Oranmore's second daughter, Lady Harriet, appeared particularly + pleased by the manner in which Lord Colambre spoke of Sir James. And the + child, who had now established himself on his lordship's knee, turned + round, and whispered in his ear, ''Twas Aunt Harriet gave me the seal; Sir + James is to be married to Aunt Harriet, and then he will be my uncle.' + </p> + <p> + Some of the principal gentry of this part of the country happened to dine + at Oranmore one of the days Lord Colambre was there. He was surprised at + the discovery, that there were so many agreeable, well-informed, and + well-bred people, of whom, while he was at Killpatrickstown, he had seen + nothing. He now discerned how far he had been deceived by Lady Dashfort. + </p> + <p> + Both the count, and Lord and Lady Oranmore, who were warmly attached to + their country, exhorted him to make himself amends for the time he had + lost, by seeing with his own eyes, and judging with his own understanding, + of the country and its own inhabitants, during the remainder of the time + he was to stay in Ireland. The higher classes, in most countries, they + observed were generally similar; but, in the lower class, he would find + many characteristic differences. + </p> + <p> + When he first came to Ireland, he had been very eager to go and see his + father's estate, and to judge of the conduct of his agents, and the + condition of his tenantry; but this eagerness had subsided, and the design + had almost faded from his mind, whilst under the influence of Lady + Dashfort's misrepresentations. A mistake, relative to some remittance from + his banker in Dublin, obliged him to delay his journey a few days, and + during that time Lord and Lady Oranmore showed him the neat cottages, the + well-attended schools, in their neighbourhood. They showed him not only + what could be done, but what had been done, by the influence of great + proprietors residing on their own estates, and encouraging the people by + judicious kindness. + </p> + <p> + He saw, he acknowledged the truth of this; but it did not come home to his + feelings now as it would have done a little while ago. His views and plans + were altered; he looked forward to the idea of marrying and settling in + Ireland, and then everything in the country was interesting to him; but + since he had forbidden himself to think of a union with Miss Nugent, his + mind had lost its object and its spring; he was not sufficiently calm to + think of the public good; his thoughts were absorbed by his private + concern. He knew, and repeated to himself, that he ought to visit his own + and his father's estates, and to see the condition of his tenantry; he + desired to fulfil his duties, but they ceased to appear to him easy and + pleasurable, for hope and love no longer brightened his prospects. + </p> + <p> + That he might see and hear more than he could as heir-apparent to the + estate, he sent his servant to Dublin to wait for him there. He travelled + INCOGNITO, wrapped himself in a shabby greatcoat, and took the name of + Evans. He arrived at a village, or, as it was called, a town, which bore + the name of Colambre. He was agreeably surprised by the air of neatness + and finish in the houses and in the street, which had a nicely-swept paved + footway. He slept at a small but excellent inn—excellent, perhaps, + because it was small, and proportioned to the situation and business of + the place. Good supper, good bed, good attendance; nothing out of repair; + no things pressed into services for what they were never intended by + nature or art; none of what are vulgarly called MAKE-SHIFTS. No + chambermaid slipshod, or waiter smelling of whisky; but all tight and + right, and everybody doing their own business, and doing it as if it was + their everyday occupation, not as if it was done by particular desire, for + first or last time this season. The landlord came in at supper to inquire + whether anything was wanted. Lord Colambre took this opportunity of + entering into conversation with him, and asked him to whom the town + belonged, and who were the proprietors of the neighbouring estates. + </p> + <p> + 'The town belongs to an absentee lord—one Lord Clonbrony, who lives + always beyond the seas, in London; and never seen the town since it was a + town, to call a town.' + </p> + <p> + 'And does the land in the neighbourhood belong to this Lord Clonbrony?' + </p> + <p> + 'It does, sir; he's a great proprietor, but knows nothing of his property, + nor of us. Never set foot among us, to my knowledge, since I was as high + as the table. He might as well be a West India planter, and we negroes, + for anything he knows to the contrary—has no more care, nor thought + about us, than if he were in Jamaica, or the other world. Shame for him!—But + there's too many to keep him in countenance.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre asked him what wine he could have; and then inquired who + managed the estate for this absentee. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Burke, sir. And I don't know why God was so kind to give so good an + agent to an absentee like Lord Clonbrony, except it was for the sake of + us, who is under him, and knows the blessing, and is thankful for the + same.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very good cutlets,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'I am happy to hear it, sir. They have a right to be good, for Mrs. Burke + sent her own cook to teach my wife to dress cutlets.' + </p> + <p> + 'So the agent is a good agent, is he?' + </p> + <p> + 'He is, thanks be to Heaven! And that's what few can boast, especially + when the landlord's living over the seas: we have the luck to have got a + good agent over us, in Mr. Burke, who is a right bred gentleman; a snug + little property of his own, honestly made; with the good will and good + wishes, and respect of all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Does he live in the neighbourhood?' + </p> + <p> + 'Just CONVANIENT [CONVENIENT: near.] At the end of the town; in the house + on the hill, as you passed, sir; to the left, with the trees about it, all + of his planting, finely grown too—for there's a blessing on all he + does, and he has done a deal.—There's salad, sir, if you are partial + to it. Very fine lettuce. Mrs. Burke sent us the plants herself.' + </p> + <p> + 'Excellent salad! So this Mr. Burke has done a great deal, has he? In what + way!' + </p> + <p> + 'In every way, sir—sure was not it he that had improved, and + fostered, and made the town of Colambre?—no thanks to the + proprietor, nor to the young man whose name it bears, neither!' + </p> + <p> + 'Have you any porter, pray, sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'We have, sir, as good, I hope, as you'd drink in London, for it's the + same you get there, I understand, from Cork. And I have some of my own + brewing, which, they say, you could not tell the difference between it and + Cork quality—if you'd be pleased to try. Harry, the corkscrew.' + </p> + <p> + The porter of his own brewing was pronounced to be extremely good; and the + landlord observed it was Mr. Burke encouraged him to learn to brew, and + lent him his own brewer for a time to teach him. + </p> + <p> + 'Your Mr. Burke, I find, is APROPOS to porter, APROPOS to salad, APROPOS + to cutlets, APROPOS to everything,' said Lord Colambre, smiling; 'he seems + to be a NON-PAREIL of an agent. I suppose you are a great favourite of + his, and you do what you please with him?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, sir, I could not say that; Mr. Burke does not have favourites + anyway; but according to my deserts, I trust, I stand well enough with + him, for, in truth, he is a right good agent.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre still pressed for particulars; he was an Englishman, and a + stranger, he said, and did not exactly know what was meant in Ireland by a + good agent. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, he is the man that will encourage the improving tenant; and show no + favour or affection, but justice, which comes even to all, and does best + for all at the long run; and, residing always in the country, like Mr. + Burke, and understanding country business, and going about continually + among the tenantry, he knows when to press for the rent, and when to leave + the money to lay out upon the land; and, according as they would want it, + can give a tenant a help or a check properly. Then no duty-work called + for, no presents, nor GLOVE-MONEY, nor SEALING-MONEY even, taken or + offered; no underhand hints about proposals, when land would be out of + lease, but a considerable preference, if desArved, to the old tenant, and + if not, a fair advertisement, and the best offer and tenant accepted; no + screwing of the land to the highest penny, just to please the head + landlord for the minute, and ruin him at the end, by the tenant's racking + the land, and running off with the year's rent; nor no bargains to his own + relations or friends did Mr. Burke ever give or grant, but all fair + between landlord and tenant; and that's the thing that will last; and + that's what I call the good agent.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre poured out a glass of wine, and begged the innkeeper to + drink the good agent's health, in which he was heartily pledged. 'I thank + your honour;—Mr. Burke's health! and long may he live over and + amongst us; he saved me from drink and ruin, when I was once inclined to + it, and made a man of me and all my family.' + </p> + <p> + The particulars we cannot stay to detail: this grateful man, however, took + pleasure in sounding the praises of his benefactor, and in raising him in + the opinion of the traveller. + </p> + <p> + 'As you've time, and are curious about such things, sir, perhaps you'd + walk up to the school that Mrs. Burke has for the poor children; and look + at the market-house, and see how clean he takes a pride to keep the town; + and any house in the town, from the priest to the parson's, that you'd go + into, will give you the same character as I do of Mr. Burke: from the + brogue to the boot, all speak the same of him, and can say no other. God + for ever bless and keep him over us!' + </p> + <p> + Upon making further inquiries, everything the innkeeper had said was + confirmed by different inhabitants of the village. Lord Colambre conversed + with the shopkeepers, with the cottagers; and, without making any alarming + inquiries, he obtained all the information he wanted. He went to the + village school—a pretty, cheerful house, with a neat garden and a + play-green; met Mrs. Burke; introduced himself to her as a traveller. The + school was shown to him: it was just what it ought to be—neither too + much nor too little had been attempted; there was neither too much + interference nor too little attention. Nothing for exhibition; care to + teach well, without any vain attempt to teach in a wonderfully short time. + All that experience proves to be useful, in both Dr. Bell's and Mr. + Lancaster's modes of teaching, Mrs. Burke had adopted; leaving it to + 'graceless zealots' to fight about the rest. That no attempts at + proselytism had been made, and that no illiberal distinctions had been + made in this school, Lord Colambre was convinced, in the best manner + possible, by seeing the children of Protestants and Catholics sitting on + the same benches, learning from the same books, and speaking to one + another with the same cordial familiarity. Mrs. Burke was an unaffected, + sensible woman, free from all party prejudices, and, without ostentation, + desirous and capable of doing good. Lord Colambre was much pleased with + her, and very glad that she invited him to dinner. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Burke did not come in till late; for he had been detained portioning + out some meadows, which were of great consequence to the inhabitants of + the town. He brought home to dine with him the clergyman and the priest of + the parish, both of whom he had taken successful pains to accommodate with + the land which suited their respective convenience. The good terms on + which they seemed to be with each other, and with him, appeared to Lord + Colambre to do honour to Mr. Burke. All the favourable accounts his + lordship had received of this gentleman were confirmed by what he saw and + heard. After the clergyman and priest had taken leave, upon Lord + Colambre's expressing some surprise, mixed with satisfaction, at seeing + the harmony which subsisted between them, Mr. Burke assured him that this + was the same in many parts of Ireland. He observed, that 'as the suspicion + of ill-will never fails to produce it,' so he had often found, that taking + it for granted that no ill-will exists has the most conciliating effect. + He said, to please opposite parties, he used no arts; but he tried to make + all his neighbours live comfortably together, by making them acquainted + with each other's good qualities; by giving them opportunities of meeting + sociably, and, from time to time, of doing each other little services and + good offices. 'Fortunately, he had so much to do,' he said, 'that he had + no time for controversy. He was a plain man, made it a rule not to meddle + with speculative points, and to avoid all irritating discussions; he was + not to rule the country, but to live in it, and make others live as + happily as he could.' + </p> + <p> + Having nothing to conceal in his character, opinions, or circumstances, + Mr. Burke was perfectly open and unreserved in his manner and + conversation; freely answered all the traveller's inquiries, and took + pains to show him everything he desired to see. Lord Colambre said he had + thoughts of settling in Ireland; and declared, with truth, that he had not + seen any part of the country he should like better to live in than this + neighbourhood. He went over most of the estate with Mr. Burke, and had + ample opportunities of convincing himself that this gentleman was indeed, + as the innkeeper had described him, 'a right good gentleman, and a right + good agent.' + </p> + <p> + He paid Mr. Burke some just compliments on the state of the tenantry, and + the neat and flourishing appearance of the town of Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'What pleasure it will give the proprietor when he sees all you have + done!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, sir, don't speak of it!—that breaks my heart, he never has + shown the least interest in anything I have done; he is quite dissatisfied + with me, because I have not ruined his tenantry, by forcing them to pay + more than the land is worth; because I have not squeezed money from them + by fining down rents; and—but all this, as an Englishman, sir, must + be unintelligible to you. The end of the matter is, that, attached as I am + to this place and the people about me, and, as I hope, the tenantry are to + me—I fear I shall be obliged to give up the agency.' + </p> + <p> + 'Give up the agency! How so?—you must not,' cried Lord Colambre, + and, for the moment, he forgot himself; but Mr. Burke took this only for + an expression of good-will. + </p> + <p> + 'I must, I am afraid,' continued he. 'My employer, Lord Clonbrony, is + displeased with me—continual calls for money come upon me from + England, and complaints of my slow remittances.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps Lord Clonbrony is in embarrassed circumstances said Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'I never speak of my employer's affairs, sir,' replied Mr. Burke; now for + the first time assuming an air of reserve. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg pardon, sir—I seem to have asked an indiscreet question.' + Mrs. Burke was silent. + </p> + <p> + 'Lest my reserve should give you a false impression, I will add, sir,' + resumed Mr. Burke, 'that I really am not acquainted with the state of his + lordship's affairs in general. I know only what belongs to the estate + under my own management. The principal part of his lordship's property, + the Clonbrony estate, is under another agent, Mr. Garraghty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Garraghty!' repeated Lord Colambre; 'what sort of a person is he? But I + may take it for granted, that it cannot fall to the lot of one and the + same absentee to have two such agents as Mr. Burke.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Burke bowed, and seemed pleased by the compliment, which he knew he + deserved—but not a word did he say of Mr. Garraghty; and Lord + Colambre, afraid of betraying himself by some other indiscreet question, + changed the conversation. + </p> + <p> + That very night the post brought a letter to Mr. Burke, from Lord + Clonbrony, which Mr. Burke gave to his wife as soon as he had read it, + saying— + </p> + <p> + 'See the reward of all my services!' + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Burke glanced her eye over the letter, and, being extremely fond of + her husband, and sensible of his deserving far different treatment, burst + into indignant exclamations— + </p> + <p> + 'See the reward of all your services, indeed!—What an unreasonable, + ungrateful man!—So, this is the thanks for all you have done for + Lord Clonbrony!' + </p> + <p> + 'He does not know what I have done, my dear. He never has seen what I have + done.' + </p> + <p> + 'More shame for him!' + </p> + <p> + 'He never, I suppose, looks over his accounts, or understands them.' + </p> + <p> + 'More shame for him!' + </p> + <p> + He listens to foolish reports, or misrepresentations, perhaps. He is at a + distance, and cannot find out the truth.' + </p> + <p> + 'More shame for him!' + </p> + <p> + 'Take it quietly, my dear; we have the comfort of a good conscience. The + agency may be taken from me by this lord; but the sense of having done my + duty, no lord or man upon earth can give or take away.' + </p> + <p> + 'Such a letter!' said Mrs. Burke, taking it up again. 'Not even the + civility to write with his own hand!—only his signature to the + scrawl—looks as if it was written by a drunken man, does not it, Mr. + Evans?' said she, showing the letter to Lord Colambre, who immediately + recognised the writing of Sir Terence O'Fay. + </p> + <p> + 'It does not look like the hand of a gentleman, indeed,' said Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'It has Lord Clonbrony's own signature, let it be what it will,' said Mr. + Burke, looking closely at it; 'Lord Clonbrony's own writing the signature + is, I am clear of that.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony's son was clear of it also; but he took care not to give + any opinion on that point. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, pray, read it, sir, read it,' said Mrs. Burke, pleased by his tone of + indignation; 'read it, pray; a gentleman may write a bad hand, but no + GENTLEMAN could write such a letter as that to Mr. Burke—pray read + it, sir; you who have seen something of what Mr. Burke has done for the + town of Colambre, and what he has made of the tenantry and the estate of + Lord Clonbrony.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre read, and was convinced that his father had never written or + read the letter, but had signed it, trusting to Sir Terence O'Fay's having + expressed his sentiments properly. + </p> + <p> + SIR, As I have no further occasion for your services, you will take + notice, that I hereby request you will forthwith hand over, on or before + the 1st of November next, your accounts, with the balance due of the + HANGING-GALE (which, I understand, is more than ought to be at this + season) to Nicholas O'Garraghty, Esq., College Green, Dublin, who in + future will act as agent, and shall get, by post, immediately, a power of + attorney for the same, entitling him to receive and manage the Colambre as + well as the Clonbrony estate, for, Sir, your obedient humble servant, + CLONBRONY. + </p> + <p> + 'GROSVENOR SQUARE.' + </p> + <p> + Though misrepresentation, caprice, or interest, might have induced Lord + Clonbrony to desire to change his agent, yet Lord Colambre knew that his + father never could have announced his wishes in such a style; and, as he + returned the letter to Mrs. Burke, he repeated, he was convinced that it + was impossible that any nobleman could have written such a letter; that it + must have been written by some inferior person; and that his lordship had + signed it without reading it. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear, I'm sorry you showed that letter to Mr. Evans,' said Mr. Burke; + 'I don't like to expose Lord Clonbrony; he is a well-meaning gentleman, + misled by ignorant or designing people; at all events, it is not for us to + expose him.' + </p> + <p> + 'He has exposed himself,' said Mrs. Burke; 'and the world should know it.' + </p> + <p> + 'He was very kind to me when I was a young man,' said Mr. Burke; 'we must + not forget that now, because we are angry, my love.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, no, my love, to be sure we should not; but who could have + recollected it just at this minute but yourself?—And now, sir,' + turning to Lord Colambre, 'you see what kind of a man this is: now is it + not difficult for me to bear patiently to see him ill-treated?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not only difficult, but impossible, I should think, madam,' said Lord + Colambre; 'I know, even I, who am a stranger, cannot help feeling for both + of you, as you must see I do.' + </p> + <p> + 'And half the world, who don't know him,' continued Mrs. Burke, 'when they + hear that Lord Clonbrony's agency is taken from him, will think, perhaps, + that he is to blame.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, madam,' said Lord Colambre; 'that you need not fear; Mr. Burke may + safely trust to his character; from what I have within these two days seen + and heard, I am convinced that such is the respect he has deserved and + acquired, that no blame can touch him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, I thank you,' said Mrs. Burke, the tears coming into her eyes; 'you + can judge—you do him justice; but there are so many who don't know + him, and who will decide without knowing any of the facts.' + </p> + <p> + 'That, my dear, happens about everything to everybody,' said Mr. Burke; + 'but we must have patience; time sets all judgments right, sooner or + later.' + </p> + <p> + 'But the sooner the better,' said Mrs. Burke. 'Mr. Evans, I hope you will + be so kind, if ever you hear this business talked of—' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Evans lives in Wales, my dear.' + </p> + <p> + But he is travelling through Ireland, my dear, and he said he should + return to Dublin, and, you know, there he certainly will hear it talked + of; and I hope he will do me the favour to state what he has seen and + knows to be the truth.' + </p> + <p> + 'Be assured that I will do Mr. Burke justice—as far as it is in my + power,' said Lord Colambre, restraining himself much, that he might not + say more than became his assumed character. He took leave of this worthy + family that night, and, early the next morning, departed. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' thought he, as he drove away from this well-regulated and + flourishing place, 'how happy I might be, settled here with such a wife as—her + of whom I must think no more.' + </p> + <p> + He pursued his way to Clonbrony, his father's other estate, which was at a + considerable distance from Colambre; he was resolved to know what kind of + agent Mr. Nicholas Garraghty might be, who was to supersede Mr. Burke, and + by power of attorney to be immediately entitled to receive and manage the + Colambre as well as the Clonbrony estate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + Towards the evening of the second day's journey, the driver of Lord + Colambre's hackney chaise stopped, and jumping off the wooden bar, on + which he had been seated, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + 'We're come to the bad step, now. The bad road's beginning upon us, please + your honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bad road! that is very uncommon in this country. I never saw such fine + roads as you have in Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'That's true; and God bless your honour, that's sensible of that same, for + it's not what all the foreign quality I drive have the manners to notice. + God bless your honour! I heard you're a Welshman, but whether or no, I am + sure you are a gentleman, anyway, Welsh or other.' + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the shabby greatcoat, the shrewd postillion perceived, by + our hero's language, that he was a gentleman. After much dragging at the + horses' heads, and pushing and lifting, the carriage was got over what the + postillion said was the worst part of THE BAD STEP; but as the road 'was + not yet to say good,' he continued walking beside the carriage. + </p> + <p> + 'It's only bad just hereabouts, and that by accident,' said he, 'on + account of there being no jantleman resident in it, nor near; but only a + bit of an under-agent, a great little rogue, who gets his own turn out of + the roads, and of everything else in life. I, Larry Brady, that am telling + your honour, have a good right to know, for myself, and my father, and my + brother. Pat Brady, the wheelwright, had once a farm under him; but was + ruined, horse and foot, all along with him, and cast out, and my brother + forced to fly the country, and is now working in some coachmaker's yard, + in London; banished he is!—and here am I, forced to be what I am—and + now that I'm reduced to drive a hack, the agent's a curse to me still, + with these bad roads, killing my horses and wheels and a shame to the + country, which I think more of—Bad luck to him!' + </p> + <p> + 'I know your brother; he lives with Mr. Mordicai, in Long Acre, in + London.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, God bless you for that!' + </p> + <p> + They came at this time within view of a range of about four-and-twenty men + and boys, sitting astride on four-and-twenty heaps of broken stones, on + each side of the road; they were all armed with hammers, with which they + began to pound with great diligence and noise as soon as they saw the + carriage. The chaise passed between these batteries, the stones flying on + all sides. + </p> + <p> + 'How are you, Jem?—How are you, Phil?' said Larry. 'But hold your + hand, can't ye, while I stop and get the stones out of the horses' FEET. + So you're making up the rent, are you, for St. Dennis?' + </p> + <p> + 'Whoosh!' said one of the pounders, coming close to the postillion, and + pointing his thumb back towards the chaise. 'Who have you in it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, you need not scruple, he's a very honest man; he's only a man from + North Wales, one Mr. Evans, an innocent jantleman, that's sent over to + travel up and down the country, to find is there any copper mines in it.' + </p> + <p> + 'How do you know, Larry?' + </p> + <p> + 'Because I know very well, from one that was tould, and I SEEN him tax the + man of the King's Head, with a copper half-crown, at first sight, which + was only lead to look at, you'd think, to them that was not skilful in + copper. So lend me a knife, till I cut a linch-pin out of the hedge, for + this one won't go far.' + </p> + <p> + Whilst Larry was making the linch-pin, all scruple being removed, his + question about St. Dennis and the rent was answered. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, it's the rint, sure enough, we're pounding out for him; for he sent + the driver round last-night-was-eight days, to warn us old Nick would be + down a'-Monday, to take a sweep among us; and there's only six clear days, + Saturday night, before the assizes, sure; so we must see and get it + finished anyway, to clear the presentment again' the swearing day, for he + and Paddy Hart is the overseers themselves, and Paddy is to swear to it.' + </p> + <p> + 'St. Dennis, is it? Then you've one great comfort and security—that + he won't be PARTICULAR about the swearing; for since ever he had his head + on his shoulders, an oath never stuck in St. Dennis's throat, more than in + his own brother, old Nick's.' + </p> + <p> + 'His head upon his shoulders!' repeated Lord Colambre. 'Pray, did you ever + hear that St. Dennis's head was off his shoulders?' + </p> + <p> + 'It never was, plase your honour, to my knowledge.' + </p> + <p> + 'Did you never, among your saints, hear of St. Dennis carrying his head in + his hand?' said Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'The RAEL saint!' said the postillion, suddenly changing his tone, and + looking shocked. 'Oh, don't be talking that way of the saints, plase your + honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then of what St, Dennis were you talking just now?—Whom do you mean + by St. Dennis, and whom do you call old Nick?' + </p> + <p> + 'Old Nick,' answered the postillion, coming close to the side of the + carriage, and whispering—'Old Nick, plase your honour, is our + nickname for one Nicholas Garraghty, Esq., of College Green, Dublin, and + St. Dennis is his brother Dennis, who is old Nick's brother in all things, + and would fain be a saint, only he is a sinner. He lives just by here, in + the country, under-agent to Lord Clonbrony, as old Nick is upper-agent—it's + only a joke among the people, that are not fond of them at all. Lord + Clonbrony himself is a very good jantleman, if he was not an absentee, + resident in London, leaving us and everything to the likes of them.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre listened with all possible composure and attention; but the + postillion having now made his linch-pin of wood, and FIXED HIMSELF; he + mounted his bar, and drove on, saying to Lord Colambre, as he looked at + the road-makers— + </p> + <p> + 'Poor CRATURES! They couldn't keep their cattle out of pound, or + themselves out of jail, but by making this road.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is road-making, then, a very profitable business?—Have road-makers + higher wages than other men in this part of the country?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is, and it is not—they have, and they have not—plase your + honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't understand you.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, becaase you're an Englishman—that is, a Welshman—I beg + your honour's pardon. But I'll tell you how that is, and I'll go slow over + these broken stones for I can't go fast: it is where there's no jantleman + over these under-agents, as here, they do as they plase; and when they + have set the land they get rasonable from the head landlords, to poor + cratures at a rack-rent, that they can't live and pay the rent, they say—' + </p> + <p> + 'Who says?' + </p> + <p> + 'Them under-agents, that have no conscience at all. Not all—but + SOME, like Dennis, says, says he, "I'll get you a road to make up the + rent:" that is, plase your honour, the agent gets them a presentment for + so many perches of road from the grand jury, at twice the price that would + make the road. And tenants are, by this means, as they take the road by + contract, at the price given by the county, able to pay all they get by + the job, over and above potatoes and salt, back again to the agent, for + the arrear on the land. Do I make your honour SENSIBLE?' [Do I make you + understand?] + </p> + <p> + 'You make me much more sensible than I ever was before,' said Lord + Colambre; 'but is not this cheating the county?' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, and suppose,' replied Larry, 'is not it all for my good, and yours + too, plase your honour?' said Larry, looking very shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + 'My good!' said Lord Colambre, startled. 'What have I to do with it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Haven't you to do with the roads as well as me, when you're travelling + upon them, plase your honour? And sure, they'd never be got made at all, + if they weren't made this ways; and it's the best way in the wide world, + and the finest roads we have. And when the RAEL jantlemen's resident in + the country, there's no jobbing can be, because they're then the leading + men on the grand jury; and these journeymen jantlemen are then kept in + order, and all's right.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was much surprised at Larry's knowledge of the manner in + which county business is managed, as well as by his shrewd good sense: he + did not know that this is not uncommon in his rank of life in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Larry was speaking, Lord Colambre was looking from side to side at + the desolation of the prospect. + </p> + <p> + 'So this is Lord Clonbrony's estate, is it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, all you see, and as far and farther than you can see. My Lord + Clonbrony wrote, and ordered plantations here, time back; and enough was + paid to labourers for ditching and planting. And, what next?—Why, + what did the under-agent do, but let the goats in through gaps, left o' + purpose, to bark the trees, and then the trees was all banished. And next, + the cattle was let in trespassing, and winked at, till the land was all + poached; and then the land was waste, and cried down; and St. Dennis wrote + up to Dublin to old Nick, and he over to the landlord, how none would take + it, or bid anything at all for it; so then it fell to him a cheap bargain. + Oh, the tricks of them! who knows 'em, if I don't?' + </p> + <p> + Presently, Lord Colambre's attention was roused again, by seeing a man + running, as if for his life, across a bog, near the roadside; he leaped + over the ditch, and was upon the road in an instant. He seemed startled at + first, at the sight of the carriage; but, looking at the postillion, Larry + nodded, and he smiled and said— + </p> + <p> + 'All's safe!' + </p> + <p> + 'Pray, my good friend, may I ask what that is you have on your shoulder?' + said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + PLASE your honour, it is only a private still, which I've just caught out + yonder in the bog; and I'm carrying it in with all speed to the gauger, to + make a discovery, that the JANTLEMAN may benefit by the reward; I expect + he'll make me a compliment.' + </p> + <p> + 'Get up behind, and I'll give you a lift,' said the postillion. + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you kindly—but better my legs!' said the man; and turning + down a lane, off he ran again as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + 'Expect he'll make me a compliment,' repeated Lord Colambre, 'to make a + discovery!' + </p> + <p> + Ay, plase your honour; for the law is,' said Larry, 'that, if an unlawful + still, that is, a still without license for whisky, is found, half the + benefit of the fine that's put upon the parish goes to him that made the + discovery; that's what that man is after, for he's an informer.' + </p> + <p> + 'I should not have thought, from what I see of you,' said Lord Colambre, + smiling, 'that you, Larry, would have offered an informer a lift.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, plase your honour!' said Larry, smiling archly, 'would not I give the + laws a lift, when in my power?' + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he uttered these words, and scarcely was the informer out of + sight, when across the same bog, and over the ditch, came another man, a + half kind of gentleman, with a red silk handkerchief about his neck, and a + silver-handled whip in his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'Did you see any man pass the road, friend?' said he to the postillion. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! who would I see? or why would I tell?' replied Larry, in a sulky + tone. + </p> + <p> + 'Came, come, be smart!' said the man with the silver whip, offering to put + half a crown into the postillion's hand; 'point me which way he took.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll have none a' your silver! don't touch me with it!' said Larry. 'But, + if you'll take my advice, you'll strike across back, and follow the + fields, out to Killogenesawee.' + </p> + <p> + The exciseman set out again immediately, in an opposite direction to that + which the man who carried the still had taken. Lord Colambre now perceived + that the pretended informer had been running off to conceal a still of his + own. + </p> + <p> + 'The gauger, plase your honour,' said Larry, looking back at Lord + Colambre; 'the gauger is a STILL-HUNTING!' + </p> + <p> + 'And you put him on a wrong scent!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Sure, I told him no lie; I only said, "If you'll take my advice." And why + was he such a fool as to take my advice, when I wouldn't take his fee?' + </p> + <p> + 'So this is the way, Larry, you give a lift to the laws!' + </p> + <p> + 'If the laws would give a lift to me, plase your honour, maybe I'd do as + much by them. But it's only these revenue laws I mean; for I never, to my + knowledge, broke another commandment; but it's what no honest poor man + among his neighbours would scruple to take—a glass of POTSHEEN.' + </p> + <p> + 'A glass of what, in the name of Heaven?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + POTSHEEN, plase your honour;—becaase it's the little whisky that's + made in the private still or pot; and SHEEN, becaase it's a fond word for + whatsoever we'd like, and for what we have little of, and would make much + of: after taking the glass of it, no man could go and inform to ruin the + CRATURES, for they all shelter on that estate under favour of them that go + shares, and make rent of 'em—but I'd never inform again' 'em. And, + after all, if the truth was known, and my Lord Clonbrony should be + informed against, and presented, for it's his neglect is the bottom of the + nuisance—' + </p> + <p> + 'I find all the blame is thrown upon this poor Lord Clonbrony,' said Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Becaase he is absent,' said Larry. 'It would not be so was he PRISINT. + But your honour was talking to me about the laws. Your honour's a stranger + in this country, and astray about them things. Sure, why would I mind the + laws about whisky, more than the quality, or the judge on the bench?' + </p> + <p> + 'What do you mean?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why! was not I PRISINT in the court-house myself, when the JIDGE on the + bench judging a still, and across the court came in one with a sly jug of + POTSHEEN for the JIDGE himself, who prefarred it, when the right thing, to + claret; and when I SEEN that, by the laws! a man might talk himself dumb + to me after again' potsheen, or in favour of the revenue, or + revenue-officers. And there they may go on, with their gaugers, and their + surveyors, and their supervisors, and their WATCHING-OFFICERS, and their + coursing-officers, setting 'em one after another, or one over the head of + another, or what way they will—we can baffle and laugh at 'em. + Didn't I know, next door to our inn, last year, ten WATCHING-OFFICERS set + upon one distiller, and he was too cunning for them; and it will always be + so, while ever the people think it no sin. No, till then, not all their + dockets and permits signify a rush, or a turf. And the gauging rod even! + who fears it? They may spare that rod, for it will never mend the child.' + </p> + <p> + How much longer Larry's dissertation on the distillery laws would have + continued, had not his ideas been interrupted, we cannot guess; but he saw + he was coming to a town, and he gathered up the reins, and plied the whip, + ambitious to make a figure in the eyes of its inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + This TOWN consisted of one row of miserable huts, sunk beneath the side of + the road, the mud walls crooked in every direction; some of them opening + in wide cracks, or zigzag fissures, from top to bottom, as if there had + just been an earthquake—all the roofs sunk in various places—thatch + off, or overgrown with grass—no chimneys, the smoke making its way + through a hole in the roof, or rising in clouds from the top of the open + door—dunghills before the doors, and green standing puddles—squalid + children, with scarcely rags to cover them, gazing at the carriage. + </p> + <p> + 'Nugent's town,' said the postillion, 'once a snug place, when my Lady + Clonbrony was at home to whitewash it, and the like.' + </p> + <p> + As they drove by, some men and women put their heads through the smoke out + of the cabins; pale women with long, black, or yellow locks—men with + countenances and figures bereft of hope and energy. + </p> + <p> + 'Wretched, wretched people!