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diff --git a/20008-h/20008-h.htm b/20008-h/20008-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4e113c1 --- /dev/null +++ b/20008-h/20008-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15253 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Young Duke, by Benjamin Disraeli + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Duke, by Benjamin Disraeli + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Young Duke + +Author: Benjamin Disraeli + +Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #20008] +Last Updated: September 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG DUKE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE YOUNG DUKE + </h1> + <h2> + By Benjamin Disraeli + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/spines.jpg" alt="Spines " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/coverplates.jpg" alt="Coverplates " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontis_p79.jpg" alt="Frontis-p79 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontis_label.jpg" alt="Frontislable " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" alt="Titlepage1 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> + </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> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> <b>BOOK IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> <b>BOOK V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> <b>BOOK V</b> [Continued] </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Cover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Spines </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Coverplates </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Frontis-p79 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Frontislabel </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Titlepage1 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Frontis-p79 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> Page106 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> Page243 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> Page338 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> Coverplate </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BOOK I. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fortune’s Favourite</i> +</pre> + <p> + GEORGE AUGUSTUS FREDERICK, DUKE OF ST. JAMES, completed his twenty-first + year, an event which created almost as great a sensation among the + aristocracy of England as the Norman Conquest. A minority of twenty years + had converted a family always amongst the wealthiest of Great Britain into + one of the richest in Europe. The Duke of St. James possessed estates in + the north and in the west of England, besides a whole province in Ireland. + In London there were a very handsome square and several streets, all made + of bricks, which brought him in yearly more cash than all the palaces of + Vicenza are worth in fee-simple, with those of the Grand Canal of Venice + to boot. As if this were not enough, he was an hereditary patron of + internal navigation; and although perhaps in his two palaces, three + castles, four halls, and lodges <i>ad libitum</i>, there were more fires + burnt than in any other establishment in the empire, this was of no + consequence, because the coals were his own. His rent-roll exhibited a sum + total, very neatly written, of two hundred thousand pounds; but this was + independent of half a million in the funds, which we had nearly forgotten, + and which remained from the accumulations occasioned by the unhappy death + of his father. + </p> + <p> + The late Duke of St. James had one sister, who was married to the Earl of + Fitz-pompey. To the great surprise of the world, to the perfect + astonishment of the brother-in-law, his Lordship was not appointed + guardian to the infant minor. The Earl of Fitz-pompey had always been on + the best possible terms with his Grace: the Countess had, only the year + before his death, accepted from his fraternal hand a diamond bracelet; the + Lord Viscount St. Maurice, future chief of the house of Fitz-pompey, had + the honour not only of being his nephew, but his godson. Who could + account, then, for an action so perfectly unaccountable? It was quite + evident that his Grace had no intention of dying. + </p> + <p> + The guardian, however, that he did appoint was a Mr. Dacre, a Catholic + gentleman of ancient family and large fortune, who had been the companion + of his travels, and was his neighbour in his county. Mr. Dacre had not + been honoured with the acquaintance of Lord Fitz-pompey previous to the + decease of his noble friend; and after that event such an acquaintance + would probably not have been productive of agreeable reminiscences; for + from the moment of the opening of the fatal will the name of Dacre was + wormwood to the house of St. Maurice. Lord Fitz-pompey, who, though the + brother-in-law of a Whig magnate, was a Tory, voted against the Catholics + with renewed fervour. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the death of his friend, Mr. Dacre married a beautiful and + noble lady of the house of Howard, who, after having presented him with a + daughter, fell ill, and became that common character, a confirmed invalid. + In the present day, and especially among women, one would almost suppose + that health was a state of unnatural existence. The illness of his wife + and the non-possession of parliamentary duties rendered Mr. Dacre’s visits + to his town mansion rare, and the mansion in time was let. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke, with the exception of an occasional visit to his uncle, + Lord Fitz-pompey, passed the early years of his life at Castle Dacre. At + seven years of age he was sent to a preparatory school at Richmond, which + was entirely devoted to the early culture of the nobility, and where the + principal, the Reverend Doctor Coronet, was so extremely exclusive in his + system that it was reported that he had once refused the son of an Irish + peer. Miss Coronet fed her imagination with the hope of meeting her + father’s noble pupils in after-life, and in the meantime read fashionable + novels. + </p> + <p> + The moment that the young Duke was settled at Richmond, all the intrigues + of the Fitz-pompey family were directed to that quarter; and as Mr. Dacre + was by nature unsuspicious, and was even desirous that his ward should + cultivate the friendship of his only relatives, the St. Maurice family had + the gratification, as they thought, of completely deceiving him. Lady + Fitz-pompey called twice a week at Crest House with a supply of + pine-apples or bonbons, and the Rev. Dr. Coronet bowed in adoration. Lady + Isabella St. Maurice gave a china cup to Mrs. Coronet, and Lady Augusta a + paper-cutter to Miss. The family was secured. All discipline was + immediately set at defiance, and the young Duke passed the greater part of + the half-year with his affectionate relations. His Grace, charmed with the + bonbons of his aunt and the kisses of his cousins, which were even sweeter + than the sugar-plums; delighted with the pony of St. Maurice, which + immediately became his own; and inebriated by the attentions of his uncle,—who, + at eight years of age, treated him, as his Lordship styled it, ‘like a + man’—contrasted this life of early excitement with what now appeared + the gloom and the restraint of Castle Dacre, and he soon entered into the + conspiracy, which had long been hatching, with genuine enthusiasm. He + wrote to his guardian, and obtained permission to spend his vacation with + his uncle. Thus, through the united indulgence of Dr. Coronet and Mr. + Dacre, the Duke of St. James became a member of the family of St. Maurice. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Lord Fitz-pompey secured the affections of the ward than he + entirely changed his system towards the guardian. He wrote to Mr. Dacre, + and in a manner equally kind and dignified courted his acquaintance. He + dilated upon the extraordinary, though extremely natural, affection which + Lady Fitz-pompey entertained for the only offspring of her beloved + brother, upon the happiness which the young Duke enjoyed with his cousins, + upon the great and evident advantages which his Grace would derive from + companions of his own age, of the singular friendship which he had already + formed with St. Maurice; and then, after paying Mr. Dacre many compliments + upon the admirable manner in which he had already fulfilled the duties of + his important office, and urging the lively satisfaction that a visit from + their brother’s friend would confer both upon Lady Fitz-pompey and + himself, he requested permission for his nephew to renew the visit in + which he had been ‘so happy!’ The Duke seconded the Earl’s diplomatic + scrawl in the most graceful round-text. The masterly intrigues of Lord + Fitz-pompey, assisted by Mrs. Dacre’s illness, which daily increased, and + which rendered perfect quiet indispensable, were successful, and the young + Duke arrived at his twelfth year without revisiting Dacre. Every year, + however, when Mr. Dacre made a short visit to London, his ward spent a few + days in his company, at the house of an old-fashioned Catholic nobleman; a + visit which only afforded a dull contrast to the gay society and constant + animation of his uncle’s establishment. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that fate had determined to counteract the intentions of the + late Duke of St. James, and to achieve those of the Earl of Fitz-pompey. + At the moment that the noble minor was about to leave Dr. Coronet for + Eton, Mrs. Dacre’s state was declared hopeless, except from the assistance + of an Italian sky, and Mr. Dacre, whose attachment to his lady was + romantic, determined to leave England immediately. + </p> + <p> + It was with deep regret that he parted from his ward, whom he tenderly + loved; but all considerations merged in the paramount one; and he was + consoled by the reflection that he was, at least, left to the care of his + nearest connections. Mr. Dacre was not unaware of the dangers to which his + youthful pledge might be exposed by the indiscriminate indulgence of his + uncle, but he trusted to the impartial and inviolable system of a public + school to do much; and he anticipated returning to England before his ward + was old enough to form those habits which are generally so injurious to + young nobles. In this hope Mr. Dacre was disappointed. Mrs. Dacre + lingered, and revived, and lingered, for nearly eight years; now filling + the mind of her husband and her daughter with unreasonable hope, now + delivering them to that renewed anguish, that heart-rending grief, which + the attendant upon a declining relative can alone experience, additionally + agonizing because it cannot be indulged. Mrs. Dacre died, and the widower + and his daughter returned to England. In the meantime, the Duke of St. + James had not been idle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Tender Relatives</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE departure and, at length, the total absence of Mr. Dacre from England + yielded to Lord Fitz-pompey all the opportunity he had long desired. + Hitherto he had contented himself with quietly sapping the influence of + the guardian: now that influence was openly assailed. All occasions were + seized of depreciating the character of Mr. Dacre, and open lamentations + were poured forth on the strange and unhappy indiscretion of the father + who had confided the guardianship of his son, not to his natural and + devoted friends, but to a harsh and repulsive stranger. Long before the + young Duke had completed his sixteenth year all memory of the early + kindness of his guardian, if it had ever been imprinted on his mind, was + carefully obliterated from it. It was constantly impressed upon him that + nothing but the exertions of his aunt and uncle had saved him from a life + of stern privation and irrational restraint: and the man who had been the + chosen and cherished confidant of the father was looked upon by the son as + a grim tyrant, from whose clutches he had escaped, and in which he + determined never again to find himself. ‘Old Dacre,’ as Lord Fitz-pompey + described him, was a phantom enough at any time to frighten his youthful + ward. The great object of the uncle was to teaze and mortify the guardian + into resigning his trust, and infinite were the contrivances to bring + about this desirable result; but Mr. Dacre was obstinate, and, although + absent, contrived to carry on and complete the system for the management + of the Hauteville property which he had so beneficially established and so + long pursued. + </p> + <p> + In quitting England, although he had appointed a fixed allowance for his + noble ward, Mr. Dacre had thought proper to delegate a discretionary + authority to Lord Fitz-pompey to furnish him with what might be called + extraordinary necessaries. His Lordship availed himself with such + dexterity of this power that his nephew appeared to be indebted for every + indulgence to his uncle, who invariably accompanied every act of this + description with an insinuation that he might thank Mrs. Dacre’s illness + for the boon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, George,’ he would say to the young Etonian, ‘you shall have the + boat, though I hardly know how I shall pass the account at head-quarters; + and make yourself easy about Flash’s bill, though I really cannot approve + of such proceedings. Thank your stars you have not got to present that + account to old Dacre. Well, I am one of those who are always indulgent to + young blood. Mr. Dacre and I differ. He is your guardian, though. + Everything is in his power; but you shall never want while your uncle can + help you; and so run off to Caroline, for I see you want to be with her.’ + </p> + <p> + The Lady Isabella and the Lady Augusta, who had so charmed Mrs. and Miss + Coronet, were no longer in existence. Each had knocked down her earl. + Brought up by a mother exquisitely adroit in female education, the Ladies + St. Maurice had run but a brief, though a brilliant, career. Beautiful, + and possessing every accomplishment which renders beauty valuable, under + the unrivalled chaperonage of the Countess they had played their popular + parts without a single blunder. Always in the best set, never flirting + with the wrong man, and never speaking to the wrong woman, all agreed that + the Ladies St. Maurice had fairly won their coronets. Their sister + Caroline was much younger; and although she did not promise to develop so + unblemished a character as themselves, she was, in default of another + sister, to be the Duchess of St. James. + </p> + <p> + Lady Caroline St. Maurice was nearly of the same age as her cousin, the + young Duke. They had been play-fellows since his emancipation from the + dungeons of Castle Dacre, and every means had been adopted by her + judicious parents to foster and to confirm the kind feelings which had + been first engendered by being partners in the same toys and sharing the + same sports. At eight years old the little Duke was taught to call + Caroline his ‘wife;’ and as his Grace grew in years, and could better + appreciate the qualities of his sweet and gentle cousin, he was not + disposed to retract the title. When George rejoined the courtly Coronet, + Caroline invariably mingled her tears with those of her sorrowing spouse; + and when the time at length arrived for his departure for Eton, Caroline + knitted him a purse and presented him with a watch-ribbon. At the last + moment she besought her brother, who was two years older, to watch over + him, and soothed the moment of final agony by a promise to correspond. Had + the innocent and soft-hearted girl been acquainted with, or been able to + comprehend, the purposes of her crafty parents, she could not have adopted + means more calculated to accomplish them. The young Duke kissed her a + thousand times, and loved her better than all the world. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his private house and his private tutor, his Grace did not + make all the progress in his classical studies which means so calculated + to promote abstraction and to assist acquirement would seem to promise. + The fact is, that as his mind began to unfold itself he found a perpetual + and a more pleasing source of study in the contemplation of himself. His + early initiation in the school of Fitz-pompey had not been thrown away. He + had heard much of nobility, and beauty, and riches, and fashion, and + power; he had seen many individuals highly, though differently, considered + for the relative quantities which they possessed of these qualities; it + appeared to the Duke of St. James that among the human race he possessed + the largest quantity of them all: he cut his private tutor. His private + tutor, who had been appointed by Mr. Dacre, remonstrated to Lord + Fitz-pompey, and with such success that he thought proper shortly after to + resign his situation. Dr. Coronet begged to recommend his son, the Rev. + Augustus Granville Coronet. The Duke of St. James now got on rapidly, and + also found sufficient time for his boat, his tandem, and his toilette. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James appeared at Christ Church. His conceit kept him + alive for a few terms. It is delightful to receive the homage of two + thousand young men of the best families in the country, to breakfast with + twenty of them, and to cut the rest. In spite, however, of the glories of + the golden tuft and a delightful private establishment which he and his + followers maintained in the chaste suburbs of Alma Mater, the Duke of St. + James felt ennuied. Consequently, one clear night, they set fire to a + pyramid of caps and gowns in Peckwater. It was a silly thing for any one: + it was a sad indiscretion for a Duke; but it was done. Some were expelled; + his Grace had timely notice, and having before cut the Oxonians, now cut + Oxford. + </p> + <p> + Like all young men who get into scrapes, the Duke of St. James determined + to travel. The Dacres returned to England before he did. He dexterously + avoided coming into contact with them in Italy. Mr. Dacre had written to + him several times during the first years of his absence; and although the + Duke’s answers were short, seldom, and not very satisfactory, Mr. Dacre + persisted in occasionally addressing him. When, however, the Duke had + arrived at an age when he was at least morally responsible for his own + conduct, and entirely neglected answering his guardian’s letters, Mr. + Dacre became altogether silent. + </p> + <p> + The travelling career of the young Duke may be conceived by those who have + wasted their time, and are compensated for that silliness by being called + men of the world. He gamed a little at Paris; he ate a good deal at + Vienna; and he studied the fine arts in Italy. In all places his homage to + the fair sex was renowned. The Parisian duchess, the Austrian princess, + and the Italian countess spoke in the most enthusiastic terms of the + English nobility. At the end of three years the Duke of St. James was of + opinion that he had obtained a great knowledge of mankind. He was + mistaken; travel is not, as is imagined, the best school for that sort of + science. Knowledge of mankind is a knowledge of their passions. The + traveller is looked upon as a bird of passage, whose visit is short, and + which the vanity of the visited wishes to make agreeable. All is show, all + false, and all made up. Coterie succeeds coterie, equally smiling—the + explosions take place in his absence. Even a grand passion, which teaches + a man more, perhaps, than anything else, is not very easily excited by the + traveller. The women know that, sooner or later, he must disappear; and + though this is the case with all lovers, they do not like to miss the + possibility of delusion. Thus the heroines keep in the background, and the + visitor, who is always in a hurry, falls into the net of the first + flirtation that offers. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had, however, acquired a great knowledge; if not of + mankind, at any rate of manners. He had visited all Courts, and sparkled + in the most brilliant circles of the Continent. He returned to his own + country with a taste extremely refined, a manner most polished, and a + person highly accomplished. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Duke Returns</i> +</pre> + <p> + A SORT of scrambling correspondence had been kept up between the young + Duke and his cousin, Lord St. Maurice, who had for a few months been his + fellow-traveller. By virtue of these epistles, notice of the movements of + their interesting relative occasionally reached the circle at Fitz-pompey + House, although St. Maurice was scanty in the much-desired communications; + because, like most young Englishmen, he derived singular pleasure from + depriving his fellow-creatures of all that small information which every + one is so desirous to obtain. The announcement, however, of the + approaching arrival of the young Duke was duly made. Lord Fitz-pompey + wrote and offered apartments at Fitz-pompey House. They were refused. Lord + Fitz-pompey wrote again to require instructions for the preparation of + Hauteville House. His letter was unanswered. Lord Fitz-pompey was quite + puzzled. + </p> + <p> + ‘When does your cousin mean to come, Charles?’ ‘Where does your cousin + mean to go, Charles?’ ‘What does your cousin mean to do, Charles?’ These + were the hourly queries of the noble uncle. + </p> + <p> + At length, in the middle of January, when no one expected him, the Duke of + St. James arrived at Mivart’s. + </p> + <p> + He was attended by a French cook, an Italian valet, a German jäger, and a + Greek page. At this dreary season of the year this party was, perhaps, the + most distinguished in the metropolis. + </p> + <p> + Three years’ absence and a little knowledge of life had somewhat changed + the Duke of St. James’s feelings with regard to his noble relatives. He + was quite disembarrassed of that Panglossian philosophy which had hitherto + induced him to believe that the Earl of Fitz-pompey was the best of all + possible uncles. On the contrary, his Grace rather doubted whether the + course which his relations had pursued towards him was quite the most + proper and the most prudent; and he took great credit to himself for + having, with such unbounded indulgence, on the whole deported himself with + so remarkable a temperance. His Grace, too, could no longer innocently + delude himself with the idea that all the attention which had been + lavished upon him was solely occasioned by the impulse of consanguinity. + Finally, the young Duke’s conscience often misgave him when he thought of + Mr. Dacre. He determined, therefore, on returning to England, not to + commit himself too decidedly with the Fitz-pompeys, and he had cautiously + guarded himself from being entrapped into becoming their guest. At the + same time, the recollection of old intimacy, the general regard which he + really felt for them all, and the sincere affection which he entertained + for his cousin Caroline, would have deterred him from giving any outward + signs of his altered feelings, even if other considerations had not + intervened. + </p> + <p> + And other considerations did intervene. A Duke, and a young Duke, is an + important personage; but he must still be introduced. Even our hero might + make a bad tack on his first cruise. Almost as important personages have + committed the same blunder. Talk of Catholic emancipation! O! thou + Imperial Parliament, emancipate the forlorn wretches who have got into a + bad set! Even thy omnipotence must fail there! + </p> + <p> + Now, the Countess of Fitz-pompey was a brilliant of the first water. Under + no better auspices could the Duke of St. James bound upon the stage. No + man in town could arrange his club affairs for him with greater celerity + and greater tact than the Earl; and the married daughters were as much + like their mother as a pair of diamond ear-rings are like a diamond + necklace. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, therefore, though he did not choose to get caged in Fitz-pompey + House, sent his page, Spiridion, to the Countess, on a special embassy of + announcement on the evening of his arrival, and on the following morning + his Grace himself made his appearance at an early hour. + </p> + <p> + Lord Fitz-pompey, who was as consummate a judge of men and manners as he + was an indifferent speculator on affairs, and who was almost as finished a + man of the world as he was an imperfect philosopher, soon perceived that + considerable changes had taken place in the ideas as well as in the + exterior of his nephew. The Duke, however, was extremely cordial, and + greeted the family in terms almost of fondness. He shook his uncle by the + hand with a fervour with which few noblemen had communicated for a + considerable period, and he saluted his aunt on the cheek with a delicacy + which did not disturb the rouge. He turned to his cousin. + </p> + <p> + Lady Caroline St. Maurice was indeed a right beautiful being. She, whom + the young Duke had left merely a graceful and kind-hearted girl, three + years had changed into a somewhat dignified but most lovely woman. A + little perhaps of her native ease had been lost; a little perhaps of a + manner rather too artificial had supplanted that exquisite address which + Nature alone had prompted; but at this moment her manner was as unstudied + and as genuine as when they had gambolled together in the bowers of + Malthorpe. Her white and delicate arm was extended with cordial grace, her + full blue eye beamed with fondness, and the soft blush that rose on her + fair cheek exquisitely contrasted with the clusters of her dark brown + hair. + </p> + <p> + The Duke was struck, almost staggered. He remembered their infant loves; + he recovered with ready address. He bent his head with graceful affection + and pressed her lips. He almost repented that he had not accepted his + uncle’s offer of hospitality. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Social Triumph</i> +</pre> + <p> + LORD FITZ-POMPEY was a little consoled for the change which he had + observed in the character of the Duke by the remembrance of the embrace + with which his Grace had greeted Lady Caroline. Never indeed did a process + which has, through the lapse of so many ages, occasioned so much delight, + produce more lively satisfaction than the kiss in question. Lord + Fitz-pompey had given up his plan of managing the Duke after the family + dinner which his nephew had the pleasure to join the first day of his + first visit. The Duke and he were alone, and his Lordship availed himself + of the rare opportunity with that adroitness for which he was celebrated. + Nothing could be more polite, more affable, more kind, than his Grace’s + manner! but the uncle cared little for politeness, or affability, or + kindness. The crafty courtier wanted candour, and that was absent. That + ingenuous openness of disposition, that frank and affectionate demeanour, + for which the Duke of St. James had been so remarkable in his early youth, + and with the aid of which Lord Fitz-pompey had built so many Spanish + castles, had quite disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more artificial, more conventional, more studied, than + his whole deportment. In vain Lord Fitz-pompey pumped; the empty bucket + invariably reminded him of his lost labour. In vain his Lordship laid his + little diplomatic traps to catch a hint of the purposes or an intimation + of the inclinations of his nephew; the bait was never seized. In vain the + Earl affected unusual conviviality and boundless affection; the Duke + sipped his claret and admired his pictures. Nothing would do. An air of + habitual calm, a look of kind condescension, and an inclination to a + smile, which never burst into a beam, announced that the Duke of St. James + was perfectly satisfied with existence, and conscious that he was himself, + of that existence, the most distinguished ornament. In fact, he was a + sublime coxcomb; one of those rare characters whose finished manner and + shrewd sense combined prevent their conceit from being contemptible. After + many consultations it was determined between the aunt and uncle that it + would be most prudent to affect a total non-interference with their + nephew’s affairs, and in the meantime to trust to the goodness of + Providence and the charms of Caroline. + </p> + <p> + Lady Fitz-pompey determined that the young Duke should make his debut at + once, and at her house. Although it was yet January, she did not despair + of collecting a select band of guests, Brahmins of the highest caste. Some + choice spirits were in office, like her lord, and therefore in town; + others were only passing through; but no one caught a flying-fish with + more dexterity than the Countess. The notice was short, the whole was + unstudied. It was a felicitous impromptu, and twenty guests were + assembled, who were the Corinthian capitals of the temple of fashion. + </p> + <p> + There was the Premier, who was invited, not because he was a minister, but + because he was a hero. There was another Duke not less celebrated, whose + palace was a breathing shrine which sent forth the oracles of mode. True, + he had ceased to be a young Duke; but he might be consoled for the + vanished lustre of youth by the recollection that he had enjoyed it, and + by the present inspiration of an accomplished manhood. There were the + Prince and the Princess Protocoli: his Highness a first-rate diplomatist, + unrivalled for his management of an opera; and his consort, with a + countenance like Cleopatra and a tiara like a constellation, famed alike + for her shawls and her snuff. There were Lord and Lady Bloomerly, who were + the best friends on earth: my Lord a sportsman, but soft withal, his talk + the Jockey Club, filtered through White’s; my Lady a little blue, and very + beautiful. Their daughter, Lady Charlotte, rose by her mother’s side like + a tall bud by a full-blown flower. There were the Viscountess Blaze, a + peeress in her own right, and her daughter, Miss Blaze Dash-away, who, + besides the glory of the future coronet, moved in all the confidence of + independent thousands. There was the Marquess of Macaroni, who was at the + same time a general, an ambassador, and a dandy; and who, if he had liked, + could have worn twelve orders; but this day, being modest, only wore six. + There, too, was the Marchioness, with a stomacher stiff with brilliants + extracted from the snuff-boxes presented to her husband at a Congress. + </p> + <p> + There were Lord Sunium, who was not only a peer but a poet; and his lady, + a Greek, who looked just finished by Phidias. There, too, was Pococurante, + the epicurean and triple millionaire, who in a political country dared to + despise politics, in the most aristocratic of kingdoms had refused + nobility, and in a land which showers all its honours upon its cultivators + invested his whole fortune in the funds. He lived in a retreat like the + villa of Hadrian, and maintained himself in an elevated position chiefly + by his wit and a little by his wealth. There, too, were his noble wife, + thoroughbred to her fingers’ tips, and beaming like the evening star; and + his son, who was an M.P., and thought his father a fool. In short, our + party was no common party, but a band who formed the very core of + civilisation; a high court of last appeal, whose word was a fiat, whose + sign was a hint, whose stare was death, and sneer——damnation! + </p> + <p> + The Graces befriend us! We have forgotten the most important personage. It + is the first time in his life that Charles Annesley has been neglected. It + will do him good. + </p> + <p> + Dandy has been voted vulgar, and beau is now the word. It may be doubted + whether the revival will stand; and as for the exploded title, though it + had its faults at first, the muse of Byron has made it not only English, + but classical. Charles Annesley could hardly be called a dandy or a beau. + There was nothing in his dress—though some mysterious arrangement in + his costume, some rare simplicity, some curious happiness, always made it + distinguished—there was nothing, however, in his dress, which could + account for the influence which he exercised over the manners of his + contemporaries. Charles Annesley was about thirty. He had inherited from + his father, a younger brother, a small estate; and, though heir to a + wealthy earldom, he had never abused what the world called ‘his + prospects.’ Yet his establishment, his little house in Mayfair, his + horses, his moderate stud at Melton, were all unique, and everything + connected with him was unparalleled for its elegance, its invention, and + its refinement. But his manner was his magic. His natural and subdued + nonchalance, so different from the assumed non-emotion of a mere dandy; + his coldness of heart, which was hereditary, not acquired; his cautious + courage, and his unadulterated self-love, had permitted him to mingle much + with mankind without being too deeply involved in the play of their + passions; while his exquisite sense of the ridiculous quickly revealed + those weaknesses to him which his delicate satire did not spare, even + while it refrained from wounding. All feared, marry admired, and none + hated him. He was too powerful not to dread, too dexterous not to admire, + too superior to hate. Perhaps the great secret of his manner was his + exquisite superciliousness, a quality which, of all, is the most difficult + to manage. Even with his intimates he was never confidential, and + perpetually assumed his public character with the private coterie which he + loved to rule. On the whole, he was unlike any of the leading men of + modern days, and rather reminded one of the fine gentlemen of our old + brilliant comedy, the Dorimants, the Bellairs, and the Mirabels. + </p> + <p> + Charles Annesley was a member of the distinguished party who were this day + to decide the fate of the young Duke. Let him come forward! + </p> + <p> + His Grace moved towards them, tall and elegant in figure, and with that + air of affable dignity which becomes a noble, and which adorns a court; + none of that affected indifference which seems to imply that nothing can + compensate for the exertion of moving, and ‘which makes the dandy, while + it mars the man.’ His large and somewhat sleepy grey eye, his clear + complexion, his small mouth, his aquiline nose, his transparent forehead, + his rich brown hair, and the delicacy of his extremities, presented, when + combined, a very excellent specimen of that style of beauty for which the + nobility of England are remarkable. Gentle, for he felt the importance of + the tribunal, never loud, ready, yet a little reserved, he neither courted + nor shunned examination. His finished manner, his experience of society, + his pretensions to taste, the gaiety of his temper, and the liveliness of + his imagination, gradually developed themselves with the developing hours. + </p> + <p> + The banquet was over: the Duke of St. James passed his examination with + unqualified approval; and having been stamped at the mint of fashion as a + sovereign of the brightest die, he was flung forth, like the rest of his + golden brethren, to corrupt the society of which he was the brightest + ornament. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sweeping Changes</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE morning after the initiatory dinner the young Duke drove to Hauteville + House, his family mansion, situated in his family square. His Grace + particularly prided himself on his knowledge of the arts; a taste for + which, among other things, he intended to introduce into England. Nothing + could exceed the horror with which he witnessed the exterior of his + mansion, except the agony with which he paced through the interior. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this a palace?’ thought the young Duke; ‘this hospital a palace!’ + </p> + <p> + He entered. The marble hall, the broad and lofty double staircase painted + in fresco, were not unpromising, in spite of the dingy gilding; but with + what a mixed feeling of wonder and disgust did the Duke roam through + clusters of those queer chambers which in England are called + drawing-rooms! + </p> + <p> + ‘Where are the galleries, where the symmetrical saloons, where the + lengthened suite, where the collateral cabinets, sacred to the statue of a + nymph or the mistress of a painter, in which I have been customed to + reside? What page would condescend to lounge in this ante-chamber? And is + this gloomy vault, that you call a dining-room, to be my hall of Apollo? + Order my carriage.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke sent immediately for Sir Carte Blanche, the successor, in + England, of Sir Christopher Wren. His Grace communicated at the same time + his misery and his grand views. Sir Carte was astonished with his Grace’s + knowledge, and sympathised with his Grace’s feelings. He offered + consolation and promised estimates. They came in due time. Hauteville + House, in the drawing of the worthy Knight, might have been mistaken for + the Louvre. Some adjoining mansions were, by some magical process for + which Sir Carte was famous, to be cleared of their present occupiers, and + the whole side of the square was in future to be the site of Hauteville + House. The difficulty was great, but the object was greater. The expense, + though the estimate made a bold assault on the half million, was a mere + trifle, ‘considering.’ The Duke was delighted. He condescended to make a + slight alteration in Sir Carte’s drawing, which Sir Carte affirmed to be a + great improvement. Now it was Sir Carte’s turn to be delighted. The Duke + was excited by his architect’s admiration, and gave him a dissertation on + Schönbrunn. + </p> + <p> + Although Mr. Dacre had been disappointed in his hope of exercising a + personal influence over the education of his ward, he had been more + fortunate in his plans for the management of his ward’s property. Perhaps + there never was an instance of the opportunities afforded by a long + minority having been used to greater advantage. The estates had been + increased and greatly improved, all and very heavy mortgages had been paid + off, and the rents been fairly apportioned. Mr. Dacre, by his constant + exertions and able dispositions since his return to England, also made up + for the neglect with which an important point had been a little treated; + and at no period had the parliamentary influence of the house of + Hauteville been so extensive, so decided, and so well bottomed as when our + hero became its chief. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his proverbial pride, it seemed that Mr. Dacre was determined + not to be offended by the conduct of his ward. The Duke had not yet + announced his arrival in England to his guardian; but about a month after + that event he received a letter of congratulation from Mr. Dacre, who at + the same time expressed a desire to resign a trust into his Grace’s hand + which, he believed, had not been abused. The Duke, who rather dreaded an + interview, wrote in return that he intended very shortly to visit + Yorkshire, when he should have the pleasure of availing himself of the + kind invitation to Castle Dacre; and having thus, as he thought, + dexterously got rid of the old gentleman for the present, he took a ride + with Lady Caroline St. Maurice. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Duke Visits Hauteville</i> +</pre> + <p> + PARLIAMENT assembled, the town filled, and every moment in the day of the + Duke of St. James was occupied. Sir Carte and his tribe filled up the + morning. Then there were endless visits to endless visitors; dressing; + riding, chiefly with Lady Caroline; luncheons, and the bow window at + White’s. Then came the evening with all its crash and glare; the banquet, + the opera, and the ball. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James took the oaths and his seat. He was introduced by + Lord Fitz-pompey. He heard a debate. We laugh at such a thing, especially + in the Upper House; but, on the whole, the affair is imposing, + particularly if we take part in it. Lord Ex-Chamberlain thought the nation + going on wrong, and he made a speech full of currency and constitution. + Baron Deprivyseal seconded him with great effect, brief but bitter, + satirical and sore. The Earl of Quarterday answered these, full of + confidence in the nation and in himself. When the debate was getting + heavy, Lord Snap jumped up to give them something light. The Lords do not + encourage wit, and so are obliged to put up with pertness. But Viscount + Memoir was very statesmanlike, and spouted a sort of universal history. + Then there was Lord Ego, who vindicated his character, when nobody knew he + had one, and explained his motives, because his auditors could not + understand his acts. Then there was a maiden speech, so inaudible that it + was doubted whether, after all, the young orator really did lose his + virginity. In the end, up started the Premier, who, having nothing to say, + was manly, and candid, and liberal; gave credit to his adversaries and + took credit to himself, and then the motion was withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + While all this was going on, some made a note, some made a bet, some + consulted a book, some their ease, some yawned, a few slept; yet, on the + whole, there was an air about the assembly which can be witnessed in no + other in Europe. Even the most indifferent looked as if he would come + forward if the occasion should demand him, and the most imbecile as if he + could serve his country if it required him. When a man raises his eyes + from his bench and sees his ancestor in the tapestry, he begins to + understand the pride of blood. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke had not experienced many weeks of his career before he + began to sicken of living in an hotel. Hitherto he had not reaped any of + the fruits of the termination of his minority. He was a <i>cavalier seul</i>, + highly considered, truly, but yet a mere member of society. He had been + this for years. This was not the existence to enjoy which he had hurried + to England. He aspired to be society itself. In a word, his tastes were of + the most magnificent description, and he sighed to be surrounded by a + court. As Hauteville House, even with Sir Carte’s extraordinary exertions, + could not be ready for his reception for three years, which to him + appeared eternity, he determined to look about for an establishment. He + was fortunate. A nobleman who possessed an hereditary mansion of the first + class, and much too magnificent for his resources, suddenly became + diplomatic, and accepted an embassy. The Duke of St. James took everything + off his hands: house, furniture, wines, cooks, servants, horses. Sir Carte + was sent in to touch up the gilding and make a few temporary improvements; + and Lady Fitz-pompey pledged herself to organise the whole establishment + ere the full season commenced and the early Easter had elapsed, which had + now arrived. + </p> + <p> + It had arrived, and the young Duke had departed to his chief family seat, + Hauteville Castle, in Yorkshire. He intended at the same time to fulfil + his long-pledged engagement at Castle Dacre. He arrived at Hauteville amid + the ringing of bells, the roasting of oxen, and the crackling of bonfires. + The Castle, unlike most Yorkshire castles, was a Gothic edifice, ancient, + vast, and strong; but it had received numerous additions in various styles + of architecture, which were at the same time great sources of convenience + and great violations of taste. The young Duke was seized with a violent + desire to live in a genuine Gothic castle: each day his refined taste was + outraged by discovering Roman windows and Grecian doors. He determined to + emulate Windsor, and he sent for Sir Carte. + </p> + <p> + Sir Carte came as quick as thunder after lightning. He was immediately + struck with Hauteville, particularly with its capabilities. It was a + superb place, certainly, and might be rendered unrivalled. The situation + seemed made for the pure Gothic. The left wing should decidedly be pulled + down, and its site occupied by a Knight’s hall; the old terrace should be + restored; the donjon keep should be raised, and a gallery, three hundred + feet long, thrown through the body of the castle. Estimates, estimates, + estimates! But the time? This was a greater point than the expense. + Wonders should be done. There were now five hundred men working for + Hauteville House; there should be a thousand for Hauteville Castle. Carte + Blanche, Carte Blanche, Carte Blanche! + </p> + <p> + On his arrival in Yorkshire the Duke had learnt that the Dacres were in + Norfolk on a visit. As the Castle was some miles off, he saw no necessity + to make a useless exertion, and so he sent his jäger with his card. He had + now been ten days in his native county. It was dull, and he was restless. + He missed the excitement of perpetual admiration, and his eye drooped for + constant glitter. He suddenly returned to town, just when the county had + flattered itself that he was about to appoint his public days. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The First Fancy</i> +</pre> + <p> + EASTER was over, the sun shone, the world was mad, and the young Duke made + his début at Almack’s. He determined to prove that he had profited by a + winter at Vienna. His dancing was declared consummate. He galloped with + grace and waltzed with vigour. It was difficult to decide which was more + admirable, the elegance of his prance or the precision of his whirl. A fat + Russian Prince, a lean Austrian Count, a little German Baron, who, somehow + or other, always contrived to be the most marked characters of the + evening, disappeared in despair. + </p> + <p> + There was a lady in the room who attracted the notice of our hero. She was + a remarkable personage. There are some sorts of beauty which defy + description, and almost scrutiny. Some faces rise upon us in the tumult of + life like stars from out the sea, or as if they had moved out of a + picture. Our first impression is anything but fleshly. We are struck dumb, + we gasp, our limbs quiver, a faintness glides over our frame, we are awed; + instead of gazing upon the apparition, we avert the eyes, which yet will + feed upon its beauty. A strange sort of unearthly pain mixes with the + intense pleasure. And not till, with a struggle, we call back to our + memory the commonplaces of existence, can we recover our commonplace + demeanour. These, indeed, are rare visions, early feelings, when our young + existence leaps with its mountain torrents; but as the river of our life + rolls on, our eyes grow dimmer or our blood more cold. + </p> + <p> + Some effect of this kind was produced on the Duke of St. James by the + unknown dame. He turned away his head to collect his senses. His eyes + again rally; and this time, being prepared, he was more successful in his + observations. + </p> + <p> + The lady was standing against the wall; a young man was addressing some + remarks to her which apparently were not very interesting. She was tall + and young, and, as her tiara betokened, married; dazzling fair, but + without colour; with locks like night and features delicate, but precisely + defined. Yet all this did not at first challenge the observation of the + young Duke. It was the general and peculiar expression of her countenance + which had caused in him such emotion. There was an expression of + resignation, or repose, or sorrow, or serenity, which in these excited + chambers was strange, and singular, and lone. She gazed like some genius + invisible to the crowd, and mourning over its degradation. + </p> + <p> + He stopped St. Maurice, as his cousin passed by, to inquire her name, and + learnt that she was Lady Aphrodite Grafton, the wife of Sir Lucius + Grafton. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, Lucy Grafton!’ exclaimed the Duke. ‘I remember; I was his fag at + Eton. He was a handsome dog; but I doubt whether he deserves such a wife. + Introduce me.’ + </p> + <p> + Lady Aphrodite received our hero with a gentle bow, and did not seem quite + as impressed with his importance as most of those to whom he had been + presented in the course of the evening. The Duke had considerable tact + with women, and soon perceived that the common topics of a hack flirtation + would not do in the present case. He was therefore mild and modest, rather + piquant, somewhat rational, and apparently perfectly unaffected. Her + Ladyship’s reserve wore away. She refused to dance, but conversed with + more animation. The Duke did not leave her side. The women began to stare, + the men to bet: Lady Aphrodite against the field. In vain his Grace laid a + thousand plans to arrange a tea-room tête-à -tête. He was unsuccessful. As + he was about to return to the charge her Ladyship desired a passer-by to + summon her carriage. No time was to be lost. The Duke began to talk hard + about his old friend and schoolfellow, Sir Lucius. A greenhorn would have + thought it madness to take an interest in such a person of all others; but + women like you to enter their house as their husband’s friend. Lady + Aphrodite could not refrain from expressing her conviction that Sir Lucius + would be most happy to renew his acquaintance with the Duke of St. James, + and the Duke of St. James immediately said that he would take the earliest + opportunity of giving him that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Noble Reprobate</i> +</pre> + <p> + SIR LUCIUS GRAFTON was five or six years older than the Duke of St. James, + although he had been his contemporary at Eton. He, too, had been a minor, + and had inherited an estate capable of supporting the becoming dignity of + an ancient family. In appearance he was an Antinous. There was, however, + an expression of firmness, almost of ferocity, about his mouth, which + quite prevented his countenance from being effeminate, and broke the + dreamy voluptuousness of the rest of his features. In mind he was a roué. + Devoted to pleasure, he had racked the goblet at an early age; and before + he was five-and-twenty procured for himself a reputation which made all + women dread and some men shun him. In the very wildest moment of his + career, when he was almost marked like Cain, he had met Lady Aphrodite + Maltravers. She was the daughter of a nobleman who justly prided himself, + in a degenerate age, on the virtue of his house. Nature, as if in + recompense for his goodness, had showered all her blessings on his only + daughter. Never was daughter more devoted to a widowed sire; never was + woman influenced by principles of purer morality. + </p> + <p> + This was the woman who inspired Sir Lucius Grafton with an ungovernable + passion. Despairing of success by any other method, conscious that, sooner + or later, he must, for family considerations, propagate future baronets of + the name of Grafton, he determined to solicit her hand. But for him to + obtain it, he was well aware, was difficult. Confident in his person, his + consummate knowledge of the female character, and his unrivalled powers of + dissimulation, Sir Lucius arranged his dispositions. The daughter feared, + the father hated him. There was indeed much to be done; but the + remembrance of a thousand triumphs supported the adventurer. Lady + Aphrodite was at length persuaded that she alone could confirm the + reformation which she alone had originated. She yielded to a passion which + her love of virtue had alone kept in subjection. Sir Lucius and Lady + Aphrodite knelt at the feet of the old Earl. The tears of his daughter, + ay! and of his future son-in-law—for Sir Lucius knew when to weep—were + too much for his kind and generous heart. He gave them his blessing, which + faltered on his tongue. + </p> + <p> + A year had not elapsed ere Lady Aphrodite woke to all the wildness of a + deluded woman. The idol on whom she had lavished all the incense of her + innocent affections became every day less like a true divinity. At length + even the ingenuity of a passion could no longer disguise the hideous and + bitter truth. She was no longer loved. She thought of her father. Ah, what + was the madness of her memory! + </p> + <p> + The agony of her mind disappointed her husband’s hope of an heir, and the + promise was never renewed. + </p> + <p> + In vain she remonstrated with the being to whom she was devoted: in vain + she sought by meek endurance again to melt his heart. It was cold; it was + callous. Most women would have endeavoured to recover their lost influence + by different tactics; some, perhaps, would have forgotten their + mortification in their revenge. But Lady Aphrodite had been the victim of + passion, and now was its slave. She could not dissemble. + </p> + <p> + Not so her spouse. Sir Lucius knew too well the value of a good character + to part very easily with that which he had so unexpectedly regained. + Whatever were his excesses, they were prudent ones. He felt that boyhood + could alone excuse the folly of glorying in vice; and he knew that, to + respect virtue, it was not absolutely necessary to be virtuous. No one + was, apparently, more choice in his companions than Sir Lucius Grafton; no + husband was seen oftener with his wife; no one paid more respect to age, + or knew better when to wear a grave countenance. The world praised the + magical influence of Lady Aphrodite; and Lady Aphrodite, in private, wept + over her misery. In public she made an effort to conceal all she felt; + and, as it is a great inducement to every woman to conceal that she is + neglected by the man whom she adores, her effort was not unsuccessful. Yet + her countenance might indicate that she was little interested in the scene + in which she mixed. She was too proud to weep, but too sad to smile. + Elegant and lone, she stood among her crushed and lovely hopes like a + column amid the ruins of a beautiful temple. + </p> + <p> + The world declared that Lady Aphrodite was desperately virtuous, and the + world was right. A thousand fireflies had sparkled round this myrtle, and + its fresh and verdant hue was still unsullied and un-scorched. Not a very + accurate image, but pretty; and those who have watched a glancing shower + of these glittering insects will confess that, poetically, the bush might + burn. The truth is, that Lady Aphrodite still trembled when she recalled + the early anguish of her broken sleep of love, and had not courage enough + to hope that she might dream again. Like the old Hebrews, she had been so + chastened for her wild idolatry that she dared not again raise an image to + animate the wilderness of her existence. Man she at the same time feared + and despised. Compared with her husband, all who surrounded her were, she + felt, in appearance inferior, and were, she believed, in mind the same. + </p> + <p> + We know not how it is, but love at first sight is a subject of constant + ridicule; but, somehow, we suspect that it has more to do with the affairs + of this world than the world is willing to own. Eyes meet which have never + met before, and glances thrill with expression which is strange. We + contrast these pleasant sights and new emotions with hackneyed objects and + worn sensations. Another glance and another thrill, and we spring into + each other’s arms. What can be more natural? + </p> + <p> + Ah, that we should awake so often to truth so bitter! Ah, that charm by + charm should evaporate from the talisman which had enchanted our + existence! + </p> + <p> + And so it was with this sweet woman, whose feelings grow under the pen. + She had repaired to a splendid assembly to play her splendid part with the + consciousness of misery, without the expectation of hope. She awaited + without interest the routine which had been so often uninteresting; she + viewed without emotion the characters which had never moved. A stranger + suddenly appeared upon the stage, fresh as the morning dew, and glittering + like the morning star. All eyes await, all tongues applaud him. His step + is grace, his countenance hope, his voice music! And was such a being born + only to deceive and be deceived? Was he to run the same false, palling, + ruinous career which had filled so many hearts with bitterness and dimmed + the radiancy of so many eyes? Never! The nobility of his soul spoke from + his glancing eye, and treated the foul suspicion with scorn. Ah, would + that she had such a brother to warn, to guide, to love! + </p> + <p> + So felt the Lady Aphrodite! So felt; we will not say so reasoned. When + once a woman allows an idea to touch her heart, it is miraculous with what + rapidity the idea is fathered by her brain. All her experience, all her + anguish, all her despair, vanished like a long frost, in an instant, and + in a night. She felt a delicious conviction that a knight had at length + come to her rescue, a hero worthy of an adventure so admirable. The image + of the young Duke filled her whole mind; she had no ear for others’ + voices; she mused on his idea with the rapture of a votary on the + mysteries of a new faith. + </p> + <p> + Yet strange, when he at length approached her, when he addressed her, when + she replied to that mouth which had fascinated even before it had spoken, + she was cold, reserved, constrained. Some talk of the burning cheek and + the flashing eye of passion; but a wise man would not, perhaps, despair of + the heroine who, when he approaches her, treats him almost with scorn, and + trembles while she affects to disregard him. + </p> + <p> + Lady Aphrodite has returned home: she hurries to her apartment, she falls + in a sweet reverie, her head leans upon her hand. Her soubrette, a pretty + and chattering Swiss, whose republican virtue had been corrupted by Paris, + as Rome by Corinth, endeavours to divert Mer lady’s ennui: she excruciates + her beautiful mistress with tattle about the admiration of Lord B———and + the sighs of Sir Harry. Her Ladyship reprimands her for her levity, and + the soubrette, grown sullen, revenges herself for her mistress’s reproof + by converting the sleepy process of brushing into lively torture. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James called upon Lady Aphrodite Grafton the next day, and + at an hour when he trusted to find her alone. He was not disappointed. + More than once the silver-tongued pendule sounded during that somewhat + protracted but most agreeable visit. He was, indeed, greatly interested by + her, but he was an habitual gallant, and always began by feigning more + than he felt. She, on the contrary, who was really in love, feigned much + less. Yet she was no longer constrained, though calm. Fluent, and even + gay, she talked as well as listened, and her repartees more than once + called forth the resources of her guest. She displayed a delicate and even + luxurious taste, not only in her conversation, but (the Duke observed it + with delight) in her costume. She had a passion for music and for flowers; + she sang a romance, and she gave him a rose. He retired perfectly + fascinated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Old Friends Meet</i> +</pre> + <p> + SIR LUCIUS GRAFTON called on the Duke of St. James. They did not + immediately swear an eternal friendship, but they greeted each other with + considerable warmth, talked of old times and old companions, and compared + their former sensations with their present. No one could be a more + agreeable companion than Sir Lucius, and this day he left a very + favourable impression with his young friend. From this day, too, the + Duke’s visits at the Baronet’s were frequent; and as the Graftons were + intimate with the Fitz-pompeys, scarcely a day elapsed without his having + the pleasure of passing a portion of it in the company of Lady Aphrodite: + his attentions to her were marked, and sometimes mentioned. Lord + Fitz-pompey was rather in a flutter. George did not ride so often with + Caroline, and never alone with her. This was disagreeable; but the Earl + was a man of the world, and a sanguine man withal. These things will + happen. It is of no use to quarrel with the wind; and, for his part, he + was not sorry that he had the honour of the Grafton acquaintance; it + secured Caroline her cousin’s company; and as for the <i>liaison</i>, if + there were one, why it must end, and probably the difficulty of + terminating it might even hasten the catastrophe which he had so much at + heart. ‘So, Laura, dearest! let the Graftons be asked to dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + In one of those rides to which Caroline was not admitted, for Lady + Aphrodite was present, the Duke of St. James took his way to the Regent’s + Park, a wild sequestered spot, whither he invariably repaired when he did + not wish to be noticed; for the inhabitants of this pretty suburb are a + distinct race, and although their eyes are not unobserving, from their + inability to speak the language of London they are unable to communicate + their observations. + </p> + <p> + The spring sun was setting, and flung a crimson flush over the blue waters + and the white houses. The scene was rather imposing, and reminded our hero + of days of travel. A sudden thought struck him. Would it not be delightful + to build a beautiful retreat in this sweet and retired land, and be able + in an instant to fly from the formal magnificence of a London mansion? + Lady Aphrodite was charmed with the idea; for the enamoured are always + delighted with what is fanciful. The Duke determined immediately to + convert the idea into an object. To lose no time was his grand motto. As + he thought that Sir Carte had enough upon his hands, he determined to + apply to an artist whose achievements had been greatly vaunted to him by a + distinguished and noble judge. + </p> + <p> + M. Bijou de Millecolonnes, Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and member of + the Academy of St. Luke’s, except in his title, was the antipodes of Sir + Carte Blanche. Sir Carte was all solidity, solemnity, and correctness; + Bijou de Millecolonnes all lightness, gaiety, and originality. Sir Carte + was ever armed with the Parthenon, Palladio, and St. Peter’s; Bijou de + Millecolonnes laughed at the ancients, called Palladio and Michel + barbarians of the middle ages, and had himself invented an order. Bijou + was not so plausible as Sir Carte; but he was infinitely more + entertaining. Far from being servile, he allowed no one to talk but + himself, and made his fortune by his elegant insolence. How singular it is + that those who love servility are always the victims of impertinence! + </p> + <p> + Gaily did Bijou de Millecolonnes drive his pea-green cabriolet to the spot + in question. He formed his plan in an instant. ‘The occasional retreat of + a noble should be something picturesque and poetical. The mind should be + led to voluptuousness by exquisite associations, as well as by the + creations of art. It is thus their luxury is rendered more intense by the + reminiscences that add past experience to present enjoyment! For instance, + if you sail down a river, imitate the progress of Cleopatra. And here, + here, where the opportunity is so ample, what think you of reviving the + Alhambra?’ + </p> + <p> + Splendid conception! The Duke already fancied himself a Caliph. ‘Lose no + time, Chevalier! Dig, plant, build!’ + </p> + <p> + Nine acres were obtained from the Woods and Forests; mounds were thrown + up, shrubs thrown in; the paths emulated the serpent; the nine acres + seemed interminable. All was surrounded by a paling eight feet high, that + no one might pierce the mystery of the preparations. + </p> + <p> + A rumour was soon current that the Zoological Society intended to keep a + Bengal tiger <i>au naturel</i>, and that they were contriving a residence + which would amply compensate him for his native jungle. The Regent’s Park + was in despair, the landlords lowered their rents, and the tenants + petitioned the King. In a short time some hooded domes and some Saracenic + spires rose to sight, and the truth was then made known that the young + Duke of St. James was building a villa. The Regent’s Park was in rapture, + the landlords raised their rents, and the tenants withdrew their petition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + His Grace Entertains +</pre> + <p> + MR. DACRE again wrote to the Duke of St. James. He regretted that he had + been absent from home when his Grace had done him the honour of calling at + Castle Dacre. Had he been aware of that intended gratification, he could + with ease, and would with pleasure, have postponed his visit to Norfolk. + He also regretted that it would not be in his power to visit London this + season; and as he thought that no further time should be lost in resigning + the trust with which he had been so honoured, he begged leave to forward + his accounts to the Duke, and with them some notes which he believed would + convey some not unimportant information to his Grace for the future + management of his property. The young Duke took a rapid glance at the sum + total of his rental, crammed all the papers into a cabinet with a + determination to examine them the first opportunity, and then rolled off + to a morning concert of which he was the patron. + </p> + <p> + The intended opportunity for the examination of the important papers was + never caught, nor was it surprising that it escaped capture. It is + difficult to conceive a career of more various, more constant, or more + distracting excitement than that in which the Duke of St. James was now + engaged. His life was an ocean of enjoyment, and each hour, like each + wave, threw up its pearl. How dull was the ball in which he did not bound! + How dim the banquet in which he did not glitter! His presence in the + Gardens compensated for the want of flowers; his vision in the Park for + the want of sun. In public breakfasts he was more indispensable than + pine-apples; in private concerts more noticed than an absent prima donna. + How fair was the dame on whom he smiled! How dark was the tradesman on + whom he frowned! Think only of prime ministers and princes, to say nothing + of princesses; nay! think only of managers of operas and French actors, to + say nothing of French actresses; think only of jewellers, milliners, + artists, horse-dealers, all the shoals who hurried for his sanction; think + only of the two or three thousand civilised beings for whom all this + population breathed, and who each of them had claims upon our hero’s + notice! Think of the statesmen, who had so much to ask and so much to + give; the dandies to feed with and to be fed; the dangerous dowagers and + the desperate mothers; the widows, wild as early partridges; the budding + virgins, mild as a summer cloud and soft as an opera hat! Think of the + drony bores, with their dull hum; think of the chivalric guardsmen, with + their horses to sell and their bills to discount; think of Willis, think + of Crockford, think of White’s, think of Brooks’, and you may form a faint + idea how the young Duke had to talk, and eat, and flirt, and cut, and pet, + and patronise! + </p> + <p> + You think it impossible for one man to do all this. There is yet much + behind. You may add to the catalogue Melton and Newmarket; and if to hunt + without an appetite and to bet without an object will not sicken you, why, + build a yacht! + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James gave his first grand entertainment for the season. + It was like the assembly of the immortals at the first levee of Jove. All + hurried to pay their devoirs to the young king of fashion; and each who + succeeded in becoming a member of the Court felt as proud as a peer with a + new title, or a baronet with an old one. An air of regal splendour, an + almost imperial assumption, was observed in the arrangements of the fête. + A troop of servants in rich liveries filled the hall; grooms lined the + staircase; Spiridion, the Greek page, lounged on an ottoman in an + ante-chamber, and, with the assistance of six young gentlemen in + crimson-and-silver uniforms, announced the coming of the cherished guests. + Cartloads of pine-apples were sent up from the Yorkshire Castle, and + waggons of orange-trees from the Twickenham Villa. + </p> + <p> + A brilliant coterie, of which his Grace was a member, had amused + themselves a few nights before by representing in costume the Court of + Charles the First. They agreed this night to reappear in their splendid + dresses; and the Duke, who was Villiers, supported his character, even to + the gay shedding of a shower of diamonds. In his cap was observed an + hereditary sapphire, which blazed like a volcano, and which was rumoured + to be worth his rent-roll. + </p> + <p> + There was a short concert, at which the most celebrated Signora made her + début; there was a single vaudeville, which a white satin play-bill, + presented to each guest as they entered the temporary theatre, indicated + to have been written for the occasion; there was a ball, in which was + introduced a new dance. Nothing for a moment was allowed to lag. <i>Longueurs</i> + were skilfully avoided, and the excitement was so rapid that every one had + an appetite for supper. + </p> + <p> + A long gallery lined with bronzes and <i>bijouterie</i>, with cabinets and + sculpture, with china and with paintings, all purchased for the future + ornament of Hauteville House, and here stowed away in unpretending, but + most artificial, confusion, offered accommodation to all the guests. To a + table covered with gold, and placed in a magnificent tent upon the stage, + his Grace loyally led two princes of the blood and a child of France. + Madame de Protocoli, Lady Aphrodite Grafton, the Duchess of Shropshire, + and Lady Fitz-pompey, shared the honours of the pavilion, and some might + be excused for envying a party so brilliant and a situation so + distinguished. Yet Lady Aphrodite was an unwilling member of it; and + nothing but the personal solicitation of Sir Lucius would have induced her + to consent to the wish of their host. + </p> + <p> + A pink <i>carte</i> succeeded to the satin play-bill. Vi-tellius might + have been pleased with the banquet. Ah, how shall we describe those soups, + which surely must have been the magical elixir! How paint those ortolans + dressed by the inimitable artist, à la St. James, for the occasion, and + which look so beautiful in death that they must surely have preferred such + an euthanasia even to flying in the perfumed air of an Auso-nian heaven! + </p> + <p> + Sweet bird! though thou hast lost thy plumage, thou shalt fly to my + mistress! Is it not better to be nibbled by her than mumbled by a + cardinal? I, too, will feed on thy delicate beauty. Sweet bird! thy + companion has fled to my mistress; and now thou shalt thrill the nerves of + her master! Oh! doff, then, thy waistcoat of wine-leaves, pretty rover! + and show me that bosom more delicious even than woman’s. What gushes of + rapture! What a flavour! How peculiar! Even how sacred I Heaven at once + sends both manna and quails. Another little wanderer! Pray follow my + example! Allow me. All Paradise opens! Let me die eating ortolans to the + sound of soft music! + </p> + <p> + Even the supper was brief, though brilliant; and again the cotillon and + the quadrille, the waltz and the galoppe! At no moment of his life had the + young Duke felt existence so intense. Wherever he turned his eye he found + a responding glance of beauty and admiration; wherever he turned his ear + the whispered tones were soft and sweet as summer winds. Each look was an + offering, each word adoration! His soul dilated; the glory of the scene + touched all his passions. He almost determined not again to mingle in + society; but, like a monarch, merely to receive the world which worshipped + him. The idea was sublime: was it even to him impracticable? In the midst + of his splendour he fell into a reverie, and mused on his magnificence. He + could no longer resist the conviction that he was a superior essence, even + to all around him. The world seemed created solely for his enjoyment. Nor + man nor woman could withstand him. From this hour he delivered himself up + to a sublime selfishness. With all his passions and all his profusion, a + callousness crept over his heart. His sympathy for those he believed his + inferiors and his vassals was slight. Where we do not respect we soon + cease to love; when we cease to love, virtue weeps and flies. His soul + wandered in dreams of omnipotence. + </p> + <p> + This picture perhaps excites your dislike; perchance your contempt. Pause! + Pity him! Pity his fatal youth! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Love at a Bazaar</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Lady Aphrodite at first refused to sit in the Duke’s pavilion. Was + she, then, in the <i>habit</i> of refusing? Let us not forget our Venus of + the Waters. Shall we whisper where the young Duke first dared to hope? No, + you shall guess. <i>Je vous le donne en trois</i>. The Gardens? The opera? + The tea-room? No! no! no! You are conceiving a locality much more + romantic. Already you have created the bower of a Parisina, where the + waterfall is even more musical than the birds, more lulling than the + evening winds; where all is pale, except the stars; all hushed, except + their beating pulses! Will this do? No! What think you, then, of a <i>Bazaar</i>? + </p> + <p> + O thou wonderful nineteenth century! thou that believest in no miracles + and doest so many, hast thou brought this, too, about, that ladies’ hearts + should be won, and gentlemen’s also, not in courts of tourney or halls of + revel, but over a counter and behind a stall? We are, indeed, a nation of + shopkeepers! + </p> + <p> + The king of Otaheite, though a despot, was a reformer. He discovered that + the eating of bread-fruit was a barbarous custom, which would infallibly + prevent his people from being a great nation. He determined to introduce + French rolls. A party rebelled; the despot was energetic; some were + executed; the rest ejected. The vagabonds arrived in England. As they had + been banished in opposition to French rolls, they were declared to be a + British interest. They professed their admiration of civil and religious + liberty, and also of a subscription. When they had drunk a great deal of + punch, and spent all their money, they discovered that they had nothing to + eat, and would infallibly have been starved, had not an Hibernian + Marchioness, who had never been in Ireland, been exceedingly shocked that + men should die of hunger; and so, being one of the bustlers, she got up a + fancy sale and a <i>Sandwich Isle Bazaar</i>. + </p> + <p> + All the world was there and of course our hero. Never was the arrival of a + comet watched by astronomers who had calculated its advent with more + anxiety than was the appearance of the young Duke. Never did man pass + through such dangers. It was the fiery ordeal. St. Anthony himself was not + assailed by more temptations. Now he was saved from the lustre of a blonde + face by the superior richness of a blonde lace. He would infallibly have + been ravished by that ringlet had he not been nearly reduced by that ring + which sparkled on a hand like the white cat’s. He was only preserved from + his unprecedented dangers by their number. No, no! He had a better + talisman: his conceit. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, Lady Balmont!’ said his Grace to a smiling artist, who offered him + one of her own drawings of a Swiss cottage, ‘for me to be a tenant, it + must be love and a cottage!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! am I to buy this ring, Mrs. Abercroft? <i>Point de jour</i>. Oh! + dreadful phrase! Allow me to present it to you, for you are the only one + whom such words cannot make tremble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This chain, Lady Jemima, for my glass! It will teach me where to direct + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Mrs. Fitzroy!’ and he covered his face with affected fear. ‘Can you + forgive me? Your beautiful note has been half an hour unanswered. The box + is yours for Tuesday.’ + </p> + <p> + He tried to pass the next stall with a smiling bow, but he could not + escape. It was Lady de Courcy, a dowager, but not old. Once beautiful, her + charms had not yet disappeared. She had a pair of glittering eyes, a + skilfully-carmined cheek, and locks yet raven. Her eloquence made her now + as conspicuous as once did her beauty. The young Duke was her constant + object and her occasional victim. He hated above all things a talking + woman; he dreaded above all others Lady de Courcy. + </p> + <p> + He could not shirk. She summoned him by name so loud that crowds of + barbarians stared, and a man called to a woman, and said, ‘My dear! make + haste; here’s a Duke!’ + </p> + <p> + Lady de Courcy was prime confidant of the Irish Marchioness. She affected + enthusiasm about the poor sufferers. She had learnt Otaheitan, she + lectured about the bread-fruit, and she played upon a barbarous + thrum-thrum, the only musical instrument in those savage wastes, + ironically called the Society Islands, because there is no society. She + was dreadful. The Duke in despair took out his purse, poured forth from + the pink and silver delicacy, worked by the slender fingers of Lady + Aphrodite, a shower of sovereigns, and fairly scampered off. At length he + reached the lady of his heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear,’ said the young Duke with a smile, and in a soft sweet voice, + ‘that you will never speak to me again, for I am a ruined man.’ + </p> + <p> + A beam of gentle affection reprimanded him even for badinage on such a + subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘I really came here to buy up all your stock, but that gorgon, Lady de + Courcy, captured me, and my ransom has sent me here free, but a beggar. I + do not know a more ill-fated fellow than myself. Now, if you had only + condescended to take me prisoner, I might have saved my money; for I + should have kissed my chain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My chains, I fear, are neither very alluring nor very strong.’ She spoke + with a thoughtful air, and he answered her only with his eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must bear off something from your stall,’ he resumed in a more rapid + and gayer tone, ‘and, as I cannot purchase you must present. Now for a + gift!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Choose!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace is really spoiling my sale. See! poor Lord Bagshot. What a + valuable purchaser.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Bag, my boy!’ said the Duke to a slang young nobleman whom he + abhorred, but of whom he sometimes made a butt, ‘am I in your way? Here! + take this, and this, and this, and give me your purse. I’ll pay Lady + Aphrodite.’ And so the Duke again showered some sovereigns, and returned + the shrunken silk to its defrauded owner, who stared, and would have + remonstrated, but the Duke turned his back upon him. + </p> + <p> + ‘There now,’ he continued to Lady Aphrodite; ‘there is two hundred per + cent, profit for you. You are not half a <i>marchande</i>. I will stand + here and be your shopman. Well, Annesley,’ said he, as that dignitary + passed, ‘what will you buy? I advise you to get a place. ‘Pon my soul, + ‘tis pleasant! Try Lady de Courcy. You know you are a favourite.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure your Grace,’ said Mr. Annesley, speaking slowly, ‘that that + story about Lady de Courcy is quite untrue and very rude. I never turn my + back on any woman; only my heel. We are on the best possible terms. She is + never to speak to me, and I am always to bow to her. But I really must + purchase. Where did you get that glass-chain, St. James? Lady Afy, can you + accommodate me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is one prettier! But are you near-sighted, too, Mr. Annesley?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very. I look upon a long-sighted man as a brute who, not being able to + see with his mind, is obliged to see with his body. The price of this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A sovereign,’ said the Duke; ‘cheap; but we consider you as a friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A sovereign! You consider me a young Duke rather. Two shillings, and that + a severe price; a charitable price. Here is half-a-crown; give me + sixpence. I was not a minor. Farewell! I go to the little Pomfret. She is + a sweet flower, and I intend to wear her in my button-hole. Good-bye, Lady + Afy!’ + </p> + <p> + The gay morning had worn away, and St. James never left his fascinating + position. Many a sweet and many a soft thing he uttered. Sometimes he was + baffled, but never beaten, and always returned to the charge with spirit. + He was confident, because he was reckless: the lady had less trust in + herself, because she was anxious. Yet she combated well, and repressed the + feelings which she could hardly conceal. + </p> + <p> + Many of her colleagues had already departed. She requested the Duke to + look after her carriage. A bold plan suddenly occurred to him, and he + executed it with rare courage and rarer felicity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Aphrodite Grafton’s carriage!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, your Grace!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! go home. Your lady will return with Madame de Protocoli.’ + </p> + <p> + He rejoined her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry, that, by some blunder, your carriage has gone. What could you + have told them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impossible! How provoking! How stupid!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you told them that you would return with the Fitz-pompeys, but + they are gone; or Mrs. Aberleigh, and she is not here; or perhaps—but + they have gone too. Everyone has gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What shall I do? How distressing! I had better send. Pray send; or I will + ask Lady de Courcy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no, no! I really did not like to see you with her. As a favour—as + a favour to me, I pray you not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What can I do? I must send. Let me beg your Grace to send.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, certainly; but, ten to one, there will be some mistake. There + always is some mistake when you send these strangers. And, besides, I + forgot all this time my carriage is here. Let it take you home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest Lady Aphrodite, do not distress yourself. I can wait here till + the carriage returns, or I can walk; to be sure, I can walk. Pray, pray + take the carriage! As a favour—as a favour to me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I cannot bear you to walk. I know you dislike walking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, I will wait.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if it must be so; but I am ashamed to inconvenience you. How + provoking of these men! Pray, then, tell the coachman to drive fast, that + you may not have to wait. I declare there is scarcely a human being in the + room; and those odd people are staring so!’ + </p> + <p> + He pressed her arm as he led her to his carriage. She is in; and yet, + before the door shuts, he lingers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall certainly walk,’ said he. ‘I do not think the easterly wind will + make me very ill. Good-bye! Oh, what a <i>coup-de-vent</i>!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me get out, then; and pray, pray take the carriage. I would much + sooner do anything than go in it. I would much rather walk. I am sure you + will be ill!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not if I be with you.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Royal Favour</i> +</pre> + <p> + THERE was a brilliant levee, all stars and garters; and a splendid + drawing-room, all plumes and <i>séduisantes</i>. Many a bright eye, as its + owner fought his way down St. James’s Street, shot a wistful glance at the + enchanted bow-window where the Duke and his usual companions, Sir Lucius, + Charles Annesley, and Lord Squib, lounged and laughed, stretched + themselves and sneered: many a bright eye, that for a moment pierced the + futurity that painted her going in state as Duchess of St. James. + </p> + <p> + His Majesty summoned a dinner party, a rare but magnificent event, and the + chief of the house of Hauteville appeared among the chosen vassals. This + visit did the young Duke good; and a few more might have permanently cured + the conceit which the present one momentarily calmed. His Grace saw the + plate, and was filled with envy; his Grace listened to his Majesty, and + was filled with admiration. O, father of thy people! if thou wouldst but + look a little oftener on thy younger sons, their morals and their manners + might be alike improved. + </p> + <p> + His Majesty, in the course of the evening, with his usual good-nature, + signalled out for his notice the youngest, and not the least + distinguished, of his guests. He complimented the young Duke on the + accession to the ornaments of his court, and said, with a smile, that he + had heard of conquests in foreign ones. The Duke accounted for his slight + successes by reminding his Majesty that he had the honour of being his + godson, and this he said in a slight and easy way, not smart or quick, or + as a repartee to the royal observation; for ‘it is not decorous to bandy + compliments with your Sovereign.’ His Majesty asked some questions about + an Emperor or an Archduchess, and his Grace answered to the purpose, but + short, and not too pointed. He listened rather than spoke, and smiled more + assents than he uttered. The King was pleased with his young subject, and + marked his approbation by conversing with that unrivalled affability which + is gall to a Roundhead and inspiration to a Cavalier. There was a <i>bon + mot</i>, which blazed with all the soft brilliancy of sheet lightning. + What a contrast to the forky flashes of a regular wit! Then there was an + anecdote of Sheridan—the royal Sheridaniana are not thrice-told + tales—recounted with that curious felicity which has long stamped + the illustrious narrator as a consummate <i>raconteur</i>. Then——but + the Duke knew when to withdraw; and he withdrew with renewed loyalty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Lover’s Trick</i> +</pre> + <p> + ONE day, looking in at his jeweller’s, to see some models of a shield and + vases which were executing for him in gold, the young Duke met Lady + Aphrodite and the Fitz-pompeys. Lady Aphrodite was speaking to the + jeweller about her diamonds, which were to be reset for her approaching + fête. The Duke took the ladies upstairs to look at the models, and while + they were intent upon them and other curiosities, his absence for a moment + was unperceived. He ran downstairs and caught Mr. Garnet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Garnet! I think I saw Lady Aphrodite give you her diamonds?’ ‘Yes, + your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are they valuable?’ in a careless tone. ‘Hum! pretty stones; very pretty + stones, indeed. Few Baronets’ ladies have a prettier set; worth perhaps a + 1000L.; say 1200L. Lady Aphrodite Grafton is not the Duchess of St. James, + you know,’ said Mr. Garnet, as if he anticipated furnishing that future + lady with a very different set of brilliants. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Garnet, you can do me the greatest favour.’ ‘Your Grace has only to + command me at all times.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, in a word, for time presses, can you contrive, without + particularly altering—that is, without altering the general + appearance of these diamonds—can you contrive to change the stones, + and substitute the most valuable that you have; consistent, as I must + impress upon you, with maintaining their general appearance as at + present?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The most valuable stones,’ musingly repeated Mr. Garnet; ‘general + appearance as at present? Your Grace is aware that we may run up some + thousands even in this set?