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Then it's not their fault neither,' said Larry; 'for my own uncle's one + of them, and as thriving and hard a working man as could be in all + Ireland, he was, AFORE he was tramped under foot, and his heart broke. I + was at his funeral, this time last year; and for it, may the agent's own + heart, if he has any, burn—' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre interrupted this denunciation by touching Larry's shoulder, + and asking some question, which, as Larry did not distinctly comprehend, + he pulled up the reins, and the various noises of the vehicle stopped + suddenly. + </p> + <p> + I did not hear well, plase your honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'What are those people?' pointing to a man and woman, curious figures, who + had come out of a cabin, the door of which the woman, who came out last, + locked, and carefully hiding the key in the thatch, turned her back upon + the man, and they walked away in different directions: the woman bending + under a huge bundle on her back, covered by a yellow petticoat turned over + her shoulders; from the top of this bundle the head of an infant appeared; + a little boy, almost naked, followed her with a kettle, and two girls, one + of whom could but just walk, held her hand and clung to her ragged + petticoat; forming, altogether, a complete group of beggars. The woman + stopped, and looked back after the man. + </p> + <p> + The man was a Spanish-looking figure, with gray hair; a wallet hung at the + end of a stick over one shoulder, a reaping-hook in the other hand; he + walked off stoutly, without ever casting a look behind him. + </p> + <p> + 'A kind harvest to you, John Dolan,' cried the postillion, 'and success to + ye, Winny, with the quality. There's a luck-penny for the child to begin + with,' added he, throwing the child a penny. 'Your honour, they're only + poor CRATURES going up the country to beg, while the man goes over to reap + the harvest in England. Nor this would not be, neither, if the lord was in + it to give 'em EMPLOY. That man, now, was a good and a willing SLAVE in + his day: I mind him working with myself in the shrubberies at Clonbrony + Castle, when I was a boy—but I'll not be detaining your honour, now + the road's better.' + </p> + <p> + The postillion drove on at a good rate for some time, till he came to a + piece of the road freshly covered with broken stones, where he was obliged + again to go slowly. + </p> + <p> + They overtook a string of cars, on which were piled up high, beds, tables, + chairs, trunks, boxes, bandboxes. + </p> + <p> + 'How are you, Finnucan? you've fine loading there—from Dublin, are + you?' + </p> + <p> + 'From Bray.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what news?' + </p> + <p> + 'GREAT news and bad, for old Nick, or some belonging to him, thanks be to + Heaven! for myself hates him.' + </p> + <p> + 'What's happened him?' + </p> + <p> + 'His sister's husband that's failed, the great grocer that was, the man + that had the wife that OW'D [Owned] the fine house near Bray, that they + got that time the Parliament FLITTED, and that I seen in her carriage + flaming—well, it's all out; they're all DONE UP. + </p> + <p> + 'Tut! is that all? then they'll thrive, and set up again grander than + ever, I'll engage; have not they old Nick for an attorney at their back? a + good warrant!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, trust him for that! he won't go security nor pay a farthing for his + SHISTER, nor wouldn't was she his father; I heard him telling her so, + which I could not have done in his place at that time, and she crying as + if her heart would break, and I standing by in the parlour.' + </p> + <p> + 'The NEGER! [NEGER, quasi negro; meo periculo, NIGGARD] And did he speak + that way, and you by?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay did he; and said, "Mrs. Raffarty," says he, "it's all your own fault; + you're an extravagant fool, and ever was, and I wash my hands of you;" + that was the word he spoke; and she answered, and said, "And mayn't I send + the beds and blankets," said she, "and what I can, by the cars, out of the + way of the creditors, to Clonbrony Castle; and won't you let me hide there + from the shame, till the bustle's over?"—"You may do that," says he, + "for what I care; but remember," says he, "that I've the first claim to + them goods;" and that's all he would grant. So they are coming down all o' + Monday—them are her bandboxes and all to settle it; and faith it was + a pity of her! to hear her sobbing, and to see her own brother speak and + look so hard! and she a lady.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sure she's not a lady born, no more than himself,' said Larry; 'but + that's no excuse for him. His heart's as hard as that stone,' said Larry; + 'and my own people knew that long ago, and now his own know it; and what + right have we to complain, since he's as bad to his own flesh and blood as + to us?' + </p> + <p> + With this consolation, and with a 'God speed you,' given to the carman, + Larry was driving off; but the carman called to him, and pointed to a + house, at the corner of which, on a high pole, was swinging an iron sign + of three horse-shoes, set in a crooked frame, and at the window hung an + empty bottle, proclaiming whisky within. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I don't care if I do,' said Larry; 'for I've no other comfort left + me in life now. I beg your honour's pardon, sir, for a minute,' added he, + throwing the reins into the carriage to Lord Colambre, as he leaped down. + All remonstrance and power of lungs to reclaim him vain! He darted into + the whisky-house with the carman—reappeared before Lord Colambre + could accomplish getting out, remounted his seat, and, taking the reins, + 'I thank your honour,' said he; 'and I'll bring you into Clonbrony before + it's pitch-dark yet, though it's nightfall, and that's four good miles, + but "a spur in the head is worth two in the heel."' + </p> + <p> + Larry, to demonstrate the truth of his favourite axiom, drove off at such + a furious rate over great stones left in the middle of the road by carmen, + who had been driving in the gudgeons of their axle-trees to hinder them + from lacing, [Opening; perhaps from LACHER, to loosen.] that Lord Colambre + thought life and limb in imminent danger; and feeling that at all events + the jolting and bumping was past endurance, he had recourse to Larry's + shoulder, and shook and pulled, and called to him to go slower, but in + vain; at last the wheel struck full against a heap of stones at a turn of + the road, the wooden linch-pin came off, and the chaise was overset: Lord + Colambre was a little bruised, but glad to escape without fractured bones. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your honour's pardon,' said Larry, completely sobered; 'I'm as glad + as the best pair of boots ever I see, to see your honour nothing the worse + for it. It was the linch-pin, and them barrows of loose stones, that ought + to be fined anyway, if there was any justice in the country.' + </p> + <p> + 'The pole is broke; how are we to get on?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Murder! murder!—and no smith nearer than Clonbrony; nor rope even. + It's a folly to talk, we can't get to Clonbrony, nor stir a step backward + or forward the night.' + </p> + <p> + 'What, then, do you mean to leave me all night in the middle of the road?' + cried Lord Colambre, quite exasperated. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it me! please your honour? I would not use any jantleman so ill, + BARRING I could do no other,' replied the postillion, coolly; then, + leaping across the ditch, or, as he called it, the GRIPE of the ditch, he + scrambled up, and while he was scrambling, said, 'If your honour will lend + me your hand till I pull you up the back of the ditch, the horses will + stand while we go. I'll find you as pretty a lodging for the night, with a + widow of a brother of my shister's husband that was, as ever you slept in + your life; for old Nick or St. Dennis has not found 'em out yet; and your + honour will be, no compare, snugger than the inn at Clonbrony, which has + no roof, the devil a stick. But where will I get your honour's hand; for + it's coming on so dark, I can't see rightly. There, you're up now safe. + Yonder candle's the house.' + </p> + <p> + 'Go and ask whether they can give us a night's lodging.' + </p> + <p> + 'Is it ASK? when I see the light!—Sure they'd be proud to give the + traveller all the beds in the house, let alone one. Take care of the + potato furrows, that's all, and follow me straight. I'll go on to meet the + dog, who knows me and might be strange to your honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'Kindly welcome,' were the first words Lord Colambre heard when he + approached the cottage; and 'kindly welcome' was in the sound of the voice + and in the countenance of the old woman who came out, shading her + rush-candle from the wind, and holding it so as to light the path. When he + entered the cottage, he saw a cheerful fire and a neat pretty young woman + making it blaze: she curtsied, put her spinning-wheel out of the way, set + a stool by the fire for the stranger, and repeating, in a very low tone of + voice, 'Kindly welcome,' retired. + </p> + <p> + 'Put down some eggs, dear, there's plenty in the bowl,' said the old + woman, calling to her; 'I'll do the bacon. Was not we lucky to be up—The + boy's gone to bed, but waken him,' said she, turning to the postillion; + 'and he'll help you with the chay, and put your horses in the bier for the + night.' + </p> + <p> + No; Larry chose to go on to Clonbrony with the horses, that he might get + the chaise mended betimes for his honour. The table was set; clean + trenchers, hot potatoes, milk, eggs, bacon, and 'kindly welcome to all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Set the salt, dear; and the butter, love; where's your head, Grace, + dear!' + </p> + <p> + 'Grace!' repeated Lord Colambre, looking up; and, to apologise for his + involuntary exclamation, he added, 'Is Grace a common name in Ireland?' + </p> + <p> + 'I can't say, plase your honour, but it was give her by Lady Clonbrony, + from a niece of her own that was her foster-sister, God bless her! and a + very kind lady she was to us and to all when she was living in it; but + those times are gone past,' said the old woman, with a sigh. The young + woman sighed too; and, sitting down by the fire, began to count the + notches in a little bit of stick, which she held in her hand; and, after + she had counted them, sighed again. + </p> + <p> + 'But don't be sighing, Grace, now,' said the old woman; 'sighs is bad + sauce for the traveller's supper; and we won't be troubling him with + more,' added she, turning to Lord Colambre with a smile. + </p> + <p> + 'Is your egg done to your liking?' + </p> + <p> + 'Perfectly, thank you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I wish it was a chicken for your sake, which it should have been, + and roast too, had we time. I wish I could see you eat another egg.' + </p> + <p> + 'No more, thank you, my good lady; I never ate a better supper, nor + received a more hospitable welcome.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, the welcome is all we have to offer.' + </p> + <p> + 'May I ask what that is?' said Lord Colambre, looking at the notched + stick, which the young woman held in her hand, and on which her eyes were + still fixed. + </p> + <p> + It's a TALLY, plase your honour. Oh, you're a foreigner;—it's the + way the labourers do keep the account of the day's work with the overseer, + the bailiff; a notch for every day the bailiff makes on his stick, and the + labourer the like on his stick, to tally; and when we come to make up the + account, it's by the notches we go. And there's been a mistake, and is a + dispute here between our boy and the overseer; and she was counting the + boy's tally, that's in bed, tired, for in troth he's overworked.' + </p> + <p> + 'Would you want anything more from me, mother?' said the girl, rising and + turning her head away. + </p> + <p> + 'No, child; get away, for your heart's full.' + </p> + <p> + She went instantly. + </p> + <p> + 'Is the boy her brother?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'No; he's her bachelor,' said the old woman, lowering her voice. + </p> + <p> + 'Her bachelor?' + </p> + <p> + 'That is, her sweetheart: for she is not my daughter, though you heard her + call me mother. The boy's my son; but I am afeard they must give it up; + for they're too poor, and the times is hard, and the agent's harder than + the times; there's two of them, the under and the upper; and they grind + the substance of one between them, and then blow one away like chaff: but + we'll not be talking of that to spoil your honour's night's rest. The + room's ready, and here's the rushlight.' + </p> + <p> + She showed him into a very small but neat room. 'What a + comfortable-looking bed!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, these red check curtains,' said she, letting them down; 'these have + lasted well; they were give me by a good friend, now far away, over the + seas—my Lady Clonbrony; and made by the prettiest hands ever you + see, her niece's, Miss Grace Nugent's, and she a little child that time; + sweet love! all gone!' + </p> + <p> + The old woman wiped a tear from her eye, and Lord Colambre did what he + could to appear indifferent. She set down the candle, and left the room; + Lord Colambre went to bed, but he lay awake, 'revolving sweet and bitter + thoughts.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + The kettle was on the fire, tea-things set, everything prepared for her + guest by the hospitable hostess, who, thinking the gentleman would take + tea to his breakfast, had sent off a GOSSOON by the FIRST LIGHT to + Clonbrony, for an ounce of tea, a QUARTER OF SUGAR, and a loaf of white + bread; and there was on the little table good cream, milk, butter, eggs—all + the promise of an excellent breakfast. It was a FRESH morning, and there + was a pleasant fire on the hearth, neatly swept up. The old woman was + sitting in her chimney corner, behind a little skreen of whitewashed wall, + built out into the room, for the purpose of keeping those who sat at the + fire from the BLAST OF THE DOOR. There was a loophole in this wall, to let + the light in, just at the height of a person's head, who was sitting near + the chimney. The rays of the morning sun now came through it, shining + across the face of the old woman, as she sat knitting; Lord Colambre + thought he had seldom seen a more agreeable countenance, intelligent eyes, + benevolent smile, a natural expression of cheerfulness, subdued by age and + misfortune. + </p> + <p> + 'A good-morrow to you kindly, sir, and I hope you got the night well?—A + fine day for us this Sunday morning; my Grace is gone to early prayers, so + your honour will be content with an old woman to make your breakfast. Oh, + let me put in plenty, or it will never be good; and if your honour takes + stir-about, an old hand will engage to make that to your liking, anyway; + for, by great happiness, we have what will just answer for you of the + nicest meal the miller made my Grace a compliment of, last time she went + to the mill.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre observed, that this miller had good taste; and his lordship + paid some compliment to Grace's beauty, which the old woman received with + a smile, but turned off the conversation. 'Then,' said she, looking out of + the window, 'is not that there a nice little garden the boy dug for her + and me, at his breakfast and dinner hours? Ah! he's a good boy, and a good + warrant to work; and the good son DESARVES the good wife, and it's he that + will make the good husband; and with my goodwill he, and no other, shall + get her, and with her goodwill the same; and I bid 'em keep up their + heart, and hope the best, for there's no use in fearing the worst till it + comes.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre wished very much to know the worst. + </p> + <p> + 'If you would not think a stranger impertinent for asking,' said he, 'and + if it would not be painful to you to explain.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, impertinent, your honour! it's very kind—and, sure, none's a + stranger to one's heart, that feels for one. And for myself, I can talk of + my troubles without thinking of them. So, I'll tell you all—if the + worst comes to the worst—all that is, is, that we must quit, and + give up this little snug place, and house, and farm, and all, to the agent—which + would be hard on us, and me a widow, when my husband did all that is done + to the land; and if your honour was a judge, you could see, if you stepped + out, there has been a deal done, and built the house, and all—but it + plased Heaven to take him. Well, he was too good for this world, and I'm + satisfied—I'm not saying a word again' that—I trust we shall + meet in heaven, and be happy, surely. And, meantime, here's my boy, that + will make me as happy as ever widow was on earth—if the agent will + let him. And I can't think the agent, though they that know him best call + him old Nick, would be so wicked to take from us that which he never gave + us. The good lord himself granted us the LASE; the life's dropped, and the + years is out; but we had a promise of renewal in writing from the + landlord. God bless him! if he was not away, he'd be a good gentleman, and + we'd be happy and safe.' + </p> + <p> + 'But if you have a promise in writing of a renewal, surely you are safe, + whether your landlord is absent or present?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ah, no I that makes a great DIFFER, when there's no eye or hand over the + agent. I would not wish to speak or think ill of him or any man; but was + he an angel, he could not know to do the tenantry justice, the way he is + living always in Dublin, and coming down to the country only the receiving + days, to make a sweep among us, and gather up the rents in a hurry, and he + in such haste back to town—can just stay to count over our money, + and give the receipts. Happy for us, if we get that same!—but can't + expect he should have time to see or hear us, or mind our improvements, + any more than listen to our complaints! Oh, there's great excuse for the + gentleman, if that was any comfort for us,' added she, smiling. + </p> + <p> + 'But, if he does not live amongst you himself, has not he some + under-agent, who lives in the country?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'He has so.' + </p> + <p> + 'And he should know your concerns: does he mind them?' + </p> + <p> + 'He should know—he should know better; but as to minding our + concerns, your honour knows,' continued she, smiling again, 'every one in + this world must mind their own concerns; and it would be a good world, if + it was even so. There's a great deal in all things, that don't appear at + first sight. Mr. Dennis wanted Grace for a wife for his bailiff; but she + would not have him; and Mr. Dennis was very sweet to her himself—but + Grace is rather high with him as proper, and he has a grudge AGAIN' us + ever since. Yet, indeed, there,' added she, after another pause, 'as you + say, I think we are safe; for we have that memorandum in writing, with a + pencil, given under his own hand, on the back of the LASE, to me, by the + same token when my good lord had his foot on the step of the coach, going + away; and I'll never forget the smile of her that got that good turn done + for me, Miss Grace. And just when she was going to England and London, + and, young as she was, to have the thought to stop and turn to the likes + of me! Oh, then, if you could see her, and know her, as I did! THAT was + the comforting angel upon earth—look and voice, and heart and all! + Oh, that she was here present, this minute!—But did you scald + yourself?' said the widow to Lord Colambre. 'Sure you must have scalded + yourself; for you poured the kettle straight over your hand, and it + boiling!—O DEEAR! to think of so young a gentleman's hand shaking so + like my own. + </p> + <p> + Luckily, to prevent her pursuing her observations from the hand to the + face, which might have betrayed more than Lord Colambre wished she should + know, her own Grace came in at this instant. + </p> + <p> + 'There it's for you, safe, mother dear—the LASE!' said Grace, + throwing a packet into her lap. The old woman lifted up her hands to + heaven, with the lease between them.—'Thanks be to Heaven!' Grace + passed on, and sunk down on the first seat she could reach. Her face + flushed, and, looking much fatigued, she loosened the strings of her + bonnet and cloak—'Then, I'm tired;' but, recollecting herself, she + rose, and curtsied to the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + 'What tired ye, dear?' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, after prayers, we had to go—for the agent was not at prayers, + nor at home for us, when we called—we had to go all the way up to + the castle; and there, by great good luck, we found Mr. Nick Garraghty + himself, come from Dublin, and the LASE in his hands; and he sealed it up + that way, and handed it to me very civil. I never saw him so good—though + he offered me a glass of spirits, which was not manners to a decent young + woman, in a morning—as Brian noticed after. Brian would not take any + either, nor never does. We met Mr. Dennis and the driver coming home; and + he says, the rent must be paid to-morrow, or, instead of renewing, he'll + seize and sell all. Mother dear, I would have dropped with the walk, but + for Brian's arm.'—'It's a wonder, dear, what makes you so weak, that + used to be so strong,'—'But if we can sell the cow for anything at + all to Mr. Dennis, since his eye is set upon her, better let him have her, + mother dear; and that and my yarn, which Mrs. Garraghty says she'll allow + me for, will make up the rent—and Brian need not talk of America. + But it must be in golden guineas, the agent will take the rent no other + way; and you won't get a guinea for less than five shillings. Well, even + so, it's easy selling my new gown to one that covets it, and that will + give me in exchange the price of the gold; or, suppose that would not do, + add this cloak,—it's handsome, and I know a friend would be glad to + take it, and I'd part it as ready as look at it—Any-thing at all, + sure, rather than that he should be forced to talk of emigrating; or, oh, + worse again, listing for the bounty—to save us from the cant or the + jail, by going to the hospital, or his grave, maybe—Oh, mother!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, child! This is what makes you weak, fretting. Don't be that way. Sure + here's the LASE, and that's good comfort; and the soldiers will be gone + out of Clonbrony to-morrow, and then that's off your mind. And as to + America, it's only talk—I won't let him, he's dutiful; and would + sooner sell my dresser and down to my bed, dear, than see you sell + anything of yours, love. Promise me you won't. Why didn't Brian come home + all the way with you, Grace?' + </p> + <p> + 'He would have seen me home,' said Grace,' only that he went up a piece of + the mountain for some stones or ore for the gentleman—for he had the + manners to think of him this morning, though, shame for me, I had not, + when I come in, or I would not have told you all this, and he himself by. + See, there he is, mother.' + </p> + <p> + Brian came in very hot, out of breath, with his hat full of stones. 'Good + morrow to your honour. I was in bed last night; and sorry they did not + call me up to be of SARVICE. Larry was telling us, this morning, your + honour's from Wales, and looking for mines in Ireland, and I heard talk + that there was one on our mountain—maybe, you'd be CUROUS to see, + and so I brought the best I could, but I'm no judge.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nor I, neither,' thought Lord Colambre; but he thanked the young man, and + determined to avail himself of Larry's misconception or false report; + examined the stones very gravely, and said, 'This promises well. Lapis + caliminaris, schist, plum-pudding stone, rhomboidal, crystal, blend, + garrawachy,' and all the strange names he could think of, jumbling them + together at a venture. + </p> + <p> + 'The LASE!—Is it?' cried the young man, with joy sparkling in his + eyes, as his mother held up the packet. 'Then all's safe! and he's an + honest man, and shame on me, that could suspect he meant us wrong. Lend me + the papers.' + </p> + <p> + He cracked the seals, and taking off the cover,—'It's the LASE, sure + enough. Shame on me!—But stay, where's the memorandum?' + </p> + <p> + 'It's there, sure,' said his mother, 'where my lord's pencil writ it. I + don't read.—Grace, dear, look.' + </p> + <p> + The young man put it into her hands, and stood without power to utter a + syllable. + </p> + <p> + 'It's not here! It's gone!—no sign of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Gracious Heaven! that can't be,' said the old woman, putting on her + spectacles; 'let me see—I remember the very spot.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's taken away—it's rubbed clean out!—Oh, wasn't I fool? But + who could have thought he'd be the villain!' The young man seemed neither + to see nor hear; but to be absorbed in thought. + </p> + <p> + Grace, with her eyes fixed upon him, grew as pale as death—'He'll go—he's + gone.' + </p> + <p> + 'She's gone!' cried Lord Colambre, and the mother just caught her in her + arms as she was falling. + </p> + <p> + 'The chaise is ready, PLASE your honour,' said Larry, coming into the + room. 'Death! what's here?' + </p> + <p> + 'Air!—she's coming to,' said the young man—'Take a drop of + water, my own Grace.' + </p> + <p> + 'Young man, I, promise you,' cried Lord Colambre (speaking in the tone of + a master), striking the young man's shoulder, who was kneeling at Grace's + feet; but recollecting and restraining himself, he added, in a quiet voice—'I + promise you I shall never forget the hospitality I have received in this + house, and I am sorry to be obliged to leave you in distress.' + </p> + <p> + These words uttered with difficulty, he hurried out of the house, and into + his carriage. 'Go back to them,' said he to the postillion; 'go back and + ask whether, if I should stay a day or two longer in this country, they + would let me return at night and lodge with them. And here, man, stay, + take this,' putting money into his hands, 'for the good woman of the + house.' + </p> + <p> + The postillion went in, and returned. + </p> + <p> + 'She won't at all—I knew she would not.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I am obliged to her for the night's lodging she did give me; I have + no right to expect more.' + </p> + <p> + 'What is it?—Sure she bid me tell you—"and welcome to the + lodging; for," said she, "he is a kind-hearted gentleman;" but here's the + money; it's that I was telling you she would not have at all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you. Now, my good friend Larry, drive me to Clonbrony, and do not + say another word, for I'm not in a talking humour.' + </p> + <p> + Larry nodded, mounted, and drove to Clonbrony. Clonbrony was now a + melancholy scene. The houses, which had been built in a better style of + architecture than usual, were in a ruinous condition; the dashing was off + the walls, no glass in the windows, and many of the roofs without slates. + For the stillness of the place Lord Colambre in some measure accounted by + considering that it was Sunday; therefore, of course, all the shops were + shut up, and all the people at prayers. He alighted at the inn, which + completely answered Larry's representation of it. Nobody to be seen but a + drunken waiter, who, as well as he could articulate, informed Lord + Colambre that 'his mistress was in her bed since Thursday-was-a-week; the + hostler at the WASH-WOMAN'S, and the cook at second prayers.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre walked to the church, but the church gate was locked and + broken—a calf, two pigs, and an ass, in the churchyard; and several + boys (with more of skin apparent than clothes) were playing at hustlecap + upon a tombstone, which, upon nearer observation, he saw was the monument + of his own family. One of the boys came to the gate, and told Lord + Colambre 'there was no use in going into the church, becaase there was no + church there; nor had not been this twelvemonth; becaase there was no + curate; and the parson was away always, since the lord was at home—that + is, was not at home—he nor the family.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre returned to the inn, where, after waiting a considerable + time, he gave up the point—he could not get any dinner—and in + the evening he walked out again into the town. He found several + ale-houses, however, open, which were full of people; all of them as busy + and as noisy as possible. He observed that the interest was created by an + advertisement of several farms on the Clonbrony estate, to be set by + Nicholas Garraghty, Esq. He could not help smiling at his being witness + incognito to various schemes for outwitting the agents and defrauding the + landlord; but, on a sudden, the scene was changed; a boy ran in, crying + out, that 'St. Dennis was riding down the hill into the town; and, if you + would not have the license,' said the boy, 'take care of yourself.' + </p> + <p> + 'IF YOU WOULDN'T HAVE THE LICENCE,' Lord Colambre perceived, by what + followed, meant, 'IF YOU HAVE NOT A LICENCE.' Brannagan immediately + snatched an untasted glass of whisky from a customer's lips (who cried, + Murder!) gave it and the bottle he held in his hand to his wife, who + swallowed the spirits, and ran away with the bottle and glass into some + back hole; whilst the bystanders laughed, saying, 'Well thought of, + Peggy!' + </p> + <p> + 'Clear out all of you at the back door, for the love of heaven, if you + wouldn't be the ruin of me,' said the man of the house, setting a ladder + to a corner of the shop. 'Phil, hoist me up the keg to the loft,' added + he, running up the ladder; 'and one of YEES step up street, and give Rose + M'Givney notice, for she's selling too.' + </p> + <p> + The keg was hoisted up; the ladder removed; the shop cleared of all the + customers; the shutters shut; the door barred; the counter cleaned. 'Lift + your stones, sir, if you plase,' said the wife, as she rubbed the counter, + 'and say nothing of what you SEEN at all; but that you're a stranger and a + traveller seeking a lodging, if you're questioned, or waiting to see Mr. + Dennis. There's no smell of whisky in it now, is there, sir?' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre could not flatter her so far as to say this—he could + only hope no one would perceive it. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, and if he would, the smell of whisky was nothing,' as the wife + affirmed, 'for it was everywhere in nature, and no proof again' any one, + good or bad.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now St. Dennis may come when he will, or old Nick himself!' So she tied + up a blue handkerchief over her head, and had the toothache, 'very bad.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre turned to look for the man of the house. + </p> + <p> + 'He's safe in bed,' said the wife. + </p> + <p> + 'In bed! When?' + </p> + <p> + 'Whilst you turned your head, while I was tying the handkerchief over my + face. Within the room, look, he is snug.' + </p> + <p> + And there he was in bed certainly, and his clothes on the chest. + </p> + <p> + A knock, a loud knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'St. Dennis himself!—Stay, till I unbar the door,' said the woman; + and, making a great difficulty, she let him in, groaning, and saying— + </p> + <p> + 'We was all done up for the night, PLASE your honour, and myself with the + toothache, very bad—And the lodger, that's going to take an egg + only, before he'd go into his bed. My man's in it, and asleep long ago.' + </p> + <p> + With a magisterial air, though with a look of blank disappointment, Mr. + Dennis Garraghty walked on, looked into THE ROOM, saw the good man of the + house asleep, heard him snore, and then, returning, asked Lord Colambre + 'who he was, and what brought him there?' + </p> + <p> + Our hero said he was from England, and a traveller; and now, bolder grown + as a geologist, he talked of his specimens, and his hopes of finding a + mine in the neighbouring mountains; then adopting, as well as he could, + the servile tone and abject manner in which he found Mr. Dennis was to be + addressed, 'he hoped he might get encouragement from the gentleman at the + head of the estate.' + </p> + <p> + 'To bore, is it?—Well, don't BORE me about it. I can't give you any + answer now, my good friend; I'm engaged.' + </p> + <p> + Out he strutted. 'Stick to him up the town, if you have a mind to get your + answer,' whispered the woman. Lord Colambre followed, for he wished to see + the end of this scene. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, sir, what are you following and sticking to me, like my shadow, + for?' said Mr. Dennis, turning suddenly upon Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + His lordship bowed low. 'Waiting for my answer, sir, when you are at + leisure. + </p> + <p> + Or, may I call upon you tomorrow?' + </p> + <p> + 'You seem to be a civil kind of fellow; but, as to boring, I don't know—if + you undertake it at your own expense. I dare say there may be minerals in + the ground. Well, you may call at the castle to-morrow, and when my + brother has done with the tenantry, I'll speak to him FOR you, and we'll + consult together, and see what we think. It's too late to-night. In + Ireland, nobody speaks to a gentleman about business after dinner—your + servant, sir; anybody can show you the way to the castle in the morning.' + And, pushing by his lordship, he called to a man on the other side of the + street, who had obviously been waiting for him; he went under a gateway + with this man, and gave him a bag of guineas. He then called for his + horse, which was brought to him by a man whom Colambre had heard declaring + that he would bid for the land that was advertised; whilst another, who + had the same intentions, most respectfully held St. Dennis's stirrup, + whilst he mounted without thanking either of these men. St. Dennis clapped + spurs to his steed, and rode away. No thanks, indeed, were deserved; for + the moment he was out of hearing, both cursed him after the manner of + their country. + </p> + <p> + 'Bad luck go with you, then!—And may you break your neck before you + get home, if it was not for the LASE I'm to get, and that's paid for.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre followed the crowd into a public-house, where a new scene + presented itself to his view. + </p> + <p> + The man to whom St. Dennis gave the bag of gold was now selling this very + gold to the tenants, who were to pay their rent next day at the castle. + </p> + <p> + The agent would take nothing but gold. The same guineas were bought and + sold several times over, to the great profit of the agent and loss of the + poor tenants; for, as the rents were paid, the guineas were resold to + another set, and the remittances made through bankers to the landlord; + who, as the poor man who explained the transaction to Lord Colambre + expressed it, 'gained nothing by the business, bad or good, but the + ill-will of the tenantry.' + </p> + <p> + The higgling for the price of the gold; the time lost in disputing about + the goodness of the notes, among some poor tenants, who could not read or + write, and who were at the mercy of the man with the bag in his hand; the + vexation, the useless harassing of all who were obliged to submit + ultimately—Lord Colambre saw; and all this time he endured the smell + of tobacco and whisky, and of the sound of various brogues, the din of men + wrangling, brawling, threatening, whining, drawling, cajoling, cursing, + and every variety of wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + 'And is this my father's town of Clonbrony?' thought Lord Colambre. 'Is + this Ireland?—No, it is not Ireland. Let me not, like most of those + who forsake their native country, traduce it. Let me not, even to my own + mind, commit the injustice of taking a speck for the whole. What I have + just seen is the picture only of that to which an Irish estate and Irish + tenantry may be degraded in the absence of those whose duty and interest + it is to reside in Ireland, to uphold justice by example and authority; + but who, neglecting this duty, commit power to bad hands and bad hearts—abandon + their tenantry to oppression, and their property to ruin.' + </p> + <p> + It was now fine moonlight, and Lord Colambre met with a boy, who said he + could show him a short way across the fields to the widow O'Neill's + cottage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + All were asleep at the cottage, when Lord Colambre arrived, except the + widow, who was sitting up, waiting for him; and who had brought her dog + into the house, that he might not fly at him, or bark at his return. She + had a roast chicken ready for her guest, and it was—but this she + never told him the only chicken she had left; all the others had been sent + with the DUTY-FOWL as a present to the under-agent's lady. While he was + eating his supper, which he ate with the better appetite, as he had had no + dinner, the good woman took down from the shelf a pocket-book, which she + gave him: 'Is not that your book?' said she. 'My boy Brian found it after + you in the potato furrow, where you dropped it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you,' said Lord Colambre; 'there are bank notes in it, which I + could not afford to lose.' + </p> + <p> + 'Are there?' said she; 'he never opened it—nor I.' + </p> + <p> + Then, in answer to his inquiries about Grace and the young man, the widow + answered, 'They are all in heart now, I thank ye kindly, sir, for asking; + they'll sleep easy to-night anyway, and I'm in great spirits for them and + myself—for all's smooth now. After we parted you, Brian saw Mr. + Dennis himself about the LASE and memorandum, which he never denied, but + knew nothing about. "But, be that as it may," says he, "you're improving + tenants, and I'm confident my brother will consider ye; so what you'll do + is, you'll give up the possession to-morrow to myself, that will call for + it by cock-crow, just for form's sake; and then go up to the castle with + the new LASE ready drawn, in your hand, and if all's paid off clear of the + rent, and all that's due, you'll get the new LASE signed; I'll promise you + that upon the word and honour of a gentleman." And there's no going beyond + that, you know, sir. So my boy came home as light as a feather, and as gay + as a lark, to bring us the good news; only he was afraid we might not make + up the rent, guineas and all; and because he could not get paid for the + work he done, on account of the mistake in the overseer's tally, I sold + the cow to a neighbour—dog-cheap; but needs must, as they say, when + old Nick DRIVES,' said the widow, smiling. 'Well, still it was but paper + we got for the cow; then that must be gold before the agent would take or + touch it so I was laying out to sell the dresser, and had taken the plates + and cups, and little things off it, and my boy was lifting it out with + Andy the carpenter, that was agreeing for it, when in comes Grace, all + rosy, and out of breath—it's a wonder I minded her run out, and not + missed her. "Mother," says she, "here's the gold for you! don't be + stirring your dresser."—"And where's your gown and cloak, Grace?" + says I. But I beg your pardon, sir; maybe I'm tiring you?' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre encouraged her to go on. + </p> + <p> + '"Where's your gown and cloak, Grace!" says I.—"Gone," says she. + "The cloak was too warm and heavy, and I don't doubt, mother, but it was + that helped to make me faint this morning. And as to the gown, sure I've a + very nice one here, that you spun for me yourself, mother; and that I + prize above all the gowns ever came out of a loom; and that Brian said + become me to his fancy above any gown ever he see me wear; and what could + I wish for more?" Now I'd a mind to scold her for going to sell the gown + unknown'st to me, but I don't know how it was, I couldn't scold her just + then, so kissed her, and Brian the same, and that was what no man ever did + before. And she had a mind to be angry with him, but could not, nor ought + not, says I; "for he's as good as your husband now, Grace; and no man can + part yees now," says I, putting their hands together. Well, I never saw + her look so pretty; nor there was not a happier boy that minute on God's + earth than my son, nor a happier mother than myself; and I thanked God + that had given them to me; and down they both fell on their knees for my + blessing, little worth as it was; and my heart's blessing they had, and I + laid my hands upon them. "It's the priest you must get to do this for you + to-morrow," says I. And Brian just held up the ring, to show me all was + ready on his part, but could not speak. "Then there's no America any + more!" said Grace low to me, and her heart was on her lips; but the colour + came and went, and I was AFEARED she'd have swooned again, but not for + sorrow, so I carried her off. Well, if she was not my own—but she is + not my own born so I may say it—there never was a better girl, nor a + more kind-hearted, nor generous; never thinking anything she could do, or + give, too much for them she loved, and anything at all would do for + herself; the sweetest natured and tempered both, and always was, from this + high; the bond that held all together, and joy of the house.' + </p> + <p> + 'Just like her namesake,' cried Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Plase your honour?' + </p> + <p> + 'Is not it late?' said Lord Colambre, stretching himself and gaping; 'I've + walked a great way to-day.' + </p> + <p> + The old woman lighted his rushlight, showed him to his red check bed, and + wished him a very good night; not without some slight sentiment of + displeasure at his gaping thus at the panegyric on her darling Grace. + Before she left the room, however, her short-lived resentment vanished, + upon his saying that he hoped, with her permission, to be present at the + wedding of the young couple. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning Brian went to the priest, to ask his reverence when + it would be convenient to marry him; and, whilst he was gone, Mr. Dennis + Garraghty came to the cottage, to receive the rent and possession. The + rent was ready, in gold, and counted into his hand. + </p> + <p> + 'No occasion for a receipt; for a new LASE is a receipt in full for + everything.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, sir, said the widow; 'I know nothing of law. You know best—whatever + you direct—for you are acting as a friend to us now. My son got the + attorney to draw the pair of new LASES yesterday, and here they are ready, + all to signing.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dennis said his brother must settle that part of the business, and + that they must carry them up to the castle; 'but first give me the + possession.' + </p> + <p> + Then, as he instructed her, she gave up the key of the door to him, and a + bit of the thatch of the house; and he raked out the fire, and said every + living creature must go out. 'It's only form of law,' said he. + </p> + <p> + 'And must my lodger get up and turn out, sir?' said she. 'He must turn + out, to be sure—not a living soul must be left in it, or it's no + legal possession properly. Who is your lodger?' + </p> + <p> + On Lord Colambre's appearing, Mr. Dennis showed some surprise, and said, + 'I thought you were lodging at Brannagan's; are not you the man who spoke + to me at his house about the gold mines?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir, he never lodged at Brannagan's,' said the widow. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, sir, I am the person who spoke to you about the gold mines at + Brannagan's; but I did not like to lodge—' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, no matter where you liked to lodge; you must walk out of this + lodging now, if you please, my good friend.' + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Dennis pushed his lordship out by the shoulders, repeating, as the + widow turned back and looked with some surprise and alarm, 'Only for form + sake, only for form sake!' then locking the door, took the key, and put it + into his pocket. The widow held out her hand for it: 'The form's gone + through now, sir, is not it? Be plased to let us in again.' + </p> + <p> + 'When the new lease is signed, I'll give you possession again; but not + till then—for that's the law. So make away with you to the castle; + and mind,' added he, winking slily, 'mind you take sealing-money with you, + and something to buy gloves.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, where will I find all that?' said the widow. + </p> + <p> + 'I have it, mother; don't fret,' said Grace. 'I have it—the price of—-what + I can want. [What I can do without.] So let us go off to the castle + without delay. Brian will meet us on the road, you know.' + </p> + <p> + They set off for Clonbrony Castle, Lord Colambre accompanying them. Brian + met them on the road. 'Father Tom is ready, dear mother; bring her in, and + he'll marry us. I'm not my own man till she's mine. Who knows what may + happen?' + </p> + <p> + 'Who knows? that's true,' said the widow. + </p> + <p> + 'Better go to the castle first,' said Grace. + </p> + <p> + 'And keep the priest waiting! You can't use his reverence so.' said Brian. + </p> + <p> + So she let him lead her into the priest's house, and she did not make any + of the awkward draggings back, or ridiculous scenes of grimace sometimes + exhibited on these occasions; but blushing rosy red, yet with more + self-possession than could have been expected from her timid nature, she + gave her hand to the man she loved, and listened with attentive devotion + to the holy ceremony. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' thought Lord Colambre, whilst he congratulated the bride, 'shall I + ever be as happy as these poor people are at this moment?' He longed to + make them some little present, but all he could venture at this moment was + to pay the priest's DUES. + </p> + <p> + The priest positively refused to take anything. 'They are the best couple + in my parish,' said he; 'and I'll take nothing, sir, from you, a stranger + and my guest.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now, come what will, I'm a match for it. No trouble can touch me,' said + Brian. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, don't be bragging,' said the widow. + </p> + <p> + 'Whatever trouble God sends, He has given one now will help to bear it, + and sure I may be thankful,' said Grace. + </p> + <p> + 'Such good hearts must be happy—shall be happy!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, you're very kind,' said the widow, smiling; 'and I wouldn't doubt + you, if you had the power. I hope, then, the agent will give you + encouragement about them mines, that we may keep you among us.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am determined to settle among you, warm-hearted, generous people!' + cried Lord Colambre, 'whether the agent gives me encouragement or not,' + added he. + </p> + <p> + It was a long walk to Clonbrony Castle; the old woman, as she said + herself, would not have been able for it, but for a LIFT given to her by a + friendly carman, whom they met on the road with an empty car. This carman + was Finnucan, who dissipated Lord Colambre's fears of meeting and being + recognised by Mrs. Raffarty; for he, in answer to the question of, 'Who is + at the castle?' replied, 'Mrs. Raffarty will be in it afore night; but + she's on the road still. There's none but old Nick in it yet; and he's + more of a NEGER than ever; for think, that he would not pay me a farthing + for the carriage of his SHISTER'S boxes and bandboxes down. If you're + going to have any dealings with him, God grant ye a safe deliverance!' + </p> + <p> + 'Amen!' said the widow, and her son and daughter. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre's attention was now engaged by the view of the castle and + park of Clonbrony. He had not seen it since he was six years old. Some + faint reminiscence from his childhood made him feel or fancy that he knew + the place. It was a fine castle, spacious park; but all about it, from the + broken piers at the great entrance, to the messy gravel and loose steps at + the hall-door, had an air of desertion and melancholy. Walks overgrown, + shrubberies wild, plantations run up into bare poles; fine trees cut down, + and lying on the gravel in lots to be sold. A hill that had been covered + with an oak wood, in which, in his childhood, our hero used to play, and + which he called the black forest, was gone; nothing to be seen but the + white stumps of the trees, for it had been freshly cut down, to make up + the last remittances.—'And how it went, when sold!—but no + matter,' said Finnucan; 'it's all alike.—It's the back way into the + yard, I'll take you, I suppose.' + </p> + <p> + And such a yard! 'But it's no matter,' repeated Lord Colambre to himself; + 'it's all alike.' + </p> + <p> + In the kitchen a great dinner was dressing for Mr. Garraghty's friends, + who were to make merry with him when the business of the day was over. + </p> + <p> + 'Where's the keys of the cellar, till I get out the claret for after + dinner,' says one; 'and the wine for the cook—sure there's venison,' + cries another.—'Venison!—That's the way my lord's deer goes,' + says a third, laughing.—'ay, sure! and very proper, when he's not + here to eat 'em.'—'Keep your nose out of the kitchen, young man, if + you PLASE,' said the agent's cook, shutting the door in Lord Colambre's + face. 'There's the way to the office, if you've money to pay, up the back + stairs.' + </p> + <p> + 'No; up the grand staircase they must—Mr. Garraghty ordered,' said + the footman; 'because the office is damp for him, and it's not there he'll + see anybody to-day; but in my lady's dressing-room.' + </p> + <p> + So up the grand staircase they went, and through the magnificent + apartments, hung with pictures of great value, spoiling with damp. 'Then, + isn't it a pity to see them? There's my lady, and all spoiling,' said the + widow. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre stopped before a portrait of Miss Nugent.—'Shamefully + damaged!' cried he. 'Pass on, or let me pass, if you PLASE,' said one of + the tenants; 'and don't be stopping the doorway.' 'I have business more + nor you with the agent,' said the surveyor; 'where is he?' + </p> + <p> + 'In the PRESENCE-CHAMBER,' replied another; 'where should the viceroy be + but in the PRESENCE-CHAMBER?' + </p> + <p> + There was a full levee, and fine smell of greatcoats. 'Oh! would you put + your hats on the silk cushions?' said the widow to some men in the + doorway, who were throwing off their greasy hats on a damask sofa.—'Why + not? where else?' 'If the lady was in it, you wouldn't,' said she, + sighing.—'No, to be sure, I wouldn't; great news! would I make no + DIFFER in the presence of old Nick and my lady?' said he, in Irish. 'Have + I no sense or manners, good woman, think ye?' added he, as he shook the + ink out of his pen on the Wilton carpet, when he had finished signing his + name to a paper on his knee. 'You may wait long before you get to the + speech of the great man,' said another, who was working his way through + numbers. They continued pushing forward, till they came within sight of + Mr. Nicholas Garraghty, seated in state; and a worse countenance, or a + more perfect picture of an insolent, petty tyrant in office, Lord Colambre + had never beheld. + </p> + <p> + We forbear all further detail of this levee. 'It's all the same!' as Lord + Colambre repeated to himself, on every fresh instance of roguery or + oppression to which he was witness; and, having completely made up his + mind on the subject, he sat down quietly in the background, waiting till + it should come to the widow's turn to be dealt with, for he was now + interested only to see how she would be treated. The room gradually + thinned; Mr. Dennis Garraghty came in, and sat down at the table, to help + his brother to count the heaps of gold. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Mr. Dennis, I'm glad to see you as kind as your promise, meeting me + here,' said the widow O'Neill, walking up to him; 'I'm sure you'll speak a + good word for me; here's the LASES—who will I offer this to?' said + she, holding the GLOVE-MONEY and SEALING-MONEY,—'for I'm strange and + ashamed.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, don't be ashamed—there's no strangeness in bringing money or + taking it,' said Mr. Nicholas Garraghty, holding out his hand. 'Is this + the proper compliment?' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope so, sir; your honour knows best.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well,' slipping it into his private purse. 'Now, what's your + business?' + </p> + <p> + 'The LASES to sign—the rent's all paid up.' + </p> + <p> + 'Leases! Why, woman, is the possession given up?' + </p> + <p> + 'It was, PLASE your honour; and Mr. Dennis has the key of our little place + in his pocket.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I hope he'll keep it there. YOUR little place—it's no longer + yours; I've promised it to the surveyor. You don't think I'm such a fool + as to renew to you at this rent.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Dennis named the rent. But anything your honour PLASES—anything + at all that we can pay.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, it's out of the question—put it out of your head. No rent you + can offer would do, for I've promised it to the surveyor.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, Mr. Dennis knows my lord gave us his promise in writing of a + renewal, on the back of the OULD LASE.' + </p> + <p> + 'Produce it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Here's the LASE, but the promise is rubbed out.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nonsense! coming to me with a promise that's rubbed out. Who'll listen to + that in a court of justice, do you think?' + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know, plase your honour; but this I'm sure of, my lord and Miss + Nugent, though but a child at the time, God bless her! who was by when my + lord wrote it with his pencil, will remember it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Nugent! what can she know of business?—What has she to do with + the management of my Lord Clonbrony's estate, pray?' + </p> + <p> + 'Management!—no, sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you wish to get Miss Nugent turned out of the house?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, God forbid!—how could that be?' + </p> + <p> + 'Very easily; if you set about to make her meddle and witness in what my + lord does not choose.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well then, I'll never mention Miss Nugent's name in it at all, if it was + ever so with me. But be PLASED, sir, to write over to my lord, and ask + him; I'm sure he'll remember it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Write to my lord about such a trifle—trouble him about such + nonsense!' + </p> + <p> + 'I'd be sorry to trouble him. Then take it on my word, and believe me, + sir; for I would not tell a lie, nor cheat rich or poor, if in my power, + for the whole estate, nor the whole world: for there's an eye above.' + </p> + <p> + 'Cant! nonsense!—Take those leases off the table; I never will sign + them. Walk off; ye canting hag; it's an imposition—I will never sign + them.' + </p> + <p> + 'You WILL then, sir,' cried Brian, growing red with indignation; 'for the + law shall make you, so it shall; and you'd as good have been civil to my + mother, whatever you did—for I'll stand by her while I've life; and + I know she has right, and shall have law. I saw the memorandum written + before ever it went into your hands, sir, whatever became of it after; and + will swear to it, too.' + </p> + <p> + 'Swear away, my good friend; much your swearing will avail in your own + case in a court of justice,' continued old Nick. + </p> + <p> + 'And against a gentleman of my brother's established character and + property,' said St. Dennis. 'What's your mother's character against a + gentleman's like his?' + </p> + <p> + 'Character! take care how you go to that, anyway, sir,' cried Brian. + </p> + <p> + Grace put her hand before his mouth, to stop him. 'Grace, dear, I must + speak, if I die for it; sure it's for my mother,' said the young man, + struggling forward, while his mother held him back; 'I must speak.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, he's ruin'd, I see it,' said Grace, putting her hand before her eyes, + 'and he won't mind me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Go on, let him go on, pray, young woman,' said Mr. Garraghty, pale with + anger and fear, his lips quivering; 'I shall be happy to take down his + words.' + </p> + <p> + 'Write them; and may all the world read it, and welcome!' His mother and + wife stopped his mouth by force. + </p> + <p> + 'Write you, Dennis,' said Mr. Garraghty, giving the pen to his brother; + for his hand shook so he could not form a letter. 'Write the very words, + and at the top' (pointing) after warning, WITH MALICE PREPENSE.' + </p> + <p> + 'Write, then—mother, Grace—let me,' cried Brian, speaking in a + smothered voice, as their hands were over his mouth. 'Write then, that, if + you'd either of you a character like my mother, you might defy the world; + and your word would be as good as your oath.' + </p> + <p> + 'OATH! mind that, Dennis,' said Mr. Garraghty. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, sir! sir! won't you stop him?' cried Grace, turning suddenly to Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh dear, dear, if you haven't lost your feeling for us,' cried the widow. + </p> + <p> + 'Let him speak,' said Lord Colambre, in a tone of authority; 'let the + voice of truth be heard.' + </p> + <p> + 'TRUTH!' cried St. Dennis, and dropped the pen. + </p> + <p> + 'And who the devil are you, sir?' said old Nick. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre, I protest!' exclaimed a female voice; and Mrs. Raffarty at + this instant appeared at the open door. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre!' repeated all present, in different tones. + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, I beg pardon;' continued Mrs. Raffarty, advancing as if her legs + were tied; 'had I known you was down here, I would not have presumed. I'd + better retire; for I see you're busy.' + </p> + <p> + 'You'd best; for you're mad, sister,' said St. Dennis, pushing her back; + 'and we are busy; go to your room, and keep quiet, if you can.' + </p> + <p> + 'First, madam,' said Lord Colambre, going between her and the door, 'let + me beg that you will consider yourself as at home in this house, whilst + any circumstances make it desirable to you. The hospitality you showed me + you cannot think that I now forget.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my lord, you're too good—how few—too kind—kinder + than my own,' and bursting into tears, she escaped out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre returned to the party round the table, who were in various + attitudes of astonishment, and with faces of fear, horror, hope, joy, + doubt. + </p> + <p> + 'Distress,' continued his lordship, 'however incurred, if not by vice, + will always find a refuge in this house. I speak in my father's name, for + I know I speak his sentiments. But never more shall vice,' said he, + darting such a look at the brother agents as they felt to the backbone—'never + more shall vice, shall fraud enter here.' + </p> + <p> + He paused, and there was a momentary silence. + </p> + <p> + 'There spoke the true thing! and the RAEL gentleman; my own heart's + satisfied,' said Brian, folding his arms, and standing erect. + </p> + <p> + 'Then so is mine,' said Grace, taking breath, with a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + The widow advancing, put on her spectacles, and, looking up close at Lord + Colambre's face—'Then it's a wonder I didn't know the family + likeness.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre now recollecting that he still wore the old greatcoat, threw + it off. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, bless him! Then now I'd know him anywhere. I'm willing to die now, + for we'll all be happy.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, since it is so—my lord, may I ask you,' said Mr. + Garraghty, now sufficiently recovered to be able to articulate, but + scarcely to express his ideas; 'if what your lordship hinted just now—' + </p> + <p> + 'I hinted nothing, sir; I spoke plainly.' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg pardon, my lord,' said old Nick;—'respecting vice, was + levelled at me; because, if it was, my lord,' trying to stand erect; 'let + me tell your lordship, if I could think it was—' + </p> + <p> + 'If it did not hit you, sir, no matter at whom it was levelled.' + </p> + <p> + 'And let me ask, my lord, if I may presume, whether, in what you suggested + by the word fraud, your lordship had any particular meaning?' said St. + Dennis. + </p> + <p> + 'A very particular meaning, sir,—feel in your pocket for the key of + this widow's house, and deliver it to her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, if that's all the meaning, with all the pleasure in life. I never + meant to detain it longer than till the leases were signed,' said St. + Dennis. + </p> + <p> + 'And I'm ready to sign the leases this minute,' said the brother. + </p> + <p> + 'Do it, sir, this minute; I have read them; I will be answerable to my + father.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, as to that, my lord, I have power to sign for your father.' He signed + the leases; they were duly witnessed by Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'I deliver this as my act and deed,' said Mr. Garraghty;—'My lord,' + continued he, 'you see, at the first word from you; and had I known sooner + the interest you took in the family, there would have been no difficulty; + for I'd make it a principle to oblige you, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oblige me!' said Lord Colambre, with disdain. + </p> + <p> + 'But when gentlemen and noblemen travel INCOGNITO, and lodge in cabins,' + added St. Dennis, with a satanic smile, glancing his eye on Grace, 'they + have good reasons, no doubt.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do not judge my heart by your own, sir,' said Lord Colambre, coolly; 'no + two things in nature can, I trust, be more different. My purpose in + travelling INCOGNITO has been fully answered: I was determined to see and + judge how my father's estates were managed; and I have seen, compared, and + judged. I have seen the difference between the Clonbrony and the Colambre + property; and I shall represent what I have seen to my father.' + </p> + <p> + 'As to that, my lord, if we are to come to that but I trust your lordship + will suffer me to explain these matters.—Go about your business, my + good friends; you have all you want;—and, my lord, after dinner, + when you are cool, I hope I shall be able to make you sensible that things + have been represented to your lordship in a mistaken light; and I flatter + myself I shall convince you I have not only always acted the part of a + friend to the family, but am particularly willing to conciliate your + lordship's goodwill,' said he, sweeping the rouleaus of gold into a bag; + 'any accommodation in my power, at any time.' + </p> + <p> + 'I want no accommodation, sir,—were I starving, I would accept of + none from you. Never can you conciliate my goodwill; for you can never + deserve it.' + </p> + <p> + 'If that be the case, my lord, I must conduct myself accordingly; but it's + fair to warn you, before you make any representation to my Lord Clonbrony, + that if he should think of changing his agent, there are accounts to be + settled between us—that may be a consideration.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir; no consideration—my father never shall be the slave of + such a paltry consideration.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, very well, my lord; you know best. If you choose to make an + assumpsit, I'm sure I shall not object to the security. Your lordship will + be of age soon, I know—I'm sure I'm satisfied—but,' added he + with a malicious smile, 'I rather apprehend you don't know what you + undertake; I only premise that the balance of accounts between us is not + what can properly be called a paltry consideration.' + </p> + <p> + 'On that point, perhaps, sir, you and I may differ.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, my lord, you will follow your own principles, if it suits your + convenience.' + </p> + <p> + 'Whether it does or not, sir, I shall abide by my principles.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dennis! the letters to the post.—When do you go to England, my + lord?' + </p> + <p> + 'Immediately, sir,' said Lord Colambre; his lordship saw new leases from + his father to Mr. Dennis Garraghty, lying on the table, unsigned. + </p> + <p> + 'Immediately!' repeated Messrs. Nicholas and Dennis, with an air of + dismay. Nicholas got up, looked out of the window, and whispered something + to his brother, who instantly left the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre saw the post-chaise at the door, which had brought Mrs. + Raffarty to the castle, and Larry standing beside it; his lordship + instantly threw up the sash, and holding between his finger and thumb a + six-shilling piece, cried, 'Larry, my friend, let me have the horses!' + </p> + <p> + 'You shall have 'em—your honour,' said Larry. Mr. Dennis Garraghty + appeared below, speaking in a magisterial tone. 'Larry, my brother must + have the horses.' + </p> + <p> + 'He can't, PLASE your honour—they're engaged.' + </p> + <p> + Half a crown! a crown!—half a guinea!' said Mr. Dennis Garraghty, + raising his voice, as he increased his proffered bribe. To each offer + Larry replied, 'You can't, PLASE your honour, they're engaged;'—and, + looking up to the window at Lord Colambre, he said, 'as soon as they have + eaten their oats, you shall have 'em.' + </p> + <p> + No other horses were to be had. The agent was in consternation. Lord + Colambre ordered that Larry should have some dinner, and whilst the + postillion was eating, and the horses finishing their oats, his lordship + wrote the following letter to his father, which, to prevent all + possibility of accident, he determined to put, with his own hand, into the + post-office at Clonbrony, as he passed through the town. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR FATHER, I hope to be with you in a few days. Lest anything should + detain me on the road, I write this, to make an earnest request to you, + that you will not sign any papers, or transact any farther business with + Messrs. Nicholas or Dennis Garraghty, before you see your affectionate + son, COLAMBRE. + </p> + <p> + The horses came out. Larry sent word he was ready, and Lord Colambre, + having first eaten a slice of his own venison, ran down to the carriage, + followed by the thanks and blessings of the widow, her son, and daughter, + who could hardly make their way after him to the chaise-door, so great was + the crowd which had gathered on the report of his lordship's arrival. + 'Long life to your honour! Long life to your lordship!' echoed on all + sides. 'Just come, and going, are you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye to you all, good people!' + </p> + <p> + 'Then GOOD-BYE is the only word we wouldn't wish to hear from your + honour.' + </p> + <p> + 'For the sake both of landlord and tenant, I must leave you now, my good + friends; but I hope to return to you at some future time.' + </p> + <p> + 'God bless you! and speed ye! and a safe journey to your honour!—and + a happy return to us, and soon!' cried a multitude of voices. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre stopped at the chaise-door and beckoned to the widow + O'Neill, before whom others had pressed. An opening was made for her + instantly. + </p> + <p> + There! that was the very way his father stood with his feet on the steps. + And Miss Nugent was IN IT.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre forgot what he was going to say—with some difficulty + recollected. + </p> + <p> + 'This pocket-book,' said he, 'which your son restored to me—I intend + it for your daughter—don't keep it, as your son kept it for me, + without opening it. Let what is within-side,' added he, as he got into the + carriage, 'replace the cloak and gown, and let all things necessary for a + bride be bought; "for the bride that has all things to borrow has surely + mickle to do."—Shut the door, and drive on.' + </p> + <p> + 'Blessings be WID you,' cried the widow, 'and God give you grace!' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + Larry drove off at full gallop, and kept on at a good rate, till he got + out of the great gate, and beyond the sight of the crowd; then, pulling + up, he turned to Lord Colambre—'PLASE your honour, I did not know + nor guess ye was my lord, when I let you have the horses; did not know who + you was from Adam, I'll take my affidavit.' + </p> + <p> + 'There's no occasion,' said Lord Colambre; 'I hope you don't repent + letting me have the horses, now you do know who I am?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! not at all, sure; I'm as glad as the best horse I ever crossed, that + your honour is my lord—but I was only telling your honour, that you + might not be looking upon me as a TIME-SERVER.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not look upon you as a TIME-SERVER, Larry; but keep on, that time + may serve me.' + </p> + <p> + In two words, he explained his cause of haste; and no sooner explained + than understood. Larry thundered away through the town of Clonbrony, + bending over his horses, plying the whip, and lending his very soul at + every lash. With much difficulty, Lord Colambre stopped him at the end of + the town, at the post-office. The post was gone out-gone a quarter of an + hour. + </p> + <p> + 'Maybe we'll overtake the mail,' said Larry; and, as he spoke, he slid + down from his seat, and darted into the public-house, reappearing, in a + few moments, with a copper of ale and a horn in his hand; he and another + man held open the horses' mouths, and poured the ale through the horn down + their throats. 'Now, they'll go with spirit!' + </p> + <p> + And, with the hope of overtaking the mail, Larry made them go 'for life or + death,' as he said; but in vain! At the next stage, at his own inn-door, + Larry roared for fresh horses till he got them, harnessed them with his + own hands, holding the six-shilling piece, which Lord Colambre had given + him, in his mouth, all the while; for he could not take time to put it + into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + 'Speed ye! I wish I was driving you all the way, then,' said he. The other + postillion was not yet ready. 'Then your honour sees,' said he, putting + his head into the carriage, 'CONSARNING of them Garraghties—old Nick + and St. Dennis—the best part, that is the worst part, of what I told + you, proved true; and I'm glad of it, that is, I'm sorry for it—but + glad your honour knows it in time. So Heaven prosper you! And may all the + saints (BARRING St. Dennis) have charge of you, and all belonging to you, + till we see you here again!—And when will it be?' + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot say when I shall return to you myself, but I will do my best to + send your landlord to you soon. In the meantime, my good fellow, keep away + from the sign of the Horse-shoe—a man of your sense to drink and + make an idiot and a brute of yourself!' + </p> + <p> + 'True!—And it was only when I had lost hope I took to it—but + now! Bring me the book, one of YEES, out of the landlady's parlour.—By + the virtue of this book, and by all the books that ever was shut and + opened, I won't touch a drop of spirits, good or bad, till I see your + honour again, or some of the family, this time twelvemonth—that long + I'll live on hope—but mind, if you disappoint me, I don't swear but + I'll take to the whisky, for comfort, all the rest of my days. But don't + be staying here, wasting your time, advising me. Bartley! take the reins, + can't ye?' cried he, giving them to the fresh postillion; 'and keep on, + for your life, for there's thousands of pounds depending on the race—so, + off, off, Bartley, with speed of light!' + </p> + <p> + Bartley did his best; and such was the excellence of the roads, that, + notwithstanding the rate at which our hero travelled, he arrived safely in + Dublin, and just in time to put his letter into the post-office, and to + sail in that night's packet. The wind was fair when Lord Colambre went on + board, but before they got out of the bay it changed; they made no way all + night; in the course of the next day, they had the mortification to see + another packet from Dublin sail past them, and when they landed at + Holyhead, were told the packet, which had left Ireland twelve hours after + them, had been in an hour before them. The passengers had taken their + places in the coach, and engaged what horses could be had. Lord Colambre + was afraid that Mr. Garraghty was one of them; a person exactly answering + his description had taken four horses, and set out half an hour before in + great haste for London. Luckily, just as those who had taken their places + in the mail were getting into the coach, Lord Colambre saw among them a + gentleman, with whom he had been acquainted in Dublin, a barrister, who + was come over during the long vacation, to make a tour of pleasure in + England. When Lord Colambre explained the reason he had for being in haste + to reach London, he had the good-nature to give up to him his place in the + coach. Lord Colambre travelled all night, and delayed not one moment, till + he reached his father's house in London. + </p> + <p> + 'My father at home?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, my lord, in his own room—the agent from Ireland with him, on + particular business—desired not to be interrupted—but I'll go + and tell him, my lord, you are come.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre ran past the servant, as he spoke—made his way into + the room—found his father, Sir Terence O'Fay, and Mr. Garraghty—leases + open on the table before them; a candle lighted; Sir Terence sealing; + Garraghty emptying a bag of guineas on the table, and Lord Clonbrony + actually with a pen in his hand, ready to sign. + </p> + <p> + As the door opened, Garraghty started back, so that half the contents of + his bag rolled upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + 'Stop, my dear father, I conjure you,' cried Lord Colambre, springing + forward, and kneeling to his father; at the same moment snatching the pen + from his hand. + </p> + <p> + Colambre! God bless you, my dear boy! at all events. But how came you + here?—And what do you mean?' said his father. + </p> + <p> + 'Burn it!' cried Sir Terence, pinching the sealing-wax; 'for I burnt + myself with the pleasure of the surprise.' + </p> + <p> + Garraghty, without saying a word, was picking up the guineas that were + scattered upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + 'How fortunate I am,' cried Lord Colambre, 'to have arrived just in time + to tell you, my dear father, before you put your signature to these + papers, before you conclude this bargain, all I know, all I have seen, of + that man!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nick Garraghty, honest old Nick; do you know him, my lord?' said Sir + Terence. + </p> + <p> + 'Too well, sir.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Garraghty, what have you done to offend my son? I did not expect + this,' said Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my conscience, my lord, nothing to my knowledge,' said Mr. + Garraghty, picking up the guineas; 'but showed him every civility, even so + far as offering to accommodate him with cash without security; and where + will you find the other agent, in Ireland or anywhere else, will do that? + To my knowledge, I never did anything, by word or deed, to offend my Lord + Colambre; nor could not, for I never saw him, but for ten minutes, in my + days; and then he was in such a foaming passion—begging his + lordship's pardon—owing to the misrepresentations he met with of me, + I presume, from a parcel of blackguards that he went amongst, INCOGNITO, + he would not let me or my brother Dennis say a word to set him right; but + exposed me before all the tenantry, and then threw himself into a hack, + and drove off here, to stop the signing of these leases, I perceive. But I + trust,' concluded he, putting the replenished money-bag down with a heavy + sound on the table, opposite to Lord Clonbrony,—'I trust, my Lord + Clonbrony will do me justice; that's all I have to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'I comprehend the force of your last argument fully, sir,' said Lord + Colambre. 'May I ask how many guineas there are in the bag? I don't ask + whether they are my father's or not.' + </p> + <p> + 'They are to be your lordship's father's, sir, if he thinks proper,' + replied Garraghty. 'How many, I don't know that I can justly, positively + say—five hundred, suppose.' + </p> + <p> + 'And they would be my father's if he signed those leases—I + understand that perfectly, and understand that my father would lose three + times that sum by the bargain.—My dear father, you start—but + it is true. Is not this the rent, sir, at which you were going to let Mr. + Garraghty have the land?' placing a paper before Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'It is—the very thing.' + </p> + <p> + 'And here, sir, written with my own hand, are copies of the proposals I + saw, from responsible, respectable tenants, offered and refused.—Is + it so, or is it not, Mr. Garraghty?—deny it, if you can.' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Garraghty grew pale; his lips quivered; he stammered; and, after a + shocking convulsion of face, could at last articulate—only— + </p> + <p> + 'That there was a great difference between tenant and tenant, his lordship + must be sensible, especially for so large a rent.'—'As great a + difference as between agent and agent, I am sensible—especially for + so large a property!' said Lord Colambre, with cool contempt. 'You find, + sir, I am well informed with regard to this transaction; you will find, + also, that I am equally well informed with respect to every part of your + conduct towards my father and his tenantry. If, in relating to him what I + have seen and heard, I should make any mistakes, you are here; and I am + glad you are, to set me right, and to do yourself justice.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! as to that, I should not presume to contradict anything your lordship + asserts from your own authority: where would be the use? I leave it all to + your lordship. But, as it is not particularly agreeable to stay to hear + one's self abused—Sir Terence! I'll thank you to hand me my hat!—And + if you'll have the goodness, my Lord Clonbrony, to look over finally the + accounts before morning, I'll call at your leisure to settle the balance, + as you find convenient; as to the leases, I'm quite indifferent.' + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took up his money-bag. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, you'll call again in the morning, Mr. Garraghty!' said Sir Terence; + 'and, by that time, I hope we shall understand this misunderstanding + better.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence pulled Lord Clonbrony's sleeve: 'Don't let him go with the + money—it's much wanted!' + </p> + <p> + 'Let him go,' said Lord Colambre; 'money can be had by honourable means.' + </p> + <p> + 'Wheugh!—He talks as if he had the Bank of England at his command, + as every young man does,' said Sir Terence. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre deigned no reply. Lord Clonbrony walked undecidedly between + his agent and his son—looked at Sir Terence, and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Garraghty departed; Lord Clonbrony called after him from the head of + the stairs, + </p> + <p> + 'I shall be at home and at leisure in the morning.' Sir Terence ran + downstairs after him; Lord Colambre waited quietly for their return. + </p> + <p> + 'Fifteen hundred guineas, at a stroke of a goose-quill!—That was a + neat hit, narrowly missed, of honest Nick's!' said Lord Clonbrony. 'Too + bad! too bad, faith!