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I give you no limit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the time,’ rejoined Mr. Garnet. ‘They must be ready for her + Ladyship’s party. We shall be hard pressed. I am afraid of the time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cannot the men work all night? Pay them anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It shall be done, your Grace. Your Grace may command me in anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a secret between us, Garnet. Your partners———’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall know nothing. And as for myself, I am as close as an emerald in a + seal-ring.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Close of the Season</i> +</pre> + <p> + HUSSEIN PACHA, ‘the favourite,’ not only of the Marquess of Mash, but of + Tattersall’s, unaccountably sickened and died. His noble master, full of + chagrin took to his bed, and followed his steed’s example. The death of + the Marquess caused a vacancy in the stewardship of the approaching + Doncaster. Sir Lucius Grafton was the other steward, and he proposed to + the Duke of St. James, as he was a Yorkshireman, to become his colleague. + His Grace, who wished to pay a compliment to his county, closed with the + proposition. Sir Lucius was a first-rate jockey; his colleague was quite + ignorant of the noble science in all its details; but that was of slight + importance. The Baronet was to be the working partner, and do the + business; the Duke the show member of the concern, and do the + magnificence; as one banker, you may observe, lives always in Portland + Place, reads the Court Journal all the morning, and has an opera-box, + while his partner lodges in Lombard Street, thumbs a price-current, and + only has a box at Clapham. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke, however, was ambitious of making a good book; and, with + all the calm impetuosity which characterises a youthful Hauteville, + determined to have a crack stud at once. So at Ascot, where he spent a few + pleasant hours, dined at the Cottage, was caught in a shower, in return + caught a cold, a slight influenza for a week, and all the world full of + inquiries and anxiety; at Ascot, I say, he bought up all the winning + horses at an average of three thousand guineas for each pair of ears. Sir + Lucius stared, remonstrated, and, as his remonstrances were in vain, + assisted him. + </p> + <p> + As people at the point of death often make a desperate rally, so this, the + most brilliant of seasons, was even more lively as it nearer approached + its end. The <i>déjeûner</i> and the <i>villa fête</i> the water party and + the rambling ride, followed each other with the bright rapidity of the + final scenes in a pantomime. Each <i>dama</i> seemed only inspired with + the ambition of giving the last ball; and so numerous were the parties + that the town really sometimes seemed illuminated. To breakfast at + Twickenham, and to dine in Belgrave Square; to hear,’ or rather to honour, + half an act of an opera; to campaign through half a dozen private balls, + and to finish with a romp at the rooms, as after our wine we take a glass + of liqueur; all this surely required the courage of an Alexander and the + strength of a Hercules, and, indeed, cannot be achieved without the + miraculous powers of a Joshua. So thought the young Duke, as with an + excited mind and a whirling head he threw himself at half-past six o’clock + on a couch which brought him no sleep. + </p> + <p> + Yet he recovered, and with the aid of the bath, the soda, and the coffee, + and all the thousand remedies which a skilful valet has ever at hand, at + three o’clock on the same day he rose and dressed, and in an hour was + again at the illustrious bow-window, sneering with Charles Annesley, or + laughing downright with Lord Squib. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James gave a water party, and the astounded Thames swelled + with pride as his broad breast bore on the ducal barges. St. Maurice, who + was in the Guards, secured his band; and Lord Squib, who, though it was + July, brought a furred great coat, secured himself. Lady Afy looked like + Amphitrite, and Lady Caroline looked in love. They wandered in gardens + like Calypso’s; they rambled over a villa which reminded them of Baise; + they partook of a banquet which should have been described by Ariosto. All + were delighted; they delivered themselves to the charms of an unrestrained + gaiety. Even Charles Annesley laughed and romped. + </p> + <p> + This is the only mode in which public eating is essentially agreeable. A + banqueting-hall is often the scene of exquisite pleasure; but that is not + so much excited by the gratification of a delicate palate as by the + magnificent effect of light and shade; by the beautiful women, the radiant + jewels, the graceful costume, the rainbow glass, the glowing wines, the + glorious plate. For the rest, all is too hot, too crowded, and too noisy, + to catch a flavour; to analyse a combination, to dwell upon a gust. To + eat, <i>really</i> to eat, one must eat alone, with a soft light, with + simple furniture, an easy dress, and a single dish, at a time. Hours of + bliss! Hours of virtue! for what is more virtuous than to be conscious of + the blessings of a bountiful Nature? A good eater must be a good man; for + a good eater must have a good digestion, and a good digestion depends upon + a good conscience. + </p> + <p> + But to our tale. If we be dull, skip: time will fly, and beauty will fade, + and wit grow dull, and even the season, although it seems, for the nonce, + like the existence of Olympus, will nevertheless steal away. It is the + hour when trade grows dull and tradesmen grow duller; it is the hour that + Howell loveth not and Stultz cannot abide; though the first may be + consoled by the ghosts of his departed millions of <i>mouchoirs</i>, and + the second by the vision of coming millions of shooting-jackets. Oh, why + that sigh, my gloomy Mr. Gunter? Oh, why that frown, my gentle Mrs. + Grange? + </p> + <p> + One by one the great houses shut; shoal by shoal the little people sail + away. Yet beauty lingers still. Still the magnet of a straggling ball + attracts the remaining brilliants; still a lagging dinner, like a + sumpter-mule on a march, is a mark for plunder. The Park, too, is not yet + empty, and perhaps is even more fascinating; like a beauty in a + consumption, who each day gets thinner and more fair. The young Duke + remained to the last; for we linger about our first season, as we do about + our first mistress, rather wearied, yet full of delightful reminiscences. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>His Grace Meets an Early Love</i> +</pre> + <p> + LADY APHRODITE and the Duke of St. James were for the first time parted; + and with an absolute belief on the lady’s side, and an avowed conviction + on the gentleman’s, that it was impossible to live asunder, they + separated, her Ladyship shedding some temporary tears, and his Grace + vowing eternal fidelity. + </p> + <p> + It was the crafty Lord Fitz-pompey who brought about this catastrophe. + Having secured his nephew as a visitor to Malthorpe, by allowing him to + believe that the Graftons would form part of the summer coterie, his + Lordship took especial care that poor Lady Aphrodite should not be + invited. ‘Once part them, once get him to Malthorpe alone,’ mused the + experienced Peer, ‘and he will be emancipated. I am doing him, too, the + greatest kindness. What would I have given, when a young man, to have had + such an uncle!’ + </p> + <p> + The Morning Post announced with a sigh the departure of the Duke of St. + James to the splendid festivities of Malthorpe; and also apprised the + world that Sir Lucius and Lady Aphrodite were entertaining a numerous and + distinguished party at their seat, Cleve Park, Cambridgeshire. + </p> + <p> + There was a constant bustle kept up at Malthorpe, and the young Duke was + hourly permitted to observe that, independent of all private feeling, it + was impossible for the most distinguished nobleman to ally himself with a + more considered family. There was a continual swell of guests dashing down + and dashing away, like the ocean; brilliant as its foam, numerous as its + waves. But there was one permanent inhabitant of this princely mansion far + more interesting to our hero than the evanescent crowds who rose like + bubbles, glittered, broke, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Once more wandering in that park of Malthorpe where had passed the + innocent days of his boyhood, his thoughts naturally recurred to the sweet + companion who had made even those hours of happiness more felicitous. Here + they had rambled, here they had first tried their ponies, there they had + nearly fallen, there he had quite saved her; here were the two very elms + where St. Maurice made for them a swing, here was the very keeper’s + cottage of which she had made for him a drawing, and which he still + retained. Dear girl! And had she disappointed the romance of his boyhood; + had the experience the want of which had allowed him then to be pleased so + easily, had it taught him to be ashamed of those days of affection? Was + she not now the most gentle, the most graceful, the most beautiful, the + most kind? Was she not the most wife-like woman whose eyes had ever beamed + with tenderness? Why, why not at once close a career which, though short, + yet already could yield reminiscences which might satisfy the most craving + admirer of excitement? But there was Lady Aphrodite; yet that must end. + Alas! on his part, it had commenced in levity; he feared, on hers, it must + terminate in anguish. Yet, though he loved his cousin; though he could not + recall to his memory the woman who was more worthy of being his wife, he + could not also conceal from himself that the feelings which impelled him + were hardly so romantic as he thought should have inspired a youth of + one-and-twenty when he mused on the woman he loved best. But he knew life, + and he felt convinced that a mistress and a wife must always be different + characters. A combination of passion with present respect and permanent + affection he supposed to be the delusion of romance writers. He thought he + must marry Caroline, partly because he must marry sooner or later; partly + because he had never met a woman whom he had loved so much, and partly + because he felt he should be miserable if her destiny in life were not, in + some way or other, connected with his own. ‘Ah! if she had but been my + sister!’ + </p> + <p> + After a little more cogitation, the young Duke felt much inclined to make + his cousin a Duchess; but time did not press. After Doncaster he must + spend a few weeks at Cleve, and then he determined to come to an + explanation with Lady Aphrodite. In the meantime, Lord Fitz-pompey + secretly congratulated himself on his skilful policy, as he perceived his + nephew daily more engrossed with his daughter. Lady Caroline, like all + unaffected and accomplished women, was seen to great effect in the + country. + </p> + <p> + There, while they feed their birds, tend their flowers, and tune their + harp, and perform those more sacred, but not less pleasing, duties which + become the daughter of a great proprietor, they favourably contrast with + those more modish damsels who, the moment they are freed from the Park and + from Willis’s, begin fighting for silver arrows and patronising county + balls. + </p> + <p> + September came, and brought some relief to those who were suffering in the + inferno of provincial ennui; but this is only the purgatory to the + Paradise of <i>battues</i>. Yet September has its days of slaughter; and + the young Duke gained some laurels, with the aid of friend Egg, friend + Purdy, and Manton. And the Premier galloped down sixty miles in one + morning. He sacked his cover, made a light bet with St. James on the + favourite, lunched standing, and was off before night; for he had only + three days’ holiday, and had to visit Lord Protest, Lord Content, and Lord + Proxy. So, having knocked off four of his crack peers, he galloped back to + London to flog up his secretaries. + </p> + <p> + And the young Duke was off too. He had promised to spend a week with + Charles Annesley and Lord Squib, who had taken some Norfolk Baronet’s seat + for the autumn, and while he was at Spa were thinning his preserves. It + was a week! What fantastic dissipation! One day, the brains of three + hundred hares made a <i>pâté</i> for Charles Annesley. Oh, Heliogabalus! + you gained eternal fame for what is now ‘done in a corner!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A New Charmer</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Carnival of the North at length arrived. All civilised eyes were on + the most distinguished party of the most distinguished steward, who with + his horse Sanspareil seemed to share universal favour. The French Princes + and the Duke of Burlington; the Protocolis, and the Fitz-pompeys, and the + Bloomerlys; the Duke and Duchess of Shropshire, and the three Ladies + Wrekin, who might have passed for the Graces; Lord and Lady Vatican on a + visit from Rome, his Lordship taking hints for a heat in the Corso, and + her Ladyship, a classical beauty with a face like a cameo; St. Maurice, + and Annesley, and Squib, composed the party. The Premier was expected, and + there was murmur of an Archduke. Seven houses had been prepared, a + party-wall knocked down to make a dining-room, the plate sent down from + London, and venison and wine from Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + The assemblage exceeded in quantity and quality all preceding years, and + the Hauteville arms, the Hauteville liveries, and the Hauteville + outriders, beat all hollow in blazonry, and brilliancy, and number. The + North countrymen were proud of their young Duke and his carriages and six, + and longed for the Castle to be finished. Nothing could exceed the + propriety of the arrangements, for Sir Lucius was an unrivalled hand, and, + though a Newmarket man, gained universal approbation even in Yorkshire. + Lady Aphrodite was all smiles and new liveries, and the Duke of St. James + reined in his charger right often at her splendid equipage. + </p> + <p> + The day’s sport was over, and the evening’s sport begun, to a quiet man, + who has no bet more heavy than a dozen pair of gloves, perhaps not the + least amusing. Now came the numerous dinner-parties, none to be compared + to that of the Duke of St. James. Lady Aphrodite was alone wanting, but + she had to head the <i>ménage</i> of Sir Lucius. Every one has an appetite + after a race: the Duke of Shropshire attacked the venison as Samson the + Philistines; and the French princes, for once in their life, drank real + champagne. + </p> + <p> + Yet all faces were not so serene as those of the party of Hauteville. Many + a one felt that strange mixture of fear and exultation which precedes a + battle. To-morrow was the dreaded St. Leger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis night, and the banquet is over, and all are hastening to the ball. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the brilliant crowd, the entrance of the Hauteville party made + a sensation. It was the crowning ornament to the scene, the stamp of the + sovereign, the lamp of the Pharos, the flag of the tower. The party + dispersed, and the Duke, after joining a quadrille with Lady Caroline, + wandered away to make himself generally popular. + </p> + <p> + As he was moving along, he turned his head; he started. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed his Grace. + </p> + <p> + The cause of this sudden and ungovernable exclamation can be no other than + a woman. You are right. The lady who had excited it was advancing in a + quadrille, some ten yards from her admirer. She was very young; that is to + say, she had, perhaps, added a year or two to sweet seventeen, an addition + which, while it does not deprive the sex of the early grace of girlhood, + adorns them with that indefinable dignity which is necessary to constitute + a perfect woman. She was not tall, but as she moved forward displayed a + figure so exquisitely symmetrical that for a moment the Duke forgot to + look at her face, and then her head was turned away; yet he was consoled a + moment for his disappointment by watching the movements of a neck so + white, and round, and long, and delicate, that it would have become + Psyche, and might have inspired Praxiteles. Her face is again turning + towards him. It stops too soon; yet his eye feeds upon the outline of a + cheek not too full, yet promising of beauty, like hope of Paradise. + </p> + <p> + She turns her head, she throws around a glance, and two streams of liquid + light pour from her hazel eyes on his. It was a rapid, graceful movement, + unstudied as the motion of a fawn, and was in a moment withdrawn, yet was + it long enough to stamp upon his memory a memorable countenance. Her face + was quite oval, her nose delicately aquiline, and her high pure forehead + like a Parian dome. The clear blood coursed under her transparent cheek, + and increased the brilliancy of her dazzling eyes. His never left her. + There was an expression of decision about her small mouth, an air of + almost mockery in her curling lip, which, though in themselves wildly + fascinating, strangely contrasted with all the beaming light and + beneficent lustre of the upper part of her countenance. There was + something, too, in the graceful but rather decided air with which she + moved, that seemed to betoken her self-consciousness of her beauty or her + rank; perhaps it might be her wit; for the Duke observed that while she + scarcely smiled, and conversed with lips hardly parted, her companion, + with whom she was evidently intimate, was almost constantly convulsed with + laughter, although, as he never spoke, it was clearly not at his own + jokes. + </p> + <p> + Was she married? Could it be? Impossible! Yet there was a richness in her + costume which was not usual for unmarried women. A diamond arrow had + pierced her clustering and auburn locks; she wore, indeed, no necklace; + with such a neck it would have been sacrilege; no ear-rings, for her ears + were too small for such a burthen; yet her girdle was of brilliants; and a + diamond cross worthy of Belinda and her immortal bard hung upon her + breast. + </p> + <p> + The Duke seized hold of the first person he knew: it was Lord Bagshot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me,’ he said, in the stern, low voice of a despot; ‘tell me who that + creature is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which creature?’ asked Lord Bagshot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Booby! brute! Bag, that creature of light and love!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There! + </p> + <p> + ‘What, my mother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your mother! cub! cart-horse! answer me, or I will run you through.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who do you mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There, there, dancing with that raw-boned youth with red hair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, Lord St. Jerome! Lor! he is a Catholic. I never speak to them. My + governor would be so savage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the girl?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! the girl! Lor! she is a Catholic, too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But who is she?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor! don’t you know?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak, hound; speak!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor! that is the beauty of the county; but then she is a Catholic. How + shocking! Blow us all up as soon as look at us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you do not tell me who she is directly, you shall never get into + White’s. I will black-ball you regularly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor! man, don’t be in a passion. I will tell. But then I know you know + all the time. You are joking. Everybody knows the beauty of the county; + everybody knows May Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May Dacre!’ said the Duke of St. James, as if he were shot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what is the matter now?’ asked Lord Bag-shot. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, the daughter of Dacre of Castle Dacre?’ pursued his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘The very same; the beauty of the county. Everybody knows May Dacre. I + knew you knew her all the time. You did not take me in. Why, what is the + matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing; get away!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Civil! But you will remember your promise about White’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! ay! I shall remember you when you are proposed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, here is a business!’ soliloquized the young Duke. ‘May Dacre! What + a fool I have been! Shall I shoot myself through the head, or embrace her + on the spot? Lord St. Jerome, too! He seems mightily pleased. And my + family have been voting for two centuries to emancipate this fellow! Curse + his grinning face! I am decidedly anti-Catholic. But then she is a + Catholic! I will turn Papist. Ah! there is Lucy. I want a counsellor.’ + </p> + <p> + He turned to his fellow-steward. ‘Oh, Lucy! such a woman! such an + incident!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! the inimitable Miss Dacre, I suppose. Everybody speaking of her; + wherever I go, one subject of conversation. Burlington wanting to waltz + with her, Charles Annesley being introduced, and Lady Bloomerly decidedly + of opinion that she is the finest creature in the county. Well, have you + danced with her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Danced, my dear fellow! Do not speak to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The most diabolical matter that you ever heard of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not even been introduced.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! come on at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you mad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worse than mad. Where is her father?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who cares?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do. In a word, my dear Lucy, her father is that guardian whom I have + perhaps mentioned to you, and to whom I have behaved so delicately.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why! I thought your guardian was an old curmudgeon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What does that signify, with such a daughter!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! here is some mistake. This is the only child of Dacre of Castle + Dacre, a most delightful fellow; one of the first fellows in the county; I + was introduced to him to-day on the course. I thought you knew them. You + were admiring his outriders to-day, the green and silver.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Bag told me they were old Lord Sunderland’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bag! How can you believe a word that booby says? He always has an answer. + To-day, when Afy drove in, I asked Bag who she was, and he said it was his + aunt, Lady de Courcy. I begged to be introduced, and took over the + blushing Bag and presented him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the father; the father, Lucy! How shall I get out of this scrape?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! put on a bold face. Here! give him this ring, and swear you procured + it for him at Genoa, and then say that, now you are here, you will try his + pheasants.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear fellow, you always joke. I am in agony. Seriously, what shall I + do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, seriously, be introduced to him, and do what you can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At the extreme end, next to the very pretty woman, who, by-the-bye, I + recommend to your notice: Mrs. Dallington Vere. She is amusing. I know her + well. She is some sort of relation to your Dacres. I will present you to + both at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why! I will think of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then! I must away. The two stewards knocking their heads together + is rather out of character. Do you know it is raining hard? I am cursedly + nervous about to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh! If I could get through to-night, I should not care for + to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Duke Apologises</i> +</pre> + <p> + AS SIR LUCIUS hurried off his colleague advanced towards the upper end of + the room, and, taking up a position, made his observations, through the + shooting figures of the dancers, on the dreaded Mr. Dacre. The late + guardian of the Duke of St. James was in the perfection of manhood; + perhaps five-and-forty by age; but his youth had lingered long. He was + tall, thin, and elegant, with a mild and benevolent expression of + countenance, not unmixed, however, with a little reserve, the ghost of + youthly pride. Listening with polished and courtly bearing to the pretty + Mrs. Dallington Vere, assenting occasionally to her piquant observations + by a slight bow, or expressing his dissent by a still slighter smile, + seldom himself speaking, yet always with that unembarrassed manner which + makes a saying listened to, Mr. Dacre was altogether, in appearance, one + of the most distinguished personages in this distinguished assembly. The + young Duke fell into an attitude worthy of Hamlet: ‘This, then, is <i>old</i> + Dacre! O deceitful Fitz-pompey! O silly St. James! Could I ever forget + that tall, mild man, who now is perfectly fresh in my memory? Ah! that + memory of mine; it has been greatly developed to-night. Would that I had + cultivated that faculty with a little more zeal! But what am I to do? The + case is urgent. What must the Dacres think of me? What must May Dacre + think? On the course the whole day, and I the steward, and not conscious + of the presence of the first family in the Riding! Fool, fool! Why, why + did I accept an office for which I was totally unfitted? Why, why must I + flirt away a whole morning with that silly Sophy Wrekin? An agreeable + predicament, truly, this! What would I give now once more to be in St. + James’s Street! Confound my Yorkshire estates! How they must dislike, how + they must despise me! And now, truly, I am to be <i>introduced</i> to him! + The Duke of St. James, Mr. Dacre! Mr. Dacre, the Duke of St. James! What + an insult to all parties! How supremely ludicrous! What a mode of offering + my gratitude to the man to whom I am under solemn and inconceivable + obligations! A choice way, truly, to salute the bosom-friend of my sire, + the guardian of my interests, the creator of my property, the fosterer of + my orphan infancy! It is useless to conceal it; I am placed in the most + disagreeable, the most inextricable situation. ‘Inextricable! Am I, then, + the Duke of St. James? Am I that being who, two hours ago, thought that + the world was formed alone for my enjoyment, and I quiver and shrink here + like a common hind? Out, out on such craven cowardice! I am no Hauteville! + I am bastard! Never! I will not be crushed. I will struggle with this + emergency; I will conquer it. Now aid me, ye heroes of my house! On the + sands of Palestine, on the plains of France, ye were not in a more + difficult situation than is your descendant in a ball-room in his own + county. My mind elevates itself to the occasion, my courage expands with + the enterprise; I will right myself with these Dacres with honour, and + without humiliation.’ + </p> + <p> + The dancing ceased, the dancers disappeared. There was a blank between the + Duke of St. James on one side of the broad room, and Mr. Dacre and those + with whom he was conversing on the other. Many eyes were on his Grace, and + he seized the opportunity to execute his purpose. He advanced across the + chamber with the air of a young monarch greeting a victorious general. It + seemed that, for a moment, his Majesty wished to destroy all difference of + rank between himself and the man that he honoured. So studied and so + inexpressibly graceful were his movements that the gaze of all around + involuntarily fixed upon him. Mrs. Dallington Vere unconsciously refrained + from speaking as he approached; and one or two, without actually knowing + his purpose, made way. They seemed awed by his dignity, and shuffled + behind Mr. Dacre, as if he were the only person who was the Duke’s match. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Dacre,’ said his Grace, in the softest but still audible tones, and + he extended, at the same time, his hand; ‘Mr. Dacre, our first meeting + should have been neither here nor thus; but you, who have excused so much, + will pardon also this!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dacre, though a calm personage, was surprised by this sudden address. + He could not doubt who was the speaker. He had left his ward a mere child. + He saw before him the exact and breathing image of the heart-friend of his + ancient days. He forgot all but the memory of a cherished friendship. + </p> + <p> + He was greatly affected; he pressed the offered hand; he advanced; he + moved aside. The young Duke followed up his advantage, and, with an air of + the greatest affection, placed Mr. Dacre’s arm in his own, and then bore + off his prize in triumph. + </p> + <p> + Right skilfully did our hero avail himself of his advantage. He spoke, and + he spoke with emotion. There is something inexpressibly captivating in the + contrition of a youthful and a generous mind. Mr. Dacre and his late ward + soon understood each other; for it was one of those meetings which + sentiment makes sweet. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said his Grace, ‘I have one more favour to ask, and that is the + greatest: I wish to be recalled to the recollection of my oldest friend.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dacre led the Duke to his daughter; and the Earl of St. Jerome, who + was still laughing at her side, rose. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Duke of St. James, May, wishes to renew his acquaintance with you.’ + </p> + <p> + She bowed in silence. Lord St. Jerome, who was the great oracle of the + Yorkshire School, and who had betted desperately against the favourite, + took Mr. Dacre aside to consult him about the rain, and the Duke of St. + James dropped into his chair. That tongue, however, which had never failed + him, for once was wanting. There was a momentary silence, which the lady + would not break; and at last her companion broke it, and not felicitously. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think there is nothing more delightful than meeting with old friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! that is the usual sentiment; but I half suspect that it is a + commonplace, invented to cover our embarrassment under such circumstances; + for, after all, “an old friend” so situated is a person whom we have not + seen for many years, and most probably not cared to see.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontis_p79.jpg" alt="Frontis-p79 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + ‘You are indeed severe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no. I think there is nothing more painful than parting with old + friends; but when we have parted with them, I am half afraid they are + lost.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Absence, then, with you is fatal?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, I never did part with any one I greatly loved; but I suppose it + is with me as with most persons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet you have resided abroad, and for many years?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but I was too young then to have many friends; and, in fact, I + accompanied perhaps all that I possessed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How I regret that it was not in my power to accept your kind invitation + to Dacre in the Spring!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! My father would have been very glad to see you; but we really are + dull kind of people, not at all in your way, and I really do not think + that you lost much amusement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What better amusement, what more interesting occupation, could I have had + than to visit the place where I passed my earliest and my happiest hours? + ‘Tis nearly fifteen years since I was at Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Except when you visited us at Easter. We regretted our loss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! yes! except that,’ exclaimed the Duke, remembering his jäger’s call; + ‘but that goes for nothing. I of course saw very little.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet, I assure you, you made a great impression. So eminent a personage, + of course, observes less than he himself is observed. We had a graphical + description of you on our return, and a very accurate one, too; for I + recognised your Grace to-night merely from the report of your visit.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke shot a shrewd glance at his companion’s face, but it betrayed no + indication of badinage, and so, rather puzzled, he thought it best to put + up with the parallel between himself and his servant. But Miss Dacre did + not quit this agreeable subject with all that promptitude which he fondly + anticipated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Lord St. Jerome,’ said she, ‘who is really the most unaffected + person I know, has been complaining most bitterly of his deficiency in the + <i>air noble</i>. He is mistaken for a groom perpetually; and once, he + says, had a <i>douceur</i> presented to him in his character of an ostler. + Your Grace must be proud of your advantage over him. You would have been + gratified by the universal panegyric of our household. They, of course, + you know, are proud of their young Duke, a real Yorkshire Duke, and they + love to dwell upon your truly imposing appearance. As for myself, who am + true Yorkshire also, I take the most honest pride in hearing them describe + your elegant attitude, leaning back in your britzska, with your feet on + the opposite cushions, your hat arranged aside with that air of + undefinable grace characteristic of the Grand Seigneur, and, which is the + last remnant of the feudal system, your reiterated orders to drive over an + old woman. You did not even condescend to speak English, which made them + quite enthusiastic—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Miss Dacre, spare me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Spare you! I have heard of your Grace’s modesty; but this excessive + sensibility, under well-earned praise, surprises me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, Miss Dacre, you cannot indeed really believe that this vulgar + ruffian, this grim scarecrow, this Guy Faux, was—was—myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not yourself! Really, I am a simple personage. I believe in my eyes and + trust to my ears. I am at a loss for your meaning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean, then,’ said the Duke, who had gained time to rally, ‘that this + monster was some impostor, who must have stolen my carriage, picked my + pocket, and robbed me of my card, which, next to his reputation, is a + man’s most delicate possession.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you never called upon us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I blush to confess it, never; but I will call, in future, every day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your ingenuousness really rivals your modesty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, after these confessions and compliments, may I suggest a waltz?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one is waltzing now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When the quadrille, then, is finished?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I am engaged.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After your engagement?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is indeed making a business of pleasure. I have just refused a + similar request of your fellow-steward. We damsels shall soon be obliged + to carry a book to enrol our engagements as well as our bets, if this + system of reversionary dancing be any longer encouraged.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you must dance with me!’ said the Duke, imploringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you will stumble upon me in the course of the evening, and I shall + probably be more fortunate. + </p> + <p> + I suppose you feel nervous about to-morrow?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I forgot. Your Grace’s horse is the favourite. Favourites always + win.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I a horse?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Lord St. Jerome says he doubts whether it be one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord St. Jerome seems a vastly amusing personage; and, as he is so often + taken for an ostler, I have no doubt is an exceedingly good judge of + horse-flesh.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Dacre smiled. It was that wild, but rather wicked, gleam which + sometimes accompanies the indulgence of innocent malice. It seemed to + insinuate, ‘I know you are piqued, and I enjoy it’ But here her hand was + claimed for the waltz. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke remained musing. + </p> + <p> + ‘There she swims away! By heavens! unrivalled! And there is Lady Afy and + Burlington; grand, too. Yet there is something in this little Dacre which + touches my fancy more. What is it? I think it is her impudence. That + confounded scrape of Carlstein! I will cashier him to-morrow. Confound his + airs! I think I got out of it pretty well. To-night, on the whole, has + been a night of triumph; but if I do not waltz with the little Dacre I + will only vote myself an ovation. But see, here comes Sir Lucius. Well! + how fares my brother consul?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not like this rain. I have been hedging with Hounslow, having + previously set Bag at his worthy sire with a little information. We shall + have a perfect swamp, and then it will be strength against speed; the old + story. Damn the St. Leger. I am sick of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh! think of the little Dacre!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think of her, my dear fellow! I think of her too much. I should + absolutely have diddled Hounslow, if it had not been for her confounded + pretty face flitting about my stupid brain. I saw you speaking to Guardy. + You managed that business well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, as I do all things, I flatter myself, Lucy. Do you know Lord St. + Jerome?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Verbally. We have exchanged monosyllables; but he is of the other set.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is cursedly familiar with the little Dacre. As the friend of her + father, I think I shall interfere. Is there anything in it, think you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no; she is engaged to another.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Engaged!’ said the Duke, absolutely turning pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you remember a Dacre at Eton?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Dacre at Eton!’ mused the Duke. At another time it would not have been + in his power to have recalled the stranger to his memory; but this evening + the train of association had been laid, and after struggling a moment with + his mind he had the man. ‘To be sure I do: Arundel Dacre, an odd sort of a + fellow; but he was my senior.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, that is the man; a nephew of Guardy, and cousin, of course, to La + Bellissima. He inherits, you know, all the property. She will not have a + sou; but old Dacre, as you call him, has managed pretty well, and Monsieur + Arundel is to compensate for the entail by presenting him with a + grandson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deuce!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deuce, indeed! Often have I broken his head. Would that I had to a + little more purpose!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us do it now!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not here, otherwise——One dislikes a spooney to be + successful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where are our friends?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Annesley with the Duchess, and Squib with the Duke at écarté.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Success attend them both!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amen!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Innocence and Experience</i> +</pre> + <p> + TO FEEL that the possessions of an illustrious ancestry are about to slide + from out your line for ever; that the numerous tenantry, who look up to + you with the confiding eye that the most liberal parvenu cannot attract, + will not count you among their lords; that the proud park, filled with the + ancient and toppling trees that your fathers planted, will yield neither + its glory nor its treasures to your seed, and that the old gallery, whose + walls are hung with pictures more cherished than the collections of kings, + will not breathe with your long posterity; all these are feelings sad and + trying, and are among those daily pangs which moralists have forgotten in + their catalogue of miseries, but which do not the less wear out those + heart-strings at which they are so constantly tugging. + </p> + <p> + This was the situation of Mr. Dacre. The whole of his large property was + entailed, and descended to his nephew, who was a Protestant; and yet, when + he looked upon the blooming face of his enchanting daughter, he blessed + the Providence which, after all his visitations, had doomed him to be the + sire of a thing so lovely. An exile from her country at an early age, the + education of May Dacre had been completed in a foreign land; yet the + mingling bloods of Dacre and of Howard would not in a moment have + permitted her to forget The inviolate island of the sage and free! even if + the unceasing and ever-watchful exertions of her father had been wanting + to make her worthy of so illustrious an ancestry. + </p> + <p> + But this, happily, was not the case; and to aid the development of the + infant mind of his young child, to pour forth to her, as she grew in years + and in reason, all the fruits of his own richly-cultivated intellect, was + the solitary consolation of one over whose conscious head was impending + the most awful of visitations. May Dacre was gifted with a mind which, + even if her tutor had not been her father, would have rendered tuition a + delight. Her lively imagination, which early unfolded itself; her + dangerous yet interesting vivacity; the keen delight, the swift + enthusiasm, with which she drank in knowledge, and then panted for more; + her shrewd acuteness, and her innate passion for the excellent and the + beautiful, filled her father with rapture which he repressed, and made him + feel conscious how much there was to check, to guide, and to form, as well + as to cherish, to admire, and to applaud. + </p> + <p> + As she grew up the bright parts of her character shone with increased + lustre; but, in spite of the exertions of her instructor, some less + admirable qualities had not yet disappeared. She was still too often the + dupe of her imagination, and though perfectly inexperienced, her + confidence in her theoretical knowledge of human nature was unbounded. She + had an idea that she could penetrate the characters of individuals at a + first meeting; and the consequence of this fatal axiom was, that she was + always the slave of first impressions, and constantly the victim of + prejudice. She was ever thinking individuals better or worse than they + really were, and she believed it to be out of the power of anyone to + deceive her. Constant attendance during many years on a dying and beloved + mother, and her deeply religious feelings, had first broken, and then + controlled, a spirit which nature had intended to be arrogant and haughty. + Her father she adored; and she seemed to devote to him all that + consideration which, with more common characters, is generally distributed + among their acquaintance. We hint at her faults. How shall we describe her + virtues? Her unbounded generosity, her dignified simplicity, her graceful + frankness, her true nobility of thought and feeling, her firmness, her + courage and her truth, her kindness to her inferiors, her constant + charity, her devotion to her parents, her sympathy with sorrow, her + detestation of oppression, her pure unsullied thoughts, her delicate + taste, her deep religion. All these combined would have formed a + delightful character, even if unaccompanied with such brilliant talents + and such brilliant beauty. Accustomed from an early age to the converse of + courts and the forms of the most polished circles, her manner became her + blood, her beauty, and her mind. Yet she rather acted in unison with the + spirit of society than obeyed its minutest decree. She violated etiquette + with a wilful grace which made the outrage a precedent, and she mingled + with princes without feeling her inferiority. Nature, and art, and fortune + were the graces which had combined to form this girl. She was a jewel set + in gold, and worn by a king. + </p> + <p> + Her creed had made her, in ancient Christendom, feel less an alien; but + when she returned to that native country which she had never forgotten, + she found that creed her degradation. Her indignant spirit clung with + renewed ardour to the crushed altars of her faith; and not before those + proud shrines where cardinals officiate, and a thousand acolytes fling + their censers, had she bowed with half the abandonment of spirit with + which she invoked the Virgin in her oratory at Dacre. + </p> + <p> + The recent death of her mother rendered Mr. Dacre and herself little + inclined to enter society; and as they were both desirous of residing on + that estate from which they had been so long and so unwillingly absent, + they had not yet visited London. The greater part of their time had been + passed chiefly in communication with those great Catholic families with + whom the Dacres were allied, and to which they belonged. The modern race + of the Howards and the Cliffords, the Talbots, the Arundels, and the + Jerninghams, were not unworthy of their proud progenitors. Miss Dacre + observed with respect, and assuredly with sympathy, the mild dignity, the + noble patience, the proud humility, the calm hope, the uncompromising + courage, with which her father and his friends sustained their oppression + and lived as proscribed in the realm which they had created. Yet her + lively fancy and gay spirit found less to admire in the feelings which + influenced these families in their intercourse with the world, which + induced them to foster but slight intimacies out of the pale of the + proscribed, and which tinged their domestic life with that formal and + gloomy colouring which ever accompanies a monotonous existence. Her + disposition told her that all this affected non-interference with the + business of society might be politic, but assuredly was not pleasant; her + quick sense whispered to her it was unwise, and that it retarded, not + advanced, the great result in which her sanguine temper dared often to + indulge. Under any circumstances, it did not appear to her to be wisdom to + second the efforts of their oppressors for their degradation or their + misery, and to seek no consolation in the amiable feelings of their + fellow-creatures for the stern rigour of their unsocial government. But, + independently of all general principles, Miss Dacre could not but believe + that it was the duty of the Catholic gentry to mix more with that world + which so misconceived their spirit. Proud in her conscious knowledge of + their exalted virtues, she felt that they had only to be known to be + recognised as the worthy leaders of that nation which they had so often + saved and never betrayed. + </p> + <p> + She did not conceal her opinions from the circle in which they had grown + up. All the young members were her disciples, and were decidedly of + opinion that if the House of Lords would but listen to May Dacre, + emancipation would be a settled thing. Her logic would have destroyed Lord + Liverpool’s arguments; her wit extinguished Lord Eldon’s jokes. But the + elder members only shed a solemn smile, and blessed May Dacre’s shining + eyes and sanguine spirit. + </p> + <p> + Her greatest supporter was Mrs. Dallington Vere. This lady was a distant + relation of Mr. Dacre. At seventeen she, herself a Catholic, had married + Mr. Dallington Vere, of Dallington House, a Catholic gentleman of + considerable fortune, whose age resembled his wealth. No sooner had this + incident taken place than did Mrs. Dallington Vere hurry to London, and + soon evinced a most laudable determination to console herself for her + husband’s political disabilities. Mrs. Dallington Vere went to Court; and + Mrs. Dallington Vere gave suppers after the opera, and concerts which, in + number and brilliancy, were only equalled by her balls. The dandies + patronised her, and selected her for their Muse. The Duke of Shropshire + betted on her always at écarté; and, to crown the whole affair, she made + Mr. Dallington Vere lay claim to a dormant peerage. The women were all + pique, the men all patronage. A Protestant minister was alarmed; and Lord + Squib supposed that Mrs. Dallington must be the Scarlet Lady of whom they + had heard so often. + </p> + <p> + Season after season she kept up the ball; and although, of course, she no + longer made an equal sensation, she was not less brilliant, nor her + position less eminent. She had got into the best set, and was more quiet, + like a patriot in place. Never was there a gayer lady than Mrs. Dallington + Vere, but never a more prudent one. Her virtue was only equalled by her + discretion; but, as the odds were equal, Lord Squib betted on the last. + People sometimes indeed did say—they always will—but what is + talk? Mere breath. And reputation is marble, and iron, and sometimes + brass; and so, you see, talk has no chance. They did say that Sir Lucius + Grafton was about to enter into the Romish communion; but then it turned + out that it was only to get a divorce from his wife, on the plea that she + was a heretic. + </p> + <p> + The fact was, Mrs. Dallington Vere was a most successful woman, lucky in + everything, lucky even in her husband; for he died. He did not only die; + he left his whole fortune to his wife. Some said that his relations were + going to set aside the will, on the plea that it was written with a + crow-quill on pink paper; but this was false; it was only a codicil. + </p> + <p> + All eyes were on a very pretty woman, with fifteen thousand a year, and + only twenty-three. The Duke of Shropshire wished he were disembarrassed. + Such a player of écarté might double her income. Lord Raff advanced, + trusting to his beard, and young Amadée de Rouerie mortgaged his + dressing-case, and came post from Paris; but in spite of his sky-blue + nether garments and his Hessians, he followed my Lord’s example, and + re-crossed the water. It is even said that Lord Squib was sentimental; but + this must have been the malice of Charles Annesley. + </p> + <p> + All, however, failed. The truth is, Mrs. Dallington Vere had nothing to + gain by re-entering Paradise, which matrimony, of course, is; and so she + determined to remain mistress of herself. She had gained fashion, and + fortune, and rank; she was young, and she was pretty. She thought it might + be possible for a discreet, experienced little lady to lead a very + pleasant life without being assisted in her expenses or disturbed in her + diversion by a gentleman who called himself her husband, occasionally + asked her how she slept in a bed which he did not share, or munificently + presented her with a necklace purchased with her own money. Discreet Mrs. + Dallington Vere! + </p> + <p> + She had been absent from London during the past season, having taken it + also into her head to travel. + </p> + <p> + She was equally admired and equally plotted for at Rome, at Paris, and at + Vienna, as at London; but the bird had not been caught, and, flying away, + left many a despairing prince and amorous count to muse over their lean + visages and meagre incomes. + </p> + <p> + Dallington House made its fair mistress a neighbour of her relations, the + Dacres. No one could be a more fascinating companion than Mrs. Dallington + Vere. May Dacre read her character at once, and these ladies became great + allies. She was to assist Miss Dacre in her plans for rousing their + Catholic friends, as no one was better qualified to be her adjutant. + Already they had commenced their operations, and balls at Dallington and + Dacre, frequent, splendid, and various, had already made the Catholic + houses the most eminent in the Riding, and their brilliant mistresses the + heroines of all the youth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Ruined Hopes</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT RAINED all night without ceasing yet the morrow was serene. + Nevertheless the odds had shifted. On the evening, thy had not been more + than two to one against the first favourite, the Duke of St. James’s ch. + c. Sanspareil, by Ne Plus Ultra; while they were five to one against the + second favourite, Mr. Dash’s gr. c. The Dandy, by Banker, and nine and ten + to one against the next in favour. This morning, however, affairs were + altered. Mr. Dash and his Dandy were at the head of the poll; and as the + owner rode his own horse, being a jockey and a fit rival for the Duke of + St. James, his backers were sanguine. Sanspareil, was, however, the second + favourite. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, however, was confident as an universal conqueror, and came on in + his usual state, rode round the course, inspirited Lady Aphrodite, who was + all anxiety, betted with Miss Dacre, and bowed to Mrs. Dallington. + </p> + <p> + There were more than ninety horses, and yet the start was fair. But the + result? Pardon me! The fatal remembrance overpowers my pen. An effort and + some <i>Eau de Portingale</i>, and I shall recover. The first favourite + was never heard of, the second favourite was never seen after the distance + post, all the ten-to-oners were in the rear, and a <i>dark</i> horse, + which had never been thought of, and which the careless St. James had + never even observed in the list, rushed past the grand stand in sweeping + triumph. The spectators were almost too surprised to cheer; but when the + name of the winner was detected there was a deafening shout, particularly + from the Yorkshiremen. The victor was the Earl of St. Jerome’s b. f. May + Dacre, by Howard. + </p> + <p> + Conceive the confusion! Sanspareil was at last discovered, and immediately + shipped off for Newmarket, as young gentlemen who get into scrapes are + sent to travel. The Dukes of Burlington and Shropshire exchanged a few + hundreds; the Duchess and Charles Annesley a few gloves. The consummate + Lord Bloomerly, though a backer of the favourite, in compliment to his + host, contrived to receive from all parties, and particularly from St. + Maurice. The sweet little Wrekins were absolutely ruined. Sir Lucius + looked blue, but he had hedged; and Lord Squib looked yellow, but some + doubted. Lord Hounslow was done, and Lord Bagshot was diddled. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James was perhaps the heaviest sufferer on the field, and + certainly bore his losses the best. Had he seen the five-and-twenty + thousand he was minus counted before him, he probably would have been + staggered; but as it was, another crumb of his half-million was gone. The + loss existed only in idea. It was really too trifling to think of, and he + galloped up to Miss Dacre, and was among the warmest of her + congratulators. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would offer your Grace my sympathy for your congratulations,’ said Miss + Dacre, in a rather amiable tone; ‘but’ (and here she resumed her air of + mockery) ‘you are too great a man to be affected by so light a casualty. + And, now that I recollect myself, did you run a horse?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, no; the fault was, I believe, that he would not run; but Sanspareil + is as great a hero as ever. He has only been conquered by the elements.’ + </p> + <p> + The dinner at the Duke of St. James’s was this day more splendid even than + the preceding. He was determined to show that the disappointment had + produced no effect upon the temper of so imperial a personage as himself, + and he invited several of the leading gentry to join his coterie. The + Dacres were among the solicited; but they were, during the races, the + guests of Mrs. Dallington Vere, whose seat was only a mile off, and + therefore were unobtainable. + </p> + <p> + Blazed the plate, sparkled the wine, and the aromatic venison sent forth + its odourous incense to the skies. The favourite cook had done wonders, + though a Sanspareil pâté, on which he had been meditating for a week, was + obliged to be suppressed, and was sent up as a tourte à la Bourbon, in + compliment to his Royal Highness. It was a delightful party: all the + stiffness of metropolitan society disappeared. All talked, and laughed, + and ate, and drank; and the Protocolis and the French princes, who were + most active members of a banquet, ceased sometimes, from want of breath, + to moralize on the English character. The little Wrekins, with their + well-acted lamentations over their losses, were capital; and Sophy nearly + smiled and chattered her head this day into the reversion of the coronet + of Fitz-pompey. May she succeed! For a wilder little partridge never yet + flew. Caroline St. Maurice alone was sad, and would not be comforted; + although St. James, observing her gloom, and guessing at its cause, had in + private assured her that, far from losing, on the whole he was perhaps + even a winner. + </p> + <p> + None, however, talked more agreeable nonsense and made a more elegant + uproar than the Duke of St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘These young men,’ whispered Lord Squib to Annesley, ‘do not know the + value of money. We must teach it them. I know too well; I find it very + dear.’ + </p> + <p> + If the old physicians are correct in considering from twenty-five to + thirty-five as the period of lusty youth, Lord Squib was still a lusty + youth, though a very corpulent one indeed. The carnival of his life, + however, was nearly over, and probably the termination of the race-week + might hail him a man. He was the best fellow in the world; short and + sleek, half bald, and looked fifty; with a waist, however, which had not + yet vanished, and where Art successfully controlled rebellious Nature, + like the Austrians the Lombards. If he were not exactly a wit, he was + still, however, full of unaffected fun, and threw out the results of a <i>roué</i> + life with considerable ease and point. He had inherited a fair and + peer-like property, which he had contrived to embarrass in so complicated + and extraordinary a manner that he had been a ruined man for years, and + yet lived well on an income allowed him by his creditors to manage his + estate for their benefit. The joke was, he really managed it well. It was + his hobby, and he prided himself especially upon his character as a man of + business. + </p> + <p> + The banquet is certainly the best preparative for the ball, if its + blessings be not abused, for then you get heavy. Your true votary of + Terpsichore, and of him we only speak, requires, particularly in a land of + easterly winds, which cut into his cab-head at every turn of every street, + some previous process to make his blood set him an example in dancing. It + is strong Burgundy and his sparkling sister champagne that make a + race-ball always so amusing a <i>divertissement</i>. One enters the room + with a gay elation which defies rule without violating etiquette, and in + these county meetings there is a variety of character, and classes, and + manners, which is interesting, and affords an agreeable contrast to those + more brilliant and refined assemblies the members of which, being educated + by exactly the same system and with exactly the same ideas, think, look, + move, talk, dress, and even eat, alike; the only remarkable personage + being a woman somewhat more beautiful than the beauties who surround her, + and a man rather more original in his affectations than the puppies that + surround him. The proof of the general dulness of polite circles is the + great sensation that is always produced by a new face. The season always + commences briskly, because there are so many. Ball, and dinner, and + concert collect then plentiful votaries; but as we move on the dulness + will develop itself, and then come the morning breakfast, and the water + party, and the <i>fête champêtre</i>, all desperate attempts to produce + variety with old materials, and to occasion a second effect by a cause + which is already exhausted. + </p> + <p> + These philosophical remarks precede another introduction to the public + ball-room at Doncaster. Mrs. Dallington Vere and Miss Dacre are walking + arm in arm at the upper end of the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are disappointed, love, about Arundel?’ said Mrs. Dallington. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bitterly; I never counted on any event more certainly than on his return + this summer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why tarrieth the wanderer? unwillingly of course?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Darrell, who was to have gone over as <i>Chargé d’affaires</i>, has + announced to his father the impossibility of his becoming a diplomatist, + so our poor <i>attaché</i> suffers, and is obliged to bear the <i>portefeuille + ad interim</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does your cousin like Vienna?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all. He is a regular John Bull; and, if I am to judge from his + correspondence, he will make an excellent ambassador in one sense, for I + think his fidelity and his patriotism may be depended on. We seldom serve + those whom we do not love; and, if I am to believe Arundel, there is + neither a person nor a place on the whole Continent that affords him the + least satisfaction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How singular, then, that he should have fixed on such a <i>métier</i>; + but, I suppose, like other young men, his friends fixed for him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all. No step could be less pleasing to my father than his leaving + England; but Arundel is quite unmanageable, even by papa. He is the oddest + but the dearest person in the world!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very clever, is he not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so. I have no doubt he will distinguish himself, whatever career + he runs; but he is so extremely singular in his manner that I do not think + his general reputation harmonises with my private opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And will his visit to England be a long one?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope that it will be a permanent one. I, you know, am his confidant, + and entrusted with all his plans. If I succeed in arranging something + according to his wishes, I hope that he will not again quit us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pray you may, sweet! and wish, love, for your sake, that he would enter + the room this moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the most successful meeting, I should think, that ever was known + at Doncaster,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘We are, at least, indebted to the Duke of + St. James for a very agreeable party, to say nothing of all the gloves we + have won.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you like the Duke of Burlington?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Much. There is a calm courtliness about him which I think very imposing. + He is the only man I ever saw who, without being very young, was not an + unfit companion for youth. And there is no affectation of juvenility about + him. He involuntarily reminds you of youth, as an empty orchestra does of + music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall tell him this. He is already your devoted; and I have no doubt + that, inspired at the same time by your universal charms and our universal + hints, I shall soon hail you Duchess of Burlington. Don Arundel will + repent his diplomacy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought I was to be another Duchess this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You deserve to be a triple one. But dream not of the unhappy patron of + Sanspareil. There is something in his eyes which tells me he is not a + marrying man.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a momentary pause, and Miss Dacre spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I like his brother steward, Bertha. Sir Lucius is witty and candid. It is + an agreeable thing to see a man who had been so gay, and who has had so + many temptations to be gay, turn into a regular domestic character, + without losing any of those qualities which made him an ornament to + society. When men of the world terminate their career as prudently as Sir + Lucius, I observe that they are always amusing companions, because they + are perfectly unaffected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one is more unaffected than Lucius Grafton. I am quite happy to find + you like him; for he is an old friend of mine, and I know that he has a + good heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like him especially because he likes you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He introduced me to Lady Afy. I perceive that she is very attached to her + husband.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Afy is a charming woman. I know no woman so truly elegant as Lady + Afy. The young Duke, you know they say, greatly admires Lady Afy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! does he? Well now, I should have thought her rather a sentimental and + serious donna; one very unlikely———’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! here come two cavaliers.’ + </p> + <p> + The Dukes of Burlington and St. James advanced. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are attracted by observing two nymphs wandering in this desert,’ said + his Grace of Burlington. This was the Burgundy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And we wish to know whether there be any dragon to destroy, any ogre to + devour, any magician to massacre, or how, when, and where we can testify + our devotion to the ladies of our love,’ added his Grace of St. James. + This was the champagne. + </p> + <p> + ‘The age of chivalry is past,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘Bores have succeeded to + dragons, and I have shivered too many lances in vain ever to hope for + their extirpation; and as for enchantments——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They depend only upon yourself,’ gallantly interrupted the Duke of + Burgundy. Psha!—Burlington. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our spells are dissolved, our wands are sunk five fathom deep; we had + retired to this solitude, and we were moralising,’ said Mrs. Dallington + Vere. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you were doing an extremely useless and not very magnanimous thing,’ + said the Duke of St. James; ‘for to moralise in a desert is no great + exertion of philosophy. You should moralise in a drawing-room; and so let + me propose our return to that world which must long have missed us. Let us + do something to astound these elegant barbarians. Look at that young + gentleman: how stiff he is! A Yorkshire Apollo! Look at that old lady; how + elaborately she simpers! The Venus of the Riding! They absolutely attempt + to flirt. Let us give them a gallop!’ + </p> + <p> + He was advancing to salute this provincial couple; but his more mature + companion repressed him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I forgot,’ said the young Duke. ‘I am Yorkshire. If I were a western, + like yourself, I might compromise my character. Your Grace monopolises the + fun.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you may safely attack them,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘I do not think you + will be recognised. People entertain in this barbarous country, such + vulgar, old-fashioned notions of a Duke of St. James, that I have not the + least doubt your Grace might have a good deal of fun without being found + out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no necessity,’ said the Duke, ‘to fly from Miss Dacre for + amusement. By-the-bye, you make a good repartee. You must permit me to + introduce you to my friend, Lord Squib. I am sure you would agree so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been introduced to Lord Squib.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you found him most amusing? Did he say anything which vindicates my + appointment of him as my court jester?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I found him modest. He endeavoured to excuse his errors by being your + companion; and to prove his virtues by being mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Treacherous Squib! I positively must call him out. Duke, bear him a + cartel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The quarrel is ours, and must be decided here,’ said Mrs. Dallington + Vere. ‘I second Miss Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are in the way of some good people here, I think,’ said the Duke of + Burlington, who, though the most dignified, was the most considerate of + men; ‘at least, here are a stray couple or two staring as if they wished + us to understand we prevented a set.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let them stare,’ said the Duke of St. James; ‘we were made to be looked + at. ‘Tis our vocation, Hal, and they are gifted with vision purposely to + behold us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘reminds me of my old friend, Prince + Rubarini, who told me one day that when he got up late he always gave + orders to have the sun put back a couple of hours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you, Miss Dacre, remind me of my old friend, the Duchess of Nevers, + who told me one day that in the course of her experience she had only met + one man who was her rival in repartee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that man,’ asked Mrs. Vere. + </p> + <p> + ‘Was your slave, Mrs. Dallington,’ said the young Duke, bowing profoundly, + with his hand on his heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember she said the same thing to me,’ said the Duke of Burlington, + ‘about ten years before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was her grandmother, Burley,’ said the Duke of St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Her grandmother!’ said Mrs. Dallington, exciting the contest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Decidedly,’ said the young Duke. ‘I remember my friend always spoke of + the Duke of Burlington as grandpapa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will profit, I have no doubt, then, by the company of so venerable a + friend,’ said Miss Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why,’ said the young Duke, ‘I am not a believer in the perfectibility of + the species; and you know, that when we come to a certain point——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must despair of improvement,’ said the Duke of Burlington. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace came forward, like a true knight, to my rescue,’ said Miss + Dacre, bowing to the Duke of Burlington. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beauty can inspire miracles,’ said the Duke of St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘This young gentleman has been spoiled by travel, Miss Dacre,’ said the + Duke of Burlington. ‘You have much to answer for, for he tells every one + that you were his guardian.’ + </p> + <p> + The eyes of Miss Dacre and the Duke of St. James met. He bowed with that + graceful impudence which is, after all, the best explanation for every + possible misunderstanding. + </p> + <p> + ‘I always heard that the Duke of St. James was born of age,’ said Miss + Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘The report was rife on the Continent when I travelled,’ said Mrs. + Dallington Vere. + </p> + <p> + ‘That was only a poetical allegory, which veiled the precocious results of + my fair tutor’s exertions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How discreet he is!’ said the Duke of Burlington. ‘You may tell + immediately that he is two-and-forty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are neither of us, though, off the <i>pavé</i> yet, Burlington; so + what say you to inducing these inspiring muses to join the waltz which is + just now commencing?’ + </p> + <p> + The young Duke offered his hand to Miss Dacre, and, followed by their + companions, they were in a few minutes lost in the waves of the waltzers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Complaisant Spouse</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE gaieties of the race-week closed with a ball at Dallington House. As + the pretty mistress of this proud mansion was acquainted with all the + members of the ducal party, our hero and his noble band were among those + who honoured it with their presence. + </p> + <p> + We really have had so many balls both in this and other as immortal works + that, in a literary point of view, we think we must give up dancing; nor + would we have introduced you to Dallington House if there had been no more + serious business on hand than a flirtation with a lady or a lobster salad. + Ah! why is not a little brief communion with the last as innocent as with + the first? + </p> + <p> + Small feet are flitting in the mazy dance and music winds with inspiring + harmony through halls whose lofty mirrors multiply beauty and add fresh + lustre to the blazing lights. May Dacre there is wandering like a peri in + Paradise, and Lady Aphrodite is glancing with her dazzling brow, yet an + Asmodeus might detect an occasional gloom over her radiant face. It is but + for an instant, yet it thrills. She looks like some favoured sultana, who + muses for a moment amid her splendour on her early love. + </p> + <p> + And she, the sparkling mistress of this scene; say, where is she? Not + among the dancers, though a more graceful form you could scarcely look + upon; not even among her guests, though a more accomplished hostess it + would be hard to find. Gaiety pours forth its flood, and all are thinking + of themselves, or of some one sweeter even than self-consciousness, or + else perhaps one absent might be missed. + </p> + <p> + Leaning on the arm of Sir Lucius Grafton, and shrouded in her cashmere, + Mrs. Dallington Vere paces the terrace in earnest conversation. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I fail in this,’ said Sir Lucius, ‘I shall be desperate. Fortune seems + to have sent him for the very purpose. Think only of the state of affairs + for a moment. After a thousand plots on my part; after having for the last + two years never ceased my exertions to make her commit herself; when + neither a love of pleasure, nor a love of revenge, nor the thoughtlessness + to which women in her situation generally have recourse, produced the + slightest effect; this stripling starts upon the stage, and in a moment + the iceberg melts. Oh! I never shall forget the rapture of the moment when + the faithful Lachen announced the miracle!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But why not let the adventure take the usual course? You have your + evidence, or you can get it. Finish the business. The <i>exposés</i>, to + be sure, are disagreeable enough; but to be the talk of the town for a + week is no great suffering. Go to Baden, drink the waters, and it will be + forgotten. Surely this is an inconvenience not to be weighed for a moment + against the great result.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page106.jpg" alt="Page106 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + ‘Believe me, my dearest friend, Lucy Grafton cares very little about the + babble of the million, provided it do not obstruct him in his objects. + Would to Heaven I could proceed in the summary and effectual mode you + point out; but that I much doubt. There is about Afy, in spite of all her + softness and humility, a strange spirit, a cursed courage or obstinacy, + which sometimes has blazed out, when I have over-galled her, in a way + half-awful. I confess I dread her standing at bay. I am in her power, and + a divorce she could successfully oppose if I appeared to be the person who + hastened the catastrophe and she were piqued to show that she would not + fall an easy victim. No, no! I have a surer, though a more difficult, + game. She is intoxicated with this boy. I will drive her into his arms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A probable result, forsooth! I do not think your genius has particularly + brightened since we last met. I thought your letters were getting dull. + You seem to forget that there is a third person to be consulted in this + adventure. And why in the name of Doctors’ Commons, the Duke is to close + his career by marrying a woman of whom, with your leave, he is already, if + experience be not a dream, half-wearied, is really past my comprehension, + although as Yorkshire, Lucy, I should not, you know, be the least + apprehensive of mortals.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I depend upon my unbounded influence over St. James.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! do you mean to recommend the step, then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear me! At present I am his confidential counsellor on all subjects——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Patience, fair dame; and I have hitherto imperceptibly, but efficiently, + exerted my influence to prevent his getting entangled with any other + nets.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Faithful friend!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Point de moquerie!</i> Listen. I depend further upon his perfect + inexperience of women; for, in spite of his numerous gallantries, he has + never yet had a grand passion, and is quite ignorant, even at this moment, + how involved his feelings are with his mistress. He has not yet learnt the + bitter lesson that, unless we despise a woman when we cease to love her, + we are still a slave, without the consolement of intoxication. I depend + further upon his strong feelings; for strong I perceive they are, with all + his affectation; and on his weakness of character, which will allow him to + be the dupe of his first great emotion. It is to prevent that explosion + from taking place under any other roof than my own that I now require your + advice and assistance; that advice and assistance which already have done + so much for me. I like not this sudden and uncontemplated visit to Castle + Dacre. I fear these Dacres; I fear the revulsion of his feelings. Above + all, I fear that girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But her cousin; is he not a talisman? She loves him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! a cousin! Is not the name an answer? She loves him as she loves her + pony; because he was her companion when she was a child, and kissed her + when they gathered strawberries together. The pallid, moonlight passion of + a cousin, and an absent one, too, has but a sorry chance against the + blazing beams that shoot from the eyes of a new lover. Would to Heaven + that I had not to go down to my boobies at Cleve! I should like nothing + better than to amuse myself an autumn at Dallington with the little Dacre, + and put an end to such an unnatural and irreligious connection. She is a + splendid creature! Bring her to town next season.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But to the point. You wish me, I imagine, to act the same part with the + lady as you have done with the gentleman. I am to step in, I suppose, as + the confidential counsellor on all subjects of sweet May. I am to preserve + her from a youth whose passions are so impetuous and whose principles are + so unformed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Admirable Bertha! You read my thoughts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But suppose I endanger, instead of advance, your plans. Suppose, for + instance, I captivate his Grace. As extraordinary things have happened, as + you know. High place must be respected, and the coronet of a Duchess must + not be despised.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All considerations must yield to you, as do all men,’ said Sir Lucius, + with ready gallantry, but not free from anxiety. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; there is no danger of that. I am not going to play traitress to + my system, even for the Duke of St. James; therefore, anything that occurs + between us shall be merely an incident <i>pour passer le temps seulement</i>, + and to preserve our young friend from the little Dacre. I have no doubt he + will behave very well, and that I shall send him safe to Cleve Park in a + fortnight with a good character. I would recommend you, however, not to + encourage any unreasonable delay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not; but I must, of course, be guided by circumstances.’ Sir + Lucius observed truly. There were other considerations besides getting rid + of his spouse which cemented his friendship with the young Duke. It will + be curious if lending a few thousands to the husband save our hero from + the wife. There is no such thing as unmixed evil. A man who loses his + money gains, at least, experience, and sometimes something better. But + what the Duke of St. James gained is not yet to be told. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you like Lachen?’ asked Mrs. Dallington. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I formed her with great care, but you must keep her in good humour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is not difficult. <i>Elle est très jolie</i>; and pretty women, like + yourself, are always good-natured.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But has she really worked herself into the confidence of the virtuous + Aphrodite?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Entirely. And the humour is, that Lachen has persuaded her that Lachen + herself is on the best possible terms with my confidential valet, and can + make herself at all times mistress of her master’s secrets. So it is + always in my power, apparently without taking the slightest interest in + Afy’s conduct, to regulate it as I will. At present she believes that my + affairs are in a distracted state, and that I intend to reside solely on + the Continent, and to bear her off from her Cupidon. This thought haunts + her rest, and hangs heavy on her waking mind. I think it will do the + business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been too long absent. Let us return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I accompany you, my charming friend. What should I do without such an + ally? I only wish that I could assist you in a manner equally friendly. Is + there no obdurate hero who wants a confidential adviser to dilate upon + your charms, or to counsel him to throw himself at your feet; or are that + beautiful in face and lovely form, as they must always be, invincible?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you quite disembarrassed of any attentions whatever. But, I + suppose, when I return to Athens, I must get Platonic again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me be the philosopher!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; we know each other too well. I have been free ever since that + fatal affair of young Darrell, and travel has restored my spirits a + little. They say his brother is just as handsome. He was expected at + Vienna, but I could not meet him, although I suppose, as I made him a + Viscount, I am rather popular than not with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh! think not of this. No one blames you. You are still a + universal favourite. But I would recommend you, nevertheless, to take me + as your cavalier.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are too generous, or too bold. No, man! I am tired of flirtation, and + really think, for variety’s sake, I must fall in love. After all, there is + nothing like the delicious dream, though it be but a dream. Spite of my + discretion, I sometimes tremble lest I should end by making myself a fool, + with some grand passion. You look serious. Fear not for the young Duke. He + is a dazzling gentleman, but not a hero exactly to my taste.