—I am much, very much obliged to you, Colambre, + for that hint; by to-morrow morning we shall have him in another tune.' + </p> + <p> + 'And he must double the bag, or quit,' said Sir Terence. + </p> + <p> + 'Treble it, if you please, Terry. Sure, three times five's fifteen;—fifteen + hundred down, or he does not get my signature to those leases for his + brother, nor get the agency of the Colambre estate.—Colambre, what + more have you to tell of him? for, since he is making out his accounts + against me, it is no harm to have a PER CONTRA against him that may ease + my balance.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very fair! very fair!' said Sir Terence. 'My lord, trust me for + remembering all the charges against him—every item; and when he + can't clear himself, if I don't make him buy a good character dear enough, + why, say I'm a fool, and don't know the value of character, good or bad!' + </p> + <p> + 'If you know the value of character, Sir Terence,' said Lord Colambre, + 'you know that it is not to be bought or sold.' Then, turning from Sir + Terence to his father, he gave a full and true account of all he had seen + in his progress through his Irish estates; and drew a faithful picture + both of the bad and good agent. Lord Clonbrony, who had benevolent + feelings, and was fond of his tenantry, was touched; and, when his son + ceased speaking, repeated several times— + </p> + <p> + 'Rascal! rascal! How dare he use my tenants so—the O'Neills in + particular!—Rascal! bad heart!-I'll have no more to do with him.' + But, suddenly recollecting himself, he turned to Sir Terence, and added, + 'That's sooner said than done—I'll tell you honestly, Colambre, your + friend Mr. Burke may be the best man in the world—but he is the + worst man to apply to for a remittance, or a loan, in a HURRY! He always + tells me "he can't distress the tenants."'—'And he never, at coming + into the agency even,' said Sir Terence, 'ADVANCED a good round sum to the + landlord, by way of security for his good behaviour. Now honest Nick did + that much for us at coming in.' + </p> + <p> + 'And at going out is he not to be repaid?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'That's the devil!' said Lord Clonbrony; that's the very reason I can't + conveniently turn him out.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will make it convenient to you, sir, if you will permit me,' said Lord + Colambre. 'In a few days I shall be of age, and will join with you in + raising whatever sum you want, to free you from this man. Allow me to look + over his account; and whatever the honest balance may be, let him have + it.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear boy!' said Lord Clonbrony, 'you're a generous fellow. Fine Irish + heart!—glad you're my son! But there's more, much more, that you + don't know,' added he, looking at Sir Terence, who cleared his throat; and + Lord Clonbrony, who was on the point of opening all his affairs to his + son, stopped short. + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre,' said he, 'we will not say anything more of this at present; + for nothing effectual can be done till you are of age, and then we shall + see all about it.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre perfectly understood what his father meant, and what was + meant by the clearing of Sir Terence's throat. Lord Clonbrony wanted his + son to join him in opening the estate to pay his debts; and Sir Terence + feared that, if Lord Colambre were abruptly told the whole sum total of + the debts he would never be persuaded to join in selling or mortgaging so + much of his patrimony as would be necessary for their payment. Sir Terence + thought that the young man, ignorant probably of business, and + unsuspicious of the state of his father's affairs, might be brought, by + proper management, to any measures they desired. Lord Clonbrony wavered + between the temptation to throw himself upon the generosity of his son, + and the immediate convenience of borrowing a sum of money from his agent, + to relieve his present embarrassments. + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing can be settled,' repeated he, 'till Colambre is of age; so it + does not signify talking of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why so, sir?' said Lord Colambre. 'Though my act, in law, may not be + valid, till I am of age, my promise, as a man of honour, is binding now; + and, I trust, would be as satisfactory to my father as any legal deed + whatever.' + </p> + <p> + 'Undoubtedly, my dear boy; but—' + </p> + <p> + 'But what?' said Lord Colambre, following his father's eye, which turned + to Sir Terence O'Fay, as if asking his permission to explain. + </p> + <p> + 'As my father's friend, sir, you ought, permit me to say, at this moment + to use your influence to prevail upon him to throw aside all reserve with + a son, whose warmest wish is to serve him, and to see him at ease and + happy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Generous, dear boy,' cried Lord Clonbrony. 'Terence, I can't stand it; + but how shall I bring myself to name the amount of the debts?' + </p> + <p> + 'At some time or other, I must know it,' said Lord Colambre; 'I cannot be + better prepared at any moment than the present; never more disposed to + give my assistance to relieve all difficulties. Blindfold, I cannot be led + to any purpose, sir,' said he, looking at Sir Terence; 'the attempt would + be degrading and futile. Blindfolded I will not be—but, with my eyes + open, I will see, and go straight and prompt as heart can go, to my + father's interest, without a look or thought to my own.' + </p> + <p> + 'By St. Patrick! the spirit of a prince, and an Irish prince, spoke + there,' cried Sir Terence; 'and if I'd fifty hearts, you'd have all in + your hand this minute, at your service, and warm. Blindfold you! after + that, the man that would attempt it DESARVES to be shot; and I'd have no + sincerer pleasure in life than shooting him this moment, was he my best + friend. But it's not Clonbrony, or your father, my lord, would act that + way, no more than Sir Terence O'Fay—there's the schedule of the + debts,' drawing a paper from his bosom; 'and I'll swear to the lot, and + not a man on earth could do that but myself.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre opened the paper. His father turned aside, covering his face + with both his hands. + </p> + <p> + 'Tut, man,' said Sir Terence; 'I know him now better than you; he will + stand, you'll find, the shock of that regiment of figures—he is + steel to the backbone, and proof spirit.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you, my dear father,' said Lord Colambre, 'for trusting me thus + at once with a view of the truth. At first sight it is, I acknowledge, + worse than I expected; but I make no doubt that, when you allow me to + examine Mr. Garraghty's accounts and Mr. Mordicai's claims, we shall be + able to reduce this alarming total considerably, my dear father. You think + we learn nothing but Latin and Greek at Cambridge; but you are mistaken.' + </p> + <p> + 'The devil a pound, nor a penny,' said Sir Terence; 'for you have to deal + with a Jew and old Nick; and I'm not a match for them. I don't know who + is; and I have no hope of getting any abatement. I've looked over the + accounts till I'm sick.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nevertheless, you will observe that fifteen hundred guineas have been + saved to my father, at one stroke, by his not signing those leases.' + </p> + <p> + 'Saved to you, my lord; not your father, if you plase,' said Sir Terence. + 'For now I'm upon the square with you, I must be straight as an arrow, and + deal with you as the son and friend of my friend; before, I was + considering you only as the son and heir, which is quite another thing, + you know; accordingly, acting for your father here, I was making the best + bargain against you I could; honestly, now, I tell you. I knew the value + of the lands well enough; we were as sharp as Garraghty, and he knew it; + we were to have had THE DIFFERENCE from him, partly in cash and partly in + balance of accounts—you comprehend—and you only would have + been the loser, and never would have known it, maybe, till after we all + were dead and buried; and then you might have set aside Garraghty's lease + easy, and no harm done to any but a rogue that DESARVED it; and, in the + meantime, an accommodation to my honest friend, my lord, your father, + here. But, as fate would have it, you upset all by your progress INCOGNITO + through them estates. Well, it's best as it is, and I am better pleased to + be as we are, trusting all to a generous son's own heart. Now put the poor + father out of pain, and tell us what you'll do, my dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'In one word, then,' said Lord Colambre, 'I will, upon two conditions, + either join my father in levying fines to enable him to sell or mortgage + whatever portion of his estate is necessary for the payment of these + debts; or I will, in whatever other mode he can point out, as more + agreeable or more advantageous to him, join in giving security to his + creditors.' + </p> + <p> + 'Dear, noble fellow!' cried Sir Terence; 'none but an Irishman could do + it.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony, melted to tears, could not articulate, but held his arms + open to embrace his son. + </p> + <p> + 'But you have not heard my conditions yet,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, confound the conditions!' cried Sir Terence. + </p> + <p> + 'What conditions could he ask that I could refuse at this minute?' said + Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Nor I—was it my heart's blood, and were I to be hanged for it,' + cried Sir Terence. 'And what are the conditions?' + </p> + <p> + 'That Mr. Garraghty shall be dismissed from the agency.' + </p> + <p> + 'And welcome, and glad to get rid of him—the rogue, the tyrant,' + said Lord Clonbrony; 'and, to be beforehand with you in your next wish, + put Mr. Burke into his place.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll write the letter for you to sign, my lord, this minute,' cried + Terry, 'with all the pleasure in life. No; it's my Lord Colambre should do + that in all justice.' + </p> + <p> + 'But what's your next condition? I hope it's no worse,' said Lord + Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'That you and my mother should cease to be absentees.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh murder!' said Sir Terence; 'maybe that's not so easy; for there are + two words to that bargain.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony declared that, for his own part, he was ready to return to + Ireland next morning, and to promise to reside on his estate all the rest + of his days; that there was nothing he desired more, provided Lady + Clonbrony would consent to it; but that he could not promise for her; that + she was as obstinate as a mule on that point; that he had often tried, but + that there was no moving her; and that, in short, he could not promise on + her part. + </p> + <p> + But it was on this condition, Lord Colambre said, he must insist. Without + this condition was granted, he would not engage to do anything. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, we must only see how it will be when she comes to town; she will + come up from Buxton the day you're of age to sign some papers,' said Lord + Clonbrony; 'but,' added he, with a very dejected look and voice, 'if all's + to depend on my Lady Clonbrony's consenting to return to Ireland, I'm as + far from all hope of being at ease as ever.' + </p> + <p> + 'Upon my conscience, we're all at sea again,' said Sir Terence. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was silent: but in his silence there was such an air of + firmness, that both Lord Clonbrony and Sir Terence were convinced + entreaties would on this point be fruitless—Lord Clonbrony sighed + deeply. + </p> + <p> + 'But when it's ruin or safety, and her husband and all belonging to her at + stake, the woman can't persist in being a mule,' said Sir Terence. + </p> + <p> + 'Of whom are you talking?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Of whom? Oh, I beg your lordship's pardon—I thought I was talking + to my lord; but, in other words, as you are her son, I'm persuaded her + ladyship, your mother, will prove herself a reasonable woman—when + she sees she can't help it. So, my Lord Clonbrony, cheer up; a great deal + may be done by the fear of Mordicai, and an execution, especially now the + prior creditor. Since there's no reserve between you and I now, my Lord + Colambre,' said Sir Terence, 'I must tell you all, and how we shambled on + those months while you were in Ireland. First, Mordicai went to law, to + prove I was in a conspiracy with your father, pretending to be prior + creditor, to keep him off and out of his own; which, after a world of + swearing and law—-law always takes time to do justice, that's one + comfort—the villain proved at last to be true enough, and so cast + us; and I was forced to be paid off last week. So there's no prior + creditor, or any shield of pretence that way. Then his execution was + coming down upon us, and nothing to stay it till I thought of a monthly + annuity to Mordicai, in the shape of a wager. So, the morning after he + cast us, I went to him: "Mr. Mordicai," says I, "you must be PLASED to see + a man you've beaten so handsomely; and though I'm sore, both for myself + and my friend, yet you see I can laugh still; though an execution is no + laughing matter, and I'm sinsible you've one in petto in your sleeve for + my friend Lord Clonbrony. But I'll lay you a wager of a hundred guineas in + paper that a marriage of his son with a certain heiress, before next + Lady-day, will set all to rights, and pay you with a compliment too."' + </p> + <p> + 'Good heavens, Sir Terence! surely you said no such thing?' + </p> + <p> + 'I did—but what was it but a wager? which is nothing but a dream; + and, when lost, as I am as sinsible as you are that it must be, why, what + is it, after all, but a bonus, in a gentleman-like form, to Mordicai? + which, I grant you, is more than he deserves, for staying the execution + till you be of age; and even for my Lady Clonbrony's sake, though I know + she hates me like poison, rather than have her disturbed by an execution, + I'd pay the hundred guineas this minute out of my own pocket, if I had' em + in it.' + </p> + <p> + A thundering knock at the door was heard at this moment. + </p> + <p> + 'Never heed it; let 'em thunder,' said Sir Terence; 'whoever it is, they + won't get in; for my lord bid them let none in for their life. It's + necessary for us to be very particular about the street-door now; and I + advise a double chain for it, and to have the footmen well tutored to look + before they run to a double rap; for a double rap might be a double trap.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lady and Miss Nugent, my lord,' said a footman, throwing open the + door. + </p> + <p> + 'My mother! Miss Nugent!' cried Lord Colambre, springing eagerly forward. + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre! here!' said his mother; 'but it's all too late now, and no + matter where you are.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony coldly suffered her son to embrace her; and he, without + considering the coldness of her manner, scarcely hearing, and not at all + understanding the words she said, fixed his eyes on his cousin, who, with + a countenance all radiant with affectionate joy, held out her hand to him. + </p> + <p> + 'Dear cousin Colambre, what an unexpected pleasure!' + </p> + <p> + He seized the hand; but, as he was going to kiss it, the recollection of + ST. OMAR crossed his mind; he checked himself, and said something about + joy and pleasure, but his countenance expressed neither; and Miss Nugent, + much surprised by the coldness of his manner, withdrew her hand, and, + turning away, left the room. + </p> + <p> + 'Grace! darling!' called Lord Clonbrony, 'whither so fast, before you've + given me a word or a kiss?' + </p> + <p> + She came back, and hastily kissed her uncle, who folded her in his arms. + 'Why must I let you go? And what makes you so pale, my dear child?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am a little—a little tired. I will be with you again soon.' Her + uncle let her go. + </p> + <p> + 'Your famous Buxton baths don't seem to have agreed with her, by all I can + see,' said Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, the Buxton baths are no way to blame; but I know what is to + blame, and who is to blame,' said Lady Clonbrony, in a tone of + displeasure, fixing her eyes upon her son. 'Yes, you may well look + confounded, Colambre; but it is too late now—you should have known + your own mind in time. I see you have heard it, then—but I am sure I + don't know how; for it was only decided the day I left Buxton. The news + could hardly travel faster than I did. Pray, how did you hear it?' + </p> + <p> + 'Hear what, ma'am?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, that Miss Broadhurst is going to be married.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, is that all, ma'am!' said our hero, much relieved. + </p> + <p> + 'All! Now, Lord Colambre, you REELLY are too much for my patience. But I + flatter myself you will feel, when I tell you, that it is your friend, Sir + Arthur Berryl, as I always prophesied, who has carried off the prize from + you.' + </p> + <p> + 'But for the fear of displeasing my dear mother, I should say, that I do + feel sincere pleasure in this marriage—I always wished it: my + friend, Sir Arthur, from the first moment, trusted me with the secret of + his attachment; he knew that he had my warm good wishes for his success; + he knew that I thought most highly of the young lady; but that I never + thought of her as a wife for myself.' + </p> + <p> + 'And why did not you? that is the very thing I complain of,' said Lady + Clonbrony. 'But it is all over now. You may set your heart at ease, for + they are to be married on Thursday; and poor Mrs. Broadhurst is ready to + break her heart, for she was set upon a coronet for her daughter; and you, + ungrateful as you are, you don't know how she wished you to be the happy + man. But only conceive, after all that had passed, Miss Broadhurst had the + assurance to expect I would let my niece be her bridesmaid. Oh, I flatly + refused; that is, I told Grace it could not be; and, that there might be + no affront to Mrs. Broadhurst, who did not deserve it, I pretended Grace + had never mentioned it; but ordered my carriage, and left Buxton directly. + Grace was hurt, for she is very warm in her friendships. I am sorry to + hurt Grace. But REELLY I could not let her be bridesmaid;—and that, + if you must know, is what vexed her, and made the tears come in her eyes, + I suppose—and I'm sorry for it; but one must keep up one's dignity a + little. After all, Miss Broadhurst was only a citizen—and REELLY + now, a very odd girl; never did anything like anybody else; settled her + marriage at last in the oddest way. Grace, can you tell the particulars? I + own, I am tired of the subject, and tired of my journey. My lord, I shall + take leave to dine in my own room to-day,' continued her ladyship, as she + quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + 'I hope her ladyship did not notice me,' said Sir Terence O'Fay, coming + from behind a window-curtain. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, Terry, what did you hide for?' said Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Hide! I didn't hide, nor wouldn't from any man living, let alone any + woman. [Leaving any woman out of the question.] Hide! no; but I just stood + looking out of the window, behind this curtain, that my poor Lady + Clonbrony might not be discomfited and shocked by the sight of one whom + she can't abide, the very minute she come home. Oh, I've some + consideration—it would have put her out of humour worse with both of + you too; and for that there's no need, as far as I see. So I'll take + myself off to my coffee-house to dine, and maybe you may get her down and + into spirits again. But, for your lives, don't touch upon Ireland the + night, nor till she has fairly got the better of the marriage. APROPOS—there's + my wager to Mordicai gone at a slap. It's I that ought to be scolding you, + my Lord Colambre; but I trust you will do as well yet, not in point of + purse, maybe. But I'm not one of those that think that money's everything—though, + I grant you, in this world, there's nothing to be had without it—love + excepted—which most people don't believe in—but not I—in + particular cases. So I leave you, with my blessing, and I've a notion, at + this time, that is better than my company—your most devoted—' + </p> + <p> + The good-natured Sir Terence would not be persuaded by Lord Clonbrony to + stay. Nodding at Lord Colambre as he went out of the room, he said, 'I've + an eye, in going, to your heart's ease too. When I played myself, I never + liked standers-by.' + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence was not deficient in penetration, but he never could help + boasting of his discoveries. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was grateful for his judicious departure; and followed his + equally judicious advice, not to touch upon Ireland this night. + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony was full of Buxton, and he was glad to be relieved from the + necessity of talking; and he indulged himself in considering what might be + passing in Miss Nugent's mind. She now appeared in remarkably good + spirits; for her aunt had given her a hint that she thought her out of + humour because she had not been permitted to be Miss Broadhurst's + bridesmaid, and she was determined to exert herself to dispel this notion. + This it was now easy for her to do, because she had, by this time, in her + own imagination, found a plausible excuse for that coldness in Lord + Colambre's reception of her, by which she had at first been hurt; she had + settled it, that he had taken it for granted she was of his mother's + sentiments respecting Miss Broadhurst's marriage, and that this idea, and + perhaps the apprehension of her reproaches, had caused his embarrassment—she + knew that she could easily set this misunderstanding right. Accordingly, + when Lady Clonbrony had talked herself to sleep about Buxton, and was + taking her afternoon's nap, as it was her custom to do when she had + neither cards nor company to keep her awake, Miss Nugent began to explain + her own sentiments, and to give Lord Colambre, as her aunt had desired, an + account of the manner in which Miss Broadhurst's marriage had been + settled. + </p> + <p> + 'In the first place,' said she, 'let me assure you that I rejoice in this + marriage; I think your friend, Sir Arthur Berryl, is every way deserving + of my friend, Miss Broadhurst; and this from me,' said she, smiling, 'is + no slight eulogium. I have marked the rise and progress of their + attachment; and it has been founded on the perception of such excellent + qualities on each side, that I have no fear for its permanence. Sir Arthur + Berryl's honourable conduct in paying his father's debts, and his + generosity to his mother and sisters, whose fortunes were left entirely + dependent upon him, first pleased my friend. It was like what she would + have done herself, and like—in short, it is what few young men, as + she said, of the present day would do. Then his refraining from all + personal expenses, his going without equipage and without horses, that he + might do what he felt to be right, whilst it exposed him continually to + the ridicule of fashionable young men, or to the charge of avarice, made a + very different impression on Miss Broadhurst's mind; her esteem and + admiration were excited by these proofs of strength of character, and of + just and good principles.' + </p> + <p> + 'If you go on, you will make me envious and jealous of my friend,' said + Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'You jealous!—Oh, it is too late now—besides, you cannot be + jealous, for you never loved.' + </p> + <p> + 'I never loved Miss Broadhurst, I acknowledge.' + </p> + <p> + 'There was the advantage Sir Arthur Berryl had over you—he loved, + and my friend saw it.' + </p> + <p> + 'She was clear-sighted,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'She was clear-sighted,' repeated Miss Nugent; 'but if you mean that she + was vain, and apt to fancy people in love with her, I can assure you that + you are mistaken. Never was woman, young or old, more clear-sighted to the + views of those by whom she was addressed. No flattery, no fashion, could + blind her judgment.' + </p> + <p> + 'She knew how to choose a friend well, I am sure,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'And a friend for life too, I am sure you will allow and she had such + numbers, such strange variety of admirers, as might have puzzled the + choice and turned the brain of any inferior person. Such a succession of + lovers as she has had this summer, ever since you went to Ireland—they + appeared and vanished like figures in a magic-lantern. She had three noble + admirers—rank in three different forms offered themselves. First + came in, hobbling, rank and gout; next, rank and gaming; then rank, Very + high rank, over head and ears in debt. All of these were rejected; and, as + they moved off; I thought Mrs. Broadhurst would have broken her heart. + Next came fashion, with his head, heart, and soul in his cravat—he + quickly made his bow, or rather his nod, and walked off, taking a pinch of + snuff. Then came a man of gallantry, but,' whispered Miss Nugent, 'there + was a mistress in the wood; and my friend could have nothing to do with + that gentleman.' + </p> + <p> + 'Now, if she liked the man, interrupted Lord Clonbrony, 'and I suppose she + did, for all women, but yourself, Grace, like men of gallantry, Miss + Broadhurst was a goose for refusing him on account of the mistress; + because she might have been bought up, and settled with a few thousand + pounds.' + </p> + <p> + 'Be that as it may,' said Miss Nugent; 'my friend did not like, and would + not accept, of the man of gallantry; so he retired and comforted himself + with a copy of verses. Then came a man of wit—but still it was wit + without worth; and presently came "worth without wit." She preferred "wit + and worth united," which she fortunately at last found, Lord Colambre, in + your friend, Sir Arthur Berryl.' + </p> + <p> + 'Grace, my girl!' said her uncle, 'I'm glad to see you've got up your + spirits again, though you were not to be bridesmaid. Well, I hope you'll + be bride soon—I'm sure you ought to be—and you should think of + rewarding that poor Mr. Salisbury, who plagues me to death, whenever he + can catch hold of me, about you. He must have our definitive at last, you + know, Grace.' + </p> + <p> + A silence ensued, which neither Miss Nugent nor Lord Colambre seemed + willing, or able, to break. + </p> + <p> + Very good company, faith, you three!—One of ye asleep, and the other + two saying nothing, to keep one awake. Colambre, have you no Dublin news? + Grace, have you no Buxton scandal? What was it Lady Clonbrony told us + you'd tell us, about the oddness of Miss Broadhurst's settling her + marriage? Tell me that, for I love to hear odd things.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps you will not think it odd,' said she. 'One evening—but I + should begin by telling you that three of her admirers, beside Sir Arthur + Berryl, had followed her to Buxton, and had been paying their court to her + all the time we were there; and at last grew impatient for her decision.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, for her definitive!' said Lord Clonbrony. Miss Nugent was put out + again, but resumed— + </p> + <p> + 'So one evening, just before the dancing began, the gentlemen were all + standing round Miss Broadhurst; one of them said, "I wish Miss Broadhurst + would decide—that whoever she dances with to-night should be her + partner for life; what a happy man he would be!" + </p> + <p> + '"But how can I decide?" said Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + '"I wish I had a friend to plead for me!" said one of the suitors, looking + at me. + </p> + <p> + '"Have you no friend of your own?" said Miss Broadhurst. + </p> + <p> + '"Plenty of friends," said the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + '"Plenty!—then you must be a very happy man," replied Miss + Broadhurst. "Come," said she, laughing, "I will dance with that man who + can convince me—that he has, near relations excepted, one true + friend in the world! That man who has made the best friend, I dare say, + will make the best husband!" + </p> + <p> + 'At that moment,' continued Miss Nugent, 'I was certain who would be her + choice. The gentlemen all declared at first that they had abundance of + excellent friends the best friends in the world! but when Miss Broadhurst + cross-examined them, as to what their friends had done for them, or what + they were willing to do, modern friendship dwindled into a ridiculously + small compass. I cannot give you the particulars of the cross-examination, + though it was conducted with great spirit and humour by Miss Broadhurst; + but I can tell you the result—that Sir Arthur Berryl, by + incontrovertible facts, and eloquence warm from the heart, convinced + everybody present that he had the best friend in the world; and Miss + Broadhurst, as he finished speaking, gave him her hand, and he led her off + in triumph—So you see, Lord Colambre, you were at last the cause of + my friend's marriage!' + </p> + <p> + She turned to Lord Colambre as she spoke these words, with such an + affectionate smile, and such an expression of open, inmost tenderness in + her whole countenance, that our hero could hardly resist the impulse of + his passion—could hardly restrain himself from falling at her feet + that instant, and declaring his love. 'But St. Omar! St. Omar!—It + must not be!' + </p> + <p> + 'I must be gone!' said Lord Clonbrony, pulling out his watch. 'It is time + to go to my club; and poor Terry will wonder what has become of me.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre instantly offered to accompany his father; much to Lord + Clonbrony's, and more to Miss Nugent's surprise. + </p> + <p> + 'What!' said she to herself, 'after so long an absence, leave me!—Leave + his mother, with whom he always used to stay—on purpose to avoid me! + What can I have done to displease him? It is clear it was not about Miss + Broadhurst's marriage he was offended; for he looked pleased, and like + himself, whilst I was talking of that; but the moment afterwards, what a + constrained, unintelligible expression of countenance and leaves me to go + to a club which he detests!' + </p> + <p> + As the gentlemen shut the door on leaving the room, Lady Clonbrony + wakened, and, starting up, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + 'What's the matter? Are they gone? Is Colambre gone?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, ma'am, with my uncle.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very odd! very odd of him to go and leave me! he always used to stay with + me—what did he say about me?' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing, ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, then, I have nothing to say about him, or about anything, indeed, + for I'm excessively tired and stupid—alone in London's as bad as + anywhere else. Ring the bell, and we'll go to bed directly—if you + have no objection, Grace.' + </p> + <p> + Grace made no objection; Lady Clonbrony went to bed and to sleep in ten + minutes, Miss Nugent went to bed; but she lay awake, considering what + could be the cause of her cousin Colambre's hard unkindness, and of 'his + altered eye.' She was openness itself and she determined that, the first + moment she could speak to him alone, she would at once ask for an + explanation. With this resolution, she rose in the morning, and went down + to the breakfast-room, in hopes of meeting him, as it had formerly been + his custom to be early; and she expected to find him reading in his usual + place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + No—Lord Colambre was not in his accustomed place, reading in the + breakfast-room: nor did he make his appearance till both his father and + mother had been some time at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning to you, my Lord Colambre,' said his mother, in a reproachful + tone, the moment he entered; 'I am much obliged to you for your company + last night.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning to you, Colambre,' said his father, in a more jocose tone of + reproach; 'I am obliged to you for your good company last night.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning to you, Lord Colambre,' said Miss Nugent; and though she + endeavoured to throw all reproach from her looks, and to let none be heard + in her voice, yet there was a slight tremulous motion in that voice which + struck our hero to the heart. + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you, ma'am, for missing me,' said he, addressing himself to his + mother; 'I stayed away but half an hour; I accompanied my father to St. + James's Street, and when I returned I found that every one had retired to + rest.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, was that the case?' said Lady Clonbrony; 'I own I thought it very + unlike you to leave me in that sort of way.' + </p> + <p> + 'And, lest you should be jealous of that half-hour when he was + accompanying me,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'I must remark, that, though I had + his body with me, I had none of his mind; that he left at home with you + ladies, or with some fair one across the water, for the deuce of two words + did he bestow upon me, with all his pretence of accompanying me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord Colambre seems to have a fair chance of a pleasant breakfast,' said + Miss Nugent, smiling; 'reproaches on all sides.' + </p> + <p> + 'I have heard none on your side, Grace,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'and that's + the reason, I suppose, he wisely takes his seat beside you. But, come, we + will not badger you any more, my dear boy. We have given him as fine a + complexion amongst us as if he had been out hunting these three hours; + have not we, Grace?' + </p> + <p> + 'When Colambre has been a season or two more in Lon'on, he'll not be so + easily put out of countenance,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'you don't see young + men of fashion here blushing about nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, nor about anything, my dear,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'but that's no + proof they do nothing they ought to blush for.' + </p> + <p> + 'What they do, there's no occasion for ladies to inquire,' said Lady + Clonbrony; 'but this I know, that it's a great disadvantage to a young man + of a certain rank to blush; for no people, who live in a certain set, ever + do; and it is the most opposite thing possible to a certain air, which, I + own, I think Colambre wants; and now that he has done travelling in + Ireland, which is no use in PINT of giving a gentleman a travelled air, or + anything of that sort, I hope he will put himself under my conduct for + next winter's campaign in town.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony looked as if he did not know how to look; and, after + drumming on the table for some seconds, said— + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre, I told you how it would be. That's a fatal hard condition of + yours.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not a hard condition, I hope, my dear father,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Hard it must be, since it can't be fulfilled, or won't be fulfilled, + which comes to the same thing,' replied Lord Clonbrony, sighing. + </p> + <p> + 'I am persuaded, sir, that it will be fulfilled,' said Lord Colambre; 'I + am persuaded that, when my mother hears the truth, and the whole truth—when + she finds that your happiness, and the happiness of her whole family, + depend upon her yielding her taste on one subject—' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, I see now what you are about,' cried Lady Clonbrony; 'you are coming + round with your persuasions and prefaces to ask me to give up Lon'on, and + go back with you to Ireland, my lord. You may save yourselves the trouble, + all of you, for no earthly persuasions shall make me do it. I will never + give up my taste on that PINT. My happiness has a right to be as much + considered as your father's, Colambre, or anybody's; and, in one word, I + won't do it,' cried she, rising angrily from the breakfast-table. + </p> + <p> + 'There! did not I tell you how it would be?' cried Lord Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'My mother has not heard me, yet,' said Lord Colambre, laying his hand + upon his mother's arm, as she attempted to pass; 'hear me, madam, for your + own sake. You do not know what will happen, this very day—this very + hour, perhaps—if you do not listen to me.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what will happen?' said Lady Clonbrony, stopping short. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, indeed; she little knows,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'what's hanging over + her head.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hanging over my head?' said Lady Clonbrony, looking up; 'nonsense! what?' + </p> + <p> + An execution, madam!' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Gracious me! an execution!' said Lady Clonbrony, sitting down again; 'but + I heard you talk of an execution months ago, my lord, before my son went + to Ireland, and it blew over I heard no more of it.' + </p> + <p> + 'If won't blow over now,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'you'll hear more of it + now. Sir Terence O'Fay it was, you may remember, that settled it then.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, and can't he settle it now? Send for him, since he understands + these cases; and I will ask him to dinner myself, for your sake, and be + very civil to him, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + 'All your civility, either for my sake or your own, will not signify a + straw, my dear, in this case—anything that poor Terry could do, he'd + do, and welcome, without it; but he can do nothing.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing!—that's very extraordinary. But I'm clear no one dare to + bring a real execution against us in earnest; and you are only trying to + frighten me to your purpose, like a child; but it shan't do.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well, my dear; you'll see—too late.' + </p> + <p> + A knock at the house door. + </p> + <p> + 'Who is it?—What is it?' cried Lord Clonbrony, growing very pale. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre changed colour too, and ran downstairs. 'Don't let 'em let + anybody in, for your life, Colambre; under any pretence,' cried Lord + Clonbrony, calling from the head of the stairs; then running to the + window, 'By all that's good, it's Mordicai himself! and the people with + him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lean your head on me, my dear aunt,' said Miss Nugent. Lady Clonbrony + leant back, trembling, and ready to faint. + </p> + <p> + 'But he's walking off now; the rascal could not get in—safe for the + present!' cried Lord Clonbrony, rubbing his hands, and repeating, 'safe + for the present!' + </p> + <p> + 'Safe for the present!' repeated Lord Colambre, coming again into the + room. 'Safe for the present hour.' + </p> + <p> + 'He could not get in, I suppose—oh, I warned all the servants well,' + said Lord Clonbrony,' and so did Terry. Ay, there's the rascal, Mordicai, + walking off, at the end of the street; I know his walk a mile off. Gad! I + can breathe again. I am glad he's gone. But he will come back and always + lie in wait, and some time or other, when we're off our guard (unawares), + he'll slide in.' + </p> + <p> + Slide in! Oh, horrid!' cried Lady Clonbrony, sitting up, and wiping away + the water which Miss Nugent had sprinkled on her face. + </p> + <p> + 'Were you much alarmed?' said Lord Colambre, with a voice of tenderness, + looking at his mother first, but his eyes fixing on Miss Nugent. + </p> + <p> + 'Shockingly!' said Lady Clonbrony; 'I never thought it would REELLY come + to this.' + </p> + <p> + 'It will really come to much more, my dear,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'that + you may depend upon, unless you prevent it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Lord! what can I do?—I know nothing of business; how should I, Lord + Clonbrony; but I know there's Colambre—I was always told that when + he was of age everything should be settled; and why can't he settle it + when he's upon the spot?' + </p> + <p> + 'And upon one condition, I will,' cried Lord Colambre; 'at what loss to + myself, my dear mother, I need not mention.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I will mention it,' cried Lord Clonbrony; 'at the loss it will be of + nearly half the estate he would have had, if we had not spent it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Loss! Oh, I am excessively sorry my son's to be at such a loss—it + must not be.' + </p> + <p> + 'It cannot be otherwise,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'nor it can't be this way + either, my Lady Clonbrony, unless you comply with his condition, and + consent to return to Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot—I will not,' replied Lady Clonbrony. 'Is this your + condition, Colambre?—I take it exceedingly ill of you. I think it + very unkind, and unhandsome, and ungenerous, and undutiful of you, + Colambre; you, my son!' She poured forth a torrent of reproaches; then + came to entreaties and tears. But our hero, prepared for this, had steeled + his mind; and he stood resolved not to indulge his own feelings, or to + yield to caprice or persuasion, but to do that which he knew was best for + the happiness of hundreds of tenants who depended upon them—best for + both his father and his mother's ultimate happiness and respectability. + </p> + <p> + 'It's all in vain,' cried Lord Clonbrony; 'I have no resource but one, and + I must condescend now to go to him this minute, for Mordicai will be back + and seize all—I must sign and leave all to Garraghty.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, sign, sign, my lord, and settle with Garraghty.—Colambre, + I've heard all the complaints you brought over against that man. My lord + spent half the night telling them to me; but all agents are bad, I + suppose; at any rate I can't help it—sign, sign, my lord; he has + money—yes, do; go and settle with him, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre and Miss Nugent, at one and the same moment, stopped Lord + Clonbrony as he was quitting the room, and then approached Lady Clonbrony + with supplicating looks; but she turned her head to the other side, and, + as if putting away their entreaties, made a repelling motion with both her + hands, and exclaimed, 'No, Grace Nugent!—no, Colambre—no—no, + Colambre! I'll never hear of leaving Lon'on—there's no living out of + Lon'on—I can't, I won't live out of Lon'on, I say.' + </p> + <p> + Her son saw that the LONDONOMANIA was now stronger than ever upon her, but + resolved to make one desperate appeal to her natural feelings, which, + though smothered, he could not believe were wholly extinguished; he caught + her repelling hands, and pressing them with respectful tenderness to his + lips— + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear mother, you once loved your son,' said he; 'loved him better + than anything in this world; if one spark of affection for him remains, + hear him now, and forgive him, if he pass the bounds—bounds he never + passed before of filial duty. Mother, in compliance with your wishes my + father left Ireland—left his home, his duties, his friends, his + natural connexions, and for many years he has lived in England, and you + have spent many seasons in London.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, in the very best company—in the very first circles,' said Lady + Clonbrony; 'cold as the high-bred English are said to be in general to + strangers.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes,' replied Lord Colambre; 'the very best company (if you mean the most + fashionable) have accepted of our entertainments. We have forced our way + into their frozen circles; we have been permitted to breathe in these + elevated regions of fashion; we have it to say, that the duke of this, and + my lady that, are of our acquaintance. We may say more; we may boast that + we have vied with those whom we could never equal. And at what expense + have we done all this? For a single season, the last winter (I will go no + farther), at the expense of a great part of your timber, the growth of a + century—swallowed in the entertainments of one winter in London! Our + hills to be bare for another half century to come! But let the trees go; I + think more of your tenants—of those left under the tyranny of a bad + agent, at the expense of every comfort, every hope they enjoyed!—tenants, + who were thriving and prosperous; who used to smile upon you, and to bless + you both! In one cottage, I have seen—' + </p> + <p> + Here Lord Clonbrony, unable to restrain his emotion, hurried out of the + room. + </p> + <p> + 'Then I am sure it is not my fault,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'for I brought + my lord a large fortune; and I am confident I have not, after all, spent + more any season, in the best company, than he has among a set of low + people, in his muddling, discreditable way.' + </p> + <p> + 'And how has he been reduced to this?' said Lord Colambre. 'Did he not + formerly live with gentlemen, his equals, in his own country; his + contemporaries? Men of the first station and character, whom I met in + Dublin, spoke of him in a manner that gratified the heart of his son; he + was respectable and respected at his own home; but when he was forced away + from that home, deprived of his objects, his occupations induced him to + live in London, or at watering-places, where he could find no employments + that were suitable to him—set down, late in life, in the midst of + strangers, to him cold and reserved—himself too proud to bend to + those who disdained him as an Irishman—is he not more to be pitied + than blamed for—yes, I, his son, must say the word—the + degradation which has ensued? And do not the feelings, which have this + moment forced him to leave the room, show that he is capable?—Oh, + mother!' cried Lord Colambre, throwing himself at Lady Clonbrony's feet, + 'restore my father to himself! Should such feelings be wasted?—No; + give them again to expand in benevolent, in kind, useful actions; give him + again to his tenantry, his duties, his country, his home; return to that + home yourself, dear mother! leave all the nonsense of high life—scorn + the impertinence of these dictators of fashion, by whom, in return for all + the pains we take to imitate, to court them—in return for the + sacrifice of health, fortune, peace of mind, they bestow sarcasm, + contempt, ridicule, and mimickry!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Colambre! Colambre! mimickry—I'll never believe it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Believe me—believe me, mother; for I speak of what I know. Scorn + them—quit them! Return to an unsophisticated people—to poor, + but grateful hearts, still warm with the remembrance of your kindness, + still blessing you for favours long since conferred, ever praying to see + you once more. Believe me, for I speak of what I know—your son has + heard these prayers, has felt these blessings. Here! at my heart felt, and + still feel them, when I was not known to be your son, in the cottage of + the widow O'Neill.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, did you see the widow O'Neill? and does she remember me?' said Lady + Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'Remember you! and you, Miss Nugent! I have slept in the bed—I would + tell you more, but I cannot.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well! I never should have thought they would have remembered me so long!—poor + people!' said Lady Clonbrony. 'I thought all in Ireland must have + forgotten me, it is now so long since I was at home.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are not forgotten in Ireland by any rank, I can answer for that. + Return home, my dearest mother—let me see you once more among your + natural friends, beloved, respected, happy!' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, return! let us return home!' cried Miss Nugent, with a voice of great + emotion. 'Return, let us return home! My beloved aunt, speak to us! say + that you grant our request!' + </p> + <p> + She kneeled beside Lord Colambre, as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it possible to resist that voice—that look?' thought Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'If anybody knew,' said Lady Clonbrony, 'if anybody could conceive, how I + detest the sight, the thoughts of that old yellow damask furniture, in the + drawing-room at Clonbrony Castle—' + </p> + <p> + 'Good heavens!' cried Lord Colambre, starting up, and looking at his + mother in stupefied astonishment; 'is THAT what you are thinking of, + ma'am?' + </p> + <p> + 'The yellow damask furniture!' said her niece, smiling. Oh, if that's all, + that shall never offend your eyes again. Aunt, my painted velvet chairs + are finished; and trust the furnishing that room to me. The legacy lately + left me cannot be better applied you shall see how beautifully it will be + furnished.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, if I had money, I should like to do it myself; but it would take an + immensity to new furnish Clonbrony Castle properly.' + </p> + <p> + 'The furniture in this house,' said Miss Nugent, looking round. + </p> + <p> + 'Would do a great deal towards it, I declare,' cried Lady Clonbrony; 'that + never struck me before, Grace, I protest—and what would not suit one + might sell or exchange here—and it would be a great amusement to me—and + I should like to set the fashion of something better in that country. And + I declare, now, I should like to see those poor people, and that widow + O'Neill. I do assure you, I think I was happier at home; only, that one + gets, I don't know how, a notion, one's nobody out of Lon'on. But, after + all, there's many drawbacks in Lon'on—and many people are very + impertinent, I'll allow—and if there's a woman in the world I hate, + it is Mrs. Dareville—and, if I was leaving Lon'on, I should not + regret Lady Langdale neither—and Lady St. James is as cold as a + stone. Colambre may well say FROZEN CIRCLES—these sort of people are + really very cold, and have, I do believe, no hearts. I don't verily think + there is one of them would regret me more—Hey! let me see, Dublin—the + winter Merrion Square—new furnished—and the summer—Clonbrony + Castle!' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre and Miss Nugent waited in silence till her mind should have + worked itself clear. One great obstacle had been removed; and now that the + yellow damask had been taken out of her imagination, they no longer + despaired. Lord Clonbrony put his head into the room. + </p> + <p> + 'What hopes?—any? if not, let me go.' + </p> + <p> + He saw the doubting expression of Lady Clonbrony's countenance—hope + in the face of his son and niece. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear, dear Lady Clonbrony, make us all happy by one word,' said he, + kissing her. + </p> + <p> + 'You never kissed me so since we left Ireland before,' said Lady + Clonbrony. 'Well, since it must be so, let us go,' said she. + </p> + <p> + 'Did I ever see such joy!' said Lord Clonbrony, clasping his hands; 'I + never expected such joy in my life!—I must go and tell poor Terry!' + and off he ran. + </p> + <p> + 'And now, since we are to go,' said Lady Clonbrony, 'pray let us go + immediately, before the thing gets wind, else I shall have Mrs. Dareville, + and Lady Langdale, and Lady St. James, and all the world, coming to + condole with me, just to satisfy their own curiosity; and then Miss Pratt, + who hears everything that everybody says, and more than they say, will + come and tell me how it is reported everywhere that we are ruined. 'Oh! I + never could bear to stay and hear all this. I'll tell you what I'll do—you + are to be of age the day after to-morrow, Colambre—very well, there + are some papers for me to sign—I must stay to put my name to them, + and that done, that minute I'll leave you and Lord Clonbrony to settle all + the rest; and I'll get into my carriage with Grace, and go down to Buxton + again; where you can come for me, and take me up, when you're all ready to + go to Ireland—and we shall be so far on our way. Colambre, what do + you say to this?' + </p> + <p> + 'That—if you like it, madam,' said he, giving one hasty glance at + Miss Nugent, and withdrawing his eyes, 'it is the best possible + arrangement.' + </p> + <p> + 'So,' thought Grace, 'that is the best possible arrangement which takes us + away.' + </p> + <p> + 'If I like it!' said Lady Clonbrony; 'to be sure I do, or I should not + propose it. What is Colambre thinking of? I know, Grace, at all events, + what you and I must think of—of having the furniture packed up, and + settling what's to go, and what's to be exchanged, and all that. Now, my + dear, go and write a note directly to Mr. Soho, and bid him come himself, + immediately; and we'll go and make out a catalogue this instant of what + furniture I will have packed.' + </p> + <p> + So, with her head full of furniture, Lady Clonbrony retired. 'I go to my + business, Colambre; and I leave you to settle yours in peace.' + </p> + <p> + In peace!—Never was our hero's mind less at peace than at this + moment. The more his heart felt that it was painful, the more his reason + told him it was necessary that he should part from Grace Nugent. To his + union with her there was an obstacle, which his prudence told him ought to + be insurmountable; yet he felt that, during the few days he had been with + her, the few hours he had been near her, he had, with his utmost power + over himself, scarcely been master of his passion, or capable of + concealing it from its object. It could not have been done but for her + perfect simplicity and innocence. But how could this be supposed on his + part? How could he venture to live with this charming girl? How could he + settle at home? What resource? + </p> + <p> + His mind turned towards the army; he thought that abroad, and in active + life, he should lose all the painful recollections, and drive from his + heart all the resentments, which could now be only a source of unavailing + regret. But his mother—his mother, who had now yielded her own taste + to his entreaties, for the good of her family—she expected him to + return and live with her in Ireland. Though not actually promised or + specified, he knew that she took it for granted; that it was upon this + hope, this faith, she consented; he knew that she would be shocked at the + bare idea of his going into the army. There was one chance—our hero + tried, at this moment, to think it the best possible chance—that + Miss Nugent might marry Mr. Salisbury, and settle in England. On this idea + he relied as the only means of extricating him from difficulties. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to turn his thoughts immediately to business, to execute + his promises to his father. Two great objects were now to be accomplished—the + payment of his father's debts, and the settlement of the Irish agent's + accounts; and, in transacting this complicated business, he derived + considerable assistance from Sir Terence O'Fay, and from Sir Arthur + Berryl's solicitor, Mr. Edwards. Whilst acting for Sir Arthur, on a former + occasion, Lord Colambre had gained the entire confidence of this + solicitor, who was a man of the first eminence. Mr. Edwards took the + papers and Lord Clonbrony's title-deeds home with him, saying that he + would give an answer the next morning. He then waited upon Lord Colambre, + and informed him, that he had just received a letter from Sir Arthur + Berryl, who, with the consent and desire of his lady, requested that + whatever money might be required by Lord Clonbrony should be immediately + supplied on their account, without waiting till Lord Colambre should be of + age, as the ready money might be of same convenience to him in + accelerating the journey to Ireland, which Sir Arthur and Lady Berryl knew + was his lordship's object. Sir Terence O'Fay now supplied Mr. Edwards with + accurate information as to the demands that were made upon Lord Clonbrony, + and of the respective characters of the creditors. Mr. Edwards undertook + to settle with the fair claimants; Sir Terence with the rogues; so that by + the advancement of ready money from THE BERRYLS, and by the detection of + false and exaggerated charges, which Sir Terence made among the inferior + class, the debts were reduced nearly to one half of their former amount. + Mordicai, who had been foiled in his vile attempt to become sole creditor, + had, however, a demand of more than seven thousand pounds upon Lord + Clonbrony, which he had raised to this enormous sum in six or seven years, + by means well known to himself. He stood the foremost in the list, not + from the greatness of the sum, but from the danger of his adding to it the + expenses of law. Sir Terence undertook to pay the whole with five thousand + pounds. Lord Clonbrony thought it impossible; the solicitor thought it + improvident, because he knew that upon a trial a much greater abatement + would be allowed; but Lord Colambre was determined, from the present + embarrassments of his own situation, to leave nothing undone that could be + accomplished immediately. + </p> + <p> + Sir Terence, pleased with his commission, immediately went to Mordicai. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir Terence,' said Mordicai, 'I hope you are come to pay me my + hundred guineas; for Miss Broadhurst is married!' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Mister Mordicai, what then? The ides of March are come, but not + gone! Stay, if you plase, Mister Mordicai, till Lady-day, when it becomes + due; in the meantime, I have a handful, or rather an armful, of bank-notes + for you, from my Lord Colambre.' + </p> + <p> + 'Humph!' said Mordicai; 'how's that? he'll not be of age these three + days.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't matter for that; he has sent me to look over your account, and to + hope that you will make some small ABATEMENT in the total.' + </p> + <p> + 'Harkee, Sir Terence you think yourself very clever in things of this + sort, but you've mistaken your man; I have an execution for the whole, and + I'll be d—d if all your cunning shall MAKE me take up with part!' + </p> + <p> + 'Be easy, Mister Mordicai!—you shan't make me break your bones, nor + make me drop one actionable word against your high character; for I know + your clerk there, with that long goose-quill behind his ear, would be + ready evidence again' me. But I beg to know, in one word, whether you will + take five thousand down, and GIVE Lord Clonbrony a discharge?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Mr. Terence! nor six thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine pounds. My + demand is L7130, odd shillings: if you have that money, pay it; if not, I + know how to get it, and along with it complete revenge for all the insults + I have received from that greenhorn, his son.' + </p> + <p> + 'Paddy Brady!' cried Sir Terence, 'do you hear that? Remember that word, + REVENGE!—Mind, I call you to witness!' + </p> + <p> + 'What, sir, will you raise a rebellion among my workmen?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, Mr. Mordicai, no rebellion; and I hope you won't cut the boy's ears + off for listening to a little of the brogue—So listen, my good lad. + Now, Mr. Mordicai, I offer you here, before little goose-quill, L5000 + ready penny—take it, or leave it; take your money, and leave your + revenge; or, take your revenge, and lose your money.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir Terence, I value neither your threats nor your cunning. Good morning + to you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning to you, Mr. Mordicai—but not kindly! Mr. Edwards, the + solicitor, has been at the office to take off the execution; so now you + may have law to your heart's content! And it was only to plase the young + lord that the OULD one consented to my carrying this bundle to you,'—showing + the bank-notes. + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Edwards employed!' cried Mordicai. 'Why, how the devil did Lord + Clonbrony get into such hands as his? The execution taken off! Well, sir, + go to law I am ready for you; Jack Latitat is A MATCH for your sober + solicitor.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good morning again to you, Mr. Mordicai; we're fairly out of your + clutches, and we have enough to do with our money.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Sir Terence, I must allow you have a very wheedling way—Here, + Mr. Thompson, make out a receipt for Lord Clonbrony: I never go to law + with an old customer, if I can help it.' + </p> + <p> + This business settled, Mr. Soho was next to be dealt with. + </p> + <p> + He came at Lady Clonbrony's summons; and was taking directions, with the + utmost SANG FROID, for packing up and sending off the very furniture for + which he was not paid. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre called him into his father's study; and, producing his bill, + he began to point out various articles which were charged at prices that + were obviously extravagant. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, really, my lord, they are ABUNDANTLY extravagant; if I charged + vulgar prices, I should be only a vulgar tradesman. I, however, am not a + broker, nor a Jew. Of the article superintendence, which is only L500, I + cannot abate a dolt; on the rest of the bill, if you mean to offer READY, + I mean, without any negotiation, to abate thirty per cent; and I hope that + is a fair and gentlemanly offer.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Soho, there is your money!' + </p> + <p> + 'My Lord Colambre! I would give the contents of three such bills to be + sure of such noblemanly conduct as yours. Lady Clonbrony's furniture shall + be safely packed, without costing her a farthing.' + </p> + <p> + With the help of Mr. Edwards, the solicitor, every other claim was soon + settled; and Lord Clonbrony, for the first time since he left Ireland, + found himself out of debt, and out of danger. + </p> + <p> + Old Nick's account could not be settled in London. Lord Colambre had + detected numerous false charges, and sundry impositions; the land, which + had been purposely let to run wild, so far from yielding any rent, was + made a source of constant expense, as remaining still unset: this was a + large tract, for which St. Dennis had at length offered a small rent. + </p> + <p> + Upon a fair calculation of the profits of the ground, and from other items + in the account, Nicholas Garraghty, Esq., appeared at last to be, not the + creditor, but the debtor to Lord Clonbrony. He was dismissed with + disgrace, which perhaps he might not have felt, if it had not been + accompanied by pecuniary loss, and followed by the fear of losing his + other agencies, and by the dread of immediate bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Burke was appointed agent in his stead to the Clonbrony as well as the + Colambre estate. His appointment was announced to him by the following + letter:— + </p> + <p> + To MRS. BURKE, AT COLAMBRE. DEAR MADAM, The traveller whom you so + hospitably received some months ago was Lord Colambre—he now writes + to you in his proper person. He promised you that he would, as far as it + might be in his power, do justice to Mr. Burke's conduct and character, by + representing what he had done for Lord Clonbrony in the town of Colambre, + and in the whole management of the tenantry and property under his care. + </p> + <p> + Happily for my father, my dear madam, he is now as fully convinced as you + could wish him to be of Mr. Burke's merits; and he begs me to express his + sense of the obligations he is under to him and to you. He entreats that + you will pardon the impropriety of a letter, which, as I assured you the + moment I saw it, he never wrote or read. This will, he says, cure him, for + life, of putting his signature to any paper without reading it. + </p> + <p> + He hopes that you will forget that such a letter was ever received, and + that you will use your influence with Mr. Burke to induce him to continue + to our family his regard and valuable services. Lord Clonbrony encloses a + power of attorney, enabling Mr. Burke to act in future for him, if Mr. + Burke will do him that favour, in managing the Clonbrony as well as the + Colambre estate. + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony will be in Ireland in the course of next month, and intends + to have the pleasure of soon paying his respects in person to Mr. Burke, + at Colambre.—I am, dear madam, your obliged guest, and faithful + servant, COLAMBRE. + </p> + <p> + GROSVENOR SQUARE, LONDON. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was so continually occupied with business during the two + days previous to his coming of age, every morning at his solicitor's + chambers, every evening in his father's study, that Miss Nugent never saw + him but at breakfast or dinner; and, though she watched for it most + anxiously, never could find an opportunity of speaking to him alone, or of + asking an explanation of the change and inconsistencies of his manner. At + last, she began to think that, in the midst of so much business of + importance, by which he seemed harassed, she should do wrong to torment + him, by speaking of any small disquietude that concerned only herself. She + determined to suppress her doubts, to keep her feelings to herself, and to + endeavour, by constant kindness, to regain that place in his affections + which she imagined that she had lost. 'Everything will go right again,' + thought she, 'and we shall all be happy, when he returns with us to + Ireland—to that dear home which he loves as well as I do!' + </p> + <p> + The day Lord Colambre was of age, the first thing he did was to sign a + bond for five thousand pounds, Miss Nugent's fortune, which had been lent + to his father, who was her guardian. + </p> + <p> + 'This, sir, I believe,' said he, giving it to his father as soon as signed—'this, + I believe, is the first debt you would wish to have secured.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well thought of, my dear boy I—God bless you!—that has + weighed more upon my conscience and heart than all the rest, though I + never said anything about it. I used, whenever I met Mr. Salisbury, to + wish myself fairly down at the centre of the earth; not that he ever + thought of fortune, I'm sure; for he often told me, and I believed him, he + would rather have Miss Nugent without a penny, if he could get her, than + the first fortune in the empire. But I'm glad she will not go to him + penniless, for all that; and by my fault, especially. There, there's my + name to it—do witness it, Terry. But, Colambre, you must give it to + her—you must take it to Grace.' + </p> + <p> + 'Excuse me, sir; it is no gift of mine—it is a debt of yours. I beg + you will take the bond to her yourself, my dear father.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear son, you must not always have your own way, and hide everything + good you do, or give me the honour of it. I won't be the jay in borrowed + feathers. I have borrowed enough in my life, and I've done with borrowing + now, thanks to you, Colambre—so come along with me; for I'll be + hanged if ever I give this joint bond to Miss Nugent, without you along + with me. Leave Lady Clonbrony here to sign these papers. Terry will + witness them properly, and you come along with me.' + </p> + <p> + 'And pray, my lord,' said her ladyship, 'order the carriage to the door; + for, as soon as you have my signature, I hope you'll let me off to + Buxton.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, certainly—the carriage is ordered—everything ready, my + dear.' + </p> + <p> + 'And pray tell Grace to be ready,' added Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'That's not necessary; for she is always ready,' said Lord Clonbrony. + 'Come, Colambre,' added he, taking his son under the arm, and carrying him + up to Miss Nugent's dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + They knocked, and were admitted. + </p> + <p> + 'Ready!' said Lord Clonbrony; 'ay, always ready—so I said. Here's + Colambre, my darling,' continued he, 'has secured your fortune to you to + my heart's content; but he would not condescend to come up to tell you so, + till I made him. Here's the bond; put your hand to it, Colambre; you were + ready enough to do that when it cost you something; and now, all I have to + ask of you is, to persuade her to marry out of hand, that I may see her + happy before I die. Now my heart's at ease! I can meet Mr. Salisbury with + a safe conscience. One kiss, my little Grace. If anybody can persuade you, + I'm sure it's that man that's now leaning against the mantelpiece. It's + Colambre's will, or your heart's not made like mine—so I leave you.' + </p> + <p> + And out of the room walked he, leaving his poor son in as awkward, + embarrassing, and painful a situation, as could well be conceived. Half a + dozen indistinct ideas crossed his mind; quick conflicting feelings made + his heart beat and stop. And how it would have ended, if he had been left + to himself, whether he would have stood or fallen, have spoken or have + continued silent, can never now be known, for all was decided without the + action of his will. He was awakened from his trance by these simple words + from Miss Nugent— + </p> + <p> + 'I'm much obliged to you, cousin Colambre—more obliged to you for + your kindness in thinking of me first, in the midst of all your other + business, than by your securing my fortune. Friendship—and your + friendship—is worth more to me than fortune. May I believe that is + secured?' + </p> + <p> + 'Believe it! Oh, Grace, can you doubt it?' + </p> + <p> + 'I will not; it would make me too unhappy. I will not.' + </p> + <p> + 'You need not.' + </p> + <p> + 'That is enough—I am satisfied—I ask no farther explanation. + You are truth itself—one word from you is security sufficient. We + are friends for life,' said she, taking his hand between both of hers; + 'are not we?' + </p> + <p> + 'We are—and therefore sit down, cousin Grace, and let me claim the + privilege of friendship, and speak to you of him who aspires to be more + than your friend for life, Mr.—' + </p> + <p> + Mr. Salisbury!' said Miss Nugent; 'I saw him yesterday. We had a very long + conversation; I believe he understands my sentiments perfectly, and that + he no longer thinks of being more to me than a friend for life.' + </p> + <p> + 'You have refused him!' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes. I have a high opinion of Mr. Salisbury's understanding, a great + esteem for his character; I like his manners and conversation; but I do + not love him, and therefore, you know, I could not marry him.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, my dear Miss Nugent, with a high opinion, a great esteem, and liking + his manners and conversation, in such a well-regulated mind as yours, can + there be a better foundation for love?' + </p> + <p> + 'It is an excellent foundation,' said she; 'but I never went any farther + than the foundation; and, indeed, I never wished to proceed any farther.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre scarcely dared to ask why; but, after some pause, he said— + </p> + <p> + 'I don't wish to intrude upon your confidence.' + </p> + <p> + 'You cannot intrude upon my confidence; I am ready to give it to you + entirely, frankly; I hesitated only because another person was concerned. + Do you remember, at my aunt's gala, a lady who danced with Mr. Salisbury?' + </p> + <p> + 'Not in the least.' + </p> + <p> + 'A lady with whom you and Mr. Salisbury were talking, just before supper, + in the Turkish tent.' + </p> + <p> + 'Not in the least.' + </p> + <p> + 'As we went down to supper, you told me you had had a delightful + conversation with her—that you thought her a charming woman.' + </p> + <p> + 'A charming woman!—I have not the slightest recollection of her.' + </p> + <p> + 'And you told me that she and Mr. Salisbury had been praising me A L'ENVIE + L'UNE ET L'AUTRE.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, I recollect her now perfectly,' said Lord Colambre; 'But what of + her?' + </p> + <p> + 'She is the woman who, I hope, will be Mrs. Salisbury. Ever since I have + been acquainted with them both, I have seen that they were suited to each + other; and fancy, indeed I am almost sure, that she could love him, + tenderly love him—and, I know, I could not. But my own sentiments, + you may be sure, are all I ever told Mr. Salisbury.' + </p> + <p> + 'But of your own sentiments you may not be sure,' said Lord Colambre; 'and + I see no reason why you should give him up from false generosity.' + </p> + <p> + 'Generosity?' interrupted Miss Nugent; 'you totally misunderstand me; + there is no generosity, nothing for me to give up in the case. I did not + refuse Mr. Salisbury from generosity, but because I did not love him. + Perhaps my seeing this at first prevented me from thinking of him as a + lover; but, from whatever cause, I certainly never felt love for Mr. + Salisbury, nor any of that pity which is said to lead to love; perhaps,' + added she, smiling, 'because I was aware that he would be so much better + off after I refused him—so much happier with one suited to him in + age, talents, fortune, and love—"What bliss, did he but know his + bliss," were HIS!' + </p> + <p> + 'Did he but know his bliss,' repeated Lord Colambre; 'but is not he the + best judge of his own bliss?' + </p> + <p> + 'And am not I the best judge of mine?' said Miss Nugent; 'I go no + farther.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are; and I have no right to go farther. Yet, this much permit me to + say, my dear Grace, that it would give me sincere pleasure, that is, real + satisfaction, to see you happily—established.' + </p> + <p> + 'Thank you, my dear Lord Colambre; but you spoke that like a man of + seventy at least, with the most solemn gravity of demeanour.' + </p> + <p> + 'I meant to be serious, not solemn,' said Lord Colambre, endeavouring to + change his tone. + </p> + <p> + 'There now,' said she, in a playful tone, 'you have SERIOUSLY accomplished + the task my good uncle set you; so I will report well of you to him, and + certify that you did all that in you lay to exhort me to marry; that you + have even assured me that it would give you sincere pleasure, that is, + real satisfaction, to see me happily established.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Grace, if you knew how much I felt when I said that, you would spare + this raillery.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will be serious—I am most seriously convinced of the sincerity of + your affection for me; I know my happiness is your object in all you have + said, and I thank you from my heart for the interest you take about me. + But really and truly, I do not wish to marry. This is not a mere + commonplace speech; but I have not yet seen any man I could love. I like + you, cousin Colambre, better than Mr. Salisbury—I would rather live + with you than with him; you know that is a certain proof that I am not + likely to be in love with him. I am happy as I am, especially now we are + all going to dear Ireland, home, to live together: you cannot conceive + with what pleasure I look forward to that.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was not vain; but love quickly sees love where it exists, or + foresees the probability, the possibility of its existence. He saw that + Miss Nugent might love him tenderly, passionately; but that duty, habit, + the prepossession that it was impossible she could marry her cousin + Colambre—a prepossession instilled into her by his mother—had + absolutely prevented her from ever yet thinking of him as a lover. He saw + the hazard for her, he felt the danger for himself. Never had she appeared + to him so attractive as at this moment, when he felt the hope that he + could obtain return of love. + </p> + <p> + 'But St. Omar!—Why! why is she a St, Omar!—illegitimate!—"No + St. Omar SANS REPROCHE." My wife she cannot be—I will not engage her + affections.' + </p> + <p> + Swift as thoughts in moments of strong feeling pass in the mind without + being put into words, our hero thought all this, and determined, cost what + it would, to act honourably. + </p> + <p> + 'You spoke of my returning to Ireland, my dear Grace. I have not yet told + you my plans.' + </p> + <p> + 'Plans! are not you returning with us?' said she, precipitately; 'are not + you going to Ireland—home—with us?' + </p> + <p> + 'No—I am going to serve a campaign or two abroad. I think every + young man in these times—' + </p> + <p> + 'Good heavens! What does this mean? What can you mean?' cried she, fixing + her eyes upon his, as if she would read his very soul. 'Why? what reason?—Oh, + tell me the truth and at once.' + </p> + <p> + His change of colour—his hand that trembled, and withdrew from hers—the + expression of his eyes as they met hers—revealed the truth to her at + once. As it flashed across her mind, she started back; her face grew + crimson, and, in the same instant, pale as death. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes—you see, you feel the truth now,' said Lord Colambre. 'You see, + you feel, that I love you—passionately.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, let me not hear it!' said she; 'I must not—ought not. Never, + till this moment, did such a thought cross my mind—I thought it + impossible—oh, make me think so still.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will—it is impossible that we can ever be united.' + </p> + <p> + 'I always thought so,' said she, taking breath with a deep sigh. 'Then why + not live as we have lived?' + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot—I cannot answer for myself—I will not run the risk; + and therefore I must quit you—knowing, as I do, that there is an + invincible obstacle to our union, of what nature I cannot explain; I beg + you not to inquire.' + </p> + <p> + 'You need not beg it—I shall not inquire—I have no curiosity—none,' + said she, in a passive, dejected tone; 'that is not what I am thinking of + in the least. I know there are invincible obstacles; I wish it to be so. + But, if invincible, you who have so much sense, honour, and virtue—' + </p> + <p> + 'I hope, my dear cousin, that I have honour and virtue. But there are + temptations to which no wise, no good man will expose himself. Innocent + creature! you do not know the power of love. I rejoice that you have + always thought it impossible—think so still—it will save you + from—all I must endure. Think of me but as your cousin, your friend—give + your heart to some happier man. As your friend, your true friend, I + conjure you, give your heart to some more fortunate man. Marry, if you can + feel love—marry, and be happy. Honour! virtue! Yes, I have both, and + I will not forfeit them. Yes, I will merit your esteem and my own—by + actions, not words; and I give you the strongest proof, by tearing myself + from you at this moment. Farewell!' + </p> + <p> + 'The carriage at the door, Miss Nugent, and my lady calling for you,' said + her maid. 'Here's your key, ma'am, and here's your gloves, my dear ma'am.' + </p> + <p> + 'The carriage at the door, Miss Nugent,' said Lady Clonbrony's woman, + coming eagerly with parcels in her hand, as Miss Nugent passed her and ran + downstairs; 'and I don't know where I laid my lady's NUMBRELLA, for my + life—do your Anne?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, indeed—but I know here's my own young lady's watch that she has + left. Bless me! I never knew her to forget anything on a journey before.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then she is going to be married, as sure as my name's Le Maistre, and to + my Lord Colambre; for he has been here this hour, to my certain Bible + knowledge. Oh, you'll see, she will be Lady Colambre!' + </p> + <p> + 'I wish she may, with all my heart' said Anne; 'but I must run down—they're + waiting.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no,' said Mrs. le Maistre, seizing Anne's arm, and holding her fast; + 'stay—you may safely—for they're all kissing and taking leave, + and all that, you know; and my lady is talking on about Mr. Soho, and + giving a hundred directions about legs of TABLES, and so forth, I warrant—she's + always an hour after she's ready before she gets in—and I'm looking + for the NUMBRELLA. So stay, and tell me—Mrs. Petito wrote over word + it was to be Lady Isabel; and then a contradiction came—it was + turned into the youngest of the Killpatricks; and now here he's in Miss + Nugent's dressing-room to the last moment. Now, in my opinion, that am not + censorious, this does not look so pretty; but, according to my verdict, he + is only making a fool of Miss Nugent, like the rest; and his lordship + seems too like what you might call a male COCKET, or a masculine jilt.' + </p> + <p> + 'No more like a masculine jilt than yourself, Mrs. le Maistre,' cried + Anne, taking fire. 