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>At Castle Dacre</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE moment that was to dissolve the spell which had combined and enchanted + so many thousands of human beings arrived. Nobles and nobodies, beauties + and blacklegs, dispersed in all directions. The Duke of Burlington carried + off the French princes and the Protocolis, the Bloomerlys and the + Vaticans, to his Paradise of Marringworth. The Fitz-pompeys cantered off + with the Shropshires; omen of felicity to the enamoured St. Maurice and + the enamouring Sophy. Annesley and Squib returned to their pâtés. Sir + Lucius and Lady Aphrodite, neither of them with tempers like summer skies, + betook their way to Cambridgeshire, like Adam and Eve from the glorious + garden. The Duke of St. James, after a hurried visit to London, found + himself, at the beginning of October, on his way to Dacre. + </p> + <p> + As his carriage rolled on he revelled in delicious fancies. The young Duke + built castles not only at Hauteville, but in less substantial regions. + Reverie, in the flush of our warm youth, generally indulges in the future. + We are always anticipating the next adventure and clothe the coming + heroine with a rosy tint. When we advance a little on our limited journey, + and an act or two of the comedy, the gayest in all probability, are over, + the wizard Memory dethrones the witch Imagination, and ‘tis the past on + which the mind feeds in its musings. ‘Tis then we ponder on each great + result which has stolen on us without the labour of reflection; ‘tis then + we analyse emotions which, at the time, we could not comprehend, and probe + the action which passion inspired, and which prejudice has hitherto + defended. Alas! who can strike these occasional balances in life’s great + ledger without a sigh! Alas! how little do they promise in favour of the + great account! What whisperings of final bankruptcy! what a damnable + consciousness of present insolvency! My friends! what a blunder is youth! + Ah! why does Truth light her torch but to illume the ruined temple of our + existence! Ah! why do we know we are men only to be conscious of our + exhausted energies! + </p> + <p> + And yet there is a pleasure in a deal of judgment which your judicious man + alone can understand. It is agreeable to see some younkers falling into + the same traps which have broken our own shins; and, shipwrecked on the + island of our hopes, one likes to mark a vessel go down full in sight. + ‘Tis demonstration that we are not branded as Cains among the favoured + race of man. Then giving advice: that <i>is</i> delicious, and perhaps + repays one all. It is a privilege your grey-haired signors solely can + enjoy; but young men now-a-days may make some claims to it. And, after + all, experience is a thing that all men praise. Bards sing its glories, + and proud Philosophy has long elected it her favourite child. ‘Tis the ‘<i>rò + Kaxà v</i>’, in spite of all its ugliness, and the <i>elixir vitæ</i>, + though we generally gain it with a shattered pulse. + </p> + <p> + No more! no more! it is a bitter cheat, the consolation of blunderers, the + last refuge of expiring hopes, the forlorn battalion that is to capture + the citadel of happiness; yet, yet impregnable! Oh! what is wisdom, and + what is virtue, without youth! Talk not to me of knowledge of mankind; + give, give me back the sunshine of the breast which they o’erclouded! Talk + not to me of proud morality; oh! give me innocence! + </p> + <p> + Amid the ruins of eternal Rome I scribble pages lighter than the wind, and + feed with fancies volumes which will be forgotten ere I can hear that they + are even published. Yet am I not one insensible to the magic of my + memorable abode, and I could pour my passion o’er the land; but I repress + my thoughts, and beat their tide back to their hollow caves! + </p> + <p> + The ocean of my mind is calm, but dim, and ominous of storms that may + arise. A cloud hangs heavy o’er the horizon’s verge, and veils the future. + Even now a star appears, steals into light, and now again ‘tis gone! I + hear the proud swell of the growing waters; I hear the whispering of the + wakening winds; but reason lays her trident on the cresting waves, and all + again is hushed. + </p> + <p> + For I am one, though young, yet old enough to know ambition is a demon; + and I fly from what I fear. And fame has eagle wings, and yet she mounts + not so high as man’s desires. When all is gained, how little then is won! + And yet to gain that little how much is lost! Let us once aspire and + madness follows. Could we but drag the purple from the hero’s heart; could + we but tear the laurel from the poet’s throbbing brain, and read their + doubts, their dangers, their despair, we might learn a greater lesson than + we shall ever acquire by musing over their exploits or their inspiration. + Think of unrecognised Caesar, with his wasting youth, weeping over the + Macedonian’s young career! Could Pharsalia compensate for those withering + pangs? View the obscure Napoleon starving in the streets of Paris! What + was St. Helena to the bitterness of such existence? The visions of past + glory might illumine even that dark-imprisonment; but to be conscious that + his supernatural energies might die away without creating their miracles: + can the wheel or the rack rival the torture of such a suspicion? Lo! Byron + bending o’er his shattered lyre, with inspiration in his very rage. And + the pert taunt could sting even this child of light! To doubt of the truth + of the creed in which you have been nurtured is not so terrific as to + doubt respecting the intellectual vigour on whose strength you have staked + your happiness. Yet these were mighty ones; perhaps the records of the + world will not yield us threescore to be their mates! Then tremble, ye + whose cheek glows too warmly at their names! Who would be more than man + should fear lest he be less. + </p> + <p> + Yet there is hope, there should be happiness, for them, for all. Kind + Nature, ever mild, extends her fond arms to her truant children, and + breathes her words of solace. As we weep on her indulgent and maternal + breast, the exhausted passions, one by one, expire like gladiators in yon + huge pile that has made barbarity sublime. Yes! there is hope and joy; and + it is here! + </p> + <p> + Where the breeze wanders through a perfumed sky, and where the beautiful + sun illumines beauty. + </p> + <p> + On the poet’s farm and on the conqueror’s arch thy beam is lingering! It + lingers on the shattered porticoes that once shrouded from thy + o’erpowering glory the lords of earth; it lingers upon the ruined temples + that even in their desolation are yet sacred! ‘Tis gone, as if in sorrow! + Yet the woody lake still blushes with thy warm kiss; and still thy rosy + light tinges the pine that breaks the farthest heaven! + </p> + <p> + A heaven all light, all beauty, and all love! What marvel men should + worship in these climes? And lo! a small and single cloud is sailing in + the immaculate ether, burnished with twilight, like an Olympian chariot + from above, with the fair vision of some graceful god! + </p> + <p> + It is the hour that poets love; but I crush thoughts that rise from out my + mind, like nymphs from out their caves, when sets the sun. Yes, ‘tis a + blessing here to breathe and muse. And cold his clay, indeed, who does not + yield to thy Ausonian beauty! Clime where the heart softens and the mind + expands! Region of mellowed bliss! O most enchanting land! + </p> + <p> + But we are at the park gates. + </p> + <p> + They whirled along through a park which would have contained half a + hundred of those Patagonian paddocks of modern times which have usurped + the name. At length the young Duke was roused from his reverie by + Carlstein, proud of his previous knowledge, leaning over and announcing— + </p> + <p> + ‘Château de Dacre, your Grace!’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke looked up. The sun, which had already set, had tinged with a + dying crimson the eastern sky, against which rose a princely edifice. + Castle Dacre was the erection of Vanbrugh, an imaginative artist, whose + critics we wish no bitterer fate than not to live in his splendid + creations. A spacious centre, richly ornamented, though broken, perhaps, + into rather too much detail, was joined to wings of a corresponding + magnificence by fanciful colonnades. A terrace, extending the whole front, + was covered with orange trees, and many a statue, and many an obelisk, and + many a temple, and many a fountain, were tinted with the warm twilight. + The Duke did not view the forgotten scene of youth without emotion. It was + a palace worthy of the heroine on whom he had been musing. The carriage + gained the lofty portal. Luigi and Spiridion, who had preceded their + master, were ready to receive the Duke, who was immediately ushered to the + rooms prepared for his reception. He was later than he had intended, and + no time was to be unnecessarily lost in his preparation for his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + His Grace’s toilet was already prepared: the magical dressing-box had been + unpacked, and the shrine for his devotions was covered with richly-cut + bottles of all sizes, arranged in all the elegant combinations which the + picturesque fancy of his valet could devise, adroitly intermixed with the + golden instruments, the china vases, and the ivory and rosewood brushes, + which were worthy even of Delcroix’s exquisite inventions. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James was master of the art of dress, and consequently + consummated that paramount operation with the decisive rapidity of one + whose principles are settled. He was cognisant of all effects, could + calculate in a second all consequences, and obtained his result with that + promptitude and precision which stamp the great artist. For a moment he + was plunged in profound abstraction, and at the same time stretched his + legs after his drive. He then gave his orders with the decision of + Wellington on the arrival of the Prussians, and the battle began. + </p> + <p> + His Grace had a taste for magnificence in costume; but he was handsome, + young, and a duke. Pardon him. Yet to-day he was, on the whole, simple. + Confident in a complexion whose pellucid lustre had not yielded to a + season of dissipation, his Grace did not dread the want of relief which a + white face, a white cravat, and a white waistcoat would seem to imply. + </p> + <p> + A hair chain set in diamonds, worn in memory of the absent Aphrodite, and + to pique the present Dacre, is annexed to a glass, which reposes in the + waistcoat pocket. This was the only weight that the Duke of St. James ever + carried. It was a bore, but it was indispensable. + </p> + <p> + It is done. He stops one moment before the long pier-glass, and shoots a + glance which would have read the mind of Talleyrand. It will do. He + assumes the look, the air that befit the occasion: cordial, but dignified; + sublime, but sweet. He descends like a deity from Olympus to a banquet of + illustrious mortals. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘Fair Women and Brave Men.’</i> +</pre> + <p> + MR. DACRE received him with affection: his daughter with a cordiality + which he had never yet experienced from her. Though more simply dressed + than when she first met his ardent gaze, her costume again charmed his + practised eye. ‘It must be her shape,’ thought the young Duke; ‘it is + magical!’ + </p> + <p> + The rooms were full of various guests, and some of these were presented to + his Grace, who was, of course, an object of universal notice, but + particularly by those persons who pretended not to be aware of his + entrance. The party assembled at Castle Dacre consisted of some thirty or + forty persons, all of great consideration, but of a different character + from any with whom the Duke of St. James had been acquainted during his + short experience of English society. They were not what are called + fashionable people. We have no princes and no ambassadors, no duke who is + a gourmand, no earl who is a jockey, no manoeuvring mothers, no flirting + daughters, no gambling sons, for your entertainment. There is no superfine + gentleman brought down specially from town to gauge the refinement of the + manners of the party, and to prevent them, by his constant supervision and + occasional sneer, from losing any of the beneficial results of their last + campaign. We shall sadly want, too, a Lady Patroness to issue a decree or + quote her code of consolidated etiquette. We are not sure that Almack’s + will ever be mentioned: quite sure that Maradan has never yet been heard + of. The Jockey Club may be quoted, but Crockford will be a dead letter. As + for the rest, Boodle’s is all we can promise; miserable consolation for + the bow-window. As for buffoons and artists, to amuse a vacant hour or + sketch a vacant face, we must frankly tell you at once that there is not + one. Are you frightened? Will you go on? Will you trust yourself with + these savages? Try. They are rude, but they are hospitable. + </p> + <p> + The party, we have said, were all persons of great consideration; some + were noble, most were rich, all had ancestors. There were the Earl and + Countess of Faulconcourt. He looked as if he were fit to reconquer + Palestine, and she as if she were worthy to reward him for his valour. + Misplaced in this superior age, he was <i>sans peur</i> and she <i>sans + reproche</i>. There was Lord Mildmay, an English peer and a French + colonel. Methinks such an incident might have been a better reason for a + late measure than an Irishman being returned a member of our Imperial + Parliament. There was our friend Lord St. Jerome; of course his + stepmother, yet young, and some sisters, pretty as nuns. There were some + cousins from the farthest north, Northumbria’s bleakest bound, who came + down upon Yorkshire like the Goths upon Italy, and were revelling in what + they considered a southern clime. + </p> + <p> + There was an M.P. in whom the Catholics had hopes. He had made a great + speech; not only a great speech, but a great impression. His matter + certainly was not new, but well arranged, and his images not singularly + original, but appositely introduced; in short, a bore, who, speaking on a + subject in which a new hand is indulged, and connected with the families + whose cause he was pleading, was for once courteously listened to by the + very men who determined to avenge themselves for their complaisance by a + cough on the first opportunity. But the orator was prudent; he reserved + himself, and the session closed with his fame yet full-blown. + </p> + <p> + Then there were country neighbours in great store, with wives that were + treasures, and daughters fresh as flowers. Among them we would + particularise two gentlemen. They were great proprietors, and Catholics + and Baronets, and consoled themselves by their active maintenance of the + game-laws for their inability to regulate their neighbours by any other. + One was Sir Chetwode Chetwode of Chetwode; the other was Sir Tichborne + Tichborne of Tichborne. It was not easy to see two men less calculated to + be the slaves of a foreign and despotic power, which we all know Catholics + are. Tall, and robust, and rosy, with hearts even stouter than their massy + frames, they were just the characters to assemble in Runnymede, and + probably, even at the present day, might have imitated their ancestors, + even in their signatures. In disposition they were much the same, though + they were friends. In person there were some differences, but they were + slight. Sir Chetwode’s hair was straight and white; Sir Tichborne’s brown + and curly. Sir Chetwode’s eyes were blue; Sir Tichborne’s grey. + </p> + <p> + Sir Chetwode’s nose was perhaps a snub; Sir Tichborne’s was certainly a + bottle. Sir Chetwode was somewhat garrulous, and was often like a man at a + play, in the wrong box! Sir Tichborne was somewhat taciturn; but when he + spoke, it was always to the purpose, and made an impression, even if it + were not new. Both were kind hearts; but Sir Chetwode was jovial, Sir + Tichborne rather stern. Sir Chetwode often broke into a joke; Sir + Tichborne sometimes backed into a sneer. . + </p> + <p> + A few of these characters were made known by Mr. Dacre to his young + friend, but not many, and in an easy way; those that stood nearest. + Introduction is a formality and a bore, and is never resorted to by your + well-bred host, save in a casual way. When proper people meet at proper + houses, they give each other credit for propriety, and slide into an + acquaintance by degrees. The first day they catch a name; the next, they + ask you whether you are the son of General——. ‘No; he was my + uncle.’ ‘Ah! I knew him well. A worthy soul!’ And then the thing is + settled. You ride together, shoot, or fence, or hunt. A game of billiards + will do no great harm; and when you part, you part with a hope that you + may meet again. + </p> + <p> + Lord Mildmay was glad to meet with the son of an old friend. He knew the + late Duke well, and loved him better. It is pleasant to hear our fathers + praised. We, too, may inherit their virtues with their lands, or cash, or + bonds; and, scapegraces as we are, it is agreeable to find a precedent for + the blood turning out well. And, after all, there is no feeling more + thoroughly delightful than to be conscious that the kind being from whose + loins we spring, and to whom we cling with an innate and overpowering + love, is viewed by others with regard, with reverence, or with admiration. + There is no pride like the pride of ancestry, for it is a blending of all + emotions. How immeasurably superior to the herd is the man whose father + only is famous! Imagine, then, the feelings of one who can trace his line + through a thousand years of heroes and of princes! + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis dinner! hour that I have loved as loves the bard the twilight; but no + more those visions rise that once were wont to spring in my quick fancy. + The dream is past, the spell is broken, and even the lore on which I + pondered in my first youth is strange as figures in Egyptian tombs. + </p> + <p> + No more, no more, oh! never more to me, that hour shall bring its rapture + and its bliss! No more, no more, oh! never more for me, shall Flavour sit + upon her thousand thrones, and, like a syren with a sunny smile, win to + renewed excesses, each more sweet! My feasting days are over: me no more + the charms of fish, or flesh, still less of fowl, can make the fool of + that they made before. The fricandeau is like a dream of early love; the + fricassee, with which I have so often flirted, is like the tattle of the + last quadrille; and no longer are my dreams haunted with the dark passion + of the rich ragoût. Ye soups! o’er whose creation I have watched, like + mothers o’er their sleeping child! Ye sauces! to which I have even lent a + name, where are ye now? Tickling, perchance, the palate of some easy + friend, who quite forgets the boon companion whose presence once lent + lustre even to his ruby wine and added perfume to his perfumed hock! + </p> + <p> + Our Duke, however, had not reached the age of retrospection. He pecked as + prettily as any bird. Seated on the right hand of his delightful hostess, + nobody could be better pleased; supervised by his jäger, who stood behind + his chair, no one could be better attended. He smiled, with the calm, + amiable complacency of a man who feels the world is quite right. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Châtelaine of Castle Dacre</i> +</pre> + <p> + HOW is your Grace’s horse, Sans-pareil?’ asked Sir Chetwode Chetwode of + Chetwode of the Duke of St. James, shooting at the same time a sly glance + at his opposite neighbour, Sir Tichborne Tichborne of Tichborne. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, sir,’ said the Duke in his quietest tone, but with an air + which, he flattered himself, might repress further inquiry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he got over his fatigue?’ pursued the dogged Baronet, with a short, + gritty laugh, that sounded like a loose drag-chain dangling against the + stones. ‘We all thought the Yorkshire air would not agree with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet, Sir Chetwode, that could hardly be your opinion of Sanspareil,’ said + Miss Dacre, ‘for I think, if I remember right, I had the pleasure of + making you encourage our glove manufactory.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Chetwode looked a little confused. The Duke of St. James, inspirited + by his fair ally, rallied, and hoped Sir Chetwode did not back his steed + to a fatal extent. ‘If,’ continued he, ‘I had had the slightest idea that + any friend of Miss Dacre was indulging in such an indiscretion, I + certainly would have interfered, and have let him known that the horse was + not to win.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that a fact?’ asked Sir Tichborne Tichborne of Tichborne, with a + sturdy voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can a Yorkshireman doubt it?’ rejoined the Duke. ‘Was it possible for + anyone but a mere Newmarket dandy to have entertained for a moment the + supposition that anyone but May Dacre should be the Queen of the St. + Leger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard something of this before,’ said Sir Tichborne, ‘but I did + not believe it. A young friend of mine consulted me upon the subject. + “Would you advise me,” said he, “to settle?” “Why,” said I, “if you can + prove any bubble, my opinion is, don’t; but if you cannot prove anything, + my opinion is, do.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very just! very true!’ were murmured by many in the neighbourhood of the + oracle; by no one with more personal sincerity than Lady Tichborne + herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will write to my young friend,’ continued the Baronet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no!’ said Miss Dacre. ‘His Grace’s candour must not be abused. I have + no idea of being robbed of my well-earned honours. Sir Tichborne, private + conversation must be respected, and the sanctity of domestic life must not + be profaned. If the tactics of Doncaster are no longer to be fair war, + why, half the families in the Riding will be ruined!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Still,’—said Sir Tichborne. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Dacre, like a deity in a Trojan battle, interposed, and asked his + opinion of a keeper. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you are a sportsman,’ said Miss Dacre to the Duke, ‘for this is + the palace of Nimrod!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have hunted; it was not very disagreeable. I sometimes shoot; it is not + very stupid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, in fact, I perceive that you are a heretic. Lord Faulconcourt, his + Grace is moralising on the barbarity of the chase.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he has never had the pleasure of hunting in company with Miss + Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you indeed follow the hounds?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sometimes do worse, ride over them; but Lord Faulconcourt is fast + emancipating me from the trammels of my frippery foreign education, and I + have no doubt that, in another season, I shall fling off quite in style.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember Mr. Annesley?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is difficult to forget him. He always seemed to me to think that the + world was made on purpose for him to have the pleasure of “cutting” it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet he was your admirer!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and once paid me a compliment. He told me it was the only one that + he had ever uttered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Charley, Charley! this is excellent. We shall have a tale when we + meet. What was the compliment?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be affectation in me to pretend that I have forgotten it. + Nevertheless, you must excuse me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, pray let me have it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you will not like it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, I must hear it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then, he said that talking to me was the only thing that consoled + him for having to dine with you and to dance with Lady Shropshire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles is jealous,’ drawled the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of her Grace?’ asked Miss Dacre, with much anxiety. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but Charles is aged, and once, when he dined with me, was taken for + my uncle.’ + </p> + <p> + The ladies retired, and the gentlemen sat barbarously long. Sir Chetwode + Chetwode of Chetwode and Sir Tichborne Tichborne of Tichborne were two men + who drank wine independent of fashion, and exacted, to the last glass, the + identical quantity which their fathers had drunk half a century before, + and to which they had been used almost from their cradle. The only subject + of conversation was sporting. Terrible shots, more terrible runs, neat + barrels, and pretty fencers. The Duke of St. James was not sufficiently + acquainted with the geography of the mansion to make a premature retreat, + an operation which is looked upon with an evil eye, and which, to be + successful, must be prompt and decisive, and executed with supercilious + nonchalance. So he consoled himself by a little chat with Lord Mildmay, + who sat smiling, handsome, and mustachioed, with an empty glass, and who + was as much out of water as he was out of wine. The Duke was not very + learned in Parisian society; but still, with the aid of the Duchess de + Berri and the Duchess de Duras, Léontine Fay, and Lady Stuart de Rothesay, + they got on, and made out the time until Purgatory ceased and Paradise + opened. + </p> + <p> + For Paradise it was, although there were there assembled some thirty or + forty persons not less dull than the majority of our dull race, and in + those little tactics that make society less burdensome perhaps even less + accomplished. But a sunbeam will make even the cloudiest day break into + smiles; a bounding fawn will banish monotony even from a wilderness; and a + glass of claret, or perchance some stronger grape, will convert even the + platitude of a goblet of water into a pleasing beverage, and so May Dacre + moved among her guests, shedding light, life, and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + She was not one who, shrouded in herself, leaves it to chance or fate to + amuse the beings whom she has herself assembled within her halls. + Nonchalance is the <i>métier</i> of your modern hostess; and so long as + the house be not on fire, or the furniture not kicked, you may be even + ignorant who is the priestess of the hospitable fane in which you worship. + </p> + <p> + They are right; men shrink from a fussy woman. And few can aspire to + regulate the destinies of their species, even in so slight a point as an + hour’s amusement, without rare powers. There is no greater sin than to be + <i>trop prononcée</i>. A want of tact is worse than a want of virtue. Some + women, it is said, work on pretty well against the tide without the last: + I never knew one who did not sink who ever dared to sail without the + first. + </p> + <p> + Loud when they should be low, quoting the wrong person, talking on the + wrong subject, teasing with notice, excruciating with attentions, + disturbing a tête-à -tête in order to make up a dance; wasting eloquence in + persuading a man to participate in amusement whose reputation depends on + his social sullenness; exacting homage with a restless eye, and not + permitting the least worthy knot to be untwined without their + divinityships’ interference; patronising the meek, anticipating the slow, + intoxicated with compliment, plastering with praise, that you in return + may gild with flattery; in short, energetic without elegance, active + without grace, and loquacious without wit; mistaking bustle for style, + raillery for badinage, and noise for gaiety, these are the characters who + mar the very career they think they are creating, and who exercise a fatal + influence on the destinies of all those who have the misfortune to be + connected with them. + </p> + <p> + Not one of these was she, the lady of our tale. There was a quiet dignity + lurking even under her easiest words and actions which made you feel her + notice a compliment: there was a fascination in her calm smile and in her + sunlit eye which made her invitation to amusement itself a pleasure. If + you refused, you were not pressed, but left to that isolation which you + appeared to admire; if you assented, you were rewarded with a word which + made you feel how sweet was such society! Her invention never flagged, her + gaiety never ceased; yet both were spontaneous, and often were unobserved. + All felt amused, and all were unconsciously her agents. Her word and her + example seemed, each instant, to call forth from her companions new + accomplishments, new graces, new sources of joy and of delight. All were + surprised that they were so agreeable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Love’s Young Dream</i> +</pre> + <p> + MORNING came, and the great majority of the gentlemen rose early as + Aurora. The chase is the favourite pastime of man and boy; yet some + preferred plundering their host’s preserves, by which means their slumbers + were not so brief and their breakfast less disturbed. The <i>battue</i>, + however, in time, called forth its band, and then one by one, or two by + two, or sometimes even three, leaning on each other’s arms and smiling in + each other’s faces, the ladies dropped into the breakfast-room at Castle + Dacre. There, until two o’clock, a lounging meal might always be obtained, + but generally by twelve the coast was clear; for our party were a natural + race of beings, and would have blushed if flaming noon had caught them + napping in their easy couches. Our bright bird, May Dacre, too, rose from + her bower, full of the memory of the sweetest dreams, and fresh as lilies + ere they kiss the sun. + </p> + <p> + She bends before her ivory crucifix, and gazes on her blessed mother’s + face, where the sweet Florentine had tinged with light a countenance + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Too fair for worship, too divine for love! +</pre> + <p> + And innocence has prayed for fresh support, and young devotion told her + holy beads. She rises with an eye of mellowed light, and her soft cheek is + tinted with the flush that comes from prayer. Guard over her, ye angels! + wheresoe’er and whatsoe’er ye are! For she shall be your meet companion in + an after-day. Then love your gentle friend, this sinless child of clay! + </p> + <p> + The morning passed as mornings ever pass where twenty women, for the most + part pretty, are met together. Some read, some drew, some worked, all + talked. Some wandered in the library, and wondered why such great books + were written. One sketched a favourite hero in the picture gallery, a + Dacre, who had saved the State or Church, had fought at Cressy, or + flourished at Windsor: another picked a flower out of the conservatory, + and painted its powdered petals. Here, a purse, half-made, promised, when + finished quite, to make some hero happy. Then there was chat about the + latest fashions, caps and bonnets, <i>séduisantes</i>, and sleeves. As the + day grew’ old, some rode, some walked, some drove. A pony-chair was Lady + Faulconcourt’s delight, whose arm was roundly turned and graced the whip; + while, on the other hand, Lady St. Jerome rather loved to try the paces of + an ambling nag, because her figure was of the sublime; and she looked not + unlike an Amazonian queen, particularly when Lord Mildmay was her Theseus. + </p> + <p> + He was the most consummate, polished gentleman that ever issued from the + court of France. He did his friend Dacre the justice to suppose that he + was a victim to his barbarous guests; but for the rest of the galloping + crew, who rode and shot all day, and in the evening fell asleep just when + they were wanted, he shrugged his shoulders, and he thanked his stars! In + short, Lord Mildmay was the ladies’ man; and in their morning dearth of + beaux, to adopt their unanimous expression, ‘quite a host!’ + </p> + <p> + Then there was archery for those who could draw a bow or point an arrow; + and we are yet to learn the sight that is more dangerous for your bachelor + to witness, or the ceremony which more perfectly develops all that the sex + would wish us to remark, than this ‘old English’ custom. + </p> + <p> + With all these resources, all was, of course, free and easy as the air. + Your appearance was your own act. If you liked, you might have remained, + like a monk or nun, in your cell till dinner-time, but no later. Privacy + and freedom are granted you in the morning, that you may not exhaust your + powers of pleasing before night, and that you may reserve for those + favoured hours all the new ideas that you have collected in the course of + your morning adventures. + </p> + <p> + But where was he, the hero of our tale? Fencing? Craning? Hitting? + Missing? Is he over, or is he under? Has he killed, or is he killed? for + the last is but the chance of war, and pheasants have the pleasure of + sometimes seeing as gay birds as themselves with plumage quite as + shattered. But there is no danger of the noble countenance of the Duke of + St. James bearing to-day any evidence of the exploits of himself or his + companions. His Grace was in one of his sublime fits, and did not rise. + Luigi consoled himself for the bore of this protracted attendance by + diddling the page-in-waiting at dominos. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James was in one of his sublime fits. He had commenced by + thinking of May Dacre, and he ended by thinking of himself. He was under + that delicious and dreamy excitement which we experience when the image of + a lovely and beloved object begins to mix itself up with our own intense + self-love. She was the heroine rather of an indefinite reverie than of + definite romance. Instead of his own image alone playing about his fancy, + her beautiful face and springing figure intruded their exquisite presence. + He no longer mused merely on his own voice and wit: he called up her tones + of thrilling power; he imagined her in all the triumph of her gay + repartee. In his mind’s eye, he clearly watched all the graces of her + existence. She moved, she gazed, she smiled. Now he was alone, and walking + with her in some rich wood, sequestered, warm, solemn, dim, feeding on the + music of her voice, and gazing with intenseness on the wakening passion of + her devoted eye. Now they rode together, scudded over champaign, galloped + down hills, scampered through valleys, all life, and gaiety, and vivacity, + and spirit. Now they were in courts and crowds; and he led her with pride + to the proudest kings. He covered her with jewels; but the world thought + her brighter than his gems. Now they met in the most unexpected and + improbable manner: now they parted with a tenderness which subdued their + souls even more than rapture. Now he saved her life: now she blessed his + existence. Now his reverie was too vague and misty to define its subject. + It was a stream of passion, joy, sweet voices, tender tones, exulting + hopes, beaming faces, chaste embraces, immortal transports! + </p> + <p> + It was three o’clock, and for the twentieth time our hero made an effort + to recall himself to the realities of life. How cold, how tame, how + lifeless, how imperfect, how inconsecutive, did everything appear! This is + the curse of reverie. But they who revel in its pleasures must bear its + pains, and are content. Yet it wears out the brain, and unfits us for + social life. They who indulge in it most are the slaves of solitude. They + wander in a wilderness, and people it with their voices. They sit by the + side of running waters, with an eye more glassy than the stream. The sight + of a human being scares them more than a wild beast does a traveller; the + conduct of life, when thrust upon their notice, seems only a tissue of + adventures without point; and, compared with the creatures of their + imagination, human nature seems to send forth only abortions. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must up,’ said the young Duke; ‘and this creature on whom I have lived + for the last eight hours, who has, in herself, been to me the universe, + this constant companion, this cherished friend, whose voice was passion + and whose look was love, will meet me with all the formality of a young + lady, all the coldness of a person who has never even thought of me since + she saw me last. Damnable delusion! To-morrow I will get up and hunt.’ + </p> + <p> + He called Luigi, and a shower-bath assisted him in taking a more healthy + view of affairs. Yet his faithful fancy recurred to her again. He must + indulge it a little. He left off dressing and flung himself in a chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet,’ he continued, ‘when I think of it again, there surely can be no + reason that this should not turn into a romance of real life. I perceived + that she was a little piqued when we first met at Don-caster. Very + natural! Very flattering! I should have been piqued. Certainly, I behaved + decidedly ill. But how, in the name of Heaven, was I to know that she was + the brightest little being that ever breathed! Well, I am here now! She + has got her wish. And I think an evident alteration has already taken + place. But she must not melt too quickly. She will not; she will do + nothing but what is exquisitely proper. How I do love this child! I dote + upon her very image. It is the very thing that I have always been wanting. + The women call me inconstant. I have never been constant. But they will + not listen to us without we feign feelings, and then they upbraid us for + not being influenced by them. I have sighed, I have sought, I have wept, + for what I now have found. What would she give to know what is passing in + my mind! By Heavens! there is no blood in England that has a better chance + of being a Duchess!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Le Roi S’Amuse</i> +</pre> + <p> + A CANTER is the cure for every evil, and brings the mind back to itself + sooner than all the lessons of Chrysippus and Crantor. It is the only + process that at the same time calms the feelings and elevates the spirits, + banishes blue devils and raises one to the society of ‘angels ever bright + and fair.’ It clears the mind; it cheers the heart. It is the best + preparation for all enterprises, for it puts a man in good humour both + with the world and himself; and, whether you are going to make a speech or + scribble a scene, whether you are about to conquer the world or yourself, + order your horse. As you bound along, your wit will brighten and your + eloquence blaze, your courage grow more adamantine, and your generous + feelings burn with a livelier flame. And when the exercise is over the + excitement does not cease, as when it grows from music, for your blood is + up, and the brilliancy of your eye is fed by your bubbling pulses. Then, + my young friend, take my advice: rush into the world, and triumph will + grow out of your quick life, like Victory bounding from the palm of Jove! + </p> + <p> + Our Duke ordered his horses, and as he rattled along recovered from the + enervating effects of his soft reverie. On his way home he fell in with + Mr. Dacre and the two Baronets, returning on their hackneys from a hard + fought field. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gay sport?’ asked his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘A capital run. I think the last forty minutes the most splitting thing we + have had for a long time!’ answered Sir Chetwode. ‘I only hope Jack Wilson + will take care of poor Fanny. I did not half like leaving her. Your Grace + does not join us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean to do so; but I am, unfortunately, a late riser.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Sir Tichborne. The monosyllable meant much. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a horse which I think will suit your Grace,’ said Mr. Dacre, ‘and + to which, in fact, you are entitled, for it bears the name of your house. + You have ridden Hauteville, Sir Tichborne?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; fine animal!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall certainly try his powers,’ said the Duke. ‘When is your next + field-day?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thursday,’ said Sir Tichborne; ‘but we shall be too early for you, I am + afraid,’ with a gruff smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no!’ said the young Duke, who saw his man; ‘I assure you I have been + up to-day nearly two hours. Let us get on.’ + </p> + <p> + The first person that his Grace’s eye met, when he entered the room in + which they assembled before dinner, was Mrs. Dallington Vere. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was a favourite moment with the Duke of St. James during this visit + at Castle Dacre, since it was the only time in the day that, thanks to his + rank, which he now doubly valued, he could enjoy a tête-à -tête with its + blooming mistress. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to hunt,’ said the Duke, ‘and I am to ride Hauteville. I hope + you will set me an example on Thursday, and that I shall establish my + character with Sir Tichborne.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am to lead on that day a bold band of archers. I have already too much + neglected my practising, and I fear that my chance of the silver arrow is + slight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have betted upon you with everybody,’ said the Duke of St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Remember Doncaster! I am afraid that May Dacre will again be the occasion + of your losing your money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But now I am on the right side. Together we must conquer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a presentiment that our union will not be a fortunate one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I am ruined,’ said his Grace with rather a serious tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you have not really staked anything upon such nonsense?’ said Miss + Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have staked everything,’ said his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Talking of stakes,’ said Lord St. Jerome, who pricked up his ears at a + congenial subject, ‘do you know what they are going to do about that + affair of Anderson’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What does he say for himself?’ asked Sir Chetwode. + </p> + <p> + ‘He says that he had no intention of embezzling the money, but that, as he + took it for granted the point could never be decided, he thought it was + against the usury laws to allow money to lie idle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That fellow has always got an answer,’ said Sir Tichborne. ‘I hate men + who have always got an answer. There is no talking common sense with + them.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke made his escape to-day, and, emboldened by his illustrious + example, Charles Faulcon, Lord St. Jerome, and some other heroes followed, + to the great disgust of Sir Chetwode and Sir Tichborne. + </p> + <p> + As the evening glided on conversation naturally fell upon the amusements + of society. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure we are tired of dancing every night,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘I + wonder if we could introduce any novelty. What think you, Bertha? You can + always suggest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember the <i>tableaux vivants</i>?’ said Mrs. Dallington Vere. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful! but too elaborate a business, I fear, for us. We want + something more impromptu. The <i>tableaux</i> are nothing without + brilliant and accurate costume, and to obtain that we must work at least + for a week, and then, after all, in all probability, a failure. <i>Ils + sont trop recherchés</i>,’ she said, lowering her voice to Mrs. + Dallington, ‘<i>pour nous ici</i>. They must spring out of a society used + to such exhibitions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a costume dress here,’ said the Duke of + </p> + <p> + St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I have a uniform,’ said Lord Mildmay. + </p> + <p> + ‘And then,’ said Mrs. Dallington, ‘there are cashmeres, and scarfs, and + jewels to be collected. I see, however, you think it impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear so. However, we will think of it. In the meantime, what shall we + do now? Suppose we act a fairy tale?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None of the girls can act,’ said Mrs. Dallington, with a look of kind + pity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us teach them. That itself will be an amusement. Suppose we act + Cinderella? There is the music of Cendrillon, and you can compose, when + necessary, as you go on. Clara Howard!’ said May Dacre, ‘come here, love! + We want you to be Cinderella in a little play.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I act! oh! dear May! How can you laugh at me so! I cannot act.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not have to speak. Only just move about as I direct you while + Bertha plays music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! dear May, I cannot, indeed! I never did act. Ask Eugenia!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eugenia! If you are afraid, I am sure she will faint. I asked you because + I thought you were just the person for it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But only think,’ said poor Clara, with an imploring voice, ‘to act, May! + Why, acting is the most difficult thing in the world. Acting is quite a + dreadful thing. I know many ladies who will not act.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But it is not acting, Clara. Well! I will be Cinderella, and you shall be + one of the sisters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, dear May!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, the Fairy?’ ‘No, dear, dear, dear May!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Duke of St. James, what am I to do with this rebellious troop?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me be Cinderella!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is astonishing,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘the difficulty which you encounter + in England, if you try to make people the least amusing or vary the + regular dull routine, which announces dancing as the beautiful of + diversions and cards as the sublime.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are barbarians,’ said the Duke. ‘We were not,’ said May Dacre. ‘What + are <i>tableaux</i>, or acted charades, or romances, to masques, which + were the splendid and various amusement of our ancestors. Last Christmas + we performed “Comus” here with great effect; but then we had Arundel, and + he is an admirable actor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Curse Arundel!’ thought the Duke. ‘I had forgotten him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not wonder,’ said Mrs. Dallington Vere, ‘at people objecting to act + regular plays, for, independently of the objections, not that I think + anything of them myself, which are urged against “private theatricals,” + the fact is, to get up a play is a tremendous business, and one or two is + your bound. But masques, where there is so little to learn by rote, a + great consideration, where music and song are so exquisitely introduced, + where there is such an admirable opportunity for brilliant costume, and + where the scene may be beautiful without change—such an important + point—I cannot help wondering that this national diversion is not + revived.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose we were to act a romance without the costume?’ said the Duke. + ‘Let us consider it a rehearsal. And perhaps the Misses Howard will have + no objection to sing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is difficult to find a suitable romance,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘All our + modern English ones are too full of fine poetry. We tried once an old + ballad, but it was too long. Last Christmas we got up a good many, and + Arundel, Isabella, and myself used to scribble some nonsense for the + occasion. But I am afraid they are all either burnt or taken away. I will + look in the music-case.’ + </p> + <p> + She went to the music-case with the Duke and Mrs. Dallington. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ she continued; ‘not one, not a single one. But what are these?’ She + looked at some lines written in pencil in a music-book. ‘Oh! here is + something; too slight, but it will do. You see,’ she continued, reading it + to the Duke, ‘by the introduction of the same line in every verse, + describing the same action, a back-scene is, as it were, created, and the + story, if you can call it such, proceeds in front. Really, I think, we + might make something of this.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dacre and some others were at whist. The two Baronets were together, + talking over the morning’s sport. Ecarté covered a flirtation between Lord + Mildmay and Lady St. Jerome. Miss Dacre assembled her whole troop; and, + like a manager with a new play, read in the midst of them the ballad, and + gave them directions for their conduct. A japan screen was unfolded at the + end of the room. Two couches indicated the limits of the stage. Then + taking her guitar, she sang with a sweet voice and arch simplicity these + simpler lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I. + + Childe Dacre stands in his father’s hall, + While all the rest are dancing; + Childe Dacre gazes on the wall, + While brightest eyes are glancing. + Then prythee tell me, gentles gay! + What makes our Childe so dull to-day? +</pre> + <p> + Each verse was repeated. + </p> + <p> + In the background they danced a cotillon. + </p> + <p> + In the front, the Duke of St. James, as Childe Dacre, leant against the + wall, with arms folded and eyes fixed; in short, in an attitude which + commanded great applause. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + II. + + I cannot tell, unless it be, + While all the rest are dancing, + The Lady Alice, on the sea, + With brightest eyes is glancing, + Or muses on the twilight hour + Will bring Childe Dacre to her bower. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Dallington Vere advances as the Lady Alice. Her walk is abrupt, her + look anxious and distracted; she seems to be listening for some signal. + She falls into a musing attitude, motionless and graceful as a statue. + Clara Howard alike marvels at her genius and her courage. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + III. + + Childe Dacre hears the curfew chime, + While all the rest are dancing; + Unless I find a fitting rhyme, + Oh! here ends my romancing! + But see! her lover’s at her feet! + Oh! words of joy! oh! meeting sweet! +</pre> + <p> + The Duke advances, chivalric passion in his every gesture. The Lady Alice + rushes to his arms with that look of trembling transport which tells the + tale of stolen love. They fall into a group which would have made the + fortune of an Annual. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + IV. + + Then let us hope, when next I sing, + And all the rest are dancing, + Our Childe a gentle bride may bring, + All other joys enhancing. + Then we will bless the twilight hour + That call’d him to a lady’s bower. +</pre> + <p> + The Duke led Mrs. Dallington to the dancers with courtly grace. There was + great applause, but the spirit of fun and one-and-twenty inspired him, and + he led off a gallop. In fact, it was an elegant romp. The two Baronets + started from their slumbers, and Lord Mildmay called for Mademoiselle + Dacre. The call was echoed. Miss Dacre yielded to the public voice, and + acted to the life the gratified and condescending air of a first-rate + performer. Lord Mildmay called for Madame Dallington. Miss Dacre led on + her companion as Sontag would Malibran. There was no wreath at hand, but + the Duke of St. James robbed his coat of its rose, and offered it on his + knee to Mademoiselle, who presented it with Parisian feeling to her rival. + The scene was as superb as anything at the <i>Académie</i>. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>An Impromptu Excursion</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘WE CERTAINLY must have a masque,’ said the young Duke, as he threw + himself into his chair, satisfied with his performance. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must open Hauteville with one,’ said Mrs. Dallington. + </p> + <p> + ‘A capital idea; but we will practise at Dacre first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When is Hauteville to be finished?’ asked Mrs. Dallington. ‘I shall + really complain if we are to be kept out of it much longer. I believe I am + the only person in the Riding who has not been there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been there,’ said the Duke, ‘and am afraid I must go again; for + Sir Carte has just come down for a few days, and I promised to meet him. + It is a sad bore. I wish it were finished.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take me with you,’ said Mrs. Dallington; ‘take us all, and let us make a + party.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An admirable idea,’ exclaimed the young Duke, with a brightening + countenance. ‘What admirable ideas you have, Mrs. Dallington! This is, + indeed, turning business into pleasure! What says our hostess?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will join you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow, then?’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow! You are rapid!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never postpone, never prepare: that is your own rule. To-morrow, + to-morrow, all must go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa, will you go to-morrow to Hauteville?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you serious?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Miss Dacre: ‘we never postpone; we never prepare.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But do not you think a day, at least, had better intervene?’ urged Mr. + Dacre; ‘we shall be unexpected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I vote for to-morrow,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow!’ was the universal exclamation. Tomorrow was carried. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will write to Blanche at once,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dallington Vere ran for the writing materials, and his Grace indicted + the following pithy note:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Half-past Ten, Castle Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Sir Carte, + </p> + <p> + ‘Our party here intend to honour Hauteville with a visit to-morrow, and + anticipate the pleasure of viewing the improvements, with yourself for + their cicerone. Let Rawdon know immediately of this. They tell me here + that the sun rises about six. As we shall not be with you till noon, I + have no doubt your united energies will be able to make all requisite + preparations. We may be thirty or forty. Believe me, dear Sir Carte, + </p> + <p> + ‘Your faithful servant, + </p> + <p> + ‘St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Carlstein bears this, which you will receive in an hour. Let me have a + line by return.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Charms of Hauteville</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT WAS a morning all dew and sunshine, soft yet bright, just fit for a + hawking party, for dames of high degree, feathered cavaliers, ambling + palfreys, and tinkling bells. Our friends rose early, and assembled + punctually. All went, and all went on horseback; but they sent before some + carriages for the return, in case the ladies should be wearied with + excessive pleasure. The cavalcade, for it was no less, broke into parties + which were often out of sight of each other. The Duke and Lord St. Jerome, + Clara Howard and Charles Faulcon, Miss Dacre and Mrs. Dallington, formed + one, and, as they flattered themselves, not the least brilliant. They were + all in high spirits, and his Grace lectured on riding-habits with erudite + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Their road lay through a country wild and woody, where crag and copse + beautifully intermixed with patches of rich cultivation. Halfway, they + passed Rosemount, a fanciful pavilion where the Dukes of St. James + sometimes sought that elegant simplicity which was not afforded by all the + various charms of their magnificent Hauteville. At length they arrived at + the park-gate of the castle, which might itself have passed for a + tolerable mansion. It was ancient and embattled, flanked by a couple of + sturdy towers, and gave a noble promise of the baronial pile which it + announced. The park was a petty principality; and its apparently + illimitable extent, its rich variety of surface, its ancient woods and + numerous deer, attracted the attention and the admiration even of those + who had been born in such magical enclosures. + </p> + <p> + Away they cantered over the turf, each moment with their blood more + sparkling. A turn in the road, and Hauteville, with its donjon keep and + lordly flag, and many-windowed line of long perspective, its towers, and + turrets, and terraces, bathed with the soft autumnal sun, met their glad + sight. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Majesty is welcome to my poor castle!’ said the young Duke, bowing + with head uncovered to Miss Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, we are at the best but captive princesses about to be immured in + that fearful keep; and this is the way you mock us!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am content that you shall be my prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A struggle for freedom!’ said Miss Dacre, looking back to Mrs. + Dallington, and she galloped towards the castle. + </p> + <p> + Lord Mildmay and Lady St. Jerome cantered up, and the rest soon assembled. + Sir Carte came forward, all smiles, with a clerk of the works bearing a + portfolio of plans. A crowd of servants, for the Duke maintained an + establishment at Hauteville, advanced, and the fair equestrians were + dismounted. They shook their habits and their curls, vowed that riding was + your only exercise, and that dust in the earthly economy was a blunder. + And then they entered the castle. + </p> + <p> + Room after room, gallery after gallery; you know the rest. Shall we + describe the silk hangings and the reverend tapestry, the agate tables and + the tall screens, the china and the armour, the state beds and the curious + cabinets, and the family pictures mixed up so quaintly with Italian and + Flemish art? But we pass from meek Madonnas and seraphic saints, from + gleaming Claudes and Guidos soft as Eve, from Rubens’s satyrs and Albano’s + boys, and even from those gay and natural medleys, paintings that cheer + the heart, where fruit and flower, with their brilliant bloom, call to a + feast the butterfly and bee; we pass from these to square-headed ancestors + by Holbein, all black velvet and gold chains; cavaliers, by Vandyke, all + lace and spurs, with pointed beards, that did more execution even than + their pointed swords; patriots and generals, by Kneller, in Blenheim wigs + and Steen-kirk cravats, all robes and armour; scarlet judges that + supported ship-money, and purple bishops, who had not been sent to the + Tower. Here was a wit who had sipped his coffee at Button’s, and there + some mad Alcibiades duke who had exhausted life ere he had finished youth, + and yet might be consoled for all his flashing follies could he witness + the bright eyes that lingered on his countenance, while they glanced over + all the patriotism and all the piety, all the illustrious courage and all + the historic craft, which, when living, it was daily told him that he had + shamed. Ye dames with dewy eyes that Lely drew! have we forgotten you? No! + by that sleepy loveliness that reminds us that night belongs to beauty, ye + were made for memory! And oh! our grandmothers, that we now look upon as + girls, breathing in Reynolds’s playful canvas, let us also pay our homage + to your grace! + </p> + <p> + The chapel, where you might trace art from the richly Gothic tomb, + designed by some neighbouring abbot, to the last effort of Flaxman; the + riding-house, where, brightly framed, looked down upon you with a courtly + smile the first and gartered duke, who had been Master of the Horse, were + alike visited, and alike admired. They mounted the summit of the round + tower, and looked around upon the broad county, which they were proud to + call their own. Amid innumerable seats, where blazed the hearths of the + best blood of England, they recognised, with delight, the dome of Dacre + and the woods of Dallington. They walked along a terrace not unworthy of + the promenade of a court; they visited the flower gardens, where the + peculiar style of every nation was in turn imitated; they loitered in the + vast conservatories, which were themselves a palace; they wandered in the + wilderness, where the invention of consummate art presented them with the + ideal of nature. In this poetic solitude, where all was green, and still, + and sweet, or where the only sound was falling water or fluttering birds, + the young Duke recurred to the feelings which, during the last momentous + week, had so mastered his nature, and he longed to wind his arm round the + beautiful being without whom this enchanting domain was a dreary waste. + </p> + <p> + They assembled in a green retreat, where the energetic Sir Carte had + erected a marquée, and where a collation greeted the eyes of those who + were well prepared for it. Rawdon had also done his duty, and the guests, + who were aware of the sudden manner in which the whole affair had arisen, + wondered at the magic which had produced a result worthy of a week’s + preparation. But it is a great thing to be a young Duke. The pasties, and + the venison, and the game, the pines, and the peaches, and the grapes, the + cakes, and the confectionery, and the ices, which proved that the + still-room at Hauteville was not an empty name, were all most popular. But + the wines, they were marvellous! And as the finest cellars in the country + had been ransacked for excellence and variety, it is not wonderful that + their produce obtained a panegyric. There was hock of a century old, which + made all stare, though we, for our part, cannot see, or rather taste, the + beauty of this antiquity. Wine, like woman, in our opinion, should not be + too old, so we raise our altar to the infant Bacchus; but this is not the + creed of the million, nor was it the persuasion of Sir Chetwode Chetwode + or of Sir Tichborne Tichborne, good judges both. The Johannisberger quite + converted them. They no longer disliked the young Duke. They thought him a + fool, to be sure, but at the same time a good-natured one. In the + meantime, all were interested, and Carlstein with his key bugle, from out + a neighbouring brake, afforded the only luxury that was wanting. + </p> + <p> + It is six o’clock, carriages are ordered, and horses are harnessed. Back, + back to Dacre! But not at the lively rate at which they had left that + lordly hall this morning. They are all alike inclined to move slowly; they + are silent, yet serene and satisfied; they ponder upon the reminiscences + of a delightful morning, and also of a delightful meal. Perhaps they are a + little weary; perhaps they wish to gaze upon the sunset. + </p> + <p> + It is eight o’clock, and they enter the park gates. Dinner is universally + voted a bore, even by the Baronets. Coffee covers the retreat of many a + wearied bird to her evening bower. The rest lounge on a couch or sofa, or + chew the cud of memory on an ottoman. It was a day of pleasure which had + been pleasant. That was certain: but that was past. Who is to be Duchess + of St. James? Answer this. May Dacre, or Bertha Vere, or Clara Howard? + Lady St. Jerome, is it to be a daughter of thy house? Lady Faulconcourt, + art thou to be hailed as the unrivalled mother?’ Tis mystery all, as must + always be the future of this world. We muse, we plan, we hope, but naught + is certain but that which is naught; for, a question answered, a doubt + satisfied, an end attained; what are they but fit companions for clothes + out of fashion, cracked china, and broken fans? + </p> + <p> + Our hero was neither wearied nor sleepy, for his mind was too full of + exciting fancies to think of the interests of his body. As all were + withdrawing, he threw his cloak about him and walked on the terrace. It + was a night soft as the rhyme that sighs from Rogers’ shell, and brilliant + as a phrase just turned by Moore. The thousand stars smiled from their + blue pavilions, and the moon shed the mild light that makes a lover muse. + Fragrance came in airy waves from trees rich with the golden orange, and + from out the woods there ever and anon arose a sound, deep and yet hushed, + and mystical, and soft. It could not be the wind! + </p> + <p> + His heart was full, his hopes were sweet, his fate pledged on a die. And + in this shrine, where all was like his love, immaculate and beautiful, he + vowed a faith which had not been returned. Such is the madness of love! + Such is the magic of beauty! + </p> + <p> + Music rose upon the air. Some huntsmen were practising their horns. The + triumphant strain elevated his high hopes, the tender tone accorded with + his emotions. He paced up and down the terrace in excited reverie, fed by + the music. In imagination she was with him: she spoke, she smiled, she + loved. He gazed upon her beaming countenance: his soul thrilled with tones + which, only she could utter. He pressed her to his throbbing and + tumultuous breast! + </p> + <p> + The music stopped. He fell from his seventh heaven. He felt all the + exhaustion of his prolonged reverie. All was flat, dull, unpromising. The + moon seemed dim, the stars were surely fading, the perfume of the trees + was faint, the wind of the woods was a howling demon. Exhausted, + dispirited, ay! almost desperate, with a darkened soul and staggering + pace, he regained his chamber. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Pride Has a Fall</i> +</pre> + <p> + THERE is nothing more strange, but nothing more certain, than the + different influence which the seasons of night and day exercise upon the + moods of our minds. Him whom the moon sends to bed with a head full of + misty meaning the sun-will summon in the morning with a brain clear and + lucid as his beam. Twilight makes us pensive; Aurora is the goddess of + activity. Despair curses at midnight; Hope blesses at noon. + </p> + <p> + And the bright beams of Phoebus—why should this good old name be + forgotten?—called up our Duke rather later than a monk at matins, in + a less sublime disposition than that in which he had paced among the + orange-trees of Dacre. His passion remained, but his poetry was gone. He + was all confidence, and gaiety, and love, and panted for the moment when + he could place his mother’s coronet on the only head that was worthy to + share the proud fortunes of the house of Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + ‘Luigi, I will rise. What is going on to-day?’ ‘The gentlemen are all out, + your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the ladies?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are going to the Archery Ground, your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! she will be there, Luigi?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My robe, Luigi.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I forgot what I was going to say. Luigi!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, your Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Luigi, Luigi, Luigi,’ hummed the Duke, perfectly unconscious, and beating + time with his brush. His valet stared, but more when his lord, with eyes + fixed on the ground, fell into a soliloquy, not a word of which, most + provokingly, was audible, except to my reader. + </p> + <p> + ‘How beautiful she looked yesterday upon the keep when she tried to find + Dacre! I never saw such eyes in my life! I must speak to Lawrence + immediately. I think I must have her face painted in four positions, like + that picture of Lady Alice Gordon by Sir Joshua. Her full face is sublime; + and yet there is a piquancy in the profile, which I am not sure—and + yet again, when her countenance is a little bent towards you, and her neck + gently turned, I think that is, after all—but then when her eyes + meet yours, full! oh! yes! yes! yes! That first look at Doncaster! It is + impressed upon my brain like self-consciousness. I never can forget it. + But then her smile! When she sang on Tuesday night! By Heavens!’ he + exclaimed aloud, ‘life with such a creature is immortality!’ + </p> + <p> + About one o’clock the Duke descended into empty chambers. Not a soul was + to be seen. The birds had flown. He determined to go to the Archery + Ground. He opened the door of the music-room. + </p> + <p> + He found Miss Dacre alone at a table, writing. She looked up, and his + heart yielded as her eye met his. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not join the nymphs?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have lent my bow,’ she said, ‘to an able substitute.’ + </p> + <p> + She resumed her task, which he perceived was copying music. He advanced, + he seated himself at the table, and began playing with a pen. He gazed + upon her, his soul thrilled with unwonted sensations, his frame shook with + emotions which, for a moment, deprived him even of speech. At length he + spoke in a low and tremulous tone:— + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear I am disturbing you, Miss Dacre?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By no means,’ she said, with a courteous air; and then, remembering she + was a hostess, ‘Is there anything that you require?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Much; more than I can hope. O Miss Dacre! suffer me to tell you how much + I admire, how much I love you!’ + </p> + <p> + She started, she stared at him with distended eyes, and her small mouth + was open like a ring. + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes!’ he continued in a rapid and impassioned tone. ‘I at length find an + opportunity of giving way to feelings which it has been long difficult for + me to control. O beautiful being! tell me, tell me that I am blessed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord! I—I am most honoured; pardon me if I say, most surprised.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! from the first moment that your ineffable loveliness rose on my + vision my mind has fed upon your image. Our acquaintance has only + realised, of your character, all that my imagination had preconceived, + Such unrivalled beauty, such unspeakable grace, could only have been the + companions of that exquisite taste and that charming delicacy which, even + to witness, has added great felicity to my existence. Oh! tell me—tell + me that they shall be for me something better than a transient spectacle. + Condescend to share the fortune and the fate of one who only esteems his + lot in life because it enables him to offer you a station not utterly + unworthy of your transcendent excellence!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have permitted your Grace to proceed too far. For your—for my own + sake, I should sooner have interfered, but, in truth, I was so astounded + at your unexpected address that I have but just succeeded in recalling my + scattered senses. Let me again express to you my acknowledgments for an + honour which I feel is great; but permit me to regret that for your offer + of your hand and fortune these acknowledgments are all I can return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Dacre! am I then to wake to the misery of being rejected?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A little week ago, Duke of St. James, we were strangers. It would be hard + if it were in the power of either of us now to deliver the other to + misery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are offended, then, at the presumption which, on so slight an + acquaintance, has aspired to your hand. It is indeed a high possession. I + thought only of you, not of myself. Your perfections require no time for + recognition. Perhaps my imperfections require time for indulgence. Let me + then hope!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have misconceived my meaning, and I regret that a foolish phrase + should occasion you the trouble of fresh solicitude, and me the pain of + renewed refusal. In a word, it is not in my power to accept your hand.’ + </p> + <p> + He rose from the table, and stifled the groan which struggled in his + throat. He paced up and down the room with an agitated step and a + convulsed brow, which marked the contest of his passions. But he was not + desperate. His heart was full of high resolves and mighty meanings, + indefinite but great, He felt like some conqueror, who, marking the battle + going against him, proud in his infinite resources and invincible power, + cannot credit the madness of a defeat. And the lady, she leant her head + upon her delicate arm, and screened her countenance from his scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + He advanced. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Dacre! pardon this prolonged intrusion; forgive this renewed + discourse. But let me only hope that a more favoured rival is the cause of + my despair, and I will thank you——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord Duke,’ she said, looking up with a faint blush, but with a + flashing eye, and in an audible and even energetic tone, ‘the question you + ask is neither fair nor manly; but, as you choose to press me, I will say + that it requires no recollection of a third person to make me decline the + honour which you intended me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Dacre! you speak in anger, almost in bitterness. Believe me,’ he + added, rather with an air of pique, ‘had I imagined from your conduct + towards me that I was an object of dislike, I would have spared you this + inconvenience and myself this humiliation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At Castle Dacre, my conduct to all its inmates is the same. The Duke of + St. James, indeed, hath both hereditary and personal claims to be + considered here as something better than a mere inmate; but your Grace has + elected to dissolve all connection with our house, and I am not desirous + of assisting you in again forming any.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Harsh words, Miss Dacre!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Harsher truth, my Lord Duke,’ said Miss Dacre, rising from her seat, and + twisting a pen with agitated energy. ‘You have prolonged this interview, + not I. Let it end, for I am not skilful in veiling my mind; and I should + regret, here at least, to express what I have hitherto succeeded in + concealing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It cannot end thus,’ said his Grace: ‘let me, at any rate, know the + worst. You have, if not too much kindness, at least too much candour, to + part sol’ ‘I am at a loss to understand,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘what other + object our conversation can have for your Grace than to ascertain my + feelings, which I have already declared more than once, upon a point which + you have already more than once urged. If I have not been sufficiently + explicit or sufficiently clear, let me tell you, sir, that nothing but the + request of a parent whom I adore would have induced me even to speak to + the person who had dared to treat him with contempt.’ ‘Miss Dacre!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are moved, or you affect to be moved. ‘Tis well: if a word from a + stranger can thus affect you, you may be better able to comprehend the + feelings of that person whose affections you have so long outraged; your + equal in blood, Duke of St. James, your superior in all other respects.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful being!’ said his Grace, advancing, falling on his knee, and + seizing her hand. ‘Pardon, pardon, pardon! Like your admirable sire, + forgive; cast into oblivion all remembrance of my fatal youth. Is not your + anger, is not this moment, a bitter, an utter expiation for all my folly, + all my thoughtless, all my inexperienced folly; for it was no worse? On my + knees, and in the face of Heaven, let me pray you to be mine. I have + staked my happiness upon this venture. In your power is my fate. On you it + depends whether I shall discharge my duty to society, to the country to + which I owe so much, or whether I shall move in it without an aim, an + object, or a hope. Think, think only of the sympathy of our dispositions; + the similarity of our tastes. Think, think only of the felicity that might + be ours. Think of the universal good we might achieve! Is there anything + that human reason could require that we could not command? any object + which human mind could imagine that we could not obtain? And, as for + myself, I swear that I will be the creature of your will. Nay, nay! oaths + are mockery, vows are idle! Is it possible to share existence with you, + beloved girl! without watching for your every wish, without—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord Duke, this must end. You do not recommend yourself to me by this + rhapsody. What do you know of me, that you should feel all this? I may be + different from what you expected; that is all. Another week, and another + woman may command a similar effusion. I do not believe you to be + insincere. There would be more hope for you if you were. You act from + impulse, and not from principle. This is your best excuse for your conduct + to my father. It is one that I accept, but which will certainly ever + prevent me from becoming your wife. Farewell!’ ‘Nay, nay! let us not part + in enmity!’ ‘Enmity and friendship are strong words; words that are much + abused. There is another, which must describe our feelings towards the + majority of mankind, and mine towards you. Substitute for enmity + indifference.’ + </p> + <p> + She quitted the room: he remained there for some minutes, leaning on the + mantelpiece, and then rushed into the park. He hurried for some distance + with the rapid and uncertain step which betokens a tumultuous and + disordered mind. At length he found himself among the ruins of Dacre + Abbey. The silence and solemnity of the scene made him conscious, by the + contrast, of his own agitated existence; the desolation of the beautiful + ruin accorded with his own crushed and beautiful hopes. He sat himself at + the feet of the clustered columns, and, covering his face with his hands, + he wept. + </p> + <p> + They were the first tears that he had shed since childhood, and they were + agony. Men weep but once, but then their tears are blood. We think almost + their hearts must crack a little, so heartless are they ever after. Enough + of this. + </p> + <p> + It is bitter to leave our fathers hearth for the first time; bitter is the + eve of our return, when a thousand fears rise in our haunted souls. Bitter + are hope deferred, and self-reproach, and power unrecognised. Bitter is + poverty; bitterer still is debt. It is bitter to be neglected; it is more + bitter to be misunderstood. It is bitter to lose an only child. It is + bitter to look upon the land which once was ours. Bitter is a sister’s + woe, a brother’s scrape; bitter a mother’s tear, and bitterer still a + father’s curse. Bitter are a briefless bag, a curate’s bread, a diploma + that brings no fee. Bitter is half-pay! + </p> + <p> + It is bitter to muse on vanished youth; it is bitter to lose an election + or a suit. Bitter are rage suppressed, vengeance unwreaked, and + prize-money kept back. Bitter are a failing crop, a glutted market, and a + shattering spec. Bitter are rents in arrear and tithes in kind. Bitter are + salaries reduced and perquisites destroyed. Bitter is a tax, particularly + if misapplied; a rate, particularly if embezzled. Bitter is a trade too + full, and bitterer still a trade that has worn out. Bitter is a bore! + </p> + <p> + It is bitter to lose one’s hair or teeth. It is bitter to find our annual + charge exceed our income. It is bitter to hear of others’ fame when we are + boys. It is bitter to resign the seals we fain would keep. It is bitter to + hear the winds blow when we have ships at sea, or friends. Bitter are a + broken friendship and a dying love. Bitter a woman scorned, a man + betrayed! + </p> + <p> + Bitter is the secret woe which none can share. Bitter are a brutal husband + and a faithless wife, a silly daughter and a sulky son. Bitter are a + losing card, a losing horse. Bitter the public hiss, the private sneer. + Bitter are old age without respect, manhood without wealth, youth without + fame. Bitter is the east wind’s blast; bitter a stepdame’s kiss. It is + bitter to mark the woe which we cannot relieve. It is bitter to die in a + foreign land. + </p> + <p> + But bitterer far than this, than these, than all, is waking from our first + delusion! For then we first feel the nothingness of self; that hell of + sanguine spirits. All is dreary, blank, and cold. The sun of hope sets + without a ray, and the dim night of dark despair shadows only phantoms. + The spirits that guard round us in our pride have gone. Fancy, weeping, + flies. Imagination droops her glittering pinions and sinks into the earth. + Courage has no heart, and love seems a traitor. A busy demon whispers in + our ear that all is vain and worthless, and we among the vainest of a + worthless crew! + </p> + <p> + And so our young friend here now depreciated as much as he had before + exaggerated his powers. There seemed not on the earth’s face a more + forlorn, a more feeble, a less estimable wretch than himself, but just now + a hero. O! what a fool, what a miserable, contemptible fool was he! With + what a light tongue and lighter heart had he spoken of this woman who + despised, who spurned him! His face blushed, ay! burnt, at the remembrance + of his reveries and his fond monologues! the very recollection made him + shudder with disgust. He looked up to see if any demon were jeering him + among the ruins. + </p> + <p> + His heart was so crushed that hope could not find even one desolate + chamber to smile in. His courage was so cowed that, far from indulging in + the distant romance to which, under these circumstances, we sometimes fly, + he only wondered at the absolute insanity which, for a moment, had + permitted him to aspire to her possession. ‘Sympathy of dispositions! + Similarity of tastes, forsooth! Why, we are different existences! Nature + could never have made us for the same world or with the same clay! O + consummate being! why, why did we meet? Why, why are my eyes at length + unsealed? Why, why do I at length feel conscious of my utter + worthlessness? O God! I am miserable!’ He arose and hastened to the house. + He gave orders to Luigi and his people to follow him to Rosemount with all + practicable speed, and having left a note for his host with the usual + excuse, he mounted his horse, and in half an hour’s time, with a + countenance like a stormy sea, was galloping through the park gates of + Dacre. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘If She Be Not Fair For Me.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE day after the arrival of the Duke of St. James at Cleve Park, his + host, Sir Lucius Grafton, received the following note from Mrs. Dallington + Vere: + </p> + <p> + ‘Castle Dacre,———-, 182—. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Baronet, + </p> + <p> + ‘Your pigeon has flown, otherwise I should have tied this under his wing, + for I take it for granted he is trained too dexterously to alight anywhere + but at Cleve. + </p> + <p> + ‘I confess that in this affair your penetration has exceeded mine. I hope + throughout it will serve you as well. I kept my promise, and arrived here + only a few hours after him. The prejudice which I had long observed in the + little Dacre against your protégé was too marked to render any + interference on my part at once necessary, nor did I anticipate even + beginning to give her good advice for a month to come. Heaven knows what a + month of his conduct might have done! A month achieves such wonders! And, + to do him justice, he was most agreeable; but our young gentleman grew + impetuous, and so the day before yesterday he vanished, and in the most + extraordinary manner! Sudden departure, unexpected business, letter and + servants both left behind; Monsieur grave, and a little astonished; and + the demoiselle thoughtful at the least, but not curious. Very suspicious + this last circumstance! A flash crossed my mind, but I could gain nothing, + even with my most dexterous wiles, from the little Dacre, who is a most + unmanageable heroine. However, with the good assistance of a person who in + a French tragedy would figure as my confidante, and who is the sister of + your Lachen, something was learnt from Monsieur le valet, to say nothing + of the page. All agree; a countenance pale as death, orders given in a low + voice of suppressed passion and sundry oaths. I hear he sulked the night + at Rosemount. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, my good Lucy, listen to me. Lose no time about the great object. If + possible, let this autumn be distinguished. You have an idea that our + friend is a very manageable sort of personage; in phrase less courteous, + is sufficiently weak for all reasonable purposes. I am not quite so clear + about this. He is at present very young, and his character is not formed; + but there is a something about him which makes me half fear that, if you + permit his knowledge of life to increase too much, you may quite fear + having neglected my admonitions. At present his passions are high. Use his + blood while it is hot, and remember that if you count on his rashness you + may, as nearly in the present instance, yourself rue it. In a word, + despatch. The deed that is done, you know— + </p> + <p> + ‘My kindest remembrances to dear Lady Afy, and tell her how much I regret + I cannot avail myself of her most friendly invitation. Considering, as I + know, she hates me, I really do feel flattered. + </p> + <p> + ‘You cannot conceive what Vandals I am at present among! Nothing but my + sincere regard for you, my much-valued friend, would induce me to stay + here a moment. I have received from the countenance of the Dacres all the + benefit which a marked connection with so respectable and so moral a + family confers, and I am tired to death. But it is a well-devised plan to + have a reserve in the battles of society. You understand me; and I am led + to believe that it has had the best effect, and silenced even the loudest. + “Confound their politics!” as dear little Squib says, from whom I had the + other day the funniest letter, which I have half a mind to send you, only + you figure in it so much! + </p> + <p> + ‘Burlington is at Brighton, and all my friends, except yourself. I have a + few barbarians to receive at Dallington, and then I shall be off there. + Join us as quickly as you can. Do you know, I think that it would be an + excellent <i>locale</i> for the <i>scena</i>. We might drive them over to + Dieppe: only do not put off your visit too long, or else there will be no + steamers. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Duke of Shropshire has had a fit, but rallied. He vows he was only + picking up a letter, or tying his shoestring, or something of that kind; + but Ruthven says he dined off <i>boudins à la Sefton</i>, and that, after + a certain age, you know— + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Darrell is with Annesley and Co. I understand, most friendly towards + me, which is pleasant; and Charles, who is my firm ally, takes care to + confirm the kind feeling. I am glad about this. + </p> + <p> + ‘Felix Crawlegh, or Crawl<i>ey</i>, as some say, has had an affair with + Tommy Seymour, at Grant’s. Felix was grand about porter, or something, + which he never drank, and all that. Tommy, Who knew nothing about the + brewing father, asked him, very innocently, why malt liquors had so + degenerated. Conceive the agony, particularly as Lady Selina is said to + have no violent aversion to quartering her arms with a mash-tub, argent. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Macaronis are most hospitable this year; and the Marquess says that + the only reason that they kept in before was because he was determined to + see whether economy was practicable. He finds it is not; so now expense is + no object. + </p> + <p> + ‘Augustus Henley is about to become a senator! What do you think of this? + He says he has tried everything for an honest livelihood, and even once + began a novel, but could not get on; which, Squib says, is odd, because + there is a receipt going about for that operation which saves all trouble: + </p> + <p> + ‘“Take a pair of pistols and a pack of cards, a cookery-book and a set of + new quadrilles; mix them up with half an intrigue and a whole marriage, + and divide them into three equal portions.” Now, as Augustus has both + fought and gamed, dined and danced, I suppose it was the morality which + posed him, or perhaps the marriage. + </p> + <p> + ‘They say there is something about Lady Flutter, but, I should think, all + talk. Most probably a report set about by her Ladyship. Lord Flame has + been blackballed, that is certain. But there is no more news, except that + the Wiltshires are going to the Continent: we know why; and that the + Spankers are making more dash than ever: God knows how! Adieu! + </p> + <p> + ‘B. D. V.’ + </p> + <p> + The letter ended; all things end at last. A she-correspondent for our + money; provided always that she does not <i>cross</i>. + </p> + <p> + Our Duke—in spite of his disgrace, he still is ours, and yours too, + I hope, gentlest reader—our Duke found himself at Cleve Park again, + in a different circle from the one to which he had been chiefly + accustomed. The sporting world received him with open arms. With some of + these worthies, as owner of Sanspareil, he had become slightly acquainted. + But what is half a morning at Tattersall’s, or half a week at Doncaster, + compared with a meeting at Newmarket? There your congenial spirits + congregate. Freemasons every man of them! No uninitiated wretch there + dares to disturb, with his profane presence, the hallowed mysteries. There + the race is not a peg to hang a few days of dissipation on, but a sacred + ceremony, to the celebration of which all men and all circumstances tend + and bend. No balls, no concerts, no public breakfasts, no bands from + Litolf, no singers from Welsh, no pineapples from Gunter, are there called + for by thoughtless thousands, who have met, not from any affection for the + turfs delights or their neighbour’s cash, but to sport their splendid + liveries and to disport their showy selves. + </p> + <p> + The house was full of men, whose talk was full of bets. The women were not + as bad, but they were not plentiful. Some lords and signors were there + without their dames. Lord Bloomerly, for instance, alone, or rather with + his eldest son, Lord Bloom, just of age, and already a knowing hand. His + father introduced him to all his friends with that smiling air of + self-content which men assume when they introduce a youth who may show the + world what they were at his years; so the Earl presented the young + Viscount as a lover presents his miniature to his mistress. Lady Afy shone + in unapproached perfection. A dull Marchioness, a <i>gauche</i> + Viscountess, and some other dames, who did not look like the chorus of + this Diana, acted as capital foils, and permitted her to meet her cavalier + under what are called the most favourable auspices. + </p> + <p> + They dined, and discussed the agricultural interest in all its exhausted + ramifications. Wheat was sold over again, even at a higher price; poachers + were recalled to life, or from beyond seas, to be re-killed or + re-transported. The poor-laws were a very rich topic, and the poor lands a + very ruinous one. But all this was merely the light conversation, just to + vary, in an agreeable mode, which all could understand, the regular + material of discourse, and that was of stakes and stallions, pedigrees and + plates. + </p> + <p> + Our party rose early, for their pleasure was their business. Here were no + lounging dandies and no exclusive belles, who kept their bowers until + hunger, which also drives down wolves from the Pyrenees, brought them from + their mystical chambers to luncheon and to life. In short, an air of + interest, a serious and a thoughtful look, pervaded every countenance. + Fashion was kicked to the devil, and they were all too much in earnest to + have any time for affectation. Breakfast was over, and it was a regular + meal at which all attended, and they hurried to the course. It seems, when + the party arrive, that they are the only spectators. A party or two come + on to keep them company. A club discharges a crowd of gentlemen, a stable + a crowd of grooms. At length a sprinkling of human beings is collected, + but all is wondrous still and wondrous cold. The only thing that gives + sign of life is Lord Breedall’s movable stand; and the only intimation + that fire is still an element is the sailing breath of a stray cigar. + </p> + <p> + ‘This, then, is Newmarket!’ exclaimed the young Duke. ‘If it required + five-and-twenty thousand pounds to make Doncaster amusing, a plum, at + least, will go in rendering Newmarket endurable.’ + </p> + <p> + But the young Duke was wrong. There was a fine race, and the connoisseurs + got enthusiastic. Sir Lucius Grafton was the winner. The Duke sympathised + with his friend’s success. + </p> + <p> + He began galloping about the course, and his blood warmed. He paid a visit + to Sanspareil. He heard his steed was still a favourite for a coming race. + He backed his steed, and Sanspareil won. He began to find Newmarket not so + disagreeable. In a word, our friend was in an entirely new scene, which + was exactly the thing he required. He was interested, and forgot, or + rather forcibly expelled from his mind, his late overwhelming adventure. + He grew popular with the set. His courteous manners, his affable address, + his gay humour, and the facility with which he adopted their tone and + temper, joined with his rank and wealth, subdued the most rugged and the + coldest hearts. Even the jockeys were civil to him, and welcomed him with + a sweet smile and gracious nod, instead of the sour grin and malicious + wink with which those characters generally greet a stranger; those + mysterious characters who, in their influence over their superiors, and + their total want of sympathy with their species, are our only match for + the oriental eunuch. + </p> + <p> + He grew, we say, popular with the set. They were glad to see among them a + young nobleman of spirit. He became a member of the Jockey Club, and + talked of taking a place in the neighbourhood. All recommended the step, + and assured him of their readiness to dine with him as often as he + pleased. He was a universal favourite; and even Chuck Farthing, the + gentleman jockey, with a cock-eye and a knowing shake of his head, + squeaked out, in a sporting treble, one of his monstrous fudges about the + Prince in days of yore, and swore that, like his Royal Highness, the young + Duke made the Market all alive. + </p> + <p> + The heart of our hero was never insensible to flattery. He could not + refrain from comparing his present with his recent situation. The constant + consideration of all around him, the affectionate cordiality of Sir + Lucius, and the unobtrusive devotion of Lady Afy, melted his soul. These + agreeable circumstances graciously whispered to him each hour that he + could scarcely be the desolate and despicable personage which lately, in a + moment of madness, he had fancied himself. He began to indulge the + satisfactory idea, that a certain person, however unparalleled in form and + mind, had perhaps acted with a little precipitation. Then his eyes met + those of Lady Aphrodite; and, full of these feelings, he exchanged a look + which reminded him of their first meeting; though now, mellowed by + gratitude, and regard, and esteem, it was perhaps even more delightful. He + was loved, and he was loved by an exquisite being, who was the object of + universal admiration. What could he desire more? Nothing but the + wilfulness of youth could have induced him for a moment to contemplate + breaking chains which had only been formed to secure his felicity. He + determined to bid farewell for ever to the impetuosity of youth. He had + not been three days under the roof of Cleve before he felt that his + happiness depended upon its fairest inmate. You see, then, that absence is + not always fatal to love! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fresh Entanglements</i> +</pre> + <p> + HIS Grace completed his stud, and became one of the most distinguished + votaries of the turf. Sir Lucius was the inspiring divinity upon this + occasion. Our hero, like all young men, and particularly young nobles, did + everything in extremes; and extensive arrangements were made by himself + and his friend for the ensuing campaign. Sir Lucius was to reap half the + profit, and to undertake the whole management. The Duke was to produce the + capital and to pocket the whole glory. Thus rolled on some weeks, at the + end of which our hero began to get a little tired. He had long ago + recovered all his self-complacency, and if the form of May Dacre ever + flitted before his vision for an instant, he clouded it over directly by + the apparition of a bet, or thrust it away with that desperate + recklessness with which we expel an ungracious thought. The Duke sighed + for a little novelty. Christmas was at hand. He began to think that a + regular country Christmas must be a sad bore. Lady Afy, too, was rather <i>exigeante</i>. + It destroys one’s nerves to be amiable every day to the same human being. + She was the best creature in the world; but Cambridgeshire was not a + pleasant county. He was most attached; but there was not another agreeable + woman in the house. He would not hurt her feelings for the world; but his + own were suffering desperately. He had no idea that he ever should get so + entangled. Brighton, they say, is a pleasant place. + </p> + <p> + To Brighton he went; and although the Graftons were to follow him in a + fortnight, still even these fourteen days were a holiday. It is + extraordinary how hourly, and how violently, change the feelings of an + inexperienced young man. + </p> + <p> + Sir Lucius, however, was disappointed in his Brighton trip. Ten days after + the departure of the young Duke the county member died. Sir Lucius had + been long maturing his pretensions to the vacant representation. He was + strongly supported; for he was a personal favourite, and his family had + claims; but he was violently opposed; for a <i>novus homo</i> was + ambitious, and the Baronet was poor. Sir Lucius was a man of violent + passions, and all feelings and considerations immediately merged in his + paramount ambition. His wife, too, at this moment, was an important + personage. She was generally popular; she was beautiful, highly connected, + and highly considered. Her canvassing was a great object. She canvassed + with earnestness and with success; for since her consolatory friendship + with the Duke of St. James her character had greatly changed, and she was + now as desirous of conciliating her husband and the opinion of society as + she was before disdainful of the one and fearless of the other. Sir Lucius + and Lady Aphrodite Grafton were indeed on the best possible terms, and the + whole county admired his conjugal attentions and her wifelike affections. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, who had no influence in this part of the world, and who was not + at all desirous of quitting Brighton, compensated for his absence at this + critical moment by a friendly letter and the offer of his purse. By this + good aid, his wife’s attractions, and his own talents, Sir Lucy succeeded, + and by the time Parliament had assembled he was returned member for his + native county. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, his friend had been spending his time at Brighton in a + far less agitated manner, but, in its way, not less successful; for he was + amused, and therefore gained his object as much as the Baronet. The Duke + liked Brighton much. Without the bore of an establishment, he found + himself among many agreeable friends, living in an unostentatious and + impromptu, though refined and luxurious, style. One day a new face, + another day a new dish, another day a new dance, successively interested + his feelings, particularly if the face rode, which they all do; the dish + was at Sir George Sauceville’s, and the dance at the Duke of Burlington’s. + So time flew on, between a canter to Rottindean, the flavours of a + Perigord, and the blunders of the mazurka. + </p> + <p> + But February arrived, and this agreeable life must end. The philosophy of + society is so practical that it is not allowed, even to a young Duke, + absolutely to trifle away existence. Duties will arise, in spite of our + best endeavours; and his Grace had to roll up to town, to dine with the + Premier, and to move the Address. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A New Star Rises</i> +</pre> + <p> + ANOTHER season had arrived, another of those magical periods of which one + had already witnessed his unparalleled triumphs, and from which he had + derived such exquisite delight. To his surprise, he viewed its arrival + without emotion; if with any feeling, with disgust. + </p> + <p> + He had quaffed the cup too eagerly. The draught had been delicious; but + time also proved that it had been satiating. Was it possible for his + vanity to be more completely gratified than it had been? Was it possible + for victories to be more numerous and more unquestioned during the coming + campaign than during the last? Had not his life, then, been one long + triumph? Who had not offered their admiration? Who had not paid homage to + his all-acknowledged empire? Yet, even this career, however dazzling, had + not been pursued, even this success, however brilliant, had not been + attained, without some effort and some weariness, also some exhaustion. + Often, as he now remembered, had his head ached; more than once, as now + occurred to him, had his heart faltered. Even his first season had not + passed over without his feeling lone in the crowded saloon, or starting at + the supernatural finger in the banqueting-hall. Yet then he was the + creature of excitement, who pursued an end which was as indefinite as it + seemed to be splendid. All had now happened that could happen. He drooped. + He required the impulse which we derive from an object unattained. + </p> + <p> + Yet, had he exhausted life at two-and-twenty? This must not be. His + feelings must be more philosophically accounted for. He began to suspect + that he had lived too much for the world and too little for himself; that + he had sacrificed his ease to the applause of thousands, and mistaken + excitement for enjoyment. His memory dwelt with satisfaction on the hours + which had so agreeably glided away at Brighton, in the choice society of a + few intimates. He determined entirely to remodel the system of his life; + and with the sanguine impetuosity which characterised him, he, at the same + moment, felt that he had at length discovered the road to happiness, and + determined to pursue it without the loss of a precious moment. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James was seen less in the world, and he appeared but + seldom at the various entertainments which he had once so adorned. Yet he + did not resign his exalted position in the world of fashion; but, on the + contrary, adopted a course of conduct which even increased his + consideration. He received the world not less frequently or less + splendidly than heretofore; and his magnificent mansion, early in the + season, was opened to the favoured crowd. Yet in that mansion, which had + been acquired with such energy and at such cost, its lord was almost as + strange, and certainly not as pleased, an inmate as the guests, who felt + their presence in his chambers a confirmation, or a creation, of their + claims to the world’s homage. The Alhambra was finished, and there the + Duke of St. James entirely resided; but its regal splendour was concealed + from the prying eye of public curiosity with a proud reserve, a studied + secrecy, and stately haughtiness becoming a caliph. A small band of + initiated friends alone had the occasional entrée, and the mysterious air + which they provokingly assumed whenever they were cross-examined on the + internal arrangements of this mystical structure, only increased the + number and the wildness of the incidents which daily were afloat + respecting the fantastic profusion and scientific dissipation of the + youthful sultan and his envied viziers. + </p> + <p> + The town, ever since the season commenced, had been in feverish + expectation of the arrival of a new singer, whose fame had heralded her + presence in all the courts of Christendom. Whether she were an Italian or + a German, a Gaul or a Greek, was equally unknown. An air of mystery + environed the most celebrated creature in Europe. There were odd whispers + of her parentage. Every potentate was in turn entitled to the gratitude of + mankind for the creation of this marvel. Now it was an emperor, now a + king. A grand duke then put in his claim, and then an archduke. To-day she + was married, tomorrow she was single. To-day her husband was a prince + incog., to-morrow a drum-major well known. Even her name was a mystery; + and she was known and worshipped throughout the whole civilised world by + the mere title of ‘<i>The Bird of Paradise!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + About a month before Easter telegraphs announced her arrival. The + Admiralty yacht was too late. She determined to make her first appearance + at the opera: and not only the young Duke, but even a far more exalted + personage, was disappointed in the sublime idea of anticipating the public + opinion by a private concert. She was to appear for the first time on + Tuesday; the House of Commons adjourned. + </p> + <p> + The curtain is drawn up, and the house is crowded. Everybody is there who + is anybody. Protocoli, looking as full of fate as if the French were again + on the Danube; Macaroni, as full of himself as if no other being were + engrossing universal attention. The Premier appears far more anxious than + he does at Council, and the Duke of Burlington arranges his fanlike screen + with an agitation which, for a moment, makes him forget his unrivalled + nonchalance. Even Lady Bloomerly is in suspense, and even Charles + Annesley’s heart beats. But ah! (or rather, bah!) the enthusiasm of Lady + de Courcy! Even the young Guardsman, who paid her Ladyship for her ivory + franks by his idle presence, even he must have felt, callous as those + young Guardsmen are. + </p> + <p> + Will that bore of a tenor ever finish that provoking aria, that we have + heard so often? How drawlingly he drags on his dull, deafening— + </p> + <p> + <i>Êccola!</i> + </p> + <p> + Have you seen the primal dew ere the sun has lipped the pearl? Have you + seen a summer fly, with tinted wings of shifting light, glance in the + liquid noontide air? Have you marked a shooting star, or watched a young + gazelle at play? Then you have seen nothing fresher, nothing brighter, + nothing wilder, nothing lighter, than the girl who stands before you! She + was infinitely small, fair, and bright. Her black hair was braided in + Madonnas over a brow like ivory; a deep pure pink spot gave lustre to each + cheek. Her features were delicate beyond a dream! her nose quite straight, + with a nostril which would have made you crazy, if you had not already + been struck with idiocy by gazing on her mouth. She a singer! Impossible! + She cannot speak. And, now we look again, she must sing with her eyes, + they are so large and lustrous! + </p> + <p> + The Bird of Paradise curtsied as if she shrunk under the overwhelming + greeting, and crossed her breast with arms that gleamed like moonbeams and + hands that glittered like stars. This gave time to the <i>cognoscenti</i> + to remark her costume, which was ravishing, and to try to see her feet; + but they were too small. At last Lord Squib announced that he had + discovered them by a new glass, and described them as a couple of + diamond-claws most exquisitely finished. + </p> + <p> + She moved her head with a faint smile, as if she distrusted her powers and + feared the assembly would be disappointed, and then she shot forth a note + which thrilled through every heart and nearly cracked the chandelier. Even + Lady Fitz-pompey said ‘Brava!’ As she proceeded the audience grew quite + frantic. It was agreed on all hands that miracles had recommenced. Each + air was sung only to call forth fresh exclamations of ‘Miracolo!’ and + encores were as unmerciful as an usurper. + </p> + <p> + Amid all this rapture the young Duke was not silent. His box was on the + stage; and ever and anon the syren shot a glance which seemed to tell him + that he was marked out amid this brilliant multitude. Each round of + applause, each roar of ravished senses, only added a more fearful action + to the wild purposes which began to flit about his Grace’s mind. His + imagination was touched. His old passion to be distinguished returned in + full force. This creature was strange, mysterious, celebrated. Her beauty, + her accomplishments, were as singular and as rare as her destiny and her + fame. His reverie absolutely raged; it was only disturbed by her repeated + notice and his returned acknowledgments. He arose in a state of mad + excitation, once more the slave or the victim of his intoxicated vanity. + He hurried behind the scenes. He congratulated her on her success, her + genius, and her beauty; and, to be brief, within a week of her arrival in + our metropolis, the Bird of Paradise was fairly caged in the Alhambra. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Bird is Caged</i> +</pre> + <p> + HITHERTO the Duke of St. James had been a celebrated personage, but his + fame had been confined to the two thousand Brahmins who constitute the + world. His patronage of the Signora extended his celebrity in a manner + which he had not anticipated; and he became also the hero of the ten, or + twelve, or fifteen millions of pariahs for whose existence philosophers + have hitherto failed to adduce a satisfactory cause. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James was now, in the comprehensive sense of the phrase, a + public character. Some choice spirits took the hint from the public + feeling, and determined to dine on the public curiosity. A Sunday journal + was immediately established. Of this epic our Duke was the hero. His + manners, his sayings, his adventures, regularly regaled, on each holy day, + the Protestant population of this Protestant empire, who in France or + Italy, or even Germany, faint at the sight of a peasantry testifying their + gratitude for a day of rest by a dance or a tune. ‘Sketches of the + Alhambra,’ ‘<i>Soupers</i> in the Regent’s Park,’ ‘The Court of the + Caliph,’ ‘The Bird Cage,’ &c, &c, &c, were duly announced and + duly devoured. This journal, being solely devoted to the illustration of + the life of a single and a private individual, was appropriately entitled + ‘The Universe.’ Its contributors were eminently successful. Their pure + inventions and impure details were accepted as delicate truth; and their + ferocious familiarity with persons with whom they were totally + unacquainted demonstrated at the same time their knowledge both of the + forms and the personages of polite society. + </p> + <p> + At the first announcement of this hebdomadal his Grace was a little + annoyed, and ‘Noctes Hautevillienses’ made him fear treason; but when he + had read a number, he entirely acquitted any person of a breach of + confidence. On the whole he was amused. A variety of ladies in time were + introduced, with many of whom the Duke had scarcely interchanged a bow; + but the respectable editor was not up to Lady Afy. + </p> + <p> + If his Grace, however, were soon reconciled to this not very agreeable + notoriety, and consoled himself under the activity of his libellers by the + conviction that their prolusions did not even amount to a caricature, he + was less easily satisfied with another performance which speedily advanced + its claims to public notice. + </p> + <p> + There is an unavoidable reaction in all human affairs. The Duke of St. + James had been so successfully attacked that it became worth while + successfully to defend him, and another Sunday paper appeared, the object + of which was to maintain the silver side of the shield. Here everything + was <i>couleur de rose</i>. One week the Duke saved a poor man from the + Serpentine; another a poor woman from starvation; now an orphan was + grateful; and now Miss Zouch, impelled by her necessity and his + reputation, addressed him a column and a half, quite heart-rending. + Parents with nine children; nine children without parents; clergymen most + improperly unbeneficed; officers most wickedly reduced; widows of younger + sons of quality sacrificed to the Colonies; sisters of literary men + sacrificed to national works, which required his patronage to appear; + daughters who had known better days, but somehow or other had not been so + well acquainted with their parents; all advanced with multiplied + petitions, and that hackneyed, heartless air of misery which denotes the + mumper. His Grace was infinitely annoyed, and scarcely compensated for the + inconvenience by the prettiest little creature in the world, who one day + forced herself into his presence to solicit the honour of dedicating to + him her poems. + </p> + <p> + He had enough on his hands, so he wrote her a cheque and, with a courtesy + which must have made Sappho quite desperate, put her out of the room. + </p> + <p> + We forgot to say that the name of the new journal was ‘The New World.’ The + new world is not quite so big as the universe, but then it is as large as + all the other quarters of the globe together. The worst of this business + was, ‘The Universe’ protested that the Duke of St. James, like a second + Canning, had called this ‘New World’ into existence, which was too bad, + because, in truth, he deprecated its discovery scarcely less than the + Venetians. + </p> + <p> + Having thus managed, in the course of a few weeks, to achieve the + reputation of an unrivalled roué, our hero one night betook himself to + Almack’s, a place where his visits, this season, were both shorter and + less frequent. + </p> + <p> + Many an anxious mother gazed upon him, as he passed, with an eye which + longed to pierce futurity; many an agitated maiden looked exquisitely + unembarrassed, while her fluttering memory feasted on the sweet thought + that, at any rate, another had not captured this unrivalled prize. Perhaps + she might be the Anson to fall upon this galleon. It was worth a long + cruise, and even a chance of shipwreck. + </p> + <p> + He danced with Lady Aphrodite, because, since the affair of the Signora, + he was most punctilious in his attentions to her, particularly in public. + That affair, of course, she passed over in silence, though it was bitter. + She, however, had had sufficient experience of man to feel that + remonstrance is a last resource, and usually an ineffectual one. It was + something that her rival—not that her ladyship dignified the Bird by + that title—it was something that she was not her equal, that she was + not one with whom she could be put in painful and constant collision. She + tried to consider it a freak, to believe only half she heard, and to + indulge the fancy that it was a toy which would soon tire. As for Sir + Lucius, he saw nothing in this adventure, or indeed in the Alhambra system + at all, which militated against his ulterior views. No one more constantly + officiated at the ducal orgies than himself, both because he was devoted + to self-gratification, and because he liked ever to have his protégé in + sight. He studiously prevented any other individual from becoming the + Petronius of the circle. His deep experience also taught him that, with a + person of the young Duke’s temper, the mode of life which he was now + leading was exactly the one which not only would insure, but even hurry, + the catastrophe his faithful friend so eagerly desired. His pleasures, as + Sir Lucius knew, would soon pall; for he easily perceived that the Duke + was not heartless enough for a roué. When thorough satiety is felt, young + men are in the cue for desperate deeds. Looking upon happiness as a dream, + or a prize which, in life’s lottery, they have missed; worn, hipped, + dissatisfied, and desperate, they often hurry on a result which they + disapprove, merely to close a miserable career, or to brave the society + with which they cannot sympathise. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, however, was not yet sated. As after a feast, when we have + despatched a quantity of wine, there sometimes, as it were, arises a + second appetite, unnatural to be sure, but very keen; so, in a career of + dissipation, when our passion for pleasure appears to be exhausted, the + fatal fancy of man, like a wearied hare, will take a new turn, throw off + the hell-hounds of ennui, and course again with renewed vigour. + </p> + <p> + And to-night the Duke of St. James was, as he had been for some weeks, all + life, and fire, and excitement; and his eye was even now wandering round + the room in quest of some consummate spirit whom he might summon to his + Saracenic Paradise. + </p> + <p> + A consummate spirit his eye lighted on. There stood May Dacre. He gasped + for breath. He turned pale. It was only for a moment, and his emotion was + unperceived. There she stood, beautiful as when she first glanced before + him; there she stood, with all her imperial graces; and all surrounding + splendour seemed to fade away before her dazzling presence, like mournful + spirits of a lower world before a radiant creature of the sky. + </p> + <p> + She was speaking with her sunlight smile to a young man whose appearance + attracted his notice. He was dressed entirely in black, rather short, but + slenderly made; sallow, but clear, with long black curls and a Murillo + face, and looked altogether like a young Jesuit or a Venetian official by + Giorgone or Titian. His countenance was reserved and his manner not easy: + yet, on the whole, his face indicated intellect and his figure blood. The + features haunted the Duke’s memory. He had met this person before. There + are some countenances which when once seen can never be forgotten, and the + young man owned one of these. The Duke recalled him to his memory with a + pang. + </p> + <p> + Our hero—let him still be ours, for he is rather desolate, and he + requires the backing of his friends—our hero behaved pretty well. He + seized the first favourable opportunity to catch Miss Dacre’s eye, and was + grateful for her bow. Emboldened, he accosted her, and asked after Mr. + Dacre. She was courteous, but unembarrassed. Her calmness, however, piqued + him sufficiently to allow him to rally. He was tolerably easy, and talked + of calling. Their conversation lasted only for a few minutes, and was + fortunately terminated without his withdrawal, which would have been + awkward. The young man whom we have noticed came up to claim her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Arundel Dacre, or my eyes deceive me?’ said the young Duke. ‘I always + consider an old Etonian a friend, and therefore I address you without + ceremony.’ + </p> + <p> + The young man accepted, but not with readiness, the offered hand. He + blushed and spoke, but in a hesitating and husky voice. Then he cleared + his throat, and spoke again, but not much more to the purpose. Then he + looked to his partner, whose eyes were on the ground, and rose as he + endeavoured to catch them. For a moment he was silent again; then he bowed + slightly to Miss Dacre and solemnly to the Duke, and then he carried off + his cousin. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Dacre!’ said the Duke; ‘he always had the worst manner in the world. + Not in the least changed.’ + </p> + <p> + His Grace wandered into the tea-room. A knot of dandies were in deep + converse. He heard his own name and that of the Duke of Burlington; then + came ‘Doncaster beauty.’ ‘Don’t you know?’ ‘Oh! yes.’ ‘All quite mad,’ + &c, &c, &c. As he passed he was invited in different ways to + join the coterie of his admirers, but he declined the honour, and passed + them with that icy hauteur which he could assume, and which, judiciously + used, contributed not a little to his popularity. + </p> + <p> + He could not conquer his depression; and, although it was scarcely past + midnight, he determined to disappear. Fortunately his carriage was + waiting. He was at a loss what to do with himself. He dreaded even to be + alone. The Signora was at a private concert, and she was the last person + whom, at this moment, he cared to see. His low spirits rapidly increased. + He got terribly nervous, and felt miserable. At last he drove to White’s. + </p> + <p> + The House had just broken up, and the political members had just entered, + and in clusters, some standing and some yawning, some stretching their + arms and some stretching their legs, presented symptoms of an escape from + boredom. Among others, round the fire, was a young man dressed in a rough + great coat all cords and sables, with his hat bent aside, a shawl tied + round his neck with boldness, and a huge oaken staff clenched in his left + hand. With the other he held the ‘Courier,’ and reviewed with a critical + eye the report of the speech which he had made that afternoon. This was + Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + We have always considered the talents of younger brothers as an + unanswerable argument in favour of a Providence. Lord Darrell was the + younger son of the Earl of Darleyford, and had been educated for a + diplomatist. A report some two years ago had been very current that his + elder brother, then Lord Darrell, was, against the consent of his family, + about to be favoured with the hand of Mrs. Dallington Vere. Certain it is + he was a devoted admirer of that lady. Of that lady, however, a less + favoured rival chose one day to say that which staggered the romance of + the impassioned youth. In a moment of rashness, impelled by sacred + feelings, it is reported, at least, for the whole is a mystery, he + communicated what he had heard with horror to the mistress of his + destinies. Whatever took place, certain it is Lord Darrell challenged the + indecorous speaker, and was shot through the heart. The affair made a + great sensation, and the Darleyfords and their connections said bitter + things of Mrs. Dallington, and talked much of rash youth and subtle women + of discreeter years, and passions shamefully inflamed and purposes + wickedly egged on. We say nothing of all this; nor will we dwell upon it. + Mrs. Dallington Vere assuredly was no slight sufferer. But she conquered + the cabal that was formed against her, for the dandies were her friends, + and gallantly supported her through a trial under which some women would + have sunk. As it was, at the end of the season she did travel, but all is + now forgotten; and Hill Street, Berkeley Square, again contains, at the + moment of our story, its brightest ornament. + </p> + <p> + The present Lord Darrell gave up all idea of being an ambassador, but he + was clever; and though he hurried to gratify a taste for pleasure which + before had been too much mortified, he could not relinquish the ambitious + prospects with which he had, during the greater part of his life, consoled + himself for his cadetship. He piqued himself upon being at the same time a + dandy and a statesman. He spoke in the House, and not without effect. He + was one of those who make themselves masters of great questions; that is + to say, who read a great many reviews and newspapers, and are full of + others’ thoughts without ever having thought themselves. He particularly + prided himself upon having made his way into the Alhambra set. He was the + only man of business among them. The Duke liked him, for it is agreeable + to be courted by those who are themselves considered. + </p> + <p> + Lord Darrell was a favourite with women. They like a little intellect. He + talked fluently on all subjects. He was what is called ‘a talented young + man.’ Then he had mind, and soul, and all that. The miracles of creation + have long agreed that body without soul will not do; and even a coxcomb in + these days must be original, or he is a bore. No longer is such a + character the mere creation of his tailor and his perfumer. Lord Darrell + was an avowed admirer of Lady Caroline St. Maurice, and a great favourite + with her parents, who both considered him an oracle on the subjects which + respectively interested them. You might dine at Fitz-pompey House and hear + his name quoted at both ends of the table; by the host upon the state of + Europe, and by the hostess upon the state of the season. Had it not been + for the young Duke, nothing would have given Lady Fitz-pompey greater + pleasure than to have received him as a son-in-law; but, as it was, he was + only kept in store for the second string to Cupid’s bow. + </p> + <p> + Lord Darrell had just quitted the House in a costume which, though rough, + was not less studied than the finished and elaborate toilet which, in the + course of an hour, he will exhibit in the enchanted halls of Almack’s. + There he will figure to the last, the most active and the most remarked; + and though after these continued exertions he will not gain his couch + perhaps till seven, our Lord of the Treasury, for he is one, will resume + his official duties at an earlier hour than any functionary in the + kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Yet our friend is a little annoyed now. What is the matter? He dilates to + his uncle, Lord Seymour Temple, a greyheaded placeman, on the profligacy + of the press. What is this? The Virgilian line our orator introduced so + felicitously is omitted. He panegyrizes the ‘Mirror of Parliament,’ where, + he has no doubt, the missing verse will appear. The quotation was new, + ‘Timeo Danaos.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Seymour Temple begins a long story about Fox and General Fitzpatrick. + This is a signal for a general retreat; and the bore, as Sir Boyle Roche + would say, like the last rose of summer, remains talking to himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>His Grace’s Rival</i> +</pre> + <p> + ARUNDEL DACRE was the only child of Mr. Dacre’s only and deceased brother, + and the heir to the whole of the Dacre property. His father, a man of + violent passions, had married early in life, against the approbation of + his family, and had revolted from the Catholic communion. The elder + brother, however mortified by this great deed, which passion had prompted, + and not conscience, had exerted his best offices to mollify their + exasperated father, and to reconcile the sire to the son. But he had + exerted them ineffectually; and, as is not unusual, found, after much + harrowing anxiety and deep suffering, that he was not even recompensed for + his exertions and his sympathy by the gratitude of his brother. The + younger Dacre was not one of those minds whose rashness and impetuosity + are counterbalanced, or rather compensated, by a generous candour and an + amiable remorse. He was headstrong, but he was obstinate: he was ardent, + but he was sullen: he was unwary, but he was suspicious. Everyone who + opposed him was his enemy: all who combined for his preservation were + conspirators. His father, whose feelings he had outraged and never + attempted to soothe, was a tyrant; his brother, who was devoted to his + interests, was a traitor. + </p> + <p> + These were his living and his dying thoughts. While he existed, he was one + of those men who, because they have been imprudent, think themselves + unfortunate, and mistake their diseased mind for an implacable destiny. + When he died, his deathbed was consoled by the reflection that his + persecutors might at last feel some compunction; and he quitted the world + without a pang, because he flattered himself that his departure would cost + them one. + </p> + <p> + His father, who died before him, had left him no fortune, and even had not + provided for his wife or child. His brother made another ineffectual + attempt to accomplish a reconciliation; but his proffers of love and + fortune were alike scorned and himself insulted, and Arundel Dacre seemed + to gloat on the idea that he was an outcast and a beggar. + </p> + <p> + Yet even this strange being had his warm feelings. He adored his wife, + particularly because his father had disowned her. He had a friend whom he + idolised, and who, treating his occasional conduct as a species of + insanity, had never deserted him. This friend had been his college + companion, and, in the odd chapter of circumstances, had become a powerful + political character. Dacre was a man of talent, and his friend took care + that he should have an opportunity of displaying it. He was brought into + Parliament, and animated by the desire, as he thought, of triumphing over + his family, he exerted himself with success. But his infernal temper + spoiled all. His active quarrels and his noisy brawls were even more + endurable than his sullen suspicions, his dark hints, and his silent hate. + He was always offended and always offending. Such a man could never + succeed as a politician, a character who, of all others, must learn to + endure, to forget, and to forgive. He was soon universally shunned; but + his first friend was faithful, though bitterly tried, and Dacre retired + from public life on a pension. + </p> + <p> + His wife had died, and during the latter years of his life almost his only + companion was his son. He concentrated on this being all that ardent + affection which, had he diffused among his fellow-creatures, might have + ensured his happiness and his prosperity. Yet even sometimes he would look + in his child’s face with an anxious air, as if he read incubating treason, + and then press him to his bosom with unusual fervour, as if he would + stifle the idea, which alone was madness. + </p> + <p> + This child was educated in an hereditary hate of the Dacre family. His + uncle was daily painted as a tyrant, whom he classed in his young mind + with Phalaris or Dionysius. There was nothing that he felt keener than his + father’s wrongs, and nothing which he believed more certain than his + uncle’s wickedness. He arrived at his thirteenth year when his father + died, and he was to be consigned to the care of that uncle. + </p> + <p> + Arundel Dacre had left his son as a legacy to his friend; but that friend + was a man of the world; and when the elder brother not only expressed his + willingness to maintain the orphan, but even his desire to educate and + adopt him as his son, he cheerfully resigned all his claims to the forlorn + boy, and felt that, by consigning him to his uncle, he had most + religiously discharged the trust of his confiding friend. + </p> + <p> + The nephew arrived at Castle Dacre with a heart equally divided between + misery and hatred. It seemed to him that a fate more forlorn than his had + seldom been awarded to mortal. Although he found his uncle diametrically + opposite to all that his misled imagination had painted him, although he + was treated with a kindness and indulgence which tried to compensate for + their too long estranged affections, Arundel Dacre could never conquer the + impressions of his boyhood; and had it not been for his cousin, May, a + creature of whom he had not heard, and of whom no distorted image had + therefore haunted his disturbed imagination; had it not been for this + beautiful girl, who greeted him with affection which warmed and won his + heart, so morbid were his feelings, that he would in all probability have + pined away under the roof which he should have looked upon as his own. + </p> + <p> + His departure for Eton was a relief. As he grew up, although his knowledge + of life and man had long taught him the fallacy of his early feelings, and + although he now yielded a tear of pity, rather than of indignation, to the + adored manes of his father, his peculiar temper and his first education + never allowed him entirely to emancipate himself from his hereditary + feelings. His character was combined of many and even of contrary + qualities. + </p> + <p> + His talents were great, but his want of confidence made them more doubtful + to himself than to the world; yet, at times, in his solitary musings, he + perhaps even exaggerated his powers. He was proud, and yet worldly. He + never forgot that he was a Dacre; but he desired to be the architect of + his own fortune; and his very love of independence made him, at an early + period, meditate on the means of managing mankind. He was reserved and + cold, for his imagination required much; yet he panted for a confidant and + was one of those youths with whom friendship is a passion. To conclude, he + was a Protestant among Catholics; and although this circumstance, inasmuch + as it assisted him in the views which he had early indulged, was not an + ungracious one, he felt that, till he was distinguished, it had lessened + his consideration, since he could not count upon the sympathy of + hereditary connections and ancient party. Altogether, he was one who, with + the consciousness of ancient blood, the certainty of future fortune, fine + talents, great accomplishments, and not slight personal advantages, was + unhappy. Yet, although not of a sanguine temper, and occasionally + delivered to the darkest spleen, his intense ambition sustained him, and + he lived on the hope, and sometimes on the conviction, that a bright era + would, some day, console him for the bitterness of his past and present + life. + </p> + <p> + At school and at college he equally distinguished himself, and was + everywhere respected and often regarded; yet he had never found that + friend on whom his fancy had often busied itself, and which one whose + alternations of feeling were so violent peremptorily required. His uncle + and himself viewed each other with mutual respect and regard, but + confidence did not exist between them. Mr. Dacre, in spite of his long and + constant efforts, despaired of raising in the breast of his nephew the + flame of filial love; and had it not been for his daughter, who was the + only person in the world to whom Arundel ever opened his mind, and who + could, consequently, throw some light upon his wants and wishes, it would + not have been in his power to evince to his nephew that this + disappointment had not affected his uncle’s feelings in his favour. + </p> + <p> + When his education was completed, Mr. Dacre had wished him to take up his + residence in Yorkshire, and, in every sense, to act as his son, as he was + his successor. But Arundel declined this proposition. He obtained from his + father’s old political connection the appointment of <i>attaché</i> to a + foreign embassy, and he remained on the Continent, with the exception of a + yearly visit to Yorkshire, three or four years. But his views were not in + the diplomatic line, and this appointment only served as a political + school until he could enter Parliament. May Dacre had wormed from him his + secret, and worked with energy in his cause. An opportunity appeared to + offer itself, and, under the patronage of a Catholic nobleman, he was to + appear as a candidate for an open borough. It was on this business that he + had returned to England. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Birds of a Feather</i> +</pre> + <p> + WE WILL go and make a morning call. The garish light of day, that never + suits a chamber, was broken by a muslin veil, which sent its softened + twilight through a room of moderate dimensions but of princely decoration, + and which opened into a conservatory. The choice saloon was hung with + rose-coloured silk, which diffused a delicate tint over the inlaid and + costly cabinets. It was crowded with tables covered with <i>bijouterie</i>. + Apparently, however, a road had been cut through the furniture, by which + you might wind your way up to the divinity of the temple. A ravishing + perfume, which was ever changing, wandered through the apartment. Now a + violet breeze made you poetical; now a rosy gale called you to love. And + ever and anon the strange but thrilling breath of some rare exotic + summoned you, like an angel, to opening Eden. All was still and sweet, + save that a fountain made you, as it were, more conscious of silence; save + that the song of birds made you, as it were, more sensible of sweetness. + </p> + <p> + Upon a couch, her small head resting upon an arm covered with bracelets, + which blazed like a Sol-dan’s treasure, reclined Mrs. Dallington Vere. + </p> + <p> + She is in thought. Is her abstracted eye fixed in admiration upon that + twinkling foot which, clothed in its Russian slipper, looks like a + serpent’s tongue, small, red, and pointed; or does a more serious feeling + than self-admiration inspire this musing? Ah! a cloud courses over that + pellucid brow. Tis gone, but it frowned like the harbinger of a storm. + Again! A small but blood-red blush rises into that clear cheek. It was + momentary, but its deep colour indicated that it came from the heart. Her + eye lights up with a wild and glittering fire, but the flash vanishes into + darkness, and gloom follows the unnatural light. She clasps her hands; she + rises from an uneasy seat, though supported by a thousand pillows, and she + paces the conservatory. + </p> + <p> + A guest is announced. It is Sir Lucius Grafton. + </p> + <p> + He salutes her with that studied courtesy which shows they are only + friends, but which, when maintained between intimate acquaintance, + sometimes makes wicked people suspect that they once perhaps were more. + She resumes her seat, and he throws himself into an easy chair which is + opposite. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your note I this moment received, Bertha, and I am here. You perceive + that my fidelity is as remarkable as ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We had a gay meeting last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very much so. So Lady Araminta has at last shown mercy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot believe it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have just had a note from Challoner, preliminary, I suppose, to my + trusteeship. You are not the only person who holds my talents for business + in high esteem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But Ballingford; what will he say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is his affair; and as he never, to my knowledge, spoke to the + purpose, his remarks now, I suppose, are not fated to be much more + apropos.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet he can say things. We all know——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, we all know; but nobody believes. That is the motto of the + present day; and the only way to neutralise scandal, and to counteract + publicity.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dallington was silent, and looked uneasy; and her friend perceiving + that, although she had sent to him so urgent a billet, she did not + communicate, expressed a little surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘But you wish to see me, Bertha?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do very much, and to speak to you. For these many days I have intended + it; but I do not know how it is, I have postponed and postponed our + interview. I begin to believe,’ she added, looking up with a faint smile, + ‘I am half afraid to speak.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good God!’ said the Baronet, really alarmed, ‘you are in no trouble?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no! make yourself easy. Trouble, trouble! No, no! I am not exactly in + trouble. I am not in debt; I am not in a scrape; but—but—but I + am in something—something worse, perhaps: I am in love.’ + </p> + <p> + The Baronet looked puzzled. He did not for a moment suspect himself to be + the hero; yet, although their mutual confidence was illimitable, he did + not exactly see why, in the present instance, there had been such urgency + to impart an event not altogether either unnatural or miraculous. + </p> + <p> + ‘In love!’ said Sir Lucius; ‘a very proper situation for the prettiest + woman in London. Everybody is in love with you; and I heartily rejoice + that some one of our favoured sex is about to avenge our sufferings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Point de moquerie</i>, Lucy! I am miserable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear little pigeon, what is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak,-speak,’ said he, in a gay tone; ‘you were not made for sighs, but + smiles. Begin——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, the young Duke——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deuce!’ said Sir Lucius, alarmed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no! make yourself easy,’ said Mrs. Dallington, smiling; ‘no + counterplot, I assure you, although really you do not deserve to succeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then who is it?’ eagerly asked Sir Lucius. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not let me speak. The young Duke——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn the Duke!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How impatient you are, Lucy! I must begin with the beginning. Well, the + young Duke has something to do with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray be explicit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a word, then,’ said Mrs. Dallington, in a low voice, but with an + expression of earnestness which Sir Lucius had never before remarked, ‘I + am in love, desperately in love, with one whom hitherto, in accordance + with your wishes, I have been driving into the arms of another. Our views, + our interests are opposite; but I wish to act fairly, if possible; I wish + to reconcile them; and it is for this purpose that I have summoned you + this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arundel Dacre!’ said Sir Lucius, quietly, and he rapped his cane on his + boot. The blood-red spot again rose in his companion’s cheek. + </p> + <p> + There was silence for a moment. Sir Lucius would not disturb it, and Mrs. + Dallington again spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘St. James and the little Dacre have again met. You have my secret. I do + not ask your good services with Arundel, which I might at another time; + but you cannot expect me to work against myself. Depend, then, no longer + on my influence with May Dacre; for to be explicit, as we have always + been, most heartily should I rejoice to see her a duchess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The point, Bertha,’ said Sir Lucius, very quietly, ‘is not that I can no + longer count upon you as an ally; but I must, I perceive, reckon you an + opponent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cannot we prevent this?’ asked Mrs. Dallington with energy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see no alternative,’ said Sir Lucius, shaking his head with great + unconcern. ‘Time will prove who will have to congratulate the other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My friend,’ said Mrs. Dallington, with briskness and decision, ‘no + affectation between us. Drop this assumed unconcern. You know, you know + well, that no incident could occur to you at this moment more mortifying + than the one I have communicated, which deranges your plans, and probably + may destroy your views. You cannot misconceive my motives in making this + not very agreeable communication. I might have pursued my object without + your knowledge and permission. In a word, I might have betrayed you. But + with me every consideration has yielded to friendship. I cannot forget how + often, and how successfully, we have combined. I should grieve to see our + ancient and glorious alliance annulled. I am yet in hopes that we may both + obtain our objects through its medium.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not aware,’ said Sir Lucius, with more feeling, ‘that I have given + you any cause to complain of my want of candour. We are in a difficult + position. I have nothing to suggest, but I am ready to listen. You know + how ready I am to adopt all your suggestions; and I know how seldom you + have wanted an expedient.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The little Dacre, then, must not marry her cousin; but we cannot flatter + ourselves that such a girl will not want to marry some one; I have a + conviction that this is her decisive season. She must be occupied. In a + word, Lucy, some one must be found.’ + </p> + <p> + The Baronet started from his chair, and nearly knocked down a table. + </p> + <p> + ‘Confound your tables, Bertha,’ said he, in a pettish tone; ‘I can never + consult in a room full of tables.’ He walked into the conservatory, and + she followed him. He seemed plunged in thought. They were again silent. + Suddenly he seized her hand and led her back to the sofa, on which they + both sat down. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear friend,’ he said, in a tone of agitated solemnity. ‘I will + conceal no longer from you what I have sometimes endeavoured to conceal + from myself: I love that girl to distraction.’ ‘You!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; to distraction. Ever since we first met her image has haunted me. I + endeavoured to crush a feeling which promised only to plunge me into + anxiety, and to distract my attention from my important objects; but in + vain, in vain. Her unexpected appearance yesterday has revived my passion + with triple fervour. I have passed a sleepless night, and rise with the + determination to obtain her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know your own power, Lucius, better perhaps than I do, or the world. + We rank it high; none higher; yet, nevertheless, I look upon this + declaration as insanity.’ + </p> + <p> + He raised her hand to his lips, and pressed it with delicate warmth, and + summoned his most insinuating tone. ‘With your aid, Bertha, I should not + despair!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lucy, I am your friend; perhaps your best friend: but these Dacres! Would + it were anyone but a Dacre! No, no, this cannot be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bertha, you know me better than the world: I am a roué, and you are my + friend; but, believe me, I am not quite so vain as to indulge for a moment + in the idea that May Dacre should be aught to me but what all might + approve and all might honour. Yes, I intend her for my wife.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your wife! You are, indeed, premature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not quite so premature as you perhaps imagine. Know, then, that the great + point is on the eve of achievement. Urged by the information which Afy + thinks she unconsciously obtains from Lachen, and harrowed by the idea + that I am about to tear her from England, she has appealed to the Duke in + a manner to which they were both unused. Hitherto her docile temper has + not permitted her to abuse her empire. Now she exerts her power with an + energy to which he believed her a stranger. He is staggered by his + situation. He at the same time repents having so rashly engaged the + feelings of a woman, and is flattered that he is so loved. They have more + than once consulted upon the expediency of an elopement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is good news.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O! Bertha, you must feel like me before you can estimate it. Yes!’ he + clenched his fist with horrible energy, ‘there is no hell like a detested + wife!’ + </p> + <p> + They were again silent; but when she thought that his emotion had + subsided, she again recalled their consideration to the object of their + interview. + </p> + <p> + ‘You play a bold game, indeed; but it shall not fail from any deficiency + on my part. But how are we to proceed at present? Who is to interest the + feelings of the little Dacre at once?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who but her future husband? What I want you to do is this: we shall call; + but prepare the house to receive us not only as acquaintances, but as + desirable intimates. You know what to say. I have an idea that the divine + creature entertains no very unfavourable opinion of your obedient slave; + and with her temper I care not for what she will not probably hear, the + passing opinion of a third person. I stand at present, thanks to Afy, very + high with the public; and you know, although my life has not the least + altered, that my indiscretions have now a dash of discretion in them; and + a reformed rake, as all agree, is the personification of morality. Prepare + my way with the Dacres, and all will go right. And as for this Arundel, I + know him not; but you have told me enough to make me consider him the most + fortunate of men. As for love between cousins, I laugh at it. A glance + from you will extinguish the feeble flame, as a sunbeam does a fire: and + for the rest, the world does me the honour to believe that, if Lucius + Grafton be remarkable for one thing more than another, it is for the + influence he attains over young minds. I will get acquainted with this + boy; and, for once, let love be unattended by doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + Long was their counsel. The plans we have hinted at were analysed, + canvassed, weighed, and finally matured. They parted, after a long + morning, well aware of the difficulties which awaited their fulfilment, + but also full of hope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Dangerous Guide</i> +</pre> + <p> + SUCH able and congenial spirits as Mrs. Dallington Vere and Sir Lucius + Grafton prosecuted their plans with the success which they had a right to + anticipate. Lady Aphrodite, who was proud of her previous acquaintance, + however slight, with the most distinguished girl in London, and eager to + improve it, unconsciously assisted their operations. Society is so + constituted that it requires no little talent and no slight energy to + repel the intimacy even of those whose acquaintance is evidently not + desirable; and there are many people in this world mixing, apparently, + with great spirit and self-esteem in its concerns, who really owe their + constant appearance and occasional influence in circles of consideration + to no other qualities than their own callous impudence, and the indolence + and the irresolution of their victims. They, who at the same time have no + delicacy and no shame, count fearful odds; and, much as is murmured about + the false estimation of riches, there is little doubt that the parvenus as + often owe their advancement in society to their perseverance as to their + pelf. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, your intimacy is courted by those whose intimacy is an + honour, and that, too, with an art, which conceals its purpose, you often + find that you have, and are a devoted friend, really before you have felt + sufficient gratitude for the opera-box which has been so often lent, the + carriage which has been ever at hand, the brother who has received such + civilities, or the father who has been requested to accept some of the + unattainable tokay which he has charmed you by admiring at your own table. + </p> + <p> + The manoeuvres and tactics of society are infinitely more numerous and + infinitely finer than those of strategy. Woe betide the rash knight who + dashes into the thick of the polished melée without some slight experience + of his barb and his lance! Let him look to his arms! He will do well not + to appear before his helm be plumed with some reputation, however slight. + He may be very rich, or even very poor. We have seen that answer with a + Belisarius-like air; and more than one hero without an obolus has stumbled + upon a fortune merely from his contempt of riches. If to fight, or write, + or dress be above you, why, then, you can ride, or dance, or even skate; + but do not think, as many young gentlemen are apt to believe, that <i>talking</i> + will serve your purpose. That is the quicksand of your young beginners. + All can talk in a public assembly; that is to say, all can give us + exhortations which do not move, and arguments which do not convince; but + to converse in a private assembly is a different affair, and rare are the + characters who can be endured if they exceed a whisper to their + neighbours. But though mild and silent, be ever ready with the rapier of + repartee, and be ever armed with the breastplate of good temper. You will + infallibly gather laurels if you add to these the spear of sarcasm and the + shield of nonchalance. + </p> + <p> + The high style of conversation where eloquence and philosophy emulate each + other, where principles are profoundly expounded and felicitously + illustrated, all this has ceased. It ceased in this country with Johnson + and Burke, and it requires a Johnson and a Burke for its maintenance. + There is no mediocrity in such discourse, no intermediate character + between the sage and the bore. The second style, where men, not things, + are the staple, but where wit, and refinement, and sensibility invest even + personal details with intellectual interest, does flourish at present, as + it always must in a highly civilised society. S. is, or rather was, a fine + specimen of this school, and M. and L. are his worthy rivals. This style + is indeed, for the moment, very interesting. Then comes your conversation + man, who, we confess, is our aversion. His talk is a thing apart, got up + before he enters the company from whose conduct it should grow out. He + sits in the middle of a large table, and, with a brazen voice, bawls out + his anecdotes about Sir Thomas or Sir Humphry, Lord Blank, or my Lady + Blue. He is incessant, yet not interesting; ever varying, yet always + monotonous. Even if we were amused, we are no more grateful for the + entertainment than we are to the lamp over the table for the light which + it universally sheds, and to yield which it was obtained on purpose. We + are more gratified by the slight conversation of one who is often silent, + but who speaks from his momentary feelings, than by all this hullaballoo. + Yet this machine is generally a favourite piece of furniture with the + hostess. You may catch her eye as he recounts some adventure of the + morning, which proves that he not only belongs to every club, but goes to + them, light up with approbation; and then, when the ladies withdraw, and + the female senate deliver their criticism upon the late actors, she will + observe, with a gratified smile, to her confidante, that the dinner went + off well, and that Mr. Bellow was very strong to-day. + </p> + <p> + All this is horrid, and the whole affair is a delusion. A variety of + people are brought together, who all come as late as possible, and retire + as soon, merely to show they have other engagements. A dinner is prepared + for them, which is hurried over, in order that a certain number of dishes + should be, not tasted, but seen: and provided that there is no moment that + an absolute silence reigns; provided that, besides the bustling of the + servants, the clattering of the plates and knives, a stray anecdote is + told, which, if good, has been heard before, and which, if new, is + generally flat; provided a certain number of certain names of people of + consideration are introduced, by which some stranger, for whom the party + is often secretly given, may learn the scale of civilisation of which he + this moment forms a part; provided the senators do not steal out too soon + to the House, and their wives to another party, the hostess is + congratulated on the success of her entertainment. + </p> + <p> + And this glare, and heat, and noise, these <i>congeries</i> of individuals + without sympathy and dishes without flavour; this is society! What an + effect without a cause! A man must be green indeed to stand this for two + seasons. One cannot help thinking that one consequence of the increased + intelligence of the present day will be a great change in the habits of + our intercourse. + </p> + <p> + To our tale; we linger. Few who did not know too much of Sir Lucius + Grafton could refrain from yielding him their regard when he chose to + challenge it, and with the Dacres he was soon an acknowledged favourite. + As a new M.P., and hitherto doubtful supporter of the Catholic cause, it + was grateful to Mr. Dacre’s feelings to find in him an ally, and + flattering to Mr. Dacre’s judgment when that ally ventured to consult him + on his friendly operations. With Miss Dacre he was a mild, amiable man, + who knew the world; thoroughly good, but void of cant, and owner of a + virtue not less to be depended on because his passions had once been + strong, and he had once indulged them. His experience of life made him + value domestic felicity; because he knew that there was no other source of + happiness which was at once so pure and so permanent. But he was not one + of those men who consider marriage as an extinguisher of all those + feelings and accomplishments which throw a lustre on existence; and he did + not consider himself bound, because he had plighted his faith to a + beautiful woman, immediately to terminate the very conduct which had + induced her to join him in the sacred and eternal pledge. His gaiety still + sparkled, his wit still flashed; still he hastened to be foremost among + the courteous; and still his high and ready gallantry indicated that he + was not prepared to yield the fitting ornament of his still blooming + youth. A thousand unobtrusive and delicate attentions which the innocent + now received from him without a thought, save of Lady Aphrodite’s good + fortune; a thousand gay and sentimental axioms, which proved not only how + agreeable he was, but how enchanting he must have been; a thousand little + deeds which struggled to shun the light, and which palpably demonstrated + that the gaiety of his wit, the splendour of his accomplishments, and the + tenderness of his soul were only equalled by his unbounded generosity and + unparalleled good temper; all these combined had made Sir Lucius Grafton, + to many, always a delightful, often a dangerous, and sometimes a fatal, + companion. He was one of those whose candour is deadly. It was when he + least endeavoured to conceal his character that its hideousness least + appeared. He confessed sometimes so much, that you yielded that pity + which, ere the shrived culprit could receive, by some fatal alchemy was + changed into passion. His smile was a lure, his speech was a spell; but it + was when he was silent, and almost gloomy, when you caught his serious + eye, charged, as it were, with emotion, gazing on yours, that if you had a + guardian sylph you should have invoked its aid; and we pray, if ever you + meet the man of whom we write, your invocation may not be forgotten, or + be, what is more likely, too late. + </p> + <p> + The Dacres, this season, were the subject of general conversation. She was + the distinguished beauty, and the dandies all agreed that his dinner was + worthy of his daughter. Lady Fitz-pompey was not behind the welcoming + crowd. She was too politic a leader not to feel anxious to enlist under + her colours a recruit who was so calculated to maintain the reputation of + her forces. Fitz-pompey House must not lose its character for assembling + the most distinguished, the most agreeable, and the most refined, and May + Dacre was a divinity who would summon many a crowd to her niche in this + Pantheon of fashion. + </p> + <p> + If any difficulty were for a moment anticipated in bringing about this + arrangement, a fortunate circumstance seemed sufficient to remove it. Lord + St. Maurice and Arundel Dacre had been acquainted at Vienna, and, though + the intimacy was slight, it was sweet. St. Maurice had received many + favours from the <i>attaché</i>, and, as he was a man of family and + reputation, had been happy to greet him on his arrival in London. Before + the Dacres made their appearance in town for the season Arundel had been + initiated in the mysteries of Fitz-pompey House, and therefore a desire + from that mansion to cultivate the good graces of his Yorkshire relation + seemed not only not forced, but natural. So, the families met, and, to the + surprise of each other, became even intimate, for May Dacre and Lady + Caroline soon evinced a mutual regard for each other. Female friendships + are of rapid growth, and in the present instance, when there was nothing + on either side which was not lovable, it was quite miraculous, and the + friendship, particularly on the part of Lady Caroline, shot up in one + night, like a blooming aloe. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps there is nothing more lovely than the love of two beautiful women, + who are not envious of each other’s charms. How delightfully they impart + to each other the pattern of a cap, or flounce, or frill! how charmingly + they entrust some slight, slender secret about tinting a flower or netting + a purse! Now one leans over the other, and guides her inexperienced hand, + as it moves in the mysteries of some novel work, and then the other looks + up with an eye beaming with devotion; and then again the first leans down + a little lower, and gently presses her aromatic lips upon her friend’s + polished forehead. + </p> + <p> + These are sights which we quiet men, who, like ‘little Jack Horner,’ know + where to take up a safe position, occasionally enjoy, but which your noisy + fellows, who think that women never want to be alone—a sad mistake—and + consequently must be always breaking or stringing a guitar, or cutting a + pencil, or splitting a crowquill, or overturning the gold ink, or + scribbling over a pattern, or doing any other of the thousand acts of + mischief, are debarred from. + </p> + <p> + Not that these bright flowers often bloomed alone; a blossom not less + brilliant generally shared with them the same parterre. Mrs. Dallington + completed the bouquet, and Arundel Dacre was the butterfly, who, she was + glad to perceive, was seldom absent when her presence added beauty to the + beautiful. Indeed, she had good reason to feel confidence in her + attractions. Independently of her charms, which assuredly were great, her + fortune, which was even greater, possessed, she was well aware, no slight + allurement to one who ever trembled when he thought of his dependence, and + often glowed when he mused over his ambition. His slight but increasing + notice was duly estimated by one who was perfectly acquainted with his + peculiar temper, and daily perceived how disregardful he was of all + others, except her and his cousin. But a cousin! She felt confidence in + the theory of Sir Lucius Grafton. + </p> + <p> + And the young Duke; have we forgotten him? Sooth to say, he was seldom + with our heroine or heroines. He had called on Mr. Dacre, and had greeted + him with marked cordiality, and he had sometimes met him and his daughter + in society. But although invited, he had hitherto avoided being their + visitor; and the comparatively secluded life which he now led prevented + him from seeing them often at other houses. Mr. Dacre, who was unaware of + what had passed between him and his daughter, thought his conduct + inexplicable; but his former guardian remembered that it was not the first + time that his behaviour had been unusual, and it was never the disposition + of Mr. Dacre to promote explanations. + </p> + <p> + Our hero felt annoyed at his own weakness. It would have been infinitely + more worthy of so celebrated, so unrivalled a personage as the Duke of St. + James not to have given the woman who had rejected him this evidence of + her power. According to etiquette, he should have called there daily and + have dined there weekly, and yet never have given the former object of his + adoration the slightest idea that he cared a breath for her presence. + According to etiquette, he should never have addressed her but in a vein + of persiflage, and with a smile which indicated his perfect heartease and + her bad taste. According to etiquette, he should have flirted with every + woman in her company, rode with her in the Park, walked with her in the + Gardens, chatted with her at the opera, and drunk wine with her at a water + party; and finally, to prove how sincere he was in his former estimation + of her judgment, have consulted her on the presents which he should make + to some intimate friend of hers, whom he announces as his future bride. + This is the way to manage a woman; and the result may be conceived. She + stares, she starts, she sighs, she weeps; feels highly offended at her + friend daring to accept him; writes a letter of rejection herself to the + affianced damsel, which she makes him sign, and then presents him with the + hand which she always meant to be his. + </p> + <p> + But this was above our hero. The truth is, whenever he thought of May + Dacre his spirit sank. She had cowed him; and her arrival in London had + made him as dissatisfied with his present mode of life as he had been with + his former career. They had met again, and under circumstances apparently, + to him, the most unfavourable. Although he was hopeless, yet he dreaded to + think what she might hear of him. Her contempt was bitter; her dislike + would even be worse. Yet it seemed impossible to retrieve. He was plunged + deeper than he imagined. Embarrassed, entangled, involved, he flew to Lady + Afy, half in pique and half in misery. Passion had ceased to throw a + glittering veil around this idol; but she was kind, and pure, and gentle, + and devoted. It was consoling to be loved to one who was so wretched. It + seemed to him that life must ever be a blank without the woman who, a few + months ago, he had left an encumbrance. The recollection of past happiness + was balm to one who was so forlorn. He shuddered at the thought of losing + his only precious possession, and he was never more attached to his + mistress than when the soul of friendship rose from the body of expired + love. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>An Epicurean Feast</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Duke of St. James dines to-day with Mr. Annesley. Men and things + should be our study; and it is universally acknowledged that a dinner is + the most important of affairs, and a dandy the most important of + individuals. If we liked, we could give you a description of the fête + which should make all your mouths water; but everyone cooks now, and ekes + out his page by robbing Jarrin and by rifling Ude. + </p> + <p> + Charles Annesley was never seen to more advantage than when a host. Then + his superciliousness would, if not vanish, at least subside. He was not + less calm, but somewhat less cold, like a summer lake. Therefore we will + have an eye upon his party; because, to dine with dandies should be a + prominent feature in your career, and must not be omitted in this sketch + of the ‘Life and Times’ of our young hero. The party was of that number + which at once secures a variety of conversation and the impossibility of + two persons speaking at the same time. The guests were his Grace, Lord + Squib, and Lord Darrell. The repast, like everything connected with Mr. + Annesley, was refined and exquisite, rather slight than solid, and more + novel than various. There was no affectation of <i>gourmandise</i>, the + vice of male dinners. Your imagination and your sight were not at the same + time dazzled and confused by an agglomeration of the peculiar luxuries of + every clime and every season. As you mused over a warm and sunny flavour + of a brown soup, your host did not dilate upon the milder and moonlight + beauties of a white one. A gentle dallying with a whiting, that chicken of + the ocean, was not a signal for a panegyric of the darker attraction of a + <i>matelotte à la royale</i>. The disappearance of the first course did + not herald a catalogue of discordant dainties. You were not recommended to + neglect the <i>croquettes</i> because the <i>boudins</i> might claim + attention; and while you were crowning your important labours with a quail + you were not reminded that the <i>pâté de Troyes</i>, unlike the less + reasonable human race, would feel offended if it were not cut. Then the + wines were few. Some sherry, with a pedigree like an Arabian, heightened + the flavour of the dish, not interfered with it; as a toady keeps up the + conversation which he does not distract. A goblet of Graffenburg, with a + bouquet like woman’s breath, made you, as you remembered some liquid which + it had been your fate to fall upon, suppose that German wines, like German + barons, required some discrimination, and that hock, like other titles, + was not always the sign of the high nobility of its owner. A glass of + claret was the third grace. But, if we had been there, we should have + devoted ourselves to one of the sparkling sisters; for one wine, like one + woman, is sufficient to interest one’s feelings for four-and-twenty hours. + Fickleness we abhor. + </p> + <p> + ‘I observed you riding to-day with the gentle Leonora, St. James,’ said + Mr. Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘No! her sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! Those girls are uncommonly alike. The fact is, now, that neither + face nor figure depends upon nature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Lord Squib; ‘all that the artists of the present day want is a + model. Let a family provide one handsome sister, and the hideousness of + the others will not prevent them, under good management, from being + mistaken, by the best judges, for the beauty, six times in the same hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are trying, I suppose, to account for your unfortunate error at + Cleverley’s, on Monday, Squib?’ said Lord Darrell, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! all nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What was it?’ said Mr. Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a word true,’ said Lord Squib, stifling curiosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe it,’ said the Duke, without having heard a syllable. ‘Come, + Darrell, out with it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It really is nothing very particular, only it is whispered that Squib + said something to Lady Clever-ley which made her ring the bell, and that + he excused himself to his Lordship by protesting that, from their + similarity of dress and manner and strong family likeness, he had mistaken + the Countess for her sister.’ + </p> + <p> + <i>Omnes</i>. ‘Well done, Squib! And were you introduced to the right + person?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why,’ said his Lordship, ‘fortunately I contrived to fall out about the + settlements, and so I escaped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So the chaste Diana is to be the new patroness?’ said Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘So I understand,’ rejoined Mr. Annesley. ‘This is the age of unexpected + appointments.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>On dit</i> that when it was notified to the party most interested, + there was a rider to the bill, excluding my Lord’s relations.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ faintly laughed Mr. Annesley. ‘What have they been doing so + remarkable?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Lord Squib. ‘That is just their fault. They have every + recommendation; but when any member of that family is in a room, everybody + feels so exceedingly sleepy that they all sink to the ground. That is the + reason that there are so many ottomans at Heavyside House.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it true,’ asked the Duke, ‘that his Grace really has a flapper?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unquestionably,’ said Lord Squib. ‘The other day I was announced, and his + attendant was absent. He had left his instrument on a sofa. I immediately + took it up, and touched my Lord upon his hump. I never knew him more + entertaining. He really was quite lively.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But Diana is a favourite goddess of mine,’ said Annesley; ‘taste that + hock.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Superb! Where did you get it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A present from poor Raffenburg.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! where is he now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At Paris, I believe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Paris! and where is she?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I liked Raffenburg,’ said Lord Squib; ‘he always reminded me of a country + innkeeper who supplies you with pipes and tobacco gratis, provided that + you will dine with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He had unrivalled meerschaums,’ said Mr. Annesley, ‘and he was most + liberal. There are two. You know I never use them, but they are handsome + furniture.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Those Dalmaines are fine girls,’ said the Duke of St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very pretty creatures! Do you know, Duke,’ said Annesley, ‘I think the + youngest one something like Miss Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! I cannot say the resemblance struck me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see old mother Dalmaine dresses her as much like the Doncaster belle as + she possibly can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and spoils her,’ said Lord Squib; ‘but old mother Dalmaine, with all + her fuss, was ever a bad cook, and overdid everything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Young Dalmaine, they say,’ observed Lord Darrell, ‘is in a sort of a + scrape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! some confusion at head-quarters. A great tallow-chandler’s son got + into the regiment, and committed some heresy at mess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not know the brother,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are fortunate, then. He is unendurable. To give you an idea of him, + suppose you met him here (which you never will), he would write to you the + next day, “My dear St. James.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My tailor presented me his best compliments, the other morning,’ said the + Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘The world is growing familiar,’ said Mr. Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘There must be some remedy,’ said Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes!’ said Lord Squib, with indignation. ‘Tradesmen now-a-days console + themselves for not getting their bills paid by asking their customers to + dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is shocking,’ said Mr. Annesley, with a forlorn air. ‘Do you know, I + never enter society now without taking as many preliminary precautions as + if the plague raged in all our chambers. In vain have I hitherto prided + myself on my existence being unknown to the million. I never now stand + still in a street, lest my portrait be caught for a lithograph; I never + venture to a strange dinner, lest I should stumble upon a fashionable + novelist; and even with all this vigilance, and all this denial, I have an + intimate friend whom I cannot cut, and who, they say, writes for the Court + Journal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But why cannot you cut him?’ asked Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is my brother; and, you know, I pride myself upon my domestic + feelings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes!’ said Lord Squib, ‘to judge from what the world says, one would + think, Annesley, you were a Brummel!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Squib, not even in jest couple my name with one whom I will not call a + savage, merely because he is unfortunate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you think of little Eugenie, Annesley, last night?’ asked the + Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, very well, indeed; something like Brocard’s worst.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was a little disappointed in her début, and much interested in her + success. She was rather a favourite of mine in Paris, so I invited her to + the Alhambra yesterday, with Claudius Piggott and some more. I had half a + mind to pull you in, but I know you do not much admire Piggott.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the contrary, I have been in Piggott’s company without being much + offended.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think Piggott improves,’ said Lord Darrell. ‘It was those waistcoats + which excited such a prejudice against him when he first came over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! a prejudice against Peacock Piggott!’ said Lord Squib; ‘pretty + Peacock Piggott! Tell it not in Gath, whisper it not in Ascalon; and, + above all, insinuate it not to Lady de Courcy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is not much danger of my insinuating anything to her,’ said Mr. + Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your compact, I hope, is religiously observed,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, very well. There was a slight infraction once, but I sent Charles + Fitzroy as an ambassador, and war was not declared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean,’ asked Lord Squib, ‘when your cabriolet broke down before + her door, and she sent out to request that you would make yourself quite + at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean that fatal day,’ replied Mr. Annesley. ‘I afterwards discovered + she had bribed my tiger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know Eugenie’s sister, St. James?’ asked Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes: she is very clever; very popular at Paris. But I like Eugenie, + because she is so good-natured. Her laugh is so hearty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is,’ said Lord Squib. ‘Do you remember that girl at Madrid, + Annesley, who used to laugh so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, Isidora? She is coming over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I thought it was high treason to plunder the grandees’ dovecotes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, all our regular official negotiations have failed. She is not + permitted to treat with a foreign manager; but the new ambassador has a + secretary, and that secretary has some diplomatic ability, and so Isidora + is to be smuggled over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a red box, I suppose,’ said Lord Squib. + </p> + <p> + ‘I rather admire our Adèle,’ said the Duke of St. James. ‘I really think + she dances with more <i>aplomb</i> than any of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! certainly; she is a favourite of mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I like that wild little Ducis,’ said Lord Squib. ‘She puts me in mind + of a wild cat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Marunia of a Bengal tiger,’ said his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a fine woman, though,’ said Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think your cousin, St. James,’ said Lord Squib, ‘will get into a scrape + with Marunia. I remember Chetwynd telling me, and he was not apt to + complain on that score, that he never should have broken up if it had not + been for her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But he was an extravagant fellow,’ said Mr. Annesley: ‘he called me in at + his <i>bouleversement</i> for advice, as I have the reputation of a good + economist. I do not know how it is, though I see these things perpetually + happen; but why men, and men of small fortunes, should commit such + follies, really exceeds my comprehension. Ten thousand pounds for + trinkets, and nearly as much for old furniture!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Chetwynd kept it up a good many years, though, I think,’ said Lord + Darrell. ‘I remember going to see his rooms when I first came over. You + recollect his pearl fountain of Cologne water?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Millecolonnes fitted up his place, I think?’ asked the young Duke; ‘but + it was before my time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! yes; little Bijou,’ said Annesley. ‘He has done you justice, Duke. I + think the Alhambra much the prettiest thing in town.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was attacked the other day most vigorously by Mrs. Dallington to obtain + a sight,’ said Lord Squib. ‘I referred her to Lucy Grafton. Do you know, + St. James, I have half a strange idea that there is a renewal in that + quarter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So they say,’ said the Duke; ‘if so, I confess I am surprised.’ But they + remembered Lord Darrell, and the conversation turned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Those are clever horses of Lincoln Graves,’ said Mr. Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Neat cattle, as Bagshot says,’ observed Lord Squib. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it true that Bag is going to marry one of the Wrekins?’ asked the + Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which?’ asked Lord Squib; ‘not Sophy, surely I thought she was to be your + cousin. I dare say,’ he added, ‘a false report. I suppose, to use a + Bagshotism, his governor wants it; but I should think Lord Cub would not + yet be taken in. By-the-bye, he says you have promised to propose him at + White’s, St. James.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oppose him, I said,’ rejoined the Duke. ‘Bag really never understands + English. However, I think it as probable that he will lounge there as on + the Treasury bench. That was his “governor’s” last shrewd plan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darrell,’ said Lord Squib, ‘is there any chance of my being a + commissioner for anything? It struck me last night that I had never been + in office.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not think, Squib, that you ever will be in office, if even you be + appointed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the contrary, my good fellow, my punctuality should surprise you. I + should like very much to be a lay lord, because I cannot afford to keep a + yacht, and theirs, they say, are not sufficiently used, for the Admirals + think it spooney, and the landlubbers are always sick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think myself of having a yacht this summer,’ said the Duke of St. + James. ‘Be my captain, Squib.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you be serious I will commence my duties tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am serious. I think it will be amusing. I give you full authority to do + exactly what you like, provided, in two months’ time, I have the crack + vessel in the club.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I begin to press. Annesley, your dinner is so good that you shall be + purser; and Darrell, you are a man of business, you shall be his clerk. + For the rest, I think St. Maurice may claim a place, and——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Peacock Piggott, by all means,’ said the Duke. ‘A gay sailor is quite the + thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Charles Fitzroy,’ said Annesley, ‘because I am under obligations to + him, and promised to have him in my eye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Bagshot for a butt,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Backbite for a buffoon,’ said Mr. Annesley. + </p> + <p> + ‘And for the rest,’ said the young Duke, ‘the rest of the crew, I vote, + shall be women. The Dalmaines will just do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the little Trevors,’ said Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Long Harrington,’ said Lord Squib. ‘She is my beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the young Ducie,’ said Annesley. ‘And Mrs. Dallington of course, and + Caroline St. Maurice, and Charlotte Bloomerly; really, she was dressed + most prettily last night; and, above all, the queen bee of the hive, May + Dacre, eh! St. James? And I have another proposition,’ said Annesley, with + unusual animation. ‘May Dacre won the St. Leger, and ruled the course; and + May Dacre shall win the cup, and rule the waves. Our yacht shall be + christened by the Lady Bird of Yorkshire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a delightful thing it would be,’ said the Duke of St. James, ‘if, + throughout life, we might always choose our crew; cull the beauties, and + banish the bores.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But that is impossible,’ said Lord Darrell. ‘Every ornament of society is + counterbalanced by some accompanying blur. I have invariably observed that + the ugliness of a chaperon is exactly in proportion to the charms of her + charge; and that if a man be distinguished for his wit, his appearance, + his style, or any other good quality, he is sure to be saddled with some + family or connection, who require all his popularity to gain them a + passport into the crowd.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One might collect an unexceptionable coterie from our present crowd,’ + said Mr. Annesley. ‘It would be curious to assemble all the pet lambs of + the flock.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it impossible?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Burlington is the only man who dare try,’ said Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt whether any individual would have sufficient pluck,’ said Lord + Squib. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said the Duke, ‘it must, I think, be a joint-stock company to share + the glory and the odium. Let us do it!’ + </p> + <p> + There was a start, and a silence, broken by Annesley in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + ‘By Heavens it would be sublime, if practicable; but the difficulty does + indeed seem insurmountable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, we would not do it,’ said the young Duke, ‘if it were not difficult. + The first thing is to get a frame for our picture, to hit upon some happy + pretence for assembling in an impromptu style the young and gay. Our + purpose must not be too obvious. It must be something to which all expect + to be asked, and where the presence of all is impossible; so that, in + fixing upon a particular member of a family, we may seem influenced by the + wish that no circle should be neglected. Then, too, it should be something + like a water-party or a fête champêtre, where colds abound and fits are + always caught, so that a consideration for the old and the infirm may + authorise us not to invite them; then, too——’ + </p> + <p> + <i>Omnes</i>. ‘Bravo! bravo! St. James. It shall be! it shall be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be a fête champêtre,’ said Annesley, decidedly, ‘and as far from + town as possible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Twickenham is at your service,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just the place, and just the distance. The only objection is, that, by + being yours, it will saddle the enterprise too much upon you. We must all + bear our share in the uproar, for, trust me, there will be one; but there + are a thousand ways by which our responsibility may be insisted upon. For + instance, let us make a list of all our guests, and then let one of us act + as secretary, and sign the invitations, which shall be like tickets. No + other name need appear, and the hosts will indicate themselves at the + place of rendezvous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lords,’ said Lord Squib, ‘I rise to propose the health of Mr. + Secretary Annesley, and I think if anyone carry the business through, it + will be he.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I accept the trust. At present be silent as night; for we have much to + mature, and our success depends upon our secrecy.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Fête of Youth and Beauty</i> +</pre> + <p> + ARUNDEL DACRE, though little apt to cultivate an acquaintance with anyone, + called on the young Duke the morning after their meeting. The truth is, + his imagination was touched by our hero’s appearance. His Grace possessed + all that accomplished manner of which Arundel painfully felt the want, and + to which he eagerly yielded his admiration. He earnestly desired the + Duke’s friendship, but, with his usual <i>mauvaise honte</i>, their + meeting did not advance his wishes. He was as shy and constrained as + usual, and being really desirous of appearing to advantage, and leaving an + impression in his favour, his manner was even divested of that somewhat + imposing coldness which was not altogether ineffective. In short, he was + rather disagreeable. The Duke was courteous, as he usually was, and ever + to the Da-cres, but he was not cordial. He disliked Arundel Dacre; in a + word, he looked upon him as his favoured rival. The two young men + occasionally met, but did not grow more intimate. Studiously polite the + young Duke ever was both to him and to his lovely cousin, for his pride + concealed his pique, and he was always afraid lest his manner should + betray his mind. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Sir Lucius Grafton apparently was running his usual course + of triumph. It is fortunate that those who will watch and wonder about + everything are easily satisfied with a reason, and are ever quick in + detecting a cause; so Mrs. Dallington Vere was the fact that duly + accounted for the Baronet’s intimacy with the Dacres. All was right again + between them. It was unusual, to be sure, these <i>rifacimentos</i>; still + she was a charming woman; and it was well known that Lucius had spent + twenty thousand on the county. Where was that to come from, they should + like to know, but from old Dallington Vere’s Yorkshire estates, which he + had so wisely left to his pretty wife by the pink paper codicil? + </p> + <p> + And this lady of so many loves, how felt she? Most agreeably, as all dames + do who dote upon a passion which they feel convinced will be returned, but + which still waits for a response. Arundel Dacre would yield her a smile + from a face more worn by thought than joy; and Arundel Dacre, who was wont + to muse alone, was now ever ready to join his cousin and her friends in + the ride or the promenade. Miss Dacre, too, had noticed to her a kindly + change in her cousin’s conduct to her father. He was more cordial to his + uncle, sought to pay him deference, and seemed more desirous of gaining + his good-will. The experienced eye, too, of this pretty woman allowed her + often to observe that her hero’s presence was not particularly occasioned, + or particularly inspired, by his cousin. In a word, it was to herself that + his remarks were addressed, his attentions devoted, and often she caught + his dark and liquid eye fixed upon her beaming and refulgent brow. + </p> + <p> + Sir Lucius Grafton proceeded with that strange mixture of craft and + passion which characterised him. Each day his heart yearned more for the + being on whom his thoughts should never have pondered. Now exulting in her + increased confidence, she seemed already his victim; now awed by her + majestic spirit, he despaired even of her being his bride. Now melted by + her unsophisticated innocence, he cursed even the least unhallowed of his + purposes; and now enchanted by her consummate loveliness, he forgot all + but her beauty and his own passion. + </p> + <p> + Often had he dilated to her, with the skill of an arch deceiver, on the + blessings of domestic joy; often, in her presence, had his eye sparkled, + when he watched the infantile graces of some playful children. Then he + would embrace them with a soft care and gushing fondness, enough to melt + the heart of any mother whom he was desirous to seduce, and then, with a + half-murmured sigh, he regretted, in broken accents, that he, too, was not + a father. + </p> + <p> + In due time he proceeded even further. Dark hints of domestic infelicity + broke unintentionally from his ungoverned lips. Miss Dacre stared. He + quelled the tumult of his thoughts, struggled with his outbreaking + feelings, and triumphed; yet not without a tear, which forced its way down + a face not formed for grief, and quivered upon his fair and downy cheek. + Sir Lucius Grafton was well aware of the magic of his beauty, and used his + charms to betray, as if he were a woman. + </p> + <p> + Miss Dacre, whose soul was sympathy, felt in silence for this excellent, + this injured, this unhappy, this agreeable man. Ill could even her + practised manner check the current of her mind, or conceal from Lady + Aphrodite that she possessed her dislike. As for the young Duke, he fell + into the lowest abyss of her opinions, and was looked upon as alike + frivolous, heartless, and irreclaimable. + </p> + <p> + But how are the friends with whom we dined yesterday? Frequent were the + meetings, deep the consultations, infinite the suggestions, innumerable + the expedients. In the morning they met and breakfasted with Annesley; in + the afternoon they met and lunched with Lord Squib; in the evening they + met and dined with Lord Darrell; and at night they met and supped at the + Alhambra. Each council only the more convinced them that the scheme was + feasible, and must be glorious. At last their ideas were matured, and + Annesley took steps to break a great event to the world, who were on the + eve of being astonished. + </p> + <p> + He repaired to Lady Bloomerly. The world sometimes talked of her Ladyship + and Mr. Annesley; the world were quite wrong, as they often are on this + subject. Mr. Annesley knew the value of a female friend. By Lady + Bloomerly’s advice, the plan was entrusted in confidence to about a dozen + dames equally influential. Then a few of the most considered male friends + heard a strange report. Lord Darrell dropped a rumour at the Treasury; but + with his finger on the mouth, and leaving himself out of the list, + proceeded to give his favourable opinion of the project, merely as a + disinterested and expected guest. Then the Duke promised Peacock Piggott + one night at the Alhambra, but swore him to solemn secrecy over a vase of + sherbet. Then Squib told his tailor, in consideration that his bill should + not be sent in; and finally, the Bird of Paradise betrayed the whole + affair to the musical world, who were, of course, all agog. Then, when + rumour began to wag its hundred tongues, the twelve peeresses found + themselves bound in honour to step into the breach, yielded the plan their + decided approbation, and their avowed patronage puzzled the grumblers, + silenced the weak, and sneered down the obstinate. + </p> + <p> + The invitations began to issue, and the outcry against them burst forth. A + <i>fronde</i> was formed, but they wanted a De Retz; and many kept back, + with the hope of being bribed from joining it. The four cavaliers soon + found themselves at the head of a strong party, and then, like a faction + who have successfully struggled for toleration, they now openly maintained + their supremacy. It was too late to cabal. The uninvited could only + console themselves by a passive sulk or an active sneer; but this would + not do, and their bilious countenances betrayed their chagrin. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty now was, not to keep the bores away, but to obtain a few of + the beauties, who hesitated. A chaperon must be found for one; another + must be added on to a party, like a star to the cluster of a + constellation. Among those whose presence was most ardently desired, but + seemed most doubtful, was Miss Dacre. An invitation had been sent to her + father; but he was out of town, and she did not like to join so peculiar a + party without him: but it was unanimously agreed that, without her, the + affair would be a failure; and Charles Annesley was sent, envoy + extraordinary, to arrange. With the good aid of his friend Mrs. Dallington + all was at length settled; and fervid prayers that the important day might + be ushered in by a smiling sun were offered up during the next fortnight, + at half-past six every morning, by all civilised society, who then hurried + to their night’s rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sir Lucius Drops the Mask</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE fête at ‘the Pavilion,’ such was the title of the Twickenham Villa, + though the subject of universal interest, was anticipated by no one with + more eager anxiety than by Sir Lucius Grafton; for that day, he + determined, should decide the fate of the Duke of St. James. He was + sanguine as to the result, nor without reason. For the last month he had, + by his dark machinery, played desperately upon the feelings of Lady + Aphrodite; and more than once had she despatched rapid notes to her + admirer for counsel and for consolation. The Duke was more skilful in + soothing her griefs than in devising expedients for their removal. He + treated the threatened as a distant evil! and wiped away her tears in a + manner which is almost an encouragement to weep. + </p> + <p> + At last the eventful morn arrived, and a scorching sun made those exult to + whom the barge and the awning promised a progress equally calm and cool. + Woe to the dusty britzska! woe to the molten furnace of the crimson + cabriolet! + </p> + <p> + They came, as the stars come out from the heavens, what time the sun is in + his first repose: now a single hero, brilliant as a planet; now a splendid + party, clustering like a constellation. Music is on the waters and perfume + on the land; each moment a barque glides up with its cymbals, each moment + a cavalcade bright with bouquets! + </p> + <p> + Ah, gathering of brightness! ah, meeting of lustre! why, why are you to be + celebrated by one so obscure and dull as I am? Ye Lady Carolines and ye + Lady Franceses, ye Lady Barbaras and ye Lady Blanches, is it my fault? + </p> + <p> + O, graceful Lord Francis, why, why have you left us; why, why have you + exchanged your Ionian lyre for an Irish harp? You were not made for + politics; leave them to clerks. Fly, fly back to pleasure, to frolic, and + fun! Confess, now, that you sometimes do feel a little queer. We say + nothing of the difference between May Fair and Donnybrook. + </p> + <p> + And thou, too, Luttrell, gayest bard that ever threw off a triplet amid + the clattering of cabs and the chattering of clubs, art thou, too, mute? + Where, where dost thou linger? Is our Druid among the oaks of Ampthill; + or, like a truant Etonian, is he lurking among the beeches of Burnham? + What! has the immortal letter, unlike all other good advice, absolutely + not been thrown away? or is the jade incorrigible? Whichever be the case, + you need not be silent. There is yet enough to do, and yet enough to + instruct. Teach us that wealth is not elegance; that profusion is not + magnificence; and that splendour is not beauty. Teach us that taste is a + talisman which can do greater wonders than the millions of the loanmonger. + Teach us that to vie is not to rival, and to imitate not to invent. Teach + us that pretension is a bore. Teach us that wit is excessively + good-natured, and, like champagne, not only sparkles, but is sweet. Teach + us the vulgarity of malignity. Teach us that envy spoils our complexions, + and that anxiety destroys our figure. Catch the fleeting colours of that + sly chameleon, Cant, and show what excessive trouble we are ever taking to + make ourselves miserable and silly. Teach us all this, and Aglaia shall + stop a crow in its course and present you with a pen, Thalia hold the + golden fluid in a Sèvres vase, and Euphrosyne support the violet-coloured + scroll. + </p> + <p> + The four hosts greeted the arrivals and assisted the disembarkations, like + the famous four sons of Aymon. + </p> + <p> + They were all dressed alike, and their costume excited great attention. At + first it was to have been very plain, black and white and a single rose; + but it was settled that simplicity had been overdone, and, like a country + girl after her first season, had turned into a most affected baggage, so + they agreed to be regal; and fancy uniforms, worthy of the court of + Oberon, were the order of the day. We shall not describe them, for the + description of costume is the most inventive province of our historical + novelists, and we never like to be unfair, or trench upon our neighbour’s + lands or rights; but the Alhambra button indicated a mystical confederacy, + and made the women quite frantic with curiosity. + </p> + <p> + The guests wandered through the gardens, always various, and now a + paradise of novelty. There were four brothers, fresh from the wildest + recesses of the Carpathian Mount, who threw out such woodnotes wild that + all the artists stared; and it was universally agreed that, had they not + been French chorus-singers, they would have been quite a miracle. But the + Lapland sisters were the true prodigy, who danced the Mazurka in the + national style. There was also a fire-eater; but some said he would never + set the river in flames, though he had an antidote against all poisons! + But then our Mithridates always tried its virtues on a stuffed poodle, + whose bark evinced its vitality. There also was a giant in the wildest + part of the shrubbery, and a dwarf, on whom the ladies showered their + sugarplums, and who, in return, offered them tobacco. But it was not true + that the giant sported stilts, or that the dwarf was a sucking-babe. Some + people are so suspicious. Then a bell rang, and assembled them in the + concert-room; and the Bird of Paradise who to-day was consigned to the + cavaliership of Peacock Piggott, condescended to favour them with a new + song, which no one had ever heard, and which, consequently, made them feel + more intensely all the sublimity of exclusiveness. Shall we forget the + panniers of shoes which Melnotte had placed in every quarter of the + gardens? We will say nothing of Maradan’s cases of caps, because, for this + incident, Lord Bagshot is our authority. + </p> + <p> + On a sudden, it seemed that a thousand bugles broke the blue air, and they + were summoned to a déjeûner in four crimson tents worthy of Sardanapalus. + </p> + <p> + Over each waved the scutcheon of the president. Glittering were the + glories of the hundred quarterings of the house of Darrell. ‘<i>Si non è + vero è ben trovato</i>,’ was the motto. Lord Darrell’s grandfather had + been a successful lawyer. Lord Squib’s emblazonry was a satire on its + owner. ‘<i>Holdfast</i>’ was the motto of a man who had let loose. + Annesley’s simple shield spoke of the Conquest; but all paled before the + banner of the house of Hauteville, for it indicated an alliance with + royalty. The attendants of each pavilion wore the livery of its lord. + </p> + <p> + Shall we attempt to describe the delicacy of this banquet, where + imagination had been racked for novel luxury? Through the centre of each + table ran a rivulet of rose-water, and gold and silver fish glanced in its + unrivalled course. The bouquets were exchanged every half-hour, and music + soft and subdued, but constant and thrilling, wound them up by exquisite + gradations to that pitch of refined excitement which is so strange a union + of delicacy and voluptuousness, when the soul, as it were, becomes + sensual, and the body, as it were, dissolves into spirit. And in this + choice assembly, where all was youth, and elegance, and beauty, was it not + right that every sound should be melody, every sight a sight of + loveliness, and every thought a thought of pleasure? + </p> + <p> + They arose and re-assembled on the lawn, where they found, to their + surprise, had arisen in their absence a Dutch Fair. Numerous were the + booths, innumerable were the contents. The first artists had arranged the + picture and the costumes; the first artists had made the trinkets and the + toys. And what a very agreeable fair, where all might suit their fancy + without the permission of that sulky tyrant, a purse! All were in + excellent humour, and no false shame prevented them from plundering the + stalls. The noble proprietors set the example. Annesley offered a bouquet + of precious stones to Charlotte Bloomerly, and it was accepted, and the + Duke of St. James showered a sack of whimsical breloques among a + scrambling crowd of laughing beauties. Among them was Miss Dacre. He had + not observed her. Their eyes met, and she smiled. It seemed that he had + never felt happiness before. + </p> + <p> + Ere the humours of the fair could be exhausted they were summoned to the + margin of the river, where four painted and gilded galleys, which might + have sailed down the Cydmus, and each owning its peculiar chief, prepared + to struggle for pre-eminence in speed. All betted; and the Duke, + encouraged by the smile, hastened to Miss Dacre to try to win back some of + his Doncaster losses, but Arundel Dacre had her arm in his, and she was + evidently delighted with his discourse. His Grace’s blood turned, and he + walked away. + </p> + <p> + It was sunset when they returned to the lawn, and then the ball-room + presented itself; but the twilight was long, and the night was warm; there + were no hateful dews, no odious mists, and therefore a great number danced + on the lawn. The fair was illuminated, and all the little <i>marchandes</i> + and their lusty porters walked about in their costume. + </p> + <p> + The Duke again rallied his courage, and seeing Arundel Dacre with Mrs. + Dallington Vere, he absolutely asked Miss Dacre to dance. She was engaged. + He doubted, and walked into the house disconsolate; yet, if he had waited + one moment, he would have seen Sir Lucius Grafton rejoin her, and lead her + to the cotillon that was forming on the turf. The Duke sauntered to Lady + Aphrodite, but she would not dance; yet she did not yield his arm, and + proposed a stroll. They wandered away to the extremity of the grounds. + Fainter and fainter grew the bursts of the revellers, yet neither of them + spoke much, for both were dull. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page243.jpg" alt="Page243 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Yet at length her Ladyship did speak, and amply made up for her previous + silence. All former scenes, to this, were but as the preface to the book. + All she knew and all she dreaded, all her suspicions, all her certainties, + all her fears, were poured forth in painful profusion. This night was to + decide her fate. She threw herself on his mercy, if he had forgotten his + love. Out dashed all those arguments, all those appeals, all those + assertions, which they say are usual under these circumstances. She was a + woman; he was a man. She had staked her happiness on this venture; he had + a thousand cards to play. Love, and first love, with her, as with all + women, was everything; he and all men, at the worst, had a thousand + resources. He might plunge into politics, he might game, he might fight, + he might ruin himself in innumerable ways, but she could only ruin herself + in one. Miserable woman! Miserable sex! She had given him her all. She + knew it was little: would she had more! She knew she was unworthy of him: + would she were not! She did not ask him to sacrifice himself to her: she + could not expect it; she did not even desire it. Only, she thought he + ought to know exactly the state of affairs and of consequences, and that + certainly if they were parted, which assuredly they would be, most + decidedly she would droop, and fade, and die. She wept, she sobbed; his + entreaties alone seemed to prevent hysterics. + </p> + <p> + These scenes are painful at all times, and even the callous, they say, + have a twinge; but when the actress is really beautiful and pure, as this + lady was, and the actor young and inexperienced and amiable, as this actor + was, the consequences are more serious than is usual. The Duke of St. + James was unhappy, he was discontented, he was dissatisfied with himself. + He did not love this lady, if love were the passion which he entertained + for Miss Dacre, but she loved him. He knew that she was beautiful, and he + was convinced that she was excellent. The world is malicious, but the + world had agreed that Lady Aphrodite was an unblemished pearl: yet this + jewel was reserved for him! Intense gratitude almost amounted to love. In + short, he had no idea at this moment that feelings are not in our power. + His were captive, even if entrapped. It was a great responsibility to + desert this creature, the only one from whom he had experienced devotion. + To conclude: a season of extraordinary dissipation, to use no harsher + phrase, had somewhat exhausted the nervous powers of our hero; his + energies were deserting him; he had not heart or heartlessness enough to + extricate himself from this dilemma. It seemed that if this being to whom + he was indebted for so much joy were miserable, he must be unhappy; that + if she died, life ought to have, could have, no charms for him. He kissed + away her tears, he pledged his faith, and Lady Aphrodite Grafton was his + betrothed! + </p> + <p> + She wonderfully recovered. Her deep but silent joy seemed to repay him + even for this bitter sacrifice. Compared with the late racking of his + feelings, the present calm, which was merely the result of suspense being + destroyed, seemed happiness. His conscience whispered approbation, and he + felt that, for once, he had sacrificed himself to another. + </p> + <p> + They re-entered the villa, and he took the first opportunity of wandering + alone to the least frequented parts of the grounds: his mind demanded + solitude, and his soul required soliloquy. + </p> + <p> + ‘So the game is up! truly a most lame and impotent conclusion! And this, + then, is the result of all my high fancies and indefinite aspirations! + Verily, I am a very distinguished hero, and have not abused my unrivalled + advantages in the least. What! am I bitter on myself? There will be enough + to sing my praises without myself joining in this chorus of + congratulation. O! fool! fool! Now I know what folly is. But barely + fifteen months since I stepped upon these shores, full of hope and full of + pride; and now I leave them; how? O! my dishonoured fathers! Even my + posterity, which God grant I may not have, will look on my memory with + hatred, and on hers with scorn! + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I suppose we must live for ourselves. We both of us know the world; + and Heaven can bear witness that we should not be haunted by any uneasy + hankering after what has brought us such a heartache. If it were for love, + if it were for—but away! I will not profane her name; if it were for + her that I was thus sacrificing myself. I could bear it, I could welcome + it. I can imagine perfect and everlasting bliss in the sole society of one + single being, but she is not that being. Let me not conceal it; let me + wrestle with this bitter conviction! + </p> + <p> + ‘And am I, indeed, bound to close my career thus; to throw away all hope, + all chance of felicity, at my age, for a point of honour? No, no; it is + not that. After all, I have experienced that with her, and from her, which + I have with no other woman; and she is so good, so gentle, and, all agree, + so lovely! How infinitely worse would her situation be if deserted, than + mine is as her perpetual companion! The very thought makes my heart bleed. + Yes! amiable, devoted, dearest Afy, I throw aside these morbid feelings; + you shall never repent having placed your trust in me. I will be proud and + happy of such a friend, and you shall be mine for ever!’ + </p> + <p> + A shriek broke on the air: he started. It was near: he hastened after the + sound. He entered into a small green glade surrounded by shrubs, where had + been erected a fanciful hermitage. There he found Sir Lucius Grafton on + his knees, grasping the hand of the indignant but terrified Miss Dacre. + The Duke rushed forward; Miss Dacre ran to meet him; Sir Lucius rose. + </p> + <p> + ‘This lady, Sir Lucius Grafton, is under my protection,’ said the young + Duke, with a flashing eye but a calm voice. She clung to his arm; he bore + her away. The whole was the affair of an instant. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and his companion proceeded in silence. She tried to hasten, but + he felt her limbs shake upon his arm. He stopped: no one, not even a + servant, was near. He could not leave her for an instant. There she stood + trembling, her head bent down, and one hand clasping the other, which + rested on his arm. Terrible was her struggle, but she would not faint, and + at length succeeded in repressing her emotions. They were yet a + considerable way from the house. She motioned with her left hand to + advance; but still she did not speak. On they walked, though more slowly, + for she was exhausted, and occasionally stopped for breath or strength. + </p> + <p> + At length she said, in a faint voice, ‘I cannot join the party. I must go + home directly. How can it be done?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your companions?’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are of course engaged, or not to be found; but surely somebody I know is + departing. Manage it: say I am ill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, Miss Dacre! if you knew the agony of my mind!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not speak; for Heaven’s sake, do not speak!’ + </p> + <p> + He turned off from the lawn, and approached by a small circuit the gate of + the ground. Suddenly he perceived a carriage on the point of going off. It + was the Duchess of Shropshire’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is the Duchess of Shropshire! You know her; but not a minute is to + be lost. There is such a noise, they will not hear. Are you afraid to stop + here one instant by yourself? I shall not be out of sight, and not away a + second. I run very quick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I am not afraid. Go, go!’ + </p> + <p> + Away rushed the Duke of St. James as if his life were on his speed. He + stopped the carriage, spoke, and was back in an instant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lean, lean on me with all your strength. I have told everything necessary + to Lady Shropshire. Nobody will speak a word, because they believe you + have a terrible headache. I will say everything necessary to Mrs. + Dallington and your cousin. Do not give yourself a moment’s uneasiness. + And, oh! Miss Dacre! if I might say one word!’ + </p> + <p> + She did not stop him. + </p> + <p> + ‘If,’ continued he, ‘it be your wish that the outrage of to-night should + be known only to myself and him, I pledge my word it shall be so; though + willingly, if I were authorised, I would act a different part in this + affair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is my wish.’ She spoke in a low voice, with her eyes still upon the + ground. ‘And I thank you for this, and for all.’ + </p> + <p> + They had now joined the Shropshires; but it was now discovered Miss Dacre + had no shawl: and sundry other articles were wanting, to the evident + dismay of the Ladies Wrekin. They offered theirs, but their visitor + refused, and would not allow the Duke to fetch her own. Off they drove; + but when they had proceeded above half a mile, a continued shout on the + road, which the fat coachman for a long time would not hear, stopped them, + and up came the Duke of St. James, covered with dust, and panting like a + racer, with Miss Dacre’s shawl. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Grim Preparations</i> +</pre> + <p> + SO MUCH time was occupied by this adventure of the shawl, and by making + requisite explanations to Mrs. Dallington Vere, that almost the whole of + the guests had retired, when the Duke found himself again in the saloon. + His brother-hosts, too, were off with various parties, to which they had + attached themselves. He found the Fitz-pompeys and a few still lingering + for their carriages, and Arundel Dacre and his fair admirer. His Grace had + promised to return with Lady Afy, and was devising some scheme by which he + might free himself from this, now not very suitable, engagement, when she + claimed his arm. She was leaning on it, and talking to Lady Fitz-pompey, + when Sir Lucius approached, and, with his usual tone, put a note into the + Duke’s hand, saying at the same time, ‘This appears to belong to you. I + shall go to town with Piggott;’ and then he walked away. + </p> + <p> + With the wife leaning on his arm, the young Duke had the pleasure of + reading the following lines, written with the pencil of the husband:— + </p> + <p> + ‘After what has just occurred, only one more meeting can take place + between us, and the sooner that takes place the better for all parties. + This is no time for etiquette. I shall be in Kensington Gardens, in the + grove on the right side of the summer-house, at half-past six to-morrow + morning, and shall doubtless find you there.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Lucius was not out of sight when the Duke had finished reading his + cartel. Making some confused excuse to Lady Afy, which was not expected, + he ran after the Baronet, and soon reached him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Grafton, I shall be punctual: but there is one point on which I wish to + speak to you at once. The cause of this meeting may be kept, I hope, a + secret?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So far as I am concerned, an inviolable one,’ bowed the Baronet, stiffly; + and they parted. + </p> + <p> + The Duke returned satisfied, for Sir Lucius Grafton ever observed his + word, to say nothing of the great interest which he surely had this time + in maintaining his pledge. + </p> + <p> + Our hero thought that he never should reach London. The journey seemed a + day; and the effort to amuse Lady Afy, and to prevent her from suspecting, + by his conduct, that anything had occurred, was most painful. Silent, + however, he at last became; but her mind, too, was engaged, and she + supposed that her admirer was quiet only because, like herself, he was + happy. At length they reached her house, but he excused himself from + entering, and drove on immediately to Annesley. He was at Lady + Bloomerly’s. Lord Darrell had not returned, and his servant did not expect + him. Lord Squib was never to be found. + </p> + <p> + The Duke put on a great coat over his uniform and drove to White’s; it was + really a wilderness. Never had he seen fewer men there in his life, and + there were none of his set. The only young-looking man was old Colonel + Carlisle, who, with his skilfully enamelled cheek, flowing auburn locks, + shining teeth, and tinted whiskers, might have been mistaken for gay + twenty-seven, instead of grey seventy-two; but the Colonel had the gout, + to say nothing of any other objections. + </p> + <p> + The Duke took up the ‘Courier’ and read three or four advertisements of + quack medicines, but nobody entered. It was nearly midnight: he got + nervous. Somebody came in; Lord Hounslow for his rubber. Even his favoured + child, Bagshot, would be better than nobody. The Duke protested that the + next acquaintance who entered should be his second, old or young. His vow + had scarcely been registered when Arundel Dacre came in alone. He was the + last man to whom the Duke wished to address himself, but Fate seemed to + have decided it, and the Duke walked up to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Dacre, I am about to ask of you a favour to which I have no claim.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dacre looked a little confused, and murmured his willingness to do + anything. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be explicit, I am engaged in an affair of honour of an urgent nature. + Will you be my friend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Willingly.’ He spoke with more ease. ‘May I ask the name of the other + party, the—the cause of the meeting?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The other party is Sir Lucius Grafton.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum!’ said Arundel Dacre, as if he were no longer curious about the + cause. ‘When do you meet?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At half-past six, in Kensington Gardens, to-morrow; I believe I should + say this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace must be wearied,’ said Arundel, with unusual ease and + animation. ‘Now, follow my advice. Go home at once and get some rest. Give + yourself no trouble about preparations; leave everything to me. I will + call upon you at half-past five precisely, with a chaise and post-horses, + which will divert suspicion. Now, good night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But really, your rest must be considered; and then all this trouble!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I have been in the habit of sitting up all night. Do not think of me; + nor am I quite inexperienced in these matters, in too many of which I have + unfortunately been engaged in Germany.’ + </p> + <p> + The young men shook hands, and the Duke hastened home. Fortunately the + Bird of Paradise was at her own establishment in Baker Street, a bureau + where her secretary, in her behalf, transacted business with the various + courts of Europe and the numerous cities of Great Britain. Here many a + negotiation was carried on for opera engagements at Vienna, or Paris, or + Berlin, or St. Petersburg. Here many a diplomatic correspondence conducted + the fate of the musical festivals of York, or Norwich, or Exeter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + An Affair of Honour. + </h3> + <p> + LET us return to Sir Lucius Grafton. He is as mad as any man must be who + feels that the imprudence of a moment has dashed the ground all the plans, + and all the hopes, and all the great results, over which he had so often + pondered. The great day from which he had expected so much had passed, nor + was it possible for four-and-twenty hours more completely to have reversed + all his feelings and all his prospects. Miss Dacre had shared the innocent + but unusual and excessive gaiety which had properly become a scene of + festivity at once so agreeable, so various, and so novel. Sir Lucius + Grafton had not been insensible to the excitement. On the contrary his + impetuous passions seemed to recall the former and more fervent days of + his career, and his voluptuous mind dangerously sympathised with the + beautiful and luxurious scene. He was elated, too, with the thought that + his freedom would perhaps be sealed this evening, and still more by his + almost constant attendance on his fascinating companion. As the particular + friend of the Dacre family, and as the secret ally of Mrs. Dallington + Vere, he in some manner contrived always to be at Miss Dacre’s side. With + the laughing but insidious pretence that he was now almost too grave and + staid a personage for such scenes, he conversed with few others, and + humourously maintaining that his ‘dancing days were over,’ danced with + none but her. Even when her attention was engaged by a third person, he + lingered about, and with his consummate knowledge of the world, easy wit, + and constant resources, generally succeeded in not only sliding into the + conversation, but engrossing it. Arundel Dacre, too, although that young + gentleman had not departed from his usual coldness in favour of Sir Lucius + Grafton, the Baronet would most provokingly consider as his particular + friend; never seemed to be conscious that his reserved companion was most + punctilious in his address to him; but on the contrary, called him in + return ‘Dacre,’ and sometimes ‘Arundel.’ In vain young Dacre struggled to + maintain his position. His manner was no match for that of Sir Lucius + Grafton. Annoyed with himself, he felt confused, and often quitted his + cousin that he might be free of his friend. Thus Sir Lucius Grafton + contrived never to permit Miss Dacre to be alone with Arundel, and to her + he was so courteous, so agreeable, and so useful, that his absence seemed + always a blank, or a period in which something ever went wrong. + </p> + <p> + The triumphant day rolled on, and each moment Sir Lucius felt more + sanguine and more excited. We will not dwell upon the advancing confidence + of his desperate mind. Hope expanded into certainty, certainty burst into + impatience. In a desperate moment he breathed his passion. + </p> + <p> + May Dacre was the last girl to feel at a loss in such a situation. No one + would have rung him out of a saloon with an air of more contemptuous + majesty. But the shock, the solitary strangeness of the scene, the fear, + for the first time, that none were near, and perhaps, also, her exhausted + energy, frightened her, and she shrieked. One only had heard that shriek, + yet that one was legion. Sooner might the whole world know the worst than + this person suspect the least. Sir Lucius was left silent with rage, mad + with passion, desperate with hate. + </p> + <p> + He gasped for breath. Now his brow burnt, now the cold dew ran off his + countenance in streams. He clenched his fist, he stamped with agony, he + found at length his voice, and he blasphemed to the unconscious woods. + </p> + <p> + His quick brain flew to the results like lightning. The Duke had escaped + from his mesh; his madness had done more to win this boy Miss Dacre’s + heart than an age of courtship. He had lost the idol of his passion; he + was fixed for ever with the creature of his hate. He loathed the idea. He + tottered into the hermitage, and buried his face in his hands. + </p> + <p> + Something must be done. Some monstrous act of energy must repair this + fatal blunder. He appealed to the mind which had never deserted him. The + oracle was mute. Yet vengeance might even slightly redeem the bitterness + of despair. This fellow should die; and his girl, for already he hated + Miss Dacre, should not triumph in her minion. He tore a leaf from his + tablets, and wrote the lines we have already read. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke reached home. You expect, of course, that he sat up all + night making his will and answering letters. By no means. The first object + that caught his eye was an enormous ottoman. He threw himself upon it + without undressing, and without speaking a word to Luigi, and in a moment + was fast asleep. He was fairly exhausted. Luigi stared, and called + Spiridion to consult. They agreed that they dare not go to bed, and must + not leave their lord; so they played écarté, till at last they quarrelled + and fought with the candles over the table. But even this did not wake + their unreasonable master; so Spiridion threw down a few chairs by + accident; but all in vain. At half-past five there was a knocking at the + gate, and they hurried away. + </p> + <p> + Arundel Dacre entered with them, woke the Duke, and praised him for his + punctuality. His Grace thought that he had only dozed a few minutes; but + time pressed; five minutes arranged his toilet, and they were first on the + field. + </p> + <p> + In a moment Sir Lucius and Mr. Piggott appeared. Arundel Dacre, on the + way, had anxiously enquired as to the probability of reconciliation, but + was told at once it was impossible, so now he measured the ground and + loaded the pistols with a calmness which was admirable. They fired at + once; the Duke in the air, and the Baronet in his friend’s side. When Sir + Lucius saw his Grace fall his hate vanished. He ran up with real anxiety + and unfeigned anguish. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I hit you? by h-ll!’ + </p> + <p> + His Grace was magnanimous, but the case was urgent. A surgeon gave a + favourable report, and extracted the ball on the spot. The Duke was + carried back to his chaise, and in an hour was in the state bed, not of + the Alhambra, but of his neglected mansion. + </p> + <p> + Arundel Dacre retired when he had seen his friend home, but gave urgent + commands that he should be kept quiet. No sooner was the second out of + sight than the principal ordered the room to be cleared, with the + exception of Spiridion, and then, rising in his bed, wrote this note, + which the page was secretly to deliver. + </p> + <p> + ‘——House, ——, 182-. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Miss Dacre, + </p> + <p> + ‘A very unimportant but somewhat disagreeable incident has occurred. I + have been obliged to meet Sir Lucius Grafton, and our meeting has + fortunately terminated without any serious consequences. Yet I wish that + you should hear of this first from me, lest you might imagine that I had + not redeemed my pledge of last night, and that I had placed for a moment + my own feelings in competition with yours. This is not the case, and never + shall be, dear Miss Dacre, with one whose greatest pride is to subscribe + himself + </p> + <p> + ‘Your most obedient and faithful servant, + </p> + <p> + ‘St. James.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Mind Distraught</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE world talked of nothing but the duel between the Duke of St. James and + Sir Lucius Grafton. + </p> + <p> + It was a thunderbolt; and the phenomenon was accounted for by every cause + but the right one. Yet even those who most confidently solved the riddle + were the most eagerly employed in investigating its true meaning. The + seconds were of course applied to. Arundel Dacre was proverbially + unpumpable; but Peacock Piggott, whose communicative temper was an adage, + how came he on a sudden so diplomatic? Not a syllable oozed from a mouth + which was ever open; not a hint from a countenance which never could + conceal its mind. He was not even mysterious, but really looked just as + astonished and was just as curious as themselves. Fine times these for + ‘The Universe’ and ‘The New World!’ All came out about Lady Afy; and they + made up for their long and previous ignorance, or, as they now boldly + blustered, their long and considerate forbearance. Sheets given away + gratis, edition on Saturday night for the country, and woodcuts of the + Pavilion fête: the when, the how, and the wherefore. A. The summer-house, + and Lady Aphrodite meeting the young Duke. B. The hedge behind which Sir + Lucius Grafton was concealed. C. Kensington Gardens, and a cloudy morning; + and so on. Cruikshank did wonders. + </p> + <p> + But let us endeavour to ascertain the feelings of the principal agents in + this odd affair. Sir Lucius now was cool, and, the mischief being done, + took a calm review of the late mad hours. As was his custom, he began to + enquire whether any good could be elicited from all this evil. He owed his + late adversary sundry moneys, which he had never contemplated the + possibility of repaying to the person who had eloped with his wife. Had he + shot his creditor the account would equally have been cleared; and this + consideration, although it did not prompt, had not dissuaded, the late + desperate deed. As it was, he now appeared still to enjoy the possession + both of his wife and his debts, and had lost his friend. Bad generalship, + Sir Lucy! Reconciliation was out of the question. The Duke’s position was + a good one. Strongly entrenched with a flesh wound, he had all the + sympathy of society on his side; and, after having been confined for a few + weeks, he could go to Paris for a few months, and then return, as if the + Graftons had never crossed his eye, rid of a troublesome mistress and a + troublesome friend. His position was certainly a good one; but Sir Lucius + was astute, and he determined to turn this Shumla of his Grace. The + quarrel must have been about her Ladyship. Who could assign any other + cause for it? And the Duke must now be weak with loss of blood and + anxiety, and totally unable to resist any appeal, particularly a personal + one, to his feelings. He determined, therefore, to drive Lady Afy into his + Grace’s arms. If he could only get her into the house for an hour, the + business would be settled. + </p> + <p> + These cunning plans were, however, nearly being crossed by a very simple + incident. Annoyed at finding that her feelings could be consulted only by + sacrificing those of another woman, Miss Dacre, quite confident that, as + Lady Aphrodite was innocent in the present instance, she must be + immaculate, told everything to her father, and, stifling her tears, begged + him to make all public; but Mr. Dacre, after due consideration, enjoined + silence. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the young Duke was not in so calm a mood as Sir Lucius. + Rapidly the late extraordinary events dashed through his mind, and already + those feelings which had prompted his soliloquy in the garden were no + longer his. All forms, all images, all ideas, all memory, melted into Miss + Dacre. He felt that he loved her with a perfect love: that she was to him + what no other woman had been, even in the factitious delirium of early + passion. A thought of her seemed to bring an entirely novel train of + feelings, impressions, wishes, hopes. The world with her must be a totally + different system, and his existence in her society a new and another life. + Her very purity refined the passion which raged even in his exhausted + mind. Gleams of virtue, morning streaks of duty, broke upon the horizon of + his hitherto clouded soul; an obscure suspicion of the utter worthlessness + of his life whispered in his hollow ear; he darkly felt that happiness was + too philosophical a system to be the result or the reward of impulse, + however unbounded, and that principle alone could create and could support + that bliss which is our being’s end and aim. + </p> + <p> + But when he turned to himself, he viewed his situation with horror, and + yielded almost to despair. What, what could she think of the impure + libertine who dared to adore her? If ever time could bleach his own soul + and conciliate hers, what, what was to become of Aphrodite? Was his new + career to commence by a new crime? Was he to desert this creature of his + affections, and break a heart which beat only for him? It seemed that the + only compensation he could offer for a life which had achieved no good + would be to establish the felicity of the only being whose happiness + seemed in his power. Yet what a prospect! If before he had trembled, now—— + </p> + <p> + But his harrowed mind and exhausted body no longer allowed him even + anxiety. Weak, yet excited, his senses fled; and when Arundel Dacre + returned in the evening he found his friend delirious. He sat by his bed + for hours. Suddenly the Duke speaks. Arundel Dacre rises: he leans over + the sufferer’s couch. + </p> + <p> + Ah! why turns the face of the listener so pale, and why gleam those eyes + with terrible fire? The perspiration courses down his clear but sallow + cheek: he throws his dark and clustering curls aside, and passes his hand + over his damp brow, as if to ask whether he, too, had lost his senses from + this fray. + </p> + <p> + The Duke is agitated. He waves his arm in the air, and calls out in a tone + of defiance and of hate. His voice sinks: it seems that he breathes a + milder language, and speaks to some softer being. There is no sound, save + the long-drawn breath of one on whose countenance is stamped infinite + amazement. Arundel Dacre walks the room disturbed; often he pauses, + plunged in deep thought. ‘Tis an hour past midnight, and he quits the + bedside of the young Duke. + </p> + <p> + He pauses at the threshold, and seems to respire even the noisome air of + the metropolis as if it were Eden. As he proceeds down Hill Street he + stops, and gazes for a moment on the opposite house. What passes in his + mind we know not. Perhaps he is reminded that in that mansion dwell + beauty, wealth, and influence, and that all might be his. Perhaps love + prompts that gaze, perhaps ambition. Is it passion, or is it power? or + does one struggle with the other? + </p> + <p> + As he gazes the door opens, but without servants; and a man, deeply + shrouded in his cloak, comes out. It was night, and the individual was + disguised; but there are eyes which can pierce at all seasons and through + all concealments, and Arundel Dacre marked with astonishment Sir Lucius + Grafton. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Reconciliation</i> +</pre> + <p> + WHEN it was understood that the Duke of St. James had been delirious, + public feeling reached what is called its height; that is to say, the + curiosity and the ignorance of the world were about equal. Everybody was + indignant, not so much because the young Duke had been shot, but because + they did not know why. If the sympathy of the women could have consoled + him, our hero might have been reconciled to his fate. Among these, no one + appeared more anxious as to the result, and more ignorant as to the cause, + than Mrs. Dallington Vere. Arundel Dacre called on her the morning ensuing + his midnight observation, but understood that she had not seen Sir Lucius + Grafton, who, they said, had quitted London, which she thought probable. + Nevertheless Arundel thought proper to walk down Hill Street at the same + hour, and, if not at the same minute, yet in due course of time, he + discovered the absent man. + </p> + <p> + In two or three days the young Duke was declared out of immediate danger, + though his attendants must say he remained exceedingly restless, and by no + means in a satisfactory state; yet, with their aid, they had a right to + hope the best. At any rate, if he were to go off, his friends would have + the satisfaction of remembering that all had been done that could be; so + saying, Dr. X. took his fee, and Surgeons Y. and Z. prevented his conduct + from being singular. + </p> + <p> + Now began the operations on the Grafton side. A letter from Lady Aphrodite + full of distraction. She was fairly mystified. What could have induced + Lucy suddenly to act so, puzzled her, as well it might. Her despair, and + yet her confidence in his Grace, seemed equally great. Some talk there was + of going off to Cleve at once. Her husband, on the whole, maintained a + rigid silence and studied coolness. Yet he had talked of Vienna and + Florence, and even murmured something about public disgrace and public + ridicule. In short, the poor lady was fairly worn out, and wished to + terminate her harassing career at once by cutting the Gordian knot. In a + word, she proposed coming on to her admirer and, as she supposed, her + victim, and having the satisfaction of giving him his cooling draughts and + arranging his bandages. + </p> + <p> + If the meeting between the young Duke and Sir Lucius Grafton had been + occasioned by any other cause than the real one, it is difficult to say + what might have been the fate of this proposition. Our own opinion is, + that this work would have been only in one volume; for the requisite + morality would have made out the present one; but, as it was, the image of + Miss Dacre hovered above our hero as his guardian genius. He despaired of + ever obtaining her; but yet he determined not wilfully to crush all hope. + Some great effort must be made to right his position. Lady Aphrodite must + not be deserted: the very thought increased his fever. He wrote, to gain + time; but another billet, in immediate answer, only painted increased + terrors, and described the growing urgency of her persecuted situation. He + was driven into a corner, but even a stag at bay is awful: what, then, + must be a young Duke, the most noble animal in existence? + </p> + <p> + Ill as he was, he wrote these lines, not to Lady Aphrodite, but to her + husband:— + </p> + <p> + ‘My Dear Grafton, + </p> + <p> + ‘You will be surprised at hearing from me. Is it necessary for me to + assure you that my interference on a late occasion was accidental? And can + you, for a moment, maintain that, under the circumstances, I could have + acted in a different manner? I regret the whole business; but most I + regret that we were placed in collision. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ready to cast all memory of it into oblivion; and, as I + unintentionally offended, I indulge the hope that, in this conduct, you + will bear me company. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely, men like us are not to be dissuaded from following our + inclinations by any fear of the opinion of the world. The whole affair is, + at present, a mystery; and I think, with our united fancies, some + explanation may be hit upon which will render the mystery quite + impenetrable, while it professes to offer a satisfactory solution. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not know whether this letter expresses my meaning, for my mind is + somewhat agitated and my head not very clear; but, if you be inclined to + understand it in the right spirit, it is sufficiently lucid. At any rate, + my dear Grafton, I have once more the pleasure of subscribing myself, + faithfully yours, + </p> + <p> + ‘St. James.’ + </p> + <p> + This letter was marked ‘Immediate,’ consigned to the custody of Luigi, + with positive orders to deliver it personally to Sir Lucius; and, if not + at home, to follow till he found him. + </p> + <p> + He was not at home, and he was found at——‘s Clubhouse. Sullen, + dissatisfied with himself, doubtful as to the result of his fresh + manouvres, and brooding over his infernal debts, Sir Lucius had stepped + into——, and passed the whole morning playing desperately with + Lord Hounslow and Baron de Berghem. Never had he experienced such a + smashing morning. He had long far exceeded his resources, and was + proceeding with a vague idea that he should find money somehow or other, + when this note was put into his hand, as it seemed to him by Providence. + The signature of Semiramis could not have imparted more exquisite delight + to a collector of autographs. Were his long views, his complicated + objects, and doubtful results to be put in competition a moment with so + decided, so simple, and so certain a benefit? certainly not, by a + gamester. He rose from the table, and with strange elation wrote these + lines:— + </p> + <p> + ‘My Dearest Friend, + </p> + <p> + ‘You forgive me, but can I forgive myself? I am plunged in overwhelming + grief. Shall I come on? Your mad but devoted friend, + </p> + <p> + ‘Lucius Grafton. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Duke of St. James.’ + </p> + <p> + They met the same day. After a long consultation, it was settled that + Peacock Piggott should be entrusted, in confidence, with the secret of the + affair: merely a drunken squabble, ‘growing out’ of the Bird of Paradise. + Wine, jealousy, an artful woman, and headstrong youth will account for + anything; they accounted for the present affair. The story was believed, + because the world were always puzzled at Lady Aphrodite being the cause. + The Baronet proceeded with promptitude to make the version pass current: + he indicted ‘The Universe’ and ‘The New World;’ he prosecuted the + caricaturists; and was seen everywhere with his wife. ‘The Universe’ and + ‘The New World’ revenged themselves on the Signora; and then she indicted + them. They could not now even libel an opera singer with impunity; where + was the boasted liberty of the press? + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the young Duke, once more easy in his mind, wonderfully + recovered; and on the eighth day after the Ball of Beauty he returned to + the Pavilion, which had now resumed its usual calm character, for fresh + air and soothing quiet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Arundel’s Warning</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN THE morning of the young Duke’s departure for Twickenham, as Miss Dacre + and Lady Caroline St. Maurice were sitting together at the house of the + former, and moralising over the last night’s ball, Mr. Arundel Dacre was + announced. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have just arrived in time to offer your congratulations, Arundel, on + an agreeable event,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘Lord St. Maurice is about to lead + to the hymeneal altar——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Sophy Wrekin; I know it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How extremely diplomatic! The <i>attaché</i> in your very air. I thought, + of course, I was to surprise you; but future ambassadors have such + extraordinary sources of information.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mine is a simple one. The Duchess, imagining, I suppose, that my + attentions were directed to the wrong lady, warned me some weeks past. + However, my congratulations shall be duly paid. Lady Caroline St. Maurice, + allow me to express——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All that you ought to feel,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘But men at the present day + pride themselves on insensibility.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I am insensible, Lady Caroline?’ asked Arundel. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must protest against unfair questions,’ said her Ladyship. + </p> + <p> + ‘But it is not unfair. You are a person who have now seen me more than + once, and therefore, according to May, you ought to have a perfect + knowledge of my character. Moreover, you do not share the prejudices of my + family. I ask you, then, do you think I am so heartless as May would + insinuate?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does she insinuate so much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does she not call me insensible, because I am not in raptures that your + brother is about to marry a young lady, who, for aught she knows, may be + the object of my secret adoration?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arundel, you are perverse,’ said Miss Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, May; I am logical.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have always heard that logic is much worse than wilfulness,’ said Lady + Caroline. + </p> + <p> + ‘But Arundel always was both,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘He is not only + unreasonable, but he will always prove that he is right. Here is your + purse, sir!’ she added with a smile, presenting him with the result of her + week’s labour. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the way she always bribes me, Lady Caroline. Do you approve of + this corruption?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must confess, I have a slight though secret kindness for a little + bribery. Mamma is now on her way to Mortimer’s, on a corrupt embassy. The + <i>nouvelle mariée</i>, you know, must be reconciled to her change of lot + by quite a new set of playthings. I can give you no idea of the necklace + that our magnificent cousin, in spite of his wound, has sent Sophy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But then, such a cousin!’ said Miss Dacre. ‘A young Duke, like the young + lady in the fairy tale, should scarcely ever speak without producing + brilliants.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sophy is highly sensible of the attention. As she amusingly observed, + except himself marrying her, he could scarcely do more. I hear the + carriage. Adieu, love! Good morning, Mr. Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Allow me to see you to your carriage. I am to dine at Fitz-pompey House + to-day, I believe.’ + </p> + <p> + Arundel Dacre returned to his cousin, and, seating himself at the table, + took up a book, and began reading it the wrong side upwards; then he threw + down a ball of silk, then he cracked a knitting-needle, and then with a + husky sort of voice and a half blush, and altogether an air of infinite + confusion, he said, ‘This has been an odd affair, May, of the Duke of St. + James and Sir Lucius Grafton?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very distressing affair, Arundel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How singular that I should have been his second, May?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Could he have found anyone more fit for that office, Arundel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think he might. I must say this: that, had I known at the time the + cause of the fray, I should have refused to accompany him.’ + </p> + <p> + She was silent, and he resumed: + </p> + <p> + ‘An opera singer, at the best! Sir Lucius Grafton showed more + discrimination. Peacock Piggott was just the character for his place, and + I think my principal, too, might have found a more congenial spirit. What + do you think, May?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, Arundel, this is a subject of which I know nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! Well, it is odd, May; but do you know I have a queer suspicion + that you know more about it than anybody else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I! Arundel?’ she exclaimed, with marked confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, you, May,’ he repeated with firmness, and looked her in the face + with a glance which would read her soul. ‘Ay! I am sure you do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who says so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! do not fear that you have been betrayed. No one says it; but I know + it. We future ambassadors, you know, have such extraordinary sources of + information.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You jest, Arundel, on a grave subject.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Grave! yes, it is grave, May Dacre. It is grave that there should be + secrets between us; it is grave that our house should have been insulted; + it is grave that you, of all others, should have been outraged; but oh! it + is much more grave, it is bitter, that any other arm than this should have + avenged the wrong.’ He rose from his chair, he paced the room in + agitation, and gnashed his teeth with a vindictive expression that he + tried not to suppress. + </p> + <p> + ‘O! my cousin, my dear, dear cousin! spare me!’ She hid her face in her + hands, yet she continued speaking in a broken voice: ‘I did it for the + best. It was to suppress strife, to prevent bloodshed. I knew your temper, + and I feared for your life; yet I told my father; I told him all: and it + was by his advice that I have maintained throughout the silence which I, + perhaps too hastily, at first adopted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My own dear May! spare me! I cannot mark a tear from you without a pang. + How I came to know this you wonder. It was the delirium of that person who + should not have played so proud a part in this affair, and who is yet our + friend; it was his delirium that betrayed all. In the madness of his + excited brain he reacted the frightful scene, declared the outrage, and + again avenged it. Yet, believe me, I am not tempted by any petty feeling + of showing I am not ignorant of what is considered a secret to declare all + this. I know, I feel your silence was for the best; that it was prompted + by sweet and holy feelings for my sake. Believe me, my dear cousin, if + anything could increase the infinite affection with which I love you, it + would be the consciousness that at all times, whenever my image crosses + your mind, it is to muse for my benefit, or to extenuate my errors. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear May, you, who know me better than the world, know well my heart is + not a mass of ice; and you, who are ever so ready to find a good reason + even for my most wilful conduct, and an excuse for my most irrational, + will easily credit that, in interfering in an affair in which you are + concerned, I am not influenced by an unworthy, an officious, or a meddling + spirit. No, dear May! it is because I think it better for you that we + should speak upon this subject that I have ventured to treat upon it. + Perhaps I broke it in a crude, but, credit me, not in an unkind, spirit. I + am well conscious I have a somewhat ungracious manner; but you, who have + pardoned it so often, will excuse it now. To be brief, it is of your + companion to that accursed fête that I would speak.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Dallington?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely she. Avoid her, May. I do not like that woman. You know I seldom + speak at hazard; if I do not speak more distinctly now, it is because I + will never magnify suspicions into certainties, which we must do even if + we mention them. But I suspect, greatly suspect. An open rupture would be + disagreeable, would be unwarrantable, would be impolitic. The season draws + to a close. Quit town somewhat earlier than usual, and, in the meantime, + receive her, if necessary; but, if possible, never alone. You have many + friends; and, if no other, Lady Caroline St. Maurice is worthy of your + society.’ + </p> + <p> + He bent down his head and kissed her forehead: she pressed his faithful + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now, dear May, let me speak of a less important object, of myself. I + find this borough a mere delusion. Every day new difficulties arise; and + every day my chance seems weaker. I am wasting precious time for one who + should be in action. I think, then, of returning to Vienna, and at once. I + have some chance of being appointed Secretary of Embassy, and I then shall + have achieved what was the great object of my life, independence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is always a sorrowful subject to me, Arundel. You have cherished + such strange, do not be offended if I say such erroneous, ideas on the + subject of what you call independence, that I feel that upon it we can + consult neither with profit to you nor satisfaction to myself. + Independence! Who is independent, if the heir of Dacre bow to anyone? + Independence! Who can be independent, if the future head of one of the + first families in this great country, will condescend to be the secretary + even of a king?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have often talked of this, May, and perhaps I have carried a morbid + feeling to some excess; but my paternal blood flows in these veins, and it + is too late to change. I know not how it is, but I seem misplaced in life. + My existence is a long blunder.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Too late to change, dearest Arundel! Oh! thank you for those words. Can + it, can it ever be too late to acknowledge error? Particularly if, by that + very acknowledgment, we not only secure our own happiness, but that of + those we love and those who love us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear May! when I talk with you, I talk with my good genius; but I am in + closer and more constant converse with another mind, and of that I am the + slave. It is my own. I will not conceal from you, from whom I have + concealed nothing, that doubts and dark misgivings of the truth and wisdom + of my past feelings and my past career will ever and anon flit across my + fancy, and obtrude themselves upon my consciousness. Your father—yes! + I feel that I have not been to him what nature intended, and what he + deserved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Arundel!’ she said, with streaming eyes, ‘he loves you like a son. Yet, + yet be one!’ + </p> + <p> + He seated himself on the sofa by her side, and took her small hand and + bathed it with his kisses. + </p> + <p> + ‘My sweet and faithful friend, my very sister! I am overpowered with + feelings to which I have hitherto been a stranger. There is a cause for + all this contest of my passions. It must out. My being has changed. The + scales have fallen from my sealed eyes, and the fountain of my heart + o’erflows. Life seems to have a new purpose, and existence a new cause. + Listen to me, listen; and if you can, May, comfort me!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Three Graces</i> +</pre> + <p> + AT TWICKENHAM the young Duke recovered rapidly. Not altogether displeased + with his recent conduct, his self-complacency assisted his convalescence. + Sir Lucius Grafton visited him daily. Regularly, about four or five + o’clock, he galloped down to the Pavilion with the last <i>on dit</i>: + some gay message from White’s, a <i>mot</i> of Lord Squib, or a trait of + Charles Annesley. But while he studied to amuse the wearisome hours of his + imprisoned friend, in the midst of all his gaiety an interesting + contrition was ever breaking forth, not so much by words as looks. It was + evident that Sir Lucius, although he dissembled his affliction, was + seriously affected by the consequence of his rash passion; and his amiable + victim, whose magnanimous mind was incapable of harbouring an inimical + feeling, and ever respondent to a soft and generous sentiment, felt + actually more aggrieved for his unhappy friend than for himself. Of + Arundel Dacre the Duke had not seen much. That gentleman never + particularly sympathised with Sir Lucius Grafton, and now he scarcely + endeavoured to conceal the little pleasure which he received from the + Baronet’s society. Sir Lucius was the last man not to detect this mood; + but, as he was confident that the Duke had not betrayed him, he could only + suppose that Miss Dacre had confided the affair to her family, and + therefore, under all circumstances, he thought it best to be unconscious + of any alteration in Arundel Dacre’s intercourse with him. Civil, + therefore, they were when they met; the Baronet was even courteous; but + they both mutually avoided each other. + </p> + <p> + At the end of three weeks the Duke of St. James returned to town in + perfect condition, and received the congratulations of his friends. Mr. + Dacre had been of the few who had been permitted to visit him at + Twickenham. Nothing had then passed between them on the cause of his + illness; but his Grace could not but observe that the manner of his valued + friend was more than commonly cordial. And Miss Dacre, with her father, + was among the first to hail his return to health and the metropolis. + </p> + <p> + The Bird of Paradise, who, since the incident, had been several times in + hysterics, and had written various notes, of three or four lines each, of + enquiries and entreaties to join her noble friend, had been kept off from + Twickenham by the masterly tactics of Lord Squib. She, however, would + drive to the Duke’s house the day after his arrival in town, and was with + him when sundry loud knocks, in quick succession, announced an approaching + levée. He locked her up in his private room, and hastened to receive the + compliments of his visitors. In the same apartment, among many others, he + had the pleasure of meeting, for the first time, Lady Aphrodite Grafton, + Lady Caroline St. Maurice, and Miss Dacre, all women whom he had either + promised, intended, or offered to marry. A curious situation this! And + really, when our hero looked upon them once more, and viewed them, in + delightful rivalry, advancing with their congratulations, he was not + surprised at the feelings with which they had inspired him. Far, far + exceeding the <i>bonhomie</i> of Macheath, the Duke could not resist + remembering that, had it been his fortune to have lived in the land in + which his historiographer will soon be wandering; in short, to have been a + pacha instead of a peer, he might have married all three. + </p> + <p> + A prettier fellow and three prettier women had never met since the + immortal incident of Ida. + </p> + <p> + It required the thorough breeding of Lady Afy to conceal the anxiety of + her passion; Miss Dacre’s eyes showered triple sunshine, as she extended a + hand not too often offered; but Lady Caroline was a cousin, and + consanguinity, therefore, authorised as well as accounted for the warmth + of her greeting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Second Refusal</i> +</pre> + <p> + A VERY few days after his return the Duke of St. James dined with Mr. + Dacre. It was the first time that he had dined with him during the season. + The Fitz-pompeys were there; and, among others, his Grace had the pleasure + of again meeting a few of his Yorkshire friends. + </p> + <p> + Once more he found himself at the right hand of Miss Dacre. All his + career, since his arrival in England, flitted across his mind. Doncaster, + dear Don-caster, where he had first seen her, teemed only with delightful + reminiscences to a man whose favourite had bolted. Such is the magic of + love! Then came Castle Dacre and the orange terrace, and their airy romps, + and the delightful party to Hauteville; and then Dacre Abbey. An + involuntary shudder seemed to damp all the ardour of his soul; but when he + turned and looked upon her beaming face, he could not feel miserable. + </p> + <p> + He thought that he had never been at so agreeable a party in his life: yet + it was chiefly composed of the very beings whom he daily execrated for + their powers of boredom. And he himself was not very entertaining. He was + certainly more silent than loquacious, and found himself often gazing with + mute admiration on the little mouth, every word breathed forth from which + seemed inspiration. Yet he was happy. Oh! what happiness is his who dotes + upon a woman! Few could observe from his conduct what was passing in his + mind; yet the quivering of his softened tones and the mild lustre of his + mellowed gaze; his subdued and quiet manner; his un-perceived yet infinite + attentions; his memory of little incidents that all but lovers would have + forgotten; the total absence of all compliment, and gallantry, and + repartee; all these, to a fine observer, might have been gentle + indications of a strong passion; and to her to whom they were addressed + sufficiently intimated that no change had taken place in his feelings + since the warm hour in which he first whispered his o’erpowering love. + </p> + <p> + The ladies retired, and the Duke of St. James fell into a reverie. A + political discourse of elaborate genius now arose. Lord Fitz-pompey got + parliamentary. Young Faulcon made his escape, having previously whispered + to another youth, not unheard by the Duke of St. James, that his mother + was about to depart, and he was convoy. His Grace, too, had heard Lady + Fitz-pompey say that she was going early to the opera. Shortly afterwards + parties evidently retired. But the debate still raged. Lord Fitz-pompey + had caught a stout Yorkshire squire, and was delightedly astounding with + official graces his stern opponent. A sudden thought occurred to the Duke; + he stole out of the room, and gained the saloon. + </p> + <p> + He found it almost empty. With sincere pleasure he bid Lady Balmont, who + was on the point of departure, farewell, and promised to look in at her + box. He seated himself by Lady Greville Nugent, and dexterously made her + follow Lady Balmont’s example. She withdrew with the conviction that his + Grace would not be a moment behind her. There were only old Mrs. + Hungerford and her rich daughter remaining. They were in such raptures + with Miss Dacre’s singing that his Grace was quite in despair; but chance + favoured him. Even old Mrs. Hungerford this night broke through her rule + of not going to more than one house, and she drove off to Lady de + Courcy’s. + </p> + <p> + They were alone. It is sometimes an awful thing to be alone with those we + love. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sing that again!’ asked the Duke, imploringly. ‘It is my favourite air; + it always reminds me of Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + She sang, she ceased; she sang with beauty, and she ceased with grace; but + all unnoticed by the tumultuous soul of her adoring guest. His thoughts + were intent upon a greater object. The opportunity was sweet; and yet + those boisterous wassailers, they might spoil all. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know that this is the first time that I have seen your rooms lit + up?’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible! I hope they gain the approbation of so distinguished a + judge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I admire them exceedingly. By-the-bye, I see a new cabinet in the next + room. Swaby told me, the other day, that you were one of his + lady-patronesses. I wish you would show it me. I am very curious in + cabinets.’ + </p> + <p> + She rose, and they advanced to the end of another and a longer room. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a beautiful saloon,’ said the Duke. ‘How long is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I really do not know; but I think between forty and fifty feet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you must be mistaken. Forty or fifty feet! I am an excellent judge of + distances. I will try. Forty or fifty feet! Ah! the next room included. + Let us walk to the end of the next room. Each of my paces shall be one + foot and a half.’ + </p> + <p> + They had now arrived at the end of the third room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ resumed the Duke; ‘you have a small room to the right. Oh! + did I not hear that you had made a conservatory? I see, I see it; lit up, + too! Let us go in. I want to gain some hints about London conservatories.’ + </p> + <p> + It was not exactly a conservatory; but a balcony of large dimensions had + been fitted up on each side with coloured glass, and was open to the + gardens. It was a rich night of fragrant June. The moon and stars were as + bright as if they had shone over the terrace of Dacre, and the perfume of + the flowers reminded him of his favourite orange-trees. The mild, cool + scene was such a contrast to the hot and noisy chamber they had recently + quitted, that for a moment they were silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not afraid of this delicious air?’ asked his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Midsummer air,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘must surely be harmless.’ + </p> + <p> + Again there was silence; and Miss Dacre, after having plucked a flower and + tended a plant, seemed to express an intention of withdrawing. Suddenly he + spoke, and in a gushing voice of heartfelt words: + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Dacre, you are too kind, too excellent to be offended, if I dare to + ask whether anything could induce you to view with more indulgence one who + sensibly feels how utterly he is unworthy of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are the last person whose feelings I should wish to hurt. Let us not + revive a conversation to which, I can assure you, neither of us looks back + with satisfaction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there, then, no hope? Must I ever live with the consciousness of being + the object of your scorn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no, no! As you will speak, let us understand each other. However I + may approve of my decision, I have lived quite long enough to repent the + manner in which it was conveyed. I cannot, without the most unfeigned + regret, I cannot for a moment remember that I have addressed a bitter word + to one to whom I am under the greatest obligations. If my apologies——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, pray be silent!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must speak. If my apologies, my complete, my most humble apologies, can + be any compensation for treating with such lightness feelings which I now + respect, and offers by which I now consider myself honoured, accept them!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, Miss Dacre! that fatal word, respect!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have warmer words in this house for you. You are now our friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare not urge a suit which may offend you; yet, if you could read my + heart, I sometimes think that we might be happy. Let me hope!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Duke of St. James, I am sure you will not ever offend me, because + I am sure you will not ever wish to do it. There are few people in this + world for whom I entertain a more sincere regard than yourself. I am + convinced, I am conscious, that when we met I did sufficient justice + neither to your virtues nor your talents. It is impossible for me to + express with what satisfaction I now feel that you have resumed that place + in the affections of this family to which you have an hereditary right. I + am grateful, truly, sincerely grateful, for all that you feel with regard + to me individually; and believe me, in again expressing my regret that it + is not in my power to view you in any other light than as a valued friend, + I feel that I am pursuing that conduct which will conduce as much to your + happiness as my own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My happiness, Miss Dacre!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, such is my opinion. I will not again endeavour to depreciate the + feelings which you entertain for me, and by which, ever remember, I feel + honoured; but these very feelings prevent you from viewing their object so + dispassionately as I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am at a loss for your meaning; at least, favour me by speaking + explicitly: you see I respect your sentiments, and do not presume to urge + that on which my very happiness depends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be brief, then, I will not affect to conceal that marriage is a state + which has often been the object of my meditations. I think it the duty of + all women that so important a change in their destiny should be well + considered. If I know anything of myself, I am convinced that I should + never survive an unhappy marriage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But why dream of anything so utterly impossible?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So very probable, so very certain, you mean. Ay! I repeat my words, for + they are truth. If I ever marry, it is to devote every feeling and every + thought, each hour, each instant of existence, to a single being for whom + I alone live. Such devotion I expect in return; without it I should die, + or wish to die; but such devotion can never be returned by you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You amaze me! I! who live only on your image.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your education, the habits in which you are brought up, the maxims which + have been instilled into you from your infancy, the system which each year + of your life has more matured, the worldly levity with which everything + connected with woman is viewed by you and your companions; whatever may be + your natural dispositions, all this would prevent you, all this would + render it a perfect impossibility, all this will ever make you utterly + unconscious of the importance of the subject on which we are now + conversing. Pardon me for saying it, you know not of what you speak. Yes! + however sincere may be the expression of your feelings to me this moment, + I shudder to think on whom your memory dwelt even this hour but yesterday. + I never will peril my happiness on such a chance; but there are others who + do not think as I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Dacre! save me! If you knew all, you would not doubt. This moment is + my destiny.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Duke of St. James, save yourself. There is yet time. You have my + prayers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me then hope——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, indeed, it cannot be. Here our conversation on this subject ends + for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet we part friends!’ He spoke in a broken voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘The best and truest!’ She extended her arm; he pressed her hand to his + impassioned lips, and quitted the house, mad with love and misery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Joys of the Alhambra</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Duke threw himself into his carriage in that mood which fits us for + desperate deeds. What he intended to do, indeed, was doubtful, but + something very vigorous, very decided, perhaps very terrible. An + indefinite great effort danced, in misty magnificence, before the vision + of his mind. His whole being was to be changed, his life was to be + revolutionised. Such an alteration was to take place that even she could + not doubt the immense yet incredible result. Then despair whispered its + cold-blooded taunts, and her last hopeless words echoed in his ear. But he + was too agitated to be calmly miserable, and, in the poignancy of his + feelings, he even meditated death. One thing, however, he could obtain; + one instant relief was yet in his power, solitude. He panted for the + loneliness of his own chamber, broken only by his agitated musings. + </p> + <p> + The carriage stopped; the lights and noise called him to life. This, + surely, could not be home? Whirled open the door, down dashed the steps, + with all that prompt precision which denotes the practised hand of an + aristocratic retainer. (284) + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this, Symmons? Why did you not drive home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace forgets that Mr. Annesley and some gentlemen sup with your + Grace to-night at the Alhambra.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impossible! Drive home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Grace perhaps forgets that your Grace is expected?’ said the + experienced servant, who knew when to urge a master, who, to-morrow, might + blame him for permitting his caprice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What am I to do? Stay here. I will run upstairs, and put them off.’ + </p> + <p> + He ran up into the crush-room. The opera was just over, and some parties + who were not staying the ballet, had already assembled there. As he passed + along he was stopped by Lady Fitz-pompey, who would not let such a capital + opportunity escape of exhibiting Caroline and the young Duke together. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Bulkley,’ said her Ladyship, ‘there must be something wrong about the + carriage.’ An experienced, middle-aged gentleman, who jobbed on in society + by being always ready and knowing his cue, resigned the arm of Lady + Caroline St. Maurice and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘George,’ said Lady Fitz-pompey, ‘give your arm to Carry just for one + moment.’ + </p> + <p> + If it had been anybody but his cousin, the Duke would easily have escaped; + but Caroline he invariably treated with marked regard; perhaps because his + conscience occasionally reproached him that he had not treated her with a + stronger feeling. At this moment, too, she was the only being in the + world, save one, whom he could remember with satisfaction: he felt that he + loved her most affectionately, but somehow she did not inspire him with + those peculiar feelings which thrilled his heart at the recollection of + May Dacre. + </p> + <p> + In this mood he offered an arm, which was accepted; but he could not in a + moment assume the tone of mind befitting his situation and the scene. He + was silent; for him a remarkable circumstance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not stay here,’ said Lady Caroline is a soft voice, which her mother + could not overhear. ‘I know you want to be away. Steal off.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where can I be better than with you, Carry?’ said the young Duke, + determined not to leave her, and loving her still more for her modest + kindness; and thereon he turned round, and, to show that he was sincere, + began talking with his usual spirit. Mr. Bulkley of course never returned, + and Lady Fitz-pompey felt as satisfied with her diplomatic talents as a + plenipotentiary who has just arranged an advantageous treaty. + </p> + <p> + Arundel Dacre came up and spoke to Lady Fitz-pompey. Never did two persons + converse together who were more dissimilar in their manner and their + feelings; and yet Arundel Dacre did contrive to talk; a result which he + could not always accomplish, even with those who could sympathise with + him. Lady Fitz-pompey listened to him with attention; for Arundel Dacre, + in spite of his odd manner, or perhaps in some degree in consequence of + it, had obtained a distinguished reputation both among men and women; and + it was the great principle of Lady Fitz-pompey to attach to her the + distinguished youth of both sexes. She was pleased with this public homage + of Arundel Dacre; because he was one who, with the reputation of talents, + family, and fashion, seldom spoke to anyone, and his attentions elevated + their object. Thus she maintained her empire. + </p> + <p> + St. Maurice now came up to excuse himself to the young Duke for not + attending at the Alhambra to-night. ‘Sophy could not bear it,’ he + whispered: ‘she had got her head full of the most ridiculous fancies, and + it was in vain to speak: so he had promised to give up that, as well as + Crockford’s.’ + </p> + <p> + This reminded our hero of his party, and the purpose of his entering the + opera. He determined not to leave Caroline till her carriage was called; + and he began to think that he really must go to the Alhambra, after all. + He resolved to send them off at an early hour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything new to-night, Henry?’ asked his Grace, of Lord St. Maurice. ‘I + have just come in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! then you have seen them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Seen whom?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The most knowing <i>forestieri</i> we ever had. We have been speaking of + nothing else the whole evening. Has not Caroline told you? Arundel Dacre + introduced me to them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who are they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I forget their names. Dacre, how do you call the heroes of the night? + Dacre never answers. Did you ever observe that? But, see! there they + come.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke turned, and observed Lord Darrell advancing with two gentlemen + with whom his Grace was well acquainted. These were Prince Charles de + Whiskerburg and Count Frill. + </p> + <p> + M. de Whiskerburg was the eldest son of a prince, who, besides being the + premier noble of the empire, possessed, in his own country, a very pretty + park of two or three hundred miles in circumference, in the boundaries of + which the imperial mandate was not current, but hid its diminished head + before the supremacy of a subject worshipped under the title of John the + Twenty-fourth. M. de Whiskerburg was a young man, tall, with a fine + figure, and fine features. In short, a sort of Hungarian Apollo; only his + beard, his mustachios, his whiskers, his <i>favoris</i>, his <i>padishas</i>, + his sultanas, his mignonettas, his dulcibellas, did not certainly entitle + him to the epithet of <i>imberbis</i>, and made him rather an apter + representative of the Hungarian Hercules. + </p> + <p> + Count Frill was a different sort of personage. He was all rings and + ringlets, ruffles, and a little rouge. Much older than his companion, + short in stature, plump in figure, but with a most defined waist, fair, + blooming, with a multiplicity of long light curls, and a perpetual smile + playing upon his round countenance, he looked like the Cupid of an opera + Olympus. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had been intimate with these distinguished gentlemen + in their own country, and had received from them many and distinguished + attentions. Often had he expressed to them his sincere desire to greet + them in his native land. Their mutual anxiety of never again meeting was + now removed. If his heart, instead of being bruised, had been absolutely + broken, still honour, conscience, the glory of his house, his individual + reputation, alike urged him not to be cold or backward at such a moment. + He advanced, therefore, with a due mixture of grace and warmth, and + congratulated them on their arrival. At this moment, Lady Fitz-pompey’s + carriage was announced. Promising to return to them in an instant, he + hastened to his cousin; but Mr. Arundel Dacre had already offered his arm, + which, for Arundel Dacre, was really pretty well. + </p> + <p> + The Duke was now glad that he had a small reunion this evening, as he + could at once pay a courtesy to his foreign friends. He ran into the + Signora’s dressing-room, to assure her of his presence. He stumbled upon + Peacock Piggott as he came out, and summoned him to fill the vacant place + of St. Maurice, and then sent him with a message to some friends who yet + lingered in their box, and whose presence, he thought, might be an + agreeable addition to the party. + </p> + <p> + You entered the Alhambra by a Saracenic cloister, from the ceiling of + which an occasional lamp threw a gleam upon some Eastern arms hung up + against the wall. This passage led to the armoury, a room of moderate + dimensions, but hung with rich contents. Many an inlaid breastplate, many + a Mameluke scimitar and Damascus blade, many a gemmed pistol and + pearl-embroidered saddle, might there be seen, though viewed in a subdued + and quiet light. All seemed hushed, and still, and shrouded in what had + the reputation of being a palace of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + In this chamber assembled the expected guests. And having all arrived, + they proceeded down a small gallery to the banqueting-room. The room was + large and lofty. It was fitted up as an Eastern tent. The walls were hung + with scarlet cloth, tied up with ropes of gold. Round the room crouched + recumbent lions richly gilt, who grasped in their paws a lance, the top of + which was a coloured lamp. The ceiling was emblazoned with the Hauteville + arms, and was radiant with burnished gold. A cresset lamp was suspended + from the centre of the shield, and not only emitted an equable flow of + soft though brilliant light, but also, as the aromatic oil wasted away, + distilled an exquisite perfume. + </p> + <p> + The table blazed with golden plate, for the Bird of Paradise loved + splendour. At the end of the room, under a canopy and upon a throne, the + shield and vases lately executed for his Grace now appeared. Everything + was gorgeous, costly, and imposing; but there was no pretence, save in the + original outline, at maintaining the Oriental character. The furniture was + French; and opposite the throne Canova’s Hebe, bounded with a golden cup + from a pedestal of ormolu. + </p> + <p> + The guests are seated; but after a few minutes the servants withdraw. + Small tables of ebony and silver, and dumb waiters of ivory and gold, + conveniently stored, are at hand, and Spiridion never leaves the room. The + repast was refined, exquisite, various. It was one of those meetings where + all eat. When a few persons, easy and unconstrained, unencumbered with + cares, and of dispositions addicted to enjoyment, get together at past + midnight, it is extraordinary what an appetite they evince. Singers also + are proverbially prone to gourmandise; and though the Bird of Paradise + unfortunately possessed the smallest mouth in all Singingland, it is + astonishing how she pecked! But they talked as well as feasted, and were + really gay. + </p> + <p> + ‘Prince,’ said the Duke, ‘I hope Madame de Harestein approves of your trip + to England?’ + </p> + <p> + The Prince only smiled, for he was of a silent disposition, and therefore + wonderfully well suited his travelling companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Madame de Harestein!’ exclaimed Count Frill. ‘What despair she was + in, when you left Vienna, my dear Duke. I did what I could to amuse her. I + used to take my guitar, and sing to her morning and night, but without + effect. She certainly would have died of a broken heart, if it had not + been for the dancing-dogs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did they bite her?’ asked a lady who affected the wit of Lord Squib, ‘and + so inoculate her with gaiety.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everybody was mad about the dancing-dogs. They came from Peru, and danced + the mazurka in green jackets with a <i>jabot</i>. Oh! what a <i>jabot!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dislike animals excessively,’ remarked another lady, who was as refined + as Mr. Annesley, her model. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dislike the dancing-dogs!’ said Count Frill. ‘Ah! my good lady, you would + have been enchanted. Even the Kaiser fed them with pistachio nuts. Oh! so + pretty! Delicate leetle things, soft shining little legs, and pretty + little faces! so sensible, and with such <i>jabots!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you they were excessively amusing,’ said the Prince, in a soft, + confidential undertone to his neighbour, Mrs. Montfort, who was as + dignified as she was beautiful, and who, admiring his silence, which she + took for state, smiled and bowed with fascinating condescension. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what else has happened very remarkable, Count, since I left you?’ + asked Lord Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, nothing, my dear Darrell. This <i>bêtise</i> of a war has made + us all serious. If old Clamstandt had not married that gipsy, little + Dugiria, I really think I should have taken a turn to Belgrade.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You should not eat so much, Poppet!’ drawled Charles Annesley to a + Spanish danseuse, tall, dusky and lithe, glancing like a lynx and graceful + as a jennet. She was very silent, but no doubt indicated the possession of + Cervantic humour by the sly calmness with which she exhausted her own + waiter, and pillaged her neighbours. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said a little French actress, highly finished like a miniature, + who scarcely ate anything, but drank champagne and chatted with equal + rapidity and composure, and who was always ready to fight anybody’s + battle, provided she could get an opportunity to talk. ‘Why not, Mr. + Annesley? You never will let anybody eat. I never eat myself, because + every night, having to talk so much, I am dry, dry, dry; so I drink, + drink, drink. It is an extraordinary thing that there is no language which + makes you so thirsty as French.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What can be the reason?’ asked a sister of Mrs. Montfort, a tall fair + girl, who looked sentimental, but was only silly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because there is so much salt in it,’ said Lord Squib. + </p> + <p> + ‘Delia,’ drawled Mr. Annesley, ‘you look very pretty to-night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am charmed to charm you, Mr. Annesley. Shall I tell you what Lord Bon + Mot said of you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, <i>ma mignonne!</i> I never wish to hear my own good things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Spoiled, you should add,’ said the fair rival of Lord Squib, ‘if Bon Mot + be in the case.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Bon Mot is a most gentlemanlike man,’ said Delia, indignant at an + admirer being attacked. ‘He always wants to be amusing. Whenever he dines + out, he comes and sits with me for half an hour to catch the air of the + Parisian badinage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you tell him a variety of little things?’ asked Lord Squib, + insidiously drawing out the secret tactics of Bon Mot. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Beaucoup, beaucoup</i>,’ said Delia, extending two little white hands + sparkling with gems. ‘If he come in ever so, how do you call it? heavy, + not that: in the domps. Ah! it is that. If ever he come in the domps, he + goes out always like a <i>soufflée</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As empty, I have no doubt,’ said the witty lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘And as sweet, I have no doubt,’ said Lord Squib; ‘for Delcroix complains + sadly of your excesses, Delia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Delcroix complain of me! That, indeed, is too bad. Just because I + recommend Montmorency de Versailles to him for an excellent customer, ever + since he abuses me, merely because Montmorency has forgot, in the hurry of + going off, to pay his little account.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But he says you have got all the things,’ said Lord Squib, whose great + amusement was to put Delia in a passion. + </p> + <p> + ‘What of that?’ screamed the little lady. ‘Montmorency gave them me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t make such a noise,’ said the Bird of Paradise. ‘I never can eat + when there is a noise. Duke,’ continued she in a fretful tone, ‘they make + such a noise!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Annesley, keep Squib quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Delia, leave that young man alone. If Isidora would talk a little more, + and you eat a little more, I think you would be the most agreeable little + ladies I know. Poppet! put those bonbons in your pocket. You should never + eat sugarplums in company.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus, talking agreeable nonsense, tasting agreeable dishes, and sipping + agreeable wines, an hour ran on. Sweetest music from an unseen source ever + and anon sounded, and Spiridion swung a censer full of perfumes round the + chamber. At length the Duke requested Count Frill to give them a song. The + Bird of Paradise would never sing for pleasure, only for fame and a slight + cheque. The Count begged to decline, and at the same time asked for a + guitar. The Signora sent for hers; and his Excellency, preluding with a + beautiful simper, gave them some slight thing to this effect. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I. + + Charming Bignetta! charming Bignetta! + What a gay little girl is charming Bignetta! + She dances, she prattles, + She rides and she rattles; + But she always is charming, that charming Bignetta! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + II + + Charming Bignetta! charming Bignetta! + What a wild little witch is charming Bignetta! + When she smiles, I’m all madness; + When she frowns, I’m all sadness; + But she always is smiling, that charming Bignetta! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + III. + + Charming Bignetta! charming Bignetta! + What a wicked young rogue is charming Bignetta! + She laughs at my shyness, + And flirts with his Highness; + Yet still she is charming, that charming Bignetta! +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + IV. + + Charming Bignetta! charming Bignetta! + What a dear little girl is charming Bignetta! + ‘Think me only a sister,’ + Said she trembling: I kissed her. + What a charming young sister is charming Bignetta! +</pre> + <p> + To choicer music chimed his gay guitar ‘In Este’s Halls,’ yet still his + song served its purpose, for it raised a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wrote that for Madame Sapiepha, at the Congress of Verona,’ said Count + Frill. ‘It has been thought amusing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Madame Sapiepha!’ exclaimed the Bird of Paradise. ‘What! that pretty + little woman, who has such pretty caps?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The same! Ah! what caps! what taste!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You like caps, then?’ asked the Bird of Paradise, with a sparkling eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! if there be anything more than another that I know most, it is the + cap. Here,’ said he, rather oddly unbuttoning his waistcoat, ‘you see what + lace I have got.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah me! what lace!’ exclaimed the Bird, in rapture. ‘Duke, look at his + lace. Come here, sit next to me. Let me look at that lace.’ She examined + it with great attention, then turned up her beautiful eyes with a + fascinating smile. ‘<i>Ah! c’est jolie, n’est-ce pas?</i> But you like + caps. I tell you what, you shall see my caps. Spiridion, go, <i>mon cher</i>, + and tell Ma’amselle to bring my caps, all my caps, one of each set.’ + </p> + <p> + In due time entered the Swiss, with the caps, all the caps, one of each + set. As she handed them in turn to her mistress, the Bird chirped a + panegyric upon each. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is pretty, is it not, and this also? but this is my favourite. What + do you think of this border? <i>c’est belle cette garniture? et ce jabot, + c’est très-séduisant, n’est-ce pas? Mais voici</i>, the cap of Princess + Lichtenstein. <i>C’est superb, c’est mon favori</i>. But I also love very + much this of the Duchess de Berri. She gave me the pattern herself. And, + after, all, this <i>cornette à petite santé</i> of Lady Blaze is a dear + little thing; then, again, this <i>coiffe à dentelle</i> of Lady Macaroni + is quite a pet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pass them down,’ said Lord Squib; ‘we want to look at them.’ Accordingly + they were passed down. Lord Squib put one on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do I look superb, sentimental, or only pretty?’ asked his Lordship. The + example was contagious, and most of the caps were appropriated. No one + laughed more than their mistress, who, not having the slightest idea of + the value of money, would have given them all away on the spot; not from + any good-natured feeling, but from the remembrance that tomorrow she might + amuse half an hour in buying others. + </p> + <p> + Whilst some were stealing, and she remonstrating, the Duke clapped his + hands like a caliph. The curtain at the end of the apartment was + immediately withdrawn, and the ball-room stood revealed. + </p> + <p> + It was the same size as the banqueting-hall. Its walls exhibited a long + perspective of golden pilasters, the frequent piers of which were of + looking-glass, save where, occasionally, a picture had been, as it were, + inlaid in its rich frame. Here was the Titian Venus of the Tribune, + deliciously copied by a French artist: there, the Roman Fornarina, with + her delicate grace, beamed like the personification of Raf-faelle’s + genius. Here, Zuleikha, living in the light and shade of that magician + Guercino, in vain summoned the passions of the blooming Hebrew: and there, + Cleopatra, preparing for her last immortal hour, proved by what we saw + that Guido had been a lover. + </p> + <p> + The ceiling of this apartment was richly painted, and richly gilt: from it + were suspended three lustres by golden cords, which threw a softened light + upon the floor of polished and curiously inlaid woods. At the end of the + apartment was an orchestra. + </p> + <p> + Round the room waltzed the elegant revellers. Softly and slowly, led by + their host, they glided along like spirits of air; but each time that the + Duke passed the musicians, the music became livelier, and the motion more + brisk, till at length you might have mistaken them for a college of + spinning dervishes. One by one, an exhausted couple retreated from the + lists. Some threw themselves on a sofa, some monopolised an easy chair; + but in twenty minutes the whirl had ceased. At length Peacock Piggott gave + a groan, which denoted returning energy, and raised a stretching leg in + air, bringing up, though most unwittingly, upon his foot, one of the + Bird’s sublime and beautiful caps. + </p> + <p> + ‘Halloa! Piggott, armed <i>cap-au-pied</i>, I see,’ said Lord Squib. This + joke was a signal for general resuscitation. + </p> + <p> + The Alhambra formed a quadrangle: all the chambers were on the basement + story. In the middle of the court of the quadrangle was a beautiful + fountain; and the court was formed by a conservatory, which was built + along each side of the interior square, and served, like a cloister or + covered way, for a communication between the different parts of the + building. To this conservatory they now repaired. It was broad, full of + rare and delicious plants and flowers, and brilliantly illuminated. Busts + and statues were intermingled with the fairy grove; and a rich, warm hue, + by a skilful arrangement of coloured lights, was thrown over many a nymph + and fair divinity, many a blooming hero and beardless god. Here they + lounged in different parties, talking on such subjects as idlers ever fall + upon; now and then plucking a flower, now and then listening to the + fountain, now and then lingering over the distant music, and now and then + strolling through a small apartment which opened to their walks, and which + bore the title of the Temple of Gnidus. Here, Canova’s Venus breathed an + atmosphere of perfume and of light; that wonderful statue, whose + full-charged eye is not very classical, to be sure; but then, how true! + </p> + <p> + While they were thus whiling away their time, Lord Squib proposed a visit + to the theatre, which he had ordered to be lit up. To the theatre they + repaired. They rambled over every part of the house, amused themselves + with a visit to the gallery, and then collected behind the scenes. They + were excessively amused with the properties; and Lord Squib proposed they + should dress themselves. In a few minutes they were all in costume. A + crowd of queens and chambermaids, Jews and chimney-sweeps, lawyers and + Charleys, Spanish Dons, and Irish officers, rushed upon the stage. The + little Spaniard was Almaviva, and fell into magnificent attitudes, with + her sword and plume. Lord Squib was the old woman of Brentford, and very + funny. Sir Lucius Grafton, Harlequin; and Darrell, Grimaldi. The Prince, + and the Count without knowing it, figured as watchmen. Squib whispered + Annesley, that Sir Lucius O’Trigger might appear in character, but was + prudent enough to suppress the joke. + </p> + <p> + The band was summoned, and they danced quadrilles with infinite spirit, + and finished the night, at the suggestion of Lord Squib, by breakfasting + on the stage. By the time this meal was despatched the purple light of + morn had broken into the building, and the ladies proposed an immediate + departure. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK IV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Pen Bronnock Palace</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE arrival of the two distinguished foreigners reanimated the dying + season. All vied in testifying their consideration, and the Duke of St. + James exceeded all. He took them to see the alterations at Hauteville + House, which no one had yet witnessed; and he asked their opinion of his + furniture, which no one had yet decided on. Two fêtes in the same week + established, as well as maintained, his character as the Archduke of + fashion. Remembering, however, the agreeable month which he had spent in + the kingdom of John the Twenty-fourth, he was reminded, with annoyance, + that his confusion at Hauteville prevented him from receiving his friends + <i>en grand seigneur</i> in his hereditary castle. Metropolitan + magnificence, which, if the parvenu could not equal, he at least could + imitate, seemed a poor return for the feudal splendour and impartial + festivity of an Hungarian magnate. While he was brooding over these + reminiscences, it suddenly occurred to him that he had never made a + progress into his western territories. Pen Bronnock Palace was the boast + of Cornwall, though its lord had never paid it a visit. The Duke of St. + James sent for Sir Carte Blanche. + </p> + <p> + Besides entertaining the foreign nobles, the young Duke could no longer + keep off the constantly-recurring idea that something must be done to + entertain himself. He shuddered to think where and what he should have + been been, had not these gentlemen so providentially arrived. As for again + repeating the farce of last year, he felt that it would no longer raise a + smile. Yorkshire he shunned. Doncaster made him tremble. A week with the + Duke of Burlington at Marringworth; a fortnight with the Fitz-pompeys at + Malthorpe; a month with the Graftons at Cleve; and so on: he shuddered at + the very idea. Who can see a pantomime more than once? Who could survive a + pantomime the twentieth time? All the shifting scenes, and flitting + splendour; all the motley crowds of sparkling characters; all the quick + changes, and full variety, are, once, enchantment. But when the splendour + is discovered to be monotony; the change, order, and the caprice a system; + when the characters play ever the same part, and the variety never varies; + how dull, how weary, how infinitely flat, is such a world to that man who + requires from its converse, not occasional relaxation, but constant + excitement! + </p> + <p> + Pen Bronnock was a new object. At this moment in his life, novelty was + indeed a treasure. If he could cater for a month, no expense should be + grudged; as for the future, he thrust it from his mind. By taking up his + residence, too, at Pen Bronnock, he escaped from all invitations; and so, + in a word, the worthy Knight received orders to make all preparations at + the palace for the reception of a large party in the course of three + weeks. + </p> + <p> + Sir Carte, as usual, did wonders. There was, fortunately for his employer, + no time to build or paint, but some dingy rooms were hung with scarlet + cloth; cart-loads of new furniture were sent down; the theatre was + re-burnished; the stables put in order; and, what was of infinitely more + importance in the estimation of all Englishmen, the neglected pile was + ‘well aired.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Dandy From Vienna</i> +</pre> + <p> + WE ARE in the country, and such a country, that even in Italy we think of + thee, native Hesperia! Here, myrtles grow, and fear no blasting north, or + blighting east. Here, the south wind blows with that soft breath which + brings the bloom to flesh. Here, the land breaks in gentle undulations; + and here, blue waters kiss a verdant shore. Hail! to thy thousand bays, + and deep-red earth, thy marble quarries, and thy silver veins! Hail! to + thy far-extending landscape, whose sparkling villages and streaky fields + no clime can match! + </p> + <p> + Some gales we owe to thee of balmy breath, some gentle hours when life had + fewest charms. And we are grateful for all this, to say nothing of your + cider and your junkets. + </p> + <p> + The Duke arrived just as the setting sun crowned the proud palace with his + gleamy rays. It was a pile which the immortal Inigo had raised in sympathy + with the taste of a noble employer, who had passed his earliest years in + Lombardy. Of stone, and sometimes even of marble, with pediments and + balustrades, and ornamental windows, and richly-chased keystones, and + flights of steps, and here and there a statue, the structure was quite + Palladian, though a little dingy, and, on the whole, very imposing. + </p> + <p> + There were suites of rooms which had no end, and staircases which had no + beginning. In this vast pile, nothing was more natural than to lose your + way, an agreeable amusement on a rainy morning. There was a collection of + pictures, very various, by which phrase we understand not select. Yet they + were amusing; and the Canalettis were unrivalled. There was a regular + ball-room, and a theatre; so resources were at hand. The scenes, though + dusty, were numerous; and the Duke had provided new dresses. The park was + not a park; by which we mean, that it was rather a chase than the + highly-finished enclosure which we associate with the first title. In + fact, Pen Bronnock Chase was the right name of the settlement; but some + monarch travelling, having been seized with a spasm, recruited his + strength under the roof of his loyal subject, then the chief seat of the + House of Hauteville, and having in his urgency been obliged to hold a + privy council there, the supreme title of palace was assumed by right. + </p> + <p> + The domain was bounded on one side by the sea; and here a yacht and some + slight craft rode at anchor in a small green bay, and offered an + opportunity for the adventurous, and a refuge for the wearied. When you + have been bored for an hour or two on earth, it sometimes is a change to + be bored for an hour or two on water. + </p> + <p> + The house was soon full, and soon gay. The guests, and the means of + amusing them, were equally numerous. But this was no common <i>villeggiatura</i>, + no visit to a family with their regular pursuits and matured avocations. + The host was as much a guest as any other. The young Duke appointed Lord + Squib master of the ceremonies, and gave orders for nothing but constant + excitement. Constant excitement his Lordship managed to maintain, for he + was experienced, clever, careless and gay, and, for once in his life, had + the command of unbounded resources. He ordered, he invented, he prepared, + and he expended. They acted, they danced, they sported, they sailed, they + feasted, they masqueraded; and when they began to get a little wearied of + themselves, and their own powers of diversion gradually vanished, then a + public ball was given twice a week at the palace, and all the West of + England invited. New faces brought new ideas; new figures brought new + fancies. All were delighted with the young Duke, and flattery from novel + quarters will for a moment whet even the appetite of the satiated. + Simplicity, too, can interest. There were some Misses Gay-weather who got + unearthed, who never had been in London, though nature had given them + sparkling eyes and springing persons. This tyranny was too bad. Papa was + quizzed, mamma flattered, and the daughters’ simplicity amused these young + lordlings. Rebellion was whispered in the small ears of the Gay weathers. + The little heads, too, of the Gay-weathers were turned. They were the + constant butt, and the constant resource, of every lounging dandy. + </p> + <p> + The Bird of Paradise also arranged her professional engagements so as to + account with all possible propriety for her professional visit at Pen + Bronnock. The musical meeting at Exeter over, she made her appearance, and + some concerts were given, which electrified all Cornwall. Count Frill was + very strong here; though, to be sure, he also danced, and acted, in all + varieties. He was the soul, too, of a masqued ball; but when complimented + on his accomplishments, and thanked for his exertions, he modestly + depreciated his worth, and panegyrised the dancing-dogs. + </p> + <p> + As for the Prince, on the whole, he maintained his silence; but it was at + length discovered by the fair sex that he was not stupid, but sentimental. + When this was made known he rather lost ground with the dark sex, who, + before thinking him thick, had vowed that he was a devilish good fellow; + but now, being really envious, had their tale and hint, their sneer and + sly joke. M. de Whiskerburg had one active accomplishment; this was his + dancing. His gallopade was declared to be divine: he absolutely sailed in + air. His waltz, at his will, either melted his partner into a dream, or + whirled her into a frenzy! Dangerous M. de Whiskerburg! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘A Little Rift.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT IS said that the conduct of refined society, in a literary point of + view, is, on the whole, productive but of slight interest; that all we can + aspire to is, to trace a brilliant picture of brilliant manners; and that + when the dance and the festival have been duly inspired by the repartee + and the sarcasm, and the gem, the robe, and the plume adroitly lighted up + by the lamp and the lustre, our cunning is exhausted. And so your novelist + generally twists this golden thread with some substantial silken cord, for + use, and works up, with the light dance, and with the heavy dinner, some + secret marriage, and some shrouded murder. And thus, by English plots and + German mysteries, the page trots on, or jolts, till, in the end, Justice + will have her way, and the three volumes are completed. + </p> + <p> + A plan both good and antique, and also popular, but not our way. We prefer + trusting to the slender incidents which spring from out our common + intercourse. There is no doubt that that great pumice-stone, Society, + smooths down the edges of your thoughts and manners. Bodies of men who + pursue the same object must ever resemble each other: the life of the + majority must ever be imitation. Thought is a labour to which few are + competent; and truth requires for its development as much courage as + acuteness. So conduct becomes conventional, and opinion is a legend; and + thus all men act and think alike. + </p> + <p> + But this is not peculiar to what is called fashionable life, it is + peculiar to civilisation, which gives the passions less to work upon. + Mankind are not more heartless because they are clothed in ermine; it is + that their costume attracts us to their characters, and we stare because + we find the prince or the peeress neither a conqueror nor a heroine. The + great majority of human beings in a country like England glides through + existence in perfect ignorance of their natures, so complicated and so + controlling is the machinery of our social life! Few can break the bonds + that tie them down, and struggle for self-knowledge; fewer, when the + talisman is gained, can direct their illuminated energies to the purposes + with which they sympathise. + </p> + <p> + A mode of life which encloses in its circle all the dark and deep results + of unbounded indulgence, however it may appear to some who glance over the + sparkling surface, does not exactly seem to us one either insipid or + uninteresting to the moral speculator; and, indeed, we have long been + induced to suspect that the seeds of true sublimity lurk in a life which, + like this book, is half fashion and half passion. + </p> + <p> + We know not how it was, but about this time an unaccountable, almost an + imperceptible, coolness seemed to spring up between our hero and the Lady + Aphrodite. If we were to puzzle our brains for ever, we could not give you + the reason. Nothing happened, nothing had been said or done, which could + indicate its origin. Perhaps this <i>was</i> the origin; perhaps the + Duke’s conduct had become, though unexceptionable, too negative. But here + we only throw up a straw. Perhaps, if we must go on suggesting, anxiety + ends in callousness. + </p> + <p> + His Grace had thought so much of her feelings, that he had quite forgotten + his own, or worn them out. Her Ladyship, too, was perhaps a little + disappointed at the unexpected reconciliation. When we have screwed our + courage up to the sticking point, we like not to be baulked. Both, too, + perhaps—we go on <i>perhapsing</i>—both, too, we repeat, + perhaps, could not help mutually viewing each other as the cause of much + mutual care and mutual anxiousness. Both, too, perhaps, were a little + tired, but without knowing it. The most curious thing, and which would + have augured worst to a calm judge, was, that they silently seemed to + agree not to understand that any alteration had really taken place between + them, which, we think, was a bad sign: because a lover’s quarrel, we all + know, like a storm in summer, portends a renewal of warm weather or ardent + feelings; and a lady is never so well seated in her admirer’s heart as + when those betters are interchanged which express so much, and those + explanations entered upon which explain so little. + </p> + <p> + And here we would dilate on greater things than some imagine; but, + unfortunately, we are engaged. For Newmarket calls Sir Lucius and his + friends. We will not join them, having lost enough. His Grace half + promised to be one of the party; but when the day came, just remembered + the Shropshires were expected, and so was very sorry, and the rest. Lady + Aphrodite and himself parted with warmth which remarkably contrasted with + their late intercourse, and which neither of them could decide whether it + were reviving affection or factitious effort. M. de Whiskerburg and Count + Frill departed with Sir Lucius, being extremely desirous to be initiated + in the mysteries of the turf, and, above all, to see a real English + jockey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Satiety.</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE newspapers continued to announce the departures of new visitors to the + Duke of St. James, and to dilate upon the protracted and princely + festivity of Pen Bron-nock. But while thousands were envying his lot, and + hundreds aspiring to share it, what indeed was the condition of our hero? + </p> + <p> + A month or two had rolled on and if he had not absolutely tasted + enjoyment, at least he had thrown off reflection; but as the autumn wore + away, and as each day he derived less diversion or distraction from the + repetition of the same routine, carried on by different actors, he could + no longer control feelings which would be predominant, and those feelings + were not such as perhaps might have been expected from one who was + receiving the homage of an admiring world. In a word, the Duke of St. + James was the most miserable wretch that ever lived. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is this to end?’ he asked himself. ‘Is this year to close, to bring + only a repetition of the past? Well, I have had it all, and what is it? My + restless feelings are at last laid, my indefinite appetites are at length + exhausted. I have known this mighty world, and where am I? Once, all + prospects, all reflections merged in the agitating, the tremulous and + panting lust with which I sighed for it. Have I been deceived? Have I been + disappointed? Is it different from what I expected? Has it fallen short of + my fancy? Has the dexterity of my musings deserted me? Have I under-acted + the hero of my reveries? Have I, in short, mismanaged my début? Have I + blundered? No, no, no! Far, far has it gone beyond even my imagination, + and <i>my</i> life has, if no other, realised its ideas! + </p> + <p> + ‘Who laughs at me? Who does not burn incense before my shrine? What + appetite have I not gratified? What gratification has proved bitter? My + vanity! Has it been, for an instant, mortified? Am I not acknowledged the + most brilliant hero of the most brilliant society in Europe? Intense as is + my self-love, has it not been gorged? Luxury and splendour were my + youthful dreams, and have I not realised the very romance of indulgence + and magnificence? My career has been one long triumph. My palaces, and my + gardens, and my jewels, my dress, my furniture, my equipages, my horses, + and my festivals, these used to occupy my meditations, when I could only + meditate; and have my determinations proved a delusion? Ask the admiring + world. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now for the great point to which all this was to tend, which all this + was to fascinate and subdue, to adorn, to embellish, to delight, to + honour. Woman! Oh! when I first dared, among the fields of Eton, to dwell + upon the soft yet agitating fancy, that some day my existence might + perhaps be rendered more intense, by the admiration of these maddening but + then mysterious creatures; could, could I have dreamt of what has + happened? Is not this the very point in which my career has most + out-topped my lofty hopes? + </p> + <p> + ‘I have read, and sometimes heard, of <i>satiety</i>. It must then be + satiety that I feel; for I do feel more like a doomed man, than a young + noble full of blood and youth. And yet, satiety; it is a word. What then? + A word is breath, and am I wiser? Satiety! Satiety! Satiety! Oh! give me + happiness! Oh! give me love! + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! there it is, I feel it now. Too well I feel that happiness must + spring from purer fountains than self-love. We are not born merely for + ourselves, and they who, full of pride, make the trial, as I have done, + and think that the world is made for them, and not for mankind, must come + to as bitter results, perhaps as bitter a fate; for, by Heavens! I am half + tempted at this moment to fling myself from off this cliff, and so end + all. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should I live? For virtue, and for duty; to compensate for all my + folly, and to achieve some slight good end with my abused and unparalleled + means. Ay! it is all vastly rational, and vastly sublime, but it is too + late. I feel the exertion above me. I am a lost man. + </p> + <p> + ‘We cannot work without a purpose and an aim. I had mine, although it was + a false one, and I succeeded. Had I one now I might succeed again, but my + heart is a dull void. And Caroline, that gentle girl, will not give me + what I want; and to offer her but half a heart may break hers, and I would + not bruise that delicate bosom to save my dukedom. Those sad, silly + parents of hers have already done mischief enough; but I will see Darrell, + and will at least arrange that. I like him, and will make him my friend + for her sake. God! God! why am I not loved! A word from her, and all would + change. I feel a something in me which could put all right. I have the + will, and she could give the power. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now see what a farce life is! I shall go on, Heaven knows how! I cannot + live long. Men like me soon bloom and fade. What I may come to, I dread to + think. There is a dangerous facility in my temper; I know it well, for I + know more of myself than people think; there is a dangerous facility + which, with May Dacre, might be the best guaranty of virtue; but with all + others, for all others are at the best weak things, will as certainly + render me despicable, perhaps degraded. I hear the busy devil whispering + even now. It is my demon. Now, I say, see what a farce life is! I shall + die like a dog, as I have lived like a fool; and then my epitaph will be + in everybody’s mouth. Here are the consequences of self-indulgence: here + is a fellow, forsooth, who thought only of the gratification of his vile + appetites; and by the living Heaven, am I not standing here among my + hereditary rocks, and sighing to the ocean, to be virtuous! + </p> + <p> + ‘She knew me well, she read me in a minute, and spoke more truth at that + last meeting than is in a thousand sermons. It is out of our power to + redeem ourselves. Our whole existence is a false, foul state, totally + inimical to love and purity, and domestic gentleness, and calm delight. + Yet are we envied! Oh! could these fools see us at any other time except + surrounded by our glitter, and hear of us at any other moment save in the + first bloom of youth, which is, even then, often wasted; could they but + mark our manhood, and view our hollow marriages, and disappointed + passions; could they but see the traitors that we have for sons, the + daughters that own no duty; could they but watch us even to our grave, + tottering after some fresh bauble, some vain delusion, which, to the last, + we hope may prove a substitute for what we have never found through life, + a contented mind, they would do something else but envy us. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I stand prating when I am wanted. I must home. Home! O sacred word! + and then comes night! Horrible night! Horrible day! It seems to me I am + upon the eve of some monstrous folly, too ridiculous to be a crime, and + yet as fatal. I have half a mind to go and marry the Bird of Paradise, out + of pure pique with myself, and with the world.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Startling Letter</i> +</pre> + <p> + SOUTHEY, that virtuous man, whom Wisdom calls her own, somewhere thanks + God that he was not born to a great estate. We quite agree with the seer + of Keswick; it is a bore. Provided a man can enjoy every personal luxury, + what profits it that your flag waves on castles you never visit, and that + you count rents which you never receive? And yet there are some things + which your miserable, moderate incomes cannot command, and which one might + like to have; for instance, a band. + </p> + <p> + A complete, a consummate band, in uniforms of uncut white velvet, with a + highly-wrought gold button, just tipped with a single pink topaz, appears + to me [Greek phrase]. When we die, ‘Band’ will be found impressed upon our + heart, like ‘Frigate’ on the core of Nelson. The negroes should have their + noses bored, as well as their ears, and hung with rings of rubies. The + kettle-drums should be of silver. And with regard to a great estate, no + doubt it brings great cares; or, to get free of them, the estate must be + neglected, and then it is even worse. + </p> + <p> + Elections come on, and all your members are thrown out; so much for + neglected influence. Agricultural distress prevails, and all your farms + are thrown up; so much for neglected tenants. Harassed by leases, + renewals, railroads, fines, and mines, you are determined that life shall + not be worn out by these continual and petty cares. Thinking it somewhat + hard, that, because you have two hundred thousand a-year, you have neither + ease nor enjoyment, you find a remarkably clever man, who manages + everything for you. Enchanted with his energy, his acuteness, and his + foresight, fascinated by your increasing rent-roll, and the total + disappearance of arrears, you dub him your right hand, introduce him to + all your friends, and put him into Parliament; and then, fired by the + ambition of rivalling his patron, he disburses, embezzles, and decamps. + </p> + <p> + But where is our hero? Is he forgotten? Never! But in the dumps, blue + devils, and so on. A little bilious, it may be, and dull. He scarcely + would amuse you at this moment. So we come forward with a graceful bow; + the Jack Pudding of our doctor, who is behind. + </p> + <p> + In short, that is to say, in long—for what is true use of this + affected brevity? When this tale is done, what have you got? So let us + make it last. We quite repent of having intimated so much: in future, it + is our intention to develop more, and to describe, and to delineate, and + to define, and, in short, to bore. You know the model of this kind of + writing, Richardson, whom we shall revive. In future, we shall, as a + novelist, take Clarendon’s Rebellion for our guide, and write our hero’s + notes, or heroine’s letters, like a state paper, or a broken treaty. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, and the young Duke—oh! to be a Duke, and to be young, it + is too much—was seldom seen by the gay crowd who feasted in his + hall. His mornings now were lonely, and if, at night, his eye still + sparkled, and his step still sprang, why, between us, wine gave him + beauty, and wine gave him grace. + </p> + <p> + It was the dreary end of dull November, and the last company were breaking + off. The Bird of Paradise, according to her desire, had gone to Brighton, + where his Grace had presented her with a tenement, neat, light, and + finished; and though situated amid the wilds of Kemp Town, not more than + one hyæna on a night ventured to come down from the adjacent heights. He + had half promised to join her, because he thought he might as well be + there as here, and consequently he had not invited a fresh supply of + visitors from town, or rather from the country. As he was hesitating about + what he should do, he received a letter from his bankers, which made him + stare. He sent for the groom of the chambers, and was informed the house + was clear, save that some single men still lingered, as is their wont. + They never take a hint. His Grace ordered his carriage; and, more alive + than he had been for the last two months, dashed off to town. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Cost of Pleasure</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE letter from his bankers informed the Duke of St. James that not only + was the half-million exhausted, but, in pursuance of their powers, they + had sold out all his stock, and, in reliance on his credit, had advanced + even beyond it. They were ready to accommodate him in every possible way, + and to advance as much more as he could desire, at five per cent.! Sweet + five per cent.! Oh! magical five per cent.! Lucky the rogue now who gets + three. Nevertheless, they thought it but proper to call his Grace’s + attention to the circumstance, and to put him in possession of the facts. + Something unpleasant is coming when men are anxious to tell the truth. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had never affected to be a man of business; still, + he had taken it for granted that pecuniary embarrassment was not ever to + be counted among his annoyances. He wanted something to do, and determined + to look into his affairs, merely to amuse himself. + </p> + <p> + The bankers were most polite. They brought their books, also several + packets of papers neatly tied up, and were ready to give every + information. The Duke asked for results. He found that the turf, the + Alhambra, the expenses of his outfit in purchasing the lease and furniture + of his mansion, and the rest, had, with his expenditure, exhausted his + first year’s income; but he reconciled himself to this, because he chose + to consider them extraordinary expenses. Then the festivities of Pen + Bronnock counterbalanced the economy of his more scrambling life the + preceding year; yet he had not exceeded his income much. Then he came to + Sir Carte’s account. He began to get a little frightened. Two hundred and + fifty thousand had been swallowed by Hauteville Castle: one hundred and + twenty thousand by Hauteville House. Ninety-six thousand had been paid for + furniture. There were also some awkward miscellanies which, in addition, + exceeded the half-million. + </p> + <p> + This was smashing work; but castles and palaces, particularly of the + correctest style of architecture, are not to be had for nothing. The Duke + had always devoted the half-million to this object; but he had intended + that sum to be sufficient. What puzzled and what annoyed him was a queer + suspicion that his resources had been exhausted without his result being + obtained. He sent for Sir Carte, who gave every information, and assured + him that, had he had the least idea that a limit was an object, he would + have made his arrangements accordingly. As it was, he assured the young + Duke that he would be the Lord of the most sumptuous and accurate castle, + and of the most gorgeous and tasteful palace, in Europe. He was proceeding + with a cloud of words, when his employer cut him short by a peremptory + demand of the exact sum requisite for the completion of his plans. Sir + Carte was confused, and requested time. The estimates should be sent in as + quickly as possible. The clerks should sit up all night, and even his own + rest should not be an object, any more than the Duke’s purse. So they + parted. + </p> + <p> + The Duke determined to run down to Brighton for change of scene. He + promised his bankers to examine everything on his return; in the meantime, + they were to make all necessary advances, and honour his drafts to any + amount. + </p> + <p> + He found the city of chalk and shingles not quite so agreeable as last + year. He discovered that it had no trees. There was there, also, just + everybody that he did not wish to see. It was one great St. James’ Street, + and seemed only an anticipation of that very season which he dreaded. He + was half inclined to go somewhere else, but could not fix upon any spot. + London might be agreeable, as it was empty; but then those confounded + accounts awaited him. The Bird of Paradise was a sad bore. He really began + to suspect that she was little better than an idiot: then, she ate so + much, and he hated your eating women. He gladly shuffled her off on that + fool Count Frill, who daily brought his guitar to Kemp Town. They just + suited each other. What a madman he had been, to have embarrassed himself + with this creature! It would cost him a pretty ransom now before he could + obtain his freedom. How we change! Already the Duke of St. James began to + think of pounds, shillings, and pence. A year ago, so long as he could + extricate himself from a scrape by force of cash, he thought himself a + lucky fellow. + </p> + <p> + The Graftons had not arrived, but were daily expected. He really could not + stand them. As for Lady Afy, he execrated the greenhornism which had made + him feign a passion, and then get caught where he meant to capture. As for + Sir Lucius, he wished to Heaven he would just take it into his head to + repay him the fifteen thousand he had lent him at that confounded + election, to say nothing of anything else. + </p> + <p> + Then there was Burlington, with his old loves and his new dances. He + wondered how the deuce that fellow could be amused with such frivolity, + and always look so serene and calm. Then there was Squib: that man never + knew when to leave off joking; and Annesley, with his false refinement; + and Darrell, with his petty ambition. He felt quite sick, and took a + solitary ride: but he flew from Scylla to Charybdis. Mrs. Montfort could + not forget their many delightful canters last season to Rottingdean, and, + lo! she was at his side. He wished her down the cliff. + </p> + <p> + In this fit of the spleen he went to the theatre: there were eleven people + in the boxes. He listened to the ‘School for Scandal.’ Never was slander + more harmless. He sat it all out, and was sorry when it was over, but was + consoled by the devils of ‘Der Freischutz.’ How sincerely, how ardently + did he long to sell himself to the demon! It was eleven o’clock, and he + dreaded the play to be over as if he were a child. What to do with + himself, or where to go, he was equally at a loss. The door of the box + opened, and entered Lord Bagshot. If it must be an acquaintance, this cub + was better than any of his refined and lately cherished companions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Bag, what are you doing with yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I don’t know; just looking in for a lark. Any game?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On my honour, I can’t say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that girl? Oh! I see; that’s little Wilkins. There’s Moll Otway. + Nothing new. I shall go and rattle the bones a little; eh! my boy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rattle the bones? what is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you know?’ and here this promising young peer manually explained + his meaning. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you play at?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hazard, for my money; but what you like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We meet at De Berghem’s. There is a jolly set of us. All crack men. When + my governor is here, I never go. He is so jealous. I suppose there must be + only one gamester in the family; eh! my covey?’ Lord Bagshot, excited by + the unusual affability of the young Duke, grew quite familiar. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have half a mind to look in with you,’ said his Grace with a careless + air. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! come along, by all means. They’ll be devilish glad to see you. De + Berghem was saying the other day what a nice fellow you were, and how he + should like to know you. You don’t know De Berghem, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him. I know enough of him.’ + </p> + <p> + They quitted the theatre together, and under the guidance of Lord Bagshot, + stopped at a door in Brunswick Terrace. There they found collected a + numerous party, but all persons of consideration. The Baron, who had once + been a member of the diplomatic corps, and now lived in England, by + choice, on his pension and private fortune, received them with marked + courtesy. Proud of his companion, Lord Bagshot’s hoarse, coarse, idiot + voice seemed ever braying. His frequent introductions of the Duke of St. + James were excruciating, and it required all the freezing of a finished + manner to pass through this fiery ordeal. His Grace was acquainted with + most of the guests by sight, and to some he even bowed. They were chiefly + men of a certain age, with the exception of two or three young peers like + himself. + </p> + <p> + There was the Earl of Castlefort, plump and luxurious, with a youthful + wig, who, though a sexagenarian, liked no companion better than a minor. + His Lordship was the most amiable man in the world, and the most lucky; + but the first was his merit, and the second was not his fault. There was + the juvenile Lord Dice, who boasted of having done his brothers out of + their miserable 5,000L. patrimony, and all in one night. But the wrinkle + that had already ruffled his once clear brow, his sunken eye, and his + convulsive lip, had been thrown, we suppose, into the bargain, and, in our + opinion, made it a dear one. There was Temple Grace, who had run through + four fortunes, and ruined four sisters. Withered, though only thirty, one + thing alone remained to be lost, what he called his honour, which was + already on the scent to play booty. There was Cogit, who, when he was + drunk, swore that he had had a father; but this was deemed the only + exception to <i>in vino Veritas</i>. Who he was, the Goddess of Chance + alone could decide; and we have often thought that he might bear the same + relation to her as Æneas to the Goddess of Beauty. His age was as great a + mystery as anything else. He dressed still like a boy, yet some vowed he + was eighty. He must have been Salathiel. Property he never had, and yet he + contrived to live; connection he was not born with, yet he was upheld by a + set. He never played, yet he was the most skilful dealer going. He did the + honours of a <i>rouge et noir</i> table to a miracle; and looking, as he + thought, most genteel in a crimson waistcoat and a gold chain, raked up + the spoils, or complacently announced après. Lord Castlefort had few + secrets from him: he was the jackal to these prowling beasts of prey; + looked out for pigeons, got up little parties to Richmond or Brighton, + sang a song when the rest were too anxious to make a noise, and yet + desired a little life, and perhaps could cog a die, arrange a + looking-glass, or mix a tumbler. + </p> + <p> + Unless the loss of an occasional napoleon at a German watering-place is to + be so stigmatised, gaming had never formed one of the numerous follies of + the Duke of St. James. Rich, and gifted with a generous, sanguine, and + luxurious disposition, he had never been tempted by the desire of gain, or + as some may perhaps maintain, by the desire of excitement, to seek + assistance or enjoyment in a mode of life which stultifies all our fine + fancies, deadens all our noble emotions, and mortifies all our beautiful + aspirations. + </p> + <p> + We know that we are broaching a doctrine which many will start at, and + which some will protest against, when we declare our belief that no + person, whatever his apparent wealth, ever yet gamed except from the + prospect of immediate gain. We hear much of want of excitement, of ennui, + of satiety; and then the gaming-table is announced as a sort of substitute + for opium, wine, or any other mode of obtaining a more intense vitality at + the cost of reason. Gaming is too active, too anxious, too complicated, + too troublesome; in a word, <i>too sensible</i> an affair for such + spirits, who fly only to a sort of dreamy and indefinite distraction. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, gaming is a matter of business. Its object is tangible, + clear, and evident. There is nothing high, or inflammatory, or exciting; + no false magnificence, no visionary elevation, in the affair at all. It is + the very antipodes to enthusiasm of any kind. It pre-supposes in its + votary a mind essentially mercantile. All the feelings that are in its + train are the most mean, the most commonplace, and the most annoying of + daily life, and nothing would tempt the gamester to experience them except + the great object which, as a matter of calculation, he is willing to aim + at on such terms. No man flies to the gaming-table in a paroxysm. The + first visit requires the courage of a forlorn hope. The first stake will + make the lightest mind anxious, the firmest hand tremble, and the stoutest + heart falter. After the first stake, it is all a matter of calculation and + management, even in games of chance. Night after night will men play at <i>rouge + et noir</i>, upon what they call a system, and for hours their attention + never ceases, any more than it would if they were in the shop or oh the + wharf. No manual labour is more fatiguing, and more degrading to the + labourer, than gaming. Every gamester feels ashamed. And this vice, this + worst vice, from whose embrace, moralists daily inform us, man can never + escape, is just the one from which the majority of men most completely, + and most often, free themselves. Infinite is the number of men who have + lost thousands in their youth, and never dream of chance again. It is this + pursuit which, oftener than any other, leads man to self-knowledge. + Appalled by the absolute destruction on the verge of which he finds his + early youth just stepping; aghast at the shadowy crimes which, under the + influence of this life, seem, as it were, to rise upon his soul; often he + hurries to emancipate himself from this fatal thraldom, and with a ruined + fortune, and marred prospects, yet thanks his Creator that his soul is + still white, his conscience clear, and that, once more, he breathes the + sweet air of heaven. + </p> + <p> + And our young Duke, we must confess, gamed, as all other men have gamed, + for money. His satiety had fled the moment that his affairs were + embarrassed. The thought suddenly came into his head while Bag-shot was + speaking. He determined to make an effort to recover; and so completely + was it a matter of business with him, that he reasoned that, in the + present state of his affairs, a few thousands more would not signify; that + these few thousands might lead to vast results, and that, if they did, he + would bid adieu to the gaming-table with the same coolness with which he + had saluted it. + </p> + <p> + Yet he felt a little odd when he first ‘rattled the bones;’ and his + affected nonchalance made him constrained. He fancied every one was + watching him; while, on the contrary, all were too much interested in + their own different parties. This feeling, however, wore off. + </p> + <p> + According to every novelist, and the moralists ‘our betters,’ the Duke of + St. James should have been fortunate at least to-night. You always win at + first, you know. If so, we advise said children of fancy and of fact to + pocket their gains, and not play again. The young Duke had not the + opportunity of thus acting. He lost fifteen hundred pounds, and at + half-past five he quitted the Baron’s. + </p> + <p> + Hot, bilious, with a confounded twang in his mouth, and a cracking pain in + his head, he stood one moment and sniffed in the salt sea breeze. The moon + was unfortunately on the waters, and her cool, beneficent light reminded + him, with disgust, of the hot, burning glare of the Baron’s saloon. He + thought of May Dacre, but clenched his fist, and drove her image from his + mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Dangerous Friends</i> +</pre> + <p> + HE ROSE late, and as he was lounging over his breakfast, entered Lord + Bagshot and the Baron. Already the young Duke began to experience one of + the gamester’s curses, the intrusive society of those of whom you are + ashamed. Eight-and-forty hours ago, Lord Bagshot would no more have dared + to call on the Duke of St. James than to call at the Pavilion; and now, + with that reckless want of tact which marks the innately vulgar, he seemed + to triumph in their unhallowed intimacy, and lounging into his Grace’s + apartment with that half-shuffling, hair-swaggering air indicative of the + ‘cove,’ hat cocked, and thumbs in his great-coat pockets, cast his + complacent eye around, and praised his Grace’s ‘rooms.’ Lord Bagshot, who + for the occasional notice of the Duke of St. James had been so long a + ready and patient butt, now appeared to assume a higher character, and + addressed his friend in a tone and manner which were authorised by the + equality of their rank and the sympathy of their tastes. If this change + had taken place in the conduct of the Viscount, it was not a singular one. + The Duke also, to his surprise, found himself addressing his former butt + in a very different style from that which he had assumed in the ballroom + of Doncaster. In vain he tried to rally, in vain he tried to snub. It was + indeed in vain. He no longer possessed any right to express his contempt + of his companion. That contempt, indeed, he still felt. He despised Lord + Bagshot still, but he also despised himself. + </p> + <p> + The soft and silky Baron was a different sort of personage; but there was + something sinister in all his elaborate courtesy and highly artificial + manner, which did not touch the feelings of the Duke, whose courtesy was + but the expression of his noble feelings, and whose grace was only the + impulse of his rich and costly blood. Baron de Berghem was too attentive, + and too deferential. He smiled and bowed too much. He made no allusion to + the last night’s scene, nor did his tutored companion, but spoke of + different and lighter subjects, in a manner which at once proved his + experience of society, the liveliness of his talents, and the cultivation + of his taste. He told many stories, all short and poignant, and always + about princes and princesses. Whatever was broached, he always had his <i>apropos</i> + of Vienna, and altogether seemed an experienced, mild, tolerant man of the + world, not bigoted to any particular opinions upon any subject, but of a + truly liberal and philosophic mind. + </p> + <p> + When they had sat chatting for half-an-hour, the Baron developed the + object of his visit, which was to endeavour to obtain the pleasure of his + Grace’s company at dinner, to taste some wild boar and try some tokay. The + Duke, who longed again for action, accepted the invitation; and then they + parted. + </p> + <p> + Our hero was quite surprised at the feverish anxiety with which he awaited + the hour of union. He thought that seven o’clock would never come. He had + no appetite at breakfast, and after that he rode, but luncheon was a + blank. In the midst of the operation, he found himself in a brown study, + calculating chances. All day long his imagination had been playing hazard, + or <i>rouge et noir</i>. Once he thought that he had discovered an + infallible way of winning at the latter. On the long run, he was convinced + it must answer, and he panted to prove it. + </p> + <p> + Seven o’clock at last arrived, and he departed to Brunswick Terrace. There + was a brilliant party to meet him: the same set as last night, but select. + He was faint, and did justice to the <i>cuisine</i> of his host, which was + indeed remarkable. When we are drinking a man’s good wine, it is difficult + to dislike him. Prejudice decreases with every draught. His Grace began to + think the Baron as good-hearted as agreeable. He was grateful for the + continued attentions of old Castlefort, who, he now found out, had been + very well acquainted with his father, and once even made a trip to Spa + with him. Lord Dice he could not manage to endure, though that worthy was, + for him, remarkably courteous, and grinned with his parchment face, like a + good-humoured ghoul. Temple Grace and the Duke became almost intimate. + There was an amiable candour in that gentleman’s address, a softness in + his tones, and an unstudied and extremely interesting delicacy in his + manner, which in this society was remarkable. Tom Cogit never presumed to + come near the young Duke, but paid him constant attention. He sat at the + bottom of the table, and was ever sending a servant with some choice wine, + or recommending him, through some third person, some choice dish. It is + pleasant to be ‘made much of,’ as Shakspeare says, even by scoundrels. To + be king of your company is a poor ambition, yet homage is homage, and + smoke is smoke, whether it come out of the chimney of a palace or of a + workhouse. + </p> + <p> + The banquet was not hurried. Though all wished it finished, no one liked + to appear urgent. It was over at last, and they walked up-stairs, where + the tables were arranged for all parties, and all play. Tom Cogit went up + a few minutes before them, like the lady of the mansion, to review the + lights, and arrange the cards. Feminine Tom Cogit! + </p> + <p> + The events of to-night were much the same as of the preceding one. The + Duke was a loser, but his losses were not considerable. He retired about + the same hour, with a head not so hot, or heavy: and he never looked at + the moon, or thought of May Dacre. The only wish that reigned in his soul + was a longing for another opportunity, and he had agreed to dine with the + Baron, before he left Brunswick Terrace. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed a week, one night the Duke of St. James redeeming himself, + another falling back to his old position, now pushing on to Madrid, now + re-crossing the Tagus. On the whole, he had lost four or five thousand + pounds, a mere trifle to what, as he had heard, had been lost and gained + by many of his companions during only the present season. On the whole, he + was one of the most moderate of these speculators, generally played at the + large table, and never joined any of those private coteries, some of which + he had observed, and of some of which he had heard. Yet this was from no + prudential resolve or temperate resolution. The young Duke was heartily + tired of the slight results of all his anxiety, hopes, and plans, and + ardently wished for some opportunity of coming to closer and more decided + action. The Baron also had resolved that an end should be put to this + skirmishing; but he was a calm head, and never hurried anything. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope your Grace has been lucky to-night!’ said the Baron one evening, + strolling up to the Duke: ‘as for myself, really, if Dice goes on playing, + I shall give up banking. That fellow must have a talisman. I think he has + broken more banks than any man living. The best thing he did of that kind + was the roulette story at Paris. You have heard of that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was that Lord Dice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes! he does everything. He must have cleared his hundred thousand + last year. I have suffered a good deal since I have been in England. + Castlefort has pulled in a great deal of my money. I wonder to whom he + will leave his property?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think him rich?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! he will cut up large!’ said the Baron, elevating his eyebrows. ‘A + pleasant man too! I do not know any man that I would sooner play with than + Castlefort; no one who loses his money with better temper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or wins it,’ said his Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘That we all do,’ said the Baron, faintly laughing. ‘Your Grace has lost, + and you do not seem particularly dull. You will have your revenge. Those + who lose at first are always the children of fortune. I always dread a man + who loses at first. All I beg is, that you will not break my bank.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why! you see I am not playing now.’ ‘I am not surprised. There is too + much heat and noise here,’ said he. ‘We will have a quiet dinner some day, + and play at our ease. Come to-morrow, and I will ask Castlefort and Dice. + I should uncommonly like, <i>entre nous</i>, to win some of their money. I + will take care that nobody shall be here whom you would not like to meet. + By-the-bye, whom were you riding with this morning? Fine woman!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Birds of Prey</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE young Duke had accepted the invitation of the Baron de Berg-hem for + to-morrow, and accordingly, himself, Lords Castlefort and Dice, and Temple + Grace assembled in Brunswick Terrace at the usual hour. The dinner was + studiously plain, and very little wine was drunk; yet everything was + perfect. Tom Cogit stepped in to carve in his usual silent manner. He + always came in and went out of a room without anyone observing him. He + winked familiarly to Temple Grace, but scarcely presumed to bow to the + Duke. He was very busy about the wine, and dressed the wild fowl in a + manner quite unparalleled. Tom Cogit was the man for a sauce for a brown + bird. What a mystery he made of it! Cayenne and Burgundy and limes were + ingredients, but there was a magic in the incantation with which he alone + was acquainted. He took particular care to send a most perfect portion to + the young Duke, and he did this, as he paid all attentions to influential + strangers, with the most marked consciousness of the sufferance which + permitted his presence: never addressing his Grace, but audibly whispering + to the servant, ‘Take this to the Duke;’ or asking the attendant, ‘whether + his Grace would try the Hermitage?’ + </p> + <p> + After dinner, with the exception of Cogit, who was busied in compounding + some wonderful liquid for the future refreshment, they sat down to <i>écarté</i>. + Without having exchanged a word upon the subject, there seemed a general + understanding among all the parties that to-night was to be a pitched + battle, and they began at once, briskly. Yet, in spite of their universal + determination, midnight arrived without anything decisive. Another hour + passed over, and then Tom Cogit kept touching the Baron’s elbow and + whispering in a voice which everybody could understand. All this meant + that supper was ready. It was brought into the room. + </p> + <p> + Gaming has one advantage, it gives you an appetite; that is to say, so + long as you have a chance remaining. The Duke had thousands; for at + present his resources were unimpaired, and he was exhausted by the + constant attention and anxiety of five hours. He passed over the + delicacies and went to the side-table, and began cutting himself some cold + roast beef. Tom Cogit ran up, not to his Grace, but to the Baron, to + announce the shocking fact that the Duke of St. James was enduring great + trouble; and then the Baron asked his Grace to permit Mr. Cogit to serve + him. Our hero devoured—we use the word advisedly, as fools say in + the House of Commons—he devoured the roast beef, and rejecting the + Hermitage with disgust, asked for porter. + </p> + <p> + They set to again fresh as eagles. At six o’clock accounts were so + complicated that they stopped to make up their books. Each played with his + memoranda and pencil at his side. Nothing fatal had yet happened. The Duke + owed Lord Dice about five thousand pounds, and Temple Grace owed him as + many hundreds. Lord Castlefort also was his debtor to the tune of seven + hundred and fifty, and the Baron was in his books, but slightly. Every + half-hour they had a new pack of cards, and threw the used one on the + floor. All this time Tom Cogit did nothing but snuff the candles, stir the + fire, bring them a new pack, and occasionally make a tumbler for them. At + eight o’clock the Duke’s situation was worsened. The run was greatly + against him, and perhaps his losses were doubled. He pulled up again the + next hour or two; but nevertheless, at ten o’clock, owed everyone + something. No one offered to give over; and everyone, perhaps, felt that + his object was not obtained. They made their toilets and went down-stairs + to breakfast. In the meantime the shutters were opened, the room aired, + and in less than an hour they were at it again. + </p> + <p> + They played till dinner-time without intermission; and though the Duke + made some desperate efforts, and some successful ones, his losses were, + nevertheless, trebled. Yet he ate an excellent dinner and was not at all + depressed; because the more he lost, the more his courage and his + resources seemed to expand. At first he had limited himself to ten + thousand; after breakfast it was to have been twenty thousand; then thirty + thousand was the ultimatum; and now he dismissed all thoughts of limits + from his mind, and was determined to risk or gain everything. + </p> + <p> + At midnight, he had lost forty-eight thousand pounds. Affairs now began to + be serious. His supper was not so hearty. While the rest were eating, he + walked about the room, and began to limit his ambition to recovery, and + not to gain. When you play to win back, the fun is over: there is nothing + to recompense you for your bodily tortures and your degraded feelings; and + the very best result that can happen, while it has no charms, seems to + your cowed mind impossible. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page338.jpg" alt="Page338 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + On they played, and the Duke lost more. His mind was jaded. He floundered, + he made desperate efforts, but plunged deeper in the slough. Feeling that, + to regain his ground, each card must tell, he acted on each as if it must + win, and the consequences of this insanity (for a gamester at such a + crisis is really insane) were, that his losses were prodigious. + </p> + <p> + Another morning came, and there they sat, ankle-deep in cards. No attempt + at breakfast now, no affectation of making a toilet or airing the room. + The atmosphere was hot, to be sure, but it well became such a Hell. There + they sat, in total, in positive forgetfulness of everything but the hot + game they were hunting down. There was not a man in the room, except Tom + Cogit, who could have told you the name of the town in which they were + living. There they sat, almost breathless, watching every turn with the + fell look in their cannibal eyes which showed their total inability to + sympathise with their fellow-beings. All forms of society had been long + forgotten. There was no snuff-box handed about now, for courtesy, + admiration, or a pinch; no affectation of occasionally making a remark + upon any other topic but the all-engrossing one. Lord Castlefort rested + with his arms on the table: a false tooth had got unhinged. His Lordship, + who, at any other time, would have been most annoyed, coolly put it in his + pocket. His cheeks had fallen, and he looked twenty years older. Lord Dice + had torn off his cravat, and his hair hung down over his callous, + bloodless cheeks, straight as silk. Temple Grace looked as if he were + blighted by lightning; and his deep blue eyes gleamed like a hyaena’s. The + Baron was least changed. Tom Cogit, who smelt that the crisis was at hand, + was as quiet as a bribed rat. + </p> + <p> + On they played till six o’clock in the evening, and then they agreed to + desist till after dinner. Lord Dice threw himself on a sofa. Lord + Castlefort breathed with difficulty. The rest walked about. While they + were resting on their oars, the young Duke roughly made up his accounts. + He found that he was minus about one hundred thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + Immense as this loss was, he was more struck, more appalled, let us say, + at the strangeness of the surrounding scene, than even by his own ruin. As + he looked upon his fellow gamesters, he seemed, for the first time in his + life, to gaze upon some of those hideous demons of whom he had read. He + looked in the mirror at himself. A blight seemed to have fallen over his + beauty, and his presence seemed accursed. He had pursued a dissipated, + even more than a dissipated career. Many were the nights that had been + spent by him not on his couch; great had been the exhaustion that he had + often experienced; haggard had sometimes even been the lustre of his + youth. But when had been marked upon his brow this harrowing care? when + had his features before been stamped with this anxiety, this anguish, this + baffled desire, this strange unearthly scowl, which made him even tremble? + What! was it possible? it could not be, that in time he was to be like + those awful, those unearthly, those unhallowed things that were around + him. He felt as if he had fallen from his state, as if he had dishonoured + his ancestry, as if he had betrayed his trust. He felt a criminal. In the + darkness of his meditations a flash burst from his lurid mind, a celestial + light appeared to dissipate this thickening gloom, and his soul felt as if + it were bathed with the softening radiancy. He thought of May Dacre, he + thought of everything that was pure, and holy, and beautiful, and + luminous, and calm. It was the innate virtue of the man that made this + appeal to his corrupted nature. His losses seemed nothing; his dukedom + would be too slight a ransom for freedom from these ghouls, and for the + breath of the sweet air. + </p> + <p> + He advanced to the Baron, and expressed his desire to play no more. There + was an immediate stir. All jumped up, and now the deed was done. Cant, in + spite of their exhaustion, assumed her reign. They begged him to have his + revenge, were quite annoyed at the result, had no doubt he would recover + if he proceeded. Without noticing their remarks, he seated himself at the + table, and wrote cheques for their respective amounts, Tom Cogit jumping + up and bringing him the inkstand. Lord Castlefort, in the most + affectionate manner, pocketed the draft; at the same time recommending the + Duke not to be in a hurry, but to send it when he was cool. Lord Dice + received his with a bow, Temple Grace with a sigh, the Baron with an + avowal of his readiness always to give him his revenge. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, though sick at heart, would not leave the room with any evidence + of a broken spirit; and when Lord Castlefort again repeated, ‘Pay us when + we meet again,’ he said, ‘I think it very improbable that we shall meet + again, my Lord. I wished to know what gaming was. I had heard a great deal + about it. It is not so very disgusting; but I am a young man, and cannot + play tricks with my complexion.’ + </p> + <p> + He reached his house. The Bird was out. He gave orders for himself not to + be disturbed, and he went to bed; but in vain he tried to sleep. What rack + exceeds the torture of an excited brain and an exhausted body? His hands + and feet were like ice, his brow like fire; his ears rung with + supernatural roaring; a nausea had seized upon him, and death he would + have welcomed. In vain, in vain he courted repose; in vain, in vain he had + recourse to every expedient to wile himself to slumber. Each minute he + started from his pillow with some phrase which reminded him of his late + fearful society. Hour after hour moved on with its leaden pace; each hour + he heard strike, and each hour seemed an age. Each hour was only a signal + to cast off some covering, or shift his position. It was, at length, + morning. With a feeling that he should go mad if he remained any longer in + bed, he rose, and paced his chamber. The air refreshed him. He threw + himself on the floor; the cold crept over his senses, and he slept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Duke Without A Friend</i> +</pre> + <p> + O YE immortal Gods! ye are still immortal, although no longer ye hover + o’er Olympus. The Crescent glitters on your mountain’s base, and Crosses + spring from out its toppling crags. But in vain the Mufti, and the + Patriarch, and the Pope flout at your past traditions. They are married to + man’s memory by the sweetest chain that ever Fancy wove for Love. The poet + is a priest, who does not doubt the inspiration of his oracles; and your + shrines are still served by a faithful band, who love the beautiful and + adore the glorious! In vain, in vain they tell us your divinity is a + dream. From the cradle to the grave, our thoughts and feelings take their + colour from you! O! Ægiochus, the birch has often proved thou art still a + thunderer; and, although thy twanging bow murmur no longer through the + avenging air, many an apple twig still vindicates thy outraged dignity, <i>pulcher</i> + Apollo. + </p> + <p> + O, ye immortal Gods! nothing so difficult as to begin a chapter, and + therefore have we flown to you. In literature, as in life, it is the first + step; you know the rest. After a paragraph or so our blood Is up, and even + our jaded hackneys scud along, and warm up into friskiness. + </p> + <p> + The Duke awoke: another day of his eventful life is now to run its course. + He found that the Bird of Paradise had not returned from an excursion to a + neighbouring park: he left a note for her, apprising her of his departure + to London, and he despatched an affectionate letter to Lady Aphrodite, + which was the least that he could do, considering that he perhaps quitted + Brighton the day of her arrival. And having done all this, he ordered his + horses, and before noon was on his first stage. + </p> + <p> + It was his birthday. He had completed his twenty-third year. This was + sufficient, even if he had no other inducement, to make him indulge in + some slight reflection. These annual summings up are awkward things, even + to the prosperous and the happy, but to those who are the reverse, who are + discontented with themselves, and find that youth melting away which they + believe can alone achieve anything, I think a birthday is about the most + gloomy four-and-twenty hours that ever flap their damp dull wings over + melancholy man. + </p> + <p> + Yet the Duke of St. James was rather thoughtful than melancholy. His life + had been too active of late to allow him to indulge much in that passive + mood. ‘I may never know what happiness is,’ thought his Grace, as he + leaned back in his whirling britzska, ‘but I think I know what happiness + is not. It is not the career which I have hitherto pursued. All this + excitement which they talk of so much wears out the mind, and, I begin to + believe, even the body, for certainly my energies seem deserting me. But + two years, two miserable years, four-and-twenty months, eight-and-forty + times the hours, the few hours, that I have been worse than wasting here, + and I am shipwrecked, fairly bulged. Yet I have done everything, tried + everything, and my career has been an eminent career. Woe to the wretch + who trusts to his pampered senses for felicity! Woe to the wretch who + flies from the bright goddess Sympathy, to sacrifice before the dark idol + Self-love! Ah! I see too late, we were made for each other. Too late, I + discover the beautiful results of this great principle of creation. Oh! + the blunders of an unformed character! Oh! the torture of an ill-regulated + mind! + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me a life with no fierce alternations of rapture and anguish, no + impossible hopes, no mad depression. Free me from the delusions which + succeed each other like scentless roses, that are ever blooming. Save me + from the excitement which brings exhaustion, and from the passion that + procreates remorse. Give me the luminous mind, where recognised and + paramount duty dispels the harassing, ascertains the doubtful, confirms + the wavering, sweetens the bitter. Give me content. Oh! give me love! + </p> + <p> + ‘How is it to end? What is to become of me? Can nothing rescue me? Is + there no mode of relief, no place of succour, no quarter of refuge, no + hope of salvation? I cannot right myself, and there is an end of it. + Society, society, society! I owe thee much; and perhaps in working in thy + service, those feelings might be developed which I am now convinced are + the only source of happiness; but I am plunged too deep in the quag. I + have no impulse, no call. I know not how it is, but my energies, good and + evil, seem alike vanishing. There stares that fellow at my carriage! God! + willingly would I break the stones upon the road for a year, to clear my + mind of all the past!’ + </p> + <p> + A carriage dashed by, and a lady bowed. It was Mrs. Dallington Vere. + </p> + <p> + The Duke had appointed his banker to dine with him, as not a moment must + be lost in preparing for the reception of his Brighton drafts. He was also + to receive, this evening, a complete report of all his affairs. The first + thing that struck his eye on his table was a packet from Sir Carte + Blanche. He opened it eagerly, stared, started, nearly shrieked. It fell + from his hands. He was fortunately alone. The estimates for the completion + of his works, and the purchase of the rest of the furniture, exactly + equalled the sum already expended. Sir Carte added, that the works might + of course be stopped, but that there was no possible way of reducing them, + with any deference to the original design, scale, and style; that he had + already given instructions not to proceed with the furniture until further + notice, but regretted to observe that the orders were so advanced that he + feared it was too late to make any sensible reduction. It might in some + degree reconcile his Grace to this report when he concluded by observing + that the advanced state of the works could permit him to guarantee that + the present estimates would not be exceeded. + </p> + <p> + The Duke had sufficiently recovered before the arrival of his confidential + agent not to appear agitated, only serious. The awful catastrophe at + Brighton was announced, and his report of affairs was received. It was a + very gloomy one. Great agricultural distress prevailed, and the rents + could not be got in. Five-and-twenty per cent, was the least that must be + taken off his income, and with no prospect of being speedily added on. + There was a projected railroad which would entirely knock up his canal, + and even if crushed must be expensively opposed. Coals were falling also, + and the duties in town increasing. There was sad confusion in the Irish + estates. The missionaries, who were patronised on the neighbouring lands + of one of the City Companies, had been exciting fatal confusion. Chapels + were burnt, crops destroyed, stock butchered, and rents all in arrear. Mr. + Dacre had contrived with great prudence to repress the efforts of the new + reformation, and had succeeded in preventing any great mischief. His plans + for the pursual of his ideas and feelings upon this subject had been + communicated to his late ward in an urgent and important paper, which his + Grace had never seen, but one day, unread, pushed into a certain black + cabinet, which perhaps the reader may remember. His Grace’s miscellaneous + debts had also been called in, and amounted to a greater sum than they had + anticipated, which debts always do. One hundred and forty thousand pounds + had crumbled away in the most imperceptible manner. A great slice of this + was the portion of the jeweller. His shield and his vases would at least + be evidence to his posterity of the splendour and the taste of their + imprudent ancestor; but he observed the other items with less + satisfaction. He discovered that in the course of two years he had given + away one hundred and thirty-seven necklaces and bracelets; and as for + rings, they must be counted by the bushel. The result of this gloomy + interview was, that the Duke had not only managed to get rid of the + immortal half-million, but had incurred debts or engagements to the amount + of nearly eight hundred thousand pounds, incumbrances which were to be + borne by a decreased and perhaps decreasing income. His Grace was once + more alone. ‘Well! my brain is not turned; and yet I think it has been + pretty well worked these last few days. It cannot be true: it must all be + a dream. He never could have dined here, and said all this. Have I, + indeed, been at Brighton? No, no, no; I have been sleeping after dinner. I + have a good mind to ring and ask whether he really was here. It must be + one great delusion. But no! there are those cursed accounts. Well! what + does it signify? I was miserable before, and now I am only contemptible in + addition. How the world will laugh! They were made forsooth for my + diversion. O, idiot! you will be the butt of everyone! Talk of Bagshot, + indeed! Why, he will scarcely speak to me! + </p> + <p> + ‘Away with this! Let me turn these things in my mind. Take it at one + hundred and fifty thousand. It is more, it must be more, but we will take + it at that. Now, suppose one hundred thousand is allotted every year to + meet my debts; I suppose, in nine or ten years I shall be free. Not that + freedom will be worth much then; but still I am thinking of the glory of + the House I have betrayed. Well, then, there is fifty thousand a-year + left. Let me see; twenty thousand have always been spent in Ireland, and + ten at Pen Bronnock, and they must not be cut down. The only thing I can + do now is, not to spare myself. I am the cause, and let me meet the + consequences. Well, then, perhaps twenty thousand a-year remain to keep + Hauteville Castle and Hauteville House; to maintain the splendour of the + Duke of St. James. Why, my hereditary charities alone amount to a quarter + of my income, to say nothing of incidental charges: I too, who should and + who would wish to rebuild, at my own cost, every bridge that is swept + away, and every steeple that is burnt, in my county. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now for the great point. Shall I proceed with my buildings? My own + personal convenience whispers no! But I have a strong conviction that the + advice is treasonable. What! the young Duke’s folly for every gazer in + town and country to sneer at! Oh! my fathers, am I indeed your child, or + am I bastard? Never, never shall your shield be sullied while I bear it! + Never shall your proud banner veil while I am chieftain! They shall be + finished; certainly, they shall be finished, if I die an exile! There can + be no doubt about this; I feel the deep propriety. + </p> + <p> + ‘This girl, too, something must be done for her. I must get Squib to run + down to Brighton for me: and Afy, poor dear Afy, I think she will be sorry + when she hears it all! + </p> + <p> + ‘My head is weak: I want a counsellor. This man cannot enter into my + feelings. Then there is my family lawyer; if I ask him for advice, he will + ask me for instructions. Besides, this is not a matter of pounds, + shillings, and pence; it is an affair as much of sentiment as economy; it + involves the honour of my family, and I want one to unburden myself to, + who can sympathise with the tortured feelings of a noble, of a Duke + without a dukedom, for it has come to that. But I will leave sneers to the + world. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is Annesley. He is clever, but so coldblooded. He has no heart. + There is Squib; he is a good fellow, and has heart enough; and I suppose, + if I wanted to pension off a mistress, or compound with a few rascally + tradesmen, he would manage the affair to a miracle. There is Darrell; but + he will be so fussy, and confidential, and official. Every meeting will be + a cabinet council, every discussion a debate, every memorandum a state + paper. There is Burlington; he is experienced, and clever, and + kind-hearted, and, I really think, likes me; but, no, no, it is too + ridiculous. We who have only met for enjoyment, whose countenance was a + smile, and whose conversation was badinage; we to meet, and meditate on my + broken fortunes! Impossible! Besides, what right have I to compel a man, + the study of whose life is to banish care, to take all my anxieties on his + back, or refuse the duty at the cost of my acquaintance and the trouble of + his conscience. Ah! I once had a friend, the best, the wisest; but no more + of that. What is even the loss of fortune and of consideration to the loss + of his—his daughter’s love?’ + </p> + <p> + His voice faltered, yet it was long before he retired; and he rose on the + morrow only to meditate over his harassing embarrassments. As if the cup + of his misery were not o’erflowing, a new incident occurred about this + time, which rendered his sense of them even keener. But this is important + enough to commence a new chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A New Star Rises</i> +</pre> + <p> + WILLIAM HENRY, MARQUESS OF MARYLEBONE, completed his twenty-first year: an + event which created a greater sensation among the aristocracy of England, + even, than the majority of George Augustus Frederick, Duke of St. James. + The rent-roll of his Grace was great: but that of his Lordship was + incalculable. He had not indeed so many castles as our hero; but then, in + the metropolis, a whole parish owned him as Lord, and it was whispered + that, when a few miles of leases fell in, the very Civil List must give + him the wall. Even in the duration of his minority, he had the superiority + over the young Duke, for the Marquess was a posthumous son. + </p> + <p> + Lord Marylebone was a short, thick, swarthy young gentleman, with wiry + black hair, a nose somewhat flat, sharp eyes, and tusky mouth; altogether + not very unlike a terrier. His tastes were unknown: he had not travelled, + nor done anything very particular, except, with a few congenial spirits, + beat the Guards in a rowing-match, a pretty diversion, and almost as + conducive to a small white hand as almond-paste. + </p> + <p> + But his Lordship was now of age, and might be seen every day at a certain + hour rattling up Bond Street in a red drag, in which he drove four or five + particular friends who lived at Stevens’ Hotel, and therefore, we suppose, + were the partners of his glory in his victory over his Majesty’s household + troops. Lord Marylebone was the universal subject of conversation. + Pursuits which would have devoted a shabby Earl of twelve or fifteen + thousand a year to universal reprobation, or, what is much worse, to + universal sneers, assumed quite a different character when they + constituted the course of life of this fortunate youth. He was a + delightful young man. So unaffected! No super-refinement, no false + delicacy. Everyone, each sex, everything, extended his, her, or its hand + to this cub, who, quite puzzled, but too brutal to be confused, kept + driving on the red van, and each day perpetrating some new act of + profligacy, some new instance of coarse profusion, tasteless extravagance, + and inelegant eccentricity. + </p> + <p> + But, nevertheless, he was the hero of the town. He was the great point of + interest in ‘The Universe,’ and ‘The New World’ favoured the old one with + weekly articles on his character and conduct. The young Duke was quite + forgotten, if really young he could be longer called. Lord Marylebone was + in the mouth of every tradesman, who authenticated his own vile inventions + by foisting them on his Lordship. The most grotesque fashions suddenly + inundated the metropolis; and when the Duke of St. James ventured to + express his disapprobation, he found his empire was over. ‘They were sorry + that it did not meet his Grace’s taste, but really what his Grace had + suggested was quite gone by. This was the only hat, or cane, or coat which + any civilised being could be seen with. Lord Marylebone wore, or bore, no + other.’ + </p> + <p> + In higher circles, it was much the same. Although the dandies would not + bate an inch, and certainly would not elect the young Marquess for their + leader, they found, to their dismay, that the empire which they were + meditating to defend, had already slipped away from their grasp. A new + race of adventurous youths appeared upon the stage. Beards, and greatcoats + even rougher, bull-dogs instead of poodles, clubs instead of canes, cigars + instead of perfumes, were the order of the day. There was no end to + boat-racing; Crockford’s sneered at White’s; and there was even a talk of + reviving the ring. Even the women patronised the young Marquess, and those + who could not be blind to his real character, were sure, that, if well + managed, he would not turn out ill. + </p> + <p> + Assuredly our hero, though shelved, did not envy his successful rival. Had + he been, instead of one for whom he felt a sovereign contempt, a being + even more accomplished than himself, pity and not envy would have been the + sentiment he would have yielded to his ascendant star. But, nevertheless, + he could not be insensible to the results of this incident; and the advent + of the young Marquess seemed like the sting in the epigram of his life. + After all his ruinous magnificence, after all the profuse indulgence of + his fantastic tastes, he had sometimes consoled himself, even in the + bitterness of satiety, by reminding himself, that he at least commanded + the admiration of his fellow-creatures, although it had been purchased at + a costly price. Not insensible to the power of his wealth, the magic of + his station, he had, however, ventured to indulge in the sweet belief that + these qualities were less concerned in the triumphs of his career than his + splendid person, his accomplished mind, his amiable disposition, and his + finished manner; his beauty, his wit, his goodness, and his grace. Even + from this delusion, too, was he to waken, and, for the first time in his + life, he gauged the depth and strength of that popularity which had been + so dear to him, and which he now found to be so shallow and so weak. + </p> + <p> + ‘What will they think of me when they know all? What they will: I care + not. I would sooner live in a cottage with May Dacre, and work for our + daily bread, than be worshipped by all the beauty of this Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + Gloomy, yet sedate, he returned home. His letters announced two + extraordinary events. M. de Whiskerburg had galloped off with Lady + Aphrodite, and Count Frill had flown away with the Bird of Paradise. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE last piece of information was a relief; but the announcement of the + elopement cost him a pang. Both surprised, and the first shocked him. We + are unreasonable in love, and do not like to be anticipated even in + neglect. An hour ago Lady Aphrodite Grafton was to him only an object of + anxiety and a cause of embarrassment. She was now a being to whom he was + indebted for some of the most pleasing hours of his existence, and who + could no longer contribute to his felicity. Everybody appeared deserting + him. + </p> + <p> + He had neglected her, to be sure; and they must have parted, it was + certain. Yet, although the present event saved him from the most harrowing + of scenes, he could not refrain shedding a tear. So good! and so + beautiful! and was this her end? He who knew all knew how bitter had been + the lot of her life. + </p> + <p> + It is certain that when one of your very virtuous women ventures to be a + little indiscreet, we say it is certain, though we regret it, that sooner + or later there is an explosion. And the reason is this, that they are + always in a hurry to make up for lost time, and so love with them becomes + a business instead of being a pleasure. Nature had intended Lady Aphrodite + Grafton for a Psyche, so spiritual was her soul, so pure her blood! Art—that + is, education, which at least should be an art, though it is not—art + had exquisitely sculptured the precious gem that Nature had developed, and + all that was wanting was love to stamp an impression. Lady Aphrodite + Grafton might have been as perfect a character as was ever the heroine of + a novel. And to whose account shall we place her blighted fame and sullied + lustre? To that animal who seems formed only to betray woman. Her husband + was a traitor in disguise. She found herself betrayed; but like a noble + chieftain, when her capital was lost, maintained herself among the ruins + of her happiness, in the citadel of her virtue. She surrendered, she + thought, on terms; and in yielding her heart to the young Duke, though + never for a moment blind to her conduct, yet memory whispered extenuation, + and love added all that was necessary. + </p> + <p> + Our hero (we are for none of your perfect heroes) did not behave much + better than her husband. The difference between them was, Sir Lucius + Grafton’s character was formed, and formed for evil; while the Duke of St. + James, when he became acquainted with Lady Aphrodite, possessed none. + Gallantry was a habit, in which he had been brought up. To protest to + woman what he did not believe, and to feign what he did not feel, were, as + he supposed, parts in the character of an accomplished gentleman; and as + hitherto he had not found his career productive of any misery, we may + perhaps view his conduct with less severity. But at length he approaches, + not a mere woman of the world, who tries to delude him into the idea that + he is the first hero of a romance that has been a hundred times repeated. + He trembles at the responsibility which he has incurred by engaging the + feelings of another. In the conflict of his emotions, some rays of moral + light break upon his darkened soul. Profligacy brings its own punishment, + and he feels keenly that man is the subject of sympathy, and not the slave + of self-love. + </p> + <p> + This remorse protracts a connection which each day is productive of more + painful feelings; but the heart cannot be overstrung, and anxiety ends in + callousness. Then come neglect, remonstrance, explanations, protestations, + and, sooner or later, a catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + But love is a dangerous habit, and when once indulged, is not easily + thrown off, unless you become devout, which is, in a manner, giving the + passion a new direction. In Catholic countries, it is surprising how many + adventures end in a convent. A dame, in her desperation, flies to the + grate, which never reopens; but in Protestant regions she has time to + cool, and that’s the deuce; so, instead of taking the veil, she takes a + new lover. + </p> + <p> + Lady Aphrodite had worked up her mind and the young Duke to a step the + very mention of which a year before would have made him shudder. What an + enchanter is Passion! No wonder Ovid, who was a judge, made love so much + connected with his Metamorphoses. With infinite difficulty she had dared + to admit the idea of flying with his Grace; but when the idea was once + admitted, when she really had, once or twice, constantly dwelt on the idea + of at length being free from her tyrant, and perhaps about to indulge in + those beautiful affections for which she was formed, and of which she had + been rifled; when, I say, all this occurred, and her hero diplomatised, + and, in short, kept back; why, she had advanced one step, without knowing + it, to running away with another man. + </p> + <p> + It was unlucky that De Whiskerburg stepped in. An Englishman would not + have done. She knew them well, and despised them all; but he was new + (dangerous novelty), with a cast of feelings which, because they were + strange, she believed to be unhackneyed; and he was impassioned. We need + not go on. + </p> + <p> + So this star has dropped from out the heaven; so this precious pearl no + longer gleams among the jewels of society, and there she breathes in a + foreign land, among strange faces and stranger customs, and, when she + thinks of what is past, laughs at some present emptiness, and tries to + persuade her withering heart that the mind is independent of country, and + blood, and opinion. And her father’s face no longer shines with its proud + love, and her mother’s voice no longer whispers to her with sweet anxiety. + Clouded is the brow of her bold brother, and dimmed is the radiancy of her + budding sister’s bloom. + </p> + <p> + Poor creature! that is to say, wicked woman! for we are not of those who + set themselves against the verdict of society, or ever omit to expedite, + by a gentle kick, a falling friend. And yet, when we just remember beauty + is beauty, and grace is grace, and kindness is kindness, although the + beautiful, the graceful, and the amiable do get in a scrape, we don’t know + how it is, we confess it is a weakness, but, under these circumstances, we + do not feel quite inclined to sneer. + </p> + <p> + But this is wrong. We should not pity or pardon those who have yielded to + great temptation, or perchance great provocation. Besides, it is right + that our sympathy should be kept for the injured. + </p> + <p> + To stand amid the cold ashes of your desolate hearth, with all your + Penates shivered at your feet; to find no smiling face meet your return, + no brow look gloomy when you leave your door; to eat and sleep alone; to + be bored with grumbling servants and with weekly bills; to have your + children asking after mamma; and no one to nurse your gout, or cure the + influenza that rages in your household: all this is doubtless hard to + digest, and would tell in a novel, particularly if written by my friends + Mr. Ward or Mr. Bulwer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Kindly Words</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Duke had passed a stormy morning with his solicitor, who wished him to + sell the Pen Bronnock property, which, being parliamentary, would command + a price infinitely greater than might be expected from its relative + income. The very idea of stripping his coronet of this brightest jewel, + and thus sacrificing for wealth the ends of riches, greatly disordered + him, and he more and more felt the want of a counsellor who could + sympathise with his feelings as well as arrange his fortunes. In this mood + he suddenly seized a pen, and wrote the following letter:— + </p> + <p> + ‘——House, Feb. 5, 182—. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Mr. Dacre, + </p> + <p> + ‘I keenly feel that you are the last person to whom I should apply for the + counsels or the consolation of friendship. I have long ago forfeited all + claims to your regard, and your esteem I never possessed. Yet, if only + because my career ought to end by my being an unsuccessful suppliant to + the individual whom both virtue and nature pointed out to me as my best + friend, and whose proffered and parental support I have so wantonly, + however thoughtlessly, rejected, I do not regret that this is written. No + feeling of false delicacy can prevent me from applying to one to whom I + have long ago incurred incalculable obligations, and no feeling of false + delicacy will, I hope, for a moment, prevent you from refusing the + application of one who has acknowledged those obligations only by + incalculable ingratitude. + </p> + <p> + ‘In a word, my affairs, are, I fear, inextricably involved. I will not + dwell upon the madness of my life; suffice that its consequences appall + me. I have really endeavoured to examine into all details, and am prepared + to meet the evil as becomes me; but, indeed, my head turns with the + complicated interests which solicit my consideration, and I tremble lest, + in the distraction of my mind, I may adopt measures which may baffle the + very results I would attain. For myself, I am ready to pay the penalty of + my silly profligacy; and if exile, or any other personal infliction, can + redeem the fortunes of the House that I have betrayed, I shall cheerfully + submit to my destiny. My career has been productive of too little + happiness to make me regret its termination. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I want advice: I want the counsel of one who can sympathise with my + distracted feelings, who will look as much, or rather more, to the honour + of my family than to the convenience of myself. I cannot obtain this from + what are called men of business, and, with a blush I confess, I have no + friend. In this situation my thoughts recur to one on whom, believe me, + they have often dwelt; and although I have no right to appeal to your + heart, for my father’s sake you will perhaps pardon this address. Whatever + you may resolve, my dearest sir, rest assured that you and your family + will always command the liveliest gratitude of one who regrets he may not + subscribe himself + </p> + <p> + ‘Your obliged and devoted friend, + </p> + <p> + ‘St. James. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg that you will not answer this, if your determination be what I + anticipate and what I deserve. ‘Dacre Dacre, Esq., &c, &c, &c.’ + </p> + <p> + It was signed, sealed, and sent. He repented its transmission when it was + gone. He almost resolved to send a courier to stop the post. He continued + walking up and down his room for the rest of the day; he could not eat, or + read, or talk. He was plunged in a nervous reverie. He passed the next day + in the same state. Unable to leave his house, and unseen by visitors, he + retired to his bed feverish and dispirited. The morning came, and he woke + from his hot and broken sleep at an early hour; yet he had not energy to + rise. At last the post arrived, and his letters were brought up to him. + With a trembling hand and sinking breath he read these lines:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Castle Dacre, February 6, 182—. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear young Friend, + </p> + <p> + ‘Not only for your father’s sake, but your own, are my services ever at + your command. I have long been sensible of your amiable disposition, and + there are circumstances which will ever make me your debtor. + </p> + <p> + ‘The announcement of the embarrassed state of your affairs fills me with + sorrow and anxiety, yet I will hope the best. Young men, unconsciously, + exaggerate adversity as well as prosperity. If you are not an habitual + gamester, and I hope you have not been even an occasional one, unbounded + extravagance could scarcely in two years have permanently injured your + resources. However, bring down with you all papers, and be careful to make + no arrangement, even of the slightest nature, until we meet. + </p> + <p> + ‘We expect you hourly. May desires her kindest regards, and begs me to + express the great pleasure which she will feel at again finding you our + guest. It is unnecessary for me to repeat how very sincerely + </p> + <p> + ‘I am your friend, + </p> + <p> + ‘Dacre Dacre.’ + </p> + <p> + He read the letter three times to be sure he did not mistake the + delightful import. Then he rang the bell with a vivacity which had not + characterised him for many a month. + </p> + <p> + ‘Luigi! prepare to leave town to-morrow morning for an indefinite period. + I shall only take you. I must dress immediately, and order breakfast and + my horses.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had communicated the state of his affairs to Lord + Fitz-pompey, who was very shocked, offered his best services, and also + asked him to dinner, to meet the Marquess of Marylebone. The young Duke + had also announced to his relatives, and to some of his particular + friends, that he intended to travel for some time, and he well knew that + their charitable experience would understand the rest. They understood + everything. The Marquess’s party daily increased, and ‘The Universe’ and + ‘The New World’ announced that the young Duke was ‘done up.’ + </p> + <p> + There was one person to whom our hero would pay a farewell visit before he + left London. This was Lady Caroline St. Maurice. He had called at + Fitz-pompey House one or two mornings in the hope of finding her alone, + and to-day he determined to be more successful. As he stopped his horse + for the last time before his uncle’s mansion, he could not help calling to + mind the first visit which he had paid after his arrival. But the door + opens, he enters, he is announced, and finds Lady Caroline alone. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes passed away, as if the morning ride or evening ball were again + to bring them together. The young Duke was still gay and still amusing. At + last he said with a smile, + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know, Caroline, this is a farewell visit, and to you?’ + </p> + <p> + She did not speak, but bent her head as if she were intent upon some work, + and so seated herself that her countenance was almost hid. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have heard from my uncle,’ continued he, laughing; ‘and if you have + not heard from him, you have heard from somebody else, of my little + scrape. A fool and his money, you know, Caroline, and a short reign and a + merry one. When we get prudent we are wondrous fond of proverbs. My reign + has certainly been brief enough; with regard to the merriment, that is not + quite so certain. I have little to regret except your society, sweet coz!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear George, how can you talk so of such serious affairs! If you knew how + unhappy, how miserable I am, when I hear the cold, callous world speak of + such things with indifference, you would at least not imitate their + heartlessness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Caroline!’ said he, seating himself at her side. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot help thinking,’ she continued, ‘that you have not sufficiently + exerted yourself about these embarrassments. You are, of course, too + harassed, too much annoyed, too little accustomed to the energy and the + detail of business, to interfere with any effect; but surely a friend + might. You will not speak to my father, and perhaps you have your reasons; + but is there no one else? St. Maurice, I know, has no head. Ah! George, I + often feel that if your relations had been different people, your fate + might have been different. We are the fault.’ + </p> + <p> + He kissed her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Among all your intimates,’ she continued, ‘is there no one fit to be your + counsellor, no one worthy of your confidence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None,’ said the Duke, bitterly, ‘none, none. I have no friend among those + intimates: there is not a man of them who cares to serve or is capable of + serving me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have well considered?’ asked Lady Caroline. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, dear, well. I know them all by rote, head and heart. Ah! my dear, + dear Carry, if you were a man, what a nice little friend you would be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will always laugh, George. But I—I have no heart to laugh. This + breaking up of your affairs, this exile, this losing you whom we all love, + love so dearly, makes me quite miserable.’ + </p> + <p> + He kissed her hand again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say,’ she continued, ‘you have thought me as heartless as the + rest, because I never spoke. But I knew; that is, I feared; or, rather, + hoped that a great part of what I heard was false; and so I thought notice + was unnecessary, and might be painful. Yet, heaven knows, there are few + subjects that have been oftener in my thoughts, or cost me more anxiety. + Are you sure you have no friend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have you, Caroline. I did not say I had no friends: I said I had none + among those intimates you talked of; that there was no man among them + capable of the necessary interference, even if he were willing to + undertake it. But I am not friendless, not quite forlorn, dear! My fate + has given me a friend that I but little deserve: one whom, if I had prized + better, I should not perhaps have been obliged to put his friendship to so + severe a trial. To-morrow, Caroline, I depart for Castle Dacre; there is + my friend. Alas! how little have I deserved such a boon!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dacre!’ exclaimed Lady Caroline, ‘Mr. Dacre! Oh! you have made me so + happy, George! Mr. Dacre is the very, very person; that is, the very best + person you could possibly have applied to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye, Caroline,’ said his Grace, rising. + </p> + <p> + She burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + Never, never had she looked so lovely: never, never had he loved her so + entirely! Tears! tears shed for him! Oh! what, what is grief when a lovely + woman remains to weep over our misfortunes! Could he be miserable, could + his career indeed be unfortunate, when this was reserved for him? He was + on the point of pledging his affection, but to leave her under such + circumstances was impossible: to neglect Mr. Dacre was equally so. He + determined to arrange his affairs with all possible promptitude, and then + to hasten up, and entreat her to share his diminished fortunes. But he + would not go without whispering hope, without leaving some soft thought to + lighten her lonely hours. He caught her in his arms; he covered her sweet + small mouth with kisses, and whispered, in the midst of their pure + embrace, + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest Carry! I shall soon return, and we will yet be happy.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK V. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Once More at Dacre</i> +</pre> + <p> + MISS DACRE, although she was prepared to greet the Duke of St. James with + cordiality, did not anticipate with equal pleasure the arrival of the page + and the jäger. Infinite had been the disturbances they had occasioned + during their first visit, and endless the complaints of the steward and + the housekeeper. The men-servants were initiated in the mysteries of + dominoes, and the maid-servants in the tactics of flirtation. Karlstein + was the hero of the under-butlers, and even the trusty guardian of the + cellar himself was too often on the point of obtaining the German’s + opinion of his master’s German wines. Gaming, and drunkenness, and love, + the most productive of all the teeming causes of human sorrow, had in a + week sadly disordered the well-regulated household of Castle Dacre, and + nothing but the impetuosity of our hero would have saved his host’s + establishment from utter perdition. Miss Dacre was, therefore, not less + pleased than surprised when the britzska of the Duke of St. James + discharged on a fine afternoon, its noble master, attended only by the + faithful Luigi, at the terrace of the Castle. + </p> + <p> + A few country cousins, fresh from Cumberland, who knew nothing of the Duke + of St. James except from a stray number of ‘The Universe,’ which + occasionally stole down to corrupt the pure waters of their lakes, were + the only guests. Mr. Dacre grasped our hero’s hand with a warmth and + expression which were unusual with him, but which conveyed, better than + words, the depth of his friendship; and his daughter, who looked more + beautiful than ever, advanced with a beaming face and joyous tone, which + quite reconciled the Duke of St. James to being a ruined man. + </p> + <p> + The presence of strangers limited their conversation to subjects of + general interest. At dinner, the Duke took care to be agreeable: he talked + in an unaffected manner, and particularly to the cousins, who were all + delighted with him, and found him ‘quite a different person from what they + had fancied.’ The evening passed over, and even lightly, without the aid + of <i>écarté</i>, romances, or gallops. Mr. Dacre chatted with old Mr. + Montingford, and old Mrs. Montingford sat still admiring her ‘girls,’ who + stood still admiring May Dacre singing or talking, and occasionally + reconciled us to their occasional silence by a frequent and extremely + hearty laugh; that Cumberland laugh which never outlives a single season + in London. + </p> + <p> + And the Duke of St. James, what did he do? It must be confessed that in + some points he greatly resembled the Misses Montingford, for he was both + silent and admiring; but he never laughed. Yet he was not dull, and was + careful not to show that he had cares, which is vulgar. If a man be + gloomy, let him keep to himself. No one has a right to go croaking about + society, or, what is worse, looking as if he stifled grief. These fellows + should be put in the pound. We like a good broken heart or so now and + then; but then one should retire to the Sierra Morena mountains, and live + upon locusts and wild honey, not ‘dine out’ with our cracked cores, and, + while we are meditating suicide, the Gazette, or the Chiltern Hundreds, + damn a vintage or eulogise an <i>entrée</i>. + </p> + <p> + And as for cares, what are cares when a man is in love? Once more they had + met; once more he gazed upon that sunny and sparkling face; once more he + listened to that sweet and thrilling voice, which sounded like a bird-like + burst of music upon a summer morning. She moved, and each attitude was + fascination. She was still, and he regretted that she moved. Now her neck, + now her hair, now her round arm, now her tapering waist, ravished his + attention; now he is in ecstasies with her twinkling foot; now he is + dazzled with her glancing hand. + </p> + <p> + Once more he was at Dacre! How different was this meeting to their first! + Then, she was cold, almost cutting; then she was disregardful, almost + contemptuous; but then he had hoped; ah! madman, he had more than hoped. + Now she was warm, almost affectionate; now she listened to him with + readiness, ay! almost courted his conversation. And now he could only + despair. As he stood alone before the fire, chewing this bitter cud, she + approached him. + </p> + <p> + ‘How good you were to come directly!’ she said with a smile, which melted + his heart. ‘I fear, however, you will not find us so merry as before. But + you can make anything amusing. Come, then, and sing to these damsels. Do + you know they are half afraid of you? and I cannot persuade them that a + terrible magician has not assumed, for the nonce, the air and appearance + of a young gentleman of distinction.’ + </p> + <p> + He smiled, but could not speak. Repartee sadly deserts the lover; yet + smiles, under those circumstances, are eloquent; and the eye, after all, + speaks much more to the purpose than the tongue. Forgetting everything + except the person who addressed him, he offered her his hand, and advanced + to the group which surrounded the piano. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Moth and the Flame</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE next morning was passed by the Duke of St. James in giving Mr. Dacre + his report of the state of his affairs. His banker’s accounts, his + architect’s estimates, his solicitor’s statements, were all brought + forward and discussed. A ride, generally with Miss Dacre and one of her + young friends, dinner, and a short evening, and eleven o’clock, sent them + all to repose. Thus glided on a fortnight. The mornings continued to be + passed in business. Affairs were more complicated than his Grace had + imagined, who had no idea of detail. He gave all the information that he + could, and made his friend master of his particular feelings. For the + rest, Mr. Dacre was soon involved in much correspondence; and although the + young Duke could no longer assist him, he recommended and earnestly begged + that he would remain at Dacre; for he could perceive, better than his + Grace, that our hero was labouring under a great deal of excitement, and + that his health was impaired. A regular course of life was therefore as + necessary for his constitution as it was desirable for all other reasons. + </p> + <p> + Behold, then, our hero domesticated at Dacre; rising at nine, joining a + family breakfast, taking a quiet ride, or moderate stroll, sometimes + looking into a book, but he was no great reader; sometimes fortunate + enough in achieving a stray game at billiards, usually with a Miss + Montingford, and retiring to rest about the time that in London his most + active existence generally began. Was he dull? was he wearied? He was + never lighter-hearted or more contented in his life. Happy he could not + allow himself to be styled, because the very cause which breathed this + calm over his existence seemed to portend a storm which could not be + avoided. It was the thought, the presence, the smile, the voice of May + Dacre that imparted this new interest to existence: that being who never + could be his. He shuddered to think that all this must end; but although + he never indulged again in the great hope, his sanguine temper allowed him + to thrust away the future, and to participate in all the joys of the + flowing hour. + </p> + <p> + At the end of February the Montingfords departed, and now the Duke was the + only guest at Dacre; nor did he hear that any others were expected. He was + alone with her again; often was he alone with her, and never without a + strange feeling coming over his frame, which made him tremble. Mr. Dacre, + a man of active habits, always found occupation in his public duties and + in the various interests of a large estate, and usually requested, or + rather required, the Duke of St. James to be his companion. He was + desirous that the Duke should not be alone, and ponder too much over the + past; nor did he conceal his wishes from his daughter, who on all + occasions, as the Duke observed with gratification, seconded the + benevolent intentions of her parent. Nor did our hero indeed wish to be + alone, or to ponder over the past. He was quite contented with the + present; but he did not want to ride with papa, and took every opportunity + to shirk; all of which Mr. Dacre set down to the indolence of exhaustion, + and the inertness of a mind without an object. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to ride over to Doncaster, George,’ said Mr. Dacre one morning + at breakfast. ‘I think that you had better order your horse too. A good + ride will rouse you, and you should show yourself there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! very well, sir; but, but I think that——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what?’ asked Mr. Dacre, smiling. + </p> + <p> + The Duke looked to Miss Dacre, who seemed to take pity on his idleness. + </p> + <p> + ‘You make him ride too much, papa. Leave him at home with me. I have a + long round to-day, and want an escort. I will take him instead of my + friend Tom Carter. You must carry a basket though,’ said she, turning to + the Duke, ‘and run for the doctor if he be wanted, and, in short, do any + odd message that turns up.’ + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Dacre departed alone, and shortly after his daughter and the Duke + of St. James set out on their morning ramble. Many were the cottages at + which they called; many the old dames after whose rheumatisms, and many + the young damsels after whose fortunes they enquired. Old Dame Rawdon was + worse or better; worse last night, but better this morning. She was always + better when Miss called. Miss’s face always did her good. And Fanny was + very comfortable at Squire Wentworth’s, and the housekeeper was very kind + to her, thanks to Miss saying a word to the great Lady. And old John Selby + was quite about again. Miss’s stuff had done him a world of good, to say + nothing of Mr. Dacre’s generous old wine. + </p> + <p> + ‘And is this your second son, Dame Rishworth?’ ‘No; that bees our fourth,’ + said the old woman, maternally arranging the urchin’s thin, white, flat, + straight, unmanageable hair. ‘We are thinking what to do with him, Miss. + He wants to go out to service. Since Jem Eustace got on so, I don’t know + what the matter is with the lads; but I think we shall have none of them + in the fields soon. He can clean knives and shoes very well, Miss. Mr. + Bradford, at the Castle, was saying t’other day that perhaps he might want + a young hand. You haven’t heard anything, I suppose, Miss?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what is your name, sir?’ asked Miss Dacre. ‘Bobby Rishworth, Miss!’ + ‘Well, Bobby, I must consult Mr. Bradford.’ ‘We be in great trouble, + Miss,’ said the next cottager. ‘We be in great trouble. Tom, poor Tom, was + out last night, and the keepers will give him up. The good man has done + all he can, we have all done all we can, Miss, and you see how it ends. He + is the first of the family that ever went out. I hope that will be + considered, Miss. Seventy years, our fathers before us, have we been on + the ‘state, and nothing ever sworn agin us. I hope that will be + considered, Miss. I am sure if Tom had been an underkeeper, as Mr. Roberts + once talked of, this would never have happened. I hope that will be + considered, Miss. We are in great trouble surely. Tom, you see, was our + first, Miss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never interfere about poaching, you know, Mrs. Jones. Mr. Dacre is the + best judge of such matters. But you can go to him, and say that I sent + you. I am afraid, however, that he has heard of Tom before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only that night at Milwood, Miss; and then you see he had been drinking + with Squire Ridge’s people. I hope that will be considered, Miss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, go up to the Castle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray be seated, Miss,’ said a neat-looking mistress of a neat little + farmhouse. ‘Pray be seated, sir. Let me dust it first. Dust will get + everywhere, do what we can. And how’s Pa, Miss? He has not given me a + look-in for many a day, not since he was a-hunting: bless me, if it ayn’t + a fortnight. This day fortnight he tasted our ale, sure enough. Will you + take a glass, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very good. No, I thank you; not today.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, give him a glass, nurse. He is unwell, and it will do him good.’ + </p> + <p> + She brought the sparkling amber fluid, and the Duke did justice by his + draught. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall have fine honey for you, Miss, this year,’ said the old nurse. + ‘Are you fond of honey, sir? Our honey is well known about. I don’t know + how it is, but we do always contrive to manage the bees. How fond some + people are of honey, good Lord! Now, when you were a little girl (I knew + this young lady, sir, before you did), you always used to be fond of + honey. I remember one day: let me see, it must be, ay! truly, that it is, + eighteen years ago next Martinmas: I was a-going down the nursery stairs, + just to my poor mistress’s room, and I had you in my arms (for I knew this + young lady, sir, before you did). Well! I was a-going down the stairs, as + I just said, to my poor dear mistress’s room with you, who was then a + little-un indeed (bless your smiling face! you cost me many a weary hour + when you were weaned, Miss. That you did! Some thought you would never get + through it; but I always said, while there is life there is hope; and so, + you see I were right); but, as I was saying, I was a-going down the stairs + to my poor dear mistress, and I had a gallipot in my hand, a covered + gallipot, with some leeches. And just as I had got to the bottom of the + stairs, and was a-going into my poor dear mistress’s room, said you (I + never shall forget it), said you, “Honey, honey, nurse.” She thought it + were honey, sir. So you see she were always very fond of honey (for I knew + this young lady long before you did, sir).’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you quite sure of that, nurse?’ said Miss Dacre; ‘I think this is an + older friend than you imagine. You remember the little Duke; do not you? + This is the little Duke. Do you think he has grown?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now! bless my life! is it so indeed? Well, be sure, he has grown. I + always thought he would turn out well, Miss, though Dr. Pretyman were + always a-preaching, and talking his prophecycations. I always thought he + would turn out well at last. Bless me! how he has grown, indeed! Perhaps + he grows too fast, and that makes him weak. Nothing better than a glass of + ale for weak people. I remember when Dr. Pretyman ordered it for my poor + dear mistress. “Give her ale,” said the Doctor, “as strong as it can be + brewed;” and sure enough, my poor dear master had it brewed! Have you done + growing, sir? You was ever a troublesome child. Often and often have I + called George, George, Georgy, Georgy Porgy, and he never would come near + me, though he heard all the time as plainly as he does now. Bless me! he + has grown indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I have turned out well at last, nurse, eh?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! sure enough; I always said so. Often and often have I said, he will + turn out well at last. You be going, Miss? I thank you for looking in. My + duty to my master. I was thinking of bringing up one of those cheeses he + likes so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! do, nurse. He can eat no cheese but yours.’ + </p> + <p> + As they wandered home, they talked of Lady Caroline, to whom the Duke + mentioned that he must write. He had once intended distinctly to have + explained his feelings to her in a letter from Dacre; but each day he + postponed the close of his destiny, although without hope. He lingered and + he lingered round May Dacre, as a bird flutters round the fruit which is + already grasped by a boy. Circumstances, which we shall relate, had + already occurred, which confirmed the suspicion he had long entertained + that Arundel Dacre was his favoured rival. Impressed with the folly of + again encouraging hope, yet unable to harden his heart against her + continual fascination, the softness of his manner indicated his passion, + and his calm and somewhat languid carriage also told her it was hopeless. + Perhaps, after all, there is no demeanour more calculated to melt obdurate + woman. The gratification he received from her society was evident, yet he + never indulged in that gallantry of which he was once so proud. When she + approached him, a mild smile lit up his pensive countenance; he adopted + her suggestions, but made none; he listened to her remarks with interest, + but no longer bandied repartee. Delicately he impressed her with the + absolute power which she might exercise over his mind. + </p> + <p> + ‘I write myself to Caroline to-morrow,’ said Miss Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Then I need not write. I talked of going up sooner. Have the kindness + to explain why I do not: peremptory orders from Mr. Dacre; fresh air, and——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arithmetic. I understand you get on admirably.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My follies,’ said the Duke with a serious air, ‘have at least been + productive of one good end, they have amused you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay! I have done too many foolish things myself any more to laugh at my + neighbours. As for yourself, you have only committed those which were + inseparable from your situation; and few, like the Duke of St. James, + would so soon have opened their eyes to the truth of their conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A compliment from you repays me for all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Self-approbation does, which is much better than compliments from anyone. + See! there is papa, and Arundel too: let us run up!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Again the Rival</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Duke of St. James had, on his arrival at Dacre, soon observed that a + constant correspondence was maintained between Miss Dacre and her cousin. + There was no attempt to conceal the fact from any of the guests, and, as + that young gentleman was now engaged in an affair interesting to all his + friends, every letter generally contained some paragraph almost as + interesting to the Montingfords as to herself, which was accordingly read + aloud. Mr. Arundel Dacre was candidate for the vacant representation of a + town in a distant county. He had been disappointed in his views on the + borough, about which he had returned to England, but had been nevertheless + persuaded by his cousin to remain in his native country. During this + period, he had been a great deal at Castle Dacre, and had become much more + intimate and unreserved with his uncle, who observed with great + satisfaction this change in his character, and lost no opportunity of + deserving and increasing the confidence for which he had so long + unavailingly yearned, and which was now so unexpectedly proffered. + </p> + <p> + The borough for which Arundel Dacre was about to stand was in Sussex, a + county in which his family had no property, and very slight connection. + Yet at the place, the Catholic interest was strong, and on that, and the + usual Whig influence, he ventured. His desire to be a member of the + Legislature, at all and from early times extreme, was now greatly + heightened by the prospect of being present at the impending Catholic + debate. After an absence of three weeks, he had hurried to Yorkshire for + four-and-twenty hours, to give a report of the state of his canvass, and + the probability of his success. In that success all were greatly + interested, but none more so than Miss Dacre, whose thoughts indeed seemed + to dwell on no other subject, and who expressed herself with a warmth + which betrayed her secret feelings. Had the place only been in Yorkshire, + she was sure he must have succeeded. She was the best canvasser in the + world, and everybody agreed that Harry Grey-stoke owed his election merely + to her insinuating tongue and unrivalled powers of scampering, by which + she had completely baffled the tactics of Lady Amarantha. + </p> + <p> + Germain, who thought that a canvass was only a long morning call, and + might be achieved in a cashmere and a britzska. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke, who had seen little of his second since the eventful day, + greeted him with warmth, and was welcomed with a frankness which he had + never before experienced from his friend. Excited by rapid travel and his + present course of life, and not damped by the unexpected presence of any + strangers, Arundel Dacre seemed quite a changed man, and talked immensely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, May, I must have a kiss! I have been kissing as pretty girls as + you. There now! You all said I never should be a popular candidate. I get + regularly huzzaed every day, so they have been obliged to hire a band of + butchers’ boys to pelt me. Whereupon I compare myself to Cæsar set upon in + the Senate House, and get immense cheering in “The County Chronicle,” + which I have bribed. If you knew the butts of wine, the Heidelberg tuns of + ale, that I have drank during the last fortnight, you would stare indeed. + As much as the lake: but then I have to talk so much, that the ardour of + my eloquence, like the hot flannels of the Humane Society, save me from + the injurious effects of all this liquid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But will you get in; but will you get in?’ exclaimed his cousin. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis not in mortals to command success; but—-’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh! you must command it!’ ‘Well, then, I have an excellent + chance; and the only thing against me is, that my committee are quite + sure. But really I think that if the Protestant overseers, whom, + by-the-bye, May, I cannot persuade that I am a heretic (it is very hard + that a man is not believed when he says he shall be damned), if they do + not empty the workhouse, we shall do. But let us go in, for I have + travelled all night, and must be off to-morrow morning.’ + </p> + <p> + They entered the house, and the Duke quitted the family group. About an + hour afterwards, he sauntered to the music-room. As he opened the door, + his eyes lighted upon May Dacre and her cousin. They were standing before + the fire, with their backs to the door. His arm was wound carelessly round + her waist, and with his other hand he supported, with her, a miniature, at + which she was looking. + </p> + <p> + The Duke could not catch her countenance, which was completely hid; but + her companion was not gazing on the picture: his head, a little turned, + indicated that there was a living countenance more interesting to him than + all the skill of the most cunning artist. Part of his cheek was alone + perceptible, and that was burning red. + </p> + <p> + All this was the work of a moment. The Duke stared, turned pale, closed + the door without a sound, and retired unperceived. When he was sure that + he could no longer be observed, he gasped for breath, a cold dew covered + his frame, his joints loosened, and his sinking heart gave him that + sickening sensation when life appears utterly worthless, and ourselves + utterly contemptible. Yet what had he witnessed? A confirmation of what he + had never doubted. What was this woman to him? Alas! how supreme was the + power with which she ruled his spirit! And this Dacre, this Arundel Dacre, + how he hated him! Oh! that they were hand to hand, and sword to sword, in + some fair field, and there decide it! He must conquer; he felt that. + Already his weapon pierced that craven heart, and ripped open that breast + which was to be the pillow of—-. Hell! hell! He rushed to his room, + and began a letter to Caroline St. Maurice; but he could not write; and + after scribbling over a quire of paper, he threw the sheets to the flames, + and determined to ride up to town to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + The dinner bell sounded. Could he meet them? Ay! meet them! Defy them! + Insult them! He descended to the dining-room. He heard her musical and + liquid voice; the scowl upon his brow melted away; but, gloomy and silent, + he took his seat, and gloomy and silent he remained. Little he spoke, and + that little was scarcely courteous. But Arundel had enough to say. He was + the hero of the party. Well he might be. Story after story of old maids + and young widows, sturdy butchers and corrupt coal merchants, sparkled + away; but a faint smile was all the tribute of the Duke, and a tribute + that was seldom paid. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not well!’ said Miss Dacre to him, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I am,’ answered he shortly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not seem quite so,’ she replied, with an air of surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I have got a headache,’ he retorted with little more + cordiality. She did not again speak, but she was evidently annoyed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Bitter is Jealousy</i> +</pre> + <p> + THERE certainly is a dark delight in being miserable, a sort of strange + satisfaction in being savage, which is uncommonly fascinating. One of the + greatest pests of philosophy is, that one can no longer be sullen, and + most sincerely do I regret it. To brood over misery, to flatter yourself + that there is not a single being who cares for your existence, and not a + single circumstance to make that existence desirable: there is wild + witchery in it, which we doubt whether opium can reach, and are sure that + wine cannot. + </p> + <p> + And the Duke! He soon left the uncle and nephew to their miserable + speculations about the state of the poll, and took his sullen way, with + the air of Ajax, to the terrace. Here he stalked along in a fierce + reverie; asked why he had been born; why he did not die; why he should + live, and so on. His wounded pride, which had borne so much, fairly got + the mastery, and revenged itself for all insults on Love, whom it ejected + most scurvily. He blushed to think how he had humiliated himself before + her. She was the cause of that humiliation, and of every disagreeable + sensation that he was experiencing. He began, therefore, to imprecate + vengeance, walked himself into a fair, cold-hearted, malicious passion, + and avowed most distinctly that he hated her. As for him, most ardently he + hoped that, some day or other, they might again meet at six o’clock in the + morning in Kensington Gardens, but in a different relation to each other. + </p> + <p> + It was dark when he entered the Castle. He was about ascending to his own + room, when he determined not to be cowed, and resolved to show himself the + regardless witness of their mutual loves: so he repaired to the + drawing-room. At one end of this very spacious apartment, Mr. Dacre and + Arundel were walking in deep converse; at the other sat Miss Dacre at a + table reading. The Duke seized a chair without looking at her, dragged it + along to the fireplace, and there seating himself, with his arms folded, + his feet on the fender, and his chair tilting, he appeared to be lost in + the abstracting contemplation of the consuming fuel. + </p> + <p> + Some minutes had passed, when a slight sound, like a fluttering bird, made + him look up: Miss Dacre was standing at his side. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is your head better?’ she asked him, in a soft voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, it is quite well,’ he replied, in a sullen one. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment’s pause, and then she again spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you are not well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Something has happened, then,’ she said, rather imploringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should have happened?’ he rejoined, pettishly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very strange; very unlike what you always are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What I always am is of no consequence to myself, or to anyone else; and + as for what I am now, I cannot always command my feelings, though I shall + take care that they are not again observed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have offended you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you have shown your discretion, for you should always offend the + forlorn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not think before that you were bitter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That has made me bitter which has made all others so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Disappointment.’ + </p> + <p> + Another pause, yet she did not go. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not quarrel, and so you need not try. You are consigned to my + care, and I am to amuse you. What shall we do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do what you like, Miss Dacre; but spare, oh! spare me your pity!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You do indeed surprise me. Pity! I was not thinking of pity! But you are + indeed serious, and I leave you.’ + </p> + <p> + He turned; he seized her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay! do not go. Forgive me,’ he said, ‘forgive me, for I am most + miserable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, why are you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! do not ask; you agonise me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I sing? Shall I charm the evil spirit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything?’ + </p> + <p> + She tripped to the piano, and an air, bursting like the spring, and gay as + a village feast, filled the room with its delight. He listened, and each + instant the chilly weight loosened from his heart. Her balmy voice now + came upon his ear, breathing joy and cheerfulness, content and love. Could + love be the savage passion which lately subjugated his soul? He rose from + his seat; he walked about the room; each minute his heart was lighter, his + brow more smooth. A thousand thoughts, beautiful and quivering like the + twilight, glanced o’er his mind in indistinct but exquisite tumult, and + hope, like the voice of an angel in a storm, was heard above all. He + lifted a chair gently from the ground, and, stealing to the enchantress, + seated himself at her side. So softly he reached her, that for a moment he + was unperceived. She turned her head, and her eyes met his. Even the + ineffable incident was forgotten, as he marked the strange gush of lovely + light, that seemed to say—— what to think of was, after all, + madness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Arundel’s Disappointment</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE storm was past. He vowed that a dark thought should not again cross + his mind. It was fated that she should not be his; but it was some + miserable satisfaction that he was only rejected in favour of an + attachment which had grown with her years, and had strengthened with her + stature, and in deference to an engagement hallowed by time as well as by + affection. It was deadly indeed to remember that Fate seemed to have + destined him for that happy position, and that his folly had rejected the + proffered draught of bliss. He blasphemed against the Fitz-pompeys. + However, he did not leave Dacre at the same time as Arundel, but lingered + on. His affairs were far from being arranged. The Irish business gave + great trouble, and he determined therefore to remain. + </p> + <p> + It was ridiculous to talk of feeding a passion which was not susceptible + of increase. Her society was Heaven; and he resolved to enjoy it, although + he was to be expelled. As for his loss of fortune, it gave him not a + moment’s care. Without her, he felt he could not live in England, and, + even ruined, he would be a match for an Italian prince. + </p> + <p> + So he continued her companion, each day rising with purer feelings and a + more benevolent heart; each day more convinced of the falseness of his + past existence, and of the possibility of happiness to a well-regulated + mind; each day more conscious that duty is nothing more than + self-knowledge, and the performance of it consequently the development of + feelings which are the only true source of self-gratification. He mourned + over the opportunities which he had forfeited of conducing to the + happiness of others and himself. Sometimes he had resolved to remain in + England and devote himself to his tenantry; but passion blinded him, and + he felt that he had erred too far ever to regain the right road. + </p> + <p> + The election for which Arundel Dacre was a candidate came on. Each day the + state of the poll arrived. It was nearly equal to the last. Their + agitation was terrible, but forgotten in the deep mortification which they + experienced at the announcement of his defeat. He talked to the public + boldly of petitioning, and his certainty of ultimate success; but he let + them know privately that he had no intention of the first, and no chance + of the second. Even Mr. Dacre could mot conceal his deep disappointment; + but May was quite in despair. Even if her father could find means of + securing him a seat another time, the present great opportunity was lost. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely we can make some arrangement for next session,’ said the Duke, + whispering hope to her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no, no, no; so much depended upon this. It is not merely his taking a + part in the debate, but—but Arundel is so odd, and everything was + staked upon this. I cannot tell you what depended upon it. He will leave + England directly.’ + </p> + <p> + She did not attempt to conceal her agitation. The Duke rose, and paced the + room in a state scarcely less moved. A thought had suddenly flashed upon + him. Their marriage doubtless depended upon this success. He knew + something of Arundel Dacre, and had heard more. He was convinced of the + truth of his suspicion. Either the nephew would not claim her hand until + he had carved out his own fortunes, or perhaps the uncle made his + distinction the condition of his consent. Yet this was odd. It was all + odd. A thousand things had occurred which equally puzzled him. Yet he had + seen enough to weigh against a thousand thoughts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Generous Action</i> +</pre> + <p> + ANOTHER fortnight glided away, and he was still at the Castle, still the + constant and almost sole companion of May Dacre. It is breakfast; the + servant is delivering the letter-bag to Mr. Dacre. Interesting moment! + when you extend your hand for the billet of a mistress, and receive your + tailor’s bill! How provokingly slow are most domestic chieftains in this + anxious operation! They turn the letters over and over, and upside and + down; arrange, confuse, mistake, assort; pretend, like Champollion, to + decipher illegible franks, and deliver with a slight remark, which is + intended as a friendly admonition, the documents of the unlucky wight who + encourages unprivileged correspondents. + </p> + <p> + A letter was delivered to Miss Dacre. She started, exclaimed, blushed, and + tore it open. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only you, only you,’ she said, extending her hand to the young Duke, + ‘only you were capable of this!’ + </p> + <p> + It was a letter from Arundel Dacre, not only written but franked by him. + </p> + <p> + It explained everything that the Duke of St. James might have told them + before; but he preferred hearing all himself, from the delighted and + delightful lips of Miss Dacre, who read to her father her cousin’s letter. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had returned him for one of his Cornish boroughs. It + appeared that Lord St. Maurice was the previous member, who had accepted + the Chiltern Hundreds in his favour. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were determined to surprise, as well as delight us,’ said Mr. Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am no admirer of mysteries,’ said the Duke; ‘but the fact is, in the + present case, it was not in my power to give you any positive information, + and I had no desire to provide you, after your late disappointment, with + new sources of anxiety. The only person I could take the liberty with, at + so short a notice, was St. Maurice. He, you know, is a Liberal; but he + cannot forget that he is the son of a Tory, and has no great ambition to + take any active part in affairs at present. I anticipated less difficulty + with him than with his father. St. Maurice can command me again when it + suits him; but, I confess to you, I have been surprised at my uncle’s + kindness in this affair. I really have not done justice to his character + before, and regret it. He has behaved in the most kind-hearted and the + most liberal manner, and put me under obligations which I never shall + forget. He seems as desirous of serving my friend as myself; and I assure + you, sir, it would give you pleasure to know in what terms of respect he + speaks of your family, and particularly of Arundel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arundel says he shall take his seat the morning of the debate. How very + near! how admirably managed! Oh! I never shall recover my surprise and + delight! How good you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He takes his seat, then, to-morrow,’ said Mr. Dacre, in a musing tone. + ‘My letters give a rather nervous account of affairs. We are to win it, + they hope, but by two only. As for the Lords, the majority against us + will, it is said, be somewhat smaller than usual. We shall never triumph, + George, till May is M.P. for the county. Cannot you return her for Pen + Bronnock too?’ + </p> + <p> + They talked, as you may suppose, of nothing else. At last Mr. Dacre + remembered an appointment with his bailiff, and proposed to the Duke to + join him, who acceded. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I to be left alone this morning, then!’ said Miss Dacre. ‘I am sure, + as they say of children, I can set to nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come and ride with us, then!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An excellent idea! Let us canter over to Hauteville! I am just in the + humour for a gallop up the avenue, and feel half emancipated already with + a Dacre in the House! Oh! to-morrow, how nervous I shall be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will despatch Barrington, then,’ said Mr. Dacre, ‘and join you in ten + minutes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How good you are!’ said Miss Dacre to the Duke. ‘How can we thank you + enough? What can we do for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have thanked me enough. What have I done after all? My opportunity to + serve my friends is brief. Is it wonderful that I seize the opportunity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brief! brief! Why do you always say so? Why do you talk so of leaving + us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My visit to you has been already too long. It must soon end, and I remain + not in England when it ceases.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come and live at Hauteville, and be near us?’ + </p> + <p> + He faintly smiled as he said, ‘No, no; my doom is fixed. Hauteville is the + last place that I should choose for my residence, even if I remained in + England. But I hear the horses.’ + </p> + <p> + The important night at length arrived, or rather the important messenger, + who brought down, express, a report of its proceedings to Castle Dacre. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is more singular than the various success of men in the House of + Commons. Fellows who have been the oracles of coteries from their birth; + who have gone through the regular process of gold medals, senior + wranglerships, and double firsts, who have nightly sat down amid + tumultuous cheering in debating societies, and can harangue with unruffled + foreheads and unfaltering voice, from one end of a dinner-table to the + other, who, on all occasions, have something to say, and can speak with + fluency on what they know nothing about, no sooner rise in the House than + their spells desert them. All their effrontery vanishes. Commonplace ideas + are rendered even more uninteresting by monotonous delivery; and keenly + alive as even boobies are in those sacred walls to the ridiculous, no one + appears more thoroughly aware of his unexpected and astounding + deficiencies than the orator himself. He regains his seat hot and hard, + sultry and stiff, with a burning cheek and an icy hand, repressing his + breath lest it should give evidence of an existence of which he is + ashamed, and clenching his fist, that the pressure may secretly convince + him that he has not as completely annihilated his stupid body as his false + reputation. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, persons whom the women have long deplored, and the men + long pitied, as having ‘no manner,’ who blush when you speak to them, and + blunder when they speak to you, suddenly jump up in the House with a + self-confidence, which is only equalled by their consummate ability. And + so it was with Arundel Dacre. He rose the first night that he took his + seat (a great disadvantage, of which no one was more sensible than + himself), and for an hour and a half he addressed the fullest House that + had long been assembled, with the self-possession of an habitual debater. + His clenching argument, and his luminous detail, might have been expected + from one who had the reputation of having been a student. What was more + surprising was, the withering sarcasm that blasted like the simoom, the + brilliant sallies of wit that flashed like a sabre, the gushing eddies of + humour that drowned all opposition and overwhelmed those ponderous and + unwieldy arguments which the producers announced as rocks, but which he + proved to be porpoises. Never was there such a triumphant début; and a + peroration of genuine eloquence, because of genuine feeling, concluded + amid the long and renewed cheers of all parties. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, Eloquence is the child of Knowledge. When a mind is full, + like a wholesome river, it is also clear. Confusion and obscurity are much + oftener the results of ignorance than of inefficiency. Few are the men who + cannot express their meaning, when the occasion demands the energy; as the + lowest will defend their lives with acuteness, and sometimes even with + eloquence. They are masters of their subject. Knowledge must be gained by + ourselves. Mankind may supply us with facts; but the results, even if they + agree with previous ones, must be the work of our own mind. To make others + feel, we must feel ourselves; and to feel ourselves, we must be natural. + This we can never be, when we are vomiting forth the dogmas of the + schools. Knowledge is not a mere collection of words; and it is a delusion + to suppose that thought can be obtained by the aid of any other intellect + than our own. What is repetition, by a curious mystery ceases to be truth, + even if it were truth when it was first heard; as the shadow in a mirror, + though it move and mimic all the actions of vitality, is not life. When a + man is not speaking, or writing, from his own mind, he is as insipid + company as a looking-glass. + </p> + <p> + Before a man can address a popular assembly with command, he must know + something of mankind; and he can know nothing of mankind without knowing + something of himself. Self-knowledge is the property of that man whose + passions have their play, but who ponders over their results. Such a man + sympathises by inspiration with his kind. He has a key to every heart. He + can divine, in the flash of a single thought, all that they require, all + that they wish. Such a man speaks to their very core. All feel that a + master-hand tears off the veil of cant, with which, from necessity, they + have enveloped their souls; for cant is nothing more than the sophistry + which results from attempting to account for what is unintelligible, or to + defend what is improper. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, although we use the term, we never have had oratory in England. + There is an essential difference between oratory and debating. Oratory + seems an accomplishment confined to the ancients, unless the French + preachers may put in their claim, and some of the Irish lawyers. Mr. + Shiel’s speech in Kent was a fine oration; and the boobies who taunted him + for having got it by rote, were not aware that in doing so he only wisely + followed the example of Pericles, Demosthenes, Lysias, Isocrates, + Hortensius, Cicero, Cæsar, and every great orator of antiquity. Oratory is + essentially the accomplishment of antiquity: it was their most efficient + mode of communicating thought; it was their substitute for printing. + </p> + <p> + I like a good debate; and, when a stripling, used sometimes to be stifled + in the Gallery, or enjoy the easier privileges of a member’s son. I like, + I say, a good debate, and have no objection to a due mixture of bores, + which are a relief. I remember none of the giants of former days; but I + have heard Canning. He was a consummate rhetorician; but there seemed to + me a dash of commonplace in all that he said, and frequent indications of + the absence of an original mind. To the last, he never got clear of ‘Good + God, sir!’ and all the other hackneyed ejaculations of his youthful + debating clubs. The most commanding speaker that I ever listened to is, I + think, Sir Francis Burdett. I never heard him in the House; but at an + election. He was full of music, grace» and dignity, even amid all the + vulgar tumult; and, unlike all mob orators, raised the taste of the + populace to him, instead of lowering his own to theirs. His colleague, Mr. + Hobhouse, seemed to me ill qualified for a demagogue, though he spoke with + power. He is rather too elaborate, and a little heavy, but fluent, and + never weak. His thoughtful and highly-cultivated mind maintains him under + all circumstances; and his breeding never deserts him. Sound sense comes + recommended from his lips by the language of a scholar and the urbanity of + a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brougham, at present, reigns paramount in the House of Commons. I + think the lawyer has spoiled the statesman. He is said to have great + powers of sarcasm. From what I have observed there, I should think very + little ones would be quite sufficient. Many a sneer withers in those + walls, which would scarcely, I think, blight a currant-bush out of them; + and I have seen the House convulsed with raillery which, in other society, + would infallibly settle the rallier to be a bore beyond all tolerance. + Even an idiot can raise a smile. They are so good-natured, or find it so + dull. Mr. Canning’s badinage was the most successful, though I confess I + have listened to few things more calculated to make a man gloomy. But the + House always ran riot, taking everything for granted, and cracked their + universal sides before he opened his mouth. The fault of Mr. Brougham is, + that he holds no intellect at present in great dread, and, consequently, + allows himself on all occasions to run wild. Few men hazard more + unphilosophical observations; but he is safe, because there is no one to + notice them. On all great occasions, Mr. Brougham has come up to the mark; + an infallible test of a man of genius. + </p> + <p> + I hear that Mr. Macaulay is to be returned. If he speaks half as well as + he writes, the House will be in fashion again. I fear that he is one of + those who, like the individual whom he has most studied, will ‘give up to + party what was meant for mankind.’ + </p> + <p> + At any rate, he must get rid of his rabidity. He writes now on all + subjects, as if he certainly intended to be a renegade, and was determined + to make the contrast complete. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peel is the model of a minister, and improves as a speaker; though, + like most of the rest, he is fluent without the least style. He should not + get so often in a passion either, or, if he do, should not get out of one + so easily. His sweet apologies are cloying. His candour—he will do + well to get rid of that. He can make a present of it to Mr. Huskisson, who + is a memorable instance of the value of knowledge, which maintains a man + under all circumstances and all disadvantages, and will. + </p> + <p> + In the Lords, I admire the Duke. The readiness with which he has adopted + the air of a debater, shows the man of genius. There is a gruff, husky + sort of a downright Montaignish naïveté about him, which is quaint, + unusual, and tells. You plainly perceive that he is determined to be a + civilian; and he is as offended if you drop a hint that he occasionally + wears an uniform, as a servant on a holiday if you mention the word <i>livery</i>. + </p> + <p> + Lord Grey speaks with feeling, and is better to hear than to read, though + ever strong and impressive. Lord Holland’s speeches are like a <i>refacimento</i> + of all the suppressed passages in Clarendon, and the notes in the new + edition of Bishop Burnet’s Memoirs: but taste throws a delicate hue over + the curious medley, and the candour of a philosophic mind shows that in + the library of Holland House he can sometimes cease to be a partisan. + </p> + <p> + One thing is clear, that a man may speak very well in the House of + Commons, and fail very completely in the House of Lords. There are two + distinct styles requisite: I intend, in the course of my career, if I have + time, to give a specimen of both. In the Lower House Don Juan may perhaps + be our model; in the Upper House, Paradise Lost. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK V [CONTINUED] + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘To See Ourselves as Others See Us.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + NOTHING was talked of in Yorkshire but Mr. Arundel Dacre’s speech. All the + world flocked to Castle Dacre to compliment and to congratulate; and an + universal hope was expressed that he might come in for the county, if + indeed the success of his eloquence did not enable his uncle to pre-occupy + that honour. Even the calm Mr. Dacre shared the general elation, and told + the Duke of St. James regularly every day that it was all owing to him. + May Dacre was enthusiastic; but her gratitude to him was synonymous with + her love for Arundel, and valued accordingly. The Duke, however, felt that + he had acted at once magnanimously, generously, and wisely. The + consciousness of a noble action is itself ennobling. His spirit expanded + with the exciting effects which his conduct had produced; and he felt + consolation under all his misery from the conviction that he had now + claims to be remembered, and perhaps regarded, when he was no more among + them. + </p> + <p> + The Bill went swimmingly through the Commons, the majority of two + gradually swelling into eleven; and the important night in the Lords was + at hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Faulconcourt writes,’ said Mr. Dacre, ‘that they expect only + thirty-eight against us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! that terrible House of Lords!’ said Miss Dacre. ‘Let us see: when + does it come on, the day after to-morrow? Scarcely forty-eight hours and + all will be over, and we shall be just where we were. You and your friends + manage very badly in your House,’ she added, addressing herself to the + Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do all I can,’ said his Grace, smiling. ‘Burlington has my proxy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is exactly what I complain of. On such an occasion, there should be + no proxies. Personal attendance would indicate a keener interest in the + result. Ah! if I were Duke of St. James for one night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! that you would be Duchess of St. James!’ thought the Duke; but a + despairing lover has no heart for jokes, and so he did not give utterance + to the wish. He felt a little agitated, and caught May Dacre’s eye. She + smiled, and slightly blushed, as if she felt the awkwardness of her + remark, though too late. + </p> + <p> + The Duke retired early, but not to sleep. His mind was busied on a great + deed. It was past midnight before he could compose his agitated feelings + to repose, and by five o’clock he was again up. He dressed himself, and + then put on a rough travelling coat, which, with a shawl, effectually + disguised his person; and putting in one pocket a shirt, and in the other + a few articles from his dressing-case, the Duke of St. James stole out of + Castle Dacre, leaving a note for his host, accounting for his sudden + departure by urgent business at Hauteville, and promising a return in a + day or two. + </p> + <p> + The fresh morn had fully broke. He took his hurried way through the long + dewy grass, and, crossing the Park, gained the road, which, however, was + not the high one. He had yet another hour’s rapid walk, before he could + reach his point of destination; and when that was accomplished, he found + himself at a small public-house, bearing for a sign his own arms, and + situated in the high road opposite his own Park. He was confident that his + person was unknown to the host, or to any of the early idlers who were + lingering about the mail, then breakfasting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Any room, guard, to London?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Room inside, sir: just going off.’ + </p> + <p> + The door was opened, and the Duke of St. James took his seat in the + Edinburgh and York Mail. He had two companions: the first, because + apparently the most important, was a hard-featured, grey-headed gentleman, + with a somewhat supercilious look, and a mingled air of acuteness and + conceit; the other was a humble-looking widow in her weeds, middle-aged, + and sad. These persons had recently roused themselves from their nocturnal + slumbers, and now, after their welcome meal and hurried toilet, looked as + fresh as birds. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! now we are off,’ said the gentleman. ‘Very neat, cleanly little + house this, ma’am,’ continued he to his companion. ‘What is the sign?’ + ‘The Hauteville Arms.’ ‘Oh! Hauteville; that is—that is, let me see! + the St. James family. Ah! a pretty fool that young man has made of + himself, by all accounts. Eh! sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have reason to believe so,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose this is his park, eh? Hem! going to London, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! hem! Hauteville Park, I suppose, this. Fine ground wasted. What the + use of parks is, I can’t say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The place seems well kept up,’ said the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘So much the worse; I wish it were in ruins.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, for my part,’ continued the widow in a low voice, ‘I think a park + nearly the most beautiful thing we have. Foreigners, you know, sir——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I know what you are going to say,’ observed the gentleman in a curt, + gruffish voice. ‘It is all nonsense. Foreigners are fools. Don’t talk to + me of beauty; a mere word. What is the use of all this? It produces about + as much benefit to society as its owner does.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And do you think his existence, then, perfectly useless?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure, I do. So the world will, some day or other. We are opening + our eyes fast. Men begin to ask themselves what the use of an aristocracy + is. That is the test, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it not very difficult to demonstrate the use of an aristocracy,’ + mildly observed the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! nonsense, sir! I know what you are going to say; but we have got + beyond all that. Have you read this, sir? This article on the aristocracy + in “The Screw and Lever Review?”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I advise you to make yourself master of it, and you will talk no + more of the aristocracy. A few more articles like this, and a few more + noblemen like the man who has got this park, and people will open their + eyes at last.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think,’ said his Grace, ‘that the follies of the man who had got + this park have been productive of evil only to himself. In fact, sir, + according to your own system, a prodigal noble seems to be a very + desirable member of the commonwealth and a complete leveller.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall get rid of them all soon, sir,’ said his companion, with a + malignant smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard that he is very young, sir,’ remarked the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that to you or me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! youth is a trying time. Let us hope the best! He may turn out well + yet, poor soul!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not. Don’t talk to me of poor souls. There is a poor soul,’ said + the utilitarian, pointing to an old man breaking stones on the highway. + ‘That is what I call a poor soul, not a young prodigal, whose life has + been one long career of infamous debauchery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You appear to have heard much of this young nobleman,’ said the Duke; + ‘but it does not follow, sir, that you have heard truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very true, sir,’ said the widow. ‘The world is very foul-mouthed. Let us + hope he is not so very bad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you what, my friends; you know nothing about what you are talking + of. I don’t speak without foundation. You have not the least idea, sir, + how this fellow has lived. Now, what I am going to tell you is a fact: I + know it to be a fact. A very intimate friend of mine, who knows a person, + who is a very intimate friend of an intimate friend of a person, who knows + the Duke of St. James, told me himself, that one night they had for supper—what + do you think ma’am?—Venison cutlets, each served up in a hundred + pound note!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mercy!’ exclaimed the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘And do you believe it?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Believe it! I know it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very young,’ said the widow. ‘Youth is a very trying time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing to do with his youth. It’s the system, the infernal system. If + that man had to work for his bread, like everybody else, do you think he + would dine off bank notes? No! to be sure he wouldn’t! It’s the system.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Young people are very wild!’ said the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! ma’am. Nonsense! Don’t talk cant. If a man be properly educated, he + is as capable at one-and-twenty of managing anything, as at any time in + his life; more capable. Look at the men who write “The Screw and Lever;” + the first men in the country. Look at them. Not one of age. Look at the + man who wrote this article on the aristocracy: young Duncan Macmorrogh. + Look at him, I say, the first man in the country by far.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard his name before,’ calmly observed the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not heard his name? Not heard of young Duncan Macmorrogh, the first man + of the day, by far; not heard of him? Go and ask the Marquess of + Sheepshead what he thinks of him. Go and ask Lord Two and Two what he + thinks of him. Duncan dines with Lord Two and Two every week.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke smiled, and his companion proceeded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, again, look at his friends. There is young First Principles. What a + «head that fellow has got! Here, this article on India is by him. He’ll + knock up their Charter. He is a clerk in the India House. Up to the + detail, you see. Let me read you this passage on monopolies. Then there is + young Tribonian Quirk. By G—, what a mind that fellow has got! By G—, + nothing but first principles will go down with these fellows! They laugh + at anything else. By G—, sir, they look upon the administration of + the present day as a parcel of sucking babes! When I was last in town, + Quirk told me that he would not give that for all the public men that ever + existed! He is keeping his terms at Gray’s Inn. This article on a new Code + is by him. Shows as plain as light, that, by sticking close to first + principles, the laws of the country might be carried in every man’s + waistcoat pocket.’ + </p> + <p> + The coach stopped, and a colloquy ensued. + </p> + <p> + ‘Any room to Selby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Outside or in?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Out, to be sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Room inside only.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! in then.’ + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and a singularly quaint-looking personage presented + himself. He was very stiff and prim in his appearance; dressed in a blue + coat and scarlet waistcoat, with a rich bandanna handkerchief tied very + neatly round his neck, and a very new hat, to which his head seemed little + habituated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sorry to disturb you, ladies and gentlemen: not exactly the proper place + for me. Don’t be alarmed. I’m always respectful wherever I am. My rule + through life is to be respectful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, now, in with you,’ said the guard. + </p> + <p> + ‘Be respectful, my friend, and don’t talk so to an old soldier who has + served his king and his country.’ + </p> + <p> + Off they went. + </p> + <p> + ‘Majesty’s service?’ asked the stranger of the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not that honour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum! Lawyer, perhaps?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a lawyer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum! A gentleman, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke was silent; and so the stranger addressed himself to the + anti-aristocrat, who seemed vastly annoyed by the intrusion of so low a + personage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Going to London, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you what, my friend, at once; I never answer impertinent + questions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No offence, I hope, sir! Sorry to offend. I’m always respectful. Madam! I + hope I don’t inconvenience you; I should be sorry to do that. We sailors, + you know, are always ready to accommodate the ladies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sailor!’ exclaimed the acute utilitarian, his curiosity stifling his + hauteur. ‘Why! just now, I thought you were a soldier.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! so I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my friend, you are a conjuror then.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I ayn’t; I’m a marine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very useless person, then.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean to say, that if the sailors were properly educated, such an + amphibious corps would never have been formed, and some of the most + atrocious sinecures ever tolerated would consequently not have existed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sinecures! I never heard of him. I served under Lord Combermere. Maybe + you have heard of him, ma’am? A nice man; a beautiful man. I have seen him + stand in a field like that, with the shot falling about him like hail, and + caring no more for them than peas.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If that were for bravado,’ said the utilitarian, ‘I think it a very silly + thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bravado! I never heard of him. It was for his king and country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it in India?’ asked the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘In a manner, ma’am,’ said the marine, very courteously. ‘At Bhurtpore, up + by Pershy, and thereabouts; the lake of Cashmere, where all the shawls + come from. Maybe you have heard of Cashmere, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Who has not heard of the vale of Cashmere!’” hummed the Duke to himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I thought so,’ said the marine; ‘all people know much the same; for + some have seen, and some have read. I can’t read, but I have served my + king and country for five-and-twenty years, and I have used my eyes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better than reading,’ said the Duke, humouring the character. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what,’ said the marine, with a knowing look. ‘I suspect + there is a d—d lot of lies in your books. I landed in England last + seventh of June, and went to see St. Paul’s. “This is the greatest + building in the world,” says the man. Thinks I, “You lie.” I did not tell + him so, because I am always respectful. I tell you what, sir; maybe you + think St. Paul’s the greatest building in the world, but I tell you what, + it’s a lie. I have seen one greater. Maybe, ma’am, you think I am telling + you a lie too; but I am not. Go and ask Captain Jones, of the 58th. I went + with him: I give you his name: go and ask Captain Jones, of the 58th, if I + be telling you a lie. The building I mean is the palace of the Sultan + Acber; for I have served my king and country five-and-twenty years last + seventh of June, and have seen strange things; all built of precious + stones, ma’am. What do you think of that? All built of precious stones; + carnelian, of which you make your seals; as sure as I’m a sinner saved. If + I ayn’t speaking the truth, I am not going to Selby. Maybe you’d like to + know why I am going to Selby? I’ll tell you what. Five-and-twenty years + have I served my king and country last seventh of June. Now I begin with + the beginning. I ran away from home when I was eighteen, you see! and, + after the siege of Bhurtpore, I was sitting on a bale of silk alone, and I + said to myself, I’ll go and see my mother. Sure as I am going to Selby, + that’s the whole. I landed in England last seventh of June, absent + five-and-twenty years, serving my king and country. I sent them a letter + last night. I put it in the post myself. Maybe I shall be there before my + letter now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure you will,’ said the utilitarian; ‘what made you do such a + silly thing? Why, your letter is in this coach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! I shouldn’t wonder. I shall be there before my letter now. All + nonsense, letters: my wife wrote it at Falmouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are married, then?’ said the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ayn’t I, though? The sweetest cretur, madam, though I say it before you, + that ever lived.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did you not bring your wife with you?’ asked the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘And wouldn’t I be very glad to? but she wouldn’t come among strangers at + once; and so I have got a letter, which she wrote for me, to put in the + post, in case they are glad to see me, and then she will come on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you, I suppose, are not sorry to have a holiday?’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ayn’t I, though? Ayn’t I as low about leaving her as ever I was in my + life; and so is the poor cretur. She won’t eat a bit of victuals till I + come back, I’ll be sworn; not a bit, I’ll be bound to say that; and + myself, although I am an old soldier and served my king and country for + five-and-twenty years, and so got knocked about, and used to anything, as + it were, I don’t know how it is, but I always feel queer whenever I am + away from her. I shan’t make a hearty meal till I see her. Somehow or + other, when I am away from her, everything feels dry in the throat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very fond of her, I see,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘And ought I not to be? Didn’t I ask her three times before she said <i>yes</i>? + Those are the wives for wear, sir. None of the fruit that falls at a + shaking for me! Hasn’t she stuck by me in every climate, and in every land + I was in? Not a fellow in the company had such a wife. Wouldn’t I throw + myself off this coach this moment, to give her a moment’s peace? That I + would, though; d——me if I wouldn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush!’ said the widow; ‘never swear. I am afraid you talk too much + of your love,’ she added, with a faint smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you don’t know my wife, ma’am. Are you married, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not that happiness,’ said the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, there is nothing like it! but don’t take the fruit that falls at a + shake. But this, I suppose, is Selby?’ + </p> + <p> + The marine took his departure, having stayed long enough to raise in the + young Duke’s mind curious feelings. + </p> + <p> + As he was plunged into reverie, and as the widow was silent, conversation + was not resumed until the coach stopped for dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘We stop here half-an-hour, gentlemen,’ said the guard. ‘Mrs. Burnet,’ he + continued, to the widow, ‘let me hand you out.’ + </p> + <p> + They entered the parlour of the inn. The Duke, who was ignorant of the + etiquette of the road, did not proceed to the discharge of his duties, as + the youngest guest, with all the promptness desired by his + fellow-travellers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, sir,’ said an outside, ‘I will thank you for a slice of that mutton, + and will join you, if you have no objection in a bottle of sherry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What you please, sir. May I have the pleasure of helping you, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + After dinner the Duke took advantage of a vacant outside place. + </p> + <p> + Tom Rawlins was the model of a guard. Young, robust, and gay, he had a + letter, a word, or a wink for all he met. All seasons were the same to + him; night or day he was ever awake, and ever alive to all the interest of + the road; now joining in conversation with a passenger, shrewd, sensible, + and respectful; now exchanging a little elegant badinage with the + coachman; now bowing to a pretty girl; now quizzing a passer-by; he was + off and on his seat in an instant, and, in the whiff of his cigar, would + lock a wheel, or unlock a passenger. + </p> + <p> + From him the young Duke learned that his fellow-inside was Mr. Duncan + Macmorrogh, senior, a writer at Edinburgh, and, of course, the father of + the first man of the day. Tom Rawlins could not tell his Grace as much + about the principal writer in ‘The Screw and Lever Review’ as we can; for + Tom was no patron of our periodical literature, farther than a police + report in the Publican’s Journal. Young Duncan Macmorrogh was a limb of + the law, who had just brought himself into notice by a series of articles + in ‘The Screw and Lever,’ in which he had subjected the universe piecemeal + to his critical analysis. Duncan Macmorrogh cut up the creation, and got a + name. His attack upon mountains was most violent, and proved, by its + personality, that he had come from the Lowlands. He demonstrated the + inutility of all elevation, and declared that the Andes were the + aristocracy of the globe. Rivers he rather patronised; but flowers he + quite pulled to pieces, and proved them to be the most useless of + existences. Duncan Macmorrogh informed us that we were quite wrong in + supposing ourselves to be the miracle of creation. On the contrary, he + avowed that already there were various pieces of machinery of far more + importance than man; and he had no doubt, in time, that a superior race + would arise, got by a steam-engine on a spinning-jenny. + </p> + <p> + The other ‘inside’ was the widow of a former curate of a Northumbrian + village. Some friend had obtained for her only child a clerkship in a + public office, and for some time this idol of her heart had gone on + prospering; but unfortunately, of late, Charles Burnet had got into a bad + set, was now involved in a terrible scrape, and, as Tom Rawlins feared, + must lose his situation and go to ruin. + </p> + <p> + ‘She was half distracted when she heard it first, poor creature! I have + known her all my life, sir. Many the kind word and glass of ale I have had + at her house, and that’s what makes me feel for her, you see. I do what I + can to make the journey easy to her, for it is a pull at her years. God + bless her! there is not a better body in this world; that I will, say for + her. When I was a boy, I used to be the playfellow in a manner with + Charley Burnet: a gay lad, sir, as ever you’d wish to see in a summer’s + day, and the devil among the girls always, and that’s been the ruin of + him; and as open-a-hearted fellow as ever lived. D——me! I’d + walk to the land’s end to save him, if it were only for his mother’s sake, + to say nothing of himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And can nothing be done?’ asked the Duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, you see, he is back in £ s. d.; and, to make it up, the poor body + must sell her all, and he won’t let her do it, and wrote a letter like a + prince (No room, sir), as fine a letter as ever you read (Hilloa, there! + What! are you asleep?)—as ever you read on a summer’s day. I didn’t + see it, but my mother told me it was as good as e’er a one of the old + gentleman’s sermons. “Mother,” said he, “my sins be upon my own head. I + can bear disgrace (How do, Mr. Wilkins?), but I cannot bear to see you a + beggar!”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! sir, as good-a-hearted fellow as ever you’d wish to meet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he involved to a great extent, think you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! a long figure, sir (I say, Betty, I’ve got a letter for you from your + sweetheart), a very long figure, sir (Here, take it!); I should be sorry + (Don’t blush; no message?)—I should be sorry to take two hundred + pounds to pay it. No, I wouldn’t take two hundred pounds, that I wouldn’t + (I say, Jacob, stop at old Bag Smith’s).’ + </p> + <p> + Night came on, and the Duke resumed his inside place. Mr. Macmorrogh went + to sleep over his son’s article; and the Duke feigned slumber, though he + was only indulging in reverie. He opened his eyes, and a light, which they + passed, revealed the countenance of the widow. Tears were stealing down + her face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no mother; I have no one to weep for me,’ thought the Duke; ‘and + yet, if I had been in this youth’s station, my career probably would have + been as fatal. Let me assist her. Alas! how I have misused my power, when, + even to do this slight deed, I am obliged to hesitate, and consider + whether it be practicable.’ + </p> + <p> + The coach again stopped for a quarter of an hour. The Duke had, in + consideration of the indefinite period of his visit, supplied himself + amply with money on repairing to Dacre. Besides his purse, which was well + stored for the road, he had somewhat more than three hundred pounds in his + notebook. He took advantage of their tarrying, to inclose it and its + contents in a sheet of paper with these lines: + </p> + <p> + ‘An unknown friend requests Mrs. Burnet to accept this token of his + sympathy with suffering virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + Determined to find some means to put this in her possession before their + parting, he resumed his place. The Scotchman now prepared for his night’s + repose. He produced a pillow for his back, a bag for his feet, and a cap + for his head. These, and a glass of brandy-and-water, in time produced a + due effect, and he was soon fast asleep. Even to the widow, night brought + some solace. The Duke alone found no repose. Unused to travelling in + public conveyances at night, and unprovided with any of the ingenious + expedients of a mail coach adventurer, he felt all the inconveniences of + an inexperienced traveller. The seat was unendurably hard, his back ached, + his head whirled, the confounded sherry, slight as was his portion, had + made him feverish, and he felt at once excited and exhausted. He was sad, + too; very depressed. Alone, and no longer surrounded with that splendour + which had hitherto made solitude precious, life seemed stripped of all its + ennobling spirit. His energy vanished. He repented his rashness; and the + impulse of the previous night, which had gathered fresh power from the + dewy moon, vanished. He felt alone, and without a friend, and night passed + without a moment’s slumber, watching the driving clouds. + </p> + <p> + The last fifteen miles seemed longer than the whole journey. At St. + Alban’s he got out, took a cup of coffee with Tom Rawlins, and, although + the morning was raw, again seated himself by his side. In the first gloomy + little suburb Mrs. Burnet got out. The Duke sent Rawlins after her with + the parcel, with peremptory instructions to leave it. He watched the widow + protesting it was not hers, his faithful emissary appealing to the + direction, and with delight he observed it left in her hands. They rattled + into London, stopped in Lombard Street, reached Holborn, entered an + archway; the coachman threw the whip and reins from his now careless + hands. The Duke bade farewell to Tom Rawlins, and was shown to a bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Duke Makes a Speech</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE return of morning had in some degree dissipated the gloom that had + settled on the young Duke during the night. Sound and light made him feel + less forlorn, and for a moment his soul again responded to his high + purpose. But now he was to seek necessary repose. In vain. His heated + frame and anxious mind were alike restless. He turned, he tossed in his + bed, but he could not banish from his ear the whirling sound of his late + conveyance, the snore of Mr. Macmorrogh, and the voice of Tom Rawlins. He + kept dwelling on every petty incident of his journey, and repeating in his + mind every petty saying. His determination to slumber made him even less + sleepy. Conscious that repose was absolutely necessary to the performance + of his task, and dreading that the boon was now unattainable, he became + each moment more feverish and more nervous; a crowd of half-formed ideas + and images flitted over his heated brain. Failure, misery, May Dacre, Tom + Rawlins, boiled beef, Mrs. Burnet, the aristocracy, mountains and the + marine, and the tower of St. Alban’s cathedral, hurried along in infinite + confusion. But there is nothing like experience. In a state of + distraction, he remembered the hopeless but refreshing sleep he had gained + after his fatal adventure at Brighton. He jumped out of bed, and threw + himself on the floor, and in a few minutes, from the same cause, his + excited senses subsided into slumber. + </p> + <p> + He awoke; the sun was shining through his rough shutter. It was noon. He + jumped up, rang the bell, and asked for a bath. The chambermaid did not + seem exactly to comprehend his meaning, but said she would speak to the + waiter. He was the first gentleman who ever had asked for a bath at the + Dragon with Two Tails. The waiter informed him that he might get a bath, + he believed, at the Hum-mums. The Duke dressed, and to the Hummums he then + took his way. As he was leaving the yard, he was followed by an ostler, + who, in a voice musically hoarse, thus addressed him: + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you seen missis, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean me? No, I have not seen your missis;’ and the Duke proceeded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir, sir,’ said the ostler, running after him, ‘I think you said you had + not seen missis?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think right,’ said the Duke, astonished; and again he walked on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir, sir,’ said the pursuing ostler, ‘I don’t think you have got any + luggage?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I beg your pardon,’ said the Duke; ‘I see it. I am in your debt; but + I meant to return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No doubt on’t, sir; but when gemmen don’t have no luggage, they sees + missis before they go, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, what am I in your debt? I can pay you here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Five shillings, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ said the Duke; ‘and tell me when a coach leaves this place + to-morrow for Yorkshire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Half-past six o’clock in the morning precisely,’ said the ostler. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my good fellow, I depend upon your securing me a place; and that is + for yourself,’ added his Grace, throwing him a sovereign. ‘Now, mind; I + depend upon you.’ + </p> + <p> + The man stared as if he had been suddenly taken into partnership with + missis; at length he found his tongue. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your honour may depend upon me. Where would you like to sit? In or out? + Back to your horses, or the front? Get you the box if you like. Where’s + your great coat, sir? I’ll brush it for you.’ + </p> + <p> + The bath and the breakfast brought our hero round a good deal, and at + half-past two he stole to a solitary part of St. James’s Park, to stretch + his legs and collect his senses. We must now let our readers into a + secret, which perhaps they have already unravelled. The Duke had hurried + to London with the determination, not only of attending the debate, but of + participating in it. His Grace was no politician; but the question at + issue was one simple in its nature and so domestic in its spirit, that few + men could have arrived at his period of life without having heard its + merits, both too often and too amply discussed. He was master of all the + points of interest, and he had sufficient confidence in himself to believe + that he could do them justice. He walked up and down, conning over in his + mind not only the remarks which he intended to make, but the very language + in which he meant to offer them. As he formed sentences, almost for the + first time, his courage and his fancy alike warmed: his sanguine spirit + sympathised with the nobility of the imaginary scene, and inspirited the + intonations of his modulated voice. + </p> + <p> + About four o’clock he repaired to the House. Walking up one of the + passages his progress was stopped by the back of an individual bowing with + great civility to a patronising peer, and my-lording him with painful + repetition. The nobleman was Lord Fitz-pompey; the bowing gentleman, Mr. + Duncan Macmorrogh, the anti-aristocrat, and father of the first man of the + day. + </p> + <p> + ‘George! is it possible!’ exclaimed Lord Fitz-pompey. ‘I will speak to you + in the House,’ said the Duke, passing on, and bowing to Mr. Duncan + Macmorrogh. + </p> + <p> + He recalled his proxy from the Duke of Burlington, and accounted for his + presence to many astonished friends by being on his way to the Continent; + and, passing through London, thought he might as well be present, + particularly as he was about to reside for some time in Catholic + countries. It was the last compliment that he could pay his future host. + ‘Give me a pinch of snuff.’ + </p> + <p> + The debate began. Don’t be alarmed. I shall not describe it. Five or six + peers had spoken, and one of the ministers had just sat down when the Duke + of St. James rose. He was extremely nervous, but he repeated to himself + the name of May Dacre for the hundredth time, and proceeded. He was nearly + commencing ‘May Dacre’ instead of ‘My Lords,’ but he escaped this blunder. + For the first five or ten minutes he spoke in almost as cold and lifeless + a style as when he echoed the King’s speech; but he was young and seldom + troubled them, and was listened to therefore with indulgence. The Duke + warmed, and a courteous ‘hear, hear,’ frequently sounded; the Duke became + totally free from embarrassment, and spoke with eloquence and energy. A + cheer, a stranger in the House of Lords, rewarded and encouraged him. As + an Irish landlord, his sincerity could not be disbelieved when he + expressed his conviction of the safety of emancipation; but it was as an + English proprietor and British noble that it was evident that his Grace + felt most keenly upon this important measure. He described with power the + peculiar injustice of the situation of the English Catholics. He professed + to feel keenly upon this subject, because his native county had made him + well acquainted with the temper of this class; he painted in glowing terms + the loyalty, the wealth, the influence, the noble virtues of his Catholic + neighbours; and he closed a speech of an hour’s duration, in which he had + shown that a worn subject was susceptible of novel treatment, and novel + interest, amid loud and general cheers. The Lords gathered round him, and + many personally congratulated him upon his distinguished success. The + debate took its course. At three o’clock the pro-Catholics found + themselves in a minority, but a minority in which the prescient might have + well discovered the herald of future justice. The speech of the Duke of + St. James was the speech of the night. + </p> + <p> + The Duke walked into White’s. It was crowded. The first man who welcomed + him was Annesley. He congratulated the Duke with a warmth for which the + world did not give him credit. + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you, my dear St. James, that I am one of the few people whom + this display has not surprised. I have long observed that you were formed + for something better than mere frivolity. And between ourselves I am sick + of it. Don’t be surprised if you hear that I go to Algiers. Depend upon it + that I am on the point of doing something dreadful.’ ‘Sup with me, St. + James,’ said Lord Squib; ‘I will ask O’Connell to meet you.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Fitz-pompey and Lord Darrell were profuse in congratulations; but he + broke away from them to welcome the man who now advanced. He was one of + whom he never thought without a shudder, but whom, for all that, he + greatly liked. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Duke of St. James,’ said Arundel Dacre, ‘how ashamed I am that + this is the first time I have personally thanked you for all your + goodness!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Dacre, I have to thank you for proving for the first time to the + world that I was not without discrimination.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ said Dacre, gaily and easily; ‘all the congratulations and all + the compliments to-night shall be for you. Believe me, my dear friend, I + share your triumph.’ + </p> + <p> + They shook hands with earnestness. + </p> + <p> + ‘May will read your speech with exultation,’ said Arundel. ‘I think we + must thank her for making you an orator.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke faintly smiled and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how are all our Yorkshire friends?’ continued Arundel. ‘I am + disappointed again in getting down to them; but I hope in the course of + the month to pay them a visit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall see them in a day or two,’ said the Duke. ‘I pay Mr. Dacre one + more visit before my departure form England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you then indeed going?’ asked Arundel, in a kind voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘For ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nay, <i>ever</i> is a strong word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It becomes, then, my feelings. However, we will not talk of this. Can I + bear any letter for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have just written,’ replied Arundel, in a gloomy voice, and with a + changing countenance, ‘and therefore will not trouble you. And yet——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet the letter is an important letter: to me. The post, to be sure, + never does miss; but if it were not troubling your Grace too much, I + almost would ask you to be its bearer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be there as soon,’ said the Duke, ‘for I shall be off in an + hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will take it out of the box then,’ said Arundel; and he fetched it. + ‘Here is the letter,’ said he on his return: ‘pardon me if I impress upon + you its importance. Excuse this emotion, but, indeed, this letter decides + my fate. My happiness for life is dependent on its reception!’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke with an air and voice of agitation. + </p> + <p> + The Duke received the letter in a manner scarcely less disturbed; and with + a hope that they might meet before his departure, faintly murmured by one + party, and scarcely responded to by the other, they parted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, now,’ said the Duke, ‘the farce is complete; and I have come to + London to be the bearer of his offered heart! I like this, now. Is there a + more contemptible, a more ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous ass than myself? + Fear not for its delivery, most religiously shall it be consigned to the + hand of its owner. The fellow has paid a compliment to my honour or my + simplicity: I fear the last, and really I feel rather proud. But away with + these feelings! Have I not seen her in his arms? Pah! Thank God! I spoke. + At least, I die in a blaze. Even Annesley does not think me quite a fool. + O, May Dacre, May Dacre! if you were but mine, I should be the happiest + fellow that ever breathed!’ + </p> + <p> + He breakfasted, and then took his way to the Dragon with Two Tails. The + morning was bright, and fresh, and beautiful, even in London. Joy came + upon his heart, in spite of all his loneliness, and he was glad and + sanguine. He arrived just in time. The coach was about to start. The + faithful ostler was there with his great-coat, and the Duke found that he + had three fellow-passengers. They were lawyers, and talked for the first + two hours of nothing but the case respecting which they were going down + into the country. At Woburn, a despatch arrived with the newspapers. All + purchased one, and the Duke among the rest. He was well reported, and + could now sympathise with, instead of smile at, the anxiety of Lord + Darrell. + </p> + <p> + ‘The young Duke of St. James seems to have distinguished himself very + much,’ said the first lawyer. + </p> + <p> + ‘So I observe,’ said the second one. ‘The leading article calls our + attention to his speech as the most brilliant delivered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am surprised,’ said the third. ‘I thought he was quite a different sort + of person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By no means,’ said the first: ‘I have always had a high opinion of him. I + am not one of those who think the worse of a young man because he is a + little wild.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor I,’ said the second. ‘Young blood, you know, is young blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very intimate friend of mine, who knows the Duke of St. James well, + once told me,’ rejoined the first, ‘that I was quite mistaken about him; + that he was a person of no common talents; well read, quite a man of the + world, and a good deal of wit, too; and let me tell you that in these days + wit is no common thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ said the third. ‘We have no wit now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a kind-hearted, generous fellow,’ continued the first, ‘and <i>very</i> + unaffected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t bear an affected man,’ said the second, without looking off his + paper. ‘He seems to have made a very fine speech indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not wonder at his turning out something great,’ said the third. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt of it,’ said the second. + </p> + <p> + ‘Many of these wild fellows do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not so wild as we think,’ said the first. + </p> + <p> + ‘But he is done up,’ said the second. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he indeed?’ said the third. ‘Perhaps by making a speech he wants a + place?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘People don’t make speeches for nothing,’ said the third. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shouldn’t wonder if he is after a place in the Household,’ said the + second. + </p> + <p> + ‘Depend upon it, he looks to something more active,’ said the first. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps he would like to be head of the Admiralty?’ said the second. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or the Treasury?’ said the third. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is impossible!’ said the first. ‘He is too young.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is as old as Pitt,’ said the third. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope he will resemble him in nothing but his age, then,’ said the + first. + </p> + <p> + ‘I look upon Pitt as the first man that ever lived,’ said the third. + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ said the first. ‘The man who worked up the national debt to nearly + eight hundred millions!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What of that?’ said the third. ‘I look upon the national debt as the + source of all our prosperity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The source of all our taxes, you mean.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the harm of taxes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The harm is, that you will soon have no trade; and when you have no + trade, you will have no duties; and when you have no duties, you will have + no dividends; and when you have no dividends, you will have no law; and + then, where is your source of prosperity?’ said the first. + </p> + <p> + But here the coach stopped, and the Duke got out for an hour. + </p> + <p> + By midnight they had reached a town not more than thirty miles from Dacre. + The Duke was quite exhausted, and determined to stop. In half an hour he + enjoyed that deep, dreamless slumber, with which no luxury can compete. + One must have passed restless nights for years, to be able to appreciate + the value of sound sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Last Appeal</i> +</pre> + <p> + HE ROSE early, and managed to reach Dacre at the breakfast hour of the + family. He discharged his chaise at the Park gate, and entered the house + unseen. He took his way along a corridor lined with plants, which led to + the small and favourite room in which the morning meetings of May and + himself always took place when they were alone. As he lightly stepped + along, he heard a voice that he could not mistake, as it were in animated + converse. Agitated by sounds which ever created in him emotion, for a + moment he paused. He starts, his eye sparkles with strange delight, a + flush comes over his panting features, half of modesty, half of triumph. + He listens to his own speech from the lips of the woman he loves. She is + reading to her father with melodious energy the passage in which he + describes the high qualities of his Catholic neighbours. The intonations + of the voice indicate the deep sympathy of the reader. She ceases. He + hears the admiring exclamation of his host. He rallies his strength, he + advances, he stands before them. She utters almost a shriek of delightful + surprise as she welcomes him. + </p> + <p> + How much there was to say! how much to ask! how much to answer! Even Mr. + Dacre poured forth questions like a boy. But May: she could not speak, but + leant forward in her chair with an eager ear, and a look of + congratulation, that rewarded him for all his exertion. Everything was to + be told. How he went; whether he slept in the mail; where he went; what he + did; whom he saw; what they said; what they thought; all must be answered. + Then fresh exclamations of wonder, delight, and triumph. The Duke forgot + everything but his love, and for three hours felt the happiest of men. + </p> + <p> + At length Mr. Dacre rose and looked at his watch with a shaking head. ‘I + have a most important appointment,’ said he, ‘and I must gallop to keep + it. God bless you, my dear St. James! I could stay talking with you for + ever; but you must be utterly wearied. Now, my dear boy, go to bed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To bed!’ exclaimed the Duke. ‘Why, Tom Rawlins would laugh at you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who is Tom Rawlins?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I cannot tell you everything; but assuredly I am not going to bed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, May, I leave him to your care; but do not let him talk any more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! sir,’ said the Duke, ‘I really had forgotten. I am the bearer to you, + sir, of a letter from Mr. Arundel Dacre.’ He gave it him. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Dacre read the communication, his countenance changed, and the + smile which before was on his face, vanished. But whether he were + displeased, or only serious, it was impossible to ascertain, although the + Duke watched him narrowly. At length he said, ‘May! here is a letter from + Arundel, in which you are much interested.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give it me, then, papa!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my love; we must speak of this together. But I am pressed for time. + When I come home. Remember.’ He quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + They were alone: the Duke began again talking, and Miss Dacre put her + finger to her mouth, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you,’ said he, ‘I am not wearied. I slept at——y, and + the only thing I now want is a good walk. Let me be your companion this + morning!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking of paying nurse a visit. What say you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I am ready; anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + She ran for her bonnet, and he kissed her handkerchief, which she left + behind, and, I believe, everything else in the room which bore the + slightest relation to her. And then the recollection of Arundel’s letter + came over him, and his joy fled. When she returned, he was standing before + the fire, gloomy and dull. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear you are tired,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in the least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never forgive myself if all this exertion make you ill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because, although I will not tell papa, I am sure my nonsense is the + cause of your having gone to London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is probable; for you are the cause of all that does not disgrace me.’ + He advanced, and was about to seize her hand; but the accursed miniature + occurred to him, and he repressed his feelings, almost with a groan. She, + too, had turned away her head, and was busily engaged in tending a flower. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because she has explicitly declared her feelings to me, and, sincere in + that declaration, honours me by a friendship of which alone I am unworthy, + am I to persecute her with my dishonoured overtures—the twice + rejected? No, no!’ + </p> + <p> + They took their way through the park, and he soon succeeded in re-assuming + the tone that befitted their situation. Traits of the debate, and the + debaters, which newspapers cannot convey, and which he had not yet + recounted; anecdotes of Annesley and their friends, and other gossip, were + offered for her amusement. But if she were amused, she was not lively, but + singularly, unusually silent. There was only one point on which she seemed + interested, and that was his speech. When he was cheered, and who + particularly cheered; who gathered round him, and what they said after the + debate: on all these points she was most inquisitive. + </p> + <p> + They rambled on: nurse was quite forgotten; and at length they found + themselves in the beautiful valley, rendered more lovely by the ruins of + the abbey. It was a place that the Duke could never forget, and which he + ever avoided. He had never renewed his visit since he first gave vent, + among its reverend ruins, to his overcharged and most tumultuous heart. + </p> + <p> + They stood in silence before the holy pile with its vaulting arches and + crumbling walls, mellowed by the mild lustre of the declining sun. Not two + years had fled since here he first staggered after the breaking glimpses + of self-knowledge, and struggled to call order from out the chaos of his + mind. Not two years, and yet what a change had come over his existence! + How diametrically opposite now were all his thoughts, and views, and + feelings, to those which then controlled his fatal soul! How capable, as + he firmly believed, was he now of discharging his duty to his Creator and + his fellow-men! and yet the boon that ought to have been the reward for + all this self-contest, the sweet seal that ought to have ratified this new + contract of existence, was wanting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ he exclaimed aloud, and in a voice of anguish, ‘ah! if I ne’er had + left the walls of Dacre, how different might have been my lot!’ + </p> + <p> + A gentle but involuntary pressure reminded him of the companion whom, for + once in his life, he had for a moment forgotten. + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel it is madness; I feel it is worse than madness; but must I yield + without a struggle, and see my dark fate cover me without an effort? Oh! + yes, here, even here, where I have wept over your contempt, even here, + although I subject myself to renewed rejection, let—let me tell you, + before we part, how I adore you!’ + </p> + <p> + She was silent; a strange courage came over his spirit; and, with a + reckless boldness, and rapid voice, a misty sight, and total + unconsciousness of all other existence, he resumed the words which had + broken out, as if by inspiration. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not worthy of you. Who is? I was worthless. I did not know it. Have + not I struggled to be pure? have not I sighed on my nightly pillow for + your blessing? Oh! could you read my heart (and sometimes, I think, you + can read it, for indeed, with all its faults, it is without guile) I dare + to hope that you would pity me. Since we first met, your image has not + quitted my conscience for a second. When you thought me least worthy; when + you thought me vile, or mad, oh! by all that is sacred, I was the most + miserable wretch that ever breathed, and flew to dissipation only for + distraction! + </p> + <p> + ‘Not—not for a moment have I ceased to think you the best, the most + beautiful, the most enchanting and endearing creature that ever graced our + earth. Even when I first dared to whisper my insolent affection, believe + me, even then, your presence controlled my spirit as no other woman had. I + bent to you then in pride and power. The station that I could then offer + you was not utterly unworthy of your perfection. I am now a beggar, or, + worse, an insolvent noble, and dare I—dare I to ask you to share the + fortunes that are broken, and the existence that is obscure?’ + </p> + <p> + She turned; her arm fell over his shoulder; she buried her head in his + breast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘Love is Like a Dizziness.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + MR. DACRE returned home with an excellent appetite, and almost as keen a + desire to renew his conversation with his guest; but dinner and the Duke + were neither to be commanded. Miss Dacre also could not be found. No + information could be obtained of them from any quarter. It was nearly + seven o’clock, the hour of dinner. That meal, somewhat to Mr. Dacre’s + regret, was postponed for half an hour, servants were sent out, and the + bell was rung, but no tidings. Mr. Dacre was a little annoyed and more + alarmed; he was also hungry, and at half-past seven he sat down to a + solitary meal. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter-past eight a figure rapped at the dining-room window: it + was the young Duke. The fat butler seemed astonished, not to say shocked, + at this violation of etiquette; nevertheless, he slowly opened the window. + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything the matter, George? Where is May?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing. We lost our way. That is all. May—Miss Dacre desired me to + say, that she would not join us at dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure, something has happened.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you, my dear sir, nothing, nothing at all the least unpleasant, + but we took the wrong turning. All my fault.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I send for the soup?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No. I am not hungry, I will take some wine.’ So saying, his Grace poured + out a tumbler of claret. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I take your Grace’s hat?’ asked the fat butler. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me! have I my hat on?’ + </p> + <p> + This was not the only evidence afforded by our hero’s conduct that his + presence of mind had slightly deserted him. He was soon buried in a deep + reverie, and sat with a full plate, but idle knife and fork before him, a + perfect puzzle to the fat butler, who had hitherto considered his Grace + the very pink of propriety. + </p> + <p> + ‘George, you have eaten no dinner,’ said Mr. Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, a very good one indeed, a remarkably good dinner. Give me some + red wine, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + At length they were left alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have some good news for you, George.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I have let Rosemount.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And exactly to the kind of person that you wanted, a man who will take a + pride, although merely a tenant, in not permitting his poor neighbours to + feel the <i>want</i> of a landlord. You will never guess: Lord Mildmay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you say of Lord Mildmay, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear fellow, your wits are wool-gathering; I say I think I have let + Rosemount.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I have changed my mind about letting Rosemount.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Duke, there is no trouble which I will grudge, to further your + interests; but really I must beg, in future, that you will, at least, + apprise me when you change your mind. There is nothing, as we have both + agreed, more desirable than to find an eligible tenant for Rosemount. You + never can expect to have a more beneficial one than Lord Mildmay; and + really, unless you have positively promised the place to another person + (which, excuse me for saying, you were not authorised to do) I must + insist, after what has passed, upon his having the preference.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear sir, I only changed my mind this afternoon: I couldn’t tell you + before. I have promised it to no one; but I think of living there myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yourself! Oh! if that be the case, I shall be quite reconciled to the + disappointment of Lord Mildmay. But what in the name of goodness, my dear + fellow, has produced this wonderful revolution in all your plans in the + course of a few hours? I thought you were going to mope away life on the + Lake of Geneva, or dawdle it away in Florence or Rome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very odd, sir. I can hardly believe it myself: and yet it must be + true. I hear her voice even at this moment. Oh! my dear Mr. Dacre, I am + the happiest fellow that ever breathed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible, my dear sir, that you have not long before detected the + feelings I ventured to entertain for your daughter? In a word, she + requires only your sanction to my being the most fortunate of men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear friend, my dear, dear boy!’ cried Mr. Dacre, rising from his + chair and embracing him, ‘it is out of the power of man to impart to me + any event which could afford me such exquisite pleasure! Indeed, indeed, + it is to me most surprising! for I had been induced to suspect, George, + that some explanation had passed between you and May, which, while it + accounted for your mutual esteem, gave little hope of a stronger + sentiment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe, sir,’ said the young Duke, with a smile, ‘I was obstinate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, this changes all our plans. I have intended, for this fortnight + past, to speak to you finally on your affairs. No better time than the + present; and, in the first place——’ + </p> + <p> + But, really, this interview is confidential. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>‘Perfection in a Petticoat.‘</i> +</pre> + <p> + THEY come not: it is late. He is already telling all! She relapses into + her sweet reverie. Her thought fixes on no subject; her mind is intent on + no idea; her soul is melted into dreamy delight; her only consciousness is + perfect bliss! Sweet sounds still echo in her ear, and still her pure + pulse beats, from the first embrace of passion. + </p> + <p> + The door opens, and her father enters, leaning upon the arm of her + beloved. Yes, he has told all! Mr. Dacre approached, and, bending down, + pressed the lips of his child. It was the seal to their plighted faith, + and told, without speech, that the blessing of a parent mingled with the + vows of a lover! No other intimation was at present necessary;’ but she, + the daughter, thought now only of her father, that friend of her long + life, whose love had ne’er been wanting: was she about to leave him? She + arose, she threw her arms around his neck and wept. + </p> + <p> + The young Duke walked away, that his presence might not control the full + expression of her hallowed soul. ‘This jewel is mine,’ was his thought; + ‘what, what have I done to be so blessed?’ + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he again joined them, and was seated by her side; and Mr. + Dacre considerately remembered that he wished to see his steward, and they + were left alone. Their eyes meet, and their soft looks tell that they were + thinking of each other. His arm steals round the back of her chair, and + with his other hand he gently captures hers. + </p> + <p> + First love, first love! how many a glowing bard has sung thy beauties! How + many a poor devil of a prosing novelist, like myself, has echoed all our + superiors, the poets, teach us! No doubt, thou rosy god of young Desire, + thou art a most bewitching little demon; and yet, for my part, give me + last love. + </p> + <p> + Ask a man which turned out best, the first horse he bought, or the one he + now canters on? Ask—but in short there is nothing in which knowledge + is more important and experience more valuable than in love. When we first + love, we are enamoured of our own imaginations. Our thoughts are high, our + feelings rise from out the deepest caves of the tumultuous tide of our + full life. We look around for one to share our exquisite existence, and + sanctify the beauties of our being. + </p> + <p> + But those beauties are only in our thoughts. We feel like heroes, when we + are but boys. Yet our mistress must bear a relation, not to ourselves, but + to our imagination. She must be a real heroine, while our perfection is + but ideal. And the quick and dangerous fancy of our race will, at first, + rise to the pitch. She is all we can conceive. Mild and pure as youthful + priests, we bow down before our altar. But the idol to which we breathe + our warm and gushing vows, and bend our eager knees, all its power, does + it not exist only in our idea; all its beauty, is it not the creation of + our excited fancy? And then the sweetest of superstitions ends. The long + delusion bursts, and we are left like men upon a heath when fairies + vanish; cold and dreary, gloomy, bitter, harsh, existence seems a blunder. + </p> + <p> + But just when we are most miserable, and curse the poet’s cunning and our + own conceits, there lights upon our path, just like a ray fresh from the + sun, some sparkling child of light, that makes us think we are premature, + at least, in our resolves. Yet we are determined not to be taken in, and + try her well in all the points in which the others failed. One by one, her + charms steal on our warming soul, as, one by one, those of the other + beauty sadly stole away, and then we bless our stars, and feel quite sure + that we have found perfection in a petticoat. + </p> + <p> + But our Duke—where are we? He had read woman thoroughly, and + consequently knew how to value the virgin pages on which his thoughts now + fixed. He and May Dacre wandered in the woods, and nature seemed to them + more beautiful from their beautiful loves. They gazed upon the sky; a + brighter light fell o’er the luminous earth. Sweeter to them the fragrance + of the sweetest flowers, and a more balmy breath brought on the universal + promise of the opening year. + </p> + <p> + They wandered in the woods, and there they breathed their mutual + adoration. She to him was all in all, and he to her was like a new + divinity. She poured forth all that she long had felt, and scarcely could + suppress. From the moment he tore her from the insulter’s arms, his image + fixed in her heart, and the struggle which she experienced to repel his + renewed vows was great indeed. When she heard of his misfortunes, she had + wept; but it was the strange delight she experienced when his letter + arrived to her father that first convinced her how irrevocably her mind + was his. + </p> + <p> + And now she does not cease to blame herself for all her past obduracy; now + she will not for a moment yield that he could have been ever anything but + all that was pure, and beautiful, and good. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Another Betrothal</i> +</pre> + <p> + BUT although we are in love, business must not be utterly neglected, and + Mr. Dacre insisted that the young Duke should for one morning cease to + wander in his park, and listen to the result of his exertions during the + last three months. His Grace listened. Rents had not risen, but it was + hoped that they had seen their worst; the railroad had been successfully + opposed; and coals had improved. The London mansion and the Alhambra had + both been disposed of, and well: the first to the new French Ambassador, + and the second to a grey-headed stock-jobber, very rich, who, having no + society, determined to make solitude amusing. The proceeds of these sales, + together with sundry sums obtained by converting into cash the stud, the + furniture, and the <i>bijouterie,</i> produced a most respectable fund, + which nearly paid off the annoying miscellaneous debts. For the rest, Mr. + Dacre, while he agreed that it was on the whole advisable that the + buildings should be completed, determined that none of the estates should + be sold, or even mortgaged. His plan was to procrastinate the termination + of these undertakings, and to allow each year itself to afford the + necessary supplies. By annually setting aside one hundred thousand pounds, + in seven or eight years he hoped to find everything completed and all + debts cleared. He did not think that the extravagance of the Duke could + justify any diminution in the sum which had hitherto been apportioned for + the maintenance of the Irish establishments; but he was of opinion that + the decreased portion which they, as well as the western estates, now + afforded to the total income, was a sufficient reason. Fourteen thousand + a-year were consequently allotted to Ireland, and seven to Pen Bronnock. + There remained to the Duke about thirty thousand per annum; but then + Hauteville was to be kept up with this. Mr. Dacre proposed that the young + people should reside at Rosemount, and that consequently they might form + their establishment from the Castle, without reducing their Yorkshire + appointments, and avail themselves, without any obligation, or even the + opportunity, of great expenses, of all the advantages afforded by the + necessary expenditure. Finally, Mr. Dacre presented his son with his town + mansion and furniture; and as the young Duke insisted that the settlements + upon her Grace should be prepared in full reference to his inherited and + future income, this generous father at once made over to him the great + bulk of his personal property amounting to upwards of a hundred thousand + pounds, a little ready money, of which he knew the value. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of St. James had duly informed his uncle, the Earl of + Fitz-pompey, of the intended change in his condition, and in answer + received the following letter:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Fitz-pompey Hall, May, 18—. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear George,—Your letter did not give us so much surprise as you + expected; but I assure you it gave us as much pleasure. You have shown + your wisdom and your taste in your choice; and I am free to confess that I + am acquainted with no one more worthy of the station which the Duchess of + St. James must always fill in society, and more calculated to maintain the + dignity of your family, than the lady whom you are about to introduce to + us as our niece. Believe me, my dear George, that the notification of this + agreeable event has occasioned even additional gratification both to your + aunt and to myself, from the reflection that you are about to ally + yourself with a family in whose welfare we must ever take an especial + interest, and whom we may in a manner look upon as our own relatives. For, + my dear George, in answer to your flattering and most pleasing + communication, it is my truly agreeable duty to inform you (and, believe + me, you are the first person out of our immediate family to whom this + intelligence is made known) that our Caroline, in whose happiness we are + well assured you take a lively interest, is about to be united to one who + may now be described as your near relative, namely, Mr. Arundel Dacre. + </p> + <p> + ‘It has been a long attachment, though for a considerable time, I confess, + unknown to us; and indeed at first sight, with Caroline’s rank and other + advantages, it may not appear, in a mere worldly point of view, so + desirable a connection as some perhaps might expect. And to be quite + confidential, both your aunt and myself were at first a little disinclined + (great as our esteem and regard have ever been for him), a little + disinclined, I say, to the union. But Dacre is certainly the most rising + man of the day. In point of family, he is second to none; and his uncle + has indeed behaved in the most truly liberal manner. I assure you, he + considers him as a son; and even if there were no other inducement, the + mere fact of your connection with the family would alone not only + reconcile, but, so to say, make us perfectly satisfied with the + arrangement. It is unnecessary to speak to you of the antiquity of the + Dacres. Arundel will ultimately be one of the richest Commoners, and I + think it is not too bold to anticipate, taking into consideration the + family into which he marries, and above all, his connection with you, that + we may finally succeed in having him called up to us. You are of course + aware that there was once a barony in the family. + </p> + <p> + ‘Everybody talks of your speech. I assure you, although I ever gave you + credit for uncommon talents, I was astonished. So you are to have the + vacant ribbon! Why did you not tell me? I learnt it to-day, from Lord + Bobbleshim. But we must not quarrel with men in love for not + communicating. + </p> + <p> + ‘You ask me for news of all your old friends. You of course saw the death + of old Annesley. The new Lord took his seat yesterday; he was introduced + by Lord Bloomerly. I was not surprised to hear in the evening that he was + about to be married to Lady Charlotte, though the world affect to be + astonished. + </p> + <p> + I should not forget to say that Lord Annesley asked most particularly + after you. For him, quite warm, I assure you. + </p> + <p> + ‘The oddest thing has happened to your friend, Lord Squib. Old Colonel + Carlisle is dead, and has left his whole fortune, some say half a million, + to the oddest person, merely because she had the reputation of being his + daughter. Quite an odd person, you understand me: Mrs. Montfort. St. + Maurice says you know her; but we must not talk of these things now. Well, + Squib is going to be married to her. He says that he knows all his old + friends will cut him when they are married, and so he is determined to + give them an excuse. I understand she is a fine woman. He talks of living + at Rome and Florence for a year or two. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Darrell is about to marry Harriet Wrekin; and between ourselves (but + don’t let this go any further at present) I have very little doubt that + young Pococurante will shortly be united to Isabel. Connected as we are + with the Shropshires, these excellent alliances are gratifying. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see very little of Lucius Grafton. He seems ill. + </p> + <p> + I understand, for certain, that her Ladyship opposes the divorce. <i>On + dit</i>, she has got hold of some letters, through the treachery of her + soubrette, whom he supposed quite his creature, and that your friend is + rather taken in. But I should not think this true. People talk very + loosely. There was a gay party at Mrs. Dallington’s the other night, who + asked very kindly after you. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I have now written you a very long letter. I once more + congratulate you on your admirable selection, and with the united + remembrance of our circle, particularly Caroline, who will write perhaps + by this post to Miss Dacre, believe me, dear George, your truly + affectionate uncle, + </p> + <p> + ‘FITZ-POMPEY. + </p> + <p> + ‘P.S.—Lord Marylebone is very unpopular, quite a brute. We all miss + you.’ + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed that this letter conveyed the first intimation to + the Duke of St. James of the most interesting event of which it spoke. On + the contrary, he had long been aware of the whole affair; but we have been + too much engaged with his own conduct to find time to let the reader into + the secret, which, like all secrets, it is to be hoped was no secret. Next + to gaining the affections of May Dacre, it was impossible for any event to + occur more delightful to our hero than the present. His heart had often + misgiven him when he had thought of Caroline. Now she was happy, and not + only happy, but connected with him for life, just as he wished. Arundel + Dacre, too, of all men he most wished to like, and indeed most liked. One + feeling alone had prevented them from being bosom friends, and that + feeling had long triumphantly vanished. + </p> + <p> + May had been almost from the beginning the <i>confidante</i> of her + cousin. In vain, however, had she beseeched him to entrust all to her + father. Although he now repented his past feelings he could not be induced + to change; and not till he had entered Parliament and succeeded and gained + a name, which would reflect honour on the family with which he wished to + identify himself, would he impart to his uncle the secret of his heart, + and gain that support without which his great object could never have been + achieved. The Duke of St. James, by returning him to Parliament, had been + the unconscious cause of all his happiness, and ardently did he pray that + his generous friend might succeed in what he was well aware was his secret + aspiration, and that his beloved cousin might yield her hand to the only + man whom Arundel Dacre considered worthy of her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Joy’s Beginning</i> +</pre> + <p> + ANOTHER week brought another letter from the Earl of Fitz-pompey. + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Fitz-pompey to the Duke of St. James. [Read this alone.] + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear George, + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg you will not be alarmed by the above memorandum, which I thought it + but prudent to prefix. A very disagreeable affair has just taken place, + and to a degree exceedingly alarming; but it might have turned out much + more distressing, and, on the whole, we may all congratulate ourselves at + the result. Not to keep you in fearful suspense, I beg to recall your + recollection to the rumour which I noticed in my last, of the intention of + Lady Aphrodite Grafton to oppose the divorce. A few days back, her brother + Lord Wariston, with whom I was previously unacquainted, called upon me by + appointment, having previously requested a private interview. The object + of his seeing me was no less than to submit to my inspection the letters + by aid of which it was anticipated that the divorce might be successfully + opposed. You will be astounded to hear that these consist of a long series + of correspondence of Mrs. Dallington Vere’s, developing, I am shocked to + say, machinations of a very alarming nature, the effect of which, my dear + George, was no less than very materially to control your fortunes in life, + and those of that charming and truly admirable lady whom you have + delighted us all so much by declaring to be our future relative. + </p> + <p> + ‘From the very delicate nature of the disclosures, Lord Wariston felt the + great importance of obtaining all necessary results without making them + public; and, actuated by these feelings, he applied to me, both as your + nearest relative, and an acquaintance of Sir Lucius, and, as he expressed + it, and I may be permitted to repeat, as one whose experience in the + management of difficult and delicate negotiations was not altogether + unknown, in order that I might be put in possession of the facts of the + case, advise and perhaps interfere for the common good. + </p> + <p> + ‘Under these circumstances, and taking into consideration the extreme + difficulty attendant upon a satisfactory arrangement of the affair, I + thought fit, in confidence, to apply to Arundel, whose talents I consider + of the first order, and only equalled by his prudence and calm temper. As + a relation, too, of more than one of the parties concerned, it was perhaps + only proper that the correspondence should be submitted to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry to say, my dear George, that Arundel behaved in a very odd + manner, and not at all with that discretion which might have been expected + both from one of his remarkably sober and staid disposition, and one not a + little experienced in diplomatic life. He exhibited the most unequivocal + signs of his displeasure at the conduct of the parties principally + concerned, and expressed himself in so vindictive a manner against one of + them, that I very much regretted my application, and requested him to be + cool. + </p> + <p> + ‘He seemed to yield to my solicitations, but I regret to say his composure + was only feigned, and the next morning he and Sir Lucius Grafton met. Sir + Lucius fired first, without effect, but Arundel’s aim was more fatal, and + his ball was lodged in the thigh of his adversary. Sir Lucius has only + been saved by amputation; and I need not remark to you that to such a man + life on such conditions is scarcely desirable. All idea of a divorce is + quite given over. The letters in question were stolen from his cabinet by + his valet, and given to a soubrette of his wife, whom Sir Lucius + considered in his interest, but who, as you see, betrayed him. + </p> + <p> + ‘For me remained the not very agreeable office of seeing Mrs. Dallington + Vere. I made known to her, in a manner as little offensive as possible, + the object of my visit. The scene, my dear George, was trying; and I think + it hard that the follies of a parcel of young people should really place + me in such a distressing position. She fainted, &c, and wished the + letters to be given up, but Lord Wariston would not consent to this, + though he promised to keep their contents secret provided she quitted the + country. She goes directly; and I am well assured, which is not the least + surprising part of this strange history, that her affairs are in a state + of great distraction. The relatives of her late husband are about again to + try the will, and with prospect of success. She has been negotiating with + them for some time through the agency of Sir Lucius Grafton, and the late + <i>exposé</i> will not favour her interests. + </p> + <p> + ‘If anything further happens, my dear George, depend upon my writing; but + Arundel desires me to say that on Saturday he will run down to Dacre for a + few days, as he very much wishes to see you and all. With our united + remembrance to Mr. and Miss Dacre, + </p> + <p> + ‘Ever, my dear George, + </p> + <p> + ‘Your very affectionate uncle, + </p> + <p> + ‘Fitz-pompey.’ + </p> + <p> + The young Duke turned with trembling and disgust from these dark + terminations of unprincipled careers; and these fatal evidences of the + indulgence of unbridled passions. How nearly, too, had he been shipwrecked + in this moral whirlpool! With what gratitude did he not invoke the + beneficent Providence that had not permitted the innate seeds of human + virtue to be blighted in his wild and neglected soul! With what admiration + did he not gaze upon the pure and beautiful being whose virtue and whose + loveliness were the causes of his regeneration, the sources of his present + happiness, and the guarantees of his future joy! + </p> + <p> + Four years have now elapsed since the young Duke of St. James was united + to May Dacre; and it would not be too bold to declare, that during that + period he has never for an instant ceased to consider himself the happiest + and the most fortunate of men. His life is passed in the agreeable + discharge of all the important duties of his exalted station, and his + present career is by far a better answer to the lucubrations of young + Duncan Macmorrogh than all the abstract arguments that ever yet were + offered in favour of the existence of an aristocracy. + </p> + <p> + Hauteville House and Hauteville Castle proceed in regular course. These + magnificent dwellings will never erase simple and delightful Rosemount + from the grateful memory of the Duchess of St. James. Parliament, and in a + degree society, invite the Duke and Duchess each year to the metropolis, + and Mr. Dacre is generally their guest. Their most intimate and beloved + friends are Arundel and his wife, and as Lady Caroline now heads the + establishment of Castle Dacre, they are seldom separated. But among their + most agreeable company is a young gentleman styled by courtesy Dacre, + Marquess of Hauteville, and his young sister, who has not yet escaped from + her beautiful mother’s arms, and who beareth the blooming title of the + Lady May. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/coverplates.jpg" alt="Coverplate " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Duke, by Benjamin Disraeli + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG DUKE *** + +***** This file should be named 20008-h.htm or 20008-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/0/0/20008/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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