'And my young lady is not a lady to be made a fool of, + I promise you; nor is my lord likely to make a fool of any woman.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bless us all! that's no great praise for any young nobleman. Miss Anne.' + </p> + <p> + 'Mrs. le Maistre! Mrs. le Maistre! are you above?' cried a footman from + the bottom of the stairs; 'my lady's calling for you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Very well! very well!' said sharp Mrs. le Maistre; 'very well! and if she + is—manners, sir!—Come up for one, can't you, and don't stand + bawling at the bottom of the stairs, as if one had no ears to be saved. + I'm coming as fast as I conveniently can.' Mrs. le Maistre stood in the + doorway, so as to fill it up, and prevent Anne from passing. + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Anne! Miss Anne! Mrs. le Maistre!' cried another footman; 'my lady's + in the carriage, and Miss Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'Miss Nugent!—is she?' cried Mrs. le Maistre, running downstairs, + followed by Anne. 'Now, for the world in pocket-pieces wouldn't I have + missed seeing him hand Miss Nugent in; for by that I could have judged + definitively.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, I beg pardon!—I'm AFEARD I'm late,' said Mrs. le Maistre, + as she passed Lord Colambre, who was standing motionless in the hall. 'I + beg a thousand pardons; but I was hunting high and low, for my lady's + NUMBRELLA.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre did not hear or heed her; his eyes were fixed, and they + never moved. + </p> + <p> + Lord Clonbrony was at the open carriage-door, kneeling on the step, and + receiving Lady Clonbrony's 'more last words' for Mr. Soho. The two + waiting-maids stood together on the steps. + </p> + <p> + 'Look at our young lord, how he stands,' whispered Mrs. le Maistre to + Anne, 'the image of despair! And she, the picture of death!—I don't + know what to think.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nor I; but don't stare if you can help it,' said Anne. 'Get in, get in, + Mrs. le Maistre,' added she, as Lord Clonbrony now rose from the step, and + made way for them. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, in with you—in with you, Mrs. le Maistre,' said Lord Clonbrony. + 'Good-bye to you, Anne, and take care of your young mistress at Buxton; + let me see her blooming when we meet again; I don't half like her looks, + and I never thought Buxton agreed with her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Buxton never did anybody harm,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'and as to bloom, + I'm sure, if Grace has not bloom enough in her cheeks this moment to + please you, I don't know what you'd have, my dear lord—Rouge?—Shut + the door, John! Oh, stay!—Colambre! Where upon earth's Colambre?' + cried her ladyship, stretching from the farthest side of the coach to the + window. 'Colambre!' + </p> + <p> + Colambre was forced to appear. + </p> + <p> + 'Colambre, my dear! I forgot to say that, if anything detains you longer + than Wednesday se'nnight, I beg you will not fail to write, or I shall be + miserable.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will write; at all events, my dearest mother, you shall hear from me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then I shall be quite happy. Go on!' + </p> + <p> + The carriage drove on. + </p> + <p> + 'I do believe Colambre's ill; I never saw a man look so ill in my life—did + you, Grace?—as he did the minute we drove on. He should take advice. + I've a mind, cried Lady Clonbrony, laying her hand on the cord to stop the + coachman—'I've a mind to turn about, tell him so, and ask what is + the matter with him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Better not!' said Miss Nugent; 'he will write to you, and tell you—if + anything is the matter with him. Better go on now to Buxton!' continued + she, scarcely able to speak. Lady Clonbrony let go the cord. + </p> + <p> + 'But what is the matter with you, my dear Grace? for you are certainly + going to die too!' + </p> + <p> + 'I will tell you—as soon as I can; but don't ask me now, my dear + aunt!' + </p> + <p> + 'Grace, Grace! pull the cord!' cried Lady Clonbrony—'Mr. Salisbury's + phaeton!—Mr. Salisbury, I'm happy to see you! We're on our way to + Buxton—as I told you.' + </p> + <p> + 'So am I,' said Mr. Salisbury. 'I hope to be there before your ladyship; + will you honour me with any commands!—of course, I will see that + everything is ready for your reception.' + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship had not any commands. Mr. Salisbury drove on rapidly. + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony's ideas had now taken the Salisbury channel. + </p> + <p> + 'You didn't know that Mr. Salisbury was going to Buxton to meet you, did + you, Grace?' said Lady Clonbrony. + </p> + <p> + 'No, indeed, I did not!' said Miss Nugent; 'and I am very sorry for it.' + </p> + <p> + 'Young ladies, as Mrs. Broadhurst says, "never know, or at least never + tell, what they are sorry or glad for,"' replied Lady Clonbrony. 'At all + events, Grace, my love, it has brought the fine bloom back to your cheeks; + and I own I am satisfied.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + 'Gone! for ever gone from me!' said Lord Colambre to himself, as the + carriage drove away. 'Never shall I see her more—never WILL I see + her more, till she is married.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre went to his own room, locked the door, and was relieved in + some degree by the sense of privacy; by the feeling that he could now + indulge his reflections undisturbed. He had consolation—he had done + what was honourable—he had transgressed no duty, abandoned no + principle—he had not injured the happiness of any human being—he + had not, to gratify himself, hazarded the peace of the woman he loved—he + had not sought to win her heart. Of her innocent, her warm, susceptible + heart, he might perhaps have robbed her—he knew it—but he had + left it untouched, he hoped entire, in her own power, to bless with it + hereafter some man worthy of her. In the hope that she might be happy, + Lord Colambre felt relief; and in the consciousness that he had made his + parents happy, he rejoiced. But, as soon as his mind turned that way for + consolation, came the bitter concomitant reflection, that his mother must + be disappointed in her hopes of his accompanying her home, and of his + living with her in Ireland; she would be miserable when she should hear + that he was going abroad into the army—and yet it must be so—and + he must write, and tell her so. 'The sooner this difficulty is off my + mind, the sooner this painful letter is written, the better,' thought he. + 'It must be done—I will do it immediately.' + </p> + <p> + He snatched up his pen, and began a letter. + </p> + <p> + My dear mother—Miss Nugent—' + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by a knock at his door. + </p> + <p> + 'A gentleman below, my lord,' said a servant, 'who wishes to see you.' + </p> + <p> + I cannot see any gentleman. Did you say I was at home?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my lord; I said you was not at home; for I thought you would not + choose to be at home, and your own man was not in the way for me to ask—so + I denied you; but the gentleman would not be denied; he said I must come + and see if you was at home. So, as he spoke as if he was a gentleman not + used to be denied, I thought it might be somebody of consequence, and I + showed him into the front drawing-room. I think he said he was sure you'd + be at home for a friend from Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'A friend from Ireland! Why did not you tell me that sooner?' said Lord + Colambre, rising, and running downstairs. 'Sir James Brooke, I daresay.' + </p> + <p> + No, not Sir James Brooke; but one he was almost as glad to see—Count + O'Halloran! + </p> + <p> + 'My dear count! the greater pleasure for being unexpected.' + </p> + <p> + 'I came to London but yesterday,' said the count; 'but I could not be here + a day, without doing myself the honour of paying my respects to Lord + Colambre.' + </p> + <p> + 'You do me not only honour, but pleasure, my dear count. People when they + like one another, always find each other out, and contrive to meet even in + London.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are too polite to ask what brought such a superannuated militaire as + I am,' said the count, 'from his retirement into this gay world again. A + relation of mine, who is one of our Ministry, knew that I had some maps, + and plans, and charts, which might be serviceable in an expedition they + are planning. I might have trusted my charts across the channel, without + coming myself to convoy them, you will say. But my relation fancied—young + relations, you know, if they are good for anything, are apt to overvalue + the heads of old relations—fancied that mine was worth bringing all + the way from Halloran Castle to London, to consult with TETE-A-TETE. So + you know, when this was signified to me by a letter from the secretary in + office, PRIVATE, MOST CONFIDENTIAL, what could I do, but do myself the + honour to obey? For though honour's voice cannot provoke the silent dust, + yet "flattery soothes the dull cold ear of AGE."—But enough, and too + much of myself,' said the count: 'tell me, my dear lord, something of + yourself. I do not think England seems to agree with you so well as + Ireland; for, excuse me, in point of health, you don't look like the same + man I saw some weeks ago.' + </p> + <p> + 'My mind has been ill at ease of late,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, there's the thing! The body pays for the mind—but those who + have feeling minds, pain and pleasure altogether computed, have the + advantage; or at least they think so; for they would not change with those + who have them not, were they to gain by the bargain the most robust body + that the most selfish coxcomb, or the heaviest dunce extant, ever boasted. + For instance, would you now, my lord, at this moment change altogether + with Major Benson, or Captain Williamson, or even our friend, 'Eh, really + now, "pon honour"—would you!—I'm glad to see you smile.' + </p> + <p> + 'I thank you for making me smile, for I assure you I want it. I wish—if + you would not think me encroaching upon your politeness and kindness in + honouring me with this visit—You see,' continued he, opening the + doors of the back drawing-room, and pointing to large packages—'you + see we are all preparing for a march; my mother has left town half an hour + ago—my father engaged to dine abroad—only I at home—and, + in this state of confusion, could I even venture to ask Count O'Halloran + to stay and dine with me, without being able to offer him Irish ortolans + or Irish plums—in short, will you let me rob you of two or three + hours of your time? I am anxious to have your opinion on a subject of some + importance to me, and on one where you are peculiarly qualified to judge + and decide for me.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear lord, frankly, I have nothing half so good or so agreeable to do + with my time; command my hours. I have already told you how much it + flatters me to be consulted by the most helpless clerk in office; how much + more about the private concerns of an enlightened young—friend, will + Lord Colambre permit me to say? I hope so; for though the length of our + acquaintance might not justify the word, yet regard and intimacy are not + always in proportion to the time people have known each other, but to + their mutual perception of certain attaching qualities, a certain + similarity and suitableness of character.' + </p> + <p> + The good count, seeing that Lord Colambre was in much distress of mind, + did all he could to soothe him by kindness; far from making any difficulty + about giving up a few hours of his time, he seemed to have no other object + in London, and no purpose in life, but to attend to our hero. To put him + at ease, and to give him time to recover and arrange his thoughts, the + count talked of indifferent subjects. + </p> + <p> + 'I think I heard you mention the name of Sir James Brooke.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I expected to have seen him when the servant first mentioned a + friend from Ireland; because Sir James had told me that, as soon as he + could get leave of absence, he would come to England.' + </p> + <p> + 'He is come; is now at his estate is Huntingdonshire; doing, what do you + think? I will give you a leading hint; recollect the seal which the little + De Cresey put into your hands the day you dined at Oranmore. Faithful to + his motto, "Deeds not words," he is this instant, I believe, at deeds, + title-deeds; making out marriage settlements, getting ready to put his + seal to the happy articles.' + </p> + <p> + 'Happy man! I give him joy,' said Lord Colambre; 'happy man! going to be + married to such a woman—daughter of such a mother.' + </p> + <p> + 'Daughter of such a mother! That is indeed a great addition and a great + security to his happiness,' said the count. 'Such a family to marry into; + good from generation to generation; illustrious by character as well as by + genealogy; "all the sons brave, and all the daughters chaste."'—Lord + Colambre with difficulty repressed his feelings.—'if I could choose, + I would rather that a woman I loved were of such a family than that she + had for her dower the mines of Peru.' + </p> + <p> + 'So would I,' cried Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'I am glad to hear you say so, my lord, and with such energy; so few young + men of the present day look to what I call good connexion. In marrying, a + man does not, to be sure, marry his wife's mother; and yet a prudent man, + when he begins to think of the daughter, would look sharp at the mother; + ay, and back to the grandmother too, and along the whole female line of + ancestry.' + </p> + <p> + 'True—most true—he ought he must.' + </p> + <p> + 'And I have a notion,' said the count, smiling, 'your lordship's practice + has been conformable to your theory.' + </p> + <p> + 'I!—mine!' said Lord Colambre, starling, and looking at the count + with surprise. + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon,' said the count; 'I did not intend to surprise your + confidence. But you forget that I was present, and saw the impression + which was made on your mind by a mother's want of a proper sense of + delicacy and propriety—Lady Dashfort.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, Lady Dashfort! she was quite out of my head.' + </p> + <p> + 'And Lady Isabel?—I hope she is quite out of your heart.' + </p> + <p> + 'She never was in it,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Only laid siege to it,' said the count. 'Well, I am glad your heart did + not surrender at discretion, or rather without discretion. Then I may tell + you, without fear or preface, that the Lady Isabel, who "talks of + refinement, delicacy, sense," is going to stoop at once, and marry—Heathcock.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was not surprised, but concerned and disgusted, as he always + felt, even when he did not care for the individual, from hearing anything + which tended to lower the female sex in public estimation. + </p> + <p> + 'As to myself,' said he, 'I cannot say I have had an escape, for I don't + think I ever was in much danger.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is difficult to measure danger when it is over—past danger, like + past pain, is soon forgotten,' said the old general. 'At all events, I + rejoice in your present safety.' + </p> + <p> + 'But is she really going to be married to Heathcock?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Positively; they all came over in the same packet with me, and they are + all in town now, buying jewels, and equipages, and horses. Heathcock, you + know, is as good as another man, A PEU PRES, for all those purposes; his + father is dead, and left him a large estate. QUE VOULEZ VOUS? as the + French valet said to me on the occasion. C'EST QUE MONSIEUR EST UN HOMME + DE BIEN: IL A DES BIENS, A CE QU'ON DIT.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre could not help smiling. 'How they got Heathcock to fall in + love is what puzzles me,' said his lordship. 'I should as soon have + thought of an oyster's falling in love as that being!' + </p> + <p> + 'I own I should have sooner thought,' replied the count, 'Of his falling + in love with an oyster; and so would you, if you had seen him, as I did, + devouring oysters on shipboard. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> 'Say, can the lovely HEROINE hope to vie<br /> With a fat turtle or a ven'son pie?<br /> </pre> + <p> + But that is not our affair; let the Lady Isabel look to it.' + </p> + <p> + Dinner was announced; and no farther conversation of any consequence + passed between the count and Lord Colambre till the cloth was removed and + the servants had withdrawn. Then our hero opened on the subject which was + heavy at his heart. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear count—to go back to the BURIAL PLACE OF THE NUGENTS, where + my head was lost the first time I had the pleasure of seeing you—you + know, or, possibly,' said he, smiling, 'you do not know, that I have a + cousin of the name of Nugent?' + </p> + <p> + 'You told me,' replied the count, 'that you had near relations of that + name; but I do not recollect that you mentioned any one in particular.' + </p> + <p> + 'I never named Miss Nugent to you. No! it is not easy to me to talk of + her, and impossible to me to describe her. If you had come one half-hour + sooner this morning, you would have seen her: I know she is exactly suited + to your excellent taste. But it is not at first sight she pleases most; + she gains upon the affections, attaches the heart, and unfolds upon the + judgment. In temper, manners, and good sense, in every quality a man can + or should desire in a wife, I never saw her equal. Yet, there is an + obstacle, an invincible obstacle, the nature of which I cannot explain to + you, that forbids me to think of her as a wife. She lives with my father + and mother: they are returning to Ireland, I wished, earnestly wished, on + many accounts, to have accompanied them, chiefly on my mother's; but it + cannot be. The first thing a man must do is to act honourably; and, that + he may do so, he must keep out of the way of a temptation which he + believes to be above his strength. I will never see Miss Nugent again till + she is married; I must either stay in England, or go abroad. I have a mind + to serve a campaign or two, if I could get a commission in a regiment + going to Spain; but I understand so many are eager to go at this moment, + that it is very difficult to get a commission in such a regiment.' + </p> + <p> + 'It is difficult,' said the count. 'But,' added he, after thinking for a + moment, 'I have it! I can get the thing done for you, and directly. Major + Benson, in consequence of that affair, you know, about his mistress, is + forced to quit the regiment. When the lieutenant-colonel came to quarters, + and the rest of the officers heard the fact, they would not keep company + with Benson, and would not mess with him. I know he wants to sell out; and + that regiment is to be ordered immediately to Spain. I will have the thing + done for you, if you request it.' + </p> + <p> + 'First, give me your advice, Count O'Halloran; you are well acquainted + with the military profession, with military life. Would you advise me—I + won't speak of myself, because we judge better by general views than by + particular cases—would you advise a young man at present to go into + the army?' + </p> + <p> + The count was silent for a few minutes, and then replied: 'Since you + seriously ask my opinion, my lord, I must lay aside my own prepossessions, + and endeavour to speak with impartiality. To go into the army in these + days, my lord, is, in my sober opinion, the most absurd and base, or the + wisest and noblest thing a young man can do. To enter into the army, with + the hope of escaping from the application necessary to acquire knowledge, + letters, and science—I run no risk, my lord, in saying this to you—to + go into the army, with the hope of escaping from knowledge, letters, + science, and morality; to wear a red coat and an epaulette; to be called + captain; to figure at a ball; to lounge away time in country sports, at + country quarters, was never, even in times of peace, creditable; but it is + now absurd and base. Submitting to a certain portion of ennui and + contempt, this mode of life for an officer was formerly practicable—but + now cannot be submitted to without utter, irremediable disgrace. Officers + are now, in general, men of education and information; want of knowledge, + sense, manners, must consequently be immediately detected, ridiculed, and + despised in a military man. Of this we have not long since seen lamentable + examples in the raw officers who have lately disgraced themselves in my + neighbourhood in Ireland—that Major Benson and Captain Williamson. + But I will not advert to such insignificant individuals, such are rare + exceptions—I leave them out of the question—I reason on + general principles. The life of an officer is not now a life of parade, of + coxcombical, or of profligate idleness—but of active service, of + continual hardship and danger. All the descriptions which we see in + ancient history of a soldier's life—descriptions which, in times of + peace, appeared like romance—are now realised; military exploits + fill every day's newspapers, every day's conversation. A martial spirit is + now essential to the liberty and the existence of our own country. In the + present state of things, the military must be the most honourable + profession, because the most useful. Every movement of an army is + followed, wherever it goes, by the public hopes and fears. Every officer + must now feel, besides this sense of collective importance, a belief that + his only dependence must be on his own merit and thus his ambition, his + enthusiasm, are raised; and when once this noble ardour is kindled in the + breast, it excites to exertion, and supports under endurance. But I forget + myself,' said the count, checking his enthusiasm; 'I promised to speak + soberly. If I have said too much, your own good sense, my lord, will + correct me, and your good-nature will forgive the prolixity of an old man, + touched upon his favourite subject—the passion of his youth.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, of course, assured the count that he was not tired. Indeed, + the enthusiasm with which this old officer spoke of his profession, and + the high point of view in which he placed it, increased our hero's desire + to serve a campaign abroad. Good sense, politeness, and experience of the + world preserved Count O'Halloran from that foible with which old officers + are commonly reproached, of talking continually of their own military + exploits. Though retired from the world, he had contrived, by reading the + best books, and corresponding with persons of good information, to keep up + with the current of modern affairs; and he seldom spoke of those in which + he had been formerly engaged. He rather too studiously avoided speaking of + himself; and this fear of egotism diminished the peculiar interest he + might have inspired: it disappointed curiosity, and deprived those with + whom he conversed of many entertaining and instructive anecdotes. However, + he sometimes made exceptions to his general rule in favour of persons who + peculiarly pleased him, and Lord Colambre was of this number. + </p> + <p> + He this evening, for the first time, spoke to his lordship of the years he + had spent in the Austrian service; told him anecdotes of the emperor; + spoke of many distinguished public characters whom he had known abroad; of + those officers who had been his friends and companions. Among others he + mentioned, with particular regard, a young English officer who had been at + the same time with him in the Austrian service, a gentleman of the name of + Reynolds. The name struck Lord Colambre; it was the name of the officer + who had been the cause of the disgrace of Miss St. Omar—of Miss + Nugent's mother. 'But there are so many Reynoldses.' + </p> + <p> + He eagerly asked the age—the character of this officer. + </p> + <p> + 'He was a gallant youth,' said the count, 'but too adventurous—too + rash. He fell, after distinguishing himself in a glorious manner, in his + twentieth year—died in my arms.' 'Married or unmarried?' cried Lord + Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Married—he had been privately married, less than a year before his + death, to a very young English lady, who had been educated at a convent in + Vienna. He was heir to a considerable property, I believe, and the young + lady had little fortune; and the affair was kept secret from the fear of + offending his friends, or for some other reason—I do not recollect + the particulars.' + </p> + <p> + 'Did he acknowledge his marriage?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Never till he was dying—then he confided his secret to me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Do you recollect the name of the young lady he married?' 'Yes—Miss + St. Omar.' + </p> + <p> + 'St. Omar!' repeated Lord Colambre, with an expression of lively joy in + his countenance. 'But are you certain, my dear count, that she was really + married, legally married, to Mr. Reynolds? Her marriage has been denied by + all his friends and relations—hers have never been able to establish + it—her daughter is—My dear count, were you present at the + marriage?' + </p> + <p> + 'No,' said the count, 'I was not present at the marriage; I never saw the + lady, nor do I know anything of the affair, except that Mr. Reynolds, when + he was dying, assured me that he was privately married to a Miss St. Omar, + who was then boarding at a convent in Vienna. The young man expressed + great regret at leaving her totally unprovided for; but said that he + trusted his father would acknowledge her, and that her friends would be + reconciled to her. He was not of age, he said, to make a will; but I think + he told me that his child, who at that time was not born, would, even if + it should be a girl, inherit a considerable property. With this, I cannot, + however, charge my memory positively; but he put a packet into my hands + which, he told me, contained a certificate of his marriage, and, I think + he said, a letter to his father; this he requested that I would transmit + to England by some safe hand. Immediately after his death, I went to the + English ambassador, who was then leaving Vienna, and delivered the packet + into his hands; he promised to have it safely delivered. I was obliged to + go the next day, with the troops, to a distant part of the country. When I + returned, I inquired at the convent what had become of Miss St. Omar—I + should say Mrs. Reynolds; and I was told that she had removed from the + convent to private lodgings in the town, some time previous to the birth + of her child. The abbess seemed much scandalised by the whole transaction; + and I remember I relieved her mind by assuring her that there had been a + regular marriage. For poor young Reynolds's sake, I made farther inquiries + about the widow, intending, of course, to act as a friend, if she was in + any difficulty or distress. But I found, on inquiry at her lodgings, that + her brother had come from England for her, and had carried her and her + infant away. The active scenes,' continued the count, 'in which I was + immediately afterwards engaged, drove the whole affair from my mind. Now + that your questions have recalled them, I feel certain of the facts I have + mentioned; and I am ready to establish them by my testimony.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre thanked him with an eagerness that showed how much he was + interested in the event. It was clear, he said, either that the packet + left with the ambassador had not been delivered, or that the father of Mr. + Reynolds had suppressed the certificate of the marriage, as it had never + been acknowledged by him or by any of the family. Lord Colambre now + frankly told the count why he was so anxious about this affair; and Count + O'Halloran, with all the warmth of youth, and with all the ardent + generosity characteristic of his country, entered into his feelings, + declaring that he would never rest till he had established the truth. + </p> + <p> + 'Unfortunately,' said the count, 'the ambassador who took the packet in + charge is dead. I am afraid we shall have difficulty.' + </p> + <p> + 'But he must have had some secretary,' said Lord Colambre; 'who was his + secretary?—we can apply to him.' + </p> + <p> + 'His secretary is now CHARGE D'AFFAIRES in Vienna—we cannot get at + him.' + </p> + <p> + 'Into whose hands have that ambassador's papers fallen—who is his + executor?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'His executor!—now you have it,' cried the count. 'His executor is + the very man who will do your business—your friend Sir James Brooke + is the executor. All papers, of course, are in his hands; or he can have + access to any that are in the hands of the family. The family seat is + within a few miles of Sir James Brooke's, in Huntingdonshire, where, as I + told you before, he now is.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll go to him immediately—set out in the mail this night. Just in + time!' cried Lord Colambre, pulling out his watch with one hand, and + ringing the bell with the other. + </p> + <p> + 'Run and take a place for me in the mail for Huntingdon. Go directly,' + said Lord Colambre to the servant. + </p> + <p> + 'And take two places, if you please, sir,' said the count. 'My lord, I + will accompany you.' + </p> + <p> + But this Lord Colambre would not permit, as it would be unnecessary to + fatigue the good old general; and a letter from him to Sir James Brooke + would do all that the count could effect by his presence; the search for + the papers would be made by Sir James, and if the packet could be + recovered, or if any memorandum or mode of ascertaining that it had + actually been delivered to old Reynolds could be discovered, Lord Colambre + said he would then call upon the count for his assistance, and trouble him + to identify the packet; or to go with him to Mr. Reynolds to make farther + inquiries; and to certify, at all events, the young man's dying + acknowledgment of his marriage and of his child. + </p> + <p> + The place in the mail, just in time, was taken. Lord Colambre sent a + servant in search of his father, with a note explaining the necessity of + his sudden departure. All the business which remained to be done in town + he knew Lord Clonbrony could accomplish without his assistance. Then he + wrote a few lines to his mother, on the very sheet of paper on which, a + few hours before, he had sorrowfully and slowly begun— + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR MOTHER MISS NUGENT. He now joyfully and rapidly went on—MY + DEAR MOTHER AND MISS NUGENT, I hope to be with you on Wednesday se'nnight; + but if unforeseen circumstances should delay me, I will certainly write to + you again.—Dear mother, believe me, your obliged and grateful son, + COLAMBRE. + </p> + <p> + The count, in the meantime, wrote a letter for him to Sir James Brooke, + describing the packet which he had given to the ambassador, and relating + all the circumstances that could lead to its recovery. Lord Colambre, + almost before the wax was hard, seized possession of the letter; the count + seeming almost as eager to hurry him off as he was to set out. He thanked + the count with few words, but with strong feeling. Joy and love returned + in full tide upon our hero's soul; all the military ideas, which but an + hour before filled his imagination, were put to flight: Spain vanished, + and green Ireland reappeared. + </p> + <p> + Just as they shook hands at parting, the good old general, with a smile, + said to him, 'I believe I had better not stir in the matter of Benson's + commission till I hear more from you. My harangue, in favour of the + military profession, will, I fancy, prove like most other harangues, EN + PURE PERTE.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + In what words of polite circumlocution, or of cautious diplomacy, shall we + say, or hint, that the deceased ambassador's papers were found in shameful + disorder. His excellency's executor, Sir James Brooke, however, was + indefatigable in his researches. He and Lord Colambre spent two whole days + in looking over portfolios of letters and memorials, and manifestoes, and + bundles of paper of the most heterogeneous sorts; some of them without any + docket or direction to lead to a knowledge of their contents; others + written upon in such a manner as to give an erroneous notion of their + nature; so that it was necessary to untie every paper separately. At last, + when they had opened, as they thought, every paper, and, wearied and in + despair, were just on the point of giving up the search, Lord Colambre + spied a bundle of old newspapers at the bottom of a trunk. + </p> + <p> + 'They are only old Vienna Gazettes; I looked at them,' said Sir James. + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre, upon this assurance, was going to throw them into the trunk + again; but observing that the bundle had not been untied, he opened it, + and within-side of the newspapers he found a rough copy of the + ambassador's journal, and with it the packet, directed to Ralph Reynolds + sen., Esq., Old Court, Suffolk, per favour of his excellency, Earl —, + a note on the cover, signed O'Halloran, stating when received by him, and + the date of the day when delivered to the ambassador—seals unbroken. + Our hero was in such a transport of joy at the sight of this packet, and + his friend Sir James Brooke so full of his congratulations, that they + forgot to curse the ambassador's carelessness, which had been the cause of + so much evil. + </p> + <p> + The next thing to be done was to deliver the packet to Ralph Reynolds, Old + Court, Suffolk. But when Lord Colambre arrived at Old Court, Suffolk, he + found all the gates locked, and no admittance to be had. At last an old + woman came out of the porter's lodge, who said Mr. Reynolds was not there, + and she could not say where he was. After our hero had opened her heart by + the present of half a guinea, she explained, that she 'could not JUSTLY + say where he was, because that he never let anybody of his own people know + where he was any day; he had several different houses and places in + different parts, and far-off counties, and other shires, as she heard, and + by times he was at one, and by times at another.' The names of two of the + places, Toddrington and Little Wrestham, she knew; but there were others + to which she could give no direction. He had houses in odd parts of + London, too, that he let; and sometimes, when the lodgers' time was out, + he would go, and be never heard of for a month, maybe, in one of them. In + short, there was no telling or saying where he was or would be one day of + the week, by where he had been the last.' + </p> + <p> + When Lord Colambre expressed some surprise that an old gentleman, as he + conceived Mr. Ralph Reynolds to be, should change places so frequently, + the old woman answered, 'That though her master was a deal on the wrong + side of seventy, and though, to look at him, you'd think he was glued to + his chair, and would fall to pieces if he should stir out of it, yet was + as alert, and thought no more of going about, than if he was as young as + the gentleman who was now speaking to her. It was old Mr. Reynolds's + delight to come down and surprise his people at his different places, and + see that they were keeping all tight.' + </p> + <p> + 'What sort of a man is he;—Is he a miser?' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'He is a miser, and he is not a miser,' said the woman. 'Now he'd think as + much of the waste of a penny as another man would of a hundred pounds, and + yet he would give a hundred pounds easier than another would give a penny, + when he's in the humour. But his humour is very odd, and there's no + knowing where to have him; he's gross-grained, and more POSITIVER-like + than a mule; and his deafness made him worse in this, because he never + heard what nobody said, but would say on his own way—he was very ODD + but not CRACKED—no, he was as clear-headed, when he took a thing the + right way, as any man could be, and as clever, and could talk as well as + any member of Parliament,—and good-natured, and kind-hearted, where + he would take a fancy—but then, maybe, it would be to a dog (he was + remarkable fond of dogs), or a cat, or a rat even, that he would take a + fancy, and think more of 'em than he would of a Christian. But, Poor + gentleman, there's great allowance,' said she, 'to be made for him, that + lost his son and heir—that would have been heir to all, and a fine + youth that he doted upon. But,' continued the old woman, in whose mind the + transitions from GREAT to little, from serious to trivial, were + ludicrously abrupt, 'that was no reason why the old gentleman should scold + me last time he was here, as he did, for as long as ever he could stand + over me, only because I killed a mouse who was eating my cheese; and, + before night, he beat a boy for stealing a piece of that same cheese; and + he would never, when down here, let me set a mouse-trap.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my good woman,' interrupted Lord Colambre, who was little + interested in this affair of the mouse-trap, and nowise curious to learn + more of Mr. Reynolds's domestic economy, 'I'll not trouble you any + farther, if you can be so good as to tell me the road to Toddrington, or + to Little Wickham, I think you call it.' + </p> + <p> + Little Wickham!' repeated the woman, laughing—' Bless you, sir, + where do you come from?—It's Little Wrestham; surely everybody + knows, near Lantry; and keep the PIKE till you come to the turn at + Rotherford, and then you strike off into the by-road to the left, and then + again turn at the ford to the right. But, if you are going to Toddrington, + you don't go the road to market, which is at the first turn to the left, + and the cross-country road, where there's no quarter, and Toddrington lies—but + for Wrestham, you take the road to market.' + </p> + <p> + It was some time before our hero could persuade the old woman to stick to + Little Wrestham, or to Toddrington, and not to mix the directions for the + different roads together—he took patience, for his impatience only + confused his director the more. In process of time, he made out, and wrote + down, the various turns that he was to follow, to reach Little Wrestham; + but no human power could get her from Little Wrestham to Toddrington, + though she knew the road perfectly well; but she had, for the seventeen + last years, been used to go 'the other road,' and all the carriers went + that way, and passed the door, and that was all she could certify. + </p> + <p> + Little Wrestham, after turning to the left and right as often as his + directory required, our hero happily reached; but, unhappily, he found no + Mr. Reynolds there; only a steward, who gave nearly the same account of + his master as had been given by the old woman, and could not guess even + where the gentleman might now be. Toddrington was as likely as any place—but + he could not say. + </p> + <p> + 'Perseverance against fortune.' To Toddrington our hero proceeded, through + cross-country roads—such roads!—very different from the Irish + roads. Waggon ruts, into which the carriage wheels sunk nearly to the nave—and, + from time to time, 'sloughs of despond,' through which it seemed + impossible to drag, walk, wade, or swim, and all the time with a sulky + postillion. 'Oh, how unlike my Larry!' thought Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + At length, in a very narrow lane, going up a hill, said to be two miles of + ascent, they overtook a heavy laden waggon, and they were obliged to go + step by step behind it, whilst, enjoying the gentleman's impatience much, + and the postillion's sulkiness more, the waggoner, in his embroidered + frock, walked in state, with his long sceptre in his hand. + </p> + <p> + The postillion muttered 'curses not loud, but deep.' Deep or loud, no + purpose would they have answered; the waggoner's temper was proof against + curse in or out of the English language; and from their snail's pace + neither DICKENS nor devil, nor any postillion in England, could make him + put his horses. Lord Colambre jumped out of the chaise, and, walking + beside him, began to talk to him; and spoke of his horses, their bells, + their trappings; the beauty and strength of the thill-horse—the + value of the whole team, which his lordship happening to guess right + within ten pounds, and showing, moreover, some skill about road-making and + waggon-wheels, and being fortunately of the waggoner's own opinion in the + great question about conical and cylindrical rims, he was pleased with the + young chap of a gentleman; and, in spite of the chuffiness of his + appearance and churlishness of his speech, this waggoner's bosom 'being + made of penetrating stuff,' he determined to let the gentleman pass. + Accordingly, when half-way up the hill, and the head of the fore-horse + came near an open gate, the waggoner, without saying one word or turning + his head, touched the horse with his long whip—and the horse turned + in at the gate, and then came— + </p> + <p> + 'Dobbin!—Jeho!' and strange calls and sounds, which all the other + horses of the team obeyed; and the waggon turned into the farmyard. + </p> + <p> + 'Now, master! while I turn, you may pass.' + </p> + <p> + The covering of the waggon caught in the hedge as the waggon turned in; + and as the sacking was drawn back, some of the packages were disturbed—a + cheese was just rolling off on the side next Lord Colambre; he stopped it + from falling; the direction caught his quick eye—'To Ralph Reynolds, + Esq.'—'TODDRINGTON' scratched out; 'Red Lion Square, London,' + written in another hand below. + </p> + <p> + 'Now I have found him! And surely I know that hand!' said Lord Colambre to + himself, looking more closely at the direction. + </p> + <p> + The original direction was certainly in a handwriting well known to him it + was Lady Dashfort's. + </p> + <p> + 'That there cheese, that you're looking at so cur'ously,' said the + waggoner, has been a great traveller; for it came all the way down from + Lon'on, and now it's going all the way up again back, on account of not + finding the gentleman at home; and the man that booked it told me as how + it came from foreign parts.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre took down the direction, tossed the honest waggoner a + guinea, wished him good-night, passed, and went on. As soon as he could, + he turned into the London road—at the first town, got a place in the + mail—reached London—saw his father—went directly to his + friend, Count O'Halloran, who was delighted when he beheld the packet. + Lord Colambre was extremely eager to go immediately to old Reynolds, + fatigued as he was; for he had travelled night and day, and had scarcely + allowed himself, mind or body, one moment's repose. + </p> + <p> + 'Heroes must sleep, and lovers too; or they soon will cease to be heroes + or lovers!' said the count. 'Rest, rest, perturbed spirit! this night; and + to-morrow morning we'll finish the adventure in Red Lion Square, or I will + accompany you when and where you will; if necessary, to earth's remotest + bounds.' + </p> + <p> + The next morning Lord Colambre went to breakfast with the count. The + count, who was not in love, was not up, for our hero was half an hour + earlier than the time appointed. The old servant Ulick, who had attended + his master to England, was very glad to see Lord Colambre again, and, + showing him into the breakfast parlour, could not help saying, in defence + of his master's punctuality— + </p> + <p> + 'Your clocks, I suppose, my lord, are half an hour faster than ours; my + master will be ready to the moment.' + </p> + <p> + The count soon appeared—breakfast was soon over, and the carriage at + the door; for the count sympathised in his young friend's impatience. As + they were setting out, the count's large Irish dog pushed out of the house + door to follow them and his master would have forbidden him, but Lord + Colambre begged that he might be permitted to accompany them; for his + lordship recollected the old woman's having mentioned that Mr. Reynolds + was fond of dogs. + </p> + <p> + They arrived in Red Lion Square, found the house of Mr. Reynolds, and, + contrary to the count's prognostics, found the old gentleman up, and they + saw him in his red night-cap at his parlour window. After some minutes' + running backwards and forwards of a boy in the passage, and two or three + peeps taken over the blinds by the old gentleman, they were admitted. + </p> + <p> + The boy could not master their names; so they were obliged reciprocally to + announce themselves—'Count O'Halloran and Lord Colambre.' The names + seemed to make no impression on the old gentleman; but he deliberately + looked at the count and his lordship, as if studying WHAT rather than WHO + they were. In spite of the red night-cap, and a flowered dressing-gown, + Mr. Reynolds looked like a gentleman, an odd gentleman—but still a + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + As Count O'Halloran came into the room, and as his large dog attempted to + follow, the count's voice expressed: 'Say, shall I let him in, or shut the + door?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, let him in, by all means, sir, if you please! I am fond of dogs; and + a finer one I never saw; pray, gentlemen, be seated,' said he—a + portion of the complacency inspired by the sight of the dog, diffusing + itself over his manner towards the master of so fine an animal, and even + extending to the master's companion, though in an inferior degree. Whilst + Mr. Reynolds stroked the dog, the count told him that 'the dog was of a + curious breed, now almost extinct—the Irish greyhound, of which only + one nobleman in Ireland, it is said, has now a few of the species + remaining in his possession—Now, lie down, Hannibal,' said the + count. 'Mr. Reynolds, we have taken the liberty, though strangers, of + waiting upon you—' + </p> + <p> + 'I beg your pardon, sir,' interrupted Mr. Reynolds; 'but did I understand + you rightly, that a few of the same species are still to be had from one + nobleman in Ireland? pray, what is his name?' said he, taking out his + pencil. + </p> + <p> + The count wrote the name for him, but observed, that 'he had asserted only + that a few of these dogs remained in the possession of that nobleman; he + could not answer for it that they were TO BE HAD.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, I have ways and means,' said old Reynolds; and, rapping his + snuff-box, and talking, as it was his custom, loud to himself, 'Lady + Dashfort knows all those Irish lords; she shall get one for me—ay! + ay!' + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran replied, as if the words had been addressed to him— + </p> + <p> + 'Lady Dashfort is in England.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know it, sir; she is in London,' said Mr. Reynolds, hastily. 'What do + you know of her?' + </p> + <p> + 'I know, sir, that she is not likely to return to Ireland, and that I am; + and so is my young friend here; and if the thing can be accomplished, we + will get it done for you.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre joined in this promise, and added that, 'if the dog could be + obtained, he would undertake to have him safely sent over to England.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir—gentlemen! I'm much obliged; that is, when you have done the + thing I shall be much obliged. But, maybe, you are only making me civil + speeches!' + </p> + <p> + 'Of that, sir,' said the count, smiling with much temper, 'your own + sagacity and knowledge of the world must enable you to judge.' + </p> + <p> + 'For my own part, I can only say,' cried Lord Colambre, 'that I am not in + the habit of being reproached with saying one thing and meaning another.' + </p> + <p> + 'Hot! I see,' said old Reynolds, nodding, as he looked at Lord Colambre. + 'Cool!' added he, nodding at the count. 'But a time for everything; I was + hot once—both answers good, for their ages.' + </p> + <p> + This speech Lord Colombre and the count tacitly agreed to consider as + another APART, which they were not to hear, or seem to hear. The count + began again on the business of their visit, as he saw that Lord Colambre + was boiling with impatience, and feared that he should BOIL OVER, and + spoil all. The count commenced with— + </p> + <p> + 'Mr. Reynolds, your name sounds to me like the name of a friend; for I had + once a friend of that name; I had once the pleasure (and a very great + pleasure it was to me) to be intimately acquainted abroad, on the + Continent, with a very amiable and gallant youth—your son!' + </p> + <p> + 'Take care, sir,' said the old man, starting up from his chair, and + instantly sinking down again—'take care! Don't mention him to me—unless + you would strike me dead on the spot!' + </p> + <p> + The convulsed motions of his fingers and face worked for some moments; + whilst the count and Lord Colambre, much shocked and alarmed, stood in + silence. + </p> + <p> + The convulsed motions ceased; and the old man unbuttoned his waistcoat, as + if to relieve some sense of expression; uncovered his gray hairs; and, + after leaning back to rest himself, with his eyes fixed, and in reverie + for a few moments, he sat upright again in his chair, and exclaimed, as he + looked round— + </p> + <p> + 'Son!—Did not somebody say that word? Who is so cruel to say that + word before me? Nobody has ever spoken of him to me—but once, since + his death! Do you know, sir,' said he, fixing his eyes on Count + O'Halloran, and laying his cold hand on him, 'do you know where he was + buried, I ask you, sir? do you remember how he died?' + </p> + <p> + 'Too well! too well!' cried the count, so much affected as to be scarcely + able to pronounce the words; 'he died in my arms; I buried him myself!' + </p> + <p> + 'Impossible!' cried Mr. Reynolds. 'Why do you say so, sir?' said he, + studying the count's face with a sort of bewildered earnestness. + 'Impossible! His body was sent over to me in a lead coffin; and I saw it + and I was asked—and I answered, "in the family vault." But the shock + is over,' said he; 'and, gentlemen, if the business of your visit relates + to that subject, I trust I am now sufficiently composed to attend to you. + Indeed, I ought to be prepared; for I had reason, for years, to expect the + stroke; and yet, when it came, it seemed sudden!—it stunned me—put + an end to all my worldly prospects—left me childless, without a + single descendant or relation near enough to be dear to me! I am an + insulated being!' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir, you are not an insulated being,' said Lord Colambre 'you have a + near relation, who will, who must be dear to you; who will make you amends + for all you have lost, all you have suffered—who will bring peace + and joy to your heart. You have a grand-daughter.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir; I have no grand-daughter,' said old Reynolds, his face and whole + form becoming rigid with the expression of obstinacy. 'Rather have no + descendant than be forced to acknowledge an illegitimate child.' + </p> + <p> + 'My lord, I entreat as a friend—I command you to be patient,' said + the count, who saw Lord Colambre's indignation suddenly rise. + </p> + <p> + 'So, then, this is the purpose of your visit,' continued old Reynolds; + 'and you come from my enemies, from the St. Omars, and you are in a league + with them,' continued old Reynolds; 'and all this time it is of my eldest + son you have been talking.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, sir,' replied the count; 'of Captain Reynolds, who fell in battle, + in the Austrian service, about nineteen years ago—a more gallant and + amiable youth never lived.' + </p> + <p> + Pleasure revived through the dull look of obstinacy in the father's eyes. + </p> + <p> + 'He was, as you say, sir, a gallant, an amiable youth, once and he was my + pride, and I loved him, too, once but did not you know I had another?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, sir, we did not—we are, you may perceive, totally ignorant of + your family and of your affairs we have no connexion whatever or knowledge + of any of the St. Omars.' + </p> + <p> + 'I detest the sound of the name,' cried Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, good! good!—Well! well! I beg your pardon, gentlemen, a + thousand times—I am a hasty, very hasty old man; but I have been + harassed, persecuted, hunted by wretches, who got a scent of my gold; + often in my rage I longed to throw my treasure-bags to my pursuers, and + bid them leave me to die in peace. You have feelings, I see, both of you, + gentlemen; excuse me, and bear with my temper.' + </p> + <p> + 'Bear with you! Much enforced, the best tempers will emit a hasty spark,' + said the count, looking at Lord Colambre, who was now cool again; and who, + with a countenance full of compassion, sat with his eyes fixed upon the + poor—no, not the poor, but the unhappy old man. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I had another son,' continued Mr. Reynolds, 'and on him all my + affections concentrated when I lost my eldest, and for him I desired to + preserve the estate which his mother brought into my family. Since you + know nothing of my affairs, let me explain to you; that estate was so + settled, that it would have gone to the child, even the daughter of my + eldest son, if there had been a legitimate child. But I knew there was no + marriage, and I held out firm to my opinion. "If there was a marriage," + said I, "show me the marriage certificate, and I will acknowledge the + marriage, and acknowledge the child;" but they could not, and I knew they + could not; and I kept the estate for my darling boy,' cried the old + gentleman, with the exultation of successful positiveness again appearing + strong in his physiognomy; but suddenly changing and relaxing, his + countenance fell, and he added, 'But now I have no darling boy. What use + all!—all must go to the heir-at-law, or I must will it to a stranger—a + lady of quality, who has just found out she is my relation—God knows + how—I'm no genealogist—and sends me Irish cheese and Iceland + moss, for my breakfast, and her waiting-gentlewoman to namby-pamby me. Oh, + I'm sick of it all—see through it—wish I was blind—wish + I had a hiding-place, where flatterers could not find me—pursued, + chased—must change my lodgings again to-morrow—will, will—I + beg your pardon, gentlemen, again; you were going to tell me, sir, + something more of my eldest son; and how I was led away from the subject, + I don't know; but I meant only to have assured you that his memory was + dear to me, till I was so tormented about that unfortunate affair of his + pretended marriage, that at length I hated to hear him named; but the + heir-at-law, at last, will triumph over me.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my good sir, not if you triumph over yourself, and do justice,' cried + Lord Colambre; 'if you listen to the truth, which my friend will tell you, + and if you will read and believe the confirmation of it, under your son's + own hand, in this packet.' + </p> + <p> + 'His own hand indeed! His seal unbroken. But how—when where—why + was it kept so long, and how came it into your hands?' + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran told Mr. Reynolds that the packet had been given to him + by Captain Reynolds on his deathbed; related the dying acknowledgment + which Captain Reynolds had made of his marriage; and gave an account of + the delivery of the packet to the ambassador, who had promised to transmit + it faithfully. Lord Colambre told the manner in which it had been mislaid, + and at last recovered from among the deceased ambassador's papers. The + father still gazed at the direction, and re-examined the seals. + </p> + <p> + 'My son's handwriting—my son's seals! But where is the certificate + of the marriage?' repeated he; 'if it is withinside of this packet, I have + done great IN- but I am convinced it never was a marriage. 'Yet I wish now + it could be proved—only, in that case, I have for years done great—' + </p> + <p> + 'Won't you open the packet, sir?' said Lord Colambre. Mr. Reynolds looked + up at him with a look that said, 'I don't clearly know what interest you + have in all this.' But, unable to speak, and his hands trembling so that + he could scarcely break the seals, he tore off the cover, laid the papers + before him, sat down, and took breath. Lord Colambre, however impatient, + had now too much humanity to hurry the old gentleman; he only ran for the + spectacles, which he espied on the chimney-piece, rubbed them bright, and + held them ready. Mr. Reynolds stretched his hand out for them, put them + on, and the first paper he opened was the certificate of the marriage; he + read it aloud, and, putting it down, said— + </p> + <p> + 'Now I acknowledge the marriage. I always said, if there is a marriage + there must be a certificate. And you see now there is a certificate I + acknowledge the marriage.' + </p> + <p> + 'And now,' cried Lord Colambre, 'I am happy, positively happy. Acknowledge + your grand-daughter, sir—acknowledge Miss Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'Acknowledge who, sir?' + </p> + <p> + 'Acknowledge Miss Reynolds—your grand-daughter; I ask no more—do + what you will with your fortune.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, now I understand—I begin to understand this young gentleman is + in love—but where is my grand-daughter?—how shall I know she + is my grand-daughter? I have not heard of her since she was an infant—I + forgot her existence—I have done her great injustice.' + </p> + <p> + 'She knows nothing of it, sir,' said Lord Colambre, who now entered into a + full explanation of Miss Nugent's history, and of her connexion with his + family, and of his own attachment to her; concluding the whole by assuring + Mr. Reynolds that his grand-daughter had every virtue under heaven. 'And + as to your fortune, sir, I know that she will, as I do, say—' + </p> + <p> + 'No matter what she will say,' interrupted old Reynolds; 'where is she? + When I see her, I shall hear what she says. Tell me where she is, let me + see her. I long to see whether there is any likeness to her poor father. + Where is she? Let me see her immediately.' + </p> + <p> + 'She is one hundred and sixty miles off, sir, at Buxton.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my lord, and what is a hundred and sixty miles? I suppose you think + I can't stir from my chair, but you are mistaken. I think nothing of a + journey of a hundred and sixty miles—I'm ready to set off to-morrow—this + instant.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre said, that he was sure Miss Reynolds would obey her + grandfather's slightest summons, as it was her duty to do, and would be + with him as soon as possible, if this would be more agreeable to him. 'I + will write to her instantly,' said his lordship, 'if you will commission + me.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my lord, I do not commission—I will go—I think nothing, I + say, of a journey of a hundred and sixty miles—I'll go—and set + out to-morrow morning.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre and the count, perfectly satisfied with the result of their + visit, now thought it best to leave old Reynolds at liberty to rest + himself, after so many strong and varied feelings. They paid their parting + compliments, settled the time for the next day's journey, and were just + going to quit the room when Lord Colambre heard in the passage a + well-known voice the voice of Mrs. Petito. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, my compliments, and my Lady Dashfort's best compliments, and I + will call again.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' cried old Reynolds, pulling his bell; 'I'll have no calling + again—I'll be hanged if I do! Let her in now, and I'll see her—Jack! + let in that woman now or never.' + </p> + <p> + 'The lady's gone, sir, out of the street door.' + </p> + <p> + 'After her, then—now or never, tell her.' + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, she was in a hackney coach.' + </p> + <p> + Old Reynolds jumped up, and went to the window himself, and, seeing the + hackney coachman just turning beckoned at the window, and Mrs. Petito was + set down again, and ushered in by Jack, who announced her as— + </p> + <p> + 'The lady, sir.' The only lady he had seen in that house. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Mr. Reynolds, I'm so obliged to you for letting me in,' cried + Mrs. Petito, adjusting her shawl in the passage, and speaking in a voice + and manner well mimicked after her betters. 'You are so very good and + kind, and I am so much obliged to you.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are not obliged to me, and I am neither good nor kind,' said old + Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + 'You strange man,' said Mrs. Petito, advancing graceful in shawl drapery; + but she stopped short. 'My Lord Colambre and Count O'Halloran, as I hope + to be saved!' + </p> + <p> + 'I did not know Mrs. Petito was an acquaintance of yours, gentlemen,' said + Mr. Reynolds, smiling shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + Count O'Halloran was too polite to deny his acquaintance with a lady who + challenged it by thus naming him; but he had not the slightest + recollection of her, though it seems he had met her on the stairs when he + visited Lady Dashfort at Killpatrickstown. Lord Colambre was 'indeed + UNDENIABLY AN OLD AQUAINTANCE:' and as soon as she had recovered from her + first natural start and vulgar exclamation, she with very easy familiarity + hoped 'My Lady Clonbrony, and my lord, and Miss Nugent, and all her + friends in the family, were well;' and said, 'she did not know whether she + was to congratulate his lordship or not upon Miss Broadhurst, my Lady + Berryl's marriage, but she should soon have to hope for his lordship's + congratulations for another marriage in HER present family—lady + Isabel to Colonel Heathcock, who has come in for a large portion, and they + are buying the wedding clothes—sights of clothes—and the + di'monds, this day; and Lady Dashfort and my Lady Isabel sent me + especially, sir, to you, Mr. Reynolds, and to tell you, sir, before + anybody else; and to hope the cheese COME safe up again at last; and to + ask whether the Iceland moss agrees with your chocolate, and is palatable; + it's the most DILUENT thing upon the universal earth, and the most TONIC + and fashionable—the DUTCHES of Torcaster takes it always for + breakfast, and Lady St. James' too is quite a convert, and I hear the Duke + of V—takes it too.' + </p> + <p> + 'And the devil may take it too, for anything that I care,' said old + Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear, dear sir! you are so refractory a patient.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am no patient at all, ma'am, and have no patience either; I am as well + as you are, or my Lady Dashfort either, and hope, God willing, long to + continue so.' + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Petito smiled aside at Lord Colambre, to mark her perception of the + man's strangeness. Then, in a cajoling voice, addressing herself to the + old gentleman— + </p> + <p> + 'Long, long, I hope, to continue so, if Heaven grants my daily and nightly + prayers, and my Lady Dashfort's also. So, Mr. Reynolds, if the ladies' + prayers are of any avail, you ought to be purely, and I suppose ladies' + prayers have the precedency in efficacy. But it was not of prayers and + deathbed affairs I came commissioned to treat—not of burials, which + Heaven above forbid, but of weddings my diplomacy was to speak; and to + premise my Lady Dashfort would have come herself in her carriage, but is + hurried out of her senses, and my Lady Isabel could not in proper modesty; + so they sent me as their DOUBLE to hope you, my dear Mr. Reynolds, who is + one of the family relations, will honour the wedding with your presence.' + </p> + <p> + 'It would be no honour, and they know that as well as I do,' said the + intractable Mr. Reynolds. 'It will be no advantage, either; but that they + do not know as well as I do. Mrs. Petito, to save you and your lady all + trouble about me in future, please to let my Lady Dashfort know that I + have just received and read the certificate of my son Captain Reynolds's + marriage with Miss St. Omar. I have acknowledged the marriage. Better late + than never; and to-morrow morning, God willing, shall set out with this + young nobleman for Buxton, where I hope to see, and intend publicly to + acknowledge, my grand-daughter—provided she will acknowledge me.' + </p> + <p> + 'CRIMINI!' exclaimed Mrs. Petito, 'what new turns are here! Well, sir, I + shall tell my lady of the METAMORPHOSES that have taken place, though by + what magic (as I have not the honour to deal in the black art) I can't + guess. But, since it seems annoying and inopportune, I shall take my + FINALE, and shall thus have a verbal P.P.C.—as you are leaving town, + it seems, for Buxton so early in the morning. My Lord Colambre, if I see + rightly into a millstone, as I hope and believe I do on the present + occasion, I have to congratulate your lordship (haven't I?) upon something + like a succession, or a windfall, in this DENEWMENT. And I beg you'll make + my humble respects acceptable to the ci-devant Miss Grace Nugent that was; + and I won't DERROGATE her by any other name in the interregnum, as I am + persuaded it will only be a temporary name, scarce worth assuming, except + for the honour of the public adoption; and that will, I'm confident, be + soon exchanged for a viscount's title, or I have no sagacity nor sympathy. + I hope I don't (pray don't let me) put you to the blush, my lord.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre would not have let her, if he could have helped it. + </p> + <p> + 'Count O'Halloran, your most obedient! I had the honour of meeting you at + Killpatrickstown,' said Mrs. Petito, backing to the door, and twitching + her shawl. She stumbled, nearly fell down, over the large dog—caught + by the door, and recovered herself. Hannibal rose and shook his ears. + 'Poor fellow! you are of my acquaintance too.' She would have stroked his + head; but Hannibal walked off indignant, and so did she. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended certain hopes; for Mrs. Petito had conceived that her DIPLOMACY + might be turned to account; that in her character of an ambassadress, as + Lady Dashfort's double, by the aid of Iceland moss in chocolate, flattery + properly administered; that, by bearing with all her DEAR Mr. Reynolds's + ODDNESSES and ROUGHNESES, she might in time—that is to say, before + he made a new will become his dear Mrs. Petito; or (for stranger things + have happened and do happen every day) his dear Mrs. Reynolds! Mrs. + Petito, however, was good at a retreat; and she flattered herself that at + least nothing of this underplot had appeared; and at all events she + secured by her services in this embassy, the long-looked-for object of her + ambition, Lady Dashfort's scarlet velvet gown—'not yet a thread the + worse for the wear!' One cordial look at this comforted her for the loss + of her expected OCTOGENAIRE; and she proceeded to discomfit her lady, by + repeating the message with which strange old Mr. Reynolds had charged her. + So ended all Lady Dashfort's hopes of his fortune. + </p> + <p> + Since the death of his youngest son, she had been indefatigable in her + attentions, and sanguine in her hopes; the disappointment affected both + her interest and her pride, as an INTRIGANTE. It was necessary, however, + to keep her feelings to herself; for if Heathcock should hear anything of + the matter before the articles were signed, he might 'be off!'—so + she put him and Lady Isabel into her coach directly—drove to Gray's, + to make sure at all events of the jewels. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Count O'Halloran and Lord Colambre, delighted with the + result of their visit, took leave of Mr. Reynolds, after having arranged + the journey, and appointed the hour for setting off the next day. Lord + Colambre proposed to call upon Mr. Reynolds in the evening, and introduce + his father, Lord Clonbrony; but Mr. Reynolds said— + </p> + <p> + 'No, no! I'm not ceremonious. I have given you proofs enough of that, I + think, in the short time we've been already acquainted. Time enough to + introduce your father to me when we are in a carriage, going our journey; + then we can talk, and get acquainted; but merely to come this evening in a + hurry, and say, "Lord Clonbrony, Mr. Reynolds;—Mr. Reynolds, Lord + Clonbrony," and then bob our two heads at one another, and scrape one foot + back, and away!—where's the use of that nonsense at my time of life, + or at any time of life? No, no! we have enough to do without that, I + daresay.—Good morning to you, Count O'Halloran! I thank you + heartily. From the first moment I saw you, I liked you; lucky too that you + brought your dog with you! 'Twas Hannibal made me first let you in; I saw + him over the top of the blind.—Hannibal, my good fellow! I'm more + obliged to you than you can guess.' + </p> + <p> + 'So are we all,' said Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + Hannibal was well patted, and then they parted. In returning home they met + Sir James Brooke. + </p> + <p> + 'I told you,' said Sir James, 'I should be in London almost as soon as + you. Have you found old Reynolds!' + </p> + <p> + 'Just come from him.' + </p> + <p> + 'How does your business prosper! I hope as well as mine.' + </p> + <p> + A history of all that had passed up to the present moment was given, and + hearty congratulations received. + </p> + <p> + 'Where are you going now, Sir James?—cannot you come with us?' said + Lord Colambre and the count. + </p> + <p> + 'Impossible,' replied Sir James;—'but, perhaps, you can come with me—I'm + going to Gray's, to give some old family diamonds, either to be new set or + exchanged. Count O'Halloran, I know you are a judge of these things; pray, + come and give me your opinion.' + </p> + <p> + 'Better consult your bride elect!' said the count. + </p> + <p> + 'No; she knows little of the matter—and cares less,' replied Sir + James. + </p> + <p> + 'Not so this bride elect, or I mistake her much,' said the count, as they + passed by the window and saw Lady Isabel, who, with Lady Dashfort, had + been holding consultation deep with the jeweller; and Heathcock, playing + PERSONNAGE MUET. + </p> + <p> + Lady Dashfort, who had always, as old Reynolds expressed it, 'her head + upon her shoulders'—presence of mind where her interests were + concerned—ran to the door before the count and Lord Colambre could + enter, giving a hand to each—as if they had all parted the best + friends in the world. + </p> + <p> + 'How do? how do?—Give you joy! give me joy! and all that. But mind! + not a word,' said she, laying her finger upon her lips—'not a word + before Heathcock of old Reynolds, or of the best part of the old fool,—his + fortune!' + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen bowed, in sign of submission to her ladyship's commands; and + comprehended that she feared Heathcock might be OFF, if the best part of + his bride (her fortune, or her EXPECTATIONS) were lowered in value or in + prospect. + </p> + <p> + 'How low is she reduced,' whispered Lord Colambre, 'when such a husband is + thought a prize—and to be secured by a manoeuvre!' He sighed. + </p> + <p> + 'Spare that generous sigh!' said Sir James Brooke; 'it is wasted.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel, as they approached, turned from a mirror, at which she was + trying on a diamond crescent. Her face clouded at sight of Count + O'Halloran and Lord Colambre, and grew dark as hatred when she saw Sir + James Brooke. She walked away to the farther end of the shop, and asked + one of the shopmen the price of a diamond necklace which lay upon the + counter. + </p> + <p> + The man said, 'He really did not know; it belonged to Lady Oranmore; it + had just been new set for one of her ladyship's daughters, who is going to + be married to Sir James Brooke—one of the gentlemen, my lady, who + are just come in.' + </p> + <p> + Then, calling to his master, he asked him the price of the necklace; he + named the value, which was considerable. + </p> + <p> + 'I really thought Lady Oranmore and her daughters were vastly too + philosophical to think of diamonds,' said Lady Isabel to her mother, with + a sort of sentimental sneer in her voice and countenance. 'But it is some + comfort to me to find, in these pattern-women, philosophy and love do not + so wholly engross the heart, that they "feel every vanity in fondness + lost."' + </p> + <p> + ''Twould be difficult, in some cases,' thought many present. + </p> + <p> + ''Pon honour, di'monds are cursed expensive things, I know!' said + Heathcock. 'But, be that as it may,' whispered he to the lady, though loud + enough to be heard by others, 'I've laid a damned round wager, that no + woman's diamonds married this winter, under a countess, in Lon'on, shall + eclipse Lady Isabel Heathcock's!—and Mr. Gray here's to be judge.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Isabel paid for this promise one of her sweetest smiles; with one of + those smiles which she had formerly bestowed upon Lord Colambre, and which + he had once fancied expressed so much sensibility—such + discriminative and delicate application. Our hero felt so much contempt, + that he never wasted another sigh of pity for her degradation. Lady + Dashfort came up to him as he was standing alone; and, whilst the count + and Sir James were settling about the diamonds— + </p> + <p> + 'My Lord Colambre,' said she, in a low voice, 'I know your thoughts, and I + could moralise as well as you, if I did not prefer laughing—you are + right enough; and so am I, and so is Isabel; we are all right. For look + here: women have not always the liberty of choice, and therefore they + can't be expected to have always the power of refusal.' + </p> + <p> + The mother, satisfied with her convenient optimism, got into her carriage + with her daughter, her daughter's diamonds, and her precious son-in-law, + her daughter's companion for life. + </p> + <p> + 'The more I see,' said Count O'Halloran to Lord Colambre, as they left the + shop, 'the more I find reason to congratulate you upon your escape, my + dear lord.' + </p> + <p> + 'I owe it not to my own wit or wisdom,' said Lord Colambre; 'but much to + love, and much to friendship,' added he, turning to Sir James Brooke; + 'here was the friend who early warned me against the siren's voice; who, + before I knew Lady Isabel, told me what I have since found to be true, + that, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> 'Two passions alternately govern her fate—<br /> Her business is love, but her pleasure is hate.'<br /></pre> + <p> + 'That is dreadfully severe, Sir James,' said Count O'Halloran; 'but I am + afraid it is just.' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure it is just, or I would not have said it,' replied Sir James + Brooke. 'For the foibles of the sex, I hope, I have as much indulgence as + any man, and for the errors of passion as much pity; but I cannot repress + the indignation, the abhorrence I feel against women, cold and vain, who + use their wit and their charms only to make others miserable.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre recollected at this moment Lady Isabel's look and voice, + when she declared that 'she would let her little finger be cut off to + purchase the pleasure of inflicting on Lady de Cresey, for one hour, the + torture of jealousy.' + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps,' continued Sir James Brooke, 'now that I am going to marry into + an Irish family, I may feel, with peculiar energy, disapprobation of this + mother and daughter on another account; but you, Lord Colambre, will do me + the justice to recollect that, before I had any personal interest in the + country, I expressed, as a general friend to Ireland, antipathy to those + who return the hospitality they received from a warm-hearted people, by + publicly setting the example of elegant sentimental hypocrisy, or daring + disregard of decorum, by privately endeavouring to destroy the domestic + peace of families, on which, at last, public as well as private virtue and + happiness depend. I do rejoice, my dear Lord Colambre, to hear you say + that I had any share in saving you from the siren; and now, I will never + speak of these ladies more. I am sorry you cannot stay in town to see—but + why should I be sorry—we shall meet again, I trust, and I shall + introduce you; and you, I hope, will introduce me to a very different + charmer. Farewell!—you have my warm good wishes wherever you go.' + </p> + <p> + Sir James turned off quickly to the street in which Lady Oranmore lived, + and Lord Colambre had not time to tell him that he knew and admired his + intended bride. Count O'Halloran promised to do this for him. 'And now,' + said the good count, 'I am to take leave of you; and I assure you I do it + with so much reluctance that nothing less than positive engagements to + stay in town would prevent me from setting off with you to-morrow; but I + shall be soon, very soon, at liberty to return to Ireland; and Clonbrony + Castle, if you will give me leave, I will see before I see Halloran + Castle.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre joyfully thanked his friend for this promise. + </p> + <p> + 'Nay, it is to indulge myself. I long to see you happy—long to + behold the choice of such a heart as yours. Pray do not steal a march upon + me—let me know in time. I will leave everything—even the siege + of—for your wedding. But I trust I shall be in time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Assuredly you will, my dear count; if ever that wedding—' + </p> + <p> + 'IF,' repeated the count. + </p> + <p> + 'IF,' repeated Lord Colambre. 'Obstacles which, when we last parted, + appeared to me invincible, prevented my having ever even attempted to make + an impression on the heart of the woman I love; and if you knew her, + count, as well as I do, you would know that her love could "not unsought + be won."' + </p> + <p> + 'Of that I cannot doubt, or she would not be your choice; but when her + love is sought, we have every reason to hope,' said the count, smiling, + 'that it may, because it ought to be won by tried honour and affection. I + only require to be left in hope.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, I leave you hope,' said Lord Colambre; 'Miss Nugent—Miss + Reynolds, I should say, has been in the habit of considering a union with + me as impossible; my mother early instilled this idea into her mind. Miss + Nugent thought that duty forbad her to think of me; she told me so: I have + seen it in all her conduct and manners. The barriers of habit, the ideas + of duty, cannot, ought not, to be thrown down or suddenly changed in a + well-regulated female mind. And you, I am sure, know enough of the best + female hearts, to be aware that time—' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, let this dear good charmer take her own time, provided + there's none given to affectation, or prudery, or coquetry; and from all + these, of course, she must be free; and of course I must be content. ADIEU + AU REVOIR.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <p> + As Lord Colambre was returning home, he was overtaken by Sir Terence + O'Fay. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my lord,' cried Sir Terence, out of breath, 'you have led me a + pretty dance all over the town; here's a letter somewhere down in my safe + pocket for you, which has cost me trouble enough. Phoo! where is it now?—it's + from Miss Nugent,' said he, holding up the letter. The direction to + Grosvenor Square, London, had been scratched out; and it had been + re-directed by Sir Terence to the Lord Viscount Colambre, at Sir James + Brooke's, Bart., Brookwood, Huntingdonshire, or elsewhere, with speed. + 'But the more haste the worse speed; for away it went to Brookwood, + Huntingdonshire, where I knew, if anywhere, you was to be found; but, as + fate and the post would have it, there the letter went coursing after you, + while you were running round, and back and forwards, and everywhere, I + understand, to Toddrington and Wrestham, and where not, through all them + English places, where there's no cross-post; so I took it for granted that + it found its way to the dead-letter office, or was sticking up across a + pane in the d—d postmaster's window at Huntingdon, for the whole + town to see, and it a love-letter, and some puppy to claim it, under false + pretence; and you all the time without it, and it might breed a coolness + betwixt you and Miss Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'But, my dear Sir Terence, give me the letter now you have me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear lord, if you knew what a race I have had, missing you here by + five minutes, and there by five seconds—but I have you at last, and + you have it—and I'm paid this minute for all I liquidated of my + substance, by the pleasure I have in seeing you crack the seal and read + it. But take care you don't tumble over the orange woman—orange + barrows are a great nuisance, when one's studying a letter in the streets + of London, or the metropolis. But never heed; stick to my arm, and I'll + guide you, like a blind man, safe through the thick of them.' + </p> + <p> + Miss Nugent's letter, which Lord Colambre read in spite of the jostling of + passengers, and the incessant talking of Sir Terence, was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + Let me not be the cause of banishing you from your home and your country, + where you would do so much good, and make so many happy. Let me not be the + cause of your breaking your promise to your mother; of your disappointing + my dear aunt, so cruelly, who has complied with all our wishes, and who + sacrifices, to oblige us, her favourite tastes. How could she ever be + happy in Ireland—how could Clonbrony Castle be a home to her, + without her son? if you take away all she had of amusement and PLEASURE, + as it is called, are not you bound to give her, in their stead, that + domestic happiness, which she can enjoy only with you, and by your means? + If, instead of living with her, you go into the army, she will be in + daily, nightly anxiety and alarm about you; and her son will, instead of + being a comfort, be a source of torment to her. + </p> + <p> + I will hope that you will do now, as you have always hitherto done, on + every occasion where I have seen you act, what is right, and just, and + kind. Come here on the day you promised my aunt you would; before that + time I shall be in Cambridgeshire, with my friend Lady Berryl; she is so + good as to come to Buxton for me—I shall remain with her, instead of + returning to Ireland. I have explained my reasons to my dear aunt—Could + I have any concealment from her, to whom, from my earliest childhood, I + owe everything that kindness and affection could give? She is satisfied—she + consents to my living henceforward with Lady Berryl. Let me have the + pleasure of seeing, by your conduct, that you approve of mine.—Your + affectionate cousin and friend, GRACE NUGENT. + </p> + <p> + This letter, as may be imagined by those who, like him, are capable of + feeling honourable and generous conduct, gave our hero exquisite pleasure. + Poor, good-natured Sir Terence O'Fay enjoyed his lordship's delight; and + forgot himself so completely, that he never even inquired whether Lord + Colambre had thought of an affair on which he had spoken to him some time + before, and which materially concerned Sir Terence's interest. The next + morning, when the carriage was at the door, and Sir Terence was just + taking leave of his friend Lord Clonbrony, and actually in tears, wishing + them all manner of happiness, though he said there was none left now in + London, or the wide world, even, for him—Lord Colambre went up to + him, and said, 'Sir Terence, you have never inquired whether I have done + your business?' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear, I'm not thinking of that now—time enough by the post—I + can write after you; but my thoughts won't turn for me to business now no + matter.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your business is done,' replied Lord Colambre. + </p> + <p> + 'Then I wonder how you could think of it, with all you had upon your mind + and heart. When anything's upon my heart, good morning to my head, it's + not worth a lemon. Good-bye to you, and thank you kindly, and all + happiness attend you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Good-bye to you, Sir Terence O'Fay,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'and, since + it's so ordered, I must live without you.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! you'll live better without me! my lord; I am not a good liver, I + know, nor the best of all companions for a nobleman, young or old; and now + you'll be rich, and not put to your shifts and your wits, what would I + have to do for you?—Sir Terence O'Fay, you know, was only THE POOR + NOBLEMAN'S FRIEND, and you'll never want to call upon him again, thanks to + your jewel, your Pitt's-di'mond of a son there. So we part here, and + depend upon it you're better without me—that's all my comfort, or my + heart would break. The carriage is waiting this long time, and this young + lover's itching to be off. God bless you both!—that's my last word.' + </p> + <p> + They called in Red Lion Square, punctual to the moment, on old Mr. + Reynolds, but his window-shutters were shut; he had been seized in the + night with a violent fit of the gout, which, as he said, held him fast by + the leg. 'But here,' said he, giving Lord Colambre a letter, 'here's what + will do your business without me. Take this written acknowledgment I have + penned for you, and give my grand-daughter her father's letter to read—it + would touch a heart of stone—touched mine—wish I could drag + the mother back out of her grave, to do her justice—all one now. You + see at last I'm not a suspicious rascal, however, for I don't suspect you + of palming a false grand-daughter upon me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you,' said Lord Colambre, 'give your grand-daughter leave to come up + to town to you, sir? You would satisfy yourself, at least, as to what + resemblance she may bear to her father; Miss Reynolds will come instantly, + and she will nurse you.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no; I won't have her come. If she comes, I won't see her—shan't + begin by nursing me—not selfish. As soon as I get rid of this gout, + I shall be my own man, and young again, and I'll soon be after you across + the sea, that shan't stop me; I'll come to—what's the name of your + place in Ireland? and see what likeness I can find to her poor father in + this grand-daughter of mine, that you puffed so finely yesterday. And let + me see whether she will wheedle me as finely as Mrs. Petito would. Don't + get ready your marriage settlements, do you hear, till you have seen my + will, which I shall sign at—what's the name of your place? Write it + down there; there's pen and ink; and leave me, for the twinge is coming, + and I shall roar.' + </p> + <p> + 'Will you permit me, sir, to leave my own servant with you to take care of + you? I can answer for his attention and fidelity.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let me see his face, and I'll tell you.' Lord Colambre's servant was + summoned. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, I like his face. God bless you!—Leave me.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre gave his servant a charge to bear with Mr. Reynolds's rough + manner and temper, and to pay the poor old gentleman every possible + attention. Then our hero proceeded with his father on his journey, and on + this journey nothing happened worthy of note. On his first perusal of the + letter from Grace, Lord Colambre had feared that she would have left + Buxton with Lady Berryl before he could reach it; but, upon recollection, + he hoped that the few lines he had written, addressed to his mother AND + Miss Nugent, with the assurance that he should be with them on Wednesday, + would be sufficient to show her that some great change had happened, and + consequently sufficient to prevent her from quitting her aunt, till she + could know whether such a separation would be necessary. He argued wisely, + more wisely than Grace had reasoned; for, notwithstanding this note, she + would have left Buxton before his arrival, but for Lady Berryl's strength + of mind, and positive determination not to set out with her till Lord + Colambre should arrive to explain. In the interval, poor Grace was, + indeed, in an anxious state of suspense; and her uncertainty, whether she + was doing right or wrong, by staying to see Lord Colambre, tormented her + most. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear, you cannot help yourself; be quiet,' said Lady Berryl; 'I will + take the whole upon my conscience; and I hope my conscience may never have + anything worse to answer for.' + </p> + <p> + Grace was the first person who, from her window, saw Lord Colambre, the + instant the carriage drove to the door. She ran to her friend Lady + Berryl's apartment—'He is come!—Now, take me away!' + </p> + <p> + 'Not yet, my sweet friend! Lie down upon this sofa, if you please; and + keep yourself tranquil, whilst I go and see what you ought to do; and + depend upon me for a true friend, in whose mind, as in your own, duty is + the first object.' + </p> + <p> + 'I depend on you entirely,' said Grace, sinking down on the sofa; 'and you + see I obey you!' + </p> + <p> + 'Many thanks to you for lying down, when you can't stand.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Berryl went to Lady Clonbrony's apartment; she was met by Sir Arthur. + </p> + <p> + 'Come, my love! come quick!—Lord Colambre is arrived.' + </p> + <p> + 'I know it; and does he go to Ireland? Speak instantly, that I may tell + Grace Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + 'You can tell her nothing yet, my love; for we know nothing. Lord Colambre + will not say a word till you come; but I know, by his countenance, that he + has good and extraordinary news.' + </p> + <p> + They passed rapidly along the passage to Lady Clonbrony's room. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, my dear, dear Lady Berryl, come! or I shall die with impatience,' + cried Lady Clonbrony, in a voice and manner between laughing and crying. + 'There, now you have congratulated, are very happy, and very glad, and all + that—now, for mercy's sake, sit down, Lord Clonbrony! for Heaven's + sake, sit down—beside me here—or anywhere! Now, Colambre, + begin; and tell us all at once!' + </p> + <p> + But as nothing is so tedious as a twice-told tale, Lord Colambre's + narrative need not here be repeated. He began with Count O'Halloran's + visit, immediately after Lady Clonbrony had left London; and went through + the history of the discovery that Captain Reynolds was the husband of Miss + St. Omar, and the father of Grace; the dying acknowledgment of his + marriage; the packet delivered by Count O'Halloran to the careless + ambassador—how recovered, by the assistance of his executor, Sir + James Brooke; the travels from Wrestham to Toddrington, and thence to Red + Lion Square; the interview with old Reynolds, and its final result; all + was related as succinctly as the impatient curiosity of Lord Colambre's + auditors could desire. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, wonder upon wonder! and joy upon joy!' cried Lady Clonbrony. 'So my + darling Grace is as legitimate as I am, and an heiress after all. Where is + she? where is she? In your room, Lady Berryl?—Oh, Colambre! why + wouldn't you let her be by?—Lady Berryl, do you know, he would not + let me send for her, though she was the person of all others most + concerned!' + </p> + <p> + 'For that very reason, ma'am; and that Lord Colambre was quite right, I am + sure you must be sensible, when you recollect, that Grace has no idea that + she is not the daughter of Mr. Nugent; she has no suspicion that the + breath of blame ever lighted upon her mother. This part of the story + cannot be announced to her with too much caution; and, indeed, her mind + has been so much harassed and agitated, and she is at present so far from + strong, that great delicacy—' + </p> + <p> + 'True! very true, Lady Berryl,' interrupted Lady Clonbrony; 'and I'll be + as delicate as you please about it afterwards; but, in the first and + foremost place, I must tell her the best part of the story—that + she's an heiress, madam, never killed anybody!' So, darting through all + opposition, Lady Clonbrony made her way into the room where Grace was + lying—'Yes, get up! get up! my own Grace, and be surprised—well + you may!—you are an heiress, after all.' + </p> + <p> + 'Am I, my dear aunt?' said Grace. + </p> + <p> + 'True, as I'm Lady Clonbrony—and a very great heiress—and no + more Colambre's cousin than Lady Berryl here. So now begin and love him as + fast as you please—I give my consent—and here he is.' + </p> + <p> + Lady Clonbrony turned to her son, who just appeared at the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, mother! what have you done?' + </p> + <p> + 'What have I done?' cried Lady Clonbrony, following her son's eyes:—'Lord + bless me!—Grace fainted dead—lady Berryl? Oh, what have I + done? My dear Lady Berryl, what shall we do?' + </p> + <p> + 'There! her colour's coming again,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'come away, my + dear Lady Clonbrony, for the present, and so will I—though I long to + talk to the darling girl myself; but she is not equal to it yet.' + </p> + <p> + When Grace came to herself, she first saw Lady Berryl leaning over her, + and, raising herself a little, she said— + </p> + <p> + 'What has happened?—I don't know yet—I don't know whether I am + happy or not.' + </p> + <p> + Then seeing Lord Colambre, she sat quite upright. 'You received my letter, + cousin, I hope?—Do you go to Ireland with my aunt?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes; and with you, I hope, my beloved friend,' said Colambre; 'you once + assured me that I had such a share of your esteem and affection, that the + idea of my accompanying you to Ireland was not disagreeable to you; you + flattered me that I formed part of your agreeable associations with home.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes—sit down by me, won't you, my dear Lady Berryl—but then I + considered you as my cousin, Lord Colambre, and I thought you felt the + same towards me; but now—' + </p> + <p> + 'But now, my charming Grace,' said Lord Colambre, kneeling beside her, and + taking her hand, 'no invincible obstacle opposes my passion—no + INVINCIBLE obstacle, did I say? let me hope that I may say no obstacle, + but what depends on the change in the nature of your sentiments. You heard + my mother's consent; you saw her joy.' + </p> + <p> + 'I scarcely knew what I heard or saw,' said Grace, blushing deeply, 'or + what I now see and hear; but of this I feel secure, before I comprehend + the mystery, before you explain to me the causes of your—change of + conduct, that you have never been actuated by caprice, but governed by + wise and honourable motives. As to my going to Ireland, or remaining with + Lady Berryl, she has heard all the circumstances—she is my friend + and yours—a better friend cannot be; to her I appeal—she will + decide for me what I OUGHT to do; she promised to take me from hence + instantly, if I ought to go.' + </p> + <p> + 'I did; and I would do so without hesitation, if any duty or any prudence + required it. But, after having heard all the circumstances, I can only + tell you that I willingly resign the pleasure of your company.' + </p> + <p> + 'But tell her, my dear Lady Berryl,' said Lord Colambre, 'excellent friend + as you are—explain to her you can, better than any of us, all that + is to be known; let her know my whole conduct, and then let her decide for + herself, and I shall submit to her decision. It is difficult, my dear + Grace, to restrain the expression of love, of passion, such as I feel; but + I have some power over myself—you know it—and this I can + promise you, that your affections shall be free as air—that: no + wishes of friends, no interference, nothing but your own unbiassed choice + will I allow, if my life depended upon it, to operate in my favour. Be + assured, my dearest Grace,' added he, smiling as he retired, 'you shall + have time to know whether you are happy or not.' + </p> + <p> + The moment he had left the room, she threw herself into the arms of her + friend, and her heart, oppressed with various feelings, was relieved by + tears—a species of relief to which she was not habituated. + </p> + <p> + 'I am happy,' said she; 'but what was the INVINCIBLE OBSTACLE?—what + was the meaning of my aunt's words?—and what was the cause of her + joy? Explain all this to me, my dear friend; for I am still as if I were + in a dream.' + </p> + <p> + With all the delicacy which Lady Clonbrony deemed superfluous Lady Berryl + explained. Nothing could surpass the astonishment of Grace, on first + learning that Mr. Nugent was not her father. When she was told of the + stigma that had been cast on her birth; the suspicions, the disgrace, to + which her mother had been subjected for so many years—that mother, + whom she had so loved and respected; who had, with such care, instilled + into the mind of her daughter the principles of virtue and religion; that + mother whom Grace had always seen the example of every virtue she taught; + on whom her daughter never suspected that the touch of blame, the breath + of scandal, could rest—Grace could express her sensations only by + repeating, in tones of astonishment, pathos, indignation—'My mother!—my + mother!—my mother!' + </p> + <p> + For some time she was incapable of attending to any other idea, or of + feeling any other sensations. When her mind was able to admit the thought, + her friend soothed her, by recalling the expressions of Lord Colambre's + love—the struggle by which he had been agitated, when he fancied a + union with her opposed by an invincible obstacle. + </p> + <p> + Grace sighed, and acknowledged that, in prudence, it ought to have been an + INVINCIBLE obstacle—she admired the firmness of his decision, the + honour with which he had acted towards her. One moment she exclaimed, + 'Then, if I had been the daughter of a mother who had conducted herself + ill, he never would have trusted me!' + </p> + <p> + The next moment she recollected, with pleasure, the joy she had just seen + in his eyes—the affection, the passion, that spoke in every word and + look; then dwelt upon the sober certainty, that all obstacles were + removed. + </p> + <p> + 'And no duty opposes my loving him! And my aunt wishes it! my kind aunt! + And I may think of him.—You, my best friend, would not assure me of + this if you were not certain of the truth.—Oh, how can I thank you + for all your kindness, and for that best of all kindness, sympathy. You + see, your calmness, your strength of mind supports and tranquillises me. I + would rather have heard all I have just learnt from you than from any + other person living. I could not have borne it from any one else. No one + else knows my mind so perfectly—yet my aunt is very good,—and + my dear uncle! should not I go to him?—But he is not my uncle, she + is not my aunt. I cannot bring myself to think that they are not my + relations, and that I am nothing to them.' + </p> + <p> + 'You may be everything to them, my dear Grace,' said Lady Berryl; + 'whenever you please, you may be their daughter.' + </p> + <p> + Grace blushed, and smiled, and sighed, and was consoled. But then she + recollected her new relation. Mr. Reynolds, her grandfather, whom she had + never seen, who had for years disowned her—treated her mother with + injustice. She could scarcely think of him with complaisancy; yet, when + his age, his sufferings, his desolate state, were represented, she pitied + him; and, faithful to her strong sense of duty, would have gone instantly + to offer him every assistance and attention in her power. Lady Berryl + assured her that Mr. Reynolds had positively forbidden her going to him; + and that he had assured Lord Colambre he would not see her if she went to + him. After such rapid and varied emotions, poor Grace desired repose, and + her friend took care that it should be secured to her for the remainder of + the day. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Lord Clonbrony had kindly and judiciously employed his + lady in a discussion about certain velvet furniture, which Grace had + painted for the drawing-room at Clonbrony Castle. + </p> + <p> + In Lady Clonbrony's mind, as in some bad paintings, there was no KEEPING; + all objects, great and small, were upon the same level. + </p> + <p> + The moment her son entered the room, her ladyship exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + 'Everything pleasant at once! Here's your father tells me, Grace's velvet + furniture's all packed; really, Soho's the best man in the world of his + kind, and the cleverest—and so, after all, my dear Colambre, as I + always hoped and prophesied, at last you will marry an heiress.' + </p> + <p> + 'And Terry,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'will win his wager from Mordicai.' + </p> + <p> + 'Terry!' repeated Lady Clonbrony, 'that odious Terry!—I hope, my + lord, that he is not to be one of my comforts in Ireland.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, my dear mother; he is much better provided for than we could have + expected. One of my father's first objects was to prevent him from being + any encumbrance to you. We consulted him as to the means of making him + happy; and the knight acknowledged that he had long been casting a sheep's + eye at a little snug place, that will soon be open, in his native country—the + chair of assistant barrister at the sessions. "Assistant barrister!" said + my father; "but, my dear Terry, you have all your life been evading the + laws, and very frequently breaking the peace; do you think this has + qualified you peculiarly for being a guardian of the laws?" Sir Terence + replied, "Yes, sure; set a thief to catch a thief is no bad maxim. And did + not Mr. Colquhoun, the Scotchman, get himself made a great justice, by his + making all the world as wise as himself, about thieves of all sorts, by + land and by water, and in the air too, where he detected the mud-larks?—And + is not Barrington chief-justice of Botany Bay?" + </p> + <p> + 'My father now began to be seriously alarmed, lest Sir Terence should + insist upon his using his interest to make him an assistant barrister. He + was not aware that five years' practice at the bar was a necessary + accomplishment for this office; when, fortunately for all parties, my good + friend, Count O'Halloran, helped us out of the difficulty, by starting an + idea full of practical justice. A literary friend of the count's had been + for some time promised a lucrative situation under Government; but, + unfortunately, he was a man of so much merit and ability, that they could + not find employment for him at home, and they gave him a commission, I + should rather say a contract, abroad, for supplying the army with + Hungarian horses. Now the gentleman had not the slightest skill in + horseflesh; and, as Sir Terence is a complete jockey, the count observed + that he would be the best possible deputy for his literary friend. We + warranted him to be a thoroughgoing friend; and I do think the coalition + will be well for both parties. The count has settled it all, and I left + Sir Terence comfortably provided for, out of your way, my dear mother, and + as happy as he could be, when parting from my father.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Colambre was assiduous in engaging his mother's attention upon any + subject which could for the present draw her thoughts away from her young + friend; but, at every pause in the conversation, her ladyship repeated, + 'So Grace is an heiress, after all—so, after all, they know they are + not cousins! Well! I prefer Grace, a thousand times over, to any other + heiress in England. No obstacle, no objection. They have my consent. I + always prophesied Colambre would marry an heiress; but why not marry + directly?' + </p> + <p> + Her ardour and impatience to hurry things forward seemed now likely to + retard the accomplishment of her own wishes; and Lord Clonbrony, who + understood rather more of the passion of love than his lady ever had felt + or understood, saw the agony into which she threw her son, and felt for + his darling Grace. With a degree of delicacy and address of which few + would have supposed Lord Clonbrony capable, his lordship co-operated with + his son in endeavours to keep Lady Clonbrony quiet, and to suppress the + hourly thanksgivings of Grace's TURNING OUT AN HEIRESS. On one point, + however, she vowed she would not be overruled—she would have a + splendid wedding at Clonbrony Castle, such as should become an heir and + heiress; and the wedding, she hoped, would be immediately on their return + to Ireland; she should announce the thing to her friends directly on her + arrival at Clonbrony Castle. + </p> + <p> + 'My dear,' said Lord Clonbrony, 'we must wait, in the first place, the + pleasure of old Mr. Reynolds's fit of the gout.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why, that's true, because of his will,' said her ladyship; 'but a will's + soon made, is not it? That can't be much delay.' + </p> + <p> + 'And then there must be settlements,' said Lord Clonbrony; 'they take + time. Lovers, like all the rest of mankind, must submit to the law's + delay. In the meantime, my dear, as these Buxton baths agree with you so + well, and as Grace does not seem to be over and above strong for + travelling a long journey, and as there are many curious and beautiful + scenes of nature here in Derbyshire—Matlock, and the wonders of the + Peak, and so on—which the young people would be glad to see + together, and may not have another opportunity soon—why not rest + ourselves a little? For another reason, too,' continued his lordship, + bringing together as many arguments as he could—for he had often + found, that though Lady Clonbrony was a match for any single argument, her + understanding could be easily overpowered by a number, of whatever sort—'besides, + my dear, here's Sir Arthur and Lady Berryl come to Buxton on purpose to + meet us; and we owe them some compliment, and something more than + compliment, I think; so I don't see why we should be in a hurry to leave + them, or quit Buxton—a few weeks sooner or later can't signify—and + Clonbrony Castle will be getting all the while into better order for us. + Burke is gone down there; and if we stay here quietly, there will be time + for the velvet furniture to get there before us, and to be unpacked, and + up in the drawing-room.' + </p> + <p> + 'That's true, my lord,' said Lady Clonbrony; 'and there is a great deal of + reason in all you say—so I second that motion, as Colambre, I see, + subscribes to it.' + </p> + <p> + They stayed some time in Derbyshire, and every day Lord Clonbrony proposed + some pleasant excursion, and contrived that the young people should be + left to themselves, as Mrs. Broadhurst used so strenuously to advise; the + recollection of whose authoritative maxims fortunately still operated upon + Lady Clonbrony, to the great ease and advantage of the lovers. + </p> + <p> + Happy as a lover, a friend, a son; happy in the consciousness of having + restored a father to respectability, and persuaded a mother to quit the + feverish joys of fashion for the pleasures of domestic life; happy in the + hope of winning the whole heart of the woman he loved, and whose esteem, + he knew, he possessed and deserved; happy in developing every day, every + hour, fresh charm in his destined bride—we leave our hero, returning + to his native country. + </p> + <p> + And we leave him with the reasonable expectation that he will support + through life the promise of his early character; that his patriotic views + will extend with his power to carry wishes into action; that his + attachment to his warm-hearted countrymen will still increase upon further + acquaintance; and that he will long diffuse happiness through the wide + circle, which is peculiarly subject to the influence and example of a + great resident Irish proprietor. + </p> + <p> + LETTER FROM LARRY TO HIS BROTHER, PAT BRADY, AT MR. MORDICAI'S, + COACHMAKER, LONDON. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR BROTHER, + </p> + <p> + Yours of the 26th, inclosing the five pound note for my father, came safe + to hand Monday last; and with his thanks and blessing to you, he commends + it to you herewith inclosed back again, on account of his being in no + immediate necessity, nor likelihood to want in future, as you shall hear + forthwith; but wants you over with all speed, and the note will answer for + travelling charges; for we can't enjoy the luck it has pleased God to give + us without YEES: put the rest in your pocket, and read it when you've + time. + </p> + <p> + Old Nick's gone, and St. Dennis along with him, to the place he come from—praise + be to God! The ould lord has found him out in his tricks; and I helped him + to that, through the young lord that I driv, as I informed you in my last, + when he was a Welchman, which was the best turn ever I did, though I did + not know it no more than Adam that time. So OULD Nick's turned out of the + agency clean and clear; and the day after it was known, there was + surprising great joy through the whole country; not surprising either, but + just what you might, knowing him, rasonably expect. He (that is, old Nick + and St. Dennis) would have been burnt that night—I MANE, in EFFIGY, + through the town of Clonbrony, but that the new man, Mr. Burke, come down + that day too soon to stop it, and said, 'it was not becoming to trample on + the fallen,' or something that way, that put an end to it; and though it + was a great disappointment to many, and to me in particular, I could not + but like the jantleman the better for it anyhow. They say, he is a very + good jantleman, and as unlike old Nick or the saint as can be; and takes + no duty fowl, nor glove, nor sealing-money; nor asks duty work nor duty + turf. Well, when I was disappointed of the EFFIGY, I comforted myself by + making a bonfire of old Nick's big rick of duty turf, which, by great + luck, was out in the road, away from all dwelling-house, or thatch, or + yards, to take fire; so no danger in life or objection. And such another + blaze! I wished you'd seed it—and all the men, women, and children + in the town and country, far and near, gathered round it, shouting and + dancing like mad!—and it was light as day quite across the bog, as + far as Bartley Finnigan's house. And I heard after, they seen it from all + parts of the three counties, and they thought it was St. John's Eve in a + mistake—or couldn't make out what it was; but all took it in good + part, for a good sign, and were in great joy. As for St. Dennis and OULD + Nick, an attorney had his foot upon em, with an habere a latitat, and + three executions hanging over 'em; and there's the end of rogues! and a + great example in the country. And—no more about it; for I can't be + wasting more ink upon them that don't desarve it at my hands, when I want + it for them that do, you shall see. So some weeks past, and there was + great cleaning at Clonbrony Castle, and in the town of Clonbrony; and the + new agent's smart and clever; and he had the glaziers, and the painters, + and the slaters up and down in the town wherever wanted; and you wouldn't + know it again. Thinks I, this is no bad sign! Now, cock up your ears, Pat! + for the great news is coming, and the good. The master's come home—long + life to him!—and family come home yesterday, all entirely! The OULD + lord and the young lord (ay, there's the man, Paddy!), and my lady, and + Miss Nugent. And I driv Miss Nugent's maid, that maid that was, and + another; so I had the luck to be in it along WID 'em, and see all, from + first to last. And first, I must tell you, my young Lord Colambre + remembered and noticed me the minute he lit at our inn, and condescended + to beckon at me out of the yard to him, and axed me—'Friend Larry,' + says he, 'did you keep your promise?'—'My oath again' the whisky, is + it?' says I. 'My lord, I surely did,' said I; which was true, as all the + country knows I never tasted a drop since. 'And I'm proud to see your + honour, my lord, as good as your word too, and back again among us. So + then there was a call for the horses; and no more at that time passed + betwix' my young lord and me, but that he pointed me out to the OULD one, + as I went off. I noticed and thanked him for it in my heart, though I did + not know all the good was to come of it. Well, no more of myself, for the + present. + </p> + <p> + Ogh, it's I driv 'em well; and we all got to the great gate of the park + before sunset, and as fine an evening as ever you see; with the sun + shining on the tops of the trees, as the ladies noticed; the leaves + changed, but not dropped, though so late in the season. I believe the + leaves knew what they were about, and kept on, on purpose to welcome them; + and the birds were singing, and I stopped whistling, that they might hear + them; but sorrow bit could they hear when they got to the park gate, for + there was such a crowd, and such a shout, as you never see—and they + had the horses off every carriage entirely, and drew'em home, with, + blessings, through the park. And, God bless 'em! when they got out, they + didn't go shut themselves up in the great drawing-room, but went straight + out to the TIRrass, to satisfy the eyes and hearts that followed them. My + lady LANING on my young lord, and Miss Grace Nugent that was, the + beautifullest angel that ever you set eyes on, with the finest complexion + and sweetest of smiles, LANING upon the ould lord's arm, who had his hat + off, bowing to all, and noticing the old tenants as he passed by name. Oh, + there was great gladness and tears in the midst; for joy I could scarce + keep from myself. + </p> + <p> + After a turn or two upon the TIRrass, my Lord Colambre QUIT his mother's + arm for a minute, and he come to the edge of the slope, and looked down + and through all the crowd for some one. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it the widow O'Neill, my lord?' says I; 'she's yonder, with the + spectacles on her nose, betwixt her son and daughter, as usual.' + </p> + <p> + Then my lord beckoned, and they did not know which of the TREE would stir; + and then he gave TREE beckons with his own finger, and they all TREE came + fast enough to the bottom of the slope forenent my lord; and he went down + and helped the widow up (Oh, he's the true jantleman), and brought 'em all + TREE up on the TIRrass, to my lady and Miss Nugent; and I was up close + after, that I might hear, which wasn't manners, but I couldn't help it. So + what he said I don't well know, for I could not get near enough, after + all. But I saw my lady smile very kind, and take the widow O'Neill by the + hand, and then my Lord Colambre 'TRODUCED Grace to Miss Nugent, and there + was the word NAMESAKE, and something about a check curtains; but, whatever + It was, they was all greatly pleased; then my Lord Colambre turned and + looked for Brian, who had fell back, and took him with some commendation + to my lord his father. And my lord the master said, which I didn't know + till after, that they should have their house and farm at the OULD rent; + and at the surprise, the widow dropped down dead; and there was a cry as + for ten BERRINGS. 'Be qui'te,' says I, 'she's only kilt for joy;' and I + went and lift her up, for her son had no more strength that minute than + the child new born; and Grace trembled like a leaf, as white as the sheet, + but not long, for the mother came to, and was as well as ever when I + brought some water, which Miss Nugent handed to her with her own hand. + </p> + <p> + 'That was always pretty and good, said the widow, laying her hand upon + Miss Nugent, 'and kind and good to me and mine.' + </p> + <p> + That minute there was music from below. The blind harper, O'Neill, with + his harp, that struck up 'Gracey Nugent.' + </p> + <p> + And that finished, and my Lord Colambre smiling, with the tears standing + in his eyes too, and the OULD lord quite wiping his, I ran to the TIRrass + brink to bid O'Neill play it again; but as I run, I thought I heard a + voice call Larry. + </p> + <p> + 'Who calls Larry?' says I. + </p> + <p> + 'My Lord Colambre calls you, Larry,' says all at once; and four takes me + by the shoulders and spins me round. 'There's my young lord calling you, + Larry—run for your life.' + </p> + <p> + So I run back for my life, and walked respectful, with my hat in my hand, + when I got near. + </p> + <p> + 'Put on your hat, my father desires it, says my Lord Colambre. The ould + lord made a sign to that purpose, but was too full to speak. 'Where's your + father?' continues my young lord.—' He's very ould, my lord,' says + I. 'I didn't ask you how ould he was,' says he; 'but where is he?'—'He's + behind the crowd below, on account of his infirmities; he couldn't walk so + fast as the rest, my lord,' says I; 'but his heart is with you, if not his + body. 'I must have his body too, so bring him bodily before us; and this + shall be your warrant for so doing,' said my lord, joking; for he knows + the NATUR of us, Paddy, and how we love a joke in our hearts, as well as + if he had lived all his life in Ireland; and by the same token will, for + that rason, do what he pleases with us, and more maybe than a man twice as + good, that never would smile on us. + </p> + <p> + But I'm telling you of my father. 'I've a warrant for you, father,' says + I; 'and must have you bodily before the justice, and my lord + chief-justice.' So he changed colour a bit at first; but he saw me smile. + 'And I've done no sin,' said he; 'and, Larry, you may lead me now, as you + led me all my life.' + </p> + <p> + And up the slope he went with me as light as fifteen; and, when we got up, + my Lord Clonbrony said, 'I am sorry an old tenant, and a good old tenant, + as I hear you were, should have been turned out of your farm.' + </p> + <p> + 'Don't fret, it's no great matter, my lord,' said my father. 'I shall be + soon out of the way; but if you would be so kind to speak a word for my + boy here, and that I could afford, while the life is in me, bring my other + boy back out of banishment—' + </p> + <p> + 'Then,' says my Lord Clonbrony, 'I'll give you and your sons three lives, + or thirty-one years, from this day, of your former farm. Return to it when + you please.' 'And,' added my Lord Colambre, 'the flaggers, I hope, will be + soon banished.' Oh, how could I thank him—not a word could I proffer—but + I know I clasped my two hands, and prayed for him inwardly. And my father + was dropping down on his knees, but the master would not let him; and + OBSARVED, that posture should only be for his God. And, sure enough, in + that posture, when he was out of sight, we did pray for him that night, + and will all our days. + </p> + <p> + But, before we quit his presence, he called me back, and bid me write to + my brother, and bring you back, if you've no objections, to your own + country. + </p> + <p> + So come, my dear Pat, and make no delay, for joy's not joy complAte till + you're in it—my father sends his blessing, and Peggy her love. The + family entirely is to settle for good in Ireland, and there was in the + castle yard last night a bonfire made by my lord's orders of the ould + yellow damask furniture, to plase my lady, my lord says. And the + drawing-room, the butler was telling me, is new hung; and the chairs with + velvet as white as snow, and shaded over with natural flowers, by Miss + Nugent. Oh! how I hope what I guess will come true, and I've rason to + believe it will, for I dreamt in my bed last night it did. But keep + yourself to yourself—that Miss Nugent (who is no more Miss Nugent, + they say, but Miss Reynolds, and has a new-found grandfather, and is a big + heiress, which she did not want in my eyes, nor in my young lord's), I've + a notion will be sometime, and maybe sooner than is expected, my Lady + Viscountess Colambre—so haste to the wedding. And there's another + thing: they say the rich ould grandfather's coming over;—and another + thing, Pat, you would not be out of the fashion—and you see it's + growing the fashion not to be an Absentee.— + </p> + <p> + Your loving brother, + </p> + <p> + LARRY BRADY. <br /> <br /> + </p> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